《My Cultivation Starting from Archery》


 Chapter 1 The World Does Not Want People to Live

    "Where''s your man?""To address the official, he''s still sick in bed."


    "When do you plan to pay your taxes?"


    "Please be assured, we will not miss the final deadline."


    ...


    In the darkness, Chen Sansi heard a conversation between a man and a woman.


    The man was aggressive, while the woman was pleading for leniency.


    "Hiss¡­"


    He struggled to open his eyelids, and what came into view was an entirely unfamiliar environment.


    ''Where is this?''


    ''Wasn''t I working overtime?''


    "Hiss¡­"


    Chen Sansi''s head suddenly throbbed with pain, as a tide of memories that didn''t belong to him flooded his mind, forcing him to accept a fact.


    ''Have I transmigrated?''


    This place was Po Yang County, a remote small county in the Dasheng Dynasty.


    The original inhabitant lived outside the county town in Yanbian Village. He was a full-time, impoverished scholar whose family survived on his father''s hunting, leading a barely acceptable life.


    Until half a year ago, after his father set off for the mountains at night, he never returned.


    With the loss of the family''s pillar and the failure of the original inhabitant''s child exam, the double blow led to a serious illness.


    That''s when Chen Sansi transmigrated.


    "Ah, Brother Shi, you''re awake!"


    A woman, carrying a bowl of medicinal soup, entered the house. She was overjoyed to see the young man waking up.


    She hurried to the bedside, her already ill-fitting garment shaking violently as she ran, as if there were two rabbits tumbling inside.


    This woman was named Gu Xinlan.


    She was a child bride bought by the original inhabitant''s father when he was very young.


    She had always taken care of the original inhabitant like an elder sister, staying loyal even after his father''s death and through his illness.


    However¡­


    The original inhabitant seemed to have looked down on this sister quite a bit.


    Being the descendant of criminals, she was sent to the frontier and nearly sold to a brothel, making her the lowest of the low class.


    Considering himself far superior, the original inhabitant had believed he would one day pass the exams and marry a well-to-do woman, becoming a successful man. He thought she wasn''t good enough for him and treated her like a servant on a regular basis.


    "Brother Shi, how are you feeling?"


    Gu Xinlan sat down by the bed and placed her hand on the young man''s forehead, exclaiming with surprise, "The fever''s gone?"


    Chen Sansi sat up and tried to move his body. Aside from some weakness, there was nothing seriously wrong with him, as the illness had disappeared with his transmigration.


    "Truly the blessing of the gods."


    Gu Xinlan was visibly relieved, "Brother Shi, you drink your medicine first, I''ll go fix you some food."


    Watching her walk away, her tortoise-like hips ready to burst from her clothing, Chen Sansi spent ten minutes digesting his current situation.


    "Since I''m here, I might as well make the best of it."


    He''d always been quick to adapt to his environment. Since he''d come to this world, he needed to figure out how to live well.


    He picked up the bitter medicinal soup and drank it all at once, then went to the next room.


    He saw Gu Xinlan almost entirely inside the rice bin, just her hips stuck out, as she struggled to scoop out some grain.


    After much effort, she managed to gather a small handful of millet.


    Since the death of the original inhabitant''s father, the family had lost its source of income. Moreover, the original inhabitant''s recent illness had completely depleted their savings, bringing them to the brink of utter destitution.


    "Just now, was that the tax collector for the autumn taxes?"


    Chen Sansi stood behind Sister Lan, "How much do they want?"


    "Three taels of silver," Gu Xinlan replied.


    "Three taels?"


    Chen Sansi inhaled sharply, "Are they including father in the count?"


    "Yes."


    Gu Xinlan nodded gently, "The petty official said that since they hadn''t found father''s body, he couldn''t be declared dead and his registration couldn''t be canceled. We still have to pay the full tax, including the hunting tax too."


    Chen Sansi cursed inwardly.


    The oppressive taxes of the Dasheng Dynasty were severe, and with frequent wars in recent years, the taxes had only increased.


    "Brother Shi, don''t worry."


    Worry was evident in Gu Xinlan''s eyes, though she tried to reassure him, "I''ve recently got some work at a tailor''s shop and, along with doing laundry for people, we should be able to scrape together something."


    Clearly, the original inhabitant was completely financially dependent.


    Even after his father''s death, he was reluctant to seek another livelihood and preferred to have Sister Lan work herself to the bone.


    "Not even considering whether he was cut out for it..."


    Chen Sansi felt rather speechless, he couldn''t even pass the exam to become a Scholar, yet he was still dreaming of one day passing the imperial examination¡ªwasn''t that the talk of a delusional person?


    He could no longer continue this way; he needed to find a means of making a living.


    Otherwise, if he couldn''t pay the taxes, the men would be sent away for forced labor, and the women would be sold into brothels¡ªa fate worse than death.


    "I''ll go cook rice."


    Gu Xinlan busied herself with the task.


    Before long, the meal was prepared.


    Two bowls of a staple food made from a mixture of millet and chaff, not even pickled vegetables were served.


    This was probably the last bit of grain in the house.


    Chen Sansi noticed that his bowl had a higher proportion of millet compared to Gu Xinlan''s, which was mostly chaff.


    Chaff, which was the husk of grains such as rice, wheat, and soybeans, was rough and difficult to swallow.


    In the modern age, it was essentially used as livestock fodder.


    "Eat, Brother Shi."


    Gu Xinlan picked up her chopsticks and ate with small, deliberate bites, her fingers visibly red and swollen, the joints showing small sores.


    This was the result of washing too many clothes for others.


    As a woman, she did everything she could to provide for the family, short of the backbreaking labor only men could do.


    Chen Sansi saw this and remembered it, his head bent as he ate the hard-to-swallow chaff.


    "Brother Shi,"


    Midway through the meal, Gu Xinlan put down her chopsticks and hesitantly spoke, "Actually, aside from the tax silver, we still owe Aunt Li two coins for medical expenses.


    "Otherwise... I''m just suggesting, if you could just recover a bit more, maybe you could also find some work to do? If we can''t gather enough silver for the tax by the end of the month, I heard they''ll take people away..."


    As she spoke, she quietly watched his expression, her fingers anxiously picking at the corner of her clothes.


    Each time this matter was brought up before, Brother Shi would fly into a rage, saying things like how a scholar shouldn''t engage in menial labor.


    "Eat your food,"


    Chen Sansi shoveled the food into his mouth quietly pondering his finances.


    Gu Xinlan didn''t dare to bring it up again, she quietly finished her meal, swiftly washed the pots and pans, and hurried off to her work as a female laborer.


    Chen Sansi remained seated, deeply considering his options.


    Ancient times were not like modern society, where mere physical strength could find you work.


    His family owned no land, and without any academic title from his studies, the only thing left to do was to hunt.


    As a child, he had learned a few tricks from his father, and although he had let his skills atrophy over the years, he still had the basic foundations; it shouldn''t be hard to get started again.


    Moreover, since he had to pay hunting tax anyway, he might as well hunt.


    The house still had an old bow left.


    Chen Sansi went to the inner room and took down the longbow covered in dust from the wall.


    "It should still be usable."


    "But I have a bow with no arrows; I need to find a way to get some money to buy arrows."


    In order to survive, the household had sold nearly all of its books, leaving only the "Four Treasures of the Study" which the original owner valued as his life, as possibly the last things of some value.


    Without any hesitation, Chen Sansi packed up the writing brush, ink, paper, and inkstone and took them away.


    Even though they were all low-grade items, they sold for a total of two hundred copper coins, roughly equivalent to two silver coins.


    Enough to show that "poor scholars and rich warriors" was not an absolute, studying was also an expensive endeavor.


    With the money in hand, Chen Sansi went to the market stall that catered to hunters.


    "Little Shi, you''re here to buy arrows?"


    The stall owner Uncle Xu was from a military household and an old acquaintance of Shi''s father: "Are you preparing to hunt in the mountains instead of studying?"


    "Yes, I''m looking to buy a few old arrows."


    Chen Sansi picked out five second-hand willow leaf arrows from the stall: "How much?"


    "Seventy coins."


    Chen Sansi bargained, "Uncle Xu, old arrows aren''t worth that much. Fifty coins at most." S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Alright, fifty coins it is."


    Old Yu was straightforward: "I say, you should''ve gone to the mountains a long time ago, learned a fair amount of your father''s skills, at least enough to make ends meet. But instead, you insisted on reading useless books. Do you think a kid from a poor family like yours could become an official?"


    "Uncle speaks the truth."


    Chen Sansi didn''t argue, and after making sure the arrows had no quality issues, he strung them on the bowstring and aimed at the ground to check.


    Suddenly, several lines of small characters appeared before his eyes.


    [Skill: Archery (Entry-Level)]


    [Progress: (20/100)]

 Chapter 2 Raising a Family

    "Damn, really?"Chen Sansi didn''t react for a moment.


    Originally, even though he had a bow and arrow, he wasn''t very confident about hitting the game.


    After all, hunting is a skill-based activity.


    If it was so easy, everyone would already be eating meat.


    But now, with the added capabilities, the situation was drastically different!


    "What are you dazing for, is there a problem with the arrow?"


    Old Xu waved his hand in front of the daydreaming youth.


    Chen Sansi snapped back to reality and quickly found an excuse: "It''s nothing, I just thought of my dad."


    "Ah, your dad was a good man, what a pity!"


    Mentioning his original father, Old Xu also sighed incessantly.


    Chen Sansi didn''t say more, paid the copper coin, took his things, and immediately left.


    He carried his bow and arrows, walking and stopping, heading straight to the foot of Tiger Head Mountain located about ten miles away.


    The mountain was the nearest place in Po Yang County with game, and it was also the livelihood of many hunters.


    Chen Sansi had just recovered from a serious illness and had walked such a long way, so he was gasping for breath, sitting on a rock for quite a while before he recovered.


    He carefully examined the bow and arrows left by his father.


    From its construction, it was a typical recurve bow.


    The bow core was made of bamboo, the bow was made of willow wood, the bow was made of sturdy wood, and the bowstring was made of cow tendon, with a pulling force of about forty pounds, still categorized as a soft bow.


    Chen Sansi picked up the bow, and the panel from before re-emerged in his mind.


    "Skill: Archery (Entry-level)"


    "Progress: (20/100)"


    "Utility: None"


    This time, undisturbed, he managed to calm down and understand the system''s function.


    Simply put, it was about persistence!


    As long as he repeatedly and earnestly performed an action, he could gain progress, and upon completing the progress, he would certainly break through.


    "In this way, as long as I practice hard, won''t I have the chance to become the best Divine Archer in the entire Po Yang County?"


    Chen Sansi''s heart suddenly filled with hope, remembering the tips his father had taught him when he was young, and he slowly raised the bow and arrow.


    "Is a forty-pound bow this heavy?"


    He struggled to draw the bow to its full extent, almost gnashing his teeth to do so, and couldn''t imagine what kind of people were mentioned in legends who could open a stone-bow.


    "Stand straight and steady, exert even force, grip the bow correctly, mount the arrow calmly, push forward and step back, and complete the bow-drawing pose."


    Muttering the formula in his heart, Chen Sansi stood up straight, drew the bow and mounted the arrow, facing a tree trunk about forty meters away with the thickness of a hug, pushed the bow forward with his left palm, pulled the bowstring with three fingers of his right hand, slightly aimed the arrowhead downward, and then released the arrow. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Swoosh¡ª"


    The arrow flew off, missing the target, and hit another tree¡­


    Chen Sansi was not discouraged, and immediately took another arrow from the Arrow Bag, aimed at the target, and shot another arrow.


    This time, the arrow went directly into the grass.


    "Again!"


    Chen Sansi shot five times in a row and finally hit the tree trunk.


    He carefully approached and pulled the arrows out of the tree trunk, repeating the previous actions.


    After several repetitions, he summarized the regularity for improving the archery progress.


    As long as he shot an arrow wholeheartedly, whether it hit the target or not, he could improve his proficiency.


    If he was not focused enough, it would not work.


    Moreover, hitting the target resulted in greater progress improvement.


    After shooting over sixty arrows, Chen Sansi began to feel cramps.


    His body was originally weak, and combined with malnutrition, being able to shoot so many times consecutively was already quite an accomplishment.


    Fortunately, with each arrow shot, his proficiency increased, and the more he shot, the more accurate he became, rarely missing at a distance of twenty steps.


    "Skill: Archery (Entry-level)"


    "Progress: (70/100)"


    "Utility: None"


    The entry-level was not far away, but Chen Sansi had hardly any energy left.


    After resting for a while, he began to wander in the woods with his bow and arrow, trying to see if he could hunt some meat to eat with the remaining energy.


    Unfortunately, this area was too close to the town, and the easy-to-catch game was basically all gone.


    He wandered until the evening before he found a few wild pigeons, but they were too far away to hit.


    "In the past life, I always came back empty-handed from fishing, and now I''m empty-handed from hunting too?"


    Fortunately, it wasn''t completely in vain.


    Before leaving the mountains, Chen Sansi found a patch of wild shepherd''s purse, quickly dug it up by hand, and stuffed it into his chest pocket before heading down the mountain.


    On his way, he went to the market and learned that the price of grain had gone up again.


    Due to consecutive poor harvests, the price of rice in Po Yang County had soared to one hundred copper coins per bushel, and the price of meat was even more outrageously expensive, with a pound of pork costing seventeen copper coins. Add to that oil, salt, soy sauce, vinegar, firewood, charcoal, candles, and various excessive taxes¡­


    Chen Sansi couldn''t imagine how many common people would not survive this winter.


    Estimating that the prices of grains would continue to rise, he decided to spend all the remaining copper coins on buying rice and mixed grains along with a few salted duck eggs.


    "One bushel of rice, half a bushel of mixed grains, in total is only enough to feed two people for three to five days. If I exchanged it all for sorghum mixed with bran, it might last a few more days."


    But Chen Sansi had no choice.


    Since he was going to become a hunter in the future, he absolutely couldn''t continue eating nutrition-less bran; he needed to ensure he had enough physical strength at all times, otherwise, if he encountered any danger in the mountains, he wouldn''t even have the energy to run.


    He was already starving, and after getting the grains, he hastened his steps, eager to get home and start cooking.


    "Yo, Little Stone!"


    Just as he was about to reach his doorstep, someone suddenly called his name from behind.


    Chen Sansi turned around, and a tall, burly man appeared in front of him.


    Qin Xiong.


    A well-known bully in the town, he had a group of thugs under him and made money by charging high-interest loans and trafficking virtuous women; many impoverished people in the town had been ruined by him.


    "Wow, bow and arrow?!"


    Qin Xiong eyed the bow and arrows behind Chen Sansi with surprise mixed with mockery: "This ''Scholar'' also plans to learn to hunt in the mountains?"


    "Driven by necessity."


    Chen Sansi stepped back half a step and said, "Brother Qin, did you want to see me for something?"


    Qin Xiong hooked the corner of his mouth, "How have you considered the matter from last time?"


    Last time?


    A sudden dread struck Chen Sansi''s heart, and unpleasant memories flooded his mind.


    Half a year ago, after his father had passed away, the household had become extremely strapped for cash.


    It just so happened that Qin Xiong came knocking, and the former owner had thought about selling Gu Xinlan for money.


    If it were him, naturally, he would never do such a thing.


    "Brother Qin."


    Chen Sansi refused, "I''ve thought it over, I won''t be needing your money."


    Upon hearing this, Qin Xiong''s face immediately darkened, "Are you sure you''ve thought it through?"


    "I really don''t need it, Brother Qin."


    Chen Sansi held his sack of grain tightly and took a detour on his way home, feeling somewhat uneasy.


    In his memory, Qin Xiong was not someone who would easily let things go, and he feared this matter was far from over.


    Truly, good fortunes never come in pairs, and misfortunes never come singly.


    He hadn''t even sorted out his meals, and now a bully had targeted him.


    Chen Sansi touched the arrow bag at his waist.


    A bow and five arrows were his greatest reassurance living at the bottom of this chaotic world.


    He didn''t know what changes would follow after progressing past the entry-level of the system.


    "I need to fill my stomach first to have the energy to practice archery!"


    Chen Sansi pushed open his home''s door, only to find Sister Lan had not yet returned.


    Every day, she was busy laboring, sewing in the tailor shop in the morning and washing clothes for the wealthy families in the afternoon.


    He took the initiative to chop wood and start a fire, preparing the meal in advance.


    Plain rice served with salted duck eggs, and a soup of boiled wild greens.


    For many households, this was already a decent meal.


    When Gu Xinlan returned home after her busy day, for the first time ever, she was surprised by the steaming ready-made meal: "Brother Shi, where did the white rice and salted duck eggs come from at home?"


    "Eat."


    Chen Sansi beckoned her to sit down, then grabbed the chopsticks and wolfed down the food.


    He had been starving.


    "Brother Shi¡­"


    "Hmm?"


    Chen Sansi had his head down eating away, when he finally noticed that Gu Xinlan hadn''t touched her chopsticks.


    Her eyes had reddened unknowingly, and tears trembled on her lashes as she choked up and said, "Can you... not sell me?"


    "Ah?"


    Chen Sansi was stunned and a bit confused.


    "I heard people say that you made a deal with that Qin Xiong today¡­"


    Gu Xinlan''s voice trembled.


    Otherwise, where would the silver to buy white rice and even salted duck eggs come from?


    She frantically pulled out a patched-up purse from her waist, poured out a few copper coins, and pleaded, "Brother Shi, I was wrong.


    "I won''t urge you to work anymore, just stay at home and study, I can earn money, I can pay the taxes, please don''t sell me."


    Everyone in Po Yang County knew of Qin Xiong''s reputation.


    Landing in his hands, she was likely to be sold to a brothel.


    The reason Gu Xinlan had faithfully stayed with the Chen Family all these years was precisely because Chen Sansi''s father had bought her from a trafficker, preventing her from becoming a prostitute, and thus she remained grateful.


    Was she really unable to escape this miserable fate in the end?


    "Sister Lan, you''re overthinking it."


    Chen Sansi understood, guessing that someone had been spreading rumours.


    He comforted her, "You are a member of the Chen family, how could I possibly sell you?"


    Having someone around who was as intimate as a sister was incredibly valuable to someone new like himself; he would never push her away, or else wouldn''t that be terribly disgraceful?


    Gu Xinlan didn''t make a sound, she just sat there sobbing, obviously not convinced.


    Chen Sansi was helpless, he grabbed her swollen hand and led her into the inner room: "The food was bought with the money from selling my books, not from Qin Xiong."


    Gu Xinlan saw the empty book desk and a bow and arrow hanging on the wall, and was stunned, "Brother Shi, you sold all the scholar''s four jewels for a bow and arrows?"


    "Yes."


    Chen Sansi patiently explained, "From now on, I plan to follow father''s footsteps, hunting to support the family, how can I let a woman like you suffer so much, your hands are even chapped."


    "To support the family¡­"


    Gu Xinlan never thought she would hear Brother Shi say these words.


    She realized her decaying hand was still being held by him, feeling somewhat inferior, she tried to pull it back, but instead was embraced tightly.


    "Rest assured!"


    Chen Sansi, seeing her severe insecurity, spoke solemnly, "Father once said, you were to be my wife, why would I send my wife away?"


    Gu Xinlan was startled by the sudden embrace, feeling the warmth, she looked up incredulously at him, "Brother Shi, you... you don''t mind that I am of low status?"


    "I don''t mind."


    Chen Sansi affirmed, "I can''t like you enough."


    "Brother Shi, you are all the family I have left in this world, don''t deceive me."


    Gu Xinlan no longer tried to escape, but after a few tests, finally rested her cheek against his chest, feeling this rare warmth.


    "Sister Lan."


    "What is it?"


    "I feel a bit sore today, let''s go to bed, can you give me a massage?"


    "Alright."


    ...


    "Ah... Brother Shi, wasn''t it a massage?"


    "I''ll massage you."


    "Mmm, mmm~"

 Chapter 3 Entry-Level Archery

    The next day.The rooster crowed at dawn, and the morning fog was thinning.


    Chen Sansi woke up early, with Warm Jade hot in his embrace.


    With cheeks pink like peaches, Gu Xinlan was still deep asleep, clinging tightly to his arm, almost leaving marks.


    In feudal society, a helpless woman could easily be reduced to a plaything and trafficked, hence a lack of security was understandable.


    Chen Sansi struggled to free his arm.


    Having taken advantage of her, he must now take responsibility.


    Thinking back, despite Gu Xinlan''s frail appearance, she was... like a delicate branch bearing heavy fruit. He couldn''t fathom why his former self had failed to cherish her.


    In his previous life, she wouldn''t be his to marry without at least two million!


    Chen Sansi tiptoed out of bed and grabbed the bow and arrows from the wall before heading outside.


    "Whoo¡ª"


    He took several deep breaths to calm his cluttered thoughts and aimed at a crooked willow tree to start practicing Archery with focus.


    After resting for half the night, his spirits and Qi Power were almost fully restored, and his aim was quite impressive as well.


    Within twenty steps, he could nearly hit the target with every shot.


    To minimize wear and tear, he practiced with only one arrow, yet even so, it was severely worn by the end of the morning.


    Inside the house.


    Gu Xinlan peeped through the paper-covered window at Chen Sansi, drenched in sweat, and inexplicably felt relieved.


    "Brother Shi is serious... He really plans to hunt and make a life with me."


    She soon felt sorry for him.


    "He was up all night, and now he''s up early practicing archery. What if he exhausts himself..."


    Gu Xinlan leaned against the wall and limped to start the fire and cook.


    ...


    "Got it!"


    Another arrow was shot, and Chen Sansi took a long breath.


    [Skill: Archery (Entry-Level)]


    [Progress: (0/200)]


    [Utility: Use a Six Power Bow, no miss within forty steps]


    Just moments ago, it felt as though some power was infused into his body, not only significantly enhancing his physical strength but also elevating his archery skills to another level.


    Archery entry-level!


    Chen Sansi observed the changes on the panel.


    Six Power Bow, no miss within forty steps.


    In the Dasheng Dynasty, one Power equals twelve jin (a unit of weight), so a Six Power Bow equals seventy-two jin!


    As far as he knew, the city guards also used Six Power Bows.


    This meant, he had now reached the standard of an ordinary archer.


    You see, in ancient armies, soldiers who qualified as archers were considered elite!


    The latter sentence, "no miss within forty steps."


    A step in the Dasheng Dynasty meant moving both feet once, about one point four meters, so forty steps were slightly over fifty meters.


    Don''t underestimate this distance.


    The effective range for an ordinary archer in battle was about a hundred steps, but that was for shooting volleys into the air, not precision targeting.


    Normally, precision for a distance of forty to fifty steps was also required for assessments.


    The archery competitions Chen Sansi had seen in his previous life usually had targets about seventy meters away, and those were with modern bows.


    And he achieved no miss within forty steps, every arrow hitting the bullseye, which doesn''t mean he couldn''t hit targets at seventy meters; it just meant he couldn''t guarantee a bullseye every time.


    Overall, based on the panel''s display, he was nearly qualified to be assessed as an archer.


    Chen Sansi couldn''t wait to try it out.


    He drew the bow again, his movements as proficient as a seasoned archer''s.


    The Four-Force Bow that felt quite heavy an hour ago now seemed incredibly light when fully drawn, almost effortless.


    After advancing in archery, his physical strength had also greatly improved!


    He calmed his emotions and tried shooting a few arrows. Indeed, his accuracy doubled; he hit every target within forty steps, and even those over sixty steps away were not bad.


    Good!


    With this level of skill, he could definitely hit game animals!


    The most crucial point was, this was just the beginning.


    Chen Sansi dared not imagine what it would be like if his archery skills reached small achievement or great success.


    "Brother Shi, dinner is ready~"


    A soft, bone-melting voice came from inside the house.


    Chen Sansi then put away his bow.


    He saw that although only one night had passed, Sister Lan had changed dramatically, exuding an indescribable charm along with her almond eyes, drawing extra attention.


    At the dining table, there were two bowls of rice.


    One bowl contained rice with steamed buns; the other held half a bowl of thin porridge.


    The grain bought with a single silver coin couldn''t last more than a few days, and clearly, Gu Xinlan was still reluctant to eat her fill.


    Chen Sansi wasn''t fussy, either. His archery practice consumed a lot of energy, and he needed even more since he was about to head up the mountain; after giving Sister Lan half a steamed bun, he ate everything else left.


    Full and content, he slung his bow over his shoulder and stepped outside.


    "Be careful, Brother Shi, even if you don''t catch anything, don''t go too deep. Just gather some wild vegetables and firewood to bring back,"


    Gu Xinlan did not believe that her man could catch any game just after beginning to practice archery; safety always came first.


    As long as they could overcome the current hardship together, she was willing to work herself to the bone even if Brother Shi wanted to leave his job to study in the future.


    When Chen Sansi left his house, the day was already bright.


    The neighbors were all starting their busy day; many looked on in curiosity at the sight of him carrying a bow and arrows.


    "Oh, is Brother Shi preparing to go hunting up the mountain?"


    "Can he do it?"


    "Look, I told you early on, he can''t make sense of books!"


    "Go to hell, Lai Zi, at least he knows how to hunt. What can you do?"


    "Little Shi, do you need Uncle Zhao to accompany you for a couple of days?"


    "Be careful. Your family is depending on you."


    The villagers had their fair share of snide remarks, but thanks to his father''s good reputation, the majority were warm-hearted.


    Chen Sansi greeted everyone he met, quickening his pace toward Tiger Head Mountain.


    After mastering entry-level archery, his strength had increased, and he could now draw a Six Power Bow, which significantly improved his physical condition. What previously took two hours to reach the foot of Tiger Head Mountain now took him less than an hour and a half.


    Following the winding path carved out by earlier travelers, Chen Sansi arrived at the midsection of the mountain, searching for signs of game.


    Yet, after wandering around for quite a while, apart from some insects and sparrows, he discovered nothing.


    Normally, a qualified hunter would need the aid of tools like hunting dogs and animal traps, but he was too poor to afford anything beyond a bow.


    No, he had to succeed; otherwise, the modest amount of food at home would quickly run out.


    Chen Sansi closed his eyes, trying hard to recall the extensive lessons from his father''s youth.


    For instance, determining what kind of game could be nearby based on the feces; what kinds of environments certain animals preferred; the habits of various animals; and also how to walk through the jungle without alarming the prey, and so on.


    [Tracking and Stealth (Uninitiated)] S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Progress: 3/100]


    [Utility: None]


    ?


    Looking at the rows of text that suddenly appeared, Chen Sansi was somewhat baffled.


    "Is this possible?"


    "Could it be that as long as it''s a technical task, I can manage it?"


    "Alright, alright, alright, it''s time I earn my living by hunting!"


    Curbing the joy of discovering he had more than one skill, he began to search for tracks more meticulously.


    This search lasted almost half a day.


    By the time Chen Sansi sat down to rest, his proficiency had also progressed.


    [Tracking and Stealth (Beginner)]


    [Progress: 0/200]


    [Utility: Keen Observation, Light Steps]


    Chen Sansi''s senses sharpened significantly; he could easily pinpoint the exact direction of birds'' calls in the forest, effortlessly observe the subtle movements of small insects and ants on the ground, feeling as if everything was within his grasp.


    He got up and resumed his search, and soon near a bush, he spotted some animal droppings.


    Round and black, the size of beans.


    There were also oval footprints in the loose soil nearby.


    A wild rabbit!


    "The droppings are fresh; it must be nearby!"


    Following the trail, Chen Sansi moved forward. Under the effect of [Tracking and Stealth], he made almost no sound.


    He entered a wooded area and then saw in the distance a plump gray rabbit, focused on gnawing at the grass, completely unaware of any danger.


    "What a fat rabbit!"


    Chen Sansi''s eyes turned sharp as he drew his Recurve Bow, his three fingers firmly gripping the bowstring, ready as a hungry wolf poised to strike.


    "Whoosh¡ª"


    The sound of the arrow ripping through the air was heard.


    Within forty steps, his arrow did not miss!


    In a blink, the arrow pierced straight through the rabbit.


    He had hit it!


    His first successful hunt in life!

 Chapter 4 Tax Collection

    Chen Sansi excitedly ran over, picked up the rabbit from the ground, and weighed it a few times, estimating it to be around seven or eight jins in weight."Based on the current market price, this could sell for at least sixty copper coins!"


    He wasn''t in a rush to descend the mountain; instead, he securely bound the rabbit with a rope and hung it on his body, continuing to search for new prey.


    "Goo goo¡ª"


    Nearby, the calls of birds continued unabated.


    With the help of "Tracking and Hiding," Chen Sansi quickly located two pigeons perched far away on tree branches.


    He nocked the arrow, drew the bow, pulled the string, and released the arrow¡ªa sequence of movements as fluid as flowing water.


    A blurred shadow flashed by, and the two pigeons were shot through in a string, falling from the tree with a "plop" to the ground.


    Chen Sansi smoothly pocketed the pigeons.


    Pigeons, being highly nutritious, were priced slightly above rabbits; the two combined were worth thirty copper coins.


    He wanted to continue, but unfortunately, it was getting dark, and he could only pack up and head down the mountain.


    Selling game required going to the restaurants in the county town.


    Along the way, he would pass through many villages even poorer than Yanbian Village, where each villager''s face was gaunt and yellowed, and some lay motionless on the ground, leaving him to wonder if they were dead or alive.


    When they saw the game in Chen Sansi''s hands, they all cast envious and greedy glances, but upon spotting the bow and arrows on his back, they could only forcefully suppress their sinister thoughts.


    "Eight Treasures Restaurant."


    An hour later.


    Chen Sansi stood before the towering gold-plated signboard of the restaurant, pausing in his steps.


    This was the restaurant where his father used to sell his game; it was one of the top restaurants in the city, where a casual meal supposedly cost at least three to five taels of silver.


    Just now, by the roadside, there were people nearly starving to death, yet now he personally witnessed a rich man carelessly discarding a full plate of fresh food on the ground to feed to dogs.


    "This is truly ''wealthy homes reek of meat and wine, while bodies freeze to death on the roadside''..."


    A poor harvest of crops?


    If all the grain in the granaries were taken out, it might well be enough to feed the whole town through the winter.


    Chen Sansi felt emotionally moved.


    The shopkeeper who came out to greet him at the restaurant was an acquaintance of his father.


    "Eight jin and two liang of rabbit meat, and a pigeon weighing half a jin, a total of eighty-five wen," said the slightly portly middle-aged man, dexterously maneuvering the beads on his abacus: "Does that seem fair to you?"


    "Fair enough, thank you Uncle Liu," replied Chen Sansi, who knew the going rates.


    Liu Hongda smiled and said, "If you have good merchandise in the future, just bring it here, and I guarantee you won''t be shortchanged a single penny."


    Chen Sansi took the copper coins.


    ''To earn nearly a qian of silver in one day is definitely enough for living expenses in normal times.''


    ''But now with taxes due soon and debts to be paid, this amount is simply not enough.''


    ''I must hunt larger game!''


    As he was counting the copper coins, a skinny, dark-skinned youth came over to sell fish.


    "Brother Shi?!"


    The youth recognized him at a glance. S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The corresponding name also quickly surfaced in Chen Sansi''s mind.


    Zhang Shun.


    Aunt Li''s child, with whom he had once bare-bottomedly played in the mud during childhood.


    If it hadn''t been for Aunt Li taking Sister Lan to work, occasionally bestowing a little help, they probably would have starved to death by now.


    "Shun, you''ve come at just the right time," said Chen Sansi, pulling out the still warm copper coins: "The money I owe your family..."


    Before he could finish, Shun interrupted him.


    "Brother Shi, don''t worry, I''m not in urgent need of money right now," said Zhang Shun while lifting the fish basket at his feet, showing the full catch within, which even included a large fish weighing seven or eight jins: "It''s you who have just recovered from illness and need money more. Pay me back when you are in a better financial position!"


    "Alright, thank you Shun," Chen Sansi did not refuse further.


    He owed the family two qian of silver. One qian was not enough; he might as well wait until he could repay it all at once, both principal and interest.


    "Bro, don''t mention it, you are the one who taught me how to read when we were kids!"


    Since both lived in Po Yang County, they naturally went back home together.


    During their conversational walk, he learned that Shun''s family had saved up more than ten taels of silver and was planning to join a Martial Arts Hall to learn martial arts soon.


    "Martial arts, huh," mused Chen Sansi, well aware that in this world, those able to practice martial arts held exceptional status.


    For a common family''s child to enter a Martial Arts Hall was to make something of oneself, and achieving even small successes would bring glory to the ancestors.


    With a Progress Panel on him that tracked his martial arts learning, he naturally wanted to practice martial arts as well. However, the tuition fees were hefty, and he first needed to get past the current difficulties and save enough silver.


    Upon reaching the town, Chen Sansi and Shun parted ways.


    He had not even reached home when he saw a graceful figure anxiously looking out at the doorway from afar.


    It was Gu Xinlan, of course.


    She had deliberately finished work early and gone home to cook, waiting for the man to return. As dusk approached and he was still nowhere in sight, she nearly panicked to the point of heading up the mountain to look for him.


    "Brother Shi!"


    Gu Xinlan hurried over, half concerned, half reproaching as she said, "It''s already dark and you just got back, are you trying to scare me to death? Haven''t I told you it doesn''t matter if you can''t catch anything?"


    Chen Sansi didn''t rush to speak, but cheerfully pulled out a gray pigeon from behind his back.


    "Ah, did Brother Shi catch something?"


    Before Gu Xinlan could recover, a bag of copper coins was thrust into her hands, and a gentle voice simultaneously sounded in her ear, "Tonight, we eat meat."


    Half an hour later.


    On the dining table, besides the salted duck egg with rice, there was also a pot of fragrant pigeon soup.


    Ever since Xin Lan''s father passed away, their family hadn''t had meat for half a year.


    "Brother Shi, you''re truly amazing."


    Gu Xinlan still couldn''t quite believe it, "I heard even Uncle Zhao from the village returned empty-handed today."


    "I just got lucky, Uncle Zhao and the others are old hands at Second Layer Mountain; they always bring back big catches."


    Chen Sansi gnawed on a pigeon leg, relishing the salted duck egg mixed with rice, feeling immense satisfaction in his stomach.


    He purposefully didn''t sell everything for silver, just so he and Sister Lan could nourish themselves.


    But Gu Xinlan still refrained from eating the meat.


    After Chen Sansi urged her again and again, she finally ate a pigeon wing.


    After a satisfying meal, he sat on the edge of the bed, pulling Sister Lan to sit beside him; she lowered her head, her face flushed, fingers nervously intertwined.


    Today marked their first day of marriage.


    Under the flickering candlelight, Chen Sansi took his time to carefully observe Sister Lan''s pretty face for the first time.


    Her fine arched eyebrows were charming, apricot eyes reflecting the candlelight as if autumn waters mirrored the moon, her slightly flushed cheeks resembled peach blossoms¡ªshe radiated an irresistible charm all over.


    And on top of that, she could read and was skilled in embroidery¡ªif it weren''t for the coarse hemp clothes she wore, she would be a perfect young lady from a reputable family.


    "Sister Lan."


    Chen Sansi unconsciously drew closer.


    "What''s wrong, Brother Shi?"


    "You smell so good."


    "Brother Shi, I... I still hurt."


    ...


    Late at night.


    Chen Sansi leaned against the bed head, his arm still being tightly clung to.


    "Brother Shi~"


    Gu Xinlan looked worried, "Did we offend that Qin Xiong?"


    "Qin Xiong?"


    "Mhm."


    Gu Xinlan nodded, "I heard from the neighbors that Mr. Qin had been lingering at our doorstep for quite a while during the day."


    "..."


    Chen Sansi took note.


    It seems that fellow really isn''t willing to let things go, I''ll have to be more cautious in the future.


    He comforted her, "Go to sleep, Sister Lan; I''m here."


    "Mhm."


    Gu Xinlan was already exhausted and quickly fell asleep.


    These last few days, she somehow felt at ease.


    Chen Sansi leaned against the bed head and noticed a leftover old book at the bedside that hadn''t been sold, so he picked it up and flipped through it.


    [Skill: Reading (Entry-Level)]


    [Progress: (15/300)]


    [Utility: Spirit refreshed, photographic memory]


    "Not bad at all."


    While hunting during the day, when he realized the skill [Tracking] he wondered, could reading work too?


    It turned out he wasn''t wrong.


    Not only that, but he had reached entry-level right away.


    Looking at how the original body had accumulated knowledge, how come he never managed to become a Scholar?


    Holding the book in hand, Chen Sansi estimated that if he were to take the civil service exam, he would surely pass.


    Unfortunately, the next exam wasn''t for another two years, too long to wait.


    First, he needed to survive.


    After browsing the book for a while, Chen Sansi also fell into a deep sleep.


    "Thud, thud, thud¡ª"


    "Open up!"


    "Open the door quickly!"


    The next morning.


    Chen Sansi was awakened by the urgent knocking.


    He told Sister Lan to dress and hide in the inner room, then he got up to open the door.

 Chapter 5 Persecution

    Outside the door were two officials.One was holding a register, and the other wielded a long whip.


    Tax collectors.


    Without thinking, everyone knew what they had come for.


    Chen San, with all due politeness, said, "Sirs, please give me just half a month more, and I will have the taxes ready!"


    According to the regulations of previous years, the deadline for tax payment was still about twenty days away.


    He strived hard, gathering three liang of silver should not be difficult.


    However, the tax collector sneered, "Considering the barbarians from the north constantly harassing us and the thieves from the south causing trouble, the Great Sheng Dynasty needs your grateful contributions now. How can we wait that long?"


    Chen Sansi inquired, "Then, Sir, how long do I have?"


    "Seven days!"


    The tax collector held up three fingers, "Within seven days, anyone who fails to pay their taxes will be sent to Hezhou to work on the canal!"


    With that, the two clerks turned around and left, knocking on the next house''s door¡ªwhich had also not yet paid its taxes¡ªlike heralds of doom. If they encountered any resistance, they would administer a couple of lashes.


    "Why has the tax collection been advanced by so much?"


    "It must be related to the war and turmoil."


    Chen Sansi''s Yanbian Village in Po Yang County was situated right on the northern frontier of the Great Sheng Dynasty. Northwards were the garrisons and the Great Wall, beyond which lay the barbarian tribes.


    In recent ten years, the frequency of barbarian raids had increased; there had even been instances of small groups of barbarian cavalry breaking into the territory, plundering an entire village before making a brazen escape.


    It was only three years ago that the court sent a new elite military force to maintain control, stabilizing the situation, but the minor conflicts near the Great Wall never ceased.


    Not just the north, the south was also restless.


    Chen Sansi, although not well-informed, was aware of the constant uprisings in the south; although they were quickly suppressed each time, there was always someone new to take up the cause.


    "Seven days!"


    "What''s the use of hurrying us like this? Can common folk just conjure up silver and food out of thin air?"


    As someone with basic historical knowledge from the modern era, he knew that the dynasty was in its twilight years and chaotic times were approaching, making life increasingly difficult for the common people. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Brother Shi, what''s going on?"


    Inside the house, Gu Xinlan asked with concern.


    "It''s nothing."


    Chen Sansi didn''t want others to worry unnecessarily. He pretended as if nothing had happened and, like usual, finished his archery practice, ate breakfast, then took his dry food and bow and left the house.


    Since he had found himself at the bottom rung in these chaotic times, he could only try to survive by playing by the rules.


    Gathering three liang of silver in seven days was no easy task.


    Chen Sansi was under considerable pressure.


    It wasn''t just him; the fellow villagers were all in distress.


    As he was about to leave the village, he saw a few familiar figures and frowned, attempting to avoid them.


    "Little Stone."


    Qin Xiong, leading two ruffians, moved purposefully towards him, "Why are you avoiding me?"


    Chen Sansi could guess that the other party was planning to take advantage of the situation.


    He bluntly stated, "Brother Qin, if this is about what happened last time, there''s no need to discuss it further."


    "Have you forgotten the tax collector''s words? If we can''t gather enough silver, we''ll be sent to work on the canal."


    Qin Xiong put on a fa?ade of kindness, feigning sympathy, "Whoever ends up with that job, there''s no record of anyone returning alive. Brother, take a loss here; give me that young woman you''re hiding at home, and I''ll handle your taxes for you. How about that?"


    "If I really get taken to work on the canal, I''ll accept my bad luck. No need for Brother Qin''s concern."


    Chen Sansi said expressionlessly and started to walk away.


    Having learned the basics of archery, he relied on his physical strength considerably more when he spoke.


    However, it wasn''t necessary to escalate conflicts just yet.


    Firstly, Qin Xiong had a group of ruffians at his command.


    Secondly, this scoundrel had a brother who practiced martial arts, purportedly very formidable, not someone to provoke lightly.


    Qin Xiong didn''t stop him, just watched coldly as he walked away.


    "Big brother, if you ask me, just rob him directly, why bother with the silver?"


    One of the ruffians complained loudly.


    "Idiot!"


    Qin Xiong smacked the ruffian on the forehead, "Do you think the Great Sheng Dynasty has no laws at all?"


    Abducting peasant girls used to occur frequently, but since the new Liangzhou Governor took office, no one dared to commit such acts again.


    "What should we do now?"


    The rogue asked, "Isn''t Big Brother still waiting to use that woman to give Brother a gift?"


    "What''s the rush, does he really think he can gather three taels of silver that quickly?"


    Qin Xiong sneered disdainfully, "By then, he''ll be taken to work on the Canal and won''t have to spend a penny!"


    ...


    "Three taels of silver within seven days."


    "It seems I must indeed hunt some big game."


    "Once the tax matter is resolved, we''ll find a way to deal with that Qin fellow."


    After arriving at Tiger Head Mountain, Chen Sansi noted it was still early; many large animals only appeared at sunset, so he wasn''t in a hurry and found a clearing to practice archery.


    When he practiced archery, he felt effortless and rather adept.


    Not to mention a hundred percent accuracy within forty steps, he also achieved over eighty percent of bullseyes within fifty steps.


    Only it used up a lot of arrows.


    "Crack!"


    Another arrow hit the bullseye, but the arrow broke upon impact.


    Chen Sansi felt quite distressed.


    A new arrow would cost at least ten wen!


    However, arrows are consumables, and since all he had were used ones, wear and tear were normal.


    [Skill: Archery (entry-level)]


    [Progress: (128/200)]


    [Utility: Draw Six Power Bow, no misses within forty steps]


    A panel appeared.


    "If I push hard tomorrow, I should be able to advance to the next stage."


    Chen Sansi ate some dry food to fill his stomach, then got back to work.


    With his sharp senses, he missed no trace; soon after, he found a rabbit near some bushes through its droppings.


    Without a doubt, one arrow pierced it through, and he bagged it.


    "Isn''t there any larger game?"


    Chen Sansi was naturally not satisfied with just that.


    But even with his tracking skills, he found no signs of any large animals having been around that afternoon until the sun set, when he finally spotted a pheasant through some feathers on a hillside.


    The arrow struck like thunder!


    The arrow pierced the pheasant''s body, and its inertia carried the corpse and pinned it to a nearby tree trunk.


    "About four pounds."


    "Pheasant is delicious, only second to pork in price, and this one could sell for about seventy wen."


    "But, it''s still far from enough."


    Chen Sansi could now be sure that there were no large game animals around the outskirts of Tiger Head Mountain.


    After all, he possessed the skill "Tracking," and he would not overlook any clue; no trace meant there really was none.


    [Tracking (entry-level)]


    [Progress: 101/200]


    [Utility: Keen observation, light steps]


    "Tracking is also about to advance to the next stage."


    "Perhaps, I should consider venturing deeper into the mountains."


    The deeper the area, the more abundant the game, but also the more dangerous. Typically, only experienced hunters, like Uncle Zhao from his village, would venture there.


    Starting from Second Layer Mountain, there are wild boars and even big cats and black bears; every year, many hunters perish there.


    Previously, as a beginner in hunting, Chen Sansi wisely refrained from venturing too deep, but now it seemed he must.


    However, his archery was about to advance, so he might as well give it a try.


    "I''ll return and prepare well."


    "Tomorrow, I''ll scout around Second Layer Mountain!"

 Chapter 6 Wolf Teeth Arrow

    After making up his mind, Chen Sansi started to clean up the scene.When he was handling the wild chicken, he used too much force and accidentally broke the arrow shaft that was stuck in it.


    "The quality of used arrows is worrisome!"


    Chen Sansi shook his head, retrieved the arrowhead, and carried his game down the mountain.


    Having hunted all day, his stomach had been growling, but his spirit was still very full, always alert to his surroundings.


    "It must be the effect of ''spirit refreshed.''"


    "It seems that I should sparingly read more books at night, and not just think about happy times with Sister Lan."


    "Archery, hunting, reading, I want to be a diligent person."


    It was still early today. When he passed through Yanbian Village, many villagers saw Chen Sansi with a chicken in one hand and a rabbit in the other, carrying a full load.


    "You boy are capable!"


    "Little Shi is really amazing; just started hunting and can bring something home every day."


    "Psht~ Like father like son."


    "Lai Zi, look at you, sour grapes, can''t stand to see others do well."


    "What do I have to be sour about, this little money is not even enough to pay the taxes!"


    "Really though."


    When the topic of taxes came up, complaints could be heard everywhere.


    How many people''s savings of a full year were squeezed clean.


    "Brother Shi, wait up, I was looking for you!"


    "Shun?"


    Chen Sansi looked at the skinny and dark teenager running towards him, "What''s up, Shun?"


    "Brother, do you need my help?"


    Zhang Shun had come to ask about the situation immediately after selling fish today due to the issue of early taxation.


    "You... aren''t you still practicing your martial arts?"


    Chen Sansi was somewhat moved.


    Gathering three liangs of silver in seven days, no one had a hundred percent certainty.


    If he could borrow the money in advance, it would naturally be better than good.


    If worse comes to worst, he could save up and double repay it, making a proper thanks.


    "Martial arts doesn''t urge in these two days, paying taxes is urgent."


    Zhang Shun scratched his head and said honestly, "Brother, come with me to my house, we have some silver."


    Three liangs of silver!


    For ordinary folks, this was absolutely a huge sum.


    Chen Sansi was touched, "Nine for thirteen return, I can''t just use your money for free."


    "Brother, what are you saying."


    Zhang Shun said, "Not to mention that you taught me literacy since I was young, but do you remember that time we played in the river? If it wasn''t for you pulling me up, I would have drowned by now, why mention this!"


    It''s one thing to say, but to help during tough times is indeed precious.


    "Brother, wait here, I''ll go home and get the money!"


    Shun didn''t give an opportunity to refuse and turned and ran back madly.


    Since the other party wasn''t asking for interest, Chen Sansi felt uneasy about using the money with no return.


    He carried his wild chicken and rabbit and followed, planning to offer them as a thank you gift.


    The two families lived not far from each other, reaching the destination in ten minutes. Shun''s house door wasn''t even closed.


    Just as Chen Sansi was about to visit, a gust of wind brought the sound of an argument to him.


    "Shun, three liangs of silver, are you mad?"


    "Mom, that''s my Brother Shi who saved my life when I was young!"


    "Saving your life, so what? Hasn''t our family repaid him? When he fell ill before, wasn''t it our family who paid for his treatment?"


    "Mom..."


    "Our whole family has been working day and night for so many years, barely saving some silver, isn''t it just so you can enter the Martial Arts Hall and become a martial master? At least, have some pity on your father? He''s been lame for half a year and still hesitant to spend money on treatment, and you just give away three liangs of silver to someone outside?"


    "¡­"


    Chen Sansi stopped in his tracks, silently set down a wild chicken, and turned to leave.


    He did not hold any grudges for the unanswered help. In fact, he respected Shun''s sentiment even more.


    Neither of them was from a wealthy family; everyone had difficult days.


    He really had to rely on himself!


    Chen Sansi became even more determined to go to Second Layer Mountain.


    He reached the county''s Eight Treasures Building before sunset.


    The rabbit weighed almost as much as the last one, sold for seventy-one wen.


    With the money in hand, he didn''t rush home but went to the market to prepare for the trip to Second Layer Mountain the next day.


    "Yo, Young Shi here again?"


    Old Xu greeted him warmly.


    "Uncle Xu, I''d like to buy some arrows."


    Chen Sansi''s willow leaf arrows were okay for hitting rabbits and wild chickens, but if he truly met a large game with tough skin, they were not lethal enough.


    "What kind are you thinking of, uncle here has them all."


    Looking around, there were seven or eight types of arrows on display at the stall, all of high quality, some of which were obviously not something a civilian shop could make, belonging to the category of military ordnance.


    There was a garrison station fifty li outside Po Yang County city, and military ordnance circulating in the market was not a surprising matter.


    Not to mention, Old Xu was from a military household, and with his son succeeding him and becoming a small flag, having a channel to resell some ordinary military goods was nothing unusual.


    Chen Sansi''s gaze wandered over the stall.


    Most of the arrows were made of poplar wood, with bird feathers hanging on the tail, and their main difference lay in the arrowheads.


    Different arrowheads, different purposes.


    There were ones with strong penetrating power, ones with large wound profiles, ones for shooting horses, ones for naval warfare, and even specialized signal arrows for messaging, truly a wide variety.


    He finally chose a uniquely shaped arrowhead.


    Wolf Teeth Arrow.


    As the name suggests, the arrowhead had two side hooks shaped like protruding wolf teeth.


    Once this arrow hit, the side hooks would firmly lodge inside the body, and trying to pull it out would tear off a large chunk of flesh; if not removed, it would continue to grind the flesh. Whether for hunting beasts or hunters, it had a very strong lethality.


    Old Xu said, "This Wolf Teeth Arrow is good quality, I sell it to others for twenty-three wen each, but for you, twenty wen."


    "Can''t it be cheaper?"


    "Any cheaper and I''d be losing money."


    Chen Sansi bit his teeth and bought five.


    But he understood the principle of sharp ax making light work; to make a sale, you have to be willing to invest.


    If conditions allowed, he would also like to buy a heavy bow.


    After all, the main force in killing with a bow and arrow lies in the draw weight.


    He intentionally took a longer look; the heaviest one on this stall was just the Four-Force Bow, with nothing heavier available.


    Only a heavy bow could pierce armor.


    It seems there was a limit to how far one could go in dealing in military arms.


    Money paid, goods delivered.


    The two arrowheads he had worn out previously, added together, deducted eleven coins, making the final payment eighty-nine coins.


    "A day''s work for nothing, and quite a bit out of pocket to boot!"


    Chen Sansi put the Wolf Teeth Arrow into his bag and hurried home.


    On the way back.


    Chen Sansi ran into Qin Xiong and his ruffian followers, squatting on the essential path home, casting malevolent glances his way.


    They were clearly using this method to intimidate him on purpose.


    "The evil spirit never leaves; it''s impossible to hide."


    "Better pay the tax first then think of a plan."


    Chen Sansi chose to ignore them and went straight home.


    "Big brother, he''s very arrogant!"


    "Shall I go beat him up?"


    The ruffians gritted their teeth and discussed sneeringly.


    "Beat him up?"


    Qin Xiong pointed at the bow and arrows on Chen Sansi''s back and asked, "Do you know what those are?"


    "Bow and arrows."


    "A Four-Force Bow, enough to shoot you stone-cold! You think you can beat him if he can handle that thing?"


    Qin Xiong was somewhat frustrated.


    At first, he thought Mr. Chen was just a scholar, and that going hunting in the mountain was simply a stroke of luck.


    But after some inquiries, he learned that the kid could actually make sales two days in a row, proving he really had strength, and wasn''t just fooling around.


    Hunters in the village were actually not easy to provoke.


    They had only bullied the kid because his father had died and he was just a scholar.


    Of course, in this world, having strength was useless; having money was important.


    Rabbits and wild chickens weren''t worth much silver.


    If he couldn''t gather three taels of silver in a few days, he''d still be under Qin Xiong''s thumb.


    ¡­


    Late at night.


    Chen Sansi got out of bed agilely.


    As for Sister Lan, she was too tired and had fallen asleep.


    "I''m still too young and impetuous."


    Chen Sansi was somewhat annoyed; he had promised to study at home.


    With no time for reading, he couldn''t delay practicing archery any longer.


    Before going to the mountain, it was best to advance his archery to the next stage.


    He took his bow and stepped outside, coming to the clearing in front of the forest behind his house, beginning to practice archery under the moonlight.


    As arrow after arrow shot out, his proficiency continued to climb.


    He kept practicing until the late hours of the night, only then did Chen Sansi return to his room to sleep for a few hours, getting up immediately upon hearing the rooster''s crow to practice archery. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Shiu¡ª"


    Another arrow shot out, directly hitting an early-rising sparrow looking for food from the treetop.


    Simultaneously, the panel changed.


    [Skill: Archery (Master)]


    [Progress: (0/500)]


    [Utility: Physical enhancement, Natural Bowman, Effortless operation of a stone-bow, within seventy steps, three shots in the blink of an eye with unerring accuracy]


    This time, when the panel upgraded, not only did Chen Sansi''s strength and archery improve drastically, but even his muscles and bones changed, causing his physique to surge.


    With this physique, even though he had never practiced martial arts, he could easily draw a one-stone heavy bow, hitting a target the size of a palm from eighty meters away with every arrow.


    In the Dasheng Dynasty, one stone is approximately one hundred and fifty kilograms.


    This weight of bow and arrows was generally only used by those practicing martial arts.


    A target the size of a palm, seen from eighty meters away, actually appears as just a dot.


    As for the finger snap triple-shot.


    Buddhist scriptures have recorded: twenty finger snaps make one Luo Yu, twenty Luo Yus make one moment, and one day and night consist of thirty moments.


    According to this explanation, a "finger snap" calculation comes to about seven seconds.


    Finger snap triple-shot.


    That is to say, the four actions of drawing the bow, setting the arrow, and firing, take about two seconds for one accurate shot.


    A one-stone bow, eighty meters, two seconds.


    Taken alone these do not sound exaggerated, but when these three terms are combined, they are quite terrifying.


    Chen Sansi was somewhat surprised.


    He never imagined that proficiency could not only improve technique but also enhance physique.


    He felt his bones become more compact and solid, his arms and fingers noticeably longer.


    "I don''t know if this physique will be helpful for martial arts in the future."


    Anyway, he felt more confident about catching large game within six days.


    "Brother Shi, it''s time to eat."


    The gentle voice brought Chen Sansi back to his senses.


    After hastily eating breakfast, he took all the remaining salted duck eggs in the house, along with half a bag of sorghum.


    "What are you up to?"


    Gu Xinlan was puzzled.


    The salted duck eggs were understandable, but raw sorghum couldn''t be eaten. What was he taking it to the mountain for?


    "Gifts."


    Chen Sansi answered succinctly and was about to leave.


    "Brother Shi, be careful these days."


    Gu Xinlan looked worried, "Yesterday when I was on my way back, I saw Mr. Qin loitering near our house again. I''m scared¡­"


    "I know."


    Chen Sansi''s tone was firm, "Don''t worry, my dear, he can''t hurt you."


    My dear?


    Gu Xinlan''s cheeks flushed slightly.


    Having Brother Shi say that, she indeed felt much less afraid.

 Chapter 7 Hunting Wild Boars

    Second Layer Mountain was essentially a place where old hunters grouped together to go.One reason was the danger; they had each other''s backs.


    Also, if they actually caught something as big as several hundred pounds, they would need help to carry it down.


    Over time, this naturally formed a small community.


    To join this group, it was best to have someone familiar show you the way.


    Otherwise, if someone decided to take your belongings, deep in the dense woods, you might not even find the body.


    "You''re going to Second Layer Mountain?"


    Zhao Qiao was somewhat surprised, "Little Stony, how long have you been hunting?"


    "Isn''t it that my family hasn''t paid the taxes for this year yet?"


    Chen Sansi honestly said, "Other than Second Layer Mountain, where else can I gather this amount of silver in such a short time?"


    "Ah~"


    Hearing this, Zhao Qiao couldn''t help but sigh.


    These days, the government was as fierce as a tiger.


    He hesitated for a moment, "Alright, but I have to say it upfront, if you come back empty-handed, you can''t blame me."


    "That''s natural, Uncle Zhao, rest assured."


    Chen Sansi nodded.


    On the way up the mountain, Zhao Qiao began to explain the precautions, "It''s true that you can get goods in the deep mountains, but it''s also common for people to lose their lives; if you encounter Big Worm or Black Bear, you''d better run quickly.


    "And the most important point¡ª''avoid those in brocade clothes.''


    "Avoid those in brocade clothes?" Chen Sansi queried.


    "Yes."


    Zhao Qiao explained in a grave voice, "Those who come to the mountain in brocade clothes to hunt are either martial masters from the Martial Arts Hall or children of the wealthy; we can''t afford to offend them.


    "There were instances in the past where hunters fought with nobles over game, leading to direct loss of life.


    "So later on, our hunters'' activity area was limited to the south side of Second Layer Mountain, and few dared to go to the north side anymore. Just remember that.


    "Finally, if you catch something too big to carry by yourself, shoot a whistle arrow into the sky. Nearby hunters who are empty-handed will come over to help carry it down the mountain, but of course, you have to pay them depending on the situation."


    "That''s about all I have to say; be careful in everything, even villagers might try to trick you."


    He took out a Bone Head Arrow from the Arrow Bag and handed it over.


    The Bone Head Arrow, like the whistle arrow, belongs to the group of signaling arrows, but its head isn''t made of metal; it''s made of wood with hollows, making a loud noise when fired, having no lethal power.


    "Thank you, Uncle Zhao."


    Chen Sansi was very sincere.


    A few salted duck eggs in exchange for this information was absolutely worth it.


    During the conversation, the two of them had already arrived at the foot of Second Layer Mountain.


    To avoid competing for game, hunters generally operated independently, unless they agreed to group hunt fierce beasts.


    Second Layer Mountain was deep and dense.


    The moment Chen Sansi stepped into the woods, he spotted many animal feces hidden in the soil, and footprints under the bushes within a ten-meter radius.


    "Some hunting dogs can''t even achieve what I do!"


    "I might not have a hunting dog, but I am better than a hunting dog!"


    "And this is just the entry level!"


    He went all out, carrying bows and arrows, shuttling through the jungle, not missing the slightest movement.


    Second Layer Mountain had plenty of game, but mostly small creatures like rabbits and wild chickens; large animals were similarly hard to find.


    Moreover, due to consecutive years of poor harvests and excessive hunting, the hunters of Second Layer Mountain were barely making ends meet, and it was common to return empty-handed.


    According to Uncle Zhao, the real abundance of game was on the north side of the mountain, but that was the hunting ground of upper-class people, and the poor, without martial arts skills, dared not venture there.


    "Is even hunting oppressed?"


    Chen Sansi didn''t rush to hunt.


    At his current level, he could hunt small creatures like rabbits at any time; it was better to look for something bigger, even a roe deer would do.


    His focus was at full throttle.


    Chen Sansi not only didn''t feel tired, but he also felt the world becoming clearer and clearer in his eyes, as if he was about to enter another realm.


    Indeed, after breaking through the critical point, the panel surfaced like ripples on water.


    [Tracking Concealment (Mastery)]


    [Progress: 0/500]


    [Utility: Insight Shocking, Light as a Feather]


    After experiencing a mysterious sensation, Chen Sansi felt his senses were elevated to a new level.


    Now, he could even clearly observe animal fur on the ground!


    Some wild animals intentionally hide their droppings.


    But they can''t conceal the fur that falls off unintentionally!


    Moreover, his enhanced perception was not only useful for hunting but also essential for archery, which requires excellent eyesight.


    The palm-sized target center, eighty meters away, was merely a black dot, but if he could see even tinier things, naturally, his shooting accuracy improved.


    All these skills complemented each other.


    "Combining this with the ''failing to forget after glancing once'' from reading, I feel like I''ve opened a Sherlock Holmes'' memory palace, but it''s specially tailored for hunting."


    Chen Sansi bent down and picked up a black hair from the grass beneath his feet.


    ''This hair is half as long as a finger, fairly stiff, and not yet decomposed, indicating its owner was here not long ago.''


    Every few steps, he found similar hairs, and after about a hundred steps, clear footprints began to appear.


    He started following the trail.


    The rugged, complicated mountain trail was exceptionally easy for Chen Sansi to navigate; his speed was surprisingly fast, and he hardly made any noise¡ªan embodiment of being Light as a Feather.


    ''I wonder if this counts as Qinggong.'' S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''There''s movement!''


    He slowed his steps outside a bamboo grove, approaching the source of the sound within.


    He suddenly came upon a strong, black wild boar.


    In tow were five piglets; it was searching for food in the mud at the forefront, with the piglets grunting cheerfully behind, a family of pigs happily unaware of the looming danger.


    "Jackpot!"


    "This sow weighs at least three hundred pounds, and the piglets are even more valuable!"


    Chen Sansi visualized waving silver coins calling him, he repressed his excitement and crept as close to the wild boar as possible.


    Though his shots were long-ranged, naturally, the closer he was, the more powerful they were, especially against the tough skin and flesh of a wild boar; too far, and it''s hard to be lethal.


    Only when about twenty steps away from the wild boar did Chen Sansi stop on an upward slope.


    He quietly took the longbow from his back and notched a freshly made double-bladed barbed Wolf Teeth Arrow.


    The Four-Force Bow now felt light as a feather in his hands, almost effortless to fully draw, feeling like he might even snap it with a bit more force.


    The bowstring was released, and the arrow flew instantly!


    "Whiz¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª"


    Since it was a back ambush, the arrow directly penetrated the buttocks of the wild boar, causing a sharp scream, and a flock of birds flew away in panic.


    Perhaps because the bow was too light, the arrowhead penetrated only about three inches into the flesh.


    Instead of running away, the wild boar entered a frenzied state, ignoring the blood flowing nonstop from its body, and charged towards him with heavy grunts.


    Wild boars are also a kind of fierce beast.


    If an ordinary person was hit by a wild boar, they wouldn''t die but would have to lie down for half a month!


    Chen Sansi remained calm; the second arrow was already on its way.


    "Hoo-hoo-hoo¡ª¡ª"


    Another arrow added to the wild boar''s body, it visibly hesitated, but it didn''t stop, just continued charging at a slightly slowed pace.


    The third arrow followed closely, directly piercing its skull.


    This time, the wild boar finally lay straight down, dead.


    The five piglets, startled, scrambled in different directions.


    With the complicated terrain and the small size of the piglets, any ordinary hunter would likely miss at least two, but Chen Sansi''s archery skills were extraordinary.


    "Whiz, whiz, whiz, whiz¡ª¡ª"


    In just a few breaths, all five piglets were pierced by arrows, dead beyond doubt.


    The arrows in Chen Sansi''s Arrow Bag were just used up.

 Chapter 8 Apology

    "Over three hundred pounds of an adult pig, plus five piglets.""That should be enough for my taxes and leave me with a good amount of money!"


    "The only problem is, getting it back might be a bit of a hassle."


    This place was deep in the mountains, dozens of miles from the county town. Even if one person could carry it, there was simply too much game to take all at once.


    Chen Sansi thought for a moment before shooting a Bone Head Arrow into the sky.


    "I''m far from the meeting spot."


    "I don''t even know where Uncle Zhao is, or if he can hear my signal."


    Sometime later,


    footsteps sounded from outside the bamboo forest.


    However, it wasn''t Uncle Zhao Qiao who appeared, but a rough-looking man, muscular and with a scar on his face.


    When he saw the wild boars on the ground, he first looked envious, then incredulous at the sight of the young man''s kill, and finally his expression turned rather odd.


    "Brother!"


    The man strode over, sizing up the youthful, tender-looking man: "I''ve never seen you around."


    Chen Sansi introduced himself, "Uncle Zhao Qiao from Yanbian Village brought me up the mountain, my name is Chen Sansi."


    "I''ve been around for three or four days and haven''t caught anything valuable."


    The man squinted his eyes: "It''s your first day up here, and you scored all this treasure."


    "Just luck."


    Chen Sansi bowed slightly: "Please help me take the game to the county town, brother. I will pay you according to the village rules."


    "Helping is no problem at all."


    While the man agreed verbally, his eyes darted around: "But it''s a long way from here to the county town, and about the price, well¡ª"


    He hadn''t had any yield for days and was nearly unable to cook at home. Now that he had stumbled upon this opportunity, he certainly intended to extort a few extra copper coins.


    While the man was pondering, the sudden sound of a bowstring like thunder burst by his ear.


    He looked up and saw Chen Sansi had, unbeknownst to him, already released an arrow.


    At a distance, a rabbit in full sprint fell to the ground. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Seventy paces away!


    Plus, with the dense vegetation, the man hadn''t even noticed the rabbit.


    What was most striking, though, was that he noticed Chen Sansi had seemed to draw the bow using just one finger for power, the other merely supporting the arrow without any apparent effort!


    The strength of one finger easily drew the Recurve Bow, and with such accuracy... Could he possibly handle a one-stone bow under the right conditions?!


    Since when did Po Yang County have such a young Divine Archer?


    No longer harboring ulterior motives, the man forced a bright smile: "Brother Sanshi, no, Brother Shi!


    "Don''t move, I''ll go pick it up. I''ll carry the game to town for free, let''s be friends!"


    He said, then hurried towards the direction of the rabbit.


    Chen Sansi stored his bow, shaking his head gently.


    With his keen perception that could even see the hairs clearly, how could he not realize this guy was scheming from the start? He had deliberately shown off his skills.


    If he didn''t want to be bullied, he needed to display some strength!


    The man chopped two pieces of wood with a cleaver, and together with Chen Sansi, one in front and one behind, they carried the wild boar down the mountain.


    The man introduced himself, "My name is Wu Da, I live in the village next to yours, I''m sixteen this year, please take me under your wing in the future, Brother Shi."


    "?"


    Chen Sansi looked at the scar-faced man smiling at him, temporarily at a loss for words.


    This guy is sixteen?!


    "Wild boar!"


    "Brother Shi nailed a wild boar!"


    "..."


    They had just reached Yanbian Village''s entrance when the villagers burst into an uproar.


    A three-hundred-pound wild boar isn''t uncommon, but typically it requires the cooperation of two or three people!


    For one person to handle an entire lair of wild boars was definitely top-tier hunting.


    Not to mention, for the villagers, Chen Sansi was a scholar who had turned to hunting to survive.


    Word spread fast, and it did not take an hour before he became well-known in the neighboring villages.


    ...


    At Eight Treasures Restaurant.


    "The sow is three hundred and twenty pounds, eighteen copper coins per pound.


    "The piglets, twenty copper coins per pound, all together sixty pounds and two taels.


    "The total is 6964 copper coins. I''ll make an executive decision on behalf of the boss and round it up to seven taels of silver for you, and remember, if you catch fresh game in the future, don''t go selling it to anyone else, little Stone!"


    Boss Liu Hongda waved his hand grandly, throwing over a pouch of money.


    Typically, one thousand copper coins are equivalent to one tael of silver, but silver is a harder currency, not always easily exchangeable, and the exchange rates often fluctuate.


    Giving silver directly was obviously a courtesy.


    "Thank you, Uncle Liu."


    Chen Sansi took the money pouch, feeling its significant weight.


    Seven taels of silver!


    Not only was he set for his taxes, but he also had enough to buy winter clothes.


    "You lad are truly impressive."


    Boss Liu Hongda marveled, "At this rate, it won''t be long before you can move to the city. If you could learn a bit of martial arts, that would really be making something of yourself."


    "Speaking of martial arts halls, does Uncle Liu have any recommendations?"


    Now that Chen Sansi had solved his immediate problems, it was naturally time to consider learning martial arts.


    "The most famous ones in Po Yang County are Tianyuan, Tai Lei, Yun He, and Zhao Martial Arts Halls, but they only recruit apprentices during specific periods each year, and it''s already too late for this year.


    "Honestly, for us commoners, there''s no need to aim for the top halls. Learning just a few moves to bluff people is usually good enough.


    "But if you''re set on a major hall, you might ask Shunzi."


    "Shunzi?" Chen Sansi was a bit perplexed.


    "That kid has been frequently treating Martial Arts Academy Disciples to meals recently, just over there across the street, and look, there he comes now."


    Boss Liu Hongda pointed behind him.


    Across from Eight Treasures Restaurant, there was a relatively modest hall.


    Chen Sansi turned around and saw Zhang Shun stepping out of a diner with two young men in white robes.


    "Brother Shi?"


    Upon seeing Chen Sansi, Zhang Shun immediately ran over, his face apologetic, "Bro, I''ve been meaning to see you these past few days to talk about last time..."


    Chen Sansi cut him off, "Shunzi, don''t worry about me, I''ve gathered enough money."


    "Your Brother Shi just bagged a whole lair of wild boars today and earned seven taels of silver from me."


    Boss Liu Hongda spoke up for him.


    "Really?! Bro, you''re amazing. I wonder how long I''d have to fish to earn seven taels of silver!"


    Shunzi exclaimed in admiration, his envy pure and untainted by any other emotions.


    "By the way, this is for you."


    Chen Sansi took out three pieces of broken silver, ready to pay off the silver both principal and interest.


    "Brother, I can''t take this, I wasn''t able to help you last time."


    "That''s a separate matter, your dad also needs money for his leg treatment."


    After some back and forth, Chen Sansi finally managed to stuff the silver into the other''s pocket and changed the subject, "Are you treating the Martial Arts Academy disciples to a meal?"


    "Yes."


    Zhang Shun lowered his voice, "I missed the Tai Lei Martial Arts Academy''s recruitment period, so I thought I''d try something to see if they could accept one more disciple."


    He just happened to meet two disciples outside the academy, and they offered to put in a good word for him, which is why he invited them to dine and build relationships.


    This was already the third meal.


    Even though the small restaurant wasn''t as extravagant as the Eight Treasures Restaurant, it still cost quite a bit of money.


    "I see."


    Chen Sansi looked across the street at the two Martial Arts Academy disciples.


    One was picking his teeth and the other was patting his round belly and burping, seemingly impatient, urging, "Little Shun, what are you doing? Come on, weren''t we going to enjoy some drinks? The senior brother I introduced you to is highly regarded by our master, you get what I mean, right?"


    "Don''t be mad, brothers, I''m coming right now!"


    Zhang Shun hurriedly said goodbye.


    Chen Sansi watched them walk away, feeling that the gazes of those two Academy disciples seemed unreliable.


    "I should remind Shun to be careful later."


    He didn''t linger any longer and hurried off to the government office, to pay the tax of three taels of silver.


    Seeing the tax officer check off his name in the register, he finally felt a massive weight lift from his shoulders.


    "Only Qin Xiong left..."


    "I wonder if he will try to cause trouble in other ways."


    "I need to hurry home, or else Sister Lan will start to worry again."


    Chen Sansi rushed back home.


    At the home''s entrance, Gu Xinlan was caught up chatting with a few women, who were all admiring how capable her man was.


    How he could read, earn money, and was handsome too.


    Ultimately, when a man earns money, even his shortcomings can be turned into advantages.


    "Xin Lan, you must hurry to give your Brother Shi a child!"


    "Don''t worry about that, with Xin Lan''s big hips, she''ll definitely be able to have a son."


    "..."


    The women kept bantering, making Sister Lan''s cheeks turn bright red.


    "Xin Lan, look, your man is back."


    "Brother Shi!"


    With no interest in small talk, Gu Xinlan hurried over to greet him.


    "We''re eating rabbit tonight."


    Chen Sansi said smiling, holding out an unsold rabbit.


    Gu Xinlan didn''t even glance at the rabbit, her hands kept touching here and there: "How are you, Brother Shi? Are you hurt? I heard that wild boars are really fierce!"


    Chen Sansi was stunned for a moment, "No worries, I''m fine."


    "Brother Shi, please don''t provoke such frightening things next time!"


    After confirming that her man was unharmed, Gu Xinlan finally relaxed and helped him unload his things, "Must be hungry, I''ll go cook."


    Chen Sansi watched Sister Lan''s busy figure and suddenly felt a profound sense of belonging.


    He had a home in this world after all.


    ...


    Soon, the aroma of food from the kitchen wafted around.


    It stirred such a craving in Chen Sansi''s stomach that it wouldn''t stop rumbling.


    "Knock knock knock¡ª"


    Just as they were about to eat, someone gently knocked on the door.


    "Who is it?"


    "It''s me! Qin Xiong!"


    Hearing this name, Gu Xinlan''s face turned white, and she clutched at Chen Sansi''s sleeve, indicating for him not to go outside to eat.


    "It''s fine, I''ll go and see."


    Chen Sansi tucked the kitchen knife behind his back and went out to greet the guest.


    He thought Qin Xiong, knowing he had paid his taxes, was either looking for a new problem or was ready to escalate things, but it appeared to be the complete opposite.


    Qin Xiong was all smiles, holding a jug of the cheapest yellow wine, "Hahaha, little brother!"


    Chen Sansi furrowed his brow, "What''s this?"


    "Little bro, I am here to apologize!"


    While speaking, Qin Xiong casually patted Chen Sansi''s shoulder, secretly applying force, only to find that his adversary didn''t budge.


    Damn it!


    Where did this kid get such strength?


    He had just come home today and heard that the scholar named Chen had single-handedly killed a wild boar.


    Now it''s autumn, and wild boars with piglets are extremely aggressive, and there had been instances of hunters being devoured by them.


    Handling a wild boar solo is definitely no easy feat.


    Yet this fellow is clearly just a useless scholar!


    Could it be he''s naturally strong but took the wrong path, wasting his potential?


    Either way, Qin Xiong decided to give up on Gu Xinlan.


    He had been thriving in the surrounding ten villages for years, raising his brother alone and sending him to the best Martial Arts Hall, not just because he acted rashly on the surface.


    Who to offend and who not to mess with, he knew very well.


    If he really offended a formidable hunter, he should not venture into the mountains for the rest of his life.


    Otherwise, he might just receive a deadly arrow to his back.


    As for women, there are plenty more to choose from!


    If Chen Sansi is not one to be easily bullied, there are plenty of others who are.


    "Little brother! There has been some misunderstanding between us, let''s clear it up in front of the neighbors, how about that?"


    Qin Xiong deliberately raised his voice, attracting the neighbors who were cooking at home to come out and watch.


    Just as Qin Xiong thought Chen Sansi didn''t know better, finally, he heard the satisfactory response.


    "You jest, Brother Qin."


    Chen Sansi showed a cordial smile, "I''ve always been one not to hold a grudge, moreover, there''s no real ''enmity'' between us."


    "Being a scholar truly suits you, Brother, generous indeed."


    Content, Qin Xiong placed down the jug of wine, "I won''t disturb you any longer."


    "Good, Brother Qin, take care."


    After closing the door, Chen Sansi looked at the recurve bow hanging on the wall.


    Clear the account?


    When I was down and out, he took advantage and almost ruined my family; now that I''m not easy to bully, he wants to dismiss it lightly?


    Where on earth is it so easy!

 Chapter 9 Hunter

    At the dinner table.Sister Lan, elated by the joyful events, unprecedentedly helped herself to two chopsticks of rabbit meat.


    Paying all the taxes due and ridding themselves of the local tyrant, anyone would have been happy.


    "Brother Shi."


    She looked admiringly at her man, "That Mr. Qin must have heard of your abilities and didn''t dare to mess with us anymore; you are truly incredible."


    Being able to shoot even a wild boar, no wonder she always thought Brother Shi was exceptionally strong!


    After dinner, Gu Xinlan sat beside the bed waiting as usual; but unusually, he was late coming into the room.


    It was only when she lifted the curtain that she saw Chen Sansi sitting under the candlelight, intently flipping through a book.


    "Aren''t you going to rest early today?"


    Gu Xinlan was somewhat disappointed, but she quietly did not disturb him and went to sleep first.


    [Skill: Reading (entry-level)]


    [Progress: (120/300)]


    [Utility: Spirit refreshed, photographic memory]


    Chen Sansi gently closed the book, and after confirming that Sister Lan was soundly asleep, he tucked a kitchen knife at his waist, slung the longbow over his shoulder, and tiptoed out of the house, blending into the night.


    ¡­


    The brothel.


    "Sir, why not stay here for the night? Why bother going back?"


    "Scram scram scram, I still have things to take care of!"


    Qin Xiong pushed away the courtesan who was holding him back and staggered out of the brothel.


    The cost for overnighting was triple; he wasn''t foolish.


    The money at home shouldn''t be wasted, and he needed to save it as a gift for his younger brother.


    Since he was young, he had lost his parents and had raised his younger brother by selling pancakes. Once he made a name for himself, he managed to save enough money to send his younger brother to the best Martial Arts Academy in Po Yang County.


    But practicing martial arts was indeed very expensive.


    The enrollment fee, master''s tribute, and medical expenses were just the beginning. To receive the true teachings was yet another significant expense.


    The old folks at the county Martial Arts Hall would generally pass on their skills only to their own sons or direct disciples; outsiders couldn''t learn the real deal.


    His younger brother was no exception.


    He had been practicing martial arts for over three years and still couldn''t learn the complete cultivation techniques.


    Fortunately, his brother was close to the Young Master; that young man was a debauchee who favored beautiful women. Perhaps by sending some beautiful women his way, there might be a chance to acquire the true teachings.


    "Speaking of which, that Ms. Gu is really beautiful!"


    "Her looks, they just don''t seem like those of a village girl."


    "What a pity, such a pity!"


    Thinking about this, Qin Xiong felt aggrieved.


    He actually had to apologize to someone with the surname Chen.


    But this was only temporary.


    Once his younger brother could spare the time, what was a hunter considered anyway?


    No matter how skilled, could a hunter be more formidable than a martial artist?


    Given the chance, he could have his brother deal with Mr. Chen in the mountains; and even keep his family''s young lady for his own enjoyment!


    "Hahaha!"


    Thinking of the young lady''s buttocks, irresistibly round and plump, Qin Xiong laughed out loud.


    "Huh¡ª"


    A gust of cold wind swept by, sobering him significantly.


    Looking around, he realized that he had unwittingly walked out of the town, surrounded by pitch darkness, with only the occasional crow caw breaking the deep silence of the night.


    "Heh, my courage seems to be shrinking!"


    For some reason, today Qin Xiong felt a vague sense of unease, as if someone was following him.


    He scoffed at himself and was just about to head home when suddenly another gust of wind came from behind.


    This gust was very sharp and precise, directly hitting the back of his head with a chilling iciness.


    This "wind" penetrated through the back of his skull and exited through the top, as if a horn was sprouting from his forehead.


    Qin Xiong fell straight down, never stirring again.


    ¡­


    "Not satisfying at all!"


    Chen Sansi emerged from the distant woods and approached to examine the body.


    When people practiced martial arts, they fought with swords and hand-to-hand combat.


    He had just pulled the bowstring from afar, and everything was over, making even the carried kitchen knife redundant. The process was too quick, leaving Mr. Qin dying too swiftly.


    "Oh well, who makes me kind-hearted."


    Chen Sansi found about three fragments of silver on the body.


    "Just this little?"


    "This scoundrel has been plaguing the village, surely making at least a few dozen silver pieces a year, where has the money gone?"


    "Is practicing martial arts that expensive for his brother?"


    After pocketing the silver, he began to ponder how to dispose of the body.


    There were arrow wounds on the body; it definitely couldn''t be left here.


    Hunters were few and far between within tens of miles.


    Cutting off the head separately would cover him in blood, making it even more difficult to handle.


    "Just throw it in the mountains!"


    Chen Sansi hoisted the body.


    With the "Light as a Feather" skill, carrying a corpse did not slow him down at all.


    In just two hours, he arrived at Second Layer Mountain, threw the body in a secluded grove, and returned home to Yanbian Village before dawn.


    Lying down next to the sleeping Sister Lan, Chen Sansi took a long breath.


    "I guess I''ve removed a menace for my fellow villagers!"


    "Just not sure if his brother will come looking for me."


    "I need to start practicing martial arts soon!"


    He had no regrets.


    With Qin Xiong''s character, apologizing was only temporary, his brother, gaining influence, would definitely seek double compensation in the future. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Better to strike first rather than live in anxiety.


    ...


    The next morning, at dawn, the rooster crowed.


    Chen Sansi, as always, got up early to practice archery.


    After mastering archery, the speed of improvement drastically dropped.


    Because the bow was too light.


    He could now pull a one-stone bow; the Four-Force Bow was completely ineffective as a training tool.


    "Heavy bows are not easy to come by."


    "Even the Martial Arts Hall wouldn''t dare keep them privately, or it would be seen as plotting rebellion."


    "Besides needing a heavy bow, it''s time to schedule martial arts training."


    "..."


    Chen Sansi silently calculated his next steps in his mind, while on the other hand, Xin Lan called him to breakfast.


    "Clang clang clang¡ª"


    He sat down absentmindedly, just picking up a cornbread, when suddenly the village was filled with the sound of gongs and shouting.


    The government!


    Chen Sansi''s heart skipped a beat, but he quickly calmed down.


    "It can''t be because of Qin Xiong''s affair; he only died last night."


    "He''s not worth such a big fuss; there must be something else."


    Indeed.


    The people from the county government''s Patrol Office called everyone out and announced a major event.


    An assassin from the barbarian tribes had infiltrated Po Yang County and murdered the Po Yang County Magistrate.


    The whole village was in an uproar.


    The government''s people were here to search for the assassin''s whereabouts.


    After gathering all the villagers together, the Patrol Office began searching every house, and left grudgingly after half a day.


    "The County Magistrate has been killed."


    Xin Lan whispered, "I remember this County Magistrate had been transferred here less than two years ago. Seems like being an official isn''t easy."


    "Hmm."


    Chen Sansi watched the departing constables, feeling something was odd.


    Why would a barbarian warrior kill the County Magistrate?


    The forces guarding the border are from the garrison, not the county government. If they wanted to attack, they should target the skilled soldiers.


    "Forget it."


    "It''s none of my business."


    Chen Sansi shook his head, lamenting that the world was becoming increasingly chaotic, which spurred him even more to earn money.


    With money, he could enhance his personal strength and protect himself in these turbulent times.


    After hastily filling his stomach, he took his bow and arrows and went hunting in the mountains.

 Chapter 10 Difficulties in Martial Arts Practice

    No one caused trouble, and Chen Sansi was living a peaceful life.For five consecutive days, his life was a simple cycle: hunting in the mountains, selling game at the restaurant, and then going home to sleep.


    As for Qin Xiong...


    His body was gnawed to nothing but bones by wolves the day after he died, and Chen even took the opportunity to shoot a few of them.


    "A wild rabbit of six pounds, two pheasants weighing five pounds and three ounces, plus a fifty-pound roe deer..."


    Eight Treasures Restaurant.


    Chen Sansi, like a mission turn-in point in a game, habitually came here to sell game.


    Shopkeeper Liu Hongda clicked his abacus: "Exactly one tael of silver, keep it up!"


    A single tael of silver, if not for the expensive prices due to chaos and war, would be enough to sustain an ordinary family for a month.


    But he appeared very calm, considering he had recently earned a sum of seven taels at one time.


    Unfortunately, wild boars were not that easy to find.


    "If only I could go to North Mountain!"


    "Uncle Zhao and the others said that in the real deep mountains there''s a chance to find ''Exotic Beasts'', one could sell for upwards of ten taels or even an astronomical price!"


    "It''s a pity, without the backing of a powerful force..."


    North of Second Layer Mountain was completely dominated by martial artists; if a country hunter dared to venture there, they might be beaten and robbed of their game at best, or even lose their lives at worst¡ªit was very oppressive!


    "I still need to inquire about joining a Martial Arts Hall."


    Thinking so, Chen Sansi didn''t rush to leave.


    After waiting about half an hour, he saw Zhang Shun coming to sell fish, carrying his basket.


    When the topic of Martial Arts Halls came up, Shun began to curse: "Brother, don''t even bring it up! Those two had no intention of helping me, they just freeloaded food and drink, consuming a whole two taels of my silver, however..."


    He lowered his voice: "I didn''t let them off cheap either. Yesterday, with a trap, I splashed them both with golden juice, it was at least a bit satisfying!"


    "Do they know it was you who did it?"


    Chen Sansi was a bit worried.


    In recent times, commuting back and forth to the county town, he had also encountered many Martial Arts Academy Disciples who were arrogant and unreasonable, even those who beat up ordinary people on the street without cause.


    Shun''s way of getting back at them might bring trouble upon himself.


    In some matters, you either don''t do them at all or you must be ruthless in execution.


    "Don''t worry, they didn''t see me."


    Zhang Shun changed the subject: "By the way, Brother, aren''t you also planning to learn Martial Arts? Got any plans?"


    Chen Sansi shook his head: "What about you?"


    "Sigh, I''m worried too."


    Zhang Shun lamented: "Apart from the Four Great Martial Arts Schools, the rest of the Martial Arts Halls in the county town are not that cheaper either, and the worst part is having to do strenuous labor for two years before you even start learning the real skills. Without three or five years, it''s impossible to learn anything substantial.


    "But what can we do? I''m going to try out at a Martial Arts Hall with a better reputation after all."


    It was consistent with what Chen Sansi had learned.


    In this world, it''s not easy to change one''s fate through scholarship, and it''s even harder through Martial Arts.


    In a nutshell, ordinary folks, don''t expect to live a good life!


    Working his hands to the bone in a lousy Martial Arts Hall for three to five years was out of the question.


    Apart from the Martial Arts Halls, there was actually another place to learn Martial Arts...


    The garrison!


    But as a military household, he would have to go to battle and face the enemy, especially now with the current state of turmoil and war.


    Let''s go ask around first.


    After saying goodbye to Shun, Chen Sansi went to the market to seek out Old Xu.


    When Old Xu heard his question, he couldn''t help but chuckle: "How much silver does it take to become a military household?


    "Little Stone, have you lost your mind? You don''t need a single coin to become a military household; instead, they''d have to pay you!


    "The garrison does want to recruit people, but how many are willing to go?"


    The Great Sheng Dynasty had a history of over three hundred and fifty years.


    After the Grand Ancestor founded the nation, he implemented the garrison and commandery system.


    In essence, it was a system of military colony farming.


    Seven parts farming, three parts military readiness.


    At the beginning of the dynasty, Great Sheng had as many as three million military households, and they could be self-sufficient.


    The Grand Ancestor once said, "The soldiers of Great Sheng need not consume a single grain of rice from the people.".


    "Such an astonishing coincidence?"


    Chen Sansi couldn''t help but recall a figure from his past life who started his empire with nothing but a bowl and carved out his own territory through sheer ruthlessness.


    Like the Great Ming, the garrison system of Great Sheng deteriorated over time and was on the verge of collapse.


    Fifty years ago, the Chief Minister had implemented reforms, which just barely extended the life of the regime until now.


    But listening to Old Xu''s tone, it seemed that the reforms were not very thorough, only managing to maintain appearances while the reality was still on the verge of collapse.


    "Three hundred and fifty years is actually quite a feat."


    "After all, the Great Ming only lasted for less than three hundred years."


    "Why could the Great Sheng Dynasty outlast the Great Ming by seventy years, was it because there were no foreign-educated Emperors?"


    "Or was it because this world had martial artists who relied on military force to suppress and extend their lifespan?"


    "..."


    Old Xu said, "Little Shanshi, do you want to practice martial arts?"


    Chen Sansi nodded in agreement.


    "If you just want to strengthen your body, the Martial Arts Halls in Po Yang County town can satisfy you, but if you truly want to achieve mastery in martial arts, they are not enough.


    "Either join a major school at the state level;


    "Or enlist in the military."


    "But in all the land under heaven, is there a school bigger and stronger than the court?"


    Old Xu said earnestly, "Child, think it over carefully, if you really want to enlist, your uncle can get you in.


    "But why join the military in these chaotic times?


    "I''m speaking the sincere truth as an old man, just living a stable life as a commoner is quite good.


    "Like that silly son of mine, always dreaming of making a name for himself, not realizing if he has the fate for it, sigh~"


    "Thank you for the advice, uncle."


    Chen Sansi bowed his hands in thanks and took his leave.


    This matter, indeed, required serious thought.


    His mind heavy with thoughts, he walked home.


    Before he even reached the entrance of the village, he heard loud and noisy arguments coming from inside.


    A young man in a dark cyan robe with a sword at his waist was leading four or five people in the village, stopping everyone they met and asking questions, as if they were looking for someone.


    With Chen Sansi''s hearing, he could make out the conversation from a distance, but he didn''t hide, walking openly past them and, as expected, was stopped.


    "Brother, please wait."


    The leading young man, dignified and polite in his speech, but his gaze bearing a hint of disdain, asked, "Have you seen my elder brother Qin Xiong?"


    "Brother Qin?"


    Chen Sansi responded naturally, "I saw him a few days ago, what about him?"


    Qin Feng said coldly, "Five days ago, my elder brother disappeared without a trace, and there has been no word of him since."


    "Disappeared? Impossible!"


    Chen Sansi was quite surprised, "Brother Qin was fine, how could he disappear?"


    Qin Feng shook his head, "If there is any news, please inform us."


    "Hiss..."


    Chen Sansi stroked his chin, "A few days ago, barbarians infiltrated Po Yang County and killed the County Magistrate, I wonder if it has anything to do with this?"


    Qin Feng paid him no further attention and turned to question the next person.


    ''I wonder how well this younger brother of Qin Xiong has learned martial arts.''


    ''The few disciples around him are calling him ''Senior Brother''; seems like he holds a high status.''


    ''If I attacked by surprise, could I kill him with one arrow?''


    ''I really need to learn martial arts!''


    As Chen Sansi pushed open the door to his home, he did not smell the familiar fragrance of cooking.


    "Sister Lan hasn''t come back yet?" sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "That''s not right."


    It wasn''t until half an hour later that hurried footsteps sounded outside the door.


    "Brother Shi!"


    "What''s happened?" Chen Sansi asked.


    "Tax officials, collecting taxes..."


    Gu Xinlan leaned against the door frame, panting for breath, barely able to speak.


    Chen Sansi remembered that today was the last deadline for tax payment.


    In previous years at this time, the tax officials would bring government office workers to tally up, and those who couldn''t pay the taxes would be taken away for hard labor.


    "Don''t panic, speak slowly."


    Gu Xinlan said haltingly, "Aunt Li... Brother Shi, you should go and see, Aunt Li''s family can''t pay the taxes and are about to be taken away!"

 Chapter 11 Tranquility Is a Luxury

    "I ask you one last time, will you pay the tax or not?!"The tax collector squinted his eyes, looking impatiently at the family of three before him.


    Zhang Shun said with righteous indignation, "Sir, our family paid the autumn tax ten days ago!"


    The tax collector held up the register in his hand, snorted coldly, "If you paid, then why isn''t your family''s name written here?"


    "Impossible!"


    Zhang Shun shouted, "I saw with my own eyes as you wrote it, you''re trying to deliberately collect the tax from my family twice!"


    "Slandering!"


    The tax collector slapped his whip down, knocking the young man to the ground, "Why don''t I collect double from other families but only from yours?!"


    A bloody gash appeared instantly on Zhang Shun''s face.


    He gritted his teeth, attempting to argue, but Aunt Li hastily stopped him, putting on a smile, "Shun, keep your mouth shut, if the official says we didn''t pay, then we didn''t pay."


    The child was young and unaware of the tax collector''s ferocity.


    There''s a saying, "Fear not the official, but the one who enforces," don''t look at the tax collector as just a minor official, sometimes he''s more terrifying than the County Magistrate!


    "Sir, please wait, I''ll go back home and get the money to make up for it!"


    Aunt Li had no idea when they had offended the tax collector, planning to deal with the current problem before anything else.


    She hurriedly went to retrieve the money.


    Soon after, a desperate scream echoed from the house.


    "Oh heavens!"


    "Where''s the money¡ª¡ª"


    The thirteen taels of silver hidden under their water jar had vanished without a trace!


    Hearing the commotion, Mr. Zhang with a lame leg stumbled in, and after seeing the empty hiding spot, he fell to the ground, "Thief, there''s been a thief!"


    The tax collector lost his patience, whipping Mr. Zhang twice in the back, "Are you playing me for a fool here?!"


    "Sir!"


    Mr. Zhang grimaced in pain, "The silver was right here, there were thirteen taels, thirteen taels!"


    The tax collector scoffed, "I could also say I have three-thousand taels of gold in my house, if you have no money, just confess your crime honestly!"


    "Father¡ª¡ª"


    Zhang Shun, seeing his father beaten, rushed forward in a panic, only to be knocked down by a whip, his face covered in fresh blood.


    He lay on the ground, not understanding what was happening.


    Only when he saw two figures in white robes in the crowd giving him a triumphant smile did he have a sudden realization.


    "You, it was you!"


    Zhang Shun staggered to his feet and charged at the two disciples, "Give me back my silver!"


    "Go to hell!"


    The slightly overweight disciple kicked the young man down, "Where''s the proof?!"


    Zhang Shun could no longer contain his anger, "You''re in cahoots with the tax collector!"


    "Slandering."


    Hearing this, the tax collector raised his hand and delivered several more whip lashes, beating the young man until his skin was torn and flesh exposed.


    "Damn troublemaker!


    "Like a rabid dog, barking at everyone, take him away!


    "The old fool to Cangzhou to repair the city wall, the youngster to Hezhou to repair the riverbank!"


    The onlooking villagers were silent as cicadas in cold weather.


    Seeing this, almost everyone understood what was happening, but nobody dared to say anything.


    Officials, martial artists, neither were people ordinary folks dared to offend.


    If the lords wanted you dead, you had to die.


    Zhang Shun was covered in blood and dirt, screaming in extreme frustration.


    He had toiled from dawn to dusk catching fish, saving up for four whole years to learn a few moves, just to have an easier life in the future, how did it come to this?


    Was it because he hadn''t worked hard enough?


    "Shun!"


    A powerful voice rang out. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Shanshi squeezed through the crowd.


    He saw the two Martial Arts Academy disciples and quickly guessed most of the story.


    Shun''s act of splashing the golden liquid had offended them, so they sought revenge by bribing the tax collector to tax them twice and then stealing the silver, aiming to directly cause the death of Shun''s family.


    Thinking it over, Chen Shanshi himself felt a chill.


    If Qin Xiong was willing to spend silver on bribes, he might very well have ended up with the same fate as them.


    He stepped forward, "Sir, may I pay the tax on their behalf?"


    "Brother Shi?"


    On hearing this, Zhang Shun felt so ashamed he couldn''t lift his head,


    He hadn''t insisted on taking out the silver to help Brother Shi before, how could he have the nerve to let Brother Shi help him now?


    Aunt Li and her husband felt the same shame, wishing they could just crawl into a hole and hide.


    Not just them, the watching villagers were also taken aback.


    "Hmm?"


    The tax collector''s face darkened, "Boy, are you sure you want to meddle in this affair?"


    "I dare not interfere with the official''s duties."


    Chen Sansi pulled the tax collector to a corner and pointed to Mr. Zhang, whispering, "But this cripple, how could he handle the work? He''s likely to die on the way, and that would just be a waste of food."


    The tax collector raised his eyebrows, "You mean to say¡­"


    Chen Sansi quietly slipped two taels of silver into his hand, "Sir, let''s forget about the cripple. As for Zhang Shun, he was disrespectful to you, so he deserves to do hard labor."


    That was all he could do.


    Clearly, the tax collector had come for Zhang Shun; Mr. Zhang was merely collateral damage.


    If Chen Sansi tried to intervene, it would not only fail to alter the outcome but would also draw disaster upon himself.


    While he was speaking, the two Martial Arts Academy Disciples were staring at him intently from within the crowd.


    Better to save one if he could not save both.


    After all, Zhang Shun was young; there was at least a 20% chance he would survive the conscription labor.


    "Hehe, you sure know how to handle things, kid."


    The tax collector was amused.


    He took the money to teach Zhang Shun a lesson; the old man was essentially dispensable. Two extra taels of silver? Why not?


    Thinking this way, he discreetly accepted the silver and announced, "The head of the Zhang family has made up his tax payment. Let him go, and take the young one away to be dispatched to Hezhou!"


    The decision was final.


    Those present mostly understood what had transpired.


    "Little Stone, that move was clever. He didn''t offend anyone and managed to save Old Zhang''s father."


    "This kid really values loyalty and friendship."


    "Such a pity he stopped his schooling; he would have made a good official if he''d pursued it."


    "Little Stone, I, Lai Zi, am truly convinced by you this time!"


    The villagers whispered among themselves, expressing their admiration for Chen Sansi''s actions.


    "Shunzi."


    Chen Sansi walked over to the thin and dark young man, gently patting him on the shoulder, "I did my best."


    "Brother!"


    Zhang Shun knelt down with a "thud," "You saved my life and now my father''s life. If I can make it back alive, I will be forever in your debt and work like an ox or horse to repay you!"


    He knocked his forehead to the ground three times, making a loud sound each time.


    "What the hell, putting on a grand play? Cut the crap and get moving!"


    The government office constables took Zhang Shun away, while the tax collector continued to tally the next household.


    Aunt Li watching her son being taken away, collapsed crying and lost consciousness, and Mr. Zhang sat numbly on the ground.


    Scenes like this, on the last day of the autumn tax collection, continued to play out.


    In Po Yang County, at least one-tenth of the male population would be taken away.


    Most of them were farmers.


    After three hundred years of land consolidation, more than ninety percent of the land in and around Po Yang County had become the property of the rich people and the Martial Arts Halls.


    The farmers were essentially tenants.


    Each year, they had to give half of their harvest as rent, and the remainder was taxed so heavily that they barely had enough to feed themselves.


    "Spare me, sir!"


    "For several years the harvest has been poor, and we are required to plant ten percent ''Spiritual Grain'' on every acre; we simply cannot survive this way."


    "Stop your nonsense; take them away, take them away!"


    "..."


    The Great Sheng Dynasty''s taxation was multifaceted and intricate.


    The most bizarre was the "Immortal Tax."


    Fifty years ago, in the twenty-first year of Longqing, Emperor Longqing had a dream. He claimed to have met an Immortal in the dream, who gave him some seeds and proclaimed that these could grow Immortal Herbs. These Immortal Herbs, when offered to the Immortals, could ensure the empire''s prosperity for thousands of generations.


    Consequently, from the twenty-second year of Longqing, the Emperor decreed:


    All cultivated land in the country must allocate ten percent to the planting of "Spiritual Grain," and those without cultivated land were required to pay the equivalent in silver tax.


    The problem was, this "Spiritual Grain" was not some mysterious Immortal plant; it was inedible and even poisonous¡ªdeadly poisonous!


    Anyone who consumed it would die instantly!


    This effectively wasted land resources, making life even more difficult for the already struggling tenant farmers.


    Chen Sansi stood by the field ridge; within half an hour, he saw at least three or four households that had their men taken away, not even sparing men as old as seventy.


    Such suffering!


    The people were suffering!


    They were oppressed materially, which was bad enough; but the mental oppression was even heavier. Officials and Martial Arts Academy Disciples were considered masters; who would dare provoke them?


    Just like what happened earlier when Chen Sansi saved someone.


    The look in the eyes of the two Martial Arts Academy Disciples was something he would never forget for the rest of his life.


    It seemed like a single wrong word could lead to his undoing.


    The feeling was truly unbearable.


    Just because he was a commoner, he was oppressed and exploited in every way, living his life with utmost caution.


    He suddenly made up his mind.


    Uncle Xu was wrong in what he said.


    In such an era, living peacefully was a luxury far beyond the reach of the common people.


    Only by fighting vigorously might they have the chance to turn their lives around!


    "Tomorrow, I will enlist in the army!"

 Chapter 12 Joining the Military

    "Brother Shi, are you really going to enlist in the army?"On the couch.


    Chen Sansi and Gu Xinlan snuggled together.


    "Is it because of what happened to Shunzi''s family?"


    "Yes, but not entirely."


    This was just one of the things that stimulated Chen Sansi.


    He thought of Qin Feng.


    He had killed Qin Xiong, and although he left no evidence, who knew if his brother would suspect him? What if he used the same methods, how would he respond then?


    What''s more, what if the other party didn''t care about evidence and wanted to assassinate him anyway?


    He didn''t even know the various levels of prowess among martial artists; could he really protect his little household with just a bow?


    As for peace and stability?


    It ceased to exist the moment he was transported here and targeted by Qin Xiong.


    He would be persecuted sooner or later without taking the initiative.


    Enlisting in the army.


    Not only could he learn martial arts, but he would also have a chance to gain status.


    Moving up in every aspect was the only correct way to seek security in a chaotic world.


    Chen Sansi spoke softly, "What, you don''t want me to go?"


    "You are the head of the family, it''s up to you to decide what to do. I''m just afraid something might happen to you..."


    Gu Xinlan said she had no objections, but her tone was filled with hidden resentment, and her almond-shaped eyes became moist, clearly worried about being left alone.


    "Don''t scare me with your doom and gloom, or I''ll have to shut you up!"


    "No, don''t, mmm..."


    After two hours of intense discussion, the couple reached a consensus.


    Chen Sansi didn''t rush to sleep but picked up a book to read.


    Unknowingly, he became absorbed, and his proficiency steadily increased.


    Upon reaching a certain point, he had an epiphany, finding the words on the page simple and easy to understand. Things that he previously couldn''t grasp were now clear.


    [Skill: Reading (Expert)]


    [Progress: (0/800)]


    [Utility: Witty and Clever, Spirit Refreshed, Photographic Memory]


    Witty and Clever?


    Unlike archery, which directly strengthened the body, the changes brought by reading couldn''t be directly observed and required heartfelt experience.


    Chen Sansi''s most direct feeling was that he could easily comprehend what he read and retain it in his memory.


    "This should be very helpful for my martial arts practice."


    "But why has the requirement for advancement increased so much?"


    "Moreover, the improvements this book brings me are getting slower. It looks like I need to read different books."


    "It''s the same with archery."


    "Only the army has heavy bows." sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Enlisting is imperative!"


    Closing the book, he too fell into a deep sleep.


    ...


    The next day.


    The sun rose as usual.


    Chen Sansi carried cured meat and food into the city.


    "Is the county under martial law?"


    From a distance, he saw armored soldiers at the city gate scrutinizing people entering and leaving. He inquired and learned that the barbarian martial artist who had attempted the assassination of the County Magistrate not only evaded capture but had returned and killed the master of the Yunhe Martial Arts Hall in the south of the city.


    "What a ruthless man!"


    Chen Sansi was filled with emotion.


    After a search and interrogation, he smoothly made his way to the market and found Old Xu.


    "Since you''ve made up your mind, come with me."


    Old Xu didn''t stand on ceremony; he took the items and led out a donkey cart, taking him out of the city: "I''ll take you to meet my son."


    The Dasheng military households were hereditary.


    If your father was part of a military household, then your family, generation after generation, would be military households.


    The father would serve until he was replaced by his son, and even if there were no sons, other male relatives from the clan would take over to maintain the number of troops.


    According to Old Xu, the military household registrations were numbered, and during the height of prosperity it was rare to recruit outsiders; now they wanted to recruit people, but it was very difficult to find any.


    In the early stages of the nation''s founding, the treatment of military households was quite good: they were issued grain pay based on the number of people in the household, they could learn martial arts for free, and they were even given winter clothes. The living standards were generally above those of the middle-class farmers.


    But gradually, everything started to change.


    The amount of military land somehow kept decreasing, and the soldiers'' labor grew heavier and heavier.


    Old Xu said that when he first enlisted, the situation was at its worse.


    Many military households could barely afford to eat with just their grain pay and had to work as tenant farmers for nearby gentry or martial arts halls, and some nearly became house slaves.


    With no other options, many military households simply ran away.


    For a time, in the entire Liangzhou Guard, the number of deserters reached a staggering half!


    It wasn''t until the Chief Minister Yan Liang took office later on, spending ten years of hard work to save the situation, that he managed to keep the garrison system from collapsing to this day, though the combat strength had become very weak.


    On paper, Liangzhou''s frontier had twenty-nine guards and over 160,000 military household soldiers, but if there were actually over 100,000, it would be considered good...


    The real main force guarding the Great Wall was under the Commander''s Eight Northern Camps, the elite troops that deterred the barbarian tribes.


    The Eight Camps had generous treatment but only admitted the elite; you had to make a name for yourself in the garrison before you got a chance to join the Northern Camps.


    As the two chatted, they unknowingly left Po Yang County city.


    West of Po Yang County city lies the Hutou Mountain Range, and to the north lies the frontier Great Wall.


    Between the county city and the frontier Great Wall was where the army resided.


    The garrisons stationed there were not the vast fields of tents seen on TV, but a number of villages built for living.


    If there''s no war, the soldiers would live ordinary lives, farming at sunrise and returning home at sunset.


    The military camps between the villages served as command centers and training grounds.


    "Although Po Yang County is a frontier, due to the presence of the Longhu Mountain Range making troop movement difficult, it usually does not need to directly face large forces of barbarian tribes; often it''s just small bands of cavalry, which is relatively safer," Old Xu explained.


    "Hmm¡ª"


    Old Xu stopped the donkey cart outside the military camp and signaled for the young man to follow him in.


    "You want to enlist?"


    Old Xu had a son later in life; his son was not very old, probably not yet thirty, with a short beard and an air of vibrant energy.


    Learning that his father''s acquaintance''s son had come, he didn''t ask any further and helped with the registration into the rolls.


    "Military households are exempt from the grain tax every year."


    "If it''s just you, your monthly pay is four coins of silver, seven for those with a wife, and one tael of silver for families of five or more."


    "My dad says you can hunt?"


    Old Xu interjected: "Little Shi is quite exceptional; in the villages for dozens of miles outside Po Yang County, everyone knows he''s a skilled hunter!"


    Xu Bin nodded: "If you can''t become a military soldier later, you don''t need to go to the Array Soldier, you can be an archer, with a monthly pay of one tael and five coins of silver."


    They proceeded to the military camp for registration and reporting in the army record book, where he also received an old set of armor, a red hat, and a secret skill book.


    On the yellowed thread-bound book cover, it read "Basic Spear Technique for Soldiers" in six big characters.


    After receiving his items, from this moment on, Chen Sansi was a soldier of the Great Sheng Dynasty''s frontier.


    The full name of his unit was the "An Ding Prefecture''s Po Yang Left Army Thousand Households'' Frontier Defense Unit."


    "Lately, they''ve managed to enlist a few people," he said.


    "Tomorrow, you''ll formally report to the camp. The hundred-household officer will speak at the Martial Arts Arena and teach you martial arts skills."


    "Remember to prepare well. Your performance when you first enlist will determine your future in the army."


    "Once you become an Array Soldier, you''ll never have another chance to advance."

 Chapter 13 Military Soldier, Array Soldier

    "This basic skill book, take a good look at it when you get back, and it''s best if you can memorize it beforehand, it will help with the assessment," Xu Bin emphasized, then, ready to leave, he rested his hand on the knife at his waist.Old Man Xu chuckled, "Bin, why not teach little Shi a thing or two in advance, so he''s better prepared?"


    Xu Bin''s brow furrowed slightly, glanced at Chen Sansi, and said coldly, "I still have matters to attend to."


    "You boy, we are all from the same village, what''s wrong with helping out?"


    Old Man Xu pointed at his son, ready to scold him.


    "Uncle Xu, Brother Bin surely has military duties to tend to, there''s no need to trouble him,"


    Chen Sansi knew well.


    He and Xu Bin weren''t close at all, getting a few tips was already quite generous, how could he dare ask for more?


    "Humph!"


    On the donkey cart back to Po Yang County, Old Man Xu said grumpily, "Little Shi, don''t be like my foolish son, thinking himself a big shot just because he''s a small flag, always looking down on people!


    "If he won''t talk, I will!


    "The first three realms of Martial Arts are Blood Refining, Bone Training, and Refining Internal.


    "Minor success in Blood Refining qualifies one as small flag, great success as flag leader, Bone Training qualifies one for Hundreds Commander, and Refining Internal for Households Commander.


    "Of course, these are just the rough correspondences of realms to military ranks, the actual situation may be more complicated."


    As the rickety donkey cart traveled, Chen Sansi asked earnestly, "What did Brother Bin mean by military soldier and array soldier earlier?"


    Old Man Xu explained patiently,


    "Be it sects or Martial Arts Halls, there are qualifications required for disciples, and the army is no exception.


    "Generally, there is an assessment after you join the military.


    "If you pass the assessment, you can become a ''military soldier,'' if not, you will only be an ''array soldier.''


    "A military soldier can further practice Martial Arts, receive resources, and retains the qualification for military promotion.


    "An array soldier, due to limited talent, cannot cultivate Martial Arts, they train collectively in battle formations, and lack the qualifications for promotion.


    "Archers, cavalry, they are all types of array soldiers, but with slightly better treatment."


    "Heh, I myself have poor root bone, I''m just an array soldier!"


    Chen Sansi nodded thoughtfully, understanding the implication.


    The status of a military soldier was akin to that of a university graduate from a military academy in his past life, with potential for upward mobility, whereas a big head soldier, could only ever be a big soldier.


    "I''ve told you everything I know,"


    Old Man Xu said somewhat awkwardly, "As for the Cultivation Techniques, I never quite grasped them in my youth, better not mislead the younger generation; you should study it carefully when you get back."


    Outside Po Yang County town, the two parted ways.


    Chen Sansi quietly contemplated.


    I definitely must become a military soldier, otherwise wouldn''t my enlistment be in vain?


    And I wonder about my talent for Martial Arts!


    Back home, the meal had already been prepared.


    With the household''s improved circumstances, they basically had white rice, salted duck eggs, and often meat with every meal.


    Gu Xinlan no longer went out to work as a female worker, now she was a full-time housewife at home.


    At the dinner table, she brought up Qin Xiong with surprise, "Brother Shi, did you know that Mister Qin has disappeared?


    "His brother has been frantically searching for him lately, nearly out of his mind.


    "Zhao San, who used to have conflicts with him, had an arm chopped off in the street, they say the blood was everywhere, it was terrifying."


    Zhao San was also a notorious thug, but he didn''t operate in their area.


    "Luckily, people in the village know that we''ve reconciled with the Qin Family, otherwise they''d definitely come knocking."


    An arm chopped off in public?


    Martial Arts Academy Disciples, truly arrogant.


    Luckily, Chen Sansi now had the identity of a military household, even if Qin Xiong''s brother suspected him, he wouldn''t dare to act violently in public, at most he would strike covertly. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    However, he also needed to quickly enhance his own strengths.


    After dinner, Chen Sansi couldn''t wait to arrive at the empty space behind the house, and started reviewing "Basic Spear Technique of Array Soldier" under the moonlight.


    Though called a spear technique, the content inside was actually about Pile Work, without any relation to weapons.


    Each page of the book depicted lifelike images, representing a Pile Work posture, with several lines of small text below that detailed precautions and cultivation experiences.


    His photographic memory finally came in handy, as, spending only around fifteen minutes, he firmly remembered thirty-six Pile Work postures and began to practice.


    Chen Sansi followed the drawings in the booklet, naturally pointing his toes forward, chest recessed and back pulled up, shoulders sunk and elbows drooping freely, top of his head pressing up as if supporting something, ensuring he did not let it fall, maintaining the standard of the posture.


    The movements seemed simple, but when he actually began practicing, he realized they were not as they appeared on the surface.


    Following the movements depicted, just after a few breaths, Chen Sansi felt his body changing.


    Starting from the soles of his feet, to his calves, and then to his torso and arms, his whole body began to heat up, as if the Pile Work was some kind of activator, opening up some mechanism in the human body.


    In this state, Chen Sansi''s physical and mental energy rapidly depleted, and he was drenched in sweat within just half an hour.


    Having mastered archery and significantly enhanced his physical condition, he was definitely among the best of those who had never practiced Martial Arts. Even so, he began to feel exhausted after training in the fifth Pile Work.


    He clenched his teeth and persisted until he had mastered exactly ten Pile Works, then finally couldn''t hold on any longer and sat down on the ground, his face turning pale.


    "Thanks to the improvement in my physique from mastering archery, otherwise I definitely couldn''t have lasted till the tenth Pile Work!"


    "Just don''t know if compared to others, is my speed considered fast or slow?"


    After finishing the training, Chen Sansi''s first feeling was hunger, the kind that made him dizzy.


    "Brother Shi, I''ve made some food, would you like to eat something?"


    A gentle female voice reached his ears.


    Chen Sansi then realized Gu Xinlan had not rested and had been waiting for him all this time, and even prepared supper.


    Without a second word, he rushed into the house and devoured the food wolfishly, swallowing five rolls of white bread and a bowl of rice mixed with pork fat, yet he still felt somewhat unsatisfied.


    Indeed, practicing Martial Arts consumes a lot of energy!


    After eating, Chen Sansi watching Sister Lan tidying up the dishes, didn''t even feel the slightest romantic inclination anymore, just pure exhaustion!


    Felt like eating meat was necessary.


    Even though his family''s conditions had improved, they weren''t lavish enough to eat meat at every meal.


    Looks like I need to be more generous to myself, can''t just focus on saving silver.


    Exhausted, Chen Sansi lay in bed while Sister Lan massaged and relaxed his body, and soon he fell into a deep sleep.


    The next morning, they hadn''t even gotten out of bed when they heard Qin Feng had come to the village early in the morning to find his brother, clearly in worse temperament than before, obviously quite anxious.


    Chen Sansi paid no heed and went to report at the military camp after breakfast.


    ...


    "Where is my elder brother?!"


    Qin Feng gathered all the local bullies who had previously worked under his brother''s command and questioned them one by one.


    "Brother, we really don''t know!"


    A sharp-faced bully said, "We last saw our boss seven nights ago.


    "After dinner, he said he was going to the county town to have some fun and didn''t take us with him, and then we never saw him again¡­"


    Another bully cautiously mentioned, "Brother, that night was exactly when the County Magistrate was assassinated, do you think it could be the barbarians¡­"


    "Impossible!"


    Qin Feng stated with certainty: "Those barbarians on this trip, would definitely not kill civilians indiscriminately!"


    He seemed to realize he misspoke, paused, then corrected himself, "I mean, murdering people would only expose more traces!"


    "Brother."


    The bullies looked helpless: "We even asked Zhao San, but beyond him, we really can''t think of anyone else daring enough to harm our boss."


    Qin Xiong had many enemies.


    But mostly they were vulnerable individuals like widows and orphans, who would dare to provoke him?


    "I do know one person!"


    The skinny bully spoke up: "That scholar from the Chen Family had some disputes with the boss before."


    "The Chen Family?"


    "Yes, the guy from Yanbian Village who is the best at hunting!"

 Chapter 14 Flag Officer and Selected Point

    Po Yang County Left Army Thousand Households.Military Camp.


    "Brother Bin!"


    Chen Sansi reported on time.


    Xu Bin held his sword by the waist, his brow slightly furrowed at the affectionate address "Brother," "In the camp, address by rank henceforth."


    "Okay, Xu Flag Officer!"


    Chen Sansi was indifferent.


    "Hmm."


    Only then did Xu Bin nod in satisfaction, his face still expressionless, "Go change into your armor, then assemble at the Martial Arts Arena. The Lord Hundred Households will teach you martial arts."


    "Okay."


    Chen Sansi casually found a corner and started to change into the armor he had previously been issued.


    Though called armor, its main body was actually cotton, but with armor pieces affixed to the surface.


    This armor was referred to as either cloth armor or Dark Armor.


    As for the real armor, like those seen in TV dramas, only military officers were allowed to wear them.


    The assembly horn sounded.


    Chen Sansi had just changed.


    Arriving at the Martial Arts Arena, a wide, flat, yellow-mud ground had already gathered about thirty or so people, scattered around, some spirited, some listless, some tall and robust, others thin as rails.


    About half of them were locals, the rest didn''t seem to be from Po Yang County.


    "Line up, line up."


    A soldier came to direct everyone to form lines.


    Following that, a fat man with a goatee beard took the lead, flanked by two officers, strolling out one foot after the other.


    Raising his voice, he introduced himself, "My surname is Wang, first name Zhi. You can call me Hundred Households Wang.


    I am responsible for teaching you the basic martial arts of the border army.


    The Pile Work was distributed yesterday, you should all have received it. After Pile Work, there''s spear technique. Combining the two for practice constitutes the complete basic spear technique for military soldiers.


    Today, I will personally demonstrate it to you.


    The chubby Hundred Households readied his posture, his bulky body as stable as Mount Tai, performing the Pile Work as smoothly as flowing clouds, without a single deviation.


    "Next is the spear technique."


    He reached out, catching an iron plum blossom short spear thrown by an adjacent officer.


    The spear, about 2.5 meters in length and not exceeding three meters, was still considered a short spear.


    The previously steadfast Hundred Households Wang, upon receiving the plum blossom spear, suddenly became very agile, his iron spear thrusting out like a storm, the sound of tearing air echoing throughout the Martial Arts Arena.


    Leaving everyone stunned, it was their first time witnessing true Martial Arts.


    Before they could recover, a set of spear techniques coordinated with Pile Work was already demonstrated.


    "That''s it?"


    The crowd looked at Hundred Households Wang, who had tossed aside the iron spear, clearly not intending to explain further.


    That quick, who could see clearly?


    Wang Zhi ignored the murmurs below, cleared his throat, and spoke sternly:


    "Let me talk about the assessment standards for the new soldiers.


    "Three days Pile Work, seven days spear technique, those who can fluently execute spear techniques combined with Pile Work within ten days will become military soldiers; the rest will be Array Soldiers.


    "For military soldiers, pay starts at three taels per month, with supplemental medicine provided every seven days. Based on Cultivation or meritorious deeds, one can be promoted to officer.


    "Moreover.


    "Among you, anyone who can first cultivate the first strand of Qi-Blood will be directly promoted to flag officer, plus eligibility for next year''s Selected Point."


    Direct promotion to flag officer!


    Hearing this, everyone was interested.


    Who wouldn''t want to be an officer right away?


    Regarding the subsequent "Selected Point" eligibility, very few understood it.


    The Hundred Households on stage didn''t seem inclined to explain either.


    Finally, a lean man with a goatee from the crowd dragged out his words and started explaining:


    "This Selected Point means selecting the elite! Three years ago, after the Lord Governor took charge of the entire Northern Territory, he started selecting elite from each garrison. Those who succeed in Selected Point could directly enter the Heavenly Strategy Camp and become direct disciples of Supervisor Sun~"


    "Tsk! I thought it would be a huge promotion and great wealth."


    "Exactly, who doesn''t know that confronting barbarians in the Eight Camps requires risking one''s life daily? I''m not going."


    Some were greatly disappointed.


    "You know nothing!"


    "If you want to go far in Martial Arts, you need the guidance of a powerful figure like Supervisor Sun and the resources of the Eight Camps."


    "Right, where are there shortcuts to success without risking your life?"


    "¡­"


    Another group argued.


    "Enough, I''ve taught all I''m going to teach."


    Hundred Households Wang interrupted them, quite impatiently, "Next, you practise on your own.


    "For specific tips on Pile Work and spear technique, if there are things you don''t understand, go ask a flag officer, ha¡ª"


    Fishing his statement, he yawned, massaging his shoulders and scratching his back as he left.


    "That''s it?"


    "What was just taught?"


    Everyone looked at each other in dismay. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The entire teaching process had not exceeded twenty minutes, without even a detailed explanation or slow-motion demonstration, who the hell could learn it?


    The pile work, they could somehow manage, they each had a manual and could mimic like drawing a gourd from a model.


    But what about spear technique?


    No one could remember it.


    Someone went to ask the small flag for advice.


    Only then did they find out it cost money.


    To demonstrate once was thirty coins, to teach hands-on was fifty coins.


    The prices were marked clearly, honest to all ages.


    Hearing it cost money immediately deterred most people.


    If they had money back home, enough to eat well, who would join the army?


    Of course, there were also a few ambitious ones who wanted to make it as military soldiers, willing to pay to start learning from each action of pile work.


    Watching the absurd scene unfold, Chen Sansi was rather speechless.


    This was the damn military!


    This could be used to make money?


    No wonder the garrison was increasingly corrupt, its combat effectiveness ever declining.


    He couldn''t help but shake his head.


    Luckily, Chen Sansi had a photographic memory; he didn''t need someone else to explain.


    He took a deep breath, positioned his stance firmly, and the familiar burning sensation returned.


    Each movement previously demonstrated by Hundred Households Wang had been firmly imprinted in his memory. Now, he checked for any missed or incorrect movements.


    After confirming there were no mistakes, he began practicing the new movements.


    In less than half an hour, about half of the thirty or so people on the Martial Arts Arena had fallen, the strain of pile work being too much for most to handle.


    However, quite a few were still persevering.


    Chen Sansi keenly observed this.


    A boy younger than him was only slightly slower in practicing pile work, and his breathing rate was different from the others while practicing, seemingly having some special techniques.


    Upon closer inspection, it seemed extremely similar to what Hundred Households Wang had demonstrated.


    Initially, he thought the prolonged aura of the household officer was a trait of a martial artist, but now it seemed likely to be part of a cultivation technique.


    "Are we practicing a compromised version?"


    "What do you mean?"


    Chen Sansi looked at the flag officers waiting to collect money next to the Martial Arts Arena, how could he not understand?


    The breathing skill was most likely also going to cost money ¡­


    "Truly plucking feathers from crossing geese!"


    "But according to Uncle Xu, it''s already easier to learn something in the army compared to the Martial Arts Halls."


    "Let''s master pile work first."


    He was confident about becoming a military soldier, though he might not immediately advance to flag officer to qualify for Selected Point, he also had no full guarantee.


    Keep working hard!


    ¡ª


    Not far away.


    Inside the tent.


    Four or five military officers were gathered around a table, eating and drinking.


    In the midst of enjoying themselves, the tent was abruptly flung open.


    A high-ranking military officer clad in Lock Armor strode in.


    The officers immediately put down their food and drink, standing up all at once, greeting with clasped fists: "Lord Thousand Households!"


    Lord Thousand Households Xiang Tingchun surveyed the mess inside the tent, frowning deeply. He berated them, "Idiots! Not training the soldiers, not practicing martial arts, just knowing to drink! If you''re really that idle, go to Po Yang County, help the city guards find barbarian assassins!"


    A group of Hundred Households bowed their heads, not daring to make a sound.


    Xiang Tingchun scanned them one by one, his gaze finally resting on a middle-aged military officer, "Hundred Households Luo, I''ve already submitted your promotion to Deputy Thousand Households to Commander, a reply should come soon."


    "Thank you, Lord Thousand Households!"


    The middle-aged military officer showed surprise.


    "Mhm."


    Xiang Tingchun nodded, then continued to address the others, "In recent years, barbarians attacks have been constant, our Great Sheng Dynasty is in need of more people, you folks should not always think about making trivial profits, teach what needs to be taught."


    "Yes, Lord Thousand Households is correct in his teachings."


    The officers echoed in agreement.


    Xiang Tingchun shook his head, lifted the tent curtain, and left.


    Within three seconds, the officers had picked up their drinks again, "Come come come, let''s all toast to Hundred Households Luo! Here''s to celebrating your promotion to Deputy Thousand Households!"


    "Hahahaha¡ª"


    They all congratulated Luo Hundred Households.


    Only Wang Zhi, while toasting, muttered something silently, and secretly spat on the ground.

 Chapter 15 Pig Killer and Xu Wolong

    ```Martial Arts Arena.


    More than two-thirds of the people were sprawled across the ground haphazardly.


    One-third were too exhausted to continue practicing, while the remaining one-third had given up from the start.


    For them, becoming a soldier was just a way to get by or, for some, they had been forcibly conscripted.


    Only the last one-third were still doggedly persevering.


    Among them, Chen Sansi was making the fastest progress, having reached the twenty-fifth Pile Work.


    Next was a youth with a special breathing technique, who had reached the seventeenth Pile Work.


    Last, there was a bearded burly man who had just about managed to reach the twelfth Pile Work.


    All three had started practicing as soon as they got the Cultivation Technique the night before.


    The rest, at best, had only managed to reach the seventh Pile Work.


    "It seems that the physical improvement brought by my expertise in archery is quite remarkable!"


    Chen Sansi couldn''t believe how his "Natural Bowman" physique was benefiting him so much in martial arts; he wondered what the next advancement would be like.


    The youth and the bearded man beside him kept glancing over at Chen Sansi as if competing with him.


    Fuck this!


    Chen Sansi was somewhat speechless.


    When he reached the twenty-sixth Pile Work, he began to feel more and more drained and decided to stop.


    It wasn''t because he was lazy, but he understood that one can''t make haste when eating hot tofu.


    If he forced himself to continue, it might cause irreversible damage to his body and backfire.


    Seeing him stop, both the youth and the bearded man collapsed to the ground right after.


    "Hey, what''s your name?"


    The bearded man wiped off sweat with his hand and asked, panting heavily.


    "Chen Sansi," Chen Sansi replied.


    "Chen Sansi?"


    The bearded man exclaimed in surprise, "The one from Yanbian Village?"


    Chen Sansi was astonished, "You know me?"


    The man laughed heartily, "In the country, who doesn''t know the good-hearted and skilled hunter from Yanbian Village?"


    "That can''t be right..."


    Chen Sansi found it strange.


    Good-hearted and just referred to the time he saved Zhang Shun''s father, right?


    But that was just a small matter involving two taels of silver, not something that should make him famous, surely?


    "Zhang Shun''s old mother berated and beat you just because you owed her family two coins worth of life-saving money. She even wanted to sell your wife to Qin Xiong to pay off the debt. You didn''t hold any grudge, and on the contrary, you risked retaliation from Martial Arts Academy Disciples and offered five taels of silver to save someone!"


    The man was vigorously thumping his chest, his voice booming, "Where else can you find such a loyal and just man these days? Brother, I admire you!"


    "?"


    Chen Sansi was full of question marks.


    He had been close with Zhang Shun since they were young, but when had they become sworn brothers?


    And since when had Zhang Shun''s mother berated and beaten him?


    What did the matter with Qin Xiong have to do with Aunt Li?


    He wondered who could have spread such wild stories.


    Was this the so-called ''rumors compounding upon rumors''...


    "I share the surname Zhu, with a single name, Tong!"


    Zhu Tong said with a clasped fist, "If you don''t mind, I''ll call you Brother Chen from now on!"


    Chen Sansi returned the gesture with a clasped fist.


    The other youth approached as well, "My name is Song Yan. Your Pile Work is quite fast; impressive."


    "You''re not bad yourself," Chen Sansi said.


    Zhu Tong spoke rudely, "Don''t pay attention to this kid!"


    Chen Sansi asked in confusion, "Brother Zhu, what''s this about...?"


    Before Zhu Tong could respond, Song Yan preempted, "The Cultivation Technique you guys learned is missing a part, but mine isn''t because Hundred Households Luo is my uncle. He taught me in advance. If you want to learn, you can offer eight taels of silver to ask the various Hundred Households for instruction."


    "You sure have the nerve, being able to say that with a straight face!"


    Zhu Tong had happened to see this kid with Hundred Households Luo yesterday in the garrison, overhearing something about a breathing skill.


    "Okay, thanks."


    Chen Sansi nodded.


    Just as he suspected.


    Song Yan nodded too, and then went to find some steps to sit and rest.


    ```


    Zhu Tong pulled out a stuffed pancake from his bosom and handed it over.


    Chen Sansi didn''t stand on ceremony, and while munching on the pancake, he chatted with Zhu Tong, getting to know a bit about each other''s background.


    Zhu Tong was the pig killer from Zhu Family Village, who, not long ago, had beat someone up because he couldn''t stand seeing a widower bullied and almost got sent to the Southern region to labor. It had cost more than half of his family''s silver to work things out and change it to enlisting in the military at his hometown instead.


    "Old Zhu, pass me a pancake too."


    As the two of them were talking, a hand stealthily reached towards Zhu Tong''s bosom but got slapped away. "Scram!"


    Chen Sansi looked up and recognized the man who had been explaining the meaning of "Selected Point" to everyone earlier, appearing to be almost fifty with patches of gray hair already showing.


    Zhu Tong introduced him with displeasure, "This is Xu Wencai, a notorious layabout from Zhu Family Village."


    "Hey, who are you calling a layabout?" Xu Wencai protested.


    "All day long, you either loaf around at home doing nothing or gallivanting about. Usually, it''s your old mother farming the land to support you. If you''re not a layabout, then who is?"


    Zhu Tong sneered, "There you go, with no one to do the work and earn the money after your mother passed away, you''re short on tax payments, hence you were dragged here to fill the ranks in the military."


    Failing to pay taxes also could lead to military enlistment.


    As for Zhang Shun being sent to work on the Canal, it was purely because he offended someone.


    "You... you''re talking nonsense!"


    Xu Wencai retorted agitatedly, "At home, I am one who ''reads ten thousand books,'' and when I travel far, I am one who ''travels ten thousand miles''! I''m a man destined for great things!"


    Zhu Tong spat out mockingly, "Calling yourself ''Wo Long'' and yet you can''t even pass the exam to become a Scholar, and you''re giving me lip!"


    "Alright then, before I scram, how about giving me a pancake to eat, will you?"


    Xu Wencai hadn''t eaten for two days.


    In these past two years, unless there was a war, the garrison didn''t even provide meals. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    If every meal was guaranteed, who wouldn''t be a soldier?


    "Such a disgrace."


    Zhu Tong, in the end, still threw a pancake to him.


    Xu Wencai immediately ran cheerfully to the side, took out a book, and while savoring the pancake, he read with relish.


    Chen Sansi noticed the heavy bundle behind him seemed to be full of books, so heavy that the old scholar could hardly straighten his back.


    "Mr. Xu."


    He initiated a conversation, "Might I borrow a book to glance through? I''ll return it to you undamaged after I''m done reading."


    At home, there was only one book left, and it was difficult to make further "reading" progress by reading it over and over. Buying new books seemed a waste of money, and upcoming Martial Arts training would require more silver.


    "Not lending."


    Xu Wencai didn''t even ponder over it.


    "..."


    Chen Sansi hesitated for a moment, then asked again, "Mr. Xu Wo Long, lend me just one book and I assure you I will return it without a single scratch."


    "Ahem..."


    Xu Wencai nearly choked on the pancake, then asked, "What did you just... say?"


    "Mr. Xu Wo Long, I said I wish to borrow a book from you to read," Chen Sansi repeated.


    "Hmm~"


    Xu Wencai squinted his eyes in pleasure, "Considering such sincerity, you must be a person who loves reading as well."


    "Yes."


    Chen Sansi admitted frankly, "I was a scholar too, tried for the Scholar exams for several years without success, couldn''t continue like that and hence ended up enlisting."


    "Truly so?"


    Xu Wencai''s spirit lifted.


    "Truly so!"


    "Good then, I knew it!"


    Xu Wencai, filled with righteous indignation, said, "The Great Sheng Dynasty''s imperial exams are utter nonsense, testing only on rote essays. What''s the use? Us genuinely talented individuals are all buried in obscurity! Pick whatever book you want to see."


    He spread out his bundle on the ground, showcasing an assortment of books ranging from poetry to storybooks, from histories to tales of the bizarre, everything one could want.


    "If it weren''t for gathering money for my mother''s coffin and burial, I would still have a house full of books!"


    "..."


    Chen Sansi randomly picked one, "Thank you, Mr. Xu Wo Long."


    The garrison didn''t provide food.


    Normally, after a certain time, the military households would all go back home to eat.


    Chen Sansi also packed his things.


    Before leaving, he sought out Xu Bin to ask if he could get a heavy bow.


    If proficiency alone was so helpful, achieving small achievement was even more promising, so he couldn''t let his archery practice lapse.

 Chapter 16 Heavy Bow

    "A bow?"Xu Bin had been preparing to go home for a meal.


    He and his father did not live together, but near the garrison in a military settlement, where he also had a wife.


    "Come with me."


    Xu Bin frowned, his expression displeased.


    The two went to the garrison''s arsenal, and after speaking with the clerk in charge, they entered the warehouse specifically used for storing bows and arrows.


    "You''re using it for hunting, right?"


    Xu Bin said, "Normally speaking, before official allocation, soldiers are not allowed to possess weapons privately. However, I don''t use bows and arrows, and a flag officer''s position just became available, so you can use it for now."


    He paused, "Additionally, I''m very busy, so unless there''s something crucial, you should go to your superior."


    The underlying message was clear; he was helping with the bow and arrows this time but did not want to be bothered again.


    "Alright, Shanshi will remember the help from Xu Flag Officer."


    Chen Sansi was not someone who liked to bother others.


    But in order to improve, he had no choice but to be shameless this once.


    The clerk unlocked and pushed open the large warehouse doors.


    Xu Bin finished his instructions and left, allowing Chen Sansi to choose on his own.


    On the wooden racks of the storeroom, an entire wall was hung with bows.


    Sheng Army''s standard issue bows and arrows primarily came in two types.


    The small Shao bow and the Big Bow.


    The Big Bow was also known as the Kaiyuan Bow.


    The pulling force ranged from four forces up to two stones.


    The clerk in charge of the warehouse said, "Take whichever bow you can pull and then you will be given twenty arrows and an arrow bag.


    "However, the heaviest standard-issue bow here is just the two-stone bow.


    "Heavier bows are used by military officers, and you need to custom order them from the army''s forge.


    "But ordinary people don''t need them."


    He saw Chen Sansi taking down the heaviest bow from the furthest corner and hurriedly said, "Hey, hey, hey, what are you doing? That''s the heaviest, a two-stone bow."


    "That''s what I want, the two-stone bow."


    Chen Sansi''s profile data showed he could easily pull a one-stone bow, which meant he was not "just" limited to a one-stone bow.


    Easily pulling it indicated that his strength was far beyond that.


    He estimated he could manage the two-stone bow, though it would be strenuous.


    But considering that his strength would continue to increase with martial arts practice, it was better to opt for a heavier bow beforehand to avoid needing a new one soon after.


    "Two stones?"


    The clerk looked up and down at the young man, who was clearly not a military officer.


    He quickly said, "Don''t be reckless! I must remind you that there''s a target range outside, and you need to hit the target from sixty steps away to take it with you."


    "No problem."


    Chen Sansi did not waste words and went straight to the target range outside the warehouse.


    He held the bow and arrows, examining and getting accustomed to the feel.


    This bow, being the heaviest Kaiyuan Bow, was made with high-quality purple bamboo as the core, Sangyu wood for the limbs, and cow horn and hardwood for the bow tip, making it structurally more complex than a recurve bow.


    He nocked an arrow and drew the bow, realizing that after two days of Pile Work, his strength had noticeably improved.


    Was the effect of practicing martial arts so immediately visible?


    No wonder it consumed so much of the human body.


    The two-stone bow weighed about 300 pounds.


    Chen Sansi gritted his teeth, his back and arm muscles coordinating as he exerted force, veins popping on his forehead and slowly pulling back the bowstring.


    "Whoom¡ª"


    A heavy sound erupted. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The bow thundered, and the arrow struck like lightning!


    "Bang¡ª"


    Almost instantly, the arrow hit the target with a loud bang, punching a large hole through the two-inch-thick target and then landing far behind on the ground.


    "Bullseye?!"


    The clerk hurried into the target range, looking at the hole in the target, exclaimed, "Seventy steps, a two-stone bow, a bullseye?!"


    It was Chen Sansi''s first experience with a heavy bow, and even he was startled by the powerful impact.


    If this were used against a person, even standard armor might not hold!


    "You''re new here, just starting martial arts?"


    The clerk picked up the arrows and ran back, "You can pull a two-stone bow even before starting blood refining; does Xu Bin have such a fellow countryman?"


    Chen Sansi asked, "Can I take it now?"


    "Sure, sure."


    The clerk nodded vigorously, "Come here, I''ll give you twenty more arrows.


    "Just so you know, you''ll have to pay for any damage when it''s not wartime. It''s fifty coins per arrow, so use them sparingly."


    A heavy bow naturally pairs with heavy arrows.


    The price is also higher than that of ordinary arrows.


    Chen Sansi had just shot an arrow and immediately felt an improvement in his proficiency.


    [Skill: Archery (Proficient)]


    [Progress: (230/500)]


    [Utility: Natural Bowman physique, easily draws a one-stone bow, within seventy steps, snaps fingers three times hitting the target every time]


    With the practice accumulated from hunting in the previous days, his proficiency was nearly half.


    With the heavy bow, it shouldn''t take long to advance to the next stage.


    "I''m so hungry!"


    The physical exertion of that half day was truly too much for Chen Sansi, and a single pancake was not nearly enough. He simply decided to head home with his bow and arrows.


    The garrison discipline was lax.


    Furthermore, since the soldiers lived in the nearby military village, they could go home anytime after reporting for duty.


    Chen Sansi didn''t even have an official assignment yet, and no one was inclined to supervise him.


    When he was close to Yanbian Village, his attire of blue armor and red hat drew the attention of the townspeople.


    "I was wondering why I hadn''t seen you around these past two days, so you''ve joined the military households."


    "Not going to lie, Little Stone, you actually look quite the part in that outfit."


    "Imposing indeed, but I reckon you won''t have many good days ahead."


    "Uncle Lai Zi, you really ought to drop dead!"


    "Heh, you don''t believe me? Just wait and see!"


    "..."


    At these words, Chen Sansi stopped in his tracks and approached a middle-aged man with a mottled bald head and ringworm, saying, "Uncle Lai Zi, what do you mean by that?"


    Lai Zi looked around furtively, then lowered his voice, "I heard from Ergou and a few others that Qin Feng''s brother is planning to kill you."


    "Qin Feng?"


    So he had come looking for him, had he?


    Chen Sansi was not surprised nor afraid.


    With his military household status and without evidence, the other party definitely couldn''t just harm him recklessly.


    Not to mention the ongoing wars.


    The status of military households during peacetime and wartime was entirely different.


    Harming a military household without any reason was akin to challenging the court.


    Moreover, Qin Feng wasn''t someone of significant power or influence, otherwise, his brother wouldn''t need to devote all his energy to acquiring silver to support his martial arts training, at most he would scheme behind the scenes.


    "Thank you for the warning, Uncle Lai Zi."


    Chen Sansi continued on his way into the village.


    As soon as he entered, he saw several of Qin Feng''s underlings rushing off to report his arrival.


    ...


    "Brother!"


    "Chen Sansi has returned to the village, but..."


    Tianyuan Martial Arts Academy.


    Qin Feng put away the long sword in his hand and turned to ask coldly, "But what?"


    "He''s wearing a military uniform."


    The ruffian said, "I found out that he seems to have joined the army these past few days, wearing that armor. Shouldn''t we avoid making our move directly?"


    "..."


    Qin Feng closed his eyes and took a deep breath, suppressing his irritation.


    From what he had gathered, the hunter named Chen could be the only one strong enough and possibly responsible for his brother''s disappearance.


    He had initially planned to capture him, chop off an arm to force the truth about his brother''s whereabouts, but now...


    "I didn''t expect him to have joined the military households."


    The Great Sheng Dynasty was in constant warfare at the time, and he was merely a disciple of the martial arts academy. Attacking a military household in the street was purely suicidal.


    "No, we can''t let him train in martial arts!"


    Qin Feng suddenly felt a sense of urgency: "This guy used to be a scholar who couldn''t even touch spring water with his fingers. The moment he picked up a bow and arrow, he had food to eat and his physical foundation isn''t bad.


    "If he truly becomes a military soldier and gains position over time, wouldn''t my difficulties increase?


    "I can''t let things go smoothly for him, absolutely not."

 Chapter 17 Breathing Skill

    Returning to the cozy small home, Gu Xinlan was bent over a desk, meticulously sewing clothes stitch by stitch.Upon seeing her man return, she immediately dropped her work and came out to greet him.


    "I''m hungry."


    As soon as Chen Sansi spoke, Sister Lan busied herself in the kitchen.


    He sat down and began to read through the books he had gotten from Xu Wencai.


    The book titled "The History of Dasheng" was a history book, recording major events since the founding of Dasheng.


    Before Dasheng, there was a chaotic era similar to the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Grand Ancestor Cao Xie, originally a house slave, forcibly carved his way out during the turbulent times, and reunified the fissured nation after more than a hundred years.


    It''s worth noting that


    Cao Xie was also a Sword God.


    Rumors had it that he once used a flying sword to take a life from ten miles away and single-handedly broke through an army of two thousand three hundred.


    "Has this already exceeded the realm of Martial Arts?"


    Chen Sansi quickened his reading pace.


    Indeed, Grand Ancestor Sheng was a unique figure in Martial Arts, and such exaggerated individual combat power never appeared again thereafter.


    For the next three hundred years, every Emperor pursued the Martial Arts prowess of the Grand Ancestor, but none succeeded.


    After Emperor Longqing ascended the throne, he simply turned to Taoism.


    He even dared to use one-tenth of the country''s land to cultivate Spiritual Grain to offer to the Immortal.


    "Did Emperor Longqing really see an Immortal?"


    "Otherwise, he''s not a fool, why would he willingly give up one-tenth of the tax revenue to make offerings?"


    "He''s making offerings to the Immortals, letting the common people foot the bill."


    [Skill: Book Reading (small achievement)]


    [Progress: (18/800)]


    [Utility: Keen Perception, Spirit Refreshed, Photographic Memory]


    Chen Sansi felt a surge of energy and simply closed the book as the meal was ready.


    Half a pot of rice, stir-fried beef, salted duck eggs, along with a bowl of fish soup.


    He devoured everything in a whirlwind, leaving nothing behind.


    Chen Sansi didn''t sit idle for a moment and soon went outside after regaining some strength.


    "I need to master Pile Work entirely tonight!"


    Late into the night in the countryside, a full moon, an old house, two figures.


    One outside the house, agile and tall, diligently practicing Martial Arts under the frosty moonlight.


    One inside the house, graceful and lovely, threading a needle by the flickering candlelight.


    "Whew¡ª"


    "I''ve completed the thirty-six moves of Pile Work!"


    Finally completing all the Pile Work moves, Chen Sansi collapsed exhausted on the ground.


    Having finished Pile Work, starting tomorrow he would begin practicing spear technique and the Breathing Skill, which he must not forget.


    After eating the prepared midnight snack, he rested briefly, then got ready to practice archery.


    Gu Xinlan followed him out, her almond eyes filled with reproach, she said reproachfully, "Are you trying to kill yourself?"


    "Don''t worry, practicing archery isn''t as tiring as Martial Arts training, I know my limits," Chen Sansi reassured her as he lifted his longbow, only to be abruptly stopped by her grab.


    "No more practice, you may not care about hurting yourself, but I do. We''re not starving, why push yourself so hard?


    "Come, let''s go to sleep inside."


    ...


    The next day.


    The dawn gently broke and the light dispersed the mist.


    Chen Sansi started his morning with archery practice.


    [Skill: Archery (mastered)]


    [Progress: (350/500)]


    Although drawing the two-stone bow was exhausting, it improved his skill much faster.


    The sweat wasn''t for nothing.


    Chen Sansi was satisfied.


    He checked the time and decided it was time to pack up and leave. Before heading out, he didn''t forget to sift through his chest and pull out eight liang of silver.


    "Damn that''s expensive!"


    After deducting the cost of food, drink, personal needs, and buying fabric for clothes over this period, he had only twelve liang of silver left, which nearly emptied his savings.


    "After this busy period, I must continue hunting, can''t lose the skill that feeds me."


    Having secured the silver, Chen Sansi put on his armor and reported to the garrison.


    Just as he was stepping out, someone called out to him.


    Zhao Qiao and Wu Da came running, one after the other.


    Uncle Zhao?"


    Chen Sansi asked, "What''s this about?"


    "Got a matter to discuss with you!"


    Uncle Zhao looked at the armor on Chen Sanshi without much questioning, as he probably already heard about it.


    "Right."


    Wu Da took over the conversation, "Brother Shi, do you know about the Black Bear of Tiger Head Mountain?"


    Chen Sanshi slightly nodded.


    He had long heard that there was a Black Bear on Tiger Head Mountain, and every year there were hunters who fell victim to it.


    "That beast, it has killed again!"


    Uncle Zhao said through gritted teeth, "Three Donkeys from the neighboring Stone Village went up the mountain some days ago and never returned, until last night when his father found him, and only his head was left, eaten by the Black Bear!


    "Additionally, as there is hardly any game to hunt recently, a few of us discussed whether we could take down the Black Bear to exchange its body for some silver to get through the winter. However, we alone couldn''t manage it; we need you as well. When the time comes, whoever contributes more, gets more money."


    "Bear hunting..."


    Chen Sanshi didn''t rush to reply.


    It seemed like the surrounding hunters were driven mad by poverty and had started considering hunting the bear.


    With their hunting bows, they were no match at all.


    He indeed had a heavy bow, but it still posed a significant risk.


    "Let''s wait a couple of days then."


    Chen Sanshi agreed and after briefly discussing the timing with them, they parted ways.


    As soon as he arrived at the barracks, he saw Zhu Tong cursing loudly.


    "Damn it, eight taels of silver, why not just rob?!"


    Having come to the barracks, he naturally wanted to give it his all.


    However, the garrison was too corrupt.


    To practice martial arts, one needed to pay first, who knows how many talents were missed because of this!


    "That''s nothing."


    Xu Wencai was rather indifferent, "Do you know why we, who committed offenses, were not sent to serve far away but ended up in this military settlement? Because, in recent years, the higher-ups have been investigating payroll fraud, and they are gathering numbers. They feel a loss if they don''t seize this chance to make some silver."


    "Brother!


    After Zhu Tong became familiar with them, he started using a more affectionate nickname and said earnestly, "Are you learning the Breathing Skill? I''ll teach you! Seriously, after learning the Breathing Skill, practicing Pile Work isn''t so exhausting, and the progress is much faster."


    Xu Wencai immediately grabbed him, "Old Zhu, are you seeking death?"


    "Old Zhu, I appreciate your kindness, but let''s not."


    Chen Sanshi shook his head.


    Zhu Tong was really naive; if the lower ranks were allowed to teach each other privately, how could those above make money?


    Looking around.


    There seemed to be five or six people who had learned the Breathing Skill.


    He was not planning on saving money; after understanding the situation, he took his silver and went to find the Households Commander Liu.


    Commander Liu looked him over, and after asking his name, immediately refused, "I''m not available."


    "Households Commander Zheng, could you¡­"


    "I have others to teach."


    "Households Commander Zhang..."


    "I don''t teach."


    "Households Commander Xiong."


    "I don''t know how."


    "¡­"


    Chen Sanshi tried several commanders in succession, and unbelievably, none were willing to teach him.


    The price was exactly the same!


    He realized something was wrong, and with a mindset to test one last time, he walked into the tent.


    Households Commander Wang, who had taught them spear technique yesterday, was lying on a chair, idly eating peanuts with a pile of shells at his feet.


    Chen Sanshi saluted, "I have seen Households Commander Wang."


    Wang Zhi glanced at him sideways, and after a long pause, sat up leisurely, "So, want to learn the Breathing Skill?"


    "Exactly!"


    Chen Sanshi respectfully said, "I would be grateful if Households Commander Wang could kindly teach me!"


    "Agreed, agreed."


    Wang Zhi spat out the peanut shell from his mouth and spread out his large hand, gesturing with his fingers, "Bring it here."


    So straightforward?


    Chen Sanshi, who was almost ready to give up, had not anticipated this at all.


    Could it be that these commanders had earlier agreed to distribute the number of apprentices?


    A bit odd¡­


    But at this point, if he wanted to learn the Breathing Skill, he had to pay.


    With due respect, he handed over eight taels of silver, and Chen Sanshi stood waiting quietly.


    "What are you stupidly standing there for?"


    Households Commander Wang, unapologetically pocketing the money, then waved him away.


    "Sir, what does this mean?"


    "I''m tired today, I''ll teach you in a few days."


    At that, Chen Sanshi''s heart sank with a thud.

 Chapter 18 As Long as the Mind Does Not Slip

    "Sir, you should...""I said two days, can''t you understand human speech?!"


    Feeling the anger in the other party''s tone, Chen Sansi didn''t dare to continue, respectfully bowed, and withdrew from the tent.


    Wait two days?


    I''m afraid it''s not just two days and then another two days.


    By the time the ten-day assessment period is over, it''ll all be old news.


    "Others pay money and are willing to be taught, but when I pay, they refuse to teach?"


    Even a fool could see he was being deliberately targeted.


    Since joining the military camp, Chen Sansi had not offended anyone, so who was out to get him?


    Two possibilities.


    First, Qin Xiong''s brother!


    He was dressed in a military uniform, so Qin Feng didn''t dare to touch him but feared he might make some achievements in martial arts, so he targeted him in this manner.


    But Qin Xiong''s brother didn''t seem capable of mixing up with the true inheritors, he shouldn''t have the power to connect with the Hundred Households.


    So the second possibility, Hundred Households Luo.


    Hundred Households Luo''s nephew is currently ranked second fastest in practicing pile work.


    He''s worried that I might steal Song Yan''s future.


    It makes sense now.


    Chen Sansi felt an immense pressure.


    Climbing up the ranks is truly fraught with obstacles!


    "How about it, who''s teaching you? I heard Households Commander Liu teaches with the most patience and offers the best deal,"


    Zhu Tong approached to inquire. After learning the outcome, he was furious, "What kind of nonsense is this? Taking money and not teaching? I''m going to reason with him!"


    "Old Zhu, you can''t go,"


    Xu Wencai advised, "This Brother Chen must have offended someone!"


    "This..."


    Zhu Tong scratched his head, "So what do we do? Among all these people, it''s Stone who practices the fastest. The qualification for the Selected Point should naturally belong to him!


    "Otherwise, what if I teach him on the sly? Surely nobody would notice."


    "Old Zhu, it''s really not necessary,"


    Chen Sansi didn''t want to drag others down with him.


    Even if the others had the Breathing Skill, he was still the fastest at practicing Pile Work.


    There might still be hope.


    With that thought, he took a plum blossom spear from the rack near the Martial Arts Arena and started practicing.


    "Spear technique?"


    Zhu Tong was astonished, "Stone, you''ve started practicing spear technique now?!" S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Not just him, everyone at the Martial Arts Arena took notice.


    "It''s fine!"


    Zhu Tong shouted loudly, "Stone is so impressive, everyone can see it, and if any military officer notices and reports it, there''s bound to be a superior who would value his talent."


    Xu Wencai looked at him with the eyes one uses when observing a naive child and gently shook his head.


    Clearly, that''s not how things are.


    There were no superiors around, but there were plenty of small flags, none of whom intended to poke their noses into others'' business.


    Including Xu Bin, who passed by.


    He had just arrived at the camp today and heard the arsenal clerk speaking of his fellow villager as a Divine Archer, highly likely to become a military soldier, so he thought of taking a look.


    Then, he saw Chen Sansi being targeted, unable to learn the Breathing Skill even with money.


    "This kid, offending people as soon as he arrives."


    Xu Bin glanced in the direction where Lord Thousand Households usually worked, took a step that way, but quickly retracted and, with a sigh, went home.


    "It''s definitely your second uncle!"


    Zhu Tong grabbed Song Yan by the collar, "It''s your second uncle who''s making things difficult for Stone."


    "I... I don''t know!"


    Song Yan''s face turned red, "I didn''t ask my second uncle to do that!"


    "Hmph!"


    Zhu Tong cursed, "In my opinion, there''s no need for an assessment, just give the Selected Point qualification to you directly."


    "I''m going to find my second uncle."


    Song Yan broke free and ran straight out of the army camp.


    Inside the tent, he found his uncle and voiced his doubts.


    "What''s the matter?"


    The military officer Luo, who was reading Military Books at the desk, looked up, "Isn''t this a good thing?"


    As he looked into his nephew''s clear eyes, he put down the Military Books and continued, "I did have this intention, but let''s not mention that I have yet to be promoted to Deputy Thousand Households¡ªeven if I were, the other Hundred Households, especially Fatty Wang, wouldn''t all be willing to listen to me.


    "Actually, just yesterday, Lord Thousand Households sent us to cooperate with the Martial Arts Hall in the city-wide manhunt for the barbarian assassins. Afterwards, the Young Master of Tianyuan Martial Arts Academy invited us for drinks, and your name came up over the table.


    "Heaven knows how he offended the people of Martial Arts Hall.


    "We''ve all been indebted to Tianyuan Martial Arts Academy for many years, naturally, we should give them face."


    "This..."


    Song Yan hung his head, "Wouldn''t this be too unfair to him?"


    "Fair to him..."


    Luo Dongquan felt helpless toward his naively righteous nephew and put down the Military Books he nearly threw, "Yan''er, why worry about others? Focus on your training to get the Selected Point qualification. Your concern should be entering the Governor Mansion in the future!


    Do you not know that without a mentor or a family backing, one can never don the crimson robe embroidered with the Immortal crane? Entering under Sun Dushi''s command is your only hope! Out you go, don''t bother me again."


    ¡­


    Meanwhile, in Hundred Households Wang''s tent, a couple of Hundred Households were gathered.


    "Hey Fatty Wang, you sure are ruthless."


    Householder Xiong joked, "It''s one thing not to teach the lad, but why did you also take his silver?"


    "Hahaha, the drinks are on me later for the brothers."


    Wang Zhi was very pleased with himself.


    "But..."


    Households Commander Liu spoke somberly, "I remember that Chen Sansi seemed to be the fastest in this batch to learn the Pile Work. It''s a shame to waste such a promising youngster."


    "Since when has the army lacked promising youngsters? I also learned Pile Work in a day and a night."


    Wang Zhi dismissed, "What the army lacks are true geniuses, ones who master Pile Work in half a day and spear technique in three days¡ªthose are worth cultivating."


    "That''s right, after all, in our shabby place, any resource shared with others means less for ourselves."


    Households Commander Liu stroked his chin, "But if this lad doesn''t make it, it looks like the Selected Point qualification will fall to Luo''s nephew. If he really gets into the elite of the Eight Camps, he could even manage to get Luo over as well in the future. That would be quite a leap to success, huh!


    "Come to think of it, Fatty Wang, if you could bring along a genius, you might be able to return to the Eight Camps. You don''t want to stay in this desolate place forever, do you?"


    "I would like to, but darn it, where do I find a genius?"


    Wang Zhi fiddled with the Silver Ingot in his hand, putting an end to the conversation.


    ¡­


    Martial Arts Arena.


    Chen Sansi began practicing his spear technique.


    With his superior memory, his mind seemed to have a slide show that repeatedly played the scene of Hundred Households Wang demonstrating the spear technique.


    Pile Work, which already exhausted physical strength greatly.


    Add spear technique to that, and Chen Sansi immediately felt as if his Qi Power was being drained by a pump. Fortunately, he was mentally prepared and persisted.


    With every swing of the plum spear, his heart raced, and his lungs felt uncomfortably constricted¡ªas if he had reached his limit running, with a taste of blood in his throat.


    Breathing Skill was likely meant to aid, to ease the pain and speed up the training.


    But!


    If it was just an aid, that meant one could learn the complete spear technique without it.


    It simply meant enduring more pain than others.


    As for the speed, so long as one trained fast enough, being slightly slower was no big deal.


    As long as one doesn''t falter in resolve, there are always more solutions than difficulties!


    Chen Sansi''s teeth gritted audibly as he continued swinging the iron spear in his hands.

 Chapter 19 The Trend of the World

    ```Thirty-six spear techniques.


    Each one with eighteen variations.


    Chen Sansi pushed through and finished the first three techniques.


    But at the same time, bolstered by the Breathing Skill, Song Yan also finished the Pile Work and began practicing spear technique, catching up significantly in progress.


    "If only I could train harder and faster!"


    Chen Sansi stopped.


    He decided to take a break and bring his archery to a small achievement level.


    The last time he had a breakthrough and obtained proficiency, it improved his bones and physique. If he could achieve a small achievement, the effect might be even better.


    "Time to eat!"


    The garrison was not too far but not too close either, about twenty miles from Yanbian Village.


    To save time, he didn''t go back home for meals but went to an inn in the military settlement owned by a retired old couple.


    "Give me five pounds of cooked beef, a bucket of Liang rice, and a chicken."


    After Chen Sansi and Zhu Tong ordered their food, before they could even start eating, someone else came over and sat down.


    "Tired to death from your laziness, what do you want now?!"


    Zhu Tong had no pleasant expression.


    "Brother Chen!"


    Xu Wencai ignored him and said to Brother Shi with a cheeky smile, "The pay won''t come until next month, and I''m completely broke and starving. Can I share your meal?"


    "Of course."


    Chen Sansi ordered two more dishes and some more staples.


    "Brother Chen is such a righteous man, you''ll accomplish great things one day!"


    Xu Wencai unapologetically tore off a chicken leg and started devouring it, grease dripping from his mouth.


    "Shi, you''re too kind-hearted!"


    Zhu Tong cursed, "What''s the use of feeding him? He''s useless."


    "Who''s useless? Maybe one day you''ll benefit from my presence! And besides, I don''t eat for free; I can enlighten you about the state of the world, broaden your horizons!"


    Xu Wencai swiftly polished off the chicken leg, sucking on the bone until nothing was left. Then, licking his lips and in a lowered voice, he asked, "Gentlemen, what do you think of the fate of the Great Sheng Dynasty?"


    "Of course, it''s not exhausted yet."


    Zhu Tong muttered, "Although the officials are despicable, there are still more than two million military men and many generals. I heard the rebellions in the south have been quelled."


    "Wrong!"


    Xu Wencai continued to eat as he surreptitiously nabbed another chicken leg.


    Zhu Tong glanced around to make sure no one was listening before saying, "You mean to say that the barbarians will eventually destroy our Great Sheng?"


    "Completely mistaken!"


    Xu Wencai shook his head vigorously, "The barbarians may seem fierce, but with Supervisor Sun, they will never really succeed."


    "I''d wager that the downfall of Sheng will be at the hands of its own people!"


    "You see, these rebellions may be quickly suppressed, but they keep cropping up, and with time, one of them is bound to break through."


    At that moment, Chen Sansi interjected, "It''s like kindling a fire, which can eventually ignite the whole plain."


    "Sss¡ª"


    Xu Wencai visibly paused at these words, as if savoring them, then slapped his thigh, "What an exquisite phrase! It perfectly conveys what I mean!


    Brother Chen, truly a scholar like me to be able to utter such a brilliant phrase!"


    "They were not my words¡­"


    Chen Sansi explained, "Please continue, Mr. Xu."


    "Ahem!"


    Xu Wencai cleared his throat, "I predict, within five years, the world will descend into complete chaos! That will be the end of the Great Sheng Dynasty''s run, and the time for Mr. Wo Long to rise to greatness!"


    "Give it a rest!"


    Zhu Tong found it annoying, "All you do is spout nonsense. You better figure out how to master Pile Work. If you can''t even do that, you won''t even qualify as an Array Soldier; you''ll end up caring for horses or repairing walls."


    Chen Sansi looked at Xu Wencai, a hint of surprise in his eyes.


    Having received nine years of education, it wasn''t strange for him to foresee the end of the Sheng era and the onset of chaos.


    But Xu Wencai was a local, and moreover a rural one, for whom such foresight was quite impressive.


    Despite the awkwardness of always bumping into the Prime Minister, it seemed he genuinely had something of substance.


    After the chat, they returned to their meal with gusto.


    ```


    Sated with food and drink.


    Chen Sansi didn''t continue practicing martial arts, but instead took his bow and arrows to the shooting range.


    The more chaotic the world seemed to become, the more he felt the need to strengthen himself, not just in skill but in status too, to remain unscathed in the torrent.


    He drew the bow and notched an arrow.


    "Bang bang bang bang bang¡ª"


    On the Martial Arts Arena, a series of sounds like thunder exploded.


    After more than fifty arrows, Chen Sansi''s arms began to ache, but he dared not stop, continuing to aim and release one arrow after another.


    "Whoosh¡ª"


    "Keep up!"


    "..."


    By the afternoon, a stir arose in the military camp.


    A few Households Commanders gathered their soldiers, and a troop of over three hundred fully armed men hurriedly set out toward the direction of Po Yang County.


    ''If they''re not heading to the Great Wall, then it''s not an enemy invasion.''


    ''But what in Po Yang County could warrant mobilizing so many people?''


    ''Most likely it''s the citywide search for barbarian assassins.''


    Not long ago, Chen Sansi thought that barbarian assassins would never be his concern, but now it seemed he might well be involved in such operations in the future.


    "Forget it, continue with archery."


    "Bang bang bang bang bang¡ª"


    As the troops passed by the shooting range, the thunderous sound of arrows caught the attention of the Householders Commanders.


    "Huh, has this kid given up? Not practicing his spear technique, but instead practicing archery."


    Householder Xiong was chewing on a bamboo stick.


    "Without the Breathing Skill, the pain of cultivating techniques is doubled. How many people can endure that?"


    Households Commander Liu gave a surprised sound, "A two-stone bow? A hundred hits from seventy steps on the target? This kid is actually a Divine Archer!"


    "Indeed he is."


    Householder Xiong also showed a look of surprise.


    Households Commander Liu clicked his tongue in amazement, "I wonder what he did to offend the Tianyuan Martial Arts Academy, such a pity, such a pity¡­"


    "Yo ho."


    Householder Xiong raised his eyebrows, "Old Liu, that look in your eyes, quite affectionate, eh? Feeling tempted?"


    "I do indeed feel a bit sorry for the kid."


    Households Commander Liu looked toward the shooting range, "How about this, I''ll ask the Young Master later, what this kid did to offend him. If it''s nothing serious, I''ll help smooth things over.


    "Deal, and you guys can''t compete with me for him."


    "I''m not that idle."


    Householder Xiong turned to the left, "What about you, Fatty Wang?"


    "I, Wang Zhi, have seen true talents in the Eight Camps, would I fancy such goods?"


    Wang Zhi dismissed it with disdain, "Let''s hurry on, go to the city and get it over with, then drink and visit the brothels tonight."


    ...


    "Bang¡ª"


    On the shooting range.


    Chen Sansi was alone, practicing from dawn till dusk.


    To save time, he didn''t even go for dinner, simply asking Zhu Tong to send over some meat and dry food.


    He was drained of energy.


    The two-stone bow became extremely heavy.


    Chen Sansi slowly lifted his arms, hooked his trembling fingers around the bowstring and, with all his might, shot out another arrow.


    "Bang¡ª"


    Once again, the arrow pierced the target.


    At the same time, the panel reappeared.


    [Skill: Archery (small achievement)]


    [Progress: (0/1000)]


    [Utility: Arms like apes, waist like bees, stunning physique; three shots in a breath, piercing Yang at a hundred steps] S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 20 Mastering in One Night

    A familiar feeling assaulted him once again.And this time, it was more intense than ever before.


    Chen Sansi stood there, feeling his archery skills improving rapidly.


    From seventy steps to eighty steps, and finally a hundred-step piercing!


    A target the size of a willow leaf a hundred steps away was nearly invisible to the ordinary person.


    Yet he could hit it with every shot, and that too, three shots in an instant!


    Twenty instants make one finger snap.


    Three instants, roughly one second.


    From drawing the bow to aiming and then firing, it only took one second.


    Even the top snipers of his previous life needed two seconds to aim!


    Besides the improvement in archery, more noticeable was his body.


    For some unknown reason, his body began to grow and reshape for the second time, with his bones changing to better suit bow usage, reaching the extreme limit.


    Archer.


    For archers, the longer the arms, the more suitable they are for pulling the bow.


    Thus, his arms became sturdy and elongated, resembling those of an ape.


    The power of the back determines the upper limit of drawing the bow.


    Thus, his backbones became more compact, and his waist slim yet powerful.


    Ape arms and a wasp waist, the bones were astonishing!


    The whole process, as if anesthetized, was completed with rapid speed.


    Accompanied by this, the fatigue on Chen Sansi''s body was swept away, leaving him feeling refreshed and full of energy.


    He opened his eyes again.


    Unbeknownst to him, night had already fallen.


    The vast target range was empty, with only the bright moon hanging high.


    Chen Sansi simply ate some leftover dry food from noon, then went to the Martial Arts Arena, picked up the Mei Hua Iron on the Lan Qi, recalled the thirty-six basic military spear techniques, and slowly began to practice.


    The muscle strain from overlapping Pile Work and spear techniques followed, causing uncontrollable physiological shivers. He almost shattered his back teeth, yet his hands did not pause for a moment.


    Previously when practicing spear techniques, his body resembled an aged, rusted heavy machine¡ªalthough operable, each movement required great effort, wasting much time.


    Now, with a small achievement in archery and a remodeled body of ape arms and wasp waist, it was like replacing old parts of the machine with new ones.


    Hence, when the machine operated again, although still heavy, it became several times smoother.


    The fourth spear technique, complete!


    The fifth spear technique, complete!


    The sixth route...


    He practiced one after another.


    Without the breathing skill to mitigate side effects, there were several moments when Chen Sansi felt his lungs about to burst and his throat clotted with blood.


    Every time this happened, signaling that his body reached its limit, he would pour a ladle of cold water over himself, rest for a moment, then continue.


    Chen Sansi, holding the White Wax Wood Pole, felt increasingly familiar with the Mei Hua Iron Spear, and his practicing movements got faster.


    The tenth route!


    The eleventh route!


    Continue!


    The universe turned, days and nights shifted.


    Gradually, soldiers reported to the military camp, making it bustling.


    Xu Wencai emerged from the tent, stretching towards the sky.


    "The day''s plan starts in the morning!"


    He was looking through a Scroll Book and faintly heard the sound of shouting, that kind which was strained to the utmost.


    Xu Wencai found it noisy and followed the direction of the sound until he saw the scene.


    The rising sun spread its rosy light across the sky.


    On the Martial Arts Arena, there was a bare-chested youth.


    The youth wasn''t very big, but his physique was exceptionally good, muscular yet streamlined, with a frame that was broad at the top and narrow at the bottom, looking from a distance like an inverted triangle.


    However...


    The youth was flushed all over, his eyes filled with blood, waving a Mei Hua Iron Spear as if he were a mad, starving wolf.


    "Has Shanshi been practicing all night? Has he gone mad?"


    Xu Wencai hurriedly went back to pull Zhu Tong awake.


    Since they were new and had no houses, they all slept in the dormitory tents: "Old Zhu, you better go stop him, or there will be trouble!"


    Zhu Tong arrived at the Martial Arts Arena and couldn''t help but shudder when he saw this scene. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This wasn''t trouble brewing.


    This was clearly...


    He was about to master it!


    He watched the youth''s movements, which clearly showed the final route of the basic military spear technique!


    ...


    Outside the military camp, the clash of armor and disordered footsteps arose simultaneously.


    The soldiers who had left the previous day returned to camp with dark circles under their eyes.


    However, the few Household Commanders at the front were all glowing with vitality, full of energy.


    "The new girls at the Spring Pavilion, they really are delightful," said one.


    "Exactly, exactly, so tender they''re almost dripping," another added.


    "Fatty Wang, from now on, we''re kindred spirits. Please look out for us," another said.


    "Hahaha, naturally, of course," Fatty Wang agreed.


    "Guys, better keep it low for a while."


    Unlike them, Commander Liu looked haggard as if he hadn''t rested well, "Lord Thousand Households was furious, demanding that we must find that barbarian assassin within ten days. He''s truly angered this time."


    "Old Liu, you''re just too serious,"


    Householder Xiong said, "That barbarian''s strength is no small matter. With the little silver we''re paid, why risk our lives?"


    "You''re right, who knows why the Thousand Households is so urgent. It''s very likely that the barbarian has already fled."


    Wang Zhi stopped walking, "What''s that noise?"


    At the edge of the Martial Arts Arena, a dense crowd squeezed together, each stretching their necks to get a look inside.


    "What''s going on? I never see you this eager during regular training, go away!"


    Wang Zhi kicked a few people away, making a path through the crowd, clearing a view for himself.


    He saw a red tassel flashing, and a Mei Hua Iron Spear constantly swirling in the hands of a young man, causing gusts of wind and scattering dust. It was the thirty-six basic movements of military soldier''s spear technique, a complete, smooth sequence of thirty-six movements!


    "Bang¡ª"


    On the Martial Arts Arena, the Mei Hua Iron Spear moved like lightning, piercing through a dummy, scattering straw everywhere, as if splashing the enemy''s blood toward the sky.


    Chen Sansi had completely exhausted his last bit of Qi Power and could no longer support himself. He used the iron spear as support, planting it into the ground and kneeling on one knee, gasping large breaths of the bloody scent.


    "It''s done!"


    Even without the Breathing Skill, he had managed to train in the basic spear technique.


    Regardless of whether he could become a Selected Point, at least his position as a military soldier was secure.


    ...


    "Damn it¡­,"


    Commander Liu''s eyes were wide as he tapped the shoulder of the person in front of him, "Old Xiong, wasn''t he still practicing archery yesterday?"


    Householder Xiong dropped his toothpick in shock, "Yeah, right. I also remember that when we left, he was still practicing archery."


    "That means he started practicing the spear last night, and by this morning he could do it smoothly," said Commander Liu.


    Commander Liu swallowed hard, somewhat in disbelief, "One¡­ one night, and he can perform the spear technique this smoothly?"


    Learned in one night!


    What does this signify?


    Most importantly, this guy had no Breathing Skill!


    Without the Breathing Skill, not only would it greatly slow down the training Progress, but the pain endured during the process is hardly less than the torture of prison!


    What kind of talent and determination must one possess to achieve such a feat?


    Moreover, how quickly could he master it if he had the Breathing Skill? Perhaps midnight, or a few hours, or even less¡­


    No way, this kid has to stay!


    No matter how he offended the Tianyuan Martial Arts Academy, I''ll help him resolve it myself.


    "Old Xiong, you have no shame!"


    Commander Liu snapped back to reality and suddenly noticed that Householder Xiong had already eagerly moved forward.


    He rushed forward and tightly grabbed the other''s arm, "We had agreed that you guys can''t compete with me for people."


    "Bullshit, when did I ever say that?"


    Householder Xiong struggled hard.


    "Blockhead, such a rare talent would be wasted in your hands!"


    "You''re talking about me? If you weren''t following in your father''s footsteps, you wouldn''t even make it to be a flag leader!"


    "Blockhead, wanna try?"


    "Let''s go!"


    The soldiers exchanged glances. They had heard that this boy had offended someone, and he should soon be unable to survive in the military camp. Yet, what they saw with their own eyes was two Lord Household Commanders almost fighting over him?


    That''s often how things are.


    If the young man merely had decent talent, they might have felt pity but wouldn''t necessarily want to spend their connections to help.


    However, if they could see truly rare value in him, those connections wouldn''t matter anymore.


    Just as Commander Liu and Householder Xiong were arguing fiercely.


    A sly voice chimed in.


    "Little stone, we had a deal that I''d teach you in two days.


    "Come on, today is the second day."

 Chapter 21 Haoran Breathing Skill

    "Fatty Wang?!"Households Commander Liu and Householder Xiong turned back.


    Wang Zhi had, unbeknownst to them, quietly walked up to Chen Sansi''s side, his face wearing a friendly smile, and personally helped him up from the ground.


    "This Wang,"


    Households Commander Liu pointed at the fat man''s nose and scolded, "you yourself said that you looked down on this kid''s qualifications!"


    "Exactly!" Householder Xiong echoed, "I think you are the most shameless!"


    "You two brothers are mistaken, what does this have to do with qualifications?"


    Wang Zhi shook his head and said, "I, Wang, have always valued loyalty and credibility. Since I have taken the silver, how could I not teach wholeheartedly?"


    "Very well, very well!"


    Households Commander Liu was so annoyed that his teeth itched, and he unconsciously pressed his hand on the hilt of his saber, "Fat man, you also want to compete with me? Sansi, you better think it through. This fat man cherishes wealth as his life, I could teach you without charging a penny."


    "Come with me!"


    Without another word, Wang Zhi grabbed Chen Sansi and ran; within a few breaths, the two of them had disappeared.


    "Fat man, I will never again be your comrade!"


    Householder Xiong and his companion could only curse as they watched the dust settle, helpless to do anything but leave.


    Chen Sansi was somewhat slow to react.


    From being ignored to being frantically sought after.


    It seemed that those who were against him behind the scenes did not have absolute status and power; otherwise, they would not have given him a chance to turn things around.


    As for which Households Commander to choose to teach him.


    Did he have a choice? S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Hundred Households Wang was very strong, nearly pulling his arm out of its socket.


    The two stopped only when they reached the entrance of the camp.


    Hundred Households Wang released his hand, "Little Stone, come with me."


    The moment they entered the tent,


    Wang Zhi suddenly turned around and pressed his hand on Chen''s shoulder.


    Chen Sansi instinctively wanted to dodge, but that hand was like the Five-finger Mountain, inescapable, pressing heavily on his shoulder and causing intense pain in his bones.


    Only after feeling Chen''s body extensively did Wang Zhi nod in satisfaction, "Ape arms and wasp waist, but most importantly, solid root bone, a truly good foundation."


    "Ape arms and wasp waist¡­"


    Chen Sansi nodded,


    "In martial arts, talent is most important, followed by root bone."


    Wang Zhi sat pompously in front of the desk and explained, "There''s no need for me to explain talent, right?


    "As for root bone, those practicing martial arts must first withstand much torment, and their bones need to be solid. Moreover, various types of root bone also indicate different specializations.


    "Like archers, for example, they generally need to be tall and have long arms to easily draw a full bow, hence your natural aptitude for archery.


    "Ape arms and wasp waist, coupled with hard bones, count as excellent root bone!"


    Chen Sansi nodded, "Thank you, Hundred Households Wang, for the instruction."


    "You have grievances against me in your heart, right?"


    Wang Zhi''s small eyes gleamed, "You think I took the money and still didn''t teach you."


    Chen Sansi candidly said, "I dare not."


    "Dare not doesn''t mean you don''t have them.


    "Alright, don''t feel wronged. Households Commander Liu and Householder Xiong can''t give you this."


    As he spoke, Wang Zhi pulled out a booklet from his robes and slammed it on the table.


    On the surface of the booklet were the familiar terms "Basic Spear Technique for Infantry."


    Seeing Chen''s puzzled look, he pulled out another Basic Spear Technique for Infantry, "Compare the two, see what differences these two books have."


    Chen Sansi did as told.


    Both booklets were complete Basic Spear Technique for Infantry, containing Pile Work, spear technique, and Breathing Skill.


    Through the text, he learned the importance of the Breathing Skill.


    Lacking the Breathing Skill, enduring more torment, and practicing slowly might also allow one to master the spear technique completely, but it would absolutely be impossible to condense Qi-Blood.


    The content of the two booklets, regarding Pile Work and spear technique, was exactly the same.


    But the Breathing Skill had many different aspects.


    The first type of Breathing Skill primarily assisted.


    Pile Work and spear technique were too harmful to the body, so a special breathing method was used as lubrication, reducing the pain of Training while slightly increasing the speed of cultivation.


    The second type was called the Hao Ran Breathing Skill.


    This type of Breathing Skill didn''t offer any protection during practice and wasn''t faster than the first type, but it was said the cultivated Qi-Blood would be better than that of the first type.


    As for how it was better, he did not know.


    Fatty Wang peeled peanuts, eating and explaining, "The Qi-Blood cultivated from the Breathing Skill I gave you will be more enduring, tenacious, and robust, just like me.


    "As for the other Breathing Skill, although it''s faster, it''s neither durable nor resilient, just like Householder Xiong.


    "I think you should understand what I mean? If not, it doesn''t matter; once you cultivate the Qi-Blood, you''ll naturally experience it firsthand."


    Chen Sansi pondered and asked, "Please enlighten me, Hundred Households Wang, why the same Cultivation Technique would have two different Breathing Skills."


    "A castrated version,"


    Fatty Wang said, "The Hao Ran Breathing Skill is better, but it''s not for everyone. If the root bone is not strong enough, it might ruin the person, and if the talent is not sufficient, it will greatly slow down the Progress. Moreover, this thing is very costly in terms of silver; it''s generally only taught in the Eight Camps.


    "I have informed you of both options'' pros and cons, it''s up to you to decide which one to learn."


    A Cultivation Technique from the Eight Camps?


    Chen Sansi looked at Fatty, then at the Cultivation Technique.


    "Are you looking down on me?"


    Fatty Wang glared hard, "Don''t look at me as just a hundred households now, I was also once a man of the Eight Camps!"


    "Hundred Households Wang, you''re being too sensitive. I meant no such thing."


    Chen Sansi quickly made a decision, "I will practice the Hao Ran Breathing Skill."


    "Good lad, I knew I wasn''t wrong about you."


    Wang Zhi brushed off the crumbs from his hand and called a subordinate to bring an Mei Hua Iron Spear from outside, and started to teach him hands-on.


    "Stack Pile, hold the spear, breathe; integrate the three.


    "Take a deep breath, however you hold your breath, don''t hold it directly in your lungs. Imagine, this breath is the ''Power'' stored in your body, use this ''Power'' together with each move you make.


    "That''s not how you breathe, that''s normal breathing. You think the Hao Ran Skill is no different?


    "You need to use this ''Power'' to stimulate your acupoints!


    "Yes, yes, that''s it!"


    "Hiss¡ª"


    With the breathing instructions from the Secret Manual and the explanations from Hundred Households Wang, Chen Sansi tried a few times and then mastered the correct way to use the Hao Ran Breathing Skill.


    Each of his moves was coordinated with "Qi", which transformed into "Power", stimulating his acupoints and bones even more.


    What was originally a dual overlay of Pile Work and spear technique suddenly became a triple overlay.


    The discomfort almost made Chen Sansi gag.


    At the same time, a panel appeared in front of him.


    [Cultivation Technique: Basic Spear Technique (Uninitiated)]


    [Progress: (8/100)]


    [Utility: None for now]


    "Pant-pant¡ª"


    After just a few seconds, Chen Sansi felt weakened and almost stumbled.


    "That''s enough."


    Wang Zhi called a halt, "Let''s stop here for today. You learned the spear technique overnight. Even an ironclad body has its limits; you mustn''t harm your body.


    "Especially with food, you must eat at least five pounds of meat daily, wild game is good, fierce beasts even better, best if it''s Exotic Beast Meat.


    "Once you get the Basic Spear Technique to entry-level, you''ll be in the Blood Refining realm, truly becoming a Martial Artist!


    "When the time comes, I''ll help you find Lord Thousand Households.


    "As for the matter with Tianyuan Martial Arts Academy, do you have any grudges with Young Master Liang Zhan?"


    "Tianyuan Martial Arts Academy?"


    It became clear to Chen Sansi, who then said, "I have absolutely no grudges with the Liang Family."


    "Oh?"


    Wang Zhi seemed surprised, stroking his chin, his eyes flashing with thoughts, not sure what he was thinking, "I understand, you go and rest."

 Chapter 22 Bear Heart, Leopards Courage

    "Is it Tianyuan Martial Arts Academy?"Walking out of the tent, Chen Sansi recalled the conversation he just had.


    Since it was Tianyuan Martial Arts Academy playing tricks, it must be Qin Feng''s doing.


    He could actually get the Young Master of Tianyuan to help him out, which shows they are not ordinary acquaintances, could it be that he has received the true transmission?


    Additionally, the hundred-household asked if he had any grudges with the Liang family, was he preparing to help him?


    The speed of Wang Zhi''s attitude change took him by surprise, but upon further thought, it made sense.


    Most likely, he was of value to them.


    However, Chen Sansi remained calm about this and didn''t feel it was hypocritical.


    The so-called human relationships are nothing more than a mutual back-scratching affair.


    Without kinship or friendship, where does genuine emotion come from?


    For this reason, Chen Sansi didn''t fully count on Wang Zhi to solve this problem for him, he still needed to focus on training and improving his own strength.


    He returned to the Martial Arts Arena.


    After the previous ruckus, everyone now looked at him in disbelief.


    "Shi Tou, how did you manage it?"


    Full of admiration, Zhu Tong said, "I just saw Song Yan''s second uncle turn green with rage when he heard about it!"


    "..."


    Chen Sansi was speechless.


    This was yet another offense.


    But it didn''t matter, he couldn''t shrink back just because he was afraid of offending people.


    "I''m going to head home for a bit."


    Chen Sansi didn''t waste time chit-chatting and started to pack up his things to leave the camp.


    It was not cost-effective to always eat at the restaurant; it was best to buy meat and cook for himself.


    After he left, within a few hours, the feat of mastering spear techniques overnight without any Breathing Skill spread throughout the entire Left Army Thousand Households of Po Yang.


    Many of the new recruits who had the intention to compete for the "Selected Point" position psychologically collapsed and gave up, shifting their goals to becoming military soldiers.


    It wasn''t until two days later that people began to practice spear techniques, one after another.


    The fastest among them was naturally Song Yan. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    On the third day, he finally learned the spear techniques with the aid of the Breathing Skill, but still felt defeated.


    "Second uncle, I can''t compare to Chen Sansi."


    In a double-courtyard house, Song Yan said with his head down, his tone dejected.


    "You have to compete even if you can''t compare!"


    Luo Dongquan said with annoyance, "You still have a chance as long as you haven''t cultivated Qi-Blood yet."


    Two servants carried trays into the courtyard.


    On the trays were steaming hot boiled meat and offal, with the most conspicuous item being a dark yellow, elongated organ slightly twisted in shape.


    "This is a leopard''s gallbladder."


    Luo Dongquan stated, "Bear heart and leopard gallbladder count as great nourishing medicine. Starting today, you will eat one every day. It will not only nourish your body but will also help you accelerate the cultivation of Qi-Blood. One leopard gallbladder costs ten taels of silver, and that kid with the Chen surname can''t afford it."


    "Second uncle, he is a hunter," Song Yan stated. "And I heard he''s a very skilled hunter."


    Upon hearing this, Luo Dongquan couldn''t help but laugh.


    "A hunter? Do you think those hunters outside Po Yang County can''t even afford to pay their taxes?


    "The really valuable things on Tiger Head Mountain are all beyond the Second Layer Mountain in the deep forests. Those game animals hardly ever come out, and the hunters also dare not venture in."


    "Why not?"


    "Why not? Because they''re poor!"


    Luo Dongquan said gravely, "Poor people just need to barely stay alive, that''s all. It''s not their turn to make money, it''s that simple.


    "That''s why I''m trying my utmost to send you climbing upwards. Only if you climb high enough, can you bully others, instead of being bullied!"


    "Second uncle, why do we have to bully others?"


    Song Yan didn''t understand.


    "You fool!" Luo Dongquan erupted. "Just eat your leopard gallbladder! As for that fat man, squandering and extremely greedy for money, he definitely won''t take out real gold and silver to support that Chen kid."


    ...


    "Whew¡ª"


    After completing a set of spear techniques in combination with the Breathing Skill, Chen Sansi was covered in sweat and doused himself with a bucket of cold water.


    [Cultivation Technique: Basic Spear Technique for Military Soldiers (Not Entry-Level)]


    [Progress: (38/100)]


    [Utility: None]


    "Cultivating Qi-Blood really isn''t as simple as Zhu Tong said."


    He sat on a rock, catching his breath for quite some time.


    Chen Sansi had been training day and night for the past two days but only made progress to this extent, still some distance from truly being entry-level.


    "Brother Shi, it''s time to eat," Gu Xinlan called out.


    "Coming."


    Chen Sansi sat at the table and grabbed an entire beef shank to nibble on.


    Gu Xinlan said sympathetically, "You must be exhausted recently."


    "It''s okay."


    Chen Sansi inquired, "Is our home running low on money?"


    "We still have one tael and three coins of silver," Gu Xinlan had every detail of the household memorized. "We can hold on for a few more days."


    "Martial arts training is really burning through money..."


    Chen Sansi commented with some irony.


    Within just a few days, he had consumed all the stored silver in the house.


    Yet even so, his body still showed signs of a Qi-Blood deficiency.


    It seems that the meat from ordinary livestock has limited effects; he must consume game to make a real difference.


    Chen Sansi declared, "I''m going up the mountain this afternoon."


    "Are you going with Uncle Zhao and the others to hunt Black Bears?" Gu Xinlan asked anxiously. "Be careful."


    "Mhm, don''t worry."


    Chen Sansi put down his chopsticks, and at the same time, someone knocked on the door.


    It was Zhao Qiao and the others.


    Zhao Qiao carried a basket full of fish, Wu Da held a jar of honey, and another honest-looking young hunter led a dark grey slender dog.


    After introductions, he learned the man''s name was Zhuang Yi.


    The four of them, familiar with the path, headed towards Second Layer Mountain.


    "There''s plenty to hunt south of Second Layer Mountain, but not much is valuable."


    Zhao Qiao said, "Including that black bear, it actually also comes from the north, under normal circumstances, it wouldn''t be our turn to take action. But that beast developed a taste for human flesh, and it''s cunning too.


    "It doesn''t dare mess with those who practice martial arts, so every year around this time, it quietly runs to the south of the Second Layer Mountain or the First Layer Mountain to attack hunters who go up the mountain."


    "Even beasts bully the common folk!" Zhuang Yi said indignantly.


    "We''re here."


    Wu Da pointed ahead: "Three Donkeys and a few other hunters, it all happened around this area."


    They stopped in a relatively open and flat grassland, placed the bait they brought with them on the ground, and then hid in the distant woods, planning to rely on the autumn wind to spread the scent and attract the black bear.


    But after a long wait, they did not see any movement.


    "Let me do it."


    Chen Sansi had not wanted to show them up before, but since this method wasn''t working, it was better not to waste any more time.


    [Tracking Expertise (Mastery)]


    [Progress: 350/500]


    [Utility: Insight Shocking, Light as a Feather]


    It had been quite some time since he last went hunting in the mountains, and this was an excellent opportunity to improve his skills.


    With his piercing gaze, he soon found a piece of rotten fruit peel in the grass nearby and then cylindrical feces wrapped with insects under a bush.


    For Chen Sansi, as long as he could lock down a general area, there were no traces he couldn''t find.


    After he found the signs, the hunting dog followed over and discovered them too, barking excitedly as if it were in awe.


    To be admired by a dog; wasn''t that a bit odd?


    "Hey, Brother Chen, you''re really amazing!"


    Zhuang Yi spoke honestly: "You''re even better than a dog!"


    "Do you even know how to talk?"


    Wu Da slapped him on the back of the head: "Brother Shi has real talent, learn something!"


    Chen Sansi gestured for silence and continued moving forward.


    After about four miles, they arrived at a valley with a small creek in the middle...


    Even from a distance, Chen Sansi could see many traces left by medium and large animals in the forest across the creek.


    "Across there is North Mountain!"


    Wu Da said with emotion: "Not only are there many large animals there, there''s also a chance to encounter exotic beasts; one catch can make you rich.


    "Unfortunately, we have to ''avoid the brocade-clothed'' and don''t dare to go over lightly; if we provoke disciples of the martial arts halls, we''ll be in big trouble!"


    Chen Sansi had long heard about this: "What exactly does provoking mean?"


    "There''s no standard."


    Zhuang Yi took over: "It''s just bad luck if they don''t like the look of someone."


    "But it''s different for you, Brother Shi."


    Wu Da said: "If you could become a military officer in the future, you won''t have to fear them!"


    One step behind, forever behind.


    If he couldn''t become a flag officer, he wouldn''t even have the right to hunt, let alone,


    Not wasting any time, Chen Sansi continued towards the west, leading several people into a dense forest.


    After entering the area, traces of the black bear''s life became noticeably clearer.


    There were claw marks on the tree trunks, footprints on the ground, and stones that had been turned over.


    Chen Sansi, on alert, kept his distance while searching for the black bear''s figure.


    "There''s a tree hollow."


    Wu Da pointed to the hollow of an ancient tree ahead: "But it seems to be empty."


    As he said this, he was about to approach for a closer look.


    "Watch out!"


    Chen Sansi acutely sensed something was amiss and hastily stopped him: "Behind you!"


    Almost simultaneously, a massive figure emerged from the bushes and lunged at Wu Da''s back with a scarred face.


    The beast had been waiting for a long time!


    After stepping into the dense forest, he hadn''t heard any noise at all, so he dared not get too close.


    Wu Da and the others saw that the tree hollow was empty and thought the black bear had gone out to forage, relaxing their vigilance. They never imagined that the black bear, used to hunting humans, would now actively hunt them!


    No wonder the bait had been useless!


    "Thud¡ª"


    This black bear was larger than its common kind, approximately two and a half meters in length, weighing at least seven to eight hundred pounds. A touch could hurt, making contact would mean death!


    Wu Da didn''t even have time to grab an arrow; his bow was smacked into two pieces, and he was about to be struck in the face by a thick bear paw.


    In the blink of an eye, a Wolf Teeth Arrow accurately pierced the black bear''s left eye.


    "Roar¡ª"


    A sharp roar echoed.


    Zhao Qiao and Zhuang Yi finally reacted, hastily shooting their arrows.


    However, because of their panic, the arrows from their Four-Force Bows didn''t fully draw back and merely penetrated the skin, embedding in the fat of the black bear. They did not cause substantial damage, but it was enough to drive the black bear completely mad, causing it to furiously pounce towards them.


    Being too close, Zhao Qiao and Zhuang Yi didn''t have time to fire a second arrow and had to turn and run.


    The hunting dog barked wildly at the side, unable to even get close.


    "Beast, come chase me!"


    Chen Sansi shouted as he released another arrow.


    Since the black bear had its back towards him, preventing a lethal hit, he could only shoot it in the tough back.


    Nonetheless, because the arrow was heavy, it still half buried itself into the bear.


    "ROAR!!!!"


    The enraged black bear swiftly changed its target, charging at the person whose attack caused it the most pain at incredible speed.


    It might look bulky, but it was astonishingly quick when it ran.


    The sight horrified Wu Da and the others: "Run!"


    But soon, they could let go of their worries.


    Because Chen Sansi was even faster, his agility was like that of a monkey. Using the dense forest to dodge and weave, the black bear missed its attacks repeatedly.


    The blade of the Wolf Teeth Arrow continued to cut into its flesh and bone, with dark red blood soaking its fur; the bear''s speed gradually slowed.


    After gaining some distance, Chen Sansi drew his bow and prepared another arrow.


    "Whiz, whiz, whiz¡ª"


    One arrow followed another in rapid succession, hardly pausing.


    The explosive power required to continuously draw a heavy bow¡ªwhat an outbreak of strength!


    Zhao Qiao and the others watched in amazement, but they didn''t stay idle and assisted with their light bows from the side.


    Before long, the black bear was hit by numerous arrows, its movements growing sluggish.


    Once Chen Sansi confirmed he could finish off the beast without injury, he deliberately avoided hitting vital spots, leading it out of the dense forest. Taking advantage of its weakness, he picked up his plum blossom spear and charged forward.


    Such a perfect live target, how could he not make good use of it?

 Chapter 23 Blocking Arrows with Arrows

    Seeing this, Zhao Qiao and Zhuang Yi quickly collected their arrows.Chen Sansi methodically initiated his Pile Work, coordinating with the Breathing Skill. He thrust the Mei Hua Iron Spear towards the Black Bear, using the force of its resistance to simulate a battle.


    It must be said, the strength of such fierce creatures like bears is astounding.


    Even with severe injuries, the power of its swipes exceeded a thousand pounds, and its collisions even heavier, reaching several thousands of pounds.


    Though Chen Sansi''s strength had significantly increased after practicing martial arts, direct contact still forced him to continuously retreat under the tremendous power. Furthermore, the consumption of physical strength by his spear technique caused him to quickly break out into a heavy sweat.


    However, at the same time, his proficiency was improving at an extremely fast rate.


    As one bloody hole after another appeared on its body, the bear''s attacks became so sluggish that there was no need to even dodge them, clearly on the brink of death from excessive blood loss.


    It was only then that Chen Sansi delivered a spear thrust from the eyeball to the back of the skull, piercing through, and ending its life.


    "Boom¡ª"


    The heavy body fell to the ground, completely lifeless.


    [Cultivation Technique: Basic Soldier Spear Technique (Entry-Level)]


    [Progress: (47/100)]


    [Utility: None]


    In just a short while, the progress increased by nearly ten points; the effectiveness was indeed very good.


    Unfortunately, such ideal live targets weren''t always available.


    "Sigh..."


    Chen Sansi planted the iron spear into the ground, taking deep breaths to stabilize his physical condition.


    After a while, Wu Da and the others came over, their eyes wide in disbelief.


    Even though the Black Bear was sluggish from excessive blood loss, it was definitely not an opponent just any ordinary person could contend with.


    Is this the difference between a martial artist and an ordinary person?


    Especially Zhao Qiao, he couldn''t imagine that the boy who had approached him not long ago to join him in going to Second Layer Mountain had become much stronger than any of them in just over half a month.


    "Uncle Zhao, Wu Da,"


    said Chen Sansi, "It would be great if you could chop some sturdy wood to make a stretcher, let''s carry the bear back together."


    Zhao Qiao and the others didn''t move immediately, standing and looking at him, with an awkward expression on their faces.


    "Little... Little Shi."


    At last, it was Zhao Qiao who spoke: "Can we take half of the share?"


    In cooperative hunting, the earned benefits naturally needed to be shared among the participants.


    But they were admittedly a bit... useless!


    From the beginning, it had been Chen Sansi who found the Black Bear''s habitat.


    Then, they had even been saved from a life-threatening situation.


    If it hadn''t been for Chen Sansi being there today, the three of them might have ended up dead or severely injured.


    Conversely, even if they hadn''t been there, given some more time, Chen Sansi could have worn the Black Bear down alive with his speed and heavy bow.


    But they had just paid their taxes and were so broke that they couldn''t scrape two coins together; they had also spent quite a bit on bait for the trip, and to return empty-handed would be somewhat...


    Of course, if Chen Sansi really didn''t agree, they could only accept it.


    Under the anxious gazes of everyone, the young man holding the spear in the sunset showed a brilliant smile: "Uncle Zhao, what are you talking about? Half a share is too little, at least two portions per person, right?"


    "Ah?"


    "No, no, no, no, no!"


    Zhao Qiao and the others almost thought they had heard wrong.


    They didn''t deserve to take so much.


    They didn''t even have the face to ask for it since he was willing to give!


    After much insistence, Zhao Qiao and Zhuang Yi firmly stuck to taking only half a share, whereas Wu Da had thought about a whole share but, after getting a stern look from Zhao Qiao, also meekly agreed to half a share.


    Chen Sansi didn''t press further.


    He knew they felt embarrassed; getting more when you work more was only natural.


    Moreover, a seven hundred-pound bear, including its expensive bear paws, could easily sell for fifty taels, so half a share amounted to more than two taels of silver.


    In usual times, this was equivalent to hunting twenty or so rabbits, so it wasn''t like they had run around for nothing.


    Chen Sansi didn''t feel pained about it.


    After all, before coming, he wasn''t certain whether he could handle a Black Bear on his own, so for safety''s sake, he had partnered with others.


    Having made such a choice, there was no point in regrets.


    It was just a matter of understanding his own strength, and in the future, he could simply hunt alone if necessary.


    "Brother Shi, from now on, you''re like my real brother!"


    Wu Da smiled, his facial scar making him look ferocious.


    The group quickly cut sticks and tied them with ropes, carrying the massive Black Bear and heading home.


    As they passed by a small creek in the valley,


    the hunting dog began barking at the opposite bank "woof woof woof."


    He fixed his gaze, noticing two young men in long robes, looking discontentedly at the Black Bear on their shoulders from afar.


    Chen Sansi recognized them immediately.


    It was these two who had tricked Shunzi into repairing the Canal more than half a month before!


    After the incident, he had secretly gathered information about these two.


    One was named Li Hao, and the other Zhang Chao, both from Tai Lei Martial Arts Academy, but they were merely servant disciples, not even as qualified as the outer disciples.


    After years of training, they might not even have mastered the Breathing Skill or developed their Qi-Blood.


    Unexpectedly, they would meet again.


    "Woof Woof Woof¡ª"


    As if sensing the men''s ill intentions, the hunting dog''s barking grew louder.


    "Little Blackie, stop barking!"


    Zhuang Yi quickly rushed to cover the dog''s mouth, "Don''t provoke them."


    "What are you afraid of? We''re not fighting them directly..."


    Wu Da had not finished speaking when,


    one of the young men promptly drew his bow and released an arrow, "Good beast, dare to bark at Grandpa?!"


    Although he claimed to be shooting at the dog, his arrow was clearly aimed at a person.


    A willow leaf arrow whistled straight towards Zhuang Yi.


    The two sides were only about forty to fifty steps apart, and a Four-Force Bow was more than enough to kill a man easily!


    Zhuang Yi''s pupils dilated as the arrow rapidly enlarged in his view, his legs went weak and his heart chilled.


    In the blink of an eye, another Wolf Teeth Arrow flew from the side, precisely and impeccably severing the willow leaf arrow mid-air!


    Using an arrow to block another arrow!


    "What?!"


    Zhang Chao''s eyes nearly popped out.


    A moving target, so small, and in such a short time.


    How...How could that be?!


    "The military officer''s Second Stone Heavy Bow?"


    Li Hao''s face turned unpleasant, "Is...is it you?"


    They both had recognized Chen Sansi as well.


    "How has this guy become a military man?"


    "Let''s go!"


    Li and Zhang exchanged a glance and fled in panic, not even leaving a chance for Chen Sansi to speak. Only when they had gotten far away did they shout a threat: "You wait!"


    "A bunch of cowards."


    As for Chen Sansi now, he didn''t need to fear them anymore.


    After all, these were men even Qin Feng wouldn''t bother with. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The whole process, from the other party shooting an arrow to being scared off by Chen Sansi, took just a few seconds.


    So much so that Wu Da and the others took a long time to realize what had just happened.


    "Brother Chen..."


    Zhuang Yi''s voice still trembled, "You saved my life, I¡­I..."


    He was at a loss for words, unsure how to express his gratitude.


    "It''s nothing."


    Chen Sansi said calmly, "If I hadn''t retaliated, their next arrow would have been aimed at me."


    Even servant disciples from the martial arts academy dared to bully like this.


    It seemed he had to vie for the position of military officer!


    With the status of a military officer for protection, the arrow he shot just now wouldn''t have been to block the arrow but to take a life!


    "Let''s head down the mountain."


    After a close shave, the party, carrying the Black Bear, headed back home.


    The county was still under martial law, and it was not known where that barbarian was hiding since he hadn''t been found yet.


    It was almost as Chen Sansi had calculated.


    The Black Bear totaled fifty-one taels.


    The rest each received a little over two taels and five maces of silver.


    Chen Sansi kept the bear heart valued at twenty taels, undold, and also kept thirty pounds of bear meat. In the end, he pocketed twenty taels of snowflake silver.


    "It should last for a while."


    Cradling the still warm bear heart wrapped in lotus leaves, Chen Sansi hurried home eagerly.


    The bear heart was a great tonic, particularly beneficial for his recent deficiency in Qi-Blood.

 Chapter 24 Blood Refining

    Chen Sansi and Zhao Qiao returned to Yanbian Village together.Along the way, they were almost treated as heroes.


    After all, with the Black Bear dead, whether going up the mountain to hunt or gather herbs, it would be much safer.


    Some villagers wanted to send their children to him as apprentices.


    Others wanted to offer their daughters to him as concubines.


    A single bear equaled several dozen taels of silver, which in those days could buy the lives of many young girls of marriageable age.


    Chen Sansi naturally declined each offer politely.


    Even when he pushed open his door, two matchmakers coincidentally walked out of his house.


    "How did all this come to my doorstep?"


    Chen Sansi was speechless.


    "You weren''t injured, were you?"


    Gu Xinlan, as always, checked the man''s body to make sure he was unharmed before she breathed a sigh of relief, "What do you think?


    "What do you mean, what do I think?"


    Chen Sansi was stunned for a moment before he realized she was referring to the matter of taking a concubine.


    He hurriedly shook his head, "I need to focus on practicing martial arts, I don''t have time for this."


    "I figured as much, so I turned them down for you."


    Gu Xinlan helped him unload the bow and iron spear from his body and said softly, "Brother Shi, whenever you want to find someone, just tell me, and I''ll help you pick a good-looking one."


    Chen Sansi was somewhat surprised.


    It seemed that Sister Lan didn''t care about this matter after all.


    Indeed, the mindset of ancient women was different.


    "Sister Lan, please prepare this for me, just boil it in plain water without adding salt."


    Chen Sansi hadn''t forgotten the important matter at hand, he took out the nearly four-pound bear heart, which felt potent with vigorous life force even through the lotus leaves.


    "Keep this silver safe, remember to replace anything that''s lacking at home, and also manage this bear meat for me; I plan to take it to the garrison in a couple of days to share."


    Having a female master in the house meant that he almost didn''t need to worry about anything.


    Gu Xinlan started a fire in the kitchen.


    Chen Sansi went outside to practice his spear technique.


    After several sets of spear movements, he was so hungry that he felt dizzy, and there was a clear sense of "deficit" within his body; fortunately, the meal was soon ready.


    Bear meat, pork, rice, wild vegetable and egg soup, and most importantly, the hearty dish of bear heart.


    Chen Sansi picked up the bear heart and took a big bite directly.


    The taste of blood spread throughout his mouth, then rushed straight to the crown of his head, almost causing him to vomit. He covered his mouth and forcefully chewed and swallowed.


    Taste aside, the effects were genuinely good. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As soon as the bear heart entered his stomach, Chen Sansi felt a warmth there, as if a small flame was burning. As his digestive system worked, the nutrients were quickly absorbed by his body, replenishing the deficit caused by practicing martial arts.


    He couldn''t be fussy about the taste and stuffed more pieces of bear heart meat into his mouth.


    After consuming a third of the bear heart, Chen Sansi felt as if he were on fire. He hurriedly ate some other foods to fill his stomach, then rushed outside to continue practicing.


    The bear heart was indeed a great supplement; he practiced until it was dark and did not feel the "deficit" anymore. If it wasn''t for the need to rest his muscles, he would have considered practicing all night long.


    [Cultivation Technique: Military Basic Spear Technique (Not Initiated)]


    [Progress: (67/100)]


    [Utility: None]


    Efficacy skyrocketed!


    With two-thirds of the bear heart remaining, producing his first thread of Qi-Blood was just a matter of a couple of days.


    After putting away his spear and returning to the house, the great supplement effects of the bear heart were still active; Chen Sansi felt full of energy.


    Under the warm yellow candlelight, Gu Xinlan was rushing to finish sewing clothes.


    Since she no longer had to labor outside, her skin had become even more fair, and her fingers were no longer swollen, from afar, she appeared as if carved out of white jade.


    To save silver, Gu Xinlan did not buy ready-made clothes, but instead bought various fabrics to make them herself.


    Chen Sansi quietly walked up behind her, and suddenly, he whispered in her ear, "Wife, put on the red one, I''ll wait for you in the room."


    "Ah...."


    Gu Xinlan hadn''t heard his footsteps and was startled into trembling.


    She patted her chest, then her eyes drifted towards the fabric on the table.


    Red...


    Her face flushed deeply.


    It was a half-finished red bellyband.


    ...


    Chen Sansi stayed at home for two days.


    On the third day, thinking it was about time, he packed up his belongings and headed towards the garrison.


    Cloth armor and a red hat, carrying a bow and spear, full of style.


    The villagers frequently cast their glances.


    "Brother Shi is about to become an official," one said.


    "Yes, I have a relative who serves in the garrison too; I heard Brother Shi is doing quite well."


    "Psh! I don''t think his fancy days will last long."


    "Uncle Lai Zi, you really can''t speak anything good!"


    "Believe it or not, whatever."


    Uncle Lai Zi raised his voice loud enough to ensure Brother Shi heard him.


    "Uncle Lai Zi."


    Chen Sansi approached, "Do you have something to say to me again?"


    "You''re quite sharp, lad!"


    Uncle Lai Zi leaned closer, "Guess what I saw recently?


    "These past few days, I''ve been seeing Qin Xiong''s brother frequently inviting a fat official from the military camp to drinks. Guess what he''s planning?"


    The fat official?


    Wang Zhi?


    Chen Sansi speculated.


    Qin Feng has been frequently hosting Wang Zhi recently?


    He wasn''t too worried.


    Wang Zhi had known long ago that he had issues with the people from Tianyuan Martial Arts Academy. If he intended to harm him, why would he bother to teach Hao Ran the Breathing Skill?


    Moreover, accepting invitations doesn''t mean he agrees to help with affairs.


    He had experienced this firsthand.


    It looked likely that Qin Feng would waste his silver for nothing...


    Of course, Chen Sansi still needed to be cautious in case the other party became desperate.


    He had specifically inquired about it these past few days.


    He learned that half a month ago, Qin Feng had suddenly transformed from an external disciple to a True Inheritor, but since becoming a True Inheritor, he had only recently mastered Blood Refining.


    Chen Sansi was only a step away from entering Blood Cultivation.


    When the time came, he might be able to battle it out.


    The experience of hunting Black Bear had taught him that having a bit of extra strength wasn''t that remarkable!


    With this in mind, he felt full of motivation.


    At the entrance to the military camp, he encountered Wang Zhi returning on horseback.


    Even from a distance, he could smell the thick scent of alcohol on him.


    "Catch!"


    He tossed him a flask, "Inside is deer blood wine. This flask alone costs three taels of silver, but it''s worth it. I bought it especially for you!


    "Who says I, Wang Zhi, am stingy and treasure money as if it were my life? Don''t listen to Old Liu and the others spouting nonsense. Stick with me, and you won''t miss out on benefits!


    "You also strive for it, and try to cultivate your first strand of Qi-Blood within ten days."


    "Thank you, Hundred Households Wang."


    Chen Sansi bowed with his hands clasped, "I have reached a bottleneck practicing my spear technique and was wondering if I might receive some guidance from you to prevent any deviations?"


    "Bottleneck? What bottleneck in the introductory period, wait a minute¡ª"


    Wang Zhi sobered up a bit, "You, you''re about to start Blood Cultivation?!"


    At the Martial Arts Arena.


    Chen Sansi swallowed the last piece of bear heart and gulped down a few more mouthfuls of deer blood wine, feeling an intense heat throughout his body, with Qi Power almost overflowing.


    He seized the moment to pick up his Plum Blossom Spear and practiced the basic military spear skills.


    Pile Work, spear technique, Breathing Skill!


    With the triple reinforcement, Chen Sansi''s body entered a fully loaded state. Coupled with the supplement of meat and wine, his spear moves became faster and faster, not feeling the slightest fatigue or depletion.


    His heart was beating wildly, as if something was about to burst forth from within.


    ''Is this Qi-Blood?'' he wondered.


    Chen Sansi knew this was the crucial moment for cultivating Qi-Blood, so he dared not stop, continuously increasing the power of each move, exhaustingly extracting every last bit of physical strength and pushing his heart to the limit.


    Until his arms went numb and veins bulged all over his body, he let out a loud shout, gathering his last breath, and thrust the spear into a large stone at the edge of the Martial Arts Arena.


    At last.


    A unique stream of hot blood flowed from his heart.


    [Cultivation Technique: Basic Military Spear Skill (Entry-Level)]


    [Progress: (0/500)]


    [Utility: Swift Gun Movement, Amazing Endurance]

 Chapter 25 Wang Zhi

    Blood Refining Introduction!Chen Sansi exhaled a turbid breath.


    The so-called Blood Cultivation Introduction.


    It is the cultivation of a strand of special "Qi-Blood" within the body.


    Those who practice Martial Arts are able to mobilize this strand of Qi-Blood to enhance the power of their attacks.


    The stronger the Qi-Blood, the longer the peak combat performance can be maintained.


    Just as Householder Xiong had said, only after reaching the Blood Refining realm could one understand the importance of Qi-Blood quality.


    This was just the beginning, and in the future, the gap between ordinary Breathing Skill and vast Breathing Skill would only grow wider.


    "Stab me!"


    Wang Zhi''s shout came from beside his ear, "I told you to thrust your spear at me!"


    Chen Sansi did not understand why, but he didn''t hesitate either; he picked up the Mei Hua Iron Spear, channeled his Qi-Blood through his right arm, and stabbed towards the face of Lord Thousand Households.


    "Clang¡ª"


    Fatty Wang struck with the sheath of his knife, confirming the strength was correct, "Did you really cultivate Qi-Blood?"


    How long had it been?


    At most, only six days!


    Those who could cultivate Qi-Blood within a month were regarded as having boundless potential.


    What did it mean to succeed in six days?!


    What''s more terrifying is that he cultivated using the vast Breathing Skill!


    It''s true that the vast Breathing Skill is stronger, but it also means that cultivating Qi-Blood through this method is much more difficult.


    Yet he only took six days!


    What kind of talent was this?


    After his shock, Wang Zhi tried to control his facial expression, "You did quite well for being so nonchalant, kid."


    "Nonchalant my ass!"


    Hearing the commotion, Households Commander Liu and Householder Xiong also came to see and were astounded by the scene.


    To cultivate Qi-Blood in six days, even in the Eight Camps that would be considered top-notch talent, right?


    What had they missed out on?


    This young man might soon join the Eight Camps, and if he got heavily relied upon, he could rise rapidly to become a Sealed Border Governor, or even a top-ranking official.


    By then, even if they received a bit of favor based on the past incense offerings, they could also ascend to heaven along with him.


    Although this was only a possibility, letting this opportunity slip through their fingers was infuriating enough.


    "Old Xiong!"


    Households Commander Liu rubbed his knife handle, "Let''s take care of him another day, shall we?"


    "No need for another day."


    Householder Xiong grabbed an axe from the rack, "Let''s do it today."


    The Martial Arts Arena quickly became lively.


    When everybody learned that while some were still practicing Pile Work, Chen Sansi had already cultivated Qi-Blood, they were all stunned.


    Luo Dongquan was also drawn by the noisy voices, his face ashen.


    His good-for-nothing nephew would need at least seven more days to cultivate Qi-Blood, which was twice as slow.


    "Get lost, I''m not in the mood to play with you all!"


    Without paying attention to the two Hundred Households, Wang Zhi led the young man into the tent.


    He first poured himself a bowl of wine and drank it, then said, "Today, Households Commander Xiang went to the county city. Once he''s back, I''ll report this. The Selected Point qualification rightfully belongs to you."


    "Thank you, Hundred Households Wang."


    Chen Sansi did not dare to take this seemingly avaricious fat man lightly.


    This guy might not look much, but his strength was extraordinary.


    That previous thrust, he had put in all his effort, yet the opponent had effortlessly blocked it with just the sheath of his knife.


    With such a huge gap in strength, one truly couldn''t underestimate any military officer.


    "You are now officially a martial master."


    Wang Zhi asked, "What weapon do you plan to primarily train with from now on?"


    Chen Sansi had not considered this question before.


    Fatty Wang explained the army camp system.


    "During new soldier training, short spears are uniformly issued.


    "After the assessment is over, military soldiers can choose the weapon they like or are skilled with, while Array Soldiers can only be assigned based on the needs of their unit.


    "But don''t think the basic spear technique of the soldiers is poor.


    "This set of spear techniques was created by the most valiant general under Great Ancestor Sheng, and if it were in Jianghu, it would definitely be treasured by the average sect as a family heirloom.


    "The reason it''s used to train new soldiers is precisely because it''s not easy to learn, and it can test a person''s talent and potential.


    "After testing, of course, you can change to what you prefer."


    Chen Sansi voiced his doubt, "Won''t changing weapons affect Martial Arts Progress?"


    "You''ve only just started, and haven''t deeply specialized. It''s quite easy to switch."


    Wang Zhi said, "Moreover, there''s a saying, ''Staff takes a month, saber takes a year, and a lifetime is needed for the spear; the treasure sword is hidden on one''s person.''


    "Without a doubt, the spear is the hardest to learn, followed by the sword.


    "With your talent, if you followed me to learn the blade, your cultivation speed would be even faster. How about it, want to consider it?"


    Chen Sansi understood the principle that a weapon''s length added to its strength.


    In the future on the battlefield, long weapons theoretically had a higher limit.


    Besides, although spear techniques were difficult, it wasn''t as if he couldn''t learn them.


    He had never chased after quick success. Advancing step by step ensured a more solid foundation in his arts.


    "I will continue to train with the spear."


    Chen Sansi made his decision.


    "You do have ambition."


    Wang Zhi didn''t urge him further but changed the topic, "However, Sansi, with you being fought over by me and Old Liu amongst others, do you feel like you''re about to soar to the skies?"


    "No."


    Chen Sansi was aware of the value he had shown, which might be considered not bad.


    But he wasn''t foolish enough to believe it was "secure."


    Possibilities, before they become reality, are merely possibilities.


    He believed that so-called "geniuses" were never in short supply.


    But those who truly made it to the end and stood at the top, were not necessarily those "geniuses."


    Moreover, he never considered himself a top-notch genius.


    More often, it was about relying on one''s own efforts.


    Fatty Wang telling him this probably meant he really saw him as one of his own.


    Chen Sansi gave a cupped fist salute, "Thank you, Hundred Households Wang, for the guidance."


    "As long as you understand, that''s good. But you also need not be overly cautious."


    Wang Zhi personally poured two bowls of wine and handed one to him, "Although I am just a sixth-rank Householder, within Po Yang County''s territory, I can still protect my subordinates."


    "I will remember that."


    Chen Sansi picked up the bowl and drank it in one gulp.


    Hundred Households Wang also drained his bowl, then tossed it aside, patted his stomach, and headed out the door, "I''m off. I still have to join the Lord Thousand Households tonight to carry out a mission, fighting bloody battles! "


    "Buzz¡ª¡ª"


    Following that, a rallying call sounded throughout the military camp.


    Hundred Households Wang and Households Commander Liu gathered their men to head into the city.


    "Entering the city again, are they still hunting the barbarian assassins?"


    Chen Sansi contemplated, "With all this chaos lately, it really isn''t easy to make a move..."


    But it couldn''t be delayed any longer.


    Qin Feng had already become a True Inheritor, the longer the delay, the more troublesome it would become.


    Time to change the approach.


    With all this chaos, the death of one or two people should be quite normal, right?


    ...


    "Mr. Wang, you are so naughty~"


    "You are so big~ Hahaha!"


    Spring Pavilion. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    In the private room.


    Wang Zhi, with a beauty in each arm, couldn''t stop being fed grapes and sipping fine wine, thoroughly enjoying himself.


    Across from him.


    Sat two young men.


    One was dressed extravagantly, holding a folding fan, the very picture of a dashing gentleman, wrapped around a lovely lady¡ªit was Liang Zhan, the Young Master of Tianyuan Martial Arts Hall.


    The other young man, donned in a robe, equally presentable, was indeed Qin Feng.


    He had no women by his side and sat somewhat stiffly.


    "Here, Hundred Households Wang, I toast to you."


    Liang Zhan raised his cup in invitation.


    "Sure, sure, sure!"


    Hundred Households Wang drank heartily.


    "Hundred Households Wang."


    Liang Zhan put down his cup and asked with a smile, "What about that hunter from the countryside, how have you considered it?"


    "Mr. Liang is talking about whom?"


    Wang Zhi feigned ignorance.


    "..."


    Liang Zhan went silent for a moment, took out a twenty-tael Silver Ingot from his sleeve, and slapped it over with a chuckle, "Hundred Households Wang, you really forget things so quickly, don''t you?"


    Wang Zhi glanced out of the corner of his eye and gestured with his mouth, the silver disappearing from his hand in an instant.


    "Look at my memory!"


    He slapped his forehead, "I remember now, is it that fellow named Qian from Su Family Village? I''ll take care of him, don''t worry."


    "Mr. Wang, you''ve misremembered."


    Qin Feng, unable to hold back, suddenly stood up, "I''m talking about Chen Sansi from Yanbian Village."

 Chapter 26 Going to See Your Brother

    Qin Feng could no longer hold himself back.He had recently obtained the qualification of True Inheritor and was on reasonably good terms with the Young Master, Liang Zhan.


    After learning that Chen Sansi had joined the army, he implored Liang Zhan to pull some strings and see if it was possible to kick him out of the barracks to deal with him easily.


    But later, Chen Sansi was taken under the wing of Wang Zhi.


    Therefore, Qin Feng entrusted Liang Zhan to invite the Hundred Households officer to a banquet.


    Fatty Wang, who was indeed infamous for his greed and lechery, would come whenever he was called, almost without fail. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Everything was expected to go smoothly, but this invitation turned into three days of continuous entertainment.


    In the daytime, lavish meals and fine wine were served at Eight Treasures Building, and beauties from Spring Pavilion kept them company at night.


    Over these three days, more than twenty taels of silver vanished for nothing.


    Naturally, Qin Feng couldn''t afford such extravagance.


    The money was all provided by Liang Zhan.


    But this couldn''t go on either.


    It was time to make things clear.


    So, Qin Feng simply laid it all out.


    The moment Chen Sansi''s name was mentioned, the private room fell eerily silent.


    Wang Zhi did not rush to reply but languidly savored his wine before pushing aside the women and standing up.


    He moved toward Qin Feng step by step, with a clear smirk on his lips, but no trace of warmth to be felt, "Ah, the Chen fellow~ I do seem to have such a person under me.


    "Come now, what''s the grudge between you two?"


    An instant ago, Hundred Households Wang had seemed like another dissolute bureaucrat, but at this moment, he exerted a tremendous pressure on Qin Feng.


    Subconsciously standing up to answer, he said, "Sir, my elder brother has gone missing, and I suspect..."


    "You suspect?"


    Wang Zhi glared with his right eye, almost getting in Qin Feng''s face, "That means you have no evidence, right?"


    "No... I don''t,"


    Qin Feng admitted.


    But among the many villages around, the only person with the capability to hurt his brother was Chen Sansi.


    Hundred Households Wang suddenly changed his expression and started laughing at the gentleman, "Mr. Liang, look at your disciple, what a joker. His brother disappears, and he blames someone without proof¡ªisn''t this just making a fuss?"


    "Hundred Households Wang, I''m not making this up, he..."


    Qin Feng started to speak but then stopped mid-sentence.


    What could he say?


    That his brother wanted to abduct someone else''s wife first?


    He cast a pleading look at Liang Zhan.


    The latter ignored him, going along with Fatty Wang''s words, "Hundred Households Wang has a point, I actually think it might be a misunderstanding as well?"


    "Young Master..."


    Qin Feng wanted to object but was silenced by a gesture from Liang Zhan.


    "Hundred Households Wang."


    Liang Zhan continued, "Let''s leave the matter here, and continue drinking. Later, we''ll call for a couple more top girls."


    "No need,"


    Fatty Wang waved his hand, "These past few days I''ve been working with your Martial Arts Hall to search for the barbarians, we''ve already narrowed down the area, and I reckon we''ll find them tonight, so I need to go as well.


    "Otherwise, Households Commander Xiang may give me a hard time again, let''s continue another day.


    "As for your brother''s matter, I reckon it was probably those barbarians'' doing."


    He outstretched his stout palm and patted Qin Feng''s shoulder twice, "Once I''ve caught the barbarians, I promise to force the truth about your brother''s whereabouts from them."


    After the two pats, Qin Feng almost spat out blood.


    Before he could react, Wang Zhi grabbed his sword and pushed open the door to leave.


    "Young Master."


    Ignoring the pain in his shoulder, Qin Feng said, "What does Hundred Households Wang mean by this?"


    "What else could he mean?"


    The smile on Liang Zhan''s face faded, "He''s clearly telling us not to touch that kid; what the devil! Fatty Wang is well-known far and wide for his cunning, why would he suddenly take someone under his protection?"


    Qin Feng asked, "Young Master, what should I do?"


    Liang Zhan opened his folding fan and gently waved it, his voice laced with helplessness, "Don''t think of this fat man as merely a Sixth Rank officer; he has no small backing.


    "He hails from the Eight Camps, and rumors say, he used to be able to speak directly to Supervisor Sun. Even though he''s been relegated to the Households department, he probably still knows a few high-ranking officials.


    "Even I have to treat him politely.


    "It''s better not to provoke if avoidable.


    "So, let''s drop this matter here."


    "Stop?"


    Qin Feng''s brows furrowed as his voice uncontrollably rose, "Young Master!"


    "If I tell you to stop, you stop. Don''t you understand?"


    Liang Zhan slammed his folding fan down onto the table with a "snap," scolding without warning, "Hasn''t this young master already spent dozens of taels of silver on your behalf, isn''t that generous and righteous enough?"


    "..."


    Qin Feng lowered his head, not daring to speak again, but his fists tightened in the shadows.


    "Hehe~"


    Liang Zhan then turned and soothingly laughed, "Alright, Qin Feng, I know you and your brother were close, but isn''t Wang Zhi there to protect us? We''re untouchable, right?


    "As the saying goes, ''A gentleman can wait ten years to take revenge.''


    "After the assassin''s incident last time, you were taken as a direct disciple by my father. Just cultivate diligently, and won''t you be able to take your revenge later?"


    Qin Feng remained silent.


    "Come on, sit down and join us."


    Liang Zhan looked out at the night sky, "After the hour of You today, the city will be under martial law. Households Commander Xiang personally plans to capture that barbarian, so you''d better not go out."


    "Thank you for your kind intentions, Young Master, but with such a great vendetta unavenged, I dare not indulge myself."


    Qin Feng understood that no matter what he said, the other party would no longer help, so he took his leave.


    As the hour of You approached, the sky gradually darkened.


    All the way, his thoughts were anything but calm.


    Could it really end like this?


    Or should he do as Liang Zhan suggested, diligently practice martial arts, and seek revenge later?


    Absolutely not.


    Fatty Wang''s protection of Chen Sansi showed that the boy''s talent was probably extraordinary.


    If he delayed, where would his advantage come from?


    Most importantly, how could he cultivate in peace with his revenge unfulfilled?


    Since they were three, they had lost their parents.


    It was his elder brother, Qin Xiong, who raised him, selling pancakes to make a living, and later, when life got too tough, they had no choice but to engage in usury and human trafficking.


    But his brother was a good man!


    Now, his brother had disappeared without a trace, neither alive nor dead.


    The only thing left was the golden lock his brother had given him when he was ten years old.


    Wait.


    Where was the golden lock?!


    Qin Feng reached for his neck only to find that the amulet he always wore close to his body had disappeared. How could it...


    Wang Zhi!


    He suddenly remembered Hundred Households Wang patting his shoulder a few times.


    This was too insulting!


    "Chen Sansi!"


    Qin Feng was consumed by rage.


    If nobody would help him, he would take his revenge by himself!


    With his mastery of Blood Refining, killing a novice who had just started learning martial arts should be a piece of cake.


    As for what would happen after, he could only bet that there wouldn''t be consequences.


    Qin Feng made up his mind.


    He hurried to pass through the inspection before the city gate closed, leaving the county seat and heading straight for his home in Yanbian Village.


    The empty house no longer rang with the voice of his brother, laughing and playing drinking games, fueling the fire in his heart.


    Qin Feng searched through his belongings, pulled out a set of black clothes to wear, and covered his face with a black cloth.


    He sat down on a chair, cradling the Treasure Sword with both hands as he closed his eyes and concentrated.


    He was just waiting for the dead of night to slip out and kill.


    "Caw caw¡ª¡ª"


    Midnight.


    The night crows cawed.


    Qin Feng opened his bloodshot eyes.


    Just as he was about to take up his sword and leave the house, suddenly a ghostly voice came from outside.


    "Qin Feng."


    "Your brother sent me to take you to him!"

 Chapter 27 Brothers Reunited

    "Who?!"Qin Feng shivered.


    He immediately rushed outside, only to catch a glimpse of a dark shadow flashing by at the end of the road.


    "Still daring to seek me out!"


    Qin Feng gathered his energy and sprinted furiously.


    But no matter how hard he tried, he couldn''t catch up to the shadow.


    "Qinggong, you can perform Qinggong too? Could it be you, Chen Sansi?!"


    Qin Feng barely managed to fall behind the shadow.


    The two, one in front and one behind, chased each other, leaving Yanbian Village and heading straight towards Tiger Head Mountain.


    They reached Second Layer Mountain.


    The shadow flashed again, burrowing into the dense forest and completely disappearing.


    "Clang¡ª"


    The long sword unsheathed, Qin Feng held the sword in one hand, cautiously stepping into the dense forest.


    The night sky was crystal clear, the moon bright, stars sparse.


    The ghastly white moonlight scattered across the earth, broken by the dense branches into mottled shadows and light.


    With every step Qin Feng took, rustling sounds emitted from the surrounding thicket, unclear whether they were caused by startled bugs and animals, or someone lurking in the shadows.


    He swung his sword forward in anger, cutting down swathes of plants to clear his view, but the shadow that had lured him out remained unseen.


    "Who exactly are you?"


    "Weren''t you to lead me to see my elder brother, where is he now?!"


    Finally, that deep, eerie voice rose again.


    "Your brother''s head is nearly crushed by you, and you still ask me?"


    What?


    Qin Feng was startled and looked down.


    Beneath his feet, embedded in the mud, was a stark white skull.


    Around the skull, scattered bones and pieces of clothing lay around.


    From the remains of the clothing, it appeared they had been torn apart by wild beasts.


    This was...


    Qin Xiong''s clothing.


    How could he have forgotten?!


    "Brother!!!"


    "Swoosh¡ª"


    Qin Feng roared, his heart suddenly turning cold.


    A Wolf Teeth Arrow pierced his heart from behind, protruding from the front.


    Thud!


    Qin Feng knelt on one knee, the long sword planted into the earth for support, struggling with all his might not to fall, as blood gushed from his mouth and nose like a fountain.


    He had no strength left, nor the will to resist anymore; he merely gazed blankly at his elder brother''s remains.


    The moonlight, salt-like, illuminated them both, one alive, one a ghost, two real brothers.


    "Damn it!"


    "My heart is kind, I can''t bear to see this scene. Since your brotherly love is so deep, I''ll grant you both a reunion!"


    Chen Sansi emerged from the shadows.


    He mobilized his Qi-Blood into his arms, using the plum blossom spear technique powerfully, and pierced through Qin Feng''s heart, ending his life.


    From start to finish.


    Qin Feng had never managed to see his killer''s true face.


    Such is the terrifying nature of long-range weapons.


    If one can neither dodge nor withstand the blow, they are almost always incapacitated by a single strike.


    Clearly, mastery in Blood Refining was not enough to resist.


    Chen Sansi searched the body, finding ten taels of silver.


    "You''re indeed richer than your brother!"


    Besides that, there was a sword.


    Chen Sansi thought it over but decided not to take it.


    This sword, issued by Tianyuan Martial Arts Academy, was too distinctive a feature and couldn''t be sold off.


    In order to prevent anyone from recognizing the arrow and spear wounds on Qin Feng''s body, he first pulled out the Wolf Teeth Arrow, then picked up the long sword, chopping the corpse wildly over a dozen times, ensuring that the wounds couldn''t be identified before he was satisfied. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Finally dealt with."


    Having eliminated a major worry, Chen Sansi felt comforted.


    This trip, both his skills in tracking, stealth, and archery had improved significantly.


    [Skill: Archery (small achievement)]


    [Progress:(50/1000)]


    "Tracking and stealth breakthrough!"


    [Tracking and Stealth (small achievement)]


    [Progress:0/1000]


    [Utility: Night as Bright as Day, Insight Shocking, Light as a Feather, Concealing Breath and Hiding]


    On top of the original basis, two additional effects had emerged.


    Though it was night, Chen Sansi could see every minute movement as clearly as if it were day.


    Concealing Breath and Hiding, self-explanatory, needs no further description.


    With these two skills, Chen Sansi was truly an assassin who came and left without a trace.


    "It''s time to go back."


    Tonight, there was a big commotion in the county city, unknown if it would spill over to the outside.


    Not daring to linger, he quickly retraced his steps under the cover of night.


    As he passed by Su Family Village, Chen Sansi sharply noticed some activity in the woods.


    Highly vigilant, he immediately climbed a tree, deploying his newly learned Concealing Breath Technique.


    Instants later, he felt as if he had merged with the tree; even the birds perched on the tree were not startled.


    Staggering footsteps came from the woods, resembling a drunkard who every few steps would crash to the ground breaking the undergrowth, creating a "crashing" noise.


    Finally.


    The source of the noise entered Chen Sansi''s field of vision.


    However, this was not a drunkard but a person gravely injured.


    The man who approached wasn''t tall, his clothes were tattered, and his body was covered in blood with over a dozen knife wounds deep enough to expose his bones; one could even see his pulsating organs.


    Sustaining such severe wounds yet still able to walk was nothing short of miraculous.


    "Where did he come from?"


    Chen Sansi noted the man''s attire¡ªearrings, and a braided beard, not the style of the local people.


    "A barbarian?"


    "That assassin?"


    "Weren''t there Lord Thousand Households Xiang Tingchun in person last night along with three hundred troops and countless disciples from the martial arts academy to guard? And he still managed to escape?"


    He didn''t act recklessly, but observed secretly.


    "Cough, cough, cough..."


    As the barbarian kept coughing up black blood, he staggered and fell into the bushes, repeatedly trying to get up only to collapse back to the ground. His state was clearly deteriorating fast, nearly at his end.


    There, he lay on the ground, using his hands covered in sticky blood to dig under a rock, tremblingly scooping up the mud.


    It took great effort to carve out a small hole.


    Then, he drew a box from his bosom and buried it with all his remaining strength.


    "Is he hiding something?"


    Chen Sansi watched intently.


    "Cough, cough, cough..."


    After burying the item, the barbarian scrambled to cover the spot with grass and branches.


    By now, he was practically only breathing in and no longer out, on the brink of death, yet he still persisted in crawling forward to get as far away from the hiding spot as possible.


    After about ten meters, his body stiffened, and he moved no more.


    Chen Sansi waited in the tree for roughly ten minutes, confirming the man was truly dead, before leaping down to poke open the soil with his long spear and retrieve the hidden object.


    "What''s this?"


    Chen Sansi toyed with the palm-sized box, pondering.


    The fact that he strained his last breath to hide it meant it must be extremely valuable.


    But the question remains.


    Why would an assassin carry treasures with him on a mission?


    Or perhaps.


    The barbarian''s purpose was to steal this item specifically from Po Yang County?


    "No, that''s not right,"


    Chen Sansi shook his head.


    There were still inconsistencies.


    Had he come to steal, the barbarian should not have lingered in the area after killing the County Magistrate, and during that time, also killed the master of Yunhe Martial Arts Hall.


    Moreover.


    What treasure could little Po Yang County possibly possess?


    Intelligence even less likely.


    With the incident escalated to this level, even if it were intelligence, it would have been rendered useless; was there still a need to bury it?


    The whole affair had been strange from the start.


    Neither the government office nor the martial arts schools had mentioned searching for any item, only capturing the assassin.


    "Ahead!"


    "Quick!"


    "..."


    Suddenly, footsteps sounded not far off, swift and firm, clearly the pursuers had caught up.


    Chen Sansi couldn''t risk exposing his nocturnal activities, quickly restored the hole and placed a rock over it, then climbed back into the tree with the box.


    The ones who arrived weren''t from the government office or the garrison.


    It was people from a martial arts academy, and only three of them.


    A middle-aged man led two direct disciples.


    From their attire, they were from Zhao''s Martial Arts Academy.


    The leader was the master, Zhao Ben.


    "Master, just the one."


    "And he''s dead!"


    They discovered the barbarian''s corpse.


    Zhao Ben''s expression changed as he rushed over, searching the body, "Where''s the item?!"


    "Search!"


    "Yes!"


    The two disciples drew their swords and began scouring the area.


    Of course, they found nothing in the end.


    "Master, there''s nothing. I reckon it must have been taken by some of the others."


    "Damn! So close!"


    Zhao Ben''s fists whitened as he clenched them, it took a long while before he could suppress his rage, "Did you leak any information tonight?"


    "Master, rest assured. Besides the masters of the three major martial arts academies, only a few direct disciples and Lord Thousand Households knew that we were searching for an Immortal Treasure.


    "The rest of the ordinary disciples and the official soldiers from the garrison think we were simply capturing an assassin."


    "Good,"


    Zhao Ben warned, "This matter is critical to our hundred-year plan. If any word leaks out, the consequences are unimaginable! Therefore, if any outsider learns even a fraction of information, they must be killed without hesitation!"


    "Go back. Also, carry the barbarian''s corpse back and cut it open. Don''t rule out the possibility that the item is inside him!"


    "Yes!"


    "..."


    Watching as the group departed,


    Chen Sansi took some time to absorb the overwhelming amount of information from the conversation.


    Immortal Treasure?


    They were searching for an Immortal Treasure?


    And Lord Thousand Households Xiang Tingchun was in on this too?


    And hell, they were so ruthless as to kill any outsider who came into contact with it?


    Chen Sansi weighed the box in his hand.


    "Well then, there''s no way I can let anyone know I''ve touched this thing."


    "It looks like..."


    "It''s mine now!"

 Chapter 28 The Box

    ```He hid until the latter half of the night.


    After confirming the surrounding area was safe, Chen Sansi blended into the darkness and returned home before dawn.


    Without disturbing Sister Lan, who was fast asleep, he quietly took out the box by the bedside and examined it carefully.


    On the surface, it appeared to be just an ordinary sandalwood box, devoid of any decorative patterns and utterly barren, save for a strangely shaped keyhole.


    They called this thing "Immortal Treasure."


    What did that mean?


    Could it possibly be a relic left behind by an immortal?


    Chen Sansi''s curiosity was intense.


    He didn''t have the key, so he tried to force the box open, but it wouldn''t budge.


    Effortlessly he could pull apart dual-stone crossbows and even muster his Qi-Blood, yet the box remained unyielding.


    In the end, it was still made of wood and could definitely be smashed open directly.


    But Chen Sansi was not foolish enough to actually do that.


    There could be some mechanism hidden inside, and brute force was likely to damage the "Immortal Treasure" within.


    Resigned, he could only put the item away for now, planning to take the opportunity to understand the box''s mechanism and what could be used to open it later.


    "Huff..."


    Chen Sansi exhaled deeply. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This night had indeed been a busy one.


    But now that Qin Feng was eliminated and Qi-Blood was the first to be mastered, perhaps life would be a little more comfortable after his upcoming promotion to small flag and obtaining the Selected Point qualification?


    As these thoughts wandered through his mind, he used Gu Xinlan as a soft pillow, pressing her beneath him and drifted comfortably into a deep sleep.


    The next day.


    Chen Sansi got up early and went to the military barracks.


    He hadn''t even entered when he overheard everyone in the camp discussing last night''s events.


    "You didn''t go last night, so you don''t know how chaotic the city was. I saw it all with my own eyes right next to it!"


    "Even Households Commander Xiang had to take action personally, working with the masters of Tianyuan, Tai Lei, and Zhao Martial Arts Halls to corner that barbarian assassin in an abandoned courtyard."


    "Just as they were about to capture the barbarian alive, a group of masked assassins emerged!"


    "Although their faces were covered, by the styles of martial arts they used, they seemed to be barbarians as well, and even more formidable ones at that, each skilled in Bone Training and above! One even managed to exchange blows with Households Commander Xiang."


    "They seriously injured the master of Tai Lei Martial Arts Academy and escorted the assassin out through the city gate."


    "Of course, they also lost more than half of their own men."


    "..."


    Listening to their discussions, Chen Sansi realized that the city must have experienced intense fighting last night.


    And something didn''t sound quite right.


    The assassin was rescued?


    Then how did he end up dead from severe injuries?


    Could it be that the masked assassins had also come for the "Immortal Treasure" and had turned on each other after leaving the city?


    The barbarian assassin fortuitously escaped but was mortally wounded and just happened to be encountered by him?


    If so, was it possible that the reason the box couldn''t be opened was that the key was in the hands of the other group they mentioned?


    This matter was truly very complex.


    Arriving at the barracks, Chen Sansi saw that Wang Zhi hadn''t arrived yet, so he decided to practice for a while in the Martial Arts Arena.


    "Chen Sansi."


    He had just picked up the plum blossom spear when someone called out his name.


    Turning around, he saw it was Song Yan''s second uncle, Luo Dongquan, Hundred Households Luo.


    Hundred Households Luo gestured to him with a smile, "Come over here for a moment."


    "Master Luo."


    Chen Sansi planted his iron spear into the ground, standing his ground, "If you have something to say, say it here."


    "Alright."


    Luo Dongquan, unbothered, clasped his hands behind his back, "I have a favor to ask of you."


    ```


    ```


    A hundred households officer having something to ask for?


    Chen Sansi didn''t overthink it and said, "Hundred Households Luo may speak freely, but I''m afraid I am of low status and might not be able to help much."


    "You have great talent, the best I have seen in all my years of practicing martial arts,"


    Luo Dongquan sighed, "My nephew, he can''t compete with you. But don''t get me wrong, I have no intention of making things difficult for you. If one is inferior in skills, one should concede."


    "I want to ask you to give up your opportunity for the Selected Point in the first half of next year to Yan''er, and you take part in the second half instead."


    "Of course, I wouldn''t ask you to do this for nothing,"


    He produced a silver note, "This is a silver note worth a hundred taels, which can help you buy plenty of Blood Replenishing Soup and Beast Meat to increase your cultivation speed. It''s just a delay of half a year, should be quite a good deal, right?"


    There are two Selected Points every year, one in the first half and one in the second half.


    Each Households commander can only send one person at most each time.


    On the surface, half a year''s delay doesn''t seem like much.


    But why doesn''t he let his own nephew delay for half a year?


    Only a fool would believe that.


    Chen Sansi wouldn''t delay his own advancement over such a small amount of silver, "Thank you, Hundred Households Luo, but I think there is no need for this. Song Yan has good talent; he will certainly have no problem in participating in the Selected Point in the second half of the year."


    Hundred Households Luo kept his smile: "Fine, business not done, courtesy remains. Since you are unwilling, let''s leave it at that. Don''t take today''s matter to heart¡­"


    "Old Luo, you''re quite a character!"


    A plump hand suddenly flashed by, snatching the silver note directly.


    Wang Zhi appeared silently at some point, with a grin that could not be concealed, "You were planning to give this as a congratulations gift to Sansi, aren''t you? My, my, a hundred taels, you''re so generous? You really are the wealthiest!"


    "Damn it, Wang!"


    Luo Dongquan reached out to grab the silver note back.


    Wang Zhi, quick as lightning, kept backing away while pocketing the silver note, "Since you''ve given a gift, how can you take it back?


    "Or is old Luo not really giving a gift, are you trying to coerce and bribe him?"


    "Shall we inform Households Commander Xiang about this?"


    "You¡­"


    Luo Dongquan was speechless for a long while, eventually sneering and walking away.


    Chen Sansi watched, utterly dumbfounded.


    What skill Hundred Households Wang had, to make a hundred tales with just a few words!


    "What did old Luo want from you?"


    Wang Zhi spit after Luo Dongquan''s departing figure.


    Chen Sansi reported truthfully.


    "Such a crafty mind,"


    Wang Zhi scoffed, "Do you know why he wants you to participate in the second half of the year?


    "Rumor has it Supervisor Sun is getting on in years, and the first half of next year will be the last time he personally selects his direct disciples for the Selected Point.


    "Starting from the second half of the year, it will be someone else teaching!"


    Chen Sansi wasn''t too surprised.


    "Very well, try to avoid dealing with old Luo from now on,"


    Wang Zhi said, "Just wait here, Households Commander Xiang and County Magistrate Zhang have arrived. They''ll be blowing the assembly call soon to gather and inspect your batch."


    He began explaining the next steps.


    Selected Point is usually chosen only from the newest recruited soldiers of that year.


    Only those who show talent in a short period of time imply high potential and are worth cultivating.


    In a while, Households Commander Xiang Tingchun will personally check the cultivation levels, then the County Government''s County Chief will confirm the time of enlistment and whether there are any instances of favoritism or fraud.


    Once verified, it will be reported up to the Liangzhou Governor''s Mansion.


    After that, the Governor Mansion will send a dedicated Selection Officer later on to personally confirm there''s no deceit.


    Only then will it be time to go to the Eight Camps in Liangzhou to participate in the true Selected Point to determine future status and position within the Eight Camps.


    "Buzz¡ª"


    Hundred Households Wang finished talking.


    The assembly call just then sounded.


    ```

 Chapter 29 Assessment

    The assembly call sounded.The new batch of soldiers gradually arrived and lined up in the Martial Arts Arena.


    Not long after,


    clad in Lock Armor and with a saber at his waist, Xiang Tingchun appeared first, followed by a civil servant dressed in official robes.


    Xiang Tingchun''s face was expressionless as he directly made his way to the high platform.


    He surveyed the crowd and slowly spoke in a deep voice, "Those who have refined their Qi-Blood, step forward!"


    Out of thirty-eight men, only Chen Sansi took a step forward.


    A hint of surprise flickered across Xiang Tingchun''s usually unfathomable face, and he ordered, "Let a small flag spar with him so I can take a look."


    "Xu Bin, step out!"


    Wang Zhi raised his hand to point and said, "Follow the rules, use only the Blood Cultivation Introduction level, but you are free to unleash any Cultivation Technique, and help Chen Sansi practice!"


    At the edge of the Martial Arts Arena, Xu Bin, who was unexpectedly chosen, was momentarily stunned but still stepped out.


    He looked at Chen Sansi with a complex expression.


    In these past several days, this fellow villager of his had been the center of attention.


    First, he was publicly fought over by several Lords Hundred Households.


    Then, he refined his Qi-Blood in a mere six days.


    Six days!


    He himself barely managed to pass the threshold to become a military soldier, and he couldn''t even remember how long it took him to refine his Qi-Blood!


    In any case, it took him years in the army to finally scrape together the rank of a small flag.


    If this youngster performed well today, he''d likely be promoted directly to small flag!


    Such limitless prospects.


    He...


    on the other hand, hadn''t shown a good face to the newcomer on his first day of enlistment.


    Even more unlucky, somehow he was chosen to be the one to assess the newcomer.


    "What are you dawdling for, begin."


    Xiang Tingchun urged, "Use the same level of Qi-Blood and go all out. This will also let me see if your martial arts as military officers have made any progress."


    "Old Xu."


    "They say this man is your fellow villager, make sure you don''t go easy on him."


    "..."


    A few flag officers and Lords Hundred Households chimed in from the side.


    They had often heard about a prodigy arriving at the garrison and had been eager to assess his true skills.


    Xu Bin, as instructed, summoned a thread of his Qi-Blood.


    The amount of Qi-Blood could be controlled.


    Blood Cultivation Introduction was one thread, Mastery was two, and small achievement meant it spread throughout the limbs.


    Maintaining only one thread of Qi-Blood was the equivalent of suppressing one''s level to Introduction.


    However, it was difficult to restrain the saber technique that had been accumulated over many years.


    In theory, if the two were to fight, he would have an absolute advantage.


    Even so, Xu Bin felt somewhat nervous.


    Lord Thousand Households was personally watching the bout, having made his expectations clear.


    It meant if he lost to a newcomer in front of everyone, his prospects would be essentially ruined.


    On the contrary, if he could demonstrate some fierce moves and catch Lord Thousand Households'' eye...


    His ambition since childhood had been to earn military achievements on the battlefield someday, but being born in Po Yang County, he never even had the chance to face the enemy.


    Lacking cultivation resources, stuck in the Blood Refining Realm for so many years, he was almost without hope of advancement.


    Today, however, was an opportunity.


    Both were fighting for their own futures; he wasn''t willing to sacrifice his for the sake of helping another.


    So, there was absolutely no chance of him going easy.


    He hoped that this younger brother, introduced by his father, would not blame him.


    "Sansi, in case I injure you, don''t blame me."


    Xu Bin drew his saber from its sheath, the three-foot-long blade emitting a chill in the blazing sun.


    "Xu Flag Officer, please come at me," said Chen Sansi, bracing himself with his spear raised.


    Ever since he started practicing martial arts, he hadn''t truly sparred with anyone.


    This opportunity was also a good chance to see what level he was at.


    "Good, watch the saber!"


    Xu Bin suddenly made his move.


    His body slightly bent, he dragged his saber as he moved, his gaze fierce like a ravenous wolf finally seeing flesh after days of hunger. In just two breaths, he reached the young man''s side and his Yan Ling saber slashed horizontally.


    At the same time, a dot of cold light appeared in front.


    In the blink of an eye, this cold light became the gun tip, rapidly enlarging in Xu Bin''s pupils.


    The later man arrives before one who set off earlier,


    the saber is short, the spear long, the way of the long weapon!


    "What a fast spear!"


    Xu Bin dared not advance further, half a step more and he wouldn''t strike the opponent, but likely be pierced first!


    He swiftly halted his steps, attempting to use his saber to break the spear shaft made of White Wax Wood.


    Chen Sansi clearly wouldn''t give him this chance, retracting his spear by three inches, uniting waist and horse, mobilizing his Qi-Blood to his right arm and, with a "blocking and catching" move, clashed the spear tip against the saber edge.


    "Clang¡ª¡ª"


    A crisp sound of weapon impact rang out.


    The Yanling Saber buzzed incessantly.


    The Mei Hua Iron Spear was even more incessantly trembling.


    Both men simultaneously retreated several steps.


    But for a long weapon, distance opened up means advantage!


    Xu Bin had barely steadied himself when the Mei Hua Iron Spear stabbed at him again, forcing him to block with his saber. Fortunately, after many years of martial arts training, he had no problem with such intensity, able to parry it.


    But the basic spear technique of a military soldier is something everyone has practiced.


    Why were Chen Sansi''s spear techniques so unusually fast and fierce, unlike ordinary people?


    And then there was Qi-Blood.


    Although it was just a thread of Qi-Blood, he had concentrated on refining it for years, and it should be somewhat stronger by all account.


    Yet, facing that direct strike, he actually had no advantage in terms of power, barely gaining a slight upper hand by relying solely on his experience with saber techniques. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    How odd and baffling!


    Xu Bin felt shame, worried about ruining the impression he made in the eyes of Lord Thousand Households.


    He wielded the saber in his hand with increasing aggression, aiming each blow at vital points, trying to exhaust his opponent''s Qi-Blood this way.


    "Clang, clang, clang, clang!"


    The sound of metal clashing continuously rose, dust billowed in the Martial Arts Arena.


    Chen Sansi kept retreating to maintain the distance advantage of the long weapon.


    "Damn it."


    Wang Zhi couldn''t help but curse.


    He had thought that it was Xu Bin who had introduced Chen Sansi to the military camp, so he had deliberately called him out. Was this guy actually playing for real?


    He''d wait and see how this blind fool would be dealt with later.


    Meanwhile, Xiang Tingchun''s eyes narrowed slightly, watching with great interest.


    "Well done!"


    The soldiers watching also began to cheer.


    "Clang¡ª"


    Another clash of metal on metal.


    Chen Sansi narrowly avoided being hit. At a critical moment, he held his breath, twirled a spear flower, and pushed the metaphorical fierce wolf, which had come close to him, back to a distance of seven steps.


    Xu Bin was indeed a veteran.


    After several bouts, his arms grew numb, his shoulders ached, and his body and face were covered in sweat.


    Yet his Qi-Blood was still plentiful.


    He could go on.


    Rarer were such sparring opportunities, and his skill with the spear was improving rapidly. He treasured this chance.


    "Come on!"


    Xu Bin swung his saber, one stroke after another, his eyes reddening.


    This was already the eighth round, and he still couldn''t defeat his opponent!


    Since he had already offended him, he might as well do it thoroughly.


    No matter what, he could not become a worthless person in the eyes of Thousand Households!


    He spared no effort, the Yanling Saber tearing through the air as if he were a raging wolf, using every possible means to rip into his prey.


    He planned to fight hard and fast to speed up the wear on his opponent, looking for a weakness.


    However, as time went on.


    Xu Bin gradually noticed something was wrong.


    On the surface, the young spearman seemed to be on the defense all the time.


    But his Qi-Blood never waned!


    Instead, it was his own Qi-Blood that kept being expended, close to bottoming out.


    "How can this be?!"


    A look of astonishment spread across Xu Bin''s face.


    Impossible!


    This kid had just begun cultivating Qi-Blood; he must run out after another ten rounds!


    With that thought, he became even more violent in his saber techniques.


    But the reality was entirely different from what he had imagined.


    After another ten rounds, he had used up most of his Qi-Blood, yet Chen Sansi still hadn''t lost!


    This young man, looking out of breath and nearly done for, always managed to persist at critical moments, displaying terrifying endurance.


    "Clang!"


    Xu Bin, due to his depleted Qi-Blood, slowed in speed and weakened in strength.


    It was then that the tide turned, and the Mei Hua Iron Spear shifted completely from defense to offense!


    A parry, a grab, a stab¡ªevery key point in the spear technique was executed by Chen Sansi with precision and ferocity, combined with Qi-Blood, like a sudden downpour of a violent storm, instantly upon him. A moment''s inattention could lead to a catastrophic injury.


    Now it was Xu Bin''s turn to be drenched in sweat.


    His Qi-Blood gradually dried up in the fierce fight, his hand holding the saber even began to cramp. He forgot about attacking, or to put it more accurately, he no longer had the opportunity. All he could see was the constant flickering of cold light and fluttering red tassels.


    This was impossible.


    Chen Sansi had only recently cultivated Qi-Blood; how could his endurance be so extraordinary?


    There were several moments when Xu Bin almost tapped into his other Qi-Blood reserves, revealing the strength of Blood Refining Mastery, but he knew he had lost.


    Five years!


    Five years of martial arts practice, and he couldn''t compete with someone who had half a month''s of training!


    "Clang¡ª"


    In a daze, his Yanling Saber was picked off, and the sharp triangular gun tip followed close behind, pressing against his throat.


    "Xu Flag Officer, I yield!"

 Chapter 30 Flag Officer

    Chen Sansi was sweating profusely, even his eyes were soaked in sweat, and his physical strength was nearing exhaustion, yet he felt like he could still push on a bit longer if he gritted his teeth.Perhaps this was the chemical reaction produced by pairing amazing endurance with the Hao Ran Breathing Skill?


    However, his victory was not easy.


    After all, Xu Bin was a military officer who had practiced Martial Arts for years and had achieved a small accomplishment in Blood Refining.


    This battle had been quite helpful to him.


    [Cultivation Technique: Basic Spear Technique for Military Soldiers (Entry-Level)]


    [Progress: (52/500)]


    [Utility: Gun Movement Swift, Amazing Endurance]


    He personally experienced the effects of these two skill descriptors.


    He estimated that any peer within seven steps would be struck down before they had a chance to draw their sword!


    His spear technique was not only enduring but also swift.


    Both long-lasting and fierce!


    "Good!"


    Atop the high platform, Xiang Tingchun loudly exclaimed in approval, his eyes brimming with gratification.


    The watching soldiers burst into applause and cheers.


    "Fierce!"


    Zhu Tong''s voice was the loudest.


    Xu Wencai stretched his neck, equally energized by the sight: "I see a hidden king''s aura in Brother Chen, he is destined for greatness!"


    "What''s the use of your looking," Zhu Tong cursed. "You''d better focus on yourself. It''s been ten days, and you still haven''t grasped a single Pile Work. You''re just waiting to be sent out to repair city walls!"


    "..."


    "Brother Chen is truly formidable!"


    Song Yan couldn''t help but express his admiration.


    Xu Bin''s heart felt as dead as ashes.


    He had lost to a novice in front of hundreds of people.


    His chances of advancing in his military career from now on were pretty much over.


    Not only that, this duel had offended Chen Sansi.


    Previously, he could disregard him and not show a good face, and that was that.


    This time, he had been ruthless and had shown no mercy. If he had incurred resentment, once Chen Sansi rose to a high position, wouldn''t it be easy for him to make life difficult for him?


    "You won."


    Xu Bin picked up his knife and dejectedly left the field.


    Chen Sansi didn''t even have the chance to speak.


    Xiang Tingchun on the high platform was very satisfied with this competition. He looked towards the accompanying civil servant:


    "Before Wang Zhi spoke with me, I did not believe him, but now it seems like our Po Yang Thousand Households have really produced a potential general!


    "County Magistrate Zhang, no issues, right?"


    "No issues."


    County Magistrate Zhang had already checked the military register: "I will report it to the Liangzhou Governor''s Mansion after I return, and make clear the qualifications for Selected Point of this Chen Sansi."


    The matter was originally expected to be handled by the county prefect himself.


    However, since the prefect had died and a new one had not yet been assigned, it was temporarily entrusted to the County Chief.


    "Hmm."


    Xiang Tingchun nodded, signaling Chen Sansi to step down and continue the examination of the other new recruits.


    "How many of them have cultivated Qi-Blood in ten days, and how many have learned the spear technique?"


    Out of thirty-eight people, six stood out.


    Xiang Tingchun commanded: "Pair up in twos, and show me a fight."


    "Yes!"


    The six responded.


    Before an hour had passed, the competition concluded, and one could basically tell how each person had performed.


    "Song Yan is good, and in a few days, he should be able to cultivate Qi-Blood."


    Xiang Tingchun mused: "The qualifications for Selected Point in the second half of next year should not be an issue.


    "You''re named Zhu... Zhu Tong? You''re also not bad!


    "Having seven military soldiers among this batch is the highest turnout in the history of Po Yang County.


    "Alright, you may also step down for now.


    "The rest, directly show me your Pile Work."


    Thirty-two people performed Pile Work.


    About fifteen or sixteen of them hadn''t even mastered Pile Work.


    The most absurd was a middle-aged man with a goatee who did not know a single move!


    This sight made Xiang Tingchun frown deeply, losing the patience to continue watching.


    "That will do, the assessment is over.


    "Chen Sansi!"


    "Present!" Chen Sansi answered.


    "From this day forth, you are promoted to flag officer, with all the due treatment of the position, in addition to being equipped with a first-class warhorse!"


    Xiang Tingchun looked to the side: "Wang Zhi, he''s your recruit, so he will be under your command from now on. You have a position for him, right?"


    "Yes, yes, yes."


    Wang Zhi hurriedly answered, "There are quite a few empty spots."


    "..."


    Xiang Tingchun continued, "For the others, fill in the vacancies under each Households Commander; if they achieve a breakthrough in their cultivation or earn military exploits in the future, promote them then!"


    After overseeing the evaluation, he left in a hurry.


    Leaving behind the various Households Commanders to deal with the subsequent trivial matters.


    First was to classify the ranks of the soldiers, and then decide who they would report to.


    When the Selection Officers come to pick people each year, it''s also the time for those from above to investigate the issue of phantom soldiers.


    In recent years, the scrutiny has become stricter, and the phenomenon of phantom soldiers has decreased a lot, but it has not completely vanished.


    A Thousand Households should have a full complement of about 1120 people.


    Po Yang County reported about one thousand people.


    In reality, there were only a little more than nine hundred people.


    This meant that there were nearly a hundred vacancies.


    Thirty-something people, as long as they looked presentable enough to pass the inspection, were all picked by the military officers to fill the gaps.


    Chen Sansi also didn''t have a full complement under him; he had seven people.


    There was Zhu Tong, who actively clamored to come over, four fellow villagers, and two who were sent to the army as a punishment.


    Soon, only two or three old, weak, sick, and disabled remained unwanted by anyone, belonging to the kind that even a beggar hired temporarily from the street would look better. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "You don''t even know how to stand in a horse stance? Go build the city wall in the neighboring county!"


    "No, no, no, my lord, I can do odd jobs!"


    "Odd jobs, can you feed a horse?"


    "I can learn!"


    "Learn, who has the time to teach you? Cut the nonsense, drag him away!"


    Xu Wencai was one of those who nobody wanted.


    "Brother Chen!"


    Seeing that he was about to be taken away, Xu Wencai, as if seeing a lifeline, rushed over and clutched Chen Sansi''s arm desperately, "Do you have a shortage of people under you, let me follow you, let me follow you!"


    "Don''t come and bring us misfortune!"


    Zhu Tong said with extreme disdain, "When we go into battle, you won''t even know what to do; you''ll just drag us down to our deaths!"


    "Who says I can''t do anything?"


    Xu Wencai said, full of earnest promises, "Brother Chen, I, Xu Wencai, have a broad knowledge of astronomy and geography, I am good at arranging troops and managing affairs. Other than being too old to learn martial arts, I can do everything else. Take me in, and I assure you it will be worth it!"


    "Enough talk."


    Households Commander Liu gave a signal, and two soldiers approached to restrain Xu Wencai.


    At that moment, Chen Sansi cupped his fist and said, "Households Commander Liu, please give this man to me."


    "Are you sure?"


    Households Commander Liu looked puzzled, "Aren''t you afraid of wasting a spot under you? Think it over carefully."


    The issue of phantom soldiers had nothing to do with Chen Sansi, the newcomer.


    Which is to say, he didn''t need to pad the numbers, and naturally, the stronger the combatants under him, the better.


    "No problem,"


    Chen Sansi insisted, "I''ll make him feed the horses for me later."


    "Fine then,"


    Households Commander Liu didn''t say much, "As you wish, if you regret it, just let me know."


    "Phew..."


    Relieved from having to go work on building the city wall, Xu Wencai let out a long sigh of relief, "Brother Chen, you really have vision!"


    "He''s just too kind-hearted and got fooled by you!" Zhu Tong cursed.


    About half an hour later, the soldiers were mostly allocated.


    The one in charge of the armory handed Chen Sansi a few slips, telling him that he could use them to collect resources.


    There was Blood Replenishing Soup, Weapons Slips, and also a horse.


    "I still owe Xu Flag Officer a bow,"


    Chen Sansi wasn''t one to shirk debts, but he couldn''t find Xu Bin in the crowd at the moment: "Never mind, let''s go check out the horse first."


    A horse.


    It was an extremely valuable strategic resource.


    Not all flag officers had one.


    The entire Po Yang Thousand Households had less than thirty horses in total.


    "Chen Flag Officer, this horse of yours isn''t an ordinary one!"


    The head of the armory said with a grin, "It''s a top-grade Baihu that Lord Thousand Households took great effort to acquire from the Prefecture City. There were only two in total, and he was willing to spare you one, a clear sign of how much he values you. Chen Flag Officer, you have a boundless future ahead!"


    He ordered the coachman to lead a fine horse out of the stables.


    This horse was pure white all over, with strong muscles and a well-proportioned physique; as the wind blew, its mane danced in the breeze, resembling clouds in the sky.


    "Would you like to give it a try, Chen Flag Officer? Be careful, though,"


    the head of the armory reminded, "This horse has a fiery temperament."


    "I like them fiery."


    Chen Sansi mounted the horse.


    [Skill: Horse Control (Uninitiated)]


    [Progress: (0/100)]


    [Utility: None for now]

 Chapter 31 Xiang Tingchun

    "Horse control also counts?""Whinny¡ª"


    Before Chen Sansi had time to think carefully.


    The White Swan Horse suddenly neighed to the sky and bolted out of the stables uncontrollably, bucking wildly, trying to throw off the person on its back.


    "Damn!"


    Chen Sansi almost flew off completely, hastily grabbing the reins with both hands, and clamping his legs tightly around the horse''s belly while stepping on the stirrups.


    It seemed easy for others to ride a horse, but one only knew how difficult it actually was after trying it themselves.


    Especially with a violent and untamed horse, one could easily lose their life if they weren''t careful!


    "Whinny¡ª"


    The White Swan Horse neighed as it charged haphazardly.


    Sitting atop, Chen Sansi only felt the gale piercing his ears, the scenery moving rapidly backward, and with the horse''s resistance, it was like riding a roller coaster without any safety harness.


    "Good beast!"


    He simply hugged the horse''s neck, trying to subdue it with pure brute force.


    Man and horse were locked in a standoff for an hour, with neither gaining the upper hand.


    It wasn''t until both were exhausted that a temporary truce was called.


    [Skill: Horse Control (Not Entry-Level)]


    [Progress: (35/100)]


    [Utility: None]


    "Are you a mare?"


    Chen Sansi leaned over to check closely.


    His understanding of horses was limited, but he knew that mares were generally smaller; this one, however, was clearly an anomaly, incredibly strong.


    "Ha ha ha ha ha!"


    Hearty laughter came from behind.


    Chen Sansi turned around to see it was Xiang Tingchun.


    Dressed in plain clothes and without his armor, Xiang Tingchun had a more amiable look on his face, yet he still exuded an air of authority.


    A Lord Thousand Households holds a fifth-rank official position.


    A fifth rank in Po Yang County is unparalleled.


    Not just in terms of official ranking but also in cultivation and power.


    "Lord Thousand Households."


    Chen Sansi greeted with a fist and palm salute.


    "How goes it, that horse isn''t easy to tame, is it?"


    Xiang Tingchun teased, "It''s supposed to be difficult. If this horse wasn''t so fiery and occasionally harmful to people, they wouldn''t have been willing to give it to me, and I certainly wouldn''t have thought of giving it to you. Whether you can tame it or not depends on your own ability."


    The Lord Thousand Households hadn''t come specifically to see him.


    Chen Sansi noticed that not far away, a coachman was leading out another White Horse, likely the one prepared for the Lord Thousand Households'' trip, and they had just coincidentally met here.


    "Do well, and if you need anything, just come to me."


    After speaking, Xiang Tingchun mounted his horse.


    His horse was very well-behaved.


    "Where is he going?"


    Chen Sansi mused to himself, "Did they find the key to unlock the Immortal Treasure last night, and were all those masked people caught? Was Luo Dongquan also there?"


    Before leaving the horse grounds, he saw another Black Horse appear, matching pace with the White Horse.


    The man on the horse was Luo Dongquan.


    "Is he involved with the Immortal Treasure as well?"


    These people were clearly keeping secrets from the court.


    His curiosity grew about what exactly was inside the box.


    ...


    "Luo, stop bringing up Selected Point,"


    Xiang Tingchun said firmly, "At a time when the Great Sheng Court lacks manpower, continuing these internal conflicts would be disgraceful."


    "Lord."


    Luo Dongquan looked reluctant, "Next year''s first half is the last Supervisor Selected Point."


    "So what?"


    Xiang Tingchun pulled the reins, "You need to understand something, the Supervisor''s power is too great and, coupled with his advanced age, His Majesty has long wanted him to step down.


    "Joining the Eight Camps at this time may not be a good thing.


    "His Majesty has been looking for newcomers these years, wanting to reshuffle the Northern Territory. It''s very likely that the Eight Camps will be disbanded and reassigned to every corner of the land¡ªeast, west, south, and north.


    "At this critical juncture, if someone can distinguish themselves, they might very well rise to a high position under the future new Supervisor."


    Luo Dongquan listened, utterly engrossed: "That''s why Your Lordship plans to cooperate with the Martial Arts Hall to search for the so-called ''Immortal Treasure,'' but does such a divine item, that can rapidly enhance one''s cultivation, truly exist in this world?"


    "Seeing how excited those old fools at the hall are, it doesn''t seem fake. I''m not sure where those barbarians acquired such treasure.


    "No wonder their raids have become more frequent since last year."


    Xiang Tingchun paused and then continued, "You must remember, our main goal isn''t the Immortal Treasure. Those fools, do they really think they can hide such a thing, if it does exist? The most important thing is to take this opportunity to make those Martial Arts Halls and the rich people in the county bleed some money, to prepare for next spring."


    "My Lord, do you really plan to go beyond the Great Wall and make a move against the Yuwen Tribe''s branch?"


    Luo Dongquan''s expression grew solemn: "The barbarians living near the Xi River have at least two thousand five hundred fighters. We only have a total of nine hundred men, and we also need to report to the Ministry of War, only after their approval can we dispatch troops."


    "That''s why I need war horses, crossbows, provisions, medical herbs, in other words, I need silver!"


    During their conversation.


    The two arrived in the fields.


    Xiang Tingchun raised his riding crop, pointing at the vast farmland: "Do you see? This land should all belong to our Great Sheng, but what happened? Seven or eight parts out of ten now belong to the Martial Arts Halls and the local gentry as private property!


    "Now that wars are non-stop, when we need money, they aren''t willing to contribute a single copper!


    "The matter of the Immortal Treasure happens to be a good scare tactic to subdue them.


    "With money and strength, once we achieve an unrivaled feat, there will be better opportunities for us in the future, why be confined to the Eight Camps?


    "Old Luo, how long have you been with me?"


    Luo Dongquan nodded: "Come winter, it will be exactly twenty-one years."


    Xiang Tingchun spoke gravely: "In all of Po Yang, I trust you the most. That''s why I''ve confided in you alone about this matter and hope you can lend your full support. If we succeed, whatever position I attain in the future, you will hold the same."


    "Lord Thousand Households, rest assured."


    Luo Dongquan bowed with clasped hands: "Your humble servant is willing to walk through fire and water for the Lord, and will not shy away from death!"


    "Let''s go, talk to those old fellows at the Martial Arts Hall."


    The two, riding their horses, entered the city and made their way straight to Tianyuan Martial Arts Academy.


    Liang Zhan greeted them at the entrance: "My father and several uncles have long prepared a feast, waiting for both lords. Please come in!"


    After welcoming the guests.


    Liang Zhan did not hurry inside but waited for a Martial Arts Academy Disciple to arrive. He asked, "Have you found him?"


    "To answer Young Master, no."


    The disciple replied, "Nobody was seen at the residences of the brothers in the city, nor at the old home in Yanbian Village. When asked around, everyone said they haven''t seen Qin Feng."


    "Disappeared?"


    Liang Zhan tapped the palm of his hand with his folding fan: "Eight out of ten, that soldier surnamed Chen killed him."


    "Then Young Master, what should we do?" The disciple, who was close to Qin Feng, felt heavy-hearted.


    Liang Zhan said coldly, "What else can we do? We don''t have any evidence. If he''s dead, he''s dead. Do you expect me to give you a sword so you can go to the army camp to seek revenge?"


    The disciple fell silent.


    Liang Zhan sneered.


    Qin Feng was good, having joined their Martial Arts Hall for several years, hardworking and loyal.


    Recently, by chance, he overheard his secret conversation with his father. Seeing how tight-lipped the lad usually was, he had not killed him but instead took him on as a Direct Disciple.


    But the guy was too stubborn and insisted on courting death.


    He''d advised and helped him. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    To Liang Zhan, Qin Feng''s life was worth only those few dozen taels of silver.


    Tianyuan Martial Arts Academy wasn''t lacking other Direct Disciples, and Liang Zhan wasn''t foolish enough to take a risk to avenge him.


    "This Brother Chen is quite interesting, indeed!"


    "After all, Qin Feng mastered Blood Refining, yet they say he was killed just like that."


    "Such talent, I must make sure to befriend him after getting through this busy period."


    "Last night¡­ also happened to be the time when the barbarians escaped from the city, how coincidental."


    Liang Zhan narrowed his eyes, thoughtful.

 Chapter 32 Linglong Jade Box

    Military Camp.Chen Sansi and his people had familiarized themselves with everything.


    Starting tomorrow, they were to begin their official "work."


    As for the job content.


    Wang Zhi was not around, no one knew where he had gone, but Household Commander Liu came over and explained everything to him in great detail.


    The ninety-some people under Hundred Households Wang were mainly responsible for the "Seven Parts Farming, Three Parts Garrison" aspect of garrison duty.


    In the morning, they had to be at the military camp, practicing battle formations as a group. Military soldiers needed to participate in this before being promoted. In the afternoon, they would go to the Great Wall to keep watch and might also be sent to patrol the county town.


    As for the garrison troops, they had half a day of practice and half a day of work.


    Only military officers had more freedom.


    Most of their time could be spent on cultivation.


    "When the beacon fires rise, the horns sound." S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Households Commander Liu pointed to the northern sky: "If you see black smoke rising, it means the barbarian tribes are invading, and everyone needs to assemble at the first notice. However, it''s been many years since we''ve seen beacon smoke rise up in this place.


    "Also, do you not have a place to live yet?"


    Chen Sansi nodded: "When I joined the army, the manager told me there were no spare houses."


    "There''s no room for ordinary soldiers, but there are a few houses for military officers. Come with me."


    Households Commander Liu led the way.


    In the military settlement, the vast majority of houses were as simple as those in Yanbian Village, mainly made of mud bricks.


    However, walking two miles west to where the military officers lived, everything suddenly looked new. All were standalone courtyards made of blue bricks and solid wood, large and small, divided according to rank.


    "This is a house only a Hundred Households can live in, right?"


    Stopping in front of a two-entry courtyard, Chen Sansi said: "It doesn''t seem appropriate for a small flag like me, does it?"


    "What''s inappropriate? Who''s to say you won''t become a Hundred Households before long?"


    Households Commander Liu said: "Besides, it''s empty anyway, and Lord Thousand Households isn''t going to care. Even if he finds out, he''ll just turn a blind eye."


    "Alright."


    Chen Sansi understood it was a favor being given to him and didn''t turn it down.


    Firstly, running back and forth between the military camp and Yanbian Village every day was not only inconvenient but also a waste of precious time.


    Secondly, his family''s living conditions were truly humble, so moving to a better house would make life more comfortable for Sister Lan.


    Using a cart borrowed from the military camp for transporting grain and fodder, Chen Sansi went back to Yanbian Village to move.


    "Shitou, you really became an officer?!"


    "For sure, he''s even moving with a horse and cart."


    "Once you climb up the ranks, you won''t bother with us anymore!"


    "What Lai Zi said this time might actually happen."


    "¡­"


    When Chen Sansi had just brought the cart into the village, the villagers were happy to watch the excitement, but gradually, the smiles disappeared from their faces.


    Becoming an official.


    It meant that from then on, they were no longer the same kind of people.


    "Uncles and aunties are joking; I''m just a small flag without even a rank. How am I an official?"


    Chen Sansi didn''t know what else to say.


    There wasn''t much to move from his home, just a few quilts and some pots and pans, making the cart seem rather superfluous.


    "This house is quite nice indeed."


    Arriving at the new house, Gu Xinlan was also very pleased and busily started to tidy up.


    Chen Sansi was not idle; after finishing the last two pounds of braised bear meat at home, he started practicing spear technique right there in the yard.


    After bringing out the Qi-Blood.


    The effect of the bear meat was nowhere near as great as before.


    It was only equivalent to eating ordinary livestock before he had cultivated Qi-Blood.


    [Cultivation Technique: Basic Spear Technique (Entry-Level)]


    [Progress: (72/500)]


    [Utility: Gun Movement Swift, Amazing Endurance]


    An afternoon only increased the progress by twenty points.


    "It looks like I still need to buy things like bear heart for proper nourishment."


    "And medicinal soups!"


    As a flag officer, Chen Sansi could receive a bowl of Blood Replenishing Soup every three days, but he didn''t know how effective it would be.


    He looked up at the sky and realized it was already dusk.


    By this time, the people in the pharmacy should have stopped decocting medicines.


    With nothing else to do, he sat down and flipped through a book for a while.


    It was still the "Dasheng Book" from before.


    Reading about the current Emperor''s great grandfather, it mentioned that he was particularly fond of designing things and had invented numerous ingenious devices, including a wooden box specifically for the transmission of intelligence, named the Linglong Jade Box.


    This box contained mechanisms and had to be opened with a special Jade Key. Otherwise, it would burn from the inside out, destroying the intelligence.


    However, the box was lost after the Emperor died.


    "Isn''t this the box in my hands?"


    Chen Sansi felt relieved that he hadn''t destroyed it with brute force, otherwise he would have truly lost a treasure.


    [Skill: Reading (small achievement)]


    [Progress: (51/800)]


    [Utility: Quick-witted, spirit refreshed, photographic memory]


    ¡­


    The next day.


    Chen Sansi finally didn''t have to travel far. After breakfast, he took a leisurely walk to the barracks, first practicing archery for a while, then practicing spear technique.


    When he estimated that the time was about right, he went to look for Xu Bin.


    It was also a twist of fate that Xu Bin was under Wang Zhi''s command as well, but after several rounds of searching, he didn''t see him and had to ask other flag officers.


    "Old Xu? Yesterday afternoon, I saw Hundred Households Wang beat him up, and then he disappeared."


    "Hundred Households Wang?"


    Chen Sansi was taken aback.


    He realized something.


    When the sparring happened yesterday, it was very possible that Hundred Households Wang chose Xu Bin hoping he would throw the match.


    "There''s no need for that," he said.


    Chen Sansi was somewhat speechless.


    If he truly had thrown the match, it would have been of no benefit to either of them.


    He inquired about Xu Bin''s residence and then went to find him.


    ¡­


    "Bin, have you lost your mind?"


    Today, Old Xu had come from the town to bring a stewing hen for his pregnant daughter-in-law, and as soon as he entered, he saw the huge palm print on his son''s face.


    Usually, Xu Bin would go to the barracks to practice Martial Arts early in the morning, but today he hadn''t moved even though it was near noon.


    He knew right away that something had happened.


    After some pressing enquiries, he finally understood the whole story.


    "Little Stone is our fellow villager, and if he makes a name for himself in the future, it would only benefit you! How could you hit him with all your might? You deserve to be beaten, deserve it indeed!"


    Xu Bin kept his head down, saying nothing.


    In fact, from the moment he was chosen for the assessment, he was stuck in a dilemma.


    If he had thrown the match, wouldn''t Lord Thousand Households have seen through it?


    Not throwing the match would offend Hundred Households Wang.


    The only good outcome was to be treated with respect by the Lord Thousand Households.


    The result was obvious; he ended up with the worst possible outcome.


    Afterwards, Wang Zhi found some pretext to slap him and demanded twenty taels of silver, threatening to beat him up every time he saw him if he didn''t pay.


    All of his military pay went into practicing Martial Arts, and with his daily expenses, he had nothing left. Where would he find twenty taels of silver?


    "Go find Little Stone," urged Old Xu. "Hurry up, apologize to Little Stone, and ask him to smooth things over for you!"


    "Dad, it''s useless," Xu Bin said without any sense of hope.


    During the sparring match, he had gone all out to the point of killing.


    With swords and knives being blind, one could easily end up bleeding for real.


    If the other party simply didn''t make things difficult for him in the future, that would already be a mercy. How could he expect him to speak on his behalf?


    "Bang bang bang¡ª"


    The sound of knocking interrupted the father and son''s conversation.


    Soon after, a warm and amiable voice could be heard.


    "Is Brother Bin home? It''s me, Chen Sansi."

 Chapter 33 Witch God Sect

    After inquiring, Chen Sansi learned that he lived very close to Xu Bin, only about a five-minute walk away.He knocked on the door and announced his identity, and soon a young woman opened the door.


    Chen Sansi noticed the slight bulge in her abdomen, "Is this Xu Bin''s home?"


    "Yes."


    The woman hurriedly called someone out.


    There came Xu Bin, sporting a handprint on his face, and greeted awkwardly, "Chen, Chen Flag Officer."


    He remembered that not long ago, he had requested the other to address him by his official title.


    How long had it been, and now everyone held the same rank?


    "I really don''t consider myself as an officer; just calling me ''Rock'' or by my name will do."


    Chen Sansi smiled and pulled out a slip from his sleeve, "This is for you."


    "This is¡­"


    Upon seeing it was a weapons slip from the arsenal, Xu Bin remembered he indeed had loaned out a bow and arrows before.


    "What are you staring at? Apologize to Little Rock!"


    Old Xu came running out and kicked Xu Bin on the buttocks.


    Xu Bin''s face turned red immediately.


    In the military camp, he never resorted to giving gifts or flattering others; he always proved himself through hard work.


    "Bin, hurry up!"


    Old Xu was so anxious he was hopping, "Without Rock''s help, offending Hundred Households Wang, our whole family might end up unable to even eat!"


    "I¡­"


    Xu Bin felt his face burning, but seeing his wife''s bulging stomach, he finally compromised: "Flag Officer Chen, I..."


    "I''ve already said, no need to call me flag officer."


    Before he could finish, Chen Sansi interrupted, "At the camp, we call each other by our ranks, but at home, there''s no need to be so formal. If you don''t mind, I''d still like to call you Brother Bin."


    "What?"


    Xu Bin doubted his ears, "You don''t resent me?"


    "Why should I resent?"


    Chen Sansi was candid.


    If it wasn''t for borrowing the heavy bow, he wouldn''t have so easily won the favor of the Household officers nor could he have built his Qi-Blood so quickly.


    Admittedly, Xu Bin''s attitude might not have been the best.


    But help was help.


    The other could have completely refused to lend it.


    "Hundred Households Wang is a bit..."


    Chen Sansi couldn''t compliment Wang Zhi''s character, "Anyway, I''ll speak with him, no worries."


    "Right, I knew Little Rock was good-natured, how could he not help you?"


    Old Xu said, "Aren''t you going to thank him now?"


    Xu Bin looked at the youth.


    In this world, not repaying kindness with enmity was already good.


    And here was someone willing to disregard past grievances, even calling him ''brother''?


    Futhermore, for him, it was really just a small effort.


    How could he face such decency?


    For some reason, when Xu Bin looked at Chen Sansi again, he began to sense an indescribable aura about him that commanded respect.


    ''Respect'' might not be the exact word, but he couldn''t think of a more fitting way to describe it at that moment.


    Swallowing his words, Xu Bin finally simply offered a fist salute, "From now on, anything you ask, I am at your disposal!"


    Chen Sansi smiled, "That''s too much, but, I do have a favor to ask of you.


    "I''d like Brother Bin, whenever you''re not busy, to spar with me on spear technique."


    I benefited a lot from our last exchange.


    "At your service."


    Xu Bin agreed instantly, "But, I really cannot accept this."


    He handed the slip back.


    "I have a sword and that''s enough; if you insist on giving me this, it means you still hold a grudge."


    "Alright."


    Chen Sansi didn''t insist further.


    "Little Rock, don''t go, stay for dinner!" sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Old Xu insisted on not letting him leave.


    At noon, Chen Sansi and Gu Xinlan both stayed for a meal.


    Xinlan and Xu Bin''s wife, Lady Tong, got to know each other, and as both enjoyed needlework, they found a lot of common topics to discuss, hitting it off well, and even made plans to meet up in the future.


    "Buzz¡ª"


    Halfway through the meal, the military camp sounded a rally call.


    "Father, we have to go," Chen Sansi said.


    Xu Bin hastily put on his armor and grabbed his sword. "Shanshi, hurry!"


    "What''s happened?"


    Chen Sansi purposely looked up at the sky but saw no signs of beacon smoke, indicating that there were no enemy attacks.


    When they arrived at the garrison, they were met by Lord Thousand Households, his face full of fury.


    Xiang Tingchun ordered in public, effective immediately, that half of the personnel within the Households should search the city of Po Yang daily for Witch God Sect Followers, not sparing even the Martial Arts Schools, and conduct strict searches of each. If any were found, they were to be charged with the crime of colluding with the enemy and treason.


    What was the Witch God Sect?


    Why even search the Martial Arts Schools? Hadn''t they just cooperated recently to surround and attack barbarian assassins?


    "I''m not sure," he replied.


    Householder Xiong said, puzzled, "All I know is that yesterday Lord Thousand Households and Luo Dongquan went to the Tianyuan Martial Arts Academy, and when they returned, he was furious, stating that they were all parasites of the court, and it was time they learned their lesson."


    "Lord Thousand Households is probably preparing to let the local lords bleed a little," Households Commander Liu said, stroking his chin.


    "Isn''t he afraid of the higher-ups?"


    It was a well-known fact that the Great Sheng Court was heavily in debt.


    In earlier years, the garrison occasionally had delayed payments.


    On the other hand, the Martial Arts Schools and local gentry were amassing wealth.


    The money in the hands of the hundreds of households was merely scraps between the lords'' teeth. Nicely put, it was called a bribe; harshly put, it was money thrown to beggars.


    Securing some wealth from the Martial Arts Schools was naturally a good thing.


    But the problem was,


    If it was that simple, the court wouldn''t have been so hard-pressed.


    The Martial Arts Schools and local gentry included many who had retired from positions in the court; some were blatantly businesses owned by current court officials. Who would dare touch them?


    On the surface, it seemed that their Households wielded the greatest authority.


    In reality, which Martial Arts School didn''t have connections with people in the prefecture or state offices?


    The actions of Xiang Tingchun were difficult for them to understand.


    "Unless, Xiang Tingchun has some leverage over them," Chen Sansi thought, though he did not voice it.


    And he was right.


    These people had been hiding from the court while searching for the Immortal Treasure.


    Xiang Tingchun had planned to use this matter to blackmail the Martial Arts Schools, but it seemed the talks had broken down.


    "Move out!"


    Five Hundred Households, leading over four hundred soldiers marched out of the garrison mightily.


    Chen Sansi and his subordinates were among them.


    Wang Zhi was not present, and two flag leaders led them instead.


    One surnamed Miao, the other surnamed Fang.


    "Flag Leader Fang."


    Chen Sansi asked, "Wasn''t it barbarian assassins before? How did it become the Witch God Sect?"


    Flag Leader Fang shook his head, "That night, the masked persons who suddenly appeared and rescued the assassin were said to be from the Witch God Sect, supposedly very notorious villains. That''s all I know."


    "I know about this, I know!"


    Xu Wencai rushed over excitedly raising his hand.


    "Mr. Xu knows?"


    Chen Sansi said, "Please tell us."


    "Ahem!"


    Xu Wencai cleared his throat and began seriously, "This Witch God Sect, it originated from the barbarian tribes and has a history of two hundred years. However, it declined long ago.


    "Just about ten years ago, they suddenly became active again and even supported the Yuwen Tribe to swallow up three tribes on the grasslands in one fell swoop, transforming from a small tribe into one of the four hegemons. These years, the barbarians who have been harassing the borders of Sheng are mainly from the Yuwen Tribe, with the other three hegemons mostly watching from the sidelines."


    "Hmm, you seem to know quite a lot!"


    Zhu Tong was half skeptical, "You aren''t making this up, right?"


    "Ptui!"


    Xu Wencai proudly stated, "I traveled everywhere in my early years. You think I did that for nothing?"


    "No wonder you weren''t at home even when your father died a few years ago!" Zhu Tong said bluntly.


    Xu Wencai turned dark and fell silent.


    "Witch God Sect, Yuwen Tribe, border, Immortal Treasure..." Chen Sansi connected the dots and realized it seemed to be a matter of great significance.


    Following their entry into the city, the five hundred soldiers began a house-to-house search.


    However, they temporarily did not search the Four Great Martial Arts Schools and other top-tier halls, focusing primarily on the smaller and lesser-known ones.


    This was Xiang Tingchun making an example of the smaller entities.


    The search continued until dusk, and they then left without any conflicts, but this was just the beginning.


    After wasting an afternoon, Chen Sansi went straight to the arsenal upon returning to the Households, intending to exchange the Weapons Slip and then get a bowl of Blood Replenishing Soup.

 Chapter 34 Mastery of Spear Technique

    The weapon was not needed by Xu Bin, of course, it could not be wasted.Conveniently, the plum blossom spear in Chen Sansi''s hand was too common. Although it did not drag down his abilities, it also did not offer any enhancement.


    In the arsenal, various types of weapons filled the racks.


    Most were standard issue, a small portion was fine weapons made by military officers, among which spears were the scarcest with only two or three varieties available.


    Chen Sansi''s gaze fell on a long spear in the center of the last row.


    This spear was about four meters long, with a slim, reed-leaf-shaped head, a red tassel following the blade, and a shaft slightly thicker than the plum blossom spear''s, also made of white wax wood but wrapped in bamboo strips after being oiled, coated in black lacquer, with a conical spear butt at the end.


    "This spear is called the reed leaf spear."


    The arsenal keeper introduced, "It was left behind by a hundred households from before, and has been gathering dust here ever since. If Chen Qigu fancies it, you''re welcome to take it."


    "Thank you."


    Chen Sansi took the long spear, weighing it in his hands, approximately twenty or thirty pounds, and began to practice with it immediately outside the arsenal.


    The spear technique that came with the soldier training was fundamentally a long weapon style.


    Wielding the reed leaf spear, his spear technique became even more adept.


    After practicing for roughly half an hour, signs of Qi-Blood deficiency emerged.


    "Martial Arts really is a bottomless pit!"


    Chen Sansi, carrying the spear, left.


    Not far from the arsenal was a pharmacy.


    From a distance, one could catch the scent of the medicinal herbs.


    The pharmacy was quiet, home to only an old man, two errand boys, and several jars simmering with content.


    "Elder, I''ve come to get some blood replenishing soup."


    Chen Sansi passed over a slip.


    The old man took the slip: "Have you trained out your Qi-Blood? If you haven''t trained out your Qi-Blood, you shouldn''t drink the blood replenishing soup."


    Chen Sansi, who had never encountered supplemental medicine, was clueless: "Is that so?"


    "Of course."


    The old man stroked his beard and explained, "All medicine carries a certain toxicity; only Martial Artists who have trained out their Qi-Blood can expel the poisons through sweat during training. Otherwise, drinking too much can lead to poisoning, eventually rotting the internal organs and rendering a person useless."


    Chen Sansi nodded to indicate he had indeed trained out his Qi-Blood.


    "That''s good, then."


    Only then did the old man accept the slip, rising to select the appropriate herbs to concoct the medicine on the spot.


    While waiting, the two introduced themselves to each other.


    This old man''s surname was Jiang, a hereditary Medical Officer in the garrison without any rank.


    After waiting quietly for half an hour, Chen Sansi held a bowl of blackish soup in his hands.


    He took a sip and almost retched right then.


    The taste was not only bitter and astringent but also carried the faint stench of a sewage ditch, no wonder it was toxic!


    After drinking, it wasn''t like the bear heart where Qi-Blood would boil instantly; instead, there seemed to be a foreign substance in his abdomen, causing slight discomfort.


    This must be the medicinal strength, which needed Training to digest.


    Medical Officer Jiang said, "Next time, if you want to have some blood replenishing soup, tell me in advance so you won''t have to wait when you come."


    "Alright."


    Chen Sansi''s allowance was a bowl of blood replenishing soup every three days, and he curiously asked, "Medical Officer Jiang, if I run out of my allowance, is there any other way I can get the medicine?"


    "Buy it."


    Using a fan to control the heat, Medical Officer Jiang explained, "But you wouldn''t be buying from me. You''d have to go to the pharmacy opened by the Martial Arts Hall outside. The ingredients for one dose of blood replenishing soup cost ten taels of silver, and you can probably brew two bowls from it."


    "How much?!"


    Chen Sansi was stunned.


    A bear heart was worth about twenty taels of silver.


    Ten taels of silver could support an ordinary family for a year during a bumper harvest, and yet it could only be exchanged for two bowls of medicine?


    "Anything that can enhance Cultivation isn''t made from ordinary herbs. They usually take at least ten to eight years to grow and are very rare. Can they not be expensive? But that''s only part of it."


    Medical Officer Jiang patiently continued, "The main reason is the monopoly."


    "Monopoly?"


    Chen Sansi inquired, "Are you referring to the Martial Arts Hall?"


    "Correct."


    Medical Officer Jiang, exhaling deeply, said leisurely, "Medicinal herbs used specifically for enhancing Cultivation are extremely demanding in terms of growing conditions. There''s only so much suitable land for medicine gardens, and most of it has been sold to the Martial Arts Halls. Can they not be expensive?"


    "Why sell it?"


    Chen Sansi was somewhat puzzled. This was, after all, an absolute strategic resource.


    Doctor Jiang chuckled as he spoke, "What else could it be for¡ªthey, the officials, are short on money."


    "I heard from my father that when he was younger, our garrison''s medicine garden had more than two hundred plots scattered around. Then came a change in the County Magistrate, who sold off a part of the land. After several decades, isn''t it all gone?"


    "Kid, you are new and wouldn''t know. Back in the day, not only salaries were owed but also medicine. Many people left, preferring to hide their identities as house slaves for major sects in the prefectures and states rather than stay in the garrison."


    "If it weren''t for Elder Yan''s reforms, reclaiming some of the land, you wouldn''t have had any medicine to drink."


    "But most of it is still firmly in the hands of the Martial Arts Halls. Not even the Hundred Households officers can get as much as they want whenever they want."


    "Exaggerated."


    Chen Sansi summarized with two words.


    The corruption had reached such a degree that he doubted the court would last much longer.


    No wonder Xiang Tingchun wanted to do something but had to resort to extortion; still, it wasn''t guaranteed to work.


    He took his leave and returned to the Martial Arts Arena.


    The reed leaf gun swirled in motion.


    Pile Work, spear technique, Breathing Skill, combined with Qi-Blood circulation, his body began to operate under high stress.


    It was at these times that the medicinal effects were most apparent. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Whenever the Qi-Blood was trained to near depletion, the medicine would start to transform, stimulating every organ in the body, accelerating the refinement of Qi-Blood in a continual cycle until a second thread of Qi-Blood was born. That was the entry into Blood Refining Mastery.


    After performing several sets of spear techniques, Chen Sansi was covered with foul sweat, but his proficiency made great strides. At this rate, it wouldn''t be long before he mastered the spear technique.


    Moreover, the power of that bowl of medicine was still present, not yet fully utilized¡ªit would be enough for at least two more days of practice.


    "My cultivation level is still low; one bowl of medicine every three days is just enough for now. There''s also no need for me to spend money to buy more."


    "And if I buy some Beast Meat in between, I can push my training to the limit!"


    "Time to eat!"


    It was getting dark, and Chen Sansi packed up his things and went home.


    The meal was prepared early at home; as soon as he entered, Sister Lan helped him remove his armor, fetch water, and after eating, boiled water for washing his feet¡ªa comfortable and smooth routine.


    "Right."


    Gu Xinlan held the wooden basin, "Someone came to see you today, hoping to invite you to be a guest tomorrow."


    Chen Sansi asked, "Who?"


    "Tianyuan Martial Arts Academy."


    After pouring out the water for washing his feet, Gu Xinlan began to massage Chen Sansi, "It sounds like a luxurious place, like the Spring Pavilion, if I remember correctly. Qin Xiong''s younger brother seems to be training at Tianyuan Martial Arts Academy, right?"


    Chen Sansi lay on the bed, pondering the reason Tianyuan Martial Arts Academy was looking for him.


    Qin Feng? It was possible, but not very likely.


    Now that he was a Xuanfeng Flag Officer, his identity would be directly recorded at the Governor Mansion. Unless it was...


    It might also be because of the Immortal Treasure.


    The incident with the Immortal Treasure was entirely coincidental.


    He never expected to run into the barbarian before going out to kill Qin Feng.


    The Liang Family''s young master might suspect he had obtained the Immortal Treasure,


    Fortunately, the other party was also speculating, without any substantive evidence. Moreover, since the Martial Arts Hall and the military were not getting along well, they wouldn''t dare do anything to him at this juncture.


    However,


    He did need to speed up enhancing his power.


    "In the future, if they come again, just directly reject them."


    ...


    In the following days, aside from patrolling the city, Chen Sansi invested all his remaining energy into Martial Arts training.


    Blood Replenishing Soup, Beast Meat, along with Xu Bin''s sparring far exceeded his expectations. Six days later, he successfully made a breakthrough.


    "Huh--"


    An exhausted Chen Sansi planted the gun butt into the ground, feeling a second surge of hot blood flowing within him.


    No, it was different from others.


    The Qi-Blood in his body wasn''t "threads" but "streams."


    [Cultivation Technique: Basic Soldier''s Spear Technique (Expert)]


    [Progress: (0/1000)]


    [Utility: Gun Movement Swift, amazing endurance, robust Qi-Blood]

 Chapter 35 Coming

    "Normally, bringing forth a strand of Qi-Blood is considered entry-level,""Mastering the second strand,"


    "For the average Martial Artist, Qi-Blood is only as thick as a thin rope."


    "However, the Qi-Blood that Chen Sansi cultivated is equivalent to several thin ropes twisted together, two to three times more than that of an ordinary person."


    "This must be credited to the Hao Ran Breathing Skill, but undoubtedly, the proficiency panel also plays a part."


    "His endurance is already impressive, and now that his Qi-Blood has become even more robust, he is a perfect fit for the battlefield,"


    "A battlefield is not about one-on-one duels where killing an opponent ends the fight; rather, it''s about facing countless enemies in what are mostly battles of attrition."


    "This is also where the military formations come into play."


    "When a Martial Artist with Blood Refining Great Success, roughly the level of a flag leader, is confronted by well-trained Array Soldiers on the battlefield and gets trapped in a formation, they will typically exhaust their Qi-Blood after slaying about twenty or so enemies and consequently collapse from depletion, only to be hacked to death by the chaotic blades,"


    "It''s not because the Martial Artist is weak, but rather because the formations are strong,"


    "During the recent drills, Chen Sansi took special care to learn alongside the others,"


    "Taking a small military formation of a hundred men as an example,"


    "Before close combat with bare blades, archers and Crossbowmen first unleash a volley of arrows, followed by spearmen thrusting, then shield and sword fighters encircling, and finally hand-to-hand combat ensues,"


    "Don''t forget that the enemy also has Generals; it''s not just you as a military officer,"


    "In such a scenario, no matter how high your rank as a Martial Artist, once you run out of manpower, you are bound to be worn down to death,"


    "Unless, your Qi-Blood is truly, very enduring,"


    "However, all of this is still too early for Chen Sansi to worry about; he won''t be going to the battlefield any time soon,"


    "You''ve mastered your Qi-Blood?"


    Xu Bin stood frozen on the spot, motionless for a long time,"


    "How many days has it been?"


    "If this continues, it won''t be long before you surpass me,"


    "It''s all thanks to Xu Flag Officer''s sparring with me, otherwise, it wouldn''t have been this fast,"


    After his breakthrough, Chen Sansi felt invigorated, but he didn''t let his guard down mentally, S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Lately, the Tianyuan Martial Arts Academy has sent people to invite him several times, all of which were declined; he was aware that this could not be a long-term solution and that the issue needed to be addressed sooner or later,"


    "Young Master Liang Zhan of Tianyuan was at the Bone Training Realm, and the Martial Arts Hall Master was even at Bone Forger Great Success,"


    "Blood Refining was still at the bottom rank of Martial Artists, not even worth mentioning,"


    "If he could become a Refining Organ Martial Artist like Xiang Tingchun, who in Po Yang County would dare to provoke him?"


    "Time for work, time for work!"


    "It was almost time to patrol the city, Chen Sansi put away his reed leaf gun and called his men,"


    "Not only had he made a breakthrough, but his men had also improved,"


    "Zhu Tong had cultivated his Qi-Blood in the past two days, and a military soldier named Wang Li would not be far behind, while the other five Array Soldiers had also learned the spear technique and started practicing military formations,"


    "Only Xu Wencai was unable to do anything,"


    "The other day he got kicked while feeding the horses, and fearing that he might die under their hooves, he was not asked to go again,"


    "Let''s go, patrol the city,"


    "Ever since the Witch God Sect incident occurred, people were dying daily within and outside the city,"


    "Rumors claimed that the Witch God Sect was bloodthirsty by nature,"


    "Hence, the recent crackdowns have been extremely stringent,"


    "Yet, despite this, no disciples from any Martial Arts Academy were allowed to participate,"


    "Clearly, the Lord Thousand Households wanted to seize the Immortal Treasure before the Martial Arts Academies and then use it to coerce all the Martial Arts Halls in Po Yang County,"


    "Chen Sansi took his city patrols very seriously, attempting to locate traces of Witch God Sect followers,"


    "Unfortunately, he hasn''t found any leads so far,"


    "And even if he did find them, his current strength probably wouldn''t be enough to seize the items, so cultivating remains the most important thing,"


    "After advancing his Qi-Blood to two strands, a bowl of Blood Replenishing Soup every three days would most likely not suffice,"


    "During a break in his patrols, Chen Sansi went to the Martial Arts Academy to purchase medicines,"


    "Zhu Tong accompanied him as well,"


    "Having some savings from slaughtering pigs at home, he too gathered enough money for medicine to speed up his Blood Refining,"


    "Among the Four Great Martial Arts Schools, Yunhe Martial Arts Hall and Zhao''s Martial Arts Academy had the largest business in medicinal materials, comprising two-thirds of Po Yang County''s trade,"


    "Among them, the quality of medicines from Yunhe Martial Arts Hall was the best,"


    "Arriving at Gui Xiang Street, Chen Sansi saw two Yunhe Medicine Stores,"


    "To be precise, one of them was the ''Yunhe Medicine Shop''."


    It gives one the impression of Sprite and Thunderbolt.


    But in fact, both are genuine.


    Lately patrolling the city, he had often heard news about the Martial Arts Halls.


    After the County Magistrate passed away, barbarian assassins killed the Master of Yunhe Martial Arts Hall, leading to its split.


    It''s said that the Young Master of Yunhe Martial Arts Hall had mediocre talent, at nearly thirty years old, he hadn''t yet entered the Bone Training Realm, while his uncle had made small achievement in that realm. After the old Master''s death, he took away his nephew''s right to succession and became the new Hall Master.


    Not only that, but he also kicked his nephew out with a single kick, leaving him only a group of insignificant servant disciples and a medicine shop. Since he was not allowed to use the original name, he had to settle for ''Yunhe''.


    To compete, Yunhe Medicine Shop even offered discounts; Blood Replenishing Soup, which would normally cost ten taels, was only sold for eight.


    More advanced than Blood Replenishing Soup were the Nine Revolutions Replenishing Essence Soup and the Medicine Baths required for the Bone Training Realm, which were also essentially discounted to seventy or eighty percent of their original price, but still outrageously expensive.


    Nine Revolutions Replenishing Essence Soup would cost twenty-five taels for one dose.


    Chen Sansi simply couldn''t afford that.


    He had saved up twenty taels from hunting black bears and obtained ten from killing Qin Feng, but his daily expenses were also high; he couldn''t go without various exotic beast meats, leaving him hardly any silver left.


    In the end, Chen Sansi bought two doses of medicine, spending sixteen taels.


    "There goes my savings."


    Chen Sansi felt like his heart was bleeding.


    And those two doses of medicine would last only about a week.


    It seems that he still had to rely on his hunting skills to make big money.


    Fortunately, as a flag officer, he could freely venture deep into Second Layer Mountain. Hunting something valuable shouldn''t be too difficult.


    It would only mean some delay in his Martial Arts training, but that was a necessary sacrifice.


    He had heard that a tiger could sell for a hundred taels of silver! An Exotic Beast would be even more expensive.


    Exotic Beasts were rare, but there were frequent tales of Big Worms on Second Layer Mountain.


    He would inquire about it and if he could hunt down a tiger, the silver he earned would be enough to quickly reach small achievement.


    Back in the military camp.


    Chen Sansi saw Hundred Households Wang, who had been missing for a few days. The latter claimed he had gone to the Prefecture City to visit relatives and was very pleased to learn of his breakthrough to expertise.


    "Good, good, good, you''re doing well, kid. You''ve got the style I had back in my day!"


    Wang Zhi fumbled in his bosom and pulled out a golden lock, "This is for you, as a reward for your diligent practice."


    "A longevity lock?"


    Chen Sansi knew about this object, typically given by elders in the family to young children. Wang Zhi''s willingness to give it away meant it definitely wasn''t his own, and it was very likely swindled from someone else.


    "Thank you for the kind gesture, but I''d better not accept it."


    He declined.


    "If you don''t want it, forget it. Where is there such a good superior like me, willing to buy gold for subordinates!"


    Hundred Households Wang wore it around his own neck, "You''re asking for leave to go up the mountain tomorrow, right? Go on, go on."


    "Thank you, sir."


    Chen Sansi took his leave and as he was almost at his front door,


    Two figures suddenly appeared, blocking the road ahead, one in front and one behind, old and young, resembling a master-servant relationship.


    "Flag Officer Chen, I had invited you several times without success, so I took the liberty to visit, please excuse my presumption," said Liang Zhan as he held his folding fan and bowed with clasped hands, "Please honor us with your presence at the Spring Pavilion for a gathering, plenty of beautiful women and wine."


    "You are quite presumptuous."


    Chen Sansi spoke indifferently, "I have matters to attend to, so I won''t trouble Mr. Liang with the expense."


    "I have no malicious intent."


    Liang Zhan stepped forward, lowering his voice, "Rest assured, the matter with the Qin brothers won''t be pursued by Tianyuan Martial Arts Academy."


    "What Qin brothers?"


    Chen Sansi said blankly, "I don''t understand."


    The other party might indeed not pursue the matter with Qin Feng.


    But it''s more likely that they wanted to use this to get him talking, to ask if he had left the city that night, to see if he had any chance of coming into contact with the Immortal Treasure.


    "Flag Officer Chen really is a master at playing dumb."


    Liang Zhan''s smile didn''t reach his eyes, and he gave a sign to the old servant behind him, "But I still hope you can grace us with your presence for a meal."


    "Please!"


    The old servant extended a pair of withered tree branch-like hands, reaching out to grab him.


    Chen Sansi''s brows furrowed, his grip tightening on his spear!

 Chapter 36 Redeeming Sins Through Meritorious Service

    "Oh, isn''t that Mr. Liang!"Before Chen Sansi could make a move, a sharp voice rang out.


    Wang Zhi stood in front of the old servant and cheerfully said, "What wind has blown such an honored guest our way? Forgive me for not receiving you from afar! May I ask what brings Mr. Liang here?"


    Chen Sansi interjected, "Mr. Liang was thinking of inviting me to the Spring Pavilion."


    "Really?!"


    Upon hearing this, Wang Zhi burst into joy, his small eyes squeezing into slits, "Mr. Liang, that''s not fair, why invite Sansi and not me? Let''s go together!"


    Damn...


    Liang Zhan hastily retreated, squeezing out an awkward smile, "Hundred Households Wang, actually I just wanted to inquire about something, and since Chen Qigu is busy, we should reschedule."


    He then attempted to leave.


    Wang Zhi stepped forward and grasped his shoulder, "He''s busy, but I''m not! Let''s go, I''ve heard that the Spring Pavilion recently got some fresh girls, so tender~"


    "Hundred Households Wang!"


    Liang Zhan struggled to free himself, "Ah, I just remembered, I also have something urgent, I must go."


    "Hmm?"


    Wang Zhi''s face fell, "Has Mr. Liang grown distant from me?"


    "Not at all."


    Liang Zhan took out a silver ingot weighing five taels from his sleeve, "Truly, I have urgent matters, but next time for sure!"


    He stuffed the money into Wang Zhi''s hands and then hurriedly grabbed his servant to flee.


    "Nearly lost twenty taels of silver!"


    After confirming that no one had followed them, Liang Zhan sighed in relief.


    At the tavern, this Fatty Wang wouldn''t hold back, he''d order anything expensive, and even with a large family business, Mr. Liang couldn''t afford to throw money around unnecessarily.


    "Master."


    The old servant asked, "Are we just letting this go?"


    "Guess what I just saw?"


    Liang Zhan gestured around his neck, "That kid Qin Feng''s longevity lock has ended up around Fatty Wang''s neck. This has nothing to do with the Chens."


    "Oh?"


    The old servant said in surprise, "Could Hundred Households Wang have come into contact with the Immortal Treasure?"


    "No."


    Liang Zhan analyzed, "If he had acquired the Immortal Treasure, would he dare to show off the longevity lock so blatantly?


    "It seems my previous worries were unfounded, the Immortal Treasure has indeed been stolen by the people of the Witch God Sect. Uncle Wu, we must hasten, exhaust all means to find the Immortal Treasure before Xiang Tingchun does, or else we''ll have to spend a fortune to buy it!"


    "Don''t worry, master."


    The old servant bowed, "The trustworthy disciples from the Martial Arts Academy have all been sent out."


    ...


    "This Mr. Liang is getting tighter with his money, huh? I''m giving this to you."


    Wang Zhi was about to throw the silver ingot to Chen Sansi, then stopped midway and changed it for two taels in smaller denominations, "Split fifty-fifty!"


    "..."


    Chen Sansi wanted no less, and pocketed the money. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "What did he want from you?"


    Wang Zhi''s narrowed eyes gleamed, clutching the golden lock around his neck, "It was about that kid, what''s-his-name, Qin something?"


    "I''m not sure."


    Chen Sansi feigned confusion.


    He hadn''t expected the golden lock to belong to Qin Feng; no wonder Liang Zhan had glanced at it several times just now.


    Qin Feng''s death could likely not be concealed much longer.


    But in fact, as long as it didn''t involve the Immortal Treasure, no one would trouble him over the death of a Qin Feng.


    "Ha, you don''t trust me?"


    Wang Zhi found it amusing, "Do you remember what I told you before? No need to be overly cautious about such matters; if you killed someone, you killed someone, what''s there to fear? With me here, no one dares to touch you."


    Chen Sansi conservatively said, "I really don''t know."


    Some things, even when both parties well understand, it''s still best not to articulate them.


    "Look at you guarding against others!


    "Alright, let''s not hide things anymore, lest you always suspect I have designs against you."


    Wang Zhi suddenly turned serious, "In Po Yang County, no matter whom you offend, I will help you, even if it''s Households Commander Xiang!


    "I have but one request of you.


    "Should the day come when you can enter the Eight Camps and become a personal disciple of the Lord Governor, I only ask you to convey a message for me.


    "Tell the Lord Governor that I, Wang Zhi, wish to make amends through meritorious deeds!


    "I only ask for a chance from the Lord Governor, even if it''s to be a coachman or to face death; I want to die in the Eight Camps!"


    Chen Sansi had indeed heard some rumors in the military camp.


    Such as Wang Zhi coming from the Eight Camps and even knowing some high officials there.


    But ''making amends through meritorious deeds''...


    That phrase sounded quite severe.


    Given that Wang Zhi was a Hundred Households, his realm would not exceed bone training.


    A bone training martial artist, how grave a crime could he have committed to talk about ''making amends through meritorious deeds''? And it sounded as if he was quite familiar with Commander Sun before.


    Alas.


    Since the other party had already said so much, Chen Sansi also had to take a stand.


    He solemnly said, "Hundred Households Wang, rest assured, if I really live up to expectations and enter the Eight Camps to meet Commander Sun, I will surely deliver the message no matter what."


    "Good, good!"


    Wang Zhi nodded repeatedly, "From now on, don''t call me Hundred Households, just call me Fatty since we''re brothers."


    "Is that appropriate?" Chen Sansi asked.


    "Pretentious! Why wouldn''t it be?"


    Wang Zhi cursed, waving his sleeve as he left, "If those from the Liang family come looking for trouble again, let me know. I''ll cover my face at night and take care of him for you."


    "..."


    At this moment, as Chen Sansi watched Fatty''s hefty back, why did he feel that the phrases "greedy as life" and "cunning villain" seemed somewhat out of place when applied to him?


    Of course.


    One shouldn''t judge a book by its cover, nor should one easily believe what others say on the surface; actions are what truly matter.


    He stopped pondering and went home to consider tomorrow''s hunting.


    Improving his strength was urgent.


    This feeling of being approached at home was something Chen Sansi did not want to experience again.


    Lion!


    If he could hunt a lion, it would be very useful for a long time!


    Tomorrow he would go back to Yanbian Village and ask Uncle Zhao.


    Although they did not have the strength to hunt lions, having roamed the mountains for years, they surely knew where to find one.


    Although he possessed tracking skills, he still needed a rough area, or else how long would it take to search the vast Hutou Mountain Range?


    After dinner, Chen Sansi also prepared and drank some Blood Replenishing Soup, practicing until late into the night before resting.


    ...


    The next day.


    Chen Sansi rose early.


    Going to Yanbian Village was not close, and he wanted to ride a horse to save time.


    He failed again.


    This horse was fiercely defiant, utterly refusing to be subdued and continuously acting up.


    Fortunately, his proficiency had increased quite a bit.


    [Skill: Horse Control (Entry-level)]


    [Progress: (75/100)]


    [Utility: None]


    After one or two more tries, he would enter the initial stage of Horse Control Skill, surely subduing it then.


    Having a means of transportation was crucial.


    Leaving the military camp, he went straight to Yanbian Village.


    "You want to hunt tigers?"


    Zhao Qiao, Wu Da, and Zhuang Yi were all there, ready to team up to hunt wolves.


    "Yes."


    Chen Sansi nodded, "Uncle Zhao is an experienced hunter, he surely knows."


    "Okay, let''s go up the mountain together!"


    The group of four arrived at the creek at the border between the North and South Peaks of Hutou Mountain.


    Zhao Qiao pointed toward the southwest direction, "Five years ago, Old Liu from the village saw a Big Worm in a cave twenty miles in this direction. He was so frightened that he wet his pants on the spot; luckily, he wasn''t discovered and managed to run back. However, I''m not sure if the Big Worm is still there now."


    "Thank you, Uncle Zhao!"


    Chen Sansi bowed his hands, ready to cross the creek.


    From afar, he could already see the traces left by animals in the forest on the other side.


    All silver!


    Zhao Qiao and the other two stood there, eagerly watching him.


    "Uncle Zhao."


    Chen Sansi knew they were having a hard time, "How about we do it together?"


    "Not at all, not at all."


    Zhao Qiao waved his hands repeatedly, "Black Bear almost took our lives, let alone Big Worm. We would only be holding you back, we dare not go. Little Stone, you be careful too, Big Worm is even more dangerous than Black Bear!"


    "Uncle Zhao."


    Wu Da looked longingly at the lush forest on the other side, "What if we also go over there? Not to hunt tigers, but even hunting a mountain goat would be good."


    "Are you crazy?"


    Zhao Qiao chided, "Have you forgotten how Old Liu died?"


    "He ran over there to hunt because he couldn''t survive three years ago, ended up shooting a deer, but the Martial Arts Academy Disciples coveted it and wanted to snatch it. Those people didn''t want to pay for it and shot him full of arrows! If I hadn''t risked going over, you wouldn''t even see his body!"


    "..."


    Just because one couldn''t survive and went hunting on the other side, did that mean one deserved to die?


    Chen Sansi felt heartbroken.


    He dared not urge further; he could go to the other side without issue, but since he wasn''t a high-ranking official, if something happened to Uncle Zhao and the others, it wouldn''t be worth it.


    After saying goodbye to the three men,


    Chen Sansi, carrying a bow and arrow and holding a gun, leaped over the creek and plunged into the dense jungle.

 Chapter 37 Hunting Tigers

    North of Second Layer Mountain.Chen Sansi''s "Track Concealment" was fully activated, with no trace escaping his notice.


    Rabbits, roe deer, goats...


    If he wished, within ten minutes he could be carrying a goat down the mountain to his home.


    But a wild goat of around one hundred pounds could only sell for two pieces of silver.


    That might have been fine before, but now it was too little.


    His target was a tiger, or at the very least a black bear or a leopard¡ªsome kind of fierce beast.


    Following Zhao Qiao''s suggestion, Chen Sansi headed toward the southwest.


    Along the way, he occasionally encountered martial arts academy disciples adorned in brocade robes.


    To avoid unnecessary trouble, Chen Sansi wore cloth armor this time up the mountain.


    Seeing his armor and heavy bow, the disciples indeed dared not provoke him, and mostly went about their own business after a glance or two.


    "Why are there so many people?"


    Chen Sansi traveled five miles and encountered at least a dozen people.


    Even for hunting, they shouldn''t appear in such dense numbers.


    Moreover, many of them didn''t even carry bows and arrows; instead, they roamed back and forth with knives or swords, appearing as if they were searching for something.


    Witch God Sect?


    It didn''t seem like it.


    Because these people looked relaxed and most of them were dressed as disciples of the Tai Lei Martial Arts Academy.


    Chen Sansi took notice.


    A gust of wind blew, and with his exceptional hearing, he overheard the conversations of the martial arts academy disciples.


    "White Deer!"


    "The Master is injured; whoever finds the White Deer will be rewarded with property!"


    "It''s tough! I heard the White Deer likes to eat medicinal herbs, and those herbs alone cost at least a dozen pieces of silver."


    "..."


    Chen Sansi figured out what was going on.


    The night Qin Feng died, a battle had broken out in the city. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xiang Tingchun and the masters of the three big martial arts halls were arresting barbarian assassins when they encountered the Witch God Sect. Master Tai Lei was seriously injured and needed an exotic beast, the White Deer, for healing; thus, a reward was offered.


    No matter the level of the disciple, anyone who could present the White Deer would be immediately taken as a core true inheritor and also manage a portion of the properties in the future, which is why they were running into the mountains like headless chickens.


    Chen Sansi made a mental note of the exotic beast''s characteristics and continued to hurry forward.


    Tai Lei Martial Arts Academy...


    He hadn''t seen Zhang Chao and his companion.


    Otherwise, he would have shot a few arrows at them regardless.


    After traveling another dozen miles, he arrived at the midsection of a mountain peak.


    At the side of the winding and narrow path stood two martial arts academy disciples with bows on their backs, one of whom had a bow that Chen Sansi estimated was a Seven Strength Bow, already considered forbidden weaponry.


    Holding iron swords, they looked ahead with hesitant expressions and were reluctant to move forward.


    Chen Sansi ignored the two of them.


    "Hey!"


    A martial arts academy disciple called out to him, "You dare to go forward? There''s a Big Worm inside this peak!"


    "I know."


    Chen Sansi answered perfunctorily, showing no intention of stopping.


    "You''re still going? Aren''t you afraid of death?"


    The martial arts academy disciple noticed the Big Bow on the newcomer''s back and his eyes lit up. He looked at his companion with the prohibited Seven Strength Bow and, getting his approval, proposed, "How about we cooperate? The Brother Wei next to me is a Blood Refining Warrior with small achievement!"


    They had discovered the presence of a tiger on this peak only in recent days.


    But due to the court''s ban on heavy bows and their limited cultivation, they wouldn''t normally dare to provoke it.


    Wei Xu took the risk of acquiring a Seven Strength Bow, but was still not very confident he could take down the Big Worm. Close contact with the beast would be more than a Blood Refining Warrior could withstand.


    Finding someone carrying a two-stone bow was an unexpected surprise.


    "Brother."


    Wei Xu, full of confidence, said, "I have Blood Refining Minor Success, and with our combined strength, taking down the Big Worm will be a piece of cake. Once successful, we''ll split the proceeds: sixty-forty. I''ll take sixty, you take forty. How about it?"


    Chen Sansi frowned upon hearing this and, uninterested in further engagement, quickened his pace.


    "?"


    Wei Xu was staggered, clearly not expecting to be treated as if he didn''t exist: "Arrogant!"


    "Brother Wei, he doesn''t want to cooperate, so what do we do?" his junior asked.


    "I''ve glimpsed that Big Worm from afar once, it''s incredibly formidable. Where does he get his confidence from?"


    Wei Xu said angrily, "Let''s follow and see. Maybe the Big Worm will eat him, and we can take advantage at the rear."


    ...


    "Someone else has their eyes on this Big Worm. If I had come two days later, I might have missed my chance."


    Chen Sansi crouched on the ground, scooped up a handful of dirt, and from it extracted two rather stiff orange hairs, followed by claw marks, buried feces, and dried bloodstains in the grass.


    He knew this process by heart.


    Like following a thread, he traced it to a hidden cave halfway up the mountain.


    The cave, with a diameter of roughly five meters, was concealed by dense grass and branches, easily overlooked if not examined closely.


    About twenty zhang from the cave''s entrance, amidst the thickets, one could vaguely see rotting clothing and chilling white bones; it seemed the deceased had been there for some time.


    "Ninety-nine percent sure the Big Worm lives inside."


    Of course, Chen Sansi would not foolishly charge in.


    In the confined space, the advantages of bows and long spears disappeared, so he needed to find a way to lure the Big Worm out.


    "Whoosh¡ª"


    Chen Sansi suddenly turned and loosed an arrow.


    A hundred paces away, a passing roe deer got grazed by the precise shot, leaving behind a trail of blood.


    "Hiss¡ª"


    The foolish roe deer let out a piercing scream.


    "Whoosh¡ª"


    Another arrow shot, landing near its feet.


    Startled, the roe deer bolted towards the cave''s direction.


    Chen Sansi had deliberately not killed it.


    His experience hunting Black Bears had taught him that a dead lure might not attract the game.


    But a live one was different.


    Predators like tigers, with their strong territorial instincts, wouldn''t allow any infringements.


    A creature carrying the scent of fresh blood running around and calling out on its territory was certainly not something the Big Worm would tolerate.


    Chen Sansi climbed up a tree to a vantage point, then continually prevented the roe deer from leaving the vicinity with arrows, forcing it to stay near the cave, its wounds bleeding as it ran chaotically.


    The process went on for a full five minutes, the huge commotion scaring away the birds in the woods, but the pitch-black cave remained eerily silent.


    "Ineffective? It shouldn''t be. Tigers are ferocious and murderous; they usually don''t hold back."


    Just as Chen Shanshi was considering other approaches, a gloomy wind swept through the mountains.


    Wind follows the tiger, clouds follow the dragon.


    Here it comes!


    A robust shadow, as mighty as a mountain yet as nimble as a leopard, burst out of the silent cave. In the blink of an eye, it pinned the roe deer to the ground, its sharp fangs accurately clamping down on the carotid artery.


    After a few feeble struggles, the roe deer became a lifeless body.


    What a majestic king of the mountains!


    Chen Sansi focused his gaze.


    The tiger was more than ten feet in length, weighing no less than seven or eight hundred catties, its golden fur dazzling in the sunlight, and its saber-like claws dripping with blood. Its orange-yellow pupils emitted a fierce light, letting out a roar that shook the area for miles.


    No wonder ordinary people would be petrified at the sight.


    After hunting the roe deer, the Big Worm did not rush to feast, apparently not hungry, purely bothered by the noise.


    It grabbed its prey, intending to drag it back inside the cave.


    Right at that moment, Chen Sansi''s two-stone bow was drawn taut as a full moon; a Wolf Teeth Arrow whistled through the air.


    "Bang¡ª"


    The arrow collided with the tiger''s skull, making a dull sound, and got firmly stuck, piercing through the bone but failing to reach the brainstem and deliver a fatal blow!


    Such a tiger must be close to an Exotic Beast?!


    "Roar¡ª"


    In pain, the Big Worm roared and with a swipe of its paw broke off the arrow shaft in its forehead, then, with a gust of Gale, charged towards the direction of its attacker.

 Chapter 38 No More Fear

    Only by witnessing a Big Worm charging at oneself could one truly grasp the sheer force of a tiger descending the mountain.Chen Sansi remained unflustered and calmly drew his bow and affixed an arrow.


    Another arrow.


    This time, he chose the tiger''s most vulnerable spot, its eyes, as his target.


    The mighty rush of the ferocious tiger was as fast as lightning, and its intimidating presence made aiming at its moving eyes as difficult as achieving the feat of "Hundred-step Piercing."


    Yet, Chen Sansi was someone who could accomplish Hundred-step Piercing.


    "Roar¡ª¡ª"


    A deep, organ-shaking wail echoed as the arrow blinded the tiger''s left eye.


    "Whoosh¡ª¡ª"


    Next was the right eye.


    The tiger''s both eyes were blinded, its white whiskers stained red with blood.


    What was terrifying was that despite such pain, it still didn''t stop its charge; with its last bit of vision, it leaped and climbed up a tree in a matter of seconds, determined to tear its attacker to pieces.


    A tiger can absolutely climb a tree.


    Chen Sansi had prepared for this, he jumped to an adjacent tree a step ahead while not forgetting to turn around and shoot another arrow.


    The fight of a trapped beast is particularly fearsome.


    The Big Worm appeared to be still alive, but it wouldn''t last much longer.


    He just had to delay, patience was key.


    Reliant on its remaining sense of hearing to gauge location, the tiger followed with a leap of its own.


    Chen Sansi shifted trees and shot arrows, and the Big Worm was struck by the arrows.


    This cycle repeated several times.


    Regardless of the tiger''s vigor, it was but a beast in the end; riddled with arrows and blind, it soon could not hold on any longer and fell from the tree ten meters high.


    Once it lost its ferocious "breath of life," the Big Worm could no longer bear the pain, it struggled wildly, spinning in place while swinging its claws and fangs, its blood painting a scarlet trail on the muddy ground.


    It was over.


    Chen Sansi was about to end the hunt when he detected the sound of rapidly approaching footsteps with a twitch of his ears.


    The two Martial Arts Academy Disciples from before appeared.


    "Brother, let me help you kill this beast,"


    said Wei Xu, drawing his sword and rushing over.


    At this point, the mighty tiger was at its last gasp, barely a hit away from death; assistance was unwarranted.


    It was clear that they only wanted to help as a pretext to claim a share of the spoils.


    "Get lost!"


    Chen Sansi was sparing with words, and in an instant, he shot an arrow from his Kaiyuan Bow.


    A gust of cold air brushed against Wei Xu''s neck, causing him to freeze in place, unable to move for a long time.


    Only when hot blood trailed down his neck and soaked into his collar did he realize the danger he had narrowly escaped.


    It was a close shave!


    He was inches away from having his artery penetrated by the arrow!


    "Elder brother¡­"


    His junior brother at his side was similarly terrified.


    How could this man be so ruthless?


    They only wanted a piece of the action, some silver for their troubles; they never intended to harm anyone, yet this fellow... this fellow greeted them with an arrow right off!


    And what a swift arrow it was!


    All they saw was his hand reaching into his Arrow Bag at his waist, and in the next second, the arrow came flying at them.


    Wei Xu clutched at the wound on his neck, retreating continuously; he didn''t dare advance another step.


    Fight back?


    He wasn''t blind.


    If this young man could nearly kill the Big Worm, couldn''t he easily kill him as well?


    Up in the tree.


    Once Chen Sansi had intimidated them, he stowed his bow and arrows and wielded his reed leaf spear in a reverse grip. His arms, muscled and lined like entwining snakes, poised the spear tip toward the tiger''s head, and he descended from the heavens.


    "Hiss¡ª¡ª"


    The sharp spearhead penetrated the tiger''s head, pinning it to the ground as he knelt on the tiger''s body. He felt its lifeforce rapidly ebbing away until it stilled completely before withdrawing the bloodied spear.


    Having dealt with the Big Worm, Chen Sansi then dragged over the previously killed roe deer, hefting both prizes on his shoulders.


    Not quite a thousand pounds.


    No big deal for a Martial Artist skilled in Blood Refining.


    It was only at this moment that Wei Xu came back to his senses.


    As they watched the youth carrying the body of the mighty tiger, they kept retreating to maintain a safe distance, speaking hesitantly, "Who are you, to act so domineeringly?"


    "I''m merely a small flag in the army,"


    Chen Sansi was not afraid at all.


    All that mattered was strength.


    If these two really dared to retaliate, they''d be shot dead before they could even raise their hands.


    In a word, if they couldn''t withstand his arrows, being of a higher realm was of no use.


    Blood Martial Artists did not possess the characteristic of having a body resistant to blades.


    Nonsense!


    Wei Xu had never seen a small flag with such impressive archery.


    Moreover, his master had warned that Xiang Tingchun was looking for trouble lately, and they must not provoke anyone in the army, or else no one would care if they died.


    He and his junior martial brother let him pass with trepidation, fearful of another arrow.


    Chen Sansi walked past them, fair and square. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He was no longer afraid!


    In the rich depths of Second Layer Mountain, he was not only able to come but also to make people from the Martial Arts Hall bow their heads!


    This tiger hunt had improved his proficiency in two skills.


    [Tracking and Hiding (Small Achievement)]


    [Progress: 55/1000]


    ...


    [Skill: Archery (Small Achievement)]


    [Progress: (150/1000)]


    However, his archery was improving more slowly than before.


    It had to do with the bow.


    Chen Sansi had previously made a special two-stone bow, which, after his increase in martial arts prowess, felt too light to pull.


    "Looks like I''ll need to change my bow and arrows."


    "For a bow stronger than two stones, I''ll have to custom order it from the craftsmen at the forge in the Households."


    "Then again, the bones of this Big Worm are clearly harder than the average fierce beast; can they be used as material for a new bow?"


    "Thanks to Uncle Zhao Qiao, otherwise, with such a big mountain, I would''ve had a tough time finding the tiger''s hiding spot."


    He crossed the stream.


    Chen Sansi returned to the south side of Second Layer Mountain.


    Zhao Qiao, Wu Da, and Zhuang Yi, unexpectedly, were all waiting for him here.


    After all, it was a tiger hunt, and they were worried.


    Another reason was the fear of the young man being targeted by the disciples of the Martial Arts Academy.


    Even if something unexpected happened, they couldn''t have helped much, but they still wanted to wait.


    Putting it bluntly, if an accident did occur, there would at least be someone to retrieve the body, ensuring that it wouldn''t be left unclaimed; this was another reason hunters stuck together.


    It seemed they were overly concerned.


    "Brother Chen, you''re really fierce!"


    Zhuang Yi eyed the Big Worm''s claws and fangs; the thought of it being alive was so daunting he didn''t dare imagine.


    The hunting dog at their feet lay down submissively, not daring to take a deep breath.


    Wu Da''s eyes almost popped out: "Can a martial artist really kill a tiger?"


    "Sansi has truly made something of himself, not only defeating a tiger but also seeming untouchable by others."


    Zhao Qiao laughed: "Then let''s make haste down the mountain."


    Chen Sansi looked at the others.


    In comparison, their catch seemed quite meager.


    They had only caught some pheasants and hares, nothing major.


    ...


    Chen Sansi suddenly stopped, placed the tiger on the ground, and spoke: "Uncle Zhao, I can''t move it on my own; can you all help me take it to the town? We''ll stick to the rules as usual."


    "Brother Chen, you were able to kill the Big Worm;you should be able to carry it, right?" Zhuang Yi said naively.


    "Shut up!"


    Zhao Qiao glared at him.


    This fool didn''t realize that Sansi was pretending to be unable because he saw they hadn''t caught much; it was a way to offer them some copper coins under the guise of needing help.


    The group of four arrived in town.


    Upon appraisal, the Big Worm was indeed extraordinary. Although it wasn''t considered an Exotic Beast, it wasn''t a normal fierce beast either, and the price was accordingly higher.


    The tiger weighed a total of seven hundred catties and was valued at over one hundred and fifty taels in total.


    However, Chen Sansi kept the tiger heart, gallbladder, skin, bones, and fifty catties of meat for himself, ultimately receiving sixty-eight taels of silver.


    For the idiot animal, they got one tael of silver.


    "The resources for Blood Refining Minor Success are almost enough."

 Chapter 39 Custom Heavy Bow

    All affairs taken care of, Silver tucked into his belt, the sky had already begun to darken.Zhao Qiao and his two companions hurried back.


    "That cult has been causing a lot of trouble recently; people are dying every day. Let''s hurry home, Brother Shi, you be careful too."


    The Witch God Sect.


    Chen Sansi felt it was strange.


    In theory, those people should be laying low in Po Yang, so how dare they come out and make trouble?


    It was unclear when they would find them.


    With Silver in hand, Chen Sansi arrived at the medicine shop, only to find it closed.


    Not just Yunhe Medicine Shop, but Cloud Crane Medicine Store was closed too.


    "Am I too late?"


    He wasn''t in a hurry; coming tomorrow would be the same.


    Upon rushing home, Gu Xinlan and Xu Bin''s wife, Sister Tong, were in the courtyard working on shoe pads. They shrieked in fear and trembled like flowers in the wind when they saw someone draped in a bloody tiger skin storm in.


    "Brother Shi..."


    Gu Xinlan''s heart pounded, and she said with disbelief, "You killed a Big Worm?"


    Chen Sansi awkwardly dropped his things and apologized to Sister Tong, "Sister-in-law, I didn''t know you were here."


    "It''s fine, it''s fine."


    Sister Tong, looking at the blood-soaked youth, didn''t dare stay any longer and left in a flurry.


    "Brother Shi, really..."


    Once she recovered, Gu Xinlan came over to help unload: "Sister Tong is pregnant, you know."


    "Blame me."


    Chen Sansi took off his armor: "Sister Lan, it''s been hard on you, cook the tiger heart and tiger meat together; as for the tiger skin, deal with it when you''re free, maybe make it into a blanket or something."


    It was deep autumn, and the days were getting colder; tiger skin could be used for warmth.


    "Alright, you start by washing your face."


    Gu Xinlan turned and busied herself in the kitchen.


    One by one, dishes were brought to the table.


    Needless to say about the tiger heart and meat, there was beef, salted duck eggs, white rice, and on top of that, Blood Replenishing Soup made with medicinal herbs¡ªa very rich meal.


    Chen Sansi bit into the tiger heart.


    "Brother Shi, maybe... eat less of that," Gu Xinlan urged hesitantly, biting her lip and blushing.


    "Hm?"


    Chen Sansi paused.


    He remembered, after eating bear heart last time, his Qi-Blood was overly abundant, and he had given Sister Lan quite a tough time.


    "It''s okay."


    Chen Sansi continued to eat in large bites: "I am not like before; I can control it now."


    Purchased alone, the tiger heart would cost at least thirty taels of silver or more, and that wasn''t even a sure deal.


    After all, Big Worms weren''t as common as rabbits that you find everywhere.


    Having gulped down a few bites of tiger heart meat, Chen Sansi''s body began to heat up like fire, an effect even stronger than that of the bear heart. Besides, he also felt an overwhelming surge of aggression.


    As if he were that ferocious tiger, wanting to indulge in a bloodthirsty killing spree.


    Taking advantage of this vigor, Chen Sansi stuffed two mouthfuls of beef to sate his hunger and finished the simmering Blood Replenishing Soup before picking up the reed leaf gun and went into the courtyard to practice.


    In the depth of autumn, with many trees outside their home, dry leaves blown into the courtyard covered the ground.


    The long spear whistled, sweeping up the dried yellow leaves in the yard, as if thousands of butterflies were dancing gracefully around the youth. But these butterflies were exuding endless killing intent. They flew faster and faster, nearly turning into a tornado, as if they intended to shred everything that approached into dust.


    Intense killing intent yet breathtakingly beautiful.


    Gu Xinlan watched, almost mesmerized.


    How many days had it been?


    Just over a month ago, they were still worrying about paying the taxes.


    Now, not only were they well-fed and clothed, but the man had also learned a great martial arts skill. It was like living a dream.


    One practicing martial arts; one watching.


    Unknowingly, the sun set, and the twilight dimmed, with stars lighting up the night sky.


    Chen Sansi, drenched in sweat, finally stopped.


    "Whew..."


    He exhaled a long breath and planted the long spear under the plum tree in the courtyard.


    [Cultivation Technique: Basic Spear Technique (Proficient)]


    [Progress: (120/1000)]


    [Utility: Gun Movement Swift and Fierce, Amazing Endurance, Qi-Blood Robust]


    "This tiger meat, truly is exceptionally effective!"


    "Tomorrow I''ll buy more Supplemental Medicine, within half a month, I must be able to break through to small achievement!"


    "Hiss..."


    Even after practicing spear technique for several hours, Chen Sansi still felt the effect of the tiger heart meat and Blood Replenishing Soup continuing to work, making his blood boil, but his muscles did indeed need a short rest.


    "Come, wipe your sweat."


    Gu Xinlan had already prepared a towel in advance, patiently and carefully wiping the young man''s forehead, "Hungry, right? What do you want to eat, eh!"


    Her delicate wrist was suddenly grasped tightly.


    "Brother Shi, what are you doing?"


    "Doing!"


    Chen Sansi directly picked up Sister Lan around the waist and headed straight for the bedroom.


    "I told you already, don''t eat so many Beast Hearts!"


    ...


    The next day.


    When Chen Sansi arrived at the military camp entrance, he just happened to encounter a troop of people returning covered in dust.


    Riding at the front was Luo Dongquan.


    In the middle of the troop, a cage held a man.


    The man wore the clothes of the Sheng Dynasty''s commoners, but his appearance still seemed somewhat out of place, creating a sense of dissonance.


    Luo Dongquan glanced at him without saying a word and led the troop into the military camp.


    "Householder Xiong."


    Chen Sansi found Householder Xiong at the end of the troop, "This person, could it be..."


    "Yes, he''s from the Witch God Sect."


    Householder Xiong cursed and said, "This kid has got guts and audacity, we''re hunting them throughout the city, and he still dared to run off to the Spring Pavilion to seek out the ladies!"


    "He''s got that much nerve?" Chen Sansi asked. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Of course!"


    Householder Xiong said, "If it weren''t for me being next door trying to compete for Miss Ru Yan, who would have thought? A truly under-the-lamp darkness!"


    "..."


    Chen Sansi didn''t care about this.


    What he cared about was the Immortal Treasure, "Have all the people from the Witch God Sect been caught?"


    "Not all of them."


    Householder Xiong touched his nose, "But it''ll be soon, we''ve caught one, aren''t we afraid we won''t make him reveal where the rest are hiding? It''ll only take a few more days."


    Chen Sansi sighed with relief.


    The affair wasn''t over, which meant the Immortal Treasure key hadn''t been found, and there was still a chance.


    Of course, he would act according to circumstances and wouldn''t risk his life for it.


    After all, he held the box in his hands, he just needed to know whose hands the key fell into, and then he could plan slowly.


    Watching the troop enter the military camp, Chen Sansi also busied with his own matters.


    He went to the Forge and stated his needs.


    The person in charge, a bare-chested middle-aged man named Niu Gai, had spectacularly developed muscles.


    Stopping his work, he wiped the sweat off his head with a torn cloth, "What weight of bow do you want?"


    "Ten-stone."


    Chen Sansi had only a few pieces of the tougher parts of the tiger bone left.


    "Tiger bone?"


    Niu Gai picked up the skull to feel it, "Replacing cow horn, hard wood to make the bow is good, but to make the bow''s body, it''s slightly lacking in resilience. I suggest you use Purple Gold Bamboo that''s over fifty years old. Even with that, it''s hard to make a Ten-stone Bow, at most six or seven stone."


    "Six or seven stone?"


    Chen Sansi asked, "How can a Ten-stone Bow be made?"


    He still hoped to make a heavy bow that would be effective for training so he wouldn''t have to keep changing bows and arrows.


    Niu Gai explained, "Generally, bowstrings are made from cow horn and cow tendon, with limited upper bounds. Even if you force a ten-stone pull strength bow, the practical utility would be very poor. Tiger tendon won''t work either, unless it''s from an Exotic Beast of the bovine species, or an even better Exotic Beast."


    "What about deer?"


    Chen Sansi paused, "I meant, an Exotic Beast White Deer."


    "Deer tendon is flexible, and Exotic Beasts are especially so, certainly it can be done."


    Niu Gai said, "If you can really find an Exotic Beast of the deer species, I can definitely make you a bow that surpasses ten-stone."

 Chapter 40 Encircling and Capturing the Witch God Sect

    "However, it''s agreed that you will cover the cost of the materials yourself."Niu Gai, counting on his fingers, said, "Fifty-year-old Purple Gold Bamboo, plus other rare materials, will cost at least fifty taels."


    "How much?!"


    Chen Sansi gasped in shock.


    "Did you think mutant Purple Gold Bamboo was easy to find?"


    Niu Gai bluntly stated, "Actually, if you ask me, a six or seven stone bow would suffice. If there''s really a war and you have a Crossbow Cart, why bother?"


    "Keep the tiger bone here for now."


    Chen Sansi didn''t plan to change his decision, "When I get the Exotic Beast Tendon, you can make the bow."


    It looked like he really needed to find a way to get that White Deer.


    Exotic Beasts were rare and costly; acquiring the White Deer would ensure he wouldn''t lack the fifty taels for materials.


    After parting with the craftsman, Chen Sansi returned to the barracks.


    After morning drills ended, he would routinely patrol the city in the afternoon.


    During a break, he went to buy medicinal materials, only to discover that the "Yun He" Medicine Store''s sign was dismantled and replaced with "Yunhe."


    Was this because the Young Master was completely devoured by his uncle, or what was happening?


    "Sir, you weren''t here yesterday and are unaware."


    Flocking to the commotion, Xu Wencai saw his confusion, "The Young Master of Yunhe Martial Arts Hall recently advanced to the Bone Training Realm and last night he ambushed and killed his uncle, reclaiming his family property."


    "Advanced?"


    In Chen Sansi''s memory, wasn''t it said that the Young Master of Yunhe had mediocre talent and might be stuck in the Bone Training Realm for life?


    How much time has passed since his uncle usurped the family property, and now, suddenly, he''s advanced?


    Was he concealing his skills all along, or was there another explanation?


    Luckily, Yunhe Medicine Store resumed normal operations and didn''t raise the prices despite successfully reclaiming his family property; it still maintained an 80% discount.


    "Two preparations of the Replenishing Essence Soup."


    Two paper packages tied with rope were handed over, costing fifty taels of silver.


    The silver he had earned from the tiger wasn''t even warm yet, and most of it had already been spent.


    Training in the Martial Arts Hall was indeed¡­ extortionate!


    But after all, it was an investment in himself; he couldn''t be stingy.


    After buying the medicine, it was also time to switch shifts and return to camp.


    "Mr. Xu."


    Chen Sansi found the old scholar, "Do you have books that record exotic and rare beasts?"


    "Yes!"


    Xu Wencai hurriedly searched for the book.


    His wooden bed wasn''t large, with more than half covered in books, leaving just a small space for sleeping.


    Xu Wencai didn''t even search, he precisely and accurately pulled out a book, specifically the one documenting exotic and rare beasts.


    "The book I took before, I haven''t finished yet; I''ll return it to you together later."


    Chen Sansi expressed his thanks, "Thank you, sir."


    "Why so formal, sir? If you want to read a book, just come and take it!"


    Xu Wencai was considerably diligent.


    "..."


    Chen Sansi knew, this guy was afraid of being deemed useless and kicked out; recently, he''d been calling him "Sir" very affectionately, to the point where it couldn''t be stopped, though there was actually no need for it.


    He took the book home, and while waiting for the meal to be prepared, he started flipping through it.


    The book, titled "Journey through Mountains and Rivers," was written over a thousand years ago by a traveler who loved exploring mountains and rivers, recording his experiences.


    "Further east three hundred li, called Standing Mountain, abundant in water, devoid of trees or grass. There lives a fish, its form resembling a cow, possessing..."


    The method of recording content in the book was similar to the "Classic of Mountains and Seas," which Chen Sansi had read before, and even some of the creatures were the same.


    "Further west three hundred li, at Xian Mountain... it abounds with chiming snakes, resembling snakes but with four wings, emitting sounds like clanging, sighting these predicts a severe drought in that region."


    "It''s all silver!"


    Chen Sansi was engrossed as he read.


    He flipped a few more pages and finally saw what he was looking for.


    "Further south one hundred li, called Hu Mountain, there in lives a White Deer, with four horns on its head, ears that hear in all directions, feeds on treasure fungus, its meat slightly sour, greatly nourishing."


    White Deer.


    It looked like the Hu Mountain Range really did have one.


    "First, I''ll enhance my cultivation, and when I reach Small Success in Blood Refining, I''ll head to the mountains in search of the White Deer."


    Chen Sansi closed the book.


    ...


    Time flies, and in the blink of an eye, it was October.


    The weather in the Northern Territory was growing increasingly cold.


    For ten consecutive days, Chen Sansi continued to perform his routine diligently.


    Martial arts practice, eating, patrolling the city.


    Regarding the Witch God Sect, it was said that the captive was very stubborn. After being tortured for seven consecutive days without confessing a single word, he found an opportunity to bite off his tongue and committed suicide.


    Thus, the lead was broken, and the search of the city continued.


    Chen Sansi, however, was not in a hurry.


    The later the things arrived, the more advantageous it was for him. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    At the Martial Arts Arena.


    Having just consumed a bowl of Replenishing Essence Soup, Chen Sansi felt every pore in his body heating up.


    The effect of the Replenishing Essence Soup was twice that of Blood Replenishing Soup.


    He cupped his fists and said, "Xu Flag Officer, today I would like to trouble you to exert your full strength."


    "Full strength?"


    Holding a saber, Xu Bin was momentarily stunned, "Are you sure?"


    "Sure."


    Chen Sansi nodded.


    At the same cultivation level, the opponent had long been unable to put any pressure on him.


    "Good!"


    Xu Bin did not refuse.


    He had wanted to give his all for a while.


    Not because he wanted to win, but because, with the same Qi-Blood, this youngster was too terrifying.


    In front of the young man, he was like a training dummy, posing no threat at all, relying solely on years of saber technique to avoid utter embarrassment.


    "Watch the saber!"


    Xu Bin shouted loudly as his Small Success Level Qi-Blood suddenly erupted, charging forward and slashing down with a saber as if a wild wolf was descending from the sky!


    Chen Sansi also went all out, with two streams of Qi-Blood condensing on his arms, turning his Lu Ye long spear into a blur of shadows.


    "Clang, clang, clang, clang, clang¡ª"


    The sound of metal clashing.


    Xu Bin was astonished to find.


    Even with his full strength, he could no longer suppress the young man. The opponent''s Blood Refining Mastery, in terms of pure strength, was not inferior to his, not to mention endurance.


    Within ten exchanges, Xu Bin''s hand that held the saber went numb, his vision blurred, and he began unable to predict from which direction the opponent''s long spear would thrust, his lower stance becoming increasingly unstable and chaotic, until he finally fell to the ground.


    "Stop, stop, stop! No more fighting!"


    He hurriedly shouted.


    "Clang!"


    Chen Sansi withdrew his spear and stepped forward to help him up: "Much obliged, Brother Bin!"


    Majestic Breathing Skill, advantage of long weapons, Gun Movement Swift, strong Qi-Blood...


    One advantage after another stacked up, he could indeed easily win against Blood Refining Minor Success.


    "You... Are you about to reach Small Success?"


    Xu Bin noticed something was amiss, "How many days has it been?"


    "Maybe I''ve taken a lot of supplemental medicine."


    Chen Sansi looked at the panel.


    [Cultivation Technique: Basics of Spear Technique (Mastery)]


    [Progress: (910/1000)]


    [Utility: Gun Movement Swift, amazing endurance, strong Qi-Blood]


    As he predicted, he would breakthrough to Small Success within half a month.


    The silver totaling over several dozen taels was indeed not spent in vain.


    "I cannot accompany you in training anymore."


    Xu Bin wiped the cold sweat away.


    This was too terrifying.


    It wasn''t a matter of supplemental medicine at all.


    If it were him, no matter how much supplemental medicine he took, he couldn''t possibly improve at this pace; instead, he might even get poisoned.


    This youngster could very well become a Refining Organ Martial Artist, or even higher in his lifetime!


    "Brother Bin, you''ve worked hard, I''ll treat you to a drink tonight."


    Chen Sansi knew well that sparring was not an easy task.


    "Done!" Xu Bin did not refuse.


    "Buzz¡ª"


    Just as the two were preparing to leave, the assembly call sounded unexpectedly.


    An Order Officer, riding a fast horse, sprinted between the military camp and the garrison, his voice loud and clear.


    "Three hundred garrison soldiers, assemble!"


    "Traces of the Witch God Sect discovered in Po Yang County city, assemble to encircle and suppress, assemble to encircle and suppress¡ª"

 Chapter 41 Insignificant Things

    "Assemble quickly!""What are you dawdling for!"


    "Military orders are as mountainous, do you no longer value your lives!"


    Under the Order Officer''s urging, within the time it took to drink a cup of tea, all three hundred garrison soldiers had gathered.


    Chen Sansi was naturally among them.


    Leading the group were Householder Xiong and Households Commander Liu, with no sign of Xiang Tingchun.


    "Depart!"


    At the command, the entire army struck out.


    "This is really sudden."


    For Chen Sansi, it was his first time executing a real face-to-face mission with the enemy. "Where is Hundred Households Wang?"


    "He''s not here."


    Households Commander Liu came over and said, "This morning, under the pretense of hosting a banquet, Lord Thousand Households gathered all the masters of the Four Great Martial Arts Schools at the Eight Treasures Restaurant, then sent Hundred Households Wang and Hundred Households Luo to accompany them with two hundred men. They haven''t returned yet."


    A banquet?


    This was likely holding the Martial Arts Halls under house arrest to prevent them from interfering with this operation.


    It seems that today they truly found the hiding place of the Witch God Sect, and Xiang Tingchun was bound to obtain the Immortal Treasure.


    "It seems there''s no time to enhance my strength."


    "I''ll have to adapt as things come!"


    Still, as always, Chen Sansi wouldn''t take too great a risk for a treasure. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xiang Tingchun was personally involved, and it had reached the level of fighting suited for Refining Organ Martial Artists; he couldn''t get involved even if he wanted to.


    He would act on opportunity.


    If there really was a chance, he would give it a try; if not, he would let it be.


    "Lord Thousand Households captures people just to capture them, but why keep the Martial Arts Halls under arrest? Is it related to them letting blood?"


    Households Commander Liu and Householder Xiong also felt something was off.


    But the specific reason, if the higher-ups didn''t say, they wouldn''t ask.


    Some things are not better off known.


    "Sansi."


    Households Commander Liu patted his shoulder, "When we arrive at the location later, you don''t need to rush forward. Just lead your men to block off the rear."


    "Fatty Wang really treats you well."


    Householder Xiong, carrying a battle-ax, added, "For this matter, he even remarkably agreed to invite us to Spring Pavilion."


    "Thank you, both Householders Commanders."


    Chen Sansi stepped back to find his men.


    "Haha!"


    Zhu Tong seemed somewhat excited.


    He had broken through in Blood Refining a few days ago and was fretting about having no place to use his martial skills, "Let me kill some barbarians!"


    Xu Wencai was visibly trembling, clutching a spear more like a crutch in his grasp, he stammered, "Sir, I heard that the followers of the Witch God Sect kill without blinking; I really don''t know any martial arts!"


    "Useless, you better run then."


    Zhu Tong, as always, kept cursing him, "You coward!"


    "I, Xu Wen, am not afraid to die!"


    Xu Wencai clung to his spear and declared loudly, "I''m just afraid of dying... unnoticed!"


    "Tch!" Zhu Tong couldn''t be bothered to engage.


    Military soldier Wang Li was relatively calm, "Flag officer, sir, what should we do later?"


    "Follow the Commands of the Householders Commanders."


    Chen Sansi looked at his men, "Don''t be frightened, it''s just a siege. The real experts will be handled by Households Commander Xiang, we''ll most likely just be blocking off the road. Besides, since the day we enlisted, we knew this day would come."


    "Sir''s right."


    Wang Li agreed, "Rather than being at a total loss when we really go into battle someday, better to take this chance for a trial."


    The group joined the ranks.


    The three hundred men marched mightily towards the direction of Po Yang County.


    But their destination was not the county town.


    Five miles outside the South City Gate of Po Yang County, there was a temple known as the Golden Bell Temple, where followers of the Witch God Sect had been hiding until yesterday when one of the local military soldiers, who had gone to offer prayers, spotted something suspicious and reported it to the commander.


    ...


    Outside the South City Gate, there was a small hill.


    At the foot of the hill, a two-story high bluestone stele was erected, carved with the words "Golden Bell Temple."


    Beside the stele, a winding staircase led up step by step, where lines of devout pilgrims queued up to reach the vermilion temple situated at the mid-slope; although there were many people, the place was exceptionally quiet. Only the buildings veiled by ancient pines occasionally let out the sound of the bell and wafts of faint incense smoke.


    Outside the temple, there was a teahouse where pilgrims could rest.


    Xiang Tingchun, dressed in casual clothes, sat on a long bench, sipping his tea calmly.


    By his side, sat two similarly dressed military soldiers.


    One was surnamed Feng and the other Zhao.


    Households Commander Feng whispered with his head down, "My lord, the garrison should arrive within the time of half an incense stick, encircling the Golden Bell Temple, but... should we not evacuate the civilians?"


    "Evacuate?"


    Xiang Tingchun, expressionless, toyed with his tea cup, "If we evacuate them, wouldn''t that be the same as signaling the Witch God Sect followers?"


    "But..."


    Households Commander Feng said with a distressed expression, "There are about twenty people from the Witch God Sect, and it''s bound to cause a big commotion. If we don''t evacuate, I''m afraid many innocent bystanders will be injured."


    Xiang Tingchun''s voice was icy, "What does it matter if a few peasants die?"


    "Lord Thousand Households... you..."


    Feng and Zhao, the two Households Commanders, were at a loss for what to say.


    "To accomplish something, there''s always a price to pay, isn''t that right?"


    Xiang Tingchun gently placed down his tea cup, speaking in a deep tone, "For one to succeed, thousands must perish; that is always the way of the world."


    "But they are civilians." Households Commander Feng mustered his courage, "I think we should still..."


    "Enough."


    Xiang Tingchun interrupted, "Feng Yong, Zhao Kang, listen to my orders!


    "You two, lead a team of elite soldiers and infiltrate the temple disguised as pilgrims with me, and make sure that Liu Jinkui and Xiong Qiuan block every path down the hill. Let one escape, and you''ll answer to me!"


    "Yes!"


    Feng and Zhao dared not say more, quickly leaving to convey the orders.


    ...


    After three hundred garrison soldiers left the city, under the command of various military officers, they dispersed and surrounded the small hill where Golden Bell Temple was located from all sides, the whole process being swift and silent.


    Chen Sansi and Fang Zongqi, along with fifty men, were positioned at a pathway down the hill''s flank, lying in ambush within the dense foliage on both sides, tasked with trapping anyone trying to escape.


    Fang Zongqi issued orders at just the right volume so everyone could hear clearly:


    "Spear soldiers are responsible for blocking the path, archers find a spot with a clear view, shield and blade soldiers protect the spearmen, and be ready to kill anyone who gets close!


    "For each Witch God Sect follower''s head, military soldiers are rewarded with a bowl of Blood Replenishing Soup, and Array Soldiers with three ounces of silver. Higher ranks are rewarded separately!


    "When someone fires a whistle arrow from the mountain, it means the battle has started!


    "Lord Thousand Households'' order, no one is to be spared alive!"


    After these orders, nearly fifty people took their positions.


    "Sir... sir!"


    Xu Wencai''s red hat was askew on his head, and he could hardly hold his spear steadily: "I really don''t know martial arts!"


    "Mr. Zhu."


    Chen Sansi began, "Keep an eye on him when the fight really starts."


    "Brother Chen, just indulge this old guy!"


    Zhu Tong was holding a long spear, with a Black Iron Hammer strapped to his back, complementing the cultivation technique he practiced, though he also held a standard issue long spear.


    Before becoming a military officer, martial soldiers likewise needed to integrate into military formations on the battlefield, without disrupting the formation, only military officers had the freedom to command and move as needed.


    "Get over here!"


    Zhu Tong, as if plucking a chicken, pulled Xu Wencai over to his side.


    The crowd fell silent, the atmosphere in the woods laden with tension.


    Many among them had never truly fought with real swords and spears, so how could they not be anxious? Thankfully, there were enough of them that it wasn''t too frightening.


    "Chiu¡ª"


    It was unclear how much time had passed when a sharp cry rang out, breaking the eerie silence.

 Chapter 42 The Masked Man

    Golden Bell Temple.The back courtyard''s Zen rooms.


    Two barbarians disguised as monks are kneeling on futons.


    Outside, the clash of weapons and screams of agony are ceaseless.


    "Squad Leader."


    The thin-lipped monk is uneasy, "Xiang Tingchun has sent people to surround Golden Bell Temple, what should we do? If the Jade Key also falls into their hands, wouldn''t that be..."


    The man referred to as Squad Leader is calmer.


    He takes out a piece of jade from his bosom and hands it to the thin-lipped monk.


    "Squad Leader?!"


    The thin-lipped monk is panicked, "This is absolutely impossible, the Immortal Treasure is of utmost importance, how can it be entrusted to me?"


    "Xiang Tingchun knows me."


    The Squad Leader speaks indifferently, "He will surely fixate on me, and with the object in my possession, it will be even less safe. I will hold off the man named Xiang; you find a way to escape. If there''s really no way, then hide the Jade Key."


    The thin-lipped monk carefully accepts the object, "Do we really have to die here today? It''s all because of that damn traitor who handed over the Immortal Treasure so easily. Otherwise, Tuoba Yuwen''s two divisions would have united the grassland long ago, and seizing the Great Sheng Court''s place would be within reach!"


    "There''s no need to panic so much."


    The middle-aged man truly resembles a high monk who has attained enlightenment, speaking soothingly and serenely, "Even if we fail, the Sect Hierarch and Great Khan still have other plans; at worst, we would just trade benefits with the old Emperor of the Sheng Dynasty.


    "He''s coming soon, you should go."


    "Yes!"


    The thin-lipped monk takes the Jade Key and disappears out the window.


    "Bang¡ª"


    A corpse crashes into the wooden door of the Zen room like a boulder.


    Xiang Tingchun steps over the corpse and into the room, the He Miao Long Sword in his hand still dripping blood. He speaks deliberately, "Give me the object."


    "Sigh~"


    The Squad Leader sighs lightly, taking two copper maces from behind, "Lord Thousand Households, you don''t even know what the Immortal Treasure is, why go to such great lengths?"


    "After you''re dead, I''ll naturally figure it out."


    Inside the Zen room, the sword light flickers.


    ...


    About twenty minutes after the whistle arrow was fired.


    People began to flee from the mountain to the side guarded by the troops.


    "Get ready!"


    Fang Zongqi raises his hand, preparing to give an order.


    "Help!"


    "The monks at Golden Bell Temple are killing people!"


    "..."


    As the crowd draws closer, the officers and soldiers realize something is wrong.


    The number of people running down the mountain is close to a hundred.


    The Witch God Sect isn''t attacking with a large army; taking back roads through the wild and sneaking in dozens of people might be possible, but how could there be so many?


    It''s clear at a glance that most of them are common folks.


    "Wait a moment!"


    Fang Zongqi quickly stops the archers who are ready to shoot and shouts to the crowd, "Stop! No one goes down the mountain; everyone, stop!"


    "Sir, there is a monk killing people at Golden Bell Temple!"


    "Save me, sir, let me go, please let me go!"


    "..."


    The frantic crowd isn''t willing to listen.


    "Spit¡ª"


    Fang Zongqi draws his Crescent Moon Curved Blade and sternly rebukes, "I am telling you to stop, don''t you understand! Anyone who takes one more step forward will be treated as a Witch God Sect Follower and summarily executed!"


    Seeing the flashing silver blade, the people are forced to halt.


    Chen Sansi witnesses the chaotic scene and knows that many innocents are bound to die today.


    It seems that to avoid alarming the enemy, this Lord Thousand Households would rather more civilians die.


    "Nobody move! Whoever moves will be shot dead!"


    Flag Leader Fang spoke cautiously, "Horse Flag Officer! Most followers of the Witch God Sect are barbarians. Take a squad, go up there, and scrutinize each one!"


    Fortunately, they were aliens, and even if they disguised themselves in clothing and makeup, their facial features and accents were still distinguishable. Plus, by questioning them about their family backgrounds and residences, and despite taking some time, one could eventually identify them.


    There was no hiding it any longer.


    The Witch God Sect followers in the crowd couldn''t hold back any longer.


    A man pretending to be a wealthy elder raised his hand and struck, slapping the heart on the back of an old man in front of him.


    The old man spewed a mist of blood and died on the spot.


    The crowd that had just been brought under control once again erupted into chaos, everyone screaming and panicking, fleeing in all directions.


    "Brothers, kill! Carve a blood path¡ª"


    The followers of the Witch God Sect no longer hid their identity, revealing their hidden weapons and began killing in the confusion.


    "Do not panic!"


    Flag Leader Fang shouted, clashing with that wealthy pretender, without forgetting to direct, "Form squads with the men from each small flag, assist each other, and create formations to encircle and kill!!!"


    The Witch God Sect devotees were clearly trying to scatter and escape.


    So the numbers they encountered were not large, about seven or eight, and without any Bone Forger Realm masters among them, it seemed the masters had already broken through elsewhere.


    Chen Sansi, commanding his men and coordinating with another flag officer, circled around a one-eyed man.


    Zhu Tong, Wang Li, and others, wielding spears, jabbed at the follower from all directions.


    The man had the strength of the Blood Refining Early Stage and dual-wielded swords, wildly slashing and chopping. He managed to approach by sheer brute force, but was quickly pushed back by soldiers with shields and swords, and was once again caught in a desperate struggle.


    Add to that, there was a flag officer on the army''s side, also in the Blood Refining Early Stage, coordinating the attack. Within less than ten exchanges, the Witch God Sect follower revealed numerous flaws and was stabbed all over by the chaotic spears, bleeding from multiple wounds.


    This was the might of the military!


    Those sects in Jianghu could not match this fighting strength.


    Chen Sansi wasn''t idle either; he would draw his Big Bow fully, and upon the string''s release, the arrow would soar.


    The Wolf Teeth Arrow flew through the gaps in the chaotic crowd, piercing through the face of a Witch God Sect follower over a hundred paces away, nailing the head onto a tree trunk with a thud, causing instantaneous, painless death.


    "Die¡ª"


    A Blood Refining Early Stage Witch God Sect follower approached from the flank, raising a Crescent Moon Curved Blade in an attempt to ambush.


    How could Chen Sansi''s keen hearing not detect him?


    Anticipating this moment, Chen Sansi turned and shot an arrow just as the attacker raised his blade.


    Being no more than ten steps apart, the impact from the arrow carried the attacker backward, and before he even fell to the ground, he was caught up by a long spear, the blade slicing through his neck, severing the head from the body. Like a kicked ball, the head rolled far along the slope with a rumble.


    The melee did not last long.


    The army''s side had more people and quickly entrapped the Witch God Sect devotees, who, despite their stubborn resistance, probably couldn''t hold out for much longer.


    "I wonder how the main battlefield is doing." S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Sansi looked toward the direction of the Golden Bell Temple.


    Had Xiang Tingchun gotten what he desired?


    He held his reed leaf gun, ready to help quickly resolve the fight.


    "Swoosh¡ª"


    Dozens of yards away, the sound of branches being broken underfoot arose.


    Someone hidden for a long time was trying to escape amidst the chaos.


    An escapee!


    Upon hearing the noise, Chen Sansi immediately gave chase.


    Through the trees, he could vaguely see a brownish-yellow figure flash by.


    The forest ahead was dense, obstructing most of the view.


    Chen Sansi, relying on his hearing and the footprints on the ground, pursued cautiously, not taking any rash actions since he didn''t know the capability of his opponent; it''s always wise to be careful.


    It wasn''t until he had covered several miles and the view became clearer that he finally caught sight of the person he sought.


    A pointed-mouthed and cheeky monk clad in a monk''s robe but with earring holes in his ears, clearly not dressing in the style of the Sheng Dynasty''s commoners.


    Chen Sansi nocked an arrow, ready to shoot, when another group quickly approached.


    This group carried ordinary long swords, each wearing black clothes and masking their faces with black cloths. There were four of them in total, blocking all escape routes and stopping the pointed-mouthed monk.


    A third-party force?


    Chen Sansi recognized someone familiar among the masked people: "Is it him?"


    He concealed his breath and hid, watching secretly.

 Chapter 43 Immortal Treasure

    "Stop right there!"The masked leader''s blade pointed at the person, "A follower of the Witch God Sect?"


    "Amitabha!"


    The sharp-nosed monk pressed his palms together, "Sirs, please do not speak nonsense, this humble monk is a monk from the Golden Bell Temple."


    "A monk? Then why are you running around in such a panic?!"


    The masked man barked coldly, "Cut the crap, with that face, who could you fool? Meet your death!"


    No more words were wasted.


    All four of them made their move simultaneously.


    The monk didn''t hesitate either; his hands, at some point, were already quietly equipped with a pair of gloves wrapped with iron wire, directly clashing with the sword''s blade, instantly sparking and creating sounds like that of blacksmithing.


    "Both this monk and the leading masked man are in the Bone Training Realm!"


    Chen Sansi could tell that their power clearly surpassed that of the Blood Refining Warriors; they were both adept at bone training. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Especially the sharp-nosed monk, who seemed frail, but was incredibly fierce in action, his aura was just like that of a fierce tiger from Second Layer Mountain.


    Apart from the masked leader, the others were no match.


    In just a few exchanges, they all suffered injuries, holding their swords, not daring to approach, covering from a distance.


    The masked leader and the monk were locked in fierce combat.


    When the fight was at a deadlock, another figure silently appeared, launching a surprise attack from behind.


    It was yet another practitioner of bone training.


    Two against one, the monk finally started to falter.


    "Hiss¡ª"


    The masked leader found an opportunity, landing a sword strike on the monk''s shoulder.


    The sword did not cut off the entire arm as imagined, but got stuck in the middle after cleaving through bone, unable to completely sever it.


    ''Is this bone training?''


    ''Are bones really so hard that swords have trouble cutting through?''


    ''I''m afraid even my two-stone bow wouldn''t be able to kill a bone training martial artist directly.''


    ''It seems that getting a ten-stone bow is imperative.''


    Chen Sansi continued to watch the battle.


    Any combat at a higher realm than his was helpful in gaining experience.


    On the battlefield, the situation became gradually clear.


    Ultimately, even a double-fisted monk could hardly fend off four hands, and after being struck by a sword, the disadvantage quickly widened. The Blood Refining Warriors, who had only dared to watch from afar, also moved in to look for an opportunity to deliver the finishing blow.


    "Hiss hiss hiss¡ª"


    The sounds of blades tearing through clothing resounded one after another.


    The fake monk was like someone splashed with a coat of red paint; though the bones were hard to break, the flesh had been stripped off in many places, some still clinging to his body, shaking as if they might fall off at any moment, looking extremely unsettling.


    Finally, the masked leader found an opportunity, thrusting a sword into the Witch God Sect follower''s carotid artery.


    Blood spurted like a fountain; he fell stiffly to the ground, his eyes wide open in death.


    "Search!"


    The masked men quickly began searching the body, but found nothing.


    "Nothing on him, the Immortal Treasure isn''t with him!"


    "Should the young master consider going up the mountain?"


    "The item is most likely already in Xiang Tingchun''s possession."


    "Let''s go; we came here to scavenge, if we can''t find anything, then that''s that. Getting caught by Xiang Tingchun would be the end for us. It looks like we''re going to have to pay a high price after all."


    "Take the body and withdraw!"


    Listening to the conversation, Chen Sansi confirmed the guess in his mind.


    The masked men were Liang Zhan and that old servant!


    This Young Master, despite rumors of spending his days in brothels, had not fallen behind in cultivation. At twenty-five or twenty-six years of age, assuming he had practiced martial arts for ten years, reaching the Bone Training Realm was definitely outstanding in Po Yang County.


    "To kill him, I still need to improve my strength."


    Chen Sansi had not forgotten that Liang had come looking for him. If it weren''t for Wang Zhi''s presence, although it wouldn''t have been life-threatening, it wouldn''t have been pleasant.


    Feeling controlled by others was truly unbearable.


    He didn''t linger, returning the same way he had come.


    "Did Xiang Tingchun really get the Immortal Treasure?"


    Chen Sansi felt regretful.


    But he always felt that something was not quite right.


    Carefully thinking about it, Witch God Sect followers blending in with the common people is actually not a good way to get away.


    The military had already arrived, and even if they were truly ordinary people, they would definitely scrutinize their ancestry back to the eighteenth generation before releasing anyone after confirming there were no issues.


    Compared to slipping through unnoticed, they seem more like they were trying to attract attention.


    Had it not been for Chen Sansi, in such a chaotic scene where even the snapping of branches dozens of meters away could be heard clearly, no one would''ve noticed the fake monk.


    But there was nothing on him.


    Hidden away?


    Chen Sansi couldn''t help but recall the scene when he first got the Linglong Jade Box.


    With a try-and-see attitude, he searched along the way back, not finding any signs of the soil having been disturbed.


    "Am I overthinking it?"


    "Wait a minute."


    A bird''s call above him drew his attention to a pine tree''s bark, which had fresh signs of being stripped off.


    Chen Sansi immediately climbed up and at the highest point of the trunk, he found a fist-sized tree hole.


    "There''s a snake!"


    With quick eyes and hands, he pressed down on the snake''s head and pulled it out.


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    It was a poisonous green snake.


    Looking inside the hole, there was nothing else.


    However, there were bloodstains on the snake''s lower jaw, as if it had been torn apart by someone, and scales were missing from its body.


    "Could it be..."


    Without hesitation, Chen Sansi used both hands to pry the snake''s jaws apart, yanking to both sides, tearing the snake in half, and there it was¡ªa piece of green jade stone, the very Jade Key recorded in the "Dasheng Book"!


    "Stuffing things inside a snake''s belly, that''s quite clever!"


    He couldn''t help but admire the ingenuity of whoever did this.


    Even if one made a mark on the snake, it may not be possible to find it later.


    It seemed that the Witch God Sect would rather lose the item than let it fall into someone else''s hands.


    It must be said that this method was indeed effective.


    Any normal person would never have found such tiny traces.


    But he happened to encounter them.


    Chen Sansi secured the jade stone and ripped out the snake''s gallbladder.


    The green snake wasn''t worth much, but every little bit counts.


    After everything was done, he threw the snake''s carcass back into the hole; before long, other animals would come along, lured by the scent of blood, and clean it up.


    "Looks like Households Commander Xiang has made a wasted trip this time."


    Chen Sansi returned to the foot of the mountain; the chaos was still not over.


    The Witch God Sect followers were stubbornly resisting; the remaining two or three even took the common people as human shields and ran in different directions.


    Indeed, they were covering for the fake monk.


    After the fake monk had left, the Witch God Sect followers began to think of ways to save themselves.


    The people from the garrison had spread out in pursuit, their ranks were quite thin, and no one was paying attention to Chen Sansi''s movements.


    It was not until dusk that the last Witch God Sect follower was captured, and the clean-up of the battlefield began.


    In terms of casualties, three garrison soldiers died, and two were injured.


    Among the two who died, just one was a military soldier; the rest were Array Soldiers.


    But they killed seven Witch God Sect members and captured one alive¡ªall Blood Refining Warriors.


    Indeed, there''s strength in numbers.


    After all, they had one flag leader and five small flags on their side; if the scene hadn''t been so chaotic, preventing archers from being of much use, it would''ve been entirely possible to suffer even fewer casualties.


    "I killed a Blood Refining Mastery and a small achievement; I should be able to exchange for a few bowls of Blood Replenishing Soup."


    Chen Sansi was calculating.


    His subordinates were also gradually returning, with no casualties, and having jointly killed two people.


    "Okay, stop hugging me!"


    Zhu Tong impatiently pushed Xu Wencai away, "It''s all over, look at you being such a scaredy-cat!"


    "Whistle¡ª"


    The whistle arrow was fired again.


    Three hundred garrison soldiers were ordered to assemble in front of the Golden Bell Temple.


    Xiang Tingchun, with bloodstained clothes, slowly walked out of the temple gate; his He Miao Blade was broken, and there was blood at the corner of his mouth, but the human head he held in his hand declared that he had won this murderous battle.

 Chapter 44 Lamp Oil

    Two hundred household commanders stepped forward to report the summary of the operation.About a month ago, followers of the Witch God Sect sneaked into Po Yang County and coerced the abbot of the Golden Bell Temple to help them conceal their identities.


    As for the specific reasons, they are still unclear.


    "My lord, in this crackdown, we have slain a total of twenty-eight followers of the Witch God Sect, including six in the Bone Training realm, and fifteen in the Blood Refining level.


    "In terms of numbers, it is about the same as the previous round-up.


    "We have also interrogated all the temple visitors and local residents on the mountain, and only let them go after confirming they were not involved; those who could not be immediately identified have already been imprisoned in the county government''s jail."


    Liu Jinkui, clenching his fists, said, "Theoretically speaking, it would be very difficult for anyone to escape."


    "Very difficult~"


    Xiang Tingchun''s eyes were like those of an eagle, staring at them; "Does that mean, however, that someone slipped through?"


    "Please forgive us, my lord!"


    Liu Jinkui knelt on one knee: "The Witch God Sect is treacherous and cunning, using civilians as human shields. The situation was indeed too chaotic. But even if a few got away, they were just minions and would surely not dare to cause trouble again in the future!"


    There are some things Xiang Tingchun couldn''t say outright.


    He fell silent for a moment, then spoke again: "Evacuate the Golden Bell Temple. Gather all the followers of the Witch God Sect, dead or alive, together. I will personally verify them."


    "Yes, sir!"


    The bloody battle was thoroughly over.


    But most of that blood was that of the civilians.


    By rough estimates, at least forty to fifty people were dead.


    "Such sin!"


    On the way down the mountain, Xu Wencai kept muttering, "If I were in command, I certainly wouldn''t have let so many die in vain."


    "Keep dreaming,"


    Zhu Tong was also very dissatisfied with today''s events: "Damn it, I thought Xiang Tingchun was something special, turns out he''s just another ruthless character willing to achieve his goals by any means necessary."


    "Do you two no longer wish to keep your tongues?!"


    Fang Zongqi cast a warning glance at them.


    "My lord, I was just joking, Commander Xiang''s leadership was exquisite!"


    Xu Wencai immediately changed his tune.


    Zhu Tong, however, just scoffed and said no more.


    "Sigh¡­"


    Fang Zongqi shook his head but did not pursue the matter further: "At least we have eradicated the followers of the Witch God Sect; no more people will die because of them."


    Lately, there had been no shortage of mysterious disappearances around Po Yang County.


    Chen Sansi walked silently at the edge.


    For the bureaucrats of the ancient feudal dynasty, what were the common people?


    They were nothing more than NPCs in their simulation games, created for the value of production; as long as one could gain greater benefits from an incident, the loss of many NPCs was nothing more than a number to them.


    It served Xiang Tingchun right to come back empty-handed.


    Moreover, he couldn''t openly investigate the matter.


    After all, it was done covertly, behind the court''s back.


    "The Jade Box and the key are in hand."


    Chen Sansi quickened his pace: "I want to see for myself what this object is that they fought so fiercely over." S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ...


    With just one command, over eighty monks of the Golden Bell Temple were thrown into prison, and the entire temple was evacuated and sealed, forbidding anyone to go up the mountain without permission.


    Inside the Great Hall.


    The bodies of over twenty Witch God Sect followers were neatly lined up beneath the Golden Body of The Buddha, while Xiang Tingchun, holding a short knife, individually slit their bellies open, allowing blood and organs to spill out all over the floor.


    Where''s the object?! The squad leader is dead, and the followers are captured.


    For this, Xiang Tingchun had also suffered a minor injury, yet couldn''t find what he was looking for?


    He had turned the entire Golden Bell Temple upside down.


    Footsteps sounded from outside the hall.


    Luo Dongquan stepped into the Great Hall, involuntarily retreating half a step upon seeing the filth on the floor, and saluted with his fist: "My lord, I have returned."


    Xiang Tingchun, angered, threw the short knife aside and asked in a deep voice, "At today''s banquet, did any Martial Arts Hall Master leave midway?"


    "Replying to my lord."


    Luo Dongquan answered: "The masters of the Four Great Martial Arts Schools, Tianyuan, Tai Lei, Zhao, and Yun He, were all present at the Eight Treasures Restaurant. Wang Zhi and I were watching them the whole time."


    Xiang Tingchun then asked, "What about their subordinates?"


    "They were also there."


    Luo Dongquan, lowering his head: "The Martial Arts Academy Disciples above the Bone Training Realm were all called to the Eight Treasures Building by me; not one was missing."


    "You, are you sure?!"


    Xiang Tingchun emphasized.


    Luo Dongquan''s head hung even lower, almost touching the ground: "This subordinate is sure!"


    "Old Luo, there''s no need to be so nervous. I trust your work."


    Xiang Tingchun folded his arms behind his back and paced back and forth in the hall.


    He felt stifled inside.


    It seemed that the item had most likely been taken away by someone who had slipped through the net.


    "My lord."


    Luo Dongquan asked, "Could it be that the Immortal Treasure has not been found?"


    Xiang Tingchun narrowed his eyes and after pondering for a moment, he spoke:


    "Old Luo, go tell the Four Great Martial Arts Schools that I have the item in my possession.


    "If they want it, they can have it, but they must exchange something for it.


    "First, I want an ample supply of medicinal herbs, at least doubling the amount for everyone in the garrison.


    "Second, the Four Great Martial Arts Schools and the local gentry must donate silver and grain to support my military campaign next spring.


    "Third, all the martial arts schools in the city must provide me with a total of three hundred men, with no fewer than three skilled in Bone Training.


    "If they meet these three conditions, I will give them the Immortal Treasure." Find exclusive content at empire


    Luo Dongquan could not believe it: "My lord, isn''t this a bit too harsh?"


    "Harsh?"


    Xiang Tingchun scoffed, "Do you know what old man Liang told me on the night of the incident?


    "He said that with the Immortal Treasure, within twenty years, I could make it to the position of the Great General of the Left Army Governor Mansion, and the Four Great Martial Arts Schools could also be stationed in the Capital City, joining the ranks of the first-class martial arts schools.


    "Compared to that, what''s the harm in spending some money and shedding some blood?"


    "My lord is wise."


    Luo Dongquan said, "With money and resources, it seems that as soon as the Ministry of War''s approval comes through, my lord will be able to achieve great things next year."


    "By the way, Old Luo."


    Xiang Tingchun changed the subject: "You are nearing the Refining Internal stage yourself. It so happens that I remember Liang Feng has a few rare medicinal herbs. Demand them as well and I''ll share half with you."


    "Lord Thousand Households is so considerate. This subordinate will repay you with his life!"


    Luo Dongquan thanked him and was about to carry out the orders.


    "One more thing."


    Xiang Tingchun stopped him: "In a while, the new county magistrate will arrive. For some reason, the Selection Officer from the Governor Mansion is coming ahead of time as well. Make sure you arrange things properly when the time comes, and don''t let what happened last time occur again."


    "Yes!"


    Luo Dongquan complied with the order.


    Xiang Tingchun watched his retreating figure, his gaze deep.


    The Immortal Treasure...


    Either the Witch God Sect successfully took it away or it was hidden near the Golden Bell Temple.


    If it was the former, there was nothing that could be done, but if it was the latter, he could still search slowly.


    In any case, he should first fool the martial arts schools into paying up. Any longer and it would be too late.


    "The emperor plans to cultivate a group of new generals in the Northern Territory. Just one impressive battle would be enough to draw attention.


    "Once the Supervisor steps down, I''m sure to be taken under the wing of the new Supervisor."


    The Xiang family has been confined to the land of Po Yang County for three generations.


    In his lifetime, Xiang Tingchun was determined to break out no matter what.


    Even if it meant using the people of Po Yang as stepping stones, it didn''t matter.


    ...


    The garrison.


    After assisting with headcount, Chen Sansi hurried back to his home, dug out the Linglong Jade Box from the underground of the backyard, and then returned to his bedroom, locking the door behind him. He pulled out the key from his pocket.


    The key was made of pure jade, intricately built, and not only was the pattern complex, but the tip was irregular in shape and just so happened to fit the lock of the box perfectly.


    Just as the records had stated, one box to one jade key. If the jade key was destroyed, not even the gods themselves could open the box.


    He inserted the jade key and turned the mechanism.


    With a "click," the wooden box opened.


    Inside was another iron box.


    Fortunately, the iron box didn''t need another key to be unlocked.


    He lifted the lid.


    Inside was filled with a pale yellow substance, slightly warm and soft to the touch, somewhat resembling animal fat.


    "Lamp oil?"

 Chapter 45 Blood Refining Minor Success

    "Just a box of lamp oil?"Chen Sansi didn''t believe it.


    He re-examined the Linglong Jade Box, confirmed there was nothing else inside except the self-destruction mechanism, and that there were no secret compartments.


    The Witch God Sect, Xiang Tingchun, the Martial Arts Halls.


    Was this the thing that all these forces were desperately fighting over?


    According to Chen Sansi''s summary, neither the Martial Arts Halls nor Xiang Tingchun necessarily knew what the Immortal Treasure was; the only one with insider knowledge, the Witch God Sect, were all tight-lipped and refused to divulge anything.


    It definitely couldn''t be this simple.


    Chen Sansi went to the doorway of the kitchen, scooped out a very small amount of lamp oil with his finger, and gently applied it to the wooden log used for splitting firewood. Then, he found a Fire Stick and blew a tiny flame onto it.


    "Boom¡ª¡ª"


    The moment the tiny flame made contact with the lamp oil, a fiery red blaze erupted violently, as if a fire dragon burrowed out from the void, instantly climbing to a height of two to three meters.


    In just a few breaths, the wooden log was reduced to ashes.


    You should know, this log was half a meter in diameter and thirty centimeters high. Normal flames would struggle to light it, and if it wasn''t split open, burning it completely to ash would likely take a full day and night!


    Even at a distance of two steps away, Chen Sansi felt he was almost roasted!


    What sort of power was this?


    What kind of animal fat was this, that the flames it burned with were so terrifying!


    "Definitely not a common item," Chen Sansi admitted, somewhat shaken.


    The substance was powerful, but why were they so desperate to get it?


    To use as a weapon?


    He weighed the iron box, half the size of a palm in his hand.


    So little of it, how many times could it be used?


    That shouldn''t warrant such a scramble, right?


    Chen Sansi judged that the fire must have another purpose.


    He inspected the Linglong Jade Box once again, and after repeated confirmations, concluded.


    Indeed, there was nothing else.


    It seemed the method of using the flame might lie in the hands of the Witch God Sect.


    That... was a dead end for now.


    A small disappointment welled up in Chen Sansi''s heart.


    However, the fire was very powerful, and it could indeed come in handy at a critical moment.


    As for its true purpose, that would have to be figured out one step at a time.


    "My current goal is to become a Selected Point and enter the Eight Camps."


    "I need to enhance my strength as soon as possible!"


    Chen Sansi tidied up the items, preparing to rest well for the night, to rejuvenate.


    He was only a windowpane away from a breakthrough.


    ...


    The next day, at the military camp.


    Chen Sansi drank a bowl of Replenishing Essence Soup and, while his Qi-blood was at its peak, picked up the long spear and practiced the soldier''s basic spear technique he had already mastered.


    It was noon, and the sun was high in the sky.


    Suddenly, a thundering sound of breaking the air rang out on the empty Martial Arts Arena.


    It made the nearby soldiers turn their heads to look.


    Under the sunlight, every movement of the reed leaf gun reflected blinding golden light off its tip. As the long spear swung faster and faster, the golden lights began to connect with each other.


    From a distance, it appeared as if a Golden Snake was wildly dancing in the void or as if a golden brush was painting majestic landscapes, creating an urge in onlookers to draw closer. Yet, the continuous fierce sounds of the air being torn apart reminded everyone that this wasn''t a beautiful scene, but a lethal martial technique!


    The long spear whistled, the figure moved swiftly.


    The scene of flashing lights lasted for the time it would take half an incense stick to burn.


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    Then, at a certain moment, everything suddenly stopped.


    All the golden light converged to a single point and, at a speed invisible to the naked eye, landed on the training post of the Martial Arts Arena.


    "Bang¡ª¡ª"


    The Training Post, as thick as an adult man''s shoulder and two meters high, exploded outwards from the point of impact, scattering wooden splinters and chips all around, flying far before landing in the ground like a rain of arrows.


    Curious soldiers who loved excitement nearly got hit by the flying splinters and collapsed on the ground, thoroughly shaken.


    The youth slowly withdrew his spear, his defined and toned muscles glossed with sweat. Under the autumn sun, his body appeared enshrouded in steaming white vapor, as if he had emerged from flames.


    Small achievement!


    Two strands of Qi-blood turned into four, merging into the limbs!


    [Cultivation Technique: Soldier''s Basic Spear Technique (small achievement)]


    [Progress: (0/2000)]


    [Utility: Gun Movement Swift, amazing endurance, robust Qi-blood, Blood Birth Phenomenon]


    The newly added effect confused Chen Sansi for a moment.


    Blood Birth Phenomenon.


    Does it refer to the blood undergoing some change?


    He tried to mobilize his Qi-Blood, and noticed that his blood was exceptionally hot. Compared to before, each surge of Qi-Blood had more explosive power.


    Could it be related to the Bone Training Realm after Blood Refining?


    "Congratulations, Chen Qigu!"


    Many people came up to congratulate him.


    Fang Zongqi said with emotion, "Such talent really makes the rest of us envious!"


    "It''s just that I''ve spent more silver,"


    Chen Sansi said modestly: "If I hadn''t hunted for money to buy medicines, my breakthrough wouldn''t have come this quickly."


    "What you say, isn''t hunting a skill too?"


    Fang Zongqi was even more envious.


    As martial masters who had achieved Great Success in Blood Refining, they could naturally pull the heavy bow with ease.


    But being able to pull the bow didn''t necessarily mean they could shoot accurately.


    Even after spending a lot of time training, they wouldn''t reach too high a level, let alone achieve Hundred-step Piercing and hit targets they could hardly see.


    Some things really are determined by talent.


    Chen Sansi sought out Wang Zhi in private to ask about his upcoming cultivation problems.


    "You''ve broken through again?"


    Wang Zhi almost spat out the wine in his mouth.


    At this moment, his heart was no longer purely happy, the astonishment far outweighed it.


    Less than a month into Martial Arts, and he had already walked a path that takes most people many years, or even their entire life to travel. Heaven truly wasn''t fair.


    "Hundred Households Wang."


    Chen Sansi asked, "Is there anything I need to be wary of after achieving Great Success in Blood Refining and is there a connection to the Bone Training Realm?"


    "Not bad insight,"


    Wang Zhi said, holding his wine bowl and explaining, "Blood Refining is, as it suggests, training the blood.


    "After achieving Great Success, the Qi-Blood flows through the entire body, and then you can start Bone Training.


    "Only with high-quality Qi-Blood can the bones and flesh forged by the blood be better in the future.


    "This is also why I gave you the Haoran Breathing Skill in the beginning.


    "Blood Refining is the foundation, and without a solid foundation, you''re starting at a loss.


    "You should be able to feel it, among those of the same realm as you, there are very few who are a match for your Three Unions; as you progress, the gap will become even wider."


    ''Refining bones with blood...''


    Blood indeed plays a crucial role in the upcoming realms.


    Chen Sansi wasn''t sure if the "Blood Birth Phenomenon" was exclusive to his proficiency panel, so he didn''t bring it up for the time being, planning to see the effects first.


    "You kid, you''re really something,"


    Wang Zhi calculated with his fingers, "Your cultivation speed is fast enough, our garrison is about to receive a large batch of medicinal materials, and you are likely to start Bone Training before next spring."


    Chen Sansi picked out the key point from his words: "Is the garrison about to receive medicinal materials soon?"


    "Heh, don''t even mention it."


    Wang Zhi found it interesting, took a sip of wine, and said, "Yesterday at Eight Treasures Building, those old bastards from the Martial Arts Halls were acting all haughty, saying the garrison was confining them, and they wanted to find someone to petition against us.


    "But this morning, they changed their tune completely.


    "They declared they would fully support our Lord Thousand Households'' campaign against the barbarians next year.


    "Once the Four Great Martial Arts Schools agreed, the local squires and rich merchants also had to fork out money.


    "This time, we''re going to strike it rich."


    Chen Sansi was skeptical.


    From the sounds of it, had Xiang Tingchun succeeded in getting leverage over the Martial Arts Halls?


    But with the item in his hands, why would the Martial Arts Halls obediently follow orders?


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    Xiang Tingchun was playing a game of bluffing!


    Quite a calculation, not afraid of being exposed at all.


    That afternoon, close to dusk, Wang Zhi''s words came to fruition.


    Disciples from various Martial Arts Academies came in droves, pulling carts and delivering countless supplies.


    "The warehouse for medicinal materials is on the left!"


    "Grain to the right!"


    "Isn''t the quantity here incorrect? You''re short by two hundred stones of grain, make sure it arrives before sundown tomorrow!"


    "..."


    The chief storekeeper led several clerks, verifying the quantities of supplies cart by cart.


    The long-unused warehouses of the military camp were being utilized once more, and the grain storehouses were filled to the brim so much so that the sacks were almost spilling over.


    Consecutive poor harvests?


    The big households had plenty of grain.


    "Buzz¡ª"


    The assembly call was sounded, and the Order Officers summoned everyone to the Martial Arts Arena, proclaiming that Lord Thousand Households had an important announcement to make.

 Chapter 46 The War is Coming

    Martial Arts Arena.Apart from those looking out from the Great Wall, all the officers and soldiers at the garrison were assembled.


    Xiang Tingchun strode onto the high platform with a bold step.


    Even from dozens of steps away, everyone could sense that Lord Thousand Households was in high spirits.


    "Brothers!"


    Xiang Tingchun''s voice boomed like a great bell, "Today, I have two matters to announce.


    "Do you still remember, at the beginning of our nation''s founding during the Yongchang era, our court had over three million soldiers, yet not one lacked food or clothing, and all were high in fighting spirit!"


    "Alas, calamities and disasters have been unending since then.


    "To the point where our Po Yang County even experienced wage and food shortages in the early years, resulting in many brothers suffering from hunger and cold, who were forced to flee and become refugees.


    "I, Xiang Tingchun, hold an inescapable responsibility for presiding over this place; I apologize to all the brothers here!


    "However, that kind of situation will absolutely never happen again.


    "The Four Great Martial Arts Schools and many elders in Po Yang County really could not bear to see the brothers protecting our nation endure such hardships, hence they have donated a large amount of provisions, medicinal materials, as well as horses.


    "Therefore, the first matter is, starting from today¡ª


    "The salary for every Array Soldier will increase by half a month, with an extra stone of food.


    "For military soldiers, their monthly salary will double, as will the provision of Blood Replenishing Soup.


    "For military officers, their remuneration will double.


    "Additionally, from now on, you can purchase all kinds of medicinal materials directly in the barracks, at half the price of outside pharmacies!"


    Having said this, the crowd erupted into cheers.


    "Double?"


    "A stone of food every month?"


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    It meant that this year, not only could everyone survive the cold winter without hunger, but they might even have some money left over to buy winter clothes!


    The military soldiers were equally excited.


    The vast majority who joined the army came from poor families¡ªwhere could they afford Blood Replenishing Soup priced at ten taels a portion?


    Yet relying solely on the garrison''s provision was far too insufficient for increasing their Cultivation.


    What the Lord Thousand Households said was like manna from heaven for them.


    Zhu Tong clenched his fist, "With enough Blood Replenishing Soup, I too have the chance to advance further in the Martial Arts!"


    Like him and Wang Li, they actually had fair talent.


    It was only their poverty that held them back.


    While everyone was busy rejoicing, Xu Wencai slightly shook his head, "I''m afraid we''re headed for war, and it''s going to be a tough fight."


    "Really?"


    Zhu Tong was skeptical, "That makes sense, why else would those bastards from the Martial Arts Hall suddenly be willing to fork out the money for us? There must be a catch!"


    "Let me finish speaking."


    Xiang Tingchun signaled for silence,


    "Next, the second matter.


    "It must be clear to everyone why the Po Yang Thousand Households was established.


    "To fend off the barbarians from the alien race!


    "For thousands of years, the barbarian tribes have coveted our houses and fields, longing to enslave our wives, children, and elders, and to use our heads to fertilize their pastures!


    "It was the Grand Ancestor and his successors who personally led expeditions against them numerous times, beating them so badly they couldn''t raise their heads for two hundred years!


    "But now, they are eager to move again, wanting to revive the tragedy of the former dynasty!


    "How can we, as men of valor, sit and await death?


    "With the approval of an official document from the War Department, I as the official will lead a campaign to exterminate the barbarian tribes around the Xi River at the start of next spring!


    "Therefore, I hope that in the coming days, brothers will train diligently so that you can serve the court well on the battlefield later.


    "As long as you slay enough enemies, becoming a noble or a general is not impossible!"


    After these words were spoken, the Martial Arts Arena fell silent, a stark contrast to the excitement before.


    Become a noble or a general?


    There really weren''t many with such grand ambitions.


    They simply wished to lead a safe and stable life.


    But since they were part of the army, fighting and killing on the battlefield was an unavoidable fate.


    Fortunately, it was always better to go to battle on a full stomach than on an empty one.


    This was also why Xiang Tingchun went to great lengths to secure funds and provisions from the Martial Arts Hall.


    An army without full pay will have no fighting will!


    Conversely, with great rewards, there will be brave men.


    A troop can possess combat effectiveness only when it has sufficient resources, ensuring it won''t collapse at the first blow.


    Announcing this in advance is not a cause for concern regarding alarming the snake in the grass.


    The barbarians always had spies among us.


    The large-scale donation of funds and provisions by the Martial Arts Hall¡ªfools would know what was being prepared for.


    Instead of keeping everyone in the dark, it''s better to start training in advance to prepare both mentally and physically.


    After finishing his speech, Xiang Tingchun strode away, giving the soldiers time to digest his words.


    ...


    Chen Sansi had been mentally prepared for some time.


    The Selected Point assessment would take place after the spring season.


    In other words, before he went to the Eight Camps to participate in the Selected Point assessment, he would also be a part of this battle.


    "Mr. Xu."


    Chen Sansi asked, "Do you know the combat strength of the barbarian tribes around the Xi River area?"


    "You''ve asked the right person," Find more chapters on empire


    Xu Wencai replied without hesitation, "I, lacking in many talents, once dedicated five years to studying the distribution of the barbarian military forces.


    "The Xi River tribe is a branch of the Yuwen lineage. They have been living in this area for several decades and have well-trained soldiers. A conservative estimate would be two thousand men.


    "Among them, there is one with Refining Internal skills, and the numbers of Blood Refining and Bone Training military officers are roughly the same as those in our Thousand Households garrison.


    "However, they have more horses than we do, and their archers are of higher quality."


    Chen Sansi pondered, "In your opinion, how much chance do we have of victory when the spring begins next year?"


    "Please come with me, sir."


    Xu Wencai led him to a secluded and vacant corner and started drawing in the sand with a stick.


    "Almost all the important strategic passes along the northern border of our Sheng Dynasty are in constant friction with the barbarian tribes, so it''s certain no spare troops will be sent to reinforce us.


    "At most, the An Ding Prefecture Guard might deploy another Thousand Households garrison to back us up, ensuring that if we suffer a defeat outside the Great Wall, it would prevent the barbarians from conquering Po Yang County.


    "But they would definitely not leave the safety of the city to join the battle lightly.


    "That is to say, our Thousand Households garrison is essentially an isolated force."


    "What are you two whispering about?"


    Zhu Tong quietly approached, "What are you scribbling with that broken stick?"


    "Big lug, don''t get in the way!"


    Xu Wencai stroked his beard, looking at the simple military distribution on the ground, and said perplexed, "It''s strange indeed. Waging war against the barbarians is a matter of national importance. Why send only a thousand or so men to attack a scattered tribe?


    "Success or failure won''t make much difference in the grand scheme of things.


    "Sir, what are your thoughts on this?"


    Chen Sansi answered, "This is a performance to show off one''s capabilities to the superiors."


    "Wise as always, sir, I feel the same way!"


    Xu Wencai surveyed their surroundings before continuing in a cautious tone, "Households Commander Xiang is planning to achieve success at the cost of countless lives!"


    That statement was still somewhat understated.


    To put it bluntly, Xiang Tingchun was ready to use the lives of nine hundred men from the Po Yang Thousand Households garrison to secure his own future!


    The reason the Ministry of War might have agreed was probably because the matter involved various powerful factions within the court; the waters ran deep.


    "As for our odds of victory,"


    Xu Wencai continued, "The barbarian warriors are robust and their horses strong, but they aren''t skilled in military formations. Furthermore, the nomadic tribes are at their weakest at the onset of spring each year.


    "If we can get more Bone Training martial masters from the Martial Arts Hall to assist us, and if the An Ding Prefecture is ready to back us up, we could win. But..."


    "It would definitely be a Pyrrhic victory."


    Zhu Tong, who had been confused the whole time, finally understood the last part, "How dire would that be?"


    Xu Wencai gravely said, "Both of us would have to die!"


    "That''s quite dire indeed."


    Zhu Tong grabbed his collar, "Lazybones, don''t you often brag about your warfighting abilities? Then think of a way. How can we avoid a disaster?"


    Xu Wencai spoke earnestly, "I do have a strategy that could at least reduce our losses by twenty percent."


    "Only twenty percent?"


    Zhu Tong disdainfully retorted, "What''s the difference between that and no reduction at all?"


    "I''m Wo Long, not an Immortal; saving twenty percent of the forces in this type of siege warfare would be a great saving of manpower!"


    Xu Wencai tossed aside the stick, "I need to offer my strategy to the commander!"


    With that, he ran towards where Xiang Tingchun had his offices.


    Zhu Tong counted on his fingers, "With over nine hundred men in our garrison, what does twenty percent amount to?"


    ...


    Chen Sansi said with resignation, "It''s reducing twenty percent of the casualties, not saying that the whole army will be wiped out."


    "Then how many is that?"


    Zhu Tong was even more puzzled.


    Before he could figure it out, Xu Wencai returned.


    He quickly asked, "How did it go, what did Lord Thousand Households say?"


    Xu Wencai was so angry that his face turned red, and he stomped his foot shouting, "Incompetent commander, incompetent commander!"


    The commander''s tent wasn''t far away; Chen Sansi, following the direction of the wind, faintly heard a "get out."


    He shook his head and stood up to leave.


    The battle was inevitable, and he never intended to avoid it.


    However, it seemed that he really needed to undergo Bone Training before the spring.


    After Bone Training, one could withstand blades and weaponry, not losing combat effectiveness from minor wounds on the battlefield.

 Chapter 47 The Dead Man

    Ever since Xiang Tingchun announced the plan for the coming spring, the military discipline at the Households garrison had become much more stringent.The daily drills had doubled, and anyone leaving the camp needed to ask for leave in advance.


    Even the several Hundred Households were no longer allowed to spend their days indulging in food and drink; they were required to participate in the drills as well.


    However, the military households were very obedient.


    Because they had achieved days of being well-fed and well-clothed.


    Those with a pursuit in Martial Arts were also able to drink more Blood Replenishing Soup and enhance their Martial Arts.


    For ten consecutive days, Chen Sansi practiced Martial Arts within the military settlements.


    [Cultivation Technique: Soldier''s Basic Spear Technique (small achievement)]


    [Progress: 550/2000]


    [Utility: Gun Movement Swift, Amazing Endurance, Strong Qi-Blood, Blood Birth Phenomenon]


    The tiger heart and tiger meat had long been consumed, and the Nine Turns Blood Replenishing Soup had been drunk clean. Fortunately, there was significant improvement in proficiency.


    Furthermore, purchasing medicinal ingredients had become much cheaper.


    The Nine Turns Blood Replenishing Soup was now available in the barracks, and it was only being sold for fifteen taels of silver.


    Yet it was still expensive.


    "Time to go hunting again."


    "The bottomless pit, ah!"


    If it were not for practicing Martial Arts, Chen Sansi would probably have become a wealthy man by now.


    "White Deer!"


    By hunting a White Deer, even after setting aside what he needed for himself, he could still sell it for several hundred taels.


    Not only would resources sufficient for Blood Refining Minor Success be secured, but Bone Training was also almost within reach.


    But such White Deer were not so easily captured.


    The "Travels through Mountains and Rivers" was a book from a millennium ago. Since its publication, countless people had flocked to the Hutou Mountain Range to capture them; it was fortunate they had not gone extinct.


    He had inquired about information, and it seemed that the Tai Lei Martial Arts Academy had not found one even after searching for half a month.


    Chen Sansi arrived at the pharmacy: "Do you have Lingzhi for sale in the barracks?"


    White Deer, fond of treasure mushrooms.


    Medical Officer Jiang quickly brought out a brown Lingzhi from the storeroom: "This twenty-year-old Black Ganoderma, ground into powder and added to soup medicine, can enhance the effects of Replenishing Essence Soup, ten taels of silver."


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    "Do you have any fresh ones?"


    Chen Sansi observed that the Lingzhi had obviously been dry for a long time.


    "Heh, you''re in luck, there actually is."


    Medical Officer Jiang took out another box, inside of which was a fiery red Lingzhi: "This was delivered by Yunhe Martial Arts Hall just this morning, thirty-year-old Red Cloud Ganoderma, twenty taels. However, it is for healing injuries, and does not greatly help in improving Qi-Blood."


    Chen Sansi said, "It doesn''t matter, as long as it counts as a treasure mushroom."


    "Treasure mushroom?"


    Jiang, the Medical Officer shook his head: "At the very least, it has to be over a hundred years old, one is worth fifty taels. A twenty-year-old Lingzhi cannot be considered a treasure mushroom; such expensive medicinal materials are not currently available at our garrison, you''ll have to buy them outside."


    "Fifty taels?"


    Chen Sansi was shocked by the price.


    The bait alone was worth fifty taels, and there was no guarantee that a White Deer could even be caught.


    It was only because the reward offered by the Tai Lei Martial Arts Hall was so high that their disciples were willing to spend so much money on hunting it.


    Chen Sansi, for the time being, really couldn''t come up with that much silver.


    He decided to try his luck first and find another way if it didn''t work.


    Having made up his mind, Chen Sansi asked Wang Zhi for leave and left the barracks with his bow and arrows.


    "Sansi!"


    As he was passing near Yanbian Village, Zhao Qiao caught up with him.


    "Uncle Zhao, you''re not going up the mountain to hunt?"


    Chen Sansi was somewhat surprised.


    After the Northern Territory''s winter arrives, the snow would seal the mountains, making it hard to hunt anymore.


    Hunters should be the most diligent in the late autumn.


    Zhao Qiao said with a bitter face: "It''s not that I don''t want to, it''s that I don''t dare!"


    "Don''t dare?"


    Chen Sansi asked: "What''s happened, has someone been bullying you?"


    "It''s the Witch God Sect!"


    Zhao Qiao''s tone was filled with anger and fear: "Recently, every day for the past ten days, people have been disappearing from the countryside, especially the hunters from the surrounding villages, many of whom have not returned since going up the mountains."


    "Are you sure, Uncle Zhao?"


    Chen Sansi solemnly said, "I took part in the mission to encircle and suppress the Golden Bell Temple. I was personally involved, and ninety-nine percent of the Witch God Sect followers were slain on the spot. Even if one or two slipped through the net, they couldn''t possibly stir up more trouble."


    "Could it be that a Big Worm or a Black Bear has come down the mountain to eat people?"


    "It''s impossible, absolutely impossible!"


    Uncle Zhao said excitedly, "There are no bones left, do you understand, Shanshi? Not even bones can be found! Even if it were a Big Worm, it should leave some bones behind!"


    "Uncle Zhao, don''t get worked up."


    Chen Sansi said soothingly, "Have you reported this to the authorities?"


    "Of course, we did report it."


    Zhao Qiao said, "The lord at the county office said they would look into it thoroughly and told us to wait, but to date, there has been no progress. Just yesterday, Little Li from the next village risked going up the mountain to hunt a wild chicken to nourish his pregnant wife, and now he is nowhere to be found!"


    Chen Sansi frowned.


    Even if there were one or two Witch God Sect Followers left, they couldn''t cause such a huge commotion.


    There must be another group involved!


    Could it be that Golden Bell Temple was just one of them?


    But at the same time, it doesn''t make sense to have so many people infiltrate Po Yang.


    Furthermore, in the last few days, he hadn''t heard anything in the military garrison about deploying people to hunt down the followers of the Witch God Sect.


    "Uncle Zhao, rest assured."


    Chen Sansi said, "After I return, I will report this to my superiors."


    "There''s something else."


    Zhao Qiao said somewhat embarrassingly, but still spoke up, "Shanshi, could you let us follow you up the mountain?


    "Winter is almost here, and we haven''t prepared enough charcoal and winter clothes for our homes. But with what has been happening recently, who dares to venture into the mountains? You know martial arts and can even kill a Big Worm; with you, we would not be afraid."


    It seemed he had been waiting on this path for a very long time.


    It was even possible that he had been waiting for several days, just to finally catch him going out hunting.


    "Of course you can."


    Chen Sansi agreed readily.


    "Thank you, Shanshi."


    Zhao Qiao was somewhat at a loss for words.


    A month ago, the other party had come knocking on his door with food, asking him to lead the way to Second Layer Mountain.


    A month later, he found himself in need of the young man''s protection.


    Soon, Zhao Qiao called over Wu Da and Zhuang Yi, and the four of them set off for the mountain together.


    At the familiar creek, they parted ways.


    Chen Sansi instructed, "Uncle Zhao, if you encounter danger, fire a whistle arrow, and I''ll come running as soon as I hear it."


    "Alright, Shanshi, you be careful too; though we... can''t be of much help to you."


    Zhao Qiao said.


    Chen Sansi turned and plunged into the mountain forest.


    So many deaths, wasn''t that a bit exaggerated?


    It made him somewhat nervous.


    However, after walking forward for about two li, he didn''t notice anything amiss.


    There were still many Martial Arts Academy Disciples hunting.


    The people from Tai Lei Martial Arts Academy were still searching for the White Deer.


    "I''ll go back and tell Hundred Households Wang to help look into it."


    Chen Sansi focused his attention and began searching for tracks of the White Deer.


    Unlike before, whether it was a Big Worm or a Black Bear, Uncle Zhao would point out the general direction.


    This time, it was all up to him, and even with tracking skills, it might be troublesome.


    After all, there''s no record in books about where White Deer live, and with the Hutou Mountain Range stretching for thousands of miles, it''s uncertain how much time it would take to find one.


    "Let''s search deeper."


    Common deer species like to dwell in deep, secluded places.


    The White Deer is also a deer, and its habits might not be so different.


    Chen Sansi began to traverse the mountains. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    By the afternoon, after crossing over two mountain tops, he had not yet seen any sign of the White Deer. However, the vegetation became increasingly dense, nearly leaving no place to set foot.


    Gazing into the distance, he could see a valley about five li away, quiet and profound.


    "Let''s have a look."


    Chen Sansi harnessed his energy and hurried forward, ready to explore.


    But before he could get close, several disciples in long robes rushed out, forming a human wall to block his path.


    "Halt!"


    "You are not permitted to go any further!"

 Chapter 48 Medicine Valley

    "Stop right there?""Why should I stop?"


    As he spoke, Chen Sansi had already nocked a Wolf Teeth Arrow onto the string of the Kaiyuan Bow in his hand.


    "You, you have such a murderous aura!"


    The Martial Arts Academy Disciples looked at each other, involuntarily stepping back several paces, "We haven''t even struck you, so why come up and want to shoot people?!"


    "That''s right."


    Someone accused, "We''re telling you to stop because ahead is private property!"


    "Private property?"


    Chen Sansi was skeptical.


    The Martial Arts Academy Disciple continued, "The valley ahead is the Medicine Garden of our Tianyuan Martial Arts Academy, isn''t that private property?"


    The Tianyuan Martial Arts Academy''s Medicine Garden?


    Chen Sansi had heard from the Medical Officer Jiang before that many of the lands suitable for cultivating medicinal herbs nearby had been sold to the martial arts hall. It seemed he had stumbled upon it by mistake.


    Tianyuan Martial Arts Academy, that is, the Liang Family''s territory.


    The Tianyuan Martial Arts Academy didn''t do much business in medicinal materials, but that doesn''t mean they didn''t have their own Medicine Garden.


    Such a large valley it is.


    The surname Liang, at the age of twenty-five or six, could engage in Bone Training; he must have consumed a lot of medicinal materials.


    "What''s all this noise about?"


    "Young Master!"


    A brocade-clad young master holding a folding fan approached, and the disciples stepped aside.


    It was the eldest young master of Tianyuan Martial Arts Academy, Liang Zhan.


    "Young Master!"


    A disciple complained, "A guy from the garrison came here, and we didn''t even do anything to him, but he came up wanting to shoot us with arrows, so arrogant!"


    "Oh, Brother Chen?"


    When Liang Zhan saw who had come, he rebuked his subordinates, "Even my brother you dare to stop? If you get shot, you deserve it!"


    "Young Master, it was he..."


    "Smack!"


    Liang Zhan knocked on the disciple''s head with his fan, "Stand down!"


    "Yes, sir!"


    The Martial Arts Academy Disciples all stepped back. Find adventures on empire


    "Brother Chen, I trust you''ve been well."


    Liang Zhan gave a fist salute, "Last time, I intruded upon you rudely, and I am here to offer an apology."


    "There''s no need."


    Chen Sansi couldn''t be bothered to bicker with this man, so he put away his bow and arrow and left.


    Killing this fellow, for the time being, was out of the question.


    The other party wouldn''t dare to make a move on him lightly, and there was no need to waste time here.


    "..."


    Liang Zhan didn''t stop him, silently watching as the other man walked away.


    "Young Master!"


    A disciple approached, "Are we just letting him go like that?"


    "Nonsense!"


    Liang Zhan scolded, "You want to provoke him and have him bring over the soldiers from the garrison? Think before you act next time, do I really need to come out and smooth things over for you? By the way, what is he doing in the Medicine Valley?"


    The disciple speculated, "Lately, people everywhere are looking for the White Deer."


    "Looking for the White Deer?"


    Liang Zhan swayed his folding fan, "As I recall, you need a treasure to find the White Deer, don''t you? Do we still have a hundred-year-old treasure in our Medicine Garden? If so, pick one and send it to him later."


    "Young Master?!"


    The disciple voiced in surprise, "A hundred-year-old treasure is worth a great many dozens of silver."


    "If I tell you to send it, you send it!"


    Liang Zhan turned and walked into the valley.


    The fact that Chen Sansi achieved Blood Refining Minor Success after practicing Martial Arts for a month had already spread from the barracks.


    In his life, everything he did was after careful deliberation, yet the one thing he regretted was offending this man in his efforts to help Qin Feng.


    But who could have imagined that a poor hunter from the countryside would turn out to be a Martial Arts prodigy?


    Most terrifying was that this kid held grudges!


    Moreover, the grudge deepened when he came knocking on the door, questioning him in a strong-arm manner.


    Every time he thought about how Qin Feng''s remains hadn''t even been found to date, Liang Zhan felt a chill down his spine.


    Simply killing him?


    He wasn''t tired of living yet.


    Not to mention Fatty Wang was protecting him.


    Xiang Tingchun also needed people.


    If he dared to touch Chen Sansi, Xiang Tingchun would dare to forcibly push him to the grassland as a vanguard to die next year!


    What he feared now was that, as days passed, the youngster''s Cultivation would skyrocket to a height utterly unshakable.


    In comparison, if he could resolve the enmity early, what was spending some silver worth?


    Even if the enmity could not be resolved, now was not the moment to turn hostile; a suitable opportunity was needed to make a move against him.


    ¡­


    "What''s that Liang fellow hiding deep in the mountains for?


    "Whether it''s for gathering herbs or planting, there''s no need for the young master himself to come, let alone with so many people in tow, not allowing anyone to approach within two miles."


    "Wait a minute..."


    "The hunters who''ve gone missing on the mountain, could they be related to them?"


    A terrible speculation suddenly rose in Chen Sansi''s heart.


    But there were logical inconsistencies.


    Why would the martial arts school kill people for no reason?


    "I must be overthinking it."


    Chen Sansi refocused on his search for the White Deer.


    Unfortunately, by evening, he still hadn''t had any luck.


    "It seems I''ll need to use the treasure as bait after all.


    "First I''ll have to hunt something else to exchange for some silver."


    Exotic Beasts are hard to find, but fierce ones are not.


    In a dense forest, Chen Sansi found the paw prints of a large cat on the ground.


    "Susu¡ª"


    No sooner had he stepped into the territory than he heard light leaping sounds from overhead, rapidly approaching from the southeast, northwest, all directions.


    In the dim forest, spots of eerie green light flickered on.


    Those were the pupils of cheetahs!


    Five cheetahs stood atop the trees, looking down from a distance at the intruder on the ground.


    "Ao¡ª"


    They attacked simultaneously, rushing towards the hunter in the middle with incredible speed, in a pincer move.


    Cheetahs are born swift.


    A distance of around fifty feet, for them, takes only four or five seconds.


    For an ordinary hunter, such a brief span of time would be enough to fire one or two arrows.


    The targets would still be fast-moving, and there was no guarantee of hitting them; once they got close enough to tear and bite, the hunter either had to fight hand-to-hand and win or become a meal in the belly of the beast.


    On the ground.


    Chen Sansi took a deep breath.


    Then, his bowstring snapped like thunder! S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Whoosh whoosh whoosh whoosh¡ª"


    He became a hunting machine, firing arrows in rapid succession in different directions, each one striking its target''s heart with unerring precision.


    In just over three seconds, four cheetahs fell to the ground.


    Only the cheetah from behind, shielded by the trees, had managed to get closer. It leaped from the tree, revealing claws and teeth sharp as sword blades, but it was pierced through by a glint of cold light, suspended forever in mid-air.


    Chen Sansi''s reed leaf spear had been waiting for a long time.


    Plain and simple, a cheetah hunt.


    [Tracking Concealed Presence (Small Achievement)]


    [Progress: 105/1000]


    ...


    [Skill: Archery (Small Achievement)]


    [Progress: (190/1000)]


    The five cheetahs; he kept the most valuable parts for himself and the rest could sell for thirty or forty taels of silver.


    Adding that to the silver saved at home, it just about added up to enough money to buy the treasure.


    Chen Sansi stuffed all the cheetahs into the net he had brought and then carried it on his back, returning the way he came.


    By the stream.


    Zhao Qiao and the others had been waiting since morning.


    Their earnings were dismal, only a few wild chickens and rabbits.


    They were no longer surprised by the young man catching a cheetah.


    "Did you encounter any danger?" Chen Sansi asked.


    "No."


    Zhao Qiao shook his head: "The three of us stuck together, didn''t run into any danger."


    "Uncle Zhao, it''s not just the mountain hunters who are missing, is it?" Chen Sansi pressed on.


    "That''s not the case."


    Wu Da intercepted: "Many people were still at home on the previous evening, yet they disappeared the next morning.


    "Not only the countryside, but there are also disappearances in the county town, although not as many as in the countryside."


    ''Am I being paranoid?''


    Chen Sansi glanced toward the direction of the Medicine Valley and didn''t linger any longer, joining the others to descend the mountain, mulling over the matter in his heart.


    ''There must be a secret to this.''


    ''It''s definitely not something the Witch God Sect''s love for killing can explain.''


    His thoughts went to the lamp oil that could ignite crimson flames.


    Could it be related to the lamp oil?


    After all, these troubles first began when the Immortal Treasure appeared in Po Yang.


    Before that, Po Yang County was a place where birds wouldn''t even poop; where would all this chaos come from?


    Even if the likelihood of a connection was small, Chen Sansi would still try to investigate.


    Having the Immortal Treasure in his possession but not knowing how to use it was also troubling.

 Chapter 49 Able to Bend and Stretch

    County town.It was almost exactly as Chen Sansi had estimated.


    The most valuable parts of the cheetah were the gallbladder and heart, with the remaining parts totaling forty-six taels of silver when sold.


    After handling the goods, he rushed back to the garrison before nightfall.


    "Running back and forth like this is really a waste of time!


    "Still, I need some sort of transport."


    Recently, Chen Sansi had been cultivating day and night, barely practicing with his arrows, and he had only visited the stables once.


    Thinking it over, he didn''t go home but instead went to the military camp.


    "Neigh¡ª"


    The White Horse became restless and neighed as soon as he approached the stables, continuously stomping its hooves as if threatening.


    Chen Sansi''s temper flared in an instant.


    The moment he opened the gate, the White Swan Horse charged crazily towards the outside.


    Chen Sansi grabbed the saddle in one swift motion and leapt onto the horse''s back, directly giving it a whip.


    The White Swan Horse, pained by the whip, ran even more fiercely, trying with all its might to throw off the rider.


    Chen Sansi steadied himself while using the reins to forcefully make the horse run in the direction he directed.


    With his minor success in Blood Refining, his Qi Power was naturally not something a horse could resist.


    At first, the White Swan Horse continued to struggle, but as time passed, perhaps because it was drained, or perhaps realizing that resistance was futile, it gradually became obedient.


    After half an hour, it was as responsive as an arm extension.


    In Chen Sansi''s hands, the reins were as easy to manipulate as a steering wheel, moving as he willed.


    [Skill: Horse Control (Entry-level)]


    [Progress: (0/200)]


    [Utility: The horse acknowledges its master, minds melding.]


    A treasure horse?


    The system called it a treasure horse; it seems its bloodline is indeed not bad, just a bit stubborn.


    As for mind melding, it''s an indescribable, mystical feeling.


    If he had to describe it, Chen Sansi felt that the White Swan Horse, despite their short time together, was as familiar as an old dog that had been in the family for twenty years, with a telepathic understanding, able to mutually grasp each other''s intentions.


    This was crucial.


    On the battlefield, the bond between a military officer and his warhorse was the closest of comradeships; a good coordination could sometimes save lives.


    He remembered reading in a book of Dasheng that the Grand Ancestor Cao Xie had once been a house slave in charge of tending horses for a prominent family and had formed a bond with a young colt.


    Later, during a pursuit, it was that colt that had saved Cao Xie''s life.


    Otherwise, there would have been no Dasheng Dynasty from the Cao family.


    Having tamed the White Swan Horse, Chen Sansi planned to go home and rest.


    When they reached the stable, however, the White Swan Horse was very resistant, indicating it did not want to live in the cramped stables.


    Chen Sansi didn''t mind.


    His home had plenty of space for keeping a horse, so he decided to bring the fodder and stone trough back home as well.


    "Brother Shi looks quite impressive."


    Gu Xinlan watched her man riding a horse into the courtyard and couldn''t help but feel her heart flutter.


    Even though he was just a flag officer, in her eyes, Brother Shi increasingly resembled the generals in the folk tales.


    Ravenous, Chen Sansi ate dinner and then consumed a leopard''s gallbladder before continuing to practice with his spear in the courtyard.


    The spear whistled through the air like thunder, and surprisingly, the horse wasn''t scared at all. It just stood under the osmanthus tree watching him, occasionally nibbling on some fodder until it was utterly exhausted late at night and fell asleep standing up.


    After finishing his spear practice, Sister Lan had also boiled some hot water for Chen Sansi to bathe and change his clothes.


    "I have finished processing the tiger skin you brought back."


    Gu Xinlan showed the tiger skin rug, "How about I turn it into a garment for you? It would definitely keep you warm in the winter."


    Chen Sansi lounged in the bath barrel, "Wear it for me to see."


    "Ah?"


    Before Gu Xinlan could react, the man added, "I mean, wear just that and nothing else."


    "Brother Shi..."


    Gu Xinlan''s cheeks reddened to her neck: "Who have you been learning from? Your tricks are getting more numerous."


    Who makes someone dress up as a tigress?


    ¡­


    The next day.


    White Dew Clusters soften the morning with the sound of horse hooves.


    Chen Sansi rode the White Swan Horse to the military camp for roll call.


    After the training had ended, he came to Wang Zhi''s tent to report the possibility of the Witch God Sect''s presence in Po Yang, hoping he would inform the Hundred Households to dispatch someone for an investigation.


    Then, he requested a day off, preparing to head back to the mountains.


    He was determined to capture the White Deer.


    Not to mention a pressing need for a heavy bow, the White Deer itself was also a powerful supplement, increasing cultivation speed faster than even the tiger heart.


    Even if he had to spend fifty taels on bait, it was worth trying.


    After requesting the leave, Chen Sansi had not yet left the tent when his subordinate Wang Li approached him.


    "Sir."


    Wang Li reported, "Someone from Tianyuan Martial Arts Academy wants to see you."


    "From the Liang family?"


    Chen Sansi hesitated for a moment, "Let him in."


    If they were to meet, it would be in the military camp.


    Soon, Wang Li led the visitor in, but it was not Liang Zhan himself, rather a disciple from the Tianyuan Martial Arts Academy.


    "Chen Qigu." S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The disciple first gave a fist salute, then took out a delicate sandalwood box from his bosom, "My master knows you have been hunting deer recently, and has specially picked a hundred-year-old treasure fungus from the Medicine Valley.


    "Additionally, my master also has a message for you.


    "There has been some misunderstanding with Chen Qigu before, he hopes you''ll accept this as an apology and convert enmity into friendship. If you need help in the future, my master will definitely support you strongly."


    Chen Sansi pondered the other''s intent.


    The Liang, are they afraid of him?


    That seemed unlikely.


    The local ruffian Qin Xiong once showed fear when faced with a bow, which was understandable.


    But Liang Zhan was a bone-training martial artist, who had bravely fought against Witch God Sect followers.


    Why would he feel the need to apologize to him, an ordinary blood refining warrior?


    Such a capacity to bend or stand erect.


    This person must not be underestimated!


    Chen Sansi was on high alert.


    He initially intended to refuse the treasure fungus but seeing Hundred Households Wang''s eyes gleaming, he changed his mind, "I''ll accept the item, thank my regards to Mr. Liang."


    Wang Zhi had traits worth learning.


    When dealing with such people, there was no need to speak of righteousness.


    Sugar-coated bullets.


    Sometimes, one must swallow the sugar and spit out the bullets.


    Perfect.


    Spending fifty taels of silver on bait was extravagant, better to buy supplemental medicine to enhance cultivation.


    "Good that you''ve accepted it."


    The Martial Arts Academy Disciple breathed a sigh of relief, "Before coming here, my master instructed that if Chen Qigu did not accept the gift, I was not to return."


    "What about mine?"


    Wang Zhi held back for a long while, "My lord and your master are close friends and fellow travelers, doesn''t he have anything for me?"


    "Hundred Households Wang, this¡­ this¡­"


    The Martial Arts Academy Disciple coughed awkwardly, "I must return to report, I''ll take my leave first."


    Having said that, he left hurriedly without looking back.


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    "Tch!"


    Wang Zhi cursed, "The Liang Family is truly a bunch of opportunists, knowing that you will soon enter the Eight Camps and be recruited into the Governor Mansion, they think to ingratiate themselves with you!


    "But¡­"


    He spoke earnestly, "You must put in more effort, the more they respect you now, the greater the backlash you will face if you fail in the Selected Point in the future."


    Chen Sansi clearly understood this principle.


    That made it all the more important to cherish his time.


    He took up his weapon, mounted the White Swan Horse, and left the military camp, heading straight for Tiger Head Mountain.


    With the treasure fungus.


    The likelihood of finding the White Deer should greatly increase.

 Chapter 50 White Deer

    At last, he didn''t have to go out on foot anymore. Riding a horse not only saved energy but also increased his speed.When the White Swan Horse ran at full speed, it gave Chen Shanshi the feeling of flying in the sky, as if his hooves barely touched the ground.


    He must have covered a thousand miles by now, right?


    He hadn''t even estimated the time when he had already arrived at Yanbian Village. He called for Zhao Qiao to join him and tied the horse in front of Zhao''s house.


    The mountain was rugged and home to wild animals; naturally, one couldn''t ride a horse up the mountain.


    The group arrived at a small stream.


    "Uncle Zhao, why don''t we cross the river with Shanshi?"


    Unable to bear it anymore, Wu Da said, "This mountain isn''t theirs; why shouldn''t we go?"


    "Uncle, I think it''s feasible too."


    Zhuang Yi, scratching his head, said, "If we follow Brother Chen, they definitely won''t dare to mess with us."


    "No way!"


    Zhao Qiao was adamant, "Don''t make trouble for Shanshi."


    He pushed the two away.


    Chen Shanshi didn''t interrupt.


    It wasn''t that he was afraid of trouble.


    Indeed, the people from the Martial Arts Hall wouldn''t dare to mess with Zhao Qiao and others in his presence.


    But what about after they separated?


    Chen Shanshi needed to train and fight wars. He couldn''t possibly spend all his time protecting them.


    Unless he could truly make the people from the Martial Arts Hall fear him from the bottom of their hearts.


    Clearly, it wasn''t yet the time for that.


    After parting ways with the others,


    Chen Shanshi headed directly into the depths of North Mountain.


    He encountered prey along the way but didn''t stop; he kept going until he reached the summit, where he paused to survey the surrounding mountain peaks from a high vantage point.


    Among them, a peak that was entirely red stood out sharply.


    The mountain was covered with maple trees, resembling a vast sea of fire.


    Generally speaking, deer should prefer to live in the green forest where food is plentiful.


    But the reason why exotic beasts are called exotic isn''t only because of their unique lineage; their requirements for living environments might also differ from others.


    Since he hadn''t found any in several green forests, it was worth a try.


    The two mountains were not far apart, roughly ten miles away.


    As Chen Shanshi approached Feng Mountain, he discovered many people from Tai Lei Martial Arts Academy nearby.


    Among them was Wei Xu, whom he recognized, along with some others who seemed to hold higher positions.


    This group gathered here must have discovered something, indicating that he hadn''t gone to the wrong place.


    As expected, when he got closer, he heard their discussion.


    "Yesterday afternoon, just halfway up the mountain, Mr. Wu almost caught the White Deer!"


    "But that animal has an astonishing sense of hearing; it detected us from tens of yards away. With a jump several meters high, it disappeared in the blink of an eye."


    "However, it must still be on this mountain."


    "Mr. Wu said we don''t need to capture it ourselves; if we can help locate its general vicinity, there will be a hefty reward."


    "¡­"


    Even though they kept their voices very low, Chen Shanshi could hear every word clearly.


    Jumping several meters high?


    No wonder the White Deer Tendon could be used to make a heavy bow.


    Since it had appeared, it must have left behind traces.


    No matter how subtle the signs, he could find them.


    He suddenly had a target and quickly headed to the mountainside.


    "How come he''s here too?"


    Wei Xu saw the armored youth and couldn''t help feeling anxious, "Big Brother, this is the guy I told you about before, the one who hunted a Big Worm alone and even shot an arrow at me. Oh no, what if he finds the White Deer before us?"


    "What are you waiting for, hurry up and search! Our lavish fortune depends entirely on that White Deer!"


    Joking aside, if they managed to cure the Old Master''s injury, inheriting a shop would mean no more worries for the rest of their lives.


    ...


    Midway up the mountain.


    Within the dense Maple Forest, fiery red fallen leaves were everywhere.


    Several arrows were embedded in the ground, clearly the remnants of a failed hunting attempt.


    Chen Sansi bent over, meticulously searching around the arrows.


    Soon, he found a strand of snow-white hair on a red maple leaf.


    Ordinary deer hair is stiff, as thick as a needle.


    But the hair of the White Deer was as soft as cotton and even finer than down.


    Every thirty steps or so, he would find a few such hairs.


    Following them through several patches of woodland from the middle of the mountain to the other side of the peak, he ended up at a dead end, with only a cliff in sight.


    Chen Sansi lay on the edge of the cliff, looking down.


    The cliff wasn''t very deep, about forty to fifty meters.


    Fortunately, there were plenty of footholds, and relying on his Light as a Feather skill, he clambered down the cliff with the agility of a nimble monkey in no time at all.


    At the base of the cliff, everything reverted from fiery red to the dark green typical of a forest; the area teemed with birds and beasts and was rich in a variety of plants and trees, truly brimming with life.


    It seemed like a place where the White Deer would live.


    Chen Sansi opened the sandalwood box he had brought, inside which lay a shiny black, cloud-shaped Lingzhi.


    A breeze wafted by, carrying a unique fragrance that instantly refreshed the mind.


    Indeed, it was a treasure.


    He placed the Lingzhi in the clearing and then hid themselves ten meters away in the dense woods, preparing the arrow and fully drawing the bowstring.


    Keeping the bow fully drawn was a massive drain on strength for most people.


    Chen Sansi did this because he knew the White Deer had "ears that heard in all directions"; it was highly likely it could hear the sound of the bowstring being drawn. This was probably why the Tai Lei Martial Arts Academy''s people had failed¡ªthey had been detected in advance.


    Together with his Concealing Breath and Hiding technique, he blended perfectly into the forest.


    During this time, birds even landed on his shoulder to rest, mistaking him for a piece of wood.


    He didn''t have to wait long.


    About fifteen minutes later, a snow-white, agile figure quietly emerged from the cliff¡ªit didn''t even need a foothold and ran up the nearly vertical cliff!


    It turned out to live in a cave halfway up the cliff, no wonder it couldn''t be found anywhere on the mountain.


    The White Deer was clearly attracted by the Lingzhi.


    Initially, it moved quickly, but as it approached, it began to slow down and became cautious.


    It basically paused with every step it took, but despite its caution, it ultimately didn''t notice the danger lurking in the shadows.


    "Whoosh¡ª"


    Just as the Lingzhi was about to reach its mouth, the White Deer sensed something was amiss, but in an instant, it leaped three meters high in the air.


    Unfortunately for it, the Wolf Teeth Arrow was a step ahead, piercing its skull.


    "Thud¡ª"


    The White Deer fell dead mid-air, and by the time it hit the ground, it had already turned into a corpse.


    "Quite a fast reaction."


    If Chen Sansi hadn''t drawn the bowstring beforehand, he might not have hit his target.


    After overcoming numerous obstacles, he finally got his hands on it.


    The resources from a single White Deer were enough to sustain him up to nearly the Bone Forger Realm, saving him a great deal of time.


    Going down the mountain might still lead to trouble.


    Carrying a White Deer down the mountain was akin to carrying gold bricks through a bustling market.


    At first, only one or two Martial Arts Academy Disciples followed from a distance.


    Soon, they gathered like wolves that smelled blood, with as many as twenty or so people closely following him.


    Unfortunately, Chen Sansi was no "child."


    Even with the gold bricks right before their eyes, no one dared to make a rash move.


    "Even Mr. Wu can''t do it!"


    Wei Xu stared at the hole in the Exotic Beast''s head, "How did he shoot the deer!"


    "Let''s stop him first and talk later!"


    The eldest disciple, Huang Tao, said as he stepped forward.


    "Be careful, Big Brother."


    Wei Xu cautioned, "This man is petty and extremely murderous."


    "Afraid of what! Didn''t you say he''s just a small flag? I''ve already reached Blood Refining Great Success, why should I be afraid of him?"


    Huang Tao shrugged off his junior''s hold on his arm and rushed forward to block the way.


    Chen Sansi wore an expressionless face and feigned ignorance, "Is there a problem?"


    "Brother."


    Huang Tao clasped his fists as a greeting, "We plan to pool money to buy the White Deer from you, at the market price, no loss to you, how about it?"


    "Not selling."


    Chen Sansi said and was about to bypass him.


    "Stop!"


    Huang Tao''s tone intensified, "If you don''t give us this face today, don''t think about leaving, I advise you..."


    He was only halfway through his sentence when a flash of cold light suddenly zipped past his face.


    There was a "snap" sound as if something had fallen to the ground.


    After being stunned for two seconds, intense pain set in, and Huang Tao covered his bleeding cheek and wailed, "My ear, my ear!!!"


    "Are you still buying?"


    Chen Sansi withdrew his reed leaf spear and said deliberately.


    Due to the fast speed of the spear, not even a drop of blood stained the gun tip.


    "Madman, you madman!"


    The Martial Arts Academy Disciples were shocked, "Our Big Brother didn''t do anything to you, why would you attack?!"


    He didn''t do anything to me?


    Chen Sansi scoffed inwardly.


    It was not that they didn''t want to, but that they were wary.


    This ear, deserved to be sliced off.


    "I''ll kill you!"


    Huang Tao was furious, his Qi-Blood of Great Success level bursting forth, and despite the pain, he drew a long sword, aiming to strike at the youth''s face.


    "Stop!"


    At the critical moment, a sharp shout rang out.


    A man around forty years old sprinted over, standing in front of Huang Tao.


    "Mr. Wu!"


    The disciples of Tai Lei Martial Arts Academy immediately gathered around their mainstay.


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    "Mr. Wu, you came just in time."


    "This lad..." S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "..."


    "You must be the Xuanfeng Flag Officer Chen Sansi, right?"


    Despite the mixture of accusations, Mr. Wu Song ignored them and instead praised, "Fine spear technique, fine courage! Surrounded by so many, yet you dared to strike first.


    "Mr. Wu should see, it was your people who tried to forcefully buy and sell first, I was merely defending myself."


    Chen Sansi realized that this man was very likely the fifth son of the Tai Lei Master.


    "They were in the wrong, they deserved to be thwarted."


    Old Mr. Wu Song said sternly, "But Flag Officer Chen, you may have heard, my father is injured, we need the Exotic Beast to heal him, could you possibly sell me the deer heart, I am willing to pay far above the market price in silver."


    "Not selling."


    Chen Sansi flatly refused.


    He had enquired with the Medical Officer.


    The deer heart was the most beneficial part of the White Deer for one''s Cultivation.


    It was priceless.


    No amount of silver could quickly capture a second deer.


    He needed to seize this chance to reach Blood Refining Great Success and prepare for Bone Forging, how could he possibly give it to someone else.


    No need to worry about them making a move.


    If they really wanted to fight, they would have snatched it already, why talk so much?


    "I take my leave!"


    Chen Sansi said, carrying the White Deer and leaving.


    Mr. Wu Song stood still, watching, offering no resistance.


    "Mr. Wu!"


    Huang Tao couldn''t believe it, "Why did you stop me? I should have taught this kid a lesson."


    "Fool, I saved your life!"


    Mr. Wu Song berated, "He cut off your ear and you still didn''t react, do you think you could last a few rounds?"


    "But... isn''t he just a small flag?"


    Huang Tao finally began to feel scared.


    A small flag was at most Blood Refining Minor Success, but he was a Great Success!


    "Useless!"


    Mr. Wu Song roared angrily, "Dozens of people, all useless!


    "Searched for a month and didn''t even touch the butt of the White Deer, yet someone else got it by just going up the mountain, useless, all useless!


    "Pick up your ear, I told you to pick up your ear!"


    ...


    "So frustrating!"


    On the way down the mountain, Chen Sansi felt stifled.


    The reason he had not taken the lives of the Martial Arts Academy Disciples was because he had noticed Old Mr. Wu watching from not too far away.


    That guy was in the Bone Forging Realm!


    From the surface, he hadn''t suffered a loss.


    But that was because the other party was wary of his status.


    Ultimately, they feared Xiang Ting Chun, feared the Governor Mansion, and even feared Wang Zhi, but not him.


    And.


    The land belongs to the people, why should he have to look at their faces when hunting?!


    Seclusion!


    Only personal strength was the foundation of everything.


    The people from the Martial Arts Hall hung around him like wolves all day, making Chen Sansi feel uncomfortable all over.


    The next time this happens, he would make the Martial Arts Hall''s people bleed rivers!

 Chapter 51 Longqing Year Fifty-Seven

    Back at the creek,Chen Sansi saw Zhao Qiao and several others lifting a goat, it seemed that today''s harvest wasn''t too bad.


    "Brother Chen also bagged a goat."


    Zhuang Yi waved from a distance.


    "That''s a deer, and it''s an Exotic Beast!"


    Zhao Qiao corrected.


    "Good gracious."


    Wu Da craned his neck, "How much silver would that fetch?"


    "Be satisfied with the goat."


    Zhao Qiao was quite content.


    The group descended the mountain.


    Upon reaching the tavern, Chen Sansi was invited into a VIP room to slowly settle accounts.


    Deer blood wasn''t easy to preserve, so they left behind five kilograms.


    The best parts of the antler were all taken.


    There was only one heart, which they also took.


    Each type of animal had valuable parts that differed; for example, the gall of the White Deer comparatively wasn''t worth much, and such internal organs were all sold off.


    The sinews were also kept.


    Then it was the meat of the deer.


    The meat of an Exotic Beast would greatly diminish in efficacy if left too long.


    Chen Sansi himself kept around a hundred kilograms.


    In the end, what could be sold was sold, showing a total of two hundred and eighty taels on the books.


    Plus the treasure Zhuang Zhan sent that sold for sixty taels,


    This sum of money was enough for an ordinary person to live affluently in the Prefecture City.


    But for those practicing Martial Arts, it was merely a resource for a certain phase.


    Over three hundred taels of silver had to be bundled to fit.


    Chen Sansi, carrying the heavy silver, rode the White Horse to the garrison''s Forge.


    "This sinew?!"


    Niu Gai, holding the white sinews and gently pulling them, said: "You actually managed to get the sinew of a White Deer? Great stuff, I''ll definitely make you a bow of over ten stones; come back in thirty days."


    After giving his instructions, Chen Sansi inquired about the Witch God Sect.


    "It''s been said."


    Wang Zhi chewed peanuts as he drank, "Households Commander Xiang got so angry that he slammed the table on the spot and ordered Luo Dongquan to continue the investigation, ensuring it must be clarified before the new county magistrate and Selection Officer arrive."


    "Selection Officer?"


    Chen Sansi asked, "Weren''t they supposed to come after spring began?"


    "Don''t know the reason, but it''s been moved up this year."


    Wang Zhi squinted, "I estimate it''s not for you, but rather for a general purge."


    "A purge?"


    Chen Sansi remarked, "Similar to an imperial envoy coming over for inspection?"


    "Yes."


    Wang Zhi nodded, "Every year, the Selection Officers travel thousands of miles to various counties and prefectures, not just to receive people, but more importantly, to enforce military discipline and execute a few beyond saving."


    "Just last year, the garrison''s Households Commander next door took bribes and secretly replaced someone''s eligibility for Selected Points, and when discovered, was directly sent to Liangzhou to die in a suicide squad."


    "If Hundred Households like him are found out, there are those who get executed on the spot."


    "Otherwise, why do you think they fear the Governor Mansion, and why do the people from Martial Arts Hall dare not touch you?" S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Why are you looking at me like that?"


    Chen Sansi said indifferently, "Worried about you."


    "Worried about me?"


    Wang Zhi pondered the meaning behind the words and suddenly understood, "You think I''m also beyond redemption?"


    "Am I so disreputable in your eyes?"


    He defended himself vehemently, "The silver I gather has its legitimate uses." Your next read is at empire


    "When the Selection Officer arrives, don''t talk nonsense!"


    "When are they coming?" Chen Sansi asked.


    "Don''t know exactly, but definitely before it starts snowing," Wang Zhi replied.


    That said, wasn''t the Selection Officer also going to participate in the spring conscription?


    Chen Sansi inquired about the attitude of the Governor Mansion regarding this matter.


    "As far as I know, the Governor Mansion does not approve," Chen Sansi said.


    Hundred Households Wang was well-informed, "But this matter was approved by the Ministry of War, and you know who is above the Ministry of War, don''t you? I suspect that the reason the Selection Officer came early was to see if it was possible to stop them."


    Above the Ministry of War were naturally the Emperor and the Regent Crown Prince, and perhaps a few key decision-makers at most.


    "That damn Xiang Tingchun!"


    Hundred Households Wang tapped his fingers on the table, "He wants to use this chance to join the forces under the Crown Prince Faction, using us brothers as stepping stones!"


    The Crown Prince?


    Was Xiang Tingchun trying to ingratiate himself with the Crown Prince Faction?


    Ever since the thirtieth year of Longqing, the Emperor had begun to cultivate Daoism, delegating the governance to the Crown Prince.


    Now in the seventy-second year of Longqing, the Crown Prince had been governing for forty years.


    Now with the Emperor''s tacit approval and the Ministry of War''s endorsement, the Crown Prince had started selecting military officers from the border to cultivate his confidantes, clearly targeting the Governor Mansion.


    "Don''t worry, this isn''t the first time this has happened."


    Hundred Households Wang saw through his thoughts, "In the fifty-seventh year of Longqing, His Majesty once believed slanders and had the Governor imprisoned in the Imperial Prison. And what happened then?


    "That same summer, an external enemy attacked the south, and without the Lord Governor, seven cities fell within a month!


    "Even our Eight Camps... suffered a devastating defeat, with the Black Tortoise Camp completely wiped out!


    "Wasn''t he reinstated as the Governor, and within half a year, turned the dire situation around?


    "Three years ago, when the barbarian tribes were restless, it was Supervisor Sun who presided, keeping the barbarian tribes at bay to this day."


    "So let them fuss, anyone in the Great Sheng Dynasty could be replaced, except for Sun Dushi," Hundred Households Wang concluded triumphantly.


    Chen Sansi did not know much about these matters.


    If it was true, this Supervisor Sun was indeed formidable.


    But the more formidable he was, the more the Old Emperor probably feared him.


    "There''s also one most crucial point."


    Hundred Households Wang took a deep breath, speaking gravely, "Since you are obsessed with Martial Arts, do you know who has the world''s number one spear technique?"


    "Supervisor Sun?"


    Chen Sansi didn''t even need to guess.


    "Correct."


    Hundred Households Wang spoke with admiration, "If you want to reach the pinnacle in spear technique, there''s no better teacher than Supervisor Sun. You mustn''t change your mind about going to the Eight Camps just because of some villains'' scheming."


    "I haven''t planned on changing my mind."


    Even knowing the risks, Chen Sansi was still very likely to go to the Eight Camps.


    Where else could he go? Follow Xiang Tingchun?


    "Speaking of which, was Hundred Households Wang previously from the Eight Camps?"


    As Chen Sansi gradually became more familiar with him, they could chat on different topics, "Which camp were you in and what position did you hold?"


    "I was in..."


    Hundred Households Wang began to speak, then swallowed his words and chuckled, "Forgot! It''s been so many years, who remembers?"


    He clearly did not want to talk about it.


    Chen Sansi did not ask further.


    He reiterated his request for the other party to keep an eye out for any cases of missing people, then busied himself with his own matters.


    He returned home.


    Ate the cooked deer heart.


    A feeling entirely different from that of bear heart or tiger heart spread throughout his body.


    Ever since the "Blood Birth Phenomenon," each time Chen Sansi practiced his spear technique, the pain felt doubly severe, as if not blood but flames flowed through his body, constantly burning him.


    But after eating the deer heart, strands of refreshing coolness continuously flowed from his stomach to his limbs and bones, healing his damaged body.


    Thus, Chen Sansi became more and more spirited with each practice, not needing to rest at all.


    His proficiency also improved rapidly.


    No wonder a deer heart was worth two hundred taels, the effect was many times better than that of a fierce beast''s heart and not only beneficial for cultivation but likely also great for maintaining health.


    "Continue!"


    Chen Sansi was unaware that it was already deep into Midnight.


    ...


    Inside the house,


    Sister Lan had long changed into her newly sewn mandarin duck-style top and was sitting quietly at the bedside, waiting.


    According to the usual pattern, every time the young man consumed a beast heart, a hectic night ensued; she had grown accustomed to it.


    Why was today out of the ordinary?


    She waited until the late hours of the night until, unable to keep her eyes open, Gu Xinlan fell into a deep sleep, drowsy and groggy.

 Chapter 52 Colluding with Scoundrels

    Time flows like a relentless river, never pausing for moment.Behind closed doors, time seems to fly especially fast. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    In the blink of an eye, another twenty days had passed.


    The weather in the Northern Territory was growing increasingly cold.


    Fortunately, after the pay increase, the soldiers of Po Yang Thousand Households had more money in hand and did not have to suffer from the cold.


    At the Martial Arts Arena.


    Chen Sansi was sparring with Fang Zongqi.


    The effects are best when the sparring partner is a realm higher in skill.


    Fang Zongqi, full of confidence at first, had a markedly terrible expression on his face after less than five rounds.


    Is this really just "small achievement" in Blood Refining?


    Strength, speed, endurance, in which aspect is he inferior to me?


    To put it more precisely, he seems to be much stronger than me¡ªI who have reached "great success" in Blood Refining!


    Struggling miserably to reach the tenth round, the web of Fang Zongqi''s right hand holding the saber split open, blood gushed out continuously, and his arm became numb and stiff, almost forgetting how to execute the saber technique he learned.


    Surrounding them were onlooking soldiers, most of whom were his subordinates.


    Seeing that he could no longer hold on, Fang Zongqi quickly said, "Enough! It''s a draw, a draw!"


    Chen Sansi withdrew his spear, "Thank you for the effort, Fang Zongqi."


    Fang Zongqi, with his trembling right hand hidden behind his back, said, "You must be close to achieving ''great success'' in Blood Refining, right?"


    "It should be in the next few days."


    Chen Sansi did not deny it.


    [Cultivation Technique: Basic Spear Technique of a Soldier (Minor Success)]


    [Progress: 1855/2000]


    [Utility: Swift Spear Movement, Amazing Endurance, Robust Qi-Blood, Blood Birth Phenomenon]


    The effects of the Exotic Beast''s flesh are astonishing.


    Together with Chen Sansi being relatively affluent, even forgoing Blood Replenishing Soup for the fifteen taels per dose of Nine Revolutions Replenishing Essence Soup, how could his speed not be fast?


    "Well done."


    Fang Zongqi said with emotion, "Once you reach ''great success'' in Blood Refining, you too could be promoted to a flag leader, levelling with me."


    "I''ve benefitted from your care during this period, Fang Zongqi."


    After the enhancement of his cultivation, Chen Sansi''s promotion to flag leader was a certainty.


    But he feared he would end up a leader in name only.


    After all, the garrison didn''t have that many men.


    Where would he suddenly find fifty men to command out of thin air?


    At most, he''d be treated with the privileges of a flag leader''s rank, but in title only.


    Training in the morning, patrolling the city in the afternoon.


    Ever since they reported the cases of people disappearing, Xiang Tingchun had promptly started to dispatch daily city patrols.


    Moreover, he was very irritable.


    Most of those ranked flag leader or higher were scolded on a daily basis.


    After all, the Selection Officer was about to arrive, and not to mention the matter of the Immortal Treasure, just the fact that people were dying daily without any catch of the murderer could lead to a charge of dereliction of duty against him.


    The problem was.


    They truly couldn''t find anything.


    So many deaths certainly couldn''t be the work of just one or two people.


    But Po Yang County was such a small place, there couldn''t possibly be another place like the Golden Bell Temple for them to hide.


    Unless, the murders were not committed by the Witch God Sect at all!


    In that case, it would be natural to find no clues.


    Chen Sansi''s mind, involuntarily, thought of the Medicine Valley he encountered on the mountain that day.


    Being barricaded from such a distance, it was completely abnormal.


    He just couldn''t understand, why would a martial arts hall commit murder?


    He would go up the mountain to take a look!


    It would also provide an opportunity to hunt something.


    There was still nearly two hundred taels of silver at home, which was enough, but it would also not be bad to hunt something like a Black Bear, after all, he couldn''t make the trip in vain.


    ...


    Early the next morning, Chen Sansi set off.


    Explore stories on empire


    "In recent days, there are still people missing, it''s just that..."


    Zhao Qiao and a few others followed behind, "They''re all countryside folk."


    "The countryside?"


    Neck-deep in martial arts training, Chen Sansi had not participated in the patrols and was aware of the deaths, but he did not know about this detail.


    "Yes."


    Wu Da said, "At first, there were disappearances in both the county town and countryside, but gradually, it changed to only countryside folk going missing, to put it plainly, the poor."


    Chen Sansi felt even more that something was wrong.


    The Witch God Sect didn''t discriminate whether you were rich or poor when they killed.


    This kind of thing, only "one''s own people" could do.


    After heading up the mountain, he made his way towards Medicine Valley.


    Before he even reached his destination, he could see from afar three figures standing on the road that led inevitably to Medicine Valley.


    Liang Zhan, Mr. Wu of Golden Bell Temple, and another youth around thirty years old.


    This youth had a cloud pattern on his garment.


    Additionally, considering his mannerisms and how he stood as an equal to the other two, it could only be the young Master of Yunhe Martial Arts Hall, who first had his family business usurped by his uncle, only to later make a comeback.


    Why, recently, have all these pampered young masters taken a liking to delving into the deep mountains and dense forests?


    It''s one thing for a single person, but three gathering together¡ªdo they have too much time on their hands?


    Moreover, two li away from Medicine Valley, it''s all guarded by Martial Arts Academy Disciples, not even letting a bird through¡ªit''s clear there''s some unspeakable secret.


    Thinking back carefully.


    The Master of Yunhe Martial Arts Hall, who was mediocre for half his life, suddenly had a breakthrough at a critical moment.


    In the town, it was also around those few days that people started to go missing.


    And then there''s Old Five Song.


    There were rumors that his father was at death''s door, desperately in need of White Deer for healing.


    And what happened?


    So much time has passed, and there hasn''t been any news of a funeral at the Tai Lei Martial Arts Academy.


    On top of that, Old Five Song doesn''t seem to be in any hurry at all.


    No wonder last time I watched helplessly as he took away the White Deer¡ªit''s likely they have some special way of healing.


    All the pieces of the puzzle fit together.


    The disappearances of the commoners, they must be connected to them!


    It''s just there''s no evidence for now.


    Chen Sansi has no plans to approach rashly either.


    Just before his eyes, there were three practicing Bone Training.


    Inside Medicine Valley, there must be a few old servants hidden away.


    Concealing Breath and Hiding is not the same as Invisibility Technique; if caught by these people, they could very well do something drastic in desperation.


    First, I''ll go back and break through to Great Success in Blood Refining; besides, the ten-stone heavy bow is almost ready.


    Ensure that I can retreat safely even when encountering someone in Bone Training, then come back here to explore further.


    Having made up his mind, Chen Sansi left quietly without a sound.


    ...


    "We can''t have any more deaths."


    Liang Zhan advised the two beside him, "Let''s put a halt to it for now."


    "It doesn''t matter!"


    Old Five Song, however, confidently said, "We''re only taking peasants from the countryside, nobodies who won''t have anyone to seek justice for them."


    "Xiang Tingchun has started investigating again, doesn''t Old Five know?"


    Liang Zhan sighed and said, "Let''s just stop for a while. Anyway, your father''s injury has been healed, and besides, we still lack the key Immortal Treasure, killing more people won''t increase its utility."


    "Brother Pan."


    Old Five Song looked towards the young Master of Yunhe Martial Arts Hall: "You''re not still hiding something, are you?"


    "Absolutely not."


    Pan Quan''s expression tightened: "It was with the help of you two that I was able to take back my family business. How could I continue to hide anything? The Immortal Treasure must be in the hands of Xiang Tingchun, I guarantee it!"


    "That bastard Xiang Tingchun."


    Old Five Song cursed: "We sent him a month''s worth of money, grain, and medicinal materials, and he won''t even show us the shadow of the Immortal Treasure!"


    "Indeed, we can''t go on like this."


    Liang Zhan said worriedly: "Up to now, we still don''t even know what the Immortal Treasure is, could Xiang Tingchun at least open the box and show us? As Refining Organ Martial Artists, they''re going too far."


    "On one hand, we don''t know what the Immortal Treasure is, and on the other, even if we had the Immortal Treasure, we wouldn''t know how to use it. This situation is ridiculous."


    "First stop supplying the money, grain, and medicinal materials; we can''t keep compromising blindly."


    "I agree with this opinion."


    ...


    Leaving Medicine Valley.


    Chen Sansi hunted down a Black Bear.


    For him now, it was completely possible to deal with it easily on his own.


    He went to the creek to meet up with Zhao Qiao and the others.


    Unexpectedly, they had caught a few wolves.


    "Seems your hunting luck has improved recently."


    Chen Sansi first congratulated them, then threw a wet blanket: "However, I advise you to not go up the mountain for the time being. There may be danger."


    Everyone knew the Martial Arts Academies were responsible for the killings, so it was only right to warn them.


    "Why, Brother Shi?"


    Wu Da asked puzzled: "We''ve finally found a good spot. We''ll definitely be able to shoot wolves again tomorrow."


    "Could stones be harmful to us?"


    As the oldest, Zhao Qiao knew there was a reason behind it: "Starting from tomorrow, we won''t go up the mountain."


    Zhuang Yi expressed his difficulty: "Our family can hardly scrape a meal together."


    "I''ll give you the grain."


    Chen Sansi, now, was not short of money.


    "No way!"


    Zhao Qiao refused: "Brother Shi, we are already grateful that you''re willing to take us hunting in the mountains; how could we possibly take your grain?"


    "Consider it a loan from me, you can pay me back next spring."


    With Chen Sansi insisting, they finally agreed.


    After selling the Black Bear,


    Chen Sansi rushed back to the garrison, planning to achieve Great Success in one fell swoop.

 Chapter 53 The Blood of Dragon and Elephant

    Military Camp, Pharmacy."There''s no more medicine left?"


    Chen Sansi, who had come to purchase supplemental medicine, was informed that the warehouse was empty, with only Blood Replenishing Soup available, not Replenishing Essence Soup.


    "On the third of each month, it is the scheduled time for the Martial Arts Hall to send money, grain, and medicine materials."


    Medical Officer Jiang fanned the flames with a cattail leaf fan, speaking unhurriedly, "They are already several days late, and there''s still no sign of them. I knew it, how could they be willing to keep sending things? Just this month, they must have lost hundreds of thousands of silver taels."


    "Give me a bowl of Blood Replenishing Soup first."


    Chen Sansi said.


    He could roughly guess what was happening.


    Xiang Tingchun''s act of getting something for nothing was almost at its end.


    The people from the Martial Arts Hall weren''t fools; how could they be willing to keep giving things away without receiving anything in return?


    He didn''t know how Xiang Tingchun would deal with it next.


    Anyway, it was none of his business.


    It was nothing more than the medicinal materials becoming expensive.


    If it really came down to it, he would just have to make a few extra trips into the mountains. If he couldn''t find Exotic Beasts, there were always plenty of black bears and Big Worms.


    He drank the entire bowl of Blood Replenishing Soup in one gulp.


    Chen Sansi picked up his long spear and went to the Martial Arts Arena to make his final breakthrough.


    The Blood Refining Realm, from entry-level to small achievement, the Qi-Blood evolves from a single strand to four strands, flowing through the limbs, achieving strength far beyond that of an ordinary person.


    But any cultivation technique is not solely reliant on the limbs.


    Take, for example, spear techniques, which require not only strong arms but also the coordination of the waist, and the lower stance must be stable enough to unleash sufficient power.


    Therefore, having Qi-Blood circulating only through the limbs is not enough.


    Only after achieving Blood Refining Great Success, with Qi-Blood running through the entire body, forming a "´ó" (great) shape internally and fully utilizing the body''s strength, can one truly exhibit the full power of a cultivation technique. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Wielding the reed leaf spear in his hand, Chen Sansi concentrated on feeling the changes in Qi-Blood within his body.


    The four burning streams of his Qi-Blood had already reached their limit with the practice of the cultivation technique and were in a state where they could no longer improve, just a step away from breaking through and integrating throughout his entire body.


    However.


    It was always just a little bit short.


    It felt as though it was about to come through, yet each time it would retract again.


    Patience!


    Although Chen Sansi hadn''t been practicing Martial Arts for long, he had endured more hardships than anyone else.


    Consuming Beast Meat and pouring down supplemental medicine required frantic cultivation to metabolize.


    Every time he did Pile Work and used the grand Breathing Skill, it was painful, every single time!


    So, he was not lacking in patience.


    It was merely a matter of time.


    Calming his mind, Chen Sansi tediously repeated his spear technique over and over again.


    ...


    Wang Zhi saw this and hurriedly pulled Xiang Tingchun over.


    "Don''t deceive me."


    Xiang Tingchun was full of disbelief, "No more than two months at most, Blood Refining Great Success?"


    "Households Commander Xiang doesn''t believe it?"


    Wang Zhi said with a grin, "I heard that you got a lot of good medicine materials from the Tianyuan Liang Family, including a three-hundred-year-old ginseng."


    "Ginseng only helps Blood Refining Warriors; what do you want it for?"


    Xiang Tingchun realized, "It''s rare indeed, this is the first time I''ve seen you asking for something for someone else. Alright, I promise you, if he makes a breakthrough, I''ll give him the ginseng."


    In the midst of their conversation, the two arrived at the Martial Arts Arena.


    When they saw the dazzling display of the long spear in the open space, even Xiang Tingchun''s eyebrows revealed astonishment.


    "Fatty Wang, with him achieving Blood Refining Great Success so quickly, won''t he develop inferior blood?"


    "Rest assured."


    Fatty Wang patted his chest and said, "I taught him the world''s best foundational technique, it''s solid, at least superior Qi-Blood, which won''t hold him back no matter how high or far he goes in the future."


    "You really have something to fall back on."


    Xiang Tingchun did not doubt it and lamented, "Tell me, what exactly did you do to end up being sent here? I even specifically looked it up; there''s not a single famous general in the Eight Camps with the surname Wang."


    "Households Commander Xiang really thinks highly of me."


    Wang Zhi said with an expressionless face, "I''m forty-three this year, and still in the Bone Training Realm, how could I ever be qualified to be a general? I''m just a hanger-on doing miscellaneous tasks."


    Xiang Tingchun said no more and quietly watched the youth on the Martial Arts Arena.


    In the end, Chen Sansi simply closed his eyes, relying entirely on muscle memory to practice the spear technique, while focusing one hundred percent of his attention inside his body, carefully feeling the flow of Qi-Blood.


    He didn''t know how much time had passed.


    He felt the light outside his eyelids grow darker and darker, until it was all black, until his spear-wielding hands stiffened and lost their agility, until his lungs expanded to their limit and seemed ready to burst and spew blood at any moment.


    Thump!


    Just as his body reached its limit and seemed unable to hold on any longer, all four streams of Qi-Blood flowed back into his heart, and when it coursed out again, it was no longer in four streams but had transformed into thousands of strands penetrating his limbs and bones, permeating his entire body!


    For the typical Blood Refining Warrior at Great Success, Qi-Blood would form a "large" character within the body.


    But for Chen Sansi, it spread throughout his entire body.


    This was the true meaning of Qi-Blood permeating the body!


    [Cultivation Technique: Basic Spear Technique of a military soldier (Great Success)]


    [Utility: Blood of the Dragon Elephant]


    All entry effects were encompassed by "Blood of the Dragon Elephant," enhancing the effects significantly.


    Chen Sansi began circulating his Qi-Blood again and could feel "Blood of the Dragon Elephant" seemingly tempering his bones and meridians.


    No wonder Blood Refining is important.


    Within the Bone Training Realm, one relies on the cultivated Qi-Blood to temper the bones; the higher the quality of Qi-Blood, the better the effect.


    He just wasn''t sure what level "Blood of the Dragon Elephant" was.


    The system no longer displayed progress, and he needed to switch to a Bone Training cultivation technique.


    He should go and ask Wang Zhi about it.


    "Good!"


    As he was lost in thought, a cheer sounded in his ear.


    Chen Sansi opened his eyes. Continue your adventure with empire


    He then realized that not much time had actually passed.


    Looking at the sky, it had been only about two hours.


    However, the commotion had been great, drawing many onlookers.


    The person leading the cheers was Xiang Tingchun.


    His eyes showed a mix of admiration and envy as he said, "Just two months of practicing martial arts, and reaching Blood Refining Great Success, our Po Yang Thousand Households have truly produced a genius!"


    Chen Sansi held his long spear and cupped his fists, "Commander Xiang flatters me."


    "No need for modesty, from this day on, you''re promoted to flag leader, but..."


    Xiang Tingchun smiled wryly, "Though there is a vacancy, we have no extra manpower to allocate to you.


    "Let''s start you off with the treatment of a flag leader. Later, if more people enlist, they will be prioritized under your command.


    "Additionally, this officer will reward you with a three-hundred-year-old Blood Ginseng.


    "Those under your command will also receive rewards, military soldiers will get two doses of Replenishing Essence Soup, and Array Soldiers will receive two taels of silver, the silver will be provided by this officer himself!"


    "Thank you, sir."


    Chen Sansi was certainly not going to be polite.


    "Well done."


    Xiang Tingchun nodded in satisfaction, then turned to the watching soldiers and scolded, "All of you, train diligently, and you''ll earn your rewards too!"


    After speaking, he strode away, hand on the hilt of his sword at his waist.


    Returning to his tent, Luo Dongquan followed close behind him.


    "My lord, those people have sent their reply."


    He reported, "The Martial Arts Hall says they fully support your decision to deploy troops, but they see no sincerity from you. They also say that with you being so secretive, perhaps the Immortal Treasure is not in your possession at all, and you''re just playing them for fools."


    Truly, people won''t give up until they see the hare caught.


    Xiang Tingchun then asked, "What about the Witch God Sect Followers, were they found?"


    "I am incompetent!" Luo Dongquan said, bowing his head.


    "You have five hundred men to search the city daily and still can''t find them?!"


    Xiang Tingchun felt a headache coming on.


    If he couldn''t find the Witch God Sect followers who slipped through the net, where would he get the Immortal Treasure for the Martial Arts Hall?


    To hell with the Immortal Treasure!


    No matter what, it shouldn''t affect the campaign planned for next spring.


    It seemed that without taking some drastic action, he wouldn''t get them to listen!


    "Crack¡ª"


    "Endure when it is bearable, but when it is no longer bearable, then stop enduring!"


    Xiang Tingchun crushed the teacup in his hand into powder, "Luo, think of something, we need to pin an offense on the Martial Arts Hall."


    "My lord?!" Luo Dongquan was astonished, "This seems improper?"


    "What''s improper about it?"


    Xiang Tingchun said coldly, "They have backers, do you think I don''t? Who do you believe approved my deployment of troops? Just do as I say!"


    "I understand, my lord."

 Chapter 54 Recruitment

    "Hundred Households Wang."Earlier, you mentioned that Qi-Blood cultivated has quality differences, so what quality would my Qi-Blood be?"


    Chen Sansi voiced his doubts.


    "The Qi-Blood developed through a lower-tier Breathing Skill is symbolized by a ''big'' character.


    "The bigger and thicker this character, the better.


    "After refining the Haoran Breathing Skill, it will be at least twice as strong as the Qi-Blood produced by ordinary breathing skills.


    "More than that depends on talent.


    "Being able to circulate it throughout the body is naturally best.


    "You''re asking about this, surely you haven''t..."


    Wang Zhi placed a hand on the youth''s body: "Circulate your Qi-Blood so I can see!"


    Chen Sansi complied.


    "Your Qi-Blood is of the highest quality!"


    Wang Zhi exclaimed, "Just like me when I started, it circulates throughout the body, but the time spent is significantly less. Steady, even if the Supervisor himself were to come, he would take you in!"


    "Highest quality?"


    Chen Sansi cautiously inquired, "Is there anything more special?"


    "There is, one in ten thousand!"


    Wang Zhi explained patiently and in detail, "Those individuals possess an innate Martial Arts physique, born with a body different from ordinary people, learning the same martial arts faster and with better effects."


    "For example, the Tiger Sha physique, the Golden Python physique, they are destined to reach great heights in Martial Arts.


    "But don''t be disheartened, your bones are definitely sufficient, you can reach great heights as well."


    Chen Sansi nodded, pondering quietly to himself.


    There really were "Abnormal Bodies," but all were innate.


    His Dragon Elephant Blood belonged to the acquired category, and moreover, it wasn''t a "physique," but merely a phenomenon occurring in the Qi-Blood.


    Seemed similar to archery.


    The proficiency panel would, over time, transform him more suitable for the Cultivation Techniques he practiced.


    "Select a Cultivation Technique!"


    Wang Zhi was prepared and pulled out three booklets from his bosom: "After you achieve great success in Blood Refining, you must start practicing Bone Strengthening Skills, each of these three is a subsequent book tailored to different emphases in the basic spear techniques of infantry."


    Chen Sansi aimed his gaze, and the names of several Cultivation Techniques were:


    "Flying Snake Wind Spear," "Heaven Python Breaking Formation Spear," "Undying Golden Snake Spear."


    "These are only available to me; the rest from the Households can only study ''Advanced Spear Skills.''"


    Wang Zhi explained, "These three books focus on speed, strength, and endurance, respectively.


    "My recommendation is the Heaven Python Breaking Formation Spear, cultivating it results in an incredibly fierce spear technique, unmatched on the battlefield! The Commander himself had studied this in his youth.


    "Next, the Flying Snake Spear Technique moves like the wind, capable of taking a life within a blink of an eye from twenty steps away. In the world of martial arts, speed is unbeatable.


    "As for the Undying Golden Snake, it''s also known in the Eight Camps as the Extraordinarily Ordinary Spear, not as fast or fierce as the previous two, its only advantage being that it consumes Qi-Blood more slowly in combat. However, this is also relative and varies from person to person."


    Before he finished speaking, "Undying Golden Snake" was already in Chen Sansi''s hand: "I choose this one."


    "Are you sure?" Wang Zhi seriously said, "This isn''t a joke, think carefully."


    "Sure."


    Chen Sansi had thought it through deeply.


    For long-range assaults, he had archery.


    In terms of speed and fierceness, his previous enhancement entries covered it, now encompassed by the "Dragon Elephant Blood," only to yield better effects, lacking nothing.


    In his view, the only way to survive on the battlefield was through endurance.


    He remembered the first spar with Xu Bin.


    It was by relying on endurance that he had won against someone of a higher realm.


    And then there was the time at the Golden Bell Temple.


    Among the Witch God Sect Followers were quite a few fierce men.


    But what use were they? Their fierceness didn''t last long before their Qi-Blood was depleted, eventually being hacked to death by a group of Array Soldiers.


    "Young man, it seems you have experienced the benefits of the Haoran Breathing Skill, obsessed with endurance."


    Wang Zhi brought out a jar of wine: "Everyone has their own path; I won''t say more. Want to join me for a drink to celebrate your promotion?"


    "No, thanks. I still have things to do."


    Chen Sansi had previously promised to lend grain to Zhao Qiao and the others, best not to delay.


    "Congratulations, Chen Zongqi!"


    Once outside, many people came up to congratulate him.


    However, the happiest were under his command.


    Their leader had achieved a breakthrough in cultivation, and they also got to reap the rewards.


    Two portions of Blood Replenishing Soup, which would cost sixty taels of silver at market price, what a concept.


    "Following Stone was the right choice, the silver spent on practicing Martial Arts has all paid off in one go."


    Zhu Tong was so happy that he couldn''t close his mouth.


    Xu Wencai also managed to get two taels of silver, extremely pleased.


    He followed behind, "My lord, are you leaving the camp? I need to go home too. Let''s go together." Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Sansi asked, "Hasn''t your family lost its home? What are you going back for?"


    "To erect a monument."


    Xu Wencai blinked vigorously, "The grave of my mother is still just a piece of wood. Now, thanks to your lordship''s reward, I''m planning to hire a craftsman to erect a proper monument."


    "Let''s go."


    Chen Sansi habitually carried his bow and arrows and spear.


    He loaded two bags of rice on the White Swan Horse and walked leisurely along the road with Xu Wencai.


    The White Swan Horse didn''t need to be led attentively; it automatically followed closely behind them.


    "My lord is truly impressive."


    Xu Wencai patted the horse, "Even such a spirited horse can be tamed by you. You will surely achieve great things in the future!"


    "..."


    Chen Sansi didn''t know how to respond to such clumsy flattery.


    Xu Wencai cleared his throat awkwardly and changed the subject, "My lord, do you need me to write an article for you, to recruit some hands?"


    "Recruit hands?" Chen Sansi asked, "You mean the vacancies under me?"


    "Exactly!"


    Xu Wencai spoke earnestly, "I must admit, I am somewhat skilled in judging people, and having interacted with you these days, I have grown increasingly convinced that you are extraordinary and will definitely achieve great things in the future..."


    "Stop, stop!"


    Chen Sansi''s scalp tingled awkwardly as he interrupted, "Let''s talk about recruitment later. There''s no rush."


    "How can you say there''s no rush, my lord?"


    Xu Wencai spoke vividly, "Remember, the Grand Ancestor of the former dynasty started a rebellion and killed officials while being deported for military service, and many of those with him later became founding heroes.


    "And about our dynasty''s Grand Ancestor, the sworn brothers he made during his time as a house slave formed the cornerstone of the Sheng Dynasty''s foundation in its early years.


    "From this, it can be seen that to achieve great things, one must recruit a team early!"


    "Achieve great things?"


    The more Chen Sansi listened, the more uneasy he felt, "What are you planning to do?!"


    "Cough, cough, my lord, please don''t misunderstand."


    Xu Wencai said, "The war is coming in the spring. The more people we have under our command, the better our chances of victory, right?"


    "You write then."


    This was what Chen Sansi observed as he traveled.


    He saw many villagers still in tattered clothes. Joining the army, at least, allowed them to have enough to eat and stay warm.


    Of course, the price might be dying on the battlefield.


    Whether they could be recruited or not, it would be left to fate.


    "Alright!"


    Xu Wencai was particularly excited, "Watch closely, my lord!"


    "..."


    Chen Sansi began to wonder what this guy was doing all day if he wasn''t training.


    As the two chatted leisurely, they reached the entrance of Yanbian Village.


    "Sansi, you''ve got some nerve coming back. You''ve brought disaster on the villagers!"


    A familiar bitter voice came through.


    Chen Sansi remained unirritated, "Uncle Lai Zi, what''s the matter now? How have I brought disaster upon the villagers?"


    "Yes, you''ve ruined Zhao Qiao!"


    "Uncle Zhao?"


    Chen Sansi frowned, "What happened to him? I told him recently not to go up the mountain."


    "Who said anything happened on the mountain?" Explore stories on empire


    Uncle Lai Zi pursed his lips, "Many students from the martial arts academy blockaded Zhao Qiao''s house in the village. You must have offended someone!"


    "Could it be Tai Lei Martial Arts Academy?"


    Chen Sansi asked, "Who exactly was there?"


    "The ones who last time trapped Zhang Shun to repair the canal, and one with a missing ear, whom they called ''Big Brother!'' "


    Uncle Lai Zi looked at the young man mounting his horse and warned, "You really dare to go? There''s a whole group of them. Aren''t you afraid of being killed?"


    "Let''s go!"


    Without responding, Chen Sansi charged on the White Swan Horse into the village.


    Being killed?


    It wasn''t certain yet who would be the one in danger.


    The White Swan Horse disappeared in the blink of an eye, leaving Xu Wencai coughing in the rising dust.


    He covered his mouth with his sleeve and asked, "Neighbor, how many of them are there?"


    "More than thirty!" Uncle Lai Zi widened his eyes, "Each one armed with a sword, very intimidating!"


    Upon hearing this, Xu Wencai did not follow into the village; instead, he turned and ran toward the direction of the Households Office.

 Chapter 55 Killing in the Street

    ```"Are you sure, they have a good relationship with Chen Sansi?"


    "Positive!"


    Huang Tao, his face half wrapped in bandages, sat on a stool.


    In front of him were two Martial Arts Academy Disciples bowing and scraping.


    They were Zhang Chao and Li Hao.


    How could Huang Tao, who had had an ear chopped off, easily swallow this grudge?


    He hated that kid in the garrison, hated him so much his teeth itched.


    But he couldn''t beat him in a fight.


    So he had to resort to underhand tactics.


    His fellow servant disciples, Zhang Chao and Li Hao, knew this and ran to offer their advice.


    They said they had a way, although they couldn''t kill Chen Sansi, they could teach him a lesson.


    That was to strike at the people around him.


    You think you''re great, you''re tough, what about the people around you?


    "Positive!"


    Zhang Chao affirmed with certainty, "We saw with our own eyes last time, that Chen guy leading those three hunters, they killed a black bear and even shot an arrow at us, their relationship is surely good!"


    They harbored resentment but lacked the guts and strength for revenge.


    Having finally caught an opportunity, of course, they wanted to get involved.


    "This move is definitely effective!"


    Li Hao said proudly, "That kid used to have a brother who was sent by us to work on the Canal, his fate unknown to this day, what can he do to us?"


    "Eldest senior brother, are you really sure about this?"


    Wei Xu at his side was somewhat anxious, "Mr. Wu said before, don''t provoke him lightly¡­"


    "What about my ear?!"


    Huang Tao said angrily, "I dare not kill him, but do I even dare not touch a few poor hunters? Let him see that people suffer because of him, it''s at least a consolation!"


    "Exactly."


    Zhang Chao egged on, "We called over thirty brothers today, he''s just one person, what''s there to fear? Moreover, it''s broad daylight, would he dare to kill someone in the street?"


    "Well said!"


    Huang Tao waved his hand commandingly, "Bring those few hunters up here!"


    Several Martial Arts Academy Disciples brought up three hunters with bruised and swollen faces. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    They were none other than Zhao Qiao, Wu Da, and Zhuang Yi.


    "Let go of me, damn your ancestors¡ª¡ª"


    "Deserve a slap, who are you cursing?!"


    Zhang Chao stepped up and slapped him.


    "You... on what grounds are you arresting us?"


    Wu Da''s mouth was bloody, "We haven''t broken any laws!"


    "Haven''t broken any laws?"


    Li Hao reached into his robe and pulled out a cracked Jade Pendant, "Then what''s this? You steal our eldest senior brother''s property and now deny it?"


    "You''re talking nonsense, you''re framing us!"


    Wu Da cursed loudly.


    This morning, Martial Arts Academy Disciples suddenly burst into his home and found a Jade Pendant that he had never seen before.


    They accused the three of conspiring to steal.


    The framing was crude and brutal, with no logic.


    "Paupers!"


    Huang Tao said coldly, "You go hunting on the mountain and steal my things, rural folk are truly low!"


    "You''re also from the countryside!"


    Zhuang Yi shouted, "Aren''t you Huang Tao? Your family used to weave straw mats in Qian Family Village, it''s only after your sister became the concubine of the seventy-year-old Mr. Feng in town that you got to join the Martial Arts Hall..."


    "Shut your mouth!"


    Huang Tao, overcome with rage and embarrassment, stomped on his face, "Blather any more nonsense, and I''ll smash your head into pieces!"


    Zhao Qiao, being older, understood that arguing was futile.


    He pleaded, "Sir, please show us a way out, how can we get you to spare us?"


    "Compensate? You couldn''t afford it anyway."


    Huang Tao revealed his true purpose, "I''m magnanimous and will give you a chance. Go call Chen Sansi over here, let him come and apologize for you!"


    "We... we don''t know Chen Sansi!"


    Zhao Qiao startlingly declared.


    "Uncle Zhao?"


    Wu Da and Zhuang Yi looked bewildered, wondering why he would say that.


    Zhao Qiao gave a slight shake of his head, signaling with his eyes.


    He had seen the truth.


    These people were targeting Chen Sansi.


    ```


    ```


    There were seven or eight men standing in front of them, with at least twenty more hidden nearby, each with a treasure sword hanging at their waist.


    Clearly, they dared not trouble the military garrison, hoping to use them to lure the hunter out into the street to make things difficult for him!


    Indeed.


    Zhao Qiao knew he was implicated for no reason.


    But if it weren''t for their insistence on having the hunter lead them up the mountain, this wouldn''t have happened.


    Having benefitted from his kindness, one couldn''t complain when faced with such a situation.


    Nor could they harm the hunter.


    They might not understand martial arts, but they knew these were dozens of martial masters. Even if the hunter could fight a tiger, he would suffer greatly if he came.


    "Don''t know him?!"


    Huang Tao saw through his thoughts, "You dogs, beat him!"


    Zhang Chao and Li Hao were the first to raise their hands.


    In no time at all, the three of them were covered in blood, bruised all over.


    This scene was witnessed from a distance by many villagers of Yanbian Village.


    But they were angry yet dared not speak.


    Huang Tao lost his patience, "Forget it, Wei, you go to the garrison to trick Chen out!"


    "Me?"


    Continue reading at empire


    Wei Xu''s head shook like a rattle drum, clearly lacking the courage.


    He pointed at Zhang Chao, "You two go."


    "Ah, brother?"


    Zhang Chao and Li Hao kept retreating, "We... we don''t know where the Households is located!"


    "Da-da-da¡ª"


    Suddenly, the sound of galloping hooves, like war drums, rang in their ears.


    Looking in the direction of the sound, they saw a cloud of dust rising at the end of the muddy road.


    A white steed rushed out from the midst of the yellow sand.


    On the horse sat a young man in armor, carrying a bow, arrows, and a long spear on his back. The dust was so thick that his expression could not be seen clearly.


    "It''s him!"


    Zhang Chao and Li Hao sighed with relief, "He''s come!"


    "Good timing!"


    Huang Tao showed a hint of joy.


    He shouted in the direction of the young man, deliberately loud, "Chen, your fellow villagers stole from me, I advise you to stay out of this!"


    "Hunter, they are many, be careful..."


    Zhao Qiao wanted to give a warning, but was too injured to raise his voice.


    "Shut up!"


    Huang Tao kicked him, continuing to shout, "If you really want to meddle, that''s not impossible, but you''ll have to kneel and apologize for them! Otherwise, I''ll chop off their limbs and send them to the county government prison!"


    "Da-da-da-da-da¡ª"


    No response came, only the sound of the hooves racing.


    "Chen, our elder martial brother is talking to you, didn''t you hear him?"


    Zhang Chao and the others took a step forward, "Get off your horse!"


    They didn''t have the courage to approach him alone.


    But with over thirty fellow disciples standing behind them, they suddenly found their courage, and it was considerable!


    Still no response.


    Just the warhorse rapidly approaching.


    "Why do I feel something is not right?"


    Li Hao felt a bit uneasy, noticing that the young man on the horse had at some point replaced the reins in his hands with a bow and arrow, and was aiming at him.


    "Bang¡ª"


    Under everyone''s gaze, a black shadow flashed past, directly piercing through Li Hao''s heart. He fell headfirst, motionless.


    "Ah?!"


    Zhang Chao''s mouth hung open.


    This was nothing like what he had imagined.


    To kill upon arrival? How could he dare!


    The faux courage he had borrowed instantly shattered.


    The second arrow swiftly followed, its head piercing directly into his mouth and exiting through the back of his skull, killing him instantly.


    Everything happened too quickly.


    Both Huang Tao''s group and the sneaking villagers were rendered speechless, standing petrified in place.


    "Hush¡ª"


    Finally, it was the young man''s voice that broke the silence.


    "I don''t have many arrows left."


    Chen Sansi lowered his head to glance at his arrow bag, and calmly stated, "Aside from Huang Tao and Wei Xu, anyone else who wants to live can leave. However, I will only count to ten."


    ```

 Chapter 56 Rivers of Blood

    Discover hidden content at empire"Ten!"


    As the countdown began, everyone suddenly snapped to attention.


    "Murder!"


    The villagers of Yanbian Village had never seen such a bloody scene before.


    Not to mention the murderer.


    It was their once-familiar Stone!


    Just a few months ago, he had been holding saint books, intending to sit for the imperial examination.


    Suddenly, he was holding a bow, having killed a man!


    "What high office has Stone taken on to dare kill a Martial Arts Academy Disciple in the streets?"


    "Well done, well done indeed!"


    Eight out of ten people had been bullied by those from the Martial Arts Hall.


    After all.


    Many farmers had their land cheaply bought up by landlords with the help of martial masters.


    "You... you''ve got some nerve!"


    Huang Tao came back to his senses amid the shock, "A small flag, committing murder in the street, is there no law?!"


    The young man on the horse showed no emotion as he slowly drew an arrow and notched it to the bowstring, muttering, "Nine."


    "Fellow brothers, let''s take him down together!"


    Huang Tao drew his sword, "Even if Ting Chun himself came today, there''s no reason to protect him!"


    The clanging sounds continued to erupt.


    Blades of gleaming swords were unsheathed, thirty-odd Martial Artists blocking the path of the White Horse.


    "Six!"


    The countdown did not stop.


    The people from Tai Lei Martial Arts Academy were getting panicked.


    Was this person really planning to kill them all?


    "What are you afraid of?!"


    Huang Tao roared, "He is just one person!"


    "Big brother, perhaps we should call Mr. Wu!"


    The people from the Martial Arts Hall, after all, were not an army.


    These disciples, not only did they not receive a salary, but many also had to pay tuition every year. Bullying others was one thing, but dying for it?


    Don''t joke, no one is a fool.


    "Right, big brother, I also think we should call Mr. Wu to handle him!"


    "Three!"


    "Two!"


    "Clatter¡ª"


    Before the countdown ended, the vast majority of Martial Arts Academy Disciples turned on their heels and ran.


    "Why are you running?!"


    Huang Tao''s shouts were futile, and soon only five or six people remained, either hotheads or those closely related to him.


    Even Wei Xu was about to run.


    "You stop right there!"


    Huang Tao grabbed Wei Xu, pulling him back, "Mr. Chen said, You can''t escape with me!"


    Chen Sansi raised his longbow:


    "Ladies and gentlemen, time''s about up!"


    As his words fell, the Kaiyuan Bowstring sounded like thunder, arrows shooting in rapid succession!


    "Whoosh¡ª"


    "Whoosh¡ª"


    "Whoosh¡ª"


    Whether it was the Disciples with Blood Cultivation Introduction or Blood Refining Minor Success, as long as they were still present, they were shot through the head one after another¡ªits speed and accuracy unmatchable even if they desperately tried to close in.


    These people all died instant brain deaths without any pain, enjoying sheer bliss.


    "Big brother, I told you not to come!"


    Wei Xu''s voice carried a sobbing tone. He tossed his sword to the ground, desperately trying to run.


    "Splurch¡ª"


    Before he could even lift his leg, his back chilled, and he died from the arrow.


    In less than ten seconds, only Huang Tao was left.


    His hand holding the sword trembled slightly.


    Arrow after arrow, each hitting its mark, leaving no chance even to dodge!


    "Drive!"


    Chen Sansi put away his bow and charged forward on his horse, wielding a long spear with the force of thunder towards the last remaining man.


    "I will fight you with all I''ve got!"


    With no retreat, Huang Tao summoned his Qi-blood to face the towering warhorse charging at him.


    He was utterly defeated in terms of courage.


    Moreover, with Chen Sansi having achieved Great Success and riding a warhorse, not even a single exchange occurred before the reed leaf gun pierced through Huang Tao''s heart, skewering his body and carrying it dozens of feet through the air before Chen Sansi stopped his horse, pulled out the long spear, and let the body slide to the ground.


    All returned to dead silence.


    The yellow mud road of Yanbian Village was stained red with fresh blood.


    "Oh my goodness!"


    Lai Zi was so frightened by the scene, he sat down on the ground, "Crazy, crazy!"


    "Brother Shi..."


    Zhao Qiao barely managed to regain his senses from the shock, "How, how do we handle this?"


    "Brother Shi took on so many of them by himself?!"


    Wu Da first admired, then worried, "Having killed so many Martial Arts Academy Disciples, they will come looking for you immediately."


    "Brother Shi, let''s run together!"


    Zhuang Yi suggested, "Let''s go to the next county, become bandits in the mountains!"


    Chen Sansi, however, was calm and composed.


    He had long wanted to kill Li Chao and Zhang Hao, no need to mention it.


    The rest couldn''t be allowed to stay either.


    It wasn''t because he enjoyed killing recklessly and without consideration for consequences.


    Keeping these people around would be like having a pack of hyenas constantly surrounding him, swarming in at the first sign of vulnerability.


    However, he dared to kill because he had the confidence to do so.


    Recently, military supplies had been interrupted, giving Xiang Tingchun a headache.


    If things escalated to an unmanageable point, Chen Sansi could completely expose the affairs of Medicine Valley.


    Xiang Tingchun dreamed of having real leverage over the Martial Arts Hall.


    Even if he couldn''t find evidence, given his knack for conjuring benefits from thin air, he would create some.


    At this time, the Martial Arts Academy and the army were at odds; there was no need to worry about making a big fuss.


    In dealing with people and affairs, one must judge the situation.


    Moreover, Tai Lei Martial Arts Academy was not like the other three; it was currently very weak.


    The Old Master was just recovering from a serious injury. Though not dead, he was still in closed-door healing.


    The only one active outside was Mr. Wu. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Mr. Wu had not trained in Bone Training for long and was practicing an inferior Breathing Skill from Jianghu.


    Chen Sansi, with the blood of the Dragon Elephant enhancing him, did not just have a good chance of winning; complete retreat without issue was 100% certain.


    Zhao Qiao naturally was unaware of these details and worriedly said, "Brother Shi, let''s run fast!"


    "Uncle Zhao worries too much, there will be no trouble," Chen Sansi reassured him as his ears twitched slightly, "More people are coming, you guys go hide inside the house first."


    He heard groups of people urgently approaching from both the front and back ends of the village.


    ...


    "Damned fools! Why didn''t you stop them?"


    Mr. Wu was sprinting, with a disciple struggling to keep up behind him.


    "Mr. Wu, he is the eldest apprentice brother, how could we stop him?"


    "At such a critical time, why does this fool always seek trouble? We should have never accepted him!"


    Mr. Wu''s expression was grave.


    A few hours ago, his father, still recovering from an injury, was invited by Xiang Tingchun to a banquet at the Eight Treasures Building and hadn''t returned since.


    It was definitely about the issues of money and food supplies.


    Xiang Tingchun would definitely find a way to make things difficult for them.


    And at this very time, he learned that Huang Tao had led people to surround Chen Sansi.


    If that kid got hurt, wouldn''t it hand the advantage right into the hands of someone surnamed Xiang?


    "You, what''s going on?!"


    As Mr. Wu neared the place, he encountered a large group of his own disciples running out of the village.


    "Mr. Wu?!"


    The disciples, previously terrified, managed to pull themselves together upon seeing him.


    "Mr. Wu, it''s terrible! Someone was killed... someone was killed!"


    "Did you kill Chen Sansi?!"


    Mr. Wu felt a sense of foreboding.


    The last time on Tiger Head Mountain, he had seen the young man, and although powerful, he was after all only a small achiever of Blood Cultivating Introduction.


    Huang Tao had taken more than thirty fellow apprentice brothers, including seven or eight of Blood Refining Minor Success.


    If they surrounded him, Chen Sansi was bound to suffer.


    Yet, the answer that came was completely the opposite.


    "No..."


    The disciple, breathless, "It''s that military household, he went on a rampage, killed so many of our people!"


    "What?!"


    Mr. Wu quickened his pace.


    When he arrived at the scene, he saw bodies scattered all over the ground.


    Huang Tao, Wei Xu, along with several True Inheritors.


    Mr. Wu looked at Chen Sansi seated on the back of a horse and flew into a rage.


    "How dare you, you wretch?!"

 Chapter 57 First Glimpse of Human Nature

    These True Disciples were all cultivated with a tremendous amount of effort.Just to be slaughtered like chickens and dogs?


    Wasn''t he at small achievement in Blood Refining?


    He broke through again?


    But even if it was at Blood Refining Great Success, Huang Tao was as well, and he had many helpers around him, so how could they all get killed, are they all useless?!


    After the shock had passed, Old Five Song was once again enveloped in rage, and he roared, "Have you gone too far? Come, come, seize him for me!"


    The disciples who had been scared off before, now that Mr. Wu of the bone training martial artist personally took charge, regained their courage and cautiously drew their swords, edging towards the White Swan Horse.


    "Who dares to make a move?!"


    Just at that moment.


    A voice, with a trace of age and cunning, rang out.


    Xu Wencai was seen rushing back, breathless.


    Following him were the officials from the Po Yang Thousand Households.


    Leading the charge was Fang Zongqi, followed by Xu Bin, Zhu Tong, Wang Li, and others.


    Together, they numbered around forty or fifty people.


    "..."


    Chen Sansi hadn''t noticed Xu Wencai before, it seemed he had gone back to fetch people.


    The garrison officials carried long spears and lined up on either side of him, confronting the Martial Arts Academy Disciples.


    "My lord!"


    Xu Wencai said breathlessly, "Hundred Households Wang and Households Commander Xiang aren''t in the camp, I could only find Fang Zongqi!"


    "Why are there so many dead people?"


    Fang Zongqi, looking at the corpses on the ground, realized the situation was serious.


    He steeled himself and cupped his fists, "Mr. Wu, is there a misunderstanding?"


    "Misunderstanding your mother''s head!"


    Old Five Song, unable to control his emotions, said, "You killed so many of my people, and you say it''s a misunderstanding?


    "What do you all want by coming here with so many people, to kill even me?!"


    "Of course not."


    Fang Zongqi tried to mediate, "How about this, let Chen Zongqi come back with us first, and after Lord Thousand Households returns, we''ll discuss how to handle this."


    "I don''t need you!"


    Old Five Song was beside himself with anger, "Today, I will personally capture him alive and take him before Xiang Tingchun to see how he intends to explain this to me!"


    As he spoke, he snatched a sword from the hand of a disciple nearby and prepared to take action himself.


    "Chen Zongqi!"


    Fang Ping, his voice low, advised, "You should leave first, we''ll stall them for a while¡­ wait, what are you doing?!"


    Before he could finish speaking, the young man beside him charged out with his spear raised and riding his horse forward.


    "He''s a bone training martial artist!"


    Fang Ping couldn''t stop him and could only watch helplessly as the two sides clashed with incredible speed.


    "There''s a world of difference between Blood Refining and Bone Training, where did you get the courage?!"


    Old Five Song''s Qi-Blood erupted, and the meridians in his body suddenly swelled, wrapping around his bones inch by inch with a sound like popping beans, his muscles bulged as if he were a humanoid beast.


    The moment he moved, his feet left deep pits in the yellow mud, with the scenery on both sides retreating rapidly, and in a flash, he was only about ten steps away from the White Horse, his Treasure Sword roaring like thunder, fast as lightning.


    Thunderbolt Sword Technique!


    Old Five Song was consumed by rage.


    He focused on the reed leaf spear raised high in the young man''s hand, planning to dodge this strike and then close in quickly, first to slay the warhorse, then sever the young man''s arm, and finally to capture him alive.


    When they were about seven steps apart, a cold light suddenly flared.


    Without knowing when, the spear tip was thrusting forward!


    Old Five Song had concentrated all his attention on the long spear, yet he failed to notice when the opponent made his move, how did he do it?!


    He quickly abandoned his offensive stance to block with his Treasure Sword.


    With one strike, both sides didn''t stop advancing and passed by each other.


    Old Five Song''s sword in his hand continued to tremble, his anger lessening, replaced by astonishment.


    This move.


    He hadn''t gained any advantage, at most he had used his realm to suppress the opponent, gaining a slight upper hand in strength.


    Chen Sansi reined in his horse, no less tense.


    Old Five Song, just at entry-level in bone training, already possessed such fierce power, bone training martial artists should not be underestimated.


    ```


    Fortunately, he had the augmentation of the Dragon Elephant Bloodline to compensate for most of the disparity, and all he had to do next was to give it his all, and he might well be a match for his opponent.


    "Again!"


    Song Lao Wu launched another attack.


    The others watched their fight, unsure of what to do.


    "He just achieved Great Success, and he can spar with a Bone Trainer martial artist?!"


    Fang Ping couldn''t believe it.


    But the situation was urgent, and he had no time to be astounded, "We can''t let them go on fighting, no matter who gets injured, there''s no easy way out. I need to find Lord Thousand Households!"


    What a coincidence.


    Not long before, a large number of troops had been called away from the Garrison.


    Including Wang Zhi, Liu Jinkui, and several other Hundred Household officers, they were escorting a cart of something to the county city, seemingly on a mission.


    Those left in camp were the ones who had relations with Chen Sansi; naturally, they had to come and see what the trouble was.


    He was unable to manage the situation now.


    Blinded by rage, nobody could stop them.


    "Brothers, kill!"


    "Huh?!"


    Zhu Tong''s eyes bulged as he swung his war hammer, ready to charge forward.


    "Kill my ass!"


    Fang Ping scolded, "Do you think you are on a battlefield? Have you lost your mind? Xu Bin, keep an eye on them, I''ll go look for Hundred Households Wang; we must stabilize the situation and not let it escalate any further!"


    He rushed toward the county city in great haste.


    "Are we really just going to stand here and watch?!"


    Zhu Tong pointed at the Martial Arts Academy Disciples, "There are so many of them, are we going to let Chen Sansi take them on alone?"


    As Song Lao Wu and the young man fiercely fought not far away, the Martial Arts Academy Disciples were itching to move in. At any sign of the young man faltering or getting injured, they planned to gang up on him.


    "You, surname Xu!" Explore more at empire S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Zhu Tong cursed, "How has Chen Sansi treated you in normal times, don''t make me lose respect for you!"


    "Damn it, do you think I need you to tell me that?!"


    Xu Bin drew his reed leaf gun, "Brothers, surround those from the Martial Arts Hall!"


    "Flag Leader Fang said not to act rashly!"


    Another small flag tried to intervene.


    Xu Bin ignored him.


    Zhu Tong was right.


    Since meeting Chen Sansi, Xu Bin knew very well how Chen Sansi had treated him.


    If he didn''t help at a time like this, would he even be a man?


    Xu Bin had always been conscientious and responsible, and his men respected him and were willing to follow his orders.


    As for Wang Li and the others, needless to say.


    They had just received favors, and even if they didn''t go up to help, they couldn''t stand by and watch their boss be ambushed.


    There was also a small flag that was willing to help.


    The fifty government soldiers that came to Yanbian Village, thirty of them charged out and encircled the Martial Arts Academy Disciples.


    "What are you doing?!"


    The Martial Arts Academy Disciples looked at the dense long spears, "You drew first blood, and now you dare surround us; are you planning to massacre innocent people?!"


    "To hell with innocent people!"


    Zhu Tong smashed his hammer into the chest of the man who spoke, who instantly spat blood and passed out.


    The rest of the Martial Arts Academy Disciples immediately clammed up.


    "Nobody move!"


    Xu Bin roared, "Anyone harboring ill intentions will be executed without mercy!"


    The Martial Arts Academy Disciples, for the most part hooligans at heart, promptly stood at attention, all glancing towards their boss, Mr. Wu.


    If Mr. Wu could just defeat that kid, there was no rush for them to act tough then.


    Conversely, without Mr. Wu''s support, they truly didn''t dare to fight to the death.


    ¡­


    Xu Bin watched the fight anxiously.


    The two men fighting were at a level he simply could not get involved in.


    He could only hope that Chen Sansi could hold on until Fang Zongqi could summon help.


    ```

 Chapter 58 Killing the Chicken to Warn the Monkey

    Sword shadows and spear glimmers crossed and flickered.Battle horses neighed fiercely, and figures moved swiftly.


    Every time their weapons collided, Chen Sansi had to exert his full strength to parry.


    It''s no wonder Old Fifth Song was so confident before he made his move.


    The gap between Bone Training and Blood Refining was indeed vast.


    However, for Chen Sansi, as long as he could withstand the first onslaught, it meant that he would not lose and even had a very high chance of winning.


    Because,


    he could keep it up indefinitely!


    The power of the Dragon Elephant bloodline was not only formidable, but its efficiency far exceeded that of ordinary Qi-Blood.


    With the same amount of Qi-Blood consumption, an ordinary person could deliver one strike, while Chen Sansi could deliver at least three. As time dragged on, the longer it went, the greater his chance of winning naturally became.


    The person who understood this most deeply was naturally Old Fifth Song himself.


    "What kind of freak is this!"


    His Thunderbolt Sword Technique was definitely considered excellent in a place like Po Yang County.


    Plus, with his Bone Training and Blood Refining, he was suppressing across levels. That he couldn''t take down his opponent quickly was one thing, but after dozens of exchanges, he hadn''t felt the slightest sign of being able to win.


    The youth''s spear technique was pure and refined. Although it appeared that he was always on the defensive, in reality, if he was the slightest bit careless, the next second the spear tip would be thrusting straight at his face.


    Additionally, the opponent was riding a warhorse, looking down from above, coordinating with a long spear over a meter in length to sweep in all directions. Old Fifth Song couldn''t get close at all and could only ever gamble against the sharp spear tip, unable to even injure the horse below.


    His heart grew impatient.


    "After all, it''s just the realm of Blood Refining!"


    "I want to see how much longer you can hold out!"


    Old Fifth Song roared with fury.


    He overworked his Qi-Blood, his long sword slashing like a storm without giving any respite, aimed to force the opponent to expend a large amount of Qi-Blood and win by the accumulation of his realm.


    This made the spectators very anxious.


    "Wang Li."


    Zhu Tong cursed, "If the situation doesn''t look right, the two of us will go up together and mess ''em up!"


    "Alright!" Wang Li nodded.


    Zhao Qiao and Wu Da also quietly grabbed bows and arrows, ready to ambush at a moment''s notice.


    Only Xu Bin felt increasingly familiar with what he saw.


    Yes, it was this feeling.


    "We don''t need to interfere; Chen Sansi has a ninety percent chance of winning!"


    "How can you tell?"


    "Just watch."


    Indeed, another twenty exchanges passed.


    Old Fifth Song''s explosive power began to wane with time.


    In contrast, the young man''s condition didn''t seem different from the beginning. It was impossible to see how much longer he could hold on, but it was Old Fifth Song who began to show flaws, giving his opponent the chance to counterattack.


    Several meters apart, the gale-like onrush of the Reed Leaf Spear was either a thrust to the face or a stab to the throat, each move deadly like a bloodthirsty venomous snake.


    "Clang, clang, clang!"


    Old Fifth Song continually swung the sword to cut down the snakes, but one after another kept coming, faster and more numerous. Eventually, they were everywhere and unstoppable.


    He had no choice but to dodge frantically, twisting his neck and head to evade, looking like a thrilling acrobatic performance.


    Cold sweat broke out from his body, and Old Fifth Song realized a frightening fact.


    If this delay continued, it wouldn''t be a matter of whether he could win or not, but whether he would die!


    Having achieved Great Success in Blood Refining, his strength hadn''t diminished much, but he had been able to last for so long. How was this possible?!


    He could fight no longer!


    The rage in Old Fifth Song''s heart was gradually extinguished, and he regained his composure.


    "Clang¡ª"


    He exerted all his strength to chop away the spear tip, then leaped backwards consecutively to quickly distance himself.


    Chen Sansi leapt up from the saddle, like a tiger pouncing in mid-air, quickly closing the gap. He thrust out the Reed Leaf Spear in his hand, aiming directly at his opponent''s chest.


    This thrust was extraordinarily swift; Old Fifth Song couldn''t block in time, nor dared to. He dodged to the side, narrowly allowing the spear to graze past him. However, the spear blade still opened a chasm on his chest, with fresh blood gushing out.


    "Bang!"


    Chen Sansi didn''t retract his spear. The Dragon Elephant blood in his body surged wildly. Holding the shaft like a club, with his body and horse''s momentum combined, he unleashed a Bear Gang Force and swept it across the opponent''s chest.


    Old Fifth Song was sent flying several meters backward and crashed onto the yellow muddy ground. Under the effect of inertia, he rolled several times before stopping, his face covered in fresh blood, and his fine clothes became utterly disheveled.


    "Stop... hold on!"


    He supported himself up with his sword: "I... I concede. I''ll no longer pursue the matter of killing my disciple. Let''s call it quits!"


    The crowd was stunned.


    A Blood Refining Warrior won against a Bone Training Warrior?!


    "Farewell!"


    Old Fifth Song, no longer caring about his appearance, dropped the words and fled.


    "Old Fifth!"


    The encircled disciples of the Martial Arts Hall shouted loudly.


    But clearly, their Old Fifth did not plan to care for them.


    "Good, it''s just as well to stop here! A few dead disciples of the Martial Arts Hall shouldn''t be a big problem."


    Xu Bin and the others breathed a sigh of relief.


    But soon, they tensed up again.


    Because the youth seemed not ready to let go of this Old Fifth.


    Chen Sansi withdrew his spear, picked up the Kaiyuan Great Bow, then bent down to pull out an arrow from a corpse, and drew the bow without a moment''s hesitation.


    "Swoosh¡ª"


    Old Fifth Song, who had run nearly a hundred steps away, kept looking back to watch.


    When he saw the other party drawing the bow and nocking the arrow, he thought to use the sword to strike, but he was a moment too slow. The Wolf Teeth Arrow whistled in, piercing through flesh and lodging in his chest¡ªnot reaching the heart but shattering bones on impact.


    Mr. Song staggered to the ground, looking up at the young man chasing after him, his face contorted in a ferocious snarl, "You... you kill my disciples and that''s one thing, but do you really dare to kill me?!"


    "Why shouldn''t I!"


    Chen Sansi''s fierce shout echoed through the village.


    The White Swan Horse responded to his call, and he once again mounted, pointing his reed-leaf long spear straight ahead. Gathering all his Qi-Blood Power, he focused it entirely upon the long spear, and combining it with the charging warhorse, he rapidly closed in on his enemy and thrust the spear downward.


    Mr. Song was unable to resist at all, his treasure sword shattered upon contact and dropped to the ground.


    The sharp and elongated gun blade was unstoppable as it thunderously pierced into his body.


    "Ah¡ª"


    Mr. Song lay on the ground screaming, using his last strength to grasp the spear shaft desperately, preventing the gun tip from penetrating deeper into the wound.


    The White Swan Horse did not stop.


    The long spear, embedded in the opponent''s body, dragged across the ground.


    Mr. Song''s clothes were torn and his back a gory mess; the strength in his grip on the spear shaft weakened more and more. Blood bubbled from his mouth as he made a final effort to save his life, "My family pays tribute to the Lord Prefect every year, you... killing me is a death sentence..."


    "Puchi!"


    Chen Sansi couldn''t be bothered to respond. He twisted the spear shaft, causing the gun tip to churn within the opponent''s body, drilling through bones before mashing the heart like a drill.


    Mr. Song''s hands slackened, and he breathed his last.


    In Yanbian Village, an eerie silence prevailed!


    Chen Sansi raised the long spear high:


    "Brothers, rest assured, I killed Mr. Song. I will go to Lord Thousand Households myself to explain the situation; it has nothing to do with you all!"


    ¡ª¡ª


    Eight Treasures Restaurant.


    Private room.


    Fine wine and dishes filled the dining table, yet no one moved their chopsticks.


    Xiang Tingchun sat in the seat of honor. In front of him were the Masters of the Four Great Martial Arts Schools of Po Yang County.


    "My speech is over."


    His gaze swept over each of them, each word heavy, "Who agrees, and who opposes?"


    "Don''t even think about it!"


    Master Song Nanshan of Tai Lei Martial Arts Academy was the first to speak out.


    His hair and beard were white, his breath weak as if he had just recovered from a severe illness, but his words were firm, "Commander Xiang, you''re too aggressive. I see no need to continue this discussion!"


    He tried to rise, leaning on his walking stick.


    Luo Dongquan, guarding the door, flashed his blade.


    Master Song Nanshan demanded angrily, "What does this mean?!"


    "It''s obvious."


    Xiang Tingchun helped himself to a drink, speaking leisurely, "Today, whether you agree or not, you won''t leave through this door unless you do.


    "Master Song, you are the oldest and most experienced here. I hope you can set a good example."


    "I''ve made myself perfectly clear!"


    Master Song Nanshan snorted coldly, "Without seeing the thing, don''t even think about getting another copper coin from us!"


    "Well said!"


    The Master of Tianyuan Martial Arts Academy banged on the table, echoing, "Xiang Tingchun, I suspect you don''t have the Immortal Treasure at all and have been deceiving us all along!"


    "Master Liang, there''s no need to test me."


    Xiang Tingchun narrowed his eyes, "I''m telling you one last time, cooperate honestly, and after spring, the thing will be delivered to you with both hands!"


    Master Song Nanshan stood his ground, "What if we insist on seeing the thing first?"


    "Then I might just find something in your mansions."


    Xiang Tingchun spoke indifferently, "For example, armor, or crossbows, or perhaps a large number of long weapons."


    "Nonsense!"


    Master Song Nanshan''s anger aggravated his injuries, and he coughed violently. Pointing at his nose, he scolded, "Xiang Tingchun, don''t forget we''re grasshoppers on the same rope; making a big scene benefits no one!"


    Xiang Tingchun''s eyes darkened, "Threatening me?"


    Master Song Nanshan turned to the others, "Don''t be afraid of him; he''s just bluffing. I''ll personally clear things up with the officials about the weapons and armor. As for the Immortal Treasure, he wouldn''t dare make it public!"


    Xiang Tingchun''s right hand silently rested on the hilt of the knife hidden beneath him, but he did not draw it.


    The opponent was right.


    Just planting some armor and weapons was not quite enough.


    Even if they resorted to force, they couldn''t exterminate all the Four Great Martial Arts Schools; they had to pick a target to make an example of.


    The atmosphere tensed as if blades were drawn. Outside, an argument could be heard.


    "Lord Thousand Households has given orders not to enter!"


    "Please relay a message as I have urgent news to report!"


    "..."


    Luo Dongquan went to check and soon returned, quietly reporting to the commander, "A flag leader has come looking for you, named Fang Ping, he says..."


    As Xiang Tingchun listened to the report, the murderous intent in his pupils surged, and his voice grew several times more forceful, finally having a suitable target.


    "Song Nanshan, you''ve got some nerve!"


    "Tai Lei Martial Arts Academy Disciples committing murder in broad daylight, seen by hundreds, and you still say you don''t have rebellious intentions?! Death awaits you!"


    Before Master Song Nanshan could comprehend the situation, his head was severed with a single slash.


    "Pass my order!"


    Xiang Tingchun was full of killing intent, "Tai Lei Martial Arts Academy has plotted rebellion; we must immediately dispatch troops to suppress them, leave none alive!"


    "Mad dog!"


    The remaining three Martial Arts Hall Masters were shocked and dismayed, "Xiang Tingchun, you mad dog!" Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Indeed, I am a mad dog!"


    Xiang Tingchun''s eyes were bloodshot, "By tomorrow dusk, I want to see the military granaries replenished, otherwise, you all die with this mad dog!"

 Chapter 59 Fifteen Stone Big Bow

    Witnessing Mr. Wu being stabbed to death, the Martial Arts Academy Disciple was scared out of his wits, and his treasure sword clattered to the ground.Whether it was the villagers from Yanbian Village or the soldiers from the garrison, they all unanimously turned their gaze toward the youth on horseback, their eyes complex with respect tinged with awe.


    "My lord need not worry,"


    Only Xu Wencai came over, stroking his beard and said, "We should just go straight back, and Lord Thousand Households will certainly not blame you unduly. At most, you''ll be given a title for atonement and meritorious service."


    "You do see clearly."


    That''s what Chen Sansi had been thinking from the start.


    Not to mention the matter of military supplies.


    War was imminent; it was not possible to shake one''s own people''s morale on account of outsiders.


    What he was truly worried about was that the disturbance wasn''t big enough to manage to kill the old man from the Song Family too.


    Fortunately, Chen Sansi was confident about achieving small achievement in bone training before spring came. No matter the outcome of today''s events, he could face them calmly.


    He had planned to call everyone to return to camp first when he suddenly heard someone approaching rapidly on horseback.


    "Whoa¡ª"


    "Song Old Five, I want your damn life!!!"


    One could see Wang Zhi''s portly figure pressing down on a brown warhorse, holding a long and sharp Mo Blade in his hand, with over a hundred soldiers following him from afar, charging towards Yanbian Village at breakneck speed.


    "Stone?"


    Upon seeing everyone, he pulled the reins to stop: "Are you alright, where''s Song Old Five!"


    "Dead."


    Chen Sansi calmly replied, "I would trouble Hundred Households Wang to take me to report the situation to Lord Thousand Households."


    "You did him in?"


    Wang Zhi didn''t believe it until he saw the corpse with a big hole in the chest, then he showed a gleam of delight: "Good, good, good, I was worrying over nothing for you!"


    He had been sent out a short while ago, in charge of figuring out a way to smuggle armour and weapons into the Martial Arts Hall.


    Once the task was completed, he had been waiting in the county city.


    It was only after the incident in the Eight Treasures Restaurant that he learned about the situation in Yanbian Village. Worried that Chen Sansi was no match, he hurried over immediately.


    ''This lad is killing across a great boundary, truly a formidable being.''


    ''Great news!''


    Without saying much more, Hundred Households Wang raised the Mo Blade high and blurted out a command like a thunderclap, reverberating in everyone''s ears: "Tai Lei Martial Arts Academy is plotting rebellion, execute them all to the last man!"


    After a brief hesitation, the soldiers began to carry out the orders, launching a one-sided massacre against the Martial Arts Academy Disciples.


    The villagers of Yanbian Village were initially shocked but slowly realized that those dying were the same martial masters who had previously oppressed them, and they began to think it was all a dream.


    "I said they should be killed long ago!"


    Zhu Tong didn''t care where the command came from and swung his hammer into the air.


    "Plotting rebellion, extermination?"


    Chen Sansi hadn''t anticipated the sudden turn of events in front of him and only after inquiring did he learn what had happened.


    What a ruthless and decisive move by Xiang Tingchun.


    In pursuit of career advancement, he went mad with desperation, using such a method to force other Martial Arts Halls into submission, unafraid of mutual destruction.


    Of course, this undoubtedly saved him a lot of trouble.


    Chen Sansi, carrying his spear, quietly watched as blood flowed like rivers in Yanbian Village.


    He knew that after today, no one in Po Yang County would dare to oppose Xiang Tingchun ever again.


    This was the true essence of using "power" to bully others!


    With sufficient personal strength and soldiers at his command,


    With desperation, he feared no one and could overturn the table at any moment.


    ...


    Overnight, the nearly century-old Tai Lei Martial Arts Academy crumbled to dust.


    From the Song Family''s clan members to the academy''s disciples, every single one was executed, and all their assets and money were confiscated.


    But rather than causing chaos in Po Yang County city, there was unprecedented peace and harmony.


    Especially in the military camp.


    For several days in a row, starting from 5 a.m., Martial Arts Academy Disciples lined up to donate military supplies, cart after cart, as much as needed, showing a proactive and generous spirit.


    Chen Sansi couldn''t help but shake his head repeatedly.


    The Martial Arts Hall and Xiang Tingchun had resumed cooperation, and it became rather difficult to expose the issues with Medicine Valley.


    Times had changed.


    Bringing it up now, Xiang Tingchun would likely cover for them, considering the Martial Arts Hall was still needed and couldn''t just be completely eliminated.


    Fortunately, Chen Sansi''s goal was achieved¡ªTai Lei Martial Arts Academy was utterly ruined.


    As for the matters of Medicine Valley, he would look into it himself.


    He began a closed-door training, desperately striving to enhance his cultivation, hoping to enter the Bone Training Realm as soon as possible.


    Compared to "Basic Spear Technique for Soldiers," the number of Pile Work stances in "Undying Golden Snake Spear" was doubled, and the number of maneuvers was increased to forty-nine. There were many extremely tricky movements to master, making the training quite arduous.


    From entry-level to Great Success, Bone Training corresponds to four phases.


    They are Training Muscle, Bone Strengthening, Skin Training, and Marrow Refining, respectively.


    Training Muscle, as the name implies,


    is to nourish the meridians with Qi-Blood. Moreover, it can also initially increase the hardness of the bones.


    That''s why the Blood Refining Realm is considered the most crucial foundation in Martial Arts.


    Only with a high enough quality of cultivated Qi-Blood can one nourish a robust physique. Otherwise, a single misstep could lead to a widening gap, eventually becoming an insurmountable divide that blocks further progress.


    The blood of the Dragon Elephant, obviously, counts as a decent foundation.


    Executing the spear technique with complex Pile Work, and driven by the Breathing Skill, the Dragon Elephant Blood circulated methodically within his body, constantly nourishing Chen Sansi''s meridians at every moment.


    In just a few days, he could feel his meridians becoming tougher. Many previously difficult movements gradually became possible, and in turn, evolved into more intricate maneuvers.


    When tired from training,


    Chen Sansi would eat a red ginseng raw.


    Blood ginseng. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It was given to him earlier by Xiang Tingchun.


    This substance could alleviate the pain of cultivation and enhance the quality of his Qi-Blood, benefiting him immensely.


    [Cultivation Technique: Undying Golden Snake Spear. Upper (Not Entry-Level)]


    [Progress: 15/100]


    [Utility: Blood of the Dragon Elephant]


    Just like the Blood Refining Realm, the Bone Training Realm has four phases from entry-level to Great Success, with the difficulty gradually increasing. Entry-level is the easiest, whereas achieving Perfection at Great Success is the real challenge and bottleneck.


    Of course, the difficulty of reaching entry-level Bone Training is far greater than that of Blood Refining.


    Additionally, the cultivation technique is incomplete.


    The Undying Golden Snake Spear is divided into upper and lower volumes, which can be cultivated all the way to Refining Internal Organs.


    But the technique for Refining Internal Organs isn''t available in Po Yang County.


    Military officers at the Great Success of Bone Training must report upwards for approval, whereby a designated person would teach the Refining Internal Organs Technique, which must not be disclosed. Otherwise, it is considered a heinous crime of treason.


    This is also a method by which the court maintains control over local areas.


    Local Jianghu forces are not allowed to have individuals whose cultivation surpasses that of the military''s leading figures.


    After training until completely exhausted, Chen Sansi stopped to rest.


    He took some silver and headed to the forging workshop.


    From his skirmish with Mr. Wu, it was clear that the Two-Stone Bow had difficulty achieving a lethal blow against a Bone Training Martial Artist who was on guard, and that was just during the Training Muscle Stage. If it were during the Bone Strengthening Stage or higher, its lethality would only diminish.


    Acquiring a heavier bow and arrows was imperative.


    "It''s been ready two days ago; I was wondering if you forgot about it and was about to look for you," said Niu Gai as he quickly brought out the item. "This bow, with a pulling force of fifteen stones, can penetrate solid rock."


    Chen Sansi took the new bow and inspected it in his hands.


    This bow was made from fifty-year-old mutated Purple Gold Bamboo for its body, top-quality Sangyu Wood for its limbs, the sturdy skull of a fierce tiger for its bow tips, and its bowstring was made from Exotic Beast Tendons worth hundreds of taels of silver. Holding it upright, it nearly reached the height of a person, looking rather intimidating from a distance.


    "I''ve also prepared matching arrows for you," said Niu Gai, bringing over an arrow bag filled with all kinds of brand-new arrows.


    Sleek, sharp Triangular Armor-piercing Arrows, flat and wide shovel-shaped Qi Pi Arrows, metal-made whistle arrows, and hollow-centered arson iron arrows, among others...


    "Fire arrows?"


    Chen Sansi was intrigued and specifically took one out for examination.


    Arson iron arrow.


    The rest of it was no different from regular arrows. The unique feature was a hollow iron cage on the front of the arrowhead, which could be stuffed with oilcloth. Once lit, it would be shot out and typically used to attack enemy camps, burning down structures like grain reserves and campsites; its individual killing power wasn''t great.


    Chen Sansi took the tiger bone bow outside, notched a Triangular Arrow, and aimed at a rock over a hundred paces away. Slowly, he drew the heavy two-thousand-pound bowstring.


    The moment he let go, the rebounding force of the bowstring could easily slice through human flesh, and the Triangular Arrow turned into a shooting star as it thunderously flew toward its target. When it collided with the rock, it let out a loud "bang."


    The arrow effortlessly embedded itself into the hard stone.


    Cracks spread outward from the arrowhead, and within moments the rock¡ªover half a meter high¡ªshattered into pieces scattered across the ground.


    [Skill: Archery (small achievement)]


    [Progress: (150/1000)]

 Chapter 60 The Art of Commanding Soldiers

    ```This arrow shot significantly increased his proficiency.


    Chen Sansi was thoroughly satisfied.


    If he were to encounter an opponent like Old Song the Fifth again, there would be no need for a drawn-out battle, just one arrow would kill.


    It was indeed worth fifty taels of Silver.


    He took his leave and headed to the pharmacy to purchase medicine.


    As his realm improved, his need for supplemental medicine grew increasingly high.


    Each stage of martial arts practice corresponded to specific medicinal ingredients.


    Therefore, Blood Replenishing Soup was of no help for bone training, and the efficacy of Replenishing Essence Soup had greatly reduced. There was a specialized Bone Nourishing Soup available for consumption, with the original price of each prescription being ninety-eight taels¡ªtwice as much as Replenishing Essence Soup.


    Even when purchased in the military camp, it would cost fifty taels of Silver.


    There was also a more expensive medicine bath, costing a hundred taels of Silver for two baths.


    Chen Sansi originally thought that with over two hundred taels in savings, he could be considered wealthy, but now he realized he was still poor.


    These medicinal ingredients were so expensive partly because they truly were rare and often required decades of cultivation.


    On the other hand.


    Practicing martial arts was a way to transcend social class.


    If the poor could easily turn their lives around, what would the lords do? With only so many resources available for enjoyment in the world, how could they possibly give them up easily to those beneath them?


    It was not impossible for the poor to rise up, but they often had to pay a hundred or a thousand times the price.


    Being a lackey in a martial arts hall or selling one''s life in the army, each step was fraught with hardships.


    "If you don''t have Silver, you can exchange for it with military exploits, but there''s some time before the battles begin; I can''t just sit around doing nothing."


    "I still need to find a way to make money."


    "Tigers and black bears aren''t found everywhere in great numbers. Relying on quantity isn''t reliable. It would be best to capture an Exotic Beast."


    According to "Records of the Mountains and Rivers," the Hutou Mountain Range originally had seventeen or eighteen kinds of Exotic Beasts, but now only two or three remain, with the White Deer being one, and another being an old monkey that mimics human weapon use, although it hasn''t been seen for over twenty years.


    But it was still an idea.


    Especially since Chen Sansi possessed "Tracking and Concealment," what others couldn''t find, he might be able to.


    In the end, although vast, the Hutou Mountain Range was still somewhat barren.


    Chen Sansi heard that in the areas around the Eight Camps in Liangzhou, there were boundless mountain ranges teeming with Exotic Beasts, and the number of ferocious beasts was countless.


    It seemed he had one more reason to head to the Eight Camps.


    Staying in a godforsaken place like Po Yang, advancing in refining internal was the limit; there simply were no higher-level cultivation resources.


    "Wang Zhi told me that the Selection Officer would arrive before long."


    "I must hasten to improve my strength."


    Chen Sansi gritted his teeth and spent a huge sum of a hundred taels to order two servings of Bone Nourishing Soup.


    "My lord!"


    Just as he was preparing to go back for a meal, Wang Li found him: "Lord Chen, many folks from Po Yang County have gathered outside the military camp, clamoring to see you."


    "To see me?"


    Chen Sansi puzzled: "What''s the matter?"


    "Our Thousand Households is well-off and looking to recruit soldiers to fill vacancies. A lot of people have come, but they''re all insisting on seeing you."


    Wang Li explained: "They''re saying, in all their years, they''ve never seen an official who still cares about the life and death of the folks from his hometown, nor someone who would kill a martial arts hall''s beast in the street."


    "How many people have come?"


    "Over a hundred!"


    "So many?"


    Chen Sansi hurriedly followed him.


    At the entrance of the military camp, there was a recruitment desk that was now surrounded by an impassable crowd.


    Zhao Qiao, Wu Da, and Zhuang Yi were all among them.


    And it wasn''t just people from Yanbian Village, it seemed that more came from the surrounding villages.


    "My lord, your fame has spread throughout Po Yang these past two days!"


    Xu Wencai was quite excited: "I haven''t even written anything yet, and so many have come. This is a great opportunity."


    "Silence!"


    Luo Dongquan, with a saber at his side, stood in front of the desk and shouted at the crowd: "I''ve said it, those who wish to join the army register one by one, the official here will make arrangements afterward!"


    "We want to enlist, but we''ll only follow Brother Shi!"


    Wu Da, at the forefront, had a loud voice: "Let us in to see him."


    "This matter isn''t for him to decide!"


    No matter what Luo Dongquan said, it was ineffective, as the cacophony nearly drowned him out.


    "Brother Chen!"


    Zhuang Yi, with keen eyesight, was the first to spot the newcomer.


    "Have you all thought this through?"


    After a brief exchange, Chen Sansi asked seriously: "War is imminent if you follow me, death is a possibility."


    "Brother, we''ll die even if there''s no war!"


    Zhuang Yi''s face was still bruised: "If it weren''t for you, we would have been beaten to death by the martial arts hall''s scum already."


    "Right."


    ```


    Zhao Qiao also said, "I''ve discussed it with my family, and with winter approaching, we simply can''t survive without joining the army, even though there''s only a meager soldier''s pay. Moreover, since we''ve come here, we all certainly want to follow you."


    "I also want to learn martial arts!" Wu Da clenched his fist, "Someday, I''ll kill them all."


    "As long as you all have thought it through."


    Chen Sansi paused for a moment, "But I''m currently only a flag leader and can only take in about forty people under my command. First, have everyone line up to register; what a mess we look like, all in disarray."


    As soon as he said this,


    even as Luo Dongquan had been yelling to no avail, the villagers really stopped their clamor and quietly queued up.


    Seeing this,


    Luo Dongquan frowned.


    Not only that,


    but once the spots were filled, the commotion started up again.


    "Make it clear; we''re only following Chen Zongqi from Yanbian Village!"


    "What nonsense!"


    Luo Dongquan said angrily, "He''s just a flag leader, who can have at most fifty men under his command."


    "So what if there are a few more?"


    "Exactly, exactly."


    "If it really comes down to it, why don''t you just promote him?"


    "Is an officer position something you can just bump up on a whim?"


    Luo Dongquan looked at them with contempt, "The army has its own rules. You country folks should stop making a scene here."


    "Go to hell!"


    A hot-tempered villager cursed, "Disdain for us country people, huh? If you''re so capable, then why post notices everywhere, begging us to join the army?"


    "What rank are you even? Are you jealous because we''re enlisting with Chen Zongqi instead of you?"


    "Just get out of here!"


    "..."


    "Damn it!"


    Luo Dongquan, seething with rage, drew his blade, raising his voice several times higher, "If you want to join the army, follow the rules, or else get the hell out of here!"


    "What the hell are you doing?!"


    Seeing the murderous knife, the villagers finally felt frightened, retreating en masse and daring not make another sound.


    "We knew it... you dog officials don''t see us as humans!"


    "Right, promises of soldier''s pay must also be a lie; it''s common knowledge that military camps are in arrears."


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    "Let''s go, let''s go!"


    They really had no intention of continuing to register and stamped their marks, and they turned to leave.


    Chen Sansi glanced at Luo Dongquan.


    Helpless.


    After all, he was indeed just a mere flag leader.


    He had no obsession with how many men he led.


    But with this kind of attitude, it would probably be difficult for the Thousand Households office to reach full strength.


    "Fellow villagers, wait a moment!"


    Xiang Tingchun suddenly appeared, blocking the way of the dispersing crowd.


    His face wore a gentle smile that somewhat clashed with his temperament, "I assure you, not only will the soldier''s pay not be delayed, it will also increase!"


    No one answered.


    It seemed very few believed him.


    After all, the reputation of the Po Yang Thousand Households had been rotten for hundreds of years. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xiang Tingchun spoke again, "I can also promise that all of you will be under Chen Zongqi''s command. How about that?"


    Upon hearing this sentence,


    the people who were about to leave paused.


    "Lord Thousand Households?"


    Luo Dongquan protested, "One flag leader, how can he manage more than a hundred men? That doesn''t conform to the rules, does it?"


    "Rules can be changed. In times of need, who says we must stick to rigid standards?"


    Xiang Tingchun beckoned, "Chen Zongqi, I leave this matter entirely in your hands."


    "Understood."


    Chen Sansi bowed with cupped hands.


    On the side, he oversaw the villagers as they pressed their handprints one by one.


    Once everyone was registered, he gathered them all at the Martial Arts Arena, organized them into lines, and checked their names against the list.


    It was then that a familiar sensation stirred within him.


    A panel appeared before his eyes.


    [Skill: Commanding Soldiers (Untrained)]


    [Progress: 0/100]


    [Utility: None]

 Chapter 61 The Emperors Appointment

    ```Commanding soldiers?


    Chen Sansi wasn''t too surprised.


    Even riding a horse would have a proficiency level, so it wasn''t strange that commanding soldiers had one as well.


    Perhaps previously, because he was just a small flag with too few people under him, he hadn''t met the activation conditions for this skill.


    It seemed that in the days to come, there would be one more thing to be busy with.


    Archery, horse control, martial arts, reading, commanding soldiers¡­


    It''s a bit overwhelming.


    But having many skills does not burden one.


    Since he had chosen to join the army, he naturally had to learn to lead troops in battle and not just be a dead soldier who charged into enemy lines.


    Chen Sansi finished counting the number of people in the Martial Arts Arena.


    A total of one hundred and fifteen.


    That was a few more than the full quota managed by Households.


    And most of them were young.


    Like Wu Da, who was only sixteen.


    There were also middle-aged men like Zhao Qiao, but not many.


    Chen Sansi had a photographic memory, firmly imprinting each face and corresponding name in his mind.


    He clasped his fists and said, "Thanks to everyone''s kind support, willing to follow me; from now on, we are brothers. You can get to know each other first, and then go home and get ready. Starting tomorrow, I''ll personally teach you martial arts."


    ¡­


    Central Army Camp.


    "Sir, this shouldn''t be allowed."


    Luo Dongquan watched the scene at the Martial Arts Arena from a distance: "These people came for that kid, and now they''re all under his command. Isn''t this the equivalent of setting up an independent power base within the Households?"


    "Old Luo, do you think I''m being too indulgent with Chen Sansi?"


    Xiang Tingchun poured tea for himself from a purple sand tea pot, his voice devoid of any agitation: "Think about it, why am I doing this?"


    "You value talent," Luo Dongquan had to concede: "This boy indeed has exceptional natural talent, and his future is boundless."


    "Value talent? Haha."


    Xiang Tingchun couldn''t help but laugh: "What use is my valuing talent, when come spring, he flies up to the branch and becomes a phoenix, what ties will he still have to me?"


    Luo Dongquan bowed his head: "Please enlighten me, sir!"


    "You just mentioned being worried about him having his own hilltop?"


    Xiang Tingchun looked at the villagers on the Martial Arts Arena, who couldn''t even line up properly: "Do you think after a few months, how many of them will still be standing here?"


    "I understand," Luo Dongquan said with realization: "Sir is winning people''s hearts.


    "This way, they will willingly go to their deaths.


    "Even if that kid is eligible for Selected Point, according to the Governor Mansion''s way of doing things, they won''t let him leave before the battle. So, he might very well die on the battlefield too."


    Xiang Tingchun said sternly: "Glad you understand.


    "So there is no need for you to continue holding a grudge against him over the Selected Point matter.


    "If he is still alive after next year''s campaign, and you have the guts, I won''t interfere with whatever you want to do.


    "But right now, there are a lot of situations we need to deal with."


    Xiang Tingchun said in a grave tone: "I''ve received news that the new-appointed Magistrate is recommended by Elder Yan, handpicked by the Emperor."


    "Handpicked?"


    Luo Dongquan understood the implication.


    A mere seventh-rank Magistrate doesn''t need to be handpicked unless something big is about to happen in the place he''s appointed.


    Xiang Tingchun scoffed: "And accompanying the Magistrate is the Magistrate of the larger region."


    "For the sake of the Song Family?"


    Luo Dongquan asked: "Could this cause trouble?"


    "We all serve the Crown Prince; what can he do to me? At most, he can just throw a fit," Xiang Tingchun said with a resigned sigh: "The Emperor, the Crown Prince, the Governor Mansion, the powers of three sides meet here in our small Po Yang County, even I don''t know what will happen next. Old Luo, you will have to offer me more support."


    "Rest assured, sir, I am at your command at all times."


    ```


    ```


    On the ancient road the western wind sweeps past, and stallions gallop as the sunset casts a red glow and the day''s light fades.


    Upon the seemingly endless official road, two red-maned stallions race¡ªone before the other. Leading is a young woman, followed closely by a fair-faced young man, both around eighteen or nineteen.


    Clad in a tight-fitting red dress, the woman''s delicate hands pull on the reins, her slender waist sashaying with a saber slung at her side. Her natural beauty is framed by a halo of clouds, her flawless complexion speaks the language of flowers, and although her hair is styled elegantly, an air of valor emanates from her.


    "Sister."


    The young man trailing behind, equally handsome, carries a long spear and a bow and arrow on his back. He yawns and says, "Why do we meddle in the affairs of Selected Point? For a mere Po Yang County town, is it worth it for us to traverse mountains and rivers?"


    "As closed-door disciples, should we not be prudent?"


    The woman spoke with an earnest tone, her voice cool and serene, "Moreover, we have other tasks at hand."


    "Military deployment?"


    The young man sighed, "This affair clearly smells of the Crown Prince''s doing, and it''s unstoppable¡ª"


    "Father had clearly promised that after the barbarian conflicts ended, he would return to his fields. Yet they still refuse to wait.


    "Over the years, they''ve been planting their own generals everywhere, even sent a supervisor to Liangzhou, and have stuffed many of their people into the Eight Camps.


    "What''s most detestable is the eldest apprentice brother..."


    "Sister, for their Cao Family''s empire, how many of our Sun family have died over the years? Big brother, second brother, and..."


    "It''s not just for Selected Point."


    Sun Li''s eyes gleamed with profound depth, "There are other matters we need to investigate."


    "Investigate what? Why didn''t father tell me?"


    "Would it be of any use if he told you?"


    "..."


    Sun Li noticed the sudden quiet behind her, and slowed down her pace to look back.


    The young man had, at some unknown moment, reined in his horse and silently raised a three-stone heavy bow, aiming towards a poplar grove flanking the official road.


    On a patch of open ground about seventy paces away, a hare was nibbling at the grass.


    He pulled the bowstring taut as a full moon, his gaze determined and his posture perfect. After aiming carefully and finding the right moment, he suddenly released his fingers.


    The arrow whistled through the air with imposing force!


    A loud "thwack" rang out as the arrow skewed off course, striking the trunk of a poplar tree half a meter away from the hare.


    The hare glanced at the arrow shaft, then at him, and continued to graze.


    "?"


    Enraged, the young man drew another arrow and let it fly.


    This time, the arrow simply vanished without a trace, nowhere to be seen, a grievous miss.


    "This is too much!"


    The young man stowed his bow, took up his spear, and spurred his horse into a gallop, charging straight into the poplar grove.


    Only then did the rabbit realize the danger. It tried to flee but it was too late.


    "Hiss¡ª"


    With a spear thrust, the young man pierced the rabbit, lifting its body high with satisfaction: "Got it!"


    "Sun Buqi!"


    The woman in red closed her eyes, biting down on her silver teeth, "If you truly don''t wish to go, then go back to Liangzhou by yourself." Your adventure continues at empire


    "Sister, don''t be mad. I just couldn''t resist hunting when the opportunity arose. I''m ready to leave now." S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Sun Buqi, with a playful smile, carefully stowed the rabbit and returned to the official road.


    "You spend all day hunting and shooting birds, what a sight."


    Sun Li chided him as if she were frustrated with his refusal to meet her expectations, "With the way you act, what will become of the Eight Camps in the future?"


    "Sister, I never once imagined taking over the Eight Great Camps!"


    Sun Buqi hastily responded, "Wouldn''t it be lovely to go back to our old home and wait for father to lay down his arms and return to farming? Are you truly prepared to continue serving the Old Emperor?"


    Sun Li fell silent, her heart burdened with worry.


    Retire from military service and return to civilian life?


    Anyone could do so, except for their family.


    Without someone continuing to wield military power in the army, did they truly believe the Old Emperor would let the Sun family land safely?


    Such naivety...


    The siblings continued their journey.


    Finally, before nightfall, they could vaguely see a small city emerging at the end of their line of sight.


    Po Yang County town, they had arrived.


    ```

 Chapter 62 Guard

    Courtyard.Chen Sansi took advantage of the medicine''s effects to practice his spear technique.


    The utility of the Bone Nourishing Soup, in conjunction with the regulation of the Breathing Skill and Qi-Blood, conditioned his muscles and bones, producing a tingling sensation that made the pain inflicted on his body less intense.


    [Cultivation Technique: Undying Golden Snake Spear - Upper (Not Entered)]


    [Progress: 65/100]


    [Utility: Blood of Dragon and Elephant]


    "In a few more days, I''ll be able to train my muscles."


    "After muscle training, I''ll visit Medicine Valley."


    Recently, the number of live disappearances has greatly diminished, presumably, the Martial Arts Halls have restrained themselves, but not completely ceased.


    Chen Sansi had also tried other uses of lamp oil.


    For example, feeding a tiny amount to a rat.


    Then the rat died...


    Clearly, this stuff was not for eating.


    It was most likely for starting fires.


    "Huh¡ª"


    Chen Sansi wiped off his sweat and sat down at the stone table under the courtyard''s plum tree, flipping through a few military books.


    In the past two days, he had summarized two methods to improve his proficiency in commanding troops.


    One, read military books and learn theoretical knowledge.


    Two, practice, preferably practice military formations.


    Actual combat would definitely improve proficiency, but there was no opportunity at the moment.


    "Leading troops into battle is indeed a technical job, not just about taking a group of people to fight and that''s it," he thought.


    Chen Sansi benefited greatly.


    Before deploying troops, planning must begin half a year or even longer in advance.


    Decide how many men and weapons are needed, how much food and forage, how to transport them, and the estimates of losses.


    If it''s a campaign, one also has to consider the weather and climate, the difficulty of the journey, whether soldiers will be acclimated or face ambushes, and if so, where it''s most likely to occur...


    When dealing with a large number of troops, even relieving oneself requires special arrangement, not simply a matter of pulling down one''s pants.


    War is an extremely complicated affair, not something one person can take complete charge of; it requires the collective operation of an organization.


    This demonstrates the importance of having capable people as subordinates.


    Also, military formations.


    According to the military books, special formations can enhance the combat power of soldiers to some extent.


    For instance, killing a martial artist who has achieved Great Success in Blood Refining with a lower-grade technique usually costs about twenty lives. Under a special formation, the number can be reduced to fifteen.


    It doesn''t seem like that much on paper.


    But each digit represents a living person''s life.


    Small numbers add up, and a lot of manpower can be saved after a battle.


    However, since they are called special formations, naturally, not everyone can learn them.


    Firstly, the commander himself must understand it.


    Military books have illustrations of formations, many based on the principles of Eight Diagrams, which ordinary people cannot fathom and require time for in-depth study.


    Secondly.


    Even if one understands it, they must be able to use it.


    Practice is practice, combat is combat.


    No matter how ingenious the formation, if it breaks after a single charge or falls into disarray once attacked, it is as good as useless.


    Therefore, remote garrisons usually train in the most basic fundamental formations.


    Only elite troops will apply special formations in actual combat. Experience more tales on empire


    The top armies will even have formations composed of martial soldiers.


    "Formations are still a long way off."


    Chen Sansi had just finished teaching them Pile Work; he hadn''t even distinguished between military soldiers and array soldiers, but fortunately, teaching martial arts skills also counted towards progress.


    [Skill: Commanding Soldiers (Not Entered)]


    [Progress: 48/100]


    [Utility: None at the moment]


    He should be able to enter the initial stage before the new soldiers'' assessment ends.


    "Chen Zongqi, assemble!"


    The voice of Fang Zongqi came from outside the door.


    "What''s this about?"


    Chen Sansi opened the door; it was still the noon rest time.


    Fang Zongqi explained, "Lord Prefect and the new County Magistrate have come together to inspect our Households garrisoned soldiers."


    "Which prefect, An Ding Prefect?"


    Chen Sansi inquired.


    After receiving a positive response, he couldn''t help but think back to the threats made by Old Five Song before his death.


    He wasn''t nervous, deciding to wait and see how things unfolded.


    Following Fang Zongqi to the Martial Arts Arena, most of the soldiers had already lined up, waiting for the inspection by their superiors.


    Theoretically, the civil and military officials of the Great Sheng Dynasty were independent from one another, each with their own system of checks and balances; there was no hierarchy, and county magistrates did not have the right to inspect the troops.


    Unless, of course, he was representing the faction of the Crown Prince, who supported this military expedition.


    The crowd didn''t have to wait long, roughly ten minutes later.


    Xiang Tingchun arrived with two civil servants, surrounded by numerous martial artists.


    The man walking in front was dressed in a noble scarlet robe, embroidered with geese in the clouds on the front, signifying his status as a Fourth Rank Prefect.


    The other was wearing a blue robe, embroidered with the motif of cormorants, indicating his position as a Seventh Rank County Magistrate.


    They did not give any speeches, simply chatting among themselves as they passed through the ranks and entered the Central Army Camp.


    Chen Sansi noted the details.


    The County Magistrate showed no sign of ingratiating himself with the Prefect, his superior; on the contrary, he even seemed somewhat arrogant.


    Chen guessed the fellow must have quite the backing.


    The County Magistrate didn''t stay long, leaving after just a cup of tea''s time, while the Prefect did not appear for quite a while.


    Just as expected.


    "Chen Zongqi, the Lord Prefect wants to see you," said Households Commander Liu, coming over with the message and reminding in a low voice, "This man has the Song family backing him. They don''t dare to touch Lord Thousand Households, but since they found out you''re involved, they will likely look for trouble with you. Be very careful."


    "Thank you for the warning, Households Commander Liu."


    Chen Sansi''s brows furrowed slightly, but he was not afraid and headed straight for the camp.


    The charge of treason had already been decided; regardless, they had no overt reason to act against him.


    Hiding was not a solution; meeting face to face could clarify the other party''s intentions, allowing him to find ways to cope.


    He lifted the tent flap.


    The atmosphere inside was not as tense as he had imagined; the spacious area contained only two people.


    The Prefect in the scarlet robe sat in the principal seat, with a middle-aged bodyguard standing behind him.


    With a smile, the Prefect began, "You must be Flag Leader Chen Sansi?"


    "I am," Chen Sansi replied, saluting with his hands. "Lord Prefect, for what do you summon me?"


    "I am a person who speaks his mind openly", the Prefect said straightforwardly. "Flag Leader Chen, your martial arts talent is extraordinary, and being confined to Po Yang County does you a disservice.


    "Why not leave this place and become a bodyguard in my mansion? I will provide you with ample resources for cultivation, ensuring your transition to Hua Jin is worry-free. What do you say?"


    A bodyguard?


    Chen Sansi was initially taken aback, then quickly understood.


    The offer seemed like a recruitment.


    In reality, it was a cunning form of eradication!


    With the annihilation of the Song family, the Prefect, as a backer, if he did nothing, how could he expect various martial arts halls to routinely pay tribute?


    But the act was committed by Xiang Tingchun, and he couldn''t afford to offend the Thousand Households, so he could only target Chen Sansi, a minor flag leader.


    With the Tai Lei Martial Arts Academy''s treason established, they couldn''t publicly charge him with a crime.


    Considering that the Prefect genuinely appreciated talent, he wanted to recruit Chen to his side and have him disappear from Po Yang County, which would also serve as a form of appeasement to the Martial Arts Hall.


    But...


    Chen Sansi had not easily reached his current position, on the verge of joining the Selected Point in the Eight Camps; would he now go and serve as a dog to a mere Prefect?!


    He could even guess what the Prefect would say next.


    As expected.


    The Lord Prefect said with a feigned smile, "Chen Zongqi, I mean well for you. With the start of the war campaigns this spring, your cultivation is still shallow, and on the battlefield, swords and arrows are unforgiving. If by some misfortune, what a waste of talent it would be?"


    The implication was clear.


    Either accept to become a dog, or die in an ''accident''.


    Killing intent surged in Chen Sansi''s heart.


    From Qin Xiong onward, a series of troubling events had followed one another.


    He did not delight in violence.


    Alas, each time he did not strike first, others would. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''I just want to practice martial arts in peace.''


    ''Why must everyone force my hand!''


    He disliked the bullying from Xiang Tingchun.


    What Prefect could withstand a bow of fifteen stones?


    Chen Sansi resolved to deflect the matter for the time being.


    Just then.


    A cold, clear female voice rang out.


    "Magistrate Ji, Chen Zongqi is a Selected Officer officially under our Governor Mansion. Snatching him away like this, isn''t that improper?"

 Chapter 63 Dont Go Out at Night

    A woman in red boldly stepped into the military camp."Please forgive this officer''s poor sight."


    Magistrate Ji could not help but size up the other party, puzzlingly asking, "Miss, who might you be?"


    "This humble girl''s surname is Sun, first name Li."


    The woman unhooked a copper plate from her waist and held it high: "By the orders of Governor Mansion, I have come to Po Yang for the Selection Officer role."


    "Sun Li?"


    Hearing this name, Magistrate Ji suddenly awoke, standing up with a clasped fist, "Hehe, who would have thought, the daughter of Lord Governor himself gracing us with her presence, this officer has been remiss, remiss!"


    Miss Sun?


    Chen Sansi couldn''t help but take another look at the woman.


    Did Lord Governor really send his own daughter to Po Yang?


    For the Selection Officer role?


    Not just that.


    She definitely had other matters to attend to.


    However, it seemed that for now, someone was speaking on his behalf, so he could save himself a lot of effort.


    "Miss Sun, please do not misunderstand."


    Magistrate Ji''s tone was much kinder, "This officer also appreciates talent and merely wished to give Chen Zongqi another option."


    "Appreciates talent?"


    Sun Li bluntly stated, "How come I can''t hear any kindness in Lord Prefect''s words, but instead, I can sense quite a bit of a threatening tone?"


    Magistrate Ji defended, "This officer has no such intentions, Miss Sun must not speak recklessly."


    Discover hidden stories at empire


    "Just joking, don''t take it seriously, Lord Prefect."


    Sun Li whispered to the young man beside her, "Chen Zongqi, I have something to ask you, may I have a moment?"


    Ji Guangxian watched the two leave, then sat back down in his chair.


    Right after, Xiang Tingchun walked in.


    "Magistrate Ji."


    Xiang Tingchun showed displeasure, "Are you aiming for my man?"


    "do you have any idea how much trouble your slashing has caused me?"


    Ji Guangxian angrily said, "The twelve counties of An Ding Prefecture, dozens of Martial Arts Halls, their spittle nearly drowned this officer, and someone even pulled strings to send a petition to the Cabinet, what would you have me do?"


    "Calm yourselves, Magistrate Ji."


    Xiang Tingchun shrugged indifferently, "I was also considering the greater plans for the spring, how could I dispatch troops without silver?"


    "Greater plans? You, a mere commander, dare to speak of greater plans, what a joke!"


    Ji Guangxian snorted coldly, "You''re lucky, if it weren''t for Crown Prince personally selecting officers above the Refining Internal level, your head would''ve already fallen!"


    "Crown Prince?"


    Xiang Tingchun''s pupil shivered, "Magistrate Ji, the Crown Prince has heard of me?!"


    "Do you deserve it?"


    Ji Guangxian sarcastically said without sparing any feelings, "It''s only because Mr. Gao from the Ministry respects you to some degree, if you truly make some achievements, he would naturally recommend you for further cultivation. This officer''s visit to Po Yang is also on the task assigned by Mr. Gao."


    Feeling humiliated, Xiang Tingchun, with a calm voice, asked, "What task?"


    "Investigate."


    Ji Guangxian said, "Is there a follower of the Witch God Sect hidden here in Po Yang, holding something in their possession? Are you aware? This matter is of great importance; even the Emperor has decreed that the magistrate specially investigates this, do not hide anything."


    Xiang Tingchun carefully omitted and half-truthfully explained the matters concerning the Witch God Sect.


    "Continue investigating."


    Ji Guangxian sternly said, "The merit for this case is no smaller than annihilating a barbarian tribe, understood?"


    "This officer will thoroughly investigate, no need for the Lord Prefect to worry," Xiang Tingchun calmly replied.


    "Alright, now that official matters are concluded, let us discuss some private matters."


    Ji Guangxian, still furious, pointed at his nose and said, "You need to give me an explanation for the matters concerning the Sun Family, can I still command respect in An Ding Prefecture if Chen Sansi doesn''t disappear from Po Yang?"


    "Impossible, I need him."


    Xiang Tingchun scoffed coldly, "Moreover, you shouldn''t be saying this to me, but to Miss Sun."


    "No one can stop me!"


    Ji Guangxian firmly stated, "The more talented the boy is, the less he should be left to the Governor, the better it would be if he could be of use to me!"


    "You also deserve?"


    Seizing the opportunity to counterattack, Xiang Tingchun scoffed, "He''s been pursuing Martial Arts for two months and is already approaching Bone Training, do you think he would regard you as a prefect?


    "Besides, I may not bother if you want to make things difficult for him, but as a fellow official, it''s necessary for me to give you a heads up.


    "This young man''s character is kind when described as kind, but discussing his ruthless and brutal actions, he even surpasses me.


    "You can''t convict him, yet you intimidate others. Think about the outcome of Old Fifth Song.


    "Oh yes, he just ordered a fifteen-stone heavy bow from the Forge, tsk tsk...


    "Lord Prefect, you should venture out less at night these days.


    "If some mishap occurs, there''s a high chance not even a corpse will be found. I would want to avenge you, but there wouldn''t be any evidence!"


    "He wouldn''t dare!"


    Ji Guangxian was quite confident, "If that happens, it would be a good reason to execute him!"


    Xiang Tingchun said no more, gave him a look as if viewing a corpse, shook his head, and then turned to leave.


    ...


    Outside the military camps, among the fields.


    A man and a woman, one in red and one in blue, walked side by side.


    Sun Li habitually placed one hand on the hilt of her sword, "According to the records of the Governor Mansion, you started Martial Arts after the autumn harvest, now two months have passed, what stage have you reached?"


    Although she was a woman and not old, her tone carried an authoritarian sense characteristic of a senior.


    "Replying to the Selected Officer,"


    Chen Sansi answered truthfully, "I am currently undergoing Bone Training."


    "Bone Training?"


    Sun Li''s eyes initially flashed with surprise, then suddenly she remembered something, "Who rushed you into Bone Training? Didn''t anyone tell you, practicing an inferior Breathing Skill then undergoing Bone Training will fix your Qi-Blood quality, locking your future potential?"


    Normally,


    after a Selected Officer enters the Eight Camps, they receive a new Breathing Skill based on their qualification.


    They start to practice a medium or superior Breathing Skill to replace the previous inferior one.


    But after Bone Training, the quality of the Qi-Blood is locked, and it can no longer be changed.


    According to the rules, the person responsible for teaching Selected Officers should make this clear.


    "Hmm?"


    Chen Sansi was startled, thinking something was amiss, he explained, "Selected Officer is overthinking it, the breathing technique I practiced is the ''Vast Righteousness Breathing Skill''."


    "Vast Righteousness Breathing Skill?"


    Sun Li reacted with surprise and suspicion, "Who taught you that?"


    This Breathing Skill indeed was a superior one.


    But it was also one of the hardest to learn, taught by the Eight Camps selectively only to those whose qualifications were truly high.


    "Wang Zhi, Hundred Households Wang."


    Chen Sansi stated, "The Selected Officer might know of him." S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Wang Zhi?"


    Sun Li inquired further, "I don''t know this person. What does he look like, and where did he get the Vast Righteousness Breathing Skill?"


    Chen Sansi briefly described his physical characteristics.


    ''Could it be him?''


    A subtle murderous intent flashed through Sun Li''s eyes, "Where is he? Take me to him."


    Chen Sansi answered, "He went to Prefecture City to visit relatives."


    A few days ago, Wang Zhi had ridden away on a fast horse and had not been seen since.


    At that time, he felt it seemed less like visiting relatives and more like fleeing.


    From Miss Sun''s attitude, it seemed like he guessed correctly.


    Had Wang Zhi embezzled too much, or was there another crime?


    If his offenses were too great, even he might not be able to help.


    "Never mind, we''ll discuss it when he returns."


    Sun Li took a deep breath, "Let''s go."


    Chen Sansi was confused, "Go where?"


    "To your house."


    Sun Li smiled, "I''m tired, I''d like to visit Chen Zongqi''s home for some tea. Would that be unwelcome?"


    "Of course, you''re welcome. Follow me."


    Chen Sansi led the way, pondering the other party''s intentions.


    What was this, a home visit?


    The Governor Mansion was indeed rigorous in selecting personnel, needing to understand every aspect of a candidate''s background.

 Chapter 64 Commanding Soldiers Entry-Level

    Along the way, Sun Li kept inquiring about his origin.Chen Sansi responded to each question.


    "You sure haven''t had it easy."


    Sun Li''s voice was like ice spring water, "If you achieve something one day, I hope you won''t forget your original intention."


    "I wouldn''t dare forget it for a moment."


    Chen Sansi sincerely said.


    "We''re here."


    He knocked on the door.


    A charming young woman with a face like a lotus appeared before them.


    It was naturally Sister Lan.


    "Brother Shi?"


    Gu Xinlan noticed the woman beside her, "This must be a guest, please come in quickly."


    She busied both inside and outside, brewing tea and pouring water, and even asked a neighbor to help buy some pastries from town. Throughout, she did not chatter at all about who the woman was.


    "Chen Zongqi indeed has a beautiful and virtuous wife."


    While sipping green tea, Sun Li changed the subject, "Before coming here, I heard that Po Yang County has been restless lately, first with the Witch God Sect causing trouble and then with people disappearing. What do you know about this?"


    Witch God Sect.


    Chen Sansi understood.


    It seemed that the Supervisor had sent his own daughter here, and it involved the Immortal Treasure.


    "Reporting to the Selection Officer, recently there have been patrols in the city, but nothing has been found."


    In at most two or three days, after he broke through to the Bone Forger Realm, he planned to investigate and understand the situation in Medicine Valley.


    "No need for formal titles like Selection Officer."


    Sun Li was strict, but her temperament was fairly straightforward, "Your qualification and cultivation have no issues. Wait until next spring to return with me to Liangzhou, at the very least you can stay in the Governor Mansion as an Inner Sect Disciple. We are all one family here anyway, you can just call me Senior Sister."


    "So little junior brother, Senior Sister has nowhere else to go and plans to stay here for now, you won''t drive me away, will you?"


    Little junior brother.


    Having been addressed as such, it seemed he had effectively passed the initial assessment.


    Chen Sansi had no reason to refuse, and he called for Gu Xinlan to prepare a guest room.


    After all, she was the precious daughter of Lord Governor.


    With her remarkable cultivation, a sparring instructor who had fallen into his lap was not to be wasted.


    During dinner, Chen Sansi ate most of a bear heart and drank a bowl of Bone Nourishing Soup.


    While his qi-blood surged through his body, he took his long spear to the courtyard and saluted by clenched fists, "Senior Sister Sun, please enlighten me!"


    "You really know how to get the better end of a deal, fine, Senior Sister won''t just eat and drink for free," Sun Li said lightly. "I am at the Perfection of Bone Training, so make your move."


    Bone Training Perfection.


    Which was close to Refining Internal.


    Senior Sister Sun, judging from her appearance, was barely eighteen or nineteen years old. To reach this realm within three to five years of training was absolutely outstanding.


    A rare opportunity!


    Chen Sansi''s breathing pattern gradually became more complex, the dragon elephant blood within him began to boil, and he gathered strength in his arms. In the moonlight, his reed leaf long spear shimmered with a cold light, resembling a poised venomous snake.


    "Just come at me."


    Clad in red, Sun Li stood under a plum tree in the courtyard, her ponytail whipping in the night wind, and her rider''s long skirt billowing.


    Her eyes closed, one hand on the hilt at her waist, she did not unsheathe her sword until the sound of the spear cutting through the air was merely a step away from her, and then she fiercely drew her sword and struck down!


    "Clang¡ª"


    The collision of sword and spear echoed like thunder, startling even the White Swan Horse sleeping in the corner of the yard.


    Under the overwhelming force, Chen Sansi was forced back several steps, his reed leaf long spear trembling continuously, and his hand slightly numb, regaining stability only after circulating his qi-blood.


    After all, he was a Blood Refining Warrior.


    And the person standing opposite was about to refine her internal organs, with strength second only to Xiang Tingchun.


    The gap was normal.


    "Again!"


    Chen Sansi thrust his spear repeatedly towards her.


    Each time, his long spear was accurately parried, sending back tremendous forces. After several exchanges, his arms and shoulders ached tremendously, and several times he almost couldn''t hold the spear.


    But through this process, his spear technique proficiency rapidly increased.


    "Undying Golden Snake?"


    Sun Li recognized the spear technique, "Not bad, little junior brother, well practiced as the Undying Golden Snake, and yet neither speed nor strength has fallen behind, huh?"


    "Clang, clang, clang, clang, clang¡ª"


    The young man didn''t speak nor did he stop, focusing on training the spear technique, completely treating her as a live Training Post.


    "..."


    Sun Li, feeling helpless, could only continue to swing her blade, coping with the increasingly faster long spear.


    Her blade, designed in the style of a He Miao blade, had a slender blood-red streak in the middle of the blade. As she swung it, the blade''s light flickered like a fiery red lotus blossoming in the air.


    Under the moonlit night, a silver snake, a lotus flower.


    A refreshing and thorough practice session lasting until deep into the night.


    "Aren''t you tired?"


    Sun Li started to regret agreeing to the sparring practice.


    It had already been two hours.


    How could a Blood Refining Great Success martial artist have such stamina?


    "I can still train a bit more."


    Chen Sansi''s movements remained sharp as ever.


    Another hour passed before he finally stopped.


    [Cultivation Technique: Undying Golden Snake Spear. Upper (Uninitiated)]


    [Progress: 88/100]


    [Utility: Blood of the Dragon Elephant]


    He was getting closer.


    "Thank you for your hard work, Senior Sister Sun!"


    Chen Sansi had eaten a bit too much bear heart that evening, still feeling somewhat unsatisfied, but seeing that Senior Sister Sun seemed to want some rest, he did not continue, and went back to his room to rest.


    "Whew!"


    Sun Li was far from being exhausted in terms of Qi-Blood, after all, the gap in their levels was too large.


    It was just that she had been traveling all night in recent days and was very tired.


    Sheathing her blade, Sun Li went to the guest room, lay down on the bed, and pondered over the current situation in Po Yang County.


    "Father was right, the Emperor really did send someone as well."


    "There''s news from the court, the Emperor recently had a secret meeting with the barbarian envoys."


    "Meeting envoys at this critical moment isn''t strange, but doing it stealthily certainly indicates something fishy.


    "Is it related to the Witch God Sect?"


    "I wonder how Sun Buqi''s investigation is going."


    "Well, let''s take it slow, we are meant to be here until the spring anyway."


    After several days of travel, she was worn out and weary.


    Just as she was about to close her eyes to rest, she heard an indescribable sound coming from the main bedroom of the courtyard house.


    "..."


    "Doesn''t he ever feel tired?"


    ¡ª¡ª


    Two days later.


    Chen Sansi habitually got up early to practice with his spear.


    These days, Sun Li had been staying at his house.


    But she was out early and returned late daily, rarely encountering others, and had not found another opportunity to spar.


    After breakfast, Chen Sansi headed to the military camp to clock in for work. S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Along the way, many people greeted him.


    Managing over a hundred people, if not a commander of a hundred, he was almost one, and among the Households, aside from Xiang Tingchun, there was no one else who could manage him.


    "When the new recruit assessment period ends, who knows how many military soldiers and Array Soldiers will emerge."


    Chen Sansi summoned the old scholar, "Xu Wencai, gather everyone together, please."


    "Alright!"


    About ten minutes later, the soldiers gradually assembled, many of them still yawning.


    ''I need to find time to manage them properly, can''t let them continue to be so negligent.''


    Chen Sansi frowned slightly, "Zhu Tong, lead them in doing Pile Work for an hour."


    "Okay!"


    Zhu Tong complied.


    Continue your adventure at empire


    Chen Sansi continued to practice with his spear nearby, occasionally stopping to rest. He would go up and give hands-on instructions to those whose movements were off. He had been training them this way lately.


    Finally, the panel fluctuated.


    [Skill: Commanding Soldiers (Entry-level)]


    [Progress: 0/500]


    [Utility: Mainstay]


    [Mainstay: Where the commander is, all soldiers remain Calm in Crisis!]

 Chapter 65 Sun Buqi

    Chen Sansi looked at the panel''s explanation for "Mainstay" and quickly understood the effect of the term.Calm in Crisis.


    Such plain and unremarkable four words at first glance.


    In reality,


    To become a tiger and wolf troop that all armies across the land aspire to be, the first quality needed is embodied in these four words!


    Chen Sansi had come to understand this while reading Military Books.


    What use is a luxuriously equipped army if it trembles at the sight of the enemy?


    And the military formations,


    No matter how exquisitely trained the formations are in peacetime, if they cannot remain Calm in Crisis, they will never exhibit their true power.


    Most ancient armies would rout if the casualty rate exceeded one-fifth.


    Chen Sansi had heard Xu Wencai saying that the reason the Eight Camps were invincible was that they could withstand losing half their numbers without collapsing, remaining unshaken even in dire straits.


    Half the forces wiped out without yielding, how terrifying is that data?


    In the year fifty-seven of the Longqing era, during the battle of the Black Tortoise Camp in the Southern regions, it was said they had the opportunity to retreat, but instead, they chose to face the challenge, fighting to the last man.


    Of course, some survived, but since it was recorded this way, it indicates that at least ninety percent died in battle.


    They must have had their own faith in their hearts.


    That Chen Sansi could become the mainstay for the soldiers meant that he would inevitably create an elite force eventually.


    It was because he was easy to bully that Magistrate Ji caused him trouble.


    Personal strength was one aspect, and the lack of authority in his hands was another.


    He wouldn''t need too much, even just a thousand loyal men under his command, and who would dare to provoke him easily?


    After training in the morning, Chen Sansi went to the archery range to practice his Archery.


    With Martial Arts as the priority, he tried to ensure he didn''t neglect any Skill.


    "Bang Bang Bang Bang Bang¡ª¡ª"


    With a fifteen-stone Big Bow, each arrow hitting the target caused a loud noise, and the grass-rope targets fell one after another.


    [Skill: Archery (small achievement)]


    [Progress: (205/1000)]


    It''s worth noting that, although the proficiency hadn''t advanced, his archery had not hit a dead end.


    Now, Chen Sansi could hit willow leaves from one hundred and fifty steps away.


    One hundred and fifty steps, nearly two hundred meters of precise range, exponentially stronger than an ordinary handgun.


    "Swoosh¡ª¡ª"


    A crisp eagle cry sounded overhead as two hawks flew over the archery range.


    Chen Sansi took this as a good chance to practice, and incidentally to make a bit of silver.


    Two hawks could also sell for a few taels of silver.


    A mosquito is still meat no matter how small!


    The costs of practicing Martial Arts only grow larger over time, and he would not disdain any amount.


    Chen Sansi''s gaze was firmly fixed on the sky, waiting for the two hawks to reach the right height and angle, then he let loose a Triangular Armor-piercing arrow that predictably achieved a double hit with a single shot!


    "Swoosh¡ª¡ª"


    Accompanied by a cry of despair, the two hawks fell from the sky and hit the ground.


    "Impossible! Absolutely impossible!"


    As Chen Sansi was about to retrieve his prey, he saw a young man of similar age, with an incredulous expression on his face, running over.


    Chen Sansi had an exceptional memory. He was certain he hadn''t seen this person in the military camp; it was a stranger.


    "Brother, how did you do that?"


    The young man was also holding a bow and arrow, imitating the action of drawing a bow, "Those two hawks just now were at least forty zhang off the ground, how did you manage that!"


    Chen Sansi felt it was all very bewildering, "Manage what exactly?"


    "I mean, how did you shoot so accurately?"


    The young man was excited, "How heavy is your Big Bow, ten stone or fifteen stone? May I borrow it for one shot?"


    "Sorry, I''m a bit busy," Chen Sansi replied honestly.


    He had countless things on his plate to grind, and many other tasks to handle.


    If he had free time, he wouldn''t mind chatting a bit more.


    "One hundred taels!" S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The young man suddenly made an offer, his tone sincere, "Brother, if you agree to be my Archery mentor, I''m willing to pay two hundred taels of silver every month!"


    "How much?"


    Chen Sansi doubted what he heard.


    "You think it''s too little? Two hundred taels! I can''t offer more; I''m in a rush this trip and truly short on money," the young man explained.


    Two hundred taels, short on money?


    Chen Sansi scrutinized the young man.


    The other party had quite a few valuable accessories on him, including a belt, a jade pendant, and the bow and arrow he held, which were intricately carved from top-quality materials.


    Where did this young master come from?


    Who cares where the young master came from, even if it''s the son of Magistrate Ji, you don''t turn down free silver!


    "Agreed."


    Chen Sansi accepted the offer, "Come to the Martial Arts Arena tomorrow, and I will teach you."


    The young man was delighted, "Alright, master!"


    "No need to call me master."


    Chen Sansi was speechless; such casualness was too much.


    He waved his hand and took his leave.


    "A mere Po Yang Thousand Households and yet it has such a fierce commander!"


    Sun Buqi''s mind kept replaying the scene.


    A big bow of more than ten stones, shooting birds from a distance of one hundred and fifty steps.


    Bone training martial artist, wouldn''t it be one arrow, one kill?


    Two hundred taels of silver to learn this skill was an absolute bargain!


    No need to practice spears anymore.


    "One hundred and fifty steps."


    Sun Buqi raised his bow and arrow, trying to imitate.


    On the target range, there wasn''t even a target at one hundred and fifty steps. The farthest was at one hundred and twenty steps, and he could barely make out the bullseye.


    "A rare talent, truly a rare talent!"


    As he was feeling astounded, someone suddenly struck him hard on the back of his head.


    "Sun Buqi!" Read new adventures at empire


    Sun Li, holding a scabbard, said, "What are you doing here? Have you finished investigating what I asked you to?"


    "Sister, can you not always hit me on the head?"


    Sun Buqi said gravely, "Don''t worry, I''ve finished it all.


    "Firstly, the person is Chen Sansi.


    "His family background is clean, and there''s no falsifying about his military enlistment time, he''s truly been training close to bone level in just over two months.


    "He played a critical role in the Song Family massacre case.


    "Seems like it started because people from Tai Lei Martial Arts Academy bullied his former fellow villagers, and he couldn''t stand it, killing a group of academy disciples in the street.


    "His courage is astonishing, and as a person, he does not forget his roots. Even after becoming an official, he''s willing to help his old friends. Dad would definitely like a person like that."


    "Hmm."


    Sun Li agreed with this judgment.


    After several days of interaction, the little junior brother was quite good.


    Diligent in martial arts practice, and a decent person.


    The only minor flaw...


    Was that he was a bit too spirited, causing trouble every night.


    But being young, that was somewhat excusable.


    Only then did the investigation into Chen Sansi as a Selected Point finally come to a complete conclusion.


    Sun Li then asked, "What about the Witch God Sect?"


    "Couldn''t find them inside or outside the city."


    Sun Buqi stroked his chin, "Could they have already fled back to the grassland?"


    "If you can''t find them in the city or outside, then search the mountains."


    Sun Li quickly made a judgment, "If they are not found in the mountains, then search the homes of the officials, the houses of the martial arts halls, including Xiang Tingchun."


    "That''s not necessary, is it?"


    Sun Buqi said tentatively, with some apprehension, "The more I find out, the more bizarre it seems. Did Dad send us here because we, as bone training martial artists, are not enough?"


    "Now you''re complaining about your realm being too low? Why didn''t you train earlier?"


    Sun Li''s expression was solemn, "Dad made these arrangements for a reason. We just follow his lead. This afternoon I''ll go up the mountain with you."


    "Sister, I don''t need to train anymore!"


    Sun Buqi''s eyes shone with confidence as he said, "I''ve just taken on a rare talent as my master. If I can master his teachings, with a mere flick of my fingers, I could take the life of a bone training martial artist!


    "Eh, eh, eh, sister, don''t walk away, I''m serious! It''s only two hundred taels for a month!"


    ...


    "Medical Officer Jiang, prepare two servings of Bone Nourishing Soup for me."


    Outside the pharmacy, Chen Sansi said, "And also prepare a Medicine Bath for me."


    "The Medicine Bath, that costs a hundred taels."


    Medical Officer Jiang teased, "You''re splashing out so much ¨C did you bump into an Exotic Beast or something?"


    "No such thing, just ran into a rich young master."


    Chen Sansi chatted while taking out fifty taels of silver.


    Once he drank this bowl of Bone Nourishing Soup, he should break through.

 Chapter 66 Nine Dragon Living Veins

    Bone Training Realm.From entry-level to Great Success, it is known as the training of muscles, bones, skin, and marrow.


    But in reality, with each breakthrough, the strength of the bones increases as part of a lengthy, holistic process, not achieved overnight.


    Just as after Blood Refining Great Success, the Qi-Blood is set in place.


    After Bone Forging Great Success, the bones will also be set in place.


    Muscle training is the first step.


    Bone Nourishing Soup enters the stomach.


    The medicinal strength, carried throughout the body by the blood of the Dragon Elephant, causes an intolerable itching in the bones and meridians. When combined with the pain of Breathing Skill and Pile Work, it forms an indescribable torment.


    Chen Sansi sheds his upper garment and exhibits his solid muscles, closing his eyes in the crisp autumn wind as he practices the most intricate moves of the Undying Golden Snake Spear technique.


    On the surface, his postures appear bizarre and twisted, yet each movement is firmly executed.


    It is only with the extremely difficult moves in coordination with complex Pile Work, coupled with the Breathing Skill, that one can refine the bones and meridians to their limits.


    Chen Sansi is experienced and unhurried, leaving everything to time.


    Sun Li happens to return and seeing this, she stands by the wall and instructs, "Junior Brother, slow the circulation of your Qi-Blood, focus on feeling the interaction of muscles and bones. The tougher the meridians you train, the better for Bone Strengthening... Never mind, I''ll help you."


    Chen Sansi, focused on swinging the reed-leaf long spear, doesn''t respond to the woman''s words.


    He only hears light footsteps approaching him.


    Subsequently, Chen Sansi feels a pair of cool jade hands tapping on his joints and meridians, obviously guiding the order of muscle training.


    He concentrates on understanding it.


    Until a certain moment.


    Meridians within Chen Sansi''s body, came alive!


    The meridians of a martial artist include large and small tendons, as well as the Bone Membrane covering the surface of the bones.


    At this moment.


    His entire body''s meridians seem to have life of their own, with large meridians like dragons and small ones like serpents, twining around his joints, muscles, and the Bone Membrane on the surface of his bones, continuously drawing upon the blood of the Dragon Elephant to temper his bones.


    [Cultivation Technique: Undying Golden Snake Spear. Level (Entry-Level)]


    [Progress: 0/500]


    [Utility: The Blood of the Dragon Elephant, Nine Dragon Living Veins]


    [Nine Dragon Living Veins: Meridians as stout and resilient as serpents and dragons, only the finest meridians can nourish the highest quality bones.]


    Nine Dragon Living Veins?


    Chen Sansi circulates his Qi-Blood, and veins bulge all over his body, particularly visible on his arms, neck, and temples, resembling azure dragons coiling around, making him look quite daunting from afar.


    These meridians not only bring formidable strength but also greatly increase the toughness of the bones.


    Unless one is a martial artist, ordinary people wielding kitchen knives would be unable to cut through his bones.


    "Your meridians..."


    Sun Li, somewhat unsure, grasps his solid arms and carefully feels the throbbing of the meridians, "Nine Dragons Bone, Junior Brother is actually a Nine Dragon Body? No wonder, no wonder your martial arts practice advances so swiftly."


    "Nine Dragon Body?"


    Chen Sansi doesn''t dodge.


    He understands that upon becoming a disciple, sooner or later his bones would have to be examined to assess his qualification.


    Especially something like meridians, which absolutely cannot be hidden.


    Luckily, according to present trends, as his realm improves, his status will continually enhance his physique until he genuinely becomes a special Martial Body, without fear of scrutiny.


    He takes the opportunity to learn more, "Please enlighten me, Senior Sister, what is so unique about the Nine Dragon Body?"


    "Many things."


    Sun Li explains, "Similar to Tiger Evil Body, Golden Python Body, and others, can be seen from childhood, while the Nine Dragon Body is displayed step by step with the improvement of one''s realm.


    "For example, ordinary martial artists, after reaching Bone Forging Perfection, have tough ox-hide and bones that can effectively resist fatal injuries.


    "But martial artists with special physiques, upon reaching Bone Forging Perfection, will have Xuan Skin and Abnormal Bone."


    "The so-called Xuan Skin, after being filled with Qi-Blood, becomes as tough as the shell of a mystical turtle; Abnormal Bone means the bones have undergone a transformation and are harder than stone. In actual combat, it''s very difficult for them to be killed in a short period.


    "Upon reaching Bone Forging Perfection, the Nine Dragon Body will also reach the level of Xuan Skin and Abnormal Bone.


    "Each physique has its own special traits.


    "For example, the Nine Dragon Body''s biggest characteristic is its constant growth, gaining an advantage at every realm.


    "When reaching the Blood Refining realm, one can cultivate Nine Dragon Blood, and upon reaching Bone Training, one can cultivate Nine Dragon Living Veins..."


    "Nine Dragon Blood?"


    Chen Sansi picks up on the key term in the conversation.


    "Of course, the Nine Dragon Body cultivates the Nine Dragon Blood," Sun Li states matter-of-factly, "No wonder Junior Brother''s Qi-Blood is so enduring and inexhaustible."


    No, that''s not right...


    Chen Sansi''s Qi-Blood isn''t the Nine Dragon Blood; it''s the Dragon Elephant Blood!


    Could it be that the breakthrough brought about by the panel changes isn''t just one kind of constitution?


    This, however, is no longer something I can ask about.


    "Congratulations, Junior Brother,"


    Sun Li congratulated, "With the breakthrough into the Bone Training Realm, I fear you might bring us more surprises before we return to Liangzhou."


    "Thanks to Senior Sister Sun''s guidance,"


    Chen Sansi expressed his gratitude.


    Reaching the Bone Training Realm would mean promotion to the rank of a hundred households, rightfully managing over a hundred people.


    Moreover, there were ranks within the hundred households.


    Sixth Rank military officer.


    Looking at the rank alone, it was even higher than that of a Seventh Rank Magistrate.


    With the identity of an Imperial Official, nobody would dare to touch him without concrete evidence.


    Chen Sansi immediately went to the barracks to report his breakthrough.


    Xiang Tingchun was very straightforward, promptly writing a petition to the court''s relevant department, promoting him to the rank of a hundred households.


    When he came out, he saw the figure of Magistrate Ji Guangxian again. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This guy was sitting in a carriage outside the barracks, heading towards the direction of the county town.


    The person responsible for driving the carriage was a disciple of the Tianyuan Martial Arts Academy.


    Since Ji Guangxian''s arrival in Poyang, he had been staying in the large residence prepared for him by the Martial Arts Hall.


    It must be assumed that during this period, several martial arts halls had not stopped fanning the flames, encouraging Ji to make a move against him.


    "Start with Medicine Valley!"


    Now that Chen Sansi had achieved Bone Forging and possessed the fifteen stone Big Bow, exploring Medicine Valley was definitely within reach.


    Tonight, he must clear up the situation inside.


    He didn''t expose the situation earlier because he knew that Xiang Tingchun was very likely to cover it up now.


    As for Sun Li...


    They had just met not long ago; mutual trust was insufficient.


    Rashly revealing the news might lead her to suspect him if she failed to find the Immortal Treasure in Medicine Valley.


    Better to take a look first.


    If he really couldn''t handle it alone, then he would come up with another plan.


    There was another problem.


    "Going out during the day, I''m bound to be spotted."


    "If it''s at night, Sun Li is staying at my house."


    "I have to make her think I''ve never left."


    Chen Sansi pondered and quickly came up with a plan.


    That night, in the bedroom.


    "Sister Lan, I need you to go to some trouble for me tonight."


    "What kind of trouble?"


    "You''ll know soon."


    "..."


    ...


    In the guest room.


    Sun Li, holding her long spear, lay on the bed, listening to the noises coming from the main bedroom.


    "..."


    "It''s getting more and more excessive."


    "Even if young, one shouldn''t be so indulgent."


    "After all, I am a woman; it''s not something I can speak about."


    "If I had known, I wouldn''t have stayed here."


    It continued making noise until midnight, finally quieting down.


    Sun Li waited another half hour.


    After confirming that her Junior Brother and his wife were asleep, she quietly got up, scaled the wall, and left the estate.

 Chapter 67 Spiritual Grain

    Chen Sansi, his face covered, carried a long spear and bow on his back as he sped like lightning to the Second Layer Mountain as fast as possible.The night was pitch-black and windy, the bright moon no longer visible.


    He concealed himself in a deep mountain valley, where the only sounds were the rustling of nocturnal animals, with no other disturbances.


    Only from the direction of Medicine Valley shone a faint orange-yellow firelight.


    At the entrance, quite a few Martial Arts Academy Disciples guarded the gate.


    "It would be strange if there were no ghosts inside!"


    Chen Sansi slipped into the dense forest nearby.


    With "Tracking and Hiding" at his side, even in the pitch-dark environment where he couldn''t see his hand in front of his face, he could easily perceive any movement around him and quickly found a rugged path that would allow him to approach Medicine Valley unnoticed.


    He arrived at a large tree above the side of Medicine Valley.


    Chen Sansi quietly observed the layout within Medicine Valley.


    It was indeed a medicinal garden, not a disguise, with numerous medicinal herbs planted both inside and out.


    "I''ll pack and take them later."


    "I should have brought a sack with me!"


    "It''s all silver ah!"


    He looked on with envy.


    Even though he had recently been drained of silver by Xiang Tingchun, the Martial Arts Hall was still rich enough.


    "First the main business."


    Chen Sansi carefully counted.


    There were about seven or eight disciples guarding the various entrances of Medicine Valley.


    Luckily, they were rather scattered, not difficult to deal with.


    He casually reached for and accurately picked out the Thyme Needle Arrow from the many types of arrows at his waist.


    This kind of arrow, true to its name, had a flat head and a narrow, long blade with strong piercing power, and it was not noisy, killing people silently.


    "Staying up late and working overtime at such a late hour is also a hard life, have a good rest."


    "Swoosh¡ª¡ª"


    "Swoosh¡ª¡ª"


    In less than half a minute, all eight Martial Arts Academy Disciples had fallen asleep, without making a sound.


    Chen Sansi was then able to enter Medicine Valley smoothly.


    In the depths of the valley, he found the source of the firelight.


    In these deep mountains and old forests, there was actually a mansion.


    From the details of the exterior, it appeared to have been built not long ago.


    "Ah..."


    Before Chen Sansi had even gotten close, he could already hear a feeble wail coming from inside.


    ...


    Inside the mansion.


    What should have been used as a hall, there was no furniture, just a candelabra flickering dim candlelight.


    In the corner, there was a white-haired pharmacist pushing a medicine mill, occasionally adding some materials to it, producing a rhythmic grating sound.


    Beside him, apart from herbs, lay a bundle of fresh Spiritual Grain.


    Liang Zhan was nearby, sword in hand, training ardently.


    The sword shadows flickered, dazzling to the eyes.


    "Whoosh¡ª¡ª"


    Only after he was drenched in sweat and exhausted did he stop.


    At the same time, a man bound tight was dragged out by the old servant from the next room.


    The bound man was dressed in coarse hemp clothes, seemingly robust, but now extremely weak and pale, with black and purple veins on his neck that resembled crawling earthworms.


    He uncontrollably convulsed, emitting painful moans from his mouth and continuously vomiting black blood.


    "What are they doing?"


    On the roof.


    Having finally infiltrated the place, Chen Sansi lifted the tiles and saw this scene right before his eyes.


    The man seemed to have been poisoned.


    Why would the Martial Arts Hall capture someone and poison them, to test medicine?


    His gaze swept across the room.


    Beside the medicine mill were...


    Spiritual Grain?!


    Chen Sansi''s pupils suddenly dilated.


    Outside the military camp lay vast expanses of farmland; how could he not recognize this thing.


    The year was the twenty-first year of Longqing.


    The old Emperor claimed to have dreamt of an Immortal bestowing treasures upon him.


    Upon waking, he ordered that one-tenth of the nation''s arable land be used to cultivate this herb.


    But this item, called Immortal Herbs, was actually Poison Grass.


    Anyone who consumed it would die instantly, beyond saving.


    The symptoms were similar to those of the man before him, with veins turning black and blood flowing from every orifice.


    Was the Martial Arts Hall capturing live people to feed them Spiritual Grain?


    What was the purpose?


    Chen Sansi held his breath and continued to secretly watch.


    A few minutes went by, and sure enough, the man started to bleed from every orifice and finally breathed his last.


    The old servant of the Liang Family had been waiting for a long time; he took out a dagger and went up to gut the corpse.


    His hands, like dried branches, tore through the flesh and extracted a pitch-black medicine pill, handing it to an old man who had been milling medicine in the corner.


    "The toxicity has been removed; the young master can eat it now,"


    Pharmacist Li, after checking, presented it with both hands.


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    Liang Zhan took the blood-stained, still-warm medicine pill and swallowed it without any hesitation.


    "Hiss!"


    The moment he swallowed the medicine, he gasped in pain and quickly started his Pile Work combined with Breathing Skill, barely managing to suppress the anomaly inside his body.


    "Genius!"


    Feeling the strong effects of the medicine, Liang Zhan couldn''t stop praising, "Pan Quan is truly a genius! How did he think of using live people to filter out the toxins?


    "We only need ten people to remove more than ninety percent of the toxins.


    "The effects of one medicine pill are worth a hundred silver''s worth of medicinal materials!


    "This is still just a crude method.


    "To really bring out the effects of Spiritual Grain, we must use an Immortal Treasure.


    "Unfortunately, Xiang Tingchun is too overbearing, and to this day, we still do not know what the Immortal Treasure is!" sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Yes,"


    The old servant sighed, "Lately, Po Yang has been fraught with trouble, and even the flesh and blood of Supervisor Sun has arrived, seemingly investigating this matter. The various Martial Arts Halls dare not continue capturing people en masse. This one was the last we had; there are no more."


    "I''m still not talented enough,"


    Liang Zhan lamented, "Even with the Spiritual Grain, I''m currently only proficient in the Bone Strengthening Skill, far from small achievement.


    "I really envy that Chen guy; he achieved Great Success in Blood Refining after just two months of Martial Arts training.


    "Speaking of which, Old Sung''s subordinate offended him, and ended up in such a plight...


    "Back then, Qin Feng wanted his life; how could he spare me in the future?"


    The more he thought, the more terrified he felt, "We need to press Magistrate Ji, we must eliminate him before he progresses in Bone Training, or at the very least, drive him out of Po Yang County."


    "Bang¡ª"


    Just as his words ended, a bone-crushing sound exploded by his ear.


    Suddenly, a pitch-black thunderbolt struck, hitting the Bone Training Realm old servant on the head, blowing open his skull with a complete penetration!


    "Uncle Wu?!"


    Before Liang Zhan could react, another black thunderbolt struck down.


    This time, it was coming towards him.


    "Bang!"


    Liang Zhan''s bones could not resist at all and were pierced by the terrifying thunderbolt through his shoulder, nailing him directly to the wall behind him.


    The Pharmacist was not spared either; his thigh was smashed by the black thunderbolt, and he fell to the ground, screaming in agony.


    Everything happened too suddenly, taking only two to three seconds.


    It was only then that Liang Zhan realized what had happened.


    There was no such thing as a black thunderbolt.


    What was embedded in him was clearly an Armor-piercing Arrow!


    What kind of bow and arrow could possess such terrifying power?!


    He was a bone training martial artist!


    "Boom¡ª"


    Another loud noise came from above, and the roof tiles turned into fragments, falling down in large pieces, collapsing a clear, large hole in the roof.


    A figure descended from the sky, holding a bow and arrow, with a long spear on his back.


    "Very well, you really are trying to harm me!"


    Chen Sansi shouted coldly.

 Chapter 68 The Beginning of Everything

    "Is it you?!"Upon recognizing the person, Liang Zhan''s heart trembled.


    Around the Medicine Valley, eight direct disciples stood guard!


    He could not imagine how the person managed to infiltrate without a sound.


    "Somebody come¡ª"


    As Liang Zhan shouted, he raised his long sword in an attempt to strike back.


    "Bang¡ª"


    He had just lifted his arm when another black thunderbolt struck, piercing through his wrist and nailing it to the wall. His long sword clanged to the ground, and he lost any ability to resist.


    "Brother Chen!"


    Liang Zhan squeezed out a smile at the masked figure before him, but it appeared twisted due to the intense pain: "Brother Chen, there is no need for such drastic measures, right?"


    "Less nonsense!"


    Chen Sansi tore off his mask.


    In fact, his weapon was so conspicuous that being masked or not made little difference.


    The only safe method was to tie up loose ends cleanly.


    He shot another arrow at Liang Zhan''s left hand and said, "Next, whatever I ask, you answer!"


    The situation was overly complicated.


    Just by eavesdropping on bits and pieces, he couldn''t ascertain the whole picture.


    It was best to keep a live witness to interrogate first.


    "Ah¡ª"


    Liang Zhan shook physically from the pain and pleaded continuously, "Brother Chen! Ask me anything you want, I''ll tell you everything I know without holding back!"


    "Good!"


    Chen Sansi asked, "Is the Immortal Treasure in Xiang Tingchun''s hands, and is he using it to coerce you into donating military supplies to the Households?"


    "How did you know?"


    Liang Zhan was so severely injured that his forehead was covered in cold sweat: "What you said is correct."


    Chen Sansi asked, "What exactly is the Immortal Treasure?"


    With intermittent difficulty, Liang Zhan said, "I... I don''t know..."


    "Bang¡ª"


    In an instant, another arrow struck, pinning his right leg as well.


    "Ah!!!"


    Liang Zhan nearly passed out from the pain, "Brother Chen, spare my life, I''m not lying, we have been searching all along, and we only know that this thing can definitely extract the essence of Spiritual Grain..."


    "Start from the beginning!"


    Chen Sansi issued his final ultimatum.


    "It was the barbarian Tuoba Tribe!"


    With gritted teeth, Liang Zhan continued through his pain, "Two months ago..."


    As the other party detailed his account.


    Chen Sansi finally began to roughly understand the ins and outs of the matter.


    Two months ago!


    At that time, he had just crossed over and was still worried about Qin Xiong''s affairs.


    Meanwhile, on the distant grasslands, a royal succession struggle took place in the barbarian Tuoba Tribe.


    The third prince of the Tuoba Tribe failed in his coup and, after faking his death, fled to the border of the Great Sheng Dynasty.


    Before he left, he stole the Tuoba Tribe''s treasure, naturally the Immortal Treasure, hoping to offer it to the Emperor Dasheng to convince the Great Sheng Dynasty to send troops to help him reclaim the throne.


    After arriving at Po Yang.


    Fearing pursuit, the Tuoba prince sought out the local magistrate, hoping he could notify the Prefecture City to find a martial expert from the city to escort him straight to the Capital City.


    Old Zhang, who was the Magistrate at the time, had spent half his life in the bureaucratic world.


    He knew all too well one thing.


    If the higher-ups in the Prefecture City got involved, where would there be a share of credit for him?


    Therefore, he sought help from the Four Great Martial Arts Schools, planning to monopolize this meritorious deed.


    But a bloodied mess ensued.


    Yunhe Master, after overhearing the conversation between the magistrate and the prince, got greedy.


    Since no one knew about the prince being in Po Yang, couldn''t they just kill him and seize the treasure?


    In the future, with the help of the Immortal Treasure, they could grow stronger and step out of Po Yang to become a first-class sect in the Jianghu.


    So, under the grand vision, the Four Great Martial Arts Schools joined forces to act, first poisoning, then launching a surprise attack, intending to kill the Magistrate and Emperor Tuoba together.


    However, the Prince was not one to be trifled with and, under such circumstances, he forcefully took the key and escaped.


    The Four Great Martial Arts Schools were only left with a box they could not open.


    And not long after, the Prince stealthily returned, killed Yunhe Master, and reclaimed the Jade Box.


    The matter blew up.


    Seeing that they could no longer keep it a secret, the Four Great Martial Arts Schools sought help from Xiang Tingchun, hoping he would take action and promising that once they obtained the Immortal Treasure, they would share it together.


    As for what happened next,


    Chen Sansi became involved.


    During the pursuit of Emperor Tuoba, the Witch God Sect intervened rashly.


    This led to the Prince being seriously wounded and escaping, only to die outside the city. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As a result, the treasure was picked up by him.


    What a thrilling treasure hunt.


    "Spiritual Grain!"


    Chen Sansi pressed for answers relentlessly, "What is Spiritual Grain used for?"


    "Cough cough cough..."


    Liang Zhan, his mouth filled with blood, insisted, "The Prince didn''t reveal much.


    "We only know that with the Immortal Treasure, one can refine treasure medicine that aids in cultivation.


    "Among them, Spiritual Grain is one of the most important raw materials.


    "Exactly how it is used, we are not clear.


    "That''s why...


    "We captured people for experimentation.


    "Pan Quan developed a special kind of Medicine Pills, grinding Spiritual Grain into powder and adding it to them. Once ingested, a person begins to absorb the Spiritual Grain.


    "Roughly ten people are needed to completely purge the toxin from the Spiritual Grain.


    "Unfortunately, this process also wastes most of the essence of the Spiritual Grain, resulting in Medicine Pills that are only moderately effective, offering significant help only to bone training martial artists."


    Chen Sansi glanced at the local man dying in agony and understood what was happening.


    His face showed no expression, "You''re using living people as filters?"


    "They''re just lowly peasants, what does it matter?"


    Liang Zhan spoke naturally, "Even a locally concocted medicine can have such good effects. If we get the Immortal Treasure and give it some time, not to mention Refining Internal, even reaching Hua Jin is not far-fetched!


    "Otherwise, why would we willingly be stepping stones for Xiang Tingchun''s promotion? It''s all for the Immortal Treasure!"


    "Brother Chen, let''s cooperate!


    "As long as you don''t kill me, we''ll pretend today''s events never happened.


    "Not just that, my Liang Family will provide you with all the resources you need. With your qualifications, Refining Internal is only a matter of time.


    "Once you achieve Refining Internal, we can join forces to kill Xiang Tingchun, seize the Immortal Treasure, and ascend to the pinnacle of Martial Arts!"


    "You still want to kill Commander Households Xiang?"


    Chen Sansi deliberately frightened him, "Guess who sent me here?"


    Liang Zhan became somewhat confused, quickly correcting himself, "No, no, Brother Chen, you misunderstand, you cannot kill me!


    "As long as you don''t kill me, I can give you anything, money, medicinal materials..."


    His gaze shifted outside, "The Medicine Garden! Do you see this garden of medicinal herbs? Spare my life, and everything here is yours!"


    "Fool! If you''re dead, everything will still be mine!"


    Chen Sansi stated.


    This rendered Liang Zhan completely silent; he could not utter a word for a long while.


    Chen Sansi pointed to the body on the ground used for testing the medicine, "Just now, you said he was what?"


    "A, a lowly peasant from the countryside..."


    Liang Zhan answered as a matter of course.


    His voice grew lower, making one last effort to survive, "Brother Chen, are we really unable to cooperate? Xiang Tingchun won''t treat you as one of his own. For him, as long as he can climb the ranks, he will discard anyone! Isn''t it good to continue capturing people for alchemy to improve our cultivation?"


    "Brother Liang, have you forgotten something?"


    Chen Sansi looked at his panicked eyes and said solemnly, "I too come from the countryside."


    "Whoosh¡ª" Enjoy exclusive chapters from empire


    An arrow from a Qimei crossbow directly pierced through Liang Zhan''s forehead, ending his life.


    Chen Sansi turned his gaze to the corner, where the Pharmacist lay bleeding on the ground, barely alive:


    "Do you have a sack here?"

 Chapter 69 Murder and Arson

    "Boom¡ª"In the dark night, a blaze shot up into the sky.


    Chen Sansi swiftly left, carrying a sack.


    This time, he had truly struck it rich!


    Before leaving, he had not only packed up everything he could carry but also obtained several medical books from the pharmacist, and then he murdered to silence them.


    All in all, he did not even know how much it was all worth!


    Moreover, since there were too many bodies to dispose of conveniently,


    Chen Sansi, worried that someone might recognize the arrow wound, simply gathered them in the courtyard and burned them all together.


    With this commotion,


    The Martial Arts Hall surely wouldn''t dare to capture live people for testing medicines anymore, which could be considered a good deed.


    Chen Sansi recalled the recent events in his mind.


    Spiritual Grain could actually enhance cultivation?


    Could it be the Old Emperor had really met an Immortal?


    Was he truly cultivating towards immortality?


    How to use the Immortal Treasure¡ªuse a special flame and then simmer the Spiritual Grain?


    Chen Sansi speculated about various things.


    Either way, lamp oil plus Spiritual Grain equaled a treasure medicine that enhanced cultivation.


    Following this lead was definitely right.


    With that, the matter came to a close.


    With Xiang Tingchun willingly taking the blame, no one would suspect him.


    Next, he had plenty of time to study it slowly.


    Chen Sansi, with three or four sacks on his back, hurriedly left Tiger Head Mountain.


    Taking all these things back was not practical; he first hid them in an old house in Yanbian Village, then he took a detour back to the military settlement of the Households.


    "Senior Sister Sun is not here?"


    Chen Sansi keenly sensed something was amiss.


    The guest room was empty!


    He hurried to his own bedroom, and only after picking up a strand of hair from both the door gap and the window, did he finally breathe a sigh of relief.


    Before setting out,


    He had the foresight to pluck a few hairs from Sister Lan as a marker.


    It seemed he was overthinking.


    Sun Li had no intentions of monitoring him.


    But where was she going in the middle of the night?


    The chances were good that she''d discovered a clue about Medicine Valley.


    "Good thing I made my move first."


    ...


    "Sister, it looks like someone has already been here!"


    Sun Buqi stood on the wall, looking at the raging fire in the courtyard and made a calm analysis.


    "Is that even necessary to say?"


    Sun Li looked at the pit dug by the perpetrator to burn the bodies:"This guy was even worried about causing a wildfire..."


    "What a good person indeed!"


    Sun Buqi exclaimed feelingly.


    Recently, Sun Li and Sun Buqi, one openly and one secretly,


    had barely noticed that disciples from the Martial Arts Academy frequently left the city to go up the mountain, so they thought to come and check tonight.


    Upon discovering a fire nearby, they arrived only to witness this scene.


    "Fire, put out the fire!"


    ...


    The other nightwatchmen from nearby medicine gardens noticed the abnormality, shouting as they led men rushing over.


    "Let''s go back,"


    Sun Li sighed deeply: "We''ll check the other medicine gardens another day."


    ...


    The next day,


    As soon as Chen Sansi arrived at the military camp, he heard many people discussing the incident.


    "Did you hear?"


    "Last night, fire broke out on Second Layer Mountain."


    "This morning, during the city patrol, I personally saw several charred bodies carried back from the mountain!"


    "It seems like young masters from the Tianyuan Martial Arts Academy were all burned to death!"


    "Why would there suddenly be a wildfire?"


    "Clearly, someone did it on purpose."


    "Who would dare to do such a thing?"


    ...


    After eavesdropping for a while, Chen Sansi headed to the Martial Arts Arena, gathering his subordinates for routine exercises.


    Several among them, as before, were lazily skimping during the Pile Work practice.


    "Are you Zhao Jin from Li Zhuang?"


    Chen Sansi approached and spoke in an even tone.


    "Yes! Does the flag leader know me?" the man asked, surprised.


    "Recognized."


    Chen Sansi asked, "How goes the training?"


    "It''s okay, just too exhausting."


    The man said with a joking smile, "It''s much more tiring than farming."


    "Then you should go back to farming."


    Chen Sansi suddenly said, "Xu Wencai, take him to collect the rations from these past few days."


    "Sir?!"


    The sudden expulsion baffled not just the man, but everyone present.


    "That''s good, I have something to say to you."


    Chen Sansi knew, he could no longer indulge them.


    He gathered his energy and spoke loudly, "I know you came to join the army because you, like me, were both raised outside the city in the countryside, and you think I would look after you.


    "Yes, I will indeed look after you!


    "Here, I can''t guarantee other things.


    "I, Chen Sansi, will definitely not embezzle a single grain of your food or a copper coin, and those with talent, I will also try my best to pass on martial arts!


    "But!


    "I hope you understand that this is the military, not an acting troupe, and soon, some of you will die! I mean, really die!


    "If you don''t train properly now, when you go to battle later, you will not only kill yourselves, but also get other brothers killed!


    "So, I''m giving you the ugly truth upfront."


    "From today, whoever dares to be lazy and perfunctory, will just go home and farm like Zhao Jin.


    "I do not allow such a scourge to exist under my command!


    "Do you understand?"


    When he had finished speaking, the martial arts arena was utterly silent.


    Those who had slacked off earlier all showed embarrassed expressions.


    "Understood!"


    It took a long while, but they finally responded in unison.


    Despite actually holding some admiration for the young man before them, they were still not accustomed to martial arts training.


    Joining the army was something their fellow villagers had discussed and decided together.


    If anyone were to be driven away, it would be a great embarrassment.


    Chen Sansi sighed inwardly.


    He knew he had to set an example.


    Otherwise, there would always be people who took advantage of his approachability, and brazenly broke the rules.


    Like Zhao Jin, who from the very first day of enlistment didn''t train properly and often encouraged others to sneak out of camp to rest at home.


    What use was there in keeping such a person?


    "Continue!"


    At Chen Sansi''s command.


    The soldiers hurriedly resumed their pile work, each gritting their teeth and persevering, none daring to slack off again.


    Just then, the young master who had visited the day before came this way.


    Right on time. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ...


    Tianyuan Martial Arts Academy.


    In the courtyard full of greenery, many burnt corpses were laid out, all black and hardened, resembling matchsticks and barely recognizable as human.


    "Which... which one is Zhan''er!"


    Master Liang Shengzhi''s eyes were bloodshot, his emotions on the verge of collapse, "Who! Who had the audacity!"


    He had four children, but only one son!


    And now met with a death leaving not even an intact body.


    The other two headmasters were also present.


    "It seems our affairs have been exposed."


    Pan Quan was frantic, "But what''s strange is, why has no one come for us?"


    Whoever came across the event on the mountain should not be this calm.


    Lately, many had been investigating.


    "My son!!!"


    Liang Shengzhi, overwhelmed with grief, looked closely at the corpses, trying to figure out which one was his son, not in the mood to listen to him.


    Pan Quan turned to the side, "Uncle Zhao, who do you think is behind this?"


    "If I remember correctly, Brother Liang''s son and that old servant were both in the Bone Training Realm, right?"


    Master Zhao, who had been silent all along, finally spoke slowly, "Plus, seven or eight True Disciples guarded the Medicine Garden, yet none survived to escape back here.


    "It indicates the attacker was of an exceptional realm, treating Bone Training martial artists as if slaughtering chickens and dogs.


    "Looking over Po Yang County, who do you think could accomplish this?"


    "Xiang Tingchun!"


    Pan Quan suddenly realized, "He must have noticed something, penetrated Medicine Valley to spy on the secrets, planning to monopolize the secret of the Immortal Treasure!"


    "That''s right. Exactly."


    Master Zhao affirmed, "Otherwise, if our affairs were exposed, why would there be no questions directed at us? If it was Xiang Tingchun, it makes sense. With the Immortal Treasure in his hands, why would he want the issue revealed?"


    "That Xiang is truly malicious!"


    Pan Quan cursed angrily, "Not content with destroying the Song Family, now relying on his Refining Internal Realm, and having our weaknesses, preparing to slowly devour us, and completely consume our houses!"


    "Xiang Tingchun!"


    Liang Shengzhi roared, "You and I shall never coexist! Even as a ghost, I will ensure we perish together!!!"

 Chapter 70 Lamp Oil and Spiritual Grain

    "Keep your body straight,""Yes, just like that."


    On the archery range,


    Chen Sansi carefully instructed Sun Buqi.


    This young master was not only generous but also paid in advance.


    Two hundred Silver Taels in a note, it was his first time seeing such.


    "Shoo¡ª"


    Sun Buqi aimed and shot an arrow at a target a hundred steps away.


    He probably scored around the fourth ring.


    Unsatisfied, he shot another arrow, scoring in the second ring...


    "..."


    Chen Sansi had taught everything he could.


    Yet the young master hadn''t improved at all after two hours. S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His posture was correct, but he couldn''t hit the target precisely.


    "Master!"


    Sun Buqi insisted on calling him this, unstoppable: "How exactly do you do it?"


    Archery and martial arts aren''t closely related.


    The level of martial arts realm could at most determine how heavy a bowstring one could pull.


    But the heavier the bow, the harder it is to control.


    Hundred-step Piercing, how easy could it be?


    Yet the extraordinary man before him, did more than just Hundred-step Piercing? Most terrifying was his accuracy, never once missing the mark.


    "How do you do it?"


    Chen Sansi thought for a moment and concluded, "Mostly it''s through effort, ''Heaven rewards the diligent'' I guess!"


    "What a ''Heaven rewards the diligent''!"


    Sun Buqi grasped the true essence of it and was full of confidence about the future.


    Compared to martial arts, he was more obsessed with archery.


    Even at a high martial arts realm, one still has to fight closely for life.


    But with archery, one could take a life from a hundred steps away.


    He practiced martial arts only to be able to pull the bowstring of a heavy bow.


    Sun Buqi was full of motivation, continually pulling the bow and shooting arrows.


    "What is your honored surname?"


    Chen Sansi asked.


    The other was eager to learn, only now giving him the chance to inquire.


    Sun Buqi focused on his archery training, without turning his head back: "Sun Buqi."


    "Sun?"


    Chen Sansi hadn''t heard of a wealthy young master surnamed Sun in Po Yang County.


    He couldn''t help but think of the red-clothed woman: "Do you know Sun Li?"


    "I do,"


    Sun Buqi naturally replied: "She''s my older sister."


    Before Chen Sansi could react, a familiar voice rang out.


    "Sun Buqi."


    Sun Li appeared in her red attire, her voice filled with anger.


    "Sister, I''m in the middle of something serious here!"


    Sun Buqi quickly dodged, "This is, this is my archery master who can pierce Yang from one hundred and fifty steps, an extraordinary man!"


    "?"


    Sun Li paused, "What did you call him?"


    "Master,"


    Sun Buqi spread his hands, "Is there a problem?"


    "Little junior brother..."


    Sun Li gently held her forehead, "What''s going on here?"


    "Do not blame my junior sister, I didn''t know he was a senior brother,"


    Chen Sansi was somewhat embarrassed, "But calling him master was just for fun, not to be taken seriously."


    "Are you Chen Sansi?!"


    Sun Buqi first shocked, then excitedly said: "Extraordinary! Not only a Nine Dragon Body but also a masterful archer! From now on I''ll call you master, you call me senior brother, and we each discuss our own!"


    "My brother has some issues with his brain,"


    Sun Li was about to burst out but then let it go: "Father named him Buqi, which originally meant ''Gentlemen are versatile.'' However, it turned out to be something incompetent..."


    "Senior sister, you speak too harshly,"


    Chen Sansi said: "Brother Buqi and I are of similar age, yet his realm is higher than mine, there must be something exceptional about him."


    "Can two months of martial arts practice compare to three years?"


    Sun Li took Sun Buqi away, "Junior brother, we still have matters to attend to, we must take our leave now."


    "Are they still investigating?"


    Chen Sansi really hadn''t expected even the young master of the Sun Family to come.


    He had particularly inquired recently.


    Sun Dushi originally had five children, but the first three all died in battle.


    Among them, the third child, who had the best talent for martial arts, died in the battle at Xuanwu Camp.


    Now, only a son and a daughter remain.


    They are Sun Buqi and Sun Li.


    It''s truly heartbreaking that the Supervisor sent his only remaining children here.


    After all, they were just undergoing bone training, and accidents could still happen.


    "Boom¡ª"


    The sky erupted with a clap of thunder and it started pouring heavily.


    Chen Sansi braved the rain to go to the pharmacy and carried away two clay jars.


    Inside were the medicine baths he had pre-ordered.


    Just these two jars for one bath cost fifty silver taels.


    If it weren''t for Sun Buqi being generous, he really wouldn''t have been able to afford it.


    He poured the medicinal soup from the clay jars into the wooden tub, then added cold water to mix the black medicine bath.


    Chen Sansi stripped off his clothes and jumped in.


    "Hiss¡ª"


    Although the medicinal soup and water were cold, the moment they touched his skin, it felt as hot as boiling water and as irritating as chili water, painfully stinging every inch of his skin.


    The potent medicinal strength penetrated his pores and entered his flesh, tempering his bones.


    "Ah!"


    Following the doctor''s instructions, Chen Sansi sat cross-legged in the wooden tub, using the Haoran Breathing Skill.


    Even so, he couldn''t last more than five minutes before jumping out.


    His skin was red, and his whole body swelled up. He grabbed the reed leaf spear and rushed to the yard to practice his spear technique, using the Qi-blood to absorb the medicinal strength. Only then did the painful sensation start to subside.


    It wasn''t until it completely vanished that he jumped back into the wooden tub.


    He repeated this process over and over until the effects of the medicine bath were exhausted.


    The pain was real.


    But the help it provided for his cultivation was immense.


    He took a medicine bath every three days.


    The silver in Chen Sansi''s house was quickly spent almost entirely.


    Luckily, there was significant progress in his cultivation.


    [Cultivation Technique: Undying Golden Snake Spear: Entry-level]


    [Progress: 58/500]


    [Utility: Blood of the Dragon Elephant, Nine Dragon Living Veins]


    "The pace is slowing down!"


    Even though Chen Sansi was aware that this speed of improvement was far beyond that of ordinary people, he was still somewhat dissatisfied.


    After all, war was imminent, and no one would complain about having too high a cultivation level.


    "It''s almost time!"


    As time went on, the Medicine Valley incident gradually settled.


    Observing for several days, Chen Sansi confirmed that nobody had noticed him.


    Just as he was running out of silver at home, it was the right time to figure out how to use the Immortal Treasure and make use of the other spoils of war as well.


    After lunch,


    Chen Sansi quietly slipped into Yanbian Village, swinging around the small woodland and jumping over the wall into the yard, taking out the hidden items.


    Herb materials, Spiritual Grain, medicine mill, medicine jars, Medical Books¡­


    Basically,


    everything he could carry with him at the time, Chen Sansi stuffed into a burlap sack.


    "Immortal Treasure¡­"


    "Spiritual Grain."


    According to his reasoning, the flame from the Immortal Treasure could likely eliminate the toxins of the Spiritual Grain and preserve its essence.


    But would a medicine jar or iron pot withstand the high temperatures of the flame produced by the Immortal Treasure?


    Chen Sansi placed the Spiritual Grain in the pot, adding water.


    He then stuffed the stove''s base with firewood and smeared a small amount of "lamp oil" on the firewood.


    He used a fire stick to light it.


    "Boom¡ª"


    Red flames rose, and the temperature in the room soared as if it had instantly switched from late autumn to severe summer.


    The cold water in the iron pot immediately boiled.


    "Crackle¡ª"


    However, the iron pot was quickly burnt through, and the liquid evaporated completely.


    The room was suddenly filled with steam until the firewood was quickly consumed and the flames died down.


    Just as Chen Sansi had guessed,


    an ordinary iron pot simply couldn''t withstand the temperature of the Abnormal Fire generated by the lamp oil.


    There was no need to even try with a medicine pot; it wouldn''t last long either.


    "What if I directly burn the Spiritual Grain?"


    "Scorching with Abnormal Fire is a form of tempering after all!"


    Thinking this, he immediately put his thoughts into action, preparing to test its feasibility.

 Chapter 71 Ashes

    Chen Sansi thought.Since the residual material extracted from a person''s stomach after feeding them medicine pills had extraordinary medicinal effects,


    then wouldn''t burning Spiritual Grain into plant ash at high temperatures be somewhat useful as well?


    Thinking this,


    he picked up a small handful of Spiritual Grain and stacked it together with some pine needles for kindling, then smeared a very small amount of lamp oil on top.


    Not daring to get too close,


    Chen Sansi held a lit stick far away and carefully approached the lamp oil.


    "Boom¡ª¡ª"


    The red flames erupted loudly.


    In an instant, the Spiritual Grain and the pine needles were burned to ash.


    Chen Sansi waited until the flames died down and carefully collected the grass ashes.


    "I need to conduct a live experiment."


    He cleaned up the house and then quietly climbed over the wall and headed straight for Second Layer Mountain.


    It took a great deal of effort not to harm the game before catching a rabbit.


    "Come, eat!"


    Chen Sansi pried open the rabbit''s mouth and poured a little bit of grass ash into it.


    The next second,


    the rabbit started thrashing wildly as if injected with chicken blood, and its strength increased significantly.


    But it didn''t last long before the rabbit, like a deflated ball, breathed its last.


    Chen Sansi carefully examined the body and saw no signs of darkening in the veins on the surface.


    But the skin beneath the fur was burning hot and red, as if blood was about to gush out from the inside, appearing as though an overly potent medicine had harmed the internal organs leading to bleeding.


    "Was it too weak to withstand the medicinal effect?"


    "I need to try it on something bigger!"


    He searched in the forest.


    It didn''t take long to find a jungle inhabited by cheetahs.


    The cheetah charged straight at him but was thwacked on the head by the long spear''s shaft, leaving it dazed and seeing stars.


    With the strength from his Bone Strengthening Skill, Chen Sansi could easily subdue the fierce beast.


    He pried open the cheetah''s mouth with the spear tip and poured in the grass ash: "Eat!"


    "Roar!!!!"


    The same reaction as the rabbit.


    After consuming the Spiritual Grain, the cheetah became extremely agitated; after about five minutes, its symptoms subsided. Although it did not die immediately, it lay on the ground bleeding profusely, obviously not going to live much longer. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "It indeed lasted longer than the rabbit."


    "But internal bleeding occurred as well."


    "If combined with cultivation practice, could the potency of the medicine be controlled?"


    "It seems animals won''t do; I need to experiment with a live person."


    Chen Sansi''s eyes flashed fiercely.


    "You can capture villagers for experiments, so why can''t I capture you?!"


    From eavesdropping on Liang Zhan''s conversation, not one of the Four Great Martial Arts Schools was innocent.


    From the reactions of the leopard and the rabbit, there wouldn''t be uncontrollable drastic changes happening in an instant; capturing a disciple with lower skills to test wouldn''t be a problem.


    Moreover, Second Layer Mountain had many medicine gardens.


    Even if they dared not capture more live humans, they would definitely still have disciples guarding the medicine gardens.


    Chen Sansi moved through the forest like a ghost.


    After staking out for two hours, he successfully captured a disciple from Zhao''s Martial Arts Academy skilled in Blood Refining Technique and brought him to a secluded cave.


    No severe torture was needed; the Martial Arts Academy Disciple confessed everything.


    "Eat!"


    He forced the disciple to consume a small amount of grass ash and then practice his sect''s cultivation technique.


    Chen Sansi observed from a distance with a bow in hand.


    As expected.


    Not only did the Martial Arts Academy Disciple not die, but he also performed a set of boxing techniques vigorously, clearly showing the utility of the medicine.


    "It seems my guess was correct!"


    With his goal achieved, Chen Sansi ended the experiment by shooting the disciple dead with an arrow.


    "If he could eat it and be fine, I definitely will be too."


    Adhering to a cautious principle, he picked up a very small amount of grass ash with his fingertip and sprinkled it into his mouth.


    The moment it entered his mouth, an indescribable sensation began spreading from the oral cavity, then swept through his entire body.


    This feeling was different from anything he had experienced with beast hearts or medicine.


    After ingesting it, it did not get digested and absorbed by organs but turned automatically into a strange form of "energy" that integrated into his body, flowing not only in his blood but also being stored in another "system."


    This was...


    Meridians?


    Meridians and tendons are two different concepts.


    Tendons are organs, visible human organs that can be seen when flesh and blood are cut open.


    But meridians are a mystical existence.


    Neither blood vessels nor tendons, but another "system" within the human body.


    Chen Sansi didn''t know much about this.


    He only knew that traditional Chinese medicine studied it.


    Before refining organs, people practicing martial arts don''t need to concern themselves with this concept.


    What''s happening?


    After consuming the Spiritual Grain, it turned out to have a direct effect on the meridians.


    If one wasn''t a martial artist, their body simply couldn''t withstand it, no wonder small animals would die explosively.


    Even for martial artists, the capacity to endure was limited, they needed to expend it in time.


    Chen Sansi hurriedly began practicing his spear technique inside the cave.


    He then discovered that the Spiritual Grain was surprisingly helpful for cultivation.


    Practically every repetition of spear technique practice substantially increased his proficiency by much more than what a medicine bath could provide.


    [Cultivation Technique: Undying Golden Snake Spear - Upper (Entry Level)]


    [Progress: 88/500]


    [Utility: Dragon Elephant Blood, Nine Dragon Living Veins]


    An afternoon''s improvement was equivalent to several days in the past!


    Moreover, the Spiritual Grain also had healing effects.


    That substance, like a gas, would repair injuries while circulating inside the body.


    No wonder the old master of Tai Lei Martial Arts Academy hadn''t died.


    However, it still contained toxins.


    The gas mixed and tangled within the meridians, remaining there unless the energy was expended simultaneously flushing out the toxins.


    Yet, the toxin in the meridians metabolized very slowly.


    Unlike ordinary supplemental medicine, where vigorous cultivation could quickly expend it.


    Chen Sansi didn''t know whether it was because his realm was still low or because his cultivation technique did not involve the meridians.


    Regardless, only practicing movements in the air made the absorption efficiency of the Spiritual Grain extremely low.


    If he consumed too much, leading to the "energy" lingering too long in the body, the meridian toxin would undeniably cause irreversible damage to his body.


    "Perhaps it would be more effective if I had a sparring partner."


    "Real combat would definitely be better."


    Chen Sansi recalled battling Old Song, blood surging with all his might!


    If he could maintain that state, surely it would increase the speed of absorbing the Spiritual Grain.


    "Unfortunately, there aren''t that many opportunities for real combat."


    "Let''s take it slow."


    "The current effects are already astonishing!"


    After mastering the use of Spiritual Grain, Chen Sansi was full of confidence.


    According to the original speed, by March in spring, the fastest he could achieve was mastery of Bone Strengthening Skill, but now, he had a high chance of refining internal organs!


    That is just four more months.


    Even he felt it was a bit exaggerated.


    Two months for Bone Training, four months for Refining Internal; in total, just six months.


    The height that took Xiang Tingchun half a lifetime to reach, he only needed six months, and what''s more, he was practicing a superior Breathing Skill.


    Immortal Treasure indeed was a treasure!


    "But in reality, I''m also a maverick."


    Chen Sansi guessed that a complete Immortal Treasure would likely be a set of alchemy equipment.


    It included formulas, a container capable of withstanding temperatures, and most importantly, the lamp oil that could produce a red flame!


    Then connecting to the Emperor''s quest for immortality...


    Once everything is assembled, wouldn''t it be possible to concoct the legendary Immortal Pills?!


    No wonder even the Old Emperor had sent people over.


    He must have heard some rumors!


    Chen Sansi suddenly realized the significance of the matter.


    If people found out, no amount of lives would suffice to atone.


    But wait.


    What did it have to do with him?


    The Immortal Treasure was in Xiang Tingchun''s hands!


    This guy had even declared it outright, afraid that the Four Great Martial Arts Schools wouldn''t believe him.


    Alright then.


    It seems, as long as he was careful, they couldn''t trace it back to him.


    Chen Sansi disposed of the Martial Arts Academy Disciple''s body and headed home down the mountain.


    During this period, he hadn''t stopped running up and down the mountain, continuously practicing his skills.


    [Skill: Concealment (Small Achievement)]


    [Progress: 405/1000]


    After dinner at night.


    Chen Sansi began perusing the Medical Books he had acquired from Medicine Valley.


    There were several volumes of Medical Books.


    From basic theories, to treating various diseases, to different medicine formulas, including those needed for martial arts practice, all were recorded.


    Just reading the books would only improve his reading proficiency.


    [Skill: Reading (Small Achievement)]


    [Progress: (395/800)]


    "It seems I need to learn a new skill."


    Although the effects of Spiritual Grain were good, the metabolism of the meridian toxins was slow, and the usage of various supplements and medicine baths couldn''t be stopped.


    Fortunately, there was a Medical Officer in the military, merely requiring some time to learn.


    Speaking of time.


    The assessment period for new recruits ends tomorrow.


    I wonder how many among the hundred will prove truly useful.

 Chapter 72 Refining Organ Martial Artist

    Military roll call.At the Martial Arts Arena.


    Chen Sansi began to assess the progress.


    "Those who have cultivated Qi-Blood, step forward!"


    Silence.


    "..."


    Chen Sansi changed his approach, "Those who have mastered spear technique and Pile Work, step forward!"


    This time.


    Eighteen people stepped out of the ranks.


    Actually more than what Chen Sansi had anticipated.


    The rest were naturally Array Soldiers.


    Since most of them were very young, there was no one who hadn''t learned Pile Work.


    Among these people, the one with the best talent turned out to be Wu Da.


    Chen Sansi predicted he would be the first to cultivate Qi-Blood.


    Zhuang Yi came next.


    As for Zhao Qiao, he was average, but his archery was good. His honesty and loyalty gave him an edge, and he could be put to other uses in the future.


    Besides them.


    Zhu Tong and Wang Li, thanks to the ample supply of medicinal materials in the garrison, had also crossed the threshold into proficiently practicing the Blood Refining Technique.


    Logically, they would need to achieve a small accomplishment before they could be promoted to small flag.


    But Chen Sansi was seriously short on manpower, so he chose some who theoretically would reach that state the soonest and temporarily assigned them the responsibilities of a small flag, though without the actual position.


    "Sir, what about me?"


    Seeing others being appointed "official" positions, Xu Wencai couldn''t sit still and shamelessly edged closer.


    "Old Xu."


    Chen Sansi looked at him, "I don''t seem to have any positions to give you for now."


    "I don''t want a position."


    Xu Wencai said with a smile, "Just find me something to do. I can help Sir with training the military formations, supervising their proper cultivation, and meanwhile, I can plan how to minimize losses next year."


    "Agreed."


    Chen Sansi didn''t stop him.


    [Skill: Commanding Soldiers (entry-level)]


    [Progress: 85/500]


    [Utility: Mainstay]


    Through experimentation, he found that when he let Zhu Tong and others help teach martial arts, his proficiency would also rise, possibly because they were under his command.


    But the increase wasn''t as much as when he taught personally.


    Still, it was akin to gaining experience passively; why not do it?


    "You''ll see, Sir!"


    Xu Wencai said, "I will surely train their basic combat formations to first-rate standards!"


    The new recruits'' assessment period ended.


    Next, Chen Sansi should also have a task, whether it''s defense or farming.


    If it''s farming, a lot of miscellaneous tasks would need to be done.


    Patrolling the city and the like would be best, to have more time for training.


    "Hummm¡ª"


    The bugle sounded.


    Lately, Xiang Tingchun had been giving speeches frequently, and everyone had grown accustomed to it.


    Almost a thousand soldiers quickly gathered in the Martial Arts Arena.


    Ji Guangxian, with his personal guard, also stepped onto the high platform and started speaking in a loud voice:


    "My warriors, you have worked hard.


    "As a civil servant, I have no right to meddle in military affairs, so you don''t need to be nervous. I am only here to express my care for you all, and also, to bring a generous gift. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Bring it up!"


    Dozens of jars of liquor were carried onto the high platform.


    "Do you know what this is?"


    Ji Guangxian introduced, "This is a medicinal wine brewed from the blood of the Exotic Beast, the Toothed Tiger.


    "This is specifically for bone training martial artists. Whether taken internally or applied externally, it can be said to improve cultivation by leaps and bounds.


    "Let alone An Ding Prefecture, even the entire Yunzhou does not have this kind of Exotic Beast to hunt, hence it is extremely precious and indeed priceless.


    "These were sent over from the Capital by Mr. Gao of the Military Department, all the way over thousands of miles.


    "Mr. Gao said that the court is short on troops and cannot send more reinforcements, but they will never let the soldiers go unrewarded for their service. That is why he sent these medicinal wines over thousands of miles.


    "In the future, all warriors will be able to exchange for it with military merits!"


    Chen Sansi had never heard of this medicinal wine.


    However, he saw that the other householders were very excited.


    It indeed seemed to be of extraordinary value.


    No wonder it''s not for sale.


    This military merit isn''t something that can be obtained in a short while.


    Luckily, Chen Sansi had Spiritual Grain to consume, so he was not in a hurry.


    Come to think of it.


    This Magistrate Ji Guangxian must be rolling in wealth!


    Ever since the raid on Medicine Valley a few days ago, Chen Sansi suddenly felt that hunting was a bit unexciting.


    How much silver could one earn after all the effort of drilling through deep forests and mountains?


    How could that compare to the wealth of those lords?


    However, the guards that Ji Guangxian brought were not few, and it was unknown what their highest level was.


    After all, he was a magistrate; it was very possible that a Refining Organ Martial Artist was among his entourage.


    "Old Chen!"


    Householder Xiong came over, "Households Commander Xiang is calling for you."


    He was already being addressed as Old Chen, regardless of the fact that he was much younger than them.


    He arrived at the Central Army Tent.


    Apart from Xiang Tingchun and Luo Dongquan, there were two unfamiliar civil servants present.


    "Shanshi, you have completed the process for your promotion to Householder."


    Xiang Tingchun spoke, "These two are officials from the Military Selection Department."


    "I have seen the two officials."


    Chen Sansi cooperated with the officials for identity verification.


    Apart from the appointment letter, there was also a brand new set of official robes and armor.


    A Householder is a Sixth Rank military officer, wearing a blue official robe embellished with images of leopards.


    Chen Sansi couldn''t help but reflect, "I guess I''ve become a so-called ''dressed beast'' now."


    But in the military, opportunities to wear official robes were few, as armor was the more common attire.


    The armor was still cloth armor, but much more exquisite, including a new iron helmet, and crucial parts reinforced with thick iron plates, considerably increasing its defensive power.


    It wasn''t just Chen Sansi who had been promoted.


    Luo Dongquan had also been promoted to Deputy Thousand Households, a position from the Secondary Fifth Rank.


    From the conversation of the officials from the Ministry of Personnel, it could be determined that this person had achieved Refining Internal Organs.


    That is to say, there were now two Refining Organ Martial Artists in the garrison.


    "Shanshi, have the men under your command completed their assessment period yet?"


    Xiang Tingchun said, "In two days, you''ll replace Zhao Kang, taking over the responsibility of lookout duty at the Great Wall with your troops."


    The duties of the soldiers stationed at the garrison involved farming and guard duty.


    Guard duty further included patrolling the city and border defense.


    Border defense naturally meant keeping watch on the Great Wall, which was relatively taxing as it often required standing guard at night.


    However, there hadn''t been any incidents involving barbarian cavalry raids along the Po Yang border in over a decade, so it would likely be rather leisurely.


    For Chen Sansi, it was just another place to practice martial arts.


    He clasped his fist and replied, "Your subordinate acknowledges the command."


    "Shanshi, come with me."


    Xiang Tingchun took him to an empty space, "Pick up your fifteen-stone bow, and shoot an arrow at me."


    The sudden request caught Chen Sansi off guard.


    "No worries."


    Xiang Tingchun laughed heartily, "Shoot if I tell you to shoot."


    "Alright."


    Chen Sansi was also curious how his archery would fare against a Refining Organ Martial Artist.


    He didn''t hesitate and drew the bow to shoot in one breath.


    An Armor-piercing Arrow flew through the air!


    "Clang¡ª¡ª"


    A flash of blade light abruptly appeared.


    Suddenly, the He Miao Blade that hung at Xiang Tingchun''s waist was in his hand, and the incoming arrow had been split in two.


    Chen Sansi was mentally prepared, but his expression still grew serious.


    The fact that the other man let him shoot meant he was sure there was no danger.


    He had thought the target would dodge, but unexpectedly¡­


    This was the first time that Chen Sansi had failed to hit the target since he began practicing archery.


    "I am at Refining organs small success,"


    Xiang Tingchun slowly slid the blade back into its sheath and explained solemnly, "Refining Organ Martial Artists have greatly enhanced senses, reflexes, and explosive power. Your arrows will find it hard to hit them. Unless you shoot fast enough that they can''t possibly react in time!"


    Chen Sansi bowed, "Thank you, Lord Thousand Households, for the guidance."


    "Hmm, no need to be so formal with me."


    Xiang Tingchun folded his arms behind his back, "I called you over mainly because I have something to say.


    "The new Magistrate Ji has a deep connection with the Song Family and might hold some opinions about you.


    "In a way, I''ve involved you in this matter.


    "I''ve spoken on your behalf, but it would still be best if you visited him personally to offer your apologies, to prioritize peace.


    "He currently resides in the largest residence on Ningfeng Road in the county town, very easy to find.


    "Oh yes, and he has Refining Organ Martial Artist guards, though they are just at the initial stage of Refining Organs."


    He left leisurely after dropping these words.


    Chen Sansi quickly grasped the implications.


    This was not about asking him to apologize; it was information on how to kill Ji Guangxian!


    First, he was reminded that it''s difficult to kill a Refining Organ Martial Artist with an arrow, then he was given the home address, and lastly, a considerate hint that the guard was a Refining Organ Martial Artist was given, suggesting he strike when the Magistrate is alone.


    It was a complete set of assassination intelligence.


    It seemed that Xiang Tingchun and the one surnamed Ji weren''t on the best of terms.


    ''This is quite interesting.''


    We''ll see how things go.


    If Chen Sansi was to kill, he would take out the guard as well, leaving no loose ends.


    And Xiang Tingchun was definitely not a man to be trusted!


    It would be better to strike after his own power had been enhanced.


    It looked like he would need to devote more time to improving not just his cultivation but also his archery!


    And his medical skills.


    He had hoarded a bunch of medicines without knowing how to use them.


    With that in mind, Chen Sansi headed to the pharmacy to find Medical Officer Jiang.

 Chapter 73 Sun Li

    "Do you want to learn medical skills?""Yes."


    Chen Sansi said, "Medicinal materials are too expensive to buy, and I often go hunting in the mountains, so if I learn a bit, I can gather herbs and brew medicine myself, saving silver coins."


    "Your thinking is quite idealistic."


    The Medical Officer teased, "Ninety-nine percent of the medicinal materials are in the hands of the Martial Arts Hall. Where are you going to find so many wild herbs for yourself? But since you want to learn, I have no objections, just consider it taking on another apprentice to do some work."


    "Liu Zi, you first teach Mr. Chen how to identify medicinal materials and explain their uses properly."


    "No problem."


    Liu Zi was the Medical Officer''s son, a successor to his father''s profession and also a physician himself.


    Many of the positions in the garrison were hereditary.


    "Mr. Chen, this herb is called Horse Blood Grass, and it has a blood-nourishing effect, but¡­"


    Liu Zi explained patiently.


    The herbs before him quickly matched up with the medical books Chen Sansi had seen.


    A panel appeared.


    [Skill: Medical Skill. Mortal (Not Entry-Level)]


    [Progress: 0/100]


    [Utility: None for now]


    Mortal?


    Could there also be "Immortal"?


    Chen Sansi was somewhat puzzled.


    All the signs now indicated.


    This world was definitely not a pure Martial Arts world; it was highly probable that immortals existed as well.


    That being the case,


    it made sense that Great Ancestor Cao Xie alone faced more than two thousand troops.


    But new questions arose.


    Why had no such impressive person appeared since then?


    And,


    when the Old Emperor claimed to have dreamed of an immortal who gave him the seeds of Spiritual Grain, didn''t he give him the method to use them? There was still a need to send someone to investigate in Po Yang County City.


    Was there a connection between the Immortal Treasure in the hands of the barbarian tribes and the immortal the Old Emperor had dreamed of?


    It seems that the barbarians have become bolder in recent years because they have treasures in their possession!


    Having an Immortal Treasure could indeed create a large number of high-level martial artists.


    After all, Spiritual Grain was everywhere.


    As for lamp oil, S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    only a little was needed to ignite.


    Then, add a lot of kindling to maintain the flame, without the need to continue using lamp oil.


    The box in his possession would last a long time.


    "In the future, I can select some subordinates with good talent, who are worth nurturing, to secretly feed them Spiritual Grain."


    "Together with commanding soldiers'' skill, in a few years, I will be able to build my own elite force!"


    "Unfortunately! The materials are incomplete."


    "If I had the Immortal Formula and a container that could withstand the temperature, combined with my medical practice skills."


    "Could I perhaps seek the longevity that the Emperor desires?"


    The road is long and obstructed!


    Chen Sansi sighed deeply.


    All these were very distant matters; right now, it was still more urgent to improve his cultivation and prepare for war.


    To be frank,


    the primary goal was to survive this war.


    Otherwise, whatever Immortal Treasure, whatever Selected Point, all would become meaningless!


    Helping in the pharmacy until evening, his proficiency increased significantly.


    [Skill: Medical Skill. Mortal (Not Entry-Level)]


    [Progress: 35/100]


    It was about time, so Chen Sansi packed up his things to go home.


    "I''m out of money!"


    He was utterly penniless.


    The toxin in the meridians from the Spiritual Grain and the residue from the supplemental medicines were two different things that could be handled simultaneously.


    Unfortunately, he really had no money.


    He met the Sun Li siblings just at the entrance to the barracks; they seemed to have just met with Xiang Tingchun and neither looked in good spirits.


    "Senior Sister!"


    Chen Sansi greeted, "Just in time to have dinner at my place."


    At the dinner table,


    Sun Li barely had the appetite to lift her chopsticks, "Little junior brother, what do you think about the Household''s deployment of troops?"


    "I have no particular opinion."


    Even if Chen Sansi had an opinion, it wouldn''t matter, "The order was issued by the Ministry of War, and I can only obey."


    "Junior apprentice-brother has the right attitude, but..."


    Sun Li said displeased, "This battle is pointless. The main battlefield is clearly on the Northwest border, in the three states. The rest of the places just need to hold their cities. Why create unnecessary problems?"


    "With just a word from the Crown Prince, wouldn''t everyone at the bottom scramble to seize the opportunity?"


    As Sun Buqi picked at his rice, his voice was muffled, "If we''re going to fight, then let''s fight. It''s not like we haven''t fought battles before."


    Sun Li ignored him and looked towards the kitchen, "Sister Xin Lan, stop being busy and come eat with us."


    In these days.


    She and Gu Xinlan had gotten along very well.


    Don''t be fooled by Sun Li''s fierce saber skills, her efficient and heroic demeanor, or the appearance of a strong woman on the surface.


    In fact, she was actually quite interested in embroidery and the like.


    In her spare time, she often did needlework with Sister Lan and chatted about household affairs.


    It''s just that her skills were somewhat lacking.


    Chen Sansi had once seen her work, where she held up an embroidered duck but insisted it was a pair of mandarin ducks...


    Only Gu Xinlan was both clever and skilled with her hands, prompting Sun Li to seek her guidance even more.


    Plus, since Gu was a few years older, she had taken the initiative to address her as sister, without any air of being the daughter of the Governor Mansion.


    And Sun Buqi never made others feel as if he was above them.


    From this, it was clear the Sun family had excellent teaching and family values.


    "Sister Xin Lan."


    Sun Li spoke with concern, "What crime did your family commit in the Capital City to be exiled to the border, and to have fallen into the hands of traffickers?"


    The Capital City?


    Chen Sansi had always known that Gu Xinlan was not a country girl.


    But her specific background was unclear.


    His father had taken a liking to her at first sight because of her attractive appearance and fair skin.


    Country children had to work in the fields from a young age; how could they maintain fair skin?


    He had not expected she was from the Capital City.


    Out of respect, since she never mentioned it, he never asked.


    He guessed that Sun Li must have looked into his background and did a check on Sister Lan along the way.


    "Little Sister Li, I was too young at that time to remember," replied Gu Xinlan, pursing her lips, "Please let bygones be bygones. As a mere convicted''s descendant, I was fortunate to be saved by your father and brought to his home to retain some dignity in living..."


    "It was presumptuous of me."


    Sun Li apologized, "If Sister Xin Lan doesn''t wish to talk about it, I definitely won''t ask again."


    "Sister, I should head back to the inn first."


    Now full from eating and drinking, Sun Buqi put down his chopsticks.


    He and his sister had a clear division of labor: one was responsible for watching the city''s Martial Arts Hall, and the other was responsible for keeping an eye on the military officers'' movements.


    After dinner.


    Chen Sansi dared not slack off at all. After drinking a bowl of Replenishing Essence Soup, he prepared to practice with his spear.


    "Junior apprentice-brother is still drinking Replenishing Essence Soup?"


    Seeing that he was short on funds, Sun Li took out a silver note, "I didn''t bring much money with me when I left home, but here''s three hundred taels. You can use it for now, it should last you a while."


    "Isn''t this inappropriate?"


    Chen Sansi said as he accepted the silver note.


    Cultivation levels relate directly to survival.


    He couldn''t afford to be pretentious.


    With these three hundred taels, he could continue to improve his cultivation seamlessly and rapidly.


    "Go ahead and practice."


    Sun Li stood up, ready to join Sister Lan in the bedroom to study women''s needlework.


    "Wait, sister."


    "Tonight, I still want to trouble you," he said.


    "Clang Clang Clang Clang Clang¡ª"


    Loud metallic clashing sounds resonated in the courtyard.


    Just as he had speculated.


    Sparring indeed helped absorb the Spiritual Grain in the meridians, but it was still not enough.


    Real combat was necessary.


    To put it plainly, it meant killing people, preferably in large numbers.


    Unfortunately, where could one find so many people to kill?


    Soon, it was the day to carry out the official duties.


    Chen Sansi arrived early at the barracks to report, and then, led by Zhao Kang, he took over a hundred men and departed.


    From today forth, he would be responsible for guarding the Great Wall in Po Yang County.

 Chapter 74 Great Wall

    Great Wall.It was of utmost importance for any ancient regime.


    In the Central Plains, the greatest enemy was the ferocious nomadic tribes from the grasslands.


    Before the Great Wall was built, incursions by barbarian cavalry into the south to plunder were frequent every year.


    And since these were small-scale cavalry raids with high mobility, they would typically raid and kill and then leave, leaving the defenders powerless.


    Until the Great Wall arose, blocking the trampling of horse hooves.


    The nomads would need to pay a huge cost if they wanted to raid.


    They either had to siege or cross mountains and ridges on foot.


    The former required a loss of lives, while the latter, even if loot was obtained, meant being pursued and killed without the boost of warhorses.


    So, out of necessity, the originally scattered tribes of the grasslands also began to unite gradually, eventually forming several powerful alliances to collectively oppose the states of the Central Plains.


    Furthermore,


    Contrary to what many people believe,


    the Great Wall was not a drain on resources but rather a significant saving on defense spending.


    Chen Sansi once read in "Dasheng Records" that during the Kaiyuan Period, an official calculated an account for the Emperor.


    The details were too complicated, but in the end, it turned out that compared to the cost of maintaining a large number of soldiers for defense, building the Great Wall was ten times more cost-effective.


    The Po Yang territory is surrounded by mountains and the terrain is rugged.


    The area where cavalry and large forces could advance is limited to around 200 li, and the Great Wall just covers this range.


    Not far north of the Thousand Households outpost, one could see a structure resembling a giant python.


    "Households Commander Chen, you''ve worked hard."


    Zhao Kang explained the work content, "In ten days, the men from Households Commander Feng will come to switch duty, and only then can you go back to rest."


    From now on, the three of them, each a commander of a hundred households, would take turns being responsible for the watch duties on the Great Wall.


    Over a hundred people started to take over the changing of the guard.


    Just changing guard was a major operation, so it was done every ten days to improve efficiency.


    Chen Sansi rode his White Swan Horse, patrolling along the Great Wall.


    When the handover finished, he too climbed up to the top of the wall via the staircase.


    The Great Wall was about seven meters high, with a base width of six meters and a top width of five to six meters.


    Every ten li, there would be a signal tower, and each signal tower would be manned by five soldiers.


    Two hundred li of the Great Wall was just enough for the manpower of a hundred households.


    It might seem that a distance this long, manned by just a hundred people, would be too few, but in reality, it was completely sufficient.


    The main purpose of the Great Wall was to stop war horses, slow down attacks, and transmit information.


    Once the enemy was spotted, a signal fire would be lit immediately.


    Upon the rise of the warning smoke, the entire force of Po Yang Thousand Households would react at the fastest speed, and the entire process would not exceed the time it takes half an incense stick to burn.


    Additionally, this place was not the main battlefield, and the barbarian tribes outside the city were not populous, so the situation was generally stable.


    Since it was the first day, Zhao Kang also left experienced soldiers at each signal tower to pass on their knowledge, explaining the lookout points to pay attention to and the various uses of signal fires.


    Signal fires were not just about lighting a beacon and being done with it.


    It was a complete intelligence system.


    With four types of signal equipment¡ªbeacon, beacon table, beacon gourd, and beacon wood¡ªand four kinds of signals using fire, light, smoke, and flags, along with complex combinations, they were able to convey detailed intelligence.


    For example, how many enemy forces were attacking, from which position, and so on...


    Seeing it in books versus seeing it in real life was completely different.


    "Ten days."


    "For the next ten days, we''ll be here in one go."


    As a leader, Chen Sansi had to set an example and could not slack off.


    But he wouldn''t waste time either.


    Inside a watchtower, the soldiers took turns resting.


    Therefore, Chen Sansi was on watch all night, and during the day, he took advantage of resting hours to ride back to camp and help out in the pharmacy. As for sleep, he only slept three to four hours a day, but fortunately, with the spirit provided by [Reading], he could withstand it.


    After ten days.


    Chen Sansi had nearly spent the three hundred silver coins given by his senior sister, and with the potent effects of Spiritual Grain, his proficiency approached mastery in the Bone Strengthening Skill!


    [Cultivation Technique: Undying Golden Snake Spear - Entry Level]


    [Progress: 410/500]


    "And that''s under circumstances where I can''t quickly neutralize the toxin of Spiritual Grain."


    "If there were actual combat, progress could be even faster!"


    And there''s no need to worry about progress being too fast and noticeable to others.


    Chen Sansi specifically inquired about it. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Just within the Eight Camps, there were two he knew of who were advancing faster than him.


    The first, was Supervisor Sun.


    Second, was the third son of Lord Governor Sun who had passed away.


    The remaining ones certainly exist, needing some free time to ask Sun Li to find out.


    Besides the Eight Camps, the Capital City definitely has many, and so do the major powers.


    So to say.


    The pace at which one''s cultivation increases was indeed astonishing, but still within the realm of genius, and coupled with being mistaken for the Nine Dragon Body, it was completely plausible.


    For now, there was no need to go to great lengths to conceal one''s cultivation level.


    Feeling rapid progress was largely because the Po Yang territory was too remote.


    "Clang!"


    Chen Sansi exhaled deeply and put down the long spear in his hand.


    Another night on watch, the East brightening with the white of dawn.


    He stood atop the city wall, gazing into the distance.


    These ten days had passed very peacefully.


    Not a single figure had appeared on the grasslands.


    He actually hoped that small groups of cavalry would attack, so as to hone his spear technique in combat and aid the absorption of the energy from the Spiritual Grain.


    But such things could not be forced.


    Fortunately, with such long periods of strenuous effort, his medical skill was about to reach entry-level. Eating more Supplemental Medicines would do just as well.


    5 a.m. to 7 a.m.


    Households Commander Feng arrived on time to change guard.


    Chen Sansi rode back to camp on the White Swan Horse along with the other soldiers.


    Lately, riding the horse back and forth and feeding it personally was also improving his proficiency; his Horse Control skill was quickly approaching the next stage.


    [Skill: Horse Control (Entry-Level)]


    [Progress: (150/200)]


    He did wonder, after all, a horse was just transportation, how much further could it be improved.


    Upon returning to the military camp, Chen Sansi headed straight for the pharmacy, but at the entrance to the camp, he encountered a familiar figure.


    Wang Zhi had returned from visiting relatives in the Prefecture City.


    "Stony."


    Wang Zhi, grinning with his teeth bared, came over cheerfully: "How have things been recently? I mean, which Selection Officer visited?"


    "The young master and daughter of Lord Governor Sun."


    Chen Sansi dismounted: "Right, Miss Sun was also looking for you."


    "They..."


    Wang Zhi tentatively asked: "What did they say?"


    "Miss Sun said she doesn''t know you. Hundred Households Wang, have you changed your name?"


    Chen Sansi said, "You asked me to plead on your behalf, but you should at least tell me what you did in the past, right?"


    "I..."


    Wang Zhi looked troubled and said with a bitter smile: "Stony, I''ve changed my mind. You don''t have to speak for me anymore. If you see Lord Governor Sun later, don''t mention me; just say the Cultivation Technique was found by you on the street."


    Having said this, he walked away as though fleeing.


    "?"


    Chen Sansi found it all very bewildering.


    So afraid of the Sun Li siblings?


    If Wang Zhi truly had a serious crime, he wouldn''t be alive to this day.


    It didn''t make sense.


    Unable to figure it out, he stopped thinking about it and headed straight for the pharmacy.


    "Households Commander Chen really doesn''t rest at all."


    The Medical Officer Jiang found it frightening.


    This young man didn''t seem afraid of working himself to death.


    "I dare not rest."


    Chen Sansi, already well-acquainted with the pharmacy, started to help sort the medicinal herbs and assisted with adding water to decoct medicines for the military officers.


    He also possessed an eidetic memory.


    Any medicinal herb that had appeared in the pharmacy, its utility and medicinal properties were all engraved in his mind; any Supplemental Medicine that had been decocted in the pharmacy, he had firmly memorized the formulas and secrets.


    Finally.


    The panel surfaced.


    [Skill: Medical Skill - Mortal (Entry-Level)]


    [Progress: 0/500]


    [Utility: Mastery of medicinal principles, Recognize Medicine Upon Sight]


    [Recognize Medicine Upon Sight: For ordinary medicines, seeing them would enable him to decipher the formula]

 Chapter 75 Xuanwu Camp Commander

    ```Deciphering formulas?


    Indeed, a valuable skill.


    However, it seems temporarily unnecessary.


    At least within the boundaries of Po Yang County, there isn''t much talk of special formulas.


    Most pharmacies simply provide the prescribed doses of herbs, which people take home to boil with water.


    But since martial arts secret manuals are often jealously guarded, it''s certain that truly advanced medicinal recipes are also treated as family treasures and hidden away.


    So just because they''re not needed now doesn''t mean they won''t be useful in the future.


    It''s still a useful skill to have.


    At this moment, as Chen Sansi watched the clay pots on the stove, he saw not merely dark liquids within them but detailed formulas.


    He knew exactly how much of each herb was needed, whether it be fresh or dried, and the required age of the plants, down to the smallest measurement.


    Fortunately, the silver that Senior Sister Sun gave him has also been almost spent.


    Practicing martial arts is truly like a bottomless pit when it comes to resources.


    Going forward, procuring my own herbal materials and preparing them myself is the long-term plan.


    "Huff..."


    After running back and forth for ten days, saying I''m not tired would be impossible.


    Finally achieving my phase goals, Chen Sansi let out a long sigh of relief and rode his White Swan Horse back home.


    Pushing open the door to his house, he saw no one around.


    He guessed she might be doing needlework in the bedroom.


    Indeed.


    And Sun Li was there as well.


    Having heard the noise in advance, she had already put everything away: "Little junior brother, you don''t even announce yourself when you enter."


    Chen Sansi said, "Please forgive me, Senior Sister Sun, I didn''t know you were here."


    "Hmm."


    Sun Li suddenly realized that she was in someone else''s home: "Little junior brother, you''ve been working hard and dutiful recently, I won''t disturb your rest."


    She picked up the blade that was placed by the table and took her leave with clasped hands.


    "Brother Shi, look how dusty and dirty you''ve gotten."


    Gu Xinlan was packing up her needlework tools: "I''ll go and prepare something for you to eat first."


    "Good."


    Chen Sansi curiously asked, "What were you two embroidering?"


    He opened the storage box and found it contained handkerchiefs, embroidered shoes, purse bags, and the like.


    There were also a few where the threads were a mess and the patterns distorted.


    "Li actually has a tough life too," Gu Xinlan said softly. "She told me she never liked to practice martial arts, but with no brothers at home and a desire to relieve her father''s worries, she had no choice but to take up the blade."


    "Is that so."


    Chen Sansi was different.


    Practicing martial arts was tiring, but he genuinely enjoyed the feeling of improving himself.


    He stretched out his arms for Sister Lan to help him remove his armor.


    Then, without even bothering to take off his underclothes, he lay down on the bed and fell asleep.


    He slept straight through until the next day dawned.


    In the morning, after dealing with the military camp''s affairs, Chen Sansi headed to the old house in Yanbian Village to gather all of his battle spoils, then shouldered them and went back up the mountain.


    Boiling medicines at home, even with the chimney covered, would let scents drift far; it was definitely not an option.


    A secluded spot was necessary.


    Luckily, Tiger Head Mountain was vast and boundless, with many secluded and desolate places.


    Chen Sansi soon found a deep cave on the cliffside of a barren mountain.


    With many stones and scant vegetation around, there was essentially no game or plants, so people rarely came by, and the cave was halfway up the cliff, making it quite concealed.


    After ensuring there were no issues, he began organizing his things.


    "All these herbs together must be worth several thousands of silver!"


    "Aside from the main ingredients for Blood Replenishing Soup and Replenishing Essence Soup, there are also plenty of materials for Bone Nourishing Soup and Medicine Bath."


    "Enough for a month''s use!"


    "And even if they''re used up, it doesn''t matter, I can always quietly borrow some from the masters'' homes!"


    "After all, I won''t be earning money through hard labor anymore."


    "Unfortunately, Blood Replenishing Soup and Replenishing Essence Soup have little utility for me now, I''ll wait for the right moment to use them."


    Chen Sansi spread out his wares and began mixing the medicinal ingredients.


    He prepared ten doses each of Bone Nourishing Soup and Medicine Bath first and then commenced his solitary cultivation in the cave.


    ```


    ```


    It wasn''t until evening approached that he descended the mountain and returned home, conveniently bringing back a goat and pigeon to prepare for dinner.


    "What''s that noise?"


    From a distance, Chen Sansi could hear the sounds of commotion and fighting coming from the military settlement. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    And it sounded all too familiar.


    "Wang Zhi, Sun Buqi?!"


    He hurriedly dropped the game in front of his house and rushed over to check the situation.


    In front of a residence, Sun Buqi was holding a long spear, blocking the entrance, refusing to let the portly armored military officer in front of him enter.


    He usually looked lazy and slack, but now his eyes were fierce, burning with anger, and even his voice was slightly trembling, "Well done, Tang Ruoshan! I thought you were dead! Turns out, you''re hiding here, clinging to life!"


    "This young master..."


    Wang Zhi, also deviating from his usual sly, lazy, and greedy demeanor, said anxiously, "Could you have mistaken me for someone else? My name is Wang Zhi, not Tang Ruoshan."


    "Bullshit!"


    Sun Buqi said through gritted teeth, "Don''t think I couldn''t recognize you just because you''ve put on some weight; even if you were burned to ashes, I would still know you. Give back my brother''s life!"


    Before his words had even finished, his long spear had already thrust forward.


    The spear was incredibly swift and powerful, extraordinary.


    Wang Zhi dared not look directly at the opponent, only drawing out his slender Mo Blade and placing it horizontally in front of him, effortlessly blocking the bone training martial artist''s strike, "Young master, you... you really have the wrong person!"


    "Die!"


    Sun Buqi''s spear technique was as swift as the wind and fast as lightning, turning into a violent storm lunging at the other party.


    But each thrust was easily parried by Wang Zhi.


    Clearly, although both were bone training martial artists, their strengths were not on the same level.


    Even though Wang Zhi never countered and only defended, Sun Buqi''s Qi-Blood was gradually depleting, and his speed was noticeably slowing.


    At that moment, he regretted not practicing his martial arts well, unable to kill the detestable person in front of him.


    "Tang Ruoshan! You... you coward!"


    "Fifteen years have passed; don''t you even dare to admit your own name now?"


    "Hiding in a place like this, what''s the point of living?!"


    Hearing these words,


    Wang Zhi''s expression froze for a moment, then with a "clang" he dropped the Mo Blade from his hand.


    He finally admitted, "Junior brother, kill me if you must."


    Having said that, he closed his eyes, truly no longer defending himself.


    "Good, I will kill you!"


    Sun Buqi raised his spear to thrust at the throat.


    Just as Chen Sansi was about to intervene, another figure in red, alerted by the commotion, arrived.


    "Stop!"


    "Sister?"


    Sun Buqi abruptly stopped the long spear that was already thrusting forward, "Sister, look who this is?!"


    "I know."


    Sun Li had already guessed it.


    Her cold gaze turned to Wang Zhi, "Tang Ruoshan, long time no see."


    "Junior sister..."


    Upon seeing her, Wang Zhi knelt down, "You and junior brother, take this dog''s life of mine."


    Sun Li''s face was expressionless, "Keep your life, and die on the battlefield come spring. Buqi, come with me."


    "Sister?"


    "I told you to come!"


    "Hmph!"


    Only then did Sun Buqi retrieve his spear and leave with his sister.


    Meanwhile, Wang Zhi knelt on the ground, not getting up for a long time.


    There was no need to ask.


    Chen Sansi already had a rough idea about the cause of this farce.


    Sun Buqi mentioned something that happened fifteen years ago, and the death of his third brother.


    Fifteen years ago was the fifty-seventh year of Longqing.


    That year, a fierce battle broke out between the Eight Camps and Nanxu Country at Kangning Prefecture.


    The Black Tortoise Camp was entirely wiped out during the battle.


    The Main General at the time was Tang Ruoshan.


    The Deputy General was Sun Buhui.


    ```

 Chapter 76 Above Martial Saint

    "Are you alright?"After waiting for a while, Chen Sansi stepped forward and helped Fatty Wang to his feet.


    "Did you hear everything?"


    With a dazed expression, Wang Zhi responded, "Yes, it was I who caused the death of my junior and the soldiers..."


    "Then how come you haven''t lost your head?"


    Chen Sansi asked.


    If it was a major blunder in commanding that led to the annihilation of an entire Elite Camp, the Main General would definitely be sentenced to death.


    "..."


    Wang Zhi kept quiet for a long time before finally speaking in a hoarse voice, "I had no choice at the time, do you understand? I had no choice."


    He knelt back down to the ground and slumped sitting.


    "In the fifty-seventh year of Longqing,


    "Under the instigation of Yan Liang and others, the court summoned the Lord Governor back to the Capital City under false charges and threw him into the Imperial Prison.


    "That same year,


    "Nanxu Country launched a large-scale invasion.


    "The Eight Camps were deployed to defend and counterattack.


    "My real name is Tang Ruoshan, and I was the Xuanwu Camp Commander at the time.


    "However, the defeat wasn''t due to my miscommand.


    "At that time, Nanxu Country had already seized many strategic fortresses, including Lingchuan Prefecture.


    "If we didn''t find a way to swiftly take back Lingchuan Prefecture, once Nanxu Country stabilized its footing, the south would be essentially lost.


    "But Lingchuan Prefecture has treacherous terrain, easy to defend but hard to attack.


    "The best strategy was to first breach through Kangning Prefecture on the eastern side.


    "But such a breach was not easy to create.


    "The ideal approach was to wait for the rest of the Imperial Army to arrive as reinforcements and launch a fierce attack with several times the manpower.


    "But they didn''t move!"


    Wang Zhi became agitated: "The Emperor''s Imperial Army was already assembled, yet they deliberately didn''t set out towards Kangning Prefecture, why do you think that was?"


    "They were waiting for you to be killed."


    Chen Sansi provided the answer.


    "Exactly!"


    Wang Zhi spoke angrily, "The court wanted to use this opportunity to weaken the power of the Eight Camps, and it would be better still if a few generals died, making it easier for others to take over in the future!


    "The Supervisor confined in the Imperial Prison was used as a hostage to threaten us!


    "If we disobeyed and delayed until the Imperial Army had no choice but to intervene, it would only confirm the disloyalty of the Eight Camps, and what end would our master meet? The Eight Camps would surely be targeted for slow purge.


    "Conversely, if the Eight Camps stood up and showed loyalty at this time, willing to lead the charge for the Imperial Army, it would prove that we were still under the control of the court, maybe then our master and the others could find a way to survive.


    "I saw that very clearly.


    "And it wasn''t enough just to use flesh and blood to storm the city for the Imperial Army, there had to be one more person!"


    Chen Sansi''s brow furrowed slightly, "Third Young Master?"


    Wang Zhi did not answer directly but instead spoke in a lower tone:


    "Do you know when the Eight Camps were established?


    "Seventy-two years ago, from the first year of Longqing, the year the current Emperor ascended the throne!


    "Our master knew the Emperor since they were young, being a confidant within the hearts of the Emperor, otherwise, how could he have been granted the power to recruit troops independently?


    "Even the fact that the common people called the Eight Camps the ''Sun Family Army,'' the Emperor tolerated it.


    "Guess why, specifically in the fifty-seventh year of Longqing, he could no longer tolerate it?


    "Because a genius emerged from the Sun Family.


    "Our master had a total of five children.


    "The oldest and the second, died early in battles, and even if they were alive, their talents were mediocre; they would not have made significant strides in the path of Martial Arts.


    "But the third, Sun Buhui, was a genius.


    "Practicing Martial Arts for less than four years, he experienced countless battles, undefeated in all, highly revered in the military.


    "In the past, the Emperor would tolerate the existence of a ''Sun Family Army'' because he knew this situation would eventually end.


    "Once our master retired or passed away, the court would straightforwardly gain a corps of elite troops, a perfectly advantageous arrangement, who wouldn''t be pleased with that?


    "However, the emergence of Sun Buhui changed everything.


    "Buhui, exceptionally talented and highly ambitious, even declared that he would take over the Eight Camps in the future. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "This... touched the Emperor''s raw nerve.


    "For the Great Sheng Dynasty, having a Supervisor like Sun was an asset, a model of harmonious monarch-subject relations.


    "But if the Sun family were to produce another Governor, the nature of the matter would change completely."


    "By then, the Eight Camps would truly become the ''Sun Family Army,'' and the Sun family would no longer just be Sealed Border Governors but akin to a princely state of a different surname."


    "The court, how could it possibly allow such a thing to happen?"


    "And yet all the generals in the Eight Camps are very supportive of him."


    "How could the Emperor allow this situation to occur?"


    "Thus, he took advantage of a major court case to incarcerate Lord Governor Sun in the Imperial Prison."


    So that was it.


    From Chen Sansi''s perspective, there were only two solutions in this situation.


    First, Lord Governor Sun dies, and the Sun family is stripped of military power, at least placed under house arrest."


    Second, Sun Buhui dies."


    Once again, Wang Zhi''s voice came to his ears.


    "But after all, I watched my junior brother grow up, how could I bear to see him die?"


    "I thought of many ways, even considered rebelling."


    "But with the master detained in the Imperial Prison, if we acted, he would be the first to die."


    "Moreover, at that time, there was no second Martial Saint in the Eight Camps, it was simply not possible to win."


    "In the end, I could only lead my junior brother Sun Buhui to attack the city, prepared to die with him, and use one camp''s brothers to buy a retreat for the Eight Camps."


    "But... I didn''t die, I didn''t die!"


    "I also don''t know how I possibly didn''t die."


    Wang Zhi''s eyes were bloodshot, his face pained: "I was the first to climb the city wall, not retreating a step, continuing to fight until I lost consciousness, but I just did not die!"


    "When I woke up, I was in a bed, and Nanxu Country had already been repelled."


    "At that time, Bu Qi and Sun Li, who were still mere children, stood by my bed, asking for their third brother..."


    "The master also returned."


    "He said that from then on, our fate as master and disciple was finished, and told me to take care of myself."


    Chen Sansi asked, "Because of the death of the third son of the Supervisor?"


    "No."


    Wang Zhi trembled all over: "His old man did not blame me for that."


    "He said it was his own incompetence, unable to protect his own son, and also blamed the younger brother for his youthful impulsiveness, that he should bear the corresponding consequences."


    "The reason he sent me away was because at the time, only the younger brother needed to die, not to lead to the annihilation of the entire Xuanwu Camp, too rash, not fit to be a general anymore..."


    "What happened after?"


    Chen Sansi asked, "Did it just end like that?"


    "No, it didn''t end!"


    Wang Zhi raised his head: "Not long after, the master avenged us!"


    "He went back to the Capital City alone and outside the Imperial Palace, he stabbed to death the Minister of War who had long delayed sending troops and then left the Capital City openly."


    Killing someone in the Imperial Palace?


    Wasn''t that almost the same as doing it in front of the Emperor''s face?


    Why didn''t he act before?


    Chen Sansi wondered.


    Could it be that after the incident, Lord Supervisor had made another breakthrough in Martial Arts?


    "Rumors from the outside."


    Wang Zhi explained, "The master had broken through to a realm above Martial Saint."


    Above Martial Saint...


    The Immortal Path?


    Chen Sansi felt it was far off.


    He currently was still vague about the realm above Refining Internal, only knowing it was called Hua Jin."


    And with everything having turned out this way, with Lord Supervisor not rebelling, could the Emperor still tolerate him?


    Unless...


    The two of them couldn''t kill each other!


    Chen Sansi recalled again the matter of the Emperor''s many years of spiritual cultivation."


    Upon reflection, the conflict between the Eight Camps and the Imperial Family seemed significant."


    But, he still had to go to the Governor Mansion."


    Because according to the court''s nature, if one truly reached a certain level in Martial Arts, who knows how they might try to control him."


    Compared to that, the Governor Mansion was still the best place to go."

 Chapter 77 Courting

    I never expected Fatty Wang to have such a past.Now that we''re on the subject, how did someone in the Bone Forging Perfection Realm manage to become the commander of ten thousand men as the Camp General?


    Did he drop in rank?


    Seeming to catch onto his thoughts, Wang Zhi mocked himself, "Though I still cling to life, my body is practically ruined. My meridians and internal organs are damaged, and unless an immortal heals me, I''ll be stuck at Bone Forging Perfection for the rest of my life, unable to advance even an inch, let alone return to my former state."


    So he really did drop in rank.


    Is that why he let himself go?


    Not necessarily.


    Truth be told, despite Wang Zhi amassing a fair amount of wealth...


    Chen Sansi had never seen him spend any money; the guy even liked to mooch meals off others. He exploited the Martial Arts Hall the most. Nowadays, the young masters around the county avoid him like the plague.


    Possibly, he was saving money to buy medicine for his injuries.


    As the two continued their conversation, Wang Zhi''s mood gradually returned to normal.


    He gave a bitter smile, "I taught you the Cultivation Technique out of a selfish desire to do something for our master. But now, it seems like I won''t get to see her again. However, as long as you are in Po Yang, you can call on me anytime if you need anything."


    Chen Sansi didn''t need to offer comfort. They were both grown men. He patted the other man''s shoulder and took his leave.


    Learning the secrets of Longqing''s 57th year...


    ...only made him more eager to improve his strength.


    Even Supervisor Sun, at one point, wasn''t strong enough to protect his own son.


    But once one surpasses Martial Saint, even if that person stabs an Imperial Officer in front of the Emperor, no one would dare lay a finger on them.


    Everything is based on strength.


    "Push harder."


    In no more than ten or fifteen days, Chen Sansi would be able to achieve Bone Strengthening.


    He returned home.


    The Sun Li siblings were both seated in the courtyard.


    "Sister, why did you stop me from killing that surnamed Tang just now!"


    Sun Buqi was still cursing under his breath.


    "He was certainly hateful for what he did back then, but if it had been you or me, what choice would we have made?"


    Sun Li''s eyes were complex, "Instead of obsessing over the past, it''s better to cultivate diligently.


    "Learn from your junior brother. He''s even responsible for the Great Wall''s defense without slacking off, his Cultivation has surely improved significantly."


    "Shanshi has the Nine Dragon Body; how could I compare to that?"


    Sun Buqi spread his hands, "But Sister, you yourself at least have the Fire Lotus Martial Body. With a bit of effort, you might have a chance in the future."


    "Fire Lotus Martial Body?"


    Chen Sansi took the opportunity to inquire, "My understanding of Martial Bodies is very limited. Could you please explain it in detail, Sister?"


    The Eight Camps are renowned far and wide, and among them, those with extraordinary qualifications are surely not limited to the Supervisor and Sansi.


    His channels of information were limited; the news he received might not be accurate.


    Sun Buqi played coy, "Guess how long my sister has been practicing Martial Arts?"


    Typically, martial arts practitioners begin laying the foundation at the age of twelve.


    Formal training starts around fifteen.


    The practice of Martial Arts in this world is extremely taxing on the body, and starting too young can backfire.


    He estimated Sun Li to be about nineteen years old.


    But Sister Lan had mentioned that she disliked practicing Martial Arts, and since he was asking, it surely hadn''t been for long.


    "One year."


    Unable to hold it in, Sun Buqi blurted out before her, "The Fire Lotus Martial Body, also known as the Congenital Saber Body, allows for astonishing speed in learning Saber Technique.


    "A year ago, my sister picked up the saber to start practicing Martial Arts. In one year, she''s reached Bone Training Perfection, close to Refining Internal.


    "But she still can''t compare to you.


    "Currently, there are few in the Eight Camps who can match you, but there are some.


    "For example, our eldest brother, with the Mixed Element Dominator Body, reached Refining Internal in half a year and Hua Jin in one year.


    "Besides, the speed of cultivation isn''t necessarily tied only to one''s physique; comprehension plays a huge role too.


    "There''s a senior brother with an excellent root bone, but he''s not the brightest. Supposedly, he could have achieved Refining Internal in seven months, but he couldn''t understand the secret skill books, dragging it out to a year and a half.


    "And there''s another senior brother with a slightly lesser physique, expected to achieve Refining Internal in a year, but because of his sharp comprehension, he did it in eight months.


    "Comprehension and physique are different things; they''re not one and the same."


    Chen Sansi nodded thoughtfully.


    It matched with what he thought. His own cultivation pace was good, making him what people call a "genius," but he was far from being "rarely seen in this world" and was only considered top-tier in Po Yang Territory.


    Perhaps, it was related to his incomplete physique.


    Others have one complete physique.


    But not him.


    The blood of the Dragon Elephant and the Nine Dragon Living Veins are obviously a mixed match.


    There''s definitely a boost to cultivation, but until he gathers a complete set, he may not surpass those with a complete physique.


    And let''s not forget, he has the "Spirited Heart" from his studies, and with the help of Spiritual Grain, he has achieved his current cultivation pace.


    At the end of the day, he was still a frog in the well, with a shortsighted vision.


    Leaving Po Yang County was where the real world began.


    "Brother Bu Qi,"


    Chen Sansi cupped his fists and said, "Just now, I saw that your spear technique was extraordinary. I wonder if you could give me some guidance?"


    Finding someone to spar with, it''s actually better to have a controlled gap in realms.


    Comparing with Sun Li was a bit too much.


    Sun Buqi was proficient in Bone Training Skill and was conveniently one realm higher than him.


    "Are you sure?"


    Sun Buqi was full of confidence, "You may be better than me at archery, but you definitely can''t beat my spear technique!"


    Arriving at the Martial Arts Arena, they found an open space.


    Sun Buqi cupped his fists and said, "You practice the Undying Golden Snake, and I practice the Flying Snake Wind. Its specialty is speed, so you''d better be careful."


    The next moment.


    The long spear in his hand, truly like a flying serpent, reached him in the blink of an eye.


    "What a spear!"


    Chen Sansi had seen his exchange with Wang Zhi earlier and was on guard. Yet it was still faster than he had anticipated.


    After all, this was the young master of the Sun Family.


    Even if he was lazy on a daily basis, how bad could he really be?


    Fortunately, he had the blood of the Dragon Elephant and the Nine Dragon Living Veins.


    He was in no way inferior in terms of strength.


    He could also barely keep up with the speed.


    But it''s still the same saying.


    As long as he didn''t lose at the start, there was a very high chance of winning for him.


    Whistling sounds from the Martial Arts Arena continuously pierced the air, deterring anyone within dozens of meters from coming close.


    "This is the Undying Golden Snake?"


    Sun Buqi''s confidence quickly dissipated into thin air.


    He originally thought that with the advantage of his Cultivation Technique and the suppression of his realm, he would win within fifteen moves at worst.


    Yet after twenty moves, he still couldn''t claim victory.


    The other party seemed a bit slower in speed, but in reality, he always managed to respond perfectly to incoming attacks, without any flaws whatsoever.


    "I don''t believe it!"


    Sun Buqi exerted all his might, and his spear technique became more dazzling than ever.


    Normally at this point, Chen Sansi would have started looking for opportunities to counterattack.


    But today, he wasn''t aiming to win. He just wanted to maintain the state of his surging Qi-Blood to refine his spear technique and accelerate the improvement of his proficiency.


    During this process.


    He could feel it.


    The Nine Dragon Tendon absorbing the blood of the Dragon Elephant, then tempering the root bone through the Bone Membrane and meridians¡ª the interplay of two different physical qualities, it was uncertain what the end result would be.


    "Junior Brother, you truly can''t win against me!"


    Sun Buqi initially got somewhat panicky, thinking he was going to be taken down across realms, but eventually he stabilized and fought more vigorously.


    "This idiot..."


    Only Sun Li could see that her brother was being led by the nose by Chen Sansi.


    ...


    "How long has he been practicing Martial Arts, and yet he can fight toe-to-toe with the young master of the Sun Family?"


    Not far away.


    As Ji Guangxian passed by, he stopped to watch. Being a scholar, he couldn''t discern the intricacies and involuntarily looked towards his personal guard, "Just how good is this kid? Did I underestimate him?"


    "It is said that he has the Nine Dragon Body."


    Dan Guard explained straightforwardly, "If nothing unexpected happens, in the future he will at least be a Camp General."


    The Elite Camp Commander commands ten thousand soldiers.


    "Oh? If you say so, serving under me might indeed be beneath his talents."


    Ji Guangxian stroked his beard, pondering, "But if I can present him to Mr. Gao, to the Crown Prince, it would also count as a merit for me."


    "I''m afraid that would be difficult."


    Dan Guard said, "It looks like he is dead set on joining the Eight Camps."


    "The lad is still young and too naive,"


    Ji Guangxian drawled, "Elephant Sect is old and His Majesty is getting on in years. This world will eventually belong to the Crown Prince!


    "If you explain the importance of this relationship clearly, any smart person would come around, wouldn''t they?" S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Moreover, as long as he is willing to follow me, the Ji Family''s ancestral secret medicine is plentiful; why would he need to risk his life in the military to earn merits for exchange?"


    "Yes!"


    Dan Guard accepted the order, "Sir, let me try."

 Chapter 78 The Secret Recipe Not Passed On

    Time passes like this, without cessation, day and night.Ten days flew by in a flash.


    Every morning, Chen Sansi pretended to go hunting in the mountains, when in fact, he was boiling concoctions and brewing medicine.


    Upon returning, he would ask Sun Buqi to accompany him in spear training.


    Moreover, with the addition of Spiritual Grain as aid.


    The breakthrough was only one step away.


    This was even after he intentionally slowed down the progress for two days due to concerns about poisoning in the meridians; otherwise, it would have been quicker.


    On the Martial Arts Arena.


    Chen Sansi and Sun Buqi were sparring for the countless time.


    But today.


    Sun Buqi''s complexion looked somewhat unpleasant.


    He sensed something was amiss.


    Every other day, Chen Sansi''s spear technique would improve slightly from before.


    At first, he was barely able to hold his ground.


    Gradually, it turned into barely hanging on.


    And then it became impossible to resist.


    It wasn''t just the power, even the unique swiftness of the Flying Snake Spear Technique no longer held any advantage, and he was even beginning to fall behind.


    "How were you able to enhance the Undying Golden Snake Spear to such an extent?"


    Sun Buqi was astonished, "It must be due to the Nine Dragon Body, but junior brother, your understanding must also be remarkably high!"


    Another ten rounds passed.


    Sun Buqi was dizzy and weak, his Qi-Blood declining, barely able to hold on.


    "Bu Qi, hold on a little longer."


    Sun Li, who had been practicing with a blade beside them, stopped her movements and said to him, "The junior brother is about to make a breakthrough."


    "Breakthrough?!"


    Sun Buqi paused for a moment, then clenched his teeth, exerting all his strength desperately.


    On the Martial Arts Arena, two long spears clashed like two giant battling snakes, hissing and thundering continuously, causing no one to dare approach within a hundred meters.


    Chen Sansi no longer maintained the balance, unleashing all his skills; his reed leaf spear became increasingly heavier, faster, and the variations in his moves became more agile, even bordering on eerie.


    In the end, the long spear seemed to possess its own life; it didn''t require him to think at all and would automatically launch fierce attacks at the opponent until it found the right opportunity to knock down the other giant snake.


    At the same time.


    The bones nourished by the Dragon Elephant Blood and Nine Dragon Living Veins underwent a qualitative change.


    [Cultivation Technique: Undying Golden Snake Spear. Upper (Mastery)]


    [Progress: 0/1000]


    [Utility: Dragon Elephant Blood, Nine Dragon Tendons, Innate Vajra]


    [Innate Vajra: Tempering the bones into iron, training the skin into copper; when reaching Great Success, one''s body will be indestructible as Vajra.]


    Common Bone Training usually relies on Abnormal Bone and Xuan Skin.


    The Copper Skin Iron Bone is probably something only those with the Innate Vajra Body can possess.


    ''Did I really turn into such a hodgepodge?''


    Dragon Elephant Blood, Nine Dragon Tendons, and now the Vajra Body.


    Chen Sansi felt the strength in his bones.


    Even though he hadn''t achieved the Iron Bone level yet, they were definitely tough enough to withstand being chopped by a blade or pierced by an axe; even if attacked from both front and rear, the error tolerance would be significantly high.


    "Mastering Bone Training in three months."


    Sun Buqi was knocked down by the suddenly surged terrifying force and naturally knew the opponent had succeeded in the breakthrough.


    He stood up, "As long as your ability to lead troops is passable, you will definitely become a Main General of a regiment in the future!"


    "Thank you, senior brother Bu Qi, for sparring with me for so many days."


    Chen Sansi knew that it wasn''t an easy task.


    "Why be so polite?"


    Sun Buqi waved his hand, "But I won''t be able to keep up with you in the future."


    "Then, Senior Sister Sun will have to take over the hard work."


    Chen Sansi cheekily stated.


    "Hah, you''re not at all shy about asking for help."


    Sun Li holding her blade responded, "Let''s talk when I''m free, I''ve got things to do."


    Chen Sansi knew they were still investigating the matter regarding the Immortal Treasure.


    Even the Magistrate, the Lord Prefect, and Xiang Tingchun were looking into it.


    Lately, Po Yang County seemed calm on the surface, but danger lurked underneath, ready to erupt at any moment.


    Every faction would not give up the search for the Immortal Treasure easily.


    Leaving aside whether it was truly possible to refine Immortal Pills.


    The mere fact that the Abnormal Fire could accelerate cultivation using Spiritual Grain was enough to drive people mad.


    Take the Barbarians as an example.


    Why have they not been able to invade the Central Plains for a thousand years?


    Isn''t it because of the scarcity of resources resulting in fewer High-level Martial Artists than in Dasheng?


    But the arrival of Spiritual Grain completely compensates for this.


    Spiritual Grain matures twice a year and can be found everywhere.


    It''s virtually cost-free.


    The Barbarians would have no difficulty obtaining it.


    With the Immortal Treasure, they would be able to mass-produce high-level martial artists; given enough time, they will inevitably surpass the Central Plains in terms of martial force one day.


    In other words,


    whoever possesses an Immortal Treasure can create a formidable, ferocious army.


    That includes Chen Sansi himself.


    Of course, he is currently not qualified to use it.


    Both Emperor Dasheng and the Barbarians possess the greatest combat power of this age.


    A common man is not guilty; possessing a jade makes him guilty.


    To legitimately own a treasure, what''s most needed is strength that matches it.


    Otherwise, you''re courting death.


    "Sister, I really don''t know where to start my investigation,"


    Sun Buqi said gloomily, "Although lately the Martial Arts Hall has been in frequent contact with the Magistrate, it''s quite normal for the local powers to pay tribute to the new official."


    The Martial Arts Hall and the Magistrate?


    Are these two colluding?


    It''s also possible that the Magistrate is investigating the Martial Arts Hall.


    ''It has nothing to do with me.''


    Even though Chen Sansi wasn''t included in the conversation, he didn''t interject.


    After the siblings had left,


    a man in black clothing who had been watching from a distance finally found an opportunity and approached with a smile, "Congratulations to Officer Chen on another breakthrough in your Martial Arts Realm! With such talent, your future is boundlessly promising."


    The guard of Ji Guangxian?


    Chen Sansi recognized him.


    The man in black introduced himself, "I am Dan Yuanzhi, we should have met before."


    "What does Dan Guard want with me?"


    Chen Sansi spoke calmly.


    "The last time Magistrate Ji had some things he did not clarify."


    Dan Yuanzhi argued, "Lord Prefect''s intent was not for you to follow him for life, but to be your patron. After your Refining Internal Organs, he directly recommends you to the Crown Prince."


    "The Crown Prince?"


    Before Chen Sansi could reply,


    "Why must Officer Chen insist on clinging solely to Governor Mansion?"


    Dan Yuanzhi continued, "We practice Martial Arts for a splendid future, right?


    "But do you know that Sun Dushi is getting old?


    "If something unexpected happens to Lord Governor and he has made many enemies at court, how will you, being closely associated with him, cope?


    "It would be better to switch allegiances early and find a reliable backer."


    Clearly,


    this was a change in Ji Guangxian''s attitude towards him.


    When the hard approach didn''t work, he was ready to try a softer one.


    "Dan Guard''s words are not proper,"


    Chen Sansi casually thought of an official-sounding response to fend him off, "I joined Governor Mansion, not to seek a backer, but to serve the court."


    "Serve the court, well said!"


    Dan Yuanzhi questioned, "Who sits above the court?"


    "Naturally, it''s the Holy Emperor," Chen Sansi said.


    "Correct, it''s the Holy Emperor."


    Dan Yuanzhi lowered his voice, "But the Holy Emperor is of advanced age. If he passes away, who then will sit above the court?


    "Therefore, only by pledging allegiance to His Highness early can one rapidly ascend to high positions."


    "Pass away?"


    Chen Sansi deliberately raised his voice, "How can Dan Guard speak such nonsense? The Emperor is Emperor Wan Shou, an Immortal by nature, how can there be talk of his demise?"


    Emperor Wan Shou, an Immortal by nature.


    These are titles the Old Emperor gave to himself.


    He said this S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    partly to scare Dan Yuanzhi,


    and partly because it''s hard to say.


    The Immortal Treasure proves the existence of Immortal Trace.


    The Old Emperor has been striving for so many years; he must have gained something, right?


    This Supervisor of four decades, the Crown Prince, probably has to endure a few more years.


    "You..."


    Dan Yuanzhi was startled, his heart trembling, thankful that there was no one nearby.


    He was somewhat annoyed, "If that is the case, there''s no need for further discussion! In fact, Lord Prefect was prepared to present you with a secret medicine, but it seems, there is no need for that now."


    "Secret medicine?"


    Chen Sansi''s eyes lit up, "What kind of secret medicine?"


    ''Indeed, what truly attracts Martial Artists are things that improve their Cultivation.''


    Dan Yuanzhi felt hopeful, hastily said, "Magistrate Ji''s ancestors made a fortune from the medicinal herb business, and he possesses an exclusive secret medicine recipe. It was by offering this recipe that he caught the attention of Mr. Gao from the Cabinet. He will be transferred to the Capital City in a couple of years, which shows how precious this recipe is. But, Lord Prefect said, as long as you agree, you''ll have enough of it!"


    "Empty promises prove nothing."


    Chen Sansi said, "How about this, you brew a dose first and let me try it.


    "If this medicine is really as powerful as Dan Guard says, there''s no harm in considering a change of allegiance later."


    "Fine!"


    Dan Yuanzhi agreed at once.

 Chapter 79 Night Watch

    Chen Sansi watched Dan Yuanzhi leave with contentment and felt a bit of stealthy joy in his heart.It was like someone offering a pillow as soon as he felt sleepy.


    The medical books had mentioned this.


    For every Martial Arts Realm, there is a corresponding supplemental medicine that works best.


    The one targeting the mastery of Bone Training, the Households also had it.


    But since Ji Guangxian''s prescription caught even the Lord of the Capital''s eye, it must be extraordinary.


    Since it was for free, why not take it?


    Even if he didn''t want to take it, Ji Guangxian wouldn''t easily let it go. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    To take something for free and to buy time to enhance his cultivation were both beneficial.


    It was a win-win!


    "This Dan Yuanzhi is an entry-level in refining organs skill."


    "To deal with him, at the very least, one needs to have reached Bone Forging Perfection and also have achieved Great Arrow Skill to have a significant chance of winning."


    Chen Sansi felt immense pressure.


    He had just broken through and planned to first check the training state of his subordinates before continuing to cultivate.


    Recently, Wu Da entered the Blood Cultivation Introduction; his talent was mediocre, but he was extremely impulsive.


    Zhuang Yi was also close to entering Blood Cultivation.


    Overall, the progress was still too slow.


    At least a few people needed to reach the Bone Training Realm to really be effective.


    When passing by the horse field,


    it was unusually lively inside.


    In the spacious field, about two hundred people were training in cavalry formations.


    To attack the grassland tribes, it was indispensable to have horses.


    For this purpose, Xiang Tingchun had not spared any efforts recently.


    Extorting silver from the Martial Arts Hall to buy horses, asking for them from the Prefecture''s Guard Command, and with the support of the Military Department, he actually managed to get nearly three hundred war horses.


    However, the war horses were assigned to the old veterans and confidants in the Households.


    Luo Dongquan, Feng Yong, Zhao Kang.


    Their subordinates were all transformed into cavalry.


    ...


    Past the horse field, there was another large Martial Arts Arena for collective training.


    [Skill: Commanding Soldiers (Introduction)]


    [Progress: 133/500]


    [Utility: Mainstay]


    After half a month on autopilot, the progress had only increased this much.


    Chen Sansi deliberately didn''t go near, watching their training from afar.


    He saw Xu Wencai so angry that his face turned thoroughly red.


    Many people teased him jokingly.


    "Old man, you can''t even perform Pile Work, and you want to command us? Get lost."


    Wu Da led the laughter, and a group of them burst out laughing.


    "I already heard about you; you studied all your life and never passed the scholar examination!"


    "You''re also unfilial, able-bodied, so why let your old mother support you?"


    "Really don''t know, what use Householder Chen keeps you for!"


    "..."


    "You... you..."


    Xu Wencai didn''t argue but merely held a Scroll Book, pointing to his scar-faced face: "This is the military order! Mr. Chen personally said that I should train your formations; dare you defy the military order?!"


    "Wu Da, stop making trouble."


    Zhao Qiao added, "Whatever Mr. Chen asks us to do, we must follow."


    After spending time in the military camp, they gradually became more disciplined, all naturally referring to Chen Sansi as the lord or Householder Chen; no one called him by his name directly anymore.


    "Don''t scare me!"


    With a light shove, Wu Da pushed the old scholar to the ground: "A boot-licker, you must have deceived Mr. Chen!"


    "Bang¡ª"


    A long stick swept across and crashed down on his legs hard.


    Wu Da''s legs were in severe pain, and he knelt down with a thud.


    "Who?!"


    He looked up angrily, only to see a glaive-like long spear and immediately hung his head: "Lord... why are you here?"


    "Wu Da!"


    Chen Sansi was expressionless: "Do you think you''re very impressive because you were the first one here to enter Blood Cultivation?"


    "Lord, why would you say that?"


    Wu Da showed a look of fear: "I don''t have such thoughts."


    Chen Sansi narrowed his eyes: "If you don''t have such thoughts, then what were you just doing?"


    No wonder the proficiency was growing so slowly.


    It turns out that as long as he wasn''t around,


    this group would each train on their own.


    They really listened to his words, but the person he appointed to manage them, might not necessarily want to listen.


    This is not acceptable.


    The army is an institution.


    Without anyone to help manage, how could he handle it all?


    Last time, Zhao Jin''s issue taught them military discipline.


    Today, they must be told that military orders are absolute.


    "Sir."


    Wu Da swallowed his saliva and pointed at the old scholar, "He knows nothing. How can you let him instruct us in formations?"


    "Is it up to me to decide whether he understands military formations, or is it up to you?!"


    Chen Sansi spoke deliberately, "Wu Da, I give you two choices, one, apologize and accept punishment; two, go home and hunt."


    "Sir, don''t drive me away!"


    Wu Da was truly panicked and hastily admitted his fault, "I apologize and accept punishment, apologize and accept punishment!"


    "Zhu Tong! Drag him away, twenty military lashes!"


    Chen Sansi ordered.


    Among all people, Zhu Tong listened to him the most.


    Zhu Tong was not convinced by Xu Wencai either.


    But if he said to let Xu Wencai train the troops in formations, Zhu Tong would do as told.


    "Alright!"


    Zhu Tong, without a word, summoned two men to drag Wu Da away for punishment.


    "Those who followed and jeered just now, the same applies to you, either accept punishment or get lost!"


    Chen Sansi said sternly, "Listen clearly, from now on, whoever I appoint to do whatever, those who disagree or have objections can come to me, but anyone who causes trouble behind the scenes will be severely punished without exception!"


    "Yes!"


    The crowd nodded repeatedly.


    All had the same thought in their minds.


    They knew well that Wu Da had initially followed Chen and had gone hunting in the mountains; knowing him from those early days and seeing that even he was not exempt from punishment, they respected Chen even more.


    "Xu Wencai, Zhao Qiao, you two come with me."


    Chen Sansi led them to a secluded place and pulled out a silver ingot to hand to Zhao Qiao, "Uncle Zhao, buy some golden sore medicine for Wu Da later. Don''t say it''s money from me; he must learn his lesson."


    "Alright."


    Zhao Qiao took the silver and left. "He indeed deserves it; he''s been too arrogant these days."


    "Sir."


    Xu Wencai was tearfully grateful, "Thank you, sir."


    "If this happens again, just come to me."


    Chen Sansi patted his shoulder, "But let me also make it clear, if they all listen and follow orders, but you fail to train properly, you''ll only be fit for menial tasks in the future."


    "Don''t worry, sir!"


    Xu Wencai swore, "As long as they listen to me, there definitely won''t be a problem."


    "Hmm, go on."


    Chen Sansi allowed him to leave.


    He was not usually a harsh man, but he understood the principles that the kindly do not manage soldiers, the righteous do not manage wealth.


    An army without iron discipline will never mature.


    Originally, Xiao He pursued Han Xin by the light of the moon.


    For Liu Bang to suddenly entrust the still obscure Han Xin with a major responsibility was indeed a challenge.


    Therefore, Chen Sansi needed to cultivate respect and obedience towards his personnel appointments early on.


    Of course, he also needed to make the right judgment.


    Whether Xu Wencai was a mule or a horse, one test would reveal the truth.


    "Old Chen."


    Householder Xiong came looking, "Come on, Lord Thousand Households has a mission to assign to us."


    Central Army Camp.


    On the central table, there was a sand table made not long ago, and behind the main seat, a map was hung.


    Apart from Feng Yong, who was patrolling the Great Wall, the other eight householders had been summoned together.


    "Everyone is here."


    Xiang Tingchun was in a great mood, addressing everyone, "The official and the Ministry of War have decided that troops will be deployed at the end of March after April.


    "Then, An Ding Prefecture Guard will send a thousand people to strengthen the border defenses, not to mention an additional promise of five hundred more troops!


    "Including two hundred disciples from the Martial Arts Hall.


    "By that time, the usable people at our thousand household office will number up to sixteen hundred.


    "The Xi River tribe has two thousand people, but their bone training martial artists are far inferior to ours, the scattered tribes do not know military formations, and having not invaded the border for six years, they are certainly lax in combat.


    "Therefore, our chances of victory are great.


    "But warfare is no child''s play; the above intelligence is from two years ago.


    "Before officially formulating a campaign strategy, I need three small teams to form night watch and verify the enemy intelligence."


    Night watch.


    It can be understood as scout.


    However, due to the lone army penetrating enemy territory, it often poses more danger than the usual scouts.


    Basically, it can be said that once exposed, there''s a great likelihood of sacrifice.


    "This task will be arranged by Luo Qianhu."


    Xiang Tingchun pointed to the Xi River on the sand table, "A month from now, I need the intelligence."

 Chapter 80 Beacon Fires Alight

    "Since the higher-up has spoken, I must select the soldiers,"Luo Dongquan''s gaze swept across the several Hundred Households inside the tent.


    Xiong, Liu, and others didn''t dare to raise their heads.


    No one wanted to undertake this grueling task.


    Guess why it''s called the night watch.


    Soon, Luo Dongquan spoke, "Liu Jinkui, Chen Sansi, each of us will pick ten men from our subordinates. In a month, we must head to the grassland and ascertain the true state of the Xi River tribe."


    Xiang Tingchun had just sat down and picked up a tea cup when he heard this plan, his eyebrows slightly furrowed, but he didn''t speak out against it.


    "This subordinate... accepts the order!"


    Liu Jinkui reluctantly accepted the order.


    Chen Sansi was not a hypocrite.


    Military orders were as heavy as mountains; he naturally would obey.


    It''s just that having Luo come along as well, couldn''t help but seem like he harbored ill intentions.


    "I should be the one to go!"


    Wang Zhi suddenly stood up, "I have reached Bone Forging Perfection, am I not stronger than him?"


    "Hundred Households Wang."


    Luo Dongquan said coldly, "It''s not your place to speak, is it?"


    "I didn''t ask you!"


    Wang Zhi shouted towards the main seat, "Households Commander Xiang, Luo harbors no good intentions!"


    "Fatty Wang, what do you mean by that?!"


    Luo Dongquan glared angrily, "Do you actually think that I would harm Hundred Households Chen in secret?"


    "Only you know what you''re thinking,"


    Wang Zhi insisted, "Households Commander Xiang, I''m definitely not being overprotective. Chen Sansi can go, but Luo Dongquan cannot. Only one of them can go!"


    "Wang Zhi, you dare defy a military order?!"


    "To hell with you, being Deputy Thousand Households is so important, huh?"


    "Do you believe I''ll report you to the Department of Soldiers!"


    "Go ahead and report, see if I''m scared?"


    "Enough!!!"


    Xiang Tingchun''s fist thunderously slammed on the desk, "Wang Zhi! You will go along with Chen Sansi!"


    "A wise decision!"


    Wang Zhi immediately changed to a sycophantic expression, "This subordinate guarantees to complete the mission!"


    Once the assignment was given, the group dispersed.


    "Old Luo."


    Xiang Tingchun, with eyes closed, inquired, "You were supposed to include Feng Yong, Zhao Kang, and Liu Jinkui. Why did you change it without authorization? I said after spring, do what you will with him, but right now, I need this man!"


    "This subordinate deserves to die."


    Luo Dongquan kneeled on one knee, "But sir, the Sun siblings are present, and Magistrate Ji is also courting him. If I wait till then, where will I get the chance?"


    "Wait a bit longer."


    Xiang Tingchun''s cheeks creased and then smoothed as he finally said, "At the very least, he must die on the main battlefield."


    "Sir, I understand,"


    Luo Dongquan bowed his head low.


    ...


    "That damned Luo Dongquan!"


    As soon as he walked out of the tent, Liu Jinkui burst into curses, "I used to treat him to meals all the time, now that he''s been promoted, he assigns me this deadly task!"


    "Entry-level Refining Internal dares to be arrogant!"


    Wang Zhi spat, "If it were the past, I would have split him in two right there."


    Zhao Kang and the rest pretended not to hear and quickly left.


    Xiong Qiuan followed with curses, "I''ve always seen he''s no good."


    "Shi, don''t panic."


    Wang Zhi sneered, "I''ll go with you, Luo wouldn''t dare to do anything."


    "Thanks."


    Chen Sansi expressed his gratitude.


    With him accompanying, there was at least no need to worry about being directly assassinated.


    "Still, I''m too weak; otherwise, who would dare harbor evil thoughts."


    Complaining was useless.


    All he could do was devote himself to his cultivation.


    He must also prepare for the trip to the grassland.


    Chen Sansi returned to the Martial Arts Arena to pick those for the night watch.


    "Zhu Tong, Zhuang Yi, Zhao Qiao, Li Dazhi, Xia Erniu."


    He picked five, Wang Zhi picked five.


    "Sir, what about me?"


    Wang Li was surprised, "Let me go with you."


    "You stay behind, in my absence, you''re responsible for helping Xu Wencai with the military drills."


    Chen Sansi said.


    This Wang Li usually keeps quiet, yet his cultivation speed is not slow at all, tightly following Zhu Tong. Most importantly, he has a stable personality, follows orders, and doesn''t cause any trouble.


    "Yes!"


    Wang Li accepted the orders.


    "You five, go to the horse field later. Someone will specifically train you in Horse Control Skill."


    Going to the grassland without a horse is not possible.


    The matter was settled.


    Several days passed in a flash.


    Chen Sansi routinely practiced cultivation and made medicine.


    After Bone Strengthening, it was time for Skin Training.


    To practice Skin Training, one couldn''t rely solely on Training. It required enduring painful tempering as well.


    There were two kinds of tempering tools.


    One was sandstone rough salt, the other was Iron Sand.


    Depending on the tool used, the tempering effects varied.


    Naturally, Chen Sansi chose Iron Sand.


    A wooden barrel was filled with specially made Iron Sand.


    He entered the barrel naked; it was as if he plunged into a mountain of knives and a sea of fire.


    Even though Chen Sansi was mentally prepared, he was still tortured until his facial features twisted. He forced himself to endure for ten minutes before jumping out, his body bloody and not a single patch of good flesh remained.


    He quickly took out his ointment.


    This black jade Protective Body Ointment was extremely expensive, costing five hundred taels per box and only lasting for twenty days.


    Even at the Bone Training Realm, the consumption of resources was astronomically expensive.


    No wonder many talented martial artists were willing to serve major families or martial arts halls like dogs.


    Soldiers in the military fought desperately with the hope of exchanging military merits, but how could Jianghu wanderers afford it?


    The black ointment, like mud, coated his entire body, bringing a wave of coolness. Threads and strands of medicinal power continuously repaired the surface wounds on his body.


    Training the skin in this way would not only avoid damaging the skin, but also make it smoother and more delicate.


    No wonder it was so expensive.


    After all, the medicinal herbs used inside were very precious.


    After deciphering the formula, Chen Sansi managed to mix about a box of it.


    Any more than that, and there wouldn''t be any left.


    After all, the medicinal herbs obtained from Medicine Valley were just one of the many medicinal gardens, most of which were ingredients for Replenishing Essence Soup and Medicine Baths.


    When it was used up...


    He would borrow some from Brother Liang''s place.


    Chen Sansi made up his mind.


    [Cultivation Technique: Undying Golden Snake Spear ¨C Advanced (Mastered)]


    [Progress: 105/1000]


    Too slow!


    The greatest increase in his cultivation speed was through Spiritual Grain.


    But the absorption efficiency was just too slow!


    Originally planned, he had four more months to refine his internals, provided he continuously consumed Spiritual Grain.


    But the more he practiced, the more Chen Sansi dared not consume too much.


    The poison in the meridians was no joke.


    "Forget it..."


    "Rushing is useless."


    Chen Sansi could only keep comforting himself, packing up his belongings and leaving the cave to go down the mountain and return home.


    It was dusk; the remaining sunlight of the setting sun reflected off the twilight sky. The military settlement was peaceful and serene. Every household was making fire for cooking, the wafting smoke rising up through the chimneys into the sky like long white dragons soaring.


    "Brother Shi is back."


    Gu Xinlan came out to meet him, Xu Bin''s pregnant wife, Sister Tong, was also there; she slightly bowed in greeting, "Greetings to Hundred Household Chen."


    "Brother Shi, Sister Tong said to have dinner at her place tonight; the wine and dishes are all ready."


    "Brother Shi, what are you looking at?"


    "Mr. Chen... what''s so interesting about the chimney?"


    "..."


    Chen Sansi had not heard a word from them.


    His eyes were fixed on the sky, his expression serious.


    Among the white dragons, a black dragon had mingled.


    That was not smoke from cooking.


    It was a beacon fire!


    It had been many years since Po Yang Thousand Households had dealt with warfare. Now a beacon fire was lit, and even the families living in the military settlement had not noticed the anomaly in time.


    "Buzz¡ª"


    "Enemy attack, enemy attack!"


    "All soldiers assemble, assemble¡ª"


    The Order Officer''s loud voice, accompanied by the sound of horse hooves, rang through the military settlement.


    S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 81 Ambush

    "Assemble¡ª¡ª""Buzzing¡ª¡ª"


    Over nine hundred officers and soldiers assembled at the Great Martial Arts Arena with the fastest speed, amidst the chaos in the barracks yet without losing the most basic order.


    "Report!"


    "The border has lit two beacon fires, one signal tower indicates ''one,'' and one pile of firewood has been burnt, indicating that a raid of more than ten but less than a hundred cavalry is imminent!"


    Xiang Tingchun made a swift decision, "Zhao Kang, heed my command, you are to lead a hundred light cavalry and rush to the aid of the Great Wall immediately. If the number of raiders is a hundred cavalry, hold the fort and do not venture out. If it''s around fifty cavalry, pursue for thirty li outside the city regardless of whether the pursuit is successful or not, you must not exceed thirty li."


    "Liu Jinkui, Xiong Qiuan, Wang Zhi, the three of you are to lead your men to the Great Wall to reinforce our defenses and report any situation promptly."


    "Your subordinate obeys!"


    Several Hundred Households immediately set about their tasks.


    Especially when Zhao Kang''s hundred light cavalry burst out of the barracks, they kicked up dust that filled the sky, a sight that was nothing short of spectacular.


    "Lord Thousand Households."


    Chen Sansi clasped his fist, "Allow me to accompany Hundred Households Zhao."


    "You?"


    Xiang Tingchun hesitated for a moment, "Go, but you must follow orders and must not act on your own initiative."


    "I obey!"


    Chen Sansi mounted his White Swan Horse.


    Within two minutes, he had caught up with the main force and came alongside Zhao Kang.


    "What a fine horse!"


    Zhao Kang said with envy, "Your white horse must be even faster than that of Lord Thousand Households!"


    Chen Sansi could clearly feel that the speed of the White Swan Horse was increasing as his mastery of Horse Control improved.


    But he was not the commander of this operation and did not dare outpace the main force, so he stayed close by Zhao Kang''s side.


    "This is really something!"


    Zhao Kang pulled on the reins, "It''s been so many years since we''ve had cavalry raiders in the Po Yang Territory!"


    "Hundred Households Zhao, have you fought in wars before?"


    Chen Sansi asked.


    "Three or four times," Zhao Kang said with a deep voice. "The first time was nine years ago when eighty barbarian cavalry launched a surprise attack, breached the city wall, and slaughtered a village.


    "At that time, Households Commander Xiang was a Deputy Thousand Households, and the discipline of the Thousand Households troops was even looser than when you arrived, with virtually no combat capability. After the raiders had killed and looted, they left, and we couldn''t keep them.


    "That afternoon, Households Commander Xiang''s mother and siblings, his entire family, happened to be returning from the county town after making purchases and encountered the barbarians halfway. Not one survived.


    "The next year, the then Lord Thousand Households was promoted and transferred, and after Mr. Xiang took over as the Households Commander, the military discipline began to improve.


    "Later when the barbarian cavalry came again, most of the time they suffered heavy losses and eventually ceased their raids.


    "Today''s attack was indeed sudden."


    "..."


    Chen Sansi understood.


    So Xiang Tingchun''s insistence on campaigning against the Xi River tribes was not just about getting a promotion; it seemed there were also personal vendettas involved.


    "Hya¡ª¡ª"


    The Thousand Households was naturally located close to the Great Wall, as it was meant to defend it.


    They arrived at their destination while they were talking.


    Since every peace negotiation between the Central Plains and the barbarian tribes often led to trade, the Great Wall was not completely sealed off and normally had gates left open.


    The location where the signal fires had been lit was right next to one of the gates.


    Looking up, they could see two officers'' bodies hanging from the battlements, pierced by arrows. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Old Zhao, you guys arrived?!" Feng Yong leaned out and called out loudly, "The enemy doesn''t have many troops, just a Bone Training Hundred Households leading over fifty elite cavalrymen!"


    The barbarian tribes emulated Dasheng, also implementing a system of military households.


    Moreover, all adult males on the grasslands were expected to serve in the military, embodying a system where every man was a soldier ready for battle and a herdsman when off duty, combining military and pastoral duties.


    "Open the city gate!"


    Zhao Kang did not waste words, "I am acting under the orders of Lord Thousand Households to sally forth and slay the enemy, quickly open the gate!"


    "Creak¡ª¡ª"


    The heavy and solid gate opened.


    A hundred light cavalry swarmed out.


    "Chase!"


    Zhao Kang brandished his sword.


    However, as they were opening the city gate, the barbarian cavalry began to retreat. By the time the Sheng Dynasty soldiers chased out, the enemy had already fled a considerable distance. At this point, it became a contest of whose horses were faster.


    The warhorses Xiang Tingchun painstakingly acquired were not bad, but they were not necessarily better than the horses from the grassland.


    As the chase prolonged, the distance between them and the barbarians grew further and further.


    It seemed chasing any longer would only result in a fruitless return.


    A white horse surpassed all other Sheng officials like a shooting star, closing the gap to the barbarian cavalry to about a hundred and twenty paces within a few breaths.


    The tiger bone big bow was quietly drawn, and a willow-leaf arrow shot forth, piercing through the back of a light barbarian cavalry, who fell stiffly from his horse.


    Zhao Kang was shocked beyond measure.


    You see, shooting an arrow from the ground and from horseback are completely different things.


    Unfortunately, this arrow did not close the distance between the two sides, and the Sheng officials were still far behind.


    "Giddyup¡ª"


    Chen Sansi put away the tiger bone big bow and switched to a reed-leaf long spear. He spurred the horse''s belly, and the White Swan Horse beneath him picked up speed again, charging straight at the barbarian cavalry.


    "Dangerous!"


    Ahead was a slope, and Zhao Kang was too late to stop him as the long spear and white horse vanished from their sight.


    He couldn''t help but feel a sinking feeling in his heart.


    Although there was only one barbarian hundred households, there were still over fifty cavalrymen. Charging in alone like this was bound to meet with encirclement!


    "This kid''s talent is good, but his actions are too rash."


    "He can''t die! If he dies, Wang Zhi will likely think that I colluded with Luo Dongquan to deliberately kill him!"


    "Chase, chase for me!"


    ...


    The barbarian officer clad in armor spurred his horse to gallop at the front of the troop.


    He looked back and asked, "Have we shaken them off?"


    "Lord Hundred Households, one man on a white horse is incredibly fast and has actually caught up!"


    "How many?"


    "Just one!"


    "Such audacity, could it be Xiang Tingchun himself?"


    "No, judging by the armor it seems to be a hundred households!"


    "A hundred households dares to chase after our fifty men? He''s seeking death!"


    Judging the speed at which the rest of the pursuers might catch up, the barbarian hundred households felt he had enough time and ordered, "Clear the way, I''ll personally sever his head!"


    "Hyah¡ª"


    He reined in his horse, turning to look back.


    He saw a white horse military officer approaching with a long spear, who with a raise of his hand, plunged the spear directly into a Blood Refining Officer, killing him instantly.


    "What ruthless spear technique!"


    The barbarian hundred households immediately changed his mind, "Surround and kill him, you swine; surround him until he''s dead!"


    Cavalry is different from infantry.


    With the boost of warhorses, their strength and speed far exceed that of infantry.


    Ordinarily, to exhaust a Bone Training Great Success martial artist, it would take twenty light infantrymen, but if you switch to cavalry, then merely over ten riders would suffice. With charge after charge, a mere martial artist could hardly withstand several rounds.


    Furthermore, among the more than fifty riders, there were not only Array Soldiers but also Blood Refining Great Success martial artists and military soldiers. Even a bone training martial artist would likely be exhausted to death.


    After the barbarian hundred households gave the command, the barbarian cavalry immediately turned around, spread out to a suitable distance, and then charged from all directions, encircling the white horse. Then they all pressed on to attack.


    "Puchi¡ª"


    Chen Sansi thrust his spear, killing the enemy who approached face-to-face. He had just withdrawn the spear when he heard the whistling of a sharp weapon tearing through the air behind him. He immediately bent low on the horse''s back to dodge a slash, then his waist twisted like a water snake, rotating 360 degrees as he swept his long spear in all directions, forcing back the enemies trying to ambush him from various angles. The White Swan Horse neighed and continued to charge forward. Seizing the brief opportunity, he thrust his spear through another enemy cavalry blocking the way and broke out of the encirclement.


    No matter how strong a martial artist is, they still only have two arms and two legs.


    This is the reason for the existence of an army; with enough people and sufficient time, combined with special combat skills, they can always find an opportunity to kill the enemy leader.


    This kind of life-and-death struggle, this critical and stimulating moment, made Chen Sansi''s blood surge throughout his body. His Qi-Blood, meridians, and even the meridians themselves were operating over their limits under the instinct to survive. The residual toxins in his meridians began to rapidly deplete, and his proficiency in spear technique improved significantly.


    Meanwhile, the barbarian cavalry adjusted their formation and launched a second round of encirclement and attack.


    "Bring it on!"

 Chapter 82 A Lone Knight Slays a General

    This time, three spears were thrusted towards him simultaneously.Chen Sansi moved like a ghostly apparition, in the blink of an eye he was no longer atop the horse, instead, he clutched the saddle with one hand, his body fully suspended at the flank, narrowly evading the strike without harm. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Before the opponent could retract their spears, Chen Sansi harnessed the strength of his waist and, like a spring, vaulted back onto the horse, trapping the wooden shafts of the incoming spears under his arm, his arm muscles coiled like dragons. The blood of the Dragon Elephant, paired with the Nine Dragon Living Veins, erupted with astonishing power; he easily snapped the wooden shafts.


    "Huff¡ª"


    The sound of a sharp weapon drawing near came from behind.


    Relying on his hearing, Chen Sansi surmised that this assailant was clever, realizing that his agile body was difficult to hit, so they aimed directly for the White Swan Horse instead.


    "Go!"


    He leapt into the air, thrusting his long spear and impaling a spearman who had lost his weapon, claiming his horse, and using the corpse as a weapon to crash into those behind him.


    With the White Swan Horse unburdened, its speed surged forward rapidly, successfully dodging a slash from behind.


    Heart and mind as one!


    Not until actually battling on the field did Chen Sansi truly understand how important this was.


    He jumped back onto the White Swan Horse, stabbing to death three cavalrymen in succession and once again breaking through the encirclement.


    No more than a few seconds had elapsed.


    Six or seven cavalrymen lay dead.


    "My lord!"


    The barbarian cavalry hesitated for a moment and did not immediately launch a third charge but simultaneously looked towards their Hundred Households leader for instructions.


    But before they could receive any commands,


    it was the White Horse military officer who took the initiative and charged forth.


    In the chaos,


    Chen Sansi''s vision was filled to the brim with bladed weapons of all sorts, the air was thick with killing intent from all directions, and enemies were everywhere. He had no time to distinguish between military officers and rank soldiers as he continuously swung the reed-leaf long spear, spearing one barbarian after another, whilst also fending off attacks from all sides. The air was thick with blood, akin to a macabre rain.


    In such a state, with all guns blazing, it was an incredibly rapid expenditure of Qi-Blood for any martial artist.


    Martial artists, aside from their physical bodies, rely on Qi-Blood to enhance their attacks.


    This was equivalent to constantly using skills, draining the mana bar.


    Once the mana runs dry, one can only rely on the strength of their physical body.


    Fortunately, his mana bar was a little bit larger than average.


    With the blood of the Dragon Elephant coursing ceaselessly, Chen Sansi''s body was ablaze with heat, but he felt no fatigue; his lunging spear grew ever more stable, accurate, and ruthless. In front of him, one after another, the cavalrymen fell, with cries of agony rising in succession.


    "Keep going!"


    The barbarian Hundred Households held his curved blade tightly, closely observing the situation, ready to further deplete the opponent''s Qi-Blood before personally taking action.


    After a martial artist breaks through to the Bone Forger Realm, the main enhancements are to defensive power, physical strength, and speed, not much to Qi-Blood.


    Therefore, theoretically speaking,


    trying to kill a bone training martial artist with just cavalry would be incredibly costly.


    But the lives of twenty or more cavalrymen could roughly deplete about half of the opponent''s Qi-Blood. At that point, if he made his move, he would have the upper hand, and with someone assisting in a sneak attack, decapitating the enemy would be easy!


    Trading twenty or so lives for that of a bone training General''s was quite the deal.


    However, very soon¡­


    The barbarian Hundred Households realized something was amiss.


    For this young Dasheng military officer seemed to show no difference from his initial state, having slain more than twenty cavalrymen without any sign of diminished Qi-Blood, not even making use of the unique defensive abilities possessed by bone training martial artists.


    To put it bluntly, not even the skin was scratched!


    It was impossible to tell at which stage of the Bone Training Realm he was.


    "Impossible! The information the spies sent back two months ago only mentioned a young Hundred Households who had just started with the Bone Strengthening Skill. Where did this kind of combat power come from? A breakthrough in just two months? And this looks to be the strength of small achievement, or even Great Success!"


    The barbarian Hundred Households was rendered speechless.


    It was because of this report that he decided to quickly surround and kill the enemy.


    But now it seemed the information was faulty.


    "No time left!"


    In the time they hesitated, the Dasheng cavalry were about to catch up.


    "Retreat!"


    The barbarian Hundred Households bellowed, leading the retreat.


    The remaining thirty or so barbarians, having long lost the will to fight, turned their horses one after another, fleeing to the north.


    "My lord!"


    "He''s still pursuing!"


    "What?!"


    The barbarian Hundred Households glanced back as he turned slightly, and indeed, he saw the White Horse rushing forward at a ferocious speed, any cavalryman that dared to block his path was screaming as they toppled to the grassland, unstoppable, and in the blink of an eye, he was less than thirty feet away from him.


    "Are you courting death?!"


    Furious, the barbarian Hundred Households, after all, was a Bone Forger with some achievement; he had refrained from acting, simply seeking stability.


    There was no need to retreat any further!


    While Chen Sansi was still retracting his spear after killing another cavalryman, the Hundred Households took the opportunity to charge, his curved sword casting a black moonlight in the sky, swinging down from above straight toward the throat.


    "Whoosh¡ª"


    The reed-leaf long spear stabbed out at an extremely tricky and unreasonable angle, managing to arrive at the enemy General''s heart before anything else could, in an instant.


    The barbarian Hundred Households'' face turned pale with shock.


    There was no time to dodge, so he could only block with his arm that was wrapped in a bracer.


    "Crack¡ª"


    The bracer shattered as if it were made of paper, and the sturdy arm bone was effortlessly pierced through.


    The Barbarian Hundred Households endured the severe pain, trying to grab the spear shaft with his hand to limit the opponent''s movement, and exchange wound for wound.


    Unfortunately, he didn''t get the chance.


    A weapon over three meters long should be very cumbersome, yet in the enemy''s hands, it was as flexible as a dagger. Before he could even see it clearly, the spear blade disappeared from his arm''s flesh and bone, and when it reappeared, it had pierced his chest cavity.


    "Crack, crack!"


    Chen Sansi released the Qi-Blood coursing through his body, which explosively erupted, his strength converging in his sinewy arms and then transferring to the reed leaf long spear. The spear tip, like a drill, stirred and ground the bones to pieces before pounding into the heart.


    He hoisted the dying body of the Barbarian Hundred Households high into the air, swinging it around in the sky like a flag, then threw it out, toppling a Cavalryman trying to escape, horse and all.


    In one move!


    The many Barbarian Cavalrymen were dumbstruck.


    Their Hundred Households, not the match for this man in a single move!


    "Retreat!"


    "Retreat quickly!"


    With the Main General dead, morale collapsed.


    The Barbarian Cavalry panicked, their formation in disorder, fleeing on their horses.


    But the White Swan Horse blocked them ahead, and any who dared come close were stabbed to death.


    Additionally, more than a hundred Dasheng Cavalry were in hot pursuit from behind.


    With no way to go forward and enemies chasing from behind.


    It was clearly a road to death.


    "We surrender!"


    "Mercy, my lord, we are willing to surrender!!"


    One of the Barbarian flag officers took the lead, and the others followed suit,


    dismounting one after another.


    "Surrender?"


    Chen Sansi frowned: "Who allowed you to surrender?!"


    "What do you mean?"


    Before the Barbarian Cavalry could react, they saw the White Swan Horse charging at them again, compelling them to fight like trapped beasts.


    ...


    "What''s going on?"


    Finally arriving at the battlefield, Zhao Kang looked at the White Swan Horse charging back and forth and the bodies strewn everywhere, taking a long time to come back to his senses.


    One man, one horse.


    They had made more than fifty Cavalry flee in disarray.


    More than fifty Cavalry!


    Even a martial artist in the Bone Forger Realm would be drained of Qi-Blood, having to rely solely on their physical prowess to fight brutally!


    But that was not even the main issue.


    The key was that the enemy also had a Bone Forger Hundred Households!


    If Chen Sansi showed even the slightest flaw, he would have been beyond redemption!


    It was a critical situation, not a time for shock.


    Zhao Kang led his men into the fray: "Brothers, kill them all, don''t let a single one escape!"


    ...


    The chase ended within half an incense stick''s burning time.


    The fifty plus Barbarian Cavalrymen that came did not return, most of them slain on spot, leaving only two alive for interrogation.


    They also captured more than twenty warhorses and a number of spears and long knives.


    "Hundred Households Chen, this is a bit too exaggerated," Zhao Kang said, feeling ashamed. "If it were me, I definitely would have been worn down by the Cavalry, then the enemy General would have taken advantage of my weakness and killed me with chaotic slashes.


    "You alone killed more than thirty Cavalry, plus you crossed realms to kill the enemy General...


    "After we return, not to mention the standard rewards, a promotion is definitely in order."


    "You flatter me, Hundred Households Zhao."


    Chen Sansi was covered in blood, feeling exhilarated.


    His exhilaration wasn''t because of the merit he had achieved, but because the fight had been so effective! His body''s meridians were nearly purged of poison, and his spear technique had improved tremendously.


    It appeared that bloody combat, especially when triggered by being surrounded, unleashed potential that was many times more effective than regular martial arts sparring!


    To put it simply, fighting was exhilarating!


    [Skill: Undying Golden Snake Spear - Upper (Adept)]


    [Progress: 205/1000]


    The Spiritual Grain within his body fully absorbed, directly leaping forward in proficiency, equivalent to several days of hard practice.


    Zhao Kang directed his men to clear the battlefield, then quickly returned, triumphant.


    But what greeted them was not celebration and elation, but a solemn and stern atmosphere.


    "An urgent war report over eight hundred miles!"


    "The grassland''s Four Clans secretly formed an alliance and, five days ago, suddenly declared war on all three states of the Northwest Border!


    "Additionally, Prince Tuoba, leading fifty thousand Iron Cavalry, is marching straight for An Ding Prefecture!"


    "Yunzhou is in peril!"

 Chapter 83 Ji Guangxian

    Central Army Camp."Urgent war report from An Ding Prefecture, eight hundred li away."


    Xiang Tingchun dropped the letter, "Unexpectedly, the Four Barbarian Tribes of the grassland, after years of overt and covert struggles, managed to form an alliance overnight.


    "Not only that, instead of attacking Liangzhou, they specifically dispatched fifty thousand troops to attack Yunzhou. The letter says they have already set up camp outside the Great Wall and may begin their assault at any time. The command office of Yunzhou has ordered us to strengthen our border defenses and hold our positions without advancing, and to report any developments immediately."


    "What are your thoughts?"


    All the Hundred Households stood within the tent.


    A Hundred Household by the surname Qian spoke up, "Could today''s cavalry raid be related to this?"


    "It''s possible."


    Feng Yong took over, "That group of cavalrymen didn''t seem to be here to loot; it felt more like they were testing the reality of the Great Wall''s defenses."


    "Oh?"


    Xiang Tingchun spoke seriously, "Are you suggesting that the Xi River tribes are preparing to actively attack Po Yang?"


    "I wouldn''t dare to speculate rashly."


    Feng Yong said, "With the military strength of the Xi River tribes, they should not have the courage, but we can''t rule out their secretly reinforcing their troops." sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Attacking and defending a city are completely different concepts in terms of difficulty.


    To attack a city, one often needs several times the number of troops to surround it.


    "This possibility is not great."


    Luo Dongquan spoke solemnly, "The Northwest Three States combined with An Ding Prefecture are all strategic points; it would take at least an army of over three hundred thousand to match up. Even if the Four Barbarian Tribes unite, their military and material resources are still limited; where would they have the capacity to reinforce the Xi River tribes?"


    "That said, it''s still best to be cautious."


    Xiang Tingchun ordered, "The Night Patrol Team to start scouting missions ahead of time, set off after the fifteenth day, and be sure to clarify the recent situation of the Xi River tribes."


    "Yes!"


    After discussing the military issues, they moved on to the rewards for killing the enemy.


    "Hundred Household Chen alone broke through thirty light cavalry and directly took the life of an enemy general, bravely invincible!"


    Xiang Tingchun sincerely expressed, "Even I was not nearly as good as you when I started!"


    "I will make a report to the court, promoting you to the rank of Captain Chengxin.


    "As for the medicinal materials in the camp, from today onwards, you may use the medicine baths as you wish; all costs will be charged to me!


    "However, starting from the Black Jade Protective Ointment, we have a limited quantity in the camp. All the Hundred Households need it, so I can''t just give it to you alone."


    Sixth Rank Hundred Households, initially promoted to Zhaoxin Captain.


    After performing well or completing the term, they are promoted to Captain Chengxin.


    This can be understood as a promotion in military rank.


    After reaching a certain rank, you can then continue to be promoted.


    If there are no military achievements or significant breakthroughs in level, this process can be very slow.


    Even Xiang Ting Chun, after he succeeded in Refining Internal, spent several years as a Deputy Thousand Households before he managed to become the Households Commander.


    "Besides that, whatever reward you wish for, just speak up."


    "My lord, I want horses."


    Chen Sansi was forthright, "The twenty horses captured, can I have them?"


    "Okay!"


    Xiang Tingchun agreed very readily, "Not only will you have the twenty horses you captured, but I will also find a way to get you thirty more horses!"


    "Thank you, Lord Thousand Households!"


    Chen Sansi bowed with his fists clasped.


    His request for horses was both practically useful.


    And on the other hand, it was because the Thousand Households were too poor, clearly unable to afford any other rewards.


    Po Yang Territory, it really was no longer a place to stay.


    Resources were too scarce.


    Leaving the tent.


    Dan Yuanzhi had been waiting for a while, "Congratulations to Hundred Household Chen for your military success! A single man on horseback nearly annihilated the invading cavalry; with such achievements, even the Crown Prince would probably take a second look!"


    In his words, he hinted at a limitless future if they followed them.


    "What about the medicine?"


    Chen Sansi didn''t beat around the bush, "Guard Dan, didn''t you say that the Lord Prefect wants to gift me a secret medicine?"


    "Magistrate Ji was very pleased to hear that you were considering surrendering, and he wants to invite you to his residence as a guest. After the banquet, he will personally prepare the medicine for you."


    Dan Yuanzhi gestured invitingly, "Hundred Household Chen, this way, please."


    "How thoughtful! Wang Zhi, someone''s buying us a meal!"


    Chen Sansi shouted loudly.


    "Who?!"


    From a hundred meters away, Fatty Wang swiftly approached like a whirlwind: "Are you a guard for the Lord Prefect? So it''s Magistrate Ji who is inviting us, very good, very good!"


    "?"


    Dan Yuanzhi didn''t anticipate this turn of events.


    "Dan Guard."


    Chen Sansi smiled and said, "Add a pair of chopsticks, Magistrate Ji surely wouldn''t mind, right?"


    This trip.


    Ji Guangxian most likely intended to show goodwill, without any hidden agenda.


    But, it''s good to be prepared for anything, just in case.


    "Cough cough, of course I don''t mind."


    Dan Guard led the way ahead.


    Outside the military camp, a carriage was already prepared.


    It was Chen Sansi''s first time sitting in a carriage.


    It must be said that those with money and status really know how to enjoy life.


    "Ha, Chen, you''re really something."


    Wang Zhi rubbed his hands excitedly, "Ji Guangxian is a substantial household, this capture is a real scoop!"


    The carriage jolted and swayed until it reached the county town, the sky also grew dim, finally stopping in front of a grand mansion.


    Ji Guangxian, dressed in casual clothes, came out to greet them himself.


    "Households Officer Chen, your bravery has spread throughout Po Yang in less than two hours."


    Ji Guangxian praised, "I truly didn''t misjudge you, eh? And who is this¡­"


    Wang Zhi bowed with a fist and chuckled, "My surname is Wang, a hundred households in the military, here to ask for a meal from your Excellency."


    "Guests are always welcome, please, come in!"


    Ji Guangxian was exceedingly approachable and very generous.


    He even specifically had all the chefs from Eight Treasures Building come to his home, and the dishes were also made from top-quality ingredients, including beast meat and even a nourishing Treasure Fish, paired with premium deer blood wine.


    This table of dishes would cost hundreds of pieces of silver.


    ''No poison.''


    After acquiring "Recognize Medicine," Chen Sansi could identify any medicine-related ingredients, naturally including poisons.


    If anyone dared to poison the food, he could spot it at a glance.


    He didn''t hesitate and started eating the Treasure Fish with his chopsticks.


    Wang Zhi, not to be outdone, ate greasily.


    The two were so engrossed in eating and drinking that Ji Guangxian tried to speak several times but couldn''t find the right moment.


    He waited until they had eaten their fill before finally speaking up, "Households Officer Chen, have you considered my offer to leave Po Yang with me?"


    "Lord Prefect, didn''t you promise me a secret medicine?"


    Chen Sansi said bluntly.


    "Bring the items here!"


    Ji Guangxian clapped his hands.


    Two beautiful maids brought two wooden barrels, one containing Iron Sand, the other a prepared medicine bath.


    "Truth be told, my ancestors were in the business of medicinal materials, so I also know a bit about medical skills."


    Ji Guangxian said with pride, "Hearing that Households Officer Chen has made breakthroughs in Bone Strengthening and is currently undergoing Skin Training, this medicine is an excellent secret medicine for aiding Skin Training, called ''Condensed Dew Body Forging Soup.'' Its greatest feature is that it not only has the protective effects of Black Jade Ointment but also has a body strengthening and healing effect far superior to ordinary medicine baths, and it can be used until Great Success in Bone Training. You''ll know once you try!"


    Dan Yuanzhi added, "This is personally brewed by Lord Prefect himself, it took an entire afternoon!"


    "Good."


    Chen Sansi immediately stripped off his clothes, first using the Iron Sand to grind his skin, then jumped into the medicine bath.


    Unlike ordinary medicine baths which are intensely hot.


    This medicine bath, once immersed, had a synergy with ''Black Jade Protective Ointment.'' The medicine seeped into the flesh through the wounds made by the Iron Sand, not only repairing the skin but also nourishing the muscles and bones.


    No wonder with this, one could cling to the high echelons in court!


    "Households Officer Chen."


    Ji Guangxian asked confidently, "How is the effect?"


    "Average!"


    Chen Sansi responded indifferently.

 Chapter 84 Night Out at the Great Wall

    "Ordinary?"Ji Guangxian was taken aback.


    "Chen Households, you mustn''t joke."


    Dan Yuanzhi said, "This bucket of medicine bath alone is worth three hundred taels of patterned silver, how could it be ordinary?"


    "It really is ordinary, just that so."


    Chen Shanshi, without attachment, jumped out of the wooden tub.


    This left Ji Guangxian somewhat lacking in confidence.


    He rushed to the side of the tub, stretched out his hand to feel the medicinal water, confirming there was no issue.


    He immediately understood the other''s point and said with a smile, "Perhaps the effect of one medicinal bath isn''t apparent, how about this instead¡ª"


    "To express my sincerity, Households Chen can come to my place three more times for a medicinal bath!


    "Decide after the three times.


    "As long as you agree, the medicinal baths are on the house!


    "Moreover, especially for ''Blood Refining Great Success'', the Red Tiger Blood Wine, this official still has one jar left, and it''s yours!"


    "Good, then I thank Magistrate Ji!"


    Chen Shanshi clasped his hands.


    He then jumped back into the tub without wasting a moment.


    While riding in the carriage, the long spear was also placed such that he could reach it from outside the carriage, and he began practicing martial arts at Magistrate Ji''s house.


    Wang Zhi ate and drank, "Magistrate Ji, this small one toasts to you again!"


    The two stayed until midnight before leaving the Ji Mansion.


    Magistrate Ji also sent a carriage to take them back, with transportation to and from, very thoughtful.


    "My lord."


    Dan Yuanzhi watched as the carriage disappeared at the end of the street, "This youngster hasn''t agreed to your conditions, my lord, why still provide him the medicinal bath?"


    "Yuan Zhi, you don''t understand!"


    As Ji Guangxian touched his beard, he said in an experienced tone, "There''s a saying ''easy to go from frugality to luxury, hard to go from luxury to frugality''. Once he''s enjoyed the ''Condensing Dew Body Forging Soup,'' how could he settle for the remedies at the Households office? He''ll naturally come asking me for it."


    "The lord is brilliant!"


    Dan Yuanzhi suddenly realized.


    ...


    "White Tribulus, Blood Orchid, tiger head fruit..."


    In the carriage, Chen Shanshi was silently calculating the ingredients needed for the ''Condensing Dew Body Forging Soup'' in his mind. He had most of them, only missing one item, "Hundred-year-old Black Ginseng."


    This rare medicinal ingredient, generally hoarded in the various medical stores as a treasured asset.


    No wonder the Condensing Dew Body Forging Soup was so outstanding.


    He planned to gather some when he had time to search around.


    In a few days, he would go to the grassland to become night watch.


    Night watch, as the name suggests,


    is a spy sent out at night to scout military intelligence.


    In important border areas like Liangzhou and An Ding Prefecture, the night watch would be specially trained instead of being assembled ad hoc.


    The next day.


    The news of the war at the border was causing an uproar.


    In and outside the military camps, people were in a state of anxiety, worrying whether the flames of war could reach Po Yang County.


    "Father has sent a letter."


    Sun Li took out a letter just retrieved from the postal station and said softly, "The letter says that Po Yang might face unexpected incidents and advises us to stay and help."


    "Unexpected incidents?"


    Chen Shanshi asked, "Are you referring to the Xi River tribe, or..."


    "I don''t know."


    Sun Li shook her head, "It wasn''t specified."


    Sun Buqi was very anxious, snatching the letter while his mouth didn''t stop moving, "How is father? What exactly is the situation in the Northwest Three States?"


    "With the combined forces of the Eight Camps and the twenty-nine garrisons from the Northwest Three Regions, nearly two hundred thousand soldiers, plus father personally going into battle, there shouldn''t be any mishap."


    Sun Li remained calm.


    Not just the siblings.


    The entire Households office, and even Po Yang County, had become anxious.


    If the border conflict turned into a defeat, the influx of alien cavalry into the Central Plains meant catastrophe for the civilians, as history clearly stated.


    As a result, the soldiers'' training became much more diligent.


    5 a.m. to 7 a.m.


    Chen Shanshi had just arrived at the encampment when the men below had already begun training.


    [Skill: Commanding Soldiers (Entry-Level)]


    [Progress: 233/500]


    [Utility: Mainstay]


    After the last lesson.


    Everyone obediently followed Xu Wencai''s commands, the proficiency of the board rapidly improved, and the basic formation was practiced professionally, comparable to well-trained veterans.


    "Xu Wencai."


    Chen Shanshi called the old scholar, "Summon all the night watch who will accompany me this trip. Train in the ''Small Car Suspension Array'' we discussed last time, to avoid being helpless in case of an emergency on the grassland."


    The Car Suspension Formation.


    Belongs to cavalry formation.


    Compared to simple and brute assault charges, it emphasizes more on the spacing between cavalry and the coordination of weapons, appearing like rotating wheels in the enemy''s eyes.


    Previously on the grassland,


    Chen Sansi encountered a group of people who merely surrounded and attacked rashly, without fully utilizing their numerical advantage.


    Otherwise, they would have been more troublesome.


    He also personally joined the training, integrating into the formation.


    Among the five people brought over by Wang Zhi, Xu Bin and Fang Buping were also present.


    It is worth mentioning that Xu Bin had reached minor success in Blood Refining for many years and had finally achieved great success, unfortunately, there was no flag leader position available for him.


    Chen Sansi was also short of people, so he conveniently took him under his command.


    "You kid, you''re starting to take advantage of me?"


    Wang Zhi remembered when he first met him, he was a very honest young man. Now he dared to freeload off the Lord Prefect and didn''t spare him either.


    "That sounds rather distant,"


    Chen Sansi said indifferently, "I''ll trade two military soldiers for him, you won''t be at a loss."


    "Nice try, but I''ll give him to you anyway."


    Wang Zhi grinned with a smile, "Next time we go to Magistrate Ji''s house, remember to call me along."


    "Of course."


    After a few days of training in the Small Car Suspension Array, it was Chen Sansi''s turn to guard the Great Wall again.


    He began to ride back and forth on his horse again.


    Training formations, practicing martial arts, decocting medicine.


    In the meantime, he took another medicinal bath at Magistrate Ji''s house, paired with Spiritual Grain, his cultivation speed continued to climb.


    Ten days later, when he was relieved of duty, his Cultivation Technique had made significant progression.


    [Cultivation Technique: Undying Golden Snake Spear - Advanced (Master)]


    [Progress: 655/1000]


    ¡­


    [Skill: Medical Skill - Ordinary (Entry-level)]


    [Progress: 204/500]


    He didn''t neglect his medical skill either. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Last of all, was the White Swan Horse.


    "Whoa!"


    Chen Sansi returned to the Great Wall, pulled the reins to stop, and took out the fodder he had prepared in advance.


    Though it''s called fodder, it was actually high-quality feed, containing not just licorice and alfalfa but also corn, beans, and assorted grains.


    Much better than what he had eaten when he was destitute.


    That aside,


    The horse''s appetite was huge, practically needing to eat all the time.


    A warhorse''s diet is equivalent to that of six robust soldiers.


    Maintaining a cavalry, the daily consumption of just grain is enormous.


    For this reason,


    Warhorses were an extremely precious strategic resource for the Central Plains Dynasty.


    "We''ve been together for a while now, I should give you a name, what should it be..."


    Chen Sansi struggled with naming.


    As he was troubled,


    The panel floated up.


    [Skill: Horse Control - Advanced (Master)]


    [Progress: (0/500)]


    [Utility: Tarvel 500 miles a day, the precious horse seeks the master]


    Travel 500 miles a day?


    Traveling 500 miles a day is already a top-grade warhorse.


    1000 miles would surely surpass the limit of ordinary horses.


    But since people in this world could cultivate, and there were alien races and animals, there must be extraordinary horses too.


    Just none in Po Yang.


    "No wonder you eat so much!"


    Chen Sansi was more intrigued by the "Seeks Master" ability.


    [Precious Horse Seeks Master: Within a thousand miles, the horse can autonomously find its master, come when called and leave when dismissed.]


    With "Seeks Master," the convenience of using the horse would increase manifold.


    "Alright, for now, I''ll call you Little Xun!"


    Chen Sansi carelessly picked a name.


    More hoofbeats sounded.


    Luo Dongquan, Liu Jinkui, and Wang Zhi, leading their respective Night Patrol Teams, arrived below the city walls.


    "The hour has come."


    Luo Dongquan, seated high on his horseback, said, "Chen Households, quickly gather your men and follow me out of the city to scout!"


    "Understood."


    Chen Sansi bowed with his fists.


    It was early winter, and the cold wind was bleak.


    At midnight, the city gate opened wide.


    The three Night Patrol Teams silently left the city, disappearing into the vast, boundless grassland.

 Chapter 85 Ninth Prince Yuwen

    Po Yang Tribal Encampment.As a branch of the Yuwen lineage, they were stationed around four hundred li away in the region of Xi River, relatively scattered.


    "Wang Zhi, you don''t need to keep staring at me."


    Luo Dongquan sneered coldly, "I''ve said it before, I have no grudges with Officer Chen. It''s you who''s petty!"


    "Cut the crap!"


    Wang Zhi cursed, "Seven years ago, there was a recruit with good talent. Did you or Zhao Kang not compete with him? Then the man mysteriously died. Did he just evaporate from the world? I''ve disliked you for a long time!"


    "Wang, you need evidence to make accusations!"


    Luo Dongquan narrowed his eyes, "And put your position in perspective. I don''t care what your status was in the Eight Camps before, but now, you''re just a Bone Training Hundred Households, while I am Deputy Thousand Households, a Secondary Fifth Rank General of Military Strategy conferred by the court!"


    "Enough with the arguing!"


    Liu Jinkui came out to mediate, "We''re brothers who depend on each other in life and death. What''s there to argue about? Whatever disagreements we have can be resolved over drinks when we return. Luo Qianhu, you should quickly assign the task and not delay any further."


    "Northeast, Northwest, due North."


    Stay connected via empire


    Luo Dongquan pointed in three directions, "Our three night watch units will each be responsible for scouting one of these directions. Two days later, we must regroup here before midnight ¨C do not be late! Our missions cover different areas, so Wang, this should ease your worries, right?"


    "Hmph, who knows what you''re really planning."


    The three teams dispersed.


    A distance of four hundred li is neither too far nor too close.


    With the speed of the White Swan Horse, they can reach their destination in less than half a day.


    But they were scouts, and speed wasn''t the top priority.


    The most important thing was to gather intelligence and return alive.


    Advancing rashly could very likely lead to discovery by the barbarian cavalry.


    If they were discovered and surrounded by a large number of cavalry, not even their bodies would be found.


    The night watch''s duty to not return isn''t just about spending the whole night outside; it also implies the possibility of leaving no trace behind, not even bones.


    That''s why Liu Jinkui cursed and swore when he learned that they were sent out to scout.


    Sadly, such a task must be carried out by the elite.


    "Where to next?"


    Soon, they encountered their first task.


    Determining the route.


    It was essential not only to successfully locate the barbarian tribes'' exact living areas but also to do so undetected ¨C far from an easy feat.


    Chen Sansi still remembered.


    In his previous life, when reading history out of boredom, there was a saying from the Han Dynasty: it''s hard for Li Guang to become a marquis.


    This general was brave and skilled in combat, distinguished in merit, and just short of sufficient military achievements to be bestowed a marquis. Every time he went on an expedition, he would either encounter the main enemy forces or return without merit.


    One very significant reason for this.


    Was the difficulty in discerning directions in the Great Desert, which relied heavily on luck.


    Yet this was not an issue.


    For him.


    Hunters traversing the forest daily rely crucially on their sense of direction.


    Not to mention that Chen Sansi had an eagle eye; even in pitch-black darkness where one couldn''t see their own hand, he could still clearly discern every detail around, such as the horse hoof prints trampled on the ground right now.


    "We have to detour. If we continue straight this way, we might run straight into the barbarians."


    "Really?"


    While somewhat skeptical, Wang Zhi could only lead his men to follow along.


    They pushed forward two hundred li overnight.


    During that time, Chen Sansi discovered traces of human activity several times, which became increasingly dense.


    After dawn, they found a secluded place to rest.


    Such training.


    The proficiency in tracking and concealing was rapidly improving.


    [Tracking and Concealing (small achievement)]


    [Progress: 605/1000]


    Chen Sansi had not expected that his hunting skills could also be applied to warfare.


    He munched on the jerky he carried, "In this direction, there''s an eight or nine out of ten chance that it''s the main settlement of the barbarian tribes. Old Wang, what do you think is the likelihood of the Po Yang tribal encampment sending reinforcements?" S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Very small."


    Wang Zhi leaned against a rock, drinking his liquor, "Because there''s no need. Even if the four grassland clans unite, their forces are still limited. Concentrating their troops to attack the open and flat terrain of the Northwest Three States might not be enough.


    "Diverting troops to attack Yunzhou is already peculiar, let alone Po Yang County. I''m saying all this, you understand, right?"


    "I understand."


    Chen Sansi had studied maps and sand tables.


    The true stronghold of Yunzhou is An Ding Prefecture.


    Even if they take down Po Yang, without capturing An Ding Prefecture, they can''t hold the strategic pass, and the follow-up supply of troops and provisions would be a huge problem.


    Indeed, as Wang Zhi had said, attacking An Ding Prefecture was strange enough.


    The difficulty of attacking the Northwest Three States and Yunzhou were not even on the same level.


    The cost-effectiveness was extremely low.


    So Chen Sansi also felt something was off, which prompted his question.


    Immortal Treasure.


    It was leaked from the Tuoba Tribe!


    If such great efforts were made, they could be related to the Immortal Treasure.


    Of course.


    These were just speculations for now.


    If the Po Yang encampment also sent reinforcements, they could confirm this speculation.


    Whether it is related or not.


    A great battle is approaching.


    Chen Sansi''s current realm was still too weak.


    He didn''t dare to waste a moment and continued to cultivate while resting, consuming dry food. The spiritual grain and remaining medicinal strength inside him did not slow down his progress.


    After nearly midday had passed.


    The group continued onward.


    In the next two hundred li, even Wang Zhi and his men could discern the traces of human life; they often saw flocks of cattle, sheep, and herdsmen from afar. Finally, as darkness fell.


    Tent after tent of felt canvas appeared at the edge of their vision.


    From a distance, it was evident that the settlement was not just comprised of herdsmen. There were also armored soldiers and bright torches, with rigorous guard.


    "We can''t approach on horseback any closer."


    Chen Sansi noticed that another hundred meters forward, there were patrolling cavalry. Once discovered, there would be no escape.


    He observed the patrol patterns of the cavalry and the surrounding terrain and soon made a judgement, "You all keep watch around here, I''ll try to sneak in and take a look."


    Without completing the mission,


    they wouldn''t be able to report back.


    "Giddy up!"


    Chen Sansi quietly urged his horse forward, taking a detour until he reached the outermost perimeter of the settlement, hanging the reed-leaf long spear on the back of the horse, "Little Xun, I will call for you when I need you!"


    The White Swan Horse seemed to understand and nodded its head.


    "Alright!"


    Chen Sansi, with his bow and arrows on his back, perfectly blended into the darkness, skillfully avoiding patrolling cavalry. He lay in ambush at the edge, seized the opportunity to shoot and kill a barbarian soldier who came out to relieve himself, and changed into the barbarian''s attire, slinging a curved blade over his shoulder.


    This was just a cover.


    He didn''t really plan to pretend to be a barbarian.


    In fact, as he infiltrated the felt tents, no one noticed him at all.


    "Even so, not having a long spear in hand really undermines my sense of security!"


    The reed-leaf long spear was too large and conspicuous to bring inside.


    Chen Sansi gripped the standard-issue curved blade of the barbarians.


    Even though his level was high here, and it wouldn''t matter much that the weapon was not his preferred type, his combat effectiveness would inevitably be greatly reduced.


    It seems that in the future, to cope with special environments, I should train with a short weapon as well.


    On the battlefield, it could also prevent enemies from getting close!


    Martial arts practice is for advancing levels.


    But I already have a high level, so if I train in other cultivation techniques, I should progress faster, right?


    All of that was for later.


    Chen Sansi focused on his current mission, wandering like a ghost through the barbarian camps, collecting all useful information.


    The armaments were complete.


    The grain stores were full.


    The troop strength¡­


    Was more than two thousand!


    In just one camp alone, a rough estimate put the number at three thousand people.


    Moreover, the Xi River Tribe wasn''t all gathered together. The directions Luo Dongquan and Liu Jinkui headed to would likely encounter camps too, although possibly with fewer numbers than the main camp.


    "Greetings, Prince¡ª"


    Prince?


    Chen Sansi hid in the darkness, moving closer in the direction the voice came from.


    He saw on the open ground in front of the Central Army Tent,


    All the barbarian soldiers kneeling en masse.


    A lavishly dressed young barbarian, covered with gold decorations, strode forward with a jeweled sword at his waist.


    "Greetings to the Ninth Prince!"


    The tribal chief and Thousand Households, with one hand across his chest, knelt on the ground to salute, "Your Highness, why have you come? Your servant has not received any notice!"


    "That does not matter!"


    With his hands behind his back and chin lifted, the Ninth Prince said, "I heard that in half a month, you will attack Po Yang County. I have come specifically to support you."


    "To support?"


    Pane crossed the tribal chief''s face, "How can we dare to have Your Highness support us when you are so precious and valuable?"


    "I said I came to support, do you not understand?"


    The Ninth Prince''s face changed as he rebuked sternly, "It''s one thing for Liangzhou to stop me, but are you telling me that I can''t even use the small Po Yang County as a practice ground?"


    "Of course, Your Highness can¡­"


    The chief spoke carefully, "It''s just that your servant is merely a refining organs general, and I fear I may not be able to ensure your complete safety. Please return promptly, Your Highness!"


    "Insolence!"


    The Ninth Prince bellowed in anger, "I have been practicing swordsmanship for three years and have yet to kill a person from Sheng. If I don''t practice warfare, wouldn''t all my training be in vain?! If you, a Thousand Households, dare to stop me as well, I will have your head."


    "..."


    The tribal chief fell silent, and after a long while, he sighed, "Since Your Highness insists on staying, your servant dares not object."


    "That''s more like it."


    The Ninth Prince was immediately in high spirits.


    "Clang¡ª"


    He suddenly drew his treasured sword from his waist, its blade shining with golden light in the flicker of the flames and displayed it before the people, "Do you recognize this ''Zhenyue Sword''? This sword was taken from the Emperor of the Central Plains by my Yuwen clan five hundred years ago!


    "When the Great Khan reached adulthood, he bestowed it upon me!


    "I will use it to slay generals of the Sheng and restore the glory of the young warriors of the grasslands!


    "From this moment on, I will take immediate command of the Xi River Tribe. I will personally lead the attack on Po Yang County!"


    "At your command!"


    Watching the gleam of the sword''s edge, the tribal chief felt intimidated and dared not speak further, hurriedly escorting the Prince into the Central Army Tent to rest. At the same time, he quietly instructed his subordinate, "Send a fast horse at full speed, notify the Great Khan immediately, and say that the Prince has come to us!"


    "Yes!"


    The barbarian took the order and went off.


    Not far away,


    Chen Sansi heard everything loud and clear.


    ''This Prince¡­''


    He felt a certain familiar air about him, resembling someone he knew, someone not quite bright.


    And that sword.


    Even though the light was dim, he saw it clearly.


    Indeed, it was an unmatched treasured sword!


    Even Chen Sansi, who practiced with a spear, couldn''t help but be tempted.


    "Never mind, a refining organs martial artist is guarding it; I can''t get it."


    "The mission is accomplished, and the Xi River Tribe indeed has reinforced"


    He quietly retreated, preparing to leave the place, when suddenly the hum of an alarm resonated in his ears.


    "Hum¡ª"


    Sound of horns, the whirring of arrows, and cries of alarm mingled together.


    The once tranquil barbarian army camp was suddenly abuzz.


    "Enemy raid!"


    "Five miles outside the main camp, spies from the Sheng Dynasty spotted!"


    "Pursue them, pursue them!"


    "Don''t let a single one escape!"

 Chapter 86 Seize the Enemy General Directly through a Thousand Troops

    With a loud cry breaking the silence of the grassland, numerous torches were suddenly lit inside and outside the barbarian camp, forming a sea of fire that made the area for miles around as bright as day.Chen Sansi was startled.


    He was puzzled, for he was certain he had gone unnoticed.


    It was not until he saw the barbarian soldiers converging in another direction, and heard the content of the shout, that he realized it was not he who had been exposed.


    It was Wang Zhi and the others!


    "How could they be discovered from so far away!"


    Chen Sansi dared not linger and took advantage of the chaos to leave the camp.


    But "Tracking and Hiding" was not the same as an invisibility technique.


    The camp wasn''t a lush jungle filled with hiding places everywhere; the barbarians had relaxed their vigilance earlier and the dim light had helped, but as he moved against the flow, eventually someone noticed him.


    "Over there, everyone is chasing the enemy out of the city, what are you doing?!"


    "Shwoo¡ª"


    Chen Sansi didn''t bother with words and shot the man dead with an arrow.


    "There''s a Man from Dasheng! Over here!"


    "Shwoo¡ª"


    Chen Sansi kept shooting the barbarians that came at him, while blowing a loud whistle. His white swan horse had been waiting for a while, neighing as it charged over.


    "Good horse!"


    He mounted the horse, and in a few seconds, he had left the pursuers far behind.


    About three miles out,


    Chen Sansi encountered Wang Zhi and his group.


    They were retreating towards the right direction, with dozens of barbarian cavalry in pursuit.


    "How were you discovered, why didn''t you go back, but this way?!"


    Chen Sansi shouted from atop his horse.


    "Damn it, no idea!"


    Wang Zhi cursed, "We didn''t even dare to breathe heavily, we definitely weren''t exposed!"


    Xu Bin took over, "Not long after you left, a squad of barbarian cavalry, as if they knew someone was hiding nearby, blocked our retreat in advance and started a carpet-search!"


    "Knew in advance?"


    Chen Sansi thought of something.


    "Luo Dongquan, I curse your ancestors!"


    Wang Zhi was the first to say, "It must be that bastard who leaked information in some way!"


    He had thought, by following ''Brother Shi'', there wouldn''t be any mishaps.


    Unexpectedly, that surnamed Luo dared to pull such a stunt!


    "Does such pettiness really exist in this world?"


    Chen Sansi found it incomprehensible.


    Initially, he was clearly the oppressed, yet it was made out as if he was stealing something from someone else''s home.


    It was the strong bullying the weak, with no logic at all!


    "Da-da-da-da-da¡ª"


    To their side front, a group of Barbarian cavalry on patrol nearby, hearing the noise, rushed over to block the path.


    "Puchi¡ª"


    Chen Sansi took the lead on his horse, stabbing to death the small flag leading them and yelled, "Form up, form up!"


    For half a month,


    they had been drilling daily.


    The formation was practiced until it was second nature.


    Eleven warhorses effortlessly formed a circular array, charging into the ranks of the blocking cavalry.


    The Small Car Suspension Array.


    Rather than like a wheel,


    It was more like a circular saw!


    Each horse and rider was a blade on the gear.


    Among them, Chen Sansi and Wang Zhi were the sharpest two.


    Xu Bin and Fang Buping came next, with the rest following.


    With vigilant protection from all sides, there was no worry of sneak attacks.


    Moreover, the twelve men shifted and alternated their positions.


    Those with lower cultivation were mainly acting as rear guards against surprise attacks.


    Chen Sansi could focus all his attention on the enemies ahead, and with each thrust of his long spear, he claimed the life of an enemy.


    The group of twenty barbarian cavalry gathered were,


    Not a few rounds later, all slain to the last man.


    Zhuang Yi, Zhao Qiao, and the others experienced killing for the first time.


    But seeing Chen Sansi''s back, they felt supported, with no panic at all. The Small Car Suspension Array was maintained near perfect.


    Mainstay!


    With the Main General present, all were calm in the face of danger!


    However.


    Impressive combat skills notwithstanding,


    The time delayed was enough for the rest of the pursuers to surround them.


    "Whirring¡ª"


    From all around, came darkness like a pressing wave.


    The number of people was unknown, the number of weapons, too; only a vast, boundless throng was visible.


    "Hold the formation, don''t panic!"


    Chen Sansi utilized the ability of "Night as Bright as Day" to look for weak links in the encirclement and led the breakout.


    Unfortunately,


    This was enemy territory!


    More so, the heartland of the enemy!


    Escape was not so easily achieved.


    Hundreds of barbarian cavalry launched an attack on them.


    As the Car Suspension Formation revolved and attempted to break through,


    The reaping speed was ultimately getting slower and slower.


    The fallen bodies in front were nearly enough to trip the warhorses!


    "Go¡ª"


    The enemy Generals followed one after another, speeding on horse from a hundred yards away.


    "Households! Refining Organ Martial Artists!"


    Chen Sansi recognized at a glance.


    There were hundreds more pursuers behind the tribe leader!


    Even if Chen Sansi''s Qi-Blood were extensive and his Small Car Suspension Array combat skill formidable, he couldn''t possibly be a match for a Refining Organ General, let alone the oncoming cavalry.


    "It seems, today is really the day I meet my downfall!"


    Wang Zhi beheaded an enemy flag-bearer with a single blow, his voice tinged with madness, "My death is insignificant! Brother Shi, you cannot die! Your horse is fast, we''ll tear an opening for you; you might still have a chance to escape. Once you get back, devote yourself to your cultivation and avenge us!"


    "Mr. Chen, Brother Shi! You go!"


    Zhuang Yi and Zhao Qiao nearly said in unison.


    "Damn your sentimentality, nobody needs to die!"


    As Chen Sansi fought, he asked, "Fatty Wang, what stage were you at before?"


    "What are you asking this for?!"


    Confused, Wang Zhi replied, "Whatever my previous prowess was, it''s useless now!"


    "What I mean is..."


    Chen Sansi thrust his gun butt backward, impaling an enemy soldier, "That Refining Organ, how long can you hold him off? After all, you''ve fallen from a higher realm; you should be much stronger than an average Bone Forging Perfection, right?"


    "Naturally, my realm may have fallen but my saber technique remains. A usual Bone Forging Perfection is nowhere near my match! This barbarian leader is not as good as Xiang Tingchun! I can hold him off for a while!"


    Wang Zhi, puzzled, "What are you planning to do?"


    "Hold them off! Keep the formation intact at all costs! I have a way to get you all home!"


    Before anyone could react,


    they saw Chen Sansi swiftly turn his horse around and gallop in the opposite direction.


    That was,


    the barbarian base camp!


    "Have you gone mad?!"


    Wang Zhi wanted to stop him but was unable to.


    "Hmm? Stop right there!"


    Upon seeing the White Horse General change direction, the barbarian tribe leader quickly understood and immediately spurred his horse to chase after him, "To your death¡ª"


    "Clang¡ª"


    A loud metallic clashing noise erupted, shooting sparks into the darkness.


    Under the terrifying strength of the Refining Organ Martial Artist, Wang Zhi, along with his horse, were forced to lean back, his arms trembling endlessly, but at least he blocked his opponent, "You barbarian scum, where do you think you''re going?!"


    "A mere Bone Forger dares to stop me? You''re seeking death!"


    ...


    "Stop him, stop him!"


    "..."


    Chen Sansi broke through in the opposite direction and, thanks to the divine speed of the White Swan Horse, after killing two Blood Refining Officers, nobody could catch up to him. As he approached the enemy base camp, he did not force his way through the well-defended main gate but headed to the weakest spot in the west. The White Swan Horse leapt over the two-meter-tall stake fence, bursting into the camp filled with tents.


    Not long ago, he had figured out the layout of the camp,


    This position was manned by infantry.


    Infantry meant they couldn''t catch up with or stop him!


    The cavalry were on their way.


    It would take about a minute.


    Once surrounded, Chen Sansi would surely die.


    But within one minute, reaching the destination before the encirclement was complete was a chance for survival!


    "Charge¡ª¡ª" Explore more at empire


    Chen Sansi killed seven or eight infantrymen in succession, breaking into the Central Army Tent in just over fifty seconds.


    Most of the soldiers along the way only saw a white shadow flash by, stirring up a cold gust of wind, having no idea what had just happened.


    "Who?!"


    Inside the tent.


    The barbarian prince had just drawn his sword upon hearing the commotion when he saw a white war horse, knocking aside the soldiers guarding the tent and breaking in.


    "Clang¡ª¡ª"


    He drew his sword and stood up: "Who goes there!"


    "Protect His Highness!"


    The Bone Forger who was left by the tribal leader to provide close protection to the prince immediately seized the weapon in his hand.


    "Bang¡ª¡ª"


    But before he could react,


    arrows shot out fiercely.


    The Bone Forger had no time to dodge and thought to block with his arm, but was undoubtedly shot through the heart and died on the spot, with no chance even to exchange blows.


    "To this prince''s death¡ª¡ª"


    The barbarian prince was no pushover. He quickly reacted to the sudden situation, took a big step forward seizing the opening, and his Zhenyue Sword, glittering with cold light, slashed towards the Dasheng military officer on horseback.


    Reed leaf long spear and Zhenyue Sword made contact, emitting a clear ringing sound.


    The prince took several steps back, his treasure sword trembling and buzzing in his hand, nearly slipping from his grasp under the terrible force.


    "What a mighty sword!"


    The opponent was probably a small achievement in Bone Training, not as strong as Chen Sansi, but this strike actually notched his reed leaf gun blade!


    "Protect His Highness¡ª¡ª"


    At the same time.


    The Central Army Tent was completely surrounded.


    Countless archers and crossbowmen, three layers inside and three outside, but due to the close distance between the two men inside, they dared not shoot.


    A Bone Forging Perfection General staying behind with a long-handled broadsword rushed in, thinking to ambush from behind. He had just approached within seven steps when a silver flash appeared before his eyes.


    His body hair stood on end, and he instinctively swung his sword to chop it down, barely managing to split the silver flash before it could bite his cheek.


    "Such a swift spear!"


    After just one exchange, the barbarian officer was drenched in cold sweat.


    He braced himself, ready for the next move.


    But the other side didn''t bother with him; the target was still the prince.


    "Clang clang clang clang clang clang!"


    Chen Sansi''s long spear in his hand rained down like a torrential downpour on his opponent, the sound of striking metal akin to forging iron. He could hear more and more people entering the tent, closing in from behind, their killing intent vast like an ocean, overwhelming! S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The blood of the Dragon-Elephant surged wildly within him, his long spear transforming into a silver phantom, the blood vessels and meridians in his arm resembling an overloaded machine, so hot they seemed ready to ignite at any moment.


    The prince could no longer withstand such a fierce assault, his right hand''s palm bleeding profusely, his entire arm nearly numb, unable to hold the sword hilt, allowing the Zhenyue Sword to be flipped into the air.


    At the same time, the reed leaf long spear tore through the flesh, chipping bone, piercing right through his shoulder.


    The Zhenyue Sword in the air was firmly caught by another hand.


    Chen Sansi reached the prince from behind an instant before the barbarian officers could launch their attack, placing the sharp blade of the Zhenyue Sword against the prince''s neck, a thread of fresh blood trickling out, his eyes, red with fury, looked at the dense barbarian soldiers:


    "All of you, back off!"

 Chapter 87 Returning Home Wrapped in Horsehide

    "Zzzzt¡ª"The Barbarian Thousand Households found an opportunity, slashing his blade across the corpulent body of the Sheng Dynasty military officer. The blade tore through the armor, skinned the flesh, sliced through muscle, and finally was halted by the tough bones, leaving a deep gash.


    The opponent found the right moment and also swung his blade.


    The saber technique was so flexible that even though he was a Refining Organ Martial Artist, he barely dodged it, leaving a shallow cut on his face.


    "Get lost!"


    The Barbarian Thousand Households swung his blade again, forcing the opponent back before he grabbed the reins and rode off, not willing to linger in battle.


    This chubby Hundred Households was rather formidable.


    Having achieved Bone Forging Perfection and being able to exchange so many moves with his refining organs skill, his saber technique was masterful, not at all like someone from the Bone Training Realm.


    Killing him would likely take much effort.


    He was out of time.


    The young officer on the white horse charged toward the main camp.


    Although it was uncertain how someone just at the Bone Training level could be so audacious¡ªlikely to be surrounded and killed¡ªit was still essential to hurry back.


    The prince was the Great Khan''s most beloved youngest son.


    If something truly went wrong,


    all the heads of the Xi River tribe wouldn''t be enough to make amends.


    "Hum¡ª"


    Just as he turned, the sound of a slashing blade echoed again.


    "Do you so wish to die?!"


    The Barbarian Thousand Households, thunderously furious, blocked the attack with his blade then quickly turned it into a slash, ripping another gash on his opponent''s body. His left fist, like a siege giant hammer, smashed thunderously into the chest.


    Wang Zhi flew backward and fell off his horse, causing the frightened horse to flee.


    "Cough cough¡­"


    He spat out a mouthful of blood, seemingly oblivious to the pain as he immediately scrambled up, hurling his Mo Blade, severing the hooves of the Thousand Households'' horse that was attempting to return to the camp.


    "Hiss¡ª"


    The horse screamed in agony.


    The Barbarian Thousand Households stepped on the horse''s back and leapt off, landing smoothly.


    His irritation unabated, he knew he had to kill this man.


    At the main camp, there were at least others who had achieved Bone Forging Perfection and two thousand left to guard it; dealing with a young Hundred Households shouldn''t be a problem. Even if one-on-one combat didn''t work, they could surround and kill him within a short time.


    Prior to this, he might have been overly concerned.


    "I''m really done for¡­"


    Wang Zhi wiped the blood from his mouth with the back of his hand, picked up a curved saber from the ground, and chopped down a Barbarian cavalry trying to sneak attack from behind. He then faced a Refining Organ General with a welding blade, estimating he could last about ten more rounds before likely dying.


    On the other side.


    The Small Car Suspension Array had lost its two sharpest blades, reducing its combat effectiveness significantly.


    Out of ten men, only six remained.


    Zhuang Yi had already been struck by three blades; though no vital points had been hit, he was near exhaustion.


    Fang Buping and Zhao Qiao were also severely wounded.


    Xu Bin and Zhu Tong were fine for the moment but were depleting rapidly and would soon be easy prey.


    "Uncle Zhao, dying this way is worth it!"


    Zhuang Yi strained to keep the formation intact, "It''s better than being bullied to death."


    "It''s just a pity for Shi¡­"


    Zhao Qiao, the weakest in cultivation, had survived this long only because of being looked after.


    Amid the battlefield of flashing blades, they didn''t even have time for last words.


    Essentially, they were in a no-win situation.


    At that very moment,


    a voice full of deadly energy shouted, "Everyone, stop!"


    From the distant rear,


    a white horse slowly advanced.


    On its back.


    Chen Sansi held a spear in one hand and a sword in the other, with a half-dead Ninth Prince Yu Wen clutched in his arms. The dense barbarian cavalry automatically parted to open a path for him, none daring to make a reckless move.


    "You..."


    The pupils of the Barbarian Thousand Households trembled continuously, as if doubting what he was seeing.


    Several Bone Forgers had stayed in the military camp.


    Are they all... useless?!


    It''s not that he had been negligent; it was just a Bone Forger. How could it be possible!


    "Everyone, stop!"


    The Barbarian Thousand Households had to yell, "Everyone, stop!"


    The chaotic battlefield suddenly fell silent.


    "Who is this person?"


    Wang Zhi leaned on his single-bladed saber, somewhat unclear about the situation.


    Had Chen Sansi rushed back to the main camp just to capture this person?


    "Your Highness!"


    Hearing the barbarian''s address for the hostage.


    Where did Wang Zhi not understand?


    This damn...


    Seems like a prince!


    That''s really bizarre!


    Xi River Tribe, on par with Po Yang, also belonged to a barbarian''s god-forsaken place. How could there be a prince?!


    "Well done, we''ve caught the Great Khan''s bastard!"


    Zhu Tong laughed heartily.


    Everyone except him felt not the slightest bit of tension from start to finish, merely wielding his hammer, and while fighting, he even faintly touched the threshold of a breakthrough.


    As for dying, by the time he realized he might die, Chen Sansi had already returned with the prince to rescue them.


    For him, everything was very peaceful.


    "What a big heart..."


    Xu Bin envied, still feeling anxious.


    Just one step away!


    They, these people, were about to die under the chaotic blades!


    "Let us go!"


    Chen Sansi said sternly.


    They were merely a squad formed by two Hundred Households called night watch.


    Compared to the life of a prince, they were too worthless.


    "Save me... save me!"


    Ninth Prince Yu Wen, his face pale and trembling, said, "Thousand Households, save me!"


    "Alright, you can go!"


    The Barbarian Thousand Households restrained himself, "But the rest must stay!"


    "Don''t negotiate with me!"


    Chen Sansi glanced, "There are seven of us, not one less! If anyone is missing, I''ll chop off his finger first!"


    "Don''t... don''t chop off my fingers, I still need to practice my sword!"


    The prince''s eyes brimmed with tears, regretting his demand to go to war.


    Why are all those in Dasheng such fierce figures?


    The military officers around his age were able to penetrate the enemy camp and capture the main general, it was simply terrifying!


    That Sun Xiangzong, he must be some kind of three-headed and six-armed monster!


    "Why aren''t you giving the orders yet?!"


    Chen Sansi tightened his grip on the sword''s edge.


    "Ah¡ª"


    The prince screamed in fright, "That Thousand Households, I don''t know what you''re called, just listen to him, let them go. If I am missing a finger, my father will slaughter your Xi River Tribe!"


    "All retreat!"


    The Barbarian Thousand Households issued an order.


    Chen Sansi and several others gathered, "Bring the bodies of our fallen brothers!"


    From his decision to his aim of capturing the prince alive, it only took a few minutes back and forth.


    A few minutes.


    Four men had died in the process. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Among them were his subordinates Li Dazhi and Xia Erniu.


    In the battlefield, sacrifices are inevitable.


    There''s nothing to be sentimental about.


    If there was no opportunity, then be it, but since there was one, it was best to bring the bodies back.


    "Okay!"


    Zhu Tong and Fang Buping immediately did as told, bringing two horses to carry the bodies.


    "You still have the leisure to move bodies?"


    The Barbarian Thousand Households clenched his fists till they turned white.


    "Back off!"


    The Ninth Prince himself gave the order without Chen Sansi''s instruction, "Everyone, do not follow. Back off two miles, two miles!!!"


    Damn...


    Chen Sansi cursed in his heart, suspecting that this coward would probably help shout to open the gates if he were brought to the Yuwen Family''s Great Capital.


    Of course.


    Having such an opponent spared him a lot of worries.


    "Back off!"


    The Barbarian Thousand Households commanded.


    Chen Sansi and his six men rode their horses back the way they came.


    The journey of four hundred miles could not be traversed at full speed like before.


    From midnight to dawn, and from dawn to night, they missed the appointed rendezvous time with night watch.


    ...


    Po Yang.


    The Great Wall.


    "My lord, night watch has returned!"


    "Oh?"


    Zhao Kang ascended the watchtower and spent a significant amount of time verifying identities before allowing the others to come under the wall for further inspection.


    He sharply noticed something amiss, "Why are there fewer people? Aren''t Hundred Households Chen and Hundred Households Wang back?" Explore new worlds at empire


    "Not sure."


    In the darkness, one could not see Luo Dongquan''s expression, "The appointed midnight rendezvous passed without a sign of them, we can''t just keep waiting, right? Zhao Kang, swiftly open the gates, we have urgent intelligence to report to the Lord Thousand Households!"


    "Got it."


    Zhao Kang ordered, "Open the city gates!"


    "Weng Long¡ª"


    The heavy city gates opened.


    More than twenty riders returned to the territory, heading straight towards the military camp.


    Only Liu Jinkui stayed behind, calling out to the city walls, "Hundred Households Zhao, keep a sharp lookout. Perhaps Old Wang and Old Chen will return shortly!"


    "Okay, rest assured."


    Zhao Kang agreed outwardly but sighed inwardly.


    The matter of the rendezvous, unless there was a major mishap, wouldn''t usually be delayed.


    And this mishap implied they were discovered by Barbarian cavalry...


    The chances of their return were very slim.


    ...


    "Uncle!"


    Song Yan rode close to Deputy Thousand Households, whispering, "Did something happen to Mr. Chen and the others?"


    "How would I know?"


    Luo Dongquan scoffed coldly, "A mishap isn''t so bad, it''s just right for you to take over the position at Selected Point!"


    "Uncle, I''m not capable..."


    Song Yan lacked any fighting spirit, "I''m far behind Mr. Chen. He has mastered the Bone Strengthening Skill, while I have just barely achieved minor success in Blood Refining."


    "Minor success in Blood Refining in four months, is that slow?"


    Luo Dongquan spoke resentfully, "You''re not worse than most people; it''s just that you encountered a freak! After he dies, your joining the Eight Camps is certain."


    The less naturally gifted someone is, the more they need to struggle.


    Take his nephew, for example.


    If he remained in Po Yang County, his highest achievement might be Refining Internal.


    But if he went to the Governor Mansion, even as an outer sect disciple, he could achieve Hua Jin at the very least, perhaps even higher!


    How could he not struggle?


    As for what Xiang Tingchun said...


    He believed it only halfway!


    Something about His Majesty targeting the Governor Mansion.


    Was it even significant?


    Even if not for the Selected Point.


    It was necessary for thorough eradication!


    In dealing with issues, one must be resolute.


    "Yan''er, do you think I''m going overboard? Do you feel it''s entirely unnecessary to escalate to a life-or-death conflict?"


    Luo Dongquan gave a bitter smile, "Let me tell you a story.


    "Many years ago, when Elder Yan was still young and going to the capital for an exam, he accidentally bumped into a then-current Third-Rank official.


    "That official didn''t do much to him, just scolded Elder Yan as a country bumpkin.


    "Fifteen years later, when Elder Yan came into power, he found an excuse to involve the official in a major case. Not only was his family exiled and their property confiscated, but his daughters were also deliberately sold to the cheapest brothels...


    "Perhaps Chen Sansi might forget the past unpleasantness, or perhaps not, but I cannot gamble, I cannot leave it to fate.


    "Do you understand now?"


    Song Yan seemed thoughtful, "I understand."


    "Hmm."


    Luo Dongquan nodded, satisfied.


    Months ago, from when he tried to deceive Chen Sansi into giving up the Selected Point position, they were enemies, and even if there was just a one in ten thousand chance of retaliation, it needed to be nipped in the bud!


    That was much better than having one day to hear that someone from the Eight Camps had become a Great General and spending days in fear.


    Luckily, it all ended!


    "Po Yang will soon see a large army''s assault, you must perform well then!"


    Luo Dongquan instructed.


    ...


    Military cantonment, residence.


    In the cold, dark courtyard, hung two lanterns, and a basin of charcoal fire blazed.


    Gu Xinlan and the pregnant Mrs. Tong sat around the charcoal fire, quietly waiting for news.


    Sun Li was practicing sabre techniques in the courtyard.


    "How come there''s been no news for several days? Before, no matter what he did, he would at least leave some dependable information."


    Mrs. Tong spoke nervously, "My man hasn''t actually fought in any battles... but he should be okay following your Brother Shi, right?"


    "Yes."


    Gu Xinlan''s delicate fingers tightly clutched together, "Definitely, there won''t be any issues."


    Night watch operations were confidential, naturally not informing family members.


    Sun Li knew, but she couldn''t say; she just reassured, "Don''t worry. My junior brother''s level in Po Yang''s domain, there aren''t many who could harm him."


    "Bang!"


    The words had just ended.


    The courtyard gate was kicked open.


    Sun Buqi came in, flustered, "Sis, something''s wrong! I was guarding inside the military camp and saw with my own eyes, the other two teams returned from outside the city, but Chen Sansi was nowhere to be seen!"

 Chapter 88 Emperor Longqing

    "What?"Sun Li sheathed her sword, "They haven''t returned?"


    "Right!"


    Sun Buqi nodded heavily, "I asked that Liu Households Commander, and he said they waited at the rendezvous for the time it takes half an incense stick to burn, but then they returned ahead of time."


    "Sister Tong!"


    Listening to the conversation,


    Tong Family collapsed on the spot in the yard, nearly fainting away.


    Gu Xinlan supported her, asking, "Li, has something... happened?"


    "Don''t panic just yet."


    Sun Li soothed, "They might have lost their way, or something delayed them. If we wait a little longer, they might return."


    "Lost their way?"


    Gu Xinlan seized on the key point, "Did Brother Shi and the others leave the Great Wall?"


    How could she not understand her man?


    Roaming around Tiger Head Mountain day and night, how could they possibly lose their way?


    If they were said to be lost, it could only be on the unfamiliar grasslands.


    "Mhm."


    Sun Li acknowledged, "Let''s wait some more."


    The atmosphere of the residence suddenly seemed to freeze over.


    Until dawn, there was not the slightest noise.


    Toward the latter part of the night, even Xu Wencai led Wang Li and the others to inquire about the situation.


    With women at home, it wasn''t convenient to approach, so they just stood far outside the gate.


    "Could Mr. Chen have met with some mishap?"


    Wang Li''s face was grave as he touched the sword at his waist, "Old Xu, say something. Both Vice Thousand Households Luo and Households Commander Liu have returned, but the only one who hasn''t is the Lord."


    Xu Wencai paced back and forth, "Don''t panic, don''t panic! The Lord has good fortune; nothing will happen to him!"


    Though that was said,


    An entire night passed.


    Until the sky began to brighten, the encampment remained ominously quiet.


    "I''ve always known, Tang Ruoshan is useless!"


    Sun Buqi cursed aloud, "He caused the death of Third Brother back then, and now he can''t even protect Sansi! That Xi River tribe only has one Refining Organ Martial Artist!"


    "Xi River..."


    Gu Xinlan''s heart went cold.


    The people of Po Yang County knew all too well.


    The barbarians who came years ago to slaughter their villages were from the Xi River tribe.


    Were they sent to the enemy''s main camp?


    And have yet to return?


    Could it be...


    Sun Buqi anxiously said, "Sister, what do we do? Shall we borrow some troops and go look for them?"


    "Nonsense!"


    Sun Li scolded, "Can you resist a thousand troops and ten thousand horses? Wait longer, and if they don''t return today..."


    She paused, "Then I can only say, we were fated to meet this junior brother but not destined to keep him."


    The words were cruel.


    But such was the reality.


    Soldiers.


    Who amongst them doesn''t die?


    Let alone Chen Sansi.


    Even in the Eight Camps of the past, there were countless talented individuals who died before they could grow up.


    "Sigh!"


    Sun Buqi stamped his foot.


    But that was the fact he had to accept.


    "Wuuu..."


    Tong Family wept bitterly, "Always insisting on going to war, always ranting about earning merits at home, without considering if he possesses the ability. The child isn''t even born yet..."


    "..."


    Gu Xinlan''s eyes reddened, but she did not cry or make a fuss.


    She simply returned to the room to fetch her needlework and sat on a stone stool, meticulously sewing stitch by stitch.


    The East began to light up softly.


    In people''s hearts, hope was extinguished.


    "Let''s go."


    Finally, Sun Li couldn''t bear it, "Buqi, you come with me out of the city to look for him."


    "Okay!"


    Sun Buqi had been restless.


    The siblings left the residence, preparing to fetch their horses.


    "Buzz¡ª¡ª"


    It was at that moment.


    A deafening horn sounded, and rolling black smoke rose up, darkening the sky. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Raise three beacon fires, indicate with two on the watchtower, burn three stacks of firewood; it signals an attack by an enemy army of more than two thousand!"


    Sun Buqi recognized the signal.


    ...


    The Great Wall.


    Zhao Kang, responsible for the watch, had stayed awake all night, yet the other Night Patrol Team still hadn''t returned.


    "All dead."


    He shook his head slightly, murmuring to himself, "What''s the use of talent, said to have so much potential, but died before even leaving Po Yang County, with Fatty Wang also gone. This will please many lords back in the city."


    Zhao Kang went back inside the tower, leaned against the wall, and prepared to rest for a bit.


    Just as he closed his eyes, the lookout on the tower shouted loudly.


    "Enemy attack!"


    "A large army is invading! A large army is invading!"


    "..."


    "What large army?!"


    Zhao Kang immediately became wide awake, scrambling up the lookout platform using the rope ladder.


    He saw, ten miles out on the vast and boundless land, a dense mass of Iron Cavalry emerging, numbering at least two thousand!


    The Xi River tribe indeed had two thousand people, but they weren''t all cavalry.


    Had they really reinforced their numbers?


    Zhao Kang was even more baffled.


    Who wages war like this?


    To conquer a city is not the work of a day.


    Even if the Xi River tribe intended to attack Po Yang, they should have chosen a place to set up camp first, then slowly strategize. Who rides straight toward us on horses, isn''t that akin to courting death?


    Wait a minute!


    They''re chasing someone!


    Zhao Kang squinted hard, trying to make his vision clearer.


    He spotted eight riders ahead of the barbarian horde.


    The barbarian cavalry were chasing these eight riders, and they seemed wary of getting too close, only following from a distance as if they were fearful of something.


    "Charge¡ª¡ª"


    The Households ordered a full army assault.


    The Cavalry arrived at the Great Wall first.


    Xiang Tingchun led the charge onto the city wall, rushing up like the wind, followed closely by Luo Dongquan. Then came Sun Buqi and Sun Li, and finally Wang Li, Wu Da, and others also arrived on their warhorses.


    "What''s happening!"


    Xiang Tingchun climbed up to the lookout tower.


    It was all too sudden.


    He had heard about the Xi River tribe''s reinforcements through Luo Dongquan.


    But it was too soon! They absolutely couldn''t have launched an attack right away.


    "Sir, it''s... it''s Households Commander Chen and the others!"


    Zhao Kang finally made out the eight riders ahead.


    "The junior brother?"


    Sun Li and others also followed up to the lookout tower.


    Among the leading eight riders, one white horse was particularly conspicuous.


    If not Chen Sansi seated on the horse, who else could it be?


    In front of him, he also held hostage a barbarian-dressed noble youth.


    "A hostage?"


    How could everyone not understand even this much?


    Clearly.


    Chen Sansi and his group had been surrounded by barbarians, but had captured a hostage, threatening the enemy with it to obtain a chance at survival.


    How precious must the hostage be to make two thousand barbarian cavalry hesitate to act recklessly?


    How could such a precious person appear in the Xi River tribe?!


    "How could this..."


    Luo Dongquan subconsciously leaned forward, his arms resting on the crenellation, stretching his neck to look ahead,


    ...


    "Fall back!"


    After several days and nights of continuos exertion, everyone was already exhausted.


    Even Chen Sansi''s eyes were bloodshot, his voice hoarse, "Fall back five miles!"


    "This young brother."


    The barbarian Thousand Households rode his horse at a distance, following them, "You have reached the border, isn''t it time to return His Highness to us?"


    "Cut the crap, we''ll talk after we enter the city!"


    Chen Sansi indicated for the prince to speak.


    The prince understood and complied, "Do as he says, fall back five miles, give them enough safe distance to enter the city!"


    Under the watch of a thousand pairs of eyes.


    The barbarian cavalry kept retreating and didn''t dare to step forward.


    Chen Sansi led the people, prudently arriving at the city walls.


    "Little junior brother!"


    Sun Li called out to the wall below, "What happened, how did you attract so many cavalrymen!"


    Chen Sansi answered, "We were surrounded by Xi River tribal cavalry during our reconnaissance; fortunately, we had him, which is why we were able to escape by sheer luck!"


    Actually confronted by cavalry.


    In such a situation.


    Yet they were still alive!


    Truly a rare feat in a decade.


    Not only that.


    The people also saw two separate horses carrying bodies, they even brought back the bodies of their dead comrades!


    A remarkable feat!


    Xiang Tingchun hurriedly inquired, "Who is this person?!"


    "Probably a prince, I suppose!"


    Chen Sansi commanded, "Introduce yourself to everyone."


    "Alright... alright! You, all of you listen!"


    The prince said, "I am the Ninth Prince from the Yuwen clan! If you dare to kill me, my father the Great Khan will certainly blood-wash Po Yang County."


    A prince!


    "The Ninth Prince?"


    Sun Buqi muttered, "I have heard that the Great Khan of the Yuwen clan has ten sons, but adores only the Ninth Prince, said to be grooming him as the next Great Khan. He should be staying in the Great Capital, how did he end up in the Xi River tribe and get captured alive by Sansi."


    Capturing a prince alive...


    Xiang Tingchun''s expression became excited.


    A remarkable feat!


    Who would have thought.


    Sending out a few Night Patrol Teams.


    Could actually bring back a Yuwen clan future Great Khan alive!


    What a tremendous feat it was!


    Subordinates achieving great success


    The superiors would also bask in the glory!


    "Good, good, good!"


    Xiang Tingchun repeated the word ''good'' three times, "Open the city gate, quick, quickly bring Chen Household Commander and his men inside!"


    Over a hundred cavalry rode out to meet them.


    The moment they returned to their own territory, five out of six men had fallen.


    Only Chen Sansi was still able to hold on.


    He casually threw the prince off the horse and was immediately restrained by the officials.


    "Luo Dongquan! I want your damn life!"


    "Clang¡ª"


    Wang Zhi, having caught his breath, got up from the ground, drew a long knife from the waist of a soldier beside him, and charged straight at Luo Dongquan, but with bones merely trained and already heavily injured, he was no match for his opponent.


    Luo Dongquan blocked the attack with his sword effortlessly, repelling Wang Zhi and exclaimed, "Have you gone mad?!"


    "Households Commander Xiang!"


    Wang Zhi screamed hoarsely, "We were surrounded by barbarian cavalry out of nowhere on the grassland. I suspect someone intentionally startled the barbarians to put us in a death trap! That person is Luo Dongquan!"


    "Slanderous accusations! Why would I scheme against my own people?!"


    Luo Dongquan angrily responded, "Your own carelessness exposed you; what does that have to do with me! Thirty pairs of eyes saw for themselves; I wasn''t even heading in the same direction as you! You defame me, but where is your evidence?"


    "Liu Jinkui!"


    Xiang Tingchun demanded, "Tell the truth, speak!"


    "Luo Qianhu speaks the truth."


    Liu Jinkui reported honestly, "He was at the very northwest, I was in between him and Chen Household Commander, at a great distance."


    "Hmm."


    Xiang Tingchun nodded, "Wang Zhi, this must be a misunderstanding. Leaking secrets and plotting against comrades is a capital offense. Besides, didn''t you all return alive, safe and sound, and even achieved a remarkable feat!"


    "I..."


    Wang Zhi was at a loss for words.


    Indeed it was just a suspicion; there was no concrete evidence.


    Returned alive?


    Chen Sansi sneered inwardly.


    He returned alive, but what about Li Dazhi, Xia Erniu, and the others?


    Evidence.


    If it''s so hard to find, then just fucking forget about it!


    Is Refining Internal that far-fetched?


    Xiang Tingchun also obviously didn''t want to blow things out of proportion.


    Because Luo Dongquan was a confidant among his trusted men.


    If procedural justice isn''t possible,


    then it has to be outcome justice.


    Chen Sansi maintained a placid demeanor but simply stated, "Please, Lord Thousand Households, provide compensation for the families of the fallen brothers!"


    "Not just that,"


    Xiang Tingchun was exceedingly pleased, "After this matter is reported to the court, it will surely shock both the government and the people! Each and every one of you on this mission will be rewarded!"


    "Listen up, soldiers of Dasheng¡ª"


    Outside the city walls.


    There came a lone messenger on horseback to the foot of the wall, loudly proclaiming, "If you do not hand over His Highness, we will definitely massacre Po Yang!"


    "Then you are welcome to try!"


    Xiang Tingchun stated deliberately and slowly, "I will be right here waiting for you to attack!"


    "Good! You just wait!"


    The barbarian cavalry gradually retreated and disappeared beyond the line of sight.


    Laying siege was not something one could simply do at a moment''s notice¡ªit required extensive preparation.


    Today, a challenge was issued.


    ...


    Seven days later, a war report from a remote small county on the frontier was delivered by the Ministry of War to the Cabinet, then transferred to the Ritual Supervision, and finally presented in the Longevity Palace by the Chamberlain of the Ritual Supervision himself:


    "On the second day of the eleventh month, Sixth-rank Captain Chen Sansi from Po Yang County led a ten-member Night Patrol Team deep into enemy territory. Amidst a siege of two thousand cavalry, they captured Ninth Prince Yuwen alive and returned in one piece."


    "Interesting,"


    came a voice from behind the curtain, flat and emotionless.


    "Pity, he was born in the wrong place."


    "Nevermind, I have three treasures, and one of them is mercy."


    "Give this young captain a chance."

 Chapter 89 Breaking Through Skin Training.

    The day after returning to the city.Chen Sansi''s capture of the Prince spread throughout Po Yang.


    His reputation almost entirely overshadowed Xiang Tingchun.


    Another two hundred people came to Po Yang County to join the army.


    Xiang Tingchun accepted all comers and reported to the Commanding Department, requesting a temporary expansion of the military garrison.


    Since the battle was nearing,


    the higher-ups would certainly not refuse.


    Apart from that, Xiang Tingchun also requested the deployment of additional troops to strengthen Po Yang''s defenses.


    The great war was coming!


    The situation Chen Sansi''s party investigated indicated that the Xi River tribe conservatively increased its forces to five thousand men.


    It''s uncertain.


    It really might have something to do with the Immortal Treasure.


    Next, there might be members of the Witch God Church infiltrating Po Yang.


    There was no chance of escape.


    He had no choice from the beginning.


    If he had joined the Martial Arts Hall, chances are he would still be fawning over Brother Liang at the Tianyuan Martial Arts Academy, without even an entry-level Bone Strengthening Skill.


    Joining the military, he got the technique, but it required risking his life.


    With any choice, there were corresponding prices to pay.


    All Chen Sansi could do was to continue growing stronger!


    This trip to the grasslands, the gains were not small either.


    [Cultivation Technique: Undying Golden Snake Spear. Advanced (Proficiency)]


    [Progress: 885/1000]


    Fighting for life and death, the blood courses fiercely. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Spiritual Grain he consumed before leaving was almost completely digested, and the proficiency of his technique increased dramatically, the speed incredibly fast.


    In a few days, he would be able to break through to Skin Training.


    But there was no need to announce it to the world; it was better to quietly make the breakthrough.


    Previously, it was to show off his talent.


    That''s more than enough.


    Next, he would have to deal with Refining Organ Martial Artists like Dan Yuanzhi and Luo Dongquan, so there was no need to make them wary.


    The most crucial thing was,


    before Refining Organs, there was no way to get promoted.


    Why bother with the unnecessary?


    [Tracking and Evading (Small Achievement)]


    [Progress: 705/1000]


    ...


    [Skill: Commanding Soldiers (Entry-level)]


    [Progress: 233/500]


    [Utility: Mainstay]


    ...


    [Skill: Horse Control (Proficient)]


    [Progress: (109/500)]


    Speaking of which,


    his survival this time; Little Xun deserves at least half the credit!


    Without the White Swan Horse''s exceptional speed,


    Chen Sansi wouldn''t have been able to capture the Ninth Prince in such a short time.


    Aside from the increases in various proficiency levels,


    the greatest gain,


    should be this sword!


    "Clang¡ª"


    Chen Sansi drew the sword blade, startling Sister Lan in his arms.


    The two of them had been through life and death together.


    After reuniting, they cherished each other deeply all night long.


    This sword,


    its scabbard was mainly made of ebony wood, additionally adorned with gold vines on the surface, and a red gem was embedded in the middle, sparkling under candlelight.


    The sword was three feet and six inches long, in line with the 360 Circulations, and one inch and eight points wide, matching half the number of Heaven''s pride; flawless throughout, the cold gleam was striking, the edge sharp, with a weight that felt just right.


    "Zhenyue Sword!"


    Chen Sansi had read about it in books.


    Before the grandeur of Dasheng, there was a unifying dynasty called Da Yan.


    This Zhenyue Sword was created by the emperor who revitalized Da Yan, who would have imagined it would fall into the hands of the Yuwen Family a hundred years later.


    After the fall of the Great Yan Kingdom,


    the Central Plains region entered a state of fragmented rule lasting over a hundred years.


    The alien races began "assimilating into the Central Plains," reading the books of the Central Plains People, wearing their clothes, speaking their language.


    Latter chased back to the grassland by Grand Ancestor Cao Xie of Sheng, the "assimilation" of the barbarians into Central Plains reversed quite a bit over three hundred years, but the language remained the same.


    "What a fine sword!"


    Chen Sansi couldn''t put it down.


    This sword had nearly ruined his reed leaf gun, which he had sent to the Forge for repairs.


    After returning to Po Yang, no one mentioned the sword to him, so it naturally became his.


    After advancing to Skin Training, he''ll make time to practice the sword too!


    As for the Ninth Prince,


    it seemed he was escorted to the Prefecture City overnight before being sent off to the Capital City.


    With his royal status,


    they were not qualified to decide his fate.


    "This counts as a great achievement; I wonder if the Old Emperor will give me anything nice,"


    Chen Sansi pondered to himself.


    But with wars prevalent and the distance from the Northern Territory to the Capital City, who knows how long the round trip would take.


    What''s most important at the moment is to enhance his strength.


    The following day,


    Chen Sansi went to the military camp.


    Zhu Tong, Xu Bin, and others were there and unharmed.


    That they could survive as six; the Car Suspension Formation combined with Commanding Soldiers skill, bringing Calm in Crisis, was indispensable.


    Otherwise, they wouldn''t have been able to hold on for minutes; they would have been crushed instantly.


    "Wang Li, you should know people like Li Dazhi,"


    Chen Sansi took out twenty taels of silver, "Find a time to take the silver to their families, and check if the funeral compensation and supplements promised by the Thousand Households have been given fully; let me know if there''s an issue."


    Even though they were only military soldiers,


    they were human lives after all.


    He wouldn''t treat casualties as mere numbers like Xiang Tingchun; he would help within his capacity.


    He didn''t trust the officials to handle matters properly either.


    God knows whether the promised compensation will actually be given without skimming off the top.


    "Zhu Tong, there''s no doubt that the healing garrison will pay. I will cover all the resources needed for your subsequent cultivation and the realm of Blood Refining. Drink Blood Replenishing Soup and Replenishing Essence Soup as you wish."


    Chen Sansi said generously.


    Xiang Tingchun couldn''t afford to reward them with good things.


    But Blood Replenishing Soup and Replenishing Essence Soup had to be rewarded, nonetheless.


    Otherwise, who would be willing to follow him?


    "Thank you, my lord!"


    Zhu Tong and the others clasped their fists in gratitude.


    For these poor fellows, what they lacked most was supplemental medicine; otherwise, their cultivation pace would be much faster than now.


    "Fatty Wang, how are your injuries?"


    Chen Sansi inquired.


    "Well, having attained Bone Forging Perfection, a couple of cuts won''t kill me,"


    said Wang Zhi, who viewed those who died as if they were disciples he personally taught. "It''s just infuriating that Luo Dongquan couldn''t be killed! Do you know what realm he''s in?"


    "He just got promoted to Deputy Thousand Households. Isn''t he just at the entry-level of Refining Internal Organs?"


    Chen Sansi was somewhat surprised. "Not just that?"


    "Absolutely more than that!"


    Wang Zhi took him to a secluded spot and spoke in a lower voice, "Though I have regressed, I couldn''t be clearer about the strength one should have at each realm. Besides, having spent over a decade in Po Yang, I even know which Cultivation Technique he practices.


    "He''s definitely not simply at the entry-level of Refining Internal Organs; at the very least, he''s mastered the Refining Organ Skill! He''s hiding his true cultivation level."


    "Hmm."


    Chen Sansi nodded, committing it to memory.


    He had just begun to think about concealing his own cultivation level.


    He hadn''t expected Luo Dongquan to be doing the same.


    His own preparations to conceal his cultivation level were meant to face Refining Organ Martial Artists. But for whom was Luo doing it?


    "Don''t worry about it,"


    Wang Zhi said. "Once you''re back, with Bu Qi and his brother there, Luo Dongquan wouldn''t dare act against you. Just focus on your training, and it won''t take long for you to catch up to him."


    "And what about Dan Yuanzhi?"


    Chen Sansi followed up, "Does he also have a concealed cultivation level?"


    "He does not,"


    Wang Zhi replied. "During the last visit to Ji Mansion, when you were training in martial arts, I probed him under the pretense of being drunk. He is indeed in the initial stage of Refining Internal Organs, but his foundations are solid, not bad at all."


    Chen Sansi understood.


    Cultivation levels.


    In most cases, it''s easier to overestimate than to see through an underestimated one.


    Only in Fatty Wang''s case was it somewhat peculiar.


    After a brief chat, Chen Sansi, who hadn''t rested throughout the day, immediately dived back into his training, aiming to break through the final barrier of Skin Training in one go.


    ...


    At the family estate.


    Xiang Tingchun was practicing with his sword in the courtyard.


    Luo Dongquan, led by a maid, came in, "Lord Thousand Households, did you have any instructions for me?"


    Xiang Tingchun didn''t speak and continued practicing with his sword, leaving him standing there.


    Not until two hours later.


    did he finally put away his sword and stop. He took the hot towel handed over by the maid to wipe off his sweat. Still in no hurry to speak, he then sat leisurely on the rattan chair and began sipping tea.


    Luo Dongquan thus stood in silence, not uttering a word, like a wooden stake.


    "Go on, Old Luo."


    Xiang Tingchun set down his teacup, "Why must you do that?"


    "This lowly official doesn''t know!"


    Luo Dongquan kept his head lowered.


    "Leaking comrades'' whereabouts, what''s the difference between that and conspiring with the enemy to betray the country!"


    Xiang Tingchun stood up and approached the other man, suppressing his anger, "You, just had to, you''re so eager to see Chen Sansi die, not even willing to give me face?"


    "My lord, I did it for self-preservation."


    Luo Dongquan stopped pretending, "In the future, with his power and influence in the Northern Territory, it would only take a word from him, to not only threaten my life but also end my career and the future prospects of my entire Luo Family."


    "Slap¡ª¡ª"


    Xiang Tingchun''s hand struck like an iron fan, fiercely slapped across his face, producing a crisp sound, "Luo Dongquan! Don''t forget, who it was that took pity on you back in the day, brought you into the barracks and taught you martial arts personally. And who was it that transferred resources to you, so that you could have the cultivation you have today!"


    "This lowly official dares not forget!"


    A purple-red handprint appeared on Luo Dongquan''s face, and he didn''t dare to resist, "Lord Thousand Households'' favor, this official will surely repay with my life!"


    "It''s fortunate that there''s no evidence. This matter, I will help you suppress it!"


    Xiang Tingchun exhaled turbid breath, "But if there is ever a next time, you''re on your own. Get out!"


    Luo Dongquan bowed respectfully, retreated a few steps, and then turned to leave.


    After stepping out of the gate, he spat a mouthful of bloody saliva toward the front door, expressionless.


    ...


    "Huala lala¡ª¡ª"


    Inside the cave.


    Chen Sansi poured the "Condensed Dew Body Forging Soup" into a wooden tub.


    In recent days, he hadn''t gone to the Ji Mansion at all.


    Instead, he ordered their people to deliver the prepared medicinal soup to his home.


    Today was the last portion.


    Once used up, it should be just right for him to break through, and there would be no more Condensed Dew Body Forging Soup.


    First, he exercised his skin in the iron sand.


    After his entire body was bloodied, he would jump into the medicine bath.


    The icy medicinal liquid seeped into his body, constantly repairing wounds and nourishing his physique.


    After soaking for a while, Chen Sansi got out, picked up the repaired reed leaf spear and began to practice.


    The cultivation technique was displayed.


    The medicinal force of the medicine bath, previously absorbed through the wounds into the flesh, was now completely assimilated and then oozed out through the pores, hanging on his body like droplets of transparent dew, thus the name Condensed Dew Body Forging Soup.


    Various supplemental medicines, beast meat, and, most crucially, Spiritual Grain.


    Chen Sansi reached the threshold of a breakthrough once again.


    He could feel it.


    Qi-Blood no longer affected only the meridians and bones. When using Qi-Blood to strengthen his spear technique, his skin was strengthened along with it, as if his whole body from head to toe gained a thick armor of skin.


    "Bang¡ª¡ª"


    A single thrust of his spear carved a huge hole in the wall of the cave.


    Chen Sansi''s overall qualities rose once more, his skin became thicker and more resilient, far surpassing cowhide, and much stronger than that of Xuan Skin!


    [Cultivation Technique: Undying Golden Snake Spear - Small Achievement]


    [Progress: 0/2000]


    [Utility: Blood of the Dragon Elephant, Nine Dragon Living Veins, Innate Vajra, Skin as Tough as Bone]


    [Skin as Tough as Bone: When Qi-Blood is abundant, the skin becomes extremely tough, its defensive power akin to an external layer of Abnormal Bone, difficult to pierce with sword or blade.]


    "Bang bang bang!"


    Chen Sansi clenched his fists and slammed them against the wall, punching multiple holes into it.


    He didn''t feel the slightest pain, as his skin''s level of defense turned into an invulnerable bone armor, and not just any ordinary bones ¨C these were Abnormal Bones that could only be cultivated with a superior cultivation technique!

 Chapter 90 Mutual Destruction

    ```Chen Sansi drew his treasure sword and lightly brushed it across his arm.A sting followed, leaving behind a white mark, but no substantial harm was done.


    This was still the Zhenyue Sword.


    If it were a regular blade, it would be even harder to break through the defense.


    "It''s not always this hard; it needs to be engorged with blood to work."


    Chen Sansi kept trying.


    In a normal state, his skin was tougher than an average person''s, but not inhuman.


    "Once I achieve Great Success, it will be a Vajra Body!"


    "Out of medicine!"


    Chen Sansi sighed.


    The Tiger Blood Wine, sent by the Ministry of War as a reward, had already been rewarded to him twice by Xiang Tingchun, but it was meant specifically for those with Bone Training Great Success. The medical books stated that drinking it prematurely was not only useless but harmful, so it was not yet needed.


    "Let''s borrow some from the Martial Arts Hall!"


    Hundred-year-old Black Ginseng.


    In Po Yang County, it was generally harvested and kept at home as a treasured possession.


    By the time Chen Sansi descended the mountain, it was already night.


    He headed straight to the Liang Family''s large estate outside the Tianyuan Martial Arts Academy.


    Starting here first.


    If there was nothing to find, he would then go to the Yunhe Pan Family and the Zhao Family.


    Though the Tianyuan Martial Arts Academy''s pharmacy didn''t do much business, it didn''t mean they didn''t have treasures stored at home.


    Bypassing two household slaves and disciples on night patrol, Chen Sansi lightly leaped onto the rooftops, hopping back and forth over the tile and rubble, making no sound thanks to "Light as a Feather."


    He didn''t even bother to conceal his long spear, carrying it openly on his back.


    Long spear, bow and arrows, Zhenyue Sword¡ªone was not missing.


    It wasn''t that he wasn''t concerned about being discovered at all.


    It was just...


    The Liang family better pray that no one discovers him.


    Otherwise, Po Yang County would have another family extermination tragedy.


    Times had changed.


    In the beginning, when he first practiced Martial Arts, he had to swallow his pride in the face of the Martial Arts Hall''s people.


    Now, he didn''t even need to lift a finger against them; a flick of the finger to the bowstring would do the job.


    It was just borrowing some medicinal materials.


    He hoped they would not be foolish.


    Chen Sansi quickly found the storeroom for the medicinal materials.


    The person in charge was asleep on the table, essentially saving the lives of dozens of the Liang Household.


    He climbed through the window into the pharmacy, grabbing a sack and stuffing it.


    Soon, it was bulging with items.


    "Indeed, there''s Black Ginseng, and quite an amount of it too, enough for me to use for a while."


    In a corner, Chen Sansi found some exquisitely stored boxes and opened them. They contained either ginseng or treasured ganoderma and many other rare treasures capable of neutralizing various odd poisons.


    Whether needed or not, he packed everything and took it all.


    Inside the quiet Liang family''s large estate,


    only a study was lit by the light of candles.


    Chen Sansi thought about it, then still tiptoed to the eaves to peek through a sliver of an opening into the room.


    Inside the room, at the desk,


    a middle-aged man with graying hair sat there, facing a messy pile of scrolls, holding a folding fan in his hands and idly fingering it with a vacant look in his eyes.


    ''Is that Liang Zhan''s fan?''


    ''Heh, old man, missing your son, are you?''


    Chen Sansi hesitated on whether to send them all to be reunited as a family.


    "Waste!"


    A sharp scolding came through.


    A haggard woman burst out of the bedroom and rushed toward the study, rudely kicking open the door: "Old man, what''s the use of pretending here every day? If you really care for Zhan''er, why don''t you go take revenge!"


    "I do want revenge!"


    Liang Shengzhi gritted his teeth and said, "But Xiang Tingchun has achieved small success in Refining Internal, and how could I be his match? Plus, without evidence, he would certainly deny it!"


    Xiang Tingchun?


    Chen Sansi was surprised.


    Turns out, Lord Thousand Households had been carrying the pot for him all along.


    "So what!"


    The woman shouted shrilly, "You could ask others for help, couldn''t you? Could that Xiang Tingchun be invincible in this world? Aren''t there Refining Internal experts around the County Magistrate, around the Magistrate? Beg them for help!"


    "No one can help me."


    Liang Shengzhi''s voice was choked with sobs: "Ji Guangxian and Xiang Tingchun are birds of a feather; how could they possibly help me kill Xiang Tingchun? Even if I were to spend all I have, I couldn''t afford the price!"


    "And the Magistrate?!"


    The woman lowered her voice: "Isn''t the Magistrate repeatedly calling you over lately? Can''t you ask him to help?"


    "Even less likely!"


    Liang Shengzhi said, "The new Magistrate Xue is said to be from the court and barely accepts our tributes. He is too proud and lofty, how could he become our assassin?


    "Moreover, his frequent summoning of us lately is for questioning about the Immortal Treasure!


    "If I wanted his help, unless..."


    He suddenly understood the woman''s implication: "You''re insane, hiding the Immortal Treasure is a great crime punishable by the extermination of nine clans... by doing so, we could avenge Zhan''er, but it would also mean the end of the Liang family''s hundred-year foundation!"


    "Foundation?"


    The woman burst into hysterical laughter: "Liang Shengzhi, your son is dead; who are you keeping your foundation for? And with the barbarians about to attack the city, do you think you can stay hidden at home? Wouldn''t the surname Xiang conscript you?"


    Liang Shengzhi stood up anxiously: "What are you doing?!"


    The woman put a hairpin to her own throat: "If you''re really a coward, then I''ll just go to Zhan''er myself!"


    "Ah¡ª"


    Liang Shengzhi roared, overturning the desk: "You''re all forcing me, so let''s die together! Xiang Tingchun, I will take you down with me!"


    What a touching scene of deep father-son affection, of white-haired people sending off those with black hair!


    Touching, is it?


    Chen Sansi sneered.


    When these beasts were testing drugs on the villagers, they never considered that others had families too.


    Even if he slaughtered their entire household, sparing not a man, woman or child, they didn''t deserve half a bit of pity; instead, it would be ridding people of harm.


    However, since they pinned the blame on Xiang Tingchun and there was involvement with the Immortal Treasure, he couldn''t just kill recklessly, or it might lead to unforeseen complications.


    "The Magistrate is indeed here for the Immortal Treasure, and he has Refining Internal experts by his side!"```


    "It seems that the Liang Family intends to report to the Magistrate."


    "Mr. Xiang, you''d better pray for good fortune."


    Chen Sansi didn''t stay any longer; with a leap, he vanished into the night after leaving the Liang family compound, disappearing without a trace.


    ...


    "You want to learn swordsmanship?"


    Wang Zhi, who was sitting on the stone stool drinking, lifted his head in confusion at the boy''s sudden request, "Are you sure?"


    "Sure."


    Chen Sansi nodded firmly.


    He had sought out the Sun Li siblings, but since they didn''t know, he had no option but to approach Tang Ruoshan.


    Wang Zhi recalled carefully: "I do have some, come with me."


    The first time entering Fatty Wang''s house was unexpectedly shabby.


    The yard was unattended, and there was no furniture in the rooms except for a bed and a locked chest in the bedroom.


    Wang Zhi opened the chest and pulled out a pile of secret skill books, then selected a few swordsmanship volumes and tossed them over, as if they were worthless: "Take a look at which one you want to practice. I don''t have anything else, just plenty of techniques.


    "When I was kicked out with my belongings, they only took the techniques above Refining Internal. I kept all the ones below it.


    "Among these volumes, the best should be the ''Diancang Swordsmanship.'' It''s the same one the Master used."


    "Supervisor Sun?"


    Chen Sansi asked, "Wasn''t he a spear user?"


    "He also practiced swordsmanship. If I remember correctly, before he broke through the Martial Saint level, he had practiced a variety of messy techniques."


    Wang Zhi stroked his chin: "This ''Diancang Swordsmanship'' is a unique technique from Cang Mountain Sect, one of the major sects from over a hundred years ago. After the sect plotted a rebellion and was annihilated, the technique fell into the hands of the court. Even the master practiced it, so it must be good, but definitely hard to learn. Aren''t you worried it will affect your spear training?"


    "More than that..."


    Chen Sansi voiced his perplexity: "What I''m more curious about is: what are the benefits of practicing multiple weapon techniques?"


    One major utility of a cultivation technique is to push the limits of the physical body.


    But as one''s realm increases and they start training in a new weapon, what can that bring?


    It''s definitely not going to be a significant improvement in physical strength.


    Otherwise, it would be common knowledge by now.


    "Before Hua Jin, practicing an additional weapon technique can make your Qi-Blood more robust. After Hua Jin, it gives you a deeper foundation in your strength. Besides that, there are no other benefits," Wang Zhi explained patiently while changing the dressing on his wound: "So generally, it''s the people in high realms with no hope of further breakthroughs who collect and practice various techniques to enhance their combat power. After all, among peers in the same realm, the battle often comes down to whose True Qi and Qi-Blood can prevail.


    "You are still at a low realm; it''s not very meaningful to train now.


    "Even if you master it, you won''t be able to use two techniques simultaneously in real combat; people only have one brain, how can you split your focus?


    "At most, you can have a long weapon and a short weapon to turn to when an enemy gets close, so you aren''t helpless. That''s your plan, right?"


    "Sort of."


    Chen Sansi did not deny it. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But he quickly linked this information in his mind.


    People in high realms with no hope of further breakthroughs.


    This described the former Supervisor Sun as well.


    It wasn''t until after the fifteenth year of Longqing that Supervisor Sun suddenly broke through to a level above Martial Saint.


    Was there a connection to his practice with the sword?


    Of course, this is only speculation right now.


    Martial Saint is still too far off.


    Let''s just try practicing the swordsmanship for now.


    "I''ll take this one!"


    Chen Sansi accepted the ''Diancang Swordsmanship.''


    "Whatever you want."


    Wang Zhi added, "With a base level of cultivation, you''ll learn other techniques much faster, but how fast depends on your qualifications and comprehension."


    "Thanks!"


    Chen Sansi didn''t waste any time.


    He began practicing the swordsmanship that very day.


    The universal Breathing Skill was the foundation.


    He only needed to learn Pile Work and Sword Moves.


    He vividly remembered how, when first learning martial arts, it took nearly ten days just to perform the Pile Work and moves smoothly.


    Now learning the sword,


    It took him only half a day!


    [Cultivation Technique: Diancang Swordsmanship (Entry-Level)]


    [Progress: 0/50]


    [Utility: None]


    Only fifty to reach entry-level mastery?


    Chen Sansi tried to officially practice.


    The results were quicker than he anticipated.


    Each time he completed a set of sword moves, the proficiency would noticeably rise.


    At this rate,


    Just one day was needed.


    After one day, his swordsmanship could be at entry level.


    "This really is a great sword!"


    Chen Sansi held the Zhenyue Sword, somewhat unable to put it down.


    This legendary treasure sword simply couldn''t be measured in monetary terms, it was truly priceless.


    "What a waste of resources!"


    "I heard that Prince was taken straight to the Capital City."


    This was good news.


    If the Prince had stayed in Po Yang,


    The barbarian tribes would undoubtedly continue to send reinforcements, and higher-ranked generals would be essential. Mr. Xiang alone wouldn''t be able to hold out.


    Now that the Prince was taken away,


    The Yuwen Family would have to request reinforcements directly from the old Emperor.


    Of course, this didn''t mean that Po Yang was safe; on the contrary, its fate was still uncertain.


    The Xi River tribe had at least five thousand troops, perhaps even more.


    Against the Thousand Households'' one thousand men,


    Even as defenders, there was significant pressure.


    Defense preparations began to be fortified inside and outside the Great Wall.


    The great battle was about to begin.

 Chapter 91 Fast Track Swordsmanship

    All around Po Yang, everyone had entered a state of war preparation.Not only were the soldiers bustling about,


    the ordinary people couldn''t escape conscription either.


    The Great Wall''s construction had been ongoing for nearly two hundred years, requiring annual maintenance.


    With the great battle impending, reinforcing the weaker segments had become more critical.


    The two-hundred-mile Great Wall.


    The workforce from the Thousand Households was wholly inadequate; they had no choice but to rely on civilians.


    "Uncle Lai Zi, have something to eat."


    Chen Sansi had been sent to supervise the labor and was distributing food to the villagers with Wang Li.


    This temporary conscription didn''t even provide meals.


    The common folk had no choice but to comply.


    Otherwise, if the barbarians breached the city, not a single living person would be spared.


    "The cornbread smells delicious, Shi, becoming a high official recently must have lined your pockets well!"


    Uncle Lai Zi took it and bit into it without a word of thanks.


    "How dare you!"


    Wang Li angrily said, "You ingrate, the Lord kindly asked the Lord Thousand Households for food for you, and you don''t appreciate it."


    "A dog''s mouth can''t spit out ivory!"


    The rest of the villagers immediately began cursing.


    "Just go die, Uncle Lai Zi!"


    "Right, die at the barbarians'' hands outside the city, that would be a fitting end for you!"


    "..."


    Chen Sansi paid them no mind and left Wang Li to watch over them while he attended to his own duties.


    The food, he had requested from the stores through Xiang Tingchun.


    In a defensive battle like this, without civilian cooperation, the difficulty would increase significantly.


    Neither does it make sense to expect the horse to run without feeding it grass.


    The food reserves at the Thousand Households were enough for six months; giving a small portion to the civilians was not a problem.


    Furthermore, various village gentry and Martial Arts Hall lords had amassed plenty in their granaries, waiting to sell at higher prices in winter.


    If truly necessary, they would seize food from the Martial Arts Halls.


    Back at the military camp.


    Empowered by the medicine of Spiritual Grain, Chen Sansi practiced spear techniques for two hours before starting on swordsmanship.


    "Diancang Swordsmanship"


    Divided into three parts,


    the part he held could directly cultivate refining organs, comprising thirteen sword techniques, each with seventy-two variations. If there had to be a distinct characteristic, it was focused on slaughter, with every move designed to kill.


    The Zhenyue Sword in Chen Sansi''s hands hummed and trembled, at times swift as a fierce torrential downpour and at others slow as drifting clouds, each strike embodying a weather-changing momentum, grand and powerful, splitting the wind and tearing through clouds.


    [Cultivation Technique: Diancang Swordsmanship (entry-level)]


    [Progress: 0/50]


    [Utility: Ambidextrous, Swift Mastery of the Sword Path]


    [Ambidextrous: Dual-wielding, complementing strengths and compensating weaknesses.]


    [Swift Mastery of the Sword Path: Below the physical realm, sword techniques are incredibly fast, unimpeded.]


    Swift Mastery of the Sword Path!


    Once past entry-level, proficiency was still only fifty.


    This meant, as long as it wasn''t beyond his own realm, breakthroughs were as simple as eating and drinking.


    In this way,


    the concerns Wang Zhi had about it interfering with his spear technique cultivation were completely unfounded.


    More importantly,


    it was being ambidextrous!


    Normally, it''s impossible to multitask.


    Chen Sansi trained with a shorter weapon as well, not just to handle special situations where enemies got close but to have better options than being completely unarmed, which was certainly an improvement.


    However, if two sets of techniques could be used at the same time, it would be transformative!


    Sometimes, the sum of one plus one far exceeds two!


    The long spear, as the king of weapons, had only one flaw: its length. Although his spear techniques were impeccable, and no one had ever come close enough to challenge him, it didn''t mean that they would never be able to.


    Being able to use both sword and spear techniques simultaneously would completely compensate for this.


    Chen Sansi tried it out on the spot.


    In his hands, the Zhenyue Sword and the reed leaf spear operated as if controlled by two perfectly coordinated individuals.


    Especially with the Zhenyue Sword.


    Holding the sword in his left hand, it felt not the least bit awkward, but rather like a natural extension of his own limbs!


    "Swift Mastery!"


    Chen Sansi with spear in right hand and sword in left.


    Just two days and nights.


    He pushed the Zhenyue Sword to great success in the Blood Refining Technique, his internal Qi-Blood thickened without affecting the progress of his spear technique.


    "Mr. Chen."


    Zhao Kang found him: "Go to the main tent, Commander Xiang has important things to discuss with everyone."


    Central Army Camp.


    All the lieutenants were present.


    In addition, Magistrate Xue, Magistrate Ji, as well as Sun Li and Sun Buqi were all there.


    Xiang Tingchun looked at Feng Yong, signaling him to begin.


    "Yes!"


    Feng Yong pointed to a location twenty miles outside the Great Wall on the sand table and said, "Two days ago, under orders to carry out a new round of reconnaissance, I discovered that the barbarian tribes had begun to set up camps there and obtained accurate intelligence that they would attack Po Yang within five days at the latest.


    "Among them, total military strength is about six thousand, with two thousand light cavalry and five hundred heavy cavalry.


    "Refining Organ increased to two people, Bone Training commanders increased to ten, several with Blood Refining Great Success.


    "Additionally, complete with heavy machinery such as catapults and siege carriages.


    "On our side,


    "we have one thousand and fifty-six combat-ready troops, plus two hundred Martial Arts Academy Disciples, three Refining Organ Martial Artists, and twelve Bone Training Martial Artists participating in the battle.


    "Lord Thousand Households, I have finished my report."


    "Hmm,"


    Xiang Tingchun nodded slightly: "Overall, while we have more high realm warriors, the Xi River tribe''s forces are several times larger than ours, and even just holding out will be difficult.


    "So, Magistrate Ji, could you help by requesting the An Ding Prefecture Commanding Department to send an additional fifteen hundred troops?"


    "That''s not within my jurisdiction."


    Ji Guangxian said sheepishly, "Moreover, An Ding Prefecture is facing fifty thousand Iron Cavalry; where would they find extra forces to deploy? At most, I can call for one more Refining Organ from my family to assist."


    His mission was not completed.


    He could not return.


    Staying in Po Yang meant sharing life and death with Po Yang.


    "Miss Sun."


    Xiang Tingchun shifted his gaze, "Can''t the Governor Mansion send some people over?"


    "I have already written a letter and had it urgently sent to Liangzhou. My father should have arrangements in place."


    Sun Li''s voice was cold, "Before that, my brother and I will stay in Po Yang to assist; we will absolutely not flee once the battle commences."


    "Good! Everyone knows of the iron-blooded reputation of the Eight Camps. It seems the reputation is well deserved!"


    Xiang Tingchun looked at everyone, exhorting, "Gentlemen, even the daughter and young master of the Supervisor himself are prepared to fight to the death. How can we retreat?


    "Pass my command, starting tomorrow, all soldiers of Po Yang Thousand Households will be stationed at the Great Wall, on standby for twelve hours a day, ready to face the enemy at any moment!"


    "Understood!"


    The crowd accepted the command.


    "Mr. Chen!"


    Chen Sansi, who was initially planning to go home, was stopped; he paused, "Magistrate Ji, what can I do for you?"


    "Heh heh."


    Ji Guangxian laughed, "Mr. Chen ventured deep into enemy territory alone for hundreds of miles, capturing a prince amidst heavily surrounded troops, establishing an astonishing feat. Soon even the Capital will hear of your great name.


    "Elder Gao is the most perceptive in recognizing talents and will surely entrust you with a significant task."


    "I am flattered by Magistrate Ji''s high regard."


    Chen Sansi replied perfunctorily, "Sadly, even if I wanted to leave Po Yang, I can''t leave now. Major matters will have to wait until after the war is over."


    One word.


    Delay!


    As long as he could delay, once his realm improved, all problems would be easily solved.


    "Mr. Chen speaks wisely."


    Ji Guangxian stroked his beard, "I too will not leave and will stay to share life and death with the soldiers of Po Yang. Indeed, this matter should be discussed after the battle concludes."


    "Such integrity, Magistrate Ji!"


    Chen Sansi changed the subject, "I just don''t know..."


    "No!"


    Ji Guangxian interrupted, "Mr. Chen, when I travel far, why would I carry so many medicinal materials with me?


    "Of course, if Mr. Chen can give me a guarantee, I am not against sending someone from An Ding Prefecture to rush more medicinal materials here."


    "Magistrate Ji misunderstands."


    Chen Sansi said, "I understand the principle of not taking rewards without merit.


    "''Dew Fortifying Soup'' is exceptionally valuable; even if Magistrate Ji is generous, I would feel ashamed to continue receiving it without due cause.


    "I wanted to ask if Magistrate Ji has any other secret medicine? Perhaps something for treating injuries or restoring Qi-Blood. I dare not ask for much, just enough for a single use."


    "Well~"


    Magistrate Ji pondered for a moment, "Naturally, there are more! My Ji Family started in the medicinal trade, how could we have only one secret formula? Whether it''s golden sore medicine for treating external injuries or Blood Replenishing Pills to quickly restore Qi-Blood, my Ji Family''s medicines are many times better than what''s available outside.


    "Since Mr. Chen has asked, how could I refuse? I will have someone send some to you later."


    "Thank you, Magistrate Ji!"


    Chen Sansi bowed with his fists and took his leave.


    "Sir."


    Dan Yuanzhi smiled, "He has started asking for medicine."


    "Naturally, the formulas used by my Ji Family for bone training were taken by His Highness to cultivate his confidants; anyone who has used them wouldn''t want to switch medicines!"


    Ji Guangxian confidently said, "You send him the medicine later, but remember, only give him enough for a single use. He has asked me once; he will ask again. Why worry about not being able to keep him in check?"


    ...


    "Done!"


    Chen Sansi successfully concocted ''Dew Fortifying Soup,'' ''Six Elements Blood Replenishing Pills,'' and a secretly made medicine for treating external injuries.


    The Dew Fortifying Soup was still useful even for someone with a small achievement in bone training.


    [Cultivation Technique: Undying Golden Snake Spear. Upper (small achievement)]


    [Progress: 108/2000]


    The other two secret medicines weren''t very effective, but they were free of charge.


    They would also make the magistrate think that his family''s secret medicines were attractive to him, ensuring he wouldn''t be bothered by him until the end of the battle.


    [Skill: Medical Skill. Ordinary (entry-level)]


    [Progress: 403/500]


    "The Medical Skill will soon break through!"


    Chen Sansi returned home.


    Gu Xinlan had prepared dinner as usual.


    That night.


    She took out a dark blue robe she had finally finished sewing after two months and personally dressed her man in it, checking for any ill-fitting areas so she could make the best adjustments overnight.


    "It fits perfectly; Brother Shi looks very handsome in it."


    Under the candlelight, in front of the bronze mirror.


    Gu Xinlan quietly watched her man, her almond-shaped eyes initially dreamy and blurry, gradually reddening with tears as she unconsciously hugged him tightly, whispering, "Sister Tong''s child is due in a couple of days."


    "I know."


    Since Chen Sansi had come to this world, it was his first time wearing such fitting and comfortable clothes.


    He adjusted his sleeves, replying, "Xu Bin will join me in guarding the city; you help take care of things here."


    "That''s not what I meant..." S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Gu Xinlan hugged him tighter, her voice becoming very soft, "I meant, when you return, we, we should have one too."


    Towards the end.


    Her voice was more choked than shy.


    The emphasis of her words was on "return."


    "Don''t worry, I''m quite capable."


    Chen Sansi suddenly lifted her by the waist, "And this matter doesn''t need to wait until I return; we can start now."


    "Hmm~"


    ...


    Tonight.


    Countless similar scenes would unfold in the military settlements.


    Fathers silent, mothers advising, wives and children crying.


    Because no one knew if tonight would be their last reunion.


    Starting tomorrow.


    All soldiers would be stationed at the Great Wall, defending against the barbarian invasion.


    Before the battle is over, no one may return home.

 Chapter 92 Divine Arrow Shows Its Might

    5 a.m. to 7 a.m.The sound of the bugle echoed through the camp.


    The soldiers headed to the barracks, bidding farewell to their families.


    The Sun Li siblings, too, donned their armor and took up their weapons to join the battle.


    "Shanshi."


    Sun Buqi caught up quickly, "I''ve looked into the matter on the grassland for you. That Thousand Households surnamed Luo, his subordinates said he hasn''t left alone. Is it possible that it''s because Tang Ruoshan is too incompetent, causing the exposure?"


    "Perhaps."


    Chen Sansi didn''t refute, nor did he bother to.


    To the people of the Governor Mansion, it was all about evidence.


    But he didn''t need to provide any.


    Sun Li said, "Little Brother, don''t worry, we''ll keep an eye on him."


    Once arriving at the barracks,


    after Xiang Tingchun''s lengthy speech, all the soldiers then garrisoned the Great Wall.


    In the days that followed, they would have to eat, drink, and deal with all matters within the Great Wall, with any departures requiring permission.


    Each Household was responsible for two signal towers, covering a distance of twenty miles.


    The other two hundred Martial Arts Academy Disciples and over two hundred new recruits who had just joined the army were scattered among them.


    The common folk were in charge of boiling the golden liquid, moving rolling logs, boulders, arrows, and other tools.


    Xiang Tingchun, Luo Dongquan, and Dan Yuanzhi, three Refining Organ Martial Artists, personally conducted day and night patrols.


    Additionally, a night watch team would leave the city every night to scout.


    This task no longer fell upon Chen Sansi.


    All that was left was to wait.


    After three days,


    Chen Sansi''s swordsmanship shot straight up to entry-level Bone Training, no longer holding him back when used.


    "Mr. Chen, it''s doomed!"


    Xu Wencai, busy for several days, created a makeshift sand table with an accuracy comparable to that within the Central Army''s tent.


    Holding a stick, he looked troubled, "It''s doomed!"


    It was mealtime.


    Everyone was gathered inside the signal tower, eating the beast meat brought by Chen Sansi, and thus heard everything clearly.


    "Doomed my ass!"


    Zhu Tong stepped forward and kicked him, "When the barbarians come, I''ll push you off the city wall first to meet your doom."


    "It really is doomed!"


    Xu Wencai''s expression was sincere.


    Xu Bin leaned over, craning his neck, "Old Xu, I''ve read Military Books too. We may not have many people, but we are defending the city. We''re not lacking in food, and we have the townspeople to help. There''s still a good chance we can hold."


    "I wasn''t talking about that."


    Xu Wencai turned to Chen Sansi, "You guys don''t understand, but Mr. Chen certainly can see it. The troop reinforcement by the Barbarian Thousand Households from Xi River is very strange, and An Ding Prefecture remains silent. Too weird... Unfortunately, there isn''t enough intelligence, I can''t see the specifics elsewhere, and can''t figure out what the barbarians exactly want to do.


    "But from what we see now, the posture they are assuming signifies that they are hell-bent on taking Po Yang, defying the heavens in their pursuit!" S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Hmm,"


    Chen Sansi nodded, indicating he agreed with that view to everyone.


    Indeed strange.


    Even bringing up the Immortal Treasure wouldn''t make sense.


    Shouldn''t such matters be dealt with stealthily?


    For instance, sending several more experts of the Witch God Sect, plenty of Refining Organ and Hua Jin practitioners.


    What does it mean to send a large army closing in?


    Searching carpet-style is not done like this, right?


    Of course, if it''s just six thousand men, the problem isn''t too big. At most, we implement scorched earth tactics, retreat everyone back to the county seat, and concentrate strength on guard higher and more solid city walls.


    But what might follow next?


    Nobody can be sure.


    He, like Xu Wencai, had a very bad feeling.


    Nobody is an Immortal; they could only take one step at a time.


    "Mr. Chen, why don''t we head to the mountains!"


    Zhuang Yi proposed this idea for the second time, "Take about a hundred people and just flee straight into the deep mountains and dense forests, where you could be a king and set up a stronghold, recruiting soldiers to start anew."


    Zhu Tong agreed with both hands, "Exactly, we could establish our own small court!"


    "Are you two brainless? How can you joke about something like this?!"


    Xu Bin hurried to stop them.


    Xu Wencai seriously discussed the idea with them,


    concluding in the end that lacking advanced cultivation methods and resources, becoming prominent would only lead to a dead end.


    Of course, everyone was just joking around.


    Because defending the city was too monotonous.


    Chen Sansi didn''t join in the fun. After replenishing his energy, he continued to practice his spear and swordsmanship.


    In a flash, another two days passed.


    [Cultivation Technique: Undying Golden Snake Spear (Small Achievement)]


    [Progress: 308/2000]


    His swordsmanship also caught up with his own realm.


    [Cultivation Technique: Diancang Swordsmanship (Bone Forger Small Achievement)]


    [Progress: 0/2000]


    The limit for proficiency increased many times over.


    As expected, once reaching the realm of the physical body, rapid progress was no longer possible.


    He still needed to focus primarily on spear technique.


    "On a side note,"


    "it has been over ten days since the grassland journey concluded."


    "Shouldn''t the Capital City have received news of me capturing the Ninth Prince Yu Wen? I wonder if they''ll give me anything in return."


    He didn''t seek rank or peerage,


    only a resource for cultivation.


    The Condensed Dew Body Refinement Soup was still useful for Bone Forger small achievement, but it wasn''t enough; he wanted to achieve Bone Forging Perfection as soon as possible, so when facing a Refining Organ Martial Artist again, he would not be utterly helpless.


    "Enemy attack¡ª"


    "Enemy attack!"


    Atop the Great Wall, the signal fires were lit.


    Along the two hundred mile Great Wall, the soldiers, whose nerves had been strained for days on end, each took up their weapons and moved to their pre-assigned posts.


    Chen Sansi also took his spear and sword, and went to the top of the wall.


    "Boom, boom, boom, boom¡ª"


    "Hum¡ª"


    Along with the sound of war drums as loud as thunder and the majestic bugle, a dark mass of figures gradually appeared on the slope ten miles away. It was the barbarian army.


    They arranged their battle formation, erected their observation towers, and stood off against the Great Sheng officials and soldiers from afar,


    "Yeah¡ª"


    Leading a dark horse Calvary unit, one came to a halt about two hundred steps from the Great Wall and began riding around and shouting,


    "Hear this, Sheng Dynasty''s officers and soldiers within the city!"


    "Surrender early, and avoid death!"


    "We give you two hours!"


    "After two hours, if you don''t voluntarily open the city gates, our Heavenly Clan Iron Cavalry will surely flatten Po Yang!"


    The best strategy in warfare is to outthink the enemy; attacking the spirit is supreme, attacking the city is inferior.


    Even though they were of different races and bloodshed was inevitable, they could still create an atmosphere that boosted the morale of their own troops.


    Morale was, after all, the key to victory.


    "Soldiers defending the Great Wall, listen up!"


    "I offer you..."


    "Whoosh¡ª"


    Thump!


    An arrow suddenly pierced through the helmet of a fast-charging cavalryman, toppling him and his horse to the ground and stirring up a cloud of dust.


    Chen Sansi slowly lowered his bow.


    Two hundred steps, one kill with a single shot!


    "Good shot!"


    "Mr. Chen is valiant!"


    "Valiant!"


    "..."


    Hundreds of soldiers cried out in unison.


    "Good!"


    Xiang Tingchun, who sat atop the fortress gate, cheered loudly, "Excellent archery, upholding the might of our Great Dasheng!"


    Although only one barbarian cavalryman had died.


    Everyone felt as if they had gained a huge advantage as they looked at the dense group of people becoming insignificant, their hearts invigorated and hands itching for a fight.


    This was morale!


    ...


    Ten miles away.


    Wu Mu''er, a barbarian Household leader on the observation tower, had an unpleasant expression on his face.


    His original plan was to intimidate the Sheng people before attacking, but the result was the opposite of what he had intended.


    "How could we, the Heavenly Clan, who rely on our skills with the bow and horse, lose to the Sheng people?!"


    He asked solemnly, "Who has outstanding archery skills?"


    "I have Admiral Mu Ge!"


    Ji Rentai, another Household leader at his side, spoke up, "This man uses a five-stone bow and can hit a target a hundred steps away with one of his three arrows!"


    "Good!"


    Wu Mu''er issued an order, "Send up Mu Ge and tell him that shooting down that archer just now will be rewarded with twenty taels of gold, five hundred taels of silver, and three hundred heads of cattle and sheep!"


    ...


    "Here they come again!"


    Xu Wencai lay on the ground, cautiously looking ahead as another menacing barbarian approached.


    "Sheng people, if you''re brave, don''t use numbers to overwhelm me or shoot chaotic arrows at me!"


    Mu Ge came unarmed except for the longbow in his hand, his voice booming, "Call out that archer from just now. I''ll compete with him in archery, staking our lives on the outcome!"


    "I am right here!"


    Chen Sansi stood atop the wall, letting the enemy come within about a hundred steps.


    "So arrogant?!"


    Mu Ge gritted his teeth and shot an arrow from his bow.


    Under the watchful eyes of all, Chen Sansi neither dodged nor flinched, but instead drew his own bow and loosed a thundering arrow.


    "Ding!"


    A light, crisp sound rang out.


    The two arrows collided precisely in midair, veering off and falling to the ground.


    "What?!"


    Mu Ge was shocked.


    From atop the wall, Chen Sansi looked down, "Come again."


    "Fine, let''s do this!"


    Mu Ge adjusted his breathing, calmed himself, and shot three arrows in quick succession.


    "Ding ding ding!"


    Yet each arrow was effortlessly shot down with unerring accuracy.


    "Baturu!"


    Mu Ge was struck dumb, standing still in shock for a long while before awakening from the nightmare and calling out in terror, "The number one Baturu, the number one Baturu!"


    Using an arrow to block an arrow.


    Such a divine skill could only be achieved by the grassland''s number one Baturu!


    How could there be such a formidable person in the insignificant Po Yang County?


    Mu Ge no longer dared to continue the competition; he turned to flee.


    But it was too late.


    "Whoosh¡ª"


    A spade-shaped Qi Pi Arrow struck his horse.


    Mu Ge fell hard.


    Before he could rise, a willow-leaf arrow pierced his thigh.


    Then another hit his other leg, right hand, and left and right.


    "Ah!"


    Unable to die and unable to live, Mu Ge writhed and howled beneath the city wall.


    "Divine Archer!"


    "Mr. Chen is likely one of the rarest Divine Archers in the world!"


    "Brothers, with Mr. Chen here, how could the barbarians possibly breach our Great Wall?!"


    "..."


    The two hundred mile Great Wall.


    What they saw and heard was passed on and deliberately exaggerated, and in a short time, the morale of the officials and soldiers reached its peak.


    ...


    "Useless!"


    Wu Mu''er cursed, "Ji Rentai, is this the Divine Archer you told me about?!"


    Ji Rentai remained silent.


    Mu Ge was at least a Bone Forger with a small achievement.


    And yet he was defeated so effortlessly?


    "Let''s rest!"


    Wu Mu''er said solemnly, "In two days, we''ll discuss the siege again."


    They had suffered defeats twice in a row.


    Attacking now would only make things more difficult.


    They had to wait out the period when the enemy''s morale was high.


    What else could they do?


    It''s not like the two main generals could personally challenge the enemy.


    Facing such a challenge meant facing a barrage of arrows.


    If there was a chance to kill a main general, the concept of "martial virtue" would be irrelevant.


    ...


    "My lord, what a strategy!"


    Xu Wencai exclaimed in admiration, "After such an event, the barbarians'' morale has plummeted to rock bottom, and they will not dare to attack again for a short time!"


    The inside and outside of the Great Wall suddenly fell silent.


    It wasn''t until the third day at dawn that the sound of war drums rang out again.


    A dense mass of black dots advanced toward the Great Wall, as the barbarians officially began their siege.

 Chapter 93 Blood Battle at the Great Wall

    "Liven up!"The Household heads responsible for defending the Great Wall at various stages began to encourage their subordinates to give their all.


    Archery relishing its triumph was already a past affair from three days ago; although the awe it inspired lingered, the excitement had long since faded.


    This was also why the barbarians were finally launching their siege.


    Within the fortress gate.


    Xiang Tingchun ordered, "Release arrows!"


    An Order Officer immediately relayed the command.


    Each signal tower was purposefully equipped with archers and crossbowmen. As soon as the barbarian soldiers approached within about two hundred steps, everyone aimed slightly above and in front of them and unleashed a barrage of arrows, creating a parabolic rain of projectiles.


    The siege.


    Unlike what''s portrayed on television.


    It was absolutely not a matter of wielding a shield and sword, yelling battle cries, and charging forward¡ªif it were so, there would be countless deaths no matter how many came.


    Laying siege required the use of many pieces of machinery.


    Take, for instance, the barbarians in the frontmost ranks¡ªall were shielded by wooden curtain carts and Fenwen Cars.


    Wooden curtain carts.


    These are siege engines covered with wooden planks for protection.


    In front of the vehicle, thick wooden planks shielded from the arrow rain, while soldiers hid behind them and pushed the cart forward without showing themselves.


    Fenwen Cars.


    Similar pieces of equipment, all made of iron, essentially a group of soldiers rushing forward carrying an iron shed on their back.


    Moreover, the barbarians also set up an Arrow Formation, shooting wildly at the city walls.


    Relying solely on a barrage of arrows to stop them was impossible. At most, it would kill only a few of their soldiers. In the end, they had to wait until the enemy attempted to climb the walls before they could significantly reduce the enemy''s numbers.


    Chen Sansi''s fifteen-stone bow could easily penetrate the common bamboo armor shields, cowhide shields, and thinner iron shields, virtually counting each flex of the fingers as a life claimed.


    [Skill: Archery (small achievement)]


    [Progress: (508/1000)]


    With continued training like this, it wouldn''t be long before his archery reached Great Success.


    But in the end, he was just one person, unable to withstand the thousand-strong army.


    Soon.


    The barbarian soldiers reached the base of the city wall and successfully set up the scaling ladders.


    Scaling ladders.


    They weren''t just any ladders but ladder carriages, extremely heavy pieces of engineering, weighing up to thousands of catties. They could adjust their angle flexibly, had iron hooks to secure to the wall, and the base could form a triangle with the wall, making them incredibly sturdy.


    One after another, the barbarians began to climb up the ladders.


    Log rams and boulders proved their worth, smashing down onto those below with the force of collapsing mountains. As soon as a brave warrior climbed halfway, they were doused from above with scalding "golden juice".


    "I''ve saved this for you for days. Have a taste, all of you try it!"


    Zhu Tong roared, pouring down bucket after bucket.


    The boiling temperature, once it injured the skin, would lead to bacterial and viral infections. Without effective treatment, it was practically a death sentence.


    Chen Sansi stood guard beside them; whoever dared to show their head would be stabbed with a thrust of his three-meter long spear.


    On the defensive side, one man could indeed hold the pass against ten thousand.


    Shortly, he had stabbed over twenty people to death, not allowing a single enemy soldier to climb over the wall.


    Gradually, the area he was responsible for quieted down.


    Over two hundred li of the Great Wall.


    The barbarians couldn''t possibly attack along the entire line; they mainly chose to attack weaker points.


    Even so, the first round of the siege didn''t last too long.


    Two hours later, the barbarians sounded the retreat.


    A siege was inherently a prolonged affair.


    Today''s assault was likely just a probe.


    The soldiers began to clean up the battlefield and assess the situation.


    In this round, the barbarians lost over four hundred men, while the Po Yang Thousand Households lost just over fifty, most of whom died from random arrows during the defense. The ratio of losses looked quite favorable.


    But what the barbarians sent today were the so-called "old, weak, sick, and disabled."


    This could be seen from the tattered leather armors on their bodies, and moreover, not a single bone training martial artist had yet appeared. It was clear they intended to use these four hundred weakened troops to gauge the true combat strength of the Great Wall.


    [Skill: Commanding Soldiers (entry-level)]


    [Progress: 388/500]


    In live combat.


    The skill of commanding soldiers rapidly improved.


    With the mainstay''s support.


    The soldiers under Chen Sansi''s command, despite feeling mentally tense, did not panic and always coordinated well. Coupled with him standing at the forefront, only two men died in battle and three were wounded.


    "Lazybones!"


    The stinking Zhu Tong dragged Xu Wencai, who had been cowering in a corner, out into the open, "Didn''t you say it was the end for us? The barbarians look like nothing but wine sacks and rice bags to me!"


    "It hasn''t even started yet!"


    Xu Wencai informed, "They haven''t even brought out the bone training warriors. They haven''t used digging tunnels or earth bags and such tactics yet!"


    "..."


    Chen Sansi let the old scholar enlighten his men while he himself wasted no time in practicing martial arts. He also took the opportunity to ask Xiang Tingchun for leave to go hunting in the mountains, claiming he wanted to reward his subordinates.


    Having just earned a significant merit, he couldn''t afford to grant rewards, so he was entitled to some privileges.


    Riding the White Swan Horse, he went up to the mountains to soak in medicinal baths and practice martial arts, also improving his medical skills.


    When he returned, he brought a couple of hunted animals to the Great Wall for everyone to share. This continued for ten days, during which the barbarians didn''t seem eager to launch another full-scale assault. Instead, they beat drums every midnight and sent small groups of soldiers to shoot arrows and harass during the day.


    "Siege exhaustion tactics, huh..."


    Chen Sansi was well aware.


    As long as they didn''t lack food and fodder, such wear-down strategies would advantage the barbarians. On one hand, their numbers were vast, creating increasing pressure for the soldiers of the Great Wall. Plus, with the cold weather, it was a torture to huddle on the ground everyday.


    Speaking of which, it was almost the twelfth lunar month, and the Northern Territory had yet to see snow.


    If a blizzard did set in, that could press the barbarians as well.


    [Cultivation Technique: Undying Golden Snake Spear. Upper (Small Achievement)]


    [Progress: 899/2000]


    The cultivation speed had slowed down.


    The efficacy of the Dew Condensation Body Forging Soup was much less than before.


    At this rate, it would take at least twenty more days to achieve Bone Forging Perfection.


    However, medical skill was on the verge of a breakthrough.


    Medical Officer Jiang also came to the Great Wall with the army. Chen Sansi used the excuse of helping, but in reality, he was improving his proficiency. After pushing the medicine mill, he began practicing acupuncture on a wooden man covered with drawn acupoints.


    Medical skill included more than just herbs. Acupuncture was also one of its types.


    He had memorized all the acupoints and acupuncture techniques - they were "etched in his memory" - and now all that was left was to familiarize himself with the hand-feel. In the course of an afternoon, he had basically learned it all.


    Finally, the panel floated up.


    [Skill: Medical Skill. Mortal (Proficient)]


    [Progress: 0/1000]


    [Utility: Recognize Medicine, Cure All Poison]


    [Cure All Poison: Medical skill is unparalleled, knowing all there is to know, such that all poisons of the mortal world can be cured upon sight.]


    Cure poison?


    Chen Sansi had the ability to Recognize Medicine, which allowed him to prevent others from poisoning his food, but he lacked the skill to cure poison. Whether in the Jianghu or on the battlefield, there were always those who favored using poison, the cunning and treacherous ones.


    With this skill at his disposal, he was essentially immune to "poison".


    "Dong dong dong!"


    After many days, the familiar sound of war drums echoed in his ears once again. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Medical Officer Jiang, I must go."


    Chen Sansi''s heart tightened as he dropped the silver needles and left, arriving at the city wall only to see hordes of barbarians surging forward like a tide. This time, it was not the old, weak, sick, or disabled¡ªit was a full-on assault!


    The number and quality were far greater than before. Siege engines were placed at the very front, followed by Shield Gunners and Crossbowmen. At the back were two thousand uniformly arranged Cavalry.


    Moreover, there were an additional five hundred Heavy Cavalry bringing up the rear.


    These Heavy Cavalry were not just fully armored from head to toe, but even the vital parts of the horses beneath them were fully armored as well¡ªtruly the elite of the elite.


    Last time, on the grasslands.


    If they had encountered this group of people.


    Zhu Tong and his men probably wouldn''t have had a single survivor!


    The Cavalry stopped at a distance of two miles, forming the rear guard. The remaining four thousand infantry spread out, some feigning attacks while others launched the main assault, blurring the line between the real and the fake to such an extent that the Great Wall''s defenses couldn''t adjust in time.


    "We are here for a feint attack!"


    At the section Chen Sansi was responsible for, some people initially came over to set up ladders, but those who climbed up were few, and soon everyone withdrew, leaving only the empty ladders behind.


    "Chen Hundred Households! Quickly lead thirty men to the alpha signal tower on the east side of the city gate to provide support. Hundred Households Zhao can''t hold on any longer!"


    The Order Officer''s command was delivered with a delay.


    By the time Chen Sansi and his men arrived at the designated spot, he saw that four ladders had already been mounted on the wall. Zhao Kang was entangled in a fight with a Barbarian Hundred Households, and his men were guarding around the ladders, obviously unable to attend to other matters.


    Not far behind the ladders, several large Siege Carriages were also taking advantage of the situation to advance.


    Siege Carriage!


    This carriage was the largest type of war carriage of the age. The one in front of them was not the biggest but nevertheless stood two fathoms high and many fathoms wide. The interior was divided into three layers, and aside from being able to accommodate nearly a hundred soldiers, it was also equipped with heavy crossbow poison arrows and heavy hammers.


    The soldiers at the top of the carriage could directly leap into the city wall, while those at the bottom were responsible for chiseling and digging, damaging the city itself.


    If they allowed them to arrive smoothly in front, coupled with an influx of barbarians, the Great Wall would be thrown into complete chaos, and then it wouldn''t be impossible for it to fall!


    "Set fire!"


    Chen Sansi ordered calmly.


    The torch basins had long been prepared.


    The archers, including Chen Sansi himself, began using fire arrows equipped with iron cages. They first lit the oily cloth with torches, then pulled their bows and shot arrows, targeting the siege carriage.


    But since the enemy dared to bring the war carriage over, how could they not be prepared at all? The Water Dragon Car followed right behind the war carriage, dousing any flaming arrows before they could ignite the vehicle.


    Fortunately, the water carriage had a limited capacity.


    Under the deluge of fiery arrow rain that was like an engulfing sea of flames, they ultimately managed to set two carriages ablaze.


    At the same time.


    The distant catapult started to hurl stones en masse. Huge boulders, like meteors from the sky, crashed thunderously onto the city wall, and within just a few rounds, they had smashed a giant gap in the century-old wall.


    Unless they were martial artists with a minor achievement in Blood Refining or above, anyone who didn''t dodge would be smashed into a pulp on the spot.


    Amidst various distractions, eventually one carriage managed to stop right in front of the wall.


    Barbarian soldiers came pouring out one after another, but the vast majority were killed by a long spear before they could even jump out.


    "Charge, all of you charge!"


    "He''s just one man!"


    "He who climbs the wall first shall gain the greatest honor!"


    It could be seen that the people who had come with Chen Sansi to support were forced to put down their bows and help defend the scaling ladders that were close to being overrun. In front of the war carriage, there was only him!


    The barbarians burst forth with incredible drive, wanting to achieve the great feat of being the first to mount the wall, surging forward like beasts freed from their cages.


    Chen Sansi showed no fear and stood alone in front of the siege carriage. His long spear danced in the air like countless flying snakes, leaving no gaps unguarded. Any barbarian brazen enough to poke their head out would soon find a transparent hole in their body, and after a relentless attack lasting five minutes, the bodies piled up in the carriage exit, with not a single person managing to stand on the wall for more than two seconds!


    "All of you, get out of my way!"


    A deafening roar came from inside the carriage¡ªa burly man used his own soldiers as human shields, seizing the chance to break out of the carriage and close in with a Wolf Fang Club raised overhead to strike.


    "Clang¡ª"


    The Zhenyue Sword at Chen Sansi''s waist suddenly unsheathed.


    All everyone saw was a flash of cold light, and the head of the burly man, who had only minor success in Bone Training, rolled on the ground. He was no match for Chen Sansi!


    "Ah..."


    The barbarians inside the carriage were as if drenched with a bucket of cold water. Their desire for valor completely extinguished and their will to survive surged forward. Over a hundred pairs of eyes stared, shuffling in place, with no one daring to rush forward again.


    On the contrary, Chen Sansi proactively charged into the crowd. His right-hand Lu Ye spear swept all around while his left-hand Zhenyue sword reaped those who slipped through the net, cutting down heads in a flurry of slashes.


    Not knowing who started it, someone shouted "Retreat," and they all scrambled to jump down from the carriage. Those who jumped a bit slow gained a bloody hole, and inside the carriage, they trampled over each other, innumerable dead or injured; blood sprayed everywhere, staining the war carriage red.


    And just at this moment.


    Horns sounded beyond the Great Wall, and the barbarians beat gongs to signal retreat.

 Chapter 94 The Imperial Edict of Reward

    After the sounding of the retreat.The barbarian soldiers beneath the city walls began their disorganized withdrawal.


    "They''re retreating?"


    Chen Sansi plunged his long spear into the ground, wiped the sticky blood from his face, and stood on high ground overlooking the battlefield.


    Just now was actually the most dangerous time.


    Why the sudden retreat?


    There must have been an unexpected turn of events.


    Indeed.


    It wasn''t long before news arrived.


    While the barbarians were focusing on the main attack at the city gates, one of their main generals led three hundred elites in a fierce assault on a weak point on the west side, successfully breaching the wall and killing a commander with the surname Qian on the spot.


    Fortunately, Xiang Tingchun and Dan Yuanzhi arrived just in time and killed that main general.


    With the loss of a main general, it meant that the barbarians had only one Refining Organ martial artist left, and they had no choice but to temporarily retreat and regroup.


    In fact, this moment was often the best opportunity to pursue the enemy outside the city.


    However, Po Yang had insufficient troops, and the barbarians had deliberately left cavalry in the rear for support.


    The soldiers began to clean up the battlefield.


    Chen Sansi sat down to rest.


    Only at dusk was the counting finished.


    In this round, they killed a thousand enemies but lost two hundred soldiers, most of whom were newly recruited, and a hundred Martial Arts Academy Disciples died; it was said that the remaining disciples had dispersed like birds and beasts, and a search was already underway to capture them.


    That is to say, what was left of Po Yang''s fighting strength was only about nine hundred.


    "Mr. Chen, Households Commander Xiang has called everyone over."


    Within the camp.


    Everyone, having fought half the day, was exhausted and most had sustained minor injuries.


    Sun Li''s pale complexion was likewise smeared with blood.


    Sun Buqi''s arm had been cut.


    "Shanshi!"


    Xiang Tingchun inquired, "What do you think we should do next?"


    "Retreat."


    Chen Sansi gave his answer, "The defensive line is stretched too thin, and Po Yang has too few troops. Continuing to defend this way, today''s close call will happen again soon. It''s better to fall back and clear the fields, retreat to within the county city, and concentrate our forces to defend the high walls; there''s still a chance of victory."


    "Hmm, your thoughts align with mine."


    Xiang Tingchun didn''t even consult others before immediately issuing an order, "Feng Yong, Zhao Kang, the two of you are responsible for bringing all the civilians from outside the city inside by dawn tomorrow. Be sure to leave the fields bare, not leaving a single grain of food behind. The rest of you, continue to defend the Great Wall tonight; nobody is to leave their post without permission!"


    "Yes!"


    Feng Yong and the others accepted the order and left.


    "Magistrate Ji."


    Xiang Tingchun continued, "How is the situation in An Ding Prefecture?"


    Ji Guangxian sighed, "The fighting there is fierce. It''s impossible to send reinforcements over. Households Commander Xiang, you can put that hope to rest. But tonight, an old slave with a small success in Refining Organs from my family will arrive, which might be of some help."


    "This time, we are truly grateful to Magistrate Ji."


    Xiang Tingchun breathed a sigh of relief.


    With this, they would have four Refining Organ martial artists against the barbarians'' one.


    Along with the advantage of defending the high walls, there was a very good chance of holding out until An Ding Prefecture could spare troops for reinforcement.


    Defending Po Yang with a thousand men would also be considered a great achievement.


    "Mr. Xiang needn''t thank me."


    Ji Guangxian spoke indifferently, "The current His Highness has always been concerned for the country and its people. He definitely doesn''t wish to see the Great Sheng Dynasty lose any city. By helping you, I am also serving the court."


    The two stayed behind to talk.


    The others dispersed one by one.


    "Sir!"


    Xu Bin had been waiting outside for a long time, "Could I possibly..."


    "You can''t go back, and I can''t either."


    Chen Sansi knew what he was about to say.


    Xu Bin''s child was probably just born, and now with the call to clear the fields, it meant that all the civilians from outside the city would have to sleep on the streets for a long time, and he was certainly worried about their safety.


    Chen Sansi was also concerned about Sister Lan.


    He found Sun Li, who understood without being told, "I''m not under anyone''s command. Temporarily leaving does not count as desertion. Don''t worry, I will ensure Sister Lan and...the family of your subordinate are well taken care of."


    "Thank you!"


    Chen Sansi bowed with fist in palm.


    He returned to his post on the city wall and counted the number of his troops.


    Twenty had been sacrificed.


    Most of them died defending the cloud ladders while he was reinforcing Zhao Kang.


    Having an excellent memory wasn''t always entirely good.


    After a true battle of blood, the atmosphere grew more solemn; even Zhu Tong no longer acted carefree as before, but sat quietly on the walltop meditating.


    Chen Sansi rested briefly, then continued to practice martial arts.


    The silver lining was that the Xi River tribes didn''t attack again overnight, and by daylight, they were all able to retreat safely into the city.


    The walls of Po Yang City were three zhang high and two zhang thick, extremely sturdy. Plus, with one Refining Organ Martial Artist stationed at each of the east, south, west, and north sides of the city walls, it was nearly impossible for the barbarians to break through easily.


    It was a pity that many villages outside the city would be burnt to the ground, but that was unavoidable.


    "Mr. Chen."


    A well-built middle-aged man with a short beard climbed onto the city wall.


    "And you are?"


    Chen Sansi became alert.


    The man before him breathed deeply and had a steady step. He was very similar to Xiang Tingchun and was very likely another Refining Organ martial artist.


    "Mr. Chen, there''s no need for alarm."


    The middle-aged man introduced himself, "My surname is Han, and my name is Cheng. I''m a guard under Magistrate Xue, but you can call me Guard Han."


    "Pleased to meet you."


    Chen Sansi greeted him with a bow.


    He had previously overheard at the Liang Family residence that even a petty county magistrate like Xue had a Refining Organ Martial Artist by his side, and it turned out to be true.


    Moreover, during the previous fierce battle at the Great Wall, this person did not make a move.


    He asked, "Guard Han, what brings you here?"


    "There is an imperial decree."


    Han Cheng made a gesture of invitation.


    "An imperial decree?"


    Chen Sansi speculated that it was something about Ninth Prince Yu Wen, and the authorities in the Capital City must have responded.


    He then followed the other party and walked to the residence of the magistrate.


    "Mr. Chen."


    All of a sudden, Han Cheng stopped, "In a moment, Magistrate Xue will read the imperial decree. Whatever is asked of you, just agree, and if anything happens¡­ Supervisor Sun will have your back. Remember, you must agree to everything!"


    "?"


    Chen Sansi was taken aback.


    He quickly realized that the person before him, Han Cheng, seemed... actually to be Supervisor Sun''s man.


    The Sun Li siblings had mentioned in private that Magistrate Xue was the Emperor''s man, yet he had Supervisor Sun''s person hidden by his side, and also wanted him to follow the imperial decree.


    How complicated.


    Only by going in would he be able to find out what exactly was going on.


    "All right, I will remember that," he said.


    Chen Sansi nodded in agreement.


    Only then did Han Cheng continue to lead the way.


    Inside the hall, Magistrate Xue was dressed in official garments, sitting upright on a Taishi Chair.


    By his side, there stood another guard.


    Could it be another Refining Organ Martial Artist?


    Two Refining Organ Martial Artists accompanying a single magistrate?


    "Mr. Chen."


    Seeing them, Magistrate Xue cautiously got up, "It is remiss of me not to have met you at a distance. Please forgive me."


    "Magistrate Xue is too polite,"


    Chen Sansi gave a formal bow.


    Just speaking in terms of rank, he was one level higher than a seventh-rank magistrate.


    "Then I will get straight to the point," said Magistrate Xue as he cleared his throat, took out the golden silk decree that was already prepared, slowly unfolded it, and read aloud:


    "By the mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees, ''Captain Chengxin, Chen Sansi, with a body of youth and the realm of Bone Training, penetrated deep into enemy territory for four hundred li and captured the Ninth Prince Yuwen alive; his loyalty and courage are commendable. He is hereby appointed as a fifth-rank Cavalry Captain, bestowed with a box of Bone Training treasure medicine, and a pot of Imperial Wine, this I decree.''"


    "Your servant accepts the decree with gratitude,"


    Chen Sansi received the imperial order with both hands.


    A fifth-rank Cavalry Captain is a military officer''s honorary rank and does not entail an actual position.


    In this world, military achievements are tied to one''s cultivation realm. His sixth-rank official title with a fifth-rank honorary rank was already exceptional.


    But that wasn''t key, and he didn''t care about it.


    What interested Chen Sansi was the Bone Training treasure medicine.


    The items given by the Emperor were bound not to be of poor quality.


    It would be good to seize the chance to break through to Bone Forging Perfection in order to cope with the upcoming battles.


    Additionally, there didn''t seem to be any special content in the imperial edict?


    What did Supervisor Sun''s man mean about having his back, and what exactly was there to cover?


    "Mr. Chen,"


    Magistrate Xue showed a smile, "At such a young age, you have gained the Emperor''s favor; the prospects for your future are limitless!"


    "You flatter me, Magistrate Xue,"


    Chen Sansi replied politely, eager to get the treasure medicine quickly.


    Magistrate Xue, however, was unhurried. He took a Jade Pot from the tray held by a servant, poured a cup of wine, and handed it over, "Mr. Chen, the Emperor''s Imperial Wine must be consumed on the spot according to tradition. I hope you will not disappoint His Majesty''s will."


    [Green Blood Poison Dew: Colorless and tasteless; once ingested, it blends into the flesh. It will not act for three months, but after three months, without an antidote, one will suffer pierced intestines, belly rupture, bleed from seven orifices and die a violent death.]


    Poisoned wine?! The old Emperor rewards me with poisoned wine for my merits?


    Is the "agree to everything" Guard Han mentioned referring to this? S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Sansi''s thoughts raced, though his face remained expressionless.


    ''The poisoned wine takes three months to take effect.''


    ''This means the Emperor doesn''t want to kill me.''


    ''Instead... he wants to control me!''


    Chen Sansi suddenly saw the light.


    The Emperor had no reason to kill him.


    If he really wanted to kill a small Bone Trainer like him, there would be no need for such secretive poisoning with a three-month delay.


    If the purpose was to control him discreetly, then it made sense.


    But what for?


    If he does well within three months, he would be quietly given the antidote, and everything would be as if nothing had happened.


    If he does poorly, would he then die from poisoning?


    To drink or not to drink?


    It seemed like "having his back" meant that Supervisor Sun would provide the antidote, allowing him to feign compliance for now.


    Of course.


    Chen Sansi would not fully trust either side.


    After all, he was, for the moment, merely a Selected Point in name only and had no actual connection with Supervisor Sun.


    But, given the circumstances,


    He had no choice but to drink.


    After all, he could detoxify himself!


    With that thought in mind, Chen Sansi lifted the cup and drained it in one gulp.

 Chapter 95 The Fall of An Ding Prefectures Great Wall

    The county magistrate Xue watched him drink the wine, his mouth corners imperceptibly curling."Good wine!"


    Chen Sansi inverted his wine cup to indicate he had finished drinking and suggested, "Magistrate Xue, with such good wine, won''t you also have a taste?"


    "That simply won''t do."


    Magistrate Xue stepped back half a step, "An imperial gift is not for outsiders to enjoy."


    "Such a pity that I must enjoy this fine wine alone."


    Chen Sansi drank another cup and asked, "I am a simple man, following the rules, must I drink it all up?"


    "That''s not necessary," Magistrate Xue shook his head, "Mr. Chen, you can take the rest to save as a treasure."


    "If there''s nothing else, may I take my leave?"


    Chen Sansi prepared to leave.


    "Wait a moment, Mr. Chen,"


    Magistrate Xue stated, "I still have something to say."


    He didn''t speak before, preferring to wait until after the poisoned wine was drunk.


    It seemed his guess was correct.


    Drinking poisoned wine meant obedience and worth using.


    Refusing to drink meant defiance, guaranteeing not immediate execution but an uncertain fate.


    Chen Sansi, however, was eager to see what secret the old Emperor was so desperate to keep hidden.


    "Mr. Chen."


    Xue Yuping said in a low voice, "Do you know why we have come?"


    Chen Sansi feigned confusion, "Naturally, you came to serve as magistrates."


    "That, of course, but apart from that, I also bear another imperial mission,"


    Xue Yuping looked worried, "During your time in the Households, did you ever hear of something called ''Immortal Treasure''?"


    Chen Sansi shook his head blankly.


    "It''s quite normal for you not to know, given that you haven''t been practicing martial arts for long,"


    Xue Yuping explained, "My task is to find a treasure left by an Immortal before the war''s end."


    "You must be joking, Magistrate Xue,"


    Chen Sansi said in surprise, "How could there be Immortals in this world?"


    "There certainly are, isn''t our current Emperor the Emperor Wan Shou Himself?"


    Xue Yuping looked towards another guard and ordered in a stern voice, "Tang Ming, how is the investigation going? Speak freely, Household Officer Chen is one of us."


    "Alright."


    Tang Ming nodded, "The martial arts hall is definitely suspicious, especially the one surnamed Liang, he''s been loitering outside the county government these past few days, looking sneaky and indecisive."


    Liang Shengzhi?


    Chen Sansi knew what he was trying to do.


    It seemed the fire of the Immortal Treasure would soon reach Xiang Tingchun, and it can''t be concealed forever; it''ll come to light eventually.


    "Use both kindness and severity, don''t just force things, and make sure to interrogate thoroughly; any crimes can be discussed later,"


    Xue Yuping changed the subject, "Any news on the Witch God Sect?"


    "Intelligence says..."


    Tang Ming''s expression hardened, "A large group of experts beyond the Hua Jin stage is expected to arrive."


    Beyond the Hua Jin stage?


    Chen Sansi''s guess was spot on.


    He had always felt if they were really after the Immortal Treasure, why not send powerful masters...


    What special merit does humble Po Yang have?


    With the enemy army pressing their borders, and masters infiltrating...


    Even so, it still didn''t make sense why the enemy army was at their doorstep.


    It was understandable for the Witch God Sect to seek the Immortal Treasure, but the encroaching army was baffling.


    "We really don''t have much time; we must get the item before the Witch God Sect arrives,"


    Xue Yuping stood, "Mr. Chen, you must keep today''s matters to yourself, and leak nothing. You also need to keep an eye out for the Immortal Treasure, to see if there''s any connection with the army. If any discovery is made, it will constitute a real act of Heavenly Merit."


    Chen Sansi nodded, "I will remember."


    We don''t have much time?


    The magistrate Xue must know some secrets but wouldn''t reveal them easily.


    This poisoned wine, it really was right to drink it.


    For in it, perhaps there was a sliver of life.


    Because he drank the poisoned wine,


    It meant that he was now the old Emperor''s man.


    The conversation ended.


    Xue Yuping had Han Cheng see the guest out.


    Once outside the prefect residence, Han Cheng whispered, "Mr. Chen, do whatever Magistrate Xue tells you next, avoid withholding any information, and do not defy. The Emperor''s command is divine imperative."


    Chen Sansi understood the implicit message.


    A mere Sixth Rank official in the Bone Training Realm would find defiance to be a dead end.


    Not just him, even Supervisor Sun''s third son paid a heavy price for his youthful arrogance, didn''t he?


    Ultimately, it came down to insufficient personal strength.


    "Thank you for the advice, Guard Han."


    Chen Sansi gave a fist salute.


    It was clear that Han Cheng was giving him a warning.


    No matter the reason, pleasantries needed to be exchanged.


    He probed, "Guard Han, is something significant about to happen?"


    "I do not know,"


    Han Cheng shook his head, "I''m merely following Supervisor''s orders to look after you for a bit; the rest is still uncertain."


    "I shall take my leave."


    Chen Sansi didn''t press further.


    He mounted his White Swan Horse, and along with Wang Zhi, he set out on a scouting mission. Unlike the previous journey to the grasslands, they moved mostly solo to keep a low profile. Midway, he turned directly towards Tiger Head Mountain. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    In the cave.


    With the aid of the "Cure All Poison," Chen Sansi quickly concocted an antidote.


    He also did not lack the necessary materials.


    When he previously obtained medicine from the Liang Family, he had taken away all the medicinal ingredients from the storeroom, among which included several specific treasure medicines used for detoxification.


    "Pfft¡ª¡ª"


    Accompanied by abdominal cramps, he violently spat out a mouthful of black blood, signifying the poison had been neutralized.


    The Green Blood Poison Dew wasn''t considered a world-class rare poison; its advantage lay in its colorless and odorless nature, making it difficult to detect.


    Had it not been for Chen Sansi''s ability to "Recognize Medicine," he might have truly believed it was the emperor''s kind gesture of rewarding a meritorious official with fine wine, especially since no abnormalities would appear in the body shortly after ingestion.


    Three months later, if he indeed became a confidant of the emperor, someone would secretly administer the antidote.


    In this way, without anyone being any wiser, the relationship between monarch and subject would not suffer from any rift over this incident.


    On the contrary, if he failed to become a confidant of the emperor, he would naturally succumb to the poison in an inexplicable manner, perhaps never knowing how he met his end.


    What a cunning scheme!


    "Very well, very well, I''ll be your damn confidant!"


    Chen Sansi took out the wooden box that had been awarded to him, and upon opening it, there lay five red medicine pills, which were presumably the so-called Bone Forging treasure medicine, and this time, they were not poisoned.


    These pills were known as "Mysterious Primordial Bone Tempering Pills," each worth over five hundred taels of silver. The entire box added up to several thousand taels of silver.


    Even if Chen Sansi could decipher how to make it, it would be difficult for him to gather all the necessary materials.


    With them, he would quickly reach Bone Forging Perfection.


    Without wasting any time, he packed up his belongings and descended the mountain, riding Little Xun around outside the city. He discovered that the barbarians had indeed breached the wall.


    That very evening.


    The barbarians launched a new round of assaults.


    It was still the same combination of catapults, volleys of arrows, and various other siege engines lavishly pummeling the walls; thankfully, the four Refining Internal experts each defended a side of the wall. Despite substantial losses, the situation was temporarily kept under control, albeit barely.


    But this led to an even more dire situation.


    Three days later, the night watch brought back intelligence.


    The barbarian tribes were going to complete their second reinforcement in seven days.


    By then, their military strength would increase to ten thousand, and the number of Refining Internal experts would rise to three!


    "Has the Yuwen clan gone mad?!"


    A civilian house near the north city gate had been requisitioned and turned into the Central Army''s headquarters. Xiang Tingchun paced back and forth anxiously in the hall, his body and face covered in bloodstains. He too had not returned home once since the beginning of the battle and was basically on wall duty around the clock.


    "Tell me, what exactly are they plotting? Even if they capture Po Yang County, what then? Could it be that they plan to bypass the Hutou Mountain Range and lay siege to An Ding Prefecture?!"


    That was absolutely impossible.


    Looking at the sand table.


    An Ding Prefecture was located southeast of Po Yang County, with the Hutou Mountain Range in between. Even if Po Yang County was captured, it was not possible to cross the mountains and go directly to An Ding Prefecture, as it would be impossible to transport supplies and horses through there.


    To reach An Ding Prefecture, one would have to take a detour to Hengkang Prefecture in the southwest of Po Yang and then capture Hengkang Prefecture to get to An Ding Prefecture. Such a roundabout route was utterly pointless and unnecessary.


    Unless...


    An Ding Prefecture''s Great Wall had already fallen!


    The barbarian army maneuvering around the city could then move to the rear of Hengkang Prefecture. Attacking Hengkang Prefecture from both front and rear in conjunction with the tribe at Xi River, they could capture Hengkang Prefecture in one fell swoop, thereby cutting off the surrounding prefectures and towns and isolating An Ding Prefecture. Once that was achieved, they could proceed with the siege. The risk was great, but this was the only logic that made sense.


    And all of this depended on a prerequisite.


    The breaching of An Ding Prefecture''s Great Wall!


    Connecting this to what County Magistrate Xue had implied about time being short...


    "Households Commander Xiang!"


    Having understood the situation, Chen Sansi quickly spoke, "Please send someone immediately to An Ding Prefecture to find out the state of the battle!"


    "You mean to say An Ding Prefecture is in danger?!"


    "If that''s the case, won''t Po Yang County city become like a turtle caught in a jar?"


    Xiang Tingchun''s expression was stern as he immediately ordered, "Zhao Kang, carry out Mr. Chen''s instructions swiftly!"


    "Yes!"


    ...


    Another three days passed.


    The Xi River tribe did not attack again, standing still, obviously waiting for reinforcements.


    As a result, Po Yang County remained eerily quiet for several days.


    Chen Sansi consumed the third Mysterious Primordial Bone Tempering Pill and cultivated using the efficacy of Spiritual Grain.


    [Cultivation Technique: Undying Golden Snake Spear - Upper (small achievement)]


    [Progress: 1559/2000]


    It was only in the past few days.


    Once he finished the pills, he would be able to reach Bone Forging Perfection.


    Apart from that, he also continually practiced archery day and night.


    [Skill: Archery (small achievement)]


    [Progress: (808/1000)]


    If another siege were to take place, he could even break through to Great Success!


    On the fourth day.


    Zhao Kang, the scout sent out to gather intelligence, finally returned.


    "Sir!!"


    Zhao Kang rushed in, covered in dust and dirt from his haste and fatigue, tripping and falling to the ground. He struggled to rise, "Sir! What Chen Sansi predicted is true!


    "From the postal station, we''ve lost contact with An Ding Prefecture since six days ago.


    "I traveled day and night non-stop. Halfway there, I encountered fleeing refugees. After questioning them, I learned that seven days prior, An Ding Prefecture''s Great Wall had been breached, and fifty thousand of the barbarian Iron Cavalry had invaded.


    "Currently, An Ding Prefecture has fallen back to defend the city walls of the Prefecture City, refusing to venture out.


    "The barbarian forces have surrounded the city for a prolonged siege without success; it''s very likely they''ll divide their troops and make a stealth attack on the rear of Hengkang Prefecture. Once they capture Hengkang Prefecture, they could cut off An Ding Prefecture''s food supply routes, and the entire Yunzhou might fall!"


    Boom!


    This information.


    Struck everyone''s hearts like thunder.


    It meant.


    That Po Yang County was hardly likely to receive any reinforcements or supplies, leaving nine hundred men to face a siege by tens of thousands of enemy forces!


    "Are you certain?!"


    Ji Guangxian found it hard to believe, "An Ding Prefecture is easy to defend and hard to attack; how could it fall so quickly!"

 Chapter 96 Bone Forging Perfection

    "Mr. Chen, you speak!"Xiang Tingchun habitually cast a glance.


    "Send a message to Hengkang Prefecture at top speed."


    Chen Sansi gazed at the sand table and said in a deep voice, "The current situation has An Ding Prefecture, where most of Yunzhou''s forces are stationed, under siege. Only Hengkang Prefecture might still be able to send reinforcements."


    "It''s no use."


    Xiang Tingchun shook his head, "Well before the Xi River tribes sent troops to attack Po Yang, I had already written to Hengkang Prefecture. They said they are the last line of defense in Yunzhou. Unless there''s an order, they won''t send a single soldier or scout elsewhere.


    "Under these circumstances, by the time the battle report reaches the Capital City Ministry of War and orders are issued from there, who knows how long it will take? How could it possibly be in time?"


    "That was then, this is now."


    Chen Sansi spoke, "Now that An Ding Prefecture is besieged, once Po Yang County falls, Hengkang Prefecture will be facing enemies on both sides. If we explain the gravity of the situation to them, how could they not help at all?"


    "We can only try."


    Xiang Tingchun nodded, "Who among you will go?"


    "I''ll go!"


    Wang Zhi stepped forward, "I''m acquainted with the Commander of the Hengkang Prefectural guards. If I talk to him, I could at least muster a thousand men, no, two thousand!"


    Chen Sansi remembered this incident.


    Fatty Wang had twice gone to the Prefecture City to visit relatives, each time staying for ten days to half a month. Unexpectedly, he wasn''t visiting An Ding Prefecture but Hengkang Prefecture.


    "Good!"


    Xiang Tingchun patted his shoulder hard, "Hundred Households Wang, the safety of tens of thousands of people in Po Yang is now relying on you!"


    "Hm."


    Wang Zhi didn''t waste words and grabbed his Mo Blade, turning to leave.


    "Senior Sister Sun."


    Chen Sansi looked at Sun Li, "Is there any news from the Governor Mansion?"


    Sun Li shook her head.


    ''That shouldn''t be.''


    Chen Sansi muttered to himself.


    The existence of Han Cheng.


    Showed that Sun Dushi at least knew most of Po Yang''s situation.


    How could there be no action at all?


    It looked like the situation in the Northwest Three States was even more critical!


    "Brothers, don''t be disheartened!"


    Xiang Tingchun''s voice was loud and clear, "During Grand Ancestor''s wars of unification, General Yin Wei defended Pu City with merely seven thousand men, while the enemy forces numbered 130,000!


    "Do you think he held out for seven days or seventy days? Neither. He defended for a full seven months, annihilated 120,000 of the enemy, and successfully bought enough time for the Grand Ancestor to unify the Central Plains, leading to today''s great Dasheng!


    "We have plenty of food and resources, including the fresh recruits we still have over a thousand people, and with the help of the civilians, what is there to fear from a mere ten thousand enemy soldiers!"


    Chen Sansi had read about this battle.


    The Battle of Pu City was one of the three most important battles during the establishment of the Sheng Dynasty.


    In his memory, there was a similar battle in history referred to as Zhang Xun''s defense of Suiyang.


    Po Yang County, although it was just a county, had very well-built city walls because it was a border town. If they could mobilize all the civilians in the city, it might not be impossible to hold out for two to three months. And with the reinforcements that Wang Zhi was bringing, there was still much hope.


    What Chen Sansi was truly worried about was not knowing what County Magistrate Xue, or rather, the old Emperor was planning to do.


    The Witch God Sect would also send experts above the Hua Jin level.


    The chaos was likely to arise from within!


    After everything was arranged, everyone dispersed to their respective posts to stand guard.


    "Little junior brother."


    Sun Li climbed up on the rampart and sat beside him, "Don''t you want to take a look at Sister Lan?"


    "With Senior Sister taking care of her, there''s no need."


    Chen Sansi had seventy or eighty men under his command, none of whom had gone home. If he didn''t set a good example, how could he have the audacity to lead them into risking their lives?


    "Hmm, don''t worry. I''ve rented a house specially. Sister Lan is very safe."


    Sun Li glanced at Xu Bin nearby and informed, "Also, your family is safe, mother and daughter alike."


    "Thank you, Miss Sun!"


    Upon hearing this, Xu Bin''s expression brightened, and he became even more energetic in standing guard.


    The next day.


    Feng Yong and others were rushing around, mobilizing the civilians throughout the city to help strengthen the defenses.


    It goes without saying that the refugees from the countryside were very diligent.


    The ordinary civilians in the city who could fend for themselves also did not shy away, earnestly doing anything they were asked.


    In the end, just from the gathered civilians, there were over five thousand.


    Various local gentry and elders, however, refused to exert any effort, offering only donations of money and food, and still said that defending the city was their duty, and dying on the city walls was only natural.


    As for the disciples of the Martial Arts Hall, they avoided it whenever they could, and only begrudgingly took to the task when they had no other choice.


    Some even went so far as to think that with the city''s fall being an inevitable event, they attempted to kill the gatekeepers in order to flee the city at night, but all were immediately executed on the spot.


    These people had been practicing martial arts for many years.


    Normally, they were good at oppressing civilians, but asking them to lay down their lives was utterly out of the question.


    After several days of high tension among the city''s people, the Xi River tribe completed their reinforcements and launched another fierce attack.


    On the city walls.


    Lai Zi clung tightly to Chen Sansi''s side, holding the Arrow Bag for him, "Little Shanshi, if you run out, just tell Uncle. Uncle will get more for you. You just make sure to keep Uncle safe..."


    Chen Sansi had no time to pay him any attention, continuously drawing the bowstring, killing one after another who were climbing up the siege ladders. When he couldn''t kill them fast enough, he used his right hand to wield a spear and his left hand a sword.


    An entire morning passed.


    He had no idea how many arrows he had fired or how many people he had killed.


    Finally.


    The long-silent archery panel floated into view.


    [Skill: Archery (Great Success)]


    [Progress: (0/2000)]


    [Utility: Instantaneous firing of arrows, within three hundred steps, no arrow will miss]


    From shooting three arrows in a flash to firing arrows in an instant!


    An instant is 0.36 seconds.


    That is to say, he could now fire about three arrows in one second!


    He had already surpassed the limit of an ordinary person!


    Moreover, after reaching Great Success, his archery could still be improved.


    But that wasn''t something to consider on the battlefield.


    Chen Sansi lifted his fifteen-stone bow, positioning it blocking the scaling ladders. His arm, pulling the bowstring, became a blur, and the arrows nearly formed a continuous black line. Unless the enemies carried thick iron shields, as many as came would die. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "How can you use them up so fast!"


    Uncle Lai Zi lay prostrate on the ground, dodging flying arrows and stones, incessantly crawling back and forth to fetch Arrow Bags.


    "Uncle Lai Zi, hurry up!"


    Chen Sansi pierced two men with one spear, only continuing after the Arrow Bag was delivered to him.


    "Thud!"


    An assault chariot even larger than before successfully reached the city wall under the cover of a mass of troops. A barbarian general wielding a huge axe chopped down five defending soldiers with a wave of his hand.


    From the exquisite full-body Armour he wore, he must have been a General, and with his striking moves being exceptionally swift and fierce, he was likely one of the three at the Refining Internal stage!


    "Clang!"


    Before Chen Sansi could draw his bow and shoot an arrow, a blade flashed and clashed against the giant axe in a struggle.


    "Chen Hundred Households!"


    Xiang Tingchun roared, "Leave him to me. Watch my back!"


    Two at the Refining Internal stage were fighting desperately, each requiring full effort; amidst such chaos, there was a chance of being sneak-attacked by a martial artist above the Bone Forging Realm.


    Chen Sansi turned the direction of his bow and arrow, aiming at the assault chariot, a one-man barrier impenetrable by thousands.


    After dozens of exchanges, Xiang Tingchun managed to decapitate the Refining Internal barbarian General at the cost of light wounds.


    He then joined Chen Sansi to defend the same spot, and together they killed innumerable enemies.


    This round of the siege.


    Lasted from morning until afternoon, the barbarians, realizing they couldn''t take the wall, had no choice but to sound the retreat.


    Both sides suffered heavy losses.


    After a brief tally.


    The barbarians lost at least two thousand soldiers, including one at the Refining Internal stage.


    Po Yang had over six hundred dead, five hundred of whom were civilians who came to help.


    The civilians, truly frail, had no choice but to fight to the death and rush forward.


    Because they understood the principle that if the city falls, the people perish.


    "Oh my heavens..."


    Lai Zi lay in a pile of corpses: "Usually, it''s we who suffer the hardships. Now in war, we''re still used as cannon fodder. In my next life, I''d rather be a rich man''s dog than a poor man again..."


    At night.


    Chen San left the blood-drenched city wall and found a secluded and quiet place nearby. He took the last Xuan Yuan Body Tempering Pill, ready to make a breakthrough.


    Bone Training had four stages: tendons, bones, skin, and marrow.


    Reaching Bone Forging Perfection was to Refine Marrow.


    Marrow is the core of human blood; all blood is derived from marrow.


    Only by refining the blood into the marrow, and creating new blood with the marrow to completely transform the body''s blood, could one proceed to refine the internal organs.


    The Medicine Pills given by the old Emperor weren''t specifically for Marrow Refining but were for the entire Bone Training Realm. Moreover, the medicine''s power was vast and boundless, and it didn''t harm the body. The speed at which it enhanced Cultivation was second only to Spiritual Grain, truly a first-rate treasure medicine!


    As Chen Sansi moved the long spear in his hands, the Dragon Elephant Blood within him changed from its initially burning turbulence to becoming more and more calm, its temperature dropping lower and lower until it was indistinguishable from that of an ordinary person.


    The essence within seeped through his bones, sinews, Bone Membrane, infusing layer by layer into his bones and finally seeping into his bone marrow, like a raging fire touching combustible material.


    "Hiss!"


    An excruciating heat ignited from within the bone marrow. Chen Sansi was in so much pain that veins bulged over his body and even the long spear nearly slipped from his hands multiple times. His eyes turned red, and he ground his teeth nearly to the point of breaking, moving his spear technique at an excruciatingly slow pace.


    All the essence of his Qi-Blood was absorbed.


    At this point, his Qi-Blood was entirely like that of an ordinary person. Practicing his cultivation technique was an extremely painful ordeal.


    Nearing the end of the practice, Chen Sansi''s vision darkened, and he lost all sense of where he was, what time it was, relying purely on muscle memory to continue the drill. After an unknown duration, the pain from his bone marrow finally stopped, and the old blood in his body was quickly overtaken and replaced by new blood, which ultimately coursed through his entire body.


    [Cultivation Technique: Undying Golden Snake Spear - Upper (Great Success)]


    [Progress: 0/0]


    [Utility: Dragon Elephant Blood, Nine Dragon Living Veins, Vajra Body]


    [Vajra Body: Copper Skin Iron Bone, impervious to Sword and Spear, unaffected by Water and Fire.]


    Copper Skin Iron Bone!


    Even Chen Sansi felt a momentary weakness, collapsing onto the ground with spear in hand. But as the new Dragon Elephant Blood circulated, he recovered to peak condition within a few breaths, and even the fatigue from the battlefield was swept away.


    He circulated his Qi-Blood, and every inch of his body, from head to toe, became terrifyingly hard!


    Running the Zhenyue Sword lightly across his skin, it emitted a grating sound of metal scraping against metal!


    Yet under these conditions, his body''s movements weren''t hindered at all, which was simply inconceivable.


    He was confident that, if he were to stand here now and let a martial artist at the Blood Refining Great Success lash out wildly, his skin wouldn''t even break for a short time.


    As long as his Qi-Blood was sufficient, he would be an utterly terrifying killing machine on the battlefield!

 Chapter 97 The Death of Xiang Tingchun

    After two days of brutal siege battles,the combined efforts of the city''s soldiers and civilians managed to stubbornly hold the fort.


    Instead, it was the barbarians who suffered the loss of another two thousand troops and a Refining Organ General.


    Additionally, with countless siege weapons destroyed, they had no choice but to cease their drumbeats of war and dared not attack for several days.


    Surveying the overall situation,


    the barbarians now had only six thousand soldiers left, while Po Yang held six hundred troops and three thousand commoners willing to risk their lives.


    These commoners were just ordinary people.


    If it had been an open battle between two armies, they would certainly have been cannon fodder.


    But in a siege, all they needed to do was handle logistics, repair the city walls, or even serve as human shields¡ªif they could just slow the barbarians'' ascent, giving the soldiers time to react, it would be enough.


    The barbarians didn''t dare launch another assault for the time being.


    Of the six thousand they had left, half were cavalry.


    As long as the city walls stood, the cavalry was just for show.


    Next, barring any unforeseen incidents, holding out until Wang Zhi''s return would mean the siege of Po Yang could be broken easily.


    Chen Sansi could scarcely imagine it.


    The largest credit for this victory actually belonged to the common people.


    "Open the granaries and distribute grains!"


    There was plenty of food in the military stores. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After seeing the role the civilians played, Xiang Tingchun grew fond of the idea of exchanging the cheapest lives for the greatest benefit and continued to forcibly conscript anyone who could hold a weapon, sending them all to the city walls.


    He was in high spirits and gathered the military officers of Households rank and above on the wall, pouring drinks for each: "My brothers, this time in lifting the siege of Po Yang, everyone has performed a great service. Once this battle is over, a hefty reward is assured, not to mention promotions and honors!"


    "Hehe, quite right!"


    Dressed in a red official robe, Ji Guangxian said, "If the Crown Prince hears that, on the frontier of our great Dasheng, there exists such a courageous group of warriors, he will surely treat us with favor! The main credit, of course, goes to Households Commander Xiang¡ªcongratulations!"


    "Hahaha, Magistrate Ji, though a civil servant, you have shared life and death with our city walls; that too is a great service," Xiang Tingchun said as he filled his cup too.


    Clearly, the standoff had dissolved whatever misgivings the two men had held.


    Atop the city wall.


    While the officials laughed and drank, congratulating each other in advance on their promotions, the ragged civilians were either busily moving bodies back and forth, repairing walls, or sitting numbly on the ground, eating the hard-earned rice.


    The battle wasn''t even over, yet they were already popping the champagne?


    Chen Sansi had no mood to partake in such premature celebrations.


    After perfunctorily drinking a bowl of wine, he turned to help move the bodies.


    ...


    That night,


    for the first time since the battle began, Xiang Tingchun found a moment to return home and see his wife.


    He removed his heavy armor, hugged his young son, and said, "You don''t have to be afraid anymore, the fighting is almost over."


    "Really?"


    His wife, Madame Liu, said anxiously, "Why does my heart keep pounding non-stop? Won''t the barbarians send more men over?"


    "Do you think the barbarians can just mold their soldiers out of mud?"


    Xiang Tingchun snorted, "Ten thousand troops were already exceedingly strange. There''s absolutely no chance they can reinforce in the short term. Even if they forced an extra two thousand men, it would do no good unless they gave up the main battlefield in Liangzhou, which would result in immediate counterattack and can only be equated to seeking death."


    "I''m just a housewife; how can I understand these things?"


    Madame Liu patted her chest, "It''s good if the master says there''s nothing to worry about."


    "Hmm, once the battle is over, I''m likely to be transferred."


    Xiang Tingchun spoke slowly, "The credit I''ve earned this time might even be enough to get assigned directly to the prosperous Jiangnan Prefecture City."


    "That would be wonderful,"


    Madame Liu exclaimed joyfully, "We can finally leave this forsaken place where we''ve been living in constant fear. Not to mention, our child doesn''t even have a decent private tutor here, how could he possibly succeed in the imperial exams?"


    "Hmm,"


    Xiang Tingchun picked up his bowl and chopsticks, ready to have a meal before leaving.


    It was at this moment that a maid came in to report.


    "Master, Master Luo would like to see you."


    "What does he want?"


    While holding his still young son, Xiang Tingchun said without even looking up, "What''s the matter, they''re not attacking again, are they?"


    "Master, it''s about the Martial Arts Hall."


    Luo Dongquan spoke in a fluster, "That old fox Liang Shengzhi who was originally in charge of guarding the southern gate, took advantage of the moment when the barbarians were temporarily repelled to open the city gate and flee with his family. It seems he''s heading to Hengkang Prefecture."


    "Flee?!"


    Xiang Tingchun slammed down his chopsticks, "The old bastard, sick of living!"


    Once there''s one leader of desertion, there will be a second.


    Such a situation was absolutely not allowed to happen!


    Xiang Tingchun immediately donned his armour, grabbed his saber, mounted his warhorse, and rushed to the city gate with Luo Dongquan.


    "How many of them?!"


    "Only seven or eight people, with a cart full of gold, silver and jewels. They''re also pulling a carriage, so they shouldn''t have gotten far. I''ve already sent men to chase after them, maybe they''ve already been intercepted."


    "Good! Hang their dog heads on the city wall. Let''s see who else dares to run!"


    Xiang Tingchun''s killing intent surged.


    The situation had escalated to this point, there was no need to consider any background or status. Deserting in the face of the enemy, even Ji Guangxian would support his actions.


    The two of them, one after the other, chased wildly for five miles after opening the city gate.


    Sure enough, a carriage was seen ahead.


    "Liang Shengzhi! Deserting in battle is a capital offense!"


    Xiang Tingchun quickly overtook the carriage and blocked the road ahead.


    "Mr. Xiang."


    Liang Shengzhi lifted the carriage curtain and coldly said, "Privately hoarding the Immortal Treasure is the real capital offense!"


    "What did you say?!"


    Xiang Tingchun''s expression turned stern.


    The sound of horse hooves arose from all around.


    Three riders emerged from the darkness, blocking the way back.


    "Magistrate Xue?"


    Xiang Tingchun narrowed his eyes, "What is this supposed to mean?"


    "Xiang Tingchun!"


    Xue Yuping called out in a cold voice, "Hand over the Immortal Treasure, and you may keep your corpse intact!"


    "The Immortal Treasure?!"


    Xiang Tingchun took a deep breath, looking towards the carriage, "Liang Shengzhi, have you gone mad, seeking mutual destruction with me?"


    Liang Shengzhi shouted, "Cut the crap! Even if you used the Immortal Treasure to blackmail us, killing my son and monopolizing the secret of the Immortal Treasure, I will not share the sky with you!"


    "Your son?"


    Xiang Tingchun didn''t bother to explain, but instead said with a bitter smile, "I say the Immortal Treasure is not in my hands. Do you believe me, Magistrate Xue?"


    "What do you think?"


    Xue Yuping looked towards Han Cheng and Tang Ming by his side, "Since Mr. Xiang refuses to save face, let''s ''help'' him save face."


    Xiang Tingchun slowly drew out his He Miao Long Sword.


    "Households Commander Xiang!"


    Luo Dongquan urgently said, "It might be better to just hand over the item. They are sent by the court. Even if we kill them, we probably can''t keep the Immortal Treasure a secret anymore! Hand it over, our families might still have a way to survive."


    "Hahahahaha..."


    Xiang Tingchun let out a strange laugh, "Luo Dongquan, I would have never expected, after twenty years of nurturing you, it''s you who sold me out in the end."


    "Mr. Xiang?"


    Luo Dongquan responded in confusion, "What do you mean by that?"


    "That''s enough, Old Luo."


    Xiang Tingchun''s voice turned icy as he ran the He Miao Long Sword slowly over his wrist guard, "Stop pretending. Take action."


    Before leaving the city, Luo Dongquan had said he had already sent people to intercept.


    Where are they?


    Not a single soldier in sight.


    What does this imply, if it still needs to be said?


    "Nurturing?"


    Luo Dongquan no longer disguised his intentions and said with a forced smile, "Mr. Xiang, you once asked me a question, after the start of spring, how many of us would still be alive? That includes me, doesn''t it?


    "In Mr. Xiang''s eyes, everyone is just a stepping stone for you to climb higher, even I''m no exception.


    "Given that, why maintain any pretense of kindness or justice!"


    "Take action!"

 Chapter 98 Mastery of Commanding Soldiers and Skills

    The next day.The Xi River tribe outside the city didn''t attack again.


    Instead, they dispersed their troops and set up camps in the four directions¡ªeast, west, south, and north¡ªaround Po Yang County, forming a siege.


    If the city could not be taken by storm, a siege would also be useless.


    To encircle an enemy must be done with a gap, leaving them a survival path, forcing them to abandon the city and flee was a classic tactic in siege warfare.


    The barbarians'' relentless pressure would only force the people within the city into a cornered beast''s fight.


    But at this critical moment, Po Yang City Commander Xiang Tingchun disappeared.


    "Mr. Chen, you...what do you think happened?!"


    Ji Guangxian paced back and forth with his hands behind his back, "Out of the blue, how could a grown man just vanish?"


    At his side, an old slave practicing the refining organs skill quietly waited.


    "I do not know."


    Chen Sansi speculated in his heart.


    The Immortal Treasure matter must have come to light, most likely.


    Mr. Xiang, more likely than not, is in grave danger.


    However, someone like him, who never cared for others'' lives, doesn''t warrant any pity.


    "My lord, we''ve found out!" Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Dan Yuanzhi hurriedly ascended the city wall: "Last night at midnight, as the darkness fell, someone opened the south gate and fled. Xiang Tingchun rode out alone in pursuit, encountered an ambush by the barbarian tribes outside the city, and Mr. Xiang died in battle. Only Luo Qianhu and a few surviving riders managed to escape back shortly before now."


    Luo Dongquan?


    This man also took part and managed to come back alive?


    A backstabbing?


    Well, this person is not only treacherous but also a turncoat.


    Chen Sansi sneered in his heart.


    He clenched his iron fist, beginning to plan how to dispose of them next.


    With Xiang Tingchun gone.


    Luo Dongquan would automatically rise to the position of Main General.


    How could he sleep at night if the man didn''t die?


    Mastered in archery and blessed with a Vajra Body, he might stand a chance in a real fight.


    And if by chance something were to go wrong...


    Chen Sansi lowered his head, looking at the Fire Arrows in the Arrow Bag at his waist.


    There was also the Abnormal Fire as a trump card.


    But, that move absolutely must not be used lightly.


    Especially not in the city, where there are too many prying eyes.


    Timing is everything.


    Chen Sansi momentarily suppressed his killing intent and went below the city wall to perform a routine headcount of his men.


    Two hundred eighty men.


    Wang Zhi was absent, having left all his subordinates in Chen''s charge before leaving.


    Furthermore, every time a Households died in battle, Xiang Tingchun would redistribute the soldiers evenly among the remaining Households, so Chen''s numbers only grew.


    They had been hardened by battle, with bloodshot eyes, each one as brave as tigers and wolves. Even if some had lower realms, not a single one was a coward.


    There was more.


    Over five hundred strong and able-bodied civilians also wanted to join the military.


    Knowing that whether the city fell or not, they would have to enter the battlefield, why not practice Martial Arts directly, receive some military provisions, and have a formal role?


    And not just that.


    This group of people also all wanted to follow Chen Sansi.


    "Gentlemen, as a Sixth Rank official, I really can''t take in so many of you."


    "My lord, we will be useful; we won''t just eat for free, please take us in!"


    The crowd shouted in unison, "With Mr. Chen, we feel secure!"


    "Indeed!"


    The civilians said, "Following Mr. Chen, at least there will be someone who remembers our names. Even if we die in the future, it won''t be in vain."


    With the enemy at the gates, it is not a time to strictly adhere to rules.


    Chen Sansi commanded, "Wang Li, you are in charge of teaching them cultivation techniques. As long as their talent is good, provide enough medicine for their Blood Refining realm."


    "Yes!"


    Wang Li accepted the command.


    Indeed, ever since the beginning of the siege.


    During downtime, they had started teaching civilians Pile Work, some of whom even barely qualified as Martial Artists. With not much time required, they could train a group of Array Soldiers.


    During peaceful times, a Households might hide this knowledge, not sharing the Breathing Skill without pay for at least two or three years of hard labor.


    But war changed everything.


    Chen Sansi continued, "Xu Wencai, Xu Bin, you must train the cavalry formation well, to be prepared for any emergency!"


    Recently.


    The original cavalry of the Households had to guard the city walls and suffered heavy casualties. The leaderless warhorses they left behind had all been taken by Chen Sansi for his men''s training, uniformly following the same Small Car Suspension Array used on the grassland, with ten men in each team.


    The Small Car Suspension Array was the simplest and most basic version of the Big Car Suspension Formation.


    The true Big Car Suspension Formation could simultaneously control thousands of cavalry. Even when scaled down, at least two hundred men were required to form it up, an amount of men and horses they could just barely muster now.


    But any formation needs time for practice.


    Especially something as complicated as the Car Suspension Formation, which includes several types of troops such as spearmen, Sword Soldiers, and archers. It required not only flexible movement but also precise coordination among all participants.


    Given the dire current circumstances, naturally, the simpler the training of the formation, the better, to ensure its swift deployment.


    Having made arrangements, Xu Wencai immediately began to implement them.


    It wasn''t long before a panel appeared before Chen Sansi, who was on top of the wall.


    Due to frequent real combat, his proficiency in Commanding Soldiers had rapidly improved.


    Engrossed in breaking through his own realm and defending the city against enemies, he had nearly forgotten that his martial Skill in Commanding Soldiers was also on the verge of a breakthrough.


    [Skill: Commanding Soldiers (Proficient)]


    [Progress: 0/1000]


    [Utility: Mainstay, Training Soldiers Skillfully]


    [Training Soldiers Skillfully: Any military array can be quickly mastered.]


    Quick Mastery!


    To train an elite troop not only requires funds, provisions, and medicine but also extensive time and effort.


    Especially for large or complex formations, if they are not practiced day and night, with every detail finely tuned, they can''t be used effectively in combat.


    But with the ability for Quick Mastery, the nature of training changes completely!


    "There''s no need to practice the small arrays anymore."


    Chen Sansi immediately went to the base of the city walls, which had been temporarily transformed into a Martial Arts Arena, "Switch to training the ''Big Car Suspension Formation.'' If there aren''t enough people, scale it down proportionally!"


    "The big formation?"


    Xu Wencai was slightly puzzled, "Are you sure, Mr. Chen?"


    "I''ll do it myself!"


    Chen Sansi mounted his White Swan Horse and took personal command of the training.


    Under his direction,


    in just six days, the Car Suspension Formation was trained to operate smoothly, and in another five days or so, taking it to the battlefield would be no problem at all.


    From among the several hundred civilians, two hundred Array Soldiers and ten military soldiers were reselected. The rest who did not master the techniques still benefited from the training in terms of fitness, gaining the strength in their arms.


    As a result,


    the defensive force inside Po Yang City grew more robust amidst the barbarian siege. Facing six thousand barbarians, holding the city was entirely feasible.


    "Greetings, Mr. Chen!"


    Arriving at the space that served as a temporary Martial Arts Arena, hundreds of people shouted in unison.


    "Hmm."


    Chen Sansi nodded, looking over the neatly organized ranks, he felt what it meant to have "united wills as strong as fortified walls."


    Just then,


    his skill in Commanding Soldiers surged once more.


    [Sinking Formation Death Will: Having fought in bloody battles for more than a month, always leading the soldiers from the front and being the first to shed blood in every encounter, you have inspired your subordinates to the extent that they are all willing to follow you to the death.]


    Follow to the death?!


    Chen Sansi was involuntarily taken aback.


    As he looked again at the steadfast gaze of the hundreds before him, for a moment, he didn''t quite know how to describe his feelings.


    These people...


    were willing to follow him unto death?


    And the [Sinking Formation Death Will] entry clearly wasn''t just due to proficiency levels on his panel, but rather, it was the result of his own lead-by-example approach, coupled with the life-and-death experiences they shared over time.


    It was effective only with this group of people.


    That meant,


    from this moment on,


    Chen Sansi had his first batch of fiercely loyal subordinates.


    But in his heart, there wasn''t much excitement, more a sense of responsibility.


    These were all human lives.


    They were willing to die following him; therefore, as their General, each command he gave had to be the utmost within his abilities, in order to be worthy of the trust placed in him and to have a clear conscience.


    "Xu Wencai, continue to train them,"


    After laying the groundwork, Chen Sansi continued to delegate the command to Xu Wencai. The Formation''s progress wasn''t delayed at all, proving that the old scholar indeed had some skills.


    He approached Sun Li, "Senior Sister Sun, could I borrow your Red Lotus Saber Technique to study?"


    Now,


    he had reached Bone Forging Perfection, but lacked a refining organs skill.


    Sun Buqi was still far from Refining Internal, not even knowing the follow-up content of his own Flying Snake Wind Gun Technique, let alone the Undying Golden Snake Spear.


    Trapped within the city, there was no telling when he would be able to leave and acquire a new technique.


    Better to practice the saber technique for now.


    It''s better than doing nothing.


    "Saber technique? I don''t have the technique with me, but I can teach you, however..."


    Sun Li didn''t refuse; she looked at the bow on Chen Sansi''s back, the spear in his hand, and the sword at his waist, teasingly asked, "Are you sure you can handle it all?"


    "Do I have anything else to practice?"


    Chen Sansi said helplessly.


    Sun Li reminisced, "There was a time when my father was like you, practicing all kinds of cultivation techniques every day."


    Chen Sansi asked, "Did Supervisor Sun ever mention what the use was in practicing different cultivation techniques?"


    "No."


    Sun Buqi took over, "Back then, my sister and I were very young. We just followed him around everywhere, saw a lot, so it left a deep impression."


    "If I remember correctly..."


    Sun Li pondered, "That period was just before father was imprisoned in the Imperial Prison."


    Before imprisonment in the Imperial Prison.


    That was also before the breakthrough to Martial Saint!


    Chen Sansi''s interest was piqued, "Did you guys ever ask him later what was the point of practicing so many techniques?"


    "We asked."


    Sun Buqi spread his hands, "He said he was bored."


    "¡­"


    Chen Sansi knew further inquiry was a waste of time, but he felt even more that there was a connection between reaching Above Martial Saint and cultivating various techniques; his enthusiasm thus increased. He immediately sought Sun Li''s instruction, memorizing all the Pile Work and moves, and then began practicing.


    Another exhilarating quick training session followed.


    Five days later.


    The saber technique also rapidly progressed to Bone Forging Perfection.


    His Qi-Blood was still slightly stronger.


    Other than that, if forced to say, it was getting to understand another type of weapon, which would allow him to handle enemies proficient in saber use more effortlessly in the future.


    It was on this day that Wang Zhi returned.


    He was covered in blood, of the eight people he led out, only two remained. Clearly, they had encountered small barbarian cavalry forces on their way back to the city.


    "How did it go?"


    At the city gate,


    everyone gathered around him.


    "The barbarians have circled around to Hengkang Prefecture and started laying siege,"


    Wang Zhi, looking much thinner, took a large gulp from the water bag handed to him, "But Commander Ma has still sent a thousand horsemen. I took a shortcut back; they will need another five days to arrive. In five days, the siege of Po Yang will be lifted!"


    Upon hearing this, everyone let out a sigh of relief.


    Five days.


    Chen Sansi looked out at the barbarians in all directions outside the city,


    feeling increasingly that something was amiss.


    Surrounded but not attacking.


    It felt like they were waiting for something.


    "Mr. Chen."


    Han Cheng approached, "County Magistrate Xue requests your presence."

 Chapter 99 Life and Death Decision

    Distinctly different from the chaos and ruin elsewhere in the city,the county magistrate''s residence was a haven of tranquility and harmony.


    In a side room, not only was a table full of food and drinks prepared, but two singers from Spring Pavilion had been invited, one to play music and the other to dance.


    Xue Yuping stood at the door waiting, "Mr. Chen, please!"


    "County Magistrate Xue does enjoy his leisure and elegance."


    Chen Sansi sat down, "Do you have any orders for me?"


    "Try the food first."


    Xue Yuping spoke slowly, "There''s no rush to discuss matters until Households Commander Tang returns."


    Deliberately, Chen Sansi used his filthy hands to grab food from every dish on the table.


    "..."


    Xue Yuping put down his chopsticks, his appetite gone.


    "Having been in the military for so long, I''ve grown increasingly unrefined. Surely you don''t mind, right?"


    Chen Sansi spoke with his mouth dripping with oil.


    Xue Yuping said calmly, "Of course not, Mr. Chen has worked hard defending the city. Please, help yourself."


    About half an hour later,


    Tang Ming rushed in, "County Magistrate Xue, the entire family of Xiang Tingchun, old and young alike, have been tortured to death and still the whereabouts of the Immortal Treasure remain unknown."


    "Mr. Xiang?"


    Chen Sansi feigned ignorance, "County Magistrate Xue, what is this about..."


    "No need to panic, Mr. Chen. We have discussed the matter of the Immortal Treasure before."


    Xue Yuping continued calmly, "The investigation concluded that Xiang Tingchun was secretly concealing the whereabouts of the Immortal Treasure. It''s a crime that traditionally results in the execution of the entire family, and he deserved more than death. Households Commander Tang, please continue."


    Households Commander?


    Is this person from the military?


    No, that''s not right.


    Chen Sansi thought of another organization that used such a title.


    Jinyi Guard.


    In the Jinyi Guard, could someone who has achieved Great Success of Refining only hold the rank of a Hundred Households...


    Tang Ming frowned, "There''s also Golden Bell Temple; we''ve dug three feet into the ground and found nothing. It''s time for us to leave. The Witch God Sect will arrive in two days, and the city massacre and Blood Sacrifice will begin soon, not a single soul will be spared..."


    A city massacre and Blood Sacrifice?


    It seems there are not just immortals here, but demons as well!


    Chen Sansi finally understood why in recent days the Xi River tribe had surrounded but not attacked; they were waiting for the Witch God Sect, and possibly more armies were coming with them!


    "Sir."


    He spoke from the perspective of a military officer defending the city, saying what someone of his position should, "The Witch God Sect intends to slaughter the city, is the court not sending reinforcements?"


    "Of course, the court wishes to send rescue."


    Xue Yuping said regretfully, "But the key to Yunzhou lies in the Three Prefectures of Stability, Tranquility, and Lingfeng. As long as these three do not fall, we can win back the land sooner or later. If necessary, even Hengkang Prefecture can be abandoned.


    "Mr. Chen, you should pack your belongings. Tonight at the hour of the rat, you will leave with us."


    "Leave?"


    Chen Sansi asked, "County Magistrate Xue, do you mean to abandon the city?"


    "No, no, no, no, no..."


    Xue Yuping said five consecutive "no"s, "They will continue to defend, Mr. Chen, you will depart silently with us, by yourself. What I mean is, just you alone."


    "Alone?"


    Chen Sansi asked gravely, "County Magistrate Xue, I still have my wife and subordinates in the city, how could I possibly leave alone?"


    "Mr. Chen."


    Xue Yuping said solemnly, "His Majesty has only ordered you to leave, not anyone else. As for your wife, surely you''ve heard the saying ''a wife is like clothing''?"


    "Is your mother like clothing?"


    Chen Sansi was furious, but he didn''t voice it.


    By this point, how could he not see that the court was planning to abandon the entirety of Po Yang!


    "Mr. Chen, I have spoken all there is to say."


    Xue Yuping continued, "At the hour of midnight tomorrow, we will leave this place at full speed. If you insist on bringing a burden, then you may as well stay and continue defending the city. Remember, alone!


    "Households Han, please see our guest out."


    Stepping out of the residence,


    Chen Sansi''s thoughts were heavy, replaying the conversation in his mind, grasping the key information.


    So, the court intends to only defend the Three Prefectures of Stability, Tranquility, and Lingfeng, and abandon the rest?


    From the map, these three form a strategic triangle.


    As long as the Three Prefectures hold, the foundation of Yunzhou remains, and once the Northwest Three States are free, they can retake the lost territory.


    But during this period,


    what about the rest of Yunzhou, including twelve other prefectures?


    Are they to be left for the barbarians to slaughter and fulfill their so-called Blood Sacrifice?


    Moreover, how could they be so certain that the Northwest Three States will be available and that those three will not be conquered?


    It seems,


    as if the barbarians and the court are in suspiciously perfect harmony?


    "..."


    A terrifying thought suddenly took root in Chen Sansi''s mind.


    He looked at Han Cheng who followed him out, "Guard Han, are you with Supervisor Sun?"


    Han Cheng affirmed.


    "Then I will ask you,"


    Chen Sansi continued, "What exactly are they planning?"


    "I don''t have full understanding either,"


    Han Cheng said, frowning, "I only know that this has been planned for a long time, and to avoid drawing Supervisor Sun''s attention, they deliberately did not send high-level martial artists to Po Yang, including the Emperor. For the search of the Immortal Treasure, only two Jinyi Guard Hundred Households were brought with County Magistrate Xue for undercover investigation."


    "They are quite afraid of Supervisor Sun,"


    Chen Sansi nodded.


    This would explain why, for something as important as the Immortal Treasure, they dared not send real experts, but just enough military force that a county should have, presumably to prevent Supervisor Sun from intervening and ruining their plans.


    It seems now...


    they might have succeeded.


    "Guard Han,"


    Chen Sansi inquired, "What actions are we to take, has Supervisor Sun said anything?"


    "He hasn''t,"


    Han Cheng gently shook his head, "My connection with the Governor Mansion is delayed, the last time was when you made contributions on the grassland. According to the Supervisor''s original words, you should just ensure your own safety, everything else is none of your concern."


    "Ensure my own safety?"


    Chen Sansi paused, "You mean, you want me to obediently follow orders and leave alone? Have you ever thought about Sun Li and Sun Buqi who are also in this city? If what Magistrate Xue said just now is true, wouldn''t they also die here?"


    "The Supervisor didn''t instruct on that matter."


    Han Cheng scratched his head, starting to stutter, "I... I don''t know what to do, in any case, if you want to live then just do as told."


    "To live..."


    Chen Sansi fully understood the purpose of the poisoned wine.


    If he obediently followed orders and left alone, even if he was involved in a secret mission, he might later have the opportunity to be nurtured as a trusted confidante.


    Otherwise, there were only two outcomes.


    One, die under the so-called "Blood Sacrifice" of the barbarians.


    Two, die from the poison three months later.


    No, there was no need for that long.


    Having learned so many secrets, if he didn''t obediently follow through tomorrow night, he was ninety percent sure he would be executed on the spot!


    The poisoned wine was just the last resort!


    "Kill!"


    Chen Sansi offered a straightforward suggestion, "Can''t we just kill them?!"


    Han Cheng still shook his head, "Tang Ming has reached Great Success of Refining Internal, and I am completely no match for him. And Magistrate Xue also has another Refining Internal under his command."


    "You''re referring to Luo Dongquan, aren''t you?"


    Chen Sansi guessed, "I can handle him, but are you really unable to defeat Tang Ming?"


    "He''s capable of fighting two of me," Han Cheng held up his fingers, "Don''t look at me like that, the selection of people for this mission was extremely harsh. It''s already good that someone could mix in, let alone being picky about higher realms."


    So it was indeed a dead end.


    Not to mention not being able to beat them.


    Even if he could win, if he killed the magistrate, the Emperor would definitely find a way to kill him afterwards.


    Could Supervisor Sun really protect him then?


    Chen Sansi didn''t want to entrust his fate into someone else''s hands.


    Unless there was another force that took action to kill the magistrate.


    In that case, he could completely extricate himself.


    He could take people away and not be resented by the Emperor.


    "If you can''t bear to leave your wife behind, I can say a few words for you," Han Cheng said, "As long as you can assure Magistrate Xue you won''t drag your feet, he might agree to let you take her away.


    "All right.


    "I can''t stay with you for too long or they will become suspicious. If you have anything else to say, meet me in the horse stable on the east side of the city wall after midnight tonight."


    With those words, he disappeared.


    Chen Sansi, with a heavy heart, returned to his post on the city wall.


    Tonight during the last watch.


    He had to make a decision on his future in such a short time.


    "Sir!" S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xu Wencai cheerfully came over, "I''ve considered over a dozen strategies to deal with the different changes in Po Yang, would you like to take a look?"


    "Sir!"


    "Good day, Sir!"


    "Sir, this is an amulet my mother asked me to give you, she said as long as you''re here, we have a way to live!"


    "..."


    Upon arriving at the city wall.


    One soldier after another began to speak, their tones full of respect.


    "Sir!"


    Xu Bin held a piece of paper, "This is a name that Xu Wencai came up with for my daughter, which one do you think is good?"


    "Little Junior Brother."


    Sun Li came over with a long saber, "How is your saber technique coming along, if you need my help, just say the word."


    "Sansi, when you''re free, teach me archery!"


    Sun Buqi said with a playful smile, "Once I learn it, I can go home and let my old man say ''One should always take a fresh look at others, even if only three days have passed,'' and save him the trouble of scolding me for being useless!"


    Countless words drilled into his mind.


    Chen Sansi ignored them all as he walked past them, approaching the refugees squatting at the foot of the city wall.


    They had been working hard to defend the city.


    Even Shunzi''s lame father was straining himself to move rocks.


    Last of all were the new recruits from the Martial Arts Arena, who had joined the ranks not long ago after a fierce battle and were still sparring with each other.


    "We''ve seen the Sir!"


    As Chen Sansi scanned them, names corresponding to the faces began to emerge one after another.


    [Sinking Formation Death Will]


    Even these people were willing to follow him to death!


    So, even if Magistrate Xue agreed to let him take Sister Lan away, was he really going to just run away like that?


    Maybe!


    After leaving, perhaps he would be reused by the old Emperor, climbing ranks and amassing wealth, reaching the pinnacle of life.


    The downside might be having restless sleep for the latter half of his life, often dreaming of some familiar faces.


    Sometimes having too good a memory really isn''t a good thing!


    "I hate insomnia."


    "Haven''t I been studying martial arts all this time just to sleep peacefully!"


    Chen Sansi''s left hand unconsciously gripped the Zhenyue Sword tightly, "If I go now, I really won''t be able to sleep!!!"


    And even if he really defected to the Dog Emperor, would he be safe?


    If the Emperor gave him poison wine once, wouldn''t he possibly do it a second time?


    Was he supposed to spend his life cowering and living miserably under others?!


    Must they force me into this?!


    But what else could he do?


    He was too weak, at best he could deal with Luo Dongquan. But there was also another at the Great Success of Refining; who would kill him?


    And if they were killed, how would he clear the connections without the old Emperor holding him accountable afterward?


    "Hm?"


    Chen Sansi''s gaze fell on the crimson official robe, and an idea suddenly struck him.

 Chapter 100 Bone Training Kill Refining Internal

    "Xu Wencai!"Chen Sansi grabbed the old scholar tightly, "I have a mission concerning the lives of everyone in the city that I entrust to you. Can you handle it?"


    "I?"


    Xu Wencai was startled but quickly nodded, "Rest assured, sir, I, Wo Long, can handle it!"


    "Good!"


    Chen Sansi whispered in his ear.


    "Sir!"


    Xu Wencai, with tears brimming in his eyes, said: "I will not fail the trust placed in me, even at the risk of my life, I will not let any mistakes occur!"


    Secrets not closely held are easily revealed.


    Chen Sansi did not tell a second person and, taking advantage of the heavy night, hurried to meet Han Cheng at the horse grounds east of the city before midnight.


    ...


    The Hour of the Ox.


    The small south gate of the city wall silently opened.


    Three riders came and waited on a forest path outside the city.


    The barbarian siege was not directly under the city walls but was set up in the open terrain. Due to limited numbers, it was not possible to completely seal off the area; there were still a few paths that a handful of people could use to break through and escape.


    Not to mention, among the three people, there were two Refining Organ Martial Artists.


    "How much longer until the Hour of the Ox?"


    Magistrate Xue sat on horseback.


    Tang Ming answered, "Half an incense stick''s time."


    "Ah, every one of you has such righteousness and loyalty,"


    Xue Yuping said with a sneer: "One wants to bring his wife, another wants to bring his nephew. With such burdens, how can you achieve anything great?


    "Mr. Chen can be spared, as he has been ennobled and rewarded by Imperial Decree! But what is Luo Dongquan?"


    Initially.


    Liang Shengzhi had taken the initiative to inform.


    Afterward, Xue Yuping sent people to covertly find Luo Dongquan, and commanded him to lure Xiang Tingchun out of the city with the promise of sparing his life in return.


    As for the Liang Family...


    Everyone, top to bottom, had been silenced.


    The rest of the martial arts halls involved in this matter had not yet been dealt with.


    But in two days'' time, the barbarians would divert thirty thousand troops from the main battlefield in Liangzhou, on top of which, experts from the Witch God Sect would secretly arrive; by then, not a single soul in Po Yang County would be spared.


    "Households Han!"


    Xue Yuping coldly commanded, "Once we''re safe, dispose of that Luo as well. What a pity, we still haven''t found the Immortal Treasure, otherwise, within three to five years, I could have joined the Cabinet! This time, Elder Yan will be disappointed!"


    "Good, it really was Yan Liang''s doing!"


    In the darkness, a harsh voice rang out.


    Another three riders appeared silently.


    The person leading wore a crimson official robe, flanked by one person on each side.


    It was naturally Dan Yuanzhi and the old servant of the Ji Family.


    They both wore armour and held weapons in hand.


    "Ji Guangxian?!"


    Xue Yuping was surprised and said through clenched teeth: "What are you doing here?!"


    "I''ve come to settle accounts with you!"


    Ji Guangxian, pointing at his nose with trembling voice, said, "The city is under siege, yet you dare to kill Households Commander Xiang, damaging our main general''s family! This is tantamount to treason and colluding with the enemy, it''s outrageous!"


    "Don''t spout lies!"


    Xue Yuping retorted, "Xiang Tingchun himself went out of the city and was ambushed; what does that have to do with us!"


    "Bullshit!"


    Ji Guangxian angrily said, "I''ve just been there and seen that the entire family of eight from Households Commander Xiang, including a five-year-old child, died at home. What, have the barbarians infiltrated the city and specifically targeted to kill only the main generals'' families? Your Yan Party really has no conscience!"


    "Do you think you are any better?!"


    Xue Yuping no longer pretended and cursed, "Pretending to be pure, but what really are you? Aren''t you just trying to grasp power and control the government!"


    "Enough nonsense!"


    Ji Guangxian said, "Today the evidence is irrefutable. Taking you down marks the downfall of the traitorous official Yan Liang!"


    "You dare!"


    Xue Yuping, fearing nothing, cupped his hands toward the direction of the Capital City, "Xiang Tingchun hoarded the Immortal Treasure, a crime deserving of death. What fault is there of ours?!"


    "Immortal Treasure?!"


    Ji Guangxian narrowed his eyes, "Does that mean, Magistrate Xue has already obtained the Immortal Treasure?"


    "Not yet!"


    "Bullshit! What exactly does your Yan Party want to do?"


    Ji Guangxian shouted loudly, "The layout of the battle is so peculiar, I knew there was a problem! The Great Wall of An Ding Prefecture, how could it possibly be breached so easily! Is it your Yan Party''s doing, are you trying to collapse the Great Sheng Dynasty?!"


    Xue Yuping, losing patience, said, "Let''s do this! Take them all down."


    "You have two Refining Organ Martial Artists, so do I!"


    Ji Guangxian pulled back on his horse as two bodyguards stepped forward to engage.


    Two?


    Xue Yuping chuckled coldly, looking toward the direction of the city walls.


    Let alone the fact that no one present was a match for Tang Ming with Great Success of Refining.


    He also had another one rushing over soon.


    ...


    "Onward!"


    Luo Dongquan spurred his horse frantically, with Song Yan closely following behind.


    "Uncle, where are we going?"


    "To escape!"


    Luo Dongquan sighed deeply and muttered, "Xiang Tingchun was a fool! He was bewitched at the beginning, insisting on collaborating with the martial arts halls and concealing the matter of the Immortal Treasure. Now he has dragged me into this mess too! Take good care of the Jade Pendant I gave you, from here we part ways."


    Song Yan asked in confusion, "Uncle? Am I not going with you?"


    "No, I''ve changed my mind."


    Luo Dongquan said, "I find this matter very strange. They''re sneaking around as if they''re hiding something major. The remaining two are Jinyi Guards; I, an outsider, am likely to be silenced if I get involved.


    "After leaving the city, I''ll follow them and say that I''ve given up on you. Head west overnight to distant relatives in Linjiang. If you don''t receive a letter from me within six months, assume I''m dead. From then on, change your name and don''t think about avenging me!"


    "Uncle, let me go with you..." Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Scram!"


    Luo Dongquan drove the other person away.


    After leaving the city, he was about to head to the agreed location when suddenly, the sound of something sharp piercing the air rang beside his ear.


    The reaction speed of a Refining Organ Martial Artist made him instantly alert, and he leaped straight up from the back of his horse.


    "Hiss¡ª"


    An Armor-piercing Arrow struck the battle-horse, which tumbled and fell to the ground.


    Luo Dongquan was about to see who had launched the sneak attack when the sound of arrows rang out beside his ear again.


    Not just one...


    But a volley!


    Luo Dongquan swung his battle saber, creating afterimages as he chopped down the relentless arrows.


    Who the hell can draw a bow so fast?


    Anyone unaware would think they had encountered an entire squad of crossbowmen!


    "Is it you?!"


    Following the direction of the incoming arrows, he saw a figure hidden in a tree afar.


    "Good, I''ll kill you!"


    Luo Dongquan''s eyes were bloodshot as he cut through the arrows, swiftly closing in, until everything seemed to blur before him, feeling as if arrows filled the sky.


    He roared furiously, bursting forward with astonishing speed almost becoming a blur. In the blink of an eye, he covered dozens of yards. Just when he was about to get close, a chill struck his thigh, and he almost lost his balance and fell. He had to burst forward a second time to regain his stability.


    "Bang bang bang¡ª"


    In that brief pause, three more arrows struck him.


    Luckily, his saber blocks spared him from fatal wounds.


    Two arrows passed through his shoulder leaving behind translucent holes, and another arrow was lodged in his arm.


    At the cost of severe injuries, he finally closed the distance. His He Miao Long Sword slashed furiously, aiming straight for his opponent''s face.


    "Clang!"


    A long spear collided with the saber blade, sparking a dazzling fire in the darkness.


    Both retreated several steps, widening the gap between them.


    Before Luo Dongquan could steady himself, the sound of the bowstring, like a nightmare, attacked once more.


    He had to swing his saber again to block.


    This terrifying rate of arrow release made it difficult for him as a Refining Organ Martial Artist to get close!


    In the world, could there actually be a special cultivation technique for archery?!


    In an instant, he could release three arrows with a fifteen-stone bow, each arrow precisely devilish¡ªwhat a concept!


    Under such archery, the cost of forcing proximity was exposing flaws and becoming pierced by a multitude of arrows!


    "I''ll see how many arrows you have!"


    Luo Dongquan dared not charge blindly anymore, swinging his He Miao Long Sword, hoping to wait until the opponent ran out of arrows.


    However...


    By the time blood from his wounds soaked through his clothes, the rain of arrows had not ceased. The shovel-shaped arrowheads inside his body, due to the intense movements, nearly shredded his arm muscles. Even with a martial artist''s robust physique, his speed was bound to slow down.


    Once slowed, he lost the advantage of a common Refining Organ Martial Artist. More arrows lodged in his body until he could no longer hold himself up and crashed to the ground.


    ''Damn, emptied three Arrow Bags!


    Chen Sansi had brought out five Arrow Bags and used up a whole three.


    Luckily.


    Luo Dongquan now lay on the ground looking like a porcupine, blood spilling from the corner of his mouth, only exhaling without inhaling, his life clearly ebbing away.


    Chen Sansi aimed at the head and heart, shooting two more arrows each, and after ensuring death, he went over and decapitated him with a sword.


    ''Had he not been so hasty, he could have held out against me for quite a while.''


    ''Of course, he would most likely still be worn down to death by me.''


    ''Sure enough, a Refining Organ Martial Artist!''


    ''Luckily, it''s not Refining Internal Organs Perfection; otherwise, he would have been really difficult to deal with.''


    It''s said that Refining Internal Organs Perfection martial artists can enter a berserk-like state in a short time, running their bodies into overdrive while temporarily forgetting pain, fully capable of taking arrow wounds head-on.


    "Li Dazhi, Xia Erniu."


    Chen Sansi, holding Luo Dongquan''s head: "This counts as avenging both you and myself."


    He had prepared thoroughly.


    The Vajra Body was not needed in the end.


    The final card, Immortal Treasure Strange Fire, was also ready for use.


    Of course, it was good not to use it, for every use carried the risk of exposure.


    "Uncle!"


    A few yards away, Song Yan, worried about Luo Dongquan, came back and witnessed the entire scene.


    Chen Sansi also heard him approaching.


    In fact.


    Song Yan wouldn''t have been able to escape even if he hadn''t returned.


    Mounting the White Swan Horse, it would''ve taken less than twenty minutes to catch up and kill him.


    When dealing with matters, one must completely uproot the problem.


    "Do you know what your uncle did?"


    "I know, he deserved to die!"


    Song Yan cried inconsolably: "But he was my uncle, and I still have to avenge him! Bring it on!"


    "Puchi!"


    Blood Refining Warrior.


    Nowhere near a match for Chen Sansi.


    The moment he rushed forward with his saber, his heart was pierced, and he fell into a pool of blood, breathless.


    "Great, now I look like the bad guy again!"

 Chapter 101 Abandoning the City

    This young man with the surname Song actually has a decent nature, it''s a pity he followed the wrong person."I wonder how things are going on Han Cheng''s side."


    After disposing of the body, Chen Sansi, maintaining a "conceal and move without trace" state, rushed to their designated meeting place.


    ...


    In the woods.


    Dan Yuanzhi and the old servant, both with limbs severed, lay on the ground, using their last breath to experience a lifetime''s flash before their eyes, then breathed their last.


    "Han Cheng, you, you!"


    Tang Ming looked down, his expression a mix of anger and confusion as he stared at the blade suddenly piercing his chest. "Traitor, go to hell¡ª"


    Even with a knife embedded in his heart, he did not die immediately. Instead, he burst forth with a terrifying brutal force, repelled his opponent with a palm strike to the chest, then drew Xiu Chun''s Blade, which had been sheathed again, to fight once more.


    In the distance.


    Ji Guangxian and Xue Yuping sat on their horses, watching the scene with surprise.


    "Ji, is Han Cheng your man?"


    "Isn''t he yours?"


    Ji Guangxian frowned, "Could it be, the information was given to this officer by him?"


    Not long ago.


    Someone had slipped a secret letter into his residence.


    Now it seems, it must have been Han Cheng.


    "He''s not your man?"


    Xue Yuping quickly figured it out, "Then, he must be one of Sun Xiangzong''s people."


    "He''s involved too?"


    Ji Guangxian urged, "Xue, you better confess everything now. What exactly are you up to in Yunzhou?!"


    "Stop your nonsense, I''m here only for the Immortal Treasure; I know nothing of the other matters!"


    Xue Yuping said, moving to ride off first.


    "Go!"


    "Stop right there!"


    Ji Guangxian stood firmly in front, "Xue, hand over the Immortal Treasure, then explain everything from start to finish, and I might spare your life!"


    "Ji Guangxian, you count for nothing!"


    "Vulgar!"


    "Fine, a gentleman uses his fists, not his words. How about we have a go at each other?!"


    "Bring it on!"


    A red-robed official and a blue-robed official both dismounted, took off their official hats, removed their belts, and stripped down to their undershirts, rolling up their sleeves to wrestle and tussle.


    You punch me, I punch you.


    You grab my hair, I pull your beard.


    "Despicable!"


    "Crude!"


    "Idiot!"


    "Devious scoundrel!"


    Soon, the two Imperial Officers had beaten each other black and blue.


    "Gentlemen, quite skilled you are."


    Chen Sansi suddenly appeared.


    "Mr. Chen?!"


    Xue Yuping was overjoyed, "You''ve arrived just in time! Quick, take action and slay this demon, then follow me out of here, straight to the Capital City!"


    "Mr. Chen, kill him!"


    Ji Guangxian, having the upper hand and sitting atop Xue Yuping, firmly grasped his opponent''s hair, "Then come with me, Mr. Gao of the Cabinet will protect you!"


    "Zi!"


    Zhen Yue unsheathed.


    Ji Guangxian''s head hit the ground.


    "Good!"


    Xue Yuping hadn''t even caught his breath when he saw the gleaming blade approaching him, "Mr. Chen, what are you doing, are you mad!"


    "Zi!"


    With a swing of the sword, a life was taken.


    They all deserved to die!


    All thinking of manipulating him by whatever means.


    Chen Sansi sheathed his sword.


    "Tang Ming, too, is dead."


    After finishing the battle, Han Cheng, covered in blood and pale-faced, remarked, "Mr. Chen, what a brilliant strategy, what a move to ''borrow the knife to kill!'' If not for this, Xue Yuping would have noticed your lack of escape and surely commanded Tang Ming to turn back and kill you first."


    "Are you alright?"


    Chen Sansi noticed the other was injured.


    "I won''t die, but I probably don''t have much fighting strength left."


    Han Cheng coughed up a mouthful of fresh blood and said weakly, "After simply handling the bodies, leave them here; the barbarian spies will soon discover them. Later, when the Capital City investigates, they will deduce that the severe and high factions killed each other to death. As for me, I''ll also encounter trouble on my way back.


    "In any case, even if there are suspicions, they will only suspect me, and then the Governor Mansion.


    "Don''t worry, if you can truly save the young lady and the young master, taking the blame is nothing, the Governor Mansion has been ''a dead pig not fearing boiling water.''


    "Have you arranged what comes next?


    "Leading the lady and young master through a small path?


    "The intelligence says, in two days, the barbarians will withdraw twenty thousand troops from the main battlefield to Po Yang, among which, there may very well be hidden high masters of the Witch God Sect.


    "So if we''re going, it''s best we leave tonight.


    "Take your wife along with the young lady and young master, travel light, and breaking out from the small south gate should be no problem."


    "Households Han."


    Chen Sansi''s gaze was fixed on the direction of the city, "When did I ever say I would only take them?"


    Han Cheng, startled, "What do you mean, Mr. Chen?"


    "Everyone, let''s go!"


    Chen Sansi''s voice rang out firm, "Po Yang County city, as long as they are willing to exert effort in defending the city, be they soldiers or civilians, let''s all leave together!"


    "That''s impossible."


    Han Cheng was astonished, "Mr. Chen, with barbarians surrounding us on all sides, how could so many people possibly leave together?"


    "I have a way to make the Xi River tribe temporarily retreat, daring not to pursue us even half a step for two days, thereby buying two to three days'' time to retreat. Then we could receive the support of two thousand troops from Hengkang Prefecture, and survival might not be impossible."


    Chen Sansi knew, taking the civilians with them would be a burden.


    But those soldiers willing to follow him to the death, which one of them did not have families?! S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    If they stayed behind, not one would survive.If they left, sure, many might die along the way, but even having one more person live is worth it.


    Again, that saying.\\


    Within the limits of his ability, he aimed to do what would leave him with no regrets.


    There was another equally important point.\\


    No matter the use of the Blood Sacrifice, whatever the Dog Emperor and the barbarians aimed to achieve.


    He just had to stir things up!


    ...


    "Time to pay up, time to pay up!"


    West of the city.


    In the large mansion of Zhao''s Martial Arts Academy in Zhao Family, nearly all the town''s gentry and lords were gathered, each dressed in fine silk, fat-bodied but with faces full of horror and unease, evidencing the recent troubled times.


    Wang Zhi stood at the highest point, his voice booming, "Time to pay up, only silver notes accepted, no silver!"


    "Mr. Wang!"


    Master of Zhao''s Martial Arts Academy, Zhao Shanming, his face somewhat pale, said, "One thousand taels of silver per family, isn''t that too expensive?"


    "Exactly, Wang Zhi, you are taking advantage of a crisis!"


    A gentry who had been an official but had retired to his hometown accused, "I know the superior officer of An Ding Prefecture''s Commanding Department. Be careful, I might just report you!"


    "Damn it, go ahead!"


    Wang Zhi cursed loudly, "An Ding Prefecture is still under siege, just try! A bunch of ingrates, too expensive? If it''s too expensive, then none of you leave!


    "If it weren''t for the good relationships I maintained with you on normal days, would I still be thinking of you at such a critical time?!"


    "Last chance, pay a thousand taels of silver notes, and I''ll lead you to safety in Hengkang Prefecture, otherwise, just stay here!"


    "A thousand taels..."


    The crowd murmured among themselves, "It doesn''t limit the number of people per household, it''s actually a good deal."


    "Right, let''s go! We can''t stay in Po Yang anymore."


    "Mr. Wang, you better not be deceiving us!"


    ...


    "Rest assured!"


    Wang Zhi then smiled, "I, Wang Zhi, take money to get things done, always reliable!


    "As long as you pay, I guarantee you can leave Po Yang!


    "Hurry up, those who want to live, we depart from the West City Gate in two hours, don''t be late!"


    "We''ll pay the money!"


    A group of people started lining up to pay.


    Then, within the allotted time, they hastily packed their belongings and assembled their personnel.


    Inside Po Yang City.


    There were still two major Martial Arts Halls left, eight smaller ones, and several dozen large families.


    In the end, a total of about two thousand people gathered!


    Among them, over twelve hundred were adult males, with more than three hundred who had martial training, and dozens were Blood Refining Warriors.


    But they had been defending the city for over a month.


    Aside from those initially forced into conscription, none of these people had been on the battlefield!


    "Pan Quan, what the hell are you dawdling for!"


    Wang Zhi urged him on.


    Pan Quan, Zhao Shanming, and others, not only brought their families, but also carts filled with gold, silver, and precious medicines, unwilling to abandon anything.


    For over a century, their families had passed down who knows how much wealth.


    "Alright, hurry up!"


    Wang Zhi ordered.


    With them were also Zhao Kang, Xiong Qiuan, and two hundred soldiers, who began distributing weapons to those who didn''t have any.


    Since the defense began, they had seized numerous weapons, enough in quantity.


    Liu, a gentleman now in his sixties, was handed a standard long sword, "Mr. Wang, what are you doing? We''re supposed to be escaping the city, why are you distributing weapons?"


    "It''s a breakout, what else?"


    Wang Zhi explained, "The city is surrounded on all sides. Although the defense on the west side of the city is weaker, we still need to break through. But don''t worry, I''ll take the lead; you just need to use the weapons to defend yourselves.


    "Let''s go, no more waiting!"


    "Humm¡ª"


    The West City Gate opened in the darkness of the night.


    Wang Zhi led the way at the front, with Zhao Kang and Xiong Qiuan on either side.


    About two hours out.


    Campsites came into view.


    Inside and outside the camp, the guard was rigorous, with squads of cavalry patrolling back and forth. Judging from the deployment of forces, there were at least two thousand troops; this was clearly not a weak spot but rather the main general''s camp.


    "Wang Zhi, are you sure this is right?"


    Zhao Shanming caught up and said nervously, "We should retreat and find another way out before they notice us!"


    "Wrong way?"


    Wang Zhi looked at him and smirked, "I''m heading straight for their main camp!"


    "What do you mean?"


    Before Zhao Shanming could figure it out, sudden, earth-shaking shouts erupted nearby.


    "Kill¡ª"


    "Kill¡ª"


    "Boom, boom, boom¡ª"


    Zhao Kang, Xiong Qiuan, and others, numbering over two hundred, started shouting without warning, not forgetting to raise their torches.


    "Kill!"


    "Directly charge the main camp, capture Wu Mu''er alive!"


    "What?"


    The lords, who thought they were breaking out to escape, were so shocked by the sudden change that they were at a loss.


    "Wang Zhi, what¡­ what exactly are you trying to do?!"


    Zhao Shanming''s words became incoherent.


    "What am I doing, didn''t you hear?"


    Wang Zhi shouted, "Charge the enemy camp, capture Wu Mu''er alive!"


    "If you want to die, go ahead by yourself!"


    Zhao Shanming turned and ran.


    "Run fast!"


    Over a thousand people turned around, ready to head back to the city.


    At that moment.


    Feng Yong, leading a squad of troops, rushed out and blocked their escape route, stabbing to death the one at the front, "Anyone who retreats another step dies!"


    "Enemy attack, enemy attack!"


    With such commotion, how could the barbarian main camp fail to notice?


    They dispatched a large number of troops to form up and charge.


    "Zhao Shanming, Pan Quan!"


    Wang Zhi pointed with his Mo Blade at the rapidly approaching barbarian army, "You can''t run now, either fight with me, or wait to be chopped up by random swords!"


    Meanwhile.


    Atop the city walls.


    "The lord truly has a great strategy, even I have to admire it!"


    Xu Wen, holding a feather fan picked up from who knows where, waved his hand grandly, "Ignite it!"

 Chapter 102 Great Defeat of the Barbarian Army

    "Alright."Xu Bin followed the order.


    He lit the huge torches that had been prepared in advance on the city wall.


    A blaze of fire shot up into the sky.


    Having completed the task, Xu Bin asked in confusion, "Old Xu, are you sure this was ordered by Mr. Chen?"


    "It certainly was ordered by him."


    Xu Wencai, holding a feather fan and speaking in a measured tone, said, "You must follow the instructions precisely, any mistakes, and you''ll face military law."


    "Putting on airs, where did you get that fan!"


    Zhu Tong snatched the fan away and demanded, "Speak¡ªwhat did Shanshi tell you?"


    Now, he was the only one in the entire army who still called him Shanshi, no matter how many times he was corrected, it had become a unique trait.


    "The scholar from a large household left the city, I picked it up from the ground, give it back!"


    Xu Wencai reached out, but couldn''t grab it: "Old Zhu, do you want to face military law?!"


    "Hmph!"


    Zhu Tong eventually returned the fan, "Why did Shanshi give you so much power?!"


    "Mr. Xu."


    The cool voice of Sun Li arose, "Are you sure the feigned might of your younger brothers is effective? I still need to lead fifty cavalry out. There are at least six thousand barbarians outside, our manpower is barely sufficient for defense, isn''t it too risky to initiate an attack?"


    The day had passed strangely.


    First, Xiang Tingchun died inexplicably outside the city.


    Then, the Magistrate, and even Chen Sansi disappeared and hadn''t returned till now, giving everyone the impression that something significant was about to happen, yet they were all kept in the dark.


    Only Xu Wencai came forward, waving his junior brother''s banner, organizing tasks so methodically that he called out one name after another, as smoothly as if he had rehearsed it countless times in his mind, finally having the chance to execute them.


    "Miss Sun, I trust the official, and I ask you to trust him too."


    Xu Wencai was utterly composed, "You just follow my instructions. With the official backing us, tonight will be the biggest and sole victorious battle since the start of the war in Po Yang.


    "The lives and properties of tens of thousands of citizens depend on this!"


    ...


    Barbarian Army Camp.


    Wu Mu''er, reading the secret letter handed to him, looked stern.


    The Deputy General asked, "Sir, has something unexpected happened?"


    "The Witch God Sect was attacked, many died, but no matter, there will still be Hua Jin experts joining the big army heading to Po Yang in about two or three days."


    Wu Mu''er put down the letter, "The fall of Po Yang City is imminent."


    "Sir, do you know what the Witch God Sect intends to do?"


    The Deputy General curiously asked, "I heard that wherever a city is breached, the Witch God Sect enters to collect the Heart Blood of the living, all so secretive. What use is Heart Blood?"


    "If it''s not your concern, don''t ask."


    Wu Mu''er spoke gravely, "Our mission is simply to take down Po Yang."


    Speaking of which.


    The willpower of the Sheng people is indeed terrifying.


    After fighting for over a month, the number of city defenders was actually increasing. They suffered heavy losses, and as a result, hesitated to continue the assault, being forced to wait for the arrival of reinforcements.


    What''s laughable is.


    They had internal strife!


    Wu Mu''er looked at several bodies within the tent, his gaze mocking.


    These bodies, found not long ago by the city gate.


    From their identities, each was a Refining Organ Martial Artist.


    Moreover, with the news from spies that the Main General Xiang Tingchun had disappeared, it seems there might be no Refining Organ fighters left within Po Yang City.


    "Everyone says the Sheng people have severe internal conflicts, with parties within the court often fighting bitterly, I used to not believe it, but it seems now it might be even worse than described!"


    The Deputy General agreed, "Sir, you are right. I think the Sheng Dynasty is running out of its fate, we, the people of the Sky Clan, will own the fertile grounds of the Central Plains sooner or later!"


    As the two talked.


    Noise erupted outside.


    "Report¡ª"


    A soldier burst into the tent, "The defenders in Po Yang City are attacking our camp!"


    "Attacking the camp? With so many Refining Organ fighters dead, what do they have left to attack with!"


    Wu Mu''er picked up his curved sword and hurried out of the tent. Looking towards the direction of the West City Gate and the chaotic scene, he quickly evaluated the reality, "This isn''t regular soldiers, just a mob from the city, where do they get the guts, tired of living are they!


    "Pass my order, move all the cavalry from the east here, crush them!"


    After the command was delivered, the cavalry quickly arrived.


    Wu Mu''er planned to join the battle himself, but at that moment, a fire started in the east, and shouts thundered through the air!


    "Report!"


    Another rider came, "Sir, it''s bad news! The reinforcements from Hengkang Prefecture have arrived!"


    "What?"


    Wu Mu''er frowned, "Are you sure you saw it clearly?"


    A few days ago, someone had broken through and headed towards Hengkang Prefecture.


    At that time, he guessed they were seeking reinforcements.


    But based on the distance, the forces from Hengkang Prefecture shouldn''t have arrived for another four days, nearly a step behind the Barbarian Army. How could they arrive so quickly? All cavalry?


    "I saw it clearly."


    The soldier said nervously, "Dust fills the sky, shouts shatter one''s lungs, and there are mountains full of military flags and torches, conservatively estimating, there were over two thousand!"


    "Hmm, it''s indeed possible for Hengkang Prefecture to dispatch this many troops¡­"


    Wu Mu''er told the Deputy General, "You stay here and keep order, don''t panic, I''ll personally check what''s going on!"


    In this situation, clarity was crucial.


    Once the army''s morale is disturbed, collapse is imminent.


    ...


    "Kill¡ª"


    "Kill¡ª"


    East of the City.


    Following Xu Wencai''s commands, Sun Buqi and others stealthily exited the city in batches, gathering two hundred new recruits in the east. They used rags to disguise as military flags and lit torches all over the hills, and finally, they beat the war drums and shouted their war cries.


    He was puzzled, "This old scholar, using Shanshi to pressure us, what''s the point in doing all these displays of might?!"


    "Since it''s the official''s order, we just need to follow it."


    While speaking, Wang Li energetically scattered ashes everywhere, shouting at the top of his lungs, "Kill, kill, kill¡ª"


    "They''re coming, they''re coming!"


    Sun Buqi, holding his long spear, said, "Somebody''s coming, all cavalry, the one in the middle, seems like Wu Mu''er? What did Xu Wencai tell us to do next?!"


    "Run up the mountain, hide, and when the signal arrow sounds, set fires simultaneously, then attack again!"


    Wang Li grabbed his things and ran off.


    "Go!"


    Sun Buqi hurriedly followed.


    ...


    "What is this?!"


    Finally catching up, Wu Mu''er stopped his horse staring at the empty space before him, "Is this what you call the reinforcements from Hengkang Prefecture?"


    "Sir, it''s too dark, we couldn''t see clearly either."


    The soldier who had reported earlier, fearing punishment, suggested, "Shall we check the mountain?"


    "Cavalry go up the mountain? Does anyone with a brain say such a thing?!"


    Wu Mu''er thought for a moment, "Retreat! It''s most likely a bluff, not worth our attention!"


    "Whoosh¡ª"


    Just as they were about to head back to camp, a sudden arrow sound near Wu Mu''er made him shudder, and he slashed his curved sword in the direction of the sound, successfully cutting down one arrow, then a second, and a third...


    "Is that you?!"


    In the darkness in the distance, a familiar figure on a white horse appeared.


    Wu Mu''er could not fail to recognize him!


    Over a month ago,


    it was this young man who had captured the Ninth Prince right before him!


    If the war had not just commenced, when manpower was crucial, he would have probably been beheaded long ago.


    Even now, he might still face serious consequences after autumn.


    "Such quick arrows!"


    Wu Mu''er focused on defending against the relentless arrows and calmly ordered, "Surround him!"


    No matter how fast this person shot arrows, he was still just one man.


    By diverting the attention of the remaining men, he could quickly close in.


    "Senior Sister Sun!"


    Chen Sansi shouted loudly.


    Sun Li arrived in time and fifty riders formed ten small "Car Suspension Formations," charging into the barbarian cavalry, clashing fiercely, trying their best to prevent them from surrounding Chen Sansi, each facing multiple enemies, with her alone confronting two Lianggu Hundred Households.


    Watching the target of her junior brother''s arrows, she finally figured out what this series of connected plans intended to do.


    Chen Sansi intended to lure Wu Mu''er from the heavily guarded Central Army Camp, to recreate the feat on the grassland. However, it wasn''t to capture a useless prince this time, but to kill the Refining Organ General, thereby throwing the enemy into disarray.


    "Junior brother, be careful!"


    Sun Li was already surrounded by many cavalrymen, "I will buy you time!"


    Not only did she understand.


    Wu Mu''er understood as well.


    This youngster wanted to kill him, the last main general of the Xi River Tribe.


    By this means, to cause his army to collapse.


    But as the main general, how could he not know his own importance?


    The reason he dared lead five hundred cavalry to inspect, was because all the known Refining Organ Martial Artists within Po Yang City had killed each other!


    And this youngster, merely a hundred households officer!


    If he truly had the capability to kill him, during the previous encounter on the grassland, he wouldn''t have just left a fat man to face the blade while going to find the Ninth Prince himself!


    "Clang, clang, clang!"


    "The men at the West City Gate were sent by you as well, weren''t they?"


    Wu Mu''er sneered, as he blocked the arrows while speaking, "I won''t chase after you. Your bow alone won''t kill me. I''ll just drag this out with you. In less than the time it takes to burn an incense stick, the rabble at the West City Gate will be crushed and wiped out!


    "And the pretty little lady leading over fifty cavalry behind me will be captured alive. Once her cultivation is crippled, she''ll make a fine slave for me!


    "Lastly, when you run out of arrows, I''ll kill you!"


    For now, the only threat to him was the big bow in this youngster''s hands.


    All he needed was to be cautious, and if he just dragged it out, he would win!


    ''Smarter than Luo Dongquan.''


    ''He knows to be wary of archery, not actively pursuing me.''


    ''If it were a one-on-one, dragging this out wouldn''t be a problem. But there are five hundred cavalry behind him.''


    ''Wang Zhi, Sun Li, they can''t hold on much longer.''


    ''So...''


    Chen Sansi unexpectedly tucked away his bow and grabbed his spear, "I didn''t plan on dragging this out with you!"


    "You dare come at me?"


    Wu Mu''er gripped his curved sword, "I want to see just what progress you''ve made in just over a month!"


    "Clang¡ª"


    The two warhorses crossed paths, and the curved sword and long spear collided for the first time.


    Chen Sansi felt the trembling of the long spear, his qi-blood surged within him, stabilizing his form.


    On any other day, he could have dragged it out.


    But today, he had to kill quickly!


    He changed his usual fighting style, the Undying Golden Snake spear technique, forcibly conjuring the aura of the Breaking Formation Spear, attacking ferociously. Even though there was a difference in pure strength compared to the Refining Organ, he still did not retreat to defend.


    But being anxious and attacking recklessly would expose flaws.


    "Full of openings!"


    Wu Mu''er seized the moment, his curved blade like a black moon descending, tearing through the air, aiming directly at the opponent''s face.


    He had thought that, faced with such a deadly strike, the opponent would inevitably defend, but quite the contrary, there was no attempt to dodge, still determined to thrust his flawed spear.


    ''Does this guy think his head is harder than my blade?!''


    ''Die!''


    The curved sword neatly sliced through Chen Sansi''s iron helmet, striking squarely on the head.


    "Crack¡ª"


    However, the expected gore did not materialize. Instead, upon contact with flesh, the blade emitted a sound as if scraping against metal, sparking faintly!


    "Vajra Body?" sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Wu Mu''er was shocked.


    After the incident with the Ninth Prince, he had investigated Chen Sansi. A genius youth with the Nine Dragon Body, Selected Officer of the Governor Mansion, where did the Vajra Body come from!


    His blood velocity surged, and he forcibly retracted the curved sword, just in time blocking the long spear stabbing at him.


    "Clang!"


    In the close encounter, another glint flashed at the young man''s waist, a sword light tearing through the heavens, gone in a flash!


    "The Ninth Prince''s sword..."


    Wu Mu''er recognized the weapon, then felt the ground getting closer, even though his body was still on horseback. Before he could understand, the world plunged into darkness.

 Chapter 103 Grand Ancestor Chen Lei, the Hidden Dragon Emerges from the Abyss

    ```Grass...


    Chen Sansi''s iron helmet was chopped in half, his forehead throbbed with pain, leaving a trail of blood.


    Copper Skin Iron Bone.


    Whether it''s copper or iron, it can eventually be destroyed.


    If bone training can''t break through his skin.


    But after all, it is refining organs, a leap across a major realm.


    Fortunately, it was ultimately blocked.


    Chen Sansi wasn''t reckless. When he was killing Luo Dongquan earlier, he deliberately exchanged a blow to understand the immense power wielded by someone proficient in the refining organs skill, and he was confident that his Vajra Body could withstand it. Then he could take advantage of the surprise and deliver a deadly slash.


    Vajra Body, Swordsmanship Perfection.


    Lacking either one would not do!


    ...


    Sun Li, with her own strength, killed two bone training martial artists of the same realm. However, she was also sneak-attacked several times, and she found it difficult to divert attention to the situation dozens of steps away. She was about to face an assault from bone training generals as well as dozens of cavalry.


    If this continued, she would soon be weakened from loss of qi-blood and killed by the disorderly blades.


    The fifty cavalry she brought were already reduced by half in such a short time...


    Just then, the sound of an armor-piercing arrow tore through the night sky, followed by a loud shout, "Wu Mu''er is dead! Reinforcements from Hengkang Prefecture have arrived, you barbarian thieves better surrender quickly!"


    Chen Sansi used his long spear to lift a head, showing it to them.


    "Lord Thousand Households is dead?!"


    The barbarian cavalry were all greatly shocked.


    "Kill, kill, kill¡ª"


    "Kill¡ª"


    After the signal of the armor-piercing arrow, those who had previously hidden on the mountain, like Sun Buqi and others, began to wave their torches again and screamed shrilly; the war drums were pounded so vigorously that they shook the earth, and in the shadows of the trees and woods, it was unclear how many people there were.


    "Reinforcements! Hengkang Prefecture really sent help!"


    "There''s an ambush, retreat quickly!"


    "Retreat, retreat!!"


    "..."


    The five hundred cavalry trembled with fear.


    "Where are you running¡ª"


    Chen Sansi, with a spear lifting a head in one hand and the Zhenyue Sword in the other, entered the crowd to kill.


    In this way, the barbarian cavalry were even more convinced of the ambush, and their desire to fight was completely lost; they only cared for their lives.


    "It''s over!"


    Chen Sansi knew.


    Once this cavalry returned to their main camp, it would be their moment of collapse!


    ...


    On top of the city walls.


    "Lazybones, get up! Wang Zhi and his men are about to bite the dust!"


    Zhu Tong was so anxious that he paced back and forth.


    "My lord, how come the lord hasn''t returned?"


    Xu Bin also began to grow agitated.


    "The lord must be fine!"


    Amidst the utter chaos, Xu Wencai turned out to be the calmest of all, gripping his feather fan tightly, "Just wait for one more teatime, after one teatime, the barbarian army of six thousand can be crushed at the snap of the fingers!"


    Finally.


    On Eastern Mountain, fire lit up for the second time.


    "Good, good, good! The barbarian army is broken!"


    Xu Wencai waved his feather fan without hesitation, "Liu Jinkui, Zhu Tong, Wu Da, Xu Bin, relay my command, fling open the West City Gate and strike with all our might. The cavalry will form the Car Suspension Formation at the forefront, advancing, with everyone else following behind, just kill anyone you see, and remember, we must be loud and have plenty of torches!"


    "Xu Wencai."


    Liu Jinkui was half doubtful, "We''re putting our lives in your and Chen Baihu''s hands!"


    Yesterday evening, under the arrangement of Xu Wencai, Sun Li siblings and Wang Zhi suddenly began to take over the command of the army inside the city, claiming that they were preparing for a breakout during the night.


    At first, they didn''t understand what was happening and they didn''t take orders from just anyone.


    But now, half of the people inside the city belonged to Chen Sansi''s faction, among them the Sun Li siblings had high status and were not to be offended lightly.


    What''s most crucial was that, overnight, Xiang Tingchun, Luo Dongquan, and others, all went missing without a trace of life or death, obviously indicating some major event was about to unfold, a matter of life-or-death, which they couldn''t ignore.


    As a result of this series of actions...


    It felt as if doom was imminent.


    "Go out of the city!"


    The city gates opened wide.


    The remaining fighting force inside the city poured out, with less than a thousand people, and took the offensive against a barbarian army of six thousand!


    ...


    West City Gate.


    Pan Quan had already died amidst the chaotic army.


    Zhao Shangming had been chopped to lose an arm, hanging on to life by a thread.


    The disciples from the Martial Arts Hall and local gentry were mostly dead, little remained.


    Wang Zhi and his men had fought until this point, also suffering severe casualties.


    "Is Xu Wencai deceiving me, is this really how Stony arranged it?!"


    He looked at the seemingly endless barbarians, "To hell with it, if all else fails, just die!"


    Fifteen years ago.


    He climbed the city walls and didn''t die.


    If he were to die on the battlefield today, it would be a fitting end!


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    "Good, in the next life, I''ll be a fellow traveler with you again!"


    Xiong Qiuan''s bones were exposed, and he too was preparing to embrace death.


    "Kill!"


    Behind them, the city gates flung open.


    The flames soared into the sky, and the sounds of killing roared like thunder!


    The barbarian soldiers were intimidated by the energy, but not yet disordered, for their numbers were many. They were just perplexed why Po Yang City was going crazy tonight, from where did they get such confidence; were they really courting death? S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Until the cavalry unit that had left earlier returned to report, explaining their question.


    "Lord Wu Mu''er is dead!"


    "Three thousand Hengkang Prefecture cavalry have come to our aid!"


    "No, five thousand cavalry!"


    "..."


    "What?!"


    The deputy general stood dumbfounded but still clung to the last bit of rationality, "Don''t panic! Where did so many reinforcements come from!"


    "Wu Mu''er''s head is here¡ª"


    A white horse burst onto the battlefield and a familiar head was lifted high under the frosty moonlight, "Surrender quickly!"


    "My lord..."


    ```


    "Whoosh¡ª"


    An armor-piercing arrow flew swiftly, directly shooting the bone training martial artist of perfection off his horse, becoming the final straw that crushed their psychological defenses.


    The news of both the main general and deputy general dying spread with inconceivable speed, growing more exaggerated with each retelling. By the end, it had become a story that the Eight Camps had won the main battlefield of Liangzhou, and Sun Xiangzong himself had come to encircle and kill them.


    At that moment.


    Six thousand barbarians.


    Their defeat was as swift as a landslide!


    The soldiers from Po Yang County chased and slaughtered them from behind, while the barbarians did not even fight back, casting away their armor and weapons, their lines breaking into a complete rout!


    It was not until this moment.


    Liu Jinkui, Xiong Qiuan, Zhao Kang, and others, watching Chen Sansi move unobstructed through the chaotic army, his lu leaf long spear holding the head of a refining organs general, looked upon him as if he was a deity!


    In a single night, Po Yang City went from being deeply encircled.


    To achieving a grand victory!


    Years later, with the change of dynasties, this battle was recorded in history:


    In the seventy-second year of the Longqing era of the old dynasty, on the sixth day of the twelfth lunar month, the Grand Emperor Chen Lei, faced with desperation, cut down enemy generals and led over a thousand remnants to a great victory over six thousand barbarians. This battle is known in history as the Battle of Po Yang, also called, The Dragon Emerges from the Abyss.


    ...


    Only at daybreak did the six thousand barbarian soldiers, abandoning countless baggage and provisions, retreat beyond the Great Wall, not one daring to look back.


    Warfare hinges on coordinating the heavens, the earth, and the people!


    The number of soldiers alone cannot decide the outcome one hundred percent of the time.


    If one can harness the "general trend" to their advantage, victory against a larger force is not impossible!


    The barbarian army had besieged the city for a long time without success. Moreover, from the beginning to the end, they lost a total of three refining organ generals, severely lowering their morale. When the last refining organ general fell, they were bound to crumble like sand.


    By contrast, Po Yang.


    After a long siege, aside from the local gentry and elites, the soldiers and civilians had an unprecedented fighting spirit, united as one.


    Among them, hundreds developed a "Sinking Formation Death Will."


    Given these increasing advantages and disadvantages, the gap was too vast.


    Additionally, there indeed was someone who knew that Hengkang Prefecture was very likely to send reinforcements soon.


    With the heavens, the earth, and the people aligned, how could the barbarian army not be defeated?


    However, just when everyone was excited about this miracle, Chen Sansi suddenly announced another command.


    Abandon the city!


    "Abandon the city?"


    "Why?"


    Questions arose among people like Zhao Kang: "Over half the barbarians died or were injured overnight, with hundreds trampled to death by their own. They''ve already retreated beyond the Great Wall, and they might even return to the grasslands. Inside Po Yang City, we have ample food and supplies; we should take this opportunity to strengthen our defenses and continue the siege!"


    "The barbarians have besieged us without attacking for a long time, what do you think they''re doing? They''re waiting for reinforcements! And the next time, there might be even higher realm generals!"


    Chen Sansi announced the harsh reality before the eyes of everyone: "On the other hand, the bodies of several dignitaries have been discovered in the barbarian camp, and we don''t even have a single person who has undergone refining of organs. How can we continue to defend?"


    "My lord is right!"


    Xu Wencai added: "Last night, we captured a close aid to the barbarians who was a Hundred Households, and he confessed that at least thirty thousand more troops will march towards Po Yang soon! The defeated barbarians will also quickly regroup and come back for another attack! The only plan for now is to flee the city; that is the only way to live!"


    "But... what about us?"


    The numerous civilians responsible for repairing the city walls, hearing that the defenders planned to abandon the city, dropped their tools in despair.


    Abandon the city.


    That meant abandoning them, didn''t it?!


    This sort of thing wasn''t unheard of.


    The defenders flee, and the civilians are left behind to be slaughtered.


    So what was the point of their desperate defense for this past month?


    Unexpectedly, the civilians did not riot.


    They dispersed and continued to pick up their tools to reinforce the fortifications, although their expressions were numb, their movements stiff, as if they were soulless zombies.


    Most of the soldiers, new recruits, and laborers did the same.


    To abandon the city is to focus on a rapid escape.


    Those who couldn''t ride horses were likely to be left behind.


    Not to mention, most of their family members were still here; how could they bear to leave?


    Wives, children, fathers, mothers¡ªall left behind to await death?


    ...


    "Wait a moment, I haven''t finished speaking!"


    Chen Sansi gathered his qi-blood and spoke loudly, ensuring most of those present could hear him, "We will indeed abandon the city, but I never said we would abandon the people!


    "Pass my order!


    "The civilians within Po Yang City, all who wish to leave, may follow the army!


    "We, the military, will cover the rear!"


    Upon these words.


    Not only did the civilians.


    Even Xu Wencai and many subordinates were shocked.


    Escape with the civilians? And cover for them?


    In thousands of years, when had this ever happened?


    Aren''t they worried about being slowed down?


    "Of course, I''m not forcing anyone!"


    Chen Sansi continued: "We will depart from the West City Gate before noon today, heading westward, with a temporary destination of Hengkang Prefecture. Whether to go or stay is completely voluntary! You must think carefully, if you leave, you may never be able to return, and it''s very possible to die on the road!"


    "My lord!"


    "We are willing to go!"


    "We will follow you in life and death!"


    After a brief silence, the civilians inside the city knelt down in unison.


    "Staying here is also to be slaughtered by the barbarians!"


    The barbarians, known for their ruthless looting and ravaging, would definitely not leave any survivors.


    Therefore, escaping is the only way to live.


    "Thank you, my lord!"


    "My lord!"


    "Xu Wencai, you take care of the arrangements."


    After leaving these words, Chen Sansi went to the horse stable in the eastern part of the city to find the gravely injured and weak Han Cheng: "Has there been any word from the Governor Mansion?"


    "It will be a few more days."


    Han Cheng replied: "We should be receiving a message soon."


    "Good!"


    Chen Sansi recalled the words of Magistrate Xue, feeling that even going to Hengkang Prefecture might not be safe.


    He had said it.


    Hengkang Prefecture could be abandoned if necessary!


    But heading westward, leaving You State would take them to You State, one of the Northwest Three States.


    If You State were to fall, they would have no choice but to seek shelter in Liang State, where the Eight Camps and the Governor Mansion are located. There, they might receive more support and find their last hope.

 Chapter 104 Unity Spear Technique

    The more they feared the Governor Mansion, the more they knew they had to head there to be safe."Mr. Chen, today''s feat was truly once in a millennium."


    Households Han remarked, "Do you really plan to lead the thousands next?"


    "I said what I said, I can''t go back on it now."


    Chen Sansi estimated, "The Xi River tribe just escaped the Great Wall. It will take at least a day for them to react and wait for the main army to arrive. By then, we would have been gone for three days and nights."


    "Not enough."


    Han Cheng shook his head, "The cavalry can cover hundreds of miles in a single day, but how far can a group of the old, weak, sick, and disabled travel? They will catch up soon enough."


    "That''s why I hope Mr. Han contacts the Governor Mansion as soon as possible, preferably to have some troops sent over."


    Chen Sansi even doubted whether the two thousand troops from Hengkang Prefecture could still come, and if so, how many?


    "I still suggest¡­"


    Han Cheng said somewhat uneasily, "That the young master and miss along with your family leave first."


    "Alright, I''ll ask Sun Li if she''s willing, they can leave quickly on horseback."


    Chen Sansi did not refute.


    "Good! Sir, I will take my leave now."


    Han Cheng, coughing, said, "Officially, I am already a dead man. If I''m seen with you somewhere and complications arise, I will signal you with the call of a cuckoo, and you can find me by following the sound."


    "Also, take this."


    While saying this, he pulled out a cultivation technique.


    "Refining Organ Spear Technique?!"


    Chen Sansi held the book, named "Unity Spear Technique": "Where did this come from, and can I practice it?"


    "Before coming to Po Yang, the Supervisor sent this to me. It seems to be a fusion of three military spear techniques that he created. It wasn''t meant for you initially."


    Han Cheng looked in the direction of the city, "It was planned to be handed over to the young master when the time was right, but now it seems better to give it to you."


    "Sun Buqi?"


    Chen Sansi understood the deep meaning behind it.


    Supervisor Sun sending the Sun Li siblings here was not just an experience for them, but a preparation to temper Brother Bu Qi''s disposition and then to give him a superior method. Now it appeared...


    Until now, he had never seen Sun Buqi practice the spear, not even achieving a small achievement in Bone Training.


    He had practiced archery quite frequently, but without any progress.


    "Take the cultivation technique, and intensively practice refining organs."


    Han Cheng spoke exhaustedly, "From here on, you''ll have to manage on your own. Remember, when you hear the cuckoo calling, come and find me!"


    After finishing, he bowed with his fists and left.


    "I finally have something to train with."


    Chen Sansi was accustomed to daily martial arts practice; suddenly stopping it felt very unnatural.


    He returned to the city and in an abandoned civilian house, he found Sun Li and Sister Lan, whom he hadn''t seen for a long time.


    He stood outside the bedroom and didn''t enter.


    Sun Li was injured while buying him time, sustaining damage to her bones. Gu Xinlan was helping her apply medicine and bandage the wounds.


    Not until it was finished inside did he open the door.


    "Brother Shi!"


    Gu Xinlan threw herself into his arms.


    She checked him over here and there, finally noticing the scar on his forehead that nearly split his head in two!


    "It was just a scrape, I''m fine."


    Chen Sansi reassured her and then turned to the lady in red, "Senior Sister Sun, thanks to you blocking the cavalry, I at most could have handled a single refining organs expert. If not for you, Po Yang would have been in grave danger."


    "Junior brother sure knows how to flatter. It was clearly your victory over the Barbarian Army, but you make it sound like I deserve the credit."


    Sun Li''s pale face, due to her injuries, became even whiter, "But you must be at Bone Forging Perfection by now, right? No wonder you''ve been practicing with both sabers and swords, it seems you''ve had nothing else to train."


    It hadn''t been long.


    Reflecting upon her arrival in Po Yang, he was only just starting Bone Training...


    Now, he had single-handedly slain a refining organs expert and led them to rout the enemy army.


    His growth rate was undeniably astounding.


    "Senior Sister Sun."


    Chen Sansi asked, "Do you and Brother Bu Qi want to leave first?"


    "Leave first?"


    Sun Li leaned on the bedpost, tilting her head, "Junior brother, are you looking down on me?"


    "Why would you say that, Senior Sister?"


    Sun Li was slightly displeased, but her weak voice made her sound feeble, "You all stay to protect the civilians, yet you want me to leave first. Do you think it''s because I''m a woman or is it because I''m the daughter of the Supervisor that I''m more valuable?"


    "That''s not what I meant."


    Chen Sansi was just fulfilling Han Cheng''s request to ask her; he knew she wouldn''t leave early. But seeing her so injured, it seemed she really couldn''t stay to cover the rear.


    He pondered for a moment and then said, "Senior Sister, you are seriously injured. Staying would just slow us down."


    "Are you repulsed by me?!"


    Sun Li, angered, moved slightly but the pain from her wounds made her lay back down.


    "Why would I, Senior Sister?"


    Chen Sansi explained, "How about this, you don''t need to leave early. Just walk with the civilians, that way you can help take care of Sister Lan and also protect the civilians to prevent any accidents.


    "If you don''t agree, how can I rest assured letting Sister Lan walk alone in the chaos?


    "Not just Sister Lan, there''s also Mrs. Xu from the Xu family, and Zhu Tong''s mother, among many others. Surely there needs to be someone to look after them? I wouldn''t trust anyone else."


    A whole lot of talking later.


    Finally, Sun Li agreed.


    "Thank you, Senior Sister Sun."


    Chen Sansi cupped his fists.


    "Brother Shi, come with me for a moment."


    Gu Xinlan pulled him outside and, after walking a considerable distance, cautiously asked, "Do you have any medicine that can remove scars?"


    "Remove scars?"


    "It''s not for me¡ªit''s for Li. She cried..."


    Gu Xinlan said with evident distress, "She suffered several deep cuts across her body; the wounds are so deep that you can see the bones. We don''t lack medicine for healing, but she keeps shedding tears. I guess she didn''t bring any scar removal medicine. After all, as a woman, if her body is scarred, how will she cope in the future..."


    "I understand." Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Sansi nodded, "I''ll give it to you before we leave."


    He was proficient in medical arts, not only skilled in concocting cultivation-enhancing medicine but also adept at treating all kinds of difficult diseases in the mortal world. Removing scars was a trivial matter for him, as ingredients with similar properties could be found in Black Jade Protective Ointment and Condensed Dew Body Refining Soup.


    Without wasting any time, Chen Sansi went to Yunhe Medicine Store and acquired a batch of medicinal materials for free. He then concocted the scar removal medicine on the spot, along with a large quantity of the Ji Family''s secret golden sore medicine and other emergency hemostatic drugs, distributing them to his subordinates.


    Lastly, there was the Tiger Blood Wine.


    Initially, Ji Guangxian had transported the wine from the Capital City as a reward, but they couldn''t carry it all due to too many burdens. Only six jars were hung on Qian Xun''s body, which was temporarily sufficient.


    In order not to waste it.


    Taking advantage of the remaining time, Chen Sansi gulped half a jar of wine and then started practicing the cultivation techniques he had memorized from "Photographic Memory."


    Unity Spear Technique!


    Flying Snake Wind, Python Breaking Formation, Undying Golden Snake.


    The pile work and techniques of the three spear methods were perfectly integrated, even the vast Breathing Skill had some minor variations.


    They complemented each other, combining strengths and defenses, flawless and complete!


    Moreover, the name seemed casually chosen, sounding like some mild and steady spear technique, but in reality, Chen Sansi could vaguely sense a hint of "frenzy" from the text and diagrams.


    Instead of calling it "Unity Spear Technique," it might as well be called "Frenzy Blood Spear Technique."


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    Correspondingly, the difficulty of the practice also increased exponentially.


    The complexity of the pile work and techniques was more than several times, ten times even.


    If it were an ordinary person, they would likely find it hard just to memorize it.


    No wonder it had to wait until Sun Buqi changed his temperament to give it to him; otherwise, it would be a waste.


    Refining internal organs, from entry-level to great success, corresponds to Blood Movement, Quenching Internal Organs, Heart Burning, Blood Explosion.


    Blood Movement is different from Blood Refining.


    Blood Refining alters the blood, whereas Blood Movement involves further utilization of Qi-Blood.


    Only after attaining great success in Refining Internal Organs can one advance to Hua Jin.


    Chen Sansi personally experienced why the word used is "refining" and not practicing, forcibly altering the speed of blood flow within the body to increase explosive power while tempering the internal organs in an excruciatingly painful process, comparable to being refined by fire.


    The potent effects of the exotic Tiger Blood Wine combined with the complex pile work spear technique made him feel as though he had jumped into a furnace. In an instant, he was drenched in sweat as his internal organs, blood vessels, bones, and meridians seemed to melt.


    Fortunately, with his blended physique, he was able to fluidly execute the technique by the end of the morning.


    [Cultivation Technique: Unity Spear Technique (Not Entered)]


    [Progress: 5/100]


    [Utility: Blood of the Dragon Elephant, Nine Dragon Living Veins, Vajra Body]


    ...


    "What spear technique is this? I''ve never seen it before!"


    Sun Buqi, who had been secretly watching for a while, widened his eyes, "I want to learn it too!"


    "Go ahead and learn."


    Chen Sansi had noticed him long before, and after all, this originally belonged to someone else.


    "Refining organs skill? Forget it, I won''t learn that!"


    Sun Buqi flipped through a few pages and then gave up, soon realizing something was amiss, "Where did this come from? Could it be that you created it yourself? No, wait, did my father come?"


    "No."


    Chen Sansi didn''t continue the conversation with him but instead went to the West City Gate.


    "Sir."


    Liu Jinkui, Zhao Kang, and others, although technically of the same rank as him, involuntarily addressed him this way, not even realizing it themselves.


    "Among those who can handle weapons and are willing to stay behind to cover our retreat, there are fifteen hundred people, including twelve hundred Array Soldier Infantry and three hundred cavalry, capable of forming the Car Suspension Formation that you personally drill.


    "Besides, there are five hundred strong and young civilians.


    "A total of two thousand.


    "From the civilian side, a rough count shows over forty thousand are willing to accompany us.


    "Additionally, from last night''s battle, countless weapons, supplies, and nearly a thousand horses have been seized; should we take as many as we can?"


    "As much as possible, especially the horses."


    Chen Sansi instructed, "Drilling the battle formation is definitely out of the question, but it''s beneficial if they can all learn to ride horses. Pass my order, we leave in an hour."


    "Yes!"


    Everyone promptly acknowledged the command and departed.


    Outside the West City Gate, led by soldiers specifically responsible for guiding the way, an endless stream of civilians followed, entering the boundless expanse of the world.


    The most dangerous aspect of this journey was being pursued.


    Food was less of a concern.


    In Po Yang City and the Barbarian Army camps alone, the military rations were sufficient for a long time.


    Ironically enough.


    This winter, many who would have died of hunger or cold, on the day the city was abandoned, wore warm clothes and had full bellies.


    "Depart!"


    Chen Sansi, mounted on his horse, commanded loudly.


    The two thousand covering the retreat moved forward.


    He took one last look at Po Yang County before kicking his horse''s sides to catch up with the troop.

 Chapter 105 Meridian Passage Realm

    Two days later.Outside the Great Wall.


    The scattered barbarian soldiers finally regrouped, numbering around a thousand, but no one dared to approach the Great Wall again. They headed straight back to the grasslands dozens of miles away to station themselves. During this period, the two spies they had sent out also vanished without a trace, deterring anyone else from going.


    "Boom! Boom! Boom!"


    The sound of horse hooves shook the earth.


    It was on this day.


    The large army forcibly transferred from the main battlefield in Liangzhou finally arrived, with more troops than reported¡ªforty thousand strong!


    "Damn it!"


    The Main General of the Meridian Passage Realm, Wu LiangHa, lashed his whip onto a soldier: "You were supposed to be besieging the city. Why are you here?"


    The whip split the soldier''s body right in half!


    To those with good eyesight, it was clear.


    In fact, the whip hadn''t touched the barbarian''s body at all. Instead, an invisible force attached to the whip was what tore the soldier apart.


    "Mercy, my lord!"


    The barbarian soldiers knelt down one after another, recounting the events of two days prior.


    "Nonsense!"


    "Sun Xiangzong is still at the main Liangzhou battlefield. It would take at least half a month to come to You State! How could he possibly run to Po Yang and kill an insignificant Refining Organ General!"


    Wu LiangHa raged: "Army, march with me! Direct assault on Po Yang! I want to see who scared you like this!"


    When the army of forty thousand arrived beneath the city walls.


    What emerged before them was an empty city.


    Not only were there no defending troops, but even the civilians were gone!


    "Idiots, idiots!"


    Wu LiangHa was hopping mad: "Tens of thousands of people from a city, and you let them escape? If you''re not up for taking the city, can''t you even encircle it? Search the city!"


    The barbarian army flooded into the city.


    Wu LiangHa, on his own, went to an uninhabited place and waited in silence.


    Before long.


    One after another, members of the Witch God Sect cloaked in black robes arrived.


    Leading them was also a master of the Meridian Passage.


    In his hand, he held a long spike: "General Wu LiangHa, why have you given me an empty city?"


    "Wu Mu''er is completely useless! One after another, the Refining Organ troops sent are no fewer than the Sheng Dynasty''s, yet they''re beaten down to just two thousand men!"


    Wu LiangHa suppressed his rage: "What''s next, should we give up on Po Yang?"


    "No!"


    The Witch God Sect leader Amugu, with a solemn expression: "We originally counted on the six hundred thousand from You State, and one county should have at least thirty thousand. If they escape, what if we can''t meet the numbers?"


    "Then we shall pursue."


    Wu LiangHa said firmly: "These city defenders are not thinking straight, dragging civilians with them, their pace must be extremely slow. Leading the army by the main road, the cavalry should catch up in a few days."


    "Send three thousand Light Cavalry to pursue. A few Refining Organ leaders will suffice. I''ll take another troop to Hengkang Prefecture first. There are more people there. After dealing with that, I''ll personally go after them."


    Amugu methodically arranged: "As for the rest, you lead them to hit An Ding Prefecture."


    Above Refining Organ is Hua Jin.


    Above Hua Jin is Meridian Passage!


    "An Ding Prefecture?"


    Wu LiangHa did not immediately reply: "Are you sure? Wasn''t it agreed that we would surround An Ding Prefecture but not attack, and immediately retreat after our main mission?"


    "This is the Sect Hierarch''s command." Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Amugu stated: "Hengkang Prefecture is about to fall. If we can also take An Ding Prefecture, even if we can''t occupy You State, we''ll be able to demand more benefits."


    "Fine!"


    Wu LiangHa accepted: "That is enough. The defenders in this city, the highest realm is merely at Refining Organ, and they might not even have that. Leave it to you."


    Orders were dispatched.


    The barbarian cavalry quickly followed the trail left by the abandoned city garrison and gave chase.


    ...


    "Phew¡ª"


    Having finally assimilated the potency of the Tiger Blood Wine, Chen Sansi planted his long spear into the ground and slowly exhaled a breath of stale air.


    [Cultivation Technique: Unity Spear Technique (Not Yet Entry-Level)]


    [Progress: 45/100]


    [Utility: Power of the Dragon Elephant, Nine Dragon Living Veins, Vajra Body]


    After starting the Refining Internal process, his efficiency in utilizing Spiritual Grain improved. Coupled with the valuable Tiger Blood Wine, his cultivation speed was not slow.


    It had been two and a half days since they left Po Yang.


    In another two days, he could almost enter the Refining Internal realm.


    By then, should he encounter Refining Organ Generals, unless they are at the Perfect Level, he would not have to face life-and-death situations as before.


    However.


    The barbarian pursuers were likely to catch up soon.


    "My lord!"


    Wang Li raced over on his horse: "Mr. Wang''s reinforcement troops have come to assist, numbering two thousand!"


    Chen Sansi picked up his spear and mounted his horse, riding Qian Xun to the fork in the road ahead.


    It had felt incomplete to only call it Little Xun before. Since it could find its master from a thousand miles away, it was fittingly named Qian Xun, a complete name.


    Arriving at the designated location.


    He saw a troop with fairly commendable marching discipline.


    At the very front was a Refining Organ Deputy General on a red-maned horse, holding a long spear: "This must be Officer Chen, who led a thousand remnants to crush six thousand barbarian bandits. Truly a young hero; Du has nothing but admiration."


    Wang Zhi introduced: "This is Vice Thousand Households Du Rong, sent specially by Commander Ma to assist us."


    "Mr. Chen."


    Du Rong sat upright on his horse: "Hengkang Prefecture is in dire need. I implore you to make haste and return with me to assist."


    "We can''t go back directly. Xu Wencai, bring the map."


    Chen Sansi pointed with his spear at the map: "Vice Thousand Households Du, I must ask you to lead your troops through this minor road with me. Additionally, dispatch a small number of troops to take the major road back to Hengkang Prefecture to assess the situation. After confirming everything is in order, we can then cut back from the border of this mountain."


    "Why make such an unnecessary move? This back and forth will delay us by at least a day and a half,"


    "Mr. Chen, you can''t possibly suspect that Hengkang Prefecture has been taken in the past few days, can you?" Du Rong speculated with a start.


    Chen Sansi tacitly agreed.


    "Impossible!"


    Du Rong asserted confidently, "Hengkang Prefecture is built against the mountains, easy to defend but hard to attack. Even facing a large army, it should hold for at least five months. How could it possibly fall in just a few days?"


    "I kindly ask Mr. Du to allow my suggestion!"


    Chen Sansi cupped his fists, "With tens of thousands of civilians ahead, I dare not gamble with their lives. This way is the safest."


    Easy to defend but hard to attack?


    Wasn''t Po Yang County just a small city that held out? But if there''s internal trouble, who could foresee it?


    The strongest fortresses are often breached from within.


    The words of Xue Yuping before had left him uneasy.


    Du Rong furrowed his brows in thought, half believing and half doubting, "If that''s true, then I can''t afford to waste time with you. I must rush back immediately!"


    "Mr. Du, caution is paramount."


    Chen Sansi gave his final piece of advice, "Let the army take the small path first. We should hear news within two days at most. There''s no harm in deciding then."


    "No way!"


    Du Rong had made up his mind, "Wang Zhi, I''ll leave those few kinsmen of yours behind to follow Mr. Chen''s route. The rest must come back to the Prefecture City with me immediately!"


    After speaking, he hastily led his troops back the way they came.


    The once mighty procession, after just a short time, was reduced to little more than two hundred people remained.


    "..."


    Chen Sansi sighed softly.


    He couldn''t persuade him, and there was nothing he could do.


    It was natural for someone to be anxious when their home was in danger.


    He too hoped that Hengkang Prefecture was alright. But if things had gone wrong, there was a nine out of ten chance that Du Rong wouldn''t be coming back.


    However, at least there were two hundred more people at his disposal.


    "Uncle Tang!"


    "We''ve seen General Tang!"


    "..."


    The three Bone Training Realm military officers leading the group saluted Fatty Wang.


    "All right, rise,"


    Wang Zhi stepped forward and helped each of them up.


    "You have so many kinsmen in Hengkang Prefecture?"


    Chen Sansi was somewhat curious, guessing, "Old acquaintances of yours?"


    "To answer Mr. Chen,"


    A young man spoke up before anyone else, "Our fathers were all generals in the Black Tortoise Camp. After the incident, General Tang settled us in Hengkang Prefecture, and all the resources for practising martial arts were provided by General Tang. Without General Tang, our cultivation would have been greatly diminished."


    "Don''t listen to their nonsense, I''m the one who owes them,"


    Wang Zhi admitted guiltily, "Back then, I rashly attacked the city without reporting it to the Heavenly Strategy Camp, which constituted unauthorized troop deployment, causing the total annihilation of our forces. Not only I, but also all the generals above the Bone Forger Realm, were removed from their positions to serve as a warning to others."


    Chen Sansi finally understood where all of Fatty Wang''s money had gone.


    "Report¡ª"


    Wu Da, responsible for scouting at the rear, came galloping in on his warhorse, "Sir, this is bad news. Fifty li away, we found three thousand elite barbarian cavalry!"


    "Wu Da, you and Zhuang Yi, along with a separate group of men, stay behind. Ten li after we leave, set the mountain on fire!"


    Chen Sansi ordered decisively.


    The sides of the small road were flanked by forests.


    In the dry autumn and winter seasons, the forest caught fire easily, which could greatly slow down the cavalry.


    Boom¡ª


    A blaze roared into the sky, the flames spreading quickly and soon joining together into a vast sea of fire. Black smoke billowed into the sky, turning a hundred li into scorched earth.


    The barbarian cavalry that had come in pursuit had no choice but to take a detour.


    "It''s only a temporary measure."


    Chen Sansi sighed. The road ahead was long and hindered, and he could only hope his worries were unfounded, and that after passing through this small road, they could find a way to Hengkang Prefecture to settle.


    Unfortunately, the bad news still came.


    "Hengkang Prefecture has fallen!"


    "..."


    One day later.


    Of the two thousand Hengkang Prefecture soldiers they had just seen, only a dozen or so cavalry arrived at the rendezvous point.


    "Three days ago, the Vice Commander-in-chief of the vanguard of Hengkang Prefecture committed treason. He launched a surprise attack and killed Commander Ma, then opened the city gates wide. Now inside and out, Hengkang Prefecture is enduring a massacre by the barbarians!


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    "The brothers who escaped death are scattered and gone, their whereabouts unknown..."


    "..."


    Traitorous?


    "How could this happen?!"


    Wang Zhi yanked the man off his horse, "Commander Ma is dead?!"


    "Dead, his head is hanging over the city gates..."


    "Mr. Wang, Yunzhou is finished!"


    "..."


    A heavy weight sank in Chen Sansi''s heart.


    The fall of Hengkang Prefecture, with An Ding Prefecture and the other two closing their gates, meant that the rest of Yunzhou would be trampled under hoof. Tens if not hundreds of thousands of citizens'' lives were likely to be used for the so-called blood sacrifice!


    What was even more frightening was that their own situation was even less optimistic.


    You State was not far from their current location, but it would take at least half a month to reach. That time was definitely enough for the barbarian pursuers to catch up.


    "Cuckoo, cuckoo¡ª"


    Suddenly, the call of a cuckoo bird echoed in the nearby woods.


    Was there news from the Governor Mansion?

 Chapter 106 Lone Rider Blocking a Thousand Troops

    Chen Sansi immediately dismounted and squeezed into the forest from whence the sound originated.He happened to see Han Cheng releasing an Hai Dongqing behind a pile of disorderly stones, which seemed to have shed the appearance of an ordinary bird and could be considered an Exotic Beast.


    "Mr. Chen, the Supervisor has sent a letter, we have hope..."


    Leaning against a rock, Han Cheng said, "The Supervisor wrote that the main battlefield of the Northwest Three States is at a critical moment of determining the outcome, and in the short term, it''s impossible to divert the elite of the Eight Camps or the garrison soldiers, but they have still managed to gather fifty thousand garrison soldiers, including Reserve Generals from the Selected Point of the Northwest Three States, all of whom are hastening to Yunzhou night and day."


    "Selected Point?"


    Chen Sansi took note of the emphasis, "You mean the kind I am?"


    "Yes."


    Han Cheng nodded, "The Selected Points begin in February after the spring has commenced, but many arrive in Liangzhou early, it''s just that the selections officially start once everyone has assembled.


    "In about seven days, they should arrive at Huanwen County of Yunzhou on the Northwest Border. Using this county as a base, they will then dispatch troops according to the real-time war situation to all parts of Yunzhou to lift the siege.


    "The distance between us and Huanwen County is not far; it will also take roughly seven days to get there.


    "But...


    "If we continue on this road, to reach Huanwen County, we''ll need to cross a river.


    "Hongze River is the biggest river in the entire North.


    "I don''t know how much time it will waste to get forty thousand civilians across the river.


    "Mr. Chen, my suggestion remains the same, forget those civilians and ordinary subordinates, just lead the cavalry and gallop ahead. Once you cross the river, you''ll be safe.


    "Moreover, gathering the Reserve Generals this time, it''s likely the Supervisor is using this battle as a test for everyone.


    "Real combat! It''s always been an important part of the Selected Point.


    "The Selected Point selects military officers; if a General cannot command soldiers in battle, what use is a higher realm?


    "Participating in the battle in Yunzhou is definitely crucial.


    "So, Mr. Chen, it''s best that you hurry to Huanwen County as soon as possible. You''ll be assigned troops based on your realm and Cultivation when you arrive. If you miss it, it''s like missing a chance to make a good impression on the Supervisor.


    "Think carefully about it."


    "No need for more words, Mr. Han, at this point," Chen Sansi felt no regret.


    If he had fled and abandoned the city from the very start that would be simply cowardice, but to run halfway through¡ªhe really couldn''t sleep with such a choice.


    He wasn''t worried about the Selected Point.


    His Cultivation progress wasn''t slow, and with the Skill of Commanding Soldiers beside him, even if he didn''t start out ahead, he would definitely gradually emerge on the battlefield.


    Unless...


    The Governor Mansion was just like the garrisons, all show and no substance.


    But that probability was slim.


    If an army was truly rotten to the core, it absolutely wouldn''t have the combat power to terrify the world.


    Even if it were so, looking across the Great Sheng Dynasty, where else could he go?


    "Good!"


    Han Cheng didn''t urge further, "As long as Mr. Chen has thought it through. Also, please find an excuse to send the young master to the very front of the troop; don''t leave him at the back."


    "Mm, I understand," Chen Sansi replied, parting ways with him.


    Chen Sansi located his position on the map, planned a new route, and informed everyone that their destination had shifted from Hengkang Prefecture to Huanwen County, passing the orders to the front of the column.


    "Seven days!"


    "Even with the civilians, we can roughly make it!"


    It was far better than the half a month previously expected.


    Nevertheless, it would be impossible to avoid encountering pursuits next.


    Three thousand cavalrymen, as long as none of them had exceeded the stage of Refining Internal Organs, they could possibly tackle them.


    Swiftly advancing in Refining Internal herpgans, ascertain the true state of the enemy, and then make a decision.


    Chen Sansi made up his mind.


    For the next three days.


    He purposefully slowed down, trailing at the end of the large troop by himself, using the time saved to cultivate and then catch up to the troop at breakneck speed with Qian Xun''s divine haste, repeating this process in cycles.


    It must be said that the utility of the White Swan Horse was truly immense.


    Deep in the night.


    Chen Sansi drank the last jar of Tiger Blood Wine and crammed a small handful of Spiritual Grain into his mouth, starting to wield the long spear in his hands.


    Under the moonlight.


    His Phragmites spear stirred the chilly wind, possessing the stability of the Golden Snake, the swiftness of the Flying Snake, and the ferocity of the Breaking Formation Spear technique¡ªall integrated into one.


    White Snake Spits, Iron Bull Plowing, Swallows Snatching the Nest, Yellow Dragon Lying Road...


    One move after another, all blended into one, the long spear in his hands no longer resembled a snake, but rather a python, an untamed python, a python that would one day become a dragon!


    Empowered by the Unity Spear Technique.


    Chen Sansi''s blood seemed to lose control, wildly turbulent, causing indescribable pain from the chaos inside his body. Several times he nearly fainted, until gradually grasping the pattern, perfectly syncing his spear technique with it, finally bringing his raging Draconic Elephant''s blood under control, making it come and go at his will.


    At this moment, with the enhancement of his blood, his reaction speed, burst strength, and the five senses all improved dramatically. Under the state of Blood Movement, he could easily perceive dangers from all around and react swiftly. Furthermore, combined with the terrifying burst power.


    ```


    No wonder.


    Whether it was Xiang Tingchun, Luo Dongquan, or Wu Mu''er, they could all easily block the arrows he shot.


    He had the most close-quarters combat with Wu Mu''er.


    This guy could also quickly identify the weaknesses in his spear technique.


    To sum up, the advantage of entry-level Martial Artists before Refining Internal is that they can rely on the comprehensive quality improvement brought by "Blood Movement" to resolve most crises and then counterattack with astonishing explosive power.


    Defense, counterattack!


    And amalgamated with physique like Vajra Bloodline and Nine Dragon Living Veins, wouldn''t the speed of Blood Movement far surpass that of ordinary Martial Artists of the same realm, by more than just a little?


    [Cultivation Technique: Unity Spear Technique (Entry-Level)]


    [Progress: 0/500]


    [Utility: Vajra Bloodline, Nine Dragon Living Veins, Vajra Body, Frenzy Blood Dance]


    [Frenzy Blood Dance: Blood Movement to the extreme, an unstoppable frenzy!]


    Unstoppable frenzy!


    Perhaps because of the Unity Spear Technique, which integrates the features of various spear techniques, there''s an added element of frenzy!


    Fierce, ferocious, and enduring¡ªwhen fused together, doesn''t that spell out frenzy, a fearlessness in the face of death?


    After Refining Internal, Chen Sansi''s advantage in endurance still exists and even becomes better with the advancement in realm, but now, to experience his endurance, one would probably have to withstand the ferocious initial onslaught of his spear!


    Before reaching the Great Success of Refining Internal, none of his opponents were a match for his Three Unions technique!


    "I''ve finally achieved Refining Internal!"


    Chen Sansi let out a sigh of relief.


    He didn''t follow the group but temporarily separated from the White Swan Horse, telling it to hide first. He sneaked into the woods, quietly waiting for the pursuit to come, then followed them in secret.


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    Whether retreating or pursuing, a rest was needed.


    Not all horses can travel two thousand li a day like the White Swan Horse; running too hard can exhaust them to death. They need to stop frequently for maintenance and eat quality feed.


    Each time the pursuers rested on the spot.


    Chen Sansi would take advantage of the night to find opportunities to catch isolated individuals and force them to divulge information.


    He finally concluded.


    The highest rank among the cavalry generals coming for him was only at the small achievement level of Refining Internal.


    Chen Sansi no longer had any reservations.


    For him, the only worry was being crushed by a High Realm Martial Artist; otherwise, with his spear technique, archery, and the divine speed of the White Swan Horse, he was essentially a guerrilla warfare god who could not be held by anyone as long as he didn''t charge into the enemy''s heavy encirclement.


    "Enemy attack!"


    The barbarian cavalry had just stopped to rest when suddenly arrows rained down on them, instantly killing several soldiers.


    Everyone looked sharply, but all they saw was a single White Horse military officer in front!


    "A Sheng spy!"


    "Chase him down, kill him!"


    "..."


    The barbarian cavalry truly thought he was just a spy.


    However, as soon as they chased out, the White Horse disappeared.


    "You''re lucky you run fast!"


    "Whoosh¡ª"


    The moment the barbarian cavalry thought he had escaped, several more arrows came flying.


    "Chase!"


    The White Horse disappeared again.


    This repeated over a dozen times, always the same!


    "This is too much!"


    The cavalry Main General could no longer contain himself. When the White Horse military officer reappeared, he charged forward with over a dozen cavalry closely behind him.


    However, this time the White Horse''s speed mysteriously slowed down.


    Until they were within three hundred paces.


    Chen Sansi suddenly turned his horse around, charging at them while drawing his bow. The Main General''s followers fell one after another until they were within ten paces, at which point, the Big Bow in his hands had unknowingly been replaced with a long spear.


    The barbarian Main General was also holding a long weapon, a large-bladed long axe, well-prepared for combat. But when it actually came time to clash, he found himself at a loss on how to receive the attack, fear unexpectedly growing in his heart, even having the impulse to turn and flee.


    "Puchi¡ª"


    In that moment of hesitation, the long spear had already pierced through his heart.


    The three thousand cavalry behind finally caught up. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The White Horse General had already vanished again, like a specter, a ferocious ghost reaping lives!


    He took the head of an enemy General amid thousands of troops.


    After the beheading, no trace to be found!


    "Do we... do we still pursue?"


    The Deputy General swallowed hard, remaining motionless for a long time.


    ```

 Chapter 107 Refining Internal Battles Meridian Passage

    "This spear technique actually has the effect of intimidating the enemy!"Chen Sansi noticed that the enemy general was clearly frightened and confused before he died.


    Who would have thought that Sun Dushi''s self-created spear technique would have such an effect?


    What level could be above a Martial Saint?


    In his mind, he couldn''t help but recall the record of Grand Ancestor Cao Xie breaking through two thousand three hundred armored soldiers.


    What realm was Cao Xie in?


    What level of troops were those two thousand three hundred?


    Were they guerrilla fighters or were they surrounded?


    If it were Sun Dushi, how many could he have killed?


    Now was not the time to think about these things.


    After rushing up a few miles, Chen Sansi pulled his horse to a stop, waiting for the enemy to catch up before he fiercely drew his bow and released arrows, instantly shooting one after another, and in a short time, he had shot dead more than a dozen cavalrymen.


    The barbarian cavalry was extremely frustrated.


    They couldn''t catch up, nor could they escape!


    In the end, they didn''t dare advance even half a step and simply formed an arrow formation on the spot, while sending others to secretly detour around, planning to encircle him from the flank.


    Chen Sansi, with his "Insight Shocking," left on Qian Xun two hundred paces before the sound of the enemy''s horses'' hooves reached him, leaving only two arrows behind for the enemy.


    Three thousand cavalrymen, there was no way there was only one Refining Level general.


    And even though he was enduring, he couldn''t face so many people without his Qi-Blood depleting, but indeed, he didn''t know what his own limit was.


    This kind of life-risking thing, naturally, no one would willingly want to test.


    One man, one horse, blocking three thousand cavalry.


    Until dawn broke, it was still the same.


    So much so that the speed of the cavalry''s advance slowed to such a degree that even tens of thousands of civilians could outpace them.


    Chen Sansi did not dare be too arrogant.


    After holding them back for a while, he would spur his horse forward to rush back to his troops, keeping an eye on the situation ahead, especially the movements from the southwest direction of Hengkang Prefecture.


    This time, there were Hua Jin masters.


    Xue Yuping had said so, and he hadn''t forgotten.


    Through interrogating the captured barbarian cavalry, he analyzed that it was highly likely they had gone to Hengkang Prefecture and could turn around at any moment to pursue and kill them. That was the real trouble.


    His guerrilla tactics were only viable as long as there were not many high realm martial artists on the other side, and none who could overwhelm him. Once there were those above Hua Jin, the situation would become a life-and-death matter.


    Just in case, he had prepared torches attached to his horse for igniting fires.


    It was best not to have to use them.


    ...


    "Where did this fast horse come from? It must be an Exotic Beast disguised as a horse!"


    Of course, the three thousand cavalry didn''t just have one Refining Organ General.


    The vanguard, the center, and the rear each had one Refining Organ General.


    The generals of the center and rear were drawn to the front: "What shall we do? Are we three thousand men to be stopped in our tracks by a single man?"


    "No need to hurry,"


    another general said, "The message has already been rapidly sent to Hengkang Prefecture. Witch God Sect Master Amugu has probably already dispatched troops to encircle them. The Sheng people are too slow, once they pass the mountain ridge ahead, they''ll be trapped, with no escape. By then, it will be an encirclement from front and rear, and not a single soldier or civilian will get away!


    "So, we just need to keep following slowly from behind. Don''t make stupid mistakes like Wu Mu''er."


    ...


    "What has Mr. Chen been doing these past few days??"


    "Yeah, he''s been appearing and disappearing like a ghost."


    Zhao Kang, Feng Yong, and a few others discussed: "Even weirder, according to the speed the barbarian cavalry should have caught up by now, so why haven''t they appeared yet?"


    "Could it be that he alone has stopped the three thousand cavalry?!"


    As this thought crossed their minds, they exchanged glances, almost simultaneously gasping in shock.


    This sounded like an impossible thing.


    But apart from that, there was no way to explain why the pursuers hadn''t caught up yet.


    Scary!


    Recalling the battle of Po Yang, who knows what was happening behind them.


    Unknowingly, this youngest military officer of the Households had already become their commander. Even though he hadn''t officially been promoted, they were more than willing to follow his lead.


    In a way, their lives to this point had been given to them by Chen Sansi, otherwise they would have died long ago.


    "Damn, lucky I never offended Mr. Chen before," Zhao Kang felt a chill.


    "You few are dead men!"


    Feng Yong pointed at Liu Jinkui and the others, recalling: "If I remember correctly, when recruiting back then, didn''t you take some benefits from the Tianyuan Martial Arts Hall and refuse to teach them the Breathing Skill?"


    "Right, it was you guys!"


    Zhao Kang said gleefully: "Just wait for the reckoning come autumn."


    "That matter wasn''t targeted at him alone; it was a rule left by the previous Li Qianhu, a tradition for decades. Previously, anyone who dared to teach privately without taking money would be punished by Li Qianhu!"


    Liu Jinkui was panicked.


    "That''s right, if anyone is going to die, it should be Wang Zhi!"


    Xiong Qiuan cursed: "We just didn''t teach, that fat guy took eight taels of silver and still didn''t teach, and later when he saw someone had talent, he came sniffing around like a dog. What a disgrace, deserving of death!"


    "Go to hell! What are you cursing for?!"


    Just as they were talking, Wang Zhi returned with a team of scouts: "Who''s looking to kill me?"


    "Mr. Chen wants to kill you."


    A few said nearly in unison.


    "I''m the dog! A mangy dog, how about that?"


    With incredibly thick skin, Wang Zhi said: "Whether I''m killed or not is not for you lot to decide. My life is entrusted to him!"


    "Damn it. Vice Thousand Households, somebody called you General Tang. You wouldn''t happen to be someone resurrected from the dead from the year 57 of Longqing, would you?!"


    "What realm must the Xuanwu Camp Commander be in?"


    "A Main General, who commands over ten thousand, at the very least has to be in the Meridian Passage. As for the elites from the Eight Camps, eight or nine out of ten are above Meridian Passage, below Martial Saint."


    "Is that not the Profound Image Realm?"


    "What''s the use, isn''t he still practicing bone training just like us?"


    "Roll, roll, roll, you know jack shit."


    Wang Zhi fell silent.


    His organs were damaged, his meridians destroyed; if these could be healed, he wouldn''t need many years to return to his peak.


    Unfortunately, only immortals could heal such wounds!


    "Mr. Chen has returned."


    A group of riders reined in their horses, waiting for the white horse approaching rapidly.


    "Whoa¡ª" S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "What''s the situation now?"


    Chen Sansi asked as soon as he opened his mouth.


    Every day, he would send out several groups of spies to collect intelligence from all directions, ensuring that they could respond in time in case of any emergencies. Commanding tens of thousands of people was truly not an easy task.


    Zhao Kang and others had gathered here to report the situation.


    "I''ve found Du Rong''s corpse. Hengkang Prefecture has already freed up nearly twenty thousand men to encircle us from the shorter route up ahead."


    Wang Zhi''s expression turned solemn, "It seems they don''t plan to let a single one of us escape!"


    "The map!"


    Chen Sansi looked at the map and quickly made a decision, "There''s a gorge here where we can make our last stand. Delay them for another two days. After two days, only heaven will know. Any of you want to leave early?"


    "Mr. Chen."


    "What''s the point of saying these things now? Not just the others, we''re willing to stick with you until the end."


    "Yes, our families, our women and children, are up ahead."


    "Isn''t joining the army and practicing martial arts all for the sake of our own families?"


    "..."


    "Good!"


    Chen Sansi began to issue commands, "Wang Zhi, you take four hundred men and encounter the troops from Hengkang Prefecture. You are only allowed to feign defeat and must not slay the enemy; lead them to this gorge.


    "Feng Yong, Zhao Kang, you must hurry to the gorge with the fastest speed. Once the enemy in large numbers follows, first release arrows and then roll down the rocks and logs. Finally, set fire to the mountain. Don''t engage in close combat. After doing all this, get out of there."


    His plans were entirely reliant on geographical advantages; small tricks. After another eighty li ahead, there would be no more natural defenses to rely on, no more mountains to burn, and they would enter a flat wasteland that stretched for a thousand li.


    At that time, there would be no stopping the iron hooves of the barbarian cavalry.


    All he could do now was do his humanly best and leave the rest to fate.


    "Your humble servant obeys the command!"


    "Obeying the command!"


    "..."


    One by one, the men dispatched their troops and left.


    Chen Sansi then returned to his previous position, shooting and killing twenty-some pursuing riders who were behind them. Only after preventing them from daring to move forward for a short time could he afford to rush toward the gorge to lend support.


    ...


    "It''s an ambush, retreat quickly!"


    "..."


    When the barbarian bandits chased into a gorge, a sudden shout from above shook the sky, and arrows fell like rain. Then, rocks and logs came tumbling down from a height of over a dozen zhang, as if the mountains were collapsing and the earth was splitting, with no place to hide.


    The lower-realm barbarian cavalry were instantly smashed into pulp, and their sturdy steeds also suffered, creating an incessant stream of screams and howls.


    "A bunch of trash!"


    Master Amugu of the Witch God Sect, finally arriving, looked at the scene unfolding before him with an extremely ugly expression.


    So many elite cavalry, chasing a remnant of Sheng people carrying civilians, had taken so long yet still hadn''t caught up, not to mention the heavy losses they''d incurred. What was most outrageous was the report from the three thousand cavalry at the rear.


    Their three thousand men had been scared off by a single Refining Organ Little General and didn''t dare to pursue!


    This was a humiliation of epic proportions!


    "You are all Akina, Sai Sihei!"


    "With such terrain, even a fool could see the ambush. Why did you still chase here!"


    "Now scram, pursue them via the main road!"


    While giving orders, Master Amugu himself led twenty-some Witch God Sect Followers, riding the best warhorses, and charged into the gorge, fearlessly facing the rain of arrows and falling rocks as he opened the way ahead.


    "Boom!"


    With a palm raised, the rocks above him didn''t even hit him, exploding into countless small stones before they could reach within an inch of him.


    "Meridian Passage..."


    At the end of the gorge, Wang Zhi saw everything clearly and shouted, "Retreat, quickly retreat!"


    Alas, it was already too late.


    With Meridian Passage opening the path, the twenty-some Witch God Sect Followers on horseback quickly advanced.


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    Master Amugu, holding a specially made Vajra Pestle, found that no one could match him in a fight; they all fell to the pestle piercing their hearts, with the mechanism inside storing the warm blood that gushed out.


    In a few breaths'' time, seven or eight men had fallen off their horses.


    "Meridian Passage..."


    Feng Yong, Zhao Kang, and their companions were all hereditary military households born and raised in Po Yang County. They had never left the area, and the highest realm martial artist they had ever seen was at the Refining Level. When faced with someone akin to a legendary Meridian Passage, they had no idea what to do for the moment.


    "Run, hurry up and run!"


    Wang Zhi roared as he rushed forward.


    Master Amugu looked on with contempt and with a single swing of his pestle was about to strike; to his slight surprise, the opponent managed to block the attack with saber technique that far exceeded his own level, but that was all.


    The terrible force surged forward, and Wang Zhi''s hands were immediately shaken and his Mo Blade was sent flying.


    Master Amugu didn''t give him a chance to catch his breath. His left hand followed instantly, striking the chest. The other man raised his arms to block, but it was futile. He spat out a mist of blood, flew backward several zhang, and crashed to the ground, passing out immediately.


    "Whiz¡ª"


    Just as Master Amugu was about to take the man''s life, he noticed movement from the flank.


    He reached out and caught a willow-leaf arrow accurately, crushing it easily. Looking intently, he saw not far away a young General riding a white horse, wielding a big bow.


    "Is it you?"


    The young Sheng person who held back three thousand cavalry surely had to be this individual.


    "Good, that saves me the trouble of having to find you myself."

 Chapter 108 Immortal Treasure Strange Fire

    ```"Take Wang Zhi and leave, I''ll lead this one away!"


    "Mr. Chen?!"


    Zhao Kang and the others looked towards the White Horse, all worried, "It''s the Meridian Passage!"


    "Quit your yapping, just do what he tells you!"


    Feng Yong took advantage of the Witch God Church Master chasing after the White Horse to grab Wang Zhi and lead the troops in a rapid retreat.


    "Indeed, that White Horse is incredibly fast, it should be able to lose them."


    Zhao Kang hurriedly followed.


    ...


    "A mere Refining Internal martial artist, standing alone against my three thousand Iron Cavalry, I really must see how capable you are!"


    Amugu quickly lost interest in the others, ordering his men to deal with them while he himself sped off in pursuit of the young military officer.


    "This horse?"


    He quickly realises that the opponent''s mount, the White Horse, is extraordinary, its speed and endurance far surpassing that of a normal warhorse, entering the rank of an Exotic Beast, probably worth a fortune, "It''s mine!"


    The distance between them grew wider.


    Amugu snorted coldly, leaped into the air, used his own horse as a stepping stone, and jumped more than a dozen yards into the dense forest.


    Taking a shortcut!


    The White Swan Horse was not small in size; it was impossible to maintain such speed in the mountains and forests.


    But if he dismounted, even with ''Light as a Feather'' at his disposal, he still wouldn''t be able to outrun the Meridian Passage.


    "Rustle rustle¡ª"


    Rapid footsteps came from the hillside on the right.


    The Witch God Church Master burst forth at such speed that he almost became a blur, closing a large distance with each blink, certain to catch up before reaching open ground.


    "Hao Qianxun, you go first." sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Sansi simply jumped off the horse, lit the torch carried by the horse with his Fire Stick, then used it to light the oilcloth-wrapped Fire Arrow, pulled the bow and quickly loosed arrows at the blur, the speed of his archery equally lightning-fast.


    "Impressive archery!"


    Amugu, watching the continuous barrage of arrows, exclaimed from the bottom of his heart, "Your horseback shooting skills are genius level, too bad, you''re not one of our grassland people! Don''t waste your effort. Even a bow of over ten stones can''t hurt me!"


    He wielded the Vajra Pestle in his hand and deflected the arrows with ease, pouncing through the air like a fierce tiger.


    "CLANG¡ª"


    The long spear and the Vajra Pestle collided.


    In an instant, Chen Sansi felt an indescribable, terrifying power come from the tip of the gun, roaring up to his arm. The blood of the dragon elephant danced wildly in his body, and from head to toe, he turned into a Vajra Body. His arms, holding the long spear, even made metallic vibrating sounds.


    Despite this, he still felt an intense pain sweep over him. The wooden handle of the spear swung wildly like rubber, forcing him to release his grip and let it fall to the ground.


    "Time to die!"


    In the blink of an eye, Amugu was in front of him, thrusting the Vajra Pestle straight at his heart.


    "CLANG!"


    Another metallic sound rang out, as if a great bell had been struck.


    Chen Sansi placed the Zhenyue Sword in front of him just in time to block the strike, feeling as if a huge mountain had smashed into him. He lost his balance and flew backward several yards before crashing heavily against a tree trunk, his organs aching from the impact. He forcefully stabilized his form, landing with the Zhenyue Sword as support, his right hand still holding the torch, a trickle of fresh blood spilling from the corner of his mouth.


    For the first time since he began practicing martial arts, he was injured.


    Not because he was weak.


    But because his opponent was at the Meridian Passage!


    Meridian Passage, Mysterious Phenomenon, Martial Saint.


    Meaning, the Witch God Sect Follower in front of him was only one major realm away from Martial Saint.


    "Not bad, you survived two of my moves, impressive!"


    While Amugu spoke, he didn''t give Chen any chance, bursting forward with astonishing speed to kill again.


    "Whoosh whoosh whoosh¡ª"


    Chen Sansi planted the torch into the ground and switched his weapon back to the bow and arrows, moving from lighting the arrow to loosing it in one breath.


    Amugu caught a Fire Arrow, on his palm he summoned an invisible, fearsome power, directly snuffing out the flame, and then crushed the iron cage until it was twisted and deformed.


    "Whoosh¡ª"


    Another Fire Arrow flew towards him.


    "Need to see the coffin before you cry?"


    Amugu, repeating his trick, easily caught the arrow, intending to break it directly, but he felt that this Fire Arrow seemed a bit odd, a bit hot to the touch.


    "Hm?"


    "BOOM¡ª"


    A red hot flame burst forth suddenly, instantly turning into a fire dragon several yards high. The Witch God Church Master didn''t even have time to scream before he was engulfed by this red flame and then turned into a pile of ash.


    Chen Sansi took a deep breath, sat down on the ground, and used his Breathing Skill to control the injuries inside his body.


    After all, he had to resort to the last measure he wanted to use.


    He had already prepared a foolproof plan.


    Even if the arrows were useless,


    he had already coated the Zhenyue Sword with lamp oil, which would cut through anything once lit.


    Only he was reluctant to do it, planning to use it at the very end.


    A mortal world sword, likewise, could not withstand the Immortal Treasure Strange Fire.


    Such a fine sword would be a pity to burn.


    As for exposing it,


    he had been paying attention to the other Witch God Sect Followers, knowing that none had followed.


    Even if they had,


    There wouldn''t be many, only a dozen or so, no different from slaughtering chickens and dogs after killing the high master of the Meridian Passage.


    If they didn''t follow, that was their luck.


    "Meridian Passage, huh..."


    Chen Sansi saw that the person was able to use a powerful force that was different from the others, probably the Power, which could also be attached to the surface of the body or a weapon.


    "I wonder if it can be attached to an arrow."


    "Otherwise, the lethality of archery is a bit insufficient against High Realm Martial Artists."


    "Even Refining Internal would take a lot of time."


    He still preferred the feeling of one arrow, one kill.


    "Now''s not the time to ponder this."


    Chen Sansi hastily ate some pre-prepared healing pills, then got up to scatter Amugu''s ashes, making sure not to leave any trace, and then lit a fire, setting ablaze the nearby woods. Discover hidden content at empire


    ```

 Chapter 108 Immortal Treasure Strange Fire_2

    A fuzzy sensation came across his face.Qian Xun, seeing that the fight was over, automatically came back to rub against him, as if expressing concern.


    "The wound''s not serious, I''m fine, let''s go."


    Chen Sansi picked up his reed-leaf long spear, mounted his horse, and galloped away.


    ...


    The next day, with the main forces.


    "What?"


    "Meridian Passage?!"


    Sun Buqi, looking at Tang Ruoshan who was as lifeless as a dead pig, widened his eyes, "Where''s Sansi, you left him alone to deal with the Meridian Passage expert?!"


    "He ordered us to rescue Wang Zhi, and he alone lured away the Witch God Sect expert with the Meridian Passage ability..."


    Zhao Kang and the others also showed worried expressions.


    But in the army, obedience was of utmost importance.


    Having decided to acknowledge Chen Sansi as their commander, they had to follow orders, whether they were commanded to face death or to retreat.


    "I''ll go take a look."


    Sun Buqi said as he was about to take his spear and mount his horse.


    "That won''t do, Mr. Sun!"


    A group of people hurriedly held him back, "Mr. Chen''s White Swan Horse is unbelievably fast, perhaps he has already shaken them off. If you go like this, you might just end up being a burden."


    Sun Buqi hesitated.


    "I''m fine!"


    The familiar voice and the White Horse appeared.


    Everyone breathed a sigh of relief simultaneously.


    "How''s Wang Zhi?"


    Chen Sansi asked, "Is he dead?"


    "No."


    Zhao Kang placed his hand at the base of the neck, "He''s still breathing, but I don''t think he will live much longer."


    Chen Sansi took out all the medicinal herbs that could heal wounds on his body and handed them over to Wang Zhi''s nephews and subordinates to take care of him.


    Whether he could survive was now up to Wang Zhi''s own fate.


    It was the same old saying.


    On the battlefield, there is no such thing as an immortal man.


    "Good riddance!"


    Sun Buqi cursed with his mouth, but his eyes held no excitement.


    His impression of the fat man, Tang Ruoshan, stayed back in his early childhood memories when he used to follow him around. Tang didn''t mind his naughty pranks and sometimes would even skip martial practice to take him tree climbing, where Tang could climb particularly high, scaring him to the point of wetting his pants.


    That was until later when his older brother left with him and never returned...


    Actually, his older sister was right.


    Sometimes you can''t just blame Tang Ruoshan; he was also trying to save his father. If there was someone to blame, it was the Emperor.


    "Maps!"


    Chen Sansi asked, "What about the pursuing forces?"


    "Reporting to Mr. Chen."


    Zhao Kang replied, "The ambush at the gorge will delay them for a while, the civilians at the front are moving faster, and in about two more days, we should reach the Hongze River. Once we cross the river, we''ll be at Huanwen County."


    "It''s just..."


    "We''re running out of time."


    "We''re about to enter the plains, and the barbarian cavalry will catch up soon. The force is more than twenty thousand strong, and they''re likely to bypass the mountains and directly appear here, right in front of the civilians."


    "They''re really not planning to spare a single one."


    "Twenty thousand..."


    After continued losses along the way, Chen Sansi now had only about a thousand usable men left, including Wang Zhi''s nephews and subordinates, many of whom were greenhorns.


    "Mr. Chen¡ª"


    As he was devising a strategy. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xu Wencai''s voice rang out, he couldn''t ride a horse, so he had Zhu Tong ride with him in the back, looking as if he was about to be thrown off at any moment.


    "Mr. Chen!"


    His face was full of ecstatic joy, "We''re saved, we''re saved!"


    "What do you mean, saved?"


    Chen Sansi asked, "Is there military aid?"


    "Fifty thousand troops!"


    Xu Wencai held up his hand, "At the very front, a large number of troops are coming from Huanwen County, carrying the banners of the Youzhou Guards, saying they''ve come to provide aid to Yunzhou, and are currently asking the civilians for specific details about the state of Yunzhou!"


    The Youzhou garrison soldiers, which included the Reserve Generals mentioned by Han Cheng, had arrived early!


    "Good, I''ll go check it out!"


    Chen Sansi immediately spurred his horse forward.


    All the way there.


    All the usable tricks had been spent long ago.


    From now on, even if Han Xin or Zhuge himself came, they would have to engage in close combat; there was absolutely no second method to delay time.


    But if indeed fifty thousand troops had come to their aid.


    Everyone has a way to live!


    ...


    On an endless wasteland.


    Tens of thousands of common folks, carrying their belongings, were helping one another move forward.


    "Da da da da da¡ª¡ª"


    Suddenly, the ground began to tremble.


    Rolling dust clouds rose in the distance.


    Before long, a dense mass of cavalry came into sight.


    The hearts of the common people quivered, fearing the barbarians had caught up so quickly.


    But soon they realized.


    This wasn''t the cavalry of the barbarians; it was the cavalry of the Great Sheng Dynasty!


    On the military flag fluttering high, a huge "Sheng" was depicted, the Sheng of the prosperous era.


    The generals at the forefront looked imposing, each a young talent!


    "Huh!"


    Upon encountering the people, the army slowed down, loosely sending cavalry to approach the crowd.


    "Military Lords!"


    "..."


    The commoners, seeing their saviors, had excitement written all over their faces. Your adventure continues at empire


    They took out what little dry food they had left: "Military Lords, you must be tired from the journey, please have something to eat and drink!"


    "This cake even has sesame in it, I''ve never eaten such good cake in my life, you should try it."


    "..."


    A young general around twenty, majestic in his armor, sat on his horse, gazing down at the commoners in rough linen clothes, his voice devoid of emotion, "Where do you come from?"


    "To answer the lord, we were led by Mr. Chen out of Yunzhou, escaping from Po Yang!"


    "Po Yang? Where''s that?"


    "An Ding Prefecture, it seems to be under the jurisdiction of An Ding Prefecture!"


    "The county? I''m not asking about that. I''m asking about the specific situation in Yunzhou."


    "What specific situation, what do you mean, Military Lord?"


    "You''re talking about the war, right? We don''t understand that."


    "It''s just that they say there are barbarians everywhere."


    "And there are those chasing us right behind!"


    "But now that you Military Lords are here, we''ll be safe!"


    "..."


    Seeing that he couldn''t get much information, the young general gradually lost patience and was about to move on to ask others.


    "Wait, Military Lord, try this jerky, it was left by the barbarians, it''s very fragrant."


    "Stand aside." The young general seemed deaf to their pleas.


    "You can take it with you to eat on the road."


    "Get lost!"


    The young general frowned and used the handle of his weapon to sweep the commoner to the ground.


    "Pfft..."


    The gaunt man spat out a mouthful of blood on the spot.


    "Why are you hitting people?"


    "You... why?"


    "Are you lot disguised as barbarians?!"


    "..."


    Lai Zi was nearby, cursing from afar, "Hey! How dare you!"


    "Slap¡ª¡ª"


    "It''s you scum, you poor wretches, who I''m hitting!"


    The young general raised his hand and with a single whip, killed an old man on the spot; he then stirred his Qi-Blood, his voice booming:


    "You bunch of troublemakers, do you realize you''re blocking the path of my advancing army!


    "Move aside quickly!


    "If you get trampled to death, so be it! But if you trip up even one warhorse, can you afford to compensate!"


    Deathly silence.


    Tens of thousands of common people simultaneously stopped in their tracks, nearly a hundred thousand pairs of eyes looking towards the general on horseback, the joy and excitement on their faces vanishing into nothingness, replaced by the resignation they should have been accustomed to.


    At that moment, they remembered.


    They were the lowest of the low.


    Scenes of harmony between the military and the people only happened when it was time to use them as cannon fodder!


    In this world, perhaps only that Mr. Chen with the surname Chen would say to them, "All who volunteer can follow with the army, and we, the military, will cover your retreat!"


    "Military Lords, please spare our lives¡ª¡ª"


    At this moment, people recalled the fear imprinted in their bones through generations.


    No longer daring to come a step closer, they scattered like startled animals in all directions, leaving the flattest and easiest path open for the cavalry bearing the "Great Sheng" flag to pass.

 Chapter 109 Sun Xiangzong

    "Drive!"Chen Sansi rode Qian Xun straight ahead.


    When he reached the middle of the common folk''s column, he noticed something amiss up front.


    The people seemed to have encountered a deluge or a ferocious beast; the originally orderly lines had scattered in disarray, nearly beyond control.


    "What''s wrong, the barbarians couldn''t have circled to the front so quickly!"


    Chen Sansi sped up and clearly saw several flags being held aloft, all belonging to the Great Sheng Dynasty, and upon the general''s banner, the name of Youzhou General Jing Fuhu was clearly written.


    "Where are you deserters coming from?!"


    The young general who had previously whipped and killed several of the commoners came forth: "I see you''re wearing armor befitting a general! Yunzhou is in urgent need, how can you desert!"


    "?"


    Chen Sansi didn''t even have the chance to speak.


    "Not killing you deserters will fail to establish the might of the Sheng Army!"


    The young general said as he lifted his spear, ready to strike, but someone called out to stop him.


    "Halt!"


    Another general on a black horse slowly approached, wielding an Azure Dragon Crescent blade, flanked by many fully armored generals, all young, at most in their mid-twenties.


    "Princely Heir!"


    Yin Hanwen treated the newcomer with great respect: "Isn''t this man a deserter who should be executed?"


    "Find out the situation in Yunzhou first."


    Cao Fan squinted his eyes and asked: "Where do you hail from?"


    "An Ding Prefecture, Po Yang Thousand Households, Captain Chengxin Chen Sansi."


    Chen Sansi introduced himself.


    "So you are that Chen Sansi?"


    Cao Fan was slightly surprised.


    His followers exchanged glances, clearly having heard the name before.


    "Is it you who captured that useless Yuwen scion?"


    Yin Hanwen asked with interest: "The battle reports say that you were surrounded by thousands of cavalry. With you in the Bone Forger Realm, how did you do it?"


    "Luck, nothing more."


    Chen Sansi could feel the disdain in their words; he took note of this in his heart, but now was not the time for such pettiness. The priority was to resolve the issue of the pursuing enemy.


    But the other party simply wouldn''t give¡ª


    "I knew it, no point in asking you."


    Yin Hanwen scoffed: "Surely you captured him when he was alone, right? The battle reports are probably local officials exaggerating to flatter you. That Yuwen scion is a well-known good-for-nothing, what''s so impressive about capturing him? His Majesty actually praised you personally."


    "Why did you flee?"


    Cao Fan asked sternly: "To my knowledge, Yunzhou is in a total state of emergency. You''ve just been awarded a royal decree not long ago. Shouldn''t you have defended your city to the death? Why abandon it and run here? We''re almost at You State''s territory past Huanwen County."


    "I¡ª"


    Chen Sansi felt frustrated.


    He realized these men were likely high-ranking officials'' sons. Their arrogance was normal, but why wouldn''t they even give him a chance to speak?


    "He is not a routed soldier, nor a deserter!"


    A cold voice spoke up.


    "Miss Sun?"


    Cao Fan greeted familiarly: "I was wondering why I hadn''t seen you in Liangzhou. They only said you went to Yunzhou with Brother Bu Qi to be a Selection Officer. I would never have expected you''d go to such a trivial county town, what was its name?"


    "Princely Heir."


    A pale-faced Sun Li rode up beside her junior brother: "How can you accuse Sansi of desertion without knowing the facts? Don''t you realize that if it weren''t for him, I, my junior brother, and tens of thousands of soldiers and civilians would have perished under the barbarians'' blades."


    "Exactly!"


    Sun Buqi also rushed over, recounting the tale of the battle at Po Yang, where a thousand remnants broke through six thousand barbarian marauders.


    "Sun Buqi, are you blowing smoke?"


    Yin Hanwen disbelieved: "Him, a Bone Trainer, killing a barbarian Refining Internal?"


    "He has the Nine Dragon Body, no worse than any of you!"


    Sun Buqi said discontentedly: "Speak more respectfully."


    "Even if what you''re saying is true."


    Yin Hanwen said: "In the end, didn''t you still flee the city?"


    "There were special reasons for that!"


    "Brother Bu Qi, why are you so protective of him? That''s favoritism! Abandoning the city and fleeing on your own is a serious crime!"


    "Yuwen, are you asking for a beating?"


    "Brother Bu Qi, who can you beat?"


    "..."


    "Enough, quit arguing."


    Cao Fan gave a bow to the young man: "Could you please inform us of the specific situation inside Yunzhou borders? Especially An Ding, Taining, and Lingfeng Prefectures."


    Chen Sansi had to prioritize the overall situation: "Directly fifty li behind us, there are three thousand barbarian cavalry, and to the southwest, another twenty thousand barbarian marauders. My spy''s report indicated that the highest-ranking among them is a Refining Organ Commander, with also a Divine Sect Meridian Passage expert."


    "I''m not asking about that."


    Cao Fan shook his head slightly: "There''s no need to worry about pursuers here; not far ahead, Huanwen County has already called in over thirty thousand soldiers for defense, plus the natural barrier of the Hongze River; they won''t be able to cross it."


    "What I want to ask Brother Chen about is the distribution of barbarian troops within Yunzhou and the specific combat situations, especially in An Ding, Taining, and Lingfeng Three Prefectures."


    "I''ll do it!"


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    Sun Buqi took over the conversation, sharing all they knew about the situation. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Oh?"


    Cao Fan gestured, and immediately two people spread out a map in front of him: "According to this, the situation is that the Three Prefectures are still holding; that makes things easier! Next, we will only need to send thirty thousand troops to An Ding Prefecture and twenty thousand to Taining Prefecture. Once these two are relieved, Lingfeng will naturally be saved, and then we can coordinate with the main forces of the Northwest Three States to retake Yunzhou territories."


    "That''s great."


    Yin Hanwen showed joy: "Princely Heir, let''s quickly report to General Jing so that he assigns some troops for us to command. The Selection hasn''t officially started yet, and we''re about to make a great contribution."


    "Hmm."


    Cao Fan nodded, signaling to pack up the map: "Brother Chen, now that we''ve met, come with us. General Jing will assign troops for you to command based on your realm, and you surely wouldn''t want to miss the chance to earn military honors."

 Chapter 109 Sun Xiangzong_2

    ```"Princely Heir,"


    Chen Sansi pointed his long spear behind him, "Our top priority should be to reorganize our troops and deal with the pursuing forces behind us."


    "Hss, Brother Chen, did you not understand my meaning?"


    Cao Fan raised an eyebrow, "Didn''t I just say that behind us lies Huanwen County, and if we take the official road from the far north, we won''t encounter any barbarian bandits. We can head straight for An Ding Prefecture, which is much faster than the path they are taking.


    "Once we get to An Ding Prefecture ahead of time and find a terrain that is easy to defend but hard to attack, if they dare to come to the rescue, they''ll be on a path to certain death."


    "This is encirclement and relief targeting."


    "If they do not come to the rescue, that would be even better. The siege on An Ding Prefecture can be broken with just a snap of a finger, and those people can only retreat to An Ding Prefecture and wait for death."


    "Princely Heir, there''s no need to waste words on him."


    Yin Hanwen said disdainfully, "He comes from a small county town, how could he possibly understand ''the bigger picture''."


    "I know what you are talking about,"


    Chen Sansi made one final effort: "But if we don''t first repel the pursuing forces from behind, what will become of the tens of thousands of civilians who have fled from Po Yang County all the way here? Wouldn''t it mean leaving them to be slaughtered?"


    "Civilians?"


    Cao Fan was extremely surprised, "What civilians?"


    "Princely Heir, he is most likely referring to these lowly people."


    Yin Hanwen said with a disgusted face, "Shouldn''t they have stayed in their locality, defending their own cities to the death, instead of running out? If they go to other places, wouldn''t that just waste the local food supplies? They should be killed, all of them!"


    "Oh, you mean these people."


    Cao Fan, realizing who Chen Sansi was referring to, saw the dirt-covered poor people nearby and had an epiphany, "Yes, yes, they are also civilians. Hurry and send someone to tell Huanwen County to send more ferries. As for how many of them can cross the river, the overall situation is what matters¡ªwe really can''t manage them!"


    "One more word could result in a missed opportunity in battle."


    "Miss Sun, Brother Bu Qi, and this... Brother Chen, right? We need to hurry and report to General Jing and then set off. If you''re not coming with us, you better ride fast and cross the river while there''s time."


    "Farewell!"


    After dropping a few words, he led a few people beside him and hurried towards the Central Army.


    "Princely Heir!"


    Sun Li couldn''t stop them even if she wanted to.


    The fifty-thousand-strong army quickly mobilized.


    Under the watchful eyes of tens of thousands, they completely ignored them, taking the official road to the far north, and within two hours, they had all disappeared from sight, leaving only a cloud of dust behind.


    When the dust settled, it was as if they had never been there.


    The civilians looked ashen!


    "Mr. Chen, what... what should we do!"


    Xu Wencai, who had witnessed the whole process, stomped his feet anxiously, "How could they not leave a single soldier behind! What should we do now?"


    Chen Sansi silently watched the direction in which the army had vanished, hearing the fearful and uneasy voices of the civilians.


    He was expressionless, "How much longer until we can cross the river?"


    Xu Wencai blurted out, "One day."


    "Then we will delay for one more day."


    "We can''t hold them off."


    Xu Wencai stated firmly, "This is a plain, and once the cavalry bursts out of the hills, we will have no tricks left, only to face them head-on. We''ll be crushed in an instant, and we can''t even hold out for two hours."


    "Who said I''m waiting for them to chase us out?"


    Chen Sansi lifted his long spear and enunciated every word, "Convey my orders! The whole army, counterattack!"


    ...


    On the East Bank of Hongze River, there were a few small rural villages.


    Having heard that barbarian bandits had entered the land, they had fled early on, seeking refuge across the river in Huanwen County.


    Under an old willow tree, a stone chessboard left by the villagers remained.


    In the empty and desolate village, surprisingly, two men were playing a game of chess.


    One appeared to be around fifty years old, with a pale, beardless face, wearing a blue scholar''s robe, exuding an air of refined elegance.


    Only, his legs were crippled, and he sat in a wooden wheelchair.


    Across from him,


    sat an old man in a coarse linen garment, with silver hair mixed with black and a goatee, holding a black piece in hand but hesitating to make a move, causing the middle-aged scholar''s impatience to show.


    "Master, please make your move,"


    ```


    "What''s the rush!"


    The old man spoke angrily, "Are you going to move or not?"


    The middle-aged scholar immediately closed his mouth.


    After a long while, he cautiously asked, "Master, are you really not going to do anything about Po Yang County? Our junior brothers and sisters are all there."


    "Where are the extra troops to send over?"


    The old man furrowed his brows, unnoticeably moved a white piece on the board, countered with a black one, and finally said with satisfaction, "Alright, it''s your turn."


    Without much thought, the middle-aged scholar made a move and continued to speak, "What I mean, Master, is that you alone could go and bring the junior brothers and sisters back, that should still be fine."


    "Me go? Great, will you battle the Wushen Sect Leader then?"


    The old man fell into worry again, hesitating over his move: "As for that worthless Bu Qi and the girl, if some accident really happens, it''ll just be time to settle the accounts accumulated over these years, no need to keep living so wretchedly."


    "Master."


    A flicker of sympathy passed through the middle-aged scholar''s eyes: "After all, our junior brothers and sisters..."


    "Children will have their own luck."


    The old man put down a piece and interrupted, "Don''t worry, if they really have the luck to come back alive, I will still prepare a future for them as I said before. Let it be humble, so be it."


    "Master, over the years... you''ve become somewhat crazed."


    "How are you speaking to your master?"


    "Master..."


    "Hmm?"


    "You lost."


    The middle-aged scholar decisively placed a piece, securing victory for the white side.


    "Don''t you know to go easy on me?"


    The old man stood up in a huff, "I think you''re trying to make me die of anger!"


    "Master, it''s not me, it''s His Majesty who won..."


    The middle-aged scholar closed his eyes and let out a long breath: "We''ve all been deceived. The Northwest Three States was a ruse; their real target is Yunzhou, and now even if we dispatch the troops from You State to relieve them, it will still take at least seven days."


    "Taking into account ten days'' time, that''s enough for them to complete the Blood Sacrifice."


    "Hehe~"


    The old man suddenly laughed self-deprecatingly, the ancient voice filled with sorrow: "It seems I won''t outlast him."


    "Almost a million people in the whole Yunzhou!"


    The middle-aged scholar''s eyes reddened, he banged on the chessboard, his voice trembling: "In his eyes, what are his subjects? What are we!"


    "And for the last batch of Reserve Generals from Selected Point, either they''re for personal glory or for the Immortal Law in your hand, Master. How many of them are joining the Eight Camps for the sake of the world''s common folk, for the people?"


    "Is there any hope left for the Great Sheng Dynasty? Oh, the misery of the Yunzhou people!!!"


    "Fourth brother."


    The old man stood with his hands behind his back, gazing into the distance: "If within three days, we drive them off from the Northwest Main Battlefield and I hurry over, how many people can I save?"


    The middle-aged scholar shook his head and sighed: "Apart from the Three Prefectures, there will surely not be a single survivor..."


    "Reporting to the Supervisor¡ª"


    A figure appeared before the two, kneeling on one knee.


    "Han Cheng."


    The middle-aged scholar quickly asked, "How are the junior brother and sister?"


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    "They are safe and sound!"


    Han Cheng fist in palm said, "Under the protection of Mr. Chen from Po Yang County, they nearly reached the banks of the Hongze River!"


    "Good."


    A trace of relief washed over the middle-aged scholar''s face: "Quickly, send people to bring them all back. This Brother Chen has performed a great service by saving our junior brothers and sisters."


    "Mr. Chen, I''m afraid, can''t make it back..."


    Han Cheng hung his head: "There''s something you don''t know yet, Commander. When Mr. Chen left, he didn''t just bring the young masters and ladies, he... he took more than thirty thousand civilians with him!" sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "In order to ensure the civilians could safely cross the river."


    "Just now, he led over a thousand people into an attack against an army of over twenty thousand barbarians!"


    "What?!"

 Chapter 110 Why Tolerate

    "Shanshi, they are not my father''s men. My father''s men would never act like this."Sun Buqi was afraid the young man in front of him would misunderstand, "That man surnamed Cao, is the Crown Prince''s Heir, the toady next to him is the son of the Minister of Ministry of Industry. The Youzhou Army, they are not part of the Eight Camps, but rather belong to the Left Army Governor''s command, under the control of the Military Affairs Department."


    "In the Northwest Three States, You State, Liang State, and Yan State each have their own commanding general."


    "Although during wartime, my father can allocate the distribution of all hands, but he only has authority over their deployment, not their administrative affairs."


    "Only the Eight Camps are truly our own people."


    "Even so, in recent years, efforts have been made to decentralize power, appointing provincial governors, and trying to transfer people elsewhere. The eldest apprentice brother, too..."


    "He''s right."


    Sun Li spoke feebly: "The Eight Camps are not the forces of a single region. Although they were initially recruited and assembled in Liang State to fight against the barbarian marauders, they were later moved to wherever the need arose, staying in the southern regions before being sent to the east to fight against Qing Country.


    "And then, three years ago."


    "It was when the barbarian marauders began to stir again that the Eight Camps were readjusted to the Northern Territory."


    Chen Sansi understood this practice.


    To prevent them from becoming too rooted in one state and turning into local tyrants.


    It''s possible that each time they leave, the local supporters of the Eight Camps, the Family Clans and Sect officials, also have to suffer a purge...


    Everything must be under the control of the court.


    This matched the Emperor''s style of resorting to despicable methods like poisoning to silence people and kill them.


    But if it were truly so.


    Could one really tolerate it?


    Chen Sansi asked himself if he would be able to endure it if he were in that situation. He definitely would not.


    Why can Supervisor Sun endure it?


    Unless...


    He was about to die.


    Only a man on the verge of death, with something left to care for, would have no choice but to suffer in silence.


    Although it was merely a conjecture.


    Chen Sansi felt that only this could make all the logic make sense.


    Otherwise.


    If one is among the supreme powers in the human realm, commanding eighty thousand elite troops, why endure? What would be the reason to tolerate anything?


    Beyond this.


    There was the identity of the people participating in the Selected Point.


    Identities so precious.


    The Crown Prince''s Heir.


    That is, nominally, the Emperor after the next.


    Would such a person lack resources or Cultivation Techniques?


    Why would he run to participate in Selected Point and become a disciple of Supervisor Sun? What could be so tempting?


    These were not matters to consider at the moment.


    "Counterattack?"


    Soon, the martial arts halls were gathered together, and upon hearing the command issued by the "commander," they all looked at each other with puzzlement.


    Obviously, they were somewhat confused by the meaning of this phrase.


    Counterattack naturally meant killing the enemy.


    But their thousand or so men, going to kill twenty thousand?


    Who knows how many among them were in the Refining Internal realm?


    How could they counterattack?


    "One day."


    Chen Sansi spoke firmly, "It will take another day before the villagers ahead can start crossing the river. We want to delay for one day. It''s not possible on the plain, so we need to enter the mountains to counterattack!


    "Xu Wencai, I give you half an hour to come up with at least three blocking points. If you can''t find them, I''ll chop off your dog head!


    "The rest of you..."


    "Go and see your families one more time.


    "This might be your last words, so you can choose not to come back. After half an hour, if you choose to come back, be prepared to die."


    With that said.


    The others finally understood.


    "Yes, sir!


    Not a single one raised an objection."


    All the men gradually dispersed.


    "Junior brother..."


    Seeing him, Sun Li asked, "Aren''t you going to talk to Sister Lan? She''s in the carriage up ahead."


    "I won''t,"


    Chen Sansi took up the old scholar''s writing brush and hastily wrote a few words. After sealing the letter, he handed it over, "Senior Sister Sun, please help me give this to Sister Lan, and then make sure you personally ensure her safety."


    "You''re really not going?" Sun Li emphasized her question.


    Chen Sansi shook his head again.


    He didn''t tell Sun Li that he was scared.


    Fearful that after seeing the only relative he had in this world, he wouldn''t dare to go and intercept the enemy.


    Seriously speaking, he himself didn''t know how he ended up in this peculiar situation.


    Perhaps it was because his family was in front of him.


    Perhaps it was because his subordinates were willing to die for him, driven by a sense of responsibility or something else; he just couldn''t bear to abandon them.


    Or perhaps...


    It was because he came from another world.


    He knows it sounds pretentious, extremely pretentious, but that''s simply the truth.


    If there had to be a motive or logic, it would be that.


    In Chen Sansi''s view, there were no upper-class people or lower-class people, only those who deserved to die and those who didn''t.


    Those who deserved to die, he would kill.


    Those who didn''t deserve to die, he would try his best to help.


    He also knew that if word of this battle got out, there would certainly be those who accused him of being a hypocrite, of feigning righteousness.


    But Chen Sansi didn''t care.


    If worse comes to worst, he would "pretend" for the rest of his life.


    "You all..."


    Chen Sansi looked at the nephews that Wang Zhi had left behind and added their followers, also amounting to around two hundred people, "Do you also plan to stay behind? Your families aren''t up ahead."


    "We won''t disgrace General Tang!"


    The crowd exclaimed in unison.


    "Good!"


    Chen Sansi nodded his head.


    Lastly, there was Sun Buqi, who showed no intention of leaving.


    To blast him away in these circumstances would be an insult.


    As for Xu Wencai, bereft of relatives or kin long ago, he lay on the ground studying the maps.


    ...


    Half a day later.


    Yellow Earth Ridge.


    "Hurry up!"


    "We must intercept them before the Sheng people cross the river!"


    Several Witch God Sect Followers mixed within the troops, uniformly holding Vajra Pestles used to collect blood,


    among them the Refining Internal Leader took command, "Not a single one should remain after the killing. Remember to collect the Heart Blood promptly!"


    "What about Master Amugu?"


    The Cavalry commander Bilege inquired, "Why don''t I see him?"


    The more than twenty thousand pursuers, everyone above Hua Jin, were all called away to attack An Ding Prefecture.


    Only a few of them with the skill of Refining Internal remained, indeed somewhat afraid to command such a large army.


    The only Witch God Sect Meridian Passage master had also disappeared.


    "Master Amugu has gone to pursue a Refining Organ Little General, and his current whereabouts are unknown; he might be waiting for us up ahead," the Squad Leader urged. "Let''s speed up!"


    "Refining Organ?"


    Bilege found it interesting, "Using Sheng people''s words, this is called ''using a cleaver to kill a chicken.'' Master Amugu acts ruthlessly, personally taking action and leaving no routes of survival for the Sheng people."


    "I received a carrier pigeon message, ordering us to collect the Heart Blood of about ten thousand people as a reserve within two days, and then to retreat at top speed without engaging in prolonged warfare, and directly leave Yunzhou."


    The Squad Leader stated coldly, "Without that White Horse Refining Organ, there''s no more Refining Organ commanders up front, posing no threat. Only Bone Training Realm remains, so we may pursue as we please."


    "Speedy retreat?"


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    Bilege pondered, "Retreating from the Northwest so soon?"


    A war, especially a decisive battle for life and death, should at least last a year or half a year.


    Retreating after just over two months indicates there was never a real commitment to see it through to the end.


    "We simply follow orders."


    The Witch God Sect Squad Leader reminded, "The Sheng people up ahead are about to cross the river. If we don''t speed up, there''s a high chance they''ll escape successfully, and both you and I will bear grave punishments for failing the mission."


    "Rest assured, after breaking out of the mountain range, we''ll catch up within half a day!"


    "Hush!"


    As the two spoke, with sounds of chaos and men and horses toppling over, the vanguard suddenly halted.


    "What''s happening?"


    "Sir, there''s an ambush ahead!"


    "Traps are everywhere!"


    "Move it!"


    Bilege personally went to inspect.


    He saw that the not-so-wide path through the mountain range had been dug full of deep pits, rudimentary traps set within them. Moreover, every passable spot was also blocked by mounds of loose stones.


    The most troublesome part was the presence of several carts used to transport supplies, stuck in the middle, loaded up with dry wood and kindling, burning fiercely and preventing the vanguard cavalry from passing.


    Bilege wasn''t in a hurry and loudly ordered, "Clear the obstacles!"


    "Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh¡ª"


    No sooner had a group of soldiers gone to handle it than a troop of enemy crossbowmen emerged, firing a volley of arrows from the distance.


    "Child''s play!"


    Bilege said calmly, "Bring the thick shield bearers from the rear to the front to bear the brunt!"


    Among the more than twenty thousand troops, it was impossible for all to be cavalry.


    The vanguard consisted of five thousand cavalrymen.


    The rest were foot soldiers.


    Infantry with shields defended while others cleared the way.


    After half an hour, they had cleared the path for travel.


    However, they hadn''t gone far when they encountered similar obstructions, happening two or three times consecutively, each delaying them by more than half an hour, unbeknownst to them, adding up to half a day.


    "General Bilege!" S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Witch God Sect Squad Leader said anxiously, "We can''t keep this up; they are merely delaying time."


    "Do you think I can''t see that?"


    Bilege said through gritted teeth, "They''re clearly forcing me to lead the troops through a side path, but I don''t understand. Unlike the previous canyon, the slopes on both sides here are low, totally unsuitable for an ambush. Even if we oblige and go that way, it will still come down to a direct clash of weapons.


    "Their forces at most number a thousand people, plus three hundred horses. Even if our cavalry can''t fully deploy to form an encirclement, it would just cost us some troops and horses to crush them. What are they trying to achieve..."


    "General, the situation is urgent. Since you feel there''s no ambush on the side path, let''s hurry through it," the Witch God Sect Squad Leader said, disturbed. "As long as we can move swiftly beyond Yellow Earth Ridge, some loss of troops and horses is acceptable."


    "Alright,"


    Bilege quickly decided, "Cavalry, follow me on the side path; infantry, go around the obstacles and proceed on the main road. I want to see what kind of trick they are really up to!"


    The barbarians split their forces in two.


    To save time, all five thousand cavalrymen took the side path, including Bilege, summing up to five Refining Internal practitioners.


    Bilege led at the forefront, advancing cautiously and slowly, racking his brain about the possible ambushes in such terrain. When he reached the fork where they would leave the mountain range, he finally encountered the Sheng army at the end of the side path, on the wide, open ground.


    There was no ambush here.


    What lay ahead was merely a formation of no more than three hundred cavalrymen and a few hundred foot soldiers. A significant number of them didn''t even have their own armour, wearing that stripped from the Xi River tribes instead, and the weapons in their hands were of the grassland make, terribly conspicuous. They simply blocked the exit of the mountain range, ready for battle.


    At this moment,


    Bilege finally understood why the enemy went to such lengths to push them onto this path.


    They planned to use their lives to buy as much time as possible for the civilians ahead to cross the river!

 Chapter 111 Du He

    In Bilege''s eyes, a trace of admiration flashed, but it was quickly replaced by disdain."Car Suspension Formation!"


    "Charge¡ª¡ª"


    After Wang Zhi left.


    Zhao Kang became the only Bone Forger. He stood in the forefront, holding the He Miao Long Sword, and roared loudly, "Charge!"


    Under the incredulous gazes of five thousand cavalry, a mere three hundred enemy cavalry charged without any hesitation. Although their equipment was simple, the cavalry formation they displayed was well-organized.


    As they rushed, they resembled a giant wheel, equipped with sharp blades.


    "Bilege, let me handle this!" Stay connected through empire


    Another Refining Organ General from the barbarian tribes stepped forward, also leading his Iron Cavalry to open up in formation, presenting a "ÈË" shaped charge, numbering around three hundred as well.


    This was the reason they were forced to take the small path.


    Encountering on a narrow road, negates the advantage in numbers.


    The barbarian Refining Organ General took the lead, holding a meteor hammer, ready to smash the Sheng man who was shouting "Charge!" However, just as the two armies were about to clash, Zhao Kang suddenly pulled his horse to a halt, and from behind him charged a white horse, a long spear carrying a terrifying momentum. It arrived in front of them almost in an instant.


    After the initial shock, the barbarian general immediately swung his meteor hammer. He truly felt he could block the attack, but the next moment, he felt a chill in his heart as a hole was pierced through him.


    The Main General is dead.


    The barbarian cavalry were panic-stricken. In disarray, they retreated, with over thirty of them slain in succession. Fortunately, the main army was right behind them, preventing a total collapse. They quickly regrouped and rearranged their formation.


    "White Horse Refining Organ, a spear kills the general? Isn''t this the one Master Amugu went to chase? He has come back alive?!"


    Bilege''s pupils trembled, he couldn''t help but ask, "Where is Master Amugu?!"


    "Killed by Sun Dushi!"


    Chen Sansi''s voice boomed, "Sun Dushi will lead the Youzhou Army here within an hour. If you do not surrender now, you have but one path left¡ªthe path of death!"


    "Sun Xiangzong, Youzhou Army?!"


    Bilege forcefully calmed himself, "You spout nonsense! How could You State send troops here!"


    "Because you''ve already been defeated in the Northwest Three States!"


    Chen Sansi spoke each word distinctly, "Otherwise, why do you think we''d dare block your way with just this few men?"


    "Defeated?"


    Bilege, looking at the opposing side''s confident demeanor, felt an unsettling suspicion in his heart.


    Theoretically, the likelihood of Sun Xiangzong appearing here was minimal.


    But it couldn''t be ruled out that the Northwest Three States might have withdrawn their troops earlier. After all, every transmission of news has its delay, and everyone receives information that is, at best, days old.


    Perhaps Sun noticed signs of a Blood Sacrifice and specifically came to check.


    After all, if not for the presence of someone above the level of Meridian Passage, how could Amugu still be missing?!


    "Sun Xiangzong..."


    "He has come to Yunzhou?"


    "Why has he come here?"


    "..."


    Upon hearing this name, the barbarian troops immediately exploded into panic, each one becoming restless and distressed.


    The supreme strategy of warfare is to attack the enemy''s plans and heart.


    Just like what happened previously in Po Yang, half-true, half-false news most effectively terrifies the enemy.


    Chen Sansi knew that mere words wouldn''t deter them for long at this moment, but even delaying for a minute was beneficial.


    He didn''t lead everyone here merely to face death.


    Mainly, it was to buy time.


    Once enough time had passed, they would look for a way to break out.


    "What are you panicking for?!"


    Still rational, Bilege rebuked loudly, "Whatever he says, you just believe? If it were really so, would they need to send these defeated remnants to die?"


    "Exactly!"


    The other Refining Organ Generals concurred, "Bluffing at the last gasp!"


    "All men, heed my command!"


    "Take not a step back, rotate and charge continuously, whoever kills the White Horse General will be rewarded with ten thousand cattle and sheep, and a hundred slaves."


    "Charge for me¡ª¡ª"


    On a narrow road, no other strategies were left.


    "Car Suspension Formation, charge!"


    Chen Sansi raised his Lu Ye Long Spear. Paying attention to several generals in the opposing crowd, he suddenly realized that perhaps there was still a way out. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Simple.


    He just needed to kill all the enemy generals, right?


    ...


    Hongze River.


    Thousands of civilians finally reached their destination.


    In front of them was a magnificent, turbid river. Looking across, the mountains on the other side appeared like rows of green eyebrows, beneath which lay a small town¡ªHuanwen County.


    To reach Huanwen County, they had to cross a river three hundred yards wide.


    Fortunately, at the riverbank crossing, boats had been prepared in advance, along with civilians to manage the ferrying.


    The people from Po Yang lined up and began to board the boats one after the other.


    "How come we don''t see Mr. Chen and the others?"


    "..."


    Soon, something seemed amiss.


    The Po Yang soldiers who had escorted them this far were nowhere to be seen up to now.


    "Cross the river, cross the river!"


    Xu Wencai finally learned to ride a horse. Holding a feather fan, he shouted desperately, "Why aren''t you hurrying to cross the river? Wait until you are almost halfway across, then Mr. Chen and the others can retreat!"


    "What?"


    "We get halfway across, and only then can Mr. Chen leave, why?"


    "..."


    "What else could it be?"


    Xu Wencai was so anxious his face and neck turned red, "Behind you, there are twenty thousand barbarian marauders. Mr. Chen went to counterattack with a thousand men just to buy you time!"


    "Twenty thousand men?"


    "Isn''t that almost as many as our entire county?"


    "..."


    Only at that moment did they realize, recalling their husbands or sons who had suddenly made a special trip home not long ago. The words they spoke might well have been their last.

 Chapter 111 Du He_2

    December sixteenth.On this day, Yunzhou finally saw snow.


    The cold wind howled, and large snowflakes fluttered down gracefully, painting the world white.


    Alongside the Hongze River.


    More than forty thousand people, dragging their families and belongings, supporting the old and carrying the young, wept as they went. Cries filled both banks of the river.


    "Hurry, hurry up!"


    Onboard a small boat, Sun Li rowed forcefully, not daring to stop for a moment, even though each movement pulled at her wounds, causing intense pain: "Sister Lan, don''t worry. Once we reach the shore, there is still the guard force. I''ll try to see whether I can persuade them to send reinforcements."


    In fact, she knew it was only psychological comfort.


    Not to mention, she had no authority to command troops, and even if she could persuade them, the vast majority of troops in Huanwen County had probably been taken away by the Youzhou General. Less than a few thousand remained, and they still needed to cross many miles and a river. There wouldn''t be enough time.


    Sun Li truly wanted to turn back immediately to help.


    But she was injured, and her personal strength was limited. Moreover, having promised to ensure Sister Lan''s safety first, she had to do as she said.


    Gu Xinlan sat on the edge of the boat, holding a note left by her husband.


    It only contained five words¡ªit simply said, "Just cross the river."


    "Brother Shi will definitely come back..."


    Gu Xinlan maintained her composure without crying or fussing, quietly wiping her tears: "If he doesn''t come back, I will go down there to find him."


    "Where are you all from?!"


    "In response to the general''s question, we are from Po Yang County in Yunzhou..."


    As they neared the shore, a robust voice continuously reverberated.


    There stood a general on the shore, about seven feet tall, with a physique as sturdy as a mountain, wearing dark red heavy armor. Holding a Heavenly Halberd in his hand, he asked everyone he met: "Have you seen a woman in red?!"


    "No..."


    "How many more people are waiting behind you to cross the river?"


    "Many thousands."


    "Elder brother! This won''t do. Before master left, he said we must hold our ground in Liangzhou and not leave it by a single step!"


    "Stop talking. With such a huge mess in Yunzhou, and our junior sister Li being there, how could I possibly not go look for her?"


    "Elder brother!"


    "Step aside."


    The general, wielding the Heavenly Halberd, leaped powerfully, astonishingly jumping fifty feet out and landing on the surface of the Hongze River like a meteorite from outer space, causing waves several meters high. Then, with another leap, he repeated the scene.


    "Boom¡ª"


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    Every time he landed, the massive force overturned several nearby small boats, causing tens of people to fall into the water.


    "Sorry everyone! I have an urgent matter!"


    "Third brother, hurry and save people, and make sure nobody drowns. If anyone does, I will hold you responsible!"


    "..."


    "Elder brother!"


    Witnessing this, Sun Li looked on in disbelief: "What are you doing?"


    "Junior sister Li?"


    "Thank goodness, it looked like you are all right. I was about to go to Yunzhou to look for you!"


    L¨¹ Ji hurriedly strode across the waves and stood on a small boat nearby, looking at the drowned locals with a touch of embarrassment, he said, "Junior sister, I can''t perform Qinggong, it wasn''t intentional. I am going to help them cross the river now! Wait, are you injured, junior sister? Is it serious, where are you hurt?"


    "I''m fine."


    Sun Li saluted with a fist and spoke with a clear sense of distance, "Please, elder brother, help me save someone."


    L¨¹ Ji looked at the respectfully behaving woman and his expression soured slightly, but he quickly adjusted, "Whom does junior sister wish to save? Just say it."


    "An entry-level junior brother."


    Sun Li pointed across the river with her scabbard, "He led over a thousand people to counter-attack against more than twenty thousand barbarian marauders to escort our crossing. He definitely won''t be able to hold out much longer. I hope elder brother can deploy troops to rescue him."


    "A junior brother?"


    L¨¹ Ji paused, "There aren''t many troops in Huanwen County. Even if I call them, it''ll be too late. I should go myself. Saving him shouldn''t be a problem. By the way, have you seen our master, junior sister?"


    "Father?"


    Sun Li shook her head, a glint of hope passing through her eyes, "Father came?"


    "I don''t know, he''s definitely not in Liangzhou. I''m off."


    ¡ª"Bang¡ª"


    With just a few leaps, L¨¹ Ji crossed the three hundred zhang wide Hongze River and disappeared from the opposite bank in an instant.


    ¡ª¡ª


    Yellow Earth Ridge.


    ¡ª"Plop¡ª"


    "Stop him, stop him!"


    Bilege watched as another Refining Organ General was killed by the opponent, his heart filled with terror, "Quick, fire the signal arrows, notify the infantry and the other three thousand cavalry to come here and surround this person, then go after the remaining Sheng people!"


    He couldn''t understand; they were all Refining Organ practitioners. Why was no one a match for this man from Three Unions!


    Amidst the crowd.


    Chen Sansi, using the Car Suspension Formation as cover to prevent being surrounded by heavy forces, his long spear and Zhenyue Sword, already coated with an unknown amount of the enemy''s fresh blood, had only one target.


    Main General!


    From the very beginning of the engagement, he had noticed


    Among those five thousand cavalry, there seemed to be no Hua Jin or Meridian Passage experts.


    This meant.


    He had a chance to slay a general! S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After slaying the general, the enemy army would disperse, and they would still have a chance to survive.


    Alone, it definitely wouldn''t be feasible.


    But he had two hundred cavalry and over seven hundred infantry behind him, able to help him disperse most of the encirclement. That was enough!


    "Stop him¡ª"


    No matter how Bilege yelled, the White Horse General still charged towards them, unstoppable like a force of nature.


    He felt the urgency: "Wu LiHan, that day pine, let''s do it together, we can''t let him slay another general!"


    A thousand men against five thousand, and he had already slain two generals.


    What was even more terrifying was that not only the general was like this, but his remaining soldiers seemed to be fearless!


    Especially this formation, which rotated like a wheel, from the beginning of its initiation until now, no matter how many were lost, it never broke its ranks. At most, they just reduced the formation''s size until later, when too many had died, they actually transformed from one large formation into twenty smaller formations.

 Chapter 111 Du He_3

    Even the Array Soldiers were perfectly coordinated, ready for both attack and defense, and even if many died before their eyes, they wouldn''t even blink, immediately replacing the fallen, clearly charging toward death![Sinking Formation Death Will]!


    Such frightening combat power and willpower only appeared among the elite of the elite.


    Yet, they were clearly just routed soldiers who fled from an abandoned small county!


    If it weren''t for their weak Cultivation, Bilege might even think they were the mighty troops of the Eight Camps.


    The morale of the barbarian soldiers noticeably shifted, and since they couldn''t form an encirclement here, if the fight continued like this and another Main General died, they might indeed be routed.


    "Kill the White Horse! Once he dies, these people will be nothing but a disorganized mob!"


    Three Refining Organ Generals from the barbarian tribe attacked simultaneously.


    A curved saber, a Wolf Fang Club, and a giant axe.


    Three ferocious weapons struck almost at the same time from different directions.


    They were all Refining Internal, and all had achieved small success in Refining; none were far from the Great Success of Refining!


    One just beginning to Refine organs, facing three with small achievements in Refining organs!


    The spear technique of the White Horse General was erratic and wild, individually they were no match, and even combining their explosive power, they absolutely could not withstand his attacks, particularly when assailed from all sides.


    Chen Sansi blocked the giant axe with his long spear, then used the sword at his waist to intercept the Wolf Fang Club, and with a bizarre posture, dodged the curved saber aimed at him, forcefully repelling the two heavy weapons. In the opening, his long spear turned into a giant python that swallowed the sky, directly lunging at the wielder of the curved saber.


    "Clang!"


    Bilege desperately blocked the attacks, knowing in his heart that he would be killed within three exchanges, but thankfully he wasn''t alone. The other two brothers, temporarily repelled, returned to fight, their giant axe and Wolf Fang Club arriving instantly behind their opponent. If he didn''t dodge, death was almost certain; if he did dodge, it meant he would have to keep evading endlessly.


    As long as they could delay him, that was good enough.


    The White Horse General''s subordinates were not afraid to die but they were not invincible; people were still dying continuously.


    In just a short time, from the original thousand or more, only about seven hundred remained, and that number was rapidly decreasing. Moreover, after sending the signal, more pursuers would gather here, and soon they''d be facing a mass siege of twenty thousand, swiftly leading to their complete annihilation. Then the White Horse would also be surrounded by heavy forces, destined to be consumed alive.


    One word, delay!


    However, what they did not expect,


    was that Chen Sansi had no intention of dodging. He let the Wolf Fang Club and the giant axe smash down on him with the force of ten thousand jun, emitting a "thud" like the ringing of a bell. His internal organs vibrated with acute pain, and he spat out a mouthful of blood, but the pace of his spear thrust did not slow down at all, and finally, in the third exchange, he pierced through Bilege''s throat.


    A swift kill!


    He had no right to delay!


    Only a swift kill was the path to life!


    "Vajra Body?!"


    Wu LiHan was greatly shocked. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    With Bilege gone, the pressure to defend drastically decreased; Chen Sansi held a spear in his right hand, a sword in his left, enduring the attacks from dozens of soldiers coming from behind, an uncountable number of blades, spears, axes, and hooks. Before their eyes, he brutally killed the last two generals within ten exchanges, his body drenched in blood, like a war god from the heavens.


    "Crashhhh¡ª¡ª"


    After killing the enemy Main General, he was like a fierce beast unleashed; no one could stop him. Cutting down enemies as if cleaving through vegetables, he killed nearly two hundred Cavalrymen in a row, eventually instilling fear, horror, and prompting their rout!


    The remaining four thousand or so Cavalrymen withdrew like the tide, their retreat chaotic with countless warhorses colliding and neighing, tumbling together with the Cavalry on their backs, falling to their death.


    Chen Sansi looked at the remaining six hundred or so men, taking the lead on his horse to clear the way forward. Wherever he passed, the dense enemies automatically parted, leaving a path, and still, no one dared to pursue him actively.


    "Break through!"


    He shouted until he was hoarse.


    "Judging by the time, it''s almost up."


    At least more than half of the people had successfully crossed the river.


    As long as they left this place before being enclosed, there was a great chance of crossing the river smoothly.


    However...


    It seemed too late.


    Because he could hear, just behind the slope on their flank, at least tens of thousands of infantry taking a shortcut to catch up, and they would block them at the junction ahead.


    Chen Sansi''s injury could still hold up, and with about half of his Qi-Blood left to consume, as long as there were no Generals above his level of Cultivation, relying on Qian Xun''s incredible speed, breaking out was still possible, but he didn''t know how many people could remain behind him at that moment.


    One hundred, ten, or just himself alone?


    As he gripped the spear shaft, ready to fight to the death, the pursuers'' footsteps stopped almost simultaneously, as if suddenly there was no path ahead, or something was blocking them.


    This allowed them to reach the shores of the Hongze River and begin crossing.


    "They''ve stopped chasing?"


    Everything came to an abrupt stop, and Chen Sansi felt somewhat incredulous, as if he had been dreaming.


    ...


    "Good lad, good lad!"


    "Master, slow down a bit!"


    The middle-aged scholar gripped the handles of the wheelchair tight, his face distorted and deformed by the gale: "Slow down, please!"


    "Did you just see that?"


    The elderly man in coarse clothing looked relieved: "How daring this lad is, a mere practitioner of Refining stepping up to block five thousand men, and he actually held them off, quite reminiscent of my younger days."


    "That''s not the key point."


    The middle-aged scholar nearly fell from the sky several times: "The key is, he could have escaped on his own, but he chose to resist the army to help those commoners cross the river. Who else in this world would do such a thing nowadays?"


    "Old Fourth."


    The old man''s gaze was profound: "Can he make it?"


    "There''s hope."


    "Good, hope is all we need."


    Your journey continues on empire


    "Master, will you make a move? Your lifespan..."


    "Just to block them a bit, it''s not a big deal."


    "Someone who helps others cross the river deserves to be helped across as well."


    "..."


    In the very front of the advancing horde of over ten thousand barbarians.


    Suddenly two figures appeared, blocking the road.


    An old man in coarse clothing, pushing a wheelchair-bound disabled scholar.

 Chapter 112 Emperor Wan Shou

    ```"They didn''t chase us?"


    Chen Sansi doubted whether he was hallucinating.


    More than ten thousand foot soldiers, followed, perhaps, by another three thousand cavalry.


    Just like that...


    They let them cross the river?


    "Boom¡ª"


    A loud noise thundered.


    Chen Sansi saw from afar, about twenty miles away, it seemed as if someone was thrown into the sky and then fell back down, scattering like beans!


    "Bang!"


    "Who is Chen Sansi?!"


    Another loud noise followed.


    It was as if an Earth Dragon had turned over, and the entire riverbank trembled violently.


    What seemed like a mountain crash-landed, and upon closer inspection, it turned out to be a general in shining armor. From the look of the armor, it was from the Sheng people.


    "It is I."


    Chen Sansi dismounted and bowed with his hands clasped, his breath somewhat unsteady.


    "You have already returned? Sister Li was worried in vain; quickly cross the river," he said.


    Lv Ji sized him up and noticed Sun Buqi next to him: "Younger martial brother, you''re here too. How are your injuries?"


    Sun Buqi''s clothes were already ragged, soaked with blood from head to toe. He used his long spear as a crutch, supporting himself with difficulty, not even taking a glance as he said, "It''s none of your concern."


    "Hmm, it''s good that you''re alright," replied Lv Ji, who seemed accustomed to this. He turned to look at the black dots in the distant sky, his expression turning stern: "Oh no, master!"


    "Bang¡ª"


    Yet another leap, shaking heaven and earth.


    He could leap nearly a hundred zhang each time; in just a few breaths, he had disappeared from view.


    Sister Li?


    If this person was Sun Li''s senior martial brother, then the master he mentioned...


    Sun Dushi?


    Chen Sansi looked towards where the ten thousand pursuers should have been coming from, his gaze growing more complex.


    One person, to withstand over ten thousand barbarian bandits?


    Is this really a human?


    And there was Sun Li''s senior martial brother.


    One leap is over hundreds of zhang, what kind of realm is that?


    The Meridian Passage Realm certainly does not demonstrate such strength, so it must be Mysterious Phenomenon, more like the legendary Martial Saint.


    In Po Yang County, they were like frogs at the bottom of a well, only able to see a mere corner of the vast heavens.


    Would their future opponents all be at this kind of level?


    Chen Sansi thought about himself again.


    Indeed, still far too weak.


    But it''s impractical to aim too high; set a small goal for now, reach Refining Internal Organs Perfection as soon as possible, then move on to Hua Jin.


    "Plop¡ª"


    "Old Xiong, Old Xiong!"


    "Dog Scrap!"


    "Silly Chun!"


    "Wu Da, Wu Da!"


    "..."


    Finally reaching the riverbank, with no pursuers behind them.


    The brothers could no longer hold on, tumbling down to the ground one after another.


    The initial thousand men, had now...


    Become only four hundred!


    Most of these four hundred were utterly exhausted, many collapsing unconscious on the spot.


    Zhao Kang was covered in blood: "Sir, the brothers have all fallen, how do we cross the river..."


    "Sir!"


    "Mr. Chen!"


    "..."


    Upon the grand and turbulent surface of the Hongze River, suddenly, a few small boats appeared, then dozens, then hundreds, countless simple clothed figures standing on the boats, waving at them.


    "Let''s cross the river."


    Chen Sansi breathed a sigh of relief.


    With the help of hundreds, thousands of civilians.


    These last four hundred men could finally lie flat and cross the river.


    "Brother Shi!"


    Gu Xinlan and Sun Li rowed a boat quickly over.


    "How come you''re bleeding so much..."


    Gu Xinlan was biting and tearing, ripping off pieces of her dress''s sleeves, preparing to use them for emergency bandaging.


    "A minor injury."


    Chen Sansi''s cloth armor was already so tattered that it barely held together, his appearance now worse than a beggar''s, blood mixed with grime covering his exterior, indistinguishable whether it was his enemy''s or his own."


    "My lady, Mr. Chen here singlehandedly killed five Refiners!"


    Zhao Kang vividly remembered, saying, "If it weren''t for that, we would all have died at Yellow Earth Ridge!"


    This was too terrifying.


    He hadn''t been practicing martial arts for long.


    Among those barbarian leaders, at least two were at the small achievement in Refining Internal Organs, but they couldn''t withstand a single blow from him.


    Keep in mind, this was during a fierce encirclement. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Otherwise, they might not have lasted even three rounds!


    That means, Chen Sansi could now take on five Xiang Tingchuns!


    "How many?"


    "Five!" Enjoy exclusive adventures from empire


    Sun Li also turned pale, hastened to take out a porcelain jar from her bosom, containing scar-removal ointment Chen Sansi himself had previously mixed for her. It was very effective for treating external wounds, and she was ready to apply it personally.


    "Sister, what about me..."


    Sun Buqi, who followed from beginning to end, was also full of wounds, but seemingly, nobody cared about him.


    "Sister, I''m really okay."


    Chen Sansi had only shallow wounds on his body, merely some cuts and bleeding here and there, which wouldn''t take more than a few days to heal, even though it looked rather scary.


    Fortunately, he relied on his Iron Bone Copper Skin trait; an ordinary person would have been minced into pulp by now.


    His worst injuries were internal.


    Taking on the Meridian Passage was no joke, and later he was hit by heavy weaponry, slightly damaging his internal organs.


    But it was no big problem, a few days of rest would be enough for recovery.


    "Hmm..."


    When Sun Li touched the wounds, she recoiled like she had been electrocuted, then she handed the ointment to Gu Xinlan: "It''s better if Sister applies the medicine for you."


    "Really, it''s not necessary, let''s talk about it after we get back."


    ```


    Chen Sansi lay on the deck, watching the riverbank grow increasingly distant and the fading commotion in the distance.


    "Did they really hold them back?"


    "That''s no longer my concern."


    In any case, he had won.


    It was just that the other prefecture cities, counties, and villages in Yunzhou, as well as the millions of other civilians and soldiers guarding the borders, were probably not so lucky.


    So many matters.


    Chen Sansi had no energy left to think about them.


    "I''m so tired, Sister Lan, I''m going to sleep for a while."


    In the past two months, he had hardly slept well.


    Now, at last, he could rest properly.


    ¡ª


    Capital City.


    Imperial Palace.


    "It''s snowing!"


    "Heaven blesses us with auspicious snow!"


    "The Emperor is virtuous indeed!"


    "Go and report the good news!"


    "..."


    Vermilion high walls, golden bricks, and sparkling tiles.


    Snow from the sky blankets everything in white, dressing it all in silver.


    With this year''s belated heavy snow, joy enveloped both inside and outside the Imperial Palace.


    "Master!"


    "It''s snowing!"


    "..."


    A dozen eunuchs from the Ritual Supervision, wearing thick and warm red cloaks, knelt in unison outside the palace gates. Above their heads, the massive plaque bore the gilded characters "Longevity Palace."


    Despite being in the Imperial Palace, there were almost no ostentatious decorations visible. Both the architecture and decor were restrained. The layout seemed more akin to a Taoist temple than a palace.


    Only those who knew their craft could appreciate that every timber here was worth its weight in gold, and each tile was invaluable. Constructing such a palace must have taken an extraordinary amount of time, labor, and wealth.


    The eunuchs knelt before the doors, unmoving, quickly becoming covered with ice and snow as if they were sculptures made of ice.


    Inside the great hall.


    There was no Dragon Chair here, only high altars shrouded with layers of cyan-gray curtains, barely revealing the silhouettes of figures sitting cross-legged inside, their true faces hidden, only silence pervading as if the hall itself were amidst the frozen lands.


    "Your Majesty, I know you bear the worries of the entire world, but please, do not rush and harm Your celestial body."


    A court official in a scarlet robe knelt on the ground, his words earnest.


    Next to him, an old man sat on a small stool instead of kneeling, speaking slowly, "Your Majesty, judging by the time, Mr. Huang should be returning soon."


    Still silence.


    "A great victory¡ª"


    "A great victory in the Northwest!"


    "A great victory in Yunzhou!"


    Only when the urgent and clear voices announcing the joyous news entered the hall, did the entire Longevity Palace suddenly feel as warm as spring.


    "Your humble servant pays respects to Your Majesty, long live, long live, forever long live!"


    An old eunuch with youthful features and white hair, dressed in a black uniform, rushed into the hall, exhausted from the journey. He knelt heavily on the ground and performed a deep kowtow, then without any further words, he took out a petition and read aloud:


    "On the 20th day of the twelfth lunar month, the Eight Camps in Liangzhou greatly defeated the Tuoba Clan at Moqiu, annihilating over thirty thousand of the enemy, beheading ten commanders, and capturing innumerable supplies and provisions. As a result, the other three nomadic tribes on the grasslands crumbled without a fight, retreating over three hundred miles overnight, back into the depths of the grasslands."


    "On the 22nd day of the twelfth lunar month, the Youzhou Army arrived in Yunzhou, and An Ding Prefecture was saved from peril. Soon after, Xuanwu Camp and Vermilion Bird Camp led the Liangzhou Army into the battle, reclaimed the entire territory within seven days!"


    Behind the curtains, the authoritative voice carried a hint of urgency.


    "What else is there?"


    "This is a letter written by hand from the Great Khan Tuoba, seeking peace, and he requests Your Majesty to read it personally!"


    Mr. Huang knelt on the ground, took out an exquisitely crafted box, and carefully presented it just outside the curtains.


    A large hand reached out from within the curtains and swiftly snatched the box away.


    "Click."


    The sound of the box opening echoed.


    Moments later, for the first time in twenty years, everyone present heard the Emperor burst into laughter, a sign of immense pleasure.


    Emperor Longqing''s voice was exuberant, "In this matter, Yan Liang is the chief contributor, but the rest have also made great contributions, and they shall all be rewarded, all be rewarded!"


    "Master."


    Mr. Huang stood up with permission, bent at the waist, and said, "There is one more small matter that I have not yet fully reported."


    "Speak."


    Mr. Huang spoke slowly and evenly, "Chen Sansi, the Captain Chengxin from Yunzhou, is still alive. Not only did he survive, but he also rescued tens of thousands of civilians from Po Yang County. In the end, to cover the civilians'' crossing of the river, he and slightly more than a thousand men held off five thousand Iron Cavalry and even cut down several enemy generals of the same realm, proving himself to be invincible and brave.


    "At the critical moment, Sun Xiangzong took action personally.


    "With a single thrust of his spear, Sun Xiangzong penetrated one thousand eight hundred armors and routed nearly twenty thousand barbarian bandits."


    "Pierced one thousand eight hundred armors?"


    The relatively young official in the crimson robe sneered, "Just the mention of his name makes me angry! Your Majesty, I suspect that the deaths of Magistrate Xue and Magistrate Ji in Po Yang may have been the work of Sun Xiangzong!


    "That Sun fellow is a dying flame in the wind, yet he still dares to play the hero. I think he''s grown tired of living."


    "Your Majesty."


    Mr. Huang lowered his voice, "Initially, your sacred edict intended to promote Chen Sansi to a position in the Capital City. Now, by a twist of fate, he has ended up in the Governor Mansion. Your Majesty, should we still reward him, or issue another decree for his reassignment?"


    "Rewarding him is a certainty, but there''s no need to call him back."


    The voice behind the curtains resumed its untroubled tone, "I, am very fond of this brave young man.


    "But if Sun Xiangzong is willing to act, it shows he likes the boy too, perhaps enough to pass on his True Inheritance. If we were to recall him now, wouldn''t we be ruining his opportunity for nothing?


    "Yan Liang, what are your thoughts?"


    "In response to Your Majesty,"


    Elder Yan spoke with a weighty voice, "Considering the last letter from Xue Yuping, Chen Sansi shows great respect for Your Majesty. He accepted everything granted by the imperial decree on the spot. With proper grooming, he may become a useful talent in time.


    "Moreover, Princely Heir Cao Fan might not be quite to Sun Xiangzong''s liking.


    "How about we leave him in the Governor Mansion for now, to see how far he can go?"


    "Hmm, do as Yan Liang suggests!


    "Besides, the act of helping civilians cross the river should not only be rewarded but also proclaimed to the whole world. Let the people everywhere see that my servants are all such righteous individuals!


    "Did you just mention that it is snowing?"


    The curtains were lifted, revealing the face of the True Dragon.


    Emperor Longqing, though an elderly man with years upon him, surprisingly still had mostly black hair on his head, and he walked with a firm and steady gait. If not for the scent of decay that emitted from him, one could almost believe in his ability to rejuvenate.


    He went to the entrance of the Longevity Palace and watched the snow fluttering down from the sky, feeling emotional, "Such an auspicious heavy snow. With this snow, good news has been coming one after another. Well then, with the end of the war, I can finally close off in peace. You may all withdraw."


    Upon hearing this, almost everyone knelt down at the same time.


    "Congratulations to Your Majesty, joyous tidings to Your Majesty!"


    "After this battle, our great Dasheng empire shall last for a thousand, a myriad of generations, thriving forevermore!"


    "And Your Majesty will surely attain Immortality!"


    "The next time we see Your Majesty, we shall likely have to address you as Immortal."


    "Emperor Wan Shou, Emperor Wan Shou!"


    "You lot just know how to flatter me. Hurry up and withdraw, don''t disturb my meditation."


    Emperor Longqing swept back to his palace with a wave of his sleeve.

 Chapter 113 The Art of Alchemy

    ```Huanwen County.


    Inside a residence.


    A fit young man with his upper body bare was waving a long spear in the courtyard. With the movements of the spear, a tornado composed of snowflakes swirled around him, making the already cold winter day feel even more biting.


    He wasn''t wearing any clothes yet didn''t feel the cold at all. His body was emitting terrifying heat, and the snow melted into water before it could touch his skin, making him seem as if he had just leapt out of an alchemy furnace, radiating intense heat. Continue your journey with empire


    Streams of hot blood surged from his marrow, furiously churning within his body and tempering his internal organs.


    Refining organs skill, small achievement stage, Quenching Internal Organs!


    The human body is a whole.


    Having reached this stage in martial arts, where sinews, bones, skin, marrow, and blood had all been trained, it was naturally time to temper the internal organs. Otherwise, no matter how strong one''s external power, if the internal organs can''t withstand it, it''s all for naught.


    Just like before.


    Chen Sansi, having resisted the simultaneous attack of two individuals who also practiced refining organs skill, had blocked it but still suffered internal injuries.


    Quenching Internal Organs involved tempering the four major and six minor organs to further increase the physical body''s strength.


    "Bang¡ª"


    Chen Sansi thrust out with his spear, directly shattering the water tank in the middle of the yard. The several feet of ice inside also exploded, turning into ice spurs that pierced in all directions.


    [Cultivation Technique: Unity Spear Technique (Proficient)]


    [Progress: 0/1000]


    [Utility: ¡­, ¡­, Mysterious Elemental Five Viscera Body]


    [Mysterious Elemental Five Viscera: Upon great success of the cultivation technique, tempered into the Mysterious Elemental Five Viscera Body]


    "Great, something else to add to the list!"


    "I''ve truly become a jack-of-all-trades."


    "At least I''ve finally made a breakthrough!"


    Chen Sansi put away the long spear and exhaled a breath of hot air.


    It had been ten days since crossing the river.


    His wounds had healed, and he had coincidentally made a breakthrough in his cultivation.


    Besides that.


    After so much exertion, his various skills had also improved significantly.


    [Tracking and Concealment (Small Achievement)]


    [Progress: 888/1000]


    ¡­


    [Skill: Horse Control (Proficient)]


    [Progress: (309/500)]


    ¡­


    [Skill: Commanding Soldiers (Proficient)]


    [Progress: 890/1000]


    ¡­


    [Skill: Archery (Great Success)]


    [Progress: (550/2000)]


    ¡­ S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Skill: Medical Skill. Mortal (Proficient)]


    [Progress: 210/1000]


    ¡­


    Among the many skills, especially Horse Control and Commanding Soldiers, had been practically in continuous real-life use, thus their progress had increased very quickly, needing only a few more days to make a breakthrough.


    The battle also had a final outcome.


    Several days before, the Northwest Three States decided the victor, and the Four Clans of the grassland all retreated.


    On the Yunzhou side.


    After Cao Fan and others brought troops to the rescue, they easily lifted the siege. Additionally, with the involvement of the Eight Camps later, they undoubtedly reclaimed the entire territory.


    But if you cut off the beginning and end,


    The barbarians'' massacre within Yunzhou lasted for a full ten days!


    Yunzhou, ten days!


    Nearly a million commoners.


    Bodies strewn everywhere, wailing ghosts and howling wolves.


    This was a disastrous defeat, a thorough and complete disaster.


    Although no land was lost, it was still a massive loss.


    Just the thought of recovery, it would probably take over a decade.


    It''s said that the court has ordered the migration of refugees and landless tenant farmers from various states.


    These poor people would finally be able to have their own land, how ironic.


    Moreover, it won''t be long before the barbarian forces return stronger than before.


    The logic is simple.


    If they couldn''t reap huge benefits from this ten-day ordeal in Yunzhou, why would they willingly go along with such a grand scheme orchestrated by the Emperor? After all, they too had sacrificed thirty thousand troops.


    Having gained benefits and become stronger, what would the barbarians do?


    ```


    "Of course, the attack on Dasheng!"


    "In other words, no matter what the Emperor is actually up to, or what the Blood Sacrifice is for, judging from the outcome."


    "He''s committing treason by colluding with the enemy!"


    "And that''s without the Immortal Treasure being found."


    "Otherwise, if the barbarian tribes just need to conserve their strength for ten or twenty years, building a significant force stronger than Hua Jin, how could we even fight this war? Are we really planning to rely on our population advantage to brute force our way through?"


    "Speaking of which."


    "The things they''re using for the Blood Sacrifice, it might be related to the Immortal Treasure!"


    "A complete prescription, a container that can withstand the temperature of Abnormal Fire, and lamp oil."


    "Only when these three things are combined, do they truly deserve the ''Immortal'' in their name."


    "Chen Sansi estimates that the barbarians attacked Po Yang County partly to search for the Immortal Treasure. They just didn''t find it, but they will certainly not give up in the future."


    "That being said."


    "If one day, he manages to make his way to the Barbarian Capital, might he be able to gather a complete set?"


    "There''s actually hope."


    "It''s rumored that one of Sun Dushi''s greatest lifelong wishes is to delve deep into the grassland, slaughtering the barbarian marauders so they wouldn''t dare to make any rash moves again, securing peace for the people in the north."


    "But coming back to the point, why hasn''t he done so until now?"


    "With the Eight Camps and two hundred thousand troops from the Northwest Army, there are definitely enough soldiers, so it can only be because the highest combat power is not sufficient!"


    "Above Martial Saint, not enough?"


    "Chen Sansi, ignorant and uninformed, doesn''t know much about the highest combat power of the Four Clans of the barbarians: Yuwen, Tuoba, Murong, and Duan. He only knows that the Yuwen family has been supported by the Witch God Sect in recent years."


    "He knows virtually nothing about the other three families."


    "The same goes for Xu Wencai."


    "Even if he''s capable, he couldn''t possibly understand situations far beyond his rank."


    "But the Eight Camps must be clear on this."


    "Even Sun Li and Sun Buqi might know."


    "It''s just that he has never asked."


    "It''s not that he''s uninterested, it''s just that there was no need before."


    "Back then, with only Bone Training level, what would be the point of asking about the highest combat power on the grassland? Would that not be an act of idle curiosity?"


    "But moving forward, it''s time to understand it properly."


    "Because of the Immortal Treasure!"


    "Previously, it was the Witch God Sect sneaking into the Central Plains in search of the Immortal Treasure."


    "Next, it''ll be a reversal of roles."


    "The lamp oil was stolen from the Tuoba Clan, while the Blood Sacrifice was conducted by the Witch God Sect, which represents the Yuwen family."


    "Tuoba, Yuwen."


    "These two families, they definitely can''t escape responsibility!"


    "Chen Sansi has now mentally drawn himself a huge pie."


    "Having only lamp oil is indeed a bit shabby."


    "It''s like having a set of equipment with only an ignition device and nothing else."


    "Although the Spiritual Grain is still proving very effective."


    "The more it is so, the more curious he is about what could be refined if he had the container and the prescription."


    "Immortal."


    "If there really exists an Immortal, where do they live?"


    "And why would these things end up in the ''mortal world''?"


    "''One step at a time,'' he told himself."


    "Chen Sansi knew he mustn''t rush."


    "After surviving life and death for two months, things have finally come to a temporary close."


    "The people from Po Yang County have also started returning one after another."


    "If they stayed in Huanwen County, they''d only become refugees."


    "There are only two outcomes for refugees: either die of starvation or live in incognito as house slaves for the powerful families, losing their freedom forever."


    "By comparison, it''s naturally better to return to Po Yang."


    "As for Chen Sansi, he naturally will not be returning."


    "In two days, he''s leaving for Liangzhou to take part in the selection for the Eight Camps'' Selected Point. Even if he isn''t the first choice as a True Inheritor, he''s confident he can join the Inner Sect. In the future, he will most likely remain in Liangzhou to join the Eight Camps."


    "Why are you secretly training again?"


    Gu Xinlan returned from shopping for supplies and immediately ran up to her husband worriedly when she saw the long spear in his hands: "Sister Li said you''ve injured your internal organs, and you need proper rest!"


    "I''m really fine."


    Chen Sansi put down the long spear and suddenly picked Sister Lan up: "If you don''t believe me, try for yourself!"


    "Don''t, you need to rest well, don''t hurt yourself because of this."


    "I''m as sturdy as can be."


    ''I am a Vajra Body with Copper Skin and Iron Bone; how could I be so easily damaged?'' Chen Sansi thought to himself but didn''t say out loud, as he truly dared not demonstrate it.


    "You promised to have a child, now that the war is over, are you planning to go back on your word?"

 Chapter 114 The Martial Saint of the World

    Three days later.Outside Huanwen County, a large group of troops assembled.


    Three carriages, along with hundreds of escorting soldiers, formed a grand procession.


    "Halt! What are you doing?"


    "We are subordinates of Mr. Chen."


    "I know, so why are you following us?"


    "Can we go together?"


    "No."


    At the city gate.


    Hundreds of soldiers looked at the caravan, unsure of what to do.


    For Zhao Kang, Wang Li, Zhu Tong, and others, after numerous bloody battles, they had already regarded Chen Sansi as their mainstay. If truly left behind, they would probably not even know what to do each day.


    Li Qianzong, the one in charge of the escort, refused without hesitation: "No means no."


    "Qianzong, can''t you make an exception?"


    Chen Sansi personally came forward to plead: "I am preparing to go to the Eight Camps Selected Point. Even if I don''t rank well in the Selected Point, I''ll still be a low-level general. I''ll need some people under me, and I''ll continue to use them without taking any soldiers from Liangzhou."


    "Mr. Chen."


    Stay tuned for updates on empire


    Li Qianzong said helplessly, "It''s not that I can''t make an exception, but the rules are the rules. They all are soldiers under the flag of the Commanding Department from An Ding Prefecture. Now that the battle is over, they should return to stand by. How can they just leave whenever they want? Wouldn''t that create chaos?"


    "Qianzong, I remember there are vacancies in the Liangzhou Guard Station, right?"


    Sun Li hurried over upon hearing this: "Why not transfer them to the Liangzhou Guard Station?"


    "My dear Miss."


    Li Qianzong gave a bitter smile: "Why are you pressing me too? Even if they are transferred, shouldn''t there be a procedure?"


    Chen Sansi felt a headache coming on.


    He knew that the other party was not intentionally making things difficult.


    It was truly against the rules.


    But he really couldn''t bear to leave behind this group of men.


    These were the first soldiers he had led. Now they all had "Sinking Formation Death Will" on them. If truly left behind, he couldn''t bear it.


    "Otherwise..."


    Chen Sansi looked at everyone: "You return to Po Yang first and wait for me? I''ll strive to get good results at the Selected Point and then find a way to transfer you. It''ll be at most half a year; I promise I will definitely get you transferred."


    "..."


    Everyone exchanged glances.


    "Let them go together."


    Just as everyone was even preparing for a temporary farewell, an attendant pushing a wooden wheelchair appeared, with a middle-aged scholar in a green robe sitting on it, holding a Scroll Book in his hand.


    "General Fang!"


    "Greetings to General Fang!"


    Though clearly a disabled scholar, Li Qianzong and others greeted him respectfully upon seeing him.


    "Fourth Brother!"


    Sun Buqi''s eyes lit up as he rushed forward: "You, how come you are here?"


    Fang Qingyun smiled: "Of course, to take you and Miss Ri home."


    "Where''s my father?"


    Sun Buqi looked around: "Did he come?"


    "He came, then left."


    Fang Qingyun spoke calmly: "He is very busy, but this time he actually looked at you in a new light."


    "My father saw me killing enemies?"


    Sun Buqi asked eagerly and excitedly: "What did Dad say about me?"


    Fang Qingyun said with a smile: "Master said, although you are not up to much, you still have a bit of hot-blood."


    "Is that it?"


    Sun Buqi felt that wasn''t really a compliment.


    Isn''t that still not up to much?


    "General Fang."


    Li Qianzong said with some confusion: "You just said you were taking them with you? Isn''t that against the rules?"


    "I wrote the petition seven days ago, and I just received a reply today. Qianzong, take a look."


    Fang Qingyun produced a transfer order: "From today onwards, these people are part of the Eight Camps, to be temporarily placed under my Azure Dragon Camp for duties, to be arranged later."


    Eight Camps, Azure Dragon Camp?


    Feng Yong, Zhao Kang, and others exchanged incredulous looks.


    They were just hoping that they could enter the Liangzhou Guard Station and continue serving under Chen Sansi, but how did they suddenly end up in the Eight Camps?


    Everyone had heard.


    In the Eight Camps, even if one was just doing logistical chores, the ordinary Supplemental Medicines were plentiful!


    Doesn''t this mean they were like phoenixes rising to the top of the trees?


    "Thank you, General!"


    Chen Sansi sincerely gave a fist salute: "Chen Sansi remembers this kindness!"


    This person said he had written the petition seven days ago, which means he had been ready since the day they crossed the river.


    "No need to be polite, Younger Brother."


    Fang Qingyun also returned the fist salute with a warm smile: "My surname is Fang, given name Qingyun. If you don''t mind, just call me Elder Brother."


    Chen Sansi immediately said: "Thank you, Brother Fang!"


    "So you''re the Phoenix?"


    From a distance, Xu Wencai rushed over excitedly, bowing deeply: "My surname is Xu, given name Wencai, styled Wo Long. I have long admired your reputation!"


    "?"


    A question mark appeared above everyone''s heads.


    "What a thick-skinned fellow!"


    Xu Bin stared with wide eyes: "Your self-bestowed stylistic name, can it be the same as one respectfully addressed by others based on prestige?"


    Liu Jinkui hastily shouted: "Old man, come back here, don''t embarrass us!"


    They had finally gotten the chance to go to Liangzhou together and feared that the old scholar might accidentally offend General Fang, which could result in others dismissing them on a whim.


    "Oh?"


    Fang Qingyun looked at the shabby old scholar in front of him, ten years his senior, not feeling insulted but instead quite interested: "You are Wo Long, and I am Phoenix. It seems to say that our meeting here is a significant destiny."


    "Mr. Fang!"


    Xu Wencai rarely spoke solemnly, "Honestly, although I am called Wo Long, I am aware of my shallow talents and virtues and have many areas where I would like to consult with Mr. Fang."


    "Good."


    Fang Qingyun cheerfully said, "After we set off later, you can join me in my carriage. It might turn out to be me asking for your advice! Chen, has everyone arrived?"


    "One is still missing."


    Chen Sansi looked back towards the end of the line.


    "Old Six, Old Six, stop hiding."


    Fang Qingyun shook his head, "Come out."


    Wang Zhi, who had barely recovered from a severe injury, stepped out with his head lowered, his eyes darting around apprehensively, "Can I, can I also go?"


    "Why not?"


    Fang Qingyun retorted, "What do you think kept you alive with such severe injuries?"


    "Is it Master?"


    Wang Zhi''s body trembled, nearly falling to his knees, "Is he not angry with me anymore?"


    "He''s definitely still angry. Who told you to attack the city with the entire Xuanwu Camp just for the sake of ''loyalty'', leading to so many unnecessary casualties?"


    Fang Qingyun sighed, "But that doesn''t mean he will cut all ties with you. Follow brother Sansi for now. When the old man is in a better mood, I''ll plead your case."


    "Brother Four, your leg..."


    Wang Zhi looked at the lower half of the green-robed scholar, concerned, "In Longqing fifty-seven years, where were you? I didn''t see you for a whole year. They said you were about to breakthrough Martial Saint, how did you end up like this, even giving up martial arts for the literati, referred to as what? ''Phoenix Chick''."


    "Let''s not bring up the past."


    Fang Qingyun''s smile was tinged with bitterness, "Now that everyone is here, let''s set off."


    "Let''s go¡ª"


    Li Qianzong waved his hand grandly.


    The procession of thousands set off mightily.


    Moreover, since Li Qianzong and others were from the Eight Camps, carrying the banners of the Eight Camps, in the Northwest Three States, no one dared to provoke them, and the way was unobstructed.


    Chen Sansi did not ride in a carriage.


    He let Xu Bin''s wife and Sister Lan take the carriage since she had just given birth, and after enduring more than a month of convalescence she was still weak, plus she needed to breastfeed, making it inconvenient to walk with the main group.


    Speaking of which, Xu Bin''s daughter turned out to be quite adorable.


    The name given by Xu Wencai, "Xu Yuhuan", was indeed a bit familiar...


    Furthermore.


    Out of gratitude for this period, Xu Bin insisted on having Chen Sansi become the godfather to his daughter.


    "Xu Bin, you shameless, just like Fatty Wang!"


    Zhao Kang directly cursed, "You think this is gratitude, you just want to take advantage of the situation! If Mr. Chen becomes a Great General in the future, imagine how high you can climb!"


    "Exactly."


    Xiong Qiuan, covered in bandages, added, "Really shameless, typical of someone brought out by Wang Zhi."


    Wang Zhi angrily retorted, "Damn it, insult me all you want, but why drag me into this?!"


    Xu Bin turned red with shame, utterly embarrassed.


    "Alright, Brother Bin."


    Chen Sansi readily agreed, "I''ll be this uncle for Yu Huan."


    "This..."


    Xu Bin, realizing the impropriety, said, "Sir, nevermind."


    "I''ve already agreed, and now you say nevermind? Are you taking me for a fool?"


    Chen Sansi joked, "That settles it then, now I also have a daughter."


    "Good, good."


    Xu Bin was beaming, "When Yu Huan learns to talk, I''ll teach her to call me godfather first, without a godfather, she and her mother would have died in the crowd long ago!"


    Thus, the godfather relationship was established.


    It left the rest green with envy.


    Feng Yong hurriedly shouted, "Mr. Chen, I have a daughter too!"


    "Go to hell, Feng Yong, your daughter is too old, she''d be more suited as Mr. Chen''s concubine."


    "Get lost..."


    "Hahahaha¡ª"


    The group bantered and laughed, never bothering to count the days they traveled.


    During these days, Xu Wencai visited Fang Qingyun''s carriage at the same time each day, seemingly gaining a lot.


    Good things.


    The old scholar was undoubtedly skilled, and he wouldn''t fail in critical moments, but limited by his background, there was so much he lacked. With guidance from a general of the Eight Camps, his capabilities would surely improve greatly.


    Speaking of which.


    This Brother Fang really had no airs about him.


    Just like Sun Li and Sun Buqi.


    Anyone personally trained by Supervisor Sun generally wasn''t irritating.


    "Wang Zhi."


    Chen Sansi approached, "You mentioned that Brother Fang almost broke through to Martial Saint before?"


    "Yes."


    Wang Zhi nodded, "He was the first among our fellow disciples to touch the threshold of Martial Saint, but during the invasion of Nanxu Country in Longqing fifty-seven years, he disappeared. When he returned, he became like this, truly unfortunate. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Now in the Eight Camps, it seems only the eldest brother is a Martial Saint, and recently one younger brother also reached the threshold..."


    Chen Sansi asked, "In this world, how many Martial Saints are there?"


    "Fifteen years ago, not many, just three to five."


    Wang Zhi carefully counted and replied, "But ever since I left the Eight Camps, there''s been a surge, and now, they say there are dozens of Martial Saints around the world, not just in the court but including several major sects.


    "Of course, those above Martial Saint are still few.


    "My master, he is definitely the strongest."


    "That many more?"


    Chen Sansi temporarily couldn''t reach such a high realm.


    But he also knew that something unusual must be brewing.


    Longqing fifty-seven years.


    Fang Qingyun returned disabled.


    That same year, Supervisor Sun broke above Martial Saint.


    Martial Saints exploded across the world.


    That year, apart from the annihilation of Xuanwu Camp, there must have been other significant events.

 Chapter 115 A Grown Woman Wont Stay Long

    "We''re almost at Liangzhou!"Li Qianzong, riding a horse, spread the news, "Just a final stretch and everyone can rest!"


    "We''re finally almost there."


    Chen Sansi lay on Qian Xun''s horse''s mane, flipping through a book in utter boredom.


    He himself was not tired.


    The main issue was constantly traveling without much time for martial arts, which really made him anxious.


    [Cultivation Technique: Unity Spear Technique (Proficient)]


    [Progress: 168/1000]


    Even after such a long time, despite utilizing the White Swan Horse''s swift speed to chase back and forth, the progress had only increased by this small amount.


    That too under the circumstances of having Spiritual Grain, otherwise the pace would be even slower.


    The book that Chen Sansi held was a folk-banned book, acquired from Fang Qingyun, called "Record of Major Sects under Heaven," which contained records of some major sects and schools throughout the lands.


    In a small Po Yang County alone, there were the Four Great Martial Arts Schools holding sway.


    In larger areas, similar organizations existed.


    They were just not called "martial arts halls" but referred to as "sects."


    As Chen Sansi saw it,


    In this world, the sects largely replaced the influential clans and families of worlds where cultivation was not possible, constituting a significant force.


    Moreover, the history in the "Record of Major Sects under Heaven" was quite different from that in "Dasheng Chronicles."


    In "Dasheng Chronicles," the main accounts were about how the Grand Ancestor Cao Xie was invincible and heroic, and the efforts and hardships of the nation''s founders were significant, while the sects were somewhat glossed over.


    But in "Record of Major Sects under Heaven," the story was different.


    It was said initially, Cao Xie received substantial support from thirty-six major sects throughout the lands, which helped him unify the nation, and some sects even had their own territories three hundred years ago, almost equivalent to feudal princes.


    But Cao Xie was ruthless and ungrateful.


    Within less than five years after his ascension to the throne, he launched a campaign to stifle Jianghu, wiping out the influence of a few largest sects all at once, thereafter suppressing the sects, restricting disciples'' numbers, and limiting their cultivation realms.


    This situation only improved during Yuan''an''s renaissance.


    To this day, every time there is a war, it becomes necessary to dispatch sect disciples to battle, and they have regained some status, albeit limited and are still under the category of families and clans, and no single sect could prevail on its own.


    Interestingly,


    Liangzhou had two major sects with Martial Saints.


    One was the Tiantong Sword Sect, and the other was the Moon Splitting Mountain Villa.


    Apart from the ordinary sects, there was a mysterious sect that greatly intrigued Chen Sansi.


    Seeking Immortal Tower.


    This tower was profoundly mysterious, with a heritage of thousands of years, but it rarely appeared, even during changes of dynasties.


    Their sole purpose was to seek immortality, an organization seemingly detached from worldly desires.


    Next, there was the Witch God Sect.


    It was rumored that thousands of years ago, the Witch God of the Witch God Sect had ascended, and his followers aimed to find the path to the Immortal Realm and continue following the Witch God.


    Supporting the Yuwen family was merely for constructing their own forces to help in their quest to find traces of immortals, coveting the fertile lands of Central Plains because it was easier to find traces of immortals due to the area being rich in extraordinary talents and spiritual lands.


    It seems, the real upper echelons were all practicing immortality.


    And Chen Sansi was still practicing martial arts.


    The disparity between them was as vast as that between the clouds and the mud.


    Coming to the Governor Mansion was indeed the right move.


    Nowadays, there were many Martial Saints, but those above Martial Saint were still as rare as phoenix feathers and unicorn horns.


    By joining the Governor Mansion, if he himself could reach the threshold, it was very likely he could receive guidance.


    Under the Emperor...


    It was pointless to consider.


    Just because he didn''t carry the surname "Cao," his potential was capped.


    How could the Emperor, who was so cautious of Sun Xiangzong, possibly nurture another Chen Sansi?


    Lastly,


    The sect record also mentioned a unique martial constitution called the Transformation and Mysterious Body.


    Individuals with this constitution, before practicing martial arts, showed no difference from ordinary people, but once they started practicing, no matter the cultivation technique, would gradually transform their bodies to be most compatible with the techniques practiced. Those with the Transformation and Mysterious Body, given enough resources, were certain to reach the Martial Saint Realm!


    Thus, the Transformation and Mysterious Body, along with a few other rare constitutions, were collectively known as the Innate Martial Saint Body.


    "Am I an Innate Martial Saint Body?"


    As Chen Sansi read this, his emotions inevitably fluctuated.


    He indeed did not doubt that he could become a Martial Saint. After all, with the proficiency panel and Spiritual Grain, it was merely a question of time.


    But he had not expected that the changes brought by the panel were not illogical.


    It turned out to be a Transformation and Mysterious Body!


    Along the way, Chen Sansi had been worried about the jumbled mix of physiological traits within him, wondering what to do if someone detected it during Bone Training; it seemed he had been overly concerned.


    [Skill: Reading (Small Achievement)]


    [Progress: (496/800)]


    He closed the book and looked up.


    At the end of the road ahead, a city gradually emerged on the horizon. The city was small, even smaller than Po Yang County, with "Dongyi City" inscribed in large characters above the city gate.


    This place was only a dozen or so miles from Liangzhou City, but it was quite strangely besieged by heavy troops.


    On the military banner, the prominent mark of "Black Tortoise Camp" was visible.


    Wang Zhi was taken aback and felt a peculiar sensation in his heart.


    Chen Sansi asked, "What are they doing surrounding this place?"


    "Mr. Chen is not aware," S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Li Qianzong spoke in a relaxed tone, "During the recent skirmish against the barbarians, due to the shortage of men, temporary help from the disciples of the sects was requested for defending the city. However, this ''Seven Absolute Sect'' actually conspired secretly with the barbarians, betraying the nation and planning to collaborate from inside with the enemy to capture Liangzhou.


    "Obviously, that was wishful thinking. When they acted, they were suppressed by General Lu, and later they led fifteen hundred disciples to hide in Dongyi City.


    "Dongyi City and West Yi City are two garrison cities of Liangzhou City, specifically utilized for stationing troops. There are no civilians; not much grain was stored, and since the conflict had ended, we haven''t rushed to deal with them and simply surrounded them for now.


    "Our Commander always strategizes to minimize casualties."


    Chen Sansi nodded.


    This was indeed true.


    Even with only about a thousand men, storming the city would indeed lead to substantial casualties.


    With little food supply inside, dragging it out would leave only two choices: one, open the gates and surrender; two, starve to death.


    "Let me give a little heads-up to the junior disciple."


    Fang Qingyun, pushed along by Sun Li, came over and spoke slowly:


    "The ''Seven Absolute Sect'' is merely a second-tier sect within Liangzhou. The reason why Master has kept them until now is also to use them as a benchmark for the Selected Point assessment. We will see the specifics of the assessment when the time comes,"


    "Thank you for the tip, Senior Brother."


    Chen Sansi expressed his gratitude.


    "It''s not exactly leaking the questions since many people already knew. Telling you just makes things fairer."


    Fang Qingyun made a gesture of invitation, "Could I ask you to step aside for a private word, Junior Brother?"


    "Why not?"


    Chen Sansi dismounted, took the wheelchair from Sun Li, and pushed it to the woodland beside the road, "What advice do you have, Senior Brother?"


    "Here, take this."


    Fang Qingyun took out a porcelain bottle from his sleeve, "If you feel unwell within two months, mix this with water and drink it. If nothing happens, just discard it, and consider it as if nothing happened."


    Chen Sansi opened the porcelain bottle, which contained black medicinal powder.


    [Green Blood Poison Dew Antidote]


    Antidote.


    Of course.


    Lord Governor Sun probably knew the Emperor had poisoned him.


    He had instructed him to act as usual, obviously having prepared this antidote in advance.


    Yet he didn''t explicitly say so.


    And he even said to drink it after two months, wondering if the Emperor would provide an antidote? If provided, then act as if nothing had happened.


    Was this meant to avoid directly confronting the Emperor?


    "I understand now," Chen Sansi said.


    He didn''t ask further.


    "Right, that''s all then."


    Fang Qingyun said softly, "It has been quite a journey, brother. Please push me back; we are about to reach Liangzhou."


    ...


    Ten miles later,


    A giant city came into view.


    The city was as high as six fathoms, and judging from the walls'' thickness, they appeared to be more than five fathoms thick, almost endless at first sight, like a massive beast of rock sprawled across the wilderness.


    It was Liangzhou City, the foremost stronghold of the Northern Territory.


    "Open the gates¡ª"


    After verifying their identities, a team of over a thousand people entered the city smoothly.


    Despite being the closest to the barbarian tribes and in a region of constant strife, the bustling inside the city surprised everyone.


    Passing through the city gates, there were towers and shops everywhere, vendors shouting, people haggling, and the noise of disputes combining into a symphony of life, with streets bustling and people living peacefully. Stay updated via empire


    "Mr. Chen, please follow me."


    Li Thousand Captain said, "Your and your lady''s accommodations have been arranged by General Fang, and your followers will also be well placed in the areas where the soldiers stay. Please rest assured."


    "Thank you for your efforts."


    Chen Sansi and others bid farewell.


    "Ah, this journey truly wore me out, but at last, we are home."


    Fang Qingyun coughed twice, "May I ask Sister Sun Li to push me home?"


    "Senior Brother Four,"


    Sun Li spoke with a hint of concern in her voice, "Earlier, I encountered Cao Fan and Yin Hanwen, and some others. Why did they all rush from the Capital City to Liangzhou for the Selected Point? Is it really necessary?"


    "The last round of closed-disciples are all aiming for the special skills in the hands of our master, so of course it is necessary," Fang Qingyun stopped, bought some candied hawthorn on sticks, and handed one stick to each of the Sun siblings, "Not just them, but the Crown Prince''s men too, and even the Emperor has sent people to participate in the Selected Point.


    "Their physique is good and they have the best resources. Some are even nearing the Hua Jin phase. This Selected Point might be the most outstanding one of recent years."


    "Nearing Hua Jin?"


    Sun Li stopped mid-bite and pulled the candied hawthorn away from her mouth, "Junior Brother has only just mastered Refining Internal; can he really compete with them?"


    "Stop for a moment."


    "Hmm?"


    After the wheelchair stopped, Fang Qingyun turned around to face his Junior Sister, and just stared without a word.


    "Senior Brother Four, why are you looking at me like that?"


    Sun Li was puzzled.


    "It''s nothing,"


    Fang Qingyun, realizing but not revealing, wore an inscrutable smile, "It just feels like you are quite close to this Junior Brother Chen, worrying about him so soon."


    "Senior Brother,"


    Just as Sun Bu Qi had entered the city, he bought a lot of food and toys and hurried to catch up, "Cao Fan and the others seem quite formidable. Perhaps you could help Sansi when the time comes?


    "His skills would certainly make him the top disciple in other years, but what if he doesn''t make the cut this year? Wouldn''t that be too harsh?"


    "What, you think I should show favoritism?"


    Fang Qingyun struck Sun Bu Qi on the head with a rolled-up scroll, "Even if I wanted to, do you think that would be helping Chen? That would be harming him!


    "Take yourself for example. Although your physique is average, your perceptiveness is excellent. With some effort, you certainly wouldn''t fall far behind Cao Fan and his group. Do you know why you''re still lingering in the Bone Training Realm?


    "Isn''t it because you rely on our Master?


    "I still remember when you were a child at the private school, if you lost a fight, you would immediately threaten with ''my father is a Martial Saint and my Senior Brother is from the Mysterious Phenomenon. I''m going to get them to come and smash your whole family.''


    "Especially Tang Ruoshan. Every time he actually went and intimidated others, either by smashing stone lions with a palm or uprooting willow trees, not stopping until he made them cry. He completely spoiled you!


    "How could you possibly cultivate diligently?"


    "Boring, you manage to bring up something about me in everything,"


    Sun Bu Qi made a quick exit.


    "Hey~"


    Fang Qingyun suddenly remembered something and furrowed his brows, "Sister, unless I''m mistaken, Junior Brother Chen is already married, isn''t he?"


    "Yes, indeed."


    Sun Li, unaware of any issue, answered with a clear gaze, "Sister Lan is very skilled at needlework, she is virtuous and kind-hearted."


    "This is bad, this is bad!"


    Listening to the endless praises, Fang Qingyun first shouted an alarm and then sighed deeply, "Our Master will probably be quite upset about this~"


    "Senior Brother, you''re speaking in bits and pieces. What exactly are you talking about?"


    Sun Li considered herself smart.


    However, today she found her Senior Brother''s words as hard to understand as a riddle."

 Chapter 116 Imperial Decree Bestowal, Renowned Throughout the Land

    "Mr. Chen, this is the place," said Li Qianzong as he stopped in front of a grand residence. "General Fang has prepared the house in advance and even arranged for two maids. If that''s not enough, you can buy two more yourself.""It would be best to purchase the children from poor families through a broker, better than seeing them sold into brothels, wouldn''t you agree?"


    "There''s something else I need to make clear beforehand: People from the Governor Mansion must not randomly kill or harm their servants for entertainment."


    "Of course, this is only if they haven''t made any mistakes. If they do something wrong, they still have to be punished."


    "Alright."


    "I''ve said everything that needs to be said. Now, Mr. Chen, you can settle in here and wait for the notification from the Selected Point.


    "Hmm, you might also get some visitors since those who can participate in the Selected Point are all outstanding and talented youths from various places. In the future, who knows, you might be a General. Mr. Chen, you''ll handle it accordingly."


    "I appreciate it, Li Qianzong. I''ll treat you to a drink another day," said Chen Sansi as he clasped his fist in farewell.


    Li Qianzong had been quite thorough in his explanations, despite the task being a challenging one.


    "We''re at the new home now," Chen Sansi finally had time to look at the residence.


    What a grand home, with three courtyards and three entryways.


    In Po Yang County, only the county magistrate and a few wealthy families could afford such a residence.


    And truthfully, he didn''t even need such a large house. Fortunately, it came with two maids, or else Sister Lan would''ve been worked to death just keeping it clean.


    "We greet the master and the mistress," said two maidens, still at the tender age of puberty, as they came forward to welcome and bowed in respect.


    Chen Sansi waved his hand dismissively, "Mm, you two can go now. I''ll call on you if I need something."


    "Master..."


    The two maids exchanged a glance and timidly spoke, "You haven''t given us our names yet."


    "Names?"


    It was then that Chen Sansi remembered that after selling themselves into servitude, they no longer owned their names.


    He really wasn''t good at naming: "Sister Lan, I''ll leave it to you."


    "Alright, I''ll do it."


    Gu Xinlan took the hands of the two maids, gently inquired about their family backgrounds, ages, and talents, and finally named one Si Qin and the other Mo Hua.


    Both had been sold by their parents from a young age, specifically trained to be sold to wealthy households as maids, and they came at a steep price.


    "It seems I don''t have any silver to provide for the household!"


    It suddenly dawned on Chen Sansi.


    He had fought in battles for two months, without a single coin of silver on him.


    Luckily, he held the rank of a Sixth-rank Captain and additionally a Medal from the rank of fifth-rank cavalier, both of which came with stipends. He just wasn''t sure where to collect it and would have to ask around later.


    "Master!"


    Mo Hua rushed over, looking somewhat panicked, "There is an eunuch outside who says you''re needed to receive an imperial decree, and there are a lot of people."


    "An imperial decree?"


    A surge of unpleasant memories flashed through Chen Sansi''s mind.


    But he had no grudges with the Emperor, so there was nothing to fear, and most likely, it was some kind of reward.


    Even if there was some bad news, he had to receive the decree; what choice did he have when his power was so weak?


    "Let''s go," said Chen Sansi as he walked out the door.


    He saw before the entrance to the residence, there were no less than a dozen carriages lined up ¡ª such a grand spectacle attracted hundreds of onlookers.


    At the front was a eunuch dressed in an exquisite python robe, with a jade belt at his waist, his face pale as paper, his expression somber and his breath steady and long. By his demeanor, he seemed to be trained in the martial arts as well.


    With a sharp and somewhat piercing voice, the eunuch proclaimed, "The imperial decree has arrived, Captain Chengxin Chen Sansi, receive the decree!"


    "Your servant hears and obeys!"


    Chen Sansi and his family knelt down.


    As usual, when one''s strength is lacking, one must bow their heads, or else it''s as good as courting death.


    "By the mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Captain Chengxin Chen Sansi, who has led the people across the Hongze River Shore, has moved both Heaven and Earth. Having heard of it, I am moved to tears. To have such a courageous and benevolent General is indeed my great fortune, as well as the fortune of the Great Sheng Dynasty. Hence, you are promoted to the General of Martial Virtue of the fifth rank and exceptionally appointed as the Standard Third-rank Cavalry Commander in an honorary capacity, bestowed with a thousand taels of gold, fifty thousand taels of silver, a thousand rolls of silk, thirty Refining Organ Treasure Medicine, and a pot of Imperial Wine. Take heed of this decree!"


    "Your servant receives the decree and gratefully thanks the Heavenly Grace, long live the Emperor, long, long live the Emperor!"


    Chen Sansi had no choice but to express his gratitude with perfect propriety, bowing deeply in thanks.


    "Who is this person?"


    "The new neighbor."


    "Leading the people to cross the river?"


    "I''ve heard of this incident. It seems that during Yunzhou''s ten-day crisis, a commander from a small county led tens of thousands of people in an escape. To help the people cross the river, he and his subordinates nearly lost their lives."


    "There''s actually an official willing to go to such lengths for the common people?"


    "The Emperor is indeed a sagacious and enlightened ruler!"


    "Exactly, otherwise he wouldn''t have bestowed so much. With the gold, the silver, and a thousand rolls of silk, that''s enough for many people''s lifetimes of food and clothing combined."


    "So young and already awarded a third-rank medal; he''s eligible to attend court and see the Emperor."


    "This man is sure to be a great leader one day!"


    "..."


    The onlookers discussed among themselves.


    ''Damn it, that old Emperor sure knows how to take advantage of my situation!'' cursed Chen Sansi internally.


    The old Emperor conspired with the enemy and betrayed the country, causing nearly a million civilians to be slaughtered in Yunzhou over ten days. Now, by giving him this reward, he''s trying to garner a good reputation, the epitome of shamelessness.


    The gifts are too few!


    Give more, much more!


    Otherwise, it doesn''t make up for this kneel.


    "Mr. Chen, aren''t you inviting me inside to sit?" inquired the Chief Eunuch from above.


    Chen Sansi stood up: "Please come in, Eunuch. Mo Hua, go make some tea."


    "Master, we don''t have tea¡­" Mo Hua, who had never seen such a scene, was terrified on her first day ''at work'' facing an imperial decree, with talk of thousands in gold and tens of thousands in silver. It was too frightening, making her shiver all over.


    "Eunuch, I have just moved in, and the house is honestly quite empty."


    Chen Sansi explained, "It may be an imposition to ask you to drink plain water."


    "Master, we don''t have plain water either¡­" Si Qin timidly added, "We haven''t even bought firewood or tea sets for the house yet..."


    "Forget it then, I won''t go inside. Let''s talk here," the Great Eunuch stopped in front of the main hall and sighed, "My surname is Hou, and I''m the supervisor of the military in the Northwest Three States, overseeing all military affairs. You can simply call me Elder Hou."


    Chen Sansi inquired, "Is there anything Elder Hou needs?"


    Supervisor.


    The supervisor was naturally Sun Xiangzong; it must be that this person also holds a high position in the palace.


    "You were just granted the fifth-rank title of Flying Cavalry Commander, and now so soon you''ve been further awarded the third-rank title of Light Chariot Commander, far exceeding the medal you should have for your refining organs cultivation."


    Mr. Hou emphasized with a drag, "Mr. Chen, do you understand the implication of this?"


    "The heavenly grace of His Majesty, this general will surely hold firmly in his heart, and will not forget it for a moment!"


    Chen Sansi said word by word, "Not forget it for a moment!"


    "Good, you are indeed clever!"


    Mr. Hou waved his hand, signaling his subordinate eunuchs to bring up the imperial wine, "Mr. Chen, do not let down the holy intent."


    [Green Blood Poison Dew Antidote]


    Chen Sansi picked up the imperial wine and drank it all in one gulp.


    Constant poisoning was no solution.


    Because over time, the poison would certainly flare up, and it wouldn''t do to have slow-acting poison, periodically bestowing some food and drink as gifts. Even a fool would find it odd, and it would only increase the distance between monarch and subject.


    Better to give the antidote and then bestow great rewards, which could win people''s hearts.


    If it weren''t for Chen Sansi''s prior knowledge of the poison through [Recognize Medicine], and the serendipitous understanding of Yunzhou''s inside story, he might have really thought this was a benevolent and wise monarch, and hence felt grateful and esteemed.


    The means of an emperor to rule over his subjects!


    "Good."


    Mr. Hou watched him drink the wine and smiled, "Mr. Chen, you will next stay at the Governor Mansion''s Selected Point, so..."


    "Rest assured, Mr. Hou."


    Chen Sansi replied promptly, "As a servant, no matter where I am, I will always remember that I am a subject of the Great Sheng Dynasty, a subject of His Majesty."


    "You are a smart one, I like you! Alright, since there''s no tea or refreshments, I will take my leave now."


    Mr. Hou left, satisfied.


    The others helped move things into the Chen Mansion and then dared to depart. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As the gates were closed,


    Chen Sansi immediately took out the refining organ treasure medicine and began to practice.


    Thousands of gold and silver coins, plus a thousand rolls of silk, would indeed suffice for some time.


    But what was really valuable was the treasure medicine!


    After reaching above the refining organs stage, the required medicines could basically no longer be gauged by money.


    The truly precious ingredients were invaluable; after all, they demanded extremely harsh requirements for age and growth environment, which is why even Po Yang County was at its resource limit when it came to refining organs.


    Even in the Eight Camps, treasure medicines were not available to just anyone who wished for them.


    Because the Eight Camps were constantly relocating, they had no fixed assets of their own, and military supplies also required court allocated funds and local support to maintain.


    "Fortunately, I won''t be lacking for the time being."


    After Chen Sansi verified that the treasure medicine was fine, he swallowed it, and under the powerful force of the medicine, he practiced his spear technique.


    Thirty pieces of treasure medicine, enough to support him until Hua Jin!


    The combined value, how could it be just thousands of gold?


    [Cultivation Technique: Unity Spear Technique (Mastered)]


    [Progress: 288/1000]


    With the addition of Spiritual Grain, the efficiency of skill improvement was astonishing!


    Logically, after entering the Refining Internal Organs stage, the speed of cultivation progress was bound to slow down.


    But he was confident that, within one month, he could break through to refining organs small achievement.


    Chen Sansi had originally planned to enter seclusion.


    But the very next day, his residence became bustling.


    Invitations, from scholars, aristocratic families, sects, to officials big and small, a massive amount of invitations were sent to Chen Mansion. Suddenly, the doorstep was as busy as a marketplace, with an endless stream of visitors coming and going.


    With such a grand display of imperial reward, even though it wasn''t in the Capital City, it indicated a promising future. It was normal that people wanted to make connections.


    Chen Sansi did not refuse them.


    The resources needed for future practice would increase, and one couldn''t guarantee when they might be needed from a family.


    It was just that for the time being, he really couldn''t accommodate them all.


    "Shanshi!"


    That afternoon, after Chen Sansi had eaten and was practicing spear in the courtyard,


    Sun Buqi knocked on his door, "Come on, I''m here on their behalf to invite you to the banquet, the Selected Point''s banquet, you must go."


    "Selected Point''s banquet?"


    Chen Sansi took the opportunity to ask, "By the way, could you tell me about the specific processes involved with Selected Point?"


    Soon, with Sun Buqi''s explanation, he roughly understood the process.


    Selected Point was divided into two main categories: Reserve Military Officer and Reserve Generals.


    Those who participated in Selected Point were subject to age restrictions.


    Within the age limit, anyone above refining organs cultivation could participate in the Reserve Generals'' selection.


    Additionally, each Selected Point would accept eight Inner Sect Disciples, but there was only one True Inheritor!


    There were five parts to the assessment.


    One, formation setting.


    Two, formation breaking.


    Three, battle deployment, that is real combat.


    Four, martial arts competition.


    Five, root bone, to judge the upper limit and then decide how many resources to allocate based on that limit.


    The series of assessments was basically equivalent to another martial arts examination process.


    The difference was that after passing the assessment, one would directly stay in the Eight Camps and be taught martial arts by Sun Xiangzong.


    "Shanshi, this year is the toughest one."


    Sun Buqi sighed, "Last time, the ones you saw like Yin Hanwen, Cao Fan, and even Elder Yan''s grandson are here, along with the Young Sect Master from the Sky-reaching Sword Sect in Liangzhou, disciples from the Moon Splitting Mountain Villa, and so on...


    "Most of them have reached Refining Internal Organs Perfection!


    "And because everyone arrived particularly early this year, the Selected Point will officially start in ten days!


    "Shanshi, you''ve just mastered your refining organs skill, haven''t you?


    "These opponents are not like the previous ones. Each and every one of them has a special physique. Anywhere in the Jianghu, they could be undefeated at the same stage. It won''t be easy for you to win against them across cultivation levels."


    To Chen Sansi,


    All these could wait till later.


    What mattered to him was that there was only one True Inheritor!


    Not only was he the last batch of Selected Point disciples, but also the last True Inheritor. Needless to say, what that implied.


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    Immortal Law.


    Only by becoming the only true inheritor would there possibly be a chance to touch upon the ways to break through above Martial Saint!

 Chapter 117 Paying Respects at the Dock

    "If that''s the case,""I really must secure the first place."


    Chen Sansi was aware that the people from the famous families across the whole world definitely were not the same as those from a poor and remote place like Po Yang County.


    Take the Blood Refining Realm for instance.


    In Po Yang County, most people only reach a ''large'' level.


    He, on the other hand, had his power flowing through his entire body. How could it be the same?


    Whether it''s the royal family or any noble family, no matter how inferior, they wouldn''t lack much, their resources were absolutely sufficient, not to mention, their talents were not poor either.


    At least one parent in each noble family was a high-realm martial artist, plus with wealthy people having many descendants, each generation could generally produce at least one fairly talented individual, and if lucky, even a genius.


    Challenging across realms was certainly difficult.


    Moreover, for those in the Refining Internal Realm, martial artists could experience a special state called "Blood Burst" which immensely amplified their abilities. Even transcending one realm might not guarantee a win, let alone he had only achieved a small achievement in his cultivation technique.


    It was just that time was tight. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Once the war broke out, all the Selection Officers from across the country were summoned in advance, causing the selection to be held much earlier.


    For him to reach a small achievement in refining internal organs, it would take at least twenty days at the fastest.


    Unless he could secure more beast meat, particularly Exotic Beast Meat, and find someone to train with him day and night without stopping, maybe he could speed up the process a bit.


    "Oh well, let''s go and see first."


    Chen Sansi, along with Sun Buqi, embarked in a carriage.


    It was his first time entering the city from the county, and he couldn''t help but lift the curtain to enjoy the street views. When they passed through the bustling market area, he used his keen eyes to spot a few notices.


    Among them, two in particular caught his attention.


    A wanted order from the Witch God Sect, and a eulogy of his leading people across the river.


    Chen Sansi inquired, "Is the Witch God Sect also in Liangzhou City?"


    "Of course, it is."


    Sun Buqi leaned back in his seat, munching on some unknown fruit, and said, "The Witch God Sect has been causing chaos for more than just a day or two. They have a presence practically all over the world, and not all of them are Barbarians. They have many followers even in the Central Plains, hard to distinguish from their appearance. Lurking in the darkness, they disrupt the peace and stir up trouble everywhere.


    "Just like in Seven Absolute Sect of Dongyi City, in my opinion, eight or nine out of ten, it''s their instigation."


    "Hmm."


    Chen Sansi had long heard of the Witch God Sect causing chaos everywhere. Po Yang County was unaffected before the Immortal Treasure incident because it was too insignificant.


    The place was too small with not enough strategic value, that even the Witch God Sect couldn''t be bothered to come.


    "And furthermore,"


    Sun Buqi sat upright, seriously stating, "The followers in Liangzhou City specifically target martial artists. Initially, they killed those of lower realms more often, but later they even took down those in higher realms. It''s said during the frontline warfare, even the top disciple of Moon Splitting Mountain Villa was killed."


    "Killing martial artists?"


    Chen Sansi contemplated internally.


    The Witch God Sect, while using millions of citizens for a blood sacrifice, dared to kill martial artists; the objects in their hands seemed less like treasures of immortals and more like demonic items, all needing human lives as fuel.


    "But don''t worry,"


    Sun Buqi added, "Most of those who died were disciples of sects and people from the Jianghu. They rarely dare to attack people from the Eight Camps, and after the war ends, my father really plans to investigate this thoroughly."


    Initially in Po Yang County, various martial arts halls captured common folks daily to test medicines.


    Now in Liangzhou, the sects were the targets persecuted by the Witch God Sect.


    "The matter of Amugu''s disappearance¡­"


    Just mentioning the Witch God Sect made Chen Sansi involuntarily think of this expert of the Meridian Passage Realm.


    He was somewhat worried. Although he had claimed in front of five thousand cavalrymen that Amugu was killed by Sun Xiangzong and due to some misunderstandings, the supervisor did actually make an appearance afterward, but there were still gaps in the story.


    If Sun Xiangzong had arrived at the scene earlier, there would have been no need for their roadblock which resulted in heavy casualties.


    Fortunately, even if the Witch God Sect suspected him, they wouldn''t share that information with the Sheng Dynasty.


    If the old Emperor got his hands on the Immortal Treasure, he wouldn''t return it to the Barbarians; they could only investigate secretly.


    Next, he just needed to be more cautious.


    Moreover, if there truly were other assailants, Chen Sansi, while ensuring his own safety, would try to capture a living person to interrogate thoroughly about the Immortal Treasure, to see if it matched his speculations.


    "Sansi,"


    Sun Buqi interrupted his train of thought, "His Majesty has declared your merits to the whole world; today, quite a few people will probably seek to make your acquaintance."


    "Hmm."


    Chen Sansi nodded.


    The banquet venue called the "Immortal Crane Tower" could be considered the Eight Treasures Building of Liangzhou City, but since it was a state city, the level of luxury there naturally couldn''t be compared to a small county town.


    Even so, today the Immortal Crane Tower was still reserved entirely.


    The entire street was filled with all kinds of luxurious carriages, showing the high status of the attendees at this event.


    "Ahem!"


    Sun Buqi cleared his throat, "Sansi, let me break it down for you, the people here today roughly belong to three camps.


    "The first is the Emperor''s people.


    "The second, the people of the Crown Prince.


    "The third, people from famous families. Within the famous families, they are further divided according to whom they affiliate with."


    This was no ordinary banquet, but a complex web of political networking.


    "You can actually discern all this."


    Chen Sansi admired, noting that birth indeed determined perspective and insight.


    He indeed needed Sun Buqi beside him, otherwise, if he went in alone, he would be utterly blind, not recognizing anyone or knowing how to react.


    "People from sects can also participate in the Selection?"


    Chen Sansi asked.


    "Of course they can."


    Sun Buqi responded, "The lands, medicine gardens, and even mountains in various places are largely occupied by the sects and noble families, so any military needs must rely on them for support. Correspondingly, it''s natural to provide them with opportunities."


    Land consolidation and class solidification were not phenomena exclusive to Po Yang County.


    The whole Great Sheng Dynasty was the same.


    To make the sects cooperate sincerely, it was necessary to provide opportunities. Once in power, their status became even more secure, and this cycle could continue indefinitely without limits; the sects would be like local emperors.


    Chen Sansi couldn''t help recalling, in his previous life when he read historical tales, the Emperor who founded the Eastern Han, the "Child of the Plane" Liu Xiu, had managed significant feats with the support of the noble families of Central Plains, much like Cao Xie initially.


    During their conversation, the two walked into the Immortal Crane Tower.


    Upon entering, there was no noise, only the sound of quiet conversations and faintly playing music, with prominent officials coming and going. Not one was a commoner.


    Even among the Selected Blades, only a few who had achieved at least small success in Refining Internal Organs were present at the banquet.


    There were acquaintances.


    Cao Fan, Yin Hanwen.


    "Congratulations to the Princely Heir and Mr. Yin for your great achievements in Yunzhou!"


    "..."


    "..."


    "Has Brother Bu Qi arrived?"


    "Brother Bu Qi, long time no see!"


    Many people came up to Sun Buqi with compliments, "This person beside you, must be Mr. Chen, right?"


    "Oh, leading people across the river, known throughout the world!"


    "Mr. Chen is so young yet has already caught the Emperor''s favor. You will definitely rise rapidly!"


    "..."


    Soon, a large circle had formed around Chen Sansi.


    Most of them were young offspring of officials.


    Sun Buqi introduced, "This is Lu Shuhua, the Young Sect Master of the Sky-reaching Sword Sect, and this is Chu Tianshu of the Lingxu Sect. This Immortal Crane Tower belongs to Brother Chu."


    "Brother Lu, Brother Chu."


    Chen Sansi responded one by one, neither overly humble nor arrogant, feeling no need to ingratiate himself with others, nor offend anyone.


    "Lu Shuhua is one of your strong competitors, born with the Sword Heart Body, already perfected in Refining Internal Organs, with superb swordsmanship and formidable strength."


    Sun Buqi pointed to a distant place where Zongmen disciples stood with Cao Fan, and whispered, "That''s Wen Qiushi from the Moon Splitting Mountain Villa standing over there, he has always been ingratiating himself with the Princely Heir, and those others too."


    In fact.


    Looking around inside and outside the Immortal Crane Tower, it was indeed the group around Cao Fan that was the largest, each of them exceedingly respectful towards him.


    The first thing everyone did upon entering was to offer him a toast, and then they mingled and made connections with others.


    "Sigh~"


    Sun Buqi sighed and said, "Now with both the governorship and military supervision secured by the eunuchs, two of the eight camps belong to the Crown Prince''s men. They see that my father is about to retire from the battlefield, and they''ve started treating us coldly so early!"


    Retire from the battlefield?


    Chen Sansi thought it probably wasn''t that simple.


    The scene before him increasingly resembled his earlier conjecture: Supervisor Sun won''t live much longer.


    These people were here to divide up the influence of the Eight Camps.


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    Supervisor Sun probably allowed this to unfold because he was somehow trying to secure a retreat for his two remaining children.


    Because¡­


    Chen Sansi hadn''t heard of any other True Disciple who had broken through to a level Above Martial Saint capable of protecting Supervisor Sun''s family.


    "..."


    "Hypocrite!"


    Yin Hanwen angrily exclaimed, "Princely Heir, that man is utterly deceitful! Why did he insist on staying behind to help the civilians cross the river during the battle, if not to gain a reputation through these means? And our Holy Emperor, benevolent as he is, was actually deceived by him."


    "Yes, Princely Heir."


    Wen Qiushi chimed in, "He didn''t even come over to offer you a toast. He received a third-rank title and now thinks too highly of himself?"


    Cao Fan, holding a wine cup, slowly said, "Not only the Grand Emperor, but even my father thinks highly of him, hoping that I could make connections with him. It''s really troubling - I don''t see what a country Refiner, even with the Nine Dragon Body, can do."


    "Yes, Princely Heir, you have the Dragon Heart Tiger Bone, a bodily vessel of an Innate Martial Saint."


    Yin Hanwen expressed his admiration, "In this Selected Blade, no one poses a threat to you."


    "Yes, naturally."


    Cao Fan spoke calmly, "Father is probably not worried about that. He likely wants to recruit him for our use."


    "I''ll get him to come over and offer a toast to the Princely Heir!"


    Wen Qiushi said and was about to go over, but the other party took the initiative to come forward.


    "Greetings to the Princely Heir."


    Chen Sansi first saluted, then offered a toast.


    He hadn''t forgotten the disdain and arrogance the other party had shown at the banks of the Hongze River, refusing to even let him speak, instantly branding him as a deserter.


    However, it was better not to burn bridges in such gatherings, as even if there were minor conflicts later, they wouldn''t easily be suspected.


    Cao Feng''s smile was somewhat mocking, "Brother Chen, isn''t this toast a bit late?"


    "Princely Heir, please don''t blame me. It''s my first time at such a grand event, and I may have been inadvertently discourteous. I''ll punish myself with three cups."


    Saying this, Chen Sansi downed three cups in succession.


    "Impressive tolerance."


    Only then did Cao Fan appear satisfied.


    Not all present were children of wealth and power; some were talented individuals from lesser places and impoverished backgrounds.


    In previous Selected Blade events, this gathering would really just have been about making connections.


    But since it was Sun Xiangzong''s last time and even the Crown Prince''s son was involved, the situation became more complex - turning into a political networking event and an opportunity to choose allegiances.


    Governor Mansion, Crown Prince, and the Yan Party.


    Grandson of Elder Yan was also present.


    There were three docks to choose from, depending on their own choices.


    Because of Supervisor Sun''s esteemed reputation, half still chose to ally with the Governor Mansion''s dock.


    The rest, sensing the delicate situation, either chose Cao Fan or Elder Yan''s grandson.


    Knowing who would be participating in the Selected Blade, Chen Sansi no longer felt inclined to stay. No matter what, he would try to compete for the first place¡ªcourting factions was pointless.


    He put down his wine cup, ready to leave with Sun Buqi, when suddenly someone with a resonant and powerful voice holding a wine cup approached, echoing through the hall,


    "I am Bai Thingzhi from Guangling County, long have I admired General Chen''s great reputation!


    "General Chen leading people across the river, shook the heavens and moved the Earth, truly a role model for us martial artists and military men!


    "Here''s to you!"

 Chapter 118 Selected Point Begins (Long Chapter)

    This person''s voice was extremely loud.So much so that almost everyone turned their heads to look.


    Bai Tingzhi stood rigidly in place, looking straight ahead without a sideways glance, waiting for the other party to respond.


    "Where did this man come from, and why does he have no sense of decorum?"


    "Judging by his attire, he''s from the countryside..."


    "After he entered, he should have first proposed a toast to the Princely Heir and others. To seek an association with Mr. Chen, he should''ve done so quietly and privately. Shouting out loud like this is the equivalent of..."


    Paying tribute!


    However, the problem is, Chen Sansi was a newcomer, his cultivation level wasn''t high and he lacked significant backing, and therefore had no right to open his own port of call.


    "Wait a minute."


    Wen Qiushi narrowed his eyes and demanded, "The Princely Heir is standing before you, and you do not offer him a toast first?"


    "The Princely Heir?"


    Bai Tingzhi said bluntly, "I do not recognize the Princely Heir, I only recognize General Chen!"


    Now that Chen Sansi had been titled a fifth-rank General of Martial Virtue, he truly was an authentic general.


    "What an idiot!"


    Yin Hanwen said angrily, "Even your Mr. Chen has to offer a toast to the Princely Heir first. Do you even understand the rules?!"


    "Brother Bai, quickly offer a toast to the Princely Heir."


    Chen Sansi, overwhelmed by the sudden situation, almost didn''t react in time: "Don''t just stand there."


    He saw at a glance that this young man was a blockhead who entirely lacked an understanding of the rules.


    This had offended the already proud Princely Heir.


    "You are the Princely Heir? General Chen tells me to offer you a toast!"


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    Bai Tingzhi once again shocked everyone, "Cheers!"


    ''How could this man be as dim-witted as Zhu Tong?''


    Chen Sansi couldn''t bear to watch.


    Cao Fan, his lips twitching with anger, narrowed his eyes: "What stray dog thinks he''s worthy of drinking with me, the Princely Heir?"


    "If you don''t want to drink, then don''t drink. Why insult someone?"


    Bai Tingzhi stared back fiercely, "You want to fight?"


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    Another young master in brocade clothing approached, it was none other than the grandson of the current Chief Minister, Yan Liang, named Yan Changqing. With a cupped-fist salute, he said, "Princely Heir, this person is obviously a country bumpkin who doesn''t understand decorum. Why lower yourself to his level?"


    At Chen Sansi''s hinting glances, Bai Tingzhi finally took his leave with a cupped-fist salute.


    "Yan Changqing, is it your turn to speak?"


    Cao Fan was unabashedly hostile, "What kind of guts do you have, coming to Liangzhou to compete with me for the Selected Point?"


    "The competition for the Selected Point is a fair one, and moreover, I am here by imperial command,"


    Yan Changqing lowered his head, his words were respectful, yet his tone very calm, "Please do not take offense, Princely Heir."


    "Fine, we shall see what happens."


    Cao Fan sneered, looking at Chen Sansi, "Brother Chen, let me remind you, the Yan father and son are grasshoppers after the autumn, they won''t be jumping for long. Choose your side wisely or you''ll regret it too late."


    Sure enough, he was already considering him a member of the Yan Party.


    In fact, even if Yan Changqing hadn''t stepped forward to help, it was still impossible to avoid this association.


    Courtly conflicts were complex.


    The most obvious were the Yan Party and the Gao Faction.


    One could not discuss such things openly.


    But everyone in the court basically understood that behind the two factions stood the Emperor and the Crown Prince, respectively.


    Having just received the imperial decree, Chen Sansi naturally appeared to be one of the Emperor''s men, thus closer to the Yan Party.


    Even if he was a thousand times unwilling, he had no choice but to get entangled in the factional struggles.


    Such is the unavoidable nature of serving as an official in the court.


    Luckily, he wasn''t in the Capital City, so at least he did not have to engage in daily political maneuvers. Otherwise, he would have to consider carefully which foot to step into the Imperial Palace with when attending court.


    Perhaps,


    it was the Emperor''s intention all along.


    To split his subordinates into groups for mutual checks and balances, making it easier for the old Emperor to maintain control.


    "Mr. Chen, I was too preoccupied to greet you earlier, my apologies,"


    Yan Changqing, having sent off the Princely Heir, began speaking leisurely, "But in the future, you really must keep your men in line. It is fortunate that this was a private banquet, for if it were at the court..."


    "This person is not my man."


    Chen Sansi replied, "Nevertheless, I thank you, Young Master Yan."


    "You are too courteous, Mr. Chen."


    Yan Changqing approached, smiling, "We are both servants of His Majesty, and in the upcoming competition, we must support and assist each other. If I manage to secure first place and become the True Inheritor, you, Mr. Chen, will surely become one of my commanding generals."


    "Mr. Yan."


    Sun Buqi interjected, "Is there a possibility that Sansi himself might secure the True Inheritor''s position?"


    "Oh?"


    Yan Changqing curled his lips, "With no disrespect, it seems that Mr. Chen has only recently begun Refining Internal, right? The rest of us are at least at the small achievement stage, like me, just one step away from Hua Jin. Not to mention the final round of martial contests, I fear no matter what, that would be an insurmountable barrier."


    "As for me, even though I am nominally inferior to the Princely Heir, if I make a breakthrough to the Great Success of Refining soon, I might still have a chance to defeat him."


    This one was also on the verge of achieving Great Success in Refining Internal.


    Chen Sansi could not help but feel a sense of urgency.


    It seems that he would need to make a breakthrough to small success soon, or else he truly wouldn''t stand much chance in securing a victory in the competition.


    The feast lasted into the late night.


    As expected, Chen Sansi left early.


    He inquired, "Bu Qi, I recall from records that there are many Exotic Beasts in the Luotian Mountain Range near Liang state, correct?"


    "Yes, I know of a place,"


    Upon hearing about hunting, Sun Buqi''s expression turned excited, "Are you planning to hunt Exotic Beasts to enhance your cultivation?"


    Chen Sansi nodded in affirmation.


    Medicine had been stacked to the utmost.


    To increase his pace further, he could only turn to nourishing food.


    Exotic Beasts, like treasure medicines, were rare resources that one couldn''t buy with money.


    Typically, only martial artists would hunt them, and once they acquired them, they would consume them first. Only the unused parts might be sold off.

 Chapter 118 Selected Point Begins (Long Chapter)_2

    And many Exotic Beasts require their effects to be fresh to be of any good, once they are put on hold for too long, they immediately lose most of their value."After going round in circles, I''m back to my old job,"


    Chen Sansi inquired about the specific situation within the Luotian Mountain Range.


    "There are quite a few, such as the Saber-Toothed Tiger, whose blood can brew wine that promotes Refining Internal, and other parts of its body are even more nourishing. However, they are very fierce, and one Saber-Toothed Tiger generally possesses the combat strength of a Refining Organ Martial Artist."


    Sun Buqi counted on his fingers, "Then there are the Giant Apes, Fierce Bears, Shadow Leopards, and so on, a wide variety with each one being a great supplement but also more dangerous than the last. And they are not easy to find."


    "And you need to be careful when hunting, don''t venture too deep into the mountains." Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "There are many Poisonous Beasts inside."


    "Poisonous Beasts?"


    Chen Sansi asked in confusion, "Tell me more."


    "These Poisonous Beasts have only started to appear in recent years."


    Sun Buqi stroked his chin and said, "Unlike Exotic Beasts, Poisonous Beasts have the combat strength of Exotic Beasts, but their flesh can''t be eaten; consuming it can damage the internal organs and meridians. Moreover, in the deep mountains, you might even encounter them in swarms, and if you are besieged, not only is it dangerous, but even if you kill them all, you won''t gain any benefits, so who would want to waste their effort unnecessarily."


    "And it seems as if Poisonous Beasts are proliferating like a contagion, there''s a region where once a type of old ape that could mimic humans using weapons appeared, and now exhibit all kinds of toxins,"


    "It is said that in the very core of the Luotian Mountain Range, a giant python dwells. Decades ago someone saw it, reputed to be over fifty zhang long and one zhang thick!"


    Is this even a snake anymore?


    Chen Sansi grew more curious about the former topic, "Such a sudden emergence of Poisonous Beasts, has no one looked into it?"


    "Of course, they have, but they couldn''t figure out the reason."


    Sun Buqi shrugged his shoulders, "In the end, the matter was dropped, and few people go there anymore."


    Where there''s something abnormal, there''s bound to be a demon.


    Chen Sansi quietly made a note in his heart to pay more attention to it if he had the chance.


    Ever since he learned that reaching the pinnacle of Martial Arts could potentially lead one onto the Immortal Path, he became particularly interested in such matters.


    "There''s another thing you don''t know."


    Sun Buqi really enjoyed this "teacher" feeling and spoke at length, "After Hua Jin, the weapons you use can no longer be ordinary; you need to use Mystical Weapons."


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    "So-called Hua Jin is transforming Qi-Blood into a surge of force."


    "At this time, it needs to be applied to the weapon."


    "Some weapons can convey the force very well, almost with no loss, while ordinary weapons will greatly weaken the conduction of the force, leading to not being able to fully exert one''s power."


    "Your Zhenyue Sword is a Mystical Weapon, but the reed leaf gun won''t do, you''ll need to change it in the future."


    "Some materials from the Exotic Beasts on the mountain can be used to forge Mystical Weapons."


    "However, that''s a matter for after you''ve achieved Hua Jin, it''s still far off, I''m just telling you in advance."


    "Force, Mystical Weapons?"


    Chen Sansi pondered, "Can this force be applied to bows and arrows?"


    He had long felt that bows and arrows were becoming more and more useless.


    Killing a Refining Organ Martial Artist was extremely difficult, requiring prolonged attrition until the opponent became dizzy and couldn''t cope anymore.


    As a result, he later had to carry a long spear and fight desperately.


    But if he could apply this force to bows and arrows...


    Chen Sansi had a lingering memory of the Witch God Sect''s Meridian Passage expert Amugu''s method of attack¡ªmany attacks didn''t need actual skin contact but were carried out with an invisible force, which must be this force.


    If he could attach this force to the arrows, wouldn''t it mean ranged force strikes?


    Coupled with an even heavier bow, he might again be able to kill Martial Artists of the same realm in the Bone Training Realm as easily as slaughtering chickens and dogs.


    But Sun Buqi''s subsequent answer left him greatly disappointed.


    "It won''t work."


    Sun Buqi replied, "The force is something that bursts forth in a moment, attached to the body or a weapon. Only after Mysterious Phenomenon and transforming Hua Jing to Gang can it leave the body, but there''s no guarantee. After you reach entry-level, you can ask my father; he may know."


    Chen Sansi nodded, knowing that he could only play it by ear.


    It''s better not to aim too high for now¡ªhe had to get an Exotic Beast first and strive to reach a small achievement in Refining Internal before the official start of the Selected Point contest.


    Liangzhou City, this was a true clash of titans!


    The top forces from all around were present, all for the secrets above Martial Saint.


    Chen Sansi tentatively asked, "Bu Qi, none of your father''s Direct Disciples have broken through to above Martial Saint, is it because they lack the talent, or is there another reason?"


    "Mostly it''s a lack of talent."


    Sun Buqi''s mood sank as he said, "The eldest senior brother seems to have touched upon the threshold, but my dad has always refrained from teaching him; I don''t know why. The guy deserves it; in recent years, he''s gotten very close with people in the court, helping them to divide my father''s power."


    The eldest senior brother.


    Chen Sansi recalled the fierce man with the Heavenly Halberd by the Hongze River.


    "General Chen!"


    Bai Thingzhi, who had earlier been making random gestures of respect in the Immortal Crane Tower, stopped the coachman. Behind him, he carried a broadsword, "I''m here to apologize! They said that what I did just now could cause trouble for you, my apologies."


    "..."


    Chen Sansi indicated it was fine and without saying much more, instructed the coachman to drive on.


    "Mr. Chen, let me follow you!"


    Bai Thingzhi chased after the carriage, running, "I admire you, and I''ve decided to follow you for life!"


    "Brother Bai."


    Chen Sansi said, "Stop making a fuss, I don''t even have a position in Liangzhou right now, what would you do following me?"


    "I''ll do anything!"


    Bai Thingzhi followed stubbornly, "Sir, I come from a poor family and have practiced Martial Arts since I was young, just to find someone worthy of my loyalty. Those dogs in the court won''t do, I''m happy to follow you!"

 Chapter 118 Selected Point Begins (Long Chapter)_3

    "First, let''s start with the Selected Point,"Chen Sansi said, "Choose the Selected Point carefully, you may even rank higher than me."


    Those who could participate in the banquet all possessed outstanding qualifications and realms.


    "Then I will follow you! General, even if you rank lower, it''s only temporary, and I believe you will definitely win!"


    Bai Tingzhi firmly said, "General, I''m sorry about today! I''ll catch you an Exotic Beast later as an apology."


    Chen Sansi was slightly surprised, "You know where to find an Exotic Beast?"


    "Yes."


    Bai Tingzhi said, "I''ve been in Liangzhou for three months, with no money on me. To improve my Cultivation, I could only rely on the mountains; after two months of exploring, I finally found traces of the Exotic Beasts a few days ago."


    "That''s good."


    Chen Sansi agreed, "Come to my residence tomorrow, and we''ll go up the mountain together."


    "Yes, General!"


    Only then did Bai Tingzhi cease following him.


    "What is this, my fanatic fan?"


    Chen Sansi looked at the other''s fervent gaze, somewhat unaccustomed.


    With the trouble at the Hongze River and the old Emperor''s proclamation to the whole world, he seemed to have truly become a celebrity.


    It''s just that his Cultivation realm was too low.


    Normally, this wouldn''t be a problem, but this year every genius from all over had swarmed to Liangzhou, raising the standards of the Selected Point by more than double, making it seem somewhat insufficient.


    Upon returning to his residence, Si Qin and Mo Hua had already arranged everything properly.


    Chen Sansi only needed to eat and practice martial arts.


    Read exclusive chapters at empire


    [Cultivation Technique: Unity Spear Technique (Mastered)]


    [Progress: 423/1000]


    At night, naturally, it was time to fulfill the duties of a husband and wife.


    Early the next morning.


    Bai Tingzhi was waiting at the door.


    But before they could leave for the mountain to hunt, they were found by Li Qianzong: "Both of you, please come with me to the Eight Camps first. General Fang will announce the first major task of this assessment."


    "Isn''t the Selected Point starting in ten days?"


    "Mr. Chen will understand once you''re there."


    The Eight Camps, unlike the garrison troops, comprised the elite of the elite. The place they resided was naturally not mere tents but a specially designated area, you could say a city within a city.


    Along the way, the patrolling soldiers they encountered were all dressed in exquisite armour, wielding fine weapons, and each one full of vigor. One glance was enough to know they possessed extraordinary combat strength.


    There were several dozens of Martial Arts Arenas, large and small.


    In the Central Army Martial Arts Arena, Fang Qingyun sat on a high platform, below which the Reserve Generals for this Selected Point were gathered.


    Everyone was given a Map of the Array.


    Chen Sansi held the Map of the Array, easily recognizing it as the Four-Door Sinking Formation.


    This Formation was aligned according to the Bagua, typically once deployed, each square''s soldiers would interlock, gradually becoming unified, crossing each other regardless of where the enemy was positioned, making them feel completely surrounded.


    It was a top-tier difficult Formation, testing greatly the cooperation and tacit understanding of the soldiers, as well as whether they could maintain it.


    "Gentlemen!"


    Fang Qingyun spoke slowly, his voice clear, "Selected Point chooses Generals who command troops. If a military officer can''t even deploy troops and arrange formations, then he will forever only be responsible for charging into the formation, being a mere warrior.


    "So, the first assessment of the Selected Point is deploying the Formation!


    "Among you, those who have studied military strategies should have already recognized this Formation as the ''Four-Door Sinking Formation'', a top-tier difficult Formation.


    "Coming up, Liangzhou''s General Zhao will pull a group of troops from his command, all being the elite of the elites from Liangzhou garrison troops. Each of you will be able to personally select troops from them.


    "Afterwards, you have nine days to arrange and practice the Formation. After nine days, we will conduct the assessment here.


    "At that time, the Commander, governor, supervisor, and several Generals will come to observe the Formation. Whoever trains the smoothest and most solid Formation, that doesn''t disperse in chaos, will be victorious!


    "Okay, you may now go to General Zhao to receive your troops. The training starts today!"


    With that, the announcement of the rules was complete.


    The Selected Spear Generals, one by one, headed towards General Zhao, preparing to go to another Martial Arts Arena to select their troops.


    Deploying the Formation!


    Chen Sansi, having the [Training Soldiers Skillfully] trait, was confident that even if he was given raw recruits, as long as they had learned Pile Work, he could train the Formation in nine days to ensure it was smooth. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    However, he wasn''t sure how sturdy the Formation would turn out to be and by what means it would be tested.


    Compared to that, he trusted his own men more.


    Those men, they all possessed the [Sinking Formation Death Will].


    Thinking this, Chen Sansi stepped forward and asked, "General Fang, may I use the troops I brought from Po Yang?"


    "Oh? Of course, you can."


    fFang Qingyun nodded, "But you may want to think it over, the rest are using the elites from the Liangzhou Guard, who just recently battled barbarians outside the Great Wall. The people you brought from Po Yang..."


    "I''m certain!"


    Chen Sansi declared firmly.

 Chapter 119 The Supervisor Gifts a Bow

    "Are you certain, all of them?"Fang Qingyun repeated the question.


    He had several exchanges and conversations with Mr. Xu recently and found him quite agreeable. Indeed, the man possessed considerable talent; it was only a pity that his background limited his perspective, requiring him to relearn much. Nevertheless, given time, Mr. Xu would undoubtedly accomplish great things.


    Adding Tang Ruoshan to that, even if his meridians were damaged, he could still be of use, but as for the others, there was little understanding.


    "I am certain!"


    Chen Sansi''s voice boomed.


    Not far away, General Zhao of Liangzhou glanced over and reminded kindly, "Young man, my soldiers from Liangzhou may not compare to the Eight Camps, but they are all battle-hardened."


    "Please excuse me, General Zhao."


    Chen Sansi bowed with his hands clasped: "I was merely speaking out of habit about my former comrades."


    "There''s nothing to excuse,"


    General Zhao said indifferently, "I just don''t understand. Everyone else desperately selects the elite, yet you search for disadvantages. What''s the rationale? Even the simplest protective formation requires five hundred men. Do you have enough?"


    "Just enough."


    When Chen Sansi crossed the river, he had just over four hundred men and there was a group responsible for aiding the civilians crossing the river, adding up to just over five hundred, most of whom were now temporarily assigned as service soldiers in the Eight Camps.


    This was also in accordance with the rules.


    Which general did not have their trusted personal soldiers?


    Any Selected Spear General, if they had their subordinates, could pull them into battle.


    This could even better demonstrate the true level of their leadership.


    However, the Selected Spear Reserve Generals came from throughout the Great Sheng Dynasty''s capital and thirty-six states, a significant portion of them had never fought in wars and had no subordinates, while others were from too far away to call over.


    Therefore, for fairness in the assessment, those without their own troops could freely choose from the Liangzhou Guard Station.


    "General Fang."


    Chen Sansi continued, "In this selection, I plan to use my original subordinates throughout. If their performance meets the mark, is it possible for them to stay in the Eight Camps, promoted to warriors?"


    "Of course."


    Fang Qingyun confirmed, "Their initial assignment to service duties was simply because I was unfamiliar with their specific qualities. If they truly can make it from beginning to end, it proves their quality is no issue, and naturally, they can be promoted to warriors."


    "Brother Chen, you''re being foolish!"


    Yan Changqing rushed over to intervene, "You absolutely mustn''t! How could you use the disbanded soldiers you brought from Po Yang County in the selection assessment? If the formation breaks, they''ll be eliminated in the first round and end up joining the Deputy General''s draft, which would make it hard for them to get a command position again!"


    Po Yang.


    A mere small county in the countryside.


    The quality of the garrison soldiers in the rural areas of the Great Sheng Dynasty was something everyone knew about, though they wouldn''t say out loud; it was crystal clear in their hearts.


    In many places, up to half the payroll was fraudulent, and even arrows and weapons had been sold for money.


    It was only in recent years that Sun Xiangzong moved to Liangzhou and started rectifying the North, gradually reducing the fraudulent payrolls, but the combat effectiveness remained painfully low.


    "Brother Chen!"


    Yan Changqing whispered in his ear: "I know you are loyal, but even in consideration of your former subordinates, you should understand one thing: as long as your Selected Spears achieve a good ranking and you establish your standing in the Eight Camps, you can bring them up sooner or later."


    "Mr. Yan, you needn''t worry for me."


    Chen Sansi spoke frankly, "I use my old subordinates mainly to save the time needed for acclimation, and I have confidence in them."


    In fact, Po Yang County was one of the better places. Xiang Tingchun harbored great ambitions and, since assuming the role of Households, had always strived to maintain rigorous military discipline despite the inherent corruption.


    It was not until a great battle later on that a significant change occurred, forged by fire; those who survived now possessed some real capabilities.


    "Ah, this is realizing the advantages of a good reputation."


    On another side, Yin Hanwen intentionally spoke loudly, "To carry through with pretense as decency and righteousness, aren''t you afraid of ruining your own future?"


    "Can''t help it, hypocrites, they''re the best at winning people''s hearts!"


    Wen Qiushi chimed in, deliberately for everyone nearby to hear.


    "Actually, I think it''s not about pretense." Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Among the many Selected Spear Generals, there were also many who understood the reality.


    One relatively slim young man murmured softly, "That Mr. Chen, who risked his life to ferry the civilians across the river, how could he be pretending?"


    "Tang Yingke, whose side are you on?"


    Yin Hanwen stared at him, "Siding with them, have you gone mad?"


    Tang Yingke immediately shut his mouth.


    Since the Immortal Crane Tower, he had been following Cao Fan and several others, clearly also a young master from the capital.


    "He won''t say it, so I will!"


    Bai Thingzhi burst out swearing, "You all are hypocrites, yet can''t stand to see someone else being noble? What rubbish! And that Princely Heir, I heard last night that his troops were all transferred from the capital, why even bother competing? Just let him win already."


    "Hiss, here we go again¡­"


    Chen Sansi really felt somewhat powerless, mouths were on other people''s faces, what could he do.


    Cao Fan''s people, all transferred from the capital?


    Obviously, regardless of the place, absolute fairness was unachievable.


    Any reserve General from an impoverished background who could command the elite of Liangzhou was already considered fortunate.


    Moreover, deploying formations was only the first assessment; there were many more aspects to come.


    The one with the best overall score would be the True Inheritor.


    "You scoundrel, how dare you offend the Princely Heir?!"


    Yin Hanwen was livid, ready to draw his weapon on the spot.


    Princely Heir Cao Fan stopped him, not angry, but his voice was ice-cold, "You''re called Bai Tingzhi?"


    "I have not changed my name, nor have I changed my surname!"


    Bai Tingzhi stood straight.


    "A fine example of not changing one''s name or surname."


    Cao Fan turned his head to look at Chen and Yan, sinisterly said, "Bai Tingzhi, you really are a good dog that bites for its master. It''s a pity that your master isn''t me, and you''ve also chosen the wrong master. Do you think they can protect you?"


    "You don''t need to threaten me!"


    Bai Tingzhi said fearlessly, "If Your Highness wants to take action, you can do it now!"


    "Enough."


    Fang Qingyun slowly interjected to stop their argument, his voice still very light, yet it carried an inexplicable authority, "Settle any differences in the competition arena. Anyone who dares to fight privately will be disqualified from the Selected Spear."


    The two then ceased.


    The Selected Spear Generals dispersed.


    Chen Sansi also met his subordinates he hadn''t seen for several days in the Martial Arts Arena temporarily assigned to him.


    As time had passed, naturally, these people had also improved in their realms.


    Zhu Tong and Wang Li had just recently begun their Bone Training.


    The rest had also each made progress.


    "Rest assured, sir!"


    Everyone was full of confidence, "In terms of cultivation, we might not compare, but when it comes to setting up formations and coordinating, who can surpass us? Those standing here have all crawled out from piles of the dead!"


    "That''s right. No matter the formation, we can learn it the fastest."


    "..."


    Wang Zhi made a guarantee, "Sansi, just leave it to me and Xu Wencai. We won''t need nine days, in just five days we can train the Four Gate Base Formation so it''s ready for the battlefield."


    That was what was said.


    Of course, Chen Sansi still needed to stay personally and watch until the afternoon, confirming there were no problems before he took up a long spear and arrow and went up the mountain.


    In the meantime, he had also learned about Bai Tingzhi''s background.


    He was from You State''s Guangling County, his father was a Scholar, and he himself loved Martial Arts. After voluntarily joining the army, he was discovered to be a genuine Vajra Body. He had also suffered oppression; people wanted to steal his Selected Spear slot and he killed them directly, offending many locals.


    Luckily, the Selection Officer arrived in Guangling and took him away so he could be unharmed.


    To this day, Bai Tingzhi was an entry-level practitioner of the refining organs skill.


    Absolute genius.


    His speed of cultivation was nearly as fast as Chen Sansi''s, it''s just that his interpersonal skills were somewhat reckless; as soon as he arrived, he offended many people, even if he didn''t want to recognize this subordinate, others probably would.


    This time going hunting in the mountains, Sun Buqi and Bai Tingzhi were both there.


    Sun Buqi held a bow, with a huge case on his back, not knowing what was inside.


    Using this chance, Chen Sansi just happened to break through his "Traceless Tracking" to see what effects it would have after reaching great success, who could have thought that hunting skills could also be used in military warfare?


    "Qian Xun, you''re going too; what are you going to do while I hunt?"


    He looked at the approaching White Swan Horse, gently patting its head, "You just want to go out and play, don''t you? Go ahead, find me at the foothill of the Luotian Mountain Range before it gets dark."


    Qian Xun nodded his head, running off joyfully until it vanished without a trace.


    "Sansi."


    Sun Buqi, watching the horse fly off, "There is something off with your horse, it definitely qualifies as an Exotic Beast."


    Chen Sansi seized the opportunity to ask, "Are there such things as Exotic Beast Horses?"


    "Naturally, there are,"


    Sun Buqi nodded, "But they''re extremely rare, and their appearances are also different from ordinary horses. For example, my eldest senior brother''s Fire Horse, which has blood-red eyes and steams with heat all over its body when it runs, coupled with its all-red fur, looks just like it is on fire; hence its name.


    "Your white horse, on the other hand, looks nothing unusual at a glance, so how can it run so fast? It could well be some kind of mutant that you''ve come across."


    Chen Sansi had always been curious.


    No matter how exceptional a treasure horse, traveling a thousand miles a day is the limit, needing who knows how long to rest before it recovers, and it might even die from exhaustion.


    But not Qian Xun.


    Since leaving Po Yang, going all the way to You State, it hasn''t stopped galloping at full speed, no matter how tired; it just needed to eat some fodder to recover.


    Moreover, as the Skill of Horse Control improved, Qian Xun''s speed continued to increase.


    If this continues, will it eventually start flying?


    Xiang Tingchun, at the beginning, did indeed give him a good mount.


    Now looking at it, the White Swan Horse was initially hard to tame and unwanted for a reason; its bloodline is different. Ordinary taming methods obviously did not work, initially, he struggled for a long time before he could subdue Qian Xun, spending more time than on Martial Arts training. Experience more tales on empire


    "We''ve arrived.


    "Through the forest ahead lies the First Layer Mountain of the Luotian Mountain Range.


    "The Luotian Mountain Range spans tens of thousands of miles, comprising a total of sixty-six layers. To find an Exotic Beast, you''d have to reach beyond the Seventh Layer Mountain. Even for us trained in Martial Arts, it would take over a day''s travel; we''ll definitely have to spend the night on the mountain."


    Sun Buqi was extremely excited, "When I left home, my father knew I was going mountain hunting with you. He not only did not scold me for not carrying out my duties but also told me to bring this over for you.


    "I was so happy I almost forgot about it!"


    As he spoke, he took off the wooden case from his back, placed it on the ground, and slowly opened it. Inside lay a large bow that hadn''t been assembled yet but appeared to be quite old.


    But Chen Sansi could tell at a glance that the material was extraordinary, like the Exotic Beast, simply not available in the market, and its draw weight, probably terrifyingly strong.


    "A bow my father used when he was young."


    Sun Buqi presented, "Fifty stones; try stringing it and see."

 Chapter 120 Qi Observation Skill

    "This bow''s frame is made from the rare bloodwood that''s a thousand years old, and the bowstring is crafted from a five-hundred-year-old exotic beast tendon mixed with other materials, both extremely hard to find in the marketplace," he said. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.Fifty stone.


    In terms of pulling force, that''s just under ten thousand catties.


    For a Refining Organ Martial Artist, naturally, it would be possible to draw.


    Chen Sansi squatted down, assembled the archery equipment with his tools, and after adjusting it in his hand, even the grip, likely made of exotic beast skin, felt comfortable to hold.


    When he was ready, he slowly drew the bowstring with the help of his Qi-Blood, aimed at a pine tree trunk about twenty centimeters in diameter two hundred steps away, and loosed an arrow.


    "Whizz¡ª"


    "Bang¡ª"


    The sound of the air tearing whistled past his ears, and in but a moment, it pierced through the first tree trunk, then the second, and finally, the arrow was caught by the third, leaving glaring transparent holes in the first two pine trees.


    "What a shot!"


    The higher the pulling force of the bow, the greater its power, and the faster the speed of the arrow.


    This fifty-stone bow, even for a Refining Organ Martial Artist, definitely wouldn''t require as much time as when initially confronting Luo Dongquan and others; if the opponent didn''t close in swiftly, within fifteen arrows, they''d inevitably reveal a weakness!


    Fifteen arrows, for him, was merely five seconds!


    Chen Sansi was as thrilled as a swordsman who had obtained a peerless sword, much happier than if he''d obtained gold or silver treasures.


    He bowed with his fists and said, "Brother Bu Qi, please thank Lord Governor on my behalf."


    "Why be polite? After all, you did save his son and daughter," said Sun Buqi. "This is nothing. If it were up to me, he should''ve just made you his True Inheritor straight away, forget the selection. He''s just too rigid, unwilling to break the rules."


    "Bu Qi."


    Chen Sansi asked, "Can this bow release Hua Jin power?"


    "I don''t think so," replied Sun Buqi. "This bow seems to be one my father used many years ago when he was young. Later, he stopped using bows, so although it''s precious, it''s nothing too impressive. You should just accept it.


    "As for Hua Jin, I asked about it at home for you.


    "My father said that some special materials could temporarily store power, but those can''t be bought, you have to collect them yourself."


    Chen Sansi nodded, "Okay, I''ll make a note of that."


    That meant there was still hope.


    Of course, for now, this fifty-stone bow was more than sufficient.


    The matter of Hua Jin can wait until after mastering it.


    The most urgent task was to hurry and capture an exotic beast, to quickly enhance his cultivation.


    Chen Sansi wouldn''t assume that because he had saved the Governor''s children and earned their gratitude, he could just slack off and expect to win.


    Indeed.


    This connection would, of course, afford him some preferential treatment in the future.


    But whether or not he could become a True Inheritor still depended on his capabilities.


    If one lacked the ability, even if taught, they might not necessarily be able to learn; one must first prove they''re qualified to have the chance to learn.


    "To the mountain!"


    With the fifty-stone Big Bow in hand, Chen Sansi was in high spirits.


    The Luotian Mountain Range stretched for tens of thousands of miles, and one could only appreciate its vastness upon entering it. Looking around, it seemed as though the mountains were endless, one layer upon another, without a boundary in sight.


    Liangzhou had also seen snowfall, albeit just a light dusting, covering the forests with a thin layer, not enough to impede hunting in the mountains. However, the winter reduced the activity of animals outdoors.


    Although Chen Sansi could take his time searching, the Luotian Mountain Range was so vast, it begged the question of how long it would take to find anything.


    "General, please take this path!"


    Bai Thingzhi led the way in front.


    Chen Sansi and Sun Buqi followed.


    Along the way, he continued to hone his skills in tracking and concealing.


    It had to be said, the Luotian Mountain Range was indeed teeming with game.


    Practically every two li they walked, there was at least one large animal.


    "There''s a poisonous beast!"


    Sun Buqi pointed at a pile of rocks a hundred paces away and shouted.


    Following the direction of his finger, they saw a wild wolf.


    This wolf, twice as large as ordinary wolves, had eyes red as blood as if they might drip with blood at any moment, crouching and feeding on a recently dead deer.


    "Don''t move, nobody move!"


    Sun Buqi, wielding the Fifteen-stone Bow discarded by Chen Sansi, took his aim for a good dozen breaths full of confidence before releasing the bowstring, but the shot terribly missed, veering nearly ten paces from the target.


    Bai Thingzhi bluntly remarked, "Mr. Sun, that was pretty poor!"


    "Ow!"


    "Watch out, the beast is coming!"


    Normally, only large animals like tigers or bears would not flee at the sight of humans; others would definitely run away first.


    But this wolf, instead of fleeing, charged at them aggressively.


    "I got this!"


    Sun Buqi kept shooting arrows non-stop.


    When the wild wolf was only about twenty paces away, and he hadn''t hit with a single arrow, Bai Thingzhi was already prepared to draw the broadsword off his back and get ready for action.


    "Hit!"


    Sun Buqi, fueled by anger and embarrassment, picked up the long spear, executed the Flying Snake Formation technique, and stabbed the wolf through the heart, finally taking it down with a satisfied heart.


    He presented the carcass, "Chen San, look, this is a Poisonous Beast."


    Chen Sansi bent down to investigate.


    Apart from its size, the most distinctive feature of this wolf was its blood-red eyes. Other than that, he couldn''t find anything special.


    "Just look at the eyes," Bai Thingzhi said, taking over. "The difference between a poisonous beast and an exotic beast is in the eyes. All these poisonous beasts'' eyes are blood-red, and they even glow at night. Their meat can''t be eaten; it''s poisonous."


    "What causes this?"

 Chapter 120 Qi Observation Skill_2

    The hunter-born Chen Sansi was truly curious."I don''t know,"


    Bai Thingzhi shook his head.


    "Let''s keep going."


    The group continued to traverse mountains and valleys.


    Chen Sansi''s proficiency in "Tracking and Hiding" kept climbing. As he observed his surroundings, they became clearer and clearer. He could see not only hair but eventually, he even felt that he could see inside the bodies of the creatures around him.


    A moment of daze.


    A panel floated up.


    [Tracking and Hiding (Great Success)]


    [Progress: Cannot be further improved]


    [Utility: Qi Observation Skill]


    [Qi Observation Skill: Observe the Qi of heaven, earth, and humans, making it impossible to hide] sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    In an inexplicable way, Chen Sansi felt a mysterious power flooding into his body, finally converging in his eyes.


    When he looked at the world again, he saw that everything had a certain Qi!


    The gray rabbits in the snow, the hawks flying overhead, the black bears hibernating in tree hollows, the ground squirrels hiding in their caves, and so on!


    Including people!


    This Qi seemed very ethereal on Sun Buqi but very vibrant on Bai Thingzhi, and the strongest on himself.


    Perhaps, this has to do with one''s Cultivation stage.


    Chen Sansi then looked at the dead wolf and saw that its Qi was markedly different from all other creatures or people¡ªit was blood red. Although the color was faint, it carried a strange feeling.


    What about Exotic Beasts?


    What does the Qi of an Exotic Beast look like?


    What''s the principle behind this Qi Observation Skill, and why does everyone have a Qi?


    Even the ground has it!


    Looking at the ground, Chen Sansi could see a medley of differing Qi.


    Is the reason why people can cultivate Martial Arts and break the limits of their bodies related to this Qi?


    He immediately activated his Breathing Skill.


    Indeed!


    Supplemented by Pile Work, the Breathing Skill could absorb the mixed Qi between heaven and earth into the body, then use it to transform the body.


    So that''s how it is!


    The utility of [Qi Observation Skill] wasn''t limited to this alone.


    Within a certain range, Chen Sansi could detect the Qi of all living beings, which naturally prevented anyone from hiding and launching a surprise attack, and also enabled him to trace their whereabouts.


    He truly took "Tracking and Hiding" to the extreme!


    Unfortunately, it couldn''t be improved anymore.


    "Sansi, what are you looking at?"


    Sun Buqi waved his hand in front of him, "Come on, we still have a long way to go."


    "Right."


    Chen Sansi came back to his senses and continued on with the two others.


    On the way, he noticed a flicker of Qi to the right.


    Given the vastness of the Luotian Mountain Range, which could sustain countless people, it was only natural that they were not the only ones hunting on the mountain.


    "It''s right ahead!"


    Around dusk, Bai Thingzhi stopped.


    "Recently, I saw a Saber-Toothed Tiger hunting a White Deer in this area, but I don''t know exactly where its den is. We''ll have to look together, I''m afraid."


    "That''s enough."


    Chen Sansi''s eyes were sharp like lightning; he saw all the "Qi" around him within a range of two hundred steps, basically immune to any surprise attacks!


    Besides that, effects like "Insight" and "Light as a Feather" that he had before didn''t disappear but instead became stronger.


    He quickly located the hunting range of the Saber-Toothed Tiger through the traces left by the frightened and fleeing wildlife, leading him to find a not-so-hidden cave.


    "Wait a minute!"


    Chen Sansi crouched down in the nearby jungle.


    A Saber-Toothed Tiger is different from an ordinary Big Worm; it''s an extremely fierce Exotic Beast, whose fighting power is comparable to a Refining Organ Martial Artist.


    As a hunter with professional aptitude, he planned to first lure the Saber-Toothed Tiger out with other prey.


    "Sir, let me take the lead for you!"


    But unexpectedly, Bai Thingzhi took the Broadsword from his back and charged headfirst into the tiger''s den, unstoppable.


    "Roar¡ª"


    What followed


    was a roar and the noise of a fight that sent chills down one''s spine.


    "This beast is extremely tough!"


    Bai Thingzhi emerged frantically from the depths of the cave, his clothes torn to shreds, clearly indicating a close combat with the Saber-Toothed Tiger and that he had managed to resist a few blows with his Vajra Body.


    "Roar!"


    Another tiger roar, and a massive shadow rushed out of the depths of the cave.


    What a beast!


    This Exotic Beast tiger, by rough estimates, stood eight feet tall with a body length of one and a half zhang. Its gaping mouth exposed two sharp fangs, resembling two long swords sticking out. The claws on its forelimbs were like blades forged from steel, even gleaming with a red light in the sunset.


    Its sheer size was one thing, but its explosive speed was terrifying, reaching the level of small achievement in Refining Internal. The tiger could leap over ten zhang in one bound, and its razor-sharp claws rained down on Bai Thingzhi''s back.


    "Crrrash¡ª"


    The sound of screeching metal friction echoed as his Vajra Body was fully employed.


    Bai Thingzhi flew several zhang forward and crashed into the jungle.


    "Whizz whizz whizz¡ª"


    Sun Buqi desperately shot arrows, and finally, two hit their mark, but neither struck a vital point, only further enraging the Saber-Toothed Tiger.


    "Roar roar roar!"


    Blinded by rage, the tiger pounced towards its prey from up the slope, descending like an unstoppable war deity from the skies!


    "Boom¡ª"


    Until a cannon-like arrow accurately penetrated its heart.


    The war deity suddenly fell, crashing straight down from the sky and rolling several times before coming to a stop.


    A fifty-stone bow!


    Beasts can''t compare to humans.


    If they lack intelligence and don''t know to dodge, one arrow is usually enough to spell their imminent death.


    "Indeed powerful."


    Chen Sansi was taken aback.


    Even after taking an arrow to the heart, the Saber-Toothed Tiger hadn''t died instantly. It lay there, struggling to rise, showing a terrifying will to live.


    "Boom boom boom¡ª"


    Without hesitation, he quickly shot two more arrows to ultimately end the life of the tiger.

 Chapter 120 Qi Observation Skill_3

    "Excellent archery!"Bai Thingzhi stood up covered in dust, full of admiration.


    To hit a saber-toothed tiger''s heart with an arrow at such speed, what level of archery must that be!


    "Within three hundred steps, Shanshi can shoot through poplars and willows, incredibly skilled indeed!"


    Seeing nothing strange, Sun Buqi said, "My archery was personally taught by him."


    Bai Thingzhi couldn''t help but chuckle.


    Chen Sansi paid no attention to the two, instead walking towards the massive corpse of the saber-toothed tiger, deep in thought.


    He had seen it clearly just now.


    The energy on the saber-toothed tiger was a pale blue.


    How did it absorb such blue energy?


    The various energies in this world must be related to the Immortal Trace.


    Unfortunately, he was unable to understand it at the moment.


    Probably very few in the world could know.


    Supervisor Sun, who was above Martial Saint in realm, might have studied energy and even needed to understand and use different energies to break through above Martial Saint.


    What kind of energy was in Supervisor Sun''s body?


    So far, Chen Sansi hadn''t seen him at all.


    But it would be soon.


    During the Selected Point assessment, not only the supervisors but also the governor, the army supervisors, and many prestigious figures from the Liangzhou Army would watch. It''s said some would even find sons-in-law for their daughters.


    Just like the nobility in the Capital City liked to choose sons-in-law from among the top scholars.


    "Mr. Chen, there are still poisonous beasts!"


    Chen Sansi had intended to move the saber-toothed tiger''s corpse when Bai Thingzhi''s voice rang in his ear again.


    He also noticed the movement in the eastern woods.


    It was a small monkey, brown all over except for a tuft of white hair on its head, with blood-red eyes and covered in blood, severely wounded.


    When it arrived in front of them, it stumbled and fell to the ground, dead. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Where did this little creature come from."


    Bai Thingzhi went over to check: "How did it get wounded?"


    "Not good, let''s go!"


    Sun Buqi warned loudly, "It''s a young ''Soldier Monkey,'' these monkeys imitate humans by using weapons. They are numerous in the Luotian Mountains and vary in strength. They have an extremely strong sense of retaliation at critical moments!


    "No matter who kills their young, they will band together for revenge. There''s no telling how many martial artists who went hunting in the mountains have been surrounded and killed by them.


    "Later, after these Soldier Monkeys became poisoned, they became poisonous beasts, and nobody wanted to provoke them anymore!"


    "Aooo aooo aooo¡ª¡ª"


    Before he finished speaking, monkey howls enveloped them from all sides.


    One by one, the long-armed monkeys were either running or swinging through the tree tops. In a few breaths, they densely blocked the way out, each wielding all kinds of weapons, some old, some new, some broken, and some fine. There was no telling how many martial artists who went into the mountains had died at their hands.


    The leader among them was an old white-haired monkey, holding a Mo Blade.


    Without exception, all of them had blood-red energy flowing within their bodies.


    The energy in the old white-haired monkey was the most vigorous; its strength was probably even a notch higher than the saber-toothed tiger''s. Most importantly, it seemed to have judgment and thought. At this moment, it looked at the dead young monkey on the ground, then glared at the people with bared teeth, swinging the blade furiously.


    "Aow!"


    A countless number of monkeys attacked the group from all directions.


    "Damn it, anywhere else this little monkey could have died, why did it have to die right in front of us?"


    Sun Buqi''s face looked grim: "And this area isn''t a Soldier Monkey''s habitat; how did they get here?"


    What else could it be...


    It was done intentionally by someone!


    Chen Sansi noticed a flash of energy and also heard the rustling in the dense forest, but his view was blocked, so he couldn''t see who it was.


    Stronger than my energy.


    It must be Great Success of Refining.


    "It was them..."


    ...


    "Princely Heir!"


    Yin Hanwen hid behind a tree, surreptitiously watching the surrounded group, taking pleasure in their misfortune and saying, "They have disrespected you time and again, especially that Bai fellow. Teach them a lesson!"


    They judged from the direction the few had left that they were heading up the mountain to hunt, so they harbored ulterior motives.


    Since private feuds weren''t allowed within the Eight Camps, they decided to take action outside.


    Moreover, they didn''t act directly but instead exploited the habits of the poisonous beasts. That way, even if something went wrong, no one would be able to link it back to them.


    "Well, that Chen Sansi is a member of the Yan Party anyway, there''s no need to try to win him over,"


    Cao Fan said gravely, "It''s no issue if the others die, but Sun Buqi is here too. There won''t be any trouble, will there?"


    "The Princely Heir can rest assured."


    Yin Hanwen said, "We are watching over here. If there really is any trouble, it isn''t too late to go save Sun Buqi then."


    "Brother Yin, aren''t you being a bit too harsh?"


    With furrowed brows and caution, Tang Yingke advised, "They were disrespectful to the Princely Heir, but their actions don''t warrant death, do they?..."


    "You, Tang!"


    Yin Hanwen scolded in a hushed voice, "We are in this together!"


    "I''m actually worried."


    Wen Qiushi took over the conversation, saying, "Are these soldier apes enough to kill them all?"


    Crouching, Yin Hanwen said, "Who knows? Let''s take this opportunity to test what they are capable of."


    "Hey!"


    They watched as the small group began to fight with the soldier apes.


    Unable to watch any longer, Tang Yingke grabbed his sword and ran out shouting, "Brother Bu Qi, I''m coming to help you!"


    "Tang, do you want to die?!"


    Wen Qiushi intended to grab him, but it was already too late.


    "Let him go! He wouldn''t dare reveal that it was our plan,"


    Yin Hanwen cursed, "His father is just a fence-sitter in the court, and he is no better. We''ll deal with him harshly later! It''d be best if he just died here! Hm?"


    All three of them were shocked by the scene unfolding before their eyes.


    Chen Sansi, facing the encirclement of the soldier apes, plucked his bowstring like thunder, and with every arrow shot, a soldier ape fell to the ground. In the time it took to drink a cup of tea, he had shot more than thirty soldier apes.


    Even the old ape that served as their commander could only block five arrows with its weapon before an arrow pierced its head.


    "That bow, over thirty Power!"


    Cao Fan recognized, "How can this man''s archery be so outstanding!"


    "The Princely Heir need not worry, the Selected Point doesn''t test archery, after all. Archery is of little use to High Realm Martial Artists,"


    Clenching his fist, Yin Hanwen said, "It''s just infuriating that we can''t rely on these beasts anymore."


    "Then let''s get out of here quickly!"


    Wen Qiushi grew anxious, "If they find out and report us to the Governor Mansion, Sun Xiangzong won''t show any consideration for our status."


    "Let''s go!"


    "Be careful!"


    As they got to their feet to leave.


    Chen Sansi fired another arrow.


    On the surface, it seemed aimed at a soldier ape, but in reality, it was directed at them.


    "Bang¡ª¡ª"


    The arrow shot through the trunk of the tree and then thunderously pierced through Yin Hanwen''s shoulder. Had it been off by just an inch, it would have hit the heart!


    "Ah!"


    "Shut up!"


    Cao Fan covered his mouth so he couldn''t scream, then carried him and left.


    "He did it on purpose!"


    After running for about two miles, Yin Hanwen finally couldn''t hold back and began to howl, "Princely Heir, he... he dared to shoot me!"


    If he hadn''t been hidden behind the tree, out of the shooter''s line of sight, wouldn''t he be dead on the spot?


    "What can we do about it?"


    With gritted teeth, Cao Fan said, "Who suggested this underhanded idea that we can''t be seen with? When the Selection competition begins, we''ll teach him a lesson at the Martial Arts Arena!"


    "I... I''m afraid I won''t be able to participate in the Selection..."


    Yin Hanwen screamed incessantly.


    Before the Selection had even started, they were forced to lose one person and couldn''t make a claim; they had to swallow this bitter loss in silence.

 Chapter 121 Commanding Soldiers Breakthrough, How Can One Say There Are No Clothes

    "Is it over?"Just as Tang Yingke had slain a Poisonous Beast with his sword, he saw the leader, an old ape, pierced by several arrows and collapsing from the tree; the rest of the ordinary soldier apes were wiped out completely, not a single one escaped.


    ''You''re lucky to be alive.''


    Chen Sansi watched the direction in which the Princely Heir and the others had left, his gaze cold as ice.


    Ever since arriving in Liangzhou, he had tried not to offend anyone, giving proper respect where due and offering toasts when appropriate, thoroughly abiding by the rules.


    But the trees want to stay quiet while the wind keeps blowing.


    He just wanted to test quietly, hoping to get a good ranking in Selected Point, but this group had to come looking just to make trouble for him.


    And some even harbored the intention of taking their lives.


    There really was no more patience left!


    It wasn''t just because of Bai Thingzhi.


    It was also because of Yan Changqing.


    In the court as an official, what mattered was taking sides. Even if he wished otherwise, he would inevitably be associated with the Yan Party to some degree and would naturally be targeted by the other faction.


    And the higher the office one holds, the more one has to show allegiance. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Holding such an office is genuinely unfulfilling.


    That arrow Chen Sansi had just shot was loosed at random; it hit the target by the sound of it, but what a pity it didn''t hit a vital spot, leaving the bastard alive.


    Things had come to this point; there was no need to keep backing down anymore.


    After all, in the next Selected Point, offense would be given anyway; he certainly couldn''t abandon the chance for the Princely Heir''s True Inheritance just because he feared offending people.


    And this time, they had attacked first. With the rules of the Governor Mansion in place, they could only pretend nothing happened outwardly. That arrow, no matter what, has been taken for free¡ªit would have been a waste not to shoot it.


    "Brother Tang?"


    Sun Buqi stabbed a soldier ape to death and looked at the newly joined young master: "What are you doing here?"


    "Nothing..."


    Tang Yingke sheathed his sword: "I came up to the mountain to hunt, heard some noise and came over to check it out. I saw you were being ambushed by Poisonous Beasts and wanted to help, but it seems you didn''t need me."


    He was somewhat regretful.


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    This young Mr. Chen''s archery was really somewhat exaggerated.


    He had taken out all those soldier apes so quickly and efficiently.


    If he had known, he wouldn''t have come out to get involved.


    "You came hunting alone?"


    Even Bai Thingzhi sensed something was not right: "That princely son or whatever, is he also following along? Is it him who''s set us up?!"


    As he spoke, he carried his knife to look around nearby but failed to find anyone.


    "No, no, no!"


    Tang Yingke hurriedly explained: "It has nothing to do with the Princely Heir and the others, I really did come up the mountain alone."


    "Brother Tang, what are you afraid of?"


    Sun Buqi said through clenched teeth: "I will talk to my father when I get back, to cancel their Selected Point qualifications!"


    "Bu Qi, you shouldn''t make false accusations."


    Tang Yingke''s expression became serious, and he spoke loudly: "The Princely Heir and the others really aren''t here, I really was just passing by. Since you all are okay, I will take my leave first!"


    After saying that, he turned to leave, and when he passed by Chen Sansi, he stopped to give a fist salute, then quickly disappeared into the woods.


    "He''s the son of the Minister of Rites."


    Sun Buqi introduced: "Brother Tang is different from the Princely Heir and the others, he''s not a bad person; it''s just that being born in the Capital City, he couldn''t help but be influenced by them, or else his father would also be implicated."


    Chen Sansi naturally wouldn''t care about this.


    After all, he had stood up and offered them help.


    Not all children of government officials were of the same stripe.


    All these were just interludes.


    The main thing was that the goal of hunting Exotic Beasts was achieved.


    The Luotian Mountain Range did indeed have abundant resources. Just one day up the mountain and he effortlessly hunted an Exotic Beast, not like the resource-scarce Tiger Head Mountain where they had to stir up the whole city searching for a White Deer, nearly failing to find it with hundreds of people.


    It seemed he still couldn''t avoid heading up the mountains frequently in the near future.


    Consider it archery practice.


    [Skill: Archery (Great Success)]


    [Progress: (750/2000)]


    After achieving great success in Tracking and Concealment, the Qi Observation Skill that followed was beyond any earthly technique.


    What effects could it have after enhancing Archery to Great Success and reaching the next breakthrough?


    Chen Sansi stood in a high spot, surveying the terrain, observing which mountain peak seemed more likely to be inhabited by Exotic Beasts, so as to narrow the search scope for his next trip to the mountains.


    Suddenly.


    He saw a surge of dense black Qi billowing and raging in the deepest part of the mountain range, as if a black sea was hidden deep in the mountain.


    Before Chen Sansi had a chance to take a closer look, the black Qi disappeared without a trace, and he couldn''t tell if it really vanished or if it was just too far away to see.


    After all, his Qi Observation Skill only had a range of about two hundred steps, and the direction from which the black Qi emerged was likely the deepest and core area of the Luotian Mountain Range.


    "Shanshi, that place is off-limits."


    Sun Buqi emphasized: "Beyond Thirty Layers of Mountains, it''s the most dangerous place in the whole Luotian Mountain Range. It''s almost entirely filled with Poisonous Beasts, and some are even more terrifying than martial artists in the Profound Image Realm, nearly like the mythical creatures from legends!"


    Chen Sansi remembered hearing about a giant python that was hundreds of zhang long.


    Could it be that the black Qi was emitted by the python?


    Unlikely.


    That black Qi clearly seemed to emanate from the earth.


    The black Qi and the blood Qi from the Poisonous Beasts seemed somewhat similar, but it was obviously much more powerful¡ªin comparison, the blood Qi seemed like a diluted version of the black Qi.


    Could the emergence of numerous Poisonous Beasts in the Luotian Mountain Range over the last twenty years be a result of being influenced by the black Qi?


    "There are such formidable Poisonous Beasts?"


    Bai Thingzhi found it hard to believe.


    After all, the Xuanxiang Realm was just a step away from Martial Saint, basically considered elite combat power among humans.


    "There might be even more powerful ones,"


    Sun Buqi said seriously, "It''s best not to rush into the Xuanxiang Realm. Besides, there are not many Exotic Beasts inside; mostly there are Poisonous Beasts, from which you can''t gain any benefits."


    It was certainly too peculiar.


    Chen Sansi fell into deep thought.


    It seemed the Emperor Longqing''s order to plant Spiritual Grain throughout the country was a matter of the last twenty years or so.


    Could there be some connection?


    Otherwise, why hadn''t there been talk of "tribute" before?


    Considering the increasing number of Martial Saints and the emergence of existences above Martial Saints.


    It sounded like the entire world was undergoing changes. Simply put, their cultivation was too low-grade; they weren''t on a level that would affect them personally, so they were completely unaware.


    When all is said and done, still too weak!


    If he were an existence above Martial Saints, he''d be qualified to pursue such Immortal Traces. For now, it was best to focus on cultivating, sort out the Selected Point matters, and not be overly ambitious.


    "Let''s go down the mountain,"


    Chen Sansi came down from the mountain peak, picked up the Saber-Toothed Tiger, and led the two others back through the night. When he asked if they wanted to share some of the meat, they both refused outright.


    "General, how could I have the face to accept?"


    Bai Thingzhi said with guilt, "Even though I led the way, in the end, it was Mr. Chen who found the cave and personally shot the beast. I hardly provided any help. Besides, about the matter with the soldier-monkey, it was I who implicated Mr. Chen. If Mr. Chen insists on giving me part of the tiger meat, I''d rather die from a head injury!"


    "I''ve got even less to say,"


    Sun Buqi stated, "The Saber-Toothed Tiger is a supplement for Refining Organ Martial Artists, and I only excel in Bone Strengthening Skill, so it''s useless in my hands."


    "Alright then,"


    Chen Sansi didn''t insist unnecessarily.


    He indeed needed the tiger meat to enhance his cultivation.


    The group accelerated their pace and emerged from the Luotian Mountain Range after daybreak.


    Qian Xun was already waiting for a long time.


    Chen Sansi carried the Saber-Toothed Tiger, mounted his horse, and returned to the estate ahead of schedule.


    Si Qin and Mo Hua had gotten up early to work. When they came out to open the door, they were frightened by the huge bloodied beast with protruding fangs like swords, scampering to hide far away.


    In the courtyard, Chen Sansi dissected the Saber-Toothed Tiger with his Zhen Yue Sword. Just the heart alone was enough for two or three meals, not to mention the other highly nutritious parts. For the next half a month, he wouldn''t have to worry at all.


    After eating the half-cooked tiger heart boiled in water, he suddenly felt a strong killing intent rising in his heart. Along with the Refining Organ Treasure Medicine and Spiritual Grain, the potent effects of these three elements intertwined within his body, making it feel like it was about to burst open. It was only when he took up his reed long spear and practiced his spear technique that he gradually felt more at ease.


    Once he started practicing, he lost track of day and night, tirelessly continuing.


    For eight consecutive days,


    Chen Sansi spent every morning training battle formations in the military camp, practicing martial arts from the afternoon into the late night. Sleeping no more than two hours a day, eating hastily with a few bites of Saber-Toothed Tiger meat. As long as training didn''t kill him, he pushed himself to the limit.


    With the skill of Qi Observation,


    he could see that during his practice, he continually absorbed the chaotic energy of the world. All kinds of energies were involved, except for the sky-blue energy from within Exotic Beasts.


    Moreover, he couldn''t control what kind of energy he absorbed, it was more of an indiscriminate collection.


    [Cultivation Technique: Unity Spear Technique (Expert)]


    [Progress: 910/1000]


    "Just a little bit left!"


    "As soon as daylight breaks, the Selected Point examination will officially begin."


    "Luckily, the first day doesn''t require combat. By tomorrow or the day after, I''ll surely break through to small achievement."


    "..."


    [Skill: Commanding Soldiers (Small Achievement)]


    [Progress: 0/2000]


    [Utility: Mainstay, Training Soldiers Skillfully, How Can It Be Said I Have No Clothes]


    [How Can It Be Said I Have No Clothes: On the battlefield, soldiers share a life-and-death unity; morale greatly increases, formations are executed to their ultimate potential, overall combat power increases by more than thirty percent]


    Unity in life and death!


    Combat power increases by thirty percent.


    Don''t underestimate thirty percent; it could compensate for a disparity in realms to some extent. On the actual battlefield, the effects would likely be shockingly significant, not to mention that his troops could hold formation till death.


    Chen Sansi was fully confident about the first battle formation assessment.


    No matter how the competition went, he definitely wouldn''t be eliminated. Even if he didn''t secure the Champion Leader position, he would at least be Class A!


    "Old Xu has improved again!"


    Chen Sansi marveled.


    Even just leaving things as they were, proficiency was rapidly improving lately.


    All thanks to Xu Wencai.


    He heard that the old scholar had been working tirelessly for the assessments lately.


    Who would have thought he''d discover such talent in Po Yang County?


    Leaving aside other uses, the fact that idle proficiency could enhance his skill in commanding soldiers made it incomparable to others.


    "Brother Shi,"


    Gu Xinlan personally dressed him, then along with Si Qin and Mo Hua, they saw him off, almost as if they were family seeing off someone to a college entrance examination.


    In fact, the Selected Point was akin to martial examination.


    After five days of assessments, it would determine how many resources each person could receive, how fast one will be promoted, and most importantly, whether one will secure the top position and become the final True Disciple of Sun Xiangzong.


    Once outside the Chen Mansion,


    Chen Sansi whistled, and Qian Xun arrived in response. He mounted his horse and galloped straight to the Eight Camps.

 Chapter 122 The Life and Death of the World Rests on One Person

    In recent days, the city has been under martial law, with wanted posters plastered everywhere.It is said that many High Realm Martial Artists from the sects have died.


    Overnight, Tongxuan Sect and Luoxia Manor of Liangzhou''s seven major sects each lost five or six True Disciples, in addition to several dozen Inner Sect Disciples, including one talented individual with the Bear Gang''s mighty physique. With such a commotion, astonishingly, not a single eyewitness has come forward.


    After their deaths, each of their Heart Blood was taken, naturally leading to the assumption that it was the work of the Witch God Sect.


    "That shouldn''t be the case,"


    Chen Sansi was puzzled.


    To invade the depths of two sects at the same time and kill so many indicates that the Witch God Sect must be a group, not an individual. But this is Liangzhou¡ªhome to the Eight Camps and Sun Xiangzong.


    For a large number of Witch God Sect Followers to hide, there must be a haven for them; it''s impossible that they could be forever elusive.


    Even Xiang Tingchun was able to find clues from the Golden Bell Temple previously.


    It doesn''t make sense.


    Unless the Witch God Sect has some special method.


    Chen Sansi wasn''t just speculating aimlessly.


    Once he took up his post at the Eight Camps, he was highly likely to participate in hunting down the Witch God Sect.


    And he was eager to learn from the higher-ranking Witch God Sect Followers about the whereabouts of the "Immortal Treasure" equipment, as well as the purpose of the previous Blood Sacrifice, and of what use it was to kill Martial Artists?


    The black qi in the mountains...


    Could it be related to the Witch God Sect?


    "Sigh!"


    Lost in thoughts, Chen Sansi reached the entrance of the garrisoned inner city and dismounted his horse.


    Qian Xun went off to play on his own steed.


    Just like a house dog let loose outside that reliably returns home for meals, except that he could be called back at any moment, ensuring there was always a horse to ride when needed.


    Within the military city, at the Martial Arts Arena.


    The Selected Spear Generals had mostly arrived.


    Including Cao Fan, Yin Hanwen, and others.


    However, Fang Qingyun announced that Yin Hanwen had given up on the Selected Point examination and forfeited by default.


    "Brother Yin!"


    Chen Sansi slapped Yin Hanwen''s shoulder, "Why did you withdraw from the examination?"


    "Ah¡ª"


    Yin Hanwen screamed in agony, his face contorting, almost collapsing to the ground.


    "Mr. Chen, what are you doing?!"


    Wen Qiushi was furious, rushing forward to support him.


    "Ah?"


    Chen Sansi looked surprised, "I''m truly sorry, I was not aware that Brother Yin was injured. No wonder you gave up the Selected Point. What happened, could it have been the work of the Witch God Sect Followers?"


    Yin Hanwen, sweating from the pain, said through gritted teeth, "Exactly, on my way back from the tavern to my residence a few days ago, I encountered a group of Witch God Sect Followers and got stabbed by a sword. Unfortunately, I couldn''t stop them."


    "So Brother Yin, you are the only eyewitness!"


    Chen Sansi asked, "Did you see where they went? The entire city is hunting for the Witch God Sect now. If they can be found, it would be a great accomplishment."


    "Haha, no such luck,"


    Yin Hanwen said cynically, "Their Qinggong was exceptional. They disappeared in the blink of an eye, and I couldn''t catch up with them."


    "So it is. Brother Yin, take good care of your injuries,"


    Chen Sansi bowed and turned to leave.


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    It seemed that Yin Hanwen was the one he had hit.


    With a transparent hole through his shoulder, and even a piece of bone missing, it would take a long time to heal, even with treasure medicine.


    ...


    "Princely Heir!"


    Yin Hanwen''s voice was distorted from the pain, "Did you see that? He''s so arrogant!"


    "It was your idea. If you''re injured, just bear with it!"


    Cao Fan''s expression was emotionless, "But don''t worry, Hanwen, I''ll avenge you. He shot you with one arrow, and I''ll at least cut off one of his arms, cripple him for sure."


    "Thank you, Princely Heir."


    Yin Hanwen said resentfully, "That man is adept at the refining organs skill. Who knows where he got the guts to fight back. During the competition, Princely Heir, you can take him down within five rounds."


    "Do you even need the Princely Heir? I''ll cripple him if I come across him,"


    Wen Qiushi said disdainfully, "Actually, he might not even get through the first round of the formation. There''s no need for us to act personally." S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "True,"


    Yin Hanwen sneered, "Leading a bunch of rag-tag troops from the backwoods, no matter how they train, they''re still just that. No matter how exquisite the formation, it will scatter at the first charge, crumble at the first kill!"


    "I heard the Supervisor cherishes his soldiers like his own children. Could this move be just to perform for the Lord Governor?"


    "This kid is indeed scheming. Knowing his humble origins and that his talent is good but not supreme, to secure a good future, he must catch the attention of those above. First, he earned His Majesty''s favor by leading civilians across the river, and now he seeks to prove he is loyal and compassionate towards his old comrades to win over the Supervisor. Quite the strategist he is."


    "You''re overthinking. The Supervisor may appreciate loyal and compassionate individuals, true, but if he drags a bunch of useless trash onto the field, couldn''t Sun Dushi see through his showmanship? It will only backfire."


    "Exactly, at the end of the day, it''s the ability to lead soldiers that''s being tested."


    "Let him be falsely benevolent; we''ll just wait and enjoy the farce."


    "..."


    The supporters of the various Princely Heirs were all talking at once.


    But it was Cao Fan himself who spoke up gravely, "Perhaps not."


    Wen Qiushi asked with suspicion, "What do you mean by that, Princely Heir?"


    "I''ve had someone observe how his soldiers train,"


    Cao Fan spoke calmly, "Those soldiers who escaped from a small county in Yunzhou, under the command of an old man, practice the formation very solidly and smoothly. Despite coming from a small place, they''ve all been through life and death struggles; they''re not as weak as you all say. In this first test, in my opinion, he should have no issue."


    The Capital City has specifically sent a message saying if there is a chance, he could make contact with Chen Sansi and see if he can be drawn to our side.

 Chapter 122 The Life and Death of the World, All Depend on One Person_2

    Initially, he found it odd that, despite the rarity of the Nine Dragon Body, it certainly wasn''t nonexistent, so why deign to please a country bumpkin?It was not until a few days ago that Cao Fan, having witnessed Chen Sansi''s archery skills atop a mountain, had a change of heart. Later, after personally witnessing his troop training, he found Chen indeed has a way with training soldiers, indicating that the man truly possessed exceptional qualities. Though lacking in cultivation now, he could one day become a formidable general.


    But still, it was a pity.


    The man clearly had no intention of pledging loyalty.


    Let''s set Yan Changqing aside for now.


    This kid...


    Actually dared to contend with him for the title of Champion Leader in the Selected Point!


    Cao Fan could see from his eyes a determination to win at all costs, which was nothing short of audacious and foolhardy.


    Sun Xiangzong had wielded power for many years.


    Now, just as he was nearing his end, how could he allow the Immortal Law, surpassing even the Martial Saint, to fall into hands outside the "Cao" family? This alone warranted death for the Chen named.


    Fortunately, while the man had some abilities, his realm was too low. Up till now, he was still proficient in the refining organs skill, and even if he could breakthrough to a small achievement soon, there was no way he could match someone who had achieved Refining Internal Organs Perfection.


    Of course, it would be best to incapacitate him before the martial arts competition segment commenced, for receiving the imperial edict meant if he took matters into his own hands, it might displease Grandpa.


    Cao Fan had already made arrangements.


    Even if Chen made it past the first obstacle of Formation, he would fall at the second, breaking through the Formation.


    "Princely Heir truly has the aura of a general!"


    Wen Qiushi hastily agreed, "This is called knowing both your enemies and yourself, a guaranteed victory in every battle!"


    "Exactly, exactly!"


    "..."


    A group of people started to flatter again.


    "Brother Yin."


    Tang Yingke made his way to the front: "Are your injuries alright?"


    "Scram!"


    Yin Hanwen sneered, "If it weren''t for you exposing yourself, how would I have taken that arrow? After the Selected Point is over, you''ll see what''s coming to you back in the Capital City."


    "Brother Wen, yesterday I..."


    "Brother Yao..."


    Regardless of whom Tang Yingke spoke to, he was either snubbed or outright ignored.


    ...


    Chen Sansi noticed this scene.


    Simply because he had spoken on his behalf, he was now ostracized, likely making the upcoming competition even tougher.


    "Hey!"


    Bai Thingzhi approached Tang Yingke, who was standing alone in a corner, ignored by everyone, "Why do you keep trying to appease those who mistreat you? You might as well join us and follow General Chen; surely, you can carve out a great career with us."


    "Thingzhi, stop inciting him here."


    Chen Sansi bowed with folded hands, "Thank you, Brother Tang, for your help earlier."


    "Mr. Chen, please, I didn''t help much."


    Tang Yingke sighed, "And Mr. Chen need not worry about me. I came to the Selected Point only for experience and have no desire to contend for the title. If I face the Princely Heir and his ilk in the martial arts stage, I will concede defeat. But Mr. Chen, you should be careful. Just this morning, I saw someone speaking with the person in charge of the second phase... well, just be careful!"


    With that, he stood up and took his leave.


    "The second phase, breaking through the Formation?"


    Before Chen Sansi could speculate further, the Martial Arts Arena reverberated with the sound of trumpets and war drums, announcing the official start of the Selected Point examination.


    "Generals!"


    Fang Qingyun, seated high above, began in a leisurely manner, his clear voice echoing throughout the Martial Arts Arena: "The Selected Point begins, the first major item, Formation!


    Next, we will call your names in sequence."


    "When a General''s name is called, please lead your subordinates to another closed Martial Arts Arena five miles away, where the official assessment will take place. The standard is to see whose Formation withstands actual combat the best.


    "Supervisor Sun Dushi, Governor Liu, and Hou Jianjun will serve as the chief examiners, personally adjudicating the scores and grading them from first to fourth tier. After all assessments are completed, we will determine the ranking based on the overall scores to decide the Champion Leader of this Selected Point.


    "Besides that..."


    The Green Robed Scholar continued humorously, with a smile, "Representatives from You State, Liangzhou, and Yan State, including various distinguished officials, will observe this Selected Point. Many among them have eligible daughters, so gentlemen, perform well and don''t miss the opportunity to become highly desirable sons-in-law!"


    "..."


    With these words, the atmosphere in the Martial Arts Arena relaxed considerably.


    Among them, several brilliant generals from humble or ordinary backgrounds all tensed up, clearly prepared to seize this chance to turn their fortunes.


    What use is mere combat prowess?


    Mingling in society involves power, a background.


    This is even more true for governmental officers employed at the court.


    "Alright, let''s begin."


    Once Fang Qingyun concluded the opening ceremony, he was wheeled away by a soldier.


    Li Qianzong, holding a register, then called out, "Cui Yongping!"


    "Present!"


    "Depart!"


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    The young general led his five hundred subordinates directly towards the north, their marching formation crisp and orderly.


    In a closed Martial Arts Arena five miles away, surrounded by walls thirty feet high, outsiders could not see inside; hence, they had no way of knowing specifically how the Formation was tested.


    Even after the assessment concluded, they would not return the same way but would exit from another end¡ªsecurity measures were well implemented, ensuring that the details remained confidential until the final results were announced.


    ...


    The enclosed Martial Arts Arena.


    Atop the tall city walls, several pavilions were built, the smaller ones on each side shielded by curtains, housing the families of officials who came to watch. In the central and most prominent pavilion sat the three chief examiners of this Selected Point''s selection.


    Sun Xiangzong, Governor Liu, and Mr. Hou.


    Behind them were various officials like governors and generals from different states, with the least being magistrates, creating a gathering solely of high-ranking officials who also served as overseers of the examination.


    Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 122 The Life and Death of the World, All Depend on One Person_3

    since this was an unorthodox martial examination, it was naturally not possible to let sun xiangzong make all the decisions alone. many people were needed to witness the process to ensure fairness while making the generals participating in the selected point aware that they were soldiers of the court, not soldiers of the sun family.this rule had been established only about ten years ago.


    before that, sun xiangzong did indeed have the final say.


    "sun dushi,"


    mr. liu put down the tea cup in his hand, started with a smile, "there are quite a few talented young people this time, several of whom need only a little nurturing to surely become great generals in the future."


    "indeed,"


    sun xiangzong, dressed in coarse linen, half-closed his eyes, leaning back in the taishi chair, "it is also the last time this old man will take disciples, i hope it brings some surprises."


    "mr. liu,"


    mr. hou''s voice was shrill, and his hand holding the tea pot posed with his finger curled, "who are you eyeing this time?"


    "naturally, the young master!"


    mr. liu confidently said, "the crown prince has a dragon heart tiger bone, wields an azure dragon crescent blade bestowed by his majesty himself, and has achieved refining organ perfection. he''s just one step away from hua jin¡ªthis competition''s champion leader is none but him! if sun dushi could take the young master as his closed-door disciple, who knows, he might even become the dragon master in the future!"


    "mr. liu is perhaps too hasty."


    mr. hou expressed a differing opinion, slowly mentioning a few names, "i think elder yan''s grandson yan changqing is a good choice; just yesterday, he too broke through to refining organ perfection."


    "as for root bone, he''s certainly destined to become a martial saint with his qilin body, and in the capital city, many call him the qilin child."


    "moreover, there''s lu shuhua, young sect master of the sky-reaching sword sect from liangzhou who naturally possesses a sword heart and is destined to become a sword saint one day."


    "there are also wen qiushi from moon splitting mountain villa, wen shaoyang, young sect master of luoyun sect from capital city, fei yuliang from you state, jie sishu from yan state, all are highly competitive contenders."


    "with so many outstanding talents, mr. liu, have you not seen them?"


    "hehe~"


    mr. liu laughed, "though there are many talents, only two or three are destined to achieve the martial saint realm. mr. hou, do not forget, the final test of ''root bone'' is also part of the overall assessment and carries considerable weight."


    ''an a-class in the root bone test is equivalent to two a-classes in the other assessments.''


    ''after all, the champion leader of the selected point will receive the best nurturing treatment from the court, involving the consumption of countless precious medicinal ingredients; naturally, we must select a general with the highest potential.''


    some physiques show amazing cultivation speed in the early stages, but once they reach the meridian passage or profound image realm, their progress drastically slows or even becomes stagnant, making further breakthroughs impossible."


    for instance, fei yuliang from you state with his heavenly gang body will advance into the profound image realm more rapidly than his peers, but he has no hope of reaching the martial saint realm in his lifetime, let alone surpass it."


    such individuals are fine to nurture as generals."


    but if they truly win the competition, they are not worth the full effort in nurturing."


    hence, the importance of the root bone test is very high.


    of course, the body of martial saint is not found every year."


    in past years, having a heavenly gang body was definitely considered as top-tier root bone."


    but who would have thought that this year, being the last selected point and sun xiangzong''s final closed-door disciple, it would attract truly genuine talents from all over the world, raising the level of selected point more than twice over?


    i fear that even the real martial examination would not come close to the difficulty of this selected point."


    "even so~"


    mr. hou insisted, "yan changqing, lu shuhua, and jie sishu could also become martial saints."


    "that''s it?"


    with an aged yet robust voice, sun xiangzong asked, "is that all you think highly of?"


    "who else do you think could be added, supervisor sun?"


    stroking his beard, governor liu said, "those who have achieved refining organ perfection are just these few; others are good, but far from winning the championship."


    "..."


    tap-tapping on the armrest of his chair, sun xiangzong spoke indifferently, "in my opinion, these rules need to be changed. having a body of martial saint isn''t very useful. i have three disciples who were so-called ''innate martial saints,'' and only one became a martial saint; the other two might be stuck in the profound image realm for many years. apart from root bone, insight is also necessary."


    "what supervisor sun said makes sense."


    "the supervisor is, as always, very critical."


    "but these rules are perhaps not so easily changed."


    "..."


    standing behind, fang qingyun, who had just ascended the city walls, asked, "bu qi, if i remember correctly, chen is of the nine dragon body, right?"


    "right, my sister saw with her own eyes when he trained the nine dragon living veins. could there be any mistake?"


    with a troubled slap to his forehead, sun buqi sighed, "shanshi is going to suffer a great loss. with enough resources, the minimum level for a nine dragon body is the profound image realm, which is that of a general, but its limit is also profound image..."


    "in previous years, obtaining a class a rating with nine dragon body wouldn''t have been a problem, but this year there are so many with the innate martial saint body, swarming all at once to participate in selected point, making a nine dragon body seem less valuable. probably, like wen qiushi and the others, he''ll end up with a class b, which is such a drag. fourth senior brother, could you think of some way to help?"


    "that is a tricky issue."


    fang qingyun instructed his subordinates, "go get all the books about ''martial body'' from my room."


    "eh?"


    sun buqi seemed surprised by his senior brother''s response, "fourth senior brother, it seems you really want shanshi to win too."


    "it''s not just me who wants him to win."


    fang qingyun looked towards the shabbily dressed old man at the front and said, "it''s him, the old man."


    "my father?"


    sun buqi was even more thrilled.


    he hadn''t expected his father to fancy shanshi to such an extent.


    "ah~"


    fang qingyun sighed deeply, "it''s a pity that rules are rules. with governor liu and mr. hou here, along with officials from the three states watching, it''s difficult even for my master to favor anyone."


    "i''ll check first. as long as there has been one nine dragon body that broke through to martial saint over the past millennia, it can barely be considered a class a root bone," he said. your next chapter awaits on empire


    only he knew.


    whether chen could win the championship in this selected point wasn''t simply about being the last closed-door disciple, but about a situation that could influence not just the eight camps but potentially the entire trajectory of the world''s major strategies. s§×arch* the n?vel_fire.¦Çet website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    this game involved eight deaths, one disablement, and one survivor.


    whether it was death, survival, or disablement depended entirely on how far this disciple from po yang county could go.

 Chapter 123 Sun Xiangzongs Grand Ambition

    "train the last batch of disciples well, and supervisor sun can retire to enjoy the years of his life,"mr. hou said in a drawn-out tone, "our household is truly envious."


    "indeed."


    governor liu added, "mr. sun has worked hard for the court all his life, and he should rest well. the heavy responsibility of the northern territory''s border defense and the eight camps will be taken up by us juniors on behalf of the court!"


    sun xiangzong lifted his teacup, skimming the froth off the tea, without speaking.


    "supervisor sun."


    governor liu leaned forward, "nan xu country has had frequent exchanges with the barbarian envoys recently, stirring trouble. the main and deputy generals of the azure dragon, white tiger, and vermilion bird camps will likely need to assist prince zhen nan after the selected point concludes. the southern border needs such talented generals."


    find your next read at empire


    "what''s the rush?"


    sun xiangzong drank his tea unhurriedly, "we''ll talk about it when the time comes."


    "supervisor sun, what do you mean?"


    governor liu, clearly not expecting such a response, said solemnly, "we had an agreement before."


    "times change."


    sun xiangzong removed the tea from the brim of his cup, "even if someone like governor liu stayed behind in yunzhou ten days ago, with the eight camps present, it would be barely enough to keep an eye on the northern territory. but after ten days, i fear it won''t suffice."


    even if, barely...


    hearing himself described in such terms, governor liu maintained a smile, "then what do you suggest, supervisor sun?"


    "within ten days in yunzhou, they conducted a blood sacrifice with unclear intent; both of you should be well aware of this. the longer we delay, the more likely the barbarians will grow stronger, until they are completely uncontrollable,"


    sun xiangzong said lightly, "before i retire, i must at least annihilate two barbarian tribes to ensure that for fifty years no one dares to invade on a large scale."


    "my disciples still need to stay and assist me. i''m afraid they can''t be transferred away in a short time."


    "moreover, i need to expand the army.


    "from eight camps to twelve camps, the total military force should be expanded to over one hundred and fifty thousand."


    "the funds, grain, and medicinal materials required have all been calculated by me, and i hope the court can cooperate."


    "expand the camps?" sear?h the novelfire.net* website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    governor liu and mr. hou were both taken aback before almost simultaneously saying, "supervisor sun, it''s a major decision, not something you can determine with a single word."


    sun xiangzong reached into his chest, slowly pulling out a letter he had written, "i have prepared the petition; please trouble mr. hou to deliver it to his majesty. his majesty should grant his approval after reading it."


    "what''s there to be agitated about?


    "i am a man on the brink of death, merely hoping to do something for the people before i pass away. once i''m gone, let alone twelve camps, even if there are twenty, aren''t they all his majesty''s, the court''s? or are you worried that i might rebel?"


    "supervisor sun, your words are too harsh. who in the world would doubt your loyalty to the court?"


    mr. hou took care of the letter, "this confidential letter, i will deliver to his majesty as soon as possible."


    "that''s settled."


    sun xiangzong reclined again in the grandmaster chair, squinting his eyes, "let''s watch the selected point."


    "yes."


    governor liu nodded deeply, "if his majesty really approves supervisor sun''s petition, these young people will be the core force of the new four camps."


    "dang¡ª¡ª"


    li qianzong sounded the battle drum, "enter!"


    "buzz¡ª¡ª"


    the wooden doors of the martial arts arena opened.


    the first candidate for the selected spear generals, cui yongping, began his assessment.


    soon after, the three examiners discussed and gave a rating: second-class.


    "the formation was smooth, but he took too long to recover from the initial surprise attack. even though he eventually stabilized the formation without crumbling, second-class is the highest he can achieve."


    "next!"


    "jie sishu!"


    ...


    "next, chen sansi!"


    "..."


    "chen sansi?"


    governor liu remarked, "isn''t that the young general who escorted the civilians across the river?"


    "exactly."


    mr. hou said, "mr. chen is favored by his majesty, exceptionally promoted to third-rank honor. if he further establishes military achievements, a title of nobility awaits him."


    "i''ve spent half my life in officialdom and am now just a second-rank governor with the title of an upright senior minister. for him to achieve third-rank at such a young age, he indeed has a limitless future."


    governor liu lamented, "it''s just a pity he doesn''t know how to stay clean and has already gotten mixed up with young master yan. he will inevitably be tainted by corruption and end up in disgrace."


    "mr. liu, mind your words,"


    mr. hou retorted, "elder yan is held in high esteem; how could you describe him as a treacherous official in your words?"


    "isn''t he?"


    governor liu snorted, "thirty years ago, the capital city purge, twenty years ago, the flood caused by dyke demolition, fifteen years ago... in short, how many loyal ministers have died because of the yan party? they were lawless because they once carried out reforms and won the emperor''s trust. is he not a treacherous official? and about the fall of an ding prefecture''s great wall, general li yuan, who was in charge of the great wall, wasn''t he once yan liang''s student? it''s very likely that he betrayed the country!"


    "if you don''t have evidence, how can mr. liu make such accusations? those of us in the palace dare not gossip, or we wouldn''t survive three days,"


    mr. hou sneered, "whether elder yan is loyal or not, it is for the wise emperor to judge. as for you, mr. liu, i really want to remind you, the current emperor is pursuing the way of immortality, and who knows, he might ascend one day. you and mr. gao frequently contact the crown prince of the eastern palace. i wonder what you''re scheming. don''t forget, whether it is elder yan, mr. gao, or the crown prince, they are all servants of the emperor!"


    "no need for mr. hou''s reminder."


    mr. liu snorted, "our loyalty to the emperor is clear for all to see!"

 Chapter 123 Sun Xiangzongs Grand Ambition_2

    "issue each of them a knife."sun xiangzong suddenly spoke.


    "yes, master!"


    a general with a bear''s back and a tiger''s waist, clad in armour despite a bald head with scars from ring incisions, and a huge buddha bead necklace around his neck, complied. he pulled out two bright blades from the belts of two soldiers behind him and threw them in front of the quarreling pair.


    "mr. sun."


    governor liu exclaimed in shock, "what do you mean by this?"


    "women''s gossip!"


    the bald general grumbled, "your arguing has almost put my master to sleep. if you truly can''t stand each other, roll down there and settle it with life and death! oh, i forgot, mr. hou doesn''t even have that thing!"


    "you..."


    mr. hou''s face turned green with rage, pointing with his orchid fingers at the other party: "general meng, you dare insult me?!"


    meng guangxin was not the least bit afraid.


    noticing the expressionless sun xiangzong, they finally dared not quarrel any longer, with each of them quieting down to watch the next contest at the selected spear.


    ...


    "brother chen, it''s fine to take a ''b'' grade too."


    yan changqing consoled, "once i win the selected spear and secure my footing, i will promote you a great deal."


    "then i must thank you in advance, mr. yan."


    chen sansi wasted no words and led his men onwards.


    the martial arts arena was a large enclosed space, easily accommodating tens of thousands of people. moreover, several hundred people sat on the walls above, watching the selected spear contest, each with a powerful energy within.


    with his keen eyesight, chen sansi spotted mr. hou and the two people beside him with just a glance.


    one wore a crimson official robe adorned with pheasant patches, and the other, an old man in coarse linen.


    from where they sat, it was clear they were the chief examiners¡ªthe man in the red robe was naturally governor liu, and the old man in linen was likely sun dushi, sun xiangzong.


    it was unexpected that the great supervisor, whose reputation was formidable, would be so unremarkable in appearance.


    not only that, the energy flowing within him was also unique.


    in all the practitioners present, the energy was transparent, differing only in thickness¡ªlike mr. hou''s energy being extremely dense, almost materialized, and governor liu wasn''t far behind, not to mention the bald monk-like general and the other generals.


    but.


    the energy in sun xiangzong''s body was green!


    unlike anyone else''s.


    it was somewhat similar to the pale blue energy within exotic beasts, but deeper. it was more fitting to describe it as green.


    above martial saint, indeed extraordinary.


    even the method of cultivation was completely different from that of ordinary martial artists.


    but...


    looking around the world, chen sansi couldn''t find this "qingxuan energy" anywhere. could it be cultivated rather than absorbed? or is it only discoverable at a certain level of attainment?


    "clang¡ª"


    li qianzong stood on the high platform and announced, "selected spear generals, please ascend the platform and command your subordinates from above. do not participate personally in the battle. the assessment will start after two sticks of incense."


    forming an array was naturally about commanding ability. if one took charge of everything personally, it would not make one a general but a mere commoner.


    chan sansi climbed onto the high platform and noticed traces on the ground, including bloodstains. it seemed that indeed someone could die during the drill, which was understandable. without the threat of real death, the true combat effectiveness of the soldiers could not be tested. it was just uncertain how it would be done.


    "roar..."


    his ears twitched to a low growl from within the walls: "i see." s§×ar?h the n?velfire(.)net website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    chen sansi nodded to xu wencai among the crowd, signaling that they could begin.


    "form the array¡ª"


    xu wencai unfurled his feather fan.


    over five hundred men arranged themselves into a simple defensive four gates formation with incredible speed.


    "once the official assessment begins, a squad of our own cavalry will charge to break through the formation. they might cause injuries, but they will definitely not take your lives, rest assured," li qianzong announced loudly. "your task is very simple: there is only one, and that is to maintain the formation." explore more stories with empire


    they wouldn''t take lives?


    perhaps not.


    clearly, this was a test of the ability to respond to sudden attacks, to see how they would react to unforeseen circumstances on the battlefield and what the outcome would be.


    however, chen sansi was confident in his subordinates and saw no need to break the rules by giving an advance warning.


    "these aren''t soldiers from the liangzhou guard, are they?"


    governor liu zhongxian, assisting the supervisor in controlling the army of three states, naturally could tell at a glance.


    "indeed they are."


    mr. hou was also surprised, "whose soldiers are they?"


    general zhao, also in the audience, replied, "they are the routed soldiers who fled from po yang county."


    "routed soldiers?"


    liu zhongxian couldn''t help but chuckle, "what is mr. chen''s intention with this?"


    "how could mr. chen be made to use routed soldiers?"


    mr. hou glared behind him, his shrill voice cold and piercing, "general zhao, mr. chen is a general conferred by his majesty, is someone daring to target him, denying him troops?"


    "mr. hou, zhao would never do such a thing."


    general zhao responded, "mr. chen insisted on using his old troops, many can attest to that, and there''s no need for the two esteemed gentlemen to underestimate them. it''s said that these country soldiers have been trained exceptionally well."


    "oh?"


    mr. hou said with interest, "mr. chen is preparing to showcase his command skills to everyone."


    "don''t throw a rock only to have it land on your own foot."


    liu zhongxian watched with anticipation.


    sun xiangzong still didn''t speak, just watching quietly.


    "boom, boom, boom¡ª"


    the war drums sounded.


    the martial arts arena was like a large coliseum, and with the sound of the drums, the eight gates of the coliseum opened simultaneously. from each gate came twenty cavalry, heading straight towards the four gates defensive formation.

 Chapter 123 Sun Xiangzongs Grand Ambition_3

    the formation centered around wang zhi started operating. with no obstructions, it resisted the cavalry''s repeated charges without showing any signs of disorder.after four charges, the cavalry gradually left the arena.


    "that''s it?"


    zhao kang said incredulously, "it''s over?"


    "don''t let your guard down, maintain the formation and do not disperse!"


    xu wencai, who was at the very heart of the formation, shouted loudly, "if anyone makes a mistake before the examiner announces the end, they will be dealt with by military law when we return!"


    "definitely, it can''t be this simple."


    wang zhi murmured to himself.


    having been in the eight camps for many years, he naturally knew the range of difficulty for these assessments.


    even though the specific methods of assessment changed every year, they wouldn''t be this easy.


    "roar¡ª"


    indeed.


    just as the last cavalryman left, sudden strange beastly roars echoed from all directions. then, one after another, wild beasts like wolves, tigers, leopards, and jackals rushed out of the gates. their sizes were much larger than normal, their eyes blood-red as if dripping with blood, their fangs as sharp as blades, dripping with thick saliva. it was unclear how long they had not eaten, but now, seeing fresh flesh, they crazily pounced towards the people in the center of the martial arts arena.


    in everyone''s eyes, it was an unavoidable beast tide.


    most critical was that these ferocious beasts were too strange; their abnormal sizes and blood-red eyes were just like the demon beasts of legend!


    "could it be that they are all exotic beasts?"


    most people who had just arrived in liangzhou had never heard the term poisonous beast.


    the first thing that came to their minds was exotic beast. any ferocious beast that turned into an exotic beast would have its combat power skyrocket. such exotic beasts would terrify ordinary people to the point of urinating themselves.


    especially since the cavalry charges had given everyone the illusion that no one would be harmed, the huge contrast inevitably caused panic. once panicked, blood would be seen, and when added together, the formation could easily collapse.


    "they''re just beasts, hold your ground and kill!"


    wang zhi roared as he brandished his sword at the very front.


    the flag officers responsible for command, waved their array flags skillfully, manipulating the formation to maximize the strategic advantage of the four-door containment formation. they split the more than four hundred wild beasts apart. even though the number of people appeared similar to that of the poisonous beasts, they firmly trapped them as if their numbers were several times greater.


    the power of these poisonous beasts was incredibly terrifying.


    especially a few poisonous beast-transformed tigers, whose strength could match that of a martial artist in the bone training realm. they immediately flipped over several soldiers, but the formation, far from being disorderly, was quickly filled whenever there was a gap, airtight. some soldiers, in order to avoid errors, even used their bodies to resist physically to buy an extra second or two for the formation to recover.


    what intense battling will, it was merely an evaluation, yet they fought with the resolve of a life-and-death battle. it seemed everyone was unafraid of death, determined to maintain the formation for the greater good until the end.


    [sinking formation death will] overlaying [how can they be without clothes], this beast tide hadn''t even brought out the soldiers'' full strength.


    beasts are ultimately just beasts, soon bewildered by shield after shield, followed by a sky-covering storm of spears and arrows. the martial arts arena turned essentially into a slaughterhouse.


    if it continued like this, it wouldn''t be long before many poisonous beasts would be cleanly annihilated.


    "stop!"


    li qianzong hurriedly sounded the gong, "disperse the formation, we need to keep these poisonous beasts for the next part of the assessment, don''t kill them all!"


    "boom¡ª"


    several deputy generals in the meridian passage realm emerged, completely driving the poisonous beasts from the arena.


    in fact, they had been covertly watching all along, not allowing any soldier to die at the jaws of the poisonous beasts; at most, some were seriously injured and would intervene at critical moments to rescue.


    of course, their intervention meant potentially disturbing the formation.


    but the group of men in front of them needed no such help. it was a sudden incident at first, a few were injured, and then the situation was quickly stabilized, passing the test beautifully.


    "truly worthy of the men who crossed the river together!"


    mr. hou exclaimed, "supervisor sun, have you seen? facing just an assessment, these men disregarded life and death as if they were on a real battlefield. if they really were on the field of battle, they would surely be invincible, far stronger than the liangzhou soldiers commanded by several generals up front."


    the assessment was currently more than halfway done.


    roughly forty percent of the people secured class a ratings.


    in reality, the difficulty of the beast tide wasn''t great; it wouldn''t truly slaughter the soldiers. as long as one could stabilize the four-door containment formation, passing was entirely doable. sear?h the n??el fire.n§×t website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    but in many soldiers'' minds, this was just an assessment and not a real battlefield. even getting injured seemed unworthy, let alone sacrificing their lives, naturally leading to panic. stay tuned with empire


    whether one could follow military commands as steadfast as a mountain, that was also a big test for the leaders commanding soldiers.


    all three main examiners took note.


    commanding this formation was actually an old scholar in the very middle.


    a scholar commanding a battle formation.


    in the eight camps, there was currently only one fang qingyun.


    this also implicitly showed that chen sansi''s command ability over military tactics was supremely excellent.


    "this mr. chen is truly capable,"


    general zhao couldn''t help but admire, "it''s just a pity that his talents are not enough, otherwise, he would also be a strong competitor for the position of true inheritor."


    "to become a main general in the future would also be quite good."


    uncontested, the three main examiners gave a "class a" assessment.


    injured soldiers, carried away to receive the best treatment.


    the others left under command.


    "master."


    fang qingyun approached the old man pushing a wooden wheel: "did you see lao liu? these years he has indeed become much steadier. falling to the bone training realm and being a minor thousand captain in the county household, yet managing to be down-to-earth is certainly not easy."

 Chapter 123 Sun Xiangzongs Grand Ambition_4

    ...the first selected point challenge swiftly concluded, and the results were subsequently announced.


    chen sansi was, without a doubt, class a.


    besides him, cao fan from the imperial army naturally also attained a class a, as did lu shuhua, and there were others...


    there were also a few whose cultivation was decent, but their leadership in commanding troops was too poor, such as jie sishu from yan state, who possessed the body of innate martial saint, yet in this round, merely secured a class c result, effectively eliminating half of the candidates.


    "he really guessed it right,"


    wen qiushi listened to the announced results in surprise, "that chen guy truly managed to obtain a class a in this round!"


    "what''s the use of that,"


    yin hanwen''s wounds burst open, his complexion deathly pale, "it''s not as if this is the only challenge to be assessed."


    cao fan looked towards the martial arts arena, which was already being prepared for the second challenge, his gaze dark and foreboding.


    after resting for half an hour,


    the second selected point challenge, breaching the formation, ensued.


    li qianzong called out with a raised voice, declaring the rules, "next, forty thousand troops will be drawn from the eight camps and deployed to set up a simplified nine palace eight diagram formation in the martial arts arena. your aim is to enter the formation and break out in the shortest time possible!"


    "has the sheer number of troops startled you?"


    "don''t be afraid, this round primarily tests how you respond when surrounded by heavy forces, whether you can arrange troops in a formation and whether you can solve the formation to find a way to survive. the soldiers in the formation will mainly aim to capture you alive rather than take your life, and due to the large number of people, the highest cultivation within the formation will merely be bone forging perfection. there will be no one of the same refining internal realm as you. all you need to do is find the hidden way out of the formation to break through."


    "those who rush out of the nine palace eight diagram formation within the time it takes for one incense stick to burn will be considered class a. the following will drop one rank for every additional half an incense stick they take. if you are captured alive, you will be directly eliminated from the assessment for main general and may join the assessment for deputy general next door. of course, there is no need to feel disheartened. whether through a moment of sudden insight or through meritorious deeds in the future, you still have the opportunity to become a main general in your own right."


    "the formation is now ready; like before, i will call names to begin the challenge through the formation!"


    "cui yongping!"


    "roar¡ª"


    a formation with tremendous momentum unfolded before everyone''s eyes.


    banners flailed wildly, drums reverberated through the heavens.


    if one were to look down from a high platform, it was clear that this formation was like a live eight diagram pattern in motion. the rushing soldiers within it subtly conformed to the natural order of the universe, faintly capable of enhancing the soldiers'' combat abilities!


    what a marvelous formation!


    only a marvelous formation could yield such an effect.


    this time, the examination was not held in a closed environment, and everyone could watch the assessment process of the previous selected spear general.


    because the nine palace eight diagram formation was a living entity, constantly changing, let alone the fact that onlookers were not allowed to stand at a high vantage point, from a horizontal perspective, one could only see the first few rows, and with an eight-foot-tall mystical iron shield blocking the view tightly, it was impossible to clearly make out what was happening deep inside. prolonged observation could instead impart a sensation of oppression.


    once again taking the lead, cui yongping charged into the formation on horseback.


    about half an incense stick''s time later, the result came through.


    "cui yongping, captured alive, eliminated!"


    "..."


    after that, eight others entered the fray one after another. with half of them being eliminated and the highest grade amongst the rest being only class b, there wasn''t even a single class a. this caused considerable alarm and trepidation among the candidates.


    "even jie sishu from yan state, with a body of innate martial saint, only obtained a class b!"


    "it''s as if the formation consumes people; once inside, one cannot get out!"


    "last year''s selected spear exam wasn''t this formation, was it?"


    "why is it so difficult this year..."


    even lu shuhua, cao fan, and yan changqing, those geniuses who were favored to win the competition, were all extremely tense. this was a formation for forty thousand people, and although it required only containment and not combat, it still presented an absolutely terrifying level of difficulty.


    "chen sansi!"


    chen sansi, who had been well prepared, walked to the front.


    "this is the horse, this is the weapon!"


    this stage of the formation challenge was a race against time.


    the better the horse, the greater the natural advantage one had.


    some from noble and general''s families might even have a batch of exotic beast warhorses.


    to ensure fairness, everyone was prohibited from riding their own warhorses, and instead, they were issued horses by the eight camps.


    the horse allocated to chen sansi was a black one, far inferior to qian xun, but still considered an excellent warhorse. after checking that there were no problems, he received an unsharpened reed-leaf long spear.


    everyone''s information had already been recorded, and the weapon they used was a matter of public record.


    the reason for issuing unsharpened weapons was twofold: to increase difficulty and to prevent the selected spear generals from getting bloodthirsty. these geniuses could easily kill two or three hundred people if given the chance.


    after all, this was only an assessment. casualties were hard to avoid, but it wouldn''t do to completely disregard the lives of one''s own people. even in the previous formation challenge, there were experts at the meridian passage stage overseeing everything to prevent too many casualties.


    therefore, this stage used blunted weapons to minimize injuries, reminding generals to show mercy with their subordinates.


    the zhenyue sword couldn''t be brought in either.


    besides, such mystical weapons were the domain of hua jin warriors, and their use would have introduced an element of unfairness.


    chen sansi didn''t really care; after breaking through to refining internal, he hadn''t had time to practice either swordsmanship or saber technique. even if he brought them along, it wouldn''t make much difference.


    he confirmed there were no issues with the horse, and on the surface, the weapon seemed unproblematic too. but without live combat, he couldn''t be sure if there were hidden defects, and he had no time to test it. above the desk, the sandalwood incense used to measure time had been lit; every second that followed was precious. time waits for no one!


    "begin!"


    "go!"


    chen sansi spurred his horse into the battle formation, a man and his horse vanishing like they were diving into the maw of a gigantic beast, disappearing from sight.


    the nine palace eight diagram formation, also known as the eight gates golden lock formation, was a formation invented over a thousand years ago, lost for over nine hundred years until fang qingyun successfully restored it and brought it into practical use just over a decade ago.


    it was during that time that he earned his reputation as ''phoenix''.


    this formation was enigmatic and incredibly complex, and even if one understood the layout of the nine palace eight diagram, they still had to discern the true from the false. it was normal for several generals to be captured at the front.


    luckily, chen sansi had mastered this formation long ago.


    if it were truly just an exercise, he believed he could break out of the encirclement quickly, definitely in less than the time it took for an incense stick to burn. s§×arch* the novel(f~)ire.net website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    it''s just that...


    with his exceptional senses, how could he not notice the princely heir cao fan''s constant, sinister gaze on him?


    plus, tang yingke had warned him beforehand, so he was well aware he might encounter trouble in this stage.


    but until it actually happened, even if he spoke up, how could it be verified without the other party confessing?


    "well then, my path has always been fraught with challenges."


    experience exclusive tales on empire


    chen sansi gripped the reed-leaf long spear in his hand, resolute and fearless, "if someone really means to trouble me, even a weapon without an edge can kill!"

 Chapter 124 You Can Kill Without a Gun Tip!

    after the nine palace eight diagram formation was restored, it gradually fell into the hands of the common folk. sea??h th§× nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.when chen sansi had free time, he and xu wencai had studied it together and were thoroughly familiar with it; it was only because they did not have enough soldiers that they could not set it up.


    in real combat, there was no such thing as a "life gate"; the life gate would be heavily guarded, turning it into the actual death gate, making the entire formation impenetrable, unless one relied on brute force to break down the formation until it collapsed on its own.


    but since it was an exercise, and one that required racing against time, there would certainly be a life gate, testing the main general''s understanding of military formations and their personal adaptive capabilities.


    once inside the battle formation, one would be attacked by countless axes, halberds, hooks, and forks from all directions, aimed mostly at the warhorses beneath them.


    under these circumstances, losing a warhorse was akin to having one''s legs broken, and one would soon be surrounded by heavy troops, unable to escape.


    however, the soldiers within the eight diagram formation bore no real malice and preferred to capture alive if possible, or else just to delay time.


    a stick of incense, or about half an hour, was needed to break through the formation of forty thousand men; just walking across would take an unknown length of time, not to mention that these array soldiers were all elites from the eight camps. even if the generals above the refining internal level were eliminated, leaving behind only those at the bone training level, it would be impossible to force one''s way through. one had to find the life gate.


    "northwest qiang palace, five elements belonging to gold, open the gate."


    while chen sansi continually parried attacks from every direction, he quickly determined his position in the sea of people and soon found the only path to life.


    to his left was one of the three deadly gates, the injury gate, which appeared to have weak forces but would trap anyone who entered, preventing their escape. to his right was the surprise gate, combining reality and illusion, likely hiding a death gate behind it.


    only directly ahead was the rest gate, the only "jimen" in sight, yet it was blocked by an eight-foot-tall mystical iron shield, looking impregnable.


    a bluff!


    "go!"


    chen sansi shouted, and the long spear in his hand, unsharpened, smashed down like a siege giant hammer, flipping the shield and the heavy armor soldier holding it into the air. he burst through the tight encirclement as if opening a large door, and man and horse alike surged through like fish returning to the ocean, unhindered and charging forward.


    "good!"


    above the city walls.


    the officials watched the nine palace eight diagram formation on the ground from a godlike perspective, applauding and cheering.


    "mr. chen is incredible!"


    general zhao praised sincerely, "up to this point, he is the fastest to have found the direction of the life gate, even jie sishu, with the body of innate martial saint, made several mistakes before finding the right path, leading to only a class b result in the end."


    mr. hou also admired him greatly, "after general fang broke through the nine palace eight diagram formation, even i studied it for a full three years before i understood it. mr. chen has only been enlisted for a short time, and not only does his martial arts prowess nearly rival the geniuses of the capital city, but he also possesses such substantial military strategy strength."


    "hmm, passable."


    sun xiangzong slightly raised the corners of his mouth, returned to his seat, and continued to drink tea while watching.


    "not bad at all."


    meng guangxin stretched his neck, "old fourth, whatever formation you''ve come up with, in my eyes, it looks like a bunch of circles spinning around. this kid did well, broke it in an instant."


    "otherwise, how do you think he managed to defeat six thousand barbarians with just over a thousand remaining soldiers?"


    fang qingyun was not surprised at all, "then, leading those thousand wounded soldiers, he escorted tens of thousands of civilians across the river. it''s impossible with brute strength alone, he also needed comprehension and flexible application of military tactics."


    "i also know military tactics,"


    meng guangxin touched his bald head, "it''s not as complicated as you say. if we can fight, we fight; if we can''t, we run!"


    "no need to look any further for the first to reach class a in the breakthrough exercise,"


    sun buqi declared the victory outright.


    apart from the chief examiner, the invigilating officers, and the officials, the ladies who came for the show didn''t understand the intricacies but could see that this young general was the only one who wasn''t trapped after entering the battle formation.


    "sun li, this is the chen sansi you were talking about, right?" stay connected with empire


    several daughters of high-ranking officials were engrossed in the scene from behind a curtain.


    sun li was among them.


    today, she did not wear clothes suitable for fighting, but a white gauze stand-collar jacket that revealed a light pink lining, a kong mansion floriated skirt on the lower body, and her hair pinned up, even softening the heroic spirit in her eyebrows and eyes.


    "yes."


    sun li answered faintly, "that''s him."


    "he''s really impressive, but i heard his qualifications are not enough,"


    her friend said, "this time, the champion will be one of cao fan, yan changqing, or lu shuhua. by the way, sun li, hasn''t your father ever considered a marriage alliance with the imperial family?"


    though they were ladies, being from high-ranking official families, they were exposed to some degree of court politics.


    to these people, the best way for the sun family to descend from power safely was to become part of the imperial family.


    "no."


    sun li replied calmly.


    there indeed had been no such thing.


    not only had she never entertained the idea, but her father had also never had such intentions and didn''t follow other high-ranking families in arranging political marriages generation after generation.


    moreover, the sun family''s situation was unique; mere marriage alliances could not resolve their issues.


    this was not her concern.


    all she could do was practice her swordplay and strive to become stronger.


    "i''m going back."


    with that thought, sun li could no longer sit still and stood up to leave.

 Chapter 124 You Can Kill Without a Gun Tip! _2

    just then, a cry of alarm came from the front."how did this general''s weapon break?"


    "..."


    those watching the battle from atop the city walls clearly hadn''t expected the sudden turn of events.


    the young general in the thick of the formation saw his long spear break after smashing through several shields. what was left was just a wooden rod, devoid of its spear tip.


    "..."


    "his spear has broken, don''t let him seize another weapon!"


    "..."


    within the battlefield, the soldiers of the eight camps relayed signals to one another.


    "did cao fan have a hand in this?"


    chen sansi looked at the broken spear, somewhat mentally prepared, yet he felt the game was not over, there might be other traps; otherwise, the impact would be negligible.


    without a spear tip, spear technique simply turns into stick skill, and without even a stick, it falls back to empty-handed combat.


    this is why the spear is called the king of weapons, difficult to master.


    he originally wanted to try seizing another spear from someone, but the soldiers of the eight camps were well-prepared and kept retreating, giving him no chance to succeed even briefly. if he stopped specifically to seize a weapon, even a delay of three to five seconds could allow pursuers to catch up to him.


    the nine palace eight diagram formation is not a fixed formation, but one that changes, which is what truly makes it formidable.


    the safe path tread just a second ago could turn into a deadly trap the next.


    at this point, as long as he broke through the "du gate" up ahead, he would be unobstructed all the way to the life gate and thoroughly pass this challenge. with most of the sandalwood incense already burnt, he could not afford to waste time here.


    after all, there were no martial artists beyond the refining organ level in the entire grand formation, and the soldiers attacked only the horses, not the men, showing no intent to kill, which almost guaranteed that no one could stop him. to him, it was merely a maze made of men, and a very simple maze at that.


    "charge!"


    chen sansi paid no heed and plunged into the battle formation of the du gate, formed by cavalrymen with long sabers.


    "bang¡ª"


    the stick in his hand seemed to merge with his body, and although it was made of wood, it struck down men and horses like steel, not even giving the edge of a saber the chance to meet it head-on.


    the final wave!


    "hum¡ª"


    as chen sansi charged towards the final wave of men with caution, the unexpected inevitably happened.


    several cavalrymen wielding long sabers surged from both sides, striving with all their might to stop him from crossing the last defense.


    the du gate was naturally fierce and equally balanced.


    it was normal for it to be challenging.


    what felt wrong to chen sansi was that refining organ levels were hidden here!


    it was agreed that the highest level within the nine palace eight diagram formation was bone training, so why were there refining organ levels, and these men, they carried a murderous intent, not coming to capture him alive!


    they not only attacked his horse but also aimed for his throat, heart, and other vulnerable spots with sneak attacks.


    "bang!"


    chen sansi brought down his stick in a mighty split, crushing a cavalryman along with his helmet and he shouted, "refining organs, are you breaking the rules now?"


    "bullshit! i am merely bone training!"


    a one-eyed general retorted while swinging his long saber, casting trailing images.


    at least, there were four martial artists with a small achievement in refining organs!


    moreover, they were quite cunning, not using the explosive speed characteristic of refining organs but relying solely on potent qi-blood, making it difficult for the examiners on the city walls to discern anything with the naked eye.


    only those who truly engaged in combat could immediately sense that something was amiss.


    moreover, with many high realm martial artists in the eight camps, even achieving small success in refining organs might not necessarily secure a position as a thousand captain. the examiners on the city walls held such high positions, and not all of them had photographic memory. they likely did not recognize them. it was an extremely insidious tactic. even if it did not kill him, it could delay him considerably, allowing the cavalry following him to surround him completely. at worst, he would end up eliminated.


    despite clearly looking down on him as a master of the refining organs skill, they still designed obstacles for him. it was truly a case of strategically despising the enemy while tactically valuing them, indeed a talent of military leadership.


    unfortunately...


    small achievement in refining organs couldn''t stop him!


    moreover, he wasn''t planning to leave.


    "the purpose of this assault course is not to kill our own, but, since you''ve broken the rules, you''re naturally no longer considered as our own."


    chen sansi''s face showed no emotion, his tone as still as a dead pond: "i give you two choices, either confess voluntarily or die here."


    "what evidence do you have that we''ve broken the rules?"


    the one-eyed general sneered. s§×arch* the nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    they planned to switch back to the original person before the next evaluation began, unbeknownst to anyone.


    "as for death." the one-eyed general said contemptuously, "our realms are similar, you don''t even have a gun tip, who can you kill?"


    "who said you can''t kill without a gun tip?"


    "pfft¡ª"


    as his words fell, a spear, now just a wooden shaft, fiercely pierced through the throat of the one-eyed general. it was so fast that nobody saw clearly when the spear, no, stick, was thrust.


    stay tuned to empire


    "better show your skills of small success in refining organs, or you might get a few more breaths."


    "pfft¡ª"


    another refining organ general was stabbed through the throat.


    the remaining two refining organ generals were shocked and horrified, and no longer held back, bursting forth with the speed they should possess, slashing toward their opponent from both sides, but they quickly realized that even with all their might, they were no match.


    in chen sansi''s hands, the spear lacked a tip, just the sticky, dark red blood, which, in the eyes of the two refining organ generals, resembled a madly flailing blood-red python, instilling fear in their hearts.


    the unity spear technique, unstoppable!


    the two thought about fleeing, but there was no chance, their throats pierced one after another by the blood-colored python, falling from their horses into pools of blood where their hearts ceased to beat.


    with the leader dead, his subordinates panicked and fled, but were surrounded by the eight camps soldiers who had watched the entire proceedings. they had nowhere to run, allowing chen sansi to start a massacre!


    "this general, if they really broke the rules, they deserve to die!"


    "we just need to leave one alive to find out what happened later."


    ...


    "why has he started a massacre?!"


    atop the city wall.


    governor liu, watching the bloody scene unfold, said: "those people clearly couldn''t stop him, why didn''t he just break through the formation and end his examination instead of staying to kill?"


    "are you pretending to be confused or are you truly confused?"


    mr. hou coldly said: "didn''t you realize that the strength shown by those people before they died was that of refining organs? who has such audacity to tamper within selected point, it''s absolutely outrageous!"


    "it really is refining organs!"


    even sun buqi noticed, with refining organs mixed inside, "fourth senior brother, what''s going on?"


    "the spear technique is not bad."


    sun xiangzong''s expression remained unchanged, but his voice made everyone present feel as if they were choking, as if someone was grasping their throats.


    "i truly am useless now, they are beginning to bully me for my deafness and blindness."


    "fifth junior brother, go down and investigate who did it, and bring them here."

 Chapter 125 Martial Saint, What Is That Supposed to Be?

    outside the nine palace eight diagram formation.no matter what was happening in the core of the formation, the selected spear generals at the forefront could neither see nor hear it; they only knew that the sandalwood incense was burning incessantly and was about to burn out.


    "class b?"


    zhao kang and others looked on from a distance, even more anxious than if they were the ones being assessed.


    "an anomaly indicates the presence of demons."


    xu wencai, flicking his feather fan, said, "i and mr. chen have already thoroughly studied the nine palace eight diagram formation. by calculation, it should have ended by now. the fact that he hasn''t come out yet means there''s definitely an accident¡ªlet''s wait and see."


    "..."


    "why hasn''t general chen come out yet?"


    bai thingzhi wanted to climb higher to see what was happening inside but was blocked by weapons.


    "please abide by the rules, general, or your qualification will be revoked."


    "..."


    tang yingke sat on a stone pier, drawing with his sword on the ground.


    "brother!"


    bai thingzhi came over, "last time i saw you murmuring a bunch to general chen, do you know something? share with me."


    "it''s nothing."


    tang yingke avoided the question, "mr. chen is capable. he won''t die."


    "won''t die?"


    even bai thingzhi, as simple-minded as he was, could tell something was off.


    normally, one wouldn''t die in the formation trial.


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    to say so meant there was a problem!


    ...


    "that''s it?"


    yin hanwen looked at the nearly burnt-out first stick of sandalwood incense, "even i can break the nine palace eight diagram formation. i thought this kid was something special, but he fell at the second hurdle."


    wen qiushi followed up, "he still couldn''t escape the palm of the princely heir."


    cao fan said nothing, merely waiting silently for the result to be announced.


    class b? that wasn''t enough!


    he hoped, if not death, then at least crippling, so the man would stop being an eyesore, flitting about before his eyes. sea??h th§× n??efire.¦Çet website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    moreover, today''s arrangement was foolproof, as he had a martial saint helping him with a greater scheme in store regarding the layout of the eight camps.


    "buzz¡ª"


    suddenly, a sound of heavy weapons cleaving the air resounded beside them.


    cao fan''s eyebrows knitted together as he picked up his azure dragon crescent blade.


    he saw bai thingzhi raising his broadsword and coming at them, "what princely heir? i''ll slaughter you!"


    "truly a well-biting hound!"


    cao fan had heard his father say.


    there were loyal ministers in the world who could be unimaginably faithful to their masters, and securing such talented generals was indeed a great fortune.


    it seemed there really were such people.


    unfortunately, they were not his.


    "what are you doing?"


    cao fan said gravely, "attacking the princely heir for no reason, do you want to have your entire clan executed?"


    bai thingzhi stated bluntly, "tell me, was it you who sabotaged the formation?"


    "ridiculous!"


    cao fan scoffed, "chen''s own incompetence at breaking out of the formation has nothing to do with me. why are you biting me without reason?"


    he didn''t need to lift a finger himself; bai thingzhi was already blocked at every turn.


    knowing he could not get close, bai thingzhi shouted to thousand captain li at the side, "my lord, there''s definitely something wrong with the formation!"


    he was not just speculating without cause.


    that tang yingke was clearly aware of the inside story; he just hadn''t revealed it.


    "without evidence, you dare to create a disturbance?"


    thousand captain li frowned, "if there truly is a problem, the chief examiners will deal with it justly. there''s no need for you to shout and scream here! seize him, and after the examination is over, decide whether to revoke his selected spear qualification!"


    "rustle¡ª"


    several generals who had attained refining internal organs perfection, responsible for maintaining order in the examination field, stepped forward and pinned bai thingzhi firmly to the ground.


    thousand captain li turned to look at the sandalwood incense on the table, sighed inwardly, and estimated it was also class b, noting that the nine palace eight diagram formation devised by general fang really was difficult to break.


    "the assessment is over!"


    "chen sansi, class a!"


    a loud voice rang out alongside the gong.


    at the same time, the incense on the table coincidentally extinguished.


    "the first class a!"


    "class a!"


    the previously eliminated selected spear generals, who had received a class b, all showed an incredulous expression.


    generals like cui yongping and xie sishu even thought that class b was the highest grade attainable in this assessment.


    because the nine palace eight diagram formation was just too difficult!


    it''s easy to theorize about strategies on paper; they all knew how the formation worked, but when they genuinely entered the vast formation of forty thousand men, they immediately became headless flies. with concepts like the nine palace, the six gates, the six instruments, and the three oddities, although clear in their minds, they became confused, unable to discern anything on the field.


    that rural general, whose skills were even inferior to theirs, somehow scored class a, showing his profound understanding of military tactics and his extraordinary adaptability on the spot.


    "class a?"


    the moment before, those like yin hanwen who had been reveling in another''s misfortune were suddenly petrified.


    especially cao fan, who wasn''t even fully confident about securing class a himself, let alone considering the obstacles he had set up inside the formation, even tampering with the weapons.


    ''truly capable indeed...''


    he had a measure of respect in his heart. if this person wasn''t so intent on competing for the title of champion leader and wasn''t unwilling to ally with him, he indeed would have been a talent to utilize.


    ''fortunately.''


    ''you may have passed the hurdle, but your dog won''t!''


    he approached the soldiers maintaining order: "thousand captain li, you''ve seen it. mr. chen passed smoothly. there''s nothing unfair about this examination. this clearly shows he''s deliberately disrupting order. why not revoke his selected spear qualification promptly and then take him away for questioning?"


    "bang¡ª"


    a bloody severed head fell from the sky, landing in front of everyone.


    chen sansi appeared empty-handed, "thousand captain li, bai thingzhi was not talking nonsense. someone indeed tampered with the formation. please do not punish him."


    "thousand captain, we can testify, general chen speaks the truth,"


    the soldiers who witnessed the entire process also came over, speaking in unison, "the people at the du gate were replaced, including several refining internals, and they were aiming to kill. bring them here!"

 Chapter 125 Martial Saint, What Is It?_2

    several refining internal leaders had died, and the soldiers under them were not spared either, having been beaten half to death by the soldiers of the azure dragon camp and vermilion bird camp before being dragged over."these degenerates really tarnish the reputation of the eight camps!"


    the soldiers were filled with righteous indignation, "thousand captain li, please report to the chief examiners that this matter must be thoroughly investigated and severely punished!"


    before they could report it, a meridian passage deputy general came over and announced:


    "selected point examination suspended!"


    "until it is clear who has committed favoritism and fraud, no one is allowed to leave."


    examination suspended, investigation underway!


    in just two sentences, like thunder crashing down upon their hearts.


    "favoritism and fraud?"


    "so someone really dared to cheat in the selected point!"


    "who would have such audacity?"


    ...


    "princely heir!"


    looking at the formation set up on the high platform.


    yin hanwen started to panic, "damn, the supervisor seems to be serious about investigating; this could spell trouble."


    ...


    wen qiushi was equally nervous, "princely heir, this won''t affect us moving forward, will it?"


    "when did i ever say that i tampered with the selected point? why are you two panicking for no reason? how will you be able to fight wars with such little courage?"


    cao fan was particularly calm, "don''t worry, they won''t find anything on me, and if anyone ends up in trouble, it will be sun xiangzong himself."


    he emphasized his words especially at the end.


    "hmm?"


    yin hanwen and wen qiushi exchanged looks, finding his statement somewhat unbelievable.


    sun xiangzong in trouble.


    who could cause trouble for such a renowned elder?


    "he''s old."


    though only in his twenties, cao fan exuded a sense of being old and calculating, "targeting chen sansi is the goal but not the whole purpose."


    "do you think i am foolish to attract trouble during the selected point, unnecessarily complicating things for myself?"


    "this scheme was also meant for sun xiangzong."


    "by merely agreeing to investigate, it''s like jumping into a pit, sacrificing his reputation and jeopardizing his late career, just watch."


    as someone of high status, cao fan wouldn''t really be such a reckless heir, risking everything to take down a competitor who posed no significant threat.


    in this selected point, they had two main objectives.


    first, to obtain after victory the method to exceed the martial saint from sun xiangzong.


    second, to infiltrate further into the eight camps and dilute the power of the sun family.


    "damaging his own reputation?"


    yin hanwen, also from a high-ranking family, caught on quickly and realized the ingenuity, "princely heir, your plan is brilliant! it seems we are in for quite a show today."


    the others continued to whisper among themselves.


    "what exactly happened?"


    "such things have never happened since the inception of the selected point."


    "tampering in the selected point is equivalent to cheating in the imperial examinations, it''s a capital offense, no one would escape!"


    "that''s what''s said, but it''s not so simple."


    "those daring to cheat in the selected point must hold terrifyingly high positions."


    "if that''s the case, what will be the end of it?"


    the crowd was buzzing with various opinions, having no precedent, they also did not know what the outcome would be.


    if the person involved holds too high a position, would they really be executed?


    if not, wouldn''t the credibility of the selected point plummet in the future?


    but then again.


    this selected point seemed to be the last personally selected by the supervisor.


    with almost everyone having heard rumors of the supervisor retiring to his hometown, coupled with the recent concessions in power, there was even a saying, "is the old elephant sect still able to feed himself?"


    so would today''s incident just be overlooked?


    who would want to offend a formidable figure just before retirement?


    "no matter who it is, they must be executed if found out!"


    bai tingzhi was as straightforward as ever, "otherwise, i''d rather not participate in such a selected point."


    he hadn''t attended the military examination two years ago, opting for the selected point instead because it was said to be fair.


    it had indeed been so up until now.


    even the mounts and weapons of everyone were ensured to be roughly the same, but to create such an issue at a critical moment.


    it wasn''t just him.


    warriors from all over came flocking, largely drawn by the reputation of sun xiangzong.


    this time, if a suitable solution is not found, it might dishearten warriors everywhere.


    "this is getting big..."


    tang yingke had just heaved a sigh of relief, but his anxiety resurfaced.


    in his view, stopping here was the best outcome.


    since everyone had already safely passed and were rated class a, causing no substantial impact, it would be best to let things settle quietly.


    continuing to stir the pot might not only bring no benefits but could also turn ugly.


    after all, the cheating involved the crown prince, a future sovereign, and the supporters aiding his actions could hold significant status within the eight camps.


    it could even jeopardize the late career of the supervisor.


    why bother?


    "sigh..." sear?h the n?velfire(.)net website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "this brother chen, doesn''t he know how to yield?"


    ...


    in fact, chen sansi was more than accommodating, nearly prostrating himself; the other party wouldn''t be satisfied until he acted like a dog, but what could he do? really become a dog?


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    if he continued to yield, would the other party let him go? no, they would only escalate things!


    moreover, those refining internals, before dying, had demonstrated their true strength, likely witnessed by the examiners, who would probably handle it even without a report.


    even if he could endure, it seemed the soldiers of the azure dragon camp couldn''t, as they took the initiative to eliminate those responsible without being asked, taking the lead to complain.


    something was amiss.


    chen sansi noticed that after the examiners announced the suspension of the selected point, cao fan''s face showed no sign of panic, as if he had everything under control.

 Chapter 125 Martial Saint, What Is It?_3

    he glanced at the two people beside supervisor sun, perceiving the subtlety of the situation.a situation within a situation, and was it a blatant plot against supervisor sun?


    ...


    under the watchful eyes of the public.


    three main examiners, surrounded by armored soldiers, arrived at the martial arts arena''s high platform, seated themselves, and began to arrange for personnel to investigate with azure dragon, vermilion bird, and white tiger''s main generals joining the inquiry.


    "gentlemen."


    sun xiangzong stared ahead, his face expressing the indescribable: "do you also think that the investigation should be public and conducted in front of everyone?"


    "investigate, we must investigate thoroughly!"


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    mr. hou angrily said, "what audacity, mr. chen is a general personally appointed by the emperor, to dare to act so brazenly, it''s utterly lawless."


    "hmm."


    governor liu added, "mr. hou is right, we need to clarify this."


    "alright then."


    supervisor sun sighed, "i was saying, let''s quickly finish the investigation and not delay selected point''s time. i never expected you two to have such an upright side, insisting on making me investigate in front of hundreds of thousands of people."


    "naturally."


    governor liu, with an air of an incorruptible judge, said: "if we don''t clarify, it will be hard to calm people''s hearts."


    "yes, supervisor sun."


    mr. hou continued, "after two years, when the selected point is held again, it will be presided over by us. if a scandal about selected point leaks out now, it won''t be good for either of us. i hope the supervisor can set a final example for us."


    "i am relieved you think this way."


    sun xiangzong, like an old man waiting for death in the sun at the village gate, said weakly, "alright, then let''s do it as you both wish, investigate publicly and resolve it on the spot."


    "very well."


    "i agree."


    just moments ago, governor liu and mr. hou, who were hurling insults and nearly coming to blows, had suddenly united.


    the atmosphere was a bit subtle.


    "fourth brother."


    bu qi felt something was off, "shouldn''t this matter be resolved quickly, the culprits caught swiftly to continue the selected point? why make such a big scene?"


    "because..."


    fang qingyun said softly, "they want to make it impossible for our master to step down."


    since their arrival in liangzhou, the court had appointed a governor and a supervisor, also switching the commanders of three of the eight camps to court-affiliated people.


    what was the purpose?


    nothing but to divide and ultimately control the eight camps.


    but to truly achieve this, substantial prestige was needed.


    not only did the prestige of the governor and the supervisor of the army need to be significant, but they also had to weaken supervisor sun''s prestige. only through this relative decrease and increase could further power be seized.


    unconsciously, whether this case of corruption could be well managed had become pivotal, significantly impacting the eight camps'' future influence!


    clearly.


    the instigator behind the scenes held a very high position.


    under the gaze of thousands, should sun xiangzong fail to manage this situation well, his already declining prestige due to his age would further diminish, leading to an irretrievable loss of power.


    following that, even if there were indeed an expansion of the army, the supervisor, the army''s supervisor, and the governor, possibly along with more people, would share authority, no longer dictated by any single person.


    once sun xiangzong retired and returned to his hometown, the transition would be smooth with absolutely no turmoil, and the eight camps would legitimately become the elite of the court.


    "ah?"


    bu qi was shocked, "what should we do then, is my dad really going along with them, becoming truly senile?"


    even his own son felt unconfident.


    over the years, the old man had allowed them to share power without a word, and recently had even agreed to transfer the last few brothers, fully preparing to retire from military life.


    "watch, bu qi, you''ve been protected too well from childhood, making you indolent and naive. i hope today''s events will motivate you."


    fang qingyun said nothing more: "i''ve been named to go investigate the case."


    bu qi looked utterly perplexed.


    he tried to seek advice from other brothers, but soon discovered that his second and seventh brothers, who had been nearby just moments ago, had vanished without a trace, leaving only his fifth brother meng guangxin still present.


    ...


    after an hour.


    thirty-some officers and soldiers were escorted beneath the high platform, kneeling down. sear?h the n?velfire(.)net website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "master, governor liu, mr. hou."


    fang qingyun, sitting in a wheelchair, greeted with a bow: "the overall situation has been clearly investigated. these men were temporarily drafted to cooperate with the nine palace eight diagram formation."


    each of the eight camps had more than ten thousand men, but the nine palace eight diagram formation required at least forty thousand to be deployed, naturally necessitating the drafting of additional personnel from each camp to handle parts of the formation.


    "among them, the refining organ generals hidden within du gate, each a hundred captain, were responsible for commanding and arranging their actions, currently presided over by thousand captain zou gengdao; these people..."


    fang qingyun paused briefly before continuing, "are all from cloud camp, under the direct command of general ning changqun."


    cloud camp!


    of the eight camps.


    currently, there were two martial saints, one being supervisor sun''s eldest disciple, lu ji, and the other was ning changqun, appointed by the emperor as martial arts top scholar thirty years ago.


    originally serving as the main general in the emperor''s personal army outside the capital, ning changqun was transferred to liangzhou three years ago to take command of cloud camp and sky wolf camp.


    when it comes to individual combat prowess, he was among the top three in the entire state of liangzhou!


    on the surface, governor liu and mr. hou seemed dispatched by the court to oversee sun xiangzong, but in reality, ning changqun was the true hand controlling military power!

 Chapter 125 Martial Saint, What Is It?_4

    his authority was even greater than the sum of those two.moreover, ning changqun was skilled at training soldiers, having swept out all those who were dissatisfied, from deputy generals to commanders, within just half a year of taking office.


    over the years, his reputation had soared, wholly comparable to that of ji.


    rumors were circulating everywhere.


    once supervisor sun retired, it was either ji or ning changqun who would take over as supervisor, and since the latter was the martial arts top scholar directly appointed by the emperor, the likelihood was even greater.


    nobody among the ten thousand could have imagined that the mess from nepotism would originate from the cloud camp.


    according to the official rules,


    this kind of incident, even the main general of the cloud camp would be implicated.


    but would a man soon to retire really dare to move against his successor?


    no, it wasn''t about daring or not, it was simply impossible! since this was the emperor''s man, even if he were to be punished, it could only be a symbolic punishment, not a severe one.


    yet if this matter was taken up only to be lightly set down, what that implied went without saying.


    sun xiangzong''s prestige would be completely lost, and even if he regretted declining to retire, he would have no choice but to do so.


    "good move."


    chen sansi immediately guessed the intentions of this group.


    this game wasn''t laid out by cao fan, but by the crown prince and the emperor, who had combined forces; he was just one part of it, or rather, because of his appearance, the plan had been slightly hastened.


    even if he had not brought the issue to light today, these people would find other ways to force sun xiangzong off the stage. if the supervisor pretended to be deaf and mute, he would lose control over liangzhou even more.


    ...


    "hmm."


    supervisor sun looked at the soldiers kneeling before him and slowly said, "where is ning changqun?"


    "here at your command!"


    ning changqun answered, stepping forward and folding his hands in salute, "i was completely unaware of this matter, please feel free to question and deal with them as you see fit, supervisor."


    "zou gengdao."


    sun xiangzong asked calmly, "tell me, why did you do this?"


    "no need to say more!"


    zou gengdao resolutely said, "i did it, kill or dismember me, i leave it to the supervisor to decide!"


    "young man, don''t rush."


    the coarse-clothed supervisor sun did not seem to be interrogating a criminal but instead appeared like a friendly old man chatting, "there''s always a reason for everything. do you have a grudge with that young man named chen, or were you instructed by someone, or perhaps coerced? speak clearly, and you might not face death."


    zou gengdao simply turned his face away as if he hadn''t heard, closing his mouth and remaining silent.


    "how about you?"


    supervisor sun then turned his gaze to others, "do you have nothing to say either?"


    silence.


    thirty or so people, all remaining silent.


    "rubbish!"


    mr. hou rebuked, "the commander is speaking to you, didn''t you hear him? speak up! do you all want to die? speak out, and maybe you''ll find a way to live!"


    the silence persisted.


    the entire martial arts arena was dead quiet.


    sun xiangzong, the nominal highest military commander of liangzhou and the founder of the eight camps, found himself unable at that moment to even utter a word.


    the thirty or so kneeling people, all ready to die generously, showed not a trace of fear on their faces, nor any sign of respect. sea??h th§× novel?ire(.)ne*t website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "how audacious!"


    meng guangxin burst into fury, picking up a crescent moon spade and rushing down, "have you tired of living, daring to show such disrespect to my master!"


    "old five!"


    fang qingyun held him back, giving a sign with his eyes not to act rashly. although he hesitated, he eventually suppressed his anger.


    the other direct disciples also had extremely grim expressions on their faces.


    being ignored by the troops was a blow to prestige more severe than losing a battle.


    "these men were all carefully selected!"


    sun buqi remembered, "they were originally brought from the capital city by ning changqun, of course they don''t listen to my father. isn''t this just making my father look bad?"


    in contrast, sun xiangzong''s expression remained unchanged, "no one wants to speak?"


    "supervisor, don''t blame us."


    ning changqun spoke up, "they have been with me for a long time, only recognizing my orders and not responding to others. let me do the questioning."


    when the supervisor asks you a question, you answer!"


    as expected, as soon as he spoke, responses started coming immediately.


    "response to general ning!"


    zou gengdao, kneeling on the ground, his voice booming like a bell, "we recently had a quarrel with that mr. chen, and found him displeasing, so we wanted to stop him from breaking through the ranks and ruin his future!"


    "just for that?" ning changqun surveyed the others, asking sharply, "is what he said true?"


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    "response to general ning, indeed so!"


    ning changqun spoke with great authority, "i ask you again! what kind of punishment do such actions deserve?!"


    "death penalty!"


    "we wish to atone with our deaths!"


    "well said, you deserve to be killed!"


    "crack¡ª"


    ning changqun raised the mountain-opening axe and chopped off zou gengdao''s head. just before his death, zou gengdao didn''t even blink, even proffering his neck for execution!


    with a single glance, a team of his subordinates came over, handing each kneeling soldier a liangzhou standard yan feather knife.


    "what are you waiting for, do you all need me to act personally?"


    "no need to trouble the general!"


    the soldiers hesitated not a bit as they picked up the yan feather knives, and, as if they had practiced countless times before, their motions harmoniously and uniformly slit their own throats, committing suicide!


    blood gushed forth, and thirty or so men simultaneously fell, a pool of blood coalescing on the ground.


    what a command presence!


    at this moment,


    easily more than ten thousand people witnessed the scene.


    what kind of command presence must a commander have, that allows for orders to be followed so faithfully, to die without even blinking, utterly akin to the legendary dead soldiers!

 Chapter 125 Martial Saint, What Is That Supposed to Be?_5

    all present were shocked and pale!what kind of commander could train such a force with willpower, an army composed entirely of dead soldiers? even a housewife could understand the kind of combat power they possessed.


    only the young sun xiangzong could have led his troops to such lengths!


    yes, the young sun xiangzong!


    but now, he had aged!


    a hundred thousand people witnessed it.


    sun xiangzong''s commands were useless, but those of ning changqun were effective!


    it truly was like the new waves of the yangtze river pushing the old waves, one generation with its own heroes.


    without a doubt, ning changqun was the new sun xiangzong!


    "alas~"


    the observers were not only the countless soldiers but also the high-ranking officials from the northwest three states and even the capital city. none of them could do anything but shake their heads and sigh, lamenting the lateness of a hero.


    they didn''t care whether the accusations against chen sansi were true or false. they only knew sun xiangzong was indeed about to retire, an irresistible trend that could not be stopped!


    "supervisor!"


    ning changqun turned around, cupped his hands, and said, "i have dealt with everything!"


    when he spoke, he referred to himself as "i" instead of "this commander."


    throughout the handling of the entire situation, he hadn''t asked the supervisor for a single piece of advice. it was a one-man show; whatever he wanted, he did!


    "how preposterous, i will go and slaughter him!" stay tuned with empire


    meng guangxin nearly crushed his back teeth and was once again stopped by fang qingyun.


    "master, please say something!" meng guangxin urged frantically.


    sun xiangzong, however, was very leisurely, leaning on the taishi chair, rhythmically tapping the armrest, just quietly watching, like an old man immersed in watching a play in a theater, without saying a word.


    "hehe~"


    governor liu clapped his hands excitedly: "look at the style of this general ning, quite reminiscent of the young supervisor sun!"


    "indeed."


    mr. hou echoed, "the lord governor can retire in peace. with general ning in the northern, who fears the barbarous thieves? if the expansion of the army and warfare commence next, our house could completely have general ning serve as his deputy to effectively assist the lord governor."


    ...


    "your highness, brilliant!"


    yin hanwen and others finally saw clearly.


    with only the lives of some thousand captains and hundred captains, such great effect was created!


    cao fan revealed a confident smile.


    after today.


    the morale of the eight camps would automatically crumble by half, reducing their troubles significantly!


    when his prestige collapses, after he wins the selected point, sun xiangzong would have to willingly hand over the magic skill above martial saint.


    everything in the world would eventually belong to the cao family!


    "so very good! i also think letting general ning be the deputy is an excellent idea, he can sharpen his skills while also helping share the lord commander''s worries," said governor liu, feigning a stance.


    "what does the supervisor think?"


    however.


    just when everyone thought this matter had basically concluded,


    the long-silent sun xiangzong finally spoke up again.


    "good, very good thunderstrike tactics."


    sun xiangzong still rhythmically tapped on the armrest, speaking unhurriedly, "yet, ning changqun, it seems i never ordered their execution, did i?"


    "after all, they are undoubtedly deserving of death!"


    ning changqun confidently said, "i am taking care of it for the lord governor, there''s no harm in that." sea??h th§× novel(f~)ire.net website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "general ning."


    fang qingyun, pushing his wheelchair forward, slowly said, "your actions don''t seem like sharing concerns but rather like someone who is in a hurry, afraid of accidents and rushing to silence people by killing them."


    "general fang?"


    ning changqun was taken aback, "what do you mean by that?"


    "no meaning."


    fang qingyun''s voice was cold, "even if it''s not about silencing people, killing so many soldiers without the commander''s consent, what should be the punishment?


    "moreover, if all of them served under you, general ning, and if they were all sentenced to death, shouldn''t the commander bear some responsibility?"


    ning changqun retorted, "i said i had no idea!"


    "whether you were aware or not isn''t for you to decide."


    fang qingyun shouted, "old two, old qi, bring the man forth!"


    at the same time as the words fell.


    two generals were escorting a deputy general into view.


    this person was shen chang, ning changqun''s deputy.


    shen chang, covered in blood, knelt on the ground, "it was ning changqun who ordered, and then i arranged it!"


    "what?!"


    the entire room was in uproar.


    had ning changqun truly killed all those people just to cover up his tracks?


    the respect he had just begun to garner collapsed entirely.


    "shen chang, you... "


    ning changqun had not anticipated this scene, but he quickly responded, "general fang, we have no grievances or grudges, why would you conspire with this despicable person to frame me?


    "am i that bored, targeting a minor refining organ general participating in the selected point?


    "if it were really me, would my men willingly go to their deaths?"


    "that''s because he..."


    shen chang was severely injured, "he had confined the families of those men, promising wealth and status if things went well, and threatening extermination if they failed. that''s why those men were willing to die!"


    "nonsense!"


    ning changqun was furiously thunderous, "are we supposed to believe you just because you say so?"


    "well said, no evidence!"


    the general known as old qi waved his hand, "bring everyone here!"


    "rustle¡ª"


    a group of armored soldiers, accompanied by a group of family members, came forward.


    everyone, seeing the bodies on the ground, burst into loud wails.


    fang qingyun narrowed his eyes, "what else do you have to deny?"


    "ning changqun, you''ve put on quite a show, i haven''t seen such an exciting performance for a long time,"


    sun xiangzong spoke evenly, "but tampering with the selected point and killing soldiers without orders, both are capital offenses."

 Chapter 125 Martial Saint, What Is That Supposed to Be?_6

    his tone and voice sounded no different from before.yet ning changqun felt an inexplicable pressure.


    "slander! supervisor, fang qingyun is slandering me!"


    he shouted to his family members, "tell everyone, have i ever placed you under house arrest? speak up!"


    "wuu wuu wuu..."


    "no, general ning has never threatened us!"


    the crowd kept crying, adamantly denying, clearly not daring to provoke the other party.


    "supervisor, i haven''t lied, right?"


    ning changqun said, "these brothers'' wives would never say a bad word about me! i definitely haven''t caused turmoil within selected point!"


    "as for those under my command, it is indeed true that i did not supervise them well. am i not willing to accept punishment? confinement, military caning, i''ll take it!"


    he looked at the scene before him.


    knowing that the trap they had painstakingly prepared for so long had probably been discovered earlier.


    otherwise, how could they have gathered all the family members in such a short time?


    "what do the two of you think should be done?"


    sun xiangzong looked toward the two beside him, waiting for a response.


    "supervisor!"


    governor liu hastened to say, "this matter is no small issue, and those family members haven''t identified anyone either. we can interrogate them in detail after going back; there''s no need to rush to conclusions."


    "that''s right, sun dushi."


    mr. hou stood up and said, "there''s no need to be hasty; we can deal with this matter privately and slowly."


    although it was completely unexpected that sun had been prepared, they could still win!


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    even if everything about today''s incident were exposed, it wouldn''t matter.


    so what if everyone knew ning changqun was the mastermind behind it all?


    keep the matter quiet.


    at most, they would have to reassign ning changqun elsewhere.


    let the matter fade away, still able to undermine sun xiangzong''s authority, proving that he could no longer ensure the clear distinction of rewards and punishments. what else could he manage in terms of military control?


    "you both said it, in front of so many people, that today a resolution must be reached. how can you have second thoughts now?"


    sun xiangzong stated indifferently, "execute him."


    not only ning changqun himself, but even the others were shocked.


    the matter hadn''t been fully verified!


    and they were going to execute someone?


    this was no ordinary person; this was the martial arts top scholar, the martial saint!


    the order given, meng guangxin, old two, old qi, and a few generals eagerly gathered around; they had been unable to bear it any longer and were finally seeing their moment come.


    "you can''t kill him!"


    governor liu''s attitude became firm, "supervisor sun, lacking proper supervision at most warrants demotion; how can you demand his life directly!"


    "exactly."


    with the situation as it was, mr. hou similarly spoke, his voice carrying a threat, "mr. sun, general ning isn''t someone you can just decide to execute on a whim!"


    however,


    no matter what they said. sear?h the novelfire.net* website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    the three main generals who received the order didn''t stop in their tracks, even gripping their weapons in hand already.


    in the distance.


    there was the figure of another martial saint, ji lu, silently appearing with a heavenly halberd in hand.


    governor liu and mr. hou realized.


    this was real...


    they were going to kill him!


    ridiculous!


    how many years, how many resources, does it take for the court to nurture a martial saint?


    not to mention a loyal, obedient martial saint!


    "supervisor sun, you''ve gone mad!"


    governor liu accused, "you kill people indiscriminately without any evidence; are you not afraid that the emperor will find out? this is the main general dispatched by the imperial army!"


    "sun xiangzong!"


    ning changqun brazenly tore off the pretense, "without sufficient evidence, you really have the guts to kill me? do you know who i am?


    "i am the martial arts top scholar personally appointed by the emperor in the forty-second year of longqing!


    "i am one of the few martial saints in the world!


    "what gives you the right to kill me!"


    "martial saint?"


    sun xiangzong''s finger tapping on the armrest abruptly stopped.


    in front of the tens of thousands, the old man couldn''t help but laugh, causing everyone to be taken aback, somewhat at a loss.


    until the laughter came to an abrupt end.


    "top scholar, what is that worth?"


    when sun xiangzong spoke again, he no longer sounded like a common old man from the neighborhood; each word he uttered was laden with nearly a century of bloodshed, each word carried the commanding authority of one who had led numerous soldiers and looked down upon the world.


    the tens of thousands present found themselves simultaneously struggling to breathe!


    "and what is a martial saint worth?"


    "..."


    ning changqun swallowed his saliva repeatedly to relieve the pressure in his heart.


    they all knew that sun xiangzong was not long for this world, but even so, this man on his deathbed had left him, a human martial saint, with a mind completely blank!


    "bluffing!"


    "sun xiangzong!"


    after extreme fear came the urge for self-preservation, mustering all his strength.


    ning changqun grasped the mountain-opening axe, "if i remember correctly, it has been over a decade since you have personally made a move, right? it was alright for you to look down on martial saints in the past, but now!


    "can you, truly still defeat a martial saint? or should i say, are you even qualified to be a martial saint?!"


    yes.


    in everyone''s memory.


    the last time sun xiangzong took action was fifteen years ago.


    over these fifteen years.


    he had never shown his hand in front of others again.


    all anyone knew was that he was aging more and more, like a candle in the wind.


    "boom¡ª¡ª"


    ning changqun''s aura soared, and a terrifying force almost materializing around his body, the bodies of the soldiers who had committed suicide at his feet were pulverized under this power!


    martial saint!


    "i want to see how much strength you have left!"


    meng guangxin, old two, old qi, and others were not martial saints but just at the profound image realm, and they were all repelled dozens of feet away by this force emanating from the martial saint.


    and the eldest disciple holding the heavenly halberd was still on his way here.


    ning changqun arrived in front of sun xiangzong in an instant, and the mountain-opening giant axe in his hand cleaved down like a heavenly god, shattering the stone platform, countless armored soldiers were sent flying, governor liu and mr. hou rapidly retreated to escape the place, as if the power to split heaven and earth would halve the entire military camp, would split liangzhou city in two.


    a hundred meters around were engulfed by the gale, everyone''s ears rang incessantly, their insides felt as if they could be smashed at any moment, and most were too late even to think of fleeing!


    until the old man in coarse hemp clothing had, at some point, produced a silver dragon in his hand.


    then, the trees settled, and the wind ceased, and all returned to calm.


    no one saw clearly what had happened.


    they only knew that the entire body of martial saint ning changqun was gone, surely devoured completely by that silver dragon, with only several segments of limbs mixed with flesh falling like rain, yet blocked by an invisible barrier around the old man''s body, his coarse hemp clothing remained unstained, amidst the flying blood and flesh, he appeared like an immortal who had descended from the heavens, majestic and impeccable!


    at that moment.


    tens of thousands simultaneously recalled what the name sun xiangzong meant, remembered supervisor sun who had once single-handedly broken over two thousand armors, remembered the minister of war who died in the imperial palace, right under the emperor''s watch in the fifty-seventh year of longqing.


    that minister was also a martial saint!


    that''s right.


    he had grown old.


    but he was still alive.


    as long as he lived for another moment.


    he would always be that figure who struck awe across the world, that figure who for forty years made countless barbarians tremble and not dare to encroach on the border, the peerless gun saint of the human realm, sun xiangzong.

 Chapter 126 Regaining Prestige, Qilins Heart!

    a sudden incident that only lasted an instant, was like a bolt of lightning on a clear day; after it ended, the sky remained cloudless. if not for the several pools of blood and flesh on the ground proving that something had happened, the tens of thousands of people would probably wonder if it was an illusion.martial saint!


    the martial saint!


    not to mention in liangzhou, even in the entire world, he counted as a formidable force.


    in front of this nearly hundred-year-old elder, to not even be a match, or to be precise, not even lasting one round or qualifying as an enemy¡ªit was like crushing an ant.


    despite not taking action for over a decade, despite being seen by everyone as a flickering candle in the wind, waiting for the day to be buried in peace, when sun xiangzong unleashed his thunderous strike at this moment, it was akin to a resounding bell toll in everyone''s hearts, leaving them shaken and unable to calm down for a long time.


    "majestic!"


    "supervisor majestic¡ª"


    within the military city.


    following a prolonged silence as if time had stopped, and after the shock, someone shouted a voice in the crowd that hadn''t been heard in ten years.


    "the supervisor''s divine might!"


    "hurrah hurrah hurrah hurrah¡ª"


    this moment.


    a hundred thousand elite armored soldiers knelt in unison, their voices booming like thunder, reverberating through the entirety of liangzhou city.


    this day,


    the aged sun xiangzong, by taking a martial saint''s life, picked up the prestige he had once deliberately put aside, and effortlessly reclaimed it!


    the court had intended to seize power with today''s arrangement.


    and wasn''t it also sun xiangzong making counter moves against the plan?


    from this day onwards,


    the rumor in the streets that "old xiangzong is senile, but can he still eat?" will probably change to "old xiangzong is senile, but is he plotting something?"


    enjoy new tales from empire


    "the supervisor''s divine might!"


    the cheering grew louder and louder, and did not stop for half an hour.


    some of the older soldiers even cried with joy, eventually breaking down into weeping.


    some of them had followed sun xiangzong since their youth.


    now in their forties or fifties, they had essentially followed him their whole lives!


    until these recent years of silence, everyone had watched with their own eyes as the supervisor grew increasingly frail, managing military affairs less and less, as if he would leave them at any moment.


    it''s no wonder everyone thought so.


    the reality was just so.


    if it had been before, how could sun dushi have allowed the existence of governors or military supervisors around him, let alone handing over three of the eight great camps so easily.


    doing so, wasn''t he telling everyone that he was ready to retire and return home?


    many could see that today''s farce was deliberately making things difficult for the supervisor.


    if sun xiangzong didn''t retaliate, raising his hand high only to let it fall gently, then they would have completely lost hope.


    but now, the soldiers realized that the supervisor was still the supervisor!


    these years, the supervisor was just taking a rest.


    now that he has rested well, he is back!


    under the influence of this atmosphere, officials from the northwest three states as well as the capital city were nearly kneeling along with the rest, only to realize at the last moment that they weren''t under sun xiangzong''s jurisdiction¡ªnearly committing a grave sin of overstepping their bounds.


    ...


    "ruined."


    cao fan''s heart sank.


    the trap they had meticulously designed turned out to be a pit they had dug for themselves.


    although sun xiangzong''s prestige had declined over the years, this incident caused it to soar back up, and now for the court to try and take over the eight camps, the trouble would be enormous, not to mention they would ultimately have to look at the old man''s face.


    "is this even human..."


    yin hanwen and wen qiushi, among others, were still immersed in the brief confrontation. s~ea??h the ¦Çovelfire.¦Çet website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    the martial saint¡ªthat was the martial saint!


    they didn''t even see what happened and ended up as minced meat?


    no wonder so many martial arts geniuses from all over the world came to compete in selected point, who wouldn''t want to learn from such a person¡ªthat is the true martial arts saint!


    in cao fan''s eyes, there was an intense yearning.


    to emerge victorious in selected point, he was determined to win!


    ...


    "blue energy..."


    while the tens of thousands were shocked, chen sansi, through the qi observation skill, noticed what set apart the martial saint from those above him.


    he witnessed with his own eyes.


    when sun dushi made his move, the energy that surged within him was the distinct qingxuan energy, strikingly different from everyone else''s, no wonder the martial saint couldn''t even withstand one move.


    they were fighting from different sources of power, how could one compete?


    moreover, chen sansi paid attention to that long spear; although it was just for a fleeting moment, that brief glimpse made him feel admiration for a weapon for the first time, far surpassing the zhenyue sword, and even felt that there wasn''t a second spear of the same quality in the human realm.


    besides, where did the weapon come from?


    he was certain that the supervisor had not carried any weapons, and nobody had delivered one at the time, as if it had appeared out of thin air.


    chen sansi looked more carefully.


    even though sun xiangzong''s clothes were patched up, only the bright silver thumb ring on his right thumb seemed to be of considerable value, an immortal item, perhaps.


    ...


    "sun xiangzong!"


    liu zhongxian called out his name, "you''ve got some nerve, general ning is the court-appointed upper pillar country, you, what right do you have to kill him!"


    "supervisor, you''re rather reckless in your actions."


    mr. hou regained his senses, pointing out with lingering fear, "aren''t you afraid of the court''s punishment?"


    "the petition for my crime was written in advance, and has already been given to mr. hou, just hand it over to his majesty, and i will take whatever punishment comes."


    in the blink of an eye, sun xiangzong had reverted to the appearance of an elderly man from the village entrance.


    he turned with a slight hunch in his back, "fourth, you weren''t hurt, were you?"


    "teacher worries too much."


    fang qingyun appeared calm.


    "was the petition already written?"


    mr. hou took out the petition that the supervisor had handed to him before the start of selected point, inside it talked about expanding the forces, could it be that killing ning changqun was also written in advance?


    what if today''s events hadn''t occurred?

 Chapter 126 Regaining Prestige, Qilins Heart!_2

    ning changqun might die before the petition even reaches the capital city?!governor liu and mr. hou exchanged glances, their minds drafting countless impeaching memorials.


    what on earth is sun xiangzong up to?


    all these years,


    this old thing has always cooperated in ceding power, but today he suddenly pulled this stunt, what is he really trying to do?


    is he having second thoughts?!


    "gentlemen,"


    sun xiangzong turned his gaze back to them and began to speak slowly, "this old man is actually helping you. if ning changqun''s chaos within selected point isn''t dealt with seriously, how will you take over in the future?"


    "..."


    neither governor liu nor mr. hou knew how to respond.


    does this mean there are no second thoughts?


    to kill ning changqun is to establish authority, to prepare for the upcoming battle against the barbarians?


    but isn''t the cost too great?


    martial saint!


    "supervisor sun!"


    governor liu mustered his courage and said, "even if ning changqun dies, someone from the capital city will still be sent to take over cloud camp and sky wolf camp, and the military expansion and personnel arrangements should still be managed by the court and the ministry of war!"


    "oh, this old man has never refused you, there is no need to raise your voice so loudly."


    sun xiangzong hissed a breath and suddenly seemed to remember something, "mr. liu, mr. hou, what do you think, could ning changqun have been under someone else''s instruction?"


    the atmosphere that had just begun to relax immediately dropped to freezing point again.


    mr. hou leaped up, gliding over the water like a dragonfly, landing a hundred feet away before hurriedly saying, "i know nothing! even if there were, it has nothing to do with me! the imperial edict from mr. chen was still announced by me, how could i possibly harm him!"


    he indeed had no involvement.


    but he could guess it was arranged by people on the crown prince''s side.


    "mr. hou, your qinggong is quite impressive."


    sun xiangzong complimented, then looked towards governor liu, "mr. liu, what do you think, does ning changqun have someone behind him?"


    "this official doesn''t know!"


    liu zhongxian''s voice trembled as he also wanted to quickly distance himself, but as he turned, he saw meng guangxin and two other generals blocking his way.


    "supervisor! i really don''t know, eight or nine out of ten, it was ning changqun''s own idea. he''s a martial saint, why would he need anyone else to manipulate him?"


    he spoke incoherently, only to see the old man slowly walking towards him.


    "sun xiangzong! what are you doing? it really has nothing to do with this official! after i go back, i can continue to help you investigate, help you clear this up, you... you don''t come any closer, don''t be rash!"


    panic, fear, and guilt,


    a mix of emotions became the driving force for self-preservation.


    "bang¡ª"


    facing the large hand approaching from supervisor sun, liu zhongxian felt as if he saw a giant "death" character. his protective gang qi burst forth, his crimson official robe billowed, his official hat flew off, and even his hair stood on end as the marble floor beneath him shattered. he mustered all his strength to face the impending crisis.


    but his protective gang qi was as fragile as paper in front of that aged hand, not to mention blocking it, it couldn''t even slow it down.


    "i... i really don''t know!"


    liu zhongxian stubbornly persisted, his eyes bloodshot, his voice even carrying a hint of a sob. memories of his life flashed through his mind: how he practiced martial arts, started his career, gained recognition, climbed step by step to his current position as a second-rank official, and his family still in the capital city.


    finally,


    the hand landed, unstoppable.


    at the last moment, governor liu felt as if his heart was ash, he withdrew his protective gang qi, closed his eyes, and waited for death to come.


    however, when the hand landed on his shoulder, nothing happened; it merely patted him gently twice as a calm, old voice sounded by his ear.


    "why so agitated, mr. liu? i did not say it had anything to do with you."


    leaving behind that single remark, sun xiangzong walked away with his hands behind his back, his steps slow until he vanished from everyone''s view.


    on the high platform,


    the second-rank official, having reached the xuanxiang realm, expected to break through to martial saint within the next few years and entrusted with high hopes by the court, likely to take over the governance of liangzhou in the future, governor liu zhongxian stood there disheveled and extremely discomfited, motionless for a long time, his gaze blankly staring ahead, as if he had lost his senses.


    "what a coward!"


    meng guangxin scoffed, "all these years strutting about, claiming to be some kind of hero."


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    governor liu collapsed to the ground, gasping for air in great heaves.


    "finished..."


    from a distance, cao fan couldn''t bear to watch: "the governor will be replaced, it''s as good as being dead. what''s the point of restraint in controlling the military forces now?"


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    "someone, come and take mr. liu down to rest properly!"


    fang qingyun remained to oversee the situation: "gentlemen, although the person has been killed and the incident was sudden, there''s still a great deal of matters to deal with, so selected point has to be suspended for one day. those who haven''t had their exams can go back and prepare well, think about how to break the formation, you may all disperse now."


    under the urging of the armored soldiers,


    people finally started to recover from the events and gradually dispersed.


    "bu qi."


    after most of the crowd had left, fang qingyun spoke to him alone, "do you understand now?"


    "i understand!"


    sun buqi nodded firmly: "these people are trying to take my father''s military authority. they lost, and they lost miserably! but why not continue the investigation? why wasn''t this governor liu killed?"


    "is there still a need to investigate?"


    fang qingyun smiled: "who did it was clear from the start. in doing things, one must know when to advance and when to retreat. as long as the goal is achieved, it is a win. sometimes, being too ruthless can backfire."


    killing ning changqun was not an issue.

 Chapter 126 Regaining Prestige, Qilins Heart!_3

    continuing to kill...was equivalent to declaring war on the court.


    after all, the eight camps currently didn''t qualify to turn against the court, and regaining prestige would count as a great accomplishment.


    from now on, no matter how the court arranged people to come over, they wouldn''t be able to easily seize power, and certainly not to undermine.


    "i''ve been displeased with them for a long time, especially that ning changqun. no matter where he goes, he always carries an imposing manner. i heard that during the barbarian thief fight a while ago, he even took the liberty of deploying troops, not complying with the overall arrangement. though he achieved a meritorious deed, it was obviously a power grab."


    sun buqi stroked his chin, "but brother, why didn''t my father do this earlier? why wait until now?"


    "nothing in this world remains constant."


    fang qingyun patiently explained, "in doing anything, one must decide based on the changing situation. in ten days in yunzhou, the barbarian matter can no longer be postponed. besides, there are also reasons concerning chen."


    "shanshi?"


    sun buqi asked in surprise, "is it also related to him?"


    "yes."


    fang qingyun didn''t elaborate further and instead asked, "alright, you''ve seen what you needed to see. brother asks you, what have you learned from today''s play?"


    "my father is truly incredible!"


    sun buqi pondered for a while and gave his answer.


    "..."


    for a split second, fang qingyun almost fully recovered, leaping up to punch someone.


    ...


    "congratulations to the lord!"


    "the first class a!"


    "..."


    when leaving the scene, many people came to offer congratulations.


    chen shanshi wasn''t too happy.


    he was already more than ninety percent confident about the first two tests; the actual combat was uncertain, the martial contest was the toughest part; he had to break through to refining organs small success as soon as possible.


    luckily, with this disturbance, selected point was paused for two days, which was enough time.


    he arrived outside military city, where qian xun was already waiting early.


    along the way, chen shanshi also reminisced about today''s events.


    actually, no matter how openly or covertly one struggles, in the end, nothing escapes one law: only the true strong can win the game.


    supervisor sun clearly intended to use the life of the martial saint to establish authority.


    firstly, this required truly crushing the power of the martial saint.


    that spear, it was truly shocking and astonishing.


    no wonder the people of the world were desperate to compete for this inheritance.


    moreover.


    chen shanshi was also curious about something.


    the old emperor himself was also cultivating, surely he made some achievements, possibly even being evenly matched with sun xiangzong, which had allowed them to maintain this standstill for many years.


    otherwise, even if only one side had a clear advantage, it wouldn''t have led to the current embarrassing situation.


    but suppose.


    the old emperor also had a method of breaking through above the martial saint, why wouldn''t he directly teach it to his sons and grandsons, and instead let them learn from sun xiangzong?


    unless.


    the method of the emperor was only usable by himself.


    while sun xiangzong''s methods, while not numerous, could at least be used by a specific section of people.


    "the third major question, going into battle, that is, actual combat."


    stay updated via empire


    chen shanshi recalled passing through eastern yi city when he came to liangzhou, not knowing exactly how he would be assessed, but making sure to hasten his cultivation was certainly right.


    when he got home, he found that a guest had arrived¡ªhis goddaughter xu yuhuan.


    the tong family took their daughter to pray at the taoist temple outside the south gate of liangzhou city.


    since the soldiers'' residences were in the north of the city, it was too far to go back and forth, and after everything was done, they settled down in the relatively closer chen mansion; the triple-entry courtyard was vacant anyway, and considering the kinship, there was no issue with a prolonged stay.


    "yuhuan, come let godfather hold you."


    chen shanshi stretched out his arms and held the little girl, who could only ''ying ying ying'', in his arms.


    "brother shi, don''t scare the child!"


    gu xinlan was about to snatch the child, "you go wash up first."


    chen shanshi realized, he had just killed many people, and his body and face were covered in blood.


    surprisingly, the little girl wasn''t scared at all and even giggled while pawing at his face.


    gu xinlan then relaxed.


    chen shanshi said, "sister lan, in a few days you take some gold and find some masters to make a golden lock for yuhuan. i, as her godfather, haven''t given her a gift yet."


    he was now somewhat of a wealthy household himself, with plenty of gold and silver.


    "for the lord to be willing to be her godfather is already too high for our family, to have the lord also spending... "


    tong family was at a loss for words: "i really hope my husband can vie for some merit to be useful to the lord."


    "brother bin is quite good,"


    chen shanshi said, "in today''s assessment, he was very steady and helped me a lot."


    qualification, after all, defines the upper limit.


    it didn''t mean much for the soldiers.


    after joining the eight camps, the regular volume of supplemental medicine was enough to ensure fast advancement in their realms; xu bin wouldn''t take long to achieve bone training.


    it''s just a pity that not many had the potential to grow to a certain height.


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    using spiritual grain, or coupling it with the corresponding equipment.


    sinking formation death will, ah!


    if chen shanshi truly needed to nurture high-level military officers, naturally, he would prioritize training this group of loyal brothers who came from po yang.


    but for now, using spiritual grain was still too risky.


    especially after seeing the supervisor''s power.


    let''s wait some more.


    at least, until he wasn''t afraid of others coming to him.


    chen shanshi teased the little girl, while the two women chatted in the courtyard.


    "xin lan, the masters at ci yun temple are so powerful, praying with them really brings blessings!"


    "is that so?"


    "yes, ever since we had yuhuan, i''ve been very tired every day. today after going to ci yun temple, i felt refreshed and at ease."


    "that''s impressive."


    "ci yun temple is the most popular place for incense in liangzhou, not just us, even high officials and martial masters from major sects like going there. today i even met one, supposedly the manor master of the moon splitting mountain villa, a martial saint, very powerful indeed."

 Chapter 126 Regain Prestige, Qilins Heart!_4

    tong family looked over at mr. chen in the distance and whispered in a voice audible only to the two of them, "xin lan, aren''t you also planning to have a child with the general?""yes," xin lan replied with a slight blush on her cheeks, "there hasn''t been any news yet."


    in her heart, she fretted. half a year had passed since the wedding, and although they were active, there was still no sign of pregnancy. she was beginning to worry that there might be something wrong with her, wondering what she would do if she couldn''t have children.


    "next time, come with me to ci yun temple," sister-in-law tong said, holding her hand. "there are quite a few people there praying for children. i''ve heard it''s very effective. once you and general chen have a child, he or she could keep yu huan company. oh, and you should bring general chen along; i heard it works even better."


    "sure," xin lan agreed.


    chen sansi joined the conversation.


    he didn''t want to listen, but his exceptional hearing made it impossible to ignore the conversation, as all of them were in the same courtyard.


    "however, it will have to be in a few days. i''m currently busy with the selected point matters. we can go after that ends. i''ll go with you, sister lan, and sister-in-law tong." experience more content on empire


    chen sansi also seemed interested.


    the entire city of liangzhou was visiting the taoist temple, especially since even martial saints were there.


    even though he witnessed a martial saint being defeated in an instant today, he did not think less of the martial saints. after all, they were among the greatest combatants in the world.


    it was only that sun xiangzong was exceptionally powerful, not that the martial saint was weak.


    "sister-in-law tong,"


    chen sansi asked curiously, "you go there to pray for safety, but what do martial artists pray for?"


    "well..."


    tong family recalled carefully, "they also pray for safety."


    "they pray for safety too?"


    chen sansi grew even more curious and felt something strange. s~ea??h the n??el fire.n§×t website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    martial artists, who rely on their own skills for safety, why would they need to pray to gods and worship buddha?


    if someone said that ci yun temple was a major sect that possessed a martial saint, that might make sense.


    but when he came to liangzhou, he memorized the details of the sects, and not only did ci yun temple not rank as a martial saint level, but it probably couldn''t even be listed among the second-rate sects, likely falling even behind the third-rate.


    what was there to worship?


    either it''s truly divine, or there''s something ghostly.


    with this in mind, chen sansi couldn''t possibly allow sister lan to go alone.


    ...


    the back courtyard of the three-archway house was where chen sansi practiced his martial arts, undisturbed even when there were visitors.


    after filling his belly, he started practicing martial arts.


    spiritual grain, treasure medicine, and beast meat.


    with the combination of these three enhancements, his cultivation progressed rapidly.


    in the blink of an eye, two days had passed.


    chen sansi once again reached a critical point for a breakthrough.


    the unity spear technique, derived from merging three kinds of spear techniques, had reached its peak in his hands, being quick, fierce, and enduring. possessing any one of these traits could secure a martial artist a place in the world of martial arts, but he possessed all!


    moreover, the amalgamation of these three traits subtly evolved into a "wild" force¡ªthis was the power of the spear!


    every weapon has its power. only by mastering this power could one possibly become a grandmaster. otherwise, it''s just a dead set of moves that, when faces a martial artist of the same physique and realm, would offer no advantage.


    crossing realms in combat, spear technique was also a crucial element.


    chen sansi''s long spear whistled through the air, seemingly transforming into a fierce python at one moment. as he practiced, even the birds flying overhead were startled into falling, and the young osmanthus trees in the courtyard swayed unceasingly, as if they might break at any moment in the fierce wind.


    "bang!"


    suddenly, his heart began to beat wildly, surpassing the limits any normal human could endure.


    but this was not a sign of physical trouble, but rather a sign of breakthrough!


    the heart, being the most powerful among the organs, is also a crucial foundation for the body''s strength. all blood is supplied to every part of the body through the heart; the stronger the heart, the more powerful the burst of strength.


    "thump, thump, thump!"


    with the heart pumping, the blood of the dragon and elephant within chen sansi enhanced further, nearly doubling his speed, reaction, and strength.


    refining internal organs small success, heart burning!


    [cultivation technique: unity spear technique (small achievement)]


    [progress: 0/2000]


    [utility:..., ..., xuan yuan five organs body, qilin heart]


    [qilin heart: one of the xuan yuan five organs, combined with seven apertures exquisite, exceptional combat talent, guaranteed to decipher the opponent''s combat routines within thirty rounds!]


    qilin heart!


    chen sansi had recently caught up on many books and gained an understanding of various martial arts physiques, no longer as ignorant as before.


    the qilin body is also considered as a body of martial saint.


    moreover, it is the only physique that enhances the perceptiveness in learning martial arts, not just physical enhancement.


    elder yan''s grandson, yan changqing, has this physique.


    among them, the most crucial qilin heart, now isolated by the proficiency panel and integrated into his body, also reacted with the reading skill [seven apertures exquisite].


    guaranteed to decipher an opponent''s combat routines within thirty rounds!


    what a concept this is!


    that is to say, regardless of the realm, as long as he can last thirty rounds, he can find an opponent''s weaknesses and break them!


    holding on, for the enduring chen sansi, has never been an issue.


    of course, the premise is that the gap in realm isn''t too vast.


    if he were to fight supervisor sun now, that would naturally be futile.


    but facing someone at great success or perfection of refining internal...


    everyone knows the difference between small success and perfection in refining is immense.


    because heart burning is just an immature form of blood explosion after achieving refining internal organs perfection; an immature form fighting a complete form obviously spells what need not be said.


    previously, chen sansi truly lacked full confidence.


    now, possessing [qilin heart], he does have a few more chances of winning, but still dares not underestimate his opponents, as those individuals are genuine geniuses. their physiques, cultivation techniques, and the medicines used are all of the highest quality, unlike any opponent he has faced before.

 Chapter 126 Regaining Prestige, Qilins Heart!_5

    ```anyway, no matter the odds of victory, there was no more time.


    a few days later would be the third round of combat, immediately followed by the fourth round of live-action, and then, the fifth round of bone-feeling, with all assessments being completed in one go.


    all he could do was to make human efforts and listen to heaven''s will.


    besides.


    the selected spear assessment continued yesterday afternoon, and by today, the results of the breakout challenge were out.


    only a few people like lu shuhua, cao fan, and yan changqing achieved class a, and all barely made it, with the first piece of sandalwood nearly burned through.


    these were the real opponents for the upcoming rounds.


    "master, have you finished training?"


    si qin had been squatting outside the door early and only peeked inside after hearing no movement. with permission, she entered carrying a bowl of medicinal soup: "madam personally stewed this tonic soup, instructing me to make sure master drinks it."


    ever since they decided they wanted a child, gu xinlan went out to buy supplemental medicine which they drank at every meal.


    this medicine was mainly for health preservation and had no significant side effects.


    "tell madam that if she replenishes me anymore, i''m afraid she won''t be able to bear it. never mind, i''ll go tell her myself."


    chen sansi poured out the medicine and went straight to the main bedroom in the front courtyard.


    ...


    military city.


    over the past few days, all traces of the cheating scandal had been thoroughly wiped clean, and everything in the martial arts arena was as usual¡ªonly one examiner was missing.


    recently, governor liu fell ill and has not been seen, even writing a petition request to resign his post, refusing to continue no matter what.


    it was said that the court had already temporarily transferred a martial saint from the neighboring state to take over as the new governor.


    as for ning changqun''s death, no one mentioned it at all anymore.


    the court also did not deliver any punishment to sun xiangzong, and it seemed the matter had indeed been dropped.


    li qianzong, once everyone had arrived, loudly announced the content of the third round.


    "generals, i suppose many of you have noticed the situation at dongyi city upon arrival."


    "indeed, that is your third major topic!"


    "go to battle, slay the enemy!"


    "the assessment is very simple, the traitors in dongyi city will attempt a breakout tonight, and whoever slays more enemies will score better!"


    "slaying four hundred or more is class a, three hundred is class b¡­"


    "a bone training equals forty people, refining internal equals a hundred, and you needn''t worry about higher ranks."


    "did everyone get that?"


    "good, you have two hours to prepare, and in two hours, we depart!"


    "..."


    slaying the enemy.


    chen sansi had thought the assessment would test who could lead troops to take down the city, but the content was so straightforward, frankly just a comparison of headcounts.


    upon reflection, it made sense.


    with so many selected spear generals, issues such as how many troops each person got, who attacked the city first, and what to do about heavy casualties during the siege were problems, and only a blunt test like this could be relatively fair. explore new worlds at empire


    he picked up a big bow with a fifty-stone draw weight.


    two hours later, everyone gathered, and under the leadership of several camp deputies, they left the city.


    at this moment, dongyi city was tightly surrounded by a seemingly impenetrable force of fifty thousand troops, with ten thousand from the xuanwu camp, and the rest were liangzhou guard soldiers.


    commanding both xuanwu and flying hero camps, the only martial saint among the supervisor''s disciples, once considered to be the successor, general ji was also here.


    "sun xiangzong, fuck your mother!"


    atop the city walls.


    a middle-aged man wielding a long blade cursed with intense emotion: "i wish to eat your flesh and sleep on your hide, to ensure your lineage ends with you, that you die a gruesome death!"


    "if you have the guts, come out and fight me to the death. keeping us trapped in the city while you hide like a coward, what kind of hero are you!"


    "you hate the supervisor that much?"


    even from a distance, chen sansi could feel the overwhelming hatred.


    "this man is the sect leader of the seven absolute sect, zhang huaimin, at the meridian passage realm."


    li qianzong explained: "when the eight camps were first reassigned to liangzhou five years ago, the northwest border was really in bad shape, with countless corrupt officials, and there were daily occurrences of despicable acts. the sect disciples walked the streets, snatching away anyone''s wife or daughter they found attractive, even barging into households at night, right in front of the husbands¡­"


    "after the supervisor reformed the military, he sent out several thousand men to sweep through several northern territory states over three years, from the state to the county government, executing every found criminal, which made them restrain themselves a bit."


    "zhang huaimin didn''t personally commit any egregious acts, but his offspring were extremely unruly. they committed all sorts of atrocities and were undoubtedly guilty. naturally, they couldn''t escape their fate."


    "mr. zhang has borne a grudge ever since, and during a recent battle with the barbarians, he took the opportunity to betray us, trying to get his revenge in this way."


    in chen sansi''s memory, there was an impression of such matters; before the supervisor arrived, the entire northern territory was indeed utterly lawless, with daylight murders.


    as long as one had solid connections, the county government wouldn''t bother much, and if the bribery was generous enough, they might even falsely accuse the victims, leading to their total ruin.


    "general lu! we can begin now!"


    upon the selected spear generals'' arrival, general ji nodded at his subordinates.


    the deputy general, understanding the signal, immediately began relaying orders.


    soon after, all troops except for three thousand from the flying heroes stationed outside the west city gate of dongyi city withdrew, seemingly leaving dongyi''s traitors only one way to flee.


    when besieging, a path of retreat must be open.


    an assault would cause unnecessary casualties, and forcing them out was the best method for the assessment.


    besides, they were bound to come out.


    because they had been cut off from supplies in the city for half a month and probably even devoured any bit of goddess earth, staying trapped would lead to cannibalism. rather than remaining, it was better to take a risk in breaking out¡ªeven if only one or two managed to escape, there was hope. s§×arch* the n?vel(f)ire.n§×t website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ```

 Chapter 126 Regaining Prestige, Qilins Heart!_6

    "i am the assistant general of xuanwu camp. my surname is guan, first name jizeng, and i will be your chief proctor for the upcoming exam,"guan jizeng''s booming voice explained the rules in greater detail:


    "once the people from the city come out, my brothers will charge and kill the enemy, and you need to join them. there will be no courtesies extended to you, so you will need to demonstrate your own skills. seize as many opportunities as you can, as there will be people keeping count for you. have you got it?"


    two li behind them, ten cloud towers, each eight zhang tall, had been built from wood, with counters standing on each one.


    "do we still have to fight for it?"


    the selected spear generals looked at each other in dismay.


    there were only a total of one thousand five hundred disciples inside the city, but outside, there were a whopping three thousand soldiers from the flying hero camp, all eager and rubbing their hands, clearly not planning to give them any chances.


    to be classified as class a, one had to kill four hundred!


    even though high realm martial artists could fight off many, the flying hero camp also had many generals capable of killing high realm martial artists.


    it was akin to snatching food from the mouth of a tiger, an extremely difficult task!


    according to guan jizeng''s arrangements, everyone stood arrayed about three hundred paces outside the west city gate, deliberately leaving a space for the breakout, waiting for the people inside the city to come out.


    the selected spear generals stood at the very front, focusing intently on the city gate, ready to rush forward and fight for kills the moment their foes appeared, fearing they wouldn''t meet the required numbers.


    and they waited.


    for a full three hours.


    from the afternoon until the sky darkened into night.


    the people inside weren''t fools; they could clearly see that this was a set-up for a death trap. naturally, they hesitated, and there was still no movement by midnight.


    many of the selected spear generals had grown so weary of waiting that they set down their weapons, sat down, and closed their eyes to rest.


    "could it be that they have all starved to death?"


    bai thingzhi was anxious enough to want to attack the city.


    "buzz¡ª"


    just when everyone thought they might have to wait for two or three days, at midnight, the city gate finally swung open.


    the west city gate was a smaller gate, allowing only four people to come out shoulder to shoulder.


    "break out, brothers, break out!"


    "..."


    at first, the noise and footsteps were chaotic, but finally, the first batch of disciples from the seven absolute sect rushed out.


    "good, they''re coming!"


    the selected spear generals spirited up, just waiting for the seven absolute sect disciples to reach the front of their ranks for close-quarter combat, and then they would valiantly engage the enemy, competing for the number of kills.


    "swoosh¡ª"


    however, as soon as the first seven absolute sect disciple appeared, he was greeted by an armor-piercing arrow that shot straight through his face, killing him instantly! sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lfire .net website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "swoosh, swoosh, swoosh, swoosh¡ª"


    then the second, the third...


    the city gate was narrow from the start, with sect disciples nearly tumbling down one after another before even stepping out fully, and the bodies quickly piled up into a mound, with none able to make it out.


    it seemed like there was an entire team of crossbowmen blocking the gate!


    what was this about? weren''t they supposed to fight the enemy? why were archers blocking the way instead?


    everyone turned their heads to look.


    there were no crossbowmen, just a young general dressed in dark cyan robes continuously pulling back a giant bow as tall as a person. his hands held countless arrows, pulling the string so rapidly that afterimages were seen, and with each release, a life was claimed.


    "chen sansi?"


    cao fan was furious, and he too picked up his bow and arrow to shoot.


    archery was something anyone could use.


    in fact, many had brought their own, already having thought of the good strategy of competing for numbers with ranged attacks.


    but...


    to leave escape space for the people inside the city and lure them out, they were standing over three hundred paces out!


    the minglers within the military¡­


    it''s absolutely impossible to say that there''s no archery skill at all. there are quite a few who are proficient in archery, but to hit a target from seventy or eighty steps away is considered pretty good.


    but to hit the bullseye from over three hundred steps, every single time? what kind of sorcery is this!


    and the speed of shooting arrows, in the blink of an eye, there are two or three arrows fired, completely blocking the west city gate so that not a single person can escape. there''s no chance for anyone else.


    "general chen is mighty!"


    bai thingzhi shouted loudly, "divine arrow! divine arrow!"


    "are you an idiot? he''s also your competition!"


    "i''m going to follow general chen sooner or later, what''s the big deal?"


    "..."


    "damn it!"


    cao fan and lu shuhua''s archery skills were also not bad, and they were both using bows around twenty stones in draw weight, but they couldn''t shoot accurately!


    such a long distance.


    hitting the target with one of five or six arrows would be considered not bad!


    chen sansi had already killed dozens of people before their very eyes.


    they could no longer care about their pride and had to detach from the military formation and rush to within about a hundred steps. even then, they simply couldn''t compare.


    drawing the bow, placing the arrow, aiming¡ªdoesn''t all of that take time?


    but damn it, that chen guy doesn''t seem to need any!


    "one hundred and fifty-seven, one hundred and fifty-eight..."


    chen sansi silently counted in his heart, his hands never stopping.


    most of these people were bone training, blood refining, and occasionally there were those just entering the refining internal realm. but because the space was so narrow and they could not dodge or block, even wearing the armor from inside the city, they would die within three arrows, with no chance to emerge. before the real fight had even started, he had already gathered a third of the class a standard.


    but, as expected, the enemy would have to change their strategy, they couldn''t just keep sending people to their deaths.


    indeed.


    the city gate quieted down and, when people appeared again, they were already holding mystical iron shields.


    the shields on all four sides pushed forward like a mountain of iron, quickly advancing.


    "clang, clang, clang¡ª"


    no matter how powerful the big bow was, it was still not enough to pierce through those thick steel shields.


    once the shields were firmly established at the city gate, many disciples from the sects surged out, scattering and running off in all directions, only to be stopped by the soldiers of flying hero camp.


    the real fighting had begun!


    but this didn''t affect chen sansi''s harvesting speed at all.


    he found a high spot, and almost every arrow he released claimed a life.


    the others joined the chaotic battle, struggling to compete with the flying heroes for enemy kills¡ªexerting much effort and risking encounters with high-realm martial artists. most importantly, their efficiency was extremely low!


    "three hundred ninety-nine!"


    "four hundred!"


    chen sansi deliberately selected martial artists of bone training and refining internal realm for the greatest gain, so it didn''t take long for him to become the first one to meet the class a assessment target.


    just as he was preparing to continue, he suddenly sensed an anomaly.


    through his qi observation skill, he saw a dense swarm of qi, varying in strength among the people.


    but within the multitude of "qi," one was extremely unique.


    it was not because it was very strong, but because it was different.


    black and red!


    poisonous beast!


    similar to the qi within a poisonous beast. read new chapters at empire


    but it seemed even darker in color.


    how could the qi of a poisonous beast appear inside a martial artist!

 Chapter 127 Wifes Pregnancy, Battle for Champion Leader!

    the person exuding black qi did not show his face, instead hiding behind the shields near the city gate, lying in wait.from the glimpse captured just now,


    this qi was no weaker than many meridian passage realm generals.


    qi observation skill doesn''t directly describe the realm, it can only gauge an approximation, and since chen sansi was only at refining internal, his judgement was naturally limited.


    if it were meridian passage...


    zhang huaimin!


    as a second-rate sect in liangzhou, seven absolute sect had only one meridian passage and four hua jins.


    it could only be zhang huaimin.


    why would there be black qi on this person?


    and it would surge at times and retract at others, not constantly present.


    was it from eating a poisonous beast or was it the power source that turned a fierce beast into a poisonous beast?


    chen sansi did not approach.


    above refining internal was not within their duty, and with enough numbers, there was no need for showing off and risking danger.


    as he continued to use his bow to reap lower realm martial masters, he used qi observation skill to probe the rest, and in the end, discovered that only zhang huaimin had black qi, or at least he was the only one who had shown it.


    "brothers, charge!"


    "as long as we can leave the great wall, we will be citizens of the grassland heavenly clan!"


    "..."


    it had come to this.


    the disciples of seven absolute sect had no retreat, surrender meant execution, so they might as well fight to the death, seizing the last thread of hope, their battle power exploding in an unbelievable manner, comparable to sinking formation death will.


    unfortunately,


    the disparity in brute strength was too vast.


    the elite of the flying hero camp had high combat quality and were led by many generals above hua jin, and in less than the time it took for two cups of tea to brew, of the 1500 seven absolute sect disciples, only two or three hundred remained.


    now, the selected spear generals who hadn''t gathered enough numbers grew even more panicked.


    cao fan, wen qiushi, lu shuhua, and others, disregarding the danger, rushed into the crowd to seek out and combat martial artists in the refining internal realm.


    "halt!"


    wen qiushi, wielding a pair of sabers, chased after a martial master who seemed to have just entered refining internal.


    his ring-headed sabers swung up like twin crescent moons descending from the sky, one attack after another, each stroke overlapping and each move deadlier, seemingly endless.


    moon splitting saber technique!


    "not a bad saber technique."


    with the aid of the qilin''s heart, chen sansi analyzed the opponent''s moves, quickly discerning the essence of the technique and understanding its characteristics.


    of course, without sparring in person, just by watching with his eyes, he wasn''t able to find a way to counter it.


    this wen qiushi,


    despite acting like a fawning dog all day, was like him at a small achievement of refining internal, said to be just shy of reaching great success of refining, his saber technique also well-practiced.


    no help for it, after all, he was the young master of moon splitting mountain villa with a father who was a martial saint.


    "clang, clang, clang, clang!"


    wen qiushi became like a spinning wheel of sabers, pounding incessantly at a sword from a seven absolute sect disciple. both were of a small achievement in refining internal, but the gap was substantial.


    unable to withstand ten exchanges, the disciple couldn''t keep hold of his sword, which slipped from his hand, and he was cleaved into three parts from the middle, blood splattering everywhere!


    stay updated through empire


    "one more refining internal left!"


    counting in his mind, wen qiushi rushed towards the city gate and noticed the figure hiding behind the shield: "zhang huaimin?!"


    "boom!" sea??h th§× n?vel_fire.¦Çet website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    a loud noise.


    the heavy mystical iron shield flew directly, smashing at him as if a steel mountain descended from the sky, leaving no place to dodge. wen qiushi''s dual sabers struck out, going full force in a blood explosion state, and finally managed to fling the shield away.


    but at the same time,


    zhang huaimin, previously hidden behind the shield, had already reached him, his longsword aiming straight for the throat. in the blink of an eye, another spear blocked the blade.


    "you go elsewhere!"


    guan jizeng, holding the spear, said, "above refining internal doesn''t require your involvement."


    "thanks, general guan!"


    wen qiushi, still shaken, clasped his fists and quickly took his sabers to fend elsewhere.


    "zhang huaimin!"


    guan jizeng pointed at him with his spear, "surrender! even if you leave dongyi city, the great wall still lies ahead, and even if you make it to the grassland, do you think the barbarians will respect you?"


    "enough talk! you dogs of the elephant sect, you all deserve to die!"


    zhang huaimin roared, his longsword enveloped in a transparent qi, clashing with the general''s spear. after more than a couple of dozen exchanges,


    both their realms were meridian passage.


    but perhaps due to battle experience or specialized cultivation techniques, guan jizeng gradually gained the upper hand, and in a standoff of weapons, he found an opportunity and drove his foot into the enemy''s chest.


    with his power wrapped in force, its strength was beyond ten thousand jins.


    zhang huaimin, like a kite severed from its string, was flung away, slamming into the city wall, leaving an indent in the shape of a human, blood oozing from his eyes, ears, mouth, and nose.


    guan jizeng was about to finish him,


    "damn it, the black qi is coming out again."


    having been observant, chen sansi sharply noticed the fluctuating black-red qi within the seven absolute sect leader intensifying, completely overshadowing his original colorless breath.


    "whoosh¡ª"


    chen sansi loosed an arrow from his bow, wanting to help guan jizeng finish the enemy quickly.


    he might not understand the exact effects of the black qi on the human body, but knew it wouldn''t be good, better to kill what can be killed fast.


    however,


    zhang huaimin, who should have been severely wounded, suddenly leapt up, under the influence of the black qi in his body, the qi around him steadily climbing until it almost materialized.


    the same power had been manifested by governor liu before.


    this is... gang qi!


    profound image realm!


    "a breakthrough?"


    chen sansi furrowed his brow.


    could black qi help someone breakthrough?


    "what?"


    guan jizeng saw it as well, "zhang huaimin, when did you break through to the profound image realm? with your qualifications, it should take at least another ten years before you''d have a chance for a breakthrough."

 Chapter 127 Wifes Pregnancy, Battle for Champion Leader!_2

    ```"i''ve done it? i''ve done it!"


    zhang huaimin looked at the gang qi around his body as if he couldn''t believe it himself, "the heavens want to help me take revenge, kill kill kill, kill you evildoers, and avenge my son!"


    "clang¡ª"


    another exchange.


    once energy turned into gang, how could the increase in strength be anything less than exponential?


    how could guan jizeng, only at the meridian passage realm, still be his match? in just two rounds, he was defeated and knocked down, with a sword gang piercing through his abdomen, collapsing to the ground, coughing up blood non-stop.


    "kill!"


    zhang huaimin fell into a frenzy, his sword blade wrapped in gang qi on a deadly chase.


    just then.


    a loud noise came from afar.


    for a moment of carelessness, it was as if everything had frozen.


    in the night sky.


    a towering figure suddenly appeared, his armour under the frosty white moonlight like dark flames, the heavenly halberd in hand like a divine weapon descending from the skies.


    "boom¡ª"


    the heavenly halberd descended with a force like surging waves from heaven.


    "ji! you also deserve to die!"


    far from being afraid, zhang huaimin stepped with vigor, sword in hand as he soared towards the sky, clashing with the heavenly halberd several meters up in the air.


    "crack¡ª"


    the next moment.


    the blade in zhang huaimin''s hand broke, crashing down like a cannonball, creating a huge crater in the hard loess ground. he lay inside with his bones shattered, unable to move anymore.


    the man holding the heavenly halberd, ji, landed, creating another deep crater.


    he walked over with big steps, grabbed zhang huaimin as if picking up a chicken, and then threw him high into the air. zhang huaimin''s head smashed against the city wall, ending the battle with a splatter.


    an initial foray into the profound image realm and a duel against a martial saint!


    chen sansi watched intently.


    this was the first time he had witnessed the combat power of a martial saint¡ªa level truly befitting of the word "saint," far beyond human measure.


    but even so, he was killed in seconds by sun xiangzong.


    "master!"


    "sect leader!"


    ...


    the disciples of the seven absolute sect were completely lost, soon slaughtered to a man, leaving not a single survivor.


    finally, including chen sansi, only four people received class a in this assessment, with all the rest graded as class b or below.


    "enter the city and hunt down any that slipped through."


    thousands of soldiers flooded into the city.


    ji helped general guan up, asking with concern, "how are you?"


    "it''s nothing serious!" s~ea??h the novelfire.net* website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    guan jizeng said with a fist-pump, "i''m incompetent. i didn''t even know zhang huaimin was about to break through. i almost made a grave mistake and caused huge losses."


    "don''t blame yourself, i didn''t see it coming either,"


    ji patted his shoulder, "go heal your wounds, someone else will wrap this up."


    "thank you, general!"


    ...


    the battle of eastern yi city ended.


    the officers of the flying hero camp were responsible for cleaning up the battlefield, while the tens of thousands of troops orderly returned to their respective camps.


    two days later, the final two stages of the selected point assessment were held: martial combat and bone reading.


    "didn''t anyone find anything strange?"


    everyone saw zhang huaimin''s last-minute breakthrough as an accident, feeling nothing amiss, as in-battle breakthroughs were not impossible, with many such incidents on record.


    probably only chen sansi, with his qi observation skill, realized something was off.


    he also noticed.


    shortly after zhang huaimin unleashed the strength of the profound image realm, the qi within his body began to deteriorate rapidly, not just the vermilion and black qi, but also his own.


    going by that state, even without ji''s intervention, in no time, the sect leader of the seven absolute sect would have likely died from the decay of qi-blood.


    it seemed that burst of black qi could bring a short burst of strength, but at the cost of burning one''s life?


    such a strange method!


    the gap between the meridian passage realm and the xuanxiang realm might sound like just one level, but in reality, it''s an insurmountable chasm that traps countless people for their entire lives.


    and the higher the realm, the greater the divide.


    a warrior in the xuanxiang realm is equivalent to a main general.


    there are only a few in the whole eight camps.


    if it were the regular non-elite troops, someone at the xuanxiang realm could completely be the highest commander.


    general zhao of liangzhou, it seems, was at the xuanxiang realm.


    in recent years, although the number of martial saints increased dramatically, they are still few and far between, rare and precious, hence warranted of the title "saint."


    if that vermilion and black mysterious energy could elevate someone from the meridian passage realm to the xuanxiang realm, then is it possible to elevate someone from the xuanxiang realm to the martial saint realm?


    what a terrifying capability!


    even more eerie is that.


    zhang huaimin seemed unaware of it himself.


    right.


    with the discerning eyes of chen sansi, it was clear to see anybody''s micro-expressions.


    when he reached the xuanxiang realm, zhang huaimin was evidently ecstatic, even he was unprepared, and his use of gang qi was clumsy.


    enjoy exclusive chapters from empire


    furthermore, the black qi appeared and disappeared intermittently, not controlled by him, with no clue where it was hidden in his body or when it would be called upon.


    if this was the case...


    could it be that someone "planted" this vermilion and black qi inside him, what was the aim, how was it done, and who did it?


    the witch god sect?


    for such an ominous, demon-like act, the only thing that comes to chen sansi''s mind is the witch god sect known for their blood sacrifices.


    what''s the purpose?


    where did this vermilion and black qi come from?


    the mountains?


    "next time i go hunting, i need to venture deeper and see."


    chen sansi thought to himself.


    this was not a matter of indifference.


    from his ten-day experience in yunzhou, if indeed the witch god sect was up to mischief, it definitely wouldn''t be targeting just one person¡ªit could be against the eight camps, against sun xiangzong, or even the entire liangzhou.


    when the nest is overturned, no egg remains intact.


    of course, these are still just speculations, even conjectures, without any evidence or clues, and could potentially be wrong.


    ```

 Chapter 127 Wifes Pregnancy, Battle for Champion Leader!_3

    but no matter what, we still need to try and investigate."what a good horse!"


    not long after leaving dongyi city, qian xun came to greet him. chen sansi mounted his horse and galloped away.


    [skill: horse control (proficient)]


    [progress: (409/500)]


    my horse control skill is about to break through.


    nowadays, i travel more than two thousand li a day. another breakthrough and it would truly become an exotic beast.


    besides that.


    medical skill has been temporarily put aside, but i must pick it up again after the selected point ends, as knowing medicine and recognizing recipes like these have provided significant help to myself.


    upgrading the skill of reading is becoming slower and slower.


    chen sansi concluded that it was necessary to continually go through different types, even different scripts of books for improvement. the commonly seen books on the street add almost nothing to proficiency improvement and it''s alarmingly slow.


    reading is truly a difficult task.


    "why is the city gate sealed shut?"


    for now, they were not under anyone''s jurisdiction. after the assessment ended, they would naturally go their separate ways. coupled with the speed of the white swan horse, chen sansi was the first to arrive back at liangzhou city.


    but at this moment, the city gate was tightly closed.


    the thousand captain who was in charge of guarding the city gate gravely announced, "there is a curfew tonight, no one is to enter or leave the city, including the brothers responsible for the encirclement of dongyi city. you will have to find a place to stay outside the city for the night!"


    "thousand captain!"


    chen sansi asked loudly, "has something happened in the city?"


    "indeed, something big happened,"


    after verifying his identity, the thousand captain spoke, "but it''s not a secret, there''s no harm in telling you. half an hour ago, over a hundred disciples from the inner sect of jade pavilion, including the sect leader, almost all died at the same time. mmm, it''s likely the work of the witch god sect, hence the locked gates and city-wide search." sea??h th§× n?velfire.net website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "so many?"


    chen sansi was astonished.


    the jade maiden sect was a second-tier sect on the same level as the seven absolute sect, with its sect leader being in the meridian passage realm.


    to kill over a hundred people in a short time and still escape, there must have been at least twenty people taking action simultaneously, not to mention the sect leader who was at the meridian passage realm.


    now with the city sealed, it would be impossible for so many people not to catch at least one or two.


    "i see, thank you!"


    chen sansi turned his horse around.


    the other soldiers who arrived one after another, intending to enter the city, were also advised to turn back.


    ...


    the city remained sealed for a full three days, and even the selected point was postponed.


    chen sansi was accommodated at the military camp in west barbarian city, and he was not idle during this period using the effects of spiritual grain to focus on his cultivation. although it was impossible to make a breakthrough in such a short time, every bit of progress was valuable.


    [cultivation technique: unity spear technique (small achievement)]


    [progress: 129/2000]


    it''s worth mentioning that.


    with the improvement of his realm, his absorption efficiency for spiritual grain also greatly increased, so the speed of his cultivation did not slow down like most people''s due to higher realm and greater difficulty.


    that afternoon, they finally received notice that they could enter the city. the selected point would continue in two days.


    however, the city search this time seemed to have yielded nothing.


    that''s right, not a single person was caught.


    after the witch god sect killed people, they vanished without a trace like evaporated from the world, not leaving the slightest clue behind.


    "could it be that those who killed weren''t from the witch god sect, but ghosts instead?"


    bai thingzhi clutched his hair, "how could we not catch anyone!"


    "indeed..."


    tang yingke followed up, "liangzhou city is very large, but there are only so many hiding places. the city was sealed immediately after the incident, logically we should have found some clues."


    after being alienated, he became acquainted with bai thingzhi.


    "what''s there to fear; even if it were ghosts, the supervisor would have suppressed them!"


    one refining organ martial artist general scoffed, "just wait, it''s only a matter of time."


    whether they can catch them is uncertain.


    but one thing is for sure.


    the witch god sect really didn''t dare to lay hands on the people in the army. those who died were all sect disciples, and occasionally members of powerful families would suffer as well.


    "farewell, mr. chen!"


    "farewell."


    chen sansi nodded in response, neither too cold nor too warm.


    once in the mountains, once in the nine palace eight diagram formation.


    at both of those critical moments, the other party gave a warning. in any case, that was considered a favor.


    as for the princely heir being cautious about getting too close to him, that was completely understandable. tang yingke''s father held an official post in the capital city; even if he wasn''t afraid, he still had to consider his father''s position.


    not everyone was like bai thingzhi, fearless and without any family.


    chen sansi had intended to invite him for a drink, but with cao fan and others watching, he was genuinely worried about implicating him, so he didn''t say much more.


    liangzhou city is very large.


    even though many people died overnight, on the surface, it seemed as if nothing had happened.


    returning to the chen mansion.


    chen sansi hadn''t yet entered when he heard a lot of noise.


    "my lord."


    si qin bowed and came forward to hold the horse.


    chen sansi dismounted and asked, "do we have guests again?"


    "yes, yes."


    si qin responded, "several guests have come. they''re in the reception room specially prepared for guests. my lord can go take a look; there''s good news."


    "oh?"


    chen sansi went to the reception room.


    mo hua led him inside. discover exclusive tales on empire


    he saw that the room was filled with women.


    tong family''s ladies, the wives of some subordinates, as well as sun li were all there.


    "mr. chen is back!"


    "we''ve met mr. chen."


    "now that lord is back, we won''t disturb you any longer, we will take our leave first."


    "..."


    the ladies quickly departed.


    only sun li was left in the end.


    "brother shi."


    gu xinlan stood up and explained, "with the trouble in the city these two days, li was worried about me, so she came to guard me."


    after sun li returned, she devoted herself to her sword practice and is now also a refining internal martial artist.


    "thank you, sister!"


    chen sansi bowed with his hands clasped together.


    "we''re so familiar with each other, you still act so formal with me,"


    sun li rarely spoke with a smile, "congratulations, junior brother."


    "congratulations to me?"


    chen sansi looked towards xin lan, whose cheeks were slightly flushed, and instantly understood what was happening, "are you...?"

 Chapter 127 Wifes Pregnancy, Battle for Champion Leader!_4

    "hmm."gu xinlan bit her lip.


    "okay."


    chen sansi felt somewhat complicated inside. he couldn''t say he was happy or worried. after all, it was the first time in two lifetimes that he was going to be a father, and he had no experience.


    he took sister lan by the hand and sat down to take her pulse and confirmed it was indeed a pulse of joy.


    sun li teased, "little junior brother, you can check pulses too?"


    "learned it from medical officer jiang before."


    after arriving in liangzhou, medical officer jiang and the others were still working in the pharmacy.


    chen sansi said, "sister lan, you shouldn''t go out to gather herbs anymore, whether to eat or drink, i''ll take care of it personally. if the two maids aren''t enough, i''ll hire two more."


    "am i that hard to take care of, sister lan?"


    gu xinlan said, "si qin and mo hua are both clever and diligent. you just focus on your tasks. it''s all right even if you''re too busy to come home; sister li is watching over the house."


    "not coming home is okay?"


    chen sansi thought to himself that it wasn''t like this before the pregnancy, thinking that once the seeding was done, he was no longer needed.


    "yes, little junior brother,"


    sun li seriously said, "tomorrow is the last challenge for selected point. you should concentrate fully. my father... has high hopes for you. although he''s a bit stern at times, i can tell."


    "your nine dragon body isn''t better than theirs, so it''s best to win a few more matches during the competition. at least you would be an inner sect disciple. in a couple of years, there is still a chance to rise to a true inheritor."


    after selected point ends, positions will be assigned based on the results, which will determine the allocation of resources.


    but it''s not set in stone.


    it''s impossible for someone who later achieves numerous merits, has a sudden revelation or a miraculous adventure causing a rapid increase in realm, to not be given a chance simply because of poor performance in selected point.


    one of our seven senior brothers was once an inner sect disciple, who later achieved merits and ascended to a true inheritor after breaking through the mysterious phenomenon.


    of course, the worst will still be inner sect.


    "it''s a pity."


    sun li regretfully said, "actually, it would be best to emerge as the champion..."


    chen sansi nodded in agreement.


    he understood what sun li meant.


    rumors outside claimed that this year, whoever emerged as the champion would attain the true inheritor status, which likely included techniques above martial saint, a completely different concept from advancing from inner sect to a true inheritor.


    so, if one could become the champion, they should.


    refining internal organs perfection!


    even wen qiushi was a worthy opponent.


    for chen sansi, the competition was his final barrier!


    he practiced without rest for two days and a night, only sleeping well the day before the assessment to rejuvenate, then he received the notice to participate in the competition.


    "give it your all!"


    chen sansi encouraged himself internally as he rode the white swan horse to the military city.


    at the martial arts arena.


    the platform had already been set up, consisting of several stages.


    it was still li qianzong who was responsible for announcing the rules.


    "these bamboo sticks represent a, b, c, d...


    "everyone, come up and draw sticks, those who draw the same ones will be opponents and will fight on the platform. whoever knocks their opponent off the platform wins."


    "the winners will fight the other winners from their respective areas, in a continuous cycle. the examiners will assign scores based on the rankings, until the last two, who will compete for the champion leader."


    "all the competitions will conclude within today.


    "also, a reminder: although you can admit defeat, and there will be people to save you, as accidents can still happen leading to severe injuries or even death, it''s better to drop out as soon as possible if you consider it."


    "once the competition starts, it will be too late to regret anything should an accident occur."


    "moreover, no matter how sacred your fathers are, retaliation after the fact is forbidden. otherwise, all scores will be canceled, and the matter will be thoroughly investigated!"


    "okay, those who wish to continue participating in selected point, come up and draw!"


    as the selected spear generals gradually drew their lots, the main examiners, supervisors, and officials from various regions also slowly arrived.


    mr. hou, as usual, sat on the right-hand side of the first row.


    on his left, sat the new inspector, pei tiannan, one of the current eight martial saints of the court, whose power was immense, not only commanding the military of two states, but most importantly, he was a marquis!


    over more than seventy years of the longqing era, only three marquises had been appointed, and he was one of them.


    marquis yongyi!


    "mr. pei!"


    "mr. pei, long time no see, you still look as imposing as ever!"


    "..."


    every official entering greeted him first.


    "mr. hou."


    pei tiannan began, his tone questioning, "mr. hou and liu zhongxian, wasn''t your negligence a bit too severe? ning changqun was a general directly designated by the emperor, and the crown prince favored him greatly. to say he died... and to die in front of so many? you brought shame on the court''s face! didn''t you think to hold back a bit?"


    "hehe~"


    mr. hou rolled his eyes: "mr. pei, don''t be the pot calling the kettle black. when sun xiangzong stabbed your mentor, mr. chen, the minister of war, to death fifteen years ago right in front of you, i didn''t see you holding back either."


    "he won''t get old, will he!"


    discover more content at empire


    pei tiannan clenched his fists: "it was said he was close to death!"


    "how would i know."


    mr. hou replied sarcastically, "why don''t you spar with him later to test his strength?" sear?h the n?velfire.n§×t website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "you!"


    pei tiannan snorted coldly, "in any case, i won''t disgrace myself like you do, and definitely not end up a fool scared stiff like liu zhongxian!"


    "it seems the marquis has some backbone. let''s see how you do today..."


    before mr. hou could finish, he saw pei tiannan suddenly stand up, and with a respectful bow towards the front, he said reverently, "i have seen supervisor sun!"

 Chapter 127 Wifes Pregnancy, Battle for Champion Leader! _5

    "tsk~"mr. hou rolled his eyes almost to the heavens before he stood up to perform a courtesy.


    "it''s xiao pei, there''s no need to be formal, sit."


    sun xiangzong sat down carelessly.


    pei tiannan personally poured the tea.


    as he eyed the teacup, sun xiangzong asked, "i heard that a few years ago, you too broke through to martial saint?"


    "i dare not, dare not, how could i claim to be a saint in front of lord governor."


    pei tiannan said cheerfully, "counting it up, i''m merely of your grandstudent generation¡­"


    at that time.


    minister chen from the ministry of war had received guidance from sun xiangzong to break through to martial saint.


    "stop, i cannot bear such honor."


    sun xiangzong, drinking his tea, said, "alright, let them begin."


    ...


    "the one who came is actually him..."


    in the corner of the flank, fang qingyun put aside the scroll in his hand.


    the supervisor was a temporary appointment, previously unknown to anyone.


    "i''ve never seen this man before."


    sun buqi muttered, "but looking at his overly submissive demeanor, i estimate he''s not even as good as liu zhongxian. it''s just his reputation that''s frightening."


    "it''s not as simple as you think; this person is a notorious smiling tiger."


    fang qingyun explained, "sometimes those who know how to retreat in order to advance are the hardest to deal with, understand?"


    "how is it, have you found anything?"


    sun buqi looked at the stack of books on the floor, "has there been a nine dragon body that became a martial saint?"


    "not yet, but your sister''s fire lotus martial body produced a martial saint five hundred years ago."


    fang qingyun reopened his book, "i''ll look again."


    ...


    the drawing of lots ended.


    the martial arts competition had a total of five rounds.


    in the first round, chen sansi''s opponent was an official''s son from a military family in you state, skilled in refining internal organs cultivation. he couldn''t last two rounds and was knocked out of the arena.


    the watchers on the city wall, including his father, watched with deeply furrowed brows.


    in the second round, chen sansi faced a sect disciple from yan state, who was at the same realm, refining internal organs small success. after seven rounds, he won.


    if it had been someone from po yang with refining internal organs small success,


    it would have been impossible to last three rounds.


    but those who participated in this year''s selected point were all geniuses; naturally, it wasn''t that easy.


    of course, there was no real pressure either.


    the main point was that they were not there to kill.


    although the rule of the competition stated that accidental death did not require accountability, most participants did not bear deep grudges against each other. unless the match was too difficult to resolve, they tended to hold back and wouldn''t easily harm each other''s lives.


    chen sansi did the same,


    he always tried to knock his opponent off the platform; otherwise, giving his all, he could definitely settle it within five rounds.


    after the second round, half of the participants were gone.


    those who remained were mostly above refining internal organs small success; only bai thingzhi was an exception. he had broken through to refining internal organs mastery just two days ago and had just won against a sect disciple with refining internal organs small success. although the victory was hard-earned, lasting nearly a hundred rounds, it was indeed a win. in the end, both were exhausted, and when it came down to physical strength, naturally, the vajra body triumphed.


    yan changqing was very unlucky, meeting lu shuhua in the second round. this "qilin child," who many had high hopes for, was eliminated early after an intense battle. s§×arch* the n?vel?ire.net website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    there was a two-hour rest period next.


    once noon passed, the third round began.


    chen sansi won again with ease.


    his opponent conceded after five rounds, and he naturally had no need to press further.


    but others weren''t having such an easy time.


    xie sishu from yan state faced lu shuhua from tongxuan sword sect.


    both men, endowed with refining internal organs perfection and innate martial saint bodies, fought an evenly matched and tough battle. after exchanging a sword strike, lu shuhua won painfully.


    but this meant that he would suffer greatly in the upcoming rounds.


    bai thingzhi couldn''t continue either and fell in the third round of the arena.


    "brother wen, let''s spar for twenty rounds; after that, i''ll concede so i can report back to my father, how about that?"


    tang yingke said politely.


    he had only come because his father forced him, saying it would enhance his experience and temper his skills. but he knew his own level; getting this far was already quite good.


    "alright."


    wen qiushi held his double sabers, "then let''s get this over with quickly."


    the two spoke these words standing on the platform, their voices not loud.


    the bout began. continue your adventure at empire


    the twenty rounds ended quickly.


    tang yingke indeed wasn''t a match for wen qiushi, and having reached his limit, he originally planned to sheathe his sword but was shocked to find that his opponent had no intention of stopping!


    the force of moon splitting double sabers grew with each strike, each carrying terrifying murderous intent. in his eyes, it almost turned into a fearsome tornado made of blade edges!


    "brother wen, what do you mean by this?"


    tang yingke''s right hand gripping the sword bled profusely, "we agreed¡­"


    "who agreed with you?!"


    wen qiushi''s face twisted savagely, "today, you can''t leave without losing an arm!"


    "why!"


    tang yingke, confused, "just because i didn''t join you..."


    "you still dare to mention it!"


    wen qiushi threatened, his ring-head double sabers swirling even more dazzlingly, "who let you help those you shouldn''t help, side with those you shouldn''t side with!"


    chen sansi, who had been resting with his eyes closed awaiting his next match, noticed the commotion here and slightly frowned. brother tang had to surrender quickly.


    "i surrender, i surrender!"


    tang yingke, clearly understanding this, shouted loudly while using his last bit of strength to block and parry.


    the meridian general in charge of this section of the arena rushed onto the platform upon hearing the commotion.


    "crack!"


    but at the last moment, tang yingke couldn''t hold on. his long sword fell to the ground, and the ring-head saber ruthlessly slashed onto his shoulder, tearing through skin and splitting bone, about to sever his entire arm!

 Chapter 127 Wifes Pregnancy, Battle for Champion Leader! _6

    "stop!"the meridian general drew his sword and repelled the opponent, "he has already conceded, that''s enough."


    wen qiushi was forced back several steps and had to stop, "you''re lucky!"


    "ah!"


    tang yingke fell to the ground and began to wail.


    his entire right arm was nearly severed, hanging on by just a sliver of flesh. only the finest treasure medicine could heal such a wound. even so, it would take at least a year and a half to recover, and to continue practicing martial arts would require even more time. in essence, the next two to three years ¡ª the most precious time for a young martial artist ¡ª was completely ruined!


    chen sansi closed his eyes. the screams were especially clear, igniting a nameless fury within him.


    simply because tang yingke had helped him, did he deserve to be crippled?


    hadn''t he already yielded enough?


    was it because he feared this sort of thing happening that he had hardly spoken a few words to tang yingke, not even expressing a bit of gratitude for the past kind warnings?


    wasn''t that enough?


    did they have to take it this far?


    this was just for speaking up for him, what about the others?


    the meridian general took tang yingke to receive treatment.


    chen sansi asked, "general, after someone concedes, isn''t injuring them considered a foul?"


    "what kind of foul is that?"


    the general said without turning his head, "it''s a full-force competition, there''s no guarantee of holding back, even death is not a foul."


    "thank you for the information, general."


    chen sansi nodded, his face expressionless.


    after the first round of drawing lots, the venues were divided, and there was no need for further lot drawing; the winners of the venues were matched for the competition.


    next.


    his opponent happened to be wen qiushi!


    ...


    after this round ended, only four people remained, moving on to the semi-finals.


    cao fan, the seriously injured lu shuhua, wen qiushi, and chen sansi.


    "good!"


    atop the city wall.


    many officials cheered for the competition. s§×arch* the n?velfire.n§×t website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "this year''s selected point is even more exciting!"


    "indeed, the highest level in the past was just entry-level refining internal organs, most were at bone training or even blood refining great success."


    "master wen''s son is not bad, an inner sect disciple for sure."


    "yes, master wen himself is a martial saint, and his son could become sun dushi''s disciple. moon splitting mountain villa might very well become the first sect of liangzhou."


    "that chen sansi, nobody expected him to get this far!"


    "it seems he only achieved small achievement right before the selected point began."


    "this man is also quite talented. is he married?"


    people started to inquire.


    by this point in the selected point, the dust had settled, and many were picking out prospective sons-in-law, like xie sishu and others, who were already being eyed. negotiations for marriage would take place after the end.


    though they were eliminated, they were still inner sect disciples, with boundless futures ahead of them.


    "he is."


    "heard he''s had a wife for a long time, that''s too bad!"


    "indeed, indeed."


    "..."


    listening to their conversation, sun xiangzong''s eyelids twitched.


    "yan changqing is such a loss."


    "lu shuhua even more so."


    "his injuries are not light, but cao fan, the princely heir, is still undefeated. it seems that this year''s selected point champion leader will undoubtedly be the princely heir."


    "you talk as if the princely heir has taken advantage. hasn''t he also faced opponents with refining internal organs perfection? why wasn''t he injured? it''s simply because his skills surpass theirs."


    "to talk about good fortune, both chen sansi and wen qiushi have had their share of luck."


    "but it''s meaningless; at the end of the competition, the struggle is for champion leader. the rest will be inner sect disciples anyway."


    "what do you think? who will win between these two?" read exclusive adventures at empire


    "wen qiushi, probably. mr. chen has only recently made a breakthrough, his foundation is definitely not solid."


    ...


    "who would have thought that chen could reach class a all the way here."


    yin hanwen spat resentfully, "those people are truly useless; his luck is also really good!"


    "princely heir, don''t worry, i will take care of him for you!"


    wen qiushi, having won several bouts in a row, was full of confidence, "as long as i take him down before the supervising general steps up to the stage, even if i take his life, there won''t be any trouble!"


    "right."


    yin hanwen''s arrow wound still throbbed painfully, and he said through gritted teeth, "brother wen, you must take revenge for me!"


    "he has made a breakthrough as well, don''t underestimate him,"


    cao fan reminded, "if you can incapacitate him, do so; if you really can''t beat him, call for surrender immediately. don''t hurt yourself."


    "thank you, princely heir, for your concern!" wen qiushi bowed, "i won''t let him off!"


    the two-hour recovery period ended once again.


    the fourth round of selected point competition began.


    as before, everyone''s weapons were uniformly exchanged for ones of the same quality.


    this time, someone made a point of repeatedly checking chen sansi''s weapon to make sure there were no issues before handing it to him.


    moreover, in the corner of the spectator''s stand, two new figures appeared.


    the sect master of the tongxuan sword sect and the manor master of the moon splitting mountain villa.


    two martial saints!


    they were here to watch the competition of their successors.


    "brother shao, it seems your disciple is likely to end his journey here,"


    wen zhi said, "he''s probably no match for the princely heir."


    "you don''t need to tell me that."


    shao yujing stood with his hands behind his back, "i am more concerned about how to deal with the relationship with the princely heir if by chance he becomes the champion. it''s better this way; it saves a lot of trouble."


    "you sure take it easy."


    wen zhi sighed, "actually, i would really like to see my unworthy son compete for it. above the martial saint, ah... how many years have you and i stood at the pinnacle of martial arts, yet no matter what, we can''t touch a higher threshold. only sun xiangzong has the means to do so. if one could receive his true inheritance, perhaps there would be a chance to see what lies above a martial saint."


    "what a pity, we both are subjects of the cao family, where would we dare to compete? even if we had the courage, we''re no match for the princely heir."


    "the princely heir is talented and diligent; he may well become a wise monarch of his generation."


    "brother wen."


    shao yujing spoke lightly, "even without the princely heir, your son wouldn''t make it to the end."


    "you..."


    wen zhi looked at the young man holding a long spear on the stage, "are you saying, my unworthy son is no match for this general chen? impossible! even if my son is worthless, the saber technique is taught by me personally!"


    "your saber technique is formidable, but is it more formidable than sun xiangzong''s spear technique?"


    shao yujing smiled, "guess whose spear technique this young chen sansi, who holds a third-rank medal at such a young age, has practiced?"


    wen zhi felt a jolt in his heart.


    ...


    the arena.


    "mr. chen!"


    wen qiushi rested the twin sabers on his shoulder, taunting, "you saw what happened to tang yingke, right? i advise you to call for surrender sooner rather than later, or i''m afraid the supervisor general won''t be able to save you in time!"


    chen sansi stood with his spear in hand, silent.


    his eyes were profoundly deep, unable to reveal any emotion, which made his entire demeanor appear exceedingly cold.


    "dong!"


    the gong sounded.


    "pretending to be profound, i want to see what you''re really capable of..."


    before wen qiushi could finish speaking, he saw a flash of cold light streak by, and in an instant, the long spear was already in front of his face. although it was just a slender weapon, in his eyes, he saw a blood-red giant python with its massive mouth open in a furious rage, speeding towards him!


    the unity spear technique, unstoppable in its madness!


    by the time wen qiushi snapped out of the shock, he had already lost the initiative and could only continuously use the twin sabers in his hands to block and defend, exerting all his strength to stop the blood-red python from pouncing on him.


    the characteristic of the moon splitting saber technique is one force greater than another until qi-blood is depleted; it requires a kind of charging up to unleash full power!


    but in the current situation, he simply... couldn''t even execute the first move of the moon splitting saber technique. the opponent wanted to kill him right away!


    he had been observing the competition until then, but only by engaging in the fight did he realize that the opponent''s progress so far didn''t rely on luck!


    this spear technique...


    after losing the initiative, wen qiushi found that he could never find any opportunity to counterattack.


    not only that.


    this person''s spear technique also had a similar characteristic to the moon splitting saber technique, with each spear thrust becoming more rapid and fierce; wen qiushi even hallucinated, seeing the blood-red python before him growing bigger and bigger, eventually turning into a heaven-devouring giant python!


    surrender!


    just two rounds later.


    wen qiushi quickly accepted a fact.


    he was not the opponent!


    surrendering was fine, since he hadn''t intended to compete for the champion leader title to begin with.


    let the princely heir deal with this person!


    "hiss!"


    a cool breeze swept past his face.


    the long spear lashed out, exploiting a tiny flaw to flash in front of his face.


    at first, wen qiushi didn''t realize where he had been injured, until his mouth suddenly became unbearably hot, and warm blood filled his chin, with a delayed severe pain that was hard to bear.


    "whimper... whimper!!!"


    his mouth and tongue had been gruesomely pierced by the spear just then, and as the blood poured out, it left him without the ability to speak, including uttering the word "surrender."

 Chapter 128 To the Bitter End

    "the boy sure has perseverance!"wen zhi exclaimed with emotion.


    the selected point exam venue isn''t a marketplace; naturally, not just anyone can enter, not even a martial saint is allowed to approach at will.


    wen zhi and shao yujing both came over on a whim, without going to the designated viewing area, and were barred by many armored soldiers wielding spears, so they could only watch from a distance.


    by chance, wen qiushi had his back to them, so they couldn''t see what was happening to his face.


    they could only tell that chen sansi''s spear technique was extremely fierce, quickly gaining the upper hand in this martial arts competition and showing signs of a one-sided battle.


    but wen qiushi hadn''t given up and was still persevering bitterly.


    wen zhi analyzed, "this spear technique doesn''t seem like the several sets commonly circulated in the military. it feels like it combines the strengths of various schools, and is a spear technique created by fusion. did sun xiangzong create this technique?


    "but the problem is, the selected point competition isn''t over yet, so where did he get this spear technique from? did sun xiangzong take a fancy to him in advance?"


    "the young man surnamed chen is on good terms with the young master of the sun family. it''s not unusual for him to learn some spear techniques, and it''s no big deal."


    all these geniuses, which one learns a normal cultivation technique?


    "hmm, my son lost fairly."


    wen zhi looked towards the city wall, where the supervisor, with an elderly and debilitated appearance, was stationed: "even martial saints like us will significantly decline in strength as we age; everyone says he is almost dead, so how could he kill ning changqun in one move? that ning changqun is even stronger than the two of us! how much longer must we endure him?"


    a considerable part of the military supplies for the eight camps needs to be donated by them, and the amount is astronomical.


    furthermore, with broad jurisdiction, their income in various aspects is also diminished.


    it can be said that wherever the eight camps go, no one doesn''t hate sun xiangzong.


    but hate is useless, and they can only hate in their hearts, hoping the other party would quickly die.


    "let''s not talk about that for now."


    shao yujing said, "your lad will die if he keeps fighting like this. is he not going to admit defeat?"


    ...


    "wuu wuu wuu... i..."


    wen qiushi wanted to shout out the words "i admit defeat," but no matter what, he couldn''t do it. his mouth was a bloody mess, his teeth shattered like sand, and he kept spitting out the thick, bloodied saliva. even as he desperately tried to block with his twin blades, the vulnerabilities were increasingly numerous.


    "zi!"


    "zi!"


    each of his mistakes was accurately captured, followed by another bloody hole in his body. even if not fatal, he wouldn''t last long.


    how many holes can a living person endure?


    wen qiushi didn''t even have the chance to escape by jumping off the arena. the moment he stopped, there would only be one outcome: death. he could only endure the severe pain and emit pitiful "wuu wuu ah ah" noises, hoping to convey his intent to admit defeat and be saved through these sounds.


    ...


    "admit defeat!"


    outside the arena, wen zhi shouted loudly, "stop, admit defeat, we admit defeat!"


    no one paid attention.


    he tried to enter the arena but was once again blocked by a forest of spears.


    "master wen, no one can disrupt the order of the selected point!"


    "general."


    wen zhi pointed toward the arena, and the martial saint''s voice was extremely frantic: "my son is admitting defeat; he has admitted defeat. quickly go up and pull them apart!"


    "nonsense."


    an older general tongmai said, "your son is clearly giving his all in battle, a true iron-blooded hero. master wen, as a father, don''t spoil your son."


    "mouth!"


    the direction of the two on the platform shifted.


    only then did wen zhi finally see his son''s mangled face, and he roared, "he can''t shout out his surrender, someone save him, quick!"


    "oh?"


    the old general squinted towards the scene and said slowly, "it does seem like it indeed."


    ...


    as the combat onstage reached this point, the onlookers also noticed something was amiss.


    "hiss!"


    mr. hou was engrossed and clicked his tongue in amazement, "this mr. chen is interesting. by injuring the opponent''s mouth so he can''t speak, he can keep beating him up. he''s planning to kill someone!"


    "so young, yet so ruthless."


    pei tiannan commented, "mr. chen really is good officer material, but isn''t this a bit excessive?"


    "excessive?"


    mr. hou scoffed, "mr. pei, didn''t you see wen qiushi fighting with tang yingke with intent to kill earlier?"


    "oh?"


    pei tiannan said, "what mr. hou is suggesting is that mr. chen is avenging young master tang?"


    "exactly!" mr. hou nodded.


    tang yingke was in the corner of the martial arts arena, hastily treating his wounds. he couldn''t misunderstand the situation, and his pupils trembled uncontrollably, unable to speak for a while.


    "brother tang, do you see that?"


    bai thingzhi spoke excitedly, "general chen is avenging you! you''ve got to remember this favor!"


    ...


    "stop!"


    the general in charge of invigilating finally confirmed that the young master of moon splitting mountain villa was indeed trying to admit defeat with his wailing, and he hurriedly rushed over.


    "wuu wuu ah¡ª"


    wen qiushi''s movements became completely disordered, and it was unclear what he was saying, but the distinct sobbing was audible. his body had seven to eight bloody holes, sparing only his vital parts!


    and from the start of the duel to this moment,


    only three rounds had passed, which was the time for a few deep breaths.


    the others managed to respond at this time, and that was already quite fast.


    as chen sansi saw the invigilating general rushing towards him, the blood of dragon elephant in his body surged even faster. under the extreme blood movement, the power and speed of his spear in hand climbed another level.


    wen qiushi''s strength was truly not bad. since chen sansi began practicing martial arts, this was the first time he felt it was so difficult to kill someone. those ring-head knives always managed to protect the crucial parts at the last moment, but computing the time, it was about sufficient. just a bit faster!


    "mr. chen, have you gone mad?"


    several selected spear generals who had been eliminated from the competition were watching nearby, and they all showed expressions of incomprehension.


    must he kill?


    isn''t he afraid?


    "wen qiushi''s father is the manor master of moon splitting mountain villa, a martial saint!"


    "mr. chen, please cease!" sea??h th§× n??efire.¦Çet website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "..."


    weapons in the arena don''t discriminate, and there is no need to take responsibility for life or death.


    that is the rule.


    but in reality, how many dare to abide by it?


    it wasn''t the ones with strong backgrounds who generally got hurt; even if their opponents were stronger, they always tried to hold back. as for those without such powerful backing, they didn''t have such considerations and often had to face their opponents'' full onslaught.


    this mr. chen...


    "madman!"


    yan changqing''s heart pounded incessantly.


    on the arena.


    both of wen qiushi''s wrists, as if bitten by venomous snakes, had their tendons shredded, rendering him unable to hold onto his ring-head knives, thus also losing his final means of self-protection.


    he raised his hands, about to kneel and beg for mercy.


    a pity.


    he wasn''t even given the chance to kneel.


    "stop!"


    "stop¡ª"


    "pu-chi¡ª"


    the reed-leaf long spear met its destination right before the other man could kneel, piercing through his heart. warm blood sprayed out, scattering in the air like a blooming blood-red lotus.


    "buzz!"


    the judge general''s large hand grasped the spear shaft.


    but alas, it was too late.


    supported by the long spear, wen qiushi''s body was frozen in a rigid state, halfway to kneeling, with his head drooping powerlessly, his blood dripping down his chin. it hung suspended midair due to its viscosity rather than dropping to the ground, and the whole person resembled nothing more than a corpse.


    "you..."


    the judge general looked at the spear-holder, his expression somewhat complex, "he had already surrendered, yet you still delivered a fatal blow."


    "general, he didn''t shout out,"


    chen sansi looked utterly clueless: "so, this doesn''t break the rules, does it?"


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    "no, it doesn''t."


    the judge general, however, started to smile: "dead is considered surrendering."


    earlier.


    when tang yingke shouted "i surrender," it was also his responsibility to stop the match.


    that man had truly cried out.


    mr. wen didn''t afford him any face either.


    dead, that''s what he deserved!


    it could only be said that he brought it upon himself, beyond any help.


    the judge general let go of the spear, too indolent to even bother with the body, simply leaping away. what did it have to do with him?


    "my son!!!"


    "boom¡ª"


    in the distance.


    wen zhi shattered the spear in front of him with a palm strike, trying to rush onto the stage, but was again stopped by a new wall of people. beside him, a mountainous figure appeared.


    "ji!"


    wen zhi came to an abrupt stop, his voice trembling but not moving further: "he killed my son!"


    "the young master did not call out his surrender."


    ji''s expression remained calm: "the judge officer also attempted rescue, everything complied with the rules, and we favored no sides. i hope master wen won''t cause groundless trouble."


    "ah! i will kill him!"


    wen zhi shouted, "ji, are you really going to stand in my way?!"


    "being upset for the death of a son, what''s there to be excited about?"


    ji frowned impatiently: "don''t you still have two sons? the youngest one, he has the body of martial saint; just cultivate him anew. the rules are the rules, i advise you not to do anything you will regret. if that happens, even i cannot help you."


    "you..."


    wen zhi''s face turned a murderous red, veins bulging. he looked at the sun xiangzong atop the city wall with no reaction, then at ji, and eventually, he had no choice but to shatter a giant stone pillar on the edge of the martial arts arena with a powerful punch.


    his teeth clenched in rage, his voice tinged with mockery: "ji, you don''t need to scare me! better consider your own position! how many years have you been a martial saint, and yet you haven''t broken through, or is it that sun xiangzong won''t teach you? now, this final selected spear tournament is being passed to someone else, yet you''re still standing here, playing his dog?!"


    "that''s not something for master wen to worry about."


    ji, with his eyes closed: "someone, bring master wen''s eldest son''s corpse to him."


    "yes!"


    "snap!"


    soon enough, the blood-soaked body was laid before him.


    "by participating in the selected point, one consents to enlist. and where there is enlistment, death is expected; this is a preparation everyone should make well in advance."


    the elderly general said with disdain: "master wen, don''t disappoint us."


    "old wen,"


    shao yujing patted his shoulder: "keep your cool, your second and third sons are still waiting for you to return. let''s go."


    after pounding the ground with more than a dozen furious punches, wen zhi cast a venomous glance at chen sansi on the stage before finally lifting up the corpse of his eldest son and leaving with heavy steps.


    at the exit of the military city, he was blocked by a wheelchair.


    "fang qingyun?"


    wen zhi questioned: "what do you want now?"


    "here to remind master wen of something."


    fang qingyun''s voice came calmly: "according to the rules, you are not to seek any private vengeance either. otherwise..."


    "i know, there''s no need for you to say it!"


    wen zhi punctuated each word: "step aside!"


    "merely saying it doesn''t suffice."


    fang qingyun spoke evenly: "for the forthcoming period, should anything untoward happen to chen sansi or any of his family, even to a maid in his house, master wen had best be prepared with compelling evidence of his innocence. otherwise, you won''t be exempt from an inquisition."


    "is this sun xiangzong''s intention? he... is protecting this person so much?!"


    wen zhi''s features contorted in fury: "what, if someone else wants to kill him soon, should i serve as his bodyguard?!"


    "that depends on how master wen interprets it,"


    fang qingyun glanced at the martial arts arena: "anyway, that''s the rule. if a son of a martial saint is to be avenged for being killed, then we might as well forget about clear rewards and punishments, let it go. this is the foundation of our eight camps, you should understand.


    "one last thing, my master has been somewhat emotionally unstable these past two years, so..."


    "i, understand."


    wen zhi managed to squeeze out a few words with difficulty.


    what could he do?


    what did it matter if he was a martial saint?


    in other places, a martial saint is indeed a saint!


    but here, in the vicinity of the eight camps... really worth nothing!


    he could only hope that sun xiangzong would die soon and restore peace to the world.

 Chapter 129 Senior Brothers and Sisters

    upon the stage, chen sansi exhaled a breath of turbid air.the situation had come to this point; this man, he absolutely had to be killed.


    even if he didn''t kill him, just winning the match, he at least had to injure his opponent severely.


    after this wen guy left, he would definitely keep causing endless trouble, and it wasn''t impossible that he would eventually target family members. could he just keep tolerating this?


    since he would have to kill eventually,


    it was best to do it upon the stage!


    to kill righteously and openly.


    that way, at least his opponent''s father, a martial saint, wouldn''t dare to retaliate openly. that would be enough.


    with things having escalated to this point, what was there to worry about offending someone?


    the fourth round of the tournament also ended quickly.


    unconsciously, he had made it to the final match.


    before the last platform competition, there were two hours of rest.


    chen sansi simply found a spot to sit down and closed his eyes to rest his spirit.


    [cultivation technique: unity spear technique (small achievement)]


    [progress: 329/2000]


    the recent days of cultivation, coupled with today''s martial contest, were all quickly improving his proficiency, but it was still far from the great success of refining internal organs.


    not long after he had decided the victor, the other two participants in the semi-finals also determined a winner.


    due to lu shuhua''s previous injury, princely heir cao fan won with barely any effort.


    "he, he killed wen qiushi?"


    on hearing the news, raging fury erupted uncontrollably, "killing a person of this young master, it seems he really doesn''t consider me a threat. having received the imperial edict twice, he really thinks he''s a high official of the court. he''s just a third-rank official after all!"


    "young master, he''s too arrogant. we can kill him, but what gives him the right to kill our people!"


    yin hanwen, having witnessed the entire process, grew increasingly hateful, "you didn''t see it in the martial contest just now. in order to have enough time to kill brother wen, he even, even jammed brother wen''s mouth with his spear first¡­ young master, if he dares to kill wen qiushi today, he will dare to kill me tomorrow! and even later¡­ it''s not impossible for him to rebel.


    "young master, this man must not be left alive, he will definitely become a major threat to our great sheng dynasty!"


    "despicable, despicable!"


    "if it were me just now, even if i couldn''t kill him, i could have at least won this stage of the competition. it''s just that i was shot by an arrow while on the mountain and got injured."


    he too had achieved the refining internal organs perfection, just a thread away from hua jin.


    he was behind a tree on the mountain, completely unguarded, and that''s how he had been shot by an arrow.


    "you''re saying he killed wen qiushi within five rounds?"


    once cao fan calmed down, he became even more curious about the detailed process, "explain to me in detail, what was his spear technique like?"


    "i can''t recognize it; it''s unlike any spear technique used in the great sheng army."


    yin hanwen recalled carefully, but with his understanding, it was hard to explain clearly, "young master, there''s no need, right? with your power and influence, you can easily crush him no matter what. is it necessary to understand the routines of his spear technique?"


    "the platform is akin to a battlefield; when facing the enemy, how can one afford to underestimate the opponent?"


    after all, cao fan was a member of the imperial family, naturally endowed with an inherent disdain for others, which was normal given his status, but it didn''t mean he would be careless or underestimate his opponent; these two aspects did not conflict.


    he spoke in a deep voice, "this man has come this far, not solely by luck. his spear technique must be extraordinary.


    "although theoretically, i have a realm suppression over him, it''s still best to know both the enemy and myself, to prevent capsizing in a ditch."


    "the young master truly has the wisdom of an emperor!"


    yin hanwen lamented, "it''s just that i really couldn''t make it out."


    "hmm."


    cao fan did not blame him but looked towards pei tiannan on the city wall, muttering to himself, "if governor pei could explain it to me, that would be great."


    at the martial saint realm, observing lower realm martial artists, one could generally see through their cultivation technique, regardless of how exquisite it might be, at least understanding the opponent''s general approach, so as not to be caught off guard in actual combat, able to seek out flaws more calmly and find an opportunity to win.


    unfortunately, he didn''t dare to seek help, worried about leaving a bad impression on sun xiangzong, needing to remain respectful until he got the method to breakthrough above martial saint.


    "enough!"


    cao fan leaned on his azure dragon crescent saber, "i''ll just be more cautious, and ultimately there''s still realm suppression, winning shouldn''t be a problem."


    he was planning to find a place to rest when an armored soldier approached with a voice as faint as a mosquito''s, "young master, the general asks for your presence, he says¡­"


    "oh?"


    cao fan''s eyes brightened, and he immediately followed the soldier away.


    ...


    "it''s really unexpected."


    "at first, our house thought the final match would be between the young master and lu shuhua."


    "it''s already over."


    pei tiannan spoke solemnly, "although this mr. chen is unmatched in the same realm, he can''t possibly be a match for the young master. the difference between a small achievement and perfection in refining internal organs is as vast as blood refining compared to bone training. really, whether this final martial competition occurs or not doesn''t matter, let alone the final bone-touching."


    "it''s fine to take a look."


    mr. hou said.


    "i think, overcoming realms to win should be equivalent to two class a."


    sun xiangzong suddenly spoke, "what do you two think?"


    "it should indeed be so."


    pei tiannan said, with relief, "if mr. chen can truly defeat the young master, counting it as two class a wouldn''t hurt."


    "indeed."


    mr. hou agreed, "but if that''s how we calculate, wouldn''t both end up with six class a after the bone-touching, with even scores? but isn''t there only one champion?"


    sun xiangzong responded, "then we''ll recognize two."


    "two, lord governor, that might not be quite appropriate?"


    pei tiannan spoke in an inquiring tone, "the champion leader of selected point is primarily about the allocation of resources. over the years, the champions of selected point have always had sufficient treasure medicines.


    "these treasure medicines are often several hundred to a thousand years old, and harvesting one means one less remains, even the court is in short supply, so how can they spare a second portion?"


    over the years, the champions of selected point, though true disciples of the supervisor, were none other than talents fully cultivated by the court, and they were all trained with the aim of becoming martial saints, or at the very least, generals of the profound image realm.


    therefore, there is an unwritten rule.


    after the selected point, inner sect disciples also have the opportunity to continue competing with the champion leader in military achievements, realm, and so on.


    the logic is simple.


    this is the army of the court, not of the sect disciples.


    in the jianghu sect, as long as the sect master likes a disciple and can suppress the elders, resources are freely given, even if later it turns out to be a wastrel.


    but it''s not the same with the army, the army is meant for combat.


    if you receive resources, you must make a corresponding contribution.


    if you hold the best resources but fail to perform accordingly, you can be replaced by inner sect disciples with superior constitutions.


    for both true disciples and inner sect disciples, it''s a form of spur and incentive; one cannot lie on past glories to sustain oneself.


    there have been successful replacement examples in the past.


    tang ruoshan was originally an inner sect disciple when he first competed in selected point, and the then arrogant chief true disciple lost a battle and was replaced by him.


    besides, selected point competitions can only determine martial prowess, not the character; subsequent disposition is equally crucial in not granting true inheritance.


    there was once a champion of selected point, just an entry-level disciple within a year, who began forcefully abducting local women, naturally, his place was also replaced by someone else.


    no matter how you look at it, resources are limited; there can only be one true inheritor.


    "i''m getting old, this is my last time taking disciples, what does it matter if i take one more?"


    sun xiangzong spoke indifferently, "besides, who needs medicine more than the cao family members?"


    "it seems that supervisor sun is quite fond of mr. chen."


    pei tiannan, being at the martial saint realm himself, had early noticed that the spear technique was not one of the three common sets circulated in the military, and such has never been seen even in jianghu; it was a completely new spear technique.


    how many people in the world could create their own cultivation technique, and amongst those, who used a spear?


    upon thinking, he understood.


    he did not retort but smiled and said, "let''s do as lord governor says, it is sensible and reasonable."


    "reasonable, indeed reasonable."


    mr. hou nodded in agreement, "being able to win across realms, if it was treated the same as fighting opponents of the same realm, it would seem unfair."


    while both of them spoke, their expressions were exceptionally relaxed.


    the fondness of the supervisor mattered not when the gap in real power was laid out like this.


    a small achievement of nine dragon body in refining organ against a refining organ perfection of dragon heart tiger bone could never win.


    even sun xiangzong couldn''t cheat in this situation.


    as the final contest approached, the martial arts arena gradually became quieter, everyone eagerly anticipating this duel.


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    even several main generals participated when they were available.


    after all, the victor would become their junior sect brother.


    officially, regardless of the inner sect, outer sect, or true disciples, privately they can refer to each other as sect brothers, but only true disciples are ranked in a sequence.


    sun buqi paced back and forth, his palms sweaty: "can he win?"


    "it''s tough!"


    meng guangxin bluntly said, "cao fan prides himself but has always trained hard in martial arts, and he is not someone who underestimates his adversaries. that junior sect brother chen, he has a very small chance of winning."


    "what are we to do?"


    sun buqi spoke anxiously, "we can''t seriously let cao fan become a disciple to my father, can we?"


    he was usually sluggish, but he was not foolish.


    the feud between the sun family and the cao family, was he unaware of it?


    but such are the rules of selected point; the victor gains the lineage.


    this time, there was quite a sentiment that the cao family intended to completely devour the sun family.


    "senior brother seven!"


    sun buqi approached his seventh brother, ye fengxiu, who was pale and slender in a tight-fitting martial outfit, subtly having a gender-neutral feature: "can''t you think of something?"


    senior brother seven, ye fengxiu, remained silent with his eyes closed.


    "senior brother two!''


    "even though i also despise the cao family, the difference in our realms is clear, what can we do?"


    senior brother two, with a portly figure, looked like a restaurant owner: "i have no solution."


    "senior sister nine!" sea??h th§× n??efire.¦Çet website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    senior sister nine, rong yanqiu, the only female among all the disciples under the supervisor excluding his biological daughter sun li and a rare female general in the world.


    in appearance, she seemed to be in her thirties, obviously a soldier but heavily made up and ostentatiously dressed, she toyed with a plum blossom: "this junior sect brother is quite handsome, senior sister likes him too, but seriously, i don''t have the ability to interfere much, i can''t go on stage and help him cheat, can i?


    "why don''t you plead with the eldest, he knows much, maybe he has a way to counter cao fan''s saber technique."


    "eldest senior brother¡­"


    sun buqi looked around but couldn''t find the robust lu ji, "forget it, seeking him won''t help either."


    "i''ll go!"


    in the end, it was senior brother five, meng guangxin who stood up, cursing, "i really don''t want to be called sect brothers with cao family''s folk; just the thought disgusts me, disgusts me!"


    rong yanqiu shouted, "you reckless monk, don''t lead our junior sect brother astray!"


    today is the last contest of selected point.


    they had just arrived back in liangzhou, especially for this viewing.

 Chapter 130 Battle for the Championship

    "chen sansi!"chen sansi, who had his eyes closed to regain his energy, was awakened by someone calling his name. upon opening his eyes, he saw a bald monk with a large beard, incongruously wearing armor.


    he had heard sun buqi mention this person before. the man was sun dushi''s fifth disciple, named meng guangxin, who had become a monk at a young age but later discovered that buddhism could not save people, so he joined the military to practice martial arts.


    "i''ve seen general meng."


    out of courtesy, chen sansi stood up and saluted with his fist: "general, what brings you here to seek me out?"


    "amitabha, amitabha."


    meng guangxin recited the buddha''s name twice in succession: "myself has come to teach you how to defeat that cao fellow!"


    chen sansi asked, "general meng, is this not against the rules?"


    "what rules would this be violating? offstage coaching is very normal. many people had their elders with them in the previous bouts. you just didn''t notice!"


    meng guangxin held his crescent moon spade in hand: "if you master my thirty-six moves of ''merciful and ultimate transcending staff technique,'' i guarantee you can defeat that cao fellow!"


    as he spoke, he began to demonstrate pile work and killing moves on the spot.


    with each move he executed, the nearly tangible gang qi left huge pits on the ground. soon, the area within a hundred steps was pockmarked and the dust filled the air.


    "thank you for your goodwill, general,"


    chen sansi tried to stop him in vain: "but how can i apply what is learned so hastily now? it''s too late, isn''t it?"


    "that''s true."


    meng guangxin touched his bald head: "forget your spear technique and use these three moves i taught¡­"


    "monk!"


    a somewhat soft and gentle voice rang out.


    senior brother seven, ye fengxiu, arrived in time and scolded in a sinister tone: "monk, don''t mislead the young here! your methods, without ten or eight years of cultivation, simply cannot produce any effective results."


    "yin yang man, what do you suggest we do?"


    meng guangxin raised his voice: "with cao fan''s dragon heart tiger bone and the gap in realms between them, how can he win without taking a less conventional approach?"


    "don''t listen to him, he''s brainless,"


    ye fengxiu''s tone was unemotional, yet his words carried patience: "cao fan practices the ''golden crow heavenly dragon saber technique,'' which the emperor martial sect personally created. its hallmark is its ferocity ¨C extreme ferocity ¨C and coupled with his gifted physique, he has virtually no match in the same realm.


    "in fact, even that lu shuhua would likely struggle to win against him in the end.


    "as for you, if you want to lose less embarrassingly, the best way would be to spar with someone who has also practiced the ''golden crow heavenly dragon saber technique,'' but unfortunately, this technique is a secret of the imperial family and never taught to outsiders.


    "so, we can''t really help you,"


    "heh!"


    meng guangxin swirled his prayer beads: "yin yang man, you are quite talkative today, more than you''ve said in a whole year put together. it seems you don''t want that cao surname to win either."


    ye fengxiu snorted coldly, not paying him any attention, and gave chen sansi a slight nod as a sign of encouragement before he left.


    "thank you, general,"


    chen sansi called out to the departing figure in gratitude.


    "mr. chen."


    yan changqing also came over, his expression laden with worry: "you should give up your claim. you killed wen qiushi, and cao fan likely wants not only to defeat you, but also to take your life. if you admit defeat now, you''ll still be an inner sect disciple."


    "mr. yan, there''s no need to worry on my behalf,"


    chen sansi responded calmly: "i have my own plans."


    ever since his time in po yang, his goal had been to join selected point and secure a good ranking. having come this far, how could he possibly give up?


    besides, even if he did give up, cao fan would not let him off the hook.


    and most importantly,


    cao fan''s saber is fierce.


    but his spear is no less fierce!


    "well said!"


    meng guangxin applauded: "my buddha does not ferry cowards!"


    "sigh."


    yan changqing heaved a sigh: "one last reminder, i just saw cao fan leave. if he leaves at this juncture, it''s possible he''s gone to seek guidance. he appears arrogant, but he is actually very meticulous and won''t give you a chance by underestimating you. be careful."


    as their conversation ended, the rest period concluded.


    war drums began to beat from all directions around the martial arts arena.


    chen sansi and cao fan each stepped onto the stage.


    the final bout took place on the largest stage at the center of the martial arts arena. with over fifty thousand spectators present for the battle, it was a spectacle of immense proportions.


    "my sister li is also here,"


    rong yanqiu looked at his female junior clothed in a red martial arts outfit, reaching out to pinch her cheek: "your skin is getting smoother the more you practice martial arts, almost as if water could be squeezed out. haven''t you been secretly using expensive skincare ingredients?"


    sun li didn''t evade, letting her counterpart do as they pleased while her cool voice carried a hint of concern: "senior brothers and sisters, can our junior brother sansi win?"


    she had just accompanied sister lan before rushing over.


    the senior brothers and sisters all shook their heads.


    "i heard he has a mortal feud with cao fan." enjoy more content from empire


    sun li looked in the direction of the stage: "that person has had a strong vengeful spirit since childhood. it wouldn''t matter if he can''t win, but i hope no further accidents happen."


    "yo~"


    hearing this, rong yanqiu teased: "no wonder senior brother four said our little junior sister is about to get married. i didn''t believe it at first, but it seems to be true."


    "getting married?"


    sun li was slow to catch the implication, but as she realized the meaning of the words, she hurried to explain: "senior sister nine, what nonsense are you saying? he is our junior brother and the person who saved my life; isn''t it natural for me to be worried?"


    "the two aren''t mutually exclusive."


    rong yanqiu held her slim waist, whispering into her ear with a breathy voice: "what are you shy about, sister? it''s perfectly normal for a girl to get married. let sister tell you, that sort of thing is quite interesting. once you learn it, you''ll always be wanting¡­"


    "senior sister nine!"


    sun li, not one to blush easily, ended up with reddened cheeks and quickly dodged aside: "can you... not be like this?"


    "alright, alright, don''t worry,"


    rong yanqiu no longer teased her: "with your senior sister here, i''ll go myself later and ensure that cao fan can''t hurt a single hair on him."


    the sound of the war drums became more urgent.


    upon the city walls, pei tiannan and marquis hou regarded the scene below with keen interest. even sun xiangzong, who had seemed as if he were merely basking in the sun since the start of selected point, sat up straight.


    ...


    the stage.


    chen sansi leaned on his spear as he stood.


    opposite him was the sturdy-framed princely heir cao fan, brandishing the azure dragon crescent blade in his hand.


    both of their weapons had been replaced.


    as a result, cao fan was unable to wield the world-famous weapon in his hand.


    the greatest pressure on chen sansi came from the refining internal organs perfection and the blood explosion state.


    in the blood explosion state, one could even forget pain for a short while, entering a completely frenzied state, with combat power soaring.


    chen sansi still vividly remembered how, back in po yang, han cheng was the first to launch a sneak attack, stabbing tang ming in the heart, yet in the end, han was beaten into a grave injury.


    this was the most direct manifestation of the gap between refining internal organs perfection and small achievement.


    chen sansi''s biggest reliance, however, was on the frenzy of the unity spear technique and the qilin''s heart.


    "chen sansi!"


    cao fan squinted his eyes, speaking in a deep voice, "out of consideration for grandpa emperor''s appreciation of you, sever your arms and then abolish your cultivation. i''ll spare your life."


    "..."


    chen sansi did not have the habit of chatting before taking action.


    "you dare to ignore me?"


    cao fan gripped the hilt of his long blade tightly, "fine, it seems you''re really tired of living. use your blood to establish my authority in the eight camps!"


    "boom¡ª¡ª"


    as soon as the dulled sound of a gong struck, a blood-red serpent ferociously emerged, swiftly reaching in front of the heart in the blink of an eye.


    "clang!"


    as if cao fan had been prepared all along, he was not in the least intimidated by the sudden appearance of the serpent. the azure dragon crescent blade appeared at just the right position, sending the serpent flying far away with a direct slash.


    a terrifying power transmitted along the shaft of the spear to his arms, chen sansi activated the blood of the dragon and elephant, and with the enhancement of the nine dragon living veins, his body became agile to a bizarre extent. he thrust his spear in an almost twisted posture.


    once again, the opponent easily parried.


    after two ineffective moves, cao fan began to counterattack. he had no intention of probing for weakness, never planning to give any opportunity, but instead used his full strength, entering the blood explosion state!


    within his chest, a dragon heart began to beat furiously. with the heart''s pumping, the blood began to circulate at an unbelievable speed until it spread throughout the eight extraordinary meridians and all over his body. sear?h the novel(f~)ire.net website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    cao fan''s eyes turned blood red, and his body abruptly swelled, enlarging by more than two sizes, ripping his fitting clothes and revealing the beast-like, pridefully built muscles underneath. at this moment, the human body broke through its natural limits, with strength, speed, and reaction time all multiplying manifold!


    his azure dragon crescent blade descended from the sky as if it were not a blade, but a golden crow that had smashed the sun down from the heavens!


    "boom!!!"


    with a single exchange.


    chen sansi finally understood why almost everyone thought he would lose. dragon heart tiger bone, refining internal organs perfection¡ªeach of these was a tremendous advantage!


    unlike any opponent he had faced before.


    this sense of oppression was second only to the time he faced amugu from the meridian passage realm.


    the difference was that this time he could not resort to using immortal treasures to cheat; he could only rely on his own strength to win.


    with every fall of the azure dragon crescent blade.


    the long spear wailed incessantly, swinging back and forth with terrifying amplitude, as if it would snap at any moment, chen sansi continuously parried the attacks while constantly seeking opportunities to counterattack using the comprehensive characteristics of the unity spear technique. oddly enough, the opponent seemed to be very familiar with his spear technique, leaving no opportunity at all.


    it was as if someone had demonstrated the unity spear technique to him before the fight started.


    if it were any other martial artist with only a small achievement in refining internal organs under such onslaught, there would certainly be no chance of lasting even one round.


    even with chen sansi''s strength, to continue enduring like this, he probably couldn''t hope to win by simply outlasting the opponent''s qi-blood as before.


    because this was the princely heir!


    he was the future of the imperial family!


    the resources he used for his physique and cultivation were the best in the world.


    if there were no differences from other martial artists, that would truly be odd.


    the advantage of qi-blood still existed; there was no doubt he surpassed the opponent in that regard. now that the initial few rounds had been endured, dragging the fight out would inevitably lead to counterattacking success.


    the problem was, now was different from usual. the opponent didn''t need to kill him; the moment he left the arena, he would lose. he had to ensure he stayed within a certain range, which undoubtedly increased the difficulty.


    fortunately for chen sansi, he also possessed the qilin''s heart!


    with each strike of the opponent''s blade, his arms ached terribly, but his understanding of the golden crow saber technique became one step clearer. continuing like this, just right, within about thirty rounds, he would figure out each and every move of the opponent.


    this was a feeling that was hard to describe with words.


    it was like solving a difficult problem; one needed to simulate various methods of solution in their mind.


    it was like composing a piece of music, where every strike of the blade was a note. once enough notes were collected to form a complete melody, it would be possible to fully understand the opponent through the score and launch a comprehensive counterattack.


    "clang clang clang clang clang¡ª¡ª"


    under the setting sun.


    above the arena.


    it was as if a ferocious solar dragon was relentlessly pounding on a blood-red serpent.


    dragon against serpent.


    the suppression was unquestionable!


    even those non-versed in martial arts could see this clearly.


    "excellent saber technique!"


    "excellent spear technique!"


    up on the city walls, mr. hou and pei tiannan expressed their admiration.


    "to have achieved such mastery at such a young age, both of these men have immeasurable futures ahead!"


    "still, mr. chen is bound to lose, mainly due to the suppression by realm. a small achievement in refining internal organs cannot enter the blood explosion state. otherwise, the outcome of this battle would really be hard to predict."


    "now that you mention it, even i feel a bit of pity."


    "ten rounds¡ªi think mr. chen won''t be able to hold on after the tenth round. either he will choose to leave the arena, or he will fall heavily injured or even dead at the hands of the princely heir."


    "hmm?"


    pei tiannan placed back the teacup he had just lifted, "mr. hou, your judgment is incorrect. look for yourself; although mr. chen has been in a suppressed state all along, that''s all there is to it. he hasn''t fallen into a greater disadvantage."


    "such immense qi-blood?"


    mr. hou said in astonishment.


    when facing high realm martial artists, those at a lower realm often need to mobilize more qi-blood to make up for the disparity, thus their consumption is also extremely large.


    but chen sansi still managed to maintain his stance under such powerful suppression. how fearsome must his qi-blood foundation be?


    "good! this marquis would like to see just how much longer he can last!"

 Chapter 131 Chief True Inheritor

    ```"boom!"


    the golden crow blazed like the sun, the heavenly dragon plummeted to the ground.


    chen sansi once again caught that mountain-collapsing strike, his footprints even denting the rocks beneath him. the strength of blood explosion was truly terrifying; without breaking the opponent''s move first, there was simply no way to confront it head-on, even defending was a struggle.


    "you can actually hold on!"


    amazed, cao fan exclaimed with his crimson eyes wide open, "this princely heir has never encountered a nine dragon body before. i''ve heard that the qi-blood cultivated by this physique is incredibly enduring, yet i did not expect it to this extent!"


    before the martial arts battle began, someone had demonstrated the unity spear technique to him several times, so he truly knew his enemy and himself. there was no way he could lose this match!


    a series of weapon clashes thundered one after another like explosive thunder.


    some of the lower-level individuals watched with hearts pounding in fear.


    in the current situation, if there were any slight mistakes, there would be no time to concede ¨C they would be cleaved to death on the spot!


    "such a heavy killing intent."


    cheng wei, the second senior brother, clicked his tongue, "it seems like young master is absolutely determined to kill mr. chen."


    "isn''t that the truth."


    playing with a plum blossom, rong yanqiu commented, "in my opinion, it would be wise for chen to look for an opportunity to jump off the ring as soon as possible."


    "senior sister nine!" sun li said anxiously.


    "alright, alright, what''s the rush? can''t i keep an eye on him? little girl, you sure know how to worry about someone."


    as she spoke, rong yanqiu walked towards the ring.


    "sis?"


    sun buqi looked at his older sister, sensing something was off, "what are you up to, you want shanshi to be my brother-in-law?"


    sun li glared at him with a huff, "get lost."


    ye fengxiu leaned against a pillar, silent.


    "it''s a sure loss."


    meng guangxin carrying his crescent moon spade said, "if cao fan wins, tonight, i''ll find an opportunity to kill him!"


    cheng wei immediately said, "are you crazy? do you have a death wish?"


    meng guangxin ground his teeth and hissed, "what good is life? if that cao is going to call me ''brother'' every day, i might as well just die! not a single person from the cao family is good."


    "my fifth brother, i implore you to be merciful in the name of buddha; do not act rashly."


    "killing cao family members is the greatest mercy!"


    "..."


    sun buqi, looking at the tense scene on the platform, felt an unexpected sliver of hope rise within him amid the initial panic, "is there a possibility that we all underestimated shanshi and he... might win?"


    "boom!"


    the golden crow eclipsed the sky, making it nearly impossible to block its fierce blade.


    chen sansi was thrown back more than a dozen steps by the overwhelming force until he drew upon the blood of the dragon and elephant in his legs, creating a dent in the ground to barely stabilize his stance.


    "the sixteenth round!"


    he counted silently in his mind. sear?h the n??el fire.n§×t website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    with no time to even catch his breath, the golden crow''s great blade descended once more from the heavens, and the blood-red python desperately dodged back and forth, looking like prey facing its natural predator.


    yet, no matter how fiercely the golden crow and heavenly dragon pursued, they could only injure the python, never succeeding in killing it.


    cao fan''s expression grew more and more serious.


    losing was out of the question.


    however, killing the opponent or crippling him would be extremely difficult in the short term.


    moreover, if the opponent knew he was outmatched and still persisted, what was the point? could it be he had some kind of reliance?


    as cao fan pondered, his azure dragon crescent in hand did not stop, its light flashing continuously as if a true azure dragon had descended.


    "i can''t keep dragging this out."


    he could maintain his blood explosion state for about sixty rounds, but after that, even he would be exhausted.


    yet, nearly twenty rounds had gone by, and chen still seemed as resilient as at the start,


    he appeared close to collapse but would not break his defense or expose his last flaw to be completely defeated, as if he was unkillable.


    cao fan could not afford to be careless.


    his goal shifted from killing chen to forcing him off the ring.


    he must win first!


    claim victory first, and then he could always find another opportunity to eliminate his opponent later. his objective for this trip was the technique from sun xiangzong to break through to a level above martial saint; he could not afford to be sidetracked and confuse priorities.


    thinking this, cao fan changed his strategy, and every move of his azure dragon crescent was not aimed to kill, but to blast his opponent off the ring, the effect becoming remarkably evident.


    because, rather than retreat, his opponent would take more strikes unwilling to give ground!


    clearly, he had no intention of losing this match, even if it meant death!


    as a result, he fell into even greater disadvantage, giving cao fan more opportunities to attack.


    explore more stories with empire


    "good, unwilling to step down, you will only die a more miserable death!"


    cao fan finally discovered his opponent''s greatest weakness and let out a bestial roar of excitement. his blood explosion state intensified, shortening from sixty rounds to fifty.


    but he had enough confidence that, if chen sansi continued to stubbornly resist, he would undoubtedly die within forty rounds!


    "mr. chen is truly going all out."


    on the city wall, pei tiannan was so engrossed that he forgot to drink the tea he held up to his lips, "he has indeed exceeded my expectations, to cultivate such enduring qi-blood at such a young age."


    "his qi-blood can last quite a while, but that''s under actual combat conditions. the limited space of the ring does not offer much room for him to buy time."


    "if mr. chen confines himself to a certain area, he loses his greatest advantage and can hold on for at most ten more rounds; by then, even if he wants to jump off the ring, it would be too late."


    "he must be willing to risk his life, truly insane."


    mr. hou couldn''t quite understand.


    rong yanqiu arrived below the platform.


    even as a profound image realm main general, the sight unnerved her, as it truly was a life-and-death struggle. from chen''s figure, she vaguely sensed an aura akin to that of a frenzied demon.


    ```

 Chapter 131 Chief True Inheritor_2

    in fact,he didn''t have to fight so desperately.


    rong yanqiu had long heard that the master favored him greatly, even going so far as to sacrifice his lifespan recently to stop tens of thousands of enemy troops to help him cross the river.


    to go to such lengths...


    it was likely that even if it was in the inner sect, the old man would elevate him to a true inheritor in a couple of years.


    even if chen sansi didn''t know about the lifespan sacrifice, he must have felt the master''s appreciation to some extent, right?


    possibly, in the future, he would have to directly call the old man his father-in-law...


    why bother?


    but then, rong yanqiu thought it made sense.


    without this perseverance, how would the master have taken a liking to him?


    it was precisely because of this spirit that he gained the master''s appreciation, not just to show off¡ªthis was not to put the cart before the horse.


    how many years had it been...


    the old man had so many disciples in his life, yet he was the first one to be valued even before entry-level.


    although this was just their speculation, as the master had never explicitly stated it from beginning to end, everyone could see he was extraordinary.


    "oh no."


    rong yanqiu, observing the situation in front of him, almost went up to stop it, but ultimately controlled himself.


    suddenly, fresh blood started overflowing from the corners of chen sansi''s mouth.


    internal injuries!


    in the end, the clash between two martial artists was still a contest of physical strength.


    refining internal organs perfection not only allowed for a blood explosion but also a higher grade of refining one''s organs to withstand greater impacts.


    but refining organs small success was not enough.


    if it were a spacious area, chen sansi could use the terrain to alleviate the pressure, but since he could not leave the designated area of the platform, he had no choice but to endure an impact several times his own power. as the xuan yuan five organs body was not yet cultivated, his organs naturally could not compare to his opponent''s, receiving severe internal injuries at this moment.


    "why, why must you compete with me? the world belongs to my cao family, can you ever win against me?"


    cao fan''s blood surged, his long saber as if capable of splitting heaven and earth, his words did not interfere with the continued expansion of his killing intent: "die¡ª"


    after eighteen consecutive slashes,


    while taking advantage of the distance his opponent was pushed back, he first embedded the saber in the ground, then like a humanoid beast charged forward, meanwhile pulling out the azure dragon crescent saber, lifted it above his head, and accompanied by several rotations in the air, with the continuous enhancement of qi-blood, ferociously slammed down with the move "lion slash."


    "great sun burning sky!"


    "boom¡ª"


    in an instant,


    the world dimmed.


    the red sunset above the sky, as if grasped in cao fan''s hands, merged with the long saber to form an unstoppable divine power sky dragon, carrying the power of heaven and earth and smashing down thunderously.


    this slash,


    was the most powerful technique within the "golden crow heavenly dragon saber technique."


    chen sansi originally had a chance to dodge,


    but he could not retreat, as his feet were already at the very edge of the platform, half a step back meant all his efforts would be in vain!


    thus,


    a reckless python, actively facing the divine power sky dragon!


    "buzz!"


    a huge notch appeared on the gun blade of the reed leaf long spear.


    even the azure dragon crescent saber intermittently trembled and momentarily retreated.


    the price was that chen sansi''s organs felt as if they were being slashed by thousands of blades, his throat filled with the taste of blood, a mouthful of bloody water was forcibly swallowed back down, even the floor of the platform collapsed several inches, half of his body was outside the platform, just a line away from elimination, with no retreat, he bore all the power upon himself, while the azure dragon crescent saber briefly rested before coming back with a vengeance!


    "forget it."


    rong yanqiu even couldn''t help but speak out loud.


    continuing would only last another two or three rounds at most; the defeat was basically set.


    she didn''t know if chen sansi heard her, she only saw that he actually moved forward another two steps!


    "if you seek death so earnestly, i will fulfill you!"


    the python wailed.


    heavenly dragon divine power!


    "to hold on this long is already a miracle." stay updated via empire


    pei tiannan put down his teacup.


    "otherwise, we should call it off."


    mr. hou anxiously said, "mr. chen has likely sustained severe internal injuries, and he stubbornly refuses to concede. continuing like this, i''m worried it might damage his foundation. since the outcome is already determined, wouldn''t it be better to announce the princely heir as the winner ahead of time?"


    "mr. hou, are you biased towards this man?"


    pei tiannan spoke with a smile, yet his words were completely the opposite: "he hasn''t conceded; dying on the platform is meant to be, where''s the precedence for bending the rules early?"


    "governor pei''s choice of words is inappropriate, isn''t it?"


    mr. hou retorted, "our family is just worried about harming great sheng dynasty''s own talents."


    pei tiannan raised an eyebrow, "mr. hou, are you suggesting wen qiushi isn''t talented?"


    "you..."


    mr. hou snorted coldly, no longer responding, and turned his head back to watch the platform.


    "boom!"


    after enduring who knows how many more barrages from the azure dragon crescent saber, chen sansi''s vision started to blur, his injuries being fully because he was using his disadvantages to combat the enemy''s advantages.


    twenty-six...


    twenty-seven!


    with every round he survived,


    the injuries inside his body worsened, but at the same time, he became more familiar with his opponent''s techniques.


    "clang, clang, clang!"


    "ahh¡ª"


    cao fan waved the azure dragon crescent saber almost maniacally, with each strike it was evident from the blood trickling from the opponent''s mouth, and this blood, for him, was undoubtedly an exciting tonic.


    "what are you still holding on for?"


    he had initially thought that the opponent had some sort of powerful technique like his "great sun burning sky" unused, but now it seemed there wasn''t any special technique, it was just sheer endurance.


    unexpectedly,


    when his intention to kill could not succeed from the start, s§×ar?h the n?velfire(.)net website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    upon discarding the thought of killing, only wanting to win the duel, the opponent instead willingly presented himself to be slaughtered.

 Chapter 131 Chief True Inheritor_3

    Cao Fan and Wen Qiushi had no real affection for each other.The latter was nothing more than a fawning cur that came to suck up after he arrived in Liangzhou.


    But as the saying goes, "Even when you strike a dog, you must respect its owner."


    The Chen killed his dog.


    If he, as the owner, didn''t seek revenge, who else would dare to come and ally themselves with him in the future?


    Not to mention, from beginning to end, Chen Sansi had never shown any fear towards him!


    A servant, actually not fearing the Emperor''s family, deserves to die!


    The final strike!


    "Clang!"


    With the resolve to kill, Cao Fan once again unleashed the Lion Jump Slash, Great Sun Burning Sky.


    However, the expected scene of a killing blow did not occur.


    The Great Sun Burning Sky was not only blocked, but the opponent used some indescribable technique, far easier than the last time, countering this furious and violent strike without taking even half a step back.


    Cao Fan''s gaze followed the movement of the weapons until he locked eyes with a pair of pupils tinged with blood, making his heart tremble.


    Thirty!


    Chen Sansi silently counted the number.


    The thirtieth round!


    The score is composed, the melody resounds!


    In an instant, he felt as if everything in the world had slowed down, especially the opponent standing in front of him, whose every move became crystal clear.


    The Golden Crow Heavenly Dragon Saber Technique.


    This technique, which is said to have no equal at his level of mastery.


    At this instant, in Chen Sansi''s eyes, it became riddled with flaws, and the Azure Dragon Crescent saber''s movements incredibly slow.


    The dying python opened its eyes anew, embarking on a reverse hunt against the Almighty Heavenly Dragon!


    "How is this possible?"


    Cao Fan''s brows furrowed tightly, his face full of astonishment.


    His final move, which should have either killed his opponent or at least stripped away all his combat strength, was now being countered¡ªwhere did this kid find the strength to fight back?!


    "What!"


    Atop the city wall.


    Pei Tiannan and Mr. Hou almost simultaneously shot up to their feet, stepping forward to get a clearer view atop the battlements.


    Even Sun Xiangzong straightened up slightly.


    "Good!"


    Sun Buqi stretched his neck as far as he could.


    Ye Fengxiu even used his Qinggong to scale a several zhang high stone pillar, overlooking the arena, all to get a clearer view.


    "What''s happening, did he use our Compassionate Redemption Technique?"


    Meng Guangxin had halfway given up hope and started drinking, but seeing their reactions, he quickly got up to join the excitement.


    The afterglow of the setting sun. Stay updated through empire


    On the arena, the python hunts the Heavenly Dragon!


    What was once a ferocious and overwhelming Golden Crow Heavenly Dragon Saber Technique, now looked full of flaws in the eyes of Chen Sansi. He no longer had to endure and forcefully defend, but could resolve each strike with a specific angle and an appropriate level of Qi-Blood strength, waiting for the opportunity to counterattack.


    The one who was profoundly aware of this was none other than Cao Fan himself.


    His confidence crumbled bit by bit, replaced by shock and incomprehension. He couldn''t understand why, from a certain moment onwards, no matter how he attacked, his moves would be effortlessly dismantled, as if his opponent could foresee the future and predict his strikes to make the perfect defense.


    No, that''s not right.


    It was more like his saber technique had been unraveled!


    Before the contest began, Cao Fan had received assistance, learning the characteristics of the "Unity Spear Technique," prepared for the "frenzied" power, which allowed him to remain calm and collected.


    But the feeling Chen Sansi gave him was much more than that; it was as if he had practiced the saber technique countless times himself, knowing every move inside out.


    But that was even more impossible!


    "Golden Crow Heavenly Dragon Saber Technique" wasn''t something anyone in the Imperial Family could learn; it required a strict qualification assessment before one could practice it. There definitely wasn''t anyone outside the Cao Family who knew it.


    So the only possibility was...


    During these thirty rounds of battle.


    The opponent gradually became familiar with and solved the saber technique.


    Cao Fan''s heart was horrified!


    What kind of demonic genius was this?


    To solve a saber technique created by an unrivaled master and passed down for hundreds of years, all in the span of thirty rounds!


    He would rather believe someone from the Cao Family had given the Cultivation Technique to Chen Sansi than accept that the opponent was such an monstrous talent!


    The once suppressed python, as the contest went on, launched a fierce and sharp counteroffensive, gradually matching the Heavenly Dragon in strength, making it hard to distinguish the victor.


    "No wonder..."


    Rong Yanqiu couldn''t help exclaiming, "Even I''m starting to admire him; not to mention the little junior sister..."


    "Taking the championship, Chen Sansi going for the championship?"


    "..."


    The tens of thousands of spectators present were slow to realise, awakening to the fact that something extraordinary was about to happen.


    This Selected Point was universally expected to be won by Cao Fan. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    If there was a different outcome, who knew what kind of uproar it would cause!


    "That''s impossible, right?"


    "To fight to this extent with only a small achievement in Refining Internal, it''s already rare in this world, let alone winning¡ªthat''s like a fantasy."


    "Don''t speak so soon, it seems there might be a chance."


    "..."


    While tens of thousands of people were in shock, as if a pot had exploded, another group of people appeared incredibly calm, as if they had expected this all along.


    "I won, hand over the ten taels of silver!"


    "Bullshit! It''s not over yet."


    "That Princely Heir, he definitely can''t last fifty rounds, stop kidding yourself."


    "Who says so, there''s still a chance!"


    "..."


    While everyone else had assumed from the start that the Champion Leader would be the Emperor''s family Princely Heir, the soldiers from the Po Yang County garrison in the corner opened a betting pool.


    They bet on how long Cao Fan could last.


    Some bet on thirty rounds, others on forty, and some even bet on fifty...


    But no one bet on Cao Fan winning.


    Indeed, they never considered that their General would lose, not even once!

 Chapter 131 Chief True Inheritor_4

    In everyone''s hearts, the person who led them from Po Yang to this place, facing tens of thousands of the enemy army besieging and intercepting them, yet still able to escort tens of thousands across the river, had already become like a Heavenly God. How could a Heavenly God possibly lose?"Trash!"


    Someone cursed under their breath.


    "Damn it, you dare to insult the Princely Heir, do you not want to live?"


    "Show some respect with your words, don''t drag the General into this!"


    "..."


    ...


    "Even if you can break my Saber Technique, you still won''t win!"


    No matter how shaken Cao Fan was in his heart, he always remained composed without creating more flaws, a testament to remaining calm in a crisis.


    Even if the advantage of his Saber Technique had vanished, he still had his cultivation level to suppress the other!


    In terms of pure strength, the opponent couldn''t surpass him.


    His Blood Explosion State could still hold for another ten rounds; by then, surely he could exhaust the opponent''s Qi-Blood, couldn''t he?


    But as another eight rounds passed and seeing that the opponent showed no sign of Qi-Blood decline, Cao Fan''s anxiousness could no longer be concealed. He even suspected that the other was a Hua Jin master, otherwise, where could such abundant Qi-Blood come from.


    "Impossible, impossible!"


    Feeling the ebbing and drying of his Qi-Blood within, Cao Fan roared unwillingly. His Azure Dragon Crescent in hand no longer had a chance to attack and needed to be fully defended.


    In the eyes of the spectators.


    The blood-colored giant python began to gain the upper hand from a previously evenly matched struggle.


    "Mr. Pei, quick, you must watch over this!"


    Mr. Hou spoke up to remind, "They''ve seen red, it''s very possible they won''t be able to hold back, we can''t afford any more mishaps!"


    His worry was natural; he feared Chen Sansi might kill Cao Fan!


    Recalling Wen Qiushi''s death still made him shudder. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    They couldn''t afford to be shocked at how the fight turned out; what filled their minds more was fear!


    If Cao Fan died in the arena, things would really blow up.


    "Crack!"


    Pei Tiannan threw down his teacup, jumping directly from several Zhang high off the walls, descending along the city wall to reach the side of the Martial Arts Arena at the fastest speed, ready to intervene at any moment.


    The forty-ninth round.


    Cao Fan could no longer hold on, his Blood Explosion State coming to an abrupt end, his body beginning to sink into a state of extreme weakness as the aftereffect of overexertion in Blood Explosion followed soon after.


    Correspondingly, the intensity of his Saber Technique dropped sharply, and now even his defense began to weaken.


    Unwilling to accept this!


    Pushing all other emotions aside, all that was left was an intense unwillingness, condensed into three words!


    True, he was born into the Imperial Family, but since childhood, he never slacked off in martial training, not in the slightest. On the contrary, among all his peers, he was absolutely the most diligent.


    To practice upon hearing the crow of a rooster was his daily routine!


    Adding to that his physique and resources, over the years he never lost, not in his own level, and he could even spar with ordinary Hua Jin masters; never had he been defeated, never!


    Today, he was about to lose to a peer who came from the countryside, to just a Nine Dragon Body, a subpar physique that even a Martial Saint couldn''t achieve. What a humiliation, what a shame!


    It meant, his efforts were still not enough!


    This Chen Sansi, he must have worked even harder!


    Heaven rewards the diligent!


    Today''s defeat was set in stone!


    Cao Fan''s hand holding the saber began to tremble, forced to acknowledge this fact.


    Chen Sansi!


    He would etch this name deep in his heart; if he could not defeat this man in the future, he would forever have an unforgettable shadow, and his Saber Technique would never again shine like the fierce sun in the sky.


    Since he lost today, so be it!


    But he must find an opportunity to win back!


    Even if it meant practicing the complete Golden Crow Saber Technique at the cost of shortening his lifespan, he had to win back, otherwise, history books would record this immense disgrace forever!


    "Hum¡ª"


    Atop the arena, a miraculous scene unfolded.


    The Azure Dragon Crescent was defeated, flicked high into the air by the long spear!


    Python swallows the dragon!


    This battle between the dragon and the python ultimately turned around completely, declaring the giant python''s victory at the end!


    "I... concede!"


    Just before the gun tip could reach his throat, Cao Fan''s voice rose in the Martial Arts Arena.


    Conceding. Explore stories on empire


    The Princely Heir conceded?!


    Chen Sansi really won.


    The tens of thousands in the audience were all dumbstruck.


    Refining Internal Organs small success wins against Refining Internal Organs Perfection!


    "Hiss..."


    "Chen Sansi really made it to the end, and all the trials he faced were Class A!"


    "..."


    The numerous officials on the city wall also took a long time to react.


    "..."


    Yan Changqing was ashamed. Before Selected Point began, he actually suggested that the other should assist him.


    He was eliminated right at the start, while Chen Sansi has truly made it to the end, defeating the theoretically strongest Princely Heir among all people.


    "Hum!"


    Chen San''s arms showed bulging meridians, his Qi-Blood surging and boiling as he forcefully retracted his spear tip, slamming it onto the ground.


    It wasn''t that he wanted to hold back, but it was too late.


    Pei Tiannan had already arrived at the arena, and any thrust would have been blocked.


    There was an even more important point.


    Unlike with Wen Qiushi.


    Killing this person couldn''t be put in the open.


    He temporarily did not have the power to openly confront the Cao Family!


    Power, was not enough!


    Thankfully, in the end, he won!


    Bathed in the setting sun, Chen Sansi exhaled a long breath of turbid air.


    He had injuries within, but his Qi-Blood was still abundant, enough to fight for another sixty rounds at least.


    "Princely Heir!"


    Pei Tiannan couldn''t care about anything else and hurriedly asked, "Are you injured?"


    "No."


    Cao Fan closed his eyes, merely a bit weak from overexertion.


    There was no need for him to persist unnecessarily, as that would only result in an uglier defeat. By verbally conceding, at least he could keep some face and not disgrace the Imperial Family too much.


    "Princely Heir, how... how could this..."


    As a Martial Saint, even Pei Tiannan found it somewhat hard to accept.

 Chapter 131 Chief True Inheritor_5

    "If someone is better, there''s nothing to say."Cao Fan''s fist clenched until it turned white, "Besides, isn''t there still one final challenge left?"


    In the bone-feeling segment, a Class A rank in one challenge is equivalent to two other Class A ranks.


    After all the calculations, he would still be the winner.


    "Finally, Princely Heir, I..."


    Pei Tiannan recounted the conversation they had with Sun Xiangzong before the competition began.


    "What? Damnit!"


    Cao Fan exploded, "What you mean is that you want this Princely Heir and him to both be True Inheritors, to call each other brothers in the future! And you should be very clear about what being a Selected Point means."


    Nobody was sure if Sun Xiangzong would really reveal the Immortal Law to break through to a level Above Martial Saint, but everyone was certain it was the only possible opportunity they had, and if missed, there would truly be no other chance.


    "Princely Heir, please calm your anger, this mistake is indeed my fault."


    Pei Tiannan cursed inwardly.


    Who could have anticipated that Chen Sansi could actually win!


    It was supposed to be an impossible feat.


    "Marquis Pei."


    Cao Fan came to a corner below the arena, "Setting aside the matter of the Immortal Law for now, do you have any idea how much treasure medicine is needed after winning the championship? Do you think there''s an abundance of treasure medicine that the court can squander?"


    "Princely Heir, I am certainly aware of that."


    Pei Tiannan said, "Fortunately, it was just a verbal agreement, which is not binding. I, I will find a solution!"


    "Thump¡ª¡ª"


    After a long silence, the supervising General sounded the gong, declaring the end of the last match in the Selected Point. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Chen Sansi is victorious, Class A!"


    "..."


    "Little junior brother."


    Rong Yanqiu went up to the platform to support him.


    She took a porcelain bottle from her bosom with great care, "This is treasure medicine for healing internal injuries."


    Chen Sansi took a look, making sure it was alright, and said with a fist cupped in gratitude, "Thank you..."


    "Senior Sister Nine."


    Rong Yanqiu reached out to pinch his face, "Little junior brother is really amazing."


    "..."


    Chen Sansi instinctively dodged backward.


    "He really won?"


    Meng Guangxin rubbed his eyes, "Very good, very good, this match was fought well, now we don''t have to call the Cao Family brothers!"


    "Old Fifth, you''re celebrating too soon."


    Second senior brother Cheng Wei said, "Have you forgotten? There''s still bone-feeling next, how can little junior brother''s Nine Dragon Body compare to the Dragon Heart Tiger Bone of an Innate Martial Saint?"


    Meng Guangxin felt sick.


    He came to the wheelchair, "Old Four, you''ve been flipping through that book for several days now, so what''s the verdict, has a Nine Dragon Body ever broken through to Martial Saint in a thousand years? Hurry up and kick out Mister Cao, don''t let him stay around and be an eyesore every day."


    Fang Qingyun shook his head, "No."


    ...


    The Selected Point competition ended.


    All three chief examiners ascended the high platform.


    Thousand Captain Li Qianzong sounded the gong, announcing the final segment of the Selected Point.


    Bone-feeling!


    "Bone-feeling?"


    "I almost forgot, there''s still bone-feeling!"


    "..."


    The martial competition had been so tumultuous that it was only now that most people realized there was still the most crucial step yet to take: the bone examination.


    To determine the upper limit of a martial artist, the weight carried by bone examination was still the greatest.


    "Hiss~"


    "Mr. Chen is going to suffer a great loss."


    "It can''t be helped, his physical constitution is limited, and he will ultimately fall short of becoming a Martial Saint!"


    "..."


    Atop the high platform, Sun Xiangzong, who had been silent until now, slowly began to speak, "Gentlemen, do the words spoken earlier still hold?"


    "Of course, they hold!"


    Pei Tiannan said with a chuckle, "Supervisor, starting next year, those who win the martial competition across different realms will be counted as two Class A winners."


    Sun Xiangzong glanced at him sideways, "Oh? Next year?"


    "Yes, Sun Supervisor."


    Pei Tiannan backed away several steps as he spoke, "Rules cannot be changed willy-nilly. We would seem quite frivolous if we did. The new rules must be posted and widely announced before the next Selected Point begins, only then can it be considered fair. Mr. Hou, what do you think?"


    "Our house... agrees with Marquis Pei''s view."


    Mr. Hou also retreated a distance of over a dozen yards before speaking, "The court''s resources are limited, after all. The Emperor is quite fond of Mr. Chen, but in the end, he can not achieve the title of Martial Arts Saint."


    He was not one of the Crown Prince''s people, but on this matter, he had to maintain unanimity.


    Immortal Law.


    And it would be best if it remained in the hands of a member of the Cao Family.


    "Gentlemen, why stand so far away from this old man while speaking?"


    Sun Xiangzong, with hands clasped behind his back, spoke unhurriedly, "This is my last year at Selected Point, what''s the problem with taking one more apprentice? In the end, isn''t it all for cultivating talents for our Great Sheng Dynasty?"


    "Supervisor Sun!"


    Pei Tiannan had a pleading expression, "You still need to consider this carefully,"


    "Xiao Pei, you really are like your master."


    Read the latest on empire


    Sun Xiangzong shook his head, even managing a chuckle, "You talk as if you''re just passing gas."


    "..."


    Pei Tiannan was taken aback, "Supervisor, you flatter me!"


    "If..."


    Sun Xiangzong looked at him, "What if this old man insists on taking two?"


    "Supervisor!"


    Pei Tiannan exclaimed as he once again retreated a hundred yards, "The treasure medicine is all transported from the Capital City. No one can interfere with you taking apprentices, but whether the treasure medicine can be shipped to Liangzhou¡ªthat''s another story."


    The essence of Selected Point was a contest over resources.


    Without resources, the title of Champion Leader would be meaningless.


    "Mr. Hou?"


    Sun Xiangzong then looked towards the Chief Eunuch in his python-patterned robe, "Are you backing out too?"


    "Supervisor Sun, please don''t make it difficult for our house."


    Mr. Hou said with a pained expression, "The court truly has limited resources."


    "You two, come back here."


    Sun Xiangzong motioned with his hand, "Stand next to this old man."


    Pei Tiannan and Mr. Hou exchanged glances, each signaling the other to go first with their eyes, but for a while, neither made a move.


    "Supervisor Sun."


    Pei Tiannan forced a stiff smile, "The junior must say something. Ning Changqun''s matter, although his crimes in disturbing Selected Point deserve death many times over, His Majesty was still somewhat angered by your acting first and reporting after. It''s only because of your longstanding hard work and contributions that he didn''t pursue the matter. If it happens again..."


    Sun Xiangzong acted as if he had heard nothing, and enunciated each word carefully, "When I tell you to come here, you come here."

 Chapter 131 Chief True Inheritor_6

    "..."Pei Tiannan felt around his waist to make sure he had brought the object, which gave him some confidence.


    The reason he was stationed next to Liangzhou was to keep an eye on Sun Xiangzong''s potential madness; he had something to rely on to some extent.


    The gift he received from the court should suffice to save his life.


    After thinking it over, he finally gritted his teeth and returned to Sun Xiangzong''s side, "Lord Governor, please think thrice before you act."


    Upon seeing his return,


    Mr. Hou also followed back.


    Both men were on tenterhooks.


    However, Sun Xiangzong was instructing the people below, "Go and notify them to come over, let us begin the bone-feeling ceremony."


    Pei Tiannan let out a long sigh of relief, "It seems the Supervisor still puts the overall situation first, I admire you greatly for that."


    "Before we begin, this old man wants to confirm one last time."


    Sun Xiangzong looked at him askance, his voice somewhat hoarse, "There really can''t be two Champion Leaders, you cannot regret it later."


    "Champion Leader, Champion Leader, naturally there can only be one,"


    Pei Tiannan said confidently.


    "Good, I''ve given the opportunity, you can''t blame me,"


    Sun Xiangzong nodded to signal the start.


    An opportunity had been given?


    Pei Tiannan suddenly felt something amiss, but couldn''t quite figure out what it was just yet.


    Soon,


    Cao Fan stepped onto the high platform, bowed deeply with clasped fists, and respectfully addressed, "I have seen the Lord Governor!"


    "Hm."


    Sun Xiangzong spoke gravely, "The Princely Heir need not undergo the test, the Dragon Heart Tiger Bone is well-known to all, a Class A without doubt."


    Li Qianzong, holding the register by the side, announced the final results:


    "Princely Heir Cao Fan, has obtained five Class A marks!"


    "Many thanks, Lord Governor!"


    Cao Fan said joyfully, "A day as your student equals a lifetime as your son, I shall never forget the grace of your teachings and will surely repay it greatly in the future!"


    His reference to the "future" naturally implied after his own father ascended the throne.


    Whether the people of the Sun Family can land safely after Sun Xiangzong''s demise; the current Crown Prince will play a significant role, and that''s also why he dared to partake in the Selected Point competition.


    "Today is not the day of the apprenticeship ceremony, the Princely Heir should step down first,"


    Sun Xiangzong said leisurely, "Next one."


    Chen Sansi promptly stepped onto the stage.


    "What a pity!"


    "..."


    The moment he appeared, the crowd below sighed.


    "Just like me, defeated by the physique,"


    Ye Fengxiu muttered to himself.


    His physique was not to be faked; his reaching this point was entirely due to his perception, somewhat feeling the shared sorrow of a kindred spirit''s downfall.


    "What use is physique!"


    Meng Guangxin, with his robust voice, declared, "I may have the Body of Martial Saint, but haven''t I been stuck in the Xuanxiang Realm for twenty years!"


    "Are you actually proud?"


    Rong Yanqiu lamented, "Master, with Li Shi sister and Bu Qi both so fond of him, let us lend a hand in the future, see if there''s a chance to win back the position of True Disciple through military achievements."


    ...


    "I have seen the Supervisor."


    Chen San has been in Liangzhou for nearly a month, yet it was the first time he was this close to the legendary Governor; were it not for the Qingxuan Energy circulating in his body, he might really look no different from the old men at the village entrance.


    He clasped fists without drawing undue attention to himself and spoke softly, "Thank you, Sun Dushi, for saving my life at Hongze River last time."


    Although I didn''t witness it with my own eyes,


    I can basically conclude that it was Sun Xiangzong who made a move then, otherwise, I''d probably still be in big trouble.


    "Hmm."


    Sun Xiangzong nodded slightly, and his voice, like thunder, smashed into the ears of everyone present: "Class A, you may step down."


    Next to him, Li Qianzong quickly summarized:


    "Chen Sansi, through the five stages of Selected Point, has achieved six Class As and is ranked first in this Selected Point, as the Champion Leader, and will be received as the Governor Mansion''s chief True Disciple!"


    Class A!


    Cao Fan felt as if struck by lightning, hastily looking up.


    "What did Sun Dushi say?"


    "Isn''t he of the Nine Dragon Body?"


    "The Nine Dragon Body isn''t the Body of Martial Saint, is it? At most, this year he could only be considered Class B!"


    "Even among Class Bs, he can''t be considered the best."


    "..."


    The soldiers, the eliminated Selected Spear Generals, Meng Guangxin, and the other brothers almost doubted if they had heard incorrectly, until Li Qianzong repeated the content again.


    "Supervisor, you, you must be mistaken, right?"


    Pei Tiannan interrupted: "If I remember correctly, Mr. Chen should be of the Nine Dragon Body, shouldn''t he? There hasn''t been a Martial Saint for a thousand years; how could he be classified as Class A?"


    "Exactly."


    Mr. Hou followed and said, "Moreover, Lord Governor, inspecting the bone, inspecting the bone, you didn''t even put your hands on him; how did you give a Class A?"


    They found it strange.


    Even if Sun Xiangzong was showing favoritism, he shouldn''t have used such a low-level tactic. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Mr. Pei, Mr. Hou, I am not of the Nine Dragon Body!"


    Chen Sansi took off his robe, revealing strong and smooth muscle lines, the blood of the dragon elephant surged within him, numerous muscular veins like coiling dragons winding around his body surface, the skin on his body even reflected a metallic sheen.


    From the start to the last of the Selected Point competition,


    Although he was initially suppressed by Cao Fan during the martial contest, since there were no external injuries, he never directly demonstrated the defensive capabilities of the Vajra Body. Plus, wearing clothes, unless one had an exceptional vision, it was impossible to notice, which is also why bone inspection necessitated hands-on touching.


    "Nine Dragon Tendon, Vajra Body, could Mr. Chen possibly be..."


    Mr. Hou stepped forward, sliding a dagger out from his sleeve and lightly grazed it across the skin''s surface.


    "Creeeak¡ª"


    The sound of metal scraping was particularly grating at that moment!


    "Vajra Body!"


    Pei Tiannan also came forward to inspect: "Multiple physiques merged, you, you are the rare Transformation and Mysterious Body?!"


    Transformation and Mysterious Body!


    Despite his youth, those knowledgeable about Martial Bodies knew, it was indeed one of the Innate Martial Saint''s bodies!


    Those who understood what this entailed looked at each other with realization.


    This man was actually of the Transformation and Mysterious Body!


    No wonder, no wonder!


    All prior strangeness suddenly seemed reasonable in the eyes of the crowd.


    This was more like it.


    Genius against genius!


    If Chen Sansi is also of the Innate Martial Saint Body...


    Then it means that for six Class As against five Class As, he truly won, undoubtedly becoming the Champion Leader of this Selected Point, and will become the chief True Disciple, and more likely, he would have the chance to come into contact with the Immortal Law that all martial artists yearn for in their dreams!


    "It seems I''ve overextended myself and expended effort in vain."


    Fang Qingyun laughed and tossed aside the scroll in his hand: "Fellow brothers, we are indeed going to have a new junior brother."


    "This Selected Point''s Champion Leader Chen Sansi is a True Disciple, the other Inner Sect Disciples and Outer Sect Disciples will be announced later in the form of a notice!"


    "Seven days later, the master-apprentice ceremony will take place, to pass on and continue the teachings!"

 Chapter 132 Immortal Law

    ```"Wait a moment!"


    Pei Tiannan challenged, "Mr. Chen, why did you conceal your physique, you''re suspected of cheating!"


    "Marquis Pei, a lofty Martial Saint, surely can''t be unaware that the Transformation and Mysterious Body unfolds gradually as the realm improves?"


    Fang Qingyun explained, "When the Selection Officer went to fetch him, what he displayed was indeed the Nine Dragon Body."


    "The most crucial point, isn''t cheating supposed to involve falsifying one''s physique, like mistaking the Sword Heart Body for the Tongjian Body, which if not scrupulously distinguished can be confused, and the early stage cultivation strength wouldn''t differ much, using this method to snatch a Class A rating?"


    "Who would report a worse physique than they possess, isn''t that just asking for a loss?"


    "You!"


    Pei Tiannan was at a loss for words.


    "..."


    Cao Fan''s face darkened with complexity.


    On one hand, he was slightly comforted that he had not lost to a mere Nine Dragon Body.


    On the other, he had truly lost.


    And it was like lifting a rock only to drop it on his own feet!


    Originally, both could have become True Inheritors.


    If he had known earlier...


    "Lord Governor."


    Pei Tiannan wiped his face and said with a beaming smile, "What about taking on two this year?"


    "Xiao Pei, you can talk nonsense, that''s fine,"


    Sun Xiangzong replied in a calm tone, "But with so many watching, I can''t mimic you."


    "..."


    Pei Tiannan''s mouth twitched, "Commander, you make a fair point!"


    At this stage of events, how could he not understand?


    They lacked insight to see through clothes and recognize the Transformation and Mysterious Body, but Sun Xiangzong probably knew it clear from the start of the competition!


    He even sneakily gave them a chance, which they declined themselves!


    With this turn of events, even if the Cao Family learned the whole truth later, they would have nothing to say.


    And the more prestigious the identity, the more they must abide by the rules, at least outwardly, as they need to maintain their prestige before so many warriors.


    "How cunning!"


    Born in the Imperial Palace, Mr. Hou was well-versed in the art of manipulation; he was simply unable to think due to the opponent''s irresistible martial power before.


    Now that he had come to his senses, they were all played, the surname Sun had banked on their unwillingness to yield.


    The one fortunate thing in this misfortune. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It was Chen Sansi, who could be considered the emperor''s man; likely if he ever acquired any Immortal Law, he would be willing to dedicate it to the court.


    This loyal individual would also remember the emperor''s grace, after all, the emperor was the first to recognize him, conferring titles and medicine upon him.


    ''The emperor truly has the skill to know and employ people!''


    Mr. Hou sighed with emotion.


    "Princely Heir, I''ve done all I could."


    Sun Xiangzong approached, deliberately patting his shoulder, speaking amiably, "But there have been cases of those from the Inner Sect being promoted to True Inheritors in previous years, thou should strive for it!"


    "Thank... you for the tip, Commander!"


    Cao Fan cupped his fists, his thoughts complex, yet he remained outwardly respectful.


    "Alright, disperse now."


    Fang Qingyun pushed the wheelchair, "Little junior brother, go back and recover well, return after seven days for the entry-level ceremony, I am the fourth, just call me Fourth Senior Brother."


    Chen Sansi nodded, "I understand, Fourth Senior Brother."


    "Also,"


    Fang Qingyun spoke earnestly, "Little junior brother, after your victory, many will come to you, some with good intentions and some not, you must judge for yourself."


    "Thank you for the warning, Senior Brother."


    Walking out of the Military City.


    Various officials had been waiting there for a long time.


    "Mr. Chen! Would you honor my humble abode with a visit?"


    "Sir, the Immortal Crane Tower invites you!"


    "General Chen, I have a granddaughter, she could be a concubine to you."


    "..."


    Winning the Selection Point, with the Body of Martial Saint, would be equivalent to being the Martial Arts Top Scholar in the Capital City.


    It meant that, given time, even if he were as slow on the uptake as Meng Guangxin, he was still guaranteed to become a main general of the Profound Image Realm at the very least.


    The main generals of the Eight Camps are all Second-rank officials, with some achieving a first-rank noble title for their merits; naturally, many seek to currying favor and ingratiate themselves.


    Chen Sansi declined them all.


    He did not lack wealth; these people could not offer him any resources, so there was no need for these connections yet.


    Now that he had won the Selection Point, Chen Sansi started to plan the step-by-step goals he would need to achieve next in his mind.


    Firstly, it was naturally to learn from a master. To find a method to break through Above Martial Saint was optimal; who wouldn''t want to see a bigger world, although it was still far off.


    Secondly, to improve his strength to Refining Internal Organs Perfection as soon as possible, and then to Hua Jin.


    In Liangzhou, the mere strength of Refining Internal wasn''t enough.


    Let alone the fact that he had offended many, all high-ranking officials from noble families, who were all waiting to take his life, only refraining due to rules for now.


    But whether they could restrain themselves after the Selection Point controversy subsided was uncertain.


    Moreover, it seemed that not all in the Eight Camps were of one mind.


    Recalling the final competition, Chen Sansi distinctly felt that Cao Fan had some understanding of the Unity Spear Technique; it was possible that someone had demonstrated it to him a few times.


    That was normal; even blood brothers squabble over the division of inheritance, let alone martial brothers¡ªit''s common to be calculating, only united fronts are suspicious.


    He would need to be wary going forward.


    Thirdly, to investigate the Witch God Sect and the dark energy.


    What the Witch God Sect was doing with their capture of Martial Artists, including the Blood Sacrifice, the ultimate purpose was still unknown.


    Why Dark Mystical Energy appeared on a martial artist and whether it was related to the Poisonous Beast in the mountains.


    Case by case, item by item, all needed to be slowly resolved.


    Furthermore, there was something even more important; he was about to become a father.


    After the Selection Point ended, at last, he had time to spend a few days with Sister Lan, and he could also take the opportunity to visit the Taoist Temple.


    He was not interested in gods and buddhas, but he was very interested in the gods and buddhas worshiped by martial artists.


    On the ride back home, Chen Sansi also saw an acquaintance.


    ```

 Chapter 132 Immortal Law_2

    Wen Qiushi''s father Wen Zhi.This man was standing by the roadside, watching him with eyes filled with red spider-web-like veins, and even from dozens of feet away, a murderous aura could be felt.


    Powerful families, sects, and gangs, they were all too oppressive.


    Their sons could come to bully you, even kill you without issue, but if you dared to fight back, dared not to cower and beg, it would only bring disaster upon yourself!


    Martial Saint, so be it then!


    Chen Sansi had nothing to fear.


    The more openly this guy stood here, the more it showed he didn''t dare to make a move, it was merely intimidation.


    "Still, I must hasten my cultivation."


    Just like back in Po Yang, I need the Refining Internal Realm to be able to dominate.


    In Liangzhou, putting aside Sun Xiangzong, one must at least be a Martial Saint.


    A long and arduous path!


    And before I left, my fourth senior brother Fang Qingyun warned me that someone would be looking for me.


    Was he talking about Wen Zhi, or someone else?


    "Master has returned~"


    Si Qin greeted him at the door.


    After dismounting his horse, Chen Sansi headed straight for the pharmacy.


    In the yard, he had specifically cleared out a woodshed to serve as a pharmacy and had Si Qinmohua buy a lot of medicine according to the prescription he wrote. He personally prepared medicinal brews for Sister Lan to restore her health, while at the same time honing his medical skills.


    [Skill: Medical Skill. Ordinary (Proficient)]


    [Progress: 291/1000]


    "This skill, just like studying, progresses extremely slowly after a certain level. I need to continue learning more advanced medical skills."


    After arriving in Liangzhou, not only has my understanding of Martial Arts improved significantly, but my comprehension of medical skills has also gained new insights.


    It''s said that truly skilled doctors can use "force" or "Gang Qi" to assist in refining medicines, reducing the "toxicity" of drugs, thereby allowing martial artists to absorb more supplemental medicine in a short period of time.


    The making of treasure medicine involves such processes.


    Both the age of the medicinal herbs and the techniques of the doctor are subject to stringent requirements.


    But it is said learning to extract medicine with force is a skill that requires a great deal of time to learn, and the benefits gained are often not that significant. Hence, the vast majority remain ordinary doctors, like those medical officers that Jiang oversees, with only a few who are hopeless in breaking through and interested in this pursuit willing to attempt it.


    And in the military forces of Liangzhou, there are two precious doctors of the Meridian Passage Realm.


    "After the apprenticeship ceremony is over, see if I can seek their guidance."


    ...


    "Brother Shi, do you want a son or a daughter?"


    Lying in bed at night, Gu Xinlan embraced the man''s arm and whispered.


    "I want them all."


    Chen Sansi replied, "At least one son and one daughter, right?"


    Gu Xinlan asked, "What if it''s always boys or always girls?"


    "Then we''ll just have a few more."


    "I''m not a breeding mother... um, Brother Shi, where are you putting your hand, I''m pregnant, we can''t, have you forgotten?"


    "I know, I''m not doing anything."


    "Thud¡ª" S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Ah!"


    A shriek suddenly sounded from the front yard.


    Si Qin!


    Chen Sansi grabbed his bow and arrows from the wall and the long spear from the corner and rushed out: "What happened?"


    "Master, there, there''s someone!"


    Si Qin''s voice trembled as she pointed up at the eaves: "Someone was standing up there, throwing things into the yard just now."


    "Bang!"


    Empowered by the blood of the Dragon Elephant, combined with [Light as a Feather], Chen Sansi leaped onto the roof and from afar saw a figure darting away into the night.


    He checked his arrow bag at his waist for whistling arrows and then took off in pursuit.


    Liangzhou had recently suffered so many deaths, so naturally, it was on high alert.


    No matter the cultivation realm of the person ahead, as long as he shot a whistling arrow into the sky, there would immediately be a large group of City Guard Army coming to encircle and suppress.


    Chen Sansi''s speed was no slower than the other party''s, but since his opponent had a significant lead, maintaining a distance of several hundred steps, and was very familiar with the layout of Liangzhou City, he quickly disappeared without a trace around a corner.


    "Who''s there?!"


    He stood on the roof, lost in thought.


    It didn''t seem like the Witch God Sect, but then who could it be?


    Cao Fan and his group?


    That didn''t seem likely either.


    This person was skilled in Qinggong and probably deliberately let Si Qin discover him. After being exposed, he didn''t harm anyone, suggesting no ill intent, but trespassing into someone''s home uninvited and with unknown identity is a great offense!


    "They''re here!"


    With his wife still at home, Chen Sansi didn''t dare to chase too far and was about to return when another figure appeared under the moonlight.


    Manor Master Wen Zhi of Moon Splitting Mountain Villa came flying with a black-clothed person in tow.


    "You..."


    Chen Sansi looked at the black-clothed person, then at Wen Zhi, and quickly understood.


    This rival Martial Saint.


    Seemed to be guarding his door, acting as a bodyguard?!


    "You can''t die right now, if you die, the one surnamed Sun will come after me!"


    Wen Zhi spoke with eyes reddish-purple and his teeth clattering fiercely.


    Not long after returning with his son''s body, he heard the outcome of the Selected Point, and felt a wave of despair in his heart. A True Disciple meant it would be even less possible to act rashly, especially at this critical juncture.


    Or to put it another way.


    Anyone could kill Chen Sansi, but he could not, at least not recently!


    "..."


    Chen Sansi momentarily didn''t know what to say.


    Was the Supervisor''s deterrence this powerful?


    Indeed.


    The death of Ning Changqun was witnessed by hundreds of thousands.


    Blood Refiners might not be so fearful, but the Martial Saints certainly were, and very much so.


    The two descended from the roof to the ground.


    Wen Zhi pointed at the black-clothed person, his voice trembling with anger, "Why does he want to kill you!"


    "I don''t know."


    Chen Sansi candidly replied.


    "You don''t know? Just how many people have you offended!"


    Wen Zhi slapped the black-clothed person, who spat out blood, wailing in pain.

 Chapter 132 Immortal Law_3

    Only then did his heart feel a bit relieved, "This man, with merely the Refining Internal Organs Perfection and seriously injured by me, what should I do with him next? Shall I kill him or hand him over to you?"After pondering for a moment, Chen Sansi said, "Hand him over to me."


    "Hmph!"


    Wen Zhi, as if tossing out trash, threw the half-dead man in black over.


    He shouted at the young general''s retreating back, "Chen Sansi, I will kill you!"


    "Master Wen."


    Chen Sansi stopped in his tracks and suddenly said, "Do you feel wronged?"


    Wen Zhi was taken aback.


    "Your son wanted to kill me, should I simply accept my fate as a fish on the chopping board? I''ll leave you with a saying,"


    Chen Sansi''s face was expressionless, "To not teach one''s child is the father''s fault."


    "You, you mean to say this is all my fault?!"


    Wen Zhi indignantly said, "Then I shall also kill you, I want a fair duel with you, to determine the superior, to decide life or death! Aren''t you the Transformation and Mysterious Body? I''ll wait until you break through to Martial Saint!"


    "Fine."


    Chen Sansi promised, "If Master Wen truly intends this, I will face you in the arena when the time comes."


    "To not teach one''s child is the father''s fault..."


    Wen Zhi stood in the night breeze, silently contemplating this phrase.


    He was all too aware that it was his son who had made things difficult first.


    But the deep-seated hatred of bloodshed was not easy to dispel from one''s thoughts!


    A fair duel was something the other party had agreed to.


    By then, even if he were to beat him to death on the arena, the Elephant Sect would have nothing to say!


    "I, merely at the Refining Internal stage, have set a life-and-death match with a Martial Saint."


    Chen Sansi felt somewhat helpless as he carried the man in black back home.


    "My lord..."


    Si Qinmohua had been waiting at the door, scared out of her wits.


    Chen Sansi asked, "Did you say earlier that something was thrown into the yard?"


    "Yes."


    Si Qin brought over a letter, still tied to a stone.


    "Good, do not disturb the lady, tell her it''s nothing, and to go to bed early."


    After giving instructions, Chen Sansi went to the firewood shed.


    He bound the unconscious man in black securely with rope, then removed the mask to reveal a delicate face underneath, one that looked about the same age as Si Qinmohua.


    "A woman?"


    Chen Sansi, looking at her serene features, was somewhat taken aback.


    He picked up an arrow as though it were a dagger and first severed the black-clad person''s hand and foot tendons, ensuring she couldn''t move. After applying medicine to stop the bleeding and keep her alive, he sat down quietly to wait.


    He had a reason for bringing this person back.


    Because...


    He had seen a hint of Qingxuan Energy on her!


    That''s right. Explore new worlds at empire


    The same type of energy that was inside Sun Xiangzong''s body.


    Only it was incredibly faint, almost invisible unless looked at closely, and easy to overlook.


    If one were to make a comparison, it would be like the difference between the bright moon and the light of fireflies.


    That''s why Chen Sansi had decided to bring her back to find out the truth.


    Moreover, the fact that she was almost killed outright indicated that this slight trace of Qingxuan Energy couldn''t possibly be enough to save her life, otherwise, she would have used it by now.


    Of course, it was still better to disable her first, to be on the safe side.


    "Is there really a method to absorb Qingxuan Energy?"


    Chen Sansi was certain it was no coincidence.


    He wasn''t sure whether he could uncover a thing or two after becoming an apprentice.


    If he couldn''t get clear answers from this person, he could also take her to the Governor Mansion.


    He pulled out a letter, and after opening it, there were only a few words inside.


    "Please, General Chen, come to the Red Sleeve Tower for a meeting three days later."


    "Red Sleeve Tower?"


    Chen Sansi recalled the name, which seemed to be a famous brothel in Liangzhou.


    What did they want him to do?


    Why didn''t they invite him before, but sought him out right after he triumphed at Selected Point, obviously having an ulterior motive?


    ...


    About two or three hours later.


    The woman in black gradually woke up.


    Then, she cried.


    Chen Sansi scolded, "Shut up!"


    The woman cried even harder.


    "I told you to shut up!"


    "Clang¡ª"


    Chen Sansi drew the Zhenyue Sword and pressed it against her neck.


    Only then did the woman in black quiet down, but she still couldn''t stop trembling.


    "Who are you?"


    Chen Sansi warned, "I don''t have the patience to ask a second time."


    "Seek, Seeking Immortal Tower..."


    The woman sobbed, "It hurts, it hurts..."


    "Seeking Immortal Tower?"


    Chen Sansi remembered the records in the "Chronicle of Sects Throughout the World."


    A mysterious sect, with a thousand years of legacy, solely dedicated to seeking immortal traces.


    "What do you want from me?"


    "My master sent me..."


    The woman in black was at the peak of her grievance, "I was just delivering a letter, what gives you the right to treat me this way."


    "Nonsense!"


    Chen Sansi said coldly, "Why deliver a letter without going through the front door?"


    "Because we are mysterious," the woman in black replied matter-of-factly.


    What kind of reasoning is that?


    Chen Sansi pressed further, "Why seek me out at the Red Sleeve Tower?"


    "I don''t know, I really don''t know anything, I was just here to deliver the letter, there was no ill intent..."


    The woman in black, terrified and unable to move, chattered her teeth as she spoke, "I only know it seems related to Immortal Law, please let me go, I beg of you, wuwuwu..."


    "Immortal Law?"


    Chen Sansi fell silent.


    He couldn''t entirely trust nor disregard her words. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He could, however, judge that she truly had no malice.


    But he felt no guilt either.


    What kind of good person would visit one''s house, choosing to come in the dead of night and donned in night-travelling clothes?


    Not being directly killed by Martial Saint Wen Zhi was already lucky; having her hands and feet tendons cut was only a minor punishment for the affront, and it was on the lighter side. Otherwise, his home might indeed turn into a marketplace in the future.


    Besides, if this girl truly belonged to the Seeking Immortal Tower, such injuries were definitely curable for them.


    Killing her was not necessary.


    The Seeking Immortal Tower is shrouded in mystery.


    Chen Sansi did not have sufficient strength and saw no need to make an enemy for sure; as for whether or not to go to the appointment, that could wait until after the Sect Initiation Ceremony.


    With this in mind, he said, "You can leave now."


    "Wuwuwu..."


    The woman in black just cried.

 Chapter 132 Immortal Law_4

    Chen Sansi realized that the person he had temporarily disabled would be paralyzed for a long time without treasure medicine to treat her.After thinking it over, he lifted the woman onto his shoulder and left the house.


    The woman, full of resentment, murmured, "Just take me to the Red Sleeve Tower."


    Today was truly the most unlucky day of her life.


    She was just delivering a message; how could she have encountered a Martial Saint?


    Without so much as a question, he plunged so many knives into her, utterly savage. Where was the rumored hero who helped civilians across the river, the good Samaritan? He was just downright evil.


    Luckily, he didn''t dare to kill her, it seemed that the reputation of Seeking Immortal Tower still held some sway.


    "Wait, where are you taking me?"


    "..."


    The woman who had just breathed a sigh of relief suddenly realized they were going the wrong way: "This isn''t the way to the Red Sleeve Tower."


    The man carrying her was running so fast that the street scenes on both sides swiftly changed and receded.


    About half an hour later, a mansion appeared in front of them, with three big characters written on the black plaque above the door¡ªGovernor Mansion.


    Sun Xiangzong''s private residence.


    It was the crack of dawn, with the sky just beginning to brighten in the east.


    Surprisingly, for someone who was the first person over military and political affairs in the Northern Territory during wartime, there were no patrolling soldiers, and not even a gatekeeper at the front gate, just two enormous stone lions.


    "What, what are you going to do?"


    The woman struggled desperately: "Let me go, let me go! You bastard, bastard!"


    Chen Sansi had originally planned to just drop her on the street.


    But then he thought better of it and decided to take her to the Governor Mansion.


    Although he didn''t kill her, he had caused her grave injury inflicted by Wen Zhi, which was an offense nonetheless; who knew if she might retaliate.


    Furthermore, since Seeking Immortal Tower had sought him out after the Selected Point, it certainly had something to do with Sun Xiangzong, not to mention the Qingxuan Energy. He feared the situation was too complex for someone of his mere Refining Internal achievement to handle.


    Besides, it was something that couldn''t be hidden.


    If only two people knew, it could be manageable, but even Master Wen had seen her; it was never a secret in the first place.


    "Bang, bang, bang!"


    Chen Sansi knocked on the door.


    After a long while, a servant came to open the door, yawning and groggily asking, "Who is it, who are you looking for?"


    "I am Chen Sansi,"


    Chen Sansi introduced himself, "I need to see the Lord Governor."


    "Oh, Mr. Chen, please wait a moment,"


    The servant obviously had heard of this year''s Champion Leader from the Selected Point.


    He went inside to notify his master.


    After about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, the servant returned with a wheelchair.


    "Junior brother, master is still resting. Whatever it is, you can tell me,"


    Fang Qingyun looked at the blood-covered woman on Chen Sansi''s shoulder with puzzlement and said, "What''s this about...?"


    "Senior brother four,"


    Chen Sansi put the woman down on the ground and briefly described what had happened: "I''m not exactly sure what''s going on, but I''ll leave it to you."


    "Seeking Immortal Tower?"


    Fang Qingyun commented with interest, "It''s been many years since they''ve shown themselves. I didn''t expect them to come to you so quickly."


    "Junior brother, you need not worry about it anymore. Leave her here, and they won''t dare to come for you again. Master has been quite busy and won''t be able to see you for now. Let''s wait until after the admittance ceremony."


    "Thank you, Senior Brother Four."


    Chen Sansi bowed in gratitude and took his leave.


    As he walked a few steps away, he looked back one last time at the Qingxuan Energy on the woman''s body, flickering like fireflies.


    It seemed that it wasn''t only Sun Governor who knew how to absorb Qingxuan Energy. Seeking Immortal Tower must have also grasped some methods, albeit clumsily, so clumsily as to be almost useless¡ªat least it had no effect on the woman in black.


    Chen Sansi''s internal injuries were still a bit painful. Too lazy to walk, he summoned Qian Xun, who was still sleeping at home, to carry him.


    On the way back, he saw Master Wen, who had not slept all night, sitting at a tea stall at the corner of the road at the end of the mansion''s district.


    ''Was he guarding the gate for me all night?''


    "Chen Sansi!"


    Wen Zhi questioned, "Who exactly is the person in black, from which sect or faction, and why did they want to kill you? Tell me everything immediately!" S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Master Wen need not concern himself,"


    Chen Sansi said without looking back.


    "You think I want to meddle!"


    Wen Zhi stood up abruptly.


    At the very least, if this kid died within a few days of the Selected Point''s end, he would never wash himself clean even if he jumped into the Yellow River.


    "I have taken the person to the Governor Mansion. If Master Wen wants to know, he can go and ask."


    Chen Sansi lightly flicked the whip on the slightly grumpy Qian Xun, speeding away.


    "Outrageous!"


    Wen Zhi roared, reducing the table in front of him to splinters.


    "You, you... " The teahouse owner pointed accusingly, his voice trembling: "I''m going to report this to the Governor Mansion!"


    "Shut up, I''ll compensate you with silver!"


    "..."


    ...


    It took Chen Sansi two days, using the Healing Treasure Medicine given by Senior Sister Nine, to recover from his internal injuries, and then he resumed his cultivation, aiming to break through to Refining Internal Organs Perfection before the end of the month.


    Small Achievement and Perfection were indeed worlds apart.


    Had he also been able to unleash a Blood Explosion, would he have needed to exert so much effort against Cao Fan?


    [Cultivation Technique: Unity Spear Technique (Small Achievement)]


    [Progress: 829/2000]


    The higher one ascends in the Martial Arts Realm, the slower the progress naturally becomes, and even the Body of Martial Saint was no exception. Otherwise, there wouldn''t be so many people stuck at a certain realm.


    The speed he had attained was, in part, thanks to Spiritual Grain.


    If outsiders knew, they would certainly marvel at his rapid progress. Continue reading at empire


    But Chen Sansi was still dissatisfied.


    It wasn''t greed, but sheer necessity.


    With Cao Fan, Seeking Immortal Tower, and Moon Splitting Mountain Villa all keeping a close eye on him, he could not always rely on the protection of the Eight Camps and the Governor. After all, even immortals can''t be everywhere at once.


    Not to mention, they were all quite busy in their daily affairs.

 Chapter 132 Immortal Law_5

    Recently, all the main generals from the camps gathered solely because the major battle had just ended and they needed recuperation as well as coincidentally, it was time for Selected Point.It''s estimated that soon afterwards, they will disperse across various places in the Northwest Three States.


    Ultimately, one has to rely on oneself.


    "The development of Immortal Treasures is really too low!"


    Chen Sansi''s application of Abnormal Fire was just like a primitive person who had just learned to use fire, directly burning the Spiritual Grain he consumed into ash, wasting who knows how much essence.


    It would be nice to find a container that could withstand the temperature of Abnormal Fire.


    Iron pots have been tried...


    Mystical Weapon!


    He suddenly remembered the Mystical Weapons mentioned by Sun Buqi; the metal used to forge Mystical Weapons can transmit force and must be of extraordinary quality, which could be seen from the Zhenyue Sword.


    If there was a container made from forging Mystical Weapons, even if it couldn''t completely withstand the temperature of Abnormal Fire, it''d still be okay; at worst, it could be used as a consumable.


    Within the Eight Camps, there are doctors at the Meridian Passage Realm, and the containers they use might just be forged from Mystical Weapons.


    Of course, this is just a guess for now.


    If that doesn''t work...


    Then it''s only hunting left.


    Chen Sansi, after much thought, knew that the only way to speed up his cultivation was to resort to his old trade.


    He wasn''t lacking treasure medicine or Spiritual Grain, and the saber-toothed tiger meat was almost gone.


    Only by continuing to hunt Exotic Beasts could he increase his cultivation speed even faster.


    It was a good opportunity to figure out if there was any connection between the black qi in the mountainous Poisonous Beasts and Zhang Huaimin, which might also involve some kind of Immortal Law and seemed even more exaggerated in terms of expressiveness.


    From Meridian Passage directly across to Mysterious Phenomenon!


    Lost in wild thoughts, Chen Sansi practiced the Unity Spear Technique twice more, then put down his weapon and returned to his bedroom to change into clean clothes before heading out with Gu Xinlan to Ci Yun Temple.


    Ever since becoming pregnant, Gu Xinlan often mentioned going to pray for the child''s safety and blessings. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Enjoy exclusive content from empire


    It was her first time becoming a mother, so it was natural for her to feel nervous; if a visit to the Taoist Temple could provide some reassurance, that was certainly a good thing.


    The Xu couple was already waiting early in the courtyard.


    On the way,


    Xu Bin talked about Ci Yun Temple: "General, after we came to Liangzhou, I had quite a lot of free time, so I wandered around quite a bit and even visited Ci Yun Temple twice. It''s very popular, not just with common folks but many Martial Artists also like to go."


    "Brother Bin, the common people like to worship gods and Buddha for emotional comfort, which I can understand, but why do Martial Artists like to go there to offer incense and prayers?"


    Chen Sansi felt there was only one possibility: "Could it be that they provide good medicine for Martial Artists."


    A simple woman like Mrs. Tong definitely wouldn''t know about these things; asking her would be like asking in vain.


    "You guessed right,"


    Xu Bin replied, "The visiting worshipers, if willing to pay thirty taels of incense money, can get a bowl of ''Nourishing Spirit Soup'' made from a secret recipe, which is said to bring peace of mind and greatly assist Martial Cultivation. It''s just that the price is really high."


    "No wonder."


    Chen Sansi became interested.


    Ci Yun Temple was located thirty li outside the southern gate of Liangzhou, in Wangyun Mountain. To reach the mountaintop, it was necessary to climb dozens more li.


    "Sister Lan, are you tired? Let me carry you."


    "Where do you see a man carrying his wife around... Ah!"


    Before Gu Xinlan could finish speaking, she found herself with a slip of her feet, riding on his sturdy back. She quickly clung to his neck to prevent falling.


    "I''m not carrying you, I''m carrying the child!"


    The weight of a hundred and some pounds was almost negligible for Chen Sansi.


    Along the way, he indeed saw many Martial Artists.


    Some even came up to greet him voluntarily.


    Gu Xinlan had heard some: "Brother Shi, you''re quite famous, huh."


    "Brother Bin, continue talking,"


    Chen Sansi asked, "Tell me about the origin of Ci Yun Temple and the cultivation realm of the Taoists there."


    "It is said that Ci Yun Temple was already there when the Great Sheng Dynasty was founded, and the incense has been very prosperous ever since. However, there hasn''t been a high realm Martial Artist in centuries; only the current temple master has reached Hua Jing Perfection and is about to break through to the Meridian Passage Realm,"


    Xu Bin explained, "The highest others have reached is just Hua Jing, so Ci Yun Temple has always been considered a third-rate sect, unless one is a local, otherwise, they might not have even heard of it."


    In summary, they have excellent skills but no masters.


    Of course, for the current Chen Sansi, Hua Jing or Meridian Passage would still count as a master.


    When they reached the gate, a middle-aged man dressed in a white robe came to greet them: "Mr. Chen, congratulations, taking the title of Champion Leader at Selected Point and soon to be taken as a disciple by Supervisor Sun, your future is limitless!"


    Chen Sansi recalled this man who stood with Wen Zhi at that time; he politely clasped his hands and said, "Are you Sect Master Shao of the Tongxuan Sword Sect? I''ve been disrespectful."


    Even an esteemed Martial Saint had come personally, the benefits of this medicine must be significant.


    "You''re too courteous; how can I, a common man, accept such respect from an Imperial Officer."


    Shao Yujing laughed: "Mr. Chen, are you also here for the Nourishing Spirit Soup?"


    "Exactly."


    Chen Sansi candidly replied, "Even Sect Master Shao has come personally; the effects must indeed be extraordinary."


    "Hehe, the Nourishing Spirit Soup truly is a fine item; after drinking it, it really calms the mind and soul, it''s the only such medicine in all of Liangzhou."


    Shao Yujing made a welcoming gesture: "Please follow me, Mr. Chen, you will know once you try it."


    Chen Sansi looked towards the main hall: "Don''t we need to offer incense first?"


    "It''s also fine to offer incense when we leave,"


    Shao Yujing smiled and said, "The supervisor Qiu Mingzi is just next door in the pharmacy brewing the Nourishing Spirit Soup; the timing is just right to head over now, otherwise you''ll have to wait several more hours."

 Chapter 132 Immortal Law_6

    "With that, I thank you, Senior."Chen Sansi signaled Xu Bin and the others to follow.


    The group crossed the gate and made their way eastward, arriving at a separate courtyard, where they saw numerous medicinal herbs laid out to dry and Qiu Mingzi tending to a medicine brewing over the furnace.


    In front of him was a dark silver cauldron situated atop a specially-made stove; the roaring flames were so powerful they nearly engulfed the entire cauldron.


    Qiu Mingzi''s hands emitted a strength invisible to the naked eye, forcefully dividing the flames before systematically striking the cauldron, emitting a "humming" sound that resonated dully.


    "Power Quenching Medicine?"


    Chen Sansi hadn''t expected to witness it here first.


    "Mr. Chen is also familiar with this?"


    Shao Yujing remarked, "This is truly a skillful craft. Even for me, to truly learn it would consume a great amount of time, and that cauldron itself is made of the mystical steel used to forge Mystical Weapons, worth three thousand taels."


    While they talked, Qiu Mingzi let out a loud shout and suddenly slapped the top of the cauldron, creating a sound like that of a gong.


    Immediately, a junior Taoist rushed up to douse the flames with prepared cold water as quickly as possible.


    "Sizzz¡ª"


    In an instant, white smoke filled the air.


    Qiu Mingzi carried the cauldron to a pavilion nearby before returning to greet the group: "Fortune as boundless as the sky, Heavenly Venerate. The humble Taoist greets the two benefactors."


    "True One, we are well acquainted, there''s no need for such formalities."


    As Shao Yujing spoke, he introduced Chen Sansi at his side, exchanging pleasantries and courtesies.


    Qiu Mingzi served them each a bowl of Nourishing Spirit Soup.


    [Nourishing Spirit Soup: After consumption, it aids focus and mental tranquility, beneficial for breakthroughs in cultivation.]


    Not only the effects of the medicine but its formula and production method as well, Chen Sansi easily unraveled them and realized that after achieving Hua Jin, he could also brew this medicine himself.


    Once he was certain it was safe, he drank the potion and also procured a bowl for Xu Bin.


    Thirty taels of silver.


    To Chen Sansi, it wasn''t much, but for Xu Bin and the rest at their current level, it was quite expensive. They likely came before just to pray for blessings, probably not willing to indulge in the medicine.


    Moreover, this substance did not seem to be of substantial help in improving cultivation; its main effect was calming the mind, even more so than ''Wise Mode''!


    In such a state, it was indeed conducive to breakthroughs in cultivation, but of no use to him.


    Chen Sansi exclaimed, "The technique of Power Quenching Medicine by Qiu Mingzi True One is truly exceptional; Chen has surely broadened his horizons today!"


    "The benefactor flatters me; the secret technique is handed down by my ancestors, and I still have much to learn." S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "True One."


    Chen Sansi placed his hand on top of the cauldron: "To be honest, I also have some knowledge of the healing arts. After achieving Hua Jin, I would like to learn the technique of Power Quenching Medicine, but I lack a proper cauldron. I wonder if True One could gift me one?"


    "Oh, I will pay my respects to the ancestors with five thousand taels of incense money."


    "How can I refuse such sincerity from the benefactor?"


    Qiu Mingzi immediately replied, "Indeed, there are a few cauldrons in Furnace Tripod Temple. Before descending the mountain, I will have someone deliver one to Mr. Chen."


    "I am grateful, True One."


    Chen Sansi caressed the cauldron, feeling its extraordinary texture and wondering if it could truly withstand the burning of Abnormal Fire.


    It doesn''t matter; just five thousand taels of silver.


    "Does Mr. Chen find the Nourishing Spirit Soup disappointing, thinking it''s just so-so?"


    Shao Yujing seemed to guess his thoughts: "This thing is indeed beneficial, but it contributes very little to the advancement of cultivation. What we seek is tranquility of mind. Only with a calm heart can we have epiphanies!"


    "Ah... speaking of which, it''s been over a decade since Shao broke through to the Martial Saint Realm, but even now, I have not touched upon a higher threshold, which makes me even more eager to break through via insights into my mental state."


    "Ci Yun Temple organizes a preaching conference once a month, attended by many Martial Artists from Liangzhou state."


    "These recent years of listening have been greatly beneficial to Shao. If I persist, perhaps one day I will comprehend the Dao!"


    "If Mr. Chen is interested, you may join us next time."


    Chen Sansi understood the other''s mentality.


    If the normal path is blocked, it''s natural to seek alternatives.


    "I truly envy Mr. Chen~"


    Shao Yujing lamented, "At such a young age, you''ve become a True Disciple of Supervisor Sun, someone whom all Martial Saints aspire to in their lifetime. In the future, Mr. Chen is very likely to see a much larger world."


    Chen Sansi said, "Sect Master Shao, I have not yet formally begun my entry-level training; currently, I am still Refining Internal, how could I dare to hope for such things?"


    After finishing the Nourishing Spirit Soup, they went to pay respect by offering incense at the main hall.


    Streams of worshippers continued to come and go; the entire Taoist Temple was bustling from inside out, and the scent of Sandalwood pervaded every direction, inescapable.


    After all, this was a place where even Martial Saints came to worship, so ordinary Martial Artists would naturally be inclined to follow. With these distinguished individuals participating, commoners naturally believed in its efficacy.


    Inside the main hall was a statue of the Heavenly Venerate to whom all worshippers paid their respects.


    The Heavenly Venerate of Unlimited Salvation from Distress and Hardship.


    His name was similar to those of the deities from Chen Sansi''s past life, and although they were not the same, there was a sense of a shared essence.


    Gu Xinlan had already prepared the offerings, and the incense money was arranged beforehand at the entrance.


    After lighting three sticks of Sandalwood, she bowed deeply in front of the Divine Statue, then followed the ritual: center, then left, right, ensuring the incense was at an even height, and ended with three prostrating bows.


    It was at this moment.


    A faint wisp of Purple Energy emerged from the top of Gu Xinlan''s head, drifting towards an incense burner in front of the offering table. The burner absorbed the energy and burst forth with dazzling purple light, which subsided shortly thereafter.


    Chen Sansi''s pupils trembled violently.


    He looked around; others were the same.


    Every sincere worshipper generated a wisp of Purple Energy that floated serenely into the incense burner.


    What was this?


    Incense energy?


    Ever since learning of the Immortal Law above the Martial Saint Realm, Chen Sansi was quite receptive to new phenomena and was not overly shocked to see the incense energy.


    But the question was...


    Wasn''t incense meant to be offered to the Divine Statue?


    Why...


    Was it absorbed into the burner on the offering table?

 Chapter 133 Teaching Spells

    Incense.Incense burner! sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Heavenly purple energy!


    For a moment, Chen Sansi felt somewhat unsure of how to assess the situation.


    Setting aside the matter of the incense energy still present in the world, the main question was why an establishment as small as Ci Yun Temple would possess a treasure capable of gathering purple energy?


    What was it used for?


    If it was for enhancing cultivation, how come there was only one at Hua Jin Perfection?


    Assuming the temple master who traveled outside was in the Meridian Passage Realm, wasn''t that still too low?


    After analyzing, there were only two possibilities.


    Either the incense had just started being collected recently.


    Just like Chen Sansi, who held the Immortal Treasure, but due to the short time, had not yet achieved a high level in the Martial Arts Realm.


    Or, the burner wasn''t theirs to begin with!


    Not everyone knew Qi Observation Skill, or had a way to sense the different energies of heaven and earth. For this reason, even if the incense burner was here consuming the incense, the Taoists of Ci Yun Temple might have no idea about it.


    As to which possibility it could be, it remained unknown.


    Chen Sansi scrutinized carefully.


    The bronze incense burner''s surface was unexpectedly engraved with unknown ferocious beasts, mouths wide open, greedily consuming the incense that should belong to the divine statue ¡ª eerie, greedy, unworldly.


    "This thing could likely withstand the Abnormal Fire!"


    His heart was moved.


    But ultimately, it wasn''t his possession.


    If Ci Yun Temple knew of the incense matter, then they would definitely not sell it.


    If they didn''t know, who was collecting the incense from behind the scenes? It was better not to try anything lightly without absolute certainty of remaining undetected.


    Moreover, the most important point was that Ci Yun Temple had not provoked him, so why take something that belonged to someone else?


    Mixed thoughts mingled, eventually all suppressed.


    He would make do with the Mystical Weapon Furnace for now; perhaps it would work.


    "Brother Shi, come offer a prayer too~"


    Gu Xinlan beckoned, "It''s good for the child."


    "Yes, Mr. Chen."


    Shao Yujing stood up after offering prayers, "The Immortal Path is profound; we must be sincere to have a chance in the future."


    "Hmm."


    Chen Sansi did not refuse.


    If he did not pray at this time, it would appear odd.


    Through the Qi Observation Skill, he was in an active position; if someone observant noted anything unusual, he would be at a disadvantage.


    He didn''t act pretentious and performed the incense offering.


    However...


    Not a wisp of purple energy flowed from him.


    He had never believed in deities or Buddha.


    That wasn''t a problem.


    There were many insincere people at the scene; some bowed their heads with thuds but no purple energy appeared.


    After offering prayers to the divine statue, Chen Sansi and his wife descended the mountain, not forgetting to take the Mystical Weapon Furnace and told the young Taoist to collect the silver note from Chen Mansion later.


    Five thousand taels of silver notes, such a large amount, he wouldn''t carry it around aimlessly.


    Shao Yujing said, "Mr. Chen, if you are interested at the end of the month, you can come to listen to Real Person Qiu Mingzi speak about the Dao; it might help you in the future."


    "Master Shao has personally extended an invitation; naturally, I must attend."


    Chen Sansi did not refuse.


    He was very interested in the matter of the incense, getting more excuses to visit might lead to new discoveries.


    On the way home, Qian Xun came to escort.


    Chen Sansi held Sister Lan in his embrace.


    Qian Xun, apparently aware that the lady of the house was pregnant, moved with extra stability.


    Passing through a bustling street, the big characters of Red Sleeve Tower were particularly striking.


    The six-story building, apart from the last one, had dazzling women throwing flirty glances toward him, truly a tower full of beckoning red sleeves.


    "Oh, has it just been a few days, Brother Shi, and you already miss this kind of place?"


    Gu Xinlan noticed his gaze.


    "No, I have serious business."


    Chen Sansi shifted his gaze away.


    Seeking Immortal Tower.


    Most likely, someone was hiding inside Red Sleeve Tower, not that the whole brothel was the Seeking Immortal Tower.


    The woman from a few nights ago, unknown how she was now.


    But if even the Supervisor couldn''t handle it, there was no use worrying about it.


    Several more days until the Mentorship Ceremony; after meeting the Supervisor, he should be able to clear everything up.


    Before that, he would continue to cultivate; whether the Mystical Weapon Furnace could withstand the Abnormal Fire needed to be slowly discovered, any major commotion at home not being noticed would be strange.


    For four days straight.


    Chen Sansi spent most of his time practicing Martial Arts besides accompanying his wife.


    [Cultivation Technique: Unity Spear Technique (small achievement)]


    [Progress: 1055/2000]


    The proficiency progress had finally crossed half.


    According to the current pace, he should achieve Great Success of Refining in two months.


    Apart from that, these days people were still dying continuously within the Sect.


    Just not as many.


    "It''s getting weirder and weirder."


    Before he had the Qi Observation Skill, Chen Sansi was essentially blind, unable to pry into higher-level secrets.


    Up until now, he increasingly felt that everything, seemingly separate, was interconnected.


    Liangzhou, and perhaps even the entire world, might soon undergo dramatic changes.


    "My lord, Mr. Sun is here."


    Si Qin came to report.


    "I know."


    Chen Sansi got dressed with the help of Mo Hua in a new blue robe sewn by Sister Lan, habitually took his Big Bow and Reed Leaf Spear, along with the ZhenYue Sword at his waist, then boarded the carriage.


    "The Mentorship Ceremony is about to begin."


    Sun Buqi explained, "Today''s schedule involves all the True Inheritors, Inner Sect, and Outer Sect disciples together, watching this year''s new entry-level disciples perform rites, categorizing them into the Reserve Camp, then dividing their posts according to realm and Selected Point results."


    "Reserve Camp?"


    Chen Sansi asked.


    "Yes."


    Sun Buqi nodded, "The vacancies in the Eight Camps aren''t enough, plus my father wants to expand the army, so we simply combined the disciples with the Liangzhou soldiers to form a Reserve Camp. After expanding, we''ll select personnel from this batch of disciples for the newly established four camps."

 Chapter 133 Teaching Spells_2

    Four new camps had been established.This meant that the Governor Mansion''s military strength was to be expanded to the Twelve Camps, and by then, it would have over one hundred fifty thousand troops.


    Of course, expanding the army was a long process.


    Mustering military supplies, training troop sources, forming units¡ª even if soldiers were drawn from existing garrison soldiers, it would still take at least a year and a half to complete.


    Upon arriving at the Military City.


    Starting from the entrance, there were warriors in armor and armed with sharp weapons lined up in neat rows, their spears, axes, and halberds forming a path leading to the ceremony.


    The number of people participating in the mentorship ceremony was large, but it was actually not extravagant. There was virtually no decoration that wasted labor or cost, just a wooden platform, and entry-level disciples were arranged in teams based on their performance.


    Due to the large number of people, there were also not many complicated rituals. More than a hundred people drank down a bowl of wine at the same time, and that was considered the completion of the mentorship ceremony.


    Next.


    Came the assignment of duties.


    The duty system in the Camp Soldiers was quite different from the garrison system, and relatively more complex.


    To summarize briefly.


    The Reserve Camp had a total of twelve thousand people. The highest commanders were the Camp General and the Deputy General, and the remaining twelve thousand were divided into four parts: front, back, left, and right, with one Assistant General for each part, totalling four Assistant Generals.


    Below them were the Thousand Captains, each in charge of a thousand soldiers.


    The Captain, in charge of five hundred people.


    The Hundred Captain, in charge of a hundred people.


    The Team Armor, in charge of ten people.


    For the regular Eight Camps, one needed to have reached Hua Jin to be a Thousand Captain, Meridian Passage to be an Assistant General, and Profound Image Realm to be a Main General, whereas a Deputy General could either be in the Profound Image or the Great Perfection stage of the Meridian Passage Realm.


    The Reserve Camp, as it was temporarily assembled from a selection of soldiers and also meant to provide practice opportunities for Selected Spear Generals, was generally one rank lower.


    Chen Sansi was given the position of Thousand Captain, which corresponded exactly with his rank of General of Martial Virtue of the fifth class.


    Inner Sect Disciples were also generally Thousand Captains.


    Cao Fan, Lu Shuhua, Yan Changqing, Bai Thingzhi, Xie Sishu, and so on.


    Wen Qiushi had died; someone else replaced his position.


    Tang Yingke''s wounds were not going to heal anytime soon, and he also hadn''t come over temporarily.


    Chen Sansi''s troop sources were quite complicated.


    Four hundred of them were brought from Po Yang, while the other six hundred were garrison soldiers from You State, Liangzhou, and Yan State¡ªa real mixed bag. Fortunately, they did not need to start training from scratch as they all had complete systems in place; they only needed to gradually familiarize themselves and possibly replace a significant portion of people in the future.


    "Grant the armour!"


    Fang Qingyun personally came down to distribute the armor to each individual.


    Every Thousand Captain received a set of Lock Armor, whose material quality was far superior to that of the standard garrison armor, essentially covering the entire body. Coupled with the Martial Artist''s own defensive power, it could effectively withstand attacks from low-level Martial Artists.


    Of course, one couldn''t rely solely on the armor.


    Human power was limitless. The higher the realm, the greater the destructive power. Ordinary armor simply couldn''t withstand it, unless it was made of black iron or Heavy Armor, some of which could even resist some forces and Gang Qi, but the cost was so high that generally only Assistant Generals and above could be equipped with it.


    There were also a few camps with a small number of Black Armor Heavy Infantry and Heavy Cavalry, but these were the elite of the elite, with extremely high production costs, and they would not be used until critical moments.


    After the granting of armor, it was time for the distribution of Cultivation Techniques.


    Outer Sect Disciples could go to the Book Collection Pavilion to freely choose, and when practicing, they were instructed by the Profound Image Realm Main Generals, provided they were available.


    Inner Sect Disciples, on the other hand, were presented with Cultivation Techniques specially selected by Sun Xiangzong according to their characteristics. Any confusions they had during their cultivation could be written and sent to the Governor Mansion, and all would be replied to one by one.


    If they were at a breakthrough point, they would even be called to the mansion for personal guidance.


    As for direct transmission...


    It was not taught here but after the mentorship ceremony ended, they would go to the Governor Mansion for a one-on-one talk.


    The treatment for each level was vastly different.


    It wasn''t intentional discrimination but rather that it was impossible to personally teach over a hundred people; one simply couldn''t manage, not to mention there were also numerous military and administrative duties to be dealt with.


    Fang Qingyun said leisurely, "Beside these, every Inner Sect Disciple can also go to the arsenal to select and receive one Mystical Weapon, and Outer Sect Disciples, upon breaking through their realm or achieving military merits, can likewise exchange for a Mystical Weapon."


    "General Fang!"


    A strongly built Inner Sect Disciple spoke up, his voice full of unwillingness, "Is there anything else you haven''t announced? Don''t play favorites with Brother Chen."


    "I was just about to say, don''t rush."


    Fang Qingyun nodded, "Lastly, all disciples, whether Inner or Outer Sect, as long as they are rated as Class A root bone during the bone testing stage, will have the opportunity to advance to True Disciple within three years."


    "The promotion requirements are also simple. As long as you can surpass a True Disciple by two minor realms and also excel in military achievements, you can challenge him again in half a year, fight him in the platform, and he cannot refuse."


    "After success, you will take his place and become a True Disciple."


    "His resources will also be transferred to you."


    "Therefore, failing in Selected Spear is temporary. Don''t be discouraged, my fellow disciples. Keep motivating yourselves. This is an army, not a Sect. After all, everything here speaks through strength."


    This rule had always been in place, serving as a way to motivate everyone. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As the words ended.


    Cao Fan, Lu Shuhua, and others almost all cast a staunch gaze towards Chen Sansi, evidently becoming determined challengers.


    For the vast majority of people.


    The method of breaking through Above Martial Saint didn''t matter; the court provided unlimited resources, which would continue to be supplied until one could no longer break through after three years!

 Chapter 133 Teaching Spells_3

    Even for those like Lu Shuhua from great and influential families, raising a Martial Saint required draining all their resources, and sometimes that still wasn''t enough¡ªit depended on luck.In the past, not so many were tempted to try.


    Because the Champion Leader mostly dominated the martial arts competitions with overwhelming victories.


    But this year was different.


    Chen Sansi had only achieved Refining Internal Organs Small Success!


    Many of them had reached Refining Internal Organs Perfection and would be able to transform their energy soon, standing a great chance to snatch the position of the True Inheritor.


    After the mentorship ceremony concluded, the crowd dispersed on their own.


    Starting from tomorrow, they would need to report to the barracks daily, to train or carry out missions.


    "Princely Heir, are you... you''re about to transform your energy?"


    Yin Hanwen earnestly expressed his concern, "Princely Heir, you''ve shared with me that the complete ''Golden Crow Heavenly Dragon Saber Technique'' can elevate your realm faster, but it damages the body. You are still young, in the future..."


    "Heaven rewards the diligent!"


    Cao Fan interrupted him, "To suppress him by a mere small realm level and still not win, if this Princely Heir were to be overtaken by him, wouldn''t that be even more disgraceful? How could I afford not to try my hardest?"


    Previously, he had relied on the set boundaries of the platform to gain a suppressive advantage, otherwise, the defeat would have been even quicker and more brutal!


    This gave him a full measure of pressure and motivation in his heart.


    "Moreover..."


    Cao Fan continued, "Don''t forget, I came to Liangzhou partly for Sun Xiangzong, and partly to establish my authority in the military. If I could take control of the Northern Territory''s military power, my position would be more secure."


    The Imperial Family, in most cases, does not have just one descendant.


    Not to mention competition for the position of Crown Prince, even the position of Princely Heir is coveted.


    He had several brothers back home...


    Especially the last time he visited the palace, he saw his youngest brother riding on Grandpa''s neck.


    If he could make a name for himself in the Northern Territory, only then could he be truly worry-free.


    "Princely Heir..."


    Yin Hanwen looked full of worries.


    He might flatter on ordinary days, but unlike Wen Qiushi, he and Cao Fan grew up together and truly cared for each other.


    "Hanwen, you don''t understand."


    Cao Fan forced a bitter smile tinged with self-mockery: "We Cao Family members are born noble, but we also live burdensomely. Once we lose, it''s not just our position at stake but our entire fortunes and lives. How could we not fight our hardest?"


    "Princely Heir!"


    Yin Hanwen, clenching his fist, declared, "The only thing Hanwen can do is to assist the Princely Heir with his life."


    "Hanwen, in private you don''t have to call me Princely Heir, just calling me Brother Fan is fine."


    Cao Fan patted his shoulder, speaking with an air of gravity, "If one day I truly attain that position, I will still rely on you as my right-hand man."


    "I wouldn''t dare."


    Yin Hanwen bowed respectfully.


    "Ah~"


    Cao Fan did not persuade further, just gazed at the departing figure of Chen Sansi, clenching the Azure Dragon Crescent Saber in his hand even harder, driving it inches deep into the ground.


    He was determined to win, using all of his might!


    ...


    "Junior fellow apprentice, please come in." Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    At the Governor Mansion''s gate, Fang Qingyun said with a smile, "Master is waiting for you in the backyard."


    "Senior brother, let me push it."


    Chen Sansi took the wheelchair from the servant and wheeled him inside.


    As he officially crossed the threshold, he felt inexplicably nervous.


    "Young master, did you damage my dragon bone carriage?"


    "..."


    As soon as they returned,


    a maid approached them, her tone was respectful indeed, but it also carried real reproach.


    "I just touched it!"


    Sun Buqi argued, "Your thing was already broken, don''t put the blame on me."


    "Young master, you must fix it for me, it took a month to craft it myself."


    The maid dragged Sun Buqi toward the side yard, not forgetting to bow before leaving.


    "..."


    "General Fang!"


    "Have met Mr. Chen!"


    "..."


    Similar situations continued to occur.


    The servants in Governor Mansion observed the rules, yet they did not show any signs of oppression, giving off the vibe of nannies rather than slaves.


    Passing by a courtyard, they even heard the sound of reading aloud.


    "The mansion has a private school."


    Fang Qingyun explained, "Both maids and family servants can study here. If they pass the assessments held by the mansion, they can shed their lowly status and take part in the imperial examinations; practicing Martial Arts is also an option, as there are specialized instructors here."


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    "But it stopped a few years ago because doing so led the Capital City to suspect that they were nurturing insiders to infiltrate the court."


    "Even if they learn and practice Martial Arts, they can''t shed their lowly status; it all depends on their personal interest."


    "Why aren''t you saying anything, junior fellow apprentice?"


    "Is it that you find it unbelievable? This doesn''t match the descriptions in the saint books about strict hierarchical distinctions where everyone knows their place, from the ruler to the ruled."


    "Hmm."


    Chen Sansi nodded slightly, "It is surprising."


    But what surprised him was that such a scene should not exist in this world.


    "It seems, you aren''t too shocked either?"


    Fang Qingyun was somewhat taken aback.


    He didn''t dwell on it, but instead explained, "Master, being born a slave, nearly died from beating for being insubordinate. Fortunately, the current Emperor redeemed him and gave him the opportunity to learn Martial Arts, allowing him to climb to where he is today."


    "But he has never been happy."


    "Especially as he aged and rose in ranks, he saw more and realized the unhappiness increased, but he couldn''t pinpoint the problem or know how to solve it."


    "Later, Master encountered an Immortal who enlightened him, leading him to transform the mansion in this way. Indeed, since then he has felt much more at ease."


    "An Immortal?"


    Chen Sansi caught the essential word; "Does an Immortal truly exist in this world, and Governor¡­ has Master really met one?"

 Chapter 133 Teaching Spells_4

    "Perhaps he is an Immortal, at least that is how Master used to call him,"Fang Qingyun recalled, his tone filled with admiration, "Mr. Mei appeared three times in Master''s life, in his youth, middle age, and old age, every time he would help Master see through some confusion."


    "Although he didn''t offer any help or boost in cultivation."


    "But the improvements he brought to one''s mental state were immense."


    "Master said that without Mr. Mei, he couldn''t have persisted to this day."


    "If I have the chance, I also wish to meet Mr. Mei in person."


    "Did not help to improve cultivation..."


    Chen Sansi asked curiously, "Then how do you determine that he is an Immortal?"


    He sounded like he did not believe the man was an Immortal, but rather like a learned monk capable of resolving mental doubts.


    "Immortal youth."


    Fang Qingyun emphasized, "In his twilight years, Master has seen many people pass away, yet every time he met Mr. Mei, he always looked as if he hadn''t aged."


    "So there really are Immortals..."


    Chen Sansi pondered.


    It seemed that the old Emperor''s encounter with an Immortal was probably true as well.


    "Junior brother."


    A cold female voice rang out, interrupting Chen Sansi''s thoughts. He looked up and saw Sun Li, dressed in a white gauzy pink skirt, greeting him and even slightly bowing, almost making him fail to recognize her.


    "Senior sister, I don''t deserve your courtesy."


    Chen Sansi was flustered.


    He never expected Sun Li to have this side to her, a proper lady, entirely different from her usual self outside.


    That''s right.


    Originally, Sister Lan had told him how she worried about scars and even cried over them.


    At heart, she was still a woman.


    "She, your junior sister, started practicing Martial Arts just last year; she barely went out before, let alone fought in wars,"


    Fang Qingyun said, "The path of Martial Arts is fraught with anxiety and pain, everyone felt sorry for her, at first no one was willing to teach her, but then she pestered me every day, and with no other choice, I started teaching her the sword."


    He suddenly seemed to become a different person, so different from his usual composed demeanor, he emphasized:


    "Junior brother, don''t look down on me now that I''m crippled; when I was young, your senior brother was the top genius of the Eight Camps, even the boss was no match for me."


    "That''s for sure, it is evident,"


    Chen Sansi knew in his heart.


    Otherwise, how could he, now crippled, still serve as a Main General, with his subordinates utterly loyal to him?


    "We''ve arrived!"


    Passing through an archway and following a cobblestone path to the end, they arrived at a vast lake that seemed to have no boundaries.


    Sun Xiangzong was sitting on a rock, holding a fishing rod.


    "Master!"


    Chen Sansi corrected himself, "Your disciple pays his respects to Master."


    "Keep it down."


    Sun Xiangzong emphasized, and after propping up the fishing rod, he gestured for them to come to the pavilion nearby.


    On the stone table in the center, there was a mountainous pile of books.


    Chen Sansi glanced briefly and saw that they all appeared to be secret skill books of various types.


    Quick on the uptake, he stepped ahead of the Supervisor to pour the tea, "Master, please have some tea."


    Out of both sentiment and principle, pouring tea was the right thing to do.


    Ignoring the fact that he was a Master, he also had saved his life.


    "Mm."


    Sun Xiangzong looked at the purple clay tea pot, and seemingly nonchalantly asked, "I heard you and your lawful wife have a very good relationship?"


    "Very good,"


    Chen Sansi replied truthfully.


    "Is that so?"


    Sun Xiangzong raised an eyebrow, "I was thinking of finding you a suitable young lady who could help you with your future prospects, suggesting you change your lawful wife to a concubine."


    "Thank you for your kindness, Master, but I do not need it,"


    Chen Sansi said with a salute, "My wife has been with me since the days I couldn''t afford food, if I were to cast her aside now that I have achieved a little success, wouldn''t I be ungrateful and heartless?"


    As he spoke, he slowly realized something was amiss; why did they start with this topic?


    "Good, good,"


    Sun Xiangzong held his teacup, his face expressionless, then abruptly changed the subject, "Did the people from Seeking Immortal Tower look for you?"


    "Indeed, they even arranged to meet me at the Red Sleeve Tower,"


    Chen Sansi had been meaning to ask, "I''m not sure how Master dealt with them."


    "Let them go,"


    Fang Qingyun took the conversation, "Junior brother, if you want to see them, you can visit Red Sleeve Tower; they won''t hurt you, and they might even provide you with some benefits."


    "Good,"


    Chen Sansi noted it down.


    "Let''s talk business now,"


    Sun Xiangzong took a couple of sips of tea, "Child, tell me, why did you beg me to take you as a disciple?"


    "Initially, it was to avoid being bullied,"


    Chen Sansi replied without hesitation, "Now, I want to go further along the path of Martial Arts. There''s a rumor that Master has the Immortal Law, and if I have the opportunity, I would like to learn it too." S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Sun Xiangzong and Fang Qingyun exchanged a glance and simultaneously began to laugh.


    "Good lad, quite straightforward!"


    "Not like some people, whose hearts clearly want benefits while their mouths spout only about righteousness, I get so annoyed listening to them. If you want to learn something, just say it, what''s the point of beating around the bush?"


    Sun Xiangzong then asked, "So I ask you, if one day you really reach great heights, what will you do?"


    "I don''t know,"


    Chen Sansi said candidly, "I haven''t thought about it."


    "Haven''t thought about it, yes, when I was your age, I hadn''t thought about it either, that''s a tough question for you,"


    Sun Xiangzong asked further, "What do you think is your biggest flaw?"


    "I..." Find adventures on empire


    Chen Sansi pondered, "Amorous, I guess."


    "..."


    The hand holding the teacup belonging to Sun Xiangzong shook slightly.


    "Master,"


    Fang Qingyun began explaining, "It''s quite normal for a young man to have strong desires. After all, a fair lady is a gentleman''s good match; when I was young, wasn''t I dashing and romantic, and didn''t I also cause trouble for you, Master?"


    "Shut up. When was I like that in my youth, when I focused solely on Martial Arts and steered clear of women?"


    Sun Xiangzong glared at them, "Correct it, being amorous is indeed a big problem!"

 Chapter 133 Teaching Spells_5

    "Master''s teachings are correct."Chen Sansi felt somewhat embarrassed.


    "Alright, that which you wish to learn, your master shall teach you,"


    Sun Xiangzong spoke seriously, "However, the Immortal Path is an extremely lengthy process. You should first concentrate on polishing your Martial Arts. I will give you three years. After you have reached the level of Martial Saint, I will naturally lead you onto the path."


    "Three years?"


    Chen Sansi pondered, "Master, isn''t that a bit too hasty?"


    "You have only this much time. If it really doesn''t work out, we''ll speak of it when the time comes."


    Sun Xiangzong pointed to the mountain of volumes on the table: "These are what you''ll practice next, including the Hua Jing Spear Skill. Once you have practised them all, come to me for the subsequent cultivation techniques."


    "Practice them all?"


    Chen Sansi estimated there were over a hundred volumes; even the same weapon had several different cultivation techniques.


    "They will be useful for you in the future."


    Sun Xiangzong said, "Surely you do not need this old man to teach you Pile Work step by step?"


    "That should not be necessary."


    Chen Sansi looked at the cultivation techniques, feeling immense pressure.


    "Master."


    Fang Qingyun sent a look, seemingly asking something.


    "I haven''t forgotten."


    Sun Xiangzong placed his hand on his closed-door disciple.


    Chen Sansi''s whole body jolted; it didn''t hurt, but he couldn''t move at all.


    He watched as a wisp of Qingxuan Energy traveled along his master''s arm into his body, circled around, and then vanished without a trace.


    "Huh?"


    Sun Xiangzong was slightly surprised and pleased, "The fourth one, he''s actually quite capable, just like you."


    "Congratulations, little brother,"


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    Fang Qingyun smiled, "Like this, you have two paths to follow."


    "Two paths?"


    Chen Sansi was perplexed, "Master, what exactly do they refer to?"


    "The other path is the one taken by His Majesty. The magic skills are in his hands; he wouldn''t freely give them to others. Even the Crown Prince has not seen them, so you needn''t even think about it."


    Sun Xiangzong waved his hand, "However, there is a Small Immortal Technique you can try practicing."


    "Immortal Technique?"


    Chen Sansi couldn''t hide his anticipation.


    Fang Qingyun pulled out a yellowed, damaged scroll along with a volume from his bosom.


    "Your fourth senior brother ended up like this fighting over these things."


    Sun Xiangzong added, "Don''t get too excited, though. On one hand, it''s very difficult to practice; on the other hand, the things you need for it, I no longer have in my possession."


    Chen Sansi recalled Wang Zhi mentioning it.


    That year Fang Qingyun disappeared, and when he returned, his legs were paralyzed, and his cultivation was gone; was it because he was searching for treasure?


    He took the volume and the damaged scroll.


    The writing on the damaged scroll was exotic and strange, like talisman painting, completely incomprehensible.


    The other volume seemed to be a dictionary for translating the mysterious script, seemingly handwritten by Fang Qingyun himself.


    Upon comparison,


    The damaged scroll contained...


    Spell!


    This was actually a spell!


    Once mastered, it could kill with a snap of the fingers!


    "How do I explain it to you?"


    Fang Qingyun held his forehead, "Practicing ''Immortal Technique'' requires a specific resource, which you can think of as ''treasure medicine''. Without it, it''s absolutely impossible to succeed."


    It''s about qi, isn''t it?


    Chen Sansi silently thought to himself.


    Neither his master nor his senior brother knew he possessed the Qi Observation Skill, nor could he explain it himself.


    But it''s likely about the Qingxuan Energy inside his master!


    "Three years, then,"


    Sun Xiangzong spoke pensively, "Within three years, I will find you the resources. Before then, you try your best. If you succeed, it''s good; if not, it doesn''t matter. As for the people from Seeking Immortal Tower, you can meet with them; they might have some." S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Within three years, does he mean to find Qingxuan Energy?


    Chen Sansi gave a salute, "Thank you, Master!"


    "Little junior brother, you can only read it here; you are not allowed to take it away,"


    Fang Qingyun said seriously.


    "Alright."


    Chen Sansi sat down in the pavilion and began to read earnestly.


    He finally understood.


    What Qingxuan Energy was.


    Spiritual Energy!


    Whether practicing the Immortal Path or spells, Spiritual Energy is an indispensable source of power.


    But for some reason, there was none in this world.


    At least Chen Sansi hadn''t found any so far.


    And the full name of this technique was simply and crudely called "Sword Qi Technique", absorbing Spiritual Energy through the meridians and releasing it in a special way to transform it into an attack.


    It was also mentioned above.


    This was the lowest level of spell in the Immortal Path; hence, even without formally starting the practice of Immortal Law, ordinary people could also practice it as long as their physique allowed.


    Since he had been given the material, it indicated that his physique was suitable.


    Chen Sansi was engrossed in reading. By afternoon, he finally understood the content, making sure to remember it all without any errors; then he sat cross-legged and began trying to practice the Sword Qi Technique.


    In an instant, it was as though a switch inside of him had been flipped, as if some foundation was connecting his meridians, beginning to draw Qingxuan Energy from the world around him.


    Meridians!


    Spiritual Grain was also absorbed through the meridians!


    Everything was connected!


    Unfortunately,


    Spiritual Grain did not contain Qingxuan Energy.


    Neither did the world possess a hint of Spiritual Energy.


    Chen Sansi practiced according to the methods recorded on the damaged scroll; chaotic and mixed energies formed whirlpools around his body, yet he failed to draw them inside. After a while, the meridians in his body started to hurt as if burned by fire, and he hurriedly stopped.


    His initial intention was just to record the method of cultivation.


    As recorded, without Qingxuan Energy, success was impossible.


    "Senior brother, I return these to you."


    Chen Sansi passed back the damaged scroll with both hands.


    "Have you finished reading?"


    Fang Qingyun put away the items and reminded him, "Until now, only you, master, and I know about this. The other senior brothers, including sister and brother Bu Qi, are not aware."

 Chapter 133 Teaching Spells_6

    "So, you must not reveal even half a word to anyone, otherwise it could bring fatal trouble upon yourself. Not even the master can protect you all the time. Do you understand?""Senior Brother, rest assured, I remember."


    Chen Sansi turned his head and realized that the master had already gone back to fishing by the lake.


    He clasped his fists and said aloud, "Thank you, Master, for your teachings. After I return, I will diligently practice and strive to achieve something as soon as possible."


    "You rascal!"


    Sun Xiangzong was angry, his voice suppressed as he scolded, "You scared away my fish, now scram!"


    "I''m sorry, Master..."


    Chen Sansi quickly fell silent.


    "You may go."


    Fang Qingyun said, "Today you have officially become a disciple, and all the other senior brothers are waiting at the Danggui Courtyard to celebrate for you. Soon everyone will go their separate ways, and who knows when we will meet again. You better hurry."


    "Okay."


    Chen Sansi packed hundreds of secret manuals into a bundle he had prepared in advance and carried it on his back. After bowing deeply again, he turned and left.


    Fang Qingyun, struggling, pushed his wheelchair to the lakeside: "Master, have you really given all your secrets to the junior brother all at once, without further observation, aren''t you afraid of any mishap occurring?"


    "Distrust not those employed, suspect not those who use. I wage war this way, and I teach my disciples the same!"


    Sun Xiangzong said solemnly, "Besides, where is there so much time? A man who risks his life to help the common people cross the river first¡ªhow bad could he possibly turn out in the future?


    "Hmm."


    Fang Qingyun reminisced about the junior brother''s attitude towards the treatment of the servants in the mansion: "The junior brother''s character is indeed good; previously, he almost jumped in protest at seeing how we treated the servants, saying that the rites were collapsing."


    "Nonsense!"


    Sun Xiangzong unexpectedly flew into a rage, "A lecher, he admitted it himself! How can I rest assured in entrusting my daughter to him, let alone, he already has a wife! My daughter of Sun Xiangzong, is she supposed to become a concubine for someone else?"


    "Master, your words are incorrect."


    Fang Qingyun countered, "Should the junior brother agree to kick his wife to the curb in time of adversity before you really reconsider and scrutinize his character?"


    "Ah~"


    Sun Xiangzong sighed, "That Gu Xinlan, have you checked on her?"


    "I have, but haven''t cleared everything yet."


    Fang Qingyun said, "One thing is certain, she is definitely not a descendant of criminals. If it really relates to that major incident in the Capital City from years ago, perhaps her status might even be more distinguished than the junior sister''s, making her more than qualified to occupy the position of the principal wife..."


    "So, what do you suggest?"


    Sun Xiangzong said, "I only have this one daughter, and unfortunately, many people are just eyeing the connection with me!"


    "The most important thing about this matter is actually up to the junior sister''s own will."


    "What did she say?"


    "I''ve inquired about it indirectly, and the junior sister doesn''t dislike it. Plus, she often visits the junior brother''s house and even doesn''t mind taking care of the children..."


    "Unfilial! None of my children or disciples are filial, nor are you!" Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Me?"


    Fang Qingyun unhappily said, "Master, please don''t wrong me."


    "Silence for now."


    Sun Xiangzong''s expression tightened, and he hurriedly raised his fishing rod, only to pull up a clump of seaweed, which only added to his irritation.


    "It''s all your fault!


    "And that Chen boy, with all his noise, you''ve scared off my fish too!"


    "Old Four, if you don''t find me a good spot with a catch today, I... Old Four, where are you running off to!"


    "Squeak, squeak."


    There, Fang Qingyun was seen pushing his wheelchair away swiftly, disappearing from view in the blink of an eye.


    ...


    "Greetings, senior brothers and sisters!"


    In the side room of Danggui Courtyard, a full table of banquet had already been prepared.


    Old Two, Old Five, Old Qi, as well as Ninth Junior Sister were all present.


    "Oh, my little junior brother, your senior sister missed you dearly~"


    Rong Yanqiu came up and affectionately wrapped her arms around him.


    "Senior sister..."


    Chen Sansi couldn''t escape and was pressed to sit next to her, acknowledged each of his senior brothers one by one, and shared a drink with each.


    "Enough~"


    Rong Yanqiu''s hand was wrapped around Chen Sansi''s neck, "You several as senior brothers, aren''t you going to bring out the greeting gifts? Old Two, you start!"


    "Hehe~"


    The chubby-looking Old Two stepped forward, pulling out a silver note from his bosom, "I thought hard about what to give, but I finally decided that silver is the most practical."


    "Only five hundred taels? Old Two, can you be any stingier!"


    Meng Guangxin scolded, "And giving silver is just too commonplace, my gift carries more meaning."


    He said, taking out a wooden fish from beside his seat.


    "Junior brother, this is a wooden fish I personally crafted. Strike it once, and you''ll accumulate a bit of merit!"


    Chen Sansi did not decline, "Thank you, both of my senior brothers, it would be disrespectful not to accept, so I''ll gladly take it."


    "You two, can''t you give something useful!"


    Rong Yanqiu rolled her eyes at them, stood up, went to the next room, and brought back a set of armor, which seemed to be Lock Armor, but the color was much darker, nearly black, clearly of a different material.


    "Armor made from dark steel."


    Old Two Cheng Wei clicked his tongue, "Ninth Junior Sister, this must cost several thousand taels of silver, right?"


    "Who''s like you guys, always scrimping and saving."


    Rong Yanqiu looked over, "Little junior brother, do you like it?"


    "Old Qi, what about you?"


    Meng Guangxin shouted, "Up to now you haven''t made a peep, don''t tell me you''ve prepared nothing."


    Ye Fengxiu frowned slightly and did not respond, just looked towards the corner where there was a long, cloth-wrapped object.


    "What is this?"


    Meng Guangxin ran over, grabbed it, and after tearing off the cloth, a brand new Silver Spear came into view.


    The spear was over a zhang long, the spearhead one chi three cun, the blade three cun, made of stainless steel and dark steel infused with gold, and just by looking one could tell it was exceptionally sharp.


    "This must also be seven or eight thousand taels of silver, right?"


    Ye Fengxiu snatched it back, threw it to his junior brother, "Try it to see if it feels right. I didn''t have time to order a custom one, I bought this from a master spear-forging artisan, named ''Five Tigers Soul-breaking Spear''."


    "Thank you to all my senior brothers and sisters for your gifts, I am immensely grateful!"


    Chen Sansi thanked them again.


    "What about the first and third seniors?"


    Old Two Cheng Wei spoke up, "Aren''t they coming?"


    Meng Guangxin disdainfully said, "Let them be, who wants to see them anyway, just seeing him annoys me."


    "Old Five, I am still your eldest senior brother after all."


    A powerful voice sounded.


    A figure like a mountain appeared.

 Chapter 135 Ciyun Immortal Trace, Xuanding Alchemy!

    Due to his exceptionally tall stature, L¨¹ Ji barely squeezed into the room sideways.Following him was a man Chen Sansi had never seen before.


    It must be the third senior brother.


    "First senior brother, third senior brother."


    Chen Sansi got up to greet them.


    "Junior brother, the gathering was so sudden, and I didn''t have time to prepare anything,"


    L¨¹ Ji took down the case from his back.


    The case was enormous, but it seemed delicately small compared to his size.


    Upon opening it, there was a Big Bow inside.


    The bow, however, wasn''t made of wood but of iron core, forged from mysterious iron, and was quite valuable.


    "I heard junior brother likes archery, so I got an Iron Core Bow,"


    L¨¹ Ji apologized, "But due to the rush, I couldn''t get a bowstring. If you find a suitable bowstring, this bow is a Hundred-stone Bow, I hope junior brother won''t mind."


    "I got some arrows," Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The third senior brother Nie Yuan took out an Arrow Bag, "The arrowheads are made of mysterious iron, a bit inferior, but if you need anything else, just let me know, and I''ll get it for you."


    "How could I not appreciate such precious gifts from you two senior brothers?"


    Chen Sansi, maintaining his manners, invited them to sit down.


    "That''s more like it!"


    Meng Guangxin said contentedly, "Big brother, you''ve become more and more unreasonable over the years."


    Old Qi Ye Fengxiu remained silent.


    "Hey, monk, how can you talk to the first senior brother like that?"


    Rong Yanqiu spoke sarcastically, "After all, our big brother has been to the Capital City, he might have clung to some powerful thighs. He''s the only one among us who has become a Marquis, a noble indeed~"


    There were only a few Marquis titled by the court over these years.


    One of them was Duke Wuding, L¨¹ Ji.


    "Hah! Whose powerful thigh could it be, if not the Cao Family''s?"


    Meng Guangxin played along, "Perhaps he even sold the bridge to the Cao Family, otherwise how would they have made him a Marquis?"


    "Old Five, Old Nine!"


    The third senior brother Nie Yuan spoke sharply, "The first senior brother has his difficulties, you..."


    "Difficulties?"


    Rong Yanqiu cut in, "What difficulties could he have, taking over the position sooner?"


    Meng Guangxin grumbled, "Exactly, if number four hadn''t been invalidated, you wouldn''t have the chance to strut about here every day!"


    Despite their bickering, L¨¹ Ji did not retort even once, instead he just picked up the wine jar he had brought and filled the cups in front of him.


    "All right, all right."


    Old Two Cheng Wei tried to mediate, "We rarely gather together, why quarrel? The first senior brother didn''t do these things secretly, even our master didn''t say anything."


    Chen Sansi had previously sensed through Sun Buqi''s words that he was unsatisfied with the first senior brother.


    Now it seemed, he wasn''t alone.


    From their comments, it appeared that they resented him because L¨¹ Ji was quite close to the Cao Family Members, possibly having a share in divesting power from the Supervisor in the past.


    Previously, Cao Fan was familiar with the Unity Spear Technique...


    I wonder if that had anything to do with the first senior brother.


    But such issues, debated openly, wouldn''t be useful and would only make things awkward for himself as a new junior.


    "Senior brothers and sisters, we''re all family here, is there anything we can''t solve?"


    Chen Sansi stood up and said, "Let me toast all of you first, bottoms up!"


    The strong spirit burned through the body.


    This was no ordinary liquor, brewed by a special method, potent enough to intoxicate even a Martial Artist.


    "Yes, exactly."


    Cheng Wei agreed, "No matter what, he is our first senior brother, I''ll finish mine too."


    "Junior brother can really hold his liquor!"


    L¨¹ Ji stood up and likewise drained his cup, "Today is the junior brother''s entry-level banquet, whatever grievances you''ve held against me all these years, let''s save them for later."


    "Tsk, junior brother, don''t be fooled, he may look burly, but he''s actually quite scheming."


    Rong Yanqiu disdainfully said, "But for today, for junior brother''s sake, I can''t be bothered to argue with you."


    "Amitabha, may Buddha redeem you soon."


    Meng Guangxin cursed as he drank.


    This brought an end to their arguments.


    Yet, the atmosphere at the table was still not harmonious, merely consisting of Chen Sansi pouring and everyone silently knocking back their drinks.


    Only after the third round did the senior brothers begin to murmur incessantly.


    "So bitter, so bitter..."


    "This battle is so dull!"


    "Over these years, how many of our brothers and senior brothers have died, and the Cao Family just discards us after use."


    "Exactly, they nearly transferred me to the Southern region, following that damn Prince Zhen Nan, isn''t it obvious they wanted to divide and conquer?"


    "Thankfully, our master used the excuse of subduing barbarians to temporarily stabilize the situation."


    "How many more of our brothers are we expected to sacrifice for the Cao Family''s benefits?"


    "Once the barbarians are defeated, it''ll still be ''when the birds are gone, the good bow is put away; once the cunning rabbit dies, the loyal dogs will be cooked!''"


    Only the master understands the higher cause, what do you guys know..."


    "..."


    This liquor was potent, several jars down, and it knocked out all the Main Generals.


    Only Chen Sansi, L¨¹ Ji, and the third senior brother Nie Yuan were still seated.


    "You must be laughing at us."


    L¨¹ Ji put down his wine bowl, self-mockingly said, "Here I am, the eldest, and on our first official meeting, I get scolded by junior brothers and sisters, truly embarrassing.


    "Do you also hold the same opinions as them about me?"


    "How could I disrespect my first senior brother."


    Chen Sansi replied calmly.


    "You must have some thoughts though. Junior brother, do you understand what responsibility means?"


    L¨¹ Ji, looking at the moonlight outside the window, said sadly, "At the age of eight, my hometown went through a war, and my family all died. The master extended his hand and asked if I wanted to follow him, I nodded, and in the blink of an eye, more than thirty years have passed."

 Chapter 135 Merciful Cloud Immortal Trace, Mysterious Cauldron Alchemy!_2

    "So, I grew up following my master since childhood, even before the eldest young master, I was already with the Sun Family.""I truly considered my master as my father."


    "But master grew old..."


    "After that, as the eldest disciple, the eldest brother, I must take on the heavy responsibilities of the Sun Family, so there are some things I have to do."


    "What the eldest brother said is true."


    Chen Sansi, uninformed of the full picture, didn''t need to make judgements, more talk led to more errors, it was better just to listen.


    L¨¹ Ji personally poured him wine, then turned to ask, "Junior brother, do you know that you are his closed-door disciple?"


    Chen Sansi replied, "It''s an immense honor."


    "At his age, he still insists on taking one more disciple, surely..."


    L¨¹ Ji, while picking up some dishes, seemed to ask casually, "Is there some secret technique he wants to pass on?"


    The moment when the design is revealed!


    After a long preamble, talking of hardships and sharing feelings.


    This statement was probably the real purpose. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Sansi found something very strange.


    The master and the fourth senior brother had instructed that matters regarding the Immortal Law must absolutely not be divulged to a fourth person, naturally including L¨¹ Ji.


    But if the eldest brother really was the master''s disciple, indeed no different from his own son, why had he not passed on the Magic Skill for over thirty years? What was the reason?


    "He taught me a lot."


    Chen Sansi pointed to a bundle placed on a chair by the wall, "Over a hundred secret manuals, each of immense value!"


    "Oh?"


    L¨¹ Ji looked at the bundle, then at him, sipping his wine without speaking.


    "Eldest brother, could you take a look for me?"


    Chen Sansi offered, "Eldest brother, being in the Martial Saint Realm, can surely give some guidance to this junior brother."


    "Good, good, since the junior brother says so, this senior brother naturally cannot keep secrets."


    L¨¹ Ji set down his wine bowl, indeed began to open the bundle and look through it, but as time passed, the disappointment in his eyes increasingly intensified, and finally, he took a deep breath, "Junior brother, this set of boxing techniques, your senior brother has also practiced, the key to it is..."


    He consecutively shared insights into the principles of more than a dozen Cultivation Techniques.


    Chen Sansi clasped his fists, "Thank you for the guidance, senior brother."


    "Hmm."


    L¨¹ Ji slowly put down the booklet, "I still have military duties to attend to, I won''t stay long, I hope for your understanding."


    After he finished speaking, he squeezed his way out the door.


    "Junior brother, until next time."


    The third Senior Brother Nie Yuan also hurried to follow.


    After walking a distance, he finally spoke, "Eldest brother, how did it go?"


    "Nothing at all."


    L¨¹ Ji shook his head, "Those techniques, as long as you are a True Disciple, you can all practice."


    "Could it be..."


    Nie Yuan pondered, "Master taking a closed-door disciple was just a decoy, he actually had no intention of passing on the Immortal Law?"


    "It''s also possible he has just entered."


    L¨¹ Ji, striding vigorously, "Who passes on core secret techniques on the first day of entry, let''s wait and see."


    "Then eldest brother, do you need me to keep an eye on him for you, maybe it''s hidden somewhere?"


    "Hmm."


    ...


    "Truly, one must guard against others."


    Chen Sansi sat down again.


    It seemed very likely that the Unity Spear Technique had been leaked by the eldest brother.


    "Little junior brother~"


    While he was contemplating, suddenly a fragrant breeze rushed at him, "Take me home."


    "Senior sister, let me call a maid for you."


    Chen Sansi hurriedly brushed off the other''s wandering hands, then gathered his things to leave the room.


    "Junior brother, don''t mind it."


    Fang Qingyun sat in a wheelchair, watching the moon as he waited, "Ninth Junior Sister was just teasing you, she''s always like that."


    "I know."


    Chen Sansi casually remarked, "I didn''t realize that senior brothers and sisters are all so young."


    Roughly estimating, Sun Xiangzong was also over ninety years old, but the oldest of his disciples, including L¨¹ Ji, was only around forty.


    "It''s because the master started taking disciples late."


    Fang Qingyun explained, "The Eight Camps initially were recruited by the master and his seniors together, later as the seniors died, it turned to brothers, after the brothers it turned to juniors, and only at an age of sixty did he start selecting Selected Point to take disciples."


    "Including Bu Qi as well."


    "Master spent the first half of his life obsessed with Martial Arts, building achievements, and only after turning sixty did he think of continuing the family line, leaving behind five children, from which only Bu Qi and Sun Li remain."


    "He only married at sixty?"


    Chen Sansi found it unimaginable.


    Martial arts practitioners were strong and healthy; this age was not problematic, but could one really abstain for the first sixty years?


    A tough person, no wonder he achieved so much.


    "I''m here waiting for you to tell you, in two days, I will start a journey to the capital with master."


    Fang Qingyun didn''t wait for the other to ask, continuing to explain, "Expanding the army is a major matter, just a petition won''t suffice, Master and I must personally go to the capital to meet the Emperor, to convince His Majesty to agree."


    Chen Sansi understood.


    Expanding the military force to one hundred fifty thousand was a terrifying figure, naturally not a trifling matter, and even the Emperor alone couldn''t decide, it required discussions on multiple fronts to finalize.


    "Old Two, Old Five, and Old Qi, they all have to return to their respective stations."


    Fang Qingyun stated, "Old One and Old Three will be in Liangzhou, but... Ninth Sister will also stay to keep you company for a while, she can be trusted, if you need any help with anything, feel free to seek her."


    "When will you guys return?"


    "Half a year, a year? It might even be longer, we will come back when our business is finished."


    Fang Qingyun estimated, "There are still troubles with the Witch God Sect in the city, you must be very careful."


    "The Witch God Sect..."


    Chen Sansi had been wanting to ask, "Senior brother, can we really not find where this group is hiding?"


    "It''s bizarre."


    Fang Qingyun shook his head, "The City Guard Army will continue the investigation, and your Reserve Camp will also be involved, whoever can track down the whereabouts of the Witch God Sect will be credited with a great meritorious deed."


    "Then brother, until next time."


    p>"Until next time."


    Chen Sansi clasped his fists in farewell, carrying his large and small bags, and left the Governor Mansion.


    By the time he got home, it was already Midnight.

 Chapter 135 Merciful Cloud Immortal Trace, Mysterious Cauldron Alchemy!_3

    "Master."Si Qin was lighting lamps in the study, attending to sundry matters.


    Chen Sansi laid out all his gains on the ground.


    Mystic Iron Armor.


    Its utility in future battles need not be elaborated upon.


    Five Tigers Soul-breaking Spear.


    Chen Sansi examined it carefully; though it wasn''t as high-quality as the Zhenyue Sword, it was definitely a top-notch weapon that conducted force excellently. He figured he wouldn''t have to worry about finding a better weapon before reaching the Profound Image Realm unless he stumbled upon something superior.


    As for the Iron Core Bow, it was also good, but it lacked a string.


    That would have to wait for another day.


    He still hoped to apply his strength in archery, inflicting lethal damage on High Realm Martial Artists; otherwise, his impeccable archery would be a waste.


    The Hua Jing Technique his master had given him, named "National Guardian Dragon Spear," was an exquisite spear technique the old man had personally refined, notable for producing a powerful yet sustained force when practiced.


    But that was something for later.


    The pressing matter was to enter seclusion and break through to Refining Internal Organs Perfection; otherwise, he would really fall far behind the other Inner Sect Disciples.


    "Seclusion!"


    The next day, after reporting in, Chen Sansi took a long leave with Ji''s approval. He left all training responsibilities in the hands of Xu Wencai and Wang Zhi and entered a state of seclusion.


    In the blink of an eye, nearly a month had passed.


    With the support of treasure medicine and Spiritual Grain, his proficiency kept climbing, and he practiced the Unity Spear Technique to its limits.


    Blood Explosion!


    As the name implies, it was a berserk state.


    In this state, Martial Artists could squeeze Qi-Blood from their internal organs, sending their bodies into an overloaded state for a short time, even largely ignoring injuries to maximize their overall strength.


    Those who could maintain this berserk state longer naturally held more strength in actual combat.


    However, due to the immense energy consumption, most Martial Artists could maintain it for about ten rounds, the more talented for roughly thirty, geniuses for about forty, and Cao Fan for around fifty rounds. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Therefore, the Blood Explosion State was primarily reserved for life-or-death situations.


    Chen Sansi danced wildly with the Five Tigers Soul-breaking Spear in hand, feeling the blood of the dragon and elephant within him surge to its peak until suddenly, everything came to a stop.


    The blood in his body abruptly ceased flowing, becoming as still as dead water without a struggle!


    An indescribable agony swept over him.


    This was...


    The feeling of death!


    Everything went pitch black before Chen Sansi''s eyes. He felt light as a feather, nearly losing consciousness. But armed with muscle memory, he continued to practice the Unity Spear Technique until the moment before he fell into a deep sleep, when his blood was reactivated and started to flow backward, slowly at first. After a cycle of silence, it burst forth with even more vigorous vitality!


    If his previous Blood Movement State was like the rapid Hongze River water, then now, it was like a cataclysmic tidal wave, a destructive force coursing through his entire body. When executed through the spear technique, the enhancement to his combat power was more than just a level!


    [Cultivation Technique: Unity Spear Technique (Great Success)]


    [Progress: None]


    [Utility: ..., Mysterious Phenomenon Five Organs]


    [Mysterious Phenomenon Five Organs: Qilin Heart, Divine Beast Four Organs, united as one, endless and ever-flowing.]


    Endless and ever-flowing!


    The consumption from a Blood Explosion was extremely terrifying.


    But at this moment, Chen Sansi could distinctly feel that as his Qi-Blood was rapidly depleted, his internal organs were constantly supplying recovery, significantly extending the duration of the Blood Explosion State.


    As for how long he could maintain it.


    No matter how much he practiced, he did not feel any signs of Qi-Blood exhaustion.


    A hundred rounds, two hundred rounds, or even longer?


    That could only be determined in actual combat.


    But at the very least, it was three to four times that of a genius like Cao Fan!


    Back at the arena, Chen Sansi had won by draining the enemy''s Qi-Blood.


    If his opponent had possessed the same robust amount of Qi-Blood as himself, they would have likely been invincible.


    Stay connected via empire


    This indicated the importance of endurance.


    "At last, Refining Internal Organs Perfection!"


    Chen Sansi didn''t pause for a moment, spending two more days learning the Pile Work of the National Guardian Dragon Spear, working his way through the levels.


    [Cultivation Technique: National Guardian Dragon Spear, Hua Jin (Entry-level)]


    [Progress: 5/100]


    [Utility: None at present]


    The next target, Hua Jin.


    Only after reaching the Hua Jin realm did one qualify as having the strength of a Thousand Captain of an elite troop.


    Only...


    After two days of practice, he clearly felt that his progression''s speed had significantly slowed; if things continued this way, he wouldn''t achieve Hua Jin in less than two months.


    Too slow!


    After all, his master had set a goal for him to break through to Martial Saint in three years, but at this rate, it might take at least seven or eight years to even approach the threshold.


    Breaking through to Martial Saint Realm within ten years of practice would seem ludicrously exaggerated to anyone.


    But Chen Sansi was still not satisfied.


    In a world rife with danger, he couldn''t sleep without enough strength at his side.


    Ever since the Seeking Immortal Tower sent someone over, Chen Sansi had to sleep with one ear open. Even the passage of a mouse could wake him, although no one came to offend him again.


    "It seems I need to advance the experiment with the Mystical Weapon Furnace," he mused.


    "My home won''t do; I need to find a spot in the mountains."


    "But lately, there''s been a new trouble..."


    Chen Sansi spent most of his time practicing Martial Arts, but as soon as he stepped outside, he was followed, preventing him from moving freely.


    Fortunately, he had an idea in mind.


    Once he figured out how to solve this issue, he laid down his long spear and went to the dining room.


    Though Gu Xinlan was only a little over a month pregnant and her belly wasn''t showing much, she often felt very tired and suffered from frequent morning sickness. These symptoms could not be treated; she just had to endure.

 Chapter 135 Merciful Cloud Immortal Trace, Mysterious Cauldron Alchemy!_4

    After dinner,Chen Sansi put on his Mystic Iron Armor and headed to the military camp to report for duty.


    Having taken leave for over a month as soon as he took the post, it was inappropriate to be absent any longer.


    His master and his fourth senior brother had left Liangzhou City a long time ago, and the other brothers from the Eight Camps had also left one after another. Now, Liangzhou was managed by the joint efforts of Pei Tiannan, Mr. Hou, and Lu Ji.


    In this one month,


    Chen Sansi''s subordinates also made progress.


    Zhu Tong, Wang Li, Xu Bin, Wu Da and others had broken through to the Bone Forger Realm thanks to the supplemental medicine provided by the Eight Camps. Among them, Wu Da, with the elevation of his realm, gradually revealed an extraordinary aptitude, and in the future he would have the opportunity to achieve Meridian Passage or even higher.


    As for Refining Internal, there were Feng Yong and Zhao Kang.


    They both had been in the Bone Training for over ten years, had enlightenment from many bloody battles, were supported by the resources after coming to Liangzhou, and occasionally were also aided with supplemental medicine from Chen Sansi. It was not surprising that they broke through to the Refining Internal. Since their foundation was not stable, they were considered low-tier Refining Organ Martial Artists, incomparable to the geniuses, but for the moment, they were more than enough to act as captains.


    As for Zhu Tong and the others, they naturally assumed the position of captains of a hundred men.


    Last comes Zhao Qiao, who, due to his age and the struggles of cultivation, took on the responsibility of assisting Xu Wencai with logistics. He was down-to-earth and hardworking, fitting for handling logistics.


    Among the rest of the forces from the garrison, one named Wei Yuan stood out, while the others were average.


    These were the subordinates.


    The Vice Admiral responsible for Chen Sansi was named Yu Song, and he was in the Meridian Passage Realm.


    His colleagues were Bai Thingzhi, Lu Shuhua, and Xie Sishu¡ªall three were Thousand Captains. Among them, two eyed him like a tiger watching its prey, waiting to snatch the Chief Disciple''s resources.


    Moreover, Cao Fan had achieved Hua Jin, recording the fastest breakthrough among everyone.


    "General Chen, you''ve finally come," Vice Admiral Yu Song, helmet on, commanded, "Starting today, you''ll also be responsible for patrolling a section of the city, focusing on investigating the whereabouts of the Witch God Sect."


    Chen Sansi asked, "Vice Admiral Yu, any leads lately?"


    "There''s a faint clue."


    Yu Song said cryptically, "We may have caught a big fish recently. You''d best be on standby at any time, General Chen, don''t miss out on this excellent opportunity to distinguish yourself."


    "Alright." S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After receiving his assignment, Chen Sansi led his men on patrol. Ten men a team, a total of one hundred teams were divided, responsible for both inside and outside the city.


    He led a team to the south of the city, planning to visit Ci Yun Temple later when his shift ended today.


    Today was the monthly sermon, a large gathering.


    All the martial artists invited from Liangzhou would attend, mostly sect leaders of Sects; the least among them were above the Hua Jin realm. He was an exception, having been invited by Shao Yujing. Stay updated with empire


    Nourishing Spirit Soup alone could not keep the incense of the Martial Saint burning; there must be some mystery in the monthly sermons.


    Besides,


    Chen Sansi also wanted to seize the chance to investigate the incense.


    Without the spiritual energy necessary for practicing spells in the world, he wondered if incense could be substituted.


    Could the person stealing the incense be doing it for this reason?


    But so far, he had not found any Taoist who exhibited an unusual aura; could it be a temple master wandering outside?


    "City Guard Army, you bunch of trash!"


    While passing by the gate of a sect, someone started cursing at them.


    "When will you guys catch the Witch God Sect!"


    "Do you know how many of us have died?"


    Yu Yang Sect.


    A second-tier sect in Liangzhou City with a history of two hundred years. Due to its last two sect masters barely reaching the initial stage of Hua Jin, it fell to the low end among the third-tier sects, maintaining itself by taxing the fishermen''s fish tax thanks to the river they owned.


    If Shunzi had been born in Liangzhou City, fishing would mean being exploited further.


    "Let''s see if we can get Shunzi back."


    Chen Sansi pondered; he was now somewhat an official too, and it shouldn''t be too much of a problem to pull some strings later and get Shunzi a service job. If he could bring him to Liangzhou, Shunzi could become his assistant.


    "I''m talking to you lot!"


    "..."


    A disciple wielding a fish spear charged towards them.


    "Seeking death?"


    Zhu Tong glared furiously, ready to kill on the spot, and the rest of the brothers surrounded the aggressor with drawn blades.


    "Hold!"


    Chen Sansi signaled for his brothers to back off. He had always disliked the disciples of sects, but that didn''t justify wanton slaughter: "We are investigating the Witch God Sect and will inform you of any results."


    "Bullshit, how long has it been!"


    The sect disciple was relentless, "If you ask me, it wouldn''t be surprising if this is the work of your Eight Camps!"


    "Exactly, exactly!"


    The other disciples chimed in, "Otherwise, why have hardly any of your military men died? It''s always our sect disciples who end up dead."


    Chen Sansi, not wanting to waste words, left with his men.


    That evening, he spent silver for his brothers to dine at a restaurant, while he alone headed to Ci Yun Temple for the sermon.


    "Mr. Chen!"


    At the gate, he encountered Shao Yujing and Wen Zhi.


    "Sect Master Shao,"


    Chen Sansi greeted, "Manor Master Wen."


    "You''re here too?"


    Wen Zhi looked around, "Old Shao, did you call for him?"


    Shao Yujing nodded in confirmation.


    "Humph!"


    Wen Zhi left with a flick of his sleeve.


    "Hehe, don''t take offense, Mr. Chen. Although the duel ring is a matter of life and death, the man who died was his beloved son, so Manor Master Wen unavoidably harbors resentment," Shao Yujing led the way, "Come on, the preaching conference is about to begin. Every time after listening, Shao gains much; with another three to five years, perhaps I might truly understand and break through!"


    Chen Sansi declined politely, "Sect Master Shao, go ahead, I plan to pay my respects and offer incense first."


    "It seems Mr. Chen is very sincere."


    Shao Yujing left first.


    Chen Sansi arrived outside the main hall and once again saw wisps of Purple Energy emanating from the bodies of the worshippers, all of which were eventually absorbed into the incense burner, the Purple Energy lingering enticingly.

 Chapter 135 Merciful Cloud Immortal Trace, Mysterious Cauldron Alchemy!_5

    He really wanted to practise "Sword Qi Skill" on the spot, to test if incense could replace Spiritual Energy.Unfortunately, even though there was no one around, he dared not attempt it lightly, who knows if the decrease in incense in the incense burner would be noticed by the person behind the scenes.


    There were some other temples and Taoist Temples in Liangzhou.


    Chen Sansi planned to take some time to visit them.


    After perfunctorily offering a few sticks of incense, he went to the place where the spiritual lecture was held to listen to how eloquent the master was, so much so that even the Martial Saint had come to hear the teachings.


    The venue for the spiritual lecture was in a separate courtyard behind the Ci Yun Temple, conducted in an open-air manner, with meditation mats placed on the rocky ground. The least accomplished person here was at the Hua Jin stage, and the Sect Master of the Yu Yang Sect was also present.


    Everyone was seated cross-legged on the mats, quietly listening to the teachings of Real Person Qiu Mingzi.


    Chen Sansi found a corner, sat down and listened for a while, only to find it full of obscure and difficult sentences.


    "Five Qi Mystical Origin authentic, the method practiced steers through confusion. Like the external devoid of form, the sincere pursuit of ultimate truth."


    "..."


    He found it dull and tedious, almost falling asleep, as most of what was being taught was grossly abstract.


    Fortunately, the spiritual lecture didn''t last long and ended before dark.


    "Mr. Chen arrived late."


    Shao Yujing said with a smile, "Before the lecture starts, everyone drinks a bowl of Nourishing Spirit Soup, so they can be calm and at peace, and then gain insights into the Great Dao."


    "Sect Master Shao speaks truly."


    Real Person Qiu Mingzi came over with a horsetail whisk, "The world is restless and impulsive, especially Martial Artists. Mr. Chen, come early next time and do not miss the quiet prayer blessing segment."


    "Certainly, certainly."


    Chen Sansi verbally agreed, but inside he was puzzled.


    If that was all there was to it, then Shao Yujing and the others were simply wasting their time here.


    Cultivation requires Spiritual Energy.


    Just listening to a Taoist muttering a few words here, what''s the use? He doesn''t take out the incense for everyone to utilize.


    Thinking aimlessly, Chen Sansi took another glance at the medicine jar containing Nourishing Spirit Soup.


    The jar was mostly emptied of soup, with only a bit of residue left, and it was this residue that made his heart tremble.


    [Nourishing Spirit Soup: After consumption, it aids in calming the mind and concentration, beneficial for breakthroughs in cultivation.]


    [??:???]


    In his eyes, the medicine jar held not only Nourishing Spirit Soup but another kind of medicine!


    And it was a medicine he could not recognize!


    The entry [Recognize Medicine] can decode all mundane medicine recipes.


    If he couldn''t recognize it, it could only mean...


    The other kind of medicine in the jar is not a mundane medicine!


    Immortal Elixir!


    How could an elixir from the Immortal Realm appear here?


    Are mortals using Immortal Elixirs, or has there been an Immortal Trace here?!


    Ci Yun Temple indeed has a big problem.


    "Mr. Chen?"


    Real Person Qiu Mingzi''s ethereal voice sounded, "I have some free time lately, so I might hold lectures in the near future. Next time, Mr. Chen can come early, drink down the Nourishing Spirit Soup and listen to the teachings; you will surely gain something."


    "Okay."


    Chen Sansi reacted swiftly, none of his suspicions reflected on his face, and he agreed, "I will definitely come if I have time."


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    The lecture ended.


    The Martial Artists began descending the mountain one after another, discussing their gains regarding their state of mind on the way down.


    Chen Sansi felt even more bewildered.


    What was Qiu Mingzi giving these people to drink?


    Poison? Immortal Elixir?


    What were the effects?


    Chen Sansi inquired with Shao Yujing and found out that these lectures had only begun in the past half year.


    He also probed whether frequently drinking Nourishing Spirit Soup had any side effects, to which he received the answer that there were none; it only made one feel refreshed and peaceful.


    "Incense, Immortal Elixir..."


    "What does Ci Yun Temple want to do?"


    "It can''t really be that they''re sincerely doing good deeds, helping each Martial Artist to break through, right?"


    Ci Yun Temple could no longer be visited!


    At least not until he reached the Hua Jin stage.


    His master and fourth senior brother had set out for the Capital City more than half a month ago, and even if they were still around, he wouldn''t know how to explain what was going on, as his Qi Observation Skill and many others things couldn''t be explained.


    Moreover, it''s unknown what exactly Ci Yun Temple was up to. So far, they seem not to be harming anyone, so he would just observe in secret for the time being and decide after figuring out their intentions.


    He bid Shao Yujing farewell.


    Chen Sansi summoned Qian Xun, deliberately not going straight home, instead circling around on the spacious official road of Liangzhou City.


    Someone was tracking him again!


    The chaser''s realm was much higher than his, so he could only rely on Qi Observation Skill to detect their presence, but he could never ascertain their identity; Cao Fan, Moon Splitting Mountain Villa, or even his eldest senior brother, any of them could be possible.


    This was also the reason he had not taken the crucible up the mountain to conduct the Abnormal Fire experiment.


    What a hassle!


    After the follower had chased around behind the White Swan Horse for a few circles, they realized they had been exposed and were simply being played with like a monkey, so they chose to give up and did not continue the pursuit.


    Subsequently, Chen Sansi made a trip to the Moon Splitting Mountain Villa and after leaving a note with the gatekeeper, he finally returned home.


    At his doorstep, Si Qin had been waiting for a long time.


    "Master, Mr. Hou the eunuch has arrived; he''s waiting for you in the guest room of the front courtyard."


    "He is? Take me to him."


    Chen Sansi had a rough idea of what the visitor had come for.


    "Mr. Chen, long time no see~"


    Mr. Hou got up and said, "I''ve yet to congratulate you on your triumph as Selected Point!"


    "Mr. Hou, please be seated."


    Chen Sansi instructed, "Si Qin, go with Mo Hua to invite some good chefs to the house, today I shall give Mr. Hou a grand feast."


    "No need for the trouble, I''m just here to say a few words and then I''ll leave," Mr. Hou scared the maid away with his gaze and then lowered his voice, "May I know what Sun Dushi has taught you since you''ve become entry-level?" S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "..."


    Just as he thought.


    Chen Sansi''s guess was correct.


    This Chief Eunuch had the same goal as Ji, both were here to inquire about Immortal Law.


    The difference was that his eldest senior brother sought it for himself.

 Chapter 135 Merciful Cloud Immortal Trace, Mysterious Cauldron Alchemy!_6

    Yet the eunuch before him was running errands for the Emperor!Today, it seemed that they would once again test his loyalty.


    The old Emperor was truly supremely boring.


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    "It''s all here."


    Chen Sansi laid out the secret manual, along with the gifts from his brothers, including the wooden fish, all on the table.


    "This..."


    Mr. Hou, holding the mallet for the wooden fish, gently tapped it twice, "Nothing more?"


    "No more."


    Chen Sansi spoke earnestly, "All the items are here, the Supervisor merely threw me a few booklets, without imparting the methods to break Above Martial Saint."


    "How do you know what our household wants to ask?"


    Mr. Hou said with a smile, "Mr. Chen, you are indeed very clever!"


    In such a situation, the more Chen Sansi pretended to be foolish, the more the other party would suspect he had something in his hands. It was better to be somewhat honest to appear innocent and avoid suspicion.


    "Everyone in the world comes chasing after the Immortal Law, how could I not know?"


    He said gravely, "Please tell his Majesty, if one day the Supervisor is willing to impart the Magic Skill to me, I will immediately surrender it to the court, I absolutely dare not keep it for myself."


    "Mr. Chen is truly a loyal minister and good general of the Great Sheng Dynasty!"


    Mr. Hou was very pleased, "His Majesty will surely be overjoyed when he hears this. Let''s leave it at that, I shall take my leave now."


    "Mr. Hou, please wait a moment."


    "Does Mr. Chen have another matter?"


    "A matter of great importance."


    Chen Sansi whispered in his ear, and after finishing, he took out a silver note of three thousand taels from his sleeve and handed it over, "This is a long overdue token of respect, please be sure to accept it."


    "Oh~"


    Mr. Hou accepted the silver, his smile so wide that his mouth couldn''t close, "Rest assured, Mr. Chen, you and I are both courtiers, I will certainly not turn a blind eye."


    "That will be much appreciated, Mr. Hou."


    Chen Sansi bowed with folded fists.


    That night.


    He sat alone in the dining hall, eating simple dishes with small drinks, waiting for the drama to unfold.


    Around the second watch of the night, fighting noises finally erupted outside.


    But they lasted only briefly, less than the time it took to drink a cup of tea.


    "Is it over?"


    Chen Sansi picked up his weapon and hurried out.


    He saw two figures standing in an alley near the manor.


    Wen Zhi and Chief Eunuch Mr. Hou Bao.


    It seemed they had just cooperated to deal with the same foe, and were now discussing that person''s realm.


    "Chen Sansi!"


    Wen Zhi came over furiously, "Have you really treated me like your watchdog?!"


    Today.


    This fellow actually sent someone to deliver a message, saying someone was out to kill him, asking him to come over to help watch, to avoid any misunderstanding.


    Just as the aftermath of Selected Point had not yet settled, trouble occurred at this time, Sun Xiangzong would definitely question him when he returned, and after much thought, he decided to come and see what was going on.


    He, a dignified Martial Saint, was actually humiliated by someone at the Refining Internal level! It was utterly intolerable!


    "Thank you, Master Wen."


    Chen Sansi really disliked the feeling of being in the light while his enemy was in the dark.


    Someone was following him, and it was necessary to find out who it was to feel at ease.


    Since the opponent was of a high realm and he could not detect it himself, he needed to shake people up!


    And he wasn''t afraid of the opponent becoming desperate since they were only following, which showed they dared not act openly.


    If Wen Zhi hadn''t come, he would have been the most suspicious.


    Now that he dared to come, it meant it was someone else.


    "Mr. Chen, that person was also a Profound Image Realm Great Perfection."


    Mr. Hou said sternly, "Moreover, his skills are exceptional. Even Master Wen and I together couldn''t detain him, but I did strike him once with my palm technique, which is poisoned. He will need at least two months to recover!"


    "Profound Image Realm, Great Perfection?"


    Chen Sansi roughly knew who it was.


    Third Senior Brother!


    Currently, Second, Fifth, and Seventh Senior Brothers were not in Liangzhou.


    Brother Fang had mentioned that Senior Sister Nine was completely trustworthy. First Senior Brother''s features were too distinct, making him unsuitable for tracking tasks.


    The chances were slim that other Sects at the Profound Image Realm, with no grudge against him, were tracking him.


    So, it must be Third Senior Brother.


    Was he instigated by First Senior Brother...


    He noted silently in his heart.


    "Mr. Hou."


    Wen Zhi said angrily, "You saw with your own eyes, this matter has nothing to do with me!


    "If that Chen boy dies at his hands, don''t blame me. I take my leave!"


    He had deliberately not put in his full effort and let the man escape. How could he possibly act as a lackey for his sworn enemy?


    "Mr. Chen."


    Mr. Hou asked, "Do you need me to stay here and guard until dawn?"


    "There''s no need for that."


    Chen Sansi declined the kind offer, "The thief was terrified by Mr. Hou, he certainly won''t dare to come back."


    With such commotion.


    Whether the tracker was indeed Third Senior Brother or not, he definitely wouldn''t dare to return in the next few days.


    As for after that...


    He would see then.


    "Mr. Hou, you should go back and rest early."


    Chen Sansi respectfully saw him off, "And please don''t forget about my brother, Zhang Shun."


    "Rest assured when I handle things!"


    Mr. Hou, pinching his orchid fingers, declared solemnly, "The supervisor in Danzhou has been my playmate since childhood. As long as your brother Zhang Shun is still alive, we will definitely be able to find him."


    "In that case, many thanks!"


    ...


    Marquis Mansion.


    Nie Yuan lay on the ground, spitting out a mouthful of fresh blood.


    "Junior Brother."


    In the courtyard, Lv Ji, who was still practicing martial arts late into the night, hurriedly stepped forward to lend support, "How did you end up like this?"


    "This little junior brother of ours is really formidable..."


    Nie Yuan was frantically stuffing antidote and healing treasure medicine into his mouth, "I don''t know how he noticed I was tracking him, then he actually got Wen Zhi and that eunuch over and ambushed me."


    Lv Ji expressed concern, "It''s not serious, is it?"


    "A few days of rest should suffice."


    Nie Yuan said, "Are we still following him?"


    "If you continue, it''s easy to expose yourself; rest for a while. If no discovery is made after a while, let it go."


    ...


    [Cultivation Technique: National Guardian Dragon Spear, Hua Jing (entry-level)]


    [Progress: 15/100] S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Several days passed.


    Chen Sansi was no longer being tracked, but the progress in his Hua Jing Technique was frustratingly slow.


    "It''s time!"


    He hoisted the Mystic Iron Furnace under the cover of night and headed straight for the Luotian Mountain Range.


    If the container could withstand it, even if only for one use, the effect of the refined Spiritual Grain would surely be many times stronger!

 Chapter 136 Ointment Like Elixir Pills, Temple Borrowing Incense

    Cliffside, cave.Chen Sansi barged into the den of an Exotic Beast, White Deer.


    "Thud! Thud! Thud!"


    In an instant, three arrows were shot out, killing the White Deer on the ground.


    "It''s mine now."


    Carrying the Zhenyue Sword, Chen Sansi brought back a large amount of firewood from outside, then filled the Mystic Iron Furnace with water from a nearby stream, and stuffed it with Spiritual Grain he had pulled from the fields.


    Finally, it was time to light a fire.


    He was somewhat nervous inside.


    If it failed again and even the Mystic Iron Furnace couldn''t withstand it, he feared that only the incense burner in Ci Yun Temple would suffice.


    "Boom¡ª"


    The moment the flame touched the firewood smeared with oil, it turned into a blazing red fire dragon, enveloping the entire furnace.


    "It worked!"


    Chen Sansi breathed a sigh of relief.


    Although the Mystic Iron Furnace was visibly warping and deforming under the scorching of the Abnormal Fire, it could completely withstand the heat for a short time without direct damage.


    He began to add a large amount of firewood.


    Using lamp oil to ignite would produce Abnormal Fire, but it consumed an extravagant amount of fuel; logs as thick as an arm had to be added one after another, and if he stopped for a moment, the fire would extinguish, necessitating a waste of more lamp oil to reignite.


    If the object truly came from the Immortal Realm, it definitely would have a specific fuel type and wouldn''t be so troublesome.


    In no time, Chen Sansi had run back and forth several times fetching wood. Thankfully, there was plenty of firewood on the mountain, otherwise, there would not have been enough.


    "Hum!"


    With the roasting of the Abnormal Fire, the Mystic Iron Furnace buzzed until it began to emit wisps of blue smoke, indicating that the water inside had evaporated. He then stopped adding wood and let the flames die out.


    The whole process lasted only about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea.


    When it cooled down, Chen Sansi lifted the lid of the furnace to look inside, only to find the Spiritual Grain had vanished, replaced by a black mushy substance, just like rice burnt in a cooking pot.


    He scraped some out with a stick and sniffed it at his nostrils, detecting a fragrant scent.


    "What''s this, medicine ointment?"


    Chen Sansi dared not try it rashly and instead tested it on a variety of animals, large and small, including a Poisonous Beast wolf, quickly deducing the general pattern.


    Starting with rabbits, the larger the body size, the smaller the side effects.


    By the time it was tried on a leopard, they no longer died!


    Even a brown bear remained unharmed.


    "Eat!"


    He finally pried open the mouth of the Poison Wolf.


    This time, not only did the wolf not suffer side effects, but it also became stronger and more fierce!


    Chen Sansi immediately picked up the Zhenyue Sword and chopped off its head.


    "Seems there''s no problem."


    He took a deep breath and stuffed some of the medicine ointment into his mouth.


    Instantly.


    A unique sensation spread from his abdomen, flowing through his limbs and filling his meridians. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Sansi picked up the Five Tigers Soul-breaking Spear and practiced the Hua Jing Technique.


    Hua Jing, as the name implies.


    Is about transforming the Qi-Blood in the body into Power, and this process requires maintaining a "Blood Explosion" state, understanding how to transform Qi into power through the challenge of pushing limits.


    Therefore, for the vast majority of Martial Artists, it is an extremely slow and difficult process, as they can only last for twenty or thirty bouts at most.


    Chen Sansi was different; he could last for at least two hundred bouts.


    Additionally, as he cultivated, the Spiritual Rice Medicine Ointment continuously further strengthened his flesh and Qi-Blood, which provided great assistance, the effect exceeding Plant Ash by more than three times!


    The meridian toxicity still existed.


    However, the ointment extracted by boiling water greatly reduced the toxicity, retaining even more essence.


    From late at night until dusk the next day, his proficiency increased significantly.


    [Cultivation Technique: National Guardian Dragon Spear. Hua Jing (Not Yet Entry-Level)]


    [Progress: 20/100]


    According to the original plan.


    Chen Sansi would need at least two months to achieve Hua Jing.


    But now, it would take less than a month.


    This speed, even amongst geniuses, could surpass ninety-nine percent of people.


    As for Cao Fan''s Hua Jing.


    It was because he had reached Refining Internal Organs Perfection for several months, compounded with the support of the Imperial Family''s resources; it would have been abnormal if he didn''t achieve Hua Jing, and he likely had some secret moves that could improve his Cultivation.


    No matter what.


    He had solved a major problem and could now quickly achieve Hua Jing and then Meridian Passage.


    But to break through to Martial Saint within three years...


    In the mortal world, probably no more than three people could achieve it.


    The difficulty was still considerable.


    He would have to give it his all.


    "I wonder how I''d fare against a Hua Jing Warrior with my current strength,"


    "I should be able to put up a fight!"


    Chen Sansi thought to himself as he began to clean up the site.


    He took out a porcelain bottle for storing elixir pills and scraped the ointment into it bit by bit.


    The Spiritual Grain he brought had nearly filled the entire furnace, yet only a thin layer of medicine ointment was produced.


    "Does this count as an Immortal Pill? Am I doing Alchemy?"


    "Probably not."


    After Chen Sansi ate the ointment, he didn''t notice any effects that could aid in the cultivation of spells, nor did a [Alchemy] proficiency panel appear before him, what increased was his proficiency in [Medical Skill].


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    [Skill: Medical Skill. Mortal (Mastery)]


    [Progress: 491/1000]


    Now it seems, the "Mortal" word in front is traceable, perhaps in the future, there might be a chance to cultivate the medical arts of the Immortal Realm.


    But if that''s the case.


    Why did the Immortal demand the Emperor worship with Spiritual Grain?


    Clearly, there is no Spiritual Energy in this world, and the cultivated Spiritual Grain does not contain any mystic properties. Is it possible that it''s just a kind of raw material?


    Besides, another problem arises.


    That is the Mystic Iron Furnace will be burnt out, it looks like it can be used one more time, then it will need replacing.


    A furnace made of Mystic Iron would cost more than three thousand silver pieces no matter where it''s purchased, and the key issue is that Mystic Iron is an extremely precious resource. Even if one has the money, buying a furnace every now and then would eventually attract unwanted attention.

 Chapter 136 Ointment Resembling Elixir Pills, Temples Lend Incense - 2

    ```It was after all a temporary solution, not a cure.


    What was needed was a true furnace that could withstand the temperature of the Abnormal Fire.


    "Well, I''ll go to the military camp and buy a couple. That should suffice for a while."


    Chen Sansi left the Luotian Mountain Range, taking the White Deer with him to avoid attracting attention, and called for Qian Xun to meet him.


    Suddenly thinking of something, he took out a porcelain bottle filled with ointment: "Qian Xun, I have some good stuff here, do you want to try it?"


    If the Poison Wolf could eat it without any problems, Qian Xun, presumably an Exotic Beast, should have no issues either.


    Moreover, he wasn''t forcing it. The White Swan Horse was intelligent and could decide for itself.


    Qian Xun gave it a sniff and then began nodding its head furiously.


    "You really want to eat it?"


    Chen Sansi wasn''t stingy and fed it two mouthfuls.


    Surprisingly, after eating the ointment, the White Swan Horse showed a cheerful mood but did not exhibit an overly strong reaction, nor did it fall into an excessively excited state like ordinary animals. It seemed to be enjoying its favorite snack, nuzzling against its owner to indicate it wanted more.


    "What kind of creature are you?"


    Chen Sansi was amazed.


    How could the White Swan Horse''s tolerance be so strong?


    Even after he ate, he needed to focus on his cultivation to assimilate. It was as if Qian Xun was completely unaffected, truly incomprehensible where Xiang Tingchun got such a horse from, defying all logic.


    [Skill: Horse Control (Expert)]


    [Progress: (459/500)]


    Recently, he had ridden horses less often, so it was natural that his proficiency wouldn''t surge like it did when he was escaping from Yunzhou.


    "It would be great if you could talk."


    Chen Sansi mounted the horse: "Let''s go, home. You still want to eat? I don''t have enough for myself, let alone you!"


    Qian Xun seemed a bit sulky, and after being whipped a few times, it got moving obediently.


    In fact, even after being tamed, the White Swan Horse often had its own little schemes, especially about food. If not satisfied, it would throw a tantrum.


    Fortunately, it knew when it mattered, such as on the battlefield, where it would never cause any trouble.


    This only further underscored the White Swan Horse''s intelligence.


    ...


    A few days later.


    As usual, Chen Sansi went to the Military City to report for duty.


    Last time, Yu Song mentioned there were leads on the Witch God Sect. He estimated there''d be news in the next few days, just unsure of where it would be hidden.


    "Mr. Chen." Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    At the entrance, he encountered Tang Yingke sitting in a carriage.


    Tang Yingke stopped the coachman and came down to greet him: "General, you no longer have to avoid me."


    "Hmm."


    Chen Sansi clearly understood, now that things had come to this point, there was no need to care about others'' perceptions: "Thank you, Brother Tang, for your aid those two times."


    "Please don''t say such things, Mr. Chen!"


    Tang Yingke bowed deeply, almost touching the ground: "General, you avenged me without fearing the Princely Heir; I have witnessed it all and will never forget it. On the other hand, I hesitated and failed to support you wholeheartedly earlier, which I deeply regret!"


    "You overstate it. You and I are neither kin nor kind. Brother Tang, your risk in aiding me was already extraordinary. How could I repay kindness with malice?"


    Chen Sansi looked at the carriage: "Brother Tang, are you leaving?"


    "Exactly."


    Tang Yingke gave a positive response: "To be frank, I''ve never been fond of practicing martial arts; my father has insisted, forcing me to undergo trials. Now that Selected Point has ended, and having been injured, my father has no reason to keep me in Liangzhou."


    "The imperial examinations are imminent; I plan to rush back to the Capital City to participate, aspiring to make a career for myself one day as a civil servant."


    "Oh?"


    Chen Sansi encouraged him: "Then I''ll congratulate you in advance, Brother Tang, on your name being emblazoned on the gold list, and experiencing the joy of ''riding triumphantly with the wind, watching all of the Chang''an flowers in a single day''."


    The Great Sheng Dynasty''s Capital City was not in the Northern Territory, but in the heart of the Central Plains, appropriately named Chang''an, aligning with the poem.


    "What fine poetry!"


    Tang Yingke exclaimed: "I''ve long heard that Mr. Chen was once a scholar like me, just that later on, you swapped the pen for the battlefield. To think you still have such poetic talent, perhaps you would have far outshone me had you continued."


    "Brother Tang gives too much praise."


    Chen Sansi bid farewell.


    "Before parting, I have a few words of caution for Mr. Chen."


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    Tang Yingke lowered his voice: "Mr. Chen, by killing Wen Qiushi and seizing the position of Champion Leader, True Disciple, neither the Princely Heir nor Yin Hanwen will give in willingly. They will certainly continue to cause trouble for you."


    "Especially Cao Fan, who has advanced rapidly in his cultivation recently, and it is rumored that he has paid a huge price for it. It''s unclear by what means he''s achieved this."


    Chen Sansi pondered.


    It seemed there indeed was a reason for Cao Fan''s sudden advancement, yet it was unknown what that price was.


    "In addition, within the military, Mr. Chen, you must also be cautious."


    Drawing upon his early exposure and connections, Tang Yingke shared: "The Reserve Camp''s forces are composed of soldiers from the garrisons of three states, many of whom have connections within the court."


    "The Main General has not yet been chosen, and with Vice General Sha Wenlong being from the Yin family and linked to the Gao Faction, there are others I haven''t had time to check, but they certainly have some connections as well."


    "With the Commander away, General Chen must be wary of them!"


    "Should I be able to influence the court in the future, I will certainly assist the General in whatever way I can!"


    "For now, farewell!"


    As he spoke, he bowed deeply once more.


    The actions Chen Sansi took in Liangzhou, forcefully killing Wen Qiushi on the stage, led him to a realization; to live and act with constant concern leads nowhere. To achieve success, one must move resolutely forward.


    There is only one path in the world, the path of relentless progress.


    "Goodbye!"


    The two said their goodbyes.


    "Vice General Sha..."


    So far, Chen Sansi had yet to meet this person, but the Reserve Camp''s Deputy General, temporarily in charge of everything, would at least be at Perfect Pulse Passage or the Profound Image Realm.


    ```

 Chapter 136 Ointment Resembling Elixir Pills, Temples Lend Incense - 3

    ```He was wary not only of the Reserve Camp but also knew that two or three of the Eight Camps were staffed with the court''s men.


    Even after Ning Changqun''s death, there would definitely be new people sent over to take charge, not to mention the subsequent expansion of the army by four camps, which would require four generals from the Profound Image Realm. His master didn''t have so many people at his disposal; naturally, the court would assign them.


    One must counter soldiers with arms and water with an earth dam!


    All Chen Sansi could do was to take things one step at a time.


    Yu Song was at the Meridian Passage Realm.


    Recalling the past encounter with Amugu, he still felt a lingering fear.


    If the opponent were to harbor any ill intentions, in a moment of desperation, the Immortal Treasure Strange Fire would be enough to kill him, but it was as they say, using the Immortal Treasure even once would increase the risk of exposure, and a torch would need to be prepared in advance, which might not be feasible in a sudden confrontation.


    Sword Qi Skill!


    The Sword Qi Skill his master imparted to him, if he could successfully cultivate it, would be a true life-saving technique.


    Too bad there''s no Qingxuan Energy.


    After today''s patrol, I''ll try to go to other temples and Taoist temples.


    If that still doesn''t work, I''ll have to look for someone from the Seeking Immortal Tower in the Red Sleeve Tower. My master and senior brother mentioned that they might still have some. It''s just uncertain whether they''d be willing to part with it.


    "Mr. Chen."


    Doctor Jiang came over and said, "The two Mystic Iron Furnaces you requested are ready, and Doctor Qian is waiting to teach you the Power Quenching Medicine technique." S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Passing by the Martial Arts Arena, Chen Sansi saw Cao Fan practicing his saber skills. He had indeed reached Hua Jin and with a full force enhancement, combined with a top-quality Xuan Weapon like the Azure Dragon Crescent Blade, he shattered the massive rock in front of him with ease, earning continuous cheers.


    By their side, there were also two old servants.


    The old servant accompanying the Princely Heir might be at the great perfection stage of the Meridian Passage Realm.


    The "energy" of the old servant beside Yin Hanwen was noticeably weaker, likely below the small achievement level of the Meridian Passage Realm.


    He comes from a family of civil servants, after all. If every family was hiding a general-level martial artist from the Profound Image Realm, there would be no end to it.


    Ignoring them, Chen Sansi headed straight to the pharmacy.


    ...


    "Huff..."


    After finishing cultivation, Cao Fan was as pale as a ghost, extremely weak he sat down somewhere, and popped two red medicine pills into his mouth. It took him a long time to finally recover.


    "Princely Heir, you can''t keep practicing like this."


    Yin Hanwen pointed in the direction Chen Sansi had passed and disdainfully said, "That Chen is merely at Refining Internal Organs Perfection. Normally speaking, he shouldn''t reach Hua Jin for another three months at least. Even if you stop practicing the ''Golden Crow Blood Fierce Saber'' and continue with your previous cultivation techniques, you would easily crush him by then.


    "Not to mention, he''s been wasting time going hunting in the mountains and making pilgrimages to Taoist temples recently. I heard he plans on learning alchemy next. With his attention scattered in so many directions, there''s no need for you to act, Princely Heir. In no time, I fear Lu Shuhua and the others will have left him far behind!"


    "No, this man is not as simple as you think," Cao Fan said with a deep gaze. "You probably still don''t understand what it means for him to have come this far from a desolate place like Po Yang. In that kind of small county town, when he first began practicing martial arts, he likely had to fight for even the lowest quality Blood Replenishing Soup.


    "Under such conditions, he reached Refining Internal Organs Perfection within a year, and in Liangzhou with the help of treasure medicine, he will only grow faster. Enjoy exclusive content from empire


    "Besides, don''t be fooled by his apparent wasteful daily activities; he may very well be practicing hard in private, and you''ve just not seen it!


    "If I don''t work harder, he could surpass me at any moment."


    "Princely Heir..."


    "You need not say more. My mind is made up!"


    Cao Fan stood up again, "I have always believed in the saying that heaven rewards the diligent. I will not stop until I win the next competition."


    "..."


    Knowing he couldn''t persuade him, Yin Hanwen turned to the servant accompanying the Princely Heir, "Eunuch Zheng, won''t you advise him? The Princely Heir mentioned a long time ago that practicing the Golden Crow Fierce Saber could shorten one''s lifespan, and he''s so young!"


    "Mr. Yin, once the Princely Heir is resolute, no one can stop him, and the pressure on him is immense..." Eunuch Zheng replied softly. "Since he failed to take the top place this time, the Crown Prince has already taken issue with him. Plus, the Prince is deeply beloved by His Majesty. Unless Chen dies, the Princely Heir will have to give it his all regardless."


    "Then let Chen die!"


    ```


    ```


    "Mr. Yin, you mustn''t act rashly."


    Eunuch Zheng''s expression was solemn, "Secretly making a move to kill, even if Supervisor Sun is not present, it will eventually be thoroughly investigated. If it''s found out, it will only implicate the Princely Heir."


    "Rest assured, Eunuch, I have a brilliant plan!"


    Yin Hanwen said earnestly, "The preciousness of the Princely Heir''s lifespan, how can it be wasted on such lowly people!"


    ...


    The pharmacies of the Eight Camps are no longer thatched stalls but are now independent courtyards, and the rich scent of medicine can be smelled from afar. The Medical Officers are no longer clerks without ranks but fourth-rank officials, with the official title of ''Tiju'', and the treatment is very generous.


    "I have seen Jiang Tiju!"


    "General Chen certainly is interesting."


    Jiang Tiju said, "These entry-level disciples are all trying to find ways to enhance their cultivation, yet you still want to take the time to learn Power Quenching Medicine, not afraid to waste precious time. However, since you want to learn, when the time comes, I will certainly teach you everything I know!"


    Power Quenching Medicine needs to be taken when the cultivation technique of the Hua Jin realm is mastered.


    Chen Sansi''s main purpose today was still to take away two Mystic Iron Furnaces.


    After his entry-level induction, he had a share of a Mystical Weapon that he hadn''t claimed, which he exchanged for one furnace; the other one, he actually spent three thousand taels of silver to buy, which was by no means cheap.


    Even if the family had silver, they would not be willing to spend it like this, but it was a necessary thing to improve cultivation.


    After handling the trivial matters.


    Chen Sansi left the Military City and visited all the temples and Taoist temples in Liangzhou City, one by one.


    Incense was likewise present.


    However, for the Ci Yun Temple, it was pitifully scarce, and there were people watching anyway, so there was no way to experiment.


    It wasn''t until evening that he found an old and dilapidated Mountain God Temple, where the incense was so sparse it was almost invisible, and there were hardly any worshippers in the temple, even less so after dark.


    "Old Mountain God, I''ll borrow some of your incense for use."


    Chen Sansi sat cross-legged and tried to practice the Sword Qi Skill.


    "The incense really can be used!"


    "But, I can''t beat him!"


    He could clearly feel that when he was operating his spell, the "foundation" within him that was connected to the meridians was struggling to attract the Purple Energy of the incense from the Divine Statue into his body.


    But he failed.


    The Old Mountain God clung to the little bit of Purple Energy on the stone statue and was reluctant to give him even a bit.


    "So stingy."


    "I was saying if you were willing to share with me, I would have all my brothers come and worship you later, more than a thousand people!"


    Still no response...


    "Really inflexible, not knowing how to adapt."


    Chen Sansi stood up helplessly.


    This trip today, at last confirmed that incense could really replace Spiritual Energy for cultivation, but a tool is required to steal the gods'' incense, like the incense burner of Ci Yun Temple.


    Unfortunately, he had no reason nor the strength to touch it.


    "It seems that I really have to make a trip to the Seeking Immortal Tower tomorrow."


    Thinking so,


    Chen Sansi packed his things and went home, only to see from afar many Armored Soldiers on horseback holding torches in front of his door, and Si Qinmohua was explaining something at the gate.


    "What''s going on?"


    "Mr. Chen!"


    The leader was Zhao Kang, who bowed respectfully and said, "Vice Admiral Yu has an order, commanding the General to lead us to hurry to the east of the city and participate in the suppression of the Yu Yang Sect!"


    ```

 Chapter 137 Besieging Yu Yang, Fiercely Killing Hua Jin!

    "We only have an hour left, thankfully the leader returned in time, otherwise we''d be facing military justice,""Yu Yang Sect?"


    Chen Sansi whistled for his White Swan Horse while inquiring about the details on the road.


    However, Zhao Kang was just a Captain, responsible for relaying messages, not privileged to know the specific plans.


    "Let''s go!"


    "Drive¡ª¡ª"


    After hurrying to the military camp, more than four thousand people had already gathered at the Martial Arts Arena.


    The Reserve Camp, totaling twelve thousand, was divided into four units: front, back, left, and right. Chen Sansi''s left unit was fully assembled, responsible for tonight''s task with Deputy General Sha Wenlong personally in command, and Yu Song assigned to assist.


    The specific combat strategy was discussed inside the tent, only accessible to those above the rank of Thousand Captain.


    Bai Thingzhi, Lu Shuhua, and Xie Sishu were all present.


    Then, it was Chen Sansi''s first meeting with Reserve Camp General, Sha Wenlong.


    Sha Wenlong, transferred from You State, was originally a fierce warrior under General Jing, sporting a rugged appearance and an eyepatch over one eye lost in battle; his weapon was a Dragon Scale Broadsword.


    His aura was even stronger than the old servant Cao Fan, indeed appearing to be of the Profound Image Realm.


    But why suddenly move against Yu Yang Sect? Could it be related to the Witch God Sect?


    "Vice Admiral Yu! You make the announcement,"


    After speaking, Sha Wenlong leaned on his broadsword and closed his eyes to rest.


    "Yes!"


    Yu Song began:


    "Recently, the Witch God Sect Fans have been rampant, yet their traces were elusive. Suspecting some sects might be collaborating with the Witch God Sect, General Sha secretly purchased disciples within several sects to act as spies, finally yielding results.


    "An Inner Sect Disciple of the Yu Yang Sect claimed he saw a man in black use a Vajra Pestle to kill someone and then not descend the mountain but instead hide in the residence of Yu Yang Sect Master, Huang Tianrong.


    "Thus, we suspect Huang Tianrong is collaborating with, or perhaps is even a part of, the Witch God Sect Followers!


    "Tonight''s mission is to capture Huang Tianrong alive, and before we can ascertain how many of Yu Yang Sect disciples are in collusion, none shall escape!"


    Colluding with the Witch God Sect?


    Chen Sansi found it hard to believe.


    A third-rate sect under the given intelligence, with a sect master of entry-level Hua Jin in Liangzhou, one of the weakest forces, dared to affiliate with the Witch God Sect? Even the Jade Maiden Sect, previously nearly wiped out, was a genuine second-rate sect with the sect master in the Meridian Passage Realm.


    How many lives would they have to risk?


    Of course, it could also be coercion, like the previous case with the Golden Bell Temple, a hiding spot for the Witch God Sect.


    Only by going there would the truth be known.


    Bai Thingzhi spoke up: "Vice Admiral Yu, I have a question."


    Yu Song took out a map, slowly unfolding it on the table, and without looking up said, "Speak!"


    "Yu Yang Sect has had quite a few disciples die under mysterious circumstances recently, right?"


    Bai Thingzhi seriously said, "If they are indeed colluding with the Witch God Sect, why would so many of their disciples be killed?"


    "Obviously."


    Lu Shuhua held his sword and spoke gravely, "Merely a tactic to deceive others."


    "Brother Lu is correct,"


    Xie Sishu added, "The more they cooperate with the Witch God Sect, the more they must harshly deal with their own to prove their innocence and secure an undefeatable position."


    Bai Thingzhi thoughtfully said, "If that''s the case, then they truly deserve death." S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "General Sha."


    Yu Song, pointing at the laid-out map of Liangzhou, respectfully said, "My report is complete, it''s time for you to make the deployment."


    "General Sha!"


    Lu Shuhua burst out, "Please assign me and my men to the most dangerous position!"


    "I feel the same,"


    Xie Sishu quickly followed, "I am ready to face death multiple times over."


    "Sounds noble, but aren''t you just seeking to achieve merits!"


    Bai Thingzhi bluntly stated.


    To compete for the position of True Disciple, one not only needs to surpass the current True Disciples in realm but also to accumulate one more B-grade military merit to initiate a challenge in the arena.


    "The General has his plans!"


    Yu Song admonished, "Your only job is to obey the orders!"


    Sha Wenlong slowly opened his eyes, moved to the map, and spoke solemnly, "Since not all Yu Yang Sect disciples are colluding with the Witch God Sect, we cannot massacre the innocent otherwise it would irreparably tarnish the reputation of the Eight Camps.


    "Therefore, tonight, the army''s main role is to encircle, not to slay.


    "Handling Huang Tianrong is not your duty but will be personally undertaken by me and Vice Admiral Yu.


    "Your main tasks are to infiltrate the Yu Yang Sect with twenty men each, then capture these locations separately,"


    He said, pointing to a few locations on the map.


    Everyone looked closely and noticed that the structure of the entire Yu Yang Sect was clearly illustrated, including every separate complex and every small path, depicted in meticulous detail.


    "In each of these complexes resides a Refining Organ Disciple, core True Disciples of Huang Tianrong.


    "If they cooperate, capture them alive and bring them down the mountain; if they do not, execute them regardless!


    "Once Huang Tianrong and these few are captured for display, the remaining Yu Yang Sect disciples will surely not dare to resist further, minimizing the impact of this matter.


    "Did everyone understand?"


    "Command received!" Find adventures at empire


    The crowd responded in unison.


    "The issue of the Witch God Sect is crucial; if left unchecked, it might lead to great turmoil. Conversely, if we can trace through Yu Yang Sect to uncover the true masterminds behind, our Reserve Camp can claim a great achievement!"


    Sha Wenlong stated, "Moreover, simply by completing your respective tasks, you will each be credited with a C-grade battle merit."

 Chapter 137 Besieging Yu Yang, Fiercely Killing Hua Jin!_2

    "Set off!"...


    The four thousand men of the Reserve Camp''s left division launched their assault in silence under the cover of night. At each intersection leading down the mountains from the Yu Yang Sect, a thousand heavily armed troops stood guard, ensuring no one escaped.


    "Zhao Kang, Wang Li, Zhu Tong, Xu Bin, each of you pick five men to accompany me up the mountain. Feng Yong, you lead the rest to secure the mountain entrance!"


    Chen Sansi quickly finished the arrangements and led them stealthily into the Yu Yang Sect.


    The Yu Yang Sect was established on a mountain outside the city. It wasn''t particularly large, but the terrain was complex, with courtyards connected to each other like a labyrinth. Numerous disciples were responsible for patrolling, making it extremely difficult to quickly locate the destination at night.


    Fortunately, he had memorized the map thoroughly and could see clearly in the darkness, allowing him to reach the destination with great speed¡ªa walled manor connected to the rear mountain.


    Strangely, this place did not seem inhabited. Cobwebs adorned the main gate, and the courtyard inside lay in utter silence.


    "Wasn''t it agreed that each of us would handle a True Disciple? Why is there no one here?"


    To prevent any errors, Chen Sansi even jumped onto the roof and used his Qi Observation Skill to meticulously search the area. He could confirm with absolute certainty that no one lived there, which made him more vigilant.


    When things went abnormally, there must be demons at work!


    He thought back to what Tang Yingke had told him during the day.


    Sha Wenlong...


    "To make me come up empty-handed, unable to achieve merit?"


    "It can''t be that simple."


    An insignificant third-class military achievement couldn''t possibly shake his position as the leading True Inheritor.


    Then danger must be close at hand!


    Could it be that Witch God Sect Followers were hidden here and would soon emerge?


    Unclear.


    At the moment, it was merely speculation; he might be overthinking it.


    But even if the enemy truly harbored ill intentions, he couldn''t leave.


    In a word,


    Military orders were as heavy as mountains!


    Desertion, especially on the battlefield, was an absolute capital offense.


    The more he was the Supervisor''s True Disciple, the more he had to set a good example; otherwise, the situation would be even more difficult to handle.


    "Take it one step at a time. Let''s find out what this courtyard is for first." Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Sansi ordered: "Search!"


    ...


    In the darkness,


    Huang Tianrong led the way, followed by seven or eight True Disciples and a dozen Inner Sect Disciples. They moved hurriedly forward in a panic, occasionally glancing back as though fleeing from some ferocious beast.


    "Master!"


    "They... they really have us surrounded!"


    "If not for Master''s quick response, we would likely be locked up in the dungeon by now!"


    "Junior Brother Ma deserves to die! He seemed so honest usually, yet he betrayed us this way. Master even considered him as the future Sect Master!"


    "Colluding with the Witch God Sect? Ridiculous! We''ve lost so many brothers, how could we possibly be linked to the Witch God Sect!"


    "Since they can''t catch the Witch God Sect, the pressure''s too much, and they want us to take the blame! The Eight Camps are up to no good!"


    "Master... could what Eighth Junior Brother saw be true?"


    A disciple voiced a differing opinion.


    Walking in front, Huang Tianrong stopped, turned back, and spoke angrily: "Do you actually doubt your Master?"


    "The Witch God Sect has killed dozens of our Yu Yang Sect disciples! Among them was your Third Senior Brother, who was the most likely to break through to the Meridian Passage Realm and strengthen our Sect again! How could your Master destroy the foundation of our ancestors!"


    Several disciples looked at each other, feeling that it didn''t make sense.


    "Master, what should we do now?"


    "Why don''t we go and explain things clearly?"


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    "Explain my ass!"


    Huang Tianrong cursed: "Do you think they mobilized so many soldiers just to listen to your explanations? Whoever wants to stay and await death, your Master won''t stop you. Those who want to live, come with me!"


    "This tunnel was left by our ancestors for a catastrophe like this, to ensure our lineage doesn''t completely end!"


    "The end of this tunnel leads to a small courtyard in the rear mountain. There''s gold and silver buried there. Grab what you can, and we, master and disciples, will directly leave Liangzhou and go to Ming State to seek refuge with King Liang of Mei Mountain!"


    "King Liang?"


    A disciple exclaimed in surprise: "Doesn''t that mean we''ll have to become bandits in the mountains..."


    "Exactly, we will become bandits!"


    Huang Tianrong said angrily: "Ever since Sun Xiangzong came, he wouldn''t raise taxes on the common people but insisted that the Sects pay. In just five short years, how much resources has he taken from us?"


    "Now with this happening, it''s most likely that they covet our ancestor''s Da Luo River and want to take it for themselves!"


    "Such a court is better overturned!"


    The group of disciples felt that his analysis made sense.


    "Following your Master, there''s a bright future! Becoming a marquis or a minister in the future is not impossible!"


    "Quick, move!"


    ...


    "Sir, we found a lot of weapons and gold and silver!"


    Zhao Kang pointed to the trove of treasures piled in the middle of the courtyard: "They were very well-hidden, and we had to dig three feet into the ground to find them."


    "Something really isn''t right about this place..."


    Chen Sansi pondered silently.


    What kind of place would be used to hide money?


    This clearly wasn''t a heavily guarded spot, so it had to be a last resort!


    He had a rough idea of what was going to happen today.


    After Sha Wenlong and his men came up empty at Huang Tianrong''s residence, the latter had already received a message and fled early. This was their final stop; just by climbing out, they could enter the vast mountains and escape to freedom!


    "Everyone, leave the courtyard and ambush with me outside!"


    Chen Sansi commanded.


    After relocking the courtyard gate securely, they hid themselves in the woods outside.


    Within less than the time it took to brew a pot of tea, they saw a group of people running over in a frantic rush.


    "As expected..."


    Just as Chen Sansi had anticipated, this place was indeed the last escape route for these people!

 Chapter 137 Besieging Yu Yang, Fiercely Killing Hua Jin!_3

    Sha Wenlong sent him here...It was very likely a deliberate plan to make him encounter a Hua Jing Warrior and kill him with someone else''s hand!


    As for this, they only needed to observe the Sky Arrows, watching their support speed to know!


    "It''s not good!"


    Huang Tianrong took out a key, and before he even reached the door, he realized something was wrong, "Quick, run!"


    "Fire the arrows!"


    Chen Sansi shouted loudly.


    However, the martial artists in front of them were at the very least at the Bone Training Realm, only he could bring someone down with a single arrow, the destructive power of the other people''s bows and arrows was simply too limited.


    "Don''t panic, there aren''t many of them!"


    Huang Tianrong, after all, was a master and extremely experienced, swiftly assessed the situation, "Quickly kill them, then grab the silver and run!"


    While blocking the arrows, he charged to the front lines, his spear in hand like a Jiao Dragon bursting from the sea, whooshing straight towards Chen Sansi''s face.


    The Soul-breaking Spear and the trident clashed together.


    A force different from Qi-Blood power surged forth, and even though Chen Sansi entered the Blood Explosion State, he still retreated half a step, but that was all.


    Hua Jing Technique entry-level, representing Inner Strength before Outer Strength, the gap with Refining Internal Organs Perfection might be vast for ordinary people, but for him, it seemed¡­not so fearsome!


    Under the Blood Explosion State, he could hold on!


    Moreover, it seemed there were no other high-level experts from the Witch God Sect present, and the situation was not too dire.


    Of course, it would be best if reinforcements could arrive nearby!


    "Is it you? Chen Sansi!"


    Huang Tianrong had previously met him at Ci Yun Temple, "You, a mere Refining Organ, dare to block me! Die!"


    At this point, not to mention a disciple of Sun Xiangzong, even if Sun Xiangzong himself were here, he would still have to fight with all he had!


    ...


    "General Sha, why is there no one?"


    At the other end of the Yu Yang Sect, where the Sect Master resided, only some women huddled on the ground, crying in terror.


    "Need you ask?"


    Sha Wenlong stared at a corpse at his feet, a disciple of the Yu Yang Sect who had sent them the message, "Surely it''s this trash who leaked the news, letting Huang Tianrong become aware and escape ahead of time."


    "Then what do we do? Where should we look?"


    "How should this general know!"


    "Swooosh¡ª"


    Amidst their conversation, several Sky Arrows shot up from the southeast direction.


    "General Sha, there''s a signal!" Enjoy more content from empire


    Yu Song said, "Before we came, it was decreed that unless it was the discovery of Huang Tianrong, no one else should be disturbed. Huang Tianrong is at the Hua Jing Realm, and all the captains are still Refining Organs, whoever encounters him will be in danger, let''s hurry over!"


    "No rush." S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Sha Wenlong''s face was calm like a still lake, "It might just be Huang Tianrong''s strategy to lure the tiger away from the mountain. Let''s search around here a bit more."


    "Alright, alright, I obey the order!"


    ...


    Twenty rounds passed.


    Chen Sansi was still engaged with the Hua Jing Warrior, and as time went on, from initially being suppressed, he gradually stabilized the situation.


    "Damn it!"


    The brothers fighting alongside him against the disciples of the Yu Yang Sect cursed, "The signal has been sent out for ages, why hasn''t anyone come to support us?"


    "Need you ask¡­"


    Chen Sansi''s eyes were cold.


    They had been set up!


    It''s highly likely that this was orchestrated by Han Wen or Cao Fan under the Director''s orders!


    Fortunately...


    As the battle went on, he discovered something.


    The Hua Jing Warrior wasn''t that incredible after all!


    Previously, it was difficult to confront Cao Fan across the borders because he was also a peerless genius.


    But not everyone was a genius.


    Huang Tianrong obviously was not, otherwise he would not be just a Hua Jing Martial Artist as a Sect Master.


    One step wrong, every step wrong!


    His Qi-Blood certainly would not compare to my own!


    In this depletion and enhancement, the gap between the two further narrowed!


    "How is this possible..."


    Huang Tianrong, who was full of confidence before the action, quickly turned pale, unable to imagine why he, a Hua Jing Warrior, couldn''t take down his opponent.


    This guy''s Blood Explosion state kicked in with full force right away, and astonishingly, he used his Qi-Blood to withstand his internal energy!


    Qi-Blood against internal energy!


    How terrifying, a sheer fantasy!


    He gradually realized what it meant for someone who stood out from the many geniuses of the Thirty-Six States, that one simply couldn''t assess him by the common realm boundaries!


    "Chen, Mr. Chen! We know each other in passing, let''s each take a step back, please let me go, how about it?"


    The only answer he got was the Silver Spear!


    Under the enhancement of the Xuan Yuan Five Organs Body, Chen Sansi''s Dragon Elephant Blood completely entered a frenzy state, with the "Qilin''s Heart" breaking through the opponent''s combat patterns, transforming him into a demon god descending from the heavens.


    Even though he was fighting across realms, he was paradoxically achieving a suppressive effect!


    "Clang Clang Clang¡ª"


    Huang Tianrong''s harpoon became heavier and harder to control, and the internal energy in his body was vanishing at an extremely fast pace, soon nearing exhaustion.


    The Qi-Blood of a Refining Organ Martial Artist was limited, and the internal energy of Hua Jing Warriors was not infinite either!


    If he exhausted his internal energy before defeating his opponent, his advantage would vanish completely!


    "Clang!"


    Another metallic clash occurred.


    Just then a "crack" resounded crisply.


    Huang Tianrong''s harpoon broke!


    ...


    "General Sha!"


    Yu Song felt uneasy, feeling that something was off tonight.


    He said, "How about I stay here while you go to check out where the Sky Arrow resonated from?"


    "Hmm, it doesn''t look like a distraction tactic, this general will go with you," said Sha Wenlong as he started moving.


    Forty rounds of time!


    That should do it.


    The task Mr. Yin entrusted to him was sufficient to complete!


    Even if Huang Tianrong was trash, he was still a Hua Jing Warrior and should be able to kill that kid.


    The arrangement tonight was perfect!


    Everything could be explained as an accident.


    Dying in battle, even the disciple of a Supervisor could not complain!


    True Disciples had died in battle before!


    Thinking this way, Sha Wenlong quickened his pace.


    Just as he arrived at the location, he just saw...


    A long spear under the moonlight transformed into a Silver Dragon, piercing through Huang Tianrong''s heart!


    "Clank!"


    Almost at the same time.


    Chen Sansi pulled out the Zhenyue Sword, severed Huang Tianrong''s head, and slammed it directly before Sha Wenlong, splattering him with fresh blood covering his face and body.


    "General Sha."


    He enunciated each word: "It seems, you''ve missed your mark!"

 Chapter 138 Seeking Immortal Tower, Gaining Spiritual Energy!

    Sha Wenlong looked down at the severed heads beneath his feet, his remaining left pupil trembling slightly, as his brows furrowed even more.Refining Internal, killing Hua Jin?


    This wasn''t just a minor realm advancement, but a major one!


    The Sect Master of the Yu Yang Sect was truly useless.


    The question is...


    What about the Witch God Sect?


    Why didn''t the hidden Witch God Sect Followers strike?


    It wasn''t just Huang Tianrong who was killed.


    After the other sect disciples received reinforcements, they either died on the spot under a flurry of chaotic blades or were captured without a struggle, daring not to resist in the slightest.


    "General Chen, you..."


    Yu Song found it even harder to believe.


    He''d thought that trouble was brewing, but it turned out to be Huang Tianrong who ran into trouble...


    Qi-Blood countering the force of Hua Jin, what did that even mean.


    After a long while, Sha Wenlong finally managed to regain his composure, "General Chen did well. That undercover disciple revealed his own identity and almost let them escape, fortunately, General Chen, by his own power, killed the Sect Master of Yu Yang, preventing grave consequences. You deserve the greatest credit for this mission."


    "Thank you, General Sha."


    Chen Sansi clasped his fist, his expressionless.


    "We did not collude with the Witch God Sect!"


    A disciple from the Yu Yang Sect roared desperately, "Your accusations are merely to take control of the Daluo River for yourselves, to collect the silver!"


    "You scoundrels!"


    Yu Song kicked him twice, then took out a Vajra Pestle, "Then what is this? Found in your Sect Master''s room!"


    "..."


    Several disciples stared at the Vajra Pestle, their faces filled with disbelief.


    This item was a tool used by Witch God Sect Followers to collect Heart Blood!


    "Impossible!"


    "How could our master collude with the Witch God Sect Followers?"


    "The third elder brother who died was his favorite disciple!"


    "..."


    "Still trying to be tough? Fleeing alongside Huang Tianrong, aren''t you showing your guilt?!"


    Yu Song commanded, "Take them all back, lock them up in the death prison of Liangzhou and await their fate! Announce the severed heads of Huang Tianrong and the few dead True Disciples to the public, compel everyone to cooperate with the investigation, and whoever dares to resist shall be deemed a conspirator of the Witch God Sect and be executed without mercy!"


    They left one after another.


    Chen Sansi, however, looked at the headless corpse of Huang Tianrong, his gaze intense and unflinching for a long while.


    It wasn''t due to lingering anger.


    But rather...


    Before Huang Tianrong died, he saw a trace of black aura on this man!


    It was exactly like the aura on Sect Leader Zhang Huaimin of the Seven Absolute Sect, just comparatively much fainter.


    The reason Chen Sansi did not capture him alive but killed him in the last moment was that he feared the opponent might suddenly increase his realm just like Zhang Huaimin, which would complicate matters greatly.


    After all, no one would be there to help him, and he had to prioritize his own life.


    "In the end, the Witch God Sect Followers still didn''t show themselves."


    It was a puzzle to him.


    And Huang Tianrong didn''t seem to be lying; could it be that he really hadn''t colluded with the Witch God Sect and was wronged? Then what was the black aura about?


    Ci Yun Temple...


    Chen Sansi suddenly thought of a possibility.


    Zhang Huaimin was at the Meridian Passage Realm.


    Then it was highly likely that he had also attended a Dao Conference and consumed the mysterious Nourishing Spirit Soup!


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    Could that be the source of the black aura in their bodies?


    But that was wrong.


    If the Immortal Elixir contained black aura, the Qi Observation Skill should have detected it.


    At any rate..


    He needed to be even more cautious around Ci Yun Temple.


    "General!"


    Zhao Kang reported in, "The cleanup is done, shall we descend the mountain?"


    "Hmm."


    Chen Sansi nodded, leading the troops waiting at the foot of the mountain.


    The subsequent matters were not his responsibility.


    After the Reserve Camp took control of the Yu Yang Sect, they carried out a thorough three-day and three-night search, but could not find more evidence of their collusion with the Witch God Sect. In the end, they concluded that only Huang Tianrong and a few True Disciples were guilty.


    But after days of torturing the still-living disciples to death, they failed to extract a satisfactory explanation.


    Thus, the matter was left unresolved and came to an end.


    Finally, it was time for merit awards.


    Inside the tent, Sha Wenlong announced to everyone, "General Chen, for killing the enemy across a major realm, is credited as having the greatest merit for this mission and is to be awarded one Class B merit, with a reward of three thousand taels of silver!"


    "..."


    Lu Shuhua and Xie Sishu''s faces revealed their difficulty.


    Five Class C merits were equivalent to one Class B merit.


    Where would they find such opportunities to earn merit again after this? A Class A merit, which was above a Class B merit, required actual battle to obtain.


    It seemed that the position of the Chief True Inheritor was beyond their reach now.


    Moreover, Refining Internal to combat Hua Jin, even if it was only a third-rate sect''s Hua Jin, would be very difficult. Probably only Cao Fan would be able to compete with this man.


    "General Chen, congratulations!"


    Lu Shuhua and Xie Sishu stepped forward to congratulate him.


    Signifying that they had effectively given up on the competition.


    "You shouldn''t have harbored any such aspirations in the first place!"


    Bai Thingzhi bluntly said.


    After leaving, Chen Sansi once again saw Yin Han Wen and Cao Fan practicing in the Martial Arts Arena, and a strong killing intent surged within him.


    This confusion must have been instigated by someone with the surname Yin.


    Sha Wenlong was of the Profound Image Realm, so it was not a good time to kill him.


    But this dog Yin Han Wen!


    Chen Sansi didn''t want him nauseatingly flitting in front of him anymore.


    If he left Yin Han Wen alive, who knew what kind of backstabbing would occur in the future!


    The problem was, next to Yin Han Wen was an old servant at the Meridian Passage Realm.


    Chen Sansi hadn''t yet reached Hua Jin, and even if he did, it was impossible for him to kill someone at the Meridian Passage.


    But what about using a spell?


    Sword Qi Skill!


    After all, it was a spell used by Immortals; it should be able to kill a Meridian Passage Realm individual, right?


    The only issue was the lack of Qingxuan Energy, or rather, Spiritual Energy!


    Seeking Immortal Tower! S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It couldn''t be avoided!


    Determined, Chen Sansi, covered in blood, returned home.

 Chapter 138 Seeking Immortal Tower, Acquiring Spiritual Energy!_2

    Si Qinmohua gradually got used to preparing hot water for his baths and for changing his clothes.Now that his wife was pregnant, it was better to be cautious to avoid startling the child.


    ...


    The next morning.


    Just as Chen Sansi had finished washing up, Mo Hua came to find him, saying that someone outside wanted to meet him.


    Standing at the entrance of the residence was a young Taoist, naturally from the Ci Yun Temple.


    "Blessings be as boundless as the Heavenly Venerate!"


    The young Taoist bowed, "Benefactor, my master is going to preach today and has specially sent me to invite you."


    They actually came to the door...


    What does it mean?


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    Could it be that they insist on making him drink the Nourishing Spirit Soup?


    What exactly was this Nourishing Spirit Soup for?


    "I understand,"


    Chen Sansi calmly replied, "Please tell Reverend Qiu Mingzi that if I have time, I will definitely come."


    He certainly couldn''t outright refuse, otherwise the other party might sense something was wrong.


    It just wasn''t clear if he didn''t go, whether the other side would keep inviting him, and if he kept refusing, whether they would force him.


    Without a weapon, he truly felt unsafe!


    And recently...


    The tracking had started again!


    After leaving the house, Chen Sansi noticed the familiar presence reappearing.


    "It seems I need to find someone to deal with this,"


    He thought this as he went out to buy many medicinal materials, using his free time after work and beyond his cultivation sessions, to make a lot of beauty creams and rouge powders, which he then personally delivered to the Governor Mansion.


    "Junior brother really knows how to care for women,"


    Rong Yanqiu, smelling the scent of rouge, said, "These materials can''t be found on the market, you must have gone through a lot of trouble, are you planning on asking me to give them to Ninth Junior Sister?"


    Chen Sansi shook his head, "No, they are for you, Senior Sister."


    "Me?"


    Rong Yanqiu quickly caught on and rolled her eyes, "Junior brother, if you have something to say, just say it."


    "Thank you, Senior Sister."


    Chen Sansi didn''t stand on ceremony and explained what he needed.


    "Alright, leave it to me."


    Rong Yanqiu handed the items to a servant, instructing, "Go give these to Ninth Junior Sister and say that Mr. Chen personally made them for her."


    After giving her instructions.


    Her expression suddenly turned grave, and she picked up a weapon and followed.


    It wasn''t long.


    Before she indeed spotted a shadowy figure covertly following behind the junior brother.


    "Swoosh¡ª"


    An Iron Thorns Whip suddenly lashed out.


    The shadow let out a cry of alarm, also taking out two short daggers from behind to block, but he was clearly no match due to an injury. After one exchange, he was stumbling backward, yelling, "Ninth Junior Sister, it''s me, hold your hand!"


    "Old Third?"


    Rong Yanqiu''s face grew even colder, "Junior brother has only been an entry-level disciple for a short while, and you want to trail him?"


    "No, not trailing!"


    Nie Yuan hurriedly explained, "I was merely protecting junior brother in secret!"


    "Do you think, I can believe you?"


    Without further ado, Rong Yanqiu whipped out her Iron Thorns Whip with the fury of a tempest, swiftly reigniting Nie Yuan''s old wounds and forcing him to spit out a mouthful of fresh blood.


    He knelt on one knee, "Ninth Junior Sister, are you really going to kill your senior brother over a junior who''s just become an entry-level disciple?"


    "Killing you would be too far, but..."


    Rong Yanqiu snorted coldly, "You and eldest brother have long ceased to be my senior brothers, come with me!"


    She wrapped her Iron Thorns Whip around his neck and, like leading a prisoner, marched straight to Marquis Wuding''s Mansion. She kicked open the gate, startling the eldest senior brother inside who was practicing his martial arts.


    "..."


    Lu Ji looked at his third junior brother, covered in blood, and felt a headache coming on. Without even asking, he could guess what had happened.


    But still, he said with a heavy voice, "Ninth Junior Sister, isn''t this going too far?"


    "Too far?"


    Rong Yanqiu found it laughable. She kicked Nie Yuan aside, her voice laced with severity, "Eldest brother, aren''t you embarrassed? Setting your sights on our own junior brother. No wonder the fourth senior brother instructed me to stay in Liangzhou for a while before he left, just to guard against you, the ingrate!"


    "I... really only wanted to protect junior brother in secret."


    "Protect?"


    Rong Yanqiu sat down in the middle of the courtyard, pouring herself a drink indifferently, "You have the nerve to say that, a few nights ago when junior brother was on a mission and ran into Hua Jin, where was your protection then?" S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Lu Ji spoke blandly, "The battlefield is the battlefield, normal times are normal times."


    "Enough, I can''t be bothered to argue with you,"


    Rong Yanqiu felt irritated, "From now on, if you dare to tail Chen Sansi again, don''t blame me for turning on you, and I mean the kind of turning that involves risking lives, do you understand?"


    "Okay."


    Lu Ji agreed calmly, "I promise you."


    "I don''t hold power in Liangzhou, this is your turf, but there''s someone you need to deal with for me."


    Rong Yanqiu continued, "Sha Wenlong."


    "Why? Because of the Yu Yang Sect''s business?"


    Lu Ji sat down opposite her, "That doesn''t seem appropriate, it was just an accident."


    "Accident?"


    Rong Yanqiu scoffed, "I''ve checked, Sha Wenlong''s family has been disciples of the Yin family since his father''s generation. You tell me this was an accident? If he were under my control, he would have been dismembered into over a dozen pieces by now."


    "Sister, we need evidence for everything..."


    "I couldn''t care less about evidence."


    Rong Yanqiu''s stance was firm, "I''m giving you one month, either remove him or transfer him to another department, otherwise, I''ll take matters into my own hands."


    "Ninth Junior Sister, don''t go too far!"


    Nie Yuan could hardly bear it.


    Lu Ji stopped him, "Junior Sister, I swear to heaven, I would never harm junior brother''s life, and as for your demand, I can agree to take care of it, but..."


    "Junior brother has just become an entry-level disciple, and you''re already so protective, is it necessary?"


    "I''m not protecting him."


    Rong Yanqiu enunciated clearly, "I merely trust master."


    ...


    Chen Sansi stopped in front of the largest brothel on Flowering Willow Lane, looking up at the signboard that bore several large characters ¨D Red Sleeve Tower.

 Chapter 138 Seeking Immortal Tower, Acquiring Spiritual Energy!_3

    After coming to this world, it was the first time he had entered such a place."Young Master, please come in."


    Stopping at the entrance for barely two breaths'' time, Chen Sansi was surrounded by two hostesses and ushered inside. Contrary to his expectations, inside the high-class brothel it wasn''t just about being flanked by beauty and mired in drunken debauchery; there were also numerous artistic performances, especially involving various musical instruments. The music alone was enough to reveal the high skill level¡ªsomething that couldn''t be achieved without ten to eight years of hard practice. Moreover, the many literati who were reciting poetry and engaging in verbal duels represented a blend of vulgarity and elegance, no wonder tales of romances and rivalries between scholars and brothel women often came out of the Capital City.


    "Young Master."


    An old madam respectfully asked, "Are you here to look for someone or is this your first visit?"


    "My first visit."


    Chen Sansi looked around.


    The letter from the Seeking Immortal Tower merely told him to come here but didn''t specify who to look for or how, leaving him clueless.


    However, since it was arranged this way, he assumed the other party would make contact first.


    "Young Master, please take a seat."


    The old madam rushed to find him a seat and began to introduce the girls and the process, which was quite complicated.


    As soon as Chen Sansi sat down, he had to participate in "pointing at the tea flower," paying ten taels of silver for the tea, which essentially was just the minimum entry fee. Following that, should he fancy any of the girls for company, a separate price would be set.


    The girls were ranked into different grades, with the Oiran being the most expensive. Having money alone wasn''t enough; one also needed to recite poetry to attract her attention and have a chance to spend the night.


    "I can manage that."


    Chen Sansi thought, with the poems he still remembered, he could certainly show off a bit here.


    Unfortunately, he wasn''t in the mood.


    He was here for serious business today.


    On the surface, Liangzhou City was tranquil, but beneath that, danger lurked everywhere and every moment had to be used to enhance his Power. Indulgence also needed the right timing.


    An hour''s wait and still, there was no movement. Discover more stories at My Virtual Library Empire


    Chen Sansi didn''t spend a single penny more than the entry fee, which made the madam roll her eyes at him.


    He didn''t get to meet anyone from the Seeking Immortal Tower, but he did end up meeting acquaintances.


    Sun Buqi, Yan Changqing, and several sons of officials.


    "Mr. Chen, you should have said something earlier, and we could have come here together," said Yan Changqing, offering a toast, "I am a regular here and can introduce you to some rare beauties, all top courtesans guaranteed to satisfy you."


    "Sansi, what are you doing here?"


    Sun Buqi was surprised, "This isn''t like you!"


    "..."


    Chen Sansi, unable to avoid it, simply responded, "I''ve been tired from cultivation recently; just here to relax a bit."


    The purpose of visiting the Seeking Immortal Tower was a secret, of course not to be publicly disclosed.


    "Sansi, this isn''t good for you!"


    Sun Buqi said, "Your sister-in-law is pregnant and waiting for you at home. Let''s go, we can go hunting in the mountains instead."


    "?"


    Chen Sansi looked at him, feeling something was off.


    "Sansi!"


    Sun Buqi said sternly, "So many people know you here; aren''t you afraid it''ll spread by tomorrow and everyone will know?"


    "What is there to be afraid of?"


    Chen Sansi was very calm.


    His master disliked lecherous individuals, but he was here in search of the Seeking Immortal Tower, something his master was aware of.


    In this world, men visiting brothels was nothing unusual, so why fear people? sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "You, you..."


    Sun Buqi was a bit anxious, "Sansi, my sister is at your house taking care of your sister-in-law."


    Sun Li?


    Chen Sansi belatedly realized.


    Recently, he had felt something strange about everyone''s behavior.


    After his initiation ceremony, his master even mentioned arranging a marriage for him, and today Senior Sister Nine also hinted whether the gift was meant for Sun Li. Combining Sun Buqi''s attitude, perhaps they were planning to marry off their girl to him?


    Why?


    To Chen Sansi, this kind of thing should require mutual consent.


    Does Senior Sister Sun even agree?


    Well, Senior Sister is very pretty.


    But he really hadn''t considered these matters.


    Still the same reason¡ªcurrently, he lacked the mind for it.


    "Bu Qi, take a seat."


    Chen Sansi didn''t leave, "Let''s just drink and listen to songs; we''ll leave after tonight."


    "Okay."


    Sun Buqi finally sat down, "As we agreed, don''t stay overnight."


    "It seems you, my boy..."


    Chen Sansi teased, "A regular? I couldn''t tell; I''ll have to report this to our master."


    "Don''t, Sansi, that''s not fair,"


    Sun Buqi hurriedly said, "I won''t snitch on you, can''t you just pretend you didn''t see anything?"


    Chen Sansi laughed and clinked glasses with him.


    The brothel grew increasingly lively as time approached the Hour of the Dog.


    Many talents began to compete eagerly, bidding for the right to spend the night with the top courtesans of Red Sleeve Tower.


    The price for one night with the Oiran Ning Xiang reached a terrifying five thousand taels, enough to buy two Mystic Iron Furnaces. In addition, Miss Ning Xiang required poetry; only those whose poems were good enough while also being wealthy could get the opportunity to meet her.


    Note, it was to meet, not to spend the night.


    After meeting her, whether one could spend the night depended on one''s performance.


    It was unknown how beautiful she was to enchant these many men; it mustn''t be some illusion...


    Illusion Technique!


    Chen Sansi had a Spell, and people from Seeking Immortal Tower possessing an Illusion Technique made sense, right?


    Could it be that this Oiran was someone from the Seeking Immortal Tower?


    "Miss Ning Xiang, please meet with me!"


    As time passed, poem after poem was written and sent to the upper floors, yet no one was called up.


    Many were so anxious they paced back and forth, and some who were drunk even attempted to rush upstairs but were stopped by the Martial Artists maintaining order.


    "Brother Chen!"


    Yan Changqing clasped his hands, "Won''t you give it a try? With phrases like ''With a heart elated like a galloping horse, I enjoy all the flowers in Chang''an in one day,'' you are certain to win Miss Ning Xiang''s heart. I''ve heard that anyone who makes it upstairs is so bewitched they can''t recover for three days and nights; ah, the taste of it..."

 Chapter 138 Seeking Immortal Tower, Acquiring Spiritual Energy!_4

    Unexpectedly, Tang Yingke left the poem behind before he departed.Chen Sansi really didn''t want to act as a copycat.


    And if Miss Ning Xiang wasn''t from Seeking Immortal Tower, wouldn''t that be a huge loss?


    "Gentlemen."


    As he hesitated to spend the money, even considering leaving, a voice that sounded like a clear spring and somewhat familiar rang in his ears.


    The young woman, dressed in a warm yellow skirt and bowing her head, served them wine and snacks, saying, "Please enjoy~ The gentlemen might also write poems, perhaps you could earn the favor of our Miss~"


    Before leaving, she cast a resentful glance at Chen Sansi and quickly pulled a face to show her disdain; noticing that faint trace of Qingxuan Energy inside her, which flickered like a firefly''s light, he knew she could only be the same black-clad woman who had broken into his house on that day.


    "..."


    Chen Sansi could clearly see the hint.


    He supposed they were just waiting for him to write a poem, even if it were nonsensical, they would still call him up.


    ''Must they make it so complicated?''


    After much thought,


    Chen Sansi finally asked for ink, brush, paper, and inkstone, hurriedly recalling a couple of lines of poetry from his mind, wrote them down, and then gave them to the maid responsible for delivering the poems upstairs.


    As expected.


    The maid quickly returned, bowed deeply, and then gestured for him to follow: "Sir, Miss Ning Xiang wishes to see you. Please pay the silver first, then follow this servant upstairs."


    Five thousand taels.


    Chen Sansi didn''t carry so much money on him. He said, "Mr. Yan, could you lend me some silver first?"


    "You said you didn''t know how to write poems!"


    Yan Changqing was extremely curious, but he still took out a silver note, "Brother Chen, you must share with us a good story upon your return." S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Followed by envious gazes, Chen Sansi ascended the stairs with the maid.


    "Yan Changqing, how could you lend money to Sansi!"


    "Why not lend? What, Brother Bu Qi, are you jealous because of this?"


    "No, he promised he wouldn''t stay the night."


    "What concern is it of yours if he stays the night or not?"


    "..."


    ...


    Red Sleeve Tower has a total of six floors, and even in Liangzhou City, it stands out as a landmark.


    The higher the floor, the more expensive it becomes; starting from the fourth floor, those are the domains of the Oirans.


    The top level is empty, with only Ning Xiang residing there.


    "Humph, you actually dared to come!"


    The little girl dressed in the warm yellow skirt and disguised as a maid, hands on her hips, indignantly said, "Aren''t you afraid my master will avenge me?"


    Nonsense, had she wanted revenge, she would have taken it already.


    Chen Sansi looked at the young girl, noting that most of her wounds were healed, except for a faint scar on her right wrist, and he was not sure why.


    The medicine used by Martial Artists is very effective; theoretically, if it heals, it shouldn''t leave a scar.


    "What are you looking at? I''ve left it there on purpose!"


    Zhaozhao proactively showed the scar on her wrist, glaring with her clear eyes, "Keeping it reminds me to not forget you. Once I''m strong enough to beat you, I''ll come to take my revenge!"


    "Zhaozhao, stop causing trouble."


    A languid and subtly enchanting voice sounded.


    Zhaozhao obediently closed her mouth and stepped aside..


    Chen Sansi hadn''t yet entered when, even through the door, he saw a strand of Qingxuan Energy with his Qi Observation Skill.


    Compared to Sun Xiangzong, it was much weaker, but much stronger than this girl named Zhaozhao.


    Having come all this way, he had no reservations, pushed open the door, and was ready to see the real face of the Oiran over whom many fought tooth and nail.


    A shadowy boudoir fragrant with incense.


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    The curtains fluttered lightly, casting a graceful silhouette.


    There sat a striking woman in a light purple dress, leaning softly on the bed. Her cheeks were as blooming as March peach blossoms, exuding an irresistible charm and allure. Under the veil of diffused incense smoke, she seemed even more captivating; if one were to open the doors and windows, she would surely cause tumult among the butterflies and bees.


    She was indeed "A bewitching beauty who speaks like flowers, with a demure loveliness that emits the fragrance of blooming jade."


    Chen Sansi swung his fist and punched out without hesitation.


    A look of surprise flitted across the Purple-dressed woman''s face before she gracefully leapt to avoid the attack.


    "Boom¡ª¡ª"


    The bed, however, was not so fortunate and was promptly smashed to pieces.


    "Sir..."


    The Purple-dressed woman had a look of aggrievement, "Why do you do this?"


    Zhaozhao accused, "Master, I told you he is malicious, not at all the good man and hero the outside world believes him to be. Last time, he almost took my life."


    "Miss."


    Chen Sansi, looking at the Oiran, said in a stern voice, "You sent someone to break into Chen''s residence without an announcement, and now you try to unsettle my mind with tricks as soon as I arrive. What is your intention?"


    He noticed that as soon as he entered, the Qingxuan Energy within the woman began to move, and though he didn''t know what she intended to do, he certainly wouldn''t just stand there foolishly.


    Ning Xiang bit her lip, looking wronged as she said, "I meant no harm, I just wanted to have some fun with the General first, but who knew the General doesn''t know how to be tender to a lady, truly befitting of his military background."


    "Ning Xiang, right?"


    Chen Sansi got straight to the point and asked, "You have something to discuss with me, let''s hear it."


    The Purple-dressed woman gestured for Zhaozhao to close the door, then elegantly approached the table to pour tea.


    She began, "General, are you aware of our Seeking Immortal Tower?"


    "I have a rough understanding."


    Chen Sansi didn''t touch the tea and stated, "Please get to the point, Miss."


    "You''re in such a rush, General."


    Finding it dull, Ning Xiang spoke straightforwardly, "Our Seeking Immortal Tower has a legacy of a thousand years, with influence far and wide, yet we never meddle in mundane world''s strife, seeking only to one day find the gateway to the Immortal Realm."


    "Immortal Realm..."


    Chen Sansi asked, "Does the Immortal Realm truly exist in this world?"


    "It certainly does exist."

 Chapter 138 Seeking Immortal Tower, Acquiring Spiritual Energy!_5

    Miss Ning Xiang spoke unhurriedly, "Otherwise, how could our Seeking Immortal Tower possess Immortal Laws? It''s just a pity that for over two thousand years, nature''s spiritual energy has been depleted. Even with Immortal Laws, it''s difficult to cultivate them to fruition."Spiritual energy depletion.


    Chen Sansi had long known about it, and he asked, "What use do you have for me then?"


    "Nowadays in the entire world, only His Majesty the Emperor, Supervisor Sun, and additionally the Wushen Sect Leader, these three individuals, have achieved something on the Immortal Path," Ning Xiang said.


    "Among them, Supervisor Sun has the most interactions with Immortals, and you, as his closed-door disciple..."


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    "Since you dared to come here, it must be with the Supervisor''s consent." Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "This further proves that you are the only one who can inherit the Supervisor''s Immortal Law, and you also have the opportunity to come into contact with Immortal Laws, Immortals, and even the gate to the Immortal Realm."


    "I have only one request in inviting you here," she continued.


    "If one day you manage to enter the true Immortal Realm, I hope you could take me and my disciples with you."


    Chen Sansi said helplessly, "Miss Ning Xiang, discussing these matters with a Refining Organ Martial Artist like me, doesn''t it seem like you''re joking?"


    "Martial Arts are Martial Arts, the Immortal Path is the Immortal Path; the two are not to be mentioned in the same breath."


    The lady in purple explained, "Regarding Martial Arts, I am merely at the stage of Refining Internal Organs Perfection. But even if a Meridian Passage stood before me, I could easily kill it."


    "But Supervisor Sun is different; he entered the path through martial arts, which is the most difficult path."


    "As for you..."


    "May I, perhaps, feel it?" she asked.


    Can Refining Internal Organs also cultivate towards immortality?


    Chen Sansi remembered his senior brother telling him that he had two paths to choose from.


    Doesn''t that mean he could also cultivate towards immortality now?


    It''s just a pity...


    Without a Cultivation Technique for the Immortal Path, it''s very likely his master didn''t have one, otherwise, he would have presented it.


    Currently, he only had one spell in hand, which he couldn''t yet cultivate.


    "General, don''t misunderstand, I only wish to see if you could choose another path," she said.


    Ning Xiang leaned in closer, "If possible, you just need to nod and join the Seeking Immortal Tower, and swear a blood oath. Then, I will apply to the Tower Master to teach you the Cultivation Technique."


    "No need," he replied.


    Chen Sansi was not interested in joining another organization, and having to swear a blood oath sounded even less appealing.


    "Miss Ning Xiang."


    He spoke, "Do you plan to have me help you for nothing?"


    "Of course not," she answered.


    Ning Xiang took out a pouch from her bosom, "Don''t look at me like that. For something as important as this, one needs to keep it close for peace of mind, right?"


    "Master!"


    Zhaozhao said sadly, "We only have a little spirit sand left. Are we really going to give it to this scoundrel?"


    "Zhaozhao, mind your manners."


    Ning Xiang chided gently, "In business, we must show sincerity."


    "Spirit sand?"


    Chen Sansi reached out to take it, but the other party withdrew her hand again.


    "Ah, General!"


    Ning Xiang lowered her head and drooped her shoulders, putting on a pitiable expression, "If you take this item, you must honor your word in the future and not walk away after squeezing everything out of me."


    "I promise you that much," he said.


    Chen Sansi didn''t hesitate for too long.


    The matter of the Immortal Realm was uncertain, with no telling how long it would take to come to fruition.


    But right now, he could see a rich concentration of Qingxuan Energy emanating from within the pouch!


    With the contents inside, he would certainly be able to cultivate the spell!


    After getting his assurance, Ning Xiang finally handed over the pouch with peace of mind.


    Chen Sansi opened the pouch and found firefly-colored sand inside that looked like crushed agate.


    "This is spirit sand," the lady in purple began to explain slowly. "At the beginning of Ancient Times when heaven and earth first unfolded, spiritual energy was abundant. But for unknown reasons, it has rapidly depleted over several thousand years; now people can only cultivate Martial Arts through a mixed variety of Qi."


    "But in order to cultivate the Immortal Path, one must possess spiritual energy."


    "Hence, one has to draw on the spiritual energy from some objects left over from Ancient Times."


    "Spirit sand is one such example."


    "I understand," Chen Sansi said as he accepted the pouch.


    "By the way," Ning Xiang shifted the conversation, "There might be a disorder occurring in Liangzhou."


    Chen Sansi inquired, "Miss, are you referring to the Witch God Sect?"


    "Yes, and not only them."


    Ning Xiang opened the window, looking in the direction of the Luotian Mountain Range, "Deep within the mountains, there is an Evil Qi."


    "Evil Qi?"


    Chen Sansi recalled the towering black Mystical Energy that he had once seen in the deep mountains.


    Is this energy referred to as Evil Qi?


    He asked, "What''s the difference between this Evil Qi mentioned by Miss Ning Xiang and the spiritual energy spoken of earlier?"


    "Both spiritual energy and Evil Qi originate from the Immortal Realm, but the latter is aggressive and violent, unsuitable for cultivation, and normally doesn''t occur naturally. We''re not sure what''s happening with the Evil Qi in the Luotian Mountain Range, and it''s growing stronger day by day, as if it''s alive."


    There was worry in Ning Xiang''s eyes, "Recently, the Witch God Sect has been excessively slaughtering Sect disciples. I''m not sure if it''s related to this. If it is, who knows what kind of chaos it will eventually cause."


    "If it worries you so much..."


    Chen Sansi challenged her, "Why don''t you all go take a look?"


    "I would love to! With such a formidable Evil Qi, there might hide some secret regarding the Immortal Realm inside it. But, alas, my strength isn''t that considerable," she said with an air of resignation.


    Ning Xiang closed the window, "The Poisonous Beasts inside the mountains affected by the Evil Qi are quite fearsome, and my mana couldn''t withstand such consumption. Perhaps High Realm Martial Artists could handle it."


    High Realm Martial Artists?


    Listening to her, Chen Sansi thought that pursuing immortality seemed to be less effective than practicing martial arts.


    "I may have stepped on the Immortal Path, but I''m far from becoming a true Immortal; it''s still leagues away," Ning Xiang seemingly noted his thoughts and clarified, "Not to mention, with the sparse spiritual energy here, it''s nearly impossible to advance one''s cultivation. Therefore, General, you must appreciate the preciousness of the spirit sand and remember not to forget about me in the future."

 Chapter 138 Seeking Immortal Tower, Acquiring Spiritual Energy!_6

    Chen Sansi nodded his head."It seems that the Poisonous Beasts are born under the influence of Evil Qi."


    But as of now, no one knows exactly what happened that led to the increase of Evil Qi year by year in the Luotian Mountain Range.


    Immortal Traces...


    But that is a matter of the distant future, I''m afraid it will require experiencing Mysterious Phenomena, or even after becoming a Martial Saint, to explore there."


    For now, the first task is to achieve Hua Jin and, on top of that, by practicing Sword Qi Skill, I should take care of the trouble that is Yin Hanwen.


    "Many thanks, miss, I shall take my leave!"


    Chen Sansi said as he prepared to leave.


    "Eh, General, you cannot go."


    Ning Xiang hurriedly stopped him, "You''ve spent a large sum of five thousand taels of silver; if you leave now and someone outside notices anything amiss, revealing your identity, what will you do? Rest for a night and leave tomorrow; besides, if you wanted to do something else, it wouldn''t be out of the question."


    "..."


    Chen Sansi had received something from someone else and had to show some respect.


    He didn''t refuse, "Must your Seeking Immortal Tower always operate in such places?" Explore more adventures at My Virtual Library Empire


    "I too need to make a living," Ning Xiang explained, "You think seeking immortality doesn''t cost silver?"


    Without saying anything more, Chen Sansi asked her to find him a theatrical spear used for opera, and he started training right in the room.


    He dared not get involved with a woman of uncertain background, let alone get tangled with Immortal Laws. Even if it wasn''t a matter of life and death, there could still be other traps.


    The effect of the Spiritual Rice Medicine Ointment inside him was still active.


    Lately, his progress hadn''t fallen behind either.


    [Cultivation Technique: National Guardian Dragon Spear. Hua Jing (entry-level)]


    [Progress: 71/100]


    Before he knew it, it was dawn and, looking at Ning Xiang and Zhaozhao, one was asleep on a bed which had only half remained intact, and the other was passed out on the table.


    Before leaving, he woke up Ning Xiang, "Hey, give me back my silver."


    That was five thousand taels!


    To take a risk with his life in killing a Huang Tianrong and to receive such a reward, how could he just leave it here?


    The matter of spirit sand was a separate transaction and had nothing to do with the silver.


    "General, you want a freebie?" Ning Xiang said with an angry look, "You''ve broken the bed and now you''re not even willing to shell out a single copper coin!"


    "Woman, where did I touch you!" Chen Sansi urged, "I''m in no mood to waste words with you; I still have to return to the camp for roll call!"


    "Why so fierce~"


    Ning Xiang, as if truly scared, hastily found several silver notes.


    Chen Sansi stuffed the silver notes into his bosom and strode away.


    After his departure, he faintly heard sobbing coming from behind him.


    "Sigh, such an actor."


    Chen Sansi felt too powerless to complain further and called Qian Xun before heading straight to the Military City.


    After roll call, he received some news.


    Sha Wenlong had been transferred to the Sky Wolf Camp, and the Deputy General of the Reserve Camp was replaced by a Deputy General from the Cloud Camp, clearly someone had orchestrated this deliberately.


    This was a good thing.


    Having a direct superior harboring ill intentions and wanting you dead was utterly terrifying, especially within the army, where many orders simply had to be obeyed, even if it meant marching to one''s death.


    It was just unknown who was behind it.


    The most likely candidate could only be Senior Sister Nine.


    Just as Brother Fang had said, Sister Rong Yanqiu could be relied upon, and I really should thank her properly later.


    ...


    "Did you do it?"


    At the Martial Arts Arena.


    Cao Fan questioned, "Stop playing dumb, I''m talking about the matter with the Yu Yang Sect. Did you have Sha Wenlong set him up to encounter a Hua Jing Warrior, aiming to use this as an opportunity to murder by proxy?"


    "Young Master, it was me..."


    Yin Hanwen explained, "I wanted to relieve the Young Master of your worries! Your lifespan bears the great responsibility of the Great Sheng Dynasty and the Thirty-Six States; how could you waste it on vying for a momentary victory against such a person?"


    "Don''t worry, Young Master. He doesn''t have any evidence, and Sha Wenlong, as our staunch loyalist, most certainly won''t spill the beans. If worst comes to worst, we''ll find another opportunity later on."


    "Dismiss yourself."


    Cao Fan did not blame him but said indifferently, "Since you''re not participating in the Selected Point and currently have no position in Liangzhou, I worry that when Supervisor Sun returns, if this matter were to be investigated, it might not be explainable."


    "Supervisor Sun may not return for some time, and Young Master, don''t you trust me?"


    Yin Hanwen hastily said, "Even if it traces back to me, I alone will take responsibility for my actions!"


    "Do you think that it ending with you, this Young Master could escape implication?"


    Cao Fan frowned, "Even if I eventually defeat Chen Sansi, I still have to win over the Supervisor''s favorable impression; otherwise, I will still not access the True Inheritance."


    "Young Master, this fault lies with me!"


    Yin Hanwen finally realized, "I will leave and not stay to drag the Young Master down."


    "Mm."


    Cao Fan patted his shoulder, "Help your father with his work more. In the future, you can also lend me a helping hand. Once I command respect within the Liangzhou Army, I will invite you back."


    Yin Hanwen promised, "I''ll leave at the end of this month, once my arrow wounds have healed."


    Cao Fan did not speak further but took up the Azure Dragon Crescent Blade to continue his training.


    In recent times, he had reached a point of complete devotion to practice.


    "Dammit!"


    Once out of sight, Yin Hanwen slammed his fist into the Training Post, "How could a Refining Internal manage to overpower a Hua Jing! Why? If this continues, he really could cause huge trouble for the Young Master in the future; no, I absolutely cannot let him live!"


    "Elder Wei, I need your help!"


    He turned his gaze to the Meridian Passage Martial Artist that his family patronized, "Help me kill him!"


    "Young Master, that''s not a good idea."


    Elder Wei advised, "Killing someone in Liangzhou City will definitely lead to a thorough investigation."


    "Then wait until we leave Liangzhou, and make it known to everyone when we leave to clear any suspicions!" S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Afterward, Elder Wei, you can double back to commit the murder and blame it on the Witch God Sect!"


    "Elder Wei, it''s all up to you now!"

 Chapter 139 Spell Killing, Heavenly Book and Strange Weapon!

    "Brother Chen, Brother Chen!"After finishing a session of cultivation, Chen Sansi put down his long spear to take a short rest, only to see Yan Changqing running over excitedly, with many soldiers trailing behind him, all wearing the same expression.


    "Incredible, it''s just too incredible!"


    Yan Changqing clapped his hands in amazement, "Brother Chen truly is a role model for all of us!"


    "A role model for what?"


    Chen Sansi was baffled.


    "Look at you, playing dumb is no fun."


    Yan Changqing replied with a mischievous grin, "Word has spread! Now the whole Liangzhou City knows about your romantic tale with Miss Ning Xiang!"


    "Isn''t that so." Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xie Sishu added, "Mr. Chen, that Vajra Body of yours not only brought down the arena but also the bed. This morning, as I was preparing to leave, I personally saw the maids carrying a broken bed down from the sixth floor."


    "Hiss~"


    "The Commander is fierce in the arena, and equally ferocious in bed..."


    "..."


    Chen Sansi guessed that since he could not explain the smashed bed, he would simply have to brazenly adapt the story to ensure his identity wasn''t exposed.


    "And the half-verse poem you wrote, ''A branch of bright red beauty holds dew''s fragrance, clouds and rain over Wushan in vain for the lovelorn heart''!"


    Yan Changqing clicked his tongue, "You said you couldn''t write poetry!"


    This world had no Wushan, but fortunately, there was Wushan.


    Chen Sansi silently altered it as he wrote.


    "What about the second half!"


    "Indeed, Brother Chen, leaving a poem unfinished is not a good habit!"


    These children of officials and the wealthy, even those who practice martial arts, have been educated from a young age, some are even not inferior to literary men, but they hold power in higher regard internally.


    "With Brother Chen''s poetic talent, if you were to take the civil service examination, you would certainly achieve top honors."


    "..."


    Chen Sansi felt that if he had focused solely on reading and writing, he would definitely have found success. Not to mention that in a place like the Capital City, he could easily gain fame all over the world by simply copying a few poems, but it would be useless. Even if he succeeded in earning fame and recognition, he would still need to employ high realm martial artists for personal protection, not to mention the possibility of cultivating to immortality in this world.


    "Still, Brother Chen, you do have one bad habit."


    Yan Changqing switched the subject, "How could you... not pay her?"


    "Exactly."


    "The word has gone out, just before you left, you even took away more than five thousand silver notes from Miss Ning Xiang, you ended up with a profit!"


    "A role model, indeed!"


    "What kind of role model, I think what General Chen did was quite inappropriate. That money was hard-earned, how could you default on it?"


    "..."


    Chen Sansi took the opportunity to slip away while they were chattering, not having time to waste. Before leaving, he also took several scrolls from the Great Library¡ªmaps of the Great Sheng Dynasty.


    There were rumors of unrest popping up everywhere; with external threats resolved, internal strife had emerged. It was likely that there would be another war soon, and the soldiers from the Reserve Camp would be deployed for combat.


    As a military leader, it was natural for him to keep maps at hand, ready to analyze the situation at any moment. Read new chapters at My Virtual Library Empire


    Calling for his White Swan Horse, before heading home, Chen Sansi made his way to the bustling Lu Hua Street, a street full of shops selling women''s jewelry, rouge, and powder. He selected the busiest shop and spent several hundred silver notes on jewelry before heading home.


    Before reaching his home, Chen Sansi could already see from afar a young Taoist in Daoist robes standing in front of the mansion.


    Ci Yun Temple had come calling again.


    "Benefactor."


    The young Taoist bowed and said, "Why didn''t the benefactor attend the sermon a few days ago?"


    Chen Sansi dismounted and said, "Little master, please convey to Taoist Qiu Mingzi that I have been busy with military duties lately. When I have the time, I will be sure to visit and pay tribute to the Heavenly Venerate and donate incense."


    "Then Mr. Chen must not forget next time. My master says you have a connection with the Dao, and if you keep attending, you will definitely be able to comprehend the Daoist Inheritance. It would be a pity to miss the opportunity."


    After another bow, the young Taoist left.


    "Have I really caught their attention?"


    Chen Sansi''s gaze deepened.


    He had made inquiries.


    In the army, there were hardly any high-level generals who visited Ci Yun Temple.


    On the one hand, it was because the men in the forces, like him, didn''t believe in these things.


    On the other hand, the Governor didn''t like it, and his subordinates naturally followed suit, so not many people visited.


    ''Does the master know the ins and outs of this?''


    ''If he knows, why hasn''t he dealt with it...''


    Small achievement in Hua Jin!


    If Chen Sansi remembered correctly, Qiu Mingzi was just someone with a small achievement in Hua Jin, and on him, Chen Sansi hadn''t detected the Qingxuan Energy or Purple Energy, but with the mysterious incense involved, who knew if he had any life-saving cards up his sleeve.


    He could only take it one step at a time. If they were truly insistent, he might have to take a risk.


    The urgent matter at hand was to break through to Hua Jin and concurrently practice the Sword Qi Skill.


    "The master has returned~"


    Si Qinmohua were both waiting at the entrance.


    Mohua led the White Swan Horse inside while Si Qin whispered, "Master, the madam is angry."


    "Because of the Red Sleeve Tower?"


    "Yes, yes."


    Si Qin nodded vigorously, "When I went to the market today and passed by the tea house, the entire street was abuzz with the news. They say that the Supervisor''s disciple, the General of Martial Virtue, famous throughout the land, visited the brothel and left without paying, and the Oiran had people searching the streets for you."


    "No worries, I''ll just explain."


    Chen Sansi pushed open the door to the bedroom.


    He saw Sister Lan, as usual, sitting at the table, her slender jade fingers deftly moving with the embroidery needle, showing no outward signs of anger.


    The more she seemed calm, the more guilty he felt and didn''t know how to start the conversation.


    "Brother Shi is back."


    In the end, it was Gu Xinlan who broke the silence.


    "Yes."


    Chen Sansi sat down opposite her and brought out several boxes, "On the way back, I picked out a few pieces of jewelry for you. See if you like them. If not, I''ll exchange them for new ones."

 Chapter 139 Spell Kills, Heavenly Book and Strange Weapon!_2

    "Wife, don''t stop talking.""Otherwise, I''ll personally make you some rouge, using the most precious treasure medicine, which won''t harm the baby and can protect your skin."


    "Or else, you..."


    "Pfft~"


    While listening, Gu Xinlan suddenly covered her face and laughed softly.


    Chen Sansi was even more dumbfounded.


    "All right, I was just teasing you."


    Gu Xinlan said with feigned annoyance, "Didn''t you say last time that you had important matters to attend to? Did you really think I was angry?"


    "Uh..."


    Chen Sansi was somewhat perplexed as to why even Si Qinmohua knew she was angry.


    "It was just for show."


    Seeing his thoughts, Gu Xinlan explained, "Causing such a commotion in a brothel must be to mislead others, right? It would be abnormal for me as your wife not to react at all. I''m just a woman with no Martial Arts training, I can''t help you outside the house, and certainly shouldn''t be holding you back at home, should I?"


    "Is my Sister Lan so clever?"


    Chen Sansi was somewhat taken aback and hugged her from behind.


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    "Stop horsing around, you might hurt the baby."


    Gu Xinlan batted his hands away, speaking seriously, "Brother Shi, I don''t mind, but Li was not in a good mood when she came this morning."


    "Surely not?"


    "Are you really clueless or pretending to be? Li comes over every day, do you really think she''s just here to take care of me?"


    "Half true, half false, I guess. I just haven''t thought about it that much, and even if Senior Sister Sun were willing, where would she stand?"


    The daughter of my master, how could she possibly be a concubine.


    His master probably didn''t say anything at the time, but he might have been a bit angry about it.


    "Brother Shi, I can..."


    "Don''t say it."


    Chen Sansi covered her mouth, "This matter won''t affect you; the master is magnanimous and won''t truly be angry. Rest well; I''m going to cultivate."


    He went to the backyard, locked the yard door, took up the Five Tigers Soul-breaking and the treasure medicine provided by the Governor Mansion, and began to cultivate.


    This was the greatest benefit of being the Selected Point.


    At every realm, there was enough treasure medicine to consume, so there was no worry about a lack of resources. Coupled with the more exaggerated utility of Spiritual Rice Medicine Ointment, his Progress soared.


    He reported daily at 5 a.m., and outside of patrolling, he was cultivating.


    Chen Sansi became increasingly familiar with the moves of the National Guardian Dragon Spear, gradually reaching a level of great proficiency.


    Maintaining the Blood Explosion State, he was almost in a frenzy, the extreme movement of his Qi-Blood within making it impossible for him to spare any thought for anything else, his focus solely on a giant python exuding a mysterious aura, as if it was on the verge of a transformation, evolving at any moment.


    Two hundred rounds!


    The Blood Explosion State lasted for two hundred rounds.


    Even Chen Sansi''s Mystical Essence Five Organs started to weaken, as if, after being drained of blood, they had to continue to knock on bone and suck the marrow, squeezing the last bit of potential from his body.


    However, at the same time, he began to sense the existence of "Power."


    "Just a little bit!"


    "Just missing a tiny bit!"


    "Hua Jin!"


    Just when Chen Sansi felt as if he was dried up, without a drop of Qi-Blood left in him, a different kind of strength was born within his Qi-Blood, woven into the sinews of his muscled arms, and finally converging upon the long spear, which, as he thrust forward, emitted a roaring sound like the cry of a dragon!


    [Cultivation Technique: National Guardian Dragon Spear. Hua Jin (entry-level)]


    [Progress: 0/500]


    [Utility: Power endures, Qi suppresses the land and rivers, upon Great Success, Power transforms into a True Dragon]


    Hua Jin entry-level!


    The realm of Hua Jin, like the Blood Refining realm, was quite similar.


    First, a strand of Power is cultivated, then the Power spreads through the whole body, followed by Outer Strength. After achieving Outer Strength, one can overlay the Power on a Weapon, and at this point, a Mystical Weapon comes into play.


    After reaching Great Success in Hua Jin, one is able to let a certain degree of Power leave the body, surrounding the Weapon, forming an invisible force.


    [Power endures, Qi suppresses the land and rivers]


    Chen Sansi put down the long spear and started practicing his Fist techniques on a boulder in the yard that was used specifically for Martial Arts training, to comprehend the specific effects of the terms through solid practice.


    The Power in his body, after being used to amplify his attacks, seemed not to disappear immediately but would stretch out for a long time before gradually dissipating. This certainly had remarkable effects in a head-on battle.


    Qi suppresses the land and rivers.


    This was a feature of the National Guardian Dragon Spear, transforming the original "Frenzy" into "Suppressing Stance", an overwhelming spear technique that could truly intimidate opponents, as opposed to merely frightening them with Frenzy.


    The final [True Dragon Strength] effect was unknown for the time being, needing to wait until Great Success to experience it firsthand.


    "Finally achieved Hua Jin."


    Having accomplished one of his phased goals, Chen Sansi exhaled a breath of stale air.


    Instead of the planned two months, he was ahead by one month; it was now spring.


    In just one month, he had broken through from the Great Success of Refining to Hua Jin. Even geniuses like Lu Shuhua, who had already reached Refining Internal Organs Perfection, would probably still need to waste quite some time in the Refining Internal Realm.


    This was thanks to the power of the Spiritual Rice Medicine Ointment.


    It was just not durable; he had to replenish it again after he had used it up, and moving forward, he would need to find time to go into the mountains for Alchemy again. Moreover, the original Mystic Iron Furnace had completely burned through and needed to be replaced.


    Looking at it this way, although Spiritual Grain seemed to be cost-free on the surface, in reality, it came with a price tag of several thousand taels of silver for each use!


    He had originally received a reward of fifty thousand taels of silver; after spending for a while, he now had about half left.


    On top of that, Qian Xun still insisted on having a bite to eat every day.


    "It would be better to have a container."


    "My Martial Arts Realm will not break through again in a short time, it''s best to focus on practicing Spells for the next few days."


    Chen Sansi locked the yard door, sat cross-legged on the empty room''s floor, took out the purse given by the Seeking Immortal Tower, poured the spirit sand in his hand, and began to practice the Spell according to the methods recorded on the fragmented scroll, channeling his meridians.

 Chapter 139 Spell Kills, Heavenly Book and Strange Weapon!_3

    ```With eyes closed and spirit focused, he could feel an intangible yet tangible foundation near his Dantian.


    According to the translation of the "dictionary" by Brother Fang, this thing should be called a Spirit Root.


    Only those with a Spirit Root could cultivate Spells. Even master, it seems, couldn''t succeed in cultivating spells and could only approach the Immortal Path through martial arts.


    Moreover, Spells and the Immortal Path are two different things.


    The Immortal Path is for cultivating longevity, while Spells are for protecting the way.


    Cultivating Spells is far more difficult than practicing Martial Arts, and the difficulty is a hundred times greater!


    It took him a whole three days just to learn how to draw the Qingxuan Energy into his body through the Spirit Root, and now, nearly a month had passed, yet he still hadn''t reached the entry level.


    [Magic: Sword Qi Skill (not entry-level)]


    [Progress: 78/100]


    [Utility: None for now]


    Fortunately, it was almost there.


    However, the rate at which the Spirit Sand was consumed was indeed a bit fast.


    A pouch contained just a small handful, and in not much time, nearly half of it was used up.


    There must be more in the Seeking Immortal Tower, but they probably wouldn''t give it to him for nothing again.


    Beyond that.


    Chen Sansi had observed another phenomenon.


    That was, the Qingxuan Energy he absorbed into his body couldn''t be stored or accumulated; it kept circulating in his meridians and slowly dissipating. To put it simply, it couldn''t be retained, and he couldn''t transform his body by keeping the Qingxuan Energy within.


    In contrast, the master could clearly retain Qingxuan Energy in his body.


    The technique for storing Spiritual Energy probably wouldn''t be learned until one reached Martial Saint.


    As for the other path, Chen Sansi didn''t have the corresponding Cultivation Technique.


    The Seeking Immortal Tower had it, but they wouldn''t give it to him, and even if they were willing, he didn''t have enough Spiritual Energy to cultivate. Otherwise, they wouldn''t be so weak themselves.


    For now, he should just focus on cultivating the Spell well.


    Before he knew it, another day had passed, until Si Qin knocked on the courtyard door and asked cautiously, "Master, Mr. Hou is here and waiting to see you in the living room."


    "Okay."


    Chen Sansi guessed it might be news about Shun. Having practiced tirelessly, he was tired, so he instructed Si Qin to prepare food and drink and took the chance to relax and rest.


    He came to the living room and greeted with a fist salute, "Mr. Hou, your honorable visit graces my humble abode, please forgive me for not welcoming you from afar!"


    "Mr. Chen, no need to be so formal," the Chief Eunuch Hou Bao replied, putting down the tea in his hand, "I''ve come today to discuss the matter of your brother."


    "Please speak, Mr. Hou."


    Chen Sansi went forward to personally refill the tea. "Is there news?"


    "There is, but Mr. Chen, don''t be too happy too soon," Hou Bao spoke unhurriedly, "Seven months ago, among the civilians sent to Danzhou to work on the Canal, there indeed was someone named ''Zhang Shun.'' But three months ago, a big incident took place in Danzhou."


    "The Flowing Sand River broke its embankments, and the civilians unearthed a one-eyed giant stone statue at the bottom of the river. Under the leadership of several Sects in the area, they raised the slogan ''Though the stone man has but one eye, he stirs the sands to make the world defy'' and killed the Canal supervisors. Then they fled to the mountains to become outlaws, using the geographical advantage of the Eight Hundred Miles of Water Pools to establish strongholds, recruiting soldiers and horses, preparing to rebel when the opportunity arose."


    "Your brother Zhang Shun disappeared without a trace after the end of this affair."


    "It is unknown if he died during the mutiny or also..."


    He paused, emphasizing the words: "Turned to banditry!"


    "It''s that serious?"


    Chen Sansi in the North had barely heard of this.


    He looked at the map, noting Danzhou''s location: "Mr. Hou, how many of them are there?" Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "As many as eighty thousand."


    "These troublemakers don''t appreciate what the court has given them; they all think of rebelling, deserving to be cut a thousand times! Before the rebellion, many of them secretly trained in Martial Arts and even prepared their Armour."


    "This matter, it seems, was planned for a long time,"


    "After the incident, Nan Xu, which had been silent for more than a decade, started to stir again. So I figure, the Families, Sects, and gangs in Danzhou and Nan Xu are all complicit!"


    "Luckily, the troublemakers who rose in rebellion are still just a ragtag mob."


    "Once the court deals with Nan Xu, it''ll take care of this band of troublemakers!"


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    Chen Sansi knew.


    With such a commotion, there was no way to get Shun back.


    Nine out of ten chances, he had become an outlaw as well.


    "Mr. Chen." Hou cautioned him in a thin voice, "Let me give you a piece of advice, sever ties with your brother as soon as possible. I''ll keep this secret for you, don''t ruin your future."


    "I hear and understand your reminder, Mr. Hou," Chen Sansi replied, thinking to himself that the rebellion was good.


    Ever since he was in Po Yang, he knew what life was like for the common people.


    The ten days in Yunzhou further convinced him the court should fall.


    But it''s not enough yet...


    The territory of the Great Sheng Dynasty is vast.


    With ostensibly Thirty-Six States, some have an immensely large area. For instance, one Liang State is worth two and a half Yun States, which is why the court''s military always seems stretched thin.


    Moreover, Danzhou is a small Southern State. If Nan Xu falls, it means isolation without support, and the best outcome would be to barely survive in the mountains.


    To put it plainly, they were being manipulated.


    If one truly wants to create chaos, supreme martial power is needed.


    Especially after Chen Sansi learned of the Immortal Law, he was even more certain of this.


    "The world is in such turmoil these recent years..." Hou Bao sighed, "Ming State is not staying quiet either. With the Lord Governor currently in the capital, the rebels are acting up like unsealed demons. There''s also West Qi and Nan Xu liaising, and they are ready to make a move."


    "There are rebels in Ming State too?"


    ```

 Chapter 139 Spell Kills, Heavenly Book and Strange Weapon!_4

    Chen Sansi looked at the geographic position on the map.Ming State bordered Yan State and was also a large state, with complex terrains of numerous mountains and rivers. Further west lay the West Qi Kingdom.


    The four cardinal directions of the Great Sheng Dynasty.


    Corresponding to the north, south, east, and west respectively were Beiman, Nan Xu, Dongqing, and West Qi Kingdom.


    Among them, the strongest were the combined barbarian tribes, followed by Dongqing, and then West Qi and Nan Xu whose strengths were not much different. Almost everyone coveted the rich lands of the Great Sheng Dynasty.


    For the same reasons as the barbarian tribes, the Great Sheng Dynasty was rich in resources.


    In the Great Sheng Dynasty, each state typically had at least one martial artist at the Profound Image Realm, a feat none of the other countries could achieve, with Martial Saints being extremely rare.


    "Not just Ming State, You State, Yan State, and even Liangzhou hosted rebels. During that ten-day period in Yunzhou, there were attempts to collaborate internally with the barbarians, including bandits, sects, and troublemakers,"


    Mr. Hou spoke with a relatively light tone, "But none managed to pose a significant threat before Supervisor Sun swiftly suppressed them. Now, the Northwest Three States have returned to stability."


    "Only Ming State faces enemies on both sides, being besieged by a group of bandits who have rallied troops to confront the court and currently occupy six cities, with plentiful supplies and provisions."


    "Let me reveal to Mr. Chen in advance, if we cannot resolve this in the next few days, Liangzhou will have to dispatch troops for support, and your Reserve Camp will definitely be involved."


    "Mr. Hou."


    Chen Sansi puzzled, "What nature are these bandits of Ming State, that they have actually become a force to reckon with?"


    "Speaking of which, it''s quite bizarre,"


    Mr. Hou spoke with a cold breath, "The bandits of Mei Mountain claim to be the Red Eyebrow Army. Intriguingly, their leader is not even a martial artist but a failed scholar."


    "A failed scholar?"


    Chen Sansi grew even more curious.


    "Exactly~"


    Mr. Hou explained in detail, "This person started participating in the imperial examinations at sixteen and has reached middle age without achieving any significant scholarly rank. Each visit to the capital ended in failure, resulting in local disdain. Even the girl he loved had to marry someone else.


    "Thus, two years ago, he fled to the local bandits of Mei Mountain, led people to raid a wedding, killed the entire family of the bride who was about to be married, and then took the girl up the mountain to become bandits."


    "Before long, he became the new leader of Mei Mountain and later, seizing the opportunity during the barbarian uprisings, he led a rebellion. Supported by local prominent families, he became a formidable force."


    "It is said that he was able to garner support because he obtained a scroll of military tactics, a Heavenly Book that contained real Qimen Formations, turning him into a military training genius. Any formation drilled personally by him could exhibit combat effectiveness far beyond the cultivation of the soldiers, thus he was elected as the leader."


    "Of course, they have no Martial Saints; their highest combatant is a Sect Master at the Profound Image Realm. Truly speaking, they are not too challenging to deal with."


    "But General Dong An of Ming State needs to focus on guarding against the West Qi Kingdom and is really unable to divide his attention."


    "Thus, in a few days, about thirty thousand troops might need to be dispatched from Liangzhou to suppress the rebels."


    A scroll documenting military tactics? A Heavenly Book?


    This must involve some extraordinary adventure, right?


    He, just a scholar, not only managed to keep such an adventure from being taken away but also became a leader?


    There must be many mysteries involved.


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    "Thank you for the information, Mr. Hou!"


    Chen Sansi expressed his gratitude.


    "Recently, General Chen must diligently drill, striving to achieve another remarkable feat in Ming State and gain promotions and titles," Mr. Hou said, twirling his lan hua fingers. "You don''t need to be polite with me, for I am but the emperor''s dog. You should thank the emperor, and if one day Supervisor Sun passes on his teachings to you, you must..."


    "Submit them to the court."


    Chen Sansi interjected, "Don''t worry, Mr. Hou."


    "Very good, very good indeed!"


    Mr. Hou nodded in satisfaction.


    During their conversation, the dishes were prepared, all made by chefs from the Immortal Crane Tower at great expense.


    Chief Eunuch Hou Bo was very satisfied with the meal, and after being full and content, he even tried to invite Chen Sansi to visit a brothel. Chen tactfully declined but instead presented a thousand silver notes as a bribe.


    "How could I possibly accept this, Mr. Chen? I haven''t been able to find your brother either," Mr. Hou said while tucking the silver note away. "Well then, I won''t disturb you any longer, Mr. Chen."


    "Si Qin, see the guest out!"


    After seeing off the eunuch, the house once again returned to tranquility.


    Chen Sansi resumed practicing the Sword Qi Skill.


    Days went by in routine dedication.


    Since his last visit to Red Sleeve Tower nearly a month ago, Xin Lan had been pregnant for over two months. Although there were no visible changes to her belly, symptoms like morning sickness and drowsiness had intensified.


    Before 5 a.m., Chen Sansi had already prepared a nourishing soup ahead of time, instructing Si Qinmohua to ensure the lady drank it before he headed to the garrison for rollcall. Following the reveal from Mr. Hou, he also intensified the training of his men.


    After a long period of adjustment, whether his trusted followers or the soldiers from various garrisons, all were utterly compliant. The proficiency of his command over troops had also improved.


    [Skill: Commanding Soldiers (small achievement)]


    [Progress: 355/2000]


    The only flaw of his men was their low level of cultivation; there were not enough Refining Organ Martial Artists.


    The Eight Camps had a sufficient supply of regular supplemental medicines, but there were limits; those with inadequate physiques could suffer indigestible toxicity, leading to damage in their internal organs and thus harming their foundational cultivation.


    The leftover toxicity in the prepared supplemental medicine was a test of a doctor''s ability.


    If there were a way to quantify this in simple terms, ordinary people, similar to what Doctor Jiang brewed, would contain about forty percent toxicity.


    Whereas, high-ranking practitioners in the Meridian Passage Realm like Doctor Jiang could extract medicines with merely about twenty percent toxicity. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 139 Spell Kills, Heavenly Book and Strange Weapon!_5

    Don''t underestimate these twenty percent, as every reduction of one percent in toxicity means martial artists can consume a bit more supplemental medicine to enhance their cultivation. Accumulated over time, this can lead to a significant improvement in the overall realm of the army."Power Quenching Medicine requires reaching Outer Strength."


    Chen Sansi knew he would have to carefully research this further, since reducing the toxicity even more would also be an indirect way to enhance the strength of his men. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Hey! General, I have some good news for you!"


    Bai Thingzhi approached in a rather good mood, "That mutt with the surname Yin is preparing to leave early tomorrow morning; finally, he won''t be around to bother us anymore."


    "Leaving?"


    Chen Sansi quickly asked, "Are you sure?"


    "Positive!"


    Bai Thingzhi said with certainty, "He''s buying drinks and food for the barracks, treating those who are close to him. I heard they are even planning to visit the brothel tonight, and those who suck up to him keep saying how much they will miss him."


    Chen Sansi could see that this man was utterly loyal to Cao Fan and had thought he would stay in Liangzhou as an assistant. Why was he suddenly leaving now?


    He guessed it was probably because they felt exposed after Sha Wenlong was transferred last time and didn''t dare to linger any longer, fearing a deeper investigation.


    Is Mr. Yin content to just walk away like this?


    Among them, Yin Hanwen definitely hated him the most, having been shot by an arrow before.


    Moreover...


    This guy wasn''t penniless¡ªholding a banquet in the barracks wasn''t about saving money. It was more like declaring to the world that he was leaving. Who was he trying to show this to?


    Chen Sansi couldn''t help but imagine the worst-case scenario.


    Even if he wasn''t planning on making a move against him, Chen Sansi couldn''t let him off the hook!


    His Sword Qi Skill was just a little short of entry-level; he would definitely make it by tomorrow, but before that, he needed to get ready.


    Fortunately, it was his turn to rest and recuperate starting in the afternoon.


    Chen Sansi left inconspicuously and headed towards the Governor Mansion.


    After becoming more familiar with the place, he no longer needed to wait to be announced and could come and go freely. Led by a maid, he went straight to Rong Yanqiu''s residence.


    "Little junior brother doesn''t even give a heads-up before coming."


    Rong Yanqiu was wrapped in a light gauze, with wet hair and cheeks, obviously just having taken a bath.


    She pointed her finger at her junior brother''s chest, "Speak, what brings you to your sister?"


    Chen Sansi took a step back and handed over the gift he had brought, "Came to see how sister is doing."


    "Pssh¡ªacting all proper now, not like when you were collapsing beds with that little b*tch."


    Rong Yanqiu disdainfully put on her clothes, glancing at the jewelry box, "Spare me the pretense, come on, what do you want me to do for you this time?"


    "I really can''t hide anything from sister."


    Chen Sansi bowed, "I will be resting for the next two days, planning to use this time to go hunting in the mountains, hoping to find an Exotic Beast. But I really don''t feel easy leaving my wife at home alone, so could I ask sister to stay at my humble abode for a couple of days?"


    Since the person in question was leaving, naturally, going out of the city to commit murder was the most secure plan, with Qian Xun there to ensure he wouldn''t lose his quarry.


    But he was worried about leaving his home unattended, in case of danger when he couldn''t return in time.


    "What are you worrying about needlessly?"


    Rong Yanqiu thought it was about the issue with their third senior brother, Nie Yuan, and confidently said, "Just go to the mountains with peace of mind, no one will track you again, and no one dares to go to your house."


    "I still hope for sister to personally take care."


    Chen Sansi pleaded earnestly.


    "Alright then."


    Rong Yanqiu nodded, "If you put it that way, how could sister not agree? I''m idle anyway, and with sister Li often visiting, I might as well go there for a couple of days."


    "But let''s get something straight, you''re not allowed to go to the Red Sleeve Tower looking for that little b*tch again."


    "Last time you asked me to help you find the person tracking you, yet afterwards, you went straight to the brothel to make a name for yourself, infuriating me to no end."


    "I won''t go anymore," Chen Sansi agreed.


    "That''s better," Rong Yanqiu couldn''t help but roll her eyes, "I really don''t understand how my sister got so enchanted by you. If my man dared to mess around, he''d be hanging from the city walls by now. Guess what your Senior Sister Sun said?


    "She said, ''Sister, don''t meddle in unnecessary matters, junior brother surely has important business to handle,'' which sounds so nauseating."


    "You buy me gifts every day, why not buy something for your Senior Sister Sun? She''s never been interested in anyone all her life, and now she probably doesn''t even realize she''s fallen for you. Don''t let her down."


    "I understand, I''ll definitely prepare a thank-you gift next time," Chen Sansi thought as he considered that it was only proper to give something in return, since she was taking care of Sister Lan all the time.


    He clasped his hands and said, "I''m off to the mountains."


    "Go on, then," Rong Yanqiu dismissed with a wave, "Your wife and my unborn nephew are in my care, rest assured they won''t get hurt even a hair. You really are too cautious."


    "Farewell!"


    After Chen Sansi had taken care of everything, a heavy weight lifted from his heart, and without a moment''s delay, he rode his White Swan Horse directly toward the Luotian Mountain Range.


    His Sword Qi Skill was just a little shy of entry-level, he had to make the most of his time.


    Although he had his senior sister''s protection to ensure total safety, he wouldn''t let his enemy off the hook.


    In the alchemy cave, Chen Sansi sat cross-legged, focusing his entire attention on absorbing the Qingxuan Energy from the spirit sand.


    Until the next day, when the dawn light filled the sky outside the cave, he suddenly opened his eyes.


    Stay tuned with My Virtual Library Empire


    [Magic: Sword Qi Skill (Entry-level)]


    [Progress: 0/500]


    [Utility: Spiritual Energy forms a blade, killing with a snap of the fingers]


    A snap of the fingers to kill!


    Once a martial artist reaches the Profound Image Realm, their body can be covered with a layer of Protective Gang Qi.


    But they lack Meridian Passage.


    Outer Strength is definitely not enough to resist a Spell!


    The more Chen Sansi cultivated, the more he felt its power.

 Chapter 139 Spell Kills, Heavenly Book and Strange Weapon!_6

    He circulated the energy through the meridians in his body, using a special evasive technique to gather spiritual energy into his right arm, palm, and finally above his fingertips in the void, where he formed an extremely tiny, elusive sword shadow, not much larger than a sewing needle."Done!"


    Chen Sansi dispelled the sword shadow.


    He could feel that even his Vajra Body would be pierced by a single sword thrust. There was no need to further test its power; even the lowest-level spell could kill a Martial Artist at the Meridian Passage Realm.


    And the spiritual energy within him was limited.


    Chen Sansi estimated that after one full-powered strike, the Qingxuan Energy he had slowly accumulated inside would almost be depleted, and he would need to absorb spirit sand again to regather it; it was not something to be used frivolously.


    Having achieved great success, he saw that the time was about right, so he descended the mountain at the fastest speed and met up with Qian Xun at the foot of the mountain. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ...


    "Young Master, I take my leave!"


    Yin Hanwen finally bowed deeply and then got into a carriage, slowly disappearing into the horizon under the escort of seven or eight attendants.


    About half an hour later, he spoke, "Elder Wei, it''s about time. Return now, hide until it gets dark, then proceed with the killings. Remember, don''t spare a single member of the family! Is everything ready?"


    "Here it is."


    Wei Gong took out the Vajra Pestle, "After killing someone, the Witch God Sect uses this to extract Heart Blood, but... Young Master, he is after all a disciple of Supervisor Sun. Are you truly not worried about the irreversible consequences?"


    "Hesitation leads to failure!"


    Yin Hanwen spoke vehemently, "Elder Wei, he has a better constitution than even I do, and he is guided by a Supervisor. If the Young Master can''t take over his resources, there''s a high probability that he will become a Martial Saint, or even higher!


    "Moreover, judging by how forcefully he killed Wen Qiushi, do you think he would let me off in the future?


    "If we don''t kill him now, when will we?!


    "Besides, this isn''t just about personal revenge; killing him will remove any obstacles for the Young Master in the Northern Territory, which will benefit the court greatly when he takes control of the military."


    "I understand."


    Wei Gong sighed, "Young Master, if I don''t come back before nightfall, don''t stay in the carriage any longer, you must flee this place on horseback at full speed."


    "Elder Wei, you mean..."


    Yin Hanwen worriedly said, "But to kill someone of Great Success of Refining, there shouldn''t be any risk, right?"


    "Don''t worry, my Young Master. Even if there is a risk, I alone will bear it, and I won''t involve the Young Master or the Young Lord."


    Wei Gong, without another word, mounted a fast horse and rode back the way he had come, his silhouette filled with determination.


    Killing was easy, but leaving the city was hard!


    Should he alarm the City Guard Army and be unable to escape, he would naturally destroy his face and commit suicide.


    He was a man of Jianghu.


    Having received many favors from the Yin family over the years that led to his current status, dying for the Yin family would make his death worthwhile.


    "Elder Wei..."


    Yin Hanwen watched until he could no longer see the other party, then he relaxed and closed the curtains of the carriage.


    Elder Wei had watched him grow up from a child, and their bond was very deep; he had even taught him Martial Arts, making him almost like a mentor. If something really happened, he would indeed have difficulty letting go.


    "But even so, it''s worth it!"


    Yin Hanwen steeled his heart and closed his eyes to wait for good news.


    He spoke, "Old Zhang, tell me a story."


    The coachman, Old Zhang, who had also accompanied him throughout his growth, had even specifically learned storytelling to amuse him.


    "Alright!"


    Old Zhang''s voice boomed as he started with a poem to set the scene.


    "Reciting tales and acting out plays to advise people... Good or evil, in the end there is retribution, the moral path in the world is vast and changing!"


    "Last time, the story reached..."


    All the way wobbling, Yin Hanwen unconsciously fell into a deep sleep.


    Until a certain moment, the world suddenly became extremely quiet, even the carriage stopped moving, and only the chirping of birds on either side of the official road could be heard by his ears.


    "Old Zhang, why did you stop narrating?"


    Silence.


    "Where have we arrived? Has Elder Wei returned?"


    Still no one responded.


    Find exclusive stories on My Virtual Library Empire


    "I am asking you a question!"


    "Young master, run¡ª"


    A hoarse voice of warning sounded, striking Yin Hanwen like a bolt of lightning; he swiftly grabbed the Mystical Weapon Iron Sword next to him and jumped out of the carriage.


    Looking around, within the desolate hills and wild ridges, dead bodies were everywhere!


    His eight guards had silently died, each of their hearts pierced by a sharp arrow.


    In fact, Old Zhang, who was in the Great Success of Refining Realm, was the last to die, falling beside the carriage, using his body to shield several sharp arrows for him, the shout also came from him.


    "Who!"


    While Yin Hanwen was immensely frightened, he firmly grasped the Treasure Sword in his hand.


    "Buzz!"


    The sound of a sharp weapon piercing the air reached his ears, and he hurriedly attempted to block, only to be knocked back by the terrifying impact, his Treasure Sword flying from his hand.


    No match for his opponent!


    "It''s you!"


    The moment he fell to the ground, Yin Hanwen finally saw the attacker clearly.


    Holding a long spear, with a bow on his back, who else could it be!


    "You... you have reached Hua Jin?!"


    Yin Hanwen stared wide-eyed, momentarily even forgetting to be afraid.


    The Princely Heir had not hesitated to use his life span to enhance his cultivation, barely reaching Hua Jin, but this kid, how did he do it? Even with the Transformation and Mysterious Body, it shouldn''t be possible!


    Chen Sansi didn''t waste a word, about to take his life, when a huge rock was thrown at him.


    "Bang"


    With one strike of the long spear, the rock was shattered to pieces.


    A shadow darted past, whisking Yin Hanwen away.


    "Elder Wei? How did you come back!"


    Yin Hanwen exclaimed in delighted surprise.


    "This kid knew we were going to kill him, so he invited Rong Yanqiu to his home beforehand."


    Wei Gong spoke gravely, "I was wondering why I didn''t see him, to think he would dare to come here and strike first, truly a clever and courageous move, but, you underestimate me too much!"


    "Chen Sansi, there''s a path in heaven that you wouldn''t take, and no door into hell, yet you come seeking it by yourself!"


    Yin Hanwen grinned viciously, "In the city, we had our reservations, but here, you will die without a burial place, Elder Wei, kill him! Elder Wei? Wei..."


    Just then, a flash of silver streaked past.


    He barely saw what it was, when Wei Gong, who had small achievement in the Meridian Passage Realm, fell straight down, a red dot appearing on his forehead, trails of blood slowly spilling out like a spiderweb across his face.

 Chapter 140 Incense Burner, Expedition to Ming State

    Refining Internal... S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.How could Refining Internal kill someone in the Meridian Passage stage!


    Yin Hanwen''s expression was as if he had seen a ghost.


    It was unbelievable.


    All along, Chen Sansi hadn''t moved at all ¡ª he simply, just gently tapped with his finger!


    And then, Elder Wei was dead!


    How did he do it?


    Immortal Law!


    Immortal Law!!!


    Yin Hanwen suddenly realized.


    People always rumored that Sun Xiangzong possessed an Immortal Law.


    It seems it was true!


    And he had already passed it to Chen Sansi!


    How could this be!


    He had only started learning a few days ago?!


    Yin Hanwen, having not even a hint of resistance left, wanted to flee in utter panic.


    Chen Sansi drew the Zhenyue Sword and chased after him, running him through with the sword and ending the battle, or rather, massacre!


    The spell his master passed down to him was indeed terrifying.


    It shocked even him. Enjoy new adventures from My Virtual Library Empire


    No wonder Miss Ning Xiang, who couldn''t surpass the Refining Internal Realm, said she could easily kill someone in the Meridian Passage stage ¡ª it must have been by such means!


    Cultivating immortality and practicing Martial Arts.


    They simply couldn''t compete!


    And this was the lowest level of spell, which anyone with Spirit Energy and a Spirit Root could cultivate, even if they hadn''t formally embarked on the path of immortality yet.


    It''s just not known if the Protective Gang Qi after entering the Profound Image Realm could withstand this attack.


    "First, clean up the scene."


    Chen Sansi pulled the arrows out of each corpse, then picked up the Vajra Pestle from the ground, covering the arrow wounds in their hearts.


    The trauma caused by the Vajra Pestle was extensive; once struck, one could not tell what the original wound had been like.


    He originally needed to dispose of the bodies one by one, but the Vajra Pestle made it much easier.


    Only the storyteller coachman, who had too many arrow wounds, still had to be disposed of.


    Wei Gong''s wound in the middle of his forehead was also hacked to a mess.


    After all was done, Chen Sansi picked up the long spear and quickly returned to the depths of the Luotian Mountain Range.


    Soon enough, some passersby would discover the bodies, then leave them to the local Liangzhou military to handle.


    Chen Sansi wasn''t worried about it being connected back to him.


    After all, many people did not know he had broken through to Refining Internal, and even if they did, killing someone at the Meridian Passage stage was like a fairy tale, nobody would guess it was him.


    As for the spell...


    Even fewer people would connect it to that.


    Because it seemed that even his master didn''t know this art, it had always been hidden and never revealed by Brother Fang.


    "Squeezed dry!"


    Chen Sansi felt the pristine cleanliness of his meridians within his body, as if he had spent all his long-accumulated money in one go, leaving an emptiness, with the remaining spirit sand being just enough for one more such expenditure.


    Without the supply of Spiritual Energy from the world, truly, a "hero" finds no place to exercise his power.


    The incense might somewhat substitute for Spiritual Energy, but it''s not obtainable; to get the incense from those worshipping in the temples, he''d need that incense burner.


    Returning to the cave...


    Chen Sansi began to seclude himself for cultivation.


    If what Mr. Hou said was true, they might be called to arms soon, so raising his cultivation by even a little was crucial, and he also needed to take enough Spiritual Rice Medicine Ointment and treasure medicine, in case there were none to use along the way ¨C the distance between Liangzhou and Ming State was significant.


    Military Art Heavenly Book...


    It sounded far-fetched.


    But Chen Sansi himself had just used a spell, making it seem not so unbelievable.


    Unnoticed, another day passed.


    When dawn broke, he did not continue practicing, but instead, he chopped plenty of firewood to produce more Spiritual Rice Medicine Ointment.


    Beneath the fiery red flames, the Mystic Iron Furnace deformed.


    Soon, a blackish unfamiliar substance appeared at the bottom of the pot.


    Carefully, Chen Sansi collected it, also testing if he could roll it into spheres for easy consumption, but the consistency wasn''t thick enough, so he reluctantly gave up and faithfully poured it into porcelain bottles.


    After hastily packing up, he grabbed his bow and arrows and left the cave, stepping into the boundless woods.


    Tonight, he was supposed to return home, but he needed to carry back two game animals.


    An Exotic Beast would be ideal.


    The Iron Core Bow that Ji had given him was still missing a string; he wanted to see if he could find a suitable Exotic Beast as material and also had been looking into imbuing arrows with power.


    Although Chen Sansi''s senses were still exceptional, with his Qi Observation Skill, finding prey no longer required the trouble it used to, as nearly no living creature within range could escape his eyes.


    He had taken only a few steps when he encountered a Poisonous Beast emitting a black aura.


    Evil Qi!


    Miss Ning Xiang had mentioned that this dark black energy was termed Evil Qi.


    These birds and beasts had become Poisonous Beasts under the influence of Evil Qi.


    The Divine Sect, Evil Qi...


    It was hard not to connect them together.


    At the deepest part of the Luotian Mountain Range, there definitely had to be an Immortal Trace!


    "With my current strength, how far can I go?"


    An idea suddenly sparked in Chen Sansi''s mind; hunting Poisonous Beasts was itself a form of cultivation that could improve his spear technique proficiency, perfectly manageable as a trial as long as he ensured his own safety.


    Not to mention that he had the Qi Observation Skill; if he encountered any dangerous Poisonous Beasts, he could retreat immediately.


    The people from the Seeking Immortal Tower said that High Realm Martial Artists had the chance to reach the deepest part.


    Why wouldn''t he want to see for himself what was inside?


    Since he was going hunting anyway, he might as well continue forward, thinking thus, Chen Sansi ignored the prey in front of him and kept moving deeper.


    If one were to segment the Luotian Mountain Range into layers, visually it would be about fourteen layers; his current location was approximately the fourth layer, while the initial outbreak of the Evil Qi occurred in the very last layer.


    Mobilizing his Qi-Blood, his figure flitted ghost-like through the woods.


    The deeper he went, the more Poisonous Beasts he encountered.


    Wolves, tigers, leopards, rare animals, grotesque and varied.

 Chapter 140 The Incense Burner, Setting Out to Ming State_2

    Chen Sansi walked and killed, his body splattered with blood, unknowingly reaching the location of the Eight-layered Mountain, where he saw a mass of even denser black evil qi in the woods ahead, faintly visible.He applied the technique of "Concealing Breath and Hiding," slowed down, and slowly approached.


    It was a strange beast with a bizarre appearance!


    Just by its appearance, it resembled a completely red leopard but it was over ten feet long, with five tails growing from its back, a horn on top of its head, and blood-red eyes. It was tearing apart a Poisonous Beast corpse with its small, sharp teeth; its entire beastly face was smeared with blood, and its whiskers were sticky with some unidentifiable substance, looking extremely fierce.


    This beast was called Zheng!


    Chen Sansi had seen records about it in "Journey Through Mountains and Rivers"; the description ''fierce face'' originated from it.


    It was meant to be an Exotic Beast.


    However, at this moment, he could clearly see the black evil qi flowing in its body, which also categorically made it a Poisonous Beast.


    Along the way, many Exotic Beasts had been corrupted by evil qi into Poisonous Beasts, which could be said to be a waste of many resources.


    After all, some Exotic Beasts had effects even better than treasure medicine when consumed. Fortunately, although one could not eat Poisonous Beasts, some parts of their bodies could still be used as materials for weapons and armor.


    "This Zheng..."


    Chen Sansi looked at the dense evil qi inside it and for a moment even doubted whether he could kill it.


    "First, try!"


    "If it doesn''t work, then run. If I absolutely cannot escape..."


    He still had the Immortal Treasure Strange Fire.


    In the deep, old forests, there was no need to worry about anyone noticing.


    With thoughts set, he immediately put them into action.


    Chen Sansi would draw the bow as full as the moon, and a Triangular Armor-piercing Arrow, carrying the sound of tearing through the air, shot out explosively.


    The Fierce Monster flicked its sharp ears, reacting just from the sound of the wind, turning around to swipe a claw so sharp that it cut the arrow into several pieces!


    "BANG¡ª"


    It let out a bizarre roar like rocks colliding, its limbs slightly bending backward, then its massive body also turned into an arrow, lunging forward at a speed hard to catch with the naked eye.


    This leap covered a hundred steps!


    "SWISH¡ª"


    Even though Chen Sansi maintained a distance of three hundred steps, he was approached by the beast in an instant. He immediately switched from bow to spear, and the Five Tigers Soul-breaking Spear struck out like a Jiao Long leaping from the sea.


    The Fierce Monster dodged the strike with its agility, then its sharp claws came slashing down swiftly.


    Chen Sansi naturally turned the spearhead to collide with it, creating the sound of metal striking metal. Under the terrifying force, he had to activate Blood Explosion State and also use his strength just to barely hold it off.


    This beast possessed the strength of Great Success in Hua Jin, perhaps even Perfection!


    Moreover, it had some degree of intelligence, not charging blindly; it knew how to dodge and counter, no different from a Martial Artist, but its physical strength was much greater than that of a Martial Artist.


    Since Chen Sansi was just attempting, and realizing the difficulty, he naturally did not push his luck and immediately retreated after one strike. Although the Fierce Monster was fast, its large body got in the way in the dense forest.


    It, while furiously pursuing, knocked down several large trees, startling groups of birds into chaotic flight and animals to scatter.


    Chen Sansi did not look back, taking detours while already retrieving the arrows he had prepared in advance, coated with Immortal Treasure.


    But after covering some distance, the sounds behind him gradually ceased.


    The Fierce Monster did not continue the chase, probably because he had left its territory.


    "Forget it."


    Chen Sansi thought about it, deciding not to turn back and pursue. If he really used Strange Fire to burn it, it would leave nothing but ashes, gaining him nothing at all.


    Seeing how the Fierce Monster moved so quickly and jumped so impressively, if he could completely kill it and obtain its Beast Tendon, it might be a rare resource suitable for use in the Iron Core Bow.


    Eight-layered Mountain!


    This was Chen Sansi''s first attempt reaching Eight-layered Mountain, and for him to venture further ahead, he needed small achievement in Hua Jin; "Concealing Breath and Hiding" was no Invisibility Technique, especially under the influence of evil qi. Who knew if the Poisonous Beast could have some special abilities? If something unexpected happened, he needed to ensure a full retreat.


    He did not take further risks and returned the way he came, while still hunting for prey.


    When he got close to Sixth Layer Mountain, Chen Sansi, in a thicket, discovered a faint blue qi.


    An Exotic Beast! Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It was an Exotic Beast not corrupted.


    He cautiously approached and found an incredibly adorable "Ear Mouse," its name being "Mouse," but it was large in size, with fur like a rat, a head like a rabbit, a body like a moose, and its cry sounded canine. It also held a hint of cuteness.


    Chen Sansi shot an arrow through its head, successfully claiming it. Stay connected via My Virtual Library Empire


    Not all Exotic Beasts possess formidable combat capabilities; the Ear Mouse was one such example, harmless to humans and livestock, yet not only could it resolve all poisons, it was also a highly nutritious creature. One such beast was equivalent to many treasure medicines.


    Thus, he now had Spiritual Rice Medicine Ointment, treasure medicine, and an Exotic Beast combined; his Cultivation could make significant progress in the upcoming period!


    The faint blue qi...


    He was somewhat curious; since the qi inside the Exotic Beast was neither Spiritual Energy nor evil qi, he wondered what its origin could be. Given the chance, he would ask the people of Seeking Immortal Tower; they would definitely know.


    "Any more?"


    Chen Sansi was about to leave with the Ear Mouse when he noticed in the thick weeds a distinctively different flower.


    "Purple Cold Flower!"


    It belonged to Mutant Grass.


    Just as Exotic Beasts are distinct from ordinary beasts, Mutant Grass is distinct among plant and medicinal materials, a raw material for treasure medicine. Like the Purple Cold Flower before him, it is indistinguishable from the weeds before blooming. It blooms once every twenty years, and the bloom lasts only a day. Fortune is needed to find one; unfortunately, it cannot be used to enhance Cultivation but serves as a special medicine for treating external injuries. Even without injuries, it can still promote skin health and is said to help delay aging.

 Chapter 140 The Incense Burner, Setting Out to Ming State_3

    For Chen Sansi, it had no use, but how could he not take something that was free? He casually picked it up and kept it.Deep in the Luotian Mountain Range, there indeed were numerous treasures!


    The next time he came, he would kill a Poisonous Beast to take its beast tendon and then he could craft a complete Hundred-stone Bow.


    But relying solely on great tension was not enough. The lethality wasn''t sufficient for Martial Artists above the Great Success of Hua Jin. Which high realm Martial Artist didn''t have the strength of tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of pounds?


    As long as one could react, one could easily block it.


    Even that beast just now could catch it, let alone a Martial Artist.


    This was also why very few people were obsessed with archery; after reaching a certain realm, it wasn''t very useful.


    If there was some divine natural treasure that could store power, then every shot of an arrow would be like an attack laden with Jin. The stronger the Jin, the harder it would be to block.


    It seemed he still had to continue looking through books and researching materials.


    "Down the mountain!"


    On his way back, Chen Sansi encountered many more useless poisonous beasts, killing them all without exception. His diligent training recently had also greatly improved his proficiency in the Hua Jing Technique.


    [Cultivation Technique: National Guardian Dragon Spear, Hua Jing (entry-level)]


    [Progress: 65/500]


    His archery skills had also improved significantly.


    [Skill: Archery(Great Success)]


    [Progress: (750/2000)]


    By the time he left the Luotian Mountain Range, it was already early morning the next day; he had stayed in the mountains for three days and three nights.


    "Qian Xun!"


    Chen Sansi called out at the foot of the mountain, and the White Swan Horse appeared quickly.


    As soon as he entered the city carrying an Ear Mouse, he saw wanted posters everywhere. The Witch God Sect had made their move in the past few days, having killed more than fifty Sect disciples. The matter of Yin Hanwen was causing quite an uproar.


    No matter how incompetent Yin Hanwen was, he was still of the Body of Martial Saint. Moreover, his father held a high position in the court as the Minister of Personnel, a second-rank official and a member of the Cabinet¡ªa major case without a doubt.


    "Han Wen..."


    Cao Fan, looking at the pale corpse, gently brushed his hand over it to close his eyes, and asked in a deep voice, "Who did this?"


    "Replying to Young Master,"


    the forensic doctor bowed and said, "Their hearts were smashed to pieces; from the wounds, it was the Vajra Pestle, the weapon the Witch God Sect likes to use to take heart blood. It should be correct."


    "Witch God Sect..."


    Cao Fan''s fists clenched white, "General Sha, what do you think? Could it have been someone else?"


    "It should be the Witch God Sect, no mistake,"


    Sha Wenlong frowned deeply, "From the bodies, both Wei Gong and Young Master Yin died without any power to fight back. In Liangzhou City, the only ones with such capabilities are the lurking followers of the Witch God Sect."


    Cao Fan was silent.


    He had suspected others.


    Like Chen Sansi, he had the motive, but not the ability.


    Great Success of Refining, how could it possibly kill Meridian Passage, especially without any power to fight back?


    Based on the current phenomena, the attacker had to be at least of the Profound Image Realm, as only Martial Artists of the Profound Image Realm could easily kill a high-level Meridian Passage expert.


    "Han Wen, I will avenge you."


    Cao Fan''s eyes darkened.


    "Young Master, I am also saddened by Mr. Yin''s death,"


    Said Sha Wenlong, whose family had been graced by the Yin family for generations. Even if they did not have personal relations, they were on the same side, and such an event was bound to stir some anger.


    He paused, "But now is not the time for mourning. In a few days, we are to embark on a campaign to Ming State to exterminate the rebel army. This mission is partly for achieving merit, but more importantly, to establish authority in the military."


    "Rest assured, General Sha, I will not let the accident shake my state of mind,"


    Cao Fan responded, "I hope for your strong support in this expedition."


    "Young Master, rest assured,"


    Said Sha Wenlong calmly, "Once we enter Ming State, I will take command and then look for an opportunity to hand over the command of Sky Wolf Camp to you, Young Master. All the merit will be yours."


    Gaining merit in battle did not necessarily require killing enemy generals.


    Strategic command was even more crucial.


    Killing enemy generals was just one part of the process; winning the battle was the ultimate goal.


    "Thank you, General Sha!"


    "Young Master, why be so formal with me."


    ...


    Covered in blood, Chen Sansi, carrying the Ear Mouse, returned home.


    "What a cute beast, what is this, Master?" S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Si Qin felt pity.


    "Ear Mouse,"


    Chen Sansi threw the thing into the kitchen, "Skin it, then take out the heart and cook it medium rare for me to eat tonight. Cook the rest of the meat as well."


    "Yes, Master,"


    Si Qin picked up the kitchen knife and started to work.


    "I was wondering why there was such a big commotion; it''s Junior Brother, you''re back."


    Rong Yanqiu came over upon hearing the sounds.


    "Senior Sister Nine! Thank you for taking care of my wife during this time,"


    Chen Sansi said, as he took out a Purple Cold Flower, "This flower..."


    "Eh~"


    Rong Yanqiu stared at him, giving him a look, "Whom are you giving it to?"


    Chen Sansi understood, "I got it."


    The Purple Cold Flower was cold in nature and could not be given to pregnant women as it could easily cause a miscarriage.


    He found Sun Li, who was practicing with a saber in the second courtyard, "Senior Sister Sun, I have a gift for you."


    "Hmm?"


    Sun Li paused her actions.


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    "Purple Cold Flower, crush it and mix with water, apply it directly on the skin, it can nourish the skin and prevent aging,"


    Chen Sansi said, "You have been taking care of Sister Lan all the way from Yunzhou, and I have not expressed my gratitude until now."


    "Oh."


    Sun Li took the flower, sniffed it next to her beautiful nose, and said faintly, "It smells quite nice."


    "Glad you like it, Senior Sister,"


    Chen Sansi had no time to chat further, he instructed Si Qin to invite the chef from Immortal Crane Tower to treat the two senior sisters well, then he ate the Ear Mouse heart and continued his cultivation without pause.


    Early the next morning.


    The door of the mansion was gently knocked.


    Chen Sansi was just about to go "to work", so he went to open the door himself and saw a familiar face.

 Chapter 140 Incense Burner, Expedition to Ming State_4

    Qiu Mingzi!He came himself.


    "Boundless blessings, Heavenly Venerate."


    Qiu Mingzi, holding a horsetail whisk, said with a smile, "Mr. Chen, it''s been a long time."


    "Indeed, it''s been a long time, Real One."


    Chen Sansi knew full well, "May I know the reason for your visit, Real One?"


    "Recently, I''ve sent invitations several times, but you have not attended the Daoism conferences. I understand you''ve been busy with military duties. I didn''t mean to bother you. I merely wished to present a gift."


    Qiu Mingzi took out an incense bag from his broad sleeves, "Mr. Chen, you donated incense last time, and I hadn''t had the chance to reciprocate. Hearing that your wife is pregnant, I personally crafted an amulet that nurtures the spirit and protects the fetus. Please accept it with a smile."


    "Very well."


    Chen Sansi took the incense bag.


    "Additionally, my junior brother, the current temple master of Ci Yun Temple, has returned from his travels with profound insights. He''s prepared to preach and solve doubts for everyone. I hope Mr. Chen can attend; it will be beneficial for you. Of course, whether to go or not is still up to you. I just wanted to let you know."


    Having spoken, Qiu Mingzi performed a Taoist salutation, bowed with cupped hands, and took his leave.


    [Amulet: Nourishing Herbs, Lan Youzi...]


    [?:??]


    The spices and herbs inside the amulet indeed have properties for nourishing the spirit and protecting the fetus, but like the Nourishing Spirit Soup, it''s mixed with something else!


    Chen Sansi was seething with anger.


    He wouldn''t attend some damn preaching conference, and they even targeted his home, planning to give it to his pregnant wife, Sister Lan. Preposterous.


    "Boom¡ª"


    Chen Sansi threw the incense bag into the fire in the kitchen stove, burning it completely.


    He knew the amulet was likely a test to see if he would notice anything unusual. Even so, it couldn''t be kept; who knows what immeasurable consequences might arise from keeping it.


    Ci Yun Temple!


    Chen Sansi needed to devise a way to probe the depths of this Taoist temple.


    Sometimes, startling the snake on purpose isn''t a bad thing, but a strategy.


    Especially in a situation where he had been targeted.


    Otherwise, how could he rest easy leaving his wife and child behind when he was to depart for a campaign in Ming State, potentially for half a year?


    Setting aside these thoughts.


    Chen Sansi returned to his quarters and, with Si Qin''s assistance, donned his armor, then mounted his White Swan Horse and headed to the military camp for reporting.


    Upon his arrival, he received the notification. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Three days later, the army would embark to suppress the rebel Chi Mei Army in Ming State.


    This deployment would include forty thousand troops from Liangzhou.


    The forces comprised the Reserve Camp, the Sky Wolf Camp, along with twenty thousand elite garrison soldiers from Liangzhou. Since both the generals of the Sky Wolf Camp and the Reserve Camp had recently taken their posts, General Zhao was appointed as the lead for this campaign.


    Lu Ji and others needed to stay in Liangzhou, ready to deal with potential barbarian invasions.


    "Assemble!"


    The sound of the bugle rang out.


    At the Martial Arts Arena.


    The deputy general of the Reserve Camp, who was effectively the main general, began the pre-battle mobilization.


    This person, named Yuan Dai, had been transferred from You State. He was at the Early Stage of the Profound Image Realm. He held an eight-foot snake spear in his hand, but he was relatively sophisticated in appearance, tall but not overly so.


    The main task of their Reserve Camp was to assist, with the Sky Wolf Camp taking on the primary attack responsibilities.


    After the speech.


    Special personnel distributed silver, clothing, and food along with additional shares of Supplemental Medicine to every soldier, advising everyone to say goodbye to their families in advance.


    "Xu Wencai, Wang Li, Xu Bin, Feng Yong... you guys, come with me."


    Chen Sansi called them by name, then entered the tent.


    As a Thousand Captain, he naturally had his own tent, albeit a small one.


    Inside the tent, maps and sand tables were fully prepared, all arranged in advance by the old scholar.


    "Let''s talk, any thoughts?"


    Chen Sansi called in those who were somewhat intelligent among his subordinates.


    After listening to Mr. Hou, he would study the maps whenever he was free and noticed that the situation in Ming State was quite strange.


    He might not command the grand strategy, but he still needed to be well-informed. In case of any situation, he could also approach General Zhao for clarification.


    "Sir, I''m not talented, but when I came to Liangzhou, I discussed the situation in Ming State with Mr. Fang, so I do have some insights to share. Let''s start with the specific deployment of the troops."


    Xu Wencai, holding a feather fan, gestured on the sand table and spoke confidently, "Ming State, located beyond Yan State, is the westernmost region of the Great Sheng Dynasty. From the court''s side, there are eighty thousand soldiers, and the rebels amount to twenty thousand."


    "General Dong An is on the western border of Ming State, confronting tens of thousands of troops from the West Qi Kingdom."


    "The Red Eyebrow Army is near Mei Mountain in the southernmost part of Yan State, seizing the opportunity of foreign threats at the border and the vulnerability of the heartland to start their rebellion. By the end of last month, they had already captured six cities and expanded their forces to thirty thousand troops."


    "Currently, they are halted around Golden Spring Manor, which has stabilized the situation temporarily."


    "General Dong can only spare thirty thousand soldiers to suppress the rebellion, due to insufficient forces, hence the Ministry of War approved the dispatch of forty thousand soldiers to provide assistance, aiming to recover all lost territory and execute the rebel Liang Jinian as the ultimate goal."


    He completed the summary of the situation.


    After arriving in Liangzhou, Fang Qingyun had been a great help to him.


    Now, Xu Wencai''s perspectives had broadened significantly, and his understanding of the military forces of the world had deepened considerably.


    Chen Sansi stood in front of the sand table with a deep look in his eyes. "Old Xu, don''t hold back. I know you haven''t finished speaking. Continue."


    He shook his head.


    This old scholar was still cautious about outshining him, using quite a few tricks.


    "Sir, you are wise. You must have already noticed the clues, so I will just say it."


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    Xu Wencai started with flattery, then said, "Using only twenty thousand troops, the rebels managed to capture six cities within just two or three months. Even if the heartland of Ming State is vulnerable, it shouldn''t have happened like this."

 Chapter 140 Incense Burner, Expedition to Ming State_5

    "My lord, I have heard..."After receiving permission, Zhao Kang said, "This Liang Jinian has some kind of divine artifact, what''s it called again..."


    "The Heavenly Book!"


    Feng Yong supplemented, "It''s been spread everywhere that he is the heaven-ordained child who has seen an Immortal, holding a scroll of the Miracle Soldiers Heavenly Book, extremely powerful. With the Heavenly Book, coupled with the strong support of several Major Sects, it is indeed possible for them to fight to this extent."


    "You''re right,"


    Stroking his beard, Xu Wencai said, "He has the Heavenly Book, but if the Heavenly Book is truly so powerful, why were they stopped at Golden Spring Manor? The garrison of Golden Spring Manor is only five thousand strong, and General Dong''s thirty thousand reinforcements haven''t arrived yet."


    "Geographical advantage, perhaps."


    Zhao Kang said, "Golden Spring Manor is easy to defend and hard to attack, comparable to Henglong Prefecture in Yunzhou. As long as there is no internal chaos, it is very difficult to take."


    After they arrived in Liangzhou, aside from practicing, they spent their days poring over Military Books, all to avoid holding back their superior.


    "Good, you''re all correct, so now comes the biggest doubt!"


    Narrowing his eyes slightly, Xu Wencai said, "Given that Yunzhou is in such chaos, why hasn''t the West Qi Kingdom launched a full-scale assault by now, why are they still only probing with their attacks? Wang Li, what do you think?"


    "That..."


    Wang Li, rubbing the hilt of his knife and frowning in serious contemplation, said, "They are not yet confident, waiting for the right opportunity."


    "Waiting for what?"


    Xu Bin muttered, "It''s indeed strange, by the time our reinforcements get there, won''t West Qi Kingdom have missed their chance?" Explore more at My Virtual Library Empire


    Upon such analysis, the group began to feel something was amiss.


    "My lord."


    Xu Wencai asked curiously, "After our Liangzhou forces enter Ming State, how will we deploy them, how will we annihilate the enemy, and where will we transport the food and forage from? Will we rely on local supplies or transport them?"


    Chen Sansi did not answer.


    These matters were not for subordinates to know.


    Strategic deployment was a secret.


    Even generals with fifth rank and above did not have the full picture, and he could only listen in on account of his third-rank title. Even if he trusted Xu Wencai greatly, it was impossible to reveal such information.


    According to the plan,


    the Liangzhou forces would travel lightly, passing through Yan State directly into the heart of Ming State. Supplies and heavy equipment would be provided by Ming State. After all, "speed is the essence of war", and the idea was not problematic.


    But in case of any unexpected events that prevented timely support from Ming State, the Liangzhou forces would turn into an isolated force, without even a city to rest and regroup in.


    If it were up to Chen Sansi to command, he would definitely choose a more cautious approach.


    After much consideration, he finally went to General Zhao''s camp, prepared to offer his counsel. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Yo, General Chen is here!"


    Zhao Wuji, also studying a sand table, greeted him warmly, "General Chen, how well are your men trained? This could be a good opportunity to distinguish yourself."


    "General Zhao."


    Chen Sansi got straight to the point, "I have a suggestion regarding the deployment of our forces for the suppression of the rebellion, I wonder if it''s appropriate to speak of it now?"


    "Speak, of course."


    General Zhao jestingly said, "In terms of military achievements, you''re no less than me."


    "My lord."


    Chen Sansi, pointing at the sand table of Ming State, said, "I think our current march arrangement is somewhat insecure; perhaps it''s better this way. After our army enters Ming State, we should not rush to advance southward but rather station and regroup at Guyu Prefecture, famously impregnable. Then we can wait for the Mingzhou Army to advance westward and join up with them at this point, merge our forces and proceed in an orderly fashion, gradually eating away at the enemy.


    "Additionally, I suggest transporting supplies from Yan State and Liang State, rather than relying entirely on Ming State, because an unexpected interruption of supplies could cause great turmoil within the army, with dire consequences."


    "Hmm, that''s very cautious, but..."


    Zhao Wuji, tapping on the sand table, said, "General Chen, haven''t you commanded an army larger than ten thousand before? Do you know how much is consumed daily by the men and horses when a large army advances? Transporting supplies from Liang State to Ming State, the loss is significant; out of ten bushels transported to the frontline, at most only one or two bushels remain. When the Mingzhou Army has ample supplies, why bother with extra effort?


    "As for your suggestion to merge forces, it''s stable, yet it would maximize our losses.


    "The Red Eyebrow Army is not foolish; while you''re consolidating, they''ll be preparing. If they retreat back into the city, you should know how brutal a siege can be.


    "Or is there something else you''re worried about? Feel free to speak up."


    "I can''t quite articulate it."


    Chen Sansi nodded, "I just feel that West Qi''s delay in taking action might be due to some other scheme."


    "They''re just too scared to act,"


    Zhao Wuji said calmly, "General Dong was someone who could arm-wrestle with General Fang Qingyun; although he failed to come out on top, he is still a grandmaster of military strategy. With him there, it''s natural for West Qi Country to be cautious and wait to see the extent of the Red Eyebrow Army''s success.


    "But ultimately they''re just a disorganized mob who lack even a Martial Saint. Even if they have some worthless Heavenly Book, what of it? If the Heavenly Book were so potent, they wouldn''t have come to a standstill."


    "Everything General Zhao says is correct."


    Chen Sansi stated, "But I still have this feeling..."


    "Combat isn''t about feelings, General Chen!"


    Zhao Wuji patted his shoulder, "I believe that you will certainly become a great general in the future, likely even a Martial Saint, but for now, you are still young and need to grow.


    "The plan to suppress the rebellion was formulated by General Lu, Mr. Hou, and me. It''s too late to change, and it wouldn''t be possible either.


    "This time, it''s your valuable chance to learn large-scale military operations by accompanying the army.


    "You don''t need to worry too much."


    "No matter what, with Ming State''s thirty thousand plus Liang State''s forty thousand, seventy thousand against the rebel army''s thirty thousand, the advantage is ours!"


    "..."


    Chen Sansi had no rebuttal to the other''s argument.

 Chapter 140 Incense Burner, Expedition to Ming State_6

    Because he truly had no idea what West Qi Kingdom was waiting for.Such a large-scale battle couldn''t possibly rely on the "feelings" of one Thousand Captain. The current plan, theoretically speaking, was without issues, and one could only take it one step at a time.


    "Then, I shall take my leave."


    Chen Sansi stepped out of the tent.


    He looked at the soldiers coming and going, and couldn''t help but feel a sense of poignancy; war was imminent again.


    In these days, the world was truly in chaos.


    However, before setting off, he still had an important matter to attend to.


    The Taoists of Ci Yun Temple!


    He needed to come up with a plan to take care of them first and probe their actual strength and intentions.


    ...


    The next day, at Ci Yun Temple.


    In a secluded pavilion courtyard.


    A middle-aged Taoist with a ruddy complexion sat cross-legged, eyes closed in meditation, as a gentle spring breeze caressed his face, causing his long beard, which nearly reached his chest, to flutter along with his wide Taoist robe.


    This man was none other than the current temple master of Ci Yun Temple, Yu Xuzi.


    Qiu Mingzi appeared, interrupting the Taoist''s meditation.


    After a long while, Yu Xuzi slowly opened his eyes, "Brother, you have returned."


    "Brother!"


    Qiu Mingzi began, "I''ve given the item to that Chen kid. How are things going?"


    "My gu has not responded."


    Yu Xuzi shook his head slightly, "Either he threw it away or he destroyed it outright."


    "No wonder he has repeatedly declined our invitations to the sermon conferences. It seems this kid has truly sensed something amiss."


    Qiu Mingzi felt this was strange, "But... the ingredient in the Nourishing Spirit Soup is not of the mortal world, how did he detect it? Could it be Sun Xiangzong... Brother, this is a serious matter, what should we do next?"


    "We''ll probe further, and if that doesn''t work, we''ll find an opportunity to kill him."


    Yu Xuzi spoke indifferently, "After all, he is only in the Refining Internal stage, and I have already achieved Meridian Passage. Killing him would be as easy as turning my hand over."


    "Temple master, supervisor! Disaster has struck!" Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    While they were conversing, a young Taoist stumbled in.


    "What is this panicked state?"


    Qiu Mingzi scolded, "Speak up, quickly!"


    "Liangzhou soldiers, Liangzhou soldiers!"


    The young Taoist pointed in the direction of the foot of the mountain and said, "That Lu Ji, all of a sudden he''s brought thousands of troops, surrounding the mountain, claiming someone has reported that we''re harboring Witch God Sect Followers, and they want to search the mountain."


    "What?"


    Yu Xuzi quickly got up and joined his brother at the mountain gate.


    At the forefront was the mountain-like figure of Lu Ji, and by his side was a young general wielding an Azure Dragon Crescent blade.


    Cao Fan, his face full of anger, commanded his subordinates, "Search everything! Dig three feet into the ground, leave no stone unturned!"


    "Temple master, this man is the Crown Prince''s eldest son!" Qiu Mingzi whispered.


    "I have seen the Young Master before."


    Yu Xuzi greeted, "What brings the Young Master here?"


    "I suspect you have colluded with the Witch God Sect!"


    Cao Fan rebuked, "Taoist, where were you three days ago? The convoy outside the city, was it you who killed them?"


    Yu Xuzi promptly explained, "Young Master, this is a misunderstanding!"


    Whether it''s a misunderstanding or not is not for you to say!"


    Cao Fan''s eyes signaled.


    Sha Wenlong suddenly appeared, his Broadsword chopping down ruthlessly with endless murderous intent.


    "Clang!"


    Yu Xuzi was shocked, quickly drew his sword to block, but still staggered back several steps and finally sat down on the ground with a thud.


    "You have achieved Meridian Passage?"


    Lu Ji inquired, "Taoist priest, according to the laws of Dasheng, Sect members are required to test their realms annually without any concealment. If you have broken through to Meridian Passage, why did you not report it?"


    Yu Xuzi wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, "General Lu, you wrong me. I have always been traveling and have only just broken through. I was in a rush to return to report, but I haven''t had the chance yet..."


    "Are you sure?"


    Lu Ji''s broad hand, resembling that of a Five-finger Mountain, pressed down on the other party, immobilizing him completely until he confirmed that the individual had no hidden strength. Then he released his grip, "Take him down for questioning, everyone else, search!"


    At the command, hundreds of people surged into the mountain gate to begin their search.


    "General Lu."


    Cao Fan hurriedly inquired, "How did it go?"


    Lu Ji replied, "He''s just at the early stage of Meridian Passage."


    "So you mean, it wasn''t him?"


    Cao Fan had received news last night that Ci Yun Temple was connected to the Witch God Sect. The first thing he thought of was the deceased Yin Hanwen, then he sought people to kill, seeking revenge.


    But to instantly kill Wei Gong, at the least, the killer had to be at the Profound Image Realm.


    The Taoist before them obviously didn''t qualify.


    Their only option was to see if there were others hidden away.


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    "Search thoroughly now!"


    "..."


    Chen Sansi directed his subordinates while he himself went into the main hall to search everywhere.


    It was naturally him who had secretly reported the activity, and he''d best ensure he was left out of it, lest the troubles of Ci Yun Temple later be linked to him.


    Cao Fan was really zealous about this matter.


    It seemed he did share true feelings with Yin Hanwen.


    To cause such a commotion.


    On the one hand, Chen Sansi wanted to see if Ci Yun Temple was indeed colluding with the Witch God Sect.


    Zhang Huaimin and Huang Tianrong, both of them had evil Qi within their bodies.


    And their commonality was that they had both visited Ci Yun Temple and drunk the Nourishing Spirit Soup.


    On the other hand, he wanted to see what kind of power the temple master of Ci Yun Temple possessed.


    Chen Sansi wouldn''t dare to take the risk alone.


    Now, it appeared there truly had been a breakthrough in Meridian Passage.


    But there was no Qingxuan Energy or Purple Energy within him.


    He could be killed!


    The prerequisite was to wait a while longer.


    However, Chen Sansi needed more time to accumulate Spiritual Energy again.


    Using the search as a pretense, he picked up the incense burner shrouded in Purple Energy, savored it intensely, feeling as comfortable as a fish in water!


    If he could take it home, he could fully advance his Sword Qi Skill to proficiency or even to a small achievement!


    Of course, not now.


    To take an incense burner home in front of so many people would make it obvious that something was amiss.


    Chen Sansi could only temporarily leave his incense burner at Ci Yun Temple.


    Once the battle in Ming State was over, he would immediately return to retrieve it and take it home.


    Alchemy furnace, the incense for cultivation, he would have everything all at once!


    "Unjustly accused!"


    The Taoists were still crying out their innocence.


    Until soon after, a soldier discovered a blood-stained Vajra Pestle in the back mountain.


    Cao Fan thundered with fury, "Old man, you still claim you''re not colluding with the Witch God Sect!"


    "Young Master, this is defamation, defamation!"


    "Someone!"


    Lu Ji commanded sternly, "Lock all the Taoists of Ci Yun Temple in Liangzhou Prison."


    Watching as Brother Yu Xuzi and his fellow disciples were dragged away.


    Chen Sansi breathed a slight sigh of relief.


    Once they entered the prison and if they didn''t die, they would still be stripped of their skins, unable to come out for a long while.


    He could finally embark on the campaign without worry.

 Chapter 141 Turmoil of War, The Heavens are Heartless

    "I just don''t know if we can kill them outright."Chen Sansi doubted it was likely.


    With only physical evidence and no witness testimony, it wasn''t enough to convict.


    Especially at such a critical moment.


    Many sects had a very negative opinion of the Liangzhou Army.


    On top of that, with the Yu Yang Sect incident still unresolved and without an explanation, many sects began to say that the government did it on purpose, aiming to bleed them dry. Some even claimed that there was no Witch God Sect at all, and that everything was a self-staged act by the government soldiers.


    Ci Yun Temple might be a third-tier sect, but it was respected, and it was likely that even Moon Splitting Mountain Villa and Tongxuan Sword Sect would speak up for them.


    But locking them up was enough.


    Chen Sansi was mainly concerned about the safety of his family.


    "Did you find anything?"


    "Other than that Vajra Pestle, nothing."


    "Then seal off the mountain! Keep searching, dig up houses, look for tunnels and secret chambers!"


    "Leave two thousand men behind, and the rest can go back."


    "..."


    The Princely Heir really has quite the influence.


    Chen Sansi sighed to himself.


    With just a word, and without any evidence, he brought so many men to search the mountain.


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    He didn''t continue bustling about and led his men to leave gradually.


    The last day. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He wasn''t idle either and mostly spent it cultivating.


    It wasn''t until the evening before departure that he gathered everyone for a meal.


    Sun Buqi and her brothers, Sister Rong Yanqiu, Mr. Hou, and even the first and third brothers voluntarily came over.


    No matter what was happening below the surface, the facade had to be maintained, after all, they shared the same master.


    "Here''s to wishing my little brother a triumphant victory!"


    "Cheers!"


    The gathering lasted until midnight, and then everyone dispersed.


    In the night.


    Chen Sansi pored over books by candlelight.


    This book was called "Hundred Herbs Map", specializing in recording extraordinary mutant grasses.


    He had looked through almost every material book related to weapon making and hadn''t found any materials that could store Power. Recently while studying Medical Books, he stumbled upon a herb that could enhance Power for a short time, so he started looking through Medical Books as well.


    The last page.


    Ghost Vein Wood: A mutant tree that takes a thousand years to form. When crushed and boiled with water, the decoction can revive a dying person, and the trunk can retain Power, but it''s prone to breaking and thus unsuitable as a material for Mystical Weapons.


    Chen Sansi sat up straight with interest.


    It could temporarily retain Power!


    If it was indeed brittle, it indeed couldn''t be used as material for weapons such as sword hilts, spear shafts, or lance shafts, because they would break after a few uses, but...


    Using it as an Arrowhead shaft would be just perfect.


    In that case.


    He still lacked a material for the Arrowhead!


    With that, he could assemble a Hundred-stone Bow capable of shooting out Power!


    "Iron material..."


    Chen Sansi felt a headache coming on.


    That was truly hard to find. If push came to shove, he''d have to use mystical iron instead, which with an Arrowhead shaft made of Ghost Vein Wood would be much stronger than ordinary wood.


    Putting down the book, he went to the next room to grab spirit sand and replenish his Spiritual Power.


    [Magic: Sword Qi Skill (entry-level)]


    [Progress: 15/500]


    This amount of Spiritual Energy was fine for storing force, but probably not for increasing proficiency.


    Chen Sansi planned to accumulate another use of Sword Qi Skill as a lifesaving trump card. The rest would have to wait until his return from the battle, after he acquired the incense burner.


    He continued practicing until deep into the night before he crept back to his room to sleep.


    The next day.


    The sky was barely lit.


    Gu Xinlan helped the General put on a newly made crimson battle robe and then helped him don his Armour. "From now on, Brother Shi, I will prepare your battle robe in advance every time you go to war."


    "Alright, I''ll wear new clothes each time."


    Chen Sansi adjusted his appearance in front of a bronze mirror, finally donning his helmet. "I''m off, and when I get back, our child will probably be born."


    "Mhm."


    After the tumultuous events in Yunzhou, Gu Xinlan was still worried but had also grown somewhat accustomed to it, and furthermore, she had heard that this time it was the grand deployment of an army, which was different from the previous escape.


    She stood by the door, watching as the man left.


    "Best wishes to the master!"


    Si Qinmohua also bowed in salute at the front door.


    "You two."


    Chen Sansi pulled out two pieces of gold from his waist and threw them over. "Go and buy yourselves some jewelry you like. Take good care of my wife while I''m gone."


    "Master, we don''t need this..."


    Ever since Sagin Mohua arrived at Chen Mansion, they had been eating meat with every meal. With plenty of vacant rooms, they even had their own private rooms, akin to marrying into a good family. How could they dare ask for more?


    "If I give it to you, you take it. If I come back and find my wife has been treated unfairly, I''ll sell you to the brothel."


    Chen Sansi treated them as housemaids, but with some differences because the lives of these two girls were in his hands. Moreover, they were well-behaved and never arrogant or presumptuous, so giving them some rewards was fine.


    "Rest assured, master."


    As servants, Si Qinmohua didn''t even have the right to refuse and could only silently accept the gold.


    "Hao Qianxun."


    Chen Sansi gently stroked the horse''s mane. "It''s always you accompanying me."


    The warhorse was indeed the most intimate and trustworthy comrade.


    He had intended to ride fast to the military camp, but as he turned a corner, he saw a familiar figure again.


    "Bastard!"


    Zhaozhao deliberately made her voice loud. "When you left last time, my lady cried every day, and you didn''t visit again! Planning to go to war without even a goodbye?!"


    Chen Sansi reined in his horse, approached slowly, and then asked in a low voice from his elevated position, "Does Ning Xiang want to see me? Is there something important?"


    "Keep your voice down!"


    Zhaozhao came closer, cupping her hands to her mouth. "Important intelligence."


    "From Ming State?"


    Chen Sansi immediately rode towards Smoke Willow Lane.


    Not far off, he heard Zhaozhao chasing behind him from a distance, shouting, "Wait for me, you won''t be able to see my lady without me!"

 Chapter 141 The Struggle in a Chaotic World, The Heavens are Ruthless_2

    Chen Sansi then turned back and pulled her up onto the back of the horse."Your horse, why is it so fast!"


    Zhaozhao sat behind him, feeling as if she were flying, her hands tightly clutching Chen Sansi''s waist, her lower body still floating in midair. She bit her silver teeth, "Can''t you go slower!"


    "Huh!"


    Upon arriving near Red Sleeve Tower, Chen Sansi dismounted.


    "Go through the back door!"


    Zhaozhao, sitting on the horseback with lingering fear, patted her chest and glared at him before jumping off and explaining, "Oirans only entertain guests at night, you''re now having a private meeting with my lady. A private meeting naturally requires using the back door."


    "..."


    It''s really troublesome how these people hide their identities.


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    Chen Sansi followed her as they took a detour.


    When they arrived at the back door, they unexpectedly ran into an acquaintance.


    Yan Changqing was also dressed in armor, parting from a woman with great reluctance.


    "Brother Chen?"


    His eyes widened. "You, you couldn''t possibly be here to meet with Miss Ning Xiang..."


    "Hmm."


    Chen Sansi took the chance to return the silver note he had borrowed last time, then followed the back door all the way to the sixth floor.


    "General!"


    As soon as he entered,


    the partially concealed Ning Xiang threw herself at him.


    Chen Sansi sidestepped to avoid her.


    Though Ning Xiang missed her target, she still spoke tearfully, "General is truly heartless. After one night, you never came back. I''ve missed you so dearly..."


    "..."


    Chen Sansi felt an awkward tingling in his scalp.


    He also noticed maids outside.


    Upon hearing the noise, these maids immediately went downstairs to inform the madam.


    Oirans meeting privately is a big taboo; otherwise, if everyone were engaging in romance like this, the brothel wouldn''t need to make money. The overlooked indulgence is because Chen Sansi had received an imperial decree and was a closed-door disciple of Sun Xiangzong, a man of high status.


    "Enough, everyone has left; stop the act."


    Chen Sansi closed the door. "In half an hour, I need to gather at the barracks. Let''s make it quick."


    Once Ning Xiang confirmed that no one was eavesdropping, she sat up straight, speaking seriously, "General, regarding Liang Jinian, the leader of the Red Eyebrow Army, in your current expedition to Ming State, do you have any understanding of him?"


    "A failed scholar with a copy of the Miracle Soldiers Heavenly Book."


    Chen Sansi asked, "Miss Ning Xiang, you want to talk about the Heavenly Book, right?"


    Seeking Immortal Tower in pursuit of Immortal Trace was naturally very interested.


    "Nothing can really be hidden from the General," Ning Xiang said faintly. "Then General, how much do you know about the specific functions of the Heavenly Book?"


    Chen Sansi shook his head.


    "Do I still have some use, then?"


    With her delicate fingers touching the water, Ning Xiang faintly stirred it on the table: "According to the information sent back by the Ming State branch of Seeking Immortal Tower, this treasure in Liang Jinian''s possession allows soldiers to harness the forces of heaven and earth during combat. At its strongest, it requires only two thousand men to trap and kill a General at the Profound Image Realm, with casualties not exceeding seven hundred."


    "Originally, there was a General at the early stage of the Profound Image Realm in Ming State, and this is how he died."


    "By this estimate, if five thousand men were deployed, the casualties would not exceed one thousand five hundred, and they would be able to encircle and kill a Martial Saint, oh, assuming there were no warriors at the Profound Image Realm participating, relying solely on soldiers below the Meridian Passage."


    Is it truly that powerful?


    Chen Sansi felt some reverence.


    A long time ago, he read on the "Dasheng Book" about Cao Xie single-handedly slaying two thousand three hundred enemy soldiers and learned even more detailed circumstances after arriving in Liangzhou with Brother Fang.


    When Cao Xie killed those two thousand three hundred people, the enemy army had a Martial Saint and three at the Profound Image Realm.


    Otherwise, the number would have been greater.


    Fang Qingyun had explained that in the absence of warriors of the same realm, a fairly strong Martial Saint could single-handedly slay more than two thousand five hundred enemy soldiers before exhausting his strength.


    Yet the Red Eyebrow Army could surround and kill a Martial Saint with just over a thousand men, which meant doubling their overall combat power!


    On the battlefield, this was a terrifying concept.


    Keep in mind this was merely a comparison using the Martial Saint; the actual situation on the battlefield was that Ming State had no Martial Saints, so when they faced other armies, it was like facing Heavenly Soldiers and Generals.


    No wonder with just over thirty thousand men, they had, within a few months, swept through like a breaking bamboo and captured as many as six cities.


    "But then~"


    Ning Xiang''s tone changed, "That was their strongest battle. After that encounter, the Red Eyebrow Army never again displayed such formidable combat power and now have halted in the Golden Spring area, without further advancement.


    "Thus, we speculate that the treasure, or the Heavenly Book, in Liang Jinian''s hands is like Spiritual Energy, which continuously depletes and can be exhausted. Whether it can be re-accumulated and how remains unknown."


    Chen Sansi pondered thoughtfully.


    To speak plainly, the Red Eyebrow Army was becoming weaker.


    This was undoubtedly good news for them.


    But it also piqued his curiosity about the "Heavenly Book."


    "Miss Ning Xiang,"


    Chen Sansi inquired, "Have any of your people seen the Heavenly Book?"


    "No one has, not just us," Ning Xiang flicked a splash of water onto the man with her finger, eliciting an impatient look from him before she "tsked" and continued seriously, "Even people from the Red Eyebrow Army themselves have never seen it."


    "So in other words, the existence of the real Heavenly Book is still uncertain," Chen Sansi analyzed the possibilities. "It''s also possible that Liang Jinian fabricated it. After all, the name ''Heavenly Book'' has a nice ring to it, and it easily earns people''s submission, useful for recruiting and buying horses. But no matter what, he definitely possesses something from the Immortal Realm."


    "So, the reason I invited the General today is to ask you to ascertain exactly what it is," Ning Xiang said unhurriedly, "When you return triumphantly, please inform us. If it''s a method to reach the Immortal Realm, we hope that the General would share the intelligence with us."

 Chapter 141 Turmoil of a Chaotic World, The Heavens are Heartless (3)

    ```Chen Sansi asked, "Why don''t you folks from Seeking Immortal Tower go yourselves?"


    "The entire Seeking Immortal Tower only has a hundred or so people."


    Miss Ning Xiang explained, "How many people do you think are in Ming State who can get involved in a war of such scale? And if the Immortal Path Technique leaks out even a little, the consequences need no mention."


    Chen Sansi understood.


    If people from Seeking Immortal Tower were to reveal their tracks, the first one to go insane would probably be the old Emperor, who would undoubtedly order a territory-wide search for them.


    "If it''s just sharing intelligence with you, that''s no problem."


    He agreed, "But I''m just a Thousand Captain in the army. Above me are a bunch of Generals, and in the end, I may not necessarily get access to the so-called Heavenly Book, so don''t get your hopes up too high."


    "Additionally, I have a favor to ask."


    "I wonder if Miss Ning Xiang could procure some iron material that can store Power?"


    Chen Sansi still wanted to try and see.


    In terms of seeking rare treasures and Exotic Beasts, Seeking Immortal Tower was definitely much stronger than him.


    "Iron material that stores Power?"


    Ning Xiang thought carefully and said, "I really haven''t heard of such a thing, but if the General wants it, this maid will naturally do her best to find it. There''s also a deal to discuss with the General. We''ll talk when you return."


    "Okay."


    Compared to owing a favor, a trade was even better, as no one would owe anyone anything.


    After a few more casual exchanges.


    Ning Xiang rolled up her sleeves to pour wine, "Then here''s to wishing the General success upon arrival."


    Chen Sansi eyed the wine to make sure there was no problem, then clinked cups with her and downed it in one go.


    Even if there were Immortal Elixirs inside, he would have noticed, it was only that he couldn''t distinguish whether it was good or bad, or what specific ingredients it contained.


    "I take my leave."


    Chen Sansi hurried out the door.


    Ning Xiang, leaning against the doorframe and seemingly on the verge of tears, said, "General, you promised to redeem me when you return!"


    "..."


    Chen Sansi swiftly left.


    He had uses for Seeking Immortal Tower, so he didn''t care about these trivial matters.


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    "Master."


    Zhaozhao waited until he left and then pouted, "Why are you so nice to that jerk? He cut me with a knife last time."


    "Just an investment."


    Ning Xiang gently closed the door, her expression changing as if she had become another person, "As long as there''s a sliver of hope to enter the Immortal Realm, we must grasp it firmly. Since the Sun Li siblings ignore us, we can only turn to their disciple."


    ...


    "Sun and Moon Essence Qi."


    Chen Sansi recalled the last part of the conversation.


    The Qi absorbed by the Exotic Beast wasn''t Spiritual Energy, nor was it Evil Qi, but Sun and Moon Essence Qi. It didn''t need to understand any Cultivation Technique and would automatically absorb with the passage of time. The efficiency of absorption was related to the bloodline¡ªthe stronger the bloodline, the faster the absorption.


    If this went on for years, the Exotic Beast could gain divine powers and even turn into a demon as mentioned in legends, but due to the disruption of mixed Qis, even the Sun and Moon Essence became very thin.


    Therefore, there weren''t many Exotic Beasts.


    Immortals, demons...


    What he had seen so far might just be the tip of the iceberg.


    Chen Sansi couldn''t help but wonder.


    If Master had seen an Immortal, then where do Immortals usually stay?


    Liang Ji also claimed to have seen Immortals.


    It seemed the trip to Ming State was indeed necessary.


    Not only for the experience of leading an army, but he might also come into contact with genuine traces of Immortals.


    "Let''s go!"


    Chen Sansi quickened his pace to report to the military camp.


    A military expedition wasn''t something that happened overnight.


    A long time ago, the higher-ups had already begun clandestine preparations.


    An army of over forty thousand also needed two to three days to assemble and then set off in different orders. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But during this time, no one was allowed to leave the camp.


    Until the third day at dusk.


    Finally, it was time for the Reserve Camp where Chen Sansi was stationed to set off on the expedition.


    As the sun set in the west.


    Countless soldiers left the city in succession. Due to the large numbers, the leading troops had already disappeared into the wilderness, while the following troops were still near the city gates.


    On both sides of the official road, dense crowds of family members lined up to see them off.


    With this departure, who knows how many women will lose their husbands, how many elderly will lose their sons, and how many children will lose their fathers. War is such¡ªcruel and unavoidable.


    "Junior Brother!"


    "Clip-clop¡ª"


    The sound of horse hooves approached from behind.


    Chen Sansi turned his head, only to see three people coming to see him off.


    Rong Yanqiu, Sun Li siblings.


    Senior Sister Nine was also clad in Armor today, holding an Iron Thorns Whip in her hand. Although there was no expression on her face, her whole being exuded a full sense of ferocity, the kind that only comes from those who have walked through mountains of corpses and seas of blood, somewhat similar to a Poisonous Beast.


    "Junior Brother, may I have a word?"


    "What is it, Senior Sister Nine?"


    Chen Sansi walked over to the nearby woods.


    "Here''s something for you, might come in handy."


    Rong Yanqiu blew a resounding whistle against the red sky.


    Shortly after, a Hai Dongqing flew over.


    Chen Sansi had seen this creature before, back when he was in Po Yang, Han Cheng also had one. It was a type of Exotic Beast used for transmitting information, not an ordinary Hai Dongqing, very precious and difficult to cultivate.


    If it weren''t for special circumstances, only a Main General commanding over ten thousand would be entitled to have one.


    "I got you a special privilege."


    Rong Yanqiu said, "In this campaign against the rebellion in Ming State, you have the right to access all highest-level intelligence, to help you understand the big picture and to train you in managing large-scale strategies."


    "Thank you, Senior Sister!"


    Chen Sansi extended his arm, and the Hai Dongqing landed on it.


    This was a valuable asset.


    On the battlefield, without intelligence, even the most capable person couldn''t make accurate decisions on time.


    Even though he wasn''t the one to command, being blind to the situation felt terrible.


    "This Hai Dongqing is mine, it''s the only one I have. You better not get it killed!"


    ```

 Chapter 141 The Struggle in a Chaotic World, The Heavens are Ruthless_4

    Rong Yanqiu warned,"Senior Sister, rest assured, I will take good care of it," Chen Sansi promised, "But, Senior Sister, don''t you need it?"


    "I''m not participating in quelling this rebellion, and I''m about to return to Yan State to handle some matters. By the time I return, the conflict will likely have ended."


    Rong Yanqiu joked, "It might sound a bit affected, but I must tell you, be careful. Don''t just focus on earning merits and end up dead in Ming State. I don''t care, but it would be pitiful for our master, who is left with one last disciple."


    "Junior Brother, take care. Sister Lan will be looked after by me."


    Sun Li casually pulled out a purse: "Here, this is an amulet I embroidered for you. I don''t have anything else to give."


    Chen Sansi took it and gave it a glance. The craftsmanship was still as sloppy as ever.


    He could hardly suppress his laughter: "Thank you, Senior Sister Sun. With this, I''m sure to be safe and sound."


    Senior Sister Sun noticed his amusement and asked seriously, "Is the embroidery really that bad?"


    "No, it''s very good."


    Chen Sansi looked back at the gradually departing troops and didn''t dare to chat any further, "Senior Sister Nine, Senior Sister Sun, Bu Qi, I must take my leave!"


    Having said that, he spurred his horse and left.


    Rong Yanqiu scornfully said, "My dear sister, I''ve been fighting year after year. Why didn''t I ever get one from you?"


    "I''ve just learned it."


    Sun Li explained, "Next time you go to war, I will definitely prepare one too."


    "Yeah, right."


    Rong Yanqiu coldly said, "Sister, let me remind you, your beloved went to the brothel again before he left, and he seems to be redeeming that little vixen, half a million taels indeed! I don''t even have that much silver!


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    "You still seem not to care, silly since childhood and even more so after practicing martial arts. Be careful lest you get completely taken advantage of!


    "I''m off. You go back and take care of your Sister Lan. Maybe you''ll end up sharing a bed."


    With that, she rode back to the city. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "..."


    Sun Li remained silent.


    Bu Qi asked very seriously, "Sis, do you really want to make Sansi my brother-in-law?"


    Sun Li pondered for a long time, "I... I don''t know."


    She was not a contrary person.


    Initially embarrassed by the teasing, as time passed, she began to seriously consider this question.


    Sun Li was unclear whether their master''s closed-door disciple was truly her "beloved."


    But she knew that a woman must eventually marry.


    People had proposed marriage to her in the past, and she was always quite averse to it.


    Yet, with Chen Sansi, she didn''t feel this aversion. Instead, there was an inexplicable... reassurance?


    This sentiment.


    It probably started from the battle at Po Yang.


    "Sister, you are so naive!"


    Although Bu Qi usually got along well with Chen Sansi, he was somewhat displeased with this matter: "Every aspect of him is good, except he frequents brothels! The poems he writes there are almost famous in Capital City. I saw him writing ''A branch of rich red, laden with dewy fragrance,'' God knows how he''ll behave outside, probably ending up like Second Senior Brother with multiple wives and concubines!"


    Sun Li, ignoring the first part, caught the essence of the latter: "You are making progress."


    "Hmm?"


    "Who allowed you to go to brothels?"


    "I... hey, why are you hitting me! Why don''t you hit Chen Sansi!"


    "He has important things to handle! And you? You neither practice your martial arts nor study your books, still stuck with Bone Training, do you even have the right to carry the Sun surname?"


    "Stop hitting me, I was wrong. You want him to be your brother-in-law, go ahead, I won''t stop you, okay?"


    "..."


    The siblings frolicked.


    The army completely vanished, leaving only a sky full of dust.


    The Sun Li siblings, along with tens of thousands of citizens, fell quiet at the same time, silently watching the distance, speechless for a long time.


    ...


    Ming State.


    "Wang Li, this flatbread isn''t bad, did Mrs. Li give it to you?"


    "Let me try it!"


    "Not to scold you, brother, but why at your young age must you mess around with a widow? Isn''t it better to find a proper lady?"


    Wang Li defiantly argued, "What''s wrong with widows? They''re certainly better than some who fancy brothel courtesans!"


    "Oh, those words should not be spoken!"


    Xiong Qiuan covered his mouth swiftly, "Do you not want your tongue?"


    Only then did Wang Li realize the hot topic circulating in Liangzhou City recently.


    Red Sleeve Tower, Ning Xiang, redeeming...


    "What are you guys talking about?"


    Chen Sansi rode up on his horse.


    "Nothing, nothing!"


    Xiong Qiuan said with a smile, "Sir, just messing around."


    "The flatbread is good."


    Chen Sansi took a flatbread from Wang Li, took a bite, and handed over a five-hundred-tael silver note: "Buy a small house, and I''ll come over for the wedding."


    "Thank you, sir!"


    Wang Li, holding the silver note, his hands trembling slightly.


    "Alright, summon Xu Wencai, Zhao Kang... Bring the map and meet me at the open space ahead."


    Chen Sansi ordered.


    Soon, the map was spread out in front of them.


    Ming State.


    It is an extremely peculiar place.


    It borders the Great Sheng Dynasty, but the furthest eastern part is separated by the Luotian Mountain Range, with a vast uninhabited wilderness in between, not adjoining Feng State. The only passages are through Liangzhou and Yan State, but Yan State has few troops, so the responsibility for support and suppression naturally falls on Liangzhou.


    They also have to cross a vast canyon before they can officially enter Ming State territory.


    The current situation.


    The rebel army is mainly in the southern, southeastern, and central areas of Ming State, with the southeast being the primary location.


    Their army will directly enter the central region, and with the Mingzhou Army, from the west and north, strike the rebels outside the Golden Spring Manor. During this process, they will rely on Yangchun Prefecture for supply support.

 Chapter 141 Turmoil of a Chaotic World, The Heavens are Heartless (5)

    By then, it would be seventy thousand grand army against thirty thousand locals.The Red Eyebrow Army had only one Martial Artist of the Profound Image Realm.


    In contrast, Dasheng had Yuan Dai, Sha Wenlong, and Zhao Wuji.


    Additionally, there was Wu You, the Deputy General of Mingzhou Army''s leader Cao Fan.


    No matter how you look at it, the gap in the hard power on paper was tremendously large, and even with the so-called "Miracle Soldiers Heavenly Book," if it came down to a direct confrontation, it would be utterly impossible for the Red Eyebrow Army to win this battle.


    Their best outcome was to retreat in time to north of the Wushui River and east of the Hongze River Shore, holding on to the cities they had already captured. Even then, being gradually devoured was only a matter of time.


    "My lord, are you being overly cautious?"


    Zhao Kang said, "I think as long as we are vigilant against ambushes on the way, there won''t be any problems."


    "Perhaps."


    Chen Sansi said verbally, but he still felt something odd in his heart.


    West Qi Kingdom, what exactly are they waiting for?


    The Red Eyebrow Army was causing chaos in the south, a golden opportunity that came once in twenty years. If they were really to wait until the army entered the canyon and received supplies from Yangchun Prefecture, then the Red Eyebrow Army would be quickly subdued. Dreaming of coming back in would be a fool''s dream by then.


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    Chen Sansi asked, "My Wo Long military advisor, do you have any ideas?"


    "Don''t worry, my lord, just one flash of spiritual light away!"


    Xu Wencai furrowed his brow, "Soon, let me change the approach."


    "Yes, I should change my approach too."


    Chen Sansi ordered them to pack up the maps and continue on the journey.


    The journey to Ming State alone would take nearly a month.


    That was also the reason Zhao Wuji and others insisted on not transporting provisions from Liangzhou; the cost was too high.


    Marching was extremely tedious.


    Every day was just walking, eating, and sleeping all handled on the spot, truly a life of hardship.


    Luckily, Chen Sansi was well-prepared.


    Spiritual Rice Medicine Ointment, treasure medicines, and Ear Mouse meat were all brought along, not wasting any time.


    Like his time in Yunzhou, relying on the incredible speed of the White Swan Horse, he deliberately lagged half a day''s journey to practice martial arts, then spent the other half of the day hurrying along, and in the blink of an eye, twenty-eight days had passed.


    [Cultivation Technique: National Guardian Dragon Spear, Hua Jing (entry-level)]


    [Progress: 395/500]


    In another ten days or half a month, he would almost be able to master the Hua Jing Technique.


    "We''re almost there!"


    Chen Sansi estimated that before nightfall today, they would pass through Sword Gate Canyon and enter the territory of Ming State.


    Hai Dongqing flapped its wings and found him, bringing the latest deployment and arrangements from the frontline.


    Sky Wolf Camp and twenty thousand Liangzhou Soldiers, responsible for the front area around Yingzui Mountain, were joining forces with the Mingzhou Army coming from Golden Spring Manor to encircle and eradicate the main force of the Red Eyebrow Army, striving to prevent them from retreating to north of the Wushui River and seeking a quick resolution.


    While the Reserve Camp was to follow, is temporarily not needed to face the main enemy forces, tasked with clearing out small groups of rebel forces around Yanling Mountain and maintaining the supply route outside Yangchun Prefecture after the battle officially begins.


    After all, the Reserve Camp had only been formed less than four months ago and was overall weaker than the other main forces, so they were primarily focused on gaining experience; only in an absolute necessity would they be deployed.


    "I''m infuriated!"


    Bai Thingzhi came over, cursing.


    By his side were Lu Shuhua and Xie Sishu, and all three had rather grim expressions,


    Chen Sansi asked, "What''s the matter?"


    "That Cao is shameless!"


    Bai Thingzhi didn''t hesitate even though others might hear, "Sha Wenlong said their Sky Wolf Camp is short of hands, then sent the three thousand men from Cao Fan''s right wing to the front lines against the Red Eyebrow Army''s main force, clearly giving them a chance to earn distinction!" S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Mr. Bai, watch your words!"


    Xie Sishu warned, "Cursing someone with the Cao surname is like insulting the Holy Emperor. If it''s not pursued, it''s fine, but if it is, it could cost us our heads."


    "Sigh..."


    Lu Shuhua exclaimed, "It seems this trip is destined only to pick up some minor advantages."


    "I don''t mind, but General Chen..."


    Xie Sishu said meaningfully, "The Young Master heading directly to Yingzui Mountain to face the main force, and Sha Wenlong is very willing to give him opportunities; it''s very likely that he will attain Class A military achievements. Plus, he could reach the Expert Realm in the Hua Jing Technique before returning to Liangzhou, so...


    the position of Chief Disciple might be taken away!"


    "Thanks for the heads up."


    Chen Sansi wasn''t worried at all.


    Because, by the time he returned to Liangzhou, he would be at least at small achievement in the Hua Jing, and Cao Fan, no matter how fiercely he tried, would not be able to match that pace.


    Many people still had no idea that he had already mastered Hua Jin.


    "We''re here!"


    Sword Gate Canyon!


    This canyon was connected to the eastern side of the Luoxiao Mountain Range, considered the tail end of the mountain range and the shortest route from Liangzhou to Ming State.


    The mountain range, which should have been continuous, had a huge chasm in the middle, perfectly straight with cliffs at ninety degrees, showing no slope, looking as if it was cut by someone with a huge sword, forcibly splitting the mountain range apart.


    This was why it was named Sword Gate Mountain Range.


    At this moment.


    The vanguard, most likely, had already passed Yangchun Prefecture and was about to engage the Red Eyebrow Army.


    The remaining parts of the Reserve Camp, front, back, and left, were also moving in different directions to eradicate small bands of bandits.


    "Chen Sansi, Bai Thingzhi, according to orders!"


    "At your command!"


    Yu Song issued the command, "Scouts report that 150 li west of here in Bai Gou County, seven hundred bandit infantry have broken through the city and are now slaughtering within. I order Chen Sansi to lead one thousand of his men, along with Bai Thingzhi''s five hundred soldiers, to quickly go and encircle to eradicate them. End the battle within two days, then immediately return to rendezvous with us!


    "The rest, follow me to Yangchun Prefecture to assist with the provisions!"

 Chapter 141 The Struggle in a Chaotic World, The Heavens are Ruthless_6

    "Understood!""Brothers, advance at full speed!"


    Chen Sansi''s thousand men were all cavalry, superbly equipped¡ªa reward for his victory.


    For Bai Thingzhi and the others, they could muster at most two or three hundred horses.


    A distance of one-hundred-fifty li, even average cavalry would need to rest intermittently, but they could still arrive within a day.


    But by the time they reached their destination, it was already too late.


    Bai Gou County, being an interior county within a state, didn''t have fortifications as tall and robust as those of frontier counties like Po Yang County; its walls were usually thin and low. A ladder would suffice to scale them. The defending force rarely exceeded five hundred, with some consisting of only a hundred City Guard Army members, supplemented by fewer than a hundred from the government office.


    Zhao Kang said, "General, Bai Gou County seems to have fallen..."


    Chen Sansi reined in his horse.


    Looking from afar, he saw the city gates of Bai Gou County already burnt to charcoal. The neglected walls had collapsed greatly, and from a distance, he could see the hellish scenes inside.


    "Zhao Kang, take ten riders with you to scout ahead in case of ambushes."


    Such small-scale bandits usually killed and looted before leaving; they wouldn''t stay to defend the city, nor would there be high realm martial artists¡ªrefining internal was the most one could expect.


    But underestimating the enemy is a major taboo for the military.


    Chen Sansi''s military strategy was based on caution; he never acted rashly.


    "Understood!"


    Zhao Kang, fearless, led the cavalry into the city and quickly returned, "Sir, not a single rebel in sight, just utter disarray."


    "Enter the city and take a look."


    Chen Sansi commanded.


    "Daddy..."


    "Ahh¡ª"


    "Wuu wuu..."


    As they entered through the city gates, the scene before them vividly defined what was meant by devastation: cries and howls, corpses strewn everywhere, a veritable purgatory!


    Houses aflame, streets turned into rivers of blood.


    Bodies lying haphazardly blocked their path, forcing them to dismount and step over the corpses to find any living souls to question.


    "Squeak!"


    A disheveled woman staggered out from one of the houses. Her hair was unkempt, her expression numb, her eyes hollow, as if she were a walking dead among the piles of corpses, searching for something.


    "Daddy!"


    A little girl of about five or six lay on the body of a middle-aged man, repeatedly calling out sweetly with no response, until after a long time, she realized her dad would never wake up and burst into tears.


    "Save me!"


    Someone grabbed at Chen Sansi''s ankle, and he instinctively dodged.


    After that single grab, the person took their last breath.


    "Clang!"


    The group continued forward.


    Behind them suddenly came the sound of a weapon hitting the ground. Turning back, they saw that the woman had finally found what she was looking for¡ªa knife to end her own life.


    This was the chaos of war.


    In that moment, fifteen hundred soldiers were all rendered speechless.


    Especially those who came from Po Yang County, felt the deepest impact.


    If not for General Chen back then, their fate, and that of their families, would have been the same. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "The Red Eyebrow Army..."


    Chen Sansi closed his eyes.


    This force, initially a people''s uprising against oppression, turned into something even more frightening than their oppressors due to the lack of proper ideological guidance. They became demons that created one hell after another with their own hands.


    The mentality of bandits!


    It doesn''t lead to success!


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    "Little girl."


    Chen Sansi walked over, looking down at the little girl: "Would you like to come with me?"


    "Wuu wuu wuu..."


    The little girl just sobbed, without speaking.


    "Who are you people, are you official soldiers of the Great Sheng Dynasty?!"


    At the end of the street, a servant-dressed man shouted towards them.


    Zhao Kang answered, "We are the elite soldiers of the Liangzhou Eight Camps here on orders to suppress the rebellion!"


    "The government troops, it''s the government troops!"


    The servant shouted excitedly.


    Soon, seven or eight individuals dressed as Martial Arts Academy Disciples came towards them from behind him.


    "My lord!"


    "You finally arrived!"


    "..."


    Chen Sansi observed their swords and, judging by the qi within their bodies, concluded they were in the Blood Refining realm, and among them were even Martial Artists in Bone Training.


    His face expressionless, he asked, "Where have you been hiding?"


    "Please follow me, my lord!"


    The Martial Artist led the way.


    In the southeastern area of Bai Gou County, there stood a huge castle with the words "Li Family Manor" written at its entrance. Many Martial Artists and Armoured Soldiers stood guard before its doors, where a large number of civilian corpses were piled up.


    "The elite from the Liangzhou Eight Camps have arrived!"


    The servant shouted at the front of the gates.


    The castle doors opened.


    A middle-aged man dressed in splendid clothes came out first, followed by the County Magistrate and the city defense Generals.


    Gradually, more than seven hundred people gathered, all vigorous young fighters rather than the old, weak, sick, or disabled.


    "I am Li Changsheng, the head of the Bai Gou County Li family, and I have the honor of meeting you, sir!"


    The middle-aged man greeted with utmost respect.


    "Who is the defending General?"


    Chen Sansi, his face expressionless, asked, "How was Bai Gou County breached?"


    "Sir, my name is Hu Wen, and I am the Inspector of Bai Gou County."


    Hu Wen explained, "The county''s walls were in disrepair after years of neglect, the Red Eyebrow Army was fervent, and they were aided by a Miracle Soldiers Heavenly Book bestowed by an Immortal, so we were no match for them. That''s why we retreated to the manor to hold out, waiting for reinforcements to arrive!"


    Chen Sansi nodded and said in a deep voice, "So you''re saying, you didn''t hold the line at all?"


    Hu Wen remained silent.


    "My lord."


    Li Changsheng took over the conversation, pointing southwards and said, "After pillaging and setting fires, the Red Eyebrow Army fled straight through the South City Gate. If you pursue them on horseback now, you should be able to catch up with them quickly!"


    "Are you certain of the direction?"


    "Certain! I guarantee it!"


    "Hmm."


    Chen Sansi led his army towards the South City Gate.


    Relying on his keen senses, he overheard a conversation meant only for Li Changsheng and his associates carried by the wind.


    "See, I told you there was no need to defend the city!"


    "Who would risk their life for that!"


    "Why should we risk our lives defending the city for these lowly commoners!"


    "Exactly, now that the army has arrived and the Red Eyebrow Army has scattered. I remain the County Magistrate, Mr. Li remains the lord, and Inspector Hu remains the inspector."


    "Give it two years, and everything in Bai Gou County will be as it always was!"


    "What''s it to us how formidable the Liangzhou soldiers are? In the end, aren''t they here to serve us?"


    "..."


    "Hmm?"


    "What are you doing?!"


    As Li Changsheng was speaking, he suddenly realized they were surrounded by the Liangzhou soldiers with bows and arrows aimed at them.


    "You..."


    "What is the meaning of this?!"


    "..."


    Zhao Kang, his expression cold and voice booming, proclaimed:


    "The Bai Gou County Magistrate and Inspector, who surrendered without a fight, are equivalent to colluding with the enemy and committing treason. Execute them all!"


    "Release the arrows!"

 Chapter 142 A Deadly Situation, Splitting Forces into Two Paths

    "Whizz whizz whizz¡ª"At the command, arrows fell like rain.


    The people of Bai Gou County were completely unprepared, and after several rounds of arrow rain, almost all were dead, except for the bone training martial artists.


    "My lord! It''s an injustice, my lord!"


    Hu Wen hurriedly explained, "The walls of Bai Gou County are weak, and we are few in number, we simply cannot hold."


    "Bullshit!"


    Wang Zhi glared furiously, "There are over ten thousand civilians in the city, you can''t hold them?!"


    "Commoners, will the commoners help us defend?"


    "I''m too lazy to reason with you, you don''t deserve to listen!"


    "Kill¡ª"


    After the rain of arrows, the charge of the army formation followed.


    Bai Gou County had only one Refining Organ Martial Artist, who was jointly beheaded by Feng Yong and Zhao Kang, and none of the others survived.


    The Liangzhou soldiers, on the other hand, suffered zero deaths and only a few minor injuries.


    The Reserve Camp, although subpar, was only when compared to the Eight Camps.


    Compared to the garrison soldiers of other States, they were fully armed elites, and a small county''s Martial Arts Academy Disciples and a handful of City Patrol Army were simply no match.


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    "These people, keeping them around only means they would betray our country sooner or later!"


    As Zhao Kang spoke, he chopped the corpses a few more times.


    "Shanshi, all set!"


    Wang Zhi caught up and exclaimed, "A bunch of cowards!"


    "Good, Teacher Brother has passed down the order, the entire army will pursue!"


    Chen Sansi indeed wanted to see whether the Miracle Soldiers Heavenly Book truly had such great effectiveness.


    "Teacher Brother..."


    Wang Zhi laughed mockingly at himself.


    Zhao Kang and Feng Yong had refined their organs while he was still at the Bone Forging Perfection stage, not worthy of the title ''Teacher Brother''."


    "Let''s go!"


    After a brief rest, fifteen hundred cavalry quickly gathered at the South City Gate and charged full speed to the next battlefield.


    Chen Sansi was about to ride off when he heard faint footsteps from behind.


    He turned around.


    It was the little girl from earlier.


    She was no longer crying, but cautiously approached, her blood-stained hands tightly clenching Qian Xun''s tail, her large watery eyes rimmed red, looking up at the general on the horse.


    "Have you thought it through?"


    Chen Sansi threw some dry food from his bag, "Girl, find a place to hide. Wait for me to come back after the battle to pick you up, if by then you are still alive, it means we are fated to meet."


    The little girl held the dry food, pursing her lips without a word, but obediently let go of the White Swan Horse''s tail.


    "Hope we are fated, then."


    "Let''s go!"


    Chen Sansi disappeared quickly.


    It was not a problem to foster another child in the manor. There was no need for him to take care, and with Si Qinmohua taking care of her, it would also be good company for the child not yet born. But now it really was inconvenient.


    This battle, it''s still uncertain what could happen, bringing a child, indeed, would be a burden not to mention that swords and sabers do not have eyes and could potentially harm her.


    Whether she could survive in this purgatory on earth was entirely up to her own fate.


    The White Swan Horse moved swiftly, as if its hooves did not touch the ground, soaring through the air.


    [Skill: Horse Control (small achievement)]


    [Progress: (0/2000)]


    [Utility: covers three thousand miles a day, the horse leads the way]


    The horse leads the way: As long as the commander''s horses are under command, all follow the White Swan Horse''s order, unharried and unafraid, cooperating until death.


    This entry, originally meant to describe subordinates following the commander''s orders, can now also apply to a "horse."


    "?"


    Chen Sansi looked down at the mane, "Do you also want to be a general?"


    Qian Xun even stopped and nodded.


    "You must be a demon!"


    Chen Sansi thought to himself, no wonder it''s always craving Spiritual Rice Medicine Ointment, this beast definitely has its own thoughts, and as time goes by, it continues to "evolve."


    He asked, "Can you command our cavalry?"


    Qian Xun nodded again.


    "Alright, alright."


    Chen Sansi knew the combat capability of his soldiers would be further enhanced.


    Previously, the military formations needed the cavalry to control the horses for cooperation.


    But now, under Qian Xun''s command, the horses could cooperate actively, making the effects displayed radically different.


    And being unafraid.


    It meant even if something unexpected happened, the horses would not scatter.


    Even during rest at night, there was no need to specifically tether or watch the horses; everything could be handled by Qian Xun, truly a general among horses, and a female general at that. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The cavalry pursued southward.


    Along the way, they encountered a few fleeing refugees.


    An hour and a half later.


    They finally caught up with the rebels, the Red Eyebrow Army!


    These men were clad in armor, wielding standard-issue weapons, their heads wrapped in red scarves, eyebrows painted red, hence the name Red Eyebrow Army. They marched ahead, pushing along several carts containing looted silver and treasures, and even some beautiful young women who appeared untouched, tied up with ropes, unknown who they were destined for.


    "Car Suspension Formation!"


    "Horse archers!"


    "Release arrows!"


    "Charge!"


    "..."


    As the Red Eyebrow Army marched on, they suddenly heard the deafening sound of horse hooves behind them, followed by a rain of arrows like a downpour.


    "Ambush!"


    "Form up!"


    Over seven hundred members of the Red Eyebrow Army, after losing about a hundred men, quickly reacted, each grabbing their Iron Plate Round Shields, setting up a formation to engage the cavalry at close range. Their formation was indeed well-practiced; despite this sudden situation, there was no confusion, and they were fully capable of deploying it.


    "Damn the court''s soldiers!"


    "Kill the court''s lackeys!"


    "Brothers, kill, kill¡ª"


    "..."


    "Annihilate the rebels!"


    Bai Thingzhi led the charge, at the forefront.


    The two groups of troops clashed fiercely.


    "Energy!"


    Chen Sansi didn''t rush into the fray but reined in his horse at the side to observe.


    Rushing in directly would prevent him from clearly seeing the situation.

 Chapter 142 A Deadly Situation, Splitting Forces into Two Paths_2

    The saying that the one who''s in the game is baffled while the bystander sees it clearly is exactly this.By using the "Qi Observation Skill," it could be determined that out of these seven hundred soldiers of the Red Eyebrow Army, the majority were Array Soldiers with a small number of Bone Training soldiers, only two Refining Internal, and there were none at the Hua Jin level or higher.


    However, the combat effectiveness displayed by their battle formation was hardly inferior to the soldiers of the Reserve Camp.


    On one hand, it was because the Formation was indeed strange.


    It seemed that every step was resonating with heaven and earth, borrowing the might of nature. Even Chen Sansi couldn''t completely see through it at the first encounter, and he needed to spend time studying it.


    Besides, and most importantly,


    Chen Sansi''s gaze was deep.


    He saw a different kind of energy above the battle formation of the Red Eyebrow Army.


    This energy, in appearance, resembled the transparent energy inside those who practice Martial Arts, but it was not the same; he could feel the difference. It could not be used for cultivating spells, only for temporarily enhancing the army''s combat strength.


    "So this is the real function of the Miracle Soldiers Heavenly Book?"


    Chen Sansi suddenly realized.


    With the enhancement of this energy and combined with the intricate and strange battle formation, they had been invincible since the uprising, advancing all the way to achieve today''s results.


    But "energy" is not infinite.


    And it also varies in strength.


    The small group of rebel bandits in front of them, possessing this mysterious power, naturally could not match the main force of the Red Eyebrow Army.


    The infantry formation was almost equal to the Reserve Camp with the enhancement of the "energy."


    But...


    They were Cavalry!


    This was a natural immense advantage.


    Chen Sansi''s eyes were like torches, quickly pinpointing the source of the "Mystical Energy."


    A commander, roughly at the level of Refining organs small success, positioned at the core of the battle formation, had strands of "energy" emanating from his head, spreading like mist and enhancing the rest of the soldiers.


    After finding his target, he didn''t waste any more time.


    Actually, from the beginning of the fight to now, only a few breaths of time had passed.


    "Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh¡ª"


    In an instant, three arrows were shot out.


    The Refining Organ Commander of the Red Eyebrow Army parried two arrows with his sword, and the third arrow pierced through his arm.


    At the same time, Chen Sansi charged forward, and all the Red Eyebrow Army soldiers who dared to block him didn''t survive the blink of an eye. His Five Tigers Soul-breaking Spear, reinforced with force, pierced directly through Iron Shields and then through the shoulder of the Red Eyebrow commander.


    He intentionally left a living mouth to question, ensuring that the severely wounded could not escape before continuing to slaughter the rest of the Red Eyebrow Army.


    The skirmish lasted for about the time it takes to drink two cups of tea.


    All seven hundred soldiers of the Red Eyebrow Army were annihilated.


    Under Chen Sansi''s command, four were killed and seven injured, while Bai Thingzhi''s subordinates lost more than a dozen.


    No matter how powerful the enemy''s formation was, the quality of their soldiers was ultimately low, and their numbers were not many.


    Moreover, the brothers under Chen Sansi''s command were also enhanced by various attributes. If it weren''t for the "Mystical Energy" enhancement of the Red Eyebrow Army, their casualty rate would have been even lower, and achieving zero casualties might have been possible.


    On the battlefield, only the Red Eyebrow Commander continued to struggle.


    Bai Thingzhi rushed up and dragged him back.


    "You court dogs of the Emperor!"


    The Red Eyebrow Commander spat out viciously, "You only know how to bully us commoners, you all deserve to go to hell, to hell!" S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Stupid dog!"


    Zhu Tong cursed as he rushed forward and started pummeling with his hammer, smashing the guy''s arm into mush before stopping.


    "I ask you,"


    Chen Sansi grabbed his collar, "what is your identity, and what position do you hold in the Red Eyebrow Army?"


    Asking directly about the Heavenly Book was impossible.


    It wasn''t a matter of whether this person was willing to talk or not; his status at most wouldn''t exceed that of a Thousand Captain; he couldn''t possibly know such high-level secrets.


    "I am a righteous outlaw from Mei Mountain!"


    The Red Eyebrow Commander said through gritted teeth, "Now, I am a Thousand Captain within the Red Eyebrow Army, blessed by King Liang''s Heavenly Book, specifically sent to kill you court dogs!"


    "Heavenly Book''s blessing..."


    Chen Sansi asked, "Have you seen the Heavenly Book?"


    "The Heavenly Book was bestowed by the Immortal to King Liang, it''s not for mortals like us to see,"


    The Red Eyebrow Commander said disdainfully, "King Liang was chosen by the Immortal, he will sooner or later overturn this realm, and you court dogs, just wait for your death..."


    "Clang!"


    Chen Sansi beheaded him with a sword, not bothering to continue the conversation.


    "Back to Bai Gou County!"


    After exterminating the rebels, everyone returned to the outskirts of Bai Gou County to rest.


    Chen Sansi didn''t see the little girl again, not knowing where she hid, or if she had been killed by any survivors within the city.


    He spread out the map.


    And began to study the current situation again.


    Passing through Sword Gate Canyon,


    The forty-thousand-strong army was like entering a giant pocket.


    Only that this pocket was surrounded by allies to the east, west, and north, with only the southernmost part of the pocket being enemy rebels.


    Chen Sansi began to think in reverse.


    He pondered.


    Under such circumstances, how could West Qi Kingdom maximize its benefits?


    They had been dragging their feet until now,


    Assuming they were certain of victory,


    What kind of change within Ming State would allow them to win?


    Abandoning all logic, and purely speculating,


    Chen Sansi imagined himself as the Emperor of West Qi. How could he capture Ming State? Looking at the location of the Great Wall, a terrifying idea gradually formed in his mind. What if the General of Ming State, Dong An, defected? Wouldn''t that be enough?!


    Looking up, he and Xu Wencai locked eyes.


    "My lord, I''ve thought of it!"


    Under a tacit understanding,


    Without saying a word, both knew they were on the same page.


    If this were true,


    Then the situation of surrounding the rebel army would turn into being surrounded by the rebels!


    Just seal off Sword Gate Canyon, and it would be like lambs to the slaughter, with no escape! Discover stories with My Virtual Library Empire

 Chapter 142 Desperate Situation, Split Forces Two Ways_3

    "Bad news!"Xu Wencai began to pace in place, "If that''s true, the Red Eyebrow Army with thirty thousand, Ming State with eighty thousand; add to that possibly a portion of the West Qi Kingdom''s troops, we''re looking at an army of over a hundred thousand easily. Devouring our forty thousand would be a piece of cake!"


    Under this possibility.


    Chen Sansi started to search for logic from the inside again.


    He said, "Old Xu, do you remember the information about Dong An?"


    "I remember, obsessed with military strategy."


    Xu Wencai pointed with his feather fan to the city that served as Dong An''s main base: "Many years ago, he participated in the Selected Point competition alongside General Fang, but that year he came in second. He outright refused the Inner Sect Disciple position and went to take part in the civil service examination instead, becoming the Martial Arts Top Scholar the following year. His Majesty promoted him step by step to his present position. The Governor of Ming State, also holding the post of General, controls the military and political power of the entire state."


    "It''s clear that this person would rather be a chicken''s head than a phoenix''s tail. He might be envious and jealous of Brother Fang in his heart. If he''s petty, he might bear a grudge, but that''s still not enough, not a sufficient reason for a rebellion."


    Chen Sansi tapped his finger against the map and analyzed, "Failing in Selected Point and then rejecting the status of an Inner Sect Disciple to take the civil examination is tantamount to a clean break from the Eight Camps. His Majesty would be more than happy with such a person, naturally he would be given important positions. Cultivated thereafter, he would become a loyal force restricting the Governor Mansion."


    "So, bestowed with so many favors from His Majesty and with such a high position, in a few more years he might breakthrough to the Martial Saint Realm and even become an ennobled Lord. There''s simply no reason for him to betray the country."


    "But he..."


    "Is still a military fanatic!"


    "You''re right, Sir!" Xu Wencai exclaimed as if having an epiphany: "General Fang mentioned to me that this man once competed with him to see who could reconstruct the Nine Palace Eight Diagram formation first. In the end, Dong An was a step behind. It''s said that he got so angry during training that he made a mistake and fell seriously ill."


    "If we follow this train of thought, then everything makes sense!"


    "There are those kind of people who only wish to win, and don''t care about anything else¡ªname, wealth, it doesn''t matter. As long as they can win, they''re willing to pay any price, to do whatever it takes."


    "For a military fanatic, what could be more tempting than the Miracle Soldiers Heavenly Book? A treasure of the immortals represents the ultimate variable!"


    "If the Commander of the Red Eyebrow Army, Liang Jinian, offered a treasure he possesses as a bargaining chip, and West Qi Country made promises, such as ennoblement and granting of land, it would be entirely possible to pull him over."


    "Really?"


    Bai Tingzhi stood to the side, confused along with Zhao Kang and the others.


    "Sir!"


    Xu Wencai saluted, "What should we do next?"


    "I''ll write down my thoughts and submit them to General Zhao and the others, but I doubt they''ll listen, especially since it''s only speculation with no concrete evidence, and also because this guess is a bit too... far-fetched." Chen Sansi and the old scholar were purely speculating based on the certainty of West Qi''s victory and our inevitable defeat.


    Even they weren''t sure if such a scenario would actually occur.


    Having written the letter,


    he blew a whistle, summoning Hai Dongqing to carry the intelligence to the front lines.


    Then, everyone rested for the night in Bai Gou County.


    By the next day at dawn, Yu Song sent an Order Officer who took them about two hundred li outside Yangchun Prefecture to gather, thereafter setting up camp on the spot, beginning to secure the transport of food and supplies.


    War isn''t an overnight affair, especially when it involves a battle configuration as large as an entire state.


    In the blink of an eye, over a dozen days passed.


    After Chen Sansi filled his stomach, he found a secluded place to practice with his spear. Since arriving at Ming State, his preparedness meant his progress hadn''t suffered at all.


    In the Blood Explosion state, he continuously fostered power through the blood of the Dragon Elephant, used it up, then fostered more, repeating this cycle day by day, tirelessly refining the strength and purity of his power.


    He could feel that, as time passed, there was a force in his power that seemed about to burst from his body, but each time before it could leave the skin, the power would dissipate. He could only grit his teeth and persist, continuing the monotonous repetition. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Finally,


    just before Chen Sansi was completely exhausted, a stream of power flowed along his arm, transmitting through the spearshaft to the man, unleashing an unprecedented force.


    He had broken through the Outer Strength!


    [Cultivation Technique: National Guardian Dragon Spear. Hua Jin (Proficient)]


    [Progress: 0/1000]


    [Utility: ..., Storage]


    A new effect was added to the original entry.


    [Storage: Accumulate power for a single explosive burst.]


    After reaching proficiency in the Hua Jin realm cultivation technique is the Intermediate Hua Jing''s "Outer Power," which is a transitionary stage within the overall realm, laying the groundwork for the "small achievement" of "Jinli Holding Weapon."


    Its main purpose is to enable power to leave the body.


    To put it simply, it''s striking from a distance.


    Chen Sansi plunged his long spear into the ground and threw a punch. Although his fist didn''t make contact with the tree trunk, he still effortlessly broke a tree that was as thick as a bowl in half.


    At this realm, wielding a weapon would typically be just average for martial artists,


    since their Outer Strength couldn''t be sustained and was similar to firing arrows, one by one, which were also not very powerful. But if one could store power, that would be a totally different story.


    Chen Sansi clenched his fist, feeling the power gradually accumulate on his arm. It soon far exceeded the strength that the Outer Strength realm should possess. Given enough time to build up power, he could unleash a shockingly effective attack at any given moment.


    "The spirit sand is used up."


    He hadn''t neglected his spellcasting, either, building up another Sword Qi Skill.


    [Magic: Sword Qi Skill (Entry-level)]


    [Progress: 35/500]


    But the progress in proficiency was pitiful.


    The spirit sand had been completely depleted and reduced to a pile of ordinary and lusterless sandstones.

 Chapter 142 A Deadly Situation, Splitting Forces into Two Paths_4

    After returning, he must obtain the incense burner from Ci Yun Temple.Before Chen Sansi set off, not only were the temple master and supervisor imprisoned in the great prison, but Spirit Mist Mountain was completely sealed off. All Taoists were prohibited from leaving the mountain gate until everything was cleared up. The incense burner was naturally well-protected and there was no need to worry about it being lost.


    Whether or not he could return and when he could do so was the immediate issue to consider.


    The intelligence he relayed to Zhao Wuji and others had received a response.


    The content was simple¡ªthey would be cautious.


    At this point, the front lines had already set up camp and begun confronting the main force of the Red Eyebrow Army. It was too late to return by the same route.


    The transport of food and forage to Yangchun Prefecture was still relatively smooth.


    "I hope I am overthinking it."


    Chen Sansi watched the setting sun, muttering to himself.


    Another ten days passed.


    "In five days!"


    Upon returning to his tent, Yu Song issued a new order: "Reserve Camp, deploy in full force to Yingzui Mountain, join the main battlefield, and participate in the decisive battle!"


    "Even the Reserve Camp is being deployed?"


    Xie Sishu asked, "Vice Admiral Yu, how is the situation at the front?"


    "Three victories, one defeat, annihilating eight thousand Red Eyebrow rebels, our army suffered three thousand casualties."


    Yu Song said gravely, "These rebels have high morale, relying on having been granted a Heavenly Book and Immortal Law, they are able to retreat without disbanding. Moreover, over these two months, they''ve mustered another ten thousand men from various sects and mountain, along with new array soldiers trained."


    "It amounts to them still having over thirty thousand men to this day."


    "But, that''s all."


    "General Dong left Deputy General Wu You to guard the Great Wall, personally leading thirty thousand men to come to our aid, he will soon arrive at Golden Spring Manor. When he does, we will attack from both sides, within half a month we could annihilate half of the enemy. In two months, we will stabilize the entire region!"


    "Then, we will be able to return to Liangzhou!"


    They''ve mustered another ten thousand men.


    How frightening, and in such a short time?


    This means almost half of Ming State''s sect disciples and Jianghu martial artists have joined the Red Eyebrow Army.


    Such is the allure of a "myth."


    "Blessings from an Immortal"¡ªand moreover, a Heavenly Book and Strange Weapon specially meant for warfare, as valuable as "a mandate from heaven," genuinely backed by an Immortal.


    Merely on this account, more people will continue to defect.


    If it were not for the "Heavenly Book," this rebellion would not have intensified enough.


    In other words,


    No matter how desperate the situation becomes next, everything hinges on seizing Meishan Prefecture from Liang Ji, ending the rebels'' "faith" to persist, and resolving all issues by conquering without battle.


    Of course,


    The prerequisite is winning this upcoming great battle.


    His position was still too low, limiting what he could do.


    "Wang Li."


    Chen Sansi asked, "Have there been any updates from Sword Gate Canyon?"


    "Soon."


    Wang Li replied, "In a few more days, Zhao Kang and his men should be back."


    "Good, go then."


    Chen Sansi had sent someone back to Sword Gate Canyon a few days ago to scout the situation.


    If his speculation were true, then definitely, a large force would encamp near Sword Gate Canyon, sealing their retreat route.


    ...


    Meishan Prefecture City.


    Prefect Mansion.


    "Holding the authority to kill, the righteous resolve the people''s plight.


    "Heavenly Book and Strange Weapon gifted by Immortals, recited before the ancestors'' verses.


    "A dragon lurks on Meishan, startling the heavens, for now quietly leaping in the deep.


    "Awaiting the gathering of storm clouds, soaring through the heavens to secure the kingdom!"


    "Excellent poem, excellent poem!"


    Inside the hall.


    A scholar wrote down a poem on the immaculate white wall, eliciting applause from many generals.


    Yet the scholar himself showed no sign of excitement.


    He slowly put down his pen, scanning the generals: "What''s the situation north of Wushui?"


    "To the Commander''s words."


    A general replied with a fist salute, "The Commander''s divine strategy has worked, Mr. Jia and others have been led into losses in several battles. Liangzhou Army has already crossed the area around Yingzui Mountain, even pulling up the last of the Reserve Camps, preparing for the final battle just outside Golden Spring Manor."


    "What about Dong An?"


    Liang Jinian inquired.


    "He''s also in position!"


    Xiang Tian responded, "General Dong with his fifty thousand strong army has arrived at Golden Spring Manor. We will retreat in defeat once more, then pretend to join forces with them, hardly dreaming that the reinforcement is here to end their lives!"


    "If this plan succeeds, the forty thousand Liangzhou soldiers will definitely be annihilated!"


    "And Sword Gate Canyon?"


    Liang Jinian, holding a rule stick, pointed at the terrain on the sand table: "Sword Gate Canyon must be blocked, do not let a single one escape, and also prepare Yangchun Prefecture." S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "The Commander uses troops with great caution, we truly admire that."


    The crowd once again showered praise.


    Liang Jinian waved his sleeve, "Enough, arrange it quickly, do not miss the opportunity for victory, upon this battle depends our lives and fortunes!"


    "Commander, you... you haven''t yet bestowed us with the Divine Power of the Heavenly Book!"


    The Sect Master of the Profound Image Realm, Xiang Tian, knelt on one knee before the scholar: "Please bestow the law, Commander!"


    With his kneeling, many others followed suit and knelt.


    Liang Jinian frowned slightly: "This battle will be eighty thousand versus forty thousand, an ambush, and yet you still need my instruction?"


    "Commander!"


    Xiang Tian replied with a fist salute, "We, the Red Eyebrow Army, have had it rough this month, constantly exposed to the elements, and only with your blessing of the Immortal Law can we maintain high morale."


    "The law should not be casually transmitted, nor should it be misused!"


    Liang Jinian dropped the rule stick: "Announce my mandate, let it be known the Heavenly Book predicts this battle is destined for victory. If we win this battle, pick a small city and reward the troops with three days to plunder!"


    Ming State is poor, and so is the Red Eyebrow Army. All their supplies either come from West Qi Country or are plundered from nearby cities. Normally, there''s nothing substantial to reward the troops with, apart from plundering a city to awaken their primal desires.

 Chapter 142 A Deadly Situation, Splitting Forces into Two Paths_5

    "As commanded!"Xiang Tian and the others left to carry out their orders.


    The hall became empty and desolate.


    Sitting in the Grandmaster Chair, Liang Jinian felt the Immortal Item within his body and his face looked ugly: "How could this happen..."


    "Husband."


    A woman carrying a food box walked gracefully over, efficiently setting bowls and chopsticks on the table: "Come and eat something."


    "I''m not hungry."


    Liang Jinian, with his eyes closed: "Wife, you eat."


    "Husband, you haven''t eaten anything for almost a day."


    Gao Peiwen tugged at the man: "Come on, just keep me company and eat a little."


    "Alright, I will eat a little."


    Only then did Liang Jinian stand up.


    Sighing, he said, "What''s wrong with all the sighs?"


    As Gao Peiwen served the scholar some soup, she asked, "Is it about that item..."


    "Mhm."


    Liang Jinian nodded: "It''s almost exhausted. Previously, every victory would lead to a surge, but lately... it must be because the situation is at a stalemate. Once this battle is over, we''ll certainly be able to forge a truly invincible army."


    He was a true scholar with no strength to truss a chicken.


    Since seeking refuge in Meishan Mountain Village, being revered as the leader by groups of vicious and evil men relied solely on the Immortal Item in his hands. Without it, he''d be the first to die.


    On the contrary, as long as he maintained a tight grip on the item, these men would obediently follow orders.


    "Husband, let''s just forget it,"


    Gao Peiwen said worriedly: "Why should we continue fighting every day when we can run away and live freely together?"


    "Woman''s view!"


    Liang Jinian said indignantly: "We''ve come this far, do you think it''s still possible to get out? Besides, once this battle is over, the West Qi Kingdom will crown me as the King of Mingzhou, granting me a vast territory! Then, I will be able to recruit soldiers and horses, and gather strength."


    "Given enough time, plus the Immortal Item, this realm ¨C I too might contend for it!"


    "At first, I only wanted to pass the scholar exams, but now, I want to kill all the scholars in the world!"


    "I''ll make them never dare to look me in the eye again!"


    ...


    Yingzui Mountain.


    "Only two more days to go!"


    "We''re nearly there!"


    "We of the Reserve Camp''s left flank are the last to arrive, stay sharp, don''t disgrace ourselves!"


    "..."


    News came from the front.


    The Red Eyebrow Army suffered another defeat.


    Now, the Liangzhou Soldiers are pursuing them all the way to the Wushui River Shore.


    Chen Sansi looked at the location on the map and felt terrified. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This meant they were practically handing their backs to the Golden Spring Manor. The development of the situation was becoming more in line with his predictions. The Red Eyebrow Army didn''t seem to be retreating but rather luring the enemy deeper into their territory.


    It wasn''t that the Liangzhou Soldiers were shortsighted, as if only he and Xu Wencai were clever. Aside from them, nobody would think so far outside the box to suspect the Governor of Mingzhou of treason. This was a Sealed Border Governor appointed by the court. On the surface, he lacked nothing and even had prospects of being ennobled. Why would he risk his wealth and life to defect?


    But no, there was one person who might suspect it.


    The Fourth Senior Brother!


    He and the master had left Liangzhou long ago, claiming to go to the Capital City, yet there had been no news from there. Instead, the reserve camps started to expand in an organized manner before their departure.


    The suppression of the rebellion in Mingzhou wasn''t orchestrated by the Eight Camps, but rather by the Ministry of War in the Capital City, which controlled operations remotely.


    Pi Ji, Hou Bao, Zhao Wuji, and others were merely executing orders.


    Time had passed.


    The master and the Fourth Senior Brother should be aware by now, and it was even possible they had taken remedial actions.


    But due to the great distance, communication was too delayed.


    "General Chen, you really aren''t the least bit anxious,"


    "To think you actually wanted to stay until the end to escort the supplies, aren''t you afraid everything will be over by the time you arrive?"


    "We''re moving ahead!"


    "..."


    Lu Shuhua, Xie Sishu, and others felt it was unreasonable. If they hadn''t witnessed this man kill Wen Qiushi in front of everyone, they might have thought he was afraid of battle.


    Watching them leave, Chen Sansi still did not speed up. Moreover, being responsible for escorting the supplies, he would arrive at the destination three to five days later than the others.


    "Has Zhao Kang not returned yet?"


    Two more days passed, and just as he was about to send someone to hurry him, he saw dust rising from the rear.


    Zhao Kang returned covered in blood, with only two surviving cavalry out of the ten he had led out.


    Xu Wencai stamped his foot in frustration: "Damn it!"


    "..."


    Chen Sansi''s suspended heart finally sank.


    The report from Zhao Kang was almost word for word what he had suspected.


    "Sir, disaster has struck!


    "Sword Gate Canyon suddenly had thirty thousand ambush troops, and large numbers of West Qi Kingdom''s soldiers have crossed the border from the west. The exact number is unknown, but our forty thousand soldiers are about to be surrounded from both front and back!


    "What''s going on, sir? Has the Great Wall in the West Territory already been breached? Aren''t the soldiers under General Dong An of Golden Spring supposed to handle it ¨C aren''t they getting paid to fight?"


    "..."


    Having been prepared, Chen Sansi closed his eyes. After a moment of contemplation, he quickly made a decision: "Ditch all the supplies and provisions. Set up an ambush in the valley ahead and prepare to support our retreating forces!"


    "Yes, sir!"


    The others looked at each other, unclear about what had happened, but they followed the orders.


    The next evening.


    The soldiers guarding near the valley first saw a cloud of dust, followed by...


    The collapsed and defeated Liangzhou Soldiers!


    Seeing the ambush in the valley, they were almost frightened into disbanding a second time, but they gradually stabilized after realizing it was their own forces.


    "You... you guessed this already?!"


    Sha Wenlong''s armour was completely ruined, and Cao Fan beside him was also injured.


    He didn''t say much, simply ordering: "The whole army retreats two hundred miles, regroup at Longyang County, and then... we''ll make further plans!"


    The defeated army continued to fall back.

 Chapter 142 A Deadly Situation, Splitting Forces into Two Paths_6

    Only after meeting Yu Song and his disheartened men did they finally understand what had happened ahead."Colluding with the enemy, colluding with the enemy!!!"


    Yu Song''s eyes were bloodshot, "At the moment of the decisive battle at Wushui River, the always retreating Red Eyebrow Army suddenly launched a counterattack, and Dong An even led an army of fifty thousand from the rear side of Golden Spring Manor!"


    "Luckily... fortunately, General Zhao heeded your advice and was wary of Dong An and his men, not merging the camps; otherwise, our entire army would have likely been annihilated!"


    "General Chen, how, how did you know?"


    Xie Sishu''s face was filled with horror: "No wonder you always refused to move forward, you had already guessed Dong An''s betrayal, why could you guess it, do you have any intelligence?"


    Lu Shuhua also looked at him incredulously, but he did not speak.


    Bai Thingzhi shouted, "If we had made General Chen the Commander earlier, none of this crap would have happened, all those imbeciles, Dong An, Yuan Dai, and that Zhao Wuji, are all imbeciles!"


    Chen Sansi was not in the mood to discuss this, he urgently asked, "Vice Admiral Yu, what exactly is the situation?"


    "Sky Wolf Camp lost three thousand troops, Main General Yuan Dai, and Assistant Generals of the front, rear, and right, all perished in battle!


    "Of the twenty thousand elite troops from the Liangzhou garrison, only seven thousand remain, four thousand of whom escaped back with us, and the other three thousand, including General Zhao, have been scattered and their whereabouts are unknown."


    "The Reserve Camp also suffered heavy losses."


    "All in all, out of forty thousand troops, over half were lost!"


    Over half were lost! Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Quick, we must leave here!"


    "A small number of troops laying an ambush won''t stop them, with fifty thousand troops pursuing us from behind, move quickly!"


    "First, head to Longyang County!"


    "Now that Yuan Dai is dead and General Zhao is scattered, Sha Wenlong is the highest commander!"


    "Move quickly!"


    "If they catch up, none of us will escape!"


    "..."


    "Retreat¡ª¡ª"


    The whole army quickly retreated.


    Along the way, countless provisions and heavy equipment were abandoned.


    Three days later.


    They gathered in Longyang County to discuss what to do next.


    After such a massive defeat, the morale in the entire camp was incredibly low.


    What was even more terrifying was that, after obtaining complete intelligence, they realized it wasn''t just a defeat they were facing, but complete annihilation!


    After Sword Gate Canyon was sealed off, the sixty thousand army of West Qi Kingdom surged from the west, and to the south, combined forces of the Red Eyebrow Army and the Mingzhou Rebel Army totaled eighty thousand, making a cumulative one hundred and forty thousand of enemy troops!


    The entire Ming State had turned into a sealed death trap.


    They were all about to be suffocated inside the trap.


    None could escape!


    Ming State was their burial ground!


    "Reinforcements, we still have reinforcements!"


    In the dead of night.


    A Hai Dongqing returned.


    It brought the latest intelligence.


    Ten days before, Liangzhou had assembled fifty thousand troops from You State and Daozhou, along with thirty thousand from the neighboring Yan State, including Rong Yanqiu''s Vermilion Bird Camp and "Second Brother''s" White Tiger Camp.


    Feng State was vulnerable, able to muster up less than ten thousand men, but eighty thousand of the Emperor''s trusted guards were already on their way from the distant Capital City, ready to traverse the Great Wilderness and join the battle from the most southern reaches of Ming State.


    All of this had been hastily arranged by Fang Qingyun and Sun Xiangzong as soon as they learned of the Military Department''s deployment.


    Even long ago, "Fourth Brother" had mentioned to the court that the Miracle Soldiers Heavenly Book might induce Dong An to rebel, but the court, suspecting that Eight Camps wanted to purge a competing power, ignored it, thereby leading to the current situation.


    Moreover, the initiative of the matter was truly in the hands of West Qi Country and Liang Jinian. If the Liang surname refused to hand it over, even if they were defeated in the end, it would be destroyed, and there absolutely would not be a scenario where Dong Anqin personally attempted to seize it.


    At last, the final tally between the Great Sheng Dynasty and the West Qi Kingdom was 170,000 to 140,000.


    This war, which began with the extermination of the Chi Mei rebels, had transformed overnight into a battle of national fate!


    However.


    Even with more reinforcements, the earliest batch wouldn''t arrive for over a month.


    And their current situation was such that they simply wouldn''t survive that long.


    How to persevere had become the urgent issue at hand.


    Chen Sansi examined the map of Mingzhou, looking at the Hongze River and the Wushui River, as well as the southernmost exit of the Great Wilderness, and scarcely found a glimmer of hope, but the precondition was that everyone had to listen to him!


    "Go to Yangchun Prefecture!"


    Inside the Central Army Tent.


    Cao Fan''s palm rested on the location of Yangchun Prefecture, "The closest fortress to us that we can defend is Yangchun Prefecture. The rebel army''s forces are weak on the east, and we could take this city within three days! There might even be provisions inside, and if we are lucky, we could hold out for a while!"


    "No!"


    Chen Sansi immediately objected, "General Sha! We must not go to Yangchun Prefecture. I am certain that the provisions that were transported out earlier were meant to deceive us; there are absolutely no provisions there now! If we go in now, we''ll never come out again!"


    "Oh?"


    Sha Wenlong''s one-eyed gaze turned towards him, "Then what do you suggest, Mr. Chen?"


    "We should cross the river!"


    Chen Sansi said, "We cross the Hongze River to the east and attack the towns on the other bank!"


    Cao Fan objected, "Mr. Chen, the towns on the east bank of the Hongze River are merely small counties with thin and short walls, long neglected. They simply can''t be defended. Once the enemy forces reach the town, we''d only have a dead end."


    "Then we don''t defend!"


    Chen Sansi explained his strategy, "That''s better than being trapped. Our goal is to keep maneuvering and then look for a chance to head south, enter the Great Wilderness, and escape to safety!"


    "Ridiculous!"


    Sha Wenlong coldly said, "Do you think the rebels are fools? The time it would take to cross the river and then head south is ample for the enemy to station heavy troops in front of the Great Wilderness, effectively trapping us!"


    "The Young Master is right; our only chance of survival is to quickly take down Yangchun Prefecture and then hold it, waiting for reinforcements!"


    "General Sha!"


    Chen Sansi stressed, "I implore you to seriously consider this! This battle has been disastrously costly, and continuing this way, the entire army will be annihilated!"


    Sha Wenlong slammed his fist on the table, fiercely questioning, "Are you saying that if we don''t listen to you, the entire army will be wiped out?"


    "It''s possible!"


    Facing a matter of great importance, Chen Sansi had to persist no matter what.


    "Nonsense! Even if I die, there are still assistant generals to take command. When did it become your place to give orders?!"


    As Sha Wenlong was about to burst out, he noticed a glance from Cao Fan beside him and suddenly thought of something. He paused, then spoke gravely, "Are you certain you want to cross the river to attack those counties?"


    "General Chen, regarding Dong An''s rebellion, you indeed had prophetic insight, but..."


    Yu Song followed with persuasion, "I also think defending Yangchun is the best strategy right now. You better just obey the orders."


    Chen Sansi firmly stated, "I am certain!"


    "Fine!"


    Sha Wenlong''s attitude abruptly changed, "Let''s not say that I don''t heed advice. Since General Chen is so adamant, I will accept your strategy."


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    "Yu Song, listen to my command!"


    "I order you to lead 3,000 troops from the left wing of the Reserve Camp to cross the Hongze River to the east and find a foothold. If there are major casualties, you two can end it yourselves!"


    "Me?"


    Yu Song was stunned, "General Sha, I never said I wanted to cross east, and I wish to stay and defend Yangchun as well."


    "It''s settled!"


    Sha Wenlong disregarded him, "Everyone else prepare; we move out immediately to attack Yangchun Prefecture!"


    From then on, the Liangzhou routed army was split into two forces.


    One force of 3,000 crossed east, and the other 18,000 advanced to attack Yangchun Prefecture.

 Chapter 143 Crossing the Hongze River Twice

    ```"General Chen, you''ve really doomed me!"


    Outside the Central Army Tent.


    Yu Song was so angry he wanted to curse, nearly spitting out the words, "If you want to die, go alone, don''t drag me into this."


    "Vice Admiral Yu."


    Chen Shanshi said gravely, "Following my plan doesn''t guarantee survival, but following them is certain death!"


    Out of 18,000 men, fewer than 180 would survive in the end.


    "Ah! What else is there to say at this point?"


    Yu Song said with a face of resignation, "General Chen, if you get me killed, I...I won''t say it. My eight wives and twelve children will definitely come after you! Let''s go!"


    The command was passed down.


    Lu Shuhua, Xie Sishu, and others were also shocked.


    "What are you doing?"


    "General Chen, have you gone mad!"


    "If we don''t move with the main force and act alone, are we just asking for a quicker death!"


    "..."


    "Ridiculous!"


    Holding his sword, Lu Shuhua frowned and said unhappily, "We are all Thousand Captains, why should we leave the main force just because of his words? If you want to go, then go. I''m going to find General Sha!"


    "Brother Lu, wait for me, I''ll go too."


    Xie Sishu hurried to catch up.


    "Are you two out of your minds!"


    Bai Thingzhi mocked, "It''s so hard to persuade the damned to live!"


    However, Lu Shuhua and Xie Sishu were quickly called back.


    The orders from Sha Wenlong were already given and would not be changed lightly.


    "You captains and assistant generals, what are you so afraid of? A bunch of cowards!"


    Zhu Tong cursed, "Back then, Shanshi led us in Po Yang County with a remnant force to defeat 20,000 barbarians, and then, while being pursued by tens of thousands of troops, he led 40,000 civilians all the way from Yunzhou to You State and still survived! A bunch of fools!"


    "How dare you!"


    Xie Sishu glared in anger, "You, a captain of hundred, dare to speak so rudely to me? Courting death!"


    "I think this brother is absolutely right!"


    Bai Thingzhi hefted his broadsword, "What, you want to challenge me?"


    "Clang¡ª"


    The sound of drawing swords erupted, and both sides confronted each other, swords at the ready.


    "Enough!"


    Chen Shanshi said solemnly, "At a time of life and death, are you still fighting amongst yourselves? Zhu Tong, back down! Brother Lu, Brother Xie, please believe in me. If, after crossing the river, we really suffer huge losses, both of you can come and chop off my head, and I definitely won''t resist!"


    "Fine!"


    Only then did Lu Shuhua relent, "These are General Chen''s own words; let everyone bear witness!"


    He and Xie Sishu had only given up their competition for the position of True Inheritor, but none of their innate pride as geniuses had diminished in the slightest.


    Especially Lu Shuhua, who also had a Martial Saint as a master, naturally the future Sword Saint. How could he be willing to be led by the nose by others? sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Xu Wencai!"


    Your next chapter is on My Virtual Library Empire


    Chen Shanshi called out loudly, "Bring me the map!"


    ...


    "The Young Master has great strategy," Sha Wenlong admired, "Once they separate at Yangchun Prefecture, as long as they dare to cross the river and head south, they are definitely on a path to death. We can at least hold out for twenty days with the support of Yangchun Prefecture."


    "It''s not my strategy that''s good, it''s that he is rushing towards his own death," Cao Fan said while sitting atop his horse, casually holding the Azure Dragon Crescent blade. "If I can facilitate that, why wouldn''t I?"


    "Well said, this fellow has long deserved to die."


    Sha Wenlong knew very well that he was transferred because his cover had been blown. He was the last person who would want to see the other side grow stronger, otherwise, he would likely face a disaster.


    "Dong An is a thankless wretch!" Cao Fan spat out contemptuously, "Back then, he lost to Fang Qingyun in the Selected Point, and if it weren''t for Grandpa''s imperial appointment as a Martial Arts Top Scholar and the ample resources for cultivation, how could he have become a Deputy General in charge of a state''s military and administration today?!"


    "The temptation of treasured tactics is too great," Sha Wenlong guessed the reason, "Young Master, if you were tempted with methods above the Martial Saint in exchange for something, you would definitely swap, right? Even more so for him, the state isn''t his; it''s just a matter of switching masters for him!"


    "He really deserves to die! My Great Sheng Dynasty treats people with generosity, and yet these ungrateful wretches arose. Sun Xiangzong is fine, at least he has established many merits over the years! Dong An truly deserves to be hacked into pieces!"


    Cao Fan pondered the current situation of Ming State, "General Sha, do you remember what Chen Shanshi just said? He said there will be no supplies inside Yangchun Prefecture. If that''s the case, what should we do?"


    "We''ll collect supplies along the way!" Sha Wenlong cautiously responded, "Before we reach Yangchun Prefecture, we''ll pass through quite a few counties; we''ll take their reserves..."


    After all, food and fodder are the biggest issues when defending a city.


    As long as there are ample supplies and high walls, the defense can hold indefinitely.


    "This year is also not a good one for Ming State," Cao Fan said, "Many places have been hit by disasters, and I''ve heard that even taxes can''t be collected in full. Relying solely on the government''s reserves probably won''t be enough."


    "Then we will have to impose additional levies from the people," Sha Wenlong suggested, "It''s just making the common folk suffer a bit. Young Master, don''t worry, I''ll take the blame."


    "Your nobility, General Sha!"


    "..."


    ...


    Yingzui Mountain.


    The main encampment of the Red Eyebrow Army.


    The Central Army Tent.


    In front of the sand table.


    Mr. Jia had been brought to Mei Mountain by his father to join the bandits and, luckily, found a good master. He learned formidable martial arts and subsequently expanded the bandit stronghold, eventually swallowing the entirety of Mei Mountain''s regional strongholds and becoming the undisputed leader, commanding over two thousand troops.


    He knew that once a bandit force grew to a certain size, it must grow stronger or face obliteration.


    But Mr. Jia couldn''t continue to expand with his power alone until one day, a scholar came to the stronghold, claiming he could help them grow and become stronger, suggesting that becoming the Mingzhou King was not beyond reach.


    ```

 Chapter 143 Crossing the Hongze River Twice _2

    At first, Mr. Jia scoffed at this.Because this scholar, who did not have the strength to truss a chicken, claimed he would become a bandit on the mountain. Yet, he didn''t even have a token of commitment; wasn''t this a huge joke?


    The scholar knelt down and said, "Give me three months."


    Three months later, he would transform the Mei Mountain bandits into a formal army. If he failed to do so, he would apologize with death.


    But if he succeeded, they would help him abduct a bride and commit murder.


    Mr. Jia found this somewhat intriguing and gave him the opportunity.


    When the three months passed,


    his men really seemed like a different group of people, not only were they displaying strict military discipline, but they could also employ military formations. It was just like the official Ming State troops, no, much stronger than the Ming State soldiers!


    "Sir, you are a great talent!"


    At that moment, Mr. Jia knelt down, knowing that no matter what, he had to keep this person around and immediately led his brothers down the mountain to help him abduct the bride.


    The scholar had his heart set on a daughter from a wealthy family, with whom he had privately vowed eternal love.


    At first, the wealthy family didn''t object because this scholar was famously handsome within ten miles, and everyone said that he would be a scholar one day, until year after year, he repeatedly failed.


    The scholar became the laughing stock of the ten miles.


    The wealthy family''s attitude also took a 180-degree turn, telling him to get lost.


    Later, the scholar and the young lady agreed to elope but once discovered, his legs were broken, and the lady was betrothed to the son of a local official, who was an idiot.


    Hey!


    This guy was truly passionate, and with a cruel streak, too!


    After abducting the bride, he slaughtered over fifty members of the official''s household overnight, not sparing men, women, elderly, or children.


    Afterward, the scholar hid outside and didn''t leave.


    When asked what he was doing, the scholar said, "There must be children who have hidden and haven''t come out yet."


    And he was right!


    Experience more tales on My Virtual Library Empire


    An hour later, a boy under ten crawled out from the cellar.


    The scholar went up with a cleaver and chopped off the boy''s head.


    He had the ability, and he was ruthless!


    When he returned, the scholar took up the second-highest seat in Mei Mountain. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As time went on.


    They discovered that the scholar possessed Immortal Items, the Heavenly Book!


    The Heavenly Book contained various Qimen Formations that harnessed the power of heaven and earth. It was with this book that he had trained his troops.


    Mr. Jia and a few others began to harbor ill intentions.


    But when they snatched the Heavenly Book, they found it useless, utterly incomprehensible. Later they slowly realized that the scholar was chosen by the immortals, meant to lead them to overthrow the corrupt Dasheng.


    Hence, Liang Er, who was the second in command, became the main leader.


    They began to recruit troops and foment rebellion.


    In the beginning, they met with overwhelming response.


    Several city-states were even opened up voluntarily by the common people, welcoming them in.


    Gradually.


    Liang Dashuai, once the ringleader, had now become Liang Dashuai, the Commander.


    Then, he was able to correspond with the Emperor of the West Qi Kingdom, and using the Heavenly Book, he bribed Dong An, the Governor of Mingzhou. Afterward, he and his men devised a strategy to divide the world into three parts, planning to establish a dominion in five to ten years.


    By then, as a founding veteran of the rebellion, he would at least be made a Marquis, and the Jia family''s ancestors would be blowing smoke from their graves, achieving ''heaven favors man'' perfection.


    "Sect Master Xiang, how about it? Joining us was the best decision you ever made, wasn''t it? You''re from the Profound Image Realm and are bound to do much better than me in the future!"


    "Hahahaha!"


    Xiang Tian laughed loudly, "Mr. Jia is right, I really should thank you for that secret letter back then. Otherwise, I would still be kowtowing to the other Sects now."


    Their Sect used to be a top-ranking one. But in the recent hundred years, there were no successors, nor any Martial Saint emerged. In his generation, the younger members couldn''t even reach the Xuanxiang Realm, and it was inevitable that they would decline into second or third-rate Sects. Their estate was bound to dwindle, so instead of continuing down that path, it was better to take a risk and fight for a piece of the world.


    "Come, come, fill up the cups!"


    Mr. Jia cheerfully raised his wine bowl.


    "Damn it!"


    Just as he was about to drink, the tent suddenly opened, and a general wearing Xuan Tie Armor strode in. He looked at everyone with disdain and reprimanded, "The battle is not yet over; who gave you permission to drink stealthily and thus neglect critical affairs? Can you shoulder the responsibility if things go awry?!!!"


    "Mr. Dong overstates matters. We''re not overstepping,"


    said Mr. Jia nonchalantly, "The overall situation is settled."


    "Liangzhou Soldiers haven''t all been annihilated yet!"


    Dong An shouted angrily, "I ask you, who leaked the plan, resulting in Zhao Wuji''s refusal to combine forces with me?!"


    "Calm your anger, Mr. Dong. It wasn''t us."


    Xiang Tian took up the conversation and explained, "Definitely not us! According to interrogations of the prisoners, the information seems to have come from inside our Reserve Camp."


    "The Reserve Camp? Someone there could guess this strategy?"


    Dong An narrowed his eyes, "Yuan Dai? No, if he could have guessed it, he wouldn''t have been beheaded by me. Who else is in the Reserve Camp? Bring me the list of all Assistant Generals!"


    "Here you go!"


    "These Assistant Generals are all good-for-nothings; it couldn''t be them! That Princely Heir, Cao Fan, understands military strategy, but he''s too rigid¡ªit''s not him either!"


    Dong An asked, "Anyone else?"


    "That''s all."


    Mr. Jia said, "Apart from them, there''s just a bunch of Thousand Captains. But these Thousand Captains are unusual, all chosen from the Selected Point, with several having the Body of Martial Saint. Oh right, the Closed-door Disciple of Sun Xiangzong is also among them."


    "I know,"


    said Dong An as he discarded the list, "That Chen Sansi from Du He, is that correct? Nine times out of ten, it was that cripple Fang Qingyun who told him something in advance. It''s that cripple again, ruining my plans!"


    "Mr. Dong, what should we do next..."


    said Xiang Tian, "How should we proceed?"

 Chapter 143 Crossing the Hongze River Twice _3

    "I just got the information, the Great Sheng Dynasty has already dispatched one hundred seventy thousand troops to Ming State! And you are still in the mood to drink!"Dong An pointed at the sand table, "We must annihilate the entire Liangzhou Army within Ming State before the Sheng Dynasty''s army arrives, and then focus all our efforts on the foreign enemy, we absolutely cannot allow a knife to remain behind us!"


    These forty thousand Liangzhou soldiers cannot be left behind, no matter what.


    These are forty thousand elite soldiers! S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Even for the vast and rich Sheng Dynasty, this would be an extremely painful loss.


    Not to mention, among them are five with the Body of Martial Saint, including an Imperial Grandson.


    As long as they die, the Northern Territory will lack successors for the next fifty years, capturing the Northern Territory will then be just a matter of time.


    "Pass down my commander''s orders!"


    Dong An had become the supreme commander, he pointed at the sand table with his long sword, "They have only one way to retreat now, which is to Yangchun Prefecture. Call over all the forces from Sword Gate Canyon, and those from the east bank of Hongze River, and surround them completely. Xiang Tian, come with me personally!"


    The troops from West Qi Kingdom still need to defend the entrance from Yan State to Ming State, they cannot be called over entirely, but they have enough forces at their disposal, about one hundred twenty thousand men.


    As long as we consume these twenty thousand men, victory is assured!


    "Yes!"


    Xiang Tian took his leave to pass down the orders.


    "Is your surname Jia?"


    Dong An looked at Mr. Jia. "Mr. Liang from your family commands well, he has the makings of a general."


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    "That''s for sure!"


    Mr. Jia said, "Our Commander is a strange man chosen by the immortals."


    "I hope he is also a man of his word," Dong An said gravely. "Don''t forget what you have promised me."


    "Mr. Dong, rest assured! Naturally, we wouldn''t dare forget, even if we went back on our word, West Qi Kingdom would not agree to it."


    ...


    Two hundred miles outside of Yangchun Prefecture, in the wilds, the troops split up.


    Chen Sansi brought over the map.


    Yu Song and others gathered around him.


    Only Xu Wencai, a big soldier, was also there.


    Lu Shuhua and Xie Sishu felt even more unreliable.


    "General Chen, have you gone mad! Life and death are at stake, how can you involve an old scholar!"


    "He is a friend of General Fang!"


    Chen Sansi cited his backer and said, "General Fang once had a deep conversation with Xu Wencai for three days and three nights, do you think he is of no use?"


    That settled the objections from the others.


    "Xu Wencai, you first!"


    Chen Sansi gave the chance to speak to the other party.


    "Lord Xie!"


    Xu Wencai bowed respectfully, then confidently picked up a feather fan and began to explain, "After splitting our forces here, I predict that within seven days, General Sha and his men will be able to take Yangchun Prefecture which lacks defending forces. The food and feed gathered along the way should also be enough for them to hold out for a while."


    "But!"


    "Soon, at least fifty thousand soldiers and two to three Martial Artists of the Profound Image Realm will go to attack the city; even if they can''t take it right away, the daily loss will be grievous. Therefore, the only way to survive is for the lord to lead us away."


    "Next, what we need to do is take advantage of the enemy''s entire force concentrated in Yangchun Prefecture, cross Hongze River to the east, and seize Qingbo, Jiankou, and other four counties in one fell swoop to serve as temporary rest points, and then look for an opportunity to head south."


    "Only by being able to head south into the Great Wilderness will Ming State not dispatch too many pursuers, and naturally, we will be able to live anew. Perhaps we may even encounter the Capital''s army from the Great Sheng Court in the Great Wilderness, and then turn back to completely obliterate the enemy troops!"


    Having finished outlining the general plan.


    No one objected, but no one praised it either.


    In their eyes, it was just a desperate flight, with no telling when they might be completely caught in a net.


    "Hmm, let''s do it this way," Yu Song finally decided. "These counties, at most the highest cultivation inspector would not exceed Refining Internal, taking them should definitely not be a problem. As for whether or not we can successfully head south, that''s another story!"


    "Depart, depart!"


    "Quick, keep up!"


    Three days later.


    The group had not encountered any enemy troops along the way and arrived smoothly at the shore of Hongze River.


    But soon, a serious problem lay before them.


    How to cross the river!


    There were no large ships here, and the number of small boats was very limited; they could only pass using the original pontoon bridges, but what to do with their warhorses then?


    Now, the remnants of their left flank added up to over three thousand eight hundred men.


    Among them, there were as many as two thousand five hundred horses.


    These horses could not cross the pontoon bridge.


    "What about the warhorses?!"


    Xie Sishu asked, "These pontoons are crudely made by the common folk, one has to be careful even walking on them, they simply cannot bear the weight of warhorses. If we stay behind to rebuild a sturdy pontoon bridge, we simply don''t have the time! Previously it was fine, but in a day or two at most, the enemy will discover our movements and come chasing after us!"


    Chen Sansi offered a two-word answer: "Let go!"


    "Let go? You''re messing around!"


    "General Chen, do you know how precious these warhorses are?!"


    "Moreover, they are key to our ability to move quickly. You are undermining the foundation of everyone''s survival!"


    "This ''foundation'' is undermining the path to survival! Release them, release them all! Everyone cross the river on foot!"


    Chen Sansi paused for a moment: "In the future, if we need to, there might be a way to get them back!"


    "General Chen, what do you mean by that?" Yu Song was puzzled, "These horses can''t possibly just wait in place for us."


    "Qian Xun!"


    Chen Sansi called out loudly.


    "Hiss¡ª"


    Qian Xun let out a piercing neigh.


    The rest of the soldiers'' horses, one after the other, responded, even disregarding their riders'' commands, and gathered towards the White Horse.


    "This..."


    Everyone was astonished.


    Was this White Horse some Exotic Beast, able to control their warhorses?

 Chapter 143 Crossing the Hongze River Twice_4

    "Dismount! Load the forage on the horses'' backs and let them carry it themselves!"Chen Sansi shouted loudly, "My White Swan Horse will lead your horses to a hiding place and, if necessary, come back to support you!"


    "That''s truly miraculous..."


    Xie Sishu couldn''t help but move closer, wanting to take a closer look, and almost got kicked: "You..."


    He wanted to explode but forcefully held back.


    "Qian Xun, come here."


    Chen Sansi stroked the horse''s head and whispered, "I appoint you as the Imperial Horse General. You must work hard, understand? Make sure to hide well and not get caught. When I return next time, I will reward you with Spiritual Rice."


    Qian Xun nodded, neighed loudly, and led more than two thousand horses away; it truly resembled a military brigade, quickly disappearing from sight.


    "..."


    Even Chen Sansi himself was somewhat overwhelmed by the shock.


    "Cross the river!"


    Yu Song gave the order. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After crossing the river on foot, more than three thousand people marched day and night, quickly arriving outside several county towns.


    The entire eastern defensive forces had been completely withdrawn; either moving south or to the west to encircle the main force of Liangzhou. These cities were extremely vulnerable, basically guarded by only a few constables, with no one defending. Upon seeing the enemy army, they were first shocked and then immediately opened the city gates to surrender.


    They continued southward and eventually stopped at Jiankou County to rest and recuperate.


    Marching all the way, though appearing merely a short distance on the map, was, in reality, counted in hundreds or thousands of miles on foot. Without horses, even the Martial Artists'' Qi-Blood was limited. Marching hurriedly without resting would surely be fatal.


    Since crossing the river.


    Fifteen days had passed; they had virtually no casualties, just exhaustion.


    "Chirp¡ª"


    Hai Dongqing landed on his arm, bringing the latest intelligence.


    Outside Yangchun Prefecture, an army of seventy thousand besieged and attacked daily. Over these days, the defenders dwindled from eighteen thousand to fifteen thousand, suffering heavy losses, though the strong walls of Yangchun Prefecture could still hold for a while.


    However, the earliest reinforcements, the Yan State Army, wouldn''t arrive for another twenty-some days, entering from the westernmost part of the Ming State map and still needing to start a war with the West Qi Kingdom to the east, a difference of a hundred and eighty thousand miles.


    As for the rest of the defending troops, let''s not even mention them.


    On the city walls, Chen Sansi held the National Guardian Dragon Spear, not neglecting his daily cultivation.


    [Cultivation Technique: National Guardian Dragon Spear. Hua Jin (Proficient)]


    [Progress: 256/1000]


    Without Qian Xun around and his time being limited, it was fortunate he had Spiritual Rice Medicine Ointment and treasure medicine, preventing the progress from appearing slow.


    In a blink of an eye.


    The campaign had nearly reached three months, now in May of the year 73 under the Longqing era.


    Sister Lan was also five months pregnant; her belly was probably quite conspicuous by now.


    Those in Liangzhou, upon knowing the situation in Ming State, would surely be worried, perhaps even thinking they were already dead. Sadly, no messages could be sent out.


    Smoke signals had been seen for three months, and family letters were worth their weight in gold, so it went.


    Hai Dongqing was also needed for gathering intelligence and could not be extravagantly used for sending messages.


    "General Chen!"


    Yu Song returned hastily and reported, "News from the rear, Sword Gate Canyon has dispatched ten thousand soldiers from the West Qi Kingdom to pursue us. We can''t stay any longer. The plan was yours to make. What''s the next move?"


    "Head south."


    Chen Sansi had long been prepared, tapping on the southernmost checkpoint of the map: "Make straight for Luotian Pass! Let''s first see if we can escape from Ming State!"


    Luotian Pass, the last checkpoint to the south.


    If they could get through, they might find their way out!


    "Good!"


    Yu Song nodded: "On my command! The whole army will advance to Luotian Pass!"


    ...


    Yangchun Prefecture.


    "Kill!"


    "Brothers, hold on!!"


    "..."


    Sha Wenlong split an enemy General who had climbed the wall in two, temporarily repelling the opponent''s offensive.


    Next to him, Cao Fan was utterly exhausted, collapsing to the ground the moment he heard the signal to retreat.


    Fifteen days!


    During these fifteen days, they had not closed their eyes for a moment!


    They were either defending the city or building fortifications, with losses growing larger by the day and their provisions steadily diminishing. Continuing this way, waiting for reinforcements was impossible.


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    Sha Wenlong took the intelligence from Hai Dongqing and let it fly away.


    "Cough cough..."


    Cao Fan coughed twice: "General Sha, it''s a letter from Chen Sansi, isn''t it? How are they doing?"


    "Still alive."


    Sha Wenlong clenched his fist, and his Gang Qi crushed the intelligence to smithereens: "They''re preparing to head south with Yu Song to Luotian Pass."


    "Luotian Pass might as well be called Heaven and Earth Net Pass!"


    Cao Fan sneered: "With barely more than three thousand men, including three with the Body of Martial Saint, neither Dong An nor the West Qi Kingdom will let them go. They will definitely reinforce Luotian Pass with heavy troops. They are doomed. All we need to do now is wait for the news of their deaths."


    If Hai Dongqing''s master dies.


    Hai Dongqing will immediately seek out the nearest General possessing another Hai Dongqing.


    This also means the original master is already dead.


    "It''s a pity..."


    Cao Fan closed his eyes: "We might not survive either."


    "Princely Heir, do not lose heart."


    Sha Wenlong, seasoned in battle, calmly said: "Even if the city falls, I have a way to get the Princely Heir out of here. By then, with Chen dead, the Princely Heir can return to Liangzhou and naturally assume the position of True Inheritor."


    ...


    Outside the city.


    Rebel army Central Army Tent.


    "Report¡ª"


    A Scout rushed into the tent, knelt on one knee, and reported, "Commander Dong, the Reserve Camp has fewer than four thousand people moving south after crossing from the east. It seems they are preparing to take Luotian Pass and then escape through the Great Wilderness."

 Chapter 143 Crossing the Hongze River Twice_5

    "Hmm."Dong An''s face turned grave.


    Since arriving here, they had received intelligence that the Liangzhou soldiers had split their forces outside of Yangchun Prefecture: one group crossed eastward while another stayed behind to attack and then defend the city. They also learned through a captured Thousand Captain that this strategy was proposed by Sun Xiangzong''s closed-door disciple, the very Chen Sansi whom His Majesty had rewarded. The plan had even sparked an argument with Sha Wenlong, leading Chen Sansi to forcefully lead fewer than four thousand troops away, abandoning their warhorses in the process.


    "What boldness! Knowing certain death awaited them in defending the city, yet daring to defy the Main General''s orders to act alone. In the future, he surely would have been a force to reckon with. Sadly, they have no future."


    At almost the exact same time, in a different place.


    Liang Jinian of Mei Mountain, and Dong An outside of Yangchun Prefecture, simultaneously issued orders.


    "Tell the West Qi Kingdom generals at Sword Gate Canyon to immediately call up an additional twenty thousand troops to pursue from the rear, and also prepare thirty thousand troops at Luotian Pass in advance, with a General of the Profound Image Realm in command. We must annihilate them all here!"


    ...


    Before Luotian Pass.


    Xiao Luo County.


    Beyond this county lies Luotian Pass.


    Intelligence from Yangchun Prefecture had returned.


    As he had anticipated, they suffered heavy losses, fighting like trapped beasts.


    Moreover, news had arrived from Zhao Wuji.


    After being scattered earlier, he led the remnants of his troops to flee westward, darting between counties. They aimed to capture Wutong Prefecture, the weakest military point in the west, as a place to settle. However, their military strength was insufficient. If they had another three to four thousand men, there would be no issue. They inquired whether more troops could be dispatched to support or join forces. Wutong Prefecture was easy to defend but hard to attack, and it had a large supply of provisions. Once taken, it could definitely be held for a considerable time¡ªmore than forty days.


    Chen Sansi and his group waited outside the city gate for the last piece of intelligence to make their final decision.


    "Report¡ª"


    Zhao Kang rushed back in a panic, "Sir, terrible news! At Luotian Pass... At Luotian Pass, there are at least thirty thousand troops, and among them, there appears to be a General of the Profound Image Realm!"


    "Report¡ª"


    Another frantic voice came from the rear. A scout reported, "More troops have joined the pursuit from behind. The exact number can''t be determined, but there are at least twenty thousand people."


    "This..."


    "What do we do now?!"


    "..."


    Xie Sishu spun anxiously on the spot, "Wolves ahead and tigers behind, retreat means death, and progress is also death! I said we should not have come to Luotian Pass, but you insisted. General Chen, what should we do now?!"


    Lu Shuhua frowned deeply, staring intently at Chen Sansi, "If we had known, we might as well have stayed with the Princely Heir to defend the city. With a few thousand more troops, we could have held out longer, perhaps until reinforcements arrived!"


    "General Chen, it was your idea!"


    Yu Song drew his sword, "You say, what should we do now? If there''s no other way, shall we fight our way back?"


    "Maps!"


    Chen Sansi beckoned.


    Xu Wencai, who had prepared for a long time, immediately spread out the map.


    "Cross the Hongze River a second time!" S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Sansi slammed his hand onto the western side of the map.


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    "Cross the river again?"


    Xie Sishu''s face showed utter confusion, "If we head west from here, we''ll reach Yingzui Mountain and Golden Spring Manor. Not long ago, General Sha and his men were severely defeated there in battle with the Red Eyebrow Army. You want to go there? Are you mad?"


    "The situation then is different from now."


    Chen Sansi was forced to delay and explain to them.


    It was the same old story.


    His rank was too low, his power too insignificant. He had never commanded a large battle, nor did he have any prestige.


    Convincing everyone by explanation was something he had to do.


    "Have you forgotten what the enemy''s main forces are doing now?


    "More than half are in the western region, preparing to face the Yan State Army, and the majority of the rest are attacking Yangchun Prefecture. Plus the fifty thousand troops pursuing us, near Yingzui Mountain and even in Golden Spring Manor, there definitely won''t be more than two thousand troops, and they''ll be completely unprepared!


    "If we go now, we can not only temporarily shake off the pursuers, but we might even burn their supply depots! This will increase their cost in the upcoming battle with our kingdom''s great army!


    "Don''t worry, the information about the thinly spread troops can be corroborated by General Zhao on the western front. If you don''t believe me, look."


    The group was half-convinced.


    In the end, it was Yu Song, who, after seeing the intelligence sent through Hai Dongqing from Zhao Wuji, was willing to accept the outcome, "Alright, then we''ll do as General Chen says. We''ll cross the Hongze River a second time and head straight for Golden Spring Manor. Death awaits us if we stay, and if we succeed, we will join forces with General Zhao. With a General of the Profound Image Realm on our side, we''ll certainly have additional paths of survival!"


    Zhao Wuji...


    Chen Sansi sighed.


    The journey was long; they had little chance of rendezvousing with Zhao Wuji.


    But now was not the time to say it.


    He had to lead them out in a way that they were willing to believe, first.


    "Move out!"


    "Wait, Vice Admiral Yu, we can''t leave yet."


    Chen Sansi instructed, "We need to leave a group behind to make a feigned attack and delay the crossing time. After reaching the shore, our horses will return to find us, and they won''t be able to catch up anymore!"


    Vice Admiral Yu surveyed the crowd, "Who''s willing to go?"


    "I''ll go!"


    Bai Thingzhi stepped forward without hesitation, "I''m willing to cover the rear for General Chen!"


    "It''s a feint, not a real rearguard action!"


    Chen Sansi reminded, "Just make some noise at intervals, don''t actually die out there!"


    He was still somewhat worried.


    Bai Thingzhi and Zhu Tong were both considered "brainless."


    At the moment, Lu Shuhua and Xie Sishu were not likely to be willing.

 Chapter 143 Crossing the Hongze River Twice_6

    "Sir, let me stay!"Under the astonished gaze of Wang Zhi and others, Xu Wencai nervously stepped forward, "Sir, with me here, there''s a way to make them believe we are truly going to attack Luotian Pass. You just go ahead without any worries and don''t look back!"


    "Lazybones, you... when did you become so bold?"


    Zhu Tong said, disbelieving.


    "Old Zhu, I have never been a man who fears death!"


    Xu Wencai retorted, "Now is the time for me to be useful!"


    "Alright!"


    Zhu Tong slapped his chest, "I''ll stay with you and be your personal bodyguard. As long as I''m alive, no one can touch a hair on you!"


    "Bai Thingzhi."


    Chen Sansi instructed, "If you trust me, from now on, you and your men must respect Xu Wencai''s opinions. He won''t have any problems."


    "Understood!"


    Bai Thingzhi bowed with his fist, "With the General''s word, Mr. Xu is my Commander. Everyone, follow my command and attack Luotian Pass!"


    "It''s tough."


    Chen Sansi himself couldn''t stay behind, for if he left, these people would likely go after Zhao Wuji after crossing the river and die on the way.


    They left immediately, crossing Hongze River for the second time.


    "Horses!"


    "They are our horses!"


    "..."


    The soldiers, seeing the war horses waiting early on the river shore, were overjoyed. After a quick count, not only had their number not decreased, but they had gained over a hundred more horses; nobody knew where Qian Xun had found them. It was truly amazing.


    "Move quickly, don''t waste time!"


    Chen Sansi exclaimed loudly.


    Mounting the war horses, the troops quickly departed.


    Under Xu Wencai''s command, they also successfully attracted most of the enemy army''s attention, making them fully believe that they were attempting a forceful breakthrough of Luotian Pass to escape into the Great Wilderness.


    But by the time the pursuers actually caught up, everyone was already hundreds of miles away near Yingzui Mountain. In the enemy''s eyes, this group of more than three thousand had been closing in on Luotian Pass just moments ago. Yet, they couldn''t find a single person, as if they had vanished into thin air.


    "Gone?"


    Dong An looked at the latest news, his eyebrows tightly furrowed.


    "Strange, where could they have gone?"


    Xiang Tian, looking at the map, was utterly baffled, "Can they fly?"


    "Fly my ass! We''ve been tricked!"


    Dong An quickly realized, "They must have crossed the river again, planning to take advantage of the depleted central forces by detouring around Yingzui Mountain and then passing through Golden Spring Manor to meet up with the scattered Zhao Wuji and others... Wait, how many guards are left at Golden Spring Manor?"


    "About two thousand,"


    Xiang Tian recalled, saying, "The vast majority are here with us, and some have gone west to pursue Zhao Wuji and others. The rest are just civilians without combat capability."


    "Damn it! That''s enough provisions for our entire army plus the West Qi Kingdom army for a year!"


    Dong An commanded, "Quick, order the entire army east of Hongze River Shore to gather and then cross westward. Follow the shortest route to Golden Spring Manor! Also, notify General Zhong from West Qi Kingdom to dispatch an additional ten thousand men to the southwest. Ensure they intercept Chen Sansi and his group before they can join Zhao Wuji. Losing Wutong Prefecture would not be a big issue, but it would certainly be a hassle!"


    "Oh, okay, I understand."


    Xiang Tian, still confused, did not ask further and hurriedly followed the orders.


    "Chen Sansi, interesting!"


    Dong An took out a brush, figuring out their current marching route on the map. Looking at the bold decision, he felt a sense of unease he hadn''t experienced in nearly thirty years.


    Back when he competed with Fang Qingyun for the title of Champion Leader!


    The last Fang Qingyun hadn''t died yet.


    Could it be, another Fang Qingyun was emerging?


    "Phew..."


    Dong An took a deep breath, calming his emotions, "No, I cannot possibly lose to him. If I were to lose to a greenhorn, what would my life even mean!"


    War.


    It''s just like a chessboard.


    The commanders on both sides are like two players who cannot see each other.


    Only after the opponent makes a move can one know how to respond.


    The current situation is that the opponent is at a disadvantage, but has found an opportunity, which must be quickly crushed.


    "If the provisions are destroyed, so be it!"


    "This small troop must be wiped out!"


    "The provisions must not be destroyed, damn it!" S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Meishan.


    Liang Jinian, after receiving the delayed intelligence, kept pounding the table with his fist, "A year''s worth of provisions! If they really are destroyed, how am I supposed to explain it to Qi Country!"


    "Idiot! Dong An is so close, why can''t he stop them? No wonder he''s been suppressed by Phoenix all his life. They say he''s a military nut, I think he''s just a fool!"


    "West Qi Kingdom has now camped in the northwest, waiting for the provisions from Golden Spring Manor! If we have to transport more from within our borders, who knows how much more this battle will cost!"


    He aimed to gain status and resources from West Qi Kingdom through this battle.


    Not to mention, the Immortal Items he carried also required victory to enhance their power.


    If the provisions were burned, such a major failure would probably lead to a reduction!


    "Commander, please calm down!"


    A general quickly urged, "Is there any way to remedy this?"


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    Liang Jinian said, "From Meishan Prefecture, dispatch ten thousand soldiers on large boats, cross the river as fast as possible, and try to intercept them midway!"


    "Ten thousand..."


    The general worriedly said, "Commander, we initially had fifty thousand troops in Meishan Prefecture. After transferring out thirty thousand, we are left with twenty thousand. Are you sure you want to send out another ten thousand?"


    "I have the natural defense of Wushui! What is there to fear! Besides, aren''t there still ten thousand left?"


    Liang Jinian urged, "Quick, don''t waste any more time here!"


    "Yes!"


    ¡ª


    The situation of the battle is shown below.


    Note: Black represents the chasing enemy troops, red represents the Reserve Camp''s marching route.

 Chapter 144 Capital City Trembles

    ```Liangzhou.


    "Mr. Hou, Governor Pei, I am leading troops to Ming State, and the entirety of the Liangzhou Army relies on both of you, The Great Wall must be closely monitored, and once the barbarian bandits show signs of activity, you can implement scorched earth tactics and retreat to Liangzhou City to hold steadfast without venturing out."


    Sitting atop his Fiery Fire Horse like a mountain, Lv Ji instructed the retainers including Mr. Hou who were staying behind.


    "Rest assured, General Lv."


    Pei Tiannan promised, "The Northern Territory in my charge will absolutely not encounter any problems."


    "Big Brother!"


    "Bu Qi?"


    Lv Ji looked at the young master who was riding fast towards him, "What are you doing?"


    "I am going too."


    Sun Buqi, displaying the long spear in his hand, said, "I''ve achieved Bone Forging Perfection, I can be of help."


    "That won''t do."


    Lv Ji refused, "You and your junior sister should just stay put in Liangzhou. We don''t need you."


    "Wait!"


    Sun Buqi pressed on, "Big Brother, tell me straight, what''s the situation in Ming State like now? Why are you starting to deploy a large army there again, has something happened?"


    "Dong An."


    Lv Ji did not turn back, holding his Heavenly Halberd as he spurred his horse away, "He''s betrayed the country."


    Dong An had betrayed the country!


    This kind of high-level intelligence was something the others simply had no clue about.


    Sun Buqi was struck as if by thunder, "Sister, my brother-in-law..."


    Sun Li was not far away, only she didn''t come up to talk to Lv Ji.


    "The map!"


    Sun Buqi quickly acquired a map, "If Dong An has betrayed, then the whole of Ming State is¡ªSister, what do we do?"


    "The second senior brother and the others have sent letters saying they''ve already sent people there."


    Sun Li''s lips were bitten nearly to bleeding, "Don''t tell Sister Lan, understand?"


    "You still worry about that when Chen Sansi is finished, done for!"


    Sun Buqi said, "Not just him, the entire Ming State is done for! You stay here, I''m going back to see if I can get in touch with Father!"


    "..."


    Sun Li silently rode back to Chen Mansion.


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    Gu Xinlan, with her pregnant belly, welcomed her at the door, "How did it go?"


    "Quite well."


    Sun Li dismounted, squeezing out a smile without much joy, "We won, our little nephew will certainly be able to return before his birth."


    "Good, that''s good."


    Gu Xinlan took her hand, "Sister, I''ll teach you how to make clothes for the baby."


    "Oh, okay."


    ...


    Yan State.


    "Old Two!"


    Rong Yanqiu caught up to the second senior brother Cheng Wei ahead, "Have the letters arrived?"


    "They have."


    ```


    Cheng Wei released his Hai Dongqing, "Our younger martial brother is still alive, but the situation is bleak, with over a hundred thousand troops besieging them, I''m afraid they can''t hold out for much longer."


    Rong Yanqiu''s gaze was cold and sinister, "That Dong An is really something, Old Four has become the demon in his heart. To win against Old Four, he would stoop to such measures. He better hope I don''t catch him."


    "Oh no~"


    Cheng Wei was distracted, fiddling with an abacus in his hands, "It''s all over, all over!" sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "What do you mean, all over!"


    Rong Yanqiu spoke icily, "Within twenty days, we must break into Ming State!"


    "Twenty days won''t do, we need at least forty days."


    Cheng Wei clicked the beads of the abacus, "Right now the West Qi Kingdom has stationed a large force on the essential route heading south, and with the continuous supply of food and forage from within Ming State, it''s impossible to take it down in a short time.


    "In this battle, the West Qi Kingdom has all the advantages, not only fighting on our turf, with our civilians dying, but the provisions consumed are also from Ming State''s stores. It''s simply a business where they only win and don''t lose."


    "Forty days is too long!"


    Rong Yanqiu glared at him, "Old Two, aren''t you usually the most cunning? Find a way to break through within thirty days, no matter what!"


    "I''m not an immortal, even if you ask Old Four, it would be the same!"


    Cheng Wei put away the abacus, "Unless the central part is empty, someone could go to Golden Spring Manor, burn their granaries, and it would take the West Qi Kingdom two months to transport grain from their own territory.


    "Once the supplies are cut off, they will naturally have to start retreating, and only then can we seize the opportunity."


    "But do you think it''s possible? Zhao Wuji is barely able to protect himself, Sha Wenlong and his party are trapped in Yangchun Prefecture, and our younger martial brother is crossing the Hongze River trying to head south, who could go?"


    ...


    "Enemy troops!"


    "Enemy troops!"


    Outside Golden Spring Manor.


    The rebel army in charge of escorting the food and forage panicked as they saw the rapidly approaching cloud of dust, struggling to understand where the attackers were coming from, and moreover, they were cavalry!


    "Kill¡ª¡ª"


    "..."


    Before they could make a judgment, the cavalry had already charged in, nearly unstoppable, and the two thousand rebels collapsed in an instant, dropping their supplies and turning to run, while the civilian workers scattered in all directions.


    "Burn it all! Burn everything!"


    Chen Sansi ordered, "Then head to Golden Spring Manor!"


    "Good, quick, do as General Chen says!"


    Yu Song was momentarily bewildered at such an easily gained victory.


    So were Xie Sishu and Lu Shuhua.


    They couldn''t understand.


    How could Chen Sansi so accurately predict the enemy''s movements and position, and then find a gap among countless dead ends to wriggle through.


    "There are people ahead!"


    Lu Shuhua pointed towards the figures in the forest ahead, "Brothers, go for them!"


    "Don''t attack, it''s me, it''s me!"


    "..."


    These people, clearly dressed in Red Eyebrow Army uniforms, were moving towards them, though there weren''t many, only about twenty or so, and each one of them was grimy and gaunt, looking as if they would fall over with a gust of wind.


    "Brother Chen, it''s me!"


    "Yan Changqing?"


    Chen Sansi quickly recognized the man, "What are you doing here?"


    "Brother Chen doesn''t know."


    Out of breath, Yan Changqing said, "During the decisive battle, we were scattered here, I led my brothers into the deep forests to live like savages for months... at last, at last we''ve waited for you! How''s the situation now? Why have you come back, have we turned defeat into victory and started a counterattack?"

 Chapter 144 Capital City Trembles_2

    Not everyone has access to intelligence like Hai Dongqing.For them, being on the battlefield was no different than being blind.


    Xie Sishu briefly explained the current situation. Continue reading at My Virtual Library Empire


    "What?"


    Yan Changqing doubted he had heard right, "You only have about three thousand people, and both General Sha and the Princely Heir are trapped elsewhere? How did you manage to appear here and burn their supplies with such audacity!"


    "There''s no time to talk about that now."


    Chen Sansi asked, "Mr. Yan, do you know the current situation in Golden Spring Manor?"


    Yan Changqing had been guerrilla fighting in this area for a while and knew some things, "It''s very empty! However, apart from the two thousand guarding the supply route, there must be about two thousand more in the city. Moreover, as far as I know, the main general is at the Minor Meridian Passage level, and the deputy general is nearing the Meridian Passage level from Hua Jin Perfection. Now that their supply route has been intercepted, they will definitely come out of the city to pursue us immediately!"


    "Another two thousand men..."


    Chen Sansi knew it meant they had to fight a tough battle.


    There was no other way.


    War was not a game; he couldn''t know the exact strength of the enemy, only estimate approximately¡ª a discrepancy of two thousand men wasn''t significant.


    "Sir!"


    A scout from the front reported, "A large army has come out from Golden Spring Manor!"


    "They''re quick!"


    Yu Song said somberly, "Quick, burn the supplies. Once burned, set up our formation and confront the enemy right here. They don''t have as many men as we do. Take it slow, and we''ll definitely crush them."


    "No!"


    Chen Sansi interjected, "Vice Admiral Yu, we should set up the ''Heaven and Earth Triad Formation'' and charge directly at them!"


    "General Chen, haven''t you always been cautious in deploying troops?"


    Yu Song felt this youngster was unpredictable and curiously said, "If we charge into a melee, we''ll lose the advantage of our superior numbers, and there''s also the risk of collapsing."


    "War is also about deceit!"


    Chen Sansi said, "Moreover, Vice Admiral Yu, don''t forget, we might have a large number of enemy forces coming from the East Bank behind us, and north of the Wushui River is the main base of the Chi Mei Army, perhaps a large army is crossing the river."


    "Once we stay here too long, we will be caught in a three-sided attack by tens of thousands of armies!"


    "So, we must take this risk now!"


    "And don''t aim to kill the enemy, but to rout them. Once the battle starts, Brother Xie, Brother Lu, Brother Yan, and I will head straight for the enemy generals. As long as the main general and deputy general are killed, the enemy will naturally lose their will to fight!"


    "It''s just that I don''t know if you can handle their commander at the Minor Meridian Passage level, Vice Admiral Yu?"


    "A level higher than mine..."


    Vice Admiral Yu gripped his weapon, "No problem, I''ll give it my all!"


    "Good!"


    Chen Sansi tightened the reins with one hand, "I''ll take on those at the Hua Jin Perfection level!"


    "You?"


    "I''ve achieved Hua Jin."


    Chen Sansi didn''t elaborate further. Having been in Ming State for such a long time, achieving Hua Jin was reasonable.


    "Brothers¡ª"


    "Listen to me¡ª"


    Yu Song stimulated his Qi-Blood to ensure his voice reached most of the men, "Follow me and charge ahead. Once we get past this hurdle, we can meet up with General Zhao and then take Wutong Prefecture in one fell swoop! Wutong Prefecture has ample resources, and then we can think of a way to motivate the citizens to defend the city together. We can definitely hold out until reinforcements arrive!" S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "So, let''s give it our all!"


    "Let''s give it our all!"


    "Kill the rebel army, attack Wutong!"


    "Kill the rebel army, attack Wutong!"


    "..."


    The promise of surviving the upcoming battle ignited extremely high morale among their troops.


    Chen Sansi didn''t tell them about the plans that would follow.


    Sometimes, people need short-term goals to drive them, which is called "quenching thirst by thinking of plums." If he told them about the long road they still had to travel, many would despair.


    Because everyone was simply too exhausted!


    After months in Ming State, no one had slept well or eaten a hot meal.


    Even an iron body couldn''t bear it.


    They had made it this far purely on willpower. Once that was gone, it was over, no matter how elite the forces were.


    And this was just from traveling around one state, with a continuous supply.


    ...


    "General Feng, the remnants of the Reserve Camp are just ahead!"


    Deputy General Xu Kai said, "But I''m afraid we won''t be able to save the supplies!"


    "Damn it!"


    General Feng had just received the notice that a group might appear from the East and loot the supplies, instructing them to rush out of the city and encircle them, "How did they arrive so quickly!"


    "Pass my order, once the enemy is spotted, form a formation twenty miles out. Try to avoid combat as much as possible. Our goal is to delay them until additional pursuers arrive; they will naturally become fish in a barrel!"


    However.


    After they formed their formation, they were shocked to discover the enemy had no intention of confronting. Instead, they had set up a charge formation and were heading straight toward them, with earth-shattering cries of war.


    "Are they not afraid of dying?"


    "..."


    "Small Car Suspension Array!"


    While the main troops formed the Heaven and Earth Triad Formation, their military officers gathered together in the Small Car Suspension Array, spearheading the front and forcefully breaking through an opening.


    "Whizz whizz whizz¡ª"


    Mounted on his horse, Chen Sansi was already shooting arrows continuously before the charge, nearly killing a hundred men until the enemy brought out the Mystical Iron Shie...

 Chapter 144 Capital City Tremors_3

    Sometimes from behind or from the flank, when the surprise attacks were launched, as long as they were from those below the Refining Organ level, Chen Sansi didn''t even dodge. He let them chop at his body, sparks scattering like iron striking against his Mystic Armor.Occasionally someone would strike at his neck, a gap where the armour didn''t cover, but even those were forcibly withstood by the trembling of his Vajra Body. To the higher-level Martial Artists, this indicated a special physique, but in the eyes of the vast majority of the ordinary rebel army, it was as if a god of slaughter, impervious to sword and spear, had descended from the heavens, bringing an indescribable shock.


    These rebels were under Dong An''s command, not possessing the mysterious, momentarily unrecognizable ''Qi'' enhancement. Under the cover of the Car Suspension Formation, they entered the uninhabited territory and quickly reached the location of the rebel army''s Main General and Deputy General.


    But there were hardly any men left behind him.


    After all, it was a deep ambush.


    Lu Shuhua, Xie Sishu, and Yan Changqing, among others, were intercepted by the enemy army during the charge and fell into deadly battles.


    All of them were Refining Organ Martial Artists, and the enemy army also had Refining Organ warriors.


    Now, only Chen Sansi and Yu Song remained.


    "Rebels, meet your death¡ª"


    Yu Song roared, engaging in combat with the Main General.


    Chen Sansi, however, thrust his spear towards the Deputy General.


    Xu Kai, with a Mo Blade in hand which was heavy and mighty, swung the blade down in panic; the blades collided with the Five Tigers Soul-breaking Spear, emitting a crisp metallic buzz, stabilizing his unease.


    The young General opposite him could not maintain strength in his Mystical Weapon for long, indicating he was merely proficient in Hua Jing, but he was a genuine Hua Jing Great Perfection, about to step into the Meridian Passage Realm in another two years.


    "I thought you were something special, just a brute, die!"


    Xu Kai was no longer afraid. The Mo Blade in his hands,


    "Everyone, charge forward!" S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Wang Zhi yelled exhaustively,"Cover Sansi, create a one-on-one situation for him!"


    Being already two major realms apart, if a few more Refining Organ or early-stage Hua Jing opponents interfered, it would increase the difficulty.


    "Attack!"


    The brothers from Po Yang County were all as if invigorated with chicken blood.


    "..."


    "Boom¡ª"


    Xu Kai''s Mo Blade chopped down again.


    On the blade of the Mo Blade, there was a layer of invisible force, something only a Hua Jing Great Perfection Martial Artist could achieve, enhancing the weapon with Qi, and even releasing some of it externally, effectively adding another blade surface on the weapon.


    The Five Tigers Soul-breaking Spear first came into contact with this Qi layer, and by the time it broke through the Qi and truly made contact with the Mo Blade, much of power had already been reduced. An ordinary Martial Artist proficient against a Hua Jing Perfection would certainly be easily killed within less than ten exchanges.


    "Clang, clang, clang, clang!"


    Several exchanges passed.


    To Xu Kai''s surprise, the young man no longer had even intermittent Qi support, clearly indicating his Qi was depleted, showing he had recently reached proficiency in the Hua Jing Technique, weaker than Xu Kai had anticipated.


    The only surprising thing was his incredibly strong physical power. Without Qi support, he still managed to withstand over a dozen exchanges with just a long spear, but that was all there was to it.


    Xu Kai''s killing intent grew stronger, and his saber techniques became even sharper, containing all his most ruthless and lethal skills.


    Sure enough!


    The enemy General couldn''t hold on. Find your next read at My Virtual Library Empire


    After the nineteenth exchange, the enemy general took advantage of a gap to turn his horse around, dragging his long spear in an attempt to flee back to his own lines.


    Clearly, both his Qi and Qi-Blood were exhausted, seeking to save his life!


    "Where do you think you''re running to!"


    Xu Kai roared, spurring his horse into a chase.


    The opponent''s White Horse wasn''t fast, and Xu Kai quickly closed the distance.


    Thirty paces!


    Twenty paces!


    Ten paces!


    Finally, five paces!


    "Ah¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª"


    Xu Kai howled like a beast, raising his Mo Blade high, amassing Qi around the blade, ready to cleave the enemy general in two from the back.


    "Buzz¡ª"


    At the same moment the Mo Blade chopped down.


    The previously retreating, fleeing enemy general suddenly bent backwards in an extremely strange posture, his long spear thrusting out in a flash, under the blazing sun, it was like a dragon breaking out from the sunlight, its force immense, its power mountain-splitting, a surge of indescribable shock overwhelmed Xu Kai, stunning him for a brief moment.


    Backward Charge!


    What a cunning Backward Charge!


    And this spear technique was no ordinary technique!


    From the Reserve Camp wielding a spear...


    This man was Chen Sansi!


    As someone under Dong An''s elite forces, naturally he had some knowledge of the Selected Point from Liangzhou.


    This lad had been concealing his skill!


    The purpose was to lure the enemy deep, then ambush them with a Backward Charge!


    Excellent strategy!


    Worthy of someone who had thought of leading his army here to burn their provisions!


    A man of great talents!


    Too bad.


    He was going to die!


    Xu Kai sneered internally.


    He was at Hua Jing Perfection, as long as he blocked this spear, taking this leader''s head would be as easy as turning over his hand!


    This was the Champion Leader, the Closed-door Disciple of Sun Xiangzong!


    To kill him would earn immense credit!


    Not to mention gold and silver, the resources he would gain later could allow him to progress further in Martial Arts.


    "Die¡ª"


    "Boom¡ª"


    Xu Kai exploded with unprecedented power, his blood raging non-stop, the Mo Blade wrapped in terrifying Qi twisted unnaturally and swung back hard, slashing at the Five Tigers Soul-breaking Spear.


    However...


    The easy deflection of the long spear he had imagined didn''t occur. Instead, he was met with an incredibly strong Qi, instantly numbing his arms and trembling them. Unprepared, the Mo Blade slipped from his control, flying into the air.

 Chapter 144 Capital City Tremors_4

    This power!Even though he couldn''t even spread it to the periphery of the weapons, why was a single strike more powerful than his?


    Impossible, this can''t be possible!


    In a state of panic, Xu Kai reached out, trying to grab the Mo Blade hanging in midair.


    "Clang!"


    A desperate, crisp clanging resounded.


    The Mo Blade was once again flicked away by the long spear, spinning through the air for several tens of steps before landing and killing one of his own men.


    "Puchi¡ª"


    Before Xu Kai could comprehend what was happening, a golden light pierced through his chest, pulverizing his bones and heart together, causing him to tumble stiffly from his horse, dying with his eyes wide open.


    Storage!


    Chen Sansi had been preparing from the beginning; it seemed that after storing energy, any of his attacks could surpass those of an ordinary Hua Jin-"Perfection" Martial Artist, as long as he seized the right opportunity for a fatal strike.


    Of course, should it not succeed at first, he could simply try again, albeit it would waste a lot of time.


    Elsewhere.


    At the cost of severe injuries, Yu Song crossed the border and killed the enemy''s Main General.


    With the Main General, Deputy General, and the heads of mid-level generals fiercely cut off by Lu Shuhua and others, the rebel army lost its backbone instantly, breaking down as haphazardly as startled beasts scattering in all directions.


    "Hua Jin-''Perfection''..."


    Yu Song lay draped over his horse''s back, struggling to sit up multiple times and spitting out blood several times before he recovered slightly.


    Warring across borders was certainly no easy task.


    However, when he saw the head of the Deputy General hanging from the long spear, he received a heavy blow.


    Was Hua Jin-''Perfection'' so easily defeated?


    Not only was the opponent faster than him, but he hadn''t sustained a single injury, killing enemies across two realms without harm!


    Hua Jin and Refining Internal were the same.


    Once one achieved Great Success, not to mention compared to entry-level or proficiency, even the gap between small achievement was like a chasm.


    Forget it.


    There''s nothing to be shocked about.


    This young man had been the same back when he was a Selected Point.


    The difficulty of winning against a genius like Cao Fan across borders back then must have been greater than the current situation.


    Lu Shuhua, Xie Sishu, and others also witnessed this scenario.


    Just before leaving Liangzhou, everyone was still at Refining Internal Organs Perfection.


    How could this young man already be killing those at Hua Jin-''Perfection''? If he moved on to the next step, would he not be ready to kill those who had reached Meridian Passage?!


    "Don''t get tied up in battle!"


    Chen Sansi proceeded to inform everyone, "Hurry up and move on, head to Golden Spring Manor for supplies! Quick!"


    As the battle didn''t last long and the enemy army dispersed too quickly, they suffered only about two hundred casualties. Moreover, their formation hadn''t even become disordered; they didn''t even need to stop for regrouping and headed straight for Golden Spring Manor.


    "Sir." Stay updated through My Virtual Library Empire


    Zhao Kang rode up close and said, "How come Old Xu and Mr. Bai haven''t returned yet?"


    "They should be back shortly, you go ahead."


    Chen Sansi walked twenty li toward the east and indeed encountered Xu Wencai and Bai Thingzhi returning. Unexpectedly, they had suffered losses, but those losses were not heavy. Out of over nine hundred feign attackers, more than eight hundred returned.


    "You lazy lout, you really did it!"


    Zhu Tong changed his attitude from before and said, "The mindless fools at Luotian Pass got completely played by us."


    Xu Wencai, with no trace of pride on his face, staggered off his horse and bowed, saying, "Sir, the forces chasing from behind will likely catch up in about ten days."


    "Not just that."


    Chen Sansi pointed toward the south with his long spear and said, "Meishan Prefecture will most likely send people across the river too, and they should arrive within seven days. Let''s head to Golden Spring Manor first, the brothers are too tired and need a bit of rest."


    ...


    Yangchun Prefecture.


    "The south city wall has collapsed! Quickly send people to repair it!"


    "Arrows! We''re running out of arrows!"


    "Hurry up!"


    "What about the rolling stones and logs?"


    "Gone!"


    "If there''s none left, then go dismantle the houses of the civilians. Tear down every house in the city, even if it''s to forcefully drag a dog from a family home to help on the city walls!"


    "General!"


    "With no food to give them and Dong An spreading a plethora of guarantee letters outside the city, which promise that no civilian will be harmed after entering the city and even offering them a tax exemption, they... they are unwilling to come up and help!"


    "If they''re unwilling, then kill until they are willing!"


    General Sha''s broadsword was notched from use, and his armor had shifted from mystical iron to ordinary arms, and even he sat down wearily, grabbing a piece of horse meat and stuffing it into his mouth.


    The city''s supplies were running low.


    They had started to slaughter warhorses in small amounts to sustain themselves.


    Their military strength was also diminishing.


    When they first entered the city, there were eighteen thousand men, but now only about ten thousand remained.


    "General Sha."


    Cao Fan came over and asked, "How''s it going?"


    General Sha answered, "Not promising. The Yan State Army is about to engage with the West Qi Kingdom''s large army in the south, but it''s estimated that it''ll still take a month to enter Ming State. Mobilizing reinforcements from there will take even longer. General Lu has also arrived; he''s planning to launch a vigorous attack through the Sword Gate Canyon."


    "Sword Gate Canyon, the most difficult route to attack Ming State,"


    Cao Fan commented with a sigh, "He truly is a peerless brave man."


    Each Main General in the Eight Camps had their unique traits.


    General Lu''s special trait was being fierce and invincible.


    A saying circulated in the world, calling his courage ''peerless throughout the ages.''


    But no matter how brave, it would still take time to break through, as for the Imperial Army coming from the Great Wilderness, they would definitely be the last to arrive, no need to even think about it.


    For them, time was life, but they could only continue to hold on and see.


    "What about Chen Sansi and his men?" Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "No news."


    General Sha sneered, "Most likely, they''re already dead on the East Bank."


    "Good if they''re dead. It would save everyone a lot of trouble."

 Chapter 144 Capital City Tremors_5

    Cao Fan managed a bitter smile.This was probably the only thing that could offer him solace in this predicament.


    Another two days passed.


    On the third day,


    the siege from outside the city suddenly ceased!


    "What''s going on?"


    Sha Wenlong asked anxiously, "Could it be that reinforcements have already arrived?"


    "Report¡ª"


    The scout came back with news. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Twenty scouts went out, but at most only two or three would return each time.


    He said wildly with joy, "General Sha, the rebel army''s food and forage supply was cut off three days ago. They are now forced to temporarily stop their offensive and send people northwest to gather supplies. The troops outside the city have decreased by one-third!"


    Food and forage are generally calculated in advance. Find your next adventure on My Virtual Library Empire


    Then, before the supplies run out, new ones are delivered. Any error in between can lead to food supply interruption.


    This is often why it''s said that provisions should go before soldiers and horses.


    Now the rebel army outside the city is hungry, which is starting to cause chaos among the troops. A forced siege at this time might lead to significant losses.


    "Good, good!"


    Cao Fan hurriedly asked, "Is it a great victory in the northwest? Have the Vermilion Bird Camp and White Tiger Camp broken through? No, wait, then why would they go northwest for supplies... Could it be Sword Gate Canyon? Impossible to be so quick."


    "It is indeed strange. Ming State has two granaries in total, one large and one small. The largest is Golden Spring Manor, followed by Mingdi Prefecture in the northwest, which is the smaller granary and doesn''t have much food."


    Sha Wenlong, looking at the map, said, "Logically, the food and forage for the rebel army outside the city should be supplied from Golden Spring Manor. Why run to the northwest? Could it be... Golden Spring Manor''s supply line has been raided?"


    "Impossible!"


    "There''s no way our forces would appear at this location!"


    "General Zhao!"


    Cao Fan''s eyes lit up, "General Sha, is it possible that General Zhao has used some clever strategy outside Wutong Prefecture, devoured the pursuing forces, and then turned back to Golden Spring Manor?"


    "That''s the only possibility!"


    Sha Wenlong thoughtfully nodded, "If so, General Zhao has made an enormous contribution. After the granaries of Golden Spring Manor were torched, the granary of Mingdi Prefecture is simply not enough to supply Chi Mei, the rebel army, and West Qi''s armies all at once. At most, it''s only to avoid immediate demoralization. If they plan on a protracted war, they must transport food from outside the Great Wall, and that cost would be astronomical. This will be of great help in the overall war situation!"


    "Chiu¡ª"


    While the two were discussing,


    a Hai Dongqing flew in against the setting sun.


    "Princely Heir, look, it''s Chen Sansi''s bird. I suspect it''s probably dead. From now on, this Hai Dongqing can be yours to use... Hm? There''s intelligence on it?"


    Sha Wenlong removed the note and after reading it, his body shook, and he involuntarily took two steps back.


    "General Sha?"


    Cao Fan stood up, "He''s not dead?"


    "Far from it, far from dead!"


    Sha Wenlong''s hands were slightly trembling, "On their journey eastward and southward, they suddenly turned around, leaving tens of thousands of our troops grasping at straws! Then they marched westward, they are the ones who burned the supply line, and by now they may have taken Golden Spring Manor."


    "Based on their current route, they are likely to continue westward and meet up with Zhao Wuji soon to attack Wutong Prefecture. If that''s the case, Wutong Prefecture might hold out even longer than us!"


    "This youngster, how did he come up with this? He sure has a lot of nerve. Doesn''t he fear encountering a large enemy force after crossing the river?"


    Intelligence must be shared, and it must be real.


    That is the rule in the military, an iron-clad rule.


    Even if there were previous disagreements, they still needed to keep each other informed; otherwise, it would be tantamount to murdering the Right Army. If it leads to severe consequences, it would be considered as treason¡ªa betrayal of the nation, and exterminating one''s entire family wouldn''t be out of the question.


    After hearing all this,


    Cao Fan clenched his fists.


    He started desperately searching the map for "dead" routes, and after racking his brain, he finally found a flaw, "It''s too late! Even if previously ignored, following the burning of the food and forage, West Qi Kingdom will definitely send troops southward to encircle General Zhao. If we join forces now, we would directly run into West Qi''s large army, still a dead end. Wutong Prefecture, they can''t take it!"


    "Princely Heir, you truly have a thorough understanding of Military Books, even I overlooked this. You''re right, they''re still doomed."


    Sha Wenlong nodded satisfactorily, "The difference is, before they die, they''ve relieved some of our pressure."


    "That guy..."


    Even Cao Fan began to feel a sense of regret.


    If he could go back to before Selected Point started, instead of waiting for the other party to court his favor and not simply regarding him as a "dog" that needed an owner, was there a possibility to make him his own?


    Grandpa really had foresight, having seen this person''s extraordinariness a long time ago.


    But now, it was too late to say anything.


    It would be best for this person to die near Wutong Prefecture, otherwise, if he managed to survive to the end, there would be big trouble.


    Outside the city.


    Central Army Tent.


    "So soon? Couldn''t stop them after all..."


    Dong An closed his eyes, feeling an inexplicable suffocation.


    He had really been outplayed by a greenhorn.


    "Every disciple of Sun Xiangzong deserves to die, all of them!"


    Dong An nearly smashed the map, "Encircle them to death, encircle them to death behind Golden Spring Manor, I want their heads, I want to see a head surnamed Chen, do you understand!"


    "Yes!"


    ...


    On the border of Yan State, the camp of West Qi Kingdom''s large troops.


    Martial Saint Zhong Wuxin, looking at the report of the granary being burned, his face darkened, then all his emotions settled into a cold laugh, "If I had known that Dong An was such a failure, I would never have agreed to his ''shutting the door to hit the dog'' strategy. Now, look what''s happened, we''ve lost our provisions; it might actually be better to let Liang Ji come out and command, maybe there''d be some improvement."

 Chapter 144 Capital City Tremors_6

    "Commander, what should we do next?"The Deputy General asked, "Our own supplies in Da Qi still need twenty more days to arrive. Regarding the gap..."


    "Let''s retreat."


    Zhong Wuxin said, "Leave two tenths of the troops to defend. If they can hold, they hold; if not, they retreat. The rest will pull back two hundred miles in advance to Jing''an Prefecture to regroup and wait for the supply recovery. This task is yours. I must personally go to Sword Gate Canyon to meet with Ji."


    "You needn''t worry. This battle is merely increasing our costs, and even if we can''t defeat the Sheng Dynasty quickly, as long as Liang Jinian is here, and the Miracle Soldiers Heavenly Book is with us, the right time, place, and people are still on our side."


    Because this is a signal!


    A scholar blessed by the immortals stabilizes the foundation in Ming State, which is akin to announcing to the whole world that the Sheng Dynasty''s time is running out. Those who want to rebel, are hesitant about rebelling, or have already rebelled, let them all go crazy together!


    In less than half a year, the Sheng Dynasty''s interior will be completely plunged into chaos.


    Then, the Northern Barbarians, Dongqing, and Nan Xu Country will swarm in, each getting a substantial share of the spoils. The Cao Family, which has occupied the Central Plains for hundreds of years, should also give up their position.


    A battle for national fortune!


    This is a true battle for national fortune!


    ...


    Capital City.


    Longevity Palace.


    "Dong An, haha~"


    From atop the Dragon Chair.


    Emperor Longqing, holding a battle report, his lips curving into a strange arc with a smile, said, "Dong An, Dong An~ Who among you still remembers? He was the Martial Arts Top Scholar appointed by me. His betrothal was also granted by me. Even a few years ago when his son had an incurable disease, it was I who personally found the treasure medicine to cure him. And yet, for a Heavenly Book he has never even seen, he turned around and stabbed me in the back. Interesting, really very interesting!"


    Many officials in red robes knelt as one, including the Chief Minister Yan Liang. All of them pressed their heads against the ground, no one daring to raise their heads for another look.


    Only in a corner, on a wheelchair, sat a scholar with a calm face.


    When His Majesty is truly angry, he doesn''t shout or scream; he speaks with a smile, just like now.


    "Your Majesty, please calm your anger!"


    "The army has long since set out to quell the rebellion. I believe that within half a year, the situation in Ming State can definitely be stabilized!"


    Anyone whose trusted aide betrays them, especially causing such a significant impact, would probably find it hard to accept.


    "Where is Sun Xiangzong?!"


    Emperor Longqing swung the wide sleeves of his Taoist robe to rest on the sides of the Dragon Chair, "Ever since I approved his expansion of the army, he has disappeared. With such a major incident occurring, shouldn''t he return personally? Fang Qingyun, don''t feign ignorance; I''m specifically asking you."


    "In response to Your Majesty."


    Fang Qingyun spoke, "I too do not know, I too was left in the Capital City."


    "Where he went, what he did, there must be some rough explanation, right?"


    Emperor Longqing slightly narrowed his eyes, "Did he go somewhere to heal? He can tell me; he is my brother. Wouldn''t I help him? Why waste his effort alone?"


    "Your Majesty, I truly do not know."


    Fang Qingyun sighed, "The old man is not willing to tell me everything."


    "Haha~ alright, let him be then."


    Emperor Longqing did not continue to inquire, "Fang Qingyun, tell me, how will the situation in Ming State develop next? Oh, Chen Aiqing is also involved, he''s your junior. He died in there, don''t you feel heartbroken?"


    "To die in battle is the fate of the Eight Camps; there''s nothing to grieve about,"


    Fang Qingyun said leisurely, "Moreover, further battle reports have not yet come back. Maybe it''s not so bad."


    "Oh?"


    Emperor Longqing''s mouth twitched into a smile, "What, can the remaining twenty thousand men still create a miracle for me?"


    "Who knows."


    Fang Qingyun concealed his deep anxiety, "Until the dust settles, anything is possible."


    This, in fact, was his prayer.


    "Fine, I''ll only give Lu Ji, Jiang Yuanbo three months'' time. If they cannot resolve it within three months,"


    Emperor Longqing suddenly stood up, "I will take the field myself."


    ... S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Golden Spring Manor.


    After trekking for over two months, the soldiers of the Reserve Camp finally had a day to breathe.


    Immediately, a new problem arose: where to go next.


    "General Zhao has sent a letter!"


    Yu Song, looking at the intelligence, said excitedly, "He says if we attack from both front and rear, devour the small enemy force to the west, we can definitely take Wutong Prefecture. Hold out for another two months, and reinforcements are sure to arrive!"


    "It''s too late. General Zhao and his troops have wandered too long, giving the enemy ample time to react. In a few more days at most, the Qi Country army from the Northwest will descend to the south."


    Chen Sansi threw cold water on the plan, "Going there now would definitely lead to a clash."


    "What?"


    "General Chen, are you playing with us?!"


    Xie Sishu glared and said, "Brothers risked their lives fighting from Yingzui Mountain to Golden Spring Manor, and now you tell us we''re not going to Wutong Prefecture?"


    Chen Sansi countered, "I only said we were coming to Golden Spring Manor. When did I say we were going to meet General Zhao?"


    Everyone fell silent.


    "Cough, cough, cough..."


    The severely wounded Yu Song wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, "Quiet! General Chen, then tell us, where do we go next? If we can''t go to Wutong Prefecture, why not stay here and defend the city? There''s still food and supplies in Golden Spring Manor. If we mobilize the citizens to defend the city as well, perhaps we can hold out for a while. We can instead make General Zhao come to us, couldn''t we?"


    "Yes!"


    Yan Changqing followed, "Mobilize the citizens! We''ve been into the city several days without committing a single offense against the civilians, our reputation is excellent! Especially Brother Chen''s reputation. When we entered Golden Spring Manor yesterday, many civilians came out to see, wanting to see which one was the Chen Sansi from Du He. Brother Chen, if you speak, you can definitely mobilize many citizens."


    Chen Sansi said, "We lack High Realm Martial Artists, even Vice Admiral Yu is injured. If a Profound Image Realm arrives, how would we cope?"


    "This won''t work, that won''t work,"


    Xie Sishu asked, "Then what are you suggesting, General Chen? We surely can''t just sit here and wait to die."


    "Of course not, so..."


    Chen Sansi slapped his hand on the east side of the map, "Cross the Hongze River again!"


    Cross the Hongze River three times!

 Chapter 145 Crossing Hongze Thrice, Hua Jin Small Achievement

    "Are you playing tricks?!""We have already crossed the river twice, and crossing again makes it three times. Are you addicted?"


    "Madman, truly a madman. With fifty to sixty thousand soldiers chasing us, you still want to turn back and cross the river? Do you think you can make it?"


    "Besides, the journey back and forth will take another half month. I can''t walk any further. If you want to go, go without me!"


    Xie Sishu said and sat down by himself.


    Lu Shuhua hugged his sword, "Vice Admiral Yu, I still suggest we go find General Zhao, or stay and defend the city. You are our general and there is no need to listen to him in everything."


    "Ah..."


    Yu Song removed his helmet and grabbed his hair in thought, clearly very conflicted, "General Chen, are you sure? If we go back, won''t we encounter a large army?"


    He did not quite understand this route.


    Yet the previous two river crossings had proven one thing.


    Chen Sansi wasn''t making assumptions!


    He had his own logic and ideas.


    If everyone else could not understand, it only showed that they were not up to his level.


    Old Yu, his only notable trait was his willingness to take advice, and he knew when he was incompetent, it was time to step aside.


    "There''s a chance, but it''s not large."


    Chen Sansi pointed out a route on the map, "After leaving the city, we head toward the central region, then cross through Longyang County, skirting Yingzui Mountain and crossing the Hongze River again. Right now, all the pursuers are drawn to Golden Spring, leaving the central region extremely vulnerable, the only thing we need to be cautious of is the enemy forces in Yangchun Prefecture City, try not to draw their attention!"


    "Yangchun Prefecture?"


    Hearing this, Lu Shuhua finally started to understand the intent, a spark of inspiration, "I have a plan. If we really can get through Longyang County, wouldn''t we be able to coordinate a pincer attack with the Princely Heir inside Yangchun Prefecture."


    "No!"


    Chen Sansi retorted, "Our military force is not enough, and by the time we reach Longyang County, Yangchun Prefecture will have likely received some information and be somewhat prepared. If we go, it''s not only useless in lifting the siege on Yangchun Prefecture but equivalent to delivering ourselves to death.


    "So, our primary objective is still to cross the river!"


    "You all need to understand, during this period, almost all of the large armies are now behind us, it''s a time when Luotian Pass is vulnerable. We have a chance to slip through unexpectedly and escape to safety."


    "Alright!"


    With a resolute heart, Yu Song declared, "Damn it, I''m listening to you this time. My life is in your hands. My eight wives and twelve children are still waiting at home, I promised to personally train a few of my sons in martial arts after returning!"


    "Vice Admiral Yu?"


    Lu Shuhua and Xie Sishu were puzzled.


    They did not understand why, as the battle progressed, a Thousand Captain became a de facto commander, and a formidable Vice Admiral was willing to obediently follow orders, even absolute obedience wasn''t an exaggeration.


    "But let me be clear first."


    Yu Song squeezed a smile out of his pale face, "If we encounter Meridian Passage again, and I can''t fight anymore, General Chen, you''ll have to deal with it yourself."


    "Let''s hope that doesn''t happen."


    Chen Sansi internally calculated the time needed for the journey, "If we set out immediately, we can cross the river before the rebel forces in Yangchun Prefecture react."


    "Good!"


    Yu Song abruptly stood up, almost falling due to his injuries, using his weapon as a crutch, "Transmit my general orders, we leave Golden Spring before dawn and continue on our way!"


    "Yes!"


    Lu Shuhua, Xie Sishu, and Yan Changqing, among others, naturally did not dare to disobey.


    "Vice Admiral Yu, are you alright?"


    Chen Sansi fumbled inside his coat and pulled out a porcelain bottle containing the Healing Treasure Medicine given to him by his senior brother before they departed.


    "This medicine is extremely precious."


    Yu Song wasn''t shy, he took it and poured it into his mouth, feeling slightly better afterward. He looked towards the north, in the direction of Yangchun Prefecture, and suddenly spoke, "Previously, General Sha and others insisted on following you eastward to cross the river, were they trying to kill us? General Chen, did you know about this all along?"


    Chen Sansi didn''t speak, which amounted to a tacit acknowledgment.


    "Heh."


    Yu Song scoffed, a departure from his usual composed demeanor, spitting curses, "Damn their pettiness. They lost as Selected Point and couldn''t take it, instead of settling it fair and square in the arena after returning, they resort to such dishonorable means on the battlefield, scheming against their comrades! To make it look unbiased, they even dragged me and my three thousand brothers into their schemes!"


    "Among them, several have the Body of Martial Saint, they are the hope of the Eight Camps and even the Northern Territory!"


    "This Cao Fan is still a Princely Heir, in the line of succession, he''s the future Emperor. Such a person, does he even deserve the vast lands of Dasheng?"


    "I''m from the Black Tortoise Camp, and I despise such people the most!"


    "Black Tortoise Camp?"


    Chen Sansi curiously asked, "Vice Admiral Yu, which year did you join the Black Tortoise Camp?"


    "Longqing fifty-eight."


    Yu Song recalled, saying, "The person I admire the most is General Tang, who led from the front, dying on the city wall without taking a single step back, unlike these people who bring calamity upon their comrades. If the Eight Camps fall into their hands, they''ll be doomed within ten years."


    Fifty-eight years... S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Sansi pondered internally.


    The Black Tortoise Camp had been completely wiped out in Longqing fifty-seven.


    Which meant that Yu Song had never seen Wang Zhi and didn''t know that "General Tang" had always been with them, but due to his limited cultivation, he was only a Captain of a Hundred.


    "General Chen."


    Yu Song said, "You, young and highly skilled in cultivation, are clever; the Northern Territory truly depends on you in the future. Thus, no matter what, you all must survive and leave this forsaken place. As your Main General, I have that responsibility."

 Chapter 145 Crossing Hongze Thrice, Hua Jin Small Achievement_2

    "Vice Admiral Yu, you flatter me."Chen Sansi looked at the fish-belly white rising in the east, "We should set off."


    "Yes, let''s go!"


    ...


    Yan State.


    "Old Two, did you see it!"


    Rong Yanqiu rushed into the tent, excitedly saying, "Grain and fodder! The little junior brother is still alive, not only alive, but also burned down the granary of Golden Spring Manor along with the supply path!"


    When she saw the intelligence report, she almost thought it was fake.


    More than three thousand people, after dividing their forces, not only did they not die under encirclement, but they also destroyed the enemy''s most crucial grain supply. No matter how the situation in Ming State unfolds from here, it could definitely be considered a major accomplishment.


    "Yes."


    Cheng Wei, while working his abacus, said, "Now that''s good, the cost of this battle for the West Qi Kingdom will double. I bet Zhong Wuxin is pissed off. The junior brother''s death was worth it."


    "Death?"


    Rong Yanqiu, who had just been overjoyed, felt as though she had been doused with cold water, "Old Two, what do you mean?"


    "What do I mean, do I need to say it? Ninth Junior Sister is not ignorant of military strategy," Cheng Wei said calmly.


    "After this battle, where else could they go?"


    "..."


    Rong Yanqiu fell silent, "Is there enough time?"


    "Stop thinking about it, whether it''s us or the Elder Brother on the other side, it''s too late to save them."


    Cheng Wei spoke calmly, "But it doesn''t matter, the little junior brother has saved us so much trouble, I will remember him. In the future, on every memorial day, I will not fail to burn paper offerings for him."


    "I''ll burn you!"


    Rong Yanqiu snatched the abacus directly, "Old Two, cut the crap, tell me, how can the little junior brother survive?"


    "..."


    Cheng Wei said helplessly, "Ninth Junior Sister, pressing me is useless. There really is no way, unless they find the nonexistent escape route themselves, otherwise, no one coming would help. Start preparing the spirit money ahead of time."


    "Bullshit!"


    Rong Yanqiu couldn''t be bothered to ask any more and muttered, "You can''t find a way to survive, but can''t the little junior brother find one? You didn''t imagine the granary burning either. You just knock on that abacus all day long, your brain is broken."


    "It''s true."


    Cheng Wei had to admit, "The little junior brother is comparable to Old Four. In this regard, I am not as good as him. Then, let''s hope he has a natural lucky aura."


    ...


    Four hundred li west of Golden Spring Manor, Zhao Wuji''s remnant camp.


    "They left? How could they leave!"


    Zhao Wuji looked at the message brought back by Hai Dongqing, his features stiff, "Without joining me, where could they go? Tong Prefecture is the best next stop!"


    "Commander, it''s bad news!"


    "Two hundred li in the west, a West Qi army of twenty thousand has been discovered, along with two Mysterious Phenomenon Realm commanders!"


    "Did Chen Sansi know already?"


    Zhao Wuji quickly summoned his scribe, "Wait, can''t I just join them? I''ll defect to them!"


    But it was probably too late.


    Even Hai Dongqing had a big delay.


    It was only today that he received the intelligence, but Yu Song had likely led his forces several days'' journey away by now. Not to mention the pursuing forces from Golden Spring Manor, even if they defeated that pursuing force, by the time they reached Golden Spring Manor, tens of thousands of enemy troops would probably have just arrived.


    "This kid..." Your journey continues with My Virtual Library Empire


    Zhao Wuji sat despondently on a rock, "He''s played us all..."


    Even he, looking over the marching route of the Reserve Camp, had been utterly convinced at one point that they were coming to join him.


    Fine then¡­


    He didn''t know if that kid could survive, but if he had the guts to use this kind of daring strategy, the Eight Camps would likely see another Fang Qingyun emerge. No, perhaps even stronger than Fang Qingyun.


    "If only I had known earlier!"


    If Zhao Wuji had changed his strategy sooner, why would his Liangzhou troops have come to such a pass?


    "All troops, break out!"


    ...


    Yangchun Prefecture, rebel army camp.


    Dong An looked at the map hanging on the wall, his expression solemn. In front of him, there was also a chessboard, a game he played with Chen Sansi, with himself playing black and the opponent white. But he could only see the opponent''s last move, guessing how to respond to the current play. Every misjudgment led to irreparable consequences, and he had already miscalculated once ¨C he could not afford another mistake.


    For him, it was no longer about victory in battle.


    It was about the dignity of a commander!


    "A general''s incompetence spells disaster for his troops," that saying was fitting.


    Fang Qingyun was one thing.


    If he, Dong An, truly lost to a young man, what face would he have left to live, what face to challenge Fang Qingyun? That guy wasn''t even into Martial Arts for more than a year.


    "Click~"


    Eventually, his fingers pressed the chess piece hard down on the board: "Die!"


    The original garrison forces of Golden Spring Manor hadn''t sent back any news until now.


    Which means no grain supply.


    Even Golden Spring Manor might well have fallen.


    Such fast speed!


    They were definitely unable to have horses when crossing the river back and forth unless the warhorses could also march and fight, waiting by the river in advance!


    "There must be a rare breed of treasured horse, and it''s one of the most precious in the world. He, a Thousand Captain, where could he get such an Exotic Beast, it''s already illogical. So, this defeat, is still excusable!"


    Dong An consoled himself internally.


    "Fortunately, it ends here!"


    All the calculations for marching and fighting, attrition, and even morale passed swiftly through his mind. This was his unique skill, born to wage war with his own mind.


    According to his estimation.


    The Reserve Camp whether joining Zhao Wuji''s remaining forces or staying to defend Golden Spring Manor, was on a path to death. A message would likely come in a day or two.


    "Commander, the grain supplies have arrived!"


    "If they''ve arrived then continue the siege, is there a need to ask me?"


    S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 145 Crossing Hongze Thrice, Hua Jin Small Achievement_3

    "But Commander, you haven''t paid attention to those people in Yangchun Prefecture City for a long time. Are you sure we don''t need to devise a new siege strategy? Why fixate on those few thousand remnants of defeated soldiers?""What do you know!"


    Dong An scolded, "What''s imprisoned in the city are mere objects. What I fear most on the battlefield are variables! Now that the provisions have arrived, all you need to do is to continue the fierce attack. As long as the remnants of the Reserve Camp are not dead, I shall not leave the Central Army Tent for a moment!"


    In the blink of an eye, two days had passed.


    "Commander, do you want to eat something? You haven''t eaten for five days already."


    "Where''s the intelligence? The intelligence from the chasing army?"


    "Report¡ª" Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Golden Spring Manor reports!"


    Upon hearing this, Dong An suddenly stood up.


    A soldier rushed into the tent in haste, knelt on one knee, opened his mouth, but ultimately said nothing.


    "What are you dawdling for?"


    Dong An''s eyes were bloodshot as he rushed forward, grabbed the soldier by the fabric under his armor, and lifted him almost into the air, "Why aren''t you speaking? Don''t tell me they actually managed to meet up with Zhao Wuji and fought their way to Wutong Prefecture."


    The soldier stammered, "That''s not it..."


    "Hmm."


    Dong An''s suspended heart settled down, only to hear the soldier continue, "But they were not annihilated either. We don''t know where they went; the major army drew a blank."


    "Drew a blank?"


    Dong An''s eyelids twitched continuously, "Say it again, make it clear!"


    "Commander, the forces sent for the chase not only included those from the east bank of the Hongze River but also the large troops sent from north of the Wushui River in Meishan Prefecture, adding up to a total of forty to fifty thousand."


    "But..."


    "By the time they arrived at Golden Spring Manor, they found it was an empty city.


    "The remnants of the Reserve Camp had long since disappeared."


    "Vanished a second time?"


    Dong An incredulously threw down the soldier, took two or three steps back to the maps, and scrutinizing the situation anew, beads of cold sweat formed on his forehead as if he had just fought a three hundred rounds battle.


    The situation with the remnants of the Reserve Camp.


    With pursuers both ahead and behind, fleeing south over the Wushui River was impossible.


    That left only one path.


    Heading north!


    Passing through the central region.


    What were they planning?


    "Rumble¡ª"


    Just at this moment.


    The sky, which had been clear just a short while ago, suddenly filled with dense clouds. After several flashes of lightning, a downpour began.


    Dong An suddenly realized.


    They were planning a surprise attack!


    If they were indeed heading north, they would either be near Longyang County in two or five days. Then, together with Sha Wenlong and others besieged in Yangchun Prefecture, they would launch a pincer attack and catch us off guard, potentially breaking through!


    Then, they would move to Sword Gate Canyon to assist the soon-to-arrive Ji Ji and others in opening up the situation.


    Good plan!


    Good plan!


    Too bad, he had guessed it one step earlier!


    "Pass my command!"


    Dong An excitedly said, "All troops on alert, and additionally dispatch five thousand soldiers to camp fifty li to the south. Should the enemy attack the camp, they are only allowed to retreat in feigned defeat, luring the people from Yangchun Prefecture to attack our main camp. Then set up an ambush here, see it clearly? Once the garrison from the city rushes out, they are on a path to death!"


    He finally saw through the young man''s intent.


    "Smartness has led to his own deceit!"


    "Initially, Sha Wenlong and his men hid in the city, and we couldn''t take it down in a short time; now this makes things much easier. Even if a small part of them manages to break through in the end, they won''t be able to stir any trouble within Ming State and retake Yangchun Prefecture. We can gradually build a new, safer supply route."


    "This young man has actually helped me! Young! Still too young!"


    "Brilliant plan!"


    The Assistant Generals also understood, "If it really happens this way, the Liangzhou Army is completely finished!"


    ... Your next chapter awaits on My Virtual Library Empire


    Inside the city.


    "Chen Sansi didn''t go to find Zhao Wuji and his men, instead, he is coming this way."


    Sha Wenlong narrowed his eyes, "He''s got guts! But he actually managed to escape, and now he''s already near Longyang County."


    "Coming here?"


    Cao Fan was shocked, "What are they planning to do, come and help us break the siege?"


    "I don''t know, but regardless of whether that''s what they think, I will demand they do exactly that!"


    Sha Wenlong said coldly, "Given the heavy rain that might continue for several days, suddenly attacking with a surprise force will definitely disrupt the rebel army''s formation, then it will be our chance to break out!"


    "Is it feasible?"


    Cao Fan pondered, "Dong An is ultimately obsessed with war; wouldn''t he anticipate this?"


    "What if he does!"


    Sha Wenlong looked around, "Young Master, in our breakout, it''s not like all the soldiers are breaking out together. Out of ten thousand men, if just a thousand can make it, isn''t it better than being trapped longer?"


    "The General speaks sense."


    Cao Fan voiced his concern, "But will Chen Sansi and his men do as told obediently? After all, even if we successfully break out, there might not be many of them left surviving, and afterwards, there''s nowhere for them to escape."


    "They have no choice but to follow orders! Military orders are like mountains!"


    Sha Wenlong spoke sternly, "Even if that Chen lad is unwilling, Yu Song must comply. That''s the rule of the Eight Camps, even if it means their own demise, they must follow without any hesitation!"


    ...


    Longyang County.


    Chen Sansi sheathed his long spear.


    [Cultivation Technique: National Guardian Dragon Spear. Hua Jin (mastered)]


    [Progress: 755/1000]


    Since arriving in Ming State several months ago,


    he had slept not at all, spending any extra time he had to elevate his power. With Yu Song severely injured, facing another enemy general would mean relying solely on himself. Fortunately, resources were plentiful, and he used only the best, nearing the small achievement of Hua Jin. Once achieved, he could enhance his weapons with power, thus doubling his strength. Even if facing an opponent from the Meridian Passage Realm, victory was not without chance.

 Chapter 145 Crossing Hongze Three Times, Hua Jin Small Achievement_4

    "The west, the battle at Sword Gate Canyon has already begun,"Chen Sansi didn''t pause for a moment and hurried to the resting area of the enemy to deliver the vital intelligence, "However, they still cannot break through; we cannot rely on reinforcements for the time being, so we must depend on ourselves."


    "General Chen, what are our next steps?"


    Yu Song asked, "Do we proceed to cross the river directly?"


    "Before crossing the river, we need a feint, a pretense of attacking their camp,"


    Chen Sansi explained, "Otherwise, they''ll quickly catch on and when we''re halfway across the river, Yangchun Prefecture could easily spare some of the troops besieging it to come at us. If the marching speed slows down, the army from behind will catch up too."


    "All right,"


    Yu Song said, "Bai Tingzhi, the task of the feint attack still falls to you, how about it?"


    "No problem!"


    Bai Tingzhi assured, "Give me Old Xu to lead us!"


    "Be careful,"


    Chen Sansi warned, "This feint will be more dangerous than the last, I estimate that your losses will not be small."


    "Rest assured, sir."


    Xu Wencai bowed with his hands folded, "I will do everything possible to reduce casualties without arousing the suspicion of the enemy army. However, the feint attack might be delayed by half a day later than expected; I wonder if that''s feasible? I plan to wait until the rain stops so that it will be easier to use fire. With not enough men, one fire, two drum beats, and three flags are the best way to confuse the enemy."


    "Are you sure the rain is about to stop, Old Xu, you understand heavenly phenomena as well?"


    Chen Sansi agreed, "No problem, you have a day''s time to arrange it yourself." sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Yes!"


    Xu Wencai went down to make arrangements.


    "This younger brother is quite the talent,"


    Yu Song teased, "Brother Chen, to find such a treasure in a single county of Po Yang, with no official position; it''s really a waste of his abilities."


    Along the way,


    Xu Wencai''s abilities had been clear for all to see.


    The only pity was that he possessed no cultivation.


    "Yes, if we can return alive..."


    Chen Sansi said, "I will personally write a petition and see if I can ask His Majesty to grant Old Xu an official post; this can''t go on like this."


    In this world, the military is mostly dominated by Martial Artists.


    Even Fang Qingyun, he too was once a Martial Arts genius.


    "Good, let us also prepare to depart,"


    Vice Admiral Yu was about to order the remaining people to prepare to move on when he saw another Hai Dongqing flying in¡ªseemingly from the direction of Yangchun Prefecture. After General Chen obtained the intelligence, he fell into silence for a long time without speaking, prompting Yu Song to ask, "What''s going on?"


    Chen Sansi answered, "General Sha has ordered us to change direction and strike at the enemy camp from the side and rear, to assist them in breaking out, and ultimately to crush the rebel forces outside of Yangchun Prefecture."


    "Isn''t this the same as what I had in mind earlier?"


    Lu Shuhua said, "Should we not give it a try?"


    "Try my ass!"


    Yu Song cursed, "At this point, do you still not trust General Chen''s judgment? Without him, do you think we could have survived this far?"


    Lu Shuhua remained silent.


    Yan Changqing added, "That''s right, Brother Lu, Brother Xie, even I can see, this is an order for us to go and die, using our demise to pave their escape route."


    "That''s not the point!"


    Yu Song''s voice carried anger, "If it were any other time, with Sha Wenlong as the Commander, we would have no choice but to die if he ordered it! But have you forgotten what that Sha bastard did not long ago?


    "To go against General Chen, he threw us out of Yangchun Prefecture as well, forcing us to cross the river to the east!"


    "Does such a man deserve our loyalty and service?"


    "Oh right, there''s something else you might not know."


    "Do you remember the incident with the Yu Yang Sect?"


    "At that time, I was always with Sha Wenlong. Remember how he hesitated to help after hearing the arrow signal, concerned about luring the tiger from the mountain? It wasn''t until later that I understood he wanted others to do his killing!


    "He planned to use Huang Tianrong, the Sect Master of the Yu Yang Sect, to kill General Chen, making way for Cao Fan to ascend!"


    "If I can survive this time, I will certainly petition against him; to think of going with the brothers to save him, do you think that''s possible?"


    "But Vice Admiral Yu..."


    Xie Sishu said, "What you''re talking about is all speculative; there''s no evidence, and military orders are inviolable, aren''t they?"


    Yes,


    Military orders are inviolable!


    This was also why Chen Sansi was worried.


    If the Commander demands assistance with the breakout and they refuse to go knowing the danger, it''s more than a death penalty...


    Moreover, the responsibility for disobeying would normally fall on the highest-ranking officer, which was Yu Song.


    "Afraid my ass!"


    Yu Song swore, "If I say we aren''t going, then we aren''t going. As for disobedience, don''t worry about it landing on you."


    Chen Sansi reminded, "Vice Admiral Yu, that''s a capital offense."


    "Capital offense? We''re not necessarily going to make it out alive anyway,"


    Yu Song then laughed, "If we do make it out alive, isn''t there the merit of burning the granaries? With the merits offsetting our offenses, and General Chen has connections, a word from him on my behalf by then, wouldn''t that settle it?"


    "Good,"


    In light of the gravity of the situation, Chen Sansi couldn''t afford to be concerned about the rest at the moment.


    If it really comes to it upon their return, he''ll find a way to plead on their behalf.


    "Let''s move out!"


    Yu Song issued the command, "Proceed with the original plan, Bai Tingzhi carries out the feint attack, and everyone else, cross the Hongze River three times!"


    ...


    Inside Yangchun Prefecture City.


    "It''s almost time!"


    Sha Wenlong said, "According to my orders, they will launch the attack in two hours. Once there''s chaos below, we''ll launch a full assault, striving to break through the north, and then head straight for Sword Gate Canyon. Explore new worlds at My Virtual Library Empire


    "General Lu has already joined the battle there and has responded to us; as long as we can leave Yangchun Prefecture, he will make every effort to come to our aid."

 Chapter 145 Crossing Hongze Thrice, Small Achievement in Hua Jin_5

    "Okay."Cao Fan expressed his concern, "The only uncertainty is whether they will follow through, as it effectively asks them to cover our break out with their lives."


    "Yu Song comes from Xuanwu Camp; he won''t disobey orders," said Chen Sansi.


    Sha Wenlong said, "Of course, to be on the safe side, we can prepare within the city first, and it won''t be too late to leave after there''s activity outside the city."


    Midnight.


    Dark clouds hovered oppressively over the city as if ready to crush it.


    The surviving soldiers within the city quietly completed their preparations, ready to break out at any moment.


    It had been over five months!


    Since arriving in Ming State, almost half a year had inadvertently passed.


    During this time, having lived and fought alongside these soldiers, Cao Fan had gradually grown fond of them, a feeling he had never experienced while in the Capital City or the Imperial Palace.


    "I can truly consider myself a man who has led troops and fought battles now," he said feelingly.


    He reminisced, "General Sha, speaking of tonight''s breakout, we have at most a thousand people left. Will the losses be too great? Wouldn''t it be better to hold out a bit longer?"


    "Young Master, you should know that the city has run out of food and supplies, even the warhorses have been nearly all slaughtered. If we drag this out, they are destined to die anyway. If they grow too hungry, there might even be a mutiny. I''ve heard some are already restless...," Sha Wenlong paused, then continued, "Their lives are not as valuable as the Young Master''s life. Not to mention ten thousand people, even twenty thousand, or fifty thousand, as long as the Young Master can make it out alive, it would be worth it!"


    "Report¡ª"


    In the midst of the discussion,


    a severely wounded scout returned on a horse and collapsed to the ground, mustering his strength to report: "Outside the city, the battle has begun."


    "How is the fight progressing?" Sha Wenlong pressed, "Did they attack the enemy camp with all their might as ordered?"


    "The sky is ablaze with fire, and the momentum is staggering!" the scout replied.


    "Good! That means they are obediently following orders." Sha Wenlong raised his broadsword high and shouted, "Brothers, follow me out of the city to break through. Tonight, we escape to freedom!"


    "Charge¡ª"


    The gates of Yangchun Prefecture swung wide open.


    Nine thousand soldiers swarmed out, leaving a thousand men behind to cover their retreat.


    Initially,


    everything went smoothly. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Until they reached forty li outside the city, when suddenly, from all directions, dense ambush troops appeared.


    "Don''t panic!"


    Sha Wenlong anticipated this: "Hold on! They will soon turn back to deal with Yu Song''s remnants. Their forces will quickly dwindle!"


    However,


    the situation quickly spiraled out of control.


    Instead of decreasing, the number of enemy troops encircling them grew even more numerous.


    "How could this be!"


    Sha Wenlong was momentarily stunned: "They have over three thousand troops, and it was a surprise attack. They should have dispersed ten thousand soldiers to encircle them! Could they have fled?!"


    "Sha Wenlong, meet your end¡ª"


    In the chaos, the enemy''s Profound Image Realm General, Xiang Tian, led an elite squad charging towards them.


    "We can''t break out, retreat, retreat¡ª"


    Sha Wenlong had no intention of lingering in battle, immediately leading his soldiers back the way they came: "Young Master, stay close to me!"


    But while it was easy to leave the city, returning was difficult.


    After a night of fierce battle,


    fortunately, the thousand men left behind allowed them not to be completely wiped out. They managed to return to the city by dawn, but the losses were staggeringly heavy: out of ten thousand men, only three thousand remained!


    "Ah!!!"


    In his rage, Sha Wenlong roared and nearly killed the scout who had brought the news with a slash of his sword: "Idiot, didn''t you say you saw with your own eyes that they were fighting to the south, and the enemy forces were being defeated?"


    "General, it''s true, I swear, I saw it with my own eyes!" the scout said tearfully.


    "I also don''t know why they retreated so quickly."


    "Shh¡ª"


    Finally,


    the Hai Dongqing that had been sent out returned.


    "Idiot¡ª"


    Sha Wenlong''s hands trembled as he held the report: "Disobedience! That Chen, how dare he disobey! The attack was a feint; their forces are moving past Yingzui Mountain towards the east, preparing to cross the Hongze River for the third time!"


    Triple crossing!


    "I knew it..."


    Cao Fan wasn''t too surprised: "Chen Sansi would never be willing to risk his life for us."


    "He''s not even an Assistant General! I had even assigned an Assistant General to him before I sent him out!"


    Fury uncontainable, Sha Wenlong exclaimed: "How dare Yu Song disobey orders, is he tired of living? I will kill him, and after we return, I will hang his head on the gates of Liangzhou City for all to see!" Explore more at My Virtual Library Empire


    We could have held out a while longer.


    But now only three thousand men remained.


    The fall of our city is a matter of time!


    "What are they doing crossing three times, heading south?"


    Cao Fan frowned: "Trying to flee?"


    "They can''t run, in their dreams!"


    Sha Wenlong said, "There are still troops in Mei Mountain, and a large army is pursuing from the flank,"


    ...


    Meanwhile, in the rebel army''s camp.


    "Drive¡ª"


    Dong Anqin spurred his horse furiously forward, followed by five thousand elite troops.


    The fools of Yangchun Prefecture were basically taken care of; it wouldn''t be long before the city fell and their people perished. His primary goal was to personally twist off Chen Sansi''s head to relieve the hatred in his heart.


    Twice he had been made a fool!


    The remnants of the Reserve Camp, none higher than the Meridian Passage Realm, wouldn''t pose any threat with him personally in charge.


    "Brothers, whoever chops off Chen Sansi''s head will be rewarded with gold, and I will personally ensure his resources to reach the Meridian Passage!"


    "Attack¡ª"


    "Hush!"


    "You, what are you doing?"


    Dong An looked at his subordinates, who should have been engaged in battle with the remnants of the Reserve Camp at this time, but were idly standing around. His heart sank: "What are you doing here, where are the people?"


    "Sir, there''s... no one,"


    The soldiers stammered in reply.


    "No one? Nonsense, there was such a commotion earlier, was it... a feint? If they aren''t here to attack Yangchun Prefecture, where else could they be going, could it be..."

 Chapter 145 Crossing Hongze Three Times, Small Achievement in Hua Jin_6

    Dong An suddenly thought of something, and his vision darkened, his whole body rigidly fell from the horse."Commander!"


    "Commander, how are you?!"


    "..."


    It was unknown how much time had passed before Dong An slowly opened his eyes, this moment seemed to age him by ten years, twenty years, from the spirited vigor at the start of the battle, turning into someone resembling an old man.


    "Quick..."


    He seemed to have received a grievous injury, his voice extremely weak, "They must have crossed the Hongze River the third time, quickly, notify Jia Lao Si. If I remember correctly, after he pursued them to the East Bank last time, did he stay on the East Bank? Tell him he must block Chen Sansi!


    "Also inform Liang Jinian from Mei Mountain, he must determine the troop deployments at Luotian Pass according to the situation, absolutely do not let them escape the Great Wilderness, otherwise, we''ll never catch up."


    "Yes!"


    "Help me up, help me up..."


    All those present couldn''t understand how a prominent commander of the Profound Image Realm could be so utterly deflated just because the Enemy Army had fled; it wasn''t as if they had lost the battle.


    With help, Dong An stood up, laughing at himself, "Three times! He tricked me three times! Every time, I was just a half step slower than him, just a half step!"


    And this half-step was deadly!


    If someone could look down upon Ming State as one does upon the land.


    They would see that this time, Chen Sansi and his men had nearly brushed past the edge of the large army, passing by shoulder-to-shoulder! Just short of a face-to-face greeting! How could he have been played like this after a lifetime of warfare?


    Was this what Fang Qingyun taught him?


    No!


    Even Fang Qingyun couldn''t do this!


    When replaced by Fang Qingyun, at most, he might have burned the provisions and then gone on to attack other cities!


    This young man, how could he utilize such tactics? Was he really born for warfare, or who did he learn from?!


    He was leading tens of thousands of troops by the nose!


    Three thousand men, toying with tens of thousands!


    Next.


    It was the last chance!


    If Luotian Pass fell, it would be like releasing the tiger back into the mountain!


    ...


    Hongze River.


    Chen Sansi led everyone to cross the river once again.


    Qian Xun and his subordinates found a place to hide.


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    Bai Thingzhi and Xu Wencai, who were in charge of the rear, also arrived on time. This time they suffered heavy losses; they set out with nine hundred men and returned with just over six hundred.


    "Sir!"


    Gasping for breath, Xu Wencai said, "Yangchun Prefecture can''t hold any longer. The spies sent back news that last night Sha Wenlong and his men failed to break through and retreated back into the city, and at most, only three or four thousand people are left. A few more fierce attacks, and either the city will fall and its people perish, or they will abandon the city and flee, being pursued until death."


    Upon hearing this.


    Lu Shuhua, Xie Sishu, and Yan Changqing all felt a sense of dread.


    It seemed Dong An really had laid down a net of heaven and earth early on, just waiting for them to fall into it, and it was fortunate they last heeded Chen Sansi''s advice to cross the Hongze River three times, which allowed them to barely snatch a sliver of survival.


    At this moment, none of these three men dared to harbor the slightest arrogance.


    Throughout the journey, even the most obstinate person had to admit defeat to Chen Sansi''s correct judgment time and again. Imperceptibly, he had effectively become the supreme commander.


    "General Chen, we''ve crossed the river again, what now?"


    "Yes, a large force will soon be pursuing us from behind."


    "We will all listen to you, guaranteed no objections."


    "..."


    "Rest in place for three days!"


    Chen Sansi said, "After three days, we''ll head south first. There might be a tough battle in between, after which we''ll make further plans."


    He had a rough plan in mind.


    But the war situation was changing in real-time, and it was useless to speak ahead of time. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    From Yingzui Mountain to now, another twenty days had gone by.


    The places on the map that didn''t seem far, when actually traversed, were incredibly stretched, and this was why the pursuers had always been far behind, unable to catch up.


    They were resting in place for three days partly because everyone was nearly collapsing, and partly because he was on the verge of a breakthrough.


    No matter the future direction, someone had to stand up.


    Yu Song''s body had been pierced by several knives previously, stopping just short of vital areas. It would take two more months to recover to full strength, and the one to carry the flag had to be Chen Sansi himself.


    "Huh!"


    Chen Sansi persevered through the fatigue, consuming the last of the Spiritual Rice Medicine Ointment, then started practicing his spear technique.


    Three days later.


    With countless experiences of breaking through bottlenecks before, this time was exceptionally smooth.


    With each move he executed, he could distinctly feel the Outer Strength starting to become more consistent. From the initial ebbing and flowing like tides, it transformed into a continuous surge like ocean waves, and finally a tsunami, covering the sky and endlessly raging.


    "Buzz¡ª"


    Finally, Chen Sansi''s Five Tigers Soul-breaking Spear started emitting a continuous buzzing sound, indicating that the Power was circulating and enhancing within the profound iron, capable of unleashing immense force.


    [Cultivation Technique: National Guardian Dragon Spear. Hua Jin (small achievement)]


    [Progress: 0/2000]


    [Utility:..., Power stored in the weapon]


    Hua Jin small achievement, Jinli Holding Weapon!


    [Jinli Holding Weapon: Overpowering, with tremendous force and weight.]


    Unlike the previous mere Storage, now Chen Sansi could accumulate power inside his body just by holding the weapon and then unleash a force stronger with each instance.


    Similar to the Moon Splitting Saber Technique from Moon Splitting Mountain Villa, as long as his own Power didn''t exhaust, the force could continue increasing.


    Of course, there was a limit; it couldn''t increase indefinitely.


    After a brief experience, Chen Sansi was certain that if he encountered the likes of Xu Kai again, he could easily defeat him within five rounds without needing tactics like the Backward Charge Spear.


    As for the Meridian Passage...


    He wasn''t actually in true combat with Meridian Passage before, the previous two encounters were purely annihilating the opponent, so he wasn''t clear about the limits of the Meridian Passage Realm, but what was certain was, he definitely wouldn''t be unable to respond.


    That was enough.


    There were only a few in the Profound Image Realm.


    Ming State''s Martial Saint was only Zhong Wuxin from West Qi Country.


    These people were far beyond reach.


    As long as he could handle Meridian Passage, no matter what situation arose, he could be much more composed.


    "Let''s go!"


    "Head south!"


    Three thousand soldiers fully equipped, set off again.

 Chapter 146 Four Crossings of Hongze, Straight to the Heart

    Liangzhou.June 27th.


    "Bang!"


    "It''s broken, it''s all broken!"


    Sun Buqi rushed into the courtyard and said, "The last time we received news was when Shanshi burned the granary, and then there was no movement at all!"


    "Keep it down!"


    Sun Li glanced inside the room, "Sister Lan is going to give birth in two or three months, don''t let her hear."


    "Ah!"


    Sun Buqi held a roll of maps in his hands, which he spread out directly on the ground, "Sister, so much time has passed, and now, the situation is that Senior Brother and Senior Sister Nine have all gone to war, even the troops from the Capital have entered the Great Wilderness, and in at most one more month, there definitely should be reinforcements entering the heart of Ming State, but the problem is... Shanshi has already lost contact..."


    "Sister, don''t cry."


    "I am not saying Shanshi is definitely dead..."


    He ended up having to comfort her in return, "Last time Shanshi lost contact, it was for two months too, and in the end, it was fine. This time it will definitely be fine as well..."


    It''s really exasperating.


    He had not seen his sister cry since their mother had died.


    "Creak¡ª¡ª"


    The door was pushed open.


    Gu Xinlan, dressed in a loose gown, walked out with the support of Si Qin, "What are you two talking about?"


    Sun Li hurriedly wiped her tears, "It''s nothing, Sister Lan."


    As she spoke, she fiercely twisted Sun Buqi''s arm, even using her Qi-Blood power.


    "Hiss!"


    Sun Buqi grimaced in pain and hurriedly put away the map.


    "Sister Lan, let''s go back inside."


    Sun Li couldn''t even manage a smile, "I think the clothes I made for my disciple this time are quite pretty."


    "Enough, I''ve heard it all."


    Gu Xinlan took out a handkerchief and gently wiped the corner of the other''s eye, "There''s trouble in Ming State, right? I noticed something was off last time, but it''s okay, that scoundrel loves to play this disappearing act; he''ll be back soon."


    As she spoke, she hugged Sun Li in comfort, patting her shoulder.


    "To hell with this defiance!"


    Sun Buqi couldn''t stand it any longer, grabbed the map, and took off running.


    ...


    Ming State.


    Jiankou County.


    "Daughter, daughter!"


    "Mr. Si, I beg you, let my daughter go!" S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "To hell with you!"


    Jia Lao Si impatiently drew a gleaming Yanling knife, "Old man, if you want to die just say so!"


    Behind him, a young maiden was forcibly tied up and thrown into a horse cart.


    "Mr. Si, have mercy, she''s my only daughter!"


    "Puchi¡ª¡ª"


    The flash of a knife.


    The old man was instantly cleaved in two.


    "Next one!"


    Mr. Jia sheathed his knife, "Brothers, hurry up, I''ll give you two more hours, loot what you want, kill whom you wish. After that, we''re moving to the next city."


    "Hahahaha!"


    "Right, right, right!"


    "..."


    The Red Eyebrow Army pillaged from house to house.


    "Mr. Si!"


    "Back when you attacked Jiankou County, it was we, the common people, who opened the gates for you!"


    "You even promised before to provide us with food, but everything has changed, everything has changed!!!"


    "..."


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    "When you needed us to open the gates, we were useful. Now we''re good for nothing, just wasting food by being alive!"


    Mr. Jia looked at the wailing populace on both sides, "Massacre the city! Damn it, I''ve been through two city slaughters recently, and I was so tired. I planned to merely rob a bit here and leave, but since you don''t appreciate kindness, I suppose I''ll have to push myself more! Go wild, brothers!"


    Blood slowly seeped through the cracks of the citizens'' doors, gathering on the streets and forming a long crimson river.


    "Mr. Si!"


    A Red Eyebrow Army general emerged from an alley, "It''s about time we head to Luotian Pass. Dong An sent a messenger saying that the Reserve Camp''s survivors might flee to our location, urging us to be on our guard."


    "Nonsense! Do you think I don''t know military tactics?"


    Mr. Jia said carelessly, "They don''t have wings. Didn''t they just escape from here two months ago and even burned down Golden Spring Manor? How can they possibly get here so quickly?"


    "Mr. Si, I think it''s better to be cautious."


    The general advised, "Think about it, once you conquer the entire Ming State and even half the country, what does this momentary pleasure count for?"


    "Hmm, you make sense."


    Mr. Jia, grinning, said, "Then let''s hurry the brothers up to finish off here and then we can move on. Besides, what are you worried about? Isn''t Luotian Pass still guarded by three thousand men? Even if they do come, they won''t be able to break through anytime soon..."


    "Mr. Si, Mr. Si, they''re here!"


    A Red Eyebrow Army foot soldier ran over frantically, shouting, "We''ve spotted over three thousand of the enemy outside the city!"


    "They really came, how did they manage it?"


    The smile vanished from Mr. Jia''s face, and he said sternly, "How far away are they?"


    "Right outside the city gates!"


    "What?!"


    Mr. Jia kicked him, "What are you all good for?"


    "It''s dark, we couldn''t see, Mr. Si!"


    The Red Eyebrow Army foot soldier knelt on the ground pleading, "Only when the dawn broke did we see that it was densely packed with people, emerging like ghosts from the hills, terrifying indeed!"


    "Useless!"


    Mr. Jia, though unruffled, commanded, "Quick! Gather everyone for the defense!"


    There were still a few hundred soldiers on the city walls.


    Even though the enemy was already outside the walls, they could still hold them off for a while, giving them enough time to rally.


    The Reserve Camp''s remnants amounted to no more than three thousand people, and their rapid arrival implied they certainly lacked armaments and siege equipment. Even if the Red Eyebrow Army had only two thousand men, they would still be enough to wear them down.


    After all, there should be tens of thousands of pursuers right behind them.


    "Hum¡ª"


    The horns sounded.


    The Red Eyebrow Army, still in a frenzied animalistic state, instantly snapped to attention and rushed out of the houses, some pulling up their trousers, others stuffing silver into their clothes.

 Chapter 146 Four Crossings of Hongze, Striking Directly at the Heart_2

    "Folks! Let''s fight them!""Open the city gate!"


    "I heard him, it''s Mr. Chen who was stationed in Jiankou County before!"


    "..."


    Upon hearing the situation, one by one, the townspeople near the city gate rushed out from their hiding places.


    They were definitely not afraid to resist.


    Even a rabbit will bite when cornered, let alone people!


    With knives at their necks, they certainly knew to fight for their lives.


    But unarmed as they were, how could they stand a chance against the Red Eyebrow Army? They could only flee.


    But it was different if someone outside the city was storming it!


    All they needed to do was open the city gate, and the people outside could naturally rush in.


    And it was said to be the Reserve Camp!


    That meant Mr. Chen and his troops had returned!


    The same Chen Sansi from the crossing of the river!


    And a few months ago, when the Reserve Camp was stationed in Jiankou County, they committed no offenses. If they could break in, everyone wouldn''t have to die.


    "Charge!"


    For a moment,


    With hoes, bamboo rakes, sickles, and even kitchen knives, countless townspeople cried out as they rushed toward the city gate.


    "What are you doing!"


    "Troublemakers!"


    "Damn, no wonder the imperial lords despised you!"


    "..."


    On the city wall, the Red Eyebrow Army was at a loss, hesitating between descending to kill the citizens or continuing to guard the wall.


    Near the city gate, there were only a dozen or so Red Eyebrow soldiers, all of whom were Array Soldiers with no real skill. The higher-ranked ones who had real power had long gone to loot and kill inside the city, as they would not bother with menial tasks like guarding a gate.


    After killing a few dozen civilians, the dozen Red Eyebrow soldiers were completely overwhelmed and turned into masses of flesh under the hoes and sickles.


    "Stop it!"


    "Vile scum, vile scum!!!"


    The Red Eyebrow soldiers inside the city, even if reacting quickly, needed time.


    By the time they arrived, it was already too late. They saw with their own eyes the city gates flung open, and thousands of elite soldiers clad in uniform armor rushing orderly into the city.


    "Kill¡ª"


    "Execute the rebels, pacify the Northwest!!"


    "Don''t let them form any formations!"


    Chen Sansi noticed.


    This group of Red Eyebrow soldiers had a "spirit" far stronger than the last time he encountered them in Bai Gou County. If they were allowed to execute their formation, it would only lead to unnecessary losses.


    "Mr. Si, what should we do?"


    "Should we retreat?"


    "Retreat my ass, do you think there''s still time? Besides, what are you panicking for!"


    Jia Lao Si, drawing his sword, said, "The intelligence reported only one Meridian Passage, and I too am at the Meridian Passage. Kill them, leave not a single piece of armor!"


    ...


    "He''s a Meridian Passage!"


    After chopping down a Red Eyebrow soldier, Yu Song anxiously said, "I''ve seen the portrait of this man. Before we set out for Ming State, we received portraits of the high-ranking Red Eyebrow officers. He''s the former leader of Meishan Mountain Village, his real name is Jia Youtian, probably entry-level Meridian Passage. My realm is higher than his, but with severe injuries, I''m not his match alone. General Chen, shall we team up? I''ll take the lead, and you find a way to attack from behind."


    "Vice Admiral Yu, you tackle the Hua Jin, Meridian Passage...I''ll go!"


    "Bang¡ª"


    Before the opponent could react, Chen Sansi suddenly charged, his feet leaving a huge crater on the stone path, and in the blink of an eye, he was tens of yards away.


    "You..."


    Yu Song stood frozen in place for two breaths.


    ''Could he already be able to kill through the Meridian Passage?''


    Unable to dwell on his shock, he dragged his injured body into the fray.


    "Zi¡ª"


    Jia Lao Si slashed to death a Dasheng soldier in front of him, then saw a young general carrying a long spear rushing towards him at a speed so fast it seemed like a mutated Shadow Leopard, leaving trails of afterimages in his vision.


    Young, with a long spear, valiant.


    Chen Sansi?!


    "Heh, courting death!"


    Jia Lao Si''s expression turned dark.


    The intelligence from Yangchun Prefecture had specifically emphasized that if he encountered Chen Sansi, he must kill him. He really walked right into the trap, like a pie falling from the sky!


    This guy, when he set out from Liangzhou, was only at Refining Internal Organs Perfection.


    This kid is audacious!


    Without Yu Song, what made him think he could confront him?


    Even if he had achieved Hua Jin.


    How could he possibly stand a chance against someone in the Meridian Passage Realm?


    Perfect!


    After killing him, I''ll exchange him for a chance to slaughter a larger city!


    The nearby counties are terribly poor, while the wealthier households in Prefecture City have tender wives!


    "Shoo shoo shoo¡ª"


    While his opponent was running, arrows started flying, one after another without him noticing when they had been drawn.


    "A fifty-stone bow?"


    Jia Lao Si sneered as he effortlessly blocked the arrows, "Playing pretty tough, but this broken thing is useless against a Martial Artist above Hua Jin!"


    When there were just a few dozen steps left,


    Chen Sansi''s hand tightened around his long spear again, Blood Explosion, Storage, Xuan Yuan''s Internal Organs, Blood of Dragon Elephant, Nine Dragon Living Veins, etc., all enhancements simultaneously bolstered his physical body, unleashing a terrifying force that fused with the Soul-breaking Spear, tearing through the air like a sea dragon breaking out of the ocean.


    Jia Lao Si, having clawed his way up to the Meridian Passage Realm from a bandit, naturally wasn''t a simpleton. His hand wielding the Yan Ling knife daringly swooped up in a move called "Piercing the Clouds to See the Sun." sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The two forces collided, emitting a clang of metal striking against metal.


    Immediately afterward, both parties retreated dozens of steps.


    Neither gained the upper hand!


    "What''s going on?!"


    Jia Lao Si couldn''t believe it.


    He could feel that although the opponent was indeed at Hua Jin, the force he exploded with was in no way inferior to his own at the Meridian Passage. Discover stories at My Virtual Library Empire


    "Buzz¡ª"


    Before Jia Lao Si could figure it out, the long spear came attacking again.


    He swung his knife to block.


    Another collision.

 Chapter 146 Four Crossings of Hongze, Striking Directly at the Heart_3

    This round, he was subtly falling behind, and his opponent''s power was still increasing!"Absurd!"


    Jia Lao Si even thought he had developed hysteria as he roared out loud, finally no longer holding back and fighting with his full strength.


    However, he soon realized that something was terribly wrong.


    The kid''s attacks were more fierce each time, bursting out with even greater power as if there were no limits. Not only that, as time passed, his own saber technique seemed to be slowly getting decoded, and the opponent could always predict his next move with precise accuracy.


    "You are at Hua Jin! And not even Great Success, just small achievement! How could you have such powerful force! Damn it, I''m done fighting!


    "I can''t die, I must become a marquis in the future, to be above others!"


    Jia Lao Si''s will to survive surged, unleashing unprecedented power, he desperately swung his blade to temporarily push back his opponent, but before he could escape, the silver spear would arrive at his heart again, forcing him to stop and continue the fierce battle.


    So it repeated.


    Every time he briefly gained some distance, he had to face even stronger attacks until he could no longer parry, his saber technique full of holes, his stance even more unstable.


    "Puff!"


    Jiao Long seized a moment to bite a bloody hole in his wrist.


    From then on, the victor was decided!


    Within five rounds, Jia Lao Si''s body was stabbed like a sieve, and finally, the Martial Soul Soul-breaking Spear pierced directly through his mouth and out the back of his head, completely ending his life.


    Chen Sansi pulled out the long spear, and before the body fell, he used the Zhenyue Sword to sever his head, then leapt onto the roof to overlook the brutal fighting in the streets and alleys, shouting loudly: "Jia Youtian is dead, you all might as well surrender!"


    "Mr. Si, Mr. Si is dead!"


    The Red Eyebrow Army all looked up, recognizing their leader, and exclaimed as they scattered and fled.


    Even though they were "energized," they were ultimately a disorganized mob.


    Not to mention Chen Sansi''s men who had the Sinking Formation Death Will, even the regular soldiers of the Reserve Camp had stronger willpower. With their leader dead, the rest quickly dissipated.


    Moreover, they could not be allowed to escape; if they did, there''s no telling how many more civilians of other counties would suffer their wrath.


    Defeated troops are often a hundred times more dangerous than bandits!


    "Kill¡ª¡ª"


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    With the enemy general beheaded, the morale of the Reserve Camp skyrocketed, and the battle essentially turned into a one-sided slaughter, lasting from dawn till dusk, leaving the streets piled with bodies.


    "I''m exhausted..."


    Xie Sishu discarded his weapon and lay directly among the corpses, breathing deeply and heavily.


    These days were simply inhuman.


    Every day was either spent in the open or in desperate battles, without a moment''s rest.


    The civilians of Jiankou County had also participated, but after they opened the city gates, they couldn''t help much. Now, seeing the battle over, they came out to whip the corpses, then a lot of them knelt down.


    "Mr. Chen!"


    "Thank you, Mr. Chen, for saving our lives!"


    "All of us here in Jiankou County bow down to you!"


    "..."


    "Stand up, there''s no need to kneel."


    Chen Sansi was also somewhat exhausted. He raised his hand and said, "If anyone should be thanked, it should be you for desperately opening the city gates. Otherwise, taking it would have cost many lives."


    Lu Shuhua looked at Mr. Jia''s head on the ground and kicked it with his foot, "General Chen, how, how did you kill him?"


    "Nothing special."


    Yu Song, using the Mo Blade as a cane, walked over leisurely, "You can even kill someone by hitting their meridian points. It seems I should really give up my position as Assistant General to you."


    "Vice Admiral Yu, stop joking and rest well," Chen Sansi replied.


    Chen Sansi also closed his eyes to rest, "After dawn, we still have to continue traveling."


    [Skill: Commanding Soldiers (Small Achievement)]


    [Progress: 1555/2000]


    After months of fighting,


    The proficiency in commanding soldiers had skyrocketed by over a thousand, but reaching great success would still take some time.


    ...


    Yangchun Prefecture.


    "General Sha! We can''t hold it anymore!"


    "We only have two thousand people left!"


    "No matter how many civilians we kill, they refuse to come and help us!"


    "What should we do!"


    "Why don''t we open the gates and surrender!"


    "The people outside said, as long as we surrender, they will allow us to join West Qi Kingdom, and you, General Sha, would still be a Great General!"


    "..."


    "What did you say?!"


    "Puchi!"


    With one slash, Sha Wenlong decapitated the soldier trying to persuade him to surrender. The head flew off far, and blood gushed out like a fountain from the carotid artery, splattering everywhere. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His face ferociously twisted, he yelled at his men, "Anyone who dares to weaken the army''s spirit will end up just like him!"


    "Whoosh..."


    Cao Fan dropped the Azure Dragon Crescent Blade and collapsed, sitting down with a look of despair, "General, if you want to surrender, go ahead, I definitely won''t blame you."


    "Princely Heir, what nonsense are you talking?!"


    Sha Wenlong quickly knelt on one knee, "I, Sha Wenlong, know I am no virtuous man, but I also know gratitude and paying back kindness. Generations of my family have received the emperor''s grace, and even Young Master Yin is willing to go through fire and water for you. How could I not do the same?"


    "It''s over..."


    Cao Fan smiled bitterly and his expression grew numb, "We can''t hold it anymore. There''s absolutely no food left, not even horses to slaughter. The soldiers have no will to defend the city, so how can we continue?"


    "Then we won''t defend!"


    Sha Wenlong violently ripped off his eye mask, revealing his terrifyingly scarred blind eye, "First, we gather all the civilians inside the city and distribute weapons to them. Then, all of us will dress as civilians. Let the civilians go in front while you and I won''t follow the army but will blend with the fleeing people. Once we''re fifty miles out of the city and into the deep mountains and forests, no one will be able to find us. And don''t forget, General Lu has been fighting long enough that with his courage, he is bound to break through at Sword Gate Canyon. Then, it''ll be time for our rescue."

 Chapter 146 Four Crossings of Hongze, Striking Directly at the Heart_4

    ```To put it bluntly, it means abandoning everyone!


    Two people running away have the highest chance of survival. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Time reveals a person''s heart, adversity reveals true feelings!"


    Cao Fan sighed, "Who would have thought, my Cao Family in the Northern Territory, would have such a loyal minister and capable general like you! By the way, does General Sha have any hope of breaking through to Martial Saint?"


    "There is, but it''s slim."


    "Then, there''s a chance!"


    Cao Fan said, "As long as I can make it back alive, I will beg my father to train you with all his might. A loyal minister and capable general is much stronger than a mere genius!"


    "Thank you, Young Master."


    Sha Wenlong immediately went to arrange for the civilians to rush out first.


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    ...


    Outside the city.


    Rebel army camp.


    Dong An didn''t even wear his armour, dressed in casual clothes, his hair turned grey overnight, alarming the soldiers who couldn''t comprehend the situation.


    What''s the big deal about letting a few thousand people go?


    Why torment oneself to such an extent?


    Dong An was looking at a map and playing chess by himself.


    "Report!"


    "Commander!"


    The soldier rushed in to report, "Something bad has happened! Yangchun Prefecture City gates are wide open, roughly a hundred thousand civilians are fleeing in all directions, and we estimate the city''s defenders are mixed among them. What should we do now?"


    "Da~"


    Dong An remained silent.


    "General Dong, would you say something?"


    Xiang Tian approached, "I think there is absolutely no need to focus on the remnants of the Reserve Camp. Jia Lao Si is still there, and Luotian Pass has military forces, they can''t escape. What''s urgent is to find a way to kill Sha Wenlong inside the city, and then capture Cao Fan alive!"


    Dong An still did not speak.


    From time to time, he would pick up a pen and scribble on the map.


    He was replicating the previous battle, like reviewing a chess game, to see how the opponent had managed it.


    "Report¡ª"


    The scout hastened back, panting: "Commander! News from Dong An at Jiankou County!"


    "Jia Lao Si..."


    Finally, Dong An spoke, his voice hoarse, "He should be dead by now, right."


    "General, how did you know?"


    The scout was surprised and then said, "The army that was in pursuit, when it passed by Jiankou County, Mr. Jia and his men had all died, and there was no news of the Reserve Camp''s remnants, they must have continued southwards, heading straight for Luotian Pass, which now has been left vulnerable..."


    "Tell Liang Jinian."


    Dong An said solemnly, "Block them at Luotian Pass, and be careful with your troops, watch for their feints. In the last two instances, we were deceived by feints, don''t fall for it again.


    "Also here, here, we need to station heavy troops and stay put to prevent them from repeating their trick, launching a Backward Charge, returning by the same path. The flanks must also be heavily guarded; by all means, they must be completely surrounded and killed!


    "I previously...


    "Underestimated them too much!"


    "Chen Sansi is smart, and this Yu Song isn''t bad either. Don''t forget, he''s the Main General of the remnants of the Reserve Camp."


    "Golden Spring Manor''s former defender was at Minor Meridian Passage, and so was Jia Lao Si. Killing two Meridian Passages in succession, he undoubtedly stands out in his realm. So, next to Chen Sansi, we must also pay close attention to Yu Song''s movements. If he doesn''t show up, it''s highly likely a feint. Make this clear to Liang Jinian."


    "Yes!"


    The scout accepted the order and left.


    They were responsible for writing the orders on paper and then delivering them to the Black Hawk.


    "Mr. Dong!"


    Xiang Tian said anxiously, "The arrangements are made over there, what about us here?"


    "You handle it."


    Dong An said indifferently, his gaze still not moving from the map.


    "Handle it?"


    Xiang Tian could no longer hold back, "General Dong, why bother? Even if a few thousand people escaped, what difference does it make? Let them do what they want. Taking down Yangchun Prefecture is the top priority."


    "What do you understand?!"


    Dong An gave a tiger-like glare and spoke fiercely, "Xiang Tian, do you realize what the remnants of the Reserve Camp mean? There are four individuals with the Body of Martial Saint alone! Not to mention, there''s Chen Sansi who far surpasses Fang Qingyun!


    "He''s not just good in warfare, but he will also achieve top-notch martial prowess! Don''t forget the rumors from Liangzhou, Sun Xiangzong might very well pass the Immortal Law to him! If this man isn''t taken down, it won''t only be a problem for us, he might not even be good news for Dasheng!


    "What are you standing around for? Can''t you handle the two thousand people in Yangchun Prefecture?"


    "Yes, I understand."


    Xiang Tian accepted the order and hurriedly left.


    "If, if I can crush the Chen surname this time, it would prove that Fang Qingyun is no longer a match for me."


    In Dong An''s heart.


    The young general who had been playing a game with him for less than half a year had long surpassed Fang Qingyun and became the enemy of his destiny.


    Some people live for money, some for power, some are fond of sensual pleasures, but what he was born to pursue is to become the number one Military Master in the world!


    Just like the Master of War a millennium ago.


    After his death, when people learn military strategy, the Military Books they study will be the ones he left behind.


    So, defeating this man was more important to him than anything else!


    If he could win this game, the previous losses would mean nothing.


    Because everything would become experience, absorbed and converted into his own strength, to be used on other battlefields in the future!


    He must, win!


    This battle is larger than his life!


    ...


    Meishan Prefecture.


    "It''s still decreasing!"


    Liang Ji paced anxiously in his room, acutely aware of the changes in his body, "It must be because they''ve suffered another defeat, another defeat! That''s what''s causing this!"


    "Report!"


    The intelligence finally arrived.


    Liang Ji quickly opened it to take a look and didn''t forget to collate it on a map and the sand table to replicate it, "What a strategy, attacking Yangchun Prefecture openly and crossing Hongze River secretly! They''ve used this trick once already during their second crossing!"


    ```

 Chapter 146 Four Crossings of Hongze, Striking Directly at the Heart_5

    "Jia Lao Si, did Jia Lao Si manage to stop them?""Report¡ª"


    "Update from the East Bank battle!"


    "Mr. Jia''s forces were completely wiped out at Jiankou County!"


    "What? He''s dead? How is this possible, how is it possible!"


    Liang Jinian was somewhat frantic, "The Reserve Camp has been on the march, weary to the bone, first slaying the Meridian Passage and Hua Jin primary and deputy generals at Golden Spring Manor, and then again killed Mr. Si in Jiankou County.


    "It seems we have all underestimated Yu Song before, this man is bravely invincible, bound to achieve greatness in the future!"


    "Commander!"


    The soldier said, "What do we do next, we only have two thousand defenders at Luotian Pass, including one Meridian Passage, given this fighting power, they really might be able to break out. Should we call in additional forces from Meishan Prefecture?"


    Liang Jinian did not rush to make a decision but looked at the maps and sand table, analyzing, "Their current location is most likely south of Jiankou County, nearly arriving at Xiao Luo County.


    "According to common sense, if we want to stop them, we should indeed mobilize the troops there immediately.


    "But don''t forget!"


    "Last time, it was after they made a feint at the Great Luotian Pass and then turned to cross westward, making a fool of us, so this time, do not rush."


    "How many forces can we still draw together in Meishan Prefecture?"


    "Reporting to the Commander, according to the latest roster, there are ten thousand and five hundred sixty-two people."


    "Good!"


    Liang Jinian played with his abacus, squinting his eyes and said, "Convey my command, deploy eight thousand to encamp by the Hongze River, among them, three thousand to cross the river to support the siege at the Great Luotian Pass, and the rest stand by for orders!


    "If it''s really a main attack on the Great Luotian Pass, then launch an all-out offensive!


    "If it''s a feint, remain in place, always ready to defend or surround from the north!


    "This time, they are surely doomed!"


    "A brilliant plan, Commander!"


    An Assistant General exclaimed, "With such an arrangement, we can ensure they don''t escape from the Great Luotian Pass and prevent them from crossing the Hongze River again, going around in circles within Ming State''s territory."


    "This Chen Sansi with merely three thousand men, holding out against us for such a long time, is indeed impressive, his abilities are not inferior even to mine."


    Liang Jinian''s mood lightened considerably, putting down the abacus he said, "I''ve heard, he was also a scholar before, and he couldn''t even pass the Scholar examination, I actually feel quite a bit of empathy for him.


    "Unfortunately, an enemy is an enemy, to kill him is also to show my respect for him.


    "Let it be so, after his death, remember to leave an intact body, and then send it to Meishan to be peacefully buried."


    "A humane and righteous Commander!"


    "..."


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    In the rebel army camp of Yangchun Prefecture City.


    Dong An, upon looking at the returned messages, it felt as if a weight was lifted from his heart.


    "Good, very good! Liang Jinian, truly worthy of the one who acquired the Heavenly Book, no fool indeed. Such arrangements can be said to be foolproof, it''s over!"


    "This time, it really is the end!"


    "Hiss..."


    He tried to stand but felt dizzy and nearly collapsed to the ground.


    "Commander!"


    The devoted attendant hurriedly helped, "Over the past seven or eight days you''ve only had one bowl of porridge, even an iron man can''t hold up! As practitioners of Martial Arts, we need to consume more meat to replenish our strength!"


    "Really? Have I not eaten for that long?"


    Dong An laughed, "I didn''t even realize, go on then, get some roasted meat for the commander, roast a sheep, and bring some soup. Forget the wine, just soup will do."


    "Understood."


    The attendant immediately went to happily carry out the command.


    The Commander''s happy mood indicated that the upcoming battle situation was going to turn completely in our favor.


    ...


    In Xiao Luo County.


    "We''re back again."


    Chen Sansi looked at the dilapidated city gate and, together with Yu Song, led his brothers into the city.


    Xiao Luo County, now void of any army, only maintained by constables from the government office, were actually people of the Great Sheng Dynasty, who simply submitted previously due to the pressure from Chi Mei. Seeing them was akin to a welcoming parade. They even had food prepared in advance.


    Having eaten a warm meal and rested briefly for half a day, they continued southward, heading straight for Luotian Pass, stopping near the wilderness only two hundred li away, waiting for the news from the scouts.


    "Report!"


    Zhao Kang ran until his shoes fell apart, he reported, "Luotian Pass is indeed weak in troops, after our probing, they are at most two thousand strong!"


    "Excellent, excellent, excellent!"


    Yan Changqing was overjoyed, "We''ve survived, we all survived!"


    "That''s right!"


    Xie Sishu also swept away the fatigue from his body, "The Imperial Army entered the Great Wilderness three days ago, as long as we break out, in a month we can join up with the Imperial Army, then return with the main force to take vengeance!"


    "We..."


    Lu Shuhua wasn''t quick to express his position, "Let''s first see what General Chen has to say, right?"


    "You already know what''s best."


    Yu Song cast a glance, "General Chen, everyone is waiting for your ''order'', get on with it."


    Back and forth so many times. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    They have completely submitted, up and down, who dares to make their own plans, speak nonsense? Each time before has proven, with just over three thousand men, death was just half a step away.


    "Luotian Pass, seems we cannot get out through there..."


    Chen Sansi first threw cold water on them and then patiently explained, "Each time after we cross the river, we lack sufficient warhorses, leading to a drastic reduction in the marching speed. I was also trying it out, but now it seems indeed too late.


    "After we arrived at Xiao Luo County, probably both Dong An from Yangchun Prefecture and Liang Jinian from Meishan Prefecture received the news and will certainly dispatch troops and horses to reinforce beforehand."


    "Under these circumstances, to break through Luotian Pass we need to act fast and decisively."

 Chapter 146 Four Crossings of Hongze, Striking Directly at Huanglong_6

    "But Luotian Pass is different from the likes of Jia Youtian in Jiankou County. They are responsible for defense and are always on alert. Moreover, the plan to ''lure the enemy into the pot'' to trap the Liangzhou Soldiers was already set. The defenses at Luotian Pass have been perfectly repaired. Last time, Xu Wencai and the others witnessed it themselves. Even if they only have two thousand men, without siege equipment, which we will need to either find or make, it will take at least twenty days to have a chance of breaching it." sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality."Such a long time is not only enough for reinforcements to reach Luotian Pass, but also for the forces chasing us to catch up overwhelmingly."


    "Therefore, if we continue south and forcefully attack Luotian Pass, we are certainly doomed."


    As the words were spoken,


    even those who were mentally prepared fell into a dead silence.


    "Then... what do we do?"


    After a long pause, Xie Sishu finally said, "Is this truly a dead end?"


    Chen Sansi said indifferently, "There is a way..."


    "If you have a way, General Chen, spit it out already. Do you want to scare us to death?"


    "Exactly, exactly, we''ve reached this point, we will definitely obey your command. You tell us to go east, and we won''t even consider west!"


    "Yes, General Chen."


    Yu Song, having recovered much of his injuries, looked significantly better: "Do you have any concerns? It''s okay, just speak your mind."


    "Hmm."


    Chen Sansi nodded and asked, "Everyone, what do you think has been the most critical moment in this battle so far?"


    "Sword Gate Canyon? As long as General L¨¹ breaks through, with his valor, all our problems will be solved!"


    "That''s not right, I think it''s Yan State. The White Tiger Camp and Vermilion Bird Camp are facing the mighty army of the West Qi Kingdom. Further west is the Great Wall. If they win, it will put great pressure on the West Qi Kingdom."


    "It seems you''re all wrong, and General Chen hasn''t shown any agreement."


    Yu Song said with wry humor, "Then I guess it''s the Imperial Army. Once the General breaks through from Luotian Pass, our Great Sheng Dynasty will surpass the Enemy Army in terms of troops, and we can gradually gain the advantage."


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    Chen Sansi still shook his head: "Old Xu, what do you think?"


    Xu Wencai waved the feather fan in his hand, landing on the location of Meishan Prefecture: "My lord, could it be that you''re referring to Liang Jinian?"


    "That''s right."


    Chen Sansi continued, "The Red Eyebrow Army doesn''t have many soldiers, but without the Red Eyebrow Army, there wouldn''t be this chaos in Ming State. At the end of the day, it''s not really Liang Jinian, but rather what he has in his hands... the Heavenly Book and Strange Weapon!"


    "Do you understand?"


    He paused, "Whether it''s the West Qi Kingdom or the rebel Dong An, they all came for the Miracle Soldiers Heavenly Book. You all only know military tactics, not realizing that ultimately, war is nothing but a battle for ''momentum''."


    "The hype of an Immortal''s gift, the Heavenly Book and Strange Weapon, is the biggest ''momentum''."


    "If things go as I have predicted, this chaos in Ming State will stir the whole world, because people worship Immortals. They believe the Immortals are supporting the rebellion, which indicates that the Great Sheng Dynasty''s days are numbered, and they will desperately join the chaos."


    "This is why the Red Eyebrow Army, which started with just a few thousand men, could cause the situation we see today."


    "But on the contrary!"


    "If the rumors about the Immortals are dispelled, then the enemy''s ''momentum'' will self-destruct without being attacked, the subsequent war situation will see a reversal of offensive and defensive momentum, and the Enemy Army will no longer have any advantage of time, location, or people. They will fall into an extremely difficult war of attrition,"


    "So, we must¡ª"


    Under everyone''s watchful eyes, Chen Sansi''s finger, like a stabilizer, forcefully tapped on the west bank of the Hongze River. Each word he spoke resonated in their minds like thunder on a clear day.


    "Cross the Hongze four times, and storm Meishan!"


    To storm the dragon in its lair is to strike at the heart, and for their understanding, Chen Sansi replaced it with Meishan.


    Four crossings!


    "A brilliant move, no, a divine strategy, this is a divine strategy!"


    Xu Wencai gasped, the first to come to his senses.


    He prided himself on mastering military tactics and had spent many years studying famous battles over a thousand years.


    At the beginning of the Ming State upheaval, he could keep up with the lord''s pace, but after the third crossing, he became somewhat perplexed, and now, even more lost, until he heard the words ''four crossings,'' as if suddenly enlightened.


    He explained to the others who were still confused: "Currently, most of the troops are chasing us from behind, and only the main base of the Red Eyebrow Army, Meishan Prefecture, can send reinforcements quickly!


    "But given the progress of the war, there won''t be many troops left in Meishan Prefecture City, at most no more than fifteen thousand, though it could be just a few thousand."


    "So, once they divide their forces to support, it will leave their main base vulnerable, and we can take the opportunity to cross the Hongze River four times to the west and then directly attack Meishan Prefecture!"


    "Liang Jinian, just a scholar, not even as good as an Array Soldier, and without any High Realm Martial Artists around him, as long as we break through, he will only be left with death!"


    "Once Liang Jinian is dead and the Heavenly Book and Strange Weapon are in our hands."


    "Not only will we be saved, but it will also greatly aid the battle situation in Ming State!"


    "This is what the lord intends."


    "Cross the Hongze four times, and storm Meishan!"


    But...


    Chen Sansi hadn''t spoken earlier because there was another very serious issue that needed careful planning.

 Chapter 147 One General Achieves Success

    ```Four Crossings of Hongze, straight to Meishan Prefecture!


    The rest, under Xu Wencai''s detailed explanation, also gradually came to realize.


    Their pupils trembled visibly to the naked eye.


    What does this mean?


    They''re not planning to run anymore.


    And directly...


    Win the battle?!


    Originally.


    If these three thousand men were to burn the forage, no matter what, as long as they did not defect, they would be at the forefront of the merit books at the end of this battle, and if they were to destroy the main camp of the Red Eyebrow Army and seize the legendary Miracle Soldiers Heavenly Book.


    Then wouldn''t that be...


    Heavenly Merit!


    Genuine Heavenly Merit!


    Three thousand men, influencing the direction of a huge battle involving three hundred thousand on both sides!


    Every one of them, Heavenly Merit!


    This isn''t a pipe dream!


    Upon understanding, the others also felt that this plan was feasible.


    "Then what are we waiting for?!"


    Lu Shuhua stood up, "General Chen, when do we set out?"


    "We''ll set out tomorrow at 5 a.m."


    Chen Sansi pointed at the map and allocated, "This time, Vice Admiral Yu and I will lead one thousand men to cover the rear. Then, Xu Wencai, you take Brother Lu and the others to cross the Hongze River from the west, hide at the crossing of Hongze and Wushui, and once there is a signal of burning the mountains from our direction, immediately cross the Wushui River and head straight for Meishan Prefecture City. You must seize Liang Jinian as fast as possible and take the Heavenly Book. Brother Lu, Brother Xie, and Mr. Yan, if you trust me, follow Xu Wencai''s command!"


    "Alright!"


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    Lu Shuhua nodded forcefully, "General Chen, rest assured. We''ll listen to you and entrust the command to Mr. Xu, but..."


    "There''s something I don''t understand."


    Xie Sishu took over the conversation and uttered the second half, "Why do you and Vice Admiral Yu need to personally remain behind for this feint attack? You two are currently the highest in our Martial Arts Realm. Isn''t it a bit..."


    "It''s alright."


    Chen Sansi said solemnly, "The Red Eyebrow Army is originally composed of bandits. No matter how many people they have gathered in recent years, the number of High Realm Martial Artists has always been just a few. By the time they cross the river, the highest rank among the generals left in Meishan Prefecture will not exceed the Hua Jin stage. It''s been almost half a year, Brother Lu, yesterday I saw you practicing martial arts, you''re about to reach Hua Jin too, right?"


    "Exactly."


    Lu Shuhua didn''t deny it, "Just a hair away, I should be able to break through tonight!"


    "Then there''s no problem."


    Chen Sansi continued, "If we encounter any Hua Jin generals, I''ll leave them to you."


    "General! Why don''t you let me cover the rear!"


    Bai Thingzhi asked with confusion, "You and Vice Admiral Yu, one is in charge of command while the other is the Main General, what are you two doing staying behind?"


    "I have my arrangements."


    Chen Sansi stated, "Get everything arranged quickly, there''s no time for explanations anymore."


    After he finished speaking, he left carrying his long spear and soon disappeared without a trace.


    "This..."


    Lu Shuhua and the others looked at each other in dismay.


    "Why does this feel so strange?"


    "Yeah."


    "The two of them staying behind for the feint, why?"


    "It''s not necessary!"


    "..."


    Yu Song didn''t speak, almost lying on the map, his movements somewhat clumsy as he carefully studied it.


    "Mr. Xu, do you know the reason for this arrangement?"


    "..."


    "Because this is not a feint at all!"


    Xu Wencai suddenly realized something and was overwhelmed with tears, muttering to himself, "Such benevolence! Having such an enlightened ruler, I, Xu Wencai, have no regrets in this life! But we absolutely cannot do this, we cannot take such a big risk!"


    "What are you talking about?"


    Lu Shuhua and the others were even more confused.


    "I can''t stop Mr. Wang; I must find someone who can!"


    Xu Wencai looked around hastily and then rushed toward the area where the main force was resting.


    "God damn it!"


    Wang Zhi slapped Feng Yong on the head, "Last time it was clearly me who killed more, hand over the ten taels of silver quickly, don''t think of stiffing me."


    "Bullshit!"


    Feng Yong retorted, not convinced, "The ones I killed were all Bone Training level, one of them is worth ten of yours!"


    "..."


    After the battle with Jia Youtian, the soldiers took advantage of the rest to settle their gambling debts with each other, making some bitter fun for themselves. After all, they just needed to follow orders.


    During this half-year, no matter how flustered the rest of the soldiers were, they were relatively calm.


    "Mr. Wang!"


    Xu Wencai interrupted them, "May I speak with you in private?"


    "Is it something you can''t say here?"


    Wang Zhi looked at him and after a moment''s hesitation, still agreed, "Okay!"


    The two of them went to a secluded corner.


    Wang Zhi clenched a grass root in his mouth and began, "Go ahead Mr. Xu, what''s going on?"


    "Mr. Wang!"


    Xu Wencai asked, "You must be the former Main General of Xuanwu Camp, Tang Ruoshan, correct?"


    Wang Zhi was startled.


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    Xu Wencai explained, "I overheard Mr. Wang calling you ''Elder Brother'' inadvertently last time, hence my conjecture. This matter is of great importance, so I implore Mr. Wang not to withhold any information."


    Wang Zhi replied seriously, "Speak."


    "Here''s the thing..."


    Xu Wencai recounted the whole situation in detail.


    "Does this lad want to repeat my missteps?"


    After hearing everything, Wang Zhi''s brow furrowed into a "Sichuan" character, murmuring, "I understand. I''ll stake my life to stop him!"


    ...


    Elsewhere.


    After spending a long time on the map, Yu Song finally understood. Cursing under his breath, he scooped up the map and set off in the direction Chen Sansi had left. Eventually, he found Chen Sansi sitting on a large rock by a stream, lost in thought.


    "General Chen, how did you end up hiding here?"


    Yu Song sat down beside him and stealthily reached into his chest to pull out a water bag, sniffing it after opening: "Guess what this is?"


    ```

 Chapter 147 Achievements of a General Part 2

    "Alcohol?"Chen Sansi didn''t need to peer inside; as soon as the stopper was removed, the potent scent of alcohol hit him.


    "That''s right!"


    Xu Wen boasted as he introduced, "This alcohol is called ''Drunk Saint'', they say even the Martial Saint would get drunk after a few sips. It''s very expensive, you know, just this water bag costs several hundred taels of silver!"


    "I brought it from Liangzhou when I set off, planning to share it with the brothers after winning a victory, but who knew this battle would drag on for half a year, and there hasn''t been a chance to have a taste until now."


    "Want some?"


    "Sure."


    Chen Sansi didn''t stand on ceremony and grabbed the water bag to take a gulp.


    The liquor was medicinal and steeped with an Exotic Beast, so after downing a swallow, his body felt fiery hot, and just one gulp made him slightly tipsy; this was indeed the first time he had drunk such a strong beverage, no wonder it was called ''Drunk Saint''."


    "Hahaha!"


    Xu Wen laughed as he snatched back the water bag and took a big swig, grimacing as he endured the harshness of the strong liquor while spreading the military map out in front of them.


    He pointed at the map, "General Chen, I just took another good look at our entire marching route since arriving in Ming State, and you are brilliant. You don''t realize until you look, but you''ve been leading a group of us toying with an army of more than a hundred thousand men."


    "I bet they''re all furious, especially Dong An; that man is well-known. Losing a battle is worse for him than losing his life, let alone to us, who number just over three thousand."


    Chen Sansi said nothing.


    "Why are you silent, boy? You look down on me? I''ve been in the army for so long and became an Assistant General. I understand some tactics at least!"


    Xu Wen continued, gesturing with his hand, "This time, the reason you had us two stay behind to cover the rear is because feint attacks don''t work anymore, right?"


    Chen Sansi did not deny it.


    "One may be cheated once or twice, but not forever! Use the same tactic too often, and even a pig would see through it, not to mention living, breathing men!"


    "Neither Dong An nor Liang Jinian of Meishan are fools; if not, the Liang surname wouldn''t have received an ''Immortal''s gift''. Therefore..."


    Xu Wen emphasized, "We can''t feint anymore; only a real attack can attract more of their forces, causing Meishan Prefecture''s defenses to thin."


    "But how can we make the exceedingly clever Liang Jinian and Dong An believe that we''re serious, not feigning?"


    "What''s more convincing than the Main General appearing at Luotian Pass?"


    "That''s why you asked for the two of us to stay behind to cover the rear."


    "How about that, am I wrong in my analysis? I haven''t been fighting these years for nothing, have I?"


    Chen Sansi nodded, "Vice Admiral Yu is spot on."


    "Good, good! What does this mean? It means ''create an opportunity if none exists''!"


    Xu Wen exclaimed, "General Chen is indeed a mastermind, a rare talent in command throughout the ages!"


    "I always felt you would become one of the premier figures in the Eight Camps, surpassing General Lu is not impossible. The hope of the Eight Camps lies with you."


    "But..."


    At this point,


    Xu Wen''s tone shifted suddenly, and he lunged forward to fiercely grab Chen Sansi''s lapels, hissing angrily, "I was wrong, you son of a bitch are a coward, a coward!"


    "Vice Admiral Yu..."


    Chen Sansi was somewhat bewildered by the other''s abrupt change.


    "Chen Sansi!"


    Xu Wen''s eyes reddened as he bellowed, "I ask you, what is the duty and responsibility of a qualified general, a person in command of soldiers?"


    "You won''t say?"


    "Fine, let me tell you!"


    "A general needs to achieve strategic goals while minimizing losses!"


    "It''s that simple!"


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    "Just this one line is enough!"


    "And you, what are you doing?!"


    "Vice Admiral Yu..."


    Chen Sansi''s gaze was complex, "I don''t understand what you mean."


    "Still pretending to be dumb with me!"


    Xu Wen shoved him to the ground, cursing without any courtesy, "Covering the rear, it''s enough with just me alone; why did you have to follow along? Because your strategy requires my death to succeed, so you feel sorry, guilty, you think you''ve caused my death! Right? Answer me!"


    "Yes!"


    Chen Sansi admitted.


    Since joining the army, he had never intentionally exchanged his brothers'' lives for victory, especially not so many lives.


    Of course, he wasn''t truly on a suicide mission; he had the Abnormal Fire and Sword Qi Skill as trump cards, and there was still a chance of survival, albeit with great risk.


    "Such cowardice, such misplaced mercy!"


    Xu Wen''s eyes showed contempt, "Do you think General Fang or Supervisor Sun would decide differently? They would leave me to cover the rear without hesitation, then lead the troops to attack Meishan Prefecture!"


    "If my death can bring victory in this battle, then my life as an Assistant General is well spent; history has never seen such a bargain!"


    "I''m telling you, if our roles were reversed, I would have sent you to die, not waffle like a woman here!"


    "I ask you!"


    "If you stay with me and die here, can Lu Shuhua and the others truly accomplish their mission? Are they really capable?"


    "Xu Wencai might be impressive, but at the end of the day, he''s no better than an Array Soldier; the battlefield is unforgiving, and should he fall, who else could command? Are the rest up to the task?" S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "If chaos ensues and Meishan Prefecture isn''t taken, wouldn''t everyone have died in vain?"


    "Your strategy shows you understand this better than I do; how can you be so irresponsible? Do you know how valuable your life is? Even if you must die, it should be on the way to attack Meishan Prefecture, not at Luotian Pass!"

 Chapter 147 One General Achieves Success Part 3

    Chen Sansi closed his eyes, "You''re right."He understood all this well enough; the other''s admonishments severed the last shackle in his heart.


    The battlefield was just like that.


    Without sacrifice, there could be no victory.


    "Knowing I''m right is good!"


    Yu Song looked at him, his voice trembling slightly with excitement, "So, put away your pathetic, cowardly sympathy and pity! Those who are benevolent don''t handle money, and those who are kind don''t command troops!


    "On the battlefield, it has always been that for one general''s success, thousands of bones lay dry¡ªa timeless truth!


    "But as long as they die a worthy death, the brothers will absolutely have no grievances!"


    "Don''t talk anymore!"


    He looked at the other, preparing to speak, but interrupted, "You kid are talented, but your biggest flaw is still your youth, hence your heart is too soft towards our own people! I hope that after this battle, you can transform, you can grow, and become a true general, and in the future, become a true commander!"


    "You don''t have the right to refuse.


    "I listened to you before because you were right, but this time, you''re wrong!"


    "And don''t forget, I''m the assistant general of the reserve camp, and you''re just a thousand captain. Military orders are like mountains; you have no right to defy them!"


    "I understand."


    Chen Sansi wasn''t being sentimental. When he reopened his eyes, his gaze had become resolute, "After dawn, please Vice Admiral Yu select one thousand cavalrymen to attack Luo Tian Pass. The more noise, the better, but for the first two days, try not to suffer too much loss. Drag it out as long as possible. Additionally, send someone to watch over Southern Wilderness Mountain. Once you see from the west bank of Hongze River, toward Meishan Prefecture, a large army approaching, immediately set fire to the mountain to send a signal. Then I will seize the opportunity to cross Wushui River and head straight for Meishan Prefecture."


    "Afterward, Vice Admiral Yu can try to break through on his own, if... there''s still a chance."


    "Hahaha!"


    After listening, Yu Song burst into hearty laughter, "That''s right! You should have arranged it like this from the start. In doing so, Meishan Prefecture is as good as gone. The unrest in Ming State, once the court''s army arrives, won''t take long to be quelled!


    "Come, to celebrate our mighty feat, let''s drink!"


    "I''ll go catch a rabbit to roast."


    Chen Sansi picked up a bow and arrow, and went into the forest ahead. In less than the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, he returned with a wild rabbit. Then, using the Zhenyue Sword, he butchered it cleanly and started a fire to roast the meat beside a stream.


    The two men ate the rabbit meat and drank wine, unknowingly passing from dusk deep into the night.


    "Alright!"


    Yu Song, with a hint of intoxication, said, "I need to practice some martial arts to sober up; we still have to depart after daybreak. General Chen should also hurry and make preparations, don''t delay the military opportunity."


    "Your subordinate obeys the order!"


    Chen Sansi bowed with his fist, turned, walked a few steps then stopped, "Vice Admiral Yu, do you have any last requests for your subordinate to carry out?"


    Calling it a request was really a euphemism for a final wish; both understood it very well.


    "I almost forgot about that."


    Yu Song grinning said, "I do have something I''d like to ask General Chen to do. I have three sons at home who don''t like studying but love martial arts. The oldest one has a decent constitution. There won''t be a position for Selected Point under Supervisor anymore, so please take some time to teach him a couple of moves when you have a moment, General Chen. You are the closed-door disciple of Lord Governor, and your teaching is no different from the Lord Governor himself¡ªhaha, much better than me. I''m benefiting from a great bargain."


    "I will provide for your son until his end!"


    Chen Sansi promised and then bowed before departing.


    Outside the woods.


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    Wang Zhi and Xu Wencai finally located them.


    "Looks like there''s no need for us to persuade anymore."


    "Yes..."


    Xu Wencai breathed a sigh of relief, "The lord is good in all things, ruthless enough to enemies, but only soft-hearted when it comes to our own people. But after this time, I guess the lord will not be like this anymore..."


    "Senior brother."


    Chen Sansi stopped in front of Wang Zhi, "You should meet with Vice Admiral Yu, in another identity."


    "Me? With the way I look, how could I face anyone?"


    Wang Zhi forced a smile, "Well, since you put it that way, I''ll brave my shame and have a chat. Honestly, I could stay behind too. If I meet some Internal Refiners, I could still hold my own in a fight."


    "Senior brother."


    Chen Sansi objected, "You are needed; who knows, perhaps later on, there might even be a chance to cure your old malady!"


    Even an Immortal might be repairable.


    The injury to a martial artist''s meridians may yet have a chance of healing.


    "Alright then."


    Wang Zhi, carrying his sword, went forth.


    The next morning, early.


    The troops split into two groups.


    Chen Sansi led two thousand men to cross the river to the west, temporarily hiding near the junction of the Hongze and Wushui Rivers.


    ...


    "Kill!"


    "Don''t let a single one escape!"


    "Princely Heir Cao Fan and Sha Wenlong are among these civilians!"


    "..."


    "Spare us, military lords!"


    "We''re just commoners, not soldiers..."


    "Pu-chi¡ª"


    Outside Yangchun Prefecture, amidst barren hills and wild ridges.


    Commoners were everywhere.


    The rebel army was in pursuit from behind.


    In the midst of the chaos.


    Disguised as civilians, Sha Wenlong and Cao Fan, having discarded even their weapons, ran desperately forward in a sorry state.


    "I can''t go on..."


    "Thud¡ª"


    Cao Fan, running, suddenly collapsed.


    He hadn''t eaten for ten days, and if not for the robust physique of a martial artist, he would''ve starved to death long ago. But precisely because of his martial arts training, his body''s depletion was greater, making the hunger excruciatingly painful.


    "Young Master, please wait!" S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Sha Wenlong leapt away and soon after snatched some dry food from the fleeing commoners, "Please eat, Young Master. Once you''re done, we''ll continue on our journey."


    The two were dressed in tatters, their faces crudely disguised with Disguise Technique, looking nothing like a Great General and Princely Heir, but rather like pair of beggars.

 Chapter 147 One General Achieves Success Part 4

    As for the others...Continue your adventure with My Virtual Library Empire


    They''re probably mostly dead by now, buying them quite a bit of time.


    The lives of two thousand men, exchanged for their two lives, was too good a deal!


    "Princely Heir, I just went to the forest and received a report from Hai Dongqing!"


    Sha Wenlong said reassuringly, "General L¨¹ is about to break through Sword Gate Canyon to come to our aid. Truly, his valor is unmatched in history; we are saved! Princely Heir? You... you''re wounded?"


    "Cough cough..."


    Cao Fan wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, collapsing to the ground, "I was internally injured while defending the city. General Sha, you need not worry about me."


    "Absurd! I am Sheng Chen!"


    Sha Wenlong carried the Princely Heir on his back, "Your Highness, please don''t give up. Chen Sansi and others are indeed dead this time. Once we get out, if we follow General L¨¹ Ji and achieve a few merits, upon your return to Liangzhou, you''ll be the leading True Inheritor!"


    ...


    Luotian Pass.


    Yu Song led over a thousand men, camping on the plains thirty li outside the pass, using fabrics collected along the way as military flags and beating drums that shook heaven and earth, entirely appearing like a massive army about to storm the gate at any moment.


    Inside the pass''s fortress.


    Liu Shoujiang, in charge of defending, stood at a high point, watching the fiercely advancing Great Sheng soldiers, his expression grave.


    "General, what should we do?!"


    A subordinate asked frantically, "With so many people, shouldn''t we immediately notify Liang Dashuai to gather all the troops from the west bank here?"


    "What''s the rush; if it''s just a feint to bluff us, wouldn''t it cause Meishan Prefecture to fall into danger? Liang Dashuai has warned of this!"


    Liu Shoujiang said sternly, "Pass my order, for now maintain our defense and observe the enemy. Once they begin to storm the pass, send out two Hua Jin Generals to probe their reality. Unless it is confirmed that their main general Yu Song is present, consider it merely a feint!"


    One day later.


    "Report!"


    "General! Just now, the enemy attacked the city. Both Hua Jin Generals we sent to break their formation were killed, and through reconnaissance, it''s confirmed that the one attacking is a General in the Meridian Passage Realm. Besides Yu Song, who else could it be!"


    "Where are they now?"


    "They withdrew just before dawn, also suffering heavy losses. We roughly counted, and just the dead on their side are over four hundred men, no doubt their main force!"


    "Oh yes, there was also a young general wielding a long spear. Hearing how they shouted, it seemed like that Chen Sansi!"


    "Good!"


    Liu Shoujiang rejoiced, "In that case, with Yu Song and Chen Sansi both present, quickly write a letter, tell Liang Dashuai to immediately have the forces on the west bank cross the river to encircle them. The sooner, the better, don''t give them another chance to escape!"


    The intelligence was swiftly written, tied to the leg of a Black Hawk, and flown toward the west, in the direction of Meishan.


    This Black Hawk was incredibly swift!


    It was sent by the West Qi Kingdom after their alliance with the Red Eyebrow Army, incomparably precious, even more so than the Hai Dongqing often used by the Great Sheng Dynasty. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ...


    Reserve Camp, campsite.


    In the darkness.


    The Great Village, having only five hundred men left, was still brightly lit with torches; all the soldiers patrolled, not a single one rested, thus creating the illusion of substantial military strength.


    "How was it, Qian, playing Chen Sansi today, was it exciting?"


    Yu Song looked at the young Refining Internal beside him, joking, "Scaring the fools at Luotian Pass silly."


    "Exciting, yes, but my cultivation is a bit low, I almost blew it a few times!"


    Captain Qian said a bit awkwardly, "Luckily those they sent out to probe weren''t too powerful, and with Vice Admiral Yu''s help covering for me, I barely managed to bluff through."


    "Qian, do you feel wronged?"


    Yu Song passed over the last of Drunk Saint, "You''re only twenty-five or twenty-six years old."


    "It was I who insisted on following you, so what''s there to feel wronged about?"


    Captain Qian smiled, "Besides, if Mr. Chen and the others succeed, it would mean having accomplished a great feat; by then, our families will surely be richly rewarded, no need for us to worry about them."


    "Yes, you''re right."


    Yu Song stood up, a trace of excitement hidden in his eyes, "We soldiers, who doesn''t have the ambition to achieve Heavenly Merit? To fulfill those ambitions would mean dying without regrets!


    "Moreover, after this, General Chen will truly have commanded a large-scale battle, accumulating rich experience. Once the Commander retires, there''s hope for the Eight Camps! You and I, fortunate to take part in this battle, haven''t lived in vain!"


    Captain Qian looked toward the fish-belly white of dawn in the east, "Vice Admiral Yu, the problem is we can''t hold out much longer..."


    They ultimately only had a little more than a thousand men.


    Now only half remained after several onslaughts.


    A couple more assaults would expose them.


    "Estimating the time, it should be soon."


    Yu Song silently watched the empty wilderness ahead, falling into silence.


    ...


    Meishan Prefecture.


    "Husband, please drink the medicine."


    Gao Peiwen held a spoon, urging, "If your body collapses, how will you accomplish what you''ve planned?"


    Liang Jinian said nothing but stared at the map, muttering, "I can''t afford to lose any more, the effect of the Immortal Items is weakening. If I lose again... there should be news from Luotian Pass by now..."


    "Cheep¡ª"


    An acute screeching sound rang out.


    A dark figure flew directly through the window into the room, landing in front of the scholar.


    Liang Jinian quickly took the intelligence from the dark figure''s leg, reading it before his face lit up with unabashed joy, "Good! The presence of main general Yu Song at Luotian Pass is confirmed; they are doomed this time!


    "Someone, someone!


    "Pass down my commander''s order, let the entire army cross the river, and march straight to Luotian Pass! After eradicating the Reserve Camp, stay at Luotian Pass and prepare to meet up with Dong An''s troops arriving later, getting ready to face the forces coming from the Great Wilderness of the Sheng Dynasty Capital."

 Chapter 147 One General Achieves Success Part 5

    ```"It''s over, it''s all over!"


    As long as the Reserve Camp''s remnants are successfully annihilated, we will be able to steady the situation in the southeast corner and then block the Capital''s troops coming from Sheng Dynasty. At worst, we will be entangled in a protracted war of attrition with Sheng Dynasty''s forces. The grand scheme of Ming State, is settled!"


    ...


    Outside Luotian Pass.


    The eastern sky slowly welcomed a rising red sun.


    A fast horse galloped out of the morning glow, its rider, a scout, bellowed in a loud voice, "Report¡ª¡ª"


    "On the west bank of the Hongze River, in the direction of Meishan Prefecture, at least seven thousand troops are crossing the river!"


    "Based on their march, it will take them at most another day and a half to reach the grand Luotian Pass!"


    "Good!"


    Yu Song was overjoyed and with a wave of his hand, ordered, "Set fire, burn the mountain!"


    "The rest of you, follow me and break through to the Great Wilderness."


    "Break through¡ª¡ª"


    ...


    Wulian Mountain.


    This place is where Hongze River meets Wushui River.


    Chen Sansi had his men waiting here well in advance.


    "General Chen."


    Lu Shuhua counted the days, "We''ve been hiding in this spot for four or five days, how come we''ve seen no signal from Vice Admiral Yu and his men? If this doesn''t work, should we turn back?"


    "Wait a bit longer."


    Chen Sansi replied calmly, "Vice Admiral Yu and his men are capable."


    "Smoke¡ª¡ª"


    "Fire!"


    No sooner had he spoken, than everyone saw billowing black smoke rising in the southeast, like a black dragon ascending to the skies, spiraling above Luotian Pass and ferociously devouring the momentum of the Red Eyebrow Army.


    Success!


    Due to the distance between them to ensure rapid communication, setting the mountains on fire was used as the signal.


    Now that the wildfire had spread for a hundred miles, it indicated that Vice Admiral Yu and his men successfully attracted the last of Red Eyebrow Army''s elite forces, leaving their main stronghold, Meishan Prefecture, in an unprecedented state of vulnerability.


    Next!


    It is the final dance of this battle!


    "Prepare the chariot, General!"


    "Convey my command!"


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    Chen Sansi''s pupils gleamed resolutely in the sunlight, his voice as sonorous as a great bell, reverberated in the ears of two thousand soldiers, "After the entire army crosses the Hongze River, seize the bridge and cross the Wushui River, then march straight for Meishan Prefecture, capture Liang Jinian alive!"


    "Capture Liang Jinian alive!"


    "Capture Liang Jinian alive!!!"


    Two thousand men shouted in unison, their morale soaring to unprecedented heights.


    At this moment.


    In Chen Sansi''s eyes, the phrase "Sinking Formation Death Will" surfaced once again. Even if individuals like Yan Changqing had different thoughts due to their status and positions, at this very moment, everyone shared one common goal in mind¡ªkill the traitors!


    "Who says I bear no clothes, with my brothers I share my robe!"


    "Brothers, cross the river¡ª¡ª"


    They were already well-prepared, crossing the Hongze River for the fourth time within a mere two days.


    Qian Xun and other horses had long been waiting on the riverbank.


    The Wushui River, it has a bridge!


    Their horses could advance unobstructed, reaching Meishan Prefecture at lightning-fast speed, appearing like Heavenly Soldiers descending upon the earth.


    ...


    "Break through¡ª¡ª"


    The remnants of the Reserve Camp, led by Yu Song.


    The last thirty horsemen, riding on seized warhorses, set fire to the mountains on their return journey after failing to force their way through Luotian Pass, resolving to cross back over the Hongze River and re-enter the heart of Ming State.


    Unfortunately, they were surrounded on all sides by the enemy army, encircled as tightly as if in an iron barrel.


    In a valley.


    They were left with no room to retreat.


    "How come there are only so few men?"


    Liu Shoujiang reined in his horse, frowning at the mere thirty-odd riders before them, and demanded loudly, "Yu Song! Where are the rest of your men? Tell us their whereabouts and you will be spared!"


    They were the ones who had converged from all directions, theoretically, no one should have been able to escape.


    But they had only managed to kill less than a thousand enemies; the Reserve Camp''s remnants clearly numbered more than three thousand.


    The answer they received was the sound of swords being drawn.


    "Reserve Camp, charge¡ª¡ª"


    Yu Song raised the Mo Blade high.


    The last thirty or so riders of the Reserve Camp charged into the enemy army''s formation of tens of thousands. In an instant, they were overwhelmed, disappearing without a trace, like mud cows into the sea...


    ...


    Yangchun Prefecture.


    The rebel army''s main camp.


    Dong An, donning his full armour with the help of his attendants, took up a He Miao Long Sword. He looked much better than he had in days, his eyes brimming with confidence.


    "Report!"


    "Outside the city, about fifty miles away, we suspect we''ve discovered traces of Sha Wenlong and others!"


    "General Xiang is already in pursuit."


    "Commander, do you wish to go see for yourself?"


    "Mm, I know, once the battle report from Meishan Prefecture arrives, I will personally go there myself."


    Dong An, holding a writing brush, sketched and planned on a map.


    But his focus wasn''t on the movements of the Reserve Camp''s remnants; instead, he was strategizing the overall situation in Ming State.


    The Reserve Camp''s men couldn''t possibly still be alive. The arrangements at Luotian Pass were foolproof, and the feint they employed was no longer effective. That Chen kid has run out of tricks at last!


    Once the confirmation of the result matches his prediction, Dong An will personally don his armor, first to pursue and kill Sha Wenlong and then to assist Zhong Wuxin in the battle against Ji at Sword Gate Canyon.


    The subsequent battles, however, seemed uninteresting to him, simply a contest of military strength and logistical support, without much room for surprises.


    "Report¡ª¡ª"


    "Word from Luotian Pass, the Reserve Camp''s remnants have been completely wiped out!"


    "Vice Admiral Yu Song''s head is on its way here!"


    "..."


    "Hmm, wait a second..."


    Dong An sensed something amiss, "Only Yu Song? Where''s Chen Sansi''s head?" sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Commander..."


    The soldier bowed his head, not daring to meet his gaze: "There''s more important news. According to the battle report from Liu Anxing, they killed around a thousand of the enemy, the whereabouts of the other two thousand are unknown..."


    Dong An shouted angrily, "Nonsense! Speak clearly!"


    "Commander, I have told all there is to tell!"


    ```

 Chapter 147 One General Achieves Success Part 6

    The soldier''s voice trembled slightly, "It''s just that we didn''t find the person.""Just? Two thousand people missing, and you tell me it''s just?!"


    "Bang¡ª"


    Dong An kicked violently.


    The soldier spat out blood and died on the spot.


    Inside the tent, there was deadly silence, none of the soldiers dared to speak.


    Dong An returned to the front of the map, picked up the brush again, and mumbled to himself as he analyzed:


    "Impossible!"


    "The Reserve Camp was surrounded by a large army from all four directions!"


    "After they attacked Luotian Pass, it was absolutely impossible for them to have time to retreat!"


    "Unless..."


    "Unless these two thousand men never really went to attack Luotian Pass but had hidden away early!"


    "That means..."


    "This attack on Luotian Pass was another diversion!"


    "No!"


    "All the main generals were there!"


    "Yu Song''s head has already been cut off, this has been confirmed by multiple sources, there is no mistake!" Stay updated with My Virtual Library Empire


    "All the main generals were killed in battle"


    "Absurd!"


    "How could there ever be an example of main generals letting their subordinates die to cover their escape!"


    "If it really was so, what were they trying to do?"


    "Where did the other two thousand men escape to!"


    Dong An spared no effort, brought in a brand new map, and replayed the course of the battle in Ming State from beginning to end, until midnight when a loud thunder sounded in the sky, and the brush in his hand dropped to the floor with a "plop."


    "Whoosh¡ª"


    Ming State was hit by a downpour again, extinguishing the last flicker of hope in his heart.


    "It''s all over... all over..."


    "Thump¡ª"


    "Commander!"


    The soldiers hurriedly came forward.


    This time.


    Two hours later, Dong An finally opened his eyes again; he lay on the cot, his lips pale as if he had walked back from the brink of death: "Go tell Liang Jinian to run... never mind, it''s too late..."


    "Too late, what do you mean too late?"


    The soldiers, confused by what they heard, felt an inexplicable panic as they looked at the commander.


    "Commander!"


    A Deputy General leaned over the cot and earnestly asked, "Commander, please explain clearly, you''re a brilliant strategist, how could it be too late, even if it''s just to minimize our losses."


    "..."


    Dong An closed his eyes and said nothing more, as if he were a dying man.


    "This..."


    The men had no choice but to go inform Liang Jinian.


    ...


    Meanwhile.


    Meishan Prefecture.


    "Outrageous!"


    Liang Jinian angrily slammed the table: "Two thousand men! How could Liu Anxing let so many people go and then tell me they''re untraceable?!"


    "Commander, where could they be?"


    The last City Guard General in Meishan Prefecture, He Xianliang, asked: "From the moment they attacked Luotian Pass, they shouldn''t have had any chance to escape!"


    "Not good!"


    Liang Jinian paled in shock, "They never even attacked Luotian Pass."


    "How, how could that be possible?"


    He Xianliang said, "Commander, the head of Yu Song from the remnants of the Reserve Camp is undeniably real. Could the Main General have stayed behind to cover our retreat with his life?"


    "It''s exactly because of this that they fooled all of us! Deceitful, deceitful villains!"


    Liang Jinian wanted to flip the table, but lacking the strength, he instead ended up falling to the ground, where he roared fiercely: "How could this be, how could this be!


    "Even if he is exceptional, he is still just a Thousand Captain!"


    "A Thousand Captain could command a Main General to willingly die; there''s no logic in this at all!"


    "How could Yu Song have consented!"


    "Someone, come quickly!"


    "He Xianliang, how many men do we have left?"


    He Xianliang answered, "Commander''s trusted aide, plus the last of the City Guard Army, we still have over two hundred men left. Is something the matter?"


    "Over two hundred men, not enough to defend the city..." Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Liang Jinian grabbed the map, "Wait, I remember, aren''t there still over eighteen hundred people slaughtering in Linhe County?"


    "Yes, Commander."


    He Xianliang explained, "These people are the original veterans of Meishan Mountain Village. After winning the central region''s battles, they came back here as a reward from you, Commander, for slaughtering the city."


    "There''s still time!"


    Liang Jinian ordered, "Immediately summon them back to Meishan Prefecture, and be sure to intercept the remnants of the Reserve Camp on the road!"


    "What?"


    Hearing this, He Xianliang finally understood why the Commander was so panicked, and said incredulously, "Commander, you mean to say... this can''t be possible, right?"


    "Commander, it''s terrible!"


    A member of the Red Eyebrow Army burst into the hall, dripping with urine: "A hundred li outside the city, we found, we found approximately two thousand cavalry, it''s unknown where they came from! They claim to be Heavenly Soldiers and Generals, and they are here to reclaim the Heavenly Book bestowed to the Commander by the Immortal!"


    "This..."


    He Xianliang was in shock.


    The remains of the Reserve Camp indeed appeared just as the Commander had said.


    What''s the difference between this and real Heavenly Soldiers and Generals!


    "Nonsense, they are the remnants of the Reserve Camp, where are any Heavenly Soldiers!"


    Liang Jinian angrily said, "They are saying this merely to intimidate you!"


    He knew, if they succeeded, the rebel army''s might would collapse in an instant.


    Everyone across the world would think him devoid of virtue and capability, the Heavenly Book would return to Dasheng, signifying Dasheng''s power is not yet exhausted, and it was all just an unremarkable rebellion!"


    "Fine, I will use the Heavenly Book, and have a decisive battle to the death with you!"


    Liang Jinian removed several pages of golden paper from his person, flowing with mystical Formation symbols."


    He Xianliang immediately knelt down: "Please bestow the formation, Commander!"


    "Boom¡ª¡ª"


    A surge of Mystical Energy that mortals could not perceive entered He Xianliang''s body.


    "Go."


    Liang Jinian swept his sleeve: "After the bestowed formation, you all will have the strength for a battle!"


    "Rest assured, Commander!"


    He Xianliang accepted the command: "Since Yu Song has died, even if it''s that Chen Sansi leading men here, at his best he has only just reached Minor Hua Jin, while I, at least, have achieved Minor Meridian Passage. Plus with the formation bestowed by the Commander, I swear on my life, I will definitely win this battle, and then bring back Chen''s head to present to the Commander!"


    "Quickly go."


    Liang Jinian said nothing more, just watching his silhouette as he slowly closed his eyes and sighed.


    The Red Eyebrow Army''s severe lack of high-ranking generals was their fatal flaw.


    But He Xianliang, having come from a Major Sect and achieved Minor Meridian Passage, might not necessarily be inferior to that Chen Sansi.


    Nevertheless.


    If this battle succeeds, it''s not yet too late.


    If this battle is lost, his life is over.


    ¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 148 Set the Overall Situation, Obtain the Heavenly Book

    Outside Meishan Prefecture.Dark clouds covered the sky, thunder rumbled continuously.


    A fierce storm erupted, evil qi rising!


    More than two thousand cavalry charged south from the north bank of Wushui, harboring a towering killing intent. Above the pitch-black heavenly dome, each flash of lightning illuminated the dense and uniformly arranged cavalry formation, truly as if the Heavenly God was furious, a divine army descending.


    Along the way, passing county towns, none were without terror.


    "Chi Mei lack virtue, the heavenly generals come to collect!"


    "..."


    The deafening slogan quickly resonated along the north bank of Wushui, spreading among the people.


    This is.


    The momentum to kill!


    "Report!"


    Zhao Kang, riding his horse swiftly, arrived, "Sir, ten miles ahead, an army formation appears on the essential road to Meishan Prefecture, it looks like they''ve hurried over from the nearby Linhe County!"


    "General Chen!"


    Lu Shuhua asked, "What do you think we should do!"


    "Kill!"


    Chen Sansi spat out a word.


    There isn''t always a strategy available, when necessary, there''s only one word, kill!


    Amidst thunder and lightning, the two armies encountered each other directly.


    Looking as far as the eye can see.


    The Red Eyebrow Army arrayed their formation, which isn''t recorded in the Military Books.


    The Heavenly Book Formation!


    Their formation was orderly, and vaguely, it seemed they were utilizing the power of heaven and earth, with a stream of pure white Xuan Qi circling above them, from a distance appearing like a vast fog rising on a rainy night.


    "Brothers!"


    He Xianliang, in the center of the formation, raised his spear high, his voice shaking the rain on his face, "The Commander just granted us the formation, we are the real Divine Weapons Descending, as said in the Heavenly Book, this battle is our destined victory for the Commander to stabilize the heavens and earth!


    "The troops ahead, are nothing but remnants and defeated soldiers of the Reserve Camp, like rats scurrying through the state of Ming, leading them Chen Sansi, merely a Thousand Captain, I could take him down under my horse with just a snap of my fingers!


    "So brothers, charge freely! A head for an ounce of gold!"


    "Kill, kill, kill!"


    "Boom, boom, boom!"


    The enemy''s momentum was equally enormous.


    "Heavenly Book..."


    Chen Sansi, looking at the white Xuan Qi above their heads, gripped the Five Tigers Soul-breaking Spear firmly in his hands with a determined gaze.


    He really wanted to see, what treasure granted by the Immortal!


    Because it was bestowed to the Red Eyebrow Army, the scourge that slaughters towns and people!


    If it is true.


    Then this Immortal,


    should also be killed!


    "Kill¡ª¡ª"


    No more strategies.


    The Reserve Camp''s soldiers also arrayed into formation, charging with the One Line Long Snake Formation, transitioning into the Heaven and Earth Triadic Formation, followed by the Four Gates Capture Formation to surround and attack, then assisted by the Five Tigers Herding Sheep Formation, until at last, the more than two thousand men gradually fused into one, forming the Nine Characters Chain Formation, ultimately transforming into the Ambush from All Sides Formation!


    This is.


    The Ten Formations of the Military Family!


    In contrast, the Red Eyebrow Army''s formation was more complex. Under the mist-like Xuan Qi and leveraging the power of heaven and earth, they unleashed combat power far beyond their normal capacity.


    So much so that in the initial rounds of charges, both sides suffered equally, the young elites of the Reserve Camp gained no advantage!


    Chen Sansi, using the Qi Observation Skill among the waterfall-like rains, sought his target, and finally found their Main General at the core of the enemy''s formation, his aura foundation far stronger than Jia Lao Si, estimated to be around the realms of Minor Meridian Passage.


    Yet another tricky problem!


    This was why after Yu Song appeared at Luotian Pass, the enemy firmly believed that the Reserve Camp was truly attacking Luotian Pass with all their strength, thus lowering their guard as an essential reason. Enjoy new stories from My Virtual Library Empire


    They had no senior generals left!


    Without the combat prowess of a Meridian Passage Realm such as Yu Song, their threat was greatly diminished. Even if they truly appeared outside Meishan Prefecture, they still had to face a high-level general of Minor Meridian Passage.


    Chen Sansi quickly assessed the current situation in his mind.


    Beyond the suppression of realms, there was another key point.


    He noticed that all the "white Xuan Qi" originated from this enemy general.


    Just kill him!


    The "Heavenly Book" enhancement would naturally collapse!


    "Lu Shuhua, Xie Sishu, one on each side, cover me!"


    Chen Sansi gave the order, then spurred his horse forward with his spear in hand.


    "Yes!" Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Lu Shuhua and the others acted as commanded, closely following his side, blocking attacks from all directions.


    "Clang¡ª"


    The sound of weapons clashing and the thunder in the sky exploded simultaneously, the formidable impact scattering a burst of water in the air. Under the terrifying impact, Chen Sansi''s Vajra Body, fueled by the racing blood of the Jiao Long, began to vibrate, his man and horse reared up high, like a painting under the brilliance of the lightning.


    After all, it was a Mastery of Meridian Passage!


    If not for the extraordinary White Swan Horse, his horse might not have withstood this strike.


    "Minor Hua Jin?!"


    He Xianliang showed a look of astonishment.


    The intelligence was clear, it only marked him as Refining Internal Organs Perfection at the end of the Selected Point, before dispatching to Ming State, at most at the entry-level of Hua Jin. Just half a year and he''s achieved Minor Hua Jin?


    What a speed!


    Fortunately, it was still Minor Hua Jin.


    He was at Mastery of Meridian Passage.


    Between them, spanning three realms!


    After a single exchange, the two warhorses sprinted past each other, then immediately turned, initiating a second clash, long spear and long spear continually colliding, like two Jiao Long wrestling, both aiming to use this rainstorm to ascend into dragons. The prerequisite, however, was swallowing the other to empower themselves!


    The most distinctive aspect of the Meridian Passage Realm was the formal use of the meridians!


    Flesh, Qi-Blood, and power, all maximized to the extreme, laying the groundwork for the next phase, the Profound Image Realm.

 Chapter 148 Set the Overall Situation, Obtain the Heavenly Book_2

    Just like the difference between Blood Refining and Refining Internal, the gap cannot be said to be small.These were indeed three distinct realms!


    Moreover...


    He Xianliang was a true Sect genius with a solid foundation, not some ordinary bandit with a superficial cultivation.


    Every time Chen Sansi crossed blows, he had to endure severe pain. Fortunately, with the Storage Power and Mystical Yuan in his organs, he was able to hold on. However, as time passed, the Mystical Energy boost on the bodies of the Red Eyebrow Army became increasingly apparent!


    The Formation used by the enemy troops subtly matched the thunderstorm, possessing an indescribable magic. Even though the Formation of the Reserve Camp was also practiced day and night, it gradually fell into disadvantage, then continued to widen the gap, and the number of casualties began to increase.


    The direct subordinates Chen Sansi brought from Po Yang County, relying on their understanding, were doing fine, but the others under them were not so lucky...


    If this continued.


    Their Array Soldiers would soon all be sacrificed, and the situation would then transform into the enemy''s Formation encircling and attacking our military officers one by one, with the addition of Mystical Energy, how long Lu Shuhua and the others could hold on was hard to say.


    The increase in casualties could not continue, enough people had died in this battle!


    "Clang!"


    Chen Sansi''s long spear was once again knocked aside by a forceful blow. He did not counterattack, but instead took the opportunity to gallop away dragging his spear, and after continuously stabbing several intercepting Red Eyebrow Rebel Army soldiers, he dashed into the curtain of rain.


    "Don''t run!"


    He Xianliang chased after him without any hesitation.


    When the distance between the two sides had closed to a certain extent.


    The Five Tigers Soul-breaking Spear suddenly counterattacked.


    Backward Charge!


    "A mere trick!"


    He Xianliang, already prepared, almost instantly blocked the long spear with his own spear, then flicked the long spear into the air, adjusting his position at a bizarre angle, and thrust directly towards the enemy General''s heart.


    "Crack¡ª"


    At that moment, a terrifying thunder resembling a spider web streaked across the dome above.


    Using the light from the electricity, He Xianliang saw that the enemy General, having lost his weapon and caught in an inevitable deadly situation, was not panicked at all; instead, he looked at him calmly as though he had been prepared for the Backward Charge and had anticipated it being blocked.


    Then why did he still use this move?


    In his rapidly dilating pupils, the following scene reflected.


    This young General, who had played rounds with a 300,000-strong army in Ming State using just 3,000 soldiers, at this critical moment of life and death, didn''t think about how to dodge to save himself but was forming hand seals, looking like some mindless Taoist.


    Immediately afterwards.


    He Xianliang witnessed a phantom image gathering on the opponent''s fingertips, which looked... like a small sword, only it was very tiny, almost like a sewing needle. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Experience exclusive tales on My Virtual Library Empire


    What was this?!


    "Rumble¡ª"


    After the flash of lightning, a thunderous sound erupted, and the phantom in the young General''s hand vanished.


    He Xianliang only felt a chill in his forehead, and then he could no longer see this world clearly; he fell straight from his horse into the mud, a trickle of blood emerging from his forehead and quickly being washed clean by the rain, blending into the mud.


    All of this happened in an instant.


    Chen Sansi reached out and caught the Five Tigers Soul-breaking Spear previously flicked into the air, stabbed it down into the corpse''s skull, creating a huge bloody hole to cover up the wound from the Sword Qi Skill.


    The reason he had lured his opponent here was not to use the Backward Charge for a sneak attack. When the gap in realms was too large, small tricks were useless; it was solely to keep away from the main battlefield, to prevent others from discovering his use of Spell.


    "He Xianliang is dead!"


    "You rebels, quickly surrender¡ª"


    Under the enhancement of Qi-Blood, Chen Sansi''s roar at times overwhelmed the thunder, deafening.


    He could see.


    After He Xianliang''s death.


    The mist hovering over the Red Eyebrow Army dispersed at a rapid pace, vanishing in a few breaths'' time.


    The enemy soldiers, looking at the skull under the intermittently illuminated head with its terrifying visage, lost all their will to fight, one after another they turned and ran, and the previously exquisite Formation naturally completely collapsed.


    The tide of the battle shifted in an instant, turning into a one-sided massacre.


    ...


    In Meishan Prefecture City.


    "Commander, Commander¡ª"


    A member of the Red Eyebrow Army stumbled in, covered in blood and knelt on the ground, sobbing: "It''s over, it''s all over! General He was decapitated by that Chen Sansi, our brothers are mostly dead, the remaining people from the Reserve Camp are heading straight for the city, they will arrive in no more than half a day!"


    "So soon?!"


    Liang Jinian seemed as if he had been drained of strength, collapsing into a chair: "Chen Sansi is only at Hua Jin, how could he kill He Xianliang in such a short time, let alone, I... I even bestowed them with Spell!"


    It was a matter of life and death, he held nothing back.


    In this last battle, almost all the remaining Immortal Items were used up!


    "We... we don''t know either, Commander!"


    Several Red Eyebrow Army soldiers who had fled earlier returned and knelt in a row: "That Chen Sansi isn''t human at all, once he starts fighting he disregards everything and charges straight at General He, like a madman!"


    "Commander!"


    "What do we do, Commander!"


    "..."


    "Enough noise!"


    Liang Jinian was overwhelmed: "How long until reinforcements get here at the fastest?"


    "Commander, it will take at least fifteen days at the earliest!"


    "..."


    "You, first pack up the belongings, take the lady and some gold and Silver Coin, and then wait here for me!"


    Liang Jinian unsteadily left the mansion, mounted a fast horse, and went straight to a nearby grove, kneeling down and imploring to the sky: "Immortal, save me!"

 Chapter 148 Settling the Grand Scheme, Obtaining the Heavenly Book_3

    "Immortal! It is Liang Jinian who is incompetent. I have lost this battle and failed the treasure bestowed by the Immortal!"Stay updated through My Virtual Library Empire


    "I beg of you, Immortal, to lend me your aid once again, grant me another chance, an opportunity to make a comeback! I cannot accept this, I cannot accept this! Why should these dog officials strut around while we live so meekly? Why should they look down on me? I want revenge, I want to kill all the scholars, Immortal, help me!"


    "Immortal¡ª¡ª"


    However.


    No matter how much he shouted, he received no response.


    Liang Jinian forced a bitter smile and gave a resounding kowtow: "It seems that the Immortal has lost faith in me. I take my leave!"


    Back at the residence.


    The belongings were all packed.


    In total, there were seven or eight members of the Red Eyebrow Army, plus a woman and an old man in his seventies.


    However, as the Red Eyebrows gazed upon the gold, silver, and the beautiful lady, their eyes began to shift restlessly.


    "What are you standing there for?"


    Liang Jinian ordered: "Hurry up and leave, there might still be a sliver of hope!"


    "Commander, it''s over!"


    One of the Red Eyebrows with a beard said: "Even if we don''t understand military tactics, we know that what comes next is almost certainly death, unless we abandon the burdens..."


    "Yes, Commander!"


    Another chimed in: "Or perhaps, Commander could use a more powerful Immortal Law!"


    "Exactly, exactly."


    The others agreed: "Otherwise, they''re coming for you, and no matter where you go, you can''t escape."


    "You..."


    Liang Jinian clenched his fist beneath his wide sleeves, but eventually suppressed the surge of anger and adopted a calm demeanor, speaking lightly: "No need for Immortal Law! I have just consulted the Heavenly Book and once again received guidance from the Immortal. The Immortal told me to exit through the South City Gate and head towards Mei Mountain. There, an Immortal will surely protect us!"


    "Really?"


    The Red Eyebrows looked at each other, half believing, half doubting: "Can the Commander still meet with the Immortal?"


    "You impudent fools! How dare you!"


    Liang Jinian narrowed his eyes: "You dare to doubt me? Cut him down!"


    "This..."


    The Red Eyebrows hesitated, but seeing the scholar''s confidence, they dared not defy him. In the end, quite suddenly, one of them stabbed the man who had expressed doubt to death.


    "Commander!"


    They knelt down again: "Just give the order, we will escort you and the lady out of the city!"


    Liang Jinian commanded: "You go ahead and bring the horses, only the black ones. Today, only by riding black horses can we meet the Immortal, hurry!"


    "Yes!"


    The Red Eyebrows scattered.


    Inside the hall, only the woman, the old man, and he remained.


    "Uncle Wu!"


    Liang Jinian stuffed all the gold and silver into their hands: "You''re the only one I can trust. You must take Pei Wen to West Qi. Prime Minister Zhang there will see to your well-being!"


    "Liang, this, this is after a defeat, no matter, don''t be sad."


    Housekeeper Wu asked, somewhat confused: "What''s going on? Can''t we leave together?"


    "Indeed, husband."


    Gao Peiwen gently took the scholar''s hand: "Aren''t you going with me?"


    "No!"


    Liang Jinian struggled to speak: "The Dasheng soldiers are after me, the Commander of the Red Eyebrows. As long as I am present, you will never escape! Only by separating from me do you stand a chance to live."


    "Nian Lang!"


    Gao Peiwen cried like a pear blossom battered by the rain, throwing herself into the scholar''s arms.


    "Uncle Wu, I entrust you with this task!"


    Liang Jinian, having reassured her, forcibly pushed her away, "If it hadn''t been for you, sir, sneaking food and books to me from your residence back then, I probably wouldn''t recognize a single character. I shall repay your kindness in my next life!"


    As he spoke, he gave a deep bow and then resolutely turned and left.


    "Liang, don''t worry, even if it costs me this old life, I will ensure your wife is safely escorted to West Qi!"


    "Husband!"


    "Bang!"


    Housekeeper Wu knocked him out from behind with a stick, then called over two maids to join him as they left in a horse-drawn carriage through the back door.


    "Quickly, go!"


    Liang Jinian arrived at the front gate where several Red Eyebrow Army soldiers indeed had gathered seven black horses. They all mounted and headed straight for the East City Gate, but after escaping for twenty li, a white horse leading over a thousand men surrounded them, sealing off every direction completely.


    "Commander, you..."


    "Liang, you deceived us!"


    At that moment, several Red Eyebrow Army soldiers realized the truth.


    Liang Jinian wasn''t leading them to escape or to meet any Immortal; he was purely leading them to their deaths, all to buy his family back home time to escape!


    "Hahahaha!"


    Liang Jinian laughed maniacally, "That''s right, you bandits, what is your death to me!"


    "Fuck your mother!" Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I''ll kill you!"


    "Don''t kill him, trade his life for ours!"


    "Bang!"


    A Red Eyebrow Army soldier with a whiskered beard kicked out.


    Liang Jinian was sent flying, tumbling over a dozen times before coming to a stop, coughing up blood continuously.


    "Damn it!"


    The Red Eyebrow Army hastily mounted their horses, pressed down on him fiercely, and then knelt on the ground before the Dasheng soldiers.


    "Mercy, my lord!"


    "We''re all common folk, forced into joining the Red Eyebrow Army!"


    "Right, right, we had no intention of rebelling."


    "We are willing to offset our crimes with our merits!"


    "This man is Liang Jinian from Mei Mountain, the Commander of the Red Eyebrow Army. We present him to you, my lord!"


    "..."


    "Where''s the Heavenly Book?!"


    "Strip search him!"


    The Red Eyebrow Army roughly searched him and finally found several golden-yellow booklets, looking as though they were made from gold, hammered and forged into thin sheets of paper.


    "This is the Heavenly Book!"


    "We offer it to Dasheng as well!"


    "We beg only for our lives to be spared!"


    "..."


    "Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh, whoosh, whoosh¡ª"


    The words had barely ended.

 Chapter 148 Settling the Grand Scheme, Obtaining the Heavenly Book_4

    ```The Sheng Dynasty General astride the White Horse offered no idle words. With the bowstring of his Big Bow twanging like thunder, one arrow after another followed in procession, piercing their hearts with deadly precision. Seven men lay dead in the blink of an eye.


    "Huh!"


    Chen Sansi reined in his horse, looking down upon the scholar and asked calmly, "Are you Liang Jinian?"


    "It''s me..."


    Liang Jinian, wiping the blood off his chin with a mud-caked sleeve, looked up and said, "Are you Chen Sansi? Brother Chen! You and I have no grudges, why resort to this?"


    Chen Sansi remained silent.


    "Brother Chen!"


    Struggling to his feet, Liang Jinian continued, "Dasheng is corrupt, its fate has run out! Why sacrifice your life for the Cao Family? With your talents and vision, why not join me in pursuit of great ambitions? The land might bear the name Chen one day!"


    He got no response.


    Liang Jinian picked up a golden booklet and persisted, "Brother Chen! Have you seen this? It''s the Heavenly Book, a gift from the Immortal to me! If you kill me, the Heavenly Book is to be presented to the court, and you will gain nothing. But if you work with me, I can share the treasure with you!"


    There was a deadly silence.


    He finally understood; he had indeed reached the end of the road.


    "Fine then, go ahead..."


    Liang Jinian closed his eyes.


    Yet the expected death did not come. Opening his eyes, he demanded, "Chen, what are you waiting for? Do you intend to humiliate me?"


    Chen Sansi simply watched the Southern sky, ignoring him.


    At last, a troop of Cavalry approached from that direction.


    A woman and an old man were being brought over. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Sir!"


    Zhao Kang saluted and said, "We''ve caught his family. Killed two maidservants, and these are the only two left!"


    "My wife!"


    "Ahhhh!!!"


    "Damn you, Chen, I''ll kill you!"


    Liang Jinian picked up a war blade off the ground, ready to risk it all.


    "Kneel!"


    Zhao Kang delivered a kick, snapping his right leg and leaving him writhing in the mud, a muddy mess.


    "Ahh!"


    He struggled to crawl forward, his tone shifting from anger to pleading, "Chen Sansi, Mr. Chen, I beg of you, my wife is innocent! She had nothing to do with the rebellion! Do not bring calamity upon my family. Please, release her! You may execute me even by lingchi if it pleases you!"


    "Do not bring calamity upon the family?"


    Chen Sansi finally spoke. He leaned forward ever so slightly, enunciating each word, "Liang Jinian, do you realize how many towns your men have slaughtered along the way? You have a family, don''t their families matter too?"


    "I..."


    Liang Jinian was taken aback, speechless.


    "Say your proper goodbyes to your woman."


    Chen Sansi spoke gravely, "Otherwise, she''ll be taken away. From then on, whatever the wardens do, I cannot control."


    "Ah!"


    Liang Jinian screamed in agony, clutching his head.


    "Jinian, I don''t blame you."


    Gao Peiwen picked up a blade from the ground. Before the scholar could react, she ended her own life.


    Following her lead was Housekeeper Wu.


    "Do it."


    Chen Sansi ordered indifferently.


    "Clack¡ª"


    The He Miao Blade flashed, and Liang Jinian''s head hit the ground.


    Only then did Chen Sansi dismount.


    "General Chen, this... weren''t we supposed to capture him alive?"


    Lu Shuhua asked, baffled, "The merit of capturing him alive is greater than that of killing him."


    "We''ve got pursuers behind us. It''s inconvenient to travel with a captive. We''re not truly out of danger yet; it will take some time."


    Chen Sansi explained calmly, "With his head and the Heavenly Book, we can sufficiently crush the morale of all rebel armies. There''s no need for excess baggage."


    "Makes sense!"


    No one objected.


    Chen Sansi stepped forward and picked up the Heavenly Book.


    The feel of it in his hands was just like gold foil.


    He glanced at the others, "If you want to see it, come here."


    "Thank you, Brother Chen."


    Yan Changqing was the first to lean in closer.


    Lu Shuhua and Xie Sishu also came nearer after getting permission.


    Bai Thingzhi, however, showed no interest and went to check the bodies to see if there were any survivors.


    "Sir, the characters in this book don''t seem to belong to our Central Plains, nor do they resemble those of the surrounding four nations!"


    "Indeed, it must be written by an Immortal!"


    "..."


    Chen Sansi gently turned the pages of the booklet.


    He recognized that the flowing golden script was the same as the one his fourth senior brother had translated into the "dictionary," which contained the Sword Qi Skill, and although it was unintelligible to others, Chen Sansi could understand it.


    It contained indeed some Formations.


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    Not only military Formations.


    There were also some genuine Magic Arrays.


    But those Arrays required various immortal magic tools to construct.


    The other human-assembled Formations included large-scale military Formations and smaller ones.


    The smaller formations had a mix of everything from Sword Arrays, Magic Arrays, Demon Suppression Arrays, Evil Extermination Formation, and so on. He could understand every rune, but putting them all together was another story.


    These things required the collaboration of "Immortal cultivators" to be effective; for ordinary people, they were utterly useless.


    The same was true for the large-scale military Formations.


    Indeed, Formations could harness the power of heaven and earth, but the prerequisite was that the user of the Formation needed Cultivation as a foundation. Martial Arts practitioners wouldn''t suffice, and common Array Soldiers were even less capable.


    So how did the Red Eyebrow Army manage it?


    Energy!


    That white, smoke-like Mystical Energy which could partially substitute for Cultivation to form an Array.


    However, there was no mention of this "Energy" in the Heavenly Book.


    "Mr. Yan, would you have any issue keeping the Heavenly Book safe?"


    After having looked through it once, Chen Sansi, with his photographic memory, engraved everything he could and could not understand deep into his mind. The Heavenly Book itself had no particular use; holding on to it would not only be pointless for him but might also incur the court''s suspicion without cause.


    ```

 Chapter 148 Settling the Grand Scheme, Obtaining the Heavenly Book_5

    Moreover...Just after Liang Jinian had died.


    The term [Sinking Formation Death Will] still remained on the others, including Lu Shuhua and Xie Sishu, these two who had initially been strongly dissatisfied with him, still willing to charge into battle.


    Instead, starting from Liangzhou, the two who seemed to be on good terms on the surface, and who had still somewhat supported him in Ming State, had the term disappear from them.


    He, after all, was a person sent by the court.


    The grandson of the Chief Minister.


    He represented the court, the interests of the Emperor.


    After the great battle ended, the two were no longer comrades.


    "Isn''t that inappropriate?"


    Yan Changqing declined, "I haven''t reached Hua Jin, this matter is of great importance, it would be best for Brother Chen to keep it."


    "Alright."


    Chen Sansi said to everyone, "Then I ask you brothers to bear witness, I will take charge of the item for now, and immediately hand it over to the court after the battle ends."


    "General Chen, what do we do next?"


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    Lu Shuhua and Xie Sishu, one on each side, drew up the map in front of the general.


    "Wait."


    Chen Sansi pointed at the location of Luotian Pass, "The troops at this place might not yet be aware of the situation in Meishan Prefecture. Let''s wait another ten days to half a month, by then the Imperial Army from the court should also be about to cross the Great Wilderness and attack Luotian Pass."


    "What we need to do next is to wait, and coordinate a pincer attack with the Capital, seize Luotian Pass, and then use it as a foundation to stabilize our footing in the southern region of Ming State, and, in coordination with other generals like Lu and Rong, gradually devour the rest of the rebel army and the troops of West Qi Kingdom."


    "In these next few days, everyone can rest well in Meishan Prefecture, remember our rules, don''t disturb or oppress the civilians, otherwise I will kill anyone I see."


    "Yes, Sir!"


    The army slowly entered the city.


    Chen Sansi had long since run out of Spiritual Rice Medicine Ointment, and by the end Qian Xun hadn''t even gotten a taste, he only had the treasure medicine given by the court left, after taking it he continued his cultivation without a moment''s rest.


    [Cultivation Technique: National Guardian Dragon Spear. Hua Jin (small achievement)]


    [Progress: 566/2000]


    Until midnight.


    He did not ride a horse, he sneaked into the darkness on foot, confirming with the Qi Observation Skill that nobody was following him, and after leaving the city gate, he went dozens of miles outside the East City Gate to a wilderness filled with piles of bodies.


    Chen Sansi found Liang Jinian''s headless body, took out the Zhenyue Sword, and cut open the stomach, searching for something inside.


    The reason he had killed Liang Jinian was not just because it was troublesome to keep a living person around, but also for other reasons.


    The surname Liang had hidden something!


    He hadn''t told the truth.


    Heavenly Book was Heavenly Book, White Xuan Qi was Xuan Qi, the two supplemented each other, but they were actually two different things, two different items.


    Since meeting Liang Jinian, Chen Sansi had noticed the "Qi" within him, guessing that if it wasn''t for cultivation on his person, it was some treasure hidden within him, if the former naturally there was nothing to be done, but if the latter then it could be taken out.


    Indeed


    Before long, he fished out something round and icy to the touch from within the flesh, taking it out, he found it was a bead similar to a crystal ball, but its surface flowed with intricate runes, a mist-like aura was contained within it, only the Qi inside the bead was already very weak, so weak it was nearly completely dissipated.


    "This is it!"


    Chen Sansi could be certain.


    Liang Jinian had only used the so-called "Heavenly Book" on troop formations to practice formation techniques, the truly powerful item was actually this bead, only with the Qi born within it could it exert part of the power of the Surprise Army Formation.


    Now, it seems the Heavenly Book was likely fabricated by scholars, intended to deceive and thus protect the true treasure, the bead!


    Without the bead, even if others obtained the Heavenly Book, they couldn''t understand it, and even if they could, it was useless. Over time, they would naturally think that Liang Jinian was the real chosen one, exceptional and unique, only he could control the Heavenly Book, and thus they would submit."


    "It''s indeed a clever scheme!"


    "Don''t know, how to use the bead, and how to accumulate the ''Qi'' inside?"


    "When the Red Eyebrow Army initially started the war, they were said to be like Heavenly Soldiers, but then they grew weaker and weaker, surely because the ''Qi'' inside the bead was used up."


    "Then why didn''t Liang Jinian accumulate Qi? Seems he also had no good solution."


    "Maybe, even he hadn''t figured out the purpose of the thing!"


    "Anyway, I''ll put it away first."


    Chen Sansi found a muddy pit, used the accumulated water inside to wash the blood off the bead''s surface, then tucked it into his chest.


    No matter where the item came from, what use it had, how to use it, in any case, it was his now.


    Did they really think he would work for the old Emperor for free?


    Looking around, ensuring no one was there, Chen Sansi chose a minor road to return to the city.</p


    S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 148 Set the Stage, Obtain the Heavenly Book_6

    "Have you made contact with those two Deputy Generals under Dong An''s command?"Lu Ji tapped his fingers on the desk, "Tell them, this rebellion has nothing to do with them¡ªit''s all Dong An''s responsibility. As long as they can abandon the dark and turn to the light, the court will not only refrain from pursuing their liabilities but will also promote them and reward them with resources."


    "I''ve tried this before."


    Nie Yuan said helplessly, "But those people are Dong An''s loyalists. Over the years, most of the court''s resources have gone to the Northwest Three States, leaving the military officers of Ming State lacking in resources, and harboring grievances. Their resolve to rebel is firm; otherwise, the chaos in Ming State wouldn''t have arisen."


    "Getting them to turn their coats again is impossible, unless... unless Dong An dies violently. Otherwise, this war will last at least another year."


    "I know, but we must try again. Even if just one of them is willing to turn, it would be of great help."


    Lu Ji mused, "What about other movements?"


    "Zhao Wuji''s remnants had only a few dozen people left last time they sent a message; now, we don''t know whether they are dead or alive."


    Nie Yuan remarked, "There''s also our little Junior Brother, probably..."


    "Cheep!"


    Before he could finish,


    a Hai Dongqing flew into the tent and landed on the Commander''s sturdy arm.


    "Isn''t that the one Ninth Junior Sister gave to our little Junior Brother?"


    Nie Yuan said incredulously, "After so long, he''s still alive? It''s hard to imagine. Boss, take a look. Let''s see where they have hidden themselves this time."


    "Hmm."


    Lu Ji took the message from the Hai Dongqing''s leg, opened it, and after reading it, the battle-hardened man known for his unparalleled bravery, was struck as if by lightning, unable to regain his composure for a long while.


    "Boss?"


    Nie Yuan asked puzzledly, "What happened? Did our little Junior Brother devise some incredible strategy that played the Enemy Army for fools?"


    "Playing them for fools? It''s more than that!"


    Lu Ji, with an expression that was no longer just astonishment but a mix of excitement, shock, worry, and even a trace of displeasure¡ªall blending into a look beyond description¡ªsaid with a slightly trembling voice:


    "Our little Junior Brother not only survived the ordeal at the great pass but, after crossing the Hongze River four times, stormed the Wushui River and headed straight for Meishan Prefecture. He executed Liang Jinian and seized the Miracle Soldiers Heavenly Book! The situation in the South is settled!"


    "What did you say?"


    Nie Yuan snatched the message, scrutinizing it word by word repeatedly.


    ...


    West Qi Kingdom''s military camp.


    At almost the same time, Martial Saint Zhong Wuxin received a message near Meishan Prefecture.


    He simply couldn''t believe the content: "Liang Jinian is dead? Who confirmed it! Even if they headed straight for Meishan Prefecture, there was only Chen Sansi left, a mere Hua Jin Cultivator. Didn''t Liang Jinian still hold the Heavenly Book? How could he die so easily? Absurd! Is this message real or fake?!"


    "Commander, it''s... it''s true!"


    "Ten days ago, the great pass received a distress letter from Liang Jinian, then no further messages. The scouts sent to the area around the Wushui River confirmed that Chen Sansi and his forces fought and decisively defeated the last of Meishan Prefecture''s forces near Linhe County."


    "Now, Liang Jinian''s head hangs on the walls of Meishan Prefecture City for public display."


    "There''s also a slogan, ''Chi Mei has no virtue, Heavenly Soldiers are here to settle,'' that has almost spread across the north and south banks of the Wushui River, known to all the common people."


    "So... it must be true!"


    ...


    Zhong Wuxin''s heart thundered, yet his face was as calm as a lake, his voice coldly saying: "Who would have thought, my Da Qi strategized for five years, supposedly a guaranteed victory, would be ruined by a mere Thousand Captain of the Sheng Dynasty, a disgrace so profound."


    "Commander, what shall we do?"


    "Don''t panic!"


    Zhong Wuxin calmly said, "We still have a foundation in Ming State. We just need to abandon the South and East soon; immediately dispatch orders to Dong An, commanding him to lead his troops to retreat westward swiftly. We will concentrate all our military forces on the western front of Ming State and endure a prolonged war with Sheng Dynasty, able to attack Ming State, aiming for Liangzhou and Yan State, or retreat behind the Great Wall to the west!


    "This war is not unwinnable; it''s just that we must be prepared to pay a grievous price."


    "Moreover, Dong An''s eighty thousand troops from Ming State must be preserved!"


    "Without these eighty thousand troops, there is really no need to continue this battle."


    "I heard that this guy has been utterly dispirited since Chen Sansi crossed the river for the fourth time. We must stabilize him!" S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Yes! I will go and convey the orders to Dong An."


    "..."


    ...


    Yangchun Prefecture, rebel army camp.


    For half a month, Dong An had barely left his bed, causing panic among the troops who didn''t know what had happened.


    "Report!"


    A soldier entered the tent, knelt on one knee, opened his mouth, then hesitated and did not dare to speak.


    "It''s intelligence from Meishan Prefecture, isn''t it?"


    Dong An propped himself up to sit: "Read it."


    "Yes!"


    The soldier then read out the situation in detail, finally saying, "Liang Jinian''s head hangs on the city wall, and the Miracle Soldiers Heavenly Book most likely... has also fallen into Chen Sansi''s hands."


    He still remembered how horrible the death of the soldier who had reported after letting the enemy escape following the previous major battle had been; as he spoke, he was sweating profusely, constantly swallowing saliva.


    Unexpectedly, after hearing the report, Dong An was unusually calm, calm to the point of... resembling a dead pool of water. He just took the intelligence in his hand and said in a hoarse, weak voice, "I understand, you may leave."


    "Report!"


    "General Zhong Wuxin has sent a letter, saying he hopes the Commander will lead us to retreat west immediately!"


    "You may leave as well."


    "This..."


    The two soldiers looked at each other and had no choice but to withdraw temporarily.


    "Hehe~"


    Dong An looked at the letter in his hand, revealing a miserable smile that contained despair as well as resignation. He gently released the paper, letting it slowly drift down, then stood up and walked toward the General''s Sword hanging behind the Commander''s seat.


    ...


    "What has happened to the Commander?"


    "It must be that he''s unable to get over the fact that a young newbie defeated him."


    "Our Commander is good in every way, just a bit obstinate."


    "Go and persuade him."


    "At this critical moment, who dares to go?"


    "But the West Qi Kingdom has ordered us to retreat west immediately!"


    "If we don''t leave now, it will be too late."


    "I''ll go!"


    In the end, it was a Deputy General who mustered the courage to enter the tent.


    "Commander¡ª"


    Then there was a startled shout.


    The crowds rushed into the tent.


    They saw Dong An, dressed in his undergarment, with disheveled hair sitting in the main seat, his head drooping lifelessly as he leaned on the General''s Sword, blood continuously dripping from his neck, pooling into a puddle of blood beneath his feet.


    Dong An had committed suicide.

 Chapter 149 Terrifying the World

    Meishan Prefecture.[Cultivation Technique: National Guardian Dragon Spear. Hua Jin (small achievement)]


    [Progress: 855/2000]


    Atop the city wall, Chen Sansi put down his long spear.


    After the Spiritual Rice Medicine Ointment was used up, the pace of his cultivation slowed down significantly.


    It had been a full ten days since the execution of the rebel Liang Jinian to the present.


    "Chirp¡ª¡ª"


    Chen Sansi finally received a response from Hai Dongqing.


    This time it flew back from the southeast, outside the Great Wilderness; it was a reply from the Capital City Army!


    Opening the intelligence report.


    Chen Sansi learned that the army was led by Martial Saint Jiang Yuanbo, and they would arrive at the Great Wall within ten more days at most.


    Setting off from Meishan Prefecture now would be just right.


    As long as they could join up with the main force, it would be equivalent to victory.


    "Pass down my command!"


    "Move out¡ª¡ª"


    ...


    Sword Gate Canyon.


    West Qi Kingdom''s military camp.


    "Leave ten thousand troops to cover the rear in the canyon!"


    "The rest, retreat silently!"


    Zhong Wuxin commanded his soldiers in the darkness, "Within fifteen days, you must return to the Northwest!"


    "Report!"


    A soldier hurried back on a galloping horse, nearly tumbling off it.


    "What''s the matter?"


    Zhong Wuxin asked hastily, "Has Dong An''s troops retreated?"


    "Commander, it''s bad!"


    The soldier said in a panic, "Dong... Dong An, he... he committed suicide!"


    "Suicide? Are you joking with me?!"


    Zhong Wuxin could scarcely believe his ears and suspected he was hallucinating due to lack of rest. He grabbed the other party and demanded, "What''s the reason?"


    "I don''t know!"


    The soldier replied, "The people from the Mingzhou Army said that Dong An committed suicide shortly after seeing the death notice of Liang Jinian, without saying another word to them!"


    "Fool, Dong An is truly a fool!"


    Even though Zhong Wuxin had deep schemes, upon receiving this news, he couldn''t help but lose his composure and cursed, "His death ruins the grand revival of our Great Qi!"


    After a moment of thought, he understood why Dong chose to take his own life.


    Firstly, the shock of losing to a young person around seventeen or eighteen was too great.


    Dong An was famously obsessed with military strategies. Since the age of ten, he had studied warfare and later considered Fang Qingyun to be his greatest nemesis in life. As such, he set winning against Fang Qingyun in military tactics as his biggest goal, which was also an important reason why he allied with West Qi. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But as a result...


    Before he could even defeat Fang Qingyun, another even more formidable Chen Sansi appeared.


    And the tactics used in the Four Crossings of the Hongze River were probably beyond what even Fang Qingyun could conceive; it was genius!


    No, it should be said that no one in the entire world could!


    There was not a single person capable of achieving such a feat!


    Going over the campaign again on the map made it clear just how terrifying it was. That was the true art of warfare, the true tactics. Chen Sansi didn''t just command his own men, he directly...


    Commanded the enemy!


    It was terrifying!


    Even now, Zhong Wuxin still felt a deep reverence for that young man whose face he hadn''t yet seen, whom he only knew by name. If that person lived, he could surpass Ji, even Sun Xiangzong, it wasn''t impossible!


    This battle, if it had been concocted by a storyteller...


    That storyteller would surely be cursed to death, pelted with rotten eggs and spoiled vegetables for fabricating lies!


    But by some fluke...


    The Four Crossings of the Hongze were real!


    After this battle...


    The young man''s name would surely echo throughout the land!


    From then on, known by all, recognized by all!


    How could Dong An endure such a tremendous blow?


    Secondly, of course, it was about the Heavenly Book.


    Unlike Liang Jinian''s rebellion for power, Dong An rebelled purely for the Heavenly Book.


    Now that the Heavenly Book was in Chen Sansi''s hands, he would never be able to obtain it again.


    For Dong An, this battle naturally lost all its meaning.


    With such a double blow, how could he not take his own life?


    But his life was of little consequence, yet it brought about disaster for the entire Qi!


    "Damn it!"


    Zhong Wuxin kept repeating the curse, "If I had known earlier, who would have needed to employ the ''catching turtles in a jar'' strategy!"


    Originally...


    The plan was for the armies of Great Qi to march directly into Ming State territory and engage the troops of the Great Sheng Dynasty head-on.


    Liang Jinian and Dong An had proposed the strategy together.


    Claiming they had a way to first consume four thousand troops of the Great Sheng Dynasty along with a bunch of Innate Martial Saints, seize the "momentum," and then take advantage of Sun Xiangzong''s absence to swiftly defeat Liangzhou and the Great Sheng.


    But in the end...


    It wasn''t about catching turtles, but reaping the whirlwind, basically shooting themselves in the foot!


    If they had known this would happen, they could have fought a direct battle. Even if it came at a greater cost, they still had a fifty percent chance of winning!


    Now, there was no chance at all!


    "Commander, I haven''t finished what I was saying."


    The soldier continued, "Dong An''s Deputy General Li Tiancheng and others seem to be converging towards us. They say that after losing their commander, they are unsure of what to do and hope to merge with us before making any further plans."


    "No good!"


    Zhong Wuxin immediately realized, "They are not coming to join forces, they have betrayed us to encircle us with Ji! Hurry, retreat, don''t leave a single man behind, the whole army withdraws overnight, head straight back west of the Great Wall!"


    "Doesn''t that mean..."


    A few deputy generals who had been listening by his side asked, "We''re not fighting anymore?"


    "What''s there to fight for!"


    Zhong Wuxin snapped angrily, "With Dong An alive there was still a chance, but with his and Liang Jinian''s deaths, our ''momentum'' is completely lost. Continuing the fight is certain defeat, even being slow to retreat won''t do, quick!"


    "Retreat¡ª¡ª"


    ...


    Xuanwu Camp''s military camp.


    "Boss!"


    "Good news!"


    "Great news!"


    Nie Yuan burst into the tent with excitement, holding a sealed letter in his hand.


    "Sansi, why are you becoming more impulsive?"


    Just as Ji was putting on his armor and picking up his mighty Heavenly Halberd, he said, "How good can the news be, Dong An is dead or something?"

 Chapter 149 Thunderous Prestige_2

    "Right! Dong An is dead!"Nie Yuan slapped the secret missive onto the table, "Li Tiancheng and others have written, claiming they have agreed to credit their achievements to us, and are now advancing at full speed towards Sword Gate Canyon, preparing for a pincer attack with us to devour West Qi Kingdom in one fell swoop!"


    "Is that so?!"


    L¨¹ Ji asked anxiously, "How did Dong An die, did Li Tiancheng and others conspire to assassinate him?"


    "No."


    Nie Yuan spoke deliberately, pausing with each word, "He was angered to death by our junior brother."


    "..."


    L¨¹ Ji fell silent.


    From this moment, he knew.


    Another kind of person would emerge within the Eight Camps.


    "Report!"


    "L¨¹ Shuai!"


    "Scouts report, half a day ago, the main force of Zhong Wuxin''s army began to retreat from Sword Gate Canyon!"


    "Then what are we waiting for, chase them!"


    L¨¹ Ji didn''t let the huge turn of events cloud his judgment, "Three thousand Xianzhen Army, follow me in charging forward to pursue, the rest divide into left and right behind, to prevent Li Tiancheng and the others from feigning surrender!"


    "Beat the drums, march!"


    ...


    Outside Yangchun Prefecture, in the wilderness.


    After Sha Wenlong barehandedly killed more than thirty riders pursuing them, he continued to flee with Cao Fan. It was at this moment that Hai Dongqing returned with intelligence from Sword Gate Canyon.


    "General L¨¹ says Sword Gate Canyon has fallen, tells us to just keep moving forward!"


    "General L¨¹ is indeed formidable..."


    Cao Fan sighed, "Sword Gate Canyon is easy to defend and hard to attack, yet he was able to in such a short time..."


    "But..."


    Sha Wenlong''s expression changed uncertainly, "It wasn''t General L¨¹ who took it down but West Qi Kingdom voluntarily retreated because, because after Chen Sansi crossed the Hongze River for the fourth time, he went straight to Meishan Prefecture to execute the Liang traitor, then angering Dong An to death."


    "What did you say?!"


    Hearing this, Cao Fan''s wounds seemed to heal instantly, and he leapt up from the ground, "General Sha, are you sure you haven''t got it wrong, this isn''t false information from the enemy?"


    "Princely Heir, this is indeed true."


    Sha Wenlong sighed deeply, "See for yourself."


    "How did he do it?!"


    Cao Fan''s hands trembled uncontrollably, his eyes nearly popping out as he spoke incoherently, "The achievements after the fourth crossing... directly caused the entire West Qi army to retreat, meaning... this Ming State campaign has been subdued by Chen Sansi leading merely three thousand men!"


    "One man, settles one state!"


    "This is not just first merit, it''s Heavenly Merit!"


    "It''s among the top ten Heavenly Merits in the over three hundred years of the Great Sheng Dynasty!"


    "Princely Heir!"


    Sha Wenlong, seeing that the other party was about to collapse, hurriedly stepped forward to support him, "Princely Heir!"


    "General Sha, I can''t compete with him anymore..."


    Cao Fan had to admit, "Not just me, from now on, no one in the younger generation can compete with him."


    "A towering tree invites the wind, which is not necessarily a good thing; he will have to face even more troubles in the future!"


    Sha Wenlong persuaded, "Moreover, the Princely Heir, there will still be opportunities in the future. Once we return, after resting and regrouping for a year or so, we will campaign across the grassland to suppress the barbarian tribes. The merit from such a campaign is much greater than that from quelling this rebellion!"


    "General Sha."


    With gritted teeth, Cao Fan said, "Tell me why Yu Song would disobey orders? If he hadn''t, the result would have been all of the Chen men dying on the way to attack Yangchun Prefecture. You and I leading over a thousand cavalry to break through and attack the enemy from behind at Sword Gate Canyon, in coordination with General L¨¹, would have scored us a major victory. This Heavenly Merit, it should have been ours; it was meant to be ours!"


    "The Princely Heir is right; how dare an Assistant General disobey orders!"


    Clenching his fist so tightly it cracked, Sha Wenlong said, "Once we return, I will personally list his crimes clearly! If all generals were to act as he did, I think we might as well not have fought this war at all; everything would have been thrown into chaos!"


    ...


    Luo Tian Pass.


    "Liang Jinian is dead!"


    "You rebels, surrender quickly, or face the eradication of your entire family, leaving not one alive!"


    "..."


    Chen Sansi''s forces were reduced to barely fifteen hundred men, and wherever they went, all would surrender at the mere whiff of their presence. Not until they joined forces with the Capital City Guard Army did they completely secure Luo Tian Pass and stabilize the situation in the south.


    At the same time, they also received news of Dong An taking his own life.


    "This man was really one for splitting hairs."


    Chen Sansi knew.


    With Dong An''s death, it meant the war had ended.


    "General Chen!"


    Lu Shuhua and the others were ecstatic, "You have led us to achieve such Heavenly Merit!"


    "Indeed."


    Xie Sishu continued, "And not just merit, we have learned a lot by following you this time."


    "More than that!"


    Yan Changqing said admiringly, "When I return, I''m going to thoroughly review the entire sequence of the Ming State rebellion campaign on a map, then document it. I believe it won''t be long before everyone in the Military Family treats it like a treasured resource!"


    "General Chen!"


    "Marshal Jiang and his men brought some fine wine; we shall drink to our fill tonight!"


    "Let''s go, let''s go!"


    "..."


    While the group was cheering and celebrating,


    Chen Sansi silently left, rode Qian Xun in search of something near Luo Tian Pass, and eventually found over thirty bodies in a valley dozens of miles away. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    There were many wild wolves nearby.


    Many of the bodies were gnawed beyond recognition.


    Through the painstaking identification of a water bag that was once used to carry "Drunk Saint," he recognized the decomposed and headless body of Yu Song.


    "Qian Xun."


    Chen Sansi patted the horse''s head, "Go, call Zhao Kang and the others over so we can take our brothers'' bodies back for a proper burial."


    He turned around to gather local herbs to prevent the bodies from decomposing further, then planned to transport them all back to Liangzhou after the war had truly ended, so they could rest in their homeland.


    The overall situation was already settled.


    However, there would still be two to three months of cleanup to do.


    Fortunately, no further danger would arise in the aftermath, and Chen Sansi and his men would merely have to follow the Capital Army, pushing forward unopposed. In most cases, they wouldn''t even need to engage in battle themselves, simply observing from the sidelines would suffice.

 Chapter 149 Shocking the World_3

    ...Capital City.


    Inside Longevity Palace.


    All the senior officials had arrived at court, creating a solemn atmosphere.


    Due to the delay in news from the war in Ming State, the Emperor was preparing to lead the expedition himself.


    "Your Majesty, please consider carefully!"


    Yan Liang and others knelt and pleaded, "You possess the body of a True Dragon, the sovereign of our nation, how can you lightly go to war!"


    "Indeed, Your Majesty."


    Minister of War, Gao Bo, emphatically said, "Your Majesty is the stabilizer of our Great Sheng Dynasty, and should not be moved lightly unless absolutely necessary."


    "Father Emperor, your son is willing to go!"


    The gray-haired Regent Crown Prince, leaning on a cane, slowly made his way into the hall, set down his cane, and knelt gently: "Father Emperor, allow your son to lead the expedition!" Stay tuned to My Virtual Library Empire


    "Rise first."


    The curtains parted, and Emperor Longqing, with a ruddy complexion and full of vitality, approached the Crown Prince and personally helped him up: "Haven''t I already decreed that you need not kneel? You have difficulty with your legs, do not harm your body. Huang Hong, would you provide a seat for the Crown Prince?"


    "Thank you, Father Emperor!"


    "Yes!"


    The Chief Eunuch, dressed in plain clothes, hurriedly brought over a small stool and then assisted the Crown Prince in sitting down.


    "Hmm."


    Emperor Longqing slightly squinted his eyes: "Crown Prince, what did you just say?"


    "Father Emperor, your son wishes to lead the expedition to Ming State!"


    The Crown Prince spoke solemnly, "Ming State to the north can spy on Yan State, to the east it oversees Liangzhou, southwards it crosses the Great Wilderness, and it can directly threaten the militarily depleted Feng State and others. It is truly the gateway of our Great Sheng Dynasty, a place where no mishap must occur! Father Emperor, allow your son to lead the troops to Ming State, and your son guarantees with his life that he will quell the rebellion within three months."


    "Your Majesty! I concur."


    Minister of War, Gao Bo, followed up, "Your humble servant wishes to accompany him, with Jiang Yuanbo, Lu Ji, along with the Crown Prince and myself, we will definitely not fail!"


    "Heh~"


    Emperor Longqing did not answer them immediately, but swished his sleeve, turned, and sat down on the Dragon Chair. After a long while, he leisurely responded, "The Crown Prince is frequently ill, and the journey to Ming State is far, so let me go myself. That is settled."


    The Crown Prince and Gao Bo exchanged a glance, both displaying a touch of disappointment on their faces.


    "The Emperor is wise!"


    The previously dissenting Yan Liang, upon hearing that the Crown Prince wanted to go, also began to agree: "Emperor Wan Shou personally leading the expedition to Ming State will definitely triumph magnificently!"


    "With the Emperor arriving, the rebels will certainly lose their nerve upon hearing the news!"


    "..." S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Enough, you all need not flatter me so..."


    Emperor Longqing spoke gravely, "Do you think I want to go? I have no choice! They say our Great Sheng Dynasty is full of talented individuals, but when it comes down to it, how many can stand on their own? In the end, there are not enough capable people, nor enough loyal people!"


    "We are incompetent!"


    "Forgive us, Your Majesty!"


    "..."


    "Fang Qingyun!"


    Emperor Longqing looked toward the scholar in the corner: "Come with me."


    Fang Qingyun slightly bowed his head: "Your humble servant obeys the command."


    "Hmm, and then..."


    Emperor Longqing was about to continue reviewing his troops and officers when suddenly loud shouts arose outside.


    "Victory report¡ª"


    "Great victory in Ming State¡ª"


    The battle reports were passed layer by layer into the palace.


    Inside the great hall, both civil and military officers heard it clearly, joy apparent on everyone''s face.


    The Chief Eunuch Huang Hong immediately went out to greet them.


    "Jiang Yuanbo truly is the foremost among the younger generation!"


    "Yes, in such a quick time."


    "It must be Ji!


    "You''re right, siege warfare is Marquis Ji''s specialty!"


    "..."


    Emperor Longqing said, "Read it quickly, right in front of everyone."


    "At your command!"


    Huang Hong opened the petition and read aloud.


    However, the expressions of the high civil and military officials soon froze, even the usually impassive face of Emperor Longqing showed uncontrollable emotional fluctuations.


    Burning Golden Spring, four crossings of Hongze, directly breaking into Mei Mountain, to the death of Dong An...


    Each of these feats, taken alone, was a tremendous achievement, yet they all ended up attributed to one man.


    General of Martial Virtue¡ªChen Sansi!


    "Boom¡ª"


    There were no clouds over the Capital City, yet in everyone''s ears, the rumbling of thunder was distinctly heard.


    For a moment,


    all was silent within Longevity Palace.


    There was not a single person who spoke; everyone looked at each other, not even sure how to express their shock.


    "Huang Hong!"


    Finally, it was Emperor Longqing on the Dragon Chair who brought everyone back from their dazed state, pointing at the Chief Eunuch and commanding, "You quickly sketch the entire process of the Ming State rebellion suppression campaign for everyone to see. Have every civil and military officer memorize it, learn what it means to be a General, what it means to be a Commander!"


    The Chief Eunuch immediately gathered a few eunuchs, hung the map of Ming State in front of the many officers, and started to methodically replay the entire campaign.


    "This... "


    "This seems too absurd!"


    "Every time just brushing past the Enemy Army."


    "West Qi combined with the rebel army had over a hundred thousand, yet this young man with just a few thousand brought them down!"


    "..."


    "My unworthy grandson, to be part of such a battle, is truly a stroke of fortune!"


    The Chief Minister Yan Liang said in his aged voice, "It''s fortune for the Great Sheng Dynasty to have such a young military talent, a blessing brought by Your Majesty''s extensive merit!"


    The Crown Prince, leaning on his cane, nearly pressing his face to the map: "A Divine General, a heaven-sent Divine General..."


    "It seems neither His Majesty nor His Highness need to visit Ming State anymore."


    Gao Bo knelt and said, "After this battle, I believe it will take at most another three to five months to completely settle the chaos in Ming State!"


    "Hmm, indeed it saves Us, saves the court a lot of worry."


    Emperor Longqing looked towards the corner and asked, "Fang Qingyun, speak up, did you teach him these things?"

 Chapter 149 Shocking the World_4

    ```"Your Majesty, it wasn''t my strategy. I am ashamed to say that after the war in Ming State broke out, I had no contact with Chen Sansi."


    Fang Qingyun said, "All of this, I''m afraid, was his own adaptation to the circumstances."


    He looked at the route drawn in vermilion on the map, fearing that even upon his own return, he would have to study it carefully before recording it. In this battle, even if he himself were to take charge, he could not possibly achieve such a feat, at most he would preserve his own life.


    Four Crossings of Hongze.


    These four words were destined to be recorded in history books, included in Military Books, for disciples of Military Families to study and admire for hundreds, even thousands of years to come!


    He was only...


    Eighteen years old!


    How many famed generals throughout thousands of years of history were eighteen years old?!


    "Adaptation to the circumstances?"


    When the courtiers heard that it had nothing to do with "Phoenix" and was purely the result of Chen Sansi''s independent command, they showed even more unimaginable surprise.


    "Divine General!"


    "A Heaven-sent Divine General!"


    The many officials bowed deeply.


    "Congratulations to Your Majesty, felicitations to Your Majesty!"


    "Ah, good."


    Emperor Longqing, who rarely showed his emotions, could not hide the joy in his eyes, and with a grand wave of his hand said, "Reward him, I want to reward him thoroughly. How about this, once the unrest in Ming State is completely settled, find a time to summon him to the Capital! I, wish to meet this eighteen-year-old General in person!"


    Fang Qingyun hesitantly said, "Your Majesty, this..."


    "What? Is there something inappropriate?"


    Emperor Longqing joked, "Could it be that Fang Aiqing is afraid that I will take away your Eight Camps'' man?"


    "Your Majesty''s words make your servant tremble with fear."


    Fang Qingyun explained, "Whether it''s the Eight Camps or all under Heaven, they are all Your Majesty''s subjects to begin with. There is no question of taking anyone away."


    "Look how scared you''ve become; I was just teasing you."


    Emperor Longqing leaned back in the Dragon Chair: "Let''s settle on this, then. After the war is over, the rest will be rewarded as appropriate, but as for the General of Martial Virtue, Chen Sansi, let''s wait until he comes to the Capital. In the meantime, I shall contemplate what rewards to bestow upon him!"


    "Your Majesty is wise."


    Fang Qingyun bowed and saluted.


    He turned his head to look outside the grand hall, towards the Northern Heavenly Dome.


    The unrest in Ming State was over.


    ...


    In the seventy-third year of Longqing''s reign.


    On July 25th, the Southern part of Ming State was pacified.


    On the sixth day of August, Zhong Wuxin, who was in the vicinity of Sword Gate Canyon, withdrew his troops, temporarily stabilizing the situation in Dingxi Prefecture. He dealt with forces from Yan State on one hand and orderly retreated on the other.


    On August 22nd, Vermilion Bird Camp and White Tiger Camp invaded the western part of Ming State, catching up with Zhong Wuxin''s troops. The West Qi Kingdom''s forces suffered an eighty percent loss, with two Mysterious Phenomenons killed, twenty Meridian Passages, and countless others. They retreated beyond the Great Wall, and after being supported by the troops within West Qi Country''s borders and losing another two engagements, they finally stabilized their position by leveraging the terrain.


    On September 12th, the main army cleared Ming State of the remaining rebels.


    On September 21st, Ming State was at peace.


    On September 28th, the Imperial Army returned to the Capital in triumph, other troops went back to their original posts, and the Reserve Camp returned in victory.


    "Old Zhao, did we come here in January or February?"


    "I don''t remember."


    "This war''s been going on for nearly a year."


    "Yes."


    "It seems our lord has become famous this time."


    "And how, that Martial Saint from the Capital, what''s-his-name Jiang something, he''ll have to give way to our lord by three points!"


    "Strange, why do they all look so shocked when they hear about the battle results?" S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Exactly."


    "Isn''t winning battles with our lord very normal, very fitting?"


    On the road back to Liangzhou.


    While the rest were still discussing the Four Crossings of Hongze, the brothers from Po Yang remained unusually calm, simply feeling a bit ashamed.


    "Brothers, we need to push harder with our training once we''re back."


    "Yes, we were of too little use."


    "By the way, have you seen our lord?"


    "Seems like he went to Bai Gou County."


    ...


    Bai Gou County.


    Under the remains of broken walls, what was left of the city''s gate swung precariously in the autumn breeze.


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    Chen Sansi rode slowly into the city on Qian Xun.


    Not long ago, the Vermilion Bird Camp and the White Tiger Camp had been here.


    The corpses on the streets had all disappeared, presumably dealt with by the army, either burned or thrown into some desolate burial ground in the mountains. The county had become desolate, with only one or two numb-eyed survivors wandering about, apart from the occasional overpassing rat, turning the once-thriving city into a ghost town.


    After this war, West Qi Country had suffered greatly and would probably dare not have any designs for many years.


    But likewise, Ming State had also suffered a tremendous loss and would need five to ten years of recuperation.


    Chen Sansi rode the White Swan Horse in and around the city, but in the end, he couldn''t find the figure he wished to see, feeling a tinge of regret that perhaps it was not meant to be, he turned his horse, ready to leave.


    "Daddy..."


    It was at this moment that a timid yet courageous childish voice rose.


    Chen Sansi turned back.


    A thin, frail figure emerged from a narrow, cramped alley, her clothes full of patches were now tattered, holding a dead rat she had found somewhere, her big eyes clear and bright against her dirt-stained face.


    Heaven knows how she had managed to survive until now.


    "You just now..."


    Chen Sansi bent down, "Called me what?"


    "Daddy."


    The little girl didn''t dare come too close, standing seven or eight steps away, she earnestly said, "Dad told me, when he can no longer speak, I should go out, call men daddy and women mommy..."


    "Alright."


    Chen Sansi dismounted and reached out his hands, striving to make his voice as gentle as possible, "Daddy will take you home."


    Through all the fighting.


    ```

 Chapter 149 Shocking the World_5

    His body had long been tainted with an indescribable evil aura.But the hesitant little girl took only a moment before she walked over with small, quick steps.


    Chen Sansi scooped her up onto the horse''s back, "Have you ever ridden a horse?"


    "No."


    "What''s your name?"


    "I''m called, called Yunxi."


    "What''s your last name?"


    "What''s Daddy''s last name?"


    "I''m a Chen."


    "Then I, I''ll be called Chen Yunxi."


    "..."


    "Yunxi, just throw away the mouse."


    "But..."


    "Daddy has jerky and pancakes here for you."


    "Oh."


    "..."


    "Daddy, where are we going?"


    "Didn''t I tell you, we''re going home?"


    "Oh, thank you, Daddy. Do I have a mommy?"


    "Yes, you do. By my calculations, you''re about to become a big sister." Continue your adventure with My Virtual Library Empire


    ...


    October 22nd. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    War flames burning for three months, a family letter worth a fortune.


    Liangzhou.


    Chen Mansion.


    "Ah¡ª¡ª"


    From within the bedroom came the sounds of agonizing struggle.


    "Yah yah yah!"


    Si Qin and Mo Hua were in a frantic state, "What to do, what to do."


    "What are you all yelling for?"


    The best midwife in Liangzhou City said impatiently, "Everything was going well, you''re giving me a headache, out, all of you! Miss Sun, you too, out!"


    "Oh, okay."


    Sun Li, realizing the situation, led the two maidservants out of the room.


    "Bang bang bang¡ª¡ª"


    Having moved from the inner courtyard to the front, it was only then that they heard someone knocking persistently at the door.


    When Sun Li opened the door, she found it was Sun Buqi.


    "Sister!"


    "Victory news! Victory news!"


    Sun Buqi said with overflowing joy, "Sis, my brother-in-law, no, that''s not right, Chen Sansi and the others have returned! How to put it, see for yourself!"


    Sun Li read through the message quickly, her eyes betraying a complex emotion that was hard to articulate.


    "It''s incredible! Just incredible!"


    Sun Buqi hopped around excitedly, "Crossing the Four Crossings of Hongze, do you understand? You don''t! I''ve figured it out, I''ll sketch it out for you later and explain it properly! This time, Chen Sansi''s name won''t just be famous in Liangzhou but in all of Dasheng, no, in the entire world! Including Dongqing, Beiman, everyone will remember this name!"


    "Where are they?"


    Sun Li asked, "Have they come back?"


    "Soon, they will arrive today."


    Sun Buqi pointed towards the South City Gate, "Everyone''s waiting over there."


    "Let''s go, have a look."


    Sun Li brought out the horses.


    On the way to the city gate, the siblings also came across a carriage from the Red Sleeve Tower.


    ```


    "Sister, isn''t that a whore from the Red Sleeve Tower?!"


    Sun Buqi was furious, "Why is she coming to join in on the fun too?"


    ...


    Wilderness.


    After ascending a slope, a behemoth crouched in the midst of the wilderness finally came into view at the end of everyone''s sight.


    Liangzhou City!


    We''re back!


    As the leading contributor to this battle''s success, Chen Sansi rode at the forefront of the troops on his White Swan Horse, with the drowsy Chen Yunxi cradled in his arms, not even wearing his armour for her comfort.


    [Skill: Horse Control (small achievement)]


    [Progress: (855/2000)]


    ...


    [Skill: Archery (Great Success)]


    [Progress: (1250/2000)]


    ...


    [Cultivation Technique: National Guardian Dragon Spear. Hua Jin (small achievement)]


    [Progress:1455/2000]


    Having consumed all the treasure medicine he had with him, the good news was that reaching Great Success with Hua Jin was just a matter of the next couple of months, after which he would strive to break through to the Meridian Passage Realm and make every effort to enter the Profound Image Realm as soon as possible.


    ...


    [Magic: Sword Qi Skill (entry-level)]


    [Progress:135/500]


    With the spirit sand completely used up, and barely any progress in proficiency, Chen Sansi was temporarily unable to use spells. Once things settled down, he needed to quickly secure the incense burner from Ci Yun Temple.


    The exploration deep in the Luotian Mountain Range had to continue, the trouble caused by the Witch God Sect in Ming State needed investigating, and he had to prepare the materials for arrows...


    These were personal matters, but in military affairs, it seemed that next year there would be another campaign against the grassland, a battle on a scale greater than the Ming State campaign, and even more perilous.


    After all, in the Ming State, he hadn''t directly faced a High Realm Martial Artist, but if he were to attack an enemy''s homeland, he would definitely encounter High Realm Martial Artists.


    Thus, he had to quickly increase his strength.


    Meridian Passage was not enough; it would be best to reach the Xuanxiang Realm before the campaign against the grassland.


    It didn''t seem too bad at first, but once tallied, there was a lot to do, and not a moment to rest...


    "Daddy, have we arrived?"


    Chen Yunxi woke up and asked groggily.


    On the way back to Liangzhou, Chen Sansi made a special stop in Prefecture City for two days to give his adopted daughter a bath and change her into clean, nice clothes. The girl was clever and cute, though a bit skinny and dried out.


    "We have."


    Chen Sansi pointed ahead with his riding crop, "That''s our home."


    "Daddy, what are they singing?"


    "The song of triumph."


    ...


    The army that quelled the Ming State rebellion was returning in triumph, having dealt a devastating loss to the West Qi Kingdom, and naturally, there was cause for celebration.


    Officials big and small from Liangzhou City had already come out to welcome their return.


    From twenty miles away, one could see the ceremonial guards and banquet tables.


    Pei Tiannan and Mr. Hou were naturally at the forefront.


    Lv Ji and the others were in the rear, and it would take a few more days for them to return one after another.


    Chen Sansi was clearly not the Commander, yet still became the sole focus of attention.


    "Mr. Chen!"


    Mr. Hou approached with a cup of wine, "We''ve all heard of your deeds, the way you fought this battle is indeed unprecedented and unparalleled, I''m in awe!"


    "Yes."


    Pei Tiannan didn''t say much, "Where are the Young Master and the others?"


    Cao Fan and Sha Wenlong, who were finally rescued near Sword Gate Canyon by Lv Ji and his men in the last phase and had since achieved some minor merits with Xuanwu Camp.


    "The Young Master is in the rear."


    Chen Sansi said indifferently.


    He certainly hadn''t forgotten how the other had repeatedly stabbed him in the back on the battlefield and it was all done in the open¡ªas if everything was known yet nothing could be done about it, at most it could be chalked up to a command error.


    ```

 Chapter 149 Shocking the World_6

    ```Ironically, the largest portion of blame fell on Dong An''s shoulders.


    The court''s intention was that all the failures of this campaign would not be attributed to the various generals, because even the Ministry of War had not anticipated Dong An''s treason. Including the Mingzhou Rebel Army, after their surrender, not all of them would be killed either. At most, only a part would be executed. The rest would be scattered and then relocated to other places, to be absorbed and assimilated into other state armies. We''re talking about seventy or eighty thousand people, mass executions would be a huge loss for Dasheng.


    "Many thanks, Mr. Chen."


    Having received the news, Pei Tiannan went to seek the Princely Heir.


    After drinking the wine provided by Mr. Hou, Chen Sansi continued riding on.


    Near the city gate was a dense crowd of common folk, looking to number at least a hundred thousand people, practically overflowing the mountains and fields endlessly. They listened to the victors'' songs and music, each of them craning their necks and standing on tiptoe among the ranks, searching for their husbands, sons, or fathers. Some found that their family members had distinguished themselves and returned home, weeping with joy, while others did not see any familiar figures even after the troops had completely entered the city, only the carts of corpses at the very end. They couldn''t hold back their emotions and started to wail and rushed forward to claim the bodies.


    For some families, it was a time of joy; for others, a time of sorrow. The autumn brought grief, each degree varying in its chill.


    For one man''s triumph, a sea of bones was the cost; Beiliang''s desolate graves added yet more.


    "Shanshi!"


    "Little junior brother."


    The voices of men and women intermingled.


    Sun Buqi and Sun Li exclaimed in unison.


    "Bu Qi, senior sister."


    Chen Sansi smiled and said, "You''ve come as well."


    "You''re too cruel!"


    Sun Buqi exclaimed admiringly, "Nearly a year''s time, and we all thought you were dead. But look at you, not only are you alive, but you''ve also caused such a huge stir!"


    "Congratulations, little junior brother."


    Sun Li''s usually cool tone warmed considerably, "After this battle, you''re truly going to shake the world."


    "Eh~"


    Sun Buqi noticed the child in his arms, "Shanshi, where did you pick up this little girl?"


    "Daddy, how should I address them?" The little girl said, tugging gently at the man''s sleeve, looking somewhat uneasy.


    Daddy?


    How long had it been?


    Sun Buqi: "?"


    Sun Li: "?"


    "They are both your grand masters."


    Chen Sansi introduced, "Don''t be afraid."


    "Xixi has seen the grand masters."


    Chen Yunxi called out softly.


    "Mm, good girl..."


    Sun Li came to her senses and reached out to pat Chen Yunxi''s head.


    They could understand with a bit of thought.


    Even though he had been away for a year, it wasn''t enough time to have a child, let alone a child who looked to be five or six years old.


    It was very likely a homeless child picked up from some chaotic place.


    Just like their Great Senior Brother once was.


    "Where is Sister Lan?"


    Chen Sansi asked, "How is she doing?"


    "You should hurry back."


    Sun Li said, "Counting the hours, my little nephew should be born by now, and besides, we hadn''t had the chance to tell her you''re safe and sound."


    "Giddyup¡ª"


    Before they could finish speaking, Chen Sansi spurred Qian Xun onwards and was gone in the blink of an eye.


    ...


    Chen Mansion.


    "Wahhh¡ª"


    With a loud cry, a newborn baby came into the world.


    Gu Xinlan, pale-faced, held the child in her arms, her eyes tinged with red.


    "Sniff..."


    Si Qinmohua also began to sob.


    "Ah~"


    The midwife let out a sigh, "In these times of war and chaos, it''s said that several tens of thousands went to Ming State... But Mr. Chen is different from the rest, a lucky man has his own celestial favor, madam need not worry."


    "Sniff, madam!"


    Unable to hold back, Si Qin wept sorrowfully, "Rest assured, we will take good care of you."


    "We will also take good care of the young master."


    ```


    ```


    "What are you crying for, I''m not dead!"


    The door burst open.


    A sturdy, upright figure appeared.


    "Brother Shi?"


    "Mr. Chen?!"


    Chen Sansi hurriedly rushed to the bedside.


    "Brother Shi..."


    "Don''t move."


    Without looking at the child, Chen Sansi asked the others, "The medicine I left for my wife to recuperate, has it all been properly used?"


    "Stop worrying about me."


    Gu Xinlan strained to sit up, "How are you, are you hurt?"


    "I''m as strong as an ox, don''t you know? Rest assured."


    "You really scared me to death..."


    "..."


    "Wahhh¡ª"


    While the two of them were talking, the baby cried again. Chen Sansi then realized, and he picked up the child, "Indeed a son, the name Du He wasn''t chosen wrongly. Yunxi, this is your brother, and the woman in the bed is your mother."


    "Mom, mother."


    Chen Yunxi stammered.


    "Good child."


    Gu Xinlan also guessed the cause and tenderly embraced the little girl.


    Si Qinmohua, with keen eyesight, bowed and said, "Met the young miss, met the young master."


    "Congratulations, Mr. Chen."


    The midwife said cheerily, "Just like that, you have both a son and a daughter."


    "Here, you worked hard."


    Chen Sansi took out several bars of silver.


    "Oh my, thank you, Mr. Chen!"


    "Please take care of my wife and child for now, I have some military affairs that I haven''t finished dealing with."


    After making sure that everything was fine, Chen Sansi immediately headed towards the Military City.


    The troops had to regroup and recount the mission upon their return.


    He seized the opportunity to inquire about something urgent.


    At the military camp.


    "Don''t get me started, in this year you all were gone, the Witch God Sect hasn''t rested for a bit, and.."


    Li Qianzong said with a worried face, "Just the other day, the two Taoists from Ci Yun Temple died."


    "Died?"


    Chen Sansi pressed, "I remember these two were not convicted, did you later find evidence?"


    "That''s not the case."


    Li Qianzong explained, "After interrogating for almost half a year and still finding no substantial evidence, and with many Major Sects speaking in their favor and expressing dissatisfaction with the Liangzhou Army privately, we were under pressure and were about to release them."


    "Guess what happened then?"


    "The night before they were to be released, both of them died in the cell."


    "Really?"


    Chen Sansi had previously chatted with Li Qianzong for half an hour, casually bringing up Ci Yun Temple to avoid drawing attention, and he continued to ask, "How did they die?"


    Li Qianzong replied, "Suicide!"


    "Suicide?"


    Chen Sansi pretended to be a simple bystander, "How did they commit suicide?" sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "They smashed their own heads with a palm strike."


    Li Qianzong clicked his tongue, "It''s quite spooky. They were held in separate cells, so who knows why they wanted to commit suicide? Their deaths were easy for them, but now it''s being said outside that the Liangzhou Army is killing the innocent."


    Chen Sansi was clear in his heart, there must be something fishy about these suicides.


    He inquired, "If I remember correctly, the two people who were captured, one was the temple master and the other was the supervisor, if both are dead, wouldn''t Ci Yun Temple have to close its doors for good?"


    What worried him the most was whether the incense burner was still there or if someone had taken it away.


    "Ci Yun Temple is doing just fine, and no issues were found with the other Taoists under them."


    Li Qianzong said, "Moreover, I''ve heard they have some kind of master''s uncle planning to return and take over Ci Yun Temple soon. If you ask me, there will definitely be someone to take over, with just the incense money alone they don''t know how much they can make each year, it''s simply a money tree! I can''t understand what those Martial Saints are thinking, praying to immortals, thinking they themselves can become immortals? Ridiculous."


    Someone else is coming...


    Chen Sansi knew, if he wanted to act, he had to hurry. Find adventures on My Virtual Library Empire


    ```

 Chapter 150 Loyal Heroic Tablet, Incense Fire Divine Sect

    Uncle Master...The Ci Yun Temple indeed has many Taoists who wander outside, but coming back at this critical juncture, I''m afraid it''s greatly connected to the "Immortal Elixir" and the "Incense Burner," and it''s quite possible that they are the masterminds behind everything.


    If we wait for them to return, grabbing the incense burner will become an extra hassle, and it''s not impossible that the incense burner could be taken away directly.


    We can''t delay any longer.


    We must take this opportunity while Ci Yun Temple is unattended.


    "Thousand Captain Li is right,"


    Chen Sansi didn''t forget to respond, "I''ve also been there twice, the old Taoist only spoke of grand but empty things."


    "Exactly, that''s what I said."


    Li Qianzong continued to talk about other recent events.


    For example, the Witch God Sect is causing a stir, with various sects becoming increasingly agitated and beginning to organize search teams privately to look for hiding spots of the sect followers. They even curse the Liangzhou Army as useless and the like.


    Among them, Manor Master Wen Zhi of Moon Splitting Mountain Villa lost two of his beloved disciples and has been patrolling all over the place like a madman, swearing to the heavens that he will expose the Witch God Sect Followers no matter what.


    "Alright, let''s not talk about this anymore."


    Chen Sansi said his goodbyes, "I still have some matters to attend to."


    "Go ahead."


    Li Qianzong joked, "General Chen, your military achievements this time are impressive. It''s hard to say about your merit, but at the very least you should be promoted from Fifth Rank and at the very least become an Assistant General in the army. The next time I see you, I''ll have to address you as Vice General Chen."


    "I hope so, auspicious words from Thousand Captain Li."


    Chen Sansi said with a fist salute, "Let''s gather the brothers we know sometime soon, I''ll treat everyone at the Immortal Crane Tower."


    "Great, we''ll definitely take the chance to feast at your expense then!"


    "See you then! See you then!"


    After dealing with the military affairs, it was nearing midnight.


    When Chen Sansi returned to his bedroom, he saw Sister Lan breastfeeding the child, and there seemed to be no room for him on the bed because Yunxi was also sleeping in this room, apparently because Sister Lan was worried she would get scared.


    "Daddy."


    Chen Yunxi called out.


    It''s over a month''s journey from Ming State to Liangzhou.


    Having spent a month together, they had grown quite familiar with each other.


    "Alright, then Yunxi can stay here and accompany your mother and brother,"


    Chen Sansi said, "You can go back to your own room after a while. I''ll be staying in the backyard for the time being."


    It was convenient for him to do some things.


    "Okay."


    Chen Yunxi nodded emphatically.


    Once in the backyard, Chen Sansi took a bath with the help of Si Qin, changed into clean clothes, then lay on the bed to rest while taking out the "Bead."


    This object could produce an unknown "Mystical Energy" that could enhance formations, so he temporarily named it "Xuanzhu."


    On the journey there were always too many people and too much attention.


    Only now did Chen Sansi have the opportunity to study it in detail.


    It''s worth mentioning that since the Xuanzhu came into his possession, the Mystical Energy contained within began to increase continuously, from a weak stream at first to a small clump of white smoke now, which seemed to be still increasing gradually. He did not know the reason behind this.


    Chen Sansi held the Xuanzhu in his hand, closed his eyes, and tried to sense in the same state as when he was cultivating the Sword Qi Skill. Before long, he established a special connection with the Xuanzhu, and could then manipulate the "Energy" inside to enhance himself. However, it seemed to be of no use as it did not enhance combat power for a single person. He also tried to use the Xuanzhu''s energy to cultivate the Sword Qi Skill, but that too failed. It seemed it could only be useful for army formations.


    Even so, it was absolutely a treasure!


    Or rather, it might be useless for a mere Martial Artist, but it was a supreme treasure for a commander.


    The strongest battle of the Red Eyebrow Army was won thanks to the Xuanzhu, which broke through the Enemy Army. It was said that the combat power demonstrated even surpassed that of the Eight Camps. It''s worth noting the Red Eyebrow Army was established for less than a year, and even most of the High Realm Martial Artists were gathered from various sects.


    Furthermore, for some unknown reason, the energy stored in the Xuanzhu began to decrease, leading to a substantial weakening of the Red Eyebrow Army''s combat effectiveness. Even so, his troop still struggled outside Meishan Prefecture. If he could accumulate enough Mystical Energy and then use it in one battle, he couldn''t imagine the fighting power it would unleash.


    "Just don''t know how to accumulate it..." Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "It seems that the types of Mystical Energy are plentiful between heaven and earth, and we still know too little of it."


    "Well, no need to use it for now, since it''s slowly increasing. It''s better to save it."


    "As for the Heavenly Book..."


    Chen Sansi planned to hand it over to Mr. Hou in a couple of days, to avoid being questioned again, which was annoying enough.


    With these thoughts, he began to meditate, waiting until after everyone had fallen into a deep sleep before getting up quietly, armed himself and headed straight for Ci Yun Temple.


    There was no time to lose!


    The benefits of the Sword Qi Skill were too significant.


    This was still only entry-level; if he achieved even minor mastery, there should be no fear even when facing High Realm experts.


    Spirit Mist Mountain was silent as death.


    There were no patrolling disciples in Ci Yun Temple at night either.


    Chen Sansi had long ago rehearsed the infiltration route in his mind countless times, and he encountered no obstacles. With the help of Concealing Breath and Hiding and Sword Qi Skill, he was confident he wasn''t exposed and smoothly made his way inside the main hall.


    Looking at the incense burner shrouded in Purple Energy.


    Once again, he checked to make sure no one was following, then he slowly approached.


    Initially planning to simply pick it up and run, he noticed as he neared that there was a trace of red glow at the bottom of the incense burner¡ªthis was... blood!


    Chen Sansi became alert.


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    This blood glow was in a very peculiar position, surely the work of someone with intent. And it seemed very likely to be some sort of tracking mechanism, to prevent the object from being stolen.

 Chapter 150 Loyal Heroic Tablet, Incense Fire Divine Sect_2

    ```"Buzz¡ª"


    ```


    As he pondered what to do next, the Xuanzhu in his bosom suddenly resonated with some kind of response.


    The Xuanzhu seemed...


    to be able to store incense power!


    Chen Sansi immediately took out the Xuanzhu.


    Sure enough.


    Drawn by some mysterious force, the purple incense power that had accumulated over a long time within the incense burner was all absorbed into the Xuanzhu, where it coexisted with the white Mystical Energy already present without interference. Moreover, there seemed to be a certain degree of shielding effect; if one did not hold it in hand, it was virtually impossible to sense the incense power inside.


    "So this bead actually has this kind of use."


    In less than the time it took to drink a cup of tea, the purple incense power inside the burner had been completely cleansed, not a wisp remained.


    Having obtained the incense power, Chen Sansi had intended to turn around and leave.


    But he still felt it was a pity.


    The Mystic Iron Furnace could not withstand the temperature of the Abnormal Fire, and since such items were rarely sold anywhere, constantly buying new ones to take home would certainly attract attention. He still lacked a container that could withstand the heat of the Abnormal Fire.


    Although the incense power in the incense burner was depleted, it would be a real waste to just leave it there.


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    Taking it with him, however, he didn''t know if the person behind the scenes had some way to track it.


    After brief contemplation, Chen Sansi quickly came up with an idea.


    In the end, he decided to take the incense burner with him. After leaving Ci Yun Temple, he headed straight for the Luotian Mountain Range, along the way gathering a large quantity of Spiritual Grain. He also did not go to his original secret base but instead randomly found a tiger''s cave, slaughtered the sleeping tiger, and then began to refine medicine on the spot with an Immortal Treasure.


    "Since I can''t keep these items for long, might as well refine enough at one go!"


    "Boom¡ª"


    A red fire dragon rose up and swiftly enveloped the incense burner.


    Under the torture of the fearsome temperatures, the burner did not warp or deform like the Mystic Iron Furnace. This proved it was indeed not a mundane artifact. However, it seemed that the effectiveness of the refined Spiritual Grain was not much better than with the Mystic Iron Furnace.


    Everything has its own purpose.


    The incense burner was meant to absorb incense power and not for refining medicines; it was already good enough that it could be used as such.


    While maintaining the flames, Chen Sansi prepared pot after pot of Spiritual Grain Medicine Ointment, quickly filling up the water bags left by Vice Admiral Yu to the brim, and then filled up the Medicine Gourds he had prepared in advance.


    All of these together should be enough for half a year or even more!


    With that, keeping the incense burner didn''t serve much purpose. He certainly couldn''t brazenly use it to snatch the incense power in temples; keeping it in his possession was nothing but a curse. Of course, he wouldn''t return it either, as it had other uses!


    After dealing with the scene.


    Chen Sansi hoisted the furnace and headed straight into town.


    He was responsible for patrolling the city and knew all too well about its inhabitants. This was the so-called threat from within, as he effortlessly arrived at a grand estate.


    Even though there was no signboard in front of the residence, it was clear that it housed a wealthy family.


    This place was Cao Fan''s residence.


    Chen Sansi planned to give him the incense burner, marked with bloodlight, as a gift.


    That way, if the person behind the scenes were to search, they could only trace it to someone with the surname Cao.


    Had it not been for the concern that there was always a eunuch at his side in the Mastery of Meridian Passage Realm, Chen Sansi would have acted as a Witch God Sect Follower and taken his life that very night. It was a pity that he had initially struggled against someone who had only minor Meridian Passage, let alone Mastery of Meridian Passage. He would certainly have to wait until he himself had achieved Meridian Passage before taking action.


    As it happened, the old eunuch had not gone to war before since he was protected by Sha Wenlong, not having any actual duties and merely accompanying the Princely Heir as his attendant.


    If the owner of the incense burner came looking and they took their lives directly, it would save Chen Sansi a lot of trouble.


    Using this opportunity, Chen Sansi also wanted to see what kind of background the person collecting incense power had.


    He leaped onto the roof, located the eunuch''s position using the Qi Observation Skill, confirmed that the other party was resting, and then made his way to the backyard.


    The mansion was large, and there was even a pond in the back garden.


    Chen Sansi gently sank the incense burner into the water, then left as quietly as he had arrived, making not a single sound.


    When he returned home, he sat cross-legged on his bed and began to play with the Xuanzhu, but he didn''t rashly start practicing the Sword Qi Skill.


    Based on sensation alone,


    the purple incense power''s Mystical Energy could certainly replace Spiritual Energy to some extent, but the exact difference once absorbed into the body was still unknown. It was better not to act recklessly for now.


    If necessary, look for an opportunity to ask his fourth senior brother.


    The problem was they didn''t know when they would return, and after the war, Hai Dongqing went off to find Senior Sister Nine. Even with it in hand, he dared not use it to send messages about Immortal Law, especially not in the Capital City where a slight mishap could land it in the Emperor''s hands, causing trouble.


    For the time being, he could try to coax some related knowledge out of Seeking Immortal Tower, playing on their previous unfinished transaction. It was indeed time to make a visit.


    "This incense power seems not as plentiful as it looks..."


    Chen Sansi held the Xuanzhu, sensing the incense power inside, which was far less abundant than he had imagined. It felt as if someone had taken a "stock" from it once. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    That was normal, of course. Since some people were collecting, naturally others were using it.


    "Let''s wait and see!"


    After a great battle, Chen Sansi finally had a few days to rest.


    Chen Sansi spent his free time practicing martial arts and accompanying his child.


    Yunxi was a child so sensible it hurt one''s heart.


    On the second day at home, she woke up earlier than Si Qin and Mo Hua, went to the kitchen to cook porridge for everyone, or otherwise washed clothes and cleaned the house...

 Chapter 150 Loyal Heroic Tablet, Incense Fire Divine Sect_3

    To prevent her from working, they simply sent her to the Governor Mansion to begin her enlightenment and study.


    Time flew by.


    Another ten days or so had passed.


    [Cultivation Technique: National Guardian Dragon Spear. Hua Jin (small achievement)]


    [Progress: 1855/2000]


    In a little while, he would reach Great Success in Hua Jin, and then it would be time to attempt the Meridian Passage.


    ...


    After breakfast in the morning, someone came to notify them, asking them to gather at the Military City.


    "Qian Xun, what are you doing?!"


    Chen Sansi acutely sensed that the White Horse between his legs was throwing a tantrum.


    "..."


    "Alright, it''s my fault."


    Once the main pet understood his intention, Chen Sansi quickly realized that Qian Xun was angry because he had broken his promise. He had agreed to give it some Spiritual Grain when they crossed the river, but he ended up eating it all himself.


    "I''ll give it to you tonight, okay? Stop being capricious now, let''s get going."


    Chen Sansi urged on, and before the horse''s hooves could even kick off, he saw another familiar face.


    "Mr. Chen!"


    Zhaozhao said sarcastically, "You really are forgetful of old friends, aren''t you? You''ve been back for so many days and haven''t even thought to visit my lady."


    "I was just about to."


    Chen Sansi had promised to share intelligence with the other party and had also asked for help in finding materials for bows and arrows. Not to mention the matter of the Incense, he had been planning to visit anyway.


    He said, "Would you ask your lady to wait for me tonight? And you, girl, speak more respectfully to me from now on, otherwise, be careful I leave a scar on your face again."


    "You..."


    Zhaozhao initially wanted to retort, but remembering that this fellow really would do such a thing, she deflated immediately: "Just you wait; I''ll have my revenge sooner or later!"


    She left a fierce remark and scurried away.


    Chen Sansi couldn''t be bothered with her and rode Qian Xun to the military camp to report.


    All the soldiers of the Reserve Camp had already assembled early at the Martial Arts Arena.


    The cleanup operations in Ming State had also been thoroughly settled.


    Lu Ji and others returned on the same day.


    Today.


    Was the day for their recognition and reward ceremony.


    The Chief Eunuch Hou Bao stood atop the high platform, reading the imperial decree himself.


    Every surviving member of the remnants of the Reserve Camp received a reward.


    The last one called was Chen Sansi.


    "Promote Chen Sansi to the third-rank post of General Huai Yuan, to hold the office of Assistant General."


    ''Is that all?''


    The group of people kneeling below were murmuring in their hearts.


    Their lord had made great contributions, why such meager rewards? Not even gold, silver treasures, or medals?


    Before they could find it strange, they heard Hou Bao continue: Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Additionally, assign Chen Sansi to await orders in Liangzhou and to choose a date to enter the capital for his investiture!"


    To enter the capital for investiture!


    This...


    How grand must the reward be?


    To require a trip to the capital?


    Entering the capital for an audience with the Emperor, and receiving an edict for investiture were completely different concepts.


    "Brother Chen, it seems you really might ascend to the heavens in one leap..."


    Yan Changqing thought to himself with emotion.


    After the imperial decree had been read, everyone bowed their heads together.


    "We thank Heavenly Grace, long live the Emperor! Long live, long live, may he live forever!"


    "..."


    "Mr. Hou!"


    Chen Sansi found a gap and spoke up: "I want to ask about the rewards for Vice Admiral Yu Song and Captain Qian Cheng."


    "Yu Song?"


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    Mr. Hou thought for a moment and replied: "That man disobeyed orders on the battlefield. If it weren''t for Mr. Chen''s heroic efforts, Ming State might have faced destruction!"


    "At that time, the situation was not suitable for attacking Yangchun Prefecture; it was definitely not deliberate disobedience."


    Chen Sansi explained, "Besides, this strategy was decided after our discussion. If someone has to be accused of disobedience, then we all share in that disobedience!"


    "Indeed."


    Lu Shuhua was the first to corroborate: "Mr. Hou, what General Chen is saying is true."


    In fact, they had also disagreed with crossing the river at the time, it was purely under pressure that they disobeyed.


    But by now, they all deeply admired General Yu Song.


    "Mr. Hou, General Yu was utterly loyal to Dasheng, he deserves a reward!"


    Xie Sishu said, "His family, wife, and children also need an explanation!"


    "Please clear General Yu''s name!"


    Those kneeling on the ground, if they had official positions, were essentially all advocating for Yu Song.


    Only Yan Changqing remained silent.


    "Mr. Hou!"


    Chen Sansi spoke earnestly: "If it weren''t for Vice Admiral Yu''s decision to risk his life storming Luotian Pass and intimidating Liang Ji from Mei Mountain, we couldn''t have achieved our ultimate victory!"


    "Our household is aware of this,"


    Hou Bao said in his high-pitched voice: "It is precisely for this reason that the court has decided not to punish him. Otherwise, disobedience merits decapitation, and if it led to serious consequences, even executing his entire family would not be too extreme... If Mr. Chen really cannot bear this, you could always give him some silver coins in private."


    "Mr. Hou!"


    Chen Sansi spoke earnestly again: "This is not a matter of silver coins. Vice Admiral Yu didn''t go to Luotian Pass for material gains."


    "Mr. Chen, I appreciate your sense of righteousness, but you must understand something: disobedience is disobedience, it''s a fatal rule. Though it didn''t cause a negative outcome this time, what if everyone in the future follows suit, believing that disobeying orders might earn them great contributions? Wouldn''t that throw the entire military into chaos during battles?"


    Mr. Hou paused, then lowered his voice and continued: "If it is as you say, Mr. Chen, and the strategy to disobey was decided by you, let me be blunt¡ªif it weren''t for Vice Admiral Yu taking the brunt of the blame, even you would be punished."


    "Mr..."


    "Mr. Chen, do not speak further."


    Hou Bao interrupted: "If you are truly unsatisfied, Mr. Chen, you may write a petition through the Ministry of Communication, and then submit it to the Cabinet. No matter how earnestly you appeal to me, I cannot make this decision for you."


    "I understand."


    Chen Sansi felt a complex mix of emotions.


    Yu Song had disobeyed orders.


    Yet nothing was mentioned about Sha Wenlong and Cao Fan, who had attempted to kill him...


    On the contrary, their act of splitting the forces was considered meritorious. As for why they didn''t cross the river altogether, it was explained as a cautious military move, not daring to risk the entire army''s annihilation.

 Chapter 150 Loyal Heroic Tablet, Incense Fire Divine Sect_4

    ```


    This is simply inverting black and white.


    Yet, there''s no way to refute it.


    Because there is no evidence.


    "..."


    Chen Sansi felt a nameless anger burning within him.


    One protected by a close ally who had achieved Mastery of Meridian Passage, the other a general at the Profound Image Realm...


    He was still too weak.


    As long as one has sufficient strength to wrap things up cleanly, what does the surname Cao matter?


    Previously he was powerless.


    But moving forward, he would try.


    "Mr. Hou, may I have a word with you?"


    Chen Sansi gestured invitingly.


    Mr. Hou did not refuse, but as they walked, he said, "Mr. Chen, if you still wish to discuss the matter of Vice Admiral Yu, there''s no need..."


    "Please bother Mr. Hou to convey this to His Majesty on my behalf."


    Chen Sansi held several booklets resembling gold foil.


    "This... is this the Heavenly Book?"


    Mr. Hou looked somewhat entranced, "Our family was planning to ask about this matter in private, but Mr. Chen has taken the initiative to present it."


    Chen Sansi recited the excuse he had prepared well in advance, "I dare not forget His Majesty''s kindness for a moment; having gained something in battle, how dare I keep it to myself?"


    "Well done, Mr. Chen is truly a loyal minister and good general, no, a loyal minister and Divine General!"


    Mr. Hou inquired tentatively, "Mr. Chen, have you ever studied this object?"


    "To be honest, I studied it for several days, but the text on it is like talisman painting, truly incomprehensible, it''s indeed a ''Heavenly Book''."


    Chen Sansi, who had been holding the item in his hand for months, would only be believed by a fool if he said he hadn''t studied it.


    After meeting Jiangg Yuanbo, the Martial Saint from Capital City, he planned to give it to him, but it turned out that it was best to pass it to Mr. Hou upon return, indicating this person was one of the innermost trusted by the old Emperor.


    He paused, then continued, "Presumably, only the current Emperor could understand it."


    "This item will be temporarily in our family''s custody, and someone from the palace will come for it later."


    Mr. Hou said, "If it truly is the Heavenly Book, then Mr. Chen has made a great contribution! Tsk tsk, you''ve only joined the military for a short time, and yet you have repeatedly done great services for the court; this must be heaven''s blessings on our great Dasheng, a destiny that our state will flourish for tens of thousands of years."


    "You flatter me, I am but an ordinary courtier," said Chen Sansi. "Speaking of which, Mr. Hou, could you reveal a little about why His Majesty wishes to summon me to Capital City?"


    "What else could it be but a wonderfully good thing!"


    Mr. Hou whispered, "Mr. Chen is unaware, but His Majesty is extremely fond of you, praising you in front of the entire assembly of civil and military officials. You, my dear sir, are truly on the path to glory!"


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    Chen Sansi inquired, "Then did His Majesty mention when it would be?"


    "That has yet to be determined."


    Mr. Hou sighed, "In recent years, with unrest on all sides, even the Emperor has started to reduce his seclusion. Whenever there''s a spare moment, he will surely summon you."


    "Thank you, Mr. Hou."


    Chen Sansi took out a silver note and passed it over.


    "Mr. Chen, I mustn''t accept this."


    Mr. Hou laughed while decling, "Our family dares not take your silver again. If you truly wish to show appreciation, just look after our family in the future. That would be gratitude enough."


    "In that case, I will take my leave first."


    Chen Sansi bowed and turned to leave.


    It was useless to speak of Yu Song''s matter with this eunuch; better to go back and write a petition to try his luck...


    As for the Heavenly Book...


    They were even less likely to suspect anything.


    Because the Heavenly Book was indeed genuine, if the old Emperor was truly cultivating immortality, he would recognize it at a glance; however, it was only half true, as the other half remained in his possession. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    And this, likely only Immortals besides Liang Jinian knew.


    Speaking of this...


    Chen Sansi began to become curious.


    Did Liang Jinian truly meet an Immortal?


    Where did he meet them?


    He was in a state of half-belief.


    But considering his fourth senior brother mentioned their master had met an Immortal too, he felt it was indeed highly possible.


    If this were true...


    Were Immortals descending frequently?


    What were they trying to accomplish?


    "It''s a pity the master isn''t here."


    "Otherwise, I could have inquired thoroughly about Liang Ji''s matter."


    "Forget it, best to concentrate on cultivating, for now."


    Chen Sansi stopped his wild thoughts.


    ...


    After watching Chen Sansi leave, Mr. Hou found Yan Changqing and took out the Heavenly Book, "Young Master Yan, please take a close look, is this item the same as the one previously in Liang Ji''s possession?"


    "It cannot be mistaken."


    Yan Changqing affirmed confidently, "It is genuine."


    "That''s good."


    Mr. Hou clicked his tongue, "It seems Mr. Chen really has no ulterior motives~"


    ...


    The next day.


    After handling military affairs, Chen Sansi led a few brothers into the city.


    All along the way, many homes displayed white lanterns and the streets were littered with paper money.


    They stopped in front of a residence with three courtyards, and even before entering, they heard wailing from within.


    In the center of the courtyard, there was a coffin surrounded by women and half-grown children dressed in mourning, and occasionally, familiar faces from the Liangzhou Army arrived to pay their respects.


    Chen Sansi entered the courtyard and silently began to burn paper money by the brazier.


    Lu Shuhua and Xie Sishu followed suit.


    "You must be Mr. Chen Sansi, right?"


    A woman spoke up, and upon acknowledgment, led her whole family in a deep bow.


    She was the legal wife of Yu Song, Madam Song.


    "Madam, my condolences."


    Chen Sansi was not good at comforting others, simply stating, "If you need any help in Liangzhou City in the future, just send someone to find me; I reside in Qingquan Lane."


    "Yes, yes, yes," Xie Sishu joined in, "Whatever we can help with, we will do."


    "Hmm," Lu Shuhua added, "At any time, the Tongxuan Sword Sect will treat Madam with the highest honor."


    "Thank you for your kindness, gentlemen. I appreciate it," Madam Song dabbed away tears with a handkerchief, "And please, don''t overly grieve for my husband. It''s not appropriate for me to say this, but for him, dying on the battlefield is, indeed, dying with honor."


    ```

 Chapter 150 Loyal Heroic Tablet, Incense Fire Divine Sect_5

    "Wu wu..."


    The concubine next to him sobbed, "Yes, when the master was alive, his greatest wish was to one day make a name for himself on the battlefield, and then become famous and honored."


    "This time he''s made such great achievements."


    "The highest achievement belongs to Mr. Chen, and the next, surely is the master''s, fulfilling one of his lifelong desires."


    "..."


    "Mr. Chen."


    A fifteen or sixteen-year-old boy earnestly asked, "This time, my father should be able to receive the Loyal Heroic Tablet, right?"


    "Yes, the Loyal Heroic Tablet, that was father''s greatest aspiration..."


    The youngest child said, "Wu Ergou often brags to us about the tablets his family has!"


    "..."


    Chen Sansi looked at them and for a moment, didn''t know how to answer.


    Normally.


    If a military officer died in battle after achieving merit, announcing it to the whole world would be natural, and if the merit was significant, a posthumous title and noble rank might be granted, but Yu Song''s position was neither high nor low, and he was not yet eligible for a title or a posthumous name.


    Even so, according to the customary practices of the Great Sheng Dynasty, it should first be announced to the world, then award a tablet similar to Loyal Heroic to be hung in front of his family home. If his descendants study martial arts, they would also receive martial arts resources, and once their realm was sufficient, they could inherit their father''s position.


    But Vice Admiral Yu had none of these.


    Forsaking the rewards, he likely wouldn''t even get a tablet.


    All because of so-called insubordination!


    Insubordination, what nonsense?!


    Lu Shuhua, Xie Sishu, and others also felt ashamed.


    Not daring to stay any longer, they left one after another, having offered their condolences.


    Chen Sansi began to mentally draft a petition, pondering how to exonerate Vice Admiral Yu from the stigma of insubordination.


    "I''ll write it when I get home tonight."


    After leaving the Yu Mansion, he made his way directly to Red Sleeve Tower and familiarly entered through the back door.


    Today.


    Chen Sansi went upstairs with a sword.


    With a slight push of his thumb, he revealed the cold gleam beneath the scabbard, signaling Ning Xiang not to throw herself at him.


    "What a pretense!"


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    Ning Xiang covered her fragrant shoulders with a light gauze, pouted, and said, "Aren''t you just worried that I have some immortal trick to trap you? Otherwise, wouldn''t you take advantage if it were convenient? You''re someone with lustful intentions but not the courage to follow through."


    "You''re just average."


    Chen Sansi having been there several times and got acquainted, spoke while walking to the table and sitting down. After checking the wine pot he saw no issues, he poured himself a cup.


    "Average?!"


    Ning Xiang was stunned, then quickly asked, "What do you mean?"


    "Just what it sounds like." sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Sansi sipped the wine and picked up two cakes to eat.


    "Fine then, you rotten man."


    Ning Xiang''s pretty face showed a hint of anger, "Sooner or later, I''ll set you straight."


    "Let''s talk business."


    Chen Sansi bluntly said, "The matter of the Heavenly Book is over, I have already submitted the object to the court, it seems it has nothing to do with the method to reach the Immortal Realm, only suitable for leading troops in battle."


    Their transaction had been for the method to reach the Immortal Realm and traces of immortals, other details were naturally unnecessary.


    Speaking of this.


    Ning Xiang also turned serious, "What about the others? The immortal who bestowed the Immortal Treasure to Liang Jinian, have you seen him?"


    Chen Sansi shook his head.


    "Alright."


    Ning Xiang appeared slightly disappointed, "It''s a pity I didn''t have a chance to see the Heavenly Book myself, General Chen came back and didn''t think to show it to me first."


    "Show it to you? Careful, His Majesty might come after you."


    Chen Sansi changed the subject, "What about the arrowhead material I asked you to find last time? Did you find anything?"


    "General Chen is in luck, I just inquired through the Seeking Immortal Tower branches, and found something that the general wants."


    Ning Xiang signaled with her eyes.


    "Oh."


    Zhaozhao reluctantly rummaged through a chest and finally took out a lump of iron from a chest full of corsets, and placed it heavily on the table, "Here, take it."


    "This is..."


    Chen Sansi picked up the black shiny lump of iron. He hadn''t seen it in books, and based on touch and appearance, it seemed similar to mystiron, but he could clearly tell it was different.


    "This thing has no name,"


    Ning Xiang introduced, "If it must be labeled, it could be considered a type of mystiron. It was just born in a special location and nourished by peculiar mystical energies, giving rise to some unusual properties.


    "Ordinary mystiron can only ''conduct force,'' but this can be used to ''store'' force. It''s for a short duration, about a few breaths'' time, and it''s very rare. There''s only so much, not even enough to make a spearhead."


    Chen Sansi focused his force, conducting it into the black iron, and indeed found it could briefly store force on its surface, though the duration was really short and the material was scant. But it was enough!


    It was perfect for arrowheads!


    With the Ghost Vein Wood he saw in the "Hundred Herbs Map" before his expedition to Ming State, which could store force, he could craft arrows that maintain force after being fired!


    During the last venture into Ming State, bows and arrows were practically useless against High Realm Martial Artists, and were only able to clear out martial artists below the realm of Refining Internal.


    Last time, even the Fierce Monster in the Luotian Mountain Range couldn''t be injured...


    No wonder few were fond of archery, as someone advanced higher, it became less effective, and most martial artists preferred close-range weapons for hunting Exotic Beasts rather than bows and arrows.


    But if they could store force, that''d be different!


    Don''t forget, he could also store force.


    "Miss Ning Xiang."


    Chen Sansi didn''t rush to take the material, but gently placed it on the table, "Let''s talk, what do you need me to do?"


    The exchange was agreed upon before heading to Ming State, after all, it was a transaction.


    "And here I thought you''d want to freeload again~"

 Chapter 150 Loyal Heroic Tablet, Incense Fire Divine Sect_6

    Ning Xiang gently stretched her slender legs under the table, removed her embroidered shoes and touched the other person, coquettishly saying, "It is simple to take it away, General. Just enjoy a delightful night with me. I would really like to try your Vajra Body~"


    "Hmm, all right then."


    Chen Sansi nodded, deliberately saying, "Although it''s ordinary, for the sake of Xuan iron, I can do it."


    Ning Xiang instantly lost interest and kicked him hard, saying irritably, "Do you really think I fancy you? Fine, I''ll give you the iron. In exchange, you need to help me find a medicinal herb in the Luotian Mountain Range for treating external injuries, called ''broken grass''. It shouldn''t be too hard for you, right?"


    Broken grass.


    The corresponding functions emerged in Chen Sansi''s mind. When combined with a few other invaluable herbs, it can be used to reattach severed limbs, but this thing is rare.


    He said, "I can''t guarantee that for you."


    "Then please do your best, General."


    Ning Xiang said, "Even if you can''t find it, the iron is still yours."


    "I''ll do my best then."


    Chen Sansi started packing up the iron, "Miss, do you have anything else to say?"


    "You could tell, huh."


    Miss Ning Xiang said somberly, "General Chen, have you heard of the Incense Fire Divine Sect?"


    "Incense Fire..."


    Chen Sansi hadn''t anticipated that she would bring up this topic before he could inquire about it. He seriously said, "I haven''t heard of it, tell me about it."


    "There are countless ways to cultivate immortality in the world, and Incense Fire Divine Dao is one of them."


    Miss Ning Xiang explained, "Among them, there''s a sect called the Incense God Sect. They have a special technique that allows them to steal the spiritual incense from deities for their own use, but due to their mysterious actions, little is known about their detailed whereabouts. It is only known that they prefer to hide in places within a state or mansion where the incense is most prosperous, though sometimes, they might deliberately hide in places with poorer incense to conceal their identity."


    "Incense can also be used for cultivation?"


    Chen Sansi took the opportunity to inquire, "Is there any difference compared to the so-called cultivation of Spiritual Energy?"


    "Of course, there are. Cultivation can be divided into entering the path and not entering the path."


    Ning Xiang patiently explained, "If you''re not on the path, you can use incense to some extent instead of Spiritual Energy, but if you enter the path, you can''t change back, and it''s said that cultivating with incense involves some costs, but I don''t know what they specifically are."


    "Entering the path?"


    Chen Sansi was even more confused, "Miss Ning Xiang, could you please explain clearly what it means to enter the path and what it means not to enter the path?"


    "Entering the path."


    Ning Xiang explained, "When you absorb ''Energy'' through your Spirit Root and store it in your Dantian, that is considered entering the path. The rest, if you simply use Spiritual Energy to practice some minor magic skills without being able to store it in the Dantian and transform your body, do not count as entering the path. The same applies to incense."


    Chen Sansi understood.


    Since he was only practicing Sword Qi Skill, he wasn''t considered to have entered the path, so he didn''t need to be concerned about any adverse effects from incense and could use it safely.


    "Let me show you a small magic skill, General."


    Ning Xiang beckoned with her finger, "Zhaozhao, come here."


    "Me? I don''t want to."


    Before Zhaozhao could finish speaking, she saw Ning Xiang''s dark pupils turn pink under the influence of Qingxuan Energy. After making eye contact, Zhaozhao became dazed and silly, drooling while hugging Ning Xiang''s thigh.


    "¡­"


    Chen Sansi watched this scene, which truly seemed like an Illusion Technique.


    No wonder rumors said that guests who had seen Ning Xiang couldn''t return to their senses for three days; perhaps they''ve really become foolish¡­


    Ning Xiang extended her delicate finger and gently tapped on Zhaozhao''s forehead, after which the latter regained her normal demeanor.


    She smiled seductively, "What do you think, General? Want to join the Seeking Immortal Tower? I can teach you."


    "Not interested."


    Chen Sansi asked, "By the way, you suddenly started discussing the Incense God Sect and incense with me, could it be..."


    "General is truly astute. You knew what I wanted to say just by listening. According to reliable information, the Incense God Sect has a branch in Liangzhou."


    Ning Xiang looked towards the window, "The two Taoists who died at Ci Yun Temple a while ago were most likely from the Incense God Sect. After they died, it is said that followers from near the Capital are hurrying here, but their purpose is unclear."


    That implied it''s probably that master uncle from Ci Yun Temple¡­


    Chen Sansi pondered, "Ci Yun Temple has been around for a long time, they are people from the Incense Fire Divine Sect, why didn''t you know about this earlier?"


    "There were suspicions, but no proof. After all, we don''t know how to use incense, nor would we rashly go to investigate. Besides, you didn''t ask me before."


    Ning Xiang continued, "I''m telling you now because they might be planning something big soon, so be alert."


    "Something big?"


    Chen Sansi asked curiously, "Concerning Liangzhou?"


    "No."


    Ning Xiang gently shook her head, "It''s about the Capital. According to our sources, the people from the Incense God Sect have recently started collecting items from various places and sending them to the Capital, most likely incense, but it''s unclear what they intend to do with so much incense in the Capital."


    Gathering incense for the Capital.


    Chen Sansi subconsciously suspected it was related to the old Emperor. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Similar to the previous Witch God Sect.


    But it was just a possibility.


    Miss Ning Xiang also said, "We can track some of the movements of the Incense God Sect, but what people they interact with and what they do on a daily basis is completely unknown to us."


    "Hmm, that should have nothing to do with me, but still, thank you for letting me know, Miss Ning Xiang."


    Chen Sansi said.


    It had nothing to do with him.


    But it probably had something to do with Cao Fan.


    The incense burner from Ci Yun Temple was still soaking in a pond in the Cao family''s backyard, and the incense within had been completely absorbed, leaving no clue how the Incense God Sect would react.


    "If there''s nothing else, I shall take my leave first."


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    Chen Sansi bowed with his fists clasped and left with his long sword slung over his shoulder.


    But he did not return home; instead, he changed directions and spent the night in another brothel.


    Since Cao Fan''s residence was located in a bustling area,


    there happened to be a high-rise brothel nearby that offered a view of the house.


    Chen Sansi planned to see if the Incense God Sect was indeed able to find their way there.


    He spent his days practicing and his nights sleeping in the brothel.


    Two days passed like this.


    Finally, on the third night at midnight, Chen Sansi finally saw something happening.


    Two figures flickered momentarily and leapt over the wall into Cao Fan''s residence.


    ...


    Two Taoists moved silently through the darkness, one following the other.


    "Unexpectedly, those two people under Qiu Mingzi turned traitors, sneaking around with the Witch God Sect. We hadn''t even gotten a chance to question them before they died in the prison! Squad Leader, what is the Witch God Sect up to in Liangzhou?"


    "It''s probably related to the depths of the Luotian Mountain Range, but let''s not worry about it for now. Our primary task is to handle the important matters in the Capital first, and then we can get involved in Liangzhou''s affairs."


    "And who had the audacity to steal the incense burner?"


    In front of the Heir Mansion, the two stopped,


    "Squad Leader, are we certain we''re not mistaken? How did the incense burner end up here?"


    "The Blood Light Technique, how could it be wrong?"


    Their voices were as thin as mosquito whines. While discussing, they approached a rockery in the backyard.


    The leading old Taoist looked at the pond and spoke in a deep voice, "The object is below."


    "Good."


    The other person quietly dove into the water and in a few breaths reemerged, carrying the incense burner,"Squad Leader, it''s really here, and... the incense is gone!"


    "What?!"


    The old Taoist picked up the incense burner, held it carefully in his hands, and his face immediately soured.


    "Squad Leader!"


    The subordinate said, "Could the Princely Heir be responsible? I''ll go question him right now!"


    "Don''t move!"


    The old Taoist frowned, "This matter is a significant secret, don''t make a fuss about it. Whether it''s Cao Fan or not, we just need to ask when we get back."


    "Right."


    The subordinate confusedly said, "If it was Cao Fan, he wouldn''t have hidden the object in the water; he could have directly told us. But within Liangzhou City, who else knows the Incense Technique?


    "Seeking Immortal Tower? No, they don''t even know how incense is collected."


    "Sun Xiangzong? He hasn''t much dealt with incense either, and he''s not even in Liangzhou right now. The Emperor himself doesn''t know where he is, so who else could it be? After all this, Cao Fan is still the most likely."


    "Creak¡ª"


    A noise of a door opening came from afar.


    The two Taoists did not linger, leaping up to the surrounding wall and then disappearing into the darkness once more.


    ...


    Inside the brothel.


    Chen Sansi was somewhat disappointed.


    No disturbance?


    He had thought there would be a great show to watch tonight, yet his days of vigil had been in vain.


    Such a large amount of incense was stolen, and the people of the Incense God Sect showed no anger at all?


    Were they afraid of the Caos?


    Or was there another hidden reason?


    "Enough..."


    Chen Sansi realized that if he wanted to avenge himself and Yu Song, he would need to take action himself.


    In the coming days, he planned to first break through to Great Success in Hua Jin, while simultaneously practicing the Sword Qi Skill.

 Chapter 151 Hua Jin Great Success, War Resumes

    Chen Mansion, the back courtyard.


    "Buzz¡ª¡ª"


    "Whoosh¡ª¡ª"


    Si Qin, holding food and drink, stopped at the entrance to the back courtyard, listening to the noises inside that frightened her so much she didn''t dare to come any closer. There was just a door separating them, yet it sounded as if a gale was blowing inside.


    She didn''t dare to make a sound to disturb, gently put the things down at the door, and slipped away.


    Another late autumn had come.


    The thick layer of fallen leaves in the courtyard gradually gathered together beneath the Jiao Long-like dance of the long spear, eventually forming a golden tornado that swept through, shattering one flower bed after another, with the sound of popping and cracking continuously erupting.


    Inside Chen Sansi''s body, the blood of the dragon and elephant boiled and surged; his Xuan Yuan''s five organs were operating at full capacity, maintaining the Blood Explosion State while continuously generating powerful energy, which was then infused into the Five Tigers Soul-breaking Spear without stop.


    The path of Martial Arts.


    One misstep leads to a cascade of more.


    Starting with Qi-Blood, if one is naturally inferior to others, as their realms climb higher, the gap between the same levels will grow wider and wider, eventually forming a chasm too great to cross. This was the very reason why Selected Point deemed the bone assessment stage so crucial.


    Only martial artists with a strong physique could cultivate a more solid foundation.


    At this very moment.


    Chen Sansi continuously tested his limits to refine the purity and strength of his energy.


    With small achievement in Hua Jin, it meant to enhance one''s weapon with energy.


    And with great success, one could externalize the energy to form a layer of force around the weapon, achieving a terrifying offensive power. Even without the weapon''s blade making contact with the opponent, it could still inflict damage.


    If one were unarmed, using only hands, they could still block a sharp blade with pure energy, provided their energy is indeed more powerful than the opponent''s, and they wouldn''t hurt themselves.


    Every time Chen Sansi thrust his long spear, he felt the energy infused on the gun tip grew stronger; gradually, it began to spill over the tip and then spread outward. He kept pushing himself deliberately, exhausting every bit of energy until he was worn out and had drained the last whiff of energy from his body.


    Then came a qualitative change.


    After the extreme pain, his body ascended once more; the energy born from his Qi-Blood and internal organs became more refined. When added to a Mystical Weapon, it was like an extendable sharp sword, expanding around it. Upon reaching the gun tip, it formed an invisible force wrapping around the blade.


    Breakthrough!


    Hua Jin had achieved great success!


    [Cultivation technique: National Guardian Dragon Spear. Hua Jin (Great Success)]


    [Progress: 0/0]


    [Utility:..., True Dragon Strength]


    [True Dragon Strength: The energy rampages, akin to a True Dragon]


    The energy of a common person can be simply described as adding another invisible blade around the weapon''s edge; it''s static, with only the differences in strength and no special qualities.


    But the energy of the True Dragon Strength is alive!


    "Buzz¡ª¡ª"


    Chen Sansi gripped the spear shaft with both hands, enhancing it with energy. The Five Tigers Soul-breaking Spear trembled incessantly, especially the buzzing from the gun tip, as if several small dragons were circling around the blade.


    He didn''t use any moves or let the spear tip actually touch any object, just slowly pushed the long spear with True Dragon Strength, and when he was still more than an inch away from a potted plant, the ceramic pot burst open with a bang.


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    Such a weak reference object still couldn''t manifest the full extent of the power.


    If he had to describe it, Chen Sansi felt that the True Dragon Strength outside his spear tip was like a chainsaw that could attack twice upon contact with an enemy, bound to be highly effective in real combat.


    "Done!"


    He wiped the sweat from his forehead and took a deep breath, "Next, it''s time to hit the Meridian Passage."


    The cultivation technique for the Meridian Passage Realm.


    Shortly after returning to Liangzhou, Sun Li brought it to him, still the National Guardian Dragon Spear, complete with the techniques up to the Xuanxiang Realm, including annotations and insights.


    She hadn''t given it to him all at once before because she must have added these things later.


    Speaking of which.


    His master had vanished since he went to the Capital City, an ordinary man gone without a trace nearly a year, including the chaos in Ming State where it was rumored that the Emperor himself almost took to the field. S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Sansi guessed there must have been something more important for him to attend to.


    But honestly, even his master''s presence didn''t have much significance for his cultivation anymore.


    As the saying goes, "The master guides you through the entry, but your progress depends on yourself."


    He had the cultivation technique and the supply of treasure medicine had never been interrupted.


    What remained was solely reliant on his own effort.


    Speaking of which, Chen Sansi had been anything but frugal with the treasure medicine, devouring it continuously as long as he could digest it. After Hua Jin, each pill could be worth thousands or even tens of thousands of taels, a cost that most officials would find unaffordable.


    Originally.


    His master demanded that he reach Martial Saint within three years.


    Now, a year had passed, and two major realms remained: Meridian Passage, Profound Image Realm, and finally Martial Saint.


    With enough resources...


    Perhaps?


    One can only do one''s best and leave the rest to fate.


    After a brief rest, Chen Sansi ate the food left at the door and then went back inside to lock the room. He took out a Xuanzhu filled with White Xuan Qi and purple incense, starting to practice the Sword Qi Skill.


    Once certain that the practice of magic would not be affected by the incense, he could confidently and boldly use it.


    Chen Sansi sat cross-legged, eyes closed, focusing on meditation.


    He held the Xuanzhu in his hand and, under the pull of his Spirit Root, continuously drew the energy from the incense into his body before circulating it within his meridians according to the pathways of the Sword Qi Skill.


    [Magic: Sword Qi Skill (Entry-level)]


    [Progress: 435/500]

 Chapter 151 Hua Jin Great Success, the Battle Resumes_2

    During this period, I trained in martial arts by day, studied spells by night, and my proficiency with the Sword Qi Skill continued to improve¡ªI was close to a breakthrough.


    Unfortunately,


    the incense offerings were not plentiful, and it was uncertain how long they would last. Moreover, following this incident, the Ci Yun Temple would likely be on guard; attempting another strike would not be so easy.


    Speaking of which,


    Chen Sansi couldn''t help but recall what Ning Xiang had said. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Trouble is brewing in the Capital City.


    "Does the Incense God Sect dare cause chaos in the Capital City?"


    "Damn."


    Chen Sansi thought that he might soon be summoned to the Capital City; he hoped it wouldn''t coincide with any such disturbances.


    But upon further contemplation, he felt that it might be an unnecessary worry. Your next chapter is on My Virtual Library Empire


    The court alone boasted eight Martial Saints¡ªeight Generals¡ªwith two presently stationed in the Capital. This was without taking into account the eunuchs within the Imperial Palace.


    Those eunuchs were not to be underestimated.


    Selected from the depths of the Imperial Palace and granted resources, each possessed a superior constitution.


    Plus, there was Emperor Longqing, whose strength was a mystery.


    For the Incense God Sect to stir trouble in the Capital City would likely not be easy...


    Before he knew it, another night had passed.


    Almost at the third watch of the night, Chen Sansi finally lay down to rest. When he woke up the next morning, he saw Si Qinmohua busily attending the household, either changing diapers or cooking for his wife.


    Chen Yunxi was sitting at the stone table in the courtyard, reading and learning characters.


    Indeed, it felt like a lively family home.


    "How''s it going?"


    Chen Sansi sat down beside his daughter, "How many characters can Yunxi recognize now? Are you happy staying at the Governor Mansion? Has anyone bullied you?"


    Chen Yunxi shook her head, "Pretty Uncle Teacher buys me candied hawthorn sticks every day. He said he''ll make me a floral dress in a few days. The brothers and sisters there like to play with me too, and there''s a teacher who teaches me characters."


    "Mr. Zhuang was once a scholarly gentleman."


    Chen Sansi said, "He disdained the court''s ethos and chose to teach privately in the Governor Mansion. He''s impressive, you should learn well from him."


    "But Daddy, I wasn''t talking about Mr. Zhuang." Chen Yunxi shook her head, "I was talking about another teacher."


    "Another teacher?"


    Chen Sansi asked, "Mr. Li?"


    Chen Yunxi shook her head again, "A young teacher."


    "..."


    Chen Sansi had been to the Governor Mansion often, but he had never seen a young teacher in the private school.


    He asked, "Are you sure he''s from the Governor Mansion?"


    "Yes."


    Chen Yunxi nodded, "He also asked Yunxi what I want to do when I grow up."


    "What did you say?"


    "I said, I want to help Daddy."


    "What could you help me with?"


    "I don''t know."


    "..."


    Chen Sansi did not dwell on it much.


    Having a young man of talent in the Governor Mansion was, after all, quite normal.


    After patting his daughter''s head, he set out for the military camp. Now that he had some downtime, he planned to learn about the Power Quenching Medicine to see its effects and potentially improve some proficiency.


    If possible, it would be great to enhance the strengths of his brothers-in-arms.


    Zhao Kang and the others were all commendable, but their realms were lacking.


    Beyond that,


    Ji and others had gradually returned.


    Zhao Wuji was also alive, albeit in a sorry state. His entire army was lost, leaving him the sole survivor to escape on horseback, narrowly sparing his life.


    Ji and his peers were likewise rewarded for their merits.


    Moreover, it was heard that the East was also embroiled in war, which only began recently.


    Calculating the time, it coincided with the collapse of Ming State. The moment Dasheng began experiencing internal strife, Dongqing Country seized the opportunity for a swift attack, yet just as they made their move, the Four Crossings of Hongze concluded...


    Dongqing Country was caught off guard, finding themselves compelled to proceed with the attack, left with no choice but to continue fighting reluctantly.


    All of this, they had only just learned.


    Between Dongqing Country and the Great Sheng Dynasty, there was no Great Wall to separate their borders; trades were common, and many merchants settled their families on both sides. It seemed without significant discord, but in truth, the grudges between the two nations ran deep.


    The westernmost part of the Eight States in Dongqing was once the territory of the Great Sheng Dynasty!


    When the Sheng Dynasty was founded, Grand Ancestor Cao Xie was enshrined and crowned Emperor on Ziwei Mountain within Dongqing. However, during Emperor Qing''s reign, they suffered simultaneous attacks on all sides. Dongqing managed to bite off a piece of territory and then agreed to aid Sheng against Beiman and Nan Xu, with the provision that the Eight States'' land be permanently conceded to Dongqing. Thereafter, Dongqing steadily secured its foothold in the Eight States and grew in power.


    At that time, it was a period of prosperity for the Sheng Dynasty, and the loss of so much territory, including the Imperial Temple and Ziwei Mountain, dealt a heavy blow.


    From then on, the Sheng Dynasty began its decline.


    The people of Sheng, from the rulers to the commoners, all felt an immense shame, and the incident became known as the "Disgrace of Emperor Qing."


    Subsequent Emperors of Sheng set the recapture of the Eastern Eight States as their highest goal, though none succeeded. Now, despite being beleaguered from all sides, the dynasty''s survival was thanks to its numerous valiant warriors and large population.


    Mr. Hou revealed that the reason the Emperor did not summon him to the Capital was to wait until the conflict in the East concluded so that all the heroes could be gathered together for a grand bestowal of honors. Moreover, the current situation was highly favorable. Recapturing the entire Eight States was unlikely, but there was a real possibility of reclaiming Ziwei Mountain. If so, performing ancestral rites on Ziwei Mountain before bestowing honors would be a tremendous honor for both the Imperial Family and the servants.


    The State Guardian Sword...


    After roll call in the military camp, the morning was still devoted to routine drills.


    Chen Sansi, though titled Assistant General, found that his Reserve Camp, having returned from Ming State... was reduced to just over a thousand men, and further personnel expansion would have to wait until the enlargement of the forces was complete.

 Chapter 151 Hua Jin Great Success, the Battle Resumes_3

    ```


    Moreover, this military expansion will be quite special.


    According to the current information, four large camps will be expanded.


    Each regular camp has four sections front, back, left, and right with four thousand people each, making sixteen thousand people per camp. Adding up four camps makes sixty-four thousand people, and furthermore, during the Ming State campaign, both the Sky Wolf Camp and the Cloud Camp suffered heavy losses and need personnel replenishment.


    For the time being, it''s simply impossible to gather so many people.


    If one wants to quickly build up combat power, the best method is to transfer people from the surrounding garrisons over, which also requires meticulous calculations to prevent creating too large a deficit all at once, leading to the problem of robbing Peter to pay Paul.


    "Jiang Tiling!"


    Chen Sansi came to the pharmacy, cupped his fists, and said, "Thank you for your troubles!"


    "It''s no bother, I was just about to concoct a furnace of medicine, but..."


    Jiang Tiling looked Chen up and down: "Mr. Chen has come to learn Power Quenching Medicine, could it be that you have already achieved small achievement or even great success in Hua Jin?"


    Chen Sansi didn''t deny it.


    "That was so quick..."


    Jiang Tiling said incredulously: "Your cultivation speed is faster than even General L¨¹, and from what we see now, perhaps only Lord Governor when he was young, and... and the third young master from back then could compare."


    "I wouldn''t dare to compare with Master and third brother."


    Chen Sansi said: "It''s only because of the help of treasure medicine that I''ve barely caught up; I''m still far from being close."


    "Mr. Chen, you''re being overly modest. All right, let''s start."


    Jiang Tiling sat down in front of the furnace: "I will demonstrate three times, please watch closely, Mr. Chen!"


    "Buzz¡ª"


    As he spoke, he began to channel the Power within his body and enhance it in his palms, then transferring it through the specially made Mystic Iron Furnace to the contents inside. Under the dual strengthening of fierce flames and Power, the medicine''s toxicity was refined, and the essence of the herbal ingredients was extracted.


    "Alchemists in the world and the level of Power Quenching Medicine can generally be divided into three tiers."


    "If one can''t even produce Outer Strength, then that''s the lowest tier." Discover hidden content at My Virtual Library Empire


    "Second-tier alchemists can concoct Supplemental Medicine that can remove sixty percent of toxicity, leaving forty percent."


    "First-tier alchemists leave behind twenty to thirty percent."


    "The top alchemists in the world are those who leave behind only ten percent. These experts are basically all within the Imperial Hospital, and the treasure medicines Mr. Chen usually takes are from their hands."


    "I am untalented, having taken a liking to medical practice since childhood. Later, when I learned that alchemy also needed Power, I learned Martial Arts halfway through. Now, after cultivating daily for a major part of my life, I am but a first-tier Alchemist, still far from becoming a top Alchemist."


    The Imperial Hospital...


    Chen Sansi suddenly thought.


    If it was true that the Medical Officers of the Imperial Hospital were experts above the level of Hua Jin, wouldn''t they be a terrifying force in critical moments?


    Are they physicians?


    "Watch closely!"


    "Bang!"


    "Buzz¡ª"


    Jiang Tiling''s movements were dazzling, appearing to be a separate Cultivation Technique.


    But in fact, that wasn''t the case.


    He was purely using Power, not any Cultivation Technique. The greatest difficulty lay in the amount of force used, the timing, and the coordination with the heat, and then the concoction of each type of Supplemental Medicine required a new adjustment.


    Thus, it was a task of technical skill and a test of endurance.


    "Jiang Tiling, you are... "


    Chen Sansi looked at the other''s muscles: "Vajra Body?"


    "Exactly!"


    Jiang Tiling''s movements didn''t stop: "The Vajra Force cultivated from the Vajra Body is actually not suitable for medical practice. Otherwise, I might well have become an Alchemy Master!"


    Soon, he completed the demonstration three times.


    A furnace of precious Supplemental Medicine for the Refining Internal Realm of the Eight Camps was produced.


    Then, Jiang Tiling also demonstrated another set of Supplemental Medicine for each realm three times.


    "Mr. Chen, it would be good if you have the heart to learn and the spare time to concoct medicines."


    Jiang Tiling sighed: "After all, Power Quenching Medicine has its threshold, and there are only a few of us old guys in the pharmacy who can do it. With so many people in the troupe, how can I keep up?"


    Even if it''s not complete, the Elite Camp still has tens of thousands of people.


    Chen Sansi estimated that in the pharmacy, there were only about four to five people who understood Power Quenching Medicine.


    Therefore, these medicinal materials were essentially prepared for military officers above the Refining Internal Realm; there were also many Supplemental Medicines for ordinary military officers, but those were concocted by ordinary people like Medical Officer Jiang and his team, with less effective results.


    Of course, this was all relative.


    Compared to Po Yang County, the resources here could already be considered at the "Cave Heaven Blessed Land" level.


    After learning Power Quenching Medicine, Chen Sansi decided to practice and just happened to concoct medicine for his subordinates, both improving his proficiency in Medical Skill and enhancing his subordinates'' strength, killing two birds with one stone.


    Having watched Jiang Tiling''s demonstration, with the effects of "Qilin''s Heart" combined with "Photographic Memory", he firmly etched the method of concocting each type of Supplemental Medicine in his mind.


    Next.


    Chen Sansi took a room in the pharmacy as his future alchemy room and immediately began to practice Power Quenching Medicine.


    Once he started, it was not as difficult as he had imagined.


    Moreover, his True Dragon Strength seemed to be of great help to the concoction of medicine.


    It seemed that the purer the Power, the better the effect of the medicine.


    But how many people in the world with the Body of Martial Saint would be willing to become an Alchemist? Hence, this led to the scarcity of Alchemy Masters.


    After practicing for several days.


    Chen Sansi mastered the process of concocting several kinds of Supplemental Medicine and then invited Jiang Tiling for evaluation.


    "So soon?!"


    Jiang Tiling picked up a porcelain bowl, took a small sip at the edge of his lips. As the medicinal soup went down, shock appeared on his face, and his eyes widened: "Mr. Chen, how did you manage to reach the level of a second-tier Alchemist in just a few days?" S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ```

 Chapter 151 Hua Jin Great Success, the Battle Resumes_4

    "Really? Is it true?"


    The other alchemists who had come to join the fun also tasted it, then revealed the same expression.


    "I''ve always said, those with the Body of a Martial Saint are naturally born to be alchemists!"


    "I''m so envious!"


    "Disperse, disperse!"


    "Go back and cultivate diligently, if in the future you can reach the Profound Image Realm and use Gang Qi to refine medicine, you still have a chance to break into the realm of an Alchemy Master!"


    "..."


    "Sir, this is..."


    Zhao Kang and the others were called over to look at the medicine furnace in front of them.


    "I will often take time out to brew medicine for you."


    Chen Sansi personally served them the medicine soup, "If we can hunt more Exotic Beasts on the mountain later on, I will share some with you too. Cultivate well and strive to have several breakthroughs in Refining Internal Organs, and maybe one or two advancements in Hua Jin this year."


    "Thank you, Sir!"


    Zhao Kang bowed with clasped fists, "We will not let you down, Sir!"


    Feng Yong downed the medicine soup in one gulp, "Sir, the medicine you brew is almost comparable to that of a Pharmacist, which we usually have to queue for, yet you can brew it yourself!"


    That''s what Chen Sansi said.


    But in reality, he knew that at most, only one person might advance to Hua Jin.


    Though there was still Bai Thingzhi, Lu Shuhua and a few other geniuses available.


    But even if these people were willing to follow him now, once the expansion was complete and duties were assigned, they would surely be divided.


    How could several with the Body of a Martial Saint be under the command of one person?


    So in the end, he had to rely on his old brothers.


    If physical talent was lacking, then medicinal herbs must compensate!


    [Skill: Medical Skill. Proficient (Master)]


    [Progress: 895/1000]


    The recent increase in proficiency was mainly from using Power Quenching Medicine, the effects of which he did not know yet until reaching small achievement.


    After finishing with the medicinal ingredients, Chen Sansi then took his bow and arrows to the archery field for practice.


    [Skill: Archery (Great Success)]


    [Progress: (1550/2000)]


    The breakthrough in archery skills was also not very far away.


    Furthermore, it''s worth mentioning that Sun Buqi has been frequently practicing archery with him recently. His level had finally improved, holding a fifteen-stone bow in his hands, he could basically hit targets within a seventy to eighty steps.


    After the morning training session ended.


    In the afternoon, Chen Sansi led a team to patrol the city.


    Passing by a martial arts training ground nearby, he saw Cao Fan, who seemed to have broken through to the mastery of the Hua Jing Technique.


    Seeing this person.


    Chen Sansi''s mind involuntarily recalled the events of several nights ago. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Incense God Sect, was it just going to be left at that?


    He heard that the "Elder" from Ci Yun Temple had arrived in Liangzhou, and perhaps he could meet him during the routine inspections in the afternoon to see what he was really about.


    ...


    "Huff, huff..."


    Cao Fan put down the Azure Dragon Crescent Blade, his face was blood red, which also revealed an unnatural paleness.


    "Congratulations, Young Master, on your breakthrough!"


    The sparring partner, Sha Wenlong, put down his blade, "If I''m not mistaken, Lu Shuhua and the others at most have only reached the entry-level of the Hua Jing Technique, Xie Sishu and Yan Changqing are still in the Refining Internal Organs Perfection stage. The Young Master has already surpassed them by two whole levels."


    "What about Chen Sansi?"


    Cao Fan, coughing, inquired, "Has he also achieved Hua Jing? Otherwise, how could he have possibly gone to Meishan Prefecture in the first place?"


    "This..."


    Sha Wenlong hesitated and then answered, "He indeed has achieved Hua Jing."


    "Entry-level? No, that''s not right..."


    Cao Fan furrowed his brow, "It must be mastery, right?"


    His heart was full of mixed feelings.


    Since the end of the Selected Point, to maintain his dominance in realm, he had not hesitated to sacrifice his lifespan by cultivating an extremely fierce Cultivation Technique to rapidly increase his strength, but now it had come to this.


    The honor was the other''s.


    And in realms, he probably had caught up and evened out!


    "Young Master..."


    Sha Wenlong did not reply.


    Cao Fan''s face stiffened, pressing further, "What does that mean, he has not only just reached it?"


    "Young Master, it doesn''t matter."


    Sha Wenlong redirected the topic, "If it really doesn''t work out, we can return to the Capital City. The rebels in the south and Dongqing Country in the east both present opportunities to establish military exploits, there''s no need to remain in the Northern Territory."


    "Eunuch Feng!"


    Seeing him unwilling to speak, Cao Fan turned to his close companion, "Tell me the truth, hasn''t he broken through to small achievement?!"


    "Young Master, please brace yourself." Discover stories with My Virtual Library Empire


    Eunuch Feng said with a bitter smile, "A few hours ago, I heard people in the pharmacy discussing that he seems to have reached small achievement in Hua Jing, or maybe even great success..."


    "Puh¡ª"


    Cao Fan felt something choking in his chest, his vision darkened as the world spun, and he fell backward, even spewing a mouthful of fresh blood.


    "Young Master!"


    Sha Wenlong hurriedly supported him.


    "Oh dear, Young Master!"


    Eunuch Feng was so anxious that he even started to cry, while he used a handkerchief to wipe the blood and searched his body for healing treasure medicine.


    The very path of cultivation that the Young Master had chosen was already damaging to the body, and now compounded with the suffocating distress, both effects together had made him simply unable to cope, resulting in a collapse.


    "Why, why..."


    After a while, Cao Fan finally reopened his eyes, "He''s only been practicing martial arts for two years, how can the heavens be so unfair! I only sleep two hours a day, maintaining my energy through medicinal herbs, is that still not enough, am I not trying hard enough..."


    "Young Master."


    Sha Wenlong said helplessly, "This person is a demon, and the talents he has shown in various aspects are no less than those of Sun Xiangzong back then, comparing yourself with him is truly unnecessary."


    "Right, Young Master."


    Eunuch Feng agreed, "You are a noble of the Imperial Family, why bother competing with a commoner for a moment of bravery? No matter how strong he is, what does it matter? Supervisor Sun is considered the most accomplished martial artist under the heavens, and yet he is still a subject of the Cao Family."


    "Ah..."


    Cao Fan struggled to breathe.


    The problem was.

 Chapter 151 Hua Jin Great Success, the Battle Resumes_5

    He was not the only heir.


    He was merely the highest in the line of succession officially.


    If he himself lacked outstanding achievements and extraordinary talents, he could be replaced by other brothers at any time.


    This point.


    It wasn''t just him.


    Even his father, the king, was no exception!


    The Crown Prince had been the Supervisor for forty years, and wasn''t it also a daily depletion of spirit and health?


    Which of his uncles wasn''t secretly eyeing the position of the Crown Prince?


    Cao Fan had seen his father handling official duties until the early hours countless times, and on ordinary days, he had to deal with the overt and covert attacks from various forces, his health deteriorating day by day.


    Especially after ten days in Yunzhou.


    A very significant change had occurred in the court.


    Grandpa, who had been obsessed with cultivating the Immortal Path since twenty years ago, began significantly reducing the number of his closed-door cultivations and spent more time handling state affairs, seemingly ready to reorganize the realm.


    The problem was...


    His father had been the Supervisor for forty years, his influence spread throughout the court and fields.


    Cao Fan, who had been well-versed in history since childhood, naturally knew that there would be a bloody storm in the court.


    What was even more frightening was that Grandpa''s health was said to be improving day by day.


    Considering his age.


    Grandpa was ninety-eight this year, a centenarian! Explore stories on My Virtual Library Empire


    In contrast, his father, after forty years as Supervisor, was already exhausted.


    To put it unpleasantly...


    It was uncertain who would outlast whom.


    Cao Fan had thought if he could achieve something in the Northern Territory, he would lay a foundation for himself while also relieving his father of some worries. But unfortunately...


    Chen Sansi had appeared!


    For decades!


    When had such a monster ever appeared in the entire world?


    It''s just not fair, not fair at all!


    "Eunuch Feng, let''s, let''s go, back to the Capital City¡­"


    Ultimately.


    Cao Fan said in a hoarse voice, "Let him stay here, in the future let him compete with the Martial Saint and Ji, the Princely Heir can''t compete anymore¡­"


    "Okay, okay."


    Eunuch Feng said while wiping his tears, "This wretched place, we''re not staying here anymore, there''s nothing good here."


    "Hmm."


    Cao Fan''s gaze was somewhat empty, "First, let''s go back to the Capital City to see my father, see if he needs me to go to Dongqing, or stay in the court to assist..."


    "I''ll write the resignation as soon as we get back."


    Eunuch Feng choked up, "Let''s first recuperate in Liangzhou, we won''t practice the fierce Saber Technique anymore, just the normal saber technique, your health can''t collapse, we''re going home."


    ...


    Ci Yun Temple.


    "Routine inspection!"


    Chen Sansi and Li Qianzong, leading twenty or thirty people, ascended Spirit Mist Mountain.


    At the mountain gate.


    An old Taoist who seemed to be aged around sixty came out to greet them: "I am Xiao Yunzi, the new temple master of Ci Yun Temple. May I know what exactly the lords wish to inspect?"


    "What else could it be!"


    Li Qianzong did not give a pleasant look, "Move aside!"


    "Don''t be too excessive!"


    By the old Taoist''s side, another comparatively younger middle-aged Taoist spoke indignantly, "Isn''t it enough that you forced two of my nephews to death? What more do you want!"


    It wasn''t just him.


    The other Taoists from Ci Yun Temple who were watching from a distance also cast resentful glances.


    This was the current situation in Liangzhou.


    Many sects were displeased with the actions of the Liangzhou Army.


    Some suspected that the Liangzhou Army was being perfunctory, hence their prolonged inability to find the person.


    Some simply said that it was Liangzhou itself who had done it, and that there was no such thing as the Witch God Sect in the world.


    "Enough talk!"


    Li Qianzong was not intimidated and scolded, "We''ve come to help you figure out why Qiu Mingzi and the other guy committed suicide! Move it!"


    "You..."


    The middle-aged Taoist wanted to talk, but Xiao Yunzi interrupted, "Junior brother, let the lords come in to investigate."


    "Search!"


    Li Qianzong waved his hand.


    Chen Sansi and the others immediately went in.


    After making a couple of rounds, he arrived at the grand hall and noticed that the incense burner was replaced; it was no longer the previous one that could plunder incense, but a common incense burner.


    Ci Yun Temple''s newly arrived Xiao Yunzi and the middle-aged Taoist were indeed from the Incense Fire Divine Sect.


    Because Chen Sansi saw the purple incense mystical energy stored in their Dantians.


    Incense Fire Divine Dao!


    The function of the Qi Observation Skill was similar to x-ray; these people''s secrets were laid bare before him.


    He also indirectly inquired with Ning Xiang, asking if they could detect others cultivating spells or following the Immortal Path. The answer was no, unless someone specifically cultivated the Detecting Skill or the Immortal Realm way was extremely high, otherwise, it was impossible to see through others'' secrets with the naked eye, one could only feel it through physical contact or after a fight.


    And changing magic skills often required manipulating the mystical energy within one''s body.


    This point was observable from the patterns seen through the Sword Qi Skill and Ning Xiang''s Charming Technique.


    The purple incense inside Xiao Yunzi and his companion remained dormant without any sign of manipulation, indicating that they also didn''t possess the detecting magic skills.


    What Chen Sansi found interesting was.


    There were masters inside Ci Yun Temple.


    They were two Taoists who looked only fifteen or sixteen years old.


    But based on the energy hidden within them, they were probably also experts in the Meridian Passage Method. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    These two persons, he had seen before.


    Chen Sansi had a [photographic memory], basically remembering every face in Ci Yun Temple. When he last saw these two young Taoists, they were just introducing Blood Refining, how could they have progressed directly to Meridian Passage in less than a year?


    It looked like...


    They were replaced.


    As for why they looked the same, he guessed that most likely they used some Disguise Technique.


    The seemingly modest Ci Yun Temple turned out to be teeming with hidden dragons and crouching tigers.


    Not only that, while Xiao Yunzi and the others did not notice him, it was these two who were covertly observing him, unsure of their origins, but it was certain that they were tied to the two Taoists who died in the dungeon.

 Chapter 151 Hua Jin Great Success, War Resurges_6

    Qiu Mingzi had his eye on him while alive.


    He might have leaked the news to these two people.


    Witch God Sect?


    Until now, Chen Sansi had not figured out what exactly was added to the "Nourishing Spirit Soup", and whether the incense and Nourishing Spirit Soup were two separate acts by different groups of people.


    It''s also possible that Qiu Mingzi and his group were double agents, openly followers of the Incense Fire Divine Sect but secretly colluding with other forces?


    This trip today proved worthwhile.


    At least he knew who was watching him and could always be on guard, not completely in the dark until danger came knocking. Now, he was the proactive one!


    However, it seemed he still needed to enhance his power swiftly. Hua Jin was far from enough, and the materials for the bow needed to be gathered quickly. By hunting down the Fierce Monster and finding Ghost Vein Wood, theoretically, it should be possible to assemble a Hundred-stone Bow carrying True Dragon Strength.


    "Sir, I didn''t find anything!"


    "I haven''t got much here either."


    "..."


    Soon, a round of searches was completed.


    "Yun Xiaozi."


    Li Qianzong spoke emotionlessly, "If you find anything unusual, please make sure to inform us!"


    "Certainly, certainly."


    Yun Xiaozi performed a Taoist bow with clasped hands, "Then I''ll kindly see off the two officials."


    "Squad Leader."


    The middle-aged Taoist said in a low voice, "I''ve inquired about the news. It was not the Princely Heir''s doing. He knows nothing about our Divine Sect."


    "Just as I expected."


    Yun Xiaozi''s gaze darkened, "Yet someone has to cause trouble at this critical juncture, and it''s troubling that there''s no way to start the investigation. Moreover, this person has managed to absorb such a large amount of incense in such a short time¡ªthe background mustn''t be small!"


    "Then, Squad Leader, shall we continue the investigation?"


    "No, let''s stop. Missing the incense from one incense burner doesn''t make much difference."


    "What about the Witch God Sect? Are we going to drop that too? I heard that Qiu Mingzi and his group had constantly been organizing sermons, not sure what their purpose was."


    "No, we''ll leave that for later. Our immediate task is to handle the matters in Capital City. We''ll be leaving in a few days."


    "Yes, Squad Leader, I understand."


    "..."


    ...


    "Following me?"


    Chen Sansi noticed movement behind him.


    It was two young Taoists from Ci Yun Temple.


    But they did not follow all the way, retreating as they neared Chen Mansion, clearly unwilling to take action within the city.


    "It''s several days'' journey to the mountain, and I really can''t rest easy leaving the whole family in the mansion."


    "Fortunately, Senior Sister Nine wrote that the Yan State Army''s affairs have been settled, and she will soon return to Liangzhou. It would be perfect to ask her to be the bodyguard."


    "Master!"


    "Daddy!"


    "Godfather~"


    As Chen Sansi entered, the courtyard burst into lively scenes.


    Si Qinmohua goes without saying. The Sun Li siblings were also there, then Chen Yunxi, and finally, Tong Family holding a child.


    "Yu Huan is here, come, let godfather hold you."


    Chen Sansi picked up the roughly one-year-old girl whose first word after learning to speak was actually ''godfather'', making it unclear how the Tong Family had taught her.


    In the evening, a large table full of people and food.


    After the lively meal, they simply stayed overnight in the forecourt chambers, as it was all women and there was nothing inconvenient about it. This spared Chen Sansi the trouble of fussing over the child, allowing him to focus on cultivating in the backyard.


    Meridian Passage Realm!


    As the name implies, it involves opening up the body''s acupoints, storing strength in the meridians like blood flowing in blood vessels, without having to induce it with Qi-Blood after moving as in the Hua Jing Realm. Also, it is critical for laying the foundation for the Profound Image Realm, as only meridians tempered by strength are likely to generate Gang Qi, thereby stepping into the Profound Image Realm. Find adventures on My Virtual Library Empire


    The Pile Work of the Meridian Passage Realm is very complex, and the Breathing Skill had changed from the Haoran Breathing Skill to the Asking Dao Breathing Skill.


    Of course, for Chen Sansi, these things were hardly obstacles.


    In just two days, he had committed the Meridian Passage Method to memory.


    [Cultivation Technique: National Guardian Dragon Spear. Meridian Passage (Uninitiated)]


    [Progress: 5/100]


    His master''s handwritten notes stated that not only should he practice spear technique but also every other Cultivation Technique given to him previously up to the Meridian Passage, for countless future benefits.


    Sword, spear, saber, and halberd; axe, hook, trident, and fork.


    Basically, every type of weapon was included.


    Chen Sansi spent five days bringing the Zhenyue Swordsmanship, which he used frequently, to Hua Jing Perfection. He would have to find time for the rest.


    After Martial Arts, he had to cultivate Spells.


    He sat cross-legged, holding a Xuanzhu in his hand, absorbing the Incense Mystical Energy contained within. After circulating through the meridians inside his body and congregating at the fingertips through a special Circulation, he was one step away from breakthrough mastery.


    Unlike the inevitable pain of cultivating Martial Arts, cultivating Spells was an indescribable experience. Without any pain or itch, his right hand, which was forming seals, simply couldn''t stop trembling. The small sword phantom above his fingertips kept dispersing and then reforming in a continuous cycle, consuming the Incense at a rapid pace within the Xuanzhu until he fully grasped its profound technique, marking his great achievement.


    "Buzz!"


    A purple small sword floated in the void.


    Sized like a miniature pendant rather than the embroidery needle size it was upon initiation, it appeared much sturdier and not nearly as much a mere phantom as before.


    [Magic Skill: Sword Qi Skill (Mastery)]


    [Progress: 0/1000]


    [Utility: Cutting Strength Breaking Gang]


    "Cutting Strength Breaking Gang?"


    Chen Sansi, contemplating the effect term, fell into a deep thought.


    He had never exchanged hands with a Martial Artist in the Profound Image Realm, unsure of what strength Gang Qi really held and what extent Sword Qi Skill could counter Gang Qi. Just based on feeling, Profound Image Realm Initiation?


    Uncertain.


    This wasn''t something he could test.


    When Senior Sister Nine returned, he could use sparring as a pretext to experience Gang Qi and then have a clear idea.


    If he remembered correctly,


    Sha Wenlong was transferred from another state, with not a high realm, merely at the initiation of Profound Image Realm Cultivation Technique.


    Thinking thus, Chen Sansi dissipated the Sword Qi from his fingertips.


    Not having entered the Divine Dao, he couldn''t store Incense in his Dantian, and each accumulation could only be used once, after which he had to accumulate again. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It was an unavoidable situation.


    Not to mention the lack of a Cultivation Technique for the Incense Fire Divine Dao, even if there were one, he dared not practice it casually, unknown what kind of price he needed to pay. Especially since the Incense was not his but stolen, it seemed unreliable to think about it. He would rather follow the orthodox initiation methods of his own master upon reaching a certain realm.


    Incense and Sword Qi Skill, considering them as his current trump cards.

 Chapter 152 Archery Perfection, Unavoidable

    The stages in developing Martial Arts and Spells had been achieved.


    Next, it was time to go hunting in the mountains.


    "I have already written Vice Admiral Yu''s petition, and it was sent via the six thousand li Divine Eagle express from the Ministry of Communication, so it should arrive soon."


    "I wonder if the Emperor will grant Vice Admiral Yu a proper recognition after reading the petition."


    "In addition, I''ve also included Xu Wencai''s contributions."


    After the pacification of Ming State.


    Those who returned alive from the Reserve Camp received extensive rewards.


    Since Xu Wencai had no Cultivation and was not even a military soldier, and only received some gold and silver, it was rather unfair; the old scholar''s dream was to be granted a genuine Wolong Title.


    However, with Fang Qingyun''s outstanding reputation setting a precedent, such an equivalent title seemed difficult to obtain, but achieving a military or scholarly Medal would be good too, one could only try one''s best.


    Moreover, there was noteworthy news from the Capital City, just before they went to war, there was a new top scholar in the imperial examinations, his old acquaintance, Tang Yingke.


    Unexpectedly, that youngster really passed when he said he would take the exam; he truly had some ink in his belly.


    ...


    Capital City. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Longevity Palace.


    All members of the Cabinet gathered here.


    "Joyous news!"


    "Since the war began with Dongqing Country, Marquis of Andong, Meng Quji, has rapidly captured the lands of Eight Prefectures in just two months, now advancing deep into Lai State, with victories one after another, an unstoppable momentum."


    "In desperation, Dongqing Sect sent Prince Tang with a hundred thousand troops to station in Tongzhou."


    "If Prince Tang of Dongqing is defeated next, we could recapture the territories of Lai, Tong, and Ling states in one fell swoop, which includes the fertile lands of two states and Ziwei Mountain." Explore more stories with My Virtual Library Empire


    "Excellent! Whatever Meng Quji needs, fulfill it, gather grain if he lacks grain, allocate funds if he needs funds, as long as he retakes the three states, I shall promote him to State Duke!"


    Emperor Longqing was greatly pleased.


    After the discussions concluded, he changed the subject, "By the way, regarding Chen Sansi''s rewards, what suggestions do all my ministers have? Feel free to share, Yan Liang, Yan Maoxing, you father and son go first."


    "In reply to Your Majesty."


    Yan Liang, sitting on a small stool, leisurely responded, "Mr. Chen is too young, and his official rank is limited by his Martial Arts Realm, so Your Majesty''s grace can only be bestowed through a Medal.


    "Furthermore, after ferrying civilians across the river, Mr. Chen had already been conferred the third-rank title of Upper Guard, and now he has achieved such remarkable deeds in Ming State; theoretically, he should directly skip the second-rank, being directly appointed to the Standard Second Rank Upper Guard. Additionally, he already possesses the best Martial Arts Resources, so we can only reward him with some more gold and silver."


    "Your Majesty, I agree!"


    Yan Maoxing bowed deeply, "An eighteen-year-old Standard Second Rank Protector is extremely rare in our dynasty."


    The Minister of War, Gao Bo, concurred, "I second the motion."


    "Heh, too low,"


    Emperor Longqing interrupted, "I plan to directly grant him the title of Standard First Rank Upper Pillar Country, what do you think?"


    A murmur of astonishment.


    "Your Majesty, isn''t that a bit too high?"


    Yan Liang hesitated, "He is only eighteen and has only been serving in the army for just two years; isn''t this promotion too rapid?"


    "Yes, Your Majesty,"


    Gao Bo spoke solemnly, "If such heavy awards are granted at such a young age, he might become arrogant; perhaps start with Second Rank Protector, and then elevate to Upper Pillar Country in three to five years."


    "I think nothing is inappropriate!"


    The Minister of Rites, the father of Tang Yingke, Tang Ran, spoke up, "General Chen crossed Hongze River four times, and his tactics are now included in the Military Family''s art of war; if not for his extraordinary achievements, the insurrection in Ming State wouldn''t have been quelled in such a short time!"


    "Mr. Tang, public matters are public, and personal matters are personal."


    The Minister of Revenue hinted something cryptically but did not elaborate.


    Back when Assigned Point happened, they had heard about it.


    It was said that Chen Sansi harshly killed Wen Qiushi to avenge Tang Ran''s son, Tang Yingke.


    But the occasion was different, and many statements needed to be nuanced.


    Not like in Liangzhou with Governor Liu and others, who directly argued with Mr. Hou.


    "I am discussing public affairs!"


    Tang Ran firmly stated, "Your Majesty''s decision is extremely wise; Upper Pillar Country is indeed appropriate."


    "Crown Prince~"


    Emperor Longqing drawled, "What do you think?"


    "Father''s imperial decision, why should your son interject?"


    The Crown Prince, sitting on a stool, expressed his agreement.


    Officials below continued discussing.


    "He is too young..."


    "Yes, even Sun Xiangzong at this time hadn''t made a splash yet."


    "What if he achieves more in the future?"


    "Wouldn''t he be made an Earl by the age of twenty?"


    "..."


    According to the merit system of the Great Sheng Dynasty, beyond the first-rank merit, the ranks ascended to superordinate ranks of Earl, Marquis, Duke, and Prince, each progressively scarcer, with only the Cao Family eligible to be princes. Currently, there were merely two or three State Dukes, Marquises were also scarce, Earls existed in some number, but they were veterans, hence a first-rank Upper Pillar Country appeared very prominent, essentially at an equal status with many veteran old ministers.


    "Who lets My favorite general be only eighteen years old!"


    Emperor Longqing took out several golden pages from his wide-sleeved Taoist robe and raised them high for everyone to see. "Do you see what this is? Heavenly Book!"


    "Dong An did not hesitate to betray Me, betray the Great Sheng, and rebelled just to obtain the Miracle Soldiers Heavenly Book!"


    "But Chen Sansi, after obtaining it, showed no greed and immediately submitted it to the court, without any deceit or falsification."


    "Such a loyal and good minister, can he not bear a first-rank title of Upper Pillar Country?"


    "I intend to show the people of the world, letting him set an example for the young talents across the land."

 Chapter 152 Archery Perfection, Unavoidable_2

    Many ministers fell silent.


    "Your Majesty speaks wisely, but..."


    After a long pause, Yan Liang said hoarsely, "Your Majesty, becoming Upper Pillar Country does have strict requirements, at least one act of Heavenly Merit, in addition to numerous Class A military achievements. Mr. Chen has secured Heavenly Merit, but the number of Class A military achievements is insufficient."


    "That''s easy to fix."


    Emperor Longqing, reclining in his Dragon Chair, spoke unhurriedly, "Soon, I will send him to the eastern battlefield and give him another chance to distinguish himself."


    "The east..."


    Minister of War Gao Bo mused, "Your Majesty, Liangzhou is in the far west; to transfer troops from there to Lai State might be too distant, the cost of moving troops might be a bit too high."


    "I had no plans to transfer troops from Liangzhou."


    Emperor Longqing pondered, "Just draw three thousand Black Armor troops from the Personal Guard Camps around the Capital; a capable general should have forces at his command, should he not?"


    "Your Majesty is wise!"


    "Very well, you all may leave, except for the Crown Prince and Fang Qingyun."


    "..."


    The vast hall quickly emptied until only a few individuals remained.


    "Crown Prince."


    Emperor Longqing, his calm voice laced with authority, asked, "Tell me, why did that Sha Wenlong refuse to heed Chen San''s advice and cross the entire army over the Hongze River to the east?"


    "As a general, one must prioritize stability,"


    the Crown Prince contemplated, "Had the entire army crossed and encountered blockades, it could have led to irreversible consequences."


    "So you say, should I reward them instead?"


    Emperor Longqing did not pursue further, shifting his tone, "Fang Qingyun, why are you silent? What is your opinion on the matter of Upper Pillar Country?"


    "I too find it somewhat inappropriate."


    Seated in his wheelchair, Fang Qingyun replied at a measured pace, "He is, after all, still too young; the prestige that comes with the title of Upper Pillar Country might be too high for him."


    "Hmm."


    Emperor Longqing''s mouth twitched imperceptibly, touching on the point briefly before changing the subject again, "Chen San had written a petition to me, mentioning a man named Xu Wencai, hoping that I would bestow some form of recognition. What do you know of him, Fang Aiqing?"


    "Mr. Xu is a talent of the highest caliber, surpassing me in every aspect. Had he not come from humble origins, he would have become a prominent scholarly general by now,"


    Fang Qingyun answered, "Having been by Chen San''s side, he must have also contributed significantly during the Four Crossings of Hongze; he indeed deserves recognition."


    "Even you say so; it seems we have another talent at hand."


    Emperor Longqing mused, "He hopes that I grant Xu Wencai an official title, but how come I''ve heard that Mr. Xu''s greatest aspiration in life is to be honored with the title ''Wo Long''? Why didn''t Chen San tell me directly? Is he worried that I, being stingy, would not be willing to bestow it?"


    "Your Majesty knows all."


    Fang Qingyun spoke calmly, "Mr. Xu certainly is fixated on receiving a title."


    Emperor Longqing spoke with a tinge of meaning, "''Wo Long,'' that title is on the same level as your ''Phoenix.'' Do you object?"


    "My nickname was originally just a rumor in Jianghu; however, it simply became reality as it spread. Mr. Xu is not less than me; why should there be an issue?" Fang Qingyun said, "The only concern is the corresponding pressure it brings; I wonder if he can withstand it."


    "Under pressure? Only with pressure can potential be inspired! I, specifically want to bestow upon him the title of ''Wo Long''."


    Emperor Longqing said, "If memory serves me right, there are still some small factions of the rebel army and bandits along the border of You State. Let the ''Wo Long'' lead the troops to eliminate them, also giving him an opportunity to independently earn his merits."


    "That would be excellent."


    Fang Qingyun said meaningfully, "Your Majesty''s arrangements, I''m sure Mr. Xu will be deeply grateful."


    "You should also join the upcoming battle in Lai State."


    Emperor Longqing rose slowly, passing the Heavenly Book over: "Take this as well."


    "Why would Your Majesty do this?"


    Fang Qingyun did not accept it: "This is the Heavenly Book, your servant..."


    "What are you pretending for?"


    Emperor Longqing narrowed his eyes: "I know you can understand it. Memorize it and then return it to the court later. Once you''re in the East, if you want to teach it to Chen Sansi, do so; I''ve approved it."


    "Your servant obeys."


    Only then did Fang Qingyun accept the Heavenly Book. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Continue your story on My Virtual Library Empire


    Emperor Longqing left with a sweep of his sleeve, quickly vanishing behind the layers of curtains.


    Several eunuchs followed closely behind him.


    In the great hall, soon only the Crown Prince and Fang Qingyun were left.


    "Tap tap~"


    The Crown Prince, leaning on a walking stick, stood up, tediously made his way to the scholar, handed over the stick, then, grasping the handles of the wheelchair, pushed him forward: "General Fang, let''s go. Allow me to accompany you."


    At the doorway of the great hall, when the wheelchair proved too heavy to lift, he called over some young eunuchs from outside to help carry it out, and then continued pushing it forward at a leisurely pace.


    A gust of autumn wind blew through, causing both men to start coughing.


    "General Fang, you must take care of your health."


    "Your Highness should be more careful. You really should not push me anymore; I can manage on my own."


    "No matter, no matter. It is not often that you and I get to be together. To walk and talk together is fitting."


    Silence.


    Having left the Longevity Palace and reached the outer perimeter of the Imperial Palace, Fang Qingyun took the Heavenly Book from his bosom and offered it back: "Your Highness, would you like to see it?"


    "Heh, might as well take a look."


    The Crown Prince paused, flipping through the Heavenly Book: "I can''t understand it. General Fang, after you translate it, please also make a copy for me."


    "His Majesty is truly generous."


    Fang Qingyun took back the Heavenly Book: "The contents recorded here are genuine Immortal Realm formations, to be shared so openly with everyone."


    "Do you know why they''ve been so generous with you lately?"


    The Crown Prince resumed pushing the wheelchair, slightly stooped, almost in the tone of telling a ghost story: "They could agree to the camp expansion and even share the Heavenly Book with you."

 Chapter 152 Archery Perfection, Unavoidable_3

    Fang Qingyun glanced over his shoulder, "Your Highness, if you have something to say, why beat around the bush?"


    "Is Supervisor Sun nearing his end?"


    It seemed like the Crown Prince wasn''t continuing the previous topic, "Expanding the troops will certainly strengthen Liangzhou''s forces, but it will also mean a lot of new recruits, and quite a multitude at that. The implications of this need not be spelled out too explicitly, right? General Fang, haven''t you ever pondered the future of the Eight Camps a few years from now?"


    "Naturally, we will be at His Majesty''s disposal," Fang Qingyun stated matter-of-factly.


    "..."


    Again, silence.


    "General Fang."


    The Crown Prince began again, "Speak your mind, what do you think of this palace?"


    "Your Highness has supervised the nation for forty years, always exhausting your mind and body in diligent service. It''s an undeniable and uncontested fact," Fang Qingyun replied, with his body slightly tilted.


    "But now that His Majesty has ended his seclusion, it''s about time you got some well-deserved rest and took care to recuperate," he added, intentionally stressing the latter part of the sentence.


    "..."


    The Crown Prince''s eyelids twitched uncontrollably, "In fact, it is Father Emperor who should be resting at his advanced age. The burden of the Great Sheng Dynasty should be borne by me, his son. Don''t you agree, General Fang?"


    "Is that so?"


    Fang Qingyun drew out his words, "I believe His Majesty is in the prime of life."


    "Yes, in the prime of life, cough, cough, cough..."


    "In the prime of life, that''s good. I too am glad for Father Emperor, cough, cough, cough..."


    Fang Qingyun, hearing the voice behind him growing fainter, strained to twist his body for a look, only to see that the person had quietly taken his cane and left, leaving him alone on the wheelchair, at the mercy of the autumn wind and falling leaves.


    He hurriedly called out, "Your Highness, what do you mean by this? The least you could do is leave me where there are people, Your Highness?!"


    From here to where there were people was at least a five-mile distance!


    He would have to wheel himself the entire five miles!


    ...


    At the Chen Mansion.


    "Senior Sister Nine, welcome back ''home''."


    Chen Sansi gestured invitingly, "I''ve prepared a room for you in the second yard, as you like. Let me know if there''s anything else you need, or if there''s anything I can prepare immediately. My family''s Xi Xi, Du He, and even Yu Huan are very fond of Senior Sister. If you don''t mind, you can stay with us when you come back to Liangzhou."


    "Why are you being so scheming, boy?"


    Rong Yanqiu, after tying the letter to Hai Dongqing''s leg and releasing it, rolled her eyes and said, "You just want me to act as a watchdog and protector for your house, don''t you? Dressing it up so nicely. Come give my shoulders a massage, and tell me more about how you came up with the Four Crossings of Hongze River. If I''m pleased, I might agree to be your guard dog."


    "Why does Senior Sister have to put it that way?"


    Chen Sansi stepped forward to massage.


    Not until he had served her satisfaction did he broach the main subject, "Senior Sister Nine, could you tell me about the Xuanxiang Realm?"


    "You want to know about Mysterious Phenomenon so soon? Could it be that you are about to achieve Meridian Passage?"


    Rong Yanqiu was slightly surprised and then explained, "The Profound Image Realm is about transforming strength into Gang Qi, and the entire realm revolves around enhancing the use of Gang Qi.


    "With an entry-level understanding of the Cultivation Technique, you could think of it as turning the strength wielded in the Weapon into Gang Qi. This Gang Qi is more substantial, not only used for offense but also for defense.


    "Once proficient, you can send out Gang Qi, akin to a form of attack from afar, though usually not over great distances.


    "With a small achievement, you can possess Protective Gang Qi. As long as you don''t exhaust yourself, on the battlefield, it''s nearly impossible for those below your realm to break through your defenses.


    "Upon reaching Great Success, you can shape Gang Qi into forms and project it up to ten feet away from your body, for example..."


    "Shua¡ª¡ª"


    She suddenly unleashed a palm strike, and a near-transparent Gang Qi materialized, transforming into the shape of a python and then shooting out explosively, hitting a potted plant in front of her and shattering it into pieces, startling Si Qin who happened to be passing by, almost making her leap into the air in a scream.


    Even if it was just a demonstration.


    Chen Sansi felt the terrifying power.


    He asked, "What about the Gang Qi of a Beginner Martial Artist?"


    "Try stabbing me," Rong Yanqiu invited as she sat still, gesturing him over with a beckoning hand.


    "Senior Sister, no offense!"


    Chen Sansi did not hold back, grabbing the nearby Five Tigers Soul-breaking Spear, stacking various enhancements from within, and finally channeling True Dragon Strength into the long spear. With a humming sound, he fiercely thrust it forward.


    Rong Yanqiu stood unflinching, her right hand with faintly purple nails resembling a blooming lotus as it met the thrust. Wrapped in Gang Qi, she incredibly caught the sharp Gun Blade with her bare hand.


    The moment she touched the blade, her languid demeanor vanished as she quickly pushed away the spear and, with a swallow''s turn, dodged to the side, saying displeasedly, "You have True Dragon Strength, why didn''t you say so beforehand?"


    "Senior Sister didn''t ask me either," Chen Sansi retorted, shrugging his shoulders to show innocence.


    "Get out, I''m done playing with you. The nail polish I just applied is split," Rong Yanqiu huffed, rising to enter her room, shutting the door behind her to tend to something.


    "Hsss..."


    Chen Sansi sheathed the long spear and flexed his numbed arm.


    Even with Senior Sister deliberately restraining her strength to the entry-level of the Xuanxiang Realm, was the disparity still so vast? Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The reason Rong Yanqiu dodged earlier was not that she couldn''t handle it, but rather because she was indeed caught off guard by the secondary onslaught of the True Dragon Strength and because she did not want to invest more Gang Qi and risk injuring herself.


    But...


    Sword Qi Skill can!


    After experiencing it firsthand, Chen Sansi was certain that the Sword Qi Skill would have no problem breaking through the Gang Qi of a Mysterious Phenomenon Technique Beginner Martial Artist.


    Cao Fan, the eunuch, and also Sha Wenlong.


    These three needed to be dealt with, might as well handle them all together.

 Chapter 152 Archery Perfection, Unavoidable_4

    Sha Wenlong could resolve the situation with just one Sword Qi Skill, so all he needed to do next was take care of the personal eunuch. With Mastery of Meridian Passage, an individual handpicked from thousands within the Imperial Palace, even if physically impaired, his constitution was most likely that of a genius, incomparable by the Mingzhou Rebel Army or the Chi Mei Army¡ªan obvious reason. If it weren''t for exceptional talent, why would the Imperial Palace cultivate him among so many eunuchs? S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Jinyi Guard, eunuchs, neither should be underestimated,


    For safety''s sake, expertise in the Meridian Passage Method is needed to ensure he could quickly neutralize the target.


    It''s not that entry-level skills couldn''t contend, but what Chen Sansi pursued was a swift kill, as becoming entangled in a fierce battle could lead to missed targets and exposure of his identity.


    "The Big Bow needs upgrading!"


    "Senior Sister Nine is also staying at home; I can comfortably leave for a few days."


    ...


    Luotian Mountain Range.


    [Cultivation Technique: National Guardian Dragon Spear. Meridian Passage (not entered)]


    [Progress: 68/100]


    Inside the cave.


    "Meridian Passage is not far off!"


    After a brief rest, Chen Sansi picked up his long spear and ventured into the forested mountains.


    After he left, two Taoists from Ci Yun Temple began to follow him. They were quickly shaken off after leaving the city and failed to pursue him into the Luotian Mountain Range, eventually giving up.


    Now it was certain.


    The ones who had "poisoned" the Nourishing Spirit Soup were them, and they were not affiliated with the Incense God Sect. The two groups had completely different objectives, both simply using Ci Yun Temple as a cover.


    The most likely suspects were the people of the Witch God Sect.


    Their actions were highly likely centered around the evil Qi deep within the Luotian Mountain Range, concealing something within...


    Zhang Huaimin''s ascent to prominence outside Dongyi City was vividly remembered to this day.


    But since that incident, similar cases had ceased to appear.


    Just constant death, death...


    This has brought some second-tier sects within Liangzhou City to the brink of collapse.


    If this continued, it could force them into rebellion.


    "Now, I have reached Hua Jing Perfection."


    "Last time I reached the Eight-layered Mountain, let''s see how many layers I can reach this time!"


    Two days and nights of continuous travel later,


    Chen Sansi returned near the Eight-layered Mountain, entering the territory of the Fierce Monster once again.


    "Bang bang!"


    Invisible yet audible.


    Sounds like rocks clashing; a roar erupted, and a mass of pitch-black evil Qi descended from the sky!


    "Buzz¡ª"


    The Five Tigers Soul-breaking Spear turned into a Jiao Long, emerging from the sea at the hum, colliding instantly with the shadow that had almost immediately arrived, causing a piercing metal screeching sound that alarmed the birds nearby.


    The sharpness of this beast''s claws was comparable to metal. In raw strength, it matched a Hua Jing Perfection Martial Artist bolstered by true strength, even slightly stronger due to its animalistic build.


    However, when they made contact, the continuous killing force on the spear blade was like a stationary weapon encountering a rotating chainsaw, producing a "crackling" sound as sparks flew.


    In the end, the Fierce Monster was outmatched. Its massive body was shot backward by the impact, crashing heavily against a tree trunk. Before it could regain its footing, the silver Jiao Long attacked again.


    The claws and blade of the Poisonous Beast clashed repeatedly.


    Until, after several exchanges, a "snap" was heard. The Fierce Monster''s claws could no longer withstand the bite of True Dragon Strength and shattered. It completely lost its ability to combat the Martial Artist, its robust body rapidly riddled with gaping wounds, and it suddenly fell to the ground, lifeless,


    "This beast is much stronger than an ordinary Great Success Martial Artist!"


    Although Chen Sansi did not exert much effort, he still had to marvel at the horrors deep within the Luotian Mountain Range. There must be stronger Poisonous Beasts or Exotic Beasts ahead, no wonder only High Realm Martial Artists could breach it.


    He pulled out the Zhenyue Sword, bending down to skin and debone the Fierce Monster.


    The elasticity and resilience of this Poisonous Beast''s tendons were extremely impressive. Trying to break them with force, he found it difficult to do so in a short amount of time. No wonder its leaps covered tens of meters, appearing almost like flying if viewed from a distance. Using its tendons as the main material for a bowstring could effortlessly pull an Iron Core Bow of a hundred stones.


    The meat of the Poisonous Beast was inedible; its bones were hard but not as useful as black iron¡ªof little value to him now. He was going to keep moving forward, so he just collected the tendons and left the carcass behind.


    Jiuzhong Mountain.


    Chen Sansi continued to explore further while searching for the items he wanted.


    Ghost Vein Wood and broken grass.


    The former was material for arrow shafts; with it, he could assemble a complete Big Bow carrying True Dragon Strength. The latter was part of the trade promised to Miss Ning Xiang.


    "Hiss!"


    With one sword strike, Chen Sansi chopped off the head of an unknown Poisonous Beast, crossing another valley and entering the Ten Layers Mountain. The vegetation became denser, and upon his arrival, he saw swarms of poisonous insects writhing towards him, those closest eagerly anticipating fresh flesh.


    "There''s miasma too."


    He was prepared; taking a Medicine Pill from his robe, he swallowed it and accelerated his pace.


    "The qi between heaven and earth is changing!"


    Chen Sansi noticed that amid the chaotic qi of the world, threads of dark black Evil Qi began to mix, albeit very thinly¡ªso sparse that even he had to observe carefully to detect it.


    "Inside this mountain..."

 Chapter 152 Archery Perfection, Unavoidable_5

    "Perhaps there really are traces of immortals."


    "Forget it, those are too far off, let''s find the Ghost Vein Wood first."


    Ghost Vein Wood usually grows in dark places teeming with miasma and is accompanied by many poisonous insects. Hence, the tree itself is toxic. After it is used to revive a dying person one last time, the user often dies a gruesome death and must endure extreme pain.


    "It''s mentioned in the ''Hundred Herbs Map''."


    The Imperial Family of the former Great Da Yan had once employed this substance.


    Because the Old Emperor had not made clear whether the second or twelfth prince should succeed him, the princes had used Ghost Vein Wood on him, forcing him back to life to make his decision clear, then dying in torment...


    "There really is one!"


    Chen Sansi quickly found his target in the woods ahead.


    The Luotian Mountain Range is truly rich in resources.


    The growth of Ghost Vein Wood is extremely slow. The one he found was only as thick as a baby''s fist and a little over a person''s height; it would yield only a few dozen arrow shafts at most.


    "Let''s look for more!" S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After successively killing four or five Poisonous Beasts comparable to those with Mastery of Meridian Passage, Chen Sansi finally entered the range of the Ten Layers Mountain, where the miasma was denser than before and the Evil Qi between heaven and earth had increased noticeably.


    "Ghost Vein Wood..."


    Without going deeper, he saw a Ghost Vein Wood that was as thick as a person can embrace, enveloped by miasma, and at least eight hundred years old. If the whole tree was felled, it would produce an inexhaustible supply of arrow shafts.


    But Chen Sansi did not approach recklessly.


    Because right next to the Ghost Vein Wood, inside a hollow of another large tree, there was a mass of dense, pale blue Mystical Energy, which upon estimation might possess the strength of Mastery of Meridian Passage or even the Profound Image Realm. The appearance of an Exotic Beast in such a place indicated that not all animals would turn into Poisonous Beasts.


    "Roar¡ª"


    A deep roar resounded, and a colossal figure slowly emerged from the tree hollow.


    It was a black bear!


    Moreover, it was draped in an ancient monk''s robe, with Buddha beads around its neck and a Crescent Moon Spade in its hand; who knows how many years ago a hapless Martial Artist had encountered it and met their doom.


    If Chen Sansi hadn''t known about Meng Guangxin''s whereabouts, his Fifth Senior Brother, he might have suspected it was his own Senior Brother who had met a tragic end. Your next read is at My Virtual Library Empire


    "Roar!"


    After coming out, the black bear first scratched itself against the tree trunk, then started patrolling its territory.


    Chen Sansi decisively retreated.


    His Sword Qi Skill was limited; using it once would consume one set of incense. It was better to save it for preserving his life, and since the bear was an Exotic Beast, it would be best to leave it intact to use for food later.


    Thinking so,


    Chen Sansi turned back and chopped down the previously encountered Ghost Vein Wood.


    A few dozen arrow shafts were enough to last him for a while.


    Moreover, the iron materials provided by the Seeking Immortal Tower were only enough to make about a dozen arrowheads; cutting down so many trunks would have been wasteful.


    Fortunately, within a valley at the border between Jiuzhong Mountain and Ten Layers Mountain, where there was no miasma at all, Chen Sansi not only hunted three Exotic Beasts but also found the broken grass that the Seeking Immortal Tower needed, reaping a bountiful harvest.


    Carrying all his finds, he returned to Liangzhou City several days later.


    Chen Sansi left one Exotic Beast at the military camp, which was of little help to High Realm Martial Artists, took all the others home for Si Qinmohua to handle, and then, armed with the Iron Core Bow, the Fierce Monster Tendon, and the Ghost Vein Wood, he proceeded to the Forge.


    High-level Alchemists needed to have cultivation, and so did the craftsmen forging weapons.


    The person in charge of the Forge was an old man with muscles all over his body. He was said to have been with Sun Dushi since his youth and was considered one of his trusted old comrades. With a cultivation at the realm of Mastery of Meridian Passage, there was a chance he could even strike at the Xuanxiang Realm in recent years. It was said that most of the Main Generals'' weapons from the Eight Camps, including Lu Ji''s Heavenly Halberd, were made by him.


    "Do you want to learn to forge?"


    Old Man Pang said with interest, "I hear you were learning Power Quenching Medicine not so long ago, and now you''re about to start forging. Young man, don''t you ever get tired?"


    "Jack of all trades,"


    Chen Sansi said with a cupped fist, "Please grant me your guidance, Senior Pang."


    He wasn''t trying to hide the special nature of the materials because once used on the battlefield, everyone would eventually know, and since they weren''t celestial objects and could be found in the mortal world, knowledge of them didn''t matter much.


    But before then, he hoped to retain the opportunity for a striking debut, not alerting the opponents from the start. Also, the belief that having more skills does not burden one was genuinely how he felt, and it didn''t contradict the other consideration.


    "Heh, this old man is getting old. If it were someone else, I definitely wouldn''t teach, but you, I have to teach no matter what."


    Old Man Pang quickly brought a booklet from elsewhere: "This is a set of Hammer Techniques, go back and practice them, and then come find me."


    Chen Sansi said, "I''ve learned it already."


    After a quick mastery of Swordsmanship, he had specifically taken time in the past few days to practice two weapons; one was the saber, and the other was the hammer. The techniques brought by the old senior were exactly what he had practiced.


    "Oh?"


    Old Man Pang said excitedly, "Then that''s great, let''s start right away!"


    He went to the forging bench.


    "In any of the three hundred and sixty trades, it''s the layman who watches the excitement, the insider who sees the skill!"


    "Take the forging of weapons, for example."


    "They''re divided into lower, middle, upper grades, and top-grade."


    "The Five Tigers Soul-breaking Spear you''re holding is upper-grade, while the Zhenyue Sword is top-grade, good enough for you to use. Actually, there was no need for you to learn forging."


    "But since you want to learn, watch closely!"


    "Forging isn''t difficult, but there are many subtleties involved."


    "For example, to what extent to heat it, what temperature to use, and the water temperature during quenching, and so on..."

 Chapter 152 Archery Perfection, Unavoidable_6

    After a busy session, Old Man Pang forged a Xuan Tie Sword, "This sword, a top-grade Mystical Weapon, how is it, have you learned anything? You can start with ordinary iron materials."


    "Almost."


    Chen Sansi immediately got to work and forged a treasure sword from ordinary iron materials that was considered supreme quality.


    [Skill: Forging. Mediocre (small achievement)]


    [Progress: 0/2000]


    [Utility: Unfailing Success]


    [Unfailing Success: Weapons of the mundane, perfected in one attempt]


    Old Man Pang: "?"


    He snatched the sword away, holding it up to scrutinize it closely, and upon confirming it was indeed of exceptional quality, couldn''t help but gasp in shock repeatedly, "You lad, are you even human?"


    Even Chen Sansi himself was somewhat stunned.


    Was he at small achievement level just by picking it up?


    No need to go through the entry-level process at all?


    On second thought, it made sense.


    [Keen Intuition], [Photographic Memory], [Qilin''s Heart], when all these advantages combined, it would indeed be idiotic not to learn.


    Moreover, it really wasn''t as complicated as he had imagined.


    First off, he already knew the hammer technique for forging, and using True Dragon Power to forge, as well as the magical qualities of the quenching medicine, made learning a breeze. It really was learnable at a glance.


    Chen Sansi, seeing the word [Mediocre] beside the skill entry, knew that there were probably not only Immortals but also divine weapons, which reminded him of the silver long spear that appeared in his master''s hand when he killed Ning Changqun.


    "All right, I see there''s nothing really left for me to teach you."


    Old Man Pang sighed with a sense of defeat, feeling like his life had somehow lost its meaning.


    He then brought out some books: "The forging methods for different weapons are all recorded here; you can just follow them. Don''t come looking for me anymore."


    "Thank you for your guidance, elder Pang."


    Chen Sansi bowed with a cupped fist salute.


    He requested a separate room in the Forge and spent the next three days and nights, successfully pushing his forging skill to the brink of Great Success, essentially able to refine away the impurities within the iron materials.


    Following that, he used the iron materials provided by the Seeking Immortal Tower and coupled them with Ghost Vein Wood to create twelve arrows capable of storing power. Finally, with additional materials and focusing on Fierce Monster Tendon, he crafted the bowstring for the Iron Core Bow, signaling the completion of a great feat.


    "Done!"


    Chen Sansi, holding the Iron Core Bow, returned to his home''s backyard, locked the door, and brought out a stone target over half a person tall.


    The Iron Core Bow itself far exceeded the weight of ordinary weapons; on both ends of its limbs were blades, capable of serving as melee weapons to kill enemies without any issue.


    "Hum¡ª¡ª"


    He nocked an arrow and gently pulled the bowstring. S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A Hundred-stone Bow.


    About 15,000 jin, which was insignificant for a Hua Jing Warrior, and this was also why many did not use bows and arrows; even the heaviest bow couldn''t faze High Realm Martial Artists without a special power boost.


    But, from now on,


    From this Iron Core Bow in his hands, everything was about to change.


    The bow and arrow would shine brilliantly on the battlefield!


    "Hum¡ª¡ª"


    The blood of the dragon elephant within Chen Sansi began to boil as he slowly drew the bow with tens of thousands of pounds of force. The True Dragon Power stimulated by his Qi-Blood gathered on his arms then spread to the bow, eventually transferring to the arrow shaft made of Ghost Vein Wood, then to the arrowhead, making the Big Bow seem like a poised Divine Beast, buzzing continuously, eager to break free.


    "Boom¡ª¡ª"


    The moment he released his grip, a loud boom echoed.


    The black arrow made of Xuan Tie, carrying the vast and boundless True Dragon Power, turned into an unstoppable Jiao Long in the air, and violently hit the huge stone target.


    "Bang!"


    The solid stone shattered instantly.


    This was no longer just an arrow; it was more like a cannon!


    If it hit an ordinary soldier, under the boost of True Dragon Power, there would be a fist-sized hole, and it would be hard even to tell if it was caused by an arrow.


    Chen Sansi played with the Iron Core Bow, unable to put it down.


    In future confrontations, as long as the enemy''s power didn''t surpass his own, regardless of their realm, he could take their life in an instant.


    For instance, at the moment,


    Explore more adventures at My Virtual Library Empire


    Chen Sansi against entry-level Hua Jing masters proficient in basics would be one arrow per person.


    For those with small achievements, it depended on their talent.


    If they were a genius, they might withstand five arrows; if they were mediocre or less, a maximum of three arrows!


    Within three arrows, he could definitely take an enemy general''s life!


    Three arrows might seem a lot, but don''t forget, firing three arrows was an instant feat for him, requiring no time at all, and it would have unexpected effects on the battlefield.


    Against someone of the same realm, as long as he had enough arrows, he could also kill them.


    Unless their realm was higher, they wouldn''t die directly from the arrows.


    And this was just at Hua Jing!


    Once he reached Meridian Passage, or even the Xuanxiang Realm!


    As long as his arrow materials were strong enough, and he could channel power or Gang Qi, even generals of the Profound Image Realm would merely be souls fallen to his arrows!


    Moreover,


    His archery was on the verge of a breakthrough.


    Chen Sansi spent several more days using ordinary arrows, practicing at the range.


    Now his target practice involved moving targets.


    Sun Buqi stood more than three hundred steps away, shooting arrows randomly into the sky, and those were the targets for Chen Sansi¡ªstill hitting every single one without fail.


    Eventually, he felt as if there were no bow and arrows in his hand at all. By simply looking at the target with his eyes, the arrows would shoot by themselves.


    Finally,


    The long-silent archery panel reappeared.


    [Skill: Archery. Perfection (breaking the first rank)]


    [Progress: (0/2000)]


    [Utility: The arrows launched cannot be dodged]


    [Undodgeable: Man and arrow as one, impossible to avoid. Within three hundred steps, it automatically seeks the enemy and is undodgeable]


    Undodgeable!


    Chen Sansi could feel.


    With a bow in hand, no target within three hundred steps could escape his arrows!


    That also meant,


    Everyone must take the impact head-on!


    Unless one''s own power was formidable, or they had excellent armor, otherwise, there was only one path: death!

 Chapter 153 Wo Long Presents the Memorial, Killing Meridian Passage with One Arrow

    Chen Sansi noticed the annotation behind "Perfection".


    Breaking the limit by one rank.


    It seemed that it could still be improved.


    The direction of improvement would most likely be the accuracy of the range and the speed of drawing and shooting the bow.


    Currently, it was unavoidable within 300 steps.


    That came to over four hundred meters, nearly a mile; this distance, at any rate, ought to be sufficient.


    He stored away the bow and arrows.


    In the afternoon, Chen Sansi patrolled the city, and upon returning home in the evening, he received the court''s approval carried back by the courier, endorsing Xu Wencai''s suggestion, but Yu Song''s matter was not even mentioned, totally ignored as if it were thin air.


    The contents didn''t seem like the Emperor had penned it himself; most likely, it was handled by the Cabinet or Ritual Supervision after their presentation.


    "..."


    "Is a plaque really that difficult?"


    Did one have to wait until he arrived in the capital and said it in person?


    Fortunately, Xu Wencai''s official position should have been secured, but the response was equally vague, without specifying what the rewards entailed.


    ...


    Military City.


    Barracks residential area.


    Within Liangzhou City, about half of the North City District was occupied by soldiers'' families; the houses were no different from ordinary civilian residences, also divided according to military ranks.


    But even the humblest of these dwellings was enough for a family of five to live in, albeit a bit cramped.


    In a T-shaped dwelling in North Street Alley.


    A few Po Yang brothers off duty had laid out food and drinks in the courtyard, drinking wine and playing dice.


    "I''ve got ahead, now I''m also a general."


    Feng Yong, with one foot on the stool, said, "A Secondary Fifth Rank General of Military Strategy."


    "I''m a General Wu Yi, a rank above you!"


    "The silver bestowed by the family is not small either, after a while I plan to move out, not staying in this broken alley, get a proper large courtyard!"


    "My rewards were mainly Supplemental Medicine, I''m about to start Refining Internal too!"


    "Good, good, good, everyone has a bright future!"


    "It''s really all thanks to our leader."


    "Yes, if it weren''t for him leading us to victory, where would we be today, stuck in Po Yang County, that lousy place, even if not dead, a promotion would have been out of reach for life!"


    "After the camp expands, we''ll definitely continue to rise."


    "Hey, Old Xu!"


    Zhu Tong looked at the scholar eating peanuts: "Why haven''t I heard about your promotion, seems like they just gave you some silver?"


    "What''s the situation?"


    Zhao Kang put down his chopsticks: "Just because you lack Cultivation and position, treating you as just an Array Soldier, seems a bit unfair, doesn''t it?"


    "Indeed."


    Feng Yong said, "I remember there were two times you covered the rear, both times you went with General Bai next door, almost didn''t come back, it was dangerous, and after all you were commanding, why didn''t they also appoint you as an official?"


    "Hey~"


    Xu Wencai, slightly intoxicated, seemed carefree as he said, "Honestly, I don''t mind. As long as there''s a place for my talents to shine, I won''t feel suffocated!"


    "Pretending, are we?!"


    Zhu Tong bluntly stated, "Ever since you came back from Ming State, you old fellow have been sneakily drinking alone. Did you think I didn''t notice?"


    Xu Wencai remained silent.


    Everyone fell silent.


    Initially, when Chen Sansi appointed him to manage everyone, many were displeased, but as time passed, they gradually accepted him.


    Xu Wencai''s hard work was understated, but everyone firmly remembered it.


    From daily training, duty arrangements, pre-combat strategic deployment, to ration management, compensation for families of the deceased, and other logistical duties for around a thousand to two thousand people, he was primarily responsible for overarching planning and management.


    Since Chen Sansi was often too busy, these trivial matters naturally had to be managed by someone.


    And thus, all the burden naturally fell on Xu Wencai alone.


    In the military camp, they often got up in the middle of the night to relieve themselves and would see Xu Wencai dealing with official business.


    If this was to be rewarded with just some silver, it would have been rather unfair.


    "Everyone, don''t rush." Discover stories with My Virtual Library Empire


    Wang Zhi broke the silence, "Aren''t you all reassured by Sansi? He''s busy with his cultivation but still doesn''t forget to simmer medicinal drinks for you, and a few days ago, he even got you an exotic beast to feast on. How could he possibly forget Old Xu''s matters?"


    "Right, right, right."


    "Stick with the superior and do a good job."


    "That Wolong Title of yours is quite high, at the same level as the Main General of the Azure Dragon Camp, impossible to obtain at the moment, but a slightly lower official rank is definitely no problem!"


    "... "


    "It''s all but a false reputation!"


    Xu Wencai stubbornly said, "I, Xu Wencai, never care about such empty titles, having or not having an official position doesn''t matter, whether there are rewards or not doesn''t matter, all these are external matters. I focus solely on my duties, not aiming for... "


    "The imperial decree has arrived¡ª "


    A loud shout commanded everyone''s utmost respect.


    Zhao Kang, covering his mouth, whispered softly, "The highest rank living nearby is just a Thousand Captain. How could the imperial decree be directed here; whose is it?"


    "Bang, bang, bang!"


    The old wooden door was knocked heavily.


    Voices urging from outside came through.


    "How bold! The imperial decree is here, what are you muttering about? Come out immediately to receive the decree!" S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Ours?!"


    Everyone looked at each other, hastening to their feet.


    They went outside.


    In the middle of the alley, they saw an eunuch in a python robe, holding a golden-yellow imperial decree, followed by several sword-bearing guards.


    "Aren''t you kneeling down to receive the decree?!"


    "Rustle rustle rustle¡ª"


    Not knowing what had happened, everyone hastily knelt down to listen to the proclamation, even secretly observing each other, suspecting whether someone among them had committed a serious offense, leading to their entire families being executed.


    "Xu Wencai, receive the decree!"


    Mr. Hou slowly unfolded the imperial decree and read clearly, "The Emperor orders, under the mandate of Heaven: Xu Wencai of the Reserve Camp, proficient in astronomy and geography, understanding of heavenly phenomena, skilled in military tactics, demonstrated bravery by repeatedly confronting the enemies during the pacification of Ming State, achieving indelible merits in the Four Crossings of Hongze and the conquest of Meishan Prefecture. We greatly appreciate and have decided to entrust a significant responsibility. Hence, we specially award the civil and military position, promote Xu Wencai to be the Standard Third Rank Commander of You State Commanding Department, additionally appoint as the Middle Zizhi Yin of Standard Third Rank, also bestowing the title ''Mr. Wo Long,'' and command Xu Wencai to depart to You State to assist Commander Du Shiguang in suppressing the rebellion. He shall start the journey within ten days. By Our command!"

 Chapter 153 Wo Long Presents the Memorial, Killing Meridian Passage with One Arrow_2

    When the words "By Imperial Command" were inscribed,


    everyone was still savoring the content of the imperial edict, and for a moment, they all forgot to kneel.


    This...


    What is this?!


    What rank did the Emperor grant Xu Wencai?


    Third-rank?!


    If they remembered correctly,


    General Chen was temporarily only the third-rank General Huai Yuan.


    Although everyone knew that Mr. Chen would soon be granted an audience with the Emperor, and his rewards were definitely going to be greater, being only temporarily appointed to a position, even so... Experience new stories on My Virtual Library Empire


    Third-rank was too high, wasn''t it?!


    The Commanding Department of a state managed all the garrisons of the entire State, consisting of tens of thousands of people!


    In it, he was the Commander, responsible for training, managing, and devising tactics; he was basically at the highest level, able to participate in the command during combat.


    This...


    It was a meteoric rise!


    And then the Wolong Title...


    What was going on?!


    This was damn near making him on par with Fang Qingyun, wasn''t it?


    Though it was just an honorary title without any real rank, could Xu Wencai really live up to it?!


    Whose intercession brought about this?


    Was it Mr. Chen''s doing?


    Such a significant favor?!


    "Your servant¡ª"


    "Xu Wencai!!"


    Just as everyone was still coming to terms, Xu Wencai, while weeping bitterly, began to tremble and loudly cried out, "I accept the decree and thank thee! Long live the Emperor, long live, long live!!"


    Forty-eight!


    He was forty-eight years old this year!


    Since he was sixteen, he had taken the examinations, and his life had been but a scholar''s!


    Today, he had finally made it!


    Only...


    There seemed to be something odd.


    ''Why did they move Old Xu away...''


    Wang Zhi was the first to realize it.


    But it wasn''t their place to interject.


    Under the gaze of the Chief Eunuch,


    everyone besides Xu Wencai discreetly left.


    "Mr. Xu."


    Mr. Hou personally stepped forward to help him up, "Please don''t kneel, get up quickly."


    "Thank you, Your Honor, for your hard work."


    Xu Wencai wiped his tears and rose, knowing the rules. He tremulously pulled out a silver note from his bosom; it was all he had earned from the Ming State campaign, totaling only a hundred taels.


    "This¡ª"


    Mr. Hou, without disdain, accepted it and then holding his sleeve, led him into the courtyard, sighing, "Mr. Xu, you''ve had it tough, enduring thirty years of examinations without success, even to the point where your family was so poor that your own mother starved to death, alas~ fortunately, you have now made it."


    "Yes, indeed."


    Xu Wencai invited the eunuch to sit, picked up a broken bowl, wiped it clean with his sleeve, then poured a bowl of wine: "I am a unfilial son; I spent most of my early life buried in books. Once, by chance, I copied a few extraordinary books, became engrossed in them, and for several months did not look up, the pantry at home ran out, my mother did not breathe a word to me, she gave me the remaining food and starved... By the time I noticed, my, my mother had already passed away... "


    "Tsk tsk~"


    Mr. Hou, with palpable sympathy, said, "Mr. Xu has always been obsessed with the title ''Wolong'', possibly related to your family, right?"


    "In my youth, I boasted that the whole world would call me Wolong, and I would provide a better life for my father, my mother, and my sister, but... "


    Xu Wencai did not continue recounting the painful memories, and with a deep sigh, he concluded, "Fortunately, now that I have received a legitimate reward, next year on the anniversary of their deaths, I can at least have the face to talk to them."


    "A light boat has passed ten thousand heavy mountains!"


    Mr. Hou gently patted his back, "Mr. Xu, your good days have started."


    Xu Wencai repeatedly nodded, "Many thanks to the Emperor, many thanks to the great man..."


    "Great man? Are you referring to General Chen?"


    Mr. Hou curled his lips, "Mr. Chen did not mention the Wolong Title in the petition, it was completely the Emperor''s favor towards you. Do you understand our meaning, Mr. Xu?"


    The previously teary-eyed Xu Wencai, upon hearing this comment, suddenly had a clear gaze, he squinted slightly but soon adjusted back, showing no sign of anomaly, and promptly knelt down, gratefully bursting into tears, "I, Xu Wencai, knock head in gratitude for the Heavenly Grace."


    "You know what''s important."


    Mr. Hou, holding the wine bowl, sniffed the aroma of the wine and with slight disdain, put it down: "As long as you always clearly understand your position, in the future, you will naturally have the opportunity to realize your ambitions!"


    "Rest assured, Your Honor!"


    Xu Wencai, beating his chest, then tentatively asked, "Could Your Honor reveal a bit of what Mr. Chen said about me in the petition?"


    "Well... he did not mention the title."


    Mr. Hou, pinching his shrill voice, said, "After all, who wouldn''t want a talent like Mr. Xu to remain under their command forever?"


    "That''s outrageous."


    Xu Wencai clenched his teeth, muttering under his breath, "How could he treat me this way, if it weren''t for my sacrifice, due to Bai Thingzhi''s foolishness... "


    His implication was clear, how could they limit his future.


    "Oh?"


    Mr. Hou''s eyes briefly flashed with surprise, seemingly not expecting such a good outcome.


    "Enough! After all, he has been kind to me." S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xu Wencai sighed, "In the future, I will still help him, to repay the kindness for taking me out of Po Yang back then, but I will no longer sell my life for him."


    "It seems Mr. Xu indeed values old affection, I admire that,"


    Mr. Hou congratulated, "Once you are in You State, it''s like a fish entering the sea, a vast world where you can freely display your talents!"


    "I am already well aware of the situation in You State."


    Xu Wencai toyed with his Feather Fan, "Tonight, I will devise a detailed plan to suppress bandits and pacify rebels."


    "Good, however, I must remind you again,"


    Mr. Hou said, "With General Fang''s precedent, to live up to the ''Wolong'' title, you will likely need to endure great pressure. Mr. Xu, strive to achieve deeds, being Standard Third Rank Commander is just the beginning, once the expansion is completed in the future, who knows if you couldn''t become a renowned military scholar in your own right."

 Chapter 153 Wo Long Presents the Memorial, Killing Meridian Passage with One Arrow_3

    ```


    "I understand, this is a test of the sword!"


    Xu Wencai held his feather fan and bowed with a fist, "I shall exert all my effort and not let His Majesty down!"


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    "Then, Mr. Xu, you should prepare well. Once the day arrives, we will set off immediately. Moreover, being a scholar, it''s imperative to have guards during warfare. Even General Fang needs a Deputy General of the Profound Image Realm as an aide. These two guards¡ª"


    Mr. Hou pointed towards the door where the sword-bearing guards were standing, "have been selected from the Forbidden Army, both are Assistant Generals of the Meridian Passage Realm and will henceforth be Mr. Xu''s personal protectors."


    "This subordinate pays respects to Mr. Xu!"


    The two guards stepped forward and gave a respectful salute.


    "I still have some official matters to handle, so I won''t stay much longer. The safety of Mr. Xu is in your hands."


    After Mr. Hou gave his instructions, he left the estate.


    Xu Wencai sat on a long bench, gently swaying his feather fan, gazing at the two deeply respectful guards standing at the door, lost in thought.


    "Bang!"


    The door was kicked open.


    Zhu Tong walked in carelessly, "Hehehe, you little kid have really made something of yourself, haven''t you!"


    "Indeed!"


    "Third-rank!"


    The rest of the people also squeezed in continuously, seeking excitement, "You''ve really hit the big time!"


    "They even appointed you ''Wo Long'', what''s going on?"


    "Old Xu, hurry up and tell us!"


    "..."


    Xu Wencai started speaking slowly, "Call me Mr. Xu, or Mr. Wo Long."


    Everyone was startled, but they didn''t take it seriously, assuming it was a joke.


    "Old fellow, you''ve really made it big!"


    "Yeah, yeah, now you''ve got to treat us to a big meal."


    "..."


    "Generals."


    Xu Wencai walked over to the guards, and before he could speak, the latter proactively handed over silver, he bowed with a fist, "Thank you, once I take office in You State, I will repay you. Zhu Baizong, General Zhao, let''s go, today''s feast at Immortal Crane Tower is on me."


    "You''re really putting on airs. What position are you holding in private?"


    "Exactly, look at how pleased he is with himself. Third-rank is indeed a high office."


    "Let''s go, let''s go, we must get a good feast out of the old kid today."


    "..."


    Inside the Immortal Crane Tower.


    A banquet was grandly set.


    However, everyone felt a bit displeased.


    Ever since they received the imperial decree, they felt like Xu Wencai became a different person, as if a thick barrier had been erected between them. The conversations and drinking no longer felt as joyous as before.


    Their mood for drinking was diminishing more and more.


    It was almost to the point of parting on unpleasant terms.


    In the end.


    Xu Wencai raised his cup and proclaimed, "Gentlemen, thank you for your cooperation over the two years we''ve served together in the army, as well as for your care on the battlefield. But... there''s no such thing as a feast that never ends. After this cup, I will be off to take my post in You State. From now on, our association with each other may grow less and less."


    His words were somewhat diplomatic.


    But anyone with a bit of sense could detect the estrangement in them.


    To translate, it was as if they were taking separate paths under the same sky¡ªfrom brothers to merely colleagues, signaling a cut from their past.


    "Bang!"


    Hearing this, Feng Yong slammed the table and stood up, "Old Xu, are you serious?"


    "Do you really think you''re some high official now?!"


    "You''ve only had the imperial decree for half a day and already you have this attitude, who are you trying to show?"


    "What do you know? He''s being transferred to You State, and who knows how high an official he will become. Does he need to stay under Mr. Chen''s command anymore?"


    "You mean he doesn''t plan to mix with Shanshi anymore and wants to be his own boss?"


    Zhu Tong was the last to understand.


    "Otherwise, what do you think he means?"


    "I''ve seen it for a long time that he has ambition. How many times in the night he would be lying there, looking at the entire map of Dasheng, if not to dream of commanding as a leader with free rein?"


    "We wouldn''t have said anything if you wanted to be a commander, but did you have to cut ties with us? What, do we embarrass you now?"


    "Speaking in riddles, disgusting!"


    "Let''s go, let''s go!"


    "Who cares for his treat, leave the money with him."


    People started pulling out silver coins from their waists, tossing them on the table, and one by one they left the banquet.


    "A base fellow when in high position, contemptible!"


    Zhu Tong finally found a couple of words to describe his feelings, spitting them out before grabbing his hammer and leaving.


    At the dining table, only Wang Zhi and Xu Wencai remained.


    Xu Wencai stared at the silver coins scattered across the table and the leftover feast, unable to speak for a long time.


    Wang Zhi stood up, sword in hand, his voice relatively calm, "I''m about to leave, do you have any message you want me to deliver to Shanshi?"


    "I''d trouble Mr. Wang to deliver this letter to Mr. Chen."


    Xu Wencai pulled out a letter he had written in the next room while everyone else was drinking.


    "Well, farewell."


    Wang Zhi bowed and left.


    ...


    Military City.


    The small training field.


    Chen Sansi continued his arduous spear practice as always.


    With the dual reinforcements of treasure medicine and Spiritual Grain, his proficiency kept climbing.


    The Meridian Passage Realm had four stages, each with different utilities.


    The Entry Realm was also known as Tong Qiao.


    After Tong Qiao, the Qi-Blood refined strength can flow within the body. While increasing the strength of the meridians and the physique, it also brings incredible explosive power. From then on, Martial Artists rely not only on their physical strength but also on the dormant meridians within the body.


    The Expert Realm was known as Opening Veins.


    The human body has a total of twelve main meridians and the Eight Extraordinary Meridians, making twenty primary meridians, plus countless smaller ones. Opening the twelve main meridians constitutes the success of Opening Veins.


    After Opening Veins, strength can be stored in these twelve meridians. The amount that can be stored depends on how much the meridians have been widened and the number of smaller meridians that have been opened.


    ``` sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 153 Wo Long Presents the Memorial, Killing Meridian Passage with One Arrow_4

    The strength of a Hua Jing Warrior is completely reliant on the consumption of Qi-Blood, and although the attack power far exceeds that of Qi-Blood alone, the depletion to one''s Qi-Blood is also immensely substantial¡ªalmost equivalent to more than three times that of the Refining Internal Realm.


    Once Qi-Blood is completely depleted, the strength can no longer be mustered, so many Hua Jing Warriors on the battlefield will not use their strength unless it is time to fight desperately. Instead, they continue to use Qi-Blood to kill enemies until they meet an opponent of equal strength, and only then will they use their strength.


    It''s just that Chen Sansi has such great endurance, he never had this concern.


    But for Martial Artists who reach the Meridian Opening Realm, it''s a different story. On a regular basis, they can store enough in the twelve meridians to last a long time in one depletion, taking many lives on the battlefield before they are exhausted.


    Minor Meridian Passage is about learning to let the strength circulate within the meridians in a circulation, and then open the twenty-four minor meridians to further enhance the strength and purity of the strength.


    The ultimate Great Achievement is the opening of the Eight Extraordinary Meridians.


    After reaching the Great Achievement Realm, there is no longer a need to use Qi-Blood to generate strength, but instead, strength is continuously mustered through the Eight Extraordinary Meridians. The endurance and strength depend on how solid the previous foundation was, and it could also be said to be a matter of physique.


    Starting from the Meridian Passage Realm,


    Martial Artists truly begin to advance towards the mysterious direction, rather than just relying on physical strength.


    "Hum¡ª"


    Chen Sansi swung the long spear and distinctly felt something starting from the bottom of his feet, like mechanisms in his body being opened one by one¡ªclearly, the acupoints of the human body.


    The seven hundred and twenty acupoints aren''t opened one by one.


    But rather, they are honed continuously in daily life, and when a breakthrough of a bottleneck occurs, they all successfully open at once. Each acupoint''s opening brings heart-wrenching, excruciating pain, enduring the torture of seven hundred and twenty occurrences.


    Finally, all acupoints in his body were opened, and streams of strength surged into the twelve major meridians.


    If one says,


    Before this point, Martial Artists treated strength as a kind of weapon to wield.


    Then from this moment on, strength is fully integrated with the Martial Artist!


    The Martial Artist himself becomes the weapon!


    "I''ve finally made a breakthrough."


    [Cultivation Technique: National Guardian Dragon Spear, Meridian Passage (entry-level)]


    [Progress: 0/500] S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Utility: Strength merges with the body, body merges with the weapon, the three become one, impregnable.]


    Impregnable!


    Unless one is outright overpowered in terms of raw strength, no flaws appear merely by technique.


    Chen Sansi planted the spear into the ground, "After Meridian Passage, I am truly worthy of the title of Assistant General."


    An Assistant General of the Elite Camp equates to the Meridian Passage Realm, and he finally no longer predated his position, meeting the average standard.


    He closed his eyes, carefully feeling the sensation of the Meridian Passage Realm.


    The colorless and formless strength flowed within him, not interfering with the purple incense breath in the meridians.


    Human meridians are inherently existing.


    Anyone with a Spirit Root can absorb nature''s spiritual energy into the meridians, but infusing strength into the meridians requires day after day of Martial Arts practice and tremendous effort.


    One relies on the spirit of heaven and earth.


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    The other, the body of a mortal, goes against the heavens.


    This, perhaps, is the way of Martial Arts.


    Picking up the spear, Chen Sansi went to the pharmacy to practice Alchemy. He mastered the routines of Power Quenching Medicine to the point that every attempt pushed his current realm to the limit, and muscle memory took over, requiring no further thought.


    "Hum¡ª"


    Shortly, a batch of Great Nourishing Medicine to enhance the cultivation of Refining Organ Martial Artists was refined. The fragrance of the medicine wafted from the cauldron and spread throughout the room.


    [Skill: Medical Skill. Mortal (small achievement)]


    [Progress: 0/2000]


    [Utility: ..., Alchemy Master]


    [Alchemy Master: The quenched medicine has only one-tenth of residual toxins.]


    One-tenth!


    The medicine prepared by Chen Sansi contained only one-tenth residual toxins, bypassing first-rate and stepping into the realm of mastery!


    This meant,


    Ordinary Martial Artists who could drink only one bowl every three days due to residual toxins could now have two to three bowls, the speed of cultivation enhancement was obviously significant.


    "My lord!"


    Zhao Kang came in to take his medicine, and immediately felt something was wrong, "My lord, the medicine you''ve prepared, why is it even more potent than that from Jiang Tiling and the rest, and the residual toxins seem even less!"


    "No need to make a fuss, call all those above Bone Training as well, I''ve prepared some for them too."


    "Yes!"


    Soon,


    A dozen people gathered in the room, their expressions turned incredulous after drinking the medicine.


    Though it was ordinary Supplemental Medicine, the effect was beyond words.


    "From today onward, you all must focus on your cultivation."


    Chen Sansi instructed, "I will brew the medicine according to each person''s highest digestive capability, if your own share isn''t sufficient, I''ll pay for the medicinal ingredients for you. Within one month, I want five more of you to reach Refining Internal, within six months, at least one to achieve Hua Jin. Can you do it?"


    "Rest assured, my lord!"


    Liu Jinkui assured, "With this medicine, I will break through to Refining Internal at most within half a month."


    "I can too!"


    "I''m almost there too!"


    Many of them were already at Bone Forging Perfection.


    "Thank you, my lord!"


    The people spoke, all kneeling on one knee, deeply grateful from the bottom of their hearts.


    These people...


    Were really a group of good-for-nothings, somehow sustained until now.


    Where else would superiors personally brew medicine and pay for their subordinates'' medicinal ingredients?


    "Why haven''t I seen Xu Wencai these past few days?"


    Chen Sansi had been busy breaking through to Meridian Passage and hadn''t inquired.

 Chapter 153 Wo Long Presents the Memorial, Killing Meridian Passage with One Arrow_5

    "My lord, didn''t you know?"


    Zhao Kang frowned, "Mr. Xu transferred out, a couple of days ago..."


    They recounted the occurrences preceding this. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "My lord, it was already enough that Xu Wencai was putting on airs..."


    Feng Yong stated, "He was about to leave and he didn''t even come to inform you?"


    "Pah!"


    Wu Da cursed, "This old thing, if not for my lord, what would he be? When he first enlisted, he was almost hauled off to build walls, he might as well have been buried in one!"


    "..."


    Chen Sansi didn''t rush to respond.


    Instead, he analyzed the content he''d heard in his mind.


    Assistant General, plus the title of Wo Long...


    The imperial grant was indeed ruthless.


    It seemed the Emperor truly intended to cultivate Xu Wencai as the next Fang Qingyun, and a more controllable Fang Qingyun at that. Currently being an Assistant General was probably only the beginning; if he could indeed make achievements in You State, he would likely be promoted even higher afterward.


    ''I have indeed underestimated the court''s intelligence capabilities.''


    In the memorial, Chen Sansi had written in great detail about Xu Wencai''s contributions since enlisting in the army, but since he didn''t have credits earned independently, he dared not write outright the request for the title "Wo Long." He planned to secure an official position first and then proceed slowly. After all, sometimes being raised too high too swiftly isn''t a good thing, especially if you''re staying in the Eight Camps, where people from the other camps would create a commotion if they heard he had a Wo Long under an Assistant General, as it might diminish Fang Qingyun''s status...


    Unexpectedly,


    the Emperor not only knew Xu Wencai''s lifelong ambitions but also directly and decisively transferred him to partake in warfare in You State. If he couldn''t establish meritorious deeds, it could well lead to his beheading.


    Of course, Chen Sansi believed Old Scholar still had that capability.


    As for why he didn''t come to bid farewell, Find more to read at My Virtual Library Empire


    the reason was straightforward.


    Severance.


    The Emperor gave him this opportunity because he valued that he had no Cultivation and no factional ties.


    If he continued to be deeply bound with me, it would be impossible for him to climb higher.


    "This old chap is too infuriating."


    Feng Yong grumbled, "He hasn''t even made a name for himself yet and he''s already disregarding my lord. Imagine if he really does succeed, wouldn''t he be looking down on everyone?"


    "Enough."


    Chen Sansi stopped them, "Old Xu has his own path to pursue; let''s not bring this up again."


    He understood Old Scholar; the man was cunning but not a villain.


    The behavior of villains who achieve success isn''t something Xu Wencai would do.


    He noticed Wang Zhi, standing at the back of the crowd, signaling him with his eyes so he drove the rest away.


    After closing the door, Chen Sansi inquired, "Sixth Brother, something''s up?"


    "Yes."


    Wang Zhi pulled out a sealed letter from his robe, "This is from Old Xu for you. I thought he was acting strange. He''s not usually like that¡ªthere must be some hidden issue. These past few days you were training without even eating or drinking, I was watching by your side and didn''t dare to disturb you. How is it, did you achieve Meridian Passage?"


    "Yes."


    Chen Sansi did not conceal the truth.


    After he opened the envelope and saw the neat script, he began to mentally recite it.


    The opening sentence alone flustered him.


    "I, a humble man, idle about in Po Yang, fortunate to not be abandoned by you..."


    The first part was mostly about how grateful he was for finding a benefactor.


    The latter part, however, began to describe grand ambitions.


    The summary of the meaning


    was that the severance was just for show, hoping not to take offense, and only by acting the part could he truly gain control of military forces, being an Assistant General was far from enough. He mentioned that he should be given a chance, promising to bring back twenty thousand elite troops within a year...


    "Why would I need so many troops?"


    Chen Sansi''s own goal had merely been to lead one camp, that is, just over ten thousand men; here was Old Scholar talking about bringing him over twenty thousand men.


    And that "Your Servant" term.


    Using it in their conversation, wasn''t it a bit inappropriate?


    What was he up to?


    The last sentence of the letter went as follows:


    "Now as I leave far away, tears flowing down as I write, I''m at a loss for words!"


    "..."


    After reading it, Chen Sansi found himself momentarily unsure of how to judge the situation.


    "How is it?"


    Curiously, Wang Zhi asked, "What did Old Xu say in the letter?"


    Chen Sansi apologized, "Please forgive me, brother, he asked me not to share it."


    "By saying that, I understand; just knew there was something off about that old chap."


    Wang Zhi nodded knowingly, lowering his voice, "I estimate the Emperor had the Jinyi Guard investigate Xu Wencai and, after confirming he could be controlled, decided to try and won him over. Moreover, you can''t even talk about it. If you show discontent, you''ll be seen as petty, as restricting your subordinate''s prospects, and to put it seriously, it can be labeled as forming cliques for personal gain."


    "As for our Emperor, he doesn''t have many skills, but he is masterful in dividing and balancing power, just like it used to be."


    "Just wait, after the expansion of the camps, at least half of the military officers will belong to the court rather than being from the Eight Camps."


    "Yes,"


    Chen Sansi was well aware.


    But these issues weren''t for him to worry about now; even if distressed, he could not get involved.


    He dared not let a third person see Xu Wencai''s letter, many words inside were simply treasonous. If word got out, it could bring great trouble and turmoil. He immediately threw the letter into the furnace and turned it to ash.


    Wang Zhi was ready to leave.


    "Brother,"


    Chen Sansi stopped him, "Wait for me, I believe there definitely must be a way to cure the meridians."


    "I..."


    Wang Zhi felt somewhat embarrassed, "Brother, you need not worry about me, I''m quite content as is; fewer people under me, less responsibility, and I sleep soundly."

 Chapter 153 Wo Long Presents the Memorial, Killing Meridian Passage with One Arrow_6

    "Get real,"


    Chen Sansi said, "Apart from you, everyone else is in such bad shape that I can only rely on you, elder brother."


    "..."


    Wang Zhi held his knife, opening his mouth to speak, then hesitating.


    He had wanted to talk about the eight taels of silver from before.


    In truth, he wasn''t planning on taking it for nothing.


    Back then, people from Tianyuan Martial Arts Academy tried to trip him up, suggesting through their words that they wanted Chen Sansi''s life.


    Wang Zhi took the silver and, at first, really didn''t plan to teach the Breathing Skill, but he actually intended to save Chen Sansi''s life once, eight taels of silver in exchange for a life, which in his view was a good deal.


    He was greedy, but he never harmed a life; most of what he coveted was the Martial Arts Hall''s silver.


    Yet some things, once their time has passed, seem to require no further explanation.


    And it seemed that Chen Sansi really held no grudge against him.


    After much thought, Wang Zhi finally decided to push the door open and leave.


    "..."


    Chen Sansi got up and returned to the Martial Arts Arena to practice his martial arts.


    In the evening,


    as he was packing up his things and calling for Qian Xun to prepare to go home, the sound of thundering hoofs approached.


    All at once, they saw elder brother Ji, riding a horse that was entirely red, constantly emitting white smoke, and from a distance, it looked as though it had burst out of flames.


    "Whoa¡ª"


    "Junior brother!"


    "I''ve just received your dispatch!"


    He pulled his horse to a stop, "The Ministry of War orders you to select twenty men to accompany you, then set off to Lai State to join the Eastern Expedition against Qing!"


    "Eastern Expedition?"


    Chen Sansi asked in confusion, "Just twenty men?"


    "The journey is long; having too many people can be troublesome and slow. After you head south, you will go directly by water, reaching the Eastern Territory with the utmost speed,"


    Ji said solemnly, "The Emperor has already prepared three thousand Black Armor troops for you. As soon as you arrive, they will be completely at your command."


    "Black Armor troops?"


    Chen Sansi had heard of them.


    They were the most elite troops among the Emperor''s personal forces.


    Everyone wore Black Armor, and their horses were all top-grade warhorses.


    "Also,"


    Ji continued, "The fourth brother is waiting for you at the destination. Get your things ready and set out quickly. As far as I know, this is an opportunity the Emperor has specially arranged for you to earn a higher title and reward." Continue your adventure at My Virtual Library Empire S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Sansi asked, "Does elder brother know the current situation on the Eastern front?"


    "All is going well."


    Ji replied seriously, "Without any unexpected events, within a year, we should be able to reclaim the three states. At that time, the Emperor will hold a grand ceremony at Ziwei Mountain, and the meritorious will be rewarded at the old site of the Temple..."


    "You beast, what are you doing?!"


    While they were talking,


    Ji''s Fire Horse slowly approached the White Swan Horse, and then... it was promptly kicked away by Qian Xun, who then turned its head away haughtily, refusing to give it another glance.


    The Fire Horse, a mix of grievance and anger in its whinny, tried to get close again.


    "Smack¡ª"


    Without saying another word, Ji smacked it on the head, "You beast! Have you got a death wish?!"


    Chen Sansi: "..."


    Ji said somewhat embarrassedly, "This beast doesn''t usually act like this, sorry to make you laugh, junior brother. In any case, prepare well when you get back. In three days, your group will depart from Liangzhou."


    Chen Sansi clasped his fist in thanks, "Many thanks for the information, elder brother!"


    "Hmm,"


    Chen Sansi nodded and spurred his horse away.


    "I''ve only come back to rest for two months..."


    Even Chen Sansi felt somewhat weary.


    But who isn''t tired living in such chaotic times?


    He considered himself fortunate.


    "Let''s go home, Qian Xun, this time you have another three thousand cavalry to command!"


    Chen Sansi gently stroked the horse''s mane: "Everyone says I''ve accomplished great deeds, but in truth, each time we go to war, you''re the standout, indispensable. Do you think I''m stingy? That won''t do, I need the ointment myself, but just wait, if you distinguish yourself again, you''ll definitely be rewarded."


    The favored pair chatted like this as they arrived in front of the Governor Mansion.


    "Daddy~"


    Chen Yunxi waited for her father to pick her up, under the care of a maid.


    "Come, Yunxi."


    Chen Sansi lifted the girl onto the horseback and bought her a few strings of candied haws on the way.


    He had recently made a special trip to the Governor Mansion.


    But even Yunxi herself couldn''t find the young gentleman she had seen before, as if he had vanished from the face of the earth.


    "Here they come again..."


    Chen Sansi noted.


    Not long after leaving the Governor Mansion, two Taoist priests from Ci Yun Temple began to follow from a distance again.


    He stopped subtly in front of Chen Mansion and said, "You go home first, child. Winter is approaching, and I''m going to the mountains to hunt a tiger to make two blankets for you and your brother."


    "We have seen the young miss."


    Si Qin reached out to take Chen Yunxi away.


    Chen Sansi then rode his horse out of the city.


    Those two were merely adept at Meridian Passage.


    Since his own breakthrough, he hadn''t had a chance to spar with anyone.


    It was a good opportunity to test his arrows on these two!


    Moreover, it was best to keep one alive. If they were from the Witch God Sect, he could try to find out what they were up to.


    "Clip-clop¡ª"


    "Twang¡ª"


    In the rhythmic sound of horse hooves, suddenly a thunderous bowstring note mingled in.


    Two hundred paces away.


    The trailing Taoist had no idea when the other party had drawn their bow, and by the time he realized it, the arrow was only a few steps away from his heart.


    He was initially shocked, then disdainfully tried to bat the arrow away with a palm strike, thinking, ''This kid is laughable!''


    ''High Realm Martial Artists and arrows, of what use are they?''


    However, the Taoist''s palm imbued with twenty percent of his Power froze on his face the moment it touched the Arrowhead.


    What is this...


    Power!


    True Dragon Strength!


    An arrow... with Power?!


    Boom!


    With no time for any further reaction, the Arrowhead carrying a massive force pierced through the Taoist''s palm used for defense, then ripped through his body, shredding the heart before flying out more than ten yards, finally falling in a parabola to the ground, creating a large crater.


    One arrow, one life!

 Chapter 154 In October, southeast of Liangzhou, Burning the Dragon Temple by the Tongtian River_5

    "Thump, thump, thump¡ª"


    The outside erupted with thunderous drumbeats.


    Chen Sansi wiped off the makeup on his face, left the cabin, and came to the deck to check the source of the commotion.


    They had been sailing for more than a month.


    This place was in a narrower section of the Tongtian River, where one could clearly see thousands of common folks gathered on both banks. Among them, many strong men bared their upper bodies, wore red scarves on their heads, and held drums in their hands, forming orderly lines and stepping rhythmically in a dance-like manner, as if they were performing some sort of grand sacrificial ceremony.


    "Tongtian Dragon King."


    Yan Changqing explained, "From the south to the north, the habits of the common people differ greatly. In the southeastern regions, because the people make a living from the waters of the Tongtian River, they especially worship the Dragon King."


    "Tongtian Dragon King."


    Chen Sansi had read about it in books.


    Legend had it, ten thousand years ago, a divine dragon fell from the sky, landed here, its body turning into the Yangtze River, and its spirit into a deity; since then, life on the Central Plains began to flourish, and the population steadily grew.


    He looked ahead at the scene: "Are these live humans being used for sacrificial offerings?"


    On the riverbank, row after row of living people were bound, including young boys and girls, adolescent males and females, and there were plenty of adults too...


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    "The books I''ve read mentioned a grand sacrifice every three years, and each time, there would be nine boys and girls. Why are there so many people?"


    "That, I don''t know. Who cares?"


    Yan Changqing yawned, "If they wish to sacrifice, let them be."


    "Indeed."


    Chen Sansi said.


    If the people really were volunteering for the sacrifice, the government truly had no right to intervene¡ªunless there was something amiss.


    "Linjiang Prefecture is a large place."


    Stretching lazily, Yan Changqing added, "We are stopping until tomorrow morning. Do you want to join us at the brothel to relax? This month on the ship has been unbearable, with bad food and poor sleep."


    "No, thanks." Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Sansi declined, "You guys go ahead."


    "Fine, with Miss Ning Xiang, you naturally wouldn''t care for ordinary rouge and powder. I''m going to seek my romantic adventure!"


    Soon.


    The big ship docked.


    Yan Changqing and others, including Zhao Kang, started to head into the city one after another looking for fun.


    Chen Sansi stayed in his room, quietly observing the movements of Cao Fan and others.


    With Pei Tiannan always protecting them, there just wasn''t an opportunity to act.


    Martial Saint himself was their bodyguard, and even if one knew some spells, it probably wouldn''t be of much use against him¡ªafter all, he was the saint among men, not likely to succumb to even the lowest level of spells.


    This, he could tell just from the first encounter with Eldest Brother by the Hongze River.


    In fact, a Body of Martial Saint was no longer human.


    It was just that Ning Changqun''s behavior...


    Had lowered the status of the term ''Martial Saint'' in everyone''s minds.


    "Forget it!"


    Once they reached the east, he refused to believe he wouldn''t find an opportunity.


    Chen Sansi saw that they had no intention of disembarking, so he took advantage of the night to quietly go ashore under the "Concealing Breath and Hiding" technique, and in a deserted place where nobody was around, changed his appearance, and transformed into the visage of Lai Zi, complete with a He Miao Long Sword on his waist, appearing entirely like a rogue from Jianghu.


    The entire east worshiped the Dragon King.


    And naturally, there were temples to the Dragon King.


    Before heading there, he had also inquired about the sacrificial rituals.


    Apparently, large-scale sacrifices had only begun a few years ago because the Dragon King had become angry, expressing dissatisfaction with the prior offerings.


    "How exactly did the Dragon King express his anger?"


    Chen Sansi, in Lai Zi''s voice, asked a fisherman who had just finished work, "Tell me the details."


    "Flood, a great flood happened three years ago."


    Putting down his bamboo basket, the fisherman spoke with a downcast expression, "Since then, fishermen who went fishing began to disappear and die in large numbers. For a while, it made life difficult for many people. Later, the temple priest from the Dragon King Temple said that we were being too stingy with the Dragon King, demanding we increase the number and frequency of sacrifices, and additionally to worship more. After we did as instructed, indeed, there has been no trouble on the river ever since. It''s just... the number of people sacrificed is somewhat large, each Prefecture City needs to offer up hundreds of people every year. Last year..."


    He choked up a bit, "My daughter was thrown into the river too last year."


    Imitating Lai Zi''s character, Chen Sansi raised his eyebrows and responded, "What pretense! If you''re so heartbroken, why did you still perform the sacrifice?"


    "We didn''t volunteer!"


    The fisherman replied in anguish, "It''s by rotation, and every village and neighborhood, both in and outside the city, has to offer people annually. When it''s your turn, you must submit, otherwise you''ll be beaten to death. Or, if you''re willing to give silver to the village head, you might postpone it. But us fishermen, we can barely feed a family of five all year round, where could we find extra money..."


    "There''s no bloody Dragon King!"


    Another fisherman who overheard chimed in angrily, "In my opinion, it''s water monkeys murdering people, not the Dragon King''s wrath at all! What the temple priest said is just swindling silver! You haven''t seen how big his house in the city is!"


    "You mustn''t talk nonsense!"


    His companion quickly covered his mouth, "If the temple priest hears this, he''ll throw your son into the river to beg the Dragon King''s pardon!"


    "Hmph, have this for your troubles!"


    Chen Sansi fished out a silver ingot from his waist and threw it to the fisherman who had responded.


    "Whoa, thank you, great hero!"


    "..."


    "My son! Your dad''s here to save you!!!"


    The ceremony hadn''t ended yet; not far off was the altar.


    A man armed with a kitchen knife rushed forward but was quickly knocked to the ground.


    Clearly, not all the locals were willing participants.


    Chen Sansi gripped the hilt of his sword and left.


    To him, the whole affair seemed less like the Dragon King''s wrath and more like someone stoking the incense offerings for their own gain, just as Ci Yun Temple used Nourishing Spirit Soup to build its fame.

 Chapter 154 In October, southeast of Liangzhou, Burning the Dragon Temple by the Tongtian River_6

    At this point, he no longer doubted the existence of Immortals or dragons in the world, and their presence didn''t merit much surprise; however, what the laborer had said contained a clear logical flaw. The number of people sacrificed had been consistent for hundreds of years; if the Dragon King had been inclined to anger, it would have done so long ago.


    To confirm whether the situation was man-made, all that was needed was a visit to the Dragon King Temple.


    If any incense burner was found stealing the incense, it would undoubtedly be connected to the Incense Fire Divine Sect.


    Just as he had expected, the reality was as such.


    Inside the Dragon King Temple, in front of the Dragon King statue.


    An incense burner, almost identical to the one at Ci Yun Temple, emitted a hazy Purple Energy. Whenever a civilian came to worship, a wisp of incense would arise above their head, and the incense burner, like a mythical creature, would swallow it into its belly. The Dragon King himself, however, could only stare with eyes wide open like copper bells, unable to partake in the warmth.


    With this, the situation became very clear.


    The Incense Fire Divine Sect killed the fishermen on purpose to create panic and attract incense to the Dragon King Temple.


    But what the massive sacrifices were for, that remained unknown.


    "These incense..."


    Chen Sansi did not act hastily but instead, after completing his worship, he started to observe the surroundings near the Dragon King Temple.


    Dragon King Temple.


    Unlike Taoist temples and Buddhist monasteries, which are owned by sects, these were often established spontaneously by local residents. In theory, there should only be one or two temple priests in charge of maintenance, but here...


    He roughly counted, and there were at least thirty people.


    However, most of them were ordinary folk without any Cultivation, among whom three or five had Refining Internal, and the temple priest was a Hua Jin. He also didn''t have the Purple Energy associated with incense in his body, likely a minor leader in the Incense God Sect.


    After Chen Sansi ascertained this, he left quietly without causing any disturbance.


    Only when the night was deep and quiet did he stealthily return. He took out the Xuanzhu in front of the incense burner, and just like last time at the Ci Yun Temple, he absorbed all the incense energy completely, without leaving a single wisp behind.


    "Who is there?!"


    A call of reprimand sounded from behind.


    An Incense Fire Sect follower who discovered the disturbance rushed over.


    "Clang¡ª¡ª"


    The He Miao Long Sword at Chen Sansi''s waist was drawn in an instant, and with one strike, he split the intruder in half from cheek to core!


    "Come quickly, people!"


    "Someone is sabotaging the incense!"


    Five or six followers with the skill of Refining Internal, including the Hua Jin temple priest who arrived, were no match for a Meridian Passage Martial Artist.


    Inside the Dragon King Temple, it was a flurry of blades and swords.


    A few breaths later, only lifeless bodies remained on the ground.


    The Hua Jin temple priest was also severely injured, lying on the ground. His face filled with horror as he crawled backwards, stopping only when he hit a wall. Trembling, he asked, "Who, who are you? How do you know the Incense Technique?!"


    "I am Zhang Lai Zi!"


    Chen Sansi sneered, his thin voice echoing up to the heavens, "Go tell your Squad Leader or Sect Hierarch that I, Lai Zi, can''t stand the actions of your Incense God Sect. Today I act out of a sense of justice and will burn down your wretched temple!"


    As he spoke, he kicked over the candlesticks, and soon the entire building was ablaze with roaring fire.


    "Pfft¡ª¡ª"


    Under the gazes of ordinary folks, Chen Sansi decapitated the temple priest with a single stroke, then quickly withdrew, blending into the darkness and disappearing without a trace in the blink of an eye.


    Considering the situation in Liangzhou.


    Much incense was being collected everywhere, and if action was to be taken, it needed to be soon, without delay.


    ...


    The fire soared into the sky, startling residents within dozens of miles into chaos.


    Even hundreds of members from the City Guard Army rushed out of the city to investigate.


    Following the death of the Incense Fire Divine Sect members, the unfinished sacrifice by the Tongtian River, without anyone to suppress it, had to be stopped.


    The blaze lasted until dawn began to break before it gradually subsided.


    Meanwhile.


    In a forest.


    "Squad Leader!"


    Ling Xuzi hurried back in a panic.


    ```


    "How''s it going?!"


    ```


    Yun Xiaozi, who had just rushed here from Liangzhou, asked anxiously, "Have you found out who did it?!" Your journey continues with My Virtual Library Empire


    ```


    "Zhang Lai!"


    ```


    Ling Xuzi said, "Last night, many people saw him when he killed! The incense stolen in Liangzhou last time must have been by this Lai Zi too!"


    ```


    "Lai Zi..."


    ```


    Yun Xiaozi pondered deeply, "Where did such a person come from all of a sudden? And the fact that he could take three months'' worth of incense in such a short time shows that his proficiency in the Incense Technique is extremely deep."


    ```


    "Squad Leader, what do we do now?"


    ```


    Ling Xuzi''s face was grim, "Clearly, he has been trailing us this whole way, and he will probably continue to snatch our incense. Even if we inform the local squads, it will take time!"


    ```


    "It''s too late."


    ```


    Yun Xiaozi said, "Get on the boat!"


    ```


    "You mean...?"


    ```


    "Pei Tiannan and the others are currently taking the water route to the Eastern Territory, and the boat is moored at the dock. We''ll board directly."


    ```


    "But Cao Fan still doesn''t know..."


    ```


    "It doesn''t matter. He is bound to find out sooner or later, and he''s one of our own."


    ```


    "Alright, let''s depart at once."


    ```


    ...


    Passenger ship.


    The sun rises in the East.


    Chen Sansi, looking like he had just woken up, came onto the deck to practice with his spear.


    Before long,


    Lu Shuhua and the others had also come back one after another.


    ```


    "My lord! Did you know about the incident last night?"


    ```


    "Some Jianghu hero set fire to the Dragon King Temple!" sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ```


    "I think his name was... Lai Zi!"


    ```


    "Zhang Lai said the temple priest at the Dragon King Temple was impersonating someone from the Incense Fire Divine Sect, and they killed everyone cleanly!"


    ```


    "..."


    ```


    "Damn it."


    Xu Bin rubbed his head, "Why does this name sound so familiar?"


    Wu Da muttered, "Isn''t there also a Lai Zi in Yanbian Village?"


    Zhuang Yi added, "Could it be, Lai Zi is a hidden master?"


    ```


    "Stop talking nonsense, how could that be possible?"


    ```


    In fact, except for Zhao Qiao who had stayed in Liangzhou to handle logistics, none of the others were from Yanbian Village and, even if they had heard of Lai Zi, they didn''t know him.


    While they were discussing the fire at the Dragon King Temple,


    Chen Sansi noticed two people blending in with the crowd on the ship, heading straight for Cao Fan''s cabin.


    On them flowed strands of purple Mystical Energy from the incense.


    Yun Xiaozi!


    Chen Sansi recognized them.


    These people...


    Why are they looking for Cao Fan?


    No wonder nothing much happened when they found the incense burner at Mr. Cao''s place.


    The Incense God Sect, could they be the Emperor''s men?


    Or do they have another backer?


    Gathering in the East, what are they planning to do?

 Chapter 155 Winning Without a Fight

    Crown Prince?


    Beside the Emperor.


    The only support from the Cao Family that Chen Sansi could think of was the Crown Prince.


    In his younger years, Emperor Longqing had many princes, like Prince Zhen Nan who was a Martial Saint but obsessed with martial arts. To avoid getting involved in the whirlpool of court politics, he voluntarily asked to be stationed on the frontier.


    The other princes, such as the Fourth Prince, the Eighth Prince, and others...


    also held power within the court.


    But since the Incense God Sect approached Cao Fan, their intent was clear.


    There was also Pei Tiannan, who seemed to belong to the Crown Prince''s faction.


    The Crown Prince had been acting as a regent for forty years.


    During these forty years, Emperor Longqing often went into seclusion, sometimes for up to half a year. The Crown Prince''s influence had already spread far and wide across Dasheng, and it was feared that he controlled half the apparent military strength.


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    It was said that since ten days after Yunzhou, the old Emperor had rarely gone into seclusion and seemed determined to rejuvenate the country, causing many officials in the court to be transferred.


    Moreover, Pei Tiannan had not received any transfer orders but had secretly followed, a Martial Saint sneaking away from his post, which was hard not to associate with ulterior motives.


    However, the intelligence provided by Seeking Immortal Tower clearly indicated that the Incense Fire Divine Sect was making moves in the capital city. What were they doing heading to the east?


    Chen Sansi didn''t continue to speculate blindly. After practicing his spear techniques, he returned to his private cabin, locked the door, and took out the Xuanzhu. He sensed briefly that the incense power he had gathered this time was substantial but still not enough to cultivate to a small achievement. It could at most bring his proficiency to half. The power of ordinary people was truly too weak, not to mention that like leeks, the Incense God Sect was always harvesting rather than accumulating.


    Regardless, it was still a good deed done.


    The Dragon King Temple was burned down, the sacrifices temporarily halted, and he had exposed the Incense God Sect to the world under the alias of Zhang Lai. They certainly would not dare to openly slaughter living people for sacrifices in Linjiang Prefecture now.


    Speaking of which.


    The usefulness of the Disguise Technique was indeed significant.


    In the future, as long as he could ensure his safe retreat, even using spells was not a big deal. After all, they could only look for Zhang Lai, not trace it back to him, Chen Sansi.


    Besides, not only had the amount of incense inside the Xuanzhu increased, the White Xuan Qi had also visibly increased, the principle of which he still didn''t understand.


    "What exactly is this energy, and how can it be collected?"


    "It would be great if it could be used in this Eastern Expedition."


    ...


    Cabin.


    Cao Fan quickly recognized the two people who barged into the room, dressed in coarse linen: "You two, aren''t you the newly arrived monks from Ci Yun Temple?"


    "Your Highness, do not be alarmed,"


    Pei Tiannan said amiably, "One of us, one of us."


    "One of us?"


    Cao Fan frowned, "Nonsense! Ci Yun Temple is suspected of colluding with the Witch God Sect. Yin Hanwen might have been killed by them!"


    "Your Highness, it''s a misunderstanding,"


    Yun Xiaozi explained, "Qiu Mingzi, the two of them, were indeed traitors within our ranks and did indeed have ties with the Witch God Sect. They deserved their deaths, but we, the Incense Fire Divine Sect, are staunch allies of Your Highness."


    "Allies?"


    Initially confused, Cao Fan soon understood, "Are you implying, my father?! Eunuch Feng, did you already know about this?"


    Eunuch Feng and the others kept silent, seemingly affirming by default.


    "Incense Fire Divine Sect, Father..."


    Cao Fan sorted through his thoughts, had suspicions, but did not dare to believe. His face showed alternating expressions of realization, and after a long time, he finally said in a grave tone, "I, understand now."


    ... S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    In the blink of an eye, another year-end approached.


    Dasheng''s climate in the southeast was relatively warm, and even in the winter, it was not exceedingly cold.


    Chen Sansi stood on the deck, looking toward the rising red sun in the east and exhaled a murky breath.


    [Cultivation Technique: National Guardian Dragon Spear, Meridian Passage (entry-level)]


    [Progress: 418/500]


    Mastering the Meridian Passage was not far off.


    Time really flies fast.


    He still remembered when he was in Po Yang County, worrying about beginning Bone Training, yet now he had already mastered Meridian Passage. Advancing further into the Profound Image Realm, he would truly be one of the top figures in martial arts, capable of standing his ground alone.


    Not just him.


    In these two months.


    Five of his subordinates had achieved Refining Internal, and three of them were promising newcomers, specifically Wu Da, Zhuang Yi, and Wang Li. On the battlefield, they could finally ensure their own safety with their strengths.


    The proficiency in Medical Skill had also seen a significant increase.


    [Skill: Medical Skill. Mortal (small achievement)]


    [Progress: 782/2000]


    Merely at a small achievement, he could reach the level of an Alchemy Master. The effects would definitely be better after achieving great success.


    "We''re almost there!"


    The military officer in charge of steering said, "In no more than two hours, we shall enter the dock of Tongnan Prefecture, everyone please prepare in advance."


    Tongnan Prefecture, located on the boundary of the Eastern Territory, was not currently at the front line.


    Because the front had moved to Lai State.


    Tongnan Prefecture served as a restocking granary and was also the training ground where Chen Sansi was to receive three thousand soldiers of the Xuanjia Army.


    "Xu Wen, the map!"


    Chen Sansi instinctively called out. After nobody responded, he realized belatedly that the old scholar had long been away from his side.


    "Sire! The map!"


    Bai Thingzhi appeared at his call: "Sire, let me help you strategize!"


    "You?"


    Chen Sansi declined, "We''re almost at our destination, better get ready to disembark."


    Throughout this journey.


    He hadn''t found another chance to steal incense.


    Every time Yun Xiaozi and his companion disembarked, Pei Tiannan would also follow, almost confirming that the Incense God Sect''s backer was indeed the Crown Prince.


    Unexpectedly, while Emperor Longqing cultivated Immortal Law, his son was also secretly involved in the Incense Fire Divine Dao, and there was a ninety percent chance he was personally cultivating it, though how far he had advanced was unknown.


    One colluded with the Witch God Sect to massacre a city.

 Chapter 155 Winning Without a Fight_2

    A sacrifice of living people to the Incense God Sect.


    Is this the Cao Family''s doing?


    What a Great Sheng Dynasty.


    Before this, Chen Sansi actually heard relatively positive evaluations about the Crown Prince, who has been diligently overseeing state affairs for forty years, playing the role of a repairman. Yet, the deeds he has accomplished are no different from his father''s.


    This time.


    The Incense Fire Divine Sect along the way harvested an abundance of offerings, giving off an impatient feeling, seemingly eager to uproot the "chives" completely. It is unknown what significant, urgent matter they have encountered that needs to be dealt with.


    The Cao Family''s dispute is none of his concern.


    He only hopes it won''t affect the battle he is about to fight.


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    The ship began to slow down, finally docking at the busy wharf.


    A figure in a light blue gown, sitting in a wheelchair, was particularly eye-catching.


    There was no Xu Wencai, but his fourth senior brother was present.


    "Senior Brother!"


    Chen Sansi greeted with a fist and palm salute, then naturally began pushing the wheelchair.


    "Junior Brother, you''ve become even stronger after more than a year of absence," Fang Qingyun chatted, "How is it going? I heard you now have both a son and a daughter?"


    "Yes, I gained a daughter while at war in Ming State."


    Chen Sansi asked, "What about Master? Why has there been no word from him?"


    "He''s gone to make preparations for the Eight Camps, no, I should say the Twelve Camps now."


    Fang Qingyun said eagerly, "How about it? I have prepared the maps. Shall we discuss the current situation just the two of us? Let me, as your senior brother, witness the genius who commanded the Four Crossings of the Hongze River."


    "Senior Brother flatters me, I was just lucky."


    Guided by a scholar, Chen Sansi arrived at a large residence within the city.


    Inside the hall, sand tables and maps were already prepared.


    Without any superfluous words, they went straight to the point.


    "Qing Country."


    "When the four factions of the grassland aren''t united, it is the strongest nation aside from the Great Sheng Dynasty. Officially, they have six Martial Saints and a total of six hundred thousand troops."


    "However, two years ago, they had a coup d''¨¦tat, and overnight three Martial Saints were killed, greatly reducing the number of High Realm Martial Artists. This time, they originally wanted to take advantage of the chaos in Ming State to act, but ended up shooting themselves in the foot."


    Fang Qingyun had already marked the map, "Two months ago, Prince Tang of Dongqing Country, leading an army of one hundred and eighty thousand, stationed in Lai State, was disastrously defeated by Meng Quji, losing seventy thousand men in battle and having twenty thousand captured."


    "Now the remaining ninety thousand troops of Dongqing are scattered along a thousand miles of front in Lai State, unable to form a cohesive front.


    "Among them, fifty thousand elite troops are trapped inside Yongle Prefecture City."


    "For the moment, the situation is at a stalemate."


    Chen Sansi nodded, "If I remember correctly, Yongle Prefecture was the capital of the former Yan, and almost became the capital of the Great Sheng Dynasty when the nation was founded, but for some reason, it was moved to Chang''an later.


    "Yongle Prefecture is also known as one of the five most impregnable cities in the world.


    "With fifty thousand elite troops inside, plus a Martial Saint, a strong assault would undoubtedly result in a tremendous loss. The best method would be to maintain the current situation and continue the siege until their supplies are exhausted. How long would it take?"


    "Six months."


    Fang Qingyun pointed at the city, "Yongle Prefecture itself is East Qing Border''s number one granary, enough to feed fifty thousand elite troops for half a year. I agree with Junior Brother; the best strategy is to continue the siege.


    "Only after Lai State falls can we enter Lingzhou and reclaim Ziwei Mountain.


    "Our forces at the front are still quite strained, after all, we''re facing an army of a hundred and eighty thousand. Though in pieces, they still add up to nearly one hundred thousand in number, just segmented into chunks."


    "Six months won''t do, that''s too long."


    Chen Sansi looked towards the south on the map, "Continuing to drag this out, the situation may become disadvantageous for us. We need to find a way to fight a quick battle and resolve it swiftly, otherwise, if enemy reinforcements arrive, the worst-case scenario might lead to a complete waste of previous efforts. Senior Brother, do you know the composition of the Enemy Army?"


    "Of course," Fang Qingyun explained slowly, "The fifty thousand elites trapped in Yongle Prefecture are experienced veterans. The rest are mostly garrison soldiers drafted from various places in Qing Country, or local troops. I''ve seen it with my own eyes, even though they have High-level Generals, the majority of their men are at the level of second-rate garrison troops of the Great Sheng Dynasty."


    With an empire of over two hundred and fifty years, decay was inevitable.


    The combat effectiveness and will to fight of the garrison troops are probably not high, otherwise, they wouldn''t have been beaten to this state in such a short time.


    "If that''s the case."


    Chen Sansi pondered, "There''s a high probability they will surrender. They must have reasons for resisting until now."


    "It seems Junior Brother has a plan already."


    Fang Qingyun said, "You have one month to integrate with the Black Armor Army bestowed by His Majesty. In a month''s time, we will formally enter the Lai State battlefield and head to Yongle Prefecture to await orders."


    After a preliminary analysis of the situation,


    they went to the military camp of the Tongnan Prefecture Command.


    The rest of the subordinates were also there.


    In the Martial Arts Arena, a densely packed sea of fully armored elites.


    Upon seeing Chen Sansi, they all knelt on one knee in unison.


    "Greetings, General Chen¡ª"


    Chen Sansi took the roster and quickly familiarized himself with it.


    The three Thousand Captains were at the Hua Jin Perfection, approaching Meridian Passage, High Realm Martial Artists.


    As expected of the elite Black Armor Army.


    Cao Fan and others were at another Martial Arts Arena.


    There, five thousand Hu Ben Army soldiers, the trusted aides of the Crown Prince, the elite of the elite, were now led by two Profound Image Realm Generals, one being Cui Congyi and the other Sha Wenlong. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Furthermore, there were another twenty thousand Hu Ben Army soldiers at the main frontline, led by Martial Saint Fan Tianfa, joining Meng Quji to attack Yongle Prefecture, along with Pei Tiannan who had come secretly.

 Chapter 155 Winning Without a Fight_3

    That is to say, in the Eastern Territory now, the Crown Prince has two elite troops totaling twenty thousand, along with two Martial Saints, and an unknown number of Mysterious Phenomenons. Among the rest of the various troops, there might also be people belonging to the Crown Prince, but their specific identities and numbers are unknown.


    After the assembly of the five thousand Hu Ben Army troops was complete, they rushed to the frontline under the leadership of Cui Congyi that very afternoon, and two followers of the Incense Fire Divine Sect also vanished without a trace.


    According to the information we have, their first target is to attack Zhao Tong Prefecture, the second-largest city in Lai State.


    Chen Sansi and the Xuanjia Army, on the other hand, will have to remain in Tongnan Prefecture for a period of time to conduct drills and coordination exercises.


    "Junior brother,"


    Fang Qingyun spoke, "I arrived earlier than you, and in order to reduce the time you spend on drills, I took the liberty of practicing some of the formations from the Heavenly Book in advance."


    "Heavenly Book?" Chen Sansi asked, "Could it be His Majesty..."


    "Yes,"


    Fang Qingyun took out a prepared book, "His Majesty had the Heavenly Book translated for me, and then put it to use in military formations. I have also tried practicing them, and indeed, the formations within are very profound. They seem to have a subtle way of harnessing the forces of heaven and earth. It''s just that something seems to be missing, perhaps only the so-called Select of Immortals can truly recreate the momentum of the Red Eyebrow Army''s great victory."


    "Senior brother, actually..."


    Just as Chen Sansi began to speak, he was interrupted by Fang Qingyun, "Junior brother, you don''t have to tell me everything. Everyone has their secrets, which is very normal. As long as the Heavenly Book seen by His Majesty is real, that''s enough."


    "Thank you, senior brother,"


    Chen Sansi and Fang Qingyun shared a tacit understanding and did not delve deeper into the discussion, "Then I will start the drills."


    He scattered the twenty followers he had brought and integrated them into the different units of the Xuanjia Army, then began to devote time to practicing the formations from the Heavenly Book. Due to time constraints and with exactly three thousand troops, they mainly practiced charge formations and guerrilla tactics.


    One was called the Jiuxiao Heavenly Soldiers Formation, and the other was called the Luo Heaven Ghost Mist Formation.


    Among them, the Jiuxiao Heavenly Soldiers Formation was the strongest formation they practiced, and it was also the one they mainly practiced. It had been used during the great victory of the Red Eyebrow Army.


    Under the guidance of keywords like "Training Soldiers Skillfully" and the support of the Imperial Horse General Qian Xun, they were able to refine the Jiuxiao Heavenly Soldiers Formation to be well-organized in just ten short days, building on its existing foundation. Amidst the myriad of colored flags, the sound of war drums and bugle calls, and equipped with Mystic Iron Armor and top-grade warhorses, from a distance, they truly looked as if three thousand Heavenly Soldiers had descended to the mortal world.


    This was an unexpected joy for Chen Sansi.


    After the Emperor put the military tactics from the Heavenly Book into use, the Xuanzhu could finally come into play.


    "Junior brother, this..." Continue reading at My Virtual Library Empire


    Fang Qingyun sat in a high place, looking down at the formation below and couldn''t help but lean forward slightly, "Your way of training soldiers is no less than mine, and with the addition of this White Horse, you might have even surpassed me. Such a complex formation, yet you were able to fully master it in such a short period ¨C it''s really quite..."


    "Senior brother, you flatter me; it''s mainly due to Qian Xun''s role."


    Chen Sansi looked at the White Swan Horse running through the battle formation, feeling that it saved time and effort. If Xu Wencai had not been away, he could completely hand over the reins and devote all his time to cultivation.


    [Skill: Commanding Soldiers (small achievement)]


    [Progress: 1825/2000]


    The skill of Commanding Soldiers was also nearing a breakthrough.


    The originally scheduled one-month drill time.


    In actuality, after just twenty days, Chen Sansi fully mastered the control of these three thousand elite Xuanjia troops.


    There is a difference between making a name for oneself as a fledgling and training troops with fame. If this were before, it would have been impossible to control these proud and fierce soldiers without at least half a year''s time. However, after the Four Crossings of Hongze River, the name Chen Sansi became universally known and recognized.


    The three Thousand Captains within the Xuanjia Army.


    Were Xia Cong, Xiao Zheng, and You Jike, among whom Xia Cong also possessed the Body of an Innate Martial Saint and, having practiced Martial Arts for only four years, was on the verge of entering the Meridian Passage Realm, destined to become a Great General.


    These three men, upon initially seeing Chen Sansi''s youthful face, had some difficulty in relating it to the Four Crossings of Hongze River during the first two days, even doubting whether it was true. But after spending some time together, they became completely convinced.


    This was mainly because for thousands of years, history had never recorded such a young commander, not even Sun Xiangzong was this famous for Martial Arts when he was young, only starting his military career after twenty-five.


    After the troops were fully prepared.


    A group of more than ten thousand set out for the frontline.


    Yongle Prefecture.


    War is not only brutal but also incredibly tedious.


    Especially during prolonged stalemates, the soldiers responsible for besieging a city have to endure the wind and sun, rain and lightning, freezing cold or scorching heat. Just stabilizing morale and keeping the army''s heart steady is a significant challenge. This is also one of the reasons why various surprise tactics documented in history could be effective; humans are not machines, they do feel exhaustion, they can become slack. S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Facing one of the top five impregnable cities in the world, Yongle Prefecture, a large army of eighty thousand had early on built camps by felling trees and setting up barracks forty li away from the city, which also formed makeshift towns, thoroughly encircling Yongle Prefecture City. The soldiers drilled day and night, their lives orderly, as if they were not out besieging, but rather in their own hometowns.


    These details clearly showed Meng Quji''s high level of military governance.


    Fang Qingyun spoke, "Junior brother, do you have any understanding of Marquis Meng?"


    "Since I''m coming here, of course, I''ve made special inquiries,"


    Chen Sansi nodded, "Meng Dashuai is also one of the most famous fierce generals of the Great Sheng Dynasty. He started out in the Jinyi Guard and climbed his way to the position of Marquis in just twenty years."

 Chapter 155 Winning Without a Fight_4

    "His military strategy primarily focuses on ''stability''. Throughout the career of Marquis Meng, there has never been a record of ''winning with fewer troops'' or ''achieving victory with surprise strategies''; it''s always a steady outcome."


    "However, as the saying goes, ''A good warrior holds no notable achievements.'' The higher the capabilities demonstrated by such individuals, the more dangerous they are, since they never suffer a major defeat. As long as there is no massive rout, there always lies the chance for a turnaround."


    "Take, for instance, this campaign against Qing Country. Advancing the battle line all the way to the residences of Lai State, cutting off supply routes, and besieging the Qing Army of a hundred thousand¡ªon the surface, the tactics might not seem particularly striking, with only two words on the battle report¡ª''great victory.'' Such individuals, actually, are far more terrifying than Dong An and his likes."


    "You indeed understand the details well," said the younger disciple.


    The main intention Fang Qingyun had when bringing up this subject was to see if the other party would become arrogant and complacent due to repeated military achievements. Now it seemed such worry was entirely unnecessary.


    "Clash! Clash!"


    The sound of armour colliding rang out.


    Inside the Central Army Tent, several generals, surrounded by attendants, steadily approached them.


    The leader among them was none other than the Three Armies Grand Marshal of this campaign against Qing, Meng Quji!


    "General Fang, good to see you unharmed!"


    "Good to see you unharmed."


    "This subordinate, Chen Sansi, has come to report!"


    Chen Sansi saluted with a fist, "I have seen Meng Dashuai!"


    "So you are Chen Sansi?"


    Meng Quji, admiring the young man before him, didn''t hide the appreciation on his face and patted his shoulder, "At last, I meet the prodigy who entered the Military Books at eighteen, for all the Military Families in the world to study. Your arrival is timely. I will immediately order the news of your arrival in the Eastern Territory to be spread out, to further pressurize the trapped Qing Army at Yong Yue Prefecture."


    "Indeed."


    Vice Commander Zhan Taoming spoke, "Mr. Chen''s arrival is also beneficial for us to analyze the current situation!"


    "The two commanders praise me too highly," said Chen Sansi.


    "I am merely an Assistant General, here just to await orders," Chen Sansi stated.


    "There''s no need to be so modest. General Fang, General Chen, please," Meng Quji''s mood was uplifted. "With Phoenix, Chen Sansi here, our chances of winning have instantly increased by another twenty percent!"


    Within the Central Army Tent.


    A group of senior generals exchanged information and discussed the current situation.


    Chen Sansi was the only Assistant General.


    "Vice General Chen!" Meng Quji spoke, "Zhaotong Prefecture has sent a letter saying they are short of hands. I am prepping to send you to assist Cui Congyi, Sha Wenlong, and others in continuing to forcibly attack Zhaotong Prefecture. What are your thoughts on this?"


    Sha Wenlong?


    Chen Sansi sneered internally.


    This one-eyed fool, he probably wants to use me as cannon fodder.


    Typical never-dying greed.


    If it weren''t for Pei Tiannan''s secret protection, their lives would have been taken long ago.


    And setting aside personal grievances, forcefully attacking Zhaotong Prefecture was an unfeasible tactic.


    "Don''t hold back!" Meng Quji began, "''In all great battles, Chen Sansi''s opinions need to be absorbed''¡ªthis is the imperial edict His Majesty issued from the Imperial Palace, and it''s your privilege, so feel free to speak frankly."


    Two Martial Saints and several Mysterious Phenomenon levels, at this moment, all their focus was on an Assistant General within the Meridian Passage Realm.


    They were also curious.


    This general who, with merely over a thousand remnants, had decisively defeated a twenty-thousand strong Barbarian Army, and after leading the people across the river, crossed Hongze four times¡ªwas he truly worthy of his reputation or not."


    "Then, I shall speak forthrightly," Chen Sansi began, clasping his fists. "It''s inappropriate."


    "Oh? What exactly is inappropriate?" Meng Quji pointed to the city on the sand table and spoke with confidence, "According to previous plans, surrounding but not attacking would take at least six months to exhaust the provisions in Yong Yue Prefecture, which is too long. Not to mention that Qing Country is mobilizing military forces from other states, and it''s likely that Nan Xu Country has also made movements. Half a year is enough time for too many changes to occur, and the best way to speed this up is only one¡ªto shorten the battle line and concentrate as many troops as possible in Yong Yue Prefecture for a fierce attack, regardless of the cost." S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "And the problem also arises here."


    "Currently, my army of over a hundred thousand, in order to divide the battlefield and prevent Qing''s forces from linking up, is spread across a nine hundred li battle line, each besieging cities, stuck in a stalemate."


    "Among them, Zhaotong Prefecture is the second granary of Lai State, too close to Yong Yue Prefecture to let go, drawing in a large amount of our troops."


    "Now, Cui Congyi, Sha Wenlong, two Mysterious Phenomenon Realm individuals, along with thirty thousand troops, are all here."


    "The city''s defense army only has nine thousand, but their defending general, Deng Feng, is invincibly brave, supported fully by over a hundred thousand civilians, and after more than forty days, it still hasn''t fallen!"


    "If we can''t take this city, we won''t be able to free up the thirty thousand elite troops to attack Yong Yue Prefecture, and prolonging this situation will gradually turn it unfavorable for us."


    "Therefore, I thought of sending you, Vice General Chen, to Zhaotong Prefecture. Taking Zhaotong one day earlier could increase our strength outside Yong Yue Prefecture by that much," Meng Meng Dashuai explained.


    "Indeed," Hu Ben Army Commander Fan Tianfa said in a deep voice. "Vice General Chen, you should proceed quickly. It''s of great significance¡ªtaking Zhaotong Prefecture would also count as your major accomplishment."


    "No, it won''t work," Chen Sansi decisively retorted. "Let alone sending three thousand, even if another ten thousand were dispatched, Zhaotong Prefecture could not possibly be taken in a short period." Stay tuned with My Virtual Library Empire


    He paused, then suddenly raised his voice, "I have a strategy that can subdue the enemy without fighting, without spending a single soldier or a pawn, making all enemies other than those at Yong Yue Prefecture surrender at the mere sight of our forces!"


    Without spending a single soldier or a pawn?


    Make them surrender at the mere sight?


    Meng Quji, half doubtful, half intrigued, urged, "Quick, share your thoughts."


    Chen Sansi asked, "Commander Meng, have we ever slaughtered a city before?"

 Chapter 155 Winning Without a Fight_5

    "Hmm."


    Meng Quji answered candidly, "We have slaughtered around seven or eight cities. At the beginning, when we were attacking the border areas, we had a bitter victory near Leishan Prefecture. The troops needed rewards and a release for their frustration, so I didn''t stop them."


    Massacring a city.


    In ancient battlefields, it was a common occurrence, especially against foreign enemies; slaughtering a city was a means to boost morale and deter the enemy.


    For the vast majority of soldiers, they fight to win rewards, to get promoted and become rich. If after risking their lives they don''t reap enough benefits, discontent is inevitable and soon they won''t see the meaning in fighting to the death.


    "That''s right, which is what incited the desperate resistance of over a hundred thousand civilians, because they knew that once the city fell, it wouldn''t be just the defenders dying, but their own people as well," said Chen Sansi.


    "So, I would trouble Meng Dashuai to relay the order, refrain from massacres from now on. The soldiers'' rewards should preferably come from the court. Do you foresee any difficulties with this?"


    "No problem, we were only intimidating a few cities that were stubbornly resisting anyway," Meng Quji agreed immediately. "If we truly reclaim the land of the three states, then these people naturally become the citizens of Dasheng. If we kill them all, we would only be left with dead land. I will issue the command at once, no more massacres. General Chen, are you planning to persuade the defenders inside Zhaotong Prefecture to surrender?"


    "Exactly."


    Chen Sansi didn''t deny it: "The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting, next is to disrupt their alliances, followed by attacking their army, and the last resort is to besiege their cities. If we can convince the defenders inside to surrender, we could not only reduce Dasheng''s losses but also save time and seize a precious opportunity."


    "Mr. Chen, do you think we haven''t tried?" said Hu Ben Army commander Fan Tianfa, the Martial Saint. "Before the hostilities even began, we repeatedly urged their surrender, even offering the rank of Earl, but that person is stubborn and tough. After the defeat at Wutian Mountain, his army of thirty thousand was reduced to a little over a thousand, yet he managed to break out and has been steadfastly defending Zhaotong Prefecture ever since."


    "It could be said that Deng Feng is utterly loyal to Qing Country. Even if he dies on the city walls, he would never surrender, otherwise, he wouldn''t have held on until now."


    "General Fan is wrong there. Sometimes whether a city surrenders is not for the main general to decide alone," Chen Sansi spoke calmly, presenting his thoughts. "As long as the will to resist among the civilians inside the city is lost, the eight thousand defenders will hardly find the conviction to continue holding on."


    These civilians include the families of the local garrison soldiers. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Just like back then at Po Yang.


    The brothers risked their lives to escort the civilians across the river not out of selflessness, but because their own families were ahead."


    Conversely, if they could ensure the safety of their families, the will to resist would be greatly diminished.


    Especially now with the enemy at the gates and no hope in sight.


    "I''m afraid it won''t be that easy," objected Deputy General Zhan Taoming. "Just with words, you can make them believe and then open the gates and surrender?"


    "Of course not, which is why we need to show them," said Chen Sansi. "For example, by releasing surrendered soldiers."


    "Release the surrendered soldiers? That might not be appropriate," Fan Tianfa''s brows knitted together. "The civilians of Qing Country may be spared the death penalty, but if we release the captives, wouldn''t that be the same as allowing tigers back into the mountains?"


    Meng Quji raised his hand to signal for him to stop, not rushing to argue, but instead asked patiently, "How many do you plan to release?"


    Chen Sansi uttered two words: "All of them."


    "That is a bit absurd," Meng Quji rejected calmly. "These twenty thousand surrendered soldiers could eventually be assimilated into Dasheng''s population, something we''ve earned at great cost. If we let them go so easily, wouldn''t the previous battles have been fought in vain?"


    "Yes indeed," Fan Tianfa seemed somewhat disappointed as he said, "Vice General Chen, your Four Crossings of Hongze was indeed a stroke of brilliance, but not all battles can be won by taking shortcuts. Sometimes, you must fight tough battles. In my opinion, let''s not waste time discussing this further. You should lead your troops to Zhaotong Prefecture posthaste, which could also relieve some pressure on Cui Congyi and the others. Even if we have to pay a price, as long as we can capture Zhaotong Prefecture, it won''t be a loss."


    The rest of the generals also seemed to agree.


    They thought it was some kind of earth-shattering strategy.


    Chen Sansi could only give advice; he didn''t have the final say in decisions. Explore more stories at My Virtual Library Empire


    Releasing twenty thousand captives was indeed an outlandish idea.


    But he thought it was truly feasible.


    "I agree with Vice General Chen''s view," a clear voice rang out, Fang Qingyun taking over the conversation: "As far as I know, these twenty thousand are not elite troops, but merely local garrison soldiers with little will to fight. After being captured, their minds are focused solely on survival. Assimilating them as our own would probably take two years, which is of no help to the current battle situation and would just add to the consumption of provisions."


    "Moreover, Vice General Chen''s intention isn''t really to release the tiger back into the mountain," he continued.


    "To the north, there is a treacherous path called Ghost Gate Canyon, extremely narrow and allowing only two people to walk side by side. Once inside, there''s no turning back, leaving no possibility for a counterattack.


    "Beyond the canyon, it''s thousands of miles from where any remaining Qing Country forces could regroup. It would take at least half a year to reintegrate these forces, which to us is no different from them being dead. But for the defending Qing Country soldiers in other cities, it represents the only hope of survival. With hope, they will no longer fight like cornered beasts."

 Chapter 155 Winning Without a Fight_6

    "Gentlemen, you must understand that before any battle commences, the actual objective of our side must be clarified."


    "And our main objective this time is only one."


    "That is to devour the fifty thousand elite troops and the Prince inside Yong Yue Prefecture. The rest do not matter; as long as they are gone, Daqing will lose its hold on the border and be forced to abandon the Three Prefectures."


    "Vice General Chen, I''m right, aren''t I?"


    Chen Sansi agreed, "What General Fang has said matches exactly with what I had in mind."


    Waging war is not about slaughter but about achieving strategic objectives.


    Whether to slaughter or to be humane must be decided based on the current situation, adopting whichever strategy will lead to victory.


    "Even General Fang thinks it''s feasible?"


    Meng Quji began to hesitate.


    Clearly, in the military, experience is the real voice of authority.


    He pondered, "But no matter what, allowing so many surrendered soldiers to return is still a huge loss."


    "It''s best if Meng Dashuai does as recommended."


    Fang Qingyun''s attitude was firm, "If this plan fails, sending the Xuanjia Army to Zhaotong Prefecture can still be done later. As for the loss of releasing twenty thousand surrendered soldiers, I will bear it alone. I will write a petition to His Majesty."


    "Good! With General Fang saying this, if I still hesitate, indeed it would seem overly cautious. Let''s proceed as Vice General Chen suggested!"


    Meng Quji finally made the decision, "Pass down my commander''s order, keep the generals above ''Refining Internal'' level, and send the rest of the surrendered soldiers to Ghost Gate Canyon in batches, no more than five hundred each time. Also, assign people to guard the canyon well! Vice General Chen, do you have any other requests?"


    "I want temporary command and deployment authority over all the forces, except those at Yong Yue Prefecture,"


    Chen Sansi bowed with his hands clasped.


    This was necessary.


    Otherwise, while he was persuading a surrender at one location, another might still be attacking or sacking a city, easily leading to mishaps.


    "Very well, I grant you this authority!"


    Meng Quji readily agreed, then stressed, "But Mr. Chen, you should understand that ''no jokes in the military'' is an essential rule, right?"


    "I am willing to receive the military order,"


    Chen Sansi added, "But the matter of releasing the prisoners must be expedited. If my predictions are correct, reinforcements from Nanxu Country are about to arrive."


    "Indeed,"


    Meng Quji said, "That is what concerns me the most. Currently, the Great Sheng Dynasty is prevailing, but once the reinforcements from Nanxu arrive, the situation will immediately become severe."


    Nanxu sending troops was a given, inevitable for everyone.


    ...


    Yong Yue Prefecture.


    "Report!" Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Prince, the Sheng Dynasty has sent more troops."


    "What''s the rush?"


    King Tang Li Gong, while cutting a steaming leg of lamb with a dagger, asked leisurely, "How many?"


    "Eight thousand Hu Ben Army, plus three thousand Xuanjia Army."


    The deputy general said with a worried expression, "Among them, the Xuanjia Army is led by Chen Sansi, who has crossed the Hongze River four times."


    Upon hearing this name, Li Gong''s action of cutting meat noticeably paused, then he said indifferently, "Do not panic. This person is most likely sent here to share in the merits and then rise in rank. The current situation in Lai State, his presence or absence makes no difference."


    "Prince."


    The deputy general sighed, "His Majesty was very critical of us this time; he disagreed with our dispatch of troops initially."


    "It''s clear His Majesty is too conservative."


    Li Gong chewed on the lamb, speaking unhurriedly, "Do not panic. As long as we hold on for another three months, reinforcements from Daqing will continue to arrive, and the Nanxu Army will also press up to Hu Lao.


    "By then, Meng Quji and others naturally will have to retreat to the border, and that''s when the real battle will begin."


    "Try to notify all the other cities'' defenders to hold their positions and await the opportune moment!"


    "Yes!"


    ...


    Zhaotong Prefecture.


    "Brothers!"


    "My fellow countrymen!"


    "Once the soldiers of the Sheng Dynasty break through, they will massacre the city, sparing no man, woman, or child. Guihai, Lianshui, and Jinggu states are examples. They are no different from the barbarians of the grassland! So, if you want to live, all of you, come and help me defend!"


    "Crack¡ª¡ª"


    Defending General Deng Feng''s Azure Dragon Crescent Broadsword roared downward, chopping off half of the body of the attacking Sheng general and ending a round of brutal assault and defense. The forces outside the city retreated ten miles, not daring to attack recklessly anymore.


    Outside the city.


    Cui Congyi, Sha Wenlong, and others led the Hu Ben Army to temporarily retreat to a camp twenty miles away.


    "This Deng Feng is really formidable!"


    Sha Wenlong planted his broadsword into the ground, "Even when you and I joined hands, we still couldn''t take him down."


    "After all, he is at Perfect Profound Phenomenon."


    Cui Congyi said more calmly, "Let''s regroup for half a day and then continue the attack."


    "Generals."


    Cao Fan expressed his concern, "Continuing the strong attack might also fail to take it down."


    "We have no choice but to attack,"


    Cui Congyi said, "This is a mortal order from the Crown Prince, and there''s a time limit."


    "Let''s wait for reinforcements."


    Sha Wenlong said, "Chen Sansi still has three thousand Black Armor troops. When the time comes, let his men take the lead, and with one push, we''ll storm the city walls. I don''t believe we can''t take it."


    "Whew¡ª¡ª"


    Hai Dongqing brought news.


    "How so?" Explore stories on My Virtual Library Empire


    Sha Wenlong asked, "How long till they arrive?"


    "No need to wait."


    Cui Congyi, holding a letter, said solemnly, "He''s not coming."


    "How dare he disobey orders?!"


    Sha Wenlong furiously said, "Last time it must have been Yu Song who covered for him, who can cover for him this time? Fang Qingyun?"


    "No, it''s not disobedience. He''s not only not disobeyed, but... he has ordered all of us not to continue the attack."


    "Is General Cui joking?"


    Sha Wenlong perplexedly said, "He''s just an assistant general, on what grounds does he order us?"


    "See for yourself!"


    Cui Congyi said angrily, "The Commander Meng Quji has decreed that he is now the commander over everyone except those in Yong Yue Prefecture."


    "What?"


    Sha Wenlong snatched the letter, scoffing, "So that''s what''s going on. He received a military order to make Zhaotong surrender within two months, such grand claims!"


    Cao Fan also took it and read it himself, anxiously saying, "This man wouldn''t make empty boasts if he wasn''t sure."


    "I don''t believe it."


    Cui Congyi pointed his blood-stained broadsword toward the city wall, "Deng Feng is unparalleled in courage; is he going to come out and surrender?"


    "Actually, I don''t believe it either."


    Cao Fan gave a bitter smile, "But he calls himself Chen Sansi."


    "This..."


    Sha Wenlong also hesitated to make further assertions, clearly remembering the lessons from last time.


    "You are both overthinking it!"


    Cui Congyi sneered, "There''s a time limit on the military order; within two months he orders Deng Feng to open the city gates and surrender. I really want to see what he will do when Deng Feng doesn''t surrender!"


    ...


    "Zhaotong defending commander Deng Feng, Perfect Profound Phenomenon."


    Fang Qingyun held the latest intelligence: "This person was originally the governor of Lai State, very well-reputed locally, known as Deng Qingtian, but he''s extremely loyal to Qing Country; convincing him to open the city gates for surrender is still difficult. But since my junior dares to say it, he must have his plans, just let him do it. It''s not suitable for me to travel around, so I won''t be a burden following you."


    "Brother, farewell!"


    Chen Sansi didn''t delay, leading three thousand Black Armor troops, he headed directly towards the distance.

 Chapter 156 The Art of War is a Matter of Momentum

    Chen Sansi led the troops away, and after another fifty li, stopped at a crossroads on an official road in the wilderness.


    "Xu..."


    It slipped out so naturally that he found it hard to correct himself: "Bring me the map."


    "Who has a map? Quickly!"


    Zhao Kang and the others searched but there was no sound for a long time.


    "My lord, I have one."


    Xia Cong was well-prepared; he presented the map immediately, respectfully unfolding it in front of Chen Sansi: "I have some humble thoughts, I wonder if I should speak?"


    On the journey, he could tell the general wanted to call out for Mr. Wo Long, the esteemed Xu, showing that the general lacked a right-hand man. He was ready to step in, hoping to learn more by the general''s side in the future, and become a trusted lineage.


    Chen Sansi looked at the map, without raising his head, he responded: "Speak freely."


    "Thank you, my lord!"


    Xia Cong bowed deeply: "I believe that even if we release the surrendered soldiers, direct persuasion will still be ineffective. We must use force before virtue, take down a city first, and then lead by action."


    "Hm, the thought process is not wrong."


    Chen Sansi glanced at him: "Continue."


    Encouraged, Xia Cong eagerly shared the analysis he had prepared in his mind: "Inside Zhao Tong Prefecture, there are still eight thousand soldiers defending, among them two thousand are local garrison troops and six thousand from Elite Camp Soldiers called from other places. With the help of the civilians, a direct assault on Zhaotong is definitely not feasible."


    "Therefore, I believe we should first attack Songlin Prefecture, which is closer to Zhaotong. The enemy''s defense there is not strong, they''ve already been under siege for a long time. If we add three thousand of the Xuanjia Army to launch a fierce attack, there is a significant chance of taking it by force. Once Songlin Prefecture falls, it will naturally shake the morale in Zhao Tong Prefecture, then we can persuade them to surrender."


    "No, it''s nowhere near enough." S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Sansi rejected the idea: "Not to mention how great a cost that would be, time is not something we can afford to waste, moreover, do you know why we must capture Zhao Tong Prefecture within two months?"


    "Besides the need for more troops to concentrate on attacking Yong Yue Prefecture, I think..." Enjoy exclusive adventures from My Virtual Library Empire


    Xia Cong felt like he was taking an exam, answering seriously: "In two months, reinforcements from Qing Country could likely arrive, conservatively estimated at over fifty thousand. The best place to stop them would be twenty li outside Green Ridge Mountain, but that requires bypassing Zhaotong. If Zhaotong is not captured, it means leaving a knife behind on our flank, ready to strike at any moment."


    "If you put it that way..."


    "Our situation seems not as optimistic as we thought!"


    His expression grew grave, "If the Qing Country reinforcements reach outside Green Ridge Mountain and we can''t deploy enough soldiers to stop them, it means we may have to give up the attack on Yong Yue Prefecture and choose another city to defend."


    "In such a scenario, the situation would shift from the Great Sheng Dynasty besieging the enemy to a stalemate between the two forces."


    "The deadlocked situation that Qing Country has in Lai State could all come back to life."


    "And if we add the reinforcements from Nan Xu Country that might appear outside Hu Lao at any time..."


    "All of the Great Sheng Dynasty''s efforts in Lai State could be wasted, reclaiming the territory of the three states could become a pipe dream."


    To the side.


    The other two Thousand Captains of the Xuanjia Army, Xiao Zheng, and You Jike, also listened with serious expressions.


    "You few are still clear-headed."


    Chen Sansi continued: "So, what we have to do is race against time, time is the essence of opportunity, the faster we deal with the soldiers and horses in each city, and gather the dispersed forces of our Great Sheng Dynasty, the better prepared we will be to face the upcoming changes."


    "The fastest way to capture a city is to make the Enemy Army open its gates and surrender. If fighting breaks out, even with the smallest city, it will cost us a lot of time and troops. On a front of nearly a thousand li with so many cities, we simply cannot afford the accumulated time."


    "One Songlin is not enough, one Zhaotong is not enough."


    "What I want, aside from Yong Yue Prefecture, is for all thirty-six prefectures within the territory of Lai State to surrender at the sight of my forces!"


    All thirty-six prefectures surrendering at the sight!


    Xia Cong and the others exchanged looks, seemingly finding it hard to believe.


    Moreover, on the military order.


    They were only required to deal with Zhaotong Prefecture; was it really necessary to go this far?


    Xiao Zheng expressed his doubt: "My lord, if I may be bold, isn''t the difficulty a bit too great?"


    "Yes, my lord, it''s not that I doubt you, just..."


    You Jike added: "Persuading one or two key cities to surrender is already an exceedingly difficult task, let alone convincing all thirty-six prefectures. It''s almost... impossible, isn''t it?"


    "Hmph! Making a fuss over nothing!"


    Zhu Tong scornfully said: "Even I understand, do this first, then that, and it''ll work out!"


    "Old Zhu, stop causing trouble."


    Zhuang Yi pulled him aside: "Just listen to the general''s speech, and you know nothing!"


    But the brothers from Po Yang were unfazed, as they had no doubt their general could achieve the strategic goals he had declared.


    "You Jike, there''s one thing you got wrong."


    Chen Sansi''s gaze remained fixed on the map: "Sometimes, the difficulty of persuading many cities in a state to submit is far less than persuading just one or two cities; this is called momentum."


    "Some say that in war, deceit is key, others say authority is key, and still others say that the most important thing is to ensure a stable position for oneself, awaiting the enemy''s defeat. But I say¡ª"


    He paused for emphasis, each word he spoke ringing out like a deep ringing bell: "In war, momentum is everything!"

 Chapter 156 The Art of War is a Matter of Momentum_2

    "Momentum, perhaps?"


    Xia Cong was momentarily dazed.


    They almost said in unison, clasping their hands in salute, "Please instruct us, sir!" sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Everything under the heavens is merely a matter of momentum,"


    Since joining the army, Chen Sansi had participated in numerous battles, big and small, gaining some insights: "Sieging has the momentum of recklessness that fears not death, defending has the momentum of prefering death over submission, charging into formations entails the momentum of plunging in to seek death, prevailing in battle the momentum of being unstoppable. Similarly, collapse brings the momentum of a rout spanning a thousand miles, even surrender carries the momentum of demoralization and submitting at the sight of the enemy,"


    "Once this momentum is formed, the enemy will act like a dog who lost its home, like a defeated rooster, with no more thoughts of resistance. They will only have one thought left, to surrender,"


    "What we need to do is to create the overwhelming momentum of ''surrender''."


    "Warfare is all about momentum!"


    Xia Cong, still puzzled, asked, "Then sir, how shall we create this grand momentum next?"


    "Five steps in total."


    "This first step, I call it Forced Surround with Intentional Flaws,"


    Chen Sansi ordered, "Pass my command, except for Yong Yue Prefecture, all generals must immediately cease sieging and leave a small path open, allowing their scouts a route for mutual communication and intelligence transmission,"


    "Xia Cong, write down the exact words then use the Hai Dongqing to convey it to all units,"


    This time, he used his fourth brother''s Hai Dongqing.


    "Then comes the second step, follow me!"


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    "Move¡ª"


    The group proceeded at full speed,


    Soon arriving at,


    The nearest city holding surrendered soldiers.


    Military officers and Array Soldiers were detained separately.


    Among them, military officers with powers of Refining Internal and above were mostly controlled by piercing their scapula and other parts with Mystical Iron Hooks to prevent any mishaps,


    But Array Soldiers did not need such measures.


    Array Soldiers stripped off their Armour, laid down their Weapons, then scattered their organizational structure, and without a military officer leading them, they were as disorderly as ordinary people without a weapon in hand.


    Chen Sansi reined in his horse, raising the command token high, and shouted, "Who is the general in charge of watching over these surrendered soldiers here?"


    "General Chen!"


    A Vice General, having received the instructions earlier, came out of the city to meet him: "I am Zhu Qi, in charge of overseeing these surrendered soldiers here; does General Chen have any instructions?"


    Chen Sansi said indifferently, "The map."


    Xia Cong immediately complied.


    "And the writing materials?"


    Chen Sansi added.


    "I deserve death, I should always have writing materials ready!"


    Xia Cong hastily prepared them and then handed over a brush dipped in ink,


    Chen Sansi took the brush, outlined a route on the map, and commanded, "Vice General Zhu, when you release the surrendered soldiers, you must escort them exactly along this route I have drawn, distribute dry rations to them, and the more noise the better,"


    "These routes...,"


    Zhu Qi looked at the black lines, "Isn''t this making them deliberately conspicuous? I understand, General Chen''s intention is to let everyone see that we are releasing the surrendered soldiers, thereby weakening the will of the defending troops in other cities,"


    "Hmm."


    Chen Sansi nodded, "Besides this, select two thousand surrendered soldiers with strong voices to keep for the time being, not to be released yet, they will be used for something else,"


    "Strong voices?"


    Zhu Qi did not understand the purpose of this arrangement, but he nodded and said, "I understand, General Chen rest assured, I will execute accurately, ensuring no mistakes occur,"


    "A mistake will cost you your head!"


    Chen Sansi cautioned.


    "Understood!"


    Zhu Qi turned and went to carry out the tasks,


    Chen Sansi, sitting high on his horse, announced, "Next, comes the third step!"


    ...


    Zhaotong Prefecture.


    Outside the city.


    Cui Congyi stared at the latest order for a long while without speaking,


    "General Cui,"


    Sha Wenlong asked, "Did that Chen issue us any new orders?"


    They, being main generals by rank, now had to wait daily for an Assistant General''s orders,


    "Yes,"


    Cui Congyi said, "He ordered us to stop sieging, and send a surrender letter daily, along with ceaseless shouting day and night. Furthermore, the troops outside the city must achieve an encirclement with one side open, allowing spies and scouts from inside Zhaotong City to go out and gather intelligence,"


    "Ridiculous!"


    Sha Wenlong truly could not comprehend: "A siege battle demands extreme pressure, unsettling the enemy inside by cutting off their communication, which is the best way to apply pressure. Letting them out is giving them hope,"


    The intelligence passed by one or two Black Hawks, after all, is limited, as only high-ranking officers can serve as recipients on the ground.


    More detailed intelligence, however, generally requires scouts to investigate,


    Locking every scout inside the city,


    Means that, within the field of view of the city''s garrison, besides a few places like Yong Yue Prefecture, the rest is completely dark,


    But if you let the scouts out,


    It means the cities can communicate with each other, strategize together, giving them a sense of mutual support and the confidence to hold on becomes naturally greater,


    "This just makes sieging more challenging for us, really reckless command! And there''s no fear of actually letting them escape?"


    Upon saying this, Sha Wenlong''s eyes lit up, "I have an idea, why not intentionally let some out, try to keep the losses within a certain range, and then say it was Chen''s mistake in command, chop off his head, how about that?"


    "You''re overthinking it,"


    Cui Congyi scoffed, "Chen Sansi has ordered us to precisely control the gap, letting only scouts out, not the enemy. If someone manages to break out using this, he''ll chop our heads off first,"


    "He wouldn''t dare!"


    "What wouldn''t he dare, the Commander has given the token, if you dare defy the order, even if he beheads you, you can''t fight back,"

 Chapter 156 The Soldier, the Momentum_3

    Cui Congyi discarded the letter: "General Sha, this task is entrusted to you."


    "Disgusting!"


    Sha Wenlong had no choice but to follow the orders.


    "No matter what Chen Sansi is up to, as long as he can really force Deng Feng to surrender and leave the city, it can be considered a good thing. Let''s not mention the demands of the Incense Fire Divine Sect on us, my father..."


    Cao Fan pondered, "It would be extremely beneficial for the entire Lai State, for one, Zhao Tong Prefecture''s geographical location is critical, related to the subsequent course of events. Secondly, Deng Feng has high prestige, ''Deng Qingtian'', ''Mr. Deng of Skies High and Righteous''¡ªthese are all his nicknames. If such a man is willing to surrender, it will surely lead to many other cities surrendering as well."


    "But the question is, how is he going to accomplish it?"


    "Nearly seven days have passed in the blink of an eye, and we haven''t seen a trace of him. Is two months'' time really enough?"


    Since giving up the competition for Chief Disciple, to his surprise, he found that his resentment towards Chen Sansi quickly diminished, replaced more by admiration. It''s just that in the current situation, he really couldn''t figure out what this guy was up to.


    "Let''s just do as he said."


    Cui Congyi said with repressed emotion, "After all, if it doesn''t work and leads to any grave consequences due to missed opportunities in battle, it''s not for you or me to be responsible. After all, it''s not even two months."


    "General Cui."


    Yun Xiaozi, dressed in Da Sheng armor and disguised as an officer, stepped forward to remind, "Dragging this out is no solution, we must take down this city!"


    "Rest assured, Daoist Priest."


    Cui Congyi stated, "Even if we cannot take the city, we will certainly handle the matters entrusted by the Crown Prince properly, without delay."


    "I am merely reminding you."


    Yun Xiaozi added, "Moreover, the place to decide the outcome should best be outside the Capital City,"


    "That''s hard to say now."


    Cui Congyi frowned and said, "Looking at the current situation, it''s not certain we have a strong chance of reclaiming the three states. In any case, if things don''t work out, we''ll choose another time and place."


    "Alright then."


    Yun Xiaozi said no more and quietly withdrew.


    ...


    Zhao Tong Prefecture, inside the city.


    After enduring more than forty days of brutal siege warfare, the city walls were scarred and bodies piled up like mountains. The soldiers and civilian workers alike were ragged and utterly exhausted.


    But on this day, everything ceased abruptly.


    The enemy army outside the city unexpectedly became quiet, leaving only two or three horse riders calling for surrender at the foot of the city walls, and the occasional arrow shot over the wall also carried letters of persuasion to surrender.


    "People of Qing Country and the Qing Army inside the city, listen up!" Enjoy new adventures from My Virtual Library Empire


    "Open the city gates and surrender early to save your lives!"


    "Otherwise, once the city falls, not one will be left alive!"


    "Why insist on defending to the bitter end!"


    "You won''t be getting any reinforcements!


    "..."


    Atop the city wall, the civilian workers and soldiers, pausing their repair work during the lull in battle, were skeptical.


    "Great General!"


    The leading generals of Qing Country reported, "The Sheng Dynasty''s troops have all retreated into their camps and are laying low, indicating they will not continue the siege for the time being. Furthermore, the scouts we dispatched have finally broken through and will soon bring back news of the other cities nearby. Does this imply the enemy has let down their guard? Should we seize the opportunity to try and break out?"


    "Not possible."


    Deng Qingtian, the Great General of Zhao Tong Prefecture at the Profound Image Realm of perfection, was personally moving boulders, calmly asserting, "This ''encircle three, leave one'' strategy is probably to lure us out, with ambushes sure to be waiting outside. Continue to defend the city!"


    "Mr. Deng, how much longer can we hold out?"


    "Yeah, how long will this go on? They say Yong Yue Prefecture is also completely surrounded. Is Lai State done for?"


    "Alas, it''s already January. In the blink of an eye, we have been away from home for several months, and to this day, we''re still unable to send a single letter back."


    "Yeah, yeah."


    "..."


    The soldiers discussed amongst themselves with various opinions. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The civilians within the city were equally suffering.


    Compared to the defending army, they were the ones who suffered the most deaths each day.


    "My lord..."


    "Please tell us clearly, when will this end?"


    "Yes, how long before we can repel the enemy outside?"


    "My father''s body fell from the city wall, and to this day, there''s still no chance to collect his corpse..."


    "..."


    "Boom!"


    Deng Feng suddenly threw the massive stone he held, creating a thunderous sound, and he spoke with a powerful voice, "You ask me how long we must defend? To tell you the truth, at least another sixty days! If you truly don''t wish to continue defending, you may go open the gates and surrender. Go on, I won''t stop you, as long as¡ª"


    He deliberately paused, then emphasized, "you dare to believe the word of the Sheng people!"


    "This..."


    The soldiers and civilians exchanged glances, speechless.


    Indeed.


    Can one trust the word of the Sheng people?


    It was said that when they attacked the Leishan Prefecture region, similar things were promised, yet everyone had seen for themselves the fate of the local people. An inferno on earth engulfed five prefectures!


    "It seems you are not so foolish!"


    Deng Feng ascended to a higher position and queried with his resonant and robust voice, "Furthermore, consider this, the Sheng people have been besieging us for a month already, so why have they suddenly stopped now?


    "Indeed, because they have realized they cannot take the city and have no choice but to give up!


    "The letters of persuasion to surrender should not shake us but serve as evidence of their impending defeat!"


    "The General makes sense!"


    The crowd had a moment of clarity.


    "Their cessation demonstrates that they are scared!"


    "No wonder, they attacked like madmen before, and then suddenly they stopped."


    "We mustn''t fall for their trick; once we open the gates, those Sheng dogs will surely engage in frenzied retribution!"

 Chapter 156 The Art of War is a Matter of Momentum_4

    "Yes, even if they don''t kill the commoners, they won''t spare us soldiers."


    "If you become surrendered soldiers, the unlucky ones are directly turned into slaves, or simply treated and slaughtered like animals!"


    "There is a female general in the Sheng Dynasty named Rong Yanqiu, it is said that she has to kill more than a dozen living people every day; otherwise, she can''t sleep!"


    "Even if you''re lucky and they accept you, the provisions, rations, and medicinal materials you get are the worst. In the future, when you go to the battlefield, you must rush to the front and shield them from arrows!"


    "And you have to be separated from your family!"


    "..."


    "My brothers, elders, and fellow villagers!"


    Deng Feng''s voice, amplified by his Qi-Blood, resounded for miles: "Don''t panic. Right now, the city has ample grain and forage. Our military might is slightly inferior, but we have over a hundred thousand civilians!"


    "Those outside, Cui Congyi and Sha Wenlong, to someone like me, are nothing more than flies and dogs, not worth mentioning!"


    "As long as our two hundred thousand people work together, what are those mere thirty thousand outside the city? They are nothing!"


    "Moreover, I have great news to tell you all!"


    "At most, in another two months, our great Emperor of Daqing will personally lead the charge! By then, not only will Zhaotong Prefecture survive, but we will also achieve great merit, and all soldiers and civilians who defend the city will be richly rewarded!"


    "Exempt from taxes for three years, no, five years!"


    "I, Deng Feng, promise you, after this battle, the entire Zhaotong will be exempt from tax on grain for five years!"


    "Additionally, orders are given to open the granaries, and for the coming two months, there will be plenty of white rice and big white steamed buns!"


    Five years!


    What does exempt from taxes for five years mean?


    It means that during these five years, the commoners might be able to eat their fill, and perhaps even save some extra money, not having to live those days when each spring, for planting, they had to borrow seed money at high-interest rates.


    After this speech.


    Over a hundred thousand people once again rekindled hope.


    In a word, hold out, and not only can you survive, but you''ll also be tax exempt!


    On the contrary, if you open the city gates and surrender, it''s a dead end.


    Their morale soared like never before, and they all hurried to strengthen the defensive fortifications.


    However, by that afternoon.


    Above the city walls, a Qing Country soldier squinted into the distance. He pointed at the empty plain: "Look quickly, those in red clothes seem to be our brothers from Daqing!"


    The soldiers and armor of each country are distinct.


    Most of Qing Country''s soldiers wear armor with bright red linings, which are very easy to distinguish.


    "Reinforcements? Could it be reinforcements?!"


    Someone shouted excitedly.


    "It''s not right!"


    "Take a closer look!"


    "It seems the Sheng dogs don''t plan to deal with them!"


    "And, why aren''t they wearing armor, and why are they not carrying weapons?"


    "Damn it, they are captives who have defected to the Sheng dogs!"


    "Damn it, how could captives make it here?"


    "..."


    Deng Feng, who heard the commotion, also climbed up to the city wall to check. He immediately sent people to investigate the situation.


    At that moment, scouts that had been sent out earlier hurried back.


    "Report¡ª"


    "Great General! Those outside indeed are our brothers!"


    Deng Feng, suppressing his anger, asked, "Have they committed treason?!"


    "No, Great General!"


    The scout knelt on the ground: "According to the information I gathered, the Sheng Dynasty is now releasing captives."


    "Releasing captives?"


    Deng Feng frowned: "Where to?"


    Stammering, the scout replied: "To... to our Daqing."


    "Nonsense!"


    Deng Feng, doubting what he heard, grabbed the scout: "Say it again,"


    "Great General, it''s absolutely true!"


    The scout himself seemed hardly able to believe it: "It is said that the Sheng Dynasty plans to send back all twenty thousand surrendered soldiers through Ghost Gate Canyon to Daqing territory. They''re not only releasing people but also providing them with dry food. For those who have trouble walking, they are even equipping donkey carts."


    ''Absurd!''


    ''Would not this entire battle be in vain? There is no sense in sending enemy soldiers back!''


    Type thoughts raced through Deng Feng''s mind but he dared not voice them aloud. He asked again, "Who gave the order?"


    Before he finished speaking.


    He noticed something odd in the eyes of the soldiers around him.


    Such a malevolent strategy!


    Clearly, this was a way to shake their military spirits! S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    If it were Meng Quji, he would have definitely found a way to use these twenty thousand men as human shields, not release them completely¡ªafter all, there would be significant risks in going through Ghost Gate Canyon, to think of such a scheme!


    Trembling, the scout said, "They say it was that Chen Sansi..."


    "Chen Sansi?"


    Deng Feng was only too aware of that name.


    His country, Daqing, was brought to misery by this man.


    This man became famous all over the world for leading people across rivers two years ago, and even the commoners of Daqing praised him non-stop, calling him a rare hero and an upright official.


    Not to mention his victory afterward.


    In the Battle of the Four Crossings of Hongze River at Ming State, it was a shock to all; it was known far and wide, putting Daqing in a difficult position where they almost lost the Lai State.


    Not just Daqing, but Nan Xu and the Northern Barbarians probably began studying the Four Crossings of the Hongze River, too.


    This man...


    Had also been sent to Lai State, and started with such a venomous scheme!


    "It''s fake!"


    Deng Feng quickly reacted: "It''s a sham, meant to disrupt our morale! The surrendered soldiers outside, they''re all fakes, merely dressed in red. Isn''t red fabric easy enough to find?"


    "General, you''re right!"


    Everyone agreed in unison.


    "The Sheng people are the most deceitful!"


    "During the times we traded with them, they loved to cheat the most!"


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    "But, didn''t they just say it was Chen San..."


    "..."


    "Stop standing around dumbfounded!"


    Deng Feng loudly interrupted, not allowing the topic to continue: "Have you forgotten what I told you before? They are clearly panicking, even resorting to such lowly tricks. We only need to hold on for the last two months, no, it won''t even take two months!"

 Chapter 156 The Soldier, the Momentum_5

    "Send another team out, try to notify the other cities, and make sure they don''t fall into the trap!"


    "..."


    "Yes!"


    ...


    Yongle Prefecture.


    "Chirp¡ª¡ª"


    A Black Hawk flew down into the city of Yongle Prefecture.


    These Exotic Beasts, which carried information, could not only pinpoint their destinations precisely but also evade arrows in high altitudes, making it nearly impossible for enemies to shoot them down.


    King Tang Li Gong stood in front of the mansion serving as the Central Army''s command center, outstretched his arm to allow the Black Hawk to land, then took the information from it, and immediately, joy appeared on his face.


    "My lord."


    The Deputy General knew there was good news, "Speak quickly, let the brothers be happy."


    "The Emperor is coming!"


    Li Gong handed the sheet of paper for them to see, "The Emperor is leading an army of seventy thousand on a personal expedition, and in about fifty days or so, they will reach Green Ridge Mountain, and in about eighty days, Nan Xu Country''s one hundred thousand troops will also reach Hulaoguan!"


    "That''s great!"


    The Deputy General and several other generals were invigorated, "With the arrival of the seventy thousand troops, Sheng people''s soldiers will be forced to abandon their plans of nibbling away at various places and gather all their troops together, Yongle''s siege, resolved!"


    "There''s another critical node!"


    Li Gong spoke earnestly, "Inform Deng Feng to make sure to hold Zhaotong Prefecture, setting an example for the other cities. As long as we have enough troops saved up by the time the Emperor arrives, we can handle Sheng people ourselves and will not need to invite Nan Xu into our territory!"


    Nan Xu Country agreed to send troops to help.


    On one hand, it was because their interests were interconnected; on the other hand, they naturally also wanted to take advantage of the situation to seek benefits.


    "Your Highness, rest assured!" S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Deng Feng is incomparably brave and loyal; he will certainly have no problem!"


    "..."


    "By the way."


    Li Gong shifted the topic, "Have you clarified Chen Sansi''s dossier?"


    "It''s been clarified. I am here specifically to deliver the dossier."


    The Deputy General said, handing over a sheet of paper, "He has become too well-known these past two years; his background is very easy to check, but there''s nothing special, just a poor genius who rose from an impoverished land."


    Li Gong looked at the writing, "Gu Xinlan, this is his wife?"


    "Your Highness, do you want to check his family?"


    "It''s not me who wants to check; it''s the Emperor. I don''t have time for this."


    Li Gong read, "Gu Xinlan, originated from a lowly register, was purchased by Chen Sansi''s father as a child bride, is that it? No more? Which year, which place, what was the reason for entering the lowly register, is there nothing?"


    "That''s all."


    The Deputy General said awkwardly, "Your Highness, with the enemy at our gates, it''s truly impossible to be meticulous; these details were also gathered only when the news came across the Hongze River."


    "I see."


    Li Gong fell silent, pondering why the Emperor was interested in someone else''s family members.


    ...


    "So, my lord, what exactly is the third step?"


    Xia Cong caught up with difficulty.


    "The third step."


    Chen Sansi said deliberately, "Siege and plunder, accumulate strength and wait to strike!"


    "Siege? But my lord, didn''t you say we would primarily persuade them to surrender, not to lay siege? Alright..."


    Xia Cong didn''t dare to question, pulled out a map, "We have traveled half a month, and now we are in the northeastern part of Lai State, the most barren area. There was a severe drought here last year, no crops were harvested, and after starting the fight this year, even the largest city in this area, Xinghua Prefecture, has barely enough food and depends on supplies from other prefectures. Even so, the food is still very tight, and we can only hold out for about a month at most."


    "I know!"


    "My lord wants to take advantage of the shortage of food and attack Xinghua Prefecture. To my knowledge, the city''s defender, Ma Hu, is only ''Minor Meridian Passage'' achieved, there are four thousand soldiers in the city, while outside our army has eight thousand men, including one ''Meridian Passage General.'' The geographic position of Xinghua Prefecture is average, the conquest would not be very significant, but after all, it is a prefectural city, and seizing it mainly serves to build momentum, which is quite appropriate."


    "Don''t attack Xinghua Prefecture."


    Chen Sansi sat on the horse, pointing with a long spear to a very small city on the map, "First attack Meizi County."


    "Meizi County? "


    Xia Cong became even more confused, "My lord, Meizi County is a small county in the belly of Lai State, poor in grain, short on manpower, with just over a hundred soldiers mainly meant to maintain order, their combat power is very low."


    Chen Sansi added, "So it''s easy to take, right?"


    "It''s easy to take, with almost no casualties..." Xia Cong asked, "But what use is taking it? The position of this county, is completely useless."


    Chen Sansi didn''t endlessly explain further, just calmly said, "Let''s set off. Before night falls, I want to capture Meizi County."


    ...


    Mezi County.


    On the thin city wall, seven or eight emaciated soldiers, holding rusty long spears, looked out. A gust of cold wind blew, hard enough to crumble the stone on the wall parapet, creating a gap, the soldiers'' dilapidated armor also made a clattering noise.


    "Clip-clop¡ª¡ª"


    The sound of hooves arose, from distant to near until it was clearly visible, approximately a dozen cavalrymen along with about twenty foot soldiers, bearing the flag of the Red Armor Army of Daqing, dressed in exquisite armor, each one tall and robust.


    The leading horseman rode forth, shouting loudly, "What are you waiting for? Open the gate quickly!"


    "Why is it people from Xinghua Prefecture again?"


    The soldier on lookout frowned, while instructing to open the gate, he said, "Go get Inspector Wang!"


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    "Creak¡ª¡ª"


    The city gate opened.


    The Red Armor Army poured into the city.


    Inspector Wang Feng of Meizi County hurriedly came over to greet, "Du Baozong, why are you here again?"


    "We need supplies!"


    Without dismounting, Du Baozong said, "Xinghua Prefecture urgently needs supplies, we are here to requisition from your county."

 Chapter 156 The Art of War is a Matter of Momentum_6

    "Another grain levy?"


    Wang Feng said with a bitter face, "Du Baozong, just a few months ago, you moved all the grain from our Mei County granary to Xinghua Prefecture. Where would we have any grain left now?"


    "Enough chatter!"


    Du Baozong said very impatiently, "Inspector Wang! The Sheng forces are at our gates. Without grain, how can we defend the city? If Xinghua Prefecture City falls, do you think these counties below us can hold? The Sheng people are cruel! Once they pour into the territory and slaughter everywhere, not sparing men, women, elderly, or children, what would this bit of grain matter by comparison?!"


    "Ah~"


    Wang Feng sighed deeply, unable to find a reason to refute, "Not long ago, we forcibly levied several hundred stones of grain from the people. It''s in the county government granary, you go take it."


    Du Baozong questioned, "Only several hundred stones?"


    "That''s already the people''s rations!"


    Inspector Wang helplessly said, "People are starving to death every day in the city, and neither the Martial Arts Hall nor the gentry are willing to donate anymore. Four hundred stones is already a lot, we really don''t have any more than that!"


    "Alright."


    Du Baozong did not press any further and led his people to load up the four hundred stones of grain, then rushed out of the city in a hurry.


    "Du Baozong, can you dispatch some soldiers to Mei County?"


    Wang Feng asked from behind, "We are really too short of hands here. If the Sheng forces attack, we won''t be able to resist at all. There are nearly ten thousand people in the city after all!"


    "Don''t worry. The Sheng forces are all outside Xinghua Prefecture City. Besides, who would attack your backwater Mei County after eating till they''re stuffed?"


    After speaking, Du Baozong didn''t look back and continued to escort the grain away.


    "Go to hell!"


    Wang Feng cursed from behind, "All they know is to snatch our grain, not caring whether we live or die!"


    He went to the city wall, sighing and groaning.


    War and chaos, dead bodies everywhere!


    And yet, this battle must be fought.


    The enemy''s invasion was no different from bandits. Once the city fell, the soldiers would be the first to be wiped out, then the people of the city would suffer. They had to hang on, even if it was impossible to hold.


    Leishan Prefecture and several other places were living examples of this.


    "Da da da¡ª"


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    "Why have you returned?"


    Wang Feng watched, wide-eyed, as Du Baozong and the others, who had left not long ago, were panic-stricken and had fled back, and the grain they had just taken was gone.


    He hurriedly asked, "Du Baozong, what''s going on?!"


    "Open the city gate! Quick!"


    Du Baozong shouted in terror, "The Sheng forces, the Sheng army has come!"


    "Didn''t you just say nobody would attack Mei County?!"


    Wang Feng''s face turned deathly pale: "How many men?"


    "Over three thousand, and they are the elite Xuanjia Iron Cavalry of the Sheng Dynasty!"


    Du Baozong''s voice trembled, "The leader is a young general with a long spear, bearing the Chen banner. They''ll be here in twenty li, so open the gates and get all the people up on the walls to help!"


    "Clang clang clang¡ª"


    The sound of gongs rang out in the alleys and streets of Mei County.


    Due to the hasty situation, not many people had gathered, and with no time to prepare rolling logs and defensive wood, they could only clutch at kitchen knives, hoes, stones, and tiles, essentially without any lethal force.


    "The Xuanjia Army, three thousand men!"


    Wang Feng anxiously stomped his feet, "Elite forces of three thousand, and the leader is at least Meridian Passage stage¡ªhow, how have they come for us?!"


    "What else could it be?!"


    Du Baozong said, "To vent! Even in the poorest place, there are silver and women, isn''t that what the Sheng forces invade for?!"


    Wang Feng''s eyes were filled with fury, and he drew his battle sword resolutely: "Brothers! Even if we are wiped out today, we can''t let the Sheng forces step one foot into the city!"


    "Kill the brigands!"


    "To the end!"


    "..."


    The soldiers from Meizi County were all local garrison troops, and even though their hands trembled, they had no choice but to brace themselves and lift their weapons.


    From a distance, the thundering sound of horse hooves was heard.


    Soon, the tidal wave of the Xuanjia Army appeared just five hundred steps outside the city gate, deploying in formation.


    Unexpectedly, they didn''t launch a direct assault on the city.


    Instead, they sent a general who rode up to the city walls to shout.


    "People of Meizi County, listen up!"


    "We are the Xuanjia Army under General Huai Yuan, Chen Sansi, of the Great Sheng Dynasty, here to recruit your surrender!"


    "Should you open the city and surrender obediently, our General Chen guarantees that not a single hair on the civilians'' heads will be harmed, and you will be given food rations!"


    "Otherwise,"


    "if you fail to appreciate our goodwill and stubbornly resist, not a soul shall be spared after the city falls¡ªmen, women, old, and young alike!"


    "Choose which path you wish to take! It''s your decision to make!"


    "..."


    Atop the city walls,


    Wang Feng and the others heard it clearly.


    They exchanged looks with each other.


    "Is this for real?"


    "Not slaughtering the city is good enough, yet they speak of not harming even a hair."


    "And distributing food rations?"


    "Impossible, it''s obviously a deception!"


    Grinding his teeth, Du Baozong exclaimed, "Do you take Sheng people to be here for waging war or for doing good deeds and accumulating virtues?!"


    "Wait! What did that man say, their leading general is Chen Sansi?!"


    Gathering his courage, Wang Feng shouted, "Which Chen Sansi is your leader?"


    "Which other Chen Sansi could it be!"


    Booming with confidence, Xia Cong declared, "Naturally, it''s General Chen Sansi, known for leading civilians across the river during the Four Crossings of Hongze River!"


    The Chen Sansi who led the civilians across the river!


    The people atop the city walls were suddenly abuzz with excitement.


    The tale of leading civilians across the river had been spreading throughout the land for over a year, and it was a favorite segment of storytellers in many taverns and teahouses.


    Not because the battle itself was extraordinarily difficult.


    But because there was a general who, rather than risk his own life recklessly, chose to escort the civilians across the river first¡ªa feat unheard of through the ages. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    For military families,


    crossing the Hongze River four times might have been an unprecedented and unparalleled achievement.


    But for the common people,


    the act of leading them across the river was even more deserving of their remembrance.


    They would not believe the words of others.


    But could the words of a general like Chen Sansi, who loved his people as if they were his children, be true?


    "Where is Chen Sansi!"


    Wang Feng called out with all his might, "Let us meet him!"

 Chapter 157 Thousands of Armies Avoid the White Robe

    "My lord!"


    Xia Cong rode back: "They have not surrendered and wish to see you."


    "Is it worth wasting words with them? A mere county need not trouble you, my lord. Just give me command of over thirty riders and I can handle it. Kill a few people and they''ll naturally submit."


    Xiao Zheng sought approval: "My lord, give the order!"


    "There shall be no bloodshed."


    Chen Sansi rejected the idea: "If they wish to see me, then let them."


    He spoke, removed his armour and helmet, handed his weapon to Zhao Kang for safekeeping, and rode off alone on the White Swan Horse, breaking away from the military formation and heading straight toward the city gates.


    Xiao Zheng voiced his concern: "Is my lord really going alone?"


    "There''s no need to worry about that."


    Xia Cong planted his long spear into the ground: "The strongest in the city is merely at the Bone Forger Realm. With my lord''s Martial Arts expertise, if he really wanted to take it down, he could do so by himself. But what''s the use of taking a tiny Meizi County? Even after its surrender, what role could it possibly play? What exactly is my lord planning? What does ''building up strength to strike'' mean?"


    He thought the latter half without saying it aloud.


    Atop the walls of Meizi County.


    Wang Feng and the others, after Xia Cong''s departure, were unsettled, unsure what they would face next. There was a real chance the three thousand iron hooves would charge and flatten the city.


    "Do you think Chen Sansi will come see us?"


    "He should... "


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    "You never know."


    "They say he''s fierce in battle, and since we are the enemy, it''s possible he could come in rage and slaughter us."


    "..."


    The transmission of any news takes time. The story of leading civilians across the river spread among the common folk, far slower than the tale of the Four Crossings of Hongze, reaching Xinghua Prefecture area about half a year ago.


    The past two months have been the most intense.


    Storytellers speak daily of the White Horse and long spear, a solo rider breaking through fifteen hundred armours, of entering the fray seven times just to save a dead brother''s family.


    He was the hottest and most famous character in local operas.


    Some people even heard this tale in the teahouse in the morning, only to be told in the afternoon ¨C Chen Sansi is coming, urging us to surrender quickly!


    It all felt so ethereal and dream-like, almost unreal.


    "Here he comes, isn''t that him!"


    "Quick, look!"


    The people on the city walls shouted, pointing below.


    The setting sun bathed the sky in red.


    A white horse, a man in a white robe.


    Chen Sansi, riding Qian Xun alone, approached the formation without a weapon in hand, not even wearing armour, but instead dressed in a white robe personally sewn by Sister Lan, intending to present a subdued and friendly appearance.


    He held the horse''s reins, calling out at a measured pace, "People of Meizi County, do you wish to see me?"


    The crowd questioned, "Are you Chen Sansi?"


    Chen Sansi replied, "I have not changed my name nor my surname; I am indeed Chen Sansi!"


    Amidst the city wall, a buzz of discussion erupted.


    "What do you think?"


    "Is it really him?"


    "Riding a white horse, looking dignified, just like the storyteller described, it must be him!"


    "Right, they wouldn''t impersonate one of their own!"


    "..."


    "General Chen!"


    Wang Feng called out, changing his address: "You said earlier that if we open the gates and surrender, you guarantee no one will be harmed, is that true?"


    "It is indeed."


    Chen Sansi controlled his Qi-Blood. Although he made no effort to shout loudly, simply speaking calmly from horseback, his words were heard clearly by everyone on the wall.


    "Gentlemen!"


    "What my subordinates said earlier, it''s all true!"


    He looked at the hesitant crowd, continuing, "I know what you''re worried about, but truly, there is no need to see me as an enemy or a member of an alien race.


    "Because the land of Lai State has always belonged to Great Dasheng!


    "In other words, your ancestors were once subjects of the Great Sheng Dynasty!


    "Now, it''s merely a return to Dasheng, so why resort to the carnage of war?"


    With this speech, he managed to dissolve most of the worries of the people on the wall with uncanny precision.


    Indeed!


    Lai State has always belonged to the Sheng Dynasty.


    By this reasoning, even after surrendering, they wouldn''t be treated as second or third class citizens like when the barbarians invaded the Heavenly Capital; they could continue living their lives. After all, who is the Emperor for those at the bottom of society; what difference does it make?


    "What do you think?"


    Wang Feng asked with a gulp, "Du Baozong, should we surrender?"


    "Let''s surrender..."


    Though Du Baozong wanted to say no, he was very aware that the walls of Meizi County could practically be knocked down with a kick. Moreover, with the urgency of the situation, there hadn''t been enough time to mobilize many civilians to defend the city, and no preparations for siege defense had been made in advance.


    If a battle were to ensue.


    A single charge would likely burst the gates open.


    Whether they surrendered or not, what difference would it make?


    "We can''t surrender, we mustn''t surrender¡ª"


    A green-robed official scrambled onto the city wall, turning out to be the parental official of Meizi County, County Magistrate Li, who breathlessly exclaimed, "Inspector Wang, we mustn''t surrender!"


    "Sir, is it our choice to surrender?"


    Wang Feng pointed outside: "Against the three thousand Xuanjia Army, even if we wanted to block them, we couldn''t!"


    "Even then, no surrendering is allowed!"


    County Magistrate Li drew a soldier''s saber, pointing it fiercely at them, and shouted, "Whoever dares to open the gates and surrender is a traitor, and I have the authority to behead them! Listen to my order, everyone fight to the death!"

 Chapter 157 Thousands of Armies Avoid the White Robe_2

    "Lord Li, you, you are just afraid that once Dasheng''s troops enter the city, they will remove your official position and you won''t be able to keep your seat as County Magistrate!"


    Wang Feng hit the nail on the head, "Why should we risk our lives for you? Bring someone, tie him up!"


    "You dare, you..."


    Facing the threat to their lives, no one cared whether he was the County Magistrate or not. In a surge, the crowd tied him up tightly.


    "General Chen!"


    Wang Feng stretched his neck, his voice somewhat trembling, "You must not deceive us. We don''t need the food, just promise not to massacre the city once you enter, and we will open the city gates!"


    Even after the opponent had entered the city.


    They would tolerate minor scales of arson, killing, and looting, which would still be better than a massacre.


    "Rest assured! Though it sounds offensive, there is a vast gap between our strengths. If I really wanted to massacre the city, I would have charged in directly, why would I need to waste words here?"


    Chen Sansi, clad in a White Robe, maintained a calm face, but his tone gradually elicited a sense of authority:


    "As long as Dasheng''s flag is hoisted on the city walls, not a single grass or tree, not a single soldier or pawn will be harmed¡ªall prisoners, if willing to surrender, will be considered our own people of Dasheng, and if not, we absolutely will not make things difficult for them.


    "However¡ª"


    "Since our military operation is time-limited, if we miss the hour, we will have to reluctantly employ some harming methods, so please do not waste too much time. You only have the time for a cup of tea to make your decision!"


    "No, no, no!"


    Wang Feng, devoid of any thoughts of resistance: "General Chen, we surrender, we surrender!!"


    "Open the city gates!"


    "Surrender¡ª"


    "Buzz¡ª"


    Without the need for a cup of tea''s time, the city gates were thrown wide open.


    More than a hundred stationed troops and several dozens of officials walked out of the city and knelt on both sides of the official road.


    County Magistrate Li, especially, was brought out tightly bound, and Wang Feng and the others offered up his official seal and hat as well. The common people, however, hid back inside the city, watching the developments outside from a distance.


    Meizi County, inside and out, fell into dead silence.


    Especially, Wang Feng and others, lying prostrate on the ground, were trembling like chaff under their inner turmoil and fear. They were completely like fish on the chopping block with no other choice.


    To resist meant a certain death, so they could only gamble.


    Gamble that this widely renowned young general could keep his word. Discover hidden content at My Virtual Library Empire


    "Mr. Chen, spare our lives!"


    "..." Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Following Chen Sansi''s signal, the Xuanjia Army swiftly advanced, confiscating all weapons and armor and took control of the two remaining military officers before the army marched directly into the city.


    Just when Wang Feng and others had just breathed a sigh of relief, they saw the Xuanjia Army suddenly start speeding through the empty city streets on horseback, beating drums and shouting loudly.


    "All commoners!"


    "Gather at the city gates!"


    "You have one hour''s time!"


    "..."


    Meanwhile, another group began going from house to house, forcibly driving out all the civilians.


    "Mr. Chen!"


    Wang Feng panicked, his eyes red as he shouted, "You promised no massacre, what, what are you doing?!"


    "Chen, you are untrustworthy!"


    Du Baozong cursed loudly, "You deceived us, you won''t have a good death!"


    Chen Sansi, sitting high on his horse, glanced at him indifferently, ignoring him.


    "I''m going to fight you!"


    Wang Feng watched as his family also emerged onto the street. He roared and tried to grab a weapon but was kicked to the ground, the bright blades surrounding him.


    "Everyone stay put!"


    Xiao Zheng said impatiently.


    "Do you see?!"


    County Magistrate Li, kneeling on the ground, furiously scolded, "I''ve always said, Sheng people are the most despicable. It''s you, you are the ones who doomed the entire city''s people. Even in the Underworld Hell, no one will let you off!"


    Wang Feng and Du Baozong felt immensely ashamed and utterly disgraced.


    As dusk was about to fall, almost 60 to 70 percent of the city''s population finally gathered in front of the city gates. They were all dressed in patched and tattered clothing, their nutritionally deficient pupils hollowed, their eyes filled with hatred, trouble, fear, and awe...


    Under the watchful eyes of thousands,


    Chen Sansi raised his arm high.


    However, when his arm came down, what greeted the people was not the cold blade, but...


    Food!


    Cart after cart was pushed in front of the people.


    Zhao Kang and others maintained order, shouting loudly, "Line up, line up, don''t push, don''t rush, everyone will get a share!"


    "Boom¡ª"


    That short statement sparked a huge uproar among the crowd!


    Distributing food?


    After the enemy troops invaded, not only did they refrain from massacring for pleasure, but they... they even distributed food?!


    Tales of sheer fantasy, tales of sheer fantasy indeed!!!


    This claim was heard when the Xuanjia Army first arrived, but typically such rhetoric was merely perfunctory, and no one really believed it.


    But General Chen... he... really provided food!


    Basically, each person received a dou of rice!


    Accounting for ten thousand people, that was a thousand dan of food!


    What everyone received wasn''t much, but it was enough to save lives at a critical moment!


    "Everyone!"


    It was only then that Chen Sansi spoke again, he dismounted and stepped up to a higher position: "Our march was urgent, and the food we carried wasn''t plentiful. It couldn''t possibly fill everyone to satisfaction, so I hope the villagers can understand and forgive!"


    "My lord!"


    "Heaven-blessed noble official!"


    "This is General Chen, who ferried the people across the river. Who else could it be but him?!"


    "Hurry, kneel down and express your gratitude!"


    "..."


    Thousands of civilians almost simultaneously knelt down.


    "Chen knows that Lai State has been suffering from disasters since last year, and all I can offer now is just a slight effort."

 Chapter 157 Thousands of Armies Avoid the White Robe_3

    Chen Sansi continued, "If you have relatives and friends in the neighboring counties and prefectures, you can also spread the word that all citizens in places that surrender to our Great Sheng Dynasty will receive their share of food!"


    "Xiao Zheng!"


    "Present!"


    Chen Sansi commanded, "Go and find the gentry and Martial Arts Halls in Meizi County and have them take out half of the grain from the granaries to distribute."


    "Mr. Chen, what if they are unwilling?"


    "They will be willing."


    "Yes!"


    Xiao Zheng gradually realized, "Mr. Chen is using Qing Country''s own grain to win over their own people''s hearts, truly a brilliant strategy!" Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "General Chen!"


    "The General is truly a compassionate and righteous leader!"


    Wang Feng continuously kowtowed on the ground, "Mr. Chen, I, I am willing to surrender to the Great Sheng and serve under your command as a foot soldier!"


    "Stand up."


    Chen Sansi looked toward the side at a General dressed in fine armor, "Are you from Xinghua Prefecture?"


    "Indeed."


    Du Baozong said shakily, "I am also willing to surrender and serve under General Chen."


    "There is no need for difficulty."


    Chen Sansi indifferently said, "You and your brothers can return to Xinghua Prefecture the same way you came."


    What?


    Du Baozong, thinking he might have misheard, incredulously asked, "Mr. Chen, you, you are letting me go?"


    Was this a sign of contempt, deeming him useless, or a test?


    Chen Sansi did not deny it but merely instructed his men to lift the restrictions on him.


    "Mr. Chen! I am useful!"


    Du Baozong hastily added, "I can return to Xinghua Prefecture and persuade General Ma to surrender; General Ma is a distant relative of mine!"


    Chen Sansi neither agreed nor refused, only calmly repeated, "You may leave."


    "This... I thank General Chen for sparing my life!"


    Du Baozong slowly stood up, made sure he was safe, and led his brothers to mount their horses and speed out of the city. The only difference from when they came was that they no longer had their armor and weapons; other than that, they were unharmed.


    "County Magistrate Li!"


    Wang Feng accused, "What more do you have to say? Fortunately, we did not sell our lives for you; otherwise, would that not be forcing General Chen to commit slaughter?"


    County Magistrate Li''s head thudded loudly, leaving traces of fresh blood on the stone road, "Lord Chen, spare my life, please spare me! I am also willing to become a citizen of the Great Sheng!"


    "A citizen?"


    Chen Sansi countered, "Why can''t you continue being a County Magistrate?"


    "Hm?"


    The kowtowing of County Magistrate Li abruptly halted; he slowly raised his head, "General Chen, what, what do you mean?"


    "You must know the Magistrates of the several nearby counties, don''t you, Lord Li?"


    Chen Sansi stated gravely, "If you can successfully persuade a County Magistrate to surrender, after the battle at Lai State is over, you will remain a Magistrate. Should the number of those you persuade be sufficient, promotion and ennoblement are also possible."


    "Is that really so?"


    County Magistrate Li''s eyes sparkled, "Very well, very well, very well. The county magistrates of Qimen County and Zhangde County next door are old schoolmates and good friends of mine. Now that General Chen has personally arrived here, and with the Mysterious Armor Lion under his command, plus my persuasion, it''s definitely going to work!"


    "Good. Then we''ll trouble County Magistrate Li. Also tell your friends that anyone who surrenders will receive the same treatment. We, the Great Sheng Dynasty, are an army of benevolence and righteousness, here only to reclaim lost lands, not to slaughter the innocent."


    Chen Sansi helped him to his feet, "Someone get County Magistrate Li a fast horse, and send two people to escort him along the way!" Discover stories at My Virtual Library Empire


    "Yes!"


    Soon, everything was properly arranged.


    After the people of Meizi County received their grain, Du Baozong returned to Xinghua Prefecture, and County Magistrate Li went to various places to persuade...


    Yet on the surface, everything seemed unchanged.


    It appeared as though all they had done was exhaust their efforts to conquer a useless and impoverished small city, but in reality, the momentum was established. All that was left to do was to wait, this was called gathering strength to strike!


    "Transmit my military order!"


    Chen Sansi spoke loudly, "The entire army will rest in Meizi County for ten days. During this period, no one is to disturb the common people in the slightest. Anyone who violates this order will be executed without mercy! Also, send orders to the forces in the other cities to maintain their original positions, any unauthorized actions will be met with the same fate!"


    "Ten days?!"


    Xia Cong was puzzled, and he voiced his concern, "Are we to stay in such a place for ten whole days? Isn''t that a waste of valuable time? My lord, the people of Meizi County are now deeply grateful to us and we have the help of Qing Country''s magistrates to persuade the others to surrender. Isn''t that exactly the momentum of surrender you wanted? Why not strike while the iron is hot and take the cities in one go?"


    "Xia Cong, you are too impatient. Hand me the bow and arrow."


    Chen Sansi stretched out his hand, and Zhao Kang, who was responsible for carrying the bow, immediately handed it over.


    He drew the bow and aimed an arrow at a sparrow perched on the top of a tree, some three hundred paces away, nearly a mile distant, "Do you see that sparrow?"


    "Buzz¡ª"


    The bowstring sang.


    An arrow flew swiftly through the air.


    "My lord."


    Xia Cong grew more confused, "What does this have to do with the sparrow?"


    As soon as he finished speaking,


    The arrow pierced the sparrow with precise accuracy.


    "Let the arrow fly for a while."


    ...


    Outside Yong Yue Prefecture,


    Sheng Army camp.


    "Report¡ª"


    "Commander Meng, a spy from within Qing Country''s territory has sent news that an army of seventy thousand has already set out, and they are expected to arrive in the vicinity of Green Ridge Mountain in no more than fifty days!"


    "So soon?"


    Meng Quji was slightly surprised.


    "What should we do?"


    Deputy General Zhan Taoming''s brow was deeply furrowed, "We must organize our forces to resist in the Green Ridge Mountain area before the Qing Country reinforcements arrive, yet all our forces are currently in a stalemate. To give them all up would mean losing more than half of Lai State!"


    "What about Chen Sansi?"


    Meng Quji inquired, "Didn''t he take a military order vowing that Zhao Tong Prefecture would open its gates and surrender within two months? It''s been half a month already, where are they now?"

 Chapter 157 Thousands of Armies Avoid the White Robe_4

    "Right."


    Fan Tianfa pointed at the map, "Let''s not worry about other areas for now. Just focus on taking down Zhaotong Prefecture first, and then we can figure out how to spare some forces to face the reinforcements."


    "Report!"


    A subordinate reported, "News came just before tea time, Vice General Chen and three thousand Black Armor troops are heading north and are now in Meizi County under Xinghua Prefecture."


    "Meizi County, where is that?"


    Meng Quji squinted his eyes and searched on the map but could not locate such a place even after a long time.


    "Here it is!"


    Finally, it was Zhan Taoming who placed his finger on a city that appeared as minuscule as a grain of dust.


    "What kind of godforsaken place is this? I wouldn''t want it even if it were given to me!"


    Fan Tianfa hammered the map, "Moreover, with Xinghua Prefecture and Zhaotong Prefecture, one in the far south and the other in the far north, is he planning to conquer them one by one starting from the far north? Just the cities in the prefectures number thirty-six, not to mention the hundreds of cities in the counties. Is he planning to do this for the next five years?"


    "What exactly is Vice General Chen trying to accomplish?"


    Meng Quji also seemed puzzled and ordered, "Quick! Send a message to Vice General Chen at once. No matter what his strategy is, I want him to immediately rush back to the south and take Zhaotong Prefecture first!"


    ...


    Meizi County.


    After consuming the Spiritual Grain and treasure medicine, Chen Sansi was cultivating on top of the city walls. His Five Tigers Soul-breaking Spear transformed like a Dragon Python, dancing wildly in the cold wind with tremendous power, gradually stirring up an invisible tornado of force around him, the exploding bricks and tiles on the walls proving its existence.


    The cultivation of the Meridian Passage Method to mastery is called Opening Veins!


    Just as Tong Qiao is about opening the body''s apertures, Opening Veins naturally involves opening the twelve main meridians of the human body for storing power, and the amount of power stored depends on previous accumulation. Experience more content on My Virtual Library Empire


    Again, one mistake leads to many.


    This time breaking through the bottleneck.


    It was the easiest in Chen Sansi''s history; almost every time he practiced with the National Guardian Dragon Spear, he would open a main meridian, and just an hour later, all twelve main meridians were fully opened.


    But he did not stop.


    "It''s not over yet!"


    Chen Sansi could feel that after using power to penetrate the acupoints and burst through the meridians, the changes were still continuing!


    Every time he combined spear technique with the control of power to circulate it within the body for a full cycle, the already opened meridians would continue to widen a bit more. This time it was truly Opening Veins!


    For most martial artists, the previous step marks the end, but for naturally talented martial artists, this moment is the real beginning. They would need to use all the power in their bodies to strike the meridians. The more power, the more the meridians would widen, thus, the more power could be stored in the future.


    The competition is about who can persist longer in the state of Opening Veins.


    And endurance has always been his strong suit!


    "Boom¡ª¡ª"


    Chen Sansi''s body entered an overdrive mode, the blood of the dragon elephant coursing ceaselessly, gradually transforming into a Blood Explosion State, with a speed unreachable by ordinary humans, the generated power continuously hammered his own meridians, and then, enduring all the pain brought by the Vajra Body, all his advantages were starkly highlighted. After hundreds of cycles, he was not even slightly tired, his meridians strengthened and widened time and again, until after three hundred cycles, he only gradually began to feel fatigued, then gritted his teeth and continued to persevere.


    During this period, Hai Dongqing returned with intelligence, not even bothering to look at it, all handled by Xia Cong instead.


    Until six hundred cycles later.


    Chen Sansi''s body was already soaked with sweat, as if he had just been drenched in a heavy rain, his complexion revealing an extreme pallor of weakness, his veins bulging prominently. In front of him, seemingly empty, he appeared to be fighting a formidable opponent.


    This opponent was himself!


    Eight hundred cycles!


    Chen Sansi''s eyes were bloodshot, now looking akin to a Poisonous Beast, his heart transformed into a battle drum, the sound audible even to subordinates not far away, his lungs numb, his throat and mouth filled with a nauseating bloody taste, and scalding white steam continuously emanated from his body, from afar resembling a god or demon, albeit one close to death!


    Nine hundred cycles!


    His arms lost sensation, his base no longer as stable as mountains, his vision intermittently darkening, unsure of the year or even his own location, his remaining consciousness all focused on the long spear, pushing the spear technique through muscle memory until completely draining the last trace of Qi-Blood and the last bit of power, then finally collapsing with a thunderous fall.


    One thousand!


    A full thousand cycles!


    Ordinary martial artists could at most manage a hundred, and geniuses often do not exceed three hundred!


    [Cultivation Technique: National Guardian Dragon Spear. Meridian Passage (Expert)]


    [Progress: 0/1000]


    [Utility: ..., power like a vast ocean]


    Power like a vast ocean!


    If the power stored inside an ordinary Meridian Passage Martial Artist is compared to a small stream, then he was like an infinite ocean!


    "General!"


    Two subordinates wanted to come over and support him. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Sansi raised his hand to indicate they need not help, and leaning against the city wall, he caught his breath. After consuming two elixir pills to replenish Qi-Blood, he quickly recovered.


    "General!"


    Xia Cong finally dared to speak, "The letter said, the Emperor of Qing personally leads the army, and in about fifty days, they will arrive at Green Ridge Mountain. Meng Dashuai is asking what exactly we are doing. He hopes we can return quickly, directly press toward Zhaotong Prefecture, and not cause unnecessary complications, lest we miss the opportunity for battle."


    After hearing this, Chen Sansi calmly asked, "What day is it today?"

 Chapter 157 Thousands of Armies Avoid the White Robe_5

    "It''s only the second day,"


    "That is to say, there are still seven days left."


    "But..."


    Xia Cong holding the letter: "Commander Meng hopes..."


    "So it''s a suggestion, not an order. We can choose to follow it or not."


    Chen Sansi said, "Inform the Commander of our true intentions faithfully, but the plan remains unchanged. We will continue to stay here for seven days."


    "Yes!"


    ...


    Lai State.


    Since last November, a national war involving a total of three hundred thousand troops from both sides had been underway.


    On the sixth day of the twelfth lunar month.


    King Jing of Nan Xu, Li Gong, was defeated at Wutian Mountain, leading to the loss of five prefectures including Lei Mountain and Guihai. Marquis of Andong Meng Quji led one hundred and fifty thousand Sheng Country soldiers and horses to break into Qing Country''s territory. With a lightning strike, he divided the Lai State battlefield, cut off Qing Country''s supply lines, and sought to destroy them in parts, annihilating them one by one before concentrating the advantageous troops to fiercely attack Yong Yue Prefecture, determining the victory of this war.


    As a result, fierce siege battles were taking place day and night within Lai State''s borders.


    Until the end of the twelfth lunar month, a General Chen from the Northwest Border of Sheng Country issued a silent order to encircle three and leave one, causing the front line stretching thousands of miles to fall silent overnight. It was as if a thunderstorm had abruptly stopped at its most ferocious, but the dark clouds in the sky did not dissipate, still covering the entire land and looming over the two hundred-plus cities within Lai State, plunging them into an eerily dead silence.


    In each of Qing Country''s cities, the garrison could see their own brothers, in neat rows, moving toward the deep interior of Daqing.


    They were going home!


    This was the exact intelligence gathered by Qing Country''s scouts, sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Dasheng was releasing the surrendered soldiers. They not only refrained from killing or tormenting the captured prisoners but also distributed dried food, escorting them eastward back to their homes.


    That is to say, even if they lost this battle, as long as they surrendered obediently, there would be no price to pay, and they could reunite with their wives and children within a month.


    Moreover, the persistent persuasion to surrender by Sheng Country''s soldiers outside each city caused all the defending armies within Qing Country''s cities to be in a state of panic.


    However...


    Every Qing Country city''s commander was telling their subordinates.


    "Brothers, hold on for a few more days!"


    "Our reinforcements are coming soon!"


    "Just the last forty days!" Experience tales at My Virtual Library Empire


    "No, thirty days!"


    "..."


    To give everyone the faith to persist,


    each city''s commander used the psychological tactic of "quenching thirst with hope," shortening the stated arrival time of reinforcements to boost the troops'' morale.


    In fact,


    Qing Country''s reinforcements were indeed almost there.


    The spies within the territory almost daily sent back new intelligence, and each time Qing Country''s reinforcements had advanced a great distance.


    Therefore, not only were the soldiers and generals of Qing Country anxious but the soldiers and generals of Sheng Country were also nervous. They didn''t understand why they had to stop when they had been winning all along.


    If the attacks continued, how long it would take to capture the city was uncertain, but they knew that if they kept dragging on like this, they would only be waiting for Qing Country''s reinforcements, which might lead to a major defeat.


    Outside Yong Yue Prefecture.


    The military camp of Dasheng.


    "Mad!!!"


    "Bang¡ª"


    Fan Tianfa had just finished reading the intelligence from Meizi County and nearly toppled the entire sand table over: "Commander Meng, Chen Sansi is crazy! Do you know what he said? He not only refused to go to Zhao Tong Prefecture but also plans to stay in Meizi County for ten days! Ten days! If we wait these ten days, Qing Country''s reinforcements will arrive!"


    "What should we do now?"


    Zhan Taoming paced back and forth, his face full of worry: "Commander Meng, my advice is to revoke Chen Sansi''s command authority and issue a death order for him to go to Zhao Tong Prefecture!"


    "Hmm..."


    Meng Quji pondered deeply.


    The current situation, if Zhao Tong Prefecture could not be taken and this deadlock continued endlessly, it would indeed become very dangerous.


    He sighed and said, "It was my fault for trusting Chen Sansi too much. The responsibility is mine. I will revoke his command authority immediately and then issue a death order for him to go to Zhao Tong Prefecture. Whether it''s by persuasion or force, as long as he can take Zhao Tong, he will have passed the test."


    "Everyone, calm down!"


    Just then,


    An attendant pushed Fang Qingyun into the Central Army Tent. He said leisurely. "Have you all forgotten something? Initially, Vice General Chen told us he would take down all thirty-six prefectures of Lai State, not just one."


    "Can''t we see his plan? Rushing headlong into the northeastern direction is to push from north to south in a sweeping advance. But how is this possible? It would take so much time!"


    Fan Tianfa said anxiously, "We didn''t ask for so much; even the military order specifically mentioned only Zhao Tong Prefecture. It would already be good to take Zhao Tong Prefecture!"


    "Yes, General Fang, Vice General Chen has used too many ingenious strategies. He''s somewhat too greedy and isn''t suitable for the current situation,"


    Meng Quji said gravely, "The pressing matter is to capture Zhao Tong Prefecture and then split our forces to deal with Qing Country''s reinforcements at Green Ridge Mountain. Anything else will have to depend on the situation."


    "Not enough, just one Zhao Tong Prefecture is not enough."


    Fang Qingyun raised a letter: "I have just received information. The King Jing from Nan Xu has gathered a hundred thousand troops, and they''re now on standby at the border. Ninety percent chance, they will reach the outskirts of Green Ridge Mountain in coordination with Qing Country''s reinforcements."


    "How many?"


    Meng Quji''s expression grew solemn: "A hundred thousand, isn''t Xu Country still at a stalemate with Prince Zhen Nan? If they can dispatch so many troops, are they preparing to lend their full national strength to assist Qing Country?"


    Truly, one move sets the whole body in motion!


    All of these were triggered by the chaos in Ming State. These enemy countries had been preparing for a long time.

 Chapter 157 Thousands of Armies Avoid the White Robe_6

    Thankfully, the chaos in Ming State was quelled in time, otherwise, I dare not imagine what the consequences would have been.


    "Mm."


    Fang Qingyun continued, "By then, the allied forces of the Qing and Xu nations will amount to two hundred thousand. If we cannot conquer all the cities and gather all our troops before this, it is impossible to face such a multitude."


    "So, just Zhaotong Prefecture is not enough."


    "Vice General Chen''s strategy is correct, only by taking all thirty-six prefectures can we have room to maneuver when facing the two hundred thousand strong army, and avoid a complete collapse."


    "Despite that..."


    Meng Quji pointed at the expansive terrain on the sand table with his scabbard and said, "With only about forty days left, how do we take down thirty-six prefectures? If they were going to surrender, they would have done so by now. There''s no need to have been delayed until now at a single Mei County, clearly, they are unpersuadable."


    "The likelihood is indeed slim, but..."


    Fang Qingyun countered, "Do you gentlemen have a choice? Now there are only two paths, either believe in Vice General Chen, or withdraw the army early."


    "Withdraw the army?"


    Fan Tianfa said, "Wouldn''t that greatly disappoint His Majesty? Plus, we''ve been fighting for so long, withdrawing now would mean all our efforts were in vain, wouldn''t it? Consider the impact on the soldiers'' morale."


    "Since that''s the case, why not wait and see?"


    Fang Qingyun looked at them and patiently persuaded, "It''s only been ten days, two months are still far off. Perhaps Vice General Chen will really succeed?"


    "General Fang."


    Meng Quji sensed something was amiss, "You have so much faith in Vice General Chen. Could it be that you have guessed his strategy?"


    "Vaguely."


    Fang Qingyun expressed with emotion, "And if I''m not wrong, this strategy wouldn''t work for anyone else, they would only come back in disgrace. But if Vice General Chen employs it, there might be unexpected results."


    "Why?"


    Meng Quji asked, "Because he commanded the Four Crossings of Hongze River and is a military genius?"


    "No."


    Fang Qingyun paused briefly, "It''s just because of the name ''Chen Sansi''."


    "As you please."


    Meng Quji had no interest in persisting any further, as he never took risks, "Be prepared for both. On one hand, let Chen Sansi continue what he wants to do and, on the other, make preparations for a retreat. General Fang, please plan the retreat route, and ensure it is orderly. You know the consequences of chaos during a retreat, need I say more?"


    ...


    Mei County.


    The tenth day.


    Atop the city wall, Chen Sansi, who had been resting with his eyes closed, suddenly opened them.


    "Assemble!"


    "We march!"


    The bugle sounded.


    The Xuanjia Army, having rested and built up strength here for ten days, gathered in front of the city gates.


    Thousands of residents of Mei County lined the streets to see them off.


    It wasn''t like the dispatch of a foreign army but rather the sending off of their own troops!


    During these ten days.


    The Xuanjia Army not only distributed grain from the storehouses but also executed a few corrupt officials and local tyrants with notorious reputations. They were genuinely supported by the local residents, and their fame had already spread hundreds of miles around and was still continuing to spread.


    "Mr. Chen!"


    Xia Cong asked anxiously, "What do we do next, sir? There''s not much time left. Even if we head directly south, the timing would just barely suffice, probably leaving no spare time to stop."


    "The fourth step, the momentum is established, rolling eastward unstoppable!"


    Chen Sansi advanced on his horse, "From here to the southeast, all the cities we pass through, no matter their size, will surely surrender to us. Prepare yourselves to receive the official seals and manage the surrendered soldiers. Ensure everything is done orderly and without any chaos!"


    Qimen County.


    "Mr. Chen!"


    "They''re here! They''re really here! The Xuanjia Army, three thousand strong!"


    "Leading them is Chen Sansi in a White Robe on a White Horse!"


    "What about the situation in Mei County, is it really as County Magistrate Li said?"


    "Exactly the same!"


    "The Xuanjia Army not only spared soldiers'' lives but also distributed grain from the storehouses!"


    "County Magistrate Li even got his position back!"


    "Then what are we waiting for?!"


    County Magistrate Zhao stood on the city wall, looked at the dense crowd below, and hardly hesitated, "Quickly open the city gates! Welcome General of Dasheng!"


    The city gates flung open.


    The county magistrate and inspectors came out to surrender and handed over the official seals and weapons.


    After staying for less than half a day,


    The Xuanjia Army continued southward.


    ...


    Zhangde County. Your next journey awaits at My Virtual Library Empire


    "The Xuanjia Army has arrived!"


    "White Robe on a White Horse, no mistake!"


    "Lord Thousand Households, do we surrender or not? We have a thousand men in the city; we can last two days if we fight!"


    "Fight for what, to still die after two days?!"


    "Open the gates, surrender!"


    ...


    Cuiye County.


    "How is it? Have the neighboring two counties surrendered?"


    "They have!"


    "Hurry and open the gates, welcome Mr. Chen!"


    "That''s right, tie up the stubborn scouts from Xinghua Prefecture and present them to Mr. Chen!"


    "..." S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    In just five days!


    All twelve counties of Xinghua Prefecture had surrendered.


    Only Xinghua Prefecture City itself was still stubbornly resisting, with about four thousand soldiers remaining within.


    Atop the city walls.


    "My lord! It''s terrible!"


    "The entire Xinghua Region has surrendered! Now, only we are left!"


    "It''s not just that they''ve surrendered, Cuoye County has even detained our scouts!"


    "As for the food and fodder within the city, we claim to have enough for twenty days, but in reality, it''s only enough for the last ten days!"


    "Uncle! Du Baozong urged, "Surrender! The Xuanjia Army led by General Chen is an army of benevolence and righteousness. Surrendering to them would be the best outcome!"


    Ma Hu questioned, "Will they really not kill us?"


    "They won''t kill us!"


    Pointing to himself, Du Baozong said, "Otherwise, how would I have come back?"


    "Report¡ª"


    "It''s been verified!"


    "The surrendered soldiers truly all went through Ghost Gate Canyon and returned home!"


    "Let''s go home too!"


    "Yes, let''s go home!"


    "Open the city gates!"


    Ma Hu gritted his teeth, the food in the city was insufficient, and they couldn''t wait for the reinforcements that were supposed to arrive in two months: "Surrender!"


    ...


    Qianjiang Prefecture.


    "White robes, white horse, Chen Sansi leading the Xuanjia Army has arrived!"


    "We still have three thousand brothers, three months'' worth of food and fodder, we can hold out until the reinforcements arrive."


    "What use are reinforcements! If there were reinforcements, why would Xinghua Prefecture have surrendered? Nine out of ten, they''re just deceiving us to keep holding on!"


    "Open the city and surrender!"


    ...


    Yuanqu Prefecture.


    "General, surrender! The neigboring cities have all surrendered! If we don''t surrender now, there''ll be no chance left!"


    "Go to hell, I was born a man of Daqing, and I will die a ghost of Daqing. I absolutely will not betray my country!"


    "General, there''s no need to betray the country!"


    "After surrendering, we can go through Ghost Gate Canyon back to Daqing, and in a few months'' time, we can come back for revenge!"


    "Right, this isn''t betrayal, it''s just a temporary measure. The city is empty anyway, surrender!"


    "..."


    ...


    Yizhou Prefecture.


    "My lord, the civilians have revolted!"


    "Audacious troublemakers, I''ve been desperately defending the city for them, how dare they revolt!"


    "They say that once the city gates are opened, there will be food!"


    "Nonsense! Tell the civilians that the Sheng people are deceiving them!"


    "The civilians say, the Sheng people might deceive them, but Chen San, who helps the people cross rivers, won''t!"


    "Moreover, it''s common knowledge that the Xuanjia Army opens granaries for food wherever they go, it can''t be fake..."


    "My lord, the civilians have gone mad!"


    "Everything''s in chaos, all is chaos!"


    "..."


    ...


    Heading south all the way.


    Chen Sansi, in his white robes and atop his white horse, led the Xuanjia Army in such a way that wherever they passed, they faced no resistance and cities surrendered.


    The Dasheng forces outside of various city walls immediately took control of the surrendered soldiers, and their path was unhindered.


    Only now, at this moment.


    Xia Cong finally had an epiphany: "I understand now! What my lord did back in Meizi County, that''s called building up strength. In fact, the defense forces of Lai State''s cities had already reached their limit. As long as they were convinced that there would be no repercussions for surrendering, they would completely collapse. One lead to surrender can start a domino effect; that''s called being utterly disheartened, surrendering upon seeing the others!"


    ...


    Twenty days later.


    Outside Yongle Prefecture City.


    Dasheng Army camp.


    "Why has there been no news of Chen Sansi for twenty consecutive days?"


    Meng Quji, with his hands behind his back, paced back and forth inside the tent: "General Fang, we really can''t delay any longer. Should we retreat in advance?"


    "Report¡ª"


    "They''ve surrendered! They''ve surrendered!"


    "The battle report from the Xuanjia Army has arrived, all twenty-three prefectures have surrendered!"


    "Three thousand Xuanjia soldiers heading south, they will soon reach Zhaotong Prefecture!"


    "What did you say? Hand it over quickly!"


    Meng Quji snatched it and scanned through it in an instant.


    On the 28th of January, three thousand defenders from Shiqiao Prefecture left the city to surrender.


    On the first day of February, the Deputy General of Chongzuo Prefecture committed treason, decapitated the Main General, and led two thousand defenders out of the city to surrender.


    On the eighth of February, the citizens of Huangpi Prefecture revolted, causing immense chaos within the city, ultimately resulting in their surrender.


    February...


    By the 19th of February, twenty-six prefectures within Lai State''s borders had opened their city gates to surrender, capturing more than fifty thousand enemy soldiers!


    "My lord!"


    "Incredible, truly incredible!"


    "The news from our brothers at the front!"


    "Any place General Chen passes by either surrenders directly or collapses from internal strife. They''ve come all the way from Xinghua Prefecture heading south, and they haven''t even killed a single person!"


    "Even if the Enemy Army has thousands of troops, they seem to be intentionally avoiding General Chen!"


    The momentum to surrender began in the Northern Territory, as countless soldiers avoided the white robe!

 Chapter 158 Besieged on All Sides [Thanks to

    "What did you say?"


    General Fan snatched the letter and as he read, his pupils visibly shook, "True, truly surrendered? They didn''t even put up any resistance?"


    "None!"


    The subordinate spoke firmly, "The brothers at the front all saw it with their own eyes. The Xuanjia Army only needed to stand outside the city gates with the General''s Banner for a while, and the city would open on its own!"


    "Good, good..."


    Meng Quji was relieved that he had heeded advice and hadn''t rashly ordered the troops to be called back.


    He looked toward the silent green-robed scholar at his side, "General Fang, you must tell everyone, how did you do it?"


    "..."


    Fang Qingyun silently stared at the sand table, motionless like a rooted tree, for a long time.


    "General Fang?"


    Zhan Taoming cautiously interrupted, "What is this?"


    "I got it."


    After a long while, Fang Qingyun suddenly spoke up, his voice clear and filled with surprise, akin to a seasoned mathematician finally solving a puzzle or a master craftsman discovering the method to unlock a complex contraption.


    "I know how Vice General Chen did it."


    "Oh?"


    Meng Quji couldn''t wait, "Tell us, let''s hear it!"


    "Commander Meng."


    Fang Qingyun asked with a smile, "I''m asking you, what is your path?"


    "My path? You mean my proficiency in military tactics, right?"


    Meng Quji promptly replied, "Then my path, naturally, is the path of invincibility. For all great military families, one must first ensure an invincible position for oneself, to await the enemy''s defeat."


    Fang Qingyun turned to the next person, "And you, General Fan?"


    "Me?"


    General Fan proudly claimed, "What I believe in is the king''s way, the way of the king being to follow the Heavenly Son''s mandate, to dispatch a righteous army. Wherever it goes, it is aided by heaven and is bound to be unstoppable, winning the hearts of the land."


    "I''m not worthy to discuss paths."


    Zhan Taoming said candidly, "I am a deputy under Commander Meng. If I had to speak of a path, my preference in everyday matters is the dominating path most favored by General Ji. Of course, compared to General Ji, I''m merely a poor imitation."


    "General Ji is the true embodiment of military dominance. Wherever he goes, the enemy trembles with fear, and once he seizes the advantage, there''s no stopping him. The enemy is sure to be routed!"


    "Ming State was just like this! Zhong Wuxin is a Martial Saint as well, and what became of him? His army of eighty thousand, under General Ji''s pursuit, ended up with only a little over ten thousand returning alive. I heard many were so frightened they were paralyzed with fear, some even died on the spot from terror."


    "General Ji is indeed a role model for our generation!"


    The court had intended to arrange it this way. As the deputy general alongside Meng Quji, one steady and the other dominant, the goal was to create a complementary effect in critical moments, achieving unexpected results.


    "To tell you the truth, our understanding of military tactics is not as profound as yours, General Fang."


    Meng Quji lamented, "Our respective ''paths,'' whether they be the king''s way, the dominating way, or even the stable way, are all about finding the methods that suit us in the Military Books and then expanding on them. But you, General Fang, you are the founder of ''Deceit,'' a true master of the ''path,'' and you will certainly be enshrined in the Martial Temple one day."


    Fang Qingyun did not show modesty or boastfulness, but at this moment, he changed his approach: "Do you gentlemen know which ''path'' General Chen''s military tactics follow?"


    "That..."


    Meng Quji stroked his short beard and soon declared, "Deceit!"


    "I think the same."


    Zhan Taoming agreed, "Now it seems, without a doubt, that General Chen''s path is Deceit! Actually, I have carefully reviewed Vice General Chen''s battle records. Back in Po Yang, when a mere thousand remaining troops crushed a twenty-thousand-strong barbarian army, he used strategies like feigning attacks and striking from unexpected angles, fitting with Deceit."


    "Yes."


    Even General Fan agreed, "The Four Crossings of Hongze River, moving around within the small territory of Ming State, and then, without running away, directly striking at Meishan Prefecture, isn''t it all just like what General Fang originally wrote, ''The military, too, is based on deceit''? Truly worthy of being General Fang''s junior, he might surpass you in Deceit." sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Fang Qingyun just smiled and said nothing.


    "Oh?"


    Meng Quji became interested, "General Fang, don''t hold back, is it another ''path,'' perhaps Benevolence, Madness, or even the rare Art of Crossing?"


    "None of them."


    Fang Qingyun shook his head, "You are misunderstanding. If you look at Vice General Chen''s records, at first, there certainly are elements of Deceit, but if you look further, you''ll know it''s not merely Deceit."


    "I don''t know who he learned his military tactics from, but it definitely wasn''t me."


    "And now, at this point."


    "No matter who he learned from before, or how many people he learned from, it has all merged thoroughly, transformed into his own ''path.''"


    Experience more content on My Virtual Library Empire


    "His own ''path''?"


    Meng Quji discerned the underlying meaning, "General Fang, are you suggesting..."


    "Exactly!"


    Fang Qingyun waved his sleeve and announced loudly, "Gentlemen, prepare yourselves. Before long, the Eight Volumes of Military will become the Nine Volumes of Military, a path that belongs solely to Vice General Chen, a path that has always been there, yet it is also a completely new ''path''!"


    "This path''s name is¡ªMomentum!"


    "The military is about momentum!"


    ...


    Changting Prefecture.


    "General!"


    "All our brothers in the north have surrendered!"


    "There''s no more food in the city!"


    "Let''s surrender too!"


    "Surrender? We still have four thousand brothers, and you tell me to surrender?!"


    "General! General Chen is only giving us three hours to consider! It doesn''t bother you, you''re camp soldiers transferred from elsewhere, even if the city falls you''re just losing your own life, eighteen years later you''ll be a man again! But we are the local garrison, our wives and children are inside the city, if we continue to resist, once the city breaks, they will suffer the consequences!"

 Chapter 158 Besieged on All Sides [Thanks to the alliance leader Jia Ling]_3

    Your journey continues with My Virtual Library Empire


    To deceive Incense, Chen Sansi would use any scheme available.


    He found an abandoned house, where he first practiced his spear skills and then took out the Xuanzhu to practice the Sword Qi Skill.


    [Magic: Sword Qi Skill (Proficient)]


    [Progress: 688/1000]


    Along the way, he had collected a lot of Incense, but the rate of consumption was too high. It seemed he might need to collect Incense from several small temples or perhaps from one large temple to achieve small achievement.


    Zhaotong Prefecture.


    It was the largest city in Lai State and housed the largest Guanyin Temple. Previously, citizens from other prefectures and counties would even travel thousands of miles to worship there.


    This was a personal benefit.


    On a strategic level, Zhaotong Prefecture was also of utmost importance.


    Now in Lai State, out of the thirty-six prefectures, twenty-seven had already surrendered. The remaining nine were tough nuts to crack, with Zhaotong leading them, under the command of the well-known General Deng Feng. Capturing it would be difficult.


    However, on the other hand, if they could capture Deng Feng, it would be another significant blow to Qing Country''s morale and the remaining eight prefectures would crumble and immediately come out of their cities to surrender.


    After that, Dasheng would have the opportunity to rally its forces for the upcoming battlefield situations.


    The situation still wasn''t optimistic!


    Beyond that, there was one aspect of recruiting along the way that had surprised Chen Sansi. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It was his name, unexpectedly effective!


    No one could have anticipated it.


    Initially, when he helped people cross the river, it had a significant impact.


    Of the twenty-seven surrendered prefectures, at least ten were due to rebellions within the cities which made them ungovernable. The name Chen Sansi played a role in at least thirty percent of these, representing a significant trend.


    "The Incense within the Xuanzhu is pretty much consumed as much as it is obtained."


    "But..."


    "The White Xuan Qi is becoming denser."


    He looked at the Xuanzhu in his hand and couldn''t help but fall into deep thought.


    Starting from Meizi County.


    Almost every place they went, the White Xuan Qi would increase slightly, essentially in pace with their advancement on the front lines.


    Could it be...


    That the momentum of great victory could transform into Xuan Qi?


    It felt like it, yet it didn''t.


    He always felt something was off.


    Chen Sansi couldn''t afford to think deeply about it at the moment, as unknowingly, the day had already dawned, and they were about to set off again.


    This time, their destination was Zhaotong Prefecture!


    There wasn''t much time left!


    The army from Green Ridge Mountain was almost there.


    They must make Zhaotong Prefecture surrender as quickly as possible!


    Even if it''s a tough nut to crack, they had to bite it!


    ...


    Yong Yue Prefecture.


    "Dammit!"


    King Tang Li Gong, looking at the battle reports, flew into a rage and knocked over the roasted meat and other dishes on the table, exclaiming, "In just thirty days! Twenty-seven prefectures have surrendered?!


    "Fifty thousand surrendered soldiers!


    "These fifty thousand, even if they just stretched out their necks for the Sheng people to chop, it would still take three days and nights! And they just surrender without firing a single arrow?!"


    "Is it so that wherever this Chen goes, doors open in welcome?


    "Are you sure this is battle, not Chen inspecting his territory? Ridiculous, utterly ridiculous!"


    "Indeed ridiculous."


    The Deputy General said with a worried look, "Many city commanders not only surrendered themselves but also actively became envoys to persuade other cities'' brothers to surrender, gradually making surrendering a broader trend that couldn''t be stopped. Now, Chen Sansi leading the Xuanjia Army is heading straight for Zhaotong Prefecture."


    "As long as Zhaotong doesn''t fall, there''s still a chance for redemption!"


    Li Gong quickly calmed down, pointing at the map with chopsticks, "Including Zhaotong, the remaining nine prefectures'' commanders are either old acquaintances of Deng Feng or hold great reverence for him. As long as Deng Feng doesn''t surrender, the others will definitely not yield!"


    "Then there''s no problem."


    The Deputy General assertively said, "The Deng family has been loyally valiant for seven generations, and Deng was amongst the foremost contributors when Daqing was founded. Who else would surrender if General Deng wouldn''t? I will send a letter to him right now, asking him to hold out for just another twenty days, merely twenty days!"


    "Quick, go!"


    Li Gong urged, "Also, notify Nan Xu to march towards Hu Lao Pass."


    "Alright."


    The Deputy General instructed someone to write the letter while expressing his concern, "Your Highness, weren''t you worried before that Nan Xu might ask for too much..."


    "It seems now that losing some territory is inevitable."


    Li Gong scoffed, "But this loss cannot be on our side. As long as Zhaotong holds, under a three-sided attack, we might still crush Meng Quji''s forces, and then not only will we reclaim the lost ground of Lai State, we will march into Sheng Country''s territory in one fell swoop!"


    "Yes!"


    ...


    Zhaotong Prefecture.


    Outside the city.


    Dasheng army camp.


    "Twenty prefectures taken in twenty days!"


    Cao Fan, after reading the battle report, couldn''t hide the surprise and envy in his eyes, "How did he do this? How can wars still be fought like this? First crossing the Hongze River four times, then thousands avoiding the White Robes, why can he always achieve strategic goals in ways that nobody expects?"


    "Young Master, you need not worry."


    Cui Congyi analyzed calmly, "The cities taken previously seem frightening, but the Main Generals in each were hardly formidable; their surrenders were normal. If you were in charge, surely you could do the same, perhaps even better. After all, you are a Prince, isn''t your influence much greater than that of an Assistant General?"


    "The upcoming battle at Zhaotong Prefecture is the real deal, an impenetrable fortress!"


    "This Deng Feng is as stubborn and tough as a rock in a dung pit. We have been sieging here for two whole months, offering every possible condition. He is just a Profound Image Realm Great Perfection, we even promised him a Marquis title, yet doesn''t he remain unfazed? Such a person, would he surrender?"


    "You''re right, General Cui."

 Chapter 158 Surrounded on All Sides [Thanks to the Alliance Leader

    Sha Wenlong spoke with disdain, "With only twenty days left, there''s simply not enough time. Let''s just wait for Chen Sansi to fail in completing the task set by the military decree and then lose his head!"


    "That may be true."


    Cao Fan said softly, "Taking Zhao Tong Prefecture will certainly benefit both the Great Sheng Dynasty and you and me."


    Cui Congyi praised, "Young Master is truly wise and virtuous." S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Clip-clop! Clip-clop! Clip-clop!"


    The sound of horse hooves arose.


    The Xuanjia Army, flying the banner with the "Chen" character, appeared at the distant end of the horizon, bringing a cloud of dust along with them.


    "They''re here!"


    Soon, a party stopped outside the Great Village.


    Although Chen Sansi was the nominal commander, Cao Fan was after all the Prince, and his status was noble, but no one else came out to greet him. Instead, they all sat inside the Central Army Tent, not even standing up to salute him when he entered.


    "General Cui, General Sha!" Experience tales at My Virtual Library Empire


    Xia Cong, holding a long spear, questioned, "General Chen is the commander outside of Yong Yue Prefecture, how can you be so disrespectful?"


    "A commander simply issues orders which we must follow."


    Sha Wenlong disdainfully said, "He''s just an assistant general. Does he really deserve our salute?"


    "You..."


    Xia Cong wanted to retort, but he held his tongue at Chen Sansi''s signal.


    "Gentlemen."


    Chen Sansi asked calmly, "What''s the situation?"


    "We did as you said, but it was of no use."


    Cui Congyi stated, "Vice General Chen, I must remind you, time is running out! The reinforcements from Qing Country are getting closer to Green Ridge Mountain. If it really comes down to it, we should attack the city now. There might still be just enough time."


    "General Cui."


    Chen Sansi ordered, "You go personally to the city''s outskirts to call for its surrender, this time with a tougher stance. Tell them that if they don''t surrender within fifteen days, we will no longer give them any more chances, and at that time we will call up a large army¡ª"


    "Fifteen days? To give them that long?!"


    Cui Congyi asked puzzlingly, "Vice General Chen, it will only take twenty more days for Qing Country''s reinforcements to arrive. If they refuse to surrender, are you planning on capturing the city in the last five days?!"


    "Capture the city? Ha!"


    Sha Wenlong scoffed, "Five days is hardly enough time to even retreat! Once Qing Country''s army pours in, we''ll have no room to advance or retreat, and will face being attacked from both sides by an army of two hundred thousand. Then, we can just wait for our forces to collapse like a mountain!"


    "General Sha," Chen Sansi said emotionlessly, "who did you say would collapse like a mountain?"


    Heh, who else could it be?"


    Sha Wenlong replied as if it was the most obvious thing in the world, "Of course it''s us!"


    "Cui Congyi, Sha Wenlong!"


    Chen Sansi suddenly raised his voice, like a clap of thunder exploding on a clear day.


    His tone became exceedingly cold, and every word he uttered sounded like a razor-sharp blade of ice, piercing the eardrums of everyone present, clearly audible as it hit the ground.


    "Considering that both of you are, after all, generals of the Great Sheng Dynasty, and my seniors, I can overlook your disrespect!


    "But if anyone dares to speak words such as ''collapse like a mountain,'' damaging our military might and shaking our military heart, I will exercise the right of the imperial authority and have both of your heads decapitated!"


    "You, what did you say?!"


    Sha Wenlong was furious, "Isn''t what I said the plain truth? It''s impossible for Deng Feng to surrender, and you''re going to waste another fifteen days here; what will you do after that?"


    "Guards!"


    Chen Sansi coldly ordered, "Drag Sha Wenlong out and behead him!"


    "At your command!"


    Zhao Kang and the others unsheathed their swords.


    This group of Refining Internal Martial Artists was unflinchingly surrounding the general from the Profound Image Realm.


    "Chen San, Vice General Chen!"


    Sha Wenlong couldn''t believe this youngster would really play for keeps, and he shouted loudly, "What right do you have to kill me?"


    "With the command token here, how can I not have the right?!"


    Chen Sansi held up the command token high.


    "You, I..."


    Overwhelmed by the sudden turn of events, Sha Wenlong found himself at a loss for words. He instinctively reached for his sword but knew that the situation wasn''t desperate yet, as he had neither defied orders outright nor committed a serious offense. In truth, his actions weren''t punishable by death, and there was still a chance for him to explain himself. To resist now with a drawn sword would truly be a capital crime, so he forcibly suppressed his anger, allowing several mere Refining Internal to place their swords against his neck.


    "General Chen!"


    Cao Fan stepped forward, pleading, "General Sha has not defied orders, nor has he continued to speak the demoralizing ''collapse like a mountain.'' Even if he was just talking back, it''s certainly not a capital offense, right?"


    "Indeed."


    Cui Congyi maintained his expression, but the throbbing vein on his forehead revealed the fierce anger he was suppressing: "General Chen, Young Master is right. General Sha was merely questioning, just questioning. Even with the authority of commander, don''t we still have the right to offer counsel? If you really executed General Sha now, wouldn''t you also be guilty of abusing your authority?"


    Chen Sansi acted as though he heard nothing.


    "General Chen!"


    Cao Fan advanced a couple of steps: "In front of the two armies, to behead one''s own general first would only serve to further damage our own morale. Moreover, General Sha was indeed just offering counsel.


    "General Sha, will you not kneel down and apologize to General Chen at once!"


    "Young Master?!"


    Sha Wenlong''s remaining eye widened.


    Cao Fan reminded, "Haven''t you seen the command token in General Chen''s hand? Even Meng Dashuai wouldn''t have anything to say if he killed you."


    "I¡­ ah! My fault, General Chen!"


    Ultimately, Sha Wenlong knelt on one knee with great difficulty. In extreme humiliation, his voice trembled uncontrollably, "I promise I will never again speak recklessly or shake the military heart, please grant me a chance to redeem my faults and atone for my merits."


    "It''s for the best."


    Chen Sansi signaled his men to sheath their swords, then led them out of the Central Army Tent.

 Chapter 158 Besieged on All Sides [Thanks to the alliance leader

    His purpose was to intimidate these few people, to avoid future disobedience and complications.


    As for capital punishment, it certainly wasn''t yet warranted.


    Watching them walk away, Sha Wenlong remained seated for a long time, his left hand propped against the ground, swirled with Gang Qi, twisting into a depression in the yellow clay, his teeth nearly shattered from clenching.


    "This is too much! I, Sha Wenlong, am after all a Second-rank senior official, a regional military officer. How dare he... how dare he humiliate me like this!"


    "What can we do when he holds the Commander''s token in his hand?"


    Cui Congyi felt the same humiliation.


    They had spent half their lives in military service and yet had to defer to a mere youth, "Just endure it for now. Twenty days will pass quickly. Once his term of military command ends, we can watch his head roll!"


    "You''re right." S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Sha Wenlong said in a deep voice, "I want to see how he is going to make Deng Feng surrender the city gates!"


    ...


    Zhaotong Prefecture, within the city.


    Atop the city walls, numerous soldiers looked toward the distance as another group of surrendered soldiers was released, walking towards Daqing, their eyes filled with envy. At that moment, dust filled the sky outside the city, accompanied by the thunderous sound of horse hooves, and a Chen character banner was particularly conspicuous in the gale.


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    "This is bad, this is bad!"


    "Chen Sansi is coming, Chen Sansi is coming!"


    "White robe, White Horse, Black Armor, it''s unmistaken!"


    "Do we surrender?"


    "..."


    "You fools, who dares to speak of surrender?"


    Deng Feng rushed up the city walls, shouting at them furiously, "Have you forgotten what I''ve told you? Reinforcements will arrive soon, and the siege of Zhaotong will be lifted without a fight. Why surrender simply because of one Meridian Passage Realm Assistant General, Chen Sansi?"


    "But General!"


    Deputy General Song Hongbiao clenched his fists and said, "We''ve just received the news, they, they''ve all surrendered!"


    "Who are ''they''?"


    Deng Feng furrowed his brows, "Who has surrendered?"


    "Twenty-seven prefectures!"


    Song Hongbiao said, "Starting from Zhaotong Prefecture, northward, every city, large and small, has surrendered!"


    "What?!"


    After reading the intelligence Deng Feng gathered from him and then closing his eyes, it was more a sense of frustrated helplessness than anger, "A country raises its soldiers for a thousand days to use them for one moment. My Daqing has treated these generals generously; how could they be so disloyal and unjust."


    "Listen, people of the city!"


    At the same time, Cui Congyi personally rode his horse to the front of the formation, his voice loud and clear, resounding through the skies, "I am Admiral Cui Congyi! Hear me, city''s Qing defenders!


    "Now, inside Lai State''s territory, hundreds of cities, big and small, have already surrendered to our Great Sheng Dynasty, leaving only you stubborn holdouts resisting futilely. We no longer have the patience to continue this. I''m giving you one last chance!


    "Surrender immediately, and as previously agreed, not a hair on your head will be harmed, but if you ignore this advice...


    "Prepare for a decisive battle in fifteen days. Once the city falls, none will be spared!"


    None will be spared!


    The loud calls of a martial artist within the Profound Image Realm were clearly heard by everyone present.


    How did it come to this?!


    Not long ago, Sheng people were still trying to persuade them to surrender, appearing hesitant to fight, so why had they suddenly threatened to spare none?!


    Could it be that Lai State was indeed lost?!


    "My lord..."


    "Twenty-seven prefectures have surrendered, let''s surrender too!"


    "Yes, General!"


    "All of you, shut up¡ª"


    Although Deng Feng raised his voice, he didn''t lose his temper. Instead, he shouted, "My fellow brothers, kinsmen! I just want to ask you all one question, what do you think of my character?!"


    "This..."


    "General Deng is brave and unmatched, one of Daqing''s very few fierce generals!"


    "Deng Qingtian, do we even need to ask everyone?"


    "It was General Deng who opened the granary to distribute food to us common folks."


    "Otherwise, we would have starved to death!"


    "..."


    Deng Feng asked, "If that''s the case, do you believe what I say?"


    "Of course we do!"


    "Then why don''t you listen to me?"


    "But twenty-seven prefectures have already surrendered!"


    "That means there are still nine cities standing with us!"


    Deng Feng shouted forcefully, "These nine great cities are Lai State''s stronghold! They can''t take them down, that''s why they are intimidating us here! It''s been another twenty days, with only the last fifteen days remaining, and the Emperor himself will come to lead the charge!"


    "General, is that true?"


    "The final fifteen days?!"


    "Yes! The final fifteen days!"


    Deng Feng knew, in reality, reinforcements would need at least twenty days to reach Green Ridge Mountain.


    But under the enemy''s intimidation, he had to bring the date forward, to "quench thirst by thinking of plums," inspiring everyone to hold on a little longer.


    Just holding on for these fifteen days would allow them to continue defending!


    After fifteen days, if the Sheng Dynasty army truly launched an attack on Zhaotong City, the soldiers and civilians would naturally fight desperately to survive; if the army did not attack, they could truly wait for reinforcements.


    Hold on for just the last fifteen days!


    "Alright, General!"


    "We believe in you!"


    "Brothers, let''s hold on together for fifteen days!"


    "In half a month, we will all be promoted and get rich!"


    "Right, right, right, and us common folk will also get tax-free grain!"


    "..."


    With Deng Feng''s passionate declaration, he was able to temporarily stabilize the military''s morale.


    Zhaotong Prefecture once again fell into silence.


    In the blink of an eye, three days passed, and still, no one opened the gates to surrender.


    ...


    On the fourth day.


    The people on the walls of Zhaotong Prefecture saw the Xuanjia Army leaving.


    "Where are they heading?"


    "Looking at the direction, they''re planning to bypass Zhaotong Prefecture and attack other cities first!"


    "Do you think the other cities might have also surrendered?"

 Chapter 158 Besieged on All Sides [Thanks to the League Master Jia Ling]_7

    "In the end, there''s no escape from death, is there?"


    "How cruel, so very cruel!"


    "..."


    "Enough talk!"


    Zhu Qi immediately set out, escorting them as they departed.


    ...


    The fourteenth day!


    On this day,


    the Qing Country''s grand army pressed towards Green Ridge Mountain.


    Just another three to five days'' march, and they would enter the territory of Lai State!


    Outside Yong Yue Prefecture.


    Meng Quji had already made preparations to retreat.


    Outside Zhao Tong Prefecture, in the camp of the Dasheng Army, Sha Wenlong and the others were mixed with worry and secret joy.


    The worry was that they were anxious about the direction of the situation to come.


    The secret joy was because someone had issued a military order!


    Ten days before.


    After Chen Sansi failed to persuade Zhao Tong Prefecture to surrender, he led his men further south.


    It was only recently that they had returned.


    As a result...


    According to reliable intelligence, they hadn''t taken a single city!


    That is to say, they had done nothing but run south and then back again, wastefully spending more than ten days'' time, and tomorrow would make the fifteenth day!


    That was the day previously agreed upon to let Zhao Tong Prefecture open its gates.


    After tonight!


    If Zhao Tong Prefecture still didn''t surrender, besieging it would be impossible, they would have to withdraw quickly!


    That is to say.


    Chen Sansi had failed to fulfill the military order!


    All his previous arrogance was about to meet its final reckoning!


    ...


    Zhao Tong Prefecture.


    Atop the city walls.


    The soldiers and citizens of Qing Country watched with their own eyes as the Xuanjia Army returned.


    Following that, came the news brought back by the scouts.


    "Things have gone terribly wrong!"


    "Outside the city, word is spreading like wildfire among the Sheng Army troops, and the other eight prefectures have surrendered, too!"


    "Just like before with the twenty-seven states, did every place Chen Sansi visited see the main generals open their gates to surrender voluntarily, without firing a single arrow?"


    "What, really?"


    "Didn''t General Deng say that the other eight prefectures wouldn''t surrender?"


    "Shh¡ªkeep it down, have you forgotten that before those twenty-seven states surrendered, General Deng also said they wouldn''t either? What happened then?"


    "You mean the general has been deceiving us all along, just wanting us to hold out?"


    "What else?"


    "Then what are we supposed to do?"


    "Actually, it''s completely unnecessary. Just open the gates and surrender, why stubbornly hold out? Those from the other prefectures who surrendered are probably already home!"


    "..."


    "What did you say? You''ve got some nerve, spreading rumors, disrupting our army''s morale, die¡ª"


    Deng Feng climbed up on the city wall and happened to hear what one of the soldiers said privately; he was thunderously furious, and with one swift motion, decapitated him right in front of everyone, the blood spraying from the severed neck, bringing a warm touch as it spattered on those nearby.


    He picked up the head: "Listen well, all of you. The news from outside must be false! I, your general, will not surrender, it''s simply impossible for the eight prefectures to surrender! Anyone else who dares to disrupt our morale will meet the same fate!"


    "This, this..."


    The crowd recoiled in horror, no one daring to discuss it any further.


    But Deng Feng knew that having to resort to killing for stability hinted they were at their limit!


    Fortunately, just a bit longer!


    This tension, just needed to last through one more night!


    Early tomorrow morning.


    This was when Dasheng claimed the time to attack the city.


    As long as they launched an attack on the city, and both sides became desperate in battle, they could keep defending!


    After five days, the army would arrive!


    ...


    Outside the city.


    In the central tent of Dasheng''s Hu Ben Army.


    "A few more hours and it will be dawn! If the people of Zhaotong Prefecture haven''t opened their gates to surrender by then, it means General Chen''s military order cannot be fulfilled! When the time comes, I''ll personally capture him and bring him before Meng Dashuai. I''d like to see how Fang Qingyun can save him then!"


    "Where is Chen Sansi? He better not be hiding!"


    Sha Wenlong squinted his single eye, continuously stroking the edge of his broadsword, imagining himself forcing General Chen to kneel and admit his wrongs.


    "Replying to General Sha, Chen Sansi is in the tent at the East City Gate!"


    "What is he doing?"


    "Don''t know, he seems to be doing nothing. However, I saw that the Xuanjia Army seems to have brought in many surrendered soldiers."


    "Surrendered soldiers?"


    Cui Congyi raised his eyebrows: "What is he bringing surrendered soldiers for?"


    "Don''t know! The people from the Xuanjia Army didn''t reveal anything!"


    "Report¡ª"


    Another soldier rushed into the tent and knelt down to report: "General Chen has an order! He commands us to abandon the strategy ''surround three gates and leave one'' by 5 a.m., completely lock down Zhaotong Prefecture, sound all the war drums, deploy troops on all four sides of the city, and prepare all the siege equipment."


    "Good!"


    Sha Wenlong couldn''t help but laugh coldly: "I get it! He''s using the surrendered soldiers to force them to serve as shields and storm in first, then we attack the city! It seems he has finally come to realize that the people inside won''t surrender, so we must attack!


    "Too late, though!"


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    "Now it''s all too late!"


    "As soon as blood is shed, it will provoke a desperate resistance from the people inside, and it''s absolutely impossible to conquer it in five days! Qing Country''s reinforcements are almost here!"


    "He''s making a fatal blunder in wartime!


    "General Cui, send a message quickly!"


    "We are close to Yong Yue Prefecture, and by dawn Hai Dongqing will have flown back. Let''s have Meng Dashuai stop this fool! Attacking now is a suicide mission!"


    "Withdraw his false commission, let''s capture him and bring him back for trial!"


    "Yes!"


    ...


    Xuanjia Army.


    Under immense tension, Chen Sansi was practicing his spear technique in front of the tent.


    He stopped only when Xia Cong hurriedly came to report, leisurely accepting the coarse cloth that Zhao Kang handed him to wipe his sweat: "Is everything arranged?" S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Sir!"


    Xia Cong bowed and said: "Two thousand surrendered soldiers are all positioned, spread across the four city gates to the northeast, southwest, and northwest! The other units are also ready and will prepare to attack the city as soon as it gets light! So Sir, for this fifth step, are we still attacking the city?"


    Lu Shuhua, Xiao Zheng, and others all cast puzzled looks.


    In their view,


    attacking now seemed impossible to complete in time.


    But since the sir insisted on it, it meant he definitely could capture it in an exceedingly short time.


    However, the method remained beyond their imagination.


    The answer they received, though, was completely contrary to their guesses.


    "No attack on the city."


    "Not attack? Then, are we still going to persuade them to surrender? But sir, we''ve brought in surrendered soldiers to serve as shields and ordered other units to prepare siege equipment; if it''s not for attacking, is it just for intimidation?"


    "You have been asking me what the fifth step of taking over Lai State is."


    Chen Sansi''s palm hovered over the sand table, directly above Zhaotong Prefecture City. Under the flickering candlelight, shadows enveloped the entire city.


    He spoke slowly, his words firm: "The fifth step! Songs of celebration from all sides!"


    "Celebration songs? Are you referring to the folk songs of Qing Country?"


    Xia Cong and the others were almost completely flustered: "Sir, what is this plan?"


    "Relay my command! After midnight, have the two thousand surrendered soldiers sing mountain songs!"


    "When the celebration songs start, and with the dawn in the east, that will be the moment when Lai State City falls!"


    "Bang!"


    Chen Sansi''s palm, like Five-finger Mountain, heavily fell, crushing the sand table depiction of Zhaotong Prefecture City into powder!


    The fifth step!


    Songs of sadness from all sides, arrows of heart attack, arrows to open the city gates and secure Lai State!

 Chapter 159 Subduing Deng Feng, Stabilizing Lai State

    The sun set, and night fell.


    Within the walls of Zhao Tong Prefecture City, there was a deathly silence.


    Thousands of soldiers and hundreds of thousands of civilians were all crowded near the city gates, on the walls, in the streets, and in front of their homes. It looked as if refugees gathered together during years of famine. No one dared return to their houses to rest, for no one knew whether the Enemy Army would start the attack ahead of schedule, tensions stretched to the limit.


    Only six hours left!


    Only six hours remained till the deadline given by the Sheng people!


    "Report!"


    "General! Something''s wrong! It''s sealed off¡ª¡ª"


    "The Enemy Army outside the city is no longer encircling three sides and leaving one open. Our scouts absolutely can''t get out anymore!"


    "The Enemy Army is also preparing all kinds of large siege engines... It looks like they''re really planning to attack the city after daybreak!"


    "What''s there to panic about?!"


    Deng Feng''s thunderous voice echoed in the darkness, "Let them attack! Can they really breach our defenses?"


    A few subordinates asked.


    "General, but... didn''t you say that our reinforcements would arrive the day after tomorrow, which is at daybreak tomorrow?"


    "..." S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Yes, that''s correct."


    Deng Feng had no choice but to give an affirmative response, "After daybreak, the reinforcements will arrive! By then, His Majesty''s army of seventy thousand, along with the elite fifty thousand from Yong Yue Prefecture, a total of one hundred twenty thousand troops, will make the Sheng Army fall like dominoes. Tonight is the darkest hour before the dawn!


    In a word, stall!


    He''d spent most of his life guarding the frontier.


    Never before had he experienced such immense pressure like he did today.


    And all this pressure came from a young man, Chen Sansi!


    This person!


    In just a single month, he had managed to take over almost all of Lai State!


    Where the White Robe rides, armies retreat!


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    What a tactic!


    The most crucial part was...


    According to the intelligence he received, the majority of cities had surrendered voluntarily. Even if the garrison was unwilling, the common people within were more than willing. Some even revolted because wherever the Xuanjia Army went, they killed corrupt officials, opened the granaries, and committed no transgressions against the people. To put it bluntly, the Xuanjia Army treated the... citizens better than the Qing Country''s citizens treated their own compatriots!


    Deng Feng had long heard of this man''s deed of "leading civilians across the river" and had always been skeptical deep down. If it was true, it was indeed admirable, but after all, it was the Emperor Dasheng who personally announced it to the world, and there was a very strong suspicion of making a show of it.


    But now it seemed to be true!


    A person who wins over the populace to the extent that they''d rather risk dying under the garrison''s blades than not pledge allegiance is surely sincere toward the populace, or even if it was an act, he must keep up the pretense indefinitely.


    From this perspective, it would be a great fortune for the Qing Country and a blessing for the people to have such a general in the world, or if Qing Country had such a general!


    Unfortunately, he was the enemy!


    A powerful and promising enemy!


    Still, they could win!


    Just hold out until dawn!


    Once the battle begins, and blood is seen, the dynamics of attack and defense will change!


    If they could capture Chen Sansi alive and turn him to the Qing Country''s side, that would be the best outcome!


    Deng Feng continued to suppress the army''s unease, "The Eight Prefectures haven''t really surrendered; it''s just a show of strength. They are still standing with us! Their aim is to disrupt our formation, don''t believe a single word those Sheng people say!"


    With earnest persuasion.


    The unrest within the city was quelled once more, with difficulty.


    "The reinforcements..."


    The subordinates and civilians were unaware, but as the Deputy General Song Hongbiao knew all too well, the reinforcements would definitely not arrive tomorrow. As to whether they could really arrive after five days, who could say.


    Perhaps King Tang Li Gong, like Deng Feng, had deliberately brought forward the arrival date of the reinforcements to deceive those defending the city.


    ...


    Yong Yue Prefecture.


    "Good!"


    King Tang Li Gong breathed a sigh of relief upon learning that Zhao Tong Prefecture City had yet to fall, "The final five days! The Sheng people can no longer take Zhao Tong Prefecture! Recovering the entirety of Lai State, and then casting eyes upon the Central Plains of Sheng Dynasty, is just within reach!"


    "General Deng is truly the backbone of Daqing!"


    The Assistant General praised, "Prince, the situation is stable!"


    "Yes."


    King Tang Li Gong raised his hand to give orders, "Inform all the troops in the city, especially the Cavalry, to be fully equipped and on stand-by day and night. Knowing Meng Quji as I do, he will surely withdraw his forces within three days! When the Enemy Army outside the city starts to retreat, that will be the day we launch our counterattack!"


    "Yes!"


    ...


    Outside the city, Dasheng Army camp.


    "Nan Xu''s army of one hundred thousand is pressing down on Hulaoguan!"


    "Deng Feng in Zhao Tong Prefecture City still hasn''t surrendered, and now we really have no time left!"


    Meng Quji sighed as he passed the intelligence report to others, "General Fang, we really have to retreat, if we don''t retreat now, it will be too late!"


    He had never tasted defeat in his life.


    Holding out any longer would raise the risk of collapse to over sixty percent, a risk he was definitely not willing to take.


    "Wait a little longer."


    Fang Qingyun still stuck to the same argument, "Vice General Chen has made it very clear, he ordered Zhao Tong Prefecture City to surrender within fifteen days, one night shy, even one hour shy, doesn''t make fifteen days, so why not wait until after dawn to discuss it further?"


    Zhan Taoming followed up with persuasion, "Commander, considering how things stand, might as well wait a bit longer!"


    "Yong Yue Prefecture is very close to Zhao Tong Prefecture, and communication takes about six hours, so we wait until dusk tomorrow. That''s... the final deadline!"


    Meng Quji felt like he was taking the biggest gamble of his life, "Also, I agree with Sha Wenlong and Cui Congyi''s suggestion that if there is still no surrender from Zhao Tong Prefecture City after daybreak, then at that time, we revoke Chen Sansi''s temporary authority of the imperial seal. He absolutely must not be allowed to attack the city; there''s no time left! Then, order Sha Wenlong and others to bring him back for disposition, and my army will immediately retreat, return to Dasheng, and garrison the border, responding to movements by standing still!"

 Chapter 159 Conquering Deng Feng, Stabilizing Lai State_2

    In his view, it was impossible for Chen Sansi to complete the military order.


    However, this matter couldn''t be blamed on Chen Sansi. The fact that twenty-seven prefectures had already surrendered was shocking and unprecedented, so it was normal that Zhao Tong Prefecture was not taken. But there are no jokes in the military; he must be brought back first, and then they would see how to deal with him.


    ...


    Outside the military camp of the Sheng Army near Zhao Tong Prefecture City.


    "The Commander agreed."


    Sha Wenlong stood up and ordered, "Assistant Generals from the front, back, left, and right divisions, listen to my command. Keep an eye on Chen Sansi. After dawn, capture him immediately and then we retreat at full speed!"


    "Yes!"


    A few Assistant Generals took their orders and left.


    "No! Sending him back, he will definitely not die!"


    Cui Congyi said, "You see what Commander Meng means, he clearly thinks it''s not his fault. I guess at most he might escape the death penalty but not a living one; it''s just earning merits to offset his crimes, which is useless!"


    "We still have to send him back first!"


    Sha Wenlong snorted coldly, "It would be best if he disobeys orders and continues to forcefully attack the city, then you and I will have a good reason to take his life!"


    ...


    In the Xuanjia Army''s main tent.


    [Cultivation Technique: National Guardian Dragon Spear, Meridian Passage (Expert)]


    [Progress: 155/1000]


    As the final hour approached, Chen Sansi was still practicing his spear techniques calmly.


    "My lord!"


    Xia Cong approached and whispered, "Sha Wenlong and his Assistant Generals have come near our camp, not sure what they are doing."


    "Ignore them."


    Chen Sansi said indifferently, "Stick to the original plan. Let Cui Congyi, Sha Wenlong, and the others do whatever they''re supposed to do. Before dawn, if they neglect their duties, I can still chop off their heads."


    "Yes!"


    Xia Cong left.


    "My lord."


    Zhao Kang said quietly, taking advantage of the absence of others, "This Sha Wenlong truly deserves to die. Ever since that time at the Yu Yang Sect, he hasn''t supported us, and he has been targeting us in Ming State too. If not for your subordinate''s incompetence, I would have gone and chopped off his head by now!"


    "You go attend to your duties as well."


    Chen Sansi didn''t respond to that.


    Pei Tiannan is still here.


    Two people from the Incense Fire Divine Sect are also here.


    On the surface, they are two Mystical Phenomenon Generals, but secretly, there is also a Martial Saint, plus two followers of the Incense Fire Divine Dao.


    They are guarding here, probably also harboring some intentions.


    Inside Lai State City, there''s a large temple too, but if it was just about collecting incense offerings, there wouldn''t need to be so many people staying here.


    However, they always have times when they separate.


    Lai Zi, there will eventually be a chance to make a move.


    "My lord."


    Lu Shuhua hurried over, "It''s about time."


    "Kang!"


    Chen Sansi stopped his actions and used the gun butt to drive his long spear into the clay ground, "Let''s begin." Discover more stories at My Virtual Library Empire


    ...


    Inside the city.


    At midnight, deep into the night.


    The defenders of Qing Country trapped in the city for nearly three months were gradually unable to withstand the exhaustion, but their bodies were still tense, at most maintaining a state of half sleep and half alertness, with no one truly able to sleep.


    "Gurgle~"


    The sounds of growling stomachs continuously rose, everyone listlessly waiting for today''s food distribution.


    "General, about the provisions..."


    "Gone!"


    Song Hongbiao said, "Even if we reduce rations, it''s only enough for the last two days. Should we stop the civilians'' food distribution first and take care of our brothers..."


    As Zhao Tong Prefecture is the second largest granary in Lai State, the provisions were indeed sufficient but the city had too many civilians, over a hundred thousand, and the daily consumption amount was enormous.


    Yet, they still needed everyone to defend the city, and even after reducing the daily rations, the granary was gradually running out.


    "Don''t spread panic!"


    Deng Feng made a swift decision while sitting cross-legged on the ground, "Do not reduce the rations, take out all the food and let everyone have enough. If we get through tonight, everything will be fine!"


    After that, even if they were hungry, they could endure for a few more days until reinforcements arrived.


    "Yes, I understand!"


    Song Hongbiao took his orders and left.


    Soon, buckets of steamed millet rice began to be distributed in order.


    "Mealtime!"


    "Eh~"


    "It''s not thin porridge today."


    "The General also slaughtered a horse! There''s a large piece of meat in everyone''s bowl!"


    "General Deng truly is a benevolent and righteous leader!"


    "Yes, but I heard that Chen Sansi does the same."


    "Really?"


    "Yes, it''s said that if there isn''t enough food in the city, he would even divert food from the Sheng Army''s supplies to the civilians, and many places facing famine were revived."


    "Ah..."


    "Two good people, why must they fight to the death?"


    "Exactly!"


    "Forget it, reinforcements will arrive early tomorrow. We''ll surely be rescued, just hang on a little longer!"


    "Right, just a bit longer, General Deng has been good to us!"


    "Sleep now, we''ll be saved when we wake up!"


    "..."


    The people and soldiers, full and satisfied, finally could no longer suppress their drowsiness and snuggled together to gradually fall asleep, leaving only a few to continue patrolling, responsible for keeping watch.


    In their dreams.


    It seemed they had awaited reinforcements and won the battle; the soldiers returned to their hometowns, the locals living as they had before, and in a few days, it was the Daqing Festival of Songs, when every household would gather together and sing their songs.


    "Caiwei, Caiwei, the herbs also come to an end. It says come back, come back, the years also do not stop."


    "Without a room, without a home, because of the enemies. Unable to settle down, because of the enemies..."


    At that moment, it seemed as if they had returned to their hometown, or as if they were returning to a daily life of rising with the sun and resting at sunset, living a poor life but at least accompanied by family.


    Wait...


    It seemed like someone was really singing! sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Who is chanting?"


    "It seems to be from outside the city!"


    "Many people are singing; it sounds like thousands!"

 Chapter 159 Conquering Deng Feng, Stabilizing Lai State_3

    ```


    "..."


    In the rustling of movement, tens of thousands of men awoke one after another.


    "No leisure has the king for idle dealing, his sorrow-laden soul will find no healing. Though I wish to follow, I can march not thither¡ª"


    The singing was not loud.


    But it penetrated in all directions, enveloping the entire Zhao Tong Prefecture City, hesitant and indistinct, reverberating in the minds of every citizen and soldier, its lingering melody sinking deep into their hearts.


    This song was known as "Caiwei," which happened to be a tune widely popular within Qing Country. Moreover, its content perfectly expressed the homesickness of soldiers heading to war, matching perfectly with the current scene and emotion, as if it were made by heaven and earth.


    Added to that was the powerful emotional resonance of the lyrics, sung in the pure local dialect of Qing Country''s mountains, which gradually led the city''s inhabitants to hum along, unable to help themselves.


    "Once I travelled away, willow trees were swaying. Now I return in thought, amidst the rain and snowflakes flurrying!"


    The song grew louder and louder, until at last tens of thousands joined in chorus, their voices piercing the night sky, echoing through the entire Zhao Tong Prefecture City.


    Beneath the city walls, inside the tents.


    Deng Feng, who had been resting with closed eyes, suddenly opened them, his expression more serious than ever before.


    "This is bad!"


    ...


    Outside the city.


    Sheng Army camp.


    "What''s that noise?!"


    Sha Wenlong, who had been waiting for daybreak to demand justice, was napping inside his large tent when he was startled awake by the earth-shattering singing. At first, he thought they were under attack. Only after listening carefully did he realize that someone was singing.


    Not just him; Cui Congyi and Cao Fan also came over upon hearing it.


    "General!" Your journey continues with My Virtual Library Empire


    "It''s the surrendered soldiers! The surrendered soldiers from Qing Country!"


    "Didn''t General Chen bring over more than two thousand of those surrendered soldiers earlier? They are the ones singing now."


    "Surrendered soldiers? They were not needed to be used as human shields, now they are called over to sing?!"


    Cui Congyi followed the sound to the area where the surrendered soldiers were gathered.


    He saw that these soldiers from Qing Country were singing with more passion than one another, emotionally invested, and some were even singing while crying.


    Cui Congyi, as if grabbing a small chicken, seized a frail surrendered soldier and asked, "What are you singing?"


    "General Chen said, as long as we sing with all our might until dawn, he will let us go home!"


    The soldier said with a sobbing voice, "We want to go home..."


    They were singing from their lungs.


    After all, out of twenty thousand surrendered soldiers, barely two thousand who were unable to leave longed to go home with an unstoppable eagerness.


    "Child''s play!"


    Sha Wenlong simply could not comprehend the intention behind such an arrangement, he sneered, "General Cui, Chen is like a cornered dog jumping over the wall, resorting to such childishly playful tactics. I think he''s really out of options!"


    "Indeed."


    Cui Congyi''s lips curled, "At his wit''s end. Can he really hope by singing they''ll open the city gates?"


    "Let them sing, let them sing!"


    Sha Wenlong snorted coldly, "Let them sing until dawn, it will be a fitting send-off for Chen!"


    Cao Fan remained silent, sensing a disturbance in his mind.


    ...


    Zhao Tong Prefecture City, within the city.


    "Enough!"


    Deng Feng dashed out of his tent with a burning urgency, his Qi-Blood fully activated, his voice like a great bell from the heavens forcibly drowning out the singing, "What are you singing for?! Stop singing!"


    Even so,


    it still took a good while, a span of a tea time, with everyone grown tired of the singing, for it to gradually come to a halt.


    ```


    ```


    "Reinforcements!"


    "Have the reinforcements arrived?"


    "Yes, they''re all speaking in the authentic Qing Country dialect, it must be our own people!" S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "They''re our own people from all sides!"


    "They have come, they have come!"


    "Let''s go, have a look!"


    "What are you doing? Stop!"


    But no one could be stopped.


    Tens of thousands of citizens surged up the walls from all sides, cramming to look outside, only to be greatly disappointed soon. For where were the reinforcements? Every direction, northeast, southwest, showed the well-entrenched camps of the Dasheng army, where soldiers dressed in exquisite armour patrolled in an orderly fashion with torches, and nothing had changed at all.


    As for the singing...


    It was coming from inside the Dasheng camp.


    Because of the distance, and the fact that it was nighttime, they couldn''t see clearly how many people there were, only that there seemed to be singers in almost every camp, meaning, their own Qing Country people were helping the Sheng people encircle them!


    "This..."


    "Where did all these fellow brothers come from?"


    "No mistake! Their voices, their singing style, are one hundred percent our countrymen!"


    "Even if one or two could imitate the singing, it''s absolutely impossible for there to be so many!"


    "Five thousand?"


    "No, at least ten, twenty thousand!"


    "Fifty thousand!"


    "Where did so many people come from? Weren''t all the surrendered soldiers released?"


    "The Xuanjia Army just returned yesterday, the people were brought back by them from the Eight Prefectures, new surrendered soldiers!"


    "That is to say, the Eight Prefectures have really surrendered!"


    "..."


    "Nonsense¨D"


    "It''s impossible for the Eight Prefectures to have surrendered!"


    Deng Feng rushed to the city wall: "Fake! It''s all a sham!"


    At this moment.


    In the darkness of the night, escorted by two torches, a general clad in white rode up on a White Horse, stopping three hundred steps from the city gate.


    "Who is this person?"


    "White Horse, White Robe, it''s Chen Sansi!"


    "Who else could it be?!"


    "Quickly come and look! That''s Chen Sansi!"


    "He has shown himself!"


    "..."


    Chen Sansi cupped his fists and, with a salute, addressed Deng Feng high on the city wall: "General Huai Yuan, Chen Sansi, pays respect to General Deng from here!"


    "Chen Sansi!"


    Deng Feng, unable to contain his anger, pointed at him and scolded: "What kind of ghostly tricks are you playing? Do you think a mere folk song can shake the morale of our troops?!"


    "General Deng misunderstands Chen. "


    Chen Sansi said politely, "I, your junior, am here to rescue General Deng and the tens of thousands of citizens of this city."


    "Absurd!"


    Deng Feng coldly said: "I still have eight thousand elite soldiers, ample food and supplies within the city, and reinforcements are about to arrive. Do I look like I need your rescue?!"


    ```

 Chapter 159 Conquering Deng Feng, Stabilizing Lai State_4

    "Is the supply of provisions really sufficient?"


    Seated on horseback, Chen Sansi''s facial features show no obvious fluctuations, but his voice rings out clear and strong, "Chen has travelled all the way here and seen that most parts of Lai State are suffering from famine. Ever since the war started last November, there have been continuous campaigns, and all the food and fodder for each city have been conscripted from the people, leaving them in unspeakable misery!


    "Zhao Tong Prefecture, as the second largest granary in Lai State, indeed should have ample provisions, enough to feed eight thousand troops for a year and a half without an issue.


    "Yet, General Deng happens to be someone who loves his people as his own children, so the General would surely distribute the city''s grains amongst the citizens!


    "Hundreds of thousands of citizens, even the provisions of Zhaotong wouldn''t be enough, right?"


    "Nonsense, don''t flatter me with your lies!"


    Deng Feng retorts, "The provisions within the city are plentiful! The brothers in the city just had their full meal. Chen, don''t you go spreading wild rumors here!"


    "The matter of provisions can easily be confirmed with a single glance at the granaries. Even if there''s some left, I''m afraid it''s not much! Even if General Deng wants to deceive himself and others, we can set aside the matter of provisions for now and talk about military strength!"


    Chen Sansi continues, "Now, not only have all the Eight Prefectures pledged allegiance, but just two hours ago, Yongle Prefecture was also breached, and King Tang Li Gong''s head now hangs on the walls of Yongle Prefecture City!


    "That is to say, your Zhaotong has become a completely isolated city!


    "Those singing in the camp are soldiers from Qing Country who surrendered from the Eight Prefectures and Yongle Prefecture. They do not wish to slaughter their own brothers, so they plead through song! Do you really want to fight and kill each other? Amongst you, some not only know each other but might also be hometown folk!"


    Upon these words.


    A panic immediately ensues among the crowd.


    "We''re out of food?"


    "The city''s granaries are empty?!"


    "No wonder we suddenly had better food last night! This must be the last decent meal they planned for us!"


    "Yongle Prefecture has fallen too?"


    "Even King Tang is dead!"


    "Doesn''t that mean, in Lai State, only we are left? A hundred and fifty-thousand strong army is about to turn their weapons on us!"


    "..."


    Chen Sansi adds again, "General Deng! Everything I''ve said, you should be well aware of. But why do you still deceive your brothers and citizens in the city? Would you rather wait until Dasheng musters even more forces and siege until the city falls and is filled with corpses before you bow your head?"


    "Well aware? What am I supposed to be well aware of?!"


    Unable to maintain his composure, Deng Feng shouts, "Don''t listen to his drivel, I don''t know any of these things, no, I mean, there''s not a truthful word in his mouth!" Discover hidden content at My Virtual Library Empire


    "General Deng!"


    Chen Sansi raises his voice, "I too am aware of General Deng''s loyalty, but surely you can''t let your ''loyalty'' drag the entire city down with you into a joint burial!


    "I''ve just received a military order, Meng Dashuai has commanded me to attack at dawn! S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Therefore, you don''t have much time left to consider!


    "My piece is said!


    "I also hope that the brothers and countrymen in the city could persuade General Deng!


    "I take my leave!"


    With that,


    he turns his horse and disappears back into the Great Village of the military camp.


    Above the city walls.


    The people and soldiers are in an uproar.


    "General!"


    "We can''t see things like the Eight Prefectures, but what about the granaries?"


    The crowd asks, "Are they really empty?!"


    "Can we go have a look at the granaries?"


    "Empty, the granaries are truly empty!"


    Someone who enjoys stirring trouble, having sneaked off upon hearing this conversation, now rushes back to loudly announce: "Before, the granaries were just off-limits for stealing, but you could still go there. Now, there are so many soldiers guarding the granaries that they don''t even let you take a look."


    Isn''t this evidence enough?


    "The granaries, they''re empty!"


    Deng Feng is forced to admit, "But so what if they''re empty? Aside from the granaries, everything else he said is false! Where those outside singing celebration songs came from, I do not know, but I would stake my life to swear that the Eight Prefectures have definitely not surrendered. If you really don''t believe it, you can try to break out to check the situation!"


    "General!"


    "It takes two days to go to the nearest city and come back, but... didn''t you say that reinforcements would arrive tomorrow morning? Even if the Eight Prefectures really have surrendered, is there a need to verify it anymore? After all, the reinforcements will arrive after dawn!"


    "Are you deceiving us?!"


    "..."


    "Boom¡ª"


    Seizing on the inconsistency in Deng Feng''s words, the crowd presses him relentlessly with questions.


    Deng Feng finds himself at a loss for words, unsure of how to respond.


    He curses Chen Sansi in his heart, labeling him a despicable and vile villain!


    First, he used the surrendered soldiers'' celebratory songs to shake the troop''s morale, then pushed all the blame onto him, stirring up discontent among his subordinates and citizens, leading to an indefensible predicament!


    "I only meant to prove to you that the Eight Prefectures have not surrendered, I didn''t say the reinforcements wouldn''t come back!"


    Deng Feng, though reluctant, says, "Tomorrow morning, the reinforcements will... arrive on time!"


    "In that case, we will trust the General one more time."


    "Brothers, let''s hold out until tomorrow morning!"


    "..."


    The crowd gradually disperses, but the unrest never subsides.


    Deputy General Song Hongbiao expresses his concern, "General, you already know that reinforcements won''t come by dawn, so why say that?"


    "After dawn, once the battle starts, there will be no more chances to surrender, and everyone, soldiers and citizens alike, must resist to the death!" Deng Feng says, "So, we just need to hold out until dawn!


    He has no other choice.


    Now if he admits it.


    Chaos would instantly break out within the city!

 Chapter 159 Conquering Deng Feng, Stabilizing Lai State_5

    "General!"


    Song Hongbiao frowned, his voice hesitant as he spoke, "But if that were the case, wouldn''t it mean that the brothers inside the city would have no way out?"


    "What do you mean?"


    Deng Feng sensed something was off, "You''re not thinking of surrendering, are you? Haven''t I told you that in about five days, his Majesty will lead a large army to our rescue?" S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Really?"


    Song Hongbiao mustered his courage and said, "General, just tell us the truth, will the reinforcements truly arrive in five days?"


    In his eyes, with the Eight Prefectures already surrendered and the situation with the supplies being kept secret, under these circumstances, could the reinforcements... also be false?


    After all, these pieces of intelligence had reached him only after the general had reviewed them.


    "You, you don''t believe in me, your general?!"


    Deng Feng argued adamantly, "Song Hongbiao, I ask you, while the Yong Yue Prefecture still stands, do you think his Majesty would abandon Lai State?!"


    "But..."


    Song Hongbiao expressed his worries, "Just now, the Sheng people said that Yong Yue Prefecture has also fallen!"


    "Even you''ve been deceived?!"


    Deng Feng cursed inwardly once more.


    Chen was exceedingly despicable, exploiting the "fifteen-day" deadline, at this critical moment, no information could be verified!


    It mattered not that Deng Feng had conviction and didn''t believe these lies.


    Because others would believe them!


    "Shameless, utterly shameless!!!"


    Deng Feng had never felt such suffocating frustration.


    The victory songs continued all around.


    "The journey is slow, thirst and hunger in tow. My heart is filled with sorrow, unnoticed is my woe!"


    All night long, the hesitant songs faintly echoed like a continuous drizzle, incessantly drenching the bodies and souls of the people.


    Inside the city, the tens of thousands¡ªespecially the eight thousand defenders¡ªfelt their grief and sadness intensify with the passage of time; their will to fight was gone, only waiting for dawn and someone to come to their rescue.


    The night was a blur.


    Finally.


    The stars shifted, the essence of day and night changed.


    Dawn broke.


    The bright jade that hung all night gradually fell, and a sun with a reddish halo, Tingtong, slowly rose, as tens of thousands climbed the city walls, craning their necks in anticipation of a "Qing" banner emerging in their sight.


    However...


    Not only was there no Qing Army banner in sight.


    Instead, even more Dasheng Army banners appeared from all sides, vague and indistinct, the sheer number of men and horses unclear as they rapidly approached the city amidst swirling dust.


    "General, where are the reinforcements?"


    "You promised there would be reinforcements?!"


    "In fact, counting today, it''s already the sixteenth day!"


    "The reinforcements haven''t arrived!"


    "General, let''s surrender and leave the city!"


    "It''s too late!"


    "..."


    Under everyone''s gaze.


    Deng Feng stepped onto the high platform, his voice tinged with guilt, "Actually... the reinforcements will take another five days to arrive!"


    "Another five days?!"


    "..."


    "Everybody, listen to me!"


    Deng Feng raised his saber, "Previously, when I said fifteen days, it was to boost everyone''s morale, but this time it''s true, in no more than five days, his Majesty the Emperor will personally arrive at Green Ridge Mountain. By then, the Hu Ben Army and the Xuanjia Army outside the city will surely retreat!"


    "General, if I may be so bold, you''ve said something similar last time."


    "And the provisions..."


    "General, you''ve already deceived us many times..."


    "General, I''m afraid it''ll be another five days after these five days!"


    "There are simply no reinforcements!"


    "..."


    "Not good, everyone, look quick!"


    "The Sheng people are preparing to attack the city!"


    "There''s only one pot of tea''s time left until the hour strikes!"


    The celebratory singing outside the city halted abruptly, replaced by the earth-shattering beat of war drums, the grandeur of bugle calls, and the fluttering of military banners in the gale as ranks of troops were arrayed in formation.


    Additionally, there were crash cars, cloud ladders, Fenwen Cars, and other large pieces of warfare machinery, each being pushed to the front!


    "What do we do?!"


    "If we don''t surrender now, it''ll be too late!"


    "..."


    "General! Since there are no reinforcements, let''s just surrender¡ª"


    "No surrendering, no surrendering!!! I swear to the heavens, the reinforcements will truly arrive in five days!"


    Deng Feng roared with all his might, but no one was willing to listen anymore. After repeated lies were exposed, his credibility had greatly diminished, and any words he spoke appeared pale and powerless.


    "General!"


    "It''s bad!"


    "The commander at the East City Gate just tried to open it!"


    "Seeking death!"


    Continue your saga on My Virtual Library Empire


    "Boom¡ª"


    Deng Feng, like a fierce tiger, dashed down the city wall on the walls, and at top speed reached the East City Gate, where he cleaved the commander to death. He had just put down his sword when he heard more reports from his subordinates.


    "The commander at the South City Gate is setting fire to the gate!"


    "Meet your death¡ª"


    Deng Feng repeated his previous actions, showing no mercy in his killing.


    "General!"


    "It''s bad"


    "Thousand Captain Wang Lin''an..."


    "And Thousand Captain Zhao..."


    "This is terrible, a group of civilians, they..."


    "..."


    However, no matter what Deng Feng did, he couldn''t stop the behavior of the masses. He felt an overwhelming sense of powerlessness, as if he were facing a landslide and tsunami. Even with a high level in the Martial Arts Realm, he was still just an ordinary person, incapable of stopping the force of nature!


    This major force.


    Had existed all along!


    And it had been coming down from the Northern Territory, once momentarily stopped by his sole effort.


    But at last, the overwhelming force proved unstoppable!


    Under Chen''s step-by-step siege of the heart, the sun rising today became the last straw that broke the camel''s back.


    From this point on!


    The trend of surrendering spread like an unstoppable plague within the city.


    Defending the city!


    Was not a one-person affair.


    Let''s not say he was at Great Perfection of the Profound Image Realm, even if he broke through to the Martial Saint Realm right away, what could he do when everywhere around was ready to surrender?


    Could he possibly kill all one hundred thousand civilians in the city?


    "Rumble¡ª"


    In the end, he was too exhausted to do anything, and the city gates to the south were blown open with a bang.

 Chapter 159 Conquering Deng Feng, Stabilizing Lai State_6

    The first batch of officials leading the way, the generals left the city to meet the white-robed figure on a white horse who had been waiting for a long time.


    "General Chen! Don''t attack the city, don''t attack the city!"


    "We surrender!"


    "We surrender!!"


    "..."


    The city was completely plunged into chaos.


    Countless soldiers from Qing Country streamed past Deng Feng, afraid that if they left the city even a moment later, they would miss the chance to surrender.


    Only Song Hongbiao and a few other trusted generals were still hesitating, but their eyes were also unsettled.


    "Hahahaha!"


    At that moment, Deng Feng suddenly laughed mockingly at the sky until he was out of breath, then with a trembling voice, he yelled at the heavens:


    "I, have lost!!!"


    Watching the crowd flow past him like a tide, he, a man full of martial prowess, found no opportunity to employ it, and was completely enveloped in a feeling of despair so intense, it nearly suffocated him.


    He closed his eyes, his Azure Dragon Crescent Blade clanged to the ground, and then, drawing the general''s sword from his waist, he was about to strike at his own neck.


    It was this action,


    that incredibly brought the chaos within the city to a halt.


    Your adventure continues at My Virtual Library Empire


    "General!"


    "No, General!"


    Song Hongbiao and a few close generals rushed forward, encircling him: "General! If you must die, kill us first!"


    "Deng Qingtian?!"


    The civilians were also stunned.


    They couldn''t understand why opening the city gates to surrender would lead Deng Qingtian to prefer suicide.


    The reason they were desperate to surrender was simply to save their own lives; they had never considered causing General Deng to die.


    After all, General Chen Sansi had promised that if the city were surrendered, whether generals, civilians, or soldiers, none would be killed; if no one was to die, why not surrender?!


    Why must it come to this?!


    "Mr. Deng!"


    "No, Second Master!"


    In an instant, both civilians and soldiers alike knelt down, and suddenly, no one was running towards the city gates anymore, as if they had forgotten about surrendering to save their lives.


    "You all want to surrender, so go surrender, what do you want from me!"


    Deng Feng''s eyes were bloodshot: "For six generations, the Deng family has been loyal to Daqing, how could I, Deng Feng, be a treacherous, shameless traitor? If I don''t kill myself, how can I face my ancestors!"


    "Boom¡ª"


    His Gang Qi erupted, directly blowing several of his subordinates away.


    He was about to act against himself.


    A voice rang out. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "General Deng, why speak such words!"


    Appearing were a general in a white robe riding a white horse, swiftly arriving. Accompanying him were two other generals, Sha Wenlong and Cui Congyi who also achieved Great Success in the Profound Image Realm, along with the Hu Ben Army and the Xuanjia Army, completely surrounding them.


    The faces of Cui Congyi and the others were still filled with shock.


    Just a short while ago,


    they even had their weapons drawn, ready to take down Chen Sansi''s withdrawing troops.


    Then, at the same time, they received the news.


    Zhaotong Prefecture City was in chaos, and the East City Gate had been opened!


    After they led the troops in, they encountered no resistance, and thousands of Iron Armor soldiers surrendered and laid down their weapons!


    Chen had really done it!


    The once impregnable Zhaotong Prefecture City had, unbelievably, surrendered overnight. Moreover, it seemed that the Main General, Deng Feng, had not intended to surrender, but he couldn''t control the complete chaos within the city!


    With Deng Feng''s prestige, it was unimaginable that the situation had developed this way!


    Why?!


    Just because last night, Chen Sansi had sent a group of surrendered soldiers to sing all night and then shout some words?


    Clearly!


    The content of the shouts was basically no different from what they had been saying before; why did it work when Chen Sansi said it, but not when they did?!


    Now, the vast majority of the generals were under control, and the entire army had entered the city, stabilizing the situation.


    That is to say, Zhaotong Prefecture had been taken!


    In the final moments, when it seemed almost impossible, they had surrendered!


    Cao Fan had become somewhat numb; at this moment, as a member of the Imperial Family, a distinguished Prince, he even hesitated to open his eyes to look at this general of similar age to himself.


    Sorely ashamed!


    "Chen Sansi!"


    As he watched the overwhelming force of Dasheng Iron Cavalry approaching, Deng Feng couldn''t help but burst out cursing, "You despicable villain! Using such a lowly tactic to trick the city gate open, what kind of skill is that, why don''t you lead the assault yourself, you..."


    As he cursed, he himself felt it was pointless.


    Because he knew in his heart.


    This was not some conspiracy or trick; it was an overwhelming force, a trend he had personally experienced as unstoppable!


    This general, barely eighteen or nineteen years old, actually knew how to use a magic skill that had never appeared on the battlefield before!


    He had underestimated him after all.


    Enough!


    The city gate was already breached, and the civilians inside would not be involved; further talk was useless, death was the only way to apologize!


    "General Deng!"


    Chen Sansi quickly ordered, "Cui Congyi, Sha Wenlong, you two control him immediately, don''t let him commit suicide!"


    "As you command."


    Now that Zhaotong Prefecture City had surrendered, Chen naturally remained the commander, and his orders must be obeyed.


    "You two fools, coming to die?!"


    Deng Feng''s eyes bulged with anger, and with a stamp of his foot, he grasped the Azure Dragon Crescent Blade again; ferocious Gang Qi bursting like formidable dragons, he prepared to strike at the two men.


    "Deng Feng, how dare you!"


    Cui Congyi coldly chided, "Are you planning to rebel after surrendering? Planning to let your subordinates die with you!?"


    "You, you!"


    Deng Feng knew that alone, even if he could defeat Cui Congyi and Sha Wenlong, he would be injured, and with thousands of troops behind them, most likely he would implicate his remaining subordinates and civilians.


    In other words, resistance would not recapture the city but would only lead to the slaughter of its citizens.


    Confrontations between High Realm Martial Artists are decisive.


    In a few breaths'' time.


    Sha Wenlong and Cui Congyi had already rushed forward, holding Mystic Iron Chains specially designed for High Realm Martial Artists, enveloped in Gang Qi, they pierced through tens of Deng Feng''s acupoints like black pythons, finally even locking his scapula, completely controlling him.


    In such a state, even a Meridian Passage Realm martial artist could be restrained.


    Under the immense pain, Deng Feng only grunted, not letting out the slightest scream.


    "Take him away!"


    Cui Congyi ordered the two Minor Meridian Passage assistant generals, "Guard him well!"

 Chapter 160 Crown Prince Rebels

    "General Deng!"


    As they watched him being taken away, both soldiers and civilians almost unanimously exclaimed.


    "General Chen!"


    "Those who surrender will not be killed; you said it yourself... But please, please do not harm General Deng''s life!"


    "Indeed!"


    "General Deng''s honor reaches the skies, ever since his arrival in Lai State, who knows how many good deeds he has done!"


    "..."


    "Shut up, all of you!"


    Sha Wenlong cursed impatiently, "Whether he lives or dies, is it up to you to discuss?"


    "Cui Congyi, Sha Wenlong!"


    Chen Sansi gave his orders, "Now that Zhaotong has surrendered, there''s no need to worry about our rear, I command Cui Congyi to lead the Hu Ben Army to Green Ridge Mountain to set up camp and intercept the Qing Country reinforcements from Green Ridge Mountain. Sha Wenlong, take three thousand men and station the surrendered soldiers at the camp thirty miles outside the city. Without my orders, you are not permitted to enter the city! Additionally, Princely Heir Cao Fan, take more than twenty cavalrymen and return quickly to Yong Yue Prefecture to report back to Meng Dashuai, the rest shall stay in the city on standby with me! Oh, and leave Deng Feng in the city as well."


    "By your command."


    Cui Congyi left reluctantly with his orders.


    "Not allow me into the city?"


    Sha Wenlong cursed inwardly but had no choice but to comply.


    He and Cao Fan came to the city gates when suddenly, Sha Wenlong voiced his concerns with some unease, "Young Master, with Chen''s arrangement, giving you just over twenty cavalrymen to return to Yong Yue Prefecture, could it be that he has some ulterior motive?"


    Startled by this suggestion, Cao Fan felt a chill, "Could he?"


    "Why couldn''t he?"


    Sha Wenlong lowered his voice and analyzed, "By arranging things this way, he clearly wants to split us up!"


    "No harm!"


    A shadow emerged slowly from the darkness.


    Pei Tiannan bowed and said, "Young Master, I will personally accompany you back to Yong Yue Prefecture to report."


    Cao Fan asked, "What about the matters in the city?"


    "Just an incense burner."


    Smiling Tiger Pei Tiannan said with a smile, "Leave the collection to Yun Xiaozi and the others; as for other matters, in my opinion, it''s not easy to act on Zhaotong Prefecture now, better choose elsewhere!"


    "That would be the most prudent approach."


    Sha Wenlong agreed, "Then let it be so!"


    Soon, everyone took their respective places.


    Cui Congyi led the Hu Ben Army as the vanguard directly towards Green Ridge Mountain; Sha Wenlong oversaw the surrendered soldiers outside the city, unable to enter without an order; Cao Fan, meanwhile, led twenty men towards Yong Yue Prefecture.


    Chen Sansi watched with his own eyes.


    In the departing troop of Cao Fan, there was a powerful and overwhelming aura.


    Who else could it be but Martial Saint Pei Tiannan, aside from that eunuch surnamed Feng who was also in the troop?


    That is to say, now only two Taoists from Ci Yun Temple might still be lurking in the city, not yet gone.


    According to memory.


    These two old Taoists, one strong and one weak, one in the Meridian Passage Realm with incense magic skills and purple mystical energy of average level, the other in the Hua Jin realm with thin mystical energy of incense.


    Chen Sansi was now adept in the Meridian Passage Method and the Sword Qi Skill; handling these two men would be no trouble at all. Find exclusive stories on My Virtual Library Empire


    After setting up the military forces within the city,


    Lai Zi slipped away quietly, heading straight for the Guanyin Temple in Zhaotong Prefecture.


    ...


    Yong Yue Prefecture.


    King Tang Li Gong in full armor, two thousand Iron Cavalry ready for battle inside the city.


    In addition, more than thirty thousand foot soldiers were ready for deployment.


    The war drums shook the earth and the skies while shouts and calls of battle rose and fell.


    The Deputy General hurried over, "Prince! Great news, Meng Quji and his men outside are starting to retreat, even leaving behind many siege weapons and supplies!"


    "Good! Keep scouting and report back! The moment they retreat, we''ll strike like thunder from the city and pursue them!"


    Li Gong raised the General''s Sword high, about to issue a command, when a Black Hawk descended in a spiral to alight on his arm.


    "This..."


    "Is it a message from Deng Feng? Why would he send a message at this time, is there anything urgent?"


    He opened the letter.


    Inside were a few lines of hastily written, almost scribbled text, written urgently enough that instead of ink, it was in blood.


    "Deng Feng incompetent, fear Zhaotong Prefecture City cannot hold, Deng can only die to apologize for his failure, please, Prince, be cautious in your actions."


    Overrun?


    After reading the content, Li Gong''s ears rang incessantly as if a venomous bee had burrowed into his mind, his expression fluctuating erratically, "Overrun? What nonsense is Deng Feng talking to me, wasn''t everything still alright yesterday? How could Zhaotong Prefecture be breached overnight?"


    "What?"


    The Deputy General was shocked, "Prince, how could this be possible? A single night, unless... unless the city walls have collapsed..."


    "Or!"


    Li Gong''s eyelids twitched, "He surrendered!" S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "That''s even less likely!"


    The Deputy General holding the blood letter, "If he had surrendered, why would Deng Feng even say he needs to die to apologize?"


    "Report¡ª¡ª"


    "Prince!"


    "Intelligence from the other Prefectures has arrived!"


    "Last night, turmoil erupted within Zhaotong Prefecture City, General Deng, despite his best efforts, was unable to quell the disturbances and was... captured alive by Chen Sansi, and is now detained by the military!"


    "The Eight Prefectures also say that if no reinforcements come, they are prepared to surrender as well."


    "Dare they speak to me like this? Damn scoundrels!"


    Li Gong struggled to control his emotions, almost roaring, "The Main General has not surrendered, yet chaos breaks out within the city first, are we overestimating Deng Feng''s capability, or does the one surnamed Chen have some sort of devilish spell!"


    "Prince, calm your anger!"


    The Deputy General felt helpless, "What shall we do next? If Deng Feng falls, the rest of the Eight Prefectures are bound to follow suit like the previous Twenty-Seven Prefectures, and we''ll be left an isolated city..."


    "Panic for what! The Emperor is on his way!"


    Li Gong was after all a grand commander, quickly regaining his calm and judging swiftly, "Moreover, I''ve just received news that those scoundrels from Nanxu Country, without our consent, have already entered the territory of Daqing."


    The Deputy General heard this and his face filled with loathing, "Those bastards from Xu Country, really like blood-thirsty wild dogs!"

 Chapter 160 The Crown Prince Rebels_2

    "Indeed, but there are benefits to this situation as well,"


    Li Gong spoke in a deep voice, "They will arrive at Hulaoguan much faster than expected! Although the Sheng people have now taken over the entirety of Lai State, they do not have wings. It takes time to assemble troops, gather forces, and dispatch orders!"


    "Not to mention, they will need to dispatch a large number of people to Green Ridge Mountain first, and the ones left behind to surround me wouldn''t dare to diminish their numbers. At most, they could spare a few thousand men to head towards Hulaoguan."


    "Nan Xu, a hundred thousand strong army!"


    "A few thousand men, can they hold it?"


    "All considered, the advantage still remains on our side, it''s just that the Sheng people have been given an opportunity to maneuver,"


    "Pass down my command: all troops be on alert and prepare for the Sheng people''s fierce attack." S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Then..."


    "Figure out a way to inform Deng Feng to take his own life quickly! There''s no need for him to continue losing face here!"


    "A Xuanxiang Realm Great Perfection, someone who could break through to Martial Saint in another two years, has been captured by an Assistant General in the Meridian Passage Realm¡ªhow does he even have the face to live until now!"


    "Yes!"


    ...


    Outside the city.


    The Sheng Army camp.


    "The Crown Prince himself is leading the supervisory battle and will arrive in just half a month."


    Meng Quji, looking at the newly received message, had an ugly expression, "And just at this time, we have to retreat..."


    "Indeed."


    Zhan Taoming said, "Isn''t this a slap in the Crown Prince''s face..."


    The Hu Ben Army''s Commander Fan Tianfa spoke, "Commander Meng, how about we hold out a little longer?"


    "We can''t hold out any longer!"


    Meng Quji, pointing at the map, said, "Take a good look. If we don''t retreat now, we''ll really be too late. Let''s pull back first and then reassess the situation. Perhaps there''s still a chance to strike back! As for the pressure from the Emperor, I alone will bear it! It''s the same saying, only by remaining undefeated can we find a chance to exploit the Enemy Army''s weaknesses!"


    "However..."


    "Considering the time, why haven''t Sha Wenlong and the others brought Chen Sansi back yet? We don''t have the time to wait!"


    "Report¡ª"


    "Commander, the Young Master has returned with a group of more than twenty riders."


    "Twenty people?"


    Meng Quji rushed out of the tent.


    "Commander Meng."


    Cao Fan dismounted to greet him.


    "Where are they?!"


    Meng Quji looked toward the rear, "What about the others?"


    "Commander, there''s no one else."


    Cao Fan answered, "Zhao Tong Prefecture... has been taken."


    "Surrounded by cheers of victory, and Deng Feng captured alive?!"


    After hearing this, Meng Quji, Fan Tianfa, and including Zhan Taoming were all exchanging glances. With Deng Feng not dead, it seemed too far-fetched to have taken Zhao Tong Prefecture overnight.


    "Good..."


    After hearing the detailed explanation, Meng Quji couldn''t help but curl his lips upward, "That kid really came up with something!"


    "Phew~"


    Not far away, Fang Qingyun, who had been vouching for it, let out a sigh of relief.


    No matter how much he believed in his junior, it wasn''t the same as being there himself. His understanding of the situation was only conjecture, and as time grew increasingly pressing, it was impossible not to worry.


    He couldn''t help but express his admiration, "This General Deng is truly extraordinary, completely resisting the trend of surrender in Lai State by his own strength. We were just a little short of ruining all our previous efforts."


    "Indeed."


    Fan Tianfa agreed, "Moreover, without this man, it will greatly assist us in the upcoming situation!"


    "What a shame!"


    Zhan Taoming regretted, "This man was too loyal and just. Even after being captured, he surely wouldn''t concede to our Great Sheng. As per the rules, if a captured military officer does not surrender within seven days and has no further intelligence value, he must be executed immediately."


    "All thanks to General Fang''s strenuous persuasion!"


    Meng Quji remarked emotionally, "Otherwise, we might have really screwed up big time."


    "The situation is still not optimistic!"


    Fang Qingyun brought everyone back to the topic at hand, "We still need to carefully plan the subsequent arrangements."


    "Right!"


    Meng Quji, with one hand, picked up the wheelchair, directly lifting the Confucian scholar along with the wheelchair into the air, and hurried into the Central Army Tent before the map: "General Fang, we currently have two main tasks."


    "The first is to do everything possible to take down Li Gong within Yong Yue Prefecture.


    "The second is to stop the army from Green Ridge Mountain!


    "According to what I know, Qing Country''s Martial Saints are few in number now. They also need to guard their own borders against enemies and can''t spare additional manpower. That''s why the Emperor of Qing is leading the campaign himself."


    "Besides Cui Congyi, General Fan also must hurry to Green Ridge Mountain as soon as possible!"


    "Here, we still need to wait for the Crown Prince''s reinforcements before launching a fierce attack on Yong Yue Prefecture, but the problem is..."


    "What about Hulaoguan?" Your next read awaits at My Virtual Library Empire


    "Nan Xu Country''s hundred thousand strong army is very likely to arrive soon. How should we respond?"


    "Prince Zhen Nan down south has tied up two of their Martial Saints along with half their elite forces. According to the reports, the current leaders of this hundred thousand strong army are two princes of Nan Xu in the Xuanxiang Realm."


    "But our Xuanxiang isn''t sufficient, and due to the previous focus on attacking, there are nearly no defenses within Hulaoguan."


    "By the fastest calculations, those who could reach Hulaoguan quickest are only General Chen''s three thousand Xuanjia Army. The rest of the large forces will take at least three months to gather and be redeployed."


    "This battle is going to be very tough."


    "Tough as it may be, we must fight,"


    Fang Qingyun, holding a flute, pointed to the location of Hulaoguan: "This pass ranks among the top four formidable passes in the land, known as a pass where one man guards the gate and ten thousand are unable to break through. Along with a hundred thousand strong army, many of which are new recruits trained only in the past couple of years, three thousand Black Armor might just be able to hold out for three months."


    "This will carry significant risk."


    "The greater the risk, the greater the reward."


    "My suggestion is to give up Hulaoguan and make Zhao Tong Prefecture City a node of contention with the enemy forces."


    "In that case, this war will have to continue for at least another two years. How much provision will be consumed in these two years, how many Silver Taels will the treasury have to spend? On the other hand, if Hulaoguan can just hold out for three months, during this period, taking down Li Gong''s forces and the Emperor of Qing from Green Ridge Mountain will naturally retreat, and Nan Xu Country will have no choice but to abandon their efforts too. Therefore, defending Hulaoguan is still the best choice."

 Chapter 160 Crown Prince Rebels_3

    "What if we can''t hold it for three months? General Fang, can you guarantee that we can really hold Hulaoguan?"


    This time, Fang Qingyun dared not be so certain: "If we can''t hold it, there''s a 50 percent chance."


    "That''s right!"


    Meng Quji said, "With a fifty percent probability, even General Fang, who likes to use surprise tactics, would find it too low, wouldn''t he?"


    "General Meng, this matter is of great importance; it''s not something just you and I can decide. How about this,"


    Fang Qingyun said, "let''s ask His Majesty and His Highness for their opinions, and let His Majesty decide in the end whether to adopt a strategy of long-term dominion or take the risk of defending Hulaoguan and try to quickly take Yong Yue Prefecture to force the Enemy Army back and recover three states."


    "Good!"


    Meng Quji did not refuse: "His Highness is not far from us, and His Majesty is always at Kunlun Mountain comprehending the Tao around this time of the year, not as far as from the Capital City. If we use the Crown Prince''s Divine Eagle, it would be even faster. There''s enough time, let''s do it this way!"


    ...


    Tongnan Prefecture.


    Crown Prince''s Residence.


    The Crown Prince, now past his sixties, was playing chess with a black-robed monk.


    During the game, an eunuch brought up a meal and gently placed it beside the chessboard.


    The dignified Crown Prince, Heir Supervisor, usually had extremely simple meals, consisting only of two dishes of vegetables and a bowl of rice.


    "After so many years, Your Highness is still so frugal."


    The monk flicked his Buddha Beads and slowly made a move: "You eat even more simply than I do, a monk."


    "If I don''t save some, how can I set a good example, letting the officials and my son also follow in saving? If everyone is extravagant, where would the silver for this war come from?"


    The Crown Prince picked up his chopsticks, pushed half of the rice in his bowl to the other side, and then began to eat.


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    The black-robed monk looked at him with complex eyes and said, "After several years, Your Highness now can''t even finish a bowl of rice?"


    "Getting old, cough, cough..."


    The Crown Prince turned his face aside to cough a few times, then, after wiping his face with a handkerchief, continued speaking: "Never mind, let''s continue, we can eat and play chess without delay."


    "Alas, since Your Highness started supervising the state, you''ve overworked day and night and severely exhausted yourself."


    The black-robed monk picked up a white piece and gently placed it on the board.


    "Your Highness!"


    "Urgent news from the Divine Eagle!"


    "Read it."


    The Crown Prince, while observing the board, slowly brought rice to his mouth.


    "Yes!"


    The attendant opened the petition and read it word by word.


    As the details emerged, the expressions of the Crown Prince and the black-robed monk continued to change, getting so engrossed in the news they momentarily forgot the chess game before them.


    "What a genius, Chen Sansi is truly a leader sent from heaven!"


    The Crown Prince''s appreciation was evident: "From capturing Prince Yu Wen at the beginning to now, the widespread celebrations, each and every event, which one isn''t a feat unparalleled in history? I determine, these words will be passed down through the ages, lasting longer than I, or even my father." S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Why would Your Highness say that?"


    The monk gently placed a piece: "With me here, Your Highness could perhaps last through the ages as well."


    "Old Yao..."


    The Crown Prince laid down his chopsticks and sighed: "I have never pursued the elusive path of immortality like my father; I just want to accomplish something with this life. Years of warfare, constant turmoil, corruption rampant, the Martial Arts Sects bullying the commoners, this world needs to be set right! But I can''t take a step further; I simply don''t have enough power."


    The black-robed monk asked, "So, Your Highness thinks that we should next defend Hu Lao, take Lai State, or after a great sacrifice, directly retreat to the border and choose another day?"


    Thinking of severing ties, it would take at least two years, the silver in the national treasury isn''t infinite; these forty years were hard-earned savings. If indeed such a long conflict arises, it might take a decade to recover, not to mention the need to deal with the northern tribes later. If we withdraw, the next opportunity might be unknown years in the future."


    The Crown Prince made up his mind: "Defending Hu Lao is worth a try; whether we can hold it or not is another matter, but I just want to ask one thing, if we successfully recover the three states afterward, how great are our chances of winning at Ziwei Mountain?"


    "In the Capital City, we can''t win."


    The black-robed monk calculated: "But at Ziwei Mountain, we only have a seventy percent chance of success; victory isn''t guaranteed. Your Highness, you may carefully consider it; it''s not too late to change your mind."


    As the conversation reached this point.


    The Crown Prince stopped talking and stared at the chessboard, silently eating his meal until he had finished most of the rice in the bowl. He then picked up the tea pot and poured it into his bowl, mixing the leftover oil with the tea water and drinking it all.


    He set down his bowl and chopsticks, slowly picked up a black piece, hesitated for the last two seconds, and then decisively placed the piece on the board, causing the entire board to tremble: "If we''re going to play chess, let''s play it thoroughly!"


    ...


    Kunlun Mountain.


    Cave Heaven Blessed Land.


    This place was originally a natural cave. Many years ago, Emperor Longqing, while enjoying a mountain and water excursion, took a short rest inside the cave; it was here, inside this cave, that the Emperor dreamed of an Immortal.


    Since then.


    Emperor Longqing began to have craftsmen transform the cave into a palace hidden within the mountain, coming here every year to stay for a while.


    "Your Majesty!"


    The Chamberlain, Ritual Supervision eunuch Huang Hong, hurried in with a report: "Battle news from the Eastern Territory."


    Emperor Longqing, wearing a seemingly plain but exquisitely made Taoist robe, continued to sit cross-legged with closed eyes, giving no response upon hearing the eunuch''s words.


    Huang Hong tactfully read in a low voice.

 Chapter 160 The Crown Prince Rebels_4

    It was merely a repetition of the affairs at Hu Lao Pass.


    At the end, he concluded, "Defending Hulaoguan poses great risks, but correspondingly, the rewards are also very high. Presently, General Fang, His Highness the Crown Prince, all agree with this strategy. His Highness''s exact words on the petition were ¡ª ''This prince is willing to personally join the battle array, even if it means sacrificing my life, to restore Dasheng''s terrain and fulfill the longstanding wish of my father the Emperor at Ziwei Mountain.''


    Hearing this, Emperor Longqing finally let out a light chuckle, "My son has always been dutiful since childhood."


    "Your Majesty, then..."


    Huang Hong asked softly, "How will this battle be fought?


    "Fight it as they suggest"


    Emperor Longqing''s voice was as calm as a still well, "Tell them, even if Hulaoguan falls, they must fight for me at all costs. I do not want any casualty figures; I only want Ziwei Mountain. By the way, have there been any leads on Sun Xiangzong''s whereabouts?"


    "To answer Your Majesty, no,"


    Huang Hong bowed his head, "Ever since the expansion of the army, his traces have been unfindable."


    "Then send Fang Qingyun to Hu Lao Pass too,"


    Emperor Longqing said calmly, "I refuse to believe that after Fang Qingyun''s disability, he has completely lost all means. This is also a good opportunity to force him to make use of whatever he has left."


    "Sending Fang Qingyun is indeed suitable, but does Chen Sansi also need to go along?"


    Huang Hong cautiously reminded, "Previously, didn''t you say that Chen Sansi needs more growth and is meant for great tasks in the future? Wouldn''t it be too regrettable if he were to fall at Hulaoguan?"


    "Ziwei Mountain is a matter of utmost importance."


    Emperor Longqing spoke unhurriedly, "Even if he only delays them two months, Chen Sansi''s death would be worthy. Naturally, I will properly take care of his family and confer a posthumous title on him."


    "This servant understands. I will make the arrangements immediately."


    ...


    Zhaotong Prefecture.


    In front of the gates of Guanyin Temple.


    A man and a woman arrived hand in hand.


    "Master, must we come to pray now, amidst such turmoil?"


    "What do you know? The master in the temple told me that today is an auspicious day. Praying today will definitely result in conceiving! Besides, the battle is over. After General Chen entered the city, he did not violate even a hair of the people. It''s all peaceful now. What are you afraid of?"


    "Oh..."


    "Hurry up, I''ll wait here for you. Remember to pray for exactly three hours. Pray sincerely!"


    ...


    The woman, with her dainty lotus steps, quickly entered the temple.


    "Tsk tsk!"


    Zhang Lai suddenly appeared, "I say, old man, you might as well stop praying to Buddha and pray to me, Zhang Lai, instead. I''m more useful than any deity in the temple. I guarantee your wife will conceive!"


    "Hmm?"


    The wealthy-looking middle-aged man, seeing a Jianghu knight with an ugly appearance and a sword hanging at his waist, did not react at first, "What do you mean by that?" sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "What do I mean?"


    Chen Sansi sneered, "What I mean is that Zhang Lai''s method is more effective than that of the monks!"


    "Ah?"


    Only then did the middle-aged man understand the implication, "You mean, the child my wife might conceive wouldn''t be the deity''s blessing but a seed from the monk? The masters are so respected, how could they possibly do such a thing?"


    Chen Sansi did not respond but leaped over the not very high temple wall and entered the temple.


    The middle-aged man, watching him disappear and feeling panicked, tried to enter through the main gate but was stopped by the guarding monks, which made him even more uncertain and increasingly uneasy. Finally, gathering his courage, he moved a stone to step on and also climbed over the wall into the courtyard.


    At this deep hour of Midnight, the vast temple was dark and silent, only the main hall, honoring Guanyin of the Child Granting, flickered with dim candlelight. A young woman in pink clothing knelt on a cushion, devoutly offering incense prayers.


    "Omm¡ª"


    Just as she quietly made a wish, behind the statue of the deity, a hidden chamber door suddenly opened. Following that, one figure after another emerged, until, finally, seven or eight burly monks surrounded the woman.


    At this moment, the woman finally understood why the temple''s child-granting was so efficacious.


    Blushing, she stood up and wanted to leave.


    She was stopped by the lead monk grabbing her sleeve, "Amitabha, madam, where do you think you''re going?"


    "I, I want to go home."


    "Madam, where are you going? Don''t you want a child anymore?"


    "Not anymore."


    "Stop! Madam, do you think you can still leave?"


    "Just obey us. We eight monks will perform an Enlightenment ceremony for you, and after you go home, you''re sure to conceive!"


    "Ah¡ª"


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    "I''m fighting back!"


    Having seen what was happening, the middle-aged man, unable to contain his rage, charged at them barehanded.


    "Hmm?!"


    "Fornicating monks, fornicating monks!"


    "Layman, you must not slander. We were merely preparing to perform Enlightenment for the lady!"


    "Bang¡ª"


    The lead monk lifted a leg to kick the man, but as his leg rose, a cold gleam flashed by, and he felt a chill on his leg. Looking down, he saw it was missing half, followed immediately by a gush of fresh blood.


    "Ah!!"


    He wailed, collapsing to the ground, grappling with his severed leg.


    "Clink, clink, clink!"


    Chen Sansi''s He Miao Long Sword swung continuously, the sword lights forming a continuous bloom, like a blooming lotus. Within a few breaths, the ground became a pool of blood, and the eight members of the Incense Fire Divine Sect breathed their last.


    "Murder!"


    The middle-aged man, with the woman, fled in panic.


    Chen Sansi did not rush to extract the Xuanzhu, because he knew the incense in front had already been taken. He had come here to flush out the snake, hoping to gain big.


    "Your Excellency is Zhang Lai, Hero Zhang, right?"


    Indeed, an angry voice erupted.


    Yun Xiaozi and Ling Xuzi, one in front and one behind, entered the main hall.

 Chapter 160 Crown Prince Rebels_5

    "Indeed, it is I!"


    Chen Sansi controlled his tone and manner to ensure it was completely different from his usual self.


    "Hero Zhang!"


    Yun Xiaozi narrowed his eyes warily and said, "Our Incense Fire Divine Sect bears no grudge against you. Why then do you repeatedly rob our incense and kill our disciples!"


    "Your Incense Fire Divine Sect robs the divine incense, deceiving the common folk¡ªeveryone involved deserves death!"


    Chen Sansi retorted, "Don''t think I don''t know that you are instructed by the Crown Prince!"


    "Ah?"


    Yun Xiaozi exclaimed in shock, "How do you even know that!"


    "There''s nothing in this world that I, Lai Zi, don''t know about!"


    Chen Sansi''s face remained expressionless, but his mind began to race.


    He casually bluffed, and these two confessed.


    It really was the Crown Prince''s doing.


    The reason he had come today was partly because he needed more incense to advance his Sword Qi Skill to the next stage, and partly because he truly wanted to understand what the Crown Prince was plotting.


    After all, this place was a battlefield; he had to ensure no one was causing mischief behind his back.


    "This..."


    Yun Xiaozi''s face kept changing colors. He had planned to kill him and silence him, but considering the speed with which the opposed absorbed the incense, which indicated daunting capabilities, he ultimately didn''t dare to make a rash move.


    He tentatively asked, "Hero Zhang, why the trouble? Must you oppose us and His Highness? With your capabilities, why not join us? Once our plan succeeds, you''ll be credited with a colossal help!"


    A colossal help?


    Chen Sansi seemed to stumble upon some incredible information unintentionally.


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    The Incense God Sect was aligned with the Crown Prince.


    Then they mentioned a colossal help.


    The Crown Prince...


    Planning a revolt, to commit patricide?


    He maintained a calm demeanor, "Nonsense! I am a seeker of immortality, I have no interest in the affairs of the court!"


    "Hero Zhang, don''t be hasty in rejecting!"


    Yun Xiaozi said, "How about this, let me report back to His Highness, and since His Highness will surely appreciate someone of your stature, the terms he offers might not be easily refused by you."


    Chen Sansi didn''t answer and made a gesture as if he was about to act.


    "Why must it come to this?!" S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Yun Xiaozi backed away continuously, "Hero Zhang, how about this, meet us at the Mountain God Temple in Taihu Prefecture four months from now! Then, depending on whether you are satisfied with the conditions, it''s not too late to decide on cooperation."


    "Right."


    Ling Xuzi followed up, "Since you are not interested in the affairs of the court, you presumably won''t disclose this matter. As for the rest, we can negotiate slowly when the time comes!"


    Taihu Prefecture.


    Chen Sansi, who looked at maps day and night, knew exactly where it was.


    Next to Taihu Prefecture was Ziwei Mountain!


    That is to say.


    If the Crown Prince were to stage a revolt, he would choose to act in Ziwei Mountain, which meant, on the condition that he had regained control of three states.


    Originally.


    The information from the Seeking Immortal Tower was correct, the Incense God Sect was indeed planning something major in "Capital City".


    Only, this ''Capital City'' was not a place, but a person¡ªthe Emperor!


    "To show our sincerity..."


    Yun Xiaozi produced a miniature incense burner from his robes, "These incenses, consider them a meeting gift for Hero Zhang. For past incidents, our Incense Fire Divine Sect promises not to pursue them. How about it?"


    "Tch!"


    Chen Sansi glared and said, "Then don''t dawdle, get lost!"


    "Quickly, let''s go!"


    Yun Xiaozi and his companion exchanged looks, then quickly retreated.


    After Chen Sansi confirmed they were far away using his Qi Observation Skill, he began examining the incense burner on the ground. The miniature one was no bigger than the size of a palm, but it was surrounded by Purple Energy and full of incense, with a blood-red mark under it as well.


    "This incense is enough for the Sword Qi Skill to break through."


    He took out Xuanzhu and absorbed all the incense, then casually discarded the incense burner.


    It had marks on it, carrying it would make him be tracked.


    Moreover, after experimenting, the Spiritual Grain obtained from the burner wasn''t better than that from the Mystic Iron Furnace because it wasn''t meant for alchemy to begin with, so there was no use in keeping it.


    As for ointments, he wasn''t lacking now.


    Today''s venture was quite fruitful.


    Still...


    Why did the Crown Prince have to choose Ziwei Mountain for the revoltext, of all places?


    Upon further thought, he understood.


    Whether it was a coup or a revolt, one needed enough men at hand, and the Crown Prince''s influence within the Capital City surely couldn''t surpass the Old Emperor''s. Even around the Capital, mobilizing troops would be too conspicuous and easily detected.


    But Ziwei Mountain was just the right place!


    After the battle, the Emperor would surely come to offer sacrifices.


    And with the battle over the three states just ended, having troops there was nothing out of the ordinary, plus the early arrival under the radar of people like Pei Tiannan made everything logical.


    Still...


    The battle wasn''t over yet, and the Crown Prince was already laying the groundwork.


    What if the subsequent battles were lost, or if they failed to recover the three states?


    Would he still force the ''palace'' issue?


    Never mind.


    These things had nothing to do with him.


    For Chen Sansi.


    The one who poisoned him, the Old Emperor who had endured ten miserable days in Yunzhou, deserved death. The Crown Prince who used living people for sacrifices wasn''t any better; it made no difference who was Emperor to him.


    The only thing worth considering was whether in the future, while ensuring his own safety, it was possible to swindle more benefits from the hands of the Incense Fire Divine Sect.


    And it seemed...


    Yun Xiaozi had mistaken him for some great master.


    Of course, Chen Sansi wasn''t purely pretending.


    His Qi Observation Skill allowed him to judge strength.


    The Mystical Energy within Yun Xiaozi wasn''t even more potent than his own. If it really came to a fight, it would merely be a matter of killing him with the Sword Qi Skill.


    The Imperial Family really lacked kinship!


    After a brief moment of reflection, Chen Sansi left the grand hall and vaulted out of the temple, merging into the darkness again.


    No matter how big the uproar, the immediate battle still had to be fought.

 Chapter 160 Crown Prince Rebels_6

    Fortunately, it was certain that unlike Yunzhou, where the Emperor personally plunged the knife, one could let go and make full use of their abilities.


    According to his judgment, the situation in the Eastern Territory was still far from optimistic.


    Whether it was troops or high-ranking generals, Dasheng was somewhat lacking; on paper, Dasheng was undoubtedly the strongest, but being surrounded by enemies on all sides and needing to attend to every front was an extremely arduous task.


    That Deng Feng...


    If only he could surrender, it would be of great help for the upcoming situation.


    Moreover, Chen Sansi had carefully investigated.


    This man was of valuable character, one of the few good officials in this era who did not oppress the civilians or engage in corruption.


    It was for this reason that he was exiled from the Capital City to the borderlands several years ago.


    While he was a good man, such people often had a strong backbone.


    If it weren''t for being well-prepared and calling Cui Congyi and Sha Wenlong to go in together, he would have succeeded in his suicide just a moment later. Whether he could be persuaded to join was also something that could only be tried.


    If it really came to it, then so be it.


    On the battlefield, if one couldn''t be a friend, they could only be an enemy.


    After returning to his assigned quarters, Chen Sansi did not make any fuss but seized the time to practice the Sword Qi Skill all night long.


    [Magic: Sword Qi Skill (Proficient)]


    [Progress: 855/1000]


    Only when the next day dawned did he speak.


    "Xia Cong! Go fetch General Deng''s archives and all the records of his life''s deeds for me."


    "Yes!"


    ...


    "General Deng, why don''t you surrender? It would be beneficial for everyone."


    Sha Wenlong, holding the Iron Thorns Whip in his hand, looked impatiently at Deng Feng, who had taken off his armor and was left only in a blood-stained undergarment robe, and said, "You know the rules; it''s too much trouble to keep high-ranking generals captive, so usually, if they don''t surrender within seven days, they will be beheaded and shown to the public!"


    Not only was Deng Feng entirely bound by Mystic Iron Chains, but now his hands and feet were also nailed to a cross-shaped wooden stake.


    He kept his eyes tightly shut, without uttering a word.


    "Deng Feng!"


    Sha Wenlong reprimanded, "You, a defeated general, have even been promised a marquisate by the Great Sheng Court. What more could you be dissatisfied with? Well, I recognize your stubbornness. What about your family? Bring in the Deng family members!"


    Soon, a dozen or so family members, young and old, including two sons, three daughters, as well as his elderly mother and concubines, were pushed and shoved into the tent.


    Deng Feng turned a deaf ear.


    "General Deng!"


    Sha Wenlong said, "It would be one thing for you to die alone, but do you really want to drag down your wives and children along with you?"


    This time.


    Deng Feng finally opened his eyes, but rather than begging for mercy, he scoffed and said, "Hurry up and kill them, kill them all with me!"


    "You?!"


    Sha Wenlong was taken aback, never expecting that even this move would not work.


    "Kill them!"


    Deng Feng was actually urging them on, "They lived off my blessing while they were alive. Now that I have been defeated, it is only right for them to die with me! Why won''t you kill us!"


    "Fine, I will kill them for you to see!"


    Sha Wenlong, who had been bottling up a bellyful of rage and looking for an outlet, was about to act when a young man in a white robe walked into the tent.


    "Sha Wenlong, that''s enough."


    "Chen San, General Chen."


    Sha Wenlong, restraining himself from addressing him directly, said, "Deng Feng refuses to surrender, just kill him!"


    "You may leave. Make sure General Deng''s family is well-cared for,"


    Chen Sansi ordered, "If anyone, especially the women, suffers the slightest insult, I''ll send a petition and execute your entire family!"


    "Got it."


    Sha Wenlong, biting back his anger, led away the Deng family members.


    Chen Sansi then ordered Xia Cong and the others to stay two hundred steps away from the tent, forbidding anyone to come within two hundred steps.


    "Chen."


    Deng Feng mocked, "Do you think by taking care of my family, you can buy me over?"


    ```


    "No, I wasn''t planning on buying your loyalty with this. I simply knew that killing you would be pointless, so I kept you alive, intending to kill you alongside me after seven days, as a sign of respect for you."


    Chen Sansi said as he took a seat on the chair inside the tent and began perusing a few volumes of records, not in any hurry to continue talking.


    On the contrary, it was Deng Feng who couldn''t hold back. He said resentfully, "Chen Sansi! I only lost to you by an hour! By dawn, you all are planning to retreat, aren''t you? That means, in another hour, if the city doesn''t descend into chaos, you lose!"


    "Indeed, everything you said is correct."


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    Chen Sansi paused, "But this hour is a chasm, an insurmountable natural barrier that you cannot overcome. You are destined to lose."


    This battle...


    He didn''t know where his confidence came from, but he truly had grasped a kind of military tactic, one that came not only from the deeds of sages but also from the understanding he gained through many large and small battles.


    Under the circumstances at the time, the common people and the defending army were simply seeking a way to survive. Since that way out had been provided, there was no point in continuing the defense.


    It was only because of Deng Feng''s excessive prestige that they didn''t open the gates the next day. They didn''t even need to resort to the tactic of attacking from all sides.


    "Enough."


    Deng Feng was tired of arguing: "Victors beget kings, and losers bandits. Go ahead and kill me. Deng will never be disloyal or unfaithful."


    "Loyalty and faithfulness, such noble virtues."


    Holding the document, Chen Sansi read, "General Deng, let me ask you one thing, what is the purpose of defending the city?"


    "Of course, it''s to protect the people!"


    "Now that the city has fallen, have the citizens been harmed? Even this morning, several corrupt officials whom you previously didn''t dare to touch due to their backing from the court were killed, and the common people are cheering. Doesn''t this mean that the circumstances have improved for the people?"


    Deng Feng: "..."


    "Or are you suggesting that General Deng believes you must continue the fight, and see more civilians die in order to protect them?" S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "..."


    Deng Feng changed his tune: "I did it to serve the court!"


    "Oh?"


    With the document in hand, Chen Sansi said: "In the year 192 of the Qingli Era, when General Deng was only sixteen and just beginning his career, you wrote a poem that shocked the literary world."


    "Studying the sage teachings assiduously to stand by the people, continuing the lost studies to usher in peace."


    "Holding a three-foot Green Blade Sword, sweeping away all corrupt beings in the world."


    "So I want to ask, what is more important to General Deng, serving the court, or pursuing this grand aspiration you once set for yourself?"


    Deng Feng furrowed his brow: "Are these in conflict?"


    "Of course, they''re in conflict!"


    Chen Sansi continued: "To my knowledge, in Qing Country corruption is rampant, taxes increase every year, and the people are in unspeakable misery, with at least a dozen uprisings each year. Given such a deeply entrenched and irreversible state of decay within the court, does General Deng believe it''s possible to achieve the so-called everlasting peace? Even... establishing a just society for the people and sweeping away all corrupt beings are unachievable, right? Otherwise, the officials in the city wouldn''t have to wait for me to execute them."


    "As such, doesn''t serving the court and aiming for a peaceful world contradict each other?


    By continuing to serve Qing Country, aren''t you destroying your own grand aspirations?


    Or is it that..."


    He paused for a moment, then suddenly raised his voice: "General Deng is nothing but a glory-seeking, hypocritical pretender! All your actions are merely to preserve the so-called ''six generations of loyal service'' reputation!"


    "You''re talking nonsense!"


    Deng Feng, who had been as silent as a dead dog, finally had his nerves struck and burst out in anger: "What right do you have to say that about me!"


    "Isn''t it true?"


    Chen Sansi stood up: "Suppose, because of General Deng''s brave and indomitable defense, Zhao Tong Prefecture City had been saved. Then, that Prefect Young Master with a powerful family background, considered to be royalty in Qing Country, could continue to harm the civilians, forcing himself on women. Even with numerous petitions filed by you, what good would that do? At worst, they would be dismissed or fined, but they could simply move to another place and continue their former deeds without any repercussions."


    "All those victimized civilians, could they think that it was General Deng''s defense that caused their suffering?


    Hence, aren''t serving the Qing Country court and striving for a world of peace in contradiction?


    As long as General Deng continues to serve as a general for Qing Country, even a thousand years would not be enough to realize your wish, right?"


    "Ridiculous, ridiculous!"


    Deng Feng found a loophole and began to fiercely counterattack: "All this meaningless drivel, isn''t it just to make me surrender? Corruption may be endless in Qing Country and the people may suffer terribly, but what about Sheng Country? In Yunzhou alone, in just ten days, even I can see that something''s amiss! That''s nearly a million civilians! If you want to talk about being rotten, Sheng Country is far worse!"


    "General Deng!"


    Chen Sansi enunciated each word: "Have I ever said that I am loyal to Great Sheng, or boasted about being a loyal martyr for Great Sheng?"


    "Boom!"


    Those words.


    They exploded in Deng Feng''s mind like a thunderbolt from a clear sky.


    "You, what do you mean by that?"


    ```

 Chapter 161 The Battle of Hu Lao

    "General Deng, why are you so surprised?"


    Chen Sansi joked, "Did you truly think I was fiercely loyal to Dasheng?"


    "Is it not so?"


    Deng Feng said seriously, "Everything you have was given to you by the Emperor of Sheng Country,"


    "Given to me? Indeed, he gave me a goblet of poison."


    Chen Sansi found it amusing, "I, Chen, initially had only one dream¡ªto hunt to earn silvers, learn some martial arts, and honestly be a wealthy man. What happened, though? They step by step forced me to today''s position, where bullies harm people unchecked, Martial Arts Hall murders uninvestigated, and even after joining the army, there were those who hindered my advancement."


    "The ensuing ten days in Yunzhou, as General Deng said, indeed had significant issues."


    "Such a big issue had to be created by someone of high position, no need for me to spell it out, right?"


    "From traveling on foot from Yunzhou to You State, how many of my brothers died along the way, I remember each of their names, ferrying civilians across the river, do you think I wanted this? I was forced."


    "Such a court."


    "You want me to be their loyal subject, do they deserve it?!"


    Deng Feng was somewhat stunned.


    He couldn''t believe it.


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    This young general from Dasheng, renowned worldwide after only two years in the army, actually didn''t regard the court highly at all.


    "General Deng!"


    "The things I''m about to say, if overheard, are crimes punishable by the execution of my entire clan, but I still need to discuss them with you."


    Chen Sansi moved closer, his voice not loud, yet deafening, "Whether it''s Qing Country, Dasheng, Nan Xu, or even the barbarian tribes, in fact... they are all utterly rotten! Although I serve as a general for Sheng, everything I do is never for the so-called court."


    "Firstly, it''s for myself, secondly, within my capabilities, to handle some matters I find intolerable, such as Sect disciples, corrupt officials... but this is still not enough, there are still many things I can''t handle."


    "Just like the ten days in Yunzhou you mentioned!"


    "Even if I know there''s deception, what could I do? I could only pretend to be ignorant."


    "What I can do is continually enhance my power, until no one dares to bully me, no one obstructs me, only then can I truly call it ''wielding a three-foot Green Blade Sword, slashing all the vile creatures of this world''!" S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I tell you so much, General, merely because I feel you are blinded by the so-called ''loyalty,'' unable to see the real maladies of this world, precisely in the court you are loyal to!"


    At this moment.


    Deng Feng, a warrior who had read saintly books since childhood and was taught to be loyal to his country, found his worldview being utterly upended upon hearing these words.


    Putting all emotions aside temporarily.


    He couldn''t help blurting out, "Are you planning a rebellion? When?"


    "..."


    This time, it was Chen Sansi who was at a loss for words.


    He hadn''t thought about this problem until now.


    But...


    The words he just said indeed seemed to imply that.


    The old Emperor''s poison wine vendetta was definitely something he intended to avenge.


    But for now, that goal was still far off, to speak more practically, his next target was still the Main General.


    After all.


    He wasn''t even in the Profound Image Realm, let alone a Martial Saint.


    Yet the Emperor was an Immortal.


    The gap between them was simply too vast.


    "General Deng."


    Chen Sansi changed the topic, "Do you understand what I''m saying?"


    "I..."


    Deng Feng''s expression was extremely grave, clearly struggling to accept it for the time being, "Chen, according to you, the world is suffering because the court is rotten? Not because of corrupt officials?"


    "So."


    Chen Sansi said, "General Deng''s ''loyalty and righteousness,'' is it truly to the common people, or just to a particular family or personal loyalties?"


    "No, you are wrong!"


    Deng Feng said in agony, "The saintly books do not describe it as so, receiving the ruler''s favor and serving him loyally is the true truth!"


    "Receiving the ruler''s favor?!"


    Chen Sansi asked yet again, "Where does the stipend the Emperor gives you come from?"


    "Boom!"


    Deng was struck as if by lightning yet again.


    "Saintly books are written by people, just as the Martial Saint is also a saint, but does that make their words the truth?"


    At this point, Chen Sansi abruptly stopped, "Think it over, General. If you continue to be loyal to Qing Country, aside from a hollow reputation of being loyal through six generations, what else can you gain?"


    "That said,"


    "I will not try to persuade you any further."


    "If after seven days, you still proclaim yourself a loyal servant of the Qing Country Shen Family and the Imperial Family, then it means I have misjudged you, and you''re nothing more than someone who fishes for fame. I will have them behead you and your family and hang your heads on the city walls for public display."


    "Or..."


    "You could realize the truth, choose to stay alive to act, and wait for the day you can ''cleanse the world''s filth.''


    "The decision is entirely up to you, General."


    "Farewell!"


    With those words,


    he left the tent.


    Leaving a bloodstained Deng Feng hanging on the wooden stakes, plunged into boundless shock and confusion.


    ''A person like this, expecting him to betray one court and be loyal to another, is absolutely impossible.''


    Chen Sansi knew this well, so he straightforwardly declared his stance.


    Practice!


    He returned to the city, relentlessly practicing his spear technique day and night.


    During this period, he sent out people like Xia Cong to persuade the other Eight Prefectures to surrender.


    Once the Eight Prefectures learned that Zhao Tong Prefecture had surrendered, naturally, there wouldn''t be a speck of resistance, all of them willingly opened their city gates to welcome the army of Sheng Country, thereby, only Yong Yue Prefecture was still holding out.


    The fifty thousand elite troops in Yong Yue Prefecture, cultivated over many years by the Aliased King Li Gong, along with ample food and military supplies, meant that the morale of the troops was unlikely to waver significantly any time soon, making surrender impossible.

 Chapter 161 The Battle at Hu Lao_2

    The situation now.


    "Sir, would you like the map?"


    Xia Cong had already prepared it.


    "Hmm."


    Chen Sansi nodded.


    Xia Cong immediately spread out the map.


    "Green Ridge Mountain. Except for the Emperor of Qing, I''m not sure if there are any other Martial Saints. Therefore, a tremendous military force needs to be deployed for defense, to block them outside Lai State."


    "Additionally, we need to be ready to face the large army from Nanxu Country that might appear at any time."


    "Either rule independently or..."


    "Hold Hu Lao Pass for three to five months, waiting to consume Yong Yue Prefecture and make the enemy withdraw."


    "This is also the best method..."


    "However, looking at the current situation within Lai State, we can barely mobilize a few thousand troops in the short term, and those are still¡ª"


    "I!" S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Sansi silently analyzed in his mind.


    He quickly reached a conclusion.


    If he were to defend Hu Lao, this task, likely costing him his life, would probably fall upon him.


    Whether to rule independently or to defend Hu Lao.


    It would depend on how much the Emperor desires Ziwei Mountain.


    [Cultivation Technique: National Guardian Dragon Spear, Meridian Passage (Advanced)]


    [Progress: 496/1000]


    ...


    [Magic: Sword Qi Skill (Advanced)]


    [Progress: 955/1000]


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    In the blink of an eye.


    Two days had passed.


    The progress in Chen Sansi''s spear technique was about to exceed halfway, and his Sword Qi Skill was on the verge of breakthrough.


    On the morning of the third day.


    He had just stepped out of his residence when You Jike came to report.


    "Sir!"


    "Twenty thousand Hu Ben Army soldiers are rushing from Yong Yue Prefecture! General Fan Tianfa has brought you the Commander''s military order!"


    "Qian Xun!"


    Chen Sansi called out and mounted his horse, heading straight for the city gate.


    "Chen Sansi, listen to the order!"


    General Fan Tianfa, holding the commander''s token, said, "The large army from Nanxu Country is threatening Hu Lao Pass. The Commander orders you to lead your 3000 Black Armor soldiers to Hu Lao Pass within ten days, and at all costs, defend Hu Lao for a hundred days! If not, bring your head to meet me!"


    As expected...


    This burdensome task was his own again.


    Chen Sansi was mentally prepared, "I, Chen Sansi, acknowledge the command!"


    "Hmm."


    General Fan asked, "General Fang will soon arrive to help you strategize. Besides that, is there anything else you need... actually, it''s pointless to ask. Given the current situation, even grain dispatch takes a long time, I can''t really offer you much; I can just try my best."


    "We''re short of a General."


    Chen Sansi nodded, "General Fan, I''m only at the Meridian Passage Realm. Even if Hu Lao Pass is strategically critical, not having a General of the Xuanxiang Realm is somewhat indefensible. If it''s really impossible to reallocate someone else, please send Sha Wenlong to me."


    "Alright, I agree."


    General Fan did not refuse, "Sha Wenlong''s troops will immediately head with me to Green Ridge Mountain, and he will go with you to Hu Lao Pass."


    "General Fan!"


    At the side, Sha Wenlong almost blurted out.


    He had barely endured until Zhao Tong Prefecture fell; was he supposed to stay and continue under the orders of a Meridian Passage General?


    "Thank you, General Fan!"


    Chen Sansi disliked the man as well.


    But there was no choice; he was short on people.


    Given the current situation, both the Crown Prince and the Emperor were keen on recapturing Ziwei Mountain. In the battlefield, Sha Wenlong would still obey, as it was for the benefit of his master.


    General Fan sincerely said, "I hope you two can complete this mission and establish one of the few major merits in this battle."


    "General Fan!"


    Following behind him, when no one else was around, Sha Wenlong spoke again, "Could we possibly exchange for someone else, even Cui Congyi would do, as long as I don''t have to go to Hu Lao Pass. I''d rather face death in battle!"


    "General Sha!"


    General Fan cautioned, "Now is not the time to act recklessly. Quickly recapturing three states not only concerns the future of the Dasheng, but also the major matters of the prince. If you follow Chen Sansi and really manage to hold it, you know what a great merit it would be. Obey the command."


    "I understand."


    Sha Wenlong couldn''t argue, "I''m just worried that he''ll use this opportunity for personal vendetta."


    "Personal vendetta?"


    General Fan countered, "Tell me, what personal grudge exists between you two?"


    "I..."


    Sha Wenlong was at a loss for words.


    "That''s enough."


    General Fan patted his shoulder, "If he really dares to seek personal vendetta, after the war ends, you just file a petition against him¡ªit''s a serious crime. Enough, hurry and prepare."


    "Go¡ª"


    After marshaling his troops, he led his forces and marched off.


    ...


    "Senior brother."


    Chen Sansi personally rode out for five miles to meet the mobility-impaired Fang Qingyun.


    Fang Qingyun, holding a flute, joked, "Junior brother, your grand presence is truly impressive; it is an eye-opener for me."


    "You flatter me, senior brother."


    Chen Sansi pushed him back to the tent, "There are two more days, please help me analyze the upcoming situation at Hu Lao Pass, you know the details better than I do."


    The map was spread out.


    The two sat opposite each other.


    "This time Nan Xu Country seized the opportunity to invade with a hundred thousand troops, swarming in."


    Fang Qingyun recounted, "Among these hundred thousand, fifty thousand are elite, with many at the Meridian Passage Realm. The remaining fifty thousand have not trained for long, but all are qualified Array Soldiers. Indeed, it is an overwhelming force and hard to stop."


    "The enemy''s only flaw is that they have no Martial Saint, but they indeed have four at the Xuanxiang Realm."


    "Among them, two are Princes, the main commanders Fan Shuzhen and Fan Jiuxiao, who are the eighth and fourteenth sons of the current fourteen Princes of Nanxu. Besides, there is a Marquis and two Generals."


    "Among the Generals, Ran Jingxuan merits a few words."


    "Junior brother, are you acquainted with him?"


    "Of course,"


    Chen Sansi expressed, "A top-ranked strategist in the world, following Wo Long and Phoenix, this man, nicknamed ''Lingsuan'', is the son of Nanxu''s top strategist, ''Zhong Hu''."

 Chapter 161 The Battle at Hu Lao_3

    In the fifty-seventh year of Longqing.


    The great chaos in the South.


    Originated from the scheming of Zhong Hu, severely damaging Dasheng''s vitality.


    However, Zhong Hu was aged and had retreated from the world many years ago, leaving his son, Ran Jingxuan, who was gradually becoming prominent.


    For over a decade,


    "Lingsuan" Ran Jingxuan had established countless major and minor accomplishments within Nanxu Country, even seizing two states from the enemy country at the southernmost border of Nanxu, gaining fame in one battle, and was considered one of the most famous martial figures in current Nanxu, even described as "the unrivaled cunning Lingsuan."


    "Zhong Hu was a lifelong adversary whom my master had battled against, the person he personally trained should not be underestimated, not to mention Ran Jingxuan is no longer young, well past his prime, free from the impetuosity of youth."


    Fang Qingyun continued, "Besides that, their commander, Fan Shuzhen, is also one of the four most competitive candidates among the many crown princes of Nanxu. He sends troops hastily here also aiming to establish an unparalleled achievement in this battle to gain more say in future competitions."


    "All in all, their four generals of the Profound Image Realm are all high-ranking nobles of Nanxu with numerous Meridian Passages."


    "And we only have Sha Wenlong, the difference on paper is quite substantial."


    "Brother, how is your Sword Qi Skill coming along?"


    "Not bad."


    Chen Sansi candidly said, "Profound Image Realm, I should attempt it. though Great Success is rather difficult."


    Sword Qi Skill was taught to him by his master and senior brother, even the Seeking Immortal Tower''s spirit sand, they also knew about it since it was originally given to him as a lifesaving trump card, making it unnecessary to hide.


    Fang Qingyun nodded, "Alright, but it might still increase our odds somewhat."


    "Brother, even if we can kill Xuanxiang, can the Sword Qi Skill really be used?"


    Chen Sansi wondered aloud, "Immortal Law on the battlefield, even if not seen, the death of the enemy general needs some explanation. Surely we can''t claim I enhanced my realm to kill Xuanxiang."


    Fang Qingyun holding a flute, pointed to himself, "Isn''t this where I come in?"


    "You mean?"


    Chen Sansi understood, "Say it was you who used it?" S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Exactly."


    Fang Qingyun indifferently said, "You''re still young, but the master and I have long been unfearing of boiling water; the emperor has been watching us not just for a day or two. Instead of him noticing you, better to keep his focus on us."


    "I understand."


    Only then did Chen Sansi realize.


    The transfer order to send Fang Qingyun, a man with a disability, to Hu Lao Pass was exactly counting on him to pull off some tactics, creating a few surprises.


    The old emperor really lives by the principle of "using every talent to its full potential, employing every resource efficiently."


    But still...


    It''s very difficult!


    After all, Sword Qi Skill is a true Immortal technique, and it hasn''t been perfected to Perfection; its combat effectiveness is still inadequate, fortunately, there are also Xuanzhu beads to use, another card up the sleeve.


    "General Deng!"


    Chen Sansi arrived at the military tent, "What''s your decision?"


    The disheveled Deng Feng, head drooping and eyes bloodshot, did not respond.


    Outside the tent, in the sky above, an eagle''s cry echoed now and then.


    It was Li Gong reminding him to find a way to commit suicide and not disgrace Daqing''s honor, preserving the integrity of loyalty and valor.


    "I said I wouldn''t persuade you again, just came to tell you I''m leaving."


    Chen Sansi said, "Tomorrow morning, I will be setting off for another place, you don''t have as long as seven days to decide."


    Deng Feng: "..."


    Without another word, Chen Sansi left, promptly starting a drill exercise with the Xuanjia Army outside the city.


    For these individuals raised from childhood on saintly books with deeply ingrained teachings, if they changed their minds too quickly, that wouldn''t be normal. After all, they were grappling with the doctrines of "utter defiance," which naturally took some time to accept and digest.


    Three thousand Xuanjia Army.


    Forming the "Jiuxiao Heavenly Soldiers Formation," they galloped and roared through the barren plains with an unstoppable momentum.


    Moreover.


    The white qi from Chen Sansi''s Xuanzhu became even denser!


    It seemed, with an eighty percent probability, this was manifested by a victorious momentum, after a tough battle that followed, it would confirm if it really matched the guesses.


    Such abundant white Mystical Energy, if used all in one go, will assuredly create an unexpected advantage.


    However...


    Nanxu after all has an army of one hundred thousand.


    Three thousand special troops, no matter how formidable, can''t possibly win head-on.


    But this, would take one step at a time.


    Another night''s rest.


    At 5 a.m., as the dawn broke, Tingtong emerged.


    Chen Sansi, leading the three thousand Xuanjia Army, marched out of Hu Lao Pass!


    ...


    Within the detention tent.


    Sha Wenlong walked in, dragging a broadsword.


    The army was about to set off, unable to spare two men with Meridian Passage to guard a general, according to the rules, they could only execute him.


    Chen, however, couldn''t do whatever he wanted!


    A few days earlier, alone in the tent, he''d talked on and on for half a day, but in the end, it was totally useless.


    "Deng Feng!"


    "Your time is up!"


    Sha Wenlong gripped his sword handle, slowly raising his broadsword, "This is your last chance, surrender or not?"


    Deng Feng: "..."


    "Then face your death!"


    "Hum!"


    Around Sha Wenlong''s broadsword swirled Gang Qi, poised to behead with one strike.


    At that moment, Deng Feng, who looked like a walking corpse, finally let out a hoarse voice, Enjoy new chapters from My Virtual Library Empire


    "Call Chen Sansi!"


    "Hmm?"


    Sha Wenlong paused, reluctantly stopping his sword, "If you want to surrender, just nod at me, why bother asking for him? If you won''t surrender, he can''t save your life either!"


    "I told you to call Chen Sansi."


    Deng Feng slowly raised his head, looking at him with disdain, "Sha, not only are you blind, but are your ears deaf too?"


    "You!"


    Sha Wenlong sneered, "Fine, let Chen kill you then."

 Chapter 161 The Battle of Hu Lao_4

    ...


    Chen Sansi rushed over upon hearing the news.


    "General Deng should have done this earlier, why endure such torments for so many days?"


    He stepped forward and personally pulled out iron nails thick as baby''s fists from the other''s body, unlocked the python-like Mystic Iron Chains, leaving behind one bloody hole after another.


    "You?"


    Deng Feng''s forehead veins throbbed, but he did not wail in the extreme pain; he weakly fell from the crucifixion stakes, almost stumbled and fell down, and after struggling to steady himself, he said, "I''ve said nothing, yet you release me; are you not afraid I will rise against you and kill you?"


    "If you hadn''t changed your mind, why bother calling me over to no avail?"


    Chen Sansi said, "The battle is not yet over; with General Deng''s assistance, how can our chances of victory not increase by more than just a little?" Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "First things first!"


    Deng Feng did not deny it: "I do not surrender to Sheng."


    "Speak."


    Chen Sansi asked, "What are your conditions?"


    "I will help you,"


    Deng Feng slowly said, "Just as you said, advance, and then I will wait and see how you sweep the scum of the world away. If one day, you achieve great success and forget today''s words, I shall surely take your head!"


    "Fine!"


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    Chen Sansi agreed without hesitation.


    "Thump!"


    Unexpectedly, Deng Feng kneeled down on one knee: "Deng Feng, at your service, Commander!"


    "General Deng."


    Chen Sansi helped him up: "There''s no need for such grand gestures; you are my senior and also a Martial Artist who has achieved Great Success in the Xuanxiang Realm, I cannot accept such honor."


    "Times change!"


    Deng Feng''s voice was even regaining its strength: "Before I agreed, I could call you by your name no matter what, but after nodding in agreement, I must recognize my position, it''s the rule, nothing else."


    "Very well."


    Chen Sansi did not refuse further.


    "May I, Deng Feng, be informed of the current situation?"


    Deng Feng paused, "If not, then forget it."


    He knew very well that being a newly surrendered enemy General, if he wanted to continue mixing in the military, he would need to work hard to redeem himself and prove his loyalty.


    "What could be the problem."


    Chen Sansi shared the details of the current situation as if on a platter.


    Trust those you use, and use those you trust.


    "Hulaoguan."


    Deng Feng mused, "Three thousand men to defend against one hundred thousand, and to hold out for three months, does the Emperor of the Sheng Dynasty yearn for Ziwei Mountain so badly? Well, if you think it can be held, then hold. Please, have someone fetch the other set of Armour from my residence, as well as the Weapons that were previously confiscated."


    "Shouldn''t General Deng rest and recover for a few days?"


    Chen Sansi eyed his bloodied body: "Your injuries are not minor."


    "It''s fine."


    Deng Feng replied, "Deng is of the Body of Undying Primordium, and without vital injury, I will recover my combat strength before long!"


    Body of Undying Primordium.


    One of the Bodies of Innate Martial Saint.


    Its special feature is resilience; under normal circumstances, as long as one doesn''t die, the recovery speed is much faster than that of other people.


    "Good!"


    Chen Sansi took out several healing treasure medicines that the court had given him.


    Deng Feng was not polite and swallowed them all at once: "This medicine is indeed valuable. Once we reach Hulao Pass, I should recover quite a bit!"


    Very soon.


    Zhao Kang and the others brought armor, weapons, and clean clothes.


    After getting dressed, Deng Feng once again looked imposing, and followed Chen Sansi out of the tent.


    Sha Wenlong almost doubted what he was seeing.


    "This..."


    Fang Qingyun watched the scene before him, equally surprised.


    He had memorized the dossiers of well-known generals from Lai State before the war had even started, which naturally included Deng Feng. According to reason, someone like him, even if he had faced the disaster of having his entire clan executed, would not have surrendered.


    It was truly unbelievable what kind of rhetoric or methods his junior brother had used to even bring such a person over to their side.


    "General Deng, I''ve been looking forward to meeting you."


    Fang Qingyun greeted with a fist and palm salute: "Having General Deng''s assistance in the battle of Hulao is indeed a stroke of great fortune!"


    "You must be General Fang."


    Deng Feng returned the greeting: "I''ve long admired your name!"


    "In that case, let us not waste more time here."


    "Pass on the order!"


    "Move out!"


    "To Hulao Pass!"


    ...


    Tongnan Prefecture.


    It was March, the time for spring plowing in the eastern regions.


    Farmers with their families started to get busy in the fields.


    "How was last year''s harvest, did you have any money left over?"


    The Crown Prince, dressed in rough hemp clothes and leaning on a cane, stood on the ridge of the field and asked an old farmer.


    "Last year our Tongnan Prefecture had a good harvest, but what''s the use?"


    The old farmer stood in the mud: "First there was the spring tax, then the autumn tax, and there were two additional rounds of tax collected in between. Come winter, with the war going on, more grain was conscripted. These were at least explicitly stated taxes. Then there were the inexplicable ones: bridge-crossing tax, hunting tax, firewood tax, straw sandal tax, even for raising chickens, ducks, and geese, one had to pay tax, on top of various compulsory labor tasks...


    "Even in a bumper year, we barely managed to survive, let alone save a single copper coin.


    "If there''s a drought like in the northern part of Lai State, in Qing Country, we might starve to death!"


    In many places, water conservation was not developed.


    Therefore, it was possible for one state to suffer drought or flooding while the adjacent one remained unaffected.


    "Wait a minute."


    The Crown Prince grew serious: "Fellow villager, what did you just say about tax? There''s a tax for raising chickens, ducks, and geese? I don''t recall such a tax in the Great Sheng Dynasty?"


    "How can there not be!"


    The old farmer said angrily: "For every chicken raised, we have to pay! They even begrudge us the eggs a hen lays!"


    "Absurd, utterly absurd!"


    Rage appeared on the Crown Prince''s face.


    He leaned on his cane and shakily moved to the side, addressing his attendant guards: "The firewood tax and hunting tax in the southeastern region, I remember they were abolished four years ago, right? And what''s this tax for chickens, ducks, and geese; where did it come from! Not a single copper coin has entered the state treasury! Which local official has the audacity to do this! Go check for me, check... cough cough cough..."

 Chapter 161 The Battle at Hu Lao_5

    As he spoke the latter part, his breath was clearly insufficient.


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    "Your Highness..."


    The trusted guard Han Yan said with a troubled face, "Do we still need to investigate this? Even if the local officials were audacious, they wouldn''t dare to blatantly pocket all the tax silver. This must be the doing of the Yan Party, and above the Yan Party... Anyway, Your Highness knows how much the Emperor spends each year; just the pursuits of seeking immortals and alchemy alone... they account for over a third of the annual tax revenue..."


    "We must still investigate!"


    The Crown Prince''s voice trembled as he said, "Investigate!!"


    "Yes, I will investigate immediately!"


    Han Yan hastily replied, "We''ll execute everyone we find, execute them in pairs if we find pairs. Your Highness, please calm your anger and take care of your health." S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Go now!"


    "Yes, yes!"


    Han Yan hurriedly left.


    "Your Highness, why are you so enraged?"


    The black-robed monk quickened his pace to catch up.


    "It''s nothing, it''s nothing..."


    The Crown Prince gasped for air, "Speak."


    "There''s been a problem with the incense offerings."


    The black-robed monk spoke softly, "The folks below say that a vigilante named Zhang Lai Zi has emerged in Jianghu, continuously sabotaging our incense offerings. Moreover, it seems his craft in incense is quite exaggerated, capable of grasping any amount of incense and refining it instantly!


    "The most crucial point is, this Zhang Lai Zi seems to know about our affairs."


    "Who leaked it?"


    The Crown Prince did not panic; he quickly deduced, "Since this Hero Zhang has not disclosed it up till now, it means he is not interested in this matter. He must be a noble person. As long as we do not offend him, it should be fine. Furthermore, we could try to win him over; he would be a great asset to us."


    "Very well."


    The black-robed monk nodded slightly, "This monk understands."


    "Old Yao, wait a moment."


    The Crown Prince raised his hand, signaling him to stop.


    "Your Highness, do you have any further orders?"


    The black-robed monk inquired.


    "Old Yao."


    The Crown Prince, leaning on his cane, finally caught his breath and spoke solemnly, "What exactly is the cost of following the Evil God Path?"


    "The cost?"


    The black-robed monk''s eyes harbored a strange look, "It''s just that it consumes more incense than usual; haven''t you known this all along, Your Highness?"


    "Tell the truth."


    The Crown Prince looked towards the horizon, "I am not blind. Along the way, the Tongtian Dragon King sacrifice, the South Mountain God sacrifice, and various river god sacrifices... it was all your doing, correct? The so-called cost of the Evil God Path is to use lives of living people, right?"


    "To deceive Your Highness is a death sin for this monk."


    The black-robed monk reluctantly admitted, "But Your Highness, you might not be aware, this is the necessary path of the Evil God Path. If we do not periodically sacrifice living people, the Evil God will rage and we will suffer backlash!"


    "Heh, I knew it; there''s no such thing as a free lunch in this world."


    The Crown Prince first scoffed at himself, then stared at the farmers bustling in the fields, falling into a long silence.


    "Amitabha, Your Highness need not blame yourself."


    The black-robed monk tried to console, "All of this was arranged by this monk, and the sin also lies with this monk alone, as the saying goes ''If I don''t enter hell, who will?'' The people sacrificed compared to the ten days in Yunzhou are but a drop in the bucket.


    "After the accomplishment, Your Highness ascends to the throne, sweeps away the decadence across the realm, and restores Dasheng with a clear administration; these commoners also will have entered the path of great mercy, and in the next life, they shall surely receive a good fate..."


    The Crown Prince did not hastily respond but supported himself on his cane and lent a hand to an old woodcutter passing by who nearly fell.


    Once there was no one around, he sighed, "Go do it."


    "Amitabha."


    The black-robed monk said again, "Your Highness, it might not seem like it, but with Lai State stabilized and many states under it, if you could increase the number, you might extend your life, considering your health..."


    "Enough!"


    In the breeze, the Crown Prince turned his head and forcefully pounded his cane twice on the ground, "How many times do you want me to say it, I do not want any eternal reign! All I want is to use the rest of my life to reestablish the Cao Family''s realm!"


    "This monk will never bring this matter up again," the black-robed monk quickly assured.


    "Thump..."


    The cane fell from the Crown Prince''s hand, and he knelt slowly on the ground, his head heavily touching the mud, leaving a deep indentation. He restrained his voice, his eyes reddening, "My Cao Family owes the people a lot!"


    "Starting next year, in the Eastern region, all places involved in sacrifices will be tax-exempt for five years, to recuperate and recover!"


    "Amitabha, truly a reincarnation of Bodhisattva," the black-robed monk clasped his hands and bowed, then turned and left.


    ...


    Yong Yue Prefecture.


    The vicious siege had already begun


    "Bang¡ª"


    Martial Saint Meng Quji, carrying his spear, first ascended the city wall. With one thrust of his spear, the horrific power directly shattered five or six soldiers from Qing Country into pieces, their body fragments raining down like hailstones in all directions.


    "Meng Quji! Meet your death¡ª"


    King Tang Li Gong suddenly appeared from the flank, his dark metal dragon mace whistling through the air.


    "Bang¡ª"


    Two overwhelming forces collided, producing a sound like the sky tearing and the earth cracking; the bricks under their feet shattered inch by inch, leaving a huge gap in the city wall.


    Shortly afterwards.


    Meng Quji was forced to retreat, and Dasheng''s troops also sounded the retreat, signaling a temporary cessation on both sides.


    "That Meng really deserves to die!"


    Li Gong cursed as he walked towards the Central Army Tent, "Fighting and fighting, even spreading lime; despite being a Martial Saint, he''s using such childish tricks, truly shameless!"


    "Yes."


    Deputy General Liu Huanrong followed and cursed, "The stuff he spread contains a strange poison. The Prince is fine, but the brothers beside him suffered..."

 Chapter 161 The Battle of Hu Lao_6

    "This person originated from the lowliest of street scoundrels!"


    Li Gong disdainfully said, "Now, despite holding a high position, he still has no shame!"


    "However, after today''s probing, he must understand that a forceful attack won''t succeed."


    Grasping his iron helmet under his right arm, Liu Huanrong said, "Prince, we should still..."


    "Report¡ª" S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    An underling interrupted the conversation, "A letter from Nan Xu Country! They have already reached Ziwei Mountain in Lingzhou, and in about three to five days, the vanguard troops will be able to move out to the outside of Hulaoguan."


    "Hmm."


    Without stopping his stride, Li Gong asked as he walked, "What about the Sheng people? How have they deployed? Are they drawing the line at Zhaotong Prefecture, expecting to fight a prolonged war of attrition with us?"


    "No."


    The underling reported, "They have dispatched three thousand troops to guard Hulaoguan."


    "Three thousand troops to guard Hulaoguan?"


    Hearing this, Li Gong abruptly stopped walking, "Are you sure there''s no mistake? Or is it that Fan Tianfa did not go to Green Ridge Mountain but went to Hulaoguan instead?"


    "Absolutely sure!"


    The underling confidently said, "Moreover, they are temporarily short of high-realm generals, currently led by Chen Sansi, followed by Fang Qingyun and Sha Wenlong. Calculating from the dates, they should also be arriving at Hulaoguan soon."


    "Who? That Chen Sansi again?"


    Li Gong dared not underestimate his opponents.


    Yet, no matter how he thought about it, he could not understand how someone from the Meridian Passage Realm, leading three thousand men, could hold against an army of a hundred thousand, plus four generals from the Profound Image Realm?


    Thinking it over and over.


    The Sheng people''s deployment could only mean they were desperate, with no one else to rely on!


    They were set on capturing Ziwei Mountain at any cost.


    An all-out effort meant they were taking risks, and taking risks could lead to a major collapse!


    "The Sheng people have really lost their minds! They are too arrogant!"


    Li Gong coldly snorted, "Chen Sansi, a merely entry-level of Meridian Passage, Sha Wenlong only in the Profound Image Realm, and an already crippled Fang Qingyun, who might still pose some threat, are these three supposed to hold Hulaoguan? That''s a big joke!"


    "Pass the intelligence to Shuzhen in Lingzhou, tell him Hulaoguan is guarded by only three thousand men, and order him to strike swiftly and fiercely at Hulaoguan!"


    "The faster Hulaoguan falls, the more we gain."


    "Retaking the lands of three states alone isn''t the end, as long as Meng Quji dies, we have a ninety-percent chance of capturing the five eastern states of Shengren. These five states, relying on Tongtian River, are lands of plenty!"


    ...


    Lingzhou.


    A hundred thousand troops passed through Ziwei Mountain and entered the vast flat wasteland, their numbers so vast, they appeared like a gigantic dragon emerging from the earth, endless and without a beginning or an end.


    In this northern expedition, there were five high-ranking commanders leading the army.


    These five were:


    Commander, Eighth Prince Shuzhen.


    Vice Commander, Marquis You Jingzhi.


    General and chief military strategist, "Lingsuan" Ran Jingxuan.


    General, Peng Yunheng.


    And the Fourteenth Prince, Fan Jiuxiao.


    Central Army.


    Among the five high-level officials, three were now gathered here, discussing the upcoming military actions.


    "This northern expedition, our goal is to capture the fertile lands of Lingzhou!",


    "Of course, if we could take all five eastern states of Shengren, nothing could be better! The Sheng people have hoarded the most fertile thirty-six states for over three hundred years, it is time they spit some out!",


    "..."


    "Whether Sheng people or Qing Country!"


    Fan Shuzhen, clad in golden armor, spoke,"Whoever offers us more benefits, we will aid them. Don''t truly think about sacrificing our lives for Qing Country; of course, for now, supporting Qing Country seems to be our most beneficial choice, and moreover, Sun Xiangzong has disappeared. This is a great opportunity for us!"


    "Indeed, Lord Eight."


    Vice Commander You Jingzhi looked at the map before him,"It''s just, we don''t know whether the Sheng people have already withdrawn their troops, as continuing the fight brings them no benefits."


    "Even if they withdraw, Qing Country must concede Lingzhou to us. Could our army of a hundred thousand have marched for nothing?"


    As the strategist of this hundred thousand-strong army, Ran Jingxuan elaborated on his plan,"Lord Eight, Lord You, I have already made arrangements. No matter what happens next, we can take Lingzhou quietly. Here are the two scenarios I have analyzed. Look..."


    "Whistle¡ª"


    While they were discussing, a falcon descended, bringing the latest intelligence.


    "What?"


    "The Sheng people are crazy?!"


    "Defend Hu Lao with just three thousand men? How little do they regard us?"


    "..." Enjoy exclusive chapters from My Virtual Library Empire


    "Chen Sansi is in command, with Fang Qingyun as his deputy? Interesting!"


    Fan Shuzhen put down the letter,"How do you two see this?"


    Ran Jingxuan coolly remarked,"There''s no need to say much about Fang Qingyun; he is an old acquaintance of ours. This Chen Sansi, in just two or three years, has fought one astonishing battle after another, his previous crossing at Du He needless to mention.


    "His sudden, remarkable action at Four Crossings of Hongze, and now he has quickly moved to the East, pulling off a ''thousands flee at the sight of the White Robe,'' causing more stir in one year than many see in a century!


    "Only..."


    "What were the Sheng people thinking? Even if Chen Sansi''s strategies are unmatched, he is just at the Meridian Passage, commanding merely three thousand men.


    "Leaving him here to defend Hu Lao? Isn''t this aiming to get him killed?"


    "Hmm, I also find it strange."


    Fan Shuzhen rhythmically tapped on the map,"Does the Emperor of the Sheng people absolutely need Ziwei Mountain?"


    "It''s understandable."


    You Jingzhi reminisced,"Ziwei Mountain is where the Great Ancestor Sheng was enthroned; the humiliation by Ming Xuan has not been forgotten. Successive emperors have sought to recover Ziwei Mountain to prove their accomplishments."


    "That''s not quite it."


    Ran Jingxuan narrowed his eyes,"Have you forgotten something? Emperor Longqing is in pursuit of Immortal Path, and there are numerous legends about Grand Ancestor Cao Xie. Could it be possible that some treasure of the Cao Family remains on Ziwei Mountain?"


    "Now that you mention it, it does seem possible, only..."


    You Jingzhi said,"Ziwei Mountain has been in Qing Country''s hands for over a hundred years. Even if there was a treasure, it would have been taken long ago."


    "That''s where you''re wrong."


    Ran Jingxuan declared,"The Emperor of Sheng people''s eagerness to recover Ziwei Mountain suggests that the object might still be there. Of course, it could also be that I''m overthinking, and he simply wants the good reputation of a great reviving leader."


    "Easy to manage."


    Fan Shuzhen issued an order,"Send a message to Peng Yunheng at the rear, let him search Ziwei Mountain. It would be best if we find something, but it''s fine if we don''t."


    "The situation is clear, Ran strategist, begin your deployment."


    "Alright."


    Ran Jingxuan, known as ''Lingsuan,'' waved his hand grandly:


    "General Peng at the rear in Ziwei Mountain, while searching for the treasure, will also stabilize the rear.


    "Lord You, take a troop to control several important towns in the heartland of Lingzhou. Regardless of the outcome, we must take Lingzhou and absolutely not return it to the people of Qing Country.


    "As for Lord Eight, stay in command of the Central Army for now.


    "Also, send orders to Mr. Si in the vanguard to set up camp fifty miles outside Hu Lao.


    "Once everything is ready.


    "Our grand army of Da Xu, a hundred thousand strong, will march directly to Hu Lao!"

 Chapter 162 The Daqing Empress, A Defeat Is Settled

    Hu Lao Pass, as one of the most precarious passes under heaven, sat between two mountain peaks from where one could overlook the Lingzhou Plain in front and lead an assault into the Lai State Basin in the rear. During times of peace, it served little purpose, but once a war erupted, it became a crucial battleground for military strategists.


    And not just because of its treacherous terrain.


    More importantly, Hu Lao Pass controlled the Zhanan River, which after traversing through half of Lai State, directly connected to the Tongtian River and served as a vital waterway for transport.


    Waging war.


    The most crucial aspect was the supply of food and forage.


    Transportation by land led to substantial losses, hardly one in ten would arrive, but with a waterway, the efficiency of transportation could suddenly increase many times over. That was why it was essential to hold Hu Lao Pass. Once lost, food and forage could continuously enter Lai State through Zhanan River, potentially leading to a prolonged war lasting two or even several years. On the contrary, if they could defend Hu Lao for one hundred days more, the provisions at Yong Yue Prefecture would be depleted, and the war could end within a few months.


    "Hu Lao Pass, we''ve arrived."


    Far in the distance, ten miles away, a towering city sprawled amidst the rugged terrain, with adjacent mountain peaks resembling Demon Suppression Pillars, and the pass in between appeared as if it was suppressing a demon tiger.


    "Report¡ª"


    "Assistant General Liang Pi, I am the defender of Hu Lao Pass."


    An assistant general had come to receive them.


    "Liang Pi."


    Chen Sansi asked, "Tell me about the current situation at Hu Lao Pass."


    "The troop strength is less than three hundred, and provisions are also insufficient."


    Liang Pi, looking at the Xuanjia Army''s robust and formidable horses, said worriedly, "Especially with so many warhorses, the daily consumption of forage is an alarming figure."


    Fang Qingyun asked, "How long does it take to allocate food?"


    "The nearby Eight Prefectures have run out of provisions long ago. It has to be transported from Tongtian River''s dock, and all calculations considered, it will take about one hundred days."


    Liang Pi, with his fists clasped, said, "Additionally, there is a traitor in Hu Lao Pass, a centurion who received benefits from Nan Xu Country often leaked information. The person has been killed, and the head is hanging on the city wall."


    "I understand."


    Chen Sansi ordered, "From now on, you and your men will leave Hu Lao Pass and handle the provisioning matters. I will take over all defensive duties inside the pass."


    "Understood!"


    Liang Pi took his leave. Explore more at My Virtual Library Empire


    After entering Hu Lao Pass, Chen Sansi instructed, "Zhao Kang, you lead a team of cavalry, scout outside the pass, find out the vanguard''s generals and troop strength, then return to report."


    "Yes!"


    ...


    Yong Yue Prefecture.


    "Report!"


    "Prince!"


    "Bad news!"


    "..."


    At Midnight.


    Resting in the Grandmaster Chair, Li Gong was awoken by his subordinate''s hurried voice, and he slowly opened his eyes, saying, "Speak."


    "Nan Xu!"


    The subordinate reported, "The scoundrels from Nan Xu, after entering Lingzhou, didn''t immediately attack Hu Lao Pass; some of them went to Ziwei Mountain while others controlled strategic locations in Lingzhou, killing any officials who thought to resist."


    "Shameless!"


    Deputy General Liu Huanrong cursed, "Are they here to be allies?!"


    "Keep your calm."


    Li Gong sneered, "From the moment we invited them in, Lingzhou was doomed never to be reclaimed. Draft a letter to Shuzhen, tell him Lingzhou can be his, but remember, quickly take down Hu Lao! We should not fixate our eyes solely on just one state!"


    "Prince."


    Liu Huanrong muttered, "There''s something else that''s a bit odd."


    Li Gong glanced at him, saying, "You''re talking about Ziwei Mountain, aren''t you?"


    "Yes."


    Liu Huanrong analyzed, "The Sheng people are taking substantial risks, it feels rather abnormal."


    "Ziwei Mountain."


    Li Gong pondered, "It''s been in our possession for a hundred years in Daqing; although previous emperors have searched, nothing unusual was ever found ¡ª either there is nothing there, or only the Cao Family can find it."


    "Related to the Immortal Path?"


    Liu Huanrong said, "Emperor Longqing, they say, is truly an Immortal."


    "He is, but isn''t our Emperor an Immortal too?"


    Li Gong said sarcastically, "What do you think? That woman in our Capital, a mere female, has in just a few years under the former emperor''s watch won over most officials, and after seizing power through a coup, quickly stabilized the situation. Do you really think she just relied on politics?"


    "This..."


    Liu Huanrong was shocked, "Prince, I had no idea about this." S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "The world has already changed!"


    Li Gong said with a deep gaze, "Grand Ancestor Cao Xie''s stories are all true! The reason he was able to defeat more than two thousand in armor is because he was not merely a Martial Artist. Centuries have passed, and it is likely that many similar occurrences will emerge. Immortals and Immortal Traces will continue to surface, and we, we are merely narrow-minded."


    "If that''s the case..."


    Liu Huanrong said, "Nan Xu must also have an Immortal Trace. Are we really just giving them Ziwei Mountain?"


    "That''s for the Emperor to consider, it does not concern us."


    Li Gong said solemnly, "Our only task is to fight this battle well, and also, have you checked again for information about Chen Sansi''s family?"


    "Using the Divine Eagle, it took a lot of effort to mobilize our spies within Sheng territory to finally obtain a detailed dossier. It''s just that with the battles raged during the day, I almost forgot about it."


    Liu Huanrong slapped his forehead and hastily said, "That Gu Xinlan, exiled from Sheng Country since Emperor Longqing''s fifty-fifth year, you surely know more about the events of that year, Prince. But she surnames Gu, a descendant of a Sheng Dynasty official, what relation could she have with our Empress?"


    "What if she doesn''t surname Gu?"


    Li Gong nodded, saying, "I think I know who she is. Let''s keep it a secret for now, until the war ends. Also, tell Shuzhen, I want Chen Sansi''s head!"

 Chapter 162 Daqing Empress, the Defeat is Evident_2

    ```


    "By the way, has Deng Feng died yet?"


    "We''ve already sent a Black Hawk to remind him to take his own life. Now that the Xuanjia Army is marching toward Hulao Pass, he must be dead by now. Moreover, someone later reported that General Deng had held out until the last moment in Zhaotong Prefecture City. He couldn''t bear to implicate his subordinates and the people, which is why he failed to commit suicide."


    "Hmm."


    Li Gong nodded in satisfaction, "He has done Daqing proud. Once the war is over, ask the Empress to posthumously confer upon him a title."


    ...


    Hulao Pass.


    "Report!"


    Zhao Kang came forward to report, "Fifty miles outside the city, Nan Xu''s vanguard has been spotted, led by the fourteenth prince, Fan Jiuxiao. A conservative estimate puts them at over twenty thousand men, camped around Silver Pine Cliff. Judging by their formation, the main force of a hundred thousand is probably close at hand."


    "The Fourteenth Prince, Fan Jiuxiao."


    Fang Qingyun recalled this person''s history, "At only twenty-five, he has already achieved Mastery of Meridian Passage, just one step away from being able to hold sway over a region. He is quite the standout among the younger generation of Nan Xu."


    "Judging from their march, they are planning to take their time."


    Deng Feng analyzed, "Once the hundred thousand troops are assembled and they press the attack day and night, it will be tough to hold them back."


    "This battle, we simply cannot fight."


    Sha Wenlong counted on his fingers, "A hundred thousand troops, four Mysterious Phenomena! Even with General Deng and me at the front, how long could we possibly hold out? At most a month, no, twenty days."


    "For the moment, there''s only one strategy."


    Fang Qingyun confidently stated, "That is to delay their assembly time. I suggest sending out five hundred cavalry, to leave Hulao Pass and take a detour, striking their camp at midnight and setting fire to their supplies before making a quick retreat. Then, before dawn, a second raid to throw their vanguard into complete disarray."


    "Of course."


    "At best, this will only buy us five to seven days."


    "And they are not fools; they will certainly be cautious. These five hundred men are very likely to suffer heavy losses."


    "Little brother, do you have a better idea?"


    Chen Sansi, after a moment of contemplative silence, slowly began, "Elder brother, we cannot hold."


    "Heh, is that something you need to tell me?"


    Sha Wenlong scoffed, "If we can''t hold, then what? These are the orders from above! Even if it means death, we must die on Hulao Pass and not retreat a single step! The Sha family has been under the imperial grace for generations. It''s time to serve the court. General Chen, I hope you don''t entertain the thought of retreating."


    "One-eyed Dragon, shut up."


    Deng Feng cursed him with a face full of disdain, "Let the General finish speaking."


    "Elder brother."


    Chen Sansi looked at the Green Robed Scholar, "What do you think is the best way to defend a city?"


    "Oh?"


    Fang Qingyun quickly responded, "The ancestor of the military family once said, the attacker owns the heavens. The best defense is an offense, and my earlier strategy also resonates with this adage."


    "It''s still not enough."


    Chen Sansi replied, "Elder brother''s strategy is indeed the best under normal circumstances, aligning with the ancestor''s words and fitting elder brother''s deceit. However, for the current situation, it is still not enough."


    "So, you are not planning to use a raid but a frontal assault?"


    Fang Qingyun guessed his younger brother''s intention, "You''re about to build momentum, you..."


    Want to win!


    At this point.


    Fang Qingyun, sitting in his wheelchair, felt a tremor in his heart.


    He raised his head to look at his younger brother.


    He suddenly understood Chen Sansi''s plan.


    This battle!


    ```


    Three thousand, defending against one hundred thousand.


    The junior brother of mine,


    not only does he not want to lose.


    He also wants to win!


    Three thousand men, wanting to win against an army of one hundred thousand.


    Whether they can succeed or not is one thing, but just this courage alone, how many in the world possess it?


    "My senior brother understands me."


    Chen Sansi said, "That''s why, I want to dispel their momentum of attack! A night raid is certainly useful, but its effect is far from as fierce as a bold assault under the light of day."


    "The problem is..."


    Fang Qingyun curiously asked, "Junior brother, we lack the numbers, a night raid is a move of desperation, if we face them head-on, how many men do you plan to use?"


    "Let me go!"


    Deng Feng couldn''t wait to say, "Give me three hundred cavalry, and I guarantee to take the heads of more than five hundred and capture five generals!"


    "General Deng is indeed suitable."


    Fang Qingyun nodded slightly, "What does junior brother think?"


    "It''s not appropriate."


    Chen Sansi denied, "The enemy''s vanguard currently lacks a main general, there''s no need for General Deng to take action."


    "Shall I go then?"


    Sha Wenlong, however, was not afraid, "No problem."


    "It''s not you either."


    Chen Sansi stood up, slowly putting on his iron helmet, "For this battle of Hu Lao, where the enemy knows that the main general is me, Chen Sansi, only if I go personally, can the effect be maximized."


    "Hm."


    Sha Wenlong asked, "How many men do you plan to use?"


    Chen Sansi picked up the long spear from the corner, and said indifferently, "I alone am enough."


    "You, alone?"


    Sha Wenlong was stunned, "Have you lost your mind, Chen, General Chen, don''t be reckless!"


    Hu Lao is vital, and as the main general, Chen Sansi cannot afford to put himself in danger.


    Of course, if this young man doesn''t listen to persuasion and dies, then so be it. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After all, with Fang Qingyun holding the fort, it''s merely one less person who has mastered Meridian Passage.


    "Chen Shuai."


    Deng Feng asked, "Why not let me accompany you?"


    "You should not show yourself just yet, you will be needed elsewhere."


    Chen Sansi took the Iron Core Bow passed to him by his subordinate and turned to leave the tent. Discover more content at My Virtual Library Empire


    Not long after.


    The gates of Hu Lao flung open wide.


    All the generals and soldiers on the city walls several zhang high watched the scene before them.


    A general in Black Armor, with a Big Bow on his back and a long spear in hand, strode boldly toward the wilderness. His pace quickened from a swift walk to a mad dash, like a tiger fleeing Hu Lao and regaining its freedom, his approach was formidable, carrying the wind and rolling clouds with him.


    "Hiss!"


    A horse''s neigh like a dragon''s roar sounded, merging gradually with the path of the general, then becoming one, disappearing in the blink of an eye onto the endless plains, leaving behind only the dust scattered in the air.

 Chapter 162 The Daqing Empress, Defeat is Inevitable_3

    Long spear, White Horse, Iron Core Bow, outside the Hu Lao Pass, charging towards the enemy camp!


    Though there are millions of men, I am going!


    ...


    Silver Pine Cliff.


    Nanxu vanguard.


    The great army''s camp was still being systematically constructed.


    Fourteenth Prince Fan Jiuxiao personally oversaw the soldiers'' actions, knowing that even setting up camp must not be taken lightly.


    With a Treasure Sword at his waist, he commanded, "The tents must be solidly built, and preparations for perimeter defense must also be thorough to leave no chance for the Enemy Army to attack the camp!


    "Especially Fang Qingyun. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Just now, Ran Junshi specifically sent someone to remind us that he is very likely to use a raid to slow down the speed of our army''s assembly and readiness. We must be prepared both day and night!"


    "Rest assured, Fourteenth Prince."


    Assistant General Lang Jiping, the son of a national uncle, was only twenty-two, yet he had already achieved Minor Meridian Passage.


    This expedition by Nanxu was regarded as filled with numerous nobles.


    He said, "Later, I will personally lead a patrol towards the possible directions from Hu Lao Pass to our large camp. It will be strictly guarded to prevent any mishaps! Once the army arrives, and we break through Hu Lao Pass, Fourteenth Prince will capture Chen Sansi and Fang Qingyun, and after this battle, you will be renowned throughout the land."


    Fan Jiuxiao said sentimentally, "We are all about the same age, yet this Chen Sansi has already been listed in the Military Books. Before coming here, the scions in the southern study of the Imperial Palace were already learning about the Four Crossings of Hongze. I am really eager to meet this White Robed General!"


    "Report¡ª"


    "One mile outside the army camp, there is someone coming to challenge us!"


    Fan Jiuxiao quickly asked, "How many people?"


    "One!"


    "What?" Fan Jiuxiao thought he had misheard, "One person? Who? Are you sure they''re not a messenger but coming to challenge us?"


    "Chen Sansi!"


    His subordinate replied, "He claims he is Chen Sansi, wishing to see you, Fourteenth Prince."


    "Good!"


    A murderous intent flashed in Fan Jiuxiao''s eyes.


    "Fourteenth Prince, you must not!"


    Lang Jiping hurriedly intervened, "This man is extremely cunning; how could he possibly come to the front alone to seek death? In my opinion, it is most likely a ploy to lure the tiger away from the mountain. I can lead five hundred light cavalry there, while you should stay and command the camp against their possible attack."


    "Hmm."


    Fan Jiuxiao quickly calmed down, "Then go, but remember to be careful."


    "Rest assured, Fourteenth Prince, it''s just him alone; could he possibly kill all five hundred cavalry? At most, he''s trying to lure me into a trap, and I simply won''t fall for it."


    As he spoke, Lang Jiping hurriedly left.


    Outside the Great Village of Nan Xu.


    Chen Sansi sat high on his horseback: "Hear me, Nan Xu bandits, I am General Huai Yuan Chen Sansi, leading thirty thousand soldiers, holding Hu Lao, waiting only for the fall of Yong Yue Prefecture before heading south to Lingzhou, to slaughter your assembled rabble of a hundred thousand! Today, I come here to give you a chance to surrender. If you fail to recognize what is good for you, there is only death!"


    "Do not listen to his nonsensical talk!"


    Lang Jiping rode his warhorse hastily to the entrance of the camp: "So you are Chen Sansi? I thought you were someone cunning, but it turns out you are just good at bluffing! Your Hu Lao Pass only holds three thousand men, yet in your mouth, it becomes thirty thousand!"


    "Ridiculous, does Chen need to lie to you?"


    Chen Sansi scoffed, "If I''m not mistaken, the number three thousand must have been informed to you by King Tang Li Gong, right?"


    Discover exclusive content at My Virtual Library Empire


    Lang Jiping was silent, which was as good as accepting it.


    "Think carefully, you people of Nan Xu!"


    Chen Sansi exclaimed, "If he had told you the truth, would you still have helped him attack Hu Lao? Of course, he had to downplay the number of my Dasheng troops, so you would be deceived into selling your lives for Qing Country, right? If I''m not mistaken, Li Gong would have also told you there''s no general inside Hu Lao Pass, right?"


    "Nonsense!"


    Lang Jiping narrowed his eyes, "If there were another general, would it be your turn to take command?!"


    "Whether there is one or not, you will find out soon enough!"


    Chen Sansi continued, "Once Qing Country faces difficulty in the battle, it might turn around and join us in attacking your Xu Country! I''m saying all this not to keep your country in the dark. Be wary!"


    "Utter nonsense!"


    Lang Jiping''s mouth curled up into a sinister smile, "Chen, do you think I''ve been wasting time talking to you here to do what? Dismount and surrender, and maybe you won''t be killed!"


    "Da da da¡ª"


    As his words fell,


    Thunderous hoofbeats sounded from the plains on both sides, as a hundred cavalry each from left and right closed in from the middle.


    "Chen Sansi!"


    Lang Jiping mocked, "What nonsense about Four Crossings of Hongze, a thousand troops avoiding the White Robe; today, let''s see how you leave my Da Xu army camp! Brothers, attack!"


    Front, left, right.


    Three directions.


    At least five hundred cavalry were there.


    These had been deployed just as Lang Jiping had arrived, the purpose of the conversation was to buy time, surrounding Chen Sansi.


    Even if he was a formidable fighter, just being delayed by the cavalry for a moment,


    The brothers from behind in the large camp would soon arrive endlessly, enough to drown him alive!


    And now, given the current distance, it was impossible for him to escape.


    "You people of Nan Xu truly are deceitful!"


    Chen Sansi, composed on his horseback, cursed, "Chen kindly came to persuade you, and yet you resort to such despicable methods. I bid you farewell!"


    "Farewell? I''m afraid you won''t be able to!"


    Lang Jiping whipped his horse, charging forward at full speed.


    It was at this moment,


    The White Horse in front neighed, and in an instant, it transformed into a white streak, its hooves seeming not to touch the ground as if flying through the void with unbelievable speed. It managed to escape before the encirclement was complete, leaving them far behind within a few breaths.

 Chapter 162 The Daqing Empress, Defeat is Inevitable_4

    "What a fast horse!"


    "This horse is an Exotic Beast!"


    Lang Jiping ground his teeth.


    He felt his face flush with embarrassment.


    All the grandiose boasts he had made earlier had become a joke.


    When Chen Sansi came alone to issue a challenge, he had backing to rely on, and had even anticipated that Lang would secretly arrange for an ambush.


    "Assistant General Lang, are we still pursuing?"


    Another Assistant General, Yue Chen, asked. Explore more at My Virtual Library Empire


    "Chase my ass!"


    Lang Jiping bit his teeth and said, "By doing this, he must have an ambush; if we pursue, wouldn''t we be falling right into his trap! Return to camp!"


    "Whiz¡ª¡ª"


    "Si¡ª¡ª"


    A sharp sound of cutting wind followed by the clashing of armor rang out.


    A fully armored soldier was shot directly through the heart by a sharp Triangular Armor-piercing Arrow, with his solid iron armor proving as ineffective as paper mache.


    "General!"


    "That Chen has come back!"


    A mere 300 steps away, the narrowly escaped Chen Sansi returned, holding his Iron Core bow. Without any discernible movement, a "whiz, whiz, whiz" sounded, and three more cavalrymen fell from their horses.


    "This is too much bullying!"


    Lang Jiping cursed: "I''ve long heard that this man was a hunter and excelled in archery. From 300 steps away, he still possesses such power, it seems it''s not just his accuracy that''s good; his arrows must also weigh over fifty ''li''!"


    "High Realm Generals, what use are arrows!"


    "I just don''t believe it!"


    Yue Chen said as he drew his long sword and charged forth, watching as the enemy once again drew his bow. With a light swing of his sword, he intended to deflect the incoming arrow.


    "Buzz!"


    The next moment.


    He felt the arrow flying towards him as though it were a martial move struck by the hand of a Martial Artist, carrying a tremendous and tyrannical force that sent his long sword flying. Then, a cold sensation at his throat followed by a suffocating feeling, his head spun, darkness flashed before his eyes, and he lost consciousness, falling stiffly onto the grass with his eyes wide open.


    One arrow killed the Assistant General!


    "Whoosh¡ª¡ª"


    The five hundred cavalrymen who witnessed this were horrified and shocked.


    "Your arrow, it can carry true power?!"


    Lang Jiping could hardly believe it.


    He had never heard that there was such a divine weapon in the world.


    "Whiz, whiz, whiz¡ª¡ª"


    More arrows followed swiftly.


    Chen Sansi sat leisurely on Qian Xun, with seven or eight Arrow Bags hanging on either side, the bowstring in his hands "humming" as if it were a musical instrument, except every note that sounded marked the end of a life.


    "What are you Horse Archers waiting for, counterattack, counterattack!"


    Hiding among the crowd, Lang Jiping shouted loudly, "The rest of you, charge for me, he''s just one man, he can''t possibly shoot all of you dead, go, whoever can capture him, no, kill him, will be rewarded a thousand gold and promoted three ranks!"


    With the promise of a rich reward.


    The cavalry mustered their courage and commanded their warhorses to charge towards the White Horse ahead.


    However...


    The speed at which this young General shot arrows was beyond everyone''s imagination; almost every time they blinked, at least two brothers fell from their horses.


    The dense crowd of cavalry, once they reached Chen Sansi, had already suffered heavy casualties, becoming sparse and struggling to maintain formation.


    And at that moment.


    Chen Sansi once again retreated, effortlessly increasing the distance between them.


    As for the Nanxu Horse Archers...


    Their effective range was only a little over a hundred steps.


    But the White Horse General''s range was 300 steps!


    Nearly a mile!


    At such a distance, they struggled even to see the White Horse General''s silhouette clearly.


    With such a great disparity, their bows and arrows were completely useless!


    After several rounds of charges.


    Five hundred cavalrymen!


    Only the last two hundred remained!


    "General! We can''t catch up!"


    The hundreds of cavalrymen, played with as if they were toys.


    "Retreat!"


    Lang Jiping was incredibly frustrated.


    He didn''t even care about any ambush anymore, he just wanted to catch up and kill Chen Sansi to relieve his anger, but the problem was...


    He just couldn''t catch up!


    If this continued, they would all end up dead under the enemy''s arrows one by one.


    At his command.


    The surviving cavalry turned around and fled towards the outskirts of the Great Village. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    However.


    Something even more terrifying happened.


    They...


    Couldn''t retreat!


    Just as effortlessly as Chen Sansi had escaped previously, the White Horse easily caught up, following closely behind at a consistent distance of just 300 steps, while he harvested lives from atop his horse.


    He seemed to be strolling leisurely.


    But for the Nanxu Cavalry, it was a terrifying nightmare.


    Unable to catch up, unable to escape!


    They felt less like humans and more like prey trapped in the hunter''s snare!


    "General! We, we are surrounded!"


    Under this dreadful pressure.


    The Nanxu Cavalry felt as if an army was on their trail, and they started to panic, shouting, devoid of any will to fight back, only hoping to get back to the safety of the Great Village to save their lives.


    "A bunch of garbage!"


    "You all go to hell first!"


    Lang Jiping, furious and ashamed, suddenly turned to face the White Swan Horse and charged at it, holding a Wolf-toothed Axe, choosing to cover the rear himself.


    In doing so...


    If the White Horse retreated, the rest of his men might live.


    If the White Horse didn''t back down, he could quickly close in and at least have a chance to fight, not dying cluelessly.


    "Whiz¡ª¡ª"


    The Triangular Armor-piercing Arrow carrying the True Dragon Strength roared in.


    Lang Jiping didn''t dare to underestimate his enemy and almost used all his strength to smash at the incoming arrow, blocking it, but under the intense impact, his warhorse seemed to struggle to cope, rearing up on its front legs.


    Then another arrow came, this one directly claiming the life of his warhorse.

 Chapter 162 The Daqing Empress, Defeat is Inevitable_5

    "Boom!"


    Lang Jiping landed steadily


    The speed of the White Swan Horse did not stop; at this moment, they were only a little more than a hundred steps apart.


    Lang Jiping''s Blood Explosion State was fully activated, and all his energy was added to his speed. A High Realm Martial Artist''s full effort in a short burst could indeed surpass most Exotic Beast Horses, although only for a brief duration.


    He no longer planned to resist the arrows directly as that would only exhaust him; instead, he planned to use his explosive speed to dodge the arrows while quickly closing the distance.


    Engage!


    These two words became Lang Jiping''s most prominent thought at this moment.


    Even if he was poor in combat, he shouldn''t die without witnessing the spear technique passed down from Sun Xiangzong; as long as he could engage, even if he died, he would die without regrets!


    "Bang¡ª"


    As his body operated beyond its limits, Lang Jiping turned into a shadow, approaching forward at an indescribable speed, his movement ghostly and erratic without any fixed pattern.


    Eighty steps!


    Fifty steps!


    Finally, thirty steps!


    Chen just pulled the bowstring taut, but did not release the arrow.


    Indeed.


    At this speed and with this movement, Chen simply couldn''t aim!


    Until the last twenty steps.


    "Buzz!"


    The sound of the bowstring only resumed then.


    Lang Jiping was already prepared; with a bizarre posture, he forcefully changed directions in an instant, moving away from his original position; however... he couldn''t dodge this arrow.


    He clearly saw that the arrow wasn''t shot in this direction just now.


    He should have dodged it!


    How could this be!


    He didn''t have time to ponder the reason and could only once again channel his strength into the Mithril Wolf-toothed Axe, smashing towards the arrow, hoping to block the arrow again using the same old trick.


    But this time...


    What he saw was not an arrow.


    It was a...


    Jiao Long!


    "Boom¡ª"


    This arrow contained a power vast like the sea, akin to a frenzied Jiao Long devouring everything in its path; when it collided with the Wolf-toothed Axe, it produced a sound like a bell being struck.


    Lang Jiping''s arms went numb, the base of his thumb splitting open. Even though he used all his strength to firmly grip his weapon, preventing it from being knocked out of his hand, his body still flew backward several steps under the brutal force and smashed into the hard clay earth. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Buzz¡ª"


    The third arrow did not come quickly.


    The time given allowed Lang Jiping to steady himself. He burst out with the power of a dying beast, dodging to the flank, clearly seeing that this time he could surely dodge it.


    But still...


    He couldn''t dodge it!


    The arrows shot by this person were really like a living Jiao Long, unavoidable and soul-stealing!


    "Sss¡ª"


    The Heart Protector shattered suddenly.


    A Triangular Arrow easily penetrated the armour, shattered the bones, and finally pierced through the heart, lodging deeply into the body. Although it did not pass through, the force within blasted his heart to pieces.


    "Heh..."


    Lang Jiping''s pupils protruded, blood gushing from his mouth like a fountain. Clutching the arrow shaft in his chest, his body rigidly fell backwards, unable to understand why until his death. And he had not even managed to engage, not even qualified!


    In the end, he lost his breath among a pool of blood, his eyes never closing. Enjoy exclusive adventures from My Virtual Library Empire


    "Puchi!"


    Chen Sansi, riding Qian Xun, passed by and casually retrieved the arrows embedded in the body. These Storage Arrows, crafted from Ghost Vein Wood, were only twelve in number and naturally could not be wasted.


    The reason he hadn''t hurried to shoot earlier was that he was storing power.


    This Assistant General, whose name he didn''t know, after all, was at the Minor Meridian Passage Realm. If he hadn''t stored power and solely used power at the Meridian Passage Mastery level, probably even three Ghost Vein Arrows would not have been enough to kill him.


    "Drive!"


    After retrieving them,


    Chen Sansi once again chased the fleeing Nanxu Cavalry.


    The previous encounter had delayed him only about a dozen breaths'' time.


    With each arrow shot, the remaining hundred riders quickly dwindled to just over a dozen, all High Realm military officers, requiring Ghost Vein Wood to quickly kill.


    The place was close to the Enemy Army camp, not suitable to linger, but Chen Sansi, wanting to save time, couldn''t bear to waste Ghost Vein Arrows; he finally simply took up a long spear and charged into the crowd, no one a match for him, and each flash of the Five Tigers Soul-breaking Spear was accompanied by the sound of a body falling, followed by the frightened war horses running away.


    "Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom¡ª"


    The deafening sound of horse hooves rose as another three thousand plus cavalry from Nanxu Country arrived.


    Chen Sansi deliberately left two survivors then pulled on the reins and disappeared.


    ...


    Fan Jiuxiao, unsettled in the camp, made preparations to fend off an enemy camp raid and then decided to lead people out to see.


    To see what Chen Sansi, on his own, intended by running in front of the Nanxu Camp.


    And then...


    He saw bodies everywhere!


    Almost every corpse had an arrow embedded in the heart, appearing as if hundreds of archers had formed an Arrow Formation, each one a one-in-a-million Divine Archer!


    "Ambush!"


    "Form up!"


    Fan Jiuxiao shouted.


    The three thousand cavalry formed a Defensive Array, slowly advancing forward.


    A few hundred steps further on,


    he saw two injured soldiers screaming as they fled back.


    "What happened?!"


    Fan Jiuxiao demanded, "Where is Assistant General Lang? Where are the ambushers?!"


    "Sir Fourteen! There are no ambushers, sir, we''re surrounded... It''s all arrows everywhere!"


    "Thud¡ª"


    The Section Chief, who had barely escaped with his life, fell off his horse directly. From time to time, he looked back to see if the white horse that took lives was catching up, and even his speech was jumbled.

 Chapter 162 The Daqing Empress, Defeat is Inevitable_6

    "No ambush, yet surrounded?!"


    Fan Jiuxiao furrowed his brows, "Rubbish! Do you even hear what you''re saying?"


    "It''s Chen Sansi, the one riding the White Horse!"


    Another person, slightly more rational, said, "He''s just one man; he can''t be blocked, nor can he be caught, and certainly not escaped from!!"


    "Are you saying, he alone, killed my Da Xu''s five hundred cavalry?!"


    Fan Jiuxiao got his answer from the terrified expression of the other: "How is that possible! Five hundred cavalry! That''s indeed five hundred cavalry! Among them, there are two in the Meridian Passage Realm, and countless in the Hua Jin, even if Chen Sansi is brilliant in strategy and tactics, he is only in the Meridian Passage Realm, are you all pigs?!"


    Even more terrifying was.


    From the corpses.


    The vast majority died from arrow wounds.


    One man, one bow and arrow, one White Horse!


    Also, how could a bow and arrow kill generals in the Meridian Passage Realm, isn''t this absurd!


    Behind Fan Jiuxiao, thousands of cavalrymen were in utter chaos, as if hearing a wild and fanciful tale. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Five hundred men..."


    "Two generals!"


    "Not even a touch, and they were all killed?!"


    "..."


    "Is there really such a mighty man in the world?"


    "How is this possible!"


    "..."


    While the Nan Xu Cavalry was in shock, a loud voice echoed across the land.


    "Fourteen, young lad¡ª"


    "Chen had asked to speak to you before, and you did not show up, which was truly rude. Take this arrow from Chen!"


    One kilometer away.


    An appearance, from a distance, looking like a mere white dot.


    By the time they heard his voice, an arrow was already flying towards them, and Fan Jiuxiao, in great alarm, hurriedly drew his sword to block it, only then realizing this arrow might be unusual.


    "Clang!"


    The sound of metal striking metal rang out, and sparks flew off the sword from where the arrowhead struck.


    Even at the last moment, although Fan Jiuxiao managed to enhance his power, he was still blown backward by an overwhelming force and fell off his horse, causing chaos.


    "Protect Mr. Si!"


    "Form up!"


    "Rumble!"


    The cavalry closed in a circle, forming a human wall at the front.


    "Whizz, whizz, whizz¡ª"


    Another dozen arrows came flying continuously, killing all on the spot, except for the high-ranking generals!


    "Shields!" Read chapters at My Virtual Library Empire


    "Shields!"


    The Mystical Iron Shield arrived too late.


    "This cursed arrow, it can even store power!"


    Fan Jiuxiao picked up the arrow that shot him, infuriated, snapped it in half, and threw it away: "Chase him!"


    "Mr. Si, he''s gone!"


    "..."


    "Whizz, whizz, whizz¡ª"


    "Chase!"


    "He''s gone again!"


    This repeated five or six times.


    The Nan Xu Cavalry lost over a hundred more men.


    In just half an hour, they were killed by one man totaling six hundred!


    "Retreat!"


    Even Fan Jiuxiao began to panic: "Quickly retreat back to the camp, everyone must hold their positions and not go out!"


    Even after they had retreated back to the camp.


    The White Horse General still forcefully followed and shot dead more than ten people.


    It was only after shields were deployed around the perimeter that the situation completely calmed down.


    "Ambush! Go set up an ambush on the flank in advance! If he dares to come again, make sure there''s no return for him!"


    Fan Jiuxiao, recalling the scene just now, was still palpably shaken: "Quickly go to the rear and find my brother, and tell him he must immediately send a Great General over, hurry¡ª"


    It seemed that.


    If the front army doesn''t have a general of the Xuanxiang Realm in command, it''s not just about launching an attack; even setting up camp would be hardly secure.


    ...


    In the Central Army.


    Ran Jingxuan gently set down the report he was holding: "We only remember Chen Sansi for his unconventional military strategies, yet we''ve overlooked his natural Martial Arts talent that allowed him to achieve the Meridian Passage just two years into his training..."


    "This is a bit too exaggerated."


    Fan Shuzhen said in disbelief: "Normally speaking, with a Profound Image Realm Death Trap Formation, even if the Enemy Army has generals of the same realm, at most, additional armor could be broken through five or six hundred, let alone the fact that the front were returning without a scratch, absolutely unhurt, if he advances to a higher realm later, is there even any need to fight at all?"


    "Inform General Peng."


    Ran Jingxuan helplessly said: "Let him return from Ziwei Mountain immediately to the front army, and after we stabilize the situation in Lingzhou, we will also set out for Hulao Pass."


    "Advisor."


    Fan Shuzhen asked: "Once General Peng Yunheng arrives, should we let them launch a couple of attacks to test the waters? After all, Chen Sansi said there are thirty thousand at Hulao Pass, Li Gong is deceiving us."


    "No."


    Ran Jingxuan countered: "Chen Sansi''s actions were not to show off. He did it deliberately. Given the uproar, the soldiers of the front army are probably scared out of their wits. Without fighting, their morale has hit rock bottom, and forcing them to attack now would be like sending them to their deaths, impossible to succeed. Instead, let''s replace the Left Army with the Front Army, wait for General Peng to arrive at the front, rest for seven days, and then we can consider assaulting the city."


    "Let''s follow the advisor''s plan."


    ...


    In the evening.


    Chen Sansi did not continue with the previous tactics, surprising them once or twice was feasible, but going back now would definitely fall into the well-prepared encirclement.


    [Skill: Archery. Perfection (Exceeds limit by one rank.)]


    [Progress: (248/2000)]


    Just as he had predicted, the bow and arrow capable of storing power was a soul-chasing weapon on the battlefield, coupled with Qian Xun, the effect it displayed was something even the Martial Saint couldn''t achieve.


    The Martial Saint also needed face-to-face combat.


    But he moved without a trace, taking lives from a kilometer away, how could the Enemy Army not fear?


    His goal was achieved.


    This wasn''t just a matter of morale!


    From this moment on, the defeat of the Enemy Army had silently begun to emerge.


    A hundred thousand troops?


    Three thousand Black Armor, might not be invincible!

 Chapter 163 White Robe Forms the Heavenly Array, Xuanzhu Reveals Its Divine Might

    [Skill: Horse Control (Small Achievement)]


    [Progress: (1089/2000)]


    "Hao Qianxun."


    Chen Sansi gently stroked the horse''s mane, which in turn demanded a reward, plus a bath.


    The last few rounds of fighting had been intense.


    Both he and the White Swan Horse were covered in blood.


    "You''re really getting more and more fastidious."


    Chen Sansi remarked.


    Qianxun''s demands for food were getting higher, and so were its living conditions.


    Of course,


    you can''t expect the horse to run without feeding it.


    Moreover, in some sense, Qianxun''s role was irreplaceable by any martial artist, so its needs should be met as much as possible.


    The master and pet arrived at the vicinity of Pieye River after arriving at Hu Lao Pass.


    Pieye River, being a branch of the Zhanan River, was not wide enough for large ships, but the surrounding pastures were extremely lush, suitable for grazing horses.


    There was a food shortage in Hu Lao Pass.


    Later, Chen Sansi could let Qianxun take three thousand warhorses out to graze, but this location was visible to the Nanxu scouts. However, sometimes letting the enemy see one''s movements could actually be beneficial.


    Chen Sansi made a mental note of any useful information, then bathed in the river and brushed Qianxun''s fur.


    By the time they returned to the pass, it was the next day''s dawn.


    "My lord!"


    Xia Cong had been on guard all night and hurriedly came to greet him: "Where did you go yesterday?"


    "Indeed, my lord."


    The others also crowded around, almost forming a circle. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Yesterday,


    seeing the general disappear, they thought something had happened and sent out scouts to investigate.


    What they found...


    was that the Nanxu forces were collecting bodies! Your next read awaits at My Virtual Library Empire


    There were also many frightened and uncontrolled horses running wild across the wilderness.


    In front of the army''s main camp, not only was the guard extremely strict, but also shield formations were arranged.


    It looked as if they had been attacked.


    And yet...


    the general had gone alone!


    "Hunting."


    In response to everyone''s inquiries, Chen Sansi replied indifferently.


    Hearing this, Fang Qingyun finally understood what his junior brother had ventured out to do alone.


    He shook his head slightly, somewhat emotional.


    He had not understood before what kind of strategy one man could use.


    But sometimes, no cunning tactics are needed, or rather, unparalleled combat power is the true scheme that can''t be countered.


    His junior brother...


    was truly frightening.


    With a bow and arrow, he gave the feeling of killing people with a spell.


    "With this commotion from the junior brother, the enemy forces definitely will not dare to attack again within seven days," Fang Qingyun said, "But judging by the junior brother''s current method of combat, you don''t intend to give them time to rest and regroup their morale. You must be planning to further strike at their vanguard, right?"


    He knew very well.


    After this event, the Nanxu Army would have to deploy generals from the Xuanxiang Realm to command the front lines. If they wanted to further strike at the enemy, the best strategy would be to do it before that deployment occurred.


    "Brother, you''re right," Chen Sansi said, "we shall launch an offensive in five days."


    "..."


    Sha Wenlong was somewhat stunned: "An offensive attack?"


    "General," Lu Shuhua said, "according to the messages from our scouts, the Nanxu Camp is heavily fortified and does not venture out, plus their vigilance is extremely high. If we approach rashly, I''m afraid..."


    "At that time, I will have a way to draw them out," Chen Sansi stated, "for the next few days, you''ll gather twenty sets of General Armor for me, half of which must be from Qing Country."


    "General Armor?" Lu Shuhua asked, "What''s the use of so many high-level armors?"


    "It''s manageable," Deng Feng said, "I will order to bring all the armor of the surrendered generals from the nearby Eight Prefectures."


    "Hmm."


    Chen Sansi then instructed, "Besides that, from today onwards, send out two thousand people to pasture horses by the Pieye River at 5 a.m. and return at evening, continue this over the long term without concealment."


    "Pasturing horses? I know about the lack of provisions inside Hu Lao Pass," Sha Wenlong said in confusion, "but for pasturing horses, we don''t need two thousand people. The total number of defenders is just over three thousand."


    Chen Sansi paid him no mind, and after giving the orders, he ate some meat to restore his energy, then mounted Qianxun with enough provisions, and once again disappeared into the vast wilderness.


    He made a large detour to observe from the periphery and quickly determined how far he could go without getting surrounded. While he couldn''t approach the camp closely, it didn''t affect his ability to continue hunting on the outskirts.


    "Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh¡ª"


    In the Nanxu Army camp.


    None of the patrol squads that came out lived to return.


    In just two days, another two hundred or so perished under the arrows.


    Eventually, even the patrolling squads carried heavy round shields, ready to hide behind them at the slightest rustle of wind or grass, and those who failed to take cover properly ended up maimed.


    Before long, five days had passed.


    The army that nominally numbered one hundred thousand, apart from setting up camp, had not taken any other significant action. Even the scope of their patrols had become increasingly limited, not daring to venture more than twenty miles from the camp.


    "What a disgraceful humiliation!"


    Fan Jiuxiao raged within the camp, his anger flipping a table in front of him: "Should my hundred thousand army really be stopped by just one man?!"


    "Fourteenth master, we''re really helpless!"


    "Under the current circumstances, it''s death upon showing oneself!"


    "What''s more, that horse of his!"


    "It''s just impossible to catch up!"


    "..."


    "How much longer until General Peng arrives?"


    "It''s too far, it''ll take at least another seven to eight days!"


    "Then find my elder brother first!"


    Fan Jiuxiao said, "Have him lend me his green horse and also bring a batch of thick iron round shields suitable for cavalry to carry. Also inquire with Li Gong, and tell him to speak the truth about how many there are in Hu Lao Pass and what the situation in Lai State really is. It''s vital for us to know so we can judge how to fight the upcoming battles. There must be no omissions!"

 Chapter 163 White Robe Forms the Heavenly Array, Xuanzhu Demonstrates Its Divine Power_2

    ...


    Yong Yue Prefecture.


    "A bunch of wine sacks and rice bags!"


    Enjoy new adventures from My Virtual Library Empire


    King Tang Li Gong received the secret letter.


    Inside the Nanxu Army, they also managed to bribe a few mid-ranking officers to receive frontline news.


    "Your Highness,"


    Liu Huanrong was startled, "Why such great fury?"


    "Look for yourself!"


    Li Gong forcefully slapped the letter onto the Deputy General''s chest, controlling his rage as he cursed, "The vanguard of thirty thousand troops hasn''t advanced a step in five full days!" Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "This..."


    As Liu Huanrong browsed the content, he said, "Chen Sansi, alone with a bow, terrified the vanguard troops? They also say now that the soldiers sent on patrol demand extra pay; otherwise, no one is willing to go¡ªisn''t that absurd?"


    "Boom boom boom¡ª"


    The massive sound of the catapult came through.


    It signaled the start of another round of the siege.


    As Li Gong picked up his weapon, he commanded, "Send a message! Tell them, Yong Yue Prefecture''s situation is very promising, the Sheng Army outside the city is utterly exhausted. If they can breakthrough now, they will surely crush the Sheng Army in one fell swoop. Don''t fear casualties, don''t just focus on preserving strength, and most importantly, do not distrust us!"


    "I, Li Gong, guarantee with my honor, swearing a deadly oath on my entire family, that Hu Lao Pass truly only has three thousand people, and within the Profound Image Realm Generals, there''s only one at the Early Stage¡ªSha Wenlong, and no second person!"


    "If we fight, we will win!"


    ...


    Wilderness.


    A secluded, uninhabited area.


    Chen Sansi was hidden among a pile of rocks, practicing his spear technique.


    Within the human body, there are twelve primary meridians, Eight Extraordinary Meridians, plus thousands of minor meridians.


    Meridian Passage Method reaching small achievement means opening up twenty minor meridians as the foundation. The more minor meridians opened, the more complex the Circulation becomes, forging even purer strength.


    Previously, Opening Veins mainly aimed to enhance endurance.


    Whereas opening secondary meridians aimed for a stronger Power.


    There were no barriers.


    Chen Sansi easily opened up twenty meridians and directly moved on to a hundred, only at this moment did he understand the purpose his master had in having him learn so many different weapons and cultivation techniques.


    Each cultivation technique enabled the opening of an additional minor meridian!


    Just as Senior Sister Sun had described, High Realm Martial Artists usually do not train in other cultivation techniques due to their low efficiency. Although each technique does improve one''s capabilities, the increment is minuscule.


    Even for a Martial Saint, practicing any cultivation technique requires time; human efforts have limits while cultivation methods are limitless. Many people do not train not because they don''t want to, but simply because they don''t have the time.


    Unless...


    Someone could truly learn hundreds or thousands of cultivation techniques in a short amount of time, accumulating small amounts to make a terrifying difference.


    And he, coincidentally, could!


    By the time the breakthrough was finished, Chen Sansi had already opened up a hundred meridians.


    The first cultivation technique he practiced opened the largest number of minor meridians.


    For those with lesser talent, this realm typically starts with the minimum standard of twenty meridians; for geniuses, fifty. He started with a hundred, and the key point is... he could still improve further.


    Currently, he had opened a hundred because he had only practiced dozens of techniques due to lack of time.


    And his intuition told him the number of meridians he opened was linked to the realm above Martial Saint, not just in contesting strength with others of the same realm.


    "Boom!"


    Casting aside all distractions from his mind, Chen Sansi thrust his spear, and his True Dragon Strength surged tumultuously. The rock pile in front of him burst open explosively, as if his spear had shattered a majestic mountain.


    [Cultivation Technique: National Guardian Dragon Spear. Meridian Passage (Small Achievement)]


    [Progress: 0/2000]


    Meridian Passage Realm, Small Achievement!


    Since the preparation was thorough, Chen Sansi''s breakthrough was very smooth. Checking that the time was almost right, he returned inside Hulaoguan.


    More than twenty cavalrymen were present, among whom ten were dressed in Armour that only Qing Country Meridian Passage above Generals could wear.


    "All troops, heed my command!"


    Chen Sansi ordered, "Follow me straight to the Nan Xu raiders'' main camp. Remember, none of you are below Meridian Passage. Twenty people, all above Meridian Passage, and we have an army of thirty thousand!"


    "This tactic is called feigning power."


    Xia Cong comprehended, "But sir, won''t it give us away? After all, the level of realm can''t be faked once a battle begins."


    "Exactly..."


    Lu Shuhua and others looked at each other, all somewhat nervous, "Our highest is only at Hua Jin."


    "It would have to come to a fight for it to give us away,"


    Chen Sansi said, "Besides, what I want is for them to be suspicious. Once they are suspicious, they will fall into the trap! Senior Brother, the rest is all up to you."


    "Little brother, wait for another three hours,"


    Fang Qingyun looked up at the sky, his clear voice slowly saying, "Start your move at dusk today, the effect will be at least twice as good, and you might even reap unexpected gains."


    "Good, I''ll follow Senior Brother''s advice,"


    Chen Sansi agreed, "This upcoming battle, I''m only responsible for drawing out the snake; the sequence of arrangements afterwards will have to be managed by Senior Brother, since I can''t possibly supervise both ends."


    A capable Phoenix could not possibly always remain idle.


    Besides, war is not a one-man affair, to win, one mustn''t think of hogging the limelight or getting all the credit. Only when everyone around plays their roles to the utmost can there be a chance of achieving victory through unexpected strategies.


    Not to mention...


    Fang Qingyun, as a disabled person, had always been the Main General of the Azure Dragon Camp, and even the Deputy General was at Profound Image Realm Great Success. If he didn''t have real capabilities, how could he possibly command respect?


    This kind of operation, requiring the use of deceit and clever tactics, was perfectly suited for him, sparing Chen Sansi the need to worry about every detail.


    Listening to the conversation between the two, the others were full of confusion.


    They felt that all the arrangements...


    were only comprehensible and manageable by Fang Qingyun alone.

 Chapter 163 White Robe Forms the Heavenly Array, Xuanzhu Demonstrates Its Divine Power_3

    All the remaining men, like fools, had no idea what would happen next and could only blindly follow orders.


    "What about me?"


    Deng Feng could barely contain himself, "Commander Chen, do I not need to come along?"


    "I almost forgot."


    Chen Sansi added, "I will trouble General Deng to take off your Qing Country General Armor and put on a set from our Great Dasheng, along with swapping your weapon for a different one,"


    "So, I am to disguise myself as someone else?"


    An air of discontent arose in Deng Feng''s heart, feeling that being a captured general and yet having to stay hidden gave off an undignified and embarrassing impression. He found it suffocating and yearned to distinguish himself in battle more than anyone.


    Of course, he didn''t show any displeasure: "I understand and accept the command!"


    "General Deng, a moment of patience,"


    Chen Sansi informed, "Keeping you hidden has a greater purpose; one general like you is worth three others." S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Yes, General Deng."


    Fang Qingyun spoke, "Moreover, I have need of people. Without you, the plan cannot succeed."


    With all said and done,


    Chen Sansi quickly left with twenty of his subordinates.


    Inside the Central Army Tent,


    Only Fang Qingyun, Sha Wenlong, and Deng Feng remained. Experience new stories with My Virtual Library Empire


    "General Fang, just give the order."


    Deng Feng bowed with his fist and said, "Apart from anything else, below Martial Saint I can slay any foe, and above Martial Saint, I can hold my own for several exchanges. If there''s a tough nut to crack, leave it to me!"


    "General Fang..."


    Sha Wenlong''s tone was noticeably more courteous when speaking to the green-robed scholar, "What do we do next?"


    "Vice General Chen''s shout from the Nanxu Camp."


    Fang Qingyun said leisurely, "Do you remember how many defenders he claimed there were inside Hu Lao?"


    "Thirty thousand."


    Sha Wenlong retorted, "Bluffing about having ten times the soldiers we truly possess, such exaggeration surely can''t be very meaningful, right?"


    "Exaggeration? No."


    Fang Qingyun''s usually gentle demeanor vanished as his gaze turned steely while looking at the sand table. The jade flute in his hand seemed like a sharp sword as it landed on the terrain, "If the junior brother says thirty thousand, then as his senior, I shall produce thirty thousand men.


    "Transmit my military order!


    "At evening, thirty thousand troops shall pour out and strike directly at the Nanxu Camp!"


    ...


    Silver Pine Cliff.


    Nan Xu Camp.


    "Excellent horse!"


    Fan Jiuxiao, mounted on the green horse, felt as if he was flying through the air as the scenery on either side whizzed past.


    This horse,


    was one of the three Exotic Beast Horses possessed by Nan Xu, notable for its explosive power allowing it to travel over two thousand miles a day, with a burst speed that could rival a Martial Artist of the Profound Image Realm.


    Beyond that, each soldier had a thick iron shield.


    No matter how formidable Chen Sansi was,


    he was still just a Meridian Passage Martial Artist!


    Even a few months ago in Ming State, he was merely a Hua Jin Warrior; even if he was a genius, at most by now he could have a small achievement in the Meridian Passage, and even if he was heaven-defyingly talented,


    he was a Great Success Meridian Passage Martial Artist with an innate Martial Body and an exceptionally solid foundation, unbeatable within his realm, not to mention when facing lower realm Martial Artists.


    Now, with the green horse combined with the thick shield, he could perfectly counter the enemy''s tactics of rapid cavalry movement and tricky archery.


    Not to mention, his shield was forged from Pure Darksteel!


    The majority of so-called darksteel weapons in the army were actually alloys with a mixture of some darksteel, as it was exceedingly rare and impossible to mass-produce.


    But that didn''t apply to high-ranking officers.


    Fan Jiuxiao''s shield was made of Pure Darksteel, allowing him to channel his power into it, possessing an extraordinary defensive power. Even Martial Artists of the Profound Image Realm would need several strikes to get through.


    Once he could close the distance, Chen''s advantage in agility would evaporate.


    At the very least, it would intimidate him!


    Otherwise, the situation where he swooped in day after day to kill over a dozen riders before retreating unscathed was seriously undermining the troop''s morale; it had even progressed to the point where no one dared to go out to urinate at night!


    Even for relieving themselves, they had to go in groups of three or five, with one person doing their business while the others held up shields.


    This...


    Was simply too humiliating!


    Through all of history, whose troops had ever been scared into such a sorry state by a solitary man?!


    Moreover, not long ago, King Tang Li Gong had sent a letter.


    This time, he personally guaranteed that there were indeed only three thousand men in Hu Lao, with only one Profound Image Realm General¡ªmeaning everything Chen had done thus far was nothing more than bluffing!


    Because he didn''t have the troops, he had to risk coming alone and use these tactics to slow their advance.


    A hero!


    Truly, a hero!


    But ultimately, a mere paper tiger, easily torn apart with a poke.


    "Report¡ª"


    "What, is Chen here again?"


    Fan Jiuxiao understood the answer just by looking at the messenger, and said coldly, "With many shielded ambushing soldiers set up around the camp now, he still dares to come alone courting death?!"


    "Not alone this time."


    The Scout replied, "He''s leading about twenty riders, and all outfitted in finely-crafted General Armor, claiming to be twenty Meridian Passage Generals. They''re not approaching the camp; instead, they''re outside, slaughtering our ambushing soldiers. Within two hours...already, over two hundred of our brothers have fallen!"


    "Twenty Meridian Passage Generals? A huge joke!"


    Fan Jiuxiao cursed, "My hundred thousand-strong army has only about thirty-something Meridian Passage practitioners in total. To say nothing of his three thousand, even if there really were thirty thousand, at most they wouldn''t have more than ten Meridian Passage practitioners unless he brought all his main forces to Hu Lao. This Chen, his bluffing is a bit too exaggerated."


    "Among them..."


    The Scout said, "Half of them are wearing Qing Country Armor."

 Chapter 163 White Robe Forms the Heavenly Array, Xuanzhu Demonstrates Its Divine Power_4

    "Qing Country''s armour?"


    Unless Yong Yue Prefecture was completely ruined, where would there be so many surrendered generals from Qing Country who could open their Meridian Passage?


    Moreover, surrendered generals are generally dispersed and used separately, and no one has ever heard of someone with the guts to gather newly surrendered generals for use together, let alone send them out for guerrilla warfare. How is that possible?


    "Fake!"


    Fan Jiuxiao was certain, and then he asked, "Where are they now?"


    His subordinate immediately brought over a map and circled the location of the twenty or so cavalrymen.


    "Keep it quiet!"


    Fan Jiuxiao resolutely said, "And don''t let the brothers who were informed of this position retreat. Have them strike twice more, pretending we know nothing and step by step lure the enemy deeper!"


    "The rest listen to my command!"


    "Vice General Zhang, I order you to lead 3,000 men from the left-front army and take a detour from the northwest to directly block their retreat. Vice General Gao, Vice General Liu, you two call upon three more vice generals, then split 2,000 men each from the left and right wings for a pincer attack. Another 4,000 men and one vice general to follow me for a frontal assault, and all generals with Hua Jin or higher should carry shields and be in the very front! The remaining 20,000 men are still to firmly hold the Great Village''s army camp. Should there be any situation, then choose a moment to leave the camp for support!"


    Martial Saints from Nan Xu weren''t numerous


    But over the years, they had been cultivating strength and vitality, so there were quite a few mid-level generals capable of opening their Meridian Passage, matching the number of the Eight Camps. Discover hidden tales at My Virtual Library Empire


    10,000 men, plus a full six who could open their Meridian Passage. The front army had almost mobilized half of them.


    He didn''t believe that they couldn''t encircle and kill twenty men!


    He wanted to see exactly how many of them were real generals who could open their Meridian Passage!


    "Mr. Si."


    Vice General Zhang hesitated, "Could there be an ambush?"


    "Ambush?"


    Fan Jiuxiao scoffed, "Do you think I would mobilize 10,000 men just to deal with a mere twenty cavalrymen? I am waiting for their ambush! With 3,000 men holding the fort, they could at most bring out 1,000 men for an ambush, after all, they''d still need to leave people in the city for support in case of emergencies.


    "A mere 1,000 men, even if there''s an ambush, plus Sha Wenlong being there, how much could our 10,000 men possibly lose? Not to mention the over 20,000 men in the camp for support!"


    He was aware that there must be an ambush awaiting them.


    But the problem was that they had no choice but to fight this battle.


    It was a sheer compulsion!


    This was an overt scheme!


    Brother Eight and Ran Jingxuan were still dealing with Lingzhou, and it would take a few more days for General Peng to return. If they continued to slaughter like this, how could they even think about attacking the city afterward?


    Attack? Ridiculous!


    The vanguard¡ªhow can it bear the "edge" without the edge itself?


    If the edge was gone, how could it be possible to take the city?


    These past two days, he also followed Ran Jingxuan''s orders to switch the front army with the Central Army, and just after a batch of fresh troops had been rotated in, they had been scared witless within a few days. If this continued, the Da Xu''s army would psychologically collapse. No matter what, he had to curb their arrogance.


    And this was definitely not underestimating the enemy and being reckless.


    Fan Jiuxiao had real data on the enemy army''s combat strength and troop numbers. It was a deployment based on a force several times greater than the enemy''s, failproof!


    "Rumble¡ª¡ª"


    Just at that moment.


    A clap of thunder resounded above the heavens.


    Somehow, the clear sky had been covered with a layer of thick black clouds, and after the lightning, it started to pour heavily, quickly turning the wilderness into a muddy land.


    "It''s raining, General. Shall we still pursue?"


    "What a question!"


    Fan Jiuxiao drew his Treasure Sword, "Whoever kills Chen Sansi will be made a noble¡ª¡ª"


    "Rumble¡ª¡ª"


    The army of ten thousand raced into the curtain of rain at the fastest speed.


    Because the rain came too suddenly and too heavily, enveloping everything like a waterfall falling from the ninth heaven, everyone was drenched and visibility was greatly hindered, making it extremely low.


    ...


    "Zi!"


    Chen Sansi speared the only remaining sentry to death and, looking at the terrible weather, knew in his heart that this was why his senior brother had waited until evening to act¡ªhe was waiting for this rainstorm.


    Heavenly Phenomenon!


    Just like Xu Wencai, Brother Fang could also read the Heavenly Phenomenon.


    With this ability, coupled with the precise judgement of timing, the "Heavenly timing" part of the favorable conditions of heaven, earth, and humanity could always be firmly grasped in hand. And in this world, he was not the only one with the talent of a commander.


    This battle would certainly showcase Brother Fang''s maneuvers.


    Initially, the surrender of Lai State was broken down into five steps.


    This time,


    The defeat of Nan Xu''s hundred thousand army would also be in four steps!


    His lone bow had shot down six hundred for the first step, creating momentum. Today''s second step, gathering momentum, would be left to his senior brother to complete.


    Speaking of the Heavenly Phenomenon,


    Chen Sansi couldn''t help but think of the old scholar.


    Counting the days, it had been months since Xu Wencai went to the You State border to deal with the rebel army and the Wei Country supporting them in the dark. He wondered how the battle there was going.


    "Kill¡ª¡ª"


    "Boom!"


    The resounding cries of battle mixed with the thunder.


    "General!" S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xia Cong hurried over, wiping the rain from his face, "They''re here, people are everywhere. Now we can only flee towards the northeast; otherwise, we''ll be surrounded very soon!"


    "Yes."


    Xiao Zheng followed, "The rain is too heavy, I can''t see clearly. Just from the sound, I can tell there are several thousand men in each direction!"


    "So many people?!"


    Yan Changqing said sarcastically, "This Mr. Si of Nan Xu Country is really desperate to kill us, using so many men to kill just twenty of us!"


    "Following what Xia Cong said,"


    Chen Sansi commanded, "move towards the northeast!"


    "Sir, there''s a problem!"


    Lu Shuhua said, "If we head northeast, wouldn''t that take us further away from the route back to Hulaoguan?"


    "Heading northeast will take us into the gorges of Silver Pine Cliff where General Fang, General Deng, and the others will meet us!"

 Chapter 163 White Robe Forms the Heavenly Array, Xuanzhu Demonstrates Its Divine Power_5

    Chen Sansi spurred his horse to take the lead.


    The rest followed closely behind.


    "Sir!" Find more chapters on My Virtual Library Empire


    Xia Cong said worriedly, "Could there be too many pursuers? Can General Fang and the others hold them back?"


    "No need for idle talk!"


    "Giddyap!"


    Chen Sansi sped up.


    On one hand, he had a clear understanding of the situation, and on the other, he trusted Fang Qingyun.


    Moreover,


    A commander,


    If he does not know how to use his men and insists on doing everything himself, can he still be called a commander? That would make him a vanguard, a mere man!


    "Buzz!"


    Chen Sansi, hearing the sound of hooves behind him, turned and fired an arrow. The willow-leaf arrow, powered by True Dragon Strength, tore through the rain curtain. Its accuracy and strength were seemingly unaffected by the heavy rain, thanks to the assistance of the powerful force.


    One li!


    His effective range did not require a breakthrough to be improved, it was just that the regular improvements were insubstantial; after a breakthrough, the increase would surge. Now, with the improvement in his proficiency, it had officially gone from three hundred steps to over four hundred meters, up to one li!


    At such a distance, coupled with the pouring rain, it was impossible to see clearly, let alone hear the sound of a bowstring being drawn and released.


    Only when the arrow was twenty steps away did Fan Jiuxiao, riding at the front, suddenly realize the danger and hurriedly infused his strength into the Mystic Iron Shield to block it in front of him.


    "Buzz¡ª"


    Even so,


    The immense impact still caused Fan Jiuxiao to reel backward, but he was, at least, unharmed. He rejoiced in his heart, "It really works! Brothers, hold your shields tight! Without his arrows, Chen Sansi is useless!"


    "Kill¡ª"


    "Whoosh whoosh whoosh¡ª"


    Chen Sansi shot several arrows in succession, each time the feedback was the sound of metal collisions, obviously all were blocked.


    In fact,


    Even with shields, ordinary cavalry would find them useless.


    The sheer impact of the pure force could blow them away.


    The problem was...


    The number of Ghost Vein Arrows was too few.


    He only had ten left in his hand, and he really didn''t want to use them all up.


    It seems necessary to sort out the black bear after getting back, to obtain another robust piece of Ghost Vein Wood. If Seeking Immortal Tower could provide some more metal, it would make the use of Ghost Vein Arrows unrestricted.


    However...


    If he couldn''t shoot people to death, couldn''t he shoot horses?


    Chen Sansi, through the waterfall-like rain curtain and using his Qi Observation Skill, locked onto his targets. He slightly lowered his aim and within a single breath, three arrows shot forth.


    "Hiss!!"


    The cries of the warhorses rose.


    Several cavalrymen fell to the ground, and the cavalry charging from behind had no time to stop. Either they trampled their fallen comrades to death, or both rider and horse were tripped, suffering the stampede of those coming after...


    Essentially, each fall brought down a good number of others, and one could not get up even if they weren''t killed outright.


    In the pitch-black rain curtain, a voice louder than thunder boomed.


    "Nan Xu rebels!"


    "Dare you pursue us further? You have already been surrounded by my thirty thousand-strong army. Dismount and surrender quickly, or you will all die here at Silver Pine Cliff today!"


    "Bullshit!"


    Fan Jiuxiao cursed, "You couldn''t have more than three thousand men at most inside Hulaoguan, stop bluffing!" S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Don''t believe it? Then keep chasing!"


    Chen Sansi''s White Swan Horse was fast enough.


    But the rest of his subordinates clearly weren''t enough.


    As a result, he had no choice but to continuously fire arrows while falling back.


    Even so, the distance between them kept getting closer.


    Until two giant mountain peaks appeared ahead, and more than twenty cavalry took advantage of the rain curtain to slip into the canyon, suddenly disappearing from view.


    "Boom¡ª¡ª"


    "Huh¡ª¡ª"


    Fan Jiuxiao reined in his horse, stopping, and the thousands of cavalry behind him along with thousands of infantry all did the same.


    "General!"


    "This area is narrow, there must be an ambush!"


    "Scared of what, charge in for me!"


    Fan Jiuxiao roared as he swung his long sword, fearless as a descending tiger, leading the charge into the canyon with cavalry swiftly following.


    "Kill¡ª¡ª"


    It was at that same moment.


    "Swish, swish, swish!"


    "Boom¡ª¡ª"


    Above the canyon, countless arrows fell like a waterfall in the rain, accompanied by endless rolling stones and falling wood.


    "Ambush!"


    "There''s an ambush!"


    "..."


    "Look at the top of the canyon, everyone!"


    "Crack¡ª¡ª"


    Thunder sounded.


    Above the canyon, it teemed with people, densely packed.


    At the highest point, a wheelchair quietly appeared, and with the help of the lightning, everyone could barely make out a scholar in a Confucian robe. With such an imposing manner, other than the widely known Mr. Feng Chu, Fang Qingyun, who else could it be?


    Standing beside the wheelchair, Wang Zhi shouted from his high vantage point, "General Fang Qingyun of the Azure Dragon Camp commands here. You have fallen into our encirclement. Surrender quickly to avoid death!"


    Fang Qingyun!


    It seemed.


    Everyone had been so focused on White Horse Chen Sansi that they had forgotten about Mr. Feng Chu, Fang Qingyun.


    "Ah!"


    In the midst of the canyon.


    The ambushed cavalry were dying one after another, with casualties surpassing a hundred in an instant.


    But at that moment.


    Fan Jiuxiao suddenly looked up and burst out laughing: "Hahaha¡ª¡ª"


    From atop the canyon, Wang Zhi rebuked sharply, "Hey! You brat, what''s so funny when death is upon you?"


    "I laugh¡ª"


    Fan Jiuxiao shouted loudly, "I laugh at that White Robe who lacks clever plans, and Phoenix who is short on wisdom!"


    "Do you really think I''m a fool!


    "Knowing there are ambush troops inside the canyon, would I still enter, increasing my own casualties?!"


    "I merely used myself as bait to lure you big fish!"


    "Fang Qingyun!


    "Look at both sides of the canyon, you''re surrounded¡ª¡ª"


    "Boom¡ª¡ª"


    On both sides of the Silver Pine Canyon,


    three thousand elite soldiers were raiding from each side. Carrying the flag of Da Xu, they attacked silently, assaulting from the flanks toward the top of the canyon.

 Chapter 163 The White Robe Lines Up the Heavenly Array, the Xuanzhu Displays Its Divine Might_6

    ```


    "Fang Qingyun, Chen Sansi! Stop blustering here, do you think I don''t know you have only three thousand men?! The forces you''ve mobilized to ambush us won''t exceed two thousand!"


    Fan Jiuxiao raised his sword towards the sky and shouted, "And today, I''ve mustered more than ten thousand men, along with six at the Mastery of Meridian Passage, and we''ve been ready to enter the ambush from the start, just to lure you out!


    "Once I capture you two, my vanguard will immediately head for Hu Lao Pass!


    "Slay the White Robe, capture the Phoenix, guard Hu Lao!


    "Today will be the day Fan Jiuxiao becomes renowned throughout the world!"


    What a tremendous feat it would be, a marvel unseen for a hundred years!


    At the peak of the valley, Fang Qingyun sat in his wheelchair under an umbrella, letting the torrential rainfall pour heavily from the sky, yet not a drop touched him. He simply pointed with the flute in his hand towards the young general riding a green horse below and laughed uncontrollably, unable to hold back his amusement.


    His laughter was soft.


    It sounded like he was guiding a child in a game of chess upon discovering the child''s naively misplaced move, with not the slightest hint of ridicule in his voice, but rather a touch of concern.


    "Fang Qingyun!"


    Fan Jiuxiao froze, feeling first insulted and then inexplicably panicked, "What are you laughing at?!"


    "Oh me?"


    Fang Qingyun shook his head, "I''m laughing at myself for not having fought a battle in so many years and now, even a greenhorn insists on taking me prisoner."


    "Stop pretending to be calm!"


    Fan Jiuxiao exclaimed through clenched teeth, seething, "You only have three thousand men under your command, an entry-level in the Profound Image Realm. That''s straight from the mouth of Aliased King Li Gong of Qing Country. With such a small number of troops, even you will be encircled and trapped by me today!"


    "Oh?"


    Fang Qingyun chuckled, "Tell me, Mr. Si, is there a chance that Li Gong deliberately misled you, and we actually have thirty thousand?"


    "Bullshit!"


    Fan Jiuxiao retorted, "Do you take me for a three-year-old to be fooled?!"


    Though he spoke defiantly, deep down, he dared not linger any longer in the valley. Raising the Mystic Iron Shield, the explosive force of his green horse carried him through the arrow-strewn gorge in a few breaths, taking him back to the expansive wilderness.


    At the same time.


    A series of disastrous news kept ringing in his ears.


    "This is bad! Mr. Si!"


    "They are on both sides!"


    "We''ve been surrounded!"


    "If we keep attacking the mountain top, we''ll be caught in a pincer attack and have no choice but to rendezvous with you!"


    "... "


    Liu, Assistant General, and Vice General Zhang did not go up to attack the mountain top but instead gathered together with their troops towards this side one after another in the pitch-dark rainy night, over ten thousand men scared out of their wits.


    "It''s impossible, absolutely impossible!"


    Fan Jiuxiao bellowed in the rain, "They have no more than three thousand men, how can they possibly surround our ten thousand?!"


    "Mr. Si, it''s true, absolutely true!"


    "... "


    Fan Jiuxiao looked up to Fang Qingyun perched atop the cliffs and completely lost his nerve, "If that''s the case, then we retreat!"


    He did not believe the Sheng people had thirty thousand men.


    This wasn''t just blind faith in Li Gong, but based on the situation at hand. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Sheng people had their limits in terms of manpower.


    Deployed in Lai State, while also contending with Emperor of Qing''s army in Green Ridge Mountain, plus Yong Yue Prefecture, practically speaking, the number of forces they could reroute to Hu Lao Pass was at most five thousand.


    Unless...


    Li Gong had indeed already been decisively defeated, and the forces at Yong Yue Prefecture were down to less than ten thousand, only under those circumstances could the Sheng people possibly allocate over thirty thousand troops to Hu Lao Pass.


    But even that seemed unlikely.


    Yong Yue Prefecture, after all, was one of the most fortified cities in the world, and they still had several months worth of supplies. Plus, with Li Gong as a Martial Saint, even amongst Martial Saints he was known for his exceptional combat ability, how could he have been defeated so quickly?


    This battle...


    Fang Qingyun was most likely employing some sort of deceitful strategy.


    He was the founder of Deceit, after all.


    However...


    Fan Jiuxiao saw no need to continue taking risks.


    So far, they had only lost a few hundred men. If they retreated to camp, it would be as if nothing had happened at all.


    "Retreat¨D"


    "Mr. Si, we can''t retreat!"


    "We''re genuinely surrounded!"


    "Follow me and retreat, the whole army with me!"


    Fan Jiuxiao shouted loudly, leading the masses towards the south to retreat.


    "Crack¨D"


    Just then.


    A bolt of lightning lit up, revealing the scene on the vast wilderness ahead.


    Rainy night, wilderness, lightning.


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    As far as the eye could see across the plains, there were masses of people, countless gleaming points of cold steel flashing under the electric light, much like the ghostly soldiers of the underworld come to claim souls, and judging by the brief visibility provided by the lightning, there were at least ten thousand men!


    "There are forces in the south, head west!"


    Fan Jiuxiao ordered a change of direction for the main force.


    Yet, no more than a mile out, the same scene unfolded before them.


    "To the east!"


    Just the same.


    Across the wilderness, the masses surged, warhorses neighed, numbers indiscernible and finally, even the recently exited gorge was tightly sealed off, as if enemies surrounded them from all sides, with pursuers everywhere.


    Could it be!


    There were really thirty thousand men?


    Fan Jiuxiao was terrified.


    The Aliased King Li Gong was not just lying; he himself had also been utterly defeated?


    Otherwise, where did all these men come from?!


    "National Stabilizing General Sha Wenlong is here¨D"


    The menacing Sha Wenlong, wielding a heavy broadsword, charged forward, followed by a dense array of Black Armor Iron Cavalry.


    "Don''t panic!"


    Having learned with Zhong Hu and Ran Junshi, Fan Jiuxiao soon steadied his nerves in this unclear situation, "Mystic Iron Shield, Confinement Formation!


    "Don''t be afraid!


    "Sha Wenlong is merely an entry-level in the Profound Image Realm! Three Assistant Generals at Mastery of Meridian Passage in formation can contain him with just two thousand men. The rest keep breaking out!"


    ```

 Chapter 163 The White Robe Lines Up the Heavenly Array, the Xuanzhu Displays Its Divine Might_7

    At the command,


    the Nan Xu army, under the leadership of three Assistant Generals who had achieved Mastery of Meridian Passage, arranged a heavy formation with two thousand soldiers and trapped Sha Wenlong within it.


    "Thud, thud, thud¡ª"


    The foot soldiers, holding shields made of mysterious iron and taller than a man, formed an impregnable wall and began a fierce battle.


    Sha Wenlong kept slashing at the Enemy Army, breaking the formation, but he was ultimately trapped.


    "As expected, he''s the only Mysterious Phenomenon!"


    Falsifying the number of enemy troops was one thing, but if Li Gong didn''t even disclose the real number of Generals, it meant he was truly sabotaging Da Xu.


    Just as Fan Jiuxiao had relaxed, he saw a General charging through the formation not far away.


    The man, wearing the armor of Qing Country and riding a black horse, was tall and brave. Astonishingly, he fought barehanded on the battlefield. With a single punch, his Gang Qi transformed into a gigantic tiger and tore apart more than a dozen soldiers in front of him.


    Vice General Liu charged to meet him in fury, only to have his skull crushed by a punch, leaving a transparent hole, then Vice General Zhang tried to strike with his great sword but the fierce warrior caught it with his bare hands, lifting Zhang like a chicken and then... he tore him in half!


    This man, finding the horse under him too slow, simply continued on foot, picking up the battle horse and using it as a weapon to smash dozens more men, until the horse''s flesh turned to mush, then he continued to fight the enemy barehanded.


    Profound Image Realm...


    Great Success!


    He might even be close to Perfection, just one step away from becoming a Martial Saint!


    Wasn''t Chen Sansi the one commanding at Hulaoguan?


    How could there be such a fierce warrior!


    This combat power was no less than any of the Main Generals of the Eight Camps!


    And being close to the Martial Saint level, he could completely turn the tide of battle without another warrior of the same realm present.


    Li Gong...


    He didn''t mention this either?!


    How dare he betray the Allies like this!


    Considering this, those Qing Country defector generals might indeed be real, only such a fierce warrior could control so many defectors skilled in Meridian Passage!


    "Surround him as well!"


    "Retreat¡ª"


    Fan Jiuxiao had no intention of continuing the fight; he just wanted to use his troops to delay the fierce general and then break out swiftly.


    ...


    "That''s about enough."


    Pushed by Wang Zhi, Fang Qingyun had already left the summit. He said indifferently, "Junior brother, our goal has been achieved; let them break through. After all, they have ten thousand men, and we brought only fifteen hundred. It''s all just a feint using this heavy rain. If we keep pursuing, we might expose ourselves, and this place is not too far from the main camp of Nan Xu. It could get troublesome once reinforcements arrive."


    "No, let''s try again!"


    Chen Sansi, watching the chaotic battle in the rainy night, spoke, "Elder brother, what do you think of the Thunder Rolling Formation from the Heavenly Book?"


    "You mean the formation from the Heavenly Book?"


    Fang Qingyun understood, "I got it. The next steps are up to you then, junior brother. My part is done. It''s cold and rainy; I''ll head back to rest now. Number Six, let''s go."


    "I pity you because you''re crippled, so I gave you a push. You really think I''m here to serve you?"


    Grumbling, Wang Zhi pushed Fang Qingyun away. Experience tales at My Virtual Library Empire


    Seated on his horse, Chen Sansi slowly closed his eyes, tuning into the Xuanzhu hidden in his bosom. Threads of White Xuan Qi, like smoke in the rain, swirled around him, then fed back to all his subordinates.


    Heavenly Book, Heavenly Array, Xuanzhu leveraging!


    Having possessed the Xuanzhu for so long, it was time to test its power and see how much it could really do. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Form the array¡ª"


    In the pouring rain,


    Chen Sansi''s voice thundered over the rolling thunder in the sky.


    "Thunder Rolling Formation!"

 Chapter 165 Three Thousand, Breaking One Hundred Thousand!

    "Rumble¡ª"


    A martial artist of the Profound Image Realm, although not even close to a Martial Saint, had long transcended humanity.


    Every clash between the two emitted deafening roars. On the wilderness where rain had just fallen, the wet earth exploded into the air with chunks of turf under the strangulation of Gang Qi.


    "Deng Feng!"


    The mountain-opening giant axe and the Azure Dragon Crescent Blade in Peng Yunheng''s hands were locked, engaged in a pure contest of Gang Qi, "The southeast of the Central Plains praise you for your absolute loyalty, yet you willingly serve an inexperienced youth just to save your own life? It seems you''re nothing but a fame-seeking coward who fears death!"


    "Old fool! How dare you insult me?!"


    Deng Feng was left speechless.


    No matter how one put it, he was already branded as a traitor and defector.


    Moreover, during this time,


    he could neither take action nor reveal his identity, and once on the battlefield, he could not use weapons. His heart was already filled with repressed rage, and now, under the enemy general''s insults, he could no longer contain it and exploded.


    Rumble!


    The Gang Qi on the Azure Dragon Crescent Blade seemed nearly tangible like a fierce tiger, firmly clamping onto the mountain-opening giant axe as if it wanted to snap the axe''s blade in half.


    Peng Yunheng''s arms shook uncontrollably.


    With a loud shout, he exerted all his strength to push back the Qing Country''s defector general, then shouted while retreating, "Cover me!"


    "Whoosh whoosh whoosh¡ª"


    However,


    Peng Yunheng soon realized that the cavalry around him had unwittingly been reduced by more than half!


    Chen Sansi''s arm, which drew the bow, moved so fast it was almost a blur, and the sound of the bowstring resembled that of a string instrument. Arrows flew like black lines, and the unprotected cavalrymen died instantly.


    Those with shields saw their horses die first, and the moment the cavalrymen fell and exposed a gap, they were shot dead¡ªit was just a matter of withstanding one more arrow.


    "Meridian Passage, Hua Jin, get to the front!"


    Peng Yunheng roared, "He''s just one man! Kill the man in the white robe, and regardless of realm, you will be appointed as a Marquis¡ª"


    "Kill!"


    After all, great rewards compel brave men.


    Two Assistant Generals raised their shields, with four Hua Jin following closely behind. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    These were the generals that Peng Yunheng had selected from various units when he called for battle.


    "Clang clang clang¡ª"


    "Hiss¡ª"


    The sound of arrowheads striking shields rang out incessantly.


    Even if their horses were killed, the generals were quick to rise. After all, they were middle and high-level generals. They quickly got within close quarters without retreating or intentionally pulling away.


    "Chen, my Marquis title depends on you!"


    "Die¡ª"


    A full seven generals attacked simultaneously from all sides.


    "Gentlemen, why the rush to deliver your heads to Chen?"


    "Clang¡ª"


    The Zhenyue Sword was drawn from its sheath.


    The flash of the sword was seen.


    Instantly, two Hua Jin had their heads severed.


    To the left, a Meridian Passage Assistant General with a Mo Blade struck down fiercely, but was blocked by the Iron Core Bow, which was not only solid but also wrapped with active force, causing him to be violently repelled by the tremendous power.


    The Iron Core Bow, forged from mystical iron with blades on its limbs, was a weapon divine.


    Chen Sansi wielded the Big Bow with such efficiency that it surpassed even the speed of shooting arrows. Within a mere score of exchanges, seven or eight middle and high-level generals lay dead under the hooves.


    Then, a thorough hunt ensued.


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    More than two hundred cavalrymen.


    When only seven or eight miles from the Sheng Army camp, they were reduced to only the last twenty or so.


    Meanwhile,


    Deng Feng caught up with Peng Yunheng once again. His longblade seemed to fall from the heavens, with Blade Gang rolling in, almost tearing the earth asunder.


    "Boom!"


    Peng Yunheng raised his axe to block again.


    But this time, he lacked the strength to protect his horse with Gang Qi. The impact was too much for the animal¡ªits bones shattered inch by inch, and its broken limbs sunk directly into the mud.


    Without his horse, Peng Yunheng was forced to fight on foot.


    In this state, having a horse gave a dominant advantage¡ªstriking from high ground, the force of the charge, enduring speed...


    Peng Yunheng was already less skilled than his opponent; he stood no chance.


    He had no choice but to unleash the speed of a Mystical Phenomenon realm martial artist, turning into a shadow as he sprinted forward toward his own great army, with just the last stretch of distance remaining, and three Mystical Phenomenon Generals to meet him!


    "Lord Eight!"


    "Save me¡ª"


    His voice echoed across the wilderness.


    Several miles away,


    Three Mystical Phenomenon Generals riding at full speed, along with tens of thousands of troops, heard it loud and clear.


    "Isn''t that General Peng''s voice?"


    Fan Shuzhen''s eyebrows furrowed deeply, "We ordered him to challenge the enemy, and he was beaten to this state? That unarmed general is so ferociously invincible?!"


    "Trouble!"


    Ran Jingxuan''s expression grew serious as he noticed the unease on the soldiers'' faces, "We''ve been tricked again. They deliberately avoided fighting outside Hulaoguan and chose this battlefield to let the soldiers witness General Peng''s disgrace."


    "How could Old Peng end up like this?!"


    You Jingzhi spoke incredulously, "Can that man really force him to such desperation that he''s begging for help?"


    "The army must engage!"


    Fan Shuzhen said firmly, "Tell the soldiers that Sheng people''s main forces might be straight ahead. We''ll crush the enemy completely¡ªperhaps Hu Lao will fall without us even attacking!"


    "Rustle¡ª"


    The army quickly ascended the slope.


    They could finally faintly see what was happening five miles away.


    Only...


    Where was the great army?


    There were only two riders from Sheng!


    One was striking Peng Yunheng.


    The other was pursuing and killing many cavalrymen.


    Just two men!


    Peng Yunheng had led more than two hundred cavalrymen and two people had reduced them to mere seven or eight survivors?!

 Chapter 165 Three Thousand, Breaking One Hundred Thousand!_2

    ```


    "Who is this!"


    Ran Jingxuan faced the enemy as if it were a great threat, "He holds the Azure Dragon Saber in his hand, totally unlike the same person in the battle at Silver Pine Cliff."


    "Did Li Gong deceive me?!"


    Fan Shuzhen clenched his teeth and said, "Adding this up, there are at least three individuals in the Profound Image Realm inside Hulaoguan, plus the White Robe Chen Sansi who knows the Heavenly Book, and Phoenix Chen Qingyun might also have some Immortal Law left by Sun Xiangzong. With our troop strength uncertain, how can we continue to fight?"


    "Lord Eight, stay calm!"


    You Jingzhi dragged a chain behind him, a Mystic Iron Flying Claw attached to its end; his eyes stern with resolution, "It''s simple, we just need to keep these two here, don''t we?"


    After a reminder,


    Fan Shuzhen came to his senses. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    These two were overly audacious!


    Two men, how dare they intrude a military camp of a hundred thousand troops?!


    Furthermore, this place is wide and open; there''s no possibility of an ambush!


    "Kill!"


    "At any cost, stop these two men for me!"


    Fan Shuzhen yelled towards the troops ahead.


    "Old Peng!"


    You Jingzhi called out, "Move faster, he can''t hold on much longer!"


    ...


    "Boom! Boom! Boom!"


    Peng Yunheng initially managed to create some distance with the combination of Gang Qi and physical strength, but this was not a long-term strategy and he soon got caught up by the green horse, leading to several more exchanges.


    He began to sustain injuries.


    One misstep leads to another!


    In combat, a single flaw often means an imminent cascade of vulnerabilities.


    Before long,


    Peng Yunheng''s Mystic Iron Armor was battered and torn, riddled with a dozen crisscrossing saber cuts from which blood flowed.


    This Lai State Deng Feng...


    Not just Profound Image Realm Great Success!


    He has probably already reached Perfection, and one step further, he would be a Martial Saint!


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    "Boom!"


    The Azure Dragon Crescent Saber in Deng Feng''s hand seemed like an actual Azure Dragon, wielding the power to topple mountains as it descended from the skies, first tearing through Peng Yunheng''s axe Qi, then his Protective Gang Qi, and finally crashing down heavily. His giant axe fell, and his body soared backwards for over thirty yards before landing in an unnatural position, spewing out a mouthful of fresh blood.


    Before he could catch his breath, the enemy general came upon him again.


    "Ahh!"


    Peng Yunheng howled, lifting a boulder beside him to smash at the enemy before fleeing recklessly. Ahead of him, the Nanxu Army''s troops were in the thousands, and he even saw Fan Shuzhen amidst the rushing crowd.


    "Lord Eight!"


    "Save me¡ª¡ª"


    ...


    "Quick!"


    Ran Jingxuan urged loudly.


    Sadly...


    It was still too late!


    Just when the distance between them had closed to a mere two miles,


    Deng Feng had caught up.


    "Old fool, where do you think you''re going¡ª¡ª"


    Sword fell.


    Man died!


    ```


    In the presence of thousands of soldiers and under the watchful eyes of all, their leading general, one of the strongest combat forces of this expedition, was split in half by a single strike. Under the terrifying Gang Qi, half of the body exploded into pieces, while the other half flew off directly.


    "Crash!"


    The front-running Nanxu Cavalry, upon witnessing this scene, nearly stopped their charge until a reminder came from behind. Then they continued to push forward, though their momentum had already diminished by a third.


    "So many of them?"


    Deng Feng, looking at the dense waves of oncoming cavalry, said, "Chen Shuai, what do we do next?"


    "Stick by my side!"


    "Make sure we are not pinned down, and then..."


    "Kill a thousand soldiers!"


    "Drive¡ª¡ª"


    Shanshi, far from retreating, actually rode towards the enemy forces, slowing down only after a mile. His Big Bow once again burst into full power. Despite being just one man with one bow, the arrows he shot formed a continuous stream in the sky, eventually falling like rain upon the dense enemy troops.


    "Crash¡ª¡ª"


    "Hiss¡ª¡ª"


    In an instant, more than a dozen cavalrymen fell.


    At the same time.


    Loud voices echoed across the land.


    "Chen, a hunter by origin, rarely had the opportunity to hunt in the mountains since joining the military. Today is a good chance to use you hundred thousand swine and dogs for practice, lest I lose my livelihood!"


    Hundred thousand swine and dogs?!


    This time, not to mention the three main generals including Shuzhen.


    Even the ordinary soldiers felt a tremendous shame. They were furious, wishing they could immediately capture General Chen and flay him alive. Unfortunately, their fury was quickly extinguished by the rain of arrows.


    With each ten-zhang distance they closed, seven or eight of their comrades fell. The anger and humiliation in their hearts slowly turned into fear, as the ranks around them dwindled.


    "Shields!"


    "Shield cavalry to the front!"


    An assistant general shouted out the command.


    The Nanxu Army quickly made the corresponding adjustments.


    "Shields?"


    Shanshi, riding across the open field, found it amusing.


    Holding shields, if the Ghost Vein Arrows were not enough, indeed, one could not shoot anyone dead.


    But if one couldn''t shoot a person dead,


    couldn''t one still shoot the horses dead?!


    How many horses do you Nanxu Cavalry have for me to kill!


    "Buzz¡ª¡ª"


    The bowstring continued to vibrate.


    One by one, the war


    horses, all of which were valuable resources cultivated with a great deal of manpower and materials, killing one meant one less, and there was no way to replenish them in a short time.


    In just a few breaths, dozens more horses lay dead.


    The Nanxu Soldiers soon realized a terrifying truth, they simply couldn''t catch up!


    Even though they had thousands of troops, at that very moment, they could only stand more than a mile away, continuously taking arrows and losing men, posing no threat at all. They were merely being toyed with, two men toying with tens of thousands!


    They really...


    had become hundred thousand swine and dogs!


    Their response to the term "swine and dogs" went from initial rage, to numbness, and then gradually, they started feeling it wasn''t inappropriate.


    Wasn''t this just a group of swine and dogs,


    chasing a hunter?!


    Under the multiple blows, the hundred thousand-strong army, facing the two riders ahead, actually lost all will to fight!

 Chapter 165 Three Thousand, Breaking One Hundred Thousand!_3

    The forefront of the cavalry deliberately slowed their pace.


    They didn''t dare to continue the pursuit.


    Nobody was willing to court death.


    It was still the same old saying.


    Only the elite of the elite possessed the will to fight to the death; all the other groups, no matter how numerous, feared death, especially when they knew resistance was futile, and they would completely give up.


    If all else failed, the only option was to let these two arrogant foes come and go as they pleased.


    However...


    Something even more inconceivable happened.


    Despite them deliberately easing up, the two riders ahead didn''t flee!


    They too stopped!


    "Nanxu bandits, why did you stop chasing? Chen here hasn''t had enough yet!"


    The General surnamed Chen stood his ground and continued shooting arrows, killing his enemies!


    "Mystic Iron Shield!"


    "Quick!"


    "Clear the way!"


    "Wait for the generals from behind to catch up!"


    "..."


    Tens of thousands of troops.


    Of course, it was impossible for everyone to move out at once.


    Upon hearing the signal arrow, the cavalry responsible for patrolling would chase out first, followed by the Main General and the Central Army, who would take time to reach the front from within the mass of soldiers.


    The situation at hand could only be left to the generals.


    "Boom! Boom! Boom!"


    One after another, Mystic Iron Shields formed an impenetrable wall of bronze and iron.


    This time, they were finally spared the pain of arrows.


    Seeing this...


    The White Robed General at the front couldn''t help but burst into laughter.


    "On the grasslands, barbarians call pigs and dogs Akina, Sai Sihei. You say you''re just that, and indeed, you are pure Akina, Sai Sihei! How come you ended up encaging yourselves like pigs while chasing us?!"


    "Deng Feng, tear down their pigpen!"


    "At your command!"


    The green horse burst into a sprint, and Deng Feng, riding solo, charged into the enemy lines. His sword struck like a Siege Giant Hammer, directly smashing a huge gap in the Mystic Iron Shield wall. He then went on a rampage, crushing the enemy''s defensive array to smithereens before managing to break out surrounded by Exotic Beast Warhorses just in time.


    After the "pigpen" was dismantled, arrows followed in quick succession.


    One after another, Nanxu soldiers fell, and the vanguard of the hundred thousand-strong army might have turned back to return to camp if they didn''t still have the generals for support.


    But at this moment... S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Three generals of the Profound Image Realm finally caught up.


    "Taste my blade!"


    You Jingzhi leaped high, covering over twenty yards in the air after leaving his horse and barely catching up; his Horse-cutting Saber fiercely slashed down.


    "Boom!"


    The next moment, he himself was sent flying backward, flipping several times in the air before landing back on the ground, retreating step by step until a soldier with a shield fortuitously helped stabilize his posture. Stay tuned with My Virtual Library Empire


    "Lord Eight!"


    "This man is incredibly tough!"


    "Only you can handle him!"


    "..."


    "Keep him here!"


    Ran Jingxuan said, "Lord Eight, as long as we can hold them momentarily, surrounded by the great army, they are certain to die! We absolutely cannot let them escape, otherwise..."


    He glanced at the soldiers beside him, paused, and then continued, "the morale will completely collapse! It will take at least half a month to rebuild morale!"


    "Leave it to me!"


    Fan Shuzhen took the lead on horseback and quickly broke away from the formation.


    "Shoo, shoo, shoo¡ª"


    Arrows came flying toward him one after another, which he blocked using the Blunt Great Sword in his hands.


    Drag them down!


    They say it''s just two people!


    But on horseback, there''s no way to catch up!


    "Ah¡ª"


    Fan Shuzhen bellowed, his muscles bulging, veins popping, and his body suddenly enlarging, even stretching his Mystic Iron Armor to the point of swelling. Using some unknown cultivation technique, he stomped on the ground, leaving a huge deep pit, and then, like a tiger sprouting wings, he was incredibly quick, so fast that the naked eye could hardly catch him, and he miraculously caught up to the two Exotic Beast Warhorses in a short time.


    "Is this this king''s green horse?!"


    Getting closer, he finally recognized his own warhorse: "You beast! Won''t you stop right now!"


    The green horse hesitated upon seeing its former owner.


    But under the gaze of Qian Xun,


    the green horse quickly tensed up and ran even faster.


    "You beast¡ª"


    The warhorse, taken away to help others kill his own brothers.


    Fan Shuzhen was enraged.


    Fortunately, the green horse''s moment of hesitation had given him an opportunity. The Bladeless Giant Sword thundered down, clashing with Deng Feng, a blow met on equal terms.


    However...


    Reliance on the overdrive burst had its time limits and couldn''t continue indefinitely. Mere moments later, Fan Shuzhen felt weakened, his speed reluctantly slowed down, and he could only stand and watch helplessly as two horses, one white and one red, galloped away.


    "Shoo, shoo, shoo¡ª"


    Several more arrows flew over his head.


    Directly killing several cavalrymen behind him.


    Then.


    came the arrogantly outrageous voice of the White Robed General.


    "Too many pigs and dogs, too few sharp arrows!"


    "Today, Chen is also tired, shall return another day to continue!"


    "..."


    The objective was achieved.


    Chen Sansi gestured for Deng Feng to catch up.


    Today, just the two of them.


    In front of a hundred thousand-strong army, they forcefully killed a General and nearly a thousand soldiers, enough to leave the Nanxu Army filled with doubt and hesitation, and then they could smoothly proceed to the final step.


    ...


    "My horse!"


    "My horse!"


    "Ah!!!"


    Fan Shuzhen, helpless in his fury, stood in place, hacking and slashing wildly.


    A hundred thousand-strong army.


    After being shot at fiercely and then having to return to camp, their morale greatly damaged.


    "Deng Feng!"


    In the Central Army Tent, Fan Shuzhen threw down his weapon, and with unrestrained anger cursed: "This Deng Feng, to be able to match me blow for blow! Outside Hulaoguan, why is there such a fierce warrior! Bring... bring me the son of Li Gong!"

 Chapter 165 Three Thousand, Breaking One Hundred Thousand!_4

    Soon, a young official from Qing Country arrived at the camp, repeatedly explaining that it was all a misunderstanding.


    "A misunderstanding?!"


    "Do you realize how much loss this has caused us because one person, King Tang Li Gong, failed to report it? The Mystical Phenomenon General attained Great Success, my General Peng!!!"


    Fan Shuzhen roared, "Go and ask Li Gong right now! If he doesn''t give a reasonable explanation, I''m not fighting this battle anymore!"


    ...


    Yong Yue Prefecture.


    "What?!"


    "The third Mystical Phenomenon?"


    "Two men, in front of a hundred thousand troops, killed General Peng Yunheng of Nan Xu, then shot nearly a thousand people before fleeing with great strides?"


    "Deng Feng?!"


    "Is it Deng Feng?!"


    After seeing the battle report from Hu Lao Pass.


    King Tang Li Gong''s hands trembled, "Deng Feng, he didn''t commit suicide? He, he defected?!"


    "How is that possible?"


    Liu Huanrong incredulously said, "General Deng''s family has been loyal for six generations, how could he betray the country?"


    "He too is one who fears death and pretends, all this loyalty and righteousness, all just an act!"


    Li Gong had never felt such anger before.


    It took him a long while to calm himself down, "Can''t we just attack the city directly? Why, why, knowing that Chen Sansi and Fang Qingyun are full of tricks, do we still keep giving them chances!"


    "The subordinate understands their thinking..."


    Liu Huanrong helplessly said, "Nan Xu is here to make a fortune, not to die, so their hesitation is understandable."


    "Attack the city, let a hundred thousand troops rush in, even if two or three thousand die, so what! I''ve given them my only son, why don''t they trust me, why?!" Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Li Gong racked his brains, "Bring me the map, tell them that if they can really take down Hu Lao Pass, and if we can later take over the entire eastern region of Sheng Country, we only want Qian Province and Niao State, all the rest will be theirs, don''t hesitate any longer, if they hesitate again, I won''t fight anymore!"


    "I''ll break through directly, I don''t want Yong Yue Prefecture anymore!"


    "I don''t want the three states either!"


    "Let their hundred thousand troops fight the Sheng people themselves! They can''t even dispatch a Martial Saint, just wait for a crushing defeat, and die!"


    He had been fighting battles at the border all his life.


    Never had he felt this kind of disgust before.


    There were so many allied troops, but they...


    just wouldn''t advance!


    Sticking to their own even in times of ally distress, immovable as a mountain!


    Disgusting!


    Just like eating flies!


    As disgusting as that Meng Quji!


    ...


    Nanxu Camp.


    Your journey continues with My Virtual Library Empire


    "Bastard!"


    "Li Gong even dares to talk tough in return!"


    Fan Shuzhen slapped the secret letter, "He''s threatening us, saying he''ll run away and simply give up on the three states if we continue to delay. Clearly, it was he who first concealed the military intelligence, causing us continuous losses, strategist, tell me, what should we do?"


    Ran Jingxuan, with his eyes closed, recalled the content of the letter, "It seems, Li Gong isn''t lying."


    "Yes, yes."


    The son of Li Gong hastily said, "My father sent me here to help, isn''t that enough sincerity?"


    "Then there''s only one possibility..."


    Ran Jingxuan made a judgment, "Li Gong also fell for a scheme, he was also misled, mistaken to believe that there were only three thousand troops inside Hu Lao Pass, this was deliberately done by Fang Qingyun, it''s what he''s best at."


    "Oh?"


    You Jingzhi hastily inquired, "Then in your opinion, strategist, how many troops are actually inside Hu Lao Pass?"


    "What about the scouts?"


    Ran Jingxuan, nicknamed "Lingsuan" asked, "Have you gathered intelligence according to my instructions during these days?"


    "General! Yes!"


    The subordinate answered, "People in Hu Lao Pass go to Pianye River to graze horses, leaving at 5 a.m. and returning at 6 p.m., the number of people herding is numerous, hard to count precisely, but it looks to be at least two thousand."


    "Just for herding horses there are two thousand people?"


    You Jingzhi was astonished, "Isn''t that a sign of many troops? Could it be a bluff?"


    The scout reaffirmed, absolutely true.


    "The area around Pianye River has a wide field of vision, you can see clearly across the river, of course, the generals'' judgment surpasses mine, why not take a look yourselves."


    "Hmm."


    Ran Jingxuan set off immediately.


    After suffering great losses twice, they dared not be careless any longer.


    Direct observation lasted a full five days.


    The number of herders indeed exceeded two thousand.


    "Could it be..."


    Fan Shuzhen said, "There really are thirty thousand men?"


    "Not likely."


    Ran Jingxuan pondered, "If there were really thirty thousand men, Li Gong would certainly know, but it''s definitely not just three thousand either, I estimate, inside Hu Lao Pass, there are fifteen thousand troops, three Mystical Phenomenon Generals, plus the Heavenly Book and possibly Fang Qingyun who knows the Immortal Law, that''s their true military strength."


    "Fifteen thousand..."


    Fan Shuzhen caressed his weapon, "Hu Lao Pass is not easy to attack! If we really attack full force, we might need to lose forty thousand troops just to take it in a short time, forty thousand, it''s too great a loss."


    "But Lord Eight..."


    Ran Jingxuan patiently provided a perspective, "You can''t capture Hu Lao without breaking the pass, and securing Lingzhou would be difficult without it, once Li Gong truly retreats, if Sheng armies move southward through Hu Lao Pass, we might have made a trip in vain."


    "So what you mean is, we should attack?"


    Fan Shuzhen, eager for great power, needed his own territory, and Lingzhou was undoubtedly the best place, moreover, taking down Hu Lao Pass could provide even more opportunities, but the loss was also too great...


    These hundred thousand men.


    Were his very foundation, losing nearly half at once, it might take five to ten years to recover.


    "Lord Eight!"


    Ran Jingxuan saw his thoughts, "He who wishes to achieve great things, must not hesitate? In one word, if you want Lingzhou or even more, you must be willing to pay the price, if you hesitate looking ahead and behind, you''ll end up with nothing."


    "Then let''s attack!"


    Fan Shuzhen decided resolutely, "But what about my fourteenth brother?"

 Chapter 165 Three Thousand, Breaking One Hundred Thousand!_5

    Lord Fourteenth''s family is very important!


    "Lord Eight, you are mistaken, our hesitance is what places Lord Fourteenth in jeopardy, on the contrary, only when a large army presses on them will there be a chance to force them to return Lord Fourteenth."


    Ran Jingxuan paused, "And moreover, I have a plan that can reduce our losses.


    "Strategist, please speak."


    "Let''s wait a few more days."


    Ran Jingxuan gazed in the direction of Pianye River and slowly said, "Remember the message delivered to us by the secret scout in Hulaoguan before the war began? They are short of provisions within the city, sufficient for only two or three thousand soldiers to be fed, without even fodder for the horses.


    Your next chapter is on My Virtual Library Empire


    "Now, their daily pasturing at Pianye River also confirms this point.


    "Let''s wait another ten days or half a month.


    "After their provisions are exhausted, taking action can also likely reduce casualties."


    "Moreover, this is the most important point."


    He paused, emphasizing, "Li Gong is right, we cannot give them another chance!


    "Issue the command to move the army camp forward by twenty-five miles!


    "After ten days, let the large army press on them directly.


    "If they dare come out to play their cavalry game again, we''ll push directly to Hulaoguan!"


    ...


    Hulaoguan.


    "Sir."


    "We don''t have much provisions left."


    "If we send all the warhorses back to Yong Yue Prefecture and only feed the people, we can continue to hold on.


    "Otherwise, even with Pianye River''s grass, it won''t be enough."


    "..."


    "Report¡ª"


    "The Nanxu Army has moved forward by twenty-five miles!"


    "They also sent someone to declare, saying if we return the Fourteenth Prince, there is room for negotiation, otherwise, when the city falls, none shall be spared."


    "..."


    Bad news came one after another.


    "It seems..."


    Fang Qingyun stopped playing the flute, "They are determined to attack Hulaoguan this time; any strategy will be useless, and what follows is our biggest challenge."


    "These days, the fighting has been lively!"


    Sha Wenlong said, "But when you calculate it, we''ve only held out for a month, and we have to hold out for two more months, how can we hold on?!"


    The army is pressing on.


    The earlier method of going out to harass them won''t work anymore.


    "Since that''s the case."


    Chen Sansi said, "Let''s negotiate then."


    "Negotiate?"


    Everyone was even more confused.


    One moment, they wanted to take the offensive, the next, they called for peace talks; which was real and which was fake?


    It''s no wonder.


    The Enemy Army was always tricked.


    Not to mention the Enemy Army, even they themselves were unclear about what they were actually doing.


    "This is..."


    Sha Wenlong mumbled, "Using the delaying tactics! I understand now, General Chen, you also think we can''t hold on, so you are planning to delay, right?"


    "Most likely."


    Almost everyone thought so.


    "It seems the junior has a good plan."


    Fang Qingyun alone asked, "But how can the junior be sure that they will agree to negotiate?"


    "That''s the significance of the previous few moves."


    Chen Sansi spoke slowly, "The negotiation table is another battlefield; historically, only those with strength have the right to speak at the negotiation table.


    "If it were as before.


    "We only have three thousand men inside Hulaoguan; a Sha Wenlong wouldn''t qualify to negotiate."


    "But now, it''s different!"


    "In Nan Xu''s eyes, we have three Mysterious Phenomenon and an army of over ten thousand!


    "So in their minds, they default to the belief that taking the city would require a colossal price, yet due to not wanting to leave empty-handed, they have to bite the bullet and lay siege."


    "What if at this time we tell them there''s another choice, where they can get plenty of benefits without any cost, then do you think they will continue the siege?"


    A Sha Wenlong doesn''t qualify for negotiation...


    Sha Wenlong''s eyelids twitched upon hearing this.


    "General Chen speaks sense."


    Deng Feng, confused, said, "But after all, they are Qing Country''s allies, will they really just give up?"


    "Allies?"


    Chen Sansi and Fang Qingyun looked at each other and smiled; the latter said, "Mr. Deng, not everyone has a sense of loyalty like you; so-called allies are just two dogs fighting over food. If one is full, would it care about the other''s life and death?"


    If Nan Xu truly had iron-clad intentions to assist Qing Country, would they have dragged it out until now?


    "Inform Nan Xu!"


    Chen Sansi said, "As long as they promise not to attack Hulaoguan within two months, after the war is over, we will trade Lanzhou and Mo State with them.


    "These two states are the fertile lands of the south, coveted by Nanxu Country for a long time; for them, far more tempting than a mere Lingzhou, and most crucially, they don''t have to suffer any losses, and they can also take back Fan Jiuxiao, the Fourteenth Prince."


    "They will definitely be tempted!"


    "So, after all this time..."


    Sha Wenlong said sheepishly, "All these battles were just for the sake of negotiations? It''s true we can''t hold on. If the negotiations can indeed be successful, it wouldn''t be a bad thing, but... isn''t it a bit of a loss?"


    "Indeed."


    Yan Changqing followed, "General Chen, such a big deal, we really aren''t in a position to decide."


    "You don''t need to worry about that."


    Chen Sansi said, "After ten days, General Deng, General Sha, the two of you will enter the Nanxu Central Army Camp to negotiate with Nan Xu."


    "Go to their Central Army Camp?!"


    Sha Wenlong thought he misheard.


    That''s an army of a hundred thousand! S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    If they went in and the negotiations didn''t succeed, wouldn''t they just be lambs to the slaughter?!


    "Alright, all of you go out."


    Chen Sansi dismissed, "Brother and Wang Zhi stay."


    Before long.


    The room was left with just three people.


    Zhao Kang and others in charge.


    Guarding, not allowing outsiders to approach.


    Even Xia Cong and others were not allowed.


    "This..."


    Xia Cong originally wanted to be responsible for guarding the door, couldn''t help feeling somewhat disappointed.


    It seemed, he was not one of General Chen''s confidants yet.


    ...


    "Hehe~"

 Chapter 165 Three Thousand, Break One Hundred Thousand!_6

    Fang Qingyun teased, "Junior brother, if your elder brother hasn''t guessed wrong, you''re planning to have the two of us go negotiate with the enemy army as well, aren''t you?"


    "Correct!"


    Chen Sansi said candidly, "It''s just that if only Sha and Deng go, there''s no full assurance of success in our plan. However, if you two elders also joined, there would be enough confidence. But before that, I want to ask elder brother, if we encounter danger, do you have any means to save your own life?"


    His Sword Qi Skill was taught by Fang Qingyun.


    This elder brother even compiled a translation dictionary for the language and characters of the Immortal Realm.


    Furthermore...


    He was the disciple most trusted by their teacher, probably without a rival.


    Nobody could compare.


    Whatever it was, it would have been discussed between the two of them.


    On top of that, as the fourth elder brother was disabled, it was impossible for him not to have any means of survival at his disposal.


    "Yes."


    Fang Qingyun nodded, "But it really is just for survival. Currently, I''m a cripple, not to mention techniques like Sword Qi Skill, I can''t even practice Martial Arts anymore."


    "Then..."


    Chen Sansi asked, "If someone in the Profound Image Realm was to kill you, how long could you hold on?"


    "It''s uncertain."


    Fang Qingyun said, "I''ve used it a few times, it''s very fragile now. But I should be able to hold on for a while."


    "Junior brother, no matter what you want to do, just go ahead with your plan if necessary. As generals, we should be decisive without hesitation. You don''t need to worry about our safety," said Fang Qingyun.


    "Elder brother is right, hesitation leads to defeat!"


    Wang Zhi agreed, "But from what you''ve said, junior brother, it seems like this negotiation is very likely to fail?"


    Chen Sansi did not deny it, "Since that''s the case, I''ll trouble the two elder brothers to make this trip."


    In the battle of Ming State, he learned from General Yu Song''s death how to weigh choices and would not have any more hesitations:


    "Besides, the matter of ceding territory is no small matter. We can''t decide it on our own, we need Meng Dashuai''s commander seal for it, and cooperation from your Highness and others, so I''ll trouble elder brother to write a letter to inform them."


    "No problem."


    Fang Qingyun immediately agreed.


    "Hold on."


    Wang Zhi froze, "Sanshi, I just realized something. Sha Wenlong and Deng Feng are well-known generals from inside Hulaoguan, what am I going there for?"


    "You also have a name."


    Chen Sansi said, "Your name is Tang Ruoshan."


    "What is that?"


    Wang Zhi didn''t understand.


    "Elder brother Six," Fang Qingyun said, "The general from the battle of Silver Pine Cliff was you. Junior brother is taking this opportunity to grant you a chance to earn merit before returning."


    Xuanxiang Realm.


    Every radish has its hole.


    If there were secret Dead Soldiers...


    They would not appear on the battlefield but rather in certain assassinations.


    And only Tang Ruoshan, to Nan Xu, would seem more credible.


    "Return? How do I return?"


    Wang Zhi waved his hand, "Let me go if you want to, but as for the rest, ever since I followed you all, I''m not as happy as I was in Po Yang." S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "The problem with your meridians should be curable."


    Chen Sansi pondered.


    Last time when they were extorting the Incense Fire Divine Sect, maybe something to treat the meridians would appear.


    It all depended on whether they were willing to give it up.


    "Alright, that''s settled then."


    Chen Sansi finalized the plans, "Two elder brothers, go get ready."


    ...


    Yong Yue Prefecture.


    "Good, what a valiant double incursion into enemy camp!"


    Meng Quji put down his spear exhaustedly, barely back to the Central Army, and began listening to the Deputy General reading out the battle reports sent from Hulaoguan, "It''s unexpected, Hulaoguan''s three thousand men claiming continuous victory, now even slaying an Admiral! It''s just a pity the forces are too inadequate; otherwise, why should Hulaoguan worry us?"


    "Yes, the Nanxu Army has set out, fearing they''ll soon start besieging in earnest."


    Zhan Taoming saw the latter part, "Eh? Request for peace? Meng Dashuai, take a look, what do they mean by this?"


    "Most likely it''s a ploy for benefits, after all, the best solution is to delay the enemy from besieging," Meng Quji deduced, "Stamp it for them."


    ...


    Nanxu Camp.


    "Request for peace?"


    Fan Shuzhen looked at the letter sent by the messenger, "Strategist, the Sheng people say they don''t want to fight a mutually detrimental war with us and promised that after the war ends, they''ll trade Lanzhou and Mo State for Lingzhou."


    "Lanzhou and Mo State, just to exchange for Lingzhou?"


    You Jingzhi said, "If that''s the case, wouldn''t we gain the most fertile lands of the two Southern states without doing anything, and so what''s the point of continuing the fight?"


    "Indeed."


    Fan Shuzhen was very tempted, "Strategist, with these two states, it would be enough for us to recuperate in secret, and our hundred thousand army wouldn''t have to suffer any more losses. In a few years'' time, they could grow to a hundred and fifty thousand strong!"


    A hundred and fifty thousand strong!


    Who could then contest him for the throne?!


    "Wait."


    Ran Jingxuan pondered, "Wouldn''t this be too big a loss for Dasheng? What they''ve gained from this war, the three Eastern states combined, isn''t as valuable as Lanzhou and Mo State, isn''t it somewhat unreasonable?"


    "Reasonable, I think it''s very reasonable!"


    Fan Shuzhen had an epiphany, "I get it! They''re aiming for Ziwei Mountain! I can understand the thinking of the Emperor of Shengren, there must be treasures on Ziwei Mountain!"


    "If Lord Eight thinks so, it must be true," Ran Jingxuan knew.


    The reason the Sheng people took such a big risk in this war was precisely for Lingzhou.


    "Should we talk about it?" Experience tales with My Virtual Library Empire


    Fan Shuzhen suggested, "There are no downsides to talking, at the very least we could rescue our fourteenth brother first."


    "Lord Eight, be wary of falling into a trap," Ran Jingxuan said with mixed certainty, "I suspect their plan is not a sincere offer to negotiate but merely a stalling tactic to buy time."


    "What if it''s true?"


    Fan Shuzhen argued, "Wouldn''t we have struck a huge bargain? The value of Ziwei Mountain to us is far less than that of the two states. Even if there are treasures up there, we wouldn''t be able to find them, after all, Qing Country has searched for more than a century!"

 Chapter 165 Three Thousand, Breaking One Hundred Thousand!_7

    "They just want to delay us,"


    "If they really want to talk, it''s not impossible."


    After pondering for a moment, Ran Jingxuan made a decision, "Very well, Lord Eight, tell them we can talk peace, but they must first send back Lord Fourteen, and then... dispatch at least two Mystical Phenomenon Generals along with Fang Qingyun, all to negotiate amidst our hundred thousand troops!"


    "If they dare to do so, there''s no harm in talking with them, after all, the exchange mentioned in the letter is already far more valuable to us than attacking Hu Lao Pass."


    "But if they don''t dare, it will shows they''re lying!"


    "Brilliant!"


    Fan Shuzhen was overjoyed and immediately sent someone to reply.


    ...


    Several days passed in a flash.


    During this time, it continued to drizzle, the rain wasn''t heavy, yet it made the already humid southeast even more obscure, especially for the hundred thousand troops, who had no good shelter from the wind and rain, their tents were directly in contact with the ground, it was genuinely long-term torture.


    The soldiers were filled with grumbling.


    "Why is there still no movement!"


    Fan Shuzhen paced back and forth, his patience slowly fading, "The agreed upon negotiation, with no news for days on end, Li Gong''s side has basically been urging every day, my head is about to explode."


    You Jingzhi said, "It seems that it''s really just a stalling tactic."


    "Damn it! How dare they play games with me!"


    Fan Shuzhen was furious, "Strategist, let''s take action!"


    "Clang¡ª"


    Ran Jingxuan drew the long sword from his waist, "Pass my command!"


    "Buzz¡ª"


    "Rumble¡ª"


    At a single command.


    An army of hundred thousand.


    Due to the huge number of troops, they formed a giant array, stretching out twenty li!


    They surged mightily, with a momentum that shook the heavens and earth!


    They advanced to suppress Hu Lao Pass!


    Above the city walls.


    Even the repeatedly victorious Black Armor soldiers felt somewhat daunted upon seeing this spectacle; after all, this was a genuine army of hundred thousand, and they knew that they only had three thousand men!


    But at this critical moment,


    a messenger arrived at the enemy camp.


    "They agreed?"


    Fan Shuzhen looked at the text above and once again became elated, "Strategist! Look quickly! Hu Lao Pass''s messenger says they''re willing to accept your terms!"


    "Oh?"


    Ran Jingxuan was slightly surprised, "They''re willing to dispatch two Mystical Phenomenon Generals to our camp for negotiations?"


    "No."


    Fan Shuzhen said, "It''s actually four people, Sha Wenlong, Deng Feng, that fierce general whose name is unknown, and Fang Qingyun. It seems Ziwei Mountain really is important to them, they are sincerely coming to negotiate."


    "All of them?"


    You Jingzhi heard this with some disbelief, "Doesn''t this mean they''re practically handing over ninety percent of Hu Lao Pass''s strength right into our camp? Their sincerity is really enough. Strategist, I think it''s worth talking."


    "If that''s really the case..."


    Ran Jingxuan said, "It might be worth trying to talk to them, but I still feel like something isn''t quite right."


    "Strategist, you might be overthinking this time!"


    You Jingzhi hastily said, "Three Mystical Phenomenon Generals are all in our Central Army Camp, even Fang Qingyun included. Once they enter our camp, they''ll be like lambs to the slaughter, don''t they value their lives?


    "Besides, with these people out, even Chen Sansi left in the rear, no matter how cunning, probably can''t exert his strength, can he?"


    Without Mystical Phenomenon Realm Generals.


    Having explained everything, what remained of Chen Sansi was merely someone in the Meridian Passage Realm.


    Even the previous Heavenly Book Array at Silver Pine Cliff had required that bare-handed warrior, and the later double cavalry raid relied completely on Deng Feng to resist Martial Artists of the same realm.


    Without them, what could Chen Sansi possibly do?


    "This point is indeed correct."


    Ran Jingxuan still hesitated somewhat, "It''s just..."


    "Strategist, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!"


    Fan Shuzhen said, "The Emperor of the Sheng people, Longqing, is inept and morally corrupt. Do you remember what happened in Yunzhou ten days ago? Eight or nine out of ten, it was his doing! If there really are treasures on Ziwei Mountain, to him, trading two states for them is nothing."


    Ran Jingxuan thought about it, and it really was so.


    Moreover, he reasoned that it was the enemy walking into the tiger''s den, and after all, it was just a negotiation, not a decisive battle. If the negotiation failed, they could simply continue the fight without delay. Stay tuned with My Virtual Library Empire


    "Strategist."


    Fan Shuzhen continued to persuade from the side, "Don''t forget, our fourteenth brother is still in their hands. Even if we can''t agree, we can at least rescue him, right?"


    "Alright."


    Ran Jingxuan was finally convinced, "In that case, let them come in to talk first, but if we can''t agree..."


    His gaze suddenly became sinister, "then they don''t need to leave!


    "Pass my command!


    "Set up the trapping array around the Central Army Tent in advance. Wait for my signal with the throwing of the cup!


    "Then...


    "Welcome the guests!


    ...


    "Buzz¡ª"


    The gate of Hulaoguan city swung open.


    Fang, Deng, Sha, Wang, the four individuals, didn''t bring any attendants and walked straight toward the hundred thousand-strong army; the dense Armored Soldiers parted like a tide, eventually swallowing them up.


    "Sir..."


    "Is this, isn''t this too risky?"


    Even Zhao Kang and the others watched with fear and trepidation. S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Yes."


    "General Fang and the others are all over there, that''s a hundred thousand troops!"


    "If something happens, wouldn''t it mean..."


    No one could come out!


    After all.


    The opponents still had three Generals of the Profound Image Realm, among whom Fan Shuzhen was no less powerful than Deng Feng. With only one Sha Wenlong left, should anything go wrong, it would mean the real end of Hulaoguan!


    Chen Sansi looked over the wasteland, silent, his gaze filled with a resolute determination to win.


    "Xia Cong, heed the command!"


    "The entire army to prepare for battle!"


    "Tomorrow morning, march out for a decisive battle!"


    "A decisive battle?!"


    Xia Cong almost thought he misheard: "Sir, aren''t we negotiating? Why suddenly a decisive battle! General Fang and the others are still inside there?"


    Chen Sansi''s silence provided the answer.


    Xia Cong and the others no longer dared to object and immediately took their leave to carry out the orders.


    This arrangement.


    Was a negotiation, but it was also a decisive battle!


    This was the fourth move, and the last move in the battle of Hulaoguan.


    Three thousand, to break a hundred thousand!

 Chapter 167 Conclusion at Hu Lao, the White Robe Shows Its Might

    Fan Shuzhen said, his massive sword already cleaving downwards.


    A sword gang transformed into a Dire Wolf of Kui, charging straight at the green-robed scholar in the wheelchair, leaving behind a huge crack along its path as if the earth itself was torn apart by this one stroke.


    "Boom¡ª"


    Almost at the same moment.


    Deng Feng also made his move.


    The Azure Dragon Crescent Broadsword fell, effortlessly splitting the sword gang that had taken the form of the Dire Wolf of Kui in two, which then rapidly dissipated, vanishing without a trace.


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    "I''ll handle Deng Feng!"


    "One each!"


    Fan Shuzhen said, charging in to engage in battle with Deng Feng.


    "Lord You!"


    Ran Jingxuan drew his sword, "Ran is not exceptionally strong, I can only deal with Sha Wenlong; Tang Ruoshan is yours to handle first. After killing Sha Wenlong, I''ll immediately come to assist you!"


    "You look down on me too?!"


    Sha Wenlong, thunderously angry, swung his broadsword as if a mountain were collapsing towards his opponent.


    "Confinement Formation!"


    "Form up!"


    "Boom!"


    As several generals were deep in combat, another row of soldiers holding Mystic Iron Shields advanced.


    These men were the best of the best, risking their lives to launch sneak attacks; though the vast majority died instantly, it undeniably also accelerated the depletion of the enemy''s gang qi.


    In a situation with military officers of the same realm, surrounding and killing a warrior of the Xuanxiang Realm would take no more than five or six hundred lives.


    You Jingzhi wasn''t in a hurry to make a move.


    After all, in his mind.


    Tang Ruoshan was also at Great Success in the Xuanxiang Realm.


    Making a move directly, he would likely be no match; the best strategy was to use his men to chip away at him, in addition to delaying, waiting until the other two had settled their fight before ganging up to kill him.


    But just as he was tensely preparing to make a move to test the waters.


    Wang Zhi...


    ran away!


    Wang Zhi, who had been pretending to be a master, deftly snatched a weapon from the hands of the Nanxu soldiers, killed two of them, and then ran over to the side of the wheelchair.


    From his moves.


    You Jingzhi realized. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This man was nowhere near the Xuanxiang Realm; let alone gang qi, he didn''t even have vigor, was he merely a Refining Internal or Bone Training, or still hiding his strength, tempting him to attack?!


    "Swoosh!"


    You Jingzhi, after much thought, finally chose to swing his iron chain, the Iron Claw at its end smashed out like a meteor, intending to use some strength to test how powerful this man truly was.


    "Rumble!"


    Wang Zhi had already snatched a Mystical Iron Shield and even placed several Nanxu soldiers in front of him; as the soldiers were struck dead instantly, the Flying Claw carrying gang qi came crashing down, and he was flung backwards, losing his grip on the Mystical Iron Shield and coughing up a mouthful of fresh blood.


    "Damn it, Bone Training?!"


    You Jingzhi announced loudly, "Lord Eight, strategist! Tang Ruoshan is a cripple, he only has Bone Training!"


    "What?!"


    Ran Jingxuan, who was fighting with Sha Wenlong, suddenly realized: "No wonder he didn''t dare to show himself openly before. Just as I suspected, the fearsome unarmed warrior from before was played by Deng Feng!"


    That explained everything!


    After all.


    The only time the fearsome unarmed warrior emerged was under cover of the night where faces couldn''t be clearly seen, which was proof enough of everything.


    "What are you waiting for, Marquis?!"


    Ran Jingxuan was overjoyed, "Kill Tang Ruoshan and Fang Qingyun, and we''ll have decided the outcome!"


    The current situation looked grim.


    Apart from Deng Feng and Sha Wenlong, no one present had any real combat power.


    In other words, there was only one at the Great Success level and one at the entry-level!


    They were, frankly, utterly vulnerable!


    "Old Four, what should we do?"


    Wang Zhi, struck by several knives, was fiercely protecting the wheelchair. "You''re crippled, and I''m useless. Use whatever means you have quickly! What''s the point of playing the flute at a time like this..."


    In the midst of the chaotic battle,


    The Green Robed Scholar had a serious expression, but there was no panic to be seen. He methodically took out a flute he always carried with him and gently placed it to his lips as if he was about to play.


    "Save it for the underworld!"


    As You Jingzhi spoke,


    His Flying Claw tore through the air anew, like a ghostly claw from the underworld, reaching straight for the Green Robed Scholar''s crown.


    At the same time,


    The jade flute sounded!


    "Woo woo~"


    The mournful and melodious sound of the flute unexpectedly rose amidst the cacophony of clashing metal on the battlefield. It was incredibly distinct, as if coming from another realm, separate from the world of men. Then, everyone''s minds were racked with pain as if being sliced by countless blades.


    "Ahh¡ª"


    "Pugh!"


    Some Array Soldiers even had their heads burst on the spot.


    Many military soldiers of lower realms also vomited blood or died from bleeding from all orifices.


    "Buzz!"


    Including You Jingzhi, who was engulfed in darkness until he fully released his Protective Gang Qi, barely managed to resist. He could feel an invisible force attacking his Gang Qi along with the sound of the flute, as if countless invisible Martial Artists were hacking and slashing at him.


    Even Fan Shuzhen and Ran Jingxuan were more or less affected, causing flaws to appear in their battle against their foes, nearly leading to fatal blows.


    "What is this thing?!"


    "How can a single flute have such tremendous power?"


    "Immortal Artifact!"


    "That''s the Immortal Artifact in Fang Qingyun''s hands!"


    "He really did have something!"


    "..."


    "Old Four, where did you get this thing?!"


    Wang Zhi stared in stunned disbelief.


    There was no reply.


    Fang Qingyun just signaled him with a gesture.


    Go!


    Wang Zhi noticed.


    Just a brief moment had passed, and Fang Qingyun''s complexion had turned deathly pale.


    Clearly, using such a method came at a cost.


    "I understand."


    Wang Zhi pushed the wheelchair and started running out.


    Where they passed, the encircling enemies automatically parted a way in the wake of the deadly flute sound.


    "Don''t let them escape!"


    "Kill!"


    Ran Jingxuan''s lower realm meant he was the most affected, his face even twisting: "Kill Fang Qingyun!"

 Chapter 167 Conclusion at Hu Lao, White Robe Demonstrates Power_2

    "Ah!"


    You Jingzhi let out a fierce shout.


    His protective Gang Qi suddenly soared.


    Finally, it completely blocked the attack of the flute sound. His Flying Claw, coated with Gang Qi, transformed into a long and terrifying claw, resembling a withered tree branch, and descended from the sky once more.


    "Boom!"


    The pitch of the flute sound rose higher.


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    An invisible force collided.


    It actually blew away the full-strength strike from a Small Achieved Martial Artist of the Xuanxiang Realm.


    "I don''t believe it!"


    You Jingzhi roared in anger, continuing to attack the green-robed scholar in the wheelchair frantically.


    While the generals were fighting,


    The Nan Xu army of one hundred thousand had completely fallen into endless chaos.


    A great fog!


    A dense fog that blanketed the sky!


    This fog obscured half of the world


    The soldiers of Nan Xu


    watched with their own eyes as the places shrouded by the fog were left with bodies scattered everywhere...


    The white fog, mingling with the blood mist, the sound of golden spears and iron horses, the black armor faintly visible, created an indescribable scene of divine awe interwoven with bloodbath, terrifying the onlookers to the point where their souls scattered and their guts split.


    No one knew how many enemy soldiers were inside the fog.


    Nor did anyone know what realm they were from.


    All the soldiers of Nan Xu knew was they couldn''t hold back the enemy!


    It didn''t matter how many people went to block them, whether cavalry or infantry, whether holding their ground or forming a battle array; they were all crushed mercilessly, leaving only a field of corpses. The great fog, in the eyes of the people, gradually morphed into a titanic beast that devoured all; wherever it went, no matter how many soldiers were present, they would be swallowed whole.


    In such a situation,


    there was only one thought left in the minds of the Nan Xu soldiers.


    Run!


    "Stand your ground!"


    "Everyone, stand your ground!"


    "..."


    A few Assistant Generals stepped out to command.


    "Do not panic!"


    "Form a formation at the perimeter!"


    "Trap them!"


    "We have one hundred thousand soldiers!"


    "..."


    "Pfft!"


    However,


    these Assistant Generals were either directly stabbed to death by a long spear amidst the throngs of soldiers,


    or they simply couldn''t command.


    After all, an Assistant General could at most command a few thousand men; the rest simply wouldn''t listen to them.


    Chen Sansi, using his Qi Observation Skill, sought out and specifically targeted military officers to kill.


    "Where is the Prince?!"


    "Where are the Generals?"


    "What should we do now?"


    Without a leader,


    the one hundred thousand-strong army was nothing but loose sand.


    They had no idea how to respond.


    "We''ve lost!"


    "Our army has been defeated!"


    "..."


    When the Jiuxiao Heavenly Soldiers formation charged at the flank,


    the soldiers of Nan Xu, who were initially the vanguard but later shifted to the left side,


    at that moment,


    recalled the terror of having to hold up their shields even when relieving themselves.


    Ever since the battle of Hulaoguan began, Chen Sansi, time and again, either charged into the formation alone or with a companion to slay generals. The troops that were originally responsible for the vanguard had long been scared witless; expecting them to siege was out of the question.


    So, in order not to affect morale, they had already rearranged their deployment several times.


    But at this time...


    These soldiers, scattered everywhere, had become the seeds that ignited the epidemic.


    Every step arranged by Chen Sansi


    was like a series of interlocking chains, beginning to take effect.


    "Chen Sansi!"


    "Run for it!"


    "We can''t win, it''s simply not possible!"


    "Those two, they killed General Peng, tens of thousands couldn''t catch up with them!"


    "Now with the army charging, how could we possibly win!"


    "..."


    Thus,


    on this vast and boundless wilderness,


    an unprecedented grand rout could no longer be stopped. They couldn''t even distinguish the directions, fleeing haphazardly in all eight directions. Even the few generals still holding on were killed by their own men in the chaos.


    In the midst of battle,


    the number of soldiers under one''s command has its pros and cons.


    Fewer men meant more agility,


    while more men meant being unwieldy.


    Once the number of soldiers reached a certain level, it demanded a very high command ability from the Commander. If not a naturally born grandmaster of military tactics, it would be simply impossible to command so many men.


    Especially for many generals,


    their talents only allowed them to command a few thousand or perhaps ten to twenty thousand men.


    More is not always better,


    and not everybody is capable of managing more.


    Not to mention, within the Nan Xu Army, there were recruits with just two years of training, plus twenty thousand allies from Qing Country, creating utter chaos. With the three Mystical Phenomenon Generals absent, they were nothing but a disorganized mob.


    Next,


    as long as they took out the Main General,


    the army of a hundred thousand would be completely defeated!


    "Xia Cong, Xiao Zheng, you two continue to charge, but don''t just rush straight ahead. Charge out diagonally, then charge back again diagonally!"


    After Chen Sansi finished instructing, he headed straight for the Central Army Camp.


    At this moment,


    the Xuanjia Army, under various compounded factors, had already entered a state of the ultimate war frenzy. With eyes only for killing the enemy, and backed by the most important Mystical Energy and Heavenly Book, they confronted an Enemy Army intent only on fleeing, as if entering uninhabited territory.


    ...


    Central Army Camp.


    Supported by the sound of flutes, S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Deng Feng and others had been holding out in the encirclement until now.


    You Jingzhi''s multiple attacks had not been able to harm Fang Qingyun in the slightest.


    Instead, reports of defeat after defeat kept coming in.


    "General!"


    "It''s over!"


    "Complete chaos!"


    "If you don''t go out to take charge of the army now... my hundred thousand troops are going to collapse right here!"


    "..."


    "Useless!"


    Fan Shuzhen, who was evenly matched with Deng Feng, cursed, "A hundred thousand men, and he''s just a Meridian Passage? Inside Hulaoguan, there are only over ten thousand defending troops; can''t you all hold them back!"


    "Prince!"


    "Heavenly Soldiers and Generals!"


    That Assistant General said in a panic, "They are possessed by Heavenly Soldiers!"


    "It''s also unclear how many there are, but definitely not just over ten thousand!"


    "..."


    "Heavenly Soldiers?"


    Fan Shuzhen reacted.


    It must be the Heavenly Book again!


    He sheathed his sword intending to personally go and oversee the battle, but he couldn''t break away. Deng Feng, wounded by several cuts, broke out of the encirclement and charged towards him again.

 Chapter 167 Conclusion at Hu Lao, White Robe Shows Its Might_3

    ```


    "Lord You!"


    Ran Jingxuan was in the same predicament, "Since we can''t kill Fang Qingyun, let''s go and kill Chen Sansi. Once he dies, the enemy army will naturally collapse!"


    He was mistaken!


    Before, he had always assumed having Fang Qingyun along with three Generals here meant he could rest easy, but in fact, Chen Sansi was the true core, even though he was only at the Meridian Passage Realm!


    It was precisely the words "Meridian Passage" that greatly reduced their guard!


    "Good!"


    You Jingzhi decisively gave up on the Green Robed Scholar.


    Just as he had guessed.


    He couldn''t kill him.


    But this cripple couldn''t kill him either, his flute was more for self-protection; the offensive measure was alright for low-level warriors but somewhat lacking against High Realm Martial Artists.


    "Damn it!"


    Watching the other ride away, Wang Zhi voiced his concern, "Old Four, what shall we do?!"


    "Follow them."


    Fang Qingyun said.


    ...


    "Don''t panic!"


    You Jingzhi, amidst the chaotic army, tried to salvage the situation, but it was too late. The various forces were already in disarray; even if the military officers wanted to follow orders, they couldn''t do so.


    Fortunately, he found his target.


    In the midst of the dense Nanxu Army.


    There was a White Horse charging alone into the enemy''s formation, wielding a long spear in one hand and a sword in the other, unmatched by any opponent. No, to be precise, essentially no one dared to block his way. Everyone wet their pants in fear and stepped aside, not even daring to meet his gaze.


    As a result, a broad road emerged in the midst of the chaotic battlefield!


    "Chen Sansi, stop there!"


    You Jingzhi spurred his horse, chasing head-on at full speed.


    Contrary to his expectations.


    Chen Sansi didn''t run away but also galloped furiously towards him, trailed by a sky-covering fog that enveloped several miles around and hid his figure from sight.


    "What sorcery!"


    You Jingzhi momentarily panicked.


    First the Heavenly Thunder at Silver Pine Cliff.


    Now a bizarre and extreme fog out of nowhere.


    If the Heavenly Book Formation is truly this powerful, how did the Red Eyebrow Army get defeated in the past?


    How did Liang Jinian die at the hands of a mere thousand or two thousand soldiers?


    After all, as an Admiral and a noble Marquis, even if his strategic levels were average, he was someone who had been through many trials and tribulations. He quickly steadied his mind; no matter how dense the fog, it was just that¡ªa fog, merely a blinding technique!


    If it truly were effective!


    He would already be dead!


    "Da-da¡ª"


    "Zzzt!"


    You Jingzhi finally judged from the sound of the horse''s hooves that this Chen wasn''t taking advantage of the fog to sneak an attack on him but rather went first to kill the other nearby soldiers. Why?!


    "Boom!"


    He swung his Iron Claw with precision toward the sound of the hooves.


    Then came the sound of weapons clashing.


    He scored a hit!


    You Jingzhi immediately hastened towards the source of the sound, but arrived to find nothing. In front of him lay the corpses of his troops, within the several miles of dense fog a deathly silence.


    Apart from himself, there was no other living person in sight.


    Cleaning the field?


    Silencing witnesses?


    What is this Chen planning?!


    In the fog right in front of him, suddenly, a speck of purple light appeared. The purple light tore through the fog, revealing its true form.


    That sword!


    A sword emitting a misty purple aura, palm-sized but exquisitely crafted, its surface flowing with a mysterious light, intricately covered in dense, ant-like mystical runes.


    Immortal Law!


    Not long ago he had witnessed Fang Qingyun''s flute. Enjoy new stories from My Virtual Library Empire


    You Jingzhi was somewhat prepared mentally; extremely cautious, he slammed his Iron Claw charged with Gang Qi onto the tiny purple sword.


    "Buzz!"


    Upon contact.


    You Jingzhi felt an irresistible force strike him.


    Despite the tiny size of the purple sword, it seemed to embody the weight of an entire mountain. With his small achievement in the Xuanxiang Realm, he couldn''t resist it.


    In that moment.


    Everything seemed to slow down.


    You Jingzhi''s chain Iron Claw was sent flying by the tremendous impact, temporarily out of his control. In an instant, the tiny purple sword arrived before his face.


    His clothes billowed and his armor clanked as bursts of Protective Gang Qi erupted around him, forming a transparent barrier that seemed like solidified gel.


    "Boom¡ª"


    The tiny purple sword slowed down momentarily as it collided with the Gang Qi, but in the end, it cut through the barrier layer by layer, unstoppably pushing forward, and reached its destination without any further obstruction, piercing through the skull.


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    Happened in the blink of an eye.


    "Huh..."


    You Jingzhi stood rigidly, his mind blank, not knowing who he was or where he was until a warm trickle of blood spread like a crimson spider''s web across his face, and then he crumbled to the ground, breathless.


    "A Xuanxiang Warrior is quite tenacious, indeed!"


    Chen Sansi emerged from the thick fog.


    His small achievement in Sword Qi Skill was barely sufficient to kill a Xuanxiang Warrior at small achievement level. Even one at Great Success would likely have survived.


    Nothing like previously killing Meridian Passage Realm warriors who basically couldn''t even see what was happening before they dropped dead on the spot.


    It seems.


    High Realm Martial Artists are not as frail as imagined.


    At least, they can put up a fight against low-level Immortal Laws.


    If Xuanxiang is this tough.


    The Martial Saints must be even more formidable.


    Chen Sansi first used his long spear to wreck the wound, then with the Zhenyue Sword, he severed the head. He called over Qian Xun and hadn''t gone far when he met his two senior brothers, who were being pursued by several hundred troops and military officers of various ranks.


    ```

 Chapter 167 Conclusion at Hu Lao, White Robe Demonstrates Power_4

    The Green Robed Scholar''s face turned deathly pale as he sat in his wheelchair, relying on the sound of the flute to fend off the soldiers behind him.


    "Boom¡ª¡ª"


    Until a long spear arrived like a dragon, causing these last elites to collapse utterly.


    "The situation has been determined!"


    Chen Sansi said, "Brothers, finish them off!"


    The Central Army Camp had long been destroyed beyond recognition, as if it had never existed.


    Under heavy siege, Deng Feng had already been covered in wounds, his armor turning crimson. In front of him, with the help of thousands of soldiers, Fan Shuzhen gradually gained the upper hand.


    Yet at that moment, a familiar severed head fell in front of him.


    You Jingzhi!


    "How is this possible!"


    Fan Shuzhen was horrified.


    Hadn''t he sent him to kill Chen Sansi, how could...


    A thick fog had obscured the view just a moment ago.


    Could it be another Immortal Law used by Fang Qingyun!


    Sha Wenlong, looking at the severed head, was also shocked and found it strange.


    Meanwhile.


    Three thousand Iron Cavalry of the Xuanjia Army.


    After several rounds of fierce attacks, they completely overwhelmed the front and Central Armies, bringing a dense fog of blood with them to this place, killing too many and shedding too much blood, the originally thick white fog thoroughly turned into a deep crimson blood mist.


    In this blood mist.


    There were three thousand death gods!


    The unstoppable three thousand death gods annihilated the last of Da Xu''s elite troops who were stubbornly resisting.


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    From Fan Shuzhen and others'' encirclement of Deng Feng and Sha Wenlong, suddenly and completely reversed.


    It changed to them being trapped in the dense blood mist, facing the bloodthirsty Xuanjia Army charging fearlessly, quickly allowing Deng Feng to catch a flaw and severely wound him in return.


    "Boom¡ª¡ª"


    A "Da Xu" military flag collapsed thunderously.


    "Someone!"


    Fan Shuzhen screamed desperately.


    But he could no longer summon a single subordinate!


    "Strategist! Save me, strategist!"


    In the end, he could only pin all his hopes on Lingsuan.


    Only to see Ran Jingxuan, unable to withstand the siege, exchanged wounds with Sha Wenlong and knelt on one knee, his complexion ghastly, his heart ashen: "Prince, we have lost..."


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    Fan Shuzhen felt utterly bewildered: "A hundred thousand troops, I had a hundred thousand troops! How did it come to this?!"


    "Prince, open your eyes and see."


    Ran Jingxuan said despairingly: "Our ranks have entirely scattered..."


    In the face of a massive rout at the front.


    The rear troops, upon witnessing the "Da Xu" flag of the Central Army tent falling and being devoured by the blood mist, thought it was utterly over, did not release a single arrow, turned, and fled.


    The three generals of the Central Army Tent were all captured.


    They.


    Why even fight anymore?


    "Ah!"


    Fan Shuzhen roared, and after another fierce exchange with Deng Feng, he struggled to support himself and asked unwillingly, "Strategist, where did we fail, where did we fail!"


    "We failed because of indecisiveness, hesitation!"


    Ran Jingxuan regretted their past actions, "We should not have been calculating our own gains and losses. Initially, if we had attacked Hu Lao Pass with all our forces, even at great loss, we would definitely have been able to take it down. How did we end up with such a disastrous defeat?"


    The encirclement stopped.


    Two thousand of the three thousand Black Armor continued to slaughter the rest.


    A thousand remained, encircling without attacking, waiting for the two to run out of energy.


    "There is one thing I don''t understand!"


    Ran Jingxuan coughed up a mouthful of fresh blood, and as he watched the young general approaching slowly on a White Horse, he asked, "Inside Hu Lao Pass, exactly how many generals, how many troops are there? Twenty thousand? Or thirty thousand?"


    "Three thousand."


    The situation was already decided, Chen Sansi did not need to bluff anymore, "Three thousand troops, plus two Mysterious Phenomena."


    "What?!"


    "Pfft¡ª"


    Upon hearing this, the severely wounded Ran Jingxuan became frantic, spitting out another large cloud of blood. After a long while, he started laughing self-mockingly, "I, Ran Jingxuan, a grand Lingsuan, commanding one hundred thousand troops, finally defeated by a mere three thousand men!"


    Remembering anew, it felt like being in a different world!


    He finally understood.


    The moment his one hundred thousand troops reached Hu Lao Pass, or perhaps when Chen Sansi''s first arrow struck the patrolling sentry, it was a destined defeat.


    All their actions thereafter.


    Were in the palm of Chen Sansi''s hand!


    One could even say, they were all traps carefully laid out, and they kept jumping in, one after another without hesitation.


    Three thousand Black Armor!


    One Meridian Passage!


    Destroyed one hundred thousand troops!


    Ran Jingxuan cried out to the heavens, "What face do I have left, to live in this world¡ª"


    "Crack¡ª"


    "I never intended to let you live!"


    Deng Feng''s sword fell, and a head rolled on the ground.


    "Fan Shuzhen!"


    Chen Sansi pointed his long spear at him, shouting sternly, "You''re the only one left, yet you refuse to die..."


    "Thud!"


    However.


    Before he could finish speaking.


    The previously reluctant Fan Shuzhen, in full view of everyone, suddenly knelt down, as if the world had flipped over, without any warning or transition, he cried out loudly, "General Chen, spare my life! I am one of the eight princes of Da Xu, with many connections within the court. Spare me, and I will surely repay you!"


    "You?"


    Chen Sansi looked down at him, asking coldly, "Fan Shuzhen! My Dasheng has come to reclaim the territories of three states, hence the war against Dongqing Country. What does Nan Xu have to do with it, that you mobilize one hundred thousand troops, using the nation''s strength to cross borders and challenge our military might!"


    Fan Shuzhen knelt on the ground, almost blurting out a shocking revelation that made the thousand people present speechless, not knowing what to do, even the thought of killing evaporated.


    Despite his severe injuries, his voice was loud and resonant:


    "If not willingly come now, would the trouble be greater later!"


    "..."


    Chen Sansi was momentarily stunned.


    Fan Shuzhen continued, "General Chen is a genius born once in a millennium, a saint among strategists, bound to wage wars across the south and north, confronting Da Xu inevitably. If it were really so, General Chen would have to lead troops across countries and traverse thousands of miles to capture me. Isn''t me delivering myself to you now saving General Chen a great deal of trouble?"

 Chapter 167 Conclusion at Hu Lao, White Robe Shows Its Might_5

    At the same time.


    In the midst of the chaotic army outside, another shout came through.


    "I am the Fourteenth Prince of Da Xu, Fan Jiuxiao, who wants a taste of wealth and honor!"


    "..."


    Very soon.


    Fan Jiuxiao, severely wounded and not yet healed, was escorted over and knelt on the ground alongside others.


    "Eighth brother!"


    "Fourteenth brother!"


    The two looked at each other and wept.


    "Are all of you from Nan Xu born in the Year of the Dog? Your faces change faster than flipping through a book!"


    Wang Zhi cursed.


    These two men, one was recently shouting about his unwillingness and the other on Silver Pine Cliff wanting to behead the White Robe and capture Phoenix alive, yet in the blink of an eye, they knelt down, wagging their tails and begging for mercy. Are these really the same person?


    "You two brothers, you really did it!"


    Wang Zhi immediately determined that these men must not be killed!


    It would be best to send them back to Nan Xu.


    If one of them became the Emperor.


    In less than twenty years, Nan Xu will surely be in great chaos!


    "Sparing your life is possible,"


    Chen Sansi said without refusal, his voice grave, "But what you should do next, there''s no need for me to explain personally, right?" Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Rest assured, General Chen!"


    Fan Shuzhen understood what was expected of him, "I will immediately gather my former subordinates, all those who can be called back will surrender to Dasheng!"


    "Zi zi!"


    Once they had removed their armor.


    Their wrists were quickly secured with Mystic Iron Chains, then they were placed on a green horse, while Chen Sansi riding Qian Xun followed behind, and soon caught up to the still fleeing troops of Nan Xu''s defeated army.


    Fan Shuzhen, carrying the flag of Dasheng''s army, thundered as he began to rally the troops.


    This battle at Hu Lao.


    Was declared completely over.


    Twenty thousand enemies slain!


    Forty thousand captured!


    An additional forty thousand plus disappeared without a trace, either flooding into the boundaries of Qing Country, or retreating by the original path, fleeing back to Nan Xu.


    However, there were still a few die-hard Assistant Generals who refused to listen even to the Prince''s words, leading the remnants of a few hundred cavalry, moving stealthily in the wilderness waiting for an opportunity. Chen Sansi ordered Sha Wenlong to lead troops to annihilate them.


    The rest remained to clean up the battlefield and rest for a while.


    "Thrilling, truly thrilling!"


    Deng Feng exclaimed, feeling refreshed.


    "This is what fighting a battle is!"


    "This is how you fight a battle!"


    "Three thousand men defeating a hundred thousand, unheard of in ancient times, truly unheard of!"


    "General Chen!"


    "I have no qualms about losing!"


    He kept exclaiming.


    Compared to this battle.


    The effortless fall of Zhaotong Prefecture, what did it count for?!


    The Xuanjia Army was also extremely exhilarated.


    When they left the Capital City, there were many among them who were not pleased.


    After all, they were one of the Emperor''s trusted aide armies, stationed near the Imperial Army around the Capital City. Suddenly, they were assigned to the borders, only because "crossing the Hongze River four times" was renowned enough and everyone wanted to see if this young general was truly as his reputation suggested.


    After arriving in Lai State.


    One incident after another, who wasn''t completely convinced?


    Not only that.


    The great merits of this time.


    Everyone had a share!


    Such great merit, one can only imagine the amount of gold and silver bestowed as rewards, not to mention the Martial Arts Resources, which meant everyone''s future would take a step further!


    "It''s very normal."


    Zhao Kang and the others looked at each other: "We do this often, so we''re used to it."


    The old brothers from Po Yang, as always, were calm.


    Ever since they arrived at Hulaoguan, they started betting on how long it would take to win and how it would be done. The worst estimate was that they would hold out for three months. No one believed they would ever be defeated.


    "General!"


    "Please accept our bow!"


    Xia Cong, Xiao Zheng, and You Jike knelt in unison: "From now on, we will be loyal to His Majesty above, and obey the General below. We are willing to go through fire and water for the Great Sheng Dynasty, without hesitation!"


    "Rise."


    Chen Sansi said nothing more: "Clean up the battlefield, settle the surrendered soldiers as soon as possible, and make sure to annihilate any remaining enemy cavalry units. Leave five hundred men to garrison Hulaoguan, and the rest return to the territory of Lai State to aid the Commander in his assault on Yong Yue Prefecture."


    "Understood!"


    ...


    "Speaking of which, the Heavenly Book is truly divine!"


    "Indeed!"


    "In this battle, we had Heavenly Thunder and thick fog, the great forces of nature were aiding us!"


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    On the wilderness, those responsible for hunting down the last two hundred stubborn soldiers of the Xuanjia Army discussed the course of the battle on horseback as they searched for them.


    "And there were Immortal Laws!"


    "Have you not heard?"


    "In the Central Army Camp, General Fang survived amidst thousands of troops with just a flute!"


    "That''s not all!"


    "So many people died!"


    "It seems that Marquis Qinghe also perished under General Fang''s Immortal Law!"


    "Fang Qingyun? Maybe not!"


    Sha Wenlong thought to himself, but kept his thoughts to himself.


    He had seen everything clearly.


    You Jingzhi had left!


    To find Chen Sansi!


    By the time he came back, only his head remained.


    Compared to Fang Qingyun, it was more likely that Chen Sansi was the killer!


    How could one at the Meridian Passage stage kill someone at the small achievement level of the Profound Image Realm?


    There was only one answer.


    Immortal Law!


    Chen Sansi had also learned the Immortal Law!


    Did Sun Xiangzong teach him so quickly?


    This guy didn''t even report it to the court!


    And...


    Sha Wenlong suddenly recalled that Yin Hanwen and others who died outside the Liangzhou City walls had Chen Sansi as their prime suspect initially. At that time, however, he was only at the Refining Internal stage, which seemed far-fetched, and nobody gave it much thought.


    Now it seemed...


    It was very likely that he had used Immortal Law to kill them!


    And then framed the Witch God Sect!


    It all made sense!


    This youngster!


    He''s as good as dead!


    Without betraying his thoughts, Sha Wenlong said, "You few, search towards the east. I''ll check the west and return here in half an hour, cough cough cough..."


    "Understood!"


    "..."


    After making the arrangements, Sha Wenlong left the team on his own.


    He was seriously injured, with several wounds in vital areas. Now, he probably wouldn''t even be a match for someone at the Meridian Passage stage, especially since he was only an entry-level practitioner in the Profound Image Realm.

 Chapter 167 Conclusion at Hu Lao, White Robe Demonstrates Power_6

    Even so, he forced himself to a secluded area and pulled a piece of cloth from the lining of his shirt. After biting his finger, he began to write the secret letter.


    The Hai Dongqing also perched on his shoulder.


    Ready to send out the message at the fastest speed.


    "Whoosh¡ª¡ª"


    It was then.


    An arrow flew in, piercing straight through the just taken-off Hai Dongqing, causing it to fall from the midair.


    "General Sha."


    Chen Sansi, holding the Big Bow, silently appeared, "What are you writing? Why don''t you go back inside the pass and use paper, had to use blood, so urgent?"


    "You, you..."


    Sha Wenlong instantly panicked and soon put on an act of shock, "How dare you, do you not know how precious these Exotic Beast Flying Eagles are?"


    Chen Sansi paid him no attention but instead picked up the Hai Dongqing, unfolding the cloth attached, "General Sha, you and I have been through life and death together, I can''t believe you would frame me like this, charging me with the murder of an Imperial Official, concealing Immortal Law, even accusing me of plotting rebellion, what a vicious heart."


    The truth was out.


    Sha Wenlong stopped pretending, "Chen Sansi! Was it you who killed Young Master Yin, yes or no?!"


    There was no response.


    He just saw a purple little sword slowly condensing above Chen Sansi''s fingertips.


    "What, what are you going to do?!"


    Sha Wenlong''s eyes widened in his one good eye.


    His guess was indeed correct.


    This Chen had learned Immortal Law!


    But he couldn''t care less about his shock at this moment, his greater feeling was fear, "You dare to kill me? How will you explain it?"


    "General Sha Wenlong, wounded while pursuing the remaining Nan Xu Cavalry, unfortunately ambushed and killed by a swarm of blades, how does this explanation sound, General Sha?"


    Chen Sansi''s tone was terrifyingly calm.


    "Bang!"


    Sha Wenlong realized escape was hopeless, and tried to run.


    A flash of purple light.


    He fell to the ground, rigid, quickly losing breath.


    Chen Sansi went over to deal with the body.


    This man.


    Also got what he deserved.


    At least before dying, he exhausted that little bit of value he had left.


    And moreover.


    In such a grand victory.


    For a General of the Profound Image Realm to die.


    Is truly...


    Too common.


    If a General didn''t die, the battle report would seem somewhat unreal.


    Chen Sansi could tell the man was seriously injured, that''s why he chose to make his move here.


    The main reason he used the Sword Qi Skill was for the sake of efficiency.


    Practicing the Sword Qi Skill consumes a great deal of incense, but replenishing it after a single use was not very much, only took a little time.


    This battle at Hulaoguan.


    Is considered, completely over!


    According to Chen Sansi''s judgment, by the time they rushed back to Lai State, they would be able to take down Yong Yue Prefecture soon, and the Qing Country''s army outside Green Ridge Mountain would quickly retreat, recapturing the three states was nearly a done deal, without any surprises.


    But there was one thing yet to be concluded.


    The Crown Prince''s rebellion!


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    The pacification of the three states meant gaining Ziwei Mountain. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The place that the Crown Prince and the Incense Fire Divine Sect were preparing to strike.


    The Emperor will soon grace Ziwei Mountain with his presence to conduct the consecration ceremony, and by then, civil and military officials alike will gradually arrive in Lingzhou. In this way, will Lingzhou not truly become the Capital City?


    Chen Sansi and the other meritorious servants will likewise remain to await their rewards, and even some from the battle in Ming State may come over.


    It''s bound to be extraordinarily lively when the time comes.


    It''s just unknown how this grand drama will play out.


    In fact, what Chen Sansi cared about even more was what kind of benefits Lai Zi could fish out from it all.


    Enough.


    Let''s first deal with the matter at hand.


    Having arranged the troops at Hulaoguan, at daybreak the following day, he led a great army back to Lai State, heading straight for Yong Yue Prefecture.


    ...


    Yong Yue Prefecture.


    Meng Quji had gone several days without sleep.


    "What''s the situation at Hulaoguan!"


    Day and night he was filled with anxiety, "Is the retreat all arranged?"


    "It''s arranged."


    Zhan Taoming took off his helmet to catch his breath, "If anything unexpected happens at Hulaoguan, we''ll immediately abandon the attack on Yong Yue Prefecture and fall back two hundred miles, using Zhao Tong Prefecture as the demarcation, to stand off against Qing Country and the Nanxu Liao Army. The supply of grain, fodder, and other logistics are also arranged properly, there definitely won''t be too much chaos. It''s just that within a year, I''m afraid it would be impossible to decide a victor."


    "I still don''t understand why we had to fight this battle, we should have retreated long ago."


    Meng Quji sighed and said, "But strangely enough, even the Crown Prince, who is always cautious and has always minimised expenditures with each military campaign, advocates for continuing the fight, truly baffling."


    "For honor''s sake."


    Zhan Taoming said, "Commander, the disgrace of Ming Xuan back then truly was an unprecedented humiliation for our Great Sheng Dynasty. I can understand why the Emperor and the Crown Prince both want to retake the three states."


    "Yeah, if we could take back the three states, Sheng truly would continue to prosper,"


    Meng Quji said regretfully, "It''s just a pity about Chen Sansi and the others at Hulaoguan. They shouldn''t have been risked to defend the pass; a war for territorial control should have been fought from the start. Now, not only might they not hold the pass, but they also have to take the initiative to strike out, with a high chance of their entire force being wiped out.


    "Three thousand men, not many in number, but the generals among them are all precious treasures of Sheng!


    "General Fang, and Deng Feng, a defector from Qing Country, go without saying, but how old is General Chen? To die at Hulaoguan like this is truly a waste of natural gifts, his future achievements had the chance to compare with Sun Xiangzong.


    "But now... they vanish like a fleeting bloom!"


    "Calculate the time."


    Zhan Taoming said, "The battle report from Hulaoguan should be arriving soon."


    "Report¡ª"


    In the midst of their conversation.


    The battle report from Hulaoguan arrived as expected.


    "That was fast..."


    Meng Quji couldn''t bear to look at the bad news, "Old Zhan, you read it. If it''s as we feared, there''s no need to say it, it would just depress everyone who hears."


    "Okay."


    Zhan Taoming, holding the battle report, trembled, then his entire body began to shake.


    "How is it?!"


    Meng Quji ultimately couldn''t resist asking, "Did anyone make it back alive?"


    "Gone, all gone!"


    Zhan Taoming''s eyes brimmed with tears, his emotions running high.


    "Ha, I knew it."


    Meng Quji shook his head and stood up to go arrange the retreat.


    "No, Commander, you misunderstand!"


    Zhan Taoming held up the letter, his voice raised, almost incoherent, "No, it''s not General Chen and his men who are gone! It''s Nan Xu, Nan Xu''s gone!"


    "A hundred thousand troops gone!"


    "Outside Hulaoguan, General Chen''s three thousand broke through a hundred thousand!"


    "Killed twenty thousand of the enemy!"


    "Captured forty thousand!"


    "..."

 Chapter 168 The Emperors Personal Visit, Grand Ancestors Relic

    "Hysteria?!"


    Meng Quji simply didn''t believe it, "Old Zhan, you should go take a couple of sleeping pills first and get a good sleep after we retreat."


    "Commander!"


    Zhan Taoming pointed at the letter, "I''m not talking nonsense, it''s true!"


    "True?"


    Meng Quji slapped himself hard, "Three thousand against a hundred thousand, and not only didn''t we get wiped out, but we also crushed the enemy? Impossible, absolutely impossible!"


    "Commander, see for yourself!"


    Zhan Taoming shoved the battle report into his hands, "We killed twenty thousand enemies, captured forty thousand, not to mention You Jingzhi and Ran Jingxuan both died in battle, and Fan Shuzhen and Fan Jiuxiao, both were captured alive! Among them, Fan Jiuxiao was captured alive twice!"


    "Is, is this true or false?"


    Even as Meng Quji stared at the plain white paper with black letters, he couldn''t accept it for a long time, "Did I go too far?


    "Or is this a ruse by Nan Xu to lure us!


    "After taking Hu Lao, they somehow captured Hai Dongqing alive and sent false reports, the purpose is to deceive us to stay in Yong Yue Prefecture and surround us in one fell swoop! S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Right, it must be so!"


    "Commander, how could it be."


    Zhan Taoming said, "If Hai Dongqing had been captured, it would have desperately cawed as a warning when it came back."


    "They drugged it, right? They gave Hai Dongqing drugs."


    Meng Quji firmly refused to believe it.


    Such an inconceivable event could occur in the world.


    Until...


    "Report¡ª"


    "Commander!"


    "General Chen!"


    "The General and his forces have already left Hu Lao and are preparing to return to Yong Yue Prefecture to reinforce us, I saw it with my own eyes!"


    "Boom!"


    Meng Quji actually found it somewhat hard to accept this reality, beginning to feel ringing in his ears and his heartbeat quickening, as if they hadn''t won a great victory but had suffered a great defeat.


    After a full tea time had passed.


    He finally recovered, "Quick! First pass this news to the people inside Yong Yue Prefecture, tell them to come out and surrender, and if they don''t comply, then we initiate a siege without attack, I want to see how long their supplies can last."


    Hu Lao was secured.


    No longer any concerns from behind.


    They could continue to employ the strategy of encirclement without attack.


    ...


    Yong Yue Prefecture.


    "Unbelievable."


    Li Gong paced back and forth in the room.


    "I''ve already raised the stakes to the sky, yet why haven''t Fan Shuzhen and the others acted!"


    "According to the timing, Fang Qingyun''s head should already be hanging up."


    "Especially that Deng Feng! He must be hacked into pieces and have his bones pulled out and sinews extracted!"


    "..."


    "Report¡ª"


    "Prince!"


    "It''s bad, the Sheng people outside the city are shouting that Nan Xu''s hundred thousand strong army has been crushed, and they are asking us to come out and surrender, or else they won''t leave a single person alive when the city falls."


    "A joke!"


    Li Gong sneered, "Meng Quji, that shameless man, has been completely driven insane by me, now even spouting such dreams. "


    "Chirp¡ª"


    Before he could finish speaking.


    A Black Hawk flew in.


    "Prince."


    Liu Huanrong said, "This is a letter from the Princely Heir, quick, there must be news from Hu Lao."


    "Hmm."


    Li Gong calmly took out the secret letter, and soon his forehead vein began to throb wildly as if it had come alive, his hands trembling uncontrollably as he held the paper.


    "Prince? Could it be that the treacherous Nan Xu is still driving up the price, indecisively?"


    Seeing that something was wrong, Liu Huanrong carefully approached his side.


    Then, he saw the detailed contents.


    Nan Xu was utterly defeated, the Princely Heir''s whereabouts were unknown, his life and death uncertain.


    "One hundred thousand men!"


    Li Gong burst out in desperate screams, "One hundred thousand men! That''s a full one hundred thousand men!


    "Do you know?


    "One hundred thousand men, how much food do they need every day?


    "One hundred thousand men, how much iron ore is needed for their weapons?"


    "One hundred thousand men, how long does it take to forge their armour!


    "And four Mystical Phenomenon Generals! Four!


    "Even if they were all wild boars, they should have stormed Hu Lao and captured it by now, how, how could it turn out like this, absurd, just absurd!"


    "Prince, what should we do now?!"


    Liu Huanrong was equally at a loss: "One hundred thousand Nan Xu men gone just like that, the battle at Green Ridge Mountain still hasn''t broken through, and the most crucial thing is that we don''t have much food and fodder left in the city; if this goes on, we may truly be in peril."


    "In peril? No, I insist we continue to hold our ground!"


    Li Gong crushed the paper in his hands, his voice booming like a tidal wave: "With Chen Sansi''s three thousand cavalry, he could breach Nan Xu''s one hundred thousand strong army, can''t my forty thousand elite troops hold a city against one hundred thousand men!


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    "Order them to keep defending!


    "When we run out of food, eat the horses, when we run out of stones and timber for defenses, tear down the houses, but keep defending!"


    The fury in his heart was uncontrollable.


    Yongle Prefecture City.


    In a flash, another half month had passed.


    "Prince!"


    "It''s bad!"


    "What could be wrong now?!"


    "Chen Sansi''s troops have arrived!"


    "Fear nothing!"


    As of late, Li Gong had been cursing daily, long devoid of any noble demeanor: "So his three thousand men have arrived, what can they do!


    "Prince, it''s not three thousand men..."


    Liu Huanrong said gravely, "Chen Sansi has brought forty thousand troops!"


    "Forty thousand? Nonsense!"


    Li Gong cursed, "Where did he get forty thousand men!"


    "Nan Xu, all Nan Xu people!"


    Liu Huanrong, equally furious, said, "Fan Shuzhen, that damned coward, to save his life, even though he''s a Crown Prince, has actually surrendered to Dasheng, directing the tens of thousands of remaining men to serve as shields for the Sheng people! Combined, there are now one hundred fifty thousand troops outside the city!


    "Prince!


    "We truly can''t hold out any longer!


    "We have only two days'' worth of food and fodder left!


    "And there''s still no word from the Emperor!"


    "They should all die, they all deserve to die!"


    All Li Gong could do was rant helplessly, incapable of making any useful decision.

 Chapter 168 The Emperors Personal Visit, The Grand Ancestors Treasure_2

    ```


    He had no choice but to suppress his voice, "Liu Huanrong, inform everyone that we''ll counterattack and leave the city at midnight tonight, and also... gather all Generals above the rank of Assistant General, and follow me to lead five hundred light cavalry to seize the opportunity to abandon the city... and break through!"


    "Yes, Lord!"


    ...


    "Rumble¡ª"


    Midnight.


    Suddenly, the Qing Country''s defending troops within Yong Yue Prefecture launched a full counterattack.


    Chen Sansi realized that holding the city was no longer possible, and the decision was made to launch a counterattack from the city. Meng Quji had anticipated this and made preparations in advance, so there was no need for Chen to be involved.


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    At the Martial Saint level, he could not yet partake.


    The Xuanjia Army had just made great achievements, but was also equally exhausted, mostly responsible for escorting the supply lines deep behind the front.


    A night of slaughter.


    Until dawn.


    Yong Yue Prefecture announced its fall, and the last twenty thousand people in the city surrendered.


    But the whereabouts of King Tang Li Gong and others were unknown.


    ...


    In the mountains.


    The five hundred cavalry who had broken through no longer existed.


    Only the last handful of three or five people remained, dismounting and scrambling into the woods, fleeing on foot, planning to find a way to escape back to Qing Country after the situation stabilized.


    Among them.


    Martial Saint Li Gong was ambushed and plotted against by Meng Quji, and with the encirclement and killings by the large army, he suffered severe injuries.


    But fortunately, for a Martial Saint, as long as a sliver of life remained, recovering strength and easily returning to Qing Country were possible.


    "Within these mountains, there are beasts, fruits, and wild vegetables sufficient to hide us for months!"


    "After several months, it will be time for our escape to heaven!"


    "It''s just a pity that the lands of the three states must surely be lost!"


    "Once we return, we can consider, allying with the Ancient Clan to take revenge."


    Every court has neighboring countries.


    The difference lies in the fact that Dasheng is surrounded by enemies on all sides, and the other countries each have their own foes.


    The continent is vast, boundless; if one counts the ocean, its ends are even more unfathomable.


    "Lord is right, as long as the green hills last there will be no worry of no firewood!"


    Just when Li Gong and the others started to breathe a sigh of relief, from all around the forest suddenly came a "rustling" noise, followed by fleeting figures swiftly surrounding them, blocking off all their escape routes.


    "Lord Li!"


    "I have an offer for you, an opportunity to live. Do you want it or not?"


    ...


    After the fall of Yong Yue Prefecture.


    The war in the Eastern Territory began to draw to a close.


    In just a few days, the Qing Country''s army in the Eastern Territory announced its withdrawal, and they sent a letter of peace, agreeing to return the lands of the three states to Dasheng, thus restoring amicable relations and ceasing the hostilities between the two.


    In fact.


    After the complete loss of Lai State, Qing Country, even if willing, no longer had the strength to continue fighting. If they were to lose again, it would be tantamount to shaking the foundation of the country. Giving up the three states was essentially an inevitable decision.


    To say they voluntarily returned them was merely to retain the last bit of dignity.


    Subsequently, within the next two and a half months.


    All land in the three states, including Ziwei Mountain in Lingzhou, was recovered.


    Afterward.


    The court issued an order.


    All war heroes were to go to Tai Lake Prefecture for recuperation.


    The vast majority of the military forces were then dispatched to Yushan Prefecture, Jingyang Prefecture, and Lai Xi Prefecture. These Three Prefectures had become the new border, only by stabilizing the situation in the Three Prefectures could it be ensured that Qing Country wouldn''t launch a sudden strike from Yao State.


    However, without a Martial Saint to preside, only Zhan Taoming, the Deputy General, was there.


    Meng Quji, Fan Tianfa, Cui Congyi and others remained behind to rest within the Prefecture City.


    Chen Sansi, on the other hand, was not idle.


    He was either cultivating or cultivating.


    [Cultivation Technique: National Guardian Dragon Spear. Meridian Passage (small achievement)]


    [Progress: 788/2000]


    After opening the Eight Extraordinary Meridians, he could start preparing to break through to the Xuanxiang Realm. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Skill: Archery. Perfection (First Rank Limit Break)]


    [Progress: (1518/2000)]


    ...


    Beyond this.


    In places like Lingzhou, many medicinal herbs were also seized.


    In his free time, Chen Sansi was brewing medicine for his subordinates, helping them advance their cultivation.


    [Skill: Medical Skill. Ordinary (small achievement)]


    [Progress: 1252/2000]


    "The time promised to the Incense Fire Divine Sect is approaching."


    Chen Sansi started to intensify his training in the Disguise Technique.


    [Skill: Disguise Technique (entry-level)]


    [Progress: 355/500]


    After one more breakthrough, he would be able to practice Bone Shrinking and effectively conceal his identity fully.


    The good news of victory continued to spread in all directions.


    ...


    Qing Country.


    Temporary palace.


    In the hall.


    Tangerine-gold curtains fell, gently fluttering in the breeze, filling the vast space with a wafting scent of incense. The fragrance did not resemble the seductive scent of brothels, nor the demure scent of maiden''s boudoirs, nor the solemn scent of temples and Taoist institutes, but rather a pure... majesty!


    Without any special treatment or added substances, it was just plain incense, yet to the attendees'' noses it bore an unparalleled majesty.


    One after another, Generals clad in armor and reeking of murderous intent, upon stepping over the threshold of the great hall, found their evil Qi cleansed away in an instant. They stopped tens of feet away and all knelt down, not daring to raise their heads to look towards the curtains, their gazes fixed to the ground, filled with deep reverence.


    "Your Majesty..."


    "It''s over."


    "The three states have been taken under Sheng people''s control."


    "King Tang Li Gong..."


    "is unaccounted for!"


    "Half of the eighty thousand strong army within the three states are dead or have surrendered, essentially amounting to a complete annihilation!"


    "After this battle, for the next three to five years, our Qing Country''s borders will need to recuperate and rest."


    "..."


    There was no response.


    Silence.


    It was as if what they said was utter nonsense.


    But there was also no indication for them to leave.


    So, everyone remained kneeling on the ground, not daring to move for a full two hours.


    "This..."


    The leading General mustered the courage to speak, "Your Majesty, is there anything else we need to report?"


    ```

 Chapter 168 The Emperors Personal Visit, The Grand Ancestors Treasure_3

    "Right, right!"


    In the corner, a person suddenly slapped their forehead, "Chen Sansi, the dossier of that Chen Sansi I have brought back, I nearly forgot, a sin worthy of ten thousand deaths. Please forgive me, Your Majesty!"


    A female officer came over, took the dossier, and then took it behind the screen.


    "Rustle¡ª¡ª"


    In the quiet grand hall, the sound of paper pages gently turning was unmistakable.


    The tip of a jade-like soft finger was capped with blood-red rouge, the wide sleeves of the glittering golden dragon robe overlapped with the yellowing pages. After a long while, their owner let out a cold laugh filled with chilling authority:


    "A mere hunter has indeed stumbled upon tremendous fortune."


    ...


    Tongnan Prefecture.


    "Your Highness!"


    "We won!"


    "We have won, ah!"


    The guard stumbled into the courtyard and knelt down in front of the old man making tea by the stove.


    "The three states have already¡ª"


    "All been reclaimed!"


    "..."


    "Three thousand breaking a hundred thousand."


    The black-robed monk gasped, "Amitabha, even the ancestors of the military families did not possess such a dazzling record! Not to mention, at that time in Hu Lao Pass, there were only two Mystical Phenomenons, one of them being Deng Feng, a former general from Qing Country. Under such circumstances, we only intended for him to hold firm, yet... the outcome was a grand defeat of Nan Xu, which is truly beyond comprehension."


    "Indeed."


    The Crown Prince said, "In the future, with such capable generals, even if we face numerous foreign enemies in our Great Sheng Dynasty, what is there to fear?"


    "Right, Your Highness, the tactics employed by Chen Sansi in this battle were undoubtedly clever, but there were still some oddities within."


    The black-robed monk paused, "It is said that in the battle at Silver Pine Cliff, thunder descended from the sky. On the day when three thousand broke a hundred thousand outside Hu Lao, a strange, enveloping fog arose, and then there''s Fang Qingyun''s flute..."


    "The ''Heavenly Book'' was bestowed by the Emperor, but the effect it produced when laying out the battle formations was indeed surprising.


    "It must be that Fang Qingyun and the others possess some method of utilization."


    "These are all matters for later."


    The Crown Prince poured tea for himself, "At this time, we must absolutely not provoke Fang Qingyun. After the success of our endeavor, Sun Xiangzong''s influence will also be a key to stabilizing the situation. It''s just a pity that despite my multiple hints, they refuse to assist."


    "Amitabha, it must be that Lord Governor and the Imperial Family have profound grievances," said the black-robed monk. "Fortunately, Lord Governor does not have much longevity left, and after expanding the Eight Camps, we just need to quickly divide and control them. Liangzhou will henceforth be thoroughly in the hands of the court. Once Your Highness ascends to the throne, we must handle this generation of young military officers properly. We absolutely cannot have a repeat of one family holding too much power."


    "Indeed, our Great Sheng Dynasty appears calm, but it is actually in imminent danger."


    The Crown Prince, looking at the sky, said, "Old Yao, now that the situation in the Eastern Territory is settled, the rest is up to you. After the accomplishment of our goals, you shall be the State Preceptor, and you will no longer need to discreetly gather incense offerings."


    "Thank you, Your Highness, besides that..."


    The black-robed monk said, "Your Highness, don''t you think that the Emperor supported this Eastern Expedition a little too much? He even did not hesitate to use the internal treasury. This monk feels..."


    "The Grand Ancestor''s treasure?"


    The Crown Prince suddenly recalled critical information, "It is rumored that after founding the nation, the Grand Ancestor left a National Treasure for his descendants, whose whereabouts remain unknown to this day. Even my father once dug up the Grand Ancestor''s mausoleum without success in finding it. Could it be... in the Temple on Ziwei Mountain?"


    "It is highly probable."


    The black-robed monk solemnly said, "Your Highness, this is a matter of great importance. It is best if we can explore it first. If we can obtain the Grand Ancestor''s treasure before anyone else, our chances of decisive victory will be greatly increased."


    "Then arrange for someone to search for it," said the Crown Prince. "Of course, it''s better to avoid alarming anyone in the process."


    "Your Highness!"


    At the entrance of the courtyard, the guard reported, "The Princely Heir and General Cui request an audience."


    "Let them in," said the Crown Prince with a gesture.


    "Father!"


    Cao Fan rushed in, first bowing and then saying, "Father, General Sha has died, do you know?"


    "General Sha? You mean that Sha Wenlong?"


    The Crown Prince spoke indifferently, "With such a large scale of war, it is very normal to have three to five hundred casualties, including sacrificing a Mystical Phenomenon General. After the rewarding of meritorious service, my palace will naturally grant him due honors, and we will not mistreat any loyal minister of our Great Sheng Dynasty."


    "He didn''t die in the decisive battle!"


    Cao Fan added, "Father, he was killed after the battle ended, Chen Sansi tasked him with mopping up the remaining cavalry..."


    "Wait."


    The Crown Prince sharply picked up on the abnormality in the conversation, "Tell me, how many enemies have you made for me in Liangzhou!"


    "Thump"


    Cao Fan fell to his knees, "Father, your son hasn''t, your son has only followed your orders to vie for the title of Champion Leader, and tried to bring the Supervisor over to our side. There can only be one leader, and it is quite normal for me to have had unpleasantness with him. Father, please understand!"


    "Your Highness, I can vouch for him." Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Eunuch Feng hastily knelt down too, "The Young Master has always been low-profile and modest in Liangzhou, never causing trouble. In the quest for the title of Champion Leader, he even went as far as to practice ''Fierce Saber'', at the expense of shortening his lifespan!"


    "You..."


    The Crown Prince looked at the Princely Heir with worry, "Enough, it was indeed I who sent you."


    The initial crossing of the river with the civilians.


    From a military family''s perspective, it actually didn''t seem like much, given that the barbarian main forces were at An Ding Prefecture, not even able to send a general over, so to most people, it was merely viewed as a risky venture.


    Read exclusive content at My Virtual Library Empire


    Who could expect that a villager who came out from rural areas could achieve such success?


    "Father!"


    Cao Fan accused, "Back when competing for the position, your son had fought him fiercely, and later in the battle of Ming State, General Sha just disagreed with his strategy, a mere disagreement, and he... This man is sinister and ruthless, your son fears what may come in the future..."

 Chapter 168 The Emperors Personal Visit, The Grand Ancestors Treasure_4

    Cui Congyi also followed up, saying, "Your Highness, before General Sha left, he indeed mentioned that Chen Sansi might hold a grudge and use it as an excuse. At that time, he even suggested to General Fan that someone else should be sent instead."


    "Enough."


    The Crown Prince interrupted, "This palace is aware."


    "Your Highness."


    The black-robed monk said, "If this humble monk''s predictions are correct, the Xuanjia Army will also be arranged to go to Ziwei Mountain next. The three thousand Black Armor soldiers may not have a Martial Saint or Mysterious Phenomenon among them, but they are still a force to be reckoned with."


    "..."


    The Crown Prince pinched the teacup in one hand, "Old Yao, is there a possibility of winning him over?"


    "The likelihood is not great."


    The black-robed monk analyzed, "This man was raised by the Emperor himself, and Yan Liang''s son has always been under his command. Additionally, there''s the connection with Sun Xiangzong... Of course, if it''s possible to win him over, we should try our utmost. Even if we can''t, we should avoid harming such a capable individual. After the success of our plans, he will naturally still be Your Highness''s servant."


    "Father!"


    Cao Fan pleaded, "Chen Sansi, he..."


    "You are the Princely Heir, how would he dare?"


    The Crown Prince sighed, "That''s enough, Cui Congyi. You and Cao Fan should act together in the following matters, including handling the situation with Zhang Lai. Remember, it''s better to resolve enmities than to create them. At this critical moment, don''t stir up any trouble!"


    ...


    Kunlun Mountain.


    "Your Majesty!"


    The Chief Eunuch Huang Hong presented the battle report, "Congratulations are in order, congratulations indeed!"


    "Heh~ three thousand against a hundred thousand."


    After personally reviewing the report, Emperor Longqing''s expression was no longer just one of shock and joy. It also contained wariness, "Huang Hong, tell me, do you think Sun Xiangzong could have achieved this?"


    "I fear not."


    Huang Hong lowered his head and said, "That was an army of a hundred thousand men, and more crucially, the three thousand under General Chen''s command had just been integrated for less than two months. Yet, in this great battle, they suffered only three to five hundred casualties."


    "Does this mean he is stronger than Sun Xiangzong?"


    The Old Emperor''s mouth curved into an ambiguous, faint smile, "My splendid great land is indeed full of talents."


    "In my humble opinion, it is primarily due to the Heavenly Book."


    Huang Hong slowly said, "The formations detailed within, when deployed by them, yield effects unlike those practicable within the Capital City, oh, this servant is blabbering on..."


    Emperor Longqing huffed, "I knew it, Fang Qingyun and the others were hiding things. Let them be. I''m not a narrow-minded person. As long as they are beneficial to the Great Sheng Dynasty, they all count as meritorious servants."


    "Whatever the case, reclaiming the three states and restoring the Temple this time is a cause for great celebration,"


    "Huang Hong, instruct the Ritual Supervision to draft an imperial decree."


    "The Ministry of Rites also needs to start preparing."


    "At the enfeoffment ceremony at Ziwei Mountain, all the civil and military officials from the Capital City, as well as the meritorious subjects from these recent battles, will all have to wait in Taihu Prefecture."


    "I, too, will descend to the southeast in person."


    ...


    Taihu Prefecture.


    This place is an ancient capital from three dynasties, already the most prosperous prefecture city in the Eastern Territory, second to none. Further, since the main chaos in Lingzhou was concentrated around Hu Lao, luckily, most residents elsewhere were spared direct impact.


    But it was only that they had not been directly affected.


    The entire Eastern Border Three States had had poor harvests in recent years, and with the great battle, plus the incursion of Nan Xu''s hundred-thousand-strong army conscripting forcefully, a significant portion of the civilians'' grain was consumed in just a few months.


    And it happened to be spring, naturally the hardest time of the year. Many places were experiencing famine, and if this continued, people would start dying of hunger soon.


    Chen Sansi originally planned to proceed as before, by executing a few notoriously corrupt officials and sect members, then opening the granaries for relief. However, he was refused by the higher-ups who claimed these people had already surrendered to Dasheng and would be relied upon for long-term stability in the regions. Thus, they couldn''t rashly kill the "innocent."


    Even the request to allocate a small amount of military rations was politely declined by Meng Dashuai, who stated that the army''s supply must always be ensured plentifully; civilians could die, but the soldiers must not starve.


    As for transferring food from other state capitals...


    That was even more impossible.


    Chen Sansi had neither the authority nor the capability.


    However.


    Day after day, there were people seeking him, either to lodge complaints or to beg for food.


    Unable to execute the corrupt officials, all Chen Sansi could do was to spend his own money to buy some grain and distribute congee outside his residence daily. Almost every day at around 5 a.m to 7 a.m., there would be a long queue forming in front of his residence.


    For him now, money was sufficient.


    As one advanced in Martial Arts Realm, the resources needed were not things money could buy, so he helped as much as he could.


    Fang Qing also contributed silver, and so did Wang Zhi, but they both insisted on keeping this low-profile, warning that making a big fuss might negatively impact the court and bring trouble to themselves.


    Chen Sansi thus left the matter to his subordinates to handle.


    "A letter from home!"


    Days later, letters from various places arrived.


    The Cavalry delivered the missives from door to door.


    With the warfare ending, communication naturally became unobstructed.


    The majority of the soldiers were able to make contact with their families, though it took a long time.


    Chen Sansi''s letter, sent urgently by Hai Dongqing from the Governor Mansion, arrived much faster. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


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    He set down his long spear and opened the envelope.


    The letter was roughly about how everything was fine at home and there was no need to worry, half a year had flown by without notice, and Chen Duhe was even starting to babble; half a year more and he''d start to speak.


    Sun Buqi had broken through to Refining Internal, and Sun Li had reached Hua Jin.


    And so on and so forth...


    Essentially, it was mostly mundane family small talk.


    After all, it''s good as long as everyone is safe.


    "The incense has run out again."


    Chen Sansi held the Xuanzhu, sensing the inventory within.


    This incense, truly doesn''t last.

 Chapter 168 The Emperors Personal Visit, The Grand Ancestors Treasure_5

    [Magic: Sword Qi Skill (small achievement)]


    [Progress: 405/2000]


    Last time, the Incense Fire Divine Sect gave quite a lot of incense, but it only increased by a quarter. To cultivate to Great Success, either spiritual energy is needed, or a large amount of incense is still necessary.


    And then there''s the white Mystical Energy.


    The battle at Hulaoguan.


    Chen Sansi used up all the accumulated Mystical Energy in one go.


    Result.


    The overwhelming victory of three thousand against one hundred thousand didn''t even manage to replenish the Mystical Energy in one go.


    "Is replenishing Mystical Energy not just about winning battles?"


    "..."


    Luckily.


    The white Mystical Energy wasn''t completely depleted, and it was still slowly recovering and accumulating.


    These treasures from the Immortal Realm are truly inscrutable.


    As long as they work, it''s all good.


    Chen Sansi had secluded himself for half a month and was somewhat tired, so he had his men open the manor gates to receive some guests.


    A month passed.


    Officials from the Capital City kept arriving in droves, many of whom came to visit him.


    Including the local elite, they frequently requested an audience.


    Everyone knew.


    After the ceremony at Ziwei Mountain, this young general would become a highly influential figure in the imperial court.


    "Tell the local sects and the surrendered officials that those who want to connect with me should offer money and food, those who offer enough food can be considered friends of mine, Chen Sansi, and I will find time to attend their banquets," he said.


    "Yes, Mr. Chen!"


    Those who came early were mostly fringe officials.


    The place would become even busier soon.


    It was said that several other princes would also come over.


    The Fourth Prince, Eighth Prince, and the Twelfth Prince, who was the youngest but had martial arts talent comparable to Prince Zhen Nan, and so on.


    After a few more days of leisure.


    Chen Sansi received another task.


    He and his men, before the arrival of His Majesty the Emperor, along with the Crown Prince''s Hu Ben Army, were responsible for managing Ziwei Mountain and not allowing unrelated persons to approach until the official start of the grand ceremony.


    This task should initially have been the responsibility of the Imperial Guard. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But they hadn''t arrived yet.


    So it was temporarily handled by the Xuanjia Army and the Hu Ben Army who had also come from the Capital City.


    Ziwei Mountain!


    Legend has it that 8,000 years ago, the Purple Emperor Star descended from heaven and transformed into a giant peak at this place. Since then, emperors of each generation have held their ascension ceremonies here, and only those who have been enshrined here can be considered legitimate emperors, a recognition of their status, as the saying "mandated by heaven with eternal prosperity" goes.


    Thus.


    The loss of three states was a severe humiliation for Dasheng.


    Because in some sense, Dongqing became the real "Heavenly Son," especially since the National Seal was still in Dasheng''s hands; otherwise, the title would truly be unjustified.


    "Mr. Chen!"


    "There is a very strange invitation here, it''s... from an Oiran house."


    Zhao Kang said, "It seems to be from the largest Oiran house in the area, and their Oiran wants to invite you over."


    "Have you lost your mind!"


    Liu Jinkui scolded, "An Oiran house worthy of cozying up to Mr. Chen? Next time, don''t bring this kind of invitation inside, just throw it away¡ª"


    "Give it to me."


    Chen Sansi said indifferently.


    "..."


    Liu Jinkui''s face flushed with embarrassment.


    After the two handed over the invitation, they hurriedly retreated.


    "Old Liu, are you out of your mind? I knew Mr. Chen liked this sort of thing, so I specifically picked it out," Zhao Kang said.


    "This... I didn''t expect that either."


    "It''s said that the Oiran of the Yunxiu Building in the area is exceptional."


    "The battles are over now, and Mr. Chen should indulge a bit too. Have you ever seen him idle? Every time you see him, he''s either holding a long spear or a bow, quite intimidating."


    "Why not buy a few beauties and offer them to Mr. Chen?"


    "What do you know? You have to personally go to the brothel to get that kind of atmosphere, understand?"


    "..."


    Chen Sansi watched their muttering figures leaving without saying anything.


    He opened the invitation.


    Judging by the tone of the message, it was from the Seeking Immortal Tower as expected.


    Nine times out of ten, it was related to the follow-up actions of the Incense Fire Divine Sect.


    "Might as well have a look."


    Chen Sansi wasn''t exactly friends with the Seeking Immortal Tower but rather partners in exchange. Read new adventures at My Virtual Library Empire


    He informed a knowledgeable senior brother and headed to the Yunxiu Building that very night, bypassing the complicated procedures like those at the Red Sleeve Tower, instead being led directly through the back door and upstairs.


    After pushing open the door.


    The person inside was not the Oiran of this place but a man.


    A middle-aged man in a plain robe with a pale complexion and short beard, his presence profound, and most crucially, his body was flowing with clear spiritual energy, stronger than Ning Xiang, possibly already initiated into the path.


    Before Chen Sansi could speak.


    The middle-aged man stood to greet him: "Mr. Chen, I have long admired you! My name is Liao Shizhong, and I''m with the Seeking Immortal Tower; thank you for your assistance!"


    "Oh?"


    Chen Sansi questioned, "Senior Liao, what do you mean by that?"


    "Mr. Chen, do you still remember¡ª"


    Liao Shizhong dragged his tone, "the broken grass you found in the Luotian Mountain Range?"


    "Broken grass?"


    Chen Sansi certainly remembered that incident.


    It seems that the broken grass was used to heal this man.


    His hunting skills hadn''t grown rusty; using his insight, he noticed that this man had changed his appearance and used a fake identity, although the disguise wasn''t sophisticated, it was obvious the beard was glued on.


    The man''s voice was a bit high-pitched, and his demeanor was very much like Mr. Hou, the eunuch from the palace.


    An eunuch from the palace?


    The Seeking Immortal Tower even had people hidden within the imperial court.


    He responded calmly, "Senior Liao, you needn''t thank me; my dealings with the Seeking Immortal Tower are merely transactions, there are no favors owed between us. May I know the reason for calling me here today? Is there something urgent?"


    "Indeed, there is."

 Chapter 168 The Emperor Visits in Person, The Grand Ancestors Treasure_6

    Liao Shizhong invited him to take a seat, "Mr. Chen, do you know about Ziwei Mountain?"


    "Of course, I do,"


    Chen Sansi said, "Otherwise, what''s the point of this battle?"


    "Then does Mr. Chen also know¡ª"


    Liao Shizhong spoke with a mysterious air, "why the Emperor and Crown Prince are sparing no expense to reclaim Ziwei Mountain?"


    The Crown Prince wanted to rebel, but for some reason, he couldn''t make a move in the Capital City, and the Emperor basically wouldn''t leave Longevity Palace, so the only way to get him to leave would be taking advantage of the opportunity presented by the consecration ceremony at Ziwei Mountain.


    So...


    What about the Emperor?


    Chen Sansi had previously been too busy with the war effort to contemplate this question.


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    For the old Emperor, was the merit of reclaiming Ziwei Mountain really that important?


    Or was it


    that there was something there that the Emperor desperately wanted to obtain?


    After all, sending him to defend Hulaoguan was probably done without any expectation of his survival. It was purely a decision made to buy time at all costs.


    If it weren''t for the help of the Heavenly Book and the formidable General Deng Feng gained by chance, hard-fighting this war would likely drain the national treasury by half.


    There must be a more important reason for such actions.


    "Is there something there?"


    Chen Sansi asked.


    "Exactly."


    Liao Shizhong said, "Grand Ancestor Cao Xie, killing with his flying sword, broke through the armor of two thousand men by himself and slew four Martial Saints. These records, Mr. Chen has surely seen, but what you definitely do not know is that Cao Xie disappeared for five years early in his career."


    "We suspect that he might have visited the Immortal Realm during those five years!" sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "And learned Immortal Law there!"


    "That''s how upon his return he was able to instantly become the foremost practitioner of Martial Arts in the human world and establish the three hundred years of the Great Dasheng''s foundation."


    "For hundreds of years, our Seeking Immortal Tower has also been trying to retrace Cao Xie''s steps to find out, but sadly without much success. We only know that he left something behind for future generations after his death."


    "The Emperor''s current eagerness to reclaim Ziwei Mountain implies that the object of interest is very likely within the Temple or somewhere on Ziwei Mountain."


    "So..."


    Chen Sansi inquired, "Senior Liao, you''ve asked me here because you want..."


    "Exactly."


    Liao Shizhong said candidly, "Mr. Chen''s Black Armor army is from the Capital City, and it''s very likely that they will be responsible for the security of Ziwei Mountain''s temporary palace. So, I hope you can pay close attention to this matter, and if you find anything, discuss it with me in a timely manner. If we can indeed find the Secret Technique to traverse the Immortal Realm, Seeking Immortal Tower is willing to share it with Mr. Chen."


    "I understand."


    Chen Sansi hadn''t expected such a profound secret on Ziwei Mountain. No wonder things had escalated to this extent, and it seemed the waters he was to wade into next would be even deeper and murkier than he had imagined.


    He had personally experienced the benefits brought by the Sword Qi Skill. If there really was a chance, he would naturally give it a try, of course, while ensuring the safety of his own life.


    "Senior Liao."


    He changed the subject, "Before coming to Lingzhou, your people at Seeking Immortal Tower had informed me that the Incense Fire Divine Sect would be making a big move. Do you now know what exactly it is?"


    "We don''t know."


    Liao Shizhong shook his head, "After collecting incense on their journey, they disappeared without a trace, very strange indeed~"


    Chen Sansi nodded.


    He wasn''t sure whether Seeking Immortal Tower was truly unaware of the developments or just unwilling to inform him.


    By now, it was nearly time for his scheduled meeting with the Incense Fire Divine Sect.


    Since the other party didn''t want to discuss the matter, Chen Sansi didn''t ask further, "Senior Liao, if there''s nothing else, I''ll take my leave now. I''ll keep an eye on the matter of the Grand Ancestor''s legacy."


    "Please feel free, Mr. Chen."


    Liao Shizhong said with a smile, "Once again, thank you Mr. Chen for the broken grass. This medicine is really hard to come by indeed!"


    Chen Sansi did not linger any longer and got up to leave.


    As he descended the stairs, he noticed Liao Shizhong also went downstairs and entered a red brothel worker''s room; soon after, indescribable sounds emerged.


    This eunuch actually had full functionality!


    He guessed what the broken grass was used for now.


    But aren''t eunuchs usually castrated when they''re very young?


    How was it reattached?


    Could it have been preserved for so many years?!


    Could it be someone else''s?


    At this thought, Chen Sansi felt a chill and hurried away.


    Moreover, if this person was indeed a eunuch from the palace, he feared he would stay in the Ziwei Mountain travel palace and would have to share this news with himself...


    The people from the Seeking Immortal Tower couldn''t be fully trusted either.


    It wasn''t to say they would definitely harm him, but one must not be without a guard against others.


    This included Ning Xiang as well.


    When fundamental interests were touched upon, what did a business partner count for?


    It was still early when he left the brothel.


    As Chen Sansi walked back to his lodging, he noticed the streets had suddenly become spotlessly clean; not a beggar or street vendor was in sight.


    Not until he arrived at the front of his residence.


    He saw that the lanes were fully crowded with troops, all dressed imposingly in Flying Fish Suits and carrying Xiu Chun''s Blades on their waists¡ªclearly, they were the Jinyi Guard of the Great Sheng Dynasty.


    "Wham!"


    "We pay respects to Mr. Chen!"


    These elite military officers, directly under the Emperor, were actually saluting him in unison.


    Before Chen Sansi could react, a noble young master dressed in luxurious Jinyi clothing ran up to him, extended his hand in a fist and palm salute, "Mr. Chen! I have long admired your name, and finally, I have the chance to meet you!"


    "Oh, I almost forgot to introduce myself.


    "My surname is Cao, given name Zhi."


    Cao Zhi?


    "Your Highness."


    Chen Sansi returned the salute, "You are of the Imperial Family, how dare I receive your courtesy?"


    Cao Zhi.


    The twelfth Prince.


    If he remembered correctly, he was now in the Imperial Palace of Capital City, serving as the Commander of the Jinyi Guard Commanding Department, overseeing all the Jinyi Guards including the Northern and Southern Defense Commands.


    It seemed that among the Princes, he was the first to arrive, and moreover, he found his way to his door late in the evening.


    "Ah, it is only right!"


    Cao Zhi had no airs about him and said with a smile brimming with amiability, "Mr. Chen, you are the leading hero of Ming State and the Eastern Expedition, and for this reason, you deserve to be honored!"


    "Your Highness speaks too highly."


    Chen Sansi had no ripple across his face, but inside, he was slightly surprised.


    Because...


    The twelfth Prince had Spiritual Energy within him!


    This Cao Family was truly intriguing.

 Chapter 169 Exploring the Secret Realm.

    The old Emperor of the current dynasty practiced Immortal Law, his level of cultivation unknown.


    The current Crown Prince, secretly allied with the Incense God Sect, his bottom line unknown.


    Now, a Twelfth Prince has emerged, his body flowing with Spiritual Energy, his strength equally unknown.


    Yet to appear are the Fourth Prince, the Seventh Prince, the Eighth Prince, the Tenth Prince, and the Eleventh Prince...


    No wonder, in the Incense Fire Divine Sect''s words, Lingzhou is the Capital City, the Capital City is Lingzhou.


    However, if anyone in the world is most likely to come into contact with Immortal Law, it is naturally a member of the Cao Family, but it seems that over the years, only the old Emperor has made any achievements.


    Even if they have been exposed to Immortal Law more than once...


    They still crave what Sun Xiangzong holds in his hand with great eagerness.


    It can only be said that Master is most likely one of a kind, different from the rest.


    "Your Highness."


    Chen Sansi made a gesture of invitation, "Please, come in."


    He ordered Zhao Kang and others to brew tea.


    The tea ware and tea leaves were all purchased from the market in the last few days.


    Cao Zhi didn''t rush to drink, but held the cup in one hand and gently fanned air with the other, sniffed, and then said, "Such coarse tea, how can it be worthy of a hero like Mr. Chen?"


    Chen Sansi replied indifferently, "Indeed, it is coarse tea. This humble abode is also just a temporary dwelling; I ask Your Highness not to look down on it."


    "Not at all, I came prepared."


    Cao Zhi said, clapping his hands lightly.


    "Yes!"


    At the command.


    Someone immediately moved in tea leaves and tea ware that had been prepared in advance, along with a precious and rare nanmu tea table, then placed screens around them, and finally, two beauties came in to serve.


    "The Prince is indeed a man of ''taste''."


    Looking at such a grand display, Chen Sansi said with an expressionless face, "Going out and still carrying tea ware with you."


    "Just a laughing matter, a laughing matter."


    Cao Zhi explained, "This Prince loves tea on ordinary days and really can''t stand tea from outside, so wherever I go, I simply carry it with me. Mr. Chen, please try it. This tea is the first tender leaves of early spring, picked at a specific time and place, and all by cardamom young girls with their rosy lips, giving it an extraordinary fresh fragrance when drunk."


    "..."


    Chen Sansi did not continue with idle talk, "May I know why Your Highness has graced us with your presence? Is there anything you wish to instruct?"


    "Ah, Mr. Chen misunderstood!"


    Cao Zhi said seriously, "I hereby declare that this Prince is simply in admiration of Mr. Chen''s talent and heroic spirit, and has come to make friends, with absolutely no other intentions!"


    As he spoke, he took out two booklets from his bosom.


    "Mr. Chen."


    "These are records of the maps and military campaigns you''ve been involved in since you joined the army. This Prince nearly knows them by heart, truly admiring you very much."


    "The Prince is noble, and I am but a minister."


    Chen Sansi responded to the compliment, "Between a Prince and a minister, there are only duties. For Your Highness to speak thusly is to entrap your servant in impropriety."


    "Formal, still so formal!"


    Cao Zhi said jokingly, "Brother Chen, I am not like my brothers; I don''t have that many rules. You don''t need to be so distant. If Mr. Chen is willing, let us become sworn brothers today!"


    He sent away his attendants,


    "I was born in the last month of the fifty-third year of the Longqing era, half a year younger than Mr. Chen, sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "How about from now on, I address Brother Chen as ''big brother''? Don''t worry, this matter will be known only between the two of us and will not bring you any adverse effects."


    The Twelfth Prince.


    He was the only son born to Emperor Longqing after beginning his Taoist practice and the last born, younger even than Prince Cao Fan.


    "Your Highness..."


    Chen Sansi barely opened his mouth when he was interrupted again.


    "Brother Chen, are you worried that after we become sworn brothers, your little brother will bind Brother Chen with this in court? I swear to heaven, I would never do such a thing!


    "Big brother above, please accept your little brother''s bow!"


    The Twelfth Prince Cao Zhi knelt down promptly, his forehead heavily knocking against the stone floor with a "thud."


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    He went through the entire formal process.


    Chen Sansi didn''t even get the chance to refuse, no, not even to interject.


    Being sworn brothers with a Prince, a member of the Cao Family.


    Not only is it not a good thing; it''s a huge problem.


    How could he not see that this Prince was doing it on purpose?


    After all, being part of the Imperial family of the Cao Clan, he had the audacity to be this thick-skinned.


    Very well.


    If there''s no opportunity to refuse,


    Then don''t refuse.


    After all, you knock your head and call me ''big brother'', whether or not you''ll actually need me in the future is rather uncertain.


    "Please rise, Your Highness."


    Chen Sansi couldn''t even be bothered to help.


    "Does this mean that big brother agrees?"


    Cao Zhi got up, carefully dusting the dirt off his embroidered clothes, "That''s excellent. Now I have my own family as well."


    "Family?"


    Chen Sansi deliberately followed suit to inquire, "Just as a brother, Your Highness has..."


    "Ah!"


    Cao Zhi sighed, "Big brother doesn''t know, what brothers do the people of the Imperial Family have? I''m the youngest son of the Emperor, and have been without any ambition since childhood, only wanting to be an idle Prince, leading a mediocre and unremarkable life. Yet the Emperor insisted on teaching me martial arts, and accidentally, I became a prodigy.


    "Later on, I was arranged to handle some state affairs.


    "Then... I caught the attention of several older brothers!


    "Had it not been for the position of the commander of the Jinyi Guard at hand, I would have struggled to even keep my life safe."


    Dynastic struggles.


    Individuals, families, the Emperor, old court allies, intricate and complex. Often personal ambitions are irrelevant; there will naturally be forces pushing you forward.


    But.


    Chen Sansi had no interest in listening to this person''s half-truths and complaints.


    He asked, "Your Highness tells me all this, for what purpose?"


    "Big brother, don''t misunderstand, although it''s my first meeting with big brother, I felt an instant camaraderie. Thus I couldn''t help but pour out the bitterness in my heart, and at the same time, it is a warning for big brother."

 Chapter 169 Exploring the Secret Realm_2

    Cao Zhi said solemnly, "In a couple of days, my fourth brother and eighth brother will definitely come to win over big brother. Big brother must be wise to protect himself and not rashly get involved with any side!"


    "Oh?"


    Chen Sansi asked, "What does Your Highness mean?"


    "My younger brother has received news that during the Purple Micro Mountain enfeoffment ceremony, they plan to act against the Crown Prince!"


    Cao Zhi said with emotion, "Big brother must not get involved, otherwise, it would be a catastrophe beyond recovery."


    The Crown Prince...


    Chen Sansi pondered in his heart.


    No wonder the Crown Prince couldn''t help but take action.


    If he didn''t act now, his other brothers would beat him to it.


    The Crown Prince had been Supervisor for forty years.


    His influence was exceedingly widespread.


    He controlled the entire Eastern Territory, half of the Western Territory, a third of the Northern Territory, and additionally, half of the Central Plains. Only the South and Southwest were the domains of the fourth and eighth brothers, and even those had been gradually eroded over recent years.


    According to what Cao Zhi said,


    this time, the fourth and eighth were joining forces, ready for a final bid. Using "Dong An," recommended and nurtured by the Crown Prince, as a pretext, and coupled with the Hu Ben Army''s recent expansion, they had compiled a list of other accusations, ready to strip him of his supervisory position first. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But...


    they probably couldn''t imagine.


    The Crown Prince wouldn''t play their game anymore. He had something even more ruthless in store.


    "Your Highness should not have mentioned this to me."


    Chen Sansi stood up and said, "As someone from the military, I only wish to slay enemies. I have no interest in court disputes."


    "It''s good that you''re not interested. This is just a little brother''s kind reminder."


    After a few more pleasantries, Cao Zhi stood up to take his leave.


    Someone subsequently cleared away the teaware and such.


    "No ambition?"


    Chen Sansi watched his departing figure: "I''m afraid it''s you who harbors the greatest ambition."


    ...


    "Your Highness!"


    After stepping out.


    A Jinyi Guard approached and said, "The attitude you displayed just now in front of Chen Sansi, didn''t you appear to be a bit too humble?"


    "Too humble?"


    Cao Zhi strode forward, chewing on an unidentifiable fruit: "If I acted this way towards Sun Xiangzong, do you think it would still be too humble?"


    "This..."


    Jinyi Guard Zhang Zhao replied, "Not humble, but he''s just a disciple of Sun Xiangzong."


    "You''re wrong."


    Cao Zhi spat the fruit peel onto the ground and indifferently said, "He will be stronger than Sun Xiangzong in the future."


    "Your Highness thinks so highly of him?"


    Zhang Zhao was surprised: "It just seems that he won''t be so easily won over¡­"


    "Nonsense."


    Cao Zhi was nonchalant.


    He was putting on a performance.


    The other party knew he was acting.


    So what?


    The nominal relationship was now established, wasn''t it?


    Whether or not they could be friends, that was a matter for the future.


    His foundation in the court was weak; he couldn''t even control the Jinyi Guard. When weak, one must be aware of their weakness. A small bow was nothing; if he could really win him over, that would indeed be striking it rich.


    When Father ascended to the throne...


    "Not just relying on Sun Xiangzong and their group?"


    "Tsk~"


    Cao Zhi casually threw the half-eaten fruit he was eating to the roadside.


    Immediately, a beggar crawled out from the dark alley and reached out with dirty hands to pick up the half-eaten fruit, only to see a pair of delicate, luxurious boots appear beside his hand.


    He slowly raised his head to meet a pair of eyes with a strange smile.


    "My lord, do you, do you still want it?"


    The beggar didn''t dare to take it, but instead pleaded, "I am terribly hungry."


    "No, no, no, you can''t eat this." Experience exclusive tales on My Virtual Library Empire


    Under the beggar''s reverent gaze, Cao Zhi gently moved his fingers, "Someone, take this... take him away, buy him a house, and give him some silver, so he doesn''t have to beg anymore."


    "Oh my!"


    "Thank you, my lord, thank you, my lord!"


    The beggar kept kowtowing.


    After the two guards from the Jinyi Guard took the man away,


    In the night breeze,


    Cao Zhi''s smile on his face slowly solidified, to be replaced by a deep, hoarse questioning, "Zhang Zhao! Did I ever tell you that I can''t stand to see human suffering, and had asked you to clean up this entire route."


    "Your Highness, this subordinate is deserving of death!"


    Zhang Zhao said in panic, "It should have all been cleared, I don''t know how one was missed..."


    "This is not to happen again."


    Cao Zhi left with a sweep of his sleeve.


    ...


    "Click, click~"


    "Hiss!"


    Chen Sansi repeatedly practiced the Bone Shrinking Technique recorded in the Disguise Technique manual until he was able to change his body shape to a certain extent by dislocating his bones, marking his task as accomplished.


    [Skill: Disguise Technique (Proficient)]


    [Progress: 0/1000]


    [Utility: ..., Bone Shrinking to change form, indistinguishable between true and false]


    First, he changed his face, then he used Bone Shrinking.


    Now,


    Not only his face, but even his body shape had completely become another person.


    Then he slipped out the door and headed towards the Mountain God Temple.


    The Purple Micro Mountain Temple, unlike other common Mountain God Temples, had a significant prestige, rumored to be the guardian god of the Purple Emperor Star. Even the Emperor had to worship there before holding a consecration ceremony.


    Moreover, the temple was located in a bustling area with streams of passersby, which also served as a kind of security in its own right.


    At this critical juncture, the Incense Fire Divine Sect could least afford to draw more attention.


    Especially in the region of Taihu Prefecture.


    Shortly after Chen Sansi, carrying a knife, entered the temple, a temple priest came over and whispered, "Are you Hero Zhang?"


    "If not me, then who?!"


    Chen Sansi spoke in a commanding tone, "Tell your manager to come out and speak with me!"


    "Hero Zhang, you are early."


    The temple priest said, "There are still a few days until the appointed date, if you have any message, I can relay it for you first."


    "Tell your Supervisor!"


    Chen Sansi raised his eyebrows, "I originally didn''t plan to cooperate with you all. After all, there''s nothing you have that I fancy. But you''re in luck."


    "I have a friend who recently suffered an injury and needs a powerful medicine that can repair meridians."


    "This is the condition for negotiation!"


    "If you want my help afterward, it will depend on how sincere you all are!"


    Since the other party took him for a high-ranking practitioner from the Incense Fire sect, naturally, he couldn''t just ask for anything without care; he had to find a way to make the other party offer it willingly.

 Chapter 169 Exploring the Secret Realm_3

    "The servant has noted it down."


    The temple priest replied, "In three days, please come here again, a person will discuss with you then."


    Chen Sansi snorted disdainfully and turned to leave, vanishing from sight.


    ...


    Ziwei Mountain.


    Three thousand Black Armor soldiers and another three thousand drawn from the Hu Ben Army were gathered at the foot of the mountain.


    After receiving their orders,


    they started to clear the mountain.


    In fact, they were just doing odd jobs.


    Under the direction of several Ministry of Rites officials who had arrived earlier, they preliminarily arranged the materials on the mountain.


    Ziwei Mountain was hundreds of feet high, but there were more than a dozen stairways of various sizes leading to the top, and there was also a line of palaces on the mountain, second only in size to the Imperial Palaces of Capital Cities of various countries.


    It was said that the construction alone took several years, not to mention the expenditure of financial, material, and human resources.


    Therefore,


    Even though Ziwei Mountain changed hands to Qing Country, no one was willing to destroy it, not even the Sheng people''s Temple was demolished; it was simply sealed off. Next to it, a new and more magnificent temple was built to express "magnanimity" and power.


    Of course, that''s the official story.


    In Chen Sansi''s view,


    Qing Country was probably also looking for the items Cao Xie had left behind, and they kept the old temple because they feared something might have been overlooked.


    So many people had searched for over a hundred years without finding anything.


    He didn''t harbor much hope in his heart...


    "Buzz!"


    Just as Chen Sansi was muttering to himself, the Xuanzhu in his bosom suddenly vibrated as if it sensed something.


    "This item is fated for me!"


    Without drawing attention, he made his way to a secluded area where no one was around.


    Could this Xuanzhu actually seek treasure?


    It seemed there really might be some fate involved.


    Chen Sansi was not overly excited, though.


    To have it would be fortunate, to lose it would be fate.


    First, he had to try and see, and if he really had the chance to obtain it, then certainly it would be good.


    Based on the sensations from the Xuanzhu, he judged it was roughly in the southeast direction.


    He hurried there, taking advantage of his position.


    The destination was a deep pool.


    The daytime was not convenient.


    Chen Sansi waited inconspicuously until nightfall, then disguised himself and dived into the water. Guided by an indistinct feeling, he swam towards the depths, not knowing how long he had been swimming, until he squeezed through a narrow opening and suddenly emerged into a spacious, intricate cavern.


    No wonder this place had remained undiscovered over the last century; it was too well-hidden.


    An ordinary person,


    Even if they thought of searching underwater, would not be able to find the correct entrance among the chaotic pile of stones at the bottom of the pool, then navigate through a maze-like underwater cavern to find the right entryway.


    This place, outsiders simply could not find.


    It was highly likely that only emperors from successive generations could have known the clues.


    That was why, as soon as there was a chance, Emperor Longqing was so eager to reclaim Ziwei Mountain. It was just unknown what things were contained within.


    "Buzz!"


    The sensation from the Xuanzhu continued.


    Chen Sansi drew the He Miao Blade from his waist and cautiously moved forward.


    After about half an hour''s walk through the ant-warren-like caverns, he finally saw a stone gate ahead.


    He picked up a few stones and threw them at the stone gate to confirm there were no trap mechanisms, then observed it several times over using his Qi Observation Skill before approaching the gate carefully with his blade drawn.


    It won''t budge!


    This stone gate, although only a little taller than a man and seemingly not heavy, was immovable, no matter what. There must be some special mechanism or restriction.


    He retreated over a hundred paces and lifted a huge rock, hurling it with the combined force of his Qi-Blood and physical strength directly at the stone gate. Under normal circumstances, even an iron door would be deformed by such an impact.


    "Rumble©¤©¤"


    This time,


    Under the observation with his Qi Observation Skill, a thin red light was clearly seen to rise above the stone gate.


    "Immortal Law!"


    Chen Sansi became even more certain that he had found the right place.


    Without hesitation, he immediately used his Sword Qi Skill.


    "Bang!"


    But the result was the same.


    No matter what method Chen Sansi used, he was always blocked by the red light, and the stone gate remained unmoved. To try and open it with force appeared to be as difficult as reaching the heavens.


    It seemed,


    By himself alone, he was unlikely to manage it.


    Negotiate with the Seeking Immortal Tower?


    No.


    Rather than the Seeking Immortal Tower,


    Chen Sansi preferred to trust his senior brother more.


    Sword Qi Skill, Seeking Immortal Tower, he only had the qualifications to trade with Ning Xiang and others because of the backing of his two masters behind the scenes. Without the reputation of being a disciple of Sun Xiangzong, probably no one would pay any attention to him.


    Before,


    Many things were not shared.


    As his senior brother had said, everyone has their own secrets and their own path to walk.


    It''s not that it can''t be done, but there''s no need to.


    Unless faced with an insurmountable problem.


    With these thoughts,


    Chen Sansi returned the way he came and went to Fang Qingyun''s residence overnight. He relayed the information provided by the Seeking Immortal Tower eunuch and his own discoveries, giving a rough account.


    "Hmm..."


    Fang Qingyun had already lain down, wearing only his undergarments, and his already pale complexion looked even whiter under the candlelight.


    "Is it because of the flute?"


    Chen Sansi noticed that since the end of Hulaoguan, his senior brother had started to fall ill and convalesce.


    "No."


    Fang Qingyun gently shook his head, "The flute will deplete my Essence Blood, but my illness has persisted for a long time and is unrelated. Continue, junior brother."


    "..."


    Chen Sansi continued, "...That''s roughly what happened." S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Indeed."


    Fang Qingyun wasn''t surprised, "Thirty years ago, His Majesty had asked our master to attack three states, but at that time we had just gone through several years of war. Our master didn''t want to exhaust the military and used seclusion as an excuse to hide away."


    "He was so eager, we suspected that there might be something on Ziwei Mountain."


    "It''s unexpected that junior brother, by a twist of fate, found it."


    "Based on your description, there must be a restriction there that requires a special Magic Skill to open. After opening the door, there may even be dangers within. Unfortunately... your senior brother really can''t help you."

 Chapter 169 Exploring the Secret Realm_4

    ```


    "Master is not here either...


    "If Junior Brother really wants the item inside, you can try to work with the people from Seeking Immortal Tower, but remember, they are usually reliable on ordinary days, yet once it involves anything related to Immortal Trace, they become crazed, and it''s possible they might even slaughter each other, let alone you."


    "Besides.


    "I speculate that it''s easiest for a Cao Family Member to acquire the object."


    "After all, it''s something left by Grand Ancestor; surely he wouldn''t want just anyone to benefit from it casually."


    Chen Sansi nodded: "Senior Brother, what do you think Cao Xie left behind, could it be some treasure?"


    "Most likely... cough cough cough..."


    Fang Qingyun started coughing.


    Chen Sansi hurriedly went to get some hot water: "Senior Brother, otherwise, I''ll go back first, and we can talk after your injury is better."


    "No need, it''s nothing serious."


    Fang Qingyun took a deep breath to calm himself: "What Cao Xie left behind must be something that could help him stabilize the Cao Family''s realm, and possibly, an item that could lead to the Immortal Realm."


    "To the Immortal Realm?"


    Chen Sansi looked somewhat yearning: "Is there really an Immortal Realm?"


    "There is."


    Fang Qingyun changed the subject: "These matters, Master and I, originally planned to discuss with you after you''ve grown a bit more, but now that we''ve come across them so early, it''s not harmful to talk about it now.


    "Junior Brother.


    "In your mind, what is the Immortal Realm, and what then, is an Immortal?


    "It''s not that I''m asking this, it was Mr. Mei who asked Master a long time ago."


    Mr. Mei?


    That Immortal?


    Chen Sansi thought about it and naturally answered: "Isn''t the Immortal Realm the land of the immortals, with endlessly beautiful scenery, and the Immortals are naturally carefree and immortal beings beyond this world. Isn''t this what those who seek the path to immortality pursue?"


    "Master and I, initially, thought so too."


    Fang Qingyun sat in the courtyard, looking at the bright moon in the night sky, his expression somber: "But the truth is not so; the Immortals I''ve met are the most selfish, most greedy people, cunning and insatiable, stopping at nothing for eternal life, no different from the officials of this mortal world."


    "Do you know, our Master actively abandoned the Immortal Path; otherwise, by now, he should still be very young..."


    "Let''s not dwell on the past.


    "In short, I want to tell you, Senior Brother, that the pursuit of immortality may lead to great disappointment. Even so, do you still want to give it a try?"


    Chen Sansi''s silence gave the answer.


    "So be it."


    Fang Qingyun said with resignation: "Master and I, we never intended for you to walk this path, but since you wish to, naturally, it''s up to you, and no one will stop you. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "What''s more, even if you don''t touch on these matters, with Master around, your future achievements will not be less than His Majesty''s."


    "How could I know if I don''t try?"


    Chen Sansi, considering his journey in this life, naturally wanted to explore and see.


    As for what the Immortals are really like...


    One look suffices.


    "Then just do as you wish."


    Fang Qingyun reminded: "Take care of yourself; always act within your capabilities."


    "Don''t worry, Senior Brother; I won''t force things."


    Chen Sansi said, sending his Senior Brother back to rest in his room before taking leave.


    ...


    [Cultivation Technique: National Guardian Dragon Spear. Meridian Passage (small achievement)]


    [Progress: 1250/2000]


    Two days later.


    Chen Sansi woke up early, first practiced the spear, and then went to work at Ziwei Mountain.


    A part of the palatial residence had already been tidied up.


    The Crown Prince and the Twelfth Prince had settled in a side palace, and some higher-ranking officials were accommodated within Tai Lake Mansion, and finally, the eunuchs from the palace.


    There were several hundred eunuchs who had come.


    Among them were the Chief Eunuchs from Ritual Supervision.


    Including...


    That eunuch from Seeking Immortal Tower, Liao Shizhong.


    His Disguise Technique was rather crude, and with Chen Sansi''s Qi Observation Skill, the fact that his Martial Arts Cultivation as well as his spiritual cultivation were identical made it easy to deduce they were the same person.


    Eunuch Liao.


    That was his real title.


    After observing for two days, there were quite a few from Seeking Immortal Tower.


    A rough estimate put the number at over a dozen, some officials, some eunuchs, and some posing as clerks.


    Then there was the Incense Fire Divine Sect.


    The Incense Fire Divine Sect was even more straightforward.


    They simply disguised themselves as the Hu Ben Army.


    This Qi Observation Skill is truly handy.


    For Chen Sansi, it was like he had an identity scanner, able to see through anyone''s real status at a glance.


    "Brother Chen!"


    Yan Changqing found him: "My father has prepared a feast in the mansion and invites Brother Chen to join us. I sincerely hope you''ll honor us with your presence."


    "Mr. Yan''s father?"


    Chen Sansi of course knew.


    Yan Changqing''s father was none other than the son of the Chief Minister, known as the Young Pavilion Master, Yan Maoxing, who held multiple positions, including Minister of Ministry of Industry, and was a major figure in the court.


    It was rumored in the court that Yan Liang was advanced in years, and once he completely stepped down, Yan Maoxing would succeed him as Chief Minister.


    "Is there something the matter?"


    "There shouldn''t be."


    Yan Changqing replied, "Brother Chen, please make sure to come, or else if you don''t, I''m going to be whipped by my father when I get back."


    "I understand."


    Chen Sansi answered nonchalantly.


    Barely a few steps away, he encountered another familiar figure blocking his path.


    "General Chen."


    Cao Fan stood in the way: "Could you do me the honor of sharing a drink to bury the hatchet tonight?"


    "Hatchet?"


    Chen Sansi replied, "Princely Heir, why would you say this, what grudge is there between you and me?"


    "I know, General Sha''s demise was no accident."


    Cao Fan continued: "Regarding past events, I''m willing not to hold grudges; it''s my fault after all. I, I hereby..."


    He struggled for half a day before finally squeezing out two very difficult words.


    "I apologize to you!"


    Cao Fan bowed deeply, with hands clasped in respect.


    "Princely Heir must not do this!"


    ```

 Chapter 169 Exploring the Secret Realm_5

    Chen Sansi hurriedly helped him up and returned a salute, "Should the opportunity arise in the future, I shall invite Young Master to drink."


    "So you mean, General Chen is willing to settle our accounts?"


    Cao Fan hastily said, "Rather than choosing a date, why not seize today? General Chen, would you be willing to visit my mansion tonight? My father has always wanted to meet General Chen."


    "This..."


    Chen Sansi evasively answered, "Young Master, I still have troops to patrol the mountains tonight, I''m afraid it would be inconvenient, next time for sure, farewell!"


    Having said that,


    He took a detour and headed straight down the mountain.


    It had nothing to do with anything else, he must be insane to get involved with the Crown Prince''s people at this critical juncture.


    Cao Fan watched his departing figure, his expression growing uglier.


    He watched this rustic villager grow stronger step by step until he completely lost control, to the point where even making a move against him had become extremely difficult, and on top of that, his father was very dissatisfied with his results in Liangzhou.


    Therefore, Cao Fan summoned the courage today, hoping to see if it was possible to turn hostility into goodwill.


    If he could truly win over the three thousand Black Armor troops, it would also mean alleviating some of his father''s worries and troubles.


    But...


    It was clear. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He had failed!


    The Chen family was just brushing him off, not planning on resolving the vendetta at all.


    Should he continue to mix in the royal court...


    Even his father was becoming increasingly fond of him!


    In a sense, Chen Sansi could even threaten his own secure position as the Princely Heir!


    Considering what happened to Sha Wenlong...


    At Selected Point, he was merely an adept at Refining Internal.


    A year later, even the Mystical Phenomenon General would fall victim to his treachery!


    Cao Fan felt a chill down his spine.


    He began with fear, and then gradually, it turned into anger, his fists clenched white, and his teeth grinding resoundingly, "Why, I have already bowed down, I even stopped pursuing the matter with General Sha who saved my life, isn''t that enough?!"


    "What else does he want from me?"


    "Does he expect me, a dignified Prince, to kneel and kowtow to him?!"


    "Eunuch Feng!"


    "He''s definitely planning to strike at me soon, devise a plan, we must strike first!"


    "Young Master, you must not do this."


    Eunuch Feng advised, "The Crown Prince has instructed that we must not stir up trouble recently."


    "It''s not that I want to stir trouble!"


    Cao Fan retorted bitterly, "He will definitely not spare me, do you want to watch me die? General Cui, General Fan, can you speak to them for me?"


    "This... I''m afraid not."


    Eunuch Feng said, "General Fan is busy with urgent matters, General Cui may indeed be responsible for protecting you, but the Crown Prince has instructed, he might not be willing to commit murder, especially at this critical juncture... As for me, I''m probably no match for him."


    "So, I''m just supposed to wait for death?!"


    Cao Fan''s face filled with agony.


    After racking his brains, his eyes suddenly lit up: "I know! There''s still one person!"


    "Whom do you mean, Your Highness?"


    "Zhang Lai, Hero Zhang!"


    ...


    "Brother Chen, was the Princely Heir trying to invite you?"


    Yan Changqing, who had been kept away, caught up and reminded, "You must absolutely not go! As I know, recently Prince Qin and Prince Qi have gathered quite a bit of evidence against the Minister of War, Gao Bo and others, all affiliated with the Crown Prince. So, Brother Chen, you should understand the implication of my words, right? It''s best not to get too close to them recently."


    The Emperor rarely attended court.


    Most often, he held Cabinet meetings in the Longevity Palace.


    This Ziwei Mountain sanctification was a rare grand occasion where civil and military officials gathered together.


    Therefore, it also became a good opportunity for other princes to impeach and seize power.


    "Mr. Yan, I understand, I will attend the banquet if I find the time, and if I really cannot manage, please apologize to your father on my behalf."


    Chen Sansi''s ears began to ache.


    Was this what it meant to be an official at court? In barely any time at all, one after another came knocking at his door, essentially forcing him to take sides.


    His principle was neutrality.


    If he could avoid taking sides, he would do so as much as possible.


    It didn''t matter to him whether the Crown Prince or the Emperor died.


    But the problem was, being a person of little influence, he did not actually have the privilege of neutrality.


    Should push come to shove...


    Then Chen Sansi had only one choice left.


    Whoever won,


    He would help them.


    Sure enough.


    Before Chen Sansi even reached his front door, he saw carriages lined up and guards arranged neatly.


    "Mr. Chen!"


    A person dressed like a steward said, "I am the steward of Yan Mansion, on the orders of the Young Pavilion Master to specially wait for Mr. Chen. Mr. Chen need not worry about the troops, my master will arrange everything properly for you, it won''t count as desertion."


    "..."


    Chen Sansi simply had no excuse to refuse.


    The Yan Party was at least the Emperor''s faction, interacting slightly with them was better than getting caught between several princes.


    There was no escaping now.


    He didn''t refuse any further, just determined not to make any commitments once he arrived at the place.


    Sitting in the carriage, swaying.


    After half an hour, the carriage finally stopped in front of a prince''s mansion.


    This place used to be a mansion of a prince of Qing Country, now, it was being used as a temporary residence by Yan Maoxing.


    Inside and outside the mansion, security was tight.


    As soon as Chen Sansi entered, even Yan Changqing, the young master of the mansion, was stopped at the door.


    He found this strange.


    "Mr. Chen!"


    Wearing a bright red official robe, neatly dressed, and dignified in bearing, Yan Maoxing came forward to greet him: "Finally, I have been hoping for your arrival, through numerous battles, you have taken great care of my son and helped him achieve many military feats, I have long wanted to show proper gratitude!"


    "Mr. Yan is too kind."


    Chen Sansi followed him into the side room.


    At the round table, there were also two middle-aged men sitting, judging by their attire, undoubtedly nobles.


    "Mr. Chen, let me introduce you."

 Chapter 1 - 1 The World Does Not Want People to Live

    "Where''s your man?" S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "To address the official, he''s still sick in bed."


    "When do you plan to pay your taxes?"


    "Please be assured, we will not miss the final deadline."


    ...


    In the darkness, Chen Sansi heard a conversation between a man and a woman.


    The man was aggressive, while the woman was pleading for leniency.


    "Hiss¡­"


    He struggled to open his eyelids, and what came into view was an entirely unfamiliar environment.


    ''Where is this?''


    ''Wasn''t I working overtime?''


    "Hiss¡­"


    Chen Sansi''s head suddenly throbbed with pain, as a tide of memories that didn''t belong to him flooded his mind, forcing him to accept a fact.


    ''Have I transmigrated?''


    This place was Po Yang County, a remote small county in the Dasheng Dynasty.


    The original inhabitant lived outside the county town in Yanbian Village. He was a full-time, impoverished scholar whose family survived on his father''s hunting, leading a barely acceptable life.


    Until half a year ago, after his father set off for the mountains at night, he never returned.


    With the loss of the family''s pillar and the failure of the original inhabitant''s child exam, the double blow led to a serious illness.


    That''s when Chen Sansi transmigrated.


    "Ah, Brother Shi, you''re awake!"


    A woman, carrying a bowl of medicinal soup, entered the house. She was overjoyed to see the young man waking up.


    She hurried to the bedside, her already ill-fitting garment shaking violently as she ran, as if there were two rabbits tumbling inside.


    This woman was named Gu Xinlan.


    She was a child bride bought by the original inhabitant''s father when he was very young.


    She had always taken care of the original inhabitant like an elder sister, staying loyal even after his father''s death and through his illness.


    However¡­


    The original inhabitant seemed to have looked down on this sister quite a bit.


    Being the descendant of criminals, she was sent to the frontier and nearly sold to a brothel, making her the lowest of the low class.


    Considering himself far superior, the original inhabitant had believed he would one day pass the exams and marry a well-to-do woman, becoming a successful man. He thought she wasn''t good enough for him and treated her like a servant on a regular basis.


    "Brother Shi, how are you feeling?"


    Gu Xinlan sat down by the bed and placed her hand on the young man''s forehead, exclaiming with surprise, "The fever''s gone?"


    Chen Sansi sat up and tried to move his body. Aside from some weakness, there was nothing seriously wrong with him, as the illness had disappeared with his transmigration.


    "Truly the blessing of the gods."


    Gu Xinlan was visibly relieved, "Brother Shi, you drink your medicine first, I''ll go fix you some food."


    Watching her walk away, her tortoise-like hips ready to burst from her clothing, Chen Sansi spent ten minutes digesting his current situation.


    "Since I''m here, I might as well make the best of it."


    He''d always been quick to adapt to his environment. Since he''d come to this world, he needed to figure out how to live well.


    He picked up the bitter medicinal soup and drank it all at once, then went to the next room.


    He saw Gu Xinlan almost entirely inside the rice bin, just her hips stuck out, as she struggled to scoop out some grain.


    After much effort, she managed to gather a small handful of millet.


    Since the death of the original inhabitant''s father, the family had lost its source of income. Moreover, the original inhabitant''s recent illness had completely depleted their savings, bringing them to the brink of utter destitution.


    "Just now, was that the tax collector for the autumn taxes?"


    Chen Sansi stood behind Sister Lan, "How much do they want?"


    "Three taels of silver," Gu Xinlan replied.


    "Three taels?"


    Chen Sansi inhaled sharply, "Are they including father in the count?"


    "Yes."


    Gu Xinlan nodded gently, "The petty official said that since they hadn''t found father''s body, he couldn''t be declared dead and his registration couldn''t be canceled. We still have to pay the full tax, including the hunting tax too."


    Chen Sansi cursed inwardly.


    The oppressive taxes of the Dasheng Dynasty were severe, and with frequent wars in recent years, the taxes had only increased.


    "Brother Shi, don''t worry."


    Worry was evident in Gu Xinlan''s eyes, though she tried to reassure him, "I''ve recently got some work at a tailor''s shop and, along with doing laundry for people, we should be able to scrape together something."


    Clearly, the original inhabitant was completely financially dependent.


    Even after his father''s death, he was reluctant to seek another livelihood and preferred to have Sister Lan work herself to the bone.


    "Not even considering whether he was cut out for it..."


    Chen Sansi felt rather speechless, he couldn''t even pass the exam to become a Scholar, yet he was still dreaming of one day passing the imperial examination¡ªwasn''t that the talk of a delusional person?


    He could no longer continue this way; he needed to find a means of making a living.


    Otherwise, if he couldn''t pay the taxes, the men would be sent away for forced labor, and the women would be sold into brothels¡ªa fate worse than death.


    "I''ll go cook rice."


    Gu Xinlan busied herself with the task.


    Before long, the meal was prepared.


    Two bowls of a staple food made from a mixture of millet and chaff, not even pickled vegetables were served.


    This was probably the last bit of grain in the house.


    Chen Sansi noticed that his bowl had a higher proportion of millet compared to Gu Xinlan''s, which was mostly chaff.


    Chaff, which was the husk of grains such as rice, wheat, and soybeans, was rough and difficult to swallow.


    In the modern age, it was essentially used as livestock fodder.


    "Eat, Brother Shi."


    Gu Xinlan picked up her chopsticks and ate with small, deliberate bites, her fingers visibly red and swollen, the joints showing small sores.


    This was the result of washing too many clothes for others.


    As a woman, she did everything she could to provide for the family, short of the backbreaking labor only men could do.


    Chen Sansi saw this and remembered it, his head bent as he ate the hard-to-swallow chaff.


    "Brother Shi,"


    Midway through the meal, Gu Xinlan put down her chopsticks and hesitantly spoke, "Actually, aside from the tax silver, we still owe Aunt Li two coins for medical expenses.


    "Otherwise... I''m just suggesting, if you could just recover a bit more, maybe you could also find some work to do? If we can''t gather enough silver for the tax by the end of the month, I heard they''ll take people away..."


    As she spoke, she quietly watched his expression, her fingers anxiously picking at the corner of her clothes.


    Each time this matter was brought up before, Brother Shi would fly into a rage, saying things like how a scholar shouldn''t engage in menial labor.


    "Eat your food,"


    Chen Sansi shoveled the food into his mouth quietly pondering his finances.


    Gu Xinlan didn''t dare to bring it up again, she quietly finished her meal, swiftly washed the pots and pans, and hurried off to her work as a female laborer.


    Chen Sansi remained seated, deeply considering his options.


    Ancient times were not like modern society, where mere physical strength could find you work.


    His family owned no land, and without any academic title from his studies, the only thing left to do was to hunt.


    As a child, he had learned a few tricks from his father, and although he had let his skills atrophy over the years, he still had the basic foundations; it shouldn''t be hard to get started again.


    Moreover, since he had to pay hunting tax anyway, he might as well hunt.


    The house still had an old bow left.


    Chen Sansi went to the inner room and took down the longbow covered in dust from the wall.


    "It should still be usable."


    "But I have a bow with no arrows; I need to find a way to get some money to buy arrows."


    In order to survive, the household had sold nearly all of its books, leaving only the "Four Treasures of the Study" which the original owner valued as his life, as possibly the last things of some value.


    Without any hesitation, Chen Sansi packed up the writing brush, ink, paper, and inkstone and took them away.


    Even though they were all low-grade items, they sold for a total of two hundred copper coins, roughly equivalent to two silver coins.


    Enough to show that "poor scholars and rich warriors" was not an absolute, studying was also an expensive endeavor.


    With the money in hand, Chen Sansi went to the market stall that catered to hunters.


    "Little Shi, you''re here to buy arrows?"


    The stall owner Uncle Xu was from a military household and an old acquaintance of Shi''s father: "Are you preparing to hunt in the mountains instead of studying?"


    "Yes, I''m looking to buy a few old arrows."


    Chen Sansi picked out five second-hand willow leaf arrows from the stall: "How much?"


    "Seventy coins."


    Chen Sansi bargained, "Uncle Xu, old arrows aren''t worth that much. Fifty coins at most."


    "Alright, fifty coins it is."


    Old Yu was straightforward: "I say, you should''ve gone to the mountains a long time ago, learned a fair amount of your father''s skills, at least enough to make ends meet. But instead, you insisted on reading useless books. Do you think a kid from a poor family like yours could become an official?"


    "Uncle speaks the truth."


    Chen Sansi didn''t argue, and after making sure the arrows had no quality issues, he strung them on the bowstring and aimed at the ground to check.


    Suddenly, several lines of small characters appeared before his eyes.


    [Skill: Archery (Entry-Level)]


    [Progress: (20/100)]

 Chapter 2 - 2 Raising a Family

    "Damn, really?"


    Chen Sansi didn''t react for a moment.


    Originally, even though he had a bow and arrow, he wasn''t very confident about hitting the game.


    After all, hunting is a skill-based activity.


    If it was so easy, everyone would already be eating meat.


    But now, with the added capabilities, the situation was drastically different!


    "What are you dazing for, is there a problem with the arrow?"


    Old Xu waved his hand in front of the daydreaming youth.


    Chen Sansi snapped back to reality and quickly found an excuse: "It''s nothing, I just thought of my dad."


    "Ah, your dad was a good man, what a pity!"


    Mentioning his original father, Old Xu also sighed incessantly.


    Chen Sansi didn''t say more, paid the copper coin, took his things, and immediately left.


    He carried his bow and arrows, walking and stopping, heading straight to the foot of Tiger Head Mountain located about ten miles away.


    The mountain was the nearest place in Po Yang County with game, and it was also the livelihood of many hunters.


    Chen Sansi had just recovered from a serious illness and had walked such a long way, so he was gasping for breath, sitting on a rock for quite a while before he recovered.


    He carefully examined the bow and arrows left by his father.


    From its construction, it was a typical recurve bow.


    The bow core was made of bamboo, the bow was made of willow wood, the bow was made of sturdy wood, and the bowstring was made of cow tendon, with a pulling force of about forty pounds, still categorized as a soft bow.


    Chen Sansi picked up the bow, and the panel from before re-emerged in his mind.


    "Skill: Archery (Entry-level)"


    "Progress: (20/100)"


    "Utility: None"


    This time, undisturbed, he managed to calm down and understand the system''s function.


    Simply put, it was about persistence!


    As long as he repeatedly and earnestly performed an action, he could gain progress, and upon completing the progress, he would certainly break through.


    "In this way, as long as I practice hard, won''t I have the chance to become the best Divine Archer in the entire Po Yang County?"


    Chen Sansi''s heart suddenly filled with hope, remembering the tips his father had taught him when he was young, and he slowly raised the bow and arrow.


    "Is a forty-pound bow this heavy?"


    He struggled to draw the bow to its full extent, almost gnashing his teeth to do so, and couldn''t imagine what kind of people were mentioned in legends who could open a stone-bow.


    "Stand straight and steady, exert even force, grip the bow correctly, mount the arrow calmly, push forward and step back, and complete the bow-drawing pose."


    Muttering the formula in his heart, Chen Sansi stood up straight, drew the bow and mounted the arrow, facing a tree trunk about forty meters away with the thickness of a hug, pushed the bow forward with his left palm, pulled the bowstring with three fingers of his right hand, slightly aimed the arrowhead downward, and then released the arrow.


    "Swoosh¡ª"


    The arrow flew off, missing the target, and hit another tree¡­


    Chen Sansi was not discouraged, and immediately took another arrow from the Arrow Bag, aimed at the target, and shot another arrow.


    This time, the arrow went directly into the grass.


    "Again!"


    Chen Sansi shot five times in a row and finally hit the tree trunk.


    He carefully approached and pulled the arrows out of the tree trunk, repeating the previous actions.


    After several repetitions, he summarized the regularity for improving the archery progress.


    As long as he shot an arrow wholeheartedly, whether it hit the target or not, he could improve his proficiency.


    If he was not focused enough, it would not work.


    Moreover, hitting the target resulted in greater progress improvement.


    After shooting over sixty arrows, Chen Sansi began to feel cramps.


    His body was originally weak, and combined with malnutrition, being able to shoot so many times consecutively was already quite an accomplishment.


    Fortunately, with each arrow shot, his proficiency increased, and the more he shot, the more accurate he became, rarely missing at a distance of twenty steps.


    "Skill: Archery (Entry-level)"


    "Progress: (70/100)"


    "Utility: None"


    The entry-level was not far away, but Chen Sansi had hardly any energy left.


    After resting for a while, he began to wander in the woods with his bow and arrow, trying to see if he could hunt some meat to eat with the remaining energy.


    Unfortunately, this area was too close to the town, and the easy-to-catch game was basically all gone.


    He wandered until the evening before he found a few wild pigeons, but they were too far away to hit.


    "In the past life, I always came back empty-handed from fishing, and now I''m empty-handed from hunting too?"


    Fortunately, it wasn''t completely in vain.


    Before leaving the mountains, Chen Sansi found a patch of wild shepherd''s purse, quickly dug it up by hand, and stuffed it into his chest pocket before heading down the mountain.


    On his way, he went to the market and learned that the price of grain had gone up again.


    Due to consecutive poor harvests, the price of rice in Po Yang County had soared to one hundred copper coins per bushel, and the price of meat was even more outrageously expensive, with a pound of pork costing seventeen copper coins. Add to that oil, salt, soy sauce, vinegar, firewood, charcoal, candles, and various excessive taxes¡­


    Chen Sansi couldn''t imagine how many common people would not survive this winter.


    Estimating that the prices of grains would continue to rise, he decided to spend all the remaining copper coins on buying rice and mixed grains along with a few salted duck eggs.


    "One bushel of rice, half a bushel of mixed grains, in total is only enough to feed two people for three to five days. If I exchanged it all for sorghum mixed with bran, it might last a few more days."


    But Chen Sansi had no choice.


    Since he was going to become a hunter in the future, he absolutely couldn''t continue eating nutrition-less bran; he needed to ensure he had enough physical strength at all times, otherwise, if he encountered any danger in the mountains, he wouldn''t even have the energy to run.


    He was already starving, and after getting the grains, he hastened his steps, eager to get home and start cooking.


    "Yo, Little Stone!"


    Just as he was about to reach his doorstep, someone suddenly called his name from behind.


    Chen Sansi turned around, and a tall, burly man appeared in front of him.


    Qin Xiong.


    A well-known bully in the town, he had a group of thugs under him and made money by charging high-interest loans and trafficking virtuous women; many impoverished people in the town had been ruined by him.


    "Wow, bow and arrow?!"


    Qin Xiong eyed the bow and arrows behind Chen Sansi with surprise mixed with mockery: "This ''Scholar'' also plans to learn to hunt in the mountains?"


    "Driven by necessity."


    Chen Sansi stepped back half a step and said, "Brother Qin, did you want to see me for something?"


    Qin Xiong hooked the corner of his mouth, "How have you considered the matter from last time?"


    Last time?


    A sudden dread struck Chen Sansi''s heart, and unpleasant memories flooded his mind.


    Half a year ago, after his father had passed away, the household had become extremely strapped for cash.


    It just so happened that Qin Xiong came knocking, and the former owner had thought about selling Gu Xinlan for money.


    If it were him, naturally, he would never do such a thing.


    "Brother Qin."


    Chen Sansi refused, "I''ve thought it over, I won''t be needing your money."


    Upon hearing this, Qin Xiong''s face immediately darkened, "Are you sure you''ve thought it through?"


    "I really don''t need it, Brother Qin."


    Chen Sansi held his sack of grain tightly and took a detour on his way home, feeling somewhat uneasy.


    In his memory, Qin Xiong was not someone who would easily let things go, and he feared this matter was far from over.


    Truly, good fortunes never come in pairs, and misfortunes never come singly. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He hadn''t even sorted out his meals, and now a bully had targeted him.


    Chen Sansi touched the arrow bag at his waist.


    A bow and five arrows were his greatest reassurance living at the bottom of this chaotic world.


    He didn''t know what changes would follow after progressing past the entry-level of the system.


    "I need to fill my stomach first to have the energy to practice archery!"


    Chen Sansi pushed open his home''s door, only to find Sister Lan had not yet returned.


    Every day, she was busy laboring, sewing in the tailor shop in the morning and washing clothes for the wealthy families in the afternoon.


    He took the initiative to chop wood and start a fire, preparing the meal in advance.


    Plain rice served with salted duck eggs, and a soup of boiled wild greens.


    For many households, this was already a decent meal.


    When Gu Xinlan returned home after her busy day, for the first time ever, she was surprised by the steaming ready-made meal: "Brother Shi, where did the white rice and salted duck eggs come from at home?"


    "Eat."


    Chen Sansi beckoned her to sit down, then grabbed the chopsticks and wolfed down the food.


    He had been starving.


    "Brother Shi¡­"


    "Hmm?"


    Chen Sansi had his head down eating away, when he finally noticed that Gu Xinlan hadn''t touched her chopsticks.


    Her eyes had reddened unknowingly, and tears trembled on her lashes as she choked up and said, "Can you... not sell me?"


    "Ah?"


    Chen Sansi was stunned and a bit confused.


    "I heard people say that you made a deal with that Qin Xiong today¡­"


    Gu Xinlan''s voice trembled.


    Otherwise, where would the silver to buy white rice and even salted duck eggs come from?


    She frantically pulled out a patched-up purse from her waist, poured out a few copper coins, and pleaded, "Brother Shi, I was wrong.


    "I won''t urge you to work anymore, just stay at home and study, I can earn money, I can pay the taxes, please don''t sell me."


    Everyone in Po Yang County knew of Qin Xiong''s reputation.


    Landing in his hands, she was likely to be sold to a brothel.


    The reason Gu Xinlan had faithfully stayed with the Chen Family all these years was precisely because Chen Sansi''s father had bought her from a trafficker, preventing her from becoming a prostitute, and thus she remained grateful.


    Was she really unable to escape this miserable fate in the end?


    "Sister Lan, you''re overthinking it."


    Chen Sansi understood, guessing that someone had been spreading rumours.


    He comforted her, "You are a member of the Chen family, how could I possibly sell you?"


    Having someone around who was as intimate as a sister was incredibly valuable to someone new like himself; he would never push her away, or else wouldn''t that be terribly disgraceful?


    Gu Xinlan didn''t make a sound, she just sat there sobbing, obviously not convinced.


    Chen Sansi was helpless, he grabbed her swollen hand and led her into the inner room: "The food was bought with the money from selling my books, not from Qin Xiong."


    Gu Xinlan saw the empty book desk and a bow and arrow hanging on the wall, and was stunned, "Brother Shi, you sold all the scholar''s four jewels for a bow and arrows?"


    "Yes."


    Chen Sansi patiently explained, "From now on, I plan to follow father''s footsteps, hunting to support the family, how can I let a woman like you suffer so much, your hands are even chapped."


    "To support the family¡­"


    Gu Xinlan never thought she would hear Brother Shi say these words.


    She realized her decaying hand was still being held by him, feeling somewhat inferior, she tried to pull it back, but instead was embraced tightly.


    "Rest assured!"


    Chen Sansi, seeing her severe insecurity, spoke solemnly, "Father once said, you were to be my wife, why would I send my wife away?"


    Gu Xinlan was startled by the sudden embrace, feeling the warmth, she looked up incredulously at him, "Brother Shi, you... you don''t mind that I am of low status?"


    "I don''t mind."


    Chen Sansi affirmed, "I can''t like you enough."


    "Brother Shi, you are all the family I have left in this world, don''t deceive me."


    Gu Xinlan no longer tried to escape, but after a few tests, finally rested her cheek against his chest, feeling this rare warmth.


    "Sister Lan."


    "What is it?"


    "I feel a bit sore today, let''s go to bed, can you give me a massage?"


    "Alright."


    ...


    "Ah... Brother Shi, wasn''t it a massage?"


    "I''ll massage you."


    "Mmm, mmm~"

 Chapter 3 - 3 Entry-Level Archery

    The next day.


    The rooster crowed at dawn, and the morning fog was thinning.


    Chen Sansi woke up early, with Warm Jade hot in his embrace.


    With cheeks pink like peaches, Gu Xinlan was still deep asleep, clinging tightly to his arm, almost leaving marks.


    In feudal society, a helpless woman could easily be reduced to a plaything and trafficked, hence a lack of security was understandable.


    Chen Sansi struggled to free his arm.


    Having taken advantage of her, he must now take responsibility.


    Thinking back, despite Gu Xinlan''s frail appearance, she was... like a delicate branch bearing heavy fruit. He couldn''t fathom why his former self had failed to cherish her.


    In his previous life, she wouldn''t be his to marry without at least two million!


    Chen Sansi tiptoed out of bed and grabbed the bow and arrows from the wall before heading outside.


    "Whoo¡ª"


    He took several deep breaths to calm his cluttered thoughts and aimed at a crooked willow tree to start practicing Archery with focus.


    After resting for half the night, his spirits and Qi Power were almost fully restored, and his aim was quite impressive as well.


    Within twenty steps, he could nearly hit the target with every shot.


    To minimize wear and tear, he practiced with only one arrow, yet even so, it was severely worn by the end of the morning.


    Inside the house.


    Gu Xinlan peeped through the paper-covered window at Chen Sansi, drenched in sweat, and inexplicably felt relieved.


    "Brother Shi is serious... He really plans to hunt and make a life with me."


    She soon felt sorry for him.


    "He was up all night, and now he''s up early practicing archery. What if he exhausts himself..."


    Gu Xinlan leaned against the wall and limped to start the fire and cook.


    ...


    "Got it!"


    Another arrow was shot, and Chen Sansi took a long breath.


    [Skill: Archery (Entry-Level)]


    [Progress: (0/200)]


    [Utility: Use a Six Power Bow, no miss within forty steps]


    Just moments ago, it felt as though some power was infused into his body, not only significantly enhancing his physical strength but also elevating his archery skills to another level.


    Archery entry-level!


    Chen Sansi observed the changes on the panel.


    Six Power Bow, no miss within forty steps.


    In the Dasheng Dynasty, one Power equals twelve jin (a unit of weight), so a Six Power Bow equals seventy-two jin!


    As far as he knew, the city guards also used Six Power Bows.


    This meant, he had now reached the standard of an ordinary archer.


    You see, in ancient armies, soldiers who qualified as archers were considered elite!


    The latter sentence, "no miss within forty steps."


    A step in the Dasheng Dynasty meant moving both feet once, about one point four meters, so forty steps were slightly over fifty meters.


    Don''t underestimate this distance.


    The effective range for an ordinary archer in battle was about a hundred steps, but that was for shooting volleys into the air, not precision targeting.


    Normally, precision for a distance of forty to fifty steps was also required for assessments.


    The archery competitions Chen Sansi had seen in his previous life usually had targets about seventy meters away, and those were with modern bows.


    And he achieved no miss within forty steps, every arrow hitting the bullseye, which doesn''t mean he couldn''t hit targets at seventy meters; it just meant he couldn''t guarantee a bullseye every time.


    Overall, based on the panel''s display, he was nearly qualified to be assessed as an archer.


    Chen Sansi couldn''t wait to try it out.


    He drew the bow again, his movements as proficient as a seasoned archer''s.


    The Four-Force Bow that felt quite heavy an hour ago now seemed incredibly light when fully drawn, almost effortless. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After advancing in archery, his physical strength had also greatly improved!


    He calmed his emotions and tried shooting a few arrows. Indeed, his accuracy doubled; he hit every target within forty steps, and even those over sixty steps away were not bad.


    Good!


    With this level of skill, he could definitely hit game animals!


    The most crucial point was, this was just the beginning.


    Chen Sansi dared not imagine what it would be like if his archery skills reached small achievement or great success.


    "Brother Shi, dinner is ready~"


    A soft, bone-melting voice came from inside the house.


    Chen Sansi then put away his bow.


    He saw that although only one night had passed, Sister Lan had changed dramatically, exuding an indescribable charm along with her almond eyes, drawing extra attention.


    At the dining table, there were two bowls of rice.


    One bowl contained rice with steamed buns; the other held half a bowl of thin porridge.


    The grain bought with a single silver coin couldn''t last more than a few days, and clearly, Gu Xinlan was still reluctant to eat her fill.


    Chen Sansi wasn''t fussy, either. His archery practice consumed a lot of energy, and he needed even more since he was about to head up the mountain; after giving Sister Lan half a steamed bun, he ate everything else left.


    Full and content, he slung his bow over his shoulder and stepped outside.


    "Be careful, Brother Shi, even if you don''t catch anything, don''t go too deep. Just gather some wild vegetables and firewood to bring back,"


    Gu Xinlan did not believe that her man could catch any game just after beginning to practice archery; safety always came first.


    As long as they could overcome the current hardship together, she was willing to work herself to the bone even if Brother Shi wanted to leave his job to study in the future.


    When Chen Sansi left his house, the day was already bright.


    The neighbors were all starting their busy day; many looked on in curiosity at the sight of him carrying a bow and arrows.


    "Oh, is Brother Shi preparing to go hunting up the mountain?"


    "Can he do it?"


    "Look, I told you early on, he can''t make sense of books!"


    "Go to hell, Lai Zi, at least he knows how to hunt. What can you do?"


    "Little Shi, do you need Uncle Zhao to accompany you for a couple of days?"


    "Be careful. Your family is depending on you."


    The villagers had their fair share of snide remarks, but thanks to his father''s good reputation, the majority were warm-hearted.


    Chen Sansi greeted everyone he met, quickening his pace toward Tiger Head Mountain.


    After mastering entry-level archery, his strength had increased, and he could now draw a Six Power Bow, which significantly improved his physical condition. What previously took two hours to reach the foot of Tiger Head Mountain now took him less than an hour and a half.


    Following the winding path carved out by earlier travelers, Chen Sansi arrived at the midsection of the mountain, searching for signs of game.


    Yet, after wandering around for quite a while, apart from some insects and sparrows, he discovered nothing.


    Normally, a qualified hunter would need the aid of tools like hunting dogs and animal traps, but he was too poor to afford anything beyond a bow.


    No, he had to succeed; otherwise, the modest amount of food at home would quickly run out.


    Chen Sansi closed his eyes, trying hard to recall the extensive lessons from his father''s youth.


    For instance, determining what kind of game could be nearby based on the feces; what kinds of environments certain animals preferred; the habits of various animals; and also how to walk through the jungle without alarming the prey, and so on.


    [Tracking and Stealth (Uninitiated)]


    [Progress: 3/100]


    [Utility: None]


    ?


    Looking at the rows of text that suddenly appeared, Chen Sansi was somewhat baffled.


    "Is this possible?"


    "Could it be that as long as it''s a technical task, I can manage it?"


    "Alright, alright, alright, it''s time I earn my living by hunting!"


    Curbing the joy of discovering he had more than one skill, he began to search for tracks more meticulously.


    This search lasted almost half a day.


    By the time Chen Sansi sat down to rest, his proficiency had also progressed.


    [Tracking and Stealth (Beginner)]


    [Progress: 0/200]


    [Utility: Keen Observation, Light Steps]


    Chen Sansi''s senses sharpened significantly; he could easily pinpoint the exact direction of birds'' calls in the forest, effortlessly observe the subtle movements of small insects and ants on the ground, feeling as if everything was within his grasp.


    He got up and resumed his search, and soon near a bush, he spotted some animal droppings.


    Round and black, the size of beans.


    There were also oval footprints in the loose soil nearby.


    A wild rabbit!


    "The droppings are fresh; it must be nearby!"


    Following the trail, Chen Sansi moved forward. Under the effect of [Tracking and Stealth], he made almost no sound.


    He entered a wooded area and then saw in the distance a plump gray rabbit, focused on gnawing at the grass, completely unaware of any danger.


    "What a fat rabbit!"


    Chen Sansi''s eyes turned sharp as he drew his Recurve Bow, his three fingers firmly gripping the bowstring, ready as a hungry wolf poised to strike.


    "Whoosh¡ª"


    The sound of the arrow ripping through the air was heard.


    Within forty steps, his arrow did not miss!


    In a blink, the arrow pierced straight through the rabbit.


    He had hit it!


    His first successful hunt in life!

 Chapter 4 - 4 Tax Collection

    Chen Sansi excitedly ran over, picked up the rabbit from the ground, and weighed it a few times, estimating it to be around seven or eight jins in weight.


    "Based on the current market price, this could sell for at least sixty copper coins!"


    He wasn''t in a rush to descend the mountain; instead, he securely bound the rabbit with a rope and hung it on his body, continuing to search for new prey.


    "Goo goo¡ª"


    Nearby, the calls of birds continued unabated.


    With the help of "Tracking and Hiding," Chen Sansi quickly located two pigeons perched far away on tree branches.


    He nocked the arrow, drew the bow, pulled the string, and released the arrow¡ªa sequence of movements as fluid as flowing water.


    A blurred shadow flashed by, and the two pigeons were shot through in a string, falling from the tree with a "plop" to the ground.


    Chen Sansi smoothly pocketed the pigeons.


    Pigeons, being highly nutritious, were priced slightly above rabbits; the two combined were worth thirty copper coins.


    He wanted to continue, but unfortunately, it was getting dark, and he could only pack up and head down the mountain.


    Selling game required going to the restaurants in the county town.


    Along the way, he would pass through many villages even poorer than Yanbian Village, where each villager''s face was gaunt and yellowed, and some lay motionless on the ground, leaving him to wonder if they were dead or alive.


    When they saw the game in Chen Sansi''s hands, they all cast envious and greedy glances, but upon spotting the bow and arrows on his back, they could only forcefully suppress their sinister thoughts.


    "Eight Treasures Restaurant."


    An hour later.


    Chen Sansi stood before the towering gold-plated signboard of the restaurant, pausing in his steps.


    This was the restaurant where his father used to sell his game; it was one of the top restaurants in the city, where a casual meal supposedly cost at least three to five taels of silver.


    Just now, by the roadside, there were people nearly starving to death, yet now he personally witnessed a rich man carelessly discarding a full plate of fresh food on the ground to feed to dogs.


    "This is truly ''wealthy homes reek of meat and wine, while bodies freeze to death on the roadside''..."


    A poor harvest of crops?


    If all the grain in the granaries were taken out, it might well be enough to feed the whole town through the winter.


    Chen Sansi felt emotionally moved.


    The shopkeeper who came out to greet him at the restaurant was an acquaintance of his father.


    "Eight jin and two liang of rabbit meat, and a pigeon weighing half a jin, a total of eighty-five wen," said the slightly portly middle-aged man, dexterously maneuvering the beads on his abacus: "Does that seem fair to you?"


    "Fair enough, thank you Uncle Liu," replied Chen Sansi, who knew the going rates.


    Liu Hongda smiled and said, "If you have good merchandise in the future, just bring it here, and I guarantee you won''t be shortchanged a single penny."


    Chen Sansi took the copper coins.


    ''To earn nearly a qian of silver in one day is definitely enough for living expenses in normal times.''


    ''But now with taxes due soon and debts to be paid, this amount is simply not enough.''


    ''I must hunt larger game!''


    As he was counting the copper coins, a skinny, dark-skinned youth came over to sell fish.


    "Brother Shi?!"


    The youth recognized him at a glance.


    The corresponding name also quickly surfaced in Chen Sansi''s mind.


    Zhang Shun.


    Aunt Li''s child, with whom he had once bare-bottomedly played in the mud during childhood.


    If it hadn''t been for Aunt Li taking Sister Lan to work, occasionally bestowing a little help, they probably would have starved to death by now.


    "Shun, you''ve come at just the right time," said Chen Sansi, pulling out the still warm copper coins: "The money I owe your family..."


    Before he could finish, Shun interrupted him.


    "Brother Shi, don''t worry, I''m not in urgent need of money right now," said Zhang Shun while lifting the fish basket at his feet, showing the full catch within, which even included a large fish weighing seven or eight jins: "It''s you who have just recovered from illness and need money more. Pay me back when you are in a better financial position!"


    "Alright, thank you Shun," Chen Sansi did not refuse further.


    He owed the family two qian of silver. One qian was not enough; he might as well wait until he could repay it all at once, both principal and interest.


    "Bro, don''t mention it, you are the one who taught me how to read when we were kids!"


    Since both lived in Po Yang County, they naturally went back home together.


    During their conversational walk, he learned that Shun''s family had saved up more than ten taels of silver and was planning to join a Martial Arts Hall to learn martial arts soon.


    "Martial arts, huh," mused Chen Sansi, well aware that in this world, those able to practice martial arts held exceptional status.


    For a common family''s child to enter a Martial Arts Hall was to make something of oneself, and achieving even small successes would bring glory to the ancestors.


    With a Progress Panel on him that tracked his martial arts learning, he naturally wanted to practice martial arts as well. However, the tuition fees were hefty, and he first needed to get past the current difficulties and save enough silver.


    Upon reaching the town, Chen Sansi and Shun parted ways.


    He had not even reached home when he saw a graceful figure anxiously looking out at the doorway from afar.


    It was Gu Xinlan, of course.


    She had deliberately finished work early and gone home to cook, waiting for the man to return. As dusk approached and he was still nowhere in sight, she nearly panicked to the point of heading up the mountain to look for him.


    "Brother Shi!"


    Gu Xinlan hurried over, half concerned, half reproaching as she said, "It''s already dark and you just got back, are you trying to scare me to death? Haven''t I told you it doesn''t matter if you can''t catch anything?"


    Chen Sansi didn''t rush to speak, but cheerfully pulled out a gray pigeon from behind his back.


    "Ah, did Brother Shi catch something?"


    Before Gu Xinlan could recover, a bag of copper coins was thrust into her hands, and a gentle voice simultaneously sounded in her ear, "Tonight, we eat meat."


    Half an hour later.


    On the dining table, besides the salted duck egg with rice, there was also a pot of fragrant pigeon soup.


    Ever since Xin Lan''s father passed away, their family hadn''t had meat for half a year.


    "Brother Shi, you''re truly amazing."


    Gu Xinlan still couldn''t quite believe it, "I heard even Uncle Zhao from the village returned empty-handed today."


    "I just got lucky, Uncle Zhao and the others are old hands at Second Layer Mountain; they always bring back big catches."


    Chen Sansi gnawed on a pigeon leg, relishing the salted duck egg mixed with rice, feeling immense satisfaction in his stomach.


    He purposefully didn''t sell everything for silver, just so he and Sister Lan could nourish themselves.


    But Gu Xinlan still refrained from eating the meat.


    After Chen Sansi urged her again and again, she finally ate a pigeon wing. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After a satisfying meal, he sat on the edge of the bed, pulling Sister Lan to sit beside him; she lowered her head, her face flushed, fingers nervously intertwined.


    Today marked their first day of marriage.


    Under the flickering candlelight, Chen Sansi took his time to carefully observe Sister Lan''s pretty face for the first time.


    Her fine arched eyebrows were charming, apricot eyes reflecting the candlelight as if autumn waters mirrored the moon, her slightly flushed cheeks resembled peach blossoms¡ªshe radiated an irresistible charm all over.


    And on top of that, she could read and was skilled in embroidery¡ªif it weren''t for the coarse hemp clothes she wore, she would be a perfect young lady from a reputable family.


    "Sister Lan."


    Chen Sansi unconsciously drew closer.


    "What''s wrong, Brother Shi?"


    "You smell so good."


    "Brother Shi, I... I still hurt."


    ...


    Late at night.


    Chen Sansi leaned against the bed head, his arm still being tightly clung to.


    "Brother Shi~"


    Gu Xinlan looked worried, "Did we offend that Qin Xiong?"


    "Qin Xiong?"


    "Mhm."


    Gu Xinlan nodded, "I heard from the neighbors that Mr. Qin had been lingering at our doorstep for quite a while during the day."


    "..."


    Chen Sansi took note.


    It seems that fellow really isn''t willing to let things go, I''ll have to be more cautious in the future.


    He comforted her, "Go to sleep, Sister Lan; I''m here."


    "Mhm."


    Gu Xinlan was already exhausted and quickly fell asleep.


    These last few days, she somehow felt at ease.


    Chen Sansi leaned against the bed head and noticed a leftover old book at the bedside that hadn''t been sold, so he picked it up and flipped through it.


    [Skill: Reading (Entry-Level)]


    [Progress: (15/300)]


    [Utility: Spirit refreshed, photographic memory]


    "Not bad at all."


    While hunting during the day, when he realized the skill [Tracking] he wondered, could reading work too?


    It turned out he wasn''t wrong.


    Not only that, but he had reached entry-level right away.


    Looking at how the original body had accumulated knowledge, how come he never managed to become a Scholar?


    Holding the book in hand, Chen Sansi estimated that if he were to take the civil service exam, he would surely pass.


    Unfortunately, the next exam wasn''t for another two years, too long to wait.


    First, he needed to survive.


    After browsing the book for a while, Chen Sansi also fell into a deep sleep.


    "Thud, thud, thud¡ª"


    "Open up!"


    "Open the door quickly!"


    The next morning.


    Chen Sansi was awakened by the urgent knocking.


    He told Sister Lan to dress and hide in the inner room, then he got up to open the door.

 Chapter 5 - 5 Persecution

    Outside the door were two officials.


    One was holding a register, and the other wielded a long whip.


    Tax collectors.


    Without thinking, everyone knew what they had come for.


    Chen San, with all due politeness, said, "Sirs, please give me just half a month more, and I will have the taxes ready!"


    According to the regulations of previous years, the deadline for tax payment was still about twenty days away.


    He strived hard, gathering three liang of silver should not be difficult.


    However, the tax collector sneered, "Considering the barbarians from the north constantly harassing us and the thieves from the south causing trouble, the Great Sheng Dynasty needs your grateful contributions now. How can we wait that long?"


    Chen Sansi inquired, "Then, Sir, how long do I have?"


    "Seven days!"


    The tax collector held up three fingers, "Within seven days, anyone who fails to pay their taxes will be sent to Hezhou to work on the canal!"


    With that, the two clerks turned around and left, knocking on the next house''s door¡ªwhich had also not yet paid its taxes¡ªlike heralds of doom. If they encountered any resistance, they would administer a couple of lashes.


    "Why has the tax collection been advanced by so much?"


    "It must be related to the war and turmoil."


    Chen Sansi''s Yanbian Village in Po Yang County was situated right on the northern frontier of the Great Sheng Dynasty. Northwards were the garrisons and the Great Wall, beyond which lay the barbarian tribes.


    In recent ten years, the frequency of barbarian raids had increased; there had even been instances of small groups of barbarian cavalry breaking into the territory, plundering an entire village before making a brazen escape.


    It was only three years ago that the court sent a new elite military force to maintain control, stabilizing the situation, but the minor conflicts near the Great Wall never ceased.


    Not just the north, the south was also restless.


    Chen Sansi, although not well-informed, was aware of the constant uprisings in the south; although they were quickly suppressed each time, there was always someone new to take up the cause.


    "Seven days!"


    "What''s the use of hurrying us like this? Can common folk just conjure up silver and food out of thin air?"


    As someone with basic historical knowledge from the modern era, he knew that the dynasty was in its twilight years and chaotic times were approaching, making life increasingly difficult for the common people.


    "Brother Shi, what''s going on?"


    Inside the house, Gu Xinlan asked with concern.


    "It''s nothing."


    Chen Sansi didn''t want others to worry unnecessarily. He pretended as if nothing had happened and, like usual, finished his archery practice, ate breakfast, then took his dry food and bow and left the house. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Since he had found himself at the bottom rung in these chaotic times, he could only try to survive by playing by the rules.


    Gathering three liang of silver in seven days was no easy task.


    Chen Sansi was under considerable pressure.


    It wasn''t just him; the fellow villagers were all in distress.


    As he was about to leave the village, he saw a few familiar figures and frowned, attempting to avoid them.


    "Little Stone."


    Qin Xiong, leading two ruffians, moved purposefully towards him, "Why are you avoiding me?"


    Chen Sansi could guess that the other party was planning to take advantage of the situation.


    He bluntly stated, "Brother Qin, if this is about what happened last time, there''s no need to discuss it further."


    "Have you forgotten the tax collector''s words? If we can''t gather enough silver, we''ll be sent to work on the canal."


    Qin Xiong put on a fa?ade of kindness, feigning sympathy, "Whoever ends up with that job, there''s no record of anyone returning alive. Brother, take a loss here; give me that young woman you''re hiding at home, and I''ll handle your taxes for you. How about that?"


    "If I really get taken to work on the canal, I''ll accept my bad luck. No need for Brother Qin''s concern."


    Chen Sansi said expressionlessly and started to walk away.


    Having learned the basics of archery, he relied on his physical strength considerably more when he spoke.


    However, it wasn''t necessary to escalate conflicts just yet.


    Firstly, Qin Xiong had a group of ruffians at his command.


    Secondly, this scoundrel had a brother who practiced martial arts, purportedly very formidable, not someone to provoke lightly.


    Qin Xiong didn''t stop him, just watched coldly as he walked away.


    "Big brother, if you ask me, just rob him directly, why bother with the silver?"


    One of the ruffians complained loudly.


    "Idiot!"


    Qin Xiong smacked the ruffian on the forehead, "Do you think the Great Sheng Dynasty has no laws at all?"


    Abducting peasant girls used to occur frequently, but since the new Liangzhou Governor took office, no one dared to commit such acts again.


    "What should we do now?"


    The rogue asked, "Isn''t Big Brother still waiting to use that woman to give Brother a gift?"


    "What''s the rush, does he really think he can gather three taels of silver that quickly?"


    Qin Xiong sneered disdainfully, "By then, he''ll be taken to work on the Canal and won''t have to spend a penny!"


    ...


    "Three taels of silver within seven days."


    "It seems I must indeed hunt some big game."


    "Once the tax matter is resolved, we''ll find a way to deal with that Qin fellow."


    After arriving at Tiger Head Mountain, Chen Sansi noted it was still early; many large animals only appeared at sunset, so he wasn''t in a hurry and found a clearing to practice archery.


    When he practiced archery, he felt effortless and rather adept.


    Not to mention a hundred percent accuracy within forty steps, he also achieved over eighty percent of bullseyes within fifty steps.


    Only it used up a lot of arrows.


    "Crack!"


    Another arrow hit the bullseye, but the arrow broke upon impact.


    Chen Sansi felt quite distressed.


    A new arrow would cost at least ten wen!


    However, arrows are consumables, and since all he had were used ones, wear and tear were normal.


    [Skill: Archery (entry-level)]


    [Progress: (128/200)]


    [Utility: Draw Six Power Bow, no misses within forty steps]


    A panel appeared.


    "If I push hard tomorrow, I should be able to advance to the next stage."


    Chen Sansi ate some dry food to fill his stomach, then got back to work.


    With his sharp senses, he missed no trace; soon after, he found a rabbit near some bushes through its droppings.


    Without a doubt, one arrow pierced it through, and he bagged it.


    "Isn''t there any larger game?"


    Chen Sansi was naturally not satisfied with just that.


    But even with his tracking skills, he found no signs of any large animals having been around that afternoon until the sun set, when he finally spotted a pheasant through some feathers on a hillside.


    The arrow struck like thunder!


    The arrow pierced the pheasant''s body, and its inertia carried the corpse and pinned it to a nearby tree trunk.


    "About four pounds."


    "Pheasant is delicious, only second to pork in price, and this one could sell for about seventy wen."


    "But, it''s still far from enough."


    Chen Sansi could now be sure that there were no large game animals around the outskirts of Tiger Head Mountain.


    After all, he possessed the skill "Tracking," and he would not overlook any clue; no trace meant there really was none.


    [Tracking (entry-level)]


    [Progress: 101/200]


    [Utility: Keen observation, light steps]


    "Tracking is also about to advance to the next stage."


    "Perhaps, I should consider venturing deeper into the mountains."


    The deeper the area, the more abundant the game, but also the more dangerous. Typically, only experienced hunters, like Uncle Zhao from his village, would venture there.


    Starting from Second Layer Mountain, there are wild boars and even big cats and black bears; every year, many hunters perish there.


    Previously, as a beginner in hunting, Chen Sansi wisely refrained from venturing too deep, but now it seemed he must.


    However, his archery was about to advance, so he might as well give it a try.


    "I''ll return and prepare well."


    "Tomorrow, I''ll scout around Second Layer Mountain!"

 Chapter 6 - 6 Wolf Teeth Arrow

    After making up his mind, Chen Sansi started to clean up the scene.


    When he was handling the wild chicken, he used too much force and accidentally broke the arrow shaft that was stuck in it.


    "The quality of used arrows is worrisome!"


    Chen Sansi shook his head, retrieved the arrowhead, and carried his game down the mountain.


    Having hunted all day, his stomach had been growling, but his spirit was still very full, always alert to his surroundings.


    "It must be the effect of ''spirit refreshed.''"


    "It seems that I should sparingly read more books at night, and not just think about happy times with Sister Lan."


    "Archery, hunting, reading, I want to be a diligent person."


    It was still early today. When he passed through Yanbian Village, many villagers saw Chen Sansi with a chicken in one hand and a rabbit in the other, carrying a full load.


    "You boy are capable!"


    "Little Shi is really amazing; just started hunting and can bring something home every day."


    "Psht~ Like father like son."


    "Lai Zi, look at you, sour grapes, can''t stand to see others do well."


    "What do I have to be sour about, this little money is not even enough to pay the taxes!"


    "Really though."


    When the topic of taxes came up, complaints could be heard everywhere.


    How many people''s savings of a full year were squeezed clean.


    "Brother Shi, wait up, I was looking for you!"


    "Shun?"


    Chen Sansi looked at the skinny and dark teenager running towards him, "What''s up, Shun?"


    "Brother, do you need my help?"


    Zhang Shun had come to ask about the situation immediately after selling fish today due to the issue of early taxation. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "You... aren''t you still practicing your martial arts?"


    Chen Sansi was somewhat moved.


    Gathering three liangs of silver in seven days, no one had a hundred percent certainty.


    If he could borrow the money in advance, it would naturally be better than good.


    If worse comes to worst, he could save up and double repay it, making a proper thanks.


    "Martial arts doesn''t urge in these two days, paying taxes is urgent."


    Zhang Shun scratched his head and said honestly, "Brother, come with me to my house, we have some silver."


    Three liangs of silver!


    For ordinary folks, this was absolutely a huge sum.


    Chen Sansi was touched, "Nine for thirteen return, I can''t just use your money for free."


    "Brother, what are you saying."


    Zhang Shun said, "Not to mention that you taught me literacy since I was young, but do you remember that time we played in the river? If it wasn''t for you pulling me up, I would have drowned by now, why mention this!"


    It''s one thing to say, but to help during tough times is indeed precious.


    "Brother, wait here, I''ll go home and get the money!"


    Shun didn''t give an opportunity to refuse and turned and ran back madly.


    Since the other party wasn''t asking for interest, Chen Sansi felt uneasy about using the money with no return.


    He carried his wild chicken and rabbit and followed, planning to offer them as a thank you gift.


    The two families lived not far from each other, reaching the destination in ten minutes. Shun''s house door wasn''t even closed.


    Just as Chen Sansi was about to visit, a gust of wind brought the sound of an argument to him.


    "Shun, three liangs of silver, are you mad?"


    "Mom, that''s my Brother Shi who saved my life when I was young!"


    "Saving your life, so what? Hasn''t our family repaid him? When he fell ill before, wasn''t it our family who paid for his treatment?"


    "Mom..."


    "Our whole family has been working day and night for so many years, barely saving some silver, isn''t it just so you can enter the Martial Arts Hall and become a martial master? At least, have some pity on your father? He''s been lame for half a year and still hesitant to spend money on treatment, and you just give away three liangs of silver to someone outside?"


    "¡­"


    Chen Sansi stopped in his tracks, silently set down a wild chicken, and turned to leave.


    He did not hold any grudges for the unanswered help. In fact, he respected Shun''s sentiment even more.


    Neither of them was from a wealthy family; everyone had difficult days.


    He really had to rely on himself!


    Chen Sansi became even more determined to go to Second Layer Mountain.


    He reached the county''s Eight Treasures Building before sunset.


    The rabbit weighed almost as much as the last one, sold for seventy-one wen.


    With the money in hand, he didn''t rush home but went to the market to prepare for the trip to Second Layer Mountain the next day.


    "Yo, Young Shi here again?"


    Old Xu greeted him warmly.


    "Uncle Xu, I''d like to buy some arrows."


    Chen Sansi''s willow leaf arrows were okay for hitting rabbits and wild chickens, but if he truly met a large game with tough skin, they were not lethal enough.


    "What kind are you thinking of, uncle here has them all."


    Looking around, there were seven or eight types of arrows on display at the stall, all of high quality, some of which were obviously not something a civilian shop could make, belonging to the category of military ordnance.


    There was a garrison station fifty li outside Po Yang County city, and military ordnance circulating in the market was not a surprising matter.


    Not to mention, Old Xu was from a military household, and with his son succeeding him and becoming a small flag, having a channel to resell some ordinary military goods was nothing unusual.


    Chen Sansi''s gaze wandered over the stall.


    Most of the arrows were made of poplar wood, with bird feathers hanging on the tail, and their main difference lay in the arrowheads.


    Different arrowheads, different purposes.


    There were ones with strong penetrating power, ones with large wound profiles, ones for shooting horses, ones for naval warfare, and even specialized signal arrows for messaging, truly a wide variety.


    He finally chose a uniquely shaped arrowhead.


    Wolf Teeth Arrow.


    As the name suggests, the arrowhead had two side hooks shaped like protruding wolf teeth.


    Once this arrow hit, the side hooks would firmly lodge inside the body, and trying to pull it out would tear off a large chunk of flesh; if not removed, it would continue to grind the flesh. Whether for hunting beasts or hunters, it had a very strong lethality.


    Old Xu said, "This Wolf Teeth Arrow is good quality, I sell it to others for twenty-three wen each, but for you, twenty wen."


    "Can''t it be cheaper?"


    "Any cheaper and I''d be losing money."


    Chen Sansi bit his teeth and bought five.


    But he understood the principle of sharp ax making light work; to make a sale, you have to be willing to invest.


    If conditions allowed, he would also like to buy a heavy bow.


    After all, the main force in killing with a bow and arrow lies in the draw weight.


    He intentionally took a longer look; the heaviest one on this stall was just the Four-Force Bow, with nothing heavier available.


    Only a heavy bow could pierce armor.


    It seems there was a limit to how far one could go in dealing in military arms.


    Money paid, goods delivered.


    The two arrowheads he had worn out previously, added together, deducted eleven coins, making the final payment eighty-nine coins.


    "A day''s work for nothing, and quite a bit out of pocket to boot!"


    Chen Sansi put the Wolf Teeth Arrow into his bag and hurried home.


    On the way back.


    Chen Sansi ran into Qin Xiong and his ruffian followers, squatting on the essential path home, casting malevolent glances his way.


    They were clearly using this method to intimidate him on purpose.


    "The evil spirit never leaves; it''s impossible to hide."


    "Better pay the tax first then think of a plan."


    Chen Sansi chose to ignore them and went straight home.


    "Big brother, he''s very arrogant!"


    "Shall I go beat him up?"


    The ruffians gritted their teeth and discussed sneeringly.


    "Beat him up?"


    Qin Xiong pointed at the bow and arrows on Chen Sansi''s back and asked, "Do you know what those are?"


    "Bow and arrows."


    "A Four-Force Bow, enough to shoot you stone-cold! You think you can beat him if he can handle that thing?"


    Qin Xiong was somewhat frustrated.


    At first, he thought Mr. Chen was just a scholar, and that going hunting in the mountain was simply a stroke of luck.


    But after some inquiries, he learned that the kid could actually make sales two days in a row, proving he really had strength, and wasn''t just fooling around.


    Hunters in the village were actually not easy to provoke.


    They had only bullied the kid because his father had died and he was just a scholar.


    Of course, in this world, having strength was useless; having money was important.


    Rabbits and wild chickens weren''t worth much silver.


    If he couldn''t gather three taels of silver in a few days, he''d still be under Qin Xiong''s thumb.


    ¡­


    Late at night.


    Chen Sansi got out of bed agilely.


    As for Sister Lan, she was too tired and had fallen asleep.


    "I''m still too young and impetuous."


    Chen Sansi was somewhat annoyed; he had promised to study at home.


    With no time for reading, he couldn''t delay practicing archery any longer.


    Before going to the mountain, it was best to advance his archery to the next stage.


    He took his bow and stepped outside, coming to the clearing in front of the forest behind his house, beginning to practice archery under the moonlight.


    As arrow after arrow shot out, his proficiency continued to climb.


    He kept practicing until the late hours of the night, only then did Chen Sansi return to his room to sleep for a few hours, getting up immediately upon hearing the rooster''s crow to practice archery.


    "Shiu¡ª"


    Another arrow shot out, directly hitting an early-rising sparrow looking for food from the treetop.


    Simultaneously, the panel changed.


    [Skill: Archery (Master)]


    [Progress: (0/500)]


    [Utility: Physical enhancement, Natural Bowman, Effortless operation of a stone-bow, within seventy steps, three shots in the blink of an eye with unerring accuracy]


    This time, when the panel upgraded, not only did Chen Sansi''s strength and archery improve drastically, but even his muscles and bones changed, causing his physique to surge.


    With this physique, even though he had never practiced martial arts, he could easily draw a one-stone heavy bow, hitting a target the size of a palm from eighty meters away with every arrow.


    In the Dasheng Dynasty, one stone is approximately one hundred and fifty kilograms.


    This weight of bow and arrows was generally only used by those practicing martial arts.


    A target the size of a palm, seen from eighty meters away, actually appears as just a dot.


    As for the finger snap triple-shot.


    Buddhist scriptures have recorded: twenty finger snaps make one Luo Yu, twenty Luo Yus make one moment, and one day and night consist of thirty moments.


    According to this explanation, a "finger snap" calculation comes to about seven seconds.


    Finger snap triple-shot.


    That is to say, the four actions of drawing the bow, setting the arrow, and firing, take about two seconds for one accurate shot.


    A one-stone bow, eighty meters, two seconds.


    Taken alone these do not sound exaggerated, but when these three terms are combined, they are quite terrifying.


    Chen Sansi was somewhat surprised.


    He never imagined that proficiency could not only improve technique but also enhance physique.


    He felt his bones become more compact and solid, his arms and fingers noticeably longer.


    "I don''t know if this physique will be helpful for martial arts in the future."


    Anyway, he felt more confident about catching large game within six days.


    "Brother Shi, it''s time to eat."


    The gentle voice brought Chen Sansi back to his senses.


    After hastily eating breakfast, he took all the remaining salted duck eggs in the house, along with half a bag of sorghum.


    "What are you up to?"


    Gu Xinlan was puzzled.


    The salted duck eggs were understandable, but raw sorghum couldn''t be eaten. What was he taking it to the mountain for?


    "Gifts."


    Chen Sansi answered succinctly and was about to leave.


    "Brother Shi, be careful these days."


    Gu Xinlan looked worried, "Yesterday when I was on my way back, I saw Mr. Qin loitering near our house again. I''m scared¡­"


    "I know."


    Chen Sansi''s tone was firm, "Don''t worry, my dear, he can''t hurt you."


    My dear?


    Gu Xinlan''s cheeks flushed slightly.


    Having Brother Shi say that, she indeed felt much less afraid.

 Chapter 7 - 7 Hunting Wild Boars

    Second Layer Mountain was essentially a place where old hunters grouped together to go.


    One reason was the danger; they had each other''s backs.


    Also, if they actually caught something as big as several hundred pounds, they would need help to carry it down.


    Over time, this naturally formed a small community.


    To join this group, it was best to have someone familiar show you the way.


    Otherwise, if someone decided to take your belongings, deep in the dense woods, you might not even find the body.


    "You''re going to Second Layer Mountain?"


    Zhao Qiao was somewhat surprised, "Little Stony, how long have you been hunting?"


    "Isn''t it that my family hasn''t paid the taxes for this year yet?"


    Chen Sansi honestly said, "Other than Second Layer Mountain, where else can I gather this amount of silver in such a short time?"


    "Ah~"


    Hearing this, Zhao Qiao couldn''t help but sigh.


    These days, the government was as fierce as a tiger.


    He hesitated for a moment, "Alright, but I have to say it upfront, if you come back empty-handed, you can''t blame me."


    "That''s natural, Uncle Zhao, rest assured."


    Chen Sansi nodded.


    On the way up the mountain, Zhao Qiao began to explain the precautions, "It''s true that you can get goods in the deep mountains, but it''s also common for people to lose their lives; if you encounter Big Worm or Black Bear, you''d better run quickly.


    "And the most important point¡ª''avoid those in brocade clothes.''


    "Avoid those in brocade clothes?" Chen Sansi queried.


    "Yes."


    Zhao Qiao explained in a grave voice, "Those who come to the mountain in brocade clothes to hunt are either martial masters from the Martial Arts Hall or children of the wealthy; we can''t afford to offend them.


    "There were instances in the past where hunters fought with nobles over game, leading to direct loss of life.


    "So later on, our hunters'' activity area was limited to the south side of Second Layer Mountain, and few dared to go to the north side anymore. Just remember that.


    "Finally, if you catch something too big to carry by yourself, shoot a whistle arrow into the sky. Nearby hunters who are empty-handed will come over to help carry it down the mountain, but of course, you have to pay them depending on the situation."


    "That''s about all I have to say; be careful in everything, even villagers might try to trick you."


    He took out a Bone Head Arrow from the Arrow Bag and handed it over.


    The Bone Head Arrow, like the whistle arrow, belongs to the group of signaling arrows, but its head isn''t made of metal; it''s made of wood with hollows, making a loud noise when fired, having no lethal power.


    "Thank you, Uncle Zhao."


    Chen Sansi was very sincere.


    A few salted duck eggs in exchange for this information was absolutely worth it.


    During the conversation, the two of them had already arrived at the foot of Second Layer Mountain.


    To avoid competing for game, hunters generally operated independently, unless they agreed to group hunt fierce beasts.


    Second Layer Mountain was deep and dense.


    The moment Chen Sansi stepped into the woods, he spotted many animal feces hidden in the soil, and footprints under the bushes within a ten-meter radius. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Some hunting dogs can''t even achieve what I do!"


    "I might not have a hunting dog, but I am better than a hunting dog!"


    "And this is just the entry level!"


    He went all out, carrying bows and arrows, shuttling through the jungle, not missing the slightest movement.


    Second Layer Mountain had plenty of game, but mostly small creatures like rabbits and wild chickens; large animals were similarly hard to find.


    Moreover, due to consecutive years of poor harvests and excessive hunting, the hunters of Second Layer Mountain were barely making ends meet, and it was common to return empty-handed.


    According to Uncle Zhao, the real abundance of game was on the north side of the mountain, but that was the hunting ground of upper-class people, and the poor, without martial arts skills, dared not venture there.


    "Is even hunting oppressed?"


    Chen Sansi didn''t rush to hunt.


    At his current level, he could hunt small creatures like rabbits at any time; it was better to look for something bigger, even a roe deer would do.


    His focus was at full throttle.


    Chen Sansi not only didn''t feel tired, but he also felt the world becoming clearer and clearer in his eyes, as if he was about to enter another realm.


    Indeed, after breaking through the critical point, the panel surfaced like ripples on water.


    [Tracking Concealment (Mastery)]


    [Progress: 0/500]


    [Utility: Insight Shocking, Light as a Feather]


    After experiencing a mysterious sensation, Chen Sansi felt his senses were elevated to a new level.


    Now, he could even clearly observe animal fur on the ground!


    Some wild animals intentionally hide their droppings.


    But they can''t conceal the fur that falls off unintentionally!


    Moreover, his enhanced perception was not only useful for hunting but also essential for archery, which requires excellent eyesight.


    The palm-sized target center, eighty meters away, was merely a black dot, but if he could see even tinier things, naturally, his shooting accuracy improved.


    All these skills complemented each other.


    "Combining this with the ''failing to forget after glancing once'' from reading, I feel like I''ve opened a Sherlock Holmes'' memory palace, but it''s specially tailored for hunting."


    Chen Sansi bent down and picked up a black hair from the grass beneath his feet.


    ''This hair is half as long as a finger, fairly stiff, and not yet decomposed, indicating its owner was here not long ago.''


    Every few steps, he found similar hairs, and after about a hundred steps, clear footprints began to appear.


    He started following the trail.


    The rugged, complicated mountain trail was exceptionally easy for Chen Sansi to navigate; his speed was surprisingly fast, and he hardly made any noise¡ªan embodiment of being Light as a Feather.


    ''I wonder if this counts as Qinggong.''


    ''There''s movement!''


    He slowed his steps outside a bamboo grove, approaching the source of the sound within.


    He suddenly came upon a strong, black wild boar.


    In tow were five piglets; it was searching for food in the mud at the forefront, with the piglets grunting cheerfully behind, a family of pigs happily unaware of the looming danger.


    "Jackpot!"


    "This sow weighs at least three hundred pounds, and the piglets are even more valuable!"


    Chen Sansi visualized waving silver coins calling him, he repressed his excitement and crept as close to the wild boar as possible.


    Though his shots were long-ranged, naturally, the closer he was, the more powerful they were, especially against the tough skin and flesh of a wild boar; too far, and it''s hard to be lethal.


    Only when about twenty steps away from the wild boar did Chen Sansi stop on an upward slope.


    He quietly took the longbow from his back and notched a freshly made double-bladed barbed Wolf Teeth Arrow.


    The Four-Force Bow now felt light as a feather in his hands, almost effortless to fully draw, feeling like he might even snap it with a bit more force.


    The bowstring was released, and the arrow flew instantly!


    "Whiz¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª"


    Since it was a back ambush, the arrow directly penetrated the buttocks of the wild boar, causing a sharp scream, and a flock of birds flew away in panic.


    Perhaps because the bow was too light, the arrowhead penetrated only about three inches into the flesh.


    Instead of running away, the wild boar entered a frenzied state, ignoring the blood flowing nonstop from its body, and charged towards him with heavy grunts.


    Wild boars are also a kind of fierce beast.


    If an ordinary person was hit by a wild boar, they wouldn''t die but would have to lie down for half a month!


    Chen Sansi remained calm; the second arrow was already on its way.


    "Hoo-hoo-hoo¡ª¡ª"


    Another arrow added to the wild boar''s body, it visibly hesitated, but it didn''t stop, just continued charging at a slightly slowed pace.


    The third arrow followed closely, directly piercing its skull.


    This time, the wild boar finally lay straight down, dead.


    The five piglets, startled, scrambled in different directions.


    With the complicated terrain and the small size of the piglets, any ordinary hunter would likely miss at least two, but Chen Sansi''s archery skills were extraordinary.


    "Whiz, whiz, whiz, whiz¡ª¡ª"


    In just a few breaths, all five piglets were pierced by arrows, dead beyond doubt.


    The arrows in Chen Sansi''s Arrow Bag were just used up.

 Chapter 8 - 8 Apology

    "Over three hundred pounds of an adult pig, plus five piglets."


    "That should be enough for my taxes and leave me with a good amount of money!"


    "The only problem is, getting it back might be a bit of a hassle."


    This place was deep in the mountains, dozens of miles from the county town. Even if one person could carry it, there was simply too much game to take all at once.


    Chen Sansi thought for a moment before shooting a Bone Head Arrow into the sky.


    "I''m far from the meeting spot."


    "I don''t even know where Uncle Zhao is, or if he can hear my signal."


    Sometime later,


    footsteps sounded from outside the bamboo forest.


    However, it wasn''t Uncle Zhao Qiao who appeared, but a rough-looking man, muscular and with a scar on his face.


    When he saw the wild boars on the ground, he first looked envious, then incredulous at the sight of the young man''s kill, and finally his expression turned rather odd.


    "Brother!"


    The man strode over, sizing up the youthful, tender-looking man: "I''ve never seen you around."


    Chen Sansi introduced himself, "Uncle Zhao Qiao from Yanbian Village brought me up the mountain, my name is Chen Sansi."


    "I''ve been around for three or four days and haven''t caught anything valuable."


    The man squinted his eyes: "It''s your first day up here, and you scored all this treasure."


    "Just luck."


    Chen Sansi bowed slightly: "Please help me take the game to the county town, brother. I will pay you according to the village rules."


    "Helping is no problem at all."


    While the man agreed verbally, his eyes darted around: "But it''s a long way from here to the county town, and about the price, well¡ª"


    He hadn''t had any yield for days and was nearly unable to cook at home. Now that he had stumbled upon this opportunity, he certainly intended to extort a few extra copper coins.


    While the man was pondering, the sudden sound of a bowstring like thunder burst by his ear.


    He looked up and saw Chen Sansi had, unbeknownst to him, already released an arrow.


    At a distance, a rabbit in full sprint fell to the ground.


    Seventy paces away!


    Plus, with the dense vegetation, the man hadn''t even noticed the rabbit.


    What was most striking, though, was that he noticed Chen Sansi had seemed to draw the bow using just one finger for power, the other merely supporting the arrow without any apparent effort!


    The strength of one finger easily drew the Recurve Bow, and with such accuracy... Could he possibly handle a one-stone bow under the right conditions?!


    Since when did Po Yang County have such a young Divine Archer?


    No longer harboring ulterior motives, the man forced a bright smile: "Brother Sanshi, no, Brother Shi!


    "Don''t move, I''ll go pick it up. I''ll carry the game to town for free, let''s be friends!"


    He said, then hurried towards the direction of the rabbit.


    Chen Sansi stored his bow, shaking his head gently.


    With his keen perception that could even see the hairs clearly, how could he not realize this guy was scheming from the start? He had deliberately shown off his skills.


    If he didn''t want to be bullied, he needed to display some strength!


    The man chopped two pieces of wood with a cleaver, and together with Chen Sansi, one in front and one behind, they carried the wild boar down the mountain.


    The man introduced himself, "My name is Wu Da, I live in the village next to yours, I''m sixteen this year, please take me under your wing in the future, Brother Shi."


    "?"


    Chen Sansi looked at the scar-faced man smiling at him, temporarily at a loss for words.


    This guy is sixteen?!


    "Wild boar!"


    "Brother Shi nailed a wild boar!"


    "..."


    They had just reached Yanbian Village''s entrance when the villagers burst into an uproar.


    A three-hundred-pound wild boar isn''t uncommon, but typically it requires the cooperation of two or three people!


    For one person to handle an entire lair of wild boars was definitely top-tier hunting.


    Not to mention, for the villagers, Chen Sansi was a scholar who had turned to hunting to survive.


    Word spread fast, and it did not take an hour before he became well-known in the neighboring villages.


    ...


    At Eight Treasures Restaurant.


    "The sow is three hundred and twenty pounds, eighteen copper coins per pound.


    "The piglets, twenty copper coins per pound, all together sixty pounds and two taels.


    "The total is 6964 copper coins. I''ll make an executive decision on behalf of the boss and round it up to seven taels of silver for you, and remember, if you catch fresh game in the future, don''t go selling it to anyone else, little Stone!"


    Boss Liu Hongda waved his hand grandly, throwing over a pouch of money.


    Typically, one thousand copper coins are equivalent to one tael of silver, but silver is a harder currency, not always easily exchangeable, and the exchange rates often fluctuate.


    Giving silver directly was obviously a courtesy.


    "Thank you, Uncle Liu."


    Chen Sansi took the money pouch, feeling its significant weight.


    Seven taels of silver!


    Not only was he set for his taxes, but he also had enough to buy winter clothes.


    "You lad are truly impressive."


    Boss Liu Hongda marveled, "At this rate, it won''t be long before you can move to the city. If you could learn a bit of martial arts, that would really be making something of yourself."


    "Speaking of martial arts halls, does Uncle Liu have any recommendations?"


    Now that Chen Sansi had solved his immediate problems, it was naturally time to consider learning martial arts.


    "The most famous ones in Po Yang County are Tianyuan, Tai Lei, Yun He, and Zhao Martial Arts Halls, but they only recruit apprentices during specific periods each year, and it''s already too late for this year.


    "Honestly, for us commoners, there''s no need to aim for the top halls. Learning just a few moves to bluff people is usually good enough.


    "But if you''re set on a major hall, you might ask Shunzi."


    "Shunzi?" Chen Sansi was a bit perplexed.


    "That kid has been frequently treating Martial Arts Academy Disciples to meals recently, just over there across the street, and look, there he comes now."


    Boss Liu Hongda pointed behind him.


    Across from Eight Treasures Restaurant, there was a relatively modest hall.


    Chen Sansi turned around and saw Zhang Shun stepping out of a diner with two young men in white robes.


    "Brother Shi?"


    Upon seeing Chen Sansi, Zhang Shun immediately ran over, his face apologetic, "Bro, I''ve been meaning to see you these past few days to talk about last time..."


    Chen Sansi cut him off, "Shunzi, don''t worry about me, I''ve gathered enough money."


    "Your Brother Shi just bagged a whole lair of wild boars today and earned seven taels of silver from me."


    Boss Liu Hongda spoke up for him.


    "Really?! Bro, you''re amazing. I wonder how long I''d have to fish to earn seven taels of silver!"


    Shunzi exclaimed in admiration, his envy pure and untainted by any other emotions.


    "By the way, this is for you."


    Chen Sansi took out three pieces of broken silver, ready to pay off the silver both principal and interest.


    "Brother, I can''t take this, I wasn''t able to help you last time."


    "That''s a separate matter, your dad also needs money for his leg treatment."


    After some back and forth, Chen Sansi finally managed to stuff the silver into the other''s pocket and changed the subject, "Are you treating the Martial Arts Academy disciples to a meal?"


    "Yes."


    Zhang Shun lowered his voice, "I missed the Tai Lei Martial Arts Academy''s recruitment period, so I thought I''d try something to see if they could accept one more disciple."


    He just happened to meet two disciples outside the academy, and they offered to put in a good word for him, which is why he invited them to dine and build relationships.


    This was already the third meal.


    Even though the small restaurant wasn''t as extravagant as the Eight Treasures Restaurant, it still cost quite a bit of money.


    "I see."


    Chen Sansi looked across the street at the two Martial Arts Academy disciples.


    One was picking his teeth and the other was patting his round belly and burping, seemingly impatient, urging, "Little Shun, what are you doing? Come on, weren''t we going to enjoy some drinks? The senior brother I introduced you to is highly regarded by our master, you get what I mean, right?"


    "Don''t be mad, brothers, I''m coming right now!"


    Zhang Shun hurriedly said goodbye.


    Chen Sansi watched them walk away, feeling that the gazes of those two Academy disciples seemed unreliable.


    "I should remind Shun to be careful later."


    He didn''t linger any longer and hurried off to the government office, to pay the tax of three taels of silver. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Seeing the tax officer check off his name in the register, he finally felt a massive weight lift from his shoulders.


    "Only Qin Xiong left..."


    "I wonder if he will try to cause trouble in other ways."


    "I need to hurry home, or else Sister Lan will start to worry again."


    Chen Sansi rushed back home.


    At the home''s entrance, Gu Xinlan was caught up chatting with a few women, who were all admiring how capable her man was.


    How he could read, earn money, and was handsome too.


    Ultimately, when a man earns money, even his shortcomings can be turned into advantages.


    "Xin Lan, you must hurry to give your Brother Shi a child!"


    "Don''t worry about that, with Xin Lan''s big hips, she''ll definitely be able to have a son."


    "..."


    The women kept bantering, making Sister Lan''s cheeks turn bright red.


    "Xin Lan, look, your man is back."


    "Brother Shi!"


    With no interest in small talk, Gu Xinlan hurried over to greet him.


    "We''re eating rabbit tonight."


    Chen Sansi said smiling, holding out an unsold rabbit.


    Gu Xinlan didn''t even glance at the rabbit, her hands kept touching here and there: "How are you, Brother Shi? Are you hurt? I heard that wild boars are really fierce!"


    Chen Sansi was stunned for a moment, "No worries, I''m fine."


    "Brother Shi, please don''t provoke such frightening things next time!"


    After confirming that her man was unharmed, Gu Xinlan finally relaxed and helped him unload his things, "Must be hungry, I''ll go cook."


    Chen Sansi watched Sister Lan''s busy figure and suddenly felt a profound sense of belonging.


    He had a home in this world after all.


    ...


    Soon, the aroma of food from the kitchen wafted around.


    It stirred such a craving in Chen Sansi''s stomach that it wouldn''t stop rumbling.


    "Knock knock knock¡ª"


    Just as they were about to eat, someone gently knocked on the door.


    "Who is it?"


    "It''s me! Qin Xiong!"


    Hearing this name, Gu Xinlan''s face turned white, and she clutched at Chen Sansi''s sleeve, indicating for him not to go outside to eat.


    "It''s fine, I''ll go and see."


    Chen Sansi tucked the kitchen knife behind his back and went out to greet the guest.


    He thought Qin Xiong, knowing he had paid his taxes, was either looking for a new problem or was ready to escalate things, but it appeared to be the complete opposite.


    Qin Xiong was all smiles, holding a jug of the cheapest yellow wine, "Hahaha, little brother!"


    Chen Sansi furrowed his brow, "What''s this?"


    "Little bro, I am here to apologize!"


    While speaking, Qin Xiong casually patted Chen Sansi''s shoulder, secretly applying force, only to find that his adversary didn''t budge.


    Damn it!


    Where did this kid get such strength?


    He had just come home today and heard that the scholar named Chen had single-handedly killed a wild boar.


    Now it''s autumn, and wild boars with piglets are extremely aggressive, and there had been instances of hunters being devoured by them.


    Handling a wild boar solo is definitely no easy feat.


    Yet this fellow is clearly just a useless scholar!


    Could it be he''s naturally strong but took the wrong path, wasting his potential?


    Either way, Qin Xiong decided to give up on Gu Xinlan.


    He had been thriving in the surrounding ten villages for years, raising his brother alone and sending him to the best Martial Arts Hall, not just because he acted rashly on the surface.


    Who to offend and who not to mess with, he knew very well.


    If he really offended a formidable hunter, he should not venture into the mountains for the rest of his life.


    Otherwise, he might just receive a deadly arrow to his back.


    As for women, there are plenty more to choose from!


    If Chen Sansi is not one to be easily bullied, there are plenty of others who are.


    "Little brother! There has been some misunderstanding between us, let''s clear it up in front of the neighbors, how about that?"


    Qin Xiong deliberately raised his voice, attracting the neighbors who were cooking at home to come out and watch.


    Just as Qin Xiong thought Chen Sansi didn''t know better, finally, he heard the satisfactory response.


    "You jest, Brother Qin."


    Chen Sansi showed a cordial smile, "I''ve always been one not to hold a grudge, moreover, there''s no real ''enmity'' between us."


    "Being a scholar truly suits you, Brother, generous indeed."


    Content, Qin Xiong placed down the jug of wine, "I won''t disturb you any longer."


    "Good, Brother Qin, take care."


    After closing the door, Chen Sansi looked at the recurve bow hanging on the wall.


    Clear the account?


    When I was down and out, he took advantage and almost ruined my family; now that I''m not easy to bully, he wants to dismiss it lightly?


    Where on earth is it so easy!

 Chapter 9 - 9 Hunter

    At the dinner table.


    Sister Lan, elated by the joyful events, unprecedentedly helped herself to two chopsticks of rabbit meat.


    Paying all the taxes due and ridding themselves of the local tyrant, anyone would have been happy.


    "Brother Shi."


    She looked admiringly at her man, "That Mr. Qin must have heard of your abilities and didn''t dare to mess with us anymore; you are truly incredible."


    Being able to shoot even a wild boar, no wonder she always thought Brother Shi was exceptionally strong!


    After dinner, Gu Xinlan sat beside the bed waiting as usual; but unusually, he was late coming into the room.


    It was only when she lifted the curtain that she saw Chen Sansi sitting under the candlelight, intently flipping through a book.


    "Aren''t you going to rest early today?"


    Gu Xinlan was somewhat disappointed, but she quietly did not disturb him and went to sleep first.


    [Skill: Reading (entry-level)]


    [Progress: (120/300)]


    [Utility: Spirit refreshed, photographic memory]


    Chen Sansi gently closed the book, and after confirming that Sister Lan was soundly asleep, he tucked a kitchen knife at his waist, slung the longbow over his shoulder, and tiptoed out of the house, blending into the night.


    ¡­


    The brothel.


    "Sir, why not stay here for the night? Why bother going back?"


    "Scram scram scram, I still have things to take care of!"


    Qin Xiong pushed away the courtesan who was holding him back and staggered out of the brothel.


    The cost for overnighting was triple; he wasn''t foolish.


    The money at home shouldn''t be wasted, and he needed to save it as a gift for his younger brother.


    Since he was young, he had lost his parents and had raised his younger brother by selling pancakes. Once he made a name for himself, he managed to save enough money to send his younger brother to the best Martial Arts Academy in Po Yang County.


    But practicing martial arts was indeed very expensive.


    The enrollment fee, master''s tribute, and medical expenses were just the beginning. To receive the true teachings was yet another significant expense.


    The old folks at the county Martial Arts Hall would generally pass on their skills only to their own sons or direct disciples; outsiders couldn''t learn the real deal.


    His younger brother was no exception.


    He had been practicing martial arts for over three years and still couldn''t learn the complete cultivation techniques.


    Fortunately, his brother was close to the Young Master; that young man was a debauchee who favored beautiful women. Perhaps by sending some beautiful women his way, there might be a chance to acquire the true teachings.


    "Speaking of which, that Ms. Gu is really beautiful!"


    "Her looks, they just don''t seem like those of a village girl."


    "What a pity, such a pity!"


    Thinking about this, Qin Xiong felt aggrieved.


    He actually had to apologize to someone with the surname Chen.


    But this was only temporary.


    Once his younger brother could spare the time, what was a hunter considered anyway?


    No matter how skilled, could a hunter be more formidable than a martial artist?


    Given the chance, he could have his brother deal with Mr. Chen in the mountains; and even keep his family''s young lady for his own enjoyment!


    "Hahaha!"


    Thinking of the young lady''s buttocks, irresistibly round and plump, Qin Xiong laughed out loud.


    "Huh¡ª"


    A gust of cold wind swept by, sobering him significantly.


    Looking around, he realized that he had unwittingly walked out of the town, surrounded by pitch darkness, with only the occasional crow caw breaking the deep silence of the night.


    "Heh, my courage seems to be shrinking!"


    For some reason, today Qin Xiong felt a vague sense of unease, as if someone was following him.


    He scoffed at himself and was just about to head home when suddenly another gust of wind came from behind.


    This gust was very sharp and precise, directly hitting the back of his head with a chilling iciness.


    This "wind" penetrated through the back of his skull and exited through the top, as if a horn was sprouting from his forehead.


    Qin Xiong fell straight down, never stirring again.


    ¡­


    "Not satisfying at all!"


    Chen Sansi emerged from the distant woods and approached to examine the body.


    When people practiced martial arts, they fought with swords and hand-to-hand combat.


    He had just pulled the bowstring from afar, and everything was over, making even the carried kitchen knife redundant. The process was too quick, leaving Mr. Qin dying too swiftly.


    "Oh well, who makes me kind-hearted."


    Chen Sansi found about three fragments of silver on the body.


    "Just this little?"


    "This scoundrel has been plaguing the village, surely making at least a few dozen silver pieces a year, where has the money gone?"


    "Is practicing martial arts that expensive for his brother?"


    After pocketing the silver, he began to ponder how to dispose of the body.


    There were arrow wounds on the body; it definitely couldn''t be left here.


    Hunters were few and far between within tens of miles.


    Cutting off the head separately would cover him in blood, making it even more difficult to handle.


    "Just throw it in the mountains!"


    Chen Sansi hoisted the body.


    With the "Light as a Feather" skill, carrying a corpse did not slow him down at all.


    In just two hours, he arrived at Second Layer Mountain, threw the body in a secluded grove, and returned home to Yanbian Village before dawn.


    Lying down next to the sleeping Sister Lan, Chen Sansi took a long breath.


    "I guess I''ve removed a menace for my fellow villagers!"


    "Just not sure if his brother will come looking for me."


    "I need to start practicing martial arts soon!"


    He had no regrets.


    With Qin Xiong''s character, apologizing was only temporary, his brother, gaining influence, would definitely seek double compensation in the future.


    Better to strike first rather than live in anxiety.


    ...


    The next morning, at dawn, the rooster crowed.


    Chen Sansi, as always, got up early to practice archery.


    After mastering archery, the speed of improvement drastically dropped.


    Because the bow was too light.


    He could now pull a one-stone bow; the Four-Force Bow was completely ineffective as a training tool.


    "Heavy bows are not easy to come by."


    "Even the Martial Arts Hall wouldn''t dare keep them privately, or it would be seen as plotting rebellion."


    "Besides needing a heavy bow, it''s time to schedule martial arts training."


    "..."


    Chen Sansi silently calculated his next steps in his mind, while on the other hand, Xin Lan called him to breakfast.


    "Clang clang clang¡ª"


    He sat down absentmindedly, just picking up a cornbread, when suddenly the village was filled with the sound of gongs and shouting.


    The government!


    Chen Sansi''s heart skipped a beat, but he quickly calmed down.


    "It can''t be because of Qin Xiong''s affair; he only died last night."


    "He''s not worth such a big fuss; there must be something else."


    Indeed.


    The people from the county government''s Patrol Office called everyone out and announced a major event.


    An assassin from the barbarian tribes had infiltrated Po Yang County and murdered the Po Yang County Magistrate.


    The whole village was in an uproar.


    The government''s people were here to search for the assassin''s whereabouts.


    After gathering all the villagers together, the Patrol Office began searching every house, and left grudgingly after half a day.


    "The County Magistrate has been killed."


    Xin Lan whispered, "I remember this County Magistrate had been transferred here less than two years ago. Seems like being an official isn''t easy."


    "Hmm."


    Chen Sansi watched the departing constables, feeling something was odd.


    Why would a barbarian warrior kill the County Magistrate?


    The forces guarding the border are from the garrison, not the county government. If they wanted to attack, they should target the skilled soldiers.


    "Forget it."


    "It''s none of my business."


    Chen Sansi shook his head, lamenting that the world was becoming increasingly chaotic, which spurred him even more to earn money.


    With money, he could enhance his personal strength and protect himself in these turbulent times.


    After hastily filling his stomach, he took his bow and arrows and went hunting in the mountains.


    S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 10 - 10 Difficulties in Martial Arts Practice

    No one caused trouble, and Chen Sansi was living a peaceful life.


    For five consecutive days, his life was a simple cycle: hunting in the mountains, selling game at the restaurant, and then going home to sleep.


    As for Qin Xiong...


    His body was gnawed to nothing but bones by wolves the day after he died, and Chen even took the opportunity to shoot a few of them.


    "A wild rabbit of six pounds, two pheasants weighing five pounds and three ounces, plus a fifty-pound roe deer..."


    Eight Treasures Restaurant.


    Chen Sansi, like a mission turn-in point in a game, habitually came here to sell game.


    Shopkeeper Liu Hongda clicked his abacus: "Exactly one tael of silver, keep it up!"


    A single tael of silver, if not for the expensive prices due to chaos and war, would be enough to sustain an ordinary family for a month.


    But he appeared very calm, considering he had recently earned a sum of seven taels at one time.


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    "If only I could go to North Mountain!"


    "Uncle Zhao and the others said that in the real deep mountains there''s a chance to find ''Exotic Beasts'', one could sell for upwards of ten taels or even an astronomical price!"


    "It''s a pity, without the backing of a powerful force..."


    North of Second Layer Mountain was completely dominated by martial artists; if a country hunter dared to venture there, they might be beaten and robbed of their game at best, or even lose their lives at worst¡ªit was very oppressive!


    "I still need to inquire about joining a Martial Arts Hall."


    Thinking so, Chen Sansi didn''t rush to leave.


    After waiting about half an hour, he saw Zhang Shun coming to sell fish, carrying his basket.


    When the topic of Martial Arts Halls came up, Shun began to curse: "Brother, don''t even bring it up! Those two had no intention of helping me, they just freeloaded food and drink, consuming a whole two taels of my silver, however..."


    He lowered his voice: "I didn''t let them off cheap either. Yesterday, with a trap, I splashed them both with golden juice, it was at least a bit satisfying!"


    "Do they know it was you who did it?"


    Chen Sansi was a bit worried.


    In recent times, commuting back and forth to the county town, he had also encountered many Martial Arts Academy Disciples who were arrogant and unreasonable, even those who beat up ordinary people on the street without cause.


    Shun''s way of getting back at them might bring trouble upon himself.


    In some matters, you either don''t do them at all or you must be ruthless in execution.


    "Don''t worry, they didn''t see me."


    Zhang Shun changed the subject: "By the way, Brother, aren''t you also planning to learn Martial Arts? Got any plans?"


    Chen Sansi shook his head: "What about you?"


    "Sigh, I''m worried too."


    Zhang Shun lamented: "Apart from the Four Great Martial Arts Schools, the rest of the Martial Arts Halls in the county town are not that cheaper either, and the worst part is having to do strenuous labor for two years before you even start learning the real skills. Without three or five years, it''s impossible to learn anything substantial.


    "But what can we do? I''m going to try out at a Martial Arts Hall with a better reputation after all."


    It was consistent with what Chen Sansi had learned.


    In this world, it''s not easy to change one''s fate through scholarship, and it''s even harder through Martial Arts.


    In a nutshell, ordinary folks, don''t expect to live a good life!


    Working his hands to the bone in a lousy Martial Arts Hall for three to five years was out of the question.


    Apart from the Martial Arts Halls, there was actually another place to learn Martial Arts...


    The garrison!


    But as a military household, he would have to go to battle and face the enemy, especially now with the current state of turmoil and war.


    Let''s go ask around first.


    After saying goodbye to Shun, Chen Sansi went to the market to seek out Old Xu.


    When Old Xu heard his question, he couldn''t help but chuckle: "How much silver does it take to become a military household?


    "Little Stone, have you lost your mind? You don''t need a single coin to become a military household; instead, they''d have to pay you!


    "The garrison does want to recruit people, but how many are willing to go?"


    The Great Sheng Dynasty had a history of over three hundred and fifty years.


    After the Grand Ancestor founded the nation, he implemented the garrison and commandery system.


    In essence, it was a system of military colony farming.


    Seven parts farming, three parts military readiness.


    At the beginning of the dynasty, Great Sheng had as many as three million military households, and they could be self-sufficient.


    The Grand Ancestor once said, "The soldiers of Great Sheng need not consume a single grain of rice from the people.".


    "Such an astonishing coincidence?"


    Chen Sansi couldn''t help but recall a figure from his past life who started his empire with nothing but a bowl and carved out his own territory through sheer ruthlessness.


    Like the Great Ming, the garrison system of Great Sheng deteriorated over time and was on the verge of collapse.


    Fifty years ago, the Chief Minister had implemented reforms, which just barely extended the life of the regime until now.


    But listening to Old Xu''s tone, it seemed that the reforms were not very thorough, only managing to maintain appearances while the reality was still on the verge of collapse.


    "Three hundred and fifty years is actually quite a feat."


    "After all, the Great Ming only lasted for less than three hundred years."


    "Why could the Great Sheng Dynasty outlast the Great Ming by seventy years, was it because there were no foreign-educated Emperors?"


    "Or was it because this world had martial artists who relied on military force to suppress and extend their lifespan?"


    "..."


    Old Xu said, "Little Shanshi, do you want to practice martial arts?"


    Chen Sansi nodded in agreement.


    "If you just want to strengthen your body, the Martial Arts Halls in Po Yang County town can satisfy you, but if you truly want to achieve mastery in martial arts, they are not enough.


    "Either join a major school at the state level;


    "Or enlist in the military."


    "But in all the land under heaven, is there a school bigger and stronger than the court?"


    Old Xu said earnestly, "Child, think it over carefully, if you really want to enlist, your uncle can get you in.


    "But why join the military in these chaotic times?


    "I''m speaking the sincere truth as an old man, just living a stable life as a commoner is quite good.


    "Like that silly son of mine, always dreaming of making a name for himself, not realizing if he has the fate for it, sigh~"


    "Thank you for the advice, uncle."


    Chen Sansi bowed his hands in thanks and took his leave.


    This matter, indeed, required serious thought.


    His mind heavy with thoughts, he walked home.


    Before he even reached the entrance of the village, he heard loud and noisy arguments coming from inside.


    A young man in a dark cyan robe with a sword at his waist was leading four or five people in the village, stopping everyone they met and asking questions, as if they were looking for someone.


    With Chen Sansi''s hearing, he could make out the conversation from a distance, but he didn''t hide, walking openly past them and, as expected, was stopped.


    "Brother, please wait."


    The leading young man, dignified and polite in his speech, but his gaze bearing a hint of disdain, asked, "Have you seen my elder brother Qin Xiong?"


    "Brother Qin?"


    Chen Sansi responded naturally, "I saw him a few days ago, what about him?"


    Qin Feng said coldly, "Five days ago, my elder brother disappeared without a trace, and there has been no word of him since."


    "Disappeared? Impossible!"


    Chen Sansi was quite surprised, "Brother Qin was fine, how could he disappear?"


    Qin Feng shook his head, "If there is any news, please inform us."


    "Hiss..."


    Chen Sansi stroked his chin, "A few days ago, barbarians infiltrated Po Yang County and killed the County Magistrate, I wonder if it has anything to do with this?"


    Qin Feng paid him no further attention and turned to question the next person.


    ''I wonder how well this younger brother of Qin Xiong has learned martial arts.''


    ''The few disciples around him are calling him ''Senior Brother''; seems like he holds a high status.''


    ''If I attacked by surprise, could I kill him with one arrow?''


    ''I really need to learn martial arts!''


    As Chen Sansi pushed open the door to his home, he did not smell the familiar fragrance of cooking.


    "Sister Lan hasn''t come back yet?"


    "That''s not right."


    It wasn''t until half an hour later that hurried footsteps sounded outside the door.


    "Brother Shi!"


    "What''s happened?" Chen Sansi asked.


    "Tax officials, collecting taxes..."


    Gu Xinlan leaned against the door frame, panting for breath, barely able to speak.


    Chen Sansi remembered that today was the last deadline for tax payment.


    In previous years at this time, the tax officials would bring government office workers to tally up, and those who couldn''t pay the taxes would be taken away for hard labor.


    "Don''t panic, speak slowly."


    Gu Xinlan said haltingly, "Aunt Li... Brother Shi, you should go and see, Aunt Li''s family can''t pay the taxes and are about to be taken away!"

 Chapter 11 - 11: Tranquility Is a Luxury

    "I ask you one last time, will you pay the tax or not?!"


    The tax collector squinted his eyes, looking impatiently at the family of three before him.


    Zhang Shun said with righteous indignation, "Sir, our family paid the autumn tax ten days ago!"


    The tax collector held up the register in his hand, snorted coldly, "If you paid, then why isn''t your family''s name written here?"


    "Impossible!"


    Zhang Shun shouted, "I saw with my own eyes as you wrote it, you''re trying to deliberately collect the tax from my family twice!"


    "Slandering!"


    The tax collector slapped his whip down, knocking the young man to the ground, "Why don''t I collect double from other families but only from yours?!"


    A bloody gash appeared instantly on Zhang Shun''s face.


    He gritted his teeth, attempting to argue, but Aunt Li hastily stopped him, putting on a smile, "Shun, keep your mouth shut, if the official says we didn''t pay, then we didn''t pay."


    The child was young and unaware of the tax collector''s ferocity.


    There''s a saying, "Fear not the official, but the one who enforces," don''t look at the tax collector as just a minor official, sometimes he''s more terrifying than the County Magistrate!


    "Sir, please wait, I''ll go back home and get the money to make up for it!"


    Aunt Li had no idea when they had offended the tax collector, planning to deal with the current problem before anything else.


    She hurriedly went to retrieve the money.


    Soon after, a desperate scream echoed from the house.


    "Oh heavens!"


    "Where''s the money¡ª¡ª"


    The thirteen taels of silver hidden under their water jar had vanished without a trace!


    Hearing the commotion, Mr. Zhang with a lame leg stumbled in, and after seeing the empty hiding spot, he fell to the ground, "Thief, there''s been a thief!"


    The tax collector lost his patience, whipping Mr. Zhang twice in the back, "Are you playing me for a fool here?!"


    "Sir!"


    Mr. Zhang grimaced in pain, "The silver was right here, there were thirteen taels, thirteen taels!"


    The tax collector scoffed, "I could also say I have three-thousand taels of gold in my house, if you have no money, just confess your crime honestly!"


    "Father¡ª¡ª"


    Zhang Shun, seeing his father beaten, rushed forward in a panic, only to be knocked down by a whip, his face covered in fresh blood.


    He lay on the ground, not understanding what was happening.


    Only when he saw two figures in white robes in the crowd giving him a triumphant smile did he have a sudden realization.


    "You, it was you!"


    Zhang Shun staggered to his feet and charged at the two disciples, "Give me back my silver!"


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    The slightly overweight disciple kicked the young man down, "Where''s the proof?!"


    Zhang Shun could no longer contain his anger, "You''re in cahoots with the tax collector!"


    "Slandering."


    Hearing this, the tax collector raised his hand and delivered several more whip lashes, beating the young man until his skin was torn and flesh exposed.


    "Damn troublemaker!


    "Like a rabid dog, barking at everyone, take him away!


    "The old fool to Cangzhou to repair the city wall, the youngster to Hezhou to repair the riverbank!"


    The onlooking villagers were silent as cicadas in cold weather.


    Seeing this, almost everyone understood what was happening, but nobody dared to say anything.


    Officials, martial artists, neither were people ordinary folks dared to offend.


    If the lords wanted you dead, you had to die.


    Zhang Shun was covered in blood and dirt, screaming in extreme frustration.


    He had toiled from dawn to dusk catching fish, saving up for four whole years to learn a few moves, just to have an easier life in the future, how did it come to this?


    Was it because he hadn''t worked hard enough?


    "Shun!"


    A powerful voice rang out.


    Chen Shanshi squeezed through the crowd.


    He saw the two Martial Arts Academy disciples and quickly guessed most of the story.


    Shun''s act of splashing the golden liquid had offended them, so they sought revenge by bribing the tax collector to tax them twice and then stealing the silver, aiming to directly cause the death of Shun''s family.


    Thinking it over, Chen Shanshi himself felt a chill.


    If Qin Xiong was willing to spend silver on bribes, he might very well have ended up with the same fate as them.


    He stepped forward, "Sir, may I pay the tax on their behalf?"


    "Brother Shi?"


    On hearing this, Zhang Shun felt so ashamed he couldn''t lift his head,


    He hadn''t insisted on taking out the silver to help Brother Shi before, how could he have the nerve to let Brother Shi help him now?


    Aunt Li and her husband felt the same shame, wishing they could just crawl into a hole and hide.


    Not just them, the watching villagers were also taken aback.


    "Hmm?"


    The tax collector''s face darkened, "Boy, are you sure you want to meddle in this affair?"


    "I dare not interfere with the official''s duties."


    Chen Sansi pulled the tax collector to a corner and pointed to Mr. Zhang, whispering, "But this cripple, how could he handle the work? He''s likely to die on the way, and that would just be a waste of food."


    The tax collector raised his eyebrows, "You mean to say¡­"


    Chen Sansi quietly slipped two taels of silver into his hand, "Sir, let''s forget about the cripple. As for Zhang Shun, he was disrespectful to you, so he deserves to do hard labor."


    That was all he could do.


    Clearly, the tax collector had come for Zhang Shun; Mr. Zhang was merely collateral damage.


    If Chen Sansi tried to intervene, it would not only fail to alter the outcome but would also draw disaster upon himself.


    While he was speaking, the two Martial Arts Academy Disciples were staring at him intently from within the crowd.


    Better to save one if he could not save both.


    After all, Zhang Shun was young; there was at least a 20% chance he would survive the conscription labor.


    "Hehe, you sure know how to handle things, kid."


    The tax collector was amused.


    He took the money to teach Zhang Shun a lesson; the old man was essentially dispensable. Two extra taels of silver? Why not?


    Thinking this way, he discreetly accepted the silver and announced, "The head of the Zhang family has made up his tax payment. Let him go, and take the young one away to be dispatched to Hezhou!"


    The decision was final.


    Those present mostly understood what had transpired.


    "Little Stone, that move was clever. He didn''t offend anyone and managed to save Old Zhang''s father."


    "This kid really values loyalty and friendship."


    "Such a pity he stopped his schooling; he would have made a good official if he''d pursued it."


    "Little Stone, I, Lai Zi, am truly convinced by you this time!"


    The villagers whispered among themselves, expressing their admiration for Chen Sansi''s actions.


    "Shunzi."


    Chen Sansi walked over to the thin and dark young man, gently patting him on the shoulder, "I did my best."


    "Brother!"


    Zhang Shun knelt down with a "thud," "You saved my life and now my father''s life. If I can make it back alive, I will be forever in your debt and work like an ox or horse to repay you!"


    He knocked his forehead to the ground three times, making a loud sound each time.


    "What the hell, putting on a grand play? Cut the crap and get moving!"


    The government office constables took Zhang Shun away, while the tax collector continued to tally the next household.


    Aunt Li watching her son being taken away, collapsed crying and lost consciousness, and Mr. Zhang sat numbly on the ground.


    Scenes like this, on the last day of the autumn tax collection, continued to play out.


    In Po Yang County, at least one-tenth of the male population would be taken away.


    Most of them were farmers.


    After three hundred years of land consolidation, more than ninety percent of the land in and around Po Yang County had become the property of the rich people and the Martial Arts Halls.


    The farmers were essentially tenants.


    Each year, they had to give half of their harvest as rent, and the remainder was taxed so heavily that they barely had enough to feed themselves.


    "Spare me, sir!"


    "For several years the harvest has been poor, and we are required to plant ten percent ''Spiritual Grain'' on every acre; we simply cannot survive this way."


    "Stop your nonsense; take them away, take them away!"


    "..."


    The Great Sheng Dynasty''s taxation was multifaceted and intricate.


    The most bizarre was the "Immortal Tax."


    Fifty years ago, in the twenty-first year of Longqing, Emperor Longqing had a dream. He claimed to have met an Immortal in the dream, who gave him some seeds and proclaimed that these could grow Immortal Herbs. These Immortal Herbs, when offered to the Immortals, could ensure the empire''s prosperity for thousands of generations.


    Consequently, from the twenty-second year of Longqing, the Emperor decreed:


    All cultivated land in the country must allocate ten percent to the planting of "Spiritual Grain," and those without cultivated land were required to pay the equivalent in silver tax.


    The problem was, this "Spiritual Grain" was not some mysterious Immortal plant; it was inedible and even poisonous¡ªdeadly poisonous!


    Anyone who consumed it would die instantly!


    This effectively wasted land resources, making life even more difficult for the already struggling tenant farmers.


    Chen Sansi stood by the field ridge; within half an hour, he saw at least three or four households that had their men taken away, not even sparing men as old as seventy.


    Such suffering!


    The people were suffering!


    They were oppressed materially, which was bad enough; but the mental oppression was even heavier. Officials and Martial Arts Academy Disciples were considered masters; who would dare provoke them?


    Just like what happened earlier when Chen Sansi saved someone.


    The look in the eyes of the two Martial Arts Academy Disciples was something he would never forget for the rest of his life.


    It seemed like a single wrong word could lead to his undoing.


    The feeling was truly unbearable.


    Just because he was a commoner, he was oppressed and exploited in every way, living his life with utmost caution.


    He suddenly made up his mind.


    Uncle Xu was wrong in what he said.


    In such an era, living peacefully was a luxury far beyond the reach of the common people.


    Only by fighting vigorously might they have the chance to turn their lives around!


    "Tomorrow, I will enlist in the army!"

 Chapter 12 - 12 Joining the Military

    "Brother Shi, are you really going to enlist in the army?"


    On the couch.


    Chen Sansi and Gu Xinlan snuggled together.


    "Is it because of what happened to Shunzi''s family?"


    "Yes, but not entirely."


    This was just one of the things that stimulated Chen Sansi.


    He thought of Qin Feng.


    He had killed Qin Xiong, and although he left no evidence, who knew if his brother would suspect him? What if he used the same methods, how would he respond then?


    What''s more, what if the other party didn''t care about evidence and wanted to assassinate him anyway?


    He didn''t even know the various levels of prowess among martial artists; could he really protect his little household with just a bow?


    As for peace and stability?


    It ceased to exist the moment he was transported here and targeted by Qin Xiong.


    He would be persecuted sooner or later without taking the initiative.


    Enlisting in the army. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Not only could he learn martial arts, but he would also have a chance to gain status.


    Moving up in every aspect was the only correct way to seek security in a chaotic world.


    Chen Sansi spoke softly, "What, you don''t want me to go?"


    "You are the head of the family, it''s up to you to decide what to do. I''m just afraid something might happen to you..."


    Gu Xinlan said she had no objections, but her tone was filled with hidden resentment, and her almond-shaped eyes became moist, clearly worried about being left alone.


    "Don''t scare me with your doom and gloom, or I''ll have to shut you up!"


    "No, don''t, mmm..."


    After two hours of intense discussion, the couple reached a consensus.


    Chen Sansi didn''t rush to sleep but picked up a book to read.


    Unknowingly, he became absorbed, and his proficiency steadily increased.


    Upon reaching a certain point, he had an epiphany, finding the words on the page simple and easy to understand. Things that he previously couldn''t grasp were now clear.


    [Skill: Reading (Expert)]


    [Progress: (0/800)]


    [Utility: Witty and Clever, Spirit Refreshed, Photographic Memory]


    Witty and Clever?


    Unlike archery, which directly strengthened the body, the changes brought by reading couldn''t be directly observed and required heartfelt experience.


    Chen Sansi''s most direct feeling was that he could easily comprehend what he read and retain it in his memory.


    "This should be very helpful for my martial arts practice."


    "But why has the requirement for advancement increased so much?"


    "Moreover, the improvements this book brings me are getting slower. It looks like I need to read different books."


    "It''s the same with archery."


    "Only the army has heavy bows."


    "Enlisting is imperative!"


    Closing the book, he too fell into a deep sleep.


    ...


    The next day.


    The sun rose as usual.


    Chen Sansi carried cured meat and food into the city.


    "Is the county under martial law?"


    From a distance, he saw armored soldiers at the city gate scrutinizing people entering and leaving. He inquired and learned that the barbarian martial artist who had attempted the assassination of the County Magistrate not only evaded capture but had returned and killed the master of the Yunhe Martial Arts Hall in the south of the city.


    "What a ruthless man!"


    Chen Sansi was filled with emotion.


    After a search and interrogation, he smoothly made his way to the market and found Old Xu.


    "Since you''ve made up your mind, come with me."


    Old Xu didn''t stand on ceremony; he took the items and led out a donkey cart, taking him out of the city: "I''ll take you to meet my son."


    The Dasheng military households were hereditary.


    If your father was part of a military household, then your family, generation after generation, would be military households.


    The father would serve until he was replaced by his son, and even if there were no sons, other male relatives from the clan would take over to maintain the number of troops.


    According to Old Xu, the military household registrations were numbered, and during the height of prosperity it was rare to recruit outsiders; now they wanted to recruit people, but it was very difficult to find any.


    In the early stages of the nation''s founding, the treatment of military households was quite good: they were issued grain pay based on the number of people in the household, they could learn martial arts for free, and they were even given winter clothes. The living standards were generally above those of the middle-class farmers.


    But gradually, everything started to change.


    The amount of military land somehow kept decreasing, and the soldiers'' labor grew heavier and heavier.


    Old Xu said that when he first enlisted, the situation was at its worse.


    Many military households could barely afford to eat with just their grain pay and had to work as tenant farmers for nearby gentry or martial arts halls, and some nearly became house slaves.


    With no other options, many military households simply ran away.


    For a time, in the entire Liangzhou Guard, the number of deserters reached a staggering half!


    It wasn''t until the Chief Minister Yan Liang took office later on, spending ten years of hard work to save the situation, that he managed to keep the garrison system from collapsing to this day, though the combat strength had become very weak.


    On paper, Liangzhou''s frontier had twenty-nine guards and over 160,000 military household soldiers, but if there were actually over 100,000, it would be considered good...


    The real main force guarding the Great Wall was under the Commander''s Eight Northern Camps, the elite troops that deterred the barbarian tribes.


    The Eight Camps had generous treatment but only admitted the elite; you had to make a name for yourself in the garrison before you got a chance to join the Northern Camps.


    As the two chatted, they unknowingly left Po Yang County city.


    West of Po Yang County city lies the Hutou Mountain Range, and to the north lies the frontier Great Wall.


    Between the county city and the frontier Great Wall was where the army resided.


    The garrisons stationed there were not the vast fields of tents seen on TV, but a number of villages built for living.


    If there''s no war, the soldiers would live ordinary lives, farming at sunrise and returning home at sunset.


    The military camps between the villages served as command centers and training grounds.


    "Although Po Yang County is a frontier, due to the presence of the Longhu Mountain Range making troop movement difficult, it usually does not need to directly face large forces of barbarian tribes; often it''s just small bands of cavalry, which is relatively safer," Old Xu explained.


    "Hmm¡ª"


    Old Xu stopped the donkey cart outside the military camp and signaled for the young man to follow him in.


    "You want to enlist?"


    Old Xu had a son later in life; his son was not very old, probably not yet thirty, with a short beard and an air of vibrant energy.


    Learning that his father''s acquaintance''s son had come, he didn''t ask any further and helped with the registration into the rolls.


    "Military households are exempt from the grain tax every year."


    "If it''s just you, your monthly pay is four coins of silver, seven for those with a wife, and one tael of silver for families of five or more."


    "My dad says you can hunt?"


    Old Xu interjected: "Little Shi is quite exceptional; in the villages for dozens of miles outside Po Yang County, everyone knows he''s a skilled hunter!"


    Xu Bin nodded: "If you can''t become a military soldier later, you don''t need to go to the Array Soldier, you can be an archer, with a monthly pay of one tael and five coins of silver."


    They proceeded to the military camp for registration and reporting in the army record book, where he also received an old set of armor, a red hat, and a secret skill book.


    On the yellowed thread-bound book cover, it read "Basic Spear Technique for Soldiers" in six big characters.


    After receiving his items, from this moment on, Chen Sansi was a soldier of the Great Sheng Dynasty''s frontier.


    The full name of his unit was the "An Ding Prefecture''s Po Yang Left Army Thousand Households'' Frontier Defense Unit."


    "Lately, they''ve managed to enlist a few people," he said.


    "Tomorrow, you''ll formally report to the camp. The hundred-household officer will speak at the Martial Arts Arena and teach you martial arts skills."


    "Remember to prepare well. Your performance when you first enlist will determine your future in the army."


    "Once you become an Array Soldier, you''ll never have another chance to advance."

 Chapter 13 - 13 Military Soldier, Array Soldier

    "This basic skill book, take a good look at it when you get back, and it''s best if you can memorize it beforehand, it will help with the assessment," Xu Bin emphasized, then, ready to leave, he rested his hand on the knife at his waist.


    Old Man Xu chuckled, "Bin, why not teach little Shi a thing or two in advance, so he''s better prepared?"


    Xu Bin''s brow furrowed slightly, glanced at Chen Sansi, and said coldly, "I still have matters to attend to."


    "You boy, we are all from the same village, what''s wrong with helping out?"


    Old Man Xu pointed at his son, ready to scold him.


    "Uncle Xu, Brother Bin surely has military duties to tend to, there''s no need to trouble him,"


    Chen Sansi knew well.


    He and Xu Bin weren''t close at all, getting a few tips was already quite generous, how could he dare ask for more?


    "Humph!"


    On the donkey cart back to Po Yang County, Old Man Xu said grumpily, "Little Shi, don''t be like my foolish son, thinking himself a big shot just because he''s a small flag, always looking down on people!


    "If he won''t talk, I will!


    "The first three realms of Martial Arts are Blood Refining, Bone Training, and Refining Internal.


    "Minor success in Blood Refining qualifies one as small flag, great success as flag leader, Bone Training qualifies one for Hundreds Commander, and Refining Internal for Households Commander.


    "Of course, these are just the rough correspondences of realms to military ranks, the actual situation may be more complicated."


    As the rickety donkey cart traveled, Chen Sansi asked earnestly, "What did Brother Bin mean by military soldier and array soldier earlier?"


    Old Man Xu explained patiently,


    "Be it sects or Martial Arts Halls, there are qualifications required for disciples, and the army is no exception.


    "Generally, there is an assessment after you join the military.


    "If you pass the assessment, you can become a ''military soldier,'' if not, you will only be an ''array soldier.''


    "A military soldier can further practice Martial Arts, receive resources, and retains the qualification for military promotion.


    "An array soldier, due to limited talent, cannot cultivate Martial Arts, they train collectively in battle formations, and lack the qualifications for promotion.


    "Archers, cavalry, they are all types of array soldiers, but with slightly better treatment."


    "Heh, I myself have poor root bone, I''m just an array soldier!"


    Chen Sansi nodded thoughtfully, understanding the implication.


    The status of a military soldier was akin to that of a university graduate from a military academy in his past life, with potential for upward mobility, whereas a big head soldier, could only ever be a big soldier.


    "I''ve told you everything I know,"


    Old Man Xu said somewhat awkwardly, "As for the Cultivation Techniques, I never quite grasped them in my youth, better not mislead the younger generation; you should study it carefully when you get back."


    Outside Po Yang County town, the two parted ways.


    Chen Sansi quietly contemplated.


    I definitely must become a military soldier, otherwise wouldn''t my enlistment be in vain?


    And I wonder about my talent for Martial Arts!


    Back home, the meal had already been prepared.


    With the household''s improved circumstances, they basically had white rice, salted duck eggs, and often meat with every meal.


    Gu Xinlan no longer went out to work as a female worker, now she was a full-time housewife at home.


    At the dinner table, she brought up Qin Xiong with surprise, "Brother Shi, did you know that Mister Qin has disappeared?


    "His brother has been frantically searching for him lately, nearly out of his mind.


    "Zhao San, who used to have conflicts with him, had an arm chopped off in the street, they say the blood was everywhere, it was terrifying."


    Zhao San was also a notorious thug, but he didn''t operate in their area.


    "Luckily, people in the village know that we''ve reconciled with the Qin Family, otherwise they''d definitely come knocking."


    An arm chopped off in public?


    Martial Arts Academy Disciples, truly arrogant.


    Luckily, Chen Sansi now had the identity of a military household, even if Qin Xiong''s brother suspected him, he wouldn''t dare to act violently in public, at most he would strike covertly.


    However, he also needed to quickly enhance his own strengths.


    After dinner, Chen Sansi couldn''t wait to arrive at the empty space behind the house, and started reviewing "Basic Spear Technique of Array Soldier" under the moonlight.


    Though called a spear technique, the content inside was actually about Pile Work, without any relation to weapons.


    Each page of the book depicted lifelike images, representing a Pile Work posture, with several lines of small text below that detailed precautions and cultivation experiences.


    His photographic memory finally came in handy, as, spending only around fifteen minutes, he firmly remembered thirty-six Pile Work postures and began to practice.


    Chen Sansi followed the drawings in the booklet, naturally pointing his toes forward, chest recessed and back pulled up, shoulders sunk and elbows drooping freely, top of his head pressing up as if supporting something, ensuring he did not let it fall, maintaining the standard of the posture.


    The movements seemed simple, but when he actually began practicing, he realized they were not as they appeared on the surface.


    Following the movements depicted, just after a few breaths, Chen Sansi felt his body changing.


    Starting from the soles of his feet, to his calves, and then to his torso and arms, his whole body began to heat up, as if the Pile Work was some kind of activator, opening up some mechanism in the human body.


    In this state, Chen Sansi''s physical and mental energy rapidly depleted, and he was drenched in sweat within just half an hour.


    Having mastered archery and significantly enhanced his physical condition, he was definitely among the best of those who had never practiced Martial Arts. Even so, he began to feel exhausted after training in the fifth Pile Work.


    He clenched his teeth and persisted until he had mastered exactly ten Pile Works, then finally couldn''t hold on any longer and sat down on the ground, his face turning pale.


    "Thanks to the improvement in my physique from mastering archery, otherwise I definitely couldn''t have lasted till the tenth Pile Work!"


    "Just don''t know if compared to others, is my speed considered fast or slow?"


    After finishing the training, Chen Sansi''s first feeling was hunger, the kind that made him dizzy.


    "Brother Shi, I''ve made some food, would you like to eat something?"


    A gentle female voice reached his ears.


    Chen Sansi then realized Gu Xinlan had not rested and had been waiting for him all this time, and even prepared supper.


    Without a second word, he rushed into the house and devoured the food wolfishly, swallowing five rolls of white bread and a bowl of rice mixed with pork fat, yet he still felt somewhat unsatisfied.


    Indeed, practicing Martial Arts consumes a lot of energy!


    After eating, Chen Sansi watching Sister Lan tidying up the dishes, didn''t even feel the slightest romantic inclination anymore, just pure exhaustion!


    Felt like eating meat was necessary.


    Even though his family''s conditions had improved, they weren''t lavish enough to eat meat at every meal.


    Looks like I need to be more generous to myself, can''t just focus on saving silver.


    Exhausted, Chen Sansi lay in bed while Sister Lan massaged and relaxed his body, and soon he fell into a deep sleep.


    The next morning, they hadn''t even gotten out of bed when they heard Qin Feng had come to the village early in the morning to find his brother, clearly in worse temperament than before, obviously quite anxious.


    Chen Sansi paid no heed and went to report at the military camp after breakfast.


    ...


    "Where is my elder brother?!"


    Qin Feng gathered all the local bullies who had previously worked under his brother''s command and questioned them one by one.


    "Brother, we really don''t know!" S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A sharp-faced bully said, "We last saw our boss seven nights ago.


    "After dinner, he said he was going to the county town to have some fun and didn''t take us with him, and then we never saw him again¡­"


    Another bully cautiously mentioned, "Brother, that night was exactly when the County Magistrate was assassinated, do you think it could be the barbarians¡­"


    "Impossible!"


    Qin Feng stated with certainty: "Those barbarians on this trip, would definitely not kill civilians indiscriminately!"


    He seemed to realize he misspoke, paused, then corrected himself, "I mean, murdering people would only expose more traces!"


    "Brother."


    The bullies looked helpless: "We even asked Zhao San, but beyond him, we really can''t think of anyone else daring enough to harm our boss."


    Qin Xiong had many enemies.


    But mostly they were vulnerable individuals like widows and orphans, who would dare to provoke him?


    "I do know one person!"


    The skinny bully spoke up: "That scholar from the Chen Family had some disputes with the boss before."


    "The Chen Family?"


    "Yes, the guy from Yanbian Village who is the best at hunting!"

 Chapter 14 - 14 Flag Officer and Selected Point

    Po Yang County Left Army Thousand Households.


    Military Camp.


    "Brother Bin!"


    Chen Sansi reported on time.


    Xu Bin held his sword by the waist, his brow slightly furrowed at the affectionate address "Brother," "In the camp, address by rank henceforth."


    "Okay, Xu Flag Officer!"


    Chen Sansi was indifferent.


    "Hmm."


    Only then did Xu Bin nod in satisfaction, his face still expressionless, "Go change into your armor, then assemble at the Martial Arts Arena. The Lord Hundred Households will teach you martial arts."


    "Okay."


    Chen Sansi casually found a corner and started to change into the armor he had previously been issued.


    Though called armor, its main body was actually cotton, but with armor pieces affixed to the surface.


    This armor was referred to as either cloth armor or Dark Armor. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As for the real armor, like those seen in TV dramas, only military officers were allowed to wear them.


    The assembly horn sounded.


    Chen Sansi had just changed.


    Arriving at the Martial Arts Arena, a wide, flat, yellow-mud ground had already gathered about thirty or so people, scattered around, some spirited, some listless, some tall and robust, others thin as rails.


    About half of them were locals, the rest didn''t seem to be from Po Yang County.


    "Line up, line up."


    A soldier came to direct everyone to form lines.


    Following that, a fat man with a goatee beard took the lead, flanked by two officers, strolling out one foot after the other.


    Raising his voice, he introduced himself, "My surname is Wang, first name Zhi. You can call me Hundred Households Wang.


    I am responsible for teaching you the basic martial arts of the border army.


    The Pile Work was distributed yesterday, you should all have received it. After Pile Work, there''s spear technique. Combining the two for practice constitutes the complete basic spear technique for military soldiers.


    Today, I will personally demonstrate it to you.


    The chubby Hundred Households readied his posture, his bulky body as stable as Mount Tai, performing the Pile Work as smoothly as flowing clouds, without a single deviation.


    "Next is the spear technique."


    He reached out, catching an iron plum blossom short spear thrown by an adjacent officer.


    The spear, about 2.5 meters in length and not exceeding three meters, was still considered a short spear.


    The previously steadfast Hundred Households Wang, upon receiving the plum blossom spear, suddenly became very agile, his iron spear thrusting out like a storm, the sound of tearing air echoing throughout the Martial Arts Arena.


    Leaving everyone stunned, it was their first time witnessing true Martial Arts.


    Before they could recover, a set of spear techniques coordinated with Pile Work was already demonstrated.


    "That''s it?"


    The crowd looked at Hundred Households Wang, who had tossed aside the iron spear, clearly not intending to explain further.


    That quick, who could see clearly?


    Wang Zhi ignored the murmurs below, cleared his throat, and spoke sternly:


    "Let me talk about the assessment standards for the new soldiers.


    "Three days Pile Work, seven days spear technique, those who can fluently execute spear techniques combined with Pile Work within ten days will become military soldiers; the rest will be Array Soldiers.


    "For military soldiers, pay starts at three taels per month, with supplemental medicine provided every seven days. Based on Cultivation or meritorious deeds, one can be promoted to officer.


    "Moreover.


    "Among you, anyone who can first cultivate the first strand of Qi-Blood will be directly promoted to flag officer, plus eligibility for next year''s Selected Point."


    Direct promotion to flag officer!


    Hearing this, everyone was interested.


    Who wouldn''t want to be an officer right away?


    Regarding the subsequent "Selected Point" eligibility, very few understood it.


    The Hundred Households on stage didn''t seem inclined to explain either.


    Finally, a lean man with a goatee from the crowd dragged out his words and started explaining:


    "This Selected Point means selecting the elite! Three years ago, after the Lord Governor took charge of the entire Northern Territory, he started selecting elite from each garrison. Those who succeed in Selected Point could directly enter the Heavenly Strategy Camp and become direct disciples of Supervisor Sun~"


    "Tsk! I thought it would be a huge promotion and great wealth."


    "Exactly, who doesn''t know that confronting barbarians in the Eight Camps requires risking one''s life daily? I''m not going."


    Some were greatly disappointed.


    "You know nothing!"


    "If you want to go far in Martial Arts, you need the guidance of a powerful figure like Supervisor Sun and the resources of the Eight Camps."


    "Right, where are there shortcuts to success without risking your life?"


    "¡­"


    Another group argued.


    "Enough, I''ve taught all I''m going to teach."


    Hundred Households Wang interrupted them, quite impatiently, "Next, you practise on your own.


    "For specific tips on Pile Work and spear technique, if there are things you don''t understand, go ask a flag officer, ha¡ª"


    Fishing his statement, he yawned, massaging his shoulders and scratching his back as he left.


    "That''s it?"


    "What was just taught?"


    Everyone looked at each other in dismay.


    The entire teaching process had not exceeded twenty minutes, without even a detailed explanation or slow-motion demonstration, who the hell could learn it?


    The pile work, they could somehow manage, they each had a manual and could mimic like drawing a gourd from a model.


    But what about spear technique?


    No one could remember it.


    Someone went to ask the small flag for advice.


    Only then did they find out it cost money.


    To demonstrate once was thirty coins, to teach hands-on was fifty coins.


    The prices were marked clearly, honest to all ages.


    Hearing it cost money immediately deterred most people.


    If they had money back home, enough to eat well, who would join the army?


    Of course, there were also a few ambitious ones who wanted to make it as military soldiers, willing to pay to start learning from each action of pile work.


    Watching the absurd scene unfold, Chen Sansi was rather speechless.


    This was the damn military!


    This could be used to make money?


    No wonder the garrison was increasingly corrupt, its combat effectiveness ever declining.


    He couldn''t help but shake his head.


    Luckily, Chen Sansi had a photographic memory; he didn''t need someone else to explain.


    He took a deep breath, positioned his stance firmly, and the familiar burning sensation returned.


    Each movement previously demonstrated by Hundred Households Wang had been firmly imprinted in his memory. Now, he checked for any missed or incorrect movements.


    After confirming there were no mistakes, he began practicing the new movements.


    In less than half an hour, about half of the thirty or so people on the Martial Arts Arena had fallen, the strain of pile work being too much for most to handle.


    However, quite a few were still persevering.


    Chen Sansi keenly observed this.


    A boy younger than him was only slightly slower in practicing pile work, and his breathing rate was different from the others while practicing, seemingly having some special techniques.


    Upon closer inspection, it seemed extremely similar to what Hundred Households Wang had demonstrated.


    Initially, he thought the prolonged aura of the household officer was a trait of a martial artist, but now it seemed likely to be part of a cultivation technique.


    "Are we practicing a compromised version?"


    "What do you mean?"


    Chen Sansi looked at the flag officers waiting to collect money next to the Martial Arts Arena, how could he not understand?


    The breathing skill was most likely also going to cost money ¡­


    "Truly plucking feathers from crossing geese!"


    "But according to Uncle Xu, it''s already easier to learn something in the army compared to the Martial Arts Halls."


    "Let''s master pile work first."


    He was confident about becoming a military soldier, though he might not immediately advance to flag officer to qualify for Selected Point, he also had no full guarantee.


    Keep working hard!


    ¡ª


    Not far away.


    Inside the tent.


    Four or five military officers were gathered around a table, eating and drinking.


    In the midst of enjoying themselves, the tent was abruptly flung open.


    A high-ranking military officer clad in Lock Armor strode in.


    The officers immediately put down their food and drink, standing up all at once, greeting with clasped fists: "Lord Thousand Households!"


    Lord Thousand Households Xiang Tingchun surveyed the mess inside the tent, frowning deeply. He berated them, "Idiots! Not training the soldiers, not practicing martial arts, just knowing to drink! If you''re really that idle, go to Po Yang County, help the city guards find barbarian assassins!"


    A group of Hundred Households bowed their heads, not daring to make a sound.


    Xiang Tingchun scanned them one by one, his gaze finally resting on a middle-aged military officer, "Hundred Households Luo, I''ve already submitted your promotion to Deputy Thousand Households to Commander, a reply should come soon."


    "Thank you, Lord Thousand Households!"


    The middle-aged military officer showed surprise.


    "Mhm."


    Xiang Tingchun nodded, then continued to address the others, "In recent years, barbarians attacks have been constant, our Great Sheng Dynasty is in need of more people, you folks should not always think about making trivial profits, teach what needs to be taught."


    "Yes, Lord Thousand Households is correct in his teachings."


    The officers echoed in agreement.


    Xiang Tingchun shook his head, lifted the tent curtain, and left.


    Within three seconds, the officers had picked up their drinks again, "Come come come, let''s all toast to Hundred Households Luo! Here''s to celebrating your promotion to Deputy Thousand Households!"


    "Hahahaha¡ª"


    They all congratulated Luo Hundred Households.


    Only Wang Zhi, while toasting, muttered something silently, and secretly spat on the ground.

 Chapter 15 - 15 Pig Killer and Xu Wolong

    ```


    Martial Arts Arena.


    More than two-thirds of the people were sprawled across the ground haphazardly.


    One-third were too exhausted to continue practicing, while the remaining one-third had given up from the start.


    For them, becoming a soldier was just a way to get by or, for some, they had been forcibly conscripted.


    Only the last one-third were still doggedly persevering.


    Among them, Chen Sansi was making the fastest progress, having reached the twenty-fifth Pile Work.


    Next was a youth with a special breathing technique, who had reached the seventeenth Pile Work.


    Last, there was a bearded burly man who had just about managed to reach the twelfth Pile Work.


    All three had started practicing as soon as they got the Cultivation Technique the night before.


    The rest, at best, had only managed to reach the seventh Pile Work.


    "It seems that the physical improvement brought by my expertise in archery is quite remarkable!"


    Chen Sansi couldn''t believe how his "Natural Bowman" physique was benefiting him so much in martial arts; he wondered what the next advancement would be like.


    The youth and the bearded man beside him kept glancing over at Chen Sansi as if competing with him.


    Fuck this!


    Chen Sansi was somewhat speechless.


    When he reached the twenty-sixth Pile Work, he began to feel more and more drained and decided to stop.


    It wasn''t because he was lazy, but he understood that one can''t make haste when eating hot tofu.


    If he forced himself to continue, it might cause irreversible damage to his body and backfire.


    Seeing him stop, both the youth and the bearded man collapsed to the ground right after.


    "Hey, what''s your name?"


    The bearded man wiped off sweat with his hand and asked, panting heavily.


    "Chen Sansi," Chen Sansi replied.


    "Chen Sansi?"


    The bearded man exclaimed in surprise, "The one from Yanbian Village?"


    Chen Sansi was astonished, "You know me?"


    The man laughed heartily, "In the country, who doesn''t know the good-hearted and skilled hunter from Yanbian Village?"


    "That can''t be right..."


    Chen Sansi found it strange.


    Good-hearted and just referred to the time he saved Zhang Shun''s father, right?


    But that was just a small matter involving two taels of silver, not something that should make him famous, surely?


    "Zhang Shun''s old mother berated and beat you just because you owed her family two coins worth of life-saving money. She even wanted to sell your wife to Qin Xiong to pay off the debt. You didn''t hold any grudge, and on the contrary, you risked retaliation from Martial Arts Academy Disciples and offered five taels of silver to save someone!"


    The man was vigorously thumping his chest, his voice booming, "Where else can you find such a loyal and just man these days? Brother, I admire you!"


    "?"


    Chen Sansi was full of question marks.


    He had been close with Zhang Shun since they were young, but when had they become sworn brothers?


    And since when had Zhang Shun''s mother berated and beaten him?


    What did the matter with Qin Xiong have to do with Aunt Li?


    He wondered who could have spread such wild stories.


    Was this the so-called ''rumors compounding upon rumors''...


    "I share the surname Zhu, with a single name, Tong!"


    Zhu Tong said with a clasped fist, "If you don''t mind, I''ll call you Brother Chen from now on!"


    Chen Sansi returned the gesture with a clasped fist.


    The other youth approached as well, "My name is Song Yan. Your Pile Work is quite fast; impressive."


    "You''re not bad yourself," Chen Sansi said.


    Zhu Tong spoke rudely, "Don''t pay attention to this kid!"


    Chen Sansi asked in confusion, "Brother Zhu, what''s this about...?"


    Before Zhu Tong could respond, Song Yan preempted, "The Cultivation Technique you guys learned is missing a part, but mine isn''t because Hundred Households Luo is my uncle. He taught me in advance. If you want to learn, you can offer eight taels of silver to ask the various Hundred Households for instruction."


    "You sure have the nerve, being able to say that with a straight face!"


    Zhu Tong had happened to see this kid with Hundred Households Luo yesterday in the garrison, overhearing something about a breathing skill.


    "Okay, thanks."


    Chen Sansi nodded.


    Just as he suspected.


    Song Yan nodded too, and then went to find some steps to sit and rest.


    ```


    Zhu Tong pulled out a stuffed pancake from his bosom and handed it over.


    Chen Sansi didn''t stand on ceremony, and while munching on the pancake, he chatted with Zhu Tong, getting to know a bit about each other''s background.


    Zhu Tong was the pig killer from Zhu Family Village, who, not long ago, had beat someone up because he couldn''t stand seeing a widower bullied and almost got sent to the Southern region to labor. It had cost more than half of his family''s silver to work things out and change it to enlisting in the military at his hometown instead.


    "Old Zhu, pass me a pancake too."


    As the two of them were talking, a hand stealthily reached towards Zhu Tong''s bosom but got slapped away. "Scram!"


    Chen Sansi looked up and recognized the man who had been explaining the meaning of "Selected Point" to everyone earlier, appearing to be almost fifty with patches of gray hair already showing.


    Zhu Tong introduced him with displeasure, "This is Xu Wencai, a notorious layabout from Zhu Family Village."


    "Hey, who are you calling a layabout?" Xu Wencai protested.


    "All day long, you either loaf around at home doing nothing or gallivanting about. Usually, it''s your old mother farming the land to support you. If you''re not a layabout, then who is?"


    Zhu Tong sneered, "There you go, with no one to do the work and earn the money after your mother passed away, you''re short on tax payments, hence you were dragged here to fill the ranks in the military."


    Failing to pay taxes also could lead to military enlistment. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As for Zhang Shun being sent to work on the Canal, it was purely because he offended someone.


    "You... you''re talking nonsense!"


    Xu Wencai retorted agitatedly, "At home, I am one who ''reads ten thousand books,'' and when I travel far, I am one who ''travels ten thousand miles''! I''m a man destined for great things!"


    Zhu Tong spat out mockingly, "Calling yourself ''Wo Long'' and yet you can''t even pass the exam to become a Scholar, and you''re giving me lip!"


    "Alright then, before I scram, how about giving me a pancake to eat, will you?"


    Xu Wencai hadn''t eaten for two days.


    In these past two years, unless there was a war, the garrison didn''t even provide meals.


    If every meal was guaranteed, who wouldn''t be a soldier?


    "Such a disgrace."


    Zhu Tong, in the end, still threw a pancake to him.


    Xu Wencai immediately ran cheerfully to the side, took out a book, and while savoring the pancake, he read with relish.


    Chen Sansi noticed the heavy bundle behind him seemed to be full of books, so heavy that the old scholar could hardly straighten his back.


    "Mr. Xu."


    He initiated a conversation, "Might I borrow a book to glance through? I''ll return it to you undamaged after I''m done reading."


    At home, there was only one book left, and it was difficult to make further "reading" progress by reading it over and over. Buying new books seemed a waste of money, and upcoming Martial Arts training would require more silver.


    "Not lending."


    Xu Wencai didn''t even ponder over it.


    "..."


    Chen Sansi hesitated for a moment, then asked again, "Mr. Xu Wo Long, lend me just one book and I assure you I will return it without a single scratch."


    "Ahem..."


    Xu Wencai nearly choked on the pancake, then asked, "What did you just... say?"


    "Mr. Xu Wo Long, I said I wish to borrow a book from you to read," Chen Sansi repeated.


    "Hmm~"


    Xu Wencai squinted his eyes in pleasure, "Considering such sincerity, you must be a person who loves reading as well."


    "Yes."


    Chen Sansi admitted frankly, "I was a scholar too, tried for the Scholar exams for several years without success, couldn''t continue like that and hence ended up enlisting."


    "Truly so?"


    Xu Wencai''s spirit lifted.


    "Truly so!"


    "Good then, I knew it!"


    Xu Wencai, filled with righteous indignation, said, "The Great Sheng Dynasty''s imperial exams are utter nonsense, testing only on rote essays. What''s the use? Us genuinely talented individuals are all buried in obscurity! Pick whatever book you want to see."


    He spread out his bundle on the ground, showcasing an assortment of books ranging from poetry to storybooks, from histories to tales of the bizarre, everything one could want.


    "If it weren''t for gathering money for my mother''s coffin and burial, I would still have a house full of books!"


    "..."


    Chen Sansi randomly picked one, "Thank you, Mr. Xu Wo Long."


    The garrison didn''t provide food.


    Normally, after a certain time, the military households would all go back home to eat.


    Chen Sansi also packed his things.


    Before leaving, he sought out Xu Bin to ask if he could get a heavy bow.


    If proficiency alone was so helpful, achieving small achievement was even more promising, so he couldn''t let his archery practice lapse.

 Chapter 16 - 16 Heavy Bow

    "A bow?"


    Xu Bin had been preparing to go home for a meal.


    He and his father did not live together, but near the garrison in a military settlement, where he also had a wife.


    "Come with me."


    Xu Bin frowned, his expression displeased.


    The two went to the garrison''s arsenal, and after speaking with the clerk in charge, they entered the warehouse specifically used for storing bows and arrows.


    "You''re using it for hunting, right?"


    Xu Bin said, "Normally speaking, before official allocation, soldiers are not allowed to possess weapons privately. However, I don''t use bows and arrows, and a flag officer''s position just became available, so you can use it for now."


    He paused, "Additionally, I''m very busy, so unless there''s something crucial, you should go to your superior."


    The underlying message was clear; he was helping with the bow and arrows this time but did not want to be bothered again.


    "Alright, Shanshi will remember the help from Xu Flag Officer."


    Chen Sansi was not someone who liked to bother others.


    But in order to improve, he had no choice but to be shameless this once.


    The clerk unlocked and pushed open the large warehouse doors.


    Xu Bin finished his instructions and left, allowing Chen Sansi to choose on his own.


    On the wooden racks of the storeroom, an entire wall was hung with bows.


    Sheng Army''s standard issue bows and arrows primarily came in two types.


    The small Shao bow and the Big Bow.


    The Big Bow was also known as the Kaiyuan Bow.


    The pulling force ranged from four forces up to two stones.


    The clerk in charge of the warehouse said, "Take whichever bow you can pull and then you will be given twenty arrows and an arrow bag.


    "However, the heaviest standard-issue bow here is just the two-stone bow.


    "Heavier bows are used by military officers, and you need to custom order them from the army''s forge.


    "But ordinary people don''t need them."


    He saw Chen Sansi taking down the heaviest bow from the furthest corner and hurriedly said, "Hey, hey, hey, what are you doing? That''s the heaviest, a two-stone bow."


    "That''s what I want, the two-stone bow."


    Chen Sansi''s profile data showed he could easily pull a one-stone bow, which meant he was not "just" limited to a one-stone bow.


    Easily pulling it indicated that his strength was far beyond that.


    He estimated he could manage the two-stone bow, though it would be strenuous.


    But considering that his strength would continue to increase with martial arts practice, it was better to opt for a heavier bow beforehand to avoid needing a new one soon after.


    "Two stones?"


    The clerk looked up and down at the young man, who was clearly not a military officer.


    He quickly said, "Don''t be reckless! I must remind you that there''s a target range outside, and you need to hit the target from sixty steps away to take it with you."


    "No problem."


    Chen Sansi did not waste words and went straight to the target range outside the warehouse.


    He held the bow and arrows, examining and getting accustomed to the feel.


    This bow, being the heaviest Kaiyuan Bow, was made with high-quality purple bamboo as the core, Sangyu wood for the limbs, and cow horn and hardwood for the bow tip, making it structurally more complex than a recurve bow.


    He nocked an arrow and drew the bow, realizing that after two days of Pile Work, his strength had noticeably improved.


    Was the effect of practicing martial arts so immediately visible?


    No wonder it consumed so much of the human body.


    The two-stone bow weighed about 300 pounds.


    Chen Sansi gritted his teeth, his back and arm muscles coordinating as he exerted force, veins popping on his forehead and slowly pulling back the bowstring.


    "Whoom¡ª"


    A heavy sound erupted.


    The bow thundered, and the arrow struck like lightning!


    "Bang¡ª"


    Almost instantly, the arrow hit the target with a loud bang, punching a large hole through the two-inch-thick target and then landing far behind on the ground.


    "Bullseye?!"


    The clerk hurried into the target range, looking at the hole in the target, exclaimed, "Seventy steps, a two-stone bow, a bullseye?!"


    It was Chen Sansi''s first experience with a heavy bow, and even he was startled by the powerful impact.


    If this were used against a person, even standard armor might not hold!


    "You''re new here, just starting martial arts?"


    The clerk picked up the arrows and ran back, "You can pull a two-stone bow even before starting blood refining; does Xu Bin have such a fellow countryman?"


    Chen Sansi asked, "Can I take it now?"


    "Sure, sure."


    The clerk nodded vigorously, "Come here, I''ll give you twenty more arrows.


    "Just so you know, you''ll have to pay for any damage when it''s not wartime. It''s fifty coins per arrow, so use them sparingly."


    A heavy bow naturally pairs with heavy arrows.


    The price is also higher than that of ordinary arrows.


    Chen Sansi had just shot an arrow and immediately felt an improvement in his proficiency.


    [Skill: Archery (Proficient)]


    [Progress: (230/500)]


    [Utility: Natural Bowman physique, easily draws a one-stone bow, within seventy steps, snaps fingers three times hitting the target every time]


    With the practice accumulated from hunting in the previous days, his proficiency was nearly half.


    With the heavy bow, it shouldn''t take long to advance to the next stage.


    "I''m so hungry!"


    The physical exertion of that half day was truly too much for Chen Sansi, and a single pancake was not nearly enough. He simply decided to head home with his bow and arrows.


    The garrison discipline was lax.


    Furthermore, since the soldiers lived in the nearby military village, they could go home anytime after reporting for duty.


    Chen Sansi didn''t even have an official assignment yet, and no one was inclined to supervise him.


    When he was close to Yanbian Village, his attire of blue armor and red hat drew the attention of the townspeople.


    "I was wondering why I hadn''t seen you around these past two days, so you''ve joined the military households."


    "Not going to lie, Little Stone, you actually look quite the part in that outfit."


    "Imposing indeed, but I reckon you won''t have many good days ahead."


    "Uncle Lai Zi, you really ought to drop dead!"


    "Heh, you don''t believe me? Just wait and see!"


    "..."


    At these words, Chen Sansi stopped in his tracks and approached a middle-aged man with a mottled bald head and ringworm, saying, "Uncle Lai Zi, what do you mean by that?"


    Lai Zi looked around furtively, then lowered his voice, "I heard from Ergou and a few others that Qin Feng''s brother is planning to kill you."


    "Qin Feng?"


    So he had come looking for him, had he?


    Chen Sansi was not surprised nor afraid.


    With his military household status and without evidence, the other party definitely couldn''t just harm him recklessly.


    Not to mention the ongoing wars.


    The status of military households during peacetime and wartime was entirely different. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Harming a military household without any reason was akin to challenging the court.


    Moreover, Qin Feng wasn''t someone of significant power or influence, otherwise, his brother wouldn''t need to devote all his energy to acquiring silver to support his martial arts training, at most he would scheme behind the scenes.


    "Thank you for the warning, Uncle Lai Zi."


    Chen Sansi continued on his way into the village.


    As soon as he entered, he saw several of Qin Feng''s underlings rushing off to report his arrival.


    ...


    "Brother!"


    "Chen Sansi has returned to the village, but..."


    Tianyuan Martial Arts Academy.


    Qin Feng put away the long sword in his hand and turned to ask coldly, "But what?"


    "He''s wearing a military uniform."


    The ruffian said, "I found out that he seems to have joined the army these past few days, wearing that armor. Shouldn''t we avoid making our move directly?"


    "..."


    Qin Feng closed his eyes and took a deep breath, suppressing his irritation.


    From what he had gathered, the hunter named Chen could be the only one strong enough and possibly responsible for his brother''s disappearance.


    He had initially planned to capture him, chop off an arm to force the truth about his brother''s whereabouts, but now...


    "I didn''t expect him to have joined the military households."


    The Great Sheng Dynasty was in constant warfare at the time, and he was merely a disciple of the martial arts academy. Attacking a military household in the street was purely suicidal.


    "No, we can''t let him train in martial arts!"


    Qin Feng suddenly felt a sense of urgency: "This guy used to be a scholar who couldn''t even touch spring water with his fingers. The moment he picked up a bow and arrow, he had food to eat and his physical foundation isn''t bad.


    "If he truly becomes a military soldier and gains position over time, wouldn''t my difficulties increase?


    "I can''t let things go smoothly for him, absolutely not."

 Chapter 17 - 17 Breathing Skill

    Returning to the cozy small home, Gu Xinlan was bent over a desk, meticulously sewing clothes stitch by stitch.


    Upon seeing her man return, she immediately dropped her work and came out to greet him.


    "I''m hungry."


    As soon as Chen Sansi spoke, Sister Lan busied herself in the kitchen.


    He sat down and began to read through the books he had gotten from Xu Wencai.


    The book titled "The History of Dasheng" was a history book, recording major events since the founding of Dasheng.


    Before Dasheng, there was a chaotic era similar to the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms.


    The Grand Ancestor Cao Xie, originally a house slave, forcibly carved his way out during the turbulent times, and reunified the fissured nation after more than a hundred years.


    It''s worth noting that


    Cao Xie was also a Sword God.


    Rumors had it that he once used a flying sword to take a life from ten miles away and single-handedly broke through an army of two thousand three hundred.


    "Has this already exceeded the realm of Martial Arts?"


    Chen Sansi quickened his reading pace.


    Indeed, Grand Ancestor Sheng was a unique figure in Martial Arts, and such exaggerated individual combat power never appeared again thereafter.


    For the next three hundred years, every Emperor pursued the Martial Arts prowess of the Grand Ancestor, but none succeeded.


    After Emperor Longqing ascended the throne, he simply turned to Taoism.


    He even dared to use one-tenth of the country''s land to cultivate Spiritual Grain to offer to the Immortal.


    "Did Emperor Longqing really see an Immortal?" sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Otherwise, he''s not a fool, why would he willingly give up one-tenth of the tax revenue to make offerings?"


    "He''s making offerings to the Immortals, letting the common people foot the bill."


    [Skill: Book Reading (small achievement)]


    [Progress: (18/800)]


    [Utility: Keen Perception, Spirit Refreshed, Photographic Memory]


    Chen Sansi felt a surge of energy and simply closed the book as the meal was ready.


    Half a pot of rice, stir-fried beef, salted duck eggs, along with a bowl of fish soup.


    He devoured everything in a whirlwind, leaving nothing behind.


    Chen Sansi didn''t sit idle for a moment and soon went outside after regaining some strength.


    "I need to master Pile Work entirely tonight!"


    Late into the night in the countryside, a full moon, an old house, two figures.


    One outside the house, agile and tall, diligently practicing Martial Arts under the frosty moonlight.


    One inside the house, graceful and lovely, threading a needle by the flickering candlelight.


    "Whew¡ª"


    "I''ve completed the thirty-six moves of Pile Work!"


    Finally completing all the Pile Work moves, Chen Sansi collapsed exhausted on the ground.


    Having finished Pile Work, starting tomorrow he would begin practicing spear technique and the Breathing Skill, which he must not forget.


    After eating the prepared midnight snack, he rested briefly, then got ready to practice archery.


    Gu Xinlan followed him out, her almond eyes filled with reproach, she said reproachfully, "Are you trying to kill yourself?"


    "Don''t worry, practicing archery isn''t as tiring as Martial Arts training, I know my limits," Chen Sansi reassured her as he lifted his longbow, only to be abruptly stopped by her grab.


    "No more practice, you may not care about hurting yourself, but I do. We''re not starving, why push yourself so hard?


    "Come, let''s go to sleep inside."


    ...


    The next day.


    The dawn gently broke and the light dispersed the mist.


    Chen Sansi started his morning with archery practice.


    [Skill: Archery (mastered)]


    [Progress: (350/500)]


    Although drawing the two-stone bow was exhausting, it improved his skill much faster.


    The sweat wasn''t for nothing.


    Chen Sansi was satisfied.


    He checked the time and decided it was time to pack up and leave. Before heading out, he didn''t forget to sift through his chest and pull out eight liang of silver.


    "Damn that''s expensive!"


    After deducting the cost of food, drink, personal needs, and buying fabric for clothes over this period, he had only twelve liang of silver left, which nearly emptied his savings.


    "After this busy period, I must continue hunting, can''t lose the skill that feeds me."


    Having secured the silver, Chen Sansi put on his armor and reported to the garrison.


    Just as he was stepping out, someone called out to him.


    Zhao Qiao and Wu Da came running, one after the other.


    Uncle Zhao?"


    Chen Sansi asked, "What''s this about?"


    "Got a matter to discuss with you!"


    Uncle Zhao looked at the armor on Chen Sanshi without much questioning, as he probably already heard about it.


    "Right."


    Wu Da took over the conversation, "Brother Shi, do you know about the Black Bear of Tiger Head Mountain?"


    Chen Sanshi slightly nodded.


    He had long heard that there was a Black Bear on Tiger Head Mountain, and every year there were hunters who fell victim to it.


    "That beast, it has killed again!"


    Uncle Zhao said through gritted teeth, "Three Donkeys from the neighboring Stone Village went up the mountain some days ago and never returned, until last night when his father found him, and only his head was left, eaten by the Black Bear!


    "Additionally, as there is hardly any game to hunt recently, a few of us discussed whether we could take down the Black Bear to exchange its body for some silver to get through the winter. However, we alone couldn''t manage it; we need you as well. When the time comes, whoever contributes more, gets more money."


    "Bear hunting..."


    Chen Sanshi didn''t rush to reply.


    It seemed like the surrounding hunters were driven mad by poverty and had started considering hunting the bear.


    With their hunting bows, they were no match at all.


    He indeed had a heavy bow, but it still posed a significant risk.


    "Let''s wait a couple of days then."


    Chen Sanshi agreed and after briefly discussing the timing with them, they parted ways.


    As soon as he arrived at the barracks, he saw Zhu Tong cursing loudly.


    "Damn it, eight taels of silver, why not just rob?!"


    Having come to the barracks, he naturally wanted to give it his all.


    However, the garrison was too corrupt.


    To practice martial arts, one needed to pay first, who knows how many talents were missed because of this!


    "That''s nothing."


    Xu Wencai was rather indifferent, "Do you know why we, who committed offenses, were not sent to serve far away but ended up in this military settlement? Because, in recent years, the higher-ups have been investigating payroll fraud, and they are gathering numbers. They feel a loss if they don''t seize this chance to make some silver."


    "Brother!


    After Zhu Tong became familiar with them, he started using a more affectionate nickname and said earnestly, "Are you learning the Breathing Skill? I''ll teach you! Seriously, after learning the Breathing Skill, practicing Pile Work isn''t so exhausting, and the progress is much faster."


    Xu Wencai immediately grabbed him, "Old Zhu, are you seeking death?"


    "Old Zhu, I appreciate your kindness, but let''s not."


    Chen Sanshi shook his head.


    Zhu Tong was really naive; if the lower ranks were allowed to teach each other privately, how could those above make money?


    Looking around.


    There seemed to be five or six people who had learned the Breathing Skill.


    He was not planning on saving money; after understanding the situation, he took his silver and went to find the Households Commander Liu.


    Commander Liu looked him over, and after asking his name, immediately refused, "I''m not available."


    "Households Commander Zheng, could you¡­"


    "I have others to teach."


    "Households Commander Zhang..."


    "I don''t teach."


    "Households Commander Xiong."


    "I don''t know how."


    "¡­"


    Chen Sanshi tried several commanders in succession, and unbelievably, none were willing to teach him.


    The price was exactly the same!


    He realized something was wrong, and with a mindset to test one last time, he walked into the tent.


    Households Commander Wang, who had taught them spear technique yesterday, was lying on a chair, idly eating peanuts with a pile of shells at his feet.


    Chen Sanshi saluted, "I have seen Households Commander Wang."


    Wang Zhi glanced at him sideways, and after a long pause, sat up leisurely, "So, want to learn the Breathing Skill?"


    "Exactly!"


    Chen Sanshi respectfully said, "I would be grateful if Households Commander Wang could kindly teach me!"


    "Agreed, agreed."


    Wang Zhi spat out the peanut shell from his mouth and spread out his large hand, gesturing with his fingers, "Bring it here."


    So straightforward?


    Chen Sanshi, who was almost ready to give up, had not anticipated this at all.


    Could it be that these commanders had earlier agreed to distribute the number of apprentices?


    A bit odd¡­


    But at this point, if he wanted to learn the Breathing Skill, he had to pay.


    With due respect, he handed over eight taels of silver, and Chen Sanshi stood waiting quietly.


    "What are you stupidly standing there for?"


    Households Commander Wang, unapologetically pocketing the money, then waved him away.


    "Sir, what does this mean?"


    "I''m tired today, I''ll teach you in a few days."


    At that, Chen Sanshi''s heart sank with a thud.

 Chapter 18 - 18: As Long as the Mind Does Not Slip

    "Sir, you should..."


    "I said two days, can''t you understand human speech?!"


    Feeling the anger in the other party''s tone, Chen Sansi didn''t dare to continue, respectfully bowed, and withdrew from the tent.


    Wait two days?


    I''m afraid it''s not just two days and then another two days.


    By the time the ten-day assessment period is over, it''ll all be old news.


    "Others pay money and are willing to be taught, but when I pay, they refuse to teach?"


    Even a fool could see he was being deliberately targeted.


    Since joining the military camp, Chen Sansi had not offended anyone, so who was out to get him?


    Two possibilities.


    First, Qin Xiong''s brother!


    He was dressed in a military uniform, so Qin Feng didn''t dare to touch him but feared he might make some achievements in martial arts, so he targeted him in this manner.


    But Qin Xiong''s brother didn''t seem capable of mixing up with the true inheritors, he shouldn''t have the power to connect with the Hundred Households.


    So the second possibility, Hundred Households Luo.


    Hundred Households Luo''s nephew is currently ranked second fastest in practicing pile work.


    He''s worried that I might steal Song Yan''s future.


    It makes sense now.


    Chen Sansi felt an immense pressure.


    Climbing up the ranks is truly fraught with obstacles!


    "How about it, who''s teaching you? I heard Households Commander Liu teaches with the most patience and offers the best deal,"


    Zhu Tong approached to inquire. After learning the outcome, he was furious, "What kind of nonsense is this? Taking money and not teaching? I''m going to reason with him!"


    "Old Zhu, you can''t go,"


    Xu Wencai advised, "This Brother Chen must have offended someone!"


    "This..."


    Zhu Tong scratched his head, "So what do we do? Among all these people, it''s Stone who practices the fastest. The qualification for the Selected Point should naturally belong to him!


    "Otherwise, what if I teach him on the sly? Surely nobody would notice."


    "Old Zhu, it''s really not necessary,"


    Chen Sansi didn''t want to drag others down with him.


    Even if the others had the Breathing Skill, he was still the fastest at practicing Pile Work.


    There might still be hope.


    With that thought, he took a plum blossom spear from the rack near the Martial Arts Arena and started practicing.


    "Spear technique?"


    Zhu Tong was astonished, "Stone, you''ve started practicing spear technique now?!"


    Not just him, everyone at the Martial Arts Arena took notice.


    "It''s fine!"


    Zhu Tong shouted loudly, "Stone is so impressive, everyone can see it, and if any military officer notices and reports it, there''s bound to be a superior who would value his talent."


    Xu Wencai looked at him with the eyes one uses when observing a naive child and gently shook his head.


    Clearly, that''s not how things are.


    There were no superiors around, but there were plenty of small flags, none of whom intended to poke their noses into others'' business.


    Including Xu Bin, who passed by. S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He had just arrived at the camp today and heard the arsenal clerk speaking of his fellow villager as a Divine Archer, highly likely to become a military soldier, so he thought of taking a look.


    Then, he saw Chen Sansi being targeted, unable to learn the Breathing Skill even with money.


    "This kid, offending people as soon as he arrives."


    Xu Bin glanced in the direction where Lord Thousand Households usually worked, took a step that way, but quickly retracted and, with a sigh, went home.


    "It''s definitely your second uncle!"


    Zhu Tong grabbed Song Yan by the collar, "It''s your second uncle who''s making things difficult for Stone."


    "I... I don''t know!"


    Song Yan''s face turned red, "I didn''t ask my second uncle to do that!"


    "Hmph!"


    Zhu Tong cursed, "In my opinion, there''s no need for an assessment, just give the Selected Point qualification to you directly."


    "I''m going to find my second uncle."


    Song Yan broke free and ran straight out of the army camp.


    Inside the tent, he found his uncle and voiced his doubts.


    "What''s the matter?"


    The military officer Luo, who was reading Military Books at the desk, looked up, "Isn''t this a good thing?"


    As he looked into his nephew''s clear eyes, he put down the Military Books and continued, "I did have this intention, but let''s not mention that I have yet to be promoted to Deputy Thousand Households¡ªeven if I were, the other Hundred Households, especially Fatty Wang, wouldn''t all be willing to listen to me.


    "Actually, just yesterday, Lord Thousand Households sent us to cooperate with the Martial Arts Hall in the city-wide manhunt for the barbarian assassins. Afterwards, the Young Master of Tianyuan Martial Arts Academy invited us for drinks, and your name came up over the table.


    "Heaven knows how he offended the people of Martial Arts Hall.


    "We''ve all been indebted to Tianyuan Martial Arts Academy for many years, naturally, we should give them face."


    "This..."


    Song Yan hung his head, "Wouldn''t this be too unfair to him?"


    "Fair to him..."


    Luo Dongquan felt helpless toward his naively righteous nephew and put down the Military Books he nearly threw, "Yan''er, why worry about others? Focus on your training to get the Selected Point qualification. Your concern should be entering the Governor Mansion in the future!


    Do you not know that without a mentor or a family backing, one can never don the crimson robe embroidered with the Immortal crane? Entering under Sun Dushi''s command is your only hope! Out you go, don''t bother me again."


    ¡­


    Meanwhile, in Hundred Households Wang''s tent, a couple of Hundred Households were gathered.


    "Hey Fatty Wang, you sure are ruthless."


    Householder Xiong joked, "It''s one thing not to teach the lad, but why did you also take his silver?"


    "Hahaha, the drinks are on me later for the brothers."


    Wang Zhi was very pleased with himself.


    "But..."


    Households Commander Liu spoke somberly, "I remember that Chen Sansi seemed to be the fastest in this batch to learn the Pile Work. It''s a shame to waste such a promising youngster."


    "Since when has the army lacked promising youngsters? I also learned Pile Work in a day and a night."


    Wang Zhi dismissed, "What the army lacks are true geniuses, ones who master Pile Work in half a day and spear technique in three days¡ªthose are worth cultivating."


    "That''s right, after all, in our shabby place, any resource shared with others means less for ourselves."


    Households Commander Liu stroked his chin, "But if this lad doesn''t make it, it looks like the Selected Point qualification will fall to Luo''s nephew. If he really gets into the elite of the Eight Camps, he could even manage to get Luo over as well in the future. That would be quite a leap to success, huh!


    "Come to think of it, Fatty Wang, if you could bring along a genius, you might be able to return to the Eight Camps. You don''t want to stay in this desolate place forever, do you?"


    "I would like to, but darn it, where do I find a genius?"


    Wang Zhi fiddled with the Silver Ingot in his hand, putting an end to the conversation.


    ¡­


    Martial Arts Arena.


    Chen Sansi began practicing his spear technique.


    With his superior memory, his mind seemed to have a slide show that repeatedly played the scene of Hundred Households Wang demonstrating the spear technique.


    Pile Work, which already exhausted physical strength greatly.


    Add spear technique to that, and Chen Sansi immediately felt as if his Qi Power was being drained by a pump. Fortunately, he was mentally prepared and persisted.


    With every swing of the plum spear, his heart raced, and his lungs felt uncomfortably constricted¡ªas if he had reached his limit running, with a taste of blood in his throat.


    Breathing Skill was likely meant to aid, to ease the pain and speed up the training.


    But!


    If it was just an aid, that meant one could learn the complete spear technique without it.


    It simply meant enduring more pain than others.


    As for the speed, so long as one trained fast enough, being slightly slower was no big deal.


    As long as one doesn''t falter in resolve, there are always more solutions than difficulties!


    Chen Sansi''s teeth gritted audibly as he continued swinging the iron spear in his hands.

 Chapter 19 - 19: The Trend of the World

    ```


    Thirty-six spear techniques.


    Each one with eighteen variations.


    Chen Sansi pushed through and finished the first three techniques.


    But at the same time, bolstered by the Breathing Skill, Song Yan also finished the Pile Work and began practicing spear technique, catching up significantly in progress.


    "If only I could train harder and faster!"


    Chen Sansi stopped.


    He decided to take a break and bring his archery to a small achievement level.


    The last time he had a breakthrough and obtained proficiency, it improved his bones and physique. If he could achieve a small achievement, the effect might be even better.


    "Time to eat!"


    The garrison was not too far but not too close either, about twenty miles from Yanbian Village.


    To save time, he didn''t go back home for meals but went to an inn in the military settlement owned by a retired old couple.


    "Give me five pounds of cooked beef, a bucket of Liang rice, and a chicken."


    After Chen Sansi and Zhu Tong ordered their food, before they could even start eating, someone else came over and sat down.


    "Tired to death from your laziness, what do you want now?!"


    Zhu Tong had no pleasant expression.


    "Brother Chen!"


    Xu Wencai ignored him and said to Brother Shi with a cheeky smile, "The pay won''t come until next month, and I''m completely broke and starving. Can I share your meal?"


    "Of course."


    Chen Sansi ordered two more dishes and some more staples.


    "Brother Chen is such a righteous man, you''ll accomplish great things one day!"


    Xu Wencai unapologetically tore off a chicken leg and started devouring it, grease dripping from his mouth.


    "Shi, you''re too kind-hearted!"


    Zhu Tong cursed, "What''s the use of feeding him? He''s useless."


    "Who''s useless? Maybe one day you''ll benefit from my presence! And besides, I don''t eat for free; I can enlighten you about the state of the world, broaden your horizons!"


    Xu Wencai swiftly polished off the chicken leg, sucking on the bone until nothing was left. Then, licking his lips and in a lowered voice, he asked, "Gentlemen, what do you think of the fate of the Great Sheng Dynasty?"


    "Of course, it''s not exhausted yet."


    Zhu Tong muttered, "Although the officials are despicable, there are still more than two million military men and many generals. I heard the rebellions in the south have been quelled."


    "Wrong!"


    Xu Wencai continued to eat as he surreptitiously nabbed another chicken leg.


    Zhu Tong glanced around to make sure no one was listening before saying, "You mean to say that the barbarians will eventually destroy our Great Sheng?"


    "Completely mistaken!"


    Xu Wencai shook his head vigorously, "The barbarians may seem fierce, but with Supervisor Sun, they will never really succeed."


    "I''d wager that the downfall of Sheng will be at the hands of its own people!"


    "You see, these rebellions may be quickly suppressed, but they keep cropping up, and with time, one of them is bound to break through."


    At that moment, Chen Sansi interjected, "It''s like kindling a fire, which can eventually ignite the whole plain."


    "Sss¡ª"


    Xu Wencai visibly paused at these words, as if savoring them, then slapped his thigh, "What an exquisite phrase! It perfectly conveys what I mean!


    Brother Chen, truly a scholar like me to be able to utter such a brilliant phrase!"


    "They were not my words¡­"


    Chen Sansi explained, "Please continue, Mr. Xu."


    "Ahem!"


    Xu Wencai cleared his throat, "I predict, within five years, the world will descend into complete chaos! That will be the end of the Great Sheng Dynasty''s run, and the time for Mr. Wo Long to rise to greatness!"


    "Give it a rest!"


    Zhu Tong found it annoying, "All you do is spout nonsense. You better figure out how to master Pile Work. If you can''t even do that, you won''t even qualify as an Array Soldier; you''ll end up caring for horses or repairing walls."


    Chen Sansi looked at Xu Wencai, a hint of surprise in his eyes.


    Having received nine years of education, it wasn''t strange for him to foresee the end of the Sheng era and the onset of chaos.


    But Xu Wencai was a local, and moreover a rural one, for whom such foresight was quite impressive.


    Despite the awkwardness of always bumping into the Prime Minister, it seemed he genuinely had something of substance.


    After the chat, they returned to their meal with gusto.


    ```


    Sated with food and drink.


    Chen Sansi didn''t continue practicing martial arts, but instead took his bow and arrows to the shooting range.


    The more chaotic the world seemed to become, the more he felt the need to strengthen himself, not just in skill but in status too, to remain unscathed in the torrent.


    He drew the bow and notched an arrow.


    "Bang bang bang bang bang¡ª"


    On the Martial Arts Arena, a series of sounds like thunder exploded.


    After more than fifty arrows, Chen Sansi''s arms began to ache, but he dared not stop, continuing to aim and release one arrow after another.


    "Whoosh¡ª"


    "Keep up!" S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "..."


    By the afternoon, a stir arose in the military camp.


    A few Households Commanders gathered their soldiers, and a troop of over three hundred fully armed men hurriedly set out toward the direction of Po Yang County.


    ''If they''re not heading to the Great Wall, then it''s not an enemy invasion.''


    ''But what in Po Yang County could warrant mobilizing so many people?''


    ''Most likely it''s the citywide search for barbarian assassins.''


    Not long ago, Chen Sansi thought that barbarian assassins would never be his concern, but now it seemed he might well be involved in such operations in the future.


    "Forget it, continue with archery."


    "Bang bang bang bang bang¡ª"


    As the troops passed by the shooting range, the thunderous sound of arrows caught the attention of the Householders Commanders.


    "Huh, has this kid given up? Not practicing his spear technique, but instead practicing archery."


    Householder Xiong was chewing on a bamboo stick.


    "Without the Breathing Skill, the pain of cultivating techniques is doubled. How many people can endure that?"


    Households Commander Liu gave a surprised sound, "A two-stone bow? A hundred hits from seventy steps on the target? This kid is actually a Divine Archer!"


    "Indeed he is."


    Householder Xiong also showed a look of surprise.


    Households Commander Liu clicked his tongue in amazement, "I wonder what he did to offend the Tianyuan Martial Arts Academy, such a pity, such a pity¡­"


    "Yo ho."


    Householder Xiong raised his eyebrows, "Old Liu, that look in your eyes, quite affectionate, eh? Feeling tempted?"


    "I do indeed feel a bit sorry for the kid."


    Households Commander Liu looked toward the shooting range, "How about this, I''ll ask the Young Master later, what this kid did to offend him. If it''s nothing serious, I''ll help smooth things over.


    "Deal, and you guys can''t compete with me for him."


    "I''m not that idle."


    Householder Xiong turned to the left, "What about you, Fatty Wang?"


    "I, Wang Zhi, have seen true talents in the Eight Camps, would I fancy such goods?"


    Wang Zhi dismissed it with disdain, "Let''s hurry on, go to the city and get it over with, then drink and visit the brothels tonight."


    ...


    "Bang¡ª"


    On the shooting range.


    Chen Sansi was alone, practicing from dawn till dusk.


    To save time, he didn''t even go for dinner, simply asking Zhu Tong to send over some meat and dry food.


    He was drained of energy.


    The two-stone bow became extremely heavy.


    Chen Sansi slowly lifted his arms, hooked his trembling fingers around the bowstring and, with all his might, shot out another arrow.


    "Bang¡ª"


    Once again, the arrow pierced the target.


    At the same time, the panel reappeared.


    [Skill: Archery (small achievement)]


    [Progress: (0/1000)]


    [Utility: Arms like apes, waist like bees, stunning physique; three shots in a breath, piercing Yang at a hundred steps]

 Chapter 20 - 20: Mastering in One Night

    A familiar feeling assaulted him once again.


    And this time, it was more intense than ever before.


    Chen Sansi stood there, feeling his archery skills improving rapidly.


    From seventy steps to eighty steps, and finally a hundred-step piercing!


    A target the size of a willow leaf a hundred steps away was nearly invisible to the ordinary person.


    Yet he could hit it with every shot, and that too, three shots in an instant!


    Twenty instants make one finger snap.


    Three instants, roughly one second.


    From drawing the bow to aiming and then firing, it only took one second.


    Even the top snipers of his previous life needed two seconds to aim!


    Besides the improvement in archery, more noticeable was his body.


    For some unknown reason, his body began to grow and reshape for the second time, with his bones changing to better suit bow usage, reaching the extreme limit.


    Archer.


    For archers, the longer the arms, the more suitable they are for pulling the bow.


    Thus, his arms became sturdy and elongated, resembling those of an ape.


    The power of the back determines the upper limit of drawing the bow.


    Thus, his backbones became more compact, and his waist slim yet powerful.


    Ape arms and a wasp waist, the bones were astonishing!


    The whole process, as if anesthetized, was completed with rapid speed.


    Accompanied by this, the fatigue on Chen Sansi''s body was swept away, leaving him feeling refreshed and full of energy.


    He opened his eyes again.


    Unbeknownst to him, night had already fallen.


    The vast target range was empty, with only the bright moon hanging high.


    Chen Sansi simply ate some leftover dry food from noon, then went to the Martial Arts Arena, picked up the Mei Hua Iron on the Lan Qi, recalled the thirty-six basic military spear techniques, and slowly began to practice.


    The muscle strain from overlapping Pile Work and spear techniques followed, causing uncontrollable physiological shivers. He almost shattered his back teeth, yet his hands did not pause for a moment.


    Previously when practicing spear techniques, his body resembled an aged, rusted heavy machine¡ªalthough operable, each movement required great effort, wasting much time.


    Now, with a small achievement in archery and a remodeled body of ape arms and wasp waist, it was like replacing old parts of the machine with new ones.


    Hence, when the machine operated again, although still heavy, it became several times smoother.


    The fourth spear technique, complete!


    The fifth spear technique, complete!


    The sixth route...


    He practiced one after another.


    Without the breathing skill to mitigate side effects, there were several moments when Chen Sansi felt his lungs about to burst and his throat clotted with blood.


    Every time this happened, signaling that his body reached its limit, he would pour a ladle of cold water over himself, rest for a moment, then continue.


    Chen Sansi, holding the White Wax Wood Pole, felt increasingly familiar with the Mei Hua Iron Spear, and his practicing movements got faster.


    The tenth route!


    The eleventh route!


    Continue!


    The universe turned, days and nights shifted.


    Gradually, soldiers reported to the military camp, making it bustling.


    Xu Wencai emerged from the tent, stretching towards the sky.


    "The day''s plan starts in the morning!"


    He was looking through a Scroll Book and faintly heard the sound of shouting, that kind which was strained to the utmost.


    Xu Wencai found it noisy and followed the direction of the sound until he saw the scene.


    The rising sun spread its rosy light across the sky.


    On the Martial Arts Arena, there was a bare-chested youth.


    The youth wasn''t very big, but his physique was exceptionally good, muscular yet streamlined, with a frame that was broad at the top and narrow at the bottom, looking from a distance like an inverted triangle.


    However...


    The youth was flushed all over, his eyes filled with blood, waving a Mei Hua Iron Spear as if he were a mad, starving wolf.


    "Has Shanshi been practicing all night? Has he gone mad?"


    Xu Wencai hurriedly went back to pull Zhu Tong awake.


    Since they were new and had no houses, they all slept in the dormitory tents: "Old Zhu, you better go stop him, or there will be trouble!"


    Zhu Tong arrived at the Martial Arts Arena and couldn''t help but shudder when he saw this scene.


    This wasn''t trouble brewing.


    This was clearly...


    He was about to master it!


    He watched the youth''s movements, which clearly showed the final route of the basic military spear technique!


    ...


    Outside the military camp, the clash of armor and disordered footsteps arose simultaneously.


    The soldiers who had left the previous day returned to camp with dark circles under their eyes.


    However, the few Household Commanders at the front were all glowing with vitality, full of energy.


    "The new girls at the Spring Pavilion, they really are delightful," said one.


    "Exactly, exactly, so tender they''re almost dripping," another added.


    "Fatty Wang, from now on, we''re kindred spirits. Please look out for us," another said.


    "Hahaha, naturally, of course," Fatty Wang agreed.


    "Guys, better keep it low for a while."


    Unlike them, Commander Liu looked haggard as if he hadn''t rested well, "Lord Thousand Households was furious, demanding that we must find that barbarian assassin within ten days. He''s truly angered this time."


    "Old Liu, you''re just too serious,"


    Householder Xiong said, "That barbarian''s strength is no small matter. With the little silver we''re paid, why risk our lives?"


    "You''re right, who knows why the Thousand Households is so urgent. It''s very likely that the barbarian has already fled."


    Wang Zhi stopped walking, "What''s that noise?"


    At the edge of the Martial Arts Arena, a dense crowd squeezed together, each stretching their necks to get a look inside.


    "What''s going on? I never see you this eager during regular training, go away!"


    Wang Zhi kicked a few people away, making a path through the crowd, clearing a view for himself.


    He saw a red tassel flashing, and a Mei Hua Iron Spear constantly swirling in the hands of a young man, causing gusts of wind and scattering dust. It was the thirty-six basic movements of military soldier''s spear technique, a complete, smooth sequence of thirty-six movements!


    "Bang¡ª"


    On the Martial Arts Arena, the Mei Hua Iron Spear moved like lightning, piercing through a dummy, scattering straw everywhere, as if splashing the enemy''s blood toward the sky.


    Chen Sansi had completely exhausted his last bit of Qi Power and could no longer support himself. He used the iron spear as support, planting it into the ground and kneeling on one knee, gasping large breaths of the bloody scent.


    "It''s done!"


    Even without the Breathing Skill, he had managed to train in the basic spear technique.


    Regardless of whether he could become a Selected Point, at least his position as a military soldier was secure.


    ...


    "Damn it¡­,"


    Commander Liu''s eyes were wide as he tapped the shoulder of the person in front of him, "Old Xiong, wasn''t he still practicing archery yesterday?"


    Householder Xiong dropped his toothpick in shock, "Yeah, right. I also remember that when we left, he was still practicing archery."


    "That means he started practicing the spear last night, and by this morning he could do it smoothly," said Commander Liu.


    Commander Liu swallowed hard, somewhat in disbelief, "One¡­ one night, and he can perform the spear technique this smoothly?"


    Learned in one night!


    What does this signify?


    Most importantly, this guy had no Breathing Skill!


    Without the Breathing Skill, not only would it greatly slow down the training Progress, but the pain endured during the process is hardly less than the torture of prison!


    What kind of talent and determination must one possess to achieve such a feat?


    Moreover, how quickly could he master it if he had the Breathing Skill? Perhaps midnight, or a few hours, or even less¡­


    No way, this kid has to stay!


    No matter how he offended the Tianyuan Martial Arts Academy, I''ll help him resolve it myself.


    "Old Xiong, you have no shame!"


    Commander Liu snapped back to reality and suddenly noticed that Householder Xiong had already eagerly moved forward.


    He rushed forward and tightly grabbed the other''s arm, "We had agreed that you guys can''t compete with me for people." S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Bullshit, when did I ever say that?"


    Householder Xiong struggled hard.


    "Blockhead, such a rare talent would be wasted in your hands!"


    "You''re talking about me? If you weren''t following in your father''s footsteps, you wouldn''t even make it to be a flag leader!"


    "Blockhead, wanna try?"


    "Let''s go!"


    The soldiers exchanged glances. They had heard that this boy had offended someone, and he should soon be unable to survive in the military camp. Yet, what they saw with their own eyes was two Lord Household Commanders almost fighting over him?


    That''s often how things are.


    If the young man merely had decent talent, they might have felt pity but wouldn''t necessarily want to spend their connections to help.


    However, if they could see truly rare value in him, those connections wouldn''t matter anymore.


    Just as Commander Liu and Householder Xiong were arguing fiercely.


    A sly voice chimed in.


    "Little stone, we had a deal that I''d teach you in two days.


    "Come on, today is the second day."

 Chapter 21 - 21: Haoran Breathing Skill

    "Fatty Wang?!"


    Households Commander Liu and Householder Xiong turned back.


    Wang Zhi had, unbeknownst to them, quietly walked up to Chen Sansi''s side, his face wearing a friendly smile, and personally helped him up from the ground.


    "This Wang,"


    Households Commander Liu pointed at the fat man''s nose and scolded, "you yourself said that you looked down on this kid''s qualifications!"


    "Exactly!" Householder Xiong echoed, "I think you are the most shameless!"


    "You two brothers are mistaken, what does this have to do with qualifications?"


    Wang Zhi shook his head and said, "I, Wang, have always valued loyalty and credibility. Since I have taken the silver, how could I not teach wholeheartedly?"


    "Very well, very well!"


    Households Commander Liu was so annoyed that his teeth itched, and he unconsciously pressed his hand on the hilt of his saber, "Fat man, you also want to compete with me? Sansi, you better think it through. This fat man cherishes wealth as his life, I could teach you without charging a penny."


    "Come with me!"


    Without another word, Wang Zhi grabbed Chen Sansi and ran; within a few breaths, the two of them had disappeared.


    "Fat man, I will never again be your comrade!"


    Householder Xiong and his companion could only curse as they watched the dust settle, helpless to do anything but leave.


    Chen Sansi was somewhat slow to react.


    From being ignored to being frantically sought after.


    It seemed that those who were against him behind the scenes did not have absolute status and power; otherwise, they would not have given him a chance to turn things around.


    As for which Households Commander to choose to teach him.


    Did he have a choice?


    Hundred Households Wang was very strong, nearly pulling his arm out of its socket.


    The two stopped only when they reached the entrance of the camp.


    Hundred Households Wang released his hand, "Little Stone, come with me."


    The moment they entered the tent,


    Wang Zhi suddenly turned around and pressed his hand on Chen''s shoulder.


    Chen Sansi instinctively wanted to dodge, but that hand was like the Five-finger Mountain, inescapable, pressing heavily on his shoulder and causing intense pain in his bones.


    Only after feeling Chen''s body extensively did Wang Zhi nod in satisfaction, "Ape arms and wasp waist, but most importantly, solid root bone, a truly good foundation."


    "Ape arms and wasp waist¡­"


    Chen Sansi nodded,


    "In martial arts, talent is most important, followed by root bone."


    Wang Zhi sat pompously in front of the desk and explained, "There''s no need for me to explain talent, right?


    "As for root bone, those practicing martial arts must first withstand much torment, and their bones need to be solid. Moreover, various types of root bone also indicate different specializations.


    "Like archers, for example, they generally need to be tall and have long arms to easily draw a full bow, hence your natural aptitude for archery.


    "Ape arms and wasp waist, coupled with hard bones, count as excellent root bone!"


    Chen Sansi nodded, "Thank you, Hundred Households Wang, for the instruction."


    "You have grievances against me in your heart, right?"


    Wang Zhi''s small eyes gleamed, "You think I took the money and still didn''t teach you."


    Chen Sansi candidly said, "I dare not."


    "Dare not doesn''t mean you don''t have them.


    "Alright, don''t feel wronged. Households Commander Liu and Householder Xiong can''t give you this."


    As he spoke, Wang Zhi pulled out a booklet from his robes and slammed it on the table.


    On the surface of the booklet were the familiar terms "Basic Spear Technique for Infantry."


    Seeing Chen''s puzzled look, he pulled out another Basic Spear Technique for Infantry, "Compare the two, see what differences these two books have."


    Chen Sansi did as told.


    Both booklets were complete Basic Spear Technique for Infantry, containing Pile Work, spear technique, and Breathing Skill.


    Through the text, he learned the importance of the Breathing Skill.


    Lacking the Breathing Skill, enduring more torment, and practicing slowly might also allow one to master the spear technique completely, but it would absolutely be impossible to condense Qi-Blood.


    The content of the two booklets, regarding Pile Work and spear technique, was exactly the same.


    But the Breathing Skill had many different aspects.


    The first type of Breathing Skill primarily assisted.


    Pile Work and spear technique were too harmful to the body, so a special breathing method was used as lubrication, reducing the pain of Training while slightly increasing the speed of cultivation.


    The second type was called the Hao Ran Breathing Skill.


    This type of Breathing Skill didn''t offer any protection during practice and wasn''t faster than the first type, but it was said the cultivated Qi-Blood would be better than that of the first type.


    As for how it was better, he did not know.


    Fatty Wang peeled peanuts, eating and explaining, "The Qi-Blood cultivated from the Breathing Skill I gave you will be more enduring, tenacious, and robust, just like me. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "As for the other Breathing Skill, although it''s faster, it''s neither durable nor resilient, just like Householder Xiong.


    "I think you should understand what I mean? If not, it doesn''t matter; once you cultivate the Qi-Blood, you''ll naturally experience it firsthand."


    Chen Sansi pondered and asked, "Please enlighten me, Hundred Households Wang, why the same Cultivation Technique would have two different Breathing Skills."


    "A castrated version,"


    Fatty Wang said, "The Hao Ran Breathing Skill is better, but it''s not for everyone. If the root bone is not strong enough, it might ruin the person, and if the talent is not sufficient, it will greatly slow down the Progress. Moreover, this thing is very costly in terms of silver; it''s generally only taught in the Eight Camps.


    "I have informed you of both options'' pros and cons, it''s up to you to decide which one to learn."


    A Cultivation Technique from the Eight Camps?


    Chen Sansi looked at Fatty, then at the Cultivation Technique.


    "Are you looking down on me?"


    Fatty Wang glared hard, "Don''t look at me as just a hundred households now, I was also once a man of the Eight Camps!"


    "Hundred Households Wang, you''re being too sensitive. I meant no such thing."


    Chen Sansi quickly made a decision, "I will practice the Hao Ran Breathing Skill."


    "Good lad, I knew I wasn''t wrong about you."


    Wang Zhi brushed off the crumbs from his hand and called a subordinate to bring an Mei Hua Iron Spear from outside, and started to teach him hands-on.


    "Stack Pile, hold the spear, breathe; integrate the three.


    "Take a deep breath, however you hold your breath, don''t hold it directly in your lungs. Imagine, this breath is the ''Power'' stored in your body, use this ''Power'' together with each move you make.


    "That''s not how you breathe, that''s normal breathing. You think the Hao Ran Skill is no different?


    "You need to use this ''Power'' to stimulate your acupoints!


    "Yes, yes, that''s it!"


    "Hiss¡ª"


    With the breathing instructions from the Secret Manual and the explanations from Hundred Households Wang, Chen Sansi tried a few times and then mastered the correct way to use the Hao Ran Breathing Skill.


    Each of his moves was coordinated with "Qi", which transformed into "Power", stimulating his acupoints and bones even more.


    What was originally a dual overlay of Pile Work and spear technique suddenly became a triple overlay.


    The discomfort almost made Chen Sansi gag.


    At the same time, a panel appeared in front of him.


    [Cultivation Technique: Basic Spear Technique (Uninitiated)]


    [Progress: (8/100)]


    [Utility: None for now]


    "Pant-pant¡ª"


    After just a few seconds, Chen Sansi felt weakened and almost stumbled.


    "That''s enough."


    Wang Zhi called a halt, "Let''s stop here for today. You learned the spear technique overnight. Even an ironclad body has its limits; you mustn''t harm your body.


    "Especially with food, you must eat at least five pounds of meat daily, wild game is good, fierce beasts even better, best if it''s Exotic Beast Meat.


    "Once you get the Basic Spear Technique to entry-level, you''ll be in the Blood Refining realm, truly becoming a Martial Artist!


    "When the time comes, I''ll help you find Lord Thousand Households.


    "As for the matter with Tianyuan Martial Arts Academy, do you have any grudges with Young Master Liang Zhan?"


    "Tianyuan Martial Arts Academy?"


    It became clear to Chen Sansi, who then said, "I have absolutely no grudges with the Liang Family."


    "Oh?"


    Wang Zhi seemed surprised, stroking his chin, his eyes flashing with thoughts, not sure what he was thinking, "I understand, you go and rest."

 Chapter 22 - 22 Bear Heart, Leopards Courage

    "Is it Tianyuan Martial Arts Academy?"


    Walking out of the tent, Chen Sansi recalled the conversation he just had.


    Since it was Tianyuan Martial Arts Academy playing tricks, it must be Qin Feng''s doing.


    He could actually get the Young Master of Tianyuan to help him out, which shows they are not ordinary acquaintances, could it be that he has received the true transmission?


    Additionally, the hundred-household asked if he had any grudges with the Liang family, was he preparing to help him?


    The speed of Wang Zhi''s attitude change took him by surprise, but upon further thought, it made sense.


    Most likely, he was of value to them.


    However, Chen Sansi remained calm about this and didn''t feel it was hypocritical.


    The so-called human relationships are nothing more than a mutual back-scratching affair.


    Without kinship or friendship, where does genuine emotion come from?


    For this reason, Chen Sansi didn''t fully count on Wang Zhi to solve this problem for him, he still needed to focus on training and improving his own strength.


    He returned to the Martial Arts Arena.


    After the previous ruckus, everyone now looked at him in disbelief.


    "Shi Tou, how did you manage it?"


    Full of admiration, Zhu Tong said, "I just saw Song Yan''s second uncle turn green with rage when he heard about it!"


    "..."


    Chen Sansi was speechless.


    This was yet another offense.


    But it didn''t matter, he couldn''t shrink back just because he was afraid of offending people.


    "I''m going to head home for a bit."


    Chen Sansi didn''t waste time chit-chatting and started to pack up his things to leave the camp.


    It was not cost-effective to always eat at the restaurant; it was best to buy meat and cook for himself.


    After he left, within a few hours, the feat of mastering spear techniques overnight without any Breathing Skill spread throughout the entire Left Army Thousand Households of Po Yang.


    Many of the new recruits who had the intention to compete for the "Selected Point" position psychologically collapsed and gave up, shifting their goals to becoming military soldiers.


    It wasn''t until two days later that people began to practice spear techniques, one after another.


    The fastest among them was naturally Song Yan.


    On the third day, he finally learned the spear techniques with the aid of the Breathing Skill, but still felt defeated.


    "Second uncle, I can''t compare to Chen Sansi."


    In a double-courtyard house, Song Yan said with his head down, his tone dejected.


    "You have to compete even if you can''t compare!"


    Luo Dongquan said with annoyance, "You still have a chance as long as you haven''t cultivated Qi-Blood yet."


    Two servants carried trays into the courtyard.


    On the trays were steaming hot boiled meat and offal, with the most conspicuous item being a dark yellow, elongated organ slightly twisted in shape.


    "This is a leopard''s gallbladder."


    Luo Dongquan stated, "Bear heart and leopard gallbladder count as great nourishing medicine. Starting today, you will eat one every day. It will not only nourish your body but will also help you accelerate the cultivation of Qi-Blood. One leopard gallbladder costs ten taels of silver, and that kid with the Chen surname can''t afford it."


    "Second uncle, he is a hunter," Song Yan stated. "And I heard he''s a very skilled hunter."


    Upon hearing this, Luo Dongquan couldn''t help but laugh.


    "A hunter? Do you think those hunters outside Po Yang County can''t even afford to pay their taxes?


    "The really valuable things on Tiger Head Mountain are all beyond the Second Layer Mountain in the deep forests. Those game animals hardly ever come out, and the hunters also dare not venture in."


    "Why not?"


    "Why not? Because they''re poor!"


    Luo Dongquan said gravely, "Poor people just need to barely stay alive, that''s all. It''s not their turn to make money, it''s that simple.


    "That''s why I''m trying my utmost to send you climbing upwards. Only if you climb high enough, can you bully others, instead of being bullied!"


    "Second uncle, why do we have to bully others?"


    Song Yan didn''t understand.


    "You fool!" Luo Dongquan erupted. "Just eat your leopard gallbladder! As for that fat man, squandering and extremely greedy for money, he definitely won''t take out real gold and silver to support that Chen kid."


    ...


    "Whew¡ª"


    After completing a set of spear techniques in combination with the Breathing Skill, Chen Sansi was covered in sweat and doused himself with a bucket of cold water.


    [Cultivation Technique: Basic Spear Technique for Military Soldiers (Not Entry-Level)]


    [Progress: (38/100)]


    [Utility: None]


    "Cultivating Qi-Blood really isn''t as simple as Zhu Tong said."


    He sat on a rock, catching his breath for quite some time.


    Chen Sansi had been training day and night for the past two days but only made progress to this extent, still some distance from truly being entry-level.


    "Brother Shi, it''s time to eat," Gu Xinlan called out.


    "Coming."


    Chen Sansi sat at the table and grabbed an entire beef shank to nibble on.


    Gu Xinlan said sympathetically, "You must be exhausted recently."


    "It''s okay."


    Chen Sansi inquired, "Is our home running low on money?"


    "We still have one tael and three coins of silver," Gu Xinlan had every detail of the household memorized. "We can hold on for a few more days."


    "Martial arts training is really burning through money..."


    Chen Sansi commented with some irony.


    Within just a few days, he had consumed all the stored silver in the house.


    Yet even so, his body still showed signs of a Qi-Blood deficiency.


    It seems that the meat from ordinary livestock has limited effects; he must consume game to make a real difference.


    Chen Sansi declared, "I''m going up the mountain this afternoon."


    "Are you going with Uncle Zhao and the others to hunt Black Bears?" Gu Xinlan asked anxiously. "Be careful."


    "Mhm, don''t worry."


    Chen Sansi put down his chopsticks, and at the same time, someone knocked on the door.


    It was Zhao Qiao and the others.


    Zhao Qiao carried a basket full of fish, Wu Da held a jar of honey, and another honest-looking young hunter led a dark grey slender dog.


    After introductions, he learned the man''s name was Zhuang Yi.


    The four of them, familiar with the path, headed towards Second Layer Mountain.


    "There''s plenty to hunt south of Second Layer Mountain, but not much is valuable."


    Zhao Qiao said, "Including that black bear, it actually also comes from the north, under normal circumstances, it wouldn''t be our turn to take action. But that beast developed a taste for human flesh, and it''s cunning too.


    "It doesn''t dare mess with those who practice martial arts, so every year around this time, it quietly runs to the south of the Second Layer Mountain or the First Layer Mountain to attack hunters who go up the mountain."


    "Even beasts bully the common folk!" Zhuang Yi said indignantly.


    "We''re here."


    Wu Da pointed ahead: "Three Donkeys and a few other hunters, it all happened around this area."


    They stopped in a relatively open and flat grassland, placed the bait they brought with them on the ground, and then hid in the distant woods, planning to rely on the autumn wind to spread the scent and attract the black bear.


    But after a long wait, they did not see any movement.


    "Let me do it."


    Chen Sansi had not wanted to show them up before, but since this method wasn''t working, it was better not to waste any more time.


    [Tracking Expertise (Mastery)]


    [Progress: 350/500]


    [Utility: Insight Shocking, Light as a Feather]


    It had been quite some time since he last went hunting in the mountains, and this was an excellent opportunity to improve his skills.


    With his piercing gaze, he soon found a piece of rotten fruit peel in the grass nearby and then cylindrical feces wrapped with insects under a bush.


    For Chen Sansi, as long as he could lock down a general area, there were no traces he couldn''t find.


    After he found the signs, the hunting dog followed over and discovered them too, barking excitedly as if it were in awe.


    To be admired by a dog; wasn''t that a bit odd?


    "Hey, Brother Chen, you''re really amazing!"


    Zhuang Yi spoke honestly: "You''re even better than a dog!"


    "Do you even know how to talk?"


    Wu Da slapped him on the back of the head: "Brother Shi has real talent, learn something!"


    Chen Sansi gestured for silence and continued moving forward.


    After about four miles, they arrived at a valley with a small creek in the middle...


    Even from a distance, Chen Sansi could see many traces left by medium and large animals in the forest across the creek.


    "Across there is North Mountain!"


    Wu Da said with emotion: "Not only are there many large animals there, there''s also a chance to encounter exotic beasts; one catch can make you rich.


    "Unfortunately, we have to ''avoid the brocade-clothed'' and don''t dare to go over lightly; if we provoke disciples of the martial arts halls, we''ll be in big trouble!"


    Chen Sansi had long heard about this: "What exactly does provoking mean?"


    "There''s no standard."


    Zhuang Yi took over: "It''s just bad luck if they don''t like the look of someone."


    "But it''s different for you, Brother Shi."


    Wu Da said: "If you could become a military officer in the future, you won''t have to fear them!"


    One step behind, forever behind.


    If he couldn''t become a flag officer, he wouldn''t even have the right to hunt, let alone,


    Not wasting any time, Chen Sansi continued towards the west, leading several people into a dense forest.


    After entering the area, traces of the black bear''s life became noticeably clearer.


    There were claw marks on the tree trunks, footprints on the ground, and stones that had been turned over. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Sansi, on alert, kept his distance while searching for the black bear''s figure.


    "There''s a tree hollow."


    Wu Da pointed to the hollow of an ancient tree ahead: "But it seems to be empty."


    As he said this, he was about to approach for a closer look.


    "Watch out!"


    Chen Sansi acutely sensed something was amiss and hastily stopped him: "Behind you!"


    Almost simultaneously, a massive figure emerged from the bushes and lunged at Wu Da''s back with a scarred face.


    The beast had been waiting for a long time!


    After stepping into the dense forest, he hadn''t heard any noise at all, so he dared not get too close.


    Wu Da and the others saw that the tree hollow was empty and thought the black bear had gone out to forage, relaxing their vigilance. They never imagined that the black bear, used to hunting humans, would now actively hunt them!


    No wonder the bait had been useless!


    "Thud¡ª"


    This black bear was larger than its common kind, approximately two and a half meters in length, weighing at least seven to eight hundred pounds. A touch could hurt, making contact would mean death!


    Wu Da didn''t even have time to grab an arrow; his bow was smacked into two pieces, and he was about to be struck in the face by a thick bear paw.


    In the blink of an eye, a Wolf Teeth Arrow accurately pierced the black bear''s left eye.


    "Roar¡ª"


    A sharp roar echoed.


    Zhao Qiao and Zhuang Yi finally reacted, hastily shooting their arrows.


    However, because of their panic, the arrows from their Four-Force Bows didn''t fully draw back and merely penetrated the skin, embedding in the fat of the black bear. They did not cause substantial damage, but it was enough to drive the black bear completely mad, causing it to furiously pounce towards them.


    Being too close, Zhao Qiao and Zhuang Yi didn''t have time to fire a second arrow and had to turn and run.


    The hunting dog barked wildly at the side, unable to even get close.


    "Beast, come chase me!"


    Chen Sansi shouted as he released another arrow.


    Since the black bear had its back towards him, preventing a lethal hit, he could only shoot it in the tough back.


    Nonetheless, because the arrow was heavy, it still half buried itself into the bear.


    "ROAR!!!!"


    The enraged black bear swiftly changed its target, charging at the person whose attack caused it the most pain at incredible speed.


    It might look bulky, but it was astonishingly quick when it ran.


    The sight horrified Wu Da and the others: "Run!"


    But soon, they could let go of their worries.


    Because Chen Sansi was even faster, his agility was like that of a monkey. Using the dense forest to dodge and weave, the black bear missed its attacks repeatedly.


    The blade of the Wolf Teeth Arrow continued to cut into its flesh and bone, with dark red blood soaking its fur; the bear''s speed gradually slowed.


    After gaining some distance, Chen Sansi drew his bow and prepared another arrow.


    "Whiz, whiz, whiz¡ª"


    One arrow followed another in rapid succession, hardly pausing.


    The explosive power required to continuously draw a heavy bow¡ªwhat an outbreak of strength!


    Zhao Qiao and the others watched in amazement, but they didn''t stay idle and assisted with their light bows from the side.


    Before long, the black bear was hit by numerous arrows, its movements growing sluggish.


    Once Chen Sansi confirmed he could finish off the beast without injury, he deliberately avoided hitting vital spots, leading it out of the dense forest. Taking advantage of its weakness, he picked up his plum blossom spear and charged forward.


    Such a perfect live target, how could he not make good use of it?

 Chapter 23 - 23: Blocking Arrows with Arrows

    Seeing this, Zhao Qiao and Zhuang Yi quickly collected their arrows.


    Chen Sansi methodically initiated his Pile Work, coordinating with the Breathing Skill. He thrust the Mei Hua Iron Spear towards the Black Bear, using the force of its resistance to simulate a battle.


    It must be said, the strength of such fierce creatures like bears is astounding.


    Even with severe injuries, the power of its swipes exceeded a thousand pounds, and its collisions even heavier, reaching several thousands of pounds.


    Though Chen Sansi''s strength had significantly increased after practicing martial arts, direct contact still forced him to continuously retreat under the tremendous power. Furthermore, the consumption of physical strength by his spear technique caused him to quickly break out into a heavy sweat.


    However, at the same time, his proficiency was improving at an extremely fast rate.


    As one bloody hole after another appeared on its body, the bear''s attacks became so sluggish that there was no need to even dodge them, clearly on the brink of death from excessive blood loss.


    It was only then that Chen Sansi delivered a spear thrust from the eyeball to the back of the skull, piercing through, and ending its life.


    "Boom¡ª"


    The heavy body fell to the ground, completely lifeless.


    [Cultivation Technique: Basic Soldier Spear Technique (Entry-Level)]


    [Progress: (47/100)]


    [Utility: None]


    In just a short while, the progress increased by nearly ten points; the effectiveness was indeed very good.


    Unfortunately, such ideal live targets weren''t always available.


    "Sigh..."


    Chen Sansi planted the iron spear into the ground, taking deep breaths to stabilize his physical condition.


    After a while, Wu Da and the others came over, their eyes wide in disbelief.


    Even though the Black Bear was sluggish from excessive blood loss, it was definitely not an opponent just any ordinary person could contend with.


    Is this the difference between a martial artist and an ordinary person?


    Especially Zhao Qiao, he couldn''t imagine that the boy who had approached him not long ago to join him in going to Second Layer Mountain had become much stronger than any of them in just over half a month.


    "Uncle Zhao, Wu Da,"


    said Chen Sansi, "It would be great if you could chop some sturdy wood to make a stretcher, let''s carry the bear back together."


    Zhao Qiao and the others didn''t move immediately, standing and looking at him, with an awkward expression on their faces.


    "Little... Little Shi."


    At last, it was Zhao Qiao who spoke: "Can we take half of the share?"


    In cooperative hunting, the earned benefits naturally needed to be shared among the participants.


    But they were admittedly a bit... useless!


    From the beginning, it had been Chen Sansi who found the Black Bear''s habitat.


    Then, they had even been saved from a life-threatening situation.


    If it hadn''t been for Chen Sansi being there today, the three of them might have ended up dead or severely injured.


    Conversely, even if they hadn''t been there, given some more time, Chen Sansi could have worn the Black Bear down alive with his speed and heavy bow.


    But they had just paid their taxes and were so broke that they couldn''t scrape two coins together; they had also spent quite a bit on bait for the trip, and to return empty-handed would be somewhat...


    Of course, if Chen Sansi really didn''t agree, they could only accept it.


    Under the anxious gazes of everyone, the young man holding the spear in the sunset showed a brilliant smile: "Uncle Zhao, what are you talking about? Half a share is too little, at least two portions per person, right?"


    "Ah?"


    "No, no, no, no, no!"


    Zhao Qiao and the others almost thought they had heard wrong. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    They didn''t deserve to take so much.


    They didn''t even have the face to ask for it since he was willing to give!


    After much insistence, Zhao Qiao and Zhuang Yi firmly stuck to taking only half a share, whereas Wu Da had thought about a whole share but, after getting a stern look from Zhao Qiao, also meekly agreed to half a share.


    Chen Sansi didn''t press further.


    He knew they felt embarrassed; getting more when you work more was only natural.


    Moreover, a seven hundred-pound bear, including its expensive bear paws, could easily sell for fifty taels, so half a share amounted to more than two taels of silver.


    In usual times, this was equivalent to hunting twenty or so rabbits, so it wasn''t like they had run around for nothing.


    Chen Sansi didn''t feel pained about it.


    After all, before coming, he wasn''t certain whether he could handle a Black Bear on his own, so for safety''s sake, he had partnered with others.


    Having made such a choice, there was no point in regrets.


    It was just a matter of understanding his own strength, and in the future, he could simply hunt alone if necessary.


    "Brother Shi, from now on, you''re like my real brother!"


    Wu Da smiled, his facial scar making him look ferocious.


    The group quickly cut sticks and tied them with ropes, carrying the massive Black Bear and heading home.


    As they passed by a small creek in the valley,


    the hunting dog began barking at the opposite bank "woof woof woof."


    He fixed his gaze, noticing two young men in long robes, looking discontentedly at the Black Bear on their shoulders from afar.


    Chen Sansi recognized them immediately.


    It was these two who had tricked Shunzi into repairing the Canal more than half a month before!


    After the incident, he had secretly gathered information about these two.


    One was named Li Hao, and the other Zhang Chao, both from Tai Lei Martial Arts Academy, but they were merely servant disciples, not even as qualified as the outer disciples.


    After years of training, they might not even have mastered the Breathing Skill or developed their Qi-Blood.


    Unexpectedly, they would meet again.


    "Woof Woof Woof¡ª"


    As if sensing the men''s ill intentions, the hunting dog''s barking grew louder.


    "Little Blackie, stop barking!"


    Zhuang Yi quickly rushed to cover the dog''s mouth, "Don''t provoke them."


    "What are you afraid of? We''re not fighting them directly..."


    Wu Da had not finished speaking when,


    one of the young men promptly drew his bow and released an arrow, "Good beast, dare to bark at Grandpa?!"


    Although he claimed to be shooting at the dog, his arrow was clearly aimed at a person.


    A willow leaf arrow whistled straight towards Zhuang Yi.


    The two sides were only about forty to fifty steps apart, and a Four-Force Bow was more than enough to kill a man easily!


    Zhuang Yi''s pupils dilated as the arrow rapidly enlarged in his view, his legs went weak and his heart chilled.


    In the blink of an eye, another Wolf Teeth Arrow flew from the side, precisely and impeccably severing the willow leaf arrow mid-air!


    Using an arrow to block another arrow!


    "What?!"


    Zhang Chao''s eyes nearly popped out.


    A moving target, so small, and in such a short time.


    How...How could that be?!


    "The military officer''s Second Stone Heavy Bow?"


    Li Hao''s face turned unpleasant, "Is...is it you?"


    They both had recognized Chen Sansi as well.


    "How has this guy become a military man?"


    "Let''s go!"


    Li and Zhang exchanged a glance and fled in panic, not even leaving a chance for Chen Sansi to speak. Only when they had gotten far away did they shout a threat: "You wait!"


    "A bunch of cowards."


    As for Chen Sansi now, he didn''t need to fear them anymore.


    After all, these were men even Qin Feng wouldn''t bother with.


    The whole process, from the other party shooting an arrow to being scared off by Chen Sansi, took just a few seconds.


    So much so that Wu Da and the others took a long time to realize what had just happened.


    "Brother Chen..."


    Zhuang Yi''s voice still trembled, "You saved my life, I¡­I..."


    He was at a loss for words, unsure how to express his gratitude.


    "It''s nothing."


    Chen Sansi said calmly, "If I hadn''t retaliated, their next arrow would have been aimed at me."


    Even servant disciples from the martial arts academy dared to bully like this.


    It seemed he had to vie for the position of military officer!


    With the status of a military officer for protection, the arrow he shot just now wouldn''t have been to block the arrow but to take a life!


    "Let''s head down the mountain."


    After a close shave, the party, carrying the Black Bear, headed back home.


    The county was still under martial law, and it was not known where that barbarian was hiding since he hadn''t been found yet.


    It was almost as Chen Sansi had calculated.


    The Black Bear totaled fifty-one taels.


    The rest each received a little over two taels and five maces of silver.


    Chen Sansi kept the bear heart valued at twenty taels, undold, and also kept thirty pounds of bear meat. In the end, he pocketed twenty taels of snowflake silver.


    "It should last for a while."


    Cradling the still warm bear heart wrapped in lotus leaves, Chen Sansi hurried home eagerly.


    The bear heart was a great tonic, particularly beneficial for his recent deficiency in Qi-Blood.

 Chapter 24 - 24 Blood Refining

    Chen Sansi and Zhao Qiao returned to Yanbian Village together.


    Along the way, they were almost treated as heroes.


    After all, with the Black Bear dead, whether going up the mountain to hunt or gather herbs, it would be much safer.


    Some villagers wanted to send their children to him as apprentices.


    Others wanted to offer their daughters to him as concubines.


    A single bear equaled several dozen taels of silver, which in those days could buy the lives of many young girls of marriageable age.


    Chen Sansi naturally declined each offer politely.


    Even when he pushed open his door, two matchmakers coincidentally walked out of his house.


    "How did all this come to my doorstep?"


    Chen Sansi was speechless.


    "You weren''t injured, were you?"


    Gu Xinlan, as always, checked the man''s body to make sure he was unharmed before she breathed a sigh of relief, "What do you think?


    "What do you mean, what do I think?"


    Chen Sansi was stunned for a moment before he realized she was referring to the matter of taking a concubine.


    He hurriedly shook his head, "I need to focus on practicing martial arts, I don''t have time for this."


    "I figured as much, so I turned them down for you."


    Gu Xinlan helped him unload the bow and iron spear from his body and said softly, "Brother Shi, whenever you want to find someone, just tell me, and I''ll help you pick a good-looking one."


    Chen Sansi was somewhat surprised.


    It seemed that Sister Lan didn''t care about this matter after all.


    Indeed, the mindset of ancient women was different.


    "Sister Lan, please prepare this for me, just boil it in plain water without adding salt."


    Chen Sansi hadn''t forgotten the important matter at hand, he took out the nearly four-pound bear heart, which felt potent with vigorous life force even through the lotus leaves.


    "Keep this silver safe, remember to replace anything that''s lacking at home, and also manage this bear meat for me; I plan to take it to the garrison in a couple of days to share."


    Having a female master in the house meant that he almost didn''t need to worry about anything.


    Gu Xinlan started a fire in the kitchen.


    Chen Sansi went outside to practice his spear technique.


    After several sets of spear movements, he was so hungry that he felt dizzy, and there was a clear sense of "deficit" within his body; fortunately, the meal was soon ready.


    Bear meat, pork, rice, wild vegetable and egg soup, and most importantly, the hearty dish of bear heart. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Sansi picked up the bear heart and took a big bite directly.


    The taste of blood spread throughout his mouth, then rushed straight to the crown of his head, almost causing him to vomit. He covered his mouth and forcefully chewed and swallowed.


    Taste aside, the effects were genuinely good.


    As soon as the bear heart entered his stomach, Chen Sansi felt a warmth there, as if a small flame was burning. As his digestive system worked, the nutrients were quickly absorbed by his body, replenishing the deficit caused by practicing martial arts.


    He couldn''t be fussy about the taste and stuffed more pieces of bear heart meat into his mouth.


    After consuming a third of the bear heart, Chen Sansi felt as if he were on fire. He hurriedly ate some other foods to fill his stomach, then rushed outside to continue practicing.


    The bear heart was indeed a great supplement; he practiced until it was dark and did not feel the "deficit" anymore. If it wasn''t for the need to rest his muscles, he would have considered practicing all night long.


    [Cultivation Technique: Military Basic Spear Technique (Not Initiated)]


    [Progress: (67/100)]


    [Utility: None]


    Efficacy skyrocketed!


    With two-thirds of the bear heart remaining, producing his first thread of Qi-Blood was just a matter of a couple of days.


    After putting away his spear and returning to the house, the great supplement effects of the bear heart were still active; Chen Sansi felt full of energy.


    Under the warm yellow candlelight, Gu Xinlan was rushing to finish sewing clothes.


    Since she no longer had to labor outside, her skin had become even more fair, and her fingers were no longer swollen, from afar, she appeared as if carved out of white jade.


    To save silver, Gu Xinlan did not buy ready-made clothes, but instead bought various fabrics to make them herself.


    Chen Sansi quietly walked up behind her, and suddenly, he whispered in her ear, "Wife, put on the red one, I''ll wait for you in the room."


    "Ah...."


    Gu Xinlan hadn''t heard his footsteps and was startled into trembling.


    She patted her chest, then her eyes drifted towards the fabric on the table.


    Red...


    Her face flushed deeply.


    It was a half-finished red bellyband.


    ...


    Chen Sansi stayed at home for two days.


    On the third day, thinking it was about time, he packed up his belongings and headed towards the garrison.


    Cloth armor and a red hat, carrying a bow and spear, full of style.


    The villagers frequently cast their glances.


    "Brother Shi is about to become an official," one said.


    "Yes, I have a relative who serves in the garrison too; I heard Brother Shi is doing quite well."


    "Psh! I don''t think his fancy days will last long."


    "Uncle Lai Zi, you really can''t speak anything good!"


    "Believe it or not, whatever."


    Uncle Lai Zi raised his voice loud enough to ensure Brother Shi heard him.


    "Uncle Lai Zi."


    Chen Sansi approached, "Do you have something to say to me again?"


    "You''re quite sharp, lad!"


    Uncle Lai Zi leaned closer, "Guess what I saw recently?


    "These past few days, I''ve been seeing Qin Xiong''s brother frequently inviting a fat official from the military camp to drinks. Guess what he''s planning?"


    The fat official?


    Wang Zhi?


    Chen Sansi speculated.


    Qin Feng has been frequently hosting Wang Zhi recently?


    He wasn''t too worried.


    Wang Zhi had known long ago that he had issues with the people from Tianyuan Martial Arts Academy. If he intended to harm him, why would he bother to teach Hao Ran the Breathing Skill?


    Moreover, accepting invitations doesn''t mean he agrees to help with affairs.


    He had experienced this firsthand.


    It looked likely that Qin Feng would waste his silver for nothing...


    Of course, Chen Sansi still needed to be cautious in case the other party became desperate.


    He had specifically inquired about it these past few days.


    He learned that half a month ago, Qin Feng had suddenly transformed from an external disciple to a True Inheritor, but since becoming a True Inheritor, he had only recently mastered Blood Refining.


    Chen Sansi was only a step away from entering Blood Cultivation.


    When the time came, he might be able to battle it out.


    The experience of hunting Black Bear had taught him that having a bit of extra strength wasn''t that remarkable!


    With this in mind, he felt full of motivation.


    At the entrance to the military camp, he encountered Wang Zhi returning on horseback.


    Even from a distance, he could smell the thick scent of alcohol on him.


    "Catch!"


    He tossed him a flask, "Inside is deer blood wine. This flask alone costs three taels of silver, but it''s worth it. I bought it especially for you!


    "Who says I, Wang Zhi, am stingy and treasure money as if it were my life? Don''t listen to Old Liu and the others spouting nonsense. Stick with me, and you won''t miss out on benefits!


    "You also strive for it, and try to cultivate your first strand of Qi-Blood within ten days."


    "Thank you, Hundred Households Wang."


    Chen Sansi bowed with his hands clasped, "I have reached a bottleneck practicing my spear technique and was wondering if I might receive some guidance from you to prevent any deviations?"


    "Bottleneck? What bottleneck in the introductory period, wait a minute¡ª"


    Wang Zhi sobered up a bit, "You, you''re about to start Blood Cultivation?!"


    At the Martial Arts Arena.


    Chen Sansi swallowed the last piece of bear heart and gulped down a few more mouthfuls of deer blood wine, feeling an intense heat throughout his body, with Qi Power almost overflowing.


    He seized the moment to pick up his Plum Blossom Spear and practiced the basic military spear skills.


    Pile Work, spear technique, Breathing Skill!


    With the triple reinforcement, Chen Sansi''s body entered a fully loaded state. Coupled with the supplement of meat and wine, his spear moves became faster and faster, not feeling the slightest fatigue or depletion.


    His heart was beating wildly, as if something was about to burst forth from within.


    ''Is this Qi-Blood?'' he wondered.


    Chen Sansi knew this was the crucial moment for cultivating Qi-Blood, so he dared not stop, continuously increasing the power of each move, exhaustingly extracting every last bit of physical strength and pushing his heart to the limit.


    Until his arms went numb and veins bulged all over his body, he let out a loud shout, gathering his last breath, and thrust the spear into a large stone at the edge of the Martial Arts Arena.


    At last.


    A unique stream of hot blood flowed from his heart.


    [Cultivation Technique: Basic Military Spear Skill (Entry-Level)]


    [Progress: (0/500)]


    [Utility: Swift Gun Movement, Amazing Endurance]

 Chapter 25 - 25 Wang Zhi

    Blood Refining Introduction!


    Chen Sansi exhaled a turbid breath.


    The so-called Blood Cultivation Introduction.


    It is the cultivation of a strand of special "Qi-Blood" within the body.


    Those who practice Martial Arts are able to mobilize this strand of Qi-Blood to enhance the power of their attacks.


    The stronger the Qi-Blood, the longer the peak combat performance can be maintained.


    Just as Householder Xiong had said, only after reaching the Blood Refining realm could one understand the importance of Qi-Blood quality.


    This was just the beginning, and in the future, the gap between ordinary Breathing Skill and vast Breathing Skill would only grow wider.


    "Stab me!"


    Wang Zhi''s shout came from beside his ear, "I told you to thrust your spear at me!"


    Chen Sansi did not understand why, but he didn''t hesitate either; he picked up the Mei Hua Iron Spear, channeled his Qi-Blood through his right arm, and stabbed towards the face of Lord Thousand Households.


    "Clang¡ª"


    Fatty Wang struck with the sheath of his knife, confirming the strength was correct, "Did you really cultivate Qi-Blood?"


    How long had it been?


    At most, only six days!


    Those who could cultivate Qi-Blood within a month were regarded as having boundless potential.


    What did it mean to succeed in six days?!


    What''s more terrifying is that he cultivated using the vast Breathing Skill!


    It''s true that the vast Breathing Skill is stronger, but it also means that cultivating Qi-Blood through this method is much more difficult.


    Yet he only took six days!


    What kind of talent was this?


    After his shock, Wang Zhi tried to control his facial expression, "You did quite well for being so nonchalant, kid."


    "Nonchalant my ass!"


    Hearing the commotion, Households Commander Liu and Householder Xiong also came to see and were astounded by the scene.


    To cultivate Qi-Blood in six days, even in the Eight Camps that would be considered top-notch talent, right?


    What had they missed out on?


    This young man might soon join the Eight Camps, and if he got heavily relied upon, he could rise rapidly to become a Sealed Border Governor, or even a top-ranking official.


    By then, even if they received a bit of favor based on the past incense offerings, they could also ascend to heaven along with him.


    Although this was only a possibility, letting this opportunity slip through their fingers was infuriating enough.


    "Old Xiong!"


    Households Commander Liu rubbed his knife handle, "Let''s take care of him another day, shall we?"


    "No need for another day."


    Householder Xiong grabbed an axe from the rack, "Let''s do it today."


    The Martial Arts Arena quickly became lively.


    When everybody learned that while some were still practicing Pile Work, Chen Sansi had already cultivated Qi-Blood, they were all stunned.


    Luo Dongquan was also drawn by the noisy voices, his face ashen.


    His good-for-nothing nephew would need at least seven more days to cultivate Qi-Blood, which was twice as slow.


    "Get lost, I''m not in the mood to play with you all!"


    Without paying attention to the two Hundred Households, Wang Zhi led the young man into the tent.


    He first poured himself a bowl of wine and drank it, then said, "Today, Households Commander Xiang went to the county city. Once he''s back, I''ll report this. The Selected Point qualification rightfully belongs to you."


    "Thank you, Hundred Households Wang."


    Chen Sansi did not dare to take this seemingly avaricious fat man lightly.


    This guy might not look much, but his strength was extraordinary.


    That previous thrust, he had put in all his effort, yet the opponent had effortlessly blocked it with just the sheath of his knife.


    With such a huge gap in strength, one truly couldn''t underestimate any military officer.


    "You are now officially a martial master." Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Wang Zhi asked, "What weapon do you plan to primarily train with from now on?"


    Chen Sansi had not considered this question before.


    Fatty Wang explained the army camp system.


    "During new soldier training, short spears are uniformly issued.


    "After the assessment is over, military soldiers can choose the weapon they like or are skilled with, while Array Soldiers can only be assigned based on the needs of their unit.


    "But don''t think the basic spear technique of the soldiers is poor.


    "This set of spear techniques was created by the most valiant general under Great Ancestor Sheng, and if it were in Jianghu, it would definitely be treasured by the average sect as a family heirloom.


    "The reason it''s used to train new soldiers is precisely because it''s not easy to learn, and it can test a person''s talent and potential.


    "After testing, of course, you can change to what you prefer."


    Chen Sansi voiced his doubt, "Won''t changing weapons affect Martial Arts Progress?"


    "You''ve only just started, and haven''t deeply specialized. It''s quite easy to switch."


    Wang Zhi said, "Moreover, there''s a saying, ''Staff takes a month, saber takes a year, and a lifetime is needed for the spear; the treasure sword is hidden on one''s person.''


    "Without a doubt, the spear is the hardest to learn, followed by the sword.


    "With your talent, if you followed me to learn the blade, your cultivation speed would be even faster. How about it, want to consider it?"


    Chen Sansi understood the principle that a weapon''s length added to its strength.


    In the future on the battlefield, long weapons theoretically had a higher limit.


    Besides, although spear techniques were difficult, it wasn''t as if he couldn''t learn them.


    He had never chased after quick success. Advancing step by step ensured a more solid foundation in his arts.


    "I will continue to train with the spear."


    Chen Sansi made his decision.


    "You do have ambition."


    Wang Zhi didn''t urge him further but changed the topic, "However, Sansi, with you being fought over by me and Old Liu amongst others, do you feel like you''re about to soar to the skies?"


    "No."


    Chen Sansi was aware of the value he had shown, which might be considered not bad.


    But he wasn''t foolish enough to believe it was "secure."


    Possibilities, before they become reality, are merely possibilities.


    He believed that so-called "geniuses" were never in short supply.


    But those who truly made it to the end and stood at the top, were not necessarily those "geniuses."


    Moreover, he never considered himself a top-notch genius.


    More often, it was about relying on one''s own efforts.


    Fatty Wang telling him this probably meant he really saw him as one of his own.


    Chen Sansi gave a cupped fist salute, "Thank you, Hundred Households Wang, for the guidance."


    "As long as you understand, that''s good. But you also need not be overly cautious."


    Wang Zhi personally poured two bowls of wine and handed one to him, "Although I am just a sixth-rank Householder, within Po Yang County''s territory, I can still protect my subordinates."


    "I will remember that."


    Chen Sansi picked up the bowl and drank it in one gulp.


    Hundred Households Wang also drained his bowl, then tossed it aside, patted his stomach, and headed out the door, "I''m off. I still have to join the Lord Thousand Households tonight to carry out a mission, fighting bloody battles! "


    "Buzz¡ª¡ª"


    Following that, a rallying call sounded throughout the military camp.


    Hundred Households Wang and Households Commander Liu gathered their men to head into the city.


    "Entering the city again, are they still hunting the barbarian assassins?"


    Chen Sansi contemplated, "With all this chaos lately, it really isn''t easy to make a move..."


    But it couldn''t be delayed any longer.


    Qin Feng had already become a True Inheritor, the longer the delay, the more troublesome it would become.


    Time to change the approach.


    With all this chaos, the death of one or two people should be quite normal, right?


    ...


    "Mr. Wang, you are so naughty~"


    "You are so big~ Hahaha!"


    Spring Pavilion.


    In the private room.


    Wang Zhi, with a beauty in each arm, couldn''t stop being fed grapes and sipping fine wine, thoroughly enjoying himself.


    Across from him.


    Sat two young men.


    One was dressed extravagantly, holding a folding fan, the very picture of a dashing gentleman, wrapped around a lovely lady¡ªit was Liang Zhan, the Young Master of Tianyuan Martial Arts Hall.


    The other young man, donned in a robe, equally presentable, was indeed Qin Feng.


    He had no women by his side and sat somewhat stiffly.


    "Here, Hundred Households Wang, I toast to you."


    Liang Zhan raised his cup in invitation.


    "Sure, sure, sure!"


    Hundred Households Wang drank heartily.


    "Hundred Households Wang."


    Liang Zhan put down his cup and asked with a smile, "What about that hunter from the countryside, how have you considered it?"


    "Mr. Liang is talking about whom?"


    Wang Zhi feigned ignorance.


    "..."


    Liang Zhan went silent for a moment, took out a twenty-tael Silver Ingot from his sleeve, and slapped it over with a chuckle, "Hundred Households Wang, you really forget things so quickly, don''t you?"


    Wang Zhi glanced out of the corner of his eye and gestured with his mouth, the silver disappearing from his hand in an instant.


    "Look at my memory!"


    He slapped his forehead, "I remember now, is it that fellow named Qian from Su Family Village? I''ll take care of him, don''t worry."


    "Mr. Wang, you''ve misremembered."


    Qin Feng, unable to hold back, suddenly stood up, "I''m talking about Chen Sansi from Yanbian Village."

 Chapter 26 - 26: Going to See Your Brother

    Qin Feng could no longer hold himself back.


    He had recently obtained the qualification of True Inheritor and was on reasonably good terms with the Young Master, Liang Zhan.


    After learning that Chen Sansi had joined the army, he implored Liang Zhan to pull some strings and see if it was possible to kick him out of the barracks to deal with him easily.


    But later, Chen Sansi was taken under the wing of Wang Zhi.


    Therefore, Qin Feng entrusted Liang Zhan to invite the Hundred Households officer to a banquet.


    Fatty Wang, who was indeed infamous for his greed and lechery, would come whenever he was called, almost without fail.


    Everything was expected to go smoothly, but this invitation turned into three days of continuous entertainment.


    In the daytime, lavish meals and fine wine were served at Eight Treasures Building, and beauties from Spring Pavilion kept them company at night.


    Over these three days, more than twenty taels of silver vanished for nothing.


    Naturally, Qin Feng couldn''t afford such extravagance.


    The money was all provided by Liang Zhan.


    But this couldn''t go on either.


    It was time to make things clear. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    So, Qin Feng simply laid it all out.


    The moment Chen Sansi''s name was mentioned, the private room fell eerily silent.


    Wang Zhi did not rush to reply but languidly savored his wine before pushing aside the women and standing up.


    He moved toward Qin Feng step by step, with a clear smirk on his lips, but no trace of warmth to be felt, "Ah, the Chen fellow~ I do seem to have such a person under me.


    "Come now, what''s the grudge between you two?"


    An instant ago, Hundred Households Wang had seemed like another dissolute bureaucrat, but at this moment, he exerted a tremendous pressure on Qin Feng.


    Subconsciously standing up to answer, he said, "Sir, my elder brother has gone missing, and I suspect..."


    "You suspect?"


    Wang Zhi glared with his right eye, almost getting in Qin Feng''s face, "That means you have no evidence, right?"


    "No... I don''t,"


    Qin Feng admitted.


    But among the many villages around, the only person with the capability to hurt his brother was Chen Sansi.


    Hundred Households Wang suddenly changed his expression and started laughing at the gentleman, "Mr. Liang, look at your disciple, what a joker. His brother disappears, and he blames someone without proof¡ªisn''t this just making a fuss?"


    "Hundred Households Wang, I''m not making this up, he..."


    Qin Feng started to speak but then stopped mid-sentence.


    What could he say?


    That his brother wanted to abduct someone else''s wife first?


    He cast a pleading look at Liang Zhan.


    The latter ignored him, going along with Fatty Wang''s words, "Hundred Households Wang has a point, I actually think it might be a misunderstanding as well?"


    "Young Master..."


    Qin Feng wanted to object but was silenced by a gesture from Liang Zhan.


    "Hundred Households Wang."


    Liang Zhan continued, "Let''s leave the matter here, and continue drinking. Later, we''ll call for a couple more top girls."


    "No need,"


    Fatty Wang waved his hand, "These past few days I''ve been working with your Martial Arts Hall to search for the barbarians, we''ve already narrowed down the area, and I reckon we''ll find them tonight, so I need to go as well.


    "Otherwise, Households Commander Xiang may give me a hard time again, let''s continue another day.


    "As for your brother''s matter, I reckon it was probably those barbarians'' doing."


    He outstretched his stout palm and patted Qin Feng''s shoulder twice, "Once I''ve caught the barbarians, I promise to force the truth about your brother''s whereabouts from them."


    After the two pats, Qin Feng almost spat out blood.


    Before he could react, Wang Zhi grabbed his sword and pushed open the door to leave.


    "Young Master."


    Ignoring the pain in his shoulder, Qin Feng said, "What does Hundred Households Wang mean by this?"


    "What else could he mean?"


    The smile on Liang Zhan''s face faded, "He''s clearly telling us not to touch that kid; what the devil! Fatty Wang is well-known far and wide for his cunning, why would he suddenly take someone under his protection?"


    Qin Feng asked, "Young Master, what should I do?"


    Liang Zhan opened his folding fan and gently waved it, his voice laced with helplessness, "Don''t think of this fat man as merely a Sixth Rank officer; he has no small backing.


    "He hails from the Eight Camps, and rumors say, he used to be able to speak directly to Supervisor Sun. Even though he''s been relegated to the Households department, he probably still knows a few high-ranking officials.


    "Even I have to treat him politely.


    "It''s better not to provoke if avoidable.


    "So, let''s drop this matter here."


    "Stop?"


    Qin Feng''s brows furrowed as his voice uncontrollably rose, "Young Master!"


    "If I tell you to stop, you stop. Don''t you understand?"


    Liang Zhan slammed his folding fan down onto the table with a "snap," scolding without warning, "Hasn''t this young master already spent dozens of taels of silver on your behalf, isn''t that generous and righteous enough?"


    "..."


    Qin Feng lowered his head, not daring to speak again, but his fists tightened in the shadows.


    "Hehe~"


    Liang Zhan then turned and soothingly laughed, "Alright, Qin Feng, I know you and your brother were close, but isn''t Wang Zhi there to protect us? We''re untouchable, right?


    "As the saying goes, ''A gentleman can wait ten years to take revenge.''


    "After the assassin''s incident last time, you were taken as a direct disciple by my father. Just cultivate diligently, and won''t you be able to take your revenge later?"


    Qin Feng remained silent.


    "Come on, sit down and join us."


    Liang Zhan looked out at the night sky, "After the hour of You today, the city will be under martial law. Households Commander Xiang personally plans to capture that barbarian, so you''d better not go out."


    "Thank you for your kind intentions, Young Master, but with such a great vendetta unavenged, I dare not indulge myself."


    Qin Feng understood that no matter what he said, the other party would no longer help, so he took his leave.


    As the hour of You approached, the sky gradually darkened.


    All the way, his thoughts were anything but calm.


    Could it really end like this?


    Or should he do as Liang Zhan suggested, diligently practice martial arts, and seek revenge later?


    Absolutely not.


    Fatty Wang''s protection of Chen Sansi showed that the boy''s talent was probably extraordinary.


    If he delayed, where would his advantage come from?


    Most importantly, how could he cultivate in peace with his revenge unfulfilled?


    Since they were three, they had lost their parents.


    It was his elder brother, Qin Xiong, who raised him, selling pancakes to make a living, and later, when life got too tough, they had no choice but to engage in usury and human trafficking.


    But his brother was a good man!


    Now, his brother had disappeared without a trace, neither alive nor dead.


    The only thing left was the golden lock his brother had given him when he was ten years old.


    Wait.


    Where was the golden lock?!


    Qin Feng reached for his neck only to find that the amulet he always wore close to his body had disappeared. How could it...


    Wang Zhi!


    He suddenly remembered Hundred Households Wang patting his shoulder a few times.


    This was too insulting!


    "Chen Sansi!"


    Qin Feng was consumed by rage.


    If nobody would help him, he would take his revenge by himself!


    With his mastery of Blood Refining, killing a novice who had just started learning martial arts should be a piece of cake.


    As for what would happen after, he could only bet that there wouldn''t be consequences.


    Qin Feng made up his mind.


    He hurried to pass through the inspection before the city gate closed, leaving the county seat and heading straight for his home in Yanbian Village.


    The empty house no longer rang with the voice of his brother, laughing and playing drinking games, fueling the fire in his heart.


    Qin Feng searched through his belongings, pulled out a set of black clothes to wear, and covered his face with a black cloth.


    He sat down on a chair, cradling the Treasure Sword with both hands as he closed his eyes and concentrated.


    He was just waiting for the dead of night to slip out and kill.


    "Caw caw¡ª¡ª"


    Midnight.


    The night crows cawed.


    Qin Feng opened his bloodshot eyes.


    Just as he was about to take up his sword and leave the house, suddenly a ghostly voice came from outside.


    "Qin Feng."


    "Your brother sent me to take you to him!"

 Chapter 27 - 27: Brothers Reunited

    "Who?!"


    Qin Feng shivered.


    He immediately rushed outside, only to catch a glimpse of a dark shadow flashing by at the end of the road.


    "Still daring to seek me out!"


    Qin Feng gathered his energy and sprinted furiously.


    But no matter how hard he tried, he couldn''t catch up to the shadow.


    "Qinggong, you can perform Qinggong too? Could it be you, Chen Sansi?!"


    Qin Feng barely managed to fall behind the shadow.


    The two, one in front and one behind, chased each other, leaving Yanbian Village and heading straight towards Tiger Head Mountain.


    They reached Second Layer Mountain.


    The shadow flashed again, burrowing into the dense forest and completely disappearing.


    "Clang¡ª"


    The long sword unsheathed, Qin Feng held the sword in one hand, cautiously stepping into the dense forest. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The night sky was crystal clear, the moon bright, stars sparse.


    The ghastly white moonlight scattered across the earth, broken by the dense branches into mottled shadows and light.


    With every step Qin Feng took, rustling sounds emitted from the surrounding thicket, unclear whether they were caused by startled bugs and animals, or someone lurking in the shadows.


    He swung his sword forward in anger, cutting down swathes of plants to clear his view, but the shadow that had lured him out remained unseen.


    "Who exactly are you?"


    "Weren''t you to lead me to see my elder brother, where is he now?!"


    Finally, that deep, eerie voice rose again.


    "Your brother''s head is nearly crushed by you, and you still ask me?"


    What?


    Qin Feng was startled and looked down.


    Beneath his feet, embedded in the mud, was a stark white skull.


    Around the skull, scattered bones and pieces of clothing lay around.


    From the remains of the clothing, it appeared they had been torn apart by wild beasts.


    This was...


    Qin Xiong''s clothing.


    How could he have forgotten?!


    "Brother!!!"


    "Swoosh¡ª"


    Qin Feng roared, his heart suddenly turning cold.


    A Wolf Teeth Arrow pierced his heart from behind, protruding from the front.


    Thud!


    Qin Feng knelt on one knee, the long sword planted into the earth for support, struggling with all his might not to fall, as blood gushed from his mouth and nose like a fountain.


    He had no strength left, nor the will to resist anymore; he merely gazed blankly at his elder brother''s remains.


    The moonlight, salt-like, illuminated them both, one alive, one a ghost, two real brothers.


    "Damn it!"


    "My heart is kind, I can''t bear to see this scene. Since your brotherly love is so deep, I''ll grant you both a reunion!"


    Chen Sansi emerged from the shadows.


    He mobilized his Qi-Blood into his arms, using the plum blossom spear technique powerfully, and pierced through Qin Feng''s heart, ending his life.


    From start to finish.


    Qin Feng had never managed to see his killer''s true face.


    Such is the terrifying nature of long-range weapons.


    If one can neither dodge nor withstand the blow, they are almost always incapacitated by a single strike.


    Clearly, mastery in Blood Refining was not enough to resist.


    Chen Sansi searched the body, finding ten taels of silver.


    "You''re indeed richer than your brother!"


    Besides that, there was a sword.


    Chen Sansi thought it over but decided not to take it.


    This sword, issued by Tianyuan Martial Arts Academy, was too distinctive a feature and couldn''t be sold off.


    In order to prevent anyone from recognizing the arrow and spear wounds on Qin Feng''s body, he first pulled out the Wolf Teeth Arrow, then picked up the long sword, chopping the corpse wildly over a dozen times, ensuring that the wounds couldn''t be identified before he was satisfied.


    "Finally dealt with."


    Having eliminated a major worry, Chen Sansi felt comforted.


    This trip, both his skills in tracking, stealth, and archery had improved significantly.


    [Skill: Archery (small achievement)]


    [Progress:(50/1000)]


    "Tracking and stealth breakthrough!"


    [Tracking and Stealth (small achievement)]


    [Progress:0/1000]


    [Utility: Night as Bright as Day, Insight Shocking, Light as a Feather, Concealing Breath and Hiding]


    On top of the original basis, two additional effects had emerged.


    Though it was night, Chen Sansi could see every minute movement as clearly as if it were day.


    Concealing Breath and Hiding, self-explanatory, needs no further description.


    With these two skills, Chen Sansi was truly an assassin who came and left without a trace.


    "It''s time to go back."


    Tonight, there was a big commotion in the county city, unknown if it would spill over to the outside.


    Not daring to linger, he quickly retraced his steps under the cover of night.


    As he passed by Su Family Village, Chen Sansi sharply noticed some activity in the woods.


    Highly vigilant, he immediately climbed a tree, deploying his newly learned Concealing Breath Technique.


    Instants later, he felt as if he had merged with the tree; even the birds perched on the tree were not startled.


    Staggering footsteps came from the woods, resembling a drunkard who every few steps would crash to the ground breaking the undergrowth, creating a "crashing" noise.


    Finally.


    The source of the noise entered Chen Sansi''s field of vision.


    However, this was not a drunkard but a person gravely injured.


    The man who approached wasn''t tall, his clothes were tattered, and his body was covered in blood with over a dozen knife wounds deep enough to expose his bones; one could even see his pulsating organs.


    Sustaining such severe wounds yet still able to walk was nothing short of miraculous.


    "Where did he come from?"


    Chen Sansi noted the man''s attire¡ªearrings, and a braided beard, not the style of the local people.


    "A barbarian?"


    "That assassin?"


    "Weren''t there Lord Thousand Households Xiang Tingchun in person last night along with three hundred troops and countless disciples from the martial arts academy to guard? And he still managed to escape?"


    He didn''t act recklessly, but observed secretly.


    "Cough, cough, cough..."


    As the barbarian kept coughing up black blood, he staggered and fell into the bushes, repeatedly trying to get up only to collapse back to the ground. His state was clearly deteriorating fast, nearly at his end.


    There, he lay on the ground, using his hands covered in sticky blood to dig under a rock, tremblingly scooping up the mud.


    It took great effort to carve out a small hole.


    Then, he drew a box from his bosom and buried it with all his remaining strength.


    "Is he hiding something?"


    Chen Sansi watched intently.


    "Cough, cough, cough..."


    After burying the item, the barbarian scrambled to cover the spot with grass and branches.


    By now, he was practically only breathing in and no longer out, on the brink of death, yet he still persisted in crawling forward to get as far away from the hiding spot as possible.


    After about ten meters, his body stiffened, and he moved no more.


    Chen Sansi waited in the tree for roughly ten minutes, confirming the man was truly dead, before leaping down to poke open the soil with his long spear and retrieve the hidden object.


    "What''s this?"


    Chen Sansi toyed with the palm-sized box, pondering.


    The fact that he strained his last breath to hide it meant it must be extremely valuable.


    But the question remains.


    Why would an assassin carry treasures with him on a mission?


    Or perhaps.


    The barbarian''s purpose was to steal this item specifically from Po Yang County?


    "No, that''s not right,"


    Chen Sansi shook his head.


    There were still inconsistencies.


    Had he come to steal, the barbarian should not have lingered in the area after killing the County Magistrate, and during that time, also killed the master of Yunhe Martial Arts Hall.


    Moreover.


    What treasure could little Po Yang County possibly possess?


    Intelligence even less likely.


    With the incident escalated to this level, even if it were intelligence, it would have been rendered useless; was there still a need to bury it?


    The whole affair had been strange from the start.


    Neither the government office nor the martial arts schools had mentioned searching for any item, only capturing the assassin.


    "Ahead!"


    "Quick!"


    "..."


    Suddenly, footsteps sounded not far off, swift and firm, clearly the pursuers had caught up.


    Chen Sansi couldn''t risk exposing his nocturnal activities, quickly restored the hole and placed a rock over it, then climbed back into the tree with the box.


    The ones who arrived weren''t from the government office or the garrison.


    It was people from a martial arts academy, and only three of them.


    A middle-aged man led two direct disciples.


    From their attire, they were from Zhao''s Martial Arts Academy.


    The leader was the master, Zhao Ben.


    "Master, just the one."


    "And he''s dead!"


    They discovered the barbarian''s corpse.


    Zhao Ben''s expression changed as he rushed over, searching the body, "Where''s the item?!"


    "Search!"


    "Yes!"


    The two disciples drew their swords and began scouring the area.


    Of course, they found nothing in the end.


    "Master, there''s nothing. I reckon it must have been taken by some of the others."


    "Damn! So close!"


    Zhao Ben''s fists whitened as he clenched them, it took a long while before he could suppress his rage, "Did you leak any information tonight?"


    "Master, rest assured. Besides the masters of the three major martial arts academies, only a few direct disciples and Lord Thousand Households knew that we were searching for an Immortal Treasure.


    "The rest of the ordinary disciples and the official soldiers from the garrison think we were simply capturing an assassin."


    "Good,"


    Zhao Ben warned, "This matter is critical to our hundred-year plan. If any word leaks out, the consequences are unimaginable! Therefore, if any outsider learns even a fraction of information, they must be killed without hesitation!"


    "Go back. Also, carry the barbarian''s corpse back and cut it open. Don''t rule out the possibility that the item is inside him!"


    "Yes!"


    "..."


    Watching as the group departed,


    Chen Sansi took some time to absorb the overwhelming amount of information from the conversation.


    Immortal Treasure?


    They were searching for an Immortal Treasure?


    And Lord Thousand Households Xiang Tingchun was in on this too?


    And hell, they were so ruthless as to kill any outsider who came into contact with it?


    Chen Sansi weighed the box in his hand.


    "Well then, there''s no way I can let anyone know I''ve touched this thing."


    "It looks like..."


    "It''s mine now!"

 Chapter 28 - 28 The Box

    ```


    He hid until the latter half of the night.


    After confirming the surrounding area was safe, Chen Sansi blended into the darkness and returned home before dawn.


    Without disturbing Sister Lan, who was fast asleep, he quietly took out the box by the bedside and examined it carefully. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    On the surface, it appeared to be just an ordinary sandalwood box, devoid of any decorative patterns and utterly barren, save for a strangely shaped keyhole.


    They called this thing "Immortal Treasure."


    What did that mean?


    Could it possibly be a relic left behind by an immortal?


    Chen Sansi''s curiosity was intense.


    He didn''t have the key, so he tried to force the box open, but it wouldn''t budge.


    Effortlessly he could pull apart dual-stone crossbows and even muster his Qi-Blood, yet the box remained unyielding.


    In the end, it was still made of wood and could definitely be smashed open directly.


    But Chen Sansi was not foolish enough to actually do that.


    There could be some mechanism hidden inside, and brute force was likely to damage the "Immortal Treasure" within.


    Resigned, he could only put the item away for now, planning to take the opportunity to understand the box''s mechanism and what could be used to open it later.


    "Huff..."


    Chen Sansi exhaled deeply.


    This night had indeed been a busy one.


    But now that Qin Feng was eliminated and Qi-Blood was the first to be mastered, perhaps life would be a little more comfortable after his upcoming promotion to small flag and obtaining the Selected Point qualification?


    As these thoughts wandered through his mind, he used Gu Xinlan as a soft pillow, pressing her beneath him and drifted comfortably into a deep sleep.


    The next day.


    Chen Sansi got up early and went to the military barracks.


    He hadn''t even entered when he overheard everyone in the camp discussing last night''s events.


    "You didn''t go last night, so you don''t know how chaotic the city was. I saw it all with my own eyes right next to it!"


    "Even Households Commander Xiang had to take action personally, working with the masters of Tianyuan, Tai Lei, and Zhao Martial Arts Halls to corner that barbarian assassin in an abandoned courtyard."


    "Just as they were about to capture the barbarian alive, a group of masked assassins emerged!"


    "Although their faces were covered, by the styles of martial arts they used, they seemed to be barbarians as well, and even more formidable ones at that, each skilled in Bone Training and above! One even managed to exchange blows with Households Commander Xiang."


    "They seriously injured the master of Tai Lei Martial Arts Academy and escorted the assassin out through the city gate."


    "Of course, they also lost more than half of their own men."


    "..."


    Listening to their discussions, Chen Sansi realized that the city must have experienced intense fighting last night.


    And something didn''t sound quite right.


    The assassin was rescued?


    Then how did he end up dead from severe injuries?


    Could it be that the masked assassins had also come for the "Immortal Treasure" and had turned on each other after leaving the city?


    The barbarian assassin fortuitously escaped but was mortally wounded and just happened to be encountered by him?


    If so, was it possible that the reason the box couldn''t be opened was that the key was in the hands of the other group they mentioned?


    This matter was truly very complex.


    Arriving at the barracks, Chen Sansi saw that Wang Zhi hadn''t arrived yet, so he decided to practice for a while in the Martial Arts Arena.


    "Chen Sansi."


    He had just picked up the plum blossom spear when someone called out his name.


    Turning around, he saw it was Song Yan''s second uncle, Luo Dongquan, Hundred Households Luo.


    Hundred Households Luo gestured to him with a smile, "Come over here for a moment."


    "Master Luo."


    Chen Sansi planted his iron spear into the ground, standing his ground, "If you have something to say, say it here."


    "Alright."


    Luo Dongquan, unbothered, clasped his hands behind his back, "I have a favor to ask of you."


    ```


    ```


    A hundred households officer having something to ask for?


    Chen Sansi didn''t overthink it and said, "Hundred Households Luo may speak freely, but I''m afraid I am of low status and might not be able to help much."


    "You have great talent, the best I have seen in all my years of practicing martial arts,"


    Luo Dongquan sighed, "My nephew, he can''t compete with you. But don''t get me wrong, I have no intention of making things difficult for you. If one is inferior in skills, one should concede."


    "I want to ask you to give up your opportunity for the Selected Point in the first half of next year to Yan''er, and you take part in the second half instead."


    "Of course, I wouldn''t ask you to do this for nothing,"


    He produced a silver note, "This is a silver note worth a hundred taels, which can help you buy plenty of Blood Replenishing Soup and Beast Meat to increase your cultivation speed. It''s just a delay of half a year, should be quite a good deal, right?"


    There are two Selected Points every year, one in the first half and one in the second half.


    Each Households commander can only send one person at most each time.


    On the surface, half a year''s delay doesn''t seem like much.


    But why doesn''t he let his own nephew delay for half a year?


    Only a fool would believe that.


    Chen Sansi wouldn''t delay his own advancement over such a small amount of silver, "Thank you, Hundred Households Luo, but I think there is no need for this. Song Yan has good talent; he will certainly have no problem in participating in the Selected Point in the second half of the year."


    Hundred Households Luo kept his smile: "Fine, business not done, courtesy remains. Since you are unwilling, let''s leave it at that. Don''t take today''s matter to heart¡­"


    "Old Luo, you''re quite a character!"


    A plump hand suddenly flashed by, snatching the silver note directly.


    Wang Zhi appeared silently at some point, with a grin that could not be concealed, "You were planning to give this as a congratulations gift to Sansi, aren''t you? My, my, a hundred taels, you''re so generous? You really are the wealthiest!"


    "Damn it, Wang!"


    Luo Dongquan reached out to grab the silver note back.


    Wang Zhi, quick as lightning, kept backing away while pocketing the silver note, "Since you''ve given a gift, how can you take it back?


    "Or is old Luo not really giving a gift, are you trying to coerce and bribe him?"


    "Shall we inform Households Commander Xiang about this?"


    "You¡­"


    Luo Dongquan was speechless for a long while, eventually sneering and walking away.


    Chen Sansi watched, utterly dumbfounded.


    What skill Hundred Households Wang had, to make a hundred tales with just a few words!


    "What did old Luo want from you?"


    Wang Zhi spit after Luo Dongquan''s departing figure.


    Chen Sansi reported truthfully.


    "Such a crafty mind,"


    Wang Zhi scoffed, "Do you know why he wants you to participate in the second half of the year?


    "Rumor has it Supervisor Sun is getting on in years, and the first half of next year will be the last time he personally selects his direct disciples for the Selected Point.


    "Starting from the second half of the year, it will be someone else teaching!"


    Chen Sansi wasn''t too surprised.


    "Very well, try to avoid dealing with old Luo from now on,"


    Wang Zhi said, "Just wait here, Households Commander Xiang and County Magistrate Zhang have arrived. They''ll be blowing the assembly call soon to gather and inspect your batch."


    He began explaining the next steps.


    Selected Point is usually chosen only from the newest recruited soldiers of that year.


    Only those who show talent in a short period of time imply high potential and are worth cultivating.


    In a while, Households Commander Xiang Tingchun will personally check the cultivation levels, then the County Government''s County Chief will confirm the time of enlistment and whether there are any instances of favoritism or fraud.


    Once verified, it will be reported up to the Liangzhou Governor''s Mansion.


    After that, the Governor Mansion will send a dedicated Selection Officer later on to personally confirm there''s no deceit.


    Only then will it be time to go to the Eight Camps in Liangzhou to participate in the true Selected Point to determine future status and position within the Eight Camps.


    "Buzz¡ª"


    Hundred Households Wang finished talking.


    The assembly call just then sounded.


    ```

 Chapter 29 - 29: Assessment

    The assembly call sounded.


    The new batch of soldiers gradually arrived and lined up in the Martial Arts Arena.


    Not long after,


    clad in Lock Armor and with a saber at his waist, Xiang Tingchun appeared first, followed by a civil servant dressed in official robes.


    Xiang Tingchun''s face was expressionless as he directly made his way to the high platform.


    He surveyed the crowd and slowly spoke in a deep voice, "Those who have refined their Qi-Blood, step forward!"


    Out of thirty-eight men, only Chen Sansi took a step forward.


    A hint of surprise flickered across Xiang Tingchun''s usually unfathomable face, and he ordered, "Let a small flag spar with him so I can take a look."


    "Xu Bin, step out!"


    Wang Zhi raised his hand to point and said, "Follow the rules, use only the Blood Cultivation Introduction level, but you are free to unleash any Cultivation Technique, and help Chen Sansi practice!"


    At the edge of the Martial Arts Arena, Xu Bin, who was unexpectedly chosen, was momentarily stunned but still stepped out.


    He looked at Chen Sansi with a complex expression.


    In these past several days, this fellow villager of his had been the center of attention.


    First, he was publicly fought over by several Lords Hundred Households.


    Then, he refined his Qi-Blood in a mere six days.


    Six days!


    He himself barely managed to pass the threshold to become a military soldier, and he couldn''t even remember how long it took him to refine his Qi-Blood!


    In any case, it took him years in the army to finally scrape together the rank of a small flag.


    If this youngster performed well today, he''d likely be promoted directly to small flag! S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Such limitless prospects.


    He...


    on the other hand, hadn''t shown a good face to the newcomer on his first day of enlistment.


    Even more unlucky, somehow he was chosen to be the one to assess the newcomer.


    "What are you dawdling for, begin."


    Xiang Tingchun urged, "Use the same level of Qi-Blood and go all out. This will also let me see if your martial arts as military officers have made any progress."


    "Old Xu."


    "They say this man is your fellow villager, make sure you don''t go easy on him."


    "..."


    A few flag officers and Lords Hundred Households chimed in from the side.


    They had often heard about a prodigy arriving at the garrison and had been eager to assess his true skills.


    Xu Bin, as instructed, summoned a thread of his Qi-Blood.


    The amount of Qi-Blood could be controlled.


    Blood Cultivation Introduction was one thread, Mastery was two, and small achievement meant it spread throughout the limbs.


    Maintaining only one thread of Qi-Blood was the equivalent of suppressing one''s level to Introduction.


    However, it was difficult to restrain the saber technique that had been accumulated over many years.


    In theory, if the two were to fight, he would have an absolute advantage.


    Even so, Xu Bin felt somewhat nervous.


    Lord Thousand Households was personally watching the bout, having made his expectations clear.


    It meant if he lost to a newcomer in front of everyone, his prospects would be essentially ruined.


    On the contrary, if he could demonstrate some fierce moves and catch Lord Thousand Households'' eye...


    His ambition since childhood had been to earn military achievements on the battlefield someday, but being born in Po Yang County, he never even had the chance to face the enemy.


    Lacking cultivation resources, stuck in the Blood Refining Realm for so many years, he was almost without hope of advancement.


    Today, however, was an opportunity.


    Both were fighting for their own futures; he wasn''t willing to sacrifice his for the sake of helping another.


    So, there was absolutely no chance of him going easy.


    He hoped that this younger brother, introduced by his father, would not blame him.


    "Sansi, in case I injure you, don''t blame me."


    Xu Bin drew his saber from its sheath, the three-foot-long blade emitting a chill in the blazing sun.


    "Xu Flag Officer, please come at me," said Chen Sansi, bracing himself with his spear raised.


    Ever since he started practicing martial arts, he hadn''t truly sparred with anyone.


    This opportunity was also a good chance to see what level he was at.


    "Good, watch the saber!"


    Xu Bin suddenly made his move.


    His body slightly bent, he dragged his saber as he moved, his gaze fierce like a ravenous wolf finally seeing flesh after days of hunger. In just two breaths, he reached the young man''s side and his Yan Ling saber slashed horizontally.


    At the same time, a dot of cold light appeared in front.


    In the blink of an eye, this cold light became the gun tip, rapidly enlarging in Xu Bin''s pupils.


    The later man arrives before one who set off earlier,


    the saber is short, the spear long, the way of the long weapon!


    "What a fast spear!"


    Xu Bin dared not advance further, half a step more and he wouldn''t strike the opponent, but likely be pierced first!


    He swiftly halted his steps, attempting to use his saber to break the spear shaft made of White Wax Wood.


    Chen Sansi clearly wouldn''t give him this chance, retracting his spear by three inches, uniting waist and horse, mobilizing his Qi-Blood to his right arm and, with a "blocking and catching" move, clashed the spear tip against the saber edge.


    "Clang¡ª¡ª"


    A crisp sound of weapon impact rang out.


    The Yanling Saber buzzed incessantly.


    The Mei Hua Iron Spear was even more incessantly trembling.


    Both men simultaneously retreated several steps.


    But for a long weapon, distance opened up means advantage!


    Xu Bin had barely steadied himself when the Mei Hua Iron Spear stabbed at him again, forcing him to block with his saber. Fortunately, after many years of martial arts training, he had no problem with such intensity, able to parry it.


    But the basic spear technique of a military soldier is something everyone has practiced.


    Why were Chen Sansi''s spear techniques so unusually fast and fierce, unlike ordinary people?


    And then there was Qi-Blood.


    Although it was just a thread of Qi-Blood, he had concentrated on refining it for years, and it should be somewhat stronger by all account.


    Yet, facing that direct strike, he actually had no advantage in terms of power, barely gaining a slight upper hand by relying solely on his experience with saber techniques.


    How odd and baffling!


    Xu Bin felt shame, worried about ruining the impression he made in the eyes of Lord Thousand Households.


    He wielded the saber in his hand with increasing aggression, aiming each blow at vital points, trying to exhaust his opponent''s Qi-Blood this way.


    "Clang, clang, clang, clang!"


    The sound of metal clashing continuously rose, dust billowed in the Martial Arts Arena.


    Chen Sansi kept retreating to maintain the distance advantage of the long weapon.


    "Damn it."


    Wang Zhi couldn''t help but curse.


    He had thought that it was Xu Bin who had introduced Chen Sansi to the military camp, so he had deliberately called him out. Was this guy actually playing for real?


    He''d wait and see how this blind fool would be dealt with later.


    Meanwhile, Xiang Tingchun''s eyes narrowed slightly, watching with great interest.


    "Well done!"


    The soldiers watching also began to cheer.


    "Clang¡ª"


    Another clash of metal on metal.


    Chen Sansi narrowly avoided being hit. At a critical moment, he held his breath, twirled a spear flower, and pushed the metaphorical fierce wolf, which had come close to him, back to a distance of seven steps.


    Xu Bin was indeed a veteran.


    After several bouts, his arms grew numb, his shoulders ached, and his body and face were covered in sweat.


    Yet his Qi-Blood was still plentiful.


    He could go on.


    Rarer were such sparring opportunities, and his skill with the spear was improving rapidly. He treasured this chance.


    "Come on!"


    Xu Bin swung his saber, one stroke after another, his eyes reddening.


    This was already the eighth round, and he still couldn''t defeat his opponent!


    Since he had already offended him, he might as well do it thoroughly.


    No matter what, he could not become a worthless person in the eyes of Thousand Households!


    He spared no effort, the Yanling Saber tearing through the air as if he were a raging wolf, using every possible means to rip into his prey.


    He planned to fight hard and fast to speed up the wear on his opponent, looking for a weakness.


    However, as time went on.


    Xu Bin gradually noticed something was wrong.


    On the surface, the young spearman seemed to be on the defense all the time.


    But his Qi-Blood never waned!


    Instead, it was his own Qi-Blood that kept being expended, close to bottoming out.


    "How can this be?!"


    A look of astonishment spread across Xu Bin''s face.


    Impossible!


    This kid had just begun cultivating Qi-Blood; he must run out after another ten rounds!


    With that thought, he became even more violent in his saber techniques.


    But the reality was entirely different from what he had imagined.


    After another ten rounds, he had used up most of his Qi-Blood, yet Chen Sansi still hadn''t lost!


    This young man, looking out of breath and nearly done for, always managed to persist at critical moments, displaying terrifying endurance.


    "Clang!"


    Xu Bin, due to his depleted Qi-Blood, slowed in speed and weakened in strength.


    It was then that the tide turned, and the Mei Hua Iron Spear shifted completely from defense to offense!


    A parry, a grab, a stab¡ªevery key point in the spear technique was executed by Chen Sansi with precision and ferocity, combined with Qi-Blood, like a sudden downpour of a violent storm, instantly upon him. A moment''s inattention could lead to a catastrophic injury.


    Now it was Xu Bin''s turn to be drenched in sweat.


    His Qi-Blood gradually dried up in the fierce fight, his hand holding the saber even began to cramp. He forgot about attacking, or to put it more accurately, he no longer had the opportunity. All he could see was the constant flickering of cold light and fluttering red tassels.


    This was impossible.


    Chen Sansi had only recently cultivated Qi-Blood; how could his endurance be so extraordinary?


    There were several moments when Xu Bin almost tapped into his other Qi-Blood reserves, revealing the strength of Blood Refining Mastery, but he knew he had lost.


    Five years!


    Five years of martial arts practice, and he couldn''t compete with someone who had half a month''s of training!


    "Clang¡ª"


    In a daze, his Yanling Saber was picked off, and the sharp triangular gun tip followed close behind, pressing against his throat.


    "Xu Flag Officer, I yield!"

 Chapter 30 - 30 Flag Officer

    Chen Sansi was sweating profusely, even his eyes were soaked in sweat, and his physical strength was nearing exhaustion, yet he felt like he could still push on a bit longer if he gritted his teeth.


    Perhaps this was the chemical reaction produced by pairing amazing endurance with the Hao Ran Breathing Skill?


    However, his victory was not easy.


    After all, Xu Bin was a military officer who had practiced Martial Arts for years and had achieved a small accomplishment in Blood Refining.


    This battle had been quite helpful to him.


    [Cultivation Technique: Basic Spear Technique for Military Soldiers (Entry-Level)]


    [Progress: (52/500)]


    [Utility: Gun Movement Swift, Amazing Endurance]


    He personally experienced the effects of these two skill descriptors.


    He estimated that any peer within seven steps would be struck down before they had a chance to draw their sword!


    His spear technique was not only enduring but also swift.


    Both long-lasting and fierce!


    "Good!"


    Atop the high platform, Xiang Tingchun loudly exclaimed in approval, his eyes brimming with gratification.


    The watching soldiers burst into applause and cheers.


    "Fierce!"


    Zhu Tong''s voice was the loudest.


    Xu Wencai stretched his neck, equally energized by the sight: "I see a hidden king''s aura in Brother Chen, he is destined for greatness!"


    "What''s the use of your looking," Zhu Tong cursed. "You''d better focus on yourself. It''s been ten days, and you still haven''t grasped a single Pile Work. You''re just waiting to be sent out to repair city walls!"


    "..."


    "Brother Chen is truly formidable!"


    Song Yan couldn''t help but express his admiration.


    Xu Bin''s heart felt as dead as ashes.


    He had lost to a novice in front of hundreds of people.


    His chances of advancing in his military career from now on were pretty much over.


    Not only that, this duel had offended Chen Sansi.


    Previously, he could disregard him and not show a good face, and that was that.


    This time, he had been ruthless and had shown no mercy. If he had incurred resentment, once Chen Sansi rose to a high position, wouldn''t it be easy for him to make life difficult for him?


    "You won."


    Xu Bin picked up his knife and dejectedly left the field.


    Chen Sansi didn''t even have the chance to speak.


    Xiang Tingchun on the high platform was very satisfied with this competition. He looked towards the accompanying civil servant:


    "Before Wang Zhi spoke with me, I did not believe him, but now it seems like our Po Yang Thousand Households have really produced a potential general!


    "County Magistrate Zhang, no issues, right?"


    "No issues."


    County Magistrate Zhang had already checked the military register: "I will report it to the Liangzhou Governor''s Mansion after I return, and make clear the qualifications for Selected Point of this Chen Sansi."


    The matter was originally expected to be handled by the county prefect himself.


    However, since the prefect had died and a new one had not yet been assigned, it was temporarily entrusted to the County Chief.


    "Hmm."


    Xiang Tingchun nodded, signaling Chen Sansi to step down and continue the examination of the other new recruits.


    "How many of them have cultivated Qi-Blood in ten days, and how many have learned the spear technique?"


    Out of thirty-eight people, six stood out.


    Xiang Tingchun commanded: "Pair up in twos, and show me a fight."


    "Yes!"


    The six responded.


    Before an hour had passed, the competition concluded, and one could basically tell how each person had performed.


    "Song Yan is good, and in a few days, he should be able to cultivate Qi-Blood."


    Xiang Tingchun mused: "The qualifications for Selected Point in the second half of next year should not be an issue.


    "You''re named Zhu... Zhu Tong? You''re also not bad!


    "Having seven military soldiers among this batch is the highest turnout in the history of Po Yang County.


    "Alright, you may also step down for now.


    "The rest, directly show me your Pile Work."


    Thirty-two people performed Pile Work.


    About fifteen or sixteen of them hadn''t even mastered Pile Work.


    The most absurd was a middle-aged man with a goatee who did not know a single move!


    This sight made Xiang Tingchun frown deeply, losing the patience to continue watching.


    "That will do, the assessment is over.


    "Chen Sansi!"


    "Present!" Chen Sansi answered.


    "From this day forth, you are promoted to flag officer, with all the due treatment of the position, in addition to being equipped with a first-class warhorse!"


    Xiang Tingchun looked to the side: "Wang Zhi, he''s your recruit, so he will be under your command from now on. You have a position for him, right?"


    "Yes, yes, yes."


    Wang Zhi hurriedly answered, "There are quite a few empty spots."


    "..."


    Xiang Tingchun continued, "For the others, fill in the vacancies under each Households Commander; if they achieve a breakthrough in their cultivation or earn military exploits in the future, promote them then!"


    After overseeing the evaluation, he left in a hurry.


    Leaving behind the various Households Commanders to deal with the subsequent trivial matters.


    First was to classify the ranks of the soldiers, and then decide who they would report to. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    When the Selection Officers come to pick people each year, it''s also the time for those from above to investigate the issue of phantom soldiers.


    In recent years, the scrutiny has become stricter, and the phenomenon of phantom soldiers has decreased a lot, but it has not completely vanished.


    A Thousand Households should have a full complement of about 1120 people.


    Po Yang County reported about one thousand people.


    In reality, there were only a little more than nine hundred people.


    This meant that there were nearly a hundred vacancies.


    Thirty-something people, as long as they looked presentable enough to pass the inspection, were all picked by the military officers to fill the gaps.


    Chen Sansi also didn''t have a full complement under him; he had seven people.


    There was Zhu Tong, who actively clamored to come over, four fellow villagers, and two who were sent to the army as a punishment.


    Soon, only two or three old, weak, sick, and disabled remained unwanted by anyone, belonging to the kind that even a beggar hired temporarily from the street would look better.


    "You don''t even know how to stand in a horse stance? Go build the city wall in the neighboring county!"


    "No, no, no, my lord, I can do odd jobs!"


    "Odd jobs, can you feed a horse?"


    "I can learn!"


    "Learn, who has the time to teach you? Cut the nonsense, drag him away!"


    Xu Wencai was one of those who nobody wanted.


    "Brother Chen!"


    Seeing that he was about to be taken away, Xu Wencai, as if seeing a lifeline, rushed over and clutched Chen Sansi''s arm desperately, "Do you have a shortage of people under you, let me follow you, let me follow you!"


    "Don''t come and bring us misfortune!"


    Zhu Tong said with extreme disdain, "When we go into battle, you won''t even know what to do; you''ll just drag us down to our deaths!"


    "Who says I can''t do anything?"


    Xu Wencai said, full of earnest promises, "Brother Chen, I, Xu Wencai, have a broad knowledge of astronomy and geography, I am good at arranging troops and managing affairs. Other than being too old to learn martial arts, I can do everything else. Take me in, and I assure you it will be worth it!"


    "Enough talk."


    Households Commander Liu gave a signal, and two soldiers approached to restrain Xu Wencai.


    At that moment, Chen Sansi cupped his fist and said, "Households Commander Liu, please give this man to me."


    "Are you sure?"


    Households Commander Liu looked puzzled, "Aren''t you afraid of wasting a spot under you? Think it over carefully."


    The issue of phantom soldiers had nothing to do with Chen Sansi, the newcomer.


    Which is to say, he didn''t need to pad the numbers, and naturally, the stronger the combatants under him, the better.


    "No problem,"


    Chen Sansi insisted, "I''ll make him feed the horses for me later."


    "Fine then,"


    Households Commander Liu didn''t say much, "As you wish, if you regret it, just let me know."


    "Phew..."


    Relieved from having to go work on building the city wall, Xu Wencai let out a long sigh of relief, "Brother Chen, you really have vision!"


    "He''s just too kind-hearted and got fooled by you!" Zhu Tong cursed.


    About half an hour later, the soldiers were mostly allocated.


    The one in charge of the armory handed Chen Sansi a few slips, telling him that he could use them to collect resources.


    There was Blood Replenishing Soup, Weapons Slips, and also a horse.


    "I still owe Xu Flag Officer a bow,"


    Chen Sansi wasn''t one to shirk debts, but he couldn''t find Xu Bin in the crowd at the moment: "Never mind, let''s go check out the horse first."


    A horse.


    It was an extremely valuable strategic resource.


    Not all flag officers had one.


    The entire Po Yang Thousand Households had less than thirty horses in total.


    "Chen Flag Officer, this horse of yours isn''t an ordinary one!"


    The head of the armory said with a grin, "It''s a top-grade Baihu that Lord Thousand Households took great effort to acquire from the Prefecture City. There were only two in total, and he was willing to spare you one, a clear sign of how much he values you. Chen Flag Officer, you have a boundless future ahead!"


    He ordered the coachman to lead a fine horse out of the stables.


    This horse was pure white all over, with strong muscles and a well-proportioned physique; as the wind blew, its mane danced in the breeze, resembling clouds in the sky.


    "Would you like to give it a try, Chen Flag Officer? Be careful, though,"


    the head of the armory reminded, "This horse has a fiery temperament."


    "I like them fiery."


    Chen Sansi mounted the horse.


    [Skill: Horse Control (Uninitiated)]


    [Progress: (0/100)]


    [Utility: None for now]

 Chapter 31 - 31 Xiang Tingchun

    "Horse control also counts?"


    "Whinny¡ª"


    Before Chen Sansi had time to think carefully.


    The White Swan Horse suddenly neighed to the sky and bolted out of the stables uncontrollably, bucking wildly, trying to throw off the person on its back.


    "Damn!"


    Chen Sansi almost flew off completely, hastily grabbing the reins with both hands, and clamping his legs tightly around the horse''s belly while stepping on the stirrups.


    It seemed easy for others to ride a horse, but one only knew how difficult it actually was after trying it themselves.


    Especially with a violent and untamed horse, one could easily lose their life if they weren''t careful!


    "Whinny¡ª"


    The White Swan Horse neighed as it charged haphazardly.


    Sitting atop, Chen Sansi only felt the gale piercing his ears, the scenery moving rapidly backward, and with the horse''s resistance, it was like riding a roller coaster without any safety harness.


    "Good beast!"


    He simply hugged the horse''s neck, trying to subdue it with pure brute force.


    Man and horse were locked in a standoff for an hour, with neither gaining the upper hand.


    It wasn''t until both were exhausted that a temporary truce was called.


    [Skill: Horse Control (Not Entry-Level)]


    [Progress: (35/100)]


    [Utility: None]


    "Are you a mare?"


    Chen Sansi leaned over to check closely.


    His understanding of horses was limited, but he knew that mares were generally smaller; this one, however, was clearly an anomaly, incredibly strong.


    "Ha ha ha ha ha!"


    Hearty laughter came from behind.


    Chen Sansi turned around to see it was Xiang Tingchun.


    Dressed in plain clothes and without his armor, Xiang Tingchun had a more amiable look on his face, yet he still exuded an air of authority.


    A Lord Thousand Households holds a fifth-rank official position.


    A fifth rank in Po Yang County is unparalleled.


    Not just in terms of official ranking but also in cultivation and power.


    "Lord Thousand Households."


    Chen Sansi greeted with a fist and palm salute.


    "How goes it, that horse isn''t easy to tame, is it?"


    Xiang Tingchun teased, "It''s supposed to be difficult. If this horse wasn''t so fiery and occasionally harmful to people, they wouldn''t have been willing to give it to me, and I certainly wouldn''t have thought of giving it to you. Whether you can tame it or not depends on your own ability."


    The Lord Thousand Households hadn''t come specifically to see him.


    Chen Sansi noticed that not far away, a coachman was leading out another White Horse, likely the one prepared for the Lord Thousand Households'' trip, and they had just coincidentally met here.


    "Do well, and if you need anything, just come to me."


    After speaking, Xiang Tingchun mounted his horse.


    His horse was very well-behaved.


    "Where is he going?"


    Chen Sansi mused to himself, "Did they find the key to unlock the Immortal Treasure last night, and were all those masked people caught? Was Luo Dongquan also there?"


    Before leaving the horse grounds, he saw another Black Horse appear, matching pace with the White Horse.


    The man on the horse was Luo Dongquan.


    "Is he involved with the Immortal Treasure as well?"


    These people were clearly keeping secrets from the court.


    His curiosity grew about what exactly was inside the box.


    ...


    "Luo, stop bringing up Selected Point,"


    Xiang Tingchun said firmly, "At a time when the Great Sheng Court lacks manpower, continuing these internal conflicts would be disgraceful."


    "Lord."


    Luo Dongquan looked reluctant, "Next year''s first half is the last Supervisor Selected Point."


    "So what?"


    Xiang Tingchun pulled the reins, "You need to understand something, the Supervisor''s power is too great and, coupled with his advanced age, His Majesty has long wanted him to step down.


    "Joining the Eight Camps at this time may not be a good thing.


    "His Majesty has been looking for newcomers these years, wanting to reshuffle the Northern Territory. It''s very likely that the Eight Camps will be disbanded and reassigned to every corner of the land¡ªeast, west, south, and north.


    "At this critical juncture, if someone can distinguish themselves, they might very well rise to a high position under the future new Supervisor."


    Luo Dongquan listened, utterly engrossed: "That''s why Your Lordship plans to cooperate with the Martial Arts Hall to search for the so-called ''Immortal Treasure,'' but does such a divine item, that can rapidly enhance one''s cultivation, truly exist in this world?"


    "Seeing how excited those old fools at the hall are, it doesn''t seem fake. I''m not sure where those barbarians acquired such treasure.


    "No wonder their raids have become more frequent since last year."


    Xiang Tingchun paused and then continued, "You must remember, our main goal isn''t the Immortal Treasure. Those fools, do they really think they can hide such a thing, if it does exist? The most important thing is to take this opportunity to make those Martial Arts Halls and the rich people in the county bleed some money, to prepare for next spring."


    "My Lord, do you really plan to go beyond the Great Wall and make a move against the Yuwen Tribe''s branch?"


    Luo Dongquan''s expression grew solemn: "The barbarians living near the Xi River have at least two thousand five hundred fighters. We only have a total of nine hundred men, and we also need to report to the Ministry of War, only after their approval can we dispatch troops."


    "That''s why I need war horses, crossbows, provisions, medical herbs, in other words, I need silver!"


    During their conversation.


    The two arrived in the fields.


    Xiang Tingchun raised his riding crop, pointing at the vast farmland: "Do you see? This land should all belong to our Great Sheng, but what happened? Seven or eight parts out of ten now belong to the Martial Arts Halls and the local gentry as private property!


    "Now that wars are non-stop, when we need money, they aren''t willing to contribute a single copper!


    "The matter of the Immortal Treasure happens to be a good scare tactic to subdue them.


    "With money and strength, once we achieve an unrivaled feat, there will be better opportunities for us in the future, why be confined to the Eight Camps?


    "Old Luo, how long have you been with me?"


    Luo Dongquan nodded: "Come winter, it will be exactly twenty-one years."


    Xiang Tingchun spoke gravely: "In all of Po Yang, I trust you the most. That''s why I''ve confided in you alone about this matter and hope you can lend your full support. If we succeed, whatever position I attain in the future, you will hold the same."


    "Lord Thousand Households, rest assured." S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Luo Dongquan bowed with clasped hands: "Your humble servant is willing to walk through fire and water for the Lord, and will not shy away from death!"


    "Let''s go, talk to those old fellows at the Martial Arts Hall."


    The two, riding their horses, entered the city and made their way straight to Tianyuan Martial Arts Academy.


    Liang Zhan greeted them at the entrance: "My father and several uncles have long prepared a feast, waiting for both lords. Please come in!"


    After welcoming the guests.


    Liang Zhan did not hurry inside but waited for a Martial Arts Academy Disciple to arrive. He asked, "Have you found him?"


    "To answer Young Master, no."


    The disciple replied, "Nobody was seen at the residences of the brothers in the city, nor at the old home in Yanbian Village. When asked around, everyone said they haven''t seen Qin Feng."


    "Disappeared?"


    Liang Zhan tapped the palm of his hand with his folding fan: "Eight out of ten, that soldier surnamed Chen killed him."


    "Then Young Master, what should we do?" The disciple, who was close to Qin Feng, felt heavy-hearted.


    Liang Zhan said coldly, "What else can we do? We don''t have any evidence. If he''s dead, he''s dead. Do you expect me to give you a sword so you can go to the army camp to seek revenge?"


    The disciple fell silent.


    Liang Zhan sneered.


    Qin Feng was good, having joined their Martial Arts Hall for several years, hardworking and loyal.


    Recently, by chance, he overheard his secret conversation with his father. Seeing how tight-lipped the lad usually was, he had not killed him but instead took him on as a Direct Disciple.


    But the guy was too stubborn and insisted on courting death.


    He''d advised and helped him.


    To Liang Zhan, Qin Feng''s life was worth only those few dozen taels of silver.


    Tianyuan Martial Arts Academy wasn''t lacking other Direct Disciples, and Liang Zhan wasn''t foolish enough to take a risk to avenge him.


    "This Brother Chen is quite interesting, indeed!"


    "After all, Qin Feng mastered Blood Refining, yet they say he was killed just like that."


    "Such talent, I must make sure to befriend him after getting through this busy period."


    "Last night¡­ also happened to be the time when the barbarians escaped from the city, how coincidental."


    Liang Zhan narrowed his eyes, thoughtful.

 Chapter 32 - 32 Linglong Jade Box

    Military Camp.


    Chen Sansi and his people had familiarized themselves with everything.


    Starting tomorrow, they were to begin their official "work."


    As for the job content.


    Wang Zhi was not around, no one knew where he had gone, but Household Commander Liu came over and explained everything to him in great detail.


    The ninety-some people under Hundred Households Wang were mainly responsible for the "Seven Parts Farming, Three Parts Garrison" aspect of garrison duty.


    In the morning, they had to be at the military camp, practicing battle formations as a group. Military soldiers needed to participate in this before being promoted. In the afternoon, they would go to the Great Wall to keep watch and might also be sent to patrol the county town.


    As for the garrison troops, they had half a day of practice and half a day of work.


    Only military officers had more freedom.


    Most of their time could be spent on cultivation.


    "When the beacon fires rise, the horns sound."


    Households Commander Liu pointed to the northern sky: "If you see black smoke rising, it means the barbarian tribes are invading, and everyone needs to assemble at the first notice. However, it''s been many years since we''ve seen beacon smoke rise up in this place.


    "Also, do you not have a place to live yet?"


    Chen Sansi nodded: "When I joined the army, the manager told me there were no spare houses."


    "There''s no room for ordinary soldiers, but there are a few houses for military officers. Come with me."


    Households Commander Liu led the way.


    In the military settlement, the vast majority of houses were as simple as those in Yanbian Village, mainly made of mud bricks.


    However, walking two miles west to where the military officers lived, everything suddenly looked new. All were standalone courtyards made of blue bricks and solid wood, large and small, divided according to rank.


    "This is a house only a Hundred Households can live in, right?"


    Stopping in front of a two-entry courtyard, Chen Sansi said: "It doesn''t seem appropriate for a small flag like me, does it?"


    "What''s inappropriate? Who''s to say you won''t become a Hundred Households before long?"


    Households Commander Liu said: "Besides, it''s empty anyway, and Lord Thousand Households isn''t going to care. Even if he finds out, he''ll just turn a blind eye."


    "Alright."


    Chen Sansi understood it was a favor being given to him and didn''t turn it down.


    Firstly, running back and forth between the military camp and Yanbian Village every day was not only inconvenient but also a waste of precious time.


    Secondly, his family''s living conditions were truly humble, so moving to a better house would make life more comfortable for Sister Lan.


    Using a cart borrowed from the military camp for transporting grain and fodder, Chen Sansi went back to Yanbian Village to move.


    "Shitou, you really became an officer?!"


    "For sure, he''s even moving with a horse and cart."


    "Once you climb up the ranks, you won''t bother with us anymore!"


    "What Lai Zi said this time might actually happen."


    "¡­"


    When Chen Sansi had just brought the cart into the village, the villagers were happy to watch the excitement, but gradually, the smiles disappeared from their faces.


    Becoming an official.


    It meant that from then on, they were no longer the same kind of people.


    "Uncles and aunties are joking; I''m just a small flag without even a rank. How am I an official?"


    Chen Sansi didn''t know what else to say.


    There wasn''t much to move from his home, just a few quilts and some pots and pans, making the cart seem rather superfluous.


    "This house is quite nice indeed."


    Arriving at the new house, Gu Xinlan was also very pleased and busily started to tidy up.


    Chen Sansi was not idle; after finishing the last two pounds of braised bear meat at home, he started practicing spear technique right there in the yard.


    After bringing out the Qi-Blood.


    The effect of the bear meat was nowhere near as great as before.


    It was only equivalent to eating ordinary livestock before he had cultivated Qi-Blood.


    [Cultivation Technique: Basic Spear Technique (Entry-Level)]


    [Progress: (72/500)]


    [Utility: Gun Movement Swift, Amazing Endurance]


    An afternoon only increased the progress by twenty points.


    "It looks like I still need to buy things like bear heart for proper nourishment."


    "And medicinal soups!"


    As a flag officer, Chen Sansi could receive a bowl of Blood Replenishing Soup every three days, but he didn''t know how effective it would be.


    He looked up at the sky and realized it was already dusk.


    By this time, the people in the pharmacy should have stopped decocting medicines.


    With nothing else to do, he sat down and flipped through a book for a while.


    It was still the "Dasheng Book" from before.


    Reading about the current Emperor''s great grandfather, it mentioned that he was particularly fond of designing things and had invented numerous ingenious devices, including a wooden box specifically for the transmission of intelligence, named the Linglong Jade Box.


    This box contained mechanisms and had to be opened with a special Jade Key. Otherwise, it would burn from the inside out, destroying the intelligence.


    However, the box was lost after the Emperor died.


    "Isn''t this the box in my hands?"


    Chen Sansi felt relieved that he hadn''t destroyed it with brute force, otherwise he would have truly lost a treasure.


    [Skill: Reading (small achievement)]


    [Progress: (51/800)]


    [Utility: Quick-witted, spirit refreshed, photographic memory]


    ¡­


    The next day.


    Chen Sansi finally didn''t have to travel far. After breakfast, he took a leisurely walk to the barracks, first practicing archery for a while, then practicing spear technique.


    When he estimated that the time was about right, he went to look for Xu Bin.


    It was also a twist of fate that Xu Bin was under Wang Zhi''s command as well, but after several rounds of searching, he didn''t see him and had to ask other flag officers.


    "Old Xu? Yesterday afternoon, I saw Hundred Households Wang beat him up, and then he disappeared." S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Hundred Households Wang?"


    Chen Sansi was taken aback.


    He realized something.


    When the sparring happened yesterday, it was very possible that Hundred Households Wang chose Xu Bin hoping he would throw the match.


    "There''s no need for that," he said.


    Chen Sansi was somewhat speechless.


    If he truly had thrown the match, it would have been of no benefit to either of them.


    He inquired about Xu Bin''s residence and then went to find him.


    ¡­


    "Bin, have you lost your mind?"


    Today, Old Xu had come from the town to bring a stewing hen for his pregnant daughter-in-law, and as soon as he entered, he saw the huge palm print on his son''s face.


    Usually, Xu Bin would go to the barracks to practice Martial Arts early in the morning, but today he hadn''t moved even though it was near noon.


    He knew right away that something had happened.


    After some pressing enquiries, he finally understood the whole story.


    "Little Stone is our fellow villager, and if he makes a name for himself in the future, it would only benefit you! How could you hit him with all your might? You deserve to be beaten, deserve it indeed!"


    Xu Bin kept his head down, saying nothing.


    In fact, from the moment he was chosen for the assessment, he was stuck in a dilemma.


    If he had thrown the match, wouldn''t Lord Thousand Households have seen through it?


    Not throwing the match would offend Hundred Households Wang.


    The only good outcome was to be treated with respect by the Lord Thousand Households.


    The result was obvious; he ended up with the worst possible outcome.


    Afterwards, Wang Zhi found some pretext to slap him and demanded twenty taels of silver, threatening to beat him up every time he saw him if he didn''t pay.


    All of his military pay went into practicing Martial Arts, and with his daily expenses, he had nothing left. Where would he find twenty taels of silver?


    "Go find Little Stone," urged Old Xu. "Hurry up, apologize to Little Stone, and ask him to smooth things over for you!"


    "Dad, it''s useless," Xu Bin said without any sense of hope.


    During the sparring match, he had gone all out to the point of killing.


    With swords and knives being blind, one could easily end up bleeding for real.


    If the other party simply didn''t make things difficult for him in the future, that would already be a mercy. How could he expect him to speak on his behalf?


    "Bang bang bang¡ª"


    The sound of knocking interrupted the father and son''s conversation.


    Soon after, a warm and amiable voice could be heard.


    "Is Brother Bin home? It''s me, Chen Sansi."

 Chapter 33 - 33: Witch God Sect

    After inquiring, Chen Sansi learned that he lived very close to Xu Bin, only about a five-minute walk away.


    He knocked on the door and announced his identity, and soon a young woman opened the door.


    Chen Sansi noticed the slight bulge in her abdomen, "Is this Xu Bin''s home?"


    "Yes."


    The woman hurriedly called someone out.


    There came Xu Bin, sporting a handprint on his face, and greeted awkwardly, "Chen, Chen Flag Officer."


    He remembered that not long ago, he had requested the other to address him by his official title.


    How long had it been, and now everyone held the same rank?


    "I really don''t consider myself as an officer; just calling me ''Rock'' or by my name will do."


    Chen Sansi smiled and pulled out a slip from his sleeve, "This is for you."


    "This is¡­"


    Upon seeing it was a weapons slip from the arsenal, Xu Bin remembered he indeed had loaned out a bow and arrows before.


    "What are you staring at? Apologize to Little Rock!"


    Old Xu came running out and kicked Xu Bin on the buttocks.


    Xu Bin''s face turned red immediately.


    In the military camp, he never resorted to giving gifts or flattering others; he always proved himself through hard work.


    "Bin, hurry up!"


    Old Xu was so anxious he was hopping, "Without Rock''s help, offending Hundred Households Wang, our whole family might end up unable to even eat!"


    "I¡­"


    Xu Bin felt his face burning, but seeing his wife''s bulging stomach, he finally compromised: "Flag Officer Chen, I..."


    "I''ve already said, no need to call me flag officer."


    Before he could finish, Chen Sansi interrupted, "At the camp, we call each other by our ranks, but at home, there''s no need to be so formal. If you don''t mind, I''d still like to call you Brother Bin."


    "What?"


    Xu Bin doubted his ears, "You don''t resent me?"


    "Why should I resent?"


    Chen Sansi was candid.


    If it wasn''t for borrowing the heavy bow, he wouldn''t have so easily won the favor of the Household officers nor could he have built his Qi-Blood so quickly.


    Admittedly, Xu Bin''s attitude might not have been the best.


    But help was help.


    The other could have completely refused to lend it.


    "Hundred Households Wang is a bit..."


    Chen Sansi couldn''t compliment Wang Zhi''s character, "Anyway, I''ll speak with him, no worries."


    "Right, I knew Little Rock was good-natured, how could he not help you?"


    Old Xu said, "Aren''t you going to thank him now?"


    Xu Bin looked at the youth.


    In this world, not repaying kindness with enmity was already good.


    And here was someone willing to disregard past grievances, even calling him ''brother''?


    Futhermore, for him, it was really just a small effort.


    How could he face such decency?


    For some reason, when Xu Bin looked at Chen Sansi again, he began to sense an indescribable aura about him that commanded respect.


    ''Respect'' might not be the exact word, but he couldn''t think of a more fitting way to describe it at that moment.


    Swallowing his words, Xu Bin finally simply offered a fist salute, "From now on, anything you ask, I am at your disposal!"


    Chen Sansi smiled, "That''s too much, but, I do have a favor to ask of you.


    "I''d like Brother Bin, whenever you''re not busy, to spar with me on spear technique."


    I benefited a lot from our last exchange.


    "At your service."


    Xu Bin agreed instantly, "But, I really cannot accept this."


    He handed the slip back.


    "I have a sword and that''s enough; if you insist on giving me this, it means you still hold a grudge."


    "Alright."


    Chen Sansi didn''t insist further.


    "Little Rock, don''t go, stay for dinner!"


    Old Xu insisted on not letting him leave.


    At noon, Chen Sansi and Gu Xinlan both stayed for a meal.


    Xinlan and Xu Bin''s wife, Lady Tong, got to know each other, and as both enjoyed needlework, they found a lot of common topics to discuss, hitting it off well, and even made plans to meet up in the future.


    "Buzz¡ª"


    Halfway through the meal, the military camp sounded a rally call.


    "Father, we have to go," Chen Sansi said.


    Xu Bin hastily put on his armor and grabbed his sword. "Shanshi, hurry!"


    "What''s happened?"


    Chen Sansi purposely looked up at the sky but saw no signs of beacon smoke, indicating that there were no enemy attacks.


    When they arrived at the garrison, they were met by Lord Thousand Households, his face full of fury.


    Xiang Tingchun ordered in public, effective immediately, that half of the personnel within the Households should search the city of Po Yang daily for Witch God Sect Followers, not sparing even the Martial Arts Schools, and conduct strict searches of each. If any were found, they were to be charged with the crime of colluding with the enemy and treason.


    What was the Witch God Sect?


    Why even search the Martial Arts Schools? Hadn''t they just cooperated recently to surround and attack barbarian assassins?


    "I''m not sure," he replied.


    Householder Xiong said, puzzled, "All I know is that yesterday Lord Thousand Households and Luo Dongquan went to the Tianyuan Martial Arts Academy, and when they returned, he was furious, stating that they were all parasites of the court, and it was time they learned their lesson."


    "Lord Thousand Households is probably preparing to let the local lords bleed a little," Households Commander Liu said, stroking his chin.


    "Isn''t he afraid of the higher-ups?"


    It was a well-known fact that the Great Sheng Court was heavily in debt.


    In earlier years, the garrison occasionally had delayed payments.


    On the other hand, the Martial Arts Schools and local gentry were amassing wealth.


    The money in the hands of the hundreds of households was merely scraps between the lords'' teeth. Nicely put, it was called a bribe; harshly put, it was money thrown to beggars.


    Securing some wealth from the Martial Arts Schools was naturally a good thing.


    But the problem was,


    If it was that simple, the court wouldn''t have been so hard-pressed.


    The Martial Arts Schools and local gentry included many who had retired from positions in the court; some were blatantly businesses owned by current court officials. Who would dare touch them?


    On the surface, it seemed that their Households wielded the greatest authority.


    In reality, which Martial Arts School didn''t have connections with people in the prefecture or state offices?


    The actions of Xiang Tingchun were difficult for them to understand.


    "Unless, Xiang Tingchun has some leverage over them," Chen Sansi thought, though he did not voice it.


    And he was right.


    These people had been hiding from the court while searching for the Immortal Treasure.


    Xiang Tingchun had planned to use this matter to blackmail the Martial Arts Schools, but it seemed the talks had broken down.


    "Move out!"


    Five Hundred Households, leading over four hundred soldiers marched out of the garrison mightily.


    Chen Sansi and his subordinates were among them.


    Wang Zhi was not present, and two flag leaders led them instead.


    One surnamed Miao, the other surnamed Fang.


    "Flag Leader Fang."


    Chen Sansi asked, "Wasn''t it barbarian assassins before? How did it become the Witch God Sect?"


    Flag Leader Fang shook his head, "That night, the masked persons who suddenly appeared and rescued the assassin were said to be from the Witch God Sect, supposedly very notorious villains. That''s all I know."


    "I know about this, I know!"


    Xu Wencai rushed over excitedly raising his hand.


    "Mr. Xu knows?"


    Chen Sansi said, "Please tell us."


    "Ahem!"


    Xu Wencai cleared his throat and began seriously, "This Witch God Sect, it originated from the barbarian tribes and has a history of two hundred years. However, it declined long ago.


    "Just about ten years ago, they suddenly became active again and even supported the Yuwen Tribe to swallow up three tribes on the grasslands in one fell swoop, transforming from a small tribe into one of the four hegemons. These years, the barbarians who have been harassing the borders of Sheng are mainly from the Yuwen Tribe, with the other three hegemons mostly watching from the sidelines."


    "Hmm, you seem to know quite a lot!"


    Zhu Tong was half skeptical, "You aren''t making this up, right?" S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Ptui!"


    Xu Wencai proudly stated, "I traveled everywhere in my early years. You think I did that for nothing?"


    "No wonder you weren''t at home even when your father died a few years ago!" Zhu Tong said bluntly.


    Xu Wencai turned dark and fell silent.


    "Witch God Sect, Yuwen Tribe, border, Immortal Treasure..." Chen Sansi connected the dots and realized it seemed to be a matter of great significance.


    Following their entry into the city, the five hundred soldiers began a house-to-house search.


    However, they temporarily did not search the Four Great Martial Arts Schools and other top-tier halls, focusing primarily on the smaller and lesser-known ones.


    This was Xiang Tingchun making an example of the smaller entities.


    The search continued until dusk, and they then left without any conflicts, but this was just the beginning.


    After wasting an afternoon, Chen Sansi went straight to the arsenal upon returning to the Households, intending to exchange the Weapons Slip and then get a bowl of Blood Replenishing Soup.

 Chapter 34 - 34 Mastery of Spear Technique

    The weapon was not needed by Xu Bin, of course, it could not be wasted.


    Conveniently, the plum blossom spear in Chen Sansi''s hand was too common. Although it did not drag down his abilities, it also did not offer any enhancement.


    In the arsenal, various types of weapons filled the racks.


    Most were standard issue, a small portion was fine weapons made by military officers, among which spears were the scarcest with only two or three varieties available.


    Chen Sansi''s gaze fell on a long spear in the center of the last row.


    This spear was about four meters long, with a slim, reed-leaf-shaped head, a red tassel following the blade, and a shaft slightly thicker than the plum blossom spear''s, also made of white wax wood but wrapped in bamboo strips after being oiled, coated in black lacquer, with a conical spear butt at the end.


    "This spear is called the reed leaf spear."


    The arsenal keeper introduced, "It was left behind by a hundred households from before, and has been gathering dust here ever since. If Chen Qigu fancies it, you''re welcome to take it."


    "Thank you."


    Chen Sansi took the long spear, weighing it in his hands, approximately twenty or thirty pounds, and began to practice with it immediately outside the arsenal.


    The spear technique that came with the soldier training was fundamentally a long weapon style.


    Wielding the reed leaf spear, his spear technique became even more adept.


    After practicing for roughly half an hour, signs of Qi-Blood deficiency emerged.


    "Martial Arts really is a bottomless pit!"


    Chen Sansi, carrying the spear, left.


    Not far from the arsenal was a pharmacy.


    From a distance, one could catch the scent of the medicinal herbs.


    The pharmacy was quiet, home to only an old man, two errand boys, and several jars simmering with content.


    "Elder, I''ve come to get some blood replenishing soup."


    Chen Sansi passed over a slip.


    The old man took the slip: "Have you trained out your Qi-Blood? If you haven''t trained out your Qi-Blood, you shouldn''t drink the blood replenishing soup."


    Chen Sansi, who had never encountered supplemental medicine, was clueless: "Is that so?"


    "Of course."


    The old man stroked his beard and explained, "All medicine carries a certain toxicity; only Martial Artists who have trained out their Qi-Blood can expel the poisons through sweat during training. Otherwise, drinking too much can lead to poisoning, eventually rotting the internal organs and rendering a person useless."


    Chen Sansi nodded to indicate he had indeed trained out his Qi-Blood.


    "That''s good, then."


    Only then did the old man accept the slip, rising to select the appropriate herbs to concoct the medicine on the spot.


    While waiting, the two introduced themselves to each other.


    This old man''s surname was Jiang, a hereditary Medical Officer in the garrison without any rank.


    After waiting quietly for half an hour, Chen Sansi held a bowl of blackish soup in his hands.


    He took a sip and almost retched right then. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The taste was not only bitter and astringent but also carried the faint stench of a sewage ditch, no wonder it was toxic!


    After drinking, it wasn''t like the bear heart where Qi-Blood would boil instantly; instead, there seemed to be a foreign substance in his abdomen, causing slight discomfort.


    This must be the medicinal strength, which needed Training to digest.


    Medical Officer Jiang said, "Next time, if you want to have some blood replenishing soup, tell me in advance so you won''t have to wait when you come."


    "Alright."


    Chen Sansi''s allowance was a bowl of blood replenishing soup every three days, and he curiously asked, "Medical Officer Jiang, if I run out of my allowance, is there any other way I can get the medicine?"


    "Buy it."


    Using a fan to control the heat, Medical Officer Jiang explained, "But you wouldn''t be buying from me. You''d have to go to the pharmacy opened by the Martial Arts Hall outside. The ingredients for one dose of blood replenishing soup cost ten taels of silver, and you can probably brew two bowls from it."


    "How much?!"


    Chen Sansi was stunned.


    A bear heart was worth about twenty taels of silver.


    Ten taels of silver could support an ordinary family for a year during a bumper harvest, and yet it could only be exchanged for two bowls of medicine?


    "Anything that can enhance Cultivation isn''t made from ordinary herbs. They usually take at least ten to eight years to grow and are very rare. Can they not be expensive? But that''s only part of it."


    Medical Officer Jiang patiently continued, "The main reason is the monopoly."


    "Monopoly?"


    Chen Sansi inquired, "Are you referring to the Martial Arts Hall?"


    "Correct."


    Medical Officer Jiang, exhaling deeply, said leisurely, "Medicinal herbs used specifically for enhancing Cultivation are extremely demanding in terms of growing conditions. There''s only so much suitable land for medicine gardens, and most of it has been sold to the Martial Arts Halls. Can they not be expensive?"


    "Why sell it?"


    Chen Sansi was somewhat puzzled. This was, after all, an absolute strategic resource.


    Doctor Jiang chuckled as he spoke, "What else could it be for¡ªthey, the officials, are short on money."


    "I heard from my father that when he was younger, our garrison''s medicine garden had more than two hundred plots scattered around. Then came a change in the County Magistrate, who sold off a part of the land. After several decades, isn''t it all gone?"


    "Kid, you are new and wouldn''t know. Back in the day, not only salaries were owed but also medicine. Many people left, preferring to hide their identities as house slaves for major sects in the prefectures and states rather than stay in the garrison."


    "If it weren''t for Elder Yan''s reforms, reclaiming some of the land, you wouldn''t have had any medicine to drink."


    "But most of it is still firmly in the hands of the Martial Arts Halls. Not even the Hundred Households officers can get as much as they want whenever they want."


    "Exaggerated."


    Chen Sansi summarized with two words.


    The corruption had reached such a degree that he doubted the court would last much longer.


    No wonder Xiang Tingchun wanted to do something but had to resort to extortion; still, it wasn''t guaranteed to work.


    He took his leave and returned to the Martial Arts Arena.


    The reed leaf gun swirled in motion.


    Pile Work, spear technique, Breathing Skill, combined with Qi-Blood circulation, his body began to operate under high stress.


    It was at these times that the medicinal effects were most apparent.


    Whenever the Qi-Blood was trained to near depletion, the medicine would start to transform, stimulating every organ in the body, accelerating the refinement of Qi-Blood in a continual cycle until a second thread of Qi-Blood was born. That was the entry into Blood Refining Mastery.


    After performing several sets of spear techniques, Chen Sansi was covered with foul sweat, but his proficiency made great strides. At this rate, it wouldn''t be long before he mastered the spear technique.


    Moreover, the power of that bowl of medicine was still present, not yet fully utilized¡ªit would be enough for at least two more days of practice.


    "My cultivation level is still low; one bowl of medicine every three days is just enough for now. There''s also no need for me to spend money to buy more."


    "And if I buy some Beast Meat in between, I can push my training to the limit!"


    "Time to eat!"


    It was getting dark, and Chen Sansi packed up his things and went home.


    The meal was prepared early at home; as soon as he entered, Sister Lan helped him remove his armor, fetch water, and after eating, boiled water for washing his feet¡ªa comfortable and smooth routine.


    "Right."


    Gu Xinlan held the wooden basin, "Someone came to see you today, hoping to invite you to be a guest tomorrow."


    Chen Sansi asked, "Who?"


    "Tianyuan Martial Arts Academy."


    After pouring out the water for washing his feet, Gu Xinlan began to massage Chen Sansi, "It sounds like a luxurious place, like the Spring Pavilion, if I remember correctly. Qin Xiong''s younger brother seems to be training at Tianyuan Martial Arts Academy, right?"


    Chen Sansi lay on the bed, pondering the reason Tianyuan Martial Arts Academy was looking for him.


    Qin Feng? It was possible, but not very likely.


    Now that he was a Xuanfeng Flag Officer, his identity would be directly recorded at the Governor Mansion. Unless it was...


    It might also be because of the Immortal Treasure.


    The incident with the Immortal Treasure was entirely coincidental.


    He never expected to run into the barbarian before going out to kill Qin Feng.


    The Liang Family''s young master might suspect he had obtained the Immortal Treasure,


    Fortunately, the other party was also speculating, without any substantive evidence. Moreover, since the Martial Arts Hall and the military were not getting along well, they wouldn''t dare do anything to him at this juncture.


    However,


    He did need to speed up enhancing his power.


    "In the future, if they come again, just directly reject them."


    ...


    In the following days, aside from patrolling the city, Chen Sansi invested all his remaining energy into Martial Arts training.


    Blood Replenishing Soup, Beast Meat, along with Xu Bin''s sparring far exceeded his expectations. Six days later, he successfully made a breakthrough.


    "Huh--"


    An exhausted Chen Sansi planted the gun butt into the ground, feeling a second surge of hot blood flowing within him.


    No, it was different from others.


    The Qi-Blood in his body wasn''t "threads" but "streams."


    [Cultivation Technique: Basic Soldier''s Spear Technique (Expert)]


    [Progress: (0/1000)]


    [Utility: Gun Movement Swift, amazing endurance, robust Qi-Blood]

 Chapter 35 - 35: Coming

    "Normally, bringing forth a strand of Qi-Blood is considered entry-level,"


    "Mastering the second strand,"


    "For the average Martial Artist, Qi-Blood is only as thick as a thin rope."


    "However, the Qi-Blood that Chen Sansi cultivated is equivalent to several thin ropes twisted together, two to three times more than that of an ordinary person."


    "This must be credited to the Hao Ran Breathing Skill, but undoubtedly, the proficiency panel also plays a part."


    "His endurance is already impressive, and now that his Qi-Blood has become even more robust, he is a perfect fit for the battlefield,"


    "A battlefield is not about one-on-one duels where killing an opponent ends the fight; rather, it''s about facing countless enemies in what are mostly battles of attrition."


    "This is also where the military formations come into play."


    "When a Martial Artist with Blood Refining Great Success, roughly the level of a flag leader, is confronted by well-trained Array Soldiers on the battlefield and gets trapped in a formation, they will typically exhaust their Qi-Blood after slaying about twenty or so enemies and consequently collapse from depletion, only to be hacked to death by the chaotic blades,"


    "It''s not because the Martial Artist is weak, but rather because the formations are strong,"


    "During the recent drills, Chen Sansi took special care to learn alongside the others,"


    "Taking a small military formation of a hundred men as an example,"


    "Before close combat with bare blades, archers and Crossbowmen first unleash a volley of arrows, followed by spearmen thrusting, then shield and sword fighters encircling, and finally hand-to-hand combat ensues,"


    "Don''t forget that the enemy also has Generals; it''s not just you as a military officer,"


    "In such a scenario, no matter how high your rank as a Martial Artist, once you run out of manpower, you are bound to be worn down to death,"


    "Unless, your Qi-Blood is truly, very enduring,"


    "However, all of this is still too early for Chen Sansi to worry about; he won''t be going to the battlefield any time soon,"


    "You''ve mastered your Qi-Blood?"


    Xu Bin stood frozen on the spot, motionless for a long time,"


    "How many days has it been?" S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "If this continues, it won''t be long before you surpass me,"


    "It''s all thanks to Xu Flag Officer''s sparring with me, otherwise, it wouldn''t have been this fast,"


    After his breakthrough, Chen Sansi felt invigorated, but he didn''t let his guard down mentally,


    "Lately, the Tianyuan Martial Arts Academy has sent people to invite him several times, all of which were declined; he was aware that this could not be a long-term solution and that the issue needed to be addressed sooner or later,"


    "Young Master Liang Zhan of Tianyuan was at the Bone Training Realm, and the Martial Arts Hall Master was even at Bone Forger Great Success,"


    "Blood Refining was still at the bottom rank of Martial Artists, not even worth mentioning,"


    "If he could become a Refining Organ Martial Artist like Xiang Tingchun, who in Po Yang County would dare to provoke him?"


    "Time for work, time for work!"


    "It was almost time to patrol the city, Chen Sansi put away his reed leaf gun and called his men,"


    "Not only had he made a breakthrough, but his men had also improved,"


    "Zhu Tong had cultivated his Qi-Blood in the past two days, and a military soldier named Wang Li would not be far behind, while the other five Array Soldiers had also learned the spear technique and started practicing military formations,"


    "Only Xu Wencai was unable to do anything,"


    "The other day he got kicked while feeding the horses, and fearing that he might die under their hooves, he was not asked to go again,"


    "Let''s go, patrol the city,"


    "Ever since the Witch God Sect incident occurred, people were dying daily within and outside the city,"


    "Rumors claimed that the Witch God Sect was bloodthirsty by nature,"


    "Hence, the recent crackdowns have been extremely stringent,"


    "Yet, despite this, no disciples from any Martial Arts Academy were allowed to participate,"


    "Clearly, the Lord Thousand Households wanted to seize the Immortal Treasure before the Martial Arts Academies and then use it to coerce all the Martial Arts Halls in Po Yang County,"


    "Chen Sansi took his city patrols very seriously, attempting to locate traces of Witch God Sect followers,"


    "Unfortunately, he hasn''t found any leads so far,"


    "And even if he did find them, his current strength probably wouldn''t be enough to seize the items, so cultivating remains the most important thing,"


    "After advancing his Qi-Blood to two strands, a bowl of Blood Replenishing Soup every three days would most likely not suffice,"


    "During a break in his patrols, Chen Sansi went to the Martial Arts Academy to purchase medicines,"


    "Zhu Tong accompanied him as well,"


    "Having some savings from slaughtering pigs at home, he too gathered enough money for medicine to speed up his Blood Refining,"


    "Among the Four Great Martial Arts Schools, Yunhe Martial Arts Hall and Zhao''s Martial Arts Academy had the largest business in medicinal materials, comprising two-thirds of Po Yang County''s trade,"


    "Among them, the quality of medicines from Yunhe Martial Arts Hall was the best,"


    "Arriving at Gui Xiang Street, Chen Sansi saw two Yunhe Medicine Stores,"


    "To be precise, one of them was the ''Yunhe Medicine Shop''."


    It gives one the impression of Sprite and Thunderbolt.


    But in fact, both are genuine.


    Lately patrolling the city, he had often heard news about the Martial Arts Halls.


    After the County Magistrate passed away, barbarian assassins killed the Master of Yunhe Martial Arts Hall, leading to its split.


    It''s said that the Young Master of Yunhe Martial Arts Hall had mediocre talent, at nearly thirty years old, he hadn''t yet entered the Bone Training Realm, while his uncle had made small achievement in that realm. After the old Master''s death, he took away his nephew''s right to succession and became the new Hall Master.


    Not only that, but he also kicked his nephew out with a single kick, leaving him only a group of insignificant servant disciples and a medicine shop. Since he was not allowed to use the original name, he had to settle for ''Yunhe''.


    To compete, Yunhe Medicine Shop even offered discounts; Blood Replenishing Soup, which would normally cost ten taels, was only sold for eight.


    More advanced than Blood Replenishing Soup were the Nine Revolutions Replenishing Essence Soup and the Medicine Baths required for the Bone Training Realm, which were also essentially discounted to seventy or eighty percent of their original price, but still outrageously expensive.


    Nine Revolutions Replenishing Essence Soup would cost twenty-five taels for one dose.


    Chen Sansi simply couldn''t afford that.


    He had saved up twenty taels from hunting black bears and obtained ten from killing Qin Feng, but his daily expenses were also high; he couldn''t go without various exotic beast meats, leaving him hardly any silver left.


    In the end, Chen Sansi bought two doses of medicine, spending sixteen taels.


    "There goes my savings."


    Chen Sansi felt like his heart was bleeding.


    And those two doses of medicine would last only about a week.


    It seems that he still had to rely on his hunting skills to make big money.


    Fortunately, as a flag officer, he could freely venture deep into Second Layer Mountain. Hunting something valuable shouldn''t be too difficult.


    It would only mean some delay in his Martial Arts training, but that was a necessary sacrifice.


    He had heard that a tiger could sell for a hundred taels of silver! An Exotic Beast would be even more expensive.


    Exotic Beasts were rare, but there were frequent tales of Big Worms on Second Layer Mountain.


    He would inquire about it and if he could hunt down a tiger, the silver he earned would be enough to quickly reach small achievement.


    Back in the military camp.


    Chen Sansi saw Hundred Households Wang, who had been missing for a few days. The latter claimed he had gone to the Prefecture City to visit relatives and was very pleased to learn of his breakthrough to expertise.


    "Good, good, good, you''re doing well, kid. You''ve got the style I had back in my day!"


    Wang Zhi fumbled in his bosom and pulled out a golden lock, "This is for you, as a reward for your diligent practice."


    "A longevity lock?"


    Chen Sansi knew about this object, typically given by elders in the family to young children. Wang Zhi''s willingness to give it away meant it definitely wasn''t his own, and it was very likely swindled from someone else.


    "Thank you for the kind gesture, but I''d better not accept it."


    He declined.


    "If you don''t want it, forget it. Where is there such a good superior like me, willing to buy gold for subordinates!"


    Hundred Households Wang wore it around his own neck, "You''re asking for leave to go up the mountain tomorrow, right? Go on, go on."


    "Thank you, sir."


    Chen Sansi took his leave and as he was almost at his front door,


    Two figures suddenly appeared, blocking the road ahead, one in front and one behind, old and young, resembling a master-servant relationship.


    "Flag Officer Chen, I had invited you several times without success, so I took the liberty to visit, please excuse my presumption," said Liang Zhan as he held his folding fan and bowed with clasped hands, "Please honor us with your presence at the Spring Pavilion for a gathering, plenty of beautiful women and wine."


    "You are quite presumptuous."


    Chen Sansi spoke indifferently, "I have matters to attend to, so I won''t trouble Mr. Liang with the expense."


    "I have no malicious intent."


    Liang Zhan stepped forward, lowering his voice, "Rest assured, the matter with the Qin brothers won''t be pursued by Tianyuan Martial Arts Academy."


    "What Qin brothers?"


    Chen Sansi said blankly, "I don''t understand."


    The other party might indeed not pursue the matter with Qin Feng.


    But it''s more likely that they wanted to use this to get him talking, to ask if he had left the city that night, to see if he had any chance of coming into contact with the Immortal Treasure.


    "Flag Officer Chen really is a master at playing dumb."


    Liang Zhan''s smile didn''t reach his eyes, and he gave a sign to the old servant behind him, "But I still hope you can grace us with your presence for a meal."


    "Please!"


    The old servant extended a pair of withered tree branch-like hands, reaching out to grab him.


    Chen Sansi''s brows furrowed, his grip tightening on his spear!

 Chapter 36 - 36: Redeeming Sins Through Meritorious Service

    "Oh, isn''t that Mr. Liang!"


    Before Chen Sansi could make a move, a sharp voice rang out.


    Wang Zhi stood in front of the old servant and cheerfully said, "What wind has blown such an honored guest our way? Forgive me for not receiving you from afar! May I ask what brings Mr. Liang here?"


    Chen Sansi interjected, "Mr. Liang was thinking of inviting me to the Spring Pavilion."


    "Really?!"


    Upon hearing this, Wang Zhi burst into joy, his small eyes squeezing into slits, "Mr. Liang, that''s not fair, why invite Sansi and not me? Let''s go together!"


    Damn...


    Liang Zhan hastily retreated, squeezing out an awkward smile, "Hundred Households Wang, actually I just wanted to inquire about something, and since Chen Qigu is busy, we should reschedule."


    He then attempted to leave.


    Wang Zhi stepped forward and grasped his shoulder, "He''s busy, but I''m not! Let''s go, I''ve heard that the Spring Pavilion recently got some fresh girls, so tender~"


    "Hundred Households Wang!"


    Liang Zhan struggled to free himself, "Ah, I just remembered, I also have something urgent, I must go."


    "Hmm?"


    Wang Zhi''s face fell, "Has Mr. Liang grown distant from me?"


    "Not at all."


    Liang Zhan took out a silver ingot weighing five taels from his sleeve, "Truly, I have urgent matters, but next time for sure!"


    He stuffed the money into Wang Zhi''s hands and then hurriedly grabbed his servant to flee.


    "Nearly lost twenty taels of silver!"


    After confirming that no one had followed them, Liang Zhan sighed in relief.


    At the tavern, this Fatty Wang wouldn''t hold back, he''d order anything expensive, and even with a large family business, Mr. Liang couldn''t afford to throw money around unnecessarily.


    "Master."


    The old servant asked, "Are we just letting this go?"


    "Guess what I just saw?"


    Liang Zhan gestured around his neck, "That kid Qin Feng''s longevity lock has ended up around Fatty Wang''s neck. This has nothing to do with the Chens."


    "Oh?"


    The old servant said in surprise, "Could Hundred Households Wang have come into contact with the Immortal Treasure?"


    "No."


    Liang Zhan analyzed, "If he had acquired the Immortal Treasure, would he dare to show off the longevity lock so blatantly?


    "It seems my previous worries were unfounded, the Immortal Treasure has indeed been stolen by the people of the Witch God Sect. Uncle Wu, we must hasten, exhaust all means to find the Immortal Treasure before Xiang Tingchun does, or else we''ll have to spend a fortune to buy it!"


    "Don''t worry, master."


    The old servant bowed, "The trustworthy disciples from the Martial Arts Academy have all been sent out."


    ...


    "This Mr. Liang is getting tighter with his money, huh? I''m giving this to you."


    Wang Zhi was about to throw the silver ingot to Chen Sansi, then stopped midway and changed it for two taels in smaller denominations, "Split fifty-fifty!"


    "..."


    Chen Sansi wanted no less, and pocketed the money.


    "What did he want from you?"


    Wang Zhi''s narrowed eyes gleamed, clutching the golden lock around his neck, "It was about that kid, what''s-his-name, Qin something?"


    "I''m not sure."


    Chen Sansi feigned confusion.


    He hadn''t expected the golden lock to belong to Qin Feng; no wonder Liang Zhan had glanced at it several times just now.


    Qin Feng''s death could likely not be concealed much longer.


    But in fact, as long as it didn''t involve the Immortal Treasure, no one would trouble him over the death of a Qin Feng.


    "Ha, you don''t trust me?"


    Wang Zhi found it amusing, "Do you remember what I told you before? No need to be overly cautious about such matters; if you killed someone, you killed someone, what''s there to fear? With me here, no one dares to touch you."


    Chen Sansi conservatively said, "I really don''t know."


    Some things, even when both parties well understand, it''s still best not to articulate them.


    "Look at you guarding against others!


    "Alright, let''s not hide things anymore, lest you always suspect I have designs against you."


    Wang Zhi suddenly turned serious, "In Po Yang County, no matter whom you offend, I will help you, even if it''s Households Commander Xiang!


    "I have but one request of you. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Should the day come when you can enter the Eight Camps and become a personal disciple of the Lord Governor, I only ask you to convey a message for me.


    "Tell the Lord Governor that I, Wang Zhi, wish to make amends through meritorious deeds!


    "I only ask for a chance from the Lord Governor, even if it''s to be a coachman or to face death; I want to die in the Eight Camps!"


    Chen Sansi had indeed heard some rumors in the military camp.


    Such as Wang Zhi coming from the Eight Camps and even knowing some high officials there.


    But ''making amends through meritorious deeds''...


    That phrase sounded quite severe.


    Given that Wang Zhi was a Hundred Households, his realm would not exceed bone training.


    A bone training martial artist, how grave a crime could he have committed to talk about ''making amends through meritorious deeds''? And it sounded as if he was quite familiar with Commander Sun before.


    Alas.


    Since the other party had already said so much, Chen Sansi also had to take a stand.


    He solemnly said, "Hundred Households Wang, rest assured, if I really live up to expectations and enter the Eight Camps to meet Commander Sun, I will surely deliver the message no matter what."


    "Good, good!"


    Wang Zhi nodded repeatedly, "From now on, don''t call me Hundred Households, just call me Fatty since we''re brothers."


    "Is that appropriate?" Chen Sansi asked.


    "Pretentious! Why wouldn''t it be?"


    Wang Zhi cursed, waving his sleeve as he left, "If those from the Liang family come looking for trouble again, let me know. I''ll cover my face at night and take care of him for you."


    "..."


    At this moment, as Chen Sansi watched Fatty''s hefty back, why did he feel that the phrases "greedy as life" and "cunning villain" seemed somewhat out of place when applied to him?


    Of course.


    One shouldn''t judge a book by its cover, nor should one easily believe what others say on the surface; actions are what truly matter.


    He stopped pondering and went home to consider tomorrow''s hunting.


    Improving his strength was urgent.


    This feeling of being approached at home was something Chen Sansi did not want to experience again.


    Lion!


    If he could hunt a lion, it would be very useful for a long time!


    Tomorrow he would go back to Yanbian Village and ask Uncle Zhao.


    Although they did not have the strength to hunt lions, having roamed the mountains for years, they surely knew where to find one.


    Although he possessed tracking skills, he still needed a rough area, or else how long would it take to search the vast Hutou Mountain Range?


    After dinner, Chen Sansi also prepared and drank some Blood Replenishing Soup, practicing until late into the night before resting.


    ...


    The next day.


    Chen Sansi rose early.


    Going to Yanbian Village was not close, and he wanted to ride a horse to save time.


    He failed again.


    This horse was fiercely defiant, utterly refusing to be subdued and continuously acting up.


    Fortunately, his proficiency had increased quite a bit.


    [Skill: Horse Control (Entry-level)]


    [Progress: (75/100)]


    [Utility: None]


    After one or two more tries, he would enter the initial stage of Horse Control Skill, surely subduing it then.


    Having a means of transportation was crucial.


    Leaving the military camp, he went straight to Yanbian Village.


    "You want to hunt tigers?"


    Zhao Qiao, Wu Da, and Zhuang Yi were all there, ready to team up to hunt wolves.


    "Yes."


    Chen Sansi nodded, "Uncle Zhao is an experienced hunter, he surely knows."


    "Okay, let''s go up the mountain together!"


    The group of four arrived at the creek at the border between the North and South Peaks of Hutou Mountain.


    Zhao Qiao pointed toward the southwest direction, "Five years ago, Old Liu from the village saw a Big Worm in a cave twenty miles in this direction. He was so frightened that he wet his pants on the spot; luckily, he wasn''t discovered and managed to run back. However, I''m not sure if the Big Worm is still there now."


    "Thank you, Uncle Zhao!"


    Chen Sansi bowed his hands, ready to cross the creek.


    From afar, he could already see the traces left by animals in the forest on the other side.


    All silver!


    Zhao Qiao and the other two stood there, eagerly watching him.


    "Uncle Zhao."


    Chen Sansi knew they were having a hard time, "How about we do it together?"


    "Not at all, not at all."


    Zhao Qiao waved his hands repeatedly, "Black Bear almost took our lives, let alone Big Worm. We would only be holding you back, we dare not go. Little Stone, you be careful too, Big Worm is even more dangerous than Black Bear!"


    "Uncle Zhao."


    Wu Da looked longingly at the lush forest on the other side, "What if we also go over there? Not to hunt tigers, but even hunting a mountain goat would be good."


    "Are you crazy?"


    Zhao Qiao chided, "Have you forgotten how Old Liu died?"


    "He ran over there to hunt because he couldn''t survive three years ago, ended up shooting a deer, but the Martial Arts Academy Disciples coveted it and wanted to snatch it. Those people didn''t want to pay for it and shot him full of arrows! If I hadn''t risked going over, you wouldn''t even see his body!"


    "..."


    Just because one couldn''t survive and went hunting on the other side, did that mean one deserved to die?


    Chen Sansi felt heartbroken.


    He dared not urge further; he could go to the other side without issue, but since he wasn''t a high-ranking official, if something happened to Uncle Zhao and the others, it wouldn''t be worth it.


    After saying goodbye to the three men,


    Chen Sansi, carrying a bow and arrow and holding a gun, leaped over the creek and plunged into the dense jungle.

 Chapter 37 - 37 Hunting Tigers

    North of Second Layer Mountain.


    Chen Sansi''s "Track Concealment" was fully activated, with no trace escaping his notice.


    Rabbits, roe deer, goats...


    If he wished, within ten minutes he could be carrying a goat down the mountain to his home.


    But a wild goat of around one hundred pounds could only sell for two pieces of silver.


    That might have been fine before, but now it was too little.


    His target was a tiger, or at the very least a black bear or a leopard¡ªsome kind of fierce beast.


    Following Zhao Qiao''s suggestion, Chen Sansi headed toward the southwest.


    Along the way, he occasionally encountered martial arts academy disciples adorned in brocade robes.


    To avoid unnecessary trouble, Chen Sansi wore cloth armor this time up the mountain.


    Seeing his armor and heavy bow, the disciples indeed dared not provoke him, and mostly went about their own business after a glance or two.


    "Why are there so many people?"


    Chen Sansi traveled five miles and encountered at least a dozen people.


    Even for hunting, they shouldn''t appear in such dense numbers.


    Moreover, many of them didn''t even carry bows and arrows; instead, they roamed back and forth with knives or swords, appearing as if they were searching for something.


    Witch God Sect?


    It didn''t seem like it.


    Because these people looked relaxed and most of them were dressed as disciples of the Tai Lei Martial Arts Academy.


    Chen Sansi took notice.


    A gust of wind blew, and with his exceptional hearing, he overheard the conversations of the martial arts academy disciples.


    "White Deer!"


    "The Master is injured; whoever finds the White Deer will be rewarded with property!"


    "It''s tough! I heard the White Deer likes to eat medicinal herbs, and those herbs alone cost at least a dozen pieces of silver."


    "..."


    Chen Sansi figured out what was going on.


    The night Qin Feng died, a battle had broken out in the city.


    Xiang Tingchun and the masters of the three big martial arts halls were arresting barbarian assassins when they encountered the Witch God Sect. Master Tai Lei was seriously injured and needed an exotic beast, the White Deer, for healing; thus, a reward was offered.


    No matter the level of the disciple, anyone who could present the White Deer would be immediately taken as a core true inheritor and also manage a portion of the properties in the future, which is why they were running into the mountains like headless chickens.


    Chen Sansi made a mental note of the exotic beast''s characteristics and continued to hurry forward.


    Tai Lei Martial Arts Academy...


    He hadn''t seen Zhang Chao and his companion.


    Otherwise, he would have shot a few arrows at them regardless.


    After traveling another dozen miles, he arrived at the midsection of a mountain peak.


    At the side of the winding and narrow path stood two martial arts academy disciples with bows on their backs, one of whom had a bow that Chen Sansi estimated was a Seven Strength Bow, already considered forbidden weaponry.


    Holding iron swords, they looked ahead with hesitant expressions and were reluctant to move forward.


    Chen Sansi ignored the two of them.


    "Hey!"


    A martial arts academy disciple called out to him, "You dare to go forward? There''s a Big Worm inside this peak!"


    "I know."


    Chen Sansi answered perfunctorily, showing no intention of stopping.


    "You''re still going? Aren''t you afraid of death?"


    The martial arts academy disciple noticed the Big Bow on the newcomer''s back and his eyes lit up. He looked at his companion with the prohibited Seven Strength Bow and, getting his approval, proposed, "How about we cooperate? The Brother Wei next to me is a Blood Refining Warrior with small achievement!"


    They had discovered the presence of a tiger on this peak only in recent days.


    But due to the court''s ban on heavy bows and their limited cultivation, they wouldn''t normally dare to provoke it.


    Wei Xu took the risk of acquiring a Seven Strength Bow, but was still not very confident he could take down the Big Worm. Close contact with the beast would be more than a Blood Refining Warrior could withstand.


    Finding someone carrying a two-stone bow was an unexpected surprise.


    "Brother."


    Wei Xu, full of confidence, said, "I have Blood Refining Minor Success, and with our combined strength, taking down the Big Worm will be a piece of cake. Once successful, we''ll split the proceeds: sixty-forty. I''ll take sixty, you take forty. How about it?"


    Chen Sansi frowned upon hearing this and, uninterested in further engagement, quickened his pace.


    "?"


    Wei Xu was staggered, clearly not expecting to be treated as if he didn''t exist: "Arrogant!"


    "Brother Wei, he doesn''t want to cooperate, so what do we do?" his junior asked.


    "I''ve glimpsed that Big Worm from afar once, it''s incredibly formidable. Where does he get his confidence from?"


    Wei Xu said angrily, "Let''s follow and see. Maybe the Big Worm will eat him, and we can take advantage at the rear."


    ...


    "Someone else has their eyes on this Big Worm. If I had come two days later, I might have missed my chance."


    Chen Sansi crouched on the ground, scooped up a handful of dirt, and from it extracted two rather stiff orange hairs, followed by claw marks, buried feces, and dried bloodstains in the grass.


    He knew this process by heart.


    Like following a thread, he traced it to a hidden cave halfway up the mountain.


    The cave, with a diameter of roughly five meters, was concealed by dense grass and branches, easily overlooked if not examined closely.


    About twenty zhang from the cave''s entrance, amidst the thickets, one could vaguely see rotting clothing and chilling white bones; it seemed the deceased had been there for some time.


    "Ninety-nine percent sure the Big Worm lives inside."


    Of course, Chen Sansi would not foolishly charge in.


    In the confined space, the advantages of bows and long spears disappeared, so he needed to find a way to lure the Big Worm out.


    "Whoosh¡ª"


    Chen Sansi suddenly turned and loosed an arrow.


    A hundred paces away, a passing roe deer got grazed by the precise shot, leaving behind a trail of blood.


    "Hiss¡ª"


    The foolish roe deer let out a piercing scream.


    "Whoosh¡ª"


    Another arrow shot, landing near its feet.


    Startled, the roe deer bolted towards the cave''s direction.


    Chen Sansi had deliberately not killed it.


    His experience hunting Black Bears had taught him that a dead lure might not attract the game. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But a live one was different.


    Predators like tigers, with their strong territorial instincts, wouldn''t allow any infringements.


    A creature carrying the scent of fresh blood running around and calling out on its territory was certainly not something the Big Worm would tolerate.


    Chen Sansi climbed up a tree to a vantage point, then continually prevented the roe deer from leaving the vicinity with arrows, forcing it to stay near the cave, its wounds bleeding as it ran chaotically.


    The process went on for a full five minutes, the huge commotion scaring away the birds in the woods, but the pitch-black cave remained eerily silent.


    "Ineffective? It shouldn''t be. Tigers are ferocious and murderous; they usually don''t hold back."


    Just as Chen Shanshi was considering other approaches, a gloomy wind swept through the mountains.


    Wind follows the tiger, clouds follow the dragon.


    Here it comes!


    A robust shadow, as mighty as a mountain yet as nimble as a leopard, burst out of the silent cave. In the blink of an eye, it pinned the roe deer to the ground, its sharp fangs accurately clamping down on the carotid artery.


    After a few feeble struggles, the roe deer became a lifeless body.


    What a majestic king of the mountains!


    Chen Sansi focused his gaze.


    The tiger was more than ten feet in length, weighing no less than seven or eight hundred catties, its golden fur dazzling in the sunlight, and its saber-like claws dripping with blood. Its orange-yellow pupils emitted a fierce light, letting out a roar that shook the area for miles.


    No wonder ordinary people would be petrified at the sight.


    After hunting the roe deer, the Big Worm did not rush to feast, apparently not hungry, purely bothered by the noise.


    It grabbed its prey, intending to drag it back inside the cave.


    Right at that moment, Chen Sansi''s two-stone bow was drawn taut as a full moon; a Wolf Teeth Arrow whistled through the air.


    "Bang¡ª"


    The arrow collided with the tiger''s skull, making a dull sound, and got firmly stuck, piercing through the bone but failing to reach the brainstem and deliver a fatal blow!


    Such a tiger must be close to an Exotic Beast?!


    "Roar¡ª"


    In pain, the Big Worm roared and with a swipe of its paw broke off the arrow shaft in its forehead, then, with a gust of Gale, charged towards the direction of its attacker.

 Chapter 38 - 38 No More Fear

    Only by witnessing a Big Worm charging at oneself could one truly grasp the sheer force of a tiger descending the mountain.


    Chen Sansi remained unflustered and calmly drew his bow and affixed an arrow.


    Another arrow.


    This time, he chose the tiger''s most vulnerable spot, its eyes, as his target.


    The mighty rush of the ferocious tiger was as fast as lightning, and its intimidating presence made aiming at its moving eyes as difficult as achieving the feat of "Hundred-step Piercing."


    Yet, Chen Sansi was someone who could accomplish Hundred-step Piercing.


    "Roar¡ª¡ª"


    A deep, organ-shaking wail echoed as the arrow blinded the tiger''s left eye.


    "Whoosh¡ª¡ª"


    Next was the right eye.


    The tiger''s both eyes were blinded, its white whiskers stained red with blood.


    What was terrifying was that despite such pain, it still didn''t stop its charge; with its last bit of vision, it leaped and climbed up a tree in a matter of seconds, determined to tear its attacker to pieces.


    A tiger can absolutely climb a tree.


    Chen Sansi had prepared for this, he jumped to an adjacent tree a step ahead while not forgetting to turn around and shoot another arrow.


    The fight of a trapped beast is particularly fearsome.


    The Big Worm appeared to be still alive, but it wouldn''t last much longer.


    He just had to delay, patience was key.


    Reliant on its remaining sense of hearing to gauge location, the tiger followed with a leap of its own.


    Chen Sansi shifted trees and shot arrows, and the Big Worm was struck by the arrows.


    This cycle repeated several times.


    Regardless of the tiger''s vigor, it was but a beast in the end; riddled with arrows and blind, it soon could not hold on any longer and fell from the tree ten meters high.


    Once it lost its ferocious "breath of life," the Big Worm could no longer bear the pain, it struggled wildly, spinning in place while swinging its claws and fangs, its blood painting a scarlet trail on the muddy ground.


    It was over.


    Chen Sansi was about to end the hunt when he detected the sound of rapidly approaching footsteps with a twitch of his ears.


    The two Martial Arts Academy Disciples from before appeared.


    "Brother, let me help you kill this beast,"


    said Wei Xu, drawing his sword and rushing over.


    At this point, the mighty tiger was at its last gasp, barely a hit away from death; assistance was unwarranted.


    It was clear that they only wanted to help as a pretext to claim a share of the spoils.


    "Get lost!"


    Chen Sansi was sparing with words, and in an instant, he shot an arrow from his Kaiyuan Bow.


    A gust of cold air brushed against Wei Xu''s neck, causing him to freeze in place, unable to move for a long time.


    Only when hot blood trailed down his neck and soaked into his collar did he realize the danger he had narrowly escaped.


    It was a close shave!


    He was inches away from having his artery penetrated by the arrow!


    "Elder brother¡­"


    His junior brother at his side was similarly terrified.


    How could this man be so ruthless?


    They only wanted a piece of the action, some silver for their troubles; they never intended to harm anyone, yet this fellow... this fellow greeted them with an arrow right off!


    And what a swift arrow it was!


    All they saw was his hand reaching into his Arrow Bag at his waist, and in the next second, the arrow came flying at them.


    Wei Xu clutched at the wound on his neck, retreating continuously; he didn''t dare advance another step.


    Fight back?


    He wasn''t blind.


    If this young man could nearly kill the Big Worm, couldn''t he easily kill him as well?


    Up in the tree.


    Once Chen Sansi had intimidated them, he stowed his bow and arrows and wielded his reed leaf spear in a reverse grip. His arms, muscled and lined like entwining snakes, poised the spear tip toward the tiger''s head, and he descended from the heavens.


    "Hiss¡ª¡ª"


    The sharp spearhead penetrated the tiger''s head, pinning it to the ground as he knelt on the tiger''s body. He felt its lifeforce rapidly ebbing away until it stilled completely before withdrawing the bloodied spear.


    Having dealt with the Big Worm, Chen Sansi then dragged over the previously killed roe deer, hefting both prizes on his shoulders.


    Not quite a thousand pounds.


    No big deal for a Martial Artist skilled in Blood Refining.


    It was only at this moment that Wei Xu came back to his senses. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As they watched the youth carrying the body of the mighty tiger, they kept retreating to maintain a safe distance, speaking hesitantly, "Who are you, to act so domineeringly?"


    "I''m merely a small flag in the army,"


    Chen Sansi was not afraid at all.


    All that mattered was strength.


    If these two really dared to retaliate, they''d be shot dead before they could even raise their hands.


    In a word, if they couldn''t withstand his arrows, being of a higher realm was of no use.


    Blood Martial Artists did not possess the characteristic of having a body resistant to blades.


    Nonsense!


    Wei Xu had never seen a small flag with such impressive archery.


    Moreover, his master had warned that Xiang Tingchun was looking for trouble lately, and they must not provoke anyone in the army, or else no one would care if they died.


    He and his junior martial brother let him pass with trepidation, fearful of another arrow.


    Chen Sansi walked past them, fair and square.


    He was no longer afraid!


    In the rich depths of Second Layer Mountain, he was not only able to come but also to make people from the Martial Arts Hall bow their heads!


    This tiger hunt had improved his proficiency in two skills.


    [Tracking and Hiding (Small Achievement)]


    [Progress: 55/1000]


    ...


    [Skill: Archery (Small Achievement)]


    [Progress: (150/1000)]


    However, his archery was improving more slowly than before.


    It had to do with the bow.


    Chen Sansi had previously made a special two-stone bow, which, after his increase in martial arts prowess, felt too light to pull.


    "Looks like I''ll need to change my bow and arrows."


    "For a bow stronger than two stones, I''ll have to custom order it from the craftsmen at the forge in the Households."


    "Then again, the bones of this Big Worm are clearly harder than the average fierce beast; can they be used as material for a new bow?"


    "Thanks to Uncle Zhao Qiao, otherwise, with such a big mountain, I would''ve had a tough time finding the tiger''s hiding spot."


    He crossed the stream.


    Chen Sansi returned to the south side of Second Layer Mountain.


    Zhao Qiao, Wu Da, and Zhuang Yi, unexpectedly, were all waiting for him here.


    After all, it was a tiger hunt, and they were worried.


    Another reason was the fear of the young man being targeted by the disciples of the Martial Arts Academy.


    Even if something unexpected happened, they couldn''t have helped much, but they still wanted to wait.


    Putting it bluntly, if an accident did occur, there would at least be someone to retrieve the body, ensuring that it wouldn''t be left unclaimed; this was another reason hunters stuck together.


    It seemed they were overly concerned.


    "Brother Chen, you''re really fierce!"


    Zhuang Yi eyed the Big Worm''s claws and fangs; the thought of it being alive was so daunting he didn''t dare imagine.


    The hunting dog at their feet lay down submissively, not daring to take a deep breath.


    Wu Da''s eyes almost popped out: "Can a martial artist really kill a tiger?"


    "Sansi has truly made something of himself, not only defeating a tiger but also seeming untouchable by others."


    Zhao Qiao laughed: "Then let''s make haste down the mountain."


    Chen Sansi looked at the others.


    In comparison, their catch seemed quite meager.


    They had only caught some pheasants and hares, nothing major.


    ...


    Chen Sansi suddenly stopped, placed the tiger on the ground, and spoke: "Uncle Zhao, I can''t move it on my own; can you all help me take it to the town? We''ll stick to the rules as usual."


    "Brother Chen, you were able to kill the Big Worm;you should be able to carry it, right?" Zhuang Yi said naively.


    "Shut up!"


    Zhao Qiao glared at him.


    This fool didn''t realize that Sansi was pretending to be unable because he saw they hadn''t caught much; it was a way to offer them some copper coins under the guise of needing help.


    The group of four arrived in town.


    Upon appraisal, the Big Worm was indeed extraordinary. Although it wasn''t considered an Exotic Beast, it wasn''t a normal fierce beast either, and the price was accordingly higher.


    The tiger weighed a total of seven hundred catties and was valued at over one hundred and fifty taels in total.


    However, Chen Sansi kept the tiger heart, gallbladder, skin, bones, and fifty catties of meat for himself, ultimately receiving sixty-eight taels of silver.


    For the idiot animal, they got one tael of silver.


    "The resources for Blood Refining Minor Success are almost enough."

 Chapter 39 - 39 Custom Heavy Bow

    All affairs taken care of, Silver tucked into his belt, the sky had already begun to darken.


    Zhao Qiao and his two companions hurried back.


    "That cult has been causing a lot of trouble recently; people are dying every day. Let''s hurry home, Brother Shi, you be careful too."


    The Witch God Sect.


    Chen Sansi felt it was strange.


    In theory, those people should be laying low in Po Yang, so how dare they come out and make trouble?


    It was unclear when they would find them.


    With Silver in hand, Chen Sansi arrived at the medicine shop, only to find it closed.


    Not just Yunhe Medicine Shop, but Cloud Crane Medicine Store was closed too.


    "Am I too late?"


    He wasn''t in a hurry; coming tomorrow would be the same.


    Upon rushing home, Gu Xinlan and Xu Bin''s wife, Sister Tong, were in the courtyard working on shoe pads. They shrieked in fear and trembled like flowers in the wind when they saw someone draped in a bloody tiger skin storm in.


    "Brother Shi..."


    Gu Xinlan''s heart pounded, and she said with disbelief, "You killed a Big Worm?"


    Chen Sansi awkwardly dropped his things and apologized to Sister Tong, "Sister-in-law, I didn''t know you were here."


    "It''s fine, it''s fine."


    Sister Tong, looking at the blood-soaked youth, didn''t dare stay any longer and left in a flurry.


    "Brother Shi, really..."


    Once she recovered, Gu Xinlan came over to help unload: "Sister Tong is pregnant, you know."


    "Blame me."


    Chen Sansi took off his armor: "Sister Lan, it''s been hard on you, cook the tiger heart and tiger meat together; as for the tiger skin, deal with it when you''re free, maybe make it into a blanket or something."


    It was deep autumn, and the days were getting colder; tiger skin could be used for warmth.


    "Alright, you start by washing your face."


    Gu Xinlan turned and busied herself in the kitchen.


    One by one, dishes were brought to the table.


    Needless to say about the tiger heart and meat, there was beef, salted duck eggs, white rice, and on top of that, Blood Replenishing Soup made with medicinal herbs¡ªa very rich meal.


    Chen Sansi bit into the tiger heart.


    "Brother Shi, maybe... eat less of that," Gu Xinlan urged hesitantly, biting her lip and blushing.


    "Hm?"


    Chen Sansi paused.


    He remembered, after eating bear heart last time, his Qi-Blood was overly abundant, and he had given Sister Lan quite a tough time.


    "It''s okay."


    Chen Sansi continued to eat in large bites: "I am not like before; I can control it now."


    Purchased alone, the tiger heart would cost at least thirty taels of silver or more, and that wasn''t even a sure deal.


    After all, Big Worms weren''t as common as rabbits that you find everywhere.


    Having gulped down a few bites of tiger heart meat, Chen Sansi''s body began to heat up like fire, an effect even stronger than that of the bear heart. Besides, he also felt an overwhelming surge of aggression.


    As if he were that ferocious tiger, wanting to indulge in a bloodthirsty killing spree.


    Taking advantage of this vigor, Chen Sansi stuffed two mouthfuls of beef to sate his hunger and finished the simmering Blood Replenishing Soup before picking up the reed leaf gun and went into the courtyard to practice.


    In the depth of autumn, with many trees outside their home, dry leaves blown into the courtyard covered the ground.


    The long spear whistled, sweeping up the dried yellow leaves in the yard, as if thousands of butterflies were dancing gracefully around the youth. But these butterflies were exuding endless killing intent. They flew faster and faster, nearly turning into a tornado, as if they intended to shred everything that approached into dust.


    Intense killing intent yet breathtakingly beautiful.


    Gu Xinlan watched, almost mesmerized.


    How many days had it been?


    Just over a month ago, they were still worrying about paying the taxes.


    Now, not only were they well-fed and clothed, but the man had also learned a great martial arts skill. It was like living a dream.


    One practicing martial arts; one watching.


    Unknowingly, the sun set, and the twilight dimmed, with stars lighting up the night sky.


    Chen Sansi, drenched in sweat, finally stopped. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Whew..."


    He exhaled a long breath and planted the long spear under the plum tree in the courtyard.


    [Cultivation Technique: Basic Spear Technique (Proficient)]


    [Progress: (120/1000)]


    [Utility: Gun Movement Swift and Fierce, Amazing Endurance, Qi-Blood Robust]


    "This tiger meat, truly is exceptionally effective!"


    "Tomorrow I''ll buy more Supplemental Medicine, within half a month, I must be able to break through to small achievement!"


    "Hiss..."


    Even after practicing spear technique for several hours, Chen Sansi still felt the effect of the tiger heart meat and Blood Replenishing Soup continuing to work, making his blood boil, but his muscles did indeed need a short rest.


    "Come, wipe your sweat."


    Gu Xinlan had already prepared a towel in advance, patiently and carefully wiping the young man''s forehead, "Hungry, right? What do you want to eat, eh!"


    Her delicate wrist was suddenly grasped tightly.


    "Brother Shi, what are you doing?"


    "Doing!"


    Chen Sansi directly picked up Sister Lan around the waist and headed straight for the bedroom.


    "I told you already, don''t eat so many Beast Hearts!"


    ...


    The next day.


    When Chen Sansi arrived at the military camp entrance, he just happened to encounter a troop of people returning covered in dust.


    Riding at the front was Luo Dongquan.


    In the middle of the troop, a cage held a man.


    The man wore the clothes of the Sheng Dynasty''s commoners, but his appearance still seemed somewhat out of place, creating a sense of dissonance.


    Luo Dongquan glanced at him without saying a word and led the troop into the military camp.


    "Householder Xiong."


    Chen Sansi found Householder Xiong at the end of the troop, "This person, could it be..."


    "Yes, he''s from the Witch God Sect."


    Householder Xiong cursed and said, "This kid has got guts and audacity, we''re hunting them throughout the city, and he still dared to run off to the Spring Pavilion to seek out the ladies!"


    "He''s got that much nerve?" Chen Sansi asked.


    "Of course!"


    Householder Xiong said, "If it weren''t for me being next door trying to compete for Miss Ru Yan, who would have thought? A truly under-the-lamp darkness!"


    "..."


    Chen Sansi didn''t care about this.


    What he cared about was the Immortal Treasure, "Have all the people from the Witch God Sect been caught?"


    "Not all of them."


    Householder Xiong touched his nose, "But it''ll be soon, we''ve caught one, aren''t we afraid we won''t make him reveal where the rest are hiding? It''ll only take a few more days."


    Chen Sansi sighed with relief.


    The affair wasn''t over, which meant the Immortal Treasure key hadn''t been found, and there was still a chance.


    Of course, he would act according to circumstances and wouldn''t risk his life for it.


    After all, he held the box in his hands, he just needed to know whose hands the key fell into, and then he could plan slowly.


    Watching the troop enter the military camp, Chen Sansi also busied with his own matters.


    He went to the Forge and stated his needs.


    The person in charge, a bare-chested middle-aged man named Niu Gai, had spectacularly developed muscles.


    Stopping his work, he wiped the sweat off his head with a torn cloth, "What weight of bow do you want?"


    "Ten-stone."


    Chen Sansi had only a few pieces of the tougher parts of the tiger bone left.


    "Tiger bone?"


    Niu Gai picked up the skull to feel it, "Replacing cow horn, hard wood to make the bow is good, but to make the bow''s body, it''s slightly lacking in resilience. I suggest you use Purple Gold Bamboo that''s over fifty years old. Even with that, it''s hard to make a Ten-stone Bow, at most six or seven stone."


    "Six or seven stone?"


    Chen Sansi asked, "How can a Ten-stone Bow be made?"


    He still hoped to make a heavy bow that would be effective for training so he wouldn''t have to keep changing bows and arrows.


    Niu Gai explained, "Generally, bowstrings are made from cow horn and cow tendon, with limited upper bounds. Even if you force a ten-stone pull strength bow, the practical utility would be very poor. Tiger tendon won''t work either, unless it''s from an Exotic Beast of the bovine species, or an even better Exotic Beast."


    "What about deer?"


    Chen Sansi paused, "I meant, an Exotic Beast White Deer."


    "Deer tendon is flexible, and Exotic Beasts are especially so, certainly it can be done."


    Niu Gai said, "If you can really find an Exotic Beast of the deer species, I can definitely make you a bow that surpasses ten-stone."

 Chapter 40 - 40: Encircling and Capturing the Witch God Sect

    "However, it''s agreed that you will cover the cost of the materials yourself."


    Niu Gai, counting on his fingers, said, "Fifty-year-old Purple Gold Bamboo, plus other rare materials, will cost at least fifty taels."


    "How much?!"


    Chen Sansi gasped in shock.


    "Did you think mutant Purple Gold Bamboo was easy to find?"


    Niu Gai bluntly stated, "Actually, if you ask me, a six or seven stone bow would suffice. If there''s really a war and you have a Crossbow Cart, why bother?"


    "Keep the tiger bone here for now."


    Chen Sansi didn''t plan to change his decision, "When I get the Exotic Beast Tendon, you can make the bow."


    It looked like he really needed to find a way to get that White Deer.


    Exotic Beasts were rare and costly; acquiring the White Deer would ensure he wouldn''t lack the fifty taels for materials.


    After parting with the craftsman, Chen Sansi returned to the barracks.


    After morning drills ended, he would routinely patrol the city in the afternoon.


    During a break, he went to buy medicinal materials, only to discover that the "Yun He" Medicine Store''s sign was dismantled and replaced with "Yunhe."


    Was this because the Young Master was completely devoured by his uncle, or what was happening?


    "Sir, you weren''t here yesterday and are unaware."


    Flocking to the commotion, Xu Wencai saw his confusion, "The Young Master of Yunhe Martial Arts Hall recently advanced to the Bone Training Realm and last night he ambushed and killed his uncle, reclaiming his family property."


    "Advanced?"


    In Chen Sansi''s memory, wasn''t it said that the Young Master of Yunhe had mediocre talent and might be stuck in the Bone Training Realm for life?


    How much time has passed since his uncle usurped the family property, and now, suddenly, he''s advanced?


    Was he concealing his skills all along, or was there another explanation?


    Luckily, Yunhe Medicine Store resumed normal operations and didn''t raise the prices despite successfully reclaiming his family property; it still maintained an 80% discount.


    "Two preparations of the Replenishing Essence Soup."


    Two paper packages tied with rope were handed over, costing fifty taels of silver.


    The silver he had earned from the tiger wasn''t even warm yet, and most of it had already been spent.


    Training in the Martial Arts Hall was indeed¡­ extortionate!


    But after all, it was an investment in himself; he couldn''t be stingy.


    After buying the medicine, it was also time to switch shifts and return to camp.


    "Mr. Xu."


    Chen Sansi found the old scholar, "Do you have books that record exotic and rare beasts?"


    "Yes!"


    Xu Wencai hurriedly searched for the book.


    His wooden bed wasn''t large, with more than half covered in books, leaving just a small space for sleeping.


    Xu Wencai didn''t even search, he precisely and accurately pulled out a book, specifically the one documenting exotic and rare beasts.


    "The book I took before, I haven''t finished yet; I''ll return it to you together later."


    Chen Sansi expressed his thanks, "Thank you, sir."


    "Why so formal, sir? If you want to read a book, just come and take it!"


    Xu Wencai was considerably diligent.


    "..."


    Chen Sansi knew, this guy was afraid of being deemed useless and kicked out; recently, he''d been calling him "Sir" very affectionately, to the point where it couldn''t be stopped, though there was actually no need for it.


    He took the book home, and while waiting for the meal to be prepared, he started flipping through it.


    The book, titled "Journey through Mountains and Rivers," was written over a thousand years ago by a traveler who loved exploring mountains and rivers, recording his experiences.


    "Further east three hundred li, called Standing Mountain, abundant in water, devoid of trees or grass. There lives a fish, its form resembling a cow, possessing..."


    The method of recording content in the book was similar to the "Classic of Mountains and Seas," which Chen Sansi had read before, and even some of the creatures were the same.


    "Further west three hundred li, at Xian Mountain... it abounds with chiming snakes, resembling snakes but with four wings, emitting sounds like clanging, sighting these predicts a severe drought in that region."


    "It''s all silver!"


    Chen Sansi was engrossed as he read.


    He flipped a few more pages and finally saw what he was looking for.


    "Further south one hundred li, called Hu Mountain, there in lives a White Deer, with four horns on its head, ears that hear in all directions, feeds on treasure fungus, its meat slightly sour, greatly nourishing."


    White Deer.


    It looked like the Hu Mountain Range really did have one. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "First, I''ll enhance my cultivation, and when I reach Small Success in Blood Refining, I''ll head to the mountains in search of the White Deer."


    Chen Sansi closed the book.


    ...


    Time flies, and in the blink of an eye, it was October.


    The weather in the Northern Territory was growing increasingly cold.


    For ten consecutive days, Chen Sansi continued to perform his routine diligently.


    Martial arts practice, eating, patrolling the city.


    Regarding the Witch God Sect, it was said that the captive was very stubborn. After being tortured for seven consecutive days without confessing a single word, he found an opportunity to bite off his tongue and committed suicide.


    Thus, the lead was broken, and the search of the city continued.


    Chen Sansi, however, was not in a hurry.


    The later the things arrived, the more advantageous it was for him.


    At the Martial Arts Arena.


    Having just consumed a bowl of Replenishing Essence Soup, Chen Sansi felt every pore in his body heating up.


    The effect of the Replenishing Essence Soup was twice that of Blood Replenishing Soup.


    He cupped his fists and said, "Xu Flag Officer, today I would like to trouble you to exert your full strength."


    "Full strength?"


    Holding a saber, Xu Bin was momentarily stunned, "Are you sure?"


    "Sure."


    Chen Sansi nodded.


    At the same cultivation level, the opponent had long been unable to put any pressure on him.


    "Good!"


    Xu Bin did not refuse.


    He had wanted to give his all for a while.


    Not because he wanted to win, but because, with the same Qi-Blood, this youngster was too terrifying.


    In front of the young man, he was like a training dummy, posing no threat at all, relying solely on years of saber technique to avoid utter embarrassment.


    "Watch the saber!"


    Xu Bin shouted loudly as his Small Success Level Qi-Blood suddenly erupted, charging forward and slashing down with a saber as if a wild wolf was descending from the sky!


    Chen Sansi also went all out, with two streams of Qi-Blood condensing on his arms, turning his Lu Ye long spear into a blur of shadows.


    "Clang, clang, clang, clang, clang¡ª"


    The sound of metal clashing.


    Xu Bin was astonished to find.


    Even with his full strength, he could no longer suppress the young man. The opponent''s Blood Refining Mastery, in terms of pure strength, was not inferior to his, not to mention endurance.


    Within ten exchanges, Xu Bin''s hand that held the saber went numb, his vision blurred, and he began unable to predict from which direction the opponent''s long spear would thrust, his lower stance becoming increasingly unstable and chaotic, until he finally fell to the ground.


    "Stop, stop, stop! No more fighting!"


    He hurriedly shouted.


    "Clang!"


    Chen Sansi withdrew his spear and stepped forward to help him up: "Much obliged, Brother Bin!"


    Majestic Breathing Skill, advantage of long weapons, Gun Movement Swift, strong Qi-Blood...


    One advantage after another stacked up, he could indeed easily win against Blood Refining Minor Success.


    "You... Are you about to reach Small Success?"


    Xu Bin noticed something was amiss, "How many days has it been?"


    "Maybe I''ve taken a lot of supplemental medicine."


    Chen Sansi looked at the panel.


    [Cultivation Technique: Basics of Spear Technique (Mastery)]


    [Progress: (910/1000)]


    [Utility: Gun Movement Swift, amazing endurance, strong Qi-Blood]


    As he predicted, he would breakthrough to Small Success within half a month.


    The silver totaling over several dozen taels was indeed not spent in vain.


    "I cannot accompany you in training anymore."


    Xu Bin wiped the cold sweat away.


    This was too terrifying.


    It wasn''t a matter of supplemental medicine at all.


    If it were him, no matter how much supplemental medicine he took, he couldn''t possibly improve at this pace; instead, he might even get poisoned.


    This youngster could very well become a Refining Organ Martial Artist, or even higher in his lifetime!


    "Brother Bin, you''ve worked hard, I''ll treat you to a drink tonight."


    Chen Sansi knew well that sparring was not an easy task.


    "Done!" Xu Bin did not refuse.


    "Buzz¡ª"


    Just as the two were preparing to leave, the assembly call sounded unexpectedly.


    An Order Officer, riding a fast horse, sprinted between the military camp and the garrison, his voice loud and clear.


    "Three hundred garrison soldiers, assemble!"


    "Traces of the Witch God Sect discovered in Po Yang County city, assemble to encircle and suppress, assemble to encircle and suppress¡ª"

 Chapter 41 - 41: Insignificant Things

    "Assemble quickly!"


    "What are you dawdling for!"


    "Military orders are as mountainous, do you no longer value your lives!"


    Under the Order Officer''s urging, within the time it took to drink a cup of tea, all three hundred garrison soldiers had gathered.


    Chen Sansi was naturally among them.


    Leading the group were Householder Xiong and Households Commander Liu, with no sign of Xiang Tingchun.


    "Depart!"


    At the command, the entire army struck out.


    "This is really sudden."


    For Chen Sansi, it was his first time executing a real face-to-face mission with the enemy. "Where is Hundred Households Wang?"


    "He''s not here."


    Households Commander Liu came over and said, "This morning, under the pretense of hosting a banquet, Lord Thousand Households gathered all the masters of the Four Great Martial Arts Schools at the Eight Treasures Restaurant, then sent Hundred Households Wang and Hundred Households Luo to accompany them with two hundred men. They haven''t returned yet."


    A banquet?


    This was likely holding the Martial Arts Halls under house arrest to prevent them from interfering with this operation.


    It seems that today they truly found the hiding place of the Witch God Sect, and Xiang Tingchun was bound to obtain the Immortal Treasure.


    "It seems there''s no time to enhance my strength."


    "I''ll have to adapt as things come!"


    Still, as always, Chen Sansi wouldn''t take too great a risk for a treasure.


    Xiang Tingchun was personally involved, and it had reached the level of fighting suited for Refining Organ Martial Artists; he couldn''t get involved even if he wanted to.


    He would act on opportunity.


    If there really was a chance, he would give it a try; if not, he would let it be.


    "Lord Thousand Households captures people just to capture them, but why keep the Martial Arts Halls under arrest? Is it related to them letting blood?"


    Households Commander Liu and Householder Xiong also felt something was off.


    But the specific reason, if the higher-ups didn''t say, they wouldn''t ask.


    Some things are not better off known.


    "Sansi."


    Households Commander Liu patted his shoulder, "When we arrive at the location later, you don''t need to rush forward. Just lead your men to block off the rear."


    "Fatty Wang really treats you well."


    Householder Xiong, carrying a battle-ax, added, "For this matter, he even remarkably agreed to invite us to Spring Pavilion."


    "Thank you, both Householders Commanders."


    Chen Sansi stepped back to find his men.


    "Haha!"


    Zhu Tong seemed somewhat excited.


    He had broken through in Blood Refining a few days ago and was fretting about having no place to use his martial skills, "Let me kill some barbarians!"


    Xu Wencai was visibly trembling, clutching a spear more like a crutch in his grasp, he stammered, "Sir, I heard that the followers of the Witch God Sect kill without blinking; I really don''t know any martial arts!"


    "Useless, you better run then."


    Zhu Tong, as always, kept cursing him, "You coward!"


    "I, Xu Wen, am not afraid to die!"


    Xu Wencai clung to his spear and declared loudly, "I''m just afraid of dying... unnoticed!"


    "Tch!" Zhu Tong couldn''t be bothered to engage.


    Military soldier Wang Li was relatively calm, "Flag officer, sir, what should we do later?"


    "Follow the Commands of the Householders Commanders."


    Chen Sansi looked at his men, "Don''t be frightened, it''s just a siege. The real experts will be handled by Households Commander Xiang, we''ll most likely just be blocking off the road. Besides, since the day we enlisted, we knew this day would come."


    "Sir''s right."


    Wang Li agreed, "Rather than being at a total loss when we really go into battle someday, better to take this chance for a trial."


    The group joined the ranks.


    The three hundred men marched mightily towards the direction of Po Yang County.


    But their destination was not the county town.


    Five miles outside the South City Gate of Po Yang County, there was a temple known as the Golden Bell Temple, where followers of the Witch God Sect had been hiding until yesterday when one of the local military soldiers, who had gone to offer prayers, spotted something suspicious and reported it to the commander.


    ...


    Outside the South City Gate, there was a small hill.


    At the foot of the hill, a two-story high bluestone stele was erected, carved with the words "Golden Bell Temple."


    Beside the stele, a winding staircase led up step by step, where lines of devout pilgrims queued up to reach the vermilion temple situated at the mid-slope; although there were many people, the place was exceptionally quiet. Only the buildings veiled by ancient pines occasionally let out the sound of the bell and wafts of faint incense smoke.


    Outside the temple, there was a teahouse where pilgrims could rest.


    Xiang Tingchun, dressed in casual clothes, sat on a long bench, sipping his tea calmly.


    By his side, sat two similarly dressed military soldiers.


    One was surnamed Feng and the other Zhao.


    Households Commander Feng whispered with his head down, "My lord, the garrison should arrive within the time of half an incense stick, encircling the Golden Bell Temple, but... should we not evacuate the civilians?"


    "Evacuate?"


    Xiang Tingchun, expressionless, toyed with his tea cup, "If we evacuate them, wouldn''t that be the same as signaling the Witch God Sect followers?"


    "But..."


    Households Commander Feng said with a distressed expression, "There are about twenty people from the Witch God Sect, and it''s bound to cause a big commotion. If we don''t evacuate, I''m afraid many innocent bystanders will be injured."


    Xiang Tingchun''s voice was icy, "What does it matter if a few peasants die?"


    "Lord Thousand Households... you..."


    Feng and Zhao, the two Households Commanders, were at a loss for what to say.


    "To accomplish something, there''s always a price to pay, isn''t that right?"


    Xiang Tingchun gently placed down his tea cup, speaking in a deep tone, "For one to succeed, thousands must perish; that is always the way of the world."


    "But they are civilians." Households Commander Feng mustered his courage, "I think we should still..."


    "Enough."


    Xiang Tingchun interrupted, "Feng Yong, Zhao Kang, listen to my orders!


    "You two, lead a team of elite soldiers and infiltrate the temple disguised as pilgrims with me, and make sure that Liu Jinkui and Xiong Qiuan block every path down the hill. Let one escape, and you''ll answer to me!"


    "Yes!"


    Feng and Zhao dared not say more, quickly leaving to convey the orders.


    ...


    After three hundred garrison soldiers left the city, under the command of various military officers, they dispersed and surrounded the small hill where Golden Bell Temple was located from all sides, the whole process being swift and silent.


    Chen Sansi and Fang Zongqi, along with fifty men, were positioned at a pathway down the hill''s flank, lying in ambush within the dense foliage on both sides, tasked with trapping anyone trying to escape.


    Fang Zongqi issued orders at just the right volume so everyone could hear clearly:


    "Spear soldiers are responsible for blocking the path, archers find a spot with a clear view, shield and blade soldiers protect the spearmen, and be ready to kill anyone who gets close!


    "For each Witch God Sect follower''s head, military soldiers are rewarded with a bowl of Blood Replenishing Soup, and Array Soldiers with three ounces of silver. Higher ranks are rewarded separately!


    "When someone fires a whistle arrow from the mountain, it means the battle has started!


    "Lord Thousand Households'' order, no one is to be spared alive!"


    After these orders, nearly fifty people took their positions.


    "Sir... sir!"


    Xu Wencai''s red hat was askew on his head, and he could hardly hold his spear steadily: "I really don''t know martial arts!"


    "Mr. Zhu."


    Chen Sansi began, "Keep an eye on him when the fight really starts."


    "Brother Chen, just indulge this old guy!"


    Zhu Tong was holding a long spear, with a Black Iron Hammer strapped to his back, complementing the cultivation technique he practiced, though he also held a standard issue long spear.


    Before becoming a military officer, martial soldiers likewise needed to integrate into military formations on the battlefield, without disrupting the formation, only military officers had the freedom to command and move as needed.


    "Get over here!"


    Zhu Tong, as if plucking a chicken, pulled Xu Wencai over to his side. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The crowd fell silent, the atmosphere in the woods laden with tension.


    Many among them had never truly fought with real swords and spears, so how could they not be anxious? Thankfully, there were enough of them that it wasn''t too frightening.


    "Chiu¡ª"


    It was unclear how much time had passed when a sharp cry rang out, breaking the eerie silence.

 Chapter 42 - 42 The Masked Man

    Golden Bell Temple.


    The back courtyard''s Zen rooms.


    Two barbarians disguised as monks are kneeling on futons.


    Outside, the clash of weapons and screams of agony are ceaseless.


    "Squad Leader."


    The thin-lipped monk is uneasy, "Xiang Tingchun has sent people to surround Golden Bell Temple, what should we do? If the Jade Key also falls into their hands, wouldn''t that be..."


    The man referred to as Squad Leader is calmer.


    He takes out a piece of jade from his bosom and hands it to the thin-lipped monk.


    "Squad Leader?!"


    The thin-lipped monk is panicked, "This is absolutely impossible, the Immortal Treasure is of utmost importance, how can it be entrusted to me?"


    "Xiang Tingchun knows me."


    The Squad Leader speaks indifferently, "He will surely fixate on me, and with the object in my possession, it will be even less safe. I will hold off the man named Xiang; you find a way to escape. If there''s really no way, then hide the Jade Key."


    The thin-lipped monk carefully accepts the object, "Do we really have to die here today? It''s all because of that damn traitor who handed over the Immortal Treasure so easily. Otherwise, Tuoba Yuwen''s two divisions would have united the grassland long ago, and seizing the Great Sheng Court''s place would be within reach!"


    "There''s no need to panic so much."


    The middle-aged man truly resembles a high monk who has attained enlightenment, speaking soothingly and serenely, "Even if we fail, the Sect Hierarch and Great Khan still have other plans; at worst, we would just trade benefits with the old Emperor of the Sheng Dynasty.


    "He''s coming soon, you should go."


    "Yes!"


    The thin-lipped monk takes the Jade Key and disappears out the window.


    "Bang¡ª"


    A corpse crashes into the wooden door of the Zen room like a boulder.


    Xiang Tingchun steps over the corpse and into the room, the He Miao Long Sword in his hand still dripping blood. He speaks deliberately, "Give me the object."


    "Sigh~"


    The Squad Leader sighs lightly, taking two copper maces from behind, "Lord Thousand Households, you don''t even know what the Immortal Treasure is, why go to such great lengths?"


    "After you''re dead, I''ll naturally figure it out."


    Inside the Zen room, the sword light flickers.


    ...


    About twenty minutes after the whistle arrow was fired.


    People began to flee from the mountain to the side guarded by the troops.


    "Get ready!"


    Fang Zongqi raises his hand, preparing to give an order.


    "Help!"


    "The monks at Golden Bell Temple are killing people!"


    "..."


    As the crowd draws closer, the officers and soldiers realize something is wrong.


    The number of people running down the mountain is close to a hundred.


    The Witch God Sect isn''t attacking with a large army; taking back roads through the wild and sneaking in dozens of people might be possible, but how could there be so many?


    It''s clear at a glance that most of them are common folks.


    "Wait a moment!"


    Fang Zongqi quickly stops the archers who are ready to shoot and shouts to the crowd, "Stop! No one goes down the mountain; everyone, stop!"


    "Sir, there is a monk killing people at Golden Bell Temple!"


    "Save me, sir, let me go, please let me go!"


    "..."


    The frantic crowd isn''t willing to listen.


    "Spit¡ª"


    Fang Zongqi draws his Crescent Moon Curved Blade and sternly rebukes, "I am telling you to stop, don''t you understand! Anyone who takes one more step forward will be treated as a Witch God Sect Follower and summarily executed!"


    Seeing the flashing silver blade, the people are forced to halt.


    Chen Sansi witnesses the chaotic scene and knows that many innocents are bound to die today.


    It seems that to avoid alarming the enemy, this Lord Thousand Households would rather more civilians die.


    "Nobody move! Whoever moves will be shot dead!"


    Flag Leader Fang spoke cautiously, "Horse Flag Officer! Most followers of the Witch God Sect are barbarians. Take a squad, go up there, and scrutinize each one!"


    Fortunately, they were aliens, and even if they disguised themselves in clothing and makeup, their facial features and accents were still distinguishable. Plus, by questioning them about their family backgrounds and residences, and despite taking some time, one could eventually identify them.


    There was no hiding it any longer.


    The Witch God Sect followers in the crowd couldn''t hold back any longer.


    A man pretending to be a wealthy elder raised his hand and struck, slapping the heart on the back of an old man in front of him.


    The old man spewed a mist of blood and died on the spot. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The crowd that had just been brought under control once again erupted into chaos, everyone screaming and panicking, fleeing in all directions.


    "Brothers, kill! Carve a blood path¡ª"


    The followers of the Witch God Sect no longer hid their identity, revealing their hidden weapons and began killing in the confusion.


    "Do not panic!"


    Flag Leader Fang shouted, clashing with that wealthy pretender, without forgetting to direct, "Form squads with the men from each small flag, assist each other, and create formations to encircle and kill!!!"


    The Witch God Sect devotees were clearly trying to scatter and escape.


    So the numbers they encountered were not large, about seven or eight, and without any Bone Forger Realm masters among them, it seemed the masters had already broken through elsewhere.


    Chen Sansi, commanding his men and coordinating with another flag officer, circled around a one-eyed man.


    Zhu Tong, Wang Li, and others, wielding spears, jabbed at the follower from all directions.


    The man had the strength of the Blood Refining Early Stage and dual-wielded swords, wildly slashing and chopping. He managed to approach by sheer brute force, but was quickly pushed back by soldiers with shields and swords, and was once again caught in a desperate struggle.


    Add to that, there was a flag officer on the army''s side, also in the Blood Refining Early Stage, coordinating the attack. Within less than ten exchanges, the Witch God Sect follower revealed numerous flaws and was stabbed all over by the chaotic spears, bleeding from multiple wounds.


    This was the might of the military!


    Those sects in Jianghu could not match this fighting strength.


    Chen Sansi wasn''t idle either; he would draw his Big Bow fully, and upon the string''s release, the arrow would soar.


    The Wolf Teeth Arrow flew through the gaps in the chaotic crowd, piercing through the face of a Witch God Sect follower over a hundred paces away, nailing the head onto a tree trunk with a thud, causing instantaneous, painless death.


    "Die¡ª"


    A Blood Refining Early Stage Witch God Sect follower approached from the flank, raising a Crescent Moon Curved Blade in an attempt to ambush.


    How could Chen Sansi''s keen hearing not detect him?


    Anticipating this moment, Chen Sansi turned and shot an arrow just as the attacker raised his blade.


    Being no more than ten steps apart, the impact from the arrow carried the attacker backward, and before he even fell to the ground, he was caught up by a long spear, the blade slicing through his neck, severing the head from the body. Like a kicked ball, the head rolled far along the slope with a rumble.


    The melee did not last long.


    The army''s side had more people and quickly entrapped the Witch God Sect devotees, who, despite their stubborn resistance, probably couldn''t hold out for much longer.


    "I wonder how the main battlefield is doing."


    Chen Sansi looked toward the direction of the Golden Bell Temple.


    Had Xiang Tingchun gotten what he desired?


    He held his reed leaf gun, ready to help quickly resolve the fight.


    "Swoosh¡ª"


    Dozens of yards away, the sound of branches being broken underfoot arose.


    Someone hidden for a long time was trying to escape amidst the chaos.


    An escapee!


    Upon hearing the noise, Chen Sansi immediately gave chase.


    Through the trees, he could vaguely see a brownish-yellow figure flash by.


    The forest ahead was dense, obstructing most of the view.


    Chen Sansi, relying on his hearing and the footprints on the ground, pursued cautiously, not taking any rash actions since he didn''t know the capability of his opponent; it''s always wise to be careful.


    It wasn''t until he had covered several miles and the view became clearer that he finally caught sight of the person he sought.


    A pointed-mouthed and cheeky monk clad in a monk''s robe but with earring holes in his ears, clearly not dressing in the style of the Sheng Dynasty''s commoners.


    Chen Sansi nocked an arrow, ready to shoot, when another group quickly approached.


    This group carried ordinary long swords, each wearing black clothes and masking their faces with black cloths. There were four of them in total, blocking all escape routes and stopping the pointed-mouthed monk.


    A third-party force?


    Chen Sansi recognized someone familiar among the masked people: "Is it him?"


    He concealed his breath and hid, watching secretly.

 Chapter 43 - 43 Immortal Treasure

    "Stop right there!"


    The masked leader''s blade pointed at the person, "A follower of the Witch God Sect?"


    "Amitabha!"


    The sharp-nosed monk pressed his palms together, "Sirs, please do not speak nonsense, this humble monk is a monk from the Golden Bell Temple."


    "A monk? Then why are you running around in such a panic?!"


    The masked man barked coldly, "Cut the crap, with that face, who could you fool? Meet your death!"


    No more words were wasted.


    All four of them made their move simultaneously.


    The monk didn''t hesitate either; his hands, at some point, were already quietly equipped with a pair of gloves wrapped with iron wire, directly clashing with the sword''s blade, instantly sparking and creating sounds like that of blacksmithing.


    "Both this monk and the leading masked man are in the Bone Training Realm!"


    Chen Sansi could tell that their power clearly surpassed that of the Blood Refining Warriors; they were both adept at bone training.


    Especially the sharp-nosed monk, who seemed frail, but was incredibly fierce in action, his aura was just like that of a fierce tiger from Second Layer Mountain.


    Apart from the masked leader, the others were no match.


    In just a few exchanges, they all suffered injuries, holding their swords, not daring to approach, covering from a distance.


    The masked leader and the monk were locked in fierce combat.


    When the fight was at a deadlock, another figure silently appeared, launching a surprise attack from behind.


    It was yet another practitioner of bone training.


    Two against one, the monk finally started to falter.


    "Hiss¡ª"


    The masked leader found an opportunity, landing a sword strike on the monk''s shoulder.


    The sword did not cut off the entire arm as imagined, but got stuck in the middle after cleaving through bone, unable to completely sever it.


    ''Is this bone training?''


    ''Are bones really so hard that swords have trouble cutting through?''


    ''I''m afraid even my two-stone bow wouldn''t be able to kill a bone training martial artist directly.''


    ''It seems that getting a ten-stone bow is imperative.''


    Chen Sansi continued to watch the battle.


    Any combat at a higher realm than his was helpful in gaining experience.


    On the battlefield, the situation became gradually clear.


    Ultimately, even a double-fisted monk could hardly fend off four hands, and after being struck by a sword, the disadvantage quickly widened. The Blood Refining Warriors, who had only dared to watch from afar, also moved in to look for an opportunity to deliver the finishing blow.


    "Hiss hiss hiss¡ª"


    The sounds of blades tearing through clothing resounded one after another.


    The fake monk was like someone splashed with a coat of red paint; though the bones were hard to break, the flesh had been stripped off in many places, some still clinging to his body, shaking as if they might fall off at any moment, looking extremely unsettling.


    Finally, the masked leader found an opportunity, thrusting a sword into the Witch God Sect follower''s carotid artery.


    Blood spurted like a fountain; he fell stiffly to the ground, his eyes wide open in death.


    "Search!"


    The masked men quickly began searching the body, but found nothing.


    "Nothing on him, the Immortal Treasure isn''t with him!"


    "Should the young master consider going up the mountain?"


    "The item is most likely already in Xiang Tingchun''s possession."


    "Let''s go; we came here to scavenge, if we can''t find anything, then that''s that. Getting caught by Xiang Tingchun would be the end for us. It looks like we''re going to have to pay a high price after all."


    "Take the body and withdraw!"


    Listening to the conversation, Chen Sansi confirmed the guess in his mind.


    The masked men were Liang Zhan and that old servant!


    This Young Master, despite rumors of spending his days in brothels, had not fallen behind in cultivation. At twenty-five or twenty-six years of age, assuming he had practiced martial arts for ten years, reaching the Bone Training Realm was definitely outstanding in Po Yang County.


    "To kill him, I still need to improve my strength."


    Chen Sansi had not forgotten that Liang had come looking for him. If it weren''t for Wang Zhi''s presence, although it wouldn''t have been life-threatening, it wouldn''t have been pleasant.


    Feeling controlled by others was truly unbearable.


    He didn''t linger, returning the same way he had come.


    "Did Xiang Tingchun really get the Immortal Treasure?"


    Chen Sansi felt regretful.


    But he always felt that something was not quite right.


    Carefully thinking about it, Witch God Sect followers blending in with the common people is actually not a good way to get away.


    The military had already arrived, and even if they were truly ordinary people, they would definitely scrutinize their ancestry back to the eighteenth generation before releasing anyone after confirming there were no issues.


    Compared to slipping through unnoticed, they seem more like they were trying to attract attention.


    Had it not been for Chen Sansi, in such a chaotic scene where even the snapping of branches dozens of meters away could be heard clearly, no one would''ve noticed the fake monk.


    But there was nothing on him.


    Hidden away?


    Chen Sansi couldn''t help but recall the scene when he first got the Linglong Jade Box.


    With a try-and-see attitude, he searched along the way back, not finding any signs of the soil having been disturbed.


    "Am I overthinking it?"


    "Wait a minute."


    A bird''s call above him drew his attention to a pine tree''s bark, which had fresh signs of being stripped off.


    Chen Sansi immediately climbed up and at the highest point of the trunk, he found a fist-sized tree hole.


    "There''s a snake!"


    With quick eyes and hands, he pressed down on the snake''s head and pulled it out.


    It was a poisonous green snake.


    Looking inside the hole, there was nothing else.


    However, there were bloodstains on the snake''s lower jaw, as if it had been torn apart by someone, and scales were missing from its body.


    "Could it be..."


    Without hesitation, Chen Sansi used both hands to pry the snake''s jaws apart, yanking to both sides, tearing the snake in half, and there it was¡ªa piece of green jade stone, the very Jade Key recorded in the "Dasheng Book"!


    "Stuffing things inside a snake''s belly, that''s quite clever!"


    He couldn''t help but admire the ingenuity of whoever did this.


    Even if one made a mark on the snake, it may not be possible to find it later.


    It seemed that the Witch God Sect would rather lose the item than let it fall into someone else''s hands.


    It must be said that this method was indeed effective.


    Any normal person would never have found such tiny traces.


    But he happened to encounter them.


    Chen Sansi secured the jade stone and ripped out the snake''s gallbladder.


    The green snake wasn''t worth much, but every little bit counts.


    After everything was done, he threw the snake''s carcass back into the hole; before long, other animals would come along, lured by the scent of blood, and clean it up.


    "Looks like Households Commander Xiang has made a wasted trip this time."


    Chen Sansi returned to the foot of the mountain; the chaos was still not over. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Witch God Sect followers were stubbornly resisting; the remaining two or three even took the common people as human shields and ran in different directions.


    Indeed, they were covering for the fake monk.


    After the fake monk had left, the Witch God Sect followers began to think of ways to save themselves.


    The people from the garrison had spread out in pursuit, their ranks were quite thin, and no one was paying attention to Chen Sansi''s movements.


    It was not until dusk that the last Witch God Sect follower was captured, and the clean-up of the battlefield began.


    In terms of casualties, three garrison soldiers died, and two were injured.


    Among the two who died, just one was a military soldier; the rest were Array Soldiers.


    But they killed seven Witch God Sect members and captured one alive¡ªall Blood Refining Warriors.


    Indeed, there''s strength in numbers.


    After all, they had one flag leader and five small flags on their side; if the scene hadn''t been so chaotic, preventing archers from being of much use, it would''ve been entirely possible to suffer even fewer casualties.


    "I killed a Blood Refining Mastery and a small achievement; I should be able to exchange for a few bowls of Blood Replenishing Soup."


    Chen Sansi was calculating.


    His subordinates were also gradually returning, with no casualties, and having jointly killed two people.


    "Okay, stop hugging me!"


    Zhu Tong impatiently pushed Xu Wencai away, "It''s all over, look at you being such a scaredy-cat!"


    "Whistle¡ª"


    The whistle arrow was fired again.


    Three hundred garrison soldiers were ordered to assemble in front of the Golden Bell Temple.


    Xiang Tingchun, with bloodstained clothes, slowly walked out of the temple gate; his He Miao Blade was broken, and there was blood at the corner of his mouth, but the human head he held in his hand declared that he had won this murderous battle.

 Chapter 44 - 44 Lamp Oil

    Two hundred household commanders stepped forward to report the summary of the operation.


    About a month ago, followers of the Witch God Sect sneaked into Po Yang County and coerced the abbot of the Golden Bell Temple to help them conceal their identities.


    As for the specific reasons, they are still unclear.


    "My lord, in this crackdown, we have slain a total of twenty-eight followers of the Witch God Sect, including six in the Bone Training realm, and fifteen in the Blood Refining level.


    "In terms of numbers, it is about the same as the previous round-up.


    "We have also interrogated all the temple visitors and local residents on the mountain, and only let them go after confirming they were not involved; those who could not be immediately identified have already been imprisoned in the county government''s jail."


    Liu Jinkui, clenching his fists, said, "Theoretically speaking, it would be very difficult for anyone to escape."


    "Very difficult~"


    Xiang Tingchun''s eyes were like those of an eagle, staring at them; "Does that mean, however, that someone slipped through?"


    "Please forgive us, my lord!"


    Liu Jinkui knelt on one knee: "The Witch God Sect is treacherous and cunning, using civilians as human shields. The situation was indeed too chaotic. But even if a few got away, they were just minions and would surely not dare to cause trouble again in the future!"


    There are some things Xiang Tingchun couldn''t say outright.


    He fell silent for a moment, then spoke again: "Evacuate the Golden Bell Temple. Gather all the followers of the Witch God Sect, dead or alive, together. I will personally verify them."


    "Yes, sir!"


    The bloody battle was thoroughly over.


    But most of that blood was that of the civilians.


    By rough estimates, at least forty to fifty people were dead.


    "Such sin!"


    On the way down the mountain, Xu Wencai kept muttering, "If I were in command, I certainly wouldn''t have let so many die in vain."


    "Keep dreaming,"


    Zhu Tong was also very dissatisfied with today''s events: "Damn it, I thought Xiang Tingchun was something special, turns out he''s just another ruthless character willing to achieve his goals by any means necessary."


    "Do you two no longer wish to keep your tongues?!"


    Fang Zongqi cast a warning glance at them.


    "My lord, I was just joking, Commander Xiang''s leadership was exquisite!"


    Xu Wencai immediately changed his tune.


    Zhu Tong, however, just scoffed and said no more.


    "Sigh¡­"


    Fang Zongqi shook his head but did not pursue the matter further: "At least we have eradicated the followers of the Witch God Sect; no more people will die because of them."


    Lately, there had been no shortage of mysterious disappearances around Po Yang County.


    Chen Sansi walked silently at the edge.


    For the bureaucrats of the ancient feudal dynasty, what were the common people?


    They were nothing more than NPCs in their simulation games, created for the value of production; as long as one could gain greater benefits from an incident, the loss of many NPCs was nothing more than a number to them.


    It served Xiang Tingchun right to come back empty-handed.


    Moreover, he couldn''t openly investigate the matter.


    After all, it was done covertly, behind the court''s back.


    "The Jade Box and the key are in hand."


    Chen Sansi quickened his pace: "I want to see for myself what this object is that they fought so fiercely over."


    ...


    With just one command, over eighty monks of the Golden Bell Temple were thrown into prison, and the entire temple was evacuated and sealed, forbidding anyone to go up the mountain without permission.


    Inside the Great Hall.


    The bodies of over twenty Witch God Sect followers were neatly lined up beneath the Golden Body of The Buddha, while Xiang Tingchun, holding a short knife, individually slit their bellies open, allowing blood and organs to spill out all over the floor.


    Where''s the object?! The squad leader is dead, and the followers are captured.


    For this, Xiang Tingchun had also suffered a minor injury, yet couldn''t find what he was looking for?


    He had turned the entire Golden Bell Temple upside down.


    Footsteps sounded from outside the hall.


    Luo Dongquan stepped into the Great Hall, involuntarily retreating half a step upon seeing the filth on the floor, and saluted with his fist: "My lord, I have returned."


    Xiang Tingchun, angered, threw the short knife aside and asked in a deep voice, "At today''s banquet, did any Martial Arts Hall Master leave midway?"


    "Replying to my lord."


    Luo Dongquan answered: "The masters of the Four Great Martial Arts Schools, Tianyuan, Tai Lei, Zhao, and Yun He, were all present at the Eight Treasures Restaurant. Wang Zhi and I were watching them the whole time."


    Xiang Tingchun then asked, "What about their subordinates?"


    "They were also there."


    Luo Dongquan, lowering his head: "The Martial Arts Academy Disciples above the Bone Training Realm were all called to the Eight Treasures Building by me; not one was missing."


    "You, are you sure?!"


    Xiang Tingchun emphasized.


    Luo Dongquan''s head hung even lower, almost touching the ground: "This subordinate is sure!"


    "Old Luo, there''s no need to be so nervous. I trust your work."


    Xiang Tingchun folded his arms behind his back and paced back and forth in the hall.


    He felt stifled inside.


    It seemed that the item had most likely been taken away by someone who had slipped through the net.


    "My lord."


    Luo Dongquan asked, "Could it be that the Immortal Treasure has not been found?"


    Xiang Tingchun narrowed his eyes and after pondering for a moment, he spoke:


    "Old Luo, go tell the Four Great Martial Arts Schools that I have the item in my possession.


    "If they want it, they can have it, but they must exchange something for it.


    "First, I want an ample supply of medicinal herbs, at least doubling the amount for everyone in the garrison.


    "Second, the Four Great Martial Arts Schools and the local gentry must donate silver and grain to support my military campaign next spring.


    "Third, all the martial arts schools in the city must provide me with a total of three hundred men, with no fewer than three skilled in Bone Training.


    "If they meet these three conditions, I will give them the Immortal Treasure."


    Luo Dongquan could not believe it: "My lord, isn''t this a bit too harsh?"


    "Harsh?"


    Xiang Tingchun scoffed, "Do you know what old man Liang told me on the night of the incident?


    "He said that with the Immortal Treasure, within twenty years, I could make it to the position of the Great General of the Left Army Governor Mansion, and the Four Great Martial Arts Schools could also be stationed in the Capital City, joining the ranks of the first-class martial arts schools.


    "Compared to that, what''s the harm in spending some money and shedding some blood?"


    "My lord is wise."


    Luo Dongquan said, "With money and resources, it seems that as soon as the Ministry of War''s approval comes through, my lord will be able to achieve great things next year."


    "By the way, Old Luo."


    Xiang Tingchun changed the subject: "You are nearing the Refining Internal stage yourself. It so happens that I remember Liang Feng has a few rare medicinal herbs. Demand them as well and I''ll share half with you."


    "Lord Thousand Households is so considerate. This subordinate will repay you with his life!"


    Luo Dongquan thanked him and was about to carry out the orders.


    "One more thing."


    Xiang Tingchun stopped him: "In a while, the new county magistrate will arrive. For some reason, the Selection Officer from the Governor Mansion is coming ahead of time as well. Make sure you arrange things properly when the time comes, and don''t let what happened last time occur again."


    "Yes!"


    Luo Dongquan complied with the order.


    Xiang Tingchun watched his retreating figure, his gaze deep.


    The Immortal Treasure...


    Either the Witch God Sect successfully took it away or it was hidden near the Golden Bell Temple.


    If it was the former, there was nothing that could be done, but if it was the latter, he could still search slowly.


    In any case, he should first fool the martial arts schools into paying up. Any longer and it would be too late.


    "The emperor plans to cultivate a group of new generals in the Northern Territory. Just one impressive battle would be enough to draw attention.


    "Once the Supervisor steps down, I''m sure to be taken under the wing of the new Supervisor."


    The Xiang family has been confined to the land of Po Yang County for three generations.


    In his lifetime, Xiang Tingchun was determined to break out no matter what.


    Even if it meant using the people of Po Yang as stepping stones, it didn''t matter.


    ...


    The garrison.


    After assisting with headcount, Chen Sansi hurried back to his home, dug out the Linglong Jade Box from the underground of the backyard, and then returned to his bedroom, locking the door behind him. He pulled out the key from his pocket.


    The key was made of pure jade, intricately built, and not only was the pattern complex, but the tip was irregular in shape and just so happened to fit the lock of the box perfectly.


    Just as the records had stated, one box to one jade key. If the jade key was destroyed, not even the gods themselves could open the box.


    He inserted the jade key and turned the mechanism.


    With a "click," the wooden box opened.


    Inside was another iron box.


    Fortunately, the iron box didn''t need another key to be unlocked.


    He lifted the lid.


    Inside was filled with a pale yellow substance, slightly warm and soft to the touch, somewhat resembling animal fat. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Lamp oil?"

 Chapter 45 - 45 Blood Refining Minor Success

    "Just a box of lamp oil?"


    Chen Sansi didn''t believe it.


    He re-examined the Linglong Jade Box, confirmed there was nothing else inside except the self-destruction mechanism, and that there were no secret compartments.


    The Witch God Sect, Xiang Tingchun, the Martial Arts Halls.


    Was this the thing that all these forces were desperately fighting over?


    According to Chen Sansi''s summary, neither the Martial Arts Halls nor Xiang Tingchun necessarily knew what the Immortal Treasure was; the only one with insider knowledge, the Witch God Sect, were all tight-lipped and refused to divulge anything.


    It definitely couldn''t be this simple.


    Chen Sansi went to the doorway of the kitchen, scooped out a very small amount of lamp oil with his finger, and gently applied it to the wooden log used for splitting firewood. Then, he found a Fire Stick and blew a tiny flame onto it.


    "Boom¡ª¡ª"


    The moment the tiny flame made contact with the lamp oil, a fiery red blaze erupted violently, as if a fire dragon burrowed out from the void, instantly climbing to a height of two to three meters.


    In just a few breaths, the wooden log was reduced to ashes.


    You should know, this log was half a meter in diameter and thirty centimeters high. Normal flames would struggle to light it, and if it wasn''t split open, burning it completely to ash would likely take a full day and night!


    Even at a distance of two steps away, Chen Sansi felt he was almost roasted!


    What sort of power was this?


    What kind of animal fat was this, that the flames it burned with were so terrifying!


    "Definitely not a common item," Chen Sansi admitted, somewhat shaken.


    The substance was powerful, but why were they so desperate to get it?


    To use as a weapon?


    He weighed the iron box, half the size of a palm in his hand.


    So little of it, how many times could it be used?


    That shouldn''t warrant such a scramble, right?


    Chen Sansi judged that the fire must have another purpose.


    He inspected the Linglong Jade Box once again, and after repeated confirmations, concluded.


    Indeed, there was nothing else.


    It seemed the method of using the flame might lie in the hands of the Witch God Sect.


    That... was a dead end for now.


    A small disappointment welled up in Chen Sansi''s heart.


    However, the fire was very powerful, and it could indeed come in handy at a critical moment.


    As for its true purpose, that would have to be figured out one step at a time.


    "My current goal is to become a Selected Point and enter the Eight Camps."


    "I need to enhance my strength as soon as possible!"


    Chen Sansi tidied up the items, preparing to rest well for the night, to rejuvenate.


    He was only a windowpane away from a breakthrough.


    ...


    The next day, at the military camp.


    Chen Sansi drank a bowl of Replenishing Essence Soup and, while his Qi-blood was at its peak, picked up the long spear and practiced the soldier''s basic spear technique he had already mastered.


    It was noon, and the sun was high in the sky.


    Suddenly, a thundering sound of breaking the air rang out on the empty Martial Arts Arena.


    It made the nearby soldiers turn their heads to look.


    Under the sunlight, every movement of the reed leaf gun reflected blinding golden light off its tip. As the long spear swung faster and faster, the golden lights began to connect with each other.


    From a distance, it appeared as if a Golden Snake was wildly dancing in the void or as if a golden brush was painting majestic landscapes, creating an urge in onlookers to draw closer. Yet, the continuous fierce sounds of the air being torn apart reminded everyone that this wasn''t a beautiful scene, but a lethal martial technique!


    The long spear whistled, the figure moved swiftly.


    The scene of flashing lights lasted for the time it would take half an incense stick to burn.


    Then, at a certain moment, everything suddenly stopped.


    All the golden light converged to a single point and, at a speed invisible to the naked eye, landed on the training post of the Martial Arts Arena.


    "Bang¡ª¡ª"


    The Training Post, as thick as an adult man''s shoulder and two meters high, exploded outwards from the point of impact, scattering wooden splinters and chips all around, flying far before landing in the ground like a rain of arrows.


    Curious soldiers who loved excitement nearly got hit by the flying splinters and collapsed on the ground, thoroughly shaken.


    The youth slowly withdrew his spear, his defined and toned muscles glossed with sweat. Under the autumn sun, his body appeared enshrouded in steaming white vapor, as if he had emerged from flames.


    Small achievement!


    Two strands of Qi-blood turned into four, merging into the limbs!


    [Cultivation Technique: Soldier''s Basic Spear Technique (small achievement)]


    [Progress: (0/2000)]


    [Utility: Gun Movement Swift, amazing endurance, robust Qi-blood, Blood Birth Phenomenon]


    The newly added effect confused Chen Sansi for a moment.


    Blood Birth Phenomenon.


    Does it refer to the blood undergoing some change?


    He tried to mobilize his Qi-Blood, and noticed that his blood was exceptionally hot. Compared to before, each surge of Qi-Blood had more explosive power.


    Could it be related to the Bone Training Realm after Blood Refining?


    "Congratulations, Chen Qigu!"


    Many people came up to congratulate him.


    Fang Zongqi said with emotion, "Such talent really makes the rest of us envious!"


    "It''s just that I''ve spent more silver,"


    Chen Sansi said modestly: "If I hadn''t hunted for money to buy medicines, my breakthrough wouldn''t have come this quickly."


    "What you say, isn''t hunting a skill too?"


    Fang Zongqi was even more envious.


    As martial masters who had achieved Great Success in Blood Refining, they could naturally pull the heavy bow with ease.


    But being able to pull the bow didn''t necessarily mean they could shoot accurately.


    Even after spending a lot of time training, they wouldn''t reach too high a level, let alone achieve Hundred-step Piercing and hit targets they could hardly see.


    Some things really are determined by talent.


    Chen Sansi sought out Wang Zhi in private to ask about his upcoming cultivation problems.


    "You''ve broken through again?"


    Wang Zhi almost spat out the wine in his mouth.


    At this moment, his heart was no longer purely happy, the astonishment far outweighed it.


    Less than a month into Martial Arts, and he had already walked a path that takes most people many years, or even their entire life to travel. Heaven truly wasn''t fair.


    "Hundred Households Wang."


    Chen Sansi asked, "Is there anything I need to be wary of after achieving Great Success in Blood Refining and is there a connection to the Bone Training Realm?"


    "Not bad insight,"


    Wang Zhi said, holding his wine bowl and explaining, "Blood Refining is, as it suggests, training the blood.


    "After achieving Great Success, the Qi-Blood flows through the entire body, and then you can start Bone Training.


    "Only with high-quality Qi-Blood can the bones and flesh forged by the blood be better in the future.


    "This is also why I gave you the Haoran Breathing Skill in the beginning.


    "Blood Refining is the foundation, and without a solid foundation, you''re starting at a loss.


    "You should be able to feel it, among those of the same realm as you, there are very few who are a match for your Three Unions; as you progress, the gap will become even wider."


    ''Refining bones with blood...''


    Blood indeed plays a crucial role in the upcoming realms.


    Chen Sansi wasn''t sure if the "Blood Birth Phenomenon" was exclusive to his proficiency panel, so he didn''t bring it up for the time being, planning to see the effects first.


    "You kid, you''re really something,"


    Wang Zhi calculated with his fingers, "Your cultivation speed is fast enough, our garrison is about to receive a large batch of medicinal materials, and you are likely to start Bone Training before next spring."


    Chen Sansi picked out the key point from his words: "Is the garrison about to receive medicinal materials soon?"


    "Heh, don''t even mention it."


    Wang Zhi found it interesting, took a sip of wine, and said, "Yesterday at Eight Treasures Building, those old bastards from the Martial Arts Halls were acting all haughty, saying the garrison was confining them, and they wanted to find someone to petition against us.


    "But this morning, they changed their tune completely.


    "They declared they would fully support our Lord Thousand Households'' campaign against the barbarians next year.


    "Once the Four Great Martial Arts Schools agreed, the local squires and rich merchants also had to fork out money.


    "This time, we''re going to strike it rich."


    Chen Sansi was skeptical.


    From the sounds of it, had Xiang Tingchun succeeded in getting leverage over the Martial Arts Halls?


    But with the item in his hands, why would the Martial Arts Halls obediently follow orders?


    Unless...


    Xiang Tingchun was playing a game of bluffing!


    Quite a calculation, not afraid of being exposed at all.


    That afternoon, close to dusk, Wang Zhi''s words came to fruition.


    Disciples from various Martial Arts Academies came in droves, pulling carts and delivering countless supplies.


    "The warehouse for medicinal materials is on the left!"


    "Grain to the right!"


    "Isn''t the quantity here incorrect? You''re short by two hundred stones of grain, make sure it arrives before sundown tomorrow!"


    "..."


    The chief storekeeper led several clerks, verifying the quantities of supplies cart by cart.


    The long-unused warehouses of the military camp were being utilized once more, and the grain storehouses were filled to the brim so much so that the sacks were almost spilling over.


    Consecutive poor harvests?


    The big households had plenty of grain. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Buzz¡ª"


    The assembly call was sounded, and the Order Officers summoned everyone to the Martial Arts Arena, proclaiming that Lord Thousand Households had an important announcement to make.

 Chapter 46 - 46 The War is Coming

    Martial Arts Arena.


    Apart from those looking out from the Great Wall, all the officers and soldiers at the garrison were assembled.


    Xiang Tingchun strode onto the high platform with a bold step.


    Even from dozens of steps away, everyone could sense that Lord Thousand Households was in high spirits.


    "Brothers!"


    Xiang Tingchun''s voice boomed like a great bell, "Today, I have two matters to announce.


    "Do you still remember, at the beginning of our nation''s founding during the Yongchang era, our court had over three million soldiers, yet not one lacked food or clothing, and all were high in fighting spirit!"


    "Alas, calamities and disasters have been unending since then.


    "To the point where our Po Yang County even experienced wage and food shortages in the early years, resulting in many brothers suffering from hunger and cold, who were forced to flee and become refugees.


    "I, Xiang Tingchun, hold an inescapable responsibility for presiding over this place; I apologize to all the brothers here!


    "However, that kind of situation will absolutely never happen again.


    "The Four Great Martial Arts Schools and many elders in Po Yang County really could not bear to see the brothers protecting our nation endure such hardships, hence they have donated a large amount of provisions, medicinal materials, as well as horses.


    "Therefore, the first matter is, starting from today¡ª


    "The salary for every Array Soldier will increase by half a month, with an extra stone of food.


    "For military soldiers, their monthly salary will double, as will the provision of Blood Replenishing Soup.


    "For military officers, their remuneration will double.


    "Additionally, from now on, you can purchase all kinds of medicinal materials directly in the barracks, at half the price of outside pharmacies!"


    Having said this, the crowd erupted into cheers.


    "Double?"


    "A stone of food every month?"


    What did a stone of food per month mean during years of bad harvest?


    It meant that this year, not only could everyone survive the cold winter without hunger, but they might even have some money left over to buy winter clothes!


    The military soldiers were equally excited.


    The vast majority who joined the army came from poor families¡ªwhere could they afford Blood Replenishing Soup priced at ten taels a portion?


    Yet relying solely on the garrison''s provision was far too insufficient for increasing their Cultivation.


    What the Lord Thousand Households said was like manna from heaven for them.


    Zhu Tong clenched his fist, "With enough Blood Replenishing Soup, I too have the chance to advance further in the Martial Arts!"


    Like him and Wang Li, they actually had fair talent.


    It was only their poverty that held them back.


    While everyone was busy rejoicing, Xu Wencai slightly shook his head, "I''m afraid we''re headed for war, and it''s going to be a tough fight."


    "Really?"


    Zhu Tong was skeptical, "That makes sense, why else would those bastards from the Martial Arts Hall suddenly be willing to fork out the money for us? There must be a catch!"


    "Let me finish speaking."


    Xiang Tingchun signaled for silence,


    "Next, the second matter.


    "It must be clear to everyone why the Po Yang Thousand Households was established.


    "To fend off the barbarians from the alien race!


    "For thousands of years, the barbarian tribes have coveted our houses and fields, longing to enslave our wives, children, and elders, and to use our heads to fertilize their pastures!


    "It was the Grand Ancestor and his successors who personally led expeditions against them numerous times, beating them so badly they couldn''t raise their heads for two hundred years!


    "But now, they are eager to move again, wanting to revive the tragedy of the former dynasty!


    "How can we, as men of valor, sit and await death?


    "With the approval of an official document from the War Department, I as the official will lead a campaign to exterminate the barbarian tribes around the Xi River at the start of next spring! sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Therefore, I hope that in the coming days, brothers will train diligently so that you can serve the court well on the battlefield later.


    "As long as you slay enough enemies, becoming a noble or a general is not impossible!"


    After these words were spoken, the Martial Arts Arena fell silent, a stark contrast to the excitement before.


    Become a noble or a general?


    There really weren''t many with such grand ambitions.


    They simply wished to lead a safe and stable life.


    But since they were part of the army, fighting and killing on the battlefield was an unavoidable fate.


    Fortunately, it was always better to go to battle on a full stomach than on an empty one.


    This was also why Xiang Tingchun went to great lengths to secure funds and provisions from the Martial Arts Hall.


    An army without full pay will have no fighting will!


    Conversely, with great rewards, there will be brave men.


    A troop can possess combat effectiveness only when it has sufficient resources, ensuring it won''t collapse at the first blow.


    Announcing this in advance is not a cause for concern regarding alarming the snake in the grass.


    The barbarians always had spies among us.


    The large-scale donation of funds and provisions by the Martial Arts Hall¡ªfools would know what was being prepared for.


    Instead of keeping everyone in the dark, it''s better to start training in advance to prepare both mentally and physically.


    After finishing his speech, Xiang Tingchun strode away, giving the soldiers time to digest his words.


    ...


    Chen Sansi had been mentally prepared for some time.


    The Selected Point assessment would take place after the spring season.


    In other words, before he went to the Eight Camps to participate in the Selected Point assessment, he would also be a part of this battle.


    "Mr. Xu."


    Chen Sansi asked, "Do you know the combat strength of the barbarian tribes around the Xi River area?"


    "You''ve asked the right person,"


    Xu Wencai replied without hesitation, "I, lacking in many talents, once dedicated five years to studying the distribution of the barbarian military forces.


    "The Xi River tribe is a branch of the Yuwen lineage. They have been living in this area for several decades and have well-trained soldiers. A conservative estimate would be two thousand men.


    "Among them, there is one with Refining Internal skills, and the numbers of Blood Refining and Bone Training military officers are roughly the same as those in our Thousand Households garrison.


    "However, they have more horses than we do, and their archers are of higher quality."


    Chen Sansi pondered, "In your opinion, how much chance do we have of victory when the spring begins next year?"


    "Please come with me, sir."


    Xu Wencai led him to a secluded and vacant corner and started drawing in the sand with a stick.


    "Almost all the important strategic passes along the northern border of our Sheng Dynasty are in constant friction with the barbarian tribes, so it''s certain no spare troops will be sent to reinforce us.


    "At most, the An Ding Prefecture Guard might deploy another Thousand Households garrison to back us up, ensuring that if we suffer a defeat outside the Great Wall, it would prevent the barbarians from conquering Po Yang County.


    "But they would definitely not leave the safety of the city to join the battle lightly.


    "That is to say, our Thousand Households garrison is essentially an isolated force."


    "What are you two whispering about?"


    Zhu Tong quietly approached, "What are you scribbling with that broken stick?"


    "Big lug, don''t get in the way!"


    Xu Wencai stroked his beard, looking at the simple military distribution on the ground, and said perplexed, "It''s strange indeed. Waging war against the barbarians is a matter of national importance. Why send only a thousand or so men to attack a scattered tribe?


    "Success or failure won''t make much difference in the grand scheme of things.


    "Sir, what are your thoughts on this?"


    Chen Sansi answered, "This is a performance to show off one''s capabilities to the superiors."


    "Wise as always, sir, I feel the same way!"


    Xu Wencai surveyed their surroundings before continuing in a cautious tone, "Households Commander Xiang is planning to achieve success at the cost of countless lives!"


    That statement was still somewhat understated.


    To put it bluntly, Xiang Tingchun was ready to use the lives of nine hundred men from the Po Yang Thousand Households garrison to secure his own future!


    The reason the Ministry of War might have agreed was probably because the matter involved various powerful factions within the court; the waters ran deep.


    "As for our odds of victory,"


    Xu Wencai continued, "The barbarian warriors are robust and their horses strong, but they aren''t skilled in military formations. Furthermore, the nomadic tribes are at their weakest at the onset of spring each year.


    "If we can get more Bone Training martial masters from the Martial Arts Hall to assist us, and if the An Ding Prefecture is ready to back us up, we could win. But..."


    "It would definitely be a Pyrrhic victory."


    Zhu Tong, who had been confused the whole time, finally understood the last part, "How dire would that be?"


    Xu Wencai gravely said, "Both of us would have to die!"


    "That''s quite dire indeed."


    Zhu Tong grabbed his collar, "Lazybones, don''t you often brag about your warfighting abilities? Then think of a way. How can we avoid a disaster?"


    Xu Wencai spoke earnestly, "I do have a strategy that could at least reduce our losses by twenty percent."


    "Only twenty percent?"


    Zhu Tong disdainfully retorted, "What''s the difference between that and no reduction at all?"


    "I''m Wo Long, not an Immortal; saving twenty percent of the forces in this type of siege warfare would be a great saving of manpower!"


    Xu Wencai tossed aside the stick, "I need to offer my strategy to the commander!"


    With that, he ran towards where Xiang Tingchun had his offices.


    Zhu Tong counted on his fingers, "With over nine hundred men in our garrison, what does twenty percent amount to?"


    ...


    Chen Sansi said with resignation, "It''s reducing twenty percent of the casualties, not saying that the whole army will be wiped out."


    "Then how many is that?"


    Zhu Tong was even more puzzled.


    Before he could figure it out, Xu Wencai returned.


    He quickly asked, "How did it go, what did Lord Thousand Households say?"


    Xu Wencai was so angry that his face turned red, and he stomped his foot shouting, "Incompetent commander, incompetent commander!"


    The commander''s tent wasn''t far away; Chen Sansi, following the direction of the wind, faintly heard a "get out."


    He shook his head and stood up to leave.


    The battle was inevitable, and he never intended to avoid it.


    However, it seemed that he really needed to undergo Bone Training before the spring.


    After Bone Training, one could withstand blades and weaponry, not losing combat effectiveness from minor wounds on the battlefield.

 Chapter 47 - 47: The Dead Man

    Ever since Xiang Tingchun announced the plan for the coming spring, the military discipline at the Households garrison had become much more stringent.


    The daily drills had doubled, and anyone leaving the camp needed to ask for leave in advance.


    Even the several Hundred Households were no longer allowed to spend their days indulging in food and drink; they were required to participate in the drills as well.


    However, the military households were very obedient.


    Because they had achieved days of being well-fed and well-clothed.


    Those with a pursuit in Martial Arts were also able to drink more Blood Replenishing Soup and enhance their Martial Arts.


    For ten consecutive days, Chen Sansi practiced Martial Arts within the military settlements.


    [Cultivation Technique: Soldier''s Basic Spear Technique (small achievement)]


    [Progress: 550/2000]


    [Utility: Gun Movement Swift, Amazing Endurance, Strong Qi-Blood, Blood Birth Phenomenon]


    The tiger heart and tiger meat had long been consumed, and the Nine Turns Blood Replenishing Soup had been drunk clean. Fortunately, there was significant improvement in proficiency.


    Furthermore, purchasing medicinal ingredients had become much cheaper.


    The Nine Turns Blood Replenishing Soup was now available in the barracks, and it was only being sold for fifteen taels of silver.


    Yet it was still expensive.


    "Time to go hunting again."


    "The bottomless pit, ah!"


    If it were not for practicing Martial Arts, Chen Sansi would probably have become a wealthy man by now.


    "White Deer!"


    By hunting a White Deer, even after setting aside what he needed for himself, he could still sell it for several hundred taels.


    Not only would resources sufficient for Blood Refining Minor Success be secured, but Bone Training was also almost within reach.


    But such White Deer were not so easily captured.


    The "Travels through Mountains and Rivers" was a book from a millennium ago. Since its publication, countless people had flocked to the Hutou Mountain Range to capture them; it was fortunate they had not gone extinct.


    He had inquired about information, and it seemed that the Tai Lei Martial Arts Academy had not found one even after searching for half a month.


    Chen Sansi arrived at the pharmacy: "Do you have Lingzhi for sale in the barracks?"


    White Deer, fond of treasure mushrooms.


    Medical Officer Jiang quickly brought out a brown Lingzhi from the storeroom: "This twenty-year-old Black Ganoderma, ground into powder and added to soup medicine, can enhance the effects of Replenishing Essence Soup, ten taels of silver."


    "Do you have any fresh ones?"


    Chen Sansi observed that the Lingzhi had obviously been dry for a long time.


    "Heh, you''re in luck, there actually is."


    Medical Officer Jiang took out another box, inside of which was a fiery red Lingzhi: "This was delivered by Yunhe Martial Arts Hall just this morning, thirty-year-old Red Cloud Ganoderma, twenty taels. However, it is for healing injuries, and does not greatly help in improving Qi-Blood."


    Chen Sansi said, "It doesn''t matter, as long as it counts as a treasure mushroom."


    "Treasure mushroom?"


    Jiang, the Medical Officer shook his head: "At the very least, it has to be over a hundred years old, one is worth fifty taels. A twenty-year-old Lingzhi cannot be considered a treasure mushroom; such expensive medicinal materials are not currently available at our garrison, you''ll have to buy them outside."


    "Fifty taels?"


    Chen Sansi was shocked by the price.


    The bait alone was worth fifty taels, and there was no guarantee that a White Deer could even be caught.


    It was only because the reward offered by the Tai Lei Martial Arts Hall was so high that their disciples were willing to spend so much money on hunting it.


    Chen Sansi, for the time being, really couldn''t come up with that much silver.


    He decided to try his luck first and find another way if it didn''t work.


    Having made up his mind, Chen Sansi asked Wang Zhi for leave and left the barracks with his bow and arrows.


    "Sansi!"


    As he was passing near Yanbian Village, Zhao Qiao caught up with him.


    "Uncle Zhao, you''re not going up the mountain to hunt?"


    Chen Sansi was somewhat surprised.


    After the Northern Territory''s winter arrives, the snow would seal the mountains, making it hard to hunt anymore.


    Hunters should be the most diligent in the late autumn.


    Zhao Qiao said with a bitter face: "It''s not that I don''t want to, it''s that I don''t dare!"


    "Don''t dare?"


    Chen Sansi asked: "What''s happened, has someone been bullying you?"


    "It''s the Witch God Sect!"


    Zhao Qiao''s tone was filled with anger and fear: "Recently, every day for the past ten days, people have been disappearing from the countryside, especially the hunters from the surrounding villages, many of whom have not returned since going up the mountains."


    "Are you sure, Uncle Zhao?"


    Chen Sansi solemnly said, "I took part in the mission to encircle and suppress the Golden Bell Temple. I was personally involved, and ninety-nine percent of the Witch God Sect followers were slain on the spot. Even if one or two slipped through the net, they couldn''t possibly stir up more trouble."


    "Could it be that a Big Worm or a Black Bear has come down the mountain to eat people?"


    "It''s impossible, absolutely impossible!"


    Uncle Zhao said excitedly, "There are no bones left, do you understand, Shanshi? Not even bones can be found! Even if it were a Big Worm, it should leave some bones behind!"


    "Uncle Zhao, don''t get worked up."


    Chen Sansi said soothingly, "Have you reported this to the authorities?"


    "Of course, we did report it."


    Zhao Qiao said, "The lord at the county office said they would look into it thoroughly and told us to wait, but to date, there has been no progress. Just yesterday, Little Li from the next village risked going up the mountain to hunt a wild chicken to nourish his pregnant wife, and now he is nowhere to be found!"


    Chen Sansi frowned.


    Even if there were one or two Witch God Sect Followers left, they couldn''t cause such a huge commotion.


    There must be another group involved!


    Could it be that Golden Bell Temple was just one of them?


    But at the same time, it doesn''t make sense to have so many people infiltrate Po Yang.


    Furthermore, in the last few days, he hadn''t heard anything in the military garrison about deploying people to hunt down the followers of the Witch God Sect.


    "Uncle Zhao, rest assured."


    Chen Sansi said, "After I return, I will report this to my superiors." S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "There''s something else."


    Zhao Qiao said somewhat embarrassingly, but still spoke up, "Shanshi, could you let us follow you up the mountain?


    "Winter is almost here, and we haven''t prepared enough charcoal and winter clothes for our homes. But with what has been happening recently, who dares to venture into the mountains? You know martial arts and can even kill a Big Worm; with you, we would not be afraid."


    It seemed he had been waiting on this path for a very long time.


    It was even possible that he had been waiting for several days, just to finally catch him going out hunting.


    "Of course you can."


    Chen Sansi agreed readily.


    "Thank you, Shanshi."


    Zhao Qiao was somewhat at a loss for words.


    A month ago, the other party had come knocking on his door with food, asking him to lead the way to Second Layer Mountain.


    A month later, he found himself in need of the young man''s protection.


    Soon, Zhao Qiao called over Wu Da and Zhuang Yi, and the four of them set off for the mountain together.


    At the familiar creek, they parted ways.


    Chen Sansi instructed, "Uncle Zhao, if you encounter danger, fire a whistle arrow, and I''ll come running as soon as I hear it."


    "Alright, Shanshi, you be careful too; though we... can''t be of much help to you."


    Zhao Qiao said.


    Chen Sansi turned and plunged into the mountain forest.


    So many deaths, wasn''t that a bit exaggerated?


    It made him somewhat nervous.


    However, after walking forward for about two li, he didn''t notice anything amiss.


    There were still many Martial Arts Academy Disciples hunting.


    The people from Tai Lei Martial Arts Academy were still searching for the White Deer.


    "I''ll go back and tell Hundred Households Wang to help look into it."


    Chen Sansi focused his attention and began searching for tracks of the White Deer.


    Unlike before, whether it was a Big Worm or a Black Bear, Uncle Zhao would point out the general direction.


    This time, it was all up to him, and even with tracking skills, it might be troublesome.


    After all, there''s no record in books about where White Deer live, and with the Hutou Mountain Range stretching for thousands of miles, it''s uncertain how much time it would take to find one.


    "Let''s search deeper."


    Common deer species like to dwell in deep, secluded places.


    The White Deer is also a deer, and its habits might not be so different.


    Chen Sansi began to traverse the mountains.


    By the afternoon, after crossing over two mountain tops, he had not yet seen any sign of the White Deer. However, the vegetation became increasingly dense, nearly leaving no place to set foot.


    Gazing into the distance, he could see a valley about five li away, quiet and profound.


    "Let''s have a look."


    Chen Sansi harnessed his energy and hurried forward, ready to explore.


    But before he could get close, several disciples in long robes rushed out, forming a human wall to block his path.


    "Halt!"


    "You are not permitted to go any further!"

 Chapter 48 - 48 Medicine Valley

    "Stop right there?"


    "Why should I stop?"


    As he spoke, Chen Sansi had already nocked a Wolf Teeth Arrow onto the string of the Kaiyuan Bow in his hand.


    "You, you have such a murderous aura!"


    The Martial Arts Academy Disciples looked at each other, involuntarily stepping back several paces, "We haven''t even struck you, so why come up and want to shoot people?!"


    "That''s right."


    Someone accused, "We''re telling you to stop because ahead is private property!"


    "Private property?"


    Chen Sansi was skeptical.


    The Martial Arts Academy Disciple continued, "The valley ahead is the Medicine Garden of our Tianyuan Martial Arts Academy, isn''t that private property?"


    The Tianyuan Martial Arts Academy''s Medicine Garden?


    Chen Sansi had heard from the Medical Officer Jiang before that many of the lands suitable for cultivating medicinal herbs nearby had been sold to the martial arts hall. It seemed he had stumbled upon it by mistake.


    Tianyuan Martial Arts Academy, that is, the Liang Family''s territory.


    The Tianyuan Martial Arts Academy didn''t do much business in medicinal materials, but that doesn''t mean they didn''t have their own Medicine Garden.


    Such a large valley it is.


    The surname Liang, at the age of twenty-five or six, could engage in Bone Training; he must have consumed a lot of medicinal materials.


    "What''s all this noise about?"


    "Young Master!"


    A brocade-clad young master holding a folding fan approached, and the disciples stepped aside.


    It was the eldest young master of Tianyuan Martial Arts Academy, Liang Zhan.


    "Young Master!"


    A disciple complained, "A guy from the garrison came here, and we didn''t even do anything to him, but he came up wanting to shoot us with arrows, so arrogant!"


    "Oh, Brother Chen?"


    When Liang Zhan saw who had come, he rebuked his subordinates, "Even my brother you dare to stop? If you get shot, you deserve it!"


    "Young Master, it was he..."


    "Smack!"


    Liang Zhan knocked on the disciple''s head with his fan, "Stand down!"


    "Yes, sir!"


    The Martial Arts Academy Disciples all stepped back.


    "Brother Chen, I trust you''ve been well."


    Liang Zhan gave a fist salute, "Last time, I intruded upon you rudely, and I am here to offer an apology."


    "There''s no need."


    Chen Sansi couldn''t be bothered to bicker with this man, so he put away his bow and arrow and left.


    Killing this fellow, for the time being, was out of the question.


    The other party wouldn''t dare to make a move on him lightly, and there was no need to waste time here.


    "..."


    Liang Zhan didn''t stop him, silently watching as the other man walked away.


    "Young Master!"


    A disciple approached, "Are we just letting him go like that?"


    "Nonsense!"


    Liang Zhan scolded, "You want to provoke him and have him bring over the soldiers from the garrison? Think before you act next time, do I really need to come out and smooth things over for you? By the way, what is he doing in the Medicine Valley?"


    The disciple speculated, "Lately, people everywhere are looking for the White Deer."


    "Looking for the White Deer?"


    Liang Zhan swayed his folding fan, "As I recall, you need a treasure to find the White Deer, don''t you? Do we still have a hundred-year-old treasure in our Medicine Garden? If so, pick one and send it to him later."


    "Young Master?!"


    The disciple voiced in surprise, "A hundred-year-old treasure is worth a great many dozens of silver."


    "If I tell you to send it, you send it!"


    Liang Zhan turned and walked into the valley.


    The fact that Chen Sansi achieved Blood Refining Minor Success after practicing Martial Arts for a month had already spread from the barracks.


    In his life, everything he did was after careful deliberation, yet the one thing he regretted was offending this man in his efforts to help Qin Feng.


    But who could have imagined that a poor hunter from the countryside would turn out to be a Martial Arts prodigy?


    Most terrifying was that this kid held grudges!


    Moreover, the grudge deepened when he came knocking on the door, questioning him in a strong-arm manner.


    Every time he thought about how Qin Feng''s remains hadn''t even been found to date, Liang Zhan felt a chill down his spine.


    Simply killing him?


    He wasn''t tired of living yet.


    Not to mention Fatty Wang was protecting him.


    Xiang Tingchun also needed people.


    If he dared to touch Chen Sansi, Xiang Tingchun would dare to forcibly push him to the grassland as a vanguard to die next year!


    What he feared now was that, as days passed, the youngster''s Cultivation would skyrocket to a height utterly unshakable.


    In comparison, if he could resolve the enmity early, what was spending some silver worth?


    Even if the enmity could not be resolved, now was not the moment to turn hostile; a suitable opportunity was needed to make a move against him.


    ¡­


    "What''s that Liang fellow hiding deep in the mountains for?


    "Whether it''s for gathering herbs or planting, there''s no need for the young master himself to come, let alone with so many people in tow, not allowing anyone to approach within two miles."


    "Wait a minute..."


    "The hunters who''ve gone missing on the mountain, could they be related to them?"


    A terrible speculation suddenly rose in Chen Sansi''s heart.


    But there were logical inconsistencies.


    Why would the martial arts school kill people for no reason?


    "I must be overthinking it."


    Chen Sansi refocused on his search for the White Deer.


    Unfortunately, by evening, he still hadn''t had any luck.


    "It seems I''ll need to use the treasure as bait after all.


    "First I''ll have to hunt something else to exchange for some silver."


    Exotic Beasts are hard to find, but fierce ones are not.


    In a dense forest, Chen Sansi found the paw prints of a large cat on the ground.


    "Susu¡ª"


    No sooner had he stepped into the territory than he heard light leaping sounds from overhead, rapidly approaching from the southeast, northwest, all directions.


    In the dim forest, spots of eerie green light flickered on.


    Those were the pupils of cheetahs!


    Five cheetahs stood atop the trees, looking down from a distance at the intruder on the ground.


    "Ao¡ª"


    They attacked simultaneously, rushing towards the hunter in the middle with incredible speed, in a pincer move.


    Cheetahs are born swift.


    A distance of around fifty feet, for them, takes only four or five seconds. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    For an ordinary hunter, such a brief span of time would be enough to fire one or two arrows.


    The targets would still be fast-moving, and there was no guarantee of hitting them; once they got close enough to tear and bite, the hunter either had to fight hand-to-hand and win or become a meal in the belly of the beast.


    On the ground.


    Chen Sansi took a deep breath.


    Then, his bowstring snapped like thunder!


    "Whoosh whoosh whoosh whoosh¡ª"


    He became a hunting machine, firing arrows in rapid succession in different directions, each one striking its target''s heart with unerring precision.


    In just over three seconds, four cheetahs fell to the ground.


    Only the cheetah from behind, shielded by the trees, had managed to get closer. It leaped from the tree, revealing claws and teeth sharp as sword blades, but it was pierced through by a glint of cold light, suspended forever in mid-air.


    Chen Sansi''s reed leaf spear had been waiting for a long time.


    Plain and simple, a cheetah hunt.


    [Tracking Concealed Presence (Small Achievement)]


    [Progress: 105/1000]


    ...


    [Skill: Archery (Small Achievement)]


    [Progress: (190/1000)]


    The five cheetahs; he kept the most valuable parts for himself and the rest could sell for thirty or forty taels of silver.


    Adding that to the silver saved at home, it just about added up to enough money to buy the treasure.


    Chen Sansi stuffed all the cheetahs into the net he had brought and then carried it on his back, returning the way he came.


    By the stream.


    Zhao Qiao and the others had been waiting since morning.


    Their earnings were dismal, only a few wild chickens and rabbits.


    They were no longer surprised by the young man catching a cheetah.


    "Did you encounter any danger?" Chen Sansi asked.


    "No."


    Zhao Qiao shook his head: "The three of us stuck together, didn''t run into any danger."


    "Uncle Zhao, it''s not just the mountain hunters who are missing, is it?" Chen Sansi pressed on.


    "That''s not the case."


    Wu Da intercepted: "Many people were still at home on the previous evening, yet they disappeared the next morning.


    "Not only the countryside, but there are also disappearances in the county town, although not as many as in the countryside."


    ''Am I being paranoid?''


    Chen Sansi glanced toward the direction of the Medicine Valley and didn''t linger any longer, joining the others to descend the mountain, mulling over the matter in his heart.


    ''There must be a secret to this.''


    ''It''s definitely not something the Witch God Sect''s love for killing can explain.''


    His thoughts went to the lamp oil that could ignite crimson flames.


    Could it be related to the lamp oil?


    After all, these troubles first began when the Immortal Treasure appeared in Po Yang.


    Before that, Po Yang County was a place where birds wouldn''t even poop; where would all this chaos come from?


    Even if the likelihood of a connection was small, Chen Sansi would still try to investigate.


    Having the Immortal Treasure in his possession but not knowing how to use it was also troubling.

 Chapter 49 - 49: Able to Bend and Stretch

    County town.


    It was almost exactly as Chen Sansi had estimated.


    The most valuable parts of the cheetah were the gallbladder and heart, with the remaining parts totaling forty-six taels of silver when sold.


    After handling the goods, he rushed back to the garrison before nightfall.


    "Running back and forth like this is really a waste of time!


    "Still, I need some sort of transport."


    Recently, Chen Sansi had been cultivating day and night, barely practicing with his arrows, and he had only visited the stables once.


    Thinking it over, he didn''t go home but instead went to the military camp.


    "Neigh¡ª"


    The White Horse became restless and neighed as soon as he approached the stables, continuously stomping its hooves as if threatening.


    Chen Sansi''s temper flared in an instant.


    The moment he opened the gate, the White Swan Horse charged crazily towards the outside.


    Chen Sansi grabbed the saddle in one swift motion and leapt onto the horse''s back, directly giving it a whip.


    The White Swan Horse, pained by the whip, ran even more fiercely, trying with all its might to throw off the rider.


    Chen Sansi steadied himself while using the reins to forcefully make the horse run in the direction he directed.


    With his minor success in Blood Refining, his Qi Power was naturally not something a horse could resist.


    At first, the White Swan Horse continued to struggle, but as time passed, perhaps because it was drained, or perhaps realizing that resistance was futile, it gradually became obedient.


    After half an hour, it was as responsive as an arm extension.


    In Chen Sansi''s hands, the reins were as easy to manipulate as a steering wheel, moving as he willed.


    [Skill: Horse Control (Entry-level)]


    [Progress: (0/200)]


    [Utility: The horse acknowledges its master, minds melding.]


    A treasure horse?


    The system called it a treasure horse; it seems its bloodline is indeed not bad, just a bit stubborn.


    As for mind melding, it''s an indescribable, mystical feeling.


    If he had to describe it, Chen Sansi felt that the White Swan Horse, despite their short time together, was as familiar as an old dog that had been in the family for twenty years, with a telepathic understanding, able to mutually grasp each other''s intentions.


    This was crucial.


    On the battlefield, the bond between a military officer and his warhorse was the closest of comradeships; a good coordination could sometimes save lives.


    He remembered reading in a book of Dasheng that the Grand Ancestor Cao Xie had once been a house slave in charge of tending horses for a prominent family and had formed a bond with a young colt.


    Later, during a pursuit, it was that colt that had saved Cao Xie''s life.


    Otherwise, there would have been no Dasheng Dynasty from the Cao family.


    Having tamed the White Swan Horse, Chen Sansi planned to go home and rest.


    When they reached the stable, however, the White Swan Horse was very resistant, indicating it did not want to live in the cramped stables.


    Chen Sansi didn''t mind.


    His home had plenty of space for keeping a horse, so he decided to bring the fodder and stone trough back home as well.


    "Brother Shi looks quite impressive."


    Gu Xinlan watched her man riding a horse into the courtyard and couldn''t help but feel her heart flutter.


    Even though he was just a flag officer, in her eyes, Brother Shi increasingly resembled the generals in the folk tales.


    Ravenous, Chen Sansi ate dinner and then consumed a leopard''s gallbladder before continuing to practice with his spear in the courtyard.


    The spear whistled through the air like thunder, and surprisingly, the horse wasn''t scared at all. It just stood under the osmanthus tree watching him, occasionally nibbling on some fodder until it was utterly exhausted late at night and fell asleep standing up.


    After finishing his spear practice, Sister Lan had also boiled some hot water for Chen Sansi to bathe and change his clothes.


    "I have finished processing the tiger skin you brought back."


    Gu Xinlan showed the tiger skin rug, "How about I turn it into a garment for you? It would definitely keep you warm in the winter."


    Chen Sansi lounged in the bath barrel, "Wear it for me to see."


    "Ah?"


    Before Gu Xinlan could react, the man added, "I mean, wear just that and nothing else."


    "Brother Shi..."


    Gu Xinlan''s cheeks reddened to her neck: "Who have you been learning from? Your tricks are getting more numerous."


    Who makes someone dress up as a tigress?


    ¡­


    The next day.


    White Dew Clusters soften the morning with the sound of horse hooves.


    Chen Sansi rode the White Swan Horse to the military camp for roll call.


    After the training had ended, he came to Wang Zhi''s tent to report the possibility of the Witch God Sect''s presence in Po Yang, hoping he would inform the Hundred Households to dispatch someone for an investigation.


    Then, he requested a day off, preparing to head back to the mountains.


    He was determined to capture the White Deer.


    Not to mention a pressing need for a heavy bow, the White Deer itself was also a powerful supplement, increasing cultivation speed faster than even the tiger heart.


    Even if he had to spend fifty taels on bait, it was worth trying.


    After requesting the leave, Chen Sansi had not yet left the tent when his subordinate Wang Li approached him.


    "Sir."


    Wang Li reported, "Someone from Tianyuan Martial Arts Academy wants to see you."


    "From the Liang family?"


    Chen Sansi hesitated for a moment, "Let him in."


    If they were to meet, it would be in the military camp.


    Soon, Wang Li led the visitor in, but it was not Liang Zhan himself, rather a disciple from the Tianyuan Martial Arts Academy. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Chen Qigu."


    The disciple first gave a fist salute, then took out a delicate sandalwood box from his bosom, "My master knows you have been hunting deer recently, and has specially picked a hundred-year-old treasure fungus from the Medicine Valley.


    "Additionally, my master also has a message for you.


    "There has been some misunderstanding with Chen Qigu before, he hopes you''ll accept this as an apology and convert enmity into friendship. If you need help in the future, my master will definitely support you strongly."


    Chen Sansi pondered the other''s intent.


    The Liang, are they afraid of him?


    That seemed unlikely.


    The local ruffian Qin Xiong once showed fear when faced with a bow, which was understandable.


    But Liang Zhan was a bone-training martial artist, who had bravely fought against Witch God Sect followers.


    Why would he feel the need to apologize to him, an ordinary blood refining warrior?


    Such a capacity to bend or stand erect.


    This person must not be underestimated!


    Chen Sansi was on high alert.


    He initially intended to refuse the treasure fungus but seeing Hundred Households Wang''s eyes gleaming, he changed his mind, "I''ll accept the item, thank my regards to Mr. Liang."


    Wang Zhi had traits worth learning.


    When dealing with such people, there was no need to speak of righteousness.


    Sugar-coated bullets.


    Sometimes, one must swallow the sugar and spit out the bullets.


    Perfect.


    Spending fifty taels of silver on bait was extravagant, better to buy supplemental medicine to enhance cultivation.


    "Good that you''ve accepted it."


    The Martial Arts Academy Disciple breathed a sigh of relief, "Before coming here, my master instructed that if Chen Qigu did not accept the gift, I was not to return."


    "What about mine?"


    Wang Zhi held back for a long while, "My lord and your master are close friends and fellow travelers, doesn''t he have anything for me?"


    "Hundred Households Wang, this¡­ this¡­"


    The Martial Arts Academy Disciple coughed awkwardly, "I must return to report, I''ll take my leave first."


    Having said that, he left hurriedly without looking back.


    "Tch!"


    Wang Zhi cursed, "The Liang Family is truly a bunch of opportunists, knowing that you will soon enter the Eight Camps and be recruited into the Governor Mansion, they think to ingratiate themselves with you!


    "But¡­"


    He spoke earnestly, "You must put in more effort, the more they respect you now, the greater the backlash you will face if you fail in the Selected Point in the future."


    Chen Sansi clearly understood this principle.


    That made it all the more important to cherish his time.


    He took up his weapon, mounted the White Swan Horse, and left the military camp, heading straight for Tiger Head Mountain.


    With the treasure fungus.


    The likelihood of finding the White Deer should greatly increase.

 Chapter 50 - 50 White Deer

    At last, he didn''t have to go out on foot anymore. Riding a horse not only saved energy but also increased his speed.


    When the White Swan Horse ran at full speed, it gave Chen Shanshi the feeling of flying in the sky, as if his hooves barely touched the ground.


    He must have covered a thousand miles by now, right?


    He hadn''t even estimated the time when he had already arrived at Yanbian Village. He called for Zhao Qiao to join him and tied the horse in front of Zhao''s house.


    The mountain was rugged and home to wild animals; naturally, one couldn''t ride a horse up the mountain.


    The group arrived at a small stream.


    "Uncle Zhao, why don''t we cross the river with Shanshi?"


    Unable to bear it anymore, Wu Da said, "This mountain isn''t theirs; why shouldn''t we go?"


    "Uncle, I think it''s feasible too."


    Zhuang Yi, scratching his head, said, "If we follow Brother Chen, they definitely won''t dare to mess with us."


    "No way!"


    Zhao Qiao was adamant, "Don''t make trouble for Shanshi."


    He pushed the two away.


    Chen Shanshi didn''t interrupt.


    It wasn''t that he was afraid of trouble.


    Indeed, the people from the Martial Arts Hall wouldn''t dare to mess with Zhao Qiao and others in his presence.


    But what about after they separated?


    Chen Shanshi needed to train and fight wars. He couldn''t possibly spend all his time protecting them.


    Unless he could truly make the people from the Martial Arts Hall fear him from the bottom of their hearts.


    Clearly, it wasn''t yet the time for that.


    After parting ways with the others,


    Chen Shanshi headed directly into the depths of North Mountain.


    He encountered prey along the way but didn''t stop; he kept going until he reached the summit, where he paused to survey the surrounding mountain peaks from a high vantage point.


    Among them, a peak that was entirely red stood out sharply.


    The mountain was covered with maple trees, resembling a vast sea of fire.


    Generally speaking, deer should prefer to live in the green forest where food is plentiful.


    But the reason why exotic beasts are called exotic isn''t only because of their unique lineage; their requirements for living environments might also differ from others.


    Since he hadn''t found any in several green forests, it was worth a try.


    The two mountains were not far apart, roughly ten miles away.


    As Chen Shanshi approached Feng Mountain, he discovered many people from Tai Lei Martial Arts Academy nearby.


    Among them was Wei Xu, whom he recognized, along with some others who seemed to hold higher positions.


    This group gathered here must have discovered something, indicating that he hadn''t gone to the wrong place. S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As expected, when he got closer, he heard their discussion.


    "Yesterday afternoon, just halfway up the mountain, Mr. Wu almost caught the White Deer!"


    "But that animal has an astonishing sense of hearing; it detected us from tens of yards away. With a jump several meters high, it disappeared in the blink of an eye."


    "However, it must still be on this mountain."


    "Mr. Wu said we don''t need to capture it ourselves; if we can help locate its general vicinity, there will be a hefty reward."


    "¡­"


    Even though they kept their voices very low, Chen Shanshi could hear every word clearly.


    Jumping several meters high?


    No wonder the White Deer Tendon could be used to make a heavy bow.


    Since it had appeared, it must have left behind traces.


    No matter how subtle the signs, he could find them.


    He suddenly had a target and quickly headed to the mountainside.


    "How come he''s here too?"


    Wei Xu saw the armored youth and couldn''t help feeling anxious, "Big Brother, this is the guy I told you about before, the one who hunted a Big Worm alone and even shot an arrow at me. Oh no, what if he finds the White Deer before us?"


    "What are you waiting for, hurry up and search! Our lavish fortune depends entirely on that White Deer!"


    Joking aside, if they managed to cure the Old Master''s injury, inheriting a shop would mean no more worries for the rest of their lives.


    ...


    Midway up the mountain.


    Within the dense Maple Forest, fiery red fallen leaves were everywhere.


    Several arrows were embedded in the ground, clearly the remnants of a failed hunting attempt.


    Chen Sansi bent over, meticulously searching around the arrows.


    Soon, he found a strand of snow-white hair on a red maple leaf.


    Ordinary deer hair is stiff, as thick as a needle.


    But the hair of the White Deer was as soft as cotton and even finer than down.


    Every thirty steps or so, he would find a few such hairs.


    Following them through several patches of woodland from the middle of the mountain to the other side of the peak, he ended up at a dead end, with only a cliff in sight.


    Chen Sansi lay on the edge of the cliff, looking down.


    The cliff wasn''t very deep, about forty to fifty meters.


    Fortunately, there were plenty of footholds, and relying on his Light as a Feather skill, he clambered down the cliff with the agility of a nimble monkey in no time at all.


    At the base of the cliff, everything reverted from fiery red to the dark green typical of a forest; the area teemed with birds and beasts and was rich in a variety of plants and trees, truly brimming with life.


    It seemed like a place where the White Deer would live.


    Chen Sansi opened the sandalwood box he had brought, inside which lay a shiny black, cloud-shaped Lingzhi.


    A breeze wafted by, carrying a unique fragrance that instantly refreshed the mind.


    Indeed, it was a treasure.


    He placed the Lingzhi in the clearing and then hid themselves ten meters away in the dense woods, preparing the arrow and fully drawing the bowstring.


    Keeping the bow fully drawn was a massive drain on strength for most people.


    Chen Sansi did this because he knew the White Deer had "ears that heard in all directions"; it was highly likely it could hear the sound of the bowstring being drawn. This was probably why the Tai Lei Martial Arts Academy''s people had failed¡ªthey had been detected in advance.


    Together with his Concealing Breath and Hiding technique, he blended perfectly into the forest.


    During this time, birds even landed on his shoulder to rest, mistaking him for a piece of wood.


    He didn''t have to wait long.


    About fifteen minutes later, a snow-white, agile figure quietly emerged from the cliff¡ªit didn''t even need a foothold and ran up the nearly vertical cliff!


    It turned out to live in a cave halfway up the cliff, no wonder it couldn''t be found anywhere on the mountain.


    The White Deer was clearly attracted by the Lingzhi.


    Initially, it moved quickly, but as it approached, it began to slow down and became cautious.


    It basically paused with every step it took, but despite its caution, it ultimately didn''t notice the danger lurking in the shadows.


    "Whoosh¡ª"


    Just as the Lingzhi was about to reach its mouth, the White Deer sensed something was amiss, but in an instant, it leaped three meters high in the air.


    Unfortunately for it, the Wolf Teeth Arrow was a step ahead, piercing its skull.


    "Thud¡ª"


    The White Deer fell dead mid-air, and by the time it hit the ground, it had already turned into a corpse.


    "Quite a fast reaction."


    If Chen Sansi hadn''t drawn the bowstring beforehand, he might not have hit his target.


    After overcoming numerous obstacles, he finally got his hands on it.


    The resources from a single White Deer were enough to sustain him up to nearly the Bone Forger Realm, saving him a great deal of time.


    Going down the mountain might still lead to trouble.


    Carrying a White Deer down the mountain was akin to carrying gold bricks through a bustling market.


    At first, only one or two Martial Arts Academy Disciples followed from a distance.


    Soon, they gathered like wolves that smelled blood, with as many as twenty or so people closely following him.


    Unfortunately, Chen Sansi was no "child."


    Even with the gold bricks right before their eyes, no one dared to make a rash move.


    "Even Mr. Wu can''t do it!"


    Wei Xu stared at the hole in the Exotic Beast''s head, "How did he shoot the deer!"


    "Let''s stop him first and talk later!"


    The eldest disciple, Huang Tao, said as he stepped forward.


    "Be careful, Big Brother."


    Wei Xu cautioned, "This man is petty and extremely murderous."


    "Afraid of what! Didn''t you say he''s just a small flag? I''ve already reached Blood Refining Great Success, why should I be afraid of him?"


    Huang Tao shrugged off his junior''s hold on his arm and rushed forward to block the way.


    Chen Sansi wore an expressionless face and feigned ignorance, "Is there a problem?"


    "Brother."


    Huang Tao clasped his fists as a greeting, "We plan to pool money to buy the White Deer from you, at the market price, no loss to you, how about it?"


    "Not selling."


    Chen Sansi said and was about to bypass him.


    "Stop!"


    Huang Tao''s tone intensified, "If you don''t give us this face today, don''t think about leaving, I advise you..."


    He was only halfway through his sentence when a flash of cold light suddenly zipped past his face.


    There was a "snap" sound as if something had fallen to the ground.


    After being stunned for two seconds, intense pain set in, and Huang Tao covered his bleeding cheek and wailed, "My ear, my ear!!!"


    "Are you still buying?"


    Chen Sansi withdrew his reed leaf spear and said deliberately.


    Due to the fast speed of the spear, not even a drop of blood stained the gun tip.


    "Madman, you madman!"


    The Martial Arts Academy Disciples were shocked, "Our Big Brother didn''t do anything to you, why would you attack?!"


    He didn''t do anything to me?


    Chen Sansi scoffed inwardly.


    It was not that they didn''t want to, but that they were wary.


    This ear, deserved to be sliced off.


    "I''ll kill you!"


    Huang Tao was furious, his Qi-Blood of Great Success level bursting forth, and despite the pain, he drew a long sword, aiming to strike at the youth''s face.


    "Stop!"


    At the critical moment, a sharp shout rang out.


    A man around forty years old sprinted over, standing in front of Huang Tao.


    "Mr. Wu!"


    The disciples of Tai Lei Martial Arts Academy immediately gathered around their mainstay.


    "Mr. Wu, you came just in time."


    "This lad..."


    "..."


    "You must be the Xuanfeng Flag Officer Chen Sansi, right?"


    Despite the mixture of accusations, Mr. Wu Song ignored them and instead praised, "Fine spear technique, fine courage! Surrounded by so many, yet you dared to strike first.


    "Mr. Wu should see, it was your people who tried to forcefully buy and sell first, I was merely defending myself."


    Chen Sansi realized that this man was very likely the fifth son of the Tai Lei Master.


    "They were in the wrong, they deserved to be thwarted."


    Old Mr. Wu Song said sternly, "But Flag Officer Chen, you may have heard, my father is injured, we need the Exotic Beast to heal him, could you possibly sell me the deer heart, I am willing to pay far above the market price in silver."


    "Not selling."


    Chen Sansi flatly refused.


    He had enquired with the Medical Officer.


    The deer heart was the most beneficial part of the White Deer for one''s Cultivation.


    It was priceless.


    No amount of silver could quickly capture a second deer.


    He needed to seize this chance to reach Blood Refining Great Success and prepare for Bone Forging, how could he possibly give it to someone else.


    No need to worry about them making a move.


    If they really wanted to fight, they would have snatched it already, why talk so much?


    "I take my leave!"


    Chen Sansi said, carrying the White Deer and leaving.


    Mr. Wu Song stood still, watching, offering no resistance.


    "Mr. Wu!"


    Huang Tao couldn''t believe it, "Why did you stop me? I should have taught this kid a lesson."


    "Fool, I saved your life!"


    Mr. Wu Song berated, "He cut off your ear and you still didn''t react, do you think you could last a few rounds?"


    "But... isn''t he just a small flag?"


    Huang Tao finally began to feel scared.


    A small flag was at most Blood Refining Minor Success, but he was a Great Success!


    "Useless!"


    Mr. Wu Song roared angrily, "Dozens of people, all useless!


    "Searched for a month and didn''t even touch the butt of the White Deer, yet someone else got it by just going up the mountain, useless, all useless!


    "Pick up your ear, I told you to pick up your ear!"


    ...


    "So frustrating!"


    On the way down the mountain, Chen Sansi felt stifled.


    The reason he had not taken the lives of the Martial Arts Academy Disciples was because he had noticed Old Mr. Wu watching from not too far away.


    That guy was in the Bone Forging Realm!


    From the surface, he hadn''t suffered a loss.


    But that was because the other party was wary of his status.


    Ultimately, they feared Xiang Ting Chun, feared the Governor Mansion, and even feared Wang Zhi, but not him.


    And.


    The land belongs to the people, why should he have to look at their faces when hunting?!


    Seclusion!


    Only personal strength was the foundation of everything.


    The people from the Martial Arts Hall hung around him like wolves all day, making Chen Sansi feel uncomfortable all over.


    The next time this happens, he would make the Martial Arts Hall''s people bleed rivers!

 Chapter 51 - 51: Longqing Year Fifty-Seven

    Back at the creek,


    Chen Sansi saw Zhao Qiao and several others lifting a goat, it seemed that today''s harvest wasn''t too bad.


    "Brother Chen also bagged a goat."


    Zhuang Yi waved from a distance.


    "That''s a deer, and it''s an Exotic Beast!"


    Zhao Qiao corrected.


    "Good gracious."


    Wu Da craned his neck, "How much silver would that fetch?"


    "Be satisfied with the goat."


    Zhao Qiao was quite content.


    The group descended the mountain.


    Upon reaching the tavern, Chen Sansi was invited into a VIP room to slowly settle accounts.


    Deer blood wasn''t easy to preserve, so they left behind five kilograms.


    The best parts of the antler were all taken.


    There was only one heart, which they also took.


    Each type of animal had valuable parts that differed; for example, the gall of the White Deer comparatively wasn''t worth much, and such internal organs were all sold off.


    The sinews were also kept.


    Then it was the meat of the deer.


    The meat of an Exotic Beast would greatly diminish in efficacy if left too long.


    Chen Sansi himself kept around a hundred kilograms.


    In the end, what could be sold was sold, showing a total of two hundred and eighty taels on the books.


    Plus the treasure Zhuang Zhan sent that sold for sixty taels,


    This sum of money was enough for an ordinary person to live affluently in the Prefecture City.


    But for those practicing Martial Arts, it was merely a resource for a certain phase.


    Over three hundred taels of silver had to be bundled to fit.


    Chen Sansi, carrying the heavy silver, rode the White Horse to the garrison''s Forge.


    "This sinew?!"


    Niu Gai, holding the white sinews and gently pulling them, said: "You actually managed to get the sinew of a White Deer? Great stuff, I''ll definitely make you a bow of over ten stones; come back in thirty days."


    After giving his instructions, Chen Sansi inquired about the Witch God Sect.


    "It''s been said."


    Wang Zhi chewed peanuts as he drank, "Households Commander Xiang got so angry that he slammed the table on the spot and ordered Luo Dongquan to continue the investigation, ensuring it must be clarified before the new county magistrate and Selection Officer arrive."


    "Selection Officer?"


    Chen Sansi asked, "Weren''t they supposed to come after spring began?"


    "Don''t know the reason, but it''s been moved up this year."


    Wang Zhi squinted, "I estimate it''s not for you, but rather for a general purge."


    "A purge?"


    Chen Sansi remarked, "Similar to an imperial envoy coming over for inspection?"


    "Yes."


    Wang Zhi nodded, "Every year, the Selection Officers travel thousands of miles to various counties and prefectures, not just to receive people, but more importantly, to enforce military discipline and execute a few beyond saving."


    "Just last year, the garrison''s Households Commander next door took bribes and secretly replaced someone''s eligibility for Selected Points, and when discovered, was directly sent to Liangzhou to die in a suicide squad."


    "If Hundred Households like him are found out, there are those who get executed on the spot."


    "Otherwise, why do you think they fear the Governor Mansion, and why do the people from Martial Arts Hall dare not touch you?"


    "Why are you looking at me like that?"


    Chen Sansi said indifferently, "Worried about you."


    "Worried about me?"


    Wang Zhi pondered the meaning behind the words and suddenly understood, "You think I''m also beyond redemption?"


    "Am I so disreputable in your eyes?"


    He defended himself vehemently, "The silver I gather has its legitimate uses."


    "When the Selection Officer arrives, don''t talk nonsense!"


    "When are they coming?" Chen Sansi asked.


    "Don''t know exactly, but definitely before it starts snowing," Wang Zhi replied.


    That said, wasn''t the Selection Officer also going to participate in the spring conscription?


    Chen Sansi inquired about the attitude of the Governor Mansion regarding this matter.


    "As far as I know, the Governor Mansion does not approve," Chen Sansi said.


    Hundred Households Wang was well-informed, "But this matter was approved by the Ministry of War, and you know who is above the Ministry of War, don''t you? I suspect that the reason the Selection Officer came early was to see if it was possible to stop them."


    Above the Ministry of War were naturally the Emperor and the Regent Crown Prince, and perhaps a few key decision-makers at most.


    "That damn Xiang Tingchun!"


    Hundred Households Wang tapped his fingers on the table, "He wants to use this chance to join the forces under the Crown Prince Faction, using us brothers as stepping stones!"


    The Crown Prince?


    Was Xiang Tingchun trying to ingratiate himself with the Crown Prince Faction?


    Ever since the thirtieth year of Longqing, the Emperor had begun to cultivate Daoism, delegating the governance to the Crown Prince.


    Now in the seventy-second year of Longqing, the Crown Prince had been governing for forty years.


    Now with the Emperor''s tacit approval and the Ministry of War''s endorsement, the Crown Prince had started selecting military officers from the border to cultivate his confidantes, clearly targeting the Governor Mansion.


    "Don''t worry, this isn''t the first time this has happened."


    Hundred Households Wang saw through his thoughts, "In the fifty-seventh year of Longqing, His Majesty once believed slanders and had the Governor imprisoned in the Imperial Prison. And what happened then?


    "That same summer, an external enemy attacked the south, and without the Lord Governor, seven cities fell within a month!


    "Even our Eight Camps... suffered a devastating defeat, with the Black Tortoise Camp completely wiped out!


    "Wasn''t he reinstated as the Governor, and within half a year, turned the dire situation around?


    "Three years ago, when the barbarian tribes were restless, it was Supervisor Sun who presided, keeping the barbarian tribes at bay to this day."


    "So let them fuss, anyone in the Great Sheng Dynasty could be replaced, except for Sun Dushi," Hundred Households Wang concluded triumphantly.


    Chen Sansi did not know much about these matters.


    If it was true, this Supervisor Sun was indeed formidable.


    But the more formidable he was, the more the Old Emperor probably feared him.


    "There''s also one most crucial point."


    Hundred Households Wang took a deep breath, speaking gravely, "Since you are obsessed with Martial Arts, do you know who has the world''s number one spear technique?"


    "Supervisor Sun?"


    Chen Sansi didn''t even need to guess.


    "Correct."


    Hundred Households Wang spoke with admiration, "If you want to reach the pinnacle in spear technique, there''s no better teacher than Supervisor Sun. You mustn''t change your mind about going to the Eight Camps just because of some villains'' scheming."


    "I haven''t planned on changing my mind."


    Even knowing the risks, Chen Sansi was still very likely to go to the Eight Camps.


    Where else could he go? Follow Xiang Tingchun?


    "Speaking of which, was Hundred Households Wang previously from the Eight Camps?"


    As Chen Sansi gradually became more familiar with him, they could chat on different topics, "Which camp were you in and what position did you hold?"


    "I was in..."


    Hundred Households Wang began to speak, then swallowed his words and chuckled, "Forgot! It''s been so many years, who remembers?"


    He clearly did not want to talk about it.


    Chen Sansi did not ask further.


    He reiterated his request for the other party to keep an eye out for any cases of missing people, then busied himself with his own matters.


    He returned home.


    Ate the cooked deer heart.


    A feeling entirely different from that of bear heart or tiger heart spread throughout his body.


    Ever since the "Blood Birth Phenomenon," each time Chen Sansi practiced his spear technique, the pain felt doubly severe, as if not blood but flames flowed through his body, constantly burning him.


    But after eating the deer heart, strands of refreshing coolness continuously flowed from his stomach to his limbs and bones, healing his damaged body.


    Thus, Chen Sansi became more and more spirited with each practice, not needing to rest at all.


    His proficiency also improved rapidly.


    No wonder a deer heart was worth two hundred taels, the effect was many times better than that of a fierce beast''s heart and not only beneficial for cultivation but likely also great for maintaining health.


    "Continue!"


    Chen Sansi was unaware that it was already deep into Midnight.


    ...


    Inside the house,


    Sister Lan had long changed into her newly sewn mandarin duck-style top and was sitting quietly at the bedside, waiting.


    According to the usual pattern, every time the young man consumed a beast heart, a hectic night ensued; she had grown accustomed to it. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Why was today out of the ordinary?


    She waited until the late hours of the night until, unable to keep her eyes open, Gu Xinlan fell into a deep sleep, drowsy and groggy.

 Chapter 52 - 52: Colluding with Scoundrels

    Time flows like a relentless river, never pausing for moment.


    Behind closed doors, time seems to fly especially fast.


    In the blink of an eye, another twenty days had passed.


    The weather in the Northern Territory was growing increasingly cold.


    Fortunately, after the pay increase, the soldiers of Po Yang Thousand Households had more money in hand and did not have to suffer from the cold.


    At the Martial Arts Arena.


    Chen Sansi was sparring with Fang Zongqi.


    The effects are best when the sparring partner is a realm higher in skill.


    Fang Zongqi, full of confidence at first, had a markedly terrible expression on his face after less than five rounds.


    Is this really just "small achievement" in Blood Refining?


    Strength, speed, endurance, in which aspect is he inferior to me?


    To put it more precisely, he seems to be much stronger than me¡ªI who have reached "great success" in Blood Refining!


    Struggling miserably to reach the tenth round, the web of Fang Zongqi''s right hand holding the saber split open, blood gushed out continuously, and his arm became numb and stiff, almost forgetting how to execute the saber technique he learned.


    Surrounding them were onlooking soldiers, most of whom were his subordinates.


    Seeing that he could no longer hold on, Fang Zongqi quickly said, "Enough! It''s a draw, a draw!"


    Chen Sansi withdrew his spear, "Thank you for the effort, Fang Zongqi."


    Fang Zongqi, with his trembling right hand hidden behind his back, said, "You must be close to achieving ''great success'' in Blood Refining, right?"


    "It should be in the next few days."


    Chen Sansi did not deny it.


    [Cultivation Technique: Basic Spear Technique of a Soldier (Minor Success)]


    [Progress: 1855/2000]


    [Utility: Swift Spear Movement, Amazing Endurance, Robust Qi-Blood, Blood Birth Phenomenon]


    The effects of the Exotic Beast''s flesh are astonishing.


    Together with Chen Sansi being relatively affluent, even forgoing Blood Replenishing Soup for the fifteen taels per dose of Nine Revolutions Replenishing Essence Soup, how could his speed not be fast?


    "Well done."


    Fang Zongqi said with emotion, "Once you reach ''great success'' in Blood Refining, you too could be promoted to a flag leader, levelling with me."


    "I''ve benefitted from your care during this period, Fang Zongqi."


    After the enhancement of his cultivation, Chen Sansi''s promotion to flag leader was a certainty.


    But he feared he would end up a leader in name only.


    After all, the garrison didn''t have that many men.


    Where would he suddenly find fifty men to command out of thin air?


    At most, he''d be treated with the privileges of a flag leader''s rank, but in title only.


    Training in the morning, patrolling the city in the afternoon.


    Ever since they reported the cases of people disappearing, Xiang Tingchun had promptly started to dispatch daily city patrols.


    Moreover, he was very irritable.


    Most of those ranked flag leader or higher were scolded on a daily basis.


    After all, the Selection Officer was about to arrive, and not to mention the matter of the Immortal Treasure, just the fact that people were dying daily without any catch of the murderer could lead to a charge of dereliction of duty against him.


    The problem was.


    They truly couldn''t find anything.


    So many deaths certainly couldn''t be the work of just one or two people.


    But Po Yang County was such a small place, there couldn''t possibly be another place like the Golden Bell Temple for them to hide.


    Unless, the murders were not committed by the Witch God Sect at all!


    In that case, it would be natural to find no clues.


    Chen Sansi''s mind, involuntarily, thought of the Medicine Valley he encountered on the mountain that day.


    Being barricaded from such a distance, it was completely abnormal.


    He just couldn''t understand, why would a martial arts hall commit murder?


    He would go up the mountain to take a look!


    It would also provide an opportunity to hunt something.


    There was still nearly two hundred taels of silver at home, which was enough, but it would also not be bad to hunt something like a Black Bear, after all, he couldn''t make the trip in vain.


    ...


    Early the next morning, Chen Sansi set off.


    "In recent days, there are still people missing, it''s just that..."


    Zhao Qiao and a few others followed behind, "They''re all countryside folk."


    "The countryside?"


    Neck-deep in martial arts training, Chen Sansi had not participated in the patrols and was aware of the deaths, but he did not know about this detail.


    "Yes."


    Wu Da said, "At first, there were disappearances in both the county town and countryside, but gradually, it changed to only countryside folk going missing, to put it plainly, the poor."


    Chen Sansi felt even more that something was wrong.


    The Witch God Sect didn''t discriminate whether you were rich or poor when they killed.


    This kind of thing, only "one''s own people" could do.


    After heading up the mountain, he made his way towards Medicine Valley.


    Before he even reached his destination, he could see from afar three figures standing on the road that led inevitably to Medicine Valley.


    Liang Zhan, Mr. Wu of Golden Bell Temple, and another youth around thirty years old.


    This youth had a cloud pattern on his garment.


    Additionally, considering his mannerisms and how he stood as an equal to the other two, it could only be the young Master of Yunhe Martial Arts Hall, who first had his family business usurped by his uncle, only to later make a comeback.


    Why, recently, have all these pampered young masters taken a liking to delving into the deep mountains and dense forests?


    It''s one thing for a single person, but three gathering together¡ªdo they have too much time on their hands?


    Moreover, two li away from Medicine Valley, it''s all guarded by Martial Arts Academy Disciples, not even letting a bird through¡ªit''s clear there''s some unspeakable secret.


    Thinking back carefully.


    The Master of Yunhe Martial Arts Hall, who was mediocre for half his life, suddenly had a breakthrough at a critical moment.


    In the town, it was also around those few days that people started to go missing.


    And then there''s Old Five Song.


    There were rumors that his father was at death''s door, desperately in need of White Deer for healing.


    And what happened?


    So much time has passed, and there hasn''t been any news of a funeral at the Tai Lei Martial Arts Academy.


    On top of that, Old Five Song doesn''t seem to be in any hurry at all.


    No wonder last time I watched helplessly as he took away the White Deer¡ªit''s likely they have some special way of healing.


    All the pieces of the puzzle fit together.


    The disappearances of the commoners, they must be connected to them!


    It''s just there''s no evidence for now.


    Chen Sansi has no plans to approach rashly either.


    Just before his eyes, there were three practicing Bone Training.


    Inside Medicine Valley, there must be a few old servants hidden away.


    Concealing Breath and Hiding is not the same as Invisibility Technique; if caught by these people, they could very well do something drastic in desperation.


    First, I''ll go back and break through to Great Success in Blood Refining; besides, the ten-stone heavy bow is almost ready.


    Ensure that I can retreat safely even when encountering someone in Bone Training, then come back here to explore further.


    Having made up his mind, Chen Sansi left quietly without a sound.


    ...


    "We can''t have any more deaths."


    Liang Zhan advised the two beside him, "Let''s put a halt to it for now."


    "It doesn''t matter!"


    Old Five Song, however, confidently said, "We''re only taking peasants from the countryside, nobodies who won''t have anyone to seek justice for them."


    "Xiang Tingchun has started investigating again, doesn''t Old Five know?"


    Liang Zhan sighed and said, "Let''s just stop for a while. Anyway, your father''s injury has been healed, and besides, we still lack the key Immortal Treasure, killing more people won''t increase its utility."


    "Brother Pan."


    Old Five Song looked towards the young Master of Yunhe Martial Arts Hall: "You''re not still hiding something, are you?"


    "Absolutely not."


    Pan Quan''s expression tightened: "It was with the help of you two that I was able to take back my family business. How could I continue to hide anything? The Immortal Treasure must be in the hands of Xiang Tingchun, I guarantee it!"


    "That bastard Xiang Tingchun."


    Old Five Song cursed: "We sent him a month''s worth of money, grain, and medicinal materials, and he won''t even show us the shadow of the Immortal Treasure!"


    "Indeed, we can''t go on like this."


    Liang Zhan said worriedly: "Up to now, we still don''t even know what the Immortal Treasure is, could Xiang Tingchun at least open the box and show us? As Refining Organ Martial Artists, they''re going too far."


    "On one hand, we don''t know what the Immortal Treasure is, and on the other, even if we had the Immortal Treasure, we wouldn''t know how to use it. This situation is ridiculous."


    "First stop supplying the money, grain, and medicinal materials; we can''t keep compromising blindly."


    "I agree with this opinion."


    ...


    Leaving Medicine Valley.


    Chen Sansi hunted down a Black Bear.


    For him now, it was completely possible to deal with it easily on his own.


    He went to the creek to meet up with Zhao Qiao and the others.


    Unexpectedly, they had caught a few wolves.


    "Seems your hunting luck has improved recently."


    Chen Sansi first congratulated them, then threw a wet blanket: "However, I advise you to not go up the mountain for the time being. There may be danger."


    Everyone knew the Martial Arts Academies were responsible for the killings, so it was only right to warn them.


    "Why, Brother Shi?"


    Wu Da asked puzzled: "We''ve finally found a good spot. We''ll definitely be able to shoot wolves again tomorrow."


    "Could stones be harmful to us?"


    As the oldest, Zhao Qiao knew there was a reason behind it: "Starting from tomorrow, we won''t go up the mountain."


    Zhuang Yi expressed his difficulty: "Our family can hardly scrape a meal together."


    "I''ll give you the grain."


    Chen Sansi, now, was not short of money.


    "No way!" S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Zhao Qiao refused: "Brother Shi, we are already grateful that you''re willing to take us hunting in the mountains; how could we possibly take your grain?"


    "Consider it a loan from me, you can pay me back next spring."


    With Chen Sansi insisting, they finally agreed.


    After selling the Black Bear,


    Chen Sansi rushed back to the garrison, planning to achieve Great Success in one fell swoop.

 Chapter 53 - 53: The Blood of Dragon and Elephant

    Military Camp, Pharmacy.


    "There''s no more medicine left?"


    Chen Sansi, who had come to purchase supplemental medicine, was informed that the warehouse was empty, with only Blood Replenishing Soup available, not Replenishing Essence Soup.


    "On the third of each month, it is the scheduled time for the Martial Arts Hall to send money, grain, and medicine materials."


    Medical Officer Jiang fanned the flames with a cattail leaf fan, speaking unhurriedly, "They are already several days late, and there''s still no sign of them. I knew it, how could they be willing to keep sending things? Just this month, they must have lost hundreds of thousands of silver taels."


    "Give me a bowl of Blood Replenishing Soup first."


    Chen Sansi said.


    He could roughly guess what was happening.


    Xiang Tingchun''s act of getting something for nothing was almost at its end.


    The people from the Martial Arts Hall weren''t fools; how could they be willing to keep giving things away without receiving anything in return?


    He didn''t know how Xiang Tingchun would deal with it next.


    Anyway, it was none of his business.


    It was nothing more than the medicinal materials becoming expensive.


    If it really came down to it, he would just have to make a few extra trips into the mountains. If he couldn''t find Exotic Beasts, there were always plenty of black bears and Big Worms.


    He drank the entire bowl of Blood Replenishing Soup in one gulp.


    Chen Sansi picked up his long spear and went to the Martial Arts Arena to make his final breakthrough.


    The Blood Refining Realm, from entry-level to small achievement, the Qi-Blood evolves from a single strand to four strands, flowing through the limbs, achieving strength far beyond that of an ordinary person.


    But any cultivation technique is not solely reliant on the limbs.


    Take, for example, spear techniques, which require not only strong arms but also the coordination of the waist, and the lower stance must be stable enough to unleash sufficient power.


    Therefore, having Qi-Blood circulating only through the limbs is not enough.


    Only after achieving Blood Refining Great Success, with Qi-Blood running through the entire body, forming a "´ó" (great) shape internally and fully utilizing the body''s strength, can one truly exhibit the full power of a cultivation technique.


    Wielding the reed leaf spear in his hand, Chen Sansi concentrated on feeling the changes in Qi-Blood within his body.


    The four burning streams of his Qi-Blood had already reached their limit with the practice of the cultivation technique and were in a state where they could no longer improve, just a step away from breaking through and integrating throughout his entire body.


    However.


    It was always just a little bit short.


    It felt as though it was about to come through, yet each time it would retract again.


    Patience!


    Although Chen Sansi hadn''t been practicing Martial Arts for long, he had endured more hardships than anyone else.


    Consuming Beast Meat and pouring down supplemental medicine required frantic cultivation to metabolize.


    Every time he did Pile Work and used the grand Breathing Skill, it was painful, every single time!


    So, he was not lacking in patience.


    It was merely a matter of time.


    Calming his mind, Chen Sansi tediously repeated his spear technique over and over again.


    ...


    Wang Zhi saw this and hurriedly pulled Xiang Tingchun over.


    "Don''t deceive me."


    Xiang Tingchun was full of disbelief, "No more than two months at most, Blood Refining Great Success?"


    "Households Commander Xiang doesn''t believe it?"


    Wang Zhi said with a grin, "I heard that you got a lot of good medicine materials from the Tianyuan Liang Family, including a three-hundred-year-old ginseng."


    "Ginseng only helps Blood Refining Warriors; what do you want it for?"


    Xiang Tingchun realized, "It''s rare indeed, this is the first time I''ve seen you asking for something for someone else. Alright, I promise you, if he makes a breakthrough, I''ll give him the ginseng."


    In the midst of their conversation, the two arrived at the Martial Arts Arena.


    When they saw the dazzling display of the long spear in the open space, even Xiang Tingchun''s eyebrows revealed astonishment.


    "Fatty Wang, with him achieving Blood Refining Great Success so quickly, won''t he develop inferior blood?"


    "Rest assured."


    Fatty Wang patted his chest and said, "I taught him the world''s best foundational technique, it''s solid, at least superior Qi-Blood, which won''t hold him back no matter how high or far he goes in the future."


    "You really have something to fall back on."


    Xiang Tingchun did not doubt it and lamented, "Tell me, what exactly did you do to end up being sent here? I even specifically looked it up; there''s not a single famous general in the Eight Camps with the surname Wang."


    "Households Commander Xiang really thinks highly of me."


    Wang Zhi said with an expressionless face, "I''m forty-three this year, and still in the Bone Training Realm, how could I ever be qualified to be a general? I''m just a hanger-on doing miscellaneous tasks."


    Xiang Tingchun said no more and quietly watched the youth on the Martial Arts Arena.


    In the end, Chen Sansi simply closed his eyes, relying entirely on muscle memory to practice the spear technique, while focusing one hundred percent of his attention inside his body, carefully feeling the flow of Qi-Blood.


    He didn''t know how much time had passed.


    He felt the light outside his eyelids grow darker and darker, until it was all black, until his spear-wielding hands stiffened and lost their agility, until his lungs expanded to their limit and seemed ready to burst and spew blood at any moment.


    Thump!


    Just as his body reached its limit and seemed unable to hold on any longer, all four streams of Qi-Blood flowed back into his heart, and when it coursed out again, it was no longer in four streams but had transformed into thousands of strands penetrating his limbs and bones, permeating his entire body!


    For the typical Blood Refining Warrior at Great Success, Qi-Blood would form a "large" character within the body.


    But for Chen Sansi, it spread throughout his entire body.


    This was the true meaning of Qi-Blood permeating the body!


    [Cultivation Technique: Basic Spear Technique of a military soldier (Great Success)]


    [Utility: Blood of the Dragon Elephant]


    All entry effects were encompassed by "Blood of the Dragon Elephant," enhancing the effects significantly.


    Chen Sansi began circulating his Qi-Blood again and could feel "Blood of the Dragon Elephant" seemingly tempering his bones and meridians.


    No wonder Blood Refining is important.


    Within the Bone Training Realm, one relies on the cultivated Qi-Blood to temper the bones; the higher the quality of Qi-Blood, the better the effect.


    He just wasn''t sure what level "Blood of the Dragon Elephant" was.


    The system no longer displayed progress, and he needed to switch to a Bone Training cultivation technique.


    He should go and ask Wang Zhi about it. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Good!"


    As he was lost in thought, a cheer sounded in his ear.


    Chen Sansi opened his eyes.


    He then realized that not much time had actually passed.


    Looking at the sky, it had been only about two hours.


    However, the commotion had been great, drawing many onlookers.


    The person leading the cheers was Xiang Tingchun.


    His eyes showed a mix of admiration and envy as he said, "Just two months of practicing martial arts, and reaching Blood Refining Great Success, our Po Yang Thousand Households have truly produced a genius!"


    Chen Sansi held his long spear and cupped his fists, "Commander Xiang flatters me."


    "No need for modesty, from this day on, you''re promoted to flag leader, but..."


    Xiang Tingchun smiled wryly, "Though there is a vacancy, we have no extra manpower to allocate to you.


    "Let''s start you off with the treatment of a flag leader. Later, if more people enlist, they will be prioritized under your command.


    "Additionally, this officer will reward you with a three-hundred-year-old Blood Ginseng.


    "Those under your command will also receive rewards, military soldiers will get two doses of Replenishing Essence Soup, and Array Soldiers will receive two taels of silver, the silver will be provided by this officer himself!"


    "Thank you, sir."


    Chen Sansi was certainly not going to be polite.


    "Well done."


    Xiang Tingchun nodded in satisfaction, then turned to the watching soldiers and scolded, "All of you, train diligently, and you''ll earn your rewards too!"


    After speaking, he strode away, hand on the hilt of his sword at his waist.


    Returning to his tent, Luo Dongquan followed close behind him.


    "My lord, those people have sent their reply."


    He reported, "The Martial Arts Hall says they fully support your decision to deploy troops, but they see no sincerity from you. They also say that with you being so secretive, perhaps the Immortal Treasure is not in your possession at all, and you''re just playing them for fools."


    Truly, people won''t give up until they see the hare caught.


    Xiang Tingchun then asked, "What about the Witch God Sect Followers, were they found?"


    "I am incompetent!" Luo Dongquan said, bowing his head.


    "You have five hundred men to search the city daily and still can''t find them?!"


    Xiang Tingchun felt a headache coming on.


    If he couldn''t find the Witch God Sect followers who slipped through the net, where would he get the Immortal Treasure for the Martial Arts Hall?


    To hell with the Immortal Treasure!


    No matter what, it shouldn''t affect the campaign planned for next spring.


    It seemed that without taking some drastic action, he wouldn''t get them to listen!


    "Crack¡ª"


    "Endure when it is bearable, but when it is no longer bearable, then stop enduring!"


    Xiang Tingchun crushed the teacup in his hand into powder, "Luo, think of something, we need to pin an offense on the Martial Arts Hall."


    "My lord?!" Luo Dongquan was astonished, "This seems improper?"


    "What''s improper about it?"


    Xiang Tingchun said coldly, "They have backers, do you think I don''t? Who do you believe approved my deployment of troops? Just do as I say!"


    "I understand, my lord."

 Chapter 54 - 54 Recruitment

    "Hundred Households Wang.


    "Earlier, you mentioned that Qi-Blood cultivated has quality differences, so what quality would my Qi-Blood be?"


    Chen Sansi voiced his doubts.


    "The Qi-Blood developed through a lower-tier Breathing Skill is symbolized by a ''big'' character.


    "The bigger and thicker this character, the better.


    "After refining the Haoran Breathing Skill, it will be at least twice as strong as the Qi-Blood produced by ordinary breathing skills.


    "More than that depends on talent.


    "Being able to circulate it throughout the body is naturally best.


    "You''re asking about this, surely you haven''t..."


    Wang Zhi placed a hand on the youth''s body: "Circulate your Qi-Blood so I can see!"


    Chen Sansi complied.


    "Your Qi-Blood is of the highest quality!"


    Wang Zhi exclaimed, "Just like me when I started, it circulates throughout the body, but the time spent is significantly less. Steady, even if the Supervisor himself were to come, he would take you in!"


    "Highest quality?"


    Chen Sansi cautiously inquired, "Is there anything more special?"


    "There is, one in ten thousand!"


    Wang Zhi explained patiently and in detail, "Those individuals possess an innate Martial Arts physique, born with a body different from ordinary people, learning the same martial arts faster and with better effects."


    "For example, the Tiger Sha physique, the Golden Python physique, they are destined to reach great heights in Martial Arts.


    "But don''t be disheartened, your bones are definitely sufficient, you can reach great heights as well."


    Chen Sansi nodded, pondering quietly to himself.


    There really were "Abnormal Bodies," but all were innate.


    His Dragon Elephant Blood belonged to the acquired category, and moreover, it wasn''t a "physique," but merely a phenomenon occurring in the Qi-Blood.


    Seemed similar to archery.


    The proficiency panel would, over time, transform him more suitable for the Cultivation Techniques he practiced.


    "Select a Cultivation Technique!"


    Wang Zhi was prepared and pulled out three booklets from his bosom: "After you achieve great success in Blood Refining, you must start practicing Bone Strengthening Skills, each of these three is a subsequent book tailored to different emphases in the basic spear techniques of infantry."


    Chen Sansi aimed his gaze, and the names of several Cultivation Techniques were:


    "Flying Snake Wind Spear," "Heaven Python Breaking Formation Spear," "Undying Golden Snake Spear."


    "These are only available to me; the rest from the Households can only study ''Advanced Spear Skills.''"


    Wang Zhi explained, "These three books focus on speed, strength, and endurance, respectively.


    "My recommendation is the Heaven Python Breaking Formation Spear, cultivating it results in an incredibly fierce spear technique, unmatched on the battlefield! The Commander himself had studied this in his youth.


    "Next, the Flying Snake Spear Technique moves like the wind, capable of taking a life within a blink of an eye from twenty steps away. In the world of martial arts, speed is unbeatable.


    "As for the Undying Golden Snake, it''s also known in the Eight Camps as the Extraordinarily Ordinary Spear, not as fast or fierce as the previous two, its only advantage being that it consumes Qi-Blood more slowly in combat. However, this is also relative and varies from person to person."


    Before he finished speaking, "Undying Golden Snake" was already in Chen Sansi''s hand: "I choose this one."


    "Are you sure?" Wang Zhi seriously said, "This isn''t a joke, think carefully."


    "Sure."


    Chen Sansi had thought it through deeply.


    For long-range assaults, he had archery.


    In terms of speed and fierceness, his previous enhancement entries covered it, now encompassed by the "Dragon Elephant Blood," only to yield better effects, lacking nothing.


    In his view, the only way to survive on the battlefield was through endurance.


    He remembered the first spar with Xu Bin.


    It was by relying on endurance that he had won against someone of a higher realm.


    And then there was the time at the Golden Bell Temple.


    Among the Witch God Sect Followers were quite a few fierce men.


    But what use were they? Their fierceness didn''t last long before their Qi-Blood was depleted, eventually being hacked to death by a group of Array Soldiers.


    "Young man, it seems you have experienced the benefits of the Haoran Breathing Skill, obsessed with endurance."


    Wang Zhi brought out a jar of wine: "Everyone has their own path; I won''t say more. Want to join me for a drink to celebrate your promotion?"


    "No, thanks. I still have things to do."


    Chen Sansi had previously promised to lend grain to Zhao Qiao and the others, best not to delay.


    "Congratulations, Chen Zongqi!"


    Once outside, many people came up to congratulate him.


    However, the happiest were under his command.


    Their leader had achieved a breakthrough in cultivation, and they also got to reap the rewards.


    Two portions of Blood Replenishing Soup, which would cost sixty taels of silver at market price, what a concept.


    "Following Stone was the right choice, the silver spent on practicing Martial Arts has all paid off in one go."


    Zhu Tong was so happy that he couldn''t close his mouth.


    Xu Wencai also managed to get two taels of silver, extremely pleased.


    He followed behind, "My lord, are you leaving the camp? I need to go home too. Let''s go together."


    Chen Sansi asked, "Hasn''t your family lost its home? What are you going back for?"


    "To erect a monument."


    Xu Wencai blinked vigorously, "The grave of my mother is still just a piece of wood. Now, thanks to your lordship''s reward, I''m planning to hire a craftsman to erect a proper monument."


    "Let''s go."


    Chen Sansi habitually carried his bow and arrows and spear.


    He loaded two bags of rice on the White Swan Horse and walked leisurely along the road with Xu Wencai.


    The White Swan Horse didn''t need to be led attentively; it automatically followed closely behind them.


    "My lord is truly impressive."


    Xu Wencai patted the horse, "Even such a spirited horse can be tamed by you. You will surely achieve great things in the future!"


    "..."


    Chen Sansi didn''t know how to respond to such clumsy flattery. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xu Wencai cleared his throat awkwardly and changed the subject, "My lord, do you need me to write an article for you, to recruit some hands?"


    "Recruit hands?" Chen Sansi asked, "You mean the vacancies under me?"


    "Exactly!"


    Xu Wencai spoke earnestly, "I must admit, I am somewhat skilled in judging people, and having interacted with you these days, I have grown increasingly convinced that you are extraordinary and will definitely achieve great things in the future..."


    "Stop, stop!"


    Chen Sansi''s scalp tingled awkwardly as he interrupted, "Let''s talk about recruitment later. There''s no rush."


    "How can you say there''s no rush, my lord?"


    Xu Wencai spoke vividly, "Remember, the Grand Ancestor of the former dynasty started a rebellion and killed officials while being deported for military service, and many of those with him later became founding heroes.


    "And about our dynasty''s Grand Ancestor, the sworn brothers he made during his time as a house slave formed the cornerstone of the Sheng Dynasty''s foundation in its early years.


    "From this, it can be seen that to achieve great things, one must recruit a team early!"


    "Achieve great things?"


    The more Chen Sansi listened, the more uneasy he felt, "What are you planning to do?!"


    "Cough, cough, my lord, please don''t misunderstand."


    Xu Wencai said, "The war is coming in the spring. The more people we have under our command, the better our chances of victory, right?"


    "You write then."


    This was what Chen Sansi observed as he traveled.


    He saw many villagers still in tattered clothes. Joining the army, at least, allowed them to have enough to eat and stay warm.


    Of course, the price might be dying on the battlefield.


    Whether they could be recruited or not, it would be left to fate.


    "Alright!"


    Xu Wencai was particularly excited, "Watch closely, my lord!"


    "..."


    Chen Sansi began to wonder what this guy was doing all day if he wasn''t training.


    As the two chatted leisurely, they reached the entrance of Yanbian Village.


    "Sansi, you''ve got some nerve coming back. You''ve brought disaster on the villagers!"


    A familiar bitter voice came through.


    Chen Sansi remained unirritated, "Uncle Lai Zi, what''s the matter now? How have I brought disaster upon the villagers?"


    "Yes, you''ve ruined Zhao Qiao!"


    "Uncle Zhao?"


    Chen Sansi frowned, "What happened to him? I told him recently not to go up the mountain."


    "Who said anything happened on the mountain?"


    Uncle Lai Zi pursed his lips, "Many students from the martial arts academy blockaded Zhao Qiao''s house in the village. You must have offended someone!"


    "Could it be Tai Lei Martial Arts Academy?"


    Chen Sansi asked, "Who exactly was there?"


    "The ones who last time trapped Zhang Shun to repair the canal, and one with a missing ear, whom they called ''Big Brother!'' "


    Uncle Lai Zi looked at the young man mounting his horse and warned, "You really dare to go? There''s a whole group of them. Aren''t you afraid of being killed?"


    "Let''s go!"


    Without responding, Chen Sansi charged on the White Swan Horse into the village.


    Being killed?


    It wasn''t certain yet who would be the one in danger.


    The White Swan Horse disappeared in the blink of an eye, leaving Xu Wencai coughing in the rising dust.


    He covered his mouth with his sleeve and asked, "Neighbor, how many of them are there?"


    "More than thirty!" Uncle Lai Zi widened his eyes, "Each one armed with a sword, very intimidating!"


    Upon hearing this, Xu Wencai did not follow into the village; instead, he turned and ran toward the direction of the Households Office.

 Chapter 55 - 55: Killing in the Street

    ```


    "Are you sure, they have a good relationship with Chen Sansi?"


    "Positive!"


    Huang Tao, his face half wrapped in bandages, sat on a stool.


    In front of him were two Martial Arts Academy Disciples bowing and scraping.


    They were Zhang Chao and Li Hao.


    How could Huang Tao, who had had an ear chopped off, easily swallow this grudge?


    He hated that kid in the garrison, hated him so much his teeth itched.


    But he couldn''t beat him in a fight.


    So he had to resort to underhand tactics.


    His fellow servant disciples, Zhang Chao and Li Hao, knew this and ran to offer their advice.


    They said they had a way, although they couldn''t kill Chen Sansi, they could teach him a lesson.


    That was to strike at the people around him.


    You think you''re great, you''re tough, what about the people around you?


    "Positive!"


    Zhang Chao affirmed with certainty, "We saw with our own eyes last time, that Chen guy leading those three hunters, they killed a black bear and even shot an arrow at us, their relationship is surely good!"


    They harbored resentment but lacked the guts and strength for revenge.


    Having finally caught an opportunity, of course, they wanted to get involved.


    "This move is definitely effective!"


    Li Hao said proudly, "That kid used to have a brother who was sent by us to work on the Canal, his fate unknown to this day, what can he do to us?"


    "Eldest senior brother, are you really sure about this?"


    Wei Xu at his side was somewhat anxious, "Mr. Wu said before, don''t provoke him lightly¡­"


    "What about my ear?!"


    Huang Tao said angrily, "I dare not kill him, but do I even dare not touch a few poor hunters? Let him see that people suffer because of him, it''s at least a consolation!"


    "Exactly."


    Zhang Chao egged on, "We called over thirty brothers today, he''s just one person, what''s there to fear? Moreover, it''s broad daylight, would he dare to kill someone in the street?"


    "Well said!"


    Huang Tao waved his hand commandingly, "Bring those few hunters up here!"


    Several Martial Arts Academy Disciples brought up three hunters with bruised and swollen faces.


    They were none other than Zhao Qiao, Wu Da, and Zhuang Yi.


    "Let go of me, damn your ancestors¡ª¡ª"


    "Deserve a slap, who are you cursing?!"


    Zhang Chao stepped up and slapped him.


    "You... on what grounds are you arresting us?"


    Wu Da''s mouth was bloody, "We haven''t broken any laws!"


    "Haven''t broken any laws?"


    Li Hao reached into his robe and pulled out a cracked Jade Pendant, "Then what''s this? You steal our eldest senior brother''s property and now deny it?"


    "You''re talking nonsense, you''re framing us!"


    Wu Da cursed loudly.


    This morning, Martial Arts Academy Disciples suddenly burst into his home and found a Jade Pendant that he had never seen before.


    They accused the three of conspiring to steal.


    The framing was crude and brutal, with no logic.


    "Paupers!"


    Huang Tao said coldly, "You go hunting on the mountain and steal my things, rural folk are truly low!"


    "You''re also from the countryside!"


    Zhuang Yi shouted, "Aren''t you Huang Tao? Your family used to weave straw mats in Qian Family Village, it''s only after your sister became the concubine of the seventy-year-old Mr. Feng in town that you got to join the Martial Arts Hall..."


    "Shut your mouth!"


    Huang Tao, overcome with rage and embarrassment, stomped on his face, "Blather any more nonsense, and I''ll smash your head into pieces!"


    Zhao Qiao, being older, understood that arguing was futile.


    He pleaded, "Sir, please show us a way out, how can we get you to spare us?"


    "Compensate? You couldn''t afford it anyway."


    Huang Tao revealed his true purpose, "I''m magnanimous and will give you a chance. Go call Chen Sansi over here, let him come and apologize for you!"


    "We... we don''t know Chen Sansi!"


    Zhao Qiao startlingly declared.


    "Uncle Zhao?"


    Wu Da and Zhuang Yi looked bewildered, wondering why he would say that.


    Zhao Qiao gave a slight shake of his head, signaling with his eyes.


    He had seen the truth.


    These people were targeting Chen Sansi.


    ```


    ```


    There were seven or eight men standing in front of them, with at least twenty more hidden nearby, each with a treasure sword hanging at their waist.


    Clearly, they dared not trouble the military garrison, hoping to use them to lure the hunter out into the street to make things difficult for him!


    Indeed.


    Zhao Qiao knew he was implicated for no reason.


    But if it weren''t for their insistence on having the hunter lead them up the mountain, this wouldn''t have happened.


    Having benefitted from his kindness, one couldn''t complain when faced with such a situation.


    Nor could they harm the hunter.


    They might not understand martial arts, but they knew these were dozens of martial masters. Even if the hunter could fight a tiger, he would suffer greatly if he came.


    "Don''t know him?!"


    Huang Tao saw through his thoughts, "You dogs, beat him!"


    Zhang Chao and Li Hao were the first to raise their hands.


    In no time at all, the three of them were covered in blood, bruised all over.


    This scene was witnessed from a distance by many villagers of Yanbian Village.


    But they were angry yet dared not speak.


    Huang Tao lost his patience, "Forget it, Wei, you go to the garrison to trick Chen out!"


    "Me?"


    Wei Xu''s head shook like a rattle drum, clearly lacking the courage.


    He pointed at Zhang Chao, "You two go."


    "Ah, brother?"


    Zhang Chao and Li Hao kept retreating, "We... we don''t know where the Households is located!"


    "Da-da-da¡ª"


    Suddenly, the sound of galloping hooves, like war drums, rang in their ears.


    Looking in the direction of the sound, they saw a cloud of dust rising at the end of the muddy road.


    A white steed rushed out from the midst of the yellow sand.


    On the horse sat a young man in armor, carrying a bow, arrows, and a long spear on his back. The dust was so thick that his expression could not be seen clearly.


    "It''s him!"


    Zhang Chao and Li Hao sighed with relief, "He''s come!"


    "Good timing!"


    Huang Tao showed a hint of joy.


    He shouted in the direction of the young man, deliberately loud, "Chen, your fellow villagers stole from me, I advise you to stay out of this!"


    "Hunter, they are many, be careful..."


    Zhao Qiao wanted to give a warning, but was too injured to raise his voice.


    "Shut up!"


    Huang Tao kicked him, continuing to shout, "If you really want to meddle, that''s not impossible, but you''ll have to kneel and apologize for them! Otherwise, I''ll chop off their limbs and send them to the county government prison!"


    "Da-da-da-da-da¡ª"


    No response came, only the sound of the hooves racing.


    "Chen, our elder martial brother is talking to you, didn''t you hear him?"


    Zhang Chao and the others took a step forward, "Get off your horse!"


    They didn''t have the courage to approach him alone.


    But with over thirty fellow disciples standing behind them, they suddenly found their courage, and it was considerable!


    Still no response.


    Just the warhorse rapidly approaching.


    "Why do I feel something is not right?"


    Li Hao felt a bit uneasy, noticing that the young man on the horse had at some point replaced the reins in his hands with a bow and arrow, and was aiming at him.


    "Bang¡ª"


    Under everyone''s gaze, a black shadow flashed past, directly piercing through Li Hao''s heart. He fell headfirst, motionless.


    "Ah?!"


    Zhang Chao''s mouth hung open.


    This was nothing like what he had imagined.


    To kill upon arrival? How could he dare!


    The faux courage he had borrowed instantly shattered.


    The second arrow swiftly followed, its head piercing directly into his mouth and exiting through the back of his skull, killing him instantly.


    Everything happened too quickly.


    Both Huang Tao''s group and the sneaking villagers were rendered speechless, standing petrified in place.


    "Hush¡ª"


    Finally, it was the young man''s voice that broke the silence.


    "I don''t have many arrows left."


    Chen Sansi lowered his head to glance at his arrow bag, and calmly stated, "Aside from Huang Tao and Wei Xu, anyone else who wants to live can leave. However, I will only count to ten."


    ```


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 Chapter 56 - 56: Rivers of Blood

    "Ten!"


    As the countdown began, everyone suddenly snapped to attention.


    "Murder!"


    The villagers of Yanbian Village had never seen such a bloody scene before.


    Not to mention the murderer.


    It was their once-familiar Stone!


    Just a few months ago, he had been holding saint books, intending to sit for the imperial examination.


    Suddenly, he was holding a bow, having killed a man!


    "What high office has Stone taken on to dare kill a Martial Arts Academy Disciple in the streets?"


    "Well done, well done indeed!"


    Eight out of ten people had been bullied by those from the Martial Arts Hall.


    After all.


    Many farmers had their land cheaply bought up by landlords with the help of martial masters.


    "You... you''ve got some nerve!"


    Huang Tao came back to his senses amid the shock, "A small flag, committing murder in the street, is there no law?!"


    The young man on the horse showed no emotion as he slowly drew an arrow and notched it to the bowstring, muttering, "Nine."


    "Fellow brothers, let''s take him down together!"


    Huang Tao drew his sword, "Even if Ting Chun himself came today, there''s no reason to protect him!"


    The clanging sounds continued to erupt.


    Blades of gleaming swords were unsheathed, thirty-odd Martial Artists blocking the path of the White Horse.


    "Six!"


    The countdown did not stop.


    The people from Tai Lei Martial Arts Academy were getting panicked.


    Was this person really planning to kill them all?


    "What are you afraid of?!"


    Huang Tao roared, "He is just one person!"


    "Big brother, perhaps we should call Mr. Wu!"


    The people from the Martial Arts Hall, after all, were not an army.


    These disciples, not only did they not receive a salary, but many also had to pay tuition every year. Bullying others was one thing, but dying for it?


    Don''t joke, no one is a fool.


    "Right, big brother, I also think we should call Mr. Wu to handle him!"


    "Three!"


    "Two!"


    "Clatter¡ª"


    Before the countdown ended, the vast majority of Martial Arts Academy Disciples turned on their heels and ran.


    "Why are you running?!"


    Huang Tao''s shouts were futile, and soon only five or six people remained, either hotheads or those closely related to him.


    Even Wei Xu was about to run.


    "You stop right there!"


    Huang Tao grabbed Wei Xu, pulling him back, "Mr. Chen said, You can''t escape with me!"


    Chen Sansi raised his longbow:


    "Ladies and gentlemen, time''s about up!"


    As his words fell, the Kaiyuan Bowstring sounded like thunder, arrows shooting in rapid succession!


    "Whoosh¡ª"


    "Whoosh¡ª"


    "Whoosh¡ª"


    Whether it was the Disciples with Blood Cultivation Introduction or Blood Refining Minor Success, as long as they were still present, they were shot through the head one after another¡ªits speed and accuracy unmatchable even if they desperately tried to close in.


    These people all died instant brain deaths without any pain, enjoying sheer bliss.


    "Big brother, I told you not to come!"


    Wei Xu''s voice carried a sobbing tone. He tossed his sword to the ground, desperately trying to run.


    "Splurch¡ª"


    Before he could even lift his leg, his back chilled, and he died from the arrow.


    In less than ten seconds, only Huang Tao was left.


    His hand holding the sword trembled slightly.


    Arrow after arrow, each hitting its mark, leaving no chance even to dodge!


    "Drive!"


    Chen Sansi put away his bow and charged forward on his horse, wielding a long spear with the force of thunder towards the last remaining man.


    "I will fight you with all I''ve got!"


    With no retreat, Huang Tao summoned his Qi-blood to face the towering warhorse charging at him.


    He was utterly defeated in terms of courage.


    Moreover, with Chen Sansi having achieved Great Success and riding a warhorse, not even a single exchange occurred before the reed leaf gun pierced through Huang Tao''s heart, skewering his body and carrying it dozens of feet through the air before Chen Sansi stopped his horse, pulled out the long spear, and let the body slide to the ground.


    All returned to dead silence.


    The yellow mud road of Yanbian Village was stained red with fresh blood.


    "Oh my goodness!"


    Lai Zi was so frightened by the scene, he sat down on the ground, "Crazy, crazy!"


    "Brother Shi..."


    Zhao Qiao barely managed to regain his senses from the shock, "How, how do we handle this?"


    "Brother Shi took on so many of them by himself?!"


    Wu Da first admired, then worried, "Having killed so many Martial Arts Academy Disciples, they will come looking for you immediately."


    "Brother Shi, let''s run together!"


    Zhuang Yi suggested, "Let''s go to the next county, become bandits in the mountains!"


    Chen Sansi, however, was calm and composed.


    He had long wanted to kill Li Chao and Zhang Hao, no need to mention it.


    The rest couldn''t be allowed to stay either.


    It wasn''t because he enjoyed killing recklessly and without consideration for consequences.


    Keeping these people around would be like having a pack of hyenas constantly surrounding him, swarming in at the first sign of vulnerability.


    However, he dared to kill because he had the confidence to do so.


    Recently, military supplies had been interrupted, giving Xiang Tingchun a headache.


    If things escalated to an unmanageable point, Chen Sansi could completely expose the affairs of Medicine Valley.


    Xiang Tingchun dreamed of having real leverage over the Martial Arts Hall.


    Even if he couldn''t find evidence, given his knack for conjuring benefits from thin air, he would create some.


    At this time, the Martial Arts Academy and the army were at odds; there was no need to worry about making a big fuss.


    In dealing with people and affairs, one must judge the situation.


    Moreover, Tai Lei Martial Arts Academy was not like the other three; it was currently very weak.


    The Old Master was just recovering from a serious injury. Though not dead, he was still in closed-door healing.


    The only one active outside was Mr. Wu.


    Mr. Wu had not trained in Bone Training for long and was practicing an inferior Breathing Skill from Jianghu.


    Chen Sansi, with the blood of the Dragon Elephant enhancing him, did not just have a good chance of winning; complete retreat without issue was 100% certain.


    Zhao Qiao naturally was unaware of these details and worriedly said, "Brother Shi, let''s run fast!"


    "Uncle Zhao worries too much, there will be no trouble," Chen Sansi reassured him as his ears twitched slightly, "More people are coming, you guys go hide inside the house first."


    He heard groups of people urgently approaching from both the front and back ends of the village.


    ...


    "Damned fools! Why didn''t you stop them?"


    Mr. Wu was sprinting, with a disciple struggling to keep up behind him.


    "Mr. Wu, he is the eldest apprentice brother, how could we stop him?"


    "At such a critical time, why does this fool always seek trouble? We should have never accepted him!"


    Mr. Wu''s expression was grave.


    A few hours ago, his father, still recovering from an injury, was invited by Xiang Tingchun to a banquet at the Eight Treasures Building and hadn''t returned since.


    It was definitely about the issues of money and food supplies.


    Xiang Tingchun would definitely find a way to make things difficult for them.


    And at this very time, he learned that Huang Tao had led people to surround Chen Sansi.


    If that kid got hurt, wouldn''t it hand the advantage right into the hands of someone surnamed Xiang?


    "You, what''s going on?!"


    As Mr. Wu neared the place, he encountered a large group of his own disciples running out of the village.


    "Mr. Wu?!"


    The disciples, previously terrified, managed to pull themselves together upon seeing him.


    "Mr. Wu, it''s terrible! Someone was killed... someone was killed!"


    "Did you kill Chen Sansi?!"


    Mr. Wu felt a sense of foreboding.


    The last time on Tiger Head Mountain, he had seen the young man, and although powerful, he was after all only a small achiever of Blood Cultivating Introduction.


    Huang Tao had taken more than thirty fellow apprentice brothers, including seven or eight of Blood Refining Minor Success.


    If they surrounded him, Chen Sansi was bound to suffer.


    Yet, the answer that came was completely the opposite.


    "No..."


    The disciple, breathless, "It''s that military household, he went on a rampage, killed so many of our people!"


    "What?!"


    Mr. Wu quickened his pace.


    When he arrived at the scene, he saw bodies scattered all over the ground.


    Huang Tao, Wei Xu, along with several True Inheritors.


    Mr. Wu looked at Chen Sansi seated on the back of a horse and flew into a rage.


    "How dare you, you wretch?!"


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 Chapter 57 - 57: First Glimpse of Human Nature

    These True Disciples were all cultivated with a tremendous amount of effort.


    Just to be slaughtered like chickens and dogs?


    Wasn''t he at small achievement in Blood Refining?


    He broke through again?


    But even if it was at Blood Refining Great Success, Huang Tao was as well, and he had many helpers around him, so how could they all get killed, are they all useless?!


    After the shock had passed, Old Five Song was once again enveloped in rage, and he roared, "Have you gone too far? Come, come, seize him for me!"


    The disciples who had been scared off before, now that Mr. Wu of the bone training martial artist personally took charge, regained their courage and cautiously drew their swords, edging towards the White Swan Horse.


    "Who dares to make a move?!"


    Just at that moment.


    A voice, with a trace of age and cunning, rang out.


    Xu Wencai was seen rushing back, breathless.


    Following him were the officials from the Po Yang Thousand Households.


    Leading the charge was Fang Zongqi, followed by Xu Bin, Zhu Tong, Wang Li, and others.


    Together, they numbered around forty or fifty people.


    "..."


    Chen Sansi hadn''t noticed Xu Wencai before, it seemed he had gone back to fetch people.


    The garrison officials carried long spears and lined up on either side of him, confronting the Martial Arts Academy Disciples.


    "My lord!"


    Xu Wencai said breathlessly, "Hundred Households Wang and Households Commander Xiang aren''t in the camp, I could only find Fang Zongqi!"


    "Why are there so many dead people?"


    Fang Zongqi, looking at the corpses on the ground, realized the situation was serious.


    He steeled himself and cupped his fists, "Mr. Wu, is there a misunderstanding?"


    "Misunderstanding your mother''s head!"


    Old Five Song, unable to control his emotions, said, "You killed so many of my people, and you say it''s a misunderstanding?


    "What do you all want by coming here with so many people, to kill even me?!"


    "Of course not."


    Fang Zongqi tried to mediate, "How about this, let Chen Zongqi come back with us first, and after Lord Thousand Households returns, we''ll discuss how to handle this."


    "I don''t need you!"


    Old Five Song was beside himself with anger, "Today, I will personally capture him alive and take him before Xiang Tingchun to see how he intends to explain this to me!"


    As he spoke, he snatched a sword from the hand of a disciple nearby and prepared to take action himself.


    "Chen Zongqi!"


    Fang Ping, his voice low, advised, "You should leave first, we''ll stall them for a while¡­ wait, what are you doing?!"


    Before he could finish speaking, the young man beside him charged out with his spear raised and riding his horse forward.


    "He''s a bone training martial artist!"


    Fang Ping couldn''t stop him and could only watch helplessly as the two sides clashed with incredible speed.


    "There''s a world of difference between Blood Refining and Bone Training, where did you get the courage?!"


    Old Five Song''s Qi-Blood erupted, and the meridians in his body suddenly swelled, wrapping around his bones inch by inch with a sound like popping beans, his muscles bulged as if he were a humanoid beast.


    The moment he moved, his feet left deep pits in the yellow mud, with the scenery on both sides retreating rapidly, and in a flash, he was only about ten steps away from the White Horse, his Treasure Sword roaring like thunder, fast as lightning.


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    Old Five Song was consumed by rage.


    He focused on the reed leaf spear raised high in the young man''s hand, planning to dodge this strike and then close in quickly, first to slay the warhorse, then sever the young man''s arm, and finally to capture him alive.


    When they were about seven steps apart, a cold light suddenly flared.


    Without knowing when, the spear tip was thrusting forward!


    Old Five Song had concentrated all his attention on the long spear, yet he failed to notice when the opponent made his move, how did he do it?!


    He quickly abandoned his offensive stance to block with his Treasure Sword.


    With one strike, both sides didn''t stop advancing and passed by each other.


    Old Five Song''s sword in his hand continued to tremble, his anger lessening, replaced by astonishment.


    This move.


    He hadn''t gained any advantage, at most he had used his realm to suppress the opponent, gaining a slight upper hand in strength.


    Chen Sansi reined in his horse, no less tense.


    Old Five Song, just at entry-level in bone training, already possessed such fierce power, bone training martial artists should not be underestimated.


    ```


    Fortunately, he had the augmentation of the Dragon Elephant Bloodline to compensate for most of the disparity, and all he had to do next was to give it his all, and he might well be a match for his opponent.


    "Again!"


    Song Lao Wu launched another attack.


    The others watched their fight, unsure of what to do.


    "He just achieved Great Success, and he can spar with a Bone Trainer martial artist?!"


    Fang Ping couldn''t believe it.


    But the situation was urgent, and he had no time to be astounded, "We can''t let them go on fighting, no matter who gets injured, there''s no easy way out. I need to find Lord Thousand Households!"


    What a coincidence.


    Not long before, a large number of troops had been called away from the Garrison.


    Including Wang Zhi, Liu Jinkui, and several other Hundred Household officers, they were escorting a cart of something to the county city, seemingly on a mission.


    Those left in camp were the ones who had relations with Chen Sansi; naturally, they had to come and see what the trouble was.


    He was unable to manage the situation now.


    Blinded by rage, nobody could stop them.


    "Brothers, kill!"


    "Huh?!"


    Zhu Tong''s eyes bulged as he swung his war hammer, ready to charge forward.


    "Kill my ass!"


    Fang Ping scolded, "Do you think you are on a battlefield? Have you lost your mind? Xu Bin, keep an eye on them, I''ll go look for Hundred Households Wang; we must stabilize the situation and not let it escalate any further!"


    He rushed toward the county city in great haste.


    "Are we really just going to stand here and watch?!"


    Zhu Tong pointed at the Martial Arts Academy Disciples, "There are so many of them, are we going to let Chen Sansi take them on alone?"


    As Song Lao Wu and the young man fiercely fought not far away, the Martial Arts Academy Disciples were itching to move in. At any sign of the young man faltering or getting injured, they planned to gang up on him.


    "You, surname Xu!"


    Zhu Tong cursed, "How has Chen Sansi treated you in normal times, don''t make me lose respect for you!"


    "Damn it, do you think I need you to tell me that?!"


    Xu Bin drew his reed leaf gun, "Brothers, surround those from the Martial Arts Hall!"


    "Flag Leader Fang said not to act rashly!"


    Another small flag tried to intervene.


    Xu Bin ignored him.


    Zhu Tong was right.


    Since meeting Chen Sansi, Xu Bin knew very well how Chen Sansi had treated him.


    If he didn''t help at a time like this, would he even be a man?


    Xu Bin had always been conscientious and responsible, and his men respected him and were willing to follow his orders.


    As for Wang Li and the others, needless to say.


    They had just received favors, and even if they didn''t go up to help, they couldn''t stand by and watch their boss be ambushed.


    There was also a small flag that was willing to help.


    The fifty government soldiers that came to Yanbian Village, thirty of them charged out and encircled the Martial Arts Academy Disciples.


    "What are you doing?!"


    The Martial Arts Academy Disciples looked at the dense long spears, "You drew first blood, and now you dare surround us; are you planning to massacre innocent people?!"


    "To hell with innocent people!"


    Zhu Tong smashed his hammer into the chest of the man who spoke, who instantly spat blood and passed out.


    The rest of the Martial Arts Academy Disciples immediately clammed up.


    "Nobody move!"


    Xu Bin roared, "Anyone harboring ill intentions will be executed without mercy!"


    The Martial Arts Academy Disciples, for the most part hooligans at heart, promptly stood at attention, all glancing towards their boss, Mr. Wu.


    If Mr. Wu could just defeat that kid, there was no rush for them to act tough then.


    Conversely, without Mr. Wu''s support, they truly didn''t dare to fight to the death.


    ¡­


    Xu Bin watched the fight anxiously.


    The two men fighting were at a level he simply could not get involved in.


    He could only hope that Chen Sansi could hold on until Fang Zongqi could summon help.


    ```

 Chapter 58 - 58: Killing the Chicken to Warn the Monkey

    Sword shadows and spear glimmers crossed and flickered.


    Battle horses neighed fiercely, and figures moved swiftly.


    Every time their weapons collided, Chen Sansi had to exert his full strength to parry.


    It''s no wonder Old Fifth Song was so confident before he made his move.


    The gap between Bone Training and Blood Refining was indeed vast.


    However, for Chen Sansi, as long as he could withstand the first onslaught, it meant that he would not lose and even had a very high chance of winning.


    Because,


    he could keep it up indefinitely!


    The power of the Dragon Elephant bloodline was not only formidable, but its efficiency far exceeded that of ordinary Qi-Blood.


    With the same amount of Qi-Blood consumption, an ordinary person could deliver one strike, while Chen Sansi could deliver at least three. As time dragged on, the longer it went, the greater his chance of winning naturally became.


    The person who understood this most deeply was naturally Old Fifth Song himself.


    "What kind of freak is this!"


    His Thunderbolt Sword Technique was definitely considered excellent in a place like Po Yang County.


    Plus, with his Bone Training and Blood Refining, he was suppressing across levels. That he couldn''t take down his opponent quickly was one thing, but after dozens of exchanges, he hadn''t felt the slightest sign of being able to win.


    The youth''s spear technique was pure and refined. Although it appeared that he was always on the defensive, in reality, if he was the slightest bit careless, the next second the spear tip would be thrusting straight at his face.


    Additionally, the opponent was riding a warhorse, looking down from above, coordinating with a long spear over a meter in length to sweep in all directions. Old Fifth Song couldn''t get close at all and could only ever gamble against the sharp spear tip, unable to even injure the horse below.


    His heart grew impatient.


    "After all, it''s just the realm of Blood Refining!"


    "I want to see how much longer you can hold out!"


    Old Fifth Song roared with fury.


    He overworked his Qi-Blood, his long sword slashing like a storm without giving any respite, aimed to force the opponent to expend a large amount of Qi-Blood and win by the accumulation of his realm.


    This made the spectators very anxious.


    "Wang Li."


    Zhu Tong cursed, "If the situation doesn''t look right, the two of us will go up together and mess ''em up!"


    "Alright!" Wang Li nodded.


    Zhao Qiao and Wu Da also quietly grabbed bows and arrows, ready to ambush at a moment''s notice.


    Only Xu Bin felt increasingly familiar with what he saw.


    Yes, it was this feeling.


    "We don''t need to interfere; Chen Sansi has a ninety percent chance of winning!"


    "How can you tell?"


    "Just watch."


    Indeed, another twenty exchanges passed.


    Old Fifth Song''s explosive power began to wane with time.


    In contrast, the young man''s condition didn''t seem different from the beginning. It was impossible to see how much longer he could hold on, but it was Old Fifth Song who began to show flaws, giving his opponent the chance to counterattack.


    Several meters apart, the gale-like onrush of the Reed Leaf Spear was either a thrust to the face or a stab to the throat, each move deadly like a bloodthirsty venomous snake.


    "Clang, clang, clang!"


    Old Fifth Song continually swung the sword to cut down the snakes, but one after another kept coming, faster and more numerous. Eventually, they were everywhere and unstoppable.


    He had no choice but to dodge frantically, twisting his neck and head to evade, looking like a thrilling acrobatic performance.


    Cold sweat broke out from his body, and Old Fifth Song realized a frightening fact.


    If this delay continued, it wouldn''t be a matter of whether he could win or not, but whether he would die!


    Having achieved Great Success in Blood Refining, his strength hadn''t diminished much, but he had been able to last for so long. How was this possible?!


    He could fight no longer!


    The rage in Old Fifth Song''s heart was gradually extinguished, and he regained his composure.


    "Clang¡ª"


    He exerted all his strength to chop away the spear tip, then leaped backwards consecutively to quickly distance himself.


    Chen Sansi leapt up from the saddle, like a tiger pouncing in mid-air, quickly closing the gap. He thrust out the Reed Leaf Spear in his hand, aiming directly at his opponent''s chest.


    This thrust was extraordinarily swift; Old Fifth Song couldn''t block in time, nor dared to. He dodged to the side, narrowly allowing the spear to graze past him. However, the spear blade still opened a chasm on his chest, with fresh blood gushing out.


    "Bang!"


    Chen Sansi didn''t retract his spear. The Dragon Elephant blood in his body surged wildly. Holding the shaft like a club, with his body and horse''s momentum combined, he unleashed a Bear Gang Force and swept it across the opponent''s chest.


    Old Fifth Song was sent flying several meters backward and crashed onto the yellow muddy ground. Under the effect of inertia, he rolled several times before stopping, his face covered in fresh blood, and his fine clothes became utterly disheveled.


    "Stop... hold on!"


    He supported himself up with his sword: "I... I concede. I''ll no longer pursue the matter of killing my disciple. Let''s call it quits!"


    The crowd was stunned.


    A Blood Refining Warrior won against a Bone Training Warrior?!


    "Farewell!"


    Old Fifth Song, no longer caring about his appearance, dropped the words and fled.


    "Old Fifth!"


    The encircled disciples of the Martial Arts Hall shouted loudly.


    But clearly, their Old Fifth did not plan to care for them.


    "Good, it''s just as well to stop here! A few dead disciples of the Martial Arts Hall shouldn''t be a big problem."


    Xu Bin and the others breathed a sigh of relief.


    But soon, they tensed up again.


    Because the youth seemed not ready to let go of this Old Fifth.


    Chen Sansi withdrew his spear, picked up the Kaiyuan Great Bow, then bent down to pull out an arrow from a corpse, and drew the bow without a moment''s hesitation.


    "Swoosh¡ª"


    Old Fifth Song, who had run nearly a hundred steps away, kept looking back to watch.


    When he saw the other party drawing the bow and nocking the arrow, he thought to use the sword to strike, but he was a moment too slow. The Wolf Teeth Arrow whistled in, piercing through flesh and lodging in his chest¡ªnot reaching the heart but shattering bones on impact.


    Mr. Song staggered to the ground, looking up at the young man chasing after him, his face contorted in a ferocious snarl, "You... you kill my disciples and that''s one thing, but do you really dare to kill me?!"


    "Why shouldn''t I!"


    Chen Sansi''s fierce shout echoed through the village.


    The White Swan Horse responded to his call, and he once again mounted, pointing his reed-leaf long spear straight ahead. Gathering all his Qi-Blood Power, he focused it entirely upon the long spear, and combining it with the charging warhorse, he rapidly closed in on his enemy and thrust the spear downward.


    Mr. Song was unable to resist at all, his treasure sword shattered upon contact and dropped to the ground.


    The sharp and elongated gun blade was unstoppable as it thunderously pierced into his body.


    "Ah¡ª"


    Mr. Song lay on the ground screaming, using his last strength to grasp the spear shaft desperately, preventing the gun tip from penetrating deeper into the wound.


    The White Swan Horse did not stop.


    The long spear, embedded in the opponent''s body, dragged across the ground.


    Mr. Song''s clothes were torn and his back a gory mess; the strength in his grip on the spear shaft weakened more and more. Blood bubbled from his mouth as he made a final effort to save his life, "My family pays tribute to the Lord Prefect every year, you... killing me is a death sentence..."


    "Puchi!"


    Chen Sansi couldn''t be bothered to respond. He twisted the spear shaft, causing the gun tip to churn within the opponent''s body, drilling through bones before mashing the heart like a drill.


    Mr. Song''s hands slackened, and he breathed his last.


    In Yanbian Village, an eerie silence prevailed! S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Sansi raised the long spear high:


    "Brothers, rest assured, I killed Mr. Song. I will go to Lord Thousand Households myself to explain the situation; it has nothing to do with you all!"


    ¡ª¡ª


    Eight Treasures Restaurant.


    Private room.


    Fine wine and dishes filled the dining table, yet no one moved their chopsticks.


    Xiang Tingchun sat in the seat of honor. In front of him were the Masters of the Four Great Martial Arts Schools of Po Yang County.


    "My speech is over."


    His gaze swept over each of them, each word heavy, "Who agrees, and who opposes?"


    "Don''t even think about it!"


    Master Song Nanshan of Tai Lei Martial Arts Academy was the first to speak out.


    His hair and beard were white, his breath weak as if he had just recovered from a severe illness, but his words were firm, "Commander Xiang, you''re too aggressive. I see no need to continue this discussion!"


    He tried to rise, leaning on his walking stick.


    Luo Dongquan, guarding the door, flashed his blade.


    Master Song Nanshan demanded angrily, "What does this mean?!"


    "It''s obvious."


    Xiang Tingchun helped himself to a drink, speaking leisurely, "Today, whether you agree or not, you won''t leave through this door unless you do.


    "Master Song, you are the oldest and most experienced here. I hope you can set a good example."


    "I''ve made myself perfectly clear!"


    Master Song Nanshan snorted coldly, "Without seeing the thing, don''t even think about getting another copper coin from us!"


    "Well said!"


    The Master of Tianyuan Martial Arts Academy banged on the table, echoing, "Xiang Tingchun, I suspect you don''t have the Immortal Treasure at all and have been deceiving us all along!"


    "Master Liang, there''s no need to test me."


    Xiang Tingchun narrowed his eyes, "I''m telling you one last time, cooperate honestly, and after spring, the thing will be delivered to you with both hands!"


    Master Song Nanshan stood his ground, "What if we insist on seeing the thing first?"


    "Then I might just find something in your mansions."


    Xiang Tingchun spoke indifferently, "For example, armor, or crossbows, or perhaps a large number of long weapons."


    "Nonsense!"


    Master Song Nanshan''s anger aggravated his injuries, and he coughed violently. Pointing at his nose, he scolded, "Xiang Tingchun, don''t forget we''re grasshoppers on the same rope; making a big scene benefits no one!"


    Xiang Tingchun''s eyes darkened, "Threatening me?"


    Master Song Nanshan turned to the others, "Don''t be afraid of him; he''s just bluffing. I''ll personally clear things up with the officials about the weapons and armor. As for the Immortal Treasure, he wouldn''t dare make it public!"


    Xiang Tingchun''s right hand silently rested on the hilt of the knife hidden beneath him, but he did not draw it.


    The opponent was right.


    Just planting some armor and weapons was not quite enough.


    Even if they resorted to force, they couldn''t exterminate all the Four Great Martial Arts Schools; they had to pick a target to make an example of.


    The atmosphere tensed as if blades were drawn. Outside, an argument could be heard.


    "Lord Thousand Households has given orders not to enter!"


    "Please relay a message as I have urgent news to report!"


    "..."


    Luo Dongquan went to check and soon returned, quietly reporting to the commander, "A flag leader has come looking for you, named Fang Ping, he says..."


    As Xiang Tingchun listened to the report, the murderous intent in his pupils surged, and his voice grew several times more forceful, finally having a suitable target.


    "Song Nanshan, you''ve got some nerve!"


    "Tai Lei Martial Arts Academy Disciples committing murder in broad daylight, seen by hundreds, and you still say you don''t have rebellious intentions?! Death awaits you!"


    Before Master Song Nanshan could comprehend the situation, his head was severed with a single slash.


    "Pass my order!"


    Xiang Tingchun was full of killing intent, "Tai Lei Martial Arts Academy has plotted rebellion; we must immediately dispatch troops to suppress them, leave none alive!"


    "Mad dog!"


    The remaining three Martial Arts Hall Masters were shocked and dismayed, "Xiang Tingchun, you mad dog!"


    "Indeed, I am a mad dog!"


    Xiang Tingchun''s eyes were bloodshot, "By tomorrow dusk, I want to see the military granaries replenished, otherwise, you all die with this mad dog!"

 Chapter 59 - 59: Fifteen Stone Big Bow

    Witnessing Mr. Wu being stabbed to death, the Martial Arts Academy Disciple was scared out of his wits, and his treasure sword clattered to the ground.


    Whether it was the villagers from Yanbian Village or the soldiers from the garrison, they all unanimously turned their gaze toward the youth on horseback, their eyes complex with respect tinged with awe.


    "My lord need not worry,"


    Only Xu Wencai came over, stroking his beard and said, "We should just go straight back, and Lord Thousand Households will certainly not blame you unduly. At most, you''ll be given a title for atonement and meritorious service."


    "You do see clearly."


    That''s what Chen Sansi had been thinking from the start.


    Not to mention the matter of military supplies.


    War was imminent; it was not possible to shake one''s own people''s morale on account of outsiders.


    What he was truly worried about was that the disturbance wasn''t big enough to manage to kill the old man from the Song Family too.


    Fortunately, Chen Sansi was confident about achieving small achievement in bone training before spring came. No matter the outcome of today''s events, he could face them calmly.


    He had planned to call everyone to return to camp first when he suddenly heard someone approaching rapidly on horseback.


    "Whoa¡ª"


    "Song Old Five, I want your damn life!!!"


    One could see Wang Zhi''s portly figure pressing down on a brown warhorse, holding a long and sharp Mo Blade in his hand, with over a hundred soldiers following him from afar, charging towards Yanbian Village at breakneck speed.


    "Stone?"


    Upon seeing everyone, he pulled the reins to stop: "Are you alright, where''s Song Old Five!"


    "Dead."


    Chen Sansi calmly replied, "I would trouble Hundred Households Wang to take me to report the situation to Lord Thousand Households."


    "You did him in?"


    Wang Zhi didn''t believe it until he saw the corpse with a big hole in the chest, then he showed a gleam of delight: "Good, good, good, I was worrying over nothing for you!"


    He had been sent out a short while ago, in charge of figuring out a way to smuggle armour and weapons into the Martial Arts Hall.


    Once the task was completed, he had been waiting in the county city.


    It was only after the incident in the Eight Treasures Restaurant that he learned about the situation in Yanbian Village. Worried that Chen Sansi was no match, he hurried over immediately.


    ''This lad is killing across a great boundary, truly a formidable being.''


    ''Great news!''


    Without saying much more, Hundred Households Wang raised the Mo Blade high and blurted out a command like a thunderclap, reverberating in everyone''s ears: "Tai Lei Martial Arts Academy is plotting rebellion, execute them all to the last man!"


    After a brief hesitation, the soldiers began to carry out the orders, launching a one-sided massacre against the Martial Arts Academy Disciples.


    The villagers of Yanbian Village were initially shocked but slowly realized that those dying were the same martial masters who had previously oppressed them, and they began to think it was all a dream.


    "I said they should be killed long ago!"


    Zhu Tong didn''t care where the command came from and swung his hammer into the air.


    "Plotting rebellion, extermination?"


    Chen Sansi hadn''t anticipated the sudden turn of events in front of him and only after inquiring did he learn what had happened.


    What a ruthless and decisive move by Xiang Tingchun.


    In pursuit of career advancement, he went mad with desperation, using such a method to force other Martial Arts Halls into submission, unafraid of mutual destruction.


    Of course, this undoubtedly saved him a lot of trouble.


    Chen Sansi, carrying his spear, quietly watched as blood flowed like rivers in Yanbian Village.


    He knew that after today, no one in Po Yang County would dare to oppose Xiang Tingchun ever again.


    This was the true essence of using "power" to bully others!


    With sufficient personal strength and soldiers at his command,


    With desperation, he feared no one and could overturn the table at any moment.


    ...


    Overnight, the nearly century-old Tai Lei Martial Arts Academy crumbled to dust.


    From the Song Family''s clan members to the academy''s disciples, every single one was executed, and all their assets and money were confiscated.


    But rather than causing chaos in Po Yang County city, there was unprecedented peace and harmony.


    Especially in the military camp.


    For several days in a row, starting from 5 a.m., Martial Arts Academy Disciples lined up to donate military supplies, cart after cart, as much as needed, showing a proactive and generous spirit.


    Chen Sansi couldn''t help but shake his head repeatedly.


    The Martial Arts Hall and Xiang Tingchun had resumed cooperation, and it became rather difficult to expose the issues with Medicine Valley.


    Times had changed.


    Bringing it up now, Xiang Tingchun would likely cover for them, considering the Martial Arts Hall was still needed and couldn''t just be completely eliminated.


    Fortunately, Chen Sansi''s goal was achieved¡ªTai Lei Martial Arts Academy was utterly ruined.


    As for the matters of Medicine Valley, he would look into it himself.


    He began a closed-door training, desperately striving to enhance his cultivation, hoping to enter the Bone Training Realm as soon as possible.


    Compared to "Basic Spear Technique for Soldiers," the number of Pile Work stances in "Undying Golden Snake Spear" was doubled, and the number of maneuvers was increased to forty-nine. There were many extremely tricky movements to master, making the training quite arduous.


    From entry-level to Great Success, Bone Training corresponds to four phases.


    They are Training Muscle, Bone Strengthening, Skin Training, and Marrow Refining, respectively.


    Training Muscle, as the name implies,


    is to nourish the meridians with Qi-Blood. Moreover, it can also initially increase the hardness of the bones.


    That''s why the Blood Refining Realm is considered the most crucial foundation in Martial Arts.


    Only with a high enough quality of cultivated Qi-Blood can one nourish a robust physique. Otherwise, a single misstep could lead to a widening gap, eventually becoming an insurmountable divide that blocks further progress.


    The blood of the Dragon Elephant, obviously, counts as a decent foundation.


    Executing the spear technique with complex Pile Work, and driven by the Breathing Skill, the Dragon Elephant Blood circulated methodically within his body, constantly nourishing Chen Sansi''s meridians at every moment. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    In just a few days, he could feel his meridians becoming tougher. Many previously difficult movements gradually became possible, and in turn, evolved into more intricate maneuvers.


    When tired from training,


    Chen Sansi would eat a red ginseng raw.


    Blood ginseng.


    It was given to him earlier by Xiang Tingchun.


    This substance could alleviate the pain of cultivation and enhance the quality of his Qi-Blood, benefiting him immensely.


    [Cultivation Technique: Undying Golden Snake Spear. Upper (Not Entry-Level)]


    [Progress: 15/100]


    [Utility: Blood of the Dragon Elephant]


    Just like the Blood Refining Realm, the Bone Training Realm has four phases from entry-level to Great Success, with the difficulty gradually increasing. Entry-level is the easiest, whereas achieving Perfection at Great Success is the real challenge and bottleneck.


    Of course, the difficulty of reaching entry-level Bone Training is far greater than that of Blood Refining.


    Additionally, the cultivation technique is incomplete.


    The Undying Golden Snake Spear is divided into upper and lower volumes, which can be cultivated all the way to Refining Internal Organs.


    But the technique for Refining Internal Organs isn''t available in Po Yang County.


    Military officers at the Great Success of Bone Training must report upwards for approval, whereby a designated person would teach the Refining Internal Organs Technique, which must not be disclosed. Otherwise, it is considered a heinous crime of treason.


    This is also a method by which the court maintains control over local areas.


    Local Jianghu forces are not allowed to have individuals whose cultivation surpasses that of the military''s leading figures.


    After training until completely exhausted, Chen Sansi stopped to rest.


    He took some silver and headed to the forging workshop.


    From his skirmish with Mr. Wu, it was clear that the Two-Stone Bow had difficulty achieving a lethal blow against a Bone Training Martial Artist who was on guard, and that was just during the Training Muscle Stage. If it were during the Bone Strengthening Stage or higher, its lethality would only diminish.


    Acquiring a heavier bow and arrows was imperative.


    "It''s been ready two days ago; I was wondering if you forgot about it and was about to look for you," said Niu Gai as he quickly brought out the item. "This bow, with a pulling force of fifteen stones, can penetrate solid rock."


    Chen Sansi took the new bow and inspected it in his hands.


    This bow was made from fifty-year-old mutated Purple Gold Bamboo for its body, top-quality Sangyu Wood for its limbs, the sturdy skull of a fierce tiger for its bow tips, and its bowstring was made from Exotic Beast Tendons worth hundreds of taels of silver. Holding it upright, it nearly reached the height of a person, looking rather intimidating from a distance.


    "I''ve also prepared matching arrows for you," said Niu Gai, bringing over an arrow bag filled with all kinds of brand-new arrows.


    Sleek, sharp Triangular Armor-piercing Arrows, flat and wide shovel-shaped Qi Pi Arrows, metal-made whistle arrows, and hollow-centered arson iron arrows, among others...


    "Fire arrows?"


    Chen Sansi was intrigued and specifically took one out for examination.


    Arson iron arrow.


    The rest of it was no different from regular arrows. The unique feature was a hollow iron cage on the front of the arrowhead, which could be stuffed with oilcloth. Once lit, it would be shot out and typically used to attack enemy camps, burning down structures like grain reserves and campsites; its individual killing power wasn''t great.


    Chen Sansi took the tiger bone bow outside, notched a Triangular Arrow, and aimed at a rock over a hundred paces away. Slowly, he drew the heavy two-thousand-pound bowstring.


    The moment he let go, the rebounding force of the bowstring could easily slice through human flesh, and the Triangular Arrow turned into a shooting star as it thunderously flew toward its target. When it collided with the rock, it let out a loud "bang."


    The arrow effortlessly embedded itself into the hard stone.


    Cracks spread outward from the arrowhead, and within moments the rock¡ªover half a meter high¡ªshattered into pieces scattered across the ground.


    [Skill: Archery (small achievement)]


    [Progress: (150/1000)]

 Chapter 60 - 60: The Art of Commanding Soldiers

    ```


    This arrow shot significantly increased his proficiency.


    Chen Sansi was thoroughly satisfied.


    If he were to encounter an opponent like Old Song the Fifth again, there would be no need for a drawn-out battle, just one arrow would kill.


    It was indeed worth fifty taels of Silver.


    He took his leave and headed to the pharmacy to purchase medicine.


    As his realm improved, his need for supplemental medicine grew increasingly high.


    Each stage of martial arts practice corresponded to specific medicinal ingredients.


    Therefore, Blood Replenishing Soup was of no help for bone training, and the efficacy of Replenishing Essence Soup had greatly reduced. There was a specialized Bone Nourishing Soup available for consumption, with the original price of each prescription being ninety-eight taels¡ªtwice as much as Replenishing Essence Soup.


    Even when purchased in the military camp, it would cost fifty taels of Silver.


    There was also a more expensive medicine bath, costing a hundred taels of Silver for two baths.


    Chen Sansi originally thought that with over two hundred taels in savings, he could be considered wealthy, but now he realized he was still poor.


    These medicinal ingredients were so expensive partly because they truly were rare and often required decades of cultivation.


    On the other hand.


    Practicing martial arts was a way to transcend social class.


    If the poor could easily turn their lives around, what would the lords do? With only so many resources available for enjoyment in the world, how could they possibly give them up easily to those beneath them?


    It was not impossible for the poor to rise up, but they often had to pay a hundred or a thousand times the price.


    Being a lackey in a martial arts hall or selling one''s life in the army, each step was fraught with hardships.


    "If you don''t have Silver, you can exchange for it with military exploits, but there''s some time before the battles begin; I can''t just sit around doing nothing."


    "I still need to find a way to make money."


    "Tigers and black bears aren''t found everywhere in great numbers. Relying on quantity isn''t reliable. It would be best to capture an Exotic Beast."


    According to "Records of the Mountains and Rivers," the Hutou Mountain Range originally had seventeen or eighteen kinds of Exotic Beasts, but now only two or three remain, with the White Deer being one, and another being an old monkey that mimics human weapon use, although it hasn''t been seen for over twenty years.


    But it was still an idea.


    Especially since Chen Sansi possessed "Tracking and Concealment," what others couldn''t find, he might be able to.


    In the end, although vast, the Hutou Mountain Range was still somewhat barren.


    Chen Sansi heard that in the areas around the Eight Camps in Liangzhou, there were boundless mountain ranges teeming with Exotic Beasts, and the number of ferocious beasts was countless.


    It seemed he had one more reason to head to the Eight Camps.


    Staying in a godforsaken place like Po Yang, advancing in refining internal was the limit; there simply were no higher-level cultivation resources.


    "Wang Zhi told me that the Selection Officer would arrive before long."


    "I must hasten to improve my strength."


    Chen Sansi gritted his teeth and spent a huge sum of a hundred taels to order two servings of Bone Nourishing Soup.


    "My lord!"


    Just as he was preparing to go back for a meal, Wang Li found him: "Lord Chen, many folks from Po Yang County have gathered outside the military camp, clamoring to see you."


    "To see me?"


    Chen Sansi puzzled: "What''s the matter?"


    "Our Thousand Households is well-off and looking to recruit soldiers to fill vacancies. A lot of people have come, but they''re all insisting on seeing you."


    Wang Li explained: "They''re saying, in all their years, they''ve never seen an official who still cares about the life and death of the folks from his hometown, nor someone who would kill a martial arts hall''s beast in the street."


    "How many people have come?"


    "Over a hundred!"


    "So many?"


    Chen Sansi hurriedly followed him.


    At the entrance of the military camp, there was a recruitment desk that was now surrounded by an impassable crowd.


    Zhao Qiao, Wu Da, and Zhuang Yi were all among them.


    And it wasn''t just people from Yanbian Village, it seemed that more came from the surrounding villages.


    "My lord, your fame has spread throughout Po Yang these past two days!"


    Xu Wencai was quite excited: "I haven''t even written anything yet, and so many have come. This is a great opportunity."


    "Silence!"


    Luo Dongquan, with a saber at his side, stood in front of the desk and shouted at the crowd: "I''ve said it, those who wish to join the army register one by one, the official here will make arrangements afterward!"


    "We want to enlist, but we''ll only follow Brother Shi!"


    Wu Da, at the forefront, had a loud voice: "Let us in to see him."


    "This matter isn''t for him to decide!"


    No matter what Luo Dongquan said, it was ineffective, as the cacophony nearly drowned him out.


    "Brother Chen!"


    Zhuang Yi, with keen eyesight, was the first to spot the newcomer.


    "Have you all thought this through?"


    After a brief exchange, Chen Sansi asked seriously: "War is imminent if you follow me, death is a possibility."


    "Brother, we''ll die even if there''s no war!"


    Zhuang Yi''s face was still bruised: "If it weren''t for you, we would have been beaten to death by the martial arts hall''s scum already."


    "Right."


    ```


    Zhao Qiao also said, "I''ve discussed it with my family, and with winter approaching, we simply can''t survive without joining the army, even though there''s only a meager soldier''s pay. Moreover, since we''ve come here, we all certainly want to follow you."


    "I also want to learn martial arts!" Wu Da clenched his fist, "Someday, I''ll kill them all."


    "As long as you all have thought it through."


    Chen Sansi paused for a moment, "But I''m currently only a flag leader and can only take in about forty people under my command. First, have everyone line up to register; what a mess we look like, all in disarray."


    As soon as he said this,


    even as Luo Dongquan had been yelling to no avail, the villagers really stopped their clamor and quietly queued up.


    Seeing this,


    Luo Dongquan frowned.


    Not only that,


    but once the spots were filled, the commotion started up again.


    "Make it clear; we''re only following Chen Zongqi from Yanbian Village!"


    "What nonsense!"


    Luo Dongquan said angrily, "He''s just a flag leader, who can have at most fifty men under his command."


    "So what if there are a few more?"


    "Exactly, exactly."


    "If it really comes down to it, why don''t you just promote him?"


    "Is an officer position something you can just bump up on a whim?"


    Luo Dongquan looked at them with contempt, "The army has its own rules. You country folks should stop making a scene here."


    "Go to hell!"


    A hot-tempered villager cursed, "Disdain for us country people, huh? If you''re so capable, then why post notices everywhere, begging us to join the army?"


    "What rank are you even? Are you jealous because we''re enlisting with Chen Zongqi instead of you?"


    "Just get out of here!"


    "..."


    "Damn it!"


    Luo Dongquan, seething with rage, drew his blade, raising his voice several times higher, "If you want to join the army, follow the rules, or else get the hell out of here!"


    "What the hell are you doing?!"


    Seeing the murderous knife, the villagers finally felt frightened, retreating en masse and daring not make another sound.


    "We knew it... you dog officials don''t see us as humans!"


    "Right, promises of soldier''s pay must also be a lie; it''s common knowledge that military camps are in arrears."


    "Let''s go, let''s go!"


    They really had no intention of continuing to register and stamped their marks, and they turned to leave.


    Chen Sansi glanced at Luo Dongquan.


    Helpless.


    After all, he was indeed just a mere flag leader.


    He had no obsession with how many men he led.


    But with this kind of attitude, it would probably be difficult for the Thousand Households office to reach full strength.


    "Fellow villagers, wait a moment!"


    Xiang Tingchun suddenly appeared, blocking the way of the dispersing crowd. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His face wore a gentle smile that somewhat clashed with his temperament, "I assure you, not only will the soldier''s pay not be delayed, it will also increase!"


    No one answered.


    It seemed very few believed him.


    After all, the reputation of the Po Yang Thousand Households had been rotten for hundreds of years.


    Xiang Tingchun spoke again, "I can also promise that all of you will be under Chen Zongqi''s command. How about that?"


    Upon hearing this sentence,


    the people who were about to leave paused.


    "Lord Thousand Households?"


    Luo Dongquan protested, "One flag leader, how can he manage more than a hundred men? That doesn''t conform to the rules, does it?"


    "Rules can be changed. In times of need, who says we must stick to rigid standards?"


    Xiang Tingchun beckoned, "Chen Zongqi, I leave this matter entirely in your hands."


    "Understood."


    Chen Sansi bowed with cupped hands.


    On the side, he oversaw the villagers as they pressed their handprints one by one.


    Once everyone was registered, he gathered them all at the Martial Arts Arena, organized them into lines, and checked their names against the list.


    It was then that a familiar sensation stirred within him.


    A panel appeared before his eyes.


    [Skill: Commanding Soldiers (Untrained)]


    [Progress: 0/100]


    [Utility: None]

 Chapter 61 - 61 The Emperors Appointment

    ```


    Commanding soldiers?


    Chen Sansi wasn''t too surprised.


    Even riding a horse would have a proficiency level, so it wasn''t strange that commanding soldiers had one as well.


    Perhaps previously, because he was just a small flag with too few people under him, he hadn''t met the activation conditions for this skill.


    It seemed that in the days to come, there would be one more thing to be busy with.


    Archery, horse control, martial arts, reading, commanding soldiers¡­


    It''s a bit overwhelming.


    But having many skills does not burden one.


    Since he had chosen to join the army, he naturally had to learn to lead troops in battle and not just be a dead soldier who charged into enemy lines.


    Chen Sansi finished counting the number of people in the Martial Arts Arena.


    A total of one hundred and fifteen.


    That was a few more than the full quota managed by Households.


    And most of them were young.


    Like Wu Da, who was only sixteen.


    There were also middle-aged men like Zhao Qiao, but not many.


    Chen Sansi had a photographic memory, firmly imprinting each face and corresponding name in his mind.


    He clasped his fists and said, "Thanks to everyone''s kind support, willing to follow me; from now on, we are brothers. You can get to know each other first, and then go home and get ready. Starting tomorrow, I''ll personally teach you martial arts."


    ¡­


    Central Army Camp.


    "Sir, this shouldn''t be allowed."


    Luo Dongquan watched the scene at the Martial Arts Arena from a distance: "These people came for that kid, and now they''re all under his command. Isn''t this the equivalent of setting up an independent power base within the Households?"


    "Old Luo, do you think I''m being too indulgent with Chen Sansi?"


    Xiang Tingchun poured tea for himself from a purple sand tea pot, his voice devoid of any agitation: "Think about it, why am I doing this?"


    "You value talent," Luo Dongquan had to concede: "This boy indeed has exceptional natural talent, and his future is boundless."


    "Value talent? Haha."


    Xiang Tingchun couldn''t help but laugh: "What use is my valuing talent, when come spring, he flies up to the branch and becomes a phoenix, what ties will he still have to me?"


    Luo Dongquan bowed his head: "Please enlighten me, sir!"


    "You just mentioned being worried about him having his own hilltop?"


    Xiang Tingchun looked at the villagers on the Martial Arts Arena, who couldn''t even line up properly: "Do you think after a few months, how many of them will still be standing here?"


    "I understand," Luo Dongquan said with realization: "Sir is winning people''s hearts.


    "This way, they will willingly go to their deaths.


    "Even if that kid is eligible for Selected Point, according to the Governor Mansion''s way of doing things, they won''t let him leave before the battle. So, he might very well die on the battlefield too."


    Xiang Tingchun said sternly: "Glad you understand.


    "So there is no need for you to continue holding a grudge against him over the Selected Point matter.


    "If he is still alive after next year''s campaign, and you have the guts, I won''t interfere with whatever you want to do.


    "But right now, there are a lot of situations we need to deal with."


    Xiang Tingchun said in a grave tone: "I''ve received news that the new-appointed Magistrate is recommended by Elder Yan, handpicked by the Emperor."


    "Handpicked?"


    Luo Dongquan understood the implication.


    A mere seventh-rank Magistrate doesn''t need to be handpicked unless something big is about to happen in the place he''s appointed.


    Xiang Tingchun scoffed: "And accompanying the Magistrate is the Magistrate of the larger region."


    "For the sake of the Song Family?"


    Luo Dongquan asked: "Could this cause trouble?"


    "We all serve the Crown Prince; what can he do to me? At most, he can just throw a fit," Xiang Tingchun said with a resigned sigh: "The Emperor, the Crown Prince, the Governor Mansion, the powers of three sides meet here in our small Po Yang County, even I don''t know what will happen next. Old Luo, you will have to offer me more support."


    "Rest assured, sir, I am at your command at all times."


    ```


    ```


    On the ancient road the western wind sweeps past, and stallions gallop as the sunset casts a red glow and the day''s light fades.


    Upon the seemingly endless official road, two red-maned stallions race¡ªone before the other. Leading is a young woman, followed closely by a fair-faced young man, both around eighteen or nineteen.


    Clad in a tight-fitting red dress, the woman''s delicate hands pull on the reins, her slender waist sashaying with a saber slung at her side. Her natural beauty is framed by a halo of clouds, her flawless complexion speaks the language of flowers, and although her hair is styled elegantly, an air of valor emanates from her.


    "Sister."


    The young man trailing behind, equally handsome, carries a long spear and a bow and arrow on his back. He yawns and says, "Why do we meddle in the affairs of Selected Point? For a mere Po Yang County town, is it worth it for us to traverse mountains and rivers?"


    "As closed-door disciples, should we not be prudent?"


    The woman spoke with an earnest tone, her voice cool and serene, "Moreover, we have other tasks at hand."


    "Military deployment?"


    The young man sighed, "This affair clearly smells of the Crown Prince''s doing, and it''s unstoppable¡ª"


    "Father had clearly promised that after the barbarian conflicts ended, he would return to his fields. Yet they still refuse to wait.


    "Over the years, they''ve been planting their own generals everywhere, even sent a supervisor to Liangzhou, and have stuffed many of their people into the Eight Camps.


    "What''s most detestable is the eldest apprentice brother..."


    "Sister, for their Cao Family''s empire, how many of our Sun family have died over the years? Big brother, second brother, and..."


    "It''s not just for Selected Point."


    Sun Li''s eyes gleamed with profound depth, "There are other matters we need to investigate."


    "Investigate what? Why didn''t father tell me?"


    "Would it be of any use if he told you?"


    "..."


    Sun Li noticed the sudden quiet behind her, and slowed down her pace to look back.


    The young man had, at some unknown moment, reined in his horse and silently raised a three-stone heavy bow, aiming towards a poplar grove flanking the official road.


    On a patch of open ground about seventy paces away, a hare was nibbling at the grass.


    He pulled the bowstring taut as a full moon, his gaze determined and his posture perfect. After aiming carefully and finding the right moment, he suddenly released his fingers.


    The arrow whistled through the air with imposing force!


    A loud "thwack" rang out as the arrow skewed off course, striking the trunk of a poplar tree half a meter away from the hare.


    The hare glanced at the arrow shaft, then at him, and continued to graze.


    "?"


    Enraged, the young man drew another arrow and let it fly.


    This time, the arrow simply vanished without a trace, nowhere to be seen, a grievous miss.


    "This is too much!"


    The young man stowed his bow, took up his spear, and spurred his horse into a gallop, charging straight into the poplar grove.


    Only then did the rabbit realize the danger. It tried to flee but it was too late.


    "Hiss¡ª"


    With a spear thrust, the young man pierced the rabbit, lifting its body high with satisfaction: "Got it!"


    "Sun Buqi!"


    The woman in red closed her eyes, biting down on her silver teeth, "If you truly don''t wish to go, then go back to Liangzhou by yourself."


    "Sister, don''t be mad. I just couldn''t resist hunting when the opportunity arose. I''m ready to leave now."


    Sun Buqi, with a playful smile, carefully stowed the rabbit and returned to the official road.


    "You spend all day hunting and shooting birds, what a sight."


    Sun Li chided him as if she were frustrated with his refusal to meet her expectations, "With the way you act, what will become of the Eight Camps in the future?" sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Sister, I never once imagined taking over the Eight Great Camps!"


    Sun Buqi hastily responded, "Wouldn''t it be lovely to go back to our old home and wait for father to lay down his arms and return to farming? Are you truly prepared to continue serving the Old Emperor?"


    Sun Li fell silent, her heart burdened with worry.


    Retire from military service and return to civilian life?


    Anyone could do so, except for their family.


    Without someone continuing to wield military power in the army, did they truly believe the Old Emperor would let the Sun family land safely?


    Such naivety...


    The siblings continued their journey.


    Finally, before nightfall, they could vaguely see a small city emerging at the end of their line of sight.


    Po Yang County town, they had arrived.


    ```

 Chapter 62 - 62 Guard

    Courtyard.


    Chen Sansi took advantage of the medicine''s effects to practice his spear technique.


    The utility of the Bone Nourishing Soup, in conjunction with the regulation of the Breathing Skill and Qi-Blood, conditioned his muscles and bones, producing a tingling sensation that made the pain inflicted on his body less intense.


    [Cultivation Technique: Undying Golden Snake Spear - Upper (Not Entered)]


    [Progress: 65/100]


    [Utility: Blood of Dragon and Elephant]


    "In a few more days, I''ll be able to train my muscles."


    "After muscle training, I''ll visit Medicine Valley."


    Recently, the number of live disappearances has greatly diminished, presumably, the Martial Arts Halls have restrained themselves, but not completely ceased.


    Chen Sansi had also tried other uses of lamp oil.


    For example, feeding a tiny amount to a rat.


    Then the rat died...


    Clearly, this stuff was not for eating.


    It was most likely for starting fires.


    "Huh¡ª"


    Chen Sansi wiped off his sweat and sat down at the stone table under the courtyard''s plum tree, flipping through a few military books.


    In the past two days, he had summarized two methods to improve his proficiency in commanding troops.


    One, read military books and learn theoretical knowledge.


    Two, practice, preferably practice military formations.


    Actual combat would definitely improve proficiency, but there was no opportunity at the moment.


    "Leading troops into battle is indeed a technical job, not just about taking a group of people to fight and that''s it," he thought.


    Chen Sansi benefited greatly.


    Before deploying troops, planning must begin half a year or even longer in advance.


    Decide how many men and weapons are needed, how much food and forage, how to transport them, and the estimates of losses.


    If it''s a campaign, one also has to consider the weather and climate, the difficulty of the journey, whether soldiers will be acclimated or face ambushes, and if so, where it''s most likely to occur...


    When dealing with a large number of troops, even relieving oneself requires special arrangement, not simply a matter of pulling down one''s pants.


    War is an extremely complicated affair, not something one person can take complete charge of; it requires the collective operation of an organization.


    This demonstrates the importance of having capable people as subordinates.


    Also, military formations.


    According to the military books, special formations can enhance the combat power of soldiers to some extent.


    For instance, killing a martial artist who has achieved Great Success in Blood Refining with a lower-grade technique usually costs about twenty lives. Under a special formation, the number can be reduced to fifteen.


    It doesn''t seem like that much on paper.


    But each digit represents a living person''s life.


    Small numbers add up, and a lot of manpower can be saved after a battle.


    However, since they are called special formations, naturally, not everyone can learn them.


    Firstly, the commander himself must understand it.


    Military books have illustrations of formations, many based on the principles of Eight Diagrams, which ordinary people cannot fathom and require time for in-depth study.


    Secondly.


    Even if one understands it, they must be able to use it.


    Practice is practice, combat is combat.


    No matter how ingenious the formation, if it breaks after a single charge or falls into disarray once attacked, it is as good as useless.


    Therefore, remote garrisons usually train in the most basic fundamental formations.


    Only elite troops will apply special formations in actual combat.


    The top armies will even have formations composed of martial soldiers.


    "Formations are still a long way off."


    Chen Sansi had just finished teaching them Pile Work; he hadn''t even distinguished between military soldiers and array soldiers, but fortunately, teaching martial arts skills also counted towards progress.


    [Skill: Commanding Soldiers (Not Entered)]


    [Progress: 48/100]


    [Utility: None at the moment]


    He should be able to enter the initial stage before the new soldiers'' assessment ends.


    "Chen Zongqi, assemble!"


    The voice of Fang Zongqi came from outside the door.


    "What''s this about?"


    Chen Sansi opened the door; it was still the noon rest time.


    Fang Zongqi explained, "Lord Prefect and the new County Magistrate have come together to inspect our Households garrisoned soldiers."


    "Which prefect, An Ding Prefect?"


    Chen Sansi inquired.


    After receiving a positive response, he couldn''t help but think back to the threats made by Old Five Song before his death.


    He wasn''t nervous, deciding to wait and see how things unfolded.


    Following Fang Zongqi to the Martial Arts Arena, most of the soldiers had already lined up, waiting for the inspection by their superiors.


    Theoretically, the civil and military officials of the Great Sheng Dynasty were independent from one another, each with their own system of checks and balances; there was no hierarchy, and county magistrates did not have the right to inspect the troops.


    Unless, of course, he was representing the faction of the Crown Prince, who supported this military expedition.


    The crowd didn''t have to wait long, roughly ten minutes later.


    Xiang Tingchun arrived with two civil servants, surrounded by numerous martial artists.


    The man walking in front was dressed in a noble scarlet robe, embroidered with geese in the clouds on the front, signifying his status as a Fourth Rank Prefect.


    The other was wearing a blue robe, embroidered with the motif of cormorants, indicating his position as a Seventh Rank County Magistrate.


    They did not give any speeches, simply chatting among themselves as they passed through the ranks and entered the Central Army Camp.


    Chen Sansi noted the details.


    The County Magistrate showed no sign of ingratiating himself with the Prefect, his superior; on the contrary, he even seemed somewhat arrogant. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen guessed the fellow must have quite the backing.


    The County Magistrate didn''t stay long, leaving after just a cup of tea''s time, while the Prefect did not appear for quite a while.


    Just as expected.


    "Chen Zongqi, the Lord Prefect wants to see you," said Households Commander Liu, coming over with the message and reminding in a low voice, "This man has the Song family backing him. They don''t dare to touch Lord Thousand Households, but since they found out you''re involved, they will likely look for trouble with you. Be very careful."


    "Thank you for the warning, Households Commander Liu."


    Chen Sansi''s brows furrowed slightly, but he was not afraid and headed straight for the camp.


    The charge of treason had already been decided; regardless, they had no overt reason to act against him.


    Hiding was not a solution; meeting face to face could clarify the other party''s intentions, allowing him to find ways to cope.


    He lifted the tent flap.


    The atmosphere inside was not as tense as he had imagined; the spacious area contained only two people.


    The Prefect in the scarlet robe sat in the principal seat, with a middle-aged bodyguard standing behind him.


    With a smile, the Prefect began, "You must be Flag Leader Chen Sansi?"


    "I am," Chen Sansi replied, saluting with his hands. "Lord Prefect, for what do you summon me?"


    "I am a person who speaks his mind openly", the Prefect said straightforwardly. "Flag Leader Chen, your martial arts talent is extraordinary, and being confined to Po Yang County does you a disservice.


    "Why not leave this place and become a bodyguard in my mansion? I will provide you with ample resources for cultivation, ensuring your transition to Hua Jin is worry-free. What do you say?"


    A bodyguard?


    Chen Sansi was initially taken aback, then quickly understood.


    The offer seemed like a recruitment.


    In reality, it was a cunning form of eradication!


    With the annihilation of the Song family, the Prefect, as a backer, if he did nothing, how could he expect various martial arts halls to routinely pay tribute?


    But the act was committed by Xiang Tingchun, and he couldn''t afford to offend the Thousand Households, so he could only target Chen Sansi, a minor flag leader.


    With the Tai Lei Martial Arts Academy''s treason established, they couldn''t publicly charge him with a crime.


    Considering that the Prefect genuinely appreciated talent, he wanted to recruit Chen to his side and have him disappear from Po Yang County, which would also serve as a form of appeasement to the Martial Arts Hall.


    But...


    Chen Sansi had not easily reached his current position, on the verge of joining the Selected Point in the Eight Camps; would he now go and serve as a dog to a mere Prefect?!


    He could even guess what the Prefect would say next.


    As expected.


    The Lord Prefect said with a feigned smile, "Chen Zongqi, I mean well for you. With the start of the war campaigns this spring, your cultivation is still shallow, and on the battlefield, swords and arrows are unforgiving. If by some misfortune, what a waste of talent it would be?"


    The implication was clear.


    Either accept to become a dog, or die in an ''accident''.


    Killing intent surged in Chen Sansi''s heart.


    From Qin Xiong onward, a series of troubling events had followed one another.


    He did not delight in violence.


    Alas, each time he did not strike first, others would.


    ''I just want to practice martial arts in peace.''


    ''Why must everyone force my hand!''


    He disliked the bullying from Xiang Tingchun.


    What Prefect could withstand a bow of fifteen stones?


    Chen Sansi resolved to deflect the matter for the time being.


    Just then.


    A cold, clear female voice rang out.


    "Magistrate Ji, Chen Zongqi is a Selected Officer officially under our Governor Mansion. Snatching him away like this, isn''t that improper?"

 Chapter 63 - 63: Dont Go Out at Night

    A woman in red boldly stepped into the military camp.


    "Please forgive this officer''s poor sight."


    Magistrate Ji could not help but size up the other party, puzzlingly asking, "Miss, who might you be?"


    "This humble girl''s surname is Sun, first name Li."


    The woman unhooked a copper plate from her waist and held it high: "By the orders of Governor Mansion, I have come to Po Yang for the Selection Officer role."


    "Sun Li?"


    Hearing this name, Magistrate Ji suddenly awoke, standing up with a clasped fist, "Hehe, who would have thought, the daughter of Lord Governor himself gracing us with her presence, this officer has been remiss, remiss!"


    Miss Sun?


    Chen Sansi couldn''t help but take another look at the woman. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Did Lord Governor really send his own daughter to Po Yang?


    For the Selection Officer role?


    Not just that.


    She definitely had other matters to attend to.


    However, it seemed that for now, someone was speaking on his behalf, so he could save himself a lot of effort.


    "Miss Sun, please do not misunderstand."


    Magistrate Ji''s tone was much kinder, "This officer also appreciates talent and merely wished to give Chen Zongqi another option."


    "Appreciates talent?"


    Sun Li bluntly stated, "How come I can''t hear any kindness in Lord Prefect''s words, but instead, I can sense quite a bit of a threatening tone?"


    Magistrate Ji defended, "This officer has no such intentions, Miss Sun must not speak recklessly."


    "Just joking, don''t take it seriously, Lord Prefect."


    Sun Li whispered to the young man beside her, "Chen Zongqi, I have something to ask you, may I have a moment?"


    Ji Guangxian watched the two leave, then sat back down in his chair.


    Right after, Xiang Tingchun walked in.


    "Magistrate Ji."


    Xiang Tingchun showed displeasure, "Are you aiming for my man?"


    "do you have any idea how much trouble your slashing has caused me?"


    Ji Guangxian angrily said, "The twelve counties of An Ding Prefecture, dozens of Martial Arts Halls, their spittle nearly drowned this officer, and someone even pulled strings to send a petition to the Cabinet, what would you have me do?"


    "Calm yourselves, Magistrate Ji."


    Xiang Tingchun shrugged indifferently, "I was also considering the greater plans for the spring, how could I dispatch troops without silver?"


    "Greater plans? You, a mere commander, dare to speak of greater plans, what a joke!"


    Ji Guangxian snorted coldly, "You''re lucky, if it weren''t for Crown Prince personally selecting officers above the Refining Internal level, your head would''ve already fallen!"


    "Crown Prince?"


    Xiang Tingchun''s pupil shivered, "Magistrate Ji, the Crown Prince has heard of me?!"


    "Do you deserve it?"


    Ji Guangxian sarcastically said without sparing any feelings, "It''s only because Mr. Gao from the Ministry respects you to some degree, if you truly make some achievements, he would naturally recommend you for further cultivation. This officer''s visit to Po Yang is also on the task assigned by Mr. Gao."


    Feeling humiliated, Xiang Tingchun, with a calm voice, asked, "What task?"


    "Investigate."


    Ji Guangxian said, "Is there a follower of the Witch God Sect hidden here in Po Yang, holding something in their possession? Are you aware? This matter is of great importance; even the Emperor has decreed that the magistrate specially investigates this, do not hide anything."


    Xiang Tingchun carefully omitted and half-truthfully explained the matters concerning the Witch God Sect.


    "Continue investigating."


    Ji Guangxian sternly said, "The merit for this case is no smaller than annihilating a barbarian tribe, understood?"


    "This officer will thoroughly investigate, no need for the Lord Prefect to worry," Xiang Tingchun calmly replied.


    "Alright, now that official matters are concluded, let us discuss some private matters."


    Ji Guangxian, still furious, pointed at his nose and said, "You need to give me an explanation for the matters concerning the Sun Family, can I still command respect in An Ding Prefecture if Chen Sansi doesn''t disappear from Po Yang?"


    "Impossible, I need him."


    Xiang Tingchun scoffed coldly, "Moreover, you shouldn''t be saying this to me, but to Miss Sun."


    "No one can stop me!"


    Ji Guangxian firmly stated, "The more talented the boy is, the less he should be left to the Governor, the better it would be if he could be of use to me!"


    "You also deserve?"


    Seizing the opportunity to counterattack, Xiang Tingchun scoffed, "He''s been pursuing Martial Arts for two months and is already approaching Bone Training, do you think he would regard you as a prefect?


    "Besides, I may not bother if you want to make things difficult for him, but as a fellow official, it''s necessary for me to give you a heads up.


    "This young man''s character is kind when described as kind, but discussing his ruthless and brutal actions, he even surpasses me.


    "You can''t convict him, yet you intimidate others. Think about the outcome of Old Fifth Song.


    "Oh yes, he just ordered a fifteen-stone heavy bow from the Forge, tsk tsk...


    "Lord Prefect, you should venture out less at night these days.


    "If some mishap occurs, there''s a high chance not even a corpse will be found. I would want to avenge you, but there wouldn''t be any evidence!"


    "He wouldn''t dare!"


    Ji Guangxian was quite confident, "If that happens, it would be a good reason to execute him!"


    Xiang Tingchun said no more, gave him a look as if viewing a corpse, shook his head, and then turned to leave.


    ...


    Outside the military camps, among the fields.


    A man and a woman, one in red and one in blue, walked side by side.


    Sun Li habitually placed one hand on the hilt of her sword, "According to the records of the Governor Mansion, you started Martial Arts after the autumn harvest, now two months have passed, what stage have you reached?"


    Although she was a woman and not old, her tone carried an authoritarian sense characteristic of a senior.


    "Replying to the Selected Officer,"


    Chen Sansi answered truthfully, "I am currently undergoing Bone Training."


    "Bone Training?"


    Sun Li''s eyes initially flashed with surprise, then suddenly she remembered something, "Who rushed you into Bone Training? Didn''t anyone tell you, practicing an inferior Breathing Skill then undergoing Bone Training will fix your Qi-Blood quality, locking your future potential?"


    Normally,


    after a Selected Officer enters the Eight Camps, they receive a new Breathing Skill based on their qualification.


    They start to practice a medium or superior Breathing Skill to replace the previous inferior one.


    But after Bone Training, the quality of the Qi-Blood is locked, and it can no longer be changed.


    According to the rules, the person responsible for teaching Selected Officers should make this clear.


    "Hmm?"


    Chen Sansi was startled, thinking something was amiss, he explained, "Selected Officer is overthinking it, the breathing technique I practiced is the ''Vast Righteousness Breathing Skill''."


    "Vast Righteousness Breathing Skill?"


    Sun Li reacted with surprise and suspicion, "Who taught you that?"


    This Breathing Skill indeed was a superior one.


    But it was also one of the hardest to learn, taught by the Eight Camps selectively only to those whose qualifications were truly high.


    "Wang Zhi, Hundred Households Wang."


    Chen Sansi stated, "The Selected Officer might know of him."


    "Wang Zhi?"


    Sun Li inquired further, "I don''t know this person. What does he look like, and where did he get the Vast Righteousness Breathing Skill?"


    Chen Sansi briefly described his physical characteristics.


    ''Could it be him?''


    A subtle murderous intent flashed through Sun Li''s eyes, "Where is he? Take me to him."


    Chen Sansi answered, "He went to Prefecture City to visit relatives."


    A few days ago, Wang Zhi had ridden away on a fast horse and had not been seen since.


    At that time, he felt it seemed less like visiting relatives and more like fleeing.


    From Miss Sun''s attitude, it seemed like he guessed correctly.


    Had Wang Zhi embezzled too much, or was there another crime?


    If his offenses were too great, even he might not be able to help.


    "Never mind, we''ll discuss it when he returns."


    Sun Li took a deep breath, "Let''s go."


    Chen Sansi was confused, "Go where?"


    "To your house."


    Sun Li smiled, "I''m tired, I''d like to visit Chen Zongqi''s home for some tea. Would that be unwelcome?"


    "Of course, you''re welcome. Follow me."


    Chen Sansi led the way, pondering the other party''s intentions.


    What was this, a home visit?


    The Governor Mansion was indeed rigorous in selecting personnel, needing to understand every aspect of a candidate''s background.

 Chapter 64 - 64: Commanding Soldiers Entry-Level

    Along the way, Sun Li kept inquiring about his origin.


    Chen Sansi responded to each question.


    "You sure haven''t had it easy."


    Sun Li''s voice was like ice spring water, "If you achieve something one day, I hope you won''t forget your original intention."


    "I wouldn''t dare forget it for a moment."


    Chen Sansi sincerely said.


    "We''re here."


    He knocked on the door.


    A charming young woman with a face like a lotus appeared before them.


    It was naturally Sister Lan.


    "Brother Shi?"


    Gu Xinlan noticed the woman beside her, "This must be a guest, please come in quickly."


    She busied both inside and outside, brewing tea and pouring water, and even asked a neighbor to help buy some pastries from town. Throughout, she did not chatter at all about who the woman was.


    "Chen Zongqi indeed has a beautiful and virtuous wife."


    While sipping green tea, Sun Li changed the subject, "Before coming here, I heard that Po Yang County has been restless lately, first with the Witch God Sect causing trouble and then with people disappearing. What do you know about this?"


    Witch God Sect.


    Chen Sansi understood.


    It seemed that the Supervisor had sent his own daughter here, and it involved the Immortal Treasure.


    "Reporting to the Selection Officer, recently there have been patrols in the city, but nothing has been found."


    In at most two or three days, after he broke through to the Bone Forger Realm, he planned to investigate and understand the situation in Medicine Valley.


    "No need for formal titles like Selection Officer."


    Sun Li was strict, but her temperament was fairly straightforward, "Your qualification and cultivation have no issues. Wait until next spring to return with me to Liangzhou, at the very least you can stay in the Governor Mansion as an Inner Sect Disciple. We are all one family here anyway, you can just call me Senior Sister."


    "So little junior brother, Senior Sister has nowhere else to go and plans to stay here for now, you won''t drive me away, will you?"


    Little junior brother.


    Having been addressed as such, it seemed he had effectively passed the initial assessment.


    Chen Sansi had no reason to refuse, and he called for Gu Xinlan to prepare a guest room.


    After all, she was the precious daughter of Lord Governor.


    With her remarkable cultivation, a sparring instructor who had fallen into his lap was not to be wasted.


    During dinner, Chen Sansi ate most of a bear heart and drank a bowl of Bone Nourishing Soup.


    While his qi-blood surged through his body, he took his long spear to the courtyard and saluted by clenched fists, "Senior Sister Sun, please enlighten me!"


    "You really know how to get the better end of a deal, fine, Senior Sister won''t just eat and drink for free," Sun Li said lightly. "I am at the Perfection of Bone Training, so make your move."


    Bone Training Perfection.


    Which was close to Refining Internal.


    Senior Sister Sun, judging from her appearance, was barely eighteen or nineteen years old. To reach this realm within three to five years of training was absolutely outstanding.


    A rare opportunity!


    Chen Sansi''s breathing pattern gradually became more complex, the dragon elephant blood within him began to boil, and he gathered strength in his arms. In the moonlight, his reed leaf long spear shimmered with a cold light, resembling a poised venomous snake.


    "Just come at me."


    Clad in red, Sun Li stood under a plum tree in the courtyard, her ponytail whipping in the night wind, and her rider''s long skirt billowing.


    Her eyes closed, one hand on the hilt at her waist, she did not unsheathe her sword until the sound of the spear cutting through the air was merely a step away from her, and then she fiercely drew her sword and struck down!


    "Clang¡ª"


    The collision of sword and spear echoed like thunder, startling even the White Swan Horse sleeping in the corner of the yard.


    Under the overwhelming force, Chen Sansi was forced back several steps, his reed leaf long spear trembling continuously, and his hand slightly numb, regaining stability only after circulating his qi-blood.


    After all, he was a Blood Refining Warrior.


    And the person standing opposite was about to refine her internal organs, with strength second only to Xiang Tingchun.


    The gap was normal.


    "Again!"


    Chen Sansi thrust his spear repeatedly towards her.


    Each time, his long spear was accurately parried, sending back tremendous forces. After several exchanges, his arms and shoulders ached tremendously, and several times he almost couldn''t hold the spear.


    But through this process, his spear technique proficiency rapidly increased.


    "Undying Golden Snake?"


    Sun Li recognized the spear technique, "Not bad, little junior brother, well practiced as the Undying Golden Snake, and yet neither speed nor strength has fallen behind, huh?"


    "Clang, clang, clang, clang, clang¡ª"


    The young man didn''t speak nor did he stop, focusing on training the spear technique, completely treating her as a live Training Post.


    "..."


    Sun Li, feeling helpless, could only continue to swing her blade, coping with the increasingly faster long spear.


    Her blade, designed in the style of a He Miao blade, had a slender blood-red streak in the middle of the blade. As she swung it, the blade''s light flickered like a fiery red lotus blossoming in the air.


    Under the moonlit night, a silver snake, a lotus flower.


    A refreshing and thorough practice session lasting until deep into the night. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Aren''t you tired?"


    Sun Li started to regret agreeing to the sparring practice.


    It had already been two hours.


    How could a Blood Refining Great Success martial artist have such stamina?


    "I can still train a bit more."


    Chen Sansi''s movements remained sharp as ever.


    Another hour passed before he finally stopped.


    [Cultivation Technique: Undying Golden Snake Spear. Upper (Uninitiated)]


    [Progress: 88/100]


    [Utility: Blood of the Dragon Elephant]


    He was getting closer.


    "Thank you for your hard work, Senior Sister Sun!"


    Chen Sansi had eaten a bit too much bear heart that evening, still feeling somewhat unsatisfied, but seeing that Senior Sister Sun seemed to want some rest, he did not continue, and went back to his room to rest.


    "Whew!"


    Sun Li was far from being exhausted in terms of Qi-Blood, after all, the gap in their levels was too large.


    It was just that she had been traveling all night in recent days and was very tired.


    Sheathing her blade, Sun Li went to the guest room, lay down on the bed, and pondered over the current situation in Po Yang County.


    "Father was right, the Emperor really did send someone as well."


    "There''s news from the court, the Emperor recently had a secret meeting with the barbarian envoys."


    "Meeting envoys at this critical moment isn''t strange, but doing it stealthily certainly indicates something fishy.


    "Is it related to the Witch God Sect?"


    "I wonder how Sun Buqi''s investigation is going."


    "Well, let''s take it slow, we are meant to be here until the spring anyway."


    After several days of travel, she was worn out and weary.


    Just as she was about to close her eyes to rest, she heard an indescribable sound coming from the main bedroom of the courtyard house.


    "..."


    "Doesn''t he ever feel tired?"


    ¡ª¡ª


    Two days later.


    Chen Sansi habitually got up early to practice with his spear.


    These days, Sun Li had been staying at his house.


    But she was out early and returned late daily, rarely encountering others, and had not found another opportunity to spar.


    After breakfast, Chen Sansi headed to the military camp to clock in for work.


    Along the way, many people greeted him.


    Managing over a hundred people, if not a commander of a hundred, he was almost one, and among the Households, aside from Xiang Tingchun, there was no one else who could manage him.


    "When the new recruit assessment period ends, who knows how many military soldiers and Array Soldiers will emerge."


    Chen Sansi summoned the old scholar, "Xu Wencai, gather everyone together, please."


    "Alright!"


    About ten minutes later, the soldiers gradually assembled, many of them still yawning.


    ''I need to find time to manage them properly, can''t let them continue to be so negligent.''


    Chen Sansi frowned slightly, "Zhu Tong, lead them in doing Pile Work for an hour."


    "Okay!"


    Zhu Tong complied.


    Chen Sansi continued to practice with his spear nearby, occasionally stopping to rest. He would go up and give hands-on instructions to those whose movements were off. He had been training them this way lately.


    Finally, the panel fluctuated.


    [Skill: Commanding Soldiers (Entry-level)]


    [Progress: 0/500]


    [Utility: Mainstay]


    [Mainstay: Where the commander is, all soldiers remain Calm in Crisis!]

 Chapter 65 - 65 Sun Buqi

    Chen Sansi looked at the panel''s explanation for "Mainstay" and quickly understood the effect of the term.


    Calm in Crisis.


    Such plain and unremarkable four words at first glance.


    In reality,


    To become a tiger and wolf troop that all armies across the land aspire to be, the first quality needed is embodied in these four words!


    Chen Sansi had come to understand this while reading Military Books.


    What use is a luxuriously equipped army if it trembles at the sight of the enemy?


    And the military formations,


    No matter how exquisitely trained the formations are in peacetime, if they cannot remain Calm in Crisis, they will never exhibit their true power.


    Most ancient armies would rout if the casualty rate exceeded one-fifth.


    Chen Sansi had heard Xu Wencai saying that the reason the Eight Camps were invincible was that they could withstand losing half their numbers without collapsing, remaining unshaken even in dire straits.


    Half the forces wiped out without yielding, how terrifying is that data?


    In the year fifty-seven of the Longqing era, during the battle of the Black Tortoise Camp in the Southern regions, it was said they had the opportunity to retreat, but instead, they chose to face the challenge, fighting to the last man.


    Of course, some survived, but since it was recorded this way, it indicates that at least ninety percent died in battle.


    They must have had their own faith in their hearts.


    That Chen Sansi could become the mainstay for the soldiers meant that he would inevitably create an elite force eventually.


    It was because he was easy to bully that Magistrate Ji caused him trouble.


    Personal strength was one aspect, and the lack of authority in his hands was another.


    He wouldn''t need too much, even just a thousand loyal men under his command, and who would dare to provoke him easily?


    After training in the morning, Chen Sansi went to the archery range to practice his Archery.


    With Martial Arts as the priority, he tried to ensure he didn''t neglect any Skill.


    "Bang Bang Bang Bang Bang¡ª¡ª"


    With a fifteen-stone Big Bow, each arrow hitting the target caused a loud noise, and the grass-rope targets fell one after another.


    [Skill: Archery (small achievement)]


    [Progress: (205/1000)]


    It''s worth noting that, although the proficiency hadn''t advanced, his archery had not hit a dead end.


    Now, Chen Sansi could hit willow leaves from one hundred and fifty steps away.


    One hundred and fifty steps, nearly two hundred meters of precise range, exponentially stronger than an ordinary handgun.


    "Swoosh¡ª¡ª"


    A crisp eagle cry sounded overhead as two hawks flew over the archery range.


    Chen Sansi took this as a good chance to practice, and incidentally to make a bit of silver.


    Two hawks could also sell for a few taels of silver.


    A mosquito is still meat no matter how small!


    The costs of practicing Martial Arts only grow larger over time, and he would not disdain any amount.


    Chen Sansi''s gaze was firmly fixed on the sky, waiting for the two hawks to reach the right height and angle, then he let loose a Triangular Armor-piercing arrow that predictably achieved a double hit with a single shot!


    "Swoosh¡ª¡ª"


    Accompanied by a cry of despair, the two hawks fell from the sky and hit the ground.


    "Impossible! Absolutely impossible!"


    As Chen Sansi was about to retrieve his prey, he saw a young man of similar age, with an incredulous expression on his face, running over.


    Chen Sansi had an exceptional memory. He was certain he hadn''t seen this person in the military camp; it was a stranger.


    "Brother, how did you do that?"


    The young man was also holding a bow and arrow, imitating the action of drawing a bow, "Those two hawks just now were at least forty zhang off the ground, how did you manage that!"


    Chen Sansi felt it was all very bewildering, "Manage what exactly?"


    "I mean, how did you shoot so accurately?"


    The young man was excited, "How heavy is your Big Bow, ten stone or fifteen stone? May I borrow it for one shot?"


    "Sorry, I''m a bit busy," Chen Sansi replied honestly.


    He had countless things on his plate to grind, and many other tasks to handle.


    If he had free time, he wouldn''t mind chatting a bit more.


    "One hundred taels!"


    The young man suddenly made an offer, his tone sincere, "Brother, if you agree to be my Archery mentor, I''m willing to pay two hundred taels of silver every month!"


    "How much?"


    Chen Sansi doubted what he heard.


    "You think it''s too little? Two hundred taels! I can''t offer more; I''m in a rush this trip and truly short on money," the young man explained.


    Two hundred taels, short on money?


    Chen Sansi scrutinized the young man.


    The other party had quite a few valuable accessories on him, including a belt, a jade pendant, and the bow and arrow he held, which were intricately carved from top-quality materials.


    Where did this young master come from?


    Who cares where the young master came from, even if it''s the son of Magistrate Ji, you don''t turn down free silver!


    "Agreed."


    Chen Sansi accepted the offer, "Come to the Martial Arts Arena tomorrow, and I will teach you."


    The young man was delighted, "Alright, master!"


    "No need to call me master."


    Chen Sansi was speechless; such casualness was too much.


    He waved his hand and took his leave.


    "A mere Po Yang Thousand Households and yet it has such a fierce commander!"


    Sun Buqi''s mind kept replaying the scene.


    A big bow of more than ten stones, shooting birds from a distance of one hundred and fifty steps.


    Bone training martial artist, wouldn''t it be one arrow, one kill?


    Two hundred taels of silver to learn this skill was an absolute bargain!


    No need to practice spears anymore.


    "One hundred and fifty steps."


    Sun Buqi raised his bow and arrow, trying to imitate.


    On the target range, there wasn''t even a target at one hundred and fifty steps. The farthest was at one hundred and twenty steps, and he could barely make out the bullseye.


    "A rare talent, truly a rare talent!"


    As he was feeling astounded, someone suddenly struck him hard on the back of his head.


    "Sun Buqi!"


    Sun Li, holding a scabbard, said, "What are you doing here? Have you finished investigating what I asked you to?"


    "Sister, can you not always hit me on the head?"


    Sun Buqi said gravely, "Don''t worry, I''ve finished it all.


    "Firstly, the person is Chen Sansi.


    "His family background is clean, and there''s no falsifying about his military enlistment time, he''s truly been training close to bone level in just over two months.


    "He played a critical role in the Song Family massacre case.


    "Seems like it started because people from Tai Lei Martial Arts Academy bullied his former fellow villagers, and he couldn''t stand it, killing a group of academy disciples in the street.


    "His courage is astonishing, and as a person, he does not forget his roots. Even after becoming an official, he''s willing to help his old friends. Dad would definitely like a person like that."


    "Hmm."


    Sun Li agreed with this judgment.


    After several days of interaction, the little junior brother was quite good.


    Diligent in martial arts practice, and a decent person.


    The only minor flaw...


    Was that he was a bit too spirited, causing trouble every night.


    But being young, that was somewhat excusable.


    Only then did the investigation into Chen Sansi as a Selected Point finally come to a complete conclusion.


    Sun Li then asked, "What about the Witch God Sect?"


    "Couldn''t find them inside or outside the city."


    Sun Buqi stroked his chin, "Could they have already fled back to the grassland?"


    "If you can''t find them in the city or outside, then search the mountains."


    Sun Li quickly made a judgment, "If they are not found in the mountains, then search the homes of the officials, the houses of the martial arts halls, including Xiang Tingchun."


    "That''s not necessary, is it?"


    Sun Buqi said tentatively, with some apprehension, "The more I find out, the more bizarre it seems. Did Dad send us here because we, as bone training martial artists, are not enough?"


    "Now you''re complaining about your realm being too low? Why didn''t you train earlier?"


    Sun Li''s expression was solemn, "Dad made these arrangements for a reason. We just follow his lead. This afternoon I''ll go up the mountain with you."


    "Sister, I don''t need to train anymore!"


    Sun Buqi''s eyes shone with confidence as he said, "I''ve just taken on a rare talent as my master. If I can master his teachings, with a mere flick of my fingers, I could take the life of a bone training martial artist!


    "Eh, eh, eh, sister, don''t walk away, I''m serious! It''s only two hundred taels for a month!"


    ... sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Medical Officer Jiang, prepare two servings of Bone Nourishing Soup for me."


    Outside the pharmacy, Chen Sansi said, "And also prepare a Medicine Bath for me."


    "The Medicine Bath, that costs a hundred taels."


    Medical Officer Jiang teased, "You''re splashing out so much ¨C did you bump into an Exotic Beast or something?"


    "No such thing, just ran into a rich young master."


    Chen Sansi chatted while taking out fifty taels of silver.


    Once he drank this bowl of Bone Nourishing Soup, he should break through.

 Chapter 66 - 66 Nine Dragon Living Veins

    Bone Training Realm.


    From entry-level to Great Success, it is known as the training of muscles, bones, skin, and marrow.


    But in reality, with each breakthrough, the strength of the bones increases as part of a lengthy, holistic process, not achieved overnight.


    Just as after Blood Refining Great Success, the Qi-Blood is set in place.


    After Bone Forging Great Success, the bones will also be set in place.


    Muscle training is the first step.


    Bone Nourishing Soup enters the stomach.


    The medicinal strength, carried throughout the body by the blood of the Dragon Elephant, causes an intolerable itching in the bones and meridians. When combined with the pain of Breathing Skill and Pile Work, it forms an indescribable torment.


    Chen Sansi sheds his upper garment and exhibits his solid muscles, closing his eyes in the crisp autumn wind as he practices the most intricate moves of the Undying Golden Snake Spear technique.


    On the surface, his postures appear bizarre and twisted, yet each movement is firmly executed.


    It is only with the extremely difficult moves in coordination with complex Pile Work, coupled with the Breathing Skill, that one can refine the bones and meridians to their limits.


    Chen Sansi is experienced and unhurried, leaving everything to time.


    Sun Li happens to return and seeing this, she stands by the wall and instructs, "Junior Brother, slow the circulation of your Qi-Blood, focus on feeling the interaction of muscles and bones. The tougher the meridians you train, the better for Bone Strengthening... Never mind, I''ll help you."


    Chen Sansi, focused on swinging the reed-leaf long spear, doesn''t respond to the woman''s words.


    He only hears light footsteps approaching him.


    Subsequently, Chen Sansi feels a pair of cool jade hands tapping on his joints and meridians, obviously guiding the order of muscle training.


    He concentrates on understanding it.


    Until a certain moment.


    Meridians within Chen Sansi''s body, came alive!


    The meridians of a martial artist include large and small tendons, as well as the Bone Membrane covering the surface of the bones.


    At this moment.


    His entire body''s meridians seem to have life of their own, with large meridians like dragons and small ones like serpents, twining around his joints, muscles, and the Bone Membrane on the surface of his bones, continuously drawing upon the blood of the Dragon Elephant to temper his bones.


    [Cultivation Technique: Undying Golden Snake Spear. Level (Entry-Level)]


    [Progress: 0/500]


    [Utility: The Blood of the Dragon Elephant, Nine Dragon Living Veins]


    [Nine Dragon Living Veins: Meridians as stout and resilient as serpents and dragons, only the finest meridians can nourish the highest quality bones.]


    Nine Dragon Living Veins?


    Chen Sansi circulates his Qi-Blood, and veins bulge all over his body, particularly visible on his arms, neck, and temples, resembling azure dragons coiling around, making him look quite daunting from afar. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    These meridians not only bring formidable strength but also greatly increase the toughness of the bones.


    Unless one is a martial artist, ordinary people wielding kitchen knives would be unable to cut through his bones.


    "Your meridians..."


    Sun Li, somewhat unsure, grasps his solid arms and carefully feels the throbbing of the meridians, "Nine Dragons Bone, Junior Brother is actually a Nine Dragon Body? No wonder, no wonder your martial arts practice advances so swiftly."


    "Nine Dragon Body?"


    Chen Sansi doesn''t dodge.


    He understands that upon becoming a disciple, sooner or later his bones would have to be examined to assess his qualification.


    Especially something like meridians, which absolutely cannot be hidden.


    Luckily, according to present trends, as his realm improves, his status will continually enhance his physique until he genuinely becomes a special Martial Body, without fear of scrutiny.


    He takes the opportunity to learn more, "Please enlighten me, Senior Sister, what is so unique about the Nine Dragon Body?"


    "Many things."


    Sun Li explains, "Similar to Tiger Evil Body, Golden Python Body, and others, can be seen from childhood, while the Nine Dragon Body is displayed step by step with the improvement of one''s realm.


    "For example, ordinary martial artists, after reaching Bone Forging Perfection, have tough ox-hide and bones that can effectively resist fatal injuries.


    "But martial artists with special physiques, upon reaching Bone Forging Perfection, will have Xuan Skin and Abnormal Bone."


    "The so-called Xuan Skin, after being filled with Qi-Blood, becomes as tough as the shell of a mystical turtle; Abnormal Bone means the bones have undergone a transformation and are harder than stone. In actual combat, it''s very difficult for them to be killed in a short period.


    "Upon reaching Bone Forging Perfection, the Nine Dragon Body will also reach the level of Xuan Skin and Abnormal Bone.


    "Each physique has its own special traits.


    "For example, the Nine Dragon Body''s biggest characteristic is its constant growth, gaining an advantage at every realm.


    "When reaching the Blood Refining realm, one can cultivate Nine Dragon Blood, and upon reaching Bone Training, one can cultivate Nine Dragon Living Veins..."


    "Nine Dragon Blood?"


    Chen Sansi picks up on the key term in the conversation.


    "Of course, the Nine Dragon Body cultivates the Nine Dragon Blood," Sun Li states matter-of-factly, "No wonder Junior Brother''s Qi-Blood is so enduring and inexhaustible."


    No, that''s not right...


    Chen Sansi''s Qi-Blood isn''t the Nine Dragon Blood; it''s the Dragon Elephant Blood!


    Could it be that the breakthrough brought about by the panel changes isn''t just one kind of constitution?


    This, however, is no longer something I can ask about.


    "Congratulations, Junior Brother,"


    Sun Li congratulated, "With the breakthrough into the Bone Training Realm, I fear you might bring us more surprises before we return to Liangzhou."


    "Thanks to Senior Sister Sun''s guidance,"


    Chen Sansi expressed his gratitude.


    Reaching the Bone Training Realm would mean promotion to the rank of a hundred households, rightfully managing over a hundred people.


    Moreover, there were ranks within the hundred households.


    Sixth Rank military officer.


    Looking at the rank alone, it was even higher than that of a Seventh Rank Magistrate.


    With the identity of an Imperial Official, nobody would dare to touch him without concrete evidence.


    Chen Sansi immediately went to the barracks to report his breakthrough.


    Xiang Tingchun was very straightforward, promptly writing a petition to the court''s relevant department, promoting him to the rank of a hundred households.


    When he came out, he saw the figure of Magistrate Ji Guangxian again.


    This guy was sitting in a carriage outside the barracks, heading towards the direction of the county town.


    The person responsible for driving the carriage was a disciple of the Tianyuan Martial Arts Academy.


    Since Ji Guangxian''s arrival in Poyang, he had been staying in the large residence prepared for him by the Martial Arts Hall.


    It must be assumed that during this period, several martial arts halls had not stopped fanning the flames, encouraging Ji to make a move against him.


    "Start with Medicine Valley!"


    Now that Chen Sansi had achieved Bone Forging and possessed the fifteen stone Big Bow, exploring Medicine Valley was definitely within reach.


    Tonight, he must clear up the situation inside.


    He didn''t expose the situation earlier because he knew that Xiang Tingchun was very likely to cover it up now.


    As for Sun Li...


    They had just met not long ago; mutual trust was insufficient.


    Rashly revealing the news might lead her to suspect him if she failed to find the Immortal Treasure in Medicine Valley.


    Better to take a look first.


    If he really couldn''t handle it alone, then he would come up with another plan.


    There was another problem.


    "Going out during the day, I''m bound to be spotted."


    "If it''s at night, Sun Li is staying at my house."


    "I have to make her think I''ve never left."


    Chen Sansi pondered and quickly came up with a plan.


    That night, in the bedroom.


    "Sister Lan, I need you to go to some trouble for me tonight."


    "What kind of trouble?"


    "You''ll know soon."


    "..."


    ...


    In the guest room.


    Sun Li, holding her long spear, lay on the bed, listening to the noises coming from the main bedroom.


    "..."


    "It''s getting more and more excessive."


    "Even if young, one shouldn''t be so indulgent."


    "After all, I am a woman; it''s not something I can speak about."


    "If I had known, I wouldn''t have stayed here."


    It continued making noise until midnight, finally quieting down.


    Sun Li waited another half hour.


    After confirming that her Junior Brother and his wife were asleep, she quietly got up, scaled the wall, and left the estate.

 Chapter 67 - 67: Spiritual Grain

    Chen Sansi, his face covered, carried a long spear and bow on his back as he sped like lightning to the Second Layer Mountain as fast as possible.


    The night was pitch-black and windy, the bright moon no longer visible.


    He concealed himself in a deep mountain valley, where the only sounds were the rustling of nocturnal animals, with no other disturbances.


    Only from the direction of Medicine Valley shone a faint orange-yellow firelight.


    At the entrance, quite a few Martial Arts Academy Disciples guarded the gate.


    "It would be strange if there were no ghosts inside!"


    Chen Sansi slipped into the dense forest nearby.


    With "Tracking and Hiding" at his side, even in the pitch-dark environment where he couldn''t see his hand in front of his face, he could easily perceive any movement around him and quickly found a rugged path that would allow him to approach Medicine Valley unnoticed.


    He arrived at a large tree above the side of Medicine Valley.


    Chen Sansi quietly observed the layout within Medicine Valley.


    It was indeed a medicinal garden, not a disguise, with numerous medicinal herbs planted both inside and out.


    "I''ll pack and take them later."


    "I should have brought a sack with me!"


    "It''s all silver ah!"


    He looked on with envy.


    Even though he had recently been drained of silver by Xiang Tingchun, the Martial Arts Hall was still rich enough.


    "First the main business."


    Chen Sansi carefully counted.


    There were about seven or eight disciples guarding the various entrances of Medicine Valley.


    Luckily, they were rather scattered, not difficult to deal with.


    He casually reached for and accurately picked out the Thyme Needle Arrow from the many types of arrows at his waist.


    This kind of arrow, true to its name, had a flat head and a narrow, long blade with strong piercing power, and it was not noisy, killing people silently.


    "Staying up late and working overtime at such a late hour is also a hard life, have a good rest."


    "Swoosh¡ª¡ª"


    "Swoosh¡ª¡ª"


    In less than half a minute, all eight Martial Arts Academy Disciples had fallen asleep, without making a sound.


    Chen Sansi was then able to enter Medicine Valley smoothly.


    In the depths of the valley, he found the source of the firelight.


    In these deep mountains and old forests, there was actually a mansion.


    From the details of the exterior, it appeared to have been built not long ago.


    "Ah..."


    Before Chen Sansi had even gotten close, he could already hear a feeble wail coming from inside.


    ...


    Inside the mansion.


    What should have been used as a hall, there was no furniture, just a candelabra flickering dim candlelight.


    In the corner, there was a white-haired pharmacist pushing a medicine mill, occasionally adding some materials to it, producing a rhythmic grating sound.


    Beside him, apart from herbs, lay a bundle of fresh Spiritual Grain.


    Liang Zhan was nearby, sword in hand, training ardently.


    The sword shadows flickered, dazzling to the eyes.


    "Whoosh¡ª¡ª"


    Only after he was drenched in sweat and exhausted did he stop.


    At the same time, a man bound tight was dragged out by the old servant from the next room.


    The bound man was dressed in coarse hemp clothes, seemingly robust, but now extremely weak and pale, with black and purple veins on his neck that resembled crawling earthworms.


    He uncontrollably convulsed, emitting painful moans from his mouth and continuously vomiting black blood.


    "What are they doing?"


    On the roof.


    Having finally infiltrated the place, Chen Sansi lifted the tiles and saw this scene right before his eyes.


    The man seemed to have been poisoned.


    Why would the Martial Arts Hall capture someone and poison them, to test medicine?


    His gaze swept across the room.


    Beside the medicine mill were...


    Spiritual Grain?!


    Chen Sansi''s pupils suddenly dilated.


    Outside the military camp lay vast expanses of farmland; how could he not recognize this thing.


    The year was the twenty-first year of Longqing.


    The old Emperor claimed to have dreamt of an Immortal bestowing treasures upon him.


    Upon waking, he ordered that one-tenth of the nation''s arable land be used to cultivate this herb.


    But this item, called Immortal Herbs, was actually Poison Grass.


    Anyone who consumed it would die instantly, beyond saving.


    The symptoms were similar to those of the man before him, with veins turning black and blood flowing from every orifice.


    Was the Martial Arts Hall capturing live people to feed them Spiritual Grain?


    What was the purpose?


    Chen Sansi held his breath and continued to secretly watch.


    A few minutes went by, and sure enough, the man started to bleed from every orifice and finally breathed his last.


    The old servant of the Liang Family had been waiting for a long time; he took out a dagger and went up to gut the corpse.


    His hands, like dried branches, tore through the flesh and extracted a pitch-black medicine pill, handing it to an old man who had been milling medicine in the corner.


    "The toxicity has been removed; the young master can eat it now,"


    Pharmacist Li, after checking, presented it with both hands.


    Liang Zhan took the blood-stained, still-warm medicine pill and swallowed it without any hesitation.


    "Hiss!"


    The moment he swallowed the medicine, he gasped in pain and quickly started his Pile Work combined with Breathing Skill, barely managing to suppress the anomaly inside his body.


    "Genius!"


    Feeling the strong effects of the medicine, Liang Zhan couldn''t stop praising, "Pan Quan is truly a genius! How did he think of using live people to filter out the toxins?


    "We only need ten people to remove more than ninety percent of the toxins.


    "The effects of one medicine pill are worth a hundred silver''s worth of medicinal materials!


    "This is still just a crude method.


    "To really bring out the effects of Spiritual Grain, we must use an Immortal Treasure.


    "Unfortunately, Xiang Tingchun is too overbearing, and to this day, we still do not know what the Immortal Treasure is!"


    "Yes,"


    The old servant sighed, "Lately, Po Yang has been fraught with trouble, and even the flesh and blood of Supervisor Sun has arrived, seemingly investigating this matter. The various Martial Arts Halls dare not continue capturing people en masse. This one was the last we had; there are no more."


    "I''m still not talented enough,"


    Liang Zhan lamented, "Even with the Spiritual Grain, I''m currently only proficient in the Bone Strengthening Skill, far from small achievement.


    "I really envy that Chen guy; he achieved Great Success in Blood Refining after just two months of Martial Arts training.


    "Speaking of which, Old Sung''s subordinate offended him, and ended up in such a plight...


    "Back then, Qin Feng wanted his life; how could he spare me in the future?"


    The more he thought, the more terrified he felt, "We need to press Magistrate Ji, we must eliminate him before he progresses in Bone Training, or at the very least, drive him out of Po Yang County."


    "Bang¡ª"


    Just as his words ended, a bone-crushing sound exploded by his ear.


    Suddenly, a pitch-black thunderbolt struck, hitting the Bone Training Realm old servant on the head, blowing open his skull with a complete penetration!


    "Uncle Wu?!"


    Before Liang Zhan could react, another black thunderbolt struck down.


    This time, it was coming towards him.


    "Bang!"


    Liang Zhan''s bones could not resist at all and were pierced by the terrifying thunderbolt through his shoulder, nailing him directly to the wall behind him.


    The Pharmacist was not spared either; his thigh was smashed by the black thunderbolt, and he fell to the ground, screaming in agony.


    Everything happened too suddenly, taking only two to three seconds.


    It was only then that Liang Zhan realized what had happened.


    There was no such thing as a black thunderbolt.


    What was embedded in him was clearly an Armor-piercing Arrow!


    What kind of bow and arrow could possess such terrifying power?!


    He was a bone training martial artist!


    "Boom¡ª"


    Another loud noise came from above, and the roof tiles turned into fragments, falling down in large pieces, collapsing a clear, large hole in the roof.


    A figure descended from the sky, holding a bow and arrow, with a long spear on his back. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Very well, you really are trying to harm me!"


    Chen Sansi shouted coldly.

 Chapter 68 - 68: The Beginning of Everything

    "Is it you?!"


    Upon recognizing the person, Liang Zhan''s heart trembled.


    Around the Medicine Valley, eight direct disciples stood guard!


    He could not imagine how the person managed to infiltrate without a sound.


    "Somebody come¡ª"


    As Liang Zhan shouted, he raised his long sword in an attempt to strike back.


    "Bang¡ª"


    He had just lifted his arm when another black thunderbolt struck, piercing through his wrist and nailing it to the wall. His long sword clanged to the ground, and he lost any ability to resist.


    "Brother Chen!"


    Liang Zhan squeezed out a smile at the masked figure before him, but it appeared twisted due to the intense pain: "Brother Chen, there is no need for such drastic measures, right?"


    "Less nonsense!"


    Chen Sansi tore off his mask.


    In fact, his weapon was so conspicuous that being masked or not made little difference. S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The only safe method was to tie up loose ends cleanly.


    He shot another arrow at Liang Zhan''s left hand and said, "Next, whatever I ask, you answer!"


    The situation was overly complicated.


    Just by eavesdropping on bits and pieces, he couldn''t ascertain the whole picture.


    It was best to keep a live witness to interrogate first.


    "Ah¡ª"


    Liang Zhan shook physically from the pain and pleaded continuously, "Brother Chen! Ask me anything you want, I''ll tell you everything I know without holding back!"


    "Good!"


    Chen Sansi asked, "Is the Immortal Treasure in Xiang Tingchun''s hands, and is he using it to coerce you into donating military supplies to the Households?"


    "How did you know?"


    Liang Zhan was so severely injured that his forehead was covered in cold sweat: "What you said is correct."


    Chen Sansi asked, "What exactly is the Immortal Treasure?"


    With intermittent difficulty, Liang Zhan said, "I... I don''t know..."


    "Bang¡ª"


    In an instant, another arrow struck, pinning his right leg as well.


    "Ah!!!"


    Liang Zhan nearly passed out from the pain, "Brother Chen, spare my life, I''m not lying, we have been searching all along, and we only know that this thing can definitely extract the essence of Spiritual Grain..."


    "Start from the beginning!"


    Chen Sansi issued his final ultimatum.


    "It was the barbarian Tuoba Tribe!"


    With gritted teeth, Liang Zhan continued through his pain, "Two months ago..."


    As the other party detailed his account.


    Chen Sansi finally began to roughly understand the ins and outs of the matter.


    Two months ago!


    At that time, he had just crossed over and was still worried about Qin Xiong''s affairs.


    Meanwhile, on the distant grasslands, a royal succession struggle took place in the barbarian Tuoba Tribe.


    The third prince of the Tuoba Tribe failed in his coup and, after faking his death, fled to the border of the Great Sheng Dynasty.


    Before he left, he stole the Tuoba Tribe''s treasure, naturally the Immortal Treasure, hoping to offer it to the Emperor Dasheng to convince the Great Sheng Dynasty to send troops to help him reclaim the throne.


    After arriving at Po Yang.


    Fearing pursuit, the Tuoba prince sought out the local magistrate, hoping he could notify the Prefecture City to find a martial expert from the city to escort him straight to the Capital City.


    Old Zhang, who was the Magistrate at the time, had spent half his life in the bureaucratic world.


    He knew all too well one thing.


    If the higher-ups in the Prefecture City got involved, where would there be a share of credit for him?


    Therefore, he sought help from the Four Great Martial Arts Schools, planning to monopolize this meritorious deed.


    But a bloodied mess ensued.


    Yunhe Master, after overhearing the conversation between the magistrate and the prince, got greedy.


    Since no one knew about the prince being in Po Yang, couldn''t they just kill him and seize the treasure?


    In the future, with the help of the Immortal Treasure, they could grow stronger and step out of Po Yang to become a first-class sect in the Jianghu.


    So, under the grand vision, the Four Great Martial Arts Schools joined forces to act, first poisoning, then launching a surprise attack, intending to kill the Magistrate and Emperor Tuoba together.


    However, the Prince was not one to be trifled with and, under such circumstances, he forcefully took the key and escaped.


    The Four Great Martial Arts Schools were only left with a box they could not open.


    And not long after, the Prince stealthily returned, killed Yunhe Master, and reclaimed the Jade Box.


    The matter blew up.


    Seeing that they could no longer keep it a secret, the Four Great Martial Arts Schools sought help from Xiang Tingchun, hoping he would take action and promising that once they obtained the Immortal Treasure, they would share it together.


    As for what happened next,


    Chen Sansi became involved.


    During the pursuit of Emperor Tuoba, the Witch God Sect intervened rashly.


    This led to the Prince being seriously wounded and escaping, only to die outside the city.


    As a result, the treasure was picked up by him.


    What a thrilling treasure hunt.


    "Spiritual Grain!"


    Chen Sansi pressed for answers relentlessly, "What is Spiritual Grain used for?"


    "Cough cough cough..."


    Liang Zhan, his mouth filled with blood, insisted, "The Prince didn''t reveal much.


    "We only know that with the Immortal Treasure, one can refine treasure medicine that aids in cultivation.


    "Among them, Spiritual Grain is one of the most important raw materials.


    "Exactly how it is used, we are not clear.


    "That''s why...


    "We captured people for experimentation.


    "Pan Quan developed a special kind of Medicine Pills, grinding Spiritual Grain into powder and adding it to them. Once ingested, a person begins to absorb the Spiritual Grain.


    "Roughly ten people are needed to completely purge the toxin from the Spiritual Grain.


    "Unfortunately, this process also wastes most of the essence of the Spiritual Grain, resulting in Medicine Pills that are only moderately effective, offering significant help only to bone training martial artists."


    Chen Sansi glanced at the local man dying in agony and understood what was happening.


    His face showed no expression, "You''re using living people as filters?"


    "They''re just lowly peasants, what does it matter?"


    Liang Zhan spoke naturally, "Even a locally concocted medicine can have such good effects. If we get the Immortal Treasure and give it some time, not to mention Refining Internal, even reaching Hua Jin is not far-fetched!


    "Otherwise, why would we willingly be stepping stones for Xiang Tingchun''s promotion? It''s all for the Immortal Treasure!"


    "Brother Chen, let''s cooperate!


    "As long as you don''t kill me, we''ll pretend today''s events never happened.


    "Not just that, my Liang Family will provide you with all the resources you need. With your qualifications, Refining Internal is only a matter of time.


    "Once you achieve Refining Internal, we can join forces to kill Xiang Tingchun, seize the Immortal Treasure, and ascend to the pinnacle of Martial Arts!"


    "You still want to kill Commander Households Xiang?"


    Chen Sansi deliberately frightened him, "Guess who sent me here?"


    Liang Zhan became somewhat confused, quickly correcting himself, "No, no, Brother Chen, you misunderstand, you cannot kill me!


    "As long as you don''t kill me, I can give you anything, money, medicinal materials..."


    His gaze shifted outside, "The Medicine Garden! Do you see this garden of medicinal herbs? Spare my life, and everything here is yours!"


    "Fool! If you''re dead, everything will still be mine!"


    Chen Sansi stated.


    This rendered Liang Zhan completely silent; he could not utter a word for a long while.


    Chen Sansi pointed to the body on the ground used for testing the medicine, "Just now, you said he was what?"


    "A, a lowly peasant from the countryside..."


    Liang Zhan answered as a matter of course.


    His voice grew lower, making one last effort to survive, "Brother Chen, are we really unable to cooperate? Xiang Tingchun won''t treat you as one of his own. For him, as long as he can climb the ranks, he will discard anyone! Isn''t it good to continue capturing people for alchemy to improve our cultivation?"


    "Brother Liang, have you forgotten something?"


    Chen Sansi looked at his panicked eyes and said solemnly, "I too come from the countryside."


    "Whoosh¡ª"


    An arrow from a Qimei crossbow directly pierced through Liang Zhan''s forehead, ending his life.


    Chen Sansi turned his gaze to the corner, where the Pharmacist lay bleeding on the ground, barely alive:


    "Do you have a sack here?"

 Chapter 69 - 69: Murder and Arson

    "Boom¡ª"


    In the dark night, a blaze shot up into the sky.


    Chen Sansi swiftly left, carrying a sack.


    This time, he had truly struck it rich!


    Before leaving, he had not only packed up everything he could carry but also obtained several medical books from the pharmacist, and then he murdered to silence them.


    All in all, he did not even know how much it was all worth!


    Moreover, since there were too many bodies to dispose of conveniently,


    Chen Sansi, worried that someone might recognize the arrow wound, simply gathered them in the courtyard and burned them all together.


    With this commotion,


    The Martial Arts Hall surely wouldn''t dare to capture live people for testing medicines anymore, which could be considered a good deed.


    Chen Sansi recalled the recent events in his mind.


    Spiritual Grain could actually enhance cultivation?


    Could it be the Old Emperor had really met an Immortal?


    Was he truly cultivating towards immortality?


    How to use the Immortal Treasure¡ªuse a special flame and then simmer the Spiritual Grain?


    Chen Sansi speculated about various things.


    Either way, lamp oil plus Spiritual Grain equaled a treasure medicine that enhanced cultivation.


    Following this lead was definitely right.


    With that, the matter came to a close.


    With Xiang Tingchun willingly taking the blame, no one would suspect him.


    Next, he had plenty of time to study it slowly.


    Chen Sansi, with three or four sacks on his back, hurriedly left Tiger Head Mountain.


    Taking all these things back was not practical; he first hid them in an old house in Yanbian Village, then he took a detour back to the military settlement of the Households.


    "Senior Sister Sun is not here?"


    Chen Sansi keenly sensed something was amiss.


    The guest room was empty!


    He hurried to his own bedroom, and only after picking up a strand of hair from both the door gap and the window, did he finally breathe a sigh of relief.


    Before setting out,


    He had the foresight to pluck a few hairs from Sister Lan as a marker.


    It seemed he was overthinking.


    Sun Li had no intentions of monitoring him.


    But where was she going in the middle of the night?


    The chances were good that she''d discovered a clue about Medicine Valley.


    "Good thing I made my move first."


    ...


    "Sister, it looks like someone has already been here!"


    Sun Buqi stood on the wall, looking at the raging fire in the courtyard and made a calm analysis.


    "Is that even necessary to say?"


    Sun Li looked at the pit dug by the perpetrator to burn the bodies:"This guy was even worried about causing a wildfire..."


    "What a good person indeed!"


    Sun Buqi exclaimed feelingly.


    Recently, Sun Li and Sun Buqi, one openly and one secretly,


    had barely noticed that disciples from the Martial Arts Academy frequently left the city to go up the mountain, so they thought to come and check tonight.


    Upon discovering a fire nearby, they arrived only to witness this scene.


    "Fire, put out the fire!"


    ...


    The other nightwatchmen from nearby medicine gardens noticed the abnormality, shouting as they led men rushing over.


    "Let''s go back,"


    Sun Li sighed deeply: "We''ll check the other medicine gardens another day."


    ...


    The next day,


    As soon as Chen Sansi arrived at the military camp, he heard many people discussing the incident.


    "Did you hear?"


    "Last night, fire broke out on Second Layer Mountain."


    "This morning, during the city patrol, I personally saw several charred bodies carried back from the mountain!"


    "It seems like young masters from the Tianyuan Martial Arts Academy were all burned to death!"


    "Why would there suddenly be a wildfire?"


    "Clearly, someone did it on purpose."


    "Who would dare to do such a thing?"


    ...


    After eavesdropping for a while, Chen Sansi headed to the Martial Arts Arena, gathering his subordinates for routine exercises.


    Several among them, as before, were lazily skimping during the Pile Work practice.


    "Are you Zhao Jin from Li Zhuang?"


    Chen Sansi approached and spoke in an even tone.


    "Yes! Does the flag leader know me?" the man asked, surprised.


    "Recognized."


    Chen Sansi asked, "How goes the training?"


    "It''s okay, just too exhausting."


    The man said with a joking smile, "It''s much more tiring than farming."


    "Then you should go back to farming."


    Chen Sansi suddenly said, "Xu Wencai, take him to collect the rations from these past few days."


    "Sir?!"


    The sudden expulsion baffled not just the man, but everyone present.


    "That''s good, I have something to say to you."


    Chen Sansi knew, he could no longer indulge them.


    He gathered his energy and spoke loudly, "I know you came to join the army because you, like me, were both raised outside the city in the countryside, and you think I would look after you.


    "Yes, I will indeed look after you!


    "Here, I can''t guarantee other things.


    "I, Chen Sansi, will definitely not embezzle a single grain of your food or a copper coin, and those with talent, I will also try my best to pass on martial arts!


    "But!


    "I hope you understand that this is the military, not an acting troupe, and soon, some of you will die! I mean, really die!


    "If you don''t train properly now, when you go to battle later, you will not only kill yourselves, but also get other brothers killed!


    "So, I''m giving you the ugly truth upfront." sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "From today, whoever dares to be lazy and perfunctory, will just go home and farm like Zhao Jin.


    "I do not allow such a scourge to exist under my command!


    "Do you understand?"


    When he had finished speaking, the martial arts arena was utterly silent.


    Those who had slacked off earlier all showed embarrassed expressions.


    "Understood!"


    It took a long while, but they finally responded in unison.


    Despite actually holding some admiration for the young man before them, they were still not accustomed to martial arts training.


    Joining the army was something their fellow villagers had discussed and decided together.


    If anyone were to be driven away, it would be a great embarrassment.


    Chen Sansi sighed inwardly.


    He knew he had to set an example.


    Otherwise, there would always be people who took advantage of his approachability, and brazenly broke the rules.


    Like Zhao Jin, who from the very first day of enlistment didn''t train properly and often encouraged others to sneak out of camp to rest at home.


    What use was there in keeping such a person?


    "Continue!"


    At Chen Sansi''s command.


    The soldiers hurriedly resumed their pile work, each gritting their teeth and persevering, none daring to slack off again.


    Just then, the young master who had visited the day before came this way.


    Right on time.


    ...


    Tianyuan Martial Arts Academy.


    In the courtyard full of greenery, many burnt corpses were laid out, all black and hardened, resembling matchsticks and barely recognizable as human.


    "Which... which one is Zhan''er!"


    Master Liang Shengzhi''s eyes were bloodshot, his emotions on the verge of collapse, "Who! Who had the audacity!"


    He had four children, but only one son!


    And now met with a death leaving not even an intact body.


    The other two headmasters were also present.


    "It seems our affairs have been exposed."


    Pan Quan was frantic, "But what''s strange is, why has no one come for us?"


    Whoever came across the event on the mountain should not be this calm.


    Lately, many had been investigating.


    "My son!!!"


    Liang Shengzhi, overwhelmed with grief, looked closely at the corpses, trying to figure out which one was his son, not in the mood to listen to him.


    Pan Quan turned to the side, "Uncle Zhao, who do you think is behind this?"


    "If I remember correctly, Brother Liang''s son and that old servant were both in the Bone Training Realm, right?"


    Master Zhao, who had been silent all along, finally spoke slowly, "Plus, seven or eight True Disciples guarded the Medicine Garden, yet none survived to escape back here.


    "It indicates the attacker was of an exceptional realm, treating Bone Training martial artists as if slaughtering chickens and dogs.


    "Looking over Po Yang County, who do you think could accomplish this?"


    "Xiang Tingchun!"


    Pan Quan suddenly realized, "He must have noticed something, penetrated Medicine Valley to spy on the secrets, planning to monopolize the secret of the Immortal Treasure!"


    "That''s right. Exactly."


    Master Zhao affirmed, "Otherwise, if our affairs were exposed, why would there be no questions directed at us? If it was Xiang Tingchun, it makes sense. With the Immortal Treasure in his hands, why would he want the issue revealed?"


    "That Xiang is truly malicious!"


    Pan Quan cursed angrily, "Not content with destroying the Song Family, now relying on his Refining Internal Realm, and having our weaknesses, preparing to slowly devour us, and completely consume our houses!"


    "Xiang Tingchun!"


    Liang Shengzhi roared, "You and I shall never coexist! Even as a ghost, I will ensure we perish together!!!"

 Chapter 70 - 70: Lamp Oil and Spiritual Grain

    "Keep your body straight,"


    "Yes, just like that."


    On the archery range,


    Chen Sansi carefully instructed Sun Buqi.


    This young master was not only generous but also paid in advance.


    Two hundred Silver Taels in a note, it was his first time seeing such.


    "Shoo¡ª"


    Sun Buqi aimed and shot an arrow at a target a hundred steps away.


    He probably scored around the fourth ring.


    Unsatisfied, he shot another arrow, scoring in the second ring...


    "..."


    Chen Sansi had taught everything he could.


    Yet the young master hadn''t improved at all after two hours.


    His posture was correct, but he couldn''t hit the target precisely.


    "Master!"


    Sun Buqi insisted on calling him this, unstoppable: "How exactly do you do it?"


    Archery and martial arts aren''t closely related.


    The level of martial arts realm could at most determine how heavy a bowstring one could pull.


    But the heavier the bow, the harder it is to control.


    Hundred-step Piercing, how easy could it be?


    Yet the extraordinary man before him, did more than just Hundred-step Piercing? Most terrifying was his accuracy, never once missing the mark.


    "How do you do it?"


    Chen Sansi thought for a moment and concluded, "Mostly it''s through effort, ''Heaven rewards the diligent'' I guess!"


    "What a ''Heaven rewards the diligent''!"


    Sun Buqi grasped the true essence of it and was full of confidence about the future.


    Compared to martial arts, he was more obsessed with archery.


    Even at a high martial arts realm, one still has to fight closely for life.


    But with archery, one could take a life from a hundred steps away.


    He practiced martial arts only to be able to pull the bowstring of a heavy bow.


    Sun Buqi was full of motivation, continually pulling the bow and shooting arrows.


    "What is your honored surname?" S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Sansi asked.


    The other was eager to learn, only now giving him the chance to inquire.


    Sun Buqi focused on his archery training, without turning his head back: "Sun Buqi."


    "Sun?"


    Chen Sansi hadn''t heard of a wealthy young master surnamed Sun in Po Yang County.


    He couldn''t help but think of the red-clothed woman: "Do you know Sun Li?"


    "I do,"


    Sun Buqi naturally replied: "She''s my older sister."


    Before Chen Sansi could react, a familiar voice rang out.


    "Sun Buqi."


    Sun Li appeared in her red attire, her voice filled with anger.


    "Sister, I''m in the middle of something serious here!"


    Sun Buqi quickly dodged, "This is, this is my archery master who can pierce Yang from one hundred and fifty steps, an extraordinary man!"


    "?"


    Sun Li paused, "What did you call him?"


    "Master,"


    Sun Buqi spread his hands, "Is there a problem?"


    "Little junior brother..."


    Sun Li gently held her forehead, "What''s going on here?"


    "Do not blame my junior sister, I didn''t know he was a senior brother,"


    Chen Sansi was somewhat embarrassed, "But calling him master was just for fun, not to be taken seriously."


    "Are you Chen Sansi?!"


    Sun Buqi first shocked, then excitedly said: "Extraordinary! Not only a Nine Dragon Body but also a masterful archer! From now on I''ll call you master, you call me senior brother, and we each discuss our own!"


    "My brother has some issues with his brain,"


    Sun Li was about to burst out but then let it go: "Father named him Buqi, which originally meant ''Gentlemen are versatile.'' However, it turned out to be something incompetent..."


    "Senior sister, you speak too harshly,"


    Chen Sansi said: "Brother Buqi and I are of similar age, yet his realm is higher than mine, there must be something exceptional about him."


    "Can two months of martial arts practice compare to three years?"


    Sun Li took Sun Buqi away, "Junior brother, we still have matters to attend to, we must take our leave now."


    "Are they still investigating?"


    Chen Sansi really hadn''t expected even the young master of the Sun Family to come.


    He had particularly inquired recently.


    Sun Dushi originally had five children, but the first three all died in battle.


    Among them, the third child, who had the best talent for martial arts, died in the battle at Xuanwu Camp.


    Now, only a son and a daughter remain.


    They are Sun Buqi and Sun Li.


    It''s truly heartbreaking that the Supervisor sent his only remaining children here.


    After all, they were just undergoing bone training, and accidents could still happen.


    "Boom¡ª"


    The sky erupted with a clap of thunder and it started pouring heavily.


    Chen Sansi braved the rain to go to the pharmacy and carried away two clay jars.


    Inside were the medicine baths he had pre-ordered.


    Just these two jars for one bath cost fifty silver taels.


    If it weren''t for Sun Buqi being generous, he really wouldn''t have been able to afford it.


    He poured the medicinal soup from the clay jars into the wooden tub, then added cold water to mix the black medicine bath.


    Chen Sansi stripped off his clothes and jumped in.


    "Hiss¡ª"


    Although the medicinal soup and water were cold, the moment they touched his skin, it felt as hot as boiling water and as irritating as chili water, painfully stinging every inch of his skin.


    The potent medicinal strength penetrated his pores and entered his flesh, tempering his bones.


    "Ah!"


    Following the doctor''s instructions, Chen Sansi sat cross-legged in the wooden tub, using the Haoran Breathing Skill.


    Even so, he couldn''t last more than five minutes before jumping out.


    His skin was red, and his whole body swelled up. He grabbed the reed leaf spear and rushed to the yard to practice his spear technique, using the Qi-blood to absorb the medicinal strength. Only then did the painful sensation start to subside.


    It wasn''t until it completely vanished that he jumped back into the wooden tub.


    He repeated this process over and over until the effects of the medicine bath were exhausted.


    The pain was real.


    But the help it provided for his cultivation was immense.


    He took a medicine bath every three days.


    The silver in Chen Sansi''s house was quickly spent almost entirely.


    Luckily, there was significant progress in his cultivation.


    [Cultivation Technique: Undying Golden Snake Spear: Entry-level]


    [Progress: 58/500]


    [Utility: Blood of the Dragon Elephant, Nine Dragon Living Veins]


    "The pace is slowing down!"


    Even though Chen Sansi was aware that this speed of improvement was far beyond that of ordinary people, he was still somewhat dissatisfied.


    After all, war was imminent, and no one would complain about having too high a cultivation level.


    "It''s almost time!"


    As time went on, the Medicine Valley incident gradually settled.


    Observing for several days, Chen Sansi confirmed that nobody had noticed him.


    Just as he was running out of silver at home, it was the right time to figure out how to use the Immortal Treasure and make use of the other spoils of war as well.


    After lunch,


    Chen Sansi quietly slipped into Yanbian Village, swinging around the small woodland and jumping over the wall into the yard, taking out the hidden items.


    Herb materials, Spiritual Grain, medicine mill, medicine jars, Medical Books¡­


    Basically,


    everything he could carry with him at the time, Chen Sansi stuffed into a burlap sack.


    "Immortal Treasure¡­"


    "Spiritual Grain."


    According to his reasoning, the flame from the Immortal Treasure could likely eliminate the toxins of the Spiritual Grain and preserve its essence.


    But would a medicine jar or iron pot withstand the high temperatures of the flame produced by the Immortal Treasure?


    Chen Sansi placed the Spiritual Grain in the pot, adding water.


    He then stuffed the stove''s base with firewood and smeared a small amount of "lamp oil" on the firewood.


    He used a fire stick to light it.


    "Boom¡ª"


    Red flames rose, and the temperature in the room soared as if it had instantly switched from late autumn to severe summer.


    The cold water in the iron pot immediately boiled.


    "Crackle¡ª"


    However, the iron pot was quickly burnt through, and the liquid evaporated completely.


    The room was suddenly filled with steam until the firewood was quickly consumed and the flames died down.


    Just as Chen Sansi had guessed,


    an ordinary iron pot simply couldn''t withstand the temperature of the Abnormal Fire generated by the lamp oil.


    There was no need to even try with a medicine pot; it wouldn''t last long either.


    "What if I directly burn the Spiritual Grain?"


    "Scorching with Abnormal Fire is a form of tempering after all!"


    Thinking this, he immediately put his thoughts into action, preparing to test its feasibility.

 Chapter 71 - 71: Ashes

    Chen Sansi thought.


    Since the residual material extracted from a person''s stomach after feeding them medicine pills had extraordinary medicinal effects,


    then wouldn''t burning Spiritual Grain into plant ash at high temperatures be somewhat useful as well?


    Thinking this,


    he picked up a small handful of Spiritual Grain and stacked it together with some pine needles for kindling, then smeared a very small amount of lamp oil on top.


    Not daring to get too close,


    Chen Sansi held a lit stick far away and carefully approached the lamp oil.


    "Boom¡ª¡ª"


    The red flames erupted loudly.


    In an instant, the Spiritual Grain and the pine needles were burned to ash.


    Chen Sansi waited until the flames died down and carefully collected the grass ashes.


    "I need to conduct a live experiment."


    He cleaned up the house and then quietly climbed over the wall and headed straight for Second Layer Mountain.


    It took a great deal of effort not to harm the game before catching a rabbit.


    "Come, eat!"


    Chen Sansi pried open the rabbit''s mouth and poured a little bit of grass ash into it.


    The next second,


    the rabbit started thrashing wildly as if injected with chicken blood, and its strength increased significantly.


    But it didn''t last long before the rabbit, like a deflated ball, breathed its last.


    Chen Sansi carefully examined the body and saw no signs of darkening in the veins on the surface.


    But the skin beneath the fur was burning hot and red, as if blood was about to gush out from the inside, appearing as though an overly potent medicine had harmed the internal organs leading to bleeding.


    "Was it too weak to withstand the medicinal effect?"


    "I need to try it on something bigger!"


    He searched in the forest.


    It didn''t take long to find a jungle inhabited by cheetahs. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The cheetah charged straight at him but was thwacked on the head by the long spear''s shaft, leaving it dazed and seeing stars.


    With the strength from his Bone Strengthening Skill, Chen Sansi could easily subdue the fierce beast.


    He pried open the cheetah''s mouth with the spear tip and poured in the grass ash: "Eat!"


    "Roar!!!!"


    The same reaction as the rabbit.


    After consuming the Spiritual Grain, the cheetah became extremely agitated; after about five minutes, its symptoms subsided. Although it did not die immediately, it lay on the ground bleeding profusely, obviously not going to live much longer.


    "It indeed lasted longer than the rabbit."


    "But internal bleeding occurred as well."


    "If combined with cultivation practice, could the potency of the medicine be controlled?"


    "It seems animals won''t do; I need to experiment with a live person."


    Chen Sansi''s eyes flashed fiercely.


    "You can capture villagers for experiments, so why can''t I capture you?!"


    From eavesdropping on Liang Zhan''s conversation, not one of the Four Great Martial Arts Schools was innocent.


    From the reactions of the leopard and the rabbit, there wouldn''t be uncontrollable drastic changes happening in an instant; capturing a disciple with lower skills to test wouldn''t be a problem.


    Moreover, Second Layer Mountain had many medicine gardens.


    Even if they dared not capture more live humans, they would definitely still have disciples guarding the medicine gardens.


    Chen Sansi moved through the forest like a ghost.


    After staking out for two hours, he successfully captured a disciple from Zhao''s Martial Arts Academy skilled in Blood Refining Technique and brought him to a secluded cave.


    No severe torture was needed; the Martial Arts Academy Disciple confessed everything.


    "Eat!"


    He forced the disciple to consume a small amount of grass ash and then practice his sect''s cultivation technique.


    Chen Sansi observed from a distance with a bow in hand.


    As expected.


    Not only did the Martial Arts Academy Disciple not die, but he also performed a set of boxing techniques vigorously, clearly showing the utility of the medicine.


    "It seems my guess was correct!"


    With his goal achieved, Chen Sansi ended the experiment by shooting the disciple dead with an arrow.


    "If he could eat it and be fine, I definitely will be too."


    Adhering to a cautious principle, he picked up a very small amount of grass ash with his fingertip and sprinkled it into his mouth.


    The moment it entered his mouth, an indescribable sensation began spreading from the oral cavity, then swept through his entire body.


    This feeling was different from anything he had experienced with beast hearts or medicine.


    After ingesting it, it did not get digested and absorbed by organs but turned automatically into a strange form of "energy" that integrated into his body, flowing not only in his blood but also being stored in another "system."


    This was...


    Meridians?


    Meridians and tendons are two different concepts.


    Tendons are organs, visible human organs that can be seen when flesh and blood are cut open.


    But meridians are a mystical existence.


    Neither blood vessels nor tendons, but another "system" within the human body.


    Chen Sansi didn''t know much about this.


    He only knew that traditional Chinese medicine studied it.


    Before refining organs, people practicing martial arts don''t need to concern themselves with this concept.


    What''s happening?


    After consuming the Spiritual Grain, it turned out to have a direct effect on the meridians.


    If one wasn''t a martial artist, their body simply couldn''t withstand it, no wonder small animals would die explosively.


    Even for martial artists, the capacity to endure was limited, they needed to expend it in time.


    Chen Sansi hurriedly began practicing his spear technique inside the cave.


    He then discovered that the Spiritual Grain was surprisingly helpful for cultivation.


    Practically every repetition of spear technique practice substantially increased his proficiency by much more than what a medicine bath could provide.


    [Cultivation Technique: Undying Golden Snake Spear - Upper (Entry Level)]


    [Progress: 88/500]


    [Utility: Dragon Elephant Blood, Nine Dragon Living Veins]


    An afternoon''s improvement was equivalent to several days in the past!


    Moreover, the Spiritual Grain also had healing effects.


    That substance, like a gas, would repair injuries while circulating inside the body.


    No wonder the old master of Tai Lei Martial Arts Academy hadn''t died.


    However, it still contained toxins.


    The gas mixed and tangled within the meridians, remaining there unless the energy was expended simultaneously flushing out the toxins.


    Yet, the toxin in the meridians metabolized very slowly.


    Unlike ordinary supplemental medicine, where vigorous cultivation could quickly expend it.


    Chen Sansi didn''t know whether it was because his realm was still low or because his cultivation technique did not involve the meridians.


    Regardless, only practicing movements in the air made the absorption efficiency of the Spiritual Grain extremely low.


    If he consumed too much, leading to the "energy" lingering too long in the body, the meridian toxin would undeniably cause irreversible damage to his body.


    "Perhaps it would be more effective if I had a sparring partner."


    "Real combat would definitely be better."


    Chen Sansi recalled battling Old Song, blood surging with all his might!


    If he could maintain that state, surely it would increase the speed of absorbing the Spiritual Grain.


    "Unfortunately, there aren''t that many opportunities for real combat."


    "Let''s take it slow."


    "The current effects are already astonishing!"


    After mastering the use of Spiritual Grain, Chen Sansi was full of confidence.


    According to the original speed, by March in spring, the fastest he could achieve was mastery of Bone Strengthening Skill, but now, he had a high chance of refining internal organs!


    That is just four more months.


    Even he felt it was a bit exaggerated.


    Two months for Bone Training, four months for Refining Internal; in total, just six months.


    The height that took Xiang Tingchun half a lifetime to reach, he only needed six months, and what''s more, he was practicing a superior Breathing Skill.


    Immortal Treasure indeed was a treasure!


    "But in reality, I''m also a maverick."


    Chen Sansi guessed that a complete Immortal Treasure would likely be a set of alchemy equipment.


    It included formulas, a container capable of withstanding temperatures, and most importantly, the lamp oil that could produce a red flame!


    Then connecting to the Emperor''s quest for immortality...


    Once everything is assembled, wouldn''t it be possible to concoct the legendary Immortal Pills?!


    No wonder even the Old Emperor had sent people over.


    He must have heard some rumors!


    Chen Sansi suddenly realized the significance of the matter.


    If people found out, no amount of lives would suffice to atone.


    But wait.


    What did it have to do with him?


    The Immortal Treasure was in Xiang Tingchun''s hands!


    This guy had even declared it outright, afraid that the Four Great Martial Arts Schools wouldn''t believe him.


    Alright then.


    It seems, as long as he was careful, they couldn''t trace it back to him.


    Chen Sansi disposed of the Martial Arts Academy Disciple''s body and headed home down the mountain.


    During this period, he hadn''t stopped running up and down the mountain, continuously practicing his skills.


    [Skill: Concealment (Small Achievement)]


    [Progress: 405/1000]


    After dinner at night.


    Chen Sansi began perusing the Medical Books he had acquired from Medicine Valley.


    There were several volumes of Medical Books.


    From basic theories, to treating various diseases, to different medicine formulas, including those needed for martial arts practice, all were recorded.


    Just reading the books would only improve his reading proficiency.


    [Skill: Reading (Small Achievement)]


    [Progress: (395/800)]


    "It seems I need to learn a new skill."


    Although the effects of Spiritual Grain were good, the metabolism of the meridian toxins was slow, and the usage of various supplements and medicine baths couldn''t be stopped.


    Fortunately, there was a Medical Officer in the military, merely requiring some time to learn.


    Speaking of time.


    The assessment period for new recruits ends tomorrow.


    I wonder how many among the hundred will prove truly useful.

 Chapter 72 - 72 Refining Organ Martial Artist

    Military roll call.


    At the Martial Arts Arena.


    Chen Sansi began to assess the progress.


    "Those who have cultivated Qi-Blood, step forward!"


    Silence.


    "..."


    Chen Sansi changed his approach, "Those who have mastered spear technique and Pile Work, step forward!"


    This time.


    Eighteen people stepped out of the ranks.


    Actually more than what Chen Sansi had anticipated.


    The rest were naturally Array Soldiers.


    Since most of them were very young, there was no one who hadn''t learned Pile Work.


    Among these people, the one with the best talent turned out to be Wu Da.


    Chen Sansi predicted he would be the first to cultivate Qi-Blood.


    Zhuang Yi came next.


    As for Zhao Qiao, he was average, but his archery was good. His honesty and loyalty gave him an edge, and he could be put to other uses in the future.


    Besides them.


    Zhu Tong and Wang Li, thanks to the ample supply of medicinal materials in the garrison, had also crossed the threshold into proficiently practicing the Blood Refining Technique.


    Logically, they would need to achieve a small accomplishment before they could be promoted to small flag.


    But Chen Sansi was seriously short on manpower, so he chose some who theoretically would reach that state the soonest and temporarily assigned them the responsibilities of a small flag, though without the actual position.


    "Sir, what about me?"


    Seeing others being appointed "official" positions, Xu Wencai couldn''t sit still and shamelessly edged closer.


    "Old Xu."


    Chen Sansi looked at him, "I don''t seem to have any positions to give you for now."


    "I don''t want a position."


    Xu Wencai said with a smile, "Just find me something to do. I can help Sir with training the military formations, supervising their proper cultivation, and meanwhile, I can plan how to minimize losses next year."


    "Agreed."


    Chen Sansi didn''t stop him.


    [Skill: Commanding Soldiers (entry-level)]


    [Progress: 85/500]


    [Utility: Mainstay]


    Through experimentation, he found that when he let Zhu Tong and others help teach martial arts, his proficiency would also rise, possibly because they were under his command.


    But the increase wasn''t as much as when he taught personally.


    Still, it was akin to gaining experience passively; why not do it?


    "You''ll see, Sir!"


    Xu Wencai said, "I will surely train their basic combat formations to first-rate standards!"


    The new recruits'' assessment period ended.


    Next, Chen Sansi should also have a task, whether it''s defense or farming.


    If it''s farming, a lot of miscellaneous tasks would need to be done.


    Patrolling the city and the like would be best, to have more time for training.


    "Hummm¡ª" sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The bugle sounded.


    Lately, Xiang Tingchun had been giving speeches frequently, and everyone had grown accustomed to it.


    Almost a thousand soldiers quickly gathered in the Martial Arts Arena.


    Ji Guangxian, with his personal guard, also stepped onto the high platform and started speaking in a loud voice:


    "My warriors, you have worked hard.


    "As a civil servant, I have no right to meddle in military affairs, so you don''t need to be nervous. I am only here to express my care for you all, and also, to bring a generous gift.


    "Bring it up!"


    Dozens of jars of liquor were carried onto the high platform.


    "Do you know what this is?"


    Ji Guangxian introduced, "This is a medicinal wine brewed from the blood of the Exotic Beast, the Toothed Tiger.


    "This is specifically for bone training martial artists. Whether taken internally or applied externally, it can be said to improve cultivation by leaps and bounds.


    "Let alone An Ding Prefecture, even the entire Yunzhou does not have this kind of Exotic Beast to hunt, hence it is extremely precious and indeed priceless.


    "These were sent over from the Capital by Mr. Gao of the Military Department, all the way over thousands of miles.


    "Mr. Gao said that the court is short on troops and cannot send more reinforcements, but they will never let the soldiers go unrewarded for their service. That is why he sent these medicinal wines over thousands of miles.


    "In the future, all warriors will be able to exchange for it with military merits!"


    Chen Sansi had never heard of this medicinal wine.


    However, he saw that the other householders were very excited.


    It indeed seemed to be of extraordinary value.


    No wonder it''s not for sale.


    This military merit isn''t something that can be obtained in a short while.


    Luckily, Chen Sansi had Spiritual Grain to consume, so he was not in a hurry.


    Come to think of it.


    This Magistrate Ji Guangxian must be rolling in wealth!


    Ever since the raid on Medicine Valley a few days ago, Chen Sansi suddenly felt that hunting was a bit unexciting.


    How much silver could one earn after all the effort of drilling through deep forests and mountains?


    How could that compare to the wealth of those lords?


    However, the guards that Ji Guangxian brought were not few, and it was unknown what their highest level was.


    After all, he was a magistrate; it was very possible that a Refining Organ Martial Artist was among his entourage.


    "Old Chen!"


    Householder Xiong came over, "Households Commander Xiang is calling for you."


    He was already being addressed as Old Chen, regardless of the fact that he was much younger than them.


    He arrived at the Central Army Tent.


    Apart from Xiang Tingchun and Luo Dongquan, there were two unfamiliar civil servants present.


    "Shanshi, you have completed the process for your promotion to Householder."


    Xiang Tingchun spoke, "These two are officials from the Military Selection Department."


    "I have seen the two officials."


    Chen Sansi cooperated with the officials for identity verification.


    Apart from the appointment letter, there was also a brand new set of official robes and armor.


    A Householder is a Sixth Rank military officer, wearing a blue official robe embellished with images of leopards.


    Chen Sansi couldn''t help but reflect, "I guess I''ve become a so-called ''dressed beast'' now."


    But in the military, opportunities to wear official robes were few, as armor was the more common attire.


    The armor was still cloth armor, but much more exquisite, including a new iron helmet, and crucial parts reinforced with thick iron plates, considerably increasing its defensive power.


    It wasn''t just Chen Sansi who had been promoted.


    Luo Dongquan had also been promoted to Deputy Thousand Households, a position from the Secondary Fifth Rank.


    From the conversation of the officials from the Ministry of Personnel, it could be determined that this person had achieved Refining Internal Organs.


    That is to say, there were now two Refining Organ Martial Artists in the garrison.


    "Shanshi, have the men under your command completed their assessment period yet?"


    Xiang Tingchun said, "In two days, you''ll replace Zhao Kang, taking over the responsibility of lookout duty at the Great Wall with your troops."


    The duties of the soldiers stationed at the garrison involved farming and guard duty.


    Guard duty further included patrolling the city and border defense.


    Border defense naturally meant keeping watch on the Great Wall, which was relatively taxing as it often required standing guard at night.


    However, there hadn''t been any incidents involving barbarian cavalry raids along the Po Yang border in over a decade, so it would likely be rather leisurely.


    For Chen Sansi, it was just another place to practice martial arts.


    He clasped his fist and replied, "Your subordinate acknowledges the command."


    "Shanshi, come with me."


    Xiang Tingchun took him to an empty space, "Pick up your fifteen-stone bow, and shoot an arrow at me."


    The sudden request caught Chen Sansi off guard.


    "No worries."


    Xiang Tingchun laughed heartily, "Shoot if I tell you to shoot."


    "Alright."


    Chen Sansi was also curious how his archery would fare against a Refining Organ Martial Artist.


    He didn''t hesitate and drew the bow to shoot in one breath.


    An Armor-piercing Arrow flew through the air!


    "Clang¡ª¡ª"


    A flash of blade light abruptly appeared.


    Suddenly, the He Miao Blade that hung at Xiang Tingchun''s waist was in his hand, and the incoming arrow had been split in two.


    Chen Sansi was mentally prepared, but his expression still grew serious.


    The fact that the other man let him shoot meant he was sure there was no danger.


    He had thought the target would dodge, but unexpectedly¡­


    This was the first time that Chen Sansi had failed to hit the target since he began practicing archery.


    "I am at Refining organs small success,"


    Xiang Tingchun slowly slid the blade back into its sheath and explained solemnly, "Refining Organ Martial Artists have greatly enhanced senses, reflexes, and explosive power. Your arrows will find it hard to hit them. Unless you shoot fast enough that they can''t possibly react in time!"


    Chen Sansi bowed, "Thank you, Lord Thousand Households, for the guidance."


    "Hmm, no need to be so formal with me."


    Xiang Tingchun folded his arms behind his back, "I called you over mainly because I have something to say.


    "The new Magistrate Ji has a deep connection with the Song Family and might hold some opinions about you.


    "In a way, I''ve involved you in this matter.


    "I''ve spoken on your behalf, but it would still be best if you visited him personally to offer your apologies, to prioritize peace.


    "He currently resides in the largest residence on Ningfeng Road in the county town, very easy to find.


    "Oh yes, and he has Refining Organ Martial Artist guards, though they are just at the initial stage of Refining Organs."


    He left leisurely after dropping these words.


    Chen Sansi quickly grasped the implications.


    This was not about asking him to apologize; it was information on how to kill Ji Guangxian!


    First, he was reminded that it''s difficult to kill a Refining Organ Martial Artist with an arrow, then he was given the home address, and lastly, a considerate hint that the guard was a Refining Organ Martial Artist was given, suggesting he strike when the Magistrate is alone.


    It was a complete set of assassination intelligence.


    It seemed that Xiang Tingchun and the one surnamed Ji weren''t on the best of terms.


    ''This is quite interesting.''


    We''ll see how things go.


    If Chen Sansi was to kill, he would take out the guard as well, leaving no loose ends.


    And Xiang Tingchun was definitely not a man to be trusted!


    It would be better to strike after his own power had been enhanced.


    It looked like he would need to devote more time to improving not just his cultivation but also his archery!


    And his medical skills.


    He had hoarded a bunch of medicines without knowing how to use them.


    With that in mind, Chen Sansi headed to the pharmacy to find Medical Officer Jiang.

 Chapter 73 - 73 Sun Li

    "Do you want to learn medical skills?"


    "Yes."


    Chen Sansi said, "Medicinal materials are too expensive to buy, and I often go hunting in the mountains, so if I learn a bit, I can gather herbs and brew medicine myself, saving silver coins."


    "Your thinking is quite idealistic."


    The Medical Officer teased, "Ninety-nine percent of the medicinal materials are in the hands of the Martial Arts Hall. Where are you going to find so many wild herbs for yourself? But since you want to learn, I have no objections, just consider it taking on another apprentice to do some work."


    "Liu Zi, you first teach Mr. Chen how to identify medicinal materials and explain their uses properly."


    "No problem."


    Liu Zi was the Medical Officer''s son, a successor to his father''s profession and also a physician himself.


    Many of the positions in the garrison were hereditary.


    "Mr. Chen, this herb is called Horse Blood Grass, and it has a blood-nourishing effect, but¡­"


    Liu Zi explained patiently.


    The herbs before him quickly matched up with the medical books Chen Sansi had seen.


    A panel appeared.


    [Skill: Medical Skill. Mortal (Not Entry-Level)]


    [Progress: 0/100]


    [Utility: None for now]


    Mortal?


    Could there also be "Immortal"?


    Chen Sansi was somewhat puzzled.


    All the signs now indicated.


    This world was definitely not a pure Martial Arts world; it was highly probable that immortals existed as well.


    That being the case,


    it made sense that Great Ancestor Cao Xie alone faced more than two thousand troops.


    But new questions arose.


    Why had no such impressive person appeared since then?


    And,


    when the Old Emperor claimed to have dreamed of an immortal who gave him the seeds of Spiritual Grain, didn''t he give him the method to use them? There was still a need to send someone to investigate in Po Yang County City.


    Was there a connection between the Immortal Treasure in the hands of the barbarian tribes and the immortal the Old Emperor had dreamed of?


    It seems that the barbarians have become bolder in recent years because they have treasures in their possession!


    Having an Immortal Treasure could indeed create a large number of high-level martial artists.


    After all, Spiritual Grain was everywhere.


    As for lamp oil,


    only a little was needed to ignite.


    Then, add a lot of kindling to maintain the flame, without the need to continue using lamp oil.


    The box in his possession would last a long time.


    "In the future, I can select some subordinates with good talent, who are worth nurturing, to secretly feed them Spiritual Grain."


    "Together with commanding soldiers'' skill, in a few years, I will be able to build my own elite force!"


    "Unfortunately! The materials are incomplete."


    "If I had the Immortal Formula and a container that could withstand the temperature, combined with my medical practice skills."


    "Could I perhaps seek the longevity that the Emperor desires?"


    The road is long and obstructed!


    Chen Sansi sighed deeply.


    All these were very distant matters; right now, it was still more urgent to improve his cultivation and prepare for war.


    To be frank,


    the primary goal was to survive this war.


    Otherwise, whatever Immortal Treasure, whatever Selected Point, all would become meaningless!


    Helping in the pharmacy until evening, his proficiency increased significantly.


    [Skill: Medical Skill. Mortal (Not Entry-Level)]


    [Progress: 35/100]


    It was about time, so Chen Sansi packed up his things to go home.


    "I''m out of money!"


    He was utterly penniless.


    The toxin in the meridians from the Spiritual Grain and the residue from the supplemental medicines were two different things that could be handled simultaneously.


    Unfortunately, he really had no money.


    He met the Sun Li siblings just at the entrance to the barracks; they seemed to have just met with Xiang Tingchun and neither looked in good spirits.


    "Senior Sister!"


    Chen Sansi greeted, "Just in time to have dinner at my place."


    At the dinner table,


    Sun Li barely had the appetite to lift her chopsticks, "Little junior brother, what do you think about the Household''s deployment of troops?"


    "I have no particular opinion."


    Even if Chen Sansi had an opinion, it wouldn''t matter, "The order was issued by the Ministry of War, and I can only obey."


    "Junior apprentice-brother has the right attitude, but..."


    Sun Li said displeased, "This battle is pointless. The main battlefield is clearly on the Northwest border, in the three states. The rest of the places just need to hold their cities. Why create unnecessary problems?"


    "With just a word from the Crown Prince, wouldn''t everyone at the bottom scramble to seize the opportunity?"


    As Sun Buqi picked at his rice, his voice was muffled, "If we''re going to fight, then let''s fight. It''s not like we haven''t fought battles before."


    Sun Li ignored him and looked towards the kitchen, "Sister Xin Lan, stop being busy and come eat with us."


    In these days.


    She and Gu Xinlan had gotten along very well.


    Don''t be fooled by Sun Li''s fierce saber skills, her efficient and heroic demeanor, or the appearance of a strong woman on the surface.


    In fact, she was actually quite interested in embroidery and the like.


    In her spare time, she often did needlework with Sister Lan and chatted about household affairs.


    It''s just that her skills were somewhat lacking.


    Chen Sansi had once seen her work, where she held up an embroidered duck but insisted it was a pair of mandarin ducks...


    Only Gu Xinlan was both clever and skilled with her hands, prompting Sun Li to seek her guidance even more.


    Plus, since Gu was a few years older, she had taken the initiative to address her as sister, without any air of being the daughter of the Governor Mansion.


    And Sun Buqi never made others feel as if he was above them.


    From this, it was clear the Sun family had excellent teaching and family values.


    "Sister Xin Lan."


    Sun Li spoke with concern, "What crime did your family commit in the Capital City to be exiled to the border, and to have fallen into the hands of traffickers?"


    The Capital City?


    Chen Sansi had always known that Gu Xinlan was not a country girl.


    But her specific background was unclear.


    His father had taken a liking to her at first sight because of her attractive appearance and fair skin.


    Country children had to work in the fields from a young age; how could they maintain fair skin?


    He had not expected she was from the Capital City.


    Out of respect, since she never mentioned it, he never asked.


    He guessed that Sun Li must have looked into his background and did a check on Sister Lan along the way.


    "Little Sister Li, I was too young at that time to remember," replied Gu Xinlan, pursing her lips, "Please let bygones be bygones. As a mere convicted''s descendant, I was fortunate to be saved by your father and brought to his home to retain some dignity in living..."


    "It was presumptuous of me."


    Sun Li apologized, "If Sister Xin Lan doesn''t wish to talk about it, I definitely won''t ask again."


    "Sister, I should head back to the inn first."


    Now full from eating and drinking, Sun Buqi put down his chopsticks.


    He and his sister had a clear division of labor: one was responsible for watching the city''s Martial Arts Hall, and the other was responsible for keeping an eye on the military officers'' movements.


    After dinner.


    Chen Sansi dared not slack off at all. After drinking a bowl of Replenishing Essence Soup, he prepared to practice with his spear.


    "Junior apprentice-brother is still drinking Replenishing Essence Soup?"


    Seeing that he was short on funds, Sun Li took out a silver note, "I didn''t bring much money with me when I left home, but here''s three hundred taels. You can use it for now, it should last you a while."


    "Isn''t this inappropriate?"


    Chen Sansi said as he accepted the silver note.


    Cultivation levels relate directly to survival.


    He couldn''t afford to be pretentious.


    With these three hundred taels, he could continue to improve his cultivation seamlessly and rapidly.


    "Go ahead and practice."


    Sun Li stood up, ready to join Sister Lan in the bedroom to study women''s needlework.


    "Wait, sister."


    "Tonight, I still want to trouble you," he said.


    "Clang Clang Clang Clang Clang¡ª"


    Loud metallic clashing sounds resonated in the courtyard.


    Just as he had speculated. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Sparring indeed helped absorb the Spiritual Grain in the meridians, but it was still not enough.


    Real combat was necessary.


    To put it plainly, it meant killing people, preferably in large numbers.


    Unfortunately, where could one find so many people to kill?


    Soon, it was the day to carry out the official duties.


    Chen Sansi arrived early at the barracks to report, and then, led by Zhao Kang, he took over a hundred men and departed.


    From today forth, he would be responsible for guarding the Great Wall in Po Yang County.

 Chapter 74 - 74: Great Wall

    Great Wall.


    It was of utmost importance for any ancient regime.


    In the Central Plains, the greatest enemy was the ferocious nomadic tribes from the grasslands.


    Before the Great Wall was built, incursions by barbarian cavalry into the south to plunder were frequent every year.


    And since these were small-scale cavalry raids with high mobility, they would typically raid and kill and then leave, leaving the defenders powerless.


    Until the Great Wall arose, blocking the trampling of horse hooves.


    The nomads would need to pay a huge cost if they wanted to raid.


    They either had to siege or cross mountains and ridges on foot.


    The former required a loss of lives, while the latter, even if loot was obtained, meant being pursued and killed without the boost of warhorses.


    So, out of necessity, the originally scattered tribes of the grasslands also began to unite gradually, eventually forming several powerful alliances to collectively oppose the states of the Central Plains.


    Furthermore,


    Contrary to what many people believe,


    the Great Wall was not a drain on resources but rather a significant saving on defense spending.


    Chen Sansi once read in "Dasheng Records" that during the Kaiyuan Period, an official calculated an account for the Emperor.


    The details were too complicated, but in the end, it turned out that compared to the cost of maintaining a large number of soldiers for defense, building the Great Wall was ten times more cost-effective.


    The Po Yang territory is surrounded by mountains and the terrain is rugged.


    The area where cavalry and large forces could advance is limited to around 200 li, and the Great Wall just covers this range.


    Not far north of the Thousand Households outpost, one could see a structure resembling a giant python.


    "Households Commander Chen, you''ve worked hard."


    Zhao Kang explained the work content, "In ten days, the men from Households Commander Feng will come to switch duty, and only then can you go back to rest."


    From now on, the three of them, each a commander of a hundred households, would take turns being responsible for the watch duties on the Great Wall.


    Over a hundred people started to take over the changing of the guard.


    Just changing guard was a major operation, so it was done every ten days to improve efficiency.


    Chen Sansi rode his White Swan Horse, patrolling along the Great Wall.


    When the handover finished, he too climbed up to the top of the wall via the staircase.


    The Great Wall was about seven meters high, with a base width of six meters and a top width of five to six meters.


    Every ten li, there would be a signal tower, and each signal tower would be manned by five soldiers.


    Two hundred li of the Great Wall was just enough for the manpower of a hundred households.


    It might seem that a distance this long, manned by just a hundred people, would be too few, but in reality, it was completely sufficient.


    The main purpose of the Great Wall was to stop war horses, slow down attacks, and transmit information.


    Once the enemy was spotted, a signal fire would be lit immediately.


    Upon the rise of the warning smoke, the entire force of Po Yang Thousand Households would react at the fastest speed, and the entire process would not exceed the time it takes half an incense stick to burn.


    Additionally, this place was not the main battlefield, and the barbarian tribes outside the city were not populous, so the situation was generally stable.


    Since it was the first day, Zhao Kang also left experienced soldiers at each signal tower to pass on their knowledge, explaining the lookout points to pay attention to and the various uses of signal fires.


    Signal fires were not just about lighting a beacon and being done with it.


    It was a complete intelligence system.


    With four types of signal equipment¡ªbeacon, beacon table, beacon gourd, and beacon wood¡ªand four kinds of signals using fire, light, smoke, and flags, along with complex combinations, they were able to convey detailed intelligence.


    For example, how many enemy forces were attacking, from which position, and so on...


    Seeing it in books versus seeing it in real life was completely different.


    "Ten days."


    "For the next ten days, we''ll be here in one go."


    As a leader, Chen Sansi had to set an example and could not slack off.


    But he wouldn''t waste time either.


    Inside a watchtower, the soldiers took turns resting.


    Therefore, Chen Sansi was on watch all night, and during the day, he took advantage of resting hours to ride back to camp and help out in the pharmacy. As for sleep, he only slept three to four hours a day, but fortunately, with the spirit provided by [Reading], he could withstand it. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After ten days.


    Chen Sansi had nearly spent the three hundred silver coins given by his senior sister, and with the potent effects of Spiritual Grain, his proficiency approached mastery in the Bone Strengthening Skill!


    [Cultivation Technique: Undying Golden Snake Spear - Entry Level]


    [Progress: 410/500]


    "And that''s under circumstances where I can''t quickly neutralize the toxin of Spiritual Grain."


    "If there were actual combat, progress could be even faster!"


    And there''s no need to worry about progress being too fast and noticeable to others.


    Chen Sansi specifically inquired about it.


    Just within the Eight Camps, there were two he knew of who were advancing faster than him.


    The first, was Supervisor Sun.


    Second, was the third son of Lord Governor Sun who had passed away.


    The remaining ones certainly exist, needing some free time to ask Sun Li to find out.


    Besides the Eight Camps, the Capital City definitely has many, and so do the major powers.


    So to say.


    The pace at which one''s cultivation increases was indeed astonishing, but still within the realm of genius, and coupled with being mistaken for the Nine Dragon Body, it was completely plausible.


    For now, there was no need to go to great lengths to conceal one''s cultivation level.


    Feeling rapid progress was largely because the Po Yang territory was too remote.


    "Clang!"


    Chen Sansi exhaled deeply and put down the long spear in his hand.


    Another night on watch, the East brightening with the white of dawn.


    He stood atop the city wall, gazing into the distance.


    These ten days had passed very peacefully.


    Not a single figure had appeared on the grasslands.


    He actually hoped that small groups of cavalry would attack, so as to hone his spear technique in combat and aid the absorption of the energy from the Spiritual Grain.


    But such things could not be forced.


    Fortunately, with such long periods of strenuous effort, his medical skill was about to reach entry-level. Eating more Supplemental Medicines would do just as well.


    5 a.m. to 7 a.m.


    Households Commander Feng arrived on time to change guard.


    Chen Sansi rode back to camp on the White Swan Horse along with the other soldiers.


    Lately, riding the horse back and forth and feeding it personally was also improving his proficiency; his Horse Control skill was quickly approaching the next stage.


    [Skill: Horse Control (Entry-Level)]


    [Progress: (150/200)]


    He did wonder, after all, a horse was just transportation, how much further could it be improved.


    Upon returning to the military camp, Chen Sansi headed straight for the pharmacy, but at the entrance to the camp, he encountered a familiar figure.


    Wang Zhi had returned from visiting relatives in the Prefecture City.


    "Stony."


    Wang Zhi, grinning with his teeth bared, came over cheerfully: "How have things been recently? I mean, which Selection Officer visited?"


    "The young master and daughter of Lord Governor Sun."


    Chen Sansi dismounted: "Right, Miss Sun was also looking for you."


    "They..."


    Wang Zhi tentatively asked: "What did they say?"


    "Miss Sun said she doesn''t know you. Hundred Households Wang, have you changed your name?"


    Chen Sansi said, "You asked me to plead on your behalf, but you should at least tell me what you did in the past, right?"


    "I..."


    Wang Zhi looked troubled and said with a bitter smile: "Stony, I''ve changed my mind. You don''t have to speak for me anymore. If you see Lord Governor Sun later, don''t mention me; just say the Cultivation Technique was found by you on the street."


    Having said this, he walked away as though fleeing.


    "?"


    Chen Sansi found it all very bewildering.


    So afraid of the Sun Li siblings?


    If Wang Zhi truly had a serious crime, he wouldn''t be alive to this day.


    It didn''t make sense.


    Unable to figure it out, he stopped thinking about it and headed straight for the pharmacy.


    "Households Commander Chen really doesn''t rest at all."


    The Medical Officer Jiang found it frightening.


    This young man didn''t seem afraid of working himself to death.


    "I dare not rest."


    Chen Sansi, already well-acquainted with the pharmacy, started to help sort the medicinal herbs and assisted with adding water to decoct medicines for the military officers.


    He also possessed an eidetic memory.


    Any medicinal herb that had appeared in the pharmacy, its utility and medicinal properties were all engraved in his mind; any Supplemental Medicine that had been decocted in the pharmacy, he had firmly memorized the formulas and secrets.


    Finally.


    The panel surfaced.


    [Skill: Medical Skill - Mortal (Entry-Level)]


    [Progress: 0/500]


    [Utility: Mastery of medicinal principles, Recognize Medicine Upon Sight]


    [Recognize Medicine Upon Sight: For ordinary medicines, seeing them would enable him to decipher the formula]

 Chapter 75 - 75: Xuanwu Camp Commander

    ```


    Deciphering formulas?


    Indeed, a valuable skill.


    However, it seems temporarily unnecessary.


    At least within the boundaries of Po Yang County, there isn''t much talk of special formulas.


    Most pharmacies simply provide the prescribed doses of herbs, which people take home to boil with water.


    But since martial arts secret manuals are often jealously guarded, it''s certain that truly advanced medicinal recipes are also treated as family treasures and hidden away.


    So just because they''re not needed now doesn''t mean they won''t be useful in the future.


    It''s still a useful skill to have.


    At this moment, as Chen Sansi watched the clay pots on the stove, he saw not merely dark liquids within them but detailed formulas.


    He knew exactly how much of each herb was needed, whether it be fresh or dried, and the required age of the plants, down to the smallest measurement.


    Fortunately, the silver that Senior Sister Sun gave him has also been almost spent.


    Practicing martial arts is truly like a bottomless pit when it comes to resources.


    Going forward, procuring my own herbal materials and preparing them myself is the long-term plan.


    "Huff..."


    After running back and forth for ten days, saying I''m not tired would be impossible.


    Finally achieving my phase goals, Chen Sansi let out a long sigh of relief and rode his White Swan Horse back home.


    Pushing open the door to his house, he saw no one around.


    He guessed she might be doing needlework in the bedroom.


    Indeed.


    And Sun Li was there as well.


    Having heard the noise in advance, she had already put everything away: "Little junior brother, you don''t even announce yourself when you enter."


    Chen Sansi said, "Please forgive me, Senior Sister Sun, I didn''t know you were here."


    "Hmm."


    Sun Li suddenly realized that she was in someone else''s home: "Little junior brother, you''ve been working hard and dutiful recently, I won''t disturb your rest."


    She picked up the blade that was placed by the table and took her leave with clasped hands.


    "Brother Shi, look how dusty and dirty you''ve gotten."


    Gu Xinlan was packing up her needlework tools: "I''ll go and prepare something for you to eat first."


    "Good."


    Chen Sansi curiously asked, "What were you two embroidering?"


    He opened the storage box and found it contained handkerchiefs, embroidered shoes, purse bags, and the like.


    There were also a few where the threads were a mess and the patterns distorted.


    "Li actually has a tough life too," Gu Xinlan said softly. "She told me she never liked to practice martial arts, but with no brothers at home and a desire to relieve her father''s worries, she had no choice but to take up the blade."


    "Is that so."


    Chen Sansi was different.


    Practicing martial arts was tiring, but he genuinely enjoyed the feeling of improving himself.


    He stretched out his arms for Sister Lan to help him remove his armor.


    Then, without even bothering to take off his underclothes, he lay down on the bed and fell asleep.


    He slept straight through until the next day dawned.


    In the morning, after dealing with the military camp''s affairs, Chen Sansi headed to the old house in Yanbian Village to gather all of his battle spoils, then shouldered them and went back up the mountain.


    Boiling medicines at home, even with the chimney covered, would let scents drift far; it was definitely not an option.


    A secluded spot was necessary.


    Luckily, Tiger Head Mountain was vast and boundless, with many secluded and desolate places.


    Chen Sansi soon found a deep cave on the cliffside of a barren mountain.


    With many stones and scant vegetation around, there was essentially no game or plants, so people rarely came by, and the cave was halfway up the cliff, making it quite concealed.


    After ensuring there were no issues, he began organizing his things.


    "All these herbs together must be worth several thousands of silver!"


    "Aside from the main ingredients for Blood Replenishing Soup and Replenishing Essence Soup, there are also plenty of materials for Bone Nourishing Soup and Medicine Bath."


    "Enough for a month''s use!"


    "And even if they''re used up, it doesn''t matter, I can always quietly borrow some from the masters'' homes!"


    "After all, I won''t be earning money through hard labor anymore."


    "Unfortunately, Blood Replenishing Soup and Replenishing Essence Soup have little utility for me now, I''ll wait for the right moment to use them."


    Chen Sansi spread out his wares and began mixing the medicinal ingredients.


    He prepared ten doses each of Bone Nourishing Soup and Medicine Bath first and then commenced his solitary cultivation in the cave.


    ```


    ```


    It wasn''t until evening approached that he descended the mountain and returned home, conveniently bringing back a goat and pigeon to prepare for dinner.


    "What''s that noise?"


    From a distance, Chen Sansi could hear the sounds of commotion and fighting coming from the military settlement.


    And it sounded all too familiar.


    "Wang Zhi, Sun Buqi?!"


    He hurriedly dropped the game in front of his house and rushed over to check the situation.


    In front of a residence, Sun Buqi was holding a long spear, blocking the entrance, refusing to let the portly armored military officer in front of him enter.


    He usually looked lazy and slack, but now his eyes were fierce, burning with anger, and even his voice was slightly trembling, "Well done, Tang Ruoshan! I thought you were dead! Turns out, you''re hiding here, clinging to life!"


    "This young master..."


    Wang Zhi, also deviating from his usual sly, lazy, and greedy demeanor, said anxiously, "Could you have mistaken me for someone else? My name is Wang Zhi, not Tang Ruoshan."


    "Bullshit!"


    Sun Buqi said through gritted teeth, "Don''t think I couldn''t recognize you just because you''ve put on some weight; even if you were burned to ashes, I would still know you. Give back my brother''s life!"


    Before his words had even finished, his long spear had already thrust forward.


    The spear was incredibly swift and powerful, extraordinary. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Wang Zhi dared not look directly at the opponent, only drawing out his slender Mo Blade and placing it horizontally in front of him, effortlessly blocking the bone training martial artist''s strike, "Young master, you... you really have the wrong person!"


    "Die!"


    Sun Buqi''s spear technique was as swift as the wind and fast as lightning, turning into a violent storm lunging at the other party.


    But each thrust was easily parried by Wang Zhi.


    Clearly, although both were bone training martial artists, their strengths were not on the same level.


    Even though Wang Zhi never countered and only defended, Sun Buqi''s Qi-Blood was gradually depleting, and his speed was noticeably slowing.


    At that moment, he regretted not practicing his martial arts well, unable to kill the detestable person in front of him.


    "Tang Ruoshan! You... you coward!"


    "Fifteen years have passed; don''t you even dare to admit your own name now?"


    "Hiding in a place like this, what''s the point of living?!"


    Hearing these words,


    Wang Zhi''s expression froze for a moment, then with a "clang" he dropped the Mo Blade from his hand.


    He finally admitted, "Junior brother, kill me if you must."


    Having said that, he closed his eyes, truly no longer defending himself.


    "Good, I will kill you!"


    Sun Buqi raised his spear to thrust at the throat.


    Just as Chen Sansi was about to intervene, another figure in red, alerted by the commotion, arrived.


    "Stop!"


    "Sister?"


    Sun Buqi abruptly stopped the long spear that was already thrusting forward, "Sister, look who this is?!"


    "I know."


    Sun Li had already guessed it.


    Her cold gaze turned to Wang Zhi, "Tang Ruoshan, long time no see."


    "Junior sister..."


    Upon seeing her, Wang Zhi knelt down, "You and junior brother, take this dog''s life of mine."


    Sun Li''s face was expressionless, "Keep your life, and die on the battlefield come spring. Buqi, come with me."


    "Sister?"


    "I told you to come!"


    "Hmph!"


    Only then did Sun Buqi retrieve his spear and leave with his sister.


    Meanwhile, Wang Zhi knelt on the ground, not getting up for a long time.


    There was no need to ask.


    Chen Sansi already had a rough idea about the cause of this farce.


    Sun Buqi mentioned something that happened fifteen years ago, and the death of his third brother.


    Fifteen years ago was the fifty-seventh year of Longqing.


    That year, a fierce battle broke out between the Eight Camps and Nanxu Country at Kangning Prefecture.


    The Black Tortoise Camp was entirely wiped out during the battle.


    The Main General at the time was Tang Ruoshan.


    The Deputy General was Sun Buhui.


    ```

 Chapter 76 - 76 Above Martial Saint

    "Are you alright?"


    After waiting for a while, Chen Sansi stepped forward and helped Fatty Wang to his feet.


    "Did you hear everything?"


    With a dazed expression, Wang Zhi responded, "Yes, it was I who caused the death of my junior and the soldiers..."


    "Then how come you haven''t lost your head?"


    Chen Sansi asked.


    If it was a major blunder in commanding that led to the annihilation of an entire Elite Camp, the Main General would definitely be sentenced to death.


    "..."


    Wang Zhi kept quiet for a long time before finally speaking in a hoarse voice, "I had no choice at the time, do you understand? I had no choice."


    He knelt back down to the ground and slumped sitting.


    "In the fifty-seventh year of Longqing,


    "Under the instigation of Yan Liang and others, the court summoned the Lord Governor back to the Capital City under false charges and threw him into the Imperial Prison.


    "That same year,


    "Nanxu Country launched a large-scale invasion.


    "The Eight Camps were deployed to defend and counterattack.


    "My real name is Tang Ruoshan, and I was the Xuanwu Camp Commander at the time.


    "However, the defeat wasn''t due to my miscommand.


    "At that time, Nanxu Country had already seized many strategic fortresses, including Lingchuan Prefecture.


    "If we didn''t find a way to swiftly take back Lingchuan Prefecture, once Nanxu Country stabilized its footing, the south would be essentially lost.


    "But Lingchuan Prefecture has treacherous terrain, easy to defend but hard to attack.


    "The best strategy was to first breach through Kangning Prefecture on the eastern side.


    "But such a breach was not easy to create.


    "The ideal approach was to wait for the rest of the Imperial Army to arrive as reinforcements and launch a fierce attack with several times the manpower.


    "But they didn''t move!"


    Wang Zhi became agitated: "The Emperor''s Imperial Army was already assembled, yet they deliberately didn''t set out towards Kangning Prefecture, why do you think that was?"


    "They were waiting for you to be killed."


    Chen Sansi provided the answer.


    "Exactly!"


    Wang Zhi spoke angrily, "The court wanted to use this opportunity to weaken the power of the Eight Camps, and it would be better still if a few generals died, making it easier for others to take over in the future!


    "The Supervisor confined in the Imperial Prison was used as a hostage to threaten us!


    "If we disobeyed and delayed until the Imperial Army had no choice but to intervene, it would only confirm the disloyalty of the Eight Camps, and what end would our master meet? The Eight Camps would surely be targeted for slow purge.


    "Conversely, if the Eight Camps stood up and showed loyalty at this time, willing to lead the charge for the Imperial Army, it would prove that we were still under the control of the court, maybe then our master and the others could find a way to survive.


    "I saw that very clearly.


    "And it wasn''t enough just to use flesh and blood to storm the city for the Imperial Army, there had to be one more person!"


    Chen Sansi''s brow furrowed slightly, "Third Young Master?"


    Wang Zhi did not answer directly but instead spoke in a lower tone:


    "Do you know when the Eight Camps were established?


    "Seventy-two years ago, from the first year of Longqing, the year the current Emperor ascended the throne!


    "Our master knew the Emperor since they were young, being a confidant within the hearts of the Emperor, otherwise, how could he have been granted the power to recruit troops independently?


    "Even the fact that the common people called the Eight Camps the ''Sun Family Army,'' the Emperor tolerated it.


    "Guess why, specifically in the fifty-seventh year of Longqing, he could no longer tolerate it?


    "Because a genius emerged from the Sun Family.


    "Our master had a total of five children.


    "The oldest and the second, died early in battles, and even if they were alive, their talents were mediocre; they would not have made significant strides in the path of Martial Arts.


    "But the third, Sun Buhui, was a genius.


    "Practicing Martial Arts for less than four years, he experienced countless battles, undefeated in all, highly revered in the military.


    "In the past, the Emperor would tolerate the existence of a ''Sun Family Army'' because he knew this situation would eventually end.


    "Once our master retired or passed away, the court would straightforwardly gain a corps of elite troops, a perfectly advantageous arrangement, who wouldn''t be pleased with that?


    "However, the emergence of Sun Buhui changed everything.


    "Buhui, exceptionally talented and highly ambitious, even declared that he would take over the Eight Camps in the future. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "This... touched the Emperor''s raw nerve.


    "For the Great Sheng Dynasty, having a Supervisor like Sun was an asset, a model of harmonious monarch-subject relations.


    "But if the Sun family were to produce another Governor, the nature of the matter would change completely."


    "By then, the Eight Camps would truly become the ''Sun Family Army,'' and the Sun family would no longer just be Sealed Border Governors but akin to a princely state of a different surname."


    "The court, how could it possibly allow such a thing to happen?"


    "And yet all the generals in the Eight Camps are very supportive of him."


    "How could the Emperor allow this situation to occur?"


    "Thus, he took advantage of a major court case to incarcerate Lord Governor Sun in the Imperial Prison."


    So that was it.


    From Chen Sansi''s perspective, there were only two solutions in this situation.


    First, Lord Governor Sun dies, and the Sun family is stripped of military power, at least placed under house arrest."


    Second, Sun Buhui dies."


    Once again, Wang Zhi''s voice came to his ears.


    "But after all, I watched my junior brother grow up, how could I bear to see him die?"


    "I thought of many ways, even considered rebelling."


    "But with the master detained in the Imperial Prison, if we acted, he would be the first to die."


    "Moreover, at that time, there was no second Martial Saint in the Eight Camps, it was simply not possible to win."


    "In the end, I could only lead my junior brother Sun Buhui to attack the city, prepared to die with him, and use one camp''s brothers to buy a retreat for the Eight Camps."


    "But... I didn''t die, I didn''t die!"


    "I also don''t know how I possibly didn''t die."


    Wang Zhi''s eyes were bloodshot, his face pained: "I was the first to climb the city wall, not retreating a step, continuing to fight until I lost consciousness, but I just did not die!"


    "When I woke up, I was in a bed, and Nanxu Country had already been repelled."


    "At that time, Bu Qi and Sun Li, who were still mere children, stood by my bed, asking for their third brother..."


    "The master also returned."


    "He said that from then on, our fate as master and disciple was finished, and told me to take care of myself."


    Chen Sansi asked, "Because of the death of the third son of the Supervisor?"


    "No."


    Wang Zhi trembled all over: "His old man did not blame me for that."


    "He said it was his own incompetence, unable to protect his own son, and also blamed the younger brother for his youthful impulsiveness, that he should bear the corresponding consequences."


    "The reason he sent me away was because at the time, only the younger brother needed to die, not to lead to the annihilation of the entire Xuanwu Camp, too rash, not fit to be a general anymore..."


    "What happened after?"


    Chen Sansi asked, "Did it just end like that?"


    "No, it didn''t end!"


    Wang Zhi raised his head: "Not long after, the master avenged us!"


    "He went back to the Capital City alone and outside the Imperial Palace, he stabbed to death the Minister of War who had long delayed sending troops and then left the Capital City openly."


    Killing someone in the Imperial Palace?


    Wasn''t that almost the same as doing it in front of the Emperor''s face?


    Why didn''t he act before?


    Chen Sansi wondered.


    Could it be that after the incident, Lord Supervisor had made another breakthrough in Martial Arts?


    "Rumors from the outside."


    Wang Zhi explained, "The master had broken through to a realm above Martial Saint."


    Above Martial Saint...


    The Immortal Path?


    Chen Sansi felt it was far off.


    He currently was still vague about the realm above Refining Internal, only knowing it was called Hua Jin."


    And with everything having turned out this way, with Lord Supervisor not rebelling, could the Emperor still tolerate him?


    Unless...


    The two of them couldn''t kill each other!


    Chen Sansi recalled again the matter of the Emperor''s many years of spiritual cultivation."


    Upon reflection, the conflict between the Eight Camps and the Imperial Family seemed significant."


    But, he still had to go to the Governor Mansion."


    Because according to the court''s nature, if one truly reached a certain level in Martial Arts, who knows how they might try to control him."


    Compared to that, the Governor Mansion was still the best place to go."

 Chapter 77 - 77: Courting

    I never expected Fatty Wang to have such a past.


    Now that we''re on the subject, how did someone in the Bone Forging Perfection Realm manage to become the commander of ten thousand men as the Camp General?


    Did he drop in rank?


    Seeming to catch onto his thoughts, Wang Zhi mocked himself, "Though I still cling to life, my body is practically ruined. My meridians and internal organs are damaged, and unless an immortal heals me, I''ll be stuck at Bone Forging Perfection for the rest of my life, unable to advance even an inch, let alone return to my former state."


    So he really did drop in rank.


    Is that why he let himself go?


    Not necessarily.


    Truth be told, despite Wang Zhi amassing a fair amount of wealth...


    Chen Sansi had never seen him spend any money; the guy even liked to mooch meals off others. He exploited the Martial Arts Hall the most. Nowadays, the young masters around the county avoid him like the plague.


    Possibly, he was saving money to buy medicine for his injuries.


    As the two continued their conversation, Wang Zhi''s mood gradually returned to normal.


    He gave a bitter smile, "I taught you the Cultivation Technique out of a selfish desire to do something for our master. But now, it seems like I won''t get to see her again. However, as long as you are in Po Yang, you can call on me anytime if you need anything."


    Chen Sansi didn''t need to offer comfort. They were both grown men. He patted the other man''s shoulder and took his leave.


    Learning the secrets of Longqing''s 57th year...


    ...only made him more eager to improve his strength.


    Even Supervisor Sun, at one point, wasn''t strong enough to protect his own son.


    But once one surpasses Martial Saint, even if that person stabs an Imperial Officer in front of the Emperor, no one would dare lay a finger on them.


    Everything is based on strength.


    "Push harder."


    In no more than ten or fifteen days, Chen Sansi would be able to achieve Bone Strengthening.


    He returned home.


    The Sun Li siblings were both seated in the courtyard.


    "Sister, why did you stop me from killing that surnamed Tang just now!"


    Sun Buqi was still cursing under his breath.


    "He was certainly hateful for what he did back then, but if it had been you or me, what choice would we have made?"


    Sun Li''s eyes were complex, "Instead of obsessing over the past, it''s better to cultivate diligently.


    "Learn from your junior brother. He''s even responsible for the Great Wall''s defense without slacking off, his Cultivation has surely improved significantly."


    "Shanshi has the Nine Dragon Body; how could I compare to that?"


    Sun Buqi spread his hands, "But Sister, you yourself at least have the Fire Lotus Martial Body. With a bit of effort, you might have a chance in the future."


    "Fire Lotus Martial Body?"


    Chen Sansi took the opportunity to inquire, "My understanding of Martial Bodies is very limited. Could you please explain it in detail, Sister?"


    The Eight Camps are renowned far and wide, and among them, those with extraordinary qualifications are surely not limited to the Supervisor and Sansi.


    His channels of information were limited; the news he received might not be accurate. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Sun Buqi played coy, "Guess how long my sister has been practicing Martial Arts?"


    Typically, martial arts practitioners begin laying the foundation at the age of twelve.


    Formal training starts around fifteen.


    The practice of Martial Arts in this world is extremely taxing on the body, and starting too young can backfire.


    He estimated Sun Li to be about nineteen years old.


    But Sister Lan had mentioned that she disliked practicing Martial Arts, and since he was asking, it surely hadn''t been for long.


    "One year."


    Unable to hold it in, Sun Buqi blurted out before her, "The Fire Lotus Martial Body, also known as the Congenital Saber Body, allows for astonishing speed in learning Saber Technique.


    "A year ago, my sister picked up the saber to start practicing Martial Arts. In one year, she''s reached Bone Training Perfection, close to Refining Internal.


    "But she still can''t compare to you.


    "Currently, there are few in the Eight Camps who can match you, but there are some.


    "For example, our eldest brother, with the Mixed Element Dominator Body, reached Refining Internal in half a year and Hua Jin in one year.


    "Besides, the speed of cultivation isn''t necessarily tied only to one''s physique; comprehension plays a huge role too.


    "There''s a senior brother with an excellent root bone, but he''s not the brightest. Supposedly, he could have achieved Refining Internal in seven months, but he couldn''t understand the secret skill books, dragging it out to a year and a half.


    "And there''s another senior brother with a slightly lesser physique, expected to achieve Refining Internal in a year, but because of his sharp comprehension, he did it in eight months.


    "Comprehension and physique are different things; they''re not one and the same."


    Chen Sansi nodded thoughtfully.


    It matched with what he thought. His own cultivation pace was good, making him what people call a "genius," but he was far from being "rarely seen in this world" and was only considered top-tier in Po Yang Territory.


    Perhaps, it was related to his incomplete physique.


    Others have one complete physique.


    But not him.


    The blood of the Dragon Elephant and the Nine Dragon Living Veins are obviously a mixed match.


    There''s definitely a boost to cultivation, but until he gathers a complete set, he may not surpass those with a complete physique.


    And let''s not forget, he has the "Spirited Heart" from his studies, and with the help of Spiritual Grain, he has achieved his current cultivation pace.


    At the end of the day, he was still a frog in the well, with a shortsighted vision.


    Leaving Po Yang County was where the real world began.


    "Brother Bu Qi,"


    Chen Sansi cupped his fists and said, "Just now, I saw that your spear technique was extraordinary. I wonder if you could give me some guidance?"


    Finding someone to spar with, it''s actually better to have a controlled gap in realms.


    Comparing with Sun Li was a bit too much.


    Sun Buqi was proficient in Bone Training Skill and was conveniently one realm higher than him.


    "Are you sure?"


    Sun Buqi was full of confidence, "You may be better than me at archery, but you definitely can''t beat my spear technique!"


    Arriving at the Martial Arts Arena, they found an open space.


    Sun Buqi cupped his fists and said, "You practice the Undying Golden Snake, and I practice the Flying Snake Wind. Its specialty is speed, so you''d better be careful."


    The next moment.


    The long spear in his hand, truly like a flying serpent, reached him in the blink of an eye.


    "What a spear!"


    Chen Sansi had seen his exchange with Wang Zhi earlier and was on guard. Yet it was still faster than he had anticipated.


    After all, this was the young master of the Sun Family.


    Even if he was lazy on a daily basis, how bad could he really be?


    Fortunately, he had the blood of the Dragon Elephant and the Nine Dragon Living Veins.


    He was in no way inferior in terms of strength.


    He could also barely keep up with the speed.


    But it''s still the same saying.


    As long as he didn''t lose at the start, there was a very high chance of winning for him.


    Whistling sounds from the Martial Arts Arena continuously pierced the air, deterring anyone within dozens of meters from coming close.


    "This is the Undying Golden Snake?"


    Sun Buqi''s confidence quickly dissipated into thin air.


    He originally thought that with the advantage of his Cultivation Technique and the suppression of his realm, he would win within fifteen moves at worst.


    Yet after twenty moves, he still couldn''t claim victory.


    The other party seemed a bit slower in speed, but in reality, he always managed to respond perfectly to incoming attacks, without any flaws whatsoever.


    "I don''t believe it!"


    Sun Buqi exerted all his might, and his spear technique became more dazzling than ever.


    Normally at this point, Chen Sansi would have started looking for opportunities to counterattack.


    But today, he wasn''t aiming to win. He just wanted to maintain the state of his surging Qi-Blood to refine his spear technique and accelerate the improvement of his proficiency.


    During this process.


    He could feel it.


    The Nine Dragon Tendon absorbing the blood of the Dragon Elephant, then tempering the root bone through the Bone Membrane and meridians¡ª the interplay of two different physical qualities, it was uncertain what the end result would be.


    "Junior Brother, you truly can''t win against me!"


    Sun Buqi initially got somewhat panicky, thinking he was going to be taken down across realms, but eventually he stabilized and fought more vigorously.


    "This idiot..."


    Only Sun Li could see that her brother was being led by the nose by Chen Sansi.


    ...


    "How long has he been practicing Martial Arts, and yet he can fight toe-to-toe with the young master of the Sun Family?"


    Not far away.


    As Ji Guangxian passed by, he stopped to watch. Being a scholar, he couldn''t discern the intricacies and involuntarily looked towards his personal guard, "Just how good is this kid? Did I underestimate him?"


    "It is said that he has the Nine Dragon Body."


    Dan Guard explained straightforwardly, "If nothing unexpected happens, in the future he will at least be a Camp General."


    The Elite Camp Commander commands ten thousand soldiers.


    "Oh? If you say so, serving under me might indeed be beneath his talents."


    Ji Guangxian stroked his beard, pondering, "But if I can present him to Mr. Gao, to the Crown Prince, it would also count as a merit for me."


    "I''m afraid that would be difficult."


    Dan Guard said, "It looks like he is dead set on joining the Eight Camps."


    "The lad is still young and too naive,"


    Ji Guangxian drawled, "Elephant Sect is old and His Majesty is getting on in years. This world will eventually belong to the Crown Prince!


    "If you explain the importance of this relationship clearly, any smart person would come around, wouldn''t they?"


    "Moreover, as long as he is willing to follow me, the Ji Family''s ancestral secret medicine is plentiful; why would he need to risk his life in the military to earn merits for exchange?"


    "Yes!"


    Dan Guard accepted the order, "Sir, let me try."

 Chapter 78 - 78: The Secret Recipe Not Passed On

    Time passes like this, without cessation, day and night.


    Ten days flew by in a flash.


    Every morning, Chen Sansi pretended to go hunting in the mountains, when in fact, he was boiling concoctions and brewing medicine.


    Upon returning, he would ask Sun Buqi to accompany him in spear training.


    Moreover, with the addition of Spiritual Grain as aid.


    The breakthrough was only one step away.


    This was even after he intentionally slowed down the progress for two days due to concerns about poisoning in the meridians; otherwise, it would have been quicker.


    On the Martial Arts Arena.


    Chen Sansi and Sun Buqi were sparring for the countless time.


    But today.


    Sun Buqi''s complexion looked somewhat unpleasant.


    He sensed something was amiss.


    Every other day, Chen Sansi''s spear technique would improve slightly from before.


    At first, he was barely able to hold his ground.


    Gradually, it turned into barely hanging on.


    And then it became impossible to resist.


    It wasn''t just the power, even the unique swiftness of the Flying Snake Spear Technique no longer held any advantage, and he was even beginning to fall behind.


    "How were you able to enhance the Undying Golden Snake Spear to such an extent?"


    Sun Buqi was astonished, "It must be due to the Nine Dragon Body, but junior brother, your understanding must also be remarkably high!"


    Another ten rounds passed.


    Sun Buqi was dizzy and weak, his Qi-Blood declining, barely able to hold on.


    "Bu Qi, hold on a little longer."


    Sun Li, who had been practicing with a blade beside them, stopped her movements and said to him, "The junior brother is about to make a breakthrough." sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Breakthrough?!"


    Sun Buqi paused for a moment, then clenched his teeth, exerting all his strength desperately.


    On the Martial Arts Arena, two long spears clashed like two giant battling snakes, hissing and thundering continuously, causing no one to dare approach within a hundred meters.


    Chen Sansi no longer maintained the balance, unleashing all his skills; his reed leaf spear became increasingly heavier, faster, and the variations in his moves became more agile, even bordering on eerie.


    In the end, the long spear seemed to possess its own life; it didn''t require him to think at all and would automatically launch fierce attacks at the opponent until it found the right opportunity to knock down the other giant snake.


    At the same time.


    The bones nourished by the Dragon Elephant Blood and Nine Dragon Living Veins underwent a qualitative change.


    [Cultivation Technique: Undying Golden Snake Spear. Upper (Mastery)]


    [Progress: 0/1000]


    [Utility: Dragon Elephant Blood, Nine Dragon Tendons, Innate Vajra]


    [Innate Vajra: Tempering the bones into iron, training the skin into copper; when reaching Great Success, one''s body will be indestructible as Vajra.]


    Common Bone Training usually relies on Abnormal Bone and Xuan Skin.


    The Copper Skin Iron Bone is probably something only those with the Innate Vajra Body can possess.


    ''Did I really turn into such a hodgepodge?''


    Dragon Elephant Blood, Nine Dragon Tendons, and now the Vajra Body.


    Chen Sansi felt the strength in his bones.


    Even though he hadn''t achieved the Iron Bone level yet, they were definitely tough enough to withstand being chopped by a blade or pierced by an axe; even if attacked from both front and rear, the error tolerance would be significantly high.


    "Mastering Bone Training in three months."


    Sun Buqi was knocked down by the suddenly surged terrifying force and naturally knew the opponent had succeeded in the breakthrough.


    He stood up, "As long as your ability to lead troops is passable, you will definitely become a Main General of a regiment in the future!"


    "Thank you, senior brother Bu Qi, for sparring with me for so many days."


    Chen Sansi knew that it wasn''t an easy task.


    "Why be so polite?"


    Sun Buqi waved his hand, "But I won''t be able to keep up with you in the future."


    "Then, Senior Sister Sun will have to take over the hard work."


    Chen Sansi cheekily stated.


    "Hah, you''re not at all shy about asking for help."


    Sun Li holding her blade responded, "Let''s talk when I''m free, I''ve got things to do."


    Chen Sansi knew they were still investigating the matter regarding the Immortal Treasure.


    Even the Magistrate, the Lord Prefect, and Xiang Tingchun were looking into it.


    Lately, Po Yang County seemed calm on the surface, but danger lurked underneath, ready to erupt at any moment.


    Every faction would not give up the search for the Immortal Treasure easily.


    Leaving aside whether it was truly possible to refine Immortal Pills.


    The mere fact that the Abnormal Fire could accelerate cultivation using Spiritual Grain was enough to drive people mad.


    Take the Barbarians as an example.


    Why have they not been able to invade the Central Plains for a thousand years?


    Isn''t it because of the scarcity of resources resulting in fewer High-level Martial Artists than in Dasheng?


    But the arrival of Spiritual Grain completely compensates for this.


    Spiritual Grain matures twice a year and can be found everywhere.


    It''s virtually cost-free.


    The Barbarians would have no difficulty obtaining it.


    With the Immortal Treasure, they would be able to mass-produce high-level martial artists; given enough time, they will inevitably surpass the Central Plains in terms of martial force one day.


    In other words,


    whoever possesses an Immortal Treasure can create a formidable, ferocious army.


    That includes Chen Sansi himself.


    Of course, he is currently not qualified to use it.


    Both Emperor Dasheng and the Barbarians possess the greatest combat power of this age.


    A common man is not guilty; possessing a jade makes him guilty.


    To legitimately own a treasure, what''s most needed is strength that matches it.


    Otherwise, you''re courting death.


    "Sister, I really don''t know where to start my investigation,"


    Sun Buqi said gloomily, "Although lately the Martial Arts Hall has been in frequent contact with the Magistrate, it''s quite normal for the local powers to pay tribute to the new official."


    The Martial Arts Hall and the Magistrate?


    Are these two colluding?


    It''s also possible that the Magistrate is investigating the Martial Arts Hall.


    ''It has nothing to do with me.''


    Even though Chen Sansi wasn''t included in the conversation, he didn''t interject.


    After the siblings had left,


    a man in black clothing who had been watching from a distance finally found an opportunity and approached with a smile, "Congratulations to Officer Chen on another breakthrough in your Martial Arts Realm! With such talent, your future is boundlessly promising."


    The guard of Ji Guangxian?


    Chen Sansi recognized him.


    The man in black introduced himself, "I am Dan Yuanzhi, we should have met before."


    "What does Dan Guard want with me?"


    Chen Sansi spoke calmly.


    "The last time Magistrate Ji had some things he did not clarify."


    Dan Yuanzhi argued, "Lord Prefect''s intent was not for you to follow him for life, but to be your patron. After your Refining Internal Organs, he directly recommends you to the Crown Prince."


    "The Crown Prince?"


    Before Chen Sansi could reply,


    "Why must Officer Chen insist on clinging solely to Governor Mansion?"


    Dan Yuanzhi continued, "We practice Martial Arts for a splendid future, right?


    "But do you know that Sun Dushi is getting old?


    "If something unexpected happens to Lord Governor and he has made many enemies at court, how will you, being closely associated with him, cope?


    "It would be better to switch allegiances early and find a reliable backer."


    Clearly,


    this was a change in Ji Guangxian''s attitude towards him.


    When the hard approach didn''t work, he was ready to try a softer one.


    "Dan Guard''s words are not proper,"


    Chen Sansi casually thought of an official-sounding response to fend him off, "I joined Governor Mansion, not to seek a backer, but to serve the court."


    "Serve the court, well said!"


    Dan Yuanzhi questioned, "Who sits above the court?"


    "Naturally, it''s the Holy Emperor," Chen Sansi said.


    "Correct, it''s the Holy Emperor."


    Dan Yuanzhi lowered his voice, "But the Holy Emperor is of advanced age. If he passes away, who then will sit above the court?


    "Therefore, only by pledging allegiance to His Highness early can one rapidly ascend to high positions."


    "Pass away?"


    Chen Sansi deliberately raised his voice, "How can Dan Guard speak such nonsense? The Emperor is Emperor Wan Shou, an Immortal by nature, how can there be talk of his demise?"


    Emperor Wan Shou, an Immortal by nature.


    These are titles the Old Emperor gave to himself.


    He said this


    partly to scare Dan Yuanzhi,


    and partly because it''s hard to say.


    The Immortal Treasure proves the existence of Immortal Trace.


    The Old Emperor has been striving for so many years; he must have gained something, right?


    This Supervisor of four decades, the Crown Prince, probably has to endure a few more years.


    "You..."


    Dan Yuanzhi was startled, his heart trembling, thankful that there was no one nearby.


    He was somewhat annoyed, "If that is the case, there''s no need for further discussion! In fact, Lord Prefect was prepared to present you with a secret medicine, but it seems, there is no need for that now."


    "Secret medicine?"


    Chen Sansi''s eyes lit up, "What kind of secret medicine?"


    ''Indeed, what truly attracts Martial Artists are things that improve their Cultivation.''


    Dan Yuanzhi felt hopeful, hastily said, "Magistrate Ji''s ancestors made a fortune from the medicinal herb business, and he possesses an exclusive secret medicine recipe. It was by offering this recipe that he caught the attention of Mr. Gao from the Cabinet. He will be transferred to the Capital City in a couple of years, which shows how precious this recipe is. But, Lord Prefect said, as long as you agree, you''ll have enough of it!"


    "Empty promises prove nothing."


    Chen Sansi said, "How about this, you brew a dose first and let me try it.


    "If this medicine is really as powerful as Dan Guard says, there''s no harm in considering a change of allegiance later."


    "Fine!"


    Dan Yuanzhi agreed at once.

 Chapter 79 - 79 Night Watch

    Chen Sansi watched Dan Yuanzhi leave with contentment and felt a bit of stealthy joy in his heart.


    It was like someone offering a pillow as soon as he felt sleepy.


    The medical books had mentioned this.


    For every Martial Arts Realm, there is a corresponding supplemental medicine that works best.


    The one targeting the mastery of Bone Training, the Households also had it.


    But since Ji Guangxian''s prescription caught even the Lord of the Capital''s eye, it must be extraordinary.


    Since it was for free, why not take it?


    Even if he didn''t want to take it, Ji Guangxian wouldn''t easily let it go.


    To take something for free and to buy time to enhance his cultivation were both beneficial.


    It was a win-win!


    "This Dan Yuanzhi is an entry-level in refining organs skill."


    "To deal with him, at the very least, one needs to have reached Bone Forging Perfection and also have achieved Great Arrow Skill to have a significant chance of winning."


    Chen Sansi felt immense pressure.


    He had just broken through and planned to first check the training state of his subordinates before continuing to cultivate.


    Recently, Wu Da entered the Blood Cultivation Introduction; his talent was mediocre, but he was extremely impulsive.


    Zhuang Yi was also close to entering Blood Cultivation.


    Overall, the progress was still too slow.


    At least a few people needed to reach the Bone Training Realm to really be effective.


    When passing by the horse field,


    it was unusually lively inside.


    In the spacious field, about two hundred people were training in cavalry formations.


    To attack the grassland tribes, it was indispensable to have horses.


    For this purpose, Xiang Tingchun had not spared any efforts recently.


    Extorting silver from the Martial Arts Hall to buy horses, asking for them from the Prefecture''s Guard Command, and with the support of the Military Department, he actually managed to get nearly three hundred war horses.


    However, the war horses were assigned to the old veterans and confidants in the Households.


    Luo Dongquan, Feng Yong, Zhao Kang.


    Their subordinates were all transformed into cavalry.


    ...


    Past the horse field, there was another large Martial Arts Arena for collective training.


    [Skill: Commanding Soldiers (Introduction)]


    [Progress: 133/500]


    [Utility: Mainstay]


    After half a month on autopilot, the progress had only increased this much.


    Chen Sansi deliberately didn''t go near, watching their training from afar.


    He saw Xu Wencai so angry that his face turned thoroughly red.


    Many people teased him jokingly.


    "Old man, you can''t even perform Pile Work, and you want to command us? Get lost."


    Wu Da led the laughter, and a group of them burst out laughing.


    "I already heard about you; you studied all your life and never passed the scholar examination!"


    "You''re also unfilial, able-bodied, so why let your old mother support you?"


    "Really don''t know, what use Householder Chen keeps you for!"


    "..."


    "You... you..."


    Xu Wencai didn''t argue but merely held a Scroll Book, pointing to his scar-faced face: "This is the military order! Mr. Chen personally said that I should train your formations; dare you defy the military order?!"


    "Wu Da, stop making trouble."


    Zhao Qiao added, "Whatever Mr. Chen asks us to do, we must follow."


    After spending time in the military camp, they gradually became more disciplined, all naturally referring to Chen Sansi as the lord or Householder Chen; no one called him by his name directly anymore.


    "Don''t scare me!"


    With a light shove, Wu Da pushed the old scholar to the ground: "A boot-licker, you must have deceived Mr. Chen!"


    "Bang¡ª"


    A long stick swept across and crashed down on his legs hard.


    Wu Da''s legs were in severe pain, and he knelt down with a thud.


    "Who?!"


    He looked up angrily, only to see a glaive-like long spear and immediately hung his head: "Lord... why are you here?"


    "Wu Da!" sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Sansi was expressionless: "Do you think you''re very impressive because you were the first one here to enter Blood Cultivation?"


    "Lord, why would you say that?"


    Wu Da showed a look of fear: "I don''t have such thoughts."


    Chen Sansi narrowed his eyes: "If you don''t have such thoughts, then what were you just doing?"


    No wonder the proficiency was growing so slowly.


    It turns out that as long as he wasn''t around,


    this group would each train on their own.


    They really listened to his words, but the person he appointed to manage them, might not necessarily want to listen.


    This is not acceptable.


    The army is an institution.


    Without anyone to help manage, how could he handle it all?


    Last time, Zhao Jin''s issue taught them military discipline.


    Today, they must be told that military orders are absolute.


    "Sir."


    Wu Da swallowed his saliva and pointed at the old scholar, "He knows nothing. How can you let him instruct us in formations?"


    "Is it up to me to decide whether he understands military formations, or is it up to you?!"


    Chen Sansi spoke deliberately, "Wu Da, I give you two choices, one, apologize and accept punishment; two, go home and hunt."


    "Sir, don''t drive me away!"


    Wu Da was truly panicked and hastily admitted his fault, "I apologize and accept punishment, apologize and accept punishment!"


    "Zhu Tong! Drag him away, twenty military lashes!"


    Chen Sansi ordered.


    Among all people, Zhu Tong listened to him the most.


    Zhu Tong was not convinced by Xu Wencai either.


    But if he said to let Xu Wencai train the troops in formations, Zhu Tong would do as told.


    "Alright!"


    Zhu Tong, without a word, summoned two men to drag Wu Da away for punishment.


    "Those who followed and jeered just now, the same applies to you, either accept punishment or get lost!"


    Chen Sansi said sternly, "Listen clearly, from now on, whoever I appoint to do whatever, those who disagree or have objections can come to me, but anyone who causes trouble behind the scenes will be severely punished without exception!"


    "Yes!"


    The crowd nodded repeatedly.


    All had the same thought in their minds.


    They knew well that Wu Da had initially followed Chen and had gone hunting in the mountains; knowing him from those early days and seeing that even he was not exempt from punishment, they respected Chen even more.


    "Xu Wencai, Zhao Qiao, you two come with me."


    Chen Sansi led them to a secluded place and pulled out a silver ingot to hand to Zhao Qiao, "Uncle Zhao, buy some golden sore medicine for Wu Da later. Don''t say it''s money from me; he must learn his lesson."


    "Alright."


    Zhao Qiao took the silver and left. "He indeed deserves it; he''s been too arrogant these days."


    "Sir."


    Xu Wencai was tearfully grateful, "Thank you, sir."


    "If this happens again, just come to me."


    Chen Sansi patted his shoulder, "But let me also make it clear, if they all listen and follow orders, but you fail to train properly, you''ll only be fit for menial tasks in the future."


    "Don''t worry, sir!"


    Xu Wencai swore, "As long as they listen to me, there definitely won''t be a problem."


    "Hmm, go on."


    Chen Sansi allowed him to leave.


    He was not usually a harsh man, but he understood the principles that the kindly do not manage soldiers, the righteous do not manage wealth.


    An army without iron discipline will never mature.


    Originally, Xiao He pursued Han Xin by the light of the moon.


    For Liu Bang to suddenly entrust the still obscure Han Xin with a major responsibility was indeed a challenge.


    Therefore, Chen Sansi needed to cultivate respect and obedience towards his personnel appointments early on.


    Of course, he also needed to make the right judgment.


    Whether Xu Wencai was a mule or a horse, one test would reveal the truth.


    "Old Chen."


    Householder Xiong came looking, "Come on, Lord Thousand Households has a mission to assign to us."


    Central Army Camp.


    On the central table, there was a sand table made not long ago, and behind the main seat, a map was hung.


    Apart from Feng Yong, who was patrolling the Great Wall, the other eight householders had been summoned together.


    "Everyone is here."


    Xiang Tingchun was in a great mood, addressing everyone, "The official and the Ministry of War have decided that troops will be deployed at the end of March after April.


    "Then, An Ding Prefecture Guard will send a thousand people to strengthen the border defenses, not to mention an additional promise of five hundred more troops!


    "Including two hundred disciples from the Martial Arts Hall.


    "By that time, the usable people at our thousand household office will number up to sixteen hundred.


    "The Xi River tribe has two thousand people, but their bone training martial artists are far inferior to ours, the scattered tribes do not know military formations, and having not invaded the border for six years, they are certainly lax in combat.


    "Therefore, our chances of victory are great.


    "But warfare is no child''s play; the above intelligence is from two years ago.


    "Before officially formulating a campaign strategy, I need three small teams to form night watch and verify the enemy intelligence."


    Night watch.


    It can be understood as scout.


    However, due to the lone army penetrating enemy territory, it often poses more danger than the usual scouts.


    Basically, it can be said that once exposed, there''s a great likelihood of sacrifice.


    "This task will be arranged by Luo Qianhu."


    Xiang Tingchun pointed to the Xi River on the sand table, "A month from now, I need the intelligence."

 Chapter 80 - 80: Beacon Fires Alight

    "Since the higher-up has spoken, I must select the soldiers,"


    Luo Dongquan''s gaze swept across the several Hundred Households inside the tent.


    Xiong, Liu, and others didn''t dare to raise their heads.


    No one wanted to undertake this grueling task.


    Guess why it''s called the night watch.


    Soon, Luo Dongquan spoke, "Liu Jinkui, Chen Sansi, each of us will pick ten men from our subordinates. In a month, we must head to the grassland and ascertain the true state of the Xi River tribe."


    Xiang Tingchun had just sat down and picked up a tea cup when he heard this plan, his eyebrows slightly furrowed, but he didn''t speak out against it.


    "This subordinate... accepts the order!"


    Liu Jinkui reluctantly accepted the order.


    Chen Sansi was not a hypocrite.


    Military orders were as heavy as mountains; he naturally would obey.


    It''s just that having Luo come along as well, couldn''t help but seem like he harbored ill intentions.


    "I should be the one to go!"


    Wang Zhi suddenly stood up, "I have reached Bone Forging Perfection, am I not stronger than him?"


    "Hundred Households Wang."


    Luo Dongquan said coldly, "It''s not your place to speak, is it?"


    "I didn''t ask you!"


    Wang Zhi shouted towards the main seat, "Households Commander Xiang, Luo harbors no good intentions!"


    "Fatty Wang, what do you mean by that?!"


    Luo Dongquan glared angrily, "Do you actually think that I would harm Hundred Households Chen in secret?"


    "Only you know what you''re thinking,"


    Wang Zhi insisted, "Households Commander Xiang, I''m definitely not being overprotective. Chen Sansi can go, but Luo Dongquan cannot. Only one of them can go!"


    "Wang Zhi, you dare defy a military order?!"


    "To hell with you, being Deputy Thousand Households is so important, huh?"


    "Do you believe I''ll report you to the Department of Soldiers!"


    "Go ahead and report, see if I''m scared?"


    "Enough!!!"


    Xiang Tingchun''s fist thunderously slammed on the desk, "Wang Zhi! You will go along with Chen Sansi!"


    "A wise decision!"


    Wang Zhi immediately changed to a sycophantic expression, "This subordinate guarantees to complete the mission!"


    Once the assignment was given, the group dispersed.


    "Old Luo."


    Xiang Tingchun, with eyes closed, inquired, "You were supposed to include Feng Yong, Zhao Kang, and Liu Jinkui. Why did you change it without authorization? I said after spring, do what you will with him, but right now, I need this man!"


    "This subordinate deserves to die."


    Luo Dongquan kneeled on one knee, "But sir, the Sun siblings are present, and Magistrate Ji is also courting him. If I wait till then, where will I get the chance?"


    "Wait a bit longer."


    Xiang Tingchun''s cheeks creased and then smoothed as he finally said, "At the very least, he must die on the main battlefield."


    "Sir, I understand,"


    Luo Dongquan bowed his head low.


    ...


    "That damned Luo Dongquan!"


    As soon as he walked out of the tent, Liu Jinkui burst into curses, "I used to treat him to meals all the time, now that he''s been promoted, he assigns me this deadly task!"


    "Entry-level Refining Internal dares to be arrogant!"


    Wang Zhi spat, "If it were the past, I would have split him in two right there."


    Zhao Kang and the rest pretended not to hear and quickly left.


    Xiong Qiuan followed with curses, "I''ve always seen he''s no good."


    "Shi, don''t panic."


    Wang Zhi sneered, "I''ll go with you, Luo wouldn''t dare to do anything."


    "Thanks."


    Chen Sansi expressed his gratitude.


    With him accompanying, there was at least no need to worry about being directly assassinated.


    "Still, I''m too weak; otherwise, who would dare harbor evil thoughts."


    Complaining was useless.


    All he could do was devote himself to his cultivation.


    He must also prepare for the trip to the grassland.


    Chen Sansi returned to the Martial Arts Arena to pick those for the night watch.


    "Zhu Tong, Zhuang Yi, Zhao Qiao, Li Dazhi, Xia Erniu."


    He picked five, Wang Zhi picked five.


    "Sir, what about me?"


    Wang Li was surprised, "Let me go with you."


    "You stay behind, in my absence, you''re responsible for helping Xu Wencai with the military drills."


    Chen Sansi said.


    This Wang Li usually keeps quiet, yet his cultivation speed is not slow at all, tightly following Zhu Tong. Most importantly, he has a stable personality, follows orders, and doesn''t cause any trouble.


    "Yes!"


    Wang Li accepted the orders.


    "You five, go to the horse field later. Someone will specifically train you in Horse Control Skill."


    Going to the grassland without a horse is not possible.


    The matter was settled.


    Several days passed in a flash.


    Chen Sansi routinely practiced cultivation and made medicine.


    After Bone Strengthening, it was time for Skin Training.


    To practice Skin Training, one couldn''t rely solely on Training. It required enduring painful tempering as well.


    There were two kinds of tempering tools.


    One was sandstone rough salt, the other was Iron Sand.


    Depending on the tool used, the tempering effects varied.


    Naturally, Chen Sansi chose Iron Sand.


    A wooden barrel was filled with specially made Iron Sand.


    He entered the barrel naked; it was as if he plunged into a mountain of knives and a sea of fire.


    Even though Chen Sansi was mentally prepared, he was still tortured until his facial features twisted. He forced himself to endure for ten minutes before jumping out, his body bloody and not a single patch of good flesh remained.


    He quickly took out his ointment.


    This black jade Protective Body Ointment was extremely expensive, costing five hundred taels per box and only lasting for twenty days.


    Even at the Bone Training Realm, the consumption of resources was astronomically expensive.


    No wonder many talented martial artists were willing to serve major families or martial arts halls like dogs.


    Soldiers in the military fought desperately with the hope of exchanging military merits, but how could Jianghu wanderers afford it?


    The black ointment, like mud, coated his entire body, bringing a wave of coolness. Threads and strands of medicinal power continuously repaired the surface wounds on his body.


    Training the skin in this way would not only avoid damaging the skin, but also make it smoother and more delicate.


    No wonder it was so expensive.


    After all, the medicinal herbs used inside were very precious.


    After deciphering the formula, Chen Sansi managed to mix about a box of it.


    Any more than that, and there wouldn''t be any left.


    After all, the medicinal herbs obtained from Medicine Valley were just one of the many medicinal gardens, most of which were ingredients for Replenishing Essence Soup and Medicine Baths.


    When it was used up...


    He would borrow some from Brother Liang''s place.


    Chen Sansi made up his mind. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Cultivation Technique: Undying Golden Snake Spear ¨C Advanced (Mastered)]


    [Progress: 105/1000]


    Too slow!


    The greatest increase in his cultivation speed was through Spiritual Grain.


    But the absorption efficiency was just too slow!


    Originally planned, he had four more months to refine his internals, provided he continuously consumed Spiritual Grain.


    But the more he practiced, the more Chen Sansi dared not consume too much.


    The poison in the meridians was no joke.


    "Forget it..."


    "Rushing is useless."


    Chen Sansi could only keep comforting himself, packing up his belongings and leaving the cave to go down the mountain and return home.


    It was dusk; the remaining sunlight of the setting sun reflected off the twilight sky. The military settlement was peaceful and serene. Every household was making fire for cooking, the wafting smoke rising up through the chimneys into the sky like long white dragons soaring.


    "Brother Shi is back."


    Gu Xinlan came out to meet him, Xu Bin''s pregnant wife, Sister Tong, was also there; she slightly bowed in greeting, "Greetings to Hundred Household Chen."


    "Brother Shi, Sister Tong said to have dinner at her place tonight; the wine and dishes are all ready."


    "Brother Shi, what are you looking at?"


    "Mr. Chen... what''s so interesting about the chimney?"


    "..."


    Chen Sansi had not heard a word from them.


    His eyes were fixed on the sky, his expression serious.


    Among the white dragons, a black dragon had mingled.


    That was not smoke from cooking.


    It was a beacon fire!


    It had been many years since Po Yang Thousand Households had dealt with warfare. Now a beacon fire was lit, and even the families living in the military settlement had not noticed the anomaly in time.


    "Buzz¡ª"


    "Enemy attack, enemy attack!"


    "All soldiers assemble, assemble¡ª"


    The Order Officer''s loud voice, accompanied by the sound of horse hooves, rang through the military settlement.

 Chapter 81 - 81 Ambush

    "Assemble¡ª¡ª"


    "Buzzing¡ª¡ª"


    Over nine hundred officers and soldiers assembled at the Great Martial Arts Arena with the fastest speed, amidst the chaos in the barracks yet without losing the most basic order.


    "Report!"


    "The border has lit two beacon fires, one signal tower indicates ''one,'' and one pile of firewood has been burnt, indicating that a raid of more than ten but less than a hundred cavalry is imminent!"


    Xiang Tingchun made a swift decision, "Zhao Kang, heed my command, you are to lead a hundred light cavalry and rush to the aid of the Great Wall immediately. If the number of raiders is a hundred cavalry, hold the fort and do not venture out. If it''s around fifty cavalry, pursue for thirty li outside the city regardless of whether the pursuit is successful or not, you must not exceed thirty li."


    "Liu Jinkui, Xiong Qiuan, Wang Zhi, the three of you are to lead your men to the Great Wall to reinforce our defenses and report any situation promptly."


    "Your subordinate obeys!"


    Several Hundred Households immediately set about their tasks.


    Especially when Zhao Kang''s hundred light cavalry burst out of the barracks, they kicked up dust that filled the sky, a sight that was nothing short of spectacular.


    "Lord Thousand Households."


    Chen Sansi clasped his fist, "Allow me to accompany Hundred Households Zhao."


    "You?"


    Xiang Tingchun hesitated for a moment, "Go, but you must follow orders and must not act on your own initiative."


    "I obey!"


    Chen Sansi mounted his White Swan Horse.


    Within two minutes, he had caught up with the main force and came alongside Zhao Kang.


    "What a fine horse!"


    Zhao Kang said with envy, "Your white horse must be even faster than that of Lord Thousand Households!"


    Chen Sansi could clearly feel that the speed of the White Swan Horse was increasing as his mastery of Horse Control improved.


    But he was not the commander of this operation and did not dare outpace the main force, so he stayed close by Zhao Kang''s side.


    "This is really something!"


    Zhao Kang pulled on the reins, "It''s been so many years since we''ve had cavalry raiders in the Po Yang Territory!"


    "Hundred Households Zhao, have you fought in wars before?"


    Chen Sansi asked.


    "Three or four times," Zhao Kang said with a deep voice. "The first time was nine years ago when eighty barbarian cavalry launched a surprise attack, breached the city wall, and slaughtered a village.


    "At that time, Households Commander Xiang was a Deputy Thousand Households, and the discipline of the Thousand Households troops was even looser than when you arrived, with virtually no combat capability. After the raiders had killed and looted, they left, and we couldn''t keep them.


    "That afternoon, Households Commander Xiang''s mother and siblings, his entire family, happened to be returning from the county town after making purchases and encountered the barbarians halfway. Not one survived.


    "The next year, the then Lord Thousand Households was promoted and transferred, and after Mr. Xiang took over as the Households Commander, the military discipline began to improve.


    "Later when the barbarian cavalry came again, most of the time they suffered heavy losses and eventually ceased their raids.


    "Today''s attack was indeed sudden."


    "..."


    Chen Sansi understood.


    So Xiang Tingchun''s insistence on campaigning against the Xi River tribes was not just about getting a promotion; it seemed there were also personal vendettas involved.


    "Hya¡ª¡ª"


    The Thousand Households was naturally located close to the Great Wall, as it was meant to defend it.


    They arrived at their destination while they were talking.


    Since every peace negotiation between the Central Plains and the barbarian tribes often led to trade, the Great Wall was not completely sealed off and normally had gates left open.


    The location where the signal fires had been lit was right next to one of the gates.


    Looking up, they could see two officers'' bodies hanging from the battlements, pierced by arrows.


    "Old Zhao, you guys arrived?!" Feng Yong leaned out and called out loudly, "The enemy doesn''t have many troops, just a Bone Training Hundred Households leading over fifty elite cavalrymen!"


    The barbarian tribes emulated Dasheng, also implementing a system of military households. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Moreover, all adult males on the grasslands were expected to serve in the military, embodying a system where every man was a soldier ready for battle and a herdsman when off duty, combining military and pastoral duties.


    "Open the city gate!"


    Zhao Kang did not waste words, "I am acting under the orders of Lord Thousand Households to sally forth and slay the enemy, quickly open the gate!"


    "Creak¡ª¡ª"


    The heavy and solid gate opened.


    A hundred light cavalry swarmed out.


    "Chase!"


    Zhao Kang brandished his sword.


    However, as they were opening the city gate, the barbarian cavalry began to retreat. By the time the Sheng Dynasty soldiers chased out, the enemy had already fled a considerable distance. At this point, it became a contest of whose horses were faster.


    The warhorses Xiang Tingchun painstakingly acquired were not bad, but they were not necessarily better than the horses from the grassland.


    As the chase prolonged, the distance between them and the barbarians grew further and further.


    It seemed chasing any longer would only result in a fruitless return.


    A white horse surpassed all other Sheng officials like a shooting star, closing the gap to the barbarian cavalry to about a hundred and twenty paces within a few breaths.


    The tiger bone big bow was quietly drawn, and a willow-leaf arrow shot forth, piercing through the back of a light barbarian cavalry, who fell stiffly from his horse.


    Zhao Kang was shocked beyond measure.


    You see, shooting an arrow from the ground and from horseback are completely different things.


    Unfortunately, this arrow did not close the distance between the two sides, and the Sheng officials were still far behind.


    "Giddyup¡ª"


    Chen Sansi put away the tiger bone big bow and switched to a reed-leaf long spear. He spurred the horse''s belly, and the White Swan Horse beneath him picked up speed again, charging straight at the barbarian cavalry.


    "Dangerous!"


    Ahead was a slope, and Zhao Kang was too late to stop him as the long spear and white horse vanished from their sight.


    He couldn''t help but feel a sinking feeling in his heart.


    Although there was only one barbarian hundred households, there were still over fifty cavalrymen. Charging in alone like this was bound to meet with encirclement!


    "This kid''s talent is good, but his actions are too rash."


    "He can''t die! If he dies, Wang Zhi will likely think that I colluded with Luo Dongquan to deliberately kill him!"


    "Chase, chase for me!"


    ...


    The barbarian officer clad in armor spurred his horse to gallop at the front of the troop.


    He looked back and asked, "Have we shaken them off?"


    "Lord Hundred Households, one man on a white horse is incredibly fast and has actually caught up!"


    "How many?"


    "Just one!"


    "Such audacity, could it be Xiang Tingchun himself?"


    "No, judging by the armor it seems to be a hundred households!"


    "A hundred households dares to chase after our fifty men? He''s seeking death!"


    Judging the speed at which the rest of the pursuers might catch up, the barbarian hundred households felt he had enough time and ordered, "Clear the way, I''ll personally sever his head!"


    "Hyah¡ª"


    He reined in his horse, turning to look back.


    He saw a white horse military officer approaching with a long spear, who with a raise of his hand, plunged the spear directly into a Blood Refining Officer, killing him instantly.


    "What ruthless spear technique!"


    The barbarian hundred households immediately changed his mind, "Surround and kill him, you swine; surround him until he''s dead!"


    Cavalry is different from infantry.


    With the boost of warhorses, their strength and speed far exceed that of infantry.


    Ordinarily, to exhaust a Bone Training Great Success martial artist, it would take twenty light infantrymen, but if you switch to cavalry, then merely over ten riders would suffice. With charge after charge, a mere martial artist could hardly withstand several rounds.


    Furthermore, among the more than fifty riders, there were not only Array Soldiers but also Blood Refining Great Success martial artists and military soldiers. Even a bone training martial artist would likely be exhausted to death.


    After the barbarian hundred households gave the command, the barbarian cavalry immediately turned around, spread out to a suitable distance, and then charged from all directions, encircling the white horse. Then they all pressed on to attack.


    "Puchi¡ª"


    Chen Sansi thrust his spear, killing the enemy who approached face-to-face. He had just withdrawn the spear when he heard the whistling of a sharp weapon tearing through the air behind him. He immediately bent low on the horse''s back to dodge a slash, then his waist twisted like a water snake, rotating 360 degrees as he swept his long spear in all directions, forcing back the enemies trying to ambush him from various angles. The White Swan Horse neighed and continued to charge forward. Seizing the brief opportunity, he thrust his spear through another enemy cavalry blocking the way and broke out of the encirclement.


    No matter how strong a martial artist is, they still only have two arms and two legs.


    This is the reason for the existence of an army; with enough people and sufficient time, combined with special combat skills, they can always find an opportunity to kill the enemy leader.


    This kind of life-and-death struggle, this critical and stimulating moment, made Chen Sansi''s blood surge throughout his body. His Qi-Blood, meridians, and even the meridians themselves were operating over their limits under the instinct to survive. The residual toxins in his meridians began to rapidly deplete, and his proficiency in spear technique improved significantly.


    Meanwhile, the barbarian cavalry adjusted their formation and launched a second round of encirclement and attack.


    "Bring it on!"

 Chapter 82 - 82: A Lone Knight Slays a General

    This time, three spears were thrusted towards him simultaneously.


    Chen Sansi moved like a ghostly apparition, in the blink of an eye he was no longer atop the horse, instead, he clutched the saddle with one hand, his body fully suspended at the flank, narrowly evading the strike without harm.


    Before the opponent could retract their spears, Chen Sansi harnessed the strength of his waist and, like a spring, vaulted back onto the horse, trapping the wooden shafts of the incoming spears under his arm, his arm muscles coiled like dragons. The blood of the Dragon Elephant, paired with the Nine Dragon Living Veins, erupted with astonishing power; he easily snapped the wooden shafts.


    "Huff¡ª"


    The sound of a sharp weapon drawing near came from behind.


    Relying on his hearing, Chen Sansi surmised that this assailant was clever, realizing that his agile body was difficult to hit, so they aimed directly for the White Swan Horse instead.


    "Go!"


    He leapt into the air, thrusting his long spear and impaling a spearman who had lost his weapon, claiming his horse, and using the corpse as a weapon to crash into those behind him.


    With the White Swan Horse unburdened, its speed surged forward rapidly, successfully dodging a slash from behind.


    Heart and mind as one!


    Not until actually battling on the field did Chen Sansi truly understand how important this was.


    He jumped back onto the White Swan Horse, stabbing to death three cavalrymen in succession and once again breaking through the encirclement.


    No more than a few seconds had elapsed.


    Six or seven cavalrymen lay dead.


    "My lord!"


    The barbarian cavalry hesitated for a moment and did not immediately launch a third charge but simultaneously looked towards their Hundred Households leader for instructions.


    But before they could receive any commands,


    it was the White Horse military officer who took the initiative and charged forth.


    In the chaos,


    Chen Sansi''s vision was filled to the brim with bladed weapons of all sorts, the air was thick with killing intent from all directions, and enemies were everywhere. He had no time to distinguish between military officers and rank soldiers as he continuously swung the reed-leaf long spear, spearing one barbarian after another, whilst also fending off attacks from all sides. The air was thick with blood, akin to a macabre rain.


    In such a state, with all guns blazing, it was an incredibly rapid expenditure of Qi-Blood for any martial artist.


    Martial artists, aside from their physical bodies, rely on Qi-Blood to enhance their attacks.


    This was equivalent to constantly using skills, draining the mana bar.


    Once the mana runs dry, one can only rely on the strength of their physical body.


    Fortunately, his mana bar was a little bit larger than average.


    With the blood of the Dragon Elephant coursing ceaselessly, Chen Sansi''s body was ablaze with heat, but he felt no fatigue; his lunging spear grew ever more stable, accurate, and ruthless. In front of him, one after another, the cavalrymen fell, with cries of agony rising in succession.


    "Keep going!"


    The barbarian Hundred Households held his curved blade tightly, closely observing the situation, ready to further deplete the opponent''s Qi-Blood before personally taking action. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After a martial artist breaks through to the Bone Forger Realm, the main enhancements are to defensive power, physical strength, and speed, not much to Qi-Blood.


    Therefore, theoretically speaking,


    trying to kill a bone training martial artist with just cavalry would be incredibly costly.


    But the lives of twenty or more cavalrymen could roughly deplete about half of the opponent''s Qi-Blood. At that point, if he made his move, he would have the upper hand, and with someone assisting in a sneak attack, decapitating the enemy would be easy!


    Trading twenty or so lives for that of a bone training General''s was quite the deal.


    However, very soon¡­


    The barbarian Hundred Households realized something was amiss.


    For this young Dasheng military officer seemed to show no difference from his initial state, having slain more than twenty cavalrymen without any sign of diminished Qi-Blood, not even making use of the unique defensive abilities possessed by bone training martial artists.


    To put it bluntly, not even the skin was scratched!


    It was impossible to tell at which stage of the Bone Training Realm he was.


    "Impossible! The information the spies sent back two months ago only mentioned a young Hundred Households who had just started with the Bone Strengthening Skill. Where did this kind of combat power come from? A breakthrough in just two months? And this looks to be the strength of small achievement, or even Great Success!"


    The barbarian Hundred Households was rendered speechless.


    It was because of this report that he decided to quickly surround and kill the enemy.


    But now it seemed the information was faulty.


    "No time left!"


    In the time they hesitated, the Dasheng cavalry were about to catch up.


    "Retreat!"


    The barbarian Hundred Households bellowed, leading the retreat.


    The remaining thirty or so barbarians, having long lost the will to fight, turned their horses one after another, fleeing to the north.


    "My lord!"


    "He''s still pursuing!"


    "What?!"


    The barbarian Hundred Households glanced back as he turned slightly, and indeed, he saw the White Horse rushing forward at a ferocious speed, any cavalryman that dared to block his path was screaming as they toppled to the grassland, unstoppable, and in the blink of an eye, he was less than thirty feet away from him.


    "Are you courting death?!"


    Furious, the barbarian Hundred Households, after all, was a Bone Forger with some achievement; he had refrained from acting, simply seeking stability.


    There was no need to retreat any further!


    While Chen Sansi was still retracting his spear after killing another cavalryman, the Hundred Households took the opportunity to charge, his curved sword casting a black moonlight in the sky, swinging down from above straight toward the throat.


    "Whoosh¡ª"


    The reed-leaf long spear stabbed out at an extremely tricky and unreasonable angle, managing to arrive at the enemy General''s heart before anything else could, in an instant.


    The barbarian Hundred Households'' face turned pale with shock.


    There was no time to dodge, so he could only block with his arm that was wrapped in a bracer.


    "Crack¡ª"


    The bracer shattered as if it were made of paper, and the sturdy arm bone was effortlessly pierced through.


    The Barbarian Hundred Households endured the severe pain, trying to grab the spear shaft with his hand to limit the opponent''s movement, and exchange wound for wound.


    Unfortunately, he didn''t get the chance.


    A weapon over three meters long should be very cumbersome, yet in the enemy''s hands, it was as flexible as a dagger. Before he could even see it clearly, the spear blade disappeared from his arm''s flesh and bone, and when it reappeared, it had pierced his chest cavity.


    "Crack, crack!"


    Chen Sansi released the Qi-Blood coursing through his body, which explosively erupted, his strength converging in his sinewy arms and then transferring to the reed leaf long spear. The spear tip, like a drill, stirred and ground the bones to pieces before pounding into the heart.


    He hoisted the dying body of the Barbarian Hundred Households high into the air, swinging it around in the sky like a flag, then threw it out, toppling a Cavalryman trying to escape, horse and all.


    In one move!


    The many Barbarian Cavalrymen were dumbstruck.


    Their Hundred Households, not the match for this man in a single move!


    "Retreat!"


    "Retreat quickly!"


    With the Main General dead, morale collapsed.


    The Barbarian Cavalry panicked, their formation in disorder, fleeing on their horses.


    But the White Swan Horse blocked them ahead, and any who dared come close were stabbed to death.


    Additionally, more than a hundred Dasheng Cavalry were in hot pursuit from behind.


    With no way to go forward and enemies chasing from behind.


    It was clearly a road to death.


    "We surrender!"


    "Mercy, my lord, we are willing to surrender!!"


    One of the Barbarian flag officers took the lead, and the others followed suit,


    dismounting one after another.


    "Surrender?"


    Chen Sansi frowned: "Who allowed you to surrender?!"


    "What do you mean?"


    Before the Barbarian Cavalry could react, they saw the White Swan Horse charging at them again, compelling them to fight like trapped beasts.


    ...


    "What''s going on?"


    Finally arriving at the battlefield, Zhao Kang looked at the White Swan Horse charging back and forth and the bodies strewn everywhere, taking a long time to come back to his senses.


    One man, one horse.


    They had made more than fifty Cavalry flee in disarray.


    More than fifty Cavalry!


    Even a martial artist in the Bone Forger Realm would be drained of Qi-Blood, having to rely solely on their physical prowess to fight brutally!


    But that was not even the main issue.


    The key was that the enemy also had a Bone Forger Hundred Households!


    If Chen Sansi showed even the slightest flaw, he would have been beyond redemption!


    It was a critical situation, not a time for shock.


    Zhao Kang led his men into the fray: "Brothers, kill them all, don''t let a single one escape!"


    ...


    The chase ended within half an incense stick''s burning time.


    The fifty plus Barbarian Cavalrymen that came did not return, most of them slain on spot, leaving only two alive for interrogation.


    They also captured more than twenty warhorses and a number of spears and long knives.


    "Hundred Households Chen, this is a bit too exaggerated," Zhao Kang said, feeling ashamed. "If it were me, I definitely would have been worn down by the Cavalry, then the enemy General would have taken advantage of my weakness and killed me with chaotic slashes.


    "You alone killed more than thirty Cavalry, plus you crossed realms to kill the enemy General...


    "After we return, not to mention the standard rewards, a promotion is definitely in order."


    "You flatter me, Hundred Households Zhao."


    Chen Sansi was covered in blood, feeling exhilarated.


    His exhilaration wasn''t because of the merit he had achieved, but because the fight had been so effective! His body''s meridians were nearly purged of poison, and his spear technique had improved tremendously.


    It appeared that bloody combat, especially when triggered by being surrounded, unleashed potential that was many times more effective than regular martial arts sparring!


    To put it simply, fighting was exhilarating!


    [Skill: Undying Golden Snake Spear - Upper (Adept)]


    [Progress: 205/1000]


    The Spiritual Grain within his body fully absorbed, directly leaping forward in proficiency, equivalent to several days of hard practice.


    Zhao Kang directed his men to clear the battlefield, then quickly returned, triumphant.


    But what greeted them was not celebration and elation, but a solemn and stern atmosphere.


    "An urgent war report over eight hundred miles!"


    "The grassland''s Four Clans secretly formed an alliance and, five days ago, suddenly declared war on all three states of the Northwest Border!


    "Additionally, Prince Tuoba, leading fifty thousand Iron Cavalry, is marching straight for An Ding Prefecture!"


    "Yunzhou is in peril!"

 Chapter 83 - 83 Ji Guangxian

    Central Army Camp.


    "Urgent war report from An Ding Prefecture, eight hundred li away."


    Xiang Tingchun dropped the letter, "Unexpectedly, the Four Barbarian Tribes of the grassland, after years of overt and covert struggles, managed to form an alliance overnight.


    "Not only that, instead of attacking Liangzhou, they specifically dispatched fifty thousand troops to attack Yunzhou. The letter says they have already set up camp outside the Great Wall and may begin their assault at any time. The command office of Yunzhou has ordered us to strengthen our border defenses and hold our positions without advancing, and to report any developments immediately."


    "What are your thoughts?"


    All the Hundred Households stood within the tent.


    A Hundred Household by the surname Qian spoke up, "Could today''s cavalry raid be related to this?"


    "It''s possible."


    Feng Yong took over, "That group of cavalrymen didn''t seem to be here to loot; it felt more like they were testing the reality of the Great Wall''s defenses."


    "Oh?"


    Xiang Tingchun spoke seriously, "Are you suggesting that the Xi River tribes are preparing to actively attack Po Yang?"


    "I wouldn''t dare to speculate rashly."


    Feng Yong said, "With the military strength of the Xi River tribes, they should not have the courage, but we can''t rule out their secretly reinforcing their troops."


    Attacking and defending a city are completely different concepts in terms of difficulty.


    To attack a city, one often needs several times the number of troops to surround it.


    "This possibility is not great."


    Luo Dongquan spoke solemnly, "The Northwest Three States combined with An Ding Prefecture are all strategic points; it would take at least an army of over three hundred thousand to match up. Even if the Four Barbarian Tribes unite, their military and material resources are still limited; where would they have the capacity to reinforce the Xi River tribes?"


    "That said, it''s still best to be cautious."


    Xiang Tingchun ordered, "The Night Patrol Team to start scouting missions ahead of time, set off after the fifteenth day, and be sure to clarify the recent situation of the Xi River tribes."


    "Yes!"


    After discussing the military issues, they moved on to the rewards for killing the enemy.


    "Hundred Household Chen alone broke through thirty light cavalry and directly took the life of an enemy general, bravely invincible!"


    Xiang Tingchun sincerely expressed, "Even I was not nearly as good as you when I started!"


    "I will make a report to the court, promoting you to the rank of Captain Chengxin.


    "As for the medicinal materials in the camp, from today onwards, you may use the medicine baths as you wish; all costs will be charged to me!


    "However, starting from the Black Jade Protective Ointment, we have a limited quantity in the camp. All the Hundred Households need it, so I can''t just give it to you alone."


    Sixth Rank Hundred Households, initially promoted to Zhaoxin Captain.


    After performing well or completing the term, they are promoted to Captain Chengxin.


    This can be understood as a promotion in military rank.


    After reaching a certain rank, you can then continue to be promoted.


    If there are no military achievements or significant breakthroughs in level, this process can be very slow.


    Even Xiang Ting Chun, after he succeeded in Refining Internal, spent several years as a Deputy Thousand Households before he managed to become the Households Commander.


    "Besides that, whatever reward you wish for, just speak up."


    "My lord, I want horses."


    Chen Sansi was forthright, "The twenty horses captured, can I have them?"


    "Okay!"


    Xiang Tingchun agreed very readily, "Not only will you have the twenty horses you captured, but I will also find a way to get you thirty more horses!"


    "Thank you, Lord Thousand Households!"


    Chen Sansi bowed with his fists clasped.


    His request for horses was both practically useful.


    And on the other hand, it was because the Thousand Households were too poor, clearly unable to afford any other rewards.


    Po Yang Territory, it really was no longer a place to stay.


    Resources were too scarce.


    Leaving the tent.


    Dan Yuanzhi had been waiting for a while, "Congratulations to Hundred Household Chen for your military success! A single man on horseback nearly annihilated the invading cavalry; with such achievements, even the Crown Prince would probably take a second look!"


    In his words, he hinted at a limitless future if they followed them.


    "What about the medicine?"


    Chen Sansi didn''t beat around the bush, "Guard Dan, didn''t you say that the Lord Prefect wants to gift me a secret medicine?"


    "Magistrate Ji was very pleased to hear that you were considering surrendering, and he wants to invite you to his residence as a guest. After the banquet, he will personally prepare the medicine for you."


    Dan Yuanzhi gestured invitingly, "Hundred Household Chen, this way, please."


    "How thoughtful! Wang Zhi, someone''s buying us a meal!"


    Chen Sansi shouted loudly.


    "Who?!"


    From a hundred meters away, Fatty Wang swiftly approached like a whirlwind: "Are you a guard for the Lord Prefect? So it''s Magistrate Ji who is inviting us, very good, very good!"


    "?" S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Dan Yuanzhi didn''t anticipate this turn of events.


    "Dan Guard."


    Chen Sansi smiled and said, "Add a pair of chopsticks, Magistrate Ji surely wouldn''t mind, right?"


    This trip.


    Ji Guangxian most likely intended to show goodwill, without any hidden agenda.


    But, it''s good to be prepared for anything, just in case.


    "Cough cough, of course I don''t mind."


    Dan Guard led the way ahead.


    Outside the military camp, a carriage was already prepared.


    It was Chen Sansi''s first time sitting in a carriage.


    It must be said that those with money and status really know how to enjoy life.


    "Ha, Chen, you''re really something."


    Wang Zhi rubbed his hands excitedly, "Ji Guangxian is a substantial household, this capture is a real scoop!"


    The carriage jolted and swayed until it reached the county town, the sky also grew dim, finally stopping in front of a grand mansion.


    Ji Guangxian, dressed in casual clothes, came out to greet them himself.


    "Households Officer Chen, your bravery has spread throughout Po Yang in less than two hours."


    Ji Guangxian praised, "I truly didn''t misjudge you, eh? And who is this¡­"


    Wang Zhi bowed with a fist and chuckled, "My surname is Wang, a hundred households in the military, here to ask for a meal from your Excellency."


    "Guests are always welcome, please, come in!"


    Ji Guangxian was exceedingly approachable and very generous.


    He even specifically had all the chefs from Eight Treasures Building come to his home, and the dishes were also made from top-quality ingredients, including beast meat and even a nourishing Treasure Fish, paired with premium deer blood wine.


    This table of dishes would cost hundreds of pieces of silver.


    ''No poison.''


    After acquiring "Recognize Medicine," Chen Sansi could identify any medicine-related ingredients, naturally including poisons.


    If anyone dared to poison the food, he could spot it at a glance.


    He didn''t hesitate and started eating the Treasure Fish with his chopsticks.


    Wang Zhi, not to be outdone, ate greasily.


    The two were so engrossed in eating and drinking that Ji Guangxian tried to speak several times but couldn''t find the right moment.


    He waited until they had eaten their fill before finally speaking up, "Households Officer Chen, have you considered my offer to leave Po Yang with me?"


    "Lord Prefect, didn''t you promise me a secret medicine?"


    Chen Sansi said bluntly.


    "Bring the items here!"


    Ji Guangxian clapped his hands.


    Two beautiful maids brought two wooden barrels, one containing Iron Sand, the other a prepared medicine bath.


    "Truth be told, my ancestors were in the business of medicinal materials, so I also know a bit about medical skills."


    Ji Guangxian said with pride, "Hearing that Households Officer Chen has made breakthroughs in Bone Strengthening and is currently undergoing Skin Training, this medicine is an excellent secret medicine for aiding Skin Training, called ''Condensed Dew Body Forging Soup.'' Its greatest feature is that it not only has the protective effects of Black Jade Ointment but also has a body strengthening and healing effect far superior to ordinary medicine baths, and it can be used until Great Success in Bone Training. You''ll know once you try!"


    Dan Yuanzhi added, "This is personally brewed by Lord Prefect himself, it took an entire afternoon!"


    "Good."


    Chen Sansi immediately stripped off his clothes, first using the Iron Sand to grind his skin, then jumped into the medicine bath.


    Unlike ordinary medicine baths which are intensely hot.


    This medicine bath, once immersed, had a synergy with ''Black Jade Protective Ointment.'' The medicine seeped into the flesh through the wounds made by the Iron Sand, not only repairing the skin but also nourishing the muscles and bones.


    No wonder with this, one could cling to the high echelons in court!


    "Households Officer Chen."


    Ji Guangxian asked confidently, "How is the effect?"


    "Average!"


    Chen Sansi responded indifferently.

 Chapter 84 - 84 Night Out at the Great Wall

    "Ordinary?"


    Ji Guangxian was taken aback.


    "Chen Households, you mustn''t joke."


    Dan Yuanzhi said, "This bucket of medicine bath alone is worth three hundred taels of patterned silver, how could it be ordinary?"


    "It really is ordinary, just that so."


    Chen Shanshi, without attachment, jumped out of the wooden tub.


    This left Ji Guangxian somewhat lacking in confidence.


    He rushed to the side of the tub, stretched out his hand to feel the medicinal water, confirming there was no issue.


    He immediately understood the other''s point and said with a smile, "Perhaps the effect of one medicinal bath isn''t apparent, how about this instead¡ª"


    "To express my sincerity, Households Chen can come to my place three more times for a medicinal bath!


    "Decide after the three times.


    "As long as you agree, the medicinal baths are on the house!


    "Moreover, especially for ''Blood Refining Great Success'', the Red Tiger Blood Wine, this official still has one jar left, and it''s yours!"


    "Good, then I thank Magistrate Ji!"


    Chen Shanshi clasped his hands.


    He then jumped back into the tub without wasting a moment.


    While riding in the carriage, the long spear was also placed such that he could reach it from outside the carriage, and he began practicing martial arts at Magistrate Ji''s house.


    Wang Zhi ate and drank, "Magistrate Ji, this small one toasts to you again!"


    The two stayed until midnight before leaving the Ji Mansion.


    Magistrate Ji also sent a carriage to take them back, with transportation to and from, very thoughtful.


    "My lord."


    Dan Yuanzhi watched as the carriage disappeared at the end of the street, "This youngster hasn''t agreed to your conditions, my lord, why still provide him the medicinal bath?"


    "Yuan Zhi, you don''t understand!"


    As Ji Guangxian touched his beard, he said in an experienced tone, "There''s a saying ''easy to go from frugality to luxury, hard to go from luxury to frugality''. Once he''s enjoyed the ''Condensing Dew Body Forging Soup,'' how could he settle for the remedies at the Households office? He''ll naturally come asking me for it."


    "The lord is brilliant!"


    Dan Yuanzhi suddenly realized.


    ...


    "White Tribulus, Blood Orchid, tiger head fruit..."


    In the carriage, Chen Shanshi was silently calculating the ingredients needed for the ''Condensing Dew Body Forging Soup'' in his mind. He had most of them, only missing one item, "Hundred-year-old Black Ginseng."


    This rare medicinal ingredient, generally hoarded in the various medical stores as a treasured asset.


    No wonder the Condensing Dew Body Forging Soup was so outstanding.


    He planned to gather some when he had time to search around.


    In a few days, he would go to the grassland to become night watch.


    Night watch, as the name suggests,


    is a spy sent out at night to scout military intelligence.


    In important border areas like Liangzhou and An Ding Prefecture, the night watch would be specially trained instead of being assembled ad hoc.


    The next day.


    The news of the war at the border was causing an uproar.


    In and outside the military camps, people were in a state of anxiety, worrying whether the flames of war could reach Po Yang County.


    "Father has sent a letter."


    Sun Li took out a letter just retrieved from the postal station and said softly, "The letter says that Po Yang might face unexpected incidents and advises us to stay and help."


    "Unexpected incidents?"


    Chen Shanshi asked, "Are you referring to the Xi River tribe, or..."


    "I don''t know."


    Sun Li shook her head, "It wasn''t specified."


    Sun Buqi was very anxious, snatching the letter while his mouth didn''t stop moving, "How is father? What exactly is the situation in the Northwest Three States?"


    "With the combined forces of the Eight Camps and the twenty-nine garrisons from the Northwest Three Regions, nearly two hundred thousand soldiers, plus father personally going into battle, there shouldn''t be any mishap."


    Sun Li remained calm.


    Not just the siblings.


    The entire Households office, and even Po Yang County, had become anxious.


    If the border conflict turned into a defeat, the influx of alien cavalry into the Central Plains meant catastrophe for the civilians, as history clearly stated.


    As a result, the soldiers'' training became much more diligent.


    5 a.m. to 7 a.m.


    Chen Shanshi had just arrived at the encampment when the men below had already begun training.


    [Skill: Commanding Soldiers (Entry-Level)]


    [Progress: 233/500]


    [Utility: Mainstay]


    After the last lesson.


    Everyone obediently followed Xu Wencai''s commands, the proficiency of the board rapidly improved, and the basic formation was practiced professionally, comparable to well-trained veterans.


    "Xu Wencai."


    Chen Shanshi called the old scholar, "Summon all the night watch who will accompany me this trip. Train in the ''Small Car Suspension Array'' we discussed last time, to avoid being helpless in case of an emergency on the grassland."


    The Car Suspension Formation. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Belongs to cavalry formation.


    Compared to simple and brute assault charges, it emphasizes more on the spacing between cavalry and the coordination of weapons, appearing like rotating wheels in the enemy''s eyes.


    Previously on the grassland,


    Chen Sansi encountered a group of people who merely surrounded and attacked rashly, without fully utilizing their numerical advantage.


    Otherwise, they would have been more troublesome.


    He also personally joined the training, integrating into the formation.


    Among the five people brought over by Wang Zhi, Xu Bin and Fang Buping were also present.


    It is worth mentioning that Xu Bin had reached minor success in Blood Refining for many years and had finally achieved great success, unfortunately, there was no flag leader position available for him.


    Chen Sansi was also short of people, so he conveniently took him under his command.


    "You kid, you''re starting to take advantage of me?"


    Wang Zhi remembered when he first met him, he was a very honest young man. Now he dared to freeload off the Lord Prefect and didn''t spare him either.


    "That sounds rather distant,"


    Chen Sansi said indifferently, "I''ll trade two military soldiers for him, you won''t be at a loss."


    "Nice try, but I''ll give him to you anyway."


    Wang Zhi grinned with a smile, "Next time we go to Magistrate Ji''s house, remember to call me along."


    "Of course."


    After a few days of training in the Small Car Suspension Array, it was Chen Sansi''s turn to guard the Great Wall again.


    He began to ride back and forth on his horse again.


    Training formations, practicing martial arts, decocting medicine.


    In the meantime, he took another medicinal bath at Magistrate Ji''s house, paired with Spiritual Grain, his cultivation speed continued to climb.


    Ten days later, when he was relieved of duty, his Cultivation Technique had made significant progression.


    [Cultivation Technique: Undying Golden Snake Spear - Advanced (Master)]


    [Progress: 655/1000]


    ¡­


    [Skill: Medical Skill - Ordinary (Entry-level)]


    [Progress: 204/500]


    He didn''t neglect his medical skill either.


    Last of all, was the White Swan Horse.


    "Whoa!"


    Chen Sansi returned to the Great Wall, pulled the reins to stop, and took out the fodder he had prepared in advance.


    Though it''s called fodder, it was actually high-quality feed, containing not just licorice and alfalfa but also corn, beans, and assorted grains.


    Much better than what he had eaten when he was destitute.


    That aside,


    The horse''s appetite was huge, practically needing to eat all the time.


    A warhorse''s diet is equivalent to that of six robust soldiers.


    Maintaining a cavalry, the daily consumption of just grain is enormous.


    For this reason,


    Warhorses were an extremely precious strategic resource for the Central Plains Dynasty.


    "We''ve been together for a while now, I should give you a name, what should it be..."


    Chen Sansi struggled with naming.


    As he was troubled,


    The panel floated up.


    [Skill: Horse Control - Advanced (Master)]


    [Progress: (0/500)]


    [Utility: Tarvel 500 miles a day, the precious horse seeks the master]


    Travel 500 miles a day?


    Traveling 500 miles a day is already a top-grade warhorse.


    1000 miles would surely surpass the limit of ordinary horses.


    But since people in this world could cultivate, and there were alien races and animals, there must be extraordinary horses too.


    Just none in Po Yang.


    "No wonder you eat so much!"


    Chen Sansi was more intrigued by the "Seeks Master" ability.


    [Precious Horse Seeks Master: Within a thousand miles, the horse can autonomously find its master, come when called and leave when dismissed.]


    With "Seeks Master," the convenience of using the horse would increase manifold.


    "Alright, for now, I''ll call you Little Xun!"


    Chen Sansi carelessly picked a name.


    More hoofbeats sounded.


    Luo Dongquan, Liu Jinkui, and Wang Zhi, leading their respective Night Patrol Teams, arrived below the city walls.


    "The hour has come."


    Luo Dongquan, seated high on his horseback, said, "Chen Households, quickly gather your men and follow me out of the city to scout!"


    "Understood."


    Chen Sansi bowed with his fists.


    It was early winter, and the cold wind was bleak.


    At midnight, the city gate opened wide.


    The three Night Patrol Teams silently left the city, disappearing into the vast, boundless grassland.

 Chapter 85 - 85 Ninth Prince Yuwen

    Po Yang Tribal Encampment.


    As a branch of the Yuwen lineage, they were stationed around four hundred li away in the region of Xi River, relatively scattered.


    "Wang Zhi, you don''t need to keep staring at me."


    Luo Dongquan sneered coldly, "I''ve said it before, I have no grudges with Officer Chen. It''s you who''s petty!"


    "Cut the crap!"


    Wang Zhi cursed, "Seven years ago, there was a recruit with good talent. Did you or Zhao Kang not compete with him? Then the man mysteriously died. Did he just evaporate from the world? I''ve disliked you for a long time!"


    "Wang, you need evidence to make accusations!"


    Luo Dongquan narrowed his eyes, "And put your position in perspective. I don''t care what your status was in the Eight Camps before, but now, you''re just a Bone Training Hundred Households, while I am Deputy Thousand Households, a Secondary Fifth Rank General of Military Strategy conferred by the court!"


    "Enough with the arguing!"


    Liu Jinkui came out to mediate, "We''re brothers who depend on each other in life and death. What''s there to argue about? Whatever disagreements we have can be resolved over drinks when we return. Luo Qianhu, you should quickly assign the task and not delay any further."


    "Northeast, Northwest, due North."


    Luo Dongquan pointed in three directions, "Our three night watch units will each be responsible for scouting one of these directions. Two days later, we must regroup here before midnight ¨C do not be late! Our missions cover different areas, so Wang, this should ease your worries, right?"


    "Hmph, who knows what you''re really planning."


    The three teams dispersed.


    A distance of four hundred li is neither too far nor too close.


    With the speed of the White Swan Horse, they can reach their destination in less than half a day.


    But they were scouts, and speed wasn''t the top priority.


    The most important thing was to gather intelligence and return alive.


    Advancing rashly could very likely lead to discovery by the barbarian cavalry.


    If they were discovered and surrounded by a large number of cavalry, not even their bodies would be found.


    The night watch''s duty to not return isn''t just about spending the whole night outside; it also implies the possibility of leaving no trace behind, not even bones.


    That''s why Liu Jinkui cursed and swore when he learned that they were sent out to scout.


    Sadly, such a task must be carried out by the elite.


    "Where to next?"


    Soon, they encountered their first task.


    Determining the route.


    It was essential not only to successfully locate the barbarian tribes'' exact living areas but also to do so undetected ¨C far from an easy feat.


    Chen Sansi still remembered.


    In his previous life, when reading history out of boredom, there was a saying from the Han Dynasty: it''s hard for Li Guang to become a marquis.


    This general was brave and skilled in combat, distinguished in merit, and just short of sufficient military achievements to be bestowed a marquis. Every time he went on an expedition, he would either encounter the main enemy forces or return without merit.


    One very significant reason for this.


    Was the difficulty in discerning directions in the Great Desert, which relied heavily on luck.


    Yet this was not an issue.


    For him.


    Hunters traversing the forest daily rely crucially on their sense of direction.


    Not to mention that Chen Sansi had an eagle eye; even in pitch-black darkness where one couldn''t see their own hand, he could still clearly discern every detail around, such as the horse hoof prints trampled on the ground right now.


    "We have to detour. If we continue straight this way, we might run straight into the barbarians."


    "Really?"


    While somewhat skeptical, Wang Zhi could only lead his men to follow along.


    They pushed forward two hundred li overnight.


    During that time, Chen Sansi discovered traces of human activity several times, which became increasingly dense.


    After dawn, they found a secluded place to rest.


    Such training.


    The proficiency in tracking and concealing was rapidly improving.


    [Tracking and Concealing (small achievement)]


    [Progress: 605/1000]


    Chen Sansi had not expected that his hunting skills could also be applied to warfare.


    He munched on the jerky he carried, "In this direction, there''s an eight or nine out of ten chance that it''s the main settlement of the barbarian tribes. Old Wang, what do you think is the likelihood of the Po Yang tribal encampment sending reinforcements?"


    "Very small."


    Wang Zhi leaned against a rock, drinking his liquor, "Because there''s no need. Even if the four grassland clans unite, their forces are still limited. Concentrating their troops to attack the open and flat terrain of the Northwest Three States might not be enough.


    "Diverting troops to attack Yunzhou is already peculiar, let alone Po Yang County. I''m saying all this, you understand, right?"


    "I understand."


    Chen Sansi had studied maps and sand tables.


    The true stronghold of Yunzhou is An Ding Prefecture.


    Even if they take down Po Yang, without capturing An Ding Prefecture, they can''t hold the strategic pass, and the follow-up supply of troops and provisions would be a huge problem.


    Indeed, as Wang Zhi had said, attacking An Ding Prefecture was strange enough.


    The difficulty of attacking the Northwest Three States and Yunzhou were not even on the same level.


    The cost-effectiveness was extremely low.


    So Chen Sansi also felt something was off, which prompted his question.


    Immortal Treasure.


    It was leaked from the Tuoba Tribe!


    If such great efforts were made, they could be related to the Immortal Treasure.


    Of course.


    These were just speculations for now.


    If the Po Yang encampment also sent reinforcements, they could confirm this speculation. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Whether it is related or not.


    A great battle is approaching.


    Chen Sansi''s current realm was still too weak.


    He didn''t dare to waste a moment and continued to cultivate while resting, consuming dry food. The spiritual grain and remaining medicinal strength inside him did not slow down his progress.


    After nearly midday had passed.


    The group continued onward.


    In the next two hundred li, even Wang Zhi and his men could discern the traces of human life; they often saw flocks of cattle, sheep, and herdsmen from afar. Finally, as darkness fell.


    Tent after tent of felt canvas appeared at the edge of their vision.


    From a distance, it was evident that the settlement was not just comprised of herdsmen. There were also armored soldiers and bright torches, with rigorous guard.


    "We can''t approach on horseback any closer."


    Chen Sansi noticed that another hundred meters forward, there were patrolling cavalry. Once discovered, there would be no escape.


    He observed the patrol patterns of the cavalry and the surrounding terrain and soon made a judgement, "You all keep watch around here, I''ll try to sneak in and take a look."


    Without completing the mission,


    they wouldn''t be able to report back.


    "Giddy up!"


    Chen Sansi quietly urged his horse forward, taking a detour until he reached the outermost perimeter of the settlement, hanging the reed-leaf long spear on the back of the horse, "Little Xun, I will call for you when I need you!"


    The White Swan Horse seemed to understand and nodded its head.


    "Alright!"


    Chen Sansi, with his bow and arrows on his back, perfectly blended into the darkness, skillfully avoiding patrolling cavalry. He lay in ambush at the edge, seized the opportunity to shoot and kill a barbarian soldier who came out to relieve himself, and changed into the barbarian''s attire, slinging a curved blade over his shoulder.


    This was just a cover.


    He didn''t really plan to pretend to be a barbarian.


    In fact, as he infiltrated the felt tents, no one noticed him at all.


    "Even so, not having a long spear in hand really undermines my sense of security!"


    The reed-leaf long spear was too large and conspicuous to bring inside.


    Chen Sansi gripped the standard-issue curved blade of the barbarians.


    Even though his level was high here, and it wouldn''t matter much that the weapon was not his preferred type, his combat effectiveness would inevitably be greatly reduced.


    It seems that in the future, to cope with special environments, I should train with a short weapon as well.


    On the battlefield, it could also prevent enemies from getting close!


    Martial arts practice is for advancing levels.


    But I already have a high level, so if I train in other cultivation techniques, I should progress faster, right?


    All of that was for later.


    Chen Sansi focused on his current mission, wandering like a ghost through the barbarian camps, collecting all useful information.


    The armaments were complete.


    The grain stores were full.


    The troop strength¡­


    Was more than two thousand!


    In just one camp alone, a rough estimate put the number at three thousand people.


    Moreover, the Xi River Tribe wasn''t all gathered together. The directions Luo Dongquan and Liu Jinkui headed to would likely encounter camps too, although possibly with fewer numbers than the main camp.


    "Greetings, Prince¡ª"


    Prince?


    Chen Sansi hid in the darkness, moving closer in the direction the voice came from.


    He saw on the open ground in front of the Central Army Tent,


    All the barbarian soldiers kneeling en masse.


    A lavishly dressed young barbarian, covered with gold decorations, strode forward with a jeweled sword at his waist.


    "Greetings to the Ninth Prince!"


    The tribal chief and Thousand Households, with one hand across his chest, knelt on the ground to salute, "Your Highness, why have you come? Your servant has not received any notice!"


    "That does not matter!"


    With his hands behind his back and chin lifted, the Ninth Prince said, "I heard that in half a month, you will attack Po Yang County. I have come specifically to support you."


    "To support?"


    Pane crossed the tribal chief''s face, "How can we dare to have Your Highness support us when you are so precious and valuable?"


    "I said I came to support, do you not understand?"


    The Ninth Prince''s face changed as he rebuked sternly, "It''s one thing for Liangzhou to stop me, but are you telling me that I can''t even use the small Po Yang County as a practice ground?"


    "Of course, Your Highness can¡­"


    The chief spoke carefully, "It''s just that your servant is merely a refining organs general, and I fear I may not be able to ensure your complete safety. Please return promptly, Your Highness!"


    "Insolence!"


    The Ninth Prince bellowed in anger, "I have been practicing swordsmanship for three years and have yet to kill a person from Sheng. If I don''t practice warfare, wouldn''t all my training be in vain?! If you, a Thousand Households, dare to stop me as well, I will have your head."


    "..."


    The tribal chief fell silent, and after a long while, he sighed, "Since Your Highness insists on staying, your servant dares not object."


    "That''s more like it."


    The Ninth Prince was immediately in high spirits.


    "Clang¡ª"


    He suddenly drew his treasured sword from his waist, its blade shining with golden light in the flicker of the flames and displayed it before the people, "Do you recognize this ''Zhenyue Sword''? This sword was taken from the Emperor of the Central Plains by my Yuwen clan five hundred years ago!


    "When the Great Khan reached adulthood, he bestowed it upon me!


    "I will use it to slay generals of the Sheng and restore the glory of the young warriors of the grasslands!


    "From this moment on, I will take immediate command of the Xi River Tribe. I will personally lead the attack on Po Yang County!"


    "At your command!"


    Watching the gleam of the sword''s edge, the tribal chief felt intimidated and dared not speak further, hurriedly escorting the Prince into the Central Army Tent to rest. At the same time, he quietly instructed his subordinate, "Send a fast horse at full speed, notify the Great Khan immediately, and say that the Prince has come to us!"


    "Yes!"


    The barbarian took the order and went off.


    Not far away,


    Chen Sansi heard everything loud and clear.


    ''This Prince¡­''


    He felt a certain familiar air about him, resembling someone he knew, someone not quite bright.


    And that sword.


    Even though the light was dim, he saw it clearly.


    Indeed, it was an unmatched treasured sword!


    Even Chen Sansi, who practiced with a spear, couldn''t help but be tempted.


    "Never mind, a refining organs martial artist is guarding it; I can''t get it."


    "The mission is accomplished, and the Xi River Tribe indeed has reinforced"


    He quietly retreated, preparing to leave the place, when suddenly the hum of an alarm resonated in his ears.


    "Hum¡ª"


    Sound of horns, the whirring of arrows, and cries of alarm mingled together.


    The once tranquil barbarian army camp was suddenly abuzz.


    "Enemy raid!"


    "Five miles outside the main camp, spies from the Sheng Dynasty spotted!"


    "Pursue them, pursue them!"


    "Don''t let a single one escape!"

 Chapter 86 - 86: Seize the Enemy General Directly through a Thousand Troops

    With a loud cry breaking the silence of the grassland, numerous torches were suddenly lit inside and outside the barbarian camp, forming a sea of fire that made the area for miles around as bright as day.


    Chen Sansi was startled.


    He was puzzled, for he was certain he had gone unnoticed.


    It was not until he saw the barbarian soldiers converging in another direction, and heard the content of the shout, that he realized it was not he who had been exposed.


    It was Wang Zhi and the others!


    "How could they be discovered from so far away!"


    Chen Sansi dared not linger and took advantage of the chaos to leave the camp.


    But "Tracking and Hiding" was not the same as an invisibility technique.


    The camp wasn''t a lush jungle filled with hiding places everywhere; the barbarians had relaxed their vigilance earlier and the dim light had helped, but as he moved against the flow, eventually someone noticed him.


    "Over there, everyone is chasing the enemy out of the city, what are you doing?!"


    "Shwoo¡ª"


    Chen Sansi didn''t bother with words and shot the man dead with an arrow.


    "There''s a Man from Dasheng! Over here!"


    "Shwoo¡ª"


    Chen Sansi kept shooting the barbarians that came at him, while blowing a loud whistle. His white swan horse had been waiting for a while, neighing as it charged over.


    "Good horse!"


    He mounted the horse, and in a few seconds, he had left the pursuers far behind.


    About three miles out,


    Chen Sansi encountered Wang Zhi and his group.


    They were retreating towards the right direction, with dozens of barbarian cavalry in pursuit.


    "How were you discovered, why didn''t you go back, but this way?!"


    Chen Sansi shouted from atop his horse.


    "Damn it, no idea!"


    Wang Zhi cursed, "We didn''t even dare to breathe heavily, we definitely weren''t exposed!"


    Xu Bin took over, "Not long after you left, a squad of barbarian cavalry, as if they knew someone was hiding nearby, blocked our retreat in advance and started a carpet-search!"


    "Knew in advance?"


    Chen Sansi thought of something.


    "Luo Dongquan, I curse your ancestors!"


    Wang Zhi was the first to say, "It must be that bastard who leaked information in some way!"


    He had thought, by following ''Brother Shi'', there wouldn''t be any mishaps.


    Unexpectedly, that surnamed Luo dared to pull such a stunt!


    "Does such pettiness really exist in this world?"


    Chen Sansi found it incomprehensible.


    Initially, he was clearly the oppressed, yet it was made out as if he was stealing something from someone else''s home.


    It was the strong bullying the weak, with no logic at all!


    "Da-da-da-da-da¡ª"


    To their side front, a group of Barbarian cavalry on patrol nearby, hearing the noise, rushed over to block the path.


    "Puchi¡ª"


    Chen Sansi took the lead on his horse, stabbing to death the small flag leading them and yelled, "Form up, form up!"


    For half a month,


    they had been drilling daily.


    The formation was practiced until it was second nature.


    Eleven warhorses effortlessly formed a circular array, charging into the ranks of the blocking cavalry.


    The Small Car Suspension Array.


    Rather than like a wheel,


    It was more like a circular saw!


    Each horse and rider was a blade on the gear.


    Among them, Chen Sansi and Wang Zhi were the sharpest two.


    Xu Bin and Fang Buping came next, with the rest following.


    With vigilant protection from all sides, there was no worry of sneak attacks.


    Moreover, the twelve men shifted and alternated their positions.


    Those with lower cultivation were mainly acting as rear guards against surprise attacks.


    Chen Sansi could focus all his attention on the enemies ahead, and with each thrust of his long spear, he claimed the life of an enemy.


    The group of twenty barbarian cavalry gathered were,


    Not a few rounds later, all slain to the last man.


    Zhuang Yi, Zhao Qiao, and the others experienced killing for the first time.


    But seeing Chen Sansi''s back, they felt supported, with no panic at all. The Small Car Suspension Array was maintained near perfect.


    Mainstay!


    With the Main General present, all were calm in the face of danger!


    However.


    Impressive combat skills notwithstanding,


    The time delayed was enough for the rest of the pursuers to surround them.


    "Whirring¡ª"


    From all around, came darkness like a pressing wave.


    The number of people was unknown, the number of weapons, too; only a vast, boundless throng was visible.


    "Hold the formation, don''t panic!"


    Chen Sansi utilized the ability of "Night as Bright as Day" to look for weak links in the encirclement and led the breakout.


    Unfortunately,


    This was enemy territory!


    More so, the heartland of the enemy!


    Escape was not so easily achieved.


    Hundreds of barbarian cavalry launched an attack on them.


    As the Car Suspension Formation revolved and attempted to break through,


    The reaping speed was ultimately getting slower and slower.


    The fallen bodies in front were nearly enough to trip the warhorses!


    "Go¡ª"


    The enemy Generals followed one after another, speeding on horse from a hundred yards away.


    "Households! Refining Organ Martial Artists!"


    Chen Sansi recognized at a glance.


    There were hundreds more pursuers behind the tribe leader!


    Even if Chen Sansi''s Qi-Blood were extensive and his Small Car Suspension Array combat skill formidable, he couldn''t possibly be a match for a Refining Organ General, let alone the oncoming cavalry.


    "It seems, today is really the day I meet my downfall!"


    Wang Zhi beheaded an enemy flag-bearer with a single blow, his voice tinged with madness, "My death is insignificant! Brother Shi, you cannot die! Your horse is fast, we''ll tear an opening for you; you might still have a chance to escape. Once you get back, devote yourself to your cultivation and avenge us!"


    "Mr. Chen, Brother Shi! You go!"


    Zhuang Yi and Zhao Qiao nearly said in unison.


    "Damn your sentimentality, nobody needs to die!"


    As Chen Sansi fought, he asked, "Fatty Wang, what stage were you at before?"


    "What are you asking this for?!"


    Confused, Wang Zhi replied, "Whatever my previous prowess was, it''s useless now!"


    "What I mean is..."


    Chen Sansi thrust his gun butt backward, impaling an enemy soldier, "That Refining Organ, how long can you hold him off? After all, you''ve fallen from a higher realm; you should be much stronger than an average Bone Forging Perfection, right?"


    "Naturally, my realm may have fallen but my saber technique remains. A usual Bone Forging Perfection is nowhere near my match! This barbarian leader is not as good as Xiang Tingchun! I can hold him off for a while!"


    Wang Zhi, puzzled, "What are you planning to do?"


    "Hold them off! Keep the formation intact at all costs! I have a way to get you all home!"


    Before anyone could react,


    they saw Chen Sansi swiftly turn his horse around and gallop in the opposite direction.


    That was,


    the barbarian base camp!


    "Have you gone mad?!"


    Wang Zhi wanted to stop him but was unable to.


    "Hmm? Stop right there!"


    Upon seeing the White Horse General change direction, the barbarian tribe leader quickly understood and immediately spurred his horse to chase after him, "To your death¡ª"


    "Clang¡ª"


    A loud metallic clashing noise erupted, shooting sparks into the darkness.


    Under the terrifying strength of the Refining Organ Martial Artist, Wang Zhi, along with his horse, were forced to lean back, his arms trembling endlessly, but at least he blocked his opponent, "You barbarian scum, where do you think you''re going?!"


    "A mere Bone Forger dares to stop me? You''re seeking death!"


    ...


    "Stop him, stop him!"


    "..."


    Chen Sansi broke through in the opposite direction and, thanks to the divine speed of the White Swan Horse, after killing two Blood Refining Officers, nobody could catch up to him. As he approached the enemy base camp, he did not force his way through the well-defended main gate but headed to the weakest spot in the west. The White Swan Horse leapt over the two-meter-tall stake fence, bursting into the camp filled with tents.


    Not long ago, he had figured out the layout of the camp,


    This position was manned by infantry.


    Infantry meant they couldn''t catch up with or stop him!


    The cavalry were on their way.


    It would take about a minute.


    Once surrounded, Chen Sansi would surely die.


    But within one minute, reaching the destination before the encirclement was complete was a chance for survival!


    "Charge¡ª¡ª"


    Chen Sansi killed seven or eight infantrymen in succession, breaking into the Central Army Tent in just over fifty seconds.


    Most of the soldiers along the way only saw a white shadow flash by, stirring up a cold gust of wind, having no idea what had just happened.


    "Who?!"


    Inside the tent.


    The barbarian prince had just drawn his sword upon hearing the commotion when he saw a white war horse, knocking aside the soldiers guarding the tent and breaking in.


    "Clang¡ª¡ª"


    He drew his sword and stood up: "Who goes there!"


    "Protect His Highness!"


    The Bone Forger who was left by the tribal leader to provide close protection to the prince immediately seized the weapon in his hand. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Bang¡ª¡ª"


    But before he could react,


    arrows shot out fiercely.


    The Bone Forger had no time to dodge and thought to block with his arm, but was undoubtedly shot through the heart and died on the spot, with no chance even to exchange blows.


    "To this prince''s death¡ª¡ª"


    The barbarian prince was no pushover. He quickly reacted to the sudden situation, took a big step forward seizing the opening, and his Zhenyue Sword, glittering with cold light, slashed towards the Dasheng military officer on horseback.


    Reed leaf long spear and Zhenyue Sword made contact, emitting a clear ringing sound.


    The prince took several steps back, his treasure sword trembling and buzzing in his hand, nearly slipping from his grasp under the terrible force.


    "What a mighty sword!"


    The opponent was probably a small achievement in Bone Training, not as strong as Chen Sansi, but this strike actually notched his reed leaf gun blade!


    "Protect His Highness¡ª¡ª"


    At the same time.


    The Central Army Tent was completely surrounded.


    Countless archers and crossbowmen, three layers inside and three outside, but due to the close distance between the two men inside, they dared not shoot.


    A Bone Forging Perfection General staying behind with a long-handled broadsword rushed in, thinking to ambush from behind. He had just approached within seven steps when a silver flash appeared before his eyes.


    His body hair stood on end, and he instinctively swung his sword to chop it down, barely managing to split the silver flash before it could bite his cheek.


    "Such a swift spear!"


    After just one exchange, the barbarian officer was drenched in cold sweat.


    He braced himself, ready for the next move.


    But the other side didn''t bother with him; the target was still the prince.


    "Clang clang clang clang clang clang!"


    Chen Sansi''s long spear in his hand rained down like a torrential downpour on his opponent, the sound of striking metal akin to forging iron. He could hear more and more people entering the tent, closing in from behind, their killing intent vast like an ocean, overwhelming!


    The blood of the Dragon-Elephant surged wildly within him, his long spear transforming into a silver phantom, the blood vessels and meridians in his arm resembling an overloaded machine, so hot they seemed ready to ignite at any moment.


    The prince could no longer withstand such a fierce assault, his right hand''s palm bleeding profusely, his entire arm nearly numb, unable to hold the sword hilt, allowing the Zhenyue Sword to be flipped into the air.


    At the same time, the reed leaf long spear tore through the flesh, chipping bone, piercing right through his shoulder.


    The Zhenyue Sword in the air was firmly caught by another hand.


    Chen Sansi reached the prince from behind an instant before the barbarian officers could launch their attack, placing the sharp blade of the Zhenyue Sword against the prince''s neck, a thread of fresh blood trickling out, his eyes, red with fury, looked at the dense barbarian soldiers:


    "All of you, back off!"

 Chapter 87 - 87: Returning Home Wrapped in Horsehide

    "Zzzzt¡ª"


    The Barbarian Thousand Households found an opportunity, slashing his blade across the corpulent body of the Sheng Dynasty military officer. The blade tore through the armor, skinned the flesh, sliced through muscle, and finally was halted by the tough bones, leaving a deep gash.


    The opponent found the right moment and also swung his blade.


    The saber technique was so flexible that even though he was a Refining Organ Martial Artist, he barely dodged it, leaving a shallow cut on his face.


    "Get lost!"


    The Barbarian Thousand Households swung his blade again, forcing the opponent back before he grabbed the reins and rode off, not willing to linger in battle.


    This chubby Hundred Households was rather formidable.


    Having achieved Bone Forging Perfection and being able to exchange so many moves with his refining organs skill, his saber technique was masterful, not at all like someone from the Bone Training Realm.


    Killing him would likely take much effort.


    He was out of time.


    The young officer on the white horse charged toward the main camp.


    Although it was uncertain how someone just at the Bone Training level could be so audacious¡ªlikely to be surrounded and killed¡ªit was still essential to hurry back.


    The prince was the Great Khan''s most beloved youngest son.


    If something truly went wrong,


    all the heads of the Xi River tribe wouldn''t be enough to make amends.


    "Hum¡ª"


    Just as he turned, the sound of a slashing blade echoed again.


    "Do you so wish to die?!"


    The Barbarian Thousand Households, thunderously furious, blocked the attack with his blade then quickly turned it into a slash, ripping another gash on his opponent''s body. His left fist, like a siege giant hammer, smashed thunderously into the chest.


    Wang Zhi flew backward and fell off his horse, causing the frightened horse to flee.


    "Cough cough¡­"


    He spat out a mouthful of blood, seemingly oblivious to the pain as he immediately scrambled up, hurling his Mo Blade, severing the hooves of the Thousand Households'' horse that was attempting to return to the camp.


    "Hiss¡ª"


    The horse screamed in agony.


    The Barbarian Thousand Households stepped on the horse''s back and leapt off, landing smoothly.


    His irritation unabated, he knew he had to kill this man.


    At the main camp, there were at least others who had achieved Bone Forging Perfection and two thousand left to guard it; dealing with a young Hundred Households shouldn''t be a problem. Even if one-on-one combat didn''t work, they could surround and kill him within a short time.


    Prior to this, he might have been overly concerned.


    "I''m really done for¡­"


    Wang Zhi wiped the blood from his mouth with the back of his hand, picked up a curved saber from the ground, and chopped down a Barbarian cavalry trying to sneak attack from behind. He then faced a Refining Organ General with a welding blade, estimating he could last about ten more rounds before likely dying.


    On the other side.


    The Small Car Suspension Array had lost its two sharpest blades, reducing its combat effectiveness significantly.


    Out of ten men, only six remained.


    Zhuang Yi had already been struck by three blades; though no vital points had been hit, he was near exhaustion.


    Fang Buping and Zhao Qiao were also severely wounded.


    Xu Bin and Zhu Tong were fine for the moment but were depleting rapidly and would soon be easy prey.


    "Uncle Zhao, dying this way is worth it!"


    Zhuang Yi strained to keep the formation intact, "It''s better than being bullied to death."


    "It''s just a pity for Shi¡­"


    Zhao Qiao, the weakest in cultivation, had survived this long only because of being looked after.


    Amid the battlefield of flashing blades, they didn''t even have time for last words.


    Essentially, they were in a no-win situation.


    At that very moment,


    a voice full of deadly energy shouted, "Everyone, stop!"


    From the distant rear,


    a white horse slowly advanced.


    On its back.


    Chen Sansi held a spear in one hand and a sword in the other, with a half-dead Ninth Prince Yu Wen clutched in his arms. The dense barbarian cavalry automatically parted to open a path for him, none daring to make a reckless move.


    "You..."


    The pupils of the Barbarian Thousand Households trembled continuously, as if doubting what he was seeing.


    Several Bone Forgers had stayed in the military camp.


    Are they all... useless?!


    It''s not that he had been negligent; it was just a Bone Forger. How could it be possible!


    "Everyone, stop!"


    The Barbarian Thousand Households had to yell, "Everyone, stop!"


    The chaotic battlefield suddenly fell silent.


    "Who is this person?"


    Wang Zhi leaned on his single-bladed saber, somewhat unclear about the situation.


    Had Chen Sansi rushed back to the main camp just to capture this person?


    "Your Highness!"


    Hearing the barbarian''s address for the hostage.


    Where did Wang Zhi not understand?


    This damn...


    Seems like a prince!


    That''s really bizarre!


    Xi River Tribe, on par with Po Yang, also belonged to a barbarian''s god-forsaken place. How could there be a prince?!


    "Well done, we''ve caught the Great Khan''s bastard!"


    Zhu Tong laughed heartily.


    Everyone except him felt not the slightest bit of tension from start to finish, merely wielding his hammer, and while fighting, he even faintly touched the threshold of a breakthrough.


    As for dying, by the time he realized he might die, Chen Sansi had already returned with the prince to rescue them.


    For him, everything was very peaceful.


    "What a big heart..."


    Xu Bin envied, still feeling anxious.


    Just one step away!


    They, these people, were about to die under the chaotic blades!


    "Let us go!"


    Chen Sansi said sternly.


    They were merely a squad formed by two Hundred Households called night watch.


    Compared to the life of a prince, they were too worthless.


    "Save me... save me!"


    Ninth Prince Yu Wen, his face pale and trembling, said, "Thousand Households, save me!"


    "Alright, you can go!"


    The Barbarian Thousand Households restrained himself, "But the rest must stay!" S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Don''t negotiate with me!"


    Chen Sansi glanced, "There are seven of us, not one less! If anyone is missing, I''ll chop off his finger first!"


    "Don''t... don''t chop off my fingers, I still need to practice my sword!"


    The prince''s eyes brimmed with tears, regretting his demand to go to war.


    Why are all those in Dasheng such fierce figures?


    The military officers around his age were able to penetrate the enemy camp and capture the main general, it was simply terrifying!


    That Sun Xiangzong, he must be some kind of three-headed and six-armed monster!


    "Why aren''t you giving the orders yet?!"


    Chen Sansi tightened his grip on the sword''s edge.


    "Ah¡ª"


    The prince screamed in fright, "That Thousand Households, I don''t know what you''re called, just listen to him, let them go. If I am missing a finger, my father will slaughter your Xi River Tribe!"


    "All retreat!"


    The Barbarian Thousand Households issued an order.


    Chen Sansi and several others gathered, "Bring the bodies of our fallen brothers!"


    From his decision to his aim of capturing the prince alive, it only took a few minutes back and forth.


    A few minutes.


    Four men had died in the process.


    Among them were his subordinates Li Dazhi and Xia Erniu.


    In the battlefield, sacrifices are inevitable.


    There''s nothing to be sentimental about.


    If there was no opportunity, then be it, but since there was one, it was best to bring the bodies back.


    "Okay!"


    Zhu Tong and Fang Buping immediately did as told, bringing two horses to carry the bodies.


    "You still have the leisure to move bodies?"


    The Barbarian Thousand Households clenched his fists till they turned white.


    "Back off!"


    The Ninth Prince himself gave the order without Chen Sansi''s instruction, "Everyone, do not follow. Back off two miles, two miles!!!"


    Damn...


    Chen Sansi cursed in his heart, suspecting that this coward would probably help shout to open the gates if he were brought to the Yuwen Family''s Great Capital.


    Of course.


    Having such an opponent spared him a lot of worries.


    "Back off!"


    The Barbarian Thousand Households commanded.


    Chen Sansi and his six men rode their horses back the way they came.


    The journey of four hundred miles could not be traversed at full speed like before.


    From midnight to dawn, and from dawn to night, they missed the appointed rendezvous time with night watch.


    ...


    Po Yang.


    The Great Wall.


    "My lord, night watch has returned!"


    "Oh?"


    Zhao Kang ascended the watchtower and spent a significant amount of time verifying identities before allowing the others to come under the wall for further inspection.


    He sharply noticed something amiss, "Why are there fewer people? Aren''t Hundred Households Chen and Hundred Households Wang back?"


    "Not sure."


    In the darkness, one could not see Luo Dongquan''s expression, "The appointed midnight rendezvous passed without a sign of them, we can''t just keep waiting, right? Zhao Kang, swiftly open the gates, we have urgent intelligence to report to the Lord Thousand Households!"


    "Got it."


    Zhao Kang ordered, "Open the city gates!"


    "Weng Long¡ª"


    The heavy city gates opened.


    More than twenty riders returned to the territory, heading straight towards the military camp.


    Only Liu Jinkui stayed behind, calling out to the city walls, "Hundred Households Zhao, keep a sharp lookout. Perhaps Old Wang and Old Chen will return shortly!"


    "Okay, rest assured."


    Zhao Kang agreed outwardly but sighed inwardly.


    The matter of the rendezvous, unless there was a major mishap, wouldn''t usually be delayed.


    And this mishap implied they were discovered by Barbarian cavalry...


    The chances of their return were very slim.


    ...


    "Uncle!"


    Song Yan rode close to Deputy Thousand Households, whispering, "Did something happen to Mr. Chen and the others?"


    "How would I know?"


    Luo Dongquan scoffed coldly, "A mishap isn''t so bad, it''s just right for you to take over the position at Selected Point!"


    "Uncle, I''m not capable..."


    Song Yan lacked any fighting spirit, "I''m far behind Mr. Chen. He has mastered the Bone Strengthening Skill, while I have just barely achieved minor success in Blood Refining."


    "Minor success in Blood Refining in four months, is that slow?"


    Luo Dongquan spoke resentfully, "You''re not worse than most people; it''s just that you encountered a freak! After he dies, your joining the Eight Camps is certain."


    The less naturally gifted someone is, the more they need to struggle.


    Take his nephew, for example.


    If he remained in Po Yang County, his highest achievement might be Refining Internal.


    But if he went to the Governor Mansion, even as an outer sect disciple, he could achieve Hua Jin at the very least, perhaps even higher!


    How could he not struggle?


    As for what Xiang Tingchun said...


    He believed it only halfway!


    Something about His Majesty targeting the Governor Mansion.


    Was it even significant?


    Even if not for the Selected Point.


    It was necessary for thorough eradication!


    In dealing with issues, one must be resolute.


    "Yan''er, do you think I''m going overboard? Do you feel it''s entirely unnecessary to escalate to a life-or-death conflict?"


    Luo Dongquan gave a bitter smile, "Let me tell you a story.


    "Many years ago, when Elder Yan was still young and going to the capital for an exam, he accidentally bumped into a then-current Third-Rank official.


    "That official didn''t do much to him, just scolded Elder Yan as a country bumpkin.


    "Fifteen years later, when Elder Yan came into power, he found an excuse to involve the official in a major case. Not only was his family exiled and their property confiscated, but his daughters were also deliberately sold to the cheapest brothels...


    "Perhaps Chen Sansi might forget the past unpleasantness, or perhaps not, but I cannot gamble, I cannot leave it to fate.


    "Do you understand now?"


    Song Yan seemed thoughtful, "I understand."


    "Hmm."


    Luo Dongquan nodded, satisfied.


    Months ago, from when he tried to deceive Chen Sansi into giving up the Selected Point position, they were enemies, and even if there was just a one in ten thousand chance of retaliation, it needed to be nipped in the bud!


    That was much better than having one day to hear that someone from the Eight Camps had become a Great General and spending days in fear.


    Luckily, it all ended!


    "Po Yang will soon see a large army''s assault, you must perform well then!"


    Luo Dongquan instructed.


    ...


    Military cantonment, residence.


    In the cold, dark courtyard, hung two lanterns, and a basin of charcoal fire blazed.


    Gu Xinlan and the pregnant Mrs. Tong sat around the charcoal fire, quietly waiting for news.


    Sun Li was practicing sabre techniques in the courtyard.


    "How come there''s been no news for several days? Before, no matter what he did, he would at least leave some dependable information."


    Mrs. Tong spoke nervously, "My man hasn''t actually fought in any battles... but he should be okay following your Brother Shi, right?"


    "Yes."


    Gu Xinlan''s delicate fingers tightly clutched together, "Definitely, there won''t be any issues."


    Night watch operations were confidential, naturally not informing family members.


    Sun Li knew, but she couldn''t say; she just reassured, "Don''t worry. My junior brother''s level in Po Yang''s domain, there aren''t many who could harm him."


    "Bang!"


    The words had just ended.


    The courtyard gate was kicked open.


    Sun Buqi came in, flustered, "Sis, something''s wrong! I was guarding inside the military camp and saw with my own eyes, the other two teams returned from outside the city, but Chen Sansi was nowhere to be seen!"

 Chapter 88 - 88 Emperor Longqing

    "What?"


    Sun Li sheathed her sword, "They haven''t returned?"


    "Right!"


    Sun Buqi nodded heavily, "I asked that Liu Households Commander, and he said they waited at the rendezvous for the time it takes half an incense stick to burn, but then they returned ahead of time."


    "Sister Tong!"


    Listening to the conversation,


    Tong Family collapsed on the spot in the yard, nearly fainting away.


    Gu Xinlan supported her, asking, "Li, has something... happened?"


    "Don''t panic just yet."


    Sun Li soothed, "They might have lost their way, or something delayed them. If we wait a little longer, they might return."


    "Lost their way?"


    Gu Xinlan seized on the key point, "Did Brother Shi and the others leave the Great Wall?"


    How could she not understand her man?


    Roaming around Tiger Head Mountain day and night, how could they possibly lose their way?


    If they were said to be lost, it could only be on the unfamiliar grasslands.


    "Mhm."


    Sun Li acknowledged, "Let''s wait some more."


    The atmosphere of the residence suddenly seemed to freeze over.


    Until dawn, there was not the slightest noise.


    Toward the latter part of the night, even Xu Wencai led Wang Li and the others to inquire about the situation.


    With women at home, it wasn''t convenient to approach, so they just stood far outside the gate.


    "Could Mr. Chen have met with some mishap?" sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Wang Li''s face was grave as he touched the sword at his waist, "Old Xu, say something. Both Vice Thousand Households Luo and Households Commander Liu have returned, but the only one who hasn''t is the Lord."


    Xu Wencai paced back and forth, "Don''t panic, don''t panic! The Lord has good fortune; nothing will happen to him!"


    Though that was said,


    An entire night passed.


    Until the sky began to brighten, the encampment remained ominously quiet.


    "I''ve always known, Tang Ruoshan is useless!"


    Sun Buqi cursed aloud, "He caused the death of Third Brother back then, and now he can''t even protect Sansi! That Xi River tribe only has one Refining Organ Martial Artist!"


    "Xi River..."


    Gu Xinlan''s heart went cold.


    The people of Po Yang County knew all too well.


    The barbarians who came years ago to slaughter their villages were from the Xi River tribe.


    Were they sent to the enemy''s main camp?


    And have yet to return?


    Could it be...


    Sun Buqi anxiously said, "Sister, what do we do? Shall we borrow some troops and go look for them?"


    "Nonsense!"


    Sun Li scolded, "Can you resist a thousand troops and ten thousand horses? Wait longer, and if they don''t return today..."


    She paused, "Then I can only say, we were fated to meet this junior brother but not destined to keep him."


    The words were cruel.


    But such was the reality.


    Soldiers.


    Who amongst them doesn''t die?


    Let alone Chen Sansi.


    Even in the Eight Camps of the past, there were countless talented individuals who died before they could grow up.


    "Sigh!"


    Sun Buqi stamped his foot.


    But that was the fact he had to accept.


    "Wuuu..."


    Tong Family wept bitterly, "Always insisting on going to war, always ranting about earning merits at home, without considering if he possesses the ability. The child isn''t even born yet..."


    "..."


    Gu Xinlan''s eyes reddened, but she did not cry or make a fuss.


    She simply returned to the room to fetch her needlework and sat on a stone stool, meticulously sewing stitch by stitch.


    The East began to light up softly.


    In people''s hearts, hope was extinguished.


    "Let''s go."


    Finally, Sun Li couldn''t bear it, "Buqi, you come with me out of the city to look for him."


    "Okay!"


    Sun Buqi had been restless.


    The siblings left the residence, preparing to fetch their horses.


    "Buzz¡ª¡ª"


    It was at that moment.


    A deafening horn sounded, and rolling black smoke rose up, darkening the sky.


    "Raise three beacon fires, indicate with two on the watchtower, burn three stacks of firewood; it signals an attack by an enemy army of more than two thousand!"


    Sun Buqi recognized the signal.


    ...


    The Great Wall.


    Zhao Kang, responsible for the watch, had stayed awake all night, yet the other Night Patrol Team still hadn''t returned.


    "All dead."


    He shook his head slightly, murmuring to himself, "What''s the use of talent, said to have so much potential, but died before even leaving Po Yang County, with Fatty Wang also gone. This will please many lords back in the city."


    Zhao Kang went back inside the tower, leaned against the wall, and prepared to rest for a bit.


    Just as he closed his eyes, the lookout on the tower shouted loudly.


    "Enemy attack!"


    "A large army is invading! A large army is invading!"


    "..."


    "What large army?!"


    Zhao Kang immediately became wide awake, scrambling up the lookout platform using the rope ladder.


    He saw, ten miles out on the vast and boundless land, a dense mass of Iron Cavalry emerging, numbering at least two thousand!


    The Xi River tribe indeed had two thousand people, but they weren''t all cavalry.


    Had they really reinforced their numbers?


    Zhao Kang was even more baffled.


    Who wages war like this?


    To conquer a city is not the work of a day.


    Even if the Xi River tribe intended to attack Po Yang, they should have chosen a place to set up camp first, then slowly strategize. Who rides straight toward us on horses, isn''t that akin to courting death?


    Wait a minute!


    They''re chasing someone!


    Zhao Kang squinted hard, trying to make his vision clearer.


    He spotted eight riders ahead of the barbarian horde.


    The barbarian cavalry were chasing these eight riders, and they seemed wary of getting too close, only following from a distance as if they were fearful of something.


    "Charge¡ª¡ª"


    The Households ordered a full army assault.


    The Cavalry arrived at the Great Wall first.


    Xiang Tingchun led the charge onto the city wall, rushing up like the wind, followed closely by Luo Dongquan. Then came Sun Buqi and Sun Li, and finally Wang Li, Wu Da, and others also arrived on their warhorses.


    "What''s happening!"


    Xiang Tingchun climbed up to the lookout tower.


    It was all too sudden.


    He had heard about the Xi River tribe''s reinforcements through Luo Dongquan.


    But it was too soon! They absolutely couldn''t have launched an attack right away.


    "Sir, it''s... it''s Households Commander Chen and the others!"


    Zhao Kang finally made out the eight riders ahead.


    "The junior brother?"


    Sun Li and others also followed up to the lookout tower.


    Among the leading eight riders, one white horse was particularly conspicuous.


    If not Chen Sansi seated on the horse, who else could it be?


    In front of him, he also held hostage a barbarian-dressed noble youth.


    "A hostage?"


    How could everyone not understand even this much?


    Clearly.


    Chen Sansi and his group had been surrounded by barbarians, but had captured a hostage, threatening the enemy with it to obtain a chance at survival.


    How precious must the hostage be to make two thousand barbarian cavalry hesitate to act recklessly?


    How could such a precious person appear in the Xi River tribe?!


    "How could this..."


    Luo Dongquan subconsciously leaned forward, his arms resting on the crenellation, stretching his neck to look ahead,


    ...


    "Fall back!"


    After several days and nights of continuos exertion, everyone was already exhausted.


    Even Chen Sansi''s eyes were bloodshot, his voice hoarse, "Fall back five miles!"


    "This young brother."


    The barbarian Thousand Households rode his horse at a distance, following them, "You have reached the border, isn''t it time to return His Highness to us?"


    "Cut the crap, we''ll talk after we enter the city!"


    Chen Sansi indicated for the prince to speak.


    The prince understood and complied, "Do as he says, fall back five miles, give them enough safe distance to enter the city!"


    Under the watch of a thousand pairs of eyes.


    The barbarian cavalry kept retreating and didn''t dare to step forward.


    Chen Sansi led the people, prudently arriving at the city walls.


    "Little junior brother!"


    Sun Li called out to the wall below, "What happened, how did you attract so many cavalrymen!"


    Chen Sansi answered, "We were surrounded by Xi River tribal cavalry during our reconnaissance; fortunately, we had him, which is why we were able to escape by sheer luck!"


    Actually confronted by cavalry.


    In such a situation.


    Yet they were still alive!


    Truly a rare feat in a decade.


    Not only that.


    The people also saw two separate horses carrying bodies, they even brought back the bodies of their dead comrades!


    A remarkable feat!


    Xiang Tingchun hurriedly inquired, "Who is this person?!"


    "Probably a prince, I suppose!"


    Chen Sansi commanded, "Introduce yourself to everyone."


    "Alright... alright! You, all of you listen!"


    The prince said, "I am the Ninth Prince from the Yuwen clan! If you dare to kill me, my father the Great Khan will certainly blood-wash Po Yang County."


    A prince!


    "The Ninth Prince?"


    Sun Buqi muttered, "I have heard that the Great Khan of the Yuwen clan has ten sons, but adores only the Ninth Prince, said to be grooming him as the next Great Khan. He should be staying in the Great Capital, how did he end up in the Xi River tribe and get captured alive by Sansi."


    Capturing a prince alive...


    Xiang Tingchun''s expression became excited.


    A remarkable feat!


    Who would have thought.


    Sending out a few Night Patrol Teams.


    Could actually bring back a Yuwen clan future Great Khan alive!


    What a tremendous feat it was!


    Subordinates achieving great success


    The superiors would also bask in the glory!


    "Good, good, good!"


    Xiang Tingchun repeated the word ''good'' three times, "Open the city gate, quick, quickly bring Chen Household Commander and his men inside!"


    Over a hundred cavalry rode out to meet them.


    The moment they returned to their own territory, five out of six men had fallen.


    Only Chen Sansi was still able to hold on.


    He casually threw the prince off the horse and was immediately restrained by the officials.


    "Luo Dongquan! I want your damn life!"


    "Clang¡ª"


    Wang Zhi, having caught his breath, got up from the ground, drew a long knife from the waist of a soldier beside him, and charged straight at Luo Dongquan, but with bones merely trained and already heavily injured, he was no match for his opponent.


    Luo Dongquan blocked the attack with his sword effortlessly, repelling Wang Zhi and exclaimed, "Have you gone mad?!"


    "Households Commander Xiang!"


    Wang Zhi screamed hoarsely, "We were surrounded by barbarian cavalry out of nowhere on the grassland. I suspect someone intentionally startled the barbarians to put us in a death trap! That person is Luo Dongquan!"


    "Slanderous accusations! Why would I scheme against my own people?!"


    Luo Dongquan angrily responded, "Your own carelessness exposed you; what does that have to do with me! Thirty pairs of eyes saw for themselves; I wasn''t even heading in the same direction as you! You defame me, but where is your evidence?"


    "Liu Jinkui!"


    Xiang Tingchun demanded, "Tell the truth, speak!"


    "Luo Qianhu speaks the truth."


    Liu Jinkui reported honestly, "He was at the very northwest, I was in between him and Chen Household Commander, at a great distance."


    "Hmm."


    Xiang Tingchun nodded, "Wang Zhi, this must be a misunderstanding. Leaking secrets and plotting against comrades is a capital offense. Besides, didn''t you all return alive, safe and sound, and even achieved a remarkable feat!"


    "I..."


    Wang Zhi was at a loss for words.


    Indeed it was just a suspicion; there was no concrete evidence.


    Returned alive?


    Chen Sansi sneered inwardly.


    He returned alive, but what about Li Dazhi, Xia Erniu, and the others?


    Evidence.


    If it''s so hard to find, then just fucking forget about it!


    Is Refining Internal that far-fetched?


    Xiang Tingchun also obviously didn''t want to blow things out of proportion.


    Because Luo Dongquan was a confidant among his trusted men.


    If procedural justice isn''t possible,


    then it has to be outcome justice.


    Chen Sansi maintained a placid demeanor but simply stated, "Please, Lord Thousand Households, provide compensation for the families of the fallen brothers!"


    "Not just that,"


    Xiang Tingchun was exceedingly pleased, "After this matter is reported to the court, it will surely shock both the government and the people! Each and every one of you on this mission will be rewarded!"


    "Listen up, soldiers of Dasheng¡ª"


    Outside the city walls.


    There came a lone messenger on horseback to the foot of the wall, loudly proclaiming, "If you do not hand over His Highness, we will definitely massacre Po Yang!"


    "Then you are welcome to try!"


    Xiang Tingchun stated deliberately and slowly, "I will be right here waiting for you to attack!"


    "Good! You just wait!"


    The barbarian cavalry gradually retreated and disappeared beyond the line of sight.


    Laying siege was not something one could simply do at a moment''s notice¡ªit required extensive preparation.


    Today, a challenge was issued.


    ...


    Seven days later, a war report from a remote small county on the frontier was delivered by the Ministry of War to the Cabinet, then transferred to the Ritual Supervision, and finally presented in the Longevity Palace by the Chamberlain of the Ritual Supervision himself:


    "On the second day of the eleventh month, Sixth-rank Captain Chen Sansi from Po Yang County led a ten-member Night Patrol Team deep into enemy territory. Amidst a siege of two thousand cavalry, they captured Ninth Prince Yuwen alive and returned in one piece."


    "Interesting,"


    came a voice from behind the curtain, flat and emotionless.


    "Pity, he was born in the wrong place."


    "Nevermind, I have three treasures, and one of them is mercy."


    "Give this young captain a chance."

 Chapter 89 - 89: Breaking Through Skin Training.

    The day after returning to the city.


    Chen Sansi''s capture of the Prince spread throughout Po Yang.


    His reputation almost entirely overshadowed Xiang Tingchun.


    Another two hundred people came to Po Yang County to join the army.


    Xiang Tingchun accepted all comers and reported to the Commanding Department, requesting a temporary expansion of the military garrison.


    Since the battle was nearing,


    the higher-ups would certainly not refuse.


    Apart from that, Xiang Tingchun also requested the deployment of additional troops to strengthen Po Yang''s defenses.


    The great war was coming!


    The situation Chen Sansi''s party investigated indicated that the Xi River tribe conservatively increased its forces to five thousand men.


    It''s uncertain.


    It really might have something to do with the Immortal Treasure.


    Next, there might be members of the Witch God Church infiltrating Po Yang.


    There was no chance of escape.


    He had no choice from the beginning.


    If he had joined the Martial Arts Hall, chances are he would still be fawning over Brother Liang at the Tianyuan Martial Arts Academy, without even an entry-level Bone Strengthening Skill.


    Joining the military, he got the technique, but it required risking his life.


    With any choice, there were corresponding prices to pay.


    All Chen Sansi could do was to continue growing stronger!


    This trip to the grasslands, the gains were not small either.


    [Cultivation Technique: Undying Golden Snake Spear. Advanced (Proficiency)]


    [Progress: 885/1000]


    Fighting for life and death, the blood courses fiercely.


    The Spiritual Grain he consumed before leaving was almost completely digested, and the proficiency of his technique increased dramatically, the speed incredibly fast.


    In a few days, he would be able to break through to Skin Training.


    But there was no need to announce it to the world; it was better to quietly make the breakthrough.


    Previously, it was to show off his talent.


    That''s more than enough.


    Next, he would have to deal with Refining Organ Martial Artists like Dan Yuanzhi and Luo Dongquan, so there was no need to make them wary.


    The most crucial thing was,


    before Refining Organs, there was no way to get promoted.


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    [Tracking and Evading (Small Achievement)]


    [Progress: 705/1000]


    ...


    [Skill: Commanding Soldiers (Entry-level)]


    [Progress: 233/500]


    [Utility: Mainstay]


    ...


    [Skill: Horse Control (Proficient)]


    [Progress: (109/500)]


    Speaking of which,


    his survival this time; Little Xun deserves at least half the credit!


    Without the White Swan Horse''s exceptional speed,


    Chen Sansi wouldn''t have been able to capture the Ninth Prince in such a short time.


    Aside from the increases in various proficiency levels,


    the greatest gain,


    should be this sword!


    "Clang¡ª"


    Chen Sansi drew the sword blade, startling Sister Lan in his arms.


    The two of them had been through life and death together.


    After reuniting, they cherished each other deeply all night long.


    This sword,


    its scabbard was mainly made of ebony wood, additionally adorned with gold vines on the surface, and a red gem was embedded in the middle, sparkling under candlelight.


    The sword was three feet and six inches long, in line with the 360 Circulations, and one inch and eight points wide, matching half the number of Heaven''s pride; flawless throughout, the cold gleam was striking, the edge sharp, with a weight that felt just right.


    "Zhenyue Sword!"


    Chen Sansi had read about it in books.


    Before the grandeur of Dasheng, there was a unifying dynasty called Da Yan.


    This Zhenyue Sword was created by the emperor who revitalized Da Yan, who would have imagined it would fall into the hands of the Yuwen Family a hundred years later.


    After the fall of the Great Yan Kingdom,


    the Central Plains region entered a state of fragmented rule lasting over a hundred years.


    The alien races began "assimilating into the Central Plains," reading the books of the Central Plains People, wearing their clothes, speaking their language.


    Latter chased back to the grassland by Grand Ancestor Cao Xie of Sheng, the "assimilation" of the barbarians into Central Plains reversed quite a bit over three hundred years, but the language remained the same.


    "What a fine sword!"


    Chen Sansi couldn''t put it down.


    This sword had nearly ruined his reed leaf gun, which he had sent to the Forge for repairs.


    After returning to Po Yang, no one mentioned the sword to him, so it naturally became his.


    After advancing to Skin Training, he''ll make time to practice the sword too!


    As for the Ninth Prince,


    it seemed he was escorted to the Prefecture City overnight before being sent off to the Capital City.


    With his royal status,


    they were not qualified to decide his fate.


    "This counts as a great achievement; I wonder if the Old Emperor will give me anything nice,"


    Chen Sansi pondered to himself.


    But with wars prevalent and the distance from the Northern Territory to the Capital City, who knows how long the round trip would take.


    What''s most important at the moment is to enhance his strength.


    The following day,


    Chen Sansi went to the military camp.


    Zhu Tong, Xu Bin, and others were there and unharmed.


    That they could survive as six; the Car Suspension Formation combined with Commanding Soldiers skill, bringing Calm in Crisis, was indispensable.


    Otherwise, they wouldn''t have been able to hold on for minutes; they would have been crushed instantly.


    "Wang Li, you should know people like Li Dazhi,"


    Chen Sansi took out twenty taels of silver, "Find a time to take the silver to their families, and check if the funeral compensation and supplements promised by the Thousand Households have been given fully; let me know if there''s an issue."


    Even though they were only military soldiers,


    they were human lives after all.


    He wouldn''t treat casualties as mere numbers like Xiang Tingchun; he would help within his capacity.


    He didn''t trust the officials to handle matters properly either.


    God knows whether the promised compensation will actually be given without skimming off the top.


    "Zhu Tong, there''s no doubt that the healing garrison will pay. I will cover all the resources needed for your subsequent cultivation and the realm of Blood Refining. Drink Blood Replenishing Soup and Replenishing Essence Soup as you wish."


    Chen Sansi said generously.


    Xiang Tingchun couldn''t afford to reward them with good things.


    But Blood Replenishing Soup and Replenishing Essence Soup had to be rewarded, nonetheless.


    Otherwise, who would be willing to follow him?


    "Thank you, my lord!"


    Zhu Tong and the others clasped their fists in gratitude.


    For these poor fellows, what they lacked most was supplemental medicine; otherwise, their cultivation pace would be much faster than now.


    "Fatty Wang, how are your injuries?"


    Chen Sansi inquired.


    "Well, having attained Bone Forging Perfection, a couple of cuts won''t kill me,"


    said Wang Zhi, who viewed those who died as if they were disciples he personally taught. "It''s just infuriating that Luo Dongquan couldn''t be killed! Do you know what realm he''s in?"


    "He just got promoted to Deputy Thousand Households. Isn''t he just at the entry-level of Refining Internal Organs?"


    Chen Sansi was somewhat surprised. "Not just that?"


    "Absolutely more than that!"


    Wang Zhi took him to a secluded spot and spoke in a lower voice, "Though I have regressed, I couldn''t be clearer about the strength one should have at each realm. Besides, having spent over a decade in Po Yang, I even know which Cultivation Technique he practices.


    "He''s definitely not simply at the entry-level of Refining Internal Organs; at the very least, he''s mastered the Refining Organ Skill! He''s hiding his true cultivation level."


    "Hmm."


    Chen Sansi nodded, committing it to memory.


    He had just begun to think about concealing his own cultivation level.


    He hadn''t expected Luo Dongquan to be doing the same.


    His own preparations to conceal his cultivation level were meant to face Refining Organ Martial Artists. But for whom was Luo doing it?


    "Don''t worry about it,"


    Wang Zhi said. "Once you''re back, with Bu Qi and his brother there, Luo Dongquan wouldn''t dare act against you. Just focus on your training, and it won''t take long for you to catch up to him."


    "And what about Dan Yuanzhi?"


    Chen Sansi followed up, "Does he also have a concealed cultivation level?"


    "He does not,"


    Wang Zhi replied. "During the last visit to Ji Mansion, when you were training in martial arts, I probed him under the pretense of being drunk. He is indeed in the initial stage of Refining Internal Organs, but his foundations are solid, not bad at all."


    Chen Sansi understood.


    Cultivation levels.


    In most cases, it''s easier to overestimate than to see through an underestimated one.


    Only in Fatty Wang''s case was it somewhat peculiar.


    After a brief chat, Chen Sansi, who hadn''t rested throughout the day, immediately dived back into his training, aiming to break through the final barrier of Skin Training in one go.


    ...


    At the family estate.


    Xiang Tingchun was practicing with his sword in the courtyard.


    Luo Dongquan, led by a maid, came in, "Lord Thousand Households, did you have any instructions for me?"


    Xiang Tingchun didn''t speak and continued practicing with his sword, leaving him standing there.


    Not until two hours later.


    did he finally put away his sword and stop. He took the hot towel handed over by the maid to wipe off his sweat. Still in no hurry to speak, he then sat leisurely on the rattan chair and began sipping tea.


    Luo Dongquan thus stood in silence, not uttering a word, like a wooden stake.


    "Go on, Old Luo."


    Xiang Tingchun set down his teacup, "Why must you do that?"


    "This lowly official doesn''t know!"


    Luo Dongquan kept his head lowered.


    "Leaking comrades'' whereabouts, what''s the difference between that and conspiring with the enemy to betray the country!"


    Xiang Tingchun stood up and approached the other man, suppressing his anger, "You, just had to, you''re so eager to see Chen Sansi die, not even willing to give me face?"


    "My lord, I did it for self-preservation."


    Luo Dongquan stopped pretending, "In the future, with his power and influence in the Northern Territory, it would only take a word from him, to not only threaten my life but also end my career and the future prospects of my entire Luo Family."


    "Slap¡ª¡ª"


    Xiang Tingchun''s hand struck like an iron fan, fiercely slapped across his face, producing a crisp sound, "Luo Dongquan! Don''t forget, who it was that took pity on you back in the day, brought you into the barracks and taught you martial arts personally. And who was it that transferred resources to you, so that you could have the cultivation you have today!"


    "This lowly official dares not forget!"


    A purple-red handprint appeared on Luo Dongquan''s face, and he didn''t dare to resist, "Lord Thousand Households'' favor, this official will surely repay with my life!"


    "It''s fortunate that there''s no evidence. This matter, I will help you suppress it!"


    Xiang Tingchun exhaled turbid breath, "But if there is ever a next time, you''re on your own. Get out!"


    Luo Dongquan bowed respectfully, retreated a few steps, and then turned to leave.


    After stepping out of the gate, he spat a mouthful of bloody saliva toward the front door, expressionless.


    ...


    "Huala lala¡ª¡ª"


    Inside the cave.


    Chen Sansi poured the "Condensed Dew Body Forging Soup" into a wooden tub.


    In recent days, he hadn''t gone to the Ji Mansion at all.


    Instead, he ordered their people to deliver the prepared medicinal soup to his home.


    Today was the last portion.


    Once used up, it should be just right for him to break through, and there would be no more Condensed Dew Body Forging Soup.


    First, he exercised his skin in the iron sand.


    After his entire body was bloodied, he would jump into the medicine bath.


    The icy medicinal liquid seeped into his body, constantly repairing wounds and nourishing his physique.


    After soaking for a while, Chen Sansi got out, picked up the repaired reed leaf spear and began to practice.


    The cultivation technique was displayed.


    The medicinal force of the medicine bath, previously absorbed through the wounds into the flesh, was now completely assimilated and then oozed out through the pores, hanging on his body like droplets of transparent dew, thus the name Condensed Dew Body Forging Soup.


    Various supplemental medicines, beast meat, and, most crucially, Spiritual Grain.


    Chen Sansi reached the threshold of a breakthrough once again.


    He could feel it.


    Qi-Blood no longer affected only the meridians and bones. When using Qi-Blood to strengthen his spear technique, his skin was strengthened along with it, as if his whole body from head to toe gained a thick armor of skin.


    "Bang¡ª¡ª"


    A single thrust of his spear carved a huge hole in the wall of the cave.


    Chen Sansi''s overall qualities rose once more, his skin became thicker and more resilient, far surpassing cowhide, and much stronger than that of Xuan Skin!


    [Cultivation Technique: Undying Golden Snake Spear - Small Achievement]


    [Progress: 0/2000]


    [Utility: Blood of the Dragon Elephant, Nine Dragon Living Veins, Innate Vajra, Skin as Tough as Bone]


    [Skin as Tough as Bone: When Qi-Blood is abundant, the skin becomes extremely tough, its defensive power akin to an external layer of Abnormal Bone, difficult to pierce with sword or blade.]


    "Bang bang bang!"


    Chen Sansi clenched his fists and slammed them against the wall, punching multiple holes into it.


    He didn''t feel the slightest pain, as his skin''s level of defense turned into an invulnerable bone armor, and not just any ordinary bones ¨C these were Abnormal Bones that could only be cultivated with a superior cultivation technique!

 Chapter 90 - 90 Mutual Destruction

    ```Chen Sansi drew his treasure sword and lightly brushed it across his arm.


    A sting followed, leaving behind a white mark, but no substantial harm was done.


    This was still the Zhenyue Sword.


    If it were a regular blade, it would be even harder to break through the defense.


    "It''s not always this hard; it needs to be engorged with blood to work."


    Chen Sansi kept trying.


    In a normal state, his skin was tougher than an average person''s, but not inhuman.


    "Once I achieve Great Success, it will be a Vajra Body!"


    "Out of medicine!"


    Chen Sansi sighed.


    The Tiger Blood Wine, sent by the Ministry of War as a reward, had already been rewarded to him twice by Xiang Tingchun, but it was meant specifically for those with Bone Training Great Success. The medical books stated that drinking it prematurely was not only useless but harmful, so it was not yet needed.


    "Let''s borrow some from the Martial Arts Hall!"


    Hundred-year-old Black Ginseng.


    In Po Yang County, it was generally harvested and kept at home as a treasured possession.


    By the time Chen Sansi descended the mountain, it was already night.


    He headed straight to the Liang Family''s large estate outside the Tianyuan Martial Arts Academy.


    Starting here first.


    If there was nothing to find, he would then go to the Yunhe Pan Family and the Zhao Family.


    Though the Tianyuan Martial Arts Academy''s pharmacy didn''t do much business, it didn''t mean they didn''t have treasures stored at home. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Bypassing two household slaves and disciples on night patrol, Chen Sansi lightly leaped onto the rooftops, hopping back and forth over the tile and rubble, making no sound thanks to "Light as a Feather."


    He didn''t even bother to conceal his long spear, carrying it openly on his back.


    Long spear, bow and arrows, Zhenyue Sword¡ªone was not missing.


    It wasn''t that he wasn''t concerned about being discovered at all.


    It was just...


    The Liang family better pray that no one discovers him.


    Otherwise, Po Yang County would have another family extermination tragedy.


    Times had changed.


    In the beginning, when he first practiced Martial Arts, he had to swallow his pride in the face of the Martial Arts Hall''s people.


    Now, he didn''t even need to lift a finger against them; a flick of the finger to the bowstring would do the job.


    It was just borrowing some medicinal materials.


    He hoped they would not be foolish.


    Chen Sansi quickly found the storeroom for the medicinal materials.


    The person in charge was asleep on the table, essentially saving the lives of dozens of the Liang Household.


    He climbed through the window into the pharmacy, grabbing a sack and stuffing it.


    Soon, it was bulging with items.


    "Indeed, there''s Black Ginseng, and quite an amount of it too, enough for me to use for a while."


    In a corner, Chen Sansi found some exquisitely stored boxes and opened them. They contained either ginseng or treasured ganoderma and many other rare treasures capable of neutralizing various odd poisons.


    Whether needed or not, he packed everything and took it all.


    Inside the quiet Liang family''s large estate,


    only a study was lit by the light of candles.


    Chen Sansi thought about it, then still tiptoed to the eaves to peek through a sliver of an opening into the room.


    Inside the room, at the desk,


    a middle-aged man with graying hair sat there, facing a messy pile of scrolls, holding a folding fan in his hands and idly fingering it with a vacant look in his eyes.


    ''Is that Liang Zhan''s fan?''


    ''Heh, old man, missing your son, are you?''


    Chen Sansi hesitated on whether to send them all to be reunited as a family.


    "Waste!"


    A sharp scolding came through.


    A haggard woman burst out of the bedroom and rushed toward the study, rudely kicking open the door: "Old man, what''s the use of pretending here every day? If you really care for Zhan''er, why don''t you go take revenge!"


    "I do want revenge!"


    Liang Shengzhi gritted his teeth and said, "But Xiang Tingchun has achieved small success in Refining Internal, and how could I be his match? Plus, without evidence, he would certainly deny it!"


    Xiang Tingchun?


    Chen Sansi was surprised.


    Turns out, Lord Thousand Households had been carrying the pot for him all along.


    "So what!"


    The woman shouted shrilly, "You could ask others for help, couldn''t you? Could that Xiang Tingchun be invincible in this world? Aren''t there Refining Internal experts around the County Magistrate, around the Magistrate? Beg them for help!"


    "No one can help me."


    Liang Shengzhi''s voice was choked with sobs: "Ji Guangxian and Xiang Tingchun are birds of a feather; how could they possibly help me kill Xiang Tingchun? Even if I were to spend all I have, I couldn''t afford the price!"


    "And the Magistrate?!"


    The woman lowered her voice: "Isn''t the Magistrate repeatedly calling you over lately? Can''t you ask him to help?"


    "Even less likely!"


    Liang Shengzhi said, "The new Magistrate Xue is said to be from the court and barely accepts our tributes. He is too proud and lofty, how could he become our assassin?


    "Moreover, his frequent summoning of us lately is for questioning about the Immortal Treasure!


    "If I wanted his help, unless..."


    He suddenly understood the woman''s implication: "You''re insane, hiding the Immortal Treasure is a great crime punishable by the extermination of nine clans... by doing so, we could avenge Zhan''er, but it would also mean the end of the Liang family''s hundred-year foundation!"


    "Foundation?"


    The woman burst into hysterical laughter: "Liang Shengzhi, your son is dead; who are you keeping your foundation for? And with the barbarians about to attack the city, do you think you can stay hidden at home? Wouldn''t the surname Xiang conscript you?"


    Liang Shengzhi stood up anxiously: "What are you doing?!"


    The woman put a hairpin to her own throat: "If you''re really a coward, then I''ll just go to Zhan''er myself!"


    "Ah¡ª"


    Liang Shengzhi roared, overturning the desk: "You''re all forcing me, so let''s die together! Xiang Tingchun, I will take you down with me!"


    What a touching scene of deep father-son affection, of white-haired people sending off those with black hair!


    Touching, is it?


    Chen Sansi sneered.


    When these beasts were testing drugs on the villagers, they never considered that others had families too.


    Even if he slaughtered their entire household, sparing not a man, woman or child, they didn''t deserve half a bit of pity; instead, it would be ridding people of harm.


    However, since they pinned the blame on Xiang Tingchun and there was involvement with the Immortal Treasure, he couldn''t just kill recklessly, or it might lead to unforeseen complications.


    "The Magistrate is indeed here for the Immortal Treasure, and he has Refining Internal experts by his side!"```


    "It seems that the Liang Family intends to report to the Magistrate."


    "Mr. Xiang, you''d better pray for good fortune."


    Chen Sansi didn''t stay any longer; with a leap, he vanished into the night after leaving the Liang family compound, disappearing without a trace.


    ...


    "You want to learn swordsmanship?"


    Wang Zhi, who was sitting on the stone stool drinking, lifted his head in confusion at the boy''s sudden request, "Are you sure?"


    "Sure."


    Chen Sansi nodded firmly.


    He had sought out the Sun Li siblings, but since they didn''t know, he had no option but to approach Tang Ruoshan.


    Wang Zhi recalled carefully: "I do have some, come with me."


    The first time entering Fatty Wang''s house was unexpectedly shabby.


    The yard was unattended, and there was no furniture in the rooms except for a bed and a locked chest in the bedroom.


    Wang Zhi opened the chest and pulled out a pile of secret skill books, then selected a few swordsmanship volumes and tossed them over, as if they were worthless: "Take a look at which one you want to practice. I don''t have anything else, just plenty of techniques.


    "When I was kicked out with my belongings, they only took the techniques above Refining Internal. I kept all the ones below it.


    "Among these volumes, the best should be the ''Diancang Swordsmanship.'' It''s the same one the Master used."


    "Supervisor Sun?"


    Chen Sansi asked, "Wasn''t he a spear user?"


    "He also practiced swordsmanship. If I remember correctly, before he broke through the Martial Saint level, he had practiced a variety of messy techniques."


    Wang Zhi stroked his chin: "This ''Diancang Swordsmanship'' is a unique technique from Cang Mountain Sect, one of the major sects from over a hundred years ago. After the sect plotted a rebellion and was annihilated, the technique fell into the hands of the court. Even the master practiced it, so it must be good, but definitely hard to learn. Aren''t you worried it will affect your spear training?"


    "More than that..."


    Chen Sansi voiced his perplexity: "What I''m more curious about is: what are the benefits of practicing multiple weapon techniques?"


    One major utility of a cultivation technique is to push the limits of the physical body.


    But as one''s realm increases and they start training in a new weapon, what can that bring?


    It''s definitely not going to be a significant improvement in physical strength.


    Otherwise, it would be common knowledge by now.


    "Before Hua Jin, practicing an additional weapon technique can make your Qi-Blood more robust. After Hua Jin, it gives you a deeper foundation in your strength. Besides that, there are no other benefits," Wang Zhi explained patiently while changing the dressing on his wound: "So generally, it''s the people in high realms with no hope of further breakthroughs who collect and practice various techniques to enhance their combat power. After all, among peers in the same realm, the battle often comes down to whose True Qi and Qi-Blood can prevail.


    "You are still at a low realm; it''s not very meaningful to train now.


    "Even if you master it, you won''t be able to use two techniques simultaneously in real combat; people only have one brain, how can you split your focus?


    "At most, you can have a long weapon and a short weapon to turn to when an enemy gets close, so you aren''t helpless. That''s your plan, right?"


    "Sort of."


    Chen Sansi did not deny it.


    But he quickly linked this information in his mind.


    People in high realms with no hope of further breakthroughs.


    This described the former Supervisor Sun as well.


    It wasn''t until after the fifteenth year of Longqing that Supervisor Sun suddenly broke through to a level above Martial Saint.


    Was there a connection to his practice with the sword?


    Of course, this is only speculation right now.


    Martial Saint is still too far off.


    Let''s just try practicing the swordsmanship for now.


    "I''ll take this one!"


    Chen Sansi accepted the ''Diancang Swordsmanship.''


    "Whatever you want."


    Wang Zhi added, "With a base level of cultivation, you''ll learn other techniques much faster, but how fast depends on your qualifications and comprehension."


    "Thanks!"


    Chen Sansi didn''t waste any time.


    He began practicing the swordsmanship that very day.


    The universal Breathing Skill was the foundation.


    He only needed to learn Pile Work and Sword Moves.


    He vividly remembered how, when first learning martial arts, it took nearly ten days just to perform the Pile Work and moves smoothly.


    Now learning the sword,


    It took him only half a day!


    [Cultivation Technique: Diancang Swordsmanship (Entry-Level)]


    [Progress: 0/50]


    [Utility: None]


    Only fifty to reach entry-level mastery?


    Chen Sansi tried to officially practice.


    The results were quicker than he anticipated.


    Each time he completed a set of sword moves, the proficiency would noticeably rise.


    At this rate,


    Just one day was needed.


    After one day, his swordsmanship could be at entry level.


    "This really is a great sword!"


    Chen Sansi held the Zhenyue Sword, somewhat unable to put it down.


    This legendary treasure sword simply couldn''t be measured in monetary terms, it was truly priceless.


    "What a waste of resources!"


    "I heard that Prince was taken straight to the Capital City."


    This was good news.


    If the Prince had stayed in Po Yang,


    The barbarian tribes would undoubtedly continue to send reinforcements, and higher-ranked generals would be essential. Mr. Xiang alone wouldn''t be able to hold out.


    Now that the Prince was taken away,


    The Yuwen Family would have to request reinforcements directly from the old Emperor.


    Of course, this didn''t mean that Po Yang was safe; on the contrary, its fate was still uncertain.


    The Xi River tribe had at least five thousand troops, perhaps even more.


    Against the Thousand Households'' one thousand men,


    Even as defenders, there was significant pressure.


    Defense preparations began to be fortified inside and outside the Great Wall.


    The great battle was about to begin.

 Chapter 91 - 91: Fast Track Swordsmanship

    All around Po Yang, everyone had entered a state of war preparation.


    Not only were the soldiers bustling about,


    the ordinary people couldn''t escape conscription either.


    The Great Wall''s construction had been ongoing for nearly two hundred years, requiring annual maintenance.


    With the great battle impending, reinforcing the weaker segments had become more critical.


    The two-hundred-mile Great Wall.


    The workforce from the Thousand Households was wholly inadequate; they had no choice but to rely on civilians.


    "Uncle Lai Zi, have something to eat."


    Chen Sansi had been sent to supervise the labor and was distributing food to the villagers with Wang Li.


    This temporary conscription didn''t even provide meals.


    The common folk had no choice but to comply.


    Otherwise, if the barbarians breached the city, not a single living person would be spared.


    "The cornbread smells delicious, Shi, becoming a high official recently must have lined your pockets well!"


    Uncle Lai Zi took it and bit into it without a word of thanks.


    "How dare you!"


    Wang Li angrily said, "You ingrate, the Lord kindly asked the Lord Thousand Households for food for you, and you don''t appreciate it."


    "A dog''s mouth can''t spit out ivory!"


    The rest of the villagers immediately began cursing.


    "Just go die, Uncle Lai Zi!"


    "Right, die at the barbarians'' hands outside the city, that would be a fitting end for you!"


    "..."


    Chen Sansi paid them no mind and left Wang Li to watch over them while he attended to his own duties.


    The food, he had requested from the stores through Xiang Tingchun.


    In a defensive battle like this, without civilian cooperation, the difficulty would increase significantly.


    Neither does it make sense to expect the horse to run without feeding it grass.


    The food reserves at the Thousand Households were enough for six months; giving a small portion to the civilians was not a problem.


    Furthermore, various village gentry and Martial Arts Hall lords had amassed plenty in their granaries, waiting to sell at higher prices in winter.


    If truly necessary, they would seize food from the Martial Arts Halls.


    Back at the military camp.


    Empowered by the medicine of Spiritual Grain, Chen Sansi practiced spear techniques for two hours before starting on swordsmanship.


    "Diancang Swordsmanship"


    Divided into three parts,


    the part he held could directly cultivate refining organs, comprising thirteen sword techniques, each with seventy-two variations. If there had to be a distinct characteristic, it was focused on slaughter, with every move designed to kill.


    The Zhenyue Sword in Chen Sansi''s hands hummed and trembled, at times swift as a fierce torrential downpour and at others slow as drifting clouds, each strike embodying a weather-changing momentum, grand and powerful, splitting the wind and tearing through clouds.


    [Cultivation Technique: Diancang Swordsmanship (entry-level)]


    [Progress: 0/50]


    [Utility: Ambidextrous, Swift Mastery of the Sword Path]


    [Ambidextrous: Dual-wielding, complementing strengths and compensating weaknesses.]


    [Swift Mastery of the Sword Path: Below the physical realm, sword techniques are incredibly fast, unimpeded.]


    Swift Mastery of the Sword Path!


    Once past entry-level, proficiency was still only fifty.


    This meant, as long as it wasn''t beyond his own realm, breakthroughs were as simple as eating and drinking.


    In this way,


    the concerns Wang Zhi had about it interfering with his spear technique cultivation were completely unfounded.


    More importantly,


    it was being ambidextrous!


    Normally, it''s impossible to multitask.


    Chen Sansi trained with a shorter weapon as well, not just to handle special situations where enemies got close but to have better options than being completely unarmed, which was certainly an improvement.


    However, if two sets of techniques could be used at the same time, it would be transformative!


    Sometimes, the sum of one plus one far exceeds two!


    The long spear, as the king of weapons, had only one flaw: its length. Although his spear techniques were impeccable, and no one had ever come close enough to challenge him, it didn''t mean that they would never be able to.


    Being able to use both sword and spear techniques simultaneously would completely compensate for this.


    Chen Sansi tried it out on the spot. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    In his hands, the Zhenyue Sword and the reed leaf spear operated as if controlled by two perfectly coordinated individuals.


    Especially with the Zhenyue Sword.


    Holding the sword in his left hand, it felt not the least bit awkward, but rather like a natural extension of his own limbs!


    "Swift Mastery!"


    Chen Sansi with spear in right hand and sword in left.


    Just two days and nights.


    He pushed the Zhenyue Sword to great success in the Blood Refining Technique, his internal Qi-Blood thickened without affecting the progress of his spear technique.


    "Mr. Chen."


    Zhao Kang found him: "Go to the main tent, Commander Xiang has important things to discuss with everyone."


    Central Army Camp.


    All the lieutenants were present.


    In addition, Magistrate Xue, Magistrate Ji, as well as Sun Li and Sun Buqi were all there.


    Xiang Tingchun looked at Feng Yong, signaling him to begin.


    "Yes!"


    Feng Yong pointed to a location twenty miles outside the Great Wall on the sand table and said, "Two days ago, under orders to carry out a new round of reconnaissance, I discovered that the barbarian tribes had begun to set up camps there and obtained accurate intelligence that they would attack Po Yang within five days at the latest.


    "Among them, total military strength is about six thousand, with two thousand light cavalry and five hundred heavy cavalry.


    "Refining Organ increased to two people, Bone Training commanders increased to ten, several with Blood Refining Great Success.


    "Additionally, complete with heavy machinery such as catapults and siege carriages.


    "On our side,


    "we have one thousand and fifty-six combat-ready troops, plus two hundred Martial Arts Academy Disciples, three Refining Organ Martial Artists, and twelve Bone Training Martial Artists participating in the battle.


    "Lord Thousand Households, I have finished my report."


    "Hmm,"


    Xiang Tingchun nodded slightly: "Overall, while we have more high realm warriors, the Xi River tribe''s forces are several times larger than ours, and even just holding out will be difficult.


    "So, Magistrate Ji, could you help by requesting the An Ding Prefecture Commanding Department to send an additional fifteen hundred troops?"


    "That''s not within my jurisdiction."


    Ji Guangxian said sheepishly, "Moreover, An Ding Prefecture is facing fifty thousand Iron Cavalry; where would they find extra forces to deploy? At most, I can call for one more Refining Organ from my family to assist."


    His mission was not completed.


    He could not return.


    Staying in Po Yang meant sharing life and death with Po Yang.


    "Miss Sun."


    Xiang Tingchun shifted his gaze, "Can''t the Governor Mansion send some people over?"


    "I have already written a letter and had it urgently sent to Liangzhou. My father should have arrangements in place."


    Sun Li''s voice was cold, "Before that, my brother and I will stay in Po Yang to assist; we will absolutely not flee once the battle commences."


    "Good! Everyone knows of the iron-blooded reputation of the Eight Camps. It seems the reputation is well deserved!"


    Xiang Tingchun looked at everyone, exhorting, "Gentlemen, even the daughter and young master of the Supervisor himself are prepared to fight to the death. How can we retreat?


    "Pass my command, starting tomorrow, all soldiers of Po Yang Thousand Households will be stationed at the Great Wall, on standby for twelve hours a day, ready to face the enemy at any moment!"


    "Understood!"


    The crowd accepted the command.


    "Mr. Chen!"


    Chen Sansi, who was initially planning to go home, was stopped; he paused, "Magistrate Ji, what can I do for you?"


    "Heh heh."


    Ji Guangxian laughed, "Mr. Chen ventured deep into enemy territory alone for hundreds of miles, capturing a prince amidst heavily surrounded troops, establishing an astonishing feat. Soon even the Capital will hear of your great name.


    "Elder Gao is the most perceptive in recognizing talents and will surely entrust you with a significant task."


    "I am flattered by Magistrate Ji''s high regard."


    Chen Sansi replied perfunctorily, "Sadly, even if I wanted to leave Po Yang, I can''t leave now. Major matters will have to wait until after the war is over."


    One word.


    Delay!


    As long as he could delay, once his realm improved, all problems would be easily solved.


    "Mr. Chen speaks wisely."


    Ji Guangxian stroked his beard, "I too will not leave and will stay to share life and death with the soldiers of Po Yang. Indeed, this matter should be discussed after the battle concludes."


    "Such integrity, Magistrate Ji!"


    Chen Sansi changed the subject, "I just don''t know..."


    "No!"


    Ji Guangxian interrupted, "Mr. Chen, when I travel far, why would I carry so many medicinal materials with me?


    "Of course, if Mr. Chen can give me a guarantee, I am not against sending someone from An Ding Prefecture to rush more medicinal materials here."


    "Magistrate Ji misunderstands."


    Chen Sansi said, "I understand the principle of not taking rewards without merit.


    "''Dew Fortifying Soup'' is exceptionally valuable; even if Magistrate Ji is generous, I would feel ashamed to continue receiving it without due cause.


    "I wanted to ask if Magistrate Ji has any other secret medicine? Perhaps something for treating injuries or restoring Qi-Blood. I dare not ask for much, just enough for a single use."


    "Well~"


    Magistrate Ji pondered for a moment, "Naturally, there are more! My Ji Family started in the medicinal trade, how could we have only one secret formula? Whether it''s golden sore medicine for treating external injuries or Blood Replenishing Pills to quickly restore Qi-Blood, my Ji Family''s medicines are many times better than what''s available outside.


    "Since Mr. Chen has asked, how could I refuse? I will have someone send some to you later."


    "Thank you, Magistrate Ji!"


    Chen Sansi bowed with his fists and took his leave.


    "Sir."


    Dan Yuanzhi smiled, "He has started asking for medicine."


    "Naturally, the formulas used by my Ji Family for bone training were taken by His Highness to cultivate his confidants; anyone who has used them wouldn''t want to switch medicines!"


    Ji Guangxian confidently said, "You send him the medicine later, but remember, only give him enough for a single use. He has asked me once; he will ask again. Why worry about not being able to keep him in check?"


    ...


    "Done!"


    Chen Sansi successfully concocted ''Dew Fortifying Soup,'' ''Six Elements Blood Replenishing Pills,'' and a secretly made medicine for treating external injuries.


    The Dew Fortifying Soup was still useful even for someone with a small achievement in bone training.


    [Cultivation Technique: Undying Golden Snake Spear. Upper (small achievement)]


    [Progress: 108/2000]


    The other two secret medicines weren''t very effective, but they were free of charge.


    They would also make the magistrate think that his family''s secret medicines were attractive to him, ensuring he wouldn''t be bothered by him until the end of the battle.


    [Skill: Medical Skill. Ordinary (entry-level)]


    [Progress: 403/500]


    "The Medical Skill will soon break through!"


    Chen Sansi returned home.


    Gu Xinlan had prepared dinner as usual.


    That night.


    She took out a dark blue robe she had finally finished sewing after two months and personally dressed her man in it, checking for any ill-fitting areas so she could make the best adjustments overnight.


    "It fits perfectly; Brother Shi looks very handsome in it."


    Under the candlelight, in front of the bronze mirror.


    Gu Xinlan quietly watched her man, her almond-shaped eyes initially dreamy and blurry, gradually reddening with tears as she unconsciously hugged him tightly, whispering, "Sister Tong''s child is due in a couple of days."


    "I know."


    Since Chen Sansi had come to this world, it was his first time wearing such fitting and comfortable clothes.


    He adjusted his sleeves, replying, "Xu Bin will join me in guarding the city; you help take care of things here."


    "That''s not what I meant..."


    Gu Xinlan hugged him tighter, her voice becoming very soft, "I meant, when you return, we, we should have one too."


    Towards the end.


    Her voice was more choked than shy.


    The emphasis of her words was on "return."


    "Don''t worry, I''m quite capable."


    Chen Sansi suddenly lifted her by the waist, "And this matter doesn''t need to wait until I return; we can start now."


    "Hmm~"


    ...


    Tonight.


    Countless similar scenes would unfold in the military settlements.


    Fathers silent, mothers advising, wives and children crying.


    Because no one knew if tonight would be their last reunion.


    Starting tomorrow.


    All soldiers would be stationed at the Great Wall, defending against the barbarian invasion.


    Before the battle is over, no one may return home.

 Chapter 92 - 92: Divine Arrow Shows Its Might

    5 a.m. to 7 a.m.


    The sound of the bugle echoed through the camp.


    The soldiers headed to the barracks, bidding farewell to their families.


    The Sun Li siblings, too, donned their armor and took up their weapons to join the battle.


    "Shanshi."


    Sun Buqi caught up quickly, "I''ve looked into the matter on the grassland for you. That Thousand Households surnamed Luo, his subordinates said he hasn''t left alone. Is it possible that it''s because Tang Ruoshan is too incompetent, causing the exposure?"


    "Perhaps."


    Chen Sansi didn''t refute, nor did he bother to.


    To the people of the Governor Mansion, it was all about evidence.


    But he didn''t need to provide any.


    Sun Li said, "Little Brother, don''t worry, we''ll keep an eye on him."


    Once arriving at the barracks,


    after Xiang Tingchun''s lengthy speech, all the soldiers then garrisoned the Great Wall.


    In the days that followed, they would have to eat, drink, and deal with all matters within the Great Wall, with any departures requiring permission.


    Each Household was responsible for two signal towers, covering a distance of twenty miles.


    The other two hundred Martial Arts Academy Disciples and over two hundred new recruits who had just joined the army were scattered among them.


    The common folk were in charge of boiling the golden liquid, moving rolling logs, boulders, arrows, and other tools.


    Xiang Tingchun, Luo Dongquan, and Dan Yuanzhi, three Refining Organ Martial Artists, personally conducted day and night patrols.


    Additionally, a night watch team would leave the city every night to scout.


    This task no longer fell upon Chen Sansi.


    All that was left was to wait.


    After three days,


    Chen Sansi''s swordsmanship shot straight up to entry-level Bone Training, no longer holding him back when used.


    "Mr. Chen, it''s doomed!"


    Xu Wencai, busy for several days, created a makeshift sand table with an accuracy comparable to that within the Central Army''s tent.


    Holding a stick, he looked troubled, "It''s doomed!"


    It was mealtime.


    Everyone was gathered inside the signal tower, eating the beast meat brought by Chen Sansi, and thus heard everything clearly.


    "Doomed my ass!"


    Zhu Tong stepped forward and kicked him, "When the barbarians come, I''ll push you off the city wall first to meet your doom."


    "It really is doomed!"


    Xu Wencai''s expression was sincere.


    Xu Bin leaned over, craning his neck, "Old Xu, I''ve read Military Books too. We may not have many people, but we are defending the city. We''re not lacking in food, and we have the townspeople to help. There''s still a good chance we can hold."


    "I wasn''t talking about that."


    Xu Wencai turned to Chen Sansi, "You guys don''t understand, but Mr. Chen certainly can see it. The troop reinforcement by the Barbarian Thousand Households from Xi River is very strange, and An Ding Prefecture remains silent. Too weird... Unfortunately, there isn''t enough intelligence, I can''t see the specifics elsewhere, and can''t figure out what the barbarians exactly want to do.


    "But from what we see now, the posture they are assuming signifies that they are hell-bent on taking Po Yang, defying the heavens in their pursuit!"


    "Hmm,"


    Chen Sansi nodded, indicating he agreed with that view to everyone.


    Indeed strange.


    Even bringing up the Immortal Treasure wouldn''t make sense.


    Shouldn''t such matters be dealt with stealthily?


    For instance, sending several more experts of the Witch God Sect, plenty of Refining Organ and Hua Jin practitioners.


    What does it mean to send a large army closing in?


    Searching carpet-style is not done like this, right?


    Of course, if it''s just six thousand men, the problem isn''t too big. At most, we implement scorched earth tactics, retreat everyone back to the county seat, and concentrate strength on guard higher and more solid city walls.


    But what might follow next?


    Nobody can be sure.


    He, like Xu Wencai, had a very bad feeling.


    Nobody is an Immortal; they could only take one step at a time.


    "Mr. Chen, why don''t we head to the mountains!" sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Zhuang Yi proposed this idea for the second time, "Take about a hundred people and just flee straight into the deep mountains and dense forests, where you could be a king and set up a stronghold, recruiting soldiers to start anew."


    Zhu Tong agreed with both hands, "Exactly, we could establish our own small court!"


    "Are you two brainless? How can you joke about something like this?!"


    Xu Bin hurried to stop them.


    Xu Wencai seriously discussed the idea with them,


    concluding in the end that lacking advanced cultivation methods and resources, becoming prominent would only lead to a dead end.


    Of course, everyone was just joking around.


    Because defending the city was too monotonous.


    Chen Sansi didn''t join in the fun. After replenishing his energy, he continued to practice his spear and swordsmanship.


    In a flash, another two days passed.


    [Cultivation Technique: Undying Golden Snake Spear (Small Achievement)]


    [Progress: 308/2000]


    His swordsmanship also caught up with his own realm.


    [Cultivation Technique: Diancang Swordsmanship (Bone Forger Small Achievement)]


    [Progress: 0/2000]


    The limit for proficiency increased many times over.


    As expected, once reaching the realm of the physical body, rapid progress was no longer possible.


    He still needed to focus primarily on spear technique.


    "On a side note,"


    "it has been over ten days since the grassland journey concluded."


    "Shouldn''t the Capital City have received news of me capturing the Ninth Prince Yu Wen? I wonder if they''ll give me anything in return."


    He didn''t seek rank or peerage,


    only a resource for cultivation.


    The Condensed Dew Body Refinement Soup was still useful for Bone Forger small achievement, but it wasn''t enough; he wanted to achieve Bone Forging Perfection as soon as possible, so when facing a Refining Organ Martial Artist again, he would not be utterly helpless.


    "Enemy attack¡ª"


    "Enemy attack!"


    Atop the Great Wall, the signal fires were lit.


    Along the two hundred mile Great Wall, the soldiers, whose nerves had been strained for days on end, each took up their weapons and moved to their pre-assigned posts.


    Chen Sansi also took his spear and sword, and went to the top of the wall.


    "Boom, boom, boom, boom¡ª"


    "Hum¡ª"


    Along with the sound of war drums as loud as thunder and the majestic bugle, a dark mass of figures gradually appeared on the slope ten miles away. It was the barbarian army.


    They arranged their battle formation, erected their observation towers, and stood off against the Great Sheng officials and soldiers from afar,


    "Yeah¡ª"


    Leading a dark horse Calvary unit, one came to a halt about two hundred steps from the Great Wall and began riding around and shouting,


    "Hear this, Sheng Dynasty''s officers and soldiers within the city!"


    "Surrender early, and avoid death!"


    "We give you two hours!"


    "After two hours, if you don''t voluntarily open the city gates, our Heavenly Clan Iron Cavalry will surely flatten Po Yang!"


    The best strategy in warfare is to outthink the enemy; attacking the spirit is supreme, attacking the city is inferior.


    Even though they were of different races and bloodshed was inevitable, they could still create an atmosphere that boosted the morale of their own troops.


    Morale was, after all, the key to victory.


    "Soldiers defending the Great Wall, listen up!"


    "I offer you..."


    "Whoosh¡ª"


    Thump!


    An arrow suddenly pierced through the helmet of a fast-charging cavalryman, toppling him and his horse to the ground and stirring up a cloud of dust.


    Chen Sansi slowly lowered his bow.


    Two hundred steps, one kill with a single shot!


    "Good shot!"


    "Mr. Chen is valiant!"


    "Valiant!"


    "..."


    Hundreds of soldiers cried out in unison.


    "Good!"


    Xiang Tingchun, who sat atop the fortress gate, cheered loudly, "Excellent archery, upholding the might of our Great Dasheng!"


    Although only one barbarian cavalryman had died.


    Everyone felt as if they had gained a huge advantage as they looked at the dense group of people becoming insignificant, their hearts invigorated and hands itching for a fight.


    This was morale!


    ...


    Ten miles away.


    Wu Mu''er, a barbarian Household leader on the observation tower, had an unpleasant expression on his face.


    His original plan was to intimidate the Sheng people before attacking, but the result was the opposite of what he had intended.


    "How could we, the Heavenly Clan, who rely on our skills with the bow and horse, lose to the Sheng people?!"


    He asked solemnly, "Who has outstanding archery skills?"


    "I have Admiral Mu Ge!"


    Ji Rentai, another Household leader at his side, spoke up, "This man uses a five-stone bow and can hit a target a hundred steps away with one of his three arrows!"


    "Good!"


    Wu Mu''er issued an order, "Send up Mu Ge and tell him that shooting down that archer just now will be rewarded with twenty taels of gold, five hundred taels of silver, and three hundred heads of cattle and sheep!"


    ...


    "Here they come again!"


    Xu Wencai lay on the ground, cautiously looking ahead as another menacing barbarian approached.


    "Sheng people, if you''re brave, don''t use numbers to overwhelm me or shoot chaotic arrows at me!"


    Mu Ge came unarmed except for the longbow in his hand, his voice booming, "Call out that archer from just now. I''ll compete with him in archery, staking our lives on the outcome!"


    "I am right here!"


    Chen Sansi stood atop the wall, letting the enemy come within about a hundred steps.


    "So arrogant?!"


    Mu Ge gritted his teeth and shot an arrow from his bow.


    Under the watchful eyes of all, Chen Sansi neither dodged nor flinched, but instead drew his own bow and loosed a thundering arrow.


    "Ding!"


    A light, crisp sound rang out.


    The two arrows collided precisely in midair, veering off and falling to the ground.


    "What?!"


    Mu Ge was shocked.


    From atop the wall, Chen Sansi looked down, "Come again."


    "Fine, let''s do this!"


    Mu Ge adjusted his breathing, calmed himself, and shot three arrows in quick succession.


    "Ding ding ding!"


    Yet each arrow was effortlessly shot down with unerring accuracy.


    "Baturu!"


    Mu Ge was struck dumb, standing still in shock for a long while before awakening from the nightmare and calling out in terror, "The number one Baturu, the number one Baturu!"


    Using an arrow to block an arrow.


    Such a divine skill could only be achieved by the grassland''s number one Baturu!


    How could there be such a formidable person in the insignificant Po Yang County?


    Mu Ge no longer dared to continue the competition; he turned to flee.


    But it was too late.


    "Whoosh¡ª"


    A spade-shaped Qi Pi Arrow struck his horse.


    Mu Ge fell hard.


    Before he could rise, a willow-leaf arrow pierced his thigh.


    Then another hit his other leg, right hand, and left and right.


    "Ah!"


    Unable to die and unable to live, Mu Ge writhed and howled beneath the city wall.


    "Divine Archer!"


    "Mr. Chen is likely one of the rarest Divine Archers in the world!"


    "Brothers, with Mr. Chen here, how could the barbarians possibly breach our Great Wall?!"


    "..."


    The two hundred mile Great Wall.


    What they saw and heard was passed on and deliberately exaggerated, and in a short time, the morale of the officials and soldiers reached its peak.


    ...


    "Useless!"


    Wu Mu''er cursed, "Ji Rentai, is this the Divine Archer you told me about?!"


    Ji Rentai remained silent.


    Mu Ge was at least a Bone Forger with a small achievement.


    And yet he was defeated so effortlessly?


    "Let''s rest!"


    Wu Mu''er said solemnly, "In two days, we''ll discuss the siege again."


    They had suffered defeats twice in a row.


    Attacking now would only make things more difficult.


    They had to wait out the period when the enemy''s morale was high.


    What else could they do?


    It''s not like the two main generals could personally challenge the enemy.


    Facing such a challenge meant facing a barrage of arrows.


    If there was a chance to kill a main general, the concept of "martial virtue" would be irrelevant.


    ...


    "My lord, what a strategy!"


    Xu Wencai exclaimed in admiration, "After such an event, the barbarians'' morale has plummeted to rock bottom, and they will not dare to attack again for a short time!"


    The inside and outside of the Great Wall suddenly fell silent.


    It wasn''t until the third day at dawn that the sound of war drums rang out again.


    A dense mass of black dots advanced toward the Great Wall, as the barbarians officially began their siege.

 Chapter 93 - 93: Blood Battle at the Great Wall

    "Liven up!"


    The Household heads responsible for defending the Great Wall at various stages began to encourage their subordinates to give their all.


    Archery relishing its triumph was already a past affair from three days ago; although the awe it inspired lingered, the excitement had long since faded.


    This was also why the barbarians were finally launching their siege.


    Within the fortress gate.


    Xiang Tingchun ordered, "Release arrows!"


    An Order Officer immediately relayed the command.


    Each signal tower was purposefully equipped with archers and crossbowmen. As soon as the barbarian soldiers approached within about two hundred steps, everyone aimed slightly above and in front of them and unleashed a barrage of arrows, creating a parabolic rain of projectiles.


    The siege.


    Unlike what''s portrayed on television.


    It was absolutely not a matter of wielding a shield and sword, yelling battle cries, and charging forward¡ªif it were so, there would be countless deaths no matter how many came.


    Laying siege required the use of many pieces of machinery.


    Take, for instance, the barbarians in the frontmost ranks¡ªall were shielded by wooden curtain carts and Fenwen Cars.


    Wooden curtain carts.


    These are siege engines covered with wooden planks for protection.


    In front of the vehicle, thick wooden planks shielded from the arrow rain, while soldiers hid behind them and pushed the cart forward without showing themselves.


    Fenwen Cars.


    Similar pieces of equipment, all made of iron, essentially a group of soldiers rushing forward carrying an iron shed on their back.


    Moreover, the barbarians also set up an Arrow Formation, shooting wildly at the city walls.


    Relying solely on a barrage of arrows to stop them was impossible. At most, it would kill only a few of their soldiers. In the end, they had to wait until the enemy attempted to climb the walls before they could significantly reduce the enemy''s numbers.


    Chen Sansi''s fifteen-stone bow could easily penetrate the common bamboo armor shields, cowhide shields, and thinner iron shields, virtually counting each flex of the fingers as a life claimed.


    [Skill: Archery (small achievement)]


    [Progress: (508/1000)]


    With continued training like this, it wouldn''t be long before his archery reached Great Success.


    But in the end, he was just one person, unable to withstand the thousand-strong army.


    Soon.


    The barbarian soldiers reached the base of the city wall and successfully set up the scaling ladders.


    Scaling ladders.


    They weren''t just any ladders but ladder carriages, extremely heavy pieces of engineering, weighing up to thousands of catties. They could adjust their angle flexibly, had iron hooks to secure to the wall, and the base could form a triangle with the wall, making them incredibly sturdy.


    One after another, the barbarians began to climb up the ladders.


    Log rams and boulders proved their worth, smashing down onto those below with the force of collapsing mountains. As soon as a brave warrior climbed halfway, they were doused from above with scalding "golden juice".


    "I''ve saved this for you for days. Have a taste, all of you try it!"


    Zhu Tong roared, pouring down bucket after bucket.


    The boiling temperature, once it injured the skin, would lead to bacterial and viral infections. Without effective treatment, it was practically a death sentence.


    Chen Sansi stood guard beside them; whoever dared to show their head would be stabbed with a thrust of his three-meter long spear.


    On the defensive side, one man could indeed hold the pass against ten thousand.


    Shortly, he had stabbed over twenty people to death, not allowing a single enemy soldier to climb over the wall.


    Gradually, the area he was responsible for quieted down.


    Over two hundred li of the Great Wall.


    The barbarians couldn''t possibly attack along the entire line; they mainly chose to attack weaker points.


    Even so, the first round of the siege didn''t last too long.


    Two hours later, the barbarians sounded the retreat.


    A siege was inherently a prolonged affair.


    Today''s assault was likely just a probe.


    The soldiers began to clean up the battlefield and assess the situation.


    In this round, the barbarians lost over four hundred men, while the Po Yang Thousand Households lost just over fifty, most of whom died from random arrows during the defense. The ratio of losses looked quite favorable.


    But what the barbarians sent today were the so-called "old, weak, sick, and disabled."


    This could be seen from the tattered leather armors on their bodies, and moreover, not a single bone training martial artist had yet appeared. It was clear they intended to use these four hundred weakened troops to gauge the true combat strength of the Great Wall.


    [Skill: Commanding Soldiers (entry-level)]


    [Progress: 388/500]


    In live combat.


    The skill of commanding soldiers rapidly improved.


    With the mainstay''s support.


    The soldiers under Chen Sansi''s command, despite feeling mentally tense, did not panic and always coordinated well. Coupled with him standing at the forefront, only two men died in battle and three were wounded.


    "Lazybones!"


    The stinking Zhu Tong dragged Xu Wencai, who had been cowering in a corner, out into the open, "Didn''t you say it was the end for us? The barbarians look like nothing but wine sacks and rice bags to me!"


    "It hasn''t even started yet!"


    Xu Wencai informed, "They haven''t even brought out the bone training warriors. They haven''t used digging tunnels or earth bags and such tactics yet!"


    "..."


    Chen Sansi let the old scholar enlighten his men while he himself wasted no time in practicing martial arts. He also took the opportunity to ask Xiang Tingchun for leave to go hunting in the mountains, claiming he wanted to reward his subordinates. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Having just earned a significant merit, he couldn''t afford to grant rewards, so he was entitled to some privileges.


    Riding the White Swan Horse, he went up to the mountains to soak in medicinal baths and practice martial arts, also improving his medical skills.


    When he returned, he brought a couple of hunted animals to the Great Wall for everyone to share. This continued for ten days, during which the barbarians didn''t seem eager to launch another full-scale assault. Instead, they beat drums every midnight and sent small groups of soldiers to shoot arrows and harass during the day.


    "Siege exhaustion tactics, huh..."


    Chen Sansi was well aware.


    As long as they didn''t lack food and fodder, such wear-down strategies would advantage the barbarians. On one hand, their numbers were vast, creating increasing pressure for the soldiers of the Great Wall. Plus, with the cold weather, it was a torture to huddle on the ground everyday.


    Speaking of which, it was almost the twelfth lunar month, and the Northern Territory had yet to see snow.


    If a blizzard did set in, that could press the barbarians as well.


    [Cultivation Technique: Undying Golden Snake Spear. Upper (Small Achievement)]


    [Progress: 899/2000]


    The cultivation speed had slowed down.


    The efficacy of the Dew Condensation Body Forging Soup was much less than before.


    At this rate, it would take at least twenty more days to achieve Bone Forging Perfection.


    However, medical skill was on the verge of a breakthrough.


    Medical Officer Jiang also came to the Great Wall with the army. Chen Sansi used the excuse of helping, but in reality, he was improving his proficiency. After pushing the medicine mill, he began practicing acupuncture on a wooden man covered with drawn acupoints.


    Medical skill included more than just herbs. Acupuncture was also one of its types.


    He had memorized all the acupoints and acupuncture techniques - they were "etched in his memory" - and now all that was left was to familiarize himself with the hand-feel. In the course of an afternoon, he had basically learned it all.


    Finally, the panel floated up.


    [Skill: Medical Skill. Mortal (Proficient)]


    [Progress: 0/1000]


    [Utility: Recognize Medicine, Cure All Poison]


    [Cure All Poison: Medical skill is unparalleled, knowing all there is to know, such that all poisons of the mortal world can be cured upon sight.]


    Cure poison?


    Chen Sansi had the ability to Recognize Medicine, which allowed him to prevent others from poisoning his food, but he lacked the skill to cure poison. Whether in the Jianghu or on the battlefield, there were always those who favored using poison, the cunning and treacherous ones.


    With this skill at his disposal, he was essentially immune to "poison".


    "Dong dong dong!"


    After many days, the familiar sound of war drums echoed in his ears once again.


    "Medical Officer Jiang, I must go."


    Chen Sansi''s heart tightened as he dropped the silver needles and left, arriving at the city wall only to see hordes of barbarians surging forward like a tide. This time, it was not the old, weak, sick, or disabled¡ªit was a full-on assault!


    The number and quality were far greater than before. Siege engines were placed at the very front, followed by Shield Gunners and Crossbowmen. At the back were two thousand uniformly arranged Cavalry.


    Moreover, there were an additional five hundred Heavy Cavalry bringing up the rear.


    These Heavy Cavalry were not just fully armored from head to toe, but even the vital parts of the horses beneath them were fully armored as well¡ªtruly the elite of the elite.


    Last time, on the grasslands.


    If they had encountered this group of people.


    Zhu Tong and his men probably wouldn''t have had a single survivor!


    The Cavalry stopped at a distance of two miles, forming the rear guard. The remaining four thousand infantry spread out, some feigning attacks while others launched the main assault, blurring the line between the real and the fake to such an extent that the Great Wall''s defenses couldn''t adjust in time.


    "We are here for a feint attack!"


    At the section Chen Sansi was responsible for, some people initially came over to set up ladders, but those who climbed up were few, and soon everyone withdrew, leaving only the empty ladders behind.


    "Chen Hundred Households! Quickly lead thirty men to the alpha signal tower on the east side of the city gate to provide support. Hundred Households Zhao can''t hold on any longer!"


    The Order Officer''s command was delivered with a delay.


    By the time Chen Sansi and his men arrived at the designated spot, he saw that four ladders had already been mounted on the wall. Zhao Kang was entangled in a fight with a Barbarian Hundred Households, and his men were guarding around the ladders, obviously unable to attend to other matters.


    Not far behind the ladders, several large Siege Carriages were also taking advantage of the situation to advance.


    Siege Carriage!


    This carriage was the largest type of war carriage of the age. The one in front of them was not the biggest but nevertheless stood two fathoms high and many fathoms wide. The interior was divided into three layers, and aside from being able to accommodate nearly a hundred soldiers, it was also equipped with heavy crossbow poison arrows and heavy hammers.


    The soldiers at the top of the carriage could directly leap into the city wall, while those at the bottom were responsible for chiseling and digging, damaging the city itself.


    If they allowed them to arrive smoothly in front, coupled with an influx of barbarians, the Great Wall would be thrown into complete chaos, and then it wouldn''t be impossible for it to fall!


    "Set fire!"


    Chen Sansi ordered calmly.


    The torch basins had long been prepared.


    The archers, including Chen Sansi himself, began using fire arrows equipped with iron cages. They first lit the oily cloth with torches, then pulled their bows and shot arrows, targeting the siege carriage.


    But since the enemy dared to bring the war carriage over, how could they not be prepared at all? The Water Dragon Car followed right behind the war carriage, dousing any flaming arrows before they could ignite the vehicle.


    Fortunately, the water carriage had a limited capacity.


    Under the deluge of fiery arrow rain that was like an engulfing sea of flames, they ultimately managed to set two carriages ablaze.


    At the same time.


    The distant catapult started to hurl stones en masse. Huge boulders, like meteors from the sky, crashed thunderously onto the city wall, and within just a few rounds, they had smashed a giant gap in the century-old wall.


    Unless they were martial artists with a minor achievement in Blood Refining or above, anyone who didn''t dodge would be smashed into a pulp on the spot.


    Amidst various distractions, eventually one carriage managed to stop right in front of the wall.


    Barbarian soldiers came pouring out one after another, but the vast majority were killed by a long spear before they could even jump out.


    "Charge, all of you charge!"


    "He''s just one man!"


    "He who climbs the wall first shall gain the greatest honor!"


    It could be seen that the people who had come with Chen Sansi to support were forced to put down their bows and help defend the scaling ladders that were close to being overrun. In front of the war carriage, there was only him!


    The barbarians burst forth with incredible drive, wanting to achieve the great feat of being the first to mount the wall, surging forward like beasts freed from their cages.


    Chen Sansi showed no fear and stood alone in front of the siege carriage. His long spear danced in the air like countless flying snakes, leaving no gaps unguarded. Any barbarian brazen enough to poke their head out would soon find a transparent hole in their body, and after a relentless attack lasting five minutes, the bodies piled up in the carriage exit, with not a single person managing to stand on the wall for more than two seconds!


    "All of you, get out of my way!"


    A deafening roar came from inside the carriage¡ªa burly man used his own soldiers as human shields, seizing the chance to break out of the carriage and close in with a Wolf Fang Club raised overhead to strike.


    "Clang¡ª"


    The Zhenyue Sword at Chen Sansi''s waist suddenly unsheathed.


    All everyone saw was a flash of cold light, and the head of the burly man, who had only minor success in Bone Training, rolled on the ground. He was no match for Chen Sansi!


    "Ah..."


    The barbarians inside the carriage were as if drenched with a bucket of cold water. Their desire for valor completely extinguished and their will to survive surged forward. Over a hundred pairs of eyes stared, shuffling in place, with no one daring to rush forward again.


    On the contrary, Chen Sansi proactively charged into the crowd. His right-hand Lu Ye spear swept all around while his left-hand Zhenyue sword reaped those who slipped through the net, cutting down heads in a flurry of slashes.


    Not knowing who started it, someone shouted "Retreat," and they all scrambled to jump down from the carriage. Those who jumped a bit slow gained a bloody hole, and inside the carriage, they trampled over each other, innumerable dead or injured; blood sprayed everywhere, staining the war carriage red.


    And just at this moment.


    Horns sounded beyond the Great Wall, and the barbarians beat gongs to signal retreat.

 Chapter 94 - 94 The Imperial Edict of Reward

    After the sounding of the retreat.


    The barbarian soldiers beneath the city walls began their disorganized withdrawal.


    "They''re retreating?"


    Chen Sansi plunged his long spear into the ground, wiped the sticky blood from his face, and stood on high ground overlooking the battlefield.


    Just now was actually the most dangerous time.


    Why the sudden retreat?


    There must have been an unexpected turn of events.


    Indeed.


    It wasn''t long before news arrived.


    While the barbarians were focusing on the main attack at the city gates, one of their main generals led three hundred elites in a fierce assault on a weak point on the west side, successfully breaching the wall and killing a commander with the surname Qian on the spot.


    Fortunately, Xiang Tingchun and Dan Yuanzhi arrived just in time and killed that main general.


    With the loss of a main general, it meant that the barbarians had only one Refining Organ martial artist left, and they had no choice but to temporarily retreat and regroup.


    In fact, this moment was often the best opportunity to pursue the enemy outside the city.


    However, Po Yang had insufficient troops, and the barbarians had deliberately left cavalry in the rear for support.


    The soldiers began to clean up the battlefield.


    Chen Sansi sat down to rest.


    Only at dusk was the counting finished.


    In this round, they killed a thousand enemies but lost two hundred soldiers, most of whom were newly recruited, and a hundred Martial Arts Academy Disciples died; it was said that the remaining disciples had dispersed like birds and beasts, and a search was already underway to capture them.


    That is to say, what was left of Po Yang''s fighting strength was only about nine hundred.


    "Mr. Chen, Households Commander Xiang has called everyone over."


    Within the camp.


    Everyone, having fought half the day, was exhausted and most had sustained minor injuries.


    Sun Li''s pale complexion was likewise smeared with blood.


    Sun Buqi''s arm had been cut.


    "Shanshi!"


    Xiang Tingchun inquired, "What do you think we should do next?"


    "Retreat."


    Chen Sansi gave his answer, "The defensive line is stretched too thin, and Po Yang has too few troops. Continuing to defend this way, today''s close call will happen again soon. It''s better to fall back and clear the fields, retreat to within the county city, and concentrate our forces to defend the high walls; there''s still a chance of victory."


    "Hmm, your thoughts align with mine."


    Xiang Tingchun didn''t even consult others before immediately issuing an order, "Feng Yong, Zhao Kang, the two of you are responsible for bringing all the civilians from outside the city inside by dawn tomorrow. Be sure to leave the fields bare, not leaving a single grain of food behind. The rest of you, continue to defend the Great Wall tonight; nobody is to leave their post without permission!"


    "Yes!"


    Feng Yong and the others accepted the order and left.


    "Magistrate Ji."


    Xiang Tingchun continued, "How is the situation in An Ding Prefecture?"


    Ji Guangxian sighed, "The fighting there is fierce. It''s impossible to send reinforcements over. Households Commander Xiang, you can put that hope to rest. But tonight, an old slave with a small success in Refining Organs from my family will arrive, which might be of some help."


    "This time, we are truly grateful to Magistrate Ji."


    Xiang Tingchun breathed a sigh of relief.


    With this, they would have four Refining Organ martial artists against the barbarians'' one.


    Along with the advantage of defending the high walls, there was a very good chance of holding out until An Ding Prefecture could spare troops for reinforcement.


    Defending Po Yang with a thousand men would also be considered a great achievement.


    "Mr. Xiang needn''t thank me."


    Ji Guangxian spoke indifferently, "The current His Highness has always been concerned for the country and its people. He definitely doesn''t wish to see the Great Sheng Dynasty lose any city. By helping you, I am also serving the court."


    The two stayed behind to talk.


    The others dispersed one by one.


    "Sir!"


    Xu Bin had been waiting outside for a long time, "Could I possibly..."


    "You can''t go back, and I can''t either."


    Chen Sansi knew what he was about to say.


    Xu Bin''s child was probably just born, and now with the call to clear the fields, it meant that all the civilians from outside the city would have to sleep on the streets for a long time, and he was certainly worried about their safety.


    Chen Sansi was also concerned about Sister Lan.


    He found Sun Li, who understood without being told, "I''m not under anyone''s command. Temporarily leaving does not count as desertion. Don''t worry, I will ensure Sister Lan and...the family of your subordinate are well taken care of."


    "Thank you!"


    Chen Sansi bowed with fist in palm.


    He returned to his post on the city wall and counted the number of his troops.


    Twenty had been sacrificed.


    Most of them died defending the cloud ladders while he was reinforcing Zhao Kang.


    Having an excellent memory wasn''t always entirely good.


    After a true battle of blood, the atmosphere grew more solemn; even Zhu Tong no longer acted carefree as before, but sat quietly on the walltop meditating.


    Chen Sansi rested briefly, then continued to practice martial arts.


    The silver lining was that the Xi River tribes didn''t attack again overnight, and by daylight, they were all able to retreat safely into the city.


    The walls of Po Yang City were three zhang high and two zhang thick, extremely sturdy. Plus, with one Refining Organ Martial Artist stationed at each of the east, south, west, and north sides of the city walls, it was nearly impossible for the barbarians to break through easily.


    It was a pity that many villages outside the city would be burnt to the ground, but that was unavoidable.


    "Mr. Chen."


    A well-built middle-aged man with a short beard climbed onto the city wall.


    "And you are?"


    Chen Sansi became alert.


    The man before him breathed deeply and had a steady step. He was very similar to Xiang Tingchun and was very likely another Refining Organ martial artist.


    "Mr. Chen, there''s no need for alarm."


    The middle-aged man introduced himself, "My surname is Han, and my name is Cheng. I''m a guard under Magistrate Xue, but you can call me Guard Han."


    "Pleased to meet you."


    Chen Sansi greeted him with a bow.


    He had previously overheard at the Liang Family residence that even a petty county magistrate like Xue had a Refining Organ Martial Artist by his side, and it turned out to be true.


    Moreover, during the previous fierce battle at the Great Wall, this person did not make a move.


    He asked, "Guard Han, what brings you here?"


    "There is an imperial decree."


    Han Cheng made a gesture of invitation.


    "An imperial decree?"


    Chen Sansi speculated that it was something about Ninth Prince Yu Wen, and the authorities in the Capital City must have responded.


    He then followed the other party and walked to the residence of the magistrate.


    "Mr. Chen."


    All of a sudden, Han Cheng stopped, "In a moment, Magistrate Xue will read the imperial decree. Whatever is asked of you, just agree, and if anything happens¡­ Supervisor Sun will have your back. Remember, you must agree to everything!"


    "?"


    Chen Sansi was taken aback.


    He quickly realized that the person before him, Han Cheng, seemed... actually to be Supervisor Sun''s man.


    The Sun Li siblings had mentioned in private that Magistrate Xue was the Emperor''s man, yet he had Supervisor Sun''s person hidden by his side, and also wanted him to follow the imperial decree.


    How complicated.


    Only by going in would he be able to find out what exactly was going on.


    "All right, I will remember that," he said.


    Chen Sansi nodded in agreement.


    Only then did Han Cheng continue to lead the way.


    Inside the hall, Magistrate Xue was dressed in official garments, sitting upright on a Taishi Chair.


    By his side, there stood another guard.


    Could it be another Refining Organ Martial Artist?


    Two Refining Organ Martial Artists accompanying a single magistrate?


    "Mr. Chen."


    Seeing them, Magistrate Xue cautiously got up, "It is remiss of me not to have met you at a distance. Please forgive me."


    "Magistrate Xue is too polite,"


    Chen Sansi gave a formal bow.


    Just speaking in terms of rank, he was one level higher than a seventh-rank magistrate.


    "Then I will get straight to the point," said Magistrate Xue as he cleared his throat, took out the golden silk decree that was already prepared, slowly unfolded it, and read aloud:


    "By the mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees, ''Captain Chengxin, Chen Sansi, with a body of youth and the realm of Bone Training, penetrated deep into enemy territory for four hundred li and captured the Ninth Prince Yuwen alive; his loyalty and courage are commendable. He is hereby appointed as a fifth-rank Cavalry Captain, bestowed with a box of Bone Training treasure medicine, and a pot of Imperial Wine, this I decree.''"


    "Your servant accepts the decree with gratitude,"


    Chen Sansi received the imperial order with both hands.


    A fifth-rank Cavalry Captain is a military officer''s honorary rank and does not entail an actual position.


    In this world, military achievements are tied to one''s cultivation realm. His sixth-rank official title with a fifth-rank honorary rank was already exceptional.


    But that wasn''t key, and he didn''t care about it.


    What interested Chen Sansi was the Bone Training treasure medicine.


    The items given by the Emperor were bound not to be of poor quality.


    It would be good to seize the chance to break through to Bone Forging Perfection in order to cope with the upcoming battles.


    Additionally, there didn''t seem to be any special content in the imperial edict?


    What did Supervisor Sun''s man mean about having his back, and what exactly was there to cover?


    "Mr. Chen,"


    Magistrate Xue showed a smile, "At such a young age, you have gained the Emperor''s favor; the prospects for your future are limitless!"


    "You flatter me, Magistrate Xue,"


    Chen Sansi replied politely, eager to get the treasure medicine quickly.


    Magistrate Xue, however, was unhurried. He took a Jade Pot from the tray held by a servant, poured a cup of wine, and handed it over, "Mr. Chen, the Emperor''s Imperial Wine must be consumed on the spot according to tradition. I hope you will not disappoint His Majesty''s will."


    [Green Blood Poison Dew: Colorless and tasteless; once ingested, it blends into the flesh. It will not act for three months, but after three months, without an antidote, one will suffer pierced intestines, belly rupture, bleed from seven orifices and die a violent death.]


    Poisoned wine?! The old Emperor rewards me with poisoned wine for my merits?


    Is the "agree to everything" Guard Han mentioned referring to this?


    Chen Sansi''s thoughts raced, though his face remained expressionless.


    ''The poisoned wine takes three months to take effect.''


    ''This means the Emperor doesn''t want to kill me.''


    ''Instead... he wants to control me!''


    Chen Sansi suddenly saw the light.


    The Emperor had no reason to kill him.


    If he really wanted to kill a small Bone Trainer like him, there would be no need for such secretive poisoning with a three-month delay.


    If the purpose was to control him discreetly, then it made sense.


    But what for?


    If he does well within three months, he would be quietly given the antidote, and everything would be as if nothing had happened.


    If he does poorly, would he then die from poisoning?


    To drink or not to drink?


    It seemed like "having his back" meant that Supervisor Sun would provide the antidote, allowing him to feign compliance for now.


    Of course. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Sansi would not fully trust either side.


    After all, he was, for the moment, merely a Selected Point in name only and had no actual connection with Supervisor Sun.


    But, given the circumstances,


    He had no choice but to drink.


    After all, he could detoxify himself!


    With that thought in mind, Chen Sansi lifted the cup and drained it in one gulp.

 Chapter 95 - 95 The Fall of An Ding Prefectures Great Wall

    The county magistrate Xue watched him drink the wine, his mouth corners imperceptibly curling.


    "Good wine!"


    Chen Sansi inverted his wine cup to indicate he had finished drinking and suggested, "Magistrate Xue, with such good wine, won''t you also have a taste?"


    "That simply won''t do."


    Magistrate Xue stepped back half a step, "An imperial gift is not for outsiders to enjoy."


    "Such a pity that I must enjoy this fine wine alone."


    Chen Sansi drank another cup and asked, "I am a simple man, following the rules, must I drink it all up?"


    "That''s not necessary," Magistrate Xue shook his head, "Mr. Chen, you can take the rest to save as a treasure."


    "If there''s nothing else, may I take my leave?"


    Chen Sansi prepared to leave.


    "Wait a moment, Mr. Chen,"


    Magistrate Xue stated, "I still have something to say."


    He didn''t speak before, preferring to wait until after the poisoned wine was drunk.


    It seemed his guess was correct.


    Drinking poisoned wine meant obedience and worth using.


    Refusing to drink meant defiance, guaranteeing not immediate execution but an uncertain fate.


    Chen Sansi, however, was eager to see what secret the old Emperor was so desperate to keep hidden.


    "Mr. Chen."


    Xue Yuping said in a low voice, "Do you know why we have come?"


    Chen Sansi feigned confusion, "Naturally, you came to serve as magistrates."


    "That, of course, but apart from that, I also bear another imperial mission,"


    Xue Yuping looked worried, "During your time in the Households, did you ever hear of something called ''Immortal Treasure''?"


    Chen Sansi shook his head blankly.


    "It''s quite normal for you not to know, given that you haven''t been practicing martial arts for long,"


    Xue Yuping explained, "My task is to find a treasure left by an Immortal before the war''s end."


    "You must be joking, Magistrate Xue,"


    Chen Sansi said in surprise, "How could there be Immortals in this world?"


    "There certainly are, isn''t our current Emperor the Emperor Wan Shou Himself?"


    Xue Yuping looked towards another guard and ordered in a stern voice, "Tang Ming, how is the investigation going? Speak freely, Household Officer Chen is one of us."


    "Alright."


    Tang Ming nodded, "The martial arts hall is definitely suspicious, especially the one surnamed Liang, he''s been loitering outside the county government these past few days, looking sneaky and indecisive."


    Liang Shengzhi?


    Chen Sansi knew what he was trying to do.


    It seemed the fire of the Immortal Treasure would soon reach Xiang Tingchun, and it can''t be concealed forever; it''ll come to light eventually.


    "Use both kindness and severity, don''t just force things, and make sure to interrogate thoroughly; any crimes can be discussed later,"


    Xue Yuping changed the subject, "Any news on the Witch God Sect?"


    "Intelligence says..."


    Tang Ming''s expression hardened, "A large group of experts beyond the Hua Jin stage is expected to arrive."


    Beyond the Hua Jin stage?


    Chen Sansi''s guess was spot on.


    He had always felt if they were really after the Immortal Treasure, why not send powerful masters...


    What special merit does humble Po Yang have?


    With the enemy army pressing their borders, and masters infiltrating...


    Even so, it still didn''t make sense why the enemy army was at their doorstep.


    It was understandable for the Witch God Sect to seek the Immortal Treasure, but the encroaching army was baffling.


    "We really don''t have much time; we must get the item before the Witch God Sect arrives,"


    Xue Yuping stood, "Mr. Chen, you must keep today''s matters to yourself, and leak nothing. You also need to keep an eye out for the Immortal Treasure, to see if there''s any connection with the army. If any discovery is made, it will constitute a real act of Heavenly Merit."


    Chen Sansi nodded, "I will remember."


    We don''t have much time?


    The magistrate Xue must know some secrets but wouldn''t reveal them easily.


    This poisoned wine, it really was right to drink it.


    For in it, perhaps there was a sliver of life. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Because he drank the poisoned wine,


    It meant that he was now the old Emperor''s man.


    The conversation ended.


    Xue Yuping had Han Cheng see the guest out.


    Once outside the prefect residence, Han Cheng whispered, "Mr. Chen, do whatever Magistrate Xue tells you next, avoid withholding any information, and do not defy. The Emperor''s command is divine imperative."


    Chen Sansi understood the implicit message.


    A mere Sixth Rank official in the Bone Training Realm would find defiance to be a dead end.


    Not just him, even Supervisor Sun''s third son paid a heavy price for his youthful arrogance, didn''t he?


    Ultimately, it came down to insufficient personal strength.


    "Thank you for the advice, Guard Han."


    Chen Sansi gave a fist salute.


    It was clear that Han Cheng was giving him a warning.


    No matter the reason, pleasantries needed to be exchanged.


    He probed, "Guard Han, is something significant about to happen?"


    "I do not know,"


    Han Cheng shook his head, "I''m merely following Supervisor''s orders to look after you for a bit; the rest is still uncertain."


    "I shall take my leave."


    Chen Sansi didn''t press further.


    He mounted his White Swan Horse, and along with Wang Zhi, he set out on a scouting mission. Unlike the previous journey to the grasslands, they moved mostly solo to keep a low profile. Midway, he turned directly towards Tiger Head Mountain.


    In the cave.


    With the aid of the "Cure All Poison," Chen Sansi quickly concocted an antidote.


    He also did not lack the necessary materials.


    When he previously obtained medicine from the Liang Family, he had taken away all the medicinal ingredients from the storeroom, among which included several specific treasure medicines used for detoxification.


    "Pfft¡ª¡ª"


    Accompanied by abdominal cramps, he violently spat out a mouthful of black blood, signifying the poison had been neutralized.


    The Green Blood Poison Dew wasn''t considered a world-class rare poison; its advantage lay in its colorless and odorless nature, making it difficult to detect.


    Had it not been for Chen Sansi''s ability to "Recognize Medicine," he might have truly believed it was the emperor''s kind gesture of rewarding a meritorious official with fine wine, especially since no abnormalities would appear in the body shortly after ingestion.


    Three months later, if he indeed became a confidant of the emperor, someone would secretly administer the antidote.


    In this way, without anyone being any wiser, the relationship between monarch and subject would not suffer from any rift over this incident.


    On the contrary, if he failed to become a confidant of the emperor, he would naturally succumb to the poison in an inexplicable manner, perhaps never knowing how he met his end.


    What a cunning scheme!


    "Very well, very well, I''ll be your damn confidant!"


    Chen Sansi took out the wooden box that had been awarded to him, and upon opening it, there lay five red medicine pills, which were presumably the so-called Bone Forging treasure medicine, and this time, they were not poisoned.


    These pills were known as "Mysterious Primordial Bone Tempering Pills," each worth over five hundred taels of silver. The entire box added up to several thousand taels of silver.


    Even if Chen Sansi could decipher how to make it, it would be difficult for him to gather all the necessary materials.


    With them, he would quickly reach Bone Forging Perfection.


    Without wasting any time, he packed up his belongings and descended the mountain, riding Little Xun around outside the city. He discovered that the barbarians had indeed breached the wall.


    That very evening.


    The barbarians launched a new round of assaults.


    It was still the same combination of catapults, volleys of arrows, and various other siege engines lavishly pummeling the walls; thankfully, the four Refining Internal experts each defended a side of the wall. Despite substantial losses, the situation was temporarily kept under control, albeit barely.


    But this led to an even more dire situation.


    Three days later, the night watch brought back intelligence.


    The barbarian tribes were going to complete their second reinforcement in seven days.


    By then, their military strength would increase to ten thousand, and the number of Refining Internal experts would rise to three!


    "Has the Yuwen clan gone mad?!"


    A civilian house near the north city gate had been requisitioned and turned into the Central Army''s headquarters. Xiang Tingchun paced back and forth anxiously in the hall, his body and face covered in bloodstains. He too had not returned home once since the beginning of the battle and was basically on wall duty around the clock.


    "Tell me, what exactly are they plotting? Even if they capture Po Yang County, what then? Could it be that they plan to bypass the Hutou Mountain Range and lay siege to An Ding Prefecture?!"


    That was absolutely impossible.


    Looking at the sand table.


    An Ding Prefecture was located southeast of Po Yang County, with the Hutou Mountain Range in between. Even if Po Yang County was captured, it was not possible to cross the mountains and go directly to An Ding Prefecture, as it would be impossible to transport supplies and horses through there.


    To reach An Ding Prefecture, one would have to take a detour to Hengkang Prefecture in the southwest of Po Yang and then capture Hengkang Prefecture to get to An Ding Prefecture. Such a roundabout route was utterly pointless and unnecessary.


    Unless...


    An Ding Prefecture''s Great Wall had already fallen!


    The barbarian army maneuvering around the city could then move to the rear of Hengkang Prefecture. Attacking Hengkang Prefecture from both front and rear in conjunction with the tribe at Xi River, they could capture Hengkang Prefecture in one fell swoop, thereby cutting off the surrounding prefectures and towns and isolating An Ding Prefecture. Once that was achieved, they could proceed with the siege. The risk was great, but this was the only logic that made sense.


    And all of this depended on a prerequisite.


    The breaching of An Ding Prefecture''s Great Wall!


    Connecting this to what County Magistrate Xue had implied about time being short...


    "Households Commander Xiang!"


    Having understood the situation, Chen Sansi quickly spoke, "Please send someone immediately to An Ding Prefecture to find out the state of the battle!"


    "You mean to say An Ding Prefecture is in danger?!"


    "If that''s the case, won''t Po Yang County city become like a turtle caught in a jar?"


    Xiang Tingchun''s expression was stern as he immediately ordered, "Zhao Kang, carry out Mr. Chen''s instructions swiftly!"


    "Yes!"


    ...


    Another three days passed.


    The Xi River tribe did not attack again, standing still, obviously waiting for reinforcements.


    As a result, Po Yang County remained eerily quiet for several days.


    Chen Sansi consumed the third Mysterious Primordial Bone Tempering Pill and cultivated using the efficacy of Spiritual Grain.


    [Cultivation Technique: Undying Golden Snake Spear - Upper (small achievement)]


    [Progress: 1559/2000]


    It was only in the past few days.


    Once he finished the pills, he would be able to reach Bone Forging Perfection.


    Apart from that, he also continually practiced archery day and night.


    [Skill: Archery (small achievement)]


    [Progress: (808/1000)]


    If another siege were to take place, he could even break through to Great Success!


    On the fourth day.


    Zhao Kang, the scout sent out to gather intelligence, finally returned.


    "Sir!!"


    Zhao Kang rushed in, covered in dust and dirt from his haste and fatigue, tripping and falling to the ground. He struggled to rise, "Sir! What Chen Sansi predicted is true!


    "From the postal station, we''ve lost contact with An Ding Prefecture since six days ago.


    "I traveled day and night non-stop. Halfway there, I encountered fleeing refugees. After questioning them, I learned that seven days prior, An Ding Prefecture''s Great Wall had been breached, and fifty thousand of the barbarian Iron Cavalry had invaded.


    "Currently, An Ding Prefecture has fallen back to defend the city walls of the Prefecture City, refusing to venture out.


    "The barbarian forces have surrounded the city for a prolonged siege without success; it''s very likely they''ll divide their troops and make a stealth attack on the rear of Hengkang Prefecture. Once they capture Hengkang Prefecture, they could cut off An Ding Prefecture''s food supply routes, and the entire Yunzhou might fall!"


    Boom!


    This information.


    Struck everyone''s hearts like thunder.


    It meant.


    That Po Yang County was hardly likely to receive any reinforcements or supplies, leaving nine hundred men to face a siege by tens of thousands of enemy forces!


    "Are you certain?!"


    Ji Guangxian found it hard to believe, "An Ding Prefecture is easy to defend and hard to attack; how could it fall so quickly!"

 Chapter 96 - 96: Bone Forging Perfection

    "Mr. Chen, you speak!"


    Xiang Tingchun habitually cast a glance.


    "Send a message to Hengkang Prefecture at top speed."


    Chen Sansi gazed at the sand table and said in a deep voice, "The current situation has An Ding Prefecture, where most of Yunzhou''s forces are stationed, under siege. Only Hengkang Prefecture might still be able to send reinforcements."


    "It''s no use."


    Xiang Tingchun shook his head, "Well before the Xi River tribes sent troops to attack Po Yang, I had already written to Hengkang Prefecture. They said they are the last line of defense in Yunzhou. Unless there''s an order, they won''t send a single soldier or scout elsewhere.


    "Under these circumstances, by the time the battle report reaches the Capital City Ministry of War and orders are issued from there, who knows how long it will take? How could it possibly be in time?"


    "That was then, this is now."


    Chen Sansi spoke, "Now that An Ding Prefecture is besieged, once Po Yang County falls, Hengkang Prefecture will be facing enemies on both sides. If we explain the gravity of the situation to them, how could they not help at all?"


    "We can only try."


    Xiang Tingchun nodded, "Who among you will go?"


    "I''ll go!"


    Wang Zhi stepped forward, "I''m acquainted with the Commander of the Hengkang Prefectural guards. If I talk to him, I could at least muster a thousand men, no, two thousand!"


    Chen Sansi remembered this incident.


    Fatty Wang had twice gone to the Prefecture City to visit relatives, each time staying for ten days to half a month. Unexpectedly, he wasn''t visiting An Ding Prefecture but Hengkang Prefecture.


    "Good!"


    Xiang Tingchun patted his shoulder hard, "Hundred Households Wang, the safety of tens of thousands of people in Po Yang is now relying on you!"


    "Hm."


    Wang Zhi didn''t waste words and grabbed his Mo Blade, turning to leave.


    "Senior Sister Sun."


    Chen Sansi looked at Sun Li, "Is there any news from the Governor Mansion?"


    Sun Li shook her head.


    ''That shouldn''t be.''


    Chen Sansi muttered to himself.


    The existence of Han Cheng.


    Showed that Sun Dushi at least knew most of Po Yang''s situation.


    How could there be no action at all?


    It looked like the situation in the Northwest Three States was even more critical!


    "Brothers, don''t be disheartened!"


    Xiang Tingchun''s voice was loud and clear, "During Grand Ancestor''s wars of unification, General Yin Wei defended Pu City with merely seven thousand men, while the enemy forces numbered 130,000!


    "Do you think he held out for seven days or seventy days? Neither. He defended for a full seven months, annihilated 120,000 of the enemy, and successfully bought enough time for the Grand Ancestor to unify the Central Plains, leading to today''s great Dasheng!


    "We have plenty of food and resources, including the fresh recruits we still have over a thousand people, and with the help of the civilians, what is there to fear from a mere ten thousand enemy soldiers!"


    Chen Sansi had read about this battle.


    The Battle of Pu City was one of the three most important battles during the establishment of the Sheng Dynasty.


    In his memory, there was a similar battle in history referred to as Zhang Xun''s defense of Suiyang.


    Po Yang County, although it was just a county, had very well-built city walls because it was a border town. If they could mobilize all the civilians in the city, it might not be impossible to hold out for two to three months. And with the reinforcements that Wang Zhi was bringing, there was still much hope.


    What Chen Sansi was truly worried about was not knowing what County Magistrate Xue, or rather, the old Emperor was planning to do.


    The Witch God Sect would also send experts above the Hua Jin level.


    The chaos was likely to arise from within!


    After everything was arranged, everyone dispersed to their respective posts to stand guard.


    "Little junior brother."


    Sun Li climbed up on the rampart and sat beside him, "Don''t you want to take a look at Sister Lan?"


    "With Senior Sister taking care of her, there''s no need." S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Sansi had seventy or eighty men under his command, none of whom had gone home. If he didn''t set a good example, how could he have the audacity to lead them into risking their lives?


    "Hmm, don''t worry. I''ve rented a house specially. Sister Lan is very safe."


    Sun Li glanced at Xu Bin nearby and informed, "Also, your family is safe, mother and daughter alike."


    "Thank you, Miss Sun!"


    Upon hearing this, Xu Bin''s expression brightened, and he became even more energetic in standing guard.


    The next day.


    Feng Yong and others were rushing around, mobilizing the civilians throughout the city to help strengthen the defenses.


    It goes without saying that the refugees from the countryside were very diligent.


    The ordinary civilians in the city who could fend for themselves also did not shy away, earnestly doing anything they were asked.


    In the end, just from the gathered civilians, there were over five thousand.


    Various local gentry and elders, however, refused to exert any effort, offering only donations of money and food, and still said that defending the city was their duty, and dying on the city walls was only natural.


    As for the disciples of the Martial Arts Hall, they avoided it whenever they could, and only begrudgingly took to the task when they had no other choice.


    Some even went so far as to think that with the city''s fall being an inevitable event, they attempted to kill the gatekeepers in order to flee the city at night, but all were immediately executed on the spot.


    These people had been practicing martial arts for many years.


    Normally, they were good at oppressing civilians, but asking them to lay down their lives was utterly out of the question.


    After several days of high tension among the city''s people, the Xi River tribe completed their reinforcements and launched another fierce attack.


    On the city walls.


    Lai Zi clung tightly to Chen Sansi''s side, holding the Arrow Bag for him, "Little Shanshi, if you run out, just tell Uncle. Uncle will get more for you. You just make sure to keep Uncle safe..."


    Chen Sansi had no time to pay him any attention, continuously drawing the bowstring, killing one after another who were climbing up the siege ladders. When he couldn''t kill them fast enough, he used his right hand to wield a spear and his left hand a sword.


    An entire morning passed.


    He had no idea how many arrows he had fired or how many people he had killed.


    Finally.


    The long-silent archery panel floated into view.


    [Skill: Archery (Great Success)]


    [Progress: (0/2000)]


    [Utility: Instantaneous firing of arrows, within three hundred steps, no arrow will miss]


    From shooting three arrows in a flash to firing arrows in an instant!


    An instant is 0.36 seconds.


    That is to say, he could now fire about three arrows in one second!


    He had already surpassed the limit of an ordinary person!


    Moreover, after reaching Great Success, his archery could still be improved.


    But that wasn''t something to consider on the battlefield.


    Chen Sansi lifted his fifteen-stone bow, positioning it blocking the scaling ladders. His arm, pulling the bowstring, became a blur, and the arrows nearly formed a continuous black line. Unless the enemies carried thick iron shields, as many as came would die.


    "How can you use them up so fast!"


    Uncle Lai Zi lay prostrate on the ground, dodging flying arrows and stones, incessantly crawling back and forth to fetch Arrow Bags.


    "Uncle Lai Zi, hurry up!"


    Chen Sansi pierced two men with one spear, only continuing after the Arrow Bag was delivered to him.


    "Thud!"


    An assault chariot even larger than before successfully reached the city wall under the cover of a mass of troops. A barbarian general wielding a huge axe chopped down five defending soldiers with a wave of his hand.


    From the exquisite full-body Armour he wore, he must have been a General, and with his striking moves being exceptionally swift and fierce, he was likely one of the three at the Refining Internal stage!


    "Clang!"


    Before Chen Sansi could draw his bow and shoot an arrow, a blade flashed and clashed against the giant axe in a struggle.


    "Chen Hundred Households!"


    Xiang Tingchun roared, "Leave him to me. Watch my back!"


    Two at the Refining Internal stage were fighting desperately, each requiring full effort; amidst such chaos, there was a chance of being sneak-attacked by a martial artist above the Bone Forging Realm.


    Chen Sansi turned the direction of his bow and arrow, aiming at the assault chariot, a one-man barrier impenetrable by thousands.


    After dozens of exchanges, Xiang Tingchun managed to decapitate the Refining Internal barbarian General at the cost of light wounds.


    He then joined Chen Sansi to defend the same spot, and together they killed innumerable enemies.


    This round of the siege.


    Lasted from morning until afternoon, the barbarians, realizing they couldn''t take the wall, had no choice but to sound the retreat.


    Both sides suffered heavy losses.


    After a brief tally.


    The barbarians lost at least two thousand soldiers, including one at the Refining Internal stage.


    Po Yang had over six hundred dead, five hundred of whom were civilians who came to help.


    The civilians, truly frail, had no choice but to fight to the death and rush forward.


    Because they understood the principle that if the city falls, the people perish.


    "Oh my heavens..."


    Lai Zi lay in a pile of corpses: "Usually, it''s we who suffer the hardships. Now in war, we''re still used as cannon fodder. In my next life, I''d rather be a rich man''s dog than a poor man again..."


    At night.


    Chen San left the blood-drenched city wall and found a secluded and quiet place nearby. He took the last Xuan Yuan Body Tempering Pill, ready to make a breakthrough.


    Bone Training had four stages: tendons, bones, skin, and marrow.


    Reaching Bone Forging Perfection was to Refine Marrow.


    Marrow is the core of human blood; all blood is derived from marrow.


    Only by refining the blood into the marrow, and creating new blood with the marrow to completely transform the body''s blood, could one proceed to refine the internal organs.


    The Medicine Pills given by the old Emperor weren''t specifically for Marrow Refining but were for the entire Bone Training Realm. Moreover, the medicine''s power was vast and boundless, and it didn''t harm the body. The speed at which it enhanced Cultivation was second only to Spiritual Grain, truly a first-rate treasure medicine!


    As Chen Sansi moved the long spear in his hands, the Dragon Elephant Blood within him changed from its initially burning turbulence to becoming more and more calm, its temperature dropping lower and lower until it was indistinguishable from that of an ordinary person.


    The essence within seeped through his bones, sinews, Bone Membrane, infusing layer by layer into his bones and finally seeping into his bone marrow, like a raging fire touching combustible material.


    "Hiss!"


    An excruciating heat ignited from within the bone marrow. Chen Sansi was in so much pain that veins bulged over his body and even the long spear nearly slipped from his hands multiple times. His eyes turned red, and he ground his teeth nearly to the point of breaking, moving his spear technique at an excruciatingly slow pace.


    All the essence of his Qi-Blood was absorbed.


    At this point, his Qi-Blood was entirely like that of an ordinary person. Practicing his cultivation technique was an extremely painful ordeal.


    Nearing the end of the practice, Chen Sansi''s vision darkened, and he lost all sense of where he was, what time it was, relying purely on muscle memory to continue the drill. After an unknown duration, the pain from his bone marrow finally stopped, and the old blood in his body was quickly overtaken and replaced by new blood, which ultimately coursed through his entire body.


    [Cultivation Technique: Undying Golden Snake Spear - Upper (Great Success)]


    [Progress: 0/0]


    [Utility: Dragon Elephant Blood, Nine Dragon Living Veins, Vajra Body]


    [Vajra Body: Copper Skin Iron Bone, impervious to Sword and Spear, unaffected by Water and Fire.]


    Copper Skin Iron Bone!


    Even Chen Sansi felt a momentary weakness, collapsing onto the ground with spear in hand. But as the new Dragon Elephant Blood circulated, he recovered to peak condition within a few breaths, and even the fatigue from the battlefield was swept away.


    He circulated his Qi-Blood, and every inch of his body, from head to toe, became terrifyingly hard!


    Running the Zhenyue Sword lightly across his skin, it emitted a grating sound of metal scraping against metal!


    Yet under these conditions, his body''s movements weren''t hindered at all, which was simply inconceivable.


    He was confident that, if he were to stand here now and let a martial artist at the Blood Refining Great Success lash out wildly, his skin wouldn''t even break for a short time.


    As long as his Qi-Blood was sufficient, he would be an utterly terrifying killing machine on the battlefield!

 Chapter 97 - 97 The Death of Xiang Tingchun

    After two days of brutal siege battles,


    the combined efforts of the city''s soldiers and civilians managed to stubbornly hold the fort.


    Instead, it was the barbarians who suffered the loss of another two thousand troops and a Refining Organ General.


    Additionally, with countless siege weapons destroyed, they had no choice but to cease their drumbeats of war and dared not attack for several days.


    Surveying the overall situation,


    the barbarians now had only six thousand soldiers left, while Po Yang held six hundred troops and three thousand commoners willing to risk their lives.


    These commoners were just ordinary people.


    If it had been an open battle between two armies, they would certainly have been cannon fodder.


    But in a siege, all they needed to do was handle logistics, repair the city walls, or even serve as human shields¡ªif they could just slow the barbarians'' ascent, giving the soldiers time to react, it would be enough.


    The barbarians didn''t dare launch another assault for the time being.


    Of the six thousand they had left, half were cavalry.


    As long as the city walls stood, the cavalry was just for show.


    Next, barring any unforeseen incidents, holding out until Wang Zhi''s return would mean the siege of Po Yang could be broken easily.


    Chen Sansi could scarcely imagine it.


    The largest credit for this victory actually belonged to the common people.


    "Open the granaries and distribute grains!"


    There was plenty of food in the military stores.


    After seeing the role the civilians played, Xiang Tingchun grew fond of the idea of exchanging the cheapest lives for the greatest benefit and continued to forcibly conscript anyone who could hold a weapon, sending them all to the city walls.


    He was in high spirits and gathered the military officers of Households rank and above on the wall, pouring drinks for each: "My brothers, this time in lifting the siege of Po Yang, everyone has performed a great service. Once this battle is over, a hefty reward is assured, not to mention promotions and honors!"


    "Hehe, quite right!"


    Dressed in a red official robe, Ji Guangxian said, "If the Crown Prince hears that, on the frontier of our great Dasheng, there exists such a courageous group of warriors, he will surely treat us with favor! The main credit, of course, goes to Households Commander Xiang¡ªcongratulations!"


    "Hahaha, Magistrate Ji, though a civil servant, you have shared life and death with our city walls; that too is a great service," Xiang Tingchun said as he filled his cup too.


    Clearly, the standoff had dissolved whatever misgivings the two men had held.


    Atop the city wall.


    While the officials laughed and drank, congratulating each other in advance on their promotions, the ragged civilians were either busily moving bodies back and forth, repairing walls, or sitting numbly on the ground, eating the hard-earned rice.


    The battle wasn''t even over, yet they were already popping the champagne?


    Chen Sansi had no mood to partake in such premature celebrations.


    After perfunctorily drinking a bowl of wine, he turned to help move the bodies.


    ...


    That night,


    for the first time since the battle began, Xiang Tingchun found a moment to return home and see his wife.


    He removed his heavy armor, hugged his young son, and said, "You don''t have to be afraid anymore, the fighting is almost over."


    "Really?"


    His wife, Madame Liu, said anxiously, "Why does my heart keep pounding non-stop? Won''t the barbarians send more men over?"


    "Do you think the barbarians can just mold their soldiers out of mud?"


    Xiang Tingchun snorted, "Ten thousand troops were already exceedingly strange. There''s absolutely no chance they can reinforce in the short term. Even if they forced an extra two thousand men, it would do no good unless they gave up the main battlefield in Liangzhou, which would result in immediate counterattack and can only be equated to seeking death."


    "I''m just a housewife; how can I understand these things?"


    Madame Liu patted her chest, "It''s good if the master says there''s nothing to worry about."


    "Hmm, once the battle is over, I''m likely to be transferred."


    Xiang Tingchun spoke slowly, "The credit I''ve earned this time might even be enough to get assigned directly to the prosperous Jiangnan Prefecture City."


    "That would be wonderful,"


    Madame Liu exclaimed joyfully, "We can finally leave this forsaken place where we''ve been living in constant fear. Not to mention, our child doesn''t even have a decent private tutor here, how could he possibly succeed in the imperial exams?"


    "Hmm,"


    Xiang Tingchun picked up his bowl and chopsticks, ready to have a meal before leaving.


    It was at this moment that a maid came in to report.


    "Master, Master Luo would like to see you."


    "What does he want?"


    While holding his still young son, Xiang Tingchun said without even looking up, "What''s the matter, they''re not attacking again, are they?"


    "Master, it''s about the Martial Arts Hall."


    Luo Dongquan spoke in a fluster, "That old fox Liang Shengzhi who was originally in charge of guarding the southern gate, took advantage of the moment when the barbarians were temporarily repelled to open the city gate and flee with his family. It seems he''s heading to Hengkang Prefecture."


    "Flee?!"


    Xiang Tingchun slammed down his chopsticks, "The old bastard, sick of living!"


    Once there''s one leader of desertion, there will be a second.


    Such a situation was absolutely not allowed to happen!


    Xiang Tingchun immediately donned his armour, grabbed his saber, mounted his warhorse, and rushed to the city gate with Luo Dongquan.


    "How many of them?!"


    "Only seven or eight people, with a cart full of gold, silver and jewels. They''re also pulling a carriage, so they shouldn''t have gotten far. I''ve already sent men to chase after them, maybe they''ve already been intercepted." Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Good! Hang their dog heads on the city wall. Let''s see who else dares to run!"


    Xiang Tingchun''s killing intent surged.


    The situation had escalated to this point, there was no need to consider any background or status. Deserting in the face of the enemy, even Ji Guangxian would support his actions.


    The two of them, one after the other, chased wildly for five miles after opening the city gate.


    Sure enough, a carriage was seen ahead.


    "Liang Shengzhi! Deserting in battle is a capital offense!"


    Xiang Tingchun quickly overtook the carriage and blocked the road ahead.


    "Mr. Xiang."


    Liang Shengzhi lifted the carriage curtain and coldly said, "Privately hoarding the Immortal Treasure is the real capital offense!"


    "What did you say?!"


    Xiang Tingchun''s expression turned stern.


    The sound of horse hooves arose from all around.


    Three riders emerged from the darkness, blocking the way back.


    "Magistrate Xue?"


    Xiang Tingchun narrowed his eyes, "What is this supposed to mean?"


    "Xiang Tingchun!"


    Xue Yuping called out in a cold voice, "Hand over the Immortal Treasure, and you may keep your corpse intact!"


    "The Immortal Treasure?!"


    Xiang Tingchun took a deep breath, looking towards the carriage, "Liang Shengzhi, have you gone mad, seeking mutual destruction with me?"


    Liang Shengzhi shouted, "Cut the crap! Even if you used the Immortal Treasure to blackmail us, killing my son and monopolizing the secret of the Immortal Treasure, I will not share the sky with you!"


    "Your son?"


    Xiang Tingchun didn''t bother to explain, but instead said with a bitter smile, "I say the Immortal Treasure is not in my hands. Do you believe me, Magistrate Xue?"


    "What do you think?"


    Xue Yuping looked towards Han Cheng and Tang Ming by his side, "Since Mr. Xiang refuses to save face, let''s ''help'' him save face."


    Xiang Tingchun slowly drew out his He Miao Long Sword.


    "Households Commander Xiang!"


    Luo Dongquan urgently said, "It might be better to just hand over the item. They are sent by the court. Even if we kill them, we probably can''t keep the Immortal Treasure a secret anymore! Hand it over, our families might still have a way to survive."


    "Hahahahaha..."


    Xiang Tingchun let out a strange laugh, "Luo Dongquan, I would have never expected, after twenty years of nurturing you, it''s you who sold me out in the end."


    "Mr. Xiang?"


    Luo Dongquan responded in confusion, "What do you mean by that?"


    "That''s enough, Old Luo."


    Xiang Tingchun''s voice turned icy as he ran the He Miao Long Sword slowly over his wrist guard, "Stop pretending. Take action."


    Before leaving the city, Luo Dongquan had said he had already sent people to intercept.


    Where are they?


    Not a single soldier in sight.


    What does this imply, if it still needs to be said?


    "Nurturing?"


    Luo Dongquan no longer disguised his intentions and said with a forced smile, "Mr. Xiang, you once asked me a question, after the start of spring, how many of us would still be alive? That includes me, doesn''t it?


    "In Mr. Xiang''s eyes, everyone is just a stepping stone for you to climb higher, even I''m no exception.


    "Given that, why maintain any pretense of kindness or justice!"


    "Take action!"

 Chapter 98 - 98 Mastery of Commanding Soldiers and Skills

    The next day.


    The Xi River tribe outside the city didn''t attack again.


    Instead, they dispersed their troops and set up camps in the four directions¡ªeast, west, south, and north¡ªaround Po Yang County, forming a siege.


    If the city could not be taken by storm, a siege would also be useless.


    To encircle an enemy must be done with a gap, leaving them a survival path, forcing them to abandon the city and flee was a classic tactic in siege warfare.


    The barbarians'' relentless pressure would only force the people within the city into a cornered beast''s fight.


    But at this critical moment, Po Yang City Commander Xiang Tingchun disappeared.


    "Mr. Chen, you...what do you think happened?!"


    Ji Guangxian paced back and forth with his hands behind his back, "Out of the blue, how could a grown man just vanish?"


    At his side, an old slave practicing the refining organs skill quietly waited.


    "I do not know."


    Chen Sansi speculated in his heart.


    The Immortal Treasure matter must have come to light, most likely.


    Mr. Xiang, more likely than not, is in grave danger.


    However, someone like him, who never cared for others'' lives, doesn''t warrant any pity.


    "My lord, we''ve found out!"


    Dan Yuanzhi hurriedly ascended the city wall: "Last night at midnight, as the darkness fell, someone opened the south gate and fled. Xiang Tingchun rode out alone in pursuit, encountered an ambush by the barbarian tribes outside the city, and Mr. Xiang died in battle. Only Luo Qianhu and a few surviving riders managed to escape back shortly before now."


    Luo Dongquan?


    This man also took part and managed to come back alive?


    A backstabbing?


    Well, this person is not only treacherous but also a turncoat.


    Chen Sansi sneered in his heart.


    He clenched his iron fist, beginning to plan how to dispose of them next.


    With Xiang Tingchun gone.


    Luo Dongquan would automatically rise to the position of Main General.


    How could he sleep at night if the man didn''t die?


    Mastered in archery and blessed with a Vajra Body, he might stand a chance in a real fight.


    And if by chance something were to go wrong...


    Chen Sansi lowered his head, looking at the Fire Arrows in the Arrow Bag at his waist.


    There was also the Abnormal Fire as a trump card.


    But, that move absolutely must not be used lightly.


    Especially not in the city, where there are too many prying eyes.


    Timing is everything.


    Chen Sansi momentarily suppressed his killing intent and went below the city wall to perform a routine headcount of his men.


    Two hundred eighty men.


    Wang Zhi was absent, having left all his subordinates in Chen''s charge before leaving.


    Furthermore, every time a Households died in battle, Xiang Tingchun would redistribute the soldiers evenly among the remaining Households, so Chen''s numbers only grew.


    They had been hardened by battle, with bloodshot eyes, each one as brave as tigers and wolves. Even if some had lower realms, not a single one was a coward.


    There was more.


    Over five hundred strong and able-bodied civilians also wanted to join the military.


    Knowing that whether the city fell or not, they would have to enter the battlefield, why not practice Martial Arts directly, receive some military provisions, and have a formal role?


    And not just that.


    This group of people also all wanted to follow Chen Sansi.


    "Gentlemen, as a Sixth Rank official, I really can''t take in so many of you."


    "My lord, we will be useful; we won''t just eat for free, please take us in!"


    The crowd shouted in unison, "With Mr. Chen, we feel secure!"


    "Indeed!"


    The civilians said, "Following Mr. Chen, at least there will be someone who remembers our names. Even if we die in the future, it won''t be in vain."


    With the enemy at the gates, it is not a time to strictly adhere to rules.


    Chen Sansi commanded, "Wang Li, you are in charge of teaching them cultivation techniques. As long as their talent is good, provide enough medicine for their Blood Refining realm."


    "Yes!"


    Wang Li accepted the command.


    Indeed, ever since the beginning of the siege.


    During downtime, they had started teaching civilians Pile Work, some of whom even barely qualified as Martial Artists. With not much time required, they could train a group of Array Soldiers.


    During peaceful times, a Households might hide this knowledge, not sharing the Breathing Skill without pay for at least two or three years of hard labor.


    But war changed everything.


    Chen Sansi continued, "Xu Wencai, Xu Bin, you must train the cavalry formation well, to be prepared for any emergency!"


    Recently.


    The original cavalry of the Households had to guard the city walls and suffered heavy casualties. The leaderless warhorses they left behind had all been taken by Chen Sansi for his men''s training, uniformly following the same Small Car Suspension Array used on the grassland, with ten men in each team.


    The Small Car Suspension Array was the simplest and most basic version of the Big Car Suspension Formation.


    The true Big Car Suspension Formation could simultaneously control thousands of cavalry. Even when scaled down, at least two hundred men were required to form it up, an amount of men and horses they could just barely muster now.


    But any formation needs time for practice.


    Especially something as complicated as the Car Suspension Formation, which includes several types of troops such as spearmen, Sword Soldiers, and archers. It required not only flexible movement but also precise coordination among all participants.


    Given the dire current circumstances, naturally, the simpler the training of the formation, the better, to ensure its swift deployment.


    Having made arrangements, Xu Wencai immediately began to implement them.


    It wasn''t long before a panel appeared before Chen Sansi, who was on top of the wall.


    Due to frequent real combat, his proficiency in Commanding Soldiers had rapidly improved.


    Engrossed in breaking through his own realm and defending the city against enemies, he had nearly forgotten that his martial Skill in Commanding Soldiers was also on the verge of a breakthrough.


    [Skill: Commanding Soldiers (Proficient)]


    [Progress: 0/1000]


    [Utility: Mainstay, Training Soldiers Skillfully]


    [Training Soldiers Skillfully: Any military array can be quickly mastered.]


    Quick Mastery!


    To train an elite troop not only requires funds, provisions, and medicine but also extensive time and effort.


    Especially for large or complex formations, if they are not practiced day and night, with every detail finely tuned, they can''t be used effectively in combat.


    But with the ability for Quick Mastery, the nature of training changes completely!


    "There''s no need to practice the small arrays anymore."


    Chen Sansi immediately went to the base of the city walls, which had been temporarily transformed into a Martial Arts Arena, "Switch to training the ''Big Car Suspension Formation.'' If there aren''t enough people, scale it down proportionally!"


    "The big formation?"


    Xu Wencai was slightly puzzled, "Are you sure, Mr. Chen?"


    "I''ll do it myself!"


    Chen Sansi mounted his White Swan Horse and took personal command of the training.


    Under his direction,


    in just six days, the Car Suspension Formation was trained to operate smoothly, and in another five days or so, taking it to the battlefield would be no problem at all.


    From among the several hundred civilians, two hundred Array Soldiers and ten military soldiers were reselected. The rest who did not master the techniques still benefited from the training in terms of fitness, gaining the strength in their arms.


    As a result,


    the defensive force inside Po Yang City grew more robust amidst the barbarian siege. Facing six thousand barbarians, holding the city was entirely feasible.


    "Greetings, Mr. Chen!"


    Arriving at the space that served as a temporary Martial Arts Arena, hundreds of people shouted in unison.


    "Hmm."


    Chen Sansi nodded, looking over the neatly organized ranks, he felt what it meant to have "united wills as strong as fortified walls."


    Just then,


    his skill in Commanding Soldiers surged once more.


    [Sinking Formation Death Will: Having fought in bloody battles for more than a month, always leading the soldiers from the front and being the first to shed blood in every encounter, you have inspired your subordinates to the extent that they are all willing to follow you to the death.]


    Follow to the death?!


    Chen Sansi was involuntarily taken aback.


    As he looked again at the steadfast gaze of the hundreds before him, for a moment, he didn''t quite know how to describe his feelings.


    These people...


    were willing to follow him unto death?


    And the [Sinking Formation Death Will] entry clearly wasn''t just due to proficiency levels on his panel, but rather, it was the result of his own lead-by-example approach, coupled with the life-and-death experiences they shared over time.


    It was effective only with this group of people.


    That meant,


    from this moment on,


    Chen Sansi had his first batch of fiercely loyal subordinates.


    But in his heart, there wasn''t much excitement, more a sense of responsibility.


    These were all human lives.


    They were willing to die following him; therefore, as their General, each command he gave had to be the utmost within his abilities, in order to be worthy of the trust placed in him and to have a clear conscience.


    "Xu Wencai, continue to train them,"


    After laying the groundwork, Chen Sansi continued to delegate the command to Xu Wencai. The Formation''s progress wasn''t delayed at all, proving that the old scholar indeed had some skills.


    He approached Sun Li, "Senior Sister Sun, could I borrow your Red Lotus Saber Technique to study?"


    Now,


    he had reached Bone Forging Perfection, but lacked a refining organs skill.


    Sun Buqi was still far from Refining Internal, not even knowing the follow-up content of his own Flying Snake Wind Gun Technique, let alone the Undying Golden Snake Spear.


    Trapped within the city, there was no telling when he would be able to leave and acquire a new technique.


    Better to practice the saber technique for now.


    It''s better than doing nothing.


    "Saber technique? I don''t have the technique with me, but I can teach you, however..."


    Sun Li didn''t refuse; she looked at the bow on Chen Sansi''s back, the spear in his hand, and the sword at his waist, teasingly asked, "Are you sure you can handle it all?"


    "Do I have anything else to practice?"


    Chen Sansi said helplessly.


    Sun Li reminisced, "There was a time when my father was like you, practicing all kinds of cultivation techniques every day."


    Chen Sansi asked, "Did Supervisor Sun ever mention what the use was in practicing different cultivation techniques?"


    "No."


    Sun Buqi took over, "Back then, my sister and I were very young. We just followed him around everywhere, saw a lot, so it left a deep impression."


    "If I remember correctly..."


    Sun Li pondered, "That period was just before father was imprisoned in the Imperial Prison." S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Before imprisonment in the Imperial Prison.


    That was also before the breakthrough to Martial Saint!


    Chen Sansi''s interest was piqued, "Did you guys ever ask him later what was the point of practicing so many techniques?"


    "We asked."


    Sun Buqi spread his hands, "He said he was bored."


    "¡­"


    Chen Sansi knew further inquiry was a waste of time, but he felt even more that there was a connection between reaching Above Martial Saint and cultivating various techniques; his enthusiasm thus increased. He immediately sought Sun Li''s instruction, memorizing all the Pile Work and moves, and then began practicing.


    Another exhilarating quick training session followed.


    Five days later.


    The saber technique also rapidly progressed to Bone Forging Perfection.


    His Qi-Blood was still slightly stronger.


    Other than that, if forced to say, it was getting to understand another type of weapon, which would allow him to handle enemies proficient in saber use more effortlessly in the future.


    It was on this day that Wang Zhi returned.


    He was covered in blood, of the eight people he led out, only two remained. Clearly, they had encountered small barbarian cavalry forces on their way back to the city.


    "How did it go?"


    At the city gate,


    everyone gathered around him.


    "The barbarians have circled around to Hengkang Prefecture and started laying siege,"


    Wang Zhi, looking much thinner, took a large gulp from the water bag handed to him, "But Commander Ma has still sent a thousand horsemen. I took a shortcut back; they will need another five days to arrive. In five days, the siege of Po Yang will be lifted!"


    Upon hearing this, everyone let out a sigh of relief.


    Five days.


    Chen Sansi looked out at the barbarians in all directions outside the city,


    feeling increasingly that something was amiss.


    Surrounded but not attacking.


    It felt like they were waiting for something.


    "Mr. Chen."


    Han Cheng approached, "County Magistrate Xue requests your presence."

 Chapter 99 - 99: Life and Death Decision

    Distinctly different from the chaos and ruin elsewhere in the city,


    the county magistrate''s residence was a haven of tranquility and harmony.


    In a side room, not only was a table full of food and drinks prepared, but two singers from Spring Pavilion had been invited, one to play music and the other to dance.


    Xue Yuping stood at the door waiting, "Mr. Chen, please!"


    "County Magistrate Xue does enjoy his leisure and elegance."


    Chen Sansi sat down, "Do you have any orders for me?"


    "Try the food first."


    Xue Yuping spoke slowly, "There''s no rush to discuss matters until Households Commander Tang returns."


    Deliberately, Chen Sansi used his filthy hands to grab food from every dish on the table.


    "..."


    Xue Yuping put down his chopsticks, his appetite gone.


    "Having been in the military for so long, I''ve grown increasingly unrefined. Surely you don''t mind, right?"


    Chen Sansi spoke with his mouth dripping with oil.


    Xue Yuping said calmly, "Of course not, Mr. Chen has worked hard defending the city. Please, help yourself."


    About half an hour later,


    Tang Ming rushed in, "County Magistrate Xue, the entire family of Xiang Tingchun, old and young alike, have been tortured to death and still the whereabouts of the Immortal Treasure remain unknown."


    "Mr. Xiang?"


    Chen Sansi feigned ignorance, "County Magistrate Xue, what is this about..."


    "No need to panic, Mr. Chen. We have discussed the matter of the Immortal Treasure before."


    Xue Yuping continued calmly, "The investigation concluded that Xiang Tingchun was secretly concealing the whereabouts of the Immortal Treasure. It''s a crime that traditionally results in the execution of the entire family, and he deserved more than death. Households Commander Tang, please continue."


    Households Commander?


    Is this person from the military?


    No, that''s not right.


    Chen Sansi thought of another organization that used such a title.


    Jinyi Guard.


    In the Jinyi Guard, could someone who has achieved Great Success of Refining only hold the rank of a Hundred Households...


    Tang Ming frowned, "There''s also Golden Bell Temple; we''ve dug three feet into the ground and found nothing. It''s time for us to leave. The Witch God Sect will arrive in two days, and the city massacre and Blood Sacrifice will begin soon, not a single soul will be spared..."


    A city massacre and Blood Sacrifice?


    It seems there are not just immortals here, but demons as well!


    Chen Sansi finally understood why in recent days the Xi River tribe had surrounded but not attacked; they were waiting for the Witch God Sect, and possibly more armies were coming with them!


    "Sir."


    He spoke from the perspective of a military officer defending the city, saying what someone of his position should, "The Witch God Sect intends to slaughter the city, is the court not sending reinforcements?"


    "Of course, the court wishes to send rescue."


    Xue Yuping said regretfully, "But the key to Yunzhou lies in the Three Prefectures of Stability, Tranquility, and Lingfeng. As long as these three do not fall, we can win back the land sooner or later. If necessary, even Hengkang Prefecture can be abandoned.


    "Mr. Chen, you should pack your belongings. Tonight at the hour of the rat, you will leave with us."


    "Leave?"


    Chen Sansi asked, "County Magistrate Xue, do you mean to abandon the city?"


    "No, no, no, no, no..."


    Xue Yuping said five consecutive "no"s, "They will continue to defend, Mr. Chen, you will depart silently with us, by yourself. What I mean is, just you alone."


    "Alone?"


    Chen Sansi asked gravely, "County Magistrate Xue, I still have my wife and subordinates in the city, how could I possibly leave alone?"


    "Mr. Chen."


    Xue Yuping said solemnly, "His Majesty has only ordered you to leave, not anyone else. As for your wife, surely you''ve heard the saying ''a wife is like clothing''?"


    "Is your mother like clothing?"


    Chen Sansi was furious, but he didn''t voice it.


    By this point, how could he not see that the court was planning to abandon the entirety of Po Yang!


    "Mr. Chen, I have spoken all there is to say."


    Xue Yuping continued, "At the hour of midnight tomorrow, we will leave this place at full speed. If you insist on bringing a burden, then you may as well stay and continue defending the city. Remember, alone!


    "Households Han, please see our guest out."


    Stepping out of the residence,


    Chen Sansi''s thoughts were heavy, replaying the conversation in his mind, grasping the key information.


    So, the court intends to only defend the Three Prefectures of Stability, Tranquility, and Lingfeng, and abandon the rest?


    From the map, these three form a strategic triangle.


    As long as the Three Prefectures hold, the foundation of Yunzhou remains, and once the Northwest Three States are free, they can retake the lost territory.


    But during this period,


    what about the rest of Yunzhou, including twelve other prefectures?


    Are they to be left for the barbarians to slaughter and fulfill their so-called Blood Sacrifice?


    Moreover, how could they be so certain that the Northwest Three States will be available and that those three will not be conquered?


    It seems,


    as if the barbarians and the court are in suspiciously perfect harmony?


    "..."


    A terrifying thought suddenly took root in Chen Sansi''s mind.


    He looked at Han Cheng who followed him out, "Guard Han, are you with Supervisor Sun?"


    Han Cheng affirmed.


    "Then I will ask you,"


    Chen Sansi continued, "What exactly are they planning?"


    "I don''t have full understanding either,"


    Han Cheng said, frowning, "I only know that this has been planned for a long time, and to avoid drawing Supervisor Sun''s attention, they deliberately did not send high-level martial artists to Po Yang, including the Emperor. For the search of the Immortal Treasure, only two Jinyi Guard Hundred Households were brought with County Magistrate Xue for undercover investigation."


    "They are quite afraid of Supervisor Sun,"


    Chen Sansi nodded.


    This would explain why, for something as important as the Immortal Treasure, they dared not send real experts, but just enough military force that a county should have, presumably to prevent Supervisor Sun from intervening and ruining their plans.


    It seems now...


    they might have succeeded.


    "Guard Han,"


    Chen Sansi inquired, "What actions are we to take, has Supervisor Sun said anything?"


    "He hasn''t,"


    Han Cheng gently shook his head, "My connection with the Governor Mansion is delayed, the last time was when you made contributions on the grassland. According to the Supervisor''s original words, you should just ensure your own safety, everything else is none of your concern."


    "Ensure my own safety?"


    Chen Sansi paused, "You mean, you want me to obediently follow orders and leave alone? Have you ever thought about Sun Li and Sun Buqi who are also in this city? If what Magistrate Xue said just now is true, wouldn''t they also die here?"


    "The Supervisor didn''t instruct on that matter."


    Han Cheng scratched his head, starting to stutter, "I... I don''t know what to do, in any case, if you want to live then just do as told."


    "To live..."


    Chen Sansi fully understood the purpose of the poisoned wine.


    If he obediently followed orders and left alone, even if he was involved in a secret mission, he might later have the opportunity to be nurtured as a trusted confidante.


    Otherwise, there were only two outcomes.


    One, die under the so-called "Blood Sacrifice" of the barbarians.


    Two, die from the poison three months later.


    No, there was no need for that long.


    Having learned so many secrets, if he didn''t obediently follow through tomorrow night, he was ninety percent sure he would be executed on the spot!


    The poisoned wine was just the last resort!


    "Kill!"


    Chen Sansi offered a straightforward suggestion, "Can''t we just kill them?!"


    Han Cheng still shook his head, "Tang Ming has reached Great Success of Refining Internal, and I am completely no match for him. And Magistrate Xue also has another Refining Internal under his command."


    "You''re referring to Luo Dongquan, aren''t you?"


    Chen Sansi guessed, "I can handle him, but are you really unable to defeat Tang Ming?"


    "He''s capable of fighting two of me," Han Cheng held up his fingers, "Don''t look at me like that, the selection of people for this mission was extremely harsh. It''s already good that someone could mix in, let alone being picky about higher realms."


    So it was indeed a dead end.


    Not to mention not being able to beat them.


    Even if he could win, if he killed the magistrate, the Emperor would definitely find a way to kill him afterwards.


    Could Supervisor Sun really protect him then?


    Chen Sansi didn''t want to entrust his fate into someone else''s hands.


    Unless there was another force that took action to kill the magistrate.


    In that case, he could completely extricate himself.


    He could take people away and not be resented by the Emperor.


    "If you can''t bear to leave your wife behind, I can say a few words for you," Han Cheng said, "As long as you can assure Magistrate Xue you won''t drag your feet, he might agree to let you take her away.


    "All right.


    "I can''t stay with you for too long or they will become suspicious. If you have anything else to say, meet me in the horse stable on the east side of the city wall after midnight tonight."


    With those words, he disappeared.


    Chen Sansi, with a heavy heart, returned to his post on the city wall.


    Tonight during the last watch.


    He had to make a decision on his future in such a short time.


    "Sir!"


    Xu Wencai cheerfully came over, "I''ve considered over a dozen strategies to deal with the different changes in Po Yang, would you like to take a look?"


    "Sir!"


    "Good day, Sir!"


    "Sir, this is an amulet my mother asked me to give you, she said as long as you''re here, we have a way to live!"


    "..."


    Upon arriving at the city wall.


    One soldier after another began to speak, their tones full of respect.


    "Sir!"


    Xu Bin held a piece of paper, "This is a name that Xu Wencai came up with for my daughter, which one do you think is good?"


    "Little Junior Brother."


    Sun Li came over with a long saber, "How is your saber technique coming along, if you need my help, just say the word."


    "Sansi, when you''re free, teach me archery!"


    Sun Buqi said with a playful smile, "Once I learn it, I can go home and let my old man say ''One should always take a fresh look at others, even if only three days have passed,'' and save him the trouble of scolding me for being useless!"


    Countless words drilled into his mind. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Sansi ignored them all as he walked past them, approaching the refugees squatting at the foot of the city wall.


    They had been working hard to defend the city.


    Even Shunzi''s lame father was straining himself to move rocks.


    Last of all were the new recruits from the Martial Arts Arena, who had joined the ranks not long ago after a fierce battle and were still sparring with each other.


    "We''ve seen the Sir!"


    As Chen Sansi scanned them, names corresponding to the faces began to emerge one after another.


    [Sinking Formation Death Will]


    Even these people were willing to follow him to death!


    So, even if Magistrate Xue agreed to let him take Sister Lan away, was he really going to just run away like that?


    Maybe!


    After leaving, perhaps he would be reused by the old Emperor, climbing ranks and amassing wealth, reaching the pinnacle of life.


    The downside might be having restless sleep for the latter half of his life, often dreaming of some familiar faces.


    Sometimes having too good a memory really isn''t a good thing!


    "I hate insomnia."


    "Haven''t I been studying martial arts all this time just to sleep peacefully!"


    Chen Sansi''s left hand unconsciously gripped the Zhenyue Sword tightly, "If I go now, I really won''t be able to sleep!!!"


    And even if he really defected to the Dog Emperor, would he be safe?


    If the Emperor gave him poison wine once, wouldn''t he possibly do it a second time?


    Was he supposed to spend his life cowering and living miserably under others?!


    Must they force me into this?!


    But what else could he do?


    He was too weak, at best he could deal with Luo Dongquan. But there was also another at the Great Success of Refining; who would kill him?


    And if they were killed, how would he clear the connections without the old Emperor holding him accountable afterward?


    "Hm?"


    Chen Sansi''s gaze fell on the crimson official robe, and an idea suddenly struck him.

 Chapter 100 - 100 Bone Training Kill Refining Internal

    "Xu Wencai!"


    Chen Sansi grabbed the old scholar tightly, "I have a mission concerning the lives of everyone in the city that I entrust to you. Can you handle it?"


    "I?"


    Xu Wencai was startled but quickly nodded, "Rest assured, sir, I, Wo Long, can handle it!"


    "Good!"


    Chen Sansi whispered in his ear.


    "Sir!"


    Xu Wencai, with tears brimming in his eyes, said: "I will not fail the trust placed in me, even at the risk of my life, I will not let any mistakes occur!"


    Secrets not closely held are easily revealed.


    Chen Sansi did not tell a second person and, taking advantage of the heavy night, hurried to meet Han Cheng at the horse grounds east of the city before midnight.


    ...


    The Hour of the Ox.


    The small south gate of the city wall silently opened.


    Three riders came and waited on a forest path outside the city.


    The barbarian siege was not directly under the city walls but was set up in the open terrain. Due to limited numbers, it was not possible to completely seal off the area; there were still a few paths that a handful of people could use to break through and escape.


    Not to mention, among the three people, there were two Refining Organ Martial Artists.


    "How much longer until the Hour of the Ox?"


    Magistrate Xue sat on horseback.


    Tang Ming answered, "Half an incense stick''s time."


    "Ah, every one of you has such righteousness and loyalty,"


    Xue Yuping said with a sneer: "One wants to bring his wife, another wants to bring his nephew. With such burdens, how can you achieve anything great?


    "Mr. Chen can be spared, as he has been ennobled and rewarded by Imperial Decree! But what is Luo Dongquan?"


    Initially.


    Liang Shengzhi had taken the initiative to inform.


    Afterward, Xue Yuping sent people to covertly find Luo Dongquan, and commanded him to lure Xiang Tingchun out of the city with the promise of sparing his life in return.


    As for the Liang Family...


    Everyone, top to bottom, had been silenced.


    The rest of the martial arts halls involved in this matter had not yet been dealt with.


    But in two days'' time, the barbarians would divert thirty thousand troops from the main battlefield in Liangzhou, on top of which, experts from the Witch God Sect would secretly arrive; by then, not a single soul in Po Yang County would be spared.


    "Households Han!"


    Xue Yuping coldly commanded, "Once we''re safe, dispose of that Luo as well. What a pity, we still haven''t found the Immortal Treasure, otherwise, within three to five years, I could have joined the Cabinet! This time, Elder Yan will be disappointed!"


    "Good, it really was Yan Liang''s doing!"


    In the darkness, a harsh voice rang out.


    Another three riders appeared silently.


    The person leading wore a crimson official robe, flanked by one person on each side.


    It was naturally Dan Yuanzhi and the old servant of the Ji Family.


    They both wore armour and held weapons in hand.


    "Ji Guangxian?!"


    Xue Yuping was surprised and said through clenched teeth: "What are you doing here?!"


    "I''ve come to settle accounts with you!"


    Ji Guangxian, pointing at his nose with trembling voice, said, "The city is under siege, yet you dare to kill Households Commander Xiang, damaging our main general''s family! This is tantamount to treason and colluding with the enemy, it''s outrageous!"


    "Don''t spout lies!"


    Xue Yuping retorted, "Xiang Tingchun himself went out of the city and was ambushed; what does that have to do with us!"


    "Bullshit!"


    Ji Guangxian angrily said, "I''ve just been there and seen that the entire family of eight from Households Commander Xiang, including a five-year-old child, died at home. What, have the barbarians infiltrated the city and specifically targeted to kill only the main generals'' families? Your Yan Party really has no conscience!"


    "Do you think you are any better?!"


    Xue Yuping no longer pretended and cursed, "Pretending to be pure, but what really are you? Aren''t you just trying to grasp power and control the government!"


    "Enough nonsense!"


    Ji Guangxian said, "Today the evidence is irrefutable. Taking you down marks the downfall of the traitorous official Yan Liang!"


    "You dare!"


    Xue Yuping, fearing nothing, cupped his hands toward the direction of the Capital City, "Xiang Tingchun hoarded the Immortal Treasure, a crime deserving of death. What fault is there of ours?!"


    "Immortal Treasure?!"


    Ji Guangxian narrowed his eyes, "Does that mean, Magistrate Xue has already obtained the Immortal Treasure?"


    "Not yet!"


    "Bullshit! What exactly does your Yan Party want to do?"


    Ji Guangxian shouted loudly, "The layout of the battle is so peculiar, I knew there was a problem! The Great Wall of An Ding Prefecture, how could it possibly be breached so easily! Is it your Yan Party''s doing, are you trying to collapse the Great Sheng Dynasty?!"


    Xue Yuping, losing patience, said, "Let''s do this! Take them all down."


    "You have two Refining Organ Martial Artists, so do I!"


    Ji Guangxian pulled back on his horse as two bodyguards stepped forward to engage. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Two?


    Xue Yuping chuckled coldly, looking toward the direction of the city walls.


    Let alone the fact that no one present was a match for Tang Ming with Great Success of Refining.


    He also had another one rushing over soon.


    ...


    "Onward!"


    Luo Dongquan spurred his horse frantically, with Song Yan closely following behind.


    "Uncle, where are we going?"


    "To escape!"


    Luo Dongquan sighed deeply and muttered, "Xiang Tingchun was a fool! He was bewitched at the beginning, insisting on collaborating with the martial arts halls and concealing the matter of the Immortal Treasure. Now he has dragged me into this mess too! Take good care of the Jade Pendant I gave you, from here we part ways."


    Song Yan asked in confusion, "Uncle? Am I not going with you?"


    "No, I''ve changed my mind."


    Luo Dongquan said, "I find this matter very strange. They''re sneaking around as if they''re hiding something major. The remaining two are Jinyi Guards; I, an outsider, am likely to be silenced if I get involved.


    "After leaving the city, I''ll follow them and say that I''ve given up on you. Head west overnight to distant relatives in Linjiang. If you don''t receive a letter from me within six months, assume I''m dead. From then on, change your name and don''t think about avenging me!"


    "Uncle, let me go with you..."


    "Scram!"


    Luo Dongquan drove the other person away.


    After leaving the city, he was about to head to the agreed location when suddenly, the sound of something sharp piercing the air rang beside his ear.


    The reaction speed of a Refining Organ Martial Artist made him instantly alert, and he leaped straight up from the back of his horse.


    "Hiss¡ª"


    An Armor-piercing Arrow struck the battle-horse, which tumbled and fell to the ground.


    Luo Dongquan was about to see who had launched the sneak attack when the sound of arrows rang out beside his ear again.


    Not just one...


    But a volley!


    Luo Dongquan swung his battle saber, creating afterimages as he chopped down the relentless arrows.


    Who the hell can draw a bow so fast?


    Anyone unaware would think they had encountered an entire squad of crossbowmen!


    "Is it you?!"


    Following the direction of the incoming arrows, he saw a figure hidden in a tree afar.


    "Good, I''ll kill you!"


    Luo Dongquan''s eyes were bloodshot as he cut through the arrows, swiftly closing in, until everything seemed to blur before him, feeling as if arrows filled the sky.


    He roared furiously, bursting forward with astonishing speed almost becoming a blur. In the blink of an eye, he covered dozens of yards. Just when he was about to get close, a chill struck his thigh, and he almost lost his balance and fell. He had to burst forward a second time to regain his stability.


    "Bang bang bang¡ª"


    In that brief pause, three more arrows struck him.


    Luckily, his saber blocks spared him from fatal wounds.


    Two arrows passed through his shoulder leaving behind translucent holes, and another arrow was lodged in his arm.


    At the cost of severe injuries, he finally closed the distance. His He Miao Long Sword slashed furiously, aiming straight for his opponent''s face.


    "Clang!"


    A long spear collided with the saber blade, sparking a dazzling fire in the darkness.


    Both retreated several steps, widening the gap between them.


    Before Luo Dongquan could steady himself, the sound of the bowstring, like a nightmare, attacked once more.


    He had to swing his saber again to block.


    This terrifying rate of arrow release made it difficult for him as a Refining Organ Martial Artist to get close!


    In the world, could there actually be a special cultivation technique for archery?!


    In an instant, he could release three arrows with a fifteen-stone bow, each arrow precisely devilish¡ªwhat a concept!


    Under such archery, the cost of forcing proximity was exposing flaws and becoming pierced by a multitude of arrows!


    "I''ll see how many arrows you have!"


    Luo Dongquan dared not charge blindly anymore, swinging his He Miao Long Sword, hoping to wait until the opponent ran out of arrows.


    However...


    By the time blood from his wounds soaked through his clothes, the rain of arrows had not ceased. The shovel-shaped arrowheads inside his body, due to the intense movements, nearly shredded his arm muscles. Even with a martial artist''s robust physique, his speed was bound to slow down.


    Once slowed, he lost the advantage of a common Refining Organ Martial Artist. More arrows lodged in his body until he could no longer hold himself up and crashed to the ground.


    ''Damn, emptied three Arrow Bags!


    Chen Sansi had brought out five Arrow Bags and used up a whole three.


    Luckily.


    Luo Dongquan now lay on the ground looking like a porcupine, blood spilling from the corner of his mouth, only exhaling without inhaling, his life clearly ebbing away.


    Chen Sansi aimed at the head and heart, shooting two more arrows each, and after ensuring death, he went over and decapitated him with a sword.


    ''Had he not been so hasty, he could have held out against me for quite a while.''


    ''Of course, he would most likely still be worn down to death by me.''


    ''Sure enough, a Refining Organ Martial Artist!''


    ''Luckily, it''s not Refining Internal Organs Perfection; otherwise, he would have been really difficult to deal with.''


    It''s said that Refining Internal Organs Perfection martial artists can enter a berserk-like state in a short time, running their bodies into overdrive while temporarily forgetting pain, fully capable of taking arrow wounds head-on.


    "Li Dazhi, Xia Erniu."


    Chen Sansi, holding Luo Dongquan''s head: "This counts as avenging both you and myself."


    He had prepared thoroughly.


    The Vajra Body was not needed in the end.


    The final card, Immortal Treasure Strange Fire, was also ready for use.


    Of course, it was good not to use it, for every use carried the risk of exposure.


    "Uncle!"


    A few yards away, Song Yan, worried about Luo Dongquan, came back and witnessed the entire scene.


    Chen Sansi also heard him approaching.


    In fact.


    Song Yan wouldn''t have been able to escape even if he hadn''t returned.


    Mounting the White Swan Horse, it would''ve taken less than twenty minutes to catch up and kill him.


    When dealing with matters, one must completely uproot the problem.


    "Do you know what your uncle did?"


    "I know, he deserved to die!"


    Song Yan cried inconsolably: "But he was my uncle, and I still have to avenge him! Bring it on!"


    "Puchi!"


    Blood Refining Warrior.


    Nowhere near a match for Chen Sansi.


    The moment he rushed forward with his saber, his heart was pierced, and he fell into a pool of blood, breathless.


    "Great, now I look like the bad guy again!"

 Chapter 101 - 101: Abandoning the City

    This young man with the surname Song actually has a decent nature, it''s a pity he followed the wrong person.


    "I wonder how things are going on Han Cheng''s side."


    After disposing of the body, Chen Sansi, maintaining a "conceal and move without trace" state, rushed to their designated meeting place.


    ...


    In the woods.


    Dan Yuanzhi and the old servant, both with limbs severed, lay on the ground, using their last breath to experience a lifetime''s flash before their eyes, then breathed their last.


    "Han Cheng, you, you!"


    Tang Ming looked down, his expression a mix of anger and confusion as he stared at the blade suddenly piercing his chest. "Traitor, go to hell¡ª"


    Even with a knife embedded in his heart, he did not die immediately. Instead, he burst forth with a terrifying brutal force, repelled his opponent with a palm strike to the chest, then drew Xiu Chun''s Blade, which had been sheathed again, to fight once more.


    In the distance.


    Ji Guangxian and Xue Yuping sat on their horses, watching the scene with surprise.


    "Ji, is Han Cheng your man?"


    "Isn''t he yours?"


    Ji Guangxian frowned, "Could it be, the information was given to this officer by him?"


    Not long ago.


    Someone had slipped a secret letter into his residence.


    Now it seems, it must have been Han Cheng.


    "He''s not your man?"


    Xue Yuping quickly figured it out, "Then, he must be one of Sun Xiangzong''s people."


    "He''s involved too?"


    Ji Guangxian urged, "Xue, you better confess everything now. What exactly are you up to in Yunzhou?!"


    "Stop your nonsense, I''m here only for the Immortal Treasure; I know nothing of the other matters!"


    Xue Yuping said, moving to ride off first.


    "Go!"


    "Stop right there!"


    Ji Guangxian stood firmly in front, "Xue, hand over the Immortal Treasure, then explain everything from start to finish, and I might spare your life!"


    "Ji Guangxian, you count for nothing!"


    "Vulgar!"


    "Fine, a gentleman uses his fists, not his words. How about we have a go at each other?!"


    "Bring it on!"


    A red-robed official and a blue-robed official both dismounted, took off their official hats, removed their belts, and stripped down to their undershirts, rolling up their sleeves to wrestle and tussle.


    You punch me, I punch you.


    You grab my hair, I pull your beard.


    "Despicable!"


    "Crude!"


    "Idiot!"


    "Devious scoundrel!"


    Soon, the two Imperial Officers had beaten each other black and blue.


    "Gentlemen, quite skilled you are."


    Chen Sansi suddenly appeared.


    "Mr. Chen?!"


    Xue Yuping was overjoyed, "You''ve arrived just in time! Quick, take action and slay this demon, then follow me out of here, straight to the Capital City!"


    "Mr. Chen, kill him!"


    Ji Guangxian, having the upper hand and sitting atop Xue Yuping, firmly grasped his opponent''s hair, "Then come with me, Mr. Gao of the Cabinet will protect you!"


    "Zi!"


    Zhen Yue unsheathed.


    Ji Guangxian''s head hit the ground.


    "Good!"


    Xue Yuping hadn''t even caught his breath when he saw the gleaming blade approaching him, "Mr. Chen, what are you doing, are you mad!"


    "Zi!"


    With a swing of the sword, a life was taken.


    They all deserved to die!


    All thinking of manipulating him by whatever means.


    Chen Sansi sheathed his sword.


    "Tang Ming, too, is dead."


    After finishing the battle, Han Cheng, covered in blood and pale-faced, remarked, "Mr. Chen, what a brilliant strategy, what a move to ''borrow the knife to kill!'' If not for this, Xue Yuping would have noticed your lack of escape and surely commanded Tang Ming to turn back and kill you first."


    "Are you alright?"


    Chen Sansi noticed the other was injured.


    "I won''t die, but I probably don''t have much fighting strength left."


    Han Cheng coughed up a mouthful of fresh blood and said weakly, "After simply handling the bodies, leave them here; the barbarian spies will soon discover them. Later, when the Capital City investigates, they will deduce that the severe and high factions killed each other to death. As for me, I''ll also encounter trouble on my way back.


    "In any case, even if there are suspicions, they will only suspect me, and then the Governor Mansion.


    "Don''t worry, if you can truly save the young lady and the young master, taking the blame is nothing, the Governor Mansion has been ''a dead pig not fearing boiling water.''


    "Have you arranged what comes next?


    "Leading the lady and young master through a small path?


    "The intelligence says, in two days, the barbarians will withdraw twenty thousand troops from the main battlefield to Po Yang, among which, there may very well be hidden high masters of the Witch God Sect.


    "So if we''re going, it''s best we leave tonight.


    "Take your wife along with the young lady and young master, travel light, and breaking out from the small south gate should be no problem."


    "Households Han."


    Chen Sansi''s gaze was fixed on the direction of the city, "When did I ever say I would only take them?" S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Han Cheng, startled, "What do you mean, Mr. Chen?"


    "Everyone, let''s go!"


    Chen Sansi''s voice rang out firm, "Po Yang County city, as long as they are willing to exert effort in defending the city, be they soldiers or civilians, let''s all leave together!"


    "That''s impossible."


    Han Cheng was astonished, "Mr. Chen, with barbarians surrounding us on all sides, how could so many people possibly leave together?"


    "I have a way to make the Xi River tribe temporarily retreat, daring not to pursue us even half a step for two days, thereby buying two to three days'' time to retreat. Then we could receive the support of two thousand troops from Hengkang Prefecture, and survival might not be impossible."


    Chen Sansi knew, taking the civilians with them would be a burden.


    But those soldiers willing to follow him to the death, which one of them did not have families?!


    If they stayed behind, not one would survive.If they left, sure, many might die along the way, but even having one more person live is worth it.


    Again, that saying.\\


    Within the limits of his ability, he aimed to do what would leave him with no regrets.


    There was another equally important point.\\


    No matter the use of the Blood Sacrifice, whatever the Dog Emperor and the barbarians aimed to achieve.


    He just had to stir things up!


    ...


    "Time to pay up, time to pay up!"


    West of the city.


    In the large mansion of Zhao''s Martial Arts Academy in Zhao Family, nearly all the town''s gentry and lords were gathered, each dressed in fine silk, fat-bodied but with faces full of horror and unease, evidencing the recent troubled times.


    Wang Zhi stood at the highest point, his voice booming, "Time to pay up, only silver notes accepted, no silver!"


    "Mr. Wang!"


    Master of Zhao''s Martial Arts Academy, Zhao Shanming, his face somewhat pale, said, "One thousand taels of silver per family, isn''t that too expensive?"


    "Exactly, Wang Zhi, you are taking advantage of a crisis!"


    A gentry who had been an official but had retired to his hometown accused, "I know the superior officer of An Ding Prefecture''s Commanding Department. Be careful, I might just report you!"


    "Damn it, go ahead!"


    Wang Zhi cursed loudly, "An Ding Prefecture is still under siege, just try! A bunch of ingrates, too expensive? If it''s too expensive, then none of you leave!


    "If it weren''t for the good relationships I maintained with you on normal days, would I still be thinking of you at such a critical time?!"


    "Last chance, pay a thousand taels of silver notes, and I''ll lead you to safety in Hengkang Prefecture, otherwise, just stay here!"


    "A thousand taels..."


    The crowd murmured among themselves, "It doesn''t limit the number of people per household, it''s actually a good deal."


    "Right, let''s go! We can''t stay in Po Yang anymore."


    "Mr. Wang, you better not be deceiving us!"


    ...


    "Rest assured!"


    Wang Zhi then smiled, "I, Wang Zhi, take money to get things done, always reliable!


    "As long as you pay, I guarantee you can leave Po Yang!


    "Hurry up, those who want to live, we depart from the West City Gate in two hours, don''t be late!"


    "We''ll pay the money!"


    A group of people started lining up to pay.


    Then, within the allotted time, they hastily packed their belongings and assembled their personnel.


    Inside Po Yang City.


    There were still two major Martial Arts Halls left, eight smaller ones, and several dozen large families.


    In the end, a total of about two thousand people gathered!


    Among them, over twelve hundred were adult males, with more than three hundred who had martial training, and dozens were Blood Refining Warriors.


    But they had been defending the city for over a month.


    Aside from those initially forced into conscription, none of these people had been on the battlefield!


    "Pan Quan, what the hell are you dawdling for!"


    Wang Zhi urged him on.


    Pan Quan, Zhao Shanming, and others, not only brought their families, but also carts filled with gold, silver, and precious medicines, unwilling to abandon anything.


    For over a century, their families had passed down who knows how much wealth.


    "Alright, hurry up!"


    Wang Zhi ordered.


    With them were also Zhao Kang, Xiong Qiuan, and two hundred soldiers, who began distributing weapons to those who didn''t have any.


    Since the defense began, they had seized numerous weapons, enough in quantity.


    Liu, a gentleman now in his sixties, was handed a standard long sword, "Mr. Wang, what are you doing? We''re supposed to be escaping the city, why are you distributing weapons?"


    "It''s a breakout, what else?"


    Wang Zhi explained, "The city is surrounded on all sides. Although the defense on the west side of the city is weaker, we still need to break through. But don''t worry, I''ll take the lead; you just need to use the weapons to defend yourselves.


    "Let''s go, no more waiting!"


    "Humm¡ª"


    The West City Gate opened in the darkness of the night.


    Wang Zhi led the way at the front, with Zhao Kang and Xiong Qiuan on either side.


    About two hours out.


    Campsites came into view.


    Inside and outside the camp, the guard was rigorous, with squads of cavalry patrolling back and forth. Judging from the deployment of forces, there were at least two thousand troops; this was clearly not a weak spot but rather the main general''s camp.


    "Wang Zhi, are you sure this is right?"


    Zhao Shanming caught up and said nervously, "We should retreat and find another way out before they notice us!"


    "Wrong way?"


    Wang Zhi looked at him and smirked, "I''m heading straight for their main camp!"


    "What do you mean?"


    Before Zhao Shanming could figure it out, sudden, earth-shaking shouts erupted nearby.


    "Kill¡ª"


    "Kill¡ª"


    "Boom, boom, boom¡ª"


    Zhao Kang, Xiong Qiuan, and others, numbering over two hundred, started shouting without warning, not forgetting to raise their torches.


    "Kill!"


    "Directly charge the main camp, capture Wu Mu''er alive!"


    "What?"


    The lords, who thought they were breaking out to escape, were so shocked by the sudden change that they were at a loss.


    "Wang Zhi, what¡­ what exactly are you trying to do?!"


    Zhao Shanming''s words became incoherent.


    "What am I doing, didn''t you hear?"


    Wang Zhi shouted, "Charge the enemy camp, capture Wu Mu''er alive!"


    "If you want to die, go ahead by yourself!"


    Zhao Shanming turned and ran.


    "Run fast!"


    Over a thousand people turned around, ready to head back to the city.


    At that moment.


    Feng Yong, leading a squad of troops, rushed out and blocked their escape route, stabbing to death the one at the front, "Anyone who retreats another step dies!"


    "Enemy attack, enemy attack!"


    With such commotion, how could the barbarian main camp fail to notice?


    They dispatched a large number of troops to form up and charge.


    "Zhao Shanming, Pan Quan!"


    Wang Zhi pointed with his Mo Blade at the rapidly approaching barbarian army, "You can''t run now, either fight with me, or wait to be chopped up by random swords!"


    Meanwhile.


    Atop the city walls.


    "The lord truly has a great strategy, even I have to admire it!"


    Xu Wen, holding a feather fan picked up from who knows where, waved his hand grandly, "Ignite it!"

 Chapter 102 - 102: Great Defeat of the Barbarian Army

    "Alright."


    Xu Bin followed the order.


    He lit the huge torches that had been prepared in advance on the city wall.


    A blaze of fire shot up into the sky.


    Having completed the task, Xu Bin asked in confusion, "Old Xu, are you sure this was ordered by Mr. Chen?"


    "It certainly was ordered by him."


    Xu Wencai, holding a feather fan and speaking in a measured tone, said, "You must follow the instructions precisely, any mistakes, and you''ll face military law."


    "Putting on airs, where did you get that fan!"


    Zhu Tong snatched the fan away and demanded, "Speak¡ªwhat did Shanshi tell you?"


    Now, he was the only one in the entire army who still called him Shanshi, no matter how many times he was corrected, it had become a unique trait.


    "The scholar from a large household left the city, I picked it up from the ground, give it back!"


    Xu Wencai reached out, but couldn''t grab it: "Old Zhu, do you want to face military law?!"


    "Hmph!"


    Zhu Tong eventually returned the fan, "Why did Shanshi give you so much power?!"


    "Mr. Xu."


    The cool voice of Sun Li arose, "Are you sure the feigned might of your younger brothers is effective? I still need to lead fifty cavalry out. There are at least six thousand barbarians outside, our manpower is barely sufficient for defense, isn''t it too risky to initiate an attack?"


    The day had passed strangely.


    First, Xiang Tingchun died inexplicably outside the city.


    Then, the Magistrate, and even Chen Sansi disappeared and hadn''t returned till now, giving everyone the impression that something significant was about to happen, yet they were all kept in the dark.


    Only Xu Wencai came forward, waving his junior brother''s banner, organizing tasks so methodically that he called out one name after another, as smoothly as if he had rehearsed it countless times in his mind, finally having the chance to execute them.


    "Miss Sun, I trust the official, and I ask you to trust him too."


    Xu Wencai was utterly composed, "You just follow my instructions. With the official backing us, tonight will be the biggest and sole victorious battle since the start of the war in Po Yang.


    "The lives and properties of tens of thousands of citizens depend on this!"


    ...


    Barbarian Army Camp.


    Wu Mu''er, reading the secret letter handed to him, looked stern.


    The Deputy General asked, "Sir, has something unexpected happened?"


    "The Witch God Sect was attacked, many died, but no matter, there will still be Hua Jin experts joining the big army heading to Po Yang in about two or three days."


    Wu Mu''er put down the letter, "The fall of Po Yang City is imminent."


    "Sir, do you know what the Witch God Sect intends to do?"


    The Deputy General curiously asked, "I heard that wherever a city is breached, the Witch God Sect enters to collect the Heart Blood of the living, all so secretive. What use is Heart Blood?"


    "If it''s not your concern, don''t ask."


    Wu Mu''er spoke gravely, "Our mission is simply to take down Po Yang."


    Speaking of which.


    The willpower of the Sheng people is indeed terrifying.


    After fighting for over a month, the number of city defenders was actually increasing. They suffered heavy losses, and as a result, hesitated to continue the assault, being forced to wait for the arrival of reinforcements.


    What''s laughable is.


    They had internal strife!


    Wu Mu''er looked at several bodies within the tent, his gaze mocking.


    These bodies, found not long ago by the city gate.


    From their identities, each was a Refining Organ Martial Artist.


    Moreover, with the news from spies that the Main General Xiang Tingchun had disappeared, it seems there might be no Refining Organ fighters left within Po Yang City.


    "Everyone says the Sheng people have severe internal conflicts, with parties within the court often fighting bitterly, I used to not believe it, but it seems now it might be even worse than described!"


    The Deputy General agreed, "Sir, you are right. I think the Sheng Dynasty is running out of its fate, we, the people of the Sky Clan, will own the fertile grounds of the Central Plains sooner or later!"


    As the two talked.


    Noise erupted outside.


    "Report¡ª"


    A soldier burst into the tent, "The defenders in Po Yang City are attacking our camp!"


    "Attacking the camp? With so many Refining Organ fighters dead, what do they have left to attack with!"


    Wu Mu''er picked up his curved sword and hurried out of the tent. Looking towards the direction of the West City Gate and the chaotic scene, he quickly evaluated the reality, "This isn''t regular soldiers, just a mob from the city, where do they get the guts, tired of living are they!


    "Pass my order, move all the cavalry from the east here, crush them!"


    After the command was delivered, the cavalry quickly arrived.


    Wu Mu''er planned to join the battle himself, but at that moment, a fire started in the east, and shouts thundered through the air!


    "Report!"


    Another rider came, "Sir, it''s bad news! The reinforcements from Hengkang Prefecture have arrived!"


    "What?"


    Wu Mu''er frowned, "Are you sure you saw it clearly?"


    A few days ago, someone had broken through and headed towards Hengkang Prefecture.


    At that time, he guessed they were seeking reinforcements.


    But based on the distance, the forces from Hengkang Prefecture shouldn''t have arrived for another four days, nearly a step behind the Barbarian Army. How could they arrive so quickly? All cavalry?


    "I saw it clearly."


    The soldier said nervously, "Dust fills the sky, shouts shatter one''s lungs, and there are mountains full of military flags and torches, conservatively estimating, there were over two thousand!"


    "Hmm, it''s indeed possible for Hengkang Prefecture to dispatch this many troops¡­"


    Wu Mu''er told the Deputy General, "You stay here and keep order, don''t panic, I''ll personally check what''s going on!"


    In this situation, clarity was crucial.


    Once the army''s morale is disturbed, collapse is imminent.


    ...


    "Kill¡ª"


    "Kill¡ª"


    East of the City.


    Following Xu Wencai''s commands, Sun Buqi and others stealthily exited the city in batches, gathering two hundred new recruits in the east. They used rags to disguise as military flags and lit torches all over the hills, and finally, they beat the war drums and shouted their war cries.


    He was puzzled, "This old scholar, using Shanshi to pressure us, what''s the point in doing all these displays of might?!"


    "Since it''s the official''s order, we just need to follow it."


    While speaking, Wang Li energetically scattered ashes everywhere, shouting at the top of his lungs, "Kill, kill, kill¡ª"


    "They''re coming, they''re coming!"


    Sun Buqi, holding his long spear, said, "Somebody''s coming, all cavalry, the one in the middle, seems like Wu Mu''er? What did Xu Wencai tell us to do next?!"


    "Run up the mountain, hide, and when the signal arrow sounds, set fires simultaneously, then attack again!"


    Wang Li grabbed his things and ran off.


    "Go!"


    Sun Buqi hurriedly followed.


    ...


    "What is this?!"


    Finally catching up, Wu Mu''er stopped his horse staring at the empty space before him, "Is this what you call the reinforcements from Hengkang Prefecture?"


    "Sir, it''s too dark, we couldn''t see clearly either."


    The soldier who had reported earlier, fearing punishment, suggested, "Shall we check the mountain?"


    "Cavalry go up the mountain? Does anyone with a brain say such a thing?!"


    Wu Mu''er thought for a moment, "Retreat! It''s most likely a bluff, not worth our attention!"


    "Whoosh¡ª"


    Just as they were about to head back to camp, a sudden arrow sound near Wu Mu''er made him shudder, and he slashed his curved sword in the direction of the sound, successfully cutting down one arrow, then a second, and a third...


    "Is that you?!"


    In the darkness in the distance, a familiar figure on a white horse appeared.


    Wu Mu''er could not fail to recognize him!


    Over a month ago,


    it was this young man who had captured the Ninth Prince right before him!


    If the war had not just commenced, when manpower was crucial, he would have probably been beheaded long ago.


    Even now, he might still face serious consequences after autumn.


    "Such quick arrows!"


    Wu Mu''er focused on defending against the relentless arrows and calmly ordered, "Surround him!"


    No matter how fast this person shot arrows, he was still just one man.


    By diverting the attention of the remaining men, he could quickly close in.


    "Senior Sister Sun!"


    Chen Sansi shouted loudly.


    Sun Li arrived in time and fifty riders formed ten small "Car Suspension Formations," charging into the barbarian cavalry, clashing fiercely, trying their best to prevent them from surrounding Chen Sansi, each facing multiple enemies, with her alone confronting two Lianggu Hundred Households.


    Watching the target of her junior brother''s arrows, she finally figured out what this series of connected plans intended to do. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Sansi intended to lure Wu Mu''er from the heavily guarded Central Army Camp, to recreate the feat on the grassland. However, it wasn''t to capture a useless prince this time, but to kill the Refining Organ General, thereby throwing the enemy into disarray.


    "Junior brother, be careful!"


    Sun Li was already surrounded by many cavalrymen, "I will buy you time!"


    Not only did she understand.


    Wu Mu''er understood as well.


    This youngster wanted to kill him, the last main general of the Xi River Tribe.


    By this means, to cause his army to collapse.


    But as the main general, how could he not know his own importance?


    The reason he dared lead five hundred cavalry to inspect, was because all the known Refining Organ Martial Artists within Po Yang City had killed each other!


    And this youngster, merely a hundred households officer!


    If he truly had the capability to kill him, during the previous encounter on the grassland, he wouldn''t have just left a fat man to face the blade while going to find the Ninth Prince himself!


    "Clang, clang, clang!"


    "The men at the West City Gate were sent by you as well, weren''t they?"


    Wu Mu''er sneered, as he blocked the arrows while speaking, "I won''t chase after you. Your bow alone won''t kill me. I''ll just drag this out with you. In less than the time it takes to burn an incense stick, the rabble at the West City Gate will be crushed and wiped out!


    "And the pretty little lady leading over fifty cavalry behind me will be captured alive. Once her cultivation is crippled, she''ll make a fine slave for me!


    "Lastly, when you run out of arrows, I''ll kill you!"


    For now, the only threat to him was the big bow in this youngster''s hands.


    All he needed was to be cautious, and if he just dragged it out, he would win!


    ''Smarter than Luo Dongquan.''


    ''He knows to be wary of archery, not actively pursuing me.''


    ''If it were a one-on-one, dragging this out wouldn''t be a problem. But there are five hundred cavalry behind him.''


    ''Wang Zhi, Sun Li, they can''t hold on much longer.''


    ''So...''


    Chen Sansi unexpectedly tucked away his bow and grabbed his spear, "I didn''t plan on dragging this out with you!"


    "You dare come at me?"


    Wu Mu''er gripped his curved sword, "I want to see just what progress you''ve made in just over a month!"


    "Clang¡ª"


    The two warhorses crossed paths, and the curved sword and long spear collided for the first time.


    Chen Sansi felt the trembling of the long spear, his qi-blood surged within him, stabilizing his form.


    On any other day, he could have dragged it out.


    But today, he had to kill quickly!


    He changed his usual fighting style, the Undying Golden Snake spear technique, forcibly conjuring the aura of the Breaking Formation Spear, attacking ferociously. Even though there was a difference in pure strength compared to the Refining Organ, he still did not retreat to defend.


    But being anxious and attacking recklessly would expose flaws.


    "Full of openings!"


    Wu Mu''er seized the moment, his curved blade like a black moon descending, tearing through the air, aiming directly at the opponent''s face.


    He had thought that, faced with such a deadly strike, the opponent would inevitably defend, but quite the contrary, there was no attempt to dodge, still determined to thrust his flawed spear.


    ''Does this guy think his head is harder than my blade?!''


    ''Die!''


    The curved sword neatly sliced through Chen Sansi''s iron helmet, striking squarely on the head.


    "Crack¡ª"


    However, the expected gore did not materialize. Instead, upon contact with flesh, the blade emitted a sound as if scraping against metal, sparking faintly!


    "Vajra Body?"


    Wu Mu''er was shocked.


    After the incident with the Ninth Prince, he had investigated Chen Sansi. A genius youth with the Nine Dragon Body, Selected Officer of the Governor Mansion, where did the Vajra Body come from!


    His blood velocity surged, and he forcibly retracted the curved sword, just in time blocking the long spear stabbing at him.


    "Clang!"


    In the close encounter, another glint flashed at the young man''s waist, a sword light tearing through the heavens, gone in a flash!


    "The Ninth Prince''s sword..."


    Wu Mu''er recognized the weapon, then felt the ground getting closer, even though his body was still on horseback. Before he could understand, the world plunged into darkness.

 Chapter 103 - 103 Grand Ancestor Chen Lei, the Hidden Dragon Emerges from the Abyss

    ```


    Grass...


    Chen Sansi''s iron helmet was chopped in half, his forehead throbbed with pain, leaving a trail of blood.


    Copper Skin Iron Bone.


    Whether it''s copper or iron, it can eventually be destroyed.


    If bone training can''t break through his skin.


    But after all, it is refining organs, a leap across a major realm.


    Fortunately, it was ultimately blocked.


    Chen Sansi wasn''t reckless. When he was killing Luo Dongquan earlier, he deliberately exchanged a blow to understand the immense power wielded by someone proficient in the refining organs skill, and he was confident that his Vajra Body could withstand it. Then he could take advantage of the surprise and deliver a deadly slash.


    Vajra Body, Swordsmanship Perfection.


    Lacking either one would not do!


    ...


    Sun Li, with her own strength, killed two bone training martial artists of the same realm. However, she was also sneak-attacked several times, and she found it difficult to divert attention to the situation dozens of steps away. She was about to face an assault from bone training generals as well as dozens of cavalry.


    If this continued, she would soon be weakened from loss of qi-blood and killed by the disorderly blades.


    The fifty cavalry she brought were already reduced by half in such a short time...


    Just then, the sound of an armor-piercing arrow tore through the night sky, followed by a loud shout, "Wu Mu''er is dead! Reinforcements from Hengkang Prefecture have arrived, you barbarian thieves better surrender quickly!"


    Chen Sansi used his long spear to lift a head, showing it to them.


    "Lord Thousand Households is dead?!"


    The barbarian cavalry were all greatly shocked.


    "Kill, kill, kill¡ª"


    "Kill¡ª"


    After the signal of the armor-piercing arrow, those who had previously hidden on the mountain, like Sun Buqi and others, began to wave their torches again and screamed shrilly; the war drums were pounded so vigorously that they shook the earth, and in the shadows of the trees and woods, it was unclear how many people there were.


    "Reinforcements! Hengkang Prefecture really sent help!"


    "There''s an ambush, retreat quickly!"


    "Retreat, retreat!!"


    "..."


    The five hundred cavalry trembled with fear.


    "Where are you running¡ª"


    Chen Sansi, with a spear lifting a head in one hand and the Zhenyue Sword in the other, entered the crowd to kill.


    In this way, the barbarian cavalry were even more convinced of the ambush, and their desire to fight was completely lost; they only cared for their lives.


    "It''s over!"


    Chen Sansi knew.


    Once this cavalry returned to their main camp, it would be their moment of collapse!


    ...


    On top of the city walls.


    "Lazybones, get up! Wang Zhi and his men are about to bite the dust!"


    Zhu Tong was so anxious that he paced back and forth.


    "My lord, how come the lord hasn''t returned?"


    Xu Bin also began to grow agitated.


    "The lord must be fine!"


    Amidst the utter chaos, Xu Wencai turned out to be the calmest of all, gripping his feather fan tightly, "Just wait for one more teatime, after one teatime, the barbarian army of six thousand can be crushed at the snap of the fingers!"


    Finally.


    On Eastern Mountain, fire lit up for the second time.


    "Good, good, good! The barbarian army is broken!"


    Xu Wencai waved his feather fan without hesitation, "Liu Jinkui, Zhu Tong, Wu Da, Xu Bin, relay my command, fling open the West City Gate and strike with all our might. The cavalry will form the Car Suspension Formation at the forefront, advancing, with everyone else following behind, just kill anyone you see, and remember, we must be loud and have plenty of torches!"


    "Xu Wencai."


    Liu Jinkui was half doubtful, "We''re putting our lives in your and Chen Baihu''s hands!"


    Yesterday evening, under the arrangement of Xu Wencai, Sun Li siblings and Wang Zhi suddenly began to take over the command of the army inside the city, claiming that they were preparing for a breakout during the night.


    At first, they didn''t understand what was happening and they didn''t take orders from just anyone.


    But now, half of the people inside the city belonged to Chen Sansi''s faction, among them the Sun Li siblings had high status and were not to be offended lightly.


    What''s most crucial was that, overnight, Xiang Tingchun, Luo Dongquan, and others, all went missing without a trace of life or death, obviously indicating some major event was about to unfold, a matter of life-or-death, which they couldn''t ignore.


    As a result of this series of actions...


    It felt as if doom was imminent.


    "Go out of the city!"


    The city gates opened wide.


    The remaining fighting force inside the city poured out, with less than a thousand people, and took the offensive against a barbarian army of six thousand!


    ...


    West City Gate.


    Pan Quan had already died amidst the chaotic army.


    Zhao Shangming had been chopped to lose an arm, hanging on to life by a thread.


    The disciples from the Martial Arts Hall and local gentry were mostly dead, little remained.


    Wang Zhi and his men had fought until this point, also suffering severe casualties.


    "Is Xu Wencai deceiving me, is this really how Stony arranged it?!"


    He looked at the seemingly endless barbarians, "To hell with it, if all else fails, just die!"


    Fifteen years ago.


    He climbed the city walls and didn''t die.


    If he were to die on the battlefield today, it would be a fitting end!


    "Good, in the next life, I''ll be a fellow traveler with you again!"


    Xiong Qiuan''s bones were exposed, and he too was preparing to embrace death.


    "Kill!"


    Behind them, the city gates flung open.


    The flames soared into the sky, and the sounds of killing roared like thunder!


    The barbarian soldiers were intimidated by the energy, but not yet disordered, for their numbers were many. They were just perplexed why Po Yang City was going crazy tonight, from where did they get such confidence; were they really courting death?


    Until the cavalry unit that had left earlier returned to report, explaining their question.


    "Lord Wu Mu''er is dead!"


    "Three thousand Hengkang Prefecture cavalry have come to our aid!"


    "No, five thousand cavalry!"


    "..."


    "What?!"


    The deputy general stood dumbfounded but still clung to the last bit of rationality, "Don''t panic! Where did so many reinforcements come from!"


    "Wu Mu''er''s head is here¡ª"


    A white horse burst onto the battlefield and a familiar head was lifted high under the frosty moonlight, "Surrender quickly!"


    "My lord..."


    ```


    "Whoosh¡ª"


    An armor-piercing arrow flew swiftly, directly shooting the bone training martial artist of perfection off his horse, becoming the final straw that crushed their psychological defenses.


    The news of both the main general and deputy general dying spread with inconceivable speed, growing more exaggerated with each retelling. By the end, it had become a story that the Eight Camps had won the main battlefield of Liangzhou, and Sun Xiangzong himself had come to encircle and kill them.


    At that moment.


    Six thousand barbarians.


    Their defeat was as swift as a landslide!


    The soldiers from Po Yang County chased and slaughtered them from behind, while the barbarians did not even fight back, casting away their armor and weapons, their lines breaking into a complete rout!


    It was not until this moment.


    Liu Jinkui, Xiong Qiuan, Zhao Kang, and others, watching Chen Sansi move unobstructed through the chaotic army, his lu leaf long spear holding the head of a refining organs general, looked upon him as if he was a deity!


    In a single night, Po Yang City went from being deeply encircled.


    To achieving a grand victory!


    Years later, with the change of dynasties, this battle was recorded in history:


    In the seventy-second year of the Longqing era of the old dynasty, on the sixth day of the twelfth lunar month, the Grand Emperor Chen Lei, faced with desperation, cut down enemy generals and led over a thousand remnants to a great victory over six thousand barbarians. This battle is known in history as the Battle of Po Yang, also called, The Dragon Emerges from the Abyss.


    ...


    Only at daybreak did the six thousand barbarian soldiers, abandoning countless baggage and provisions, retreat beyond the Great Wall, not one daring to look back.


    Warfare hinges on coordinating the heavens, the earth, and the people!


    The number of soldiers alone cannot decide the outcome one hundred percent of the time.


    If one can harness the "general trend" to their advantage, victory against a larger force is not impossible!


    The barbarian army had besieged the city for a long time without success. Moreover, from the beginning to the end, they lost a total of three refining organ generals, severely lowering their morale. When the last refining organ general fell, they were bound to crumble like sand.


    By contrast, Po Yang.


    After a long siege, aside from the local gentry and elites, the soldiers and civilians had an unprecedented fighting spirit, united as one.


    Among them, hundreds developed a "Sinking Formation Death Will."


    Given these increasing advantages and disadvantages, the gap was too vast.


    Additionally, there indeed was someone who knew that Hengkang Prefecture was very likely to send reinforcements soon.


    With the heavens, the earth, and the people aligned, how could the barbarian army not be defeated?


    However, just when everyone was excited about this miracle, Chen Sansi suddenly announced another command.


    Abandon the city!


    "Abandon the city?"


    "Why?"


    Questions arose among people like Zhao Kang: "Over half the barbarians died or were injured overnight, with hundreds trampled to death by their own. They''ve already retreated beyond the Great Wall, and they might even return to the grasslands. Inside Po Yang City, we have ample food and supplies; we should take this opportunity to strengthen our defenses and continue the siege!"


    "The barbarians have besieged us without attacking for a long time, what do you think they''re doing? They''re waiting for reinforcements! And the next time, there might be even higher realm generals!"


    Chen Sansi announced the harsh reality before the eyes of everyone: "On the other hand, the bodies of several dignitaries have been discovered in the barbarian camp, and we don''t even have a single person who has undergone refining of organs. How can we continue to defend?"


    "My lord is right!"


    Xu Wencai added: "Last night, we captured a close aid to the barbarians who was a Hundred Households, and he confessed that at least thirty thousand more troops will march towards Po Yang soon! The defeated barbarians will also quickly regroup and come back for another attack! The only plan for now is to flee the city; that is the only way to live!"


    "But... what about us?"


    The numerous civilians responsible for repairing the city walls, hearing that the defenders planned to abandon the city, dropped their tools in despair.


    Abandon the city.


    That meant abandoning them, didn''t it?!


    This sort of thing wasn''t unheard of.


    The defenders flee, and the civilians are left behind to be slaughtered.


    So what was the point of their desperate defense for this past month?


    Unexpectedly, the civilians did not riot.


    They dispersed and continued to pick up their tools to reinforce the fortifications, although their expressions were numb, their movements stiff, as if they were soulless zombies.


    Most of the soldiers, new recruits, and laborers did the same.


    To abandon the city is to focus on a rapid escape.


    Those who couldn''t ride horses were likely to be left behind.


    Not to mention, most of their family members were still here; how could they bear to leave?


    Wives, children, fathers, mothers¡ªall left behind to await death?


    ...


    "Wait a moment, I haven''t finished speaking!"


    Chen Sansi gathered his qi-blood and spoke loudly, ensuring most of those present could hear him, "We will indeed abandon the city, but I never said we would abandon the people!


    "Pass my order!


    "The civilians within Po Yang City, all who wish to leave, may follow the army!


    "We, the military, will cover the rear!"


    Upon these words. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Not only did the civilians.


    Even Xu Wencai and many subordinates were shocked.


    Escape with the civilians? And cover for them?


    In thousands of years, when had this ever happened?


    Aren''t they worried about being slowed down?


    "Of course, I''m not forcing anyone!"


    Chen Sansi continued: "We will depart from the West City Gate before noon today, heading westward, with a temporary destination of Hengkang Prefecture. Whether to go or stay is completely voluntary! You must think carefully, if you leave, you may never be able to return, and it''s very possible to die on the road!"


    "My lord!"


    "We are willing to go!"


    "We will follow you in life and death!"


    After a brief silence, the civilians inside the city knelt down in unison.


    "Staying here is also to be slaughtered by the barbarians!"


    The barbarians, known for their ruthless looting and ravaging, would definitely not leave any survivors.


    Therefore, escaping is the only way to live.


    "Thank you, my lord!"


    "My lord!"


    "Xu Wencai, you take care of the arrangements."


    After leaving these words, Chen Sansi went to the horse stable in the eastern part of the city to find the gravely injured and weak Han Cheng: "Has there been any word from the Governor Mansion?"


    "It will be a few more days."


    Han Cheng replied: "We should be receiving a message soon."


    "Good!"


    Chen Sansi recalled the words of Magistrate Xue, feeling that even going to Hengkang Prefecture might not be safe.


    He had said it.


    Hengkang Prefecture could be abandoned if necessary!


    But heading westward, leaving You State would take them to You State, one of the Northwest Three States.


    If You State were to fall, they would have no choice but to seek shelter in Liang State, where the Eight Camps and the Governor Mansion are located. There, they might receive more support and find their last hope.

 Chapter 104 - 104 Unity Spear Technique

    The more they feared the Governor Mansion, the more they knew they had to head there to be safe.


    "Mr. Chen, today''s feat was truly once in a millennium."


    Households Han remarked, "Do you really plan to lead the thousands next?"


    "I said what I said, I can''t go back on it now."


    Chen Sansi estimated, "The Xi River tribe just escaped the Great Wall. It will take at least a day for them to react and wait for the main army to arrive. By then, we would have been gone for three days and nights."


    "Not enough."


    Han Cheng shook his head, "The cavalry can cover hundreds of miles in a single day, but how far can a group of the old, weak, sick, and disabled travel? They will catch up soon enough."


    "That''s why I hope Mr. Han contacts the Governor Mansion as soon as possible, preferably to have some troops sent over."


    Chen Sansi even doubted whether the two thousand troops from Hengkang Prefecture could still come, and if so, how many?


    "I still suggest¡­"


    Han Cheng said somewhat uneasily, "That the young master and miss along with your family leave first."


    "Alright, I''ll ask Sun Li if she''s willing, they can leave quickly on horseback."


    Chen Sansi did not refute.


    "Good! Sir, I will take my leave now."


    Han Cheng, coughing, said, "Officially, I am already a dead man. If I''m seen with you somewhere and complications arise, I will signal you with the call of a cuckoo, and you can find me by following the sound."


    "Also, take this."


    While saying this, he pulled out a cultivation technique.


    "Refining Organ Spear Technique?!"


    Chen Sansi held the book, named "Unity Spear Technique": "Where did this come from, and can I practice it?"


    "Before coming to Po Yang, the Supervisor sent this to me. It seems to be a fusion of three military spear techniques that he created. It wasn''t meant for you initially."


    Han Cheng looked in the direction of the city, "It was planned to be handed over to the young master when the time was right, but now it seems better to give it to you."


    "Sun Buqi?"


    Chen Sansi understood the deep meaning behind it.


    Supervisor Sun sending the Sun Li siblings here was not just an experience for them, but a preparation to temper Brother Bu Qi''s disposition and then to give him a superior method. Now it appeared...


    Until now, he had never seen Sun Buqi practice the spear, not even achieving a small achievement in Bone Training. S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He had practiced archery quite frequently, but without any progress.


    "Take the cultivation technique, and intensively practice refining organs."


    Han Cheng spoke exhaustedly, "From here on, you''ll have to manage on your own. Remember, when you hear the cuckoo calling, come and find me!"


    After finishing, he bowed with his fists and left.


    "I finally have something to train with."


    Chen Sansi was accustomed to daily martial arts practice; suddenly stopping it felt very unnatural.


    He returned to the city and in an abandoned civilian house, he found Sun Li and Sister Lan, whom he hadn''t seen for a long time.


    He stood outside the bedroom and didn''t enter.


    Sun Li was injured while buying him time, sustaining damage to her bones. Gu Xinlan was helping her apply medicine and bandage the wounds.


    Not until it was finished inside did he open the door.


    "Brother Shi!"


    Gu Xinlan threw herself into his arms.


    She checked him over here and there, finally noticing the scar on his forehead that nearly split his head in two!


    "It was just a scrape, I''m fine."


    Chen Sansi reassured her and then turned to the lady in red, "Senior Sister Sun, thanks to you blocking the cavalry, I at most could have handled a single refining organs expert. If not for you, Po Yang would have been in grave danger."


    "Junior brother sure knows how to flatter. It was clearly your victory over the Barbarian Army, but you make it sound like I deserve the credit."


    Sun Li''s pale face, due to her injuries, became even whiter, "But you must be at Bone Forging Perfection by now, right? No wonder you''ve been practicing with both sabers and swords, it seems you''ve had nothing else to train."


    It hadn''t been long.


    Reflecting upon her arrival in Po Yang, he was only just starting Bone Training...


    Now, he had single-handedly slain a refining organs expert and led them to rout the enemy army.


    His growth rate was undeniably astounding.


    "Senior Sister Sun."


    Chen Sansi asked, "Do you and Brother Bu Qi want to leave first?"


    "Leave first?"


    Sun Li leaned on the bedpost, tilting her head, "Junior brother, are you looking down on me?"


    "Why would you say that, Senior Sister?"


    Sun Li was slightly displeased, but her weak voice made her sound feeble, "You all stay to protect the civilians, yet you want me to leave first. Do you think it''s because I''m a woman or is it because I''m the daughter of the Supervisor that I''m more valuable?"


    "That''s not what I meant."


    Chen Sansi was just fulfilling Han Cheng''s request to ask her; he knew she wouldn''t leave early. But seeing her so injured, it seemed she really couldn''t stay to cover the rear.


    He pondered for a moment and then said, "Senior Sister, you are seriously injured. Staying would just slow us down."


    "Are you repulsed by me?!"


    Sun Li, angered, moved slightly but the pain from her wounds made her lay back down.


    "Why would I, Senior Sister?"


    Chen Sansi explained, "How about this, you don''t need to leave early. Just walk with the civilians, that way you can help take care of Sister Lan and also protect the civilians to prevent any accidents.


    "If you don''t agree, how can I rest assured letting Sister Lan walk alone in the chaos?


    "Not just Sister Lan, there''s also Mrs. Xu from the Xu family, and Zhu Tong''s mother, among many others. Surely there needs to be someone to look after them? I wouldn''t trust anyone else."


    A whole lot of talking later.


    Finally, Sun Li agreed.


    "Thank you, Senior Sister Sun."


    Chen Sansi cupped his fists.


    "Brother Shi, come with me for a moment."


    Gu Xinlan pulled him outside and, after walking a considerable distance, cautiously asked, "Do you have any medicine that can remove scars?"


    "Remove scars?"


    "It''s not for me¡ªit''s for Li. She cried..."


    Gu Xinlan said with evident distress, "She suffered several deep cuts across her body; the wounds are so deep that you can see the bones. We don''t lack medicine for healing, but she keeps shedding tears. I guess she didn''t bring any scar removal medicine. After all, as a woman, if her body is scarred, how will she cope in the future..."


    "I understand."


    Chen Sansi nodded, "I''ll give it to you before we leave."


    He was proficient in medical arts, not only skilled in concocting cultivation-enhancing medicine but also adept at treating all kinds of difficult diseases in the mortal world. Removing scars was a trivial matter for him, as ingredients with similar properties could be found in Black Jade Protective Ointment and Condensed Dew Body Refining Soup.


    Without wasting any time, Chen Sansi went to Yunhe Medicine Store and acquired a batch of medicinal materials for free. He then concocted the scar removal medicine on the spot, along with a large quantity of the Ji Family''s secret golden sore medicine and other emergency hemostatic drugs, distributing them to his subordinates.


    Lastly, there was the Tiger Blood Wine.


    Initially, Ji Guangxian had transported the wine from the Capital City as a reward, but they couldn''t carry it all due to too many burdens. Only six jars were hung on Qian Xun''s body, which was temporarily sufficient.


    In order not to waste it.


    Taking advantage of the remaining time, Chen Sansi gulped half a jar of wine and then started practicing the cultivation techniques he had memorized from "Photographic Memory."


    Unity Spear Technique!


    Flying Snake Wind, Python Breaking Formation, Undying Golden Snake.


    The pile work and techniques of the three spear methods were perfectly integrated, even the vast Breathing Skill had some minor variations.


    They complemented each other, combining strengths and defenses, flawless and complete!


    Moreover, the name seemed casually chosen, sounding like some mild and steady spear technique, but in reality, Chen Sansi could vaguely sense a hint of "frenzy" from the text and diagrams.


    Instead of calling it "Unity Spear Technique," it might as well be called "Frenzy Blood Spear Technique."


    Correspondingly, the difficulty of the practice also increased exponentially.


    The complexity of the pile work and techniques was more than several times, ten times even.


    If it were an ordinary person, they would likely find it hard just to memorize it.


    No wonder it had to wait until Sun Buqi changed his temperament to give it to him; otherwise, it would be a waste.


    Refining internal organs, from entry-level to great success, corresponds to Blood Movement, Quenching Internal Organs, Heart Burning, Blood Explosion.


    Blood Movement is different from Blood Refining.


    Blood Refining alters the blood, whereas Blood Movement involves further utilization of Qi-Blood.


    Only after attaining great success in Refining Internal Organs can one advance to Hua Jin.


    Chen Sansi personally experienced why the word used is "refining" and not practicing, forcibly altering the speed of blood flow within the body to increase explosive power while tempering the internal organs in an excruciatingly painful process, comparable to being refined by fire.


    The potent effects of the exotic Tiger Blood Wine combined with the complex pile work spear technique made him feel as though he had jumped into a furnace. In an instant, he was drenched in sweat as his internal organs, blood vessels, bones, and meridians seemed to melt.


    Fortunately, with his blended physique, he was able to fluidly execute the technique by the end of the morning.


    [Cultivation Technique: Unity Spear Technique (Not Entered)]


    [Progress: 5/100]


    [Utility: Blood of the Dragon Elephant, Nine Dragon Living Veins, Vajra Body]


    ...


    "What spear technique is this? I''ve never seen it before!"


    Sun Buqi, who had been secretly watching for a while, widened his eyes, "I want to learn it too!"


    "Go ahead and learn."


    Chen Sansi had noticed him long before, and after all, this originally belonged to someone else.


    "Refining organs skill? Forget it, I won''t learn that!"


    Sun Buqi flipped through a few pages and then gave up, soon realizing something was amiss, "Where did this come from? Could it be that you created it yourself? No, wait, did my father come?"


    "No."


    Chen Sansi didn''t continue the conversation with him but instead went to the West City Gate.


    "Sir."


    Liu Jinkui, Zhao Kang, and others, although technically of the same rank as him, involuntarily addressed him this way, not even realizing it themselves.


    "Among those who can handle weapons and are willing to stay behind to cover our retreat, there are fifteen hundred people, including twelve hundred Array Soldier Infantry and three hundred cavalry, capable of forming the Car Suspension Formation that you personally drill.


    "Besides, there are five hundred strong and young civilians.


    "A total of two thousand.


    "From the civilian side, a rough count shows over forty thousand are willing to accompany us.


    "Additionally, from last night''s battle, countless weapons, supplies, and nearly a thousand horses have been seized; should we take as many as we can?"


    "As much as possible, especially the horses."


    Chen Sansi instructed, "Drilling the battle formation is definitely out of the question, but it''s beneficial if they can all learn to ride horses. Pass my order, we leave in an hour."


    "Yes!"


    Everyone promptly acknowledged the command and departed.


    Outside the West City Gate, led by soldiers specifically responsible for guiding the way, an endless stream of civilians followed, entering the boundless expanse of the world.


    The most dangerous aspect of this journey was being pursued.


    Food was less of a concern.


    In Po Yang City and the Barbarian Army camps alone, the military rations were sufficient for a long time.


    Ironically enough.


    This winter, many who would have died of hunger or cold, on the day the city was abandoned, wore warm clothes and had full bellies.


    "Depart!"


    Chen Sansi, mounted on his horse, commanded loudly.


    The two thousand covering the retreat moved forward.


    He took one last look at Po Yang County before kicking his horse''s sides to catch up with the troop.

 Chapter 105 - 105: Meridian Passage Realm

    Two days later.


    Outside the Great Wall.


    The scattered barbarian soldiers finally regrouped, numbering around a thousand, but no one dared to approach the Great Wall again. They headed straight back to the grasslands dozens of miles away to station themselves. During this period, the two spies they had sent out also vanished without a trace, deterring anyone else from going.


    "Boom! Boom! Boom!"


    The sound of horse hooves shook the earth.


    It was on this day.


    The large army forcibly transferred from the main battlefield in Liangzhou finally arrived, with more troops than reported¡ªforty thousand strong!


    "Damn it!"


    The Main General of the Meridian Passage Realm, Wu LiangHa, lashed his whip onto a soldier: "You were supposed to be besieging the city. Why are you here?"


    The whip split the soldier''s body right in half!


    To those with good eyesight, it was clear.


    In fact, the whip hadn''t touched the barbarian''s body at all. Instead, an invisible force attached to the whip was what tore the soldier apart.


    "Mercy, my lord!"


    The barbarian soldiers knelt down one after another, recounting the events of two days prior.


    "Nonsense!"


    "Sun Xiangzong is still at the main Liangzhou battlefield. It would take at least half a month to come to You State! How could he possibly run to Po Yang and kill an insignificant Refining Organ General!"


    Wu LiangHa raged: "Army, march with me! Direct assault on Po Yang! I want to see who scared you like this!"


    When the army of forty thousand arrived beneath the city walls.


    What emerged before them was an empty city.


    Not only were there no defending troops, but even the civilians were gone!


    "Idiots, idiots!"


    Wu LiangHa was hopping mad: "Tens of thousands of people from a city, and you let them escape? If you''re not up for taking the city, can''t you even encircle it? Search the city!"


    The barbarian army flooded into the city.


    Wu LiangHa, on his own, went to an uninhabited place and waited in silence.


    Before long.


    One after another, members of the Witch God Sect cloaked in black robes arrived.


    Leading them was also a master of the Meridian Passage.


    In his hand, he held a long spike: "General Wu LiangHa, why have you given me an empty city?"


    "Wu Mu''er is completely useless! One after another, the Refining Organ troops sent are no fewer than the Sheng Dynasty''s, yet they''re beaten down to just two thousand men!"


    Wu LiangHa suppressed his rage: "What''s next, should we give up on Po Yang?"


    "No!"


    The Witch God Sect leader Amugu, with a solemn expression: "We originally counted on the six hundred thousand from You State, and one county should have at least thirty thousand. If they escape, what if we can''t meet the numbers?"


    "Then we shall pursue."


    Wu LiangHa said firmly: "These city defenders are not thinking straight, dragging civilians with them, their pace must be extremely slow. Leading the army by the main road, the cavalry should catch up in a few days."


    "Send three thousand Light Cavalry to pursue. A few Refining Organ leaders will suffice. I''ll take another troop to Hengkang Prefecture first. There are more people there. After dealing with that, I''ll personally go after them."


    Amugu methodically arranged: "As for the rest, you lead them to hit An Ding Prefecture."


    Above Refining Organ is Hua Jin.


    Above Hua Jin is Meridian Passage!


    "An Ding Prefecture?"


    Wu LiangHa did not immediately reply: "Are you sure? Wasn''t it agreed that we would surround An Ding Prefecture but not attack, and immediately retreat after our main mission?"


    "This is the Sect Hierarch''s command."


    Amugu stated: "Hengkang Prefecture is about to fall. If we can also take An Ding Prefecture, even if we can''t occupy You State, we''ll be able to demand more benefits."


    "Fine!"


    Wu LiangHa accepted: "That is enough. The defenders in this city, the highest realm is merely at Refining Organ, and they might not even have that. Leave it to you."


    Orders were dispatched.


    The barbarian cavalry quickly followed the trail left by the abandoned city garrison and gave chase.


    ...


    "Phew¡ª"


    Having finally assimilated the potency of the Tiger Blood Wine, Chen Sansi planted his long spear into the ground and slowly exhaled a breath of stale air.


    [Cultivation Technique: Unity Spear Technique (Not Yet Entry-Level)]


    [Progress: 45/100]


    [Utility: Power of the Dragon Elephant, Nine Dragon Living Veins, Vajra Body]


    After starting the Refining Internal process, his efficiency in utilizing Spiritual Grain improved. Coupled with the valuable Tiger Blood Wine, his cultivation speed was not slow.


    It had been two and a half days since they left Po Yang.


    In another two days, he could almost enter the Refining Internal realm.


    By then, should he encounter Refining Organ Generals, unless they are at the Perfect Level, he would not have to face life-and-death situations as before.


    However.


    The barbarian pursuers were likely to catch up soon.


    "My lord!"


    Wang Li raced over on his horse: "Mr. Wang''s reinforcement troops have come to assist, numbering two thousand!"


    Chen Sansi picked up his spear and mounted his horse, riding Qian Xun to the fork in the road ahead.


    It had felt incomplete to only call it Little Xun before. Since it could find its master from a thousand miles away, it was fittingly named Qian Xun, a complete name.


    Arriving at the designated location.


    He saw a troop with fairly commendable marching discipline.


    At the very front was a Refining Organ Deputy General on a red-maned horse, holding a long spear: "This must be Officer Chen, who led a thousand remnants to crush six thousand barbarian bandits. Truly a young hero; Du has nothing but admiration."


    Wang Zhi introduced: "This is Vice Thousand Households Du Rong, sent specially by Commander Ma to assist us."


    "Mr. Chen."


    Du Rong sat upright on his horse: "Hengkang Prefecture is in dire need. I implore you to make haste and return with me to assist."


    "We can''t go back directly. Xu Wencai, bring the map."


    Chen Sansi pointed with his spear at the map: "Vice Thousand Households Du, I must ask you to lead your troops through this minor road with me. Additionally, dispatch a small number of troops to take the major road back to Hengkang Prefecture to assess the situation. After confirming everything is in order, we can then cut back from the border of this mountain."


    "Why make such an unnecessary move? This back and forth will delay us by at least a day and a half,"


    "Mr. Chen, you can''t possibly suspect that Hengkang Prefecture has been taken in the past few days, can you?" Du Rong speculated with a start.


    Chen Sansi tacitly agreed.


    "Impossible!"


    Du Rong asserted confidently, "Hengkang Prefecture is built against the mountains, easy to defend but hard to attack. Even facing a large army, it should hold for at least five months. How could it possibly fall in just a few days?"


    "I kindly ask Mr. Du to allow my suggestion!"


    Chen Sansi cupped his fists, "With tens of thousands of civilians ahead, I dare not gamble with their lives. This way is the safest."


    Easy to defend but hard to attack?


    Wasn''t Po Yang County just a small city that held out? But if there''s internal trouble, who could foresee it?


    The strongest fortresses are often breached from within.


    The words of Xue Yuping before had left him uneasy.


    Du Rong furrowed his brows in thought, half believing and half doubting, "If that''s true, then I can''t afford to waste time with you. I must rush back immediately!"


    "Mr. Du, caution is paramount."


    Chen Sansi gave his final piece of advice, "Let the army take the small path first. We should hear news within two days at most. There''s no harm in deciding then."


    "No way!"


    Du Rong had made up his mind, "Wang Zhi, I''ll leave those few kinsmen of yours behind to follow Mr. Chen''s route. The rest must come back to the Prefecture City with me immediately!"


    After speaking, he hastily led his troops back the way they came.


    The once mighty procession, after just a short time, was reduced to little more than two hundred people remained.


    "..."


    Chen Sansi sighed softly.


    He couldn''t persuade him, and there was nothing he could do.


    It was natural for someone to be anxious when their home was in danger.


    He too hoped that Hengkang Prefecture was alright. But if things had gone wrong, there was a nine out of ten chance that Du Rong wouldn''t be coming back. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    However, at least there were two hundred more people at his disposal.


    "Uncle Tang!"


    "We''ve seen General Tang!"


    "..."


    The three Bone Training Realm military officers leading the group saluted Fatty Wang.


    "All right, rise,"


    Wang Zhi stepped forward and helped each of them up.


    "You have so many kinsmen in Hengkang Prefecture?"


    Chen Sansi was somewhat curious, guessing, "Old acquaintances of yours?"


    "To answer Mr. Chen,"


    A young man spoke up before anyone else, "Our fathers were all generals in the Black Tortoise Camp. After the incident, General Tang settled us in Hengkang Prefecture, and all the resources for practising martial arts were provided by General Tang. Without General Tang, our cultivation would have been greatly diminished."


    "Don''t listen to their nonsense, I''m the one who owes them,"


    Wang Zhi admitted guiltily, "Back then, I rashly attacked the city without reporting it to the Heavenly Strategy Camp, which constituted unauthorized troop deployment, causing the total annihilation of our forces. Not only I, but also all the generals above the Bone Forger Realm, were removed from their positions to serve as a warning to others."


    Chen Sansi finally understood where all of Fatty Wang''s money had gone.


    "Report¡ª"


    Wu Da, responsible for scouting at the rear, came galloping in on his warhorse, "Sir, this is bad news. Fifty li away, we found three thousand elite barbarian cavalry!"


    "Wu Da, you and Zhuang Yi, along with a separate group of men, stay behind. Ten li after we leave, set the mountain on fire!"


    Chen Sansi ordered decisively.


    The sides of the small road were flanked by forests.


    In the dry autumn and winter seasons, the forest caught fire easily, which could greatly slow down the cavalry.


    Boom¡ª


    A blaze roared into the sky, the flames spreading quickly and soon joining together into a vast sea of fire. Black smoke billowed into the sky, turning a hundred li into scorched earth.


    The barbarian cavalry that had come in pursuit had no choice but to take a detour.


    "It''s only a temporary measure."


    Chen Sansi sighed. The road ahead was long and hindered, and he could only hope his worries were unfounded, and that after passing through this small road, they could find a way to Hengkang Prefecture to settle.


    Unfortunately, the bad news still came.


    "Hengkang Prefecture has fallen!"


    "..."


    One day later.


    Of the two thousand Hengkang Prefecture soldiers they had just seen, only a dozen or so cavalry arrived at the rendezvous point.


    "Three days ago, the Vice Commander-in-chief of the vanguard of Hengkang Prefecture committed treason. He launched a surprise attack and killed Commander Ma, then opened the city gates wide. Now inside and out, Hengkang Prefecture is enduring a massacre by the barbarians!


    "The brothers who escaped death are scattered and gone, their whereabouts unknown..."


    "..."


    Traitorous?


    "How could this happen?!"


    Wang Zhi yanked the man off his horse, "Commander Ma is dead?!"


    "Dead, his head is hanging over the city gates..."


    "Mr. Wang, Yunzhou is finished!"


    "..."


    A heavy weight sank in Chen Sansi''s heart.


    The fall of Hengkang Prefecture, with An Ding Prefecture and the other two closing their gates, meant that the rest of Yunzhou would be trampled under hoof. Tens if not hundreds of thousands of citizens'' lives were likely to be used for the so-called blood sacrifice!


    What was even more frightening was that their own situation was even less optimistic.


    You State was not far from their current location, but it would take at least half a month to reach. That time was definitely enough for the barbarian pursuers to catch up.


    "Cuckoo, cuckoo¡ª"


    Suddenly, the call of a cuckoo bird echoed in the nearby woods.


    Was there news from the Governor Mansion?

 Chapter 106 - 106: Lone Rider Blocking a Thousand Troops

    Chen Sansi immediately dismounted and squeezed into the forest from whence the sound originated.


    He happened to see Han Cheng releasing an Hai Dongqing behind a pile of disorderly stones, which seemed to have shed the appearance of an ordinary bird and could be considered an Exotic Beast.


    "Mr. Chen, the Supervisor has sent a letter, we have hope..."


    Leaning against a rock, Han Cheng said, "The Supervisor wrote that the main battlefield of the Northwest Three States is at a critical moment of determining the outcome, and in the short term, it''s impossible to divert the elite of the Eight Camps or the garrison soldiers, but they have still managed to gather fifty thousand garrison soldiers, including Reserve Generals from the Selected Point of the Northwest Three States, all of whom are hastening to Yunzhou night and day."


    "Selected Point?"


    Chen Sansi took note of the emphasis, "You mean the kind I am?" S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Yes."


    Han Cheng nodded, "The Selected Points begin in February after the spring has commenced, but many arrive in Liangzhou early, it''s just that the selections officially start once everyone has assembled.


    "In about seven days, they should arrive at Huanwen County of Yunzhou on the Northwest Border. Using this county as a base, they will then dispatch troops according to the real-time war situation to all parts of Yunzhou to lift the siege.


    "The distance between us and Huanwen County is not far; it will also take roughly seven days to get there.


    "But...


    "If we continue on this road, to reach Huanwen County, we''ll need to cross a river.


    "Hongze River is the biggest river in the entire North.


    "I don''t know how much time it will waste to get forty thousand civilians across the river.


    "Mr. Chen, my suggestion remains the same, forget those civilians and ordinary subordinates, just lead the cavalry and gallop ahead. Once you cross the river, you''ll be safe.


    "Moreover, gathering the Reserve Generals this time, it''s likely the Supervisor is using this battle as a test for everyone.


    "Real combat! It''s always been an important part of the Selected Point.


    "The Selected Point selects military officers; if a General cannot command soldiers in battle, what use is a higher realm?


    "Participating in the battle in Yunzhou is definitely crucial.


    "So, Mr. Chen, it''s best that you hurry to Huanwen County as soon as possible. You''ll be assigned troops based on your realm and Cultivation when you arrive. If you miss it, it''s like missing a chance to make a good impression on the Supervisor.


    "Think carefully about it."


    "No need for more words, Mr. Han, at this point," Chen Sansi felt no regret.


    If he had fled and abandoned the city from the very start that would be simply cowardice, but to run halfway through¡ªhe really couldn''t sleep with such a choice.


    He wasn''t worried about the Selected Point.


    His Cultivation progress wasn''t slow, and with the Skill of Commanding Soldiers beside him, even if he didn''t start out ahead, he would definitely gradually emerge on the battlefield.


    Unless...


    The Governor Mansion was just like the garrisons, all show and no substance.


    But that probability was slim.


    If an army was truly rotten to the core, it absolutely wouldn''t have the combat power to terrify the world.


    Even if it were so, looking across the Great Sheng Dynasty, where else could he go?


    "Good!"


    Han Cheng didn''t urge further, "As long as Mr. Chen has thought it through. Also, please find an excuse to send the young master to the very front of the troop; don''t leave him at the back."


    "Mm, I understand," Chen Sansi replied, parting ways with him.


    Chen Sansi located his position on the map, planned a new route, and informed everyone that their destination had shifted from Hengkang Prefecture to Huanwen County, passing the orders to the front of the column.


    "Seven days!"


    "Even with the civilians, we can roughly make it!"


    It was far better than the half a month previously expected.


    Nevertheless, it would be impossible to avoid encountering pursuits next.


    Three thousand cavalrymen, as long as none of them had exceeded the stage of Refining Internal Organs, they could possibly tackle them.


    Swiftly advancing in Refining Internal herpgans, ascertain the true state of the enemy, and then make a decision.


    Chen Sansi made up his mind.


    For the next three days.


    He purposefully slowed down, trailing at the end of the large troop by himself, using the time saved to cultivate and then catch up to the troop at breakneck speed with Qian Xun''s divine haste, repeating this process in cycles.


    It must be said that the utility of the White Swan Horse was truly immense.


    Deep in the night.


    Chen Sansi drank the last jar of Tiger Blood Wine and crammed a small handful of Spiritual Grain into his mouth, starting to wield the long spear in his hands.


    Under the moonlight.


    His Phragmites spear stirred the chilly wind, possessing the stability of the Golden Snake, the swiftness of the Flying Snake, and the ferocity of the Breaking Formation Spear technique¡ªall integrated into one.


    White Snake Spits, Iron Bull Plowing, Swallows Snatching the Nest, Yellow Dragon Lying Road...


    One move after another, all blended into one, the long spear in his hands no longer resembled a snake, but rather a python, an untamed python, a python that would one day become a dragon!


    Empowered by the Unity Spear Technique.


    Chen Sansi''s blood seemed to lose control, wildly turbulent, causing indescribable pain from the chaos inside his body. Several times he nearly fainted, until gradually grasping the pattern, perfectly syncing his spear technique with it, finally bringing his raging Draconic Elephant''s blood under control, making it come and go at his will.


    At this moment, with the enhancement of his blood, his reaction speed, burst strength, and the five senses all improved dramatically. Under the state of Blood Movement, he could easily perceive dangers from all around and react swiftly. Furthermore, combined with the terrifying burst power.


    ```


    No wonder.


    Whether it was Xiang Tingchun, Luo Dongquan, or Wu Mu''er, they could all easily block the arrows he shot.


    He had the most close-quarters combat with Wu Mu''er.


    This guy could also quickly identify the weaknesses in his spear technique.


    To sum up, the advantage of entry-level Martial Artists before Refining Internal is that they can rely on the comprehensive quality improvement brought by "Blood Movement" to resolve most crises and then counterattack with astonishing explosive power.


    Defense, counterattack!


    And amalgamated with physique like Vajra Bloodline and Nine Dragon Living Veins, wouldn''t the speed of Blood Movement far surpass that of ordinary Martial Artists of the same realm, by more than just a little?


    [Cultivation Technique: Unity Spear Technique (Entry-Level)]


    [Progress: 0/500]


    [Utility: Vajra Bloodline, Nine Dragon Living Veins, Vajra Body, Frenzy Blood Dance]


    [Frenzy Blood Dance: Blood Movement to the extreme, an unstoppable frenzy!]


    Unstoppable frenzy!


    Perhaps because of the Unity Spear Technique, which integrates the features of various spear techniques, there''s an added element of frenzy!


    Fierce, ferocious, and enduring¡ªwhen fused together, doesn''t that spell out frenzy, a fearlessness in the face of death?


    After Refining Internal, Chen Sansi''s advantage in endurance still exists and even becomes better with the advancement in realm, but now, to experience his endurance, one would probably have to withstand the ferocious initial onslaught of his spear!


    Before reaching the Great Success of Refining Internal, none of his opponents were a match for his Three Unions technique!


    "I''ve finally achieved Refining Internal!"


    Chen Sansi let out a sigh of relief.


    He didn''t follow the group but temporarily separated from the White Swan Horse, telling it to hide first. He sneaked into the woods, quietly waiting for the pursuit to come, then followed them in secret.


    Whether retreating or pursuing, a rest was needed.


    Not all horses can travel two thousand li a day like the White Swan Horse; running too hard can exhaust them to death. They need to stop frequently for maintenance and eat quality feed.


    Each time the pursuers rested on the spot.


    Chen Sansi would take advantage of the night to find opportunities to catch isolated individuals and force them to divulge information.


    He finally concluded.


    The highest rank among the cavalry generals coming for him was only at the small achievement level of Refining Internal.


    Chen Sansi no longer had any reservations.


    For him, the only worry was being crushed by a High Realm Martial Artist; otherwise, with his spear technique, archery, and the divine speed of the White Swan Horse, he was essentially a guerrilla warfare god who could not be held by anyone as long as he didn''t charge into the enemy''s heavy encirclement.


    "Enemy attack!"


    The barbarian cavalry had just stopped to rest when suddenly arrows rained down on them, instantly killing several soldiers.


    Everyone looked sharply, but all they saw was a single White Horse military officer in front!


    "A Sheng spy!"


    "Chase him down, kill him!"


    "..."


    The barbarian cavalry truly thought he was just a spy.


    However, as soon as they chased out, the White Horse disappeared.


    "You''re lucky you run fast!"


    "Whoosh¡ª"


    The moment the barbarian cavalry thought he had escaped, several more arrows came flying.


    "Chase!"


    The White Horse disappeared again.


    This repeated over a dozen times, always the same!


    "This is too much!"


    The cavalry Main General could no longer contain himself. When the White Horse military officer reappeared, he charged forward with over a dozen cavalry closely behind him.


    However, this time the White Horse''s speed mysteriously slowed down.


    Until they were within three hundred paces.


    Chen Sansi suddenly turned his horse around, charging at them while drawing his bow. The Main General''s followers fell one after another until they were within ten paces, at which point, the Big Bow in his hands had unknowingly been replaced with a long spear.


    The barbarian Main General was also holding a long weapon, a large-bladed long axe, well-prepared for combat. But when it actually came time to clash, he found himself at a loss on how to receive the attack, fear unexpectedly growing in his heart, even having the impulse to turn and flee.


    "Puchi¡ª"


    In that moment of hesitation, the long spear had already pierced through his heart.


    The three thousand cavalry behind finally caught up.


    The White Horse General had already vanished again, like a specter, a ferocious ghost reaping lives!


    He took the head of an enemy General amid thousands of troops.


    After the beheading, no trace to be found!


    "Do we... do we still pursue?"


    The Deputy General swallowed hard, remaining motionless for a long time.


    ```

 Chapter 107 - 107: Refining Internal Battles Meridian Passage

    "This spear technique actually has the effect of intimidating the enemy!"


    Chen Sansi noticed that the enemy general was clearly frightened and confused before he died.


    Who would have thought that Sun Dushi''s self-created spear technique would have such an effect?


    What level could be above a Martial Saint?


    In his mind, he couldn''t help but recall the record of Grand Ancestor Cao Xie breaking through two thousand three hundred armored soldiers.


    What realm was Cao Xie in?


    What level of troops were those two thousand three hundred?


    Were they guerrilla fighters or were they surrounded?


    If it were Sun Dushi, how many could he have killed?


    Now was not the time to think about these things.


    After rushing up a few miles, Chen Sansi pulled his horse to a stop, waiting for the enemy to catch up before he fiercely drew his bow and released arrows, instantly shooting one after another, and in a short time, he had shot dead more than a dozen cavalrymen.


    The barbarian cavalry was extremely frustrated.


    They couldn''t catch up, nor could they escape!


    In the end, they didn''t dare advance even half a step and simply formed an arrow formation on the spot, while sending others to secretly detour around, planning to encircle him from the flank.


    Chen Sansi, with his "Insight Shocking," left on Qian Xun two hundred paces before the sound of the enemy''s horses'' hooves reached him, leaving only two arrows behind for the enemy.


    Three thousand cavalrymen, there was no way there was only one Refining Level general.


    And even though he was enduring, he couldn''t face so many people without his Qi-Blood depleting, but indeed, he didn''t know what his own limit was.


    This kind of life-risking thing, naturally, no one would willingly want to test.


    One man, one horse, blocking three thousand cavalry.


    Until dawn broke, it was still the same.


    So much so that the speed of the cavalry''s advance slowed to such a degree that even tens of thousands of civilians could outpace them.


    Chen Sansi did not dare be too arrogant.


    After holding them back for a while, he would spur his horse forward to rush back to his troops, keeping an eye on the situation ahead, especially the movements from the southwest direction of Hengkang Prefecture.


    This time, there were Hua Jin masters.


    Xue Yuping had said so, and he hadn''t forgotten.


    Through interrogating the captured barbarian cavalry, he analyzed that it was highly likely they had gone to Hengkang Prefecture and could turn around at any moment to pursue and kill them. That was the real trouble.


    His guerrilla tactics were only viable as long as there were not many high realm martial artists on the other side, and none who could overwhelm him. Once there were those above Hua Jin, the situation would become a life-and-death matter.


    Just in case, he had prepared torches attached to his horse for igniting fires.


    It was best not to have to use them.


    ...


    "Where did this fast horse come from? It must be an Exotic Beast disguised as a horse!"


    Of course, the three thousand cavalry didn''t just have one Refining Organ General.


    The vanguard, the center, and the rear each had one Refining Organ General.


    The generals of the center and rear were drawn to the front: "What shall we do? Are we three thousand men to be stopped in our tracks by a single man?"


    "No need to hurry,"


    another general said, "The message has already been rapidly sent to Hengkang Prefecture. Witch God Sect Master Amugu has probably already dispatched troops to encircle them. The Sheng people are too slow, once they pass the mountain ridge ahead, they''ll be trapped, with no escape. By then, it will be an encirclement from front and rear, and not a single soldier or civilian will get away!


    "So, we just need to keep following slowly from behind. Don''t make stupid mistakes like Wu Mu''er."


    ...


    "What has Mr. Chen been doing these past few days??"


    "Yeah, he''s been appearing and disappearing like a ghost."


    Zhao Kang, Feng Yong, and a few others discussed: "Even weirder, according to the speed the barbarian cavalry should have caught up by now, so why haven''t they appeared yet?"


    "Could it be that he alone has stopped the three thousand cavalry?!"


    As this thought crossed their minds, they exchanged glances, almost simultaneously gasping in shock.


    This sounded like an impossible thing.


    But apart from that, there was no way to explain why the pursuers hadn''t caught up yet.


    Scary!


    Recalling the battle of Po Yang, who knows what was happening behind them.


    Unknowingly, this youngest military officer of the Households had already become their commander. Even though he hadn''t officially been promoted, they were more than willing to follow his lead.


    In a way, their lives to this point had been given to them by Chen Sansi, otherwise they would have died long ago.


    "Damn, lucky I never offended Mr. Chen before," Zhao Kang felt a chill.


    "You few are dead men!"


    Feng Yong pointed at Liu Jinkui and the others, recalling: "If I remember correctly, when recruiting back then, didn''t you take some benefits from the Tianyuan Martial Arts Hall and refuse to teach them the Breathing Skill?" S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Right, it was you guys!"


    Zhao Kang said gleefully: "Just wait for the reckoning come autumn."


    "That matter wasn''t targeted at him alone; it was a rule left by the previous Li Qianhu, a tradition for decades. Previously, anyone who dared to teach privately without taking money would be punished by Li Qianhu!"


    Liu Jinkui was panicked.


    "That''s right, if anyone is going to die, it should be Wang Zhi!"


    Xiong Qiuan cursed: "We just didn''t teach, that fat guy took eight taels of silver and still didn''t teach, and later when he saw someone had talent, he came sniffing around like a dog. What a disgrace, deserving of death!"


    "Go to hell! What are you cursing for?!"


    Just as they were talking, Wang Zhi returned with a team of scouts: "Who''s looking to kill me?"


    "Mr. Chen wants to kill you."


    A few said nearly in unison.


    "I''m the dog! A mangy dog, how about that?"


    With incredibly thick skin, Wang Zhi said: "Whether I''m killed or not is not for you lot to decide. My life is entrusted to him!"


    "Damn it. Vice Thousand Households, somebody called you General Tang. You wouldn''t happen to be someone resurrected from the dead from the year 57 of Longqing, would you?!"


    "What realm must the Xuanwu Camp Commander be in?"


    "A Main General, who commands over ten thousand, at the very least has to be in the Meridian Passage. As for the elites from the Eight Camps, eight or nine out of ten are above Meridian Passage, below Martial Saint."


    "Is that not the Profound Image Realm?"


    "What''s the use, isn''t he still practicing bone training just like us?"


    "Roll, roll, roll, you know jack shit."


    Wang Zhi fell silent.


    His organs were damaged, his meridians destroyed; if these could be healed, he wouldn''t need many years to return to his peak.


    Unfortunately, only immortals could heal such wounds!


    "Mr. Chen has returned."


    A group of riders reined in their horses, waiting for the white horse approaching rapidly.


    "Whoa¡ª"


    "What''s the situation now?"


    Chen Sansi asked as soon as he opened his mouth.


    Every day, he would send out several groups of spies to collect intelligence from all directions, ensuring that they could respond in time in case of any emergencies. Commanding tens of thousands of people was truly not an easy task.


    Zhao Kang and others had gathered here to report the situation.


    "I''ve found Du Rong''s corpse. Hengkang Prefecture has already freed up nearly twenty thousand men to encircle us from the shorter route up ahead."


    Wang Zhi''s expression turned solemn, "It seems they don''t plan to let a single one of us escape!"


    "The map!"


    Chen Sansi looked at the map and quickly made a decision, "There''s a gorge here where we can make our last stand. Delay them for another two days. After two days, only heaven will know. Any of you want to leave early?"


    "Mr. Chen."


    "What''s the point of saying these things now? Not just the others, we''re willing to stick with you until the end."


    "Yes, our families, our women and children, are up ahead."


    "Isn''t joining the army and practicing martial arts all for the sake of our own families?"


    "..."


    "Good!"


    Chen Sansi began to issue commands, "Wang Zhi, you take four hundred men and encounter the troops from Hengkang Prefecture. You are only allowed to feign defeat and must not slay the enemy; lead them to this gorge.


    "Feng Yong, Zhao Kang, you must hurry to the gorge with the fastest speed. Once the enemy in large numbers follows, first release arrows and then roll down the rocks and logs. Finally, set fire to the mountain. Don''t engage in close combat. After doing all this, get out of there."


    His plans were entirely reliant on geographical advantages; small tricks. After another eighty li ahead, there would be no more natural defenses to rely on, no more mountains to burn, and they would enter a flat wasteland that stretched for a thousand li.


    At that time, there would be no stopping the iron hooves of the barbarian cavalry.


    All he could do now was do his humanly best and leave the rest to fate.


    "Your humble servant obeys the command!"


    "Obeying the command!"


    "..."


    One by one, the men dispatched their troops and left.


    Chen Sansi then returned to his previous position, shooting and killing twenty-some pursuing riders who were behind them. Only after preventing them from daring to move forward for a short time could he afford to rush toward the gorge to lend support.


    ...


    "It''s an ambush, retreat quickly!"


    "..."


    When the barbarian bandits chased into a gorge, a sudden shout from above shook the sky, and arrows fell like rain. Then, rocks and logs came tumbling down from a height of over a dozen zhang, as if the mountains were collapsing and the earth was splitting, with no place to hide.


    The lower-realm barbarian cavalry were instantly smashed into pulp, and their sturdy steeds also suffered, creating an incessant stream of screams and howls.


    "A bunch of trash!"


    Master Amugu of the Witch God Sect, finally arriving, looked at the scene unfolding before him with an extremely ugly expression.


    So many elite cavalry, chasing a remnant of Sheng people carrying civilians, had taken so long yet still hadn''t caught up, not to mention the heavy losses they''d incurred. What was most outrageous was the report from the three thousand cavalry at the rear.


    Their three thousand men had been scared off by a single Refining Organ Little General and didn''t dare to pursue!


    This was a humiliation of epic proportions!


    "You are all Akina, Sai Sihei!"


    "With such terrain, even a fool could see the ambush. Why did you still chase here!"


    "Now scram, pursue them via the main road!"


    While giving orders, Master Amugu himself led twenty-some Witch God Sect Followers, riding the best warhorses, and charged into the gorge, fearlessly facing the rain of arrows and falling rocks as he opened the way ahead.


    "Boom!"


    With a palm raised, the rocks above him didn''t even hit him, exploding into countless small stones before they could reach within an inch of him.


    "Meridian Passage..."


    At the end of the gorge, Wang Zhi saw everything clearly and shouted, "Retreat, quickly retreat!"


    Alas, it was already too late.


    With Meridian Passage opening the path, the twenty-some Witch God Sect Followers on horseback quickly advanced.


    Master Amugu, holding a specially made Vajra Pestle, found that no one could match him in a fight; they all fell to the pestle piercing their hearts, with the mechanism inside storing the warm blood that gushed out.


    In a few breaths'' time, seven or eight men had fallen off their horses.


    "Meridian Passage..."


    Feng Yong, Zhao Kang, and their companions were all hereditary military households born and raised in Po Yang County. They had never left the area, and the highest realm martial artist they had ever seen was at the Refining Level. When faced with someone akin to a legendary Meridian Passage, they had no idea what to do for the moment.


    "Run, hurry up and run!"


    Wang Zhi roared as he rushed forward.


    Master Amugu looked on with contempt and with a single swing of his pestle was about to strike; to his slight surprise, the opponent managed to block the attack with saber technique that far exceeded his own level, but that was all.


    The terrible force surged forward, and Wang Zhi''s hands were immediately shaken and his Mo Blade was sent flying.


    Master Amugu didn''t give him a chance to catch his breath. His left hand followed instantly, striking the chest. The other man raised his arms to block, but it was futile. He spat out a mist of blood, flew backward several zhang, and crashed to the ground, passing out immediately.


    "Whiz¡ª"


    Just as Master Amugu was about to take the man''s life, he noticed movement from the flank.


    He reached out and caught a willow-leaf arrow accurately, crushing it easily. Looking intently, he saw not far away a young General riding a white horse, wielding a big bow.


    "Is it you?"


    The young Sheng person who held back three thousand cavalry surely had to be this individual.


    "Good, that saves me the trouble of having to find you myself."

 Chapter 108 - 108 Immortal Treasure Strange Fire

    ```


    "Take Wang Zhi and leave, I''ll lead this one away!"


    "Mr. Chen?!"


    Zhao Kang and the others looked towards the White Horse, all worried, "It''s the Meridian Passage!"


    "Quit your yapping, just do what he tells you!"


    Feng Yong took advantage of the Witch God Church Master chasing after the White Horse to grab Wang Zhi and lead the troops in a rapid retreat.


    "Indeed, that White Horse is incredibly fast, it should be able to lose them."


    Zhao Kang hurriedly followed.


    ...


    "A mere Refining Internal martial artist, standing alone against my three thousand Iron Cavalry, I really must see how capable you are!"


    Amugu quickly lost interest in the others, ordering his men to deal with them while he himself sped off in pursuit of the young military officer.


    "This horse?"


    He quickly realises that the opponent''s mount, the White Horse, is extraordinary, its speed and endurance far surpassing that of a normal warhorse, entering the rank of an Exotic Beast, probably worth a fortune, "It''s mine!"


    The distance between them grew wider.


    Amugu snorted coldly, leaped into the air, used his own horse as a stepping stone, and jumped more than a dozen yards into the dense forest.


    Taking a shortcut!


    The White Swan Horse was not small in size; it was impossible to maintain such speed in the mountains and forests.


    But if he dismounted, even with ''Light as a Feather'' at his disposal, he still wouldn''t be able to outrun the Meridian Passage.


    "Rustle rustle¡ª"


    Rapid footsteps came from the hillside on the right.


    The Witch God Church Master burst forth at such speed that he almost became a blur, closing a large distance with each blink, certain to catch up before reaching open ground.


    "Hao Qianxun, you go first."


    Chen Sansi simply jumped off the horse, lit the torch carried by the horse with his Fire Stick, then used it to light the oilcloth-wrapped Fire Arrow, pulled the bow and quickly loosed arrows at the blur, the speed of his archery equally lightning-fast.


    "Impressive archery!"


    Amugu, watching the continuous barrage of arrows, exclaimed from the bottom of his heart, "Your horseback shooting skills are genius level, too bad, you''re not one of our grassland people! Don''t waste your effort. Even a bow of over ten stones can''t hurt me!"


    He wielded the Vajra Pestle in his hand and deflected the arrows with ease, pouncing through the air like a fierce tiger.


    "CLANG¡ª"


    The long spear and the Vajra Pestle collided.


    In an instant, Chen Sansi felt an indescribable, terrifying power come from the tip of the gun, roaring up to his arm. The blood of the dragon elephant danced wildly in his body, and from head to toe, he turned into a Vajra Body. His arms, holding the long spear, even made metallic vibrating sounds.


    Despite this, he still felt an intense pain sweep over him. The wooden handle of the spear swung wildly like rubber, forcing him to release his grip and let it fall to the ground.


    "Time to die!"


    In the blink of an eye, Amugu was in front of him, thrusting the Vajra Pestle straight at his heart.


    "CLANG!"


    Another metallic sound rang out, as if a great bell had been struck.


    Chen Sansi placed the Zhenyue Sword in front of him just in time to block the strike, feeling as if a huge mountain had smashed into him. He lost his balance and flew backward several yards before crashing heavily against a tree trunk, his organs aching from the impact. He forcefully stabilized his form, landing with the Zhenyue Sword as support, his right hand still holding the torch, a trickle of fresh blood spilling from the corner of his mouth.


    For the first time since he began practicing martial arts, he was injured.


    Not because he was weak.


    But because his opponent was at the Meridian Passage!


    Meridian Passage, Mysterious Phenomenon, Martial Saint. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Meaning, the Witch God Sect Follower in front of him was only one major realm away from Martial Saint.


    "Not bad, you survived two of my moves, impressive!"


    While Amugu spoke, he didn''t give Chen any chance, bursting forward with astonishing speed to kill again.


    "Whoosh whoosh whoosh¡ª"


    Chen Sansi planted the torch into the ground and switched his weapon back to the bow and arrows, moving from lighting the arrow to loosing it in one breath.


    Amugu caught a Fire Arrow, on his palm he summoned an invisible, fearsome power, directly snuffing out the flame, and then crushed the iron cage until it was twisted and deformed.


    "Whoosh¡ª"


    Another Fire Arrow flew towards him.


    "Need to see the coffin before you cry?"


    Amugu, repeating his trick, easily caught the arrow, intending to break it directly, but he felt that this Fire Arrow seemed a bit odd, a bit hot to the touch.


    "Hm?"


    "BOOM¡ª"


    A red hot flame burst forth suddenly, instantly turning into a fire dragon several yards high. The Witch God Church Master didn''t even have time to scream before he was engulfed by this red flame and then turned into a pile of ash.


    Chen Sansi took a deep breath, sat down on the ground, and used his Breathing Skill to control the injuries inside his body.


    After all, he had to resort to the last measure he wanted to use.


    He had already prepared a foolproof plan.


    Even if the arrows were useless,


    he had already coated the Zhenyue Sword with lamp oil, which would cut through anything once lit.


    Only he was reluctant to do it, planning to use it at the very end.


    A mortal world sword, likewise, could not withstand the Immortal Treasure Strange Fire.


    Such a fine sword would be a pity to burn.


    As for exposing it,


    he had been paying attention to the other Witch God Sect Followers, knowing that none had followed.


    Even if they had,


    There wouldn''t be many, only a dozen or so, no different from slaughtering chickens and dogs after killing the high master of the Meridian Passage.


    If they didn''t follow, that was their luck.


    "Meridian Passage, huh..."


    Chen Sansi saw that the person was able to use a powerful force that was different from the others, probably the Power, which could also be attached to the surface of the body or a weapon.


    "I wonder if it can be attached to an arrow."


    "Otherwise, the lethality of archery is a bit insufficient against High Realm Martial Artists."


    "Even Refining Internal would take a lot of time."


    He still preferred the feeling of one arrow, one kill.


    "Now''s not the time to ponder this."


    Chen Sansi hastily ate some pre-prepared healing pills, then got up to scatter Amugu''s ashes, making sure not to leave any trace, and then lit a fire, setting ablaze the nearby woods.


    ```

 Chapter 109 - 108: Immortal Treasure Strange Fire_2

    A fuzzy sensation came across his face.


    Qian Xun, seeing that the fight was over, automatically came back to rub against him, as if expressing concern.


    "The wound''s not serious, I''m fine, let''s go."


    Chen Sansi picked up his reed-leaf long spear, mounted his horse, and galloped away.


    ...


    The next day, with the main forces.


    "What?"


    "Meridian Passage?!"


    Sun Buqi, looking at Tang Ruoshan who was as lifeless as a dead pig, widened his eyes, "Where''s Sansi, you left him alone to deal with the Meridian Passage expert?!"


    "He ordered us to rescue Wang Zhi, and he alone lured away the Witch God Sect expert with the Meridian Passage ability..."


    Zhao Kang and the others also showed worried expressions.


    But in the army, obedience was of utmost importance.


    Having decided to acknowledge Chen Sansi as their commander, they had to follow orders, whether they were commanded to face death or to retreat.


    "I''ll go take a look."


    Sun Buqi said as he was about to take his spear and mount his horse.


    "That won''t do, Mr. Sun!"


    A group of people hurriedly held him back, "Mr. Chen''s White Swan Horse is unbelievably fast, perhaps he has already shaken them off. If you go like this, you might just end up being a burden."


    Sun Buqi hesitated.


    "I''m fine!"


    The familiar voice and the White Horse appeared.


    Everyone breathed a sigh of relief simultaneously.


    "How''s Wang Zhi?"


    Chen Sansi asked, "Is he dead?"


    "No."


    Zhao Kang placed his hand at the base of the neck, "He''s still breathing, but I don''t think he will live much longer."


    Chen Sansi took out all the medicinal herbs that could heal wounds on his body and handed them over to Wang Zhi''s nephews and subordinates to take care of him.


    Whether he could survive was now up to Wang Zhi''s own fate.


    It was the same old saying.


    On the battlefield, there is no such thing as an immortal man.


    "Good riddance!"


    Sun Buqi cursed with his mouth, but his eyes held no excitement.


    His impression of the fat man, Tang Ruoshan, stayed back in his early childhood memories when he used to follow him around. Tang didn''t mind his naughty pranks and sometimes would even skip martial practice to take him tree climbing, where Tang could climb particularly high, scaring him to the point of wetting his pants.


    That was until later when his older brother left with him and never returned...


    Actually, his older sister was right.


    Sometimes you can''t just blame Tang Ruoshan; he was also trying to save his father. If there was someone to blame, it was the Emperor.


    "Maps!"


    Chen Sansi asked, "What about the pursuing forces?"


    "Reporting to Mr. Chen."


    Zhao Kang replied, "The ambush at the gorge will delay them for a while, the civilians at the front are moving faster, and in about two more days, we should reach the Hongze River. Once we cross the river, we''ll be at Huanwen County."


    "It''s just..."


    "We''re running out of time."


    "We''re about to enter the plains, and the barbarian cavalry will catch up soon. The force is more than twenty thousand strong, and they''re likely to bypass the mountains and directly appear here, right in front of the civilians."


    "They''re really not planning to spare a single one."


    "Twenty thousand..."


    After continued losses along the way, Chen Sansi now had only about a thousand usable men left, including Wang Zhi''s nephews and subordinates, many of whom were greenhorns.


    "Mr. Chen¡ª"


    As he was devising a strategy.


    Xu Wencai''s voice rang out, he couldn''t ride a horse, so he had Zhu Tong ride with him in the back, looking as if he was about to be thrown off at any moment.


    "Mr. Chen!"


    His face was full of ecstatic joy, "We''re saved, we''re saved!"


    "What do you mean, saved?"


    Chen Sansi asked, "Is there military aid?"


    "Fifty thousand troops!"


    Xu Wencai held up his hand, "At the very front, a large number of troops are coming from Huanwen County, carrying the banners of the Youzhou Guards, saying they''ve come to provide aid to Yunzhou, and are currently asking the civilians for specific details about the state of Yunzhou!"


    The Youzhou garrison soldiers, which included the Reserve Generals mentioned by Han Cheng, had arrived early!


    "Good, I''ll go check it out!"


    Chen Sansi immediately spurred his horse forward.


    All the way there.


    All the usable tricks had been spent long ago.


    From now on, even if Han Xin or Zhuge himself came, they would have to engage in close combat; there was absolutely no second method to delay time.


    But if indeed fifty thousand troops had come to their aid.


    Everyone has a way to live!


    ...


    On an endless wasteland.


    Tens of thousands of common folks, carrying their belongings, were helping one another move forward.


    "Da da da da da¡ª¡ª"


    Suddenly, the ground began to tremble.


    Rolling dust clouds rose in the distance.


    Before long, a dense mass of cavalry came into sight.


    The hearts of the common people quivered, fearing the barbarians had caught up so quickly.


    But soon they realized.


    This wasn''t the cavalry of the barbarians; it was the cavalry of the Great Sheng Dynasty!


    On the military flag fluttering high, a huge "Sheng" was depicted, the Sheng of the prosperous era.


    The generals at the forefront looked imposing, each a young talent!


    "Huh!"


    Upon encountering the people, the army slowed down, loosely sending cavalry to approach the crowd.


    "Military Lords!" Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "..."


    The commoners, seeing their saviors, had excitement written all over their faces.


    They took out what little dry food they had left: "Military Lords, you must be tired from the journey, please have something to eat and drink!"


    "This cake even has sesame in it, I''ve never eaten such good cake in my life, you should try it."


    "..."


    A young general around twenty, majestic in his armor, sat on his horse, gazing down at the commoners in rough linen clothes, his voice devoid of emotion, "Where do you come from?"


    "To answer the lord, we were led by Mr. Chen out of Yunzhou, escaping from Po Yang!"


    "Po Yang? Where''s that?"


    "An Ding Prefecture, it seems to be under the jurisdiction of An Ding Prefecture!"


    "The county? I''m not asking about that. I''m asking about the specific situation in Yunzhou."


    "What specific situation, what do you mean, Military Lord?"


    "You''re talking about the war, right? We don''t understand that."


    "It''s just that they say there are barbarians everywhere."


    "And there are those chasing us right behind!"


    "But now that you Military Lords are here, we''ll be safe!"


    "..."


    Seeing that he couldn''t get much information, the young general gradually lost patience and was about to move on to ask others.


    "Wait, Military Lord, try this jerky, it was left by the barbarians, it''s very fragrant."


    "Stand aside." The young general seemed deaf to their pleas.


    "You can take it with you to eat on the road."


    "Get lost!"


    The young general frowned and used the handle of his weapon to sweep the commoner to the ground.


    "Pfft..."


    The gaunt man spat out a mouthful of blood on the spot.


    "Why are you hitting people?"


    "You... why?"


    "Are you lot disguised as barbarians?!"


    "..."


    Lai Zi was nearby, cursing from afar, "Hey! How dare you!"


    "Slap¡ª¡ª"


    "It''s you scum, you poor wretches, who I''m hitting!"


    The young general raised his hand and with a single whip, killed an old man on the spot; he then stirred his Qi-Blood, his voice booming:


    "You bunch of troublemakers, do you realize you''re blocking the path of my advancing army!


    "Move aside quickly!


    "If you get trampled to death, so be it! But if you trip up even one warhorse, can you afford to compensate!"


    Deathly silence.


    Tens of thousands of common people simultaneously stopped in their tracks, nearly a hundred thousand pairs of eyes looking towards the general on horseback, the joy and excitement on their faces vanishing into nothingness, replaced by the resignation they should have been accustomed to.


    At that moment, they remembered.


    They were the lowest of the low.


    Scenes of harmony between the military and the people only happened when it was time to use them as cannon fodder!


    In this world, perhaps only that Mr. Chen with the surname Chen would say to them, "All who volunteer can follow with the army, and we, the military, will cover your retreat!"


    "Military Lords, please spare our lives¡ª¡ª"


    At this moment, people recalled the fear imprinted in their bones through generations.


    No longer daring to come a step closer, they scattered like startled animals in all directions, leaving the flattest and easiest path open for the cavalry bearing the "Great Sheng" flag to pass.

 Chapter 110 - 109 Sun Xiangzong

    "Drive!"


    Chen Sansi rode Qian Xun straight ahead.


    When he reached the middle of the common folk''s column, he noticed something amiss up front.


    The people seemed to have encountered a deluge or a ferocious beast; the originally orderly lines had scattered in disarray, nearly beyond control.


    "What''s wrong, the barbarians couldn''t have circled to the front so quickly!"


    Chen Sansi sped up and clearly saw several flags being held aloft, all belonging to the Great Sheng Dynasty, and upon the general''s banner, the name of Youzhou General Jing Fuhu was clearly written.


    "Where are you deserters coming from?!"


    The young general who had previously whipped and killed several of the commoners came forth: "I see you''re wearing armor befitting a general! Yunzhou is in urgent need, how can you desert!"


    "?"


    Chen Sansi didn''t even have the chance to speak.


    "Not killing you deserters will fail to establish the might of the Sheng Army!"


    The young general said as he lifted his spear, ready to strike, but someone called out to stop him.


    "Halt!"


    Another general on a black horse slowly approached, wielding an Azure Dragon Crescent blade, flanked by many fully armored generals, all young, at most in their mid-twenties.


    "Princely Heir!"


    Yin Hanwen treated the newcomer with great respect: "Isn''t this man a deserter who should be executed?"


    "Find out the situation in Yunzhou first."


    Cao Fan squinted his eyes and asked: "Where do you hail from?"


    "An Ding Prefecture, Po Yang Thousand Households, Captain Chengxin Chen Sansi."


    Chen Sansi introduced himself.


    "So you are that Chen Sansi?"


    Cao Fan was slightly surprised.


    His followers exchanged glances, clearly having heard the name before.


    "Is it you who captured that useless Yuwen scion?"


    Yin Hanwen asked with interest: "The battle reports say that you were surrounded by thousands of cavalry. With you in the Bone Forger Realm, how did you do it?" S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Luck, nothing more."


    Chen Sansi could feel the disdain in their words; he took note of this in his heart, but now was not the time for such pettiness. The priority was to resolve the issue of the pursuing enemy.


    But the other party simply wouldn''t give¡ª


    "I knew it, no point in asking you."


    Yin Hanwen scoffed: "Surely you captured him when he was alone, right? The battle reports are probably local officials exaggerating to flatter you. That Yuwen scion is a well-known good-for-nothing, what''s so impressive about capturing him? His Majesty actually praised you personally."


    "Why did you flee?"


    Cao Fan asked sternly: "To my knowledge, Yunzhou is in a total state of emergency. You''ve just been awarded a royal decree not long ago. Shouldn''t you have defended your city to the death? Why abandon it and run here? We''re almost at You State''s territory past Huanwen County."


    "I¡ª"


    Chen Sansi felt frustrated.


    He realized these men were likely high-ranking officials'' sons. Their arrogance was normal, but why wouldn''t they even give him a chance to speak?


    "He is not a routed soldier, nor a deserter!"


    A cold voice spoke up.


    "Miss Sun?"


    Cao Fan greeted familiarly: "I was wondering why I hadn''t seen you in Liangzhou. They only said you went to Yunzhou with Brother Bu Qi to be a Selection Officer. I would never have expected you''d go to such a trivial county town, what was its name?"


    "Princely Heir."


    A pale-faced Sun Li rode up beside her junior brother: "How can you accuse Sansi of desertion without knowing the facts? Don''t you realize that if it weren''t for him, I, my junior brother, and tens of thousands of soldiers and civilians would have perished under the barbarians'' blades."


    "Exactly!"


    Sun Buqi also rushed over, recounting the tale of the battle at Po Yang, where a thousand remnants broke through six thousand barbarian marauders.


    "Sun Buqi, are you blowing smoke?"


    Yin Hanwen disbelieved: "Him, a Bone Trainer, killing a barbarian Refining Internal?"


    "He has the Nine Dragon Body, no worse than any of you!"


    Sun Buqi said discontentedly: "Speak more respectfully."


    "Even if what you''re saying is true."


    Yin Hanwen said: "In the end, didn''t you still flee the city?"


    "There were special reasons for that!"


    "Brother Bu Qi, why are you so protective of him? That''s favoritism! Abandoning the city and fleeing on your own is a serious crime!"


    "Yuwen, are you asking for a beating?"


    "Brother Bu Qi, who can you beat?"


    "..."


    "Enough, quit arguing."


    Cao Fan gave a bow to the young man: "Could you please inform us of the specific situation inside Yunzhou borders? Especially An Ding, Taining, and Lingfeng Prefectures."


    Chen Sansi had to prioritize the overall situation: "Directly fifty li behind us, there are three thousand barbarian cavalry, and to the southwest, another twenty thousand barbarian marauders. My spy''s report indicated that the highest-ranking among them is a Refining Organ Commander, with also a Divine Sect Meridian Passage expert."


    "I''m not asking about that."


    Cao Fan shook his head slightly: "There''s no need to worry about pursuers here; not far ahead, Huanwen County has already called in over thirty thousand soldiers for defense, plus the natural barrier of the Hongze River; they won''t be able to cross it."


    "What I want to ask Brother Chen about is the distribution of barbarian troops within Yunzhou and the specific combat situations, especially in An Ding, Taining, and Lingfeng Three Prefectures."


    "I''ll do it!"


    Sun Buqi took over the conversation, sharing all they knew about the situation.


    "Oh?"


    Cao Fan gestured, and immediately two people spread out a map in front of him: "According to this, the situation is that the Three Prefectures are still holding; that makes things easier! Next, we will only need to send thirty thousand troops to An Ding Prefecture and twenty thousand to Taining Prefecture. Once these two are relieved, Lingfeng will naturally be saved, and then we can coordinate with the main forces of the Northwest Three States to retake Yunzhou territories."


    "That''s great."


    Yin Hanwen showed joy: "Princely Heir, let''s quickly report to General Jing so that he assigns some troops for us to command. The Selection hasn''t officially started yet, and we''re about to make a great contribution."


    "Hmm."


    Cao Fan nodded, signaling to pack up the map: "Brother Chen, now that we''ve met, come with us. General Jing will assign troops for you to command based on your realm, and you surely wouldn''t want to miss the chance to earn military honors."

 Chapter 111 - 109 Sun Xiangzong_2

    ```


    "Princely Heir,"


    Chen Sansi pointed his long spear behind him, "Our top priority should be to reorganize our troops and deal with the pursuing forces behind us."


    "Hss, Brother Chen, did you not understand my meaning?"


    Cao Fan raised an eyebrow, "Didn''t I just say that behind us lies Huanwen County, and if we take the official road from the far north, we won''t encounter any barbarian bandits. We can head straight for An Ding Prefecture, which is much faster than the path they are taking.


    "Once we get to An Ding Prefecture ahead of time and find a terrain that is easy to defend but hard to attack, if they dare to come to the rescue, they''ll be on a path to certain death."


    "This is encirclement and relief targeting."


    "If they do not come to the rescue, that would be even better. The siege on An Ding Prefecture can be broken with just a snap of a finger, and those people can only retreat to An Ding Prefecture and wait for death."


    "Princely Heir, there''s no need to waste words on him."


    Yin Hanwen said disdainfully, "He comes from a small county town, how could he possibly understand ''the bigger picture''."


    "I know what you are talking about,"


    Chen Sansi made one final effort: "But if we don''t first repel the pursuing forces from behind, what will become of the tens of thousands of civilians who have fled from Po Yang County all the way here? Wouldn''t it mean leaving them to be slaughtered?"


    "Civilians?"


    Cao Fan was extremely surprised, "What civilians?"


    "Princely Heir, he is most likely referring to these lowly people."


    Yin Hanwen said with a disgusted face, "Shouldn''t they have stayed in their locality, defending their own cities to the death, instead of running out? If they go to other places, wouldn''t that just waste the local food supplies? They should be killed, all of them!"


    "Oh, you mean these people."


    Cao Fan, realizing who Chen Sansi was referring to, saw the dirt-covered poor people nearby and had an epiphany, "Yes, yes, they are also civilians. Hurry and send someone to tell Huanwen County to send more ferries. As for how many of them can cross the river, the overall situation is what matters¡ªwe really can''t manage them!"


    "One more word could result in a missed opportunity in battle."


    "Miss Sun, Brother Bu Qi, and this... Brother Chen, right? We need to hurry and report to General Jing and then set off. If you''re not coming with us, you better ride fast and cross the river while there''s time."


    "Farewell!"


    After dropping a few words, he led a few people beside him and hurried towards the Central Army.


    "Princely Heir!"


    Sun Li couldn''t stop them even if she wanted to.


    The fifty-thousand-strong army quickly mobilized.


    Under the watchful eyes of tens of thousands, they completely ignored them, taking the official road to the far north, and within two hours, they had all disappeared from sight, leaving only a cloud of dust behind.


    When the dust settled, it was as if they had never been there.


    The civilians looked ashen!


    "Mr. Chen, what... what should we do!"


    Xu Wencai, who had witnessed the whole process, stomped his feet anxiously, "How could they not leave a single soldier behind! What should we do now?"


    Chen Sansi silently watched the direction in which the army had vanished, hearing the fearful and uneasy voices of the civilians.


    He was expressionless, "How much longer until we can cross the river?"


    Xu Wencai blurted out, "One day."


    "Then we will delay for one more day."


    "We can''t hold them off."


    Xu Wencai stated firmly, "This is a plain, and once the cavalry bursts out of the hills, we will have no tricks left, only to face them head-on. We''ll be crushed in an instant, and we can''t even hold out for two hours."


    "Who said I''m waiting for them to chase us out?"


    Chen Sansi lifted his long spear and enunciated every word, "Convey my orders! The whole army, counterattack!"


    ...


    On the East Bank of Hongze River, there were a few small rural villages.


    Having heard that barbarian bandits had entered the land, they had fled early on, seeking refuge across the river in Huanwen County.


    Under an old willow tree, a stone chessboard left by the villagers remained.


    In the empty and desolate village, surprisingly, two men were playing a game of chess.


    One appeared to be around fifty years old, with a pale, beardless face, wearing a blue scholar''s robe, exuding an air of refined elegance.


    Only, his legs were crippled, and he sat in a wooden wheelchair.


    Across from him,


    sat an old man in a coarse linen garment, with silver hair mixed with black and a goatee, holding a black piece in hand but hesitating to make a move, causing the middle-aged scholar''s impatience to show.


    "Master, please make your move,"


    ```


    "What''s the rush!"


    The old man spoke angrily, "Are you going to move or not?"


    The middle-aged scholar immediately closed his mouth.


    After a long while, he cautiously asked, "Master, are you really not going to do anything about Po Yang County? Our junior brothers and sisters are all there."


    "Where are the extra troops to send over?"


    The old man furrowed his brows, unnoticeably moved a white piece on the board, countered with a black one, and finally said with satisfaction, "Alright, it''s your turn."


    Without much thought, the middle-aged scholar made a move and continued to speak, "What I mean, Master, is that you alone could go and bring the junior brothers and sisters back, that should still be fine."


    "Me go? Great, will you battle the Wushen Sect Leader then?" sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The old man fell into worry again, hesitating over his move: "As for that worthless Bu Qi and the girl, if some accident really happens, it''ll just be time to settle the accounts accumulated over these years, no need to keep living so wretchedly."


    "Master."


    A flicker of sympathy passed through the middle-aged scholar''s eyes: "After all, our junior brothers and sisters..."


    "Children will have their own luck."


    The old man put down a piece and interrupted, "Don''t worry, if they really have the luck to come back alive, I will still prepare a future for them as I said before. Let it be humble, so be it."


    "Master, over the years... you''ve become somewhat crazed."


    "How are you speaking to your master?"


    "Master..."


    "Hmm?"


    "You lost."


    The middle-aged scholar decisively placed a piece, securing victory for the white side.


    "Don''t you know to go easy on me?"


    The old man stood up in a huff, "I think you''re trying to make me die of anger!"


    "Master, it''s not me, it''s His Majesty who won..."


    The middle-aged scholar closed his eyes and let out a long breath: "We''ve all been deceived. The Northwest Three States was a ruse; their real target is Yunzhou, and now even if we dispatch the troops from You State to relieve them, it will still take at least seven days."


    "Taking into account ten days'' time, that''s enough for them to complete the Blood Sacrifice."


    "Hehe~"


    The old man suddenly laughed self-deprecatingly, the ancient voice filled with sorrow: "It seems I won''t outlast him."


    "Almost a million people in the whole Yunzhou!"


    The middle-aged scholar''s eyes reddened, he banged on the chessboard, his voice trembling: "In his eyes, what are his subjects? What are we!"


    "And for the last batch of Reserve Generals from Selected Point, either they''re for personal glory or for the Immortal Law in your hand, Master. How many of them are joining the Eight Camps for the sake of the world''s common folk, for the people?"


    "Is there any hope left for the Great Sheng Dynasty? Oh, the misery of the Yunzhou people!!!"


    "Fourth brother."


    The old man stood with his hands behind his back, gazing into the distance: "If within three days, we drive them off from the Northwest Main Battlefield and I hurry over, how many people can I save?"


    The middle-aged scholar shook his head and sighed: "Apart from the Three Prefectures, there will surely not be a single survivor..."


    "Reporting to the Supervisor¡ª"


    A figure appeared before the two, kneeling on one knee.


    "Han Cheng."


    The middle-aged scholar quickly asked, "How are the junior brother and sister?"


    "They are safe and sound!"


    Han Cheng fist in palm said, "Under the protection of Mr. Chen from Po Yang County, they nearly reached the banks of the Hongze River!"


    "Good."


    A trace of relief washed over the middle-aged scholar''s face: "Quickly, send people to bring them all back. This Brother Chen has performed a great service by saving our junior brothers and sisters."


    "Mr. Chen, I''m afraid, can''t make it back..."


    Han Cheng hung his head: "There''s something you don''t know yet, Commander. When Mr. Chen left, he didn''t just bring the young masters and ladies, he... he took more than thirty thousand civilians with him!"


    "In order to ensure the civilians could safely cross the river."


    "Just now, he led over a thousand people into an attack against an army of over twenty thousand barbarians!"


    "What?!"

 Chapter 112 - 110 Why Tolerate

    "Shanshi, they are not my father''s men. My father''s men would never act like this."


    Sun Buqi was afraid the young man in front of him would misunderstand, "That man surnamed Cao, is the Crown Prince''s Heir, the toady next to him is the son of the Minister of Ministry of Industry. The Youzhou Army, they are not part of the Eight Camps, but rather belong to the Left Army Governor''s command, under the control of the Military Affairs Department."


    "In the Northwest Three States, You State, Liang State, and Yan State each have their own commanding general."


    "Although during wartime, my father can allocate the distribution of all hands, but he only has authority over their deployment, not their administrative affairs."


    "Only the Eight Camps are truly our own people."


    "Even so, in recent years, efforts have been made to decentralize power, appointing provincial governors, and trying to transfer people elsewhere. The eldest apprentice brother, too..."


    "He''s right."


    Sun Li spoke feebly: "The Eight Camps are not the forces of a single region. Although they were initially recruited and assembled in Liang State to fight against the barbarian marauders, they were later moved to wherever the need arose, staying in the southern regions before being sent to the east to fight against Qing Country.


    "And then, three years ago."


    "It was when the barbarian marauders began to stir again that the Eight Camps were readjusted to the Northern Territory."


    Chen Sansi understood this practice.


    To prevent them from becoming too rooted in one state and turning into local tyrants.


    It''s possible that each time they leave, the local supporters of the Eight Camps, the Family Clans and Sect officials, also have to suffer a purge...


    Everything must be under the control of the court.


    This matched the Emperor''s style of resorting to despicable methods like poisoning to silence people and kill them.


    But if it were truly so.


    Could one really tolerate it?


    Chen Sansi asked himself if he would be able to endure it if he were in that situation. He definitely would not.


    Why can Supervisor Sun endure it?


    Unless...


    He was about to die.


    Only a man on the verge of death, with something left to care for, would have no choice but to suffer in silence.


    Although it was merely a conjecture.


    Chen Sansi felt that only this could make all the logic make sense.


    Otherwise.


    If one is among the supreme powers in the human realm, commanding eighty thousand elite troops, why endure? What would be the reason to tolerate anything?


    Beyond this.


    There was the identity of the people participating in the Selected Point.


    Identities so precious.


    The Crown Prince''s Heir.


    That is, nominally, the Emperor after the next.


    Would such a person lack resources or Cultivation Techniques?


    Why would he run to participate in Selected Point and become a disciple of Supervisor Sun? What could be so tempting?


    These were not matters to consider at the moment.


    "Counterattack?"


    Soon, the martial arts halls were gathered together, and upon hearing the command issued by the "commander," they all looked at each other with puzzlement.


    Obviously, they were somewhat confused by the meaning of this phrase.


    Counterattack naturally meant killing the enemy.


    But their thousand or so men, going to kill twenty thousand?


    Who knows how many among them were in the Refining Internal realm?


    How could they counterattack?


    "One day."


    Chen Sansi spoke firmly, "It will take another day before the villagers ahead can start crossing the river. We want to delay for one day. It''s not possible on the plain, so we need to enter the mountains to counterattack!


    "Xu Wencai, I give you half an hour to come up with at least three blocking points. If you can''t find them, I''ll chop off your dog head!


    "The rest of you..."


    "Go and see your families one more time.


    "This might be your last words, so you can choose not to come back. After half an hour, if you choose to come back, be prepared to die."


    With that said.


    The others finally understood.


    "Yes, sir!


    Not a single one raised an objection."


    All the men gradually dispersed.


    "Junior brother..."


    Seeing him, Sun Li asked, "Aren''t you going to talk to Sister Lan? She''s in the carriage up ahead."


    "I won''t,"


    Chen Sansi took up the old scholar''s writing brush and hastily wrote a few words. After sealing the letter, he handed it over, "Senior Sister Sun, please help me give this to Sister Lan, and then make sure you personally ensure her safety." S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "You''re really not going?" Sun Li emphasized her question.


    Chen Sansi shook his head again.


    He didn''t tell Sun Li that he was scared.


    Fearful that after seeing the only relative he had in this world, he wouldn''t dare to go and intercept the enemy.


    Seriously speaking, he himself didn''t know how he ended up in this peculiar situation.


    Perhaps it was because his family was in front of him.


    Perhaps it was because his subordinates were willing to die for him, driven by a sense of responsibility or something else; he just couldn''t bear to abandon them.


    Or perhaps...


    It was because he came from another world.


    He knows it sounds pretentious, extremely pretentious, but that''s simply the truth.


    If there had to be a motive or logic, it would be that.


    In Chen Sansi''s view, there were no upper-class people or lower-class people, only those who deserved to die and those who didn''t.


    Those who deserved to die, he would kill.


    Those who didn''t deserve to die, he would try his best to help.


    He also knew that if word of this battle got out, there would certainly be those who accused him of being a hypocrite, of feigning righteousness.


    But Chen Sansi didn''t care.


    If worse comes to worst, he would "pretend" for the rest of his life.


    "You all..."


    Chen Sansi looked at the nephews that Wang Zhi had left behind and added their followers, also amounting to around two hundred people, "Do you also plan to stay behind? Your families aren''t up ahead."


    "We won''t disgrace General Tang!"


    The crowd exclaimed in unison.


    "Good!"


    Chen Sansi nodded his head.


    Lastly, there was Sun Buqi, who showed no intention of leaving.


    To blast him away in these circumstances would be an insult.


    As for Xu Wencai, bereft of relatives or kin long ago, he lay on the ground studying the maps.


    ...


    Half a day later.


    Yellow Earth Ridge.


    "Hurry up!"


    "We must intercept them before the Sheng people cross the river!"


    Several Witch God Sect Followers mixed within the troops, uniformly holding Vajra Pestles used to collect blood,


    among them the Refining Internal Leader took command, "Not a single one should remain after the killing. Remember to collect the Heart Blood promptly!"


    "What about Master Amugu?"


    The Cavalry commander Bilege inquired, "Why don''t I see him?"


    The more than twenty thousand pursuers, everyone above Hua Jin, were all called away to attack An Ding Prefecture.


    Only a few of them with the skill of Refining Internal remained, indeed somewhat afraid to command such a large army.


    The only Witch God Sect Meridian Passage master had also disappeared.


    "Master Amugu has gone to pursue a Refining Organ Little General, and his current whereabouts are unknown; he might be waiting for us up ahead," the Squad Leader urged. "Let''s speed up!"


    "Refining Organ?"


    Bilege found it interesting, "Using Sheng people''s words, this is called ''using a cleaver to kill a chicken.'' Master Amugu acts ruthlessly, personally taking action and leaving no routes of survival for the Sheng people."


    "I received a carrier pigeon message, ordering us to collect the Heart Blood of about ten thousand people as a reserve within two days, and then to retreat at top speed without engaging in prolonged warfare, and directly leave Yunzhou."


    The Squad Leader stated coldly, "Without that White Horse Refining Organ, there''s no more Refining Organ commanders up front, posing no threat. Only Bone Training Realm remains, so we may pursue as we please."


    "Speedy retreat?"


    Bilege pondered, "Retreating from the Northwest so soon?"


    A war, especially a decisive battle for life and death, should at least last a year or half a year.


    Retreating after just over two months indicates there was never a real commitment to see it through to the end.


    "We simply follow orders."


    The Witch God Sect Squad Leader reminded, "The Sheng people up ahead are about to cross the river. If we don''t speed up, there''s a high chance they''ll escape successfully, and both you and I will bear grave punishments for failing the mission."


    "Rest assured, after breaking out of the mountain range, we''ll catch up within half a day!"


    "Hush!"


    As the two spoke, with sounds of chaos and men and horses toppling over, the vanguard suddenly halted.


    "What''s happening?"


    "Sir, there''s an ambush ahead!"


    "Traps are everywhere!"


    "Move it!"


    Bilege personally went to inspect.


    He saw that the not-so-wide path through the mountain range had been dug full of deep pits, rudimentary traps set within them. Moreover, every passable spot was also blocked by mounds of loose stones.


    The most troublesome part was the presence of several carts used to transport supplies, stuck in the middle, loaded up with dry wood and kindling, burning fiercely and preventing the vanguard cavalry from passing.


    Bilege wasn''t in a hurry and loudly ordered, "Clear the obstacles!"


    "Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh¡ª"


    No sooner had a group of soldiers gone to handle it than a troop of enemy crossbowmen emerged, firing a volley of arrows from the distance.


    "Child''s play!"


    Bilege said calmly, "Bring the thick shield bearers from the rear to the front to bear the brunt!"


    Among the more than twenty thousand troops, it was impossible for all to be cavalry.


    The vanguard consisted of five thousand cavalrymen.


    The rest were foot soldiers.


    Infantry with shields defended while others cleared the way.


    After half an hour, they had cleared the path for travel.


    However, they hadn''t gone far when they encountered similar obstructions, happening two or three times consecutively, each delaying them by more than half an hour, unbeknownst to them, adding up to half a day.


    "General Bilege!"


    The Witch God Sect Squad Leader said anxiously, "We can''t keep this up; they are merely delaying time."


    "Do you think I can''t see that?"


    Bilege said through gritted teeth, "They''re clearly forcing me to lead the troops through a side path, but I don''t understand. Unlike the previous canyon, the slopes on both sides here are low, totally unsuitable for an ambush. Even if we oblige and go that way, it will still come down to a direct clash of weapons.


    "Their forces at most number a thousand people, plus three hundred horses. Even if our cavalry can''t fully deploy to form an encirclement, it would just cost us some troops and horses to crush them. What are they trying to achieve..."


    "General, the situation is urgent. Since you feel there''s no ambush on the side path, let''s hurry through it," the Witch God Sect Squad Leader said, disturbed. "As long as we can move swiftly beyond Yellow Earth Ridge, some loss of troops and horses is acceptable."


    "Alright,"


    Bilege quickly decided, "Cavalry, follow me on the side path; infantry, go around the obstacles and proceed on the main road. I want to see what kind of trick they are really up to!"


    The barbarians split their forces in two.


    To save time, all five thousand cavalrymen took the side path, including Bilege, summing up to five Refining Internal practitioners.


    Bilege led at the forefront, advancing cautiously and slowly, racking his brain about the possible ambushes in such terrain. When he reached the fork where they would leave the mountain range, he finally encountered the Sheng army at the end of the side path, on the wide, open ground.


    There was no ambush here.


    What lay ahead was merely a formation of no more than three hundred cavalrymen and a few hundred foot soldiers. A significant number of them didn''t even have their own armour, wearing that stripped from the Xi River tribes instead, and the weapons in their hands were of the grassland make, terribly conspicuous. They simply blocked the exit of the mountain range, ready for battle.


    At this moment,


    Bilege finally understood why the enemy went to such lengths to push them onto this path.


    They planned to use their lives to buy as much time as possible for the civilians ahead to cross the river!

 Chapter 113 - 111 Du He

    In Bilege''s eyes, a trace of admiration flashed, but it was quickly replaced by disdain.


    "Car Suspension Formation!"


    "Charge¡ª¡ª"


    After Wang Zhi left.


    Zhao Kang became the only Bone Forger. He stood in the forefront, holding the He Miao Long Sword, and roared loudly, "Charge!"


    Under the incredulous gazes of five thousand cavalry, a mere three hundred enemy cavalry charged without any hesitation. Although their equipment was simple, the cavalry formation they displayed was well-organized.


    As they rushed, they resembled a giant wheel, equipped with sharp blades.


    "Bilege, let me handle this!"


    Another Refining Organ General from the barbarian tribes stepped forward, also leading his Iron Cavalry to open up in formation, presenting a "ÈË" shaped charge, numbering around three hundred as well.


    This was the reason they were forced to take the small path.


    Encountering on a narrow road, negates the advantage in numbers.


    The barbarian Refining Organ General took the lead, holding a meteor hammer, ready to smash the Sheng man who was shouting "Charge!" However, just as the two armies were about to clash, Zhao Kang suddenly pulled his horse to a halt, and from behind him charged a white horse, a long spear carrying a terrifying momentum. It arrived in front of them almost in an instant.


    After the initial shock, the barbarian general immediately swung his meteor hammer. He truly felt he could block the attack, but the next moment, he felt a chill in his heart as a hole was pierced through him.


    The Main General is dead.


    The barbarian cavalry were panic-stricken. In disarray, they retreated, with over thirty of them slain in succession. Fortunately, the main army was right behind them, preventing a total collapse. They quickly regrouped and rearranged their formation.


    "White Horse Refining Organ, a spear kills the general? Isn''t this the one Master Amugu went to chase? He has come back alive?!"


    Bilege''s pupils trembled, he couldn''t help but ask, "Where is Master Amugu?!"


    "Killed by Sun Dushi!"


    Chen Sansi''s voice boomed, "Sun Dushi will lead the Youzhou Army here within an hour. If you do not surrender now, you have but one path left¡ªthe path of death!"


    "Sun Xiangzong, Youzhou Army?!"


    Bilege forcefully calmed himself, "You spout nonsense! How could You State send troops here!"


    "Because you''ve already been defeated in the Northwest Three States!"


    Chen Sansi spoke each word distinctly, "Otherwise, why do you think we''d dare block your way with just this few men?"


    "Defeated?"


    Bilege, looking at the opposing side''s confident demeanor, felt an unsettling suspicion in his heart.


    Theoretically, the likelihood of Sun Xiangzong appearing here was minimal.


    But it couldn''t be ruled out that the Northwest Three States might have withdrawn their troops earlier. After all, every transmission of news has its delay, and everyone receives information that is, at best, days old.


    Perhaps Sun noticed signs of a Blood Sacrifice and specifically came to check.


    After all, if not for the presence of someone above the level of Meridian Passage, how could Amugu still be missing?!


    "Sun Xiangzong..."


    "He has come to Yunzhou?"


    "Why has he come here?"


    "..."


    Upon hearing this name, the barbarian troops immediately exploded into panic, each one becoming restless and distressed.


    The supreme strategy of warfare is to attack the enemy''s plans and heart.


    Just like what happened previously in Po Yang, half-true, half-false news most effectively terrifies the enemy.


    Chen Sansi knew that mere words wouldn''t deter them for long at this moment, but even delaying for a minute was beneficial.


    He didn''t lead everyone here merely to face death.


    Mainly, it was to buy time.


    Once enough time had passed, they would look for a way to break out.


    "What are you panicking for?!"


    Still rational, Bilege rebuked loudly, "Whatever he says, you just believe? If it were really so, would they need to send these defeated remnants to die?"


    "Exactly!"


    The other Refining Organ Generals concurred, "Bluffing at the last gasp!"


    "All men, heed my command!"


    "Take not a step back, rotate and charge continuously, whoever kills the White Horse General will be rewarded with ten thousand cattle and sheep, and a hundred slaves."


    "Charge for me¡ª¡ª" sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    On a narrow road, no other strategies were left.


    "Car Suspension Formation, charge!"


    Chen Sansi raised his Lu Ye Long Spear. Paying attention to several generals in the opposing crowd, he suddenly realized that perhaps there was still a way out.


    Simple.


    He just needed to kill all the enemy generals, right?


    ...


    Hongze River.


    Thousands of civilians finally reached their destination.


    In front of them was a magnificent, turbid river. Looking across, the mountains on the other side appeared like rows of green eyebrows, beneath which lay a small town¡ªHuanwen County.


    To reach Huanwen County, they had to cross a river three hundred yards wide.


    Fortunately, at the riverbank crossing, boats had been prepared in advance, along with civilians to manage the ferrying.


    The people from Po Yang lined up and began to board the boats one after the other.


    "How come we don''t see Mr. Chen and the others?"


    "..."


    Soon, something seemed amiss.


    The Po Yang soldiers who had escorted them this far were nowhere to be seen up to now.


    "Cross the river, cross the river!"


    Xu Wencai finally learned to ride a horse. Holding a feather fan, he shouted desperately, "Why aren''t you hurrying to cross the river? Wait until you are almost halfway across, then Mr. Chen and the others can retreat!"


    "What?"


    "We get halfway across, and only then can Mr. Chen leave, why?"


    "..."


    "What else could it be?"


    Xu Wencai was so anxious his face and neck turned red, "Behind you, there are twenty thousand barbarian marauders. Mr. Chen went to counterattack with a thousand men just to buy you time!"


    "Twenty thousand men?"


    "Isn''t that almost as many as our entire county?"


    "..."


    Only at that moment did they realize, recalling their husbands or sons who had suddenly made a special trip home not long ago. The words they spoke might well have been their last.

 Chapter 114 - 111 Du He_2

    December sixteenth.


    On this day, Yunzhou finally saw snow.


    The cold wind howled, and large snowflakes fluttered down gracefully, painting the world white.


    Alongside the Hongze River.


    More than forty thousand people, dragging their families and belongings, supporting the old and carrying the young, wept as they went. Cries filled both banks of the river.


    "Hurry, hurry up!"


    Onboard a small boat, Sun Li rowed forcefully, not daring to stop for a moment, even though each movement pulled at her wounds, causing intense pain: "Sister Lan, don''t worry. Once we reach the shore, there is still the guard force. I''ll try to see whether I can persuade them to send reinforcements."


    In fact, she knew it was only psychological comfort.


    Not to mention, she had no authority to command troops, and even if she could persuade them, the vast majority of troops in Huanwen County had probably been taken away by the Youzhou General. Less than a few thousand remained, and they still needed to cross many miles and a river. There wouldn''t be enough time.


    Sun Li truly wanted to turn back immediately to help.


    But she was injured, and her personal strength was limited. Moreover, having promised to ensure Sister Lan''s safety first, she had to do as she said.


    Gu Xinlan sat on the edge of the boat, holding a note left by her husband.


    It only contained five words¡ªit simply said, "Just cross the river."


    "Brother Shi will definitely come back..."


    Gu Xinlan maintained her composure without crying or fussing, quietly wiping her tears: "If he doesn''t come back, I will go down there to find him."


    "Where are you all from?!"


    "In response to the general''s question, we are from Po Yang County in Yunzhou..."


    As they neared the shore, a robust voice continuously reverberated.


    There stood a general on the shore, about seven feet tall, with a physique as sturdy as a mountain, wearing dark red heavy armor. Holding a Heavenly Halberd in his hand, he asked everyone he met: "Have you seen a woman in red?!" S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "No..."


    "How many more people are waiting behind you to cross the river?"


    "Many thousands."


    "Elder brother! This won''t do. Before master left, he said we must hold our ground in Liangzhou and not leave it by a single step!"


    "Stop talking. With such a huge mess in Yunzhou, and our junior sister Li being there, how could I possibly not go look for her?"


    "Elder brother!"


    "Step aside."


    The general, wielding the Heavenly Halberd, leaped powerfully, astonishingly jumping fifty feet out and landing on the surface of the Hongze River like a meteorite from outer space, causing waves several meters high. Then, with another leap, he repeated the scene.


    "Boom¡ª"


    Every time he landed, the massive force overturned several nearby small boats, causing tens of people to fall into the water.


    "Sorry everyone! I have an urgent matter!"


    "Third brother, hurry and save people, and make sure nobody drowns. If anyone does, I will hold you responsible!"


    "..."


    "Elder brother!"


    Witnessing this, Sun Li looked on in disbelief: "What are you doing?"


    "Junior sister Li?"


    "Thank goodness, it looked like you are all right. I was about to go to Yunzhou to look for you!"


    L¨¹ Ji hurriedly strode across the waves and stood on a small boat nearby, looking at the drowned locals with a touch of embarrassment, he said, "Junior sister, I can''t perform Qinggong, it wasn''t intentional. I am going to help them cross the river now! Wait, are you injured, junior sister? Is it serious, where are you hurt?"


    "I''m fine."


    Sun Li saluted with a fist and spoke with a clear sense of distance, "Please, elder brother, help me save someone."


    L¨¹ Ji looked at the respectfully behaving woman and his expression soured slightly, but he quickly adjusted, "Whom does junior sister wish to save? Just say it."


    "An entry-level junior brother."


    Sun Li pointed across the river with her scabbard, "He led over a thousand people to counter-attack against more than twenty thousand barbarian marauders to escort our crossing. He definitely won''t be able to hold out much longer. I hope elder brother can deploy troops to rescue him."


    "A junior brother?"


    L¨¹ Ji paused, "There aren''t many troops in Huanwen County. Even if I call them, it''ll be too late. I should go myself. Saving him shouldn''t be a problem. By the way, have you seen our master, junior sister?"


    "Father?"


    Sun Li shook her head, a glint of hope passing through her eyes, "Father came?"


    "I don''t know, he''s definitely not in Liangzhou. I''m off."


    ¡ª"Bang¡ª"


    With just a few leaps, L¨¹ Ji crossed the three hundred zhang wide Hongze River and disappeared from the opposite bank in an instant.


    ¡ª¡ª


    Yellow Earth Ridge.


    ¡ª"Plop¡ª"


    "Stop him, stop him!"


    Bilege watched as another Refining Organ General was killed by the opponent, his heart filled with terror, "Quick, fire the signal arrows, notify the infantry and the other three thousand cavalry to come here and surround this person, then go after the remaining Sheng people!"


    He couldn''t understand; they were all Refining Organ practitioners. Why was no one a match for this man from Three Unions!


    Amidst the crowd.


    Chen Sansi, using the Car Suspension Formation as cover to prevent being surrounded by heavy forces, his long spear and Zhenyue Sword, already coated with an unknown amount of the enemy''s fresh blood, had only one target.


    Main General!


    From the very beginning of the engagement, he had noticed


    Among those five thousand cavalry, there seemed to be no Hua Jin or Meridian Passage experts.


    This meant.


    He had a chance to slay a general!


    After slaying the general, the enemy army would disperse, and they would still have a chance to survive.


    Alone, it definitely wouldn''t be feasible.


    But he had two hundred cavalry and over seven hundred infantry behind him, able to help him disperse most of the encirclement. That was enough!


    "Stop him¡ª"


    No matter how Bilege yelled, the White Horse General still charged towards them, unstoppable like a force of nature.


    He felt the urgency: "Wu LiHan, that day pine, let''s do it together, we can''t let him slay another general!"


    A thousand men against five thousand, and he had already slain two generals.


    What was even more terrifying was that not only the general was like this, but his remaining soldiers seemed to be fearless!


    Especially this formation, which rotated like a wheel, from the beginning of its initiation until now, no matter how many were lost, it never broke its ranks. At most, they just reduced the formation''s size until later, when too many had died, they actually transformed from one large formation into twenty smaller formations.

 Chapter 115 - 111 Du He_3

    Even the Array Soldiers were perfectly coordinated, ready for both attack and defense, and even if many died before their eyes, they wouldn''t even blink, immediately replacing the fallen, clearly charging toward death!


    [Sinking Formation Death Will]!


    Such frightening combat power and willpower only appeared among the elite of the elite.


    Yet, they were clearly just routed soldiers who fled from an abandoned small county!


    If it weren''t for their weak Cultivation, Bilege might even think they were the mighty troops of the Eight Camps.


    The morale of the barbarian soldiers noticeably shifted, and since they couldn''t form an encirclement here, if the fight continued like this and another Main General died, they might indeed be routed.


    "Kill the White Horse! Once he dies, these people will be nothing but a disorganized mob!"


    Three Refining Organ Generals from the barbarian tribe attacked simultaneously.


    A curved saber, a Wolf Fang Club, and a giant axe.


    Three ferocious weapons struck almost at the same time from different directions.


    They were all Refining Internal, and all had achieved small success in Refining; none were far from the Great Success of Refining!


    One just beginning to Refine organs, facing three with small achievements in Refining organs!


    The spear technique of the White Horse General was erratic and wild, individually they were no match, and even combining their explosive power, they absolutely could not withstand his attacks, particularly when assailed from all sides.


    Chen Sansi blocked the giant axe with his long spear, then used the sword at his waist to intercept the Wolf Fang Club, and with a bizarre posture, dodged the curved saber aimed at him, forcefully repelling the two heavy weapons. In the opening, his long spear turned into a giant python that swallowed the sky, directly lunging at the wielder of the curved saber.


    "Clang!"


    Bilege desperately blocked the attacks, knowing in his heart that he would be killed within three exchanges, but thankfully he wasn''t alone. The other two brothers, temporarily repelled, returned to fight, their giant axe and Wolf Fang Club arriving instantly behind their opponent. If he didn''t dodge, death was almost certain; if he did dodge, it meant he would have to keep evading endlessly.


    As long as they could delay him, that was good enough.


    The White Horse General''s subordinates were not afraid to die but they were not invincible; people were still dying continuously.


    In just a short time, from the original thousand or more, only about seven hundred remained, and that number was rapidly decreasing. Moreover, after sending the signal, more pursuers would gather here, and soon they''d be facing a mass siege of twenty thousand, swiftly leading to their complete annihilation. Then the White Horse would also be surrounded by heavy forces, destined to be consumed alive.


    One word, delay!


    However, what they did not expect,


    was that Chen Sansi had no intention of dodging. He let the Wolf Fang Club and the giant axe smash down on him with the force of ten thousand jun, emitting a "thud" like the ringing of a bell. His internal organs vibrated with acute pain, and he spat out a mouthful of blood, but the pace of his spear thrust did not slow down at all, and finally, in the third exchange, he pierced through Bilege''s throat.


    A swift kill!


    He had no right to delay!


    Only a swift kill was the path to life!


    "Vajra Body?!"


    Wu LiHan was greatly shocked.


    With Bilege gone, the pressure to defend drastically decreased; Chen Sansi held a spear in his right hand, a sword in his left, enduring the attacks from dozens of soldiers coming from behind, an uncountable number of blades, spears, axes, and hooks. Before their eyes, he brutally killed the last two generals within ten exchanges, his body drenched in blood, like a war god from the heavens.


    "Crashhhh¡ª¡ª"


    After killing the enemy Main General, he was like a fierce beast unleashed; no one could stop him. Cutting down enemies as if cleaving through vegetables, he killed nearly two hundred Cavalrymen in a row, eventually instilling fear, horror, and prompting their rout!


    The remaining four thousand or so Cavalrymen withdrew like the tide, their retreat chaotic with countless warhorses colliding and neighing, tumbling together with the Cavalry on their backs, falling to their death.


    Chen Sansi looked at the remaining six hundred or so men, taking the lead on his horse to clear the way forward. Wherever he passed, the dense enemies automatically parted, leaving a path, and still, no one dared to pursue him actively.


    "Break through!"


    He shouted until he was hoarse.


    "Judging by the time, it''s almost up."


    At least more than half of the people had successfully crossed the river.


    As long as they left this place before being enclosed, there was a great chance of crossing the river smoothly.


    However...


    It seemed too late.


    Because he could hear, just behind the slope on their flank, at least tens of thousands of infantry taking a shortcut to catch up, and they would block them at the junction ahead.


    Chen Sansi''s injury could still hold up, and with about half of his Qi-Blood left to consume, as long as there were no Generals above his level of Cultivation, relying on Qian Xun''s incredible speed, breaking out was still possible, but he didn''t know how many people could remain behind him at that moment.


    One hundred, ten, or just himself alone? S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As he gripped the spear shaft, ready to fight to the death, the pursuers'' footsteps stopped almost simultaneously, as if suddenly there was no path ahead, or something was blocking them.


    This allowed them to reach the shores of the Hongze River and begin crossing.


    "They''ve stopped chasing?"


    Everything came to an abrupt stop, and Chen Sansi felt somewhat incredulous, as if he had been dreaming.


    ...


    "Good lad, good lad!"


    "Master, slow down a bit!"


    The middle-aged scholar gripped the handles of the wheelchair tight, his face distorted and deformed by the gale: "Slow down, please!"


    "Did you just see that?"


    The elderly man in coarse clothing looked relieved: "How daring this lad is, a mere practitioner of Refining stepping up to block five thousand men, and he actually held them off, quite reminiscent of my younger days."


    "That''s not the key point."


    The middle-aged scholar nearly fell from the sky several times: "The key is, he could have escaped on his own, but he chose to resist the army to help those commoners cross the river. Who else in this world would do such a thing nowadays?"


    "Old Fourth."


    The old man''s gaze was profound: "Can he make it?"


    "There''s hope."


    "Good, hope is all we need."


    "Master, will you make a move? Your lifespan..."


    "Just to block them a bit, it''s not a big deal."


    "Someone who helps others cross the river deserves to be helped across as well."


    "..."


    In the very front of the advancing horde of over ten thousand barbarians.


    Suddenly two figures appeared, blocking the road.


    An old man in coarse clothing, pushing a wheelchair-bound disabled scholar.

 Chapter 116 - 112 Emperor Wan Shou

    ```


    "They didn''t chase us?"


    Chen Sansi doubted whether he was hallucinating.


    More than ten thousand foot soldiers, followed, perhaps, by another three thousand cavalry.


    Just like that...


    They let them cross the river?


    "Boom¡ª"


    A loud noise thundered.


    Chen Sansi saw from afar, about twenty miles away, it seemed as if someone was thrown into the sky and then fell back down, scattering like beans!


    "Bang!"


    "Who is Chen Sansi?!"


    Another loud noise followed.


    It was as if an Earth Dragon had turned over, and the entire riverbank trembled violently.


    What seemed like a mountain crash-landed, and upon closer inspection, it turned out to be a general in shining armor. From the look of the armor, it was from the Sheng people.


    "It is I."


    Chen Sansi dismounted and bowed with his hands clasped, his breath somewhat unsteady.


    "You have already returned? Sister Li was worried in vain; quickly cross the river," he said.


    Lv Ji sized him up and noticed Sun Buqi next to him: "Younger martial brother, you''re here too. How are your injuries?"


    Sun Buqi''s clothes were already ragged, soaked with blood from head to toe. He used his long spear as a crutch, supporting himself with difficulty, not even taking a glance as he said, "It''s none of your concern."


    "Hmm, it''s good that you''re alright," replied Lv Ji, who seemed accustomed to this. He turned to look at the black dots in the distant sky, his expression turning stern: "Oh no, master!"


    "Bang¡ª"


    Yet another leap, shaking heaven and earth.


    He could leap nearly a hundred zhang each time; in just a few breaths, he had disappeared from view.


    Sister Li?


    If this person was Sun Li''s senior martial brother, then the master he mentioned...


    Sun Dushi?


    Chen Sansi looked towards where the ten thousand pursuers should have been coming from, his gaze growing more complex.


    One person, to withstand over ten thousand barbarian bandits?


    Is this really a human?


    And there was Sun Li''s senior martial brother.


    One leap is over hundreds of zhang, what kind of realm is that?


    The Meridian Passage Realm certainly does not demonstrate such strength, so it must be Mysterious Phenomenon, more like the legendary Martial Saint.


    In Po Yang County, they were like frogs at the bottom of a well, only able to see a mere corner of the vast heavens.


    Would their future opponents all be at this kind of level?


    Chen Sansi thought about himself again.


    Indeed, still far too weak.


    But it''s impractical to aim too high; set a small goal for now, reach Refining Internal Organs Perfection as soon as possible, then move on to Hua Jin.


    "Plop¡ª"


    "Old Xiong, Old Xiong!"


    "Dog Scrap!"


    "Silly Chun!"


    "Wu Da, Wu Da!"


    "..."


    Finally reaching the riverbank, with no pursuers behind them.


    The brothers could no longer hold on, tumbling down to the ground one after another.


    The initial thousand men, had now... S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Become only four hundred!


    Most of these four hundred were utterly exhausted, many collapsing unconscious on the spot.


    Zhao Kang was covered in blood: "Sir, the brothers have all fallen, how do we cross the river..."


    "Sir!"


    "Mr. Chen!"


    "..."


    Upon the grand and turbulent surface of the Hongze River, suddenly, a few small boats appeared, then dozens, then hundreds, countless simple clothed figures standing on the boats, waving at them.


    "Let''s cross the river."


    Chen Sansi breathed a sigh of relief.


    With the help of hundreds, thousands of civilians.


    These last four hundred men could finally lie flat and cross the river.


    "Brother Shi!"


    Gu Xinlan and Sun Li rowed a boat quickly over.


    "How come you''re bleeding so much..."


    Gu Xinlan was biting and tearing, ripping off pieces of her dress''s sleeves, preparing to use them for emergency bandaging.


    "A minor injury."


    Chen Sansi''s cloth armor was already so tattered that it barely held together, his appearance now worse than a beggar''s, blood mixed with grime covering his exterior, indistinguishable whether it was his enemy''s or his own."


    "My lady, Mr. Chen here singlehandedly killed five Refiners!"


    Zhao Kang vividly remembered, saying, "If it weren''t for that, we would all have died at Yellow Earth Ridge!"


    This was too terrifying.


    He hadn''t been practicing martial arts for long.


    Among those barbarian leaders, at least two were at the small achievement in Refining Internal Organs, but they couldn''t withstand a single blow from him.


    Keep in mind, this was during a fierce encirclement.


    Otherwise, they might not have lasted even three rounds!


    That means, Chen Sansi could now take on five Xiang Tingchuns!


    "How many?"


    "Five!"


    Sun Li also turned pale, hastened to take out a porcelain jar from her bosom, containing scar-removal ointment Chen Sansi himself had previously mixed for her. It was very effective for treating external wounds, and she was ready to apply it personally.


    "Sister, what about me..."


    Sun Buqi, who followed from beginning to end, was also full of wounds, but seemingly, nobody cared about him.


    "Sister, I''m really okay."


    Chen Sansi had only shallow wounds on his body, merely some cuts and bleeding here and there, which wouldn''t take more than a few days to heal, even though it looked rather scary.


    Fortunately, he relied on his Iron Bone Copper Skin trait; an ordinary person would have been minced into pulp by now.


    His worst injuries were internal.


    Taking on the Meridian Passage was no joke, and later he was hit by heavy weaponry, slightly damaging his internal organs.


    But it was no big problem, a few days of rest would be enough for recovery.


    "Hmm..."


    When Sun Li touched the wounds, she recoiled like she had been electrocuted, then she handed the ointment to Gu Xinlan: "It''s better if Sister applies the medicine for you."


    "Really, it''s not necessary, let''s talk about it after we get back."


    ```


    Chen Sansi lay on the deck, watching the riverbank grow increasingly distant and the fading commotion in the distance.


    "Did they really hold them back?"


    "That''s no longer my concern."


    In any case, he had won.


    It was just that the other prefecture cities, counties, and villages in Yunzhou, as well as the millions of other civilians and soldiers guarding the borders, were probably not so lucky.


    So many matters.


    Chen Sansi had no energy left to think about them.


    "I''m so tired, Sister Lan, I''m going to sleep for a while."


    In the past two months, he had hardly slept well.


    Now, at last, he could rest properly.


    ¡ª


    Capital City.


    Imperial Palace.


    "It''s snowing!"


    "Heaven blesses us with auspicious snow!"


    "The Emperor is virtuous indeed!"


    "Go and report the good news!"


    "..."


    Vermilion high walls, golden bricks, and sparkling tiles.


    Snow from the sky blankets everything in white, dressing it all in silver.


    With this year''s belated heavy snow, joy enveloped both inside and outside the Imperial Palace.


    "Master!"


    "It''s snowing!"


    "..."


    A dozen eunuchs from the Ritual Supervision, wearing thick and warm red cloaks, knelt in unison outside the palace gates. Above their heads, the massive plaque bore the gilded characters "Longevity Palace."


    Despite being in the Imperial Palace, there were almost no ostentatious decorations visible. Both the architecture and decor were restrained. The layout seemed more akin to a Taoist temple than a palace.


    Only those who knew their craft could appreciate that every timber here was worth its weight in gold, and each tile was invaluable. Constructing such a palace must have taken an extraordinary amount of time, labor, and wealth.


    The eunuchs knelt before the doors, unmoving, quickly becoming covered with ice and snow as if they were sculptures made of ice.


    Inside the great hall.


    There was no Dragon Chair here, only high altars shrouded with layers of cyan-gray curtains, barely revealing the silhouettes of figures sitting cross-legged inside, their true faces hidden, only silence pervading as if the hall itself were amidst the frozen lands.


    "Your Majesty, I know you bear the worries of the entire world, but please, do not rush and harm Your celestial body."


    A court official in a scarlet robe knelt on the ground, his words earnest.


    Next to him, an old man sat on a small stool instead of kneeling, speaking slowly, "Your Majesty, judging by the time, Mr. Huang should be returning soon."


    Still silence.


    "A great victory¡ª"


    "A great victory in the Northwest!"


    "A great victory in Yunzhou!"


    Only when the urgent and clear voices announcing the joyous news entered the hall, did the entire Longevity Palace suddenly feel as warm as spring.


    "Your humble servant pays respects to Your Majesty, long live, long live, forever long live!"


    An old eunuch with youthful features and white hair, dressed in a black uniform, rushed into the hall, exhausted from the journey. He knelt heavily on the ground and performed a deep kowtow, then without any further words, he took out a petition and read aloud:


    "On the 20th day of the twelfth lunar month, the Eight Camps in Liangzhou greatly defeated the Tuoba Clan at Moqiu, annihilating over thirty thousand of the enemy, beheading ten commanders, and capturing innumerable supplies and provisions. As a result, the other three nomadic tribes on the grasslands crumbled without a fight, retreating over three hundred miles overnight, back into the depths of the grasslands."


    "On the 22nd day of the twelfth lunar month, the Youzhou Army arrived in Yunzhou, and An Ding Prefecture was saved from peril. Soon after, Xuanwu Camp and Vermilion Bird Camp led the Liangzhou Army into the battle, reclaimed the entire territory within seven days!"


    Behind the curtains, the authoritative voice carried a hint of urgency.


    "What else is there?"


    "This is a letter written by hand from the Great Khan Tuoba, seeking peace, and he requests Your Majesty to read it personally!"


    Mr. Huang knelt on the ground, took out an exquisitely crafted box, and carefully presented it just outside the curtains.


    A large hand reached out from within the curtains and swiftly snatched the box away.


    "Click."


    The sound of the box opening echoed.


    Moments later, for the first time in twenty years, everyone present heard the Emperor burst into laughter, a sign of immense pleasure.


    Emperor Longqing''s voice was exuberant, "In this matter, Yan Liang is the chief contributor, but the rest have also made great contributions, and they shall all be rewarded, all be rewarded!"


    "Master."


    Mr. Huang stood up with permission, bent at the waist, and said, "There is one more small matter that I have not yet fully reported."


    "Speak."


    Mr. Huang spoke slowly and evenly, "Chen Sansi, the Captain Chengxin from Yunzhou, is still alive. Not only did he survive, but he also rescued tens of thousands of civilians from Po Yang County. In the end, to cover the civilians'' crossing of the river, he and slightly more than a thousand men held off five thousand Iron Cavalry and even cut down several enemy generals of the same realm, proving himself to be invincible and brave.


    "At the critical moment, Sun Xiangzong took action personally.


    "With a single thrust of his spear, Sun Xiangzong penetrated one thousand eight hundred armors and routed nearly twenty thousand barbarian bandits."


    "Pierced one thousand eight hundred armors?"


    The relatively young official in the crimson robe sneered, "Just the mention of his name makes me angry! Your Majesty, I suspect that the deaths of Magistrate Xue and Magistrate Ji in Po Yang may have been the work of Sun Xiangzong!


    "That Sun fellow is a dying flame in the wind, yet he still dares to play the hero. I think he''s grown tired of living."


    "Your Majesty."


    Mr. Huang lowered his voice, "Initially, your sacred edict intended to promote Chen Sansi to a position in the Capital City. Now, by a twist of fate, he has ended up in the Governor Mansion. Your Majesty, should we still reward him, or issue another decree for his reassignment?"


    "Rewarding him is a certainty, but there''s no need to call him back."


    The voice behind the curtains resumed its untroubled tone, "I, am very fond of this brave young man.


    "But if Sun Xiangzong is willing to act, it shows he likes the boy too, perhaps enough to pass on his True Inheritance. If we were to recall him now, wouldn''t we be ruining his opportunity for nothing?


    "Yan Liang, what are your thoughts?"


    "In response to Your Majesty,"


    Elder Yan spoke with a weighty voice, "Considering the last letter from Xue Yuping, Chen Sansi shows great respect for Your Majesty. He accepted everything granted by the imperial decree on the spot. With proper grooming, he may become a useful talent in time.


    "Moreover, Princely Heir Cao Fan might not be quite to Sun Xiangzong''s liking.


    "How about we leave him in the Governor Mansion for now, to see how far he can go?"


    "Hmm, do as Yan Liang suggests!


    "Besides, the act of helping civilians cross the river should not only be rewarded but also proclaimed to the whole world. Let the people everywhere see that my servants are all such righteous individuals!


    "Did you just mention that it is snowing?"


    The curtains were lifted, revealing the face of the True Dragon.


    Emperor Longqing, though an elderly man with years upon him, surprisingly still had mostly black hair on his head, and he walked with a firm and steady gait. If not for the scent of decay that emitted from him, one could almost believe in his ability to rejuvenate.


    He went to the entrance of the Longevity Palace and watched the snow fluttering down from the sky, feeling emotional, "Such an auspicious heavy snow. With this snow, good news has been coming one after another. Well then, with the end of the war, I can finally close off in peace. You may all withdraw."


    Upon hearing this, almost everyone knelt down at the same time.


    "Congratulations to Your Majesty, joyous tidings to Your Majesty!"


    "After this battle, our great Dasheng empire shall last for a thousand, a myriad of generations, thriving forevermore!"


    "And Your Majesty will surely attain Immortality!"


    "The next time we see Your Majesty, we shall likely have to address you as Immortal."


    "Emperor Wan Shou, Emperor Wan Shou!"


    "You lot just know how to flatter me. Hurry up and withdraw, don''t disturb my meditation."


    Emperor Longqing swept back to his palace with a wave of his sleeve.

 Chapter 117 - 113: The Art of Alchemy

    ```


    Huanwen County.


    Inside a residence.


    A fit young man with his upper body bare was waving a long spear in the courtyard. With the movements of the spear, a tornado composed of snowflakes swirled around him, making the already cold winter day feel even more biting.


    He wasn''t wearing any clothes yet didn''t feel the cold at all. His body was emitting terrifying heat, and the snow melted into water before it could touch his skin, making him seem as if he had just leapt out of an alchemy furnace, radiating intense heat.


    Streams of hot blood surged from his marrow, furiously churning within his body and tempering his internal organs.


    Refining organs skill, small achievement stage, Quenching Internal Organs!


    The human body is a whole.


    Having reached this stage in martial arts, where sinews, bones, skin, marrow, and blood had all been trained, it was naturally time to temper the internal organs. Otherwise, no matter how strong one''s external power, if the internal organs can''t withstand it, it''s all for naught.


    Just like before.


    Chen Sansi, having resisted the simultaneous attack of two individuals who also practiced refining organs skill, had blocked it but still suffered internal injuries.


    Quenching Internal Organs involved tempering the four major and six minor organs to further increase the physical body''s strength.


    "Bang¡ª"


    Chen Sansi thrust out with his spear, directly shattering the water tank in the middle of the yard. The several feet of ice inside also exploded, turning into ice spurs that pierced in all directions.


    [Cultivation Technique: Unity Spear Technique (Proficient)]


    [Progress: 0/1000]


    [Utility: ¡­, ¡­, Mysterious Elemental Five Viscera Body]


    [Mysterious Elemental Five Viscera: Upon great success of the cultivation technique, tempered into the Mysterious Elemental Five Viscera Body]


    "Great, something else to add to the list!"


    "I''ve truly become a jack-of-all-trades."


    "At least I''ve finally made a breakthrough!"


    Chen Sansi put away the long spear and exhaled a breath of hot air.


    It had been ten days since crossing the river.


    His wounds had healed, and he had coincidentally made a breakthrough in his cultivation.


    Besides that.


    After so much exertion, his various skills had also improved significantly.


    [Tracking and Concealment (Small Achievement)]


    [Progress: 888/1000]


    ¡­


    [Skill: Horse Control (Proficient)]


    [Progress: (309/500)]


    ¡­


    [Skill: Commanding Soldiers (Proficient)]


    [Progress: 890/1000]


    ¡­


    [Skill: Archery (Great Success)]


    [Progress: (550/2000)]


    ¡­


    [Skill: Medical Skill. Mortal (Proficient)]


    [Progress: 210/1000]


    ¡­


    Among the many skills, especially Horse Control and Commanding Soldiers, had been practically in continuous real-life use, thus their progress had increased very quickly, needing only a few more days to make a breakthrough.


    The battle also had a final outcome.


    Several days before, the Northwest Three States decided the victor, and the Four Clans of the grassland all retreated.


    On the Yunzhou side.


    After Cao Fan and others brought troops to the rescue, they easily lifted the siege. Additionally, with the involvement of the Eight Camps later, they undoubtedly reclaimed the entire territory.


    But if you cut off the beginning and end,


    The barbarians'' massacre within Yunzhou lasted for a full ten days!


    Yunzhou, ten days!


    Nearly a million commoners.


    Bodies strewn everywhere, wailing ghosts and howling wolves.


    This was a disastrous defeat, a thorough and complete disaster.


    Although no land was lost, it was still a massive loss.


    Just the thought of recovery, it would probably take over a decade.


    It''s said that the court has ordered the migration of refugees and landless tenant farmers from various states.


    These poor people would finally be able to have their own land, how ironic.


    Moreover, it won''t be long before the barbarian forces return stronger than before.


    The logic is simple.


    If they couldn''t reap huge benefits from this ten-day ordeal in Yunzhou, why would they willingly go along with such a grand scheme orchestrated by the Emperor? After all, they too had sacrificed thirty thousand troops.


    Having gained benefits and become stronger, what would the barbarians do?


    ```


    "Of course, the attack on Dasheng!"


    "In other words, no matter what the Emperor is actually up to, or what the Blood Sacrifice is for, judging from the outcome."


    "He''s committing treason by colluding with the enemy!"


    "And that''s without the Immortal Treasure being found."


    "Otherwise, if the barbarian tribes just need to conserve their strength for ten or twenty years, building a significant force stronger than Hua Jin, how could we even fight this war? Are we really planning to rely on our population advantage to brute force our way through?"


    "Speaking of which." sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "The things they''re using for the Blood Sacrifice, it might be related to the Immortal Treasure!"


    "A complete prescription, a container that can withstand the temperature of Abnormal Fire, and lamp oil."


    "Only when these three things are combined, do they truly deserve the ''Immortal'' in their name."


    "Chen Sansi estimates that the barbarians attacked Po Yang County partly to search for the Immortal Treasure. They just didn''t find it, but they will certainly not give up in the future."


    "That being said."


    "If one day, he manages to make his way to the Barbarian Capital, might he be able to gather a complete set?"


    "There''s actually hope."


    "It''s rumored that one of Sun Dushi''s greatest lifelong wishes is to delve deep into the grassland, slaughtering the barbarian marauders so they wouldn''t dare to make any rash moves again, securing peace for the people in the north."


    "But coming back to the point, why hasn''t he done so until now?"


    "With the Eight Camps and two hundred thousand troops from the Northwest Army, there are definitely enough soldiers, so it can only be because the highest combat power is not sufficient!"


    "Above Martial Saint, not enough?"


    "Chen Sansi, ignorant and uninformed, doesn''t know much about the highest combat power of the Four Clans of the barbarians: Yuwen, Tuoba, Murong, and Duan. He only knows that the Yuwen family has been supported by the Witch God Sect in recent years."


    "He knows virtually nothing about the other three families."


    "The same goes for Xu Wencai."


    "Even if he''s capable, he couldn''t possibly understand situations far beyond his rank."


    "But the Eight Camps must be clear on this."


    "Even Sun Li and Sun Buqi might know."


    "It''s just that he has never asked."


    "It''s not that he''s uninterested, it''s just that there was no need before."


    "Back then, with only Bone Training level, what would be the point of asking about the highest combat power on the grassland? Would that not be an act of idle curiosity?"


    "But moving forward, it''s time to understand it properly."


    "Because of the Immortal Treasure!"


    "Previously, it was the Witch God Sect sneaking into the Central Plains in search of the Immortal Treasure."


    "Next, it''ll be a reversal of roles."


    "The lamp oil was stolen from the Tuoba Clan, while the Blood Sacrifice was conducted by the Witch God Sect, which represents the Yuwen family."


    "Tuoba, Yuwen."


    "These two families, they definitely can''t escape responsibility!"


    "Chen Sansi has now mentally drawn himself a huge pie."


    "Having only lamp oil is indeed a bit shabby."


    "It''s like having a set of equipment with only an ignition device and nothing else."


    "Although the Spiritual Grain is still proving very effective."


    "The more it is so, the more curious he is about what could be refined if he had the container and the prescription."


    "Immortal."


    "If there really exists an Immortal, where do they live?"


    "And why would these things end up in the ''mortal world''?"


    "''One step at a time,'' he told himself."


    "Chen Sansi knew he mustn''t rush."


    "After surviving life and death for two months, things have finally come to a temporary close."


    "The people from Po Yang County have also started returning one after another."


    "If they stayed in Huanwen County, they''d only become refugees."


    "There are only two outcomes for refugees: either die of starvation or live in incognito as house slaves for the powerful families, losing their freedom forever."


    "By comparison, it''s naturally better to return to Po Yang."


    "As for Chen Sansi, he naturally will not be returning."


    "In two days, he''s leaving for Liangzhou to take part in the selection for the Eight Camps'' Selected Point. Even if he isn''t the first choice as a True Inheritor, he''s confident he can join the Inner Sect. In the future, he will most likely remain in Liangzhou to join the Eight Camps."


    "Why are you secretly training again?"


    Gu Xinlan returned from shopping for supplies and immediately ran up to her husband worriedly when she saw the long spear in his hands: "Sister Li said you''ve injured your internal organs, and you need proper rest!"


    "I''m really fine."


    Chen Sansi put down the long spear and suddenly picked Sister Lan up: "If you don''t believe me, try for yourself!"


    "Don''t, you need to rest well, don''t hurt yourself because of this."


    "I''m as sturdy as can be."


    ''I am a Vajra Body with Copper Skin and Iron Bone; how could I be so easily damaged?'' Chen Sansi thought to himself but didn''t say out loud, as he truly dared not demonstrate it.


    "You promised to have a child, now that the war is over, are you planning to go back on your word?"

 Chapter 118 - 114: The Martial Saint of the World

    Three days later.


    Outside Huanwen County, a large group of troops assembled.


    Three carriages, along with hundreds of escorting soldiers, formed a grand procession.


    "Halt! What are you doing?"


    "We are subordinates of Mr. Chen."


    "I know, so why are you following us?"


    "Can we go together?"


    "No."


    At the city gate.


    Hundreds of soldiers looked at the caravan, unsure of what to do.


    For Zhao Kang, Wang Li, Zhu Tong, and others, after numerous bloody battles, they had already regarded Chen Sansi as their mainstay. If truly left behind, they would probably not even know what to do each day.


    Li Qianzong, the one in charge of the escort, refused without hesitation: "No means no."


    "Qianzong, can''t you make an exception?"


    Chen Sansi personally came forward to plead: "I am preparing to go to the Eight Camps Selected Point. Even if I don''t rank well in the Selected Point, I''ll still be a low-level general. I''ll need some people under me, and I''ll continue to use them without taking any soldiers from Liangzhou."


    "Mr. Chen."


    Li Qianzong said helplessly, "It''s not that I can''t make an exception, but the rules are the rules. They all are soldiers under the flag of the Commanding Department from An Ding Prefecture. Now that the battle is over, they should return to stand by. How can they just leave whenever they want? Wouldn''t that create chaos?"


    "Qianzong, I remember there are vacancies in the Liangzhou Guard Station, right?"


    Sun Li hurried over upon hearing this: "Why not transfer them to the Liangzhou Guard Station?"


    "My dear Miss."


    Li Qianzong gave a bitter smile: "Why are you pressing me too? Even if they are transferred, shouldn''t there be a procedure?"


    Chen Sansi felt a headache coming on.


    He knew that the other party was not intentionally making things difficult.


    It was truly against the rules.


    But he really couldn''t bear to leave behind this group of men.


    These were the first soldiers he had led. Now they all had "Sinking Formation Death Will" on them. If truly left behind, he couldn''t bear it.


    "Otherwise..."


    Chen Sansi looked at everyone: "You return to Po Yang first and wait for me? I''ll strive to get good results at the Selected Point and then find a way to transfer you. It''ll be at most half a year; I promise I will definitely get you transferred."


    "..."


    Everyone exchanged glances.


    "Let them go together."


    Just as everyone was even preparing for a temporary farewell, an attendant pushing a wooden wheelchair appeared, with a middle-aged scholar in a green robe sitting on it, holding a Scroll Book in his hand.


    "General Fang!"


    "Greetings to General Fang!"


    Though clearly a disabled scholar, Li Qianzong and others greeted him respectfully upon seeing him.


    "Fourth Brother!"


    Sun Buqi''s eyes lit up as he rushed forward: "You, how come you are here?"


    Fang Qingyun smiled: "Of course, to take you and Miss Ri home."


    "Where''s my father?"


    Sun Buqi looked around: "Did he come?"


    "He came, then left."


    Fang Qingyun spoke calmly: "He is very busy, but this time he actually looked at you in a new light."


    "My father saw me killing enemies?"


    Sun Buqi asked eagerly and excitedly: "What did Dad say about me?"


    Fang Qingyun said with a smile: "Master said, although you are not up to much, you still have a bit of hot-blood."


    "Is that it?"


    Sun Buqi felt that wasn''t really a compliment.


    Isn''t that still not up to much?


    "General Fang."


    Li Qianzong said with some confusion: "You just said you were taking them with you? Isn''t that against the rules?"


    "I wrote the petition seven days ago, and I just received a reply today. Qianzong, take a look."


    Fang Qingyun produced a transfer order: "From today onwards, these people are part of the Eight Camps, to be temporarily placed under my Azure Dragon Camp for duties, to be arranged later."


    Eight Camps, Azure Dragon Camp?


    Feng Yong, Zhao Kang, and others exchanged incredulous looks.


    They were just hoping that they could enter the Liangzhou Guard Station and continue serving under Chen Sansi, but how did they suddenly end up in the Eight Camps?


    Everyone had heard.


    In the Eight Camps, even if one was just doing logistical chores, the ordinary Supplemental Medicines were plentiful!


    Doesn''t this mean they were like phoenixes rising to the top of the trees?


    "Thank you, General!"


    Chen Sansi sincerely gave a fist salute: "Chen Sansi remembers this kindness!"


    This person said he had written the petition seven days ago, which means he had been ready since the day they crossed the river.


    "No need to be polite, Younger Brother."


    Fang Qingyun also returned the fist salute with a warm smile: "My surname is Fang, given name Qingyun. If you don''t mind, just call me Elder Brother."


    Chen Sansi immediately said: "Thank you, Brother Fang!"


    "So you''re the Phoenix?"


    From a distance, Xu Wencai rushed over excitedly, bowing deeply: "My surname is Xu, given name Wencai, styled Wo Long. I have long admired your reputation!"


    "?"


    A question mark appeared above everyone''s heads.


    "What a thick-skinned fellow!"


    Xu Bin stared with wide eyes: "Your self-bestowed stylistic name, can it be the same as one respectfully addressed by others based on prestige?"


    Liu Jinkui hastily shouted: "Old man, come back here, don''t embarrass us!"


    They had finally gotten the chance to go to Liangzhou together and feared that the old scholar might accidentally offend General Fang, which could result in others dismissing them on a whim.


    "Oh?"


    Fang Qingyun looked at the shabby old scholar in front of him, ten years his senior, not feeling insulted but instead quite interested: "You are Wo Long, and I am Phoenix. It seems to say that our meeting here is a significant destiny."


    "Mr. Fang!"


    Xu Wencai rarely spoke solemnly, "Honestly, although I am called Wo Long, I am aware of my shallow talents and virtues and have many areas where I would like to consult with Mr. Fang."


    "Good."


    Fang Qingyun cheerfully said, "After we set off later, you can join me in my carriage. It might turn out to be me asking for your advice! Chen, has everyone arrived?"


    "One is still missing."


    Chen Sansi looked back towards the end of the line.


    "Old Six, Old Six, stop hiding."


    Fang Qingyun shook his head, "Come out."


    Wang Zhi, who had barely recovered from a severe injury, stepped out with his head lowered, his eyes darting around apprehensively, "Can I, can I also go?"


    "Why not?"


    Fang Qingyun retorted, "What do you think kept you alive with such severe injuries?"


    "Is it Master?"


    Wang Zhi''s body trembled, nearly falling to his knees, "Is he not angry with me anymore?"


    "He''s definitely still angry. Who told you to attack the city with the entire Xuanwu Camp just for the sake of ''loyalty'', leading to so many unnecessary casualties?"


    Fang Qingyun sighed, "But that doesn''t mean he will cut all ties with you. Follow brother Sansi for now. When the old man is in a better mood, I''ll plead your case."


    "Brother Four, your leg..."


    Wang Zhi looked at the lower half of the green-robed scholar, concerned, "In Longqing fifty-seven years, where were you? I didn''t see you for a whole year. They said you were about to breakthrough Martial Saint, how did you end up like this, even giving up martial arts for the literati, referred to as what? ''Phoenix Chick''."


    "Let''s not bring up the past."


    Fang Qingyun''s smile was tinged with bitterness, "Now that everyone is here, let''s set off."


    "Let''s go¡ª"


    Li Qianzong waved his hand grandly.


    The procession of thousands set off mightily.


    Moreover, since Li Qianzong and others were from the Eight Camps, carrying the banners of the Eight Camps, in the Northwest Three States, no one dared to provoke them, and the way was unobstructed.


    Chen Sansi did not ride in a carriage.


    He let Xu Bin''s wife and Sister Lan take the carriage since she had just given birth, and after enduring more than a month of convalescence she was still weak, plus she needed to breastfeed, making it inconvenient to walk with the main group.


    Speaking of which, Xu Bin''s daughter turned out to be quite adorable.


    The name given by Xu Wencai, "Xu Yuhuan", was indeed a bit familiar...


    Furthermore.


    Out of gratitude for this period, Xu Bin insisted on having Chen Sansi become the godfather to his daughter.


    "Xu Bin, you shameless, just like Fatty Wang!"


    Zhao Kang directly cursed, "You think this is gratitude, you just want to take advantage of the situation! If Mr. Chen becomes a Great General in the future, imagine how high you can climb!" Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Exactly."


    Xiong Qiuan, covered in bandages, added, "Really shameless, typical of someone brought out by Wang Zhi."


    Wang Zhi angrily retorted, "Damn it, insult me all you want, but why drag me into this?!"


    Xu Bin turned red with shame, utterly embarrassed.


    "Alright, Brother Bin."


    Chen Sansi readily agreed, "I''ll be this uncle for Yu Huan."


    "This..."


    Xu Bin, realizing the impropriety, said, "Sir, nevermind."


    "I''ve already agreed, and now you say nevermind? Are you taking me for a fool?"


    Chen Sansi joked, "That settles it then, now I also have a daughter."


    "Good, good."


    Xu Bin was beaming, "When Yu Huan learns to talk, I''ll teach her to call me godfather first, without a godfather, she and her mother would have died in the crowd long ago!"


    Thus, the godfather relationship was established.


    It left the rest green with envy.


    Feng Yong hurriedly shouted, "Mr. Chen, I have a daughter too!"


    "Go to hell, Feng Yong, your daughter is too old, she''d be more suited as Mr. Chen''s concubine."


    "Get lost..."


    "Hahahaha¡ª"


    The group bantered and laughed, never bothering to count the days they traveled.


    During these days, Xu Wencai visited Fang Qingyun''s carriage at the same time each day, seemingly gaining a lot.


    Good things.


    The old scholar was undoubtedly skilled, and he wouldn''t fail in critical moments, but limited by his background, there was so much he lacked. With guidance from a general of the Eight Camps, his capabilities would surely improve greatly.


    Speaking of which.


    This Brother Fang really had no airs about him.


    Just like Sun Li and Sun Buqi.


    Anyone personally trained by Supervisor Sun generally wasn''t irritating.


    "Wang Zhi."


    Chen Sansi approached, "You mentioned that Brother Fang almost broke through to Martial Saint before?"


    "Yes."


    Wang Zhi nodded, "He was the first among our fellow disciples to touch the threshold of Martial Saint, but during the invasion of Nanxu Country in Longqing fifty-seven years, he disappeared. When he returned, he became like this, truly unfortunate.


    "Now in the Eight Camps, it seems only the eldest brother is a Martial Saint, and recently one younger brother also reached the threshold..."


    Chen Sansi asked, "In this world, how many Martial Saints are there?"


    "Fifteen years ago, not many, just three to five."


    Wang Zhi carefully counted and replied, "But ever since I left the Eight Camps, there''s been a surge, and now, they say there are dozens of Martial Saints around the world, not just in the court but including several major sects.


    "Of course, those above Martial Saint are still few.


    "My master, he is definitely the strongest."


    "That many more?"


    Chen Sansi temporarily couldn''t reach such a high realm.


    But he also knew that something unusual must be brewing.


    Longqing fifty-seven years.


    Fang Qingyun returned disabled.


    That same year, Supervisor Sun broke above Martial Saint.


    Martial Saints exploded across the world.


    That year, apart from the annihilation of Xuanwu Camp, there must have been other significant events.

 Chapter 119 - 115: A Grown Woman Wont Stay Long

    "We''re almost at Liangzhou!"


    Li Qianzong, riding a horse, spread the news, "Just a final stretch and everyone can rest!"


    "We''re finally almost there."


    Chen Sansi lay on Qian Xun''s horse''s mane, flipping through a book in utter boredom.


    He himself was not tired.


    The main issue was constantly traveling without much time for martial arts, which really made him anxious.


    [Cultivation Technique: Unity Spear Technique (Proficient)]


    [Progress: 168/1000]


    Even after such a long time, despite utilizing the White Swan Horse''s swift speed to chase back and forth, the progress had only increased by this small amount.


    That too under the circumstances of having Spiritual Grain, otherwise the pace would be even slower.


    The book that Chen Sansi held was a folk-banned book, acquired from Fang Qingyun, called "Record of Major Sects under Heaven," which contained records of some major sects and schools throughout the lands.


    In a small Po Yang County alone, there were the Four Great Martial Arts Schools holding sway.


    In larger areas, similar organizations existed.


    They were just not called "martial arts halls" but referred to as "sects."


    As Chen Sansi saw it,


    In this world, the sects largely replaced the influential clans and families of worlds where cultivation was not possible, constituting a significant force.


    Moreover, the history in the "Record of Major Sects under Heaven" was quite different from that in "Dasheng Chronicles."


    In "Dasheng Chronicles," the main accounts were about how the Grand Ancestor Cao Xie was invincible and heroic, and the efforts and hardships of the nation''s founders were significant, while the sects were somewhat glossed over.


    But in "Record of Major Sects under Heaven," the story was different.


    It was said initially, Cao Xie received substantial support from thirty-six major sects throughout the lands, which helped him unify the nation, and some sects even had their own territories three hundred years ago, almost equivalent to feudal princes.


    But Cao Xie was ruthless and ungrateful.


    Within less than five years after his ascension to the throne, he launched a campaign to stifle Jianghu, wiping out the influence of a few largest sects all at once, thereafter suppressing the sects, restricting disciples'' numbers, and limiting their cultivation realms.


    This situation only improved during Yuan''an''s renaissance.


    To this day, every time there is a war, it becomes necessary to dispatch sect disciples to battle, and they have regained some status, albeit limited and are still under the category of families and clans, and no single sect could prevail on its own.


    Interestingly,


    Liangzhou had two major sects with Martial Saints.


    One was the Tiantong Sword Sect, and the other was the Moon Splitting Mountain Villa.


    Apart from the ordinary sects, there was a mysterious sect that greatly intrigued Chen Sansi.


    Seeking Immortal Tower.


    This tower was profoundly mysterious, with a heritage of thousands of years, but it rarely appeared, even during changes of dynasties.


    Their sole purpose was to seek immortality, an organization seemingly detached from worldly desires.


    Next, there was the Witch God Sect.


    It was rumored that thousands of years ago, the Witch God of the Witch God Sect had ascended, and his followers aimed to find the path to the Immortal Realm and continue following the Witch God.


    Supporting the Yuwen family was merely for constructing their own forces to help in their quest to find traces of immortals, coveting the fertile lands of Central Plains because it was easier to find traces of immortals due to the area being rich in extraordinary talents and spiritual lands.


    It seems, the real upper echelons were all practicing immortality.


    And Chen Sansi was still practicing martial arts.


    The disparity between them was as vast as that between the clouds and the mud.


    Coming to the Governor Mansion was indeed the right move.


    Nowadays, there were many Martial Saints, but those above Martial Saint were still as rare as phoenix feathers and unicorn horns.


    By joining the Governor Mansion, if he himself could reach the threshold, it was very likely he could receive guidance.


    Under the Emperor...


    It was pointless to consider.


    Just because he didn''t carry the surname "Cao," his potential was capped.


    How could the Emperor, who was so cautious of Sun Xiangzong, possibly nurture another Chen Sansi?


    Lastly,


    The sect record also mentioned a unique martial constitution called the Transformation and Mysterious Body.


    Individuals with this constitution, before practicing martial arts, showed no difference from ordinary people, but once they started practicing, no matter the cultivation technique, would gradually transform their bodies to be most compatible with the techniques practiced. Those with the Transformation and Mysterious Body, given enough resources, were certain to reach the Martial Saint Realm!


    Thus, the Transformation and Mysterious Body, along with a few other rare constitutions, were collectively known as the Innate Martial Saint Body.


    "Am I an Innate Martial Saint Body?"


    As Chen Sansi read this, his emotions inevitably fluctuated.


    He indeed did not doubt that he could become a Martial Saint. After all, with the proficiency panel and Spiritual Grain, it was merely a question of time.


    But he had not expected that the changes brought by the panel were not illogical.


    It turned out to be a Transformation and Mysterious Body!


    Along the way, Chen Sansi had been worried about the jumbled mix of physiological traits within him, wondering what to do if someone detected it during Bone Training; it seemed he had been overly concerned.


    [Skill: Reading (Small Achievement)]


    [Progress: (496/800)]


    He closed the book and looked up.


    At the end of the road ahead, a city gradually emerged on the horizon. The city was small, even smaller than Po Yang County, with "Dongyi City" inscribed in large characters above the city gate.


    This place was only a dozen or so miles from Liangzhou City, but it was quite strangely besieged by heavy troops.


    On the military banner, the prominent mark of "Black Tortoise Camp" was visible.


    Wang Zhi was taken aback and felt a peculiar sensation in his heart.


    Chen Sansi asked, "What are they doing surrounding this place?"


    "Mr. Chen is not aware,"


    Li Qianzong spoke in a relaxed tone, "During the recent skirmish against the barbarians, due to the shortage of men, temporary help from the disciples of the sects was requested for defending the city. However, this ''Seven Absolute Sect'' actually conspired secretly with the barbarians, betraying the nation and planning to collaborate from inside with the enemy to capture Liangzhou.


    "Obviously, that was wishful thinking. When they acted, they were suppressed by General Lu, and later they led fifteen hundred disciples to hide in Dongyi City.


    "Dongyi City and West Yi City are two garrison cities of Liangzhou City, specifically utilized for stationing troops. There are no civilians; not much grain was stored, and since the conflict had ended, we haven''t rushed to deal with them and simply surrounded them for now.


    "Our Commander always strategizes to minimize casualties."


    Chen Sansi nodded.


    This was indeed true.


    Even with only about a thousand men, storming the city would indeed lead to substantial casualties.


    With little food supply inside, dragging it out would leave only two choices: one, open the gates and surrender; two, starve to death.


    "Let me give a little heads-up to the junior disciple."


    Fang Qingyun, pushed along by Sun Li, came over and spoke slowly:


    "The ''Seven Absolute Sect'' is merely a second-tier sect within Liangzhou. The reason why Master has kept them until now is also to use them as a benchmark for the Selected Point assessment. We will see the specifics of the assessment when the time comes,"


    "Thank you for the tip, Senior Brother."


    Chen Sansi expressed his gratitude.


    "It''s not exactly leaking the questions since many people already knew. Telling you just makes things fairer."


    Fang Qingyun made a gesture of invitation, "Could I ask you to step aside for a private word, Junior Brother?"


    "Why not?"


    Chen Sansi dismounted, took the wheelchair from Sun Li, and pushed it to the woodland beside the road, "What advice do you have, Senior Brother?"


    "Here, take this."


    Fang Qingyun took out a porcelain bottle from his sleeve, "If you feel unwell within two months, mix this with water and drink it. If nothing happens, just discard it, and consider it as if nothing happened."


    Chen Sansi opened the porcelain bottle, which contained black medicinal powder.


    [Green Blood Poison Dew Antidote]


    Antidote.


    Of course.


    Lord Governor Sun probably knew the Emperor had poisoned him.


    He had instructed him to act as usual, obviously having prepared this antidote in advance. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Yet he didn''t explicitly say so.


    And he even said to drink it after two months, wondering if the Emperor would provide an antidote? If provided, then act as if nothing had happened.


    Was this meant to avoid directly confronting the Emperor?


    "I understand now," Chen Sansi said.


    He didn''t ask further.


    "Right, that''s all then."


    Fang Qingyun said softly, "It has been quite a journey, brother. Please push me back; we are about to reach Liangzhou."


    ...


    Ten miles later,


    A giant city came into view.


    The city was as high as six fathoms, and judging from the walls'' thickness, they appeared to be more than five fathoms thick, almost endless at first sight, like a massive beast of rock sprawled across the wilderness.


    It was Liangzhou City, the foremost stronghold of the Northern Territory.


    "Open the gates¡ª"


    After verifying their identities, a team of over a thousand people entered the city smoothly.


    Despite being the closest to the barbarian tribes and in a region of constant strife, the bustling inside the city surprised everyone.


    Passing through the city gates, there were towers and shops everywhere, vendors shouting, people haggling, and the noise of disputes combining into a symphony of life, with streets bustling and people living peacefully.


    "Mr. Chen, please follow me."


    Li Thousand Captain said, "Your and your lady''s accommodations have been arranged by General Fang, and your followers will also be well placed in the areas where the soldiers stay. Please rest assured."


    "Thank you for your efforts."


    Chen Sansi and others bid farewell.


    "Ah, this journey truly wore me out, but at last, we are home."


    Fang Qingyun coughed twice, "May I ask Sister Sun Li to push me home?"


    "Senior Brother Four,"


    Sun Li spoke with a hint of concern in her voice, "Earlier, I encountered Cao Fan and Yin Hanwen, and some others. Why did they all rush from the Capital City to Liangzhou for the Selected Point? Is it really necessary?"


    "The last round of closed-disciples are all aiming for the special skills in the hands of our master, so of course it is necessary," Fang Qingyun stopped, bought some candied hawthorn on sticks, and handed one stick to each of the Sun siblings, "Not just them, but the Crown Prince''s men too, and even the Emperor has sent people to participate in the Selected Point.


    "Their physique is good and they have the best resources. Some are even nearing the Hua Jin phase. This Selected Point might be the most outstanding one of recent years."


    "Nearing Hua Jin?"


    Sun Li stopped mid-bite and pulled the candied hawthorn away from her mouth, "Junior Brother has only just mastered Refining Internal; can he really compete with them?"


    "Stop for a moment."


    "Hmm?"


    After the wheelchair stopped, Fang Qingyun turned around to face his Junior Sister, and just stared without a word.


    "Senior Brother Four, why are you looking at me like that?"


    Sun Li was puzzled.


    "It''s nothing,"


    Fang Qingyun, realizing but not revealing, wore an inscrutable smile, "It just feels like you are quite close to this Junior Brother Chen, worrying about him so soon."


    "Senior Brother,"


    Just as Sun Bu Qi had entered the city, he bought a lot of food and toys and hurried to catch up, "Cao Fan and the others seem quite formidable. Perhaps you could help Sansi when the time comes?


    "His skills would certainly make him the top disciple in other years, but what if he doesn''t make the cut this year? Wouldn''t that be too harsh?"


    "What, you think I should show favoritism?"


    Fang Qingyun struck Sun Bu Qi on the head with a rolled-up scroll, "Even if I wanted to, do you think that would be helping Chen? That would be harming him!


    "Take yourself for example. Although your physique is average, your perceptiveness is excellent. With some effort, you certainly wouldn''t fall far behind Cao Fan and his group. Do you know why you''re still lingering in the Bone Training Realm?


    "Isn''t it because you rely on our Master?


    "I still remember when you were a child at the private school, if you lost a fight, you would immediately threaten with ''my father is a Martial Saint and my Senior Brother is from the Mysterious Phenomenon. I''m going to get them to come and smash your whole family.''


    "Especially Tang Ruoshan. Every time he actually went and intimidated others, either by smashing stone lions with a palm or uprooting willow trees, not stopping until he made them cry. He completely spoiled you!


    "How could you possibly cultivate diligently?"


    "Boring, you manage to bring up something about me in everything,"


    Sun Bu Qi made a quick exit.


    "Hey~"


    Fang Qingyun suddenly remembered something and furrowed his brows, "Sister, unless I''m mistaken, Junior Brother Chen is already married, isn''t he?"


    "Yes, indeed."


    Sun Li, unaware of any issue, answered with a clear gaze, "Sister Lan is very skilled at needlework, she is virtuous and kind-hearted."


    "This is bad, this is bad!"


    Listening to the endless praises, Fang Qingyun first shouted an alarm and then sighed deeply, "Our Master will probably be quite upset about this~"


    "Senior Brother, you''re speaking in bits and pieces. What exactly are you talking about?"


    Sun Li considered herself smart.


    However, today she found her Senior Brother''s words as hard to understand as a riddle."

 Chapter 120 - 116: Imperial Decree Bestowal, Renowned Throughout the Land

    "Mr. Chen, this is the place," said Li Qianzong as he stopped in front of a grand residence. "General Fang has prepared the house in advance and even arranged for two maids. If that''s not enough, you can buy two more yourself."


    "It would be best to purchase the children from poor families through a broker, better than seeing them sold into brothels, wouldn''t you agree?"


    "There''s something else I need to make clear beforehand: People from the Governor Mansion must not randomly kill or harm their servants for entertainment."


    "Of course, this is only if they haven''t made any mistakes. If they do something wrong, they still have to be punished."


    "Alright."


    "I''ve said everything that needs to be said. Now, Mr. Chen, you can settle in here and wait for the notification from the Selected Point.


    "Hmm, you might also get some visitors since those who can participate in the Selected Point are all outstanding and talented youths from various places. In the future, who knows, you might be a General. Mr. Chen, you''ll handle it accordingly."


    "I appreciate it, Li Qianzong. I''ll treat you to a drink another day," said Chen Sansi as he clasped his fist in farewell.


    Li Qianzong had been quite thorough in his explanations, despite the task being a challenging one.


    "We''re at the new home now," Chen Sansi finally had time to look at the residence.


    What a grand home, with three courtyards and three entryways.


    In Po Yang County, only the county magistrate and a few wealthy families could afford such a residence.


    And truthfully, he didn''t even need such a large house. Fortunately, it came with two maids, or else Sister Lan would''ve been worked to death just keeping it clean.


    "We greet the master and the mistress," said two maidens, still at the tender age of puberty, as they came forward to welcome and bowed in respect.


    Chen Sansi waved his hand dismissively, "Mm, you two can go now. I''ll call on you if I need something."


    "Master..."


    The two maids exchanged a glance and timidly spoke, "You haven''t given us our names yet."


    "Names?"


    It was then that Chen Sansi remembered that after selling themselves into servitude, they no longer owned their names.


    He really wasn''t good at naming: "Sister Lan, I''ll leave it to you."


    "Alright, I''ll do it."


    Gu Xinlan took the hands of the two maids, gently inquired about their family backgrounds, ages, and talents, and finally named one Si Qin and the other Mo Hua.


    Both had been sold by their parents from a young age, specifically trained to be sold to wealthy households as maids, and they came at a steep price.


    "It seems I don''t have any silver to provide for the household!"


    It suddenly dawned on Chen Sansi.


    He had fought in battles for two months, without a single coin of silver on him.


    Luckily, he held the rank of a Sixth-rank Captain and additionally a Medal from the rank of fifth-rank cavalier, both of which came with stipends. He just wasn''t sure where to collect it and would have to ask around later.


    "Master!"


    Mo Hua rushed over, looking somewhat panicked, "There is an eunuch outside who says you''re needed to receive an imperial decree, and there are a lot of people."


    "An imperial decree?"


    A surge of unpleasant memories flashed through Chen Sansi''s mind.


    But he had no grudges with the Emperor, so there was nothing to fear, and most likely, it was some kind of reward.


    Even if there was some bad news, he had to receive the decree; what choice did he have when his power was so weak?


    "Let''s go," said Chen Sansi as he walked out the door.


    He saw before the entrance to the residence, there were no less than a dozen carriages lined up ¡ª such a grand spectacle attracted hundreds of onlookers.


    At the front was a eunuch dressed in an exquisite python robe, with a jade belt at his waist, his face pale as paper, his expression somber and his breath steady and long. By his demeanor, he seemed to be trained in the martial arts as well.


    With a sharp and somewhat piercing voice, the eunuch proclaimed, "The imperial decree has arrived, Captain Chengxin Chen Sansi, receive the decree!"


    "Your servant hears and obeys!"


    Chen Sansi and his family knelt down.


    As usual, when one''s strength is lacking, one must bow their heads, or else it''s as good as courting death.


    "By the mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Captain Chengxin Chen Sansi, who has led the people across the Hongze River Shore, has moved both Heaven and Earth. Having heard of it, I am moved to tears. To have such a courageous and benevolent General is indeed my great fortune, as well as the fortune of the Great Sheng Dynasty. Hence, you are promoted to the General of Martial Virtue of the fifth rank and exceptionally appointed as the Standard Third-rank Cavalry Commander in an honorary capacity, bestowed with a thousand taels of gold, fifty thousand taels of silver, a thousand rolls of silk, thirty Refining Organ Treasure Medicine, and a pot of Imperial Wine. Take heed of this decree!"


    "Your servant receives the decree and gratefully thanks the Heavenly Grace, long live the Emperor, long, long live the Emperor!"


    Chen Sansi had no choice but to express his gratitude with perfect propriety, bowing deeply in thanks.


    "Who is this person?"


    "The new neighbor."


    "Leading the people to cross the river?"


    "I''ve heard of this incident. It seems that during Yunzhou''s ten-day crisis, a commander from a small county led tens of thousands of people in an escape. To help the people cross the river, he and his subordinates nearly lost their lives."


    "There''s actually an official willing to go to such lengths for the common people?"


    "The Emperor is indeed a sagacious and enlightened ruler!"


    "Exactly, otherwise he wouldn''t have bestowed so much. With the gold, the silver, and a thousand rolls of silk, that''s enough for many people''s lifetimes of food and clothing combined."


    "So young and already awarded a third-rank medal; he''s eligible to attend court and see the Emperor."


    "This man is sure to be a great leader one day!"


    "..."


    The onlookers discussed among themselves.


    ''Damn it, that old Emperor sure knows how to take advantage of my situation!'' cursed Chen Sansi internally.


    The old Emperor conspired with the enemy and betrayed the country, causing nearly a million civilians to be slaughtered in Yunzhou over ten days. Now, by giving him this reward, he''s trying to garner a good reputation, the epitome of shamelessness.


    The gifts are too few!


    Give more, much more!


    Otherwise, it doesn''t make up for this kneel.


    "Mr. Chen, aren''t you inviting me inside to sit?" inquired the Chief Eunuch from above.


    Chen Sansi stood up: "Please come in, Eunuch. Mo Hua, go make some tea."


    "Master, we don''t have tea¡­" Mo Hua, who had never seen such a scene, was terrified on her first day ''at work'' facing an imperial decree, with talk of thousands in gold and tens of thousands in silver. It was too frightening, making her shiver all over.


    "Eunuch, I have just moved in, and the house is honestly quite empty."


    Chen Sansi explained, "It may be an imposition to ask you to drink plain water."


    "Master, we don''t have plain water either¡­" Si Qin timidly added, "We haven''t even bought firewood or tea sets for the house yet..."


    "Forget it then, I won''t go inside. Let''s talk here," the Great Eunuch stopped in front of the main hall and sighed, "My surname is Hou, and I''m the supervisor of the military in the Northwest Three States, overseeing all military affairs. You can simply call me Elder Hou."


    Chen Sansi inquired, "Is there anything Elder Hou needs?"


    Supervisor.


    The supervisor was naturally Sun Xiangzong; it must be that this person also holds a high position in the palace.


    "You were just granted the fifth-rank title of Flying Cavalry Commander, and now so soon you''ve been further awarded the third-rank title of Light Chariot Commander, far exceeding the medal you should have for your refining organs cultivation."


    Mr. Hou emphasized with a drag, "Mr. Chen, do you understand the implication of this?"


    "The heavenly grace of His Majesty, this general will surely hold firmly in his heart, and will not forget it for a moment!"


    Chen Sansi said word by word, "Not forget it for a moment!"


    "Good, you are indeed clever!"


    Mr. Hou waved his hand, signaling his subordinate eunuchs to bring up the imperial wine, "Mr. Chen, do not let down the holy intent."


    [Green Blood Poison Dew Antidote]


    Chen Sansi picked up the imperial wine and drank it all in one gulp.


    Constant poisoning was no solution.


    Because over time, the poison would certainly flare up, and it wouldn''t do to have slow-acting poison, periodically bestowing some food and drink as gifts. Even a fool would find it odd, and it would only increase the distance between monarch and subject.


    Better to give the antidote and then bestow great rewards, which could win people''s hearts.


    If it weren''t for Chen Sansi''s prior knowledge of the poison through [Recognize Medicine], and the serendipitous understanding of Yunzhou''s inside story, he might have really thought this was a benevolent and wise monarch, and hence felt grateful and esteemed.


    The means of an emperor to rule over his subjects!


    "Good."


    Mr. Hou watched him drink the wine and smiled, "Mr. Chen, you will next stay at the Governor Mansion''s Selected Point, so..."


    "Rest assured, Mr. Hou."


    Chen Sansi replied promptly, "As a servant, no matter where I am, I will always remember that I am a subject of the Great Sheng Dynasty, a subject of His Majesty."


    "You are a smart one, I like you! Alright, since there''s no tea or refreshments, I will take my leave now."


    Mr. Hou left, satisfied.


    The others helped move things into the Chen Mansion and then dared to depart.


    As the gates were closed,


    Chen Sansi immediately took out the refining organ treasure medicine and began to practice.


    Thousands of gold and silver coins, plus a thousand rolls of silk, would indeed suffice for some time.


    But what was really valuable was the treasure medicine!


    After reaching above the refining organs stage, the required medicines could basically no longer be gauged by money.


    The truly precious ingredients were invaluable; after all, they demanded extremely harsh requirements for age and growth environment, which is why even Po Yang County was at its resource limit when it came to refining organs.


    Even in the Eight Camps, treasure medicines were not available to just anyone who wished for them.


    Because the Eight Camps were constantly relocating, they had no fixed assets of their own, and military supplies also required court allocated funds and local support to maintain. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Fortunately, I won''t be lacking for the time being."


    After Chen Sansi verified that the treasure medicine was fine, he swallowed it, and under the powerful force of the medicine, he practiced his spear technique.


    Thirty pieces of treasure medicine, enough to support him until Hua Jin!


    The combined value, how could it be just thousands of gold?


    [Cultivation Technique: Unity Spear Technique (Mastered)]


    [Progress: 288/1000]


    With the addition of Spiritual Grain, the efficiency of skill improvement was astonishing!


    Logically, after entering the Refining Internal Organs stage, the speed of cultivation progress was bound to slow down.


    But he was confident that, within one month, he could break through to refining organs small achievement.


    Chen Sansi had originally planned to enter seclusion.


    But the very next day, his residence became bustling.


    Invitations, from scholars, aristocratic families, sects, to officials big and small, a massive amount of invitations were sent to Chen Mansion. Suddenly, the doorstep was as busy as a marketplace, with an endless stream of visitors coming and going.


    With such a grand display of imperial reward, even though it wasn''t in the Capital City, it indicated a promising future. It was normal that people wanted to make connections.


    Chen Sansi did not refuse them.


    The resources needed for future practice would increase, and one couldn''t guarantee when they might be needed from a family.


    It was just that for the time being, he really couldn''t accommodate them all.


    "Shanshi!"


    That afternoon, after Chen Sansi had eaten and was practicing spear in the courtyard,


    Sun Buqi knocked on his door, "Come on, I''m here on their behalf to invite you to the banquet, the Selected Point''s banquet, you must go."


    "Selected Point''s banquet?"


    Chen Sansi took the opportunity to ask, "By the way, could you tell me about the specific processes involved with Selected Point?"


    Soon, with Sun Buqi''s explanation, he roughly understood the process.


    Selected Point was divided into two main categories: Reserve Military Officer and Reserve Generals.


    Those who participated in Selected Point were subject to age restrictions.


    Within the age limit, anyone above refining organs cultivation could participate in the Reserve Generals'' selection.


    Additionally, each Selected Point would accept eight Inner Sect Disciples, but there was only one True Inheritor!


    There were five parts to the assessment.


    One, formation setting.


    Two, formation breaking.


    Three, battle deployment, that is real combat.


    Four, martial arts competition.


    Five, root bone, to judge the upper limit and then decide how many resources to allocate based on that limit.


    The series of assessments was basically equivalent to another martial arts examination process.


    The difference was that after passing the assessment, one would directly stay in the Eight Camps and be taught martial arts by Sun Xiangzong.


    "Shanshi, this year is the toughest one."


    Sun Buqi sighed, "Last time, the ones you saw like Yin Hanwen, Cao Fan, and even Elder Yan''s grandson are here, along with the Young Sect Master from the Sky-reaching Sword Sect in Liangzhou, disciples from the Moon Splitting Mountain Villa, and so on...


    "Most of them have reached Refining Internal Organs Perfection!


    "And because everyone arrived particularly early this year, the Selected Point will officially start in ten days!


    "Shanshi, you''ve just mastered your refining organs skill, haven''t you?


    "These opponents are not like the previous ones. Each and every one of them has a special physique. Anywhere in the Jianghu, they could be undefeated at the same stage. It won''t be easy for you to win against them across cultivation levels."


    To Chen Sansi,


    All these could wait till later.


    What mattered to him was that there was only one True Inheritor!


    Not only was he the last batch of Selected Point disciples, but also the last True Inheritor. Needless to say, what that implied.


    Immortal Law.


    Only by becoming the only true inheritor would there possibly be a chance to touch upon the ways to break through above Martial Saint!

 Chapter 121 - 117: Paying Respects at the Dock

    "If that''s the case,"


    "I really must secure the first place."


    Chen Sansi was aware that the people from the famous families across the whole world definitely were not the same as those from a poor and remote place like Po Yang County.


    Take the Blood Refining Realm for instance.


    In Po Yang County, most people only reach a ''large'' level.


    He, on the other hand, had his power flowing through his entire body. How could it be the same?


    Whether it''s the royal family or any noble family, no matter how inferior, they wouldn''t lack much, their resources were absolutely sufficient, not to mention, their talents were not poor either.


    At least one parent in each noble family was a high-realm martial artist, plus with wealthy people having many descendants, each generation could generally produce at least one fairly talented individual, and if lucky, even a genius.


    Challenging across realms was certainly difficult.


    Moreover, for those in the Refining Internal Realm, martial artists could experience a special state called "Blood Burst" which immensely amplified their abilities. Even transcending one realm might not guarantee a win, let alone he had only achieved a small achievement in his cultivation technique.


    It was just that time was tight.


    Once the war broke out, all the Selection Officers from across the country were summoned in advance, causing the selection to be held much earlier.


    For him to reach a small achievement in refining internal organs, it would take at least twenty days at the fastest.


    Unless he could secure more beast meat, particularly Exotic Beast Meat, and find someone to train with him day and night without stopping, maybe he could speed up the process a bit.


    "Oh well, let''s go and see first."


    Chen Sansi, along with Sun Buqi, embarked in a carriage.


    It was his first time entering the city from the county, and he couldn''t help but lift the curtain to enjoy the street views. When they passed through the bustling market area, he used his keen eyes to spot a few notices.


    Among them, two in particular caught his attention.


    A wanted order from the Witch God Sect, and a eulogy of his leading people across the river.


    Chen Sansi inquired, "Is the Witch God Sect also in Liangzhou City?"


    "Of course, it is."


    Sun Buqi leaned back in his seat, munching on some unknown fruit, and said, "The Witch God Sect has been causing chaos for more than just a day or two. They have a presence practically all over the world, and not all of them are Barbarians. They have many followers even in the Central Plains, hard to distinguish from their appearance. Lurking in the darkness, they disrupt the peace and stir up trouble everywhere.


    "Just like in Seven Absolute Sect of Dongyi City, in my opinion, eight or nine out of ten, it''s their instigation."


    "Hmm."


    Chen Sansi had long heard of the Witch God Sect causing chaos everywhere. Po Yang County was unaffected before the Immortal Treasure incident because it was too insignificant.


    The place was too small with not enough strategic value, that even the Witch God Sect couldn''t be bothered to come.


    "And furthermore,"


    Sun Buqi sat upright, seriously stating, "The followers in Liangzhou City specifically target martial artists. Initially, they killed those of lower realms more often, but later they even took down those in higher realms. It''s said during the frontline warfare, even the top disciple of Moon Splitting Mountain Villa was killed."


    "Killing martial artists?"


    Chen Sansi contemplated internally.


    The Witch God Sect, while using millions of citizens for a blood sacrifice, dared to kill martial artists; the objects in their hands seemed less like treasures of immortals and more like demonic items, all needing human lives as fuel.


    "But don''t worry,"


    Sun Buqi added, "Most of those who died were disciples of sects and people from the Jianghu. They rarely dare to attack people from the Eight Camps, and after the war ends, my father really plans to investigate this thoroughly."


    Initially in Po Yang County, various martial arts halls captured common folks daily to test medicines.


    Now in Liangzhou, the sects were the targets persecuted by the Witch God Sect.


    "The matter of Amugu''s disappearance¡­"


    Just mentioning the Witch God Sect made Chen Sansi involuntarily think of this expert of the Meridian Passage Realm.


    He was somewhat worried. Although he had claimed in front of five thousand cavalrymen that Amugu was killed by Sun Xiangzong and due to some misunderstandings, the supervisor did actually make an appearance afterward, but there were still gaps in the story.


    If Sun Xiangzong had arrived at the scene earlier, there would have been no need for their roadblock which resulted in heavy casualties.


    Fortunately, even if the Witch God Sect suspected him, they wouldn''t share that information with the Sheng Dynasty.


    If the old Emperor got his hands on the Immortal Treasure, he wouldn''t return it to the Barbarians; they could only investigate secretly.


    Next, he just needed to be more cautious.


    Moreover, if there truly were other assailants, Chen Sansi, while ensuring his own safety, would try to capture a living person to interrogate thoroughly about the Immortal Treasure, to see if it matched his speculations.


    "Sansi,"


    Sun Buqi interrupted his train of thought, "His Majesty has declared your merits to the whole world; today, quite a few people will probably seek to make your acquaintance."


    "Hmm."


    Chen Sansi nodded.


    The banquet venue called the "Immortal Crane Tower" could be considered the Eight Treasures Building of Liangzhou City, but since it was a state city, the level of luxury there naturally couldn''t be compared to a small county town.


    Even so, today the Immortal Crane Tower was still reserved entirely.


    The entire street was filled with all kinds of luxurious carriages, showing the high status of the attendees at this event.


    "Ahem!"


    Sun Buqi cleared his throat, "Sansi, let me break it down for you, the people here today roughly belong to three camps.


    "The first is the Emperor''s people.


    "The second, the people of the Crown Prince.


    "The third, people from famous families. Within the famous families, they are further divided according to whom they affiliate with."


    This was no ordinary banquet, but a complex web of political networking.


    "You can actually discern all this."


    Chen Sansi admired, noting that birth indeed determined perspective and insight.


    He indeed needed Sun Buqi beside him, otherwise, if he went in alone, he would be utterly blind, not recognizing anyone or knowing how to react.


    "People from sects can also participate in the Selection?"


    Chen Sansi asked.


    "Of course they can."


    Sun Buqi responded, "The lands, medicine gardens, and even mountains in various places are largely occupied by the sects and noble families, so any military needs must rely on them for support. Correspondingly, it''s natural to provide them with opportunities."


    Land consolidation and class solidification were not phenomena exclusive to Po Yang County.


    The whole Great Sheng Dynasty was the same.


    To make the sects cooperate sincerely, it was necessary to provide opportunities. Once in power, their status became even more secure, and this cycle could continue indefinitely without limits; the sects would be like local emperors.


    Chen Sansi couldn''t help recalling, in his previous life when he read historical tales, the Emperor who founded the Eastern Han, the "Child of the Plane" Liu Xiu, had managed significant feats with the support of the noble families of Central Plains, much like Cao Xie initially.


    During their conversation, the two walked into the Immortal Crane Tower.


    Upon entering, there was no noise, only the sound of quiet conversations and faintly playing music, with prominent officials coming and going. Not one was a commoner.


    Even among the Selected Blades, only a few who had achieved at least small success in Refining Internal Organs were present at the banquet. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    There were acquaintances.


    Cao Fan, Yin Hanwen.


    "Congratulations to the Princely Heir and Mr. Yin for your great achievements in Yunzhou!"


    "..."


    "..."


    "Has Brother Bu Qi arrived?"


    "Brother Bu Qi, long time no see!"


    Many people came up to Sun Buqi with compliments, "This person beside you, must be Mr. Chen, right?"


    "Oh, leading people across the river, known throughout the world!"


    "Mr. Chen is so young yet has already caught the Emperor''s favor. You will definitely rise rapidly!"


    "..."


    Soon, a large circle had formed around Chen Sansi.


    Most of them were young offspring of officials.


    Sun Buqi introduced, "This is Lu Shuhua, the Young Sect Master of the Sky-reaching Sword Sect, and this is Chu Tianshu of the Lingxu Sect. This Immortal Crane Tower belongs to Brother Chu."


    "Brother Lu, Brother Chu."


    Chen Sansi responded one by one, neither overly humble nor arrogant, feeling no need to ingratiate himself with others, nor offend anyone.


    "Lu Shuhua is one of your strong competitors, born with the Sword Heart Body, already perfected in Refining Internal Organs, with superb swordsmanship and formidable strength."


    Sun Buqi pointed to a distant place where Zongmen disciples stood with Cao Fan, and whispered, "That''s Wen Qiushi from the Moon Splitting Mountain Villa standing over there, he has always been ingratiating himself with the Princely Heir, and those others too."


    In fact.


    Looking around inside and outside the Immortal Crane Tower, it was indeed the group around Cao Fan that was the largest, each of them exceedingly respectful towards him.


    The first thing everyone did upon entering was to offer him a toast, and then they mingled and made connections with others.


    "Sigh~"


    Sun Buqi sighed and said, "Now with both the governorship and military supervision secured by the eunuchs, two of the eight camps belong to the Crown Prince''s men. They see that my father is about to retire from the battlefield, and they''ve started treating us coldly so early!"


    Retire from the battlefield?


    Chen Sansi thought it probably wasn''t that simple.


    The scene before him increasingly resembled his earlier conjecture: Supervisor Sun won''t live much longer.


    These people were here to divide up the influence of the Eight Camps.


    Supervisor Sun probably allowed this to unfold because he was somehow trying to secure a retreat for his two remaining children.


    Because¡­


    Chen Sansi hadn''t heard of any other True Disciple who had broken through to a level Above Martial Saint capable of protecting Supervisor Sun''s family.


    "..."


    "Hypocrite!"


    Yin Hanwen angrily exclaimed, "Princely Heir, that man is utterly deceitful! Why did he insist on staying behind to help the civilians cross the river during the battle, if not to gain a reputation through these means? And our Holy Emperor, benevolent as he is, was actually deceived by him."


    "Yes, Princely Heir."


    Wen Qiushi chimed in, "He didn''t even come over to offer you a toast. He received a third-rank title and now thinks too highly of himself?"


    Cao Fan, holding a wine cup, slowly said, "Not only the Grand Emperor, but even my father thinks highly of him, hoping that I could make connections with him. It''s really troubling - I don''t see what a country Refiner, even with the Nine Dragon Body, can do."


    "Yes, Princely Heir, you have the Dragon Heart Tiger Bone, a bodily vessel of an Innate Martial Saint."


    Yin Hanwen expressed his admiration, "In this Selected Blade, no one poses a threat to you."


    "Yes, naturally."


    Cao Fan spoke calmly, "Father is probably not worried about that. He likely wants to recruit him for our use."


    "I''ll get him to come over and offer a toast to the Princely Heir!"


    Wen Qiushi said and was about to go over, but the other party took the initiative to come forward.


    "Greetings to the Princely Heir."


    Chen Sansi first saluted, then offered a toast.


    He hadn''t forgotten the disdain and arrogance the other party had shown at the banks of the Hongze River, refusing to even let him speak, instantly branding him as a deserter.


    However, it was better not to burn bridges in such gatherings, as even if there were minor conflicts later, they wouldn''t easily be suspected.


    Cao Feng''s smile was somewhat mocking, "Brother Chen, isn''t this toast a bit late?"


    "Princely Heir, please don''t blame me. It''s my first time at such a grand event, and I may have been inadvertently discourteous. I''ll punish myself with three cups."


    Saying this, Chen Sansi downed three cups in succession.


    "Impressive tolerance."


    Only then did Cao Fan appear satisfied.


    Not all present were children of wealth and power; some were talented individuals from lesser places and impoverished backgrounds.


    In previous Selected Blade events, this gathering would really just have been about making connections.


    But since it was Sun Xiangzong''s last time and even the Crown Prince''s son was involved, the situation became more complex - turning into a political networking event and an opportunity to choose allegiances.


    Governor Mansion, Crown Prince, and the Yan Party.


    Grandson of Elder Yan was also present.


    There were three docks to choose from, depending on their own choices.


    Because of Supervisor Sun''s esteemed reputation, half still chose to ally with the Governor Mansion''s dock.


    The rest, sensing the delicate situation, either chose Cao Fan or Elder Yan''s grandson.


    Knowing who would be participating in the Selected Blade, Chen Sansi no longer felt inclined to stay. No matter what, he would try to compete for the first place¡ªcourting factions was pointless.


    He put down his wine cup, ready to leave with Sun Buqi, when suddenly someone with a resonant and powerful voice holding a wine cup approached, echoing through the hall,


    "I am Bai Thingzhi from Guangling County, long have I admired General Chen''s great reputation!


    "General Chen leading people across the river, shook the heavens and moved the Earth, truly a role model for us martial artists and military men!


    "Here''s to you!"

 Chapter 122 - 118 Selected Point Begins (Long Chapter)

    This person''s voice was extremely loud.


    So much so that almost everyone turned their heads to look.


    Bai Tingzhi stood rigidly in place, looking straight ahead without a sideways glance, waiting for the other party to respond.


    "Where did this man come from, and why does he have no sense of decorum?"


    "Judging by his attire, he''s from the countryside..."


    "After he entered, he should have first proposed a toast to the Princely Heir and others. To seek an association with Mr. Chen, he should''ve done so quietly and privately. Shouting out loud like this is the equivalent of..."


    Paying tribute!


    However, the problem is, Chen Sansi was a newcomer, his cultivation level wasn''t high and he lacked significant backing, and therefore had no right to open his own port of call.


    "Wait a minute."


    Wen Qiushi narrowed his eyes and demanded, "The Princely Heir is standing before you, and you do not offer him a toast first?"


    "The Princely Heir?"


    Bai Tingzhi said bluntly, "I do not recognize the Princely Heir, I only recognize General Chen!"


    Now that Chen Sansi had been titled a fifth-rank General of Martial Virtue, he truly was an authentic general.


    "What an idiot!"


    Yin Hanwen said angrily, "Even your Mr. Chen has to offer a toast to the Princely Heir first. Do you even understand the rules?!"


    "Brother Bai, quickly offer a toast to the Princely Heir."


    Chen Sansi, overwhelmed by the sudden situation, almost didn''t react in time: "Don''t just stand there."


    He saw at a glance that this young man was a blockhead who entirely lacked an understanding of the rules.


    This had offended the already proud Princely Heir.


    "You are the Princely Heir? General Chen tells me to offer you a toast!"


    Bai Tingzhi once again shocked everyone, "Cheers!"


    ''How could this man be as dim-witted as Zhu Tong?''


    Chen Sansi couldn''t bear to watch.


    Cao Fan, his lips twitching with anger, narrowed his eyes: "What stray dog thinks he''s worthy of drinking with me, the Princely Heir?"


    "If you don''t want to drink, then don''t drink. Why insult someone?"


    Bai Tingzhi stared back fiercely, "You want to fight?"


    "Get out!"


    Another young master in brocade clothing approached, it was none other than the grandson of the current Chief Minister, Yan Liang, named Yan Changqing. With a cupped-fist salute, he said, "Princely Heir, this person is obviously a country bumpkin who doesn''t understand decorum. Why lower yourself to his level?"


    At Chen Sansi''s hinting glances, Bai Tingzhi finally took his leave with a cupped-fist salute.


    "Yan Changqing, is it your turn to speak?"


    Cao Fan was unabashedly hostile, "What kind of guts do you have, coming to Liangzhou to compete with me for the Selected Point?"


    "The competition for the Selected Point is a fair one, and moreover, I am here by imperial command,"


    Yan Changqing lowered his head, his words were respectful, yet his tone very calm, "Please do not take offense, Princely Heir."


    "Fine, we shall see what happens."


    Cao Fan sneered, looking at Chen Sansi, "Brother Chen, let me remind you, the Yan father and son are grasshoppers after the autumn, they won''t be jumping for long. Choose your side wisely or you''ll regret it too late."


    Sure enough, he was already considering him a member of the Yan Party.


    In fact, even if Yan Changqing hadn''t stepped forward to help, it was still impossible to avoid this association.


    Courtly conflicts were complex.


    The most obvious were the Yan Party and the Gao Faction.


    One could not discuss such things openly.


    But everyone in the court basically understood that behind the two factions stood the Emperor and the Crown Prince, respectively.


    Having just received the imperial decree, Chen Sansi naturally appeared to be one of the Emperor''s men, thus closer to the Yan Party.


    Even if he was a thousand times unwilling, he had no choice but to get entangled in the factional struggles.


    Such is the unavoidable nature of serving as an official in the court.


    Luckily, he wasn''t in the Capital City, so at least he did not have to engage in daily political maneuvers. Otherwise, he would have to consider carefully which foot to step into the Imperial Palace with when attending court.


    Perhaps,


    it was the Emperor''s intention all along.


    To split his subordinates into groups for mutual checks and balances, making it easier for the old Emperor to maintain control.


    "Mr. Chen, I was too preoccupied to greet you earlier, my apologies,"


    Yan Changqing, having sent off the Princely Heir, began speaking leisurely, "But in the future, you really must keep your men in line. It is fortunate that this was a private banquet, for if it were at the court..."


    "This person is not my man."


    Chen Sansi replied, "Nevertheless, I thank you, Young Master Yan."


    "You are too courteous, Mr. Chen."


    Yan Changqing approached, smiling, "We are both servants of His Majesty, and in the upcoming competition, we must support and assist each other. If I manage to secure first place and become the True Inheritor, you, Mr. Chen, will surely become one of my commanding generals."


    "Mr. Yan."


    Sun Buqi interjected, "Is there a possibility that Sansi himself might secure the True Inheritor''s position?"


    "Oh?"


    Yan Changqing curled his lips, "With no disrespect, it seems that Mr. Chen has only recently begun Refining Internal, right? The rest of us are at least at the small achievement stage, like me, just one step away from Hua Jin. Not to mention the final round of martial contests, I fear no matter what, that would be an insurmountable barrier."


    "As for me, even though I am nominally inferior to the Princely Heir, if I make a breakthrough to the Great Success of Refining soon, I might still have a chance to defeat him."


    This one was also on the verge of achieving Great Success in Refining Internal.


    Chen Sansi could not help but feel a sense of urgency.


    It seems that he would need to make a breakthrough to small success soon, or else he truly wouldn''t stand much chance in securing a victory in the competition.


    The feast lasted into the late night.


    As expected, Chen Sansi left early.


    He inquired, "Bu Qi, I recall from records that there are many Exotic Beasts in the Luotian Mountain Range near Liang state, correct?"


    "Yes, I know of a place,"


    Upon hearing about hunting, Sun Buqi''s expression turned excited, "Are you planning to hunt Exotic Beasts to enhance your cultivation?"


    Chen Sansi nodded in affirmation.


    Medicine had been stacked to the utmost.


    To increase his pace further, he could only turn to nourishing food.


    Exotic Beasts, like treasure medicines, were rare resources that one couldn''t buy with money.


    Typically, only martial artists would hunt them, and once they acquired them, they would consume them first. Only the unused parts might be sold off. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 123 - 118 Selected Point Begins (Long Chapter)_2

    And many Exotic Beasts require their effects to be fresh to be of any good, once they are put on hold for too long, they immediately lose most of their value.


    "After going round in circles, I''m back to my old job,"


    Chen Sansi inquired about the specific situation within the Luotian Mountain Range.


    "There are quite a few, such as the Saber-Toothed Tiger, whose blood can brew wine that promotes Refining Internal, and other parts of its body are even more nourishing. However, they are very fierce, and one Saber-Toothed Tiger generally possesses the combat strength of a Refining Organ Martial Artist."


    Sun Buqi counted on his fingers, "Then there are the Giant Apes, Fierce Bears, Shadow Leopards, and so on, a wide variety with each one being a great supplement but also more dangerous than the last. And they are not easy to find."


    "And you need to be careful when hunting, don''t venture too deep into the mountains."


    "There are many Poisonous Beasts inside."


    "Poisonous Beasts?"


    Chen Sansi asked in confusion, "Tell me more."


    "These Poisonous Beasts have only started to appear in recent years."


    Sun Buqi stroked his chin and said, "Unlike Exotic Beasts, Poisonous Beasts have the combat strength of Exotic Beasts, but their flesh can''t be eaten; consuming it can damage the internal organs and meridians. Moreover, in the deep mountains, you might even encounter them in swarms, and if you are besieged, not only is it dangerous, but even if you kill them all, you won''t gain any benefits, so who would want to waste their effort unnecessarily."


    "And it seems as if Poisonous Beasts are proliferating like a contagion, there''s a region where once a type of old ape that could mimic humans using weapons appeared, and now exhibit all kinds of toxins,"


    "It is said that in the very core of the Luotian Mountain Range, a giant python dwells. Decades ago someone saw it, reputed to be over fifty zhang long and one zhang thick!"


    Is this even a snake anymore?


    Chen Sansi grew more curious about the former topic, "Such a sudden emergence of Poisonous Beasts, has no one looked into it?"


    "Of course, they have, but they couldn''t figure out the reason."


    Sun Buqi shrugged his shoulders, "In the end, the matter was dropped, and few people go there anymore."


    Where there''s something abnormal, there''s bound to be a demon.


    Chen Sansi quietly made a note in his heart to pay more attention to it if he had the chance.


    Ever since he learned that reaching the pinnacle of Martial Arts could potentially lead one onto the Immortal Path, he became particularly interested in such matters.


    "There''s another thing you don''t know."


    Sun Buqi really enjoyed this "teacher" feeling and spoke at length, "After Hua Jin, the weapons you use can no longer be ordinary; you need to use Mystical Weapons."


    "So-called Hua Jin is transforming Qi-Blood into a surge of force."


    "At this time, it needs to be applied to the weapon."


    "Some weapons can convey the force very well, almost with no loss, while ordinary weapons will greatly weaken the conduction of the force, leading to not being able to fully exert one''s power."


    "Your Zhenyue Sword is a Mystical Weapon, but the reed leaf gun won''t do, you''ll need to change it in the future."


    "Some materials from the Exotic Beasts on the mountain can be used to forge Mystical Weapons."


    "However, that''s a matter for after you''ve achieved Hua Jin, it''s still far off, I''m just telling you in advance."


    "Force, Mystical Weapons?"


    Chen Sansi pondered, "Can this force be applied to bows and arrows?"


    He had long felt that bows and arrows were becoming more and more useless.


    Killing a Refining Organ Martial Artist was extremely difficult, requiring prolonged attrition until the opponent became dizzy and couldn''t cope anymore.


    As a result, he later had to carry a long spear and fight desperately. S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But if he could apply this force to bows and arrows...


    Chen Sansi had a lingering memory of the Witch God Sect''s Meridian Passage expert Amugu''s method of attack¡ªmany attacks didn''t need actual skin contact but were carried out with an invisible force, which must be this force.


    If he could attach this force to the arrows, wouldn''t it mean ranged force strikes?


    Coupled with an even heavier bow, he might again be able to kill Martial Artists of the same realm in the Bone Training Realm as easily as slaughtering chickens and dogs.


    But Sun Buqi''s subsequent answer left him greatly disappointed.


    "It won''t work."


    Sun Buqi replied, "The force is something that bursts forth in a moment, attached to the body or a weapon. Only after Mysterious Phenomenon and transforming Hua Jing to Gang can it leave the body, but there''s no guarantee. After you reach entry-level, you can ask my father; he may know."


    Chen Sansi nodded, knowing that he could only play it by ear.


    It''s better not to aim too high for now¡ªhe had to get an Exotic Beast first and strive to reach a small achievement in Refining Internal before the official start of the Selected Point contest.


    Liangzhou City, this was a true clash of titans!


    The top forces from all around were present, all for the secrets above Martial Saint.


    Chen Sansi tentatively asked, "Bu Qi, none of your father''s Direct Disciples have broken through to above Martial Saint, is it because they lack the talent, or is there another reason?"


    "Mostly it''s a lack of talent."


    Sun Buqi''s mood sank as he said, "The eldest senior brother seems to have touched upon the threshold, but my dad has always refrained from teaching him; I don''t know why. The guy deserves it; in recent years, he''s gotten very close with people in the court, helping them to divide my father''s power."


    The eldest senior brother.


    Chen Sansi recalled the fierce man with the Heavenly Halberd by the Hongze River.


    "General Chen!"


    Bai Thingzhi, who had earlier been making random gestures of respect in the Immortal Crane Tower, stopped the coachman. Behind him, he carried a broadsword, "I''m here to apologize! They said that what I did just now could cause trouble for you, my apologies."


    "..."


    Chen Sansi indicated it was fine and without saying much more, instructed the coachman to drive on.


    "Mr. Chen, let me follow you!"


    Bai Thingzhi chased after the carriage, running, "I admire you, and I''ve decided to follow you for life!"


    "Brother Bai."


    Chen Sansi said, "Stop making a fuss, I don''t even have a position in Liangzhou right now, what would you do following me?"


    "I''ll do anything!"


    Bai Thingzhi followed stubbornly, "Sir, I come from a poor family and have practiced Martial Arts since I was young, just to find someone worthy of my loyalty. Those dogs in the court won''t do, I''m happy to follow you!"

 Chapter 124 - 118 Selected Point Begins (Long Chapter)_3

    "First, let''s start with the Selected Point,"


    Chen Sansi said, "Choose the Selected Point carefully, you may even rank higher than me."


    Those who could participate in the banquet all possessed outstanding qualifications and realms.


    "Then I will follow you! General, even if you rank lower, it''s only temporary, and I believe you will definitely win!"


    Bai Tingzhi firmly said, "General, I''m sorry about today! I''ll catch you an Exotic Beast later as an apology."


    Chen Sansi was slightly surprised, "You know where to find an Exotic Beast?"


    "Yes."


    Bai Tingzhi said, "I''ve been in Liangzhou for three months, with no money on me. To improve my Cultivation, I could only rely on the mountains; after two months of exploring, I finally found traces of the Exotic Beasts a few days ago."


    "That''s good."


    Chen Sansi agreed, "Come to my residence tomorrow, and we''ll go up the mountain together."


    "Yes, General!"


    Only then did Bai Tingzhi cease following him.


    "What is this, my fanatic fan?"


    Chen Sansi looked at the other''s fervent gaze, somewhat unaccustomed.


    With the trouble at the Hongze River and the old Emperor''s proclamation to the whole world, he seemed to have truly become a celebrity.


    It''s just that his Cultivation realm was too low.


    Normally, this wouldn''t be a problem, but this year every genius from all over had swarmed to Liangzhou, raising the standards of the Selected Point by more than double, making it seem somewhat insufficient.


    Upon returning to his residence, Si Qin and Mo Hua had already arranged everything properly.


    Chen Sansi only needed to eat and practice martial arts.


    [Cultivation Technique: Unity Spear Technique (Mastered)]


    [Progress: 423/1000]


    At night, naturally, it was time to fulfill the duties of a husband and wife. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Early the next morning.


    Bai Tingzhi was waiting at the door.


    But before they could leave for the mountain to hunt, they were found by Li Qianzong: "Both of you, please come with me to the Eight Camps first. General Fang will announce the first major task of this assessment."


    "Isn''t the Selected Point starting in ten days?"


    "Mr. Chen will understand once you''re there."


    The Eight Camps, unlike the garrison troops, comprised the elite of the elite. The place they resided was naturally not mere tents but a specially designated area, you could say a city within a city.


    Along the way, the patrolling soldiers they encountered were all dressed in exquisite armour, wielding fine weapons, and each one full of vigor. One glance was enough to know they possessed extraordinary combat strength.


    There were several dozens of Martial Arts Arenas, large and small.


    In the Central Army Martial Arts Arena, Fang Qingyun sat on a high platform, below which the Reserve Generals for this Selected Point were gathered.


    Everyone was given a Map of the Array.


    Chen Sansi held the Map of the Array, easily recognizing it as the Four-Door Sinking Formation.


    This Formation was aligned according to the Bagua, typically once deployed, each square''s soldiers would interlock, gradually becoming unified, crossing each other regardless of where the enemy was positioned, making them feel completely surrounded.


    It was a top-tier difficult Formation, testing greatly the cooperation and tacit understanding of the soldiers, as well as whether they could maintain it.


    "Gentlemen!"


    Fang Qingyun spoke slowly, his voice clear, "Selected Point chooses Generals who command troops. If a military officer can''t even deploy troops and arrange formations, then he will forever only be responsible for charging into the formation, being a mere warrior.


    "So, the first assessment of the Selected Point is deploying the Formation!


    "Among you, those who have studied military strategies should have already recognized this Formation as the ''Four-Door Sinking Formation'', a top-tier difficult Formation.


    "Coming up, Liangzhou''s General Zhao will pull a group of troops from his command, all being the elite of the elites from Liangzhou garrison troops. Each of you will be able to personally select troops from them.


    "Afterwards, you have nine days to arrange and practice the Formation. After nine days, we will conduct the assessment here.


    "At that time, the Commander, governor, supervisor, and several Generals will come to observe the Formation. Whoever trains the smoothest and most solid Formation, that doesn''t disperse in chaos, will be victorious!


    "Okay, you may now go to General Zhao to receive your troops. The training starts today!"


    With that, the announcement of the rules was complete.


    The Selected Spear Generals, one by one, headed towards General Zhao, preparing to go to another Martial Arts Arena to select their troops.


    Deploying the Formation!


    Chen Sansi, having the [Training Soldiers Skillfully] trait, was confident that even if he was given raw recruits, as long as they had learned Pile Work, he could train the Formation in nine days to ensure it was smooth.


    However, he wasn''t sure how sturdy the Formation would turn out to be and by what means it would be tested.


    Compared to that, he trusted his own men more.


    Those men, they all possessed the [Sinking Formation Death Will].


    Thinking this, Chen Sansi stepped forward and asked, "General Fang, may I use the troops I brought from Po Yang?"


    "Oh? Of course, you can."


    fFang Qingyun nodded, "But you may want to think it over, the rest are using the elites from the Liangzhou Guard, who just recently battled barbarians outside the Great Wall. The people you brought from Po Yang..."


    "I''m certain!"


    Chen Sansi declared firmly.

 Chapter 125 - 119: The Supervisor Gifts a Bow

    "Are you certain, all of them?"


    Fang Qingyun repeated the question.


    He had several exchanges and conversations with Mr. Xu recently and found him quite agreeable. Indeed, the man possessed considerable talent; it was only a pity that his background limited his perspective, requiring him to relearn much. Nevertheless, given time, Mr. Xu would undoubtedly accomplish great things.


    Adding Tang Ruoshan to that, even if his meridians were damaged, he could still be of use, but as for the others, there was little understanding.


    "I am certain!"


    Chen Sansi''s voice boomed.


    Not far away, General Zhao of Liangzhou glanced over and reminded kindly, "Young man, my soldiers from Liangzhou may not compare to the Eight Camps, but they are all battle-hardened."


    "Please excuse me, General Zhao."


    Chen Sansi bowed with his hands clasped: "I was merely speaking out of habit about my former comrades."


    "There''s nothing to excuse,"


    General Zhao said indifferently, "I just don''t understand. Everyone else desperately selects the elite, yet you search for disadvantages. What''s the rationale? Even the simplest protective formation requires five hundred men. Do you have enough?"


    "Just enough."


    When Chen Sansi crossed the river, he had just over four hundred men and there was a group responsible for aiding the civilians crossing the river, adding up to just over five hundred, most of whom were now temporarily assigned as service soldiers in the Eight Camps.


    This was also in accordance with the rules.


    Which general did not have their trusted personal soldiers?


    Any Selected Spear General, if they had their subordinates, could pull them into battle.


    This could even better demonstrate the true level of their leadership.


    However, the Selected Spear Reserve Generals came from throughout the Great Sheng Dynasty''s capital and thirty-six states, a significant portion of them had never fought in wars and had no subordinates, while others were from too far away to call over.


    Therefore, for fairness in the assessment, those without their own troops could freely choose from the Liangzhou Guard Station.


    "General Fang."


    Chen Sansi continued, "In this selection, I plan to use my original subordinates throughout. If their performance meets the mark, is it possible for them to stay in the Eight Camps, promoted to warriors?"


    "Of course."


    Fang Qingyun confirmed, "Their initial assignment to service duties was simply because I was unfamiliar with their specific qualities. If they truly can make it from beginning to end, it proves their quality is no issue, and naturally, they can be promoted to warriors."


    "Brother Chen, you''re being foolish!"


    Yan Changqing rushed over to intervene, "You absolutely mustn''t! How could you use the disbanded soldiers you brought from Po Yang County in the selection assessment? If the formation breaks, they''ll be eliminated in the first round and end up joining the Deputy General''s draft, which would make it hard for them to get a command position again!"


    Po Yang.


    A mere small county in the countryside.


    The quality of the garrison soldiers in the rural areas of the Great Sheng Dynasty was something everyone knew about, though they wouldn''t say out loud; it was crystal clear in their hearts.


    In many places, up to half the payroll was fraudulent, and even arrows and weapons had been sold for money.


    It was only in recent years that Sun Xiangzong moved to Liangzhou and started rectifying the North, gradually reducing the fraudulent payrolls, but the combat effectiveness remained painfully low.


    "Brother Chen!"


    Yan Changqing whispered in his ear: "I know you are loyal, but even in consideration of your former subordinates, you should understand one thing: as long as your Selected Spears achieve a good ranking and you establish your standing in the Eight Camps, you can bring them up sooner or later."


    "Mr. Yan, you needn''t worry for me."


    Chen Sansi spoke frankly, "I use my old subordinates mainly to save the time needed for acclimation, and I have confidence in them."


    In fact, Po Yang County was one of the better places. Xiang Tingchun harbored great ambitions and, since assuming the role of Households, had always strived to maintain rigorous military discipline despite the inherent corruption.


    It was not until a great battle later on that a significant change occurred, forged by fire; those who survived now possessed some real capabilities.


    "Ah, this is realizing the advantages of a good reputation."


    On another side, Yin Hanwen intentionally spoke loudly, "To carry through with pretense as decency and righteousness, aren''t you afraid of ruining your own future?"


    "Can''t help it, hypocrites, they''re the best at winning people''s hearts!"


    Wen Qiushi chimed in, deliberately for everyone nearby to hear.


    "Actually, I think it''s not about pretense."


    Among the many Selected Spear Generals, there were also many who understood the reality.


    One relatively slim young man murmured softly, "That Mr. Chen, who risked his life to ferry the civilians across the river, how could he be pretending?"


    "Tang Yingke, whose side are you on?"


    Yin Hanwen stared at him, "Siding with them, have you gone mad?"


    Tang Yingke immediately shut his mouth.


    Since the Immortal Crane Tower, he had been following Cao Fan and several others, clearly also a young master from the capital.


    "He won''t say it, so I will!"


    Bai Thingzhi burst out swearing, "You all are hypocrites, yet can''t stand to see someone else being noble? What rubbish! And that Princely Heir, I heard last night that his troops were all transferred from the capital, why even bother competing? Just let him win already." sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Hiss, here we go again¡­"


    Chen Sansi really felt somewhat powerless, mouths were on other people''s faces, what could he do.


    Cao Fan''s people, all transferred from the capital?


    Obviously, regardless of the place, absolute fairness was unachievable.


    Any reserve General from an impoverished background who could command the elite of Liangzhou was already considered fortunate.


    Moreover, deploying formations was only the first assessment; there were many more aspects to come.


    The one with the best overall score would be the True Inheritor.


    "You scoundrel, how dare you offend the Princely Heir?!"


    Yin Hanwen was livid, ready to draw his weapon on the spot.


    Princely Heir Cao Fan stopped him, not angry, but his voice was ice-cold, "You''re called Bai Tingzhi?"


    "I have not changed my name, nor have I changed my surname!"


    Bai Tingzhi stood straight.


    "A fine example of not changing one''s name or surname."


    Cao Fan turned his head to look at Chen and Yan, sinisterly said, "Bai Tingzhi, you really are a good dog that bites for its master. It''s a pity that your master isn''t me, and you''ve also chosen the wrong master. Do you think they can protect you?"


    "You don''t need to threaten me!"


    Bai Tingzhi said fearlessly, "If Your Highness wants to take action, you can do it now!"


    "Enough."


    Fang Qingyun slowly interjected to stop their argument, his voice still very light, yet it carried an inexplicable authority, "Settle any differences in the competition arena. Anyone who dares to fight privately will be disqualified from the Selected Spear."


    The two then ceased.


    The Selected Spear Generals dispersed.


    Chen Sansi also met his subordinates he hadn''t seen for several days in the Martial Arts Arena temporarily assigned to him.


    As time had passed, naturally, these people had also improved in their realms.


    Zhu Tong and Wang Li had just recently begun their Bone Training.


    The rest had also each made progress.


    "Rest assured, sir!"


    Everyone was full of confidence, "In terms of cultivation, we might not compare, but when it comes to setting up formations and coordinating, who can surpass us? Those standing here have all crawled out from piles of the dead!"


    "That''s right. No matter the formation, we can learn it the fastest."


    "..."


    Wang Zhi made a guarantee, "Sansi, just leave it to me and Xu Wencai. We won''t need nine days, in just five days we can train the Four Gate Base Formation so it''s ready for the battlefield."


    That was what was said.


    Of course, Chen Sansi still needed to stay personally and watch until the afternoon, confirming there were no problems before he took up a long spear and arrow and went up the mountain.


    In the meantime, he had also learned about Bai Tingzhi''s background.


    He was from You State''s Guangling County, his father was a Scholar, and he himself loved Martial Arts. After voluntarily joining the army, he was discovered to be a genuine Vajra Body. He had also suffered oppression; people wanted to steal his Selected Spear slot and he killed them directly, offending many locals.


    Luckily, the Selection Officer arrived in Guangling and took him away so he could be unharmed.


    To this day, Bai Tingzhi was an entry-level practitioner of the refining organs skill.


    Absolute genius.


    His speed of cultivation was nearly as fast as Chen Sansi''s, it''s just that his interpersonal skills were somewhat reckless; as soon as he arrived, he offended many people, even if he didn''t want to recognize this subordinate, others probably would.


    This time going hunting in the mountains, Sun Buqi and Bai Tingzhi were both there.


    Sun Buqi held a bow, with a huge case on his back, not knowing what was inside.


    Using this chance, Chen Sansi just happened to break through his "Traceless Tracking" to see what effects it would have after reaching great success, who could have thought that hunting skills could also be used in military warfare?


    "Qian Xun, you''re going too; what are you going to do while I hunt?"


    He looked at the approaching White Swan Horse, gently patting its head, "You just want to go out and play, don''t you? Go ahead, find me at the foothill of the Luotian Mountain Range before it gets dark."


    Qian Xun nodded his head, running off joyfully until it vanished without a trace.


    "Sansi."


    Sun Buqi, watching the horse fly off, "There is something off with your horse, it definitely qualifies as an Exotic Beast."


    Chen Sansi seized the opportunity to ask, "Are there such things as Exotic Beast Horses?"


    "Naturally, there are,"


    Sun Buqi nodded, "But they''re extremely rare, and their appearances are also different from ordinary horses. For example, my eldest senior brother''s Fire Horse, which has blood-red eyes and steams with heat all over its body when it runs, coupled with its all-red fur, looks just like it is on fire; hence its name.


    "Your white horse, on the other hand, looks nothing unusual at a glance, so how can it run so fast? It could well be some kind of mutant that you''ve come across."


    Chen Sansi had always been curious.


    No matter how exceptional a treasure horse, traveling a thousand miles a day is the limit, needing who knows how long to rest before it recovers, and it might even die from exhaustion.


    But not Qian Xun.


    Since leaving Po Yang, going all the way to You State, it hasn''t stopped galloping at full speed, no matter how tired; it just needed to eat some fodder to recover.


    Moreover, as the Skill of Horse Control improved, Qian Xun''s speed continued to increase.


    If this continues, will it eventually start flying?


    Xiang Tingchun, at the beginning, did indeed give him a good mount.


    Now looking at it, the White Swan Horse was initially hard to tame and unwanted for a reason; its bloodline is different. Ordinary taming methods obviously did not work, initially, he struggled for a long time before he could subdue Qian Xun, spending more time than on Martial Arts training.


    "We''ve arrived.


    "Through the forest ahead lies the First Layer Mountain of the Luotian Mountain Range.


    "The Luotian Mountain Range spans tens of thousands of miles, comprising a total of sixty-six layers. To find an Exotic Beast, you''d have to reach beyond the Seventh Layer Mountain. Even for us trained in Martial Arts, it would take over a day''s travel; we''ll definitely have to spend the night on the mountain."


    Sun Buqi was extremely excited, "When I left home, my father knew I was going mountain hunting with you. He not only did not scold me for not carrying out my duties but also told me to bring this over for you.


    "I was so happy I almost forgot about it!"


    As he spoke, he took off the wooden case from his back, placed it on the ground, and slowly opened it. Inside lay a large bow that hadn''t been assembled yet but appeared to be quite old.


    But Chen Sansi could tell at a glance that the material was extraordinary, like the Exotic Beast, simply not available in the market, and its draw weight, probably terrifyingly strong.


    "A bow my father used when he was young."


    Sun Buqi presented, "Fifty stones; try stringing it and see."

 Chapter 126 - 120 Qi Observation Skill

    "This bow''s frame is made from the rare bloodwood that''s a thousand years old, and the bowstring is crafted from a five-hundred-year-old exotic beast tendon mixed with other materials, both extremely hard to find in the marketplace," he said.


    Fifty stone.


    In terms of pulling force, that''s just under ten thousand catties.


    For a Refining Organ Martial Artist, naturally, it would be possible to draw.


    Chen Sansi squatted down, assembled the archery equipment with his tools, and after adjusting it in his hand, even the grip, likely made of exotic beast skin, felt comfortable to hold.


    When he was ready, he slowly drew the bowstring with the help of his Qi-Blood, aimed at a pine tree trunk about twenty centimeters in diameter two hundred steps away, and loosed an arrow.


    "Whizz¡ª"


    "Bang¡ª"


    The sound of the air tearing whistled past his ears, and in but a moment, it pierced through the first tree trunk, then the second, and finally, the arrow was caught by the third, leaving glaring transparent holes in the first two pine trees.


    "What a shot!"


    The higher the pulling force of the bow, the greater its power, and the faster the speed of the arrow.


    This fifty-stone bow, even for a Refining Organ Martial Artist, definitely wouldn''t require as much time as when initially confronting Luo Dongquan and others; if the opponent didn''t close in swiftly, within fifteen arrows, they''d inevitably reveal a weakness!


    Fifteen arrows, for him, was merely five seconds!


    Chen Sansi was as thrilled as a swordsman who had obtained a peerless sword, much happier than if he''d obtained gold or silver treasures.


    He bowed with his fists and said, "Brother Bu Qi, please thank Lord Governor on my behalf."


    "Why be polite? After all, you did save his son and daughter," said Sun Buqi. "This is nothing. If it were up to me, he should''ve just made you his True Inheritor straight away, forget the selection. He''s just too rigid, unwilling to break the rules."


    "Bu Qi."


    Chen Sansi asked, "Can this bow release Hua Jin power?"


    "I don''t think so," replied Sun Buqi. "This bow seems to be one my father used many years ago when he was young. Later, he stopped using bows, so although it''s precious, it''s nothing too impressive. You should just accept it.


    "As for Hua Jin, I asked about it at home for you.


    "My father said that some special materials could temporarily store power, but those can''t be bought, you have to collect them yourself."


    Chen Sansi nodded, "Okay, I''ll make a note of that."


    That meant there was still hope.


    Of course, for now, this fifty-stone bow was more than sufficient.


    The matter of Hua Jin can wait until after mastering it.


    The most urgent task was to hurry and capture an exotic beast, to quickly enhance his cultivation.


    Chen Sansi wouldn''t assume that because he had saved the Governor''s children and earned their gratitude, he could just slack off and expect to win.


    Indeed.


    This connection would, of course, afford him some preferential treatment in the future.


    But whether or not he could become a True Inheritor still depended on his capabilities.


    If one lacked the ability, even if taught, they might not necessarily be able to learn; one must first prove they''re qualified to have the chance to learn.


    "To the mountain!"


    With the fifty-stone Big Bow in hand, Chen Sansi was in high spirits. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Luotian Mountain Range stretched for tens of thousands of miles, and one could only appreciate its vastness upon entering it. Looking around, it seemed as though the mountains were endless, one layer upon another, without a boundary in sight.


    Liangzhou had also seen snowfall, albeit just a light dusting, covering the forests with a thin layer, not enough to impede hunting in the mountains. However, the winter reduced the activity of animals outdoors.


    Although Chen Sansi could take his time searching, the Luotian Mountain Range was so vast, it begged the question of how long it would take to find anything.


    "General, please take this path!"


    Bai Thingzhi led the way in front.


    Chen Sansi and Sun Buqi followed.


    Along the way, he continued to hone his skills in tracking and concealing.


    It had to be said, the Luotian Mountain Range was indeed teeming with game.


    Practically every two li they walked, there was at least one large animal.


    "There''s a poisonous beast!"


    Sun Buqi pointed at a pile of rocks a hundred paces away and shouted.


    Following the direction of his finger, they saw a wild wolf.


    This wolf, twice as large as ordinary wolves, had eyes red as blood as if they might drip with blood at any moment, crouching and feeding on a recently dead deer.


    "Don''t move, nobody move!"


    Sun Buqi, wielding the Fifteen-stone Bow discarded by Chen Sansi, took his aim for a good dozen breaths full of confidence before releasing the bowstring, but the shot terribly missed, veering nearly ten paces from the target.


    Bai Thingzhi bluntly remarked, "Mr. Sun, that was pretty poor!"


    "Ow!"


    "Watch out, the beast is coming!"


    Normally, only large animals like tigers or bears would not flee at the sight of humans; others would definitely run away first.


    But this wolf, instead of fleeing, charged at them aggressively.


    "I got this!"


    Sun Buqi kept shooting arrows non-stop.


    When the wild wolf was only about twenty paces away, and he hadn''t hit with a single arrow, Bai Thingzhi was already prepared to draw the broadsword off his back and get ready for action.


    "Hit!"


    Sun Buqi, fueled by anger and embarrassment, picked up the long spear, executed the Flying Snake Formation technique, and stabbed the wolf through the heart, finally taking it down with a satisfied heart.


    He presented the carcass, "Chen San, look, this is a Poisonous Beast."


    Chen Sansi bent down to investigate.


    Apart from its size, the most distinctive feature of this wolf was its blood-red eyes. Other than that, he couldn''t find anything special.


    "Just look at the eyes," Bai Thingzhi said, taking over. "The difference between a poisonous beast and an exotic beast is in the eyes. All these poisonous beasts'' eyes are blood-red, and they even glow at night. Their meat can''t be eaten; it''s poisonous."


    "What causes this?"

 Chapter 127 - 120: Qi Observation Skill_2

    The hunter-born Chen Sansi was truly curious.


    "I don''t know,"


    Bai Thingzhi shook his head.


    "Let''s keep going."


    The group continued to traverse mountains and valleys.


    Chen Sansi''s proficiency in "Tracking and Hiding" kept climbing. As he observed his surroundings, they became clearer and clearer. He could see not only hair but eventually, he even felt that he could see inside the bodies of the creatures around him.


    A moment of daze.


    A panel floated up.


    [Tracking and Hiding (Great Success)]


    [Progress: Cannot be further improved]


    [Utility: Qi Observation Skill]


    [Qi Observation Skill: Observe the Qi of heaven, earth, and humans, making it impossible to hide]


    In an inexplicable way, Chen Sansi felt a mysterious power flooding into his body, finally converging in his eyes.


    When he looked at the world again, he saw that everything had a certain Qi!


    The gray rabbits in the snow, the hawks flying overhead, the black bears hibernating in tree hollows, the ground squirrels hiding in their caves, and so on!


    Including people!


    This Qi seemed very ethereal on Sun Buqi but very vibrant on Bai Thingzhi, and the strongest on himself.


    Perhaps, this has to do with one''s Cultivation stage.


    Chen Sansi then looked at the dead wolf and saw that its Qi was markedly different from all other creatures or people¡ªit was blood red. Although the color was faint, it carried a strange feeling.


    What about Exotic Beasts?


    What does the Qi of an Exotic Beast look like?


    What''s the principle behind this Qi Observation Skill, and why does everyone have a Qi?


    Even the ground has it!


    Looking at the ground, Chen Sansi could see a medley of differing Qi.


    Is the reason why people can cultivate Martial Arts and break the limits of their bodies related to this Qi?


    He immediately activated his Breathing Skill.


    Indeed!


    Supplemented by Pile Work, the Breathing Skill could absorb the mixed Qi between heaven and earth into the body, then use it to transform the body.


    So that''s how it is!


    The utility of [Qi Observation Skill] wasn''t limited to this alone.


    Within a certain range, Chen Sansi could detect the Qi of all living beings, which naturally prevented anyone from hiding and launching a surprise attack, and also enabled him to trace their whereabouts.


    He truly took "Tracking and Hiding" to the extreme!


    Unfortunately, it couldn''t be improved anymore.


    "Sansi, what are you looking at?"


    Sun Buqi waved his hand in front of him, "Come on, we still have a long way to go."


    "Right."


    Chen Sansi came back to his senses and continued on with the two others.


    On the way, he noticed a flicker of Qi to the right.


    Given the vastness of the Luotian Mountain Range, which could sustain countless people, it was only natural that they were not the only ones hunting on the mountain.


    "It''s right ahead!"


    Around dusk, Bai Thingzhi stopped. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Recently, I saw a Saber-Toothed Tiger hunting a White Deer in this area, but I don''t know exactly where its den is. We''ll have to look together, I''m afraid."


    "That''s enough."


    Chen Sansi''s eyes were sharp like lightning; he saw all the "Qi" around him within a range of two hundred steps, basically immune to any surprise attacks!


    Besides that, effects like "Insight" and "Light as a Feather" that he had before didn''t disappear but instead became stronger.


    He quickly located the hunting range of the Saber-Toothed Tiger through the traces left by the frightened and fleeing wildlife, leading him to find a not-so-hidden cave.


    "Wait a minute!"


    Chen Sansi crouched down in the nearby jungle.


    A Saber-Toothed Tiger is different from an ordinary Big Worm; it''s an extremely fierce Exotic Beast, whose fighting power is comparable to a Refining Organ Martial Artist.


    As a hunter with professional aptitude, he planned to first lure the Saber-Toothed Tiger out with other prey.


    "Sir, let me take the lead for you!"


    But unexpectedly, Bai Thingzhi took the Broadsword from his back and charged headfirst into the tiger''s den, unstoppable.


    "Roar¡ª"


    What followed


    was a roar and the noise of a fight that sent chills down one''s spine.


    "This beast is extremely tough!"


    Bai Thingzhi emerged frantically from the depths of the cave, his clothes torn to shreds, clearly indicating a close combat with the Saber-Toothed Tiger and that he had managed to resist a few blows with his Vajra Body.


    "Roar!"


    Another tiger roar, and a massive shadow rushed out of the depths of the cave.


    What a beast!


    This Exotic Beast tiger, by rough estimates, stood eight feet tall with a body length of one and a half zhang. Its gaping mouth exposed two sharp fangs, resembling two long swords sticking out. The claws on its forelimbs were like blades forged from steel, even gleaming with a red light in the sunset.


    Its sheer size was one thing, but its explosive speed was terrifying, reaching the level of small achievement in Refining Internal. The tiger could leap over ten zhang in one bound, and its razor-sharp claws rained down on Bai Thingzhi''s back.


    "Crrrash¡ª"


    The sound of screeching metal friction echoed as his Vajra Body was fully employed.


    Bai Thingzhi flew several zhang forward and crashed into the jungle.


    "Whizz whizz whizz¡ª"


    Sun Buqi desperately shot arrows, and finally, two hit their mark, but neither struck a vital point, only further enraging the Saber-Toothed Tiger.


    "Roar roar roar!"


    Blinded by rage, the tiger pounced towards its prey from up the slope, descending like an unstoppable war deity from the skies!


    "Boom¡ª"


    Until a cannon-like arrow accurately penetrated its heart.


    The war deity suddenly fell, crashing straight down from the sky and rolling several times before coming to a stop.


    A fifty-stone bow!


    Beasts can''t compare to humans.


    If they lack intelligence and don''t know to dodge, one arrow is usually enough to spell their imminent death.


    "Indeed powerful."


    Chen Sansi was taken aback.


    Even after taking an arrow to the heart, the Saber-Toothed Tiger hadn''t died instantly. It lay there, struggling to rise, showing a terrifying will to live.


    "Boom boom boom¡ª"


    Without hesitation, he quickly shot two more arrows to ultimately end the life of the tiger.

 Chapter 128 - 120: Qi Observation Skill_3

    "Excellent archery!"


    Bai Thingzhi stood up covered in dust, full of admiration.


    To hit a saber-toothed tiger''s heart with an arrow at such speed, what level of archery must that be!


    "Within three hundred steps, Shanshi can shoot through poplars and willows, incredibly skilled indeed!"


    Seeing nothing strange, Sun Buqi said, "My archery was personally taught by him."


    Bai Thingzhi couldn''t help but chuckle.


    Chen Sansi paid no attention to the two, instead walking towards the massive corpse of the saber-toothed tiger, deep in thought.


    He had seen it clearly just now.


    The energy on the saber-toothed tiger was a pale blue.


    How did it absorb such blue energy?


    The various energies in this world must be related to the Immortal Trace.


    Unfortunately, he was unable to understand it at the moment.


    Probably very few in the world could know.


    Supervisor Sun, who was above Martial Saint in realm, might have studied energy and even needed to understand and use different energies to break through above Martial Saint.


    What kind of energy was in Supervisor Sun''s body?


    So far, Chen Sansi hadn''t seen him at all.


    But it would be soon.


    During the Selected Point assessment, not only the supervisors but also the governor, the army supervisors, and many prestigious figures from the Liangzhou Army would watch. It''s said some would even find sons-in-law for their daughters.


    Just like the nobility in the Capital City liked to choose sons-in-law from among the top scholars.


    "Mr. Chen, there are still poisonous beasts!"


    Chen Sansi had intended to move the saber-toothed tiger''s corpse when Bai Thingzhi''s voice rang in his ear again.


    He also noticed the movement in the eastern woods.


    It was a small monkey, brown all over except for a tuft of white hair on its head, with blood-red eyes and covered in blood, severely wounded.


    When it arrived in front of them, it stumbled and fell to the ground, dead.


    "Where did this little creature come from."


    Bai Thingzhi went over to check: "How did it get wounded?"


    "Not good, let''s go!"


    Sun Buqi warned loudly, "It''s a young ''Soldier Monkey,'' these monkeys imitate humans by using weapons. They are numerous in the Luotian Mountains and vary in strength. They have an extremely strong sense of retaliation at critical moments!


    "No matter who kills their young, they will band together for revenge. There''s no telling how many martial artists who went hunting in the mountains have been surrounded and killed by them.


    "Later, after these Soldier Monkeys became poisoned, they became poisonous beasts, and nobody wanted to provoke them anymore!"


    "Aooo aooo aooo¡ª¡ª"


    Before he finished speaking, monkey howls enveloped them from all sides.


    One by one, the long-armed monkeys were either running or swinging through the tree tops. In a few breaths, they densely blocked the way out, each wielding all kinds of weapons, some old, some new, some broken, and some fine. There was no telling how many martial artists who went into the mountains had died at their hands.


    The leader among them was an old white-haired monkey, holding a Mo Blade.


    Without exception, all of them had blood-red energy flowing within their bodies.


    The energy in the old white-haired monkey was the most vigorous; its strength was probably even a notch higher than the saber-toothed tiger''s. Most importantly, it seemed to have judgment and thought. At this moment, it looked at the dead young monkey on the ground, then glared at the people with bared teeth, swinging the blade furiously.


    "Aow!"


    A countless number of monkeys attacked the group from all directions.


    "Damn it, anywhere else this little monkey could have died, why did it have to die right in front of us?"


    Sun Buqi''s face looked grim: "And this area isn''t a Soldier Monkey''s habitat; how did they get here?"


    What else could it be...


    It was done intentionally by someone!


    Chen Sansi noticed a flash of energy and also heard the rustling in the dense forest, but his view was blocked, so he couldn''t see who it was.


    Stronger than my energy.


    It must be Great Success of Refining.


    "It was them..."


    ...


    "Princely Heir!"


    Yin Hanwen hid behind a tree, surreptitiously watching the surrounded group, taking pleasure in their misfortune and saying, "They have disrespected you time and again, especially that Bai fellow. Teach them a lesson!"


    They judged from the direction the few had left that they were heading up the mountain to hunt, so they harbored ulterior motives.


    Since private feuds weren''t allowed within the Eight Camps, they decided to take action outside.


    Moreover, they didn''t act directly but instead exploited the habits of the poisonous beasts. That way, even if something went wrong, no one would be able to link it back to them.


    "Well, that Chen Sansi is a member of the Yan Party anyway, there''s no need to try to win him over,"


    Cao Fan said gravely, "It''s no issue if the others die, but Sun Buqi is here too. There won''t be any trouble, will there?"


    "The Princely Heir can rest assured."


    Yin Hanwen said, "We are watching over here. If there really is any trouble, it isn''t too late to go save Sun Buqi then."


    "Brother Yin, aren''t you being a bit too harsh?"


    With furrowed brows and caution, Tang Yingke advised, "They were disrespectful to the Princely Heir, but their actions don''t warrant death, do they?..."


    "You, Tang!"


    Yin Hanwen scolded in a hushed voice, "We are in this together!"


    "I''m actually worried."


    Wen Qiushi took over the conversation, saying, "Are these soldier apes enough to kill them all?"


    Crouching, Yin Hanwen said, "Who knows? Let''s take this opportunity to test what they are capable of."


    "Hey!"


    They watched as the small group began to fight with the soldier apes.


    Unable to watch any longer, Tang Yingke grabbed his sword and ran out shouting, "Brother Bu Qi, I''m coming to help you!"


    "Tang, do you want to die?!"


    Wen Qiushi intended to grab him, but it was already too late.


    "Let him go! He wouldn''t dare reveal that it was our plan,"


    Yin Hanwen cursed, "His father is just a fence-sitter in the court, and he is no better. We''ll deal with him harshly later! It''d be best if he just died here! Hm?"


    All three of them were shocked by the scene unfolding before their eyes.


    Chen Sansi, facing the encirclement of the soldier apes, plucked his bowstring like thunder, and with every arrow shot, a soldier ape fell to the ground. In the time it took to drink a cup of tea, he had shot more than thirty soldier apes.


    Even the old ape that served as their commander could only block five arrows with its weapon before an arrow pierced its head.


    "That bow, over thirty Power!"


    Cao Fan recognized, "How can this man''s archery be so outstanding!"


    "The Princely Heir need not worry, the Selected Point doesn''t test archery, after all. Archery is of little use to High Realm Martial Artists,"


    Clenching his fist, Yin Hanwen said, "It''s just infuriating that we can''t rely on these beasts anymore."


    "Then let''s get out of here quickly!"


    Wen Qiushi grew anxious, "If they find out and report us to the Governor Mansion, Sun Xiangzong won''t show any consideration for our status."


    "Let''s go!"


    "Be careful!"


    As they got to their feet to leave.


    Chen Sansi fired another arrow.


    On the surface, it seemed aimed at a soldier ape, but in reality, it was directed at them.


    "Bang¡ª¡ª"


    The arrow shot through the trunk of the tree and then thunderously pierced through Yin Hanwen''s shoulder. Had it been off by just an inch, it would have hit the heart!


    "Ah!"


    "Shut up!"


    Cao Fan covered his mouth so he couldn''t scream, then carried him and left.


    "He did it on purpose!"


    After running for about two miles, Yin Hanwen finally couldn''t hold back and began to howl, "Princely Heir, he... he dared to shoot me!"


    If he hadn''t been hidden behind the tree, out of the shooter''s line of sight, wouldn''t he be dead on the spot?


    "What can we do about it?"


    With gritted teeth, Cao Fan said, "Who suggested this underhanded idea that we can''t be seen with? When the Selection competition begins, we''ll teach him a lesson at the Martial Arts Arena!"


    "I... I''m afraid I won''t be able to participate in the Selection..." Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Yin Hanwen screamed incessantly.


    Before the Selection had even started, they were forced to lose one person and couldn''t make a claim; they had to swallow this bitter loss in silence.

 Chapter 129 - 121: Commanding Soldiers Breakthrough, How Can One Say There Are No Clothes

    "Is it over?"


    Just as Tang Yingke had slain a Poisonous Beast with his sword, he saw the leader, an old ape, pierced by several arrows and collapsing from the tree; the rest of the ordinary soldier apes were wiped out completely, not a single one escaped.


    ''You''re lucky to be alive.'' S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Sansi watched the direction in which the Princely Heir and the others had left, his gaze cold as ice.


    Ever since arriving in Liangzhou, he had tried not to offend anyone, giving proper respect where due and offering toasts when appropriate, thoroughly abiding by the rules.


    But the trees want to stay quiet while the wind keeps blowing.


    He just wanted to test quietly, hoping to get a good ranking in Selected Point, but this group had to come looking just to make trouble for him.


    And some even harbored the intention of taking their lives.


    There really was no more patience left!


    It wasn''t just because of Bai Thingzhi.


    It was also because of Yan Changqing.


    In the court as an official, what mattered was taking sides. Even if he wished otherwise, he would inevitably be associated with the Yan Party to some degree and would naturally be targeted by the other faction.


    And the higher the office one holds, the more one has to show allegiance.


    Holding such an office is genuinely unfulfilling.


    That arrow Chen Sansi had just shot was loosed at random; it hit the target by the sound of it, but what a pity it didn''t hit a vital spot, leaving the bastard alive.


    Things had come to this point; there was no need to keep backing down anymore.


    After all, in the next Selected Point, offense would be given anyway; he certainly couldn''t abandon the chance for the Princely Heir''s True Inheritance just because he feared offending people.


    And this time, they had attacked first. With the rules of the Governor Mansion in place, they could only pretend nothing happened outwardly. That arrow, no matter what, has been taken for free¡ªit would have been a waste not to shoot it.


    "Brother Tang?"


    Sun Buqi stabbed a soldier ape to death and looked at the newly joined young master: "What are you doing here?"


    "Nothing..."


    Tang Yingke sheathed his sword: "I came up to the mountain to hunt, heard some noise and came over to check it out. I saw you were being ambushed by Poisonous Beasts and wanted to help, but it seems you didn''t need me."


    He was somewhat regretful.


    This young Mr. Chen''s archery was really somewhat exaggerated.


    He had taken out all those soldier apes so quickly and efficiently.


    If he had known, he wouldn''t have come out to get involved.


    "You came hunting alone?"


    Even Bai Thingzhi sensed something was not right: "That princely son or whatever, is he also following along? Is it him who''s set us up?!"


    As he spoke, he carried his knife to look around nearby but failed to find anyone.


    "No, no, no!"


    Tang Yingke hurriedly explained: "It has nothing to do with the Princely Heir and the others, I really did come up the mountain alone."


    "Brother Tang, what are you afraid of?"


    Sun Buqi said through clenched teeth: "I will talk to my father when I get back, to cancel their Selected Point qualifications!"


    "Bu Qi, you shouldn''t make false accusations."


    Tang Yingke''s expression became serious, and he spoke loudly: "The Princely Heir and the others really aren''t here, I really was just passing by. Since you all are okay, I will take my leave first!"


    After saying that, he turned to leave, and when he passed by Chen Sansi, he stopped to give a fist salute, then quickly disappeared into the woods.


    "He''s the son of the Minister of Rites."


    Sun Buqi introduced: "Brother Tang is different from the Princely Heir and the others, he''s not a bad person; it''s just that being born in the Capital City, he couldn''t help but be influenced by them, or else his father would also be implicated."


    Chen Sansi naturally wouldn''t care about this.


    After all, he had stood up and offered them help.


    Not all children of government officials were of the same stripe.


    All these were just interludes.


    The main thing was that the goal of hunting Exotic Beasts was achieved.


    The Luotian Mountain Range did indeed have abundant resources. Just one day up the mountain and he effortlessly hunted an Exotic Beast, not like the resource-scarce Tiger Head Mountain where they had to stir up the whole city searching for a White Deer, nearly failing to find it with hundreds of people.


    It seemed he still couldn''t avoid heading up the mountains frequently in the near future.


    Consider it archery practice.


    [Skill: Archery (Great Success)]


    [Progress: (750/2000)]


    After achieving great success in Tracking and Concealment, the Qi Observation Skill that followed was beyond any earthly technique.


    What effects could it have after enhancing Archery to Great Success and reaching the next breakthrough?


    Chen Sansi stood in a high spot, surveying the terrain, observing which mountain peak seemed more likely to be inhabited by Exotic Beasts, so as to narrow the search scope for his next trip to the mountains.


    Suddenly.


    He saw a surge of dense black Qi billowing and raging in the deepest part of the mountain range, as if a black sea was hidden deep in the mountain.


    Before Chen Sansi had a chance to take a closer look, the black Qi disappeared without a trace, and he couldn''t tell if it really vanished or if it was just too far away to see.


    After all, his Qi Observation Skill only had a range of about two hundred steps, and the direction from which the black Qi emerged was likely the deepest and core area of the Luotian Mountain Range.


    "Shanshi, that place is off-limits."


    Sun Buqi emphasized: "Beyond Thirty Layers of Mountains, it''s the most dangerous place in the whole Luotian Mountain Range. It''s almost entirely filled with Poisonous Beasts, and some are even more terrifying than martial artists in the Profound Image Realm, nearly like the mythical creatures from legends!"


    Chen Sansi remembered hearing about a giant python that was hundreds of zhang long.


    Could it be that the black Qi was emitted by the python?


    Unlikely.


    That black Qi clearly seemed to emanate from the earth.


    The black Qi and the blood Qi from the Poisonous Beasts seemed somewhat similar, but it was obviously much more powerful¡ªin comparison, the blood Qi seemed like a diluted version of the black Qi.


    Could the emergence of numerous Poisonous Beasts in the Luotian Mountain Range over the last twenty years be a result of being influenced by the black Qi?


    "There are such formidable Poisonous Beasts?"


    Bai Thingzhi found it hard to believe.


    After all, the Xuanxiang Realm was just a step away from Martial Saint, basically considered elite combat power among humans.


    "There might be even more powerful ones,"


    Sun Buqi said seriously, "It''s best not to rush into the Xuanxiang Realm. Besides, there are not many Exotic Beasts inside; mostly there are Poisonous Beasts, from which you can''t gain any benefits."


    It was certainly too peculiar.


    Chen Sansi fell into deep thought.


    It seemed the Emperor Longqing''s order to plant Spiritual Grain throughout the country was a matter of the last twenty years or so.


    Could there be some connection?


    Otherwise, why hadn''t there been talk of "tribute" before?


    Considering the increasing number of Martial Saints and the emergence of existences above Martial Saints.


    It sounded like the entire world was undergoing changes. Simply put, their cultivation was too low-grade; they weren''t on a level that would affect them personally, so they were completely unaware.


    When all is said and done, still too weak!


    If he were an existence above Martial Saints, he''d be qualified to pursue such Immortal Traces. For now, it was best to focus on cultivating, sort out the Selected Point matters, and not be overly ambitious.


    "Let''s go down the mountain,"


    Chen Sansi came down from the mountain peak, picked up the Saber-Toothed Tiger, and led the two others back through the night. When he asked if they wanted to share some of the meat, they both refused outright.


    "General, how could I have the face to accept?"


    Bai Thingzhi said with guilt, "Even though I led the way, in the end, it was Mr. Chen who found the cave and personally shot the beast. I hardly provided any help. Besides, about the matter with the soldier-monkey, it was I who implicated Mr. Chen. If Mr. Chen insists on giving me part of the tiger meat, I''d rather die from a head injury!"


    "I''ve got even less to say,"


    Sun Buqi stated, "The Saber-Toothed Tiger is a supplement for Refining Organ Martial Artists, and I only excel in Bone Strengthening Skill, so it''s useless in my hands."


    "Alright then,"


    Chen Sansi didn''t insist unnecessarily.


    He indeed needed the tiger meat to enhance his cultivation.


    The group accelerated their pace and emerged from the Luotian Mountain Range after daybreak.


    Qian Xun was already waiting for a long time.


    Chen Sansi carried the Saber-Toothed Tiger, mounted his horse, and returned to the estate ahead of schedule.


    Si Qin and Mo Hua had gotten up early to work. When they came out to open the door, they were frightened by the huge bloodied beast with protruding fangs like swords, scampering to hide far away.


    In the courtyard, Chen Sansi dissected the Saber-Toothed Tiger with his Zhen Yue Sword. Just the heart alone was enough for two or three meals, not to mention the other highly nutritious parts. For the next half a month, he wouldn''t have to worry at all.


    After eating the half-cooked tiger heart boiled in water, he suddenly felt a strong killing intent rising in his heart. Along with the Refining Organ Treasure Medicine and Spiritual Grain, the potent effects of these three elements intertwined within his body, making it feel like it was about to burst open. It was only when he took up his reed long spear and practiced his spear technique that he gradually felt more at ease.


    Once he started practicing, he lost track of day and night, tirelessly continuing.


    For eight consecutive days,


    Chen Sansi spent every morning training battle formations in the military camp, practicing martial arts from the afternoon into the late night. Sleeping no more than two hours a day, eating hastily with a few bites of Saber-Toothed Tiger meat. As long as training didn''t kill him, he pushed himself to the limit.


    With the skill of Qi Observation,


    he could see that during his practice, he continually absorbed the chaotic energy of the world. All kinds of energies were involved, except for the sky-blue energy from within Exotic Beasts.


    Moreover, he couldn''t control what kind of energy he absorbed, it was more of an indiscriminate collection.


    [Cultivation Technique: Unity Spear Technique (Expert)]


    [Progress: 910/1000]


    "Just a little bit left!"


    "As soon as daylight breaks, the Selected Point examination will officially begin."


    "Luckily, the first day doesn''t require combat. By tomorrow or the day after, I''ll surely break through to small achievement."


    "..."


    [Skill: Commanding Soldiers (Small Achievement)]


    [Progress: 0/2000]


    [Utility: Mainstay, Training Soldiers Skillfully, How Can It Be Said I Have No Clothes]


    [How Can It Be Said I Have No Clothes: On the battlefield, soldiers share a life-and-death unity; morale greatly increases, formations are executed to their ultimate potential, overall combat power increases by more than thirty percent]


    Unity in life and death!


    Combat power increases by thirty percent.


    Don''t underestimate thirty percent; it could compensate for a disparity in realms to some extent. On the actual battlefield, the effects would likely be shockingly significant, not to mention that his troops could hold formation till death.


    Chen Sansi was fully confident about the first battle formation assessment.


    No matter how the competition went, he definitely wouldn''t be eliminated. Even if he didn''t secure the Champion Leader position, he would at least be Class A!


    "Old Xu has improved again!"


    Chen Sansi marveled.


    Even just leaving things as they were, proficiency was rapidly improving lately.


    All thanks to Xu Wencai.


    He heard that the old scholar had been working tirelessly for the assessments lately.


    Who would have thought he''d discover such talent in Po Yang County?


    Leaving aside other uses, the fact that idle proficiency could enhance his skill in commanding soldiers made it incomparable to others.


    "Brother Shi,"


    Gu Xinlan personally dressed him, then along with Si Qin and Mo Hua, they saw him off, almost as if they were family seeing off someone to a college entrance examination.


    In fact, the Selected Point was akin to martial examination.


    After five days of assessments, it would determine how many resources each person could receive, how fast one will be promoted, and most importantly, whether one will secure the top position and become the final True Disciple of Sun Xiangzong.


    Once outside the Chen Mansion,


    Chen Sansi whistled, and Qian Xun arrived in response. He mounted his horse and galloped straight to the Eight Camps.

 Chapter 130 - 122: The Life and Death of the World Rests on One Person

    In recent days, the city has been under martial law, with wanted posters plastered everywhere.


    It is said that many High Realm Martial Artists from the sects have died.


    Overnight, Tongxuan Sect and Luoxia Manor of Liangzhou''s seven major sects each lost five or six True Disciples, in addition to several dozen Inner Sect Disciples, including one talented individual with the Bear Gang''s mighty physique. With such a commotion, astonishingly, not a single eyewitness has come forward.


    After their deaths, each of their Heart Blood was taken, naturally leading to the assumption that it was the work of the Witch God Sect.


    "That shouldn''t be the case,"


    Chen Sansi was puzzled.


    To invade the depths of two sects at the same time and kill so many indicates that the Witch God Sect must be a group, not an individual. But this is Liangzhou¡ªhome to the Eight Camps and Sun Xiangzong.


    For a large number of Witch God Sect Followers to hide, there must be a haven for them; it''s impossible that they could be forever elusive.


    Even Xiang Tingchun was able to find clues from the Golden Bell Temple previously.


    It doesn''t make sense. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Unless the Witch God Sect has some special method.


    Chen Sansi wasn''t just speculating aimlessly.


    Once he took up his post at the Eight Camps, he was highly likely to participate in hunting down the Witch God Sect.


    And he was eager to learn from the higher-ranking Witch God Sect Followers about the whereabouts of the "Immortal Treasure" equipment, as well as the purpose of the previous Blood Sacrifice, and of what use it was to kill Martial Artists?


    The black qi in the mountains...


    Could it be related to the Witch God Sect?


    "Sigh!"


    Lost in thoughts, Chen Sansi reached the entrance of the garrisoned inner city and dismounted his horse.


    Qian Xun went off to play on his own steed.


    Just like a house dog let loose outside that reliably returns home for meals, except that he could be called back at any moment, ensuring there was always a horse to ride when needed.


    Within the military city, at the Martial Arts Arena.


    The Selected Spear Generals had mostly arrived.


    Including Cao Fan, Yin Hanwen, and others.


    However, Fang Qingyun announced that Yin Hanwen had given up on the Selected Point examination and forfeited by default.


    "Brother Yin!"


    Chen Sansi slapped Yin Hanwen''s shoulder, "Why did you withdraw from the examination?"


    "Ah¡ª"


    Yin Hanwen screamed in agony, his face contorting, almost collapsing to the ground.


    "Mr. Chen, what are you doing?!"


    Wen Qiushi was furious, rushing forward to support him.


    "Ah?"


    Chen Sansi looked surprised, "I''m truly sorry, I was not aware that Brother Yin was injured. No wonder you gave up the Selected Point. What happened, could it have been the work of the Witch God Sect Followers?"


    Yin Hanwen, sweating from the pain, said through gritted teeth, "Exactly, on my way back from the tavern to my residence a few days ago, I encountered a group of Witch God Sect Followers and got stabbed by a sword. Unfortunately, I couldn''t stop them."


    "So Brother Yin, you are the only eyewitness!"


    Chen Sansi asked, "Did you see where they went? The entire city is hunting for the Witch God Sect now. If they can be found, it would be a great accomplishment."


    "Haha, no such luck,"


    Yin Hanwen said cynically, "Their Qinggong was exceptional. They disappeared in the blink of an eye, and I couldn''t catch up with them."


    "So it is. Brother Yin, take good care of your injuries,"


    Chen Sansi bowed and turned to leave.


    It seemed that Yin Hanwen was the one he had hit.


    With a transparent hole through his shoulder, and even a piece of bone missing, it would take a long time to heal, even with treasure medicine.


    ...


    "Princely Heir!"


    Yin Hanwen''s voice was distorted from the pain, "Did you see that? He''s so arrogant!"


    "It was your idea. If you''re injured, just bear with it!"


    Cao Fan''s expression was emotionless, "But don''t worry, Hanwen, I''ll avenge you. He shot you with one arrow, and I''ll at least cut off one of his arms, cripple him for sure."


    "Thank you, Princely Heir."


    Yin Hanwen said resentfully, "That man is adept at the refining organs skill. Who knows where he got the guts to fight back. During the competition, Princely Heir, you can take him down within five rounds."


    "Do you even need the Princely Heir? I''ll cripple him if I come across him,"


    Wen Qiushi said disdainfully, "Actually, he might not even get through the first round of the formation. There''s no need for us to act personally."


    "True,"


    Yin Hanwen sneered, "Leading a bunch of rag-tag troops from the backwoods, no matter how they train, they''re still just that. No matter how exquisite the formation, it will scatter at the first charge, crumble at the first kill!"


    "I heard the Supervisor cherishes his soldiers like his own children. Could this move be just to perform for the Lord Governor?"


    "This kid is indeed scheming. Knowing his humble origins and that his talent is good but not supreme, to secure a good future, he must catch the attention of those above. First, he earned His Majesty''s favor by leading civilians across the river, and now he seeks to prove he is loyal and compassionate towards his old comrades to win over the Supervisor. Quite the strategist he is."


    "You''re overthinking. The Supervisor may appreciate loyal and compassionate individuals, true, but if he drags a bunch of useless trash onto the field, couldn''t Sun Dushi see through his showmanship? It will only backfire."


    "Exactly, at the end of the day, it''s the ability to lead soldiers that''s being tested."


    "Let him be falsely benevolent; we''ll just wait and enjoy the farce."


    "..."


    The supporters of the various Princely Heirs were all talking at once.


    But it was Cao Fan himself who spoke up gravely, "Perhaps not."


    Wen Qiushi asked with suspicion, "What do you mean by that, Princely Heir?"


    "I''ve had someone observe how his soldiers train,"


    Cao Fan spoke calmly, "Those soldiers who escaped from a small county in Yunzhou, under the command of an old man, practice the formation very solidly and smoothly. Despite coming from a small place, they''ve all been through life and death struggles; they''re not as weak as you all say. In this first test, in my opinion, he should have no issue."


    The Capital City has specifically sent a message saying if there is a chance, he could make contact with Chen Sansi and see if he can be drawn to our side.

 Chapter 131 - 122: The Life and Death of the World, All Depend on One Person_2

    Initially, he found it odd that, despite the rarity of the Nine Dragon Body, it certainly wasn''t nonexistent, so why deign to please a country bumpkin?


    It was not until a few days ago that Cao Fan, having witnessed Chen Sansi''s archery skills atop a mountain, had a change of heart. Later, after personally witnessing his troop training, he found Chen indeed has a way with training soldiers, indicating that the man truly possessed exceptional qualities. Though lacking in cultivation now, he could one day become a formidable general.


    But still, it was a pity.


    The man clearly had no intention of pledging loyalty.


    Let''s set Yan Changqing aside for now.


    This kid...


    Actually dared to contend with him for the title of Champion Leader in the Selected Point!


    Cao Fan could see from his eyes a determination to win at all costs, which was nothing short of audacious and foolhardy.


    Sun Xiangzong had wielded power for many years.


    Now, just as he was nearing his end, how could he allow the Immortal Law, surpassing even the Martial Saint, to fall into hands outside the "Cao" family? This alone warranted death for the Chen named.


    Fortunately, while the man had some abilities, his realm was too low. Up till now, he was still proficient in the refining organs skill, and even if he could breakthrough to a small achievement soon, there was no way he could match someone who had achieved Refining Internal Organs Perfection.


    Of course, it would be best to incapacitate him before the martial arts competition segment commenced, for receiving the imperial edict meant if he took matters into his own hands, it might displease Grandpa.


    Cao Fan had already made arrangements.


    Even if Chen made it past the first obstacle of Formation, he would fall at the second, breaking through the Formation.


    "Princely Heir truly has the aura of a general!"


    Wen Qiushi hastily agreed, "This is called knowing both your enemies and yourself, a guaranteed victory in every battle!"


    "Exactly, exactly!"


    "..."


    A group of people started to flatter again.


    "Brother Yin."


    Tang Yingke made his way to the front: "Are your injuries alright?"


    "Scram!"


    Yin Hanwen sneered, "If it weren''t for you exposing yourself, how would I have taken that arrow? After the Selected Point is over, you''ll see what''s coming to you back in the Capital City."


    "Brother Wen, yesterday I..."


    "Brother Yao..."


    Regardless of whom Tang Yingke spoke to, he was either snubbed or outright ignored.


    ...


    Chen Sansi noticed this scene.


    Simply because he had spoken on his behalf, he was now ostracized, likely making the upcoming competition even tougher.


    "Hey!"


    Bai Thingzhi approached Tang Yingke, who was standing alone in a corner, ignored by everyone, "Why do you keep trying to appease those who mistreat you? You might as well join us and follow General Chen; surely, you can carve out a great career with us."


    "Thingzhi, stop inciting him here."


    Chen Sansi bowed with folded hands, "Thank you, Brother Tang, for your help earlier."


    "Mr. Chen, please, I didn''t help much."


    Tang Yingke sighed, "And Mr. Chen need not worry about me. I came to the Selected Point only for experience and have no desire to contend for the title. If I face the Princely Heir and his ilk in the martial arts stage, I will concede defeat. But Mr. Chen, you should be careful. Just this morning, I saw someone speaking with the person in charge of the second phase... well, just be careful!"


    With that, he stood up and took his leave.


    "The second phase, breaking through the Formation?"


    Before Chen Sansi could speculate further, the Martial Arts Arena reverberated with the sound of trumpets and war drums, announcing the official start of the Selected Point examination.


    "Generals!"


    Fang Qingyun, seated high above, began in a leisurely manner, his clear voice echoing throughout the Martial Arts Arena: "The Selected Point begins, the first major item, Formation!


    Next, we will call your names in sequence."


    "When a General''s name is called, please lead your subordinates to another closed Martial Arts Arena five miles away, where the official assessment will take place. The standard is to see whose Formation withstands actual combat the best.


    "Supervisor Sun Dushi, Governor Liu, and Hou Jianjun will serve as the chief examiners, personally adjudicating the scores and grading them from first to fourth tier. After all assessments are completed, we will determine the ranking based on the overall scores to decide the Champion Leader of this Selected Point.


    "Besides that..."


    The Green Robed Scholar continued humorously, with a smile, "Representatives from You State, Liangzhou, and Yan State, including various distinguished officials, will observe this Selected Point. Many among them have eligible daughters, so gentlemen, perform well and don''t miss the opportunity to become highly desirable sons-in-law!"


    "..."


    With these words, the atmosphere in the Martial Arts Arena relaxed considerably.


    Among them, several brilliant generals from humble or ordinary backgrounds all tensed up, clearly prepared to seize this chance to turn their fortunes.


    What use is mere combat prowess?


    Mingling in society involves power, a background.


    This is even more true for governmental officers employed at the court.


    "Alright, let''s begin."


    Once Fang Qingyun concluded the opening ceremony, he was wheeled away by a soldier.


    Li Qianzong, holding a register, then called out, "Cui Yongping!"


    "Present!"


    "Depart!"


    The young general led his five hundred subordinates directly towards the north, their marching formation crisp and orderly.


    In a closed Martial Arts Arena five miles away, surrounded by walls thirty feet high, outsiders could not see inside; hence, they had no way of knowing specifically how the Formation was tested.


    Even after the assessment concluded, they would not return the same way but would exit from another end¡ªsecurity measures were well implemented, ensuring that the details remained confidential until the final results were announced.


    ...


    The enclosed Martial Arts Arena.


    Atop the tall city walls, several pavilions were built, the smaller ones on each side shielded by curtains, housing the families of officials who came to watch. In the central and most prominent pavilion sat the three chief examiners of this Selected Point''s selection.


    Sun Xiangzong, Governor Liu, and Mr. Hou. S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Behind them were various officials like governors and generals from different states, with the least being magistrates, creating a gathering solely of high-ranking officials who also served as overseers of the examination.

 Chapter 132 - 122: The Life and Death of the World, All Depend on One Person_3

    Since this was an unorthodox martial examination, it was naturally not possible to let Sun Xiangzong make all the decisions alone. Many people were needed to witness the process to ensure fairness while making the generals participating in the Selected Point aware that they were soldiers of the court, not soldiers of the Sun Family.


    This rule had been established only about ten years ago.


    Before that, Sun Xiangzong did indeed have the final say.


    "Sun Dushi,"


    Mr. Liu put down the tea cup in his hand, started with a smile, "There are quite a few talented young people this time, several of whom need only a little nurturing to surely become great generals in the future."


    "Indeed,"


    Sun Xiangzong, dressed in coarse linen, half-closed his eyes, leaning back in the Taishi Chair, "It is also the last time this old man will take disciples, I hope it brings some surprises."


    "Mr. Liu,"


    Mr. Hou''s voice was shrill, and his hand holding the tea pot posed with his finger curled, "Who are you eyeing this time?"


    "Naturally, the Young Master!"


    Mr. Liu confidently said, "The Crown Prince has a Dragon Heart Tiger Bone, wields an Azure Dragon Crescent blade bestowed by His Majesty himself, and has achieved Refining Organ Perfection. He''s just one step away from Hua Jin¡ªthis competition''s Champion Leader is none but him! If Sun Dushi could take the Young Master as his closed-door disciple, who knows, he might even become the Dragon Master in the future!"


    "Mr. Liu is perhaps too hasty."


    Mr. Hou expressed a differing opinion, slowly mentioning a few names, "I think Elder Yan''s grandson Yan Changqing is a good choice; just yesterday, he too broke through to Refining Organ Perfection."


    "As for root bone, he''s certainly destined to become a Martial Saint with his Qilin Body, and in the Capital City, many call him the Qilin Child."


    "Moreover, there''s Lu Shuhua, Young Sect Master of the Sky-reaching Sword Sect from Liangzhou who naturally possesses a sword heart and is destined to become a Sword Saint one day."


    "There are also Wen Qiushi from Moon Splitting Mountain Villa, Wen Shaoyang, Young Sect Master of Luoyun Sect from Capital City, Fei Yuliang from You State, Jie Sishu from Yan State, all are highly competitive contenders."


    "With so many outstanding talents, Mr. Liu, have you not seen them?"


    "Hehe~"


    Mr. Liu laughed, "Though there are many talents, only two or three are destined to achieve the Martial Saint Realm. Mr. Hou, do not forget, the final test of ''root bone'' is also part of the overall assessment and carries considerable weight."


    ''An A-Class in the root bone test is equivalent to two A-Classes in the other assessments.''


    ''After all, the Champion Leader of the Selected Point will receive the best nurturing treatment from the court, involving the consumption of countless precious medicinal ingredients; naturally, we must select a general with the highest potential.''


    Some physiques show amazing cultivation speed in the early stages, but once they reach the Meridian Passage or Profound Image Realm, their progress drastically slows or even becomes stagnant, making further breakthroughs impossible."


    For instance, Fei Yuliang from You State with his Heavenly Gang Body will advance into the Profound Image Realm more rapidly than his peers, but he has no hope of reaching the Martial Saint Realm in his lifetime, let alone surpass it."


    Such individuals are fine to nurture as generals."


    But if they truly win the competition, they are not worth the full effort in nurturing."


    Hence, the importance of the root bone test is very high.


    Of course, the Body of Martial Saint is not found every year."


    In past years, having a Heavenly Gang Body was definitely considered as top-tier root bone."


    But who would have thought that this year, being the last Selected Point and Sun Xiangzong''s final closed-door disciple, it would attract truly genuine talents from all over the world, raising the level of Selected Point more than twice over?


    I fear that even the real martial examination would not come close to the difficulty of this Selected Point." S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Even so~"


    Mr. Hou insisted, "Yan Changqing, Lu Shuhua, and Jie Sishu could also become Martial Saints."


    "That''s it?"


    With an aged yet robust voice, Sun Xiangzong asked, "Is that all you think highly of?"


    "Who else do you think could be added, Supervisor Sun?"


    Stroking his beard, Governor Liu said, "Those who have achieved Refining Organ Perfection are just these few; others are good, but far from winning the championship."


    "..."


    Tap-tapping on the armrest of his chair, Sun Xiangzong spoke indifferently, "In my opinion, these rules need to be changed. Having a Body of Martial Saint isn''t very useful. I have three disciples who were so-called ''Innate Martial Saints,'' and only one became a Martial Saint; the other two might be stuck in the Profound Image Realm for many years. Apart from root bone, insight is also necessary."


    "What Supervisor Sun said makes sense."


    "The Supervisor is, as always, very critical."


    "But these rules are perhaps not so easily changed."


    "..."


    Standing behind, Fang Qingyun, who had just ascended the city walls, asked, "Bu Qi, if I remember correctly, Chen is of the Nine Dragon Body, right?"


    "Right, my sister saw with her own eyes when he trained the Nine Dragon Living Veins. Could there be any mistake?"


    With a troubled slap to his forehead, Sun Buqi sighed, "Shanshi is going to suffer a great loss. With enough resources, the minimum level for a Nine Dragon Body is the Profound Image Realm, which is that of a General, but its limit is also Profound Image..."


    "In previous years, obtaining a Class A rating with Nine Dragon Body wouldn''t have been a problem, but this year there are so many with the Innate Martial Saint Body, swarming all at once to participate in Selected Point, making a Nine Dragon Body seem less valuable. Probably, like Wen Qiushi and the others, he''ll end up with a Class B, which is such a drag. Fourth Senior Brother, could you think of some way to help?"


    "That is a tricky issue."


    Fang Qingyun instructed his subordinates, "Go get all the books about ''Martial Body'' from my room."


    "Eh?"


    Sun Buqi seemed surprised by his senior brother''s response, "Fourth Senior Brother, it seems you really want Shanshi to win too."


    "It''s not just me who wants him to win."


    Fang Qingyun looked towards the shabbily dressed old man at the front and said, "It''s him, the old man."


    "My father?"


    Sun Buqi was even more thrilled.


    He hadn''t expected his father to fancy Shanshi to such an extent.


    "Ah~"


    Fang Qingyun sighed deeply, "It''s a pity that rules are rules. With Governor Liu and Mr. Hou here, along with officials from the three states watching, it''s difficult even for my master to favor anyone."


    "I''ll check first. As long as there has been one Nine Dragon Body that broke through to Martial Saint over the past millennia, it can barely be considered a Class A root bone," he said.


    Only he knew.


    Whether Chen could win the championship in this Selected Point wasn''t simply about being the last closed-door disciple, but about a situation that could influence not just the Eight Camps but potentially the entire trajectory of the world''s major strategies.


    This game involved eight deaths, one disablement, and one survivor.


    Whether it was death, survival, or disablement depended entirely on how far this disciple from Po Yang County could go.

 Chapter 133 - 123: Sun Xiangzongs Grand Ambition

    "Train the last batch of disciples well, and Supervisor Sun can retire to enjoy the years of his life,"


    Mr. Hou said in a drawn-out tone, "Our household is truly envious."


    "Indeed."


    Governor Liu added, "Mr. Sun has worked hard for the court all his life, and he should rest well. The heavy responsibility of the Northern Territory''s border defense and the Eight Camps will be taken up by us juniors on behalf of the court!"


    Sun Xiangzong lifted his teacup, skimming the froth off the tea, without speaking.


    "Supervisor Sun."


    Governor Liu leaned forward, "Nan Xu Country has had frequent exchanges with the barbarian envoys recently, stirring trouble. The main and deputy generals of the Azure Dragon, White Tiger, and Vermilion Bird camps will likely need to assist Prince Zhen Nan after the Selected Point concludes. The southern border needs such talented generals."


    "What''s the rush?"


    Sun Xiangzong drank his tea unhurriedly, "We''ll talk about it when the time comes."


    "Supervisor Sun, what do you mean?"


    Governor Liu, clearly not expecting such a response, said solemnly, "We had an agreement before."


    "Times change."


    Sun Xiangzong removed the tea from the brim of his cup, "Even if someone like Governor Liu stayed behind in Yunzhou ten days ago, with the Eight Camps present, it would be barely enough to keep an eye on the Northern Territory. But after ten days, I fear it won''t suffice."


    Even if, barely...


    Hearing himself described in such terms, Governor Liu maintained a smile, "Then what do you suggest, Supervisor Sun?"


    "Within ten days in Yunzhou, they conducted a blood sacrifice with unclear intent; both of you should be well aware of this. The longer we delay, the more likely the barbarians will grow stronger, until they are completely uncontrollable,"


    Sun Xiangzong said lightly, "Before I retire, I must at least annihilate two barbarian tribes to ensure that for fifty years no one dares to invade on a large scale."


    "My disciples still need to stay and assist me. I''m afraid they can''t be transferred away in a short time."


    "Moreover, I need to expand the army.


    "From Eight Camps to Twelve Camps, the total military force should be expanded to over one hundred and fifty thousand."


    "The funds, grain, and medicinal materials required have all been calculated by me, and I hope the court can cooperate."


    "Expand the camps?"


    Governor Liu and Mr. Hou were both taken aback before almost simultaneously saying, "Supervisor Sun, it''s a major decision, not something you can determine with a single word."


    Sun Xiangzong reached into his chest, slowly pulling out a letter he had written, "I have prepared the petition; please trouble Mr. Hou to deliver it to His Majesty. His Majesty should grant his approval after reading it."


    "What''s there to be agitated about?


    "I am a man on the brink of death, merely hoping to do something for the people before I pass away. Once I''m gone, let alone twelve camps, even if there are twenty, aren''t they all His Majesty''s, the court''s? Or are you worried that I might rebel?"


    "Supervisor Sun, your words are too harsh. Who in the world would doubt your loyalty to the court?"


    Mr. Hou took care of the letter, "This confidential letter, I will deliver to His Majesty as soon as possible."


    "That''s settled."


    Sun Xiangzong reclined again in the Grandmaster Chair, squinting his eyes, "Let''s watch the Selected Point."


    "Yes."


    Governor Liu nodded deeply, "If His Majesty really approves Supervisor Sun''s petition, these young people will be the core force of the new four camps."


    "Dang¡ª¡ª"


    Li Qianzong sounded the battle drum, "Enter!"


    "Buzz¡ª¡ª"


    The wooden doors of the Martial Arts Arena opened.


    The first candidate for the Selected Spear Generals, Cui Yongping, began his assessment.


    Soon after, the three examiners discussed and gave a rating: second-class.


    "The formation was smooth, but he took too long to recover from the initial surprise attack. Even though he eventually stabilized the formation without crumbling, second-class is the highest he can achieve."


    "Next!"


    "Jie Sishu!"


    ...


    "Next, Chen Sansi!"


    "..."


    "Chen Sansi?"


    Governor Liu remarked, "Isn''t that the young general who escorted the civilians across the river?"


    "Exactly."


    Mr. Hou said, "Mr. Chen is favored by His Majesty, exceptionally promoted to third-rank honor. If he further establishes military achievements, a title of nobility awaits him."


    "I''ve spent half my life in officialdom and am now just a second-rank governor with the title of an upright senior minister. For him to achieve third-rank at such a young age, he indeed has a limitless future."


    Governor Liu lamented, "It''s just a pity he doesn''t know how to stay clean and has already gotten mixed up with Young Master Yan. He will inevitably be tainted by corruption and end up in disgrace."


    "Mr. Liu, mind your words,"


    Mr. Hou retorted, "Elder Yan is held in high esteem; how could you describe him as a treacherous official in your words?"


    "Isn''t he?"


    Governor Liu snorted, "Thirty years ago, the Capital City purge, twenty years ago, the flood caused by dyke demolition, fifteen years ago... in short, how many loyal ministers have died because of the Yan Party? They were lawless because they once carried out reforms and won the Emperor''s trust. Is he not a treacherous official? And about the fall of An Ding Prefecture''s Great Wall, General Li Yuan, who was in charge of the Great Wall, wasn''t he once Yan Liang''s student? It''s very likely that he betrayed the country!"


    "If you don''t have evidence, how can Mr. Liu make such accusations? Those of us in the palace dare not gossip, or we wouldn''t survive three days,"


    Mr. Hou sneered, "Whether Elder Yan is loyal or not, it is for the wise Emperor to judge. As for you, Mr. Liu, I really want to remind you, the current Emperor is pursuing the way of immortality, and who knows, he might ascend one day. You and Mr. Gao frequently contact the Crown Prince of the Eastern Palace. I wonder what you''re scheming. Don''t forget, whether it is Elder Yan, Mr. Gao, or the Crown Prince, they are all servants of the Emperor!"


    "No need for Mr. Hou''s reminder."


    Mr. Liu snorted, "Our loyalty to the Emperor is clear for all to see!" S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 134 - 123: Sun Xiangzongs Grand Ambition_2

    "Issue each of them a knife."


    Sun Xiangzong suddenly spoke.


    "Yes, Master!"


    A general with a bear''s back and a tiger''s waist, clad in armour despite a bald head with scars from ring incisions, and a huge Buddha bead necklace around his neck, complied. He pulled out two bright blades from the belts of two soldiers behind him and threw them in front of the quarreling pair.


    "Mr. Sun."


    Governor Liu exclaimed in shock, "What do you mean by this?"


    "Women''s gossip!"


    The bald general grumbled, "Your arguing has almost put my master to sleep. If you truly can''t stand each other, roll down there and settle it with life and death! Oh, I forgot, Mr. Hou doesn''t even have that thing!"


    "You..."


    Mr. Hou''s face turned green with rage, pointing with his orchid fingers at the other party: "General Meng, you dare insult me?!"


    Meng Guangxin was not the least bit afraid.


    Noticing the expressionless Sun Xiangzong, they finally dared not quarrel any longer, with each of them quieting down to watch the next contest at the Selected Spear.


    ...


    "Brother Chen, it''s fine to take a ''B'' grade too."


    Yan Changqing consoled, "Once I win the Selected Spear and secure my footing, I will promote you a great deal."


    "Then I must thank you in advance, Mr. Yan."


    Chen Sansi wasted no words and led his men onwards.


    The Martial Arts Arena was a large enclosed space, easily accommodating tens of thousands of people. Moreover, several hundred people sat on the walls above, watching the Selected Spear contest, each with a powerful energy within.


    With his keen eyesight, Chen Sansi spotted Mr. Hou and the two people beside him with just a glance.


    One wore a crimson official robe adorned with pheasant patches, and the other, an old man in coarse linen.


    From where they sat, it was clear they were the chief examiners¡ªthe man in the red robe was naturally Governor Liu, and the old man in linen was likely Sun Dushi, Sun Xiangzong.


    It was unexpected that the great Supervisor, whose reputation was formidable, would be so unremarkable in appearance.


    Not only that, the energy flowing within him was also unique.


    In all the practitioners present, the energy was transparent, differing only in thickness¡ªlike Mr. Hou''s energy being extremely dense, almost materialized, and Governor Liu wasn''t far behind, not to mention the bald monk-like general and the other generals.


    But.


    The energy in Sun Xiangzong''s body was green!


    Unlike anyone else''s.


    It was somewhat similar to the pale blue energy within Exotic Beasts, but deeper. It was more fitting to describe it as green.


    Above Martial Saint, indeed extraordinary.


    Even the method of cultivation was completely different from that of ordinary martial artists.


    But...


    Looking around the world, Chen Sansi couldn''t find this "Qingxuan Energy" anywhere. Could it be cultivated rather than absorbed? Or is it only discoverable at a certain level of attainment?


    "Clang¡ª"


    Li Qianzong stood on the high platform and announced, "Selected Spear Generals, please ascend the platform and command your subordinates from above. Do not participate personally in the battle. The assessment will start after two sticks of incense."


    Forming an array was naturally about commanding ability. If one took charge of everything personally, it would not make one a general but a mere commoner.


    Chan Sansi climbed onto the high platform and noticed traces on the ground, including bloodstains. It seemed that indeed someone could die during the drill, which was understandable. Without the threat of real death, the true combat effectiveness of the soldiers could not be tested. It was just uncertain how it would be done.


    "Roar..."


    His ears twitched to a low growl from within the walls: "I see."


    Chen Sansi nodded to Xu Wencai among the crowd, signaling that they could begin.


    "Form the array¡ª"


    Xu Wencai unfurled his Feather Fan.


    Over five hundred men arranged themselves into a simple defensive Four Gates formation with incredible speed.


    "Once the official assessment begins, a squad of our own cavalry will charge to break through the formation. They might cause injuries, but they will definitely not take your lives, rest assured," Li Qianzong announced loudly. "Your task is very simple: there is only one, and that is to maintain the formation."


    They wouldn''t take lives?


    Perhaps not.


    Clearly, this was a test of the ability to respond to sudden attacks, to see how they would react to unforeseen circumstances on the battlefield and what the outcome would be.


    However, Chen Sansi was confident in his subordinates and saw no need to break the rules by giving an advance warning.


    "These aren''t soldiers from the Liangzhou Guard, are they?"


    Governor Liu Zhongxian, assisting the Supervisor in controlling the army of three states, naturally could tell at a glance.


    "Indeed they are."


    Mr. Hou was also surprised, "Whose soldiers are they?"


    General Zhao, also in the audience, replied, "They are the routed soldiers who fled from Po Yang County."


    "Routed soldiers?"


    Liu Zhongxian couldn''t help but chuckle, "What is Mr. Chen''s intention with this?"


    "How could Mr. Chen be made to use routed soldiers?"


    Mr. Hou glared behind him, his shrill voice cold and piercing, "General Zhao, Mr. Chen is a general conferred by His Majesty, is someone daring to target him, denying him troops?"


    "Mr. Hou, Zhao would never do such a thing."


    General Zhao responded, "Mr. Chen insisted on using his old troops, many can attest to that, and there''s no need for the two esteemed gentlemen to underestimate them. It''s said that these country soldiers have been trained exceptionally well."


    "Oh?"


    Mr. Hou said with interest, "Mr. Chen is preparing to showcase his command skills to everyone."


    "Don''t throw a rock only to have it land on your own foot."


    Liu Zhongxian watched with anticipation.


    Sun Xiangzong still didn''t speak, just watching quietly.


    "Boom, boom, boom¡ª"


    The war drums sounded. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Martial Arts Arena was like a large coliseum, and with the sound of the drums, the eight gates of the coliseum opened simultaneously. From each gate came twenty cavalry, heading straight towards the Four Gates defensive formation.

 Chapter 135 - 123: Sun Xiangzongs Grand Ambition_3

    The formation centered around Wang Zhi started operating. With no obstructions, it resisted the cavalry''s repeated charges without showing any signs of disorder.


    After four charges, the cavalry gradually left the arena.


    "That''s it?"


    Zhao Kang said incredulously, "It''s over?"


    "Don''t let your guard down, maintain the formation and do not disperse!"


    Xu Wencai, who was at the very heart of the formation, shouted loudly, "If anyone makes a mistake before the examiner announces the end, they will be dealt with by military law when we return!"


    "Definitely, it can''t be this simple."


    Wang Zhi murmured to himself.


    Having been in the Eight Camps for many years, he naturally knew the range of difficulty for these assessments.


    Even though the specific methods of assessment changed every year, they wouldn''t be this easy.


    "Roar¡ª"


    Indeed.


    Just as the last cavalryman left, sudden strange beastly roars echoed from all directions. Then, one after another, wild beasts like wolves, tigers, leopards, and jackals rushed out of the gates. Their sizes were much larger than normal, their eyes blood-red as if dripping with blood, their fangs as sharp as blades, dripping with thick saliva. It was unclear how long they had not eaten, but now, seeing fresh flesh, they crazily pounced towards the people in the center of the Martial Arts Arena.


    In everyone''s eyes, it was an unavoidable beast tide.


    Most critical was that these ferocious beasts were too strange; their abnormal sizes and blood-red eyes were just like the demon beasts of legend!


    "Could it be that they are all Exotic Beasts?"


    Most people who had just arrived in Liangzhou had never heard the term Poisonous Beast.


    The first thing that came to their minds was Exotic Beast. Any ferocious beast that turned into an Exotic Beast would have its combat power skyrocket. Such Exotic Beasts would terrify ordinary people to the point of urinating themselves.


    Especially since the cavalry charges had given everyone the illusion that no one would be harmed, the huge contrast inevitably caused panic. Once panicked, blood would be seen, and when added together, the formation could easily collapse. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "They''re just beasts, hold your ground and kill!"


    Wang Zhi roared as he brandished his sword at the very front.


    The flag officers responsible for command, waved their Array Flags skillfully, manipulating the formation to maximize the strategic advantage of the four-door containment formation. They split the more than four hundred wild beasts apart. Even though the number of people appeared similar to that of the Poisonous Beasts, they firmly trapped them as if their numbers were several times greater.


    The power of these Poisonous Beasts was incredibly terrifying.


    Especially a few Poisonous Beast-transformed tigers, whose strength could match that of a Martial Artist in the Bone Training Realm. They immediately flipped over several soldiers, but the formation, far from being disorderly, was quickly filled whenever there was a gap, airtight. Some soldiers, in order to avoid errors, even used their bodies to resist physically to buy an extra second or two for the formation to recover.


    What intense battling will, it was merely an evaluation, yet they fought with the resolve of a life-and-death battle. It seemed everyone was unafraid of death, determined to maintain the formation for the greater good until the end.


    [Sinking Formation Death Will] overlaying [How Can They Be Without Clothes], this beast tide hadn''t even brought out the soldiers'' full strength.


    Beasts are ultimately just beasts, soon bewildered by shield after shield, followed by a sky-covering storm of spears and arrows. The Martial Arts Arena turned essentially into a slaughterhouse.


    If it continued like this, it wouldn''t be long before many Poisonous Beasts would be cleanly annihilated.


    "Stop!"


    Li Qianzong hurriedly sounded the gong, "Disperse the formation, we need to keep these Poisonous Beasts for the next part of the assessment, don''t kill them all!"


    "Boom¡ª"


    Several Deputy Generals in the Meridian Passage Realm emerged, completely driving the Poisonous Beasts from the arena.


    In fact, they had been covertly watching all along, not allowing any soldier to die at the jaws of the Poisonous Beasts; at most, some were seriously injured and would intervene at critical moments to rescue.


    Of course, their intervention meant potentially disturbing the formation.


    But the group of men in front of them needed no such help. It was a sudden incident at first, a few were injured, and then the situation was quickly stabilized, passing the test beautifully.


    "Truly worthy of the men who crossed the river together!"


    Mr. Hou exclaimed, "Supervisor Sun, have you seen? Facing just an assessment, these men disregarded life and death as if they were on a real battlefield. If they really were on the field of battle, they would surely be invincible, far stronger than the Liangzhou Soldiers commanded by several Generals up front."


    The assessment was currently more than halfway done.


    Roughly forty percent of the people secured Class A ratings.


    In reality, the difficulty of the beast tide wasn''t great; it wouldn''t truly slaughter the soldiers. As long as one could stabilize the four-door containment formation, passing was entirely doable.


    But in many soldiers'' minds, this was just an assessment and not a real battlefield. Even getting injured seemed unworthy, let alone sacrificing their lives, naturally leading to panic.


    Whether one could follow military commands as steadfast as a mountain, that was also a big test for the leaders commanding soldiers.


    All three main examiners took note.


    Commanding this formation was actually an old scholar in the very middle.


    A scholar commanding a battle formation.


    In the Eight Camps, there was currently only one Fang Qingyun.


    This also implicitly showed that Chen Sansi''s command ability over military tactics was supremely excellent.


    "This Mr. Chen is truly capable,"


    General Zhao couldn''t help but admire, "It''s just a pity that his talents are not enough, otherwise, he would also be a strong competitor for the position of True Inheritor."


    "To become a Main General in the future would also be quite good."


    Uncontested, the three main examiners gave a "Class A" assessment.


    Injured soldiers, carried away to receive the best treatment.


    The others left under command.


    "Master."


    Fang Qingyun approached the old man pushing a wooden wheel: "Did you see Lao Liu? These years he has indeed become much steadier. Falling to the Bone Training Realm and being a minor Thousand Captain in the county Household, yet managing to be down-to-earth is certainly not easy."

 Chapter 136 - 123: Sun Xiangzongs Grand Ambition_4

    ...


    The first Selected Point challenge swiftly concluded, and the results were subsequently announced.


    Chen Sansi was, without a doubt, Class A.


    Besides him, Cao Fan from the Imperial Army naturally also attained a Class A, as did Lu Shuhua, and there were others...


    There were also a few whose cultivation was decent, but their leadership in commanding troops was too poor, such as Jie Sishu from Yan State, who possessed the Body of Innate Martial Saint, yet in this round, merely secured a Class C result, effectively eliminating half of the candidates.


    "He really guessed it right,"


    Wen Qiushi listened to the announced results in surprise, "That Chen guy truly managed to obtain a Class A in this round!"


    "What''s the use of that,"


    Yin Hanwen''s wounds burst open, his complexion deathly pale, "It''s not as if this is the only challenge to be assessed."


    Cao Fan looked towards the Martial Arts Arena, which was already being prepared for the second challenge, his gaze dark and foreboding.


    After resting for half an hour,


    The second Selected Point challenge, breaching the Formation, ensued.


    Li Qianzong called out with a raised voice, declaring the rules, "Next, forty thousand troops will be drawn from the Eight Camps and deployed to set up a simplified Nine Palace Eight Diagram Formation in the Martial Arts Arena. Your aim is to enter the Formation and break out in the shortest time possible!"


    "Has the sheer number of troops startled you?"


    "Don''t be afraid, this round primarily tests how you respond when surrounded by heavy forces, whether you can arrange troops in a formation and whether you can solve the Formation to find a way to survive. The soldiers in the Formation will mainly aim to capture you alive rather than take your life, and due to the large number of people, the highest cultivation within the Formation will merely be Bone Forging Perfection. There will be no one of the same Refining Internal realm as you. All you need to do is find the hidden way out of the Formation to break through."


    "Those who rush out of the Nine Palace Eight Diagram Formation within the time it takes for one incense stick to burn will be considered Class A. The following will drop one rank for every additional half an incense stick they take. If you are captured alive, you will be directly eliminated from the assessment for Main General and may join the assessment for Deputy General next door. Of course, there is no need to feel disheartened. Whether through a moment of sudden insight or through meritorious deeds in the future, you still have the opportunity to become a Main General in your own right."


    "The Formation is now ready; like before, I will call names to begin the challenge through the Formation!"


    "Cui Yongping!"


    "Roar¡ª"


    A Formation with tremendous momentum unfolded before everyone''s eyes.


    Banners flailed wildly, drums reverberated through the heavens.


    If one were to look down from a high platform, it was clear that this Formation was like a live Eight Diagram pattern in motion. The rushing soldiers within it subtly conformed to the natural order of the universe, faintly capable of enhancing the soldiers'' combat abilities!


    What a marvelous Formation!


    Only a marvelous Formation could yield such an effect.


    This time, the examination was not held in a closed environment, and everyone could watch the assessment process of the previous Selected Spear General.


    Because the Nine Palace Eight Diagram Formation was a living entity, constantly changing, let alone the fact that onlookers were not allowed to stand at a high vantage point, from a horizontal perspective, one could only see the first few rows, and with an eight-foot-tall Mystical Iron Shield blocking the view tightly, it was impossible to clearly make out what was happening deep inside. Prolonged observation could instead impart a sensation of oppression.


    Once again taking the lead, Cui Yongping charged into the Formation on horseback.


    About half an incense stick''s time later, the result came through.


    "Cui Yongping, captured alive, eliminated!"


    "..."


    After that, eight others entered the fray one after another. With half of them being eliminated and the highest grade amongst the rest being only Class B, there wasn''t even a single Class A. This caused considerable alarm and trepidation among the candidates.


    "Even Jie Sishu from Yan State, with a Body of Innate Martial Saint, only obtained a Class B!"


    "It''s as if the Formation consumes people; once inside, one cannot get out!"


    "Last year''s Selected Spear exam wasn''t this Formation, was it?"


    "Why is it so difficult this year..."


    Even Lu Shuhua, Cao Fan, and Yan Changqing, those geniuses who were favored to win the competition, were all extremely tense. This was a formation for forty thousand people, and although it required only containment and not combat, it still presented an absolutely terrifying level of difficulty.


    "Chen Sansi!"


    Chen Sansi, who had been well prepared, walked to the front.


    "This is the horse, this is the Weapon!"


    This stage of the formation challenge was a race against time.


    The better the horse, the greater the natural advantage one had.


    Some from noble and general''s families might even have a batch of Exotic Beast Warhorses.


    To ensure fairness, everyone was prohibited from riding their own warhorses, and instead, they were issued horses by the Eight Camps.


    The horse allocated to Chen Sansi was a black one, far inferior to Qian Xun, but still considered an excellent warhorse. After checking that there were no problems, he received an unsharpened reed-leaf long spear.


    Everyone''s information had already been recorded, and the Weapon they used was a matter of public record.


    The reason for issuing unsharpened weapons was twofold: to increase difficulty and to prevent the Selected Spear Generals from getting bloodthirsty. These geniuses could easily kill two or three hundred people if given the chance.


    After all, this was only an assessment. Casualties were hard to avoid, but it wouldn''t do to completely disregard the lives of one''s own people. Even in the previous formation challenge, there were experts at the Meridian Passage stage overseeing everything to prevent too many casualties.


    Therefore, this stage used blunted weapons to minimize injuries, reminding generals to show mercy with their subordinates.


    The Zhenyue Sword couldn''t be brought in either.


    Besides, such mystical weapons were the domain of Hua Jin Warriors, and their use would have introduced an element of unfairness.


    Chen Sansi didn''t really care; after breaking through to Refining Internal, he hadn''t had time to practice either swordsmanship or saber technique. Even if he brought them along, it wouldn''t make much difference.


    He confirmed there were no issues with the horse, and on the surface, the Weapon seemed unproblematic too. But without live combat, he couldn''t be sure if there were hidden defects, and he had no time to test it. Above the desk, the sandalwood incense used to measure time had been lit; every second that followed was precious. Time waits for no one!


    "Begin!" S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Go!"


    Chen Sansi spurred his horse into the battle formation, a man and his horse vanishing like they were diving into the maw of a gigantic beast, disappearing from sight.


    The Nine Palace Eight Diagram Formation, also known as the Eight Gates Golden Lock Formation, was a formation invented over a thousand years ago, lost for over nine hundred years until Fang Qingyun successfully restored it and brought it into practical use just over a decade ago.


    It was during that time that he earned his reputation as ''Phoenix''.


    This formation was enigmatic and incredibly complex, and even if one understood the layout of the Nine Palace Eight Diagram, they still had to discern the true from the false. It was normal for several generals to be captured at the front.


    Luckily, Chen Sansi had mastered this formation long ago.


    If it were truly just an exercise, he believed he could break out of the encirclement quickly, definitely in less than the time it took for an incense stick to burn.


    It''s just that...


    With his exceptional senses, how could he not notice the Princely Heir Cao Fan''s constant, sinister gaze on him?


    Plus, Tang Yingke had warned him beforehand, so he was well aware he might encounter trouble in this stage.


    But until it actually happened, even if he spoke up, how could it be verified without the other party confessing?


    "Well then, my path has always been fraught with challenges."


    Chen Sansi gripped the reed-leaf long spear in his hand, resolute and fearless, "If someone really means to trouble me, even a Weapon without an edge can kill!"

 Chapter 137 - 124: You Can Kill Without a Gun Tip!

    After the Nine Palace Eight Diagram Formation was restored, it gradually fell into the hands of the common folk.


    When Chen Sansi had free time, he and Xu Wencai had studied it together and were thoroughly familiar with it; it was only because they did not have enough soldiers that they could not set it up.


    In real combat, there was no such thing as a "Life Gate"; the Life Gate would be heavily guarded, turning it into the actual Death Gate, making the entire formation impenetrable, unless one relied on brute force to break down the formation until it collapsed on its own.


    But since it was an exercise, and one that required racing against time, there would certainly be a Life Gate, testing the Main General''s understanding of military formations and their personal adaptive capabilities.


    Once inside the battle formation, one would be attacked by countless axes, halberds, hooks, and forks from all directions, aimed mostly at the warhorses beneath them.


    Under these circumstances, losing a warhorse was akin to having one''s legs broken, and one would soon be surrounded by heavy troops, unable to escape.


    However, the soldiers within the Eight Diagram Formation bore no real malice and preferred to capture alive if possible, or else just to delay time.


    A stick of incense, or about half an hour, was needed to break through the formation of forty thousand men; just walking across would take an unknown length of time, not to mention that these Array Soldiers were all elites from the Eight Camps. Even if the generals above the Refining Internal level were eliminated, leaving behind only those at the Bone Training level, it would be impossible to force one''s way through. One had to find the Life Gate.


    "Northwest Qiang Palace, Five Elements Belonging to Gold, open the gate."


    While Chen Sansi continually parried attacks from every direction, he quickly determined his position in the sea of people and soon found the only path to life.


    To his left was one of the three deadly gates, the Injury Gate, which appeared to have weak forces but would trap anyone who entered, preventing their escape. To his right was the Surprise Gate, combining reality and illusion, likely hiding a Death Gate behind it.


    Only directly ahead was the Rest Gate, the only "Jimen" in sight, yet it was blocked by an eight-foot-tall Mystical Iron Shield, looking impregnable.


    A bluff!


    "Go!"


    Chen Sansi shouted, and the long spear in his hand, unsharpened, smashed down like a Siege Giant Hammer, flipping the shield and the Heavy Armor soldier holding it into the air. He burst through the tight encirclement as if opening a large door, and man and horse alike surged through like fish returning to the ocean, unhindered and charging forward.


    "Good!"


    Above the city walls.


    The officials watched the Nine Palace Eight Diagram Formation on the ground from a godlike perspective, applauding and cheering.


    "Mr. Chen is incredible!"


    General Zhao praised sincerely, "Up to this point, he is the fastest to have found the direction of the Life Gate, even Jie Sishu, with the Body of Innate Martial Saint, made several mistakes before finding the right path, leading to only a Class B result in the end."


    Mr. Hou also admired him greatly, "After General Fang broke through the Nine Palace Eight Diagram Formation, even I studied it for a full three years before I understood it. Mr. Chen has only been enlisted for a short time, and not only does his Martial Arts prowess nearly rival the geniuses of the Capital City, but he also possesses such substantial military strategy strength."


    "Hmm, passable."


    Sun Xiangzong slightly raised the corners of his mouth, returned to his seat, and continued to drink tea while watching.


    "Not bad at all."


    Meng Guangxin stretched his neck, "Old Fourth, whatever formation you''ve come up with, in my eyes, it looks like a bunch of circles spinning around. This kid did well, broke it in an instant."


    "Otherwise, how do you think he managed to defeat six thousand barbarians with just over a thousand remaining soldiers?"


    Fang Qingyun was not surprised at all, "Then, leading those thousand wounded soldiers, he escorted tens of thousands of civilians across the river. It''s impossible with brute strength alone, he also needed comprehension and flexible application of military tactics."


    "I also know military tactics,"


    Meng Guangxin touched his bald head, "It''s not as complicated as you say. If we can fight, we fight; if we can''t, we run!"


    "No need to look any further for the first to reach Class A in the breakthrough exercise,"


    Sun Buqi declared the victory outright.


    Apart from the chief examiner, the invigilating officers, and the officials, the ladies who came for the show didn''t understand the intricacies but could see that this young general was the only one who wasn''t trapped after entering the battle formation.


    "Sun Li, this is the Chen Sansi you were talking about, right?"


    Several daughters of high-ranking officials were engrossed in the scene from behind a curtain.


    Sun Li was among them.


    Today, she did not wear clothes suitable for fighting, but a white gauze stand-collar jacket that revealed a light pink lining, a Kong Mansion floriated skirt on the lower body, and her hair pinned up, even softening the heroic spirit in her eyebrows and eyes.


    "Yes."


    Sun Li answered faintly, "That''s him."


    "He''s really impressive, but I heard his qualifications are not enough,"


    Her friend said, "This time, the champion will be one of Cao Fan, Yan Changqing, or Lu Shuhua. By the way, Sun Li, hasn''t your father ever considered a marriage alliance with the Imperial Family?"


    Though they were ladies, being from high-ranking official families, they were exposed to some degree of court politics.


    To these people, the best way for the Sun Family to descend from power safely was to become part of the Imperial Family.


    "No."


    Sun Li replied calmly.


    There indeed had been no such thing.


    Not only had she never entertained the idea, but her father had also never had such intentions and didn''t follow other high-ranking families in arranging political marriages generation after generation.


    Moreover, the Sun Family''s situation was unique; mere marriage alliances could not resolve their issues.


    This was not her concern. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    All she could do was practice her swordplay and strive to become stronger.


    "I''m going back."


    With that thought, Sun Li could no longer sit still and stood up to leave.

 Chapter 138 - 124: You Can Kill Without a Gun Tip! _2

    Just then, a cry of alarm came from the front.


    "How did this general''s weapon break?"


    "..."


    Those watching the battle from atop the city walls clearly hadn''t expected the sudden turn of events.


    The young general in the thick of the formation saw his long spear break after smashing through several shields. What was left was just a wooden rod, devoid of its spear tip.


    "..."


    "His spear has broken, don''t let him seize another weapon!"


    "..."


    Within the battlefield, the soldiers of the Eight Camps relayed signals to one another.


    "Did Cao Fan have a hand in this?"


    Chen Sansi looked at the broken spear, somewhat mentally prepared, yet he felt the game was not over, there might be other traps; otherwise, the impact would be negligible.


    Without a spear tip, spear technique simply turns into stick skill, and without even a stick, it falls back to empty-handed combat.


    This is why the spear is called the king of weapons, difficult to master.


    He originally wanted to try seizing another spear from someone, but the soldiers of the Eight Camps were well-prepared and kept retreating, giving him no chance to succeed even briefly. If he stopped specifically to seize a weapon, even a delay of three to five seconds could allow pursuers to catch up to him.


    The Nine Palace Eight Diagram formation is not a fixed formation, but one that changes, which is what truly makes it formidable.


    The safe path tread just a second ago could turn into a deadly trap the next.


    At this point, as long as he broke through the "Du Gate" up ahead, he would be unobstructed all the way to the Life Gate and thoroughly pass this challenge. With most of the sandalwood incense already burnt, he could not afford to waste time here.


    After all, there were no martial artists beyond the Refining Organ level in the entire grand formation, and the soldiers attacked only the horses, not the men, showing no intent to kill, which almost guaranteed that no one could stop him. To him, it was merely a maze made of men, and a very simple maze at that.


    "Charge!"


    Chen Sansi paid no heed and plunged into the battle formation of the Du Gate, formed by cavalrymen with long sabers.


    "Bang¡ª"


    The stick in his hand seemed to merge with his body, and although it was made of wood, it struck down men and horses like steel, not even giving the edge of a saber the chance to meet it head-on.


    The final wave!


    "Hum¡ª"


    As Chen Sansi charged towards the final wave of men with caution, the unexpected inevitably happened.


    Several cavalrymen wielding long sabers surged from both sides, striving with all their might to stop him from crossing the last defense.


    The Du Gate was naturally fierce and equally balanced.


    It was normal for it to be challenging.


    What felt wrong to Chen Sansi was that Refining Organ levels were hidden here!


    It was agreed that the highest level within the Nine Palace Eight Diagram formation was Bone Training, so why were there Refining Organ levels, and these men, they carried a murderous intent, not coming to capture him alive!


    They not only attacked his horse but also aimed for his throat, heart, and other vulnerable spots with sneak attacks.


    "Bang!"


    Chen Sansi brought down his stick in a mighty split, crushing a cavalryman along with his helmet and he shouted, "Refining Organs, are you breaking the rules now?"


    "Bullshit! I am merely Bone Training!"


    A one-eyed general retorted while swinging his long saber, casting trailing images.


    At least, there were four martial artists with a small achievement in Refining Organs!


    Moreover, they were quite cunning, not using the explosive speed characteristic of Refining Organs but relying solely on potent Qi-Blood, making it difficult for the examiners on the city walls to discern anything with the naked eye.


    Only those who truly engaged in combat could immediately sense that something was amiss.


    Moreover, with many high realm martial artists in the Eight Camps, even achieving small success in refining organs might not necessarily secure a position as a Thousand Captain. The examiners on the city walls held such high positions, and not all of them had photographic memory. They likely did not recognize them. It was an extremely insidious tactic. Even if it did not kill him, it could delay him considerably, allowing the cavalry following him to surround him completely. At worst, he would end up eliminated.


    Despite clearly looking down on him as a master of the refining organs skill, they still designed obstacles for him. It was truly a case of strategically despising the enemy while tactically valuing them, indeed a talent of military leadership.


    Unfortunately...


    Small achievement in refining organs couldn''t stop him!


    Moreover, he wasn''t planning to leave.


    "The purpose of this assault course is not to kill our own, but, since you''ve broken the rules, you''re naturally no longer considered as our own."


    Chen Sansi''s face showed no emotion, his tone as still as a dead pond: "I give you two choices, either confess voluntarily or die here."


    "What evidence do you have that we''ve broken the rules?"


    The one-eyed general sneered.


    They planned to switch back to the original person before the next evaluation began, unbeknownst to anyone.


    "As for death." The one-eyed general said contemptuously, "Our realms are similar, you don''t even have a gun tip, who can you kill?"


    "Who said you can''t kill without a gun tip?"


    "Pfft¡ª"


    As his words fell, a spear, now just a wooden shaft, fiercely pierced through the throat of the one-eyed general. It was so fast that nobody saw clearly when the spear, no, stick, was thrust.


    "Better show your skills of small success in refining organs, or you might get a few more breaths."


    "Pfft¡ª" sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Another Refining Organ General was stabbed through the throat.


    The remaining two Refining Organ Generals were shocked and horrified, and no longer held back, bursting forth with the speed they should possess, slashing toward their opponent from both sides, but they quickly realized that even with all their might, they were no match.


    In Chen Sansi''s hands, the spear lacked a tip, just the sticky, dark red blood, which, in the eyes of the two Refining Organ Generals, resembled a madly flailing blood-red python, instilling fear in their hearts.


    The Unity Spear Technique, unstoppable!


    The two thought about fleeing, but there was no chance, their throats pierced one after another by the blood-colored python, falling from their horses into pools of blood where their hearts ceased to beat.


    With the leader dead, his subordinates panicked and fled, but were surrounded by the Eight Camps soldiers who had watched the entire proceedings. They had nowhere to run, allowing Chen Sansi to start a massacre!


    "This general, if they really broke the rules, they deserve to die!"


    "We just need to leave one alive to find out what happened later."


    ...


    "Why has he started a massacre?!"


    Atop the city wall.


    Governor Liu, watching the bloody scene unfold, said: "Those people clearly couldn''t stop him, why didn''t he just break through the formation and end his examination instead of staying to kill?"


    "Are you pretending to be confused or are you truly confused?"


    Mr. Hou coldly said: "Didn''t you realize that the strength shown by those people before they died was that of refining organs? Who has such audacity to tamper within Selected Point, it''s absolutely outrageous!"


    "It really is refining organs!"


    Even Sun Buqi noticed, with refining organs mixed inside, "Fourth Senior Brother, what''s going on?"


    "The spear technique is not bad."


    Sun Xiangzong''s expression remained unchanged, but his voice made everyone present feel as if they were choking, as if someone was grasping their throats.


    "I truly am useless now, they are beginning to bully me for my deafness and blindness."


    "Fifth Junior Brother, go down and investigate who did it, and bring them here."

 Chapter 139 - 125: Martial Saint, What Is That Supposed to Be?

    Outside the Nine Palace Eight Diagram Formation.


    No matter what was happening in the core of the formation, the Selected Spear Generals at the forefront could neither see nor hear it; they only knew that the sandalwood incense was burning incessantly and was about to burn out.


    "Class B?"


    Zhao Kang and others looked on from a distance, even more anxious than if they were the ones being assessed.


    "An anomaly indicates the presence of demons."


    Xu Wencai, flicking his feather fan, said, "I and Mr. Chen have already thoroughly studied the Nine Palace Eight Diagram Formation. By calculation, it should have ended by now. The fact that he hasn''t come out yet means there''s definitely an accident¡ªlet''s wait and see."


    "..."


    "Why hasn''t General Chen come out yet?"


    Bai Thingzhi wanted to climb higher to see what was happening inside but was blocked by weapons.


    "Please abide by the rules, General, or your qualification will be revoked."


    "..."


    Tang Yingke sat on a stone pier, drawing with his sword on the ground.


    "Brother!"


    Bai Thingzhi came over, "Last time I saw you murmuring a bunch to General Chen, do you know something? Share with me."


    "It''s nothing."


    Tang Yingke avoided the question, "Mr. Chen is capable. He won''t die."


    "Won''t die?"


    Even Bai Thingzhi, as simple-minded as he was, could tell something was off.


    Normally, one wouldn''t die in the formation trial.


    To say so meant there was a problem!


    ...


    "That''s it?"


    Yin Hanwen looked at the nearly burnt-out first stick of sandalwood incense, "Even I can break the Nine Palace Eight Diagram Formation. I thought this kid was something special, but he fell at the second hurdle."


    Wen Qiushi followed up, "He still couldn''t escape the palm of the Princely Heir."


    Cao Fan said nothing, merely waiting silently for the result to be announced.


    Class B? That wasn''t enough!


    He hoped, if not death, then at least crippling, so the man would stop being an eyesore, flitting about before his eyes.


    Moreover, today''s arrangement was foolproof, as he had a Martial Saint helping him with a greater scheme in store regarding the layout of the Eight Camps.


    "Buzz¡ª"


    Suddenly, a sound of heavy weapons cleaving the air resounded beside them.


    Cao Fan''s eyebrows knitted together as he picked up his Azure Dragon Crescent blade.


    He saw Bai Thingzhi raising his broadsword and coming at them, "What Princely Heir? I''ll slaughter you!"


    "Truly a well-biting hound!"


    Cao Fan had heard his father say.


    There were loyal ministers in the world who could be unimaginably faithful to their masters, and securing such talented generals was indeed a great fortune.


    It seemed there really were such people.


    Unfortunately, they were not his.


    "What are you doing?"


    Cao Fan said gravely, "Attacking the Princely Heir for no reason, do you want to have your entire clan executed?"


    Bai Thingzhi stated bluntly, "Tell me, was it you who sabotaged the formation?"


    "Ridiculous!"


    Cao Fan scoffed, "Chen''s own incompetence at breaking out of the formation has nothing to do with me. Why are you biting me without reason?"


    He didn''t need to lift a finger himself; Bai Thingzhi was already blocked at every turn.


    Knowing he could not get close, Bai Thingzhi shouted to Thousand Captain Li at the side, "My lord, there''s definitely something wrong with the formation!"


    He was not just speculating without cause.


    That Tang Yingke was clearly aware of the inside story; he just hadn''t revealed it.


    "Without evidence, you dare to create a disturbance?"


    Thousand Captain Li frowned, "If there truly is a problem, the chief examiners will deal with it justly. There''s no need for you to shout and scream here! Seize him, and after the examination is over, decide whether to revoke his Selected Spear qualification!"


    "Rustle¡ª"


    Several Generals who had attained Refining Internal Organs Perfection, responsible for maintaining order in the examination field, stepped forward and pinned Bai Thingzhi firmly to the ground.


    Thousand Captain Li turned to look at the sandalwood incense on the table, sighed inwardly, and estimated it was also Class B, noting that the Nine Palace Eight Diagram Formation devised by General Fang really was difficult to break.


    "The assessment is over!"


    "Chen Sansi, Class A!"


    A loud voice rang out alongside the gong.


    At the same time, the incense on the table coincidentally extinguished.


    "The first Class A!"


    "Class A!"


    The previously eliminated Selected Spear Generals, who had received a Class B, all showed an incredulous expression.


    Generals like Cui Yongping and Xie Sishu even thought that Class B was the highest grade attainable in this assessment.


    Because the Nine Palace Eight Diagram Formation was just too difficult!


    It''s easy to theorize about strategies on paper; they all knew how the formation worked, but when they genuinely entered the vast formation of forty thousand men, they immediately became headless flies. With concepts like the Nine Palace, the Six Gates, the Six Instruments, and the Three Oddities, although clear in their minds, they became confused, unable to discern anything on the field. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    That rural general, whose skills were even inferior to theirs, somehow scored Class A, showing his profound understanding of military tactics and his extraordinary adaptability on the spot.


    "Class A?"


    The moment before, those like Yin Hanwen who had been reveling in another''s misfortune were suddenly petrified.


    Especially Cao Fan, who wasn''t even fully confident about securing Class A himself, let alone considering the obstacles he had set up inside the formation, even tampering with the weapons.


    ''Truly capable indeed...''


    He had a measure of respect in his heart. If this person wasn''t so intent on competing for the title of Champion Leader and wasn''t unwilling to ally with him, he indeed would have been a talent to utilize.


    ''Fortunately.''


    ''You may have passed the hurdle, but your dog won''t!''


    He approached the soldiers maintaining order: "Thousand Captain Li, you''ve seen it. Mr. Chen passed smoothly. There''s nothing unfair about this examination. This clearly shows he''s deliberately disrupting order. Why not revoke his Selected Spear qualification promptly and then take him away for questioning?"


    "Bang¡ª"


    A bloody severed head fell from the sky, landing in front of everyone.


    Chen Sansi appeared empty-handed, "Thousand Captain Li, Bai Thingzhi was not talking nonsense. Someone indeed tampered with the formation. Please do not punish him."


    "Thousand Captain, we can testify, General Chen speaks the truth,"


    The soldiers who witnessed the entire process also came over, speaking in unison, "The people at the Du Gate were replaced, including several Refining Internals, and they were aiming to kill. Bring them here!"

 Chapter 140 - 125 Martial Saint, What Is It?_2

    Several Refining Internal leaders had died, and the soldiers under them were not spared either, having been beaten half to death by the soldiers of the Azure Dragon Camp and Vermilion Bird Camp before being dragged over.


    "These degenerates really tarnish the reputation of the Eight Camps!"


    The soldiers were filled with righteous indignation, "Thousand Captain Li, please report to the chief examiners that this matter must be thoroughly investigated and severely punished!"


    Before they could report it, a Meridian Passage Deputy General came over and announced:


    "Selected Point examination suspended!"


    "Until it is clear who has committed favoritism and fraud, no one is allowed to leave."


    Examination suspended, investigation underway!


    In just two sentences, like thunder crashing down upon their hearts.


    "Favoritism and fraud?"


    "So someone really dared to cheat in the Selected Point!"


    "Who would have such audacity?"


    ...


    "Princely Heir!"


    Looking at the formation set up on the high platform.


    Yin Hanwen started to panic, "Damn, the Supervisor seems to be serious about investigating; this could spell trouble."


    ...


    Wen Qiushi was equally nervous, "Princely Heir, this won''t affect us moving forward, will it?"


    "When did I ever say that I tampered with the Selected Point? Why are you two panicking for no reason? How will you be able to fight wars with such little courage?"


    Cao Fan was particularly calm, "Don''t worry, they won''t find anything on me, and if anyone ends up in trouble, it will be Sun Xiangzong himself."


    He emphasized his words especially at the end.


    "Hmm?"


    Yin Hanwen and Wen Qiushi exchanged looks, finding his statement somewhat unbelievable.


    Sun Xiangzong in trouble.


    Who could cause trouble for such a renowned elder?


    "He''s old."


    Though only in his twenties, Cao Fan exuded a sense of being old and calculating, "Targeting Chen Sansi is the goal but not the whole purpose."


    "Do you think I am foolish to attract trouble during the Selected Point, unnecessarily complicating things for myself?"


    "This scheme was also meant for Sun Xiangzong."


    "By merely agreeing to investigate, it''s like jumping into a pit, sacrificing his reputation and jeopardizing his late career, just watch."


    As someone of high status, Cao Fan wouldn''t really be such a reckless heir, risking everything to take down a competitor who posed no significant threat.


    In this Selected Point, they had two main objectives.


    First, to obtain after victory the method to exceed the Martial Saint from Sun Xiangzong.


    Second, to infiltrate further into the Eight Camps and dilute the power of the Sun Family.


    "Damaging his own reputation?" Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Yin Hanwen, also from a high-ranking family, caught on quickly and realized the ingenuity, "Princely Heir, your plan is brilliant! It seems we are in for quite a show today."


    The others continued to whisper among themselves.


    "What exactly happened?"


    "Such things have never happened since the inception of the Selected Point."


    "Tampering in the Selected Point is equivalent to cheating in the imperial examinations, it''s a capital offense, no one would escape!"


    "That''s what''s said, but it''s not so simple."


    "Those daring to cheat in the Selected Point must hold terrifyingly high positions."


    "If that''s the case, what will be the end of it?"


    The crowd was buzzing with various opinions, having no precedent, they also did not know what the outcome would be.


    If the person involved holds too high a position, would they really be executed?


    If not, wouldn''t the credibility of the Selected Point plummet in the future?


    But then again.


    This Selected Point seemed to be the last personally selected by the Supervisor.


    With almost everyone having heard rumors of the Supervisor retiring to his hometown, coupled with the recent concessions in power, there was even a saying, "Is the old Elephant Sect still able to feed himself?"


    So would today''s incident just be overlooked?


    Who would want to offend a formidable figure just before retirement?


    "No matter who it is, they must be executed if found out!"


    Bai Tingzhi was as straightforward as ever, "Otherwise, I''d rather not participate in such a Selected Point."


    He hadn''t attended the military examination two years ago, opting for the Selected Point instead because it was said to be fair.


    It had indeed been so up until now.


    Even the mounts and weapons of everyone were ensured to be roughly the same, but to create such an issue at a critical moment.


    It wasn''t just him.


    Warriors from all over came flocking, largely drawn by the reputation of Sun Xiangzong.


    This time, if a suitable solution is not found, it might dishearten warriors everywhere.


    "This is getting big..."


    Tang Yingke had just heaved a sigh of relief, but his anxiety resurfaced.


    In his view, stopping here was the best outcome.


    Since everyone had already safely passed and were rated Class A, causing no substantial impact, it would be best to let things settle quietly.


    Continuing to stir the pot might not only bring no benefits but could also turn ugly.


    After all, the cheating involved the Crown Prince, a future sovereign, and the supporters aiding his actions could hold significant status within the Eight Camps.


    It could even jeopardize the late career of the Supervisor.


    Why bother?


    "Sigh..."


    "This Brother Chen, doesn''t he know how to yield?"


    ...


    In fact, Chen Sansi was more than accommodating, nearly prostrating himself; the other party wouldn''t be satisfied until he acted like a dog, but what could he do? Really become a dog?


    If he continued to yield, would the other party let him go? No, they would only escalate things!


    Moreover, those Refining Internals, before dying, had demonstrated their true strength, likely witnessed by the examiners, who would probably handle it even without a report.


    Even if he could endure, it seemed the soldiers of the Azure Dragon Camp couldn''t, as they took the initiative to eliminate those responsible without being asked, taking the lead to complain.


    Something was amiss.


    Chen Sansi noticed that after the examiners announced the suspension of the Selected Point, Cao Fan''s face showed no sign of panic, as if he had everything under control.

 Chapter 141 - 125 Martial Saint, What Is It?_3

    He glanced at the two people beside Supervisor Sun, perceiving the subtlety of the situation.


    A situation within a situation, and was it a blatant plot against Supervisor Sun?


    ...


    Under the watchful eyes of the public.


    Three main examiners, surrounded by armored soldiers, arrived at the Martial Arts Arena''s high platform, seated themselves, and began to arrange for personnel to investigate with Azure Dragon, Vermilion Bird, and White Tiger''s main generals joining the inquiry.


    "Gentlemen."


    Sun Xiangzong stared ahead, his face expressing the indescribable: "Do you also think that the investigation should be public and conducted in front of everyone?"


    "Investigate, we must investigate thoroughly!"


    Mr. Hou angrily said, "What audacity, Mr. Chen is a general personally appointed by the Emperor, to dare to act so brazenly, it''s utterly lawless."


    "Hmm."


    Governor Liu added, "Mr. Hou is right, we need to clarify this."


    "Alright then."


    Supervisor Sun sighed, "I was saying, let''s quickly finish the investigation and not delay Selected Point''s time. I never expected you two to have such an upright side, insisting on making me investigate in front of hundreds of thousands of people."


    "Naturally."


    Governor Liu, with an air of an incorruptible judge, said: "If we don''t clarify, it will be hard to calm people''s hearts."


    "Yes, Supervisor Sun."


    Mr. Hou continued, "After two years, when the Selected Point is held again, it will be presided over by us. If a scandal about Selected Point leaks out now, it won''t be good for either of us. I hope the Supervisor can set a final example for us." sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I am relieved you think this way."


    Sun Xiangzong, like an old man waiting for death in the sun at the village gate, said weakly, "Alright, then let''s do it as you both wish, investigate publicly and resolve it on the spot."


    "Very well."


    "I agree."


    Just moments ago, Governor Liu and Mr. Hou, who were hurling insults and nearly coming to blows, had suddenly united.


    The atmosphere was a bit subtle.


    "Fourth brother."


    Bu Qi felt something was off, "Shouldn''t this matter be resolved quickly, the culprits caught swiftly to continue the Selected Point? Why make such a big scene?"


    "Because..."


    Fang Qingyun said softly, "They want to make it impossible for our master to step down."


    Since their arrival in Liangzhou, the court had appointed a governor and a supervisor, also switching the commanders of three of the Eight Camps to court-affiliated people.


    What was the purpose?


    Nothing but to divide and ultimately control the Eight Camps.


    But to truly achieve this, substantial prestige was needed.


    Not only did the prestige of the governor and the supervisor of the army need to be significant, but they also had to weaken Supervisor Sun''s prestige. Only through this relative decrease and increase could further power be seized.


    Unconsciously, whether this case of corruption could be well managed had become pivotal, significantly impacting the Eight Camps'' future influence!


    Clearly.


    The instigator behind the scenes held a very high position.


    Under the gaze of thousands, should Sun Xiangzong fail to manage this situation well, his already declining prestige due to his age would further diminish, leading to an irretrievable loss of power.


    Following that, even if there were indeed an expansion of the army, the Supervisor, the army''s supervisor, and the governor, possibly along with more people, would share authority, no longer dictated by any single person.


    Once Sun Xiangzong retired and returned to his hometown, the transition would be smooth with absolutely no turmoil, and the Eight Camps would legitimately become the elite of the court.


    "Ah?"


    Bu Qi was shocked, "What should we do then, is my dad really going along with them, becoming truly senile?"


    Even his own son felt unconfident.


    Over the years, the old man had allowed them to share power without a word, and recently had even agreed to transfer the last few brothers, fully preparing to retire from military life.


    "Watch, Bu Qi, you''ve been protected too well from childhood, making you indolent and naive. I hope today''s events will motivate you."


    Fang Qingyun said nothing more: "I''ve been named to go investigate the case."


    Bu Qi looked utterly perplexed.


    He tried to seek advice from other brothers, but soon discovered that his second and seventh brothers, who had been nearby just moments ago, had vanished without a trace, leaving only his fifth brother Meng Guangxin still present.


    ...


    After an hour.


    Thirty-some officers and soldiers were escorted beneath the high platform, kneeling down.


    "Master, Governor Liu, Mr. Hou."


    Fang Qingyun, sitting in a wheelchair, greeted with a bow: "The overall situation has been clearly investigated. These men were temporarily drafted to cooperate with the Nine Palace Eight Diagram Formation."


    Each of the Eight Camps had more than ten thousand men, but the Nine Palace Eight Diagram Formation required at least forty thousand to be deployed, naturally necessitating the drafting of additional personnel from each camp to handle parts of the formation.


    "Among them, the Refining Organ Generals hidden within Du Gate, each a Hundred Captain, were responsible for commanding and arranging their actions, currently presided over by Thousand Captain Zou Gengdao; these people..."


    Fang Qingyun paused briefly before continuing, "are all from Cloud Camp, under the direct command of General Ning Changqun."


    Cloud Camp!


    Of the Eight Camps.


    Currently, there were two Martial Saints, one being Supervisor Sun''s eldest disciple, Lu Ji, and the other was Ning Changqun, appointed by the Emperor as Martial Arts Top Scholar thirty years ago.


    Originally serving as the Main General in the Emperor''s personal army outside the capital, Ning Changqun was transferred to Liangzhou three years ago to take command of Cloud Camp and Sky Wolf Camp.


    When it comes to individual combat prowess, he was among the top three in the entire state of Liangzhou!


    On the surface, Governor Liu and Mr. Hou seemed dispatched by the court to oversee Sun Xiangzong, but in reality, Ning Changqun was the true hand controlling military power!

 Chapter 142 - 125 Martial Saint, What Is It?_4

    His authority was even greater than the sum of those two.


    Moreover, Ning Changqun was skilled at training soldiers, having swept out all those who were dissatisfied, from deputy generals to commanders, within just half a year of taking office.


    Over the years, his reputation had soared, wholly comparable to that of Ji.


    Rumors were circulating everywhere.


    Once Supervisor Sun retired, it was either Ji or Ning Changqun who would take over as supervisor, and since the latter was the Martial Arts Top Scholar directly appointed by the Emperor, the likelihood was even greater.


    Nobody among the ten thousand could have imagined that the mess from nepotism would originate from the Cloud Camp.


    According to the official rules,


    this kind of incident, even the Main General of the Cloud Camp would be implicated.


    But would a man soon to retire really dare to move against his successor?


    No, it wasn''t about daring or not, it was simply impossible! Since this was the Emperor''s man, even if he were to be punished, it could only be a symbolic punishment, not a severe one.


    Yet if this matter was taken up only to be lightly set down, what that implied went without saying.


    Sun Xiangzong''s prestige would be completely lost, and even if he regretted declining to retire, he would have no choice but to do so.


    "Good move."


    Chen Sansi immediately guessed the intentions of this group.


    This game wasn''t laid out by Cao Fan, but by the Crown Prince and the Emperor, who had combined forces; he was just one part of it, or rather, because of his appearance, the plan had been slightly hastened.


    Even if he had not brought the issue to light today, these people would find other ways to force Sun Xiangzong off the stage. If the Supervisor pretended to be deaf and mute, he would lose control over Liangzhou even more.


    ...


    "Hmm."


    Supervisor Sun looked at the soldiers kneeling before him and slowly said, "Where is Ning Changqun?"


    "Here at your command!"


    Ning Changqun answered, stepping forward and folding his hands in salute, "I was completely unaware of this matter, please feel free to question and deal with them as you see fit, Supervisor."


    "Zou Gengdao."


    Sun Xiangzong asked calmly, "Tell me, why did you do this?"


    "No need to say more!"


    Zou Gengdao resolutely said, "I did it, kill or dismember me, I leave it to the Supervisor to decide!"


    "Young man, don''t rush."


    The coarse-clothed Supervisor Sun did not seem to be interrogating a criminal but instead appeared like a friendly old man chatting, "There''s always a reason for everything. Do you have a grudge with that young man named Chen, or were you instructed by someone, or perhaps coerced? Speak clearly, and you might not face death."


    Zou Gengdao simply turned his face away as if he hadn''t heard, closing his mouth and remaining silent.


    "How about you?"


    Supervisor Sun then turned his gaze to others, "Do you have nothing to say either?"


    Silence.


    Thirty or so people, all remaining silent.


    "Rubbish!"


    Mr. Hou rebuked, "The Commander is speaking to you, didn''t you hear him? Speak up! Do you all want to die? Speak out, and maybe you''ll find a way to live!"


    The silence persisted.


    The entire Martial Arts Arena was dead quiet.


    Sun Xiangzong, the nominal highest military Commander of Liangzhou and the founder of the Eight Camps, found himself unable at that moment to even utter a word.


    The thirty or so kneeling people, all ready to die generously, showed not a trace of fear on their faces, nor any sign of respect.


    "How audacious!"


    Meng Guangxin burst into fury, picking up a Crescent Moon Spade and rushing down, "Have you tired of living, daring to show such disrespect to my master!"


    "Old Five!"


    Fang Qingyun held him back, giving a sign with his eyes not to act rashly. Although he hesitated, he eventually suppressed his anger.


    The other Direct Disciples also had extremely grim expressions on their faces.


    Being ignored by the troops was a blow to prestige more severe than losing a battle.


    "These men were all carefully selected!"


    Sun Buqi remembered, "They were originally brought from the Capital City by Ning Changqun, of course they don''t listen to my father. Isn''t this just making my father look bad?"


    In contrast, Sun Xiangzong''s expression remained unchanged, "No one wants to speak?"


    "Supervisor, don''t blame us."


    Ning Changqun spoke up, "They have been with me for a long time, only recognizing my orders and not responding to others. Let me do the questioning."


    When the Supervisor asks you a question, you answer!"


    As expected, as soon as he spoke, responses started coming immediately.


    "Response to General Ning!"


    Zou Gengdao, kneeling on the ground, his voice booming like a bell, "We recently had a quarrel with that Mr. Chen, and found him displeasing, so we wanted to stop him from breaking through the ranks and ruin his future!"


    "Just for that?" Ning Changqun surveyed the others, asking sharply, "Is what he said true?"


    "Response to General Ning, indeed so!"


    Ning Changqun spoke with great authority, "I ask you again! What kind of punishment do such actions deserve?!"


    "Death penalty!"


    "We wish to atone with our deaths!"


    "Well said, you deserve to be killed!"


    "Crack¡ª"


    Ning Changqun raised the Mountain-opening Axe and chopped off Zou Gengdao''s head. Just before his death, Zou Gengdao didn''t even blink, even proffering his neck for execution!


    With a single glance, a team of his subordinates came over, handing each kneeling soldier a Liangzhou standard Yan Feather Knife.


    "What are you waiting for, do you all need me to act personally?" S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "No need to trouble the General!"


    The soldiers hesitated not a bit as they picked up the Yan Feather Knives, and, as if they had practiced countless times before, their motions harmoniously and uniformly slit their own throats, committing suicide!


    Blood gushed forth, and thirty or so men simultaneously fell, a pool of blood coalescing on the ground.


    What a command presence!


    At this moment,


    easily more than ten thousand people witnessed the scene.


    What kind of command presence must a Commander have, that allows for orders to be followed so faithfully, to die without even blinking, utterly akin to the legendary Dead Soldiers!

 Chapter 143 - 125: Martial Saint, What Is That Supposed to Be?_5

    All present were shocked and pale!


    What kind of commander could train such a force with willpower, an army composed entirely of Dead Soldiers? Even a housewife could understand the kind of combat power they possessed.


    Only the young Sun Xiangzong could have led his troops to such lengths! S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Yes, the young Sun Xiangzong!


    But now, he had aged!


    A hundred thousand people witnessed it.


    Sun Xiangzong''s commands were useless, but those of Ning Changqun were effective!


    It truly was like the new waves of the Yangtze River pushing the old waves, one generation with its own heroes.


    Without a doubt, Ning Changqun was the new Sun Xiangzong!


    "Alas~"


    The observers were not only the countless soldiers but also the high-ranking officials from the Northwest Three States and even the Capital City. None of them could do anything but shake their heads and sigh, lamenting the lateness of a hero.


    They didn''t care whether the accusations against Chen Sansi were true or false. They only knew Sun Xiangzong was indeed about to retire, an irresistible trend that could not be stopped!


    "Supervisor!"


    Ning Changqun turned around, cupped his hands, and said, "I have dealt with everything!"


    When he spoke, he referred to himself as "I" instead of "this commander."


    Throughout the handling of the entire situation, he hadn''t asked the Supervisor for a single piece of advice. It was a one-man show; whatever he wanted, he did!


    "How preposterous, I will go and slaughter him!"


    Meng Guangxin nearly crushed his back teeth and was once again stopped by Fang Qingyun.


    "Master, please say something!" Meng Guangxin urged frantically.


    Sun Xiangzong, however, was very leisurely, leaning on the Taishi Chair, rhythmically tapping the armrest, just quietly watching, like an old man immersed in watching a play in a theater, without saying a word.


    "Hehe~"


    Governor Liu clapped his hands excitedly: "Look at the style of this General Ning, quite reminiscent of the young Supervisor Sun!"


    "Indeed."


    Mr. Hou echoed, "The Lord Governor can retire in peace. With General Ning in the Northern, who fears the barbarous thieves? If the expansion of the army and warfare commence next, our house could completely have General Ning serve as his deputy to effectively assist the Lord Governor."


    ...


    "Your Highness, brilliant!"


    Yin Hanwen and others finally saw clearly.


    With only the lives of some Thousand Captains and Hundred Captains, such great effect was created!


    Cao Fan revealed a confident smile.


    After today.


    The morale of the Eight Camps would automatically crumble by half, reducing their troubles significantly!


    When his prestige collapses, after he wins the Selected Point, Sun Xiangzong would have to willingly hand over the Magic Skill above Martial Saint.


    Everything in the world would eventually belong to the Cao Family!


    "So very good! I also think letting General Ning be the deputy is an excellent idea, he can sharpen his skills while also helping share the Lord Commander''s worries," said Governor Liu, feigning a stance.


    "What does the Supervisor think?"


    However.


    Just when everyone thought this matter had basically concluded,


    the long-silent Sun Xiangzong finally spoke up again.


    "Good, very good thunderstrike tactics."


    Sun Xiangzong still rhythmically tapped on the armrest, speaking unhurriedly, "Yet, Ning Changqun, it seems I never ordered their execution, did I?"


    "After all, they are undoubtedly deserving of death!"


    Ning Changqun confidently said, "I am taking care of it for the Lord Governor, there''s no harm in that."


    "General Ning."


    Fang Qingyun, pushing his wheelchair forward, slowly said, "Your actions don''t seem like sharing concerns but rather like someone who is in a hurry, afraid of accidents and rushing to silence people by killing them."


    "General Fang?"


    Ning Changqun was taken aback, "What do you mean by that?"


    "No meaning."


    Fang Qingyun''s voice was cold, "Even if it''s not about silencing people, killing so many soldiers without the Commander''s consent, what should be the punishment?


    "Moreover, if all of them served under you, General Ning, and if they were all sentenced to death, shouldn''t the Commander bear some responsibility?"


    Ning Changqun retorted, "I said I had no idea!"


    "Whether you were aware or not isn''t for you to decide."


    Fang Qingyun shouted, "Old Two, Old Qi, bring the man forth!"


    At the same time as the words fell.


    Two generals were escorting a Deputy General into view.


    This person was Shen Chang, Ning Changqun''s deputy.


    Shen Chang, covered in blood, knelt on the ground, "It was Ning Changqun who ordered, and then I arranged it!"


    "What?!"


    The entire room was in uproar.


    Had Ning Changqun truly killed all those people just to cover up his tracks?


    The respect he had just begun to garner collapsed entirely.


    "Shen Chang, you... "


    Ning Changqun had not anticipated this scene, but he quickly responded, "General Fang, we have no grievances or grudges, why would you conspire with this despicable person to frame me?


    "Am I that bored, targeting a minor Refining Organ General participating in the Selected Point?


    "If it were really me, would my men willingly go to their deaths?"


    "That''s because he..."


    Shen Chang was severely injured, "He had confined the families of those men, promising wealth and status if things went well, and threatening extermination if they failed. That''s why those men were willing to die!"


    "Nonsense!"


    Ning Changqun was furiously thunderous, "Are we supposed to believe you just because you say so?"


    "Well said, no evidence!"


    The general known as Old Qi waved his hand, "Bring everyone here!"


    "Rustle¡ª"


    A group of Armored Soldiers, accompanied by a group of family members, came forward.


    Everyone, seeing the bodies on the ground, burst into loud wails.


    Fang Qingyun narrowed his eyes, "What else do you have to deny?"


    "Ning Changqun, you''ve put on quite a show, I haven''t seen such an exciting performance for a long time,"


    Sun Xiangzong spoke evenly, "But tampering with the Selected Point and killing soldiers without orders, both are capital offenses."

 Chapter 144 - 125: Martial Saint, What Is That Supposed to Be?_6

    His tone and voice sounded no different from before.


    Yet Ning Changqun felt an inexplicable pressure.


    "Slander! Supervisor, Fang Qingyun is slandering me!"


    He shouted to his family members, "Tell everyone, have I ever placed you under house arrest? Speak up!"


    "Wuu wuu wuu..."


    "No, General Ning has never threatened us!"


    The crowd kept crying, adamantly denying, clearly not daring to provoke the other party.


    "Supervisor, I haven''t lied, right?"


    Ning Changqun said, "These brothers'' wives would never say a bad word about me! I definitely haven''t caused turmoil within Selected Point!"


    "As for those under my command, it is indeed true that I did not supervise them well. Am I not willing to accept punishment? Confinement, military caning, I''ll take it!"


    He looked at the scene before him.


    Knowing that the trap they had painstakingly prepared for so long had probably been discovered earlier.


    Otherwise, how could they have gathered all the family members in such a short time?


    "What do the two of you think should be done?"


    Sun Xiangzong looked toward the two beside him, waiting for a response.


    "Supervisor!"


    Governor Liu hastened to say, "This matter is no small issue, and those family members haven''t identified anyone either. We can interrogate them in detail after going back; there''s no need to rush to conclusions."


    "That''s right, Sun Dushi."


    Mr. Hou stood up and said, "There''s no need to be hasty; we can deal with this matter privately and slowly."


    Although it was completely unexpected that Sun had been prepared, they could still win!


    Even if everything about today''s incident were exposed, it wouldn''t matter.


    So what if everyone knew Ning Changqun was the mastermind behind it all?


    Keep the matter quiet.


    At most, they would have to reassign Ning Changqun elsewhere.


    Let the matter fade away, still able to undermine Sun Xiangzong''s authority, proving that he could no longer ensure the clear distinction of rewards and punishments. What else could he manage in terms of military control?


    "You both said it, in front of so many people, that today a resolution must be reached. How can you have second thoughts now?"


    Sun Xiangzong stated indifferently, "Execute him."


    Not only Ning Changqun himself, but even the others were shocked.


    The matter hadn''t been fully verified!


    And they were going to execute someone?


    This was no ordinary person; this was the Martial Arts Top Scholar, the Martial Saint!


    The order given, Meng Guangxin, Old Two, Old Qi, and a few generals eagerly gathered around; they had been unable to bear it any longer and were finally seeing their moment come.


    "You can''t kill him!"


    Governor Liu''s attitude became firm, "Supervisor Sun, lacking proper supervision at most warrants demotion; how can you demand his life directly!"


    "Exactly."


    With the situation as it was, Mr. Hou similarly spoke, his voice carrying a threat, "Mr. Sun, General Ning isn''t someone you can just decide to execute on a whim!"


    However,


    No matter what they said.


    The three main generals who received the order didn''t stop in their tracks, even gripping their weapons in hand already.


    In the distance.


    There was the figure of another Martial Saint, Ji Lu, silently appearing with a Heavenly Halberd in hand.


    Governor Liu and Mr. Hou realized. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This was real...


    They were going to kill him!


    Ridiculous!


    How many years, how many resources, does it take for the court to nurture a Martial Saint?


    Not to mention a loyal, obedient Martial Saint!


    "Supervisor Sun, you''ve gone mad!"


    Governor Liu accused, "You kill people indiscriminately without any evidence; are you not afraid that the Emperor will find out? This is the Main General dispatched by the Imperial Army!"


    "Sun Xiangzong!"


    Ning Changqun brazenly tore off the pretense, "Without sufficient evidence, you really have the guts to kill me? Do you know who I am?


    "I am the Martial Arts Top Scholar personally appointed by the Emperor in the forty-second year of Longqing!


    "I am one of the few Martial Saints in the world!


    "What gives you the right to kill me!"


    "Martial Saint?"


    Sun Xiangzong''s finger tapping on the armrest abruptly stopped.


    In front of the tens of thousands, the old man couldn''t help but laugh, causing everyone to be taken aback, somewhat at a loss.


    Until the laughter came to an abrupt end.


    "Top Scholar, what is that worth?"


    When Sun Xiangzong spoke again, he no longer sounded like a common old man from the neighborhood; each word he uttered was laden with nearly a century of bloodshed, each word carried the commanding authority of one who had led numerous soldiers and looked down upon the world.


    The tens of thousands present found themselves simultaneously struggling to breathe!


    "And what is a Martial Saint worth?"


    "..."


    Ning Changqun swallowed his saliva repeatedly to relieve the pressure in his heart.


    They all knew that Sun Xiangzong was not long for this world, but even so, this man on his deathbed had left him, a Human Martial Saint, with a mind completely blank!


    "Bluffing!"


    "Sun Xiangzong!"


    After extreme fear came the urge for self-preservation, mustering all his strength.


    Ning Changqun grasped the Mountain-opening Axe, "If I remember correctly, it has been over a decade since you have personally made a move, right? It was alright for you to look down on Martial Saints in the past, but now!


    "Can you, truly still defeat a Martial Saint? Or should I say, are you even qualified to be a Martial Saint?!"


    Yes.


    In everyone''s memory.


    The last time Sun Xiangzong took action was fifteen years ago.


    Over these fifteen years.


    He had never shown his hand in front of others again.


    All anyone knew was that he was aging more and more, like a candle in the wind.


    "Boom¡ª¡ª"


    Ning Changqun''s aura soared, and a terrifying force almost materializing around his body, the bodies of the soldiers who had committed suicide at his feet were pulverized under this power!


    Martial Saint!


    "I want to see how much strength you have left!"


    Meng Guangxin, Old Two, Old Qi, and others were not Martial Saints but just at the Profound Image Realm, and they were all repelled dozens of feet away by this force emanating from the Martial Saint.


    And the eldest disciple holding the Heavenly Halberd was still on his way here.


    Ning Changqun arrived in front of Sun Xiangzong in an instant, and the Mountain-opening Giant Axe in his hand cleaved down like a Heavenly God, shattering the stone platform, countless Armored Soldiers were sent flying, Governor Liu and Mr. Hou rapidly retreated to escape the place, as if the power to split heaven and earth would halve the entire military camp, would split Liangzhou City in two.


    A hundred meters around were engulfed by the Gale, everyone''s ears rang incessantly, their insides felt as if they could be smashed at any moment, and most were too late even to think of fleeing!


    Until the old man in coarse hemp clothing had, at some point, produced a silver dragon in his hand.


    Then, the trees settled, and the wind ceased, and all returned to calm.


    No one saw clearly what had happened.


    They only knew that the entire body of Martial Saint Ning Changqun was gone, surely devoured completely by that silver dragon, with only several segments of limbs mixed with flesh falling like rain, yet blocked by an invisible barrier around the old man''s body, his coarse hemp clothing remained unstained, amidst the flying blood and flesh, he appeared like an Immortal who had descended from the heavens, majestic and impeccable!


    At that moment.


    Tens of thousands simultaneously recalled what the name Sun Xiangzong meant, remembered Supervisor Sun who had once single-handedly broken over two thousand armors, remembered the Minister of War who died in the Imperial Palace, right under the Emperor''s watch in the fifty-seventh year of Longqing.


    That Minister was also a Martial Saint!


    That''s right.


    He had grown old.


    But he was still alive.


    As long as he lived for another moment.


    He would always be that figure who struck awe across the world, that figure who for forty years made countless barbarians tremble and not dare to encroach on the border, the peerless Gun Saint of the human realm, Sun Xiangzong.

 Chapter 145 - 126: Regaining Prestige, Qilins Heart!

    A sudden incident that only lasted an instant, was like a bolt of lightning on a clear day; after it ended, the sky remained cloudless. If not for the several pools of blood and flesh on the ground proving that something had happened, the tens of thousands of people would probably wonder if it was an illusion.


    Martial Saint!


    The Martial Saint!


    Not to mention in Liangzhou, even in the entire world, he counted as a formidable force.


    In front of this nearly hundred-year-old elder, to not even be a match, or to be precise, not even lasting one round or qualifying as an enemy¡ªit was like crushing an ant.


    Despite not taking action for over a decade, despite being seen by everyone as a flickering candle in the wind, waiting for the day to be buried in peace, when Sun Xiangzong unleashed his thunderous strike at this moment, it was akin to a resounding bell toll in everyone''s hearts, leaving them shaken and unable to calm down for a long time.


    "Majestic!"


    "Supervisor majestic¡ª"


    Within the Military City.


    Following a prolonged silence as if time had stopped, and after the shock, someone shouted a voice in the crowd that hadn''t been heard in ten years.


    "The Supervisor''s divine might!"


    "Hurrah hurrah hurrah hurrah¡ª"


    This moment.


    A hundred thousand elite Armored Soldiers knelt in unison, their voices booming like thunder, reverberating through the entirety of Liangzhou City.


    This day,


    the aged Sun Xiangzong, by taking a Martial Saint''s life, picked up the prestige he had once deliberately put aside, and effortlessly reclaimed it!


    The court had intended to seize power with today''s arrangement.


    And wasn''t it also Sun Xiangzong making counter moves against the plan?


    From this day onwards,


    the rumor in the streets that "Old Xiangzong is senile, but can he still eat?" will probably change to "Old Xiangzong is senile, but is he plotting something?"


    "The Supervisor''s divine might!"


    The cheering grew louder and louder, and did not stop for half an hour.


    Some of the older soldiers even cried with joy, eventually breaking down into weeping.


    Some of them had followed Sun Xiangzong since their youth.


    Now in their forties or fifties, they had essentially followed him their whole lives!


    Until these recent years of silence, everyone had watched with their own eyes as the Supervisor grew increasingly frail, managing military affairs less and less, as if he would leave them at any moment.


    It''s no wonder everyone thought so.


    The reality was just so.


    If it had been before, how could Sun Dushi have allowed the existence of governors or military supervisors around him, let alone handing over three of the Eight Great Camps so easily.


    Doing so, wasn''t he telling everyone that he was ready to retire and return home?


    Many could see that today''s farce was deliberately making things difficult for the Supervisor.


    If Sun Xiangzong didn''t retaliate, raising his hand high only to let it fall gently, then they would have completely lost hope.


    But now, the soldiers realized that the Supervisor was still the Supervisor!


    These years, the Supervisor was just taking a rest.


    Now that he has rested well, he is back!


    Under the influence of this atmosphere, officials from the Northwest Three States as well as the Capital City were nearly kneeling along with the rest, only to realize at the last moment that they weren''t under Sun Xiangzong''s jurisdiction¡ªnearly committing a grave sin of overstepping their bounds.


    ...


    "Ruined."


    Cao Fan''s heart sank.


    The trap they had meticulously designed turned out to be a pit they had dug for themselves.


    Although Sun Xiangzong''s prestige had declined over the years, this incident caused it to soar back up, and now for the court to try and take over the Eight Camps, the trouble would be enormous, not to mention they would ultimately have to look at the old man''s face.


    "Is this even human..."


    Yin Hanwen and Wen Qiushi, among others, were still immersed in the brief confrontation.


    The Martial Saint¡ªthat was the Martial Saint!


    They didn''t even see what happened and ended up as minced meat?


    No wonder so many martial arts geniuses from all over the world came to compete in Selected Point, who wouldn''t want to learn from such a person¡ªthat is the true Martial Arts Saint!


    In Cao Fan''s eyes, there was an intense yearning.


    To emerge victorious in Selected Point, he was determined to win!


    ...


    "Blue energy..."


    While the tens of thousands were shocked, Chen Sansi, through the Qi Observation Skill, noticed what set apart the Martial Saint from those above him.


    He witnessed with his own eyes.


    When Sun Dushi made his move, the energy that surged within him was the distinct Qingxuan Energy, strikingly different from everyone else''s, no wonder the Martial Saint couldn''t even withstand one move.


    They were fighting from different sources of power, how could one compete?


    Moreover, Chen Sansi paid attention to that long spear; although it was just for a fleeting moment, that brief glimpse made him feel admiration for a weapon for the first time, far surpassing the Zhenyue Sword, and even felt that there wasn''t a second spear of the same quality in the human realm.


    Besides, where did the weapon come from?


    He was certain that the Supervisor had not carried any weapons, and nobody had delivered one at the time, as if it had appeared out of thin air.


    Chen Sansi looked more carefully.


    Even though Sun Xiangzong''s clothes were patched up, only the bright silver thumb ring on his right thumb seemed to be of considerable value, an Immortal Item, perhaps. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ...


    "Sun Xiangzong!"


    Liu Zhongxian called out his name, "You''ve got some nerve, General Ning is the court-appointed Upper Pillar Country, you, what right do you have to kill him!"


    "Supervisor, you''re rather reckless in your actions."


    Mr. Hou regained his senses, pointing out with lingering fear, "Aren''t you afraid of the court''s punishment?"


    "The petition for my crime was written in advance, and has already been given to Mr. Hou, just hand it over to His Majesty, and I will take whatever punishment comes."


    In the blink of an eye, Sun Xiangzong had reverted to the appearance of an elderly man from the village entrance.


    He turned with a slight hunch in his back, "Fourth, you weren''t hurt, were you?"


    "Teacher worries too much."


    Fang Qingyun appeared calm.


    "Was the petition already written?"


    Mr. Hou took out the petition that the Supervisor had handed to him before the start of Selected Point, inside it talked about expanding the forces, could it be that killing Ning Changqun was also written in advance?


    What if today''s events hadn''t occurred?

 Chapter 146 - 126: Regaining Prestige, Qilins Heart!_2

    Ning Changqun might die before the petition even reaches the Capital City?!


    Governor Liu and Mr. Hou exchanged glances, their minds drafting countless impeaching memorials.


    What on earth is Sun Xiangzong up to?


    All these years,


    this old thing has always cooperated in ceding power, but today he suddenly pulled this stunt, what is he really trying to do?


    Is he having second thoughts?!


    "Gentlemen,"


    Sun Xiangzong turned his gaze back to them and began to speak slowly, "This old man is actually helping you. If Ning Changqun''s chaos within Selected Point isn''t dealt with seriously, how will you take over in the future?"


    "..."


    Neither Governor Liu nor Mr. Hou knew how to respond.


    Does this mean there are no second thoughts?


    To kill Ning Changqun is to establish authority, to prepare for the upcoming battle against the barbarians?


    But isn''t the cost too great?


    Martial Saint!


    "Supervisor Sun!"


    Governor Liu mustered his courage and said, "Even if Ning Changqun dies, someone from the Capital City will still be sent to take over Cloud Camp and Sky Wolf Camp, and the military expansion and personnel arrangements should still be managed by the court and the Ministry of War!"


    "Oh, this old man has never refused you, there is no need to raise your voice so loudly."


    Sun Xiangzong hissed a breath and suddenly seemed to remember something, "Mr. Liu, Mr. Hou, what do you think, could Ning Changqun have been under someone else''s instruction?"


    The atmosphere that had just begun to relax immediately dropped to freezing point again.


    Mr. Hou leaped up, gliding over the water like a dragonfly, landing a hundred feet away before hurriedly saying, "I know nothing! Even if there were, it has nothing to do with me! The imperial edict from Mr. Chen was still announced by me, how could I possibly harm him!"


    He indeed had no involvement.


    But he could guess it was arranged by people on the Crown Prince''s side.


    "Mr. Hou, your Qinggong is quite impressive."


    Sun Xiangzong complimented, then looked towards Governor Liu, "Mr. Liu, what do you think, does Ning Changqun have someone behind him?"


    "This official doesn''t know!"


    Liu Zhongxian''s voice trembled as he also wanted to quickly distance himself, but as he turned, he saw Meng Guangxin and two other generals blocking his way.


    "Supervisor! I really don''t know, eight or nine out of ten, it was Ning Changqun''s own idea. He''s a Martial Saint, why would he need anyone else to manipulate him?"


    He spoke incoherently, only to see the old man slowly walking towards him.


    "Sun Xiangzong! What are you doing? It really has nothing to do with this official! After I go back, I can continue to help you investigate, help you clear this up, you... you don''t come any closer, don''t be rash!"


    Panic, fear, and guilt,


    a mix of emotions became the driving force for self-preservation.


    "Bang¡ª"


    Facing the large hand approaching from Supervisor Sun, Liu Zhongxian felt as if he saw a giant "death" character. His Protective Gang Qi burst forth, his crimson official robe billowed, his official hat flew off, and even his hair stood on end as the marble floor beneath him shattered. He mustered all his strength to face the impending crisis.


    But his Protective Gang Qi was as fragile as paper in front of that aged hand, not to mention blocking it, it couldn''t even slow it down.


    "I... I really don''t know!"


    Liu Zhongxian stubbornly persisted, his eyes bloodshot, his voice even carrying a hint of a sob. Memories of his life flashed through his mind: how he practiced martial arts, started his career, gained recognition, climbed step by step to his current position as a Second-rank official, and his family still in the Capital City.


    Finally, S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    the hand landed, unstoppable.


    At the last moment, Governor Liu felt as if his heart was ash, he withdrew his Protective Gang Qi, closed his eyes, and waited for death to come.


    However, when the hand landed on his shoulder, nothing happened; it merely patted him gently twice as a calm, old voice sounded by his ear.


    "Why so agitated, Mr. Liu? I did not say it had anything to do with you."


    Leaving behind that single remark, Sun Xiangzong walked away with his hands behind his back, his steps slow until he vanished from everyone''s view.


    On the high platform,


    the Second-rank official, having reached the Xuanxiang Realm, expected to break through to Martial Saint within the next few years and entrusted with high hopes by the court, likely to take over the governance of Liangzhou in the future, Governor Liu Zhongxian stood there disheveled and extremely discomfited, motionless for a long time, his gaze blankly staring ahead, as if he had lost his senses.


    "What a coward!"


    Meng Guangxin scoffed, "All these years strutting about, claiming to be some kind of hero."


    "Thump!"


    Governor Liu collapsed to the ground, gasping for air in great heaves.


    "Finished..."


    From a distance, Cao Fan couldn''t bear to watch: "The Governor will be replaced, it''s as good as being dead. What''s the point of restraint in controlling the military forces now?"


    ...


    "Someone, come and take Mr. Liu down to rest properly!"


    Fang Qingyun remained to oversee the situation: "Gentlemen, although the person has been killed and the incident was sudden, there''s still a great deal of matters to deal with, so Selected Point has to be suspended for one day. Those who haven''t had their exams can go back and prepare well, think about how to break the Formation, you may all disperse now."


    Under the urging of the Armored Soldiers,


    people finally started to recover from the events and gradually dispersed.


    "Bu Qi."


    After most of the crowd had left, Fang Qingyun spoke to him alone, "Do you understand now?"


    "I understand!"


    Sun Buqi nodded firmly: "These people are trying to take my father''s military authority. They lost, and they lost miserably! But why not continue the investigation? Why wasn''t this Governor Liu killed?"


    "Is there still a need to investigate?"


    Fang Qingyun smiled: "Who did it was clear from the start. In doing things, one must know when to advance and when to retreat. As long as the goal is achieved, it is a win. Sometimes, being too ruthless can backfire."


    Killing Ning Changqun was not an issue.

 Chapter 147 - 126: Regaining Prestige, Qilins Heart!_3

    Continuing to kill...


    was equivalent to declaring war on the court.


    After all, the Eight Camps currently didn''t qualify to turn against the court, and regaining prestige would count as a great accomplishment.


    From now on, no matter how the court arranged people to come over, they wouldn''t be able to easily seize power, and certainly not to undermine.


    "I''ve been displeased with them for a long time, especially that Ning Changqun. No matter where he goes, he always carries an imposing manner. I heard that during the barbarian thief fight a while ago, he even took the liberty of deploying troops, not complying with the overall arrangement. Though he achieved a meritorious deed, it was obviously a power grab."


    Sun Buqi stroked his chin, "But brother, why didn''t my father do this earlier? Why wait until now?"


    "Nothing in this world remains constant."


    Fang Qingyun patiently explained, "In doing anything, one must decide based on the changing situation. In ten days in Yunzhou, the barbarian matter can no longer be postponed. Besides, there are also reasons concerning Chen."


    "Shanshi?"


    Sun Buqi asked in surprise, "Is it also related to him?"


    "Yes."


    Fang Qingyun didn''t elaborate further and instead asked, "Alright, you''ve seen what you needed to see. Brother asks you, what have you learned from today''s play?"


    "My father is truly incredible!"


    Sun Buqi pondered for a while and gave his answer.


    "..."


    For a split second, Fang Qingyun almost fully recovered, leaping up to punch someone.


    ...


    "Congratulations to the Lord!"


    "The first Class A!"


    "..."


    When leaving the scene, many people came to offer congratulations.


    Chen Shanshi wasn''t too happy.


    He was already more than ninety percent confident about the first two tests; the actual combat was uncertain, the martial contest was the toughest part; he had to break through to Refining Organs Small Success as soon as possible.


    Luckily, with this disturbance, Selected Point was paused for two days, which was enough time.


    He arrived outside Military City, where Qian Xun was already waiting early.


    Along the way, Chen Shanshi also reminisced about today''s events.


    Actually, no matter how openly or covertly one struggles, in the end, nothing escapes one law: only the true strong can win the game.


    Supervisor Sun clearly intended to use the life of the Martial Saint to establish authority.


    Firstly, this required truly crushing the power of the Martial Saint.


    That spear, it was truly shocking and astonishing.


    No wonder the people of the world were desperate to compete for this inheritance.


    Moreover.


    Chen Shanshi was also curious about something.


    The old Emperor himself was also cultivating, surely he made some achievements, possibly even being evenly matched with Sun Xiangzong, which had allowed them to maintain this standstill for many years.


    Otherwise, even if only one side had a clear advantage, it wouldn''t have led to the current embarrassing situation.


    But suppose.


    The old Emperor also had a method of breaking through above the Martial Saint, why wouldn''t he directly teach it to his sons and grandsons, and instead let them learn from Sun Xiangzong?


    Unless.


    The method of the Emperor was only usable by himself.


    While Sun Xiangzong''s methods, while not numerous, could at least be used by a specific section of people.


    "The third major question, going into battle, that is, actual combat."


    Chen Shanshi recalled passing through Eastern Yi City when he came to Liangzhou, not knowing exactly how he would be assessed, but making sure to hasten his cultivation was certainly right. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    When he got home, he found that a guest had arrived¡ªhis goddaughter Xu Yuhuan.


    The Tong Family took their daughter to pray at the Taoist Temple outside the south gate of Liangzhou City.


    Since the soldiers'' residences were in the north of the city, it was too far to go back and forth, and after everything was done, they settled down in the relatively closer Chen Mansion; the triple-entry courtyard was vacant anyway, and considering the kinship, there was no issue with a prolonged stay.


    "Yuhuan, come let godfather hold you."


    Chen Shanshi stretched out his arms and held the little girl, who could only ''ying ying ying'', in his arms.


    "Brother Shi, don''t scare the child!"


    Gu Xinlan was about to snatch the child, "You go wash up first."


    Chen Shanshi realized, he had just killed many people, and his body and face were covered in blood.


    Surprisingly, the little girl wasn''t scared at all and even giggled while pawing at his face.


    Gu Xinlan then relaxed.


    Chen Shanshi said, "Sister Lan, in a few days you take some gold and find some masters to make a golden lock for Yuhuan. I, as her godfather, haven''t given her a gift yet."


    He was now somewhat of a wealthy household himself, with plenty of gold and silver.


    "For the Lord to be willing to be her godfather is already too high for our family, to have the Lord also spending... "


    Tong Family was at a loss for words: "I really hope my husband can vie for some merit to be useful to the Lord."


    "Brother Bin is quite good,"


    Chen Shanshi said, "In today''s assessment, he was very steady and helped me a lot."


    Qualification, after all, defines the upper limit.


    It didn''t mean much for the soldiers.


    After joining the Eight Camps, the regular volume of supplemental medicine was enough to ensure fast advancement in their realms; Xu Bin wouldn''t take long to achieve Bone Training.


    It''s just a pity that not many had the potential to grow to a certain height.


    Unless...


    Using Spiritual Grain, or coupling it with the corresponding equipment.


    Sinking Formation Death Will, ah!


    If Chen Shanshi truly needed to nurture high-level military officers, naturally, he would prioritize training this group of loyal brothers who came from Po Yang.


    But for now, using Spiritual Grain was still too risky.


    Especially after seeing the Supervisor''s power.


    Let''s wait some more.


    At least, until he wasn''t afraid of others coming to him.


    Chen Shanshi teased the little girl, while the two women chatted in the courtyard.


    "Xin Lan, the masters at Ci Yun Temple are so powerful, praying with them really brings blessings!"


    "Is that so?"


    "Yes, ever since we had Yuhuan, I''ve been very tired every day. Today after going to Ci Yun Temple, I felt refreshed and at ease."


    "That''s impressive."


    "Ci Yun Temple is the most popular place for incense in Liangzhou, not just us, even high officials and martial masters from Major Sects like going there. Today I even met one, supposedly the Manor Master of the Moon Splitting Mountain Villa, a Martial Saint, very powerful indeed."

 Chapter 148 - 126: Regain Prestige, Qilins Heart!_4

    Tong Family looked over at Mr. Chen in the distance and whispered in a voice audible only to the two of them, "Xin Lan, aren''t you also planning to have a child with the general?"


    "Yes," Xin Lan replied with a slight blush on her cheeks, "there hasn''t been any news yet."


    In her heart, she fretted. Half a year had passed since the wedding, and although they were active, there was still no sign of pregnancy. She was beginning to worry that there might be something wrong with her, wondering what she would do if she couldn''t have children.


    "Next time, come with me to Ci Yun Temple," Sister-in-law Tong said, holding her hand. "There are quite a few people there praying for children. I''ve heard it''s very effective. Once you and General Chen have a child, he or she could keep Yu Huan company. Oh, and you should bring General Chen along; I heard it works even better."


    "Sure," Xin Lan agreed.


    Chen Sansi joined the conversation.


    He didn''t want to listen, but his exceptional hearing made it impossible to ignore the conversation, as all of them were in the same courtyard.


    "However, it will have to be in a few days. I''m currently busy with the Selected Point matters. We can go after that ends. I''ll go with you, Sister Lan, and Sister-in-law Tong."


    Chen Sansi also seemed interested.


    The entire city of Liangzhou was visiting the Taoist Temple, especially since even Martial Saints were there.


    Even though he witnessed a Martial Saint being defeated in an instant today, he did not think less of the Martial Saints. After all, they were among the greatest combatants in the world.


    It was only that Sun Xiangzong was exceptionally powerful, not that the Martial Saint was weak.


    "Sister-in-law Tong,"


    Chen Sansi asked curiously, "You go there to pray for safety, but what do martial artists pray for?"


    "Well..."


    Tong Family recalled carefully, "They also pray for safety."


    "They pray for safety too?"


    Chen Sansi grew even more curious and felt something strange.


    Martial artists, who rely on their own skills for safety, why would they need to pray to gods and worship Buddha?


    If someone said that Ci Yun Temple was a Major Sect that possessed a Martial Saint, that might make sense.


    But when he came to Liangzhou, he memorized the details of the Sects, and not only did Ci Yun Temple not rank as a Martial Saint Level, but it probably couldn''t even be listed among the second-rate Sects, likely falling even behind the third-rate.


    What was there to worship?


    Either it''s truly divine, or there''s something ghostly.


    With this in mind, Chen Sansi couldn''t possibly allow Sister Lan to go alone.


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    The back courtyard of the three-archway house was where Chen Sansi practiced his martial arts, undisturbed even when there were visitors.


    After filling his belly, he started practicing Martial Arts.


    Spiritual Grain, treasure medicine, and beast meat.


    With the combination of these three enhancements, his cultivation progressed rapidly.


    In the blink of an eye, two days had passed.


    Chen Sansi once again reached a critical point for a breakthrough.


    The Unity Spear Technique, derived from merging three kinds of spear techniques, had reached its peak in his hands, being quick, fierce, and enduring. Possessing any one of these traits could secure a martial artist a place in the world of Martial Arts, but he possessed all!


    Moreover, the amalgamation of these three traits subtly evolved into a "wild" force¡ªthis was the power of the spear!


    Every weapon has its power. Only by mastering this power could one possibly become a grandmaster. Otherwise, it''s just a dead set of moves that, when faces a martial artist of the same physique and realm, would offer no advantage.


    Crossing realms in combat, spear technique was also a crucial element.


    Chen Sansi''s long spear whistled through the air, seemingly transforming into a fierce python at one moment. As he practiced, even the birds flying overhead were startled into falling, and the young osmanthus trees in the courtyard swayed unceasingly, as if they might break at any moment in the fierce wind.


    "Bang!"


    Suddenly, his heart began to beat wildly, surpassing the limits any normal human could endure.


    But this was not a sign of physical trouble, but rather a sign of breakthrough!


    The heart, being the most powerful among the organs, is also a crucial foundation for the body''s strength. All blood is supplied to every part of the body through the heart; the stronger the heart, the more powerful the burst of strength.


    "Thump, thump, thump!"


    With the heart pumping, the blood of the dragon and elephant within Chen Sansi enhanced further, nearly doubling his speed, reaction, and strength.


    Refining Internal Organs Small Success, Heart Burning!


    [Cultivation Technique: Unity Spear Technique (Small Achievement)]


    [Progress: 0/2000]


    [Utility:..., ..., Xuan Yuan Five Organs Body, Qilin Heart]


    [Qilin Heart: One of the Xuan Yuan Five Organs, combined with Seven Apertures Exquisite, exceptional combat talent, guaranteed to decipher the opponent''s combat routines within thirty rounds!]


    Qilin Heart!


    Chen Sansi had recently caught up on many books and gained an understanding of various Martial Arts physiques, no longer as ignorant as before.


    The Qilin Body is also considered as a Body of Martial Saint.


    Moreover, it is the only physique that enhances the perceptiveness in learning Martial Arts, not just physical enhancement.


    Elder Yan''s grandson, Yan Changqing, has this physique.


    Among them, the most crucial Qilin Heart, now isolated by the proficiency panel and integrated into his body, also reacted with the reading skill [Seven Apertures Exquisite].


    Guaranteed to decipher an opponent''s combat routines within thirty rounds!


    What a concept this is!


    That is to say, regardless of the realm, as long as he can last thirty rounds, he can find an opponent''s weaknesses and break them!


    Holding on, for the enduring Chen Sansi, has never been an issue.


    Of course, the premise is that the gap in realm isn''t too vast.


    If he were to fight Supervisor Sun now, that would naturally be futile.


    But facing someone at Great Success or Perfection of Refining Internal...


    Everyone knows the difference between Small Success and Perfection in Refining is immense.


    Because Heart Burning is just an immature form of Blood Explosion after achieving Refining Internal Organs Perfection; an immature form fighting a complete form obviously spells what need not be said.


    Previously, Chen Sansi truly lacked full confidence.


    Now, possessing [Qilin Heart], he does have a few more chances of winning, but still dares not underestimate his opponents, as those individuals are genuine geniuses. Their physiques, Cultivation Techniques, and the medicines used are all of the highest quality, unlike any opponent he has faced before.

 Chapter 149 - 126: Regaining Prestige, Qilins Heart!_5

    ```


    Anyway, no matter the odds of victory, there was no more time.


    A few days later would be the third round of combat, immediately followed by the fourth round of live-action, and then, the fifth round of bone-feeling, with all assessments being completed in one go.


    All he could do was to make human efforts and listen to Heaven''s will.


    Besides.


    The Selected Spear assessment continued yesterday afternoon, and by today, the results of the breakout challenge were out.


    Only a few people like Lu Shuhua, Cao Fan, and Yan Changqing achieved Class A, and all barely made it, with the first piece of Sandalwood nearly burned through.


    These were the real opponents for the upcoming rounds.


    "Master, have you finished training?"


    Si Qin had been squatting outside the door early and only peeked inside after hearing no movement. With permission, she entered carrying a bowl of medicinal soup: "Madam personally stewed this tonic soup, instructing me to make sure Master drinks it."


    Ever since they decided they wanted a child, Gu Xinlan went out to buy Supplemental Medicine which they drank at every meal.


    This medicine was mainly for health preservation and had no significant side effects.


    "Tell Madam that if she replenishes me anymore, I''m afraid she won''t be able to bear it. Never mind, I''ll go tell her myself."


    Chen Sansi poured out the medicine and went straight to the main bedroom in the front courtyard.


    ...


    Military City.


    Over the past few days, all traces of the cheating scandal had been thoroughly wiped clean, and everything in the Martial Arts Arena was as usual¡ªonly one examiner was missing.


    Recently, Governor Liu fell ill and has not been seen, even writing a petition request to resign his post, refusing to continue no matter what.


    It was said that the court had already temporarily transferred a Martial Saint from the neighboring state to take over as the new governor.


    As for Ning Changqun''s death, no one mentioned it at all anymore.


    The court also did not deliver any punishment to Sun Xiangzong, and it seemed the matter had indeed been dropped.


    Li Qianzong, once everyone had arrived, loudly announced the content of the third round.


    "Generals, I suppose many of you have noticed the situation at Dongyi City upon arrival."


    "Indeed, that is your third major topic!"


    "Go to battle, slay the enemy!"


    "The assessment is very simple, the traitors in Dongyi City will attempt a breakout tonight, and whoever slays more enemies will score better!"


    "Slaying four hundred or more is Class A, three hundred is Class B¡­" S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "A Bone Training equals forty people, Refining Internal equals a hundred, and you needn''t worry about higher ranks."


    "Did everyone get that?"


    "Good, you have two hours to prepare, and in two hours, we depart!"


    "..."


    Slaying the enemy.


    Chen Sansi had thought the assessment would test who could lead troops to take down the city, but the content was so straightforward, frankly just a comparison of headcounts.


    Upon reflection, it made sense.


    With so many Selected Spear Generals, issues such as how many troops each person got, who attacked the city first, and what to do about heavy casualties during the siege were problems, and only a blunt test like this could be relatively fair.


    He picked up a Big Bow with a fifty-stone draw weight.


    Two hours later, everyone gathered, and under the leadership of several camp deputies, they left the city.


    At this moment, Dongyi City was tightly surrounded by a seemingly impenetrable force of fifty thousand troops, with ten thousand from the Xuanwu Camp, and the rest were Liangzhou Guard soldiers.


    Commanding both Xuanwu and Flying Hero Camps, the only Martial Saint among the Supervisor''s disciples, once considered to be the successor, General Ji was also here.


    "Sun Xiangzong, fuck your mother!"


    Atop the city walls.


    A middle-aged man wielding a long blade cursed with intense emotion: "I wish to eat your flesh and sleep on your hide, to ensure your lineage ends with you, that you die a gruesome death!"


    "If you have the guts, come out and fight me to the death. Keeping us trapped in the city while you hide like a coward, what kind of hero are you!"


    "You hate the Supervisor that much?"


    Even from a distance, Chen Sansi could feel the overwhelming hatred.


    "This man is the Sect Leader of the Seven Absolute Sect, Zhang Huaimin, at the Meridian Passage Realm."


    Li Qianzong explained: "When the Eight Camps were first reassigned to Liangzhou five years ago, the Northwest Border was really in bad shape, with countless corrupt officials, and there were daily occurrences of despicable acts. The sect disciples walked the streets, snatching away anyone''s wife or daughter they found attractive, even barging into households at night, right in front of the husbands¡­"


    "After the Supervisor reformed the military, he sent out several thousand men to sweep through several Northern Territory states over three years, from the state to the county government, executing every found criminal, which made them restrain themselves a bit."


    "Zhang Huaimin didn''t personally commit any egregious acts, but his offspring were extremely unruly. They committed all sorts of atrocities and were undoubtedly guilty. Naturally, they couldn''t escape their fate."


    "Mr. Zhang has borne a grudge ever since, and during a recent battle with the barbarians, he took the opportunity to betray us, trying to get his revenge in this way."


    In Chen Sansi''s memory, there was an impression of such matters; before the Supervisor arrived, the entire Northern Territory was indeed utterly lawless, with daylight murders.


    As long as one had solid connections, the county government wouldn''t bother much, and if the bribery was generous enough, they might even falsely accuse the victims, leading to their total ruin.


    "General Lu! We can begin now!"


    Upon the Selected Spear Generals'' arrival, General Ji nodded at his subordinates.


    The Deputy General, understanding the signal, immediately began relaying orders.


    Soon after, all troops except for three thousand from the Flying Heroes stationed outside the West City Gate of Dongyi City withdrew, seemingly leaving Dongyi''s traitors only one way to flee.


    When besieging, a path of retreat must be open.


    An assault would cause unnecessary casualties, and forcing them out was the best method for the assessment.


    Besides, they were bound to come out.


    Because they had been cut off from supplies in the city for half a month and probably even devoured any bit of Goddess Earth, staying trapped would lead to cannibalism. Rather than remaining, it was better to take a risk in breaking out¡ªeven if only one or two managed to escape, there was hope.


    ```

 Chapter 150 - 126: Regaining Prestige, Qilins Heart!_6

    "I am the Assistant General of Xuanwu Camp. My surname is Guan, first name Jizeng, and I will be your chief proctor for the upcoming exam,"


    Guan Jizeng''s booming voice explained the rules in greater detail:


    "Once the people from the city come out, my brothers will charge and kill the enemy, and you need to join them. There will be no courtesies extended to you, so you will need to demonstrate your own skills. Seize as many opportunities as you can, as there will be people keeping count for you. Have you got it?"


    Two li behind them, ten Cloud Towers, each eight zhang tall, had been built from wood, with counters standing on each one.


    "Do we still have to fight for it?"


    The Selected Spear Generals looked at each other in dismay.


    There were only a total of one thousand five hundred disciples inside the city, but outside, there were a whopping three thousand soldiers from the Flying Hero Camp, all eager and rubbing their hands, clearly not planning to give them any chances.


    To be classified as Class A, one had to kill four hundred!


    Even though High Realm Martial Artists could fight off many, the Flying Hero Camp also had many generals capable of killing High Realm Martial Artists.


    It was akin to snatching food from the mouth of a tiger, an extremely difficult task!


    According to Guan Jizeng''s arrangements, everyone stood arrayed about three hundred paces outside the West City Gate, deliberately leaving a space for the breakout, waiting for the people inside the city to come out.


    The Selected Spear Generals stood at the very front, focusing intently on the city gate, ready to rush forward and fight for kills the moment their foes appeared, fearing they wouldn''t meet the required numbers.


    And they waited.


    For a full three hours.


    From the afternoon until the sky darkened into night.


    The people inside weren''t fools; they could clearly see that this was a set-up for a death trap. Naturally, they hesitated, and there was still no movement by Midnight.


    Many of the Selected Spear Generals had grown so weary of waiting that they set down their weapons, sat down, and closed their eyes to rest.


    "Could it be that they have all starved to death?"


    Bai Thingzhi was anxious enough to want to attack the city. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Buzz¡ª"


    Just when everyone thought they might have to wait for two or three days, at Midnight, the city gate finally swung open.


    The West City Gate was a smaller gate, allowing only four people to come out shoulder to shoulder.


    "Break out, brothers, break out!"


    "..."


    At first, the noise and footsteps were chaotic, but finally, the first batch of disciples from the Seven Absolute Sect rushed out.


    "Good, they''re coming!"


    The Selected Spear Generals spirited up, just waiting for the Seven Absolute Sect disciples to reach the front of their ranks for close-quarter combat, and then they would valiantly engage the enemy, competing for the number of kills.


    "Swoosh¡ª"


    However, as soon as the first Seven Absolute Sect disciple appeared, he was greeted by an armor-piercing arrow that shot straight through his face, killing him instantly!


    "Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh, swoosh¡ª"


    Then the second, the third...


    The city gate was narrow from the start, with Sect disciples nearly tumbling down one after another before even stepping out fully, and the bodies quickly piled up into a mound, with none able to make it out.


    It seemed like there was an entire team of crossbowmen blocking the gate!


    What was this about? Weren''t they supposed to fight the enemy? Why were archers blocking the way instead?


    Everyone turned their heads to look.


    There were no crossbowmen, just a young general dressed in dark cyan robes continuously pulling back a giant bow as tall as a person. His hands held countless arrows, pulling the string so rapidly that afterimages were seen, and with each release, a life was claimed.


    "Chen Sansi?"


    Cao Fan was furious, and he too picked up his bow and arrow to shoot.


    Archery was something anyone could use.


    In fact, many had brought their own, already having thought of the good strategy of competing for numbers with ranged attacks.


    But...


    To leave escape space for the people inside the city and lure them out, they were standing over three hundred paces out!


    The minglers within the military¡­


    It''s absolutely impossible to say that there''s no archery skill at all. There are quite a few who are proficient in archery, but to hit a target from seventy or eighty steps away is considered pretty good.


    But to hit the bullseye from over three hundred steps, every single time? What kind of sorcery is this!


    And the speed of shooting arrows, in the blink of an eye, there are two or three arrows fired, completely blocking the West City Gate so that not a single person can escape. There''s no chance for anyone else.


    "General Chen is mighty!"


    Bai Thingzhi shouted loudly, "Divine Arrow! Divine Arrow!"


    "Are you an idiot? He''s also your competition!"


    "I''m going to follow General Chen sooner or later, what''s the big deal?"


    "..."


    "Damn it!"


    Cao Fan and Lu Shuhua''s archery skills were also not bad, and they were both using bows around twenty stones in draw weight, but they couldn''t shoot accurately!


    Such a long distance.


    Hitting the target with one of five or six arrows would be considered not bad!


    Chen Sansi had already killed dozens of people before their very eyes.


    They could no longer care about their pride and had to detach from the military formation and rush to within about a hundred steps. Even then, they simply couldn''t compare.


    Drawing the bow, placing the arrow, aiming¡ªdoesn''t all of that take time?


    But damn it, that Chen guy doesn''t seem to need any!


    "One hundred and fifty-seven, one hundred and fifty-eight..."


    Chen Sansi silently counted in his heart, his hands never stopping.


    Most of these people were Bone Training, Blood Refining, and occasionally there were those just entering the Refining Internal Realm. But because the space was so narrow and they could not dodge or block, even wearing the armor from inside the city, they would die within three arrows, with no chance to emerge. Before the real fight had even started, he had already gathered a third of the Class A standard.


    But, as expected, the enemy would have to change their strategy, they couldn''t just keep sending people to their deaths.


    Indeed.


    The city gate quieted down and, when people appeared again, they were already holding Mystical Iron Shields.


    The shields on all four sides pushed forward like a mountain of iron, quickly advancing.


    "Clang, clang, clang¡ª"


    No matter how powerful the big bow was, it was still not enough to pierce through those thick steel shields.


    Once the shields were firmly established at the city gate, many disciples from the sects surged out, scattering and running off in all directions, only to be stopped by the soldiers of Flying Hero Camp.


    The real fighting had begun!


    But this didn''t affect Chen Sansi''s harvesting speed at all.


    He found a high spot, and almost every arrow he released claimed a life.


    The others joined the chaotic battle, struggling to compete with the Flying Heroes for enemy kills¡ªexerting much effort and risking encounters with high-realm martial artists. Most importantly, their efficiency was extremely low!


    "Three hundred ninety-nine!"


    "Four hundred!"


    Chen Sansi deliberately selected martial artists of Bone Training and Refining Internal Realm for the greatest gain, so it didn''t take long for him to become the first one to meet the Class A assessment target.


    Just as he was preparing to continue, he suddenly sensed an anomaly.


    Through his Qi Observation Skill, he saw a dense swarm of qi, varying in strength among the people.


    But within the multitude of "qi," one was extremely unique.


    It was not because it was very strong, but because it was different.


    Black and red!


    Poisonous Beast!


    Similar to the qi within a Poisonous Beast.


    But it seemed even darker in color.


    How could the qi of a Poisonous Beast appear inside a martial artist!

 Chapter 151 - 127: Wifes Pregnancy, Battle for Champion Leader!

    The person exuding black qi did not show his face, instead hiding behind the shields near the city gate, lying in wait.


    From the glimpse captured just now,


    this qi was no weaker than many Meridian Passage Realm generals.


    Qi Observation Skill doesn''t directly describe the realm, it can only gauge an approximation, and since Chen Sansi was only at Refining Internal, his judgement was naturally limited.


    If it were Meridian Passage...


    Zhang Huaimin!


    As a second-rate sect in Liangzhou, Seven Absolute Sect had only one Meridian Passage and four Hua Jins.


    It could only be Zhang Huaimin.


    Why would there be black qi on this person?


    And it would surge at times and retract at others, not constantly present.


    Was it from eating a Poisonous Beast or was it the power source that turned a fierce beast into a Poisonous Beast?


    Chen Sansi did not approach.


    Above Refining Internal was not within their duty, and with enough numbers, there was no need for showing off and risking danger.


    As he continued to use his bow to reap lower realm martial masters, he used Qi Observation Skill to probe the rest, and in the end, discovered that only Zhang Huaimin had black qi, or at least he was the only one who had shown it.


    "Brothers, charge!"


    "As long as we can leave the Great Wall, we will be citizens of the Grassland Heavenly Clan!"


    "..."


    It had come to this.


    The disciples of Seven Absolute Sect had no retreat, surrender meant execution, so they might as well fight to the death, seizing the last thread of hope, their battle power exploding in an unbelievable manner, comparable to Sinking Formation Death Will.


    Unfortunately,


    the disparity in brute strength was too vast.


    The elite of the Flying Hero Camp had high combat quality and were led by many generals above Hua Jin, and in less than the time it took for two cups of tea to brew, of the 1500 Seven Absolute Sect disciples, only two or three hundred remained.


    Now, the Selected Spear Generals who hadn''t gathered enough numbers grew even more panicked. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Cao Fan, Wen Qiushi, Lu Shuhua, and others, disregarding the danger, rushed into the crowd to seek out and combat martial artists in the Refining Internal Realm.


    "Halt!"


    Wen Qiushi, wielding a pair of sabers, chased after a martial master who seemed to have just entered Refining Internal.


    His ring-headed sabers swung up like twin crescent moons descending from the sky, one attack after another, each stroke overlapping and each move deadlier, seemingly endless.


    Moon Splitting Saber Technique!


    "Not a bad saber technique."


    With the aid of the Qilin''s Heart, Chen Sansi analyzed the opponent''s moves, quickly discerning the essence of the technique and understanding its characteristics.


    Of course, without sparring in person, just by watching with his eyes, he wasn''t able to find a way to counter it.


    This Wen Qiushi,


    despite acting like a fawning dog all day, was like him at a small achievement of Refining Internal, said to be just shy of reaching Great Success of Refining, his saber technique also well-practiced.


    No help for it, after all, he was the Young Master of Moon Splitting Mountain Villa with a father who was a Martial Saint.


    "Clang, clang, clang, clang!"


    Wen Qiushi became like a spinning wheel of sabers, pounding incessantly at a sword from a Seven Absolute Sect disciple. Both were of a small achievement in Refining Internal, but the gap was substantial.


    Unable to withstand ten exchanges, the disciple couldn''t keep hold of his sword, which slipped from his hand, and he was cleaved into three parts from the middle, blood splattering everywhere!


    "One more Refining Internal left!"


    Counting in his mind, Wen Qiushi rushed towards the city gate and noticed the figure hiding behind the shield: "Zhang Huaimin?!"


    "Boom!"


    A loud noise.


    The heavy Mystical Iron Shield flew directly, smashing at him as if a steel mountain descended from the sky, leaving no place to dodge. Wen Qiushi''s dual sabers struck out, going full force in a Blood Explosion State, and finally managed to fling the shield away.


    But at the same time,


    Zhang Huaimin, previously hidden behind the shield, had already reached him, his longsword aiming straight for the throat. In the blink of an eye, another spear blocked the blade.


    "You go elsewhere!"


    Guan Jizeng, holding the spear, said, "Above Refining Internal doesn''t require your involvement."


    "Thanks, General Guan!"


    Wen Qiushi, still shaken, clasped his fists and quickly took his sabers to fend elsewhere.


    "Zhang Huaimin!"


    Guan Jizeng pointed at him with his spear, "Surrender! Even if you leave Dongyi City, the Great Wall still lies ahead, and even if you make it to the grassland, do you think the barbarians will respect you?"


    "Enough talk! You dogs of the Elephant Sect, you all deserve to die!"


    Zhang Huaimin roared, his longsword enveloped in a transparent qi, clashing with the general''s spear. After more than a couple of dozen exchanges,


    Both their realms were Meridian Passage.


    But perhaps due to battle experience or specialized cultivation techniques, Guan Jizeng gradually gained the upper hand, and in a standoff of weapons, he found an opportunity and drove his foot into the enemy''s chest.


    With his Power wrapped in force, its strength was beyond ten thousand jins.


    Zhang Huaimin, like a kite severed from its string, was flung away, slamming into the city wall, leaving an indent in the shape of a human, blood oozing from his eyes, ears, mouth, and nose.


    Guan Jizeng was about to finish him,


    "Damn it, the black qi is coming out again."


    Having been observant, Chen Sansi sharply noticed the fluctuating black-red qi within the Seven Absolute Sect Leader intensifying, completely overshadowing his original colorless breath.


    "Whoosh¡ª"


    Chen Sansi loosed an arrow from his bow, wanting to help Guan Jizeng finish the enemy quickly.


    He might not understand the exact effects of the black qi on the human body, but knew it wouldn''t be good, better to kill what can be killed fast.


    However,


    Zhang Huaimin, who should have been severely wounded, suddenly leapt up, under the influence of the black qi in his body, the qi around him steadily climbing until it almost materialized.


    The same power had been manifested by Governor Liu before.


    This is... Gang Qi!


    Profound Image Realm!


    "A breakthrough?"


    Chen Sansi furrowed his brow.


    Could black qi help someone breakthrough?


    "What?"


    Guan Jizeng saw it as well, "Zhang Huaimin, when did you break through to the Profound Image Realm? With your qualifications, it should take at least another ten years before you''d have a chance for a breakthrough."

 Chapter 152 - 127: Wifes Pregnancy, Battle for Champion Leader!_2

    ```


    "I''ve done it? I''ve done it!"


    Zhang Huaimin looked at the gang Qi around his body as if he couldn''t believe it himself, "The heavens want to help me take revenge, kill kill kill, kill you evildoers, and avenge my son!"


    "Clang¡ª"


    Another exchange.


    Once energy turned into gang, how could the increase in strength be anything less than exponential?


    How could Guan Jizeng, only at the Meridian Passage Realm, still be his match? In just two rounds, he was defeated and knocked down, with a sword gang piercing through his abdomen, collapsing to the ground, coughing up blood non-stop.


    "Kill!"


    Zhang Huaimin fell into a frenzy, his sword blade wrapped in gang Qi on a deadly chase.


    Just then.


    A loud noise came from afar.


    For a moment of carelessness, it was as if everything had frozen.


    In the night sky.


    A towering figure suddenly appeared, his armour under the frosty white moonlight like dark flames, the Heavenly Halberd in hand like a divine weapon descending from the skies.


    "Boom¡ª"


    The Heavenly Halberd descended with a force like surging waves from heaven.


    "Ji! You also deserve to die!"


    Far from being afraid, Zhang Huaimin stepped with vigor, sword in hand as he soared towards the sky, clashing with the Heavenly Halberd several meters up in the air.


    "Crack¡ª"


    The next moment.


    The blade in Zhang Huaimin''s hand broke, crashing down like a cannonball, creating a huge crater in the hard loess ground. He lay inside with his bones shattered, unable to move anymore.


    The man holding the Heavenly Halberd, Ji, landed, creating another deep crater.


    He walked over with big steps, grabbed Zhang Huaimin as if picking up a chicken, and then threw him high into the air. Zhang Huaimin''s head smashed against the city wall, ending the battle with a splatter.


    An initial foray into the Profound Image Realm and a duel against a Martial Saint!


    Chen Sansi watched intently.


    This was the first time he had witnessed the combat power of a Martial Saint¡ªa level truly befitting of the word "Saint," far beyond human measure.


    But even so, he was killed in seconds by Sun Xiangzong.


    "Master!"


    "Sect Leader!"


    ...


    The disciples of the Seven Absolute Sect were completely lost, soon slaughtered to a man, leaving not a single survivor.


    Finally, including Chen Sansi, only four people received Class A in this assessment, with all the rest graded as Class B or below.


    "Enter the city and hunt down any that slipped through."


    Thousands of soldiers flooded into the city.


    Ji helped General Guan up, asking with concern, "How are you?"


    "It''s nothing serious!"


    Guan Jizeng said with a fist-pump, "I''m incompetent. I didn''t even know Zhang Huaimin was about to break through. I almost made a grave mistake and caused huge losses."


    "Don''t blame yourself, I didn''t see it coming either,"


    Ji patted his shoulder, "Go heal your wounds, someone else will wrap this up."


    "Thank you, General!"


    ...


    The Battle of Eastern Yi City ended.


    The officers of the Flying Hero Camp were responsible for cleaning up the battlefield, while the tens of thousands of troops orderly returned to their respective camps.


    Two days later, the final two stages of the Selected Point assessment were held: martial combat and bone reading.


    "Didn''t anyone find anything strange?"


    Everyone saw Zhang Huaimin''s last-minute breakthrough as an accident, feeling nothing amiss, as in-battle breakthroughs were not impossible, with many such incidents on record.


    Probably only Chen Sansi, with his Qi Observation Skill, realized something was off.


    He also noticed.


    Shortly after Zhang Huaimin unleashed the strength of the Profound Image Realm, the Qi within his body began to deteriorate rapidly, not just the vermilion and black Qi, but also his own.


    Going by that state, even without Ji''s intervention, in no time, the Sect Leader of the Seven Absolute Sect would have likely died from the decay of Qi-Blood.


    It seemed that burst of black Qi could bring a short burst of strength, but at the cost of burning one''s life?


    Such a strange method!


    The gap between the Meridian Passage Realm and the Xuanxiang Realm might sound like just one level, but in reality, it''s an insurmountable chasm that traps countless people for their entire lives.


    And the higher the realm, the greater the divide. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A warrior in the Xuanxiang Realm is equivalent to a Main General.


    There are only a few in the whole Eight Camps.


    If it were the regular non-elite troops, someone at the Xuanxiang Realm could completely be the highest Commander.


    General Zhao of Liangzhou, it seems, was at the Xuanxiang Realm.


    In recent years, although the number of Martial Saints increased dramatically, they are still few and far between, rare and precious, hence warranted of the title "Saint."


    If that vermilion and black mysterious energy could elevate someone from the Meridian Passage Realm to the Xuanxiang Realm, then is it possible to elevate someone from the Xuanxiang Realm to the Martial Saint Realm?


    What a terrifying capability!


    Even more eerie is that.


    Zhang Huaimin seemed unaware of it himself.


    Right.


    With the discerning eyes of Chen Sansi, it was clear to see anybody''s micro-expressions.


    When he reached the Xuanxiang Realm, Zhang Huaimin was evidently ecstatic, even he was unprepared, and his use of gang Qi was clumsy.


    Furthermore, the black Qi appeared and disappeared intermittently, not controlled by him, with no clue where it was hidden in his body or when it would be called upon.


    If this was the case...


    Could it be that someone "planted" this vermilion and black Qi inside him, what was the aim, how was it done, and who did it?


    The Witch God Sect?


    For such an ominous, demon-like act, the only thing that comes to Chen Sansi''s mind is the Witch God Sect known for their Blood Sacrifices.


    What''s the purpose?


    Where did this vermilion and black Qi come from?


    The mountains?


    "Next time I go hunting, I need to venture deeper and see."


    Chen Sansi thought to himself.


    This was not a matter of indifference.


    From his ten-day experience in Yunzhou, if indeed the Witch God Sect was up to mischief, it definitely wouldn''t be targeting just one person¡ªit could be against the Eight Camps, against Sun Xiangzong, or even the entire Liangzhou.


    When the nest is overturned, no egg remains intact.


    Of course, these are still just speculations, even conjectures, without any evidence or clues, and could potentially be wrong.


    ```

 Chapter 153 - 127: Wifes Pregnancy, Battle for Champion Leader!_3

    But no matter what, we still need to try and investigate.


    "What a good horse!"


    Not long after leaving Dongyi City, Qian Xun came to greet him. Chen Sansi mounted his horse and galloped away.


    [Skill: Horse Control (Proficient)]


    [Progress: (409/500)]


    My Horse Control skill is about to break through.


    Nowadays, I travel more than two thousand li a day. Another breakthrough and it would truly become an Exotic Beast.


    Besides that.


    Medical Skill has been temporarily put aside, but I must pick it up again after the Selected Point ends, as Knowing Medicine and Recognizing Recipes like these have provided significant help to myself.


    Upgrading the Skill of Reading is becoming slower and slower.


    Chen Sansi concluded that it was necessary to continually go through different types, even different scripts of books for improvement. The commonly seen books on the street add almost nothing to proficiency improvement and it''s alarmingly slow.


    Reading is truly a difficult task.


    "Why is the city gate sealed shut?"


    For now, they were not under anyone''s jurisdiction. After the assessment ended, they would naturally go their separate ways. Coupled with the speed of the White Swan Horse, Chen Sansi was the first to arrive back at Liangzhou City.


    But at this moment, the city gate was tightly closed.


    The Thousand Captain who was in charge of guarding the city gate gravely announced, "There is a curfew tonight, no one is to enter or leave the city, including the brothers responsible for the encirclement of Dongyi City. You will have to find a place to stay outside the city for the night!"


    "Thousand Captain!"


    Chen Sansi asked loudly, "Has something happened in the city?"


    "Indeed, something big happened,"


    After verifying his identity, the Thousand Captain spoke, "But it''s not a secret, there''s no harm in telling you. Half an hour ago, over a hundred disciples from the inner sect of Jade Pavilion, including the Sect Leader, almost all died at the same time. Mmm, it''s likely the work of the Witch God Sect, hence the locked gates and city-wide search."


    "So many?"


    Chen Sansi was astonished.


    The Jade Maiden Sect was a second-tier sect on the same level as the Seven Absolute Sect, with its Sect Leader being in the Meridian Passage Realm.


    To kill over a hundred people in a short time and still escape, there must have been at least twenty people taking action simultaneously, not to mention the Sect Leader who was at the Meridian Passage Realm.


    Now with the city sealed, it would be impossible for so many people not to catch at least one or two.


    "I see, thank you!"


    Chen Sansi turned his horse around.


    The other soldiers who arrived one after another, intending to enter the city, were also advised to turn back.


    ...


    The city remained sealed for a full three days, and even the Selected Point was postponed.


    Chen Sansi was accommodated at the military camp in West Barbarian City, and he was not idle during this period using the effects of Spiritual Grain to focus on his cultivation. Although it was impossible to make a breakthrough in such a short time, every bit of progress was valuable.


    [Cultivation Technique: Unity Spear Technique (small achievement)]


    [Progress: 129/2000]


    It''s worth mentioning that.


    With the improvement of his realm, his absorption efficiency for Spiritual Grain also greatly increased, so the speed of his cultivation did not slow down like most people''s due to higher realm and greater difficulty.


    That afternoon, they finally received notice that they could enter the city. The Selected Point would continue in two days.


    However, the city search this time seemed to have yielded nothing.


    That''s right, not a single person was caught.


    After the Witch God Sect killed people, they vanished without a trace like evaporated from the world, not leaving the slightest clue behind.


    "Could it be that those who killed weren''t from the Witch God Sect, but ghosts instead?"


    Bai Thingzhi clutched his hair, "How could we not catch anyone!"


    "Indeed..."


    Tang Yingke followed up, "Liangzhou City is very large, but there are only so many hiding places. The city was sealed immediately after the incident, logically we should have found some clues."


    After being alienated, he became acquainted with Bai Thingzhi.


    "What''s there to fear; even if it were ghosts, the Supervisor would have suppressed them!"


    One Refining Organ Martial Artist General scoffed, "Just wait, it''s only a matter of time."


    Whether they can catch them is uncertain.


    But one thing is for sure.


    The Witch God Sect really didn''t dare to lay hands on the people in the army. Those who died were all sect disciples, and occasionally members of powerful Families would suffer as well.


    "Farewell, Mr. Chen!"


    "Farewell."


    Chen Sansi nodded in response, neither too cold nor too warm.


    Once in the mountains, once in the Nine Palace Eight Diagram formation.


    At both of those critical moments, the other party gave a warning. In any case, that was considered a favor.


    As for the Princely Heir being cautious about getting too close to him, that was completely understandable. Tang Yingke''s father held an official post in the Capital City; even if he wasn''t afraid, he still had to consider his father''s position.


    Not everyone was like Bai Thingzhi, fearless and without any family.


    Chen Sansi had intended to invite him for a drink, but with Cao Fan and others watching, he was genuinely worried about implicating him, so he didn''t say much more.


    Liangzhou City is very large.


    Even though many people died overnight, on the surface, it seemed as if nothing had happened.


    Returning to the Chen Mansion.


    Chen Sansi hadn''t yet entered when he heard a lot of noise.


    "My lord."


    Si Qin bowed and came forward to hold the horse.


    Chen Sansi dismounted and asked, "Do we have guests again?"


    "Yes, yes."


    Si Qin responded, "Several guests have come. They''re in the reception room specially prepared for guests. My lord can go take a look; there''s good news."


    "Oh?"


    Chen Sansi went to the reception room. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Mo Hua led him inside.


    He saw that the room was filled with women.


    Tong Family''s ladies, the wives of some subordinates, as well as Sun Li were all there.


    "Mr. Chen is back!"


    "We''ve met Mr. Chen."


    "Now that lord is back, we won''t disturb you any longer, we will take our leave first."


    "..."


    The ladies quickly departed.


    Only Sun Li was left in the end.


    "Brother Shi."


    Gu Xinlan stood up and explained, "With the trouble in the city these two days, Li was worried about me, so she came to guard me."


    After Sun Li returned, she devoted herself to her sword practice and is now also a Refining Internal Martial Artist.


    "Thank you, Sister!"


    Chen Sansi bowed with his hands clasped together.


    "We''re so familiar with each other, you still act so formal with me,"


    Sun Li rarely spoke with a smile, "Congratulations, junior brother."


    "Congratulations to me?"


    Chen Sansi looked towards Xin Lan, whose cheeks were slightly flushed, and instantly understood what was happening, "Are you...?"

 Chapter 154 - 127: Wifes Pregnancy, Battle for Champion Leader!_4

    "Hmm."


    Gu Xinlan bit her lip.


    "Okay."


    Chen Sansi felt somewhat complicated inside. He couldn''t say he was happy or worried. After all, it was the first time in two lifetimes that he was going to be a father, and he had no experience.


    He took Sister Lan by the hand and sat down to take her pulse and confirmed it was indeed a pulse of joy.


    Sun Li teased, "Little junior brother, you can check pulses too?"


    "Learned it from Medical Officer Jiang before."


    After arriving in Liangzhou, Medical Officer Jiang and the others were still working in the pharmacy.


    Chen Sansi said, "Sister Lan, you shouldn''t go out to gather herbs anymore, whether to eat or drink, I''ll take care of it personally. If the two maids aren''t enough, I''ll hire two more."


    "Am I that hard to take care of, Sister Lan?"


    Gu Xinlan said, "Si Qin and Mo Hua are both clever and diligent. You just focus on your tasks. It''s all right even if you''re too busy to come home; Sister Li is watching over the house."


    "Not coming home is okay?"


    Chen Sansi thought to himself that it wasn''t like this before the pregnancy, thinking that once the seeding was done, he was no longer needed.


    "Yes, little junior brother,"


    Sun Li seriously said, "Tomorrow is the last challenge for Selected Point. You should concentrate fully. My father... has high hopes for you. Although he''s a bit stern at times, I can tell."


    "Your Nine Dragon Body isn''t better than theirs, so it''s best to win a few more matches during the competition. At least you would be an Inner Sect Disciple. In a couple of years, there is still a chance to rise to a True Inheritor."


    After Selected Point ends, positions will be assigned based on the results, which will determine the allocation of resources.


    But it''s not set in stone.


    It''s impossible for someone who later achieves numerous merits, has a sudden revelation or a miraculous adventure causing a rapid increase in realm, to not be given a chance simply because of poor performance in Selected Point.


    One of our seven senior brothers was once an Inner Sect Disciple, who later achieved merits and ascended to a True Inheritor after breaking through the Mysterious Phenomenon.


    Of course, the worst will still be Inner Sect.


    "It''s a pity."


    Sun Li regretfully said, "Actually, it would be best to emerge as the champion..."


    Chen Sansi nodded in agreement.


    He understood what Sun Li meant.


    Rumors outside claimed that this year, whoever emerged as the champion would attain the True Inheritor status, which likely included techniques Above Martial Saint, a completely different concept from advancing from Inner Sect to a True Inheritor.


    So, if one could become the champion, they should.


    Refining Internal Organs Perfection!


    Even Wen Qiushi was a worthy opponent.


    For Chen Sansi, the competition was his final barrier!


    He practiced without rest for two days and a night, only sleeping well the day before the assessment to rejuvenate, then he received the notice to participate in the competition.


    "Give it your all!"


    Chen Sansi encouraged himself internally as he rode the White Swan Horse to the Military City.


    At the Martial Arts Arena.


    The platform had already been set up, consisting of several stages.


    It was still Li Qianzong who was responsible for announcing the rules.


    "These bamboo sticks represent A, B, C, D...


    "Everyone, come up and draw sticks, those who draw the same ones will be opponents and will fight on the platform. Whoever knocks their opponent off the platform wins."


    "The winners will fight the other winners from their respective areas, in a continuous cycle. The examiners will assign scores based on the rankings, until the last two, who will compete for the Champion Leader."


    "All the competitions will conclude within today.


    "Also, a reminder: although you can admit defeat, and there will be people to save you, as accidents can still happen leading to severe injuries or even death, it''s better to drop out as soon as possible if you consider it."


    "Once the competition starts, it will be too late to regret anything should an accident occur."


    "Moreover, no matter how sacred your fathers are, retaliation after the fact is forbidden. Otherwise, all scores will be canceled, and the matter will be thoroughly investigated!"


    "Okay, those who wish to continue participating in Selected Point, come up and draw!" S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As the Selected Spear Generals gradually drew their lots, the main examiners, supervisors, and officials from various regions also slowly arrived.


    Mr. Hou, as usual, sat on the right-hand side of the first row.


    On his left, sat the new inspector, Pei Tiannan, one of the current Eight Martial Saints of the court, whose power was immense, not only commanding the military of two states, but most importantly, he was a Marquis!


    Over more than seventy years of the Longqing era, only three Marquises had been appointed, and he was one of them.


    Marquis Yongyi!


    "Mr. Pei!"


    "Mr. Pei, long time no see, you still look as imposing as ever!"


    "..."


    Every official entering greeted him first.


    "Mr. Hou."


    Pei Tiannan began, his tone questioning, "Mr. Hou and Liu Zhongxian, wasn''t your negligence a bit too severe? Ning Changqun was a General directly designated by the Emperor, and the Crown Prince favored him greatly. To say he died... and to die in front of so many? You brought shame on the court''s face! Didn''t you think to hold back a bit?"


    "Hehe~"


    Mr. Hou rolled his eyes: "Mr. Pei, don''t be the pot calling the kettle black. When Sun Xiangzong stabbed your mentor, Mr. Chen, the Minister of War, to death fifteen years ago right in front of you, I didn''t see you holding back either."


    "He won''t get old, will he!"


    Pei Tiannan clenched his fists: "It was said he was close to death!"


    "How would I know."


    Mr. Hou replied sarcastically, "Why don''t you spar with him later to test his strength?"


    "You!"


    Pei Tiannan snorted coldly, "In any case, I won''t disgrace myself like you do, and definitely not end up a fool scared stiff like Liu Zhongxian!"


    "It seems the Marquis has some backbone. Let''s see how you do today..."


    Before Mr. Hou could finish, he saw Pei Tiannan suddenly stand up, and with a respectful bow towards the front, he said reverently, "I have seen Supervisor Sun!"

 Chapter 155 - 127: Wifes Pregnancy, Battle for Champion Leader! _5

    "Tsk~"


    Mr. Hou rolled his eyes almost to the heavens before he stood up to perform a courtesy.


    "It''s Xiao Pei, there''s no need to be formal, sit."


    Sun Xiangzong sat down carelessly.


    Pei Tiannan personally poured the tea.


    As he eyed the teacup, Sun Xiangzong asked, "I heard that a few years ago, you too broke through to Martial Saint?"


    "I dare not, dare not, how could I claim to be a saint in front of Lord Governor."


    Pei Tiannan said cheerfully, "Counting it up, I''m merely of your grandstudent generation¡­"


    At that time.


    Minister Chen from the Ministry of War had received guidance from Sun Xiangzong to break through to Martial Saint.


    "Stop, I cannot bear such honor."


    Sun Xiangzong, drinking his tea, said, "Alright, let them begin."


    ...


    "The one who came is actually him..."


    In the corner of the flank, Fang Qingyun put aside the scroll in his hand.


    The supervisor was a temporary appointment, previously unknown to anyone.


    "I''ve never seen this man before."


    Sun Buqi muttered, "But looking at his overly submissive demeanor, I estimate he''s not even as good as Liu Zhongxian. It''s just his reputation that''s frightening."


    "It''s not as simple as you think; this person is a notorious smiling tiger."


    Fang Qingyun explained, "Sometimes those who know how to retreat in order to advance are the hardest to deal with, understand?"


    "How is it, have you found anything?"


    Sun Buqi looked at the stack of books on the floor, "Has there been a Nine Dragon Body that became a Martial Saint?"


    "Not yet, but your sister''s Fire Lotus Martial Body produced a Martial Saint five hundred years ago."


    Fang Qingyun reopened his book, "I''ll look again."


    ...


    The drawing of lots ended.


    The martial arts competition had a total of five rounds.


    In the first round, Chen Sansi''s opponent was an official''s son from a military family in You State, skilled in Refining Internal Organs Cultivation. He couldn''t last two rounds and was knocked out of the arena.


    The watchers on the city wall, including his father, watched with deeply furrowed brows.


    In the second round, Chen Sansi faced a sect disciple from Yan State, who was at the same realm, Refining Internal Organs small success. After seven rounds, he won.


    If it had been someone from Po Yang with Refining Internal Organs small success,


    It would have been impossible to last three rounds.


    But those who participated in this year''s Selected Point were all geniuses; naturally, it wasn''t that easy.


    Of course, there was no real pressure either.


    The main point was that they were not there to kill.


    Although the rule of the competition stated that accidental death did not require accountability, most participants did not bear deep grudges against each other. Unless the match was too difficult to resolve, they tended to hold back and wouldn''t easily harm each other''s lives.


    Chen Sansi did the same,


    He always tried to knock his opponent off the platform; otherwise, giving his all, he could definitely settle it within five rounds.


    After the second round, half of the participants were gone.


    Those who remained were mostly above Refining Internal Organs small success; only Bai Thingzhi was an exception. He had broken through to Refining Internal Organs mastery just two days ago and had just won against a sect disciple with Refining Internal Organs small success. Although the victory was hard-earned, lasting nearly a hundred rounds, it was indeed a win. In the end, both were exhausted, and when it came down to physical strength, naturally, the Vajra Body triumphed.


    Yan Changqing was very unlucky, meeting Lu Shuhua in the second round. This "Qilin Child," who many had high hopes for, was eliminated early after an intense battle.


    There was a two-hour rest period next.


    Once noon passed, the third round began.


    Chen Sansi won again with ease.


    His opponent conceded after five rounds, and he naturally had no need to press further.


    But others weren''t having such an easy time.


    Xie Sishu from Yan State faced Lu Shuhua from Tongxuan Sword Sect.


    Both men, endowed with Refining Internal Organs Perfection and Innate Martial Saint Bodies, fought an evenly matched and tough battle. After exchanging a sword strike, Lu Shuhua won painfully.


    But this meant that he would suffer greatly in the upcoming rounds.


    Bai Thingzhi couldn''t continue either and fell in the third round of the arena.


    "Brother Wen, let''s spar for twenty rounds; after that, I''ll concede so I can report back to my father, how about that?"


    Tang Yingke said politely.


    He had only come because his father forced him, saying it would enhance his experience and temper his skills. But he knew his own level; getting this far was already quite good.


    "Alright."


    Wen Qiushi held his double sabers, "Then let''s get this over with quickly."


    The two spoke these words standing on the platform, their voices not loud.


    The bout began.


    The twenty rounds ended quickly.


    Tang Yingke indeed wasn''t a match for Wen Qiushi, and having reached his limit, he originally planned to sheathe his sword but was shocked to find that his opponent had no intention of stopping!


    The force of Moon Splitting Double Sabers grew with each strike, each carrying terrifying murderous intent. In his eyes, it almost turned into a fearsome tornado made of blade edges!


    "Brother Wen, what do you mean by this?"


    Tang Yingke''s right hand gripping the sword bled profusely, "We agreed¡­"


    "Who agreed with you?!"


    Wen Qiushi''s face twisted savagely, "Today, you can''t leave without losing an arm!"


    "Why!"


    Tang Yingke, confused, "Just because I didn''t join you..."


    "You still dare to mention it!"


    Wen Qiushi threatened, his ring-head double sabers swirling even more dazzlingly, "Who let you help those you shouldn''t help, side with those you shouldn''t side with!"


    Chen Sansi, who had been resting with his eyes closed awaiting his next match, noticed the commotion here and slightly frowned. Brother Tang had to surrender quickly. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I surrender, I surrender!"


    Tang Yingke, clearly understanding this, shouted loudly while using his last bit of strength to block and parry.


    The Meridian General in charge of this section of the arena rushed onto the platform upon hearing the commotion.


    "Crack!"


    But at the last moment, Tang Yingke couldn''t hold on. His long sword fell to the ground, and the ring-head saber ruthlessly slashed onto his shoulder, tearing through skin and splitting bone, about to sever his entire arm!

 Chapter 156 - 127: Wifes Pregnancy, Battle for Champion Leader! _6

    "Stop!"


    The Meridian General drew his sword and repelled the opponent, "He has already conceded, that''s enough." S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Wen Qiushi was forced back several steps and had to stop, "You''re lucky!"


    "Ah!"


    Tang Yingke fell to the ground and began to wail.


    His entire right arm was nearly severed, hanging on by just a sliver of flesh. Only the finest treasure medicine could heal such a wound. Even so, it would take at least a year and a half to recover, and to continue practicing Martial Arts would require even more time. In essence, the next two to three years ¡ª the most precious time for a young Martial Artist ¡ª was completely ruined!


    Chen Sansi closed his eyes. The screams were especially clear, igniting a nameless fury within him.


    Simply because Tang Yingke had helped him, did he deserve to be crippled?


    Hadn''t he already yielded enough?


    Was it because he feared this sort of thing happening that he had hardly spoken a few words to Tang Yingke, not even expressing a bit of gratitude for the past kind warnings?


    Wasn''t that enough?


    Did they have to take it this far?


    This was just for speaking up for him, what about the others?


    The Meridian General took Tang Yingke to receive treatment.


    Chen Sansi asked, "General, after someone concedes, isn''t injuring them considered a foul?"


    "What kind of foul is that?"


    The General said without turning his head, "It''s a full-force competition, there''s no guarantee of holding back, even death is not a foul."


    "Thank you for the information, General."


    Chen Sansi nodded, his face expressionless.


    After the first round of drawing lots, the venues were divided, and there was no need for further lot drawing; the winners of the venues were matched for the competition.


    Next.


    His opponent happened to be Wen Qiushi!


    ...


    After this round ended, only four people remained, moving on to the semi-finals.


    Cao Fan, the seriously injured Lu Shuhua, Wen Qiushi, and Chen Sansi.


    "Good!"


    Atop the city wall.


    Many officials cheered for the competition.


    "This year''s Selected Point is even more exciting!"


    "Indeed, the highest level in the past was just entry-level Refining Internal Organs, most were at Bone Training or even Blood Refining Great Success."


    "Master Wen''s son is not bad, an Inner Sect Disciple for sure."


    "Yes, Master Wen himself is a Martial Saint, and his son could become Sun Dushi''s disciple. Moon Splitting Mountain Villa might very well become the first Sect of Liangzhou."


    "That Chen Sansi, nobody expected him to get this far!"


    "It seems he only achieved small achievement right before the Selected Point began."


    "This man is also quite talented. Is he married?"


    People started to inquire.


    By this point in the Selected Point, the dust had settled, and many were picking out prospective sons-in-law, like Xie Sishu and others, who were already being eyed. Negotiations for marriage would take place after the end.


    Though they were eliminated, they were still Inner Sect Disciples, with boundless futures ahead of them.


    "He is."


    "Heard he''s had a wife for a long time, that''s too bad!"


    "Indeed, indeed."


    "..."


    Listening to their conversation, Sun Xiangzong''s eyelids twitched.


    "Yan Changqing is such a loss."


    "Lu Shuhua even more so."


    "His injuries are not light, but Cao Fan, the Princely Heir, is still undefeated. It seems that this year''s Selected Point Champion Leader will undoubtedly be the Princely Heir."


    "You talk as if the Princely Heir has taken advantage. Hasn''t he also faced opponents with Refining Internal Organs Perfection? Why wasn''t he injured? It''s simply because his skills surpass theirs."


    "To talk about good fortune, both Chen Sansi and Wen Qiushi have had their share of luck."


    "But it''s meaningless; at the end of the competition, the struggle is for Champion Leader. The rest will be Inner Sect Disciples anyway."


    "What do you think? Who will win between these two?"


    "Wen Qiushi, probably. Mr. Chen has only recently made a breakthrough, his foundation is definitely not solid."


    ...


    "Who would have thought that Chen could reach Class A all the way here."


    Yin Hanwen spat resentfully, "Those people are truly useless; his luck is also really good!"


    "Princely Heir, don''t worry, I will take care of him for you!"


    Wen Qiushi, having won several bouts in a row, was full of confidence, "As long as I take him down before the supervising General steps up to the stage, even if I take his life, there won''t be any trouble!"


    "Right."


    Yin Hanwen''s arrow wound still throbbed painfully, and he said through gritted teeth, "Brother Wen, you must take revenge for me!"


    "He has made a breakthrough as well, don''t underestimate him,"


    Cao Fan reminded, "If you can incapacitate him, do so; if you really can''t beat him, call for surrender immediately. Don''t hurt yourself."


    "Thank you, Princely Heir, for your concern!" Wen Qiushi bowed, "I won''t let him off!"


    The two-hour recovery period ended once again.


    The fourth round of Selected Point competition began.


    As before, everyone''s weapons were uniformly exchanged for ones of the same quality.


    This time, someone made a point of repeatedly checking Chen Sansi''s weapon to make sure there were no issues before handing it to him.


    Moreover, in the corner of the spectator''s stand, two new figures appeared.


    The Sect Master of the Tongxuan Sword Sect and the Manor Master of the Moon Splitting Mountain Villa.


    Two Martial Saints!


    They were here to watch the competition of their successors.


    "Brother Shao, it seems your disciple is likely to end his journey here,"


    Wen Zhi said, "He''s probably no match for the Princely Heir."


    "You don''t need to tell me that."


    Shao Yujing stood with his hands behind his back, "I am more concerned about how to deal with the relationship with the Princely Heir if by chance he becomes the champion. It''s better this way; it saves a lot of trouble."


    "You sure take it easy."


    Wen Zhi sighed, "Actually, I would really like to see my unworthy son compete for it. Above the Martial Saint, ah... How many years have you and I stood at the pinnacle of Martial Arts, yet no matter what, we can''t touch a higher threshold. Only Sun Xiangzong has the means to do so. If one could receive his true inheritance, perhaps there would be a chance to see what lies above a Martial Saint."


    "What a pity, we both are subjects of the Cao Family, where would we dare to compete? Even if we had the courage, we''re no match for the Princely Heir."


    "The Princely Heir is talented and diligent; he may well become a wise monarch of his generation."


    "Brother Wen."


    Shao Yujing spoke lightly, "Even without the Princely Heir, your son wouldn''t make it to the end."


    "You..."


    Wen Zhi looked at the young man holding a long spear on the stage, "Are you saying, my unworthy son is no match for this General Chen? Impossible! Even if my son is worthless, the saber technique is taught by me personally!"


    "Your saber technique is formidable, but is it more formidable than Sun Xiangzong''s spear technique?"


    Shao Yujing smiled, "Guess whose spear technique this young Chen Sansi, who holds a third-rank medal at such a young age, has practiced?"


    Wen Zhi felt a jolt in his heart.


    ...


    The arena.


    "Mr. Chen!"


    Wen Qiushi rested the twin sabers on his shoulder, taunting, "You saw what happened to Tang Yingke, right? I advise you to call for surrender sooner rather than later, or I''m afraid the Supervisor General won''t be able to save you in time!"


    Chen Sansi stood with his spear in hand, silent.


    His eyes were profoundly deep, unable to reveal any emotion, which made his entire demeanor appear exceedingly cold.


    "Dong!"


    The gong sounded.


    "Pretending to be profound, I want to see what you''re really capable of..."


    Before Wen Qiushi could finish speaking, he saw a flash of cold light streak by, and in an instant, the long spear was already in front of his face. Although it was just a slender weapon, in his eyes, he saw a blood-red giant python with its massive mouth open in a furious rage, speeding towards him!


    The Unity Spear Technique, unstoppable in its madness!


    By the time Wen Qiushi snapped out of the shock, he had already lost the initiative and could only continuously use the twin sabers in his hands to block and defend, exerting all his strength to stop the blood-red python from pouncing on him.


    The characteristic of the Moon Splitting Saber Technique is one force greater than another until Qi-Blood is depleted; it requires a kind of charging up to unleash full power!


    But in the current situation, he simply... couldn''t even execute the first move of the Moon Splitting Saber Technique. The opponent wanted to kill him right away!


    He had been observing the competition until then, but only by engaging in the fight did he realize that the opponent''s progress so far didn''t rely on luck!


    This spear technique...


    After losing the initiative, Wen Qiushi found that he could never find any opportunity to counterattack.


    Not only that.


    This person''s spear technique also had a similar characteristic to the Moon Splitting Saber Technique, with each spear thrust becoming more rapid and fierce; Wen Qiushi even hallucinated, seeing the blood-red python before him growing bigger and bigger, eventually turning into a heaven-devouring giant python!


    Surrender!


    Just two rounds later.


    Wen Qiushi quickly accepted a fact.


    He was not the opponent!


    Surrendering was fine, since he hadn''t intended to compete for the Champion Leader title to begin with.


    Let the Princely Heir deal with this person!


    "Hiss!"


    A cool breeze swept past his face.


    The long spear lashed out, exploiting a tiny flaw to flash in front of his face.


    At first, Wen Qiushi didn''t realize where he had been injured, until his mouth suddenly became unbearably hot, and warm blood filled his chin, with a delayed severe pain that was hard to bear.


    "Whimper... Whimper!!!"


    His mouth and tongue had been gruesomely pierced by the spear just then, and as the blood poured out, it left him without the ability to speak, including uttering the word "surrender."

 Chapter 157 - 128: To the Bitter End

    "The boy sure has perseverance!"


    Wen Zhi exclaimed with emotion.


    The Selected Point exam venue isn''t a marketplace; naturally, not just anyone can enter, not even a Martial Saint is allowed to approach at will.


    Wen Zhi and Shao Yujing both came over on a whim, without going to the designated viewing area, and were barred by many Armored Soldiers wielding spears, so they could only watch from a distance.


    By chance, Wen Qiushi had his back to them, so they couldn''t see what was happening to his face.


    They could only tell that Chen Sansi''s spear technique was extremely fierce, quickly gaining the upper hand in this martial arts competition and showing signs of a one-sided battle.


    But Wen Qiushi hadn''t given up and was still persevering bitterly.


    Wen Zhi analyzed, "This spear technique doesn''t seem like the several sets commonly circulated in the military. It feels like it combines the strengths of various schools, and is a spear technique created by fusion. Did Sun Xiangzong create this technique?


    "But the problem is, the Selected Point competition isn''t over yet, so where did he get this spear technique from? Did Sun Xiangzong take a fancy to him in advance?"


    "The young man surnamed Chen is on good terms with the Young Master of the Sun Family. It''s not unusual for him to learn some spear techniques, and it''s no big deal."


    All these geniuses, which one learns a normal Cultivation Technique?


    "Hmm, my son lost fairly."


    Wen Zhi looked towards the city wall, where the Supervisor, with an elderly and debilitated appearance, was stationed: "Even Martial Saints like us will significantly decline in strength as we age; everyone says he is almost dead, so how could he kill Ning Changqun in one move? That Ning Changqun is even stronger than the two of us! How much longer must we endure him?"


    A considerable part of the military supplies for the Eight Camps needs to be donated by them, and the amount is astronomical.


    Furthermore, with broad jurisdiction, their income in various aspects is also diminished.


    It can be said that wherever the Eight Camps go, no one doesn''t hate Sun Xiangzong.


    But hate is useless, and they can only hate in their hearts, hoping the other party would quickly die.


    "Let''s not talk about that for now."


    Shao Yujing said, "Your lad will die if he keeps fighting like this. Is he not going to admit defeat?"


    ...


    "Wuu wuu wuu... I..."


    Wen Qiushi wanted to shout out the words "I admit defeat," but no matter what, he couldn''t do it. His mouth was a bloody mess, his teeth shattered like sand, and he kept spitting out the thick, bloodied saliva. Even as he desperately tried to block with his twin blades, the vulnerabilities were increasingly numerous.


    "Zi!"


    "Zi!"


    Each of his mistakes was accurately captured, followed by another bloody hole in his body. Even if not fatal, he wouldn''t last long.


    How many holes can a living person endure?


    Wen Qiushi didn''t even have the chance to escape by jumping off the arena. The moment he stopped, there would only be one outcome: death. He could only endure the severe pain and emit pitiful "wuu wuu ah ah" noises, hoping to convey his intent to admit defeat and be saved through these sounds.


    ...


    "Admit defeat!"


    Outside the arena, Wen Zhi shouted loudly, "Stop, admit defeat, we admit defeat!"


    No one paid attention.


    He tried to enter the arena but was once again blocked by a forest of spears.


    "Master Wen, no one can disrupt the order of the Selected Point!"


    "General."


    Wen Zhi pointed toward the arena, and the Martial Saint''s voice was extremely frantic: "My son is admitting defeat; he has admitted defeat. Quickly go up and pull them apart!"


    "Nonsense."


    An older General Tongmai said, "Your son is clearly giving his all in battle, a true iron-blooded hero. Master Wen, as a father, don''t spoil your son."


    "Mouth!"


    The direction of the two on the platform shifted.


    Only then did Wen Zhi finally see his son''s mangled face, and he roared, "He can''t shout out his surrender, someone save him, quick!"


    "Oh?"


    The old general squinted towards the scene and said slowly, "It does seem like it indeed."


    ...


    As the combat onstage reached this point, the onlookers also noticed something was amiss.


    "Hiss!"


    Mr. Hou was engrossed and clicked his tongue in amazement, "This Mr. Chen is interesting. By injuring the opponent''s mouth so he can''t speak, he can keep beating him up. He''s planning to kill someone!"


    "So young, yet so ruthless."


    Pei Tiannan commented, "Mr. Chen really is good officer material, but isn''t this a bit excessive?"


    "Excessive?"


    Mr. Hou scoffed, "Mr. Pei, didn''t you see Wen Qiushi fighting with Tang Yingke with intent to kill earlier?"


    "Oh?"


    Pei Tiannan said, "What Mr. Hou is suggesting is that Mr. Chen is avenging Young Master Tang?"


    "Exactly!" Mr. Hou nodded.


    Tang Yingke was in the corner of the Martial Arts Arena, hastily treating his wounds. He couldn''t misunderstand the situation, and his pupils trembled uncontrollably, unable to speak for a while.


    "Brother Tang, do you see that?"


    Bai Thingzhi spoke excitedly, "General Chen is avenging you! You''ve got to remember this favor!"


    ...


    "Stop!"


    The General in charge of invigilating finally confirmed that the Young Master of Moon Splitting Mountain Villa was indeed trying to admit defeat with his wailing, and he hurriedly rushed over.


    "Wuu wuu ah¡ª" Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Wen Qiushi''s movements became completely disordered, and it was unclear what he was saying, but the distinct sobbing was audible. His body had seven to eight bloody holes, sparing only his vital parts!


    And from the start of the duel to this moment,


    Only three rounds had passed, which was the time for a few deep breaths.


    The others managed to respond at this time, and that was already quite fast.


    As Chen Sansi saw the invigilating General rushing towards him, the Blood of Dragon Elephant in his body surged even faster. Under the extreme Blood Movement, the power and speed of his spear in hand climbed another level.


    Wen Qiushi''s strength was truly not bad. Since Chen Sansi began practicing Martial Arts, this was the first time he felt it was so difficult to kill someone. Those ring-head knives always managed to protect the crucial parts at the last moment, but computing the time, it was about sufficient. Just a bit faster!


    "Mr. Chen, have you gone mad?"


    Several Selected Spear Generals who had been eliminated from the competition were watching nearby, and they all showed expressions of incomprehension.


    Must he kill?


    Isn''t he afraid?


    "Wen Qiushi''s father is the Manor Master of Moon Splitting Mountain Villa, a Martial Saint!"


    "Mr. Chen, please cease!"


    "..."


    Weapons in the arena don''t discriminate, and there is no need to take responsibility for life or death.


    That is the rule.


    But in reality, how many dare to abide by it?


    It wasn''t the ones with strong backgrounds who generally got hurt; even if their opponents were stronger, they always tried to hold back. As for those without such powerful backing, they didn''t have such considerations and often had to face their opponents'' full onslaught.


    This Mr. Chen...


    "Madman!"


    Yan Changqing''s heart pounded incessantly.


    On the arena.


    Both of Wen Qiushi''s wrists, as if bitten by venomous snakes, had their tendons shredded, rendering him unable to hold onto his ring-head knives, thus also losing his final means of self-protection.


    He raised his hands, about to kneel and beg for mercy.


    A pity.


    He wasn''t even given the chance to kneel.


    "Stop!"


    "Stop¡ª"


    "Pu-chi¡ª"


    The reed-leaf long spear met its destination right before the other man could kneel, piercing through his heart. Warm blood sprayed out, scattering in the air like a blooming blood-red lotus.


    "Buzz!"


    The judge general''s large hand grasped the spear shaft.


    But alas, it was too late.


    Supported by the long spear, Wen Qiushi''s body was frozen in a rigid state, halfway to kneeling, with his head drooping powerlessly, his blood dripping down his chin. It hung suspended midair due to its viscosity rather than dropping to the ground, and the whole person resembled nothing more than a corpse.


    "You..."


    The judge general looked at the spear-holder, his expression somewhat complex, "He had already surrendered, yet you still delivered a fatal blow."


    "General, he didn''t shout out,"


    Chen Sansi looked utterly clueless: "So, this doesn''t break the rules, does it?"


    "No, it doesn''t."


    The judge general, however, started to smile: "Dead is considered surrendering."


    Earlier.


    When Tang Yingke shouted "I surrender," it was also his responsibility to stop the match.


    That man had truly cried out.


    Mr. Wen didn''t afford him any face either.


    Dead, that''s what he deserved!


    It could only be said that he brought it upon himself, beyond any help.


    The judge general let go of the spear, too indolent to even bother with the body, simply leaping away. What did it have to do with him?


    "My son!!!"


    "Boom¡ª"


    In the distance.


    Wen Zhi shattered the spear in front of him with a palm strike, trying to rush onto the stage, but was again stopped by a new wall of people. Beside him, a mountainous figure appeared.


    "Ji!"


    Wen Zhi came to an abrupt stop, his voice trembling but not moving further: "He killed my son!"


    "The young master did not call out his surrender."


    Ji''s expression remained calm: "The judge officer also attempted rescue, everything complied with the rules, and we favored no sides. I hope Master Wen won''t cause groundless trouble."


    "Ah! I will kill him!"


    Wen Zhi shouted, "Ji, are you really going to stand in my way?!"


    "Being upset for the death of a son, what''s there to be excited about?"


    Ji frowned impatiently: "Don''t you still have two sons? The youngest one, he has the Body of Martial Saint; just cultivate him anew. The rules are the rules, I advise you not to do anything you will regret. If that happens, even I cannot help you."


    "You..."


    Wen Zhi''s face turned a murderous red, veins bulging. He looked at the Sun Xiangzong atop the city wall with no reaction, then at Ji, and eventually, he had no choice but to shatter a giant stone pillar on the edge of the Martial Arts Arena with a powerful punch.


    His teeth clenched in rage, his voice tinged with mockery: "Ji, you don''t need to scare me! Better consider your own position! How many years have you been a Martial Saint, and yet you haven''t broken through, or is it that Sun Xiangzong won''t teach you? Now, this final Selected Spear tournament is being passed to someone else, yet you''re still standing here, playing his dog?!"


    "That''s not something for Master Wen to worry about."


    Ji, with his eyes closed: "Someone, bring Master Wen''s eldest son''s corpse to him."


    "Yes!"


    "Snap!"


    Soon enough, the blood-soaked body was laid before him.


    "By participating in the Selected Point, one consents to enlist. And where there is enlistment, death is expected; this is a preparation everyone should make well in advance."


    The elderly general said with disdain: "Master Wen, don''t disappoint us."


    "Old Wen,"


    Shao Yujing patted his shoulder: "Keep your cool, your second and third sons are still waiting for you to return. Let''s go."


    After pounding the ground with more than a dozen furious punches, Wen Zhi cast a venomous glance at Chen Sansi on the stage before finally lifting up the corpse of his eldest son and leaving with heavy steps.


    At the exit of the Military City, he was blocked by a wheelchair.


    "Fang Qingyun?"


    Wen Zhi questioned: "What do you want now?"


    "Here to remind Master Wen of something."


    Fang Qingyun''s voice came calmly: "According to the rules, you are not to seek any private vengeance either. Otherwise..."


    "I know, there''s no need for you to say it!"


    Wen Zhi punctuated each word: "Step aside!"


    "Merely saying it doesn''t suffice."


    Fang Qingyun spoke evenly: "For the forthcoming period, should anything untoward happen to Chen Sansi or any of his family, even to a maid in his house, Master Wen had best be prepared with compelling evidence of his innocence. Otherwise, you won''t be exempt from an inquisition."


    "Is this Sun Xiangzong''s intention? He... is protecting this person so much?!"


    Wen Zhi''s features contorted in fury: "What, if someone else wants to kill him soon, should I serve as his bodyguard?!"


    "That depends on how Master Wen interprets it,"


    Fang Qingyun glanced at the Martial Arts Arena: "Anyway, that''s the rule. If a son of a Martial Saint is to be avenged for being killed, then we might as well forget about clear rewards and punishments, let it go. This is the foundation of our Eight Camps, you should understand.


    "One last thing, my master has been somewhat emotionally unstable these past two years, so..."


    "I, understand."


    Wen Zhi managed to squeeze out a few words with difficulty.


    What could he do?


    What did it matter if he was a Martial Saint?


    In other places, a Martial Saint is indeed a Saint!


    But here, in the vicinity of the Eight Camps... really worth nothing!


    He could only hope that Sun Xiangzong would die soon and restore peace to the world.

 Chapter 158 - 129: Senior Brothers and Sisters

    Upon the stage, Chen Sansi exhaled a breath of turbid air.


    The situation had come to this point; this man, he absolutely had to be killed.


    Even if he didn''t kill him, just winning the match, he at least had to injure his opponent severely.


    After this Wen guy left, he would definitely keep causing endless trouble, and it wasn''t impossible that he would eventually target family members. Could he just keep tolerating this?


    Since he would have to kill eventually,


    It was best to do it upon the stage!


    To kill righteously and openly.


    That way, at least his opponent''s father, a Martial Saint, wouldn''t dare to retaliate openly. That would be enough.


    With things having escalated to this point, what was there to worry about offending someone?


    The fourth round of the tournament also ended quickly.


    Unconsciously, he had made it to the final match.


    Before the last platform competition, there were two hours of rest.


    Chen Sansi simply found a spot to sit down and closed his eyes to rest his spirit.


    [Cultivation Technique: Unity Spear Technique (Small Achievement)]


    [Progress: 329/2000]


    The recent days of cultivation, coupled with today''s martial contest, were all quickly improving his proficiency, but it was still far from the Great Success of Refining Internal Organs.


    Not long after he had decided the victor, the other two participants in the semi-finals also determined a winner.


    Due to Lu Shuhua''s previous injury, Princely Heir Cao Fan won with barely any effort.


    "He, he killed Wen Qiushi?"


    On hearing the news, raging fury erupted uncontrollably, "Killing a person of this Young Master, it seems he really doesn''t consider me a threat. Having received the imperial edict twice, he really thinks he''s a high official of the court. He''s just a third-rank official after all!"


    "Young Master, he''s too arrogant. We can kill him, but what gives him the right to kill our people!"


    Yin Hanwen, having witnessed the entire process, grew increasingly hateful, "You didn''t see it in the martial contest just now. In order to have enough time to kill Brother Wen, he even, even jammed Brother Wen''s mouth with his spear first¡­ Young Master, if he dares to kill Wen Qiushi today, he will dare to kill me tomorrow! And even later¡­ it''s not impossible for him to rebel.


    "Young Master, this man must not be left alive, he will definitely become a major threat to our Great Sheng Dynasty!"


    "Despicable, despicable!"


    "If it were me just now, even if I couldn''t kill him, I could have at least won this stage of the competition. It''s just that I was shot by an arrow while on the mountain and got injured."


    He too had achieved the Refining Internal Organs Perfection, just a thread away from Hua Jin.


    He was behind a tree on the mountain, completely unguarded, and that''s how he had been shot by an arrow.


    "You''re saying he killed Wen Qiushi within five rounds?"


    Once Cao Fan calmed down, he became even more curious about the detailed process, "Explain to me in detail, what was his spear technique like?"


    "I can''t recognize it; it''s unlike any spear technique used in the Great Sheng Army."


    Yin Hanwen recalled carefully, but with his understanding, it was hard to explain clearly, "Young Master, there''s no need, right? With your power and influence, you can easily crush him no matter what. Is it necessary to understand the routines of his spear technique?"


    "The platform is akin to a battlefield; when facing the enemy, how can one afford to underestimate the opponent?"


    After all, Cao Fan was a member of the Imperial Family, naturally endowed with an inherent disdain for others, which was normal given his status, but it didn''t mean he would be careless or underestimate his opponent; these two aspects did not conflict.


    He spoke in a deep voice, "This man has come this far, not solely by luck. His spear technique must be extraordinary.


    "Although theoretically, I have a realm suppression over him, it''s still best to know both the enemy and myself, to prevent capsizing in a ditch."


    "The Young Master truly has the wisdom of an emperor!"


    Yin Hanwen lamented, "It''s just that I really couldn''t make it out."


    "Hmm."


    Cao Fan did not blame him but looked towards Pei Tiannan on the city wall, muttering to himself, "If Governor Pei could explain it to me, that would be great."


    At the Martial Saint Realm, observing lower realm martial artists, one could generally see through their cultivation technique, regardless of how exquisite it might be, at least understanding the opponent''s general approach, so as not to be caught off guard in actual combat, able to seek out flaws more calmly and find an opportunity to win.


    Unfortunately, he didn''t dare to seek help, worried about leaving a bad impression on Sun Xiangzong, needing to remain respectful until he got the method to breakthrough above Martial Saint.


    "Enough!"


    Cao Fan leaned on his Azure Dragon Crescent Saber, "I''ll just be more cautious, and ultimately there''s still realm suppression, winning shouldn''t be a problem."


    He was planning to find a place to rest when an armored soldier approached with a voice as faint as a mosquito''s, "Young Master, the general asks for your presence, he says¡­"


    "Oh?"


    Cao Fan''s eyes brightened, and he immediately followed the soldier away.


    ...


    "It''s really unexpected."


    "At first, our house thought the final match would be between the Young Master and Lu Shuhua."


    "It''s already over."


    Pei Tiannan spoke solemnly, "Although this Mr. Chen is unmatched in the same realm, he can''t possibly be a match for the Young Master. The difference between a small achievement and perfection in Refining Internal Organs is as vast as Blood Refining compared to Bone Training. Really, whether this final martial competition occurs or not doesn''t matter, let alone the final bone-touching."


    "It''s fine to take a look."


    Mr. Hou said.


    "I think, overcoming realms to win should be equivalent to two Class A."


    Sun Xiangzong suddenly spoke, "What do you two think?"


    "It should indeed be so."


    Pei Tiannan said, with relief, "If Mr. Chen can truly defeat the Young Master, counting it as two Class A wouldn''t hurt."


    "Indeed."


    Mr. Hou agreed, "But if that''s how we calculate, wouldn''t both end up with six Class A after the bone-touching, with even scores? But isn''t there only one champion?"


    Sun Xiangzong responded, "Then we''ll recognize two."


    "Two, Lord Governor, that might not be quite appropriate?"


    Pei Tiannan spoke in an inquiring tone, "The champion leader of Selected Point is primarily about the allocation of resources. Over the years, the champions of Selected Point have always had sufficient treasure medicines.


    "These treasure medicines are often several hundred to a thousand years old, and harvesting one means one less remains, even the court is in short supply, so how can they spare a second portion?"


    Over the years, the champions of Selected Point, though true disciples of the Supervisor, were none other than talents fully cultivated by the court, and they were all trained with the aim of becoming Martial Saints, or at the very least, Generals of the Profound Image Realm.


    Therefore, there is an unwritten rule.


    After the Selected Point, Inner Sect disciples also have the opportunity to continue competing with the champion leader in military achievements, realm, and so on.


    The logic is simple.


    This is the army of the court, not of the Sect Disciples.


    In the Jianghu Sect, as long as the Sect Master likes a disciple and can suppress the Elders, resources are freely given, even if later it turns out to be a wastrel.


    But it''s not the same with the army, the army is meant for combat.


    If you receive resources, you must make a corresponding contribution.


    If you hold the best resources but fail to perform accordingly, you can be replaced by Inner Sect disciples with superior constitutions.


    For both True Disciples and Inner Sect Disciples, it''s a form of spur and incentive; one cannot lie on past glories to sustain oneself.


    There have been successful replacement examples in the past.


    Tang Ruoshan was originally an Inner Sect disciple when he first competed in Selected Point, and the then arrogant chief true disciple lost a battle and was replaced by him.


    Besides, Selected Point competitions can only determine martial prowess, not the character; subsequent disposition is equally crucial in not granting true inheritance.


    There was once a champion of Selected Point, just an entry-level disciple within a year, who began forcefully abducting local women, naturally, his place was also replaced by someone else. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    No matter how you look at it, resources are limited; there can only be one True Inheritor.


    "I''m getting old, this is my last time taking disciples, what does it matter if I take one more?"


    Sun Xiangzong spoke indifferently, "Besides, who needs medicine more than the Cao Family Members?"


    "It seems that Supervisor Sun is quite fond of Mr. Chen."


    Pei Tiannan, being at the Martial Saint Realm himself, had early noticed that the spear technique was not one of the three common sets circulated in the military, and such has never been seen even in Jianghu; it was a completely new spear technique.


    How many people in the world could create their own Cultivation Technique, and amongst those, who used a spear?


    Upon thinking, he understood.


    He did not retort but smiled and said, "Let''s do as Lord Governor says, it is sensible and reasonable."


    "Reasonable, indeed reasonable."


    Mr. Hou nodded in agreement, "Being able to win across realms, if it was treated the same as fighting opponents of the same realm, it would seem unfair."


    While both of them spoke, their expressions were exceptionally relaxed.


    The fondness of the Supervisor mattered not when the gap in real power was laid out like this.


    A small achievement of Nine Dragon Body in Refining Organ against a Refining Organ Perfection of Dragon Heart Tiger Bone could never win.


    Even Sun Xiangzong couldn''t cheat in this situation.


    As the final contest approached, the Martial Arts Arena gradually became quieter, everyone eagerly anticipating this duel.


    Even several Main Generals participated when they were available.


    After all, the victor would become their Junior Sect Brother.


    Officially, regardless of the Inner Sect, Outer Sect, or True Disciples, privately they can refer to each other as Sect brothers, but only True Disciples are ranked in a sequence.


    Sun Buqi paced back and forth, his palms sweaty: "Can he win?"


    "It''s tough!"


    Meng Guangxin bluntly said, "Cao Fan prides himself but has always trained hard in martial arts, and he is not someone who underestimates his adversaries. That Junior Sect Brother Chen, he has a very small chance of winning."


    "What are we to do?"


    Sun Buqi spoke anxiously, "We can''t seriously let Cao Fan become a disciple to my father, can we?"


    He was usually sluggish, but he was not foolish.


    The feud between the Sun Family and the Cao Family, was he unaware of it?


    But such are the rules of Selected Point; the victor gains the lineage.


    This time, there was quite a sentiment that the Cao Family intended to completely devour the Sun Family.


    "Senior Brother Seven!"


    Sun Buqi approached his seventh brother, Ye Fengxiu, who was pale and slender in a tight-fitting martial outfit, subtly having a gender-neutral feature: "Can''t you think of something?"


    Senior Brother Seven, Ye Fengxiu, remained silent with his eyes closed.


    "Senior Brother Two!''


    "Even though I also despise the Cao Family, the difference in our realms is clear, what can we do?"


    Senior Brother Two, with a portly figure, looked like a restaurant owner: "I have no solution."


    "Senior Sister Nine!"


    Senior Sister Nine, Rong Yanqiu, the only female among all the disciples under the Supervisor excluding his biological daughter Sun Li and a rare female General in the world.


    In appearance, she seemed to be in her thirties, obviously a soldier but heavily made up and ostentatiously dressed, she toyed with a plum blossom: "This Junior Sect Brother is quite handsome, Senior Sister likes him too, but seriously, I don''t have the ability to interfere much, I can''t go on stage and help him cheat, can I?


    "Why don''t you plead with the eldest, he knows much, maybe he has a way to counter Cao Fan''s saber technique."


    "Eldest Senior Brother¡­"


    Sun Buqi looked around but couldn''t find the robust Lu Ji, "Forget it, seeking him won''t help either."


    "I''ll go!"


    In the end, it was Senior Brother Five, Meng Guangxin who stood up, cursing, "I really don''t want to be called Sect brothers with Cao Family''s folk; just the thought disgusts me, disgusts me!"


    Rong Yanqiu shouted, "You reckless monk, don''t lead our Junior Sect Brother astray!"


    Today is the last contest of Selected Point.


    They had just arrived back in Liangzhou, especially for this viewing.

 Chapter 159 - 130 Battle for the Championship

    "Chen Sansi!"


    Chen Sansi, who had his eyes closed to regain his energy, was awakened by someone calling his name. Upon opening his eyes, he saw a bald monk with a large beard, incongruously wearing armor.


    He had heard Sun Buqi mention this person before. The man was Sun Dushi''s fifth disciple, named Meng Guangxin, who had become a monk at a young age but later discovered that Buddhism could not save people, so he joined the military to practice martial arts.


    "I''ve seen General Meng."


    Out of courtesy, Chen Sansi stood up and saluted with his fist: "General, what brings you here to seek me out?"


    "Amitabha, Amitabha."


    Meng Guangxin recited the Buddha''s name twice in succession: "Myself has come to teach you how to defeat that Cao fellow!"


    Chen Sansi asked, "General Meng, is this not against the rules?"


    "What rules would this be violating? Offstage coaching is very normal. Many people had their elders with them in the previous bouts. You just didn''t notice!"


    Meng Guangxin held his Crescent Moon Spade in hand: "If you master my thirty-six moves of ''Merciful and Ultimate Transcending Staff Technique,'' I guarantee you can defeat that Cao fellow!"


    As he spoke, he began to demonstrate pile work and killing moves on the spot.


    With each move he executed, the nearly tangible Gang Qi left huge pits on the ground. Soon, the area within a hundred steps was pockmarked and the dust filled the air.


    "Thank you for your goodwill, General,"


    Chen Sansi tried to stop him in vain: "But how can I apply what is learned so hastily now? It''s too late, isn''t it?"


    "That''s true."


    Meng Guangxin touched his bald head: "Forget your spear technique and use these three moves I taught¡­"


    "Monk!"


    A somewhat soft and gentle voice rang out.


    Senior Brother Seven, Ye Fengxiu, arrived in time and scolded in a sinister tone: "Monk, don''t mislead the young here! Your methods, without ten or eight years of cultivation, simply cannot produce any effective results."


    "Yin Yang Man, what do you suggest we do?"


    Meng Guangxin raised his voice: "With Cao Fan''s Dragon Heart Tiger Bone and the gap in realms between them, how can he win without taking a less conventional approach?"


    "Don''t listen to him, he''s brainless,"


    Ye Fengxiu''s tone was unemotional, yet his words carried patience: "Cao Fan practices the ''Golden Crow Heavenly Dragon Saber Technique,'' which the Emperor Martial Sect personally created. Its hallmark is its ferocity ¨C extreme ferocity ¨C and coupled with his gifted physique, he has virtually no match in the same realm.


    "In fact, even that Lu Shuhua would likely struggle to win against him in the end.


    "As for you, if you want to lose less embarrassingly, the best way would be to spar with someone who has also practiced the ''Golden Crow Heavenly Dragon Saber Technique,'' but unfortunately, this technique is a secret of the Imperial Family and never taught to outsiders.


    "So, we can''t really help you,"


    "Heh!"


    Meng Guangxin swirled his prayer beads: "Yin Yang Man, you are quite talkative today, more than you''ve said in a whole year put together. It seems you don''t want that Cao surname to win either."


    Ye Fengxiu snorted coldly, not paying him any attention, and gave Chen Sansi a slight nod as a sign of encouragement before he left.


    "Thank you, General,"


    Chen Sansi called out to the departing figure in gratitude.


    "Mr. Chen."


    Yan Changqing also came over, his expression laden with worry: "You should give up your claim. You killed Wen Qiushi, and Cao Fan likely wants not only to defeat you, but also to take your life. If you admit defeat now, you''ll still be an Inner Sect Disciple."


    "Mr. Yan, there''s no need to worry on my behalf,"


    Chen Sansi responded calmly: "I have my own plans."


    Ever since his time in Po Yang, his goal had been to join Selected Point and secure a good ranking. Having come this far, how could he possibly give up?


    Besides, even if he did give up, Cao Fan would not let him off the hook.


    And most importantly,


    Cao Fan''s saber is fierce.


    But his spear is no less fierce!


    "Well said!"


    Meng Guangxin applauded: "My Buddha does not ferry cowards!"


    "Sigh."


    Yan Changqing heaved a sigh: "One last reminder, I just saw Cao Fan leave. If he leaves at this juncture, it''s possible he''s gone to seek guidance. He appears arrogant, but he is actually very meticulous and won''t give you a chance by underestimating you. Be careful."


    As their conversation ended, the rest period concluded.


    War drums began to beat from all directions around the Martial Arts Arena.


    Chen Sansi and Cao Fan each stepped onto the stage.


    The final bout took place on the largest stage at the center of the Martial Arts Arena. With over fifty thousand spectators present for the battle, it was a spectacle of immense proportions.


    "My sister Li is also here,"


    Rong Yanqiu looked at his female junior clothed in a red martial arts outfit, reaching out to pinch her cheek: "Your skin is getting smoother the more you practice martial arts, almost as if water could be squeezed out. Haven''t you been secretly using expensive skincare ingredients?"


    Sun Li didn''t evade, letting her counterpart do as they pleased while her cool voice carried a hint of concern: "Senior brothers and sisters, can our Junior Brother Sansi win?"


    She had just accompanied Sister Lan before rushing over.


    The senior brothers and sisters all shook their heads.


    "I heard he has a mortal feud with Cao Fan."


    Sun Li looked in the direction of the stage: "That person has had a strong vengeful spirit since childhood. It wouldn''t matter if he can''t win, but I hope no further accidents happen."


    "Yo~"


    Hearing this, Rong Yanqiu teased: "No wonder Senior Brother Four said our little junior sister is about to get married. I didn''t believe it at first, but it seems to be true."


    "Getting married?"


    Sun Li was slow to catch the implication, but as she realized the meaning of the words, she hurried to explain: "Senior Sister Nine, what nonsense are you saying? He is our junior brother and the person who saved my life; isn''t it natural for me to be worried?"


    "The two aren''t mutually exclusive."


    Rong Yanqiu held her slim waist, whispering into her ear with a breathy voice: "What are you shy about, sister? It''s perfectly normal for a girl to get married. Let sister tell you, that sort of thing is quite interesting. Once you learn it, you''ll always be wanting¡­"


    "Senior Sister Nine!"


    Sun Li, not one to blush easily, ended up with reddened cheeks and quickly dodged aside: "Can you... not be like this?"


    "Alright, alright, don''t worry,"


    Rong Yanqiu no longer teased her: "With your senior sister here, I''ll go myself later and ensure that Cao Fan can''t hurt a single hair on him."


    The sound of the war drums became more urgent.


    Upon the city walls, Pei Tiannan and Marquis Hou regarded the scene below with keen interest. Even Sun Xiangzong, who had seemed as if he were merely basking in the sun since the start of Selected Point, sat up straight.


    ...


    The stage.


    Chen Sansi leaned on his spear as he stood.


    Opposite him was the sturdy-framed Princely Heir Cao Fan, brandishing the Azure Dragon Crescent Blade in his hand.


    Both of their weapons had been replaced.


    As a result, Cao Fan was unable to wield the world-famous weapon in his hand.


    The greatest pressure on Chen Sansi came from the Refining Internal Organs Perfection and the Blood Explosion State.


    In the Blood Explosion State, one could even forget pain for a short while, entering a completely frenzied state, with combat power soaring.


    Chen Sansi still vividly remembered how, back in Po Yang, Han Cheng was the first to launch a sneak attack, stabbing Tang Ming in the heart, yet in the end, Han was beaten into a grave injury.


    This was the most direct manifestation of the gap between Refining Internal Organs Perfection and small achievement.


    Chen Sansi''s biggest reliance, however, was on the Frenzy of the Unity Spear Technique and the Qilin''s Heart. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Chen Sansi!"


    Cao Fan squinted his eyes, speaking in a deep voice, "Out of consideration for Grandpa Emperor''s appreciation of you, sever your arms and then abolish your cultivation. I''ll spare your life."


    "..."


    Chen Sansi did not have the habit of chatting before taking action.


    "You dare to ignore me?"


    Cao Fan gripped the hilt of his long blade tightly, "Fine, it seems you''re really tired of living. Use your blood to establish my authority in the Eight Camps!"


    "Boom¡ª¡ª"


    As soon as the dulled sound of a gong struck, a blood-red serpent ferociously emerged, swiftly reaching in front of the heart in the blink of an eye.


    "Clang!"


    As if Cao Fan had been prepared all along, he was not in the least intimidated by the sudden appearance of the serpent. The Azure Dragon Crescent Blade appeared at just the right position, sending the serpent flying far away with a direct slash.


    A terrifying power transmitted along the shaft of the spear to his arms, Chen Sansi activated the blood of the Dragon and Elephant, and with the enhancement of the Nine Dragon Living Veins, his body became agile to a bizarre extent. He thrust his spear in an almost twisted posture.


    Once again, the opponent easily parried.


    After two ineffective moves, Cao Fan began to counterattack. He had no intention of probing for weakness, never planning to give any opportunity, but instead used his full strength, entering the Blood Explosion State!


    Within his chest, a Dragon Heart began to beat furiously. With the heart''s pumping, the blood began to circulate at an unbelievable speed until it spread throughout the Eight Extraordinary Meridians and all over his body.


    Cao Fan''s eyes turned blood red, and his body abruptly swelled, enlarging by more than two sizes, ripping his fitting clothes and revealing the beast-like, pridefully built muscles underneath. At this moment, the human body broke through its natural limits, with strength, speed, and reaction time all multiplying manifold!


    His Azure Dragon Crescent Blade descended from the sky as if it were not a blade, but a Golden Crow that had smashed the sun down from the heavens!


    "Boom!!!"


    With a single exchange.


    Chen Sansi finally understood why almost everyone thought he would lose. Dragon Heart Tiger Bone, Refining Internal Organs Perfection¡ªeach of these was a tremendous advantage!


    Unlike any opponent he had faced before.


    This sense of oppression was second only to the time he faced Amugu from the Meridian Passage Realm.


    The difference was that this time he could not resort to using Immortal Treasures to cheat; he could only rely on his own strength to win.


    With every fall of the Azure Dragon Crescent Blade.


    The long spear wailed incessantly, swinging back and forth with terrifying amplitude, as if it would snap at any moment, Chen Sansi continuously parried the attacks while constantly seeking opportunities to counterattack using the comprehensive characteristics of the Unity Spear Technique. Oddly enough, the opponent seemed to be very familiar with his spear technique, leaving no opportunity at all.


    It was as if someone had demonstrated the Unity Spear Technique to him before the fight started.


    If it were any other Martial Artist with only a small achievement in Refining Internal Organs under such onslaught, there would certainly be no chance of lasting even one round.


    Even with Chen Sansi''s strength, to continue enduring like this, he probably couldn''t hope to win by simply outlasting the opponent''s Qi-Blood as before.


    Because this was the Princely Heir!


    He was the future of the Imperial Family!


    The resources he used for his physique and cultivation were the best in the world.


    If there were no differences from other Martial Artists, that would truly be odd.


    The advantage of Qi-Blood still existed; there was no doubt he surpassed the opponent in that regard. Now that the initial few rounds had been endured, dragging the fight out would inevitably lead to counterattacking success.


    The problem was, now was different from usual. The opponent didn''t need to kill him; the moment he left the arena, he would lose. He had to ensure he stayed within a certain range, which undoubtedly increased the difficulty.


    Fortunately for Chen Sansi, he also possessed the Qilin''s Heart!


    With each strike of the opponent''s blade, his arms ached terribly, but his understanding of the Golden Crow Saber Technique became one step clearer. Continuing like this, just right, within about thirty rounds, he would figure out each and every move of the opponent.


    This was a feeling that was hard to describe with words.


    It was like solving a difficult problem; one needed to simulate various methods of solution in their mind.


    It was like composing a piece of music, where every strike of the blade was a note. Once enough notes were collected to form a complete melody, it would be possible to fully understand the opponent through the score and launch a comprehensive counterattack.


    "Clang clang clang clang clang¡ª¡ª"


    Under the setting sun.


    Above the arena.


    It was as if a ferocious solar dragon was relentlessly pounding on a blood-red serpent.


    Dragon against serpent.


    The suppression was unquestionable!


    Even those non-versed in martial arts could see this clearly.


    "Excellent saber technique!"


    "Excellent spear technique!"


    Up on the city walls, Mr. Hou and Pei Tiannan expressed their admiration.


    "To have achieved such mastery at such a young age, both of these men have immeasurable futures ahead!"


    "Still, Mr. Chen is bound to lose, mainly due to the suppression by realm. A small achievement in Refining Internal Organs cannot enter the Blood Explosion State. Otherwise, the outcome of this battle would really be hard to predict."


    "Now that you mention it, even I feel a bit of pity."


    "Ten rounds¡ªI think Mr. Chen won''t be able to hold on after the tenth round. Either he will choose to leave the arena, or he will fall heavily injured or even dead at the hands of the Princely Heir."


    "Hmm?"


    Pei Tiannan placed back the teacup he had just lifted, "Mr. Hou, your judgment is incorrect. Look for yourself; although Mr. Chen has been in a suppressed state all along, that''s all there is to it. He hasn''t fallen into a greater disadvantage."


    "Such immense Qi-Blood?"


    Mr. Hou said in astonishment.


    When facing High Realm Martial Artists, those at a lower realm often need to mobilize more Qi-Blood to make up for the disparity, thus their consumption is also extremely large.


    But Chen Sansi still managed to maintain his stance under such powerful suppression. How fearsome must his Qi-Blood foundation be?


    "Good! This Marquis would like to see just how much longer he can last!"

 Chapter 160 - 131 Chief True Inheritor

    ```


    "Boom!"


    The Golden Crow blazed like the sun, the Heavenly Dragon plummeted to the ground.


    Chen Sansi once again caught that mountain-collapsing strike, his footprints even denting the rocks beneath him. The strength of Blood Explosion was truly terrifying; without breaking the opponent''s move first, there was simply no way to confront it head-on, even defending was a struggle.


    "You can actually hold on!"


    Amazed, Cao Fan exclaimed with his crimson eyes wide open, "This princely heir has never encountered a Nine Dragon Body before. I''ve heard that the Qi-Blood cultivated by this physique is incredibly enduring, yet I did not expect it to this extent!"


    Before the martial arts battle began, someone had demonstrated the Unity Spear Technique to him several times, so he truly knew his enemy and himself. There was no way he could lose this match!


    A series of weapon clashes thundered one after another like explosive thunder.


    Some of the lower-level individuals watched with hearts pounding in fear.


    In the current situation, if there were any slight mistakes, there would be no time to concede ¨C they would be cleaved to death on the spot!


    "Such a heavy killing intent."


    Cheng Wei, the second senior brother, clicked his tongue, "It seems like Young Master is absolutely determined to kill Mr. Chen."


    "Isn''t that the truth."


    Playing with a plum blossom, Rong Yanqiu commented, "In my opinion, it would be wise for Chen to look for an opportunity to jump off the ring as soon as possible."


    "Senior Sister Nine!" Sun Li said anxiously.


    "Alright, alright, what''s the rush? Can''t I keep an eye on him? Little girl, you sure know how to worry about someone."


    As she spoke, Rong Yanqiu walked towards the ring.


    "Sis?"


    Sun Buqi looked at his older sister, sensing something was off, "What are you up to, you want Shanshi to be my brother-in-law?"


    Sun Li glared at him with a huff, "Get lost."


    Ye Fengxiu leaned against a pillar, silent.


    "It''s a sure loss."


    Meng Guangxin carrying his Crescent Moon Spade said, "If Cao Fan wins, tonight, I''ll find an opportunity to kill him!"


    Cheng Wei immediately said, "Are you crazy? Do you have a death wish?"


    Meng Guangxin ground his teeth and hissed, "What good is life? If that Cao is going to call me ''brother'' every day, I might as well just die! Not a single person from the Cao Family is good."


    "My fifth brother, I implore you to be merciful in the name of Buddha; do not act rashly."


    "Killing Cao Family members is the greatest mercy!"


    "..."


    Sun Buqi, looking at the tense scene on the platform, felt an unexpected sliver of hope rise within him amid the initial panic, "Is there a possibility that we all underestimated Shanshi and he... might win?"


    "Boom!"


    The Golden Crow eclipsed the sky, making it nearly impossible to block its fierce blade.


    Chen Sansi was thrown back more than a dozen steps by the overwhelming force until he drew upon the blood of the dragon and elephant in his legs, creating a dent in the ground to barely stabilize his stance.


    "The sixteenth round!"


    He counted silently in his mind.


    With no time to even catch his breath, the Golden Crow''s great blade descended once more from the heavens, and the blood-red python desperately dodged back and forth, looking like prey facing its natural predator. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Yet, no matter how fiercely the Golden Crow and Heavenly Dragon pursued, they could only injure the python, never succeeding in killing it.


    Cao Fan''s expression grew more and more serious.


    Losing was out of the question.


    However, killing the opponent or crippling him would be extremely difficult in the short term.


    Moreover, if the opponent knew he was outmatched and still persisted, what was the point? Could it be he had some kind of reliance?


    As Cao Fan pondered, his Azure Dragon Crescent in hand did not stop, its light flashing continuously as if a true Azure Dragon had descended.


    "I can''t keep dragging this out."


    He could maintain his Blood Explosion State for about sixty rounds, but after that, even he would be exhausted.


    Yet, nearly twenty rounds had gone by, and Chen still seemed as resilient as at the start,


    He appeared close to collapse but would not break his defense or expose his last flaw to be completely defeated, as if he was unkillable.


    Cao Fan could not afford to be careless.


    His goal shifted from killing Chen to forcing him off the ring.


    He must win first!


    Claim victory first, and then he could always find another opportunity to eliminate his opponent later. His objective for this trip was the technique from Sun Xiangzong to break through to a level Above Martial Saint; he could not afford to be sidetracked and confuse priorities.


    Thinking this, Cao Fan changed his strategy, and every move of his Azure Dragon Crescent was not aimed to kill, but to blast his opponent off the ring, the effect becoming remarkably evident.


    Because, rather than retreat, his opponent would take more strikes unwilling to give ground!


    Clearly, he had no intention of losing this match, even if it meant death!


    As a result, he fell into even greater disadvantage, giving Cao Fan more opportunities to attack.


    "Good, unwilling to step down, you will only die a more miserable death!"


    Cao Fan finally discovered his opponent''s greatest weakness and let out a bestial roar of excitement. His Blood Explosion State intensified, shortening from sixty rounds to fifty.


    But he had enough confidence that, if Chen Sansi continued to stubbornly resist, he would undoubtedly die within forty rounds!


    "Mr. Chen is truly going all out."


    On the city wall, Pei Tiannan was so engrossed that he forgot to drink the tea he held up to his lips, "He has indeed exceeded my expectations, to cultivate such enduring Qi-Blood at such a young age."


    "His Qi-Blood can last quite a while, but that''s under actual combat conditions. The limited space of the ring does not offer much room for him to buy time."


    "If Mr. Chen confines himself to a certain area, he loses his greatest advantage and can hold on for at most ten more rounds; by then, even if he wants to jump off the ring, it would be too late."


    "He must be willing to risk his life, truly insane."


    Mr. Hou couldn''t quite understand.


    Rong Yanqiu arrived below the platform.


    Even as a Profound Image Realm Main General, the sight unnerved her, as it truly was a life-and-death struggle. From Chen''s figure, she vaguely sensed an aura akin to that of a frenzied demon.


    ```

 Chapter 161 - 131 Chief True Inheritor_2

    In fact,


    he didn''t have to fight so desperately.


    Rong Yanqiu had long heard that the master favored him greatly, even going so far as to sacrifice his lifespan recently to stop tens of thousands of enemy troops to help him cross the river.


    To go to such lengths...


    it was likely that even if it was in the Inner Sect, the old man would elevate him to a True Inheritor in a couple of years.


    Even if Chen Sansi didn''t know about the lifespan sacrifice, he must have felt the master''s appreciation to some extent, right? sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Possibly, in the future, he would have to directly call the old man his father-in-law...


    Why bother?


    But then, Rong Yanqiu thought it made sense.


    Without this perseverance, how would the master have taken a liking to him?


    It was precisely because of this spirit that he gained the master''s appreciation, not just to show off¡ªthis was not to put the cart before the horse.


    How many years had it been...


    The old man had so many disciples in his life, yet he was the first one to be valued even before entry-level.


    Although this was just their speculation, as the master had never explicitly stated it from beginning to end, everyone could see he was extraordinary.


    "Oh no."


    Rong Yanqiu, observing the situation in front of him, almost went up to stop it, but ultimately controlled himself.


    Suddenly, fresh blood started overflowing from the corners of Chen Sansi''s mouth.


    Internal injuries!


    In the end, the clash between two martial artists was still a contest of physical strength.


    Refining Internal Organs Perfection not only allowed for a Blood Explosion but also a higher grade of refining one''s organs to withstand greater impacts.


    But Refining Organs Small Success was not enough.


    If it were a spacious area, Chen Sansi could use the terrain to alleviate the pressure, but since he could not leave the designated area of the platform, he had no choice but to endure an impact several times his own power. As the Xuan Yuan Five Organs Body was not yet cultivated, his organs naturally could not compare to his opponent''s, receiving severe internal injuries at this moment.


    "Why, why must you compete with me? The world belongs to my Cao Family, can you ever win against me?"


    Cao Fan''s blood surged, his long saber as if capable of splitting heaven and earth, his words did not interfere with the continued expansion of his killing intent: "Die¡ª"


    After eighteen consecutive slashes,


    while taking advantage of the distance his opponent was pushed back, he first embedded the saber in the ground, then like a humanoid beast charged forward, meanwhile pulling out the Azure Dragon Crescent Saber, lifted it above his head, and accompanied by several rotations in the air, with the continuous enhancement of Qi-Blood, ferociously slammed down with the move "Lion Slash."


    "Great Sun Burning Sky!"


    "Boom¡ª"


    In an instant,


    the world dimmed.


    The red sunset above the sky, as if grasped in Cao Fan''s hands, merged with the long saber to form an unstoppable Divine Power Sky Dragon, carrying the power of heaven and earth and smashing down thunderously.


    This slash,


    was the most powerful technique within the "Golden Crow Heavenly Dragon Saber Technique."


    Chen Sansi originally had a chance to dodge,


    but he could not retreat, as his feet were already at the very edge of the platform, half a step back meant all his efforts would be in vain!


    Thus,


    a reckless python, actively facing the Divine Power Sky Dragon!


    "Buzz!"


    A huge notch appeared on the Gun Blade of the Reed Leaf Long Spear.


    Even the Azure Dragon Crescent Saber intermittently trembled and momentarily retreated.


    The price was that Chen Sansi''s organs felt as if they were being slashed by thousands of blades, his throat filled with the taste of blood, a mouthful of bloody water was forcibly swallowed back down, even the floor of the platform collapsed several inches, half of his body was outside the platform, just a line away from elimination, with no retreat, he bore all the power upon himself, while the Azure Dragon Crescent Saber briefly rested before coming back with a vengeance!


    "Forget it."


    Rong Yanqiu even couldn''t help but speak out loud.


    Continuing would only last another two or three rounds at most; the defeat was basically set.


    She didn''t know if Chen Sansi heard her, she only saw that he actually moved forward another two steps!


    "If you seek death so earnestly, I will fulfill you!"


    The python wailed.


    Heavenly Dragon Divine Power!


    "To hold on this long is already a miracle."


    Pei Tiannan put down his teacup.


    "Otherwise, we should call it off."


    Mr. Hou anxiously said, "Mr. Chen has likely sustained severe internal injuries, and he stubbornly refuses to concede. Continuing like this, I''m worried it might damage his foundation. Since the outcome is already determined, wouldn''t it be better to announce the Princely Heir as the winner ahead of time?"


    "Mr. Hou, are you biased towards this man?"


    Pei Tiannan spoke with a smile, yet his words were completely the opposite: "He hasn''t conceded; dying on the platform is meant to be, where''s the precedence for bending the rules early?"


    "Governor Pei''s choice of words is inappropriate, isn''t it?"


    Mr. Hou retorted, "Our family is just worried about harming Great Sheng Dynasty''s own talents."


    Pei Tiannan raised an eyebrow, "Mr. Hou, are you suggesting Wen Qiushi isn''t talented?"


    "You..."


    Mr. Hou snorted coldly, no longer responding, and turned his head back to watch the platform.


    "Boom!"


    After enduring who knows how many more barrages from the Azure Dragon Crescent Saber, Chen Sansi''s vision started to blur, his injuries being fully because he was using his disadvantages to combat the enemy''s advantages.


    Twenty-six...


    Twenty-seven!


    With every round he survived,


    the injuries inside his body worsened, but at the same time, he became more familiar with his opponent''s techniques.


    "Clang, Clang, Clang!"


    "Ahh¡ª"


    Cao Fan waved the Azure Dragon Crescent Saber almost maniacally, with each strike it was evident from the blood trickling from the opponent''s mouth, and this blood, for him, was undoubtedly an exciting tonic.


    "What are you still holding on for?"


    He had initially thought that the opponent had some sort of powerful technique like his "Great Sun Burning Sky" unused, but now it seemed there wasn''t any special technique, it was just sheer endurance.


    Unexpectedly,


    when his intention to kill could not succeed from the start,


    upon discarding the thought of killing, only wanting to win the duel, the opponent instead willingly presented himself to be slaughtered.

 Chapter 162 - 131 Chief True Inheritor_3

    Cao Fan and Wen Qiushi had no real affection for each other.


    The latter was nothing more than a fawning cur that came to suck up after he arrived in Liangzhou.


    But as the saying goes, "Even when you strike a dog, you must respect its owner."


    The Chen killed his dog.


    If he, as the owner, didn''t seek revenge, who else would dare to come and ally themselves with him in the future?


    Not to mention, from beginning to end, Chen Sansi had never shown any fear towards him!


    A servant, actually not fearing the Emperor''s family, deserves to die!


    The final strike!


    "Clang!"


    With the resolve to kill, Cao Fan once again unleashed the Lion Jump Slash, Great Sun Burning Sky.


    However, the expected scene of a killing blow did not occur.


    The Great Sun Burning Sky was not only blocked, but the opponent used some indescribable technique, far easier than the last time, countering this furious and violent strike without taking even half a step back.


    Cao Fan''s gaze followed the movement of the weapons until he locked eyes with a pair of pupils tinged with blood, making his heart tremble.


    Thirty!


    Chen Sansi silently counted the number.


    The thirtieth round!


    The score is composed, the melody resounds!


    In an instant, he felt as if everything in the world had slowed down, especially the opponent standing in front of him, whose every move became crystal clear.


    The Golden Crow Heavenly Dragon Saber Technique.


    This technique, which is said to have no equal at his level of mastery.


    At this instant, in Chen Sansi''s eyes, it became riddled with flaws, and the Azure Dragon Crescent saber''s movements incredibly slow.


    The dying python opened its eyes anew, embarking on a reverse hunt against the Almighty Heavenly Dragon!


    "How is this possible?"


    Cao Fan''s brows furrowed tightly, his face full of astonishment.


    His final move, which should have either killed his opponent or at least stripped away all his combat strength, was now being countered¡ªwhere did this kid find the strength to fight back?!


    "What!"


    Atop the city wall.


    Pei Tiannan and Mr. Hou almost simultaneously shot up to their feet, stepping forward to get a clearer view atop the battlements.


    Even Sun Xiangzong straightened up slightly.


    "Good!"


    Sun Buqi stretched his neck as far as he could.


    Ye Fengxiu even used his Qinggong to scale a several zhang high stone pillar, overlooking the arena, all to get a clearer view.


    "What''s happening, did he use our Compassionate Redemption Technique?"


    Meng Guangxin had halfway given up hope and started drinking, but seeing their reactions, he quickly got up to join the excitement.


    The afterglow of the setting sun.


    On the arena, the python hunts the Heavenly Dragon!


    What was once a ferocious and overwhelming Golden Crow Heavenly Dragon Saber Technique, now looked full of flaws in the eyes of Chen Sansi. He no longer had to endure and forcefully defend, but could resolve each strike with a specific angle and an appropriate level of Qi-Blood strength, waiting for the opportunity to counterattack.


    The one who was profoundly aware of this was none other than Cao Fan himself.


    His confidence crumbled bit by bit, replaced by shock and incomprehension. He couldn''t understand why, from a certain moment onwards, no matter how he attacked, his moves would be effortlessly dismantled, as if his opponent could foresee the future and predict his strikes to make the perfect defense.


    No, that''s not right.


    It was more like his saber technique had been unraveled!


    Before the contest began, Cao Fan had received assistance, learning the characteristics of the "Unity Spear Technique," prepared for the "frenzied" power, which allowed him to remain calm and collected.


    But the feeling Chen Sansi gave him was much more than that; it was as if he had practiced the saber technique countless times himself, knowing every move inside out.


    But that was even more impossible!


    "Golden Crow Heavenly Dragon Saber Technique" wasn''t something anyone in the Imperial Family could learn; it required a strict qualification assessment before one could practice it. There definitely wasn''t anyone outside the Cao Family who knew it.


    So the only possibility was...


    During these thirty rounds of battle.


    The opponent gradually became familiar with and solved the saber technique.


    Cao Fan''s heart was horrified!


    What kind of demonic genius was this? S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    To solve a saber technique created by an unrivaled master and passed down for hundreds of years, all in the span of thirty rounds!


    He would rather believe someone from the Cao Family had given the Cultivation Technique to Chen Sansi than accept that the opponent was such an monstrous talent!


    The once suppressed python, as the contest went on, launched a fierce and sharp counteroffensive, gradually matching the Heavenly Dragon in strength, making it hard to distinguish the victor.


    "No wonder..."


    Rong Yanqiu couldn''t help exclaiming, "Even I''m starting to admire him; not to mention the little junior sister..."


    "Taking the championship, Chen Sansi going for the championship?"


    "..."


    The tens of thousands of spectators present were slow to realise, awakening to the fact that something extraordinary was about to happen.


    This Selected Point was universally expected to be won by Cao Fan.


    If there was a different outcome, who knew what kind of uproar it would cause!


    "That''s impossible, right?"


    "To fight to this extent with only a small achievement in Refining Internal, it''s already rare in this world, let alone winning¡ªthat''s like a fantasy."


    "Don''t speak so soon, it seems there might be a chance."


    "..."


    While tens of thousands of people were in shock, as if a pot had exploded, another group of people appeared incredibly calm, as if they had expected this all along.


    "I won, hand over the ten taels of silver!"


    "Bullshit! It''s not over yet."


    "That Princely Heir, he definitely can''t last fifty rounds, stop kidding yourself."


    "Who says so, there''s still a chance!"


    "..."


    While everyone else had assumed from the start that the Champion Leader would be the Emperor''s family Princely Heir, the soldiers from the Po Yang County garrison in the corner opened a betting pool.


    They bet on how long Cao Fan could last.


    Some bet on thirty rounds, others on forty, and some even bet on fifty...


    But no one bet on Cao Fan winning.


    Indeed, they never considered that their General would lose, not even once!

 Chapter 163 - 131 Chief True Inheritor_4

    In everyone''s hearts, the person who led them from Po Yang to this place, facing tens of thousands of the enemy army besieging and intercepting them, yet still able to escort tens of thousands across the river, had already become like a Heavenly God. How could a Heavenly God possibly lose?


    "Trash!"


    Someone cursed under their breath.


    "Damn it, you dare to insult the Princely Heir, do you not want to live?"


    "Show some respect with your words, don''t drag the General into this!"


    "..."


    ...


    "Even if you can break my Saber Technique, you still won''t win!"


    No matter how shaken Cao Fan was in his heart, he always remained composed without creating more flaws, a testament to remaining calm in a crisis.


    Even if the advantage of his Saber Technique had vanished, he still had his cultivation level to suppress the other!


    In terms of pure strength, the opponent couldn''t surpass him.


    His Blood Explosion State could still hold for another ten rounds; by then, surely he could exhaust the opponent''s Qi-Blood, couldn''t he?


    But as another eight rounds passed and seeing that the opponent showed no sign of Qi-Blood decline, Cao Fan''s anxiousness could no longer be concealed. He even suspected that the other was a Hua Jin master, otherwise, where could such abundant Qi-Blood come from.


    "Impossible, impossible!"


    Feeling the ebbing and drying of his Qi-Blood within, Cao Fan roared unwillingly. His Azure Dragon Crescent in hand no longer had a chance to attack and needed to be fully defended.


    In the eyes of the spectators.


    The blood-colored giant python began to gain the upper hand from a previously evenly matched struggle.


    "Mr. Pei, quick, you must watch over this!"


    Mr. Hou spoke up to remind, "They''ve seen red, it''s very possible they won''t be able to hold back, we can''t afford any more mishaps!"


    His worry was natural; he feared Chen Sansi might kill Cao Fan!


    Recalling Wen Qiushi''s death still made him shudder.


    They couldn''t afford to be shocked at how the fight turned out; what filled their minds more was fear!


    If Cao Fan died in the arena, things would really blow up.


    "Crack!"


    Pei Tiannan threw down his teacup, jumping directly from several Zhang high off the walls, descending along the city wall to reach the side of the Martial Arts Arena at the fastest speed, ready to intervene at any moment.


    The forty-ninth round.


    Cao Fan could no longer hold on, his Blood Explosion State coming to an abrupt end, his body beginning to sink into a state of extreme weakness as the aftereffect of overexertion in Blood Explosion followed soon after.


    Correspondingly, the intensity of his Saber Technique dropped sharply, and now even his defense began to weaken.


    Unwilling to accept this!


    Pushing all other emotions aside, all that was left was an intense unwillingness, condensed into three words!


    True, he was born into the Imperial Family, but since childhood, he never slacked off in martial training, not in the slightest. On the contrary, among all his peers, he was absolutely the most diligent.


    To practice upon hearing the crow of a rooster was his daily routine!


    Adding to that his physique and resources, over the years he never lost, not in his own level, and he could even spar with ordinary Hua Jin masters; never had he been defeated, never!


    Today, he was about to lose to a peer who came from the countryside, to just a Nine Dragon Body, a subpar physique that even a Martial Saint couldn''t achieve. What a humiliation, what a shame!


    It meant, his efforts were still not enough!


    This Chen Sansi, he must have worked even harder!


    Heaven rewards the diligent!


    Today''s defeat was set in stone!


    Cao Fan''s hand holding the saber began to tremble, forced to acknowledge this fact.


    Chen Sansi!


    He would etch this name deep in his heart; if he could not defeat this man in the future, he would forever have an unforgettable shadow, and his Saber Technique would never again shine like the fierce sun in the sky.


    Since he lost today, so be it!


    But he must find an opportunity to win back! S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Even if it meant practicing the complete Golden Crow Saber Technique at the cost of shortening his lifespan, he had to win back, otherwise, history books would record this immense disgrace forever!


    "Hum¡ª"


    Atop the arena, a miraculous scene unfolded.


    The Azure Dragon Crescent was defeated, flicked high into the air by the long spear!


    Python swallows the dragon!


    This battle between the dragon and the python ultimately turned around completely, declaring the giant python''s victory at the end!


    "I... concede!"


    Just before the gun tip could reach his throat, Cao Fan''s voice rose in the Martial Arts Arena.


    Conceding.


    The Princely Heir conceded?!


    Chen Sansi really won.


    The tens of thousands in the audience were all dumbstruck.


    Refining Internal Organs small success wins against Refining Internal Organs Perfection!


    "Hiss..."


    "Chen Sansi really made it to the end, and all the trials he faced were Class A!"


    "..."


    The numerous officials on the city wall also took a long time to react.


    "..."


    Yan Changqing was ashamed. Before Selected Point began, he actually suggested that the other should assist him.


    He was eliminated right at the start, while Chen Sansi has truly made it to the end, defeating the theoretically strongest Princely Heir among all people.


    "Hum!"


    Chen San''s arms showed bulging meridians, his Qi-Blood surging and boiling as he forcefully retracted his spear tip, slamming it onto the ground.


    It wasn''t that he wanted to hold back, but it was too late.


    Pei Tiannan had already arrived at the arena, and any thrust would have been blocked.


    There was an even more important point.


    Unlike with Wen Qiushi.


    Killing this person couldn''t be put in the open.


    He temporarily did not have the power to openly confront the Cao Family!


    Power, was not enough!


    Thankfully, in the end, he won!


    Bathed in the setting sun, Chen Sansi exhaled a long breath of turbid air.


    He had injuries within, but his Qi-Blood was still abundant, enough to fight for another sixty rounds at least.


    "Princely Heir!"


    Pei Tiannan couldn''t care about anything else and hurriedly asked, "Are you injured?"


    "No."


    Cao Fan closed his eyes, merely a bit weak from overexertion.


    There was no need for him to persist unnecessarily, as that would only result in an uglier defeat. By verbally conceding, at least he could keep some face and not disgrace the Imperial Family too much.


    "Princely Heir, how... how could this..."


    As a Martial Saint, even Pei Tiannan found it somewhat hard to accept.

 Chapter 164 - 131 Chief True Inheritor_5

    "If someone is better, there''s nothing to say."


    Cao Fan''s fist clenched until it turned white, "Besides, isn''t there still one final challenge left?"


    In the bone-feeling segment, a Class A rank in one challenge is equivalent to two other Class A ranks.


    After all the calculations, he would still be the winner.


    "Finally, Princely Heir, I..."


    Pei Tiannan recounted the conversation they had with Sun Xiangzong before the competition began.


    "What? Damnit!"


    Cao Fan exploded, "What you mean is that you want this Princely Heir and him to both be True Inheritors, to call each other brothers in the future! And you should be very clear about what being a Selected Point means."


    Nobody was sure if Sun Xiangzong would really reveal the Immortal Law to break through to a level Above Martial Saint, but everyone was certain it was the only possible opportunity they had, and if missed, there would truly be no other chance.


    "Princely Heir, please calm your anger, this mistake is indeed my fault."


    Pei Tiannan cursed inwardly.


    Who could have anticipated that Chen Sansi could actually win!


    It was supposed to be an impossible feat.


    "Marquis Pei."


    Cao Fan came to a corner below the arena, "Setting aside the matter of the Immortal Law for now, do you have any idea how much treasure medicine is needed after winning the championship? Do you think there''s an abundance of treasure medicine that the court can squander?"


    "Princely Heir, I am certainly aware of that."


    Pei Tiannan said, "Fortunately, it was just a verbal agreement, which is not binding. I, I will find a solution!"


    "Thump¡ª¡ª"


    After a long silence, the supervising General sounded the gong, declaring the end of the last match in the Selected Point.


    "Chen Sansi is victorious, Class A!"


    "..."


    "Little junior brother."


    Rong Yanqiu went up to the platform to support him.


    She took a porcelain bottle from her bosom with great care, "This is treasure medicine for healing internal injuries."


    Chen Sansi took a look, making sure it was alright, and said with a fist cupped in gratitude, "Thank you..."


    "Senior Sister Nine."


    Rong Yanqiu reached out to pinch his face, "Little junior brother is really amazing."


    "..."


    Chen Sansi instinctively dodged backward.


    "He really won?"


    Meng Guangxin rubbed his eyes, "Very good, very good, this match was fought well, now we don''t have to call the Cao Family brothers!"


    "Old Fifth, you''re celebrating too soon."


    Second senior brother Cheng Wei said, "Have you forgotten? There''s still bone-feeling next, how can little junior brother''s Nine Dragon Body compare to the Dragon Heart Tiger Bone of an Innate Martial Saint?"


    Meng Guangxin felt sick.


    He came to the wheelchair, "Old Four, you''ve been flipping through that book for several days now, so what''s the verdict, has a Nine Dragon Body ever broken through to Martial Saint in a thousand years? Hurry up and kick out Mister Cao, don''t let him stay around and be an eyesore every day."


    Fang Qingyun shook his head, "No."


    ...


    The Selected Point competition ended.


    All three chief examiners ascended the high platform.


    Thousand Captain Li Qianzong sounded the gong, announcing the final segment of the Selected Point.


    Bone-feeling!


    "Bone-feeling?"


    "I almost forgot, there''s still bone-feeling!"


    "..."


    The martial competition had been so tumultuous that it was only now that most people realized there was still the most crucial step yet to take: the bone examination.


    To determine the upper limit of a martial artist, the weight carried by bone examination was still the greatest.


    "Hiss~"


    "Mr. Chen is going to suffer a great loss."


    "It can''t be helped, his physical constitution is limited, and he will ultimately fall short of becoming a Martial Saint!"


    "..."


    Atop the high platform, Sun Xiangzong, who had been silent until now, slowly began to speak, "Gentlemen, do the words spoken earlier still hold?"


    "Of course, they hold!"


    Pei Tiannan said with a chuckle, "Supervisor, starting next year, those who win the martial competition across different realms will be counted as two Class A winners."


    Sun Xiangzong glanced at him sideways, "Oh? Next year?"


    "Yes, Sun Supervisor."


    Pei Tiannan backed away several steps as he spoke, "Rules cannot be changed willy-nilly. We would seem quite frivolous if we did. The new rules must be posted and widely announced before the next Selected Point begins, only then can it be considered fair. Mr. Hou, what do you think?"


    "Our house... agrees with Marquis Pei''s view."


    Mr. Hou also retreated a distance of over a dozen yards before speaking, "The court''s resources are limited, after all. The Emperor is quite fond of Mr. Chen, but in the end, he can not achieve the title of Martial Arts Saint."


    He was not one of the Crown Prince''s people, but on this matter, he had to maintain unanimity.


    Immortal Law.


    And it would be best if it remained in the hands of a member of the Cao Family.


    "Gentlemen, why stand so far away from this old man while speaking?"


    Sun Xiangzong, with hands clasped behind his back, spoke unhurriedly, "This is my last year at Selected Point, what''s the problem with taking one more apprentice? In the end, isn''t it all for cultivating talents for our Great Sheng Dynasty?"


    "Supervisor Sun!"


    Pei Tiannan had a pleading expression, "You still need to consider this carefully,"


    "Xiao Pei, you really are like your master."


    Sun Xiangzong shook his head, even managing a chuckle, "You talk as if you''re just passing gas."


    "..."


    Pei Tiannan was taken aback, "Supervisor, you flatter me!"


    "If..."


    Sun Xiangzong looked at him, "What if this old man insists on taking two?"


    "Supervisor!"


    Pei Tiannan exclaimed as he once again retreated a hundred yards, "The treasure medicine is all transported from the Capital City. No one can interfere with you taking apprentices, but whether the treasure medicine can be shipped to Liangzhou¡ªthat''s another story."


    The essence of Selected Point was a contest over resources.


    Without resources, the title of Champion Leader would be meaningless.


    "Mr. Hou?" S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Sun Xiangzong then looked towards the Chief Eunuch in his python-patterned robe, "Are you backing out too?"


    "Supervisor Sun, please don''t make it difficult for our house."


    Mr. Hou said with a pained expression, "The court truly has limited resources."


    "You two, come back here."


    Sun Xiangzong motioned with his hand, "Stand next to this old man."


    Pei Tiannan and Mr. Hou exchanged glances, each signaling the other to go first with their eyes, but for a while, neither made a move.


    "Supervisor Sun."


    Pei Tiannan forced a stiff smile, "The junior must say something. Ning Changqun''s matter, although his crimes in disturbing Selected Point deserve death many times over, His Majesty was still somewhat angered by your acting first and reporting after. It''s only because of your longstanding hard work and contributions that he didn''t pursue the matter. If it happens again..."


    Sun Xiangzong acted as if he had heard nothing, and enunciated each word carefully, "When I tell you to come here, you come here."

 Chapter 165 - 131 Chief True Inheritor_6

    "..."


    Pei Tiannan felt around his waist to make sure he had brought the object, which gave him some confidence.


    The reason he was stationed next to Liangzhou was to keep an eye on Sun Xiangzong''s potential madness; he had something to rely on to some extent.


    The gift he received from the court should suffice to save his life.


    After thinking it over, he finally gritted his teeth and returned to Sun Xiangzong''s side, "Lord Governor, please think thrice before you act."


    Upon seeing his return,


    Mr. Hou also followed back.


    Both men were on tenterhooks.


    However, Sun Xiangzong was instructing the people below, "Go and notify them to come over, let us begin the bone-feeling ceremony."


    Pei Tiannan let out a long sigh of relief, "It seems the Supervisor still puts the overall situation first, I admire you greatly for that."


    "Before we begin, this old man wants to confirm one last time."


    Sun Xiangzong looked at him askance, his voice somewhat hoarse, "There really can''t be two Champion Leaders, you cannot regret it later."


    "Champion Leader, Champion Leader, naturally there can only be one,"


    Pei Tiannan said confidently.


    "Good, I''ve given the opportunity, you can''t blame me,"


    Sun Xiangzong nodded to signal the start.


    An opportunity had been given?


    Pei Tiannan suddenly felt something amiss, but couldn''t quite figure out what it was just yet.


    Soon,


    Cao Fan stepped onto the high platform, bowed deeply with clasped fists, and respectfully addressed, "I have seen the Lord Governor!" sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Hm."


    Sun Xiangzong spoke gravely, "The Princely Heir need not undergo the test, the Dragon Heart Tiger Bone is well-known to all, a Class A without doubt."


    Li Qianzong, holding the register by the side, announced the final results:


    "Princely Heir Cao Fan, has obtained five Class A marks!"


    "Many thanks, Lord Governor!"


    Cao Fan said joyfully, "A day as your student equals a lifetime as your son, I shall never forget the grace of your teachings and will surely repay it greatly in the future!"


    His reference to the "future" naturally implied after his own father ascended the throne.


    Whether the people of the Sun Family can land safely after Sun Xiangzong''s demise; the current Crown Prince will play a significant role, and that''s also why he dared to partake in the Selected Point competition.


    "Today is not the day of the apprenticeship ceremony, the Princely Heir should step down first,"


    Sun Xiangzong said leisurely, "Next one."


    Chen Sansi promptly stepped onto the stage.


    "What a pity!"


    "..."


    The moment he appeared, the crowd below sighed.


    "Just like me, defeated by the physique,"


    Ye Fengxiu muttered to himself.


    His physique was not to be faked; his reaching this point was entirely due to his perception, somewhat feeling the shared sorrow of a kindred spirit''s downfall.


    "What use is physique!"


    Meng Guangxin, with his robust voice, declared, "I may have the Body of Martial Saint, but haven''t I been stuck in the Xuanxiang Realm for twenty years!"


    "Are you actually proud?"


    Rong Yanqiu lamented, "Master, with Li Shi sister and Bu Qi both so fond of him, let us lend a hand in the future, see if there''s a chance to win back the position of True Disciple through military achievements."


    ...


    "I have seen the Supervisor."


    Chen San has been in Liangzhou for nearly a month, yet it was the first time he was this close to the legendary Governor; were it not for the Qingxuan Energy circulating in his body, he might really look no different from the old men at the village entrance.


    He clasped fists without drawing undue attention to himself and spoke softly, "Thank you, Sun Dushi, for saving my life at Hongze River last time."


    Although I didn''t witness it with my own eyes,


    I can basically conclude that it was Sun Xiangzong who made a move then, otherwise, I''d probably still be in big trouble.


    "Hmm."


    Sun Xiangzong nodded slightly, and his voice, like thunder, smashed into the ears of everyone present: "Class A, you may step down."


    Next to him, Li Qianzong quickly summarized:


    "Chen Sansi, through the five stages of Selected Point, has achieved six Class As and is ranked first in this Selected Point, as the Champion Leader, and will be received as the Governor Mansion''s chief True Disciple!"


    Class A!


    Cao Fan felt as if struck by lightning, hastily looking up.


    "What did Sun Dushi say?"


    "Isn''t he of the Nine Dragon Body?"


    "The Nine Dragon Body isn''t the Body of Martial Saint, is it? At most, this year he could only be considered Class B!"


    "Even among Class Bs, he can''t be considered the best."


    "..."


    The soldiers, the eliminated Selected Spear Generals, Meng Guangxin, and the other brothers almost doubted if they had heard incorrectly, until Li Qianzong repeated the content again.


    "Supervisor, you, you must be mistaken, right?"


    Pei Tiannan interrupted: "If I remember correctly, Mr. Chen should be of the Nine Dragon Body, shouldn''t he? There hasn''t been a Martial Saint for a thousand years; how could he be classified as Class A?"


    "Exactly."


    Mr. Hou followed and said, "Moreover, Lord Governor, inspecting the bone, inspecting the bone, you didn''t even put your hands on him; how did you give a Class A?"


    They found it strange.


    Even if Sun Xiangzong was showing favoritism, he shouldn''t have used such a low-level tactic.


    "Mr. Pei, Mr. Hou, I am not of the Nine Dragon Body!"


    Chen Sansi took off his robe, revealing strong and smooth muscle lines, the blood of the dragon elephant surged within him, numerous muscular veins like coiling dragons winding around his body surface, the skin on his body even reflected a metallic sheen.


    From the start to the last of the Selected Point competition,


    Although he was initially suppressed by Cao Fan during the martial contest, since there were no external injuries, he never directly demonstrated the defensive capabilities of the Vajra Body. Plus, wearing clothes, unless one had an exceptional vision, it was impossible to notice, which is also why bone inspection necessitated hands-on touching.


    "Nine Dragon Tendon, Vajra Body, could Mr. Chen possibly be..."


    Mr. Hou stepped forward, sliding a dagger out from his sleeve and lightly grazed it across the skin''s surface.


    "Creeeak¡ª"


    The sound of metal scraping was particularly grating at that moment!


    "Vajra Body!"


    Pei Tiannan also came forward to inspect: "Multiple physiques merged, you, you are the rare Transformation and Mysterious Body?!"


    Transformation and Mysterious Body!


    Despite his youth, those knowledgeable about Martial Bodies knew, it was indeed one of the Innate Martial Saint''s bodies!


    Those who understood what this entailed looked at each other with realization.


    This man was actually of the Transformation and Mysterious Body!


    No wonder, no wonder!


    All prior strangeness suddenly seemed reasonable in the eyes of the crowd.


    This was more like it.


    Genius against genius!


    If Chen Sansi is also of the Innate Martial Saint Body...


    Then it means that for six Class As against five Class As, he truly won, undoubtedly becoming the Champion Leader of this Selected Point, and will become the chief True Disciple, and more likely, he would have the chance to come into contact with the Immortal Law that all martial artists yearn for in their dreams!


    "It seems I''ve overextended myself and expended effort in vain."


    Fang Qingyun laughed and tossed aside the scroll in his hand: "Fellow brothers, we are indeed going to have a new junior brother."


    "This Selected Point''s Champion Leader Chen Sansi is a True Disciple, the other Inner Sect Disciples and Outer Sect Disciples will be announced later in the form of a notice!"


    "Seven days later, the master-apprentice ceremony will take place, to pass on and continue the teachings!"

 Chapter 166 - 132 Immortal Law

    ```


    "Wait a moment!"


    Pei Tiannan challenged, "Mr. Chen, why did you conceal your physique, you''re suspected of cheating!"


    "Marquis Pei, a lofty Martial Saint, surely can''t be unaware that the Transformation and Mysterious Body unfolds gradually as the realm improves?"


    Fang Qingyun explained, "When the Selection Officer went to fetch him, what he displayed was indeed the Nine Dragon Body."


    "The most crucial point, isn''t cheating supposed to involve falsifying one''s physique, like mistaking the Sword Heart Body for the Tongjian Body, which if not scrupulously distinguished can be confused, and the early stage cultivation strength wouldn''t differ much, using this method to snatch a Class A rating?"


    "Who would report a worse physique than they possess, isn''t that just asking for a loss?"


    "You!"


    Pei Tiannan was at a loss for words.


    "..."


    Cao Fan''s face darkened with complexity.


    On one hand, he was slightly comforted that he had not lost to a mere Nine Dragon Body.


    On the other, he had truly lost.


    And it was like lifting a rock only to drop it on his own feet!


    Originally, both could have become True Inheritors.


    If he had known earlier...


    "Lord Governor."


    Pei Tiannan wiped his face and said with a beaming smile, "What about taking on two this year?"


    "Xiao Pei, you can talk nonsense, that''s fine,"


    Sun Xiangzong replied in a calm tone, "But with so many watching, I can''t mimic you."


    "..."


    Pei Tiannan''s mouth twitched, "Commander, you make a fair point!"


    At this stage of events, how could he not understand?


    They lacked insight to see through clothes and recognize the Transformation and Mysterious Body, but Sun Xiangzong probably knew it clear from the start of the competition!


    He even sneakily gave them a chance, which they declined themselves!


    With this turn of events, even if the Cao Family learned the whole truth later, they would have nothing to say.


    And the more prestigious the identity, the more they must abide by the rules, at least outwardly, as they need to maintain their prestige before so many warriors.


    "How cunning!"


    Born in the Imperial Palace, Mr. Hou was well-versed in the art of manipulation; he was simply unable to think due to the opponent''s irresistible martial power before.


    Now that he had come to his senses, they were all played, the surname Sun had banked on their unwillingness to yield.


    The one fortunate thing in this misfortune.


    It was Chen Sansi, who could be considered the emperor''s man; likely if he ever acquired any Immortal Law, he would be willing to dedicate it to the court.


    This loyal individual would also remember the emperor''s grace, after all, the emperor was the first to recognize him, conferring titles and medicine upon him.


    ''The emperor truly has the skill to know and employ people!''


    Mr. Hou sighed with emotion.


    "Princely Heir, I''ve done all I could."


    Sun Xiangzong approached, deliberately patting his shoulder, speaking amiably, "But there have been cases of those from the Inner Sect being promoted to True Inheritors in previous years, thou should strive for it!"


    "Thank... you for the tip, Commander!"


    Cao Fan cupped his fists, his thoughts complex, yet he remained outwardly respectful.


    "Alright, disperse now."


    Fang Qingyun pushed the wheelchair, "Little junior brother, go back and recover well, return after seven days for the entry-level ceremony, I am the fourth, just call me Fourth Senior Brother."


    Chen Sansi nodded, "I understand, Fourth Senior Brother."


    "Also,"


    Fang Qingyun spoke earnestly, "Little junior brother, after your victory, many will come to you, some with good intentions and some not, you must judge for yourself."


    "Thank you for the warning, Senior Brother."


    Walking out of the Military City.


    Various officials had been waiting there for a long time.


    "Mr. Chen! Would you honor my humble abode with a visit?"


    "Sir, the Immortal Crane Tower invites you!"


    "General Chen, I have a granddaughter, she could be a concubine to you."


    "..."


    Winning the Selection Point, with the Body of Martial Saint, would be equivalent to being the Martial Arts Top Scholar in the Capital City.


    It meant that, given time, even if he were as slow on the uptake as Meng Guangxin, he was still guaranteed to become a main general of the Profound Image Realm at the very least.


    The main generals of the Eight Camps are all Second-rank officials, with some achieving a first-rank noble title for their merits; naturally, many seek to currying favor and ingratiate themselves.


    Chen Sansi declined them all.


    He did not lack wealth; these people could not offer him any resources, so there was no need for these connections yet.


    Now that he had won the Selection Point, Chen Sansi started to plan the step-by-step goals he would need to achieve next in his mind.


    Firstly, it was naturally to learn from a master. To find a method to break through Above Martial Saint was optimal; who wouldn''t want to see a bigger world, although it was still far off.


    Secondly, to improve his strength to Refining Internal Organs Perfection as soon as possible, and then to Hua Jin.


    In Liangzhou, the mere strength of Refining Internal wasn''t enough.


    Let alone the fact that he had offended many, all high-ranking officials from noble families, who were all waiting to take his life, only refraining due to rules for now. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But whether they could restrain themselves after the Selection Point controversy subsided was uncertain.


    Moreover, it seemed that not all in the Eight Camps were of one mind.


    Recalling the final competition, Chen Sansi distinctly felt that Cao Fan had some understanding of the Unity Spear Technique; it was possible that someone had demonstrated it to him a few times.


    That was normal; even blood brothers squabble over the division of inheritance, let alone martial brothers¡ªit''s common to be calculating, only united fronts are suspicious.


    He would need to be wary going forward.


    Thirdly, to investigate the Witch God Sect and the dark energy.


    What the Witch God Sect was doing with their capture of Martial Artists, including the Blood Sacrifice, the ultimate purpose was still unknown.


    Why Dark Mystical Energy appeared on a martial artist and whether it was related to the Poisonous Beast in the mountains.


    Case by case, item by item, all needed to be slowly resolved.


    Furthermore, there was something even more important; he was about to become a father.


    After the Selection Point ended, at last, he had time to spend a few days with Sister Lan, and he could also take the opportunity to visit the Taoist Temple.


    He was not interested in gods and buddhas, but he was very interested in the gods and buddhas worshiped by martial artists.


    On the ride back home, Chen Sansi also saw an acquaintance.


    ```

 Chapter 167 - 132 Immortal Law_2

    Wen Qiushi''s father Wen Zhi.


    This man was standing by the roadside, watching him with eyes filled with red spider-web-like veins, and even from dozens of feet away, a murderous aura could be felt.


    Powerful families, sects, and gangs, they were all too oppressive.


    Their sons could come to bully you, even kill you without issue, but if you dared to fight back, dared not to cower and beg, it would only bring disaster upon yourself!


    Martial Saint, so be it then!


    Chen Sansi had nothing to fear.


    The more openly this guy stood here, the more it showed he didn''t dare to make a move, it was merely intimidation.


    "Still, I must hasten my cultivation."


    Just like back in Po Yang, I need the Refining Internal Realm to be able to dominate.


    In Liangzhou, putting aside Sun Xiangzong, one must at least be a Martial Saint.


    A long and arduous path!


    And before I left, my fourth senior brother Fang Qingyun warned me that someone would be looking for me.


    Was he talking about Wen Zhi, or someone else?


    "Master has returned~"


    Si Qin greeted him at the door.


    After dismounting his horse, Chen Sansi headed straight for the pharmacy.


    In the yard, he had specifically cleared out a woodshed to serve as a pharmacy and had Si Qinmohua buy a lot of medicine according to the prescription he wrote. He personally prepared medicinal brews for Sister Lan to restore her health, while at the same time honing his medical skills.


    [Skill: Medical Skill. Ordinary (Proficient)]


    [Progress: 291/1000]


    "This skill, just like studying, progresses extremely slowly after a certain level. I need to continue learning more advanced medical skills."


    After arriving in Liangzhou, not only has my understanding of Martial Arts improved significantly, but my comprehension of medical skills has also gained new insights.


    It''s said that truly skilled doctors can use "force" or "Gang Qi" to assist in refining medicines, reducing the "toxicity" of drugs, thereby allowing martial artists to absorb more supplemental medicine in a short period of time.


    The making of treasure medicine involves such processes.


    Both the age of the medicinal herbs and the techniques of the doctor are subject to stringent requirements.


    But it is said learning to extract medicine with force is a skill that requires a great deal of time to learn, and the benefits gained are often not that significant. Hence, the vast majority remain ordinary doctors, like those medical officers that Jiang oversees, with only a few who are hopeless in breaking through and interested in this pursuit willing to attempt it.


    And in the military forces of Liangzhou, there are two precious doctors of the Meridian Passage Realm.


    "After the apprenticeship ceremony is over, see if I can seek their guidance."


    ...


    "Brother Shi, do you want a son or a daughter?"


    Lying in bed at night, Gu Xinlan embraced the man''s arm and whispered.


    "I want them all."


    Chen Sansi replied, "At least one son and one daughter, right?"


    Gu Xinlan asked, "What if it''s always boys or always girls?"


    "Then we''ll just have a few more."


    "I''m not a breeding mother... um, Brother Shi, where are you putting your hand, I''m pregnant, we can''t, have you forgotten?"


    "I know, I''m not doing anything."


    "Thud¡ª"


    "Ah!"


    A shriek suddenly sounded from the front yard.


    Si Qin!


    Chen Sansi grabbed his bow and arrows from the wall and the long spear from the corner and rushed out: "What happened?"


    "Master, there, there''s someone!"


    Si Qin''s voice trembled as she pointed up at the eaves: "Someone was standing up there, throwing things into the yard just now."


    "Bang!"


    Empowered by the blood of the Dragon Elephant, combined with [Light as a Feather], Chen Sansi leaped onto the roof and from afar saw a figure darting away into the night.


    He checked his arrow bag at his waist for whistling arrows and then took off in pursuit.


    Liangzhou had recently suffered so many deaths, so naturally, it was on high alert.


    No matter the cultivation realm of the person ahead, as long as he shot a whistling arrow into the sky, there would immediately be a large group of City Guard Army coming to encircle and suppress.


    Chen Sansi''s speed was no slower than the other party''s, but since his opponent had a significant lead, maintaining a distance of several hundred steps, and was very familiar with the layout of Liangzhou City, he quickly disappeared without a trace around a corner.


    "Who''s there?!"


    He stood on the roof, lost in thought.


    It didn''t seem like the Witch God Sect, but then who could it be?


    Cao Fan and his group?


    That didn''t seem likely either.


    This person was skilled in Qinggong and probably deliberately let Si Qin discover him. After being exposed, he didn''t harm anyone, suggesting no ill intent, but trespassing into someone''s home uninvited and with unknown identity is a great offense!


    "They''re here!"


    With his wife still at home, Chen Sansi didn''t dare to chase too far and was about to return when another figure appeared under the moonlight.


    Manor Master Wen Zhi of Moon Splitting Mountain Villa came flying with a black-clothed person in tow.


    "You..."


    Chen Sansi looked at the black-clothed person, then at Wen Zhi, and quickly understood.


    This rival Martial Saint.


    Seemed to be guarding his door, acting as a bodyguard?!


    "You can''t die right now, if you die, the one surnamed Sun will come after me!"


    Wen Zhi spoke with eyes reddish-purple and his teeth clattering fiercely.


    Not long after returning with his son''s body, he heard the outcome of the Selected Point, and felt a wave of despair in his heart. A True Disciple meant it would be even less possible to act rashly, especially at this critical juncture.


    Or to put it another way.


    Anyone could kill Chen Sansi, but he could not, at least not recently!


    "..."


    Chen Sansi momentarily didn''t know what to say.


    Was the Supervisor''s deterrence this powerful?


    Indeed. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The death of Ning Changqun was witnessed by hundreds of thousands.


    Blood Refiners might not be so fearful, but the Martial Saints certainly were, and very much so.


    The two descended from the roof to the ground.


    Wen Zhi pointed at the black-clothed person, his voice trembling with anger, "Why does he want to kill you!"


    "I don''t know."


    Chen Sansi candidly replied.


    "You don''t know? Just how many people have you offended!"


    Wen Zhi slapped the black-clothed person, who spat out blood, wailing in pain.

 Chapter 168 - 132 Immortal Law_3

    Only then did his heart feel a bit relieved, "This man, with merely the Refining Internal Organs Perfection and seriously injured by me, what should I do with him next? Shall I kill him or hand him over to you?"


    After pondering for a moment, Chen Sansi said, "Hand him over to me."


    "Hmph!"


    Wen Zhi, as if tossing out trash, threw the half-dead man in black over.


    He shouted at the young general''s retreating back, "Chen Sansi, I will kill you!"


    "Master Wen."


    Chen Sansi stopped in his tracks and suddenly said, "Do you feel wronged?"


    Wen Zhi was taken aback.


    "Your son wanted to kill me, should I simply accept my fate as a fish on the chopping board? I''ll leave you with a saying,"


    Chen Sansi''s face was expressionless, "To not teach one''s child is the father''s fault."


    "You, you mean to say this is all my fault?!"


    Wen Zhi indignantly said, "Then I shall also kill you, I want a fair duel with you, to determine the superior, to decide life or death! Aren''t you the Transformation and Mysterious Body? I''ll wait until you break through to Martial Saint!"


    "Fine."


    Chen Sansi promised, "If Master Wen truly intends this, I will face you in the arena when the time comes."


    "To not teach one''s child is the father''s fault..."


    Wen Zhi stood in the night breeze, silently contemplating this phrase.


    He was all too aware that it was his son who had made things difficult first.


    But the deep-seated hatred of bloodshed was not easy to dispel from one''s thoughts!


    A fair duel was something the other party had agreed to.


    By then, even if he were to beat him to death on the arena, the Elephant Sect would have nothing to say!


    "I, merely at the Refining Internal stage, have set a life-and-death match with a Martial Saint."


    Chen Sansi felt somewhat helpless as he carried the man in black back home.


    "My lord..."


    Si Qinmohua had been waiting at the door, scared out of her wits.


    Chen Sansi asked, "Did you say earlier that something was thrown into the yard?"


    "Yes."


    Si Qin brought over a letter, still tied to a stone.


    "Good, do not disturb the lady, tell her it''s nothing, and to go to bed early."


    After giving instructions, Chen Sansi went to the firewood shed. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He bound the unconscious man in black securely with rope, then removed the mask to reveal a delicate face underneath, one that looked about the same age as Si Qinmohua.


    "A woman?"


    Chen Sansi, looking at her serene features, was somewhat taken aback.


    He picked up an arrow as though it were a dagger and first severed the black-clad person''s hand and foot tendons, ensuring she couldn''t move. After applying medicine to stop the bleeding and keep her alive, he sat down quietly to wait.


    He had a reason for bringing this person back.


    Because...


    He had seen a hint of Qingxuan Energy on her!


    That''s right.


    The same type of energy that was inside Sun Xiangzong''s body.


    Only it was incredibly faint, almost invisible unless looked at closely, and easy to overlook.


    If one were to make a comparison, it would be like the difference between the bright moon and the light of fireflies.


    That''s why Chen Sansi had decided to bring her back to find out the truth.


    Moreover, the fact that she was almost killed outright indicated that this slight trace of Qingxuan Energy couldn''t possibly be enough to save her life, otherwise, she would have used it by now.


    Of course, it was still better to disable her first, to be on the safe side.


    "Is there really a method to absorb Qingxuan Energy?"


    Chen Sansi was certain it was no coincidence.


    He wasn''t sure whether he could uncover a thing or two after becoming an apprentice.


    If he couldn''t get clear answers from this person, he could also take her to the Governor Mansion.


    He pulled out a letter, and after opening it, there were only a few words inside.


    "Please, General Chen, come to the Red Sleeve Tower for a meeting three days later."


    "Red Sleeve Tower?"


    Chen Sansi recalled the name, which seemed to be a famous brothel in Liangzhou.


    What did they want him to do?


    Why didn''t they invite him before, but sought him out right after he triumphed at Selected Point, obviously having an ulterior motive?


    ...


    About two or three hours later.


    The woman in black gradually woke up.


    Then, she cried.


    Chen Sansi scolded, "Shut up!"


    The woman cried even harder.


    "I told you to shut up!"


    "Clang¡ª"


    Chen Sansi drew the Zhenyue Sword and pressed it against her neck.


    Only then did the woman in black quiet down, but she still couldn''t stop trembling.


    "Who are you?"


    Chen Sansi warned, "I don''t have the patience to ask a second time."


    "Seek, Seeking Immortal Tower..."


    The woman sobbed, "It hurts, it hurts..."


    "Seeking Immortal Tower?"


    Chen Sansi remembered the records in the "Chronicle of Sects Throughout the World."


    A mysterious sect, with a thousand years of legacy, solely dedicated to seeking immortal traces.


    "What do you want from me?"


    "My master sent me..."


    The woman in black was at the peak of her grievance, "I was just delivering a letter, what gives you the right to treat me this way."


    "Nonsense!"


    Chen Sansi said coldly, "Why deliver a letter without going through the front door?"


    "Because we are mysterious," the woman in black replied matter-of-factly.


    What kind of reasoning is that?


    Chen Sansi pressed further, "Why seek me out at the Red Sleeve Tower?"


    "I don''t know, I really don''t know anything, I was just here to deliver the letter, there was no ill intent..."


    The woman in black, terrified and unable to move, chattered her teeth as she spoke, "I only know it seems related to Immortal Law, please let me go, I beg of you, wuwuwu..."


    "Immortal Law?"


    Chen Sansi fell silent.


    He couldn''t entirely trust nor disregard her words.


    He could, however, judge that she truly had no malice.


    But he felt no guilt either.


    What kind of good person would visit one''s house, choosing to come in the dead of night and donned in night-travelling clothes?


    Not being directly killed by Martial Saint Wen Zhi was already lucky; having her hands and feet tendons cut was only a minor punishment for the affront, and it was on the lighter side. Otherwise, his home might indeed turn into a marketplace in the future.


    Besides, if this girl truly belonged to the Seeking Immortal Tower, such injuries were definitely curable for them.


    Killing her was not necessary.


    The Seeking Immortal Tower is shrouded in mystery.


    Chen Sansi did not have sufficient strength and saw no need to make an enemy for sure; as for whether or not to go to the appointment, that could wait until after the Sect Initiation Ceremony.


    With this in mind, he said, "You can leave now."


    "Wuwuwu..."


    The woman in black just cried.

 Chapter 169 - 132 Immortal Law_4

    Chen Sansi realized that the person he had temporarily disabled would be paralyzed for a long time without treasure medicine to treat her.


    After thinking it over, he lifted the woman onto his shoulder and left the house.


    The woman, full of resentment, murmured, "Just take me to the Red Sleeve Tower."


    Today was truly the most unlucky day of her life.


    She was just delivering a message; how could she have encountered a Martial Saint?


    Without so much as a question, he plunged so many knives into her, utterly savage. Where was the rumored hero who helped civilians across the river, the good Samaritan? He was just downright evil.


    Luckily, he didn''t dare to kill her, it seemed that the reputation of Seeking Immortal Tower still held some sway.


    "Wait, where are you taking me?"


    "..."


    The woman who had just breathed a sigh of relief suddenly realized they were going the wrong way: "This isn''t the way to the Red Sleeve Tower."


    The man carrying her was running so fast that the street scenes on both sides swiftly changed and receded.


    About half an hour later, a mansion appeared in front of them, with three big characters written on the black plaque above the door¡ªGovernor Mansion.


    Sun Xiangzong''s private residence.


    It was the crack of dawn, with the sky just beginning to brighten in the east.


    Surprisingly, for someone who was the first person over military and political affairs in the Northern Territory during wartime, there were no patrolling soldiers, and not even a gatekeeper at the front gate, just two enormous stone lions.


    "What, what are you going to do?"


    The woman struggled desperately: "Let me go, let me go! You bastard, bastard!"


    Chen Sansi had originally planned to just drop her on the street.


    But then he thought better of it and decided to take her to the Governor Mansion.


    Although he didn''t kill her, he had caused her grave injury inflicted by Wen Zhi, which was an offense nonetheless; who knew if she might retaliate.


    Furthermore, since Seeking Immortal Tower had sought him out after the Selected Point, it certainly had something to do with Sun Xiangzong, not to mention the Qingxuan Energy. He feared the situation was too complex for someone of his mere Refining Internal achievement to handle.


    Besides, it was something that couldn''t be hidden.


    If only two people knew, it could be manageable, but even Master Wen had seen her; it was never a secret in the first place.


    "Bang, bang, bang!"


    Chen Sansi knocked on the door.


    After a long while, a servant came to open the door, yawning and groggily asking, "Who is it, who are you looking for?"


    "I am Chen Sansi,"


    Chen Sansi introduced himself, "I need to see the Lord Governor."


    "Oh, Mr. Chen, please wait a moment,"


    The servant obviously had heard of this year''s Champion Leader from the Selected Point.


    He went inside to notify his master.


    After about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, the servant returned with a wheelchair.


    "Junior brother, master is still resting. Whatever it is, you can tell me,"


    Fang Qingyun looked at the blood-covered woman on Chen Sansi''s shoulder with puzzlement and said, "What''s this about...?"


    "Senior brother four,"


    Chen Sansi put the woman down on the ground and briefly described what had happened: "I''m not exactly sure what''s going on, but I''ll leave it to you."


    "Seeking Immortal Tower?"


    Fang Qingyun commented with interest, "It''s been many years since they''ve shown themselves. I didn''t expect them to come to you so quickly."


    "Junior brother, you need not worry about it anymore. Leave her here, and they won''t dare to come for you again. Master has been quite busy and won''t be able to see you for now. Let''s wait until after the admittance ceremony."


    "Thank you, Senior Brother Four."


    Chen Sansi bowed in gratitude and took his leave.


    As he walked a few steps away, he looked back one last time at the Qingxuan Energy on the woman''s body, flickering like fireflies.


    It seemed that it wasn''t only Sun Governor who knew how to absorb Qingxuan Energy. Seeking Immortal Tower must have also grasped some methods, albeit clumsily, so clumsily as to be almost useless¡ªat least it had no effect on the woman in black.


    Chen Sansi''s internal injuries were still a bit painful. Too lazy to walk, he summoned Qian Xun, who was still sleeping at home, to carry him.


    On the way back, he saw Master Wen, who had not slept all night, sitting at a tea stall at the corner of the road at the end of the mansion''s district.


    ''Was he guarding the gate for me all night?''


    "Chen Sansi!"


    Wen Zhi questioned, "Who exactly is the person in black, from which sect or faction, and why did they want to kill you? Tell me everything immediately!"


    "Master Wen need not concern himself,"


    Chen Sansi said without looking back.


    "You think I want to meddle!"


    Wen Zhi stood up abruptly.


    At the very least, if this kid died within a few days of the Selected Point''s end, he would never wash himself clean even if he jumped into the Yellow River.


    "I have taken the person to the Governor Mansion. If Master Wen wants to know, he can go and ask."


    Chen Sansi lightly flicked the whip on the slightly grumpy Qian Xun, speeding away.


    "Outrageous!"


    Wen Zhi roared, reducing the table in front of him to splinters.


    "You, you... " The teahouse owner pointed accusingly, his voice trembling: "I''m going to report this to the Governor Mansion!"


    "Shut up, I''ll compensate you with silver!"


    "..."


    ...


    It took Chen Sansi two days, using the Healing Treasure Medicine given by Senior Sister Nine, to recover from his internal injuries, and then he resumed his cultivation, aiming to break through to Refining Internal Organs Perfection before the end of the month.


    Small Achievement and Perfection were indeed worlds apart. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Had he also been able to unleash a Blood Explosion, would he have needed to exert so much effort against Cao Fan?


    [Cultivation Technique: Unity Spear Technique (Small Achievement)]


    [Progress: 829/2000]


    The higher one ascends in the Martial Arts Realm, the slower the progress naturally becomes, and even the Body of Martial Saint was no exception. Otherwise, there wouldn''t be so many people stuck at a certain realm.


    The speed he had attained was, in part, thanks to Spiritual Grain.


    If outsiders knew, they would certainly marvel at his rapid progress.


    But Chen Sansi was still dissatisfied.


    It wasn''t greed, but sheer necessity.


    With Cao Fan, Seeking Immortal Tower, and Moon Splitting Mountain Villa all keeping a close eye on him, he could not always rely on the protection of the Eight Camps and the Governor. After all, even immortals can''t be everywhere at once.


    Not to mention, they were all quite busy in their daily affairs.

 Chapter 170 - 132 Immortal Law_5

    Recently, all the main generals from the camps gathered solely because the major battle had just ended and they needed recuperation as well as coincidentally, it was time for Selected Point.


    It''s estimated that soon afterwards, they will disperse across various places in the Northwest Three States.


    Ultimately, one has to rely on oneself.


    "The development of Immortal Treasures is really too low!"


    Chen Sansi''s application of Abnormal Fire was just like a primitive person who had just learned to use fire, directly burning the Spiritual Grain he consumed into ash, wasting who knows how much essence.


    It would be nice to find a container that could withstand the temperature of Abnormal Fire.


    Iron pots have been tried...


    Mystical Weapon!


    He suddenly remembered the Mystical Weapons mentioned by Sun Buqi; the metal used to forge Mystical Weapons can transmit force and must be of extraordinary quality, which could be seen from the Zhenyue Sword.


    If there was a container made from forging Mystical Weapons, even if it couldn''t completely withstand the temperature of Abnormal Fire, it''d still be okay; at worst, it could be used as a consumable.


    Within the Eight Camps, there are doctors at the Meridian Passage Realm, and the containers they use might just be forged from Mystical Weapons.


    Of course, this is just a guess for now.


    If that doesn''t work...


    Then it''s only hunting left.


    Chen Sansi, after much thought, knew that the only way to speed up his cultivation was to resort to his old trade.


    He wasn''t lacking treasure medicine or Spiritual Grain, and the saber-toothed tiger meat was almost gone.


    Only by continuing to hunt Exotic Beasts could he increase his cultivation speed even faster.


    It was a good opportunity to figure out if there was any connection between the black qi in the mountainous Poisonous Beasts and Zhang Huaimin, which might also involve some kind of Immortal Law and seemed even more exaggerated in terms of expressiveness.


    From Meridian Passage directly across to Mysterious Phenomenon!


    Lost in wild thoughts, Chen Sansi practiced the Unity Spear Technique twice more, then put down his weapon and returned to his bedroom to change into clean clothes before heading out with Gu Xinlan to Ci Yun Temple.


    Ever since becoming pregnant, Gu Xinlan often mentioned going to pray for the child''s safety and blessings.


    It was her first time becoming a mother, so it was natural for her to feel nervous; if a visit to the Taoist Temple could provide some reassurance, that was certainly a good thing.


    The Xu couple was already waiting early in the courtyard.


    On the way,


    Xu Bin talked about Ci Yun Temple: "General, after we came to Liangzhou, I had quite a lot of free time, so I wandered around quite a bit and even visited Ci Yun Temple twice. It''s very popular, not just with common folks but many Martial Artists also like to go."


    "Brother Bin, the common people like to worship gods and Buddha for emotional comfort, which I can understand, but why do Martial Artists like to go there to offer incense and prayers?"


    Chen Sansi felt there was only one possibility: "Could it be that they provide good medicine for Martial Artists."


    A simple woman like Mrs. Tong definitely wouldn''t know about these things; asking her would be like asking in vain.


    "You guessed right," S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xu Bin replied, "The visiting worshipers, if willing to pay thirty taels of incense money, can get a bowl of ''Nourishing Spirit Soup'' made from a secret recipe, which is said to bring peace of mind and greatly assist Martial Cultivation. It''s just that the price is really high."


    "No wonder."


    Chen Sansi became interested.


    Ci Yun Temple was located thirty li outside the southern gate of Liangzhou, in Wangyun Mountain. To reach the mountaintop, it was necessary to climb dozens more li.


    "Sister Lan, are you tired? Let me carry you."


    "Where do you see a man carrying his wife around... Ah!"


    Before Gu Xinlan could finish speaking, she found herself with a slip of her feet, riding on his sturdy back. She quickly clung to his neck to prevent falling.


    "I''m not carrying you, I''m carrying the child!"


    The weight of a hundred and some pounds was almost negligible for Chen Sansi.


    Along the way, he indeed saw many Martial Artists.


    Some even came up to greet him voluntarily.


    Gu Xinlan had heard some: "Brother Shi, you''re quite famous, huh."


    "Brother Bin, continue talking,"


    Chen Sansi asked, "Tell me about the origin of Ci Yun Temple and the cultivation realm of the Taoists there."


    "It is said that Ci Yun Temple was already there when the Great Sheng Dynasty was founded, and the incense has been very prosperous ever since. However, there hasn''t been a high realm Martial Artist in centuries; only the current temple master has reached Hua Jing Perfection and is about to break through to the Meridian Passage Realm,"


    Xu Bin explained, "The highest others have reached is just Hua Jing, so Ci Yun Temple has always been considered a third-rate sect, unless one is a local, otherwise, they might not have even heard of it."


    In summary, they have excellent skills but no masters.


    Of course, for the current Chen Sansi, Hua Jing or Meridian Passage would still count as a master.


    When they reached the gate, a middle-aged man dressed in a white robe came to greet them: "Mr. Chen, congratulations, taking the title of Champion Leader at Selected Point and soon to be taken as a disciple by Supervisor Sun, your future is limitless!"


    Chen Sansi recalled this man who stood with Wen Zhi at that time; he politely clasped his hands and said, "Are you Sect Master Shao of the Tongxuan Sword Sect? I''ve been disrespectful."


    Even an esteemed Martial Saint had come personally, the benefits of this medicine must be significant.


    "You''re too courteous; how can I, a common man, accept such respect from an Imperial Officer."


    Shao Yujing laughed: "Mr. Chen, are you also here for the Nourishing Spirit Soup?"


    "Exactly."


    Chen Sansi candidly replied, "Even Sect Master Shao has come personally; the effects must indeed be extraordinary."


    "Hehe, the Nourishing Spirit Soup truly is a fine item; after drinking it, it really calms the mind and soul, it''s the only such medicine in all of Liangzhou."


    Shao Yujing made a welcoming gesture: "Please follow me, Mr. Chen, you will know once you try it."


    Chen Sansi looked towards the main hall: "Don''t we need to offer incense first?"


    "It''s also fine to offer incense when we leave,"


    Shao Yujing smiled and said, "The supervisor Qiu Mingzi is just next door in the pharmacy brewing the Nourishing Spirit Soup; the timing is just right to head over now, otherwise you''ll have to wait several more hours."

 Chapter 171 - 132 Immortal Law_6

    "With that, I thank you, Senior."


    Chen Sansi signaled Xu Bin and the others to follow.


    The group crossed the gate and made their way eastward, arriving at a separate courtyard, where they saw numerous medicinal herbs laid out to dry and Qiu Mingzi tending to a medicine brewing over the furnace.


    In front of him was a dark silver cauldron situated atop a specially-made stove; the roaring flames were so powerful they nearly engulfed the entire cauldron.


    Qiu Mingzi''s hands emitted a strength invisible to the naked eye, forcefully dividing the flames before systematically striking the cauldron, emitting a "humming" sound that resonated dully.


    "Power Quenching Medicine?"


    Chen Sansi hadn''t expected to witness it here first.


    "Mr. Chen is also familiar with this?"


    Shao Yujing remarked, "This is truly a skillful craft. Even for me, to truly learn it would consume a great amount of time, and that cauldron itself is made of the mystical steel used to forge Mystical Weapons, worth three thousand taels."


    While they talked, Qiu Mingzi let out a loud shout and suddenly slapped the top of the cauldron, creating a sound like that of a gong.


    Immediately, a junior Taoist rushed up to douse the flames with prepared cold water as quickly as possible.


    "Sizzz¡ª"


    In an instant, white smoke filled the air.


    Qiu Mingzi carried the cauldron to a pavilion nearby before returning to greet the group: "Fortune as boundless as the sky, Heavenly Venerate. The humble Taoist greets the two benefactors."


    "True One, we are well acquainted, there''s no need for such formalities."


    As Shao Yujing spoke, he introduced Chen Sansi at his side, exchanging pleasantries and courtesies.


    Qiu Mingzi served them each a bowl of Nourishing Spirit Soup.


    [Nourishing Spirit Soup: After consumption, it aids focus and mental tranquility, beneficial for breakthroughs in cultivation.]


    Not only the effects of the medicine but its formula and production method as well, Chen Sansi easily unraveled them and realized that after achieving Hua Jin, he could also brew this medicine himself.


    Once he was certain it was safe, he drank the potion and also procured a bowl for Xu Bin.


    Thirty taels of silver.


    To Chen Sansi, it wasn''t much, but for Xu Bin and the rest at their current level, it was quite expensive. They likely came before just to pray for blessings, probably not willing to indulge in the medicine.


    Moreover, this substance did not seem to be of substantial help in improving cultivation; its main effect was calming the mind, even more so than ''Wise Mode''!


    In such a state, it was indeed conducive to breakthroughs in cultivation, but of no use to him.


    Chen Sansi exclaimed, "The technique of Power Quenching Medicine by Qiu Mingzi True One is truly exceptional; Chen has surely broadened his horizons today!"


    "The benefactor flatters me; the secret technique is handed down by my ancestors, and I still have much to learn."


    "True One."


    Chen Sansi placed his hand on top of the cauldron: "To be honest, I also have some knowledge of the healing arts. After achieving Hua Jin, I would like to learn the technique of Power Quenching Medicine, but I lack a proper cauldron. I wonder if True One could gift me one?"


    "Oh, I will pay my respects to the ancestors with five thousand taels of incense money."


    "How can I refuse such sincerity from the benefactor?" S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Qiu Mingzi immediately replied, "Indeed, there are a few cauldrons in Furnace Tripod Temple. Before descending the mountain, I will have someone deliver one to Mr. Chen."


    "I am grateful, True One."


    Chen Sansi caressed the cauldron, feeling its extraordinary texture and wondering if it could truly withstand the burning of Abnormal Fire.


    It doesn''t matter; just five thousand taels of silver.


    "Does Mr. Chen find the Nourishing Spirit Soup disappointing, thinking it''s just so-so?"


    Shao Yujing seemed to guess his thoughts: "This thing is indeed beneficial, but it contributes very little to the advancement of cultivation. What we seek is tranquility of mind. Only with a calm heart can we have epiphanies!"


    "Ah... speaking of which, it''s been over a decade since Shao broke through to the Martial Saint Realm, but even now, I have not touched upon a higher threshold, which makes me even more eager to break through via insights into my mental state."


    "Ci Yun Temple organizes a preaching conference once a month, attended by many Martial Artists from Liangzhou state."


    "These recent years of listening have been greatly beneficial to Shao. If I persist, perhaps one day I will comprehend the Dao!"


    "If Mr. Chen is interested, you may join us next time."


    Chen Sansi understood the other''s mentality.


    If the normal path is blocked, it''s natural to seek alternatives.


    "I truly envy Mr. Chen~"


    Shao Yujing lamented, "At such a young age, you''ve become a True Disciple of Supervisor Sun, someone whom all Martial Saints aspire to in their lifetime. In the future, Mr. Chen is very likely to see a much larger world."


    Chen Sansi said, "Sect Master Shao, I have not yet formally begun my entry-level training; currently, I am still Refining Internal, how could I dare to hope for such things?"


    After finishing the Nourishing Spirit Soup, they went to pay respect by offering incense at the main hall.


    Streams of worshippers continued to come and go; the entire Taoist Temple was bustling from inside out, and the scent of Sandalwood pervaded every direction, inescapable.


    After all, this was a place where even Martial Saints came to worship, so ordinary Martial Artists would naturally be inclined to follow. With these distinguished individuals participating, commoners naturally believed in its efficacy.


    Inside the main hall was a statue of the Heavenly Venerate to whom all worshippers paid their respects.


    The Heavenly Venerate of Unlimited Salvation from Distress and Hardship.


    His name was similar to those of the deities from Chen Sansi''s past life, and although they were not the same, there was a sense of a shared essence.


    Gu Xinlan had already prepared the offerings, and the incense money was arranged beforehand at the entrance.


    After lighting three sticks of Sandalwood, she bowed deeply in front of the Divine Statue, then followed the ritual: center, then left, right, ensuring the incense was at an even height, and ended with three prostrating bows.


    It was at this moment.


    A faint wisp of Purple Energy emerged from the top of Gu Xinlan''s head, drifting towards an incense burner in front of the offering table. The burner absorbed the energy and burst forth with dazzling purple light, which subsided shortly thereafter.


    Chen Sansi''s pupils trembled violently.


    He looked around; others were the same.


    Every sincere worshipper generated a wisp of Purple Energy that floated serenely into the incense burner.


    What was this?


    Incense energy?


    Ever since learning of the Immortal Law above the Martial Saint Realm, Chen Sansi was quite receptive to new phenomena and was not overly shocked to see the incense energy.


    But the question was...


    Wasn''t incense meant to be offered to the Divine Statue?


    Why...


    Was it absorbed into the burner on the offering table?

 Chapter 172 - 133: Teaching Spells

    Incense.


    Incense burner!


    Heavenly purple energy!


    For a moment, Chen Sansi felt somewhat unsure of how to assess the situation.


    Setting aside the matter of the incense energy still present in the world, the main question was why an establishment as small as Ci Yun Temple would possess a treasure capable of gathering purple energy?


    What was it used for?


    If it was for enhancing cultivation, how come there was only one at Hua Jin Perfection?


    Assuming the temple master who traveled outside was in the Meridian Passage Realm, wasn''t that still too low?


    After analyzing, there were only two possibilities.


    Either the incense had just started being collected recently.


    Just like Chen Sansi, who held the Immortal Treasure, but due to the short time, had not yet achieved a high level in the Martial Arts Realm.


    Or, the burner wasn''t theirs to begin with!


    Not everyone knew Qi Observation Skill, or had a way to sense the different energies of heaven and earth. For this reason, even if the incense burner was here consuming the incense, the Taoists of Ci Yun Temple might have no idea about it.


    As to which possibility it could be, it remained unknown.


    Chen Sansi scrutinized carefully.


    The bronze incense burner''s surface was unexpectedly engraved with unknown ferocious beasts, mouths wide open, greedily consuming the incense that should belong to the divine statue ¡ª eerie, greedy, unworldly.


    "This thing could likely withstand the Abnormal Fire!"


    His heart was moved.


    But ultimately, it wasn''t his possession.


    If Ci Yun Temple knew of the incense matter, then they would definitely not sell it.


    If they didn''t know, who was collecting the incense from behind the scenes? It was better not to try anything lightly without absolute certainty of remaining undetected.


    Moreover, the most important point was that Ci Yun Temple had not provoked him, so why take something that belonged to someone else?


    Mixed thoughts mingled, eventually all suppressed.


    He would make do with the Mystical Weapon Furnace for now; perhaps it would work.


    "Brother Shi, come offer a prayer too~"


    Gu Xinlan beckoned, "It''s good for the child."


    "Yes, Mr. Chen."


    Shao Yujing stood up after offering prayers, "The Immortal Path is profound; we must be sincere to have a chance in the future."


    "Hmm."


    Chen Sansi did not refuse.


    If he did not pray at this time, it would appear odd.


    Through the Qi Observation Skill, he was in an active position; if someone observant noted anything unusual, he would be at a disadvantage.


    He didn''t act pretentious and performed the incense offering.


    However...


    Not a wisp of purple energy flowed from him.


    He had never believed in deities or Buddha.


    That wasn''t a problem.


    There were many insincere people at the scene; some bowed their heads with thuds but no purple energy appeared.


    After offering prayers to the divine statue, Chen Sansi and his wife descended the mountain, not forgetting to take the Mystical Weapon Furnace and told the young Taoist to collect the silver note from Chen Mansion later.


    Five thousand taels of silver notes, such a large amount, he wouldn''t carry it around aimlessly.


    Shao Yujing said, "Mr. Chen, if you are interested at the end of the month, you can come to listen to Real Person Qiu Mingzi speak about the Dao; it might help you in the future."


    "Master Shao has personally extended an invitation; naturally, I must attend."


    Chen Sansi did not refuse.


    He was very interested in the matter of the incense, getting more excuses to visit might lead to new discoveries.


    On the way home, Qian Xun came to escort.


    Chen Sansi held Sister Lan in his embrace.


    Qian Xun, apparently aware that the lady of the house was pregnant, moved with extra stability.


    Passing through a bustling street, the big characters of Red Sleeve Tower were particularly striking.


    The six-story building, apart from the last one, had dazzling women throwing flirty glances toward him, truly a tower full of beckoning red sleeves.


    "Oh, has it just been a few days, Brother Shi, and you already miss this kind of place?"


    Gu Xinlan noticed his gaze.


    "No, I have serious business."


    Chen Sansi shifted his gaze away.


    Seeking Immortal Tower.


    Most likely, someone was hiding inside Red Sleeve Tower, not that the whole brothel was the Seeking Immortal Tower.


    The woman from a few nights ago, unknown how she was now.


    But if even the Supervisor couldn''t handle it, there was no use worrying about it.


    Several more days until the Mentorship Ceremony; after meeting the Supervisor, he should be able to clear everything up.


    Before that, he would continue to cultivate; whether the Mystical Weapon Furnace could withstand the Abnormal Fire needed to be slowly discovered, any major commotion at home not being noticed would be strange.


    For four days straight.


    Chen Sansi spent most of his time practicing Martial Arts besides accompanying his wife.


    [Cultivation Technique: Unity Spear Technique (small achievement)]


    [Progress: 1055/2000]


    The proficiency progress had finally crossed half.


    According to the current pace, he should achieve Great Success of Refining in two months.


    Apart from that, these days people were still dying continuously within the Sect.


    Just not as many.


    "It''s getting weirder and weirder."


    Before he had the Qi Observation Skill, Chen Sansi was essentially blind, unable to pry into higher-level secrets.


    Up until now, he increasingly felt that everything, seemingly separate, was interconnected.


    Liangzhou, and perhaps even the entire world, might soon undergo dramatic changes.


    "My lord, Mr. Sun is here."


    Si Qin came to report.


    "I know."


    Chen Sansi got dressed with the help of Mo Hua in a new blue robe sewn by Sister Lan, habitually took his Big Bow and Reed Leaf Spear, along with the ZhenYue Sword at his waist, then boarded the carriage.


    "The Mentorship Ceremony is about to begin."


    Sun Buqi explained, "Today''s schedule involves all the True Inheritors, Inner Sect, and Outer Sect disciples together, watching this year''s new entry-level disciples perform rites, categorizing them into the Reserve Camp, then dividing their posts according to realm and Selected Point results."


    "Reserve Camp?"


    Chen Sansi asked.


    "Yes."


    Sun Buqi nodded, "The vacancies in the Eight Camps aren''t enough, plus my father wants to expand the army, so we simply combined the disciples with the Liangzhou soldiers to form a Reserve Camp. After expanding, we''ll select personnel from this batch of disciples for the newly established four camps."


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 Chapter 173 - 133 Teaching Spells_2

    Four new camps had been established.


    This meant that the Governor Mansion''s military strength was to be expanded to the Twelve Camps, and by then, it would have over one hundred fifty thousand troops.


    Of course, expanding the army was a long process.


    Mustering military supplies, training troop sources, forming units¡ª even if soldiers were drawn from existing garrison soldiers, it would still take at least a year and a half to complete.


    Upon arriving at the Military City.


    Starting from the entrance, there were warriors in armor and armed with sharp weapons lined up in neat rows, their spears, axes, and halberds forming a path leading to the ceremony.


    The number of people participating in the mentorship ceremony was large, but it was actually not extravagant. There was virtually no decoration that wasted labor or cost, just a wooden platform, and entry-level disciples were arranged in teams based on their performance.


    Due to the large number of people, there were also not many complicated rituals. More than a hundred people drank down a bowl of wine at the same time, and that was considered the completion of the mentorship ceremony.


    Next.


    Came the assignment of duties.


    The duty system in the Camp Soldiers was quite different from the garrison system, and relatively more complex.


    To summarize briefly.


    The Reserve Camp had a total of twelve thousand people. The highest commanders were the Camp General and the Deputy General, and the remaining twelve thousand were divided into four parts: front, back, left, and right, with one Assistant General for each part, totalling four Assistant Generals.


    Below them were the Thousand Captains, each in charge of a thousand soldiers.


    The Captain, in charge of five hundred people.


    The Hundred Captain, in charge of a hundred people.


    The Team Armor, in charge of ten people.


    For the regular Eight Camps, one needed to have reached Hua Jin to be a Thousand Captain, Meridian Passage to be an Assistant General, and Profound Image Realm to be a Main General, whereas a Deputy General could either be in the Profound Image or the Great Perfection stage of the Meridian Passage Realm.


    The Reserve Camp, as it was temporarily assembled from a selection of soldiers and also meant to provide practice opportunities for Selected Spear Generals, was generally one rank lower.


    Chen Sansi was given the position of Thousand Captain, which corresponded exactly with his rank of General of Martial Virtue of the fifth class.


    Inner Sect Disciples were also generally Thousand Captains.


    Cao Fan, Lu Shuhua, Yan Changqing, Bai Thingzhi, Xie Sishu, and so on.


    Wen Qiushi had died; someone else replaced his position.


    Tang Yingke''s wounds were not going to heal anytime soon, and he also hadn''t come over temporarily.


    Chen Sansi''s troop sources were quite complicated.


    Four hundred of them were brought from Po Yang, while the other six hundred were garrison soldiers from You State, Liangzhou, and Yan State¡ªa real mixed bag. Fortunately, they did not need to start training from scratch as they all had complete systems in place; they only needed to gradually familiarize themselves and possibly replace a significant portion of people in the future.


    "Grant the armour!"


    Fang Qingyun personally came down to distribute the armor to each individual. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Every Thousand Captain received a set of Lock Armor, whose material quality was far superior to that of the standard garrison armor, essentially covering the entire body. Coupled with the Martial Artist''s own defensive power, it could effectively withstand attacks from low-level Martial Artists.


    Of course, one couldn''t rely solely on the armor.


    Human power was limitless. The higher the realm, the greater the destructive power. Ordinary armor simply couldn''t withstand it, unless it was made of black iron or Heavy Armor, some of which could even resist some forces and Gang Qi, but the cost was so high that generally only Assistant Generals and above could be equipped with it.


    There were also a few camps with a small number of Black Armor Heavy Infantry and Heavy Cavalry, but these were the elite of the elite, with extremely high production costs, and they would not be used until critical moments.


    After the granting of armor, it was time for the distribution of Cultivation Techniques.


    Outer Sect Disciples could go to the Book Collection Pavilion to freely choose, and when practicing, they were instructed by the Profound Image Realm Main Generals, provided they were available.


    Inner Sect Disciples, on the other hand, were presented with Cultivation Techniques specially selected by Sun Xiangzong according to their characteristics. Any confusions they had during their cultivation could be written and sent to the Governor Mansion, and all would be replied to one by one.


    If they were at a breakthrough point, they would even be called to the mansion for personal guidance.


    As for direct transmission...


    It was not taught here but after the mentorship ceremony ended, they would go to the Governor Mansion for a one-on-one talk.


    The treatment for each level was vastly different.


    It wasn''t intentional discrimination but rather that it was impossible to personally teach over a hundred people; one simply couldn''t manage, not to mention there were also numerous military and administrative duties to be dealt with.


    Fang Qingyun said leisurely, "Beside these, every Inner Sect Disciple can also go to the arsenal to select and receive one Mystical Weapon, and Outer Sect Disciples, upon breaking through their realm or achieving military merits, can likewise exchange for a Mystical Weapon."


    "General Fang!"


    A strongly built Inner Sect Disciple spoke up, his voice full of unwillingness, "Is there anything else you haven''t announced? Don''t play favorites with Brother Chen."


    "I was just about to say, don''t rush."


    Fang Qingyun nodded, "Lastly, all disciples, whether Inner or Outer Sect, as long as they are rated as Class A root bone during the bone testing stage, will have the opportunity to advance to True Disciple within three years."


    "The promotion requirements are also simple. As long as you can surpass a True Disciple by two minor realms and also excel in military achievements, you can challenge him again in half a year, fight him in the platform, and he cannot refuse."


    "After success, you will take his place and become a True Disciple."


    "His resources will also be transferred to you."


    "Therefore, failing in Selected Spear is temporary. Don''t be discouraged, my fellow disciples. Keep motivating yourselves. This is an army, not a Sect. After all, everything here speaks through strength."


    This rule had always been in place, serving as a way to motivate everyone.


    As the words ended.


    Cao Fan, Lu Shuhua, and others almost all cast a staunch gaze towards Chen Sansi, evidently becoming determined challengers.


    For the vast majority of people.


    The method of breaking through Above Martial Saint didn''t matter; the court provided unlimited resources, which would continue to be supplied until one could no longer break through after three years!

 Chapter 174 - 133 Teaching Spells_3

    Even for those like Lu Shuhua from great and influential families, raising a Martial Saint required draining all their resources, and sometimes that still wasn''t enough¡ªit depended on luck.


    In the past, not so many were tempted to try.


    Because the Champion Leader mostly dominated the martial arts competitions with overwhelming victories.


    But this year was different.


    Chen Sansi had only achieved Refining Internal Organs Small Success!


    Many of them had reached Refining Internal Organs Perfection and would be able to transform their energy soon, standing a great chance to snatch the position of the True Inheritor.


    After the mentorship ceremony concluded, the crowd dispersed on their own.


    Starting from tomorrow, they would need to report to the barracks daily, to train or carry out missions.


    "Princely Heir, are you... you''re about to transform your energy?"


    Yin Hanwen earnestly expressed his concern, "Princely Heir, you''ve shared with me that the complete ''Golden Crow Heavenly Dragon Saber Technique'' can elevate your realm faster, but it damages the body. You are still young, in the future..."


    "Heaven rewards the diligent!"


    Cao Fan interrupted him, "To suppress him by a mere small realm level and still not win, if this Princely Heir were to be overtaken by him, wouldn''t that be even more disgraceful? How could I afford not to try my hardest?"


    Previously, he had relied on the set boundaries of the platform to gain a suppressive advantage, otherwise, the defeat would have been even quicker and more brutal!


    This gave him a full measure of pressure and motivation in his heart.


    "Moreover..."


    Cao Fan continued, "Don''t forget, I came to Liangzhou partly for Sun Xiangzong, and partly to establish my authority in the military. If I could take control of the Northern Territory''s military power, my position would be more secure."


    The Imperial Family, in most cases, does not have just one descendant.


    Not to mention competition for the position of Crown Prince, even the position of Princely Heir is coveted.


    He had several brothers back home...


    Especially the last time he visited the palace, he saw his youngest brother riding on Grandpa''s neck.


    If he could make a name for himself in the Northern Territory, only then could he be truly worry-free.


    "Princely Heir..."


    Yin Hanwen looked full of worries.


    He might flatter on ordinary days, but unlike Wen Qiushi, he and Cao Fan grew up together and truly cared for each other.


    "Hanwen, you don''t understand."


    Cao Fan forced a bitter smile tinged with self-mockery: "We Cao Family members are born noble, but we also live burdensomely. Once we lose, it''s not just our position at stake but our entire fortunes and lives. How could we not fight our hardest?"


    "Princely Heir!"


    Yin Hanwen, clenching his fist, declared, "The only thing Hanwen can do is to assist the Princely Heir with his life."


    "Hanwen, in private you don''t have to call me Princely Heir, just calling me Brother Fan is fine."


    Cao Fan patted his shoulder, speaking with an air of gravity, "If one day I truly attain that position, I will still rely on you as my right-hand man."


    "I wouldn''t dare."


    Yin Hanwen bowed respectfully.


    "Ah~"


    Cao Fan did not persuade further, just gazed at the departing figure of Chen Sansi, clenching the Azure Dragon Crescent Saber in his hand even harder, driving it inches deep into the ground.


    He was determined to win, using all of his might!


    ...


    "Junior fellow apprentice, please come in."


    At the Governor Mansion''s gate, Fang Qingyun said with a smile, "Master is waiting for you in the backyard."


    "Senior brother, let me push it."


    Chen Sansi took the wheelchair from the servant and wheeled him inside.


    As he officially crossed the threshold, he felt inexplicably nervous.


    "Young master, did you damage my dragon bone carriage?"


    "..."


    As soon as they returned,


    a maid approached them, her tone was respectful indeed, but it also carried real reproach.


    "I just touched it!"


    Sun Buqi argued, "Your thing was already broken, don''t put the blame on me."


    "Young master, you must fix it for me, it took a month to craft it myself."


    The maid dragged Sun Buqi toward the side yard, not forgetting to bow before leaving.


    "..." S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "General Fang!"


    "Have met Mr. Chen!"


    "..."


    Similar situations continued to occur.


    The servants in Governor Mansion observed the rules, yet they did not show any signs of oppression, giving off the vibe of nannies rather than slaves.


    Passing by a courtyard, they even heard the sound of reading aloud.


    "The mansion has a private school."


    Fang Qingyun explained, "Both maids and family servants can study here. If they pass the assessments held by the mansion, they can shed their lowly status and take part in the imperial examinations; practicing Martial Arts is also an option, as there are specialized instructors here."


    "But it stopped a few years ago because doing so led the Capital City to suspect that they were nurturing insiders to infiltrate the court."


    "Even if they learn and practice Martial Arts, they can''t shed their lowly status; it all depends on their personal interest."


    "Why aren''t you saying anything, junior fellow apprentice?"


    "Is it that you find it unbelievable? This doesn''t match the descriptions in the saint books about strict hierarchical distinctions where everyone knows their place, from the ruler to the ruled."


    "Hmm."


    Chen Sansi nodded slightly, "It is surprising."


    But what surprised him was that such a scene should not exist in this world.


    "It seems, you aren''t too shocked either?"


    Fang Qingyun was somewhat taken aback.


    He didn''t dwell on it, but instead explained, "Master, being born a slave, nearly died from beating for being insubordinate. Fortunately, the current Emperor redeemed him and gave him the opportunity to learn Martial Arts, allowing him to climb to where he is today."


    "But he has never been happy."


    "Especially as he aged and rose in ranks, he saw more and realized the unhappiness increased, but he couldn''t pinpoint the problem or know how to solve it."


    "Later, Master encountered an Immortal who enlightened him, leading him to transform the mansion in this way. Indeed, since then he has felt much more at ease."


    "An Immortal?"


    Chen Sansi caught the essential word; "Does an Immortal truly exist in this world, and Governor¡­ has Master really met one?"

 Chapter 175 - 133 Teaching Spells_4

    "Perhaps he is an Immortal, at least that is how Master used to call him,"


    Fang Qingyun recalled, his tone filled with admiration, "Mr. Mei appeared three times in Master''s life, in his youth, middle age, and old age, every time he would help Master see through some confusion."


    "Although he didn''t offer any help or boost in cultivation."


    "But the improvements he brought to one''s mental state were immense."


    "Master said that without Mr. Mei, he couldn''t have persisted to this day."


    "If I have the chance, I also wish to meet Mr. Mei in person."


    "Did not help to improve cultivation..."


    Chen Sansi asked curiously, "Then how do you determine that he is an Immortal?"


    He sounded like he did not believe the man was an Immortal, but rather like a learned monk capable of resolving mental doubts.


    "Immortal youth."


    Fang Qingyun emphasized, "In his twilight years, Master has seen many people pass away, yet every time he met Mr. Mei, he always looked as if he hadn''t aged."


    "So there really are Immortals..."


    Chen Sansi pondered.


    It seemed that the old Emperor''s encounter with an Immortal was probably true as well.


    "Junior brother."


    A cold female voice rang out, interrupting Chen Sansi''s thoughts. He looked up and saw Sun Li, dressed in a white gauzy pink skirt, greeting him and even slightly bowing, almost making him fail to recognize her.


    "Senior sister, I don''t deserve your courtesy."


    Chen Sansi was flustered.


    He never expected Sun Li to have this side to her, a proper lady, entirely different from her usual self outside.


    That''s right.


    Originally, Sister Lan had told him how she worried about scars and even cried over them.


    At heart, she was still a woman.


    "She, your junior sister, started practicing Martial Arts just last year; she barely went out before, let alone fought in wars,"


    Fang Qingyun said, "The path of Martial Arts is fraught with anxiety and pain, everyone felt sorry for her, at first no one was willing to teach her, but then she pestered me every day, and with no other choice, I started teaching her the sword."


    He suddenly seemed to become a different person, so different from his usual composed demeanor, he emphasized:


    "Junior brother, don''t look down on me now that I''m crippled; when I was young, your senior brother was the top genius of the Eight Camps, even the boss was no match for me."


    "That''s for sure, it is evident,"


    Chen Sansi knew in his heart.


    Otherwise, how could he, now crippled, still serve as a Main General, with his subordinates utterly loyal to him?


    "We''ve arrived!"


    Passing through an archway and following a cobblestone path to the end, they arrived at a vast lake that seemed to have no boundaries.


    Sun Xiangzong was sitting on a rock, holding a fishing rod.


    "Master!"


    Chen Sansi corrected himself, "Your disciple pays his respects to Master."


    "Keep it down."


    Sun Xiangzong emphasized, and after propping up the fishing rod, he gestured for them to come to the pavilion nearby.


    On the stone table in the center, there was a mountainous pile of books.


    Chen Sansi glanced briefly and saw that they all appeared to be secret skill books of various types.


    Quick on the uptake, he stepped ahead of the Supervisor to pour the tea, "Master, please have some tea."


    Out of both sentiment and principle, pouring tea was the right thing to do.


    Ignoring the fact that he was a Master, he also had saved his life.


    "Mm."


    Sun Xiangzong looked at the purple clay tea pot, and seemingly nonchalantly asked, "I heard you and your lawful wife have a very good relationship?"


    "Very good,"


    Chen Sansi replied truthfully.


    "Is that so?"


    Sun Xiangzong raised an eyebrow, "I was thinking of finding you a suitable young lady who could help you with your future prospects, suggesting you change your lawful wife to a concubine."


    "Thank you for your kindness, Master, but I do not need it,"


    Chen Sansi said with a salute, "My wife has been with me since the days I couldn''t afford food, if I were to cast her aside now that I have achieved a little success, wouldn''t I be ungrateful and heartless?"


    As he spoke, he slowly realized something was amiss; why did they start with this topic?


    "Good, good,"


    Sun Xiangzong held his teacup, his face expressionless, then abruptly changed the subject, "Did the people from Seeking Immortal Tower look for you?"


    "Indeed, they even arranged to meet me at the Red Sleeve Tower,"


    Chen Sansi had been meaning to ask, "I''m not sure how Master dealt with them."


    "Let them go,"


    Fang Qingyun took the conversation, "Junior brother, if you want to see them, you can visit Red Sleeve Tower; they won''t hurt you, and they might even provide you with some benefits."


    "Good,"


    Chen Sansi noted it down.


    "Let''s talk business now,"


    Sun Xiangzong took a couple of sips of tea, "Child, tell me, why did you beg me to take you as a disciple?"


    "Initially, it was to avoid being bullied,"


    Chen Sansi replied without hesitation, "Now, I want to go further along the path of Martial Arts. There''s a rumor that Master has the Immortal Law, and if I have the opportunity, I would like to learn it too."


    Sun Xiangzong and Fang Qingyun exchanged a glance and simultaneously began to laugh.


    "Good lad, quite straightforward!"


    "Not like some people, whose hearts clearly want benefits while their mouths spout only about righteousness, I get so annoyed listening to them. If you want to learn something, just say it, what''s the point of beating around the bush?"


    Sun Xiangzong then asked, "So I ask you, if one day you really reach great heights, what will you do?"


    "I don''t know,"


    Chen Sansi said candidly, "I haven''t thought about it."


    "Haven''t thought about it, yes, when I was your age, I hadn''t thought about it either, that''s a tough question for you,"


    Sun Xiangzong asked further, "What do you think is your biggest flaw?"


    "I..."


    Chen Sansi pondered, "Amorous, I guess." S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "..."


    The hand holding the teacup belonging to Sun Xiangzong shook slightly.


    "Master,"


    Fang Qingyun began explaining, "It''s quite normal for a young man to have strong desires. After all, a fair lady is a gentleman''s good match; when I was young, wasn''t I dashing and romantic, and didn''t I also cause trouble for you, Master?"


    "Shut up. When was I like that in my youth, when I focused solely on Martial Arts and steered clear of women?"


    Sun Xiangzong glared at them, "Correct it, being amorous is indeed a big problem!"

 Chapter 176 - 133 Teaching Spells_5

    "Master''s teachings are correct."


    Chen Sansi felt somewhat embarrassed.


    "Alright, that which you wish to learn, your master shall teach you,"


    Sun Xiangzong spoke seriously, "However, the Immortal Path is an extremely lengthy process. You should first concentrate on polishing your Martial Arts. I will give you three years. After you have reached the level of Martial Saint, I will naturally lead you onto the path."


    "Three years?"


    Chen Sansi pondered, "Master, isn''t that a bit too hasty?"


    "You have only this much time. If it really doesn''t work out, we''ll speak of it when the time comes."


    Sun Xiangzong pointed to the mountain of volumes on the table: "These are what you''ll practice next, including the Hua Jing Spear Skill. Once you have practised them all, come to me for the subsequent cultivation techniques."


    "Practice them all?"


    Chen Sansi estimated there were over a hundred volumes; even the same weapon had several different cultivation techniques.


    "They will be useful for you in the future."


    Sun Xiangzong said, "Surely you do not need this old man to teach you Pile Work step by step?"


    "That should not be necessary."


    Chen Sansi looked at the cultivation techniques, feeling immense pressure.


    "Master."


    Fang Qingyun sent a look, seemingly asking something.


    "I haven''t forgotten."


    Sun Xiangzong placed his hand on his closed-door disciple.


    Chen Sansi''s whole body jolted; it didn''t hurt, but he couldn''t move at all.


    He watched as a wisp of Qingxuan Energy traveled along his master''s arm into his body, circled around, and then vanished without a trace.


    "Huh?"


    Sun Xiangzong was slightly surprised and pleased, "The fourth one, he''s actually quite capable, just like you."


    "Congratulations, little brother,"


    Fang Qingyun smiled, "Like this, you have two paths to follow."


    "Two paths?"


    Chen Sansi was perplexed, "Master, what exactly do they refer to?"


    "The other path is the one taken by His Majesty. The magic skills are in his hands; he wouldn''t freely give them to others. Even the Crown Prince has not seen them, so you needn''t even think about it."


    Sun Xiangzong waved his hand, "However, there is a Small Immortal Technique you can try practicing."


    "Immortal Technique?"


    Chen Sansi couldn''t hide his anticipation.


    Fang Qingyun pulled out a yellowed, damaged scroll along with a volume from his bosom.


    "Your fourth senior brother ended up like this fighting over these things."


    Sun Xiangzong added, "Don''t get too excited, though. On one hand, it''s very difficult to practice; on the other hand, the things you need for it, I no longer have in my possession."


    Chen Sansi recalled Wang Zhi mentioning it.


    That year Fang Qingyun disappeared, and when he returned, his legs were paralyzed, and his cultivation was gone; was it because he was searching for treasure?


    He took the volume and the damaged scroll. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The writing on the damaged scroll was exotic and strange, like talisman painting, completely incomprehensible.


    The other volume seemed to be a dictionary for translating the mysterious script, seemingly handwritten by Fang Qingyun himself.


    Upon comparison,


    The damaged scroll contained...


    Spell!


    This was actually a spell!


    Once mastered, it could kill with a snap of the fingers!


    "How do I explain it to you?"


    Fang Qingyun held his forehead, "Practicing ''Immortal Technique'' requires a specific resource, which you can think of as ''treasure medicine''. Without it, it''s absolutely impossible to succeed."


    It''s about qi, isn''t it?


    Chen Sansi silently thought to himself.


    Neither his master nor his senior brother knew he possessed the Qi Observation Skill, nor could he explain it himself.


    But it''s likely about the Qingxuan Energy inside his master!


    "Three years, then,"


    Sun Xiangzong spoke pensively, "Within three years, I will find you the resources. Before then, you try your best. If you succeed, it''s good; if not, it doesn''t matter. As for the people from Seeking Immortal Tower, you can meet with them; they might have some."


    Within three years, does he mean to find Qingxuan Energy?


    Chen Sansi gave a salute, "Thank you, Master!"


    "Little junior brother, you can only read it here; you are not allowed to take it away,"


    Fang Qingyun said seriously.


    "Alright."


    Chen Sansi sat down in the pavilion and began to read earnestly.


    He finally understood.


    What Qingxuan Energy was.


    Spiritual Energy!


    Whether practicing the Immortal Path or spells, Spiritual Energy is an indispensable source of power.


    But for some reason, there was none in this world.


    At least Chen Sansi hadn''t found any so far.


    And the full name of this technique was simply and crudely called "Sword Qi Technique", absorbing Spiritual Energy through the meridians and releasing it in a special way to transform it into an attack.


    It was also mentioned above.


    This was the lowest level of spell in the Immortal Path; hence, even without formally starting the practice of Immortal Law, ordinary people could also practice it as long as their physique allowed.


    Since he had been given the material, it indicated that his physique was suitable.


    Chen Sansi was engrossed in reading. By afternoon, he finally understood the content, making sure to remember it all without any errors; then he sat cross-legged and began trying to practice the Sword Qi Technique.


    In an instant, it was as though a switch inside of him had been flipped, as if some foundation was connecting his meridians, beginning to draw Qingxuan Energy from the world around him.


    Meridians!


    Spiritual Grain was also absorbed through the meridians!


    Everything was connected!


    Unfortunately,


    Spiritual Grain did not contain Qingxuan Energy.


    Neither did the world possess a hint of Spiritual Energy.


    Chen Sansi practiced according to the methods recorded on the damaged scroll; chaotic and mixed energies formed whirlpools around his body, yet he failed to draw them inside. After a while, the meridians in his body started to hurt as if burned by fire, and he hurriedly stopped.


    His initial intention was just to record the method of cultivation.


    As recorded, without Qingxuan Energy, success was impossible.


    "Senior brother, I return these to you."


    Chen Sansi passed back the damaged scroll with both hands.


    "Have you finished reading?"


    Fang Qingyun put away the items and reminded him, "Until now, only you, master, and I know about this. The other senior brothers, including sister and brother Bu Qi, are not aware."

 Chapter 177 - 133 Teaching Spells_6

    "So, you must not reveal even half a word to anyone, otherwise it could bring fatal trouble upon yourself. Not even the master can protect you all the time. Do you understand?"


    "Senior Brother, rest assured, I remember."


    Chen Sansi turned his head and realized that the master had already gone back to fishing by the lake.


    He clasped his fists and said aloud, "Thank you, Master, for your teachings. After I return, I will diligently practice and strive to achieve something as soon as possible."


    "You rascal!"


    Sun Xiangzong was angry, his voice suppressed as he scolded, "You scared away my fish, now scram!"


    "I''m sorry, Master..."


    Chen Sansi quickly fell silent.


    "You may go."


    Fang Qingyun said, "Today you have officially become a disciple, and all the other senior brothers are waiting at the Danggui Courtyard to celebrate for you. Soon everyone will go their separate ways, and who knows when we will meet again. You better hurry."


    "Okay."


    Chen Sansi packed hundreds of secret manuals into a bundle he had prepared in advance and carried it on his back. After bowing deeply again, he turned and left.


    Fang Qingyun, struggling, pushed his wheelchair to the lakeside: "Master, have you really given all your secrets to the junior brother all at once, without further observation, aren''t you afraid of any mishap occurring?"


    "Distrust not those employed, suspect not those who use. I wage war this way, and I teach my disciples the same!"


    Sun Xiangzong said solemnly, "Besides, where is there so much time? A man who risks his life to help the common people cross the river first¡ªhow bad could he possibly turn out in the future?


    "Hmm."


    Fang Qingyun reminisced about the junior brother''s attitude towards the treatment of the servants in the mansion: "The junior brother''s character is indeed good; previously, he almost jumped in protest at seeing how we treated the servants, saying that the rites were collapsing."


    "Nonsense!"


    Sun Xiangzong unexpectedly flew into a rage, "A lecher, he admitted it himself! How can I rest assured in entrusting my daughter to him, let alone, he already has a wife! My daughter of Sun Xiangzong, is she supposed to become a concubine for someone else?"


    "Master, your words are incorrect."


    Fang Qingyun countered, "Should the junior brother agree to kick his wife to the curb in time of adversity before you really reconsider and scrutinize his character?" sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Ah~"


    Sun Xiangzong sighed, "That Gu Xinlan, have you checked on her?"


    "I have, but haven''t cleared everything yet."


    Fang Qingyun said, "One thing is certain, she is definitely not a descendant of criminals. If it really relates to that major incident in the Capital City from years ago, perhaps her status might even be more distinguished than the junior sister''s, making her more than qualified to occupy the position of the principal wife..."


    "So, what do you suggest?"


    Sun Xiangzong said, "I only have this one daughter, and unfortunately, many people are just eyeing the connection with me!"


    "The most important thing about this matter is actually up to the junior sister''s own will."


    "What did she say?"


    "I''ve inquired about it indirectly, and the junior sister doesn''t dislike it. Plus, she often visits the junior brother''s house and even doesn''t mind taking care of the children..."


    "Unfilial! None of my children or disciples are filial, nor are you!"


    "Me?"


    Fang Qingyun unhappily said, "Master, please don''t wrong me."


    "Silence for now."


    Sun Xiangzong''s expression tightened, and he hurriedly raised his fishing rod, only to pull up a clump of seaweed, which only added to his irritation.


    "It''s all your fault!


    "And that Chen boy, with all his noise, you''ve scared off my fish too!"


    "Old Four, if you don''t find me a good spot with a catch today, I... Old Four, where are you running off to!"


    "Squeak, squeak."


    There, Fang Qingyun was seen pushing his wheelchair away swiftly, disappearing from view in the blink of an eye.


    ...


    "Greetings, senior brothers and sisters!"


    In the side room of Danggui Courtyard, a full table of banquet had already been prepared.


    Old Two, Old Five, Old Qi, as well as Ninth Junior Sister were all present.


    "Oh, my little junior brother, your senior sister missed you dearly~"


    Rong Yanqiu came up and affectionately wrapped her arms around him.


    "Senior sister..."


    Chen Sansi couldn''t escape and was pressed to sit next to her, acknowledged each of his senior brothers one by one, and shared a drink with each.


    "Enough~"


    Rong Yanqiu''s hand was wrapped around Chen Sansi''s neck, "You several as senior brothers, aren''t you going to bring out the greeting gifts? Old Two, you start!"


    "Hehe~"


    The chubby-looking Old Two stepped forward, pulling out a silver note from his bosom, "I thought hard about what to give, but I finally decided that silver is the most practical."


    "Only five hundred taels? Old Two, can you be any stingier!"


    Meng Guangxin scolded, "And giving silver is just too commonplace, my gift carries more meaning."


    He said, taking out a wooden fish from beside his seat.


    "Junior brother, this is a wooden fish I personally crafted. Strike it once, and you''ll accumulate a bit of merit!"


    Chen Sansi did not decline, "Thank you, both of my senior brothers, it would be disrespectful not to accept, so I''ll gladly take it."


    "You two, can''t you give something useful!"


    Rong Yanqiu rolled her eyes at them, stood up, went to the next room, and brought back a set of armor, which seemed to be Lock Armor, but the color was much darker, nearly black, clearly of a different material.


    "Armor made from dark steel."


    Old Two Cheng Wei clicked his tongue, "Ninth Junior Sister, this must cost several thousand taels of silver, right?"


    "Who''s like you guys, always scrimping and saving."


    Rong Yanqiu looked over, "Little junior brother, do you like it?"


    "Old Qi, what about you?"


    Meng Guangxin shouted, "Up to now you haven''t made a peep, don''t tell me you''ve prepared nothing."


    Ye Fengxiu frowned slightly and did not respond, just looked towards the corner where there was a long, cloth-wrapped object.


    "What is this?"


    Meng Guangxin ran over, grabbed it, and after tearing off the cloth, a brand new Silver Spear came into view.


    The spear was over a zhang long, the spearhead one chi three cun, the blade three cun, made of stainless steel and dark steel infused with gold, and just by looking one could tell it was exceptionally sharp.


    "This must also be seven or eight thousand taels of silver, right?"


    Ye Fengxiu snatched it back, threw it to his junior brother, "Try it to see if it feels right. I didn''t have time to order a custom one, I bought this from a master spear-forging artisan, named ''Five Tigers Soul-breaking Spear''."


    "Thank you to all my senior brothers and sisters for your gifts, I am immensely grateful!"


    Chen Sansi thanked them again.


    "What about the first and third seniors?"


    Old Two Cheng Wei spoke up, "Aren''t they coming?"


    Meng Guangxin disdainfully said, "Let them be, who wants to see them anyway, just seeing him annoys me."


    "Old Five, I am still your eldest senior brother after all."


    A powerful voice sounded.


    A figure like a mountain appeared.

 Chapter 178 - 135: Ciyun Immortal Trace, Xuanding Alchemy!

    Due to his exceptionally tall stature, L¨¹ Ji barely squeezed into the room sideways.


    Following him was a man Chen Sansi had never seen before.


    It must be the third senior brother.


    "First senior brother, third senior brother."


    Chen Sansi got up to greet them.


    "Junior brother, the gathering was so sudden, and I didn''t have time to prepare anything,"


    L¨¹ Ji took down the case from his back.


    The case was enormous, but it seemed delicately small compared to his size.


    Upon opening it, there was a Big Bow inside.


    The bow, however, wasn''t made of wood but of iron core, forged from mysterious iron, and was quite valuable.


    "I heard junior brother likes archery, so I got an Iron Core Bow,"


    L¨¹ Ji apologized, "But due to the rush, I couldn''t get a bowstring. If you find a suitable bowstring, this bow is a Hundred-stone Bow, I hope junior brother won''t mind."


    "I got some arrows,"


    The third senior brother Nie Yuan took out an Arrow Bag, "The arrowheads are made of mysterious iron, a bit inferior, but if you need anything else, just let me know, and I''ll get it for you."


    "How could I not appreciate such precious gifts from you two senior brothers?"


    Chen Sansi, maintaining his manners, invited them to sit down.


    "That''s more like it!"


    Meng Guangxin said contentedly, "Big brother, you''ve become more and more unreasonable over the years."


    Old Qi Ye Fengxiu remained silent.


    "Hey, monk, how can you talk to the first senior brother like that?"


    Rong Yanqiu spoke sarcastically, "After all, our big brother has been to the Capital City, he might have clung to some powerful thighs. He''s the only one among us who has become a Marquis, a noble indeed~"


    There were only a few Marquis titled by the court over these years.


    One of them was Duke Wuding, L¨¹ Ji.


    "Hah! Whose powerful thigh could it be, if not the Cao Family''s?"


    Meng Guangxin played along, "Perhaps he even sold the bridge to the Cao Family, otherwise how would they have made him a Marquis?"


    "Old Five, Old Nine!"


    The third senior brother Nie Yuan spoke sharply, "The first senior brother has his difficulties, you..."


    "Difficulties?"


    Rong Yanqiu cut in, "What difficulties could he have, taking over the position sooner?"


    Meng Guangxin grumbled, "Exactly, if number four hadn''t been invalidated, you wouldn''t have the chance to strut about here every day!"


    Despite their bickering, L¨¹ Ji did not retort even once, instead he just picked up the wine jar he had brought and filled the cups in front of him.


    "All right, all right."


    Old Two Cheng Wei tried to mediate, "We rarely gather together, why quarrel? The first senior brother didn''t do these things secretly, even our master didn''t say anything."


    Chen Sansi had previously sensed through Sun Buqi''s words that he was unsatisfied with the first senior brother.


    Now it seemed, he wasn''t alone.


    From their comments, it appeared that they resented him because L¨¹ Ji was quite close to the Cao Family Members, possibly having a share in divesting power from the Supervisor in the past.


    Previously, Cao Fan was familiar with the Unity Spear Technique...


    I wonder if that had anything to do with the first senior brother.


    But such issues, debated openly, wouldn''t be useful and would only make things awkward for himself as a new junior.


    "Senior brothers and sisters, we''re all family here, is there anything we can''t solve?"


    Chen Sansi stood up and said, "Let me toast all of you first, bottoms up!" S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The strong spirit burned through the body.


    This was no ordinary liquor, brewed by a special method, potent enough to intoxicate even a Martial Artist.


    "Yes, exactly."


    Cheng Wei agreed, "No matter what, he is our first senior brother, I''ll finish mine too."


    "Junior brother can really hold his liquor!"


    L¨¹ Ji stood up and likewise drained his cup, "Today is the junior brother''s entry-level banquet, whatever grievances you''ve held against me all these years, let''s save them for later."


    "Tsk, junior brother, don''t be fooled, he may look burly, but he''s actually quite scheming."


    Rong Yanqiu disdainfully said, "But for today, for junior brother''s sake, I can''t be bothered to argue with you."


    "Amitabha, may Buddha redeem you soon."


    Meng Guangxin cursed as he drank.


    This brought an end to their arguments.


    Yet, the atmosphere at the table was still not harmonious, merely consisting of Chen Sansi pouring and everyone silently knocking back their drinks.


    Only after the third round did the senior brothers begin to murmur incessantly.


    "So bitter, so bitter..."


    "This battle is so dull!"


    "Over these years, how many of our brothers and senior brothers have died, and the Cao Family just discards us after use."


    "Exactly, they nearly transferred me to the Southern region, following that damn Prince Zhen Nan, isn''t it obvious they wanted to divide and conquer?"


    "Thankfully, our master used the excuse of subduing barbarians to temporarily stabilize the situation."


    "How many more of our brothers are we expected to sacrifice for the Cao Family''s benefits?"


    "Once the barbarians are defeated, it''ll still be ''when the birds are gone, the good bow is put away; once the cunning rabbit dies, the loyal dogs will be cooked!''"


    Only the master understands the higher cause, what do you guys know..."


    "..."


    This liquor was potent, several jars down, and it knocked out all the Main Generals.


    Only Chen Sansi, L¨¹ Ji, and the third senior brother Nie Yuan were still seated.


    "You must be laughing at us."


    L¨¹ Ji put down his wine bowl, self-mockingly said, "Here I am, the eldest, and on our first official meeting, I get scolded by junior brothers and sisters, truly embarrassing.


    "Do you also hold the same opinions as them about me?"


    "How could I disrespect my first senior brother."


    Chen Sansi replied calmly.


    "You must have some thoughts though. Junior brother, do you understand what responsibility means?"


    L¨¹ Ji, looking at the moonlight outside the window, said sadly, "At the age of eight, my hometown went through a war, and my family all died. The master extended his hand and asked if I wanted to follow him, I nodded, and in the blink of an eye, more than thirty years have passed."

 Chapter 179 - 135: Merciful Cloud Immortal Trace, Mysterious Cauldron Alchemy!_2

    "So, I grew up following my master since childhood, even before the eldest young master, I was already with the Sun Family."


    "I truly considered my master as my father."


    "But master grew old..."


    "After that, as the eldest disciple, the eldest brother, I must take on the heavy responsibilities of the Sun Family, so there are some things I have to do."


    "What the eldest brother said is true."


    Chen Sansi, uninformed of the full picture, didn''t need to make judgements, more talk led to more errors, it was better just to listen.


    L¨¹ Ji personally poured him wine, then turned to ask, "Junior brother, do you know that you are his closed-door disciple?"


    Chen Sansi replied, "It''s an immense honor."


    "At his age, he still insists on taking one more disciple, surely..."


    L¨¹ Ji, while picking up some dishes, seemed to ask casually, "Is there some secret technique he wants to pass on?"


    The moment when the design is revealed!


    After a long preamble, talking of hardships and sharing feelings.


    This statement was probably the real purpose.


    Chen Sansi found something very strange.


    The master and the fourth senior brother had instructed that matters regarding the Immortal Law must absolutely not be divulged to a fourth person, naturally including L¨¹ Ji.


    But if the eldest brother really was the master''s disciple, indeed no different from his own son, why had he not passed on the Magic Skill for over thirty years? What was the reason?


    "He taught me a lot."


    Chen Sansi pointed to a bundle placed on a chair by the wall, "Over a hundred secret manuals, each of immense value!"


    "Oh?"


    L¨¹ Ji looked at the bundle, then at him, sipping his wine without speaking.


    "Eldest brother, could you take a look for me?"


    Chen Sansi offered, "Eldest brother, being in the Martial Saint Realm, can surely give some guidance to this junior brother."


    "Good, good, since the junior brother says so, this senior brother naturally cannot keep secrets."


    L¨¹ Ji set down his wine bowl, indeed began to open the bundle and look through it, but as time passed, the disappointment in his eyes increasingly intensified, and finally, he took a deep breath, "Junior brother, this set of boxing techniques, your senior brother has also practiced, the key to it is..."


    He consecutively shared insights into the principles of more than a dozen Cultivation Techniques.


    Chen Sansi clasped his fists, "Thank you for the guidance, senior brother."


    "Hmm."


    L¨¹ Ji slowly put down the booklet, "I still have military duties to attend to, I won''t stay long, I hope for your understanding."


    After he finished speaking, he squeezed his way out the door.


    "Junior brother, until next time."


    The third Senior Brother Nie Yuan also hurried to follow.


    After walking a distance, he finally spoke, "Eldest brother, how did it go?"


    "Nothing at all."


    L¨¹ Ji shook his head, "Those techniques, as long as you are a True Disciple, you can all practice."


    "Could it be..."


    Nie Yuan pondered, "Master taking a closed-door disciple was just a decoy, he actually had no intention of passing on the Immortal Law?"


    "It''s also possible he has just entered."


    L¨¹ Ji, striding vigorously, "Who passes on core secret techniques on the first day of entry, let''s wait and see."


    "Then eldest brother, do you need me to keep an eye on him for you, maybe it''s hidden somewhere?"


    "Hmm."


    ...


    "Truly, one must guard against others."


    Chen Sansi sat down again.


    It seemed very likely that the Unity Spear Technique had been leaked by the eldest brother.


    "Little junior brother~"


    While he was contemplating, suddenly a fragrant breeze rushed at him, "Take me home." sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Senior sister, let me call a maid for you."


    Chen Sansi hurriedly brushed off the other''s wandering hands, then gathered his things to leave the room.


    "Junior brother, don''t mind it."


    Fang Qingyun sat in a wheelchair, watching the moon as he waited, "Ninth Junior Sister was just teasing you, she''s always like that."


    "I know."


    Chen Sansi casually remarked, "I didn''t realize that senior brothers and sisters are all so young."


    Roughly estimating, Sun Xiangzong was also over ninety years old, but the oldest of his disciples, including L¨¹ Ji, was only around forty.


    "It''s because the master started taking disciples late."


    Fang Qingyun explained, "The Eight Camps initially were recruited by the master and his seniors together, later as the seniors died, it turned to brothers, after the brothers it turned to juniors, and only at an age of sixty did he start selecting Selected Point to take disciples."


    "Including Bu Qi as well."


    "Master spent the first half of his life obsessed with Martial Arts, building achievements, and only after turning sixty did he think of continuing the family line, leaving behind five children, from which only Bu Qi and Sun Li remain."


    "He only married at sixty?"


    Chen Sansi found it unimaginable.


    Martial arts practitioners were strong and healthy; this age was not problematic, but could one really abstain for the first sixty years?


    A tough person, no wonder he achieved so much.


    "I''m here waiting for you to tell you, in two days, I will start a journey to the capital with master."


    Fang Qingyun didn''t wait for the other to ask, continuing to explain, "Expanding the army is a major matter, just a petition won''t suffice, Master and I must personally go to the capital to meet the Emperor, to convince His Majesty to agree."


    Chen Sansi understood.


    Expanding the military force to one hundred fifty thousand was a terrifying figure, naturally not a trifling matter, and even the Emperor alone couldn''t decide, it required discussions on multiple fronts to finalize.


    "Old Two, Old Five, and Old Qi, they all have to return to their respective stations."


    Fang Qingyun stated, "Old One and Old Three will be in Liangzhou, but... Ninth Sister will also stay to keep you company for a while, she can be trusted, if you need any help with anything, feel free to seek her."


    "When will you guys return?"


    "Half a year, a year? It might even be longer, we will come back when our business is finished."


    Fang Qingyun estimated, "There are still troubles with the Witch God Sect in the city, you must be very careful."


    "The Witch God Sect..."


    Chen Sansi had been wanting to ask, "Senior brother, can we really not find where this group is hiding?"


    "It''s bizarre."


    Fang Qingyun shook his head, "The City Guard Army will continue the investigation, and your Reserve Camp will also be involved, whoever can track down the whereabouts of the Witch God Sect will be credited with a great meritorious deed."


    "Then brother, until next time."


    p>"Until next time."


    Chen Sansi clasped his fists in farewell, carrying his large and small bags, and left the Governor Mansion.


    By the time he got home, it was already Midnight.

 Chapter 180 - 135: Merciful Cloud Immortal Trace, Mysterious Cauldron Alchemy!_3

    "Master."


    Si Qin was lighting lamps in the study, attending to sundry matters.


    Chen Sansi laid out all his gains on the ground.


    Mystic Iron Armor.


    Its utility in future battles need not be elaborated upon.


    Five Tigers Soul-breaking Spear.


    Chen Sansi examined it carefully; though it wasn''t as high-quality as the Zhenyue Sword, it was definitely a top-notch weapon that conducted force excellently. He figured he wouldn''t have to worry about finding a better weapon before reaching the Profound Image Realm unless he stumbled upon something superior.


    As for the Iron Core Bow, it was also good, but it lacked a string.


    That would have to wait for another day.


    He still hoped to apply his strength in archery, inflicting lethal damage on High Realm Martial Artists; otherwise, his impeccable archery would be a waste.


    The Hua Jing Technique his master had given him, named "National Guardian Dragon Spear," was an exquisite spear technique the old man had personally refined, notable for producing a powerful yet sustained force when practiced.


    But that was something for later.


    The pressing matter was to enter seclusion and break through to Refining Internal Organs Perfection; otherwise, he would really fall far behind the other Inner Sect Disciples.


    "Seclusion!"


    The next day, after reporting in, Chen Sansi took a long leave with Ji''s approval. He left all training responsibilities in the hands of Xu Wencai and Wang Zhi and entered a state of seclusion.


    In the blink of an eye, nearly a month had passed.


    With the support of treasure medicine and Spiritual Grain, his proficiency kept climbing, and he practiced the Unity Spear Technique to its limits.


    Blood Explosion!


    As the name implies, it was a berserk state. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    In this state, Martial Artists could squeeze Qi-Blood from their internal organs, sending their bodies into an overloaded state for a short time, even largely ignoring injuries to maximize their overall strength.


    Those who could maintain this berserk state longer naturally held more strength in actual combat.


    However, due to the immense energy consumption, most Martial Artists could maintain it for about ten rounds, the more talented for roughly thirty, geniuses for about forty, and Cao Fan for around fifty rounds.


    Therefore, the Blood Explosion State was primarily reserved for life-or-death situations.


    Chen Sansi danced wildly with the Five Tigers Soul-breaking Spear in hand, feeling the blood of the dragon and elephant within him surge to its peak until suddenly, everything came to a stop.


    The blood in his body abruptly ceased flowing, becoming as still as dead water without a struggle!


    An indescribable agony swept over him.


    This was...


    The feeling of death!


    Everything went pitch black before Chen Sansi''s eyes. He felt light as a feather, nearly losing consciousness. But armed with muscle memory, he continued to practice the Unity Spear Technique until the moment before he fell into a deep sleep, when his blood was reactivated and started to flow backward, slowly at first. After a cycle of silence, it burst forth with even more vigorous vitality!


    If his previous Blood Movement State was like the rapid Hongze River water, then now, it was like a cataclysmic tidal wave, a destructive force coursing through his entire body. When executed through the spear technique, the enhancement to his combat power was more than just a level!


    [Cultivation Technique: Unity Spear Technique (Great Success)]


    [Progress: None]


    [Utility: ..., Mysterious Phenomenon Five Organs]


    [Mysterious Phenomenon Five Organs: Qilin Heart, Divine Beast Four Organs, united as one, endless and ever-flowing.]


    Endless and ever-flowing!


    The consumption from a Blood Explosion was extremely terrifying.


    But at this moment, Chen Sansi could distinctly feel that as his Qi-Blood was rapidly depleted, his internal organs were constantly supplying recovery, significantly extending the duration of the Blood Explosion State.


    As for how long he could maintain it.


    No matter how much he practiced, he did not feel any signs of Qi-Blood exhaustion.


    A hundred rounds, two hundred rounds, or even longer?


    That could only be determined in actual combat.


    But at the very least, it was three to four times that of a genius like Cao Fan!


    Back at the arena, Chen Sansi had won by draining the enemy''s Qi-Blood.


    If his opponent had possessed the same robust amount of Qi-Blood as himself, they would have likely been invincible.


    This indicated the importance of endurance.


    "At last, Refining Internal Organs Perfection!"


    Chen Sansi didn''t pause for a moment, spending two more days learning the Pile Work of the National Guardian Dragon Spear, working his way through the levels.


    [Cultivation Technique: National Guardian Dragon Spear, Hua Jin (Entry-level)]


    [Progress: 5/100]


    [Utility: None at present]


    The next target, Hua Jin.


    Only after reaching the Hua Jin realm did one qualify as having the strength of a Thousand Captain of an elite troop.


    Only...


    After two days of practice, he clearly felt that his progression''s speed had significantly slowed; if things continued this way, he wouldn''t achieve Hua Jin in less than two months.


    Too slow!


    After all, his master had set a goal for him to break through to Martial Saint in three years, but at this rate, it might take at least seven or eight years to even approach the threshold.


    Breaking through to Martial Saint Realm within ten years of practice would seem ludicrously exaggerated to anyone.


    But Chen Sansi was still not satisfied.


    In a world rife with danger, he couldn''t sleep without enough strength at his side.


    Ever since the Seeking Immortal Tower sent someone over, Chen Sansi had to sleep with one ear open. Even the passage of a mouse could wake him, although no one came to offend him again.


    "It seems I need to advance the experiment with the Mystical Weapon Furnace," he mused.


    "My home won''t do; I need to find a spot in the mountains."


    "But lately, there''s been a new trouble..."


    Chen Sansi spent most of his time practicing Martial Arts, but as soon as he stepped outside, he was followed, preventing him from moving freely.


    Fortunately, he had an idea in mind.


    Once he figured out how to solve this issue, he laid down his long spear and went to the dining room.


    Though Gu Xinlan was only a little over a month pregnant and her belly wasn''t showing much, she often felt very tired and suffered from frequent morning sickness. These symptoms could not be treated; she just had to endure.

 Chapter 181 - 135: Merciful Cloud Immortal Trace, Mysterious Cauldron Alchemy!_4

    After dinner,


    Chen Sansi put on his Mystic Iron Armor and headed to the military camp to report for duty.


    Having taken leave for over a month as soon as he took the post, it was inappropriate to be absent any longer.


    His master and his fourth senior brother had left Liangzhou City a long time ago, and the other brothers from the Eight Camps had also left one after another. Now, Liangzhou was managed by the joint efforts of Pei Tiannan, Mr. Hou, and Lu Ji.


    In this one month,


    Chen Sansi''s subordinates also made progress.


    Zhu Tong, Wang Li, Xu Bin, Wu Da and others had broken through to the Bone Forger Realm thanks to the supplemental medicine provided by the Eight Camps. Among them, Wu Da, with the elevation of his realm, gradually revealed an extraordinary aptitude, and in the future he would have the opportunity to achieve Meridian Passage or even higher.


    As for Refining Internal, there were Feng Yong and Zhao Kang.


    They both had been in the Bone Training for over ten years, had enlightenment from many bloody battles, were supported by the resources after coming to Liangzhou, and occasionally were also aided with supplemental medicine from Chen Sansi. It was not surprising that they broke through to the Refining Internal. Since their foundation was not stable, they were considered low-tier Refining Organ Martial Artists, incomparable to the geniuses, but for the moment, they were more than enough to act as captains.


    As for Zhu Tong and the others, they naturally assumed the position of captains of a hundred men.


    Last comes Zhao Qiao, who, due to his age and the struggles of cultivation, took on the responsibility of assisting Xu Wencai with logistics. He was down-to-earth and hardworking, fitting for handling logistics.


    Among the rest of the forces from the garrison, one named Wei Yuan stood out, while the others were average.


    These were the subordinates.


    The Vice Admiral responsible for Chen Sansi was named Yu Song, and he was in the Meridian Passage Realm.


    His colleagues were Bai Thingzhi, Lu Shuhua, and Xie Sishu¡ªall three were Thousand Captains. Among them, two eyed him like a tiger watching its prey, waiting to snatch the Chief Disciple''s resources. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Moreover, Cao Fan had achieved Hua Jin, recording the fastest breakthrough among everyone.


    "General Chen, you''ve finally come," Vice Admiral Yu Song, helmet on, commanded, "Starting today, you''ll also be responsible for patrolling a section of the city, focusing on investigating the whereabouts of the Witch God Sect."


    Chen Sansi asked, "Vice Admiral Yu, any leads lately?"


    "There''s a faint clue."


    Yu Song said cryptically, "We may have caught a big fish recently. You''d best be on standby at any time, General Chen, don''t miss out on this excellent opportunity to distinguish yourself."


    "Alright."


    After receiving his assignment, Chen Sansi led his men on patrol. Ten men a team, a total of one hundred teams were divided, responsible for both inside and outside the city.


    He led a team to the south of the city, planning to visit Ci Yun Temple later when his shift ended today.


    Today was the monthly sermon, a large gathering.


    All the martial artists invited from Liangzhou would attend, mostly sect leaders of Sects; the least among them were above the Hua Jin realm. He was an exception, having been invited by Shao Yujing.


    Nourishing Spirit Soup alone could not keep the incense of the Martial Saint burning; there must be some mystery in the monthly sermons.


    Besides,


    Chen Sansi also wanted to seize the chance to investigate the incense.


    Without the spiritual energy necessary for practicing spells in the world, he wondered if incense could be substituted.


    Could the person stealing the incense be doing it for this reason?


    But so far, he had not found any Taoist who exhibited an unusual aura; could it be a temple master wandering outside?


    "City Guard Army, you bunch of trash!"


    While passing by the gate of a sect, someone started cursing at them.


    "When will you guys catch the Witch God Sect!"


    "Do you know how many of us have died?"


    Yu Yang Sect.


    A second-tier sect in Liangzhou City with a history of two hundred years. Due to its last two sect masters barely reaching the initial stage of Hua Jin, it fell to the low end among the third-tier sects, maintaining itself by taxing the fishermen''s fish tax thanks to the river they owned.


    If Shunzi had been born in Liangzhou City, fishing would mean being exploited further.


    "Let''s see if we can get Shunzi back."


    Chen Sansi pondered; he was now somewhat an official too, and it shouldn''t be too much of a problem to pull some strings later and get Shunzi a service job. If he could bring him to Liangzhou, Shunzi could become his assistant.


    "I''m talking to you lot!"


    "..."


    A disciple wielding a fish spear charged towards them.


    "Seeking death?"


    Zhu Tong glared furiously, ready to kill on the spot, and the rest of the brothers surrounded the aggressor with drawn blades.


    "Hold!"


    Chen Sansi signaled for his brothers to back off. He had always disliked the disciples of sects, but that didn''t justify wanton slaughter: "We are investigating the Witch God Sect and will inform you of any results."


    "Bullshit, how long has it been!"


    The sect disciple was relentless, "If you ask me, it wouldn''t be surprising if this is the work of your Eight Camps!"


    "Exactly, exactly!"


    The other disciples chimed in, "Otherwise, why have hardly any of your military men died? It''s always our sect disciples who end up dead."


    Chen Sansi, not wanting to waste words, left with his men.


    That evening, he spent silver for his brothers to dine at a restaurant, while he alone headed to Ci Yun Temple for the sermon.


    "Mr. Chen!"


    At the gate, he encountered Shao Yujing and Wen Zhi.


    "Sect Master Shao,"


    Chen Sansi greeted, "Manor Master Wen."


    "You''re here too?"


    Wen Zhi looked around, "Old Shao, did you call for him?"


    Shao Yujing nodded in confirmation.


    "Humph!"


    Wen Zhi left with a flick of his sleeve.


    "Hehe, don''t take offense, Mr. Chen. Although the duel ring is a matter of life and death, the man who died was his beloved son, so Manor Master Wen unavoidably harbors resentment," Shao Yujing led the way, "Come on, the preaching conference is about to begin. Every time after listening, Shao gains much; with another three to five years, perhaps I might truly understand and break through!"


    Chen Sansi declined politely, "Sect Master Shao, go ahead, I plan to pay my respects and offer incense first."


    "It seems Mr. Chen is very sincere."


    Shao Yujing left first.


    Chen Sansi arrived outside the main hall and once again saw wisps of Purple Energy emanating from the bodies of the worshippers, all of which were eventually absorbed into the incense burner, the Purple Energy lingering enticingly.

 Chapter 182 - 135: Merciful Cloud Immortal Trace, Mysterious Cauldron Alchemy!_5

    He really wanted to practise "Sword Qi Skill" on the spot, to test if incense could replace Spiritual Energy.


    Unfortunately, even though there was no one around, he dared not attempt it lightly, who knows if the decrease in incense in the incense burner would be noticed by the person behind the scenes.


    There were some other temples and Taoist Temples in Liangzhou.


    Chen Sansi planned to take some time to visit them.


    After perfunctorily offering a few sticks of incense, he went to the place where the spiritual lecture was held to listen to how eloquent the master was, so much so that even the Martial Saint had come to hear the teachings.


    The venue for the spiritual lecture was in a separate courtyard behind the Ci Yun Temple, conducted in an open-air manner, with meditation mats placed on the rocky ground. The least accomplished person here was at the Hua Jin stage, and the Sect Master of the Yu Yang Sect was also present.


    Everyone was seated cross-legged on the mats, quietly listening to the teachings of Real Person Qiu Mingzi.


    Chen Sansi found a corner, sat down and listened for a while, only to find it full of obscure and difficult sentences.


    "Five Qi Mystical Origin authentic, the method practiced steers through confusion. Like the external devoid of form, the sincere pursuit of ultimate truth." sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "..."


    He found it dull and tedious, almost falling asleep, as most of what was being taught was grossly abstract.


    Fortunately, the spiritual lecture didn''t last long and ended before dark.


    "Mr. Chen arrived late."


    Shao Yujing said with a smile, "Before the lecture starts, everyone drinks a bowl of Nourishing Spirit Soup, so they can be calm and at peace, and then gain insights into the Great Dao."


    "Sect Master Shao speaks truly."


    Real Person Qiu Mingzi came over with a horsetail whisk, "The world is restless and impulsive, especially Martial Artists. Mr. Chen, come early next time and do not miss the quiet prayer blessing segment."


    "Certainly, certainly."


    Chen Sansi verbally agreed, but inside he was puzzled.


    If that was all there was to it, then Shao Yujing and the others were simply wasting their time here.


    Cultivation requires Spiritual Energy.


    Just listening to a Taoist muttering a few words here, what''s the use? He doesn''t take out the incense for everyone to utilize.


    Thinking aimlessly, Chen Sansi took another glance at the medicine jar containing Nourishing Spirit Soup.


    The jar was mostly emptied of soup, with only a bit of residue left, and it was this residue that made his heart tremble.


    [Nourishing Spirit Soup: After consumption, it aids in calming the mind and concentration, beneficial for breakthroughs in cultivation.]


    [??:???]


    In his eyes, the medicine jar held not only Nourishing Spirit Soup but another kind of medicine!


    And it was a medicine he could not recognize!


    The entry [Recognize Medicine] can decode all mundane medicine recipes.


    If he couldn''t recognize it, it could only mean...


    The other kind of medicine in the jar is not a mundane medicine!


    Immortal Elixir!


    How could an elixir from the Immortal Realm appear here?


    Are mortals using Immortal Elixirs, or has there been an Immortal Trace here?!


    Ci Yun Temple indeed has a big problem.


    "Mr. Chen?"


    Real Person Qiu Mingzi''s ethereal voice sounded, "I have some free time lately, so I might hold lectures in the near future. Next time, Mr. Chen can come early, drink down the Nourishing Spirit Soup and listen to the teachings; you will surely gain something."


    "Okay."


    Chen Sansi reacted swiftly, none of his suspicions reflected on his face, and he agreed, "I will definitely come if I have time."


    The lecture ended.


    The Martial Artists began descending the mountain one after another, discussing their gains regarding their state of mind on the way down.


    Chen Sansi felt even more bewildered.


    What was Qiu Mingzi giving these people to drink?


    Poison? Immortal Elixir?


    What were the effects?


    Chen Sansi inquired with Shao Yujing and found out that these lectures had only begun in the past half year.


    He also probed whether frequently drinking Nourishing Spirit Soup had any side effects, to which he received the answer that there were none; it only made one feel refreshed and peaceful.


    "Incense, Immortal Elixir..."


    "What does Ci Yun Temple want to do?"


    "It can''t really be that they''re sincerely doing good deeds, helping each Martial Artist to break through, right?"


    Ci Yun Temple could no longer be visited!


    At least not until he reached the Hua Jin stage.


    His master and fourth senior brother had set out for the Capital City more than half a month ago, and even if they were still around, he wouldn''t know how to explain what was going on, as his Qi Observation Skill and many others things couldn''t be explained.


    Moreover, it''s unknown what exactly Ci Yun Temple was up to. So far, they seem not to be harming anyone, so he would just observe in secret for the time being and decide after figuring out their intentions.


    He bid Shao Yujing farewell.


    Chen Sansi summoned Qian Xun, deliberately not going straight home, instead circling around on the spacious official road of Liangzhou City.


    Someone was tracking him again!


    The chaser''s realm was much higher than his, so he could only rely on Qi Observation Skill to detect their presence, but he could never ascertain their identity; Cao Fan, Moon Splitting Mountain Villa, or even his eldest senior brother, any of them could be possible.


    This was also the reason he had not taken the crucible up the mountain to conduct the Abnormal Fire experiment.


    What a hassle!


    After the follower had chased around behind the White Swan Horse for a few circles, they realized they had been exposed and were simply being played with like a monkey, so they chose to give up and did not continue the pursuit.


    Subsequently, Chen Sansi made a trip to the Moon Splitting Mountain Villa and after leaving a note with the gatekeeper, he finally returned home.


    At his doorstep, Si Qin had been waiting for a long time.


    "Master, Mr. Hou the eunuch has arrived; he''s waiting for you in the guest room of the front courtyard."


    "He is? Take me to him."


    Chen Sansi had a rough idea of what the visitor had come for.


    "Mr. Chen, long time no see~"


    Mr. Hou got up and said, "I''ve yet to congratulate you on your triumph as Selected Point!"


    "Mr. Hou, please be seated."


    Chen Sansi instructed, "Si Qin, go with Mo Hua to invite some good chefs to the house, today I shall give Mr. Hou a grand feast."


    "No need for the trouble, I''m just here to say a few words and then I''ll leave," Mr. Hou scared the maid away with his gaze and then lowered his voice, "May I know what Sun Dushi has taught you since you''ve become entry-level?"


    "..."


    Just as he thought.


    Chen Sansi''s guess was correct.


    This Chief Eunuch had the same goal as Ji, both were here to inquire about Immortal Law.


    The difference was that his eldest senior brother sought it for himself.

 Chapter 183 - 135: Merciful Cloud Immortal Trace, Mysterious Cauldron Alchemy!_6

    Yet the eunuch before him was running errands for the Emperor!


    Today, it seemed that they would once again test his loyalty.


    The old Emperor was truly supremely boring.


    "It''s all here."


    Chen Sansi laid out the secret manual, along with the gifts from his brothers, including the wooden fish, all on the table.


    "This..."


    Mr. Hou, holding the mallet for the wooden fish, gently tapped it twice, "Nothing more?"


    "No more."


    Chen Sansi spoke earnestly, "All the items are here, the Supervisor merely threw me a few booklets, without imparting the methods to break Above Martial Saint."


    "How do you know what our household wants to ask?"


    Mr. Hou said with a smile, "Mr. Chen, you are indeed very clever!"


    In such a situation, the more Chen Sansi pretended to be foolish, the more the other party would suspect he had something in his hands. It was better to be somewhat honest to appear innocent and avoid suspicion.


    "Everyone in the world comes chasing after the Immortal Law, how could I not know?"


    He said gravely, "Please tell his Majesty, if one day the Supervisor is willing to impart the Magic Skill to me, I will immediately surrender it to the court, I absolutely dare not keep it for myself."


    "Mr. Chen is truly a loyal minister and good general of the Great Sheng Dynasty!"


    Mr. Hou was very pleased, "His Majesty will surely be overjoyed when he hears this. Let''s leave it at that, I shall take my leave now."


    "Mr. Hou, please wait a moment."


    "Does Mr. Chen have another matter?"


    "A matter of great importance."


    Chen Sansi whispered in his ear, and after finishing, he took out a silver note of three thousand taels from his sleeve and handed it over, "This is a long overdue token of respect, please be sure to accept it."


    "Oh~"


    Mr. Hou accepted the silver, his smile so wide that his mouth couldn''t close, "Rest assured, Mr. Chen, you and I are both courtiers, I will certainly not turn a blind eye."


    "That will be much appreciated, Mr. Hou."


    Chen Sansi bowed with folded fists.


    That night.


    He sat alone in the dining hall, eating simple dishes with small drinks, waiting for the drama to unfold.


    Around the second watch of the night, fighting noises finally erupted outside.


    But they lasted only briefly, less than the time it took to drink a cup of tea.


    "Is it over?"


    Chen Sansi picked up his weapon and hurried out.


    He saw two figures standing in an alley near the manor.


    Wen Zhi and Chief Eunuch Mr. Hou Bao.


    It seemed they had just cooperated to deal with the same foe, and were now discussing that person''s realm.


    "Chen Sansi!"


    Wen Zhi came over furiously, "Have you really treated me like your watchdog?!"


    Today.


    This fellow actually sent someone to deliver a message, saying someone was out to kill him, asking him to come over to help watch, to avoid any misunderstanding.


    Just as the aftermath of Selected Point had not yet settled, trouble occurred at this time, Sun Xiangzong would definitely question him when he returned, and after much thought, he decided to come and see what was going on.


    He, a dignified Martial Saint, was actually humiliated by someone at the Refining Internal level! It was utterly intolerable!


    "Thank you, Master Wen."


    Chen Sansi really disliked the feeling of being in the light while his enemy was in the dark.


    Someone was following him, and it was necessary to find out who it was to feel at ease.


    Since the opponent was of a high realm and he could not detect it himself, he needed to shake people up!


    And he wasn''t afraid of the opponent becoming desperate since they were only following, which showed they dared not act openly.


    If Wen Zhi hadn''t come, he would have been the most suspicious.


    Now that he dared to come, it meant it was someone else.


    "Mr. Chen, that person was also a Profound Image Realm Great Perfection."


    Mr. Hou said sternly, "Moreover, his skills are exceptional. Even Master Wen and I together couldn''t detain him, but I did strike him once with my palm technique, which is poisoned. He will need at least two months to recover!"


    "Profound Image Realm, Great Perfection?"


    Chen Sansi roughly knew who it was.


    Third Senior Brother!


    Currently, Second, Fifth, and Seventh Senior Brothers were not in Liangzhou.


    Brother Fang had mentioned that Senior Sister Nine was completely trustworthy. First Senior Brother''s features were too distinct, making him unsuitable for tracking tasks.


    The chances were slim that other Sects at the Profound Image Realm, with no grudge against him, were tracking him.


    So, it must be Third Senior Brother.


    Was he instigated by First Senior Brother...


    He noted silently in his heart.


    "Mr. Hou."


    Wen Zhi said angrily, "You saw with your own eyes, this matter has nothing to do with me!


    "If that Chen boy dies at his hands, don''t blame me. I take my leave!"


    He had deliberately not put in his full effort and let the man escape. How could he possibly act as a lackey for his sworn enemy?


    "Mr. Chen."


    Mr. Hou asked, "Do you need me to stay here and guard until dawn?"


    "There''s no need for that."


    Chen Sansi declined the kind offer, "The thief was terrified by Mr. Hou, he certainly won''t dare to come back."


    With such commotion.


    Whether the tracker was indeed Third Senior Brother or not, he definitely wouldn''t dare to return in the next few days.


    As for after that...


    He would see then.


    "Mr. Hou, you should go back and rest early."


    Chen Sansi respectfully saw him off, "And please don''t forget about my brother, Zhang Shun."


    "Rest assured when I handle things!"


    Mr. Hou, pinching his orchid fingers, declared solemnly, "The supervisor in Danzhou has been my playmate since childhood. As long as your brother Zhang Shun is still alive, we will definitely be able to find him."


    "In that case, many thanks!"


    ...


    Marquis Mansion.


    Nie Yuan lay on the ground, spitting out a mouthful of fresh blood.


    "Junior Brother."


    In the courtyard, Lv Ji, who was still practicing martial arts late into the night, hurriedly stepped forward to lend support, "How did you end up like this?"


    "This little junior brother of ours is really formidable..."


    Nie Yuan was frantically stuffing antidote and healing treasure medicine into his mouth, "I don''t know how he noticed I was tracking him, then he actually got Wen Zhi and that eunuch over and ambushed me." sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Lv Ji expressed concern, "It''s not serious, is it?"


    "A few days of rest should suffice."


    Nie Yuan said, "Are we still following him?"


    "If you continue, it''s easy to expose yourself; rest for a while. If no discovery is made after a while, let it go."


    ...


    [Cultivation Technique: National Guardian Dragon Spear, Hua Jing (entry-level)]


    [Progress: 15/100]


    Several days passed.


    Chen Sansi was no longer being tracked, but the progress in his Hua Jing Technique was frustratingly slow.


    "It''s time!"


    He hoisted the Mystic Iron Furnace under the cover of night and headed straight for the Luotian Mountain Range.


    If the container could withstand it, even if only for one use, the effect of the refined Spiritual Grain would surely be many times stronger!

 Chapter 184 - 136: Ointment Like Elixir Pills, Temple Borrowing Incense

    Cliffside, cave.


    Chen Sansi barged into the den of an Exotic Beast, White Deer.


    "Thud! Thud! Thud!"


    In an instant, three arrows were shot out, killing the White Deer on the ground.


    "It''s mine now."


    Carrying the Zhenyue Sword, Chen Sansi brought back a large amount of firewood from outside, then filled the Mystic Iron Furnace with water from a nearby stream, and stuffed it with Spiritual Grain he had pulled from the fields.


    Finally, it was time to light a fire.


    He was somewhat nervous inside.


    If it failed again and even the Mystic Iron Furnace couldn''t withstand it, he feared that only the incense burner in Ci Yun Temple would suffice.


    "Boom¡ª"


    The moment the flame touched the firewood smeared with oil, it turned into a blazing red fire dragon, enveloping the entire furnace.


    "It worked!"


    Chen Sansi breathed a sigh of relief.


    Although the Mystic Iron Furnace was visibly warping and deforming under the scorching of the Abnormal Fire, it could completely withstand the heat for a short time without direct damage.


    He began to add a large amount of firewood.


    Using lamp oil to ignite would produce Abnormal Fire, but it consumed an extravagant amount of fuel; logs as thick as an arm had to be added one after another, and if he stopped for a moment, the fire would extinguish, necessitating a waste of more lamp oil to reignite.


    If the object truly came from the Immortal Realm, it definitely would have a specific fuel type and wouldn''t be so troublesome.


    In no time, Chen Sansi had run back and forth several times fetching wood. Thankfully, there was plenty of firewood on the mountain, otherwise, there would not have been enough.


    "Hum!"


    With the roasting of the Abnormal Fire, the Mystic Iron Furnace buzzed until it began to emit wisps of blue smoke, indicating that the water inside had evaporated. He then stopped adding wood and let the flames die out.


    The whole process lasted only about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea.


    When it cooled down, Chen Sansi lifted the lid of the furnace to look inside, only to find the Spiritual Grain had vanished, replaced by a black mushy substance, just like rice burnt in a cooking pot.


    He scraped some out with a stick and sniffed it at his nostrils, detecting a fragrant scent.


    "What''s this, medicine ointment?"


    Chen Sansi dared not try it rashly and instead tested it on a variety of animals, large and small, including a Poisonous Beast wolf, quickly deducing the general pattern.


    Starting with rabbits, the larger the body size, the smaller the side effects.


    By the time it was tried on a leopard, they no longer died!


    Even a brown bear remained unharmed.


    "Eat!"


    He finally pried open the mouth of the Poison Wolf. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This time, not only did the wolf not suffer side effects, but it also became stronger and more fierce!


    Chen Sansi immediately picked up the Zhenyue Sword and chopped off its head.


    "Seems there''s no problem."


    He took a deep breath and stuffed some of the medicine ointment into his mouth.


    Instantly.


    A unique sensation spread from his abdomen, flowing through his limbs and filling his meridians.


    Chen Sansi picked up the Five Tigers Soul-breaking Spear and practiced the Hua Jing Technique.


    Hua Jing, as the name implies.


    Is about transforming the Qi-Blood in the body into Power, and this process requires maintaining a "Blood Explosion" state, understanding how to transform Qi into power through the challenge of pushing limits.


    Therefore, for the vast majority of Martial Artists, it is an extremely slow and difficult process, as they can only last for twenty or thirty bouts at most.


    Chen Sansi was different; he could last for at least two hundred bouts.


    Additionally, as he cultivated, the Spiritual Rice Medicine Ointment continuously further strengthened his flesh and Qi-Blood, which provided great assistance, the effect exceeding Plant Ash by more than three times!


    The meridian toxicity still existed.


    However, the ointment extracted by boiling water greatly reduced the toxicity, retaining even more essence.


    From late at night until dusk the next day, his proficiency increased significantly.


    [Cultivation Technique: National Guardian Dragon Spear. Hua Jing (Not Yet Entry-Level)]


    [Progress: 20/100]


    According to the original plan.


    Chen Sansi would need at least two months to achieve Hua Jing.


    But now, it would take less than a month.


    This speed, even amongst geniuses, could surpass ninety-nine percent of people.


    As for Cao Fan''s Hua Jing.


    It was because he had reached Refining Internal Organs Perfection for several months, compounded with the support of the Imperial Family''s resources; it would have been abnormal if he didn''t achieve Hua Jing, and he likely had some secret moves that could improve his Cultivation.


    No matter what.


    He had solved a major problem and could now quickly achieve Hua Jing and then Meridian Passage.


    But to break through to Martial Saint within three years...


    In the mortal world, probably no more than three people could achieve it.


    The difficulty was still considerable.


    He would have to give it his all.


    "I wonder how I''d fare against a Hua Jing Warrior with my current strength,"


    "I should be able to put up a fight!"


    Chen Sansi thought to himself as he began to clean up the site.


    He took out a porcelain bottle for storing elixir pills and scraped the ointment into it bit by bit.


    The Spiritual Grain he brought had nearly filled the entire furnace, yet only a thin layer of medicine ointment was produced.


    "Does this count as an Immortal Pill? Am I doing Alchemy?"


    "Probably not."


    After Chen Sansi ate the ointment, he didn''t notice any effects that could aid in the cultivation of spells, nor did a [Alchemy] proficiency panel appear before him, what increased was his proficiency in [Medical Skill].


    [Skill: Medical Skill. Mortal (Mastery)]


    [Progress: 491/1000]


    Now it seems, the "Mortal" word in front is traceable, perhaps in the future, there might be a chance to cultivate the medical arts of the Immortal Realm.


    But if that''s the case.


    Why did the Immortal demand the Emperor worship with Spiritual Grain?


    Clearly, there is no Spiritual Energy in this world, and the cultivated Spiritual Grain does not contain any mystic properties. Is it possible that it''s just a kind of raw material?


    Besides, another problem arises.


    That is the Mystic Iron Furnace will be burnt out, it looks like it can be used one more time, then it will need replacing.


    A furnace made of Mystic Iron would cost more than three thousand silver pieces no matter where it''s purchased, and the key issue is that Mystic Iron is an extremely precious resource. Even if one has the money, buying a furnace every now and then would eventually attract unwanted attention.

 Chapter 185 - 136: Ointment Resembling Elixir Pills, Temples Lend Incense - 2

    ```


    It was after all a temporary solution, not a cure.


    What was needed was a true furnace that could withstand the temperature of the Abnormal Fire.


    "Well, I''ll go to the military camp and buy a couple. That should suffice for a while."


    Chen Sansi left the Luotian Mountain Range, taking the White Deer with him to avoid attracting attention, and called for Qian Xun to meet him.


    Suddenly thinking of something, he took out a porcelain bottle filled with ointment: "Qian Xun, I have some good stuff here, do you want to try it?"


    If the Poison Wolf could eat it without any problems, Qian Xun, presumably an Exotic Beast, should have no issues either.


    Moreover, he wasn''t forcing it. The White Swan Horse was intelligent and could decide for itself.


    Qian Xun gave it a sniff and then began nodding its head furiously.


    "You really want to eat it?"


    Chen Sansi wasn''t stingy and fed it two mouthfuls.


    Surprisingly, after eating the ointment, the White Swan Horse showed a cheerful mood but did not exhibit an overly strong reaction, nor did it fall into an excessively excited state like ordinary animals. It seemed to be enjoying its favorite snack, nuzzling against its owner to indicate it wanted more.


    "What kind of creature are you?"


    Chen Sansi was amazed.


    How could the White Swan Horse''s tolerance be so strong?


    Even after he ate, he needed to focus on his cultivation to assimilate. It was as if Qian Xun was completely unaffected, truly incomprehensible where Xiang Tingchun got such a horse from, defying all logic.


    [Skill: Horse Control (Expert)]


    [Progress: (459/500)]


    Recently, he had ridden horses less often, so it was natural that his proficiency wouldn''t surge like it did when he was escaping from Yunzhou.


    "It would be great if you could talk."


    Chen Sansi mounted the horse: "Let''s go, home. You still want to eat? I don''t have enough for myself, let alone you!"


    Qian Xun seemed a bit sulky, and after being whipped a few times, it got moving obediently.


    In fact, even after being tamed, the White Swan Horse often had its own little schemes, especially about food. If not satisfied, it would throw a tantrum.


    Fortunately, it knew when it mattered, such as on the battlefield, where it would never cause any trouble.


    This only further underscored the White Swan Horse''s intelligence.


    ...


    A few days later.


    As usual, Chen Sansi went to the Military City to report for duty.


    Last time, Yu Song mentioned there were leads on the Witch God Sect. He estimated there''d be news in the next few days, just unsure of where it would be hidden.


    "Mr. Chen."


    At the entrance, he encountered Tang Yingke sitting in a carriage.


    Tang Yingke stopped the coachman and came down to greet him: "General, you no longer have to avoid me."


    "Hmm."


    Chen Sansi clearly understood, now that things had come to this point, there was no need to care about others'' perceptions: "Thank you, Brother Tang, for your aid those two times."


    "Please don''t say such things, Mr. Chen!"


    Tang Yingke bowed deeply, almost touching the ground: "General, you avenged me without fearing the Princely Heir; I have witnessed it all and will never forget it. On the other hand, I hesitated and failed to support you wholeheartedly earlier, which I deeply regret!"


    "You overstate it. You and I are neither kin nor kind. Brother Tang, your risk in aiding me was already extraordinary. How could I repay kindness with malice?"


    Chen Sansi looked at the carriage: "Brother Tang, are you leaving?"


    "Exactly."


    Tang Yingke gave a positive response: "To be frank, I''ve never been fond of practicing martial arts; my father has insisted, forcing me to undergo trials. Now that Selected Point has ended, and having been injured, my father has no reason to keep me in Liangzhou."


    "The imperial examinations are imminent; I plan to rush back to the Capital City to participate, aspiring to make a career for myself one day as a civil servant."


    "Oh?"


    Chen Sansi encouraged him: "Then I''ll congratulate you in advance, Brother Tang, on your name being emblazoned on the gold list, and experiencing the joy of ''riding triumphantly with the wind, watching all of the Chang''an flowers in a single day''."


    The Great Sheng Dynasty''s Capital City was not in the Northern Territory, but in the heart of the Central Plains, appropriately named Chang''an, aligning with the poem.


    "What fine poetry!"


    Tang Yingke exclaimed: "I''ve long heard that Mr. Chen was once a scholar like me, just that later on, you swapped the pen for the battlefield. To think you still have such poetic talent, perhaps you would have far outshone me had you continued."


    "Brother Tang gives too much praise."


    Chen Sansi bid farewell.


    "Before parting, I have a few words of caution for Mr. Chen."


    Tang Yingke lowered his voice: "Mr. Chen, by killing Wen Qiushi and seizing the position of Champion Leader, True Disciple, neither the Princely Heir nor Yin Hanwen will give in willingly. They will certainly continue to cause trouble for you."


    "Especially Cao Fan, who has advanced rapidly in his cultivation recently, and it is rumored that he has paid a huge price for it. It''s unclear by what means he''s achieved this."


    Chen Sansi pondered.


    It seemed there indeed was a reason for Cao Fan''s sudden advancement, yet it was unknown what that price was.


    "In addition, within the military, Mr. Chen, you must also be cautious."


    Drawing upon his early exposure and connections, Tang Yingke shared: "The Reserve Camp''s forces are composed of soldiers from the garrisons of three states, many of whom have connections within the court."


    "The Main General has not yet been chosen, and with Vice General Sha Wenlong being from the Yin family and linked to the Gao Faction, there are others I haven''t had time to check, but they certainly have some connections as well."


    "With the Commander away, General Chen must be wary of them!"


    "Should I be able to influence the court in the future, I will certainly assist the General in whatever way I can!"


    "For now, farewell!"


    As he spoke, he bowed deeply once more.


    The actions Chen Sansi took in Liangzhou, forcefully killing Wen Qiushi on the stage, led him to a realization; to live and act with constant concern leads nowhere. To achieve success, one must move resolutely forward.


    There is only one path in the world, the path of relentless progress.


    "Goodbye!"


    The two said their goodbyes. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Vice General Sha..."


    So far, Chen Sansi had yet to meet this person, but the Reserve Camp''s Deputy General, temporarily in charge of everything, would at least be at Perfect Pulse Passage or the Profound Image Realm.


    ```

 Chapter 186 - 136: Ointment Resembling Elixir Pills, Temples Lend Incense - 3

    ```


    He was wary not only of the Reserve Camp but also knew that two or three of the Eight Camps were staffed with the court''s men.


    Even after Ning Changqun''s death, there would definitely be new people sent over to take charge, not to mention the subsequent expansion of the army by four camps, which would require four generals from the Profound Image Realm. His master didn''t have so many people at his disposal; naturally, the court would assign them.


    One must counter soldiers with arms and water with an earth dam!


    All Chen Sansi could do was to take things one step at a time.


    Yu Song was at the Meridian Passage Realm.


    Recalling the past encounter with Amugu, he still felt a lingering fear.


    If the opponent were to harbor any ill intentions, in a moment of desperation, the Immortal Treasure Strange Fire would be enough to kill him, but it was as they say, using the Immortal Treasure even once would increase the risk of exposure, and a torch would need to be prepared in advance, which might not be feasible in a sudden confrontation.


    Sword Qi Skill!


    The Sword Qi Skill his master imparted to him, if he could successfully cultivate it, would be a true life-saving technique.


    Too bad there''s no Qingxuan Energy.


    After today''s patrol, I''ll try to go to other temples and Taoist temples.


    If that still doesn''t work, I''ll have to look for someone from the Seeking Immortal Tower in the Red Sleeve Tower. My master and senior brother mentioned that they might still have some. It''s just uncertain whether they''d be willing to part with it.


    "Mr. Chen."


    Doctor Jiang came over and said, "The two Mystic Iron Furnaces you requested are ready, and Doctor Qian is waiting to teach you the Power Quenching Medicine technique."


    Passing by the Martial Arts Arena, Chen Sansi saw Cao Fan practicing his saber skills. He had indeed reached Hua Jin and with a full force enhancement, combined with a top-quality Xuan Weapon like the Azure Dragon Crescent Blade, he shattered the massive rock in front of him with ease, earning continuous cheers.


    By their side, there were also two old servants.


    The old servant accompanying the Princely Heir might be at the great perfection stage of the Meridian Passage Realm.


    The "energy" of the old servant beside Yin Hanwen was noticeably weaker, likely below the small achievement level of the Meridian Passage Realm.


    He comes from a family of civil servants, after all. If every family was hiding a general-level martial artist from the Profound Image Realm, there would be no end to it.


    Ignoring them, Chen Sansi headed straight to the pharmacy.


    ...


    "Huff..."


    After finishing cultivation, Cao Fan was as pale as a ghost, extremely weak he sat down somewhere, and popped two red medicine pills into his mouth. It took him a long time to finally recover.


    "Princely Heir, you can''t keep practicing like this."


    Yin Hanwen pointed in the direction Chen Sansi had passed and disdainfully said, "That Chen is merely at Refining Internal Organs Perfection. Normally speaking, he shouldn''t reach Hua Jin for another three months at least. Even if you stop practicing the ''Golden Crow Blood Fierce Saber'' and continue with your previous cultivation techniques, you would easily crush him by then.


    "Not to mention, he''s been wasting time going hunting in the mountains and making pilgrimages to Taoist temples recently. I heard he plans on learning alchemy next. With his attention scattered in so many directions, there''s no need for you to act, Princely Heir. In no time, I fear Lu Shuhua and the others will have left him far behind!"


    "No, this man is not as simple as you think," Cao Fan said with a deep gaze. "You probably still don''t understand what it means for him to have come this far from a desolate place like Po Yang. In that kind of small county town, when he first began practicing martial arts, he likely had to fight for even the lowest quality Blood Replenishing Soup.


    "Under such conditions, he reached Refining Internal Organs Perfection within a year, and in Liangzhou with the help of treasure medicine, he will only grow faster.


    "Besides, don''t be fooled by his apparent wasteful daily activities; he may very well be practicing hard in private, and you''ve just not seen it!


    "If I don''t work harder, he could surpass me at any moment." S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Princely Heir..."


    "You need not say more. My mind is made up!"


    Cao Fan stood up again, "I have always believed in the saying that heaven rewards the diligent. I will not stop until I win the next competition."


    "..."


    Knowing he couldn''t persuade him, Yin Hanwen turned to the servant accompanying the Princely Heir, "Eunuch Zheng, won''t you advise him? The Princely Heir mentioned a long time ago that practicing the Golden Crow Fierce Saber could shorten one''s lifespan, and he''s so young!"


    "Mr. Yin, once the Princely Heir is resolute, no one can stop him, and the pressure on him is immense..." Eunuch Zheng replied softly. "Since he failed to take the top place this time, the Crown Prince has already taken issue with him. Plus, the Prince is deeply beloved by His Majesty. Unless Chen dies, the Princely Heir will have to give it his all regardless."


    "Then let Chen die!"


    ```


    ```


    "Mr. Yin, you mustn''t act rashly."


    Eunuch Zheng''s expression was solemn, "Secretly making a move to kill, even if Supervisor Sun is not present, it will eventually be thoroughly investigated. If it''s found out, it will only implicate the Princely Heir."


    "Rest assured, Eunuch, I have a brilliant plan!"


    Yin Hanwen said earnestly, "The preciousness of the Princely Heir''s lifespan, how can it be wasted on such lowly people!"


    ...


    The pharmacies of the Eight Camps are no longer thatched stalls but are now independent courtyards, and the rich scent of medicine can be smelled from afar. The Medical Officers are no longer clerks without ranks but fourth-rank officials, with the official title of ''Tiju'', and the treatment is very generous.


    "I have seen Jiang Tiju!"


    "General Chen certainly is interesting."


    Jiang Tiju said, "These entry-level disciples are all trying to find ways to enhance their cultivation, yet you still want to take the time to learn Power Quenching Medicine, not afraid to waste precious time. However, since you want to learn, when the time comes, I will certainly teach you everything I know!"


    Power Quenching Medicine needs to be taken when the cultivation technique of the Hua Jin realm is mastered.


    Chen Sansi''s main purpose today was still to take away two Mystic Iron Furnaces.


    After his entry-level induction, he had a share of a Mystical Weapon that he hadn''t claimed, which he exchanged for one furnace; the other one, he actually spent three thousand taels of silver to buy, which was by no means cheap.


    Even if the family had silver, they would not be willing to spend it like this, but it was a necessary thing to improve cultivation.


    After handling the trivial matters.


    Chen Sansi left the Military City and visited all the temples and Taoist temples in Liangzhou City, one by one.


    Incense was likewise present.


    However, for the Ci Yun Temple, it was pitifully scarce, and there were people watching anyway, so there was no way to experiment.


    It wasn''t until evening that he found an old and dilapidated Mountain God Temple, where the incense was so sparse it was almost invisible, and there were hardly any worshippers in the temple, even less so after dark.


    "Old Mountain God, I''ll borrow some of your incense for use."


    Chen Sansi sat cross-legged and tried to practice the Sword Qi Skill.


    "The incense really can be used!"


    "But, I can''t beat him!"


    He could clearly feel that when he was operating his spell, the "foundation" within him that was connected to the meridians was struggling to attract the Purple Energy of the incense from the Divine Statue into his body.


    But he failed.


    The Old Mountain God clung to the little bit of Purple Energy on the stone statue and was reluctant to give him even a bit.


    "So stingy."


    "I was saying if you were willing to share with me, I would have all my brothers come and worship you later, more than a thousand people!"


    Still no response...


    "Really inflexible, not knowing how to adapt."


    Chen Sansi stood up helplessly.


    This trip today, at last confirmed that incense could really replace Spiritual Energy for cultivation, but a tool is required to steal the gods'' incense, like the incense burner of Ci Yun Temple.


    Unfortunately, he had no reason nor the strength to touch it.


    "It seems that I really have to make a trip to the Seeking Immortal Tower tomorrow."


    Thinking so,


    Chen Sansi packed his things and went home, only to see from afar many Armored Soldiers on horseback holding torches in front of his door, and Si Qinmohua was explaining something at the gate.


    "What''s going on?"


    "Mr. Chen!"


    The leader was Zhao Kang, who bowed respectfully and said, "Vice Admiral Yu has an order, commanding the General to lead us to hurry to the east of the city and participate in the suppression of the Yu Yang Sect!"


    ```

 Chapter 187 - 137: Besieging Yu Yang, Fiercely Killing Hua Jin!

    "We only have an hour left, thankfully the leader returned in time, otherwise we''d be facing military justice,"


    "Yu Yang Sect?"


    Chen Sansi whistled for his White Swan Horse while inquiring about the details on the road.


    However, Zhao Kang was just a Captain, responsible for relaying messages, not privileged to know the specific plans.


    "Let''s go!"


    "Drive¡ª¡ª"


    After hurrying to the military camp, more than four thousand people had already gathered at the Martial Arts Arena. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Reserve Camp, totaling twelve thousand, was divided into four units: front, back, left, and right. Chen Sansi''s left unit was fully assembled, responsible for tonight''s task with Deputy General Sha Wenlong personally in command, and Yu Song assigned to assist.


    The specific combat strategy was discussed inside the tent, only accessible to those above the rank of Thousand Captain.


    Bai Thingzhi, Lu Shuhua, and Xie Sishu were all present.


    Then, it was Chen Sansi''s first meeting with Reserve Camp General, Sha Wenlong.


    Sha Wenlong, transferred from You State, was originally a fierce warrior under General Jing, sporting a rugged appearance and an eyepatch over one eye lost in battle; his weapon was a Dragon Scale Broadsword.


    His aura was even stronger than the old servant Cao Fan, indeed appearing to be of the Profound Image Realm.


    But why suddenly move against Yu Yang Sect? Could it be related to the Witch God Sect?


    "Vice Admiral Yu! You make the announcement,"


    After speaking, Sha Wenlong leaned on his broadsword and closed his eyes to rest.


    "Yes!"


    Yu Song began:


    "Recently, the Witch God Sect Fans have been rampant, yet their traces were elusive. Suspecting some sects might be collaborating with the Witch God Sect, General Sha secretly purchased disciples within several sects to act as spies, finally yielding results.


    "An Inner Sect Disciple of the Yu Yang Sect claimed he saw a man in black use a Vajra Pestle to kill someone and then not descend the mountain but instead hide in the residence of Yu Yang Sect Master, Huang Tianrong.


    "Thus, we suspect Huang Tianrong is collaborating with, or perhaps is even a part of, the Witch God Sect Followers!


    "Tonight''s mission is to capture Huang Tianrong alive, and before we can ascertain how many of Yu Yang Sect disciples are in collusion, none shall escape!"


    Colluding with the Witch God Sect?


    Chen Sansi found it hard to believe.


    A third-rate sect under the given intelligence, with a sect master of entry-level Hua Jin in Liangzhou, one of the weakest forces, dared to affiliate with the Witch God Sect? Even the Jade Maiden Sect, previously nearly wiped out, was a genuine second-rate sect with the sect master in the Meridian Passage Realm.


    How many lives would they have to risk?


    Of course, it could also be coercion, like the previous case with the Golden Bell Temple, a hiding spot for the Witch God Sect.


    Only by going there would the truth be known.


    Bai Thingzhi spoke up: "Vice Admiral Yu, I have a question."


    Yu Song took out a map, slowly unfolding it on the table, and without looking up said, "Speak!"


    "Yu Yang Sect has had quite a few disciples die under mysterious circumstances recently, right?"


    Bai Thingzhi seriously said, "If they are indeed colluding with the Witch God Sect, why would so many of their disciples be killed?"


    "Obviously."


    Lu Shuhua held his sword and spoke gravely, "Merely a tactic to deceive others."


    "Brother Lu is correct,"


    Xie Sishu added, "The more they cooperate with the Witch God Sect, the more they must harshly deal with their own to prove their innocence and secure an undefeatable position."


    Bai Thingzhi thoughtfully said, "If that''s the case, then they truly deserve death."


    "General Sha."


    Yu Song, pointing at the laid-out map of Liangzhou, respectfully said, "My report is complete, it''s time for you to make the deployment."


    "General Sha!"


    Lu Shuhua burst out, "Please assign me and my men to the most dangerous position!"


    "I feel the same,"


    Xie Sishu quickly followed, "I am ready to face death multiple times over."


    "Sounds noble, but aren''t you just seeking to achieve merits!"


    Bai Thingzhi bluntly stated.


    To compete for the position of True Disciple, one not only needs to surpass the current True Disciples in realm but also to accumulate one more B-grade military merit to initiate a challenge in the arena.


    "The General has his plans!"


    Yu Song admonished, "Your only job is to obey the orders!"


    Sha Wenlong slowly opened his eyes, moved to the map, and spoke solemnly, "Since not all Yu Yang Sect disciples are colluding with the Witch God Sect, we cannot massacre the innocent otherwise it would irreparably tarnish the reputation of the Eight Camps.


    "Therefore, tonight, the army''s main role is to encircle, not to slay.


    "Handling Huang Tianrong is not your duty but will be personally undertaken by me and Vice Admiral Yu.


    "Your main tasks are to infiltrate the Yu Yang Sect with twenty men each, then capture these locations separately,"


    He said, pointing to a few locations on the map.


    Everyone looked closely and noticed that the structure of the entire Yu Yang Sect was clearly illustrated, including every separate complex and every small path, depicted in meticulous detail.


    "In each of these complexes resides a Refining Organ Disciple, core True Disciples of Huang Tianrong.


    "If they cooperate, capture them alive and bring them down the mountain; if they do not, execute them regardless!


    "Once Huang Tianrong and these few are captured for display, the remaining Yu Yang Sect disciples will surely not dare to resist further, minimizing the impact of this matter.


    "Did everyone understand?"


    "Command received!"


    The crowd responded in unison.


    "The issue of the Witch God Sect is crucial; if left unchecked, it might lead to great turmoil. Conversely, if we can trace through Yu Yang Sect to uncover the true masterminds behind, our Reserve Camp can claim a great achievement!"


    Sha Wenlong stated, "Moreover, simply by completing your respective tasks, you will each be credited with a C-grade battle merit."

 Chapter 188 - 137: Besieging Yu Yang, Fiercely Killing Hua Jin!_2

    "Set off!"


    ...


    The four thousand men of the Reserve Camp''s left division launched their assault in silence under the cover of night. At each intersection leading down the mountains from the Yu Yang Sect, a thousand heavily armed troops stood guard, ensuring no one escaped.


    "Zhao Kang, Wang Li, Zhu Tong, Xu Bin, each of you pick five men to accompany me up the mountain. Feng Yong, you lead the rest to secure the mountain entrance!"


    Chen Sansi quickly finished the arrangements and led them stealthily into the Yu Yang Sect.


    The Yu Yang Sect was established on a mountain outside the city. It wasn''t particularly large, but the terrain was complex, with courtyards connected to each other like a labyrinth. Numerous disciples were responsible for patrolling, making it extremely difficult to quickly locate the destination at night.


    Fortunately, he had memorized the map thoroughly and could see clearly in the darkness, allowing him to reach the destination with great speed¡ªa walled manor connected to the rear mountain.


    Strangely, this place did not seem inhabited. Cobwebs adorned the main gate, and the courtyard inside lay in utter silence.


    "Wasn''t it agreed that each of us would handle a True Disciple? Why is there no one here?"


    To prevent any errors, Chen Sansi even jumped onto the roof and used his Qi Observation Skill to meticulously search the area. He could confirm with absolute certainty that no one lived there, which made him more vigilant.


    When things went abnormally, there must be demons at work!


    He thought back to what Tang Yingke had told him during the day.


    Sha Wenlong...


    "To make me come up empty-handed, unable to achieve merit?"


    "It can''t be that simple."


    An insignificant third-class military achievement couldn''t possibly shake his position as the leading True Inheritor.


    Then danger must be close at hand!


    Could it be that Witch God Sect Followers were hidden here and would soon emerge?


    Unclear.


    At the moment, it was merely speculation; he might be overthinking it.


    But even if the enemy truly harbored ill intentions, he couldn''t leave.


    In a word,


    Military orders were as heavy as mountains!


    Desertion, especially on the battlefield, was an absolute capital offense.


    The more he was the Supervisor''s True Disciple, the more he had to set a good example; otherwise, the situation would be even more difficult to handle.


    "Take it one step at a time. Let''s find out what this courtyard is for first."


    Chen Sansi ordered: "Search!"


    ...


    In the darkness,


    Huang Tianrong led the way, followed by seven or eight True Disciples and a dozen Inner Sect Disciples. They moved hurriedly forward in a panic, occasionally glancing back as though fleeing from some ferocious beast.


    "Master!"


    "They... they really have us surrounded!"


    "If not for Master''s quick response, we would likely be locked up in the dungeon by now!"


    "Junior Brother Ma deserves to die! He seemed so honest usually, yet he betrayed us this way. Master even considered him as the future Sect Master!"


    "Colluding with the Witch God Sect? Ridiculous! We''ve lost so many brothers, how could we possibly be linked to the Witch God Sect!"


    "Since they can''t catch the Witch God Sect, the pressure''s too much, and they want us to take the blame! The Eight Camps are up to no good!"


    "Master... could what Eighth Junior Brother saw be true?"


    A disciple voiced a differing opinion.


    Walking in front, Huang Tianrong stopped, turned back, and spoke angrily: "Do you actually doubt your Master?"


    "The Witch God Sect has killed dozens of our Yu Yang Sect disciples! Among them was your Third Senior Brother, who was the most likely to break through to the Meridian Passage Realm and strengthen our Sect again! How could your Master destroy the foundation of our ancestors!"


    Several disciples looked at each other, feeling that it didn''t make sense.


    "Master, what should we do now?"


    "Why don''t we go and explain things clearly?"


    "Explain my ass!"


    Huang Tianrong cursed: "Do you think they mobilized so many soldiers just to listen to your explanations? Whoever wants to stay and await death, your Master won''t stop you. Those who want to live, come with me!"


    "This tunnel was left by our ancestors for a catastrophe like this, to ensure our lineage doesn''t completely end!"


    "The end of this tunnel leads to a small courtyard in the rear mountain. There''s gold and silver buried there. Grab what you can, and we, master and disciples, will directly leave Liangzhou and go to Ming State to seek refuge with King Liang of Mei Mountain!"


    "King Liang?"


    A disciple exclaimed in surprise: "Doesn''t that mean we''ll have to become bandits in the mountains..."


    "Exactly, we will become bandits!"


    Huang Tianrong said angrily: "Ever since Sun Xiangzong came, he wouldn''t raise taxes on the common people but insisted that the Sects pay. In just five short years, how much resources has he taken from us?"


    "Now with this happening, it''s most likely that they covet our ancestor''s Da Luo River and want to take it for themselves!"


    "Such a court is better overturned!"


    The group of disciples felt that his analysis made sense. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Following your Master, there''s a bright future! Becoming a marquis or a minister in the future is not impossible!"


    "Quick, move!"


    ...


    "Sir, we found a lot of weapons and gold and silver!"


    Zhao Kang pointed to the trove of treasures piled in the middle of the courtyard: "They were very well-hidden, and we had to dig three feet into the ground to find them."


    "Something really isn''t right about this place..."


    Chen Sansi pondered silently.


    What kind of place would be used to hide money?


    This clearly wasn''t a heavily guarded spot, so it had to be a last resort!


    He had a rough idea of what was going to happen today.


    After Sha Wenlong and his men came up empty at Huang Tianrong''s residence, the latter had already received a message and fled early. This was their final stop; just by climbing out, they could enter the vast mountains and escape to freedom!


    "Everyone, leave the courtyard and ambush with me outside!"


    Chen Sansi commanded.


    After relocking the courtyard gate securely, they hid themselves in the woods outside.


    Within less than the time it took to brew a pot of tea, they saw a group of people running over in a frantic rush.


    "As expected..."


    Just as Chen Sansi had anticipated, this place was indeed the last escape route for these people!

 Chapter 189 - 137: Besieging Yu Yang, Fiercely Killing Hua Jin!_3

    Sha Wenlong sent him here...


    It was very likely a deliberate plan to make him encounter a Hua Jing Warrior and kill him with someone else''s hand!


    As for this, they only needed to observe the Sky Arrows, watching their support speed to know!


    "It''s not good!"


    Huang Tianrong took out a key, and before he even reached the door, he realized something was wrong, "Quick, run!"


    "Fire the arrows!"


    Chen Sansi shouted loudly.


    However, the martial artists in front of them were at the very least at the Bone Training Realm, only he could bring someone down with a single arrow, the destructive power of the other people''s bows and arrows was simply too limited.


    "Don''t panic, there aren''t many of them!"


    Huang Tianrong, after all, was a master and extremely experienced, swiftly assessed the situation, "Quickly kill them, then grab the silver and run!"


    While blocking the arrows, he charged to the front lines, his spear in hand like a Jiao Dragon bursting from the sea, whooshing straight towards Chen Sansi''s face.


    The Soul-breaking Spear and the trident clashed together.


    A force different from Qi-Blood power surged forth, and even though Chen Sansi entered the Blood Explosion State, he still retreated half a step, but that was all.


    Hua Jing Technique entry-level, representing Inner Strength before Outer Strength, the gap with Refining Internal Organs Perfection might be vast for ordinary people, but for him, it seemed¡­not so fearsome!


    Under the Blood Explosion State, he could hold on!


    Moreover, it seemed there were no other high-level experts from the Witch God Sect present, and the situation was not too dire.


    Of course, it would be best if reinforcements could arrive nearby!


    "Is it you? Chen Sansi!"


    Huang Tianrong had previously met him at Ci Yun Temple, "You, a mere Refining Organ, dare to block me! Die!"


    At this point, not to mention a disciple of Sun Xiangzong, even if Sun Xiangzong himself were here, he would still have to fight with all he had!


    ...


    "General Sha, why is there no one?"


    At the other end of the Yu Yang Sect, where the Sect Master resided, only some women huddled on the ground, crying in terror.


    "Need you ask?"


    Sha Wenlong stared at a corpse at his feet, a disciple of the Yu Yang Sect who had sent them the message, "Surely it''s this trash who leaked the news, letting Huang Tianrong become aware and escape ahead of time."


    "Then what do we do? Where should we look?"


    "How should this general know!"


    "Swooosh¡ª"


    Amidst their conversation, several Sky Arrows shot up from the southeast direction.


    "General Sha, there''s a signal!"


    Yu Song said, "Before we came, it was decreed that unless it was the discovery of Huang Tianrong, no one else should be disturbed. Huang Tianrong is at the Hua Jing Realm, and all the captains are still Refining Organs, whoever encounters him will be in danger, let''s hurry over!"


    "No rush."


    Sha Wenlong''s face was calm like a still lake, "It might just be Huang Tianrong''s strategy to lure the tiger away from the mountain. Let''s search around here a bit more."


    "Alright, alright, I obey the order!"


    ...


    Twenty rounds passed.


    Chen Sansi was still engaged with the Hua Jing Warrior, and as time went on, from initially being suppressed, he gradually stabilized the situation.


    "Damn it!"


    The brothers fighting alongside him against the disciples of the Yu Yang Sect cursed, "The signal has been sent out for ages, why hasn''t anyone come to support us?"


    "Need you ask¡­"


    Chen Sansi''s eyes were cold.


    They had been set up!


    It''s highly likely that this was orchestrated by Han Wen or Cao Fan under the Director''s orders!


    Fortunately...


    As the battle went on, he discovered something.


    The Hua Jing Warrior wasn''t that incredible after all!


    Previously, it was difficult to confront Cao Fan across the borders because he was also a peerless genius.


    But not everyone was a genius.


    Huang Tianrong obviously was not, otherwise he would not be just a Hua Jing Martial Artist as a Sect Master.


    One step wrong, every step wrong!


    His Qi-Blood certainly would not compare to my own!


    In this depletion and enhancement, the gap between the two further narrowed!


    "How is this possible..."


    Huang Tianrong, who was full of confidence before the action, quickly turned pale, unable to imagine why he, a Hua Jing Warrior, couldn''t take down his opponent.


    This guy''s Blood Explosion state kicked in with full force right away, and astonishingly, he used his Qi-Blood to withstand his internal energy!


    Qi-Blood against internal energy!


    How terrifying, a sheer fantasy!


    He gradually realized what it meant for someone who stood out from the many geniuses of the Thirty-Six States, that one simply couldn''t assess him by the common realm boundaries!


    "Chen, Mr. Chen! We know each other in passing, let''s each take a step back, please let me go, how about it?"


    The only answer he got was the Silver Spear!


    Under the enhancement of the Xuan Yuan Five Organs Body, Chen Sansi''s Dragon Elephant Blood completely entered a frenzy state, with the "Qilin''s Heart" breaking through the opponent''s combat patterns, transforming him into a demon god descending from the heavens.


    Even though he was fighting across realms, he was paradoxically achieving a suppressive effect!


    "Clang Clang Clang¡ª"


    Huang Tianrong''s harpoon became heavier and harder to control, and the internal energy in his body was vanishing at an extremely fast pace, soon nearing exhaustion.


    The Qi-Blood of a Refining Organ Martial Artist was limited, and the internal energy of Hua Jing Warriors was not infinite either!


    If he exhausted his internal energy before defeating his opponent, his advantage would vanish completely!


    "Clang!"


    Another metallic clash occurred.


    Just then a "crack" resounded crisply.


    Huang Tianrong''s harpoon broke!


    ...


    "General Sha!"


    Yu Song felt uneasy, feeling that something was off tonight.


    He said, "How about I stay here while you go to check out where the Sky Arrow resonated from?"


    "Hmm, it doesn''t look like a distraction tactic, this general will go with you," said Sha Wenlong as he started moving.


    Forty rounds of time!


    That should do it.


    The task Mr. Yin entrusted to him was sufficient to complete!


    Even if Huang Tianrong was trash, he was still a Hua Jing Warrior and should be able to kill that kid.


    The arrangement tonight was perfect!


    Everything could be explained as an accident. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Dying in battle, even the disciple of a Supervisor could not complain!


    True Disciples had died in battle before!


    Thinking this way, Sha Wenlong quickened his pace.


    Just as he arrived at the location, he just saw...


    A long spear under the moonlight transformed into a Silver Dragon, piercing through Huang Tianrong''s heart!


    "Clank!"


    Almost at the same time.


    Chen Sansi pulled out the Zhenyue Sword, severed Huang Tianrong''s head, and slammed it directly before Sha Wenlong, splattering him with fresh blood covering his face and body.


    "General Sha."


    He enunciated each word: "It seems, you''ve missed your mark!"

 Chapter 190 - 138: Seeking Immortal Tower, Gaining Spiritual Energy!

    Sha Wenlong looked down at the severed heads beneath his feet, his remaining left pupil trembling slightly, as his brows furrowed even more.


    Refining Internal, killing Hua Jin?


    This wasn''t just a minor realm advancement, but a major one!


    The Sect Master of the Yu Yang Sect was truly useless.


    The question is...


    What about the Witch God Sect?


    Why didn''t the hidden Witch God Sect Followers strike?


    It wasn''t just Huang Tianrong who was killed.


    After the other sect disciples received reinforcements, they either died on the spot under a flurry of chaotic blades or were captured without a struggle, daring not to resist in the slightest.


    "General Chen, you..."


    Yu Song found it even harder to believe.


    He''d thought that trouble was brewing, but it turned out to be Huang Tianrong who ran into trouble...


    Qi-Blood countering the force of Hua Jin, what did that even mean.


    After a long while, Sha Wenlong finally managed to regain his composure, "General Chen did well. That undercover disciple revealed his own identity and almost let them escape, fortunately, General Chen, by his own power, killed the Sect Master of Yu Yang, preventing grave consequences. You deserve the greatest credit for this mission."


    "Thank you, General Sha."


    Chen Sansi clasped his fist, his expressionless.


    "We did not collude with the Witch God Sect!"


    A disciple from the Yu Yang Sect roared desperately, "Your accusations are merely to take control of the Daluo River for yourselves, to collect the silver!"


    "You scoundrels!"


    Yu Song kicked him twice, then took out a Vajra Pestle, "Then what is this? Found in your Sect Master''s room!"


    "..."


    Several disciples stared at the Vajra Pestle, their faces filled with disbelief.


    This item was a tool used by Witch God Sect Followers to collect Heart Blood!


    "Impossible!"


    "How could our master collude with the Witch God Sect Followers?"


    "The third elder brother who died was his favorite disciple!"


    "..."


    "Still trying to be tough? Fleeing alongside Huang Tianrong, aren''t you showing your guilt?!"


    Yu Song commanded, "Take them all back, lock them up in the death prison of Liangzhou and await their fate! Announce the severed heads of Huang Tianrong and the few dead True Disciples to the public, compel everyone to cooperate with the investigation, and whoever dares to resist shall be deemed a conspirator of the Witch God Sect and be executed without mercy!"


    They left one after another.


    Chen Sansi, however, looked at the headless corpse of Huang Tianrong, his gaze intense and unflinching for a long while.


    It wasn''t due to lingering anger.


    But rather...


    Before Huang Tianrong died, he saw a trace of black aura on this man!


    It was exactly like the aura on Sect Leader Zhang Huaimin of the Seven Absolute Sect, just comparatively much fainter.


    The reason Chen Sansi did not capture him alive but killed him in the last moment was that he feared the opponent might suddenly increase his realm just like Zhang Huaimin, which would complicate matters greatly.


    After all, no one would be there to help him, and he had to prioritize his own life.


    "In the end, the Witch God Sect Followers still didn''t show themselves."


    It was a puzzle to him.


    And Huang Tianrong didn''t seem to be lying; could it be that he really hadn''t colluded with the Witch God Sect and was wronged? Then what was the black aura about?


    Ci Yun Temple...


    Chen Sansi suddenly thought of a possibility.


    Zhang Huaimin was at the Meridian Passage Realm.


    Then it was highly likely that he had also attended a Dao Conference and consumed the mysterious Nourishing Spirit Soup!


    Could that be the source of the black aura in their bodies?


    But that was wrong.


    If the Immortal Elixir contained black aura, the Qi Observation Skill should have detected it.


    At any rate..


    He needed to be even more cautious around Ci Yun Temple.


    "General!"


    Zhao Kang reported in, "The cleanup is done, shall we descend the mountain?"


    "Hmm."


    Chen Sansi nodded, leading the troops waiting at the foot of the mountain.


    The subsequent matters were not his responsibility.


    After the Reserve Camp took control of the Yu Yang Sect, they carried out a thorough three-day and three-night search, but could not find more evidence of their collusion with the Witch God Sect. In the end, they concluded that only Huang Tianrong and a few True Disciples were guilty.


    But after days of torturing the still-living disciples to death, they failed to extract a satisfactory explanation.


    Thus, the matter was left unresolved and came to an end.


    Finally, it was time for merit awards.


    Inside the tent, Sha Wenlong announced to everyone, "General Chen, for killing the enemy across a major realm, is credited as having the greatest merit for this mission and is to be awarded one Class B merit, with a reward of three thousand taels of silver!"


    "..."


    Lu Shuhua and Xie Sishu''s faces revealed their difficulty. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Five Class C merits were equivalent to one Class B merit.


    Where would they find such opportunities to earn merit again after this? A Class A merit, which was above a Class B merit, required actual battle to obtain.


    It seemed that the position of the Chief True Inheritor was beyond their reach now.


    Moreover, Refining Internal to combat Hua Jin, even if it was only a third-rate sect''s Hua Jin, would be very difficult. Probably only Cao Fan would be able to compete with this man.


    "General Chen, congratulations!"


    Lu Shuhua and Xie Sishu stepped forward to congratulate him.


    Signifying that they had effectively given up on the competition.


    "You shouldn''t have harbored any such aspirations in the first place!"


    Bai Thingzhi bluntly said.


    After leaving, Chen Sansi once again saw Yin Han Wen and Cao Fan practicing in the Martial Arts Arena, and a strong killing intent surged within him.


    This confusion must have been instigated by someone with the surname Yin.


    Sha Wenlong was of the Profound Image Realm, so it was not a good time to kill him.


    But this dog Yin Han Wen!


    Chen Sansi didn''t want him nauseatingly flitting in front of him anymore.


    If he left Yin Han Wen alive, who knew what kind of backstabbing would occur in the future!


    The problem was, next to Yin Han Wen was an old servant at the Meridian Passage Realm.


    Chen Sansi hadn''t yet reached Hua Jin, and even if he did, it was impossible for him to kill someone at the Meridian Passage.


    But what about using a spell?


    Sword Qi Skill!


    After all, it was a spell used by Immortals; it should be able to kill a Meridian Passage Realm individual, right?


    The only issue was the lack of Qingxuan Energy, or rather, Spiritual Energy!


    Seeking Immortal Tower!


    It couldn''t be avoided!


    Determined, Chen Sansi, covered in blood, returned home.

 Chapter 191 - 138: Seeking Immortal Tower, Acquiring Spiritual Energy!_2

    Si Qinmohua gradually got used to preparing hot water for his baths and for changing his clothes.


    Now that his wife was pregnant, it was better to be cautious to avoid startling the child.


    ...


    The next morning.


    Just as Chen Sansi had finished washing up, Mo Hua came to find him, saying that someone outside wanted to meet him.


    Standing at the entrance of the residence was a young Taoist, naturally from the Ci Yun Temple.


    "Blessings be as boundless as the Heavenly Venerate!"


    The young Taoist bowed, "Benefactor, my master is going to preach today and has specially sent me to invite you."


    They actually came to the door...


    What does it mean?


    Could it be that they insist on making him drink the Nourishing Spirit Soup?


    What exactly was this Nourishing Spirit Soup for?


    "I understand,"


    Chen Sansi calmly replied, "Please tell Reverend Qiu Mingzi that if I have time, I will definitely come."


    He certainly couldn''t outright refuse, otherwise the other party might sense something was wrong.


    It just wasn''t clear if he didn''t go, whether the other side would keep inviting him, and if he kept refusing, whether they would force him.


    Without a weapon, he truly felt unsafe!


    And recently...


    The tracking had started again!


    After leaving the house, Chen Sansi noticed the familiar presence reappearing.


    "It seems I need to find someone to deal with this,"


    He thought this as he went out to buy many medicinal materials, using his free time after work and beyond his cultivation sessions, to make a lot of beauty creams and rouge powders, which he then personally delivered to the Governor Mansion.


    "Junior brother really knows how to care for women,"


    Rong Yanqiu, smelling the scent of rouge, said, "These materials can''t be found on the market, you must have gone through a lot of trouble, are you planning on asking me to give them to Ninth Junior Sister?"


    Chen Sansi shook his head, "No, they are for you, Senior Sister."


    "Me?"


    Rong Yanqiu quickly caught on and rolled her eyes, "Junior brother, if you have something to say, just say it."


    "Thank you, Senior Sister."


    Chen Sansi didn''t stand on ceremony and explained what he needed.


    "Alright, leave it to me."


    Rong Yanqiu handed the items to a servant, instructing, "Go give these to Ninth Junior Sister and say that Mr. Chen personally made them for her."


    After giving her instructions.


    Her expression suddenly turned grave, and she picked up a weapon and followed.


    It wasn''t long.


    Before she indeed spotted a shadowy figure covertly following behind the junior brother.


    "Swoosh¡ª"


    An Iron Thorns Whip suddenly lashed out.


    The shadow let out a cry of alarm, also taking out two short daggers from behind to block, but he was clearly no match due to an injury. After one exchange, he was stumbling backward, yelling, "Ninth Junior Sister, it''s me, hold your hand!"


    "Old Third?"


    Rong Yanqiu''s face grew even colder, "Junior brother has only been an entry-level disciple for a short while, and you want to trail him?"


    "No, not trailing!"


    Nie Yuan hurriedly explained, "I was merely protecting junior brother in secret!"


    "Do you think, I can believe you?"


    Without further ado, Rong Yanqiu whipped out her Iron Thorns Whip with the fury of a tempest, swiftly reigniting Nie Yuan''s old wounds and forcing him to spit out a mouthful of fresh blood.


    He knelt on one knee, "Ninth Junior Sister, are you really going to kill your senior brother over a junior who''s just become an entry-level disciple?"


    "Killing you would be too far, but..."


    Rong Yanqiu snorted coldly, "You and eldest brother have long ceased to be my senior brothers, come with me!"


    She wrapped her Iron Thorns Whip around his neck and, like leading a prisoner, marched straight to Marquis Wuding''s Mansion. She kicked open the gate, startling the eldest senior brother inside who was practicing his martial arts.


    "..."


    Lu Ji looked at his third junior brother, covered in blood, and felt a headache coming on. Without even asking, he could guess what had happened.


    But still, he said with a heavy voice, "Ninth Junior Sister, isn''t this going too far?"


    "Too far?"


    Rong Yanqiu found it laughable. She kicked Nie Yuan aside, her voice laced with severity, "Eldest brother, aren''t you embarrassed? Setting your sights on our own junior brother. No wonder the fourth senior brother instructed me to stay in Liangzhou for a while before he left, just to guard against you, the ingrate!"


    "I... really only wanted to protect junior brother in secret."


    "Protect?"


    Rong Yanqiu sat down in the middle of the courtyard, pouring herself a drink indifferently, "You have the nerve to say that, a few nights ago when junior brother was on a mission and ran into Hua Jin, where was your protection then?"


    Lu Ji spoke blandly, "The battlefield is the battlefield, normal times are normal times."


    "Enough, I can''t be bothered to argue with you,"


    Rong Yanqiu felt irritated, "From now on, if you dare to tail Chen Sansi again, don''t blame me for turning on you, and I mean the kind of turning that involves risking lives, do you understand?"


    "Okay."


    Lu Ji agreed calmly, "I promise you."


    "I don''t hold power in Liangzhou, this is your turf, but there''s someone you need to deal with for me."


    Rong Yanqiu continued, "Sha Wenlong."


    "Why? Because of the Yu Yang Sect''s business?"


    Lu Ji sat down opposite her, "That doesn''t seem appropriate, it was just an accident."


    "Accident?"


    Rong Yanqiu scoffed, "I''ve checked, Sha Wenlong''s family has been disciples of the Yin family since his father''s generation. You tell me this was an accident? If he were under my control, he would have been dismembered into over a dozen pieces by now."


    "Sister, we need evidence for everything..."


    "I couldn''t care less about evidence."


    Rong Yanqiu''s stance was firm, "I''m giving you one month, either remove him or transfer him to another department, otherwise, I''ll take matters into my own hands."


    "Ninth Junior Sister, don''t go too far!" S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Nie Yuan could hardly bear it.


    Lu Ji stopped him, "Junior Sister, I swear to heaven, I would never harm junior brother''s life, and as for your demand, I can agree to take care of it, but..."


    "Junior brother has just become an entry-level disciple, and you''re already so protective, is it necessary?"


    "I''m not protecting him."


    Rong Yanqiu enunciated clearly, "I merely trust master."


    ...


    Chen Sansi stopped in front of the largest brothel on Flowering Willow Lane, looking up at the signboard that bore several large characters ¨D Red Sleeve Tower.

 Chapter 192 - 138: Seeking Immortal Tower, Acquiring Spiritual Energy!_3

    After coming to this world, it was the first time he had entered such a place. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Young Master, please come in."


    Stopping at the entrance for barely two breaths'' time, Chen Sansi was surrounded by two hostesses and ushered inside. Contrary to his expectations, inside the high-class brothel it wasn''t just about being flanked by beauty and mired in drunken debauchery; there were also numerous artistic performances, especially involving various musical instruments. The music alone was enough to reveal the high skill level¡ªsomething that couldn''t be achieved without ten to eight years of hard practice. Moreover, the many literati who were reciting poetry and engaging in verbal duels represented a blend of vulgarity and elegance, no wonder tales of romances and rivalries between scholars and brothel women often came out of the Capital City.


    "Young Master."


    An old madam respectfully asked, "Are you here to look for someone or is this your first visit?"


    "My first visit."


    Chen Sansi looked around.


    The letter from the Seeking Immortal Tower merely told him to come here but didn''t specify who to look for or how, leaving him clueless.


    However, since it was arranged this way, he assumed the other party would make contact first.


    "Young Master, please take a seat."


    The old madam rushed to find him a seat and began to introduce the girls and the process, which was quite complicated.


    As soon as Chen Sansi sat down, he had to participate in "pointing at the tea flower," paying ten taels of silver for the tea, which essentially was just the minimum entry fee. Following that, should he fancy any of the girls for company, a separate price would be set.


    The girls were ranked into different grades, with the Oiran being the most expensive. Having money alone wasn''t enough; one also needed to recite poetry to attract her attention and have a chance to spend the night.


    "I can manage that."


    Chen Sansi thought, with the poems he still remembered, he could certainly show off a bit here.


    Unfortunately, he wasn''t in the mood.


    He was here for serious business today.


    On the surface, Liangzhou City was tranquil, but beneath that, danger lurked everywhere and every moment had to be used to enhance his Power. Indulgence also needed the right timing.


    An hour''s wait and still, there was no movement.


    Chen Sansi didn''t spend a single penny more than the entry fee, which made the madam roll her eyes at him.


    He didn''t get to meet anyone from the Seeking Immortal Tower, but he did end up meeting acquaintances.


    Sun Buqi, Yan Changqing, and several sons of officials.


    "Mr. Chen, you should have said something earlier, and we could have come here together," said Yan Changqing, offering a toast, "I am a regular here and can introduce you to some rare beauties, all top courtesans guaranteed to satisfy you."


    "Sansi, what are you doing here?"


    Sun Buqi was surprised, "This isn''t like you!"


    "..."


    Chen Sansi, unable to avoid it, simply responded, "I''ve been tired from cultivation recently; just here to relax a bit."


    The purpose of visiting the Seeking Immortal Tower was a secret, of course not to be publicly disclosed.


    "Sansi, this isn''t good for you!"


    Sun Buqi said, "Your sister-in-law is pregnant and waiting for you at home. Let''s go, we can go hunting in the mountains instead."


    "?"


    Chen Sansi looked at him, feeling something was off.


    "Sansi!"


    Sun Buqi said sternly, "So many people know you here; aren''t you afraid it''ll spread by tomorrow and everyone will know?"


    "What is there to be afraid of?"


    Chen Sansi was very calm.


    His master disliked lecherous individuals, but he was here in search of the Seeking Immortal Tower, something his master was aware of.


    In this world, men visiting brothels was nothing unusual, so why fear people?


    "You, you..."


    Sun Buqi was a bit anxious, "Sansi, my sister is at your house taking care of your sister-in-law."


    Sun Li?


    Chen Sansi belatedly realized.


    Recently, he had felt something strange about everyone''s behavior.


    After his initiation ceremony, his master even mentioned arranging a marriage for him, and today Senior Sister Nine also hinted whether the gift was meant for Sun Li. Combining Sun Buqi''s attitude, perhaps they were planning to marry off their girl to him?


    Why?


    To Chen Sansi, this kind of thing should require mutual consent.


    Does Senior Sister Sun even agree?


    Well, Senior Sister is very pretty.


    But he really hadn''t considered these matters.


    Still the same reason¡ªcurrently, he lacked the mind for it.


    "Bu Qi, take a seat."


    Chen Sansi didn''t leave, "Let''s just drink and listen to songs; we''ll leave after tonight."


    "Okay."


    Sun Buqi finally sat down, "As we agreed, don''t stay overnight."


    "It seems you, my boy..."


    Chen Sansi teased, "A regular? I couldn''t tell; I''ll have to report this to our master."


    "Don''t, Sansi, that''s not fair,"


    Sun Buqi hurriedly said, "I won''t snitch on you, can''t you just pretend you didn''t see anything?"


    Chen Sansi laughed and clinked glasses with him.


    The brothel grew increasingly lively as time approached the Hour of the Dog.


    Many talents began to compete eagerly, bidding for the right to spend the night with the top courtesans of Red Sleeve Tower.


    The price for one night with the Oiran Ning Xiang reached a terrifying five thousand taels, enough to buy two Mystic Iron Furnaces. In addition, Miss Ning Xiang required poetry; only those whose poems were good enough while also being wealthy could get the opportunity to meet her.


    Note, it was to meet, not to spend the night.


    After meeting her, whether one could spend the night depended on one''s performance.


    It was unknown how beautiful she was to enchant these many men; it mustn''t be some illusion...


    Illusion Technique!


    Chen Sansi had a Spell, and people from Seeking Immortal Tower possessing an Illusion Technique made sense, right?


    Could it be that this Oiran was someone from the Seeking Immortal Tower?


    "Miss Ning Xiang, please meet with me!"


    As time passed, poem after poem was written and sent to the upper floors, yet no one was called up.


    Many were so anxious they paced back and forth, and some who were drunk even attempted to rush upstairs but were stopped by the Martial Artists maintaining order.


    "Brother Chen!"


    Yan Changqing clasped his hands, "Won''t you give it a try? With phrases like ''With a heart elated like a galloping horse, I enjoy all the flowers in Chang''an in one day,'' you are certain to win Miss Ning Xiang''s heart. I''ve heard that anyone who makes it upstairs is so bewitched they can''t recover for three days and nights; ah, the taste of it..."

 Chapter 193 - 138: Seeking Immortal Tower, Acquiring Spiritual Energy!_4

    Unexpectedly, Tang Yingke left the poem behind before he departed.


    Chen Sansi really didn''t want to act as a copycat.


    And if Miss Ning Xiang wasn''t from Seeking Immortal Tower, wouldn''t that be a huge loss?


    "Gentlemen."


    As he hesitated to spend the money, even considering leaving, a voice that sounded like a clear spring and somewhat familiar rang in his ears.


    The young woman, dressed in a warm yellow skirt and bowing her head, served them wine and snacks, saying, "Please enjoy~ The gentlemen might also write poems, perhaps you could earn the favor of our Miss~"


    Before leaving, she cast a resentful glance at Chen Sansi and quickly pulled a face to show her disdain; noticing that faint trace of Qingxuan Energy inside her, which flickered like a firefly''s light, he knew she could only be the same black-clad woman who had broken into his house on that day.


    "..."


    Chen Sansi could clearly see the hint.


    He supposed they were just waiting for him to write a poem, even if it were nonsensical, they would still call him up.


    ''Must they make it so complicated?''


    After much thought,


    Chen Sansi finally asked for ink, brush, paper, and inkstone, hurriedly recalling a couple of lines of poetry from his mind, wrote them down, and then gave them to the maid responsible for delivering the poems upstairs.


    As expected.


    The maid quickly returned, bowed deeply, and then gestured for him to follow: "Sir, Miss Ning Xiang wishes to see you. Please pay the silver first, then follow this servant upstairs."


    Five thousand taels.


    Chen Sansi didn''t carry so much money on him. He said, "Mr. Yan, could you lend me some silver first?"


    "You said you didn''t know how to write poems!"


    Yan Changqing was extremely curious, but he still took out a silver note, "Brother Chen, you must share with us a good story upon your return."


    Followed by envious gazes, Chen Sansi ascended the stairs with the maid.


    "Yan Changqing, how could you lend money to Sansi!"


    "Why not lend? What, Brother Bu Qi, are you jealous because of this?"


    "No, he promised he wouldn''t stay the night."


    "What concern is it of yours if he stays the night or not?"


    "..."


    ...


    Red Sleeve Tower has a total of six floors, and even in Liangzhou City, it stands out as a landmark.


    The higher the floor, the more expensive it becomes; starting from the fourth floor, those are the domains of the Oirans.


    The top level is empty, with only Ning Xiang residing there.


    "Humph, you actually dared to come!"


    The little girl dressed in the warm yellow skirt and disguised as a maid, hands on her hips, indignantly said, "Aren''t you afraid my master will avenge me?"


    Nonsense, had she wanted revenge, she would have taken it already.


    Chen Sansi looked at the young girl, noting that most of her wounds were healed, except for a faint scar on her right wrist, and he was not sure why.


    The medicine used by Martial Artists is very effective; theoretically, if it heals, it shouldn''t leave a scar.


    "What are you looking at? I''ve left it there on purpose!"


    Zhaozhao proactively showed the scar on her wrist, glaring with her clear eyes, "Keeping it reminds me to not forget you. Once I''m strong enough to beat you, I''ll come to take my revenge!"


    "Zhaozhao, stop causing trouble."


    A languid and subtly enchanting voice sounded.


    Zhaozhao obediently closed her mouth and stepped aside..


    Chen Sansi hadn''t yet entered when, even through the door, he saw a strand of Qingxuan Energy with his Qi Observation Skill.


    Compared to Sun Xiangzong, it was much weaker, but much stronger than this girl named Zhaozhao.


    Having come all this way, he had no reservations, pushed open the door, and was ready to see the real face of the Oiran over whom many fought tooth and nail.


    A shadowy boudoir fragrant with incense.


    The curtains fluttered lightly, casting a graceful silhouette.


    There sat a striking woman in a light purple dress, leaning softly on the bed. Her cheeks were as blooming as March peach blossoms, exuding an irresistible charm and allure. Under the veil of diffused incense smoke, she seemed even more captivating; if one were to open the doors and windows, she would surely cause tumult among the butterflies and bees.


    She was indeed "A bewitching beauty who speaks like flowers, with a demure loveliness that emits the fragrance of blooming jade."


    Chen Sansi swung his fist and punched out without hesitation.


    A look of surprise flitted across the Purple-dressed woman''s face before she gracefully leapt to avoid the attack.


    "Boom¡ª¡ª"


    The bed, however, was not so fortunate and was promptly smashed to pieces.


    "Sir..."


    The Purple-dressed woman had a look of aggrievement, "Why do you do this?"


    Zhaozhao accused, "Master, I told you he is malicious, not at all the good man and hero the outside world believes him to be. Last time, he almost took my life."


    "Miss."


    Chen Sansi, looking at the Oiran, said in a stern voice, "You sent someone to break into Chen''s residence without an announcement, and now you try to unsettle my mind with tricks as soon as I arrive. What is your intention?"


    He noticed that as soon as he entered, the Qingxuan Energy within the woman began to move, and though he didn''t know what she intended to do, he certainly wouldn''t just stand there foolishly.


    Ning Xiang bit her lip, looking wronged as she said, "I meant no harm, I just wanted to have some fun with the General first, but who knew the General doesn''t know how to be tender to a lady, truly befitting of his military background."


    "Ning Xiang, right?" Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Sansi got straight to the point and asked, "You have something to discuss with me, let''s hear it."


    The Purple-dressed woman gestured for Zhaozhao to close the door, then elegantly approached the table to pour tea.


    She began, "General, are you aware of our Seeking Immortal Tower?"


    "I have a rough understanding."


    Chen Sansi didn''t touch the tea and stated, "Please get to the point, Miss."


    "You''re in such a rush, General."


    Finding it dull, Ning Xiang spoke straightforwardly, "Our Seeking Immortal Tower has a legacy of a thousand years, with influence far and wide, yet we never meddle in mundane world''s strife, seeking only to one day find the gateway to the Immortal Realm."


    "Immortal Realm..."


    Chen Sansi asked, "Does the Immortal Realm truly exist in this world?"


    "It certainly does exist."

 Chapter 194 - 138: Seeking Immortal Tower, Acquiring Spiritual Energy!_5

    Miss Ning Xiang spoke unhurriedly, "Otherwise, how could our Seeking Immortal Tower possess Immortal Laws? It''s just a pity that for over two thousand years, nature''s spiritual energy has been depleted. Even with Immortal Laws, it''s difficult to cultivate them to fruition."


    Spiritual energy depletion.


    Chen Sansi had long known about it, and he asked, "What use do you have for me then?"


    "Nowadays in the entire world, only His Majesty the Emperor, Supervisor Sun, and additionally the Wushen Sect Leader, these three individuals, have achieved something on the Immortal Path," Ning Xiang said.


    "Among them, Supervisor Sun has the most interactions with Immortals, and you, as his closed-door disciple..."


    "Since you dared to come here, it must be with the Supervisor''s consent."


    "This further proves that you are the only one who can inherit the Supervisor''s Immortal Law, and you also have the opportunity to come into contact with Immortal Laws, Immortals, and even the gate to the Immortal Realm."


    "I have only one request in inviting you here," she continued.


    "If one day you manage to enter the true Immortal Realm, I hope you could take me and my disciples with you."


    Chen Sansi said helplessly, "Miss Ning Xiang, discussing these matters with a Refining Organ Martial Artist like me, doesn''t it seem like you''re joking?"


    "Martial Arts are Martial Arts, the Immortal Path is the Immortal Path; the two are not to be mentioned in the same breath."


    The lady in purple explained, "Regarding Martial Arts, I am merely at the stage of Refining Internal Organs Perfection. But even if a Meridian Passage stood before me, I could easily kill it." S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "But Supervisor Sun is different; he entered the path through martial arts, which is the most difficult path."


    "As for you..."


    "May I, perhaps, feel it?" she asked.


    Can Refining Internal Organs also cultivate towards immortality?


    Chen Sansi remembered his senior brother telling him that he had two paths to choose from.


    Doesn''t that mean he could also cultivate towards immortality now?


    It''s just a pity...


    Without a Cultivation Technique for the Immortal Path, it''s very likely his master didn''t have one, otherwise, he would have presented it.


    Currently, he only had one spell in hand, which he couldn''t yet cultivate.


    "General, don''t misunderstand, I only wish to see if you could choose another path," she said.


    Ning Xiang leaned in closer, "If possible, you just need to nod and join the Seeking Immortal Tower, and swear a blood oath. Then, I will apply to the Tower Master to teach you the Cultivation Technique."


    "No need," he replied.


    Chen Sansi was not interested in joining another organization, and having to swear a blood oath sounded even less appealing.


    "Miss Ning Xiang."


    He spoke, "Do you plan to have me help you for nothing?"


    "Of course not," she answered.


    Ning Xiang took out a pouch from her bosom, "Don''t look at me like that. For something as important as this, one needs to keep it close for peace of mind, right?"


    "Master!"


    Zhaozhao said sadly, "We only have a little spirit sand left. Are we really going to give it to this scoundrel?"


    "Zhaozhao, mind your manners."


    Ning Xiang chided gently, "In business, we must show sincerity."


    "Spirit sand?"


    Chen Sansi reached out to take it, but the other party withdrew her hand again.


    "Ah, General!"


    Ning Xiang lowered her head and drooped her shoulders, putting on a pitiable expression, "If you take this item, you must honor your word in the future and not walk away after squeezing everything out of me."


    "I promise you that much," he said.


    Chen Sansi didn''t hesitate for too long.


    The matter of the Immortal Realm was uncertain, with no telling how long it would take to come to fruition.


    But right now, he could see a rich concentration of Qingxuan Energy emanating from within the pouch!


    With the contents inside, he would certainly be able to cultivate the spell!


    After getting his assurance, Ning Xiang finally handed over the pouch with peace of mind.


    Chen Sansi opened the pouch and found firefly-colored sand inside that looked like crushed agate.


    "This is spirit sand," the lady in purple began to explain slowly. "At the beginning of Ancient Times when heaven and earth first unfolded, spiritual energy was abundant. But for unknown reasons, it has rapidly depleted over several thousand years; now people can only cultivate Martial Arts through a mixed variety of Qi."


    "But in order to cultivate the Immortal Path, one must possess spiritual energy."


    "Hence, one has to draw on the spiritual energy from some objects left over from Ancient Times."


    "Spirit sand is one such example."


    "I understand," Chen Sansi said as he accepted the pouch.


    "By the way," Ning Xiang shifted the conversation, "There might be a disorder occurring in Liangzhou."


    Chen Sansi inquired, "Miss, are you referring to the Witch God Sect?"


    "Yes, and not only them."


    Ning Xiang opened the window, looking in the direction of the Luotian Mountain Range, "Deep within the mountains, there is an Evil Qi."


    "Evil Qi?"


    Chen Sansi recalled the towering black Mystical Energy that he had once seen in the deep mountains.


    Is this energy referred to as Evil Qi?


    He asked, "What''s the difference between this Evil Qi mentioned by Miss Ning Xiang and the spiritual energy spoken of earlier?"


    "Both spiritual energy and Evil Qi originate from the Immortal Realm, but the latter is aggressive and violent, unsuitable for cultivation, and normally doesn''t occur naturally. We''re not sure what''s happening with the Evil Qi in the Luotian Mountain Range, and it''s growing stronger day by day, as if it''s alive."


    There was worry in Ning Xiang''s eyes, "Recently, the Witch God Sect has been excessively slaughtering Sect disciples. I''m not sure if it''s related to this. If it is, who knows what kind of chaos it will eventually cause."


    "If it worries you so much..."


    Chen Sansi challenged her, "Why don''t you all go take a look?"


    "I would love to! With such a formidable Evil Qi, there might hide some secret regarding the Immortal Realm inside it. But, alas, my strength isn''t that considerable," she said with an air of resignation.


    Ning Xiang closed the window, "The Poisonous Beasts inside the mountains affected by the Evil Qi are quite fearsome, and my mana couldn''t withstand such consumption. Perhaps High Realm Martial Artists could handle it."


    High Realm Martial Artists?


    Listening to her, Chen Sansi thought that pursuing immortality seemed to be less effective than practicing martial arts.


    "I may have stepped on the Immortal Path, but I''m far from becoming a true Immortal; it''s still leagues away," Ning Xiang seemingly noted his thoughts and clarified, "Not to mention, with the sparse spiritual energy here, it''s nearly impossible to advance one''s cultivation. Therefore, General, you must appreciate the preciousness of the spirit sand and remember not to forget about me in the future."

 Chapter 195 - 138: Seeking Immortal Tower, Acquiring Spiritual Energy!_6

    Chen Sansi nodded his head.


    "It seems that the Poisonous Beasts are born under the influence of Evil Qi."


    But as of now, no one knows exactly what happened that led to the increase of Evil Qi year by year in the Luotian Mountain Range.


    Immortal Traces...


    But that is a matter of the distant future, I''m afraid it will require experiencing Mysterious Phenomena, or even after becoming a Martial Saint, to explore there." Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    For now, the first task is to achieve Hua Jin and, on top of that, by practicing Sword Qi Skill, I should take care of the trouble that is Yin Hanwen.


    "Many thanks, miss, I shall take my leave!"


    Chen Sansi said as he prepared to leave.


    "Eh, General, you cannot go."


    Ning Xiang hurriedly stopped him, "You''ve spent a large sum of five thousand taels of silver; if you leave now and someone outside notices anything amiss, revealing your identity, what will you do? Rest for a night and leave tomorrow; besides, if you wanted to do something else, it wouldn''t be out of the question."


    "..."


    Chen Sansi had received something from someone else and had to show some respect.


    He didn''t refuse, "Must your Seeking Immortal Tower always operate in such places?"


    "I too need to make a living," Ning Xiang explained, "You think seeking immortality doesn''t cost silver?"


    Without saying anything more, Chen Sansi asked her to find him a theatrical spear used for opera, and he started training right in the room.


    He dared not get involved with a woman of uncertain background, let alone get tangled with Immortal Laws. Even if it wasn''t a matter of life and death, there could still be other traps.


    The effect of the Spiritual Rice Medicine Ointment inside him was still active.


    Lately, his progress hadn''t fallen behind either.


    [Cultivation Technique: National Guardian Dragon Spear. Hua Jing (entry-level)]


    [Progress: 71/100]


    Before he knew it, it was dawn and, looking at Ning Xiang and Zhaozhao, one was asleep on a bed which had only half remained intact, and the other was passed out on the table.


    Before leaving, he woke up Ning Xiang, "Hey, give me back my silver."


    That was five thousand taels!


    To take a risk with his life in killing a Huang Tianrong and to receive such a reward, how could he just leave it here?


    The matter of spirit sand was a separate transaction and had nothing to do with the silver.


    "General, you want a freebie?" Ning Xiang said with an angry look, "You''ve broken the bed and now you''re not even willing to shell out a single copper coin!"


    "Woman, where did I touch you!" Chen Sansi urged, "I''m in no mood to waste words with you; I still have to return to the camp for roll call!"


    "Why so fierce~"


    Ning Xiang, as if truly scared, hastily found several silver notes.


    Chen Sansi stuffed the silver notes into his bosom and strode away.


    After his departure, he faintly heard sobbing coming from behind him.


    "Sigh, such an actor."


    Chen Sansi felt too powerless to complain further and called Qian Xun before heading straight to the Military City.


    After roll call, he received some news.


    Sha Wenlong had been transferred to the Sky Wolf Camp, and the Deputy General of the Reserve Camp was replaced by a Deputy General from the Cloud Camp, clearly someone had orchestrated this deliberately.


    This was a good thing.


    Having a direct superior harboring ill intentions and wanting you dead was utterly terrifying, especially within the army, where many orders simply had to be obeyed, even if it meant marching to one''s death.


    It was just unknown who was behind it.


    The most likely candidate could only be Senior Sister Nine.


    Just as Brother Fang had said, Sister Rong Yanqiu could be relied upon, and I really should thank her properly later.


    ...


    "Did you do it?"


    At the Martial Arts Arena.


    Cao Fan questioned, "Stop playing dumb, I''m talking about the matter with the Yu Yang Sect. Did you have Sha Wenlong set him up to encounter a Hua Jing Warrior, aiming to use this as an opportunity to murder by proxy?"


    "Young Master, it was me..."


    Yin Hanwen explained, "I wanted to relieve the Young Master of your worries! Your lifespan bears the great responsibility of the Great Sheng Dynasty and the Thirty-Six States; how could you waste it on vying for a momentary victory against such a person?"


    "Don''t worry, Young Master. He doesn''t have any evidence, and Sha Wenlong, as our staunch loyalist, most certainly won''t spill the beans. If worst comes to worst, we''ll find another opportunity later on."


    "Dismiss yourself."


    Cao Fan did not blame him but said indifferently, "Since you''re not participating in the Selected Point and currently have no position in Liangzhou, I worry that when Supervisor Sun returns, if this matter were to be investigated, it might not be explainable."


    "Supervisor Sun may not return for some time, and Young Master, don''t you trust me?"


    Yin Hanwen hastily said, "Even if it traces back to me, I alone will take responsibility for my actions!"


    "Do you think that it ending with you, this Young Master could escape implication?"


    Cao Fan frowned, "Even if I eventually defeat Chen Sansi, I still have to win over the Supervisor''s favorable impression; otherwise, I will still not access the True Inheritance."


    "Young Master, this fault lies with me!"


    Yin Hanwen finally realized, "I will leave and not stay to drag the Young Master down."


    "Mm."


    Cao Fan patted his shoulder, "Help your father with his work more. In the future, you can also lend me a helping hand. Once I command respect within the Liangzhou Army, I will invite you back."


    Yin Hanwen promised, "I''ll leave at the end of this month, once my arrow wounds have healed."


    Cao Fan did not speak further but took up the Azure Dragon Crescent Blade to continue his training.


    In recent times, he had reached a point of complete devotion to practice.


    "Dammit!"


    Once out of sight, Yin Hanwen slammed his fist into the Training Post, "How could a Refining Internal manage to overpower a Hua Jing! Why? If this continues, he really could cause huge trouble for the Young Master in the future; no, I absolutely cannot let him live!"


    "Elder Wei, I need your help!"


    He turned his gaze to the Meridian Passage Martial Artist that his family patronized, "Help me kill him!"


    "Young Master, that''s not a good idea."


    Elder Wei advised, "Killing someone in Liangzhou City will definitely lead to a thorough investigation."


    "Then wait until we leave Liangzhou, and make it known to everyone when we leave to clear any suspicions!"


    "Afterward, Elder Wei, you can double back to commit the murder and blame it on the Witch God Sect!"


    "Elder Wei, it''s all up to you now!"

 Chapter 196 - 139: Spell Killing, Heavenly Book and Strange Weapon!

    "Brother Chen, Brother Chen!"


    After finishing a session of cultivation, Chen Sansi put down his long spear to take a short rest, only to see Yan Changqing running over excitedly, with many soldiers trailing behind him, all wearing the same expression.


    "Incredible, it''s just too incredible!"


    Yan Changqing clapped his hands in amazement, "Brother Chen truly is a role model for all of us!"


    "A role model for what?"


    Chen Sansi was baffled.


    "Look at you, playing dumb is no fun."


    Yan Changqing replied with a mischievous grin, "Word has spread! Now the whole Liangzhou City knows about your romantic tale with Miss Ning Xiang!"


    "Isn''t that so."


    Xie Sishu added, "Mr. Chen, that Vajra Body of yours not only brought down the arena but also the bed. This morning, as I was preparing to leave, I personally saw the maids carrying a broken bed down from the sixth floor."


    "Hiss~"


    "The Commander is fierce in the arena, and equally ferocious in bed..."


    "..."


    Chen Sansi guessed that since he could not explain the smashed bed, he would simply have to brazenly adapt the story to ensure his identity wasn''t exposed.


    "And the half-verse poem you wrote, ''A branch of bright red beauty holds dew''s fragrance, clouds and rain over Wushan in vain for the lovelorn heart''!"


    Yan Changqing clicked his tongue, "You said you couldn''t write poetry!"


    This world had no Wushan, but fortunately, there was Wushan.


    Chen Sansi silently altered it as he wrote.


    "What about the second half!"


    "Indeed, Brother Chen, leaving a poem unfinished is not a good habit!"


    These children of officials and the wealthy, even those who practice martial arts, have been educated from a young age, some are even not inferior to literary men, but they hold power in higher regard internally.


    "With Brother Chen''s poetic talent, if you were to take the civil service examination, you would certainly achieve top honors."


    "..."


    Chen Sansi felt that if he had focused solely on reading and writing, he would definitely have found success. Not to mention that in a place like the Capital City, he could easily gain fame all over the world by simply copying a few poems, but it would be useless. Even if he succeeded in earning fame and recognition, he would still need to employ high realm martial artists for personal protection, not to mention the possibility of cultivating to immortality in this world.


    "Still, Brother Chen, you do have one bad habit."


    Yan Changqing switched the subject, "How could you... not pay her?"


    "Exactly."


    "The word has gone out, just before you left, you even took away more than five thousand silver notes from Miss Ning Xiang, you ended up with a profit!"


    "A role model, indeed!"


    "What kind of role model, I think what General Chen did was quite inappropriate. That money was hard-earned, how could you default on it?"


    "..."


    Chen Sansi took the opportunity to slip away while they were chattering, not having time to waste. Before leaving, he also took several scrolls from the Great Library¡ªmaps of the Great Sheng Dynasty.


    There were rumors of unrest popping up everywhere; with external threats resolved, internal strife had emerged. It was likely that there would be another war soon, and the soldiers from the Reserve Camp would be deployed for combat.


    As a military leader, it was natural for him to keep maps at hand, ready to analyze the situation at any moment.


    Calling for his White Swan Horse, before heading home, Chen Sansi made his way to the bustling Lu Hua Street, a street full of shops selling women''s jewelry, rouge, and powder. He selected the busiest shop and spent several hundred silver notes on jewelry before heading home.


    Before reaching his home, Chen Sansi could already see from afar a young Taoist in Daoist robes standing in front of the mansion.


    Ci Yun Temple had come calling again.


    "Benefactor."


    The young Taoist bowed and said, "Why didn''t the benefactor attend the sermon a few days ago?"


    Chen Sansi dismounted and said, "Little master, please convey to Taoist Qiu Mingzi that I have been busy with military duties lately. When I have the time, I will be sure to visit and pay tribute to the Heavenly Venerate and donate incense."


    "Then Mr. Chen must not forget next time. My master says you have a connection with the Dao, and if you keep attending, you will definitely be able to comprehend the Daoist Inheritance. It would be a pity to miss the opportunity."


    After another bow, the young Taoist left.


    "Have I really caught their attention?"


    Chen Sansi''s gaze deepened.


    He had made inquiries.


    In the army, there were hardly any high-level generals who visited Ci Yun Temple.


    On the one hand, it was because the men in the forces, like him, didn''t believe in these things.


    On the other hand, the Governor didn''t like it, and his subordinates naturally followed suit, so not many people visited.


    ''Does the master know the ins and outs of this?''


    ''If he knows, why hasn''t he dealt with it...''


    Small achievement in Hua Jin!


    If Chen Sansi remembered correctly, Qiu Mingzi was just someone with a small achievement in Hua Jin, and on him, Chen Sansi hadn''t detected the Qingxuan Energy or Purple Energy, but with the mysterious incense involved, who knew if he had any life-saving cards up his sleeve.


    He could only take it one step at a time. If they were truly insistent, he might have to take a risk.


    The urgent matter at hand was to break through to Hua Jin and concurrently practice the Sword Qi Skill.


    "The master has returned~"


    Si Qinmohua were both waiting at the entrance.


    Mohua led the White Swan Horse inside while Si Qin whispered, "Master, the madam is angry."


    "Because of the Red Sleeve Tower?"


    "Yes, yes."


    Si Qin nodded vigorously, "When I went to the market today and passed by the tea house, the entire street was abuzz with the news. They say that the Supervisor''s disciple, the General of Martial Virtue, famous throughout the land, visited the brothel and left without paying, and the Oiran had people searching the streets for you."


    "No worries, I''ll just explain."


    Chen Sansi pushed open the door to the bedroom.


    He saw Sister Lan, as usual, sitting at the table, her slender jade fingers deftly moving with the embroidery needle, showing no outward signs of anger. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The more she seemed calm, the more guilty he felt and didn''t know how to start the conversation.


    "Brother Shi is back."


    In the end, it was Gu Xinlan who broke the silence.


    "Yes."


    Chen Sansi sat down opposite her and brought out several boxes, "On the way back, I picked out a few pieces of jewelry for you. See if you like them. If not, I''ll exchange them for new ones."

 Chapter 197 - 139: Spell Kills, Heavenly Book and Strange Weapon!_2

    "Wife, don''t stop talking."


    "Otherwise, I''ll personally make you some rouge, using the most precious treasure medicine, which won''t harm the baby and can protect your skin."


    "Or else, you..."


    "Pfft~"


    While listening, Gu Xinlan suddenly covered her face and laughed softly.


    Chen Sansi was even more dumbfounded.


    "All right, I was just teasing you."


    Gu Xinlan said with feigned annoyance, "Didn''t you say last time that you had important matters to attend to? Did you really think I was angry?"


    "Uh..."


    Chen Sansi was somewhat perplexed as to why even Si Qinmohua knew she was angry.


    "It was just for show."


    Seeing his thoughts, Gu Xinlan explained, "Causing such a commotion in a brothel must be to mislead others, right? It would be abnormal for me as your wife not to react at all. I''m just a woman with no Martial Arts training, I can''t help you outside the house, and certainly shouldn''t be holding you back at home, should I?"


    "Is my Sister Lan so clever?"


    Chen Sansi was somewhat taken aback and hugged her from behind.


    "Stop horsing around, you might hurt the baby."


    Gu Xinlan batted his hands away, speaking seriously, "Brother Shi, I don''t mind, but Li was not in a good mood when she came this morning."


    "Surely not?"


    "Are you really clueless or pretending to be? Li comes over every day, do you really think she''s just here to take care of me?"


    "Half true, half false, I guess. I just haven''t thought about it that much, and even if Senior Sister Sun were willing, where would she stand?"


    The daughter of my master, how could she possibly be a concubine.


    His master probably didn''t say anything at the time, but he might have been a bit angry about it.


    "Brother Shi, I can..."


    "Don''t say it."


    Chen Sansi covered her mouth, "This matter won''t affect you; the master is magnanimous and won''t truly be angry. Rest well; I''m going to cultivate."


    He went to the backyard, locked the yard door, took up the Five Tigers Soul-breaking and the treasure medicine provided by the Governor Mansion, and began to cultivate.


    This was the greatest benefit of being the Selected Point.


    At every realm, there was enough treasure medicine to consume, so there was no worry about a lack of resources. Coupled with the more exaggerated utility of Spiritual Rice Medicine Ointment, his Progress soared.


    He reported daily at 5 a.m., and outside of patrolling, he was cultivating. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Sansi became increasingly familiar with the moves of the National Guardian Dragon Spear, gradually reaching a level of great proficiency.


    Maintaining the Blood Explosion State, he was almost in a frenzy, the extreme movement of his Qi-Blood within making it impossible for him to spare any thought for anything else, his focus solely on a giant python exuding a mysterious aura, as if it was on the verge of a transformation, evolving at any moment.


    Two hundred rounds!


    The Blood Explosion State lasted for two hundred rounds.


    Even Chen Sansi''s Mystical Essence Five Organs started to weaken, as if, after being drained of blood, they had to continue to knock on bone and suck the marrow, squeezing the last bit of potential from his body.


    However, at the same time, he began to sense the existence of "Power."


    "Just a little bit!"


    "Just missing a tiny bit!"


    "Hua Jin!"


    Just when Chen Sansi felt as if he was dried up, without a drop of Qi-Blood left in him, a different kind of strength was born within his Qi-Blood, woven into the sinews of his muscled arms, and finally converging upon the long spear, which, as he thrust forward, emitted a roaring sound like the cry of a dragon!


    [Cultivation Technique: National Guardian Dragon Spear. Hua Jin (entry-level)]


    [Progress: 0/500]


    [Utility: Power endures, Qi suppresses the land and rivers, upon Great Success, Power transforms into a True Dragon]


    Hua Jin entry-level!


    The realm of Hua Jin, like the Blood Refining realm, was quite similar.


    First, a strand of Power is cultivated, then the Power spreads through the whole body, followed by Outer Strength. After achieving Outer Strength, one can overlay the Power on a Weapon, and at this point, a Mystical Weapon comes into play.


    After reaching Great Success in Hua Jin, one is able to let a certain degree of Power leave the body, surrounding the Weapon, forming an invisible force.


    [Power endures, Qi suppresses the land and rivers]


    Chen Sansi put down the long spear and started practicing his Fist techniques on a boulder in the yard that was used specifically for Martial Arts training, to comprehend the specific effects of the terms through solid practice.


    The Power in his body, after being used to amplify his attacks, seemed not to disappear immediately but would stretch out for a long time before gradually dissipating. This certainly had remarkable effects in a head-on battle.


    Qi suppresses the land and rivers.


    This was a feature of the National Guardian Dragon Spear, transforming the original "Frenzy" into "Suppressing Stance", an overwhelming spear technique that could truly intimidate opponents, as opposed to merely frightening them with Frenzy.


    The final [True Dragon Strength] effect was unknown for the time being, needing to wait until Great Success to experience it firsthand.


    "Finally achieved Hua Jin."


    Having accomplished one of his phased goals, Chen Sansi exhaled a breath of stale air.


    Instead of the planned two months, he was ahead by one month; it was now spring.


    In just one month, he had broken through from the Great Success of Refining to Hua Jin. Even geniuses like Lu Shuhua, who had already reached Refining Internal Organs Perfection, would probably still need to waste quite some time in the Refining Internal Realm.


    This was thanks to the power of the Spiritual Rice Medicine Ointment.


    It was just not durable; he had to replenish it again after he had used it up, and moving forward, he would need to find time to go into the mountains for Alchemy again. Moreover, the original Mystic Iron Furnace had completely burned through and needed to be replaced.


    Looking at it this way, although Spiritual Grain seemed to be cost-free on the surface, in reality, it came with a price tag of several thousand taels of silver for each use!


    He had originally received a reward of fifty thousand taels of silver; after spending for a while, he now had about half left.


    On top of that, Qian Xun still insisted on having a bite to eat every day.


    "It would be better to have a container."


    "My Martial Arts Realm will not break through again in a short time, it''s best to focus on practicing Spells for the next few days."


    Chen Sansi locked the yard door, sat cross-legged on the empty room''s floor, took out the purse given by the Seeking Immortal Tower, poured the spirit sand in his hand, and began to practice the Spell according to the methods recorded on the fragmented scroll, channeling his meridians.

 Chapter 198 - 139: Spell Kills, Heavenly Book and Strange Weapon!_3

    ```


    With eyes closed and spirit focused, he could feel an intangible yet tangible foundation near his Dantian.


    According to the translation of the "dictionary" by Brother Fang, this thing should be called a Spirit Root.


    Only those with a Spirit Root could cultivate Spells. Even master, it seems, couldn''t succeed in cultivating spells and could only approach the Immortal Path through martial arts.


    Moreover, Spells and the Immortal Path are two different things.


    The Immortal Path is for cultivating longevity, while Spells are for protecting the way.


    Cultivating Spells is far more difficult than practicing Martial Arts, and the difficulty is a hundred times greater!


    It took him a whole three days just to learn how to draw the Qingxuan Energy into his body through the Spirit Root, and now, nearly a month had passed, yet he still hadn''t reached the entry level.


    [Magic: Sword Qi Skill (not entry-level)]


    [Progress: 78/100]


    [Utility: None for now]


    Fortunately, it was almost there.


    However, the rate at which the Spirit Sand was consumed was indeed a bit fast.


    A pouch contained just a small handful, and in not much time, nearly half of it was used up.


    There must be more in the Seeking Immortal Tower, but they probably wouldn''t give it to him for nothing again.


    Beyond that.


    Chen Sansi had observed another phenomenon.


    That was, the Qingxuan Energy he absorbed into his body couldn''t be stored or accumulated; it kept circulating in his meridians and slowly dissipating. To put it simply, it couldn''t be retained, and he couldn''t transform his body by keeping the Qingxuan Energy within.


    In contrast, the master could clearly retain Qingxuan Energy in his body.


    The technique for storing Spiritual Energy probably wouldn''t be learned until one reached Martial Saint. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As for the other path, Chen Sansi didn''t have the corresponding Cultivation Technique.


    The Seeking Immortal Tower had it, but they wouldn''t give it to him, and even if they were willing, he didn''t have enough Spiritual Energy to cultivate. Otherwise, they wouldn''t be so weak themselves.


    For now, he should just focus on cultivating the Spell well.


    Before he knew it, another day had passed, until Si Qin knocked on the courtyard door and asked cautiously, "Master, Mr. Hou is here and waiting to see you in the living room."


    "Okay."


    Chen Sansi guessed it might be news about Shun. Having practiced tirelessly, he was tired, so he instructed Si Qin to prepare food and drink and took the chance to relax and rest.


    He came to the living room and greeted with a fist salute, "Mr. Hou, your honorable visit graces my humble abode, please forgive me for not welcoming you from afar!"


    "Mr. Chen, no need to be so formal," the Chief Eunuch Hou Bao replied, putting down the tea in his hand, "I''ve come today to discuss the matter of your brother."


    "Please speak, Mr. Hou."


    Chen Sansi went forward to personally refill the tea. "Is there news?"


    "There is, but Mr. Chen, don''t be too happy too soon," Hou Bao spoke unhurriedly, "Seven months ago, among the civilians sent to Danzhou to work on the Canal, there indeed was someone named ''Zhang Shun.'' But three months ago, a big incident took place in Danzhou."


    "The Flowing Sand River broke its embankments, and the civilians unearthed a one-eyed giant stone statue at the bottom of the river. Under the leadership of several Sects in the area, they raised the slogan ''Though the stone man has but one eye, he stirs the sands to make the world defy'' and killed the Canal supervisors. Then they fled to the mountains to become outlaws, using the geographical advantage of the Eight Hundred Miles of Water Pools to establish strongholds, recruiting soldiers and horses, preparing to rebel when the opportunity arose."


    "Your brother Zhang Shun disappeared without a trace after the end of this affair."


    "It is unknown if he died during the mutiny or also..."


    He paused, emphasizing the words: "Turned to banditry!"


    "It''s that serious?"


    Chen Sansi in the North had barely heard of this.


    He looked at the map, noting Danzhou''s location: "Mr. Hou, how many of them are there?"


    "As many as eighty thousand."


    "These troublemakers don''t appreciate what the court has given them; they all think of rebelling, deserving to be cut a thousand times! Before the rebellion, many of them secretly trained in Martial Arts and even prepared their Armour."


    "This matter, it seems, was planned for a long time,"


    "After the incident, Nan Xu, which had been silent for more than a decade, started to stir again. So I figure, the Families, Sects, and gangs in Danzhou and Nan Xu are all complicit!"


    "Luckily, the troublemakers who rose in rebellion are still just a ragtag mob."


    "Once the court deals with Nan Xu, it''ll take care of this band of troublemakers!"


    Chen Sansi knew.


    With such a commotion, there was no way to get Shun back.


    Nine out of ten chances, he had become an outlaw as well.


    "Mr. Chen." Hou cautioned him in a thin voice, "Let me give you a piece of advice, sever ties with your brother as soon as possible. I''ll keep this secret for you, don''t ruin your future."


    "I hear and understand your reminder, Mr. Hou," Chen Sansi replied, thinking to himself that the rebellion was good.


    Ever since he was in Po Yang, he knew what life was like for the common people.


    The ten days in Yunzhou further convinced him the court should fall.


    But it''s not enough yet...


    The territory of the Great Sheng Dynasty is vast.


    With ostensibly Thirty-Six States, some have an immensely large area. For instance, one Liang State is worth two and a half Yun States, which is why the court''s military always seems stretched thin.


    Moreover, Danzhou is a small Southern State. If Nan Xu falls, it means isolation without support, and the best outcome would be to barely survive in the mountains.


    To put it plainly, they were being manipulated.


    If one truly wants to create chaos, supreme martial power is needed.


    Especially after Chen Sansi learned of the Immortal Law, he was even more certain of this.


    "The world is in such turmoil these recent years..." Hou Bao sighed, "Ming State is not staying quiet either. With the Lord Governor currently in the capital, the rebels are acting up like unsealed demons. There''s also West Qi and Nan Xu liaising, and they are ready to make a move."


    "There are rebels in Ming State too?"


    ```

 Chapter 199 - 139: Spell Kills, Heavenly Book and Strange Weapon!_4

    Chen Sansi looked at the geographic position on the map.


    Ming State bordered Yan State and was also a large state, with complex terrains of numerous mountains and rivers. Further west lay the West Qi Kingdom.


    The four cardinal directions of the Great Sheng Dynasty.


    Corresponding to the north, south, east, and west respectively were Beiman, Nan Xu, Dongqing, and West Qi Kingdom.


    Among them, the strongest were the combined barbarian tribes, followed by Dongqing, and then West Qi and Nan Xu whose strengths were not much different. Almost everyone coveted the rich lands of the Great Sheng Dynasty.


    For the same reasons as the barbarian tribes, the Great Sheng Dynasty was rich in resources.


    In the Great Sheng Dynasty, each state typically had at least one martial artist at the Profound Image Realm, a feat none of the other countries could achieve, with Martial Saints being extremely rare.


    "Not just Ming State, You State, Yan State, and even Liangzhou hosted rebels. During that ten-day period in Yunzhou, there were attempts to collaborate internally with the barbarians, including bandits, sects, and troublemakers,"


    Mr. Hou spoke with a relatively light tone, "But none managed to pose a significant threat before Supervisor Sun swiftly suppressed them. Now, the Northwest Three States have returned to stability."


    "Only Ming State faces enemies on both sides, being besieged by a group of bandits who have rallied troops to confront the court and currently occupy six cities, with plentiful supplies and provisions."


    "Let me reveal to Mr. Chen in advance, if we cannot resolve this in the next few days, Liangzhou will have to dispatch troops for support, and your Reserve Camp will definitely be involved."


    "Mr. Hou."


    Chen Sansi puzzled, "What nature are these bandits of Ming State, that they have actually become a force to reckon with?"


    "Speaking of which, it''s quite bizarre,"


    Mr. Hou spoke with a cold breath, "The bandits of Mei Mountain claim to be the Red Eyebrow Army. Intriguingly, their leader is not even a martial artist but a failed scholar."


    "A failed scholar?"


    Chen Sansi grew even more curious.


    "Exactly~"


    Mr. Hou explained in detail, "This person started participating in the imperial examinations at sixteen and has reached middle age without achieving any significant scholarly rank. Each visit to the capital ended in failure, resulting in local disdain. Even the girl he loved had to marry someone else.


    "Thus, two years ago, he fled to the local bandits of Mei Mountain, led people to raid a wedding, killed the entire family of the bride who was about to be married, and then took the girl up the mountain to become bandits." Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Before long, he became the new leader of Mei Mountain and later, seizing the opportunity during the barbarian uprisings, he led a rebellion. Supported by local prominent families, he became a formidable force."


    "It is said that he was able to garner support because he obtained a scroll of military tactics, a Heavenly Book that contained real Qimen Formations, turning him into a military training genius. Any formation drilled personally by him could exhibit combat effectiveness far beyond the cultivation of the soldiers, thus he was elected as the leader."


    "Of course, they have no Martial Saints; their highest combatant is a Sect Master at the Profound Image Realm. Truly speaking, they are not too challenging to deal with."


    "But General Dong An of Ming State needs to focus on guarding against the West Qi Kingdom and is really unable to divide his attention."


    "Thus, in a few days, about thirty thousand troops might need to be dispatched from Liangzhou to suppress the rebels."


    A scroll documenting military tactics? A Heavenly Book?


    This must involve some extraordinary adventure, right?


    He, just a scholar, not only managed to keep such an adventure from being taken away but also became a leader?


    There must be many mysteries involved.


    "Thank you for the information, Mr. Hou!"


    Chen Sansi expressed his gratitude.


    "Recently, General Chen must diligently drill, striving to achieve another remarkable feat in Ming State and gain promotions and titles," Mr. Hou said, twirling his lan hua fingers. "You don''t need to be polite with me, for I am but the emperor''s dog. You should thank the emperor, and if one day Supervisor Sun passes on his teachings to you, you must..."


    "Submit them to the court."


    Chen Sansi interjected, "Don''t worry, Mr. Hou."


    "Very good, very good indeed!"


    Mr. Hou nodded in satisfaction.


    During their conversation, the dishes were prepared, all made by chefs from the Immortal Crane Tower at great expense.


    Chief Eunuch Hou Bo was very satisfied with the meal, and after being full and content, he even tried to invite Chen Sansi to visit a brothel. Chen tactfully declined but instead presented a thousand silver notes as a bribe.


    "How could I possibly accept this, Mr. Chen? I haven''t been able to find your brother either," Mr. Hou said while tucking the silver note away. "Well then, I won''t disturb you any longer, Mr. Chen."


    "Si Qin, see the guest out!"


    After seeing off the eunuch, the house once again returned to tranquility.


    Chen Sansi resumed practicing the Sword Qi Skill.


    Days went by in routine dedication.


    Since his last visit to Red Sleeve Tower nearly a month ago, Xin Lan had been pregnant for over two months. Although there were no visible changes to her belly, symptoms like morning sickness and drowsiness had intensified.


    Before 5 a.m., Chen Sansi had already prepared a nourishing soup ahead of time, instructing Si Qinmohua to ensure the lady drank it before he headed to the garrison for rollcall. Following the reveal from Mr. Hou, he also intensified the training of his men.


    After a long period of adjustment, whether his trusted followers or the soldiers from various garrisons, all were utterly compliant. The proficiency of his command over troops had also improved.


    [Skill: Commanding Soldiers (small achievement)]


    [Progress: 355/2000]


    The only flaw of his men was their low level of cultivation; there were not enough Refining Organ Martial Artists.


    The Eight Camps had a sufficient supply of regular supplemental medicines, but there were limits; those with inadequate physiques could suffer indigestible toxicity, leading to damage in their internal organs and thus harming their foundational cultivation.


    The leftover toxicity in the prepared supplemental medicine was a test of a doctor''s ability.


    If there were a way to quantify this in simple terms, ordinary people, similar to what Doctor Jiang brewed, would contain about forty percent toxicity.


    Whereas, high-ranking practitioners in the Meridian Passage Realm like Doctor Jiang could extract medicines with merely about twenty percent toxicity.

 Chapter 200 - 139: Spell Kills, Heavenly Book and Strange Weapon!_5

    Don''t underestimate these twenty percent, as every reduction of one percent in toxicity means martial artists can consume a bit more supplemental medicine to enhance their cultivation. Accumulated over time, this can lead to a significant improvement in the overall realm of the army.


    "Power Quenching Medicine requires reaching Outer Strength."


    Chen Sansi knew he would have to carefully research this further, since reducing the toxicity even more would also be an indirect way to enhance the strength of his men.


    "Hey! General, I have some good news for you!"


    Bai Thingzhi approached in a rather good mood, "That mutt with the surname Yin is preparing to leave early tomorrow morning; finally, he won''t be around to bother us anymore."


    "Leaving?"


    Chen Sansi quickly asked, "Are you sure?"


    "Positive!"


    Bai Thingzhi said with certainty, "He''s buying drinks and food for the barracks, treating those who are close to him. I heard they are even planning to visit the brothel tonight, and those who suck up to him keep saying how much they will miss him."


    Chen Sansi could see that this man was utterly loyal to Cao Fan and had thought he would stay in Liangzhou as an assistant. Why was he suddenly leaving now?


    He guessed it was probably because they felt exposed after Sha Wenlong was transferred last time and didn''t dare to linger any longer, fearing a deeper investigation.


    Is Mr. Yin content to just walk away like this?


    Among them, Yin Hanwen definitely hated him the most, having been shot by an arrow before.


    Moreover...


    This guy wasn''t penniless¡ªholding a banquet in the barracks wasn''t about saving money. It was more like declaring to the world that he was leaving. Who was he trying to show this to?


    Chen Sansi couldn''t help but imagine the worst-case scenario.


    Even if he wasn''t planning on making a move against him, Chen Sansi couldn''t let him off the hook!


    His Sword Qi Skill was just a little short of entry-level; he would definitely make it by tomorrow, but before that, he needed to get ready.


    Fortunately, it was his turn to rest and recuperate starting in the afternoon.


    Chen Sansi left inconspicuously and headed towards the Governor Mansion.


    After becoming more familiar with the place, he no longer needed to wait to be announced and could come and go freely. Led by a maid, he went straight to Rong Yanqiu''s residence.


    "Little junior brother doesn''t even give a heads-up before coming."


    Rong Yanqiu was wrapped in a light gauze, with wet hair and cheeks, obviously just having taken a bath.


    She pointed her finger at her junior brother''s chest, "Speak, what brings you to your sister?"


    Chen Sansi took a step back and handed over the gift he had brought, "Came to see how sister is doing."


    "Pssh¡ªacting all proper now, not like when you were collapsing beds with that little b*tch."


    Rong Yanqiu disdainfully put on her clothes, glancing at the jewelry box, "Spare me the pretense, come on, what do you want me to do for you this time?"


    "I really can''t hide anything from sister."


    Chen Sansi bowed, "I will be resting for the next two days, planning to use this time to go hunting in the mountains, hoping to find an Exotic Beast. But I really don''t feel easy leaving my wife at home alone, so could I ask sister to stay at my humble abode for a couple of days?"


    Since the person in question was leaving, naturally, going out of the city to commit murder was the most secure plan, with Qian Xun there to ensure he wouldn''t lose his quarry.


    But he was worried about leaving his home unattended, in case of danger when he couldn''t return in time.


    "What are you worrying about needlessly?"


    Rong Yanqiu thought it was about the issue with their third senior brother, Nie Yuan, and confidently said, "Just go to the mountains with peace of mind, no one will track you again, and no one dares to go to your house."


    "I still hope for sister to personally take care."


    Chen Sansi pleaded earnestly.


    "Alright then."


    Rong Yanqiu nodded, "If you put it that way, how could sister not agree? I''m idle anyway, and with sister Li often visiting, I might as well go there for a couple of days."


    "But let''s get something straight, you''re not allowed to go to the Red Sleeve Tower looking for that little b*tch again." S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Last time you asked me to help you find the person tracking you, yet afterwards, you went straight to the brothel to make a name for yourself, infuriating me to no end."


    "I won''t go anymore," Chen Sansi agreed.


    "That''s better," Rong Yanqiu couldn''t help but roll her eyes, "I really don''t understand how my sister got so enchanted by you. If my man dared to mess around, he''d be hanging from the city walls by now. Guess what your Senior Sister Sun said?


    "She said, ''Sister, don''t meddle in unnecessary matters, junior brother surely has important business to handle,'' which sounds so nauseating."


    "You buy me gifts every day, why not buy something for your Senior Sister Sun? She''s never been interested in anyone all her life, and now she probably doesn''t even realize she''s fallen for you. Don''t let her down."


    "I understand, I''ll definitely prepare a thank-you gift next time," Chen Sansi thought as he considered that it was only proper to give something in return, since she was taking care of Sister Lan all the time.


    He clasped his hands and said, "I''m off to the mountains."


    "Go on, then," Rong Yanqiu dismissed with a wave, "Your wife and my unborn nephew are in my care, rest assured they won''t get hurt even a hair. You really are too cautious."


    "Farewell!"


    After Chen Sansi had taken care of everything, a heavy weight lifted from his heart, and without a moment''s delay, he rode his White Swan Horse directly toward the Luotian Mountain Range.


    His Sword Qi Skill was just a little shy of entry-level, he had to make the most of his time.


    Although he had his senior sister''s protection to ensure total safety, he wouldn''t let his enemy off the hook.


    In the alchemy cave, Chen Sansi sat cross-legged, focusing his entire attention on absorbing the Qingxuan Energy from the spirit sand.


    Until the next day, when the dawn light filled the sky outside the cave, he suddenly opened his eyes.


    [Magic: Sword Qi Skill (Entry-level)]


    [Progress: 0/500]


    [Utility: Spiritual Energy forms a blade, killing with a snap of the fingers]


    A snap of the fingers to kill!


    Once a martial artist reaches the Profound Image Realm, their body can be covered with a layer of Protective Gang Qi.


    But they lack Meridian Passage.


    Outer Strength is definitely not enough to resist a Spell!


    The more Chen Sansi cultivated, the more he felt its power.

 Chapter 201 - 139: Spell Kills, Heavenly Book and Strange Weapon!_6

    He circulated the energy through the meridians in his body, using a special evasive technique to gather spiritual energy into his right arm, palm, and finally above his fingertips in the void, where he formed an extremely tiny, elusive sword shadow, not much larger than a sewing needle.


    "Done!"


    Chen Sansi dispelled the sword shadow.


    He could feel that even his Vajra Body would be pierced by a single sword thrust. There was no need to further test its power; even the lowest-level spell could kill a Martial Artist at the Meridian Passage Realm.


    And the spiritual energy within him was limited.


    Chen Sansi estimated that after one full-powered strike, the Qingxuan Energy he had slowly accumulated inside would almost be depleted, and he would need to absorb spirit sand again to regather it; it was not something to be used frivolously.


    Having achieved great success, he saw that the time was about right, so he descended the mountain at the fastest speed and met up with Qian Xun at the foot of the mountain.


    ...


    "Young Master, I take my leave!" S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Yin Hanwen finally bowed deeply and then got into a carriage, slowly disappearing into the horizon under the escort of seven or eight attendants.


    About half an hour later, he spoke, "Elder Wei, it''s about time. Return now, hide until it gets dark, then proceed with the killings. Remember, don''t spare a single member of the family! Is everything ready?"


    "Here it is."


    Wei Gong took out the Vajra Pestle, "After killing someone, the Witch God Sect uses this to extract Heart Blood, but... Young Master, he is after all a disciple of Supervisor Sun. Are you truly not worried about the irreversible consequences?"


    "Hesitation leads to failure!"


    Yin Hanwen spoke vehemently, "Elder Wei, he has a better constitution than even I do, and he is guided by a Supervisor. If the Young Master can''t take over his resources, there''s a high probability that he will become a Martial Saint, or even higher!


    "Moreover, judging by how forcefully he killed Wen Qiushi, do you think he would let me off in the future?


    "If we don''t kill him now, when will we?!


    "Besides, this isn''t just about personal revenge; killing him will remove any obstacles for the Young Master in the Northern Territory, which will benefit the court greatly when he takes control of the military."


    "I understand."


    Wei Gong sighed, "Young Master, if I don''t come back before nightfall, don''t stay in the carriage any longer, you must flee this place on horseback at full speed."


    "Elder Wei, you mean..."


    Yin Hanwen worriedly said, "But to kill someone of Great Success of Refining, there shouldn''t be any risk, right?"


    "Don''t worry, my Young Master. Even if there is a risk, I alone will bear it, and I won''t involve the Young Master or the Young Lord."


    Wei Gong, without another word, mounted a fast horse and rode back the way he had come, his silhouette filled with determination.


    Killing was easy, but leaving the city was hard!


    Should he alarm the City Guard Army and be unable to escape, he would naturally destroy his face and commit suicide.


    He was a man of Jianghu.


    Having received many favors from the Yin family over the years that led to his current status, dying for the Yin family would make his death worthwhile.


    "Elder Wei..."


    Yin Hanwen watched until he could no longer see the other party, then he relaxed and closed the curtains of the carriage.


    Elder Wei had watched him grow up from a child, and their bond was very deep; he had even taught him Martial Arts, making him almost like a mentor. If something really happened, he would indeed have difficulty letting go.


    "But even so, it''s worth it!"


    Yin Hanwen steeled his heart and closed his eyes to wait for good news.


    He spoke, "Old Zhang, tell me a story."


    The coachman, Old Zhang, who had also accompanied him throughout his growth, had even specifically learned storytelling to amuse him.


    "Alright!"


    Old Zhang''s voice boomed as he started with a poem to set the scene.


    "Reciting tales and acting out plays to advise people... Good or evil, in the end there is retribution, the moral path in the world is vast and changing!"


    "Last time, the story reached..."


    All the way wobbling, Yin Hanwen unconsciously fell into a deep sleep.


    Until a certain moment, the world suddenly became extremely quiet, even the carriage stopped moving, and only the chirping of birds on either side of the official road could be heard by his ears.


    "Old Zhang, why did you stop narrating?"


    Silence.


    "Where have we arrived? Has Elder Wei returned?"


    Still no one responded.


    "I am asking you a question!"


    "Young master, run¡ª"


    A hoarse voice of warning sounded, striking Yin Hanwen like a bolt of lightning; he swiftly grabbed the Mystical Weapon Iron Sword next to him and jumped out of the carriage.


    Looking around, within the desolate hills and wild ridges, dead bodies were everywhere!


    His eight guards had silently died, each of their hearts pierced by a sharp arrow.


    In fact, Old Zhang, who was in the Great Success of Refining Realm, was the last to die, falling beside the carriage, using his body to shield several sharp arrows for him, the shout also came from him.


    "Who!"


    While Yin Hanwen was immensely frightened, he firmly grasped the Treasure Sword in his hand.


    "Buzz!"


    The sound of a sharp weapon piercing the air reached his ears, and he hurriedly attempted to block, only to be knocked back by the terrifying impact, his Treasure Sword flying from his hand.


    No match for his opponent!


    "It''s you!"


    The moment he fell to the ground, Yin Hanwen finally saw the attacker clearly.


    Holding a long spear, with a bow on his back, who else could it be!


    "You... you have reached Hua Jin?!"


    Yin Hanwen stared wide-eyed, momentarily even forgetting to be afraid.


    The Princely Heir had not hesitated to use his life span to enhance his cultivation, barely reaching Hua Jin, but this kid, how did he do it? Even with the Transformation and Mysterious Body, it shouldn''t be possible!


    Chen Sansi didn''t waste a word, about to take his life, when a huge rock was thrown at him.


    "Bang"


    With one strike of the long spear, the rock was shattered to pieces.


    A shadow darted past, whisking Yin Hanwen away.


    "Elder Wei? How did you come back!"


    Yin Hanwen exclaimed in delighted surprise.


    "This kid knew we were going to kill him, so he invited Rong Yanqiu to his home beforehand."


    Wei Gong spoke gravely, "I was wondering why I didn''t see him, to think he would dare to come here and strike first, truly a clever and courageous move, but, you underestimate me too much!"


    "Chen Sansi, there''s a path in heaven that you wouldn''t take, and no door into hell, yet you come seeking it by yourself!"


    Yin Hanwen grinned viciously, "In the city, we had our reservations, but here, you will die without a burial place, Elder Wei, kill him! Elder Wei? Wei..."


    Just then, a flash of silver streaked past.


    He barely saw what it was, when Wei Gong, who had small achievement in the Meridian Passage Realm, fell straight down, a red dot appearing on his forehead, trails of blood slowly spilling out like a spiderweb across his face.

 Chapter 202 - 140: Incense Burner, Expedition to Ming State

    Refining Internal...


    How could Refining Internal kill someone in the Meridian Passage stage!


    Yin Hanwen''s expression was as if he had seen a ghost.


    It was unbelievable.


    All along, Chen Sansi hadn''t moved at all ¡ª he simply, just gently tapped with his finger!


    And then, Elder Wei was dead!


    How did he do it?


    Immortal Law!


    Immortal Law!!!


    Yin Hanwen suddenly realized.


    People always rumored that Sun Xiangzong possessed an Immortal Law.


    It seems it was true!


    And he had already passed it to Chen Sansi!


    How could this be!


    He had only started learning a few days ago?!


    Yin Hanwen, having not even a hint of resistance left, wanted to flee in utter panic.


    Chen Sansi drew the Zhenyue Sword and chased after him, running him through with the sword and ending the battle, or rather, massacre!


    The spell his master passed down to him was indeed terrifying.


    It shocked even him.


    No wonder Miss Ning Xiang, who couldn''t surpass the Refining Internal Realm, said she could easily kill someone in the Meridian Passage stage ¡ª it must have been by such means!


    Cultivating immortality and practicing Martial Arts.


    They simply couldn''t compete!


    And this was the lowest level of spell, which anyone with Spirit Energy and a Spirit Root could cultivate, even if they hadn''t formally embarked on the path of immortality yet.


    It''s just not known if the Protective Gang Qi after entering the Profound Image Realm could withstand this attack.


    "First, clean up the scene."


    Chen Sansi pulled the arrows out of each corpse, then picked up the Vajra Pestle from the ground, covering the arrow wounds in their hearts.


    The trauma caused by the Vajra Pestle was extensive; once struck, one could not tell what the original wound had been like.


    He originally needed to dispose of the bodies one by one, but the Vajra Pestle made it much easier.


    Only the storyteller coachman, who had too many arrow wounds, still had to be disposed of.


    Wei Gong''s wound in the middle of his forehead was also hacked to a mess.


    After all was done, Chen Sansi picked up the long spear and quickly returned to the depths of the Luotian Mountain Range.


    Soon enough, some passersby would discover the bodies, then leave them to the local Liangzhou military to handle.


    Chen Sansi wasn''t worried about it being connected back to him.


    After all, many people did not know he had broken through to Refining Internal, and even if they did, killing someone at the Meridian Passage stage was like a fairy tale, nobody would guess it was him.


    As for the spell...


    Even fewer people would connect it to that.


    Because it seemed that even his master didn''t know this art, it had always been hidden and never revealed by Brother Fang.


    "Squeezed dry!"


    Chen Sansi felt the pristine cleanliness of his meridians within his body, as if he had spent all his long-accumulated money in one go, leaving an emptiness, with the remaining spirit sand being just enough for one more such expenditure.


    Without the supply of Spiritual Energy from the world, truly, a "hero" finds no place to exercise his power.


    The incense might somewhat substitute for Spiritual Energy, but it''s not obtainable; to get the incense from those worshipping in the temples, he''d need that incense burner.


    Returning to the cave...


    Chen Sansi began to seclude himself for cultivation.


    If what Mr. Hou said was true, they might be called to arms soon, so raising his cultivation by even a little was crucial, and he also needed to take enough Spiritual Rice Medicine Ointment and treasure medicine, in case there were none to use along the way ¨C the distance between Liangzhou and Ming State was significant.


    Military Art Heavenly Book... Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It sounded far-fetched.


    But Chen Sansi himself had just used a spell, making it seem not so unbelievable.


    Unnoticed, another day passed.


    When dawn broke, he did not continue practicing, but instead, he chopped plenty of firewood to produce more Spiritual Rice Medicine Ointment.


    Beneath the fiery red flames, the Mystic Iron Furnace deformed.


    Soon, a blackish unfamiliar substance appeared at the bottom of the pot.


    Carefully, Chen Sansi collected it, also testing if he could roll it into spheres for easy consumption, but the consistency wasn''t thick enough, so he reluctantly gave up and faithfully poured it into porcelain bottles.


    After hastily packing up, he grabbed his bow and arrows and left the cave, stepping into the boundless woods.


    Tonight, he was supposed to return home, but he needed to carry back two game animals.


    An Exotic Beast would be ideal.


    The Iron Core Bow that Ji had given him was still missing a string; he wanted to see if he could find a suitable Exotic Beast as material and also had been looking into imbuing arrows with power.


    Although Chen Sansi''s senses were still exceptional, with his Qi Observation Skill, finding prey no longer required the trouble it used to, as nearly no living creature within range could escape his eyes.


    He had taken only a few steps when he encountered a Poisonous Beast emitting a black aura.


    Evil Qi!


    Miss Ning Xiang had mentioned that this dark black energy was termed Evil Qi.


    These birds and beasts had become Poisonous Beasts under the influence of Evil Qi.


    The Divine Sect, Evil Qi...


    It was hard not to connect them together.


    At the deepest part of the Luotian Mountain Range, there definitely had to be an Immortal Trace!


    "With my current strength, how far can I go?"


    An idea suddenly sparked in Chen Sansi''s mind; hunting Poisonous Beasts was itself a form of cultivation that could improve his spear technique proficiency, perfectly manageable as a trial as long as he ensured his own safety.


    Not to mention that he had the Qi Observation Skill; if he encountered any dangerous Poisonous Beasts, he could retreat immediately.


    The people from the Seeking Immortal Tower said that High Realm Martial Artists had the chance to reach the deepest part.


    Why wouldn''t he want to see for himself what was inside?


    Since he was going hunting anyway, he might as well continue forward, thinking thus, Chen Sansi ignored the prey in front of him and kept moving deeper.


    If one were to segment the Luotian Mountain Range into layers, visually it would be about fourteen layers; his current location was approximately the fourth layer, while the initial outbreak of the Evil Qi occurred in the very last layer.


    Mobilizing his Qi-Blood, his figure flitted ghost-like through the woods.


    The deeper he went, the more Poisonous Beasts he encountered.


    Wolves, tigers, leopards, rare animals, grotesque and varied.

 Chapter 203 - 140: The Incense Burner, Setting Out to Ming State_2

    Chen Sansi walked and killed, his body splattered with blood, unknowingly reaching the location of the Eight-layered Mountain, where he saw a mass of even denser black evil qi in the woods ahead, faintly visible.


    He applied the technique of "Concealing Breath and Hiding," slowed down, and slowly approached.


    It was a strange beast with a bizarre appearance!


    Just by its appearance, it resembled a completely red leopard but it was over ten feet long, with five tails growing from its back, a horn on top of its head, and blood-red eyes. It was tearing apart a Poisonous Beast corpse with its small, sharp teeth; its entire beastly face was smeared with blood, and its whiskers were sticky with some unidentifiable substance, looking extremely fierce.


    This beast was called Zheng!


    Chen Sansi had seen records about it in "Journey Through Mountains and Rivers"; the description ''fierce face'' originated from it.


    It was meant to be an Exotic Beast.


    However, at this moment, he could clearly see the black evil qi flowing in its body, which also categorically made it a Poisonous Beast.


    Along the way, many Exotic Beasts had been corrupted by evil qi into Poisonous Beasts, which could be said to be a waste of many resources.


    After all, some Exotic Beasts had effects even better than treasure medicine when consumed. Fortunately, although one could not eat Poisonous Beasts, some parts of their bodies could still be used as materials for weapons and armor.


    "This Zheng..."


    Chen Sansi looked at the dense evil qi inside it and for a moment even doubted whether he could kill it.


    "First, try!"


    "If it doesn''t work, then run. If I absolutely cannot escape..."


    He still had the Immortal Treasure Strange Fire.


    In the deep, old forests, there was no need to worry about anyone noticing.


    With thoughts set, he immediately put them into action.


    Chen Sansi would draw the bow as full as the moon, and a Triangular Armor-piercing Arrow, carrying the sound of tearing through the air, shot out explosively.


    The Fierce Monster flicked its sharp ears, reacting just from the sound of the wind, turning around to swipe a claw so sharp that it cut the arrow into several pieces!


    "BANG¡ª"


    It let out a bizarre roar like rocks colliding, its limbs slightly bending backward, then its massive body also turned into an arrow, lunging forward at a speed hard to catch with the naked eye.


    This leap covered a hundred steps!


    "SWISH¡ª"


    Even though Chen Sansi maintained a distance of three hundred steps, he was approached by the beast in an instant. He immediately switched from bow to spear, and the Five Tigers Soul-breaking Spear struck out like a Jiao Long leaping from the sea.


    The Fierce Monster dodged the strike with its agility, then its sharp claws came slashing down swiftly.


    Chen Sansi naturally turned the spearhead to collide with it, creating the sound of metal striking metal. Under the terrifying force, he had to activate Blood Explosion State and also use his strength just to barely hold it off.


    This beast possessed the strength of Great Success in Hua Jin, perhaps even Perfection!


    Moreover, it had some degree of intelligence, not charging blindly; it knew how to dodge and counter, no different from a Martial Artist, but its physical strength was much greater than that of a Martial Artist.


    Since Chen Sansi was just attempting, and realizing the difficulty, he naturally did not push his luck and immediately retreated after one strike. Although the Fierce Monster was fast, its large body got in the way in the dense forest.


    It, while furiously pursuing, knocked down several large trees, startling groups of birds into chaotic flight and animals to scatter.


    Chen Sansi did not look back, taking detours while already retrieving the arrows he had prepared in advance, coated with Immortal Treasure.


    But after covering some distance, the sounds behind him gradually ceased.


    The Fierce Monster did not continue the chase, probably because he had left its territory.


    "Forget it."


    Chen Sansi thought about it, deciding not to turn back and pursue. If he really used Strange Fire to burn it, it would leave nothing but ashes, gaining him nothing at all.


    Seeing how the Fierce Monster moved so quickly and jumped so impressively, if he could completely kill it and obtain its Beast Tendon, it might be a rare resource suitable for use in the Iron Core Bow.


    Eight-layered Mountain!


    This was Chen Sansi''s first attempt reaching Eight-layered Mountain, and for him to venture further ahead, he needed small achievement in Hua Jin; "Concealing Breath and Hiding" was no Invisibility Technique, especially under the influence of evil qi. Who knew if the Poisonous Beast could have some special abilities? If something unexpected happened, he needed to ensure a full retreat.


    He did not take further risks and returned the way he came, while still hunting for prey.


    When he got close to Sixth Layer Mountain, Chen Sansi, in a thicket, discovered a faint blue qi.


    An Exotic Beast!


    It was an Exotic Beast not corrupted.


    He cautiously approached and found an incredibly adorable "Ear Mouse," its name being "Mouse," but it was large in size, with fur like a rat, a head like a rabbit, a body like a moose, and its cry sounded canine. It also held a hint of cuteness.


    Chen Sansi shot an arrow through its head, successfully claiming it.


    Not all Exotic Beasts possess formidable combat capabilities; the Ear Mouse was one such example, harmless to humans and livestock, yet not only could it resolve all poisons, it was also a highly nutritious creature. One such beast was equivalent to many treasure medicines.


    Thus, he now had Spiritual Rice Medicine Ointment, treasure medicine, and an Exotic Beast combined; his Cultivation could make significant progress in the upcoming period!


    The faint blue qi... S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He was somewhat curious; since the qi inside the Exotic Beast was neither Spiritual Energy nor evil qi, he wondered what its origin could be. Given the chance, he would ask the people of Seeking Immortal Tower; they would definitely know.


    "Any more?"


    Chen Sansi was about to leave with the Ear Mouse when he noticed in the thick weeds a distinctively different flower.


    "Purple Cold Flower!"


    It belonged to Mutant Grass.


    Just as Exotic Beasts are distinct from ordinary beasts, Mutant Grass is distinct among plant and medicinal materials, a raw material for treasure medicine. Like the Purple Cold Flower before him, it is indistinguishable from the weeds before blooming. It blooms once every twenty years, and the bloom lasts only a day. Fortune is needed to find one; unfortunately, it cannot be used to enhance Cultivation but serves as a special medicine for treating external injuries. Even without injuries, it can still promote skin health and is said to help delay aging.

 Chapter 204 - 140: The Incense Burner, Setting Out to Ming State_3

    For Chen Sansi, it had no use, but how could he not take something that was free? He casually picked it up and kept it.


    Deep in the Luotian Mountain Range, there indeed were numerous treasures!


    The next time he came, he would kill a Poisonous Beast to take its beast tendon and then he could craft a complete Hundred-stone Bow.


    But relying solely on great tension was not enough. The lethality wasn''t sufficient for Martial Artists above the Great Success of Hua Jin. Which high realm Martial Artist didn''t have the strength of tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of pounds?


    As long as one could react, one could easily block it.


    Even that beast just now could catch it, let alone a Martial Artist.


    This was also why very few people were obsessed with archery; after reaching a certain realm, it wasn''t very useful.


    If there was some divine natural treasure that could store power, then every shot of an arrow would be like an attack laden with Jin. The stronger the Jin, the harder it would be to block. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It seemed he still had to continue looking through books and researching materials.


    "Down the mountain!"


    On his way back, Chen Sansi encountered many more useless poisonous beasts, killing them all without exception. His diligent training recently had also greatly improved his proficiency in the Hua Jing Technique.


    [Cultivation Technique: National Guardian Dragon Spear, Hua Jing (entry-level)]


    [Progress: 65/500]


    His archery skills had also improved significantly.


    [Skill: Archery(Great Success)]


    [Progress: (750/2000)]


    By the time he left the Luotian Mountain Range, it was already early morning the next day; he had stayed in the mountains for three days and three nights.


    "Qian Xun!"


    Chen Sansi called out at the foot of the mountain, and the White Swan Horse appeared quickly.


    As soon as he entered the city carrying an Ear Mouse, he saw wanted posters everywhere. The Witch God Sect had made their move in the past few days, having killed more than fifty Sect disciples. The matter of Yin Hanwen was causing quite an uproar.


    No matter how incompetent Yin Hanwen was, he was still of the Body of Martial Saint. Moreover, his father held a high position in the court as the Minister of Personnel, a second-rank official and a member of the Cabinet¡ªa major case without a doubt.


    "Han Wen..."


    Cao Fan, looking at the pale corpse, gently brushed his hand over it to close his eyes, and asked in a deep voice, "Who did this?"


    "Replying to Young Master,"


    the forensic doctor bowed and said, "Their hearts were smashed to pieces; from the wounds, it was the Vajra Pestle, the weapon the Witch God Sect likes to use to take heart blood. It should be correct."


    "Witch God Sect..."


    Cao Fan''s fists clenched white, "General Sha, what do you think? Could it have been someone else?"


    "It should be the Witch God Sect, no mistake,"


    Sha Wenlong frowned deeply, "From the bodies, both Wei Gong and Young Master Yin died without any power to fight back. In Liangzhou City, the only ones with such capabilities are the lurking followers of the Witch God Sect."


    Cao Fan was silent.


    He had suspected others.


    Like Chen Sansi, he had the motive, but not the ability.


    Great Success of Refining, how could it possibly kill Meridian Passage, especially without any power to fight back?


    Based on the current phenomena, the attacker had to be at least of the Profound Image Realm, as only Martial Artists of the Profound Image Realm could easily kill a high-level Meridian Passage expert.


    "Han Wen, I will avenge you."


    Cao Fan''s eyes darkened.


    "Young Master, I am also saddened by Mr. Yin''s death,"


    Said Sha Wenlong, whose family had been graced by the Yin family for generations. Even if they did not have personal relations, they were on the same side, and such an event was bound to stir some anger.


    He paused, "But now is not the time for mourning. In a few days, we are to embark on a campaign to Ming State to exterminate the rebel army. This mission is partly for achieving merit, but more importantly, to establish authority in the military."


    "Rest assured, General Sha, I will not let the accident shake my state of mind,"


    Cao Fan responded, "I hope for your strong support in this expedition."


    "Young Master, rest assured,"


    Said Sha Wenlong calmly, "Once we enter Ming State, I will take command and then look for an opportunity to hand over the command of Sky Wolf Camp to you, Young Master. All the merit will be yours."


    Gaining merit in battle did not necessarily require killing enemy generals.


    Strategic command was even more crucial.


    Killing enemy generals was just one part of the process; winning the battle was the ultimate goal.


    "Thank you, General Sha!"


    "Young Master, why be so formal with me."


    ...


    Covered in blood, Chen Sansi, carrying the Ear Mouse, returned home.


    "What a cute beast, what is this, Master?"


    Si Qin felt pity.


    "Ear Mouse,"


    Chen Sansi threw the thing into the kitchen, "Skin it, then take out the heart and cook it medium rare for me to eat tonight. Cook the rest of the meat as well."


    "Yes, Master,"


    Si Qin picked up the kitchen knife and started to work.


    "I was wondering why there was such a big commotion; it''s Junior Brother, you''re back."


    Rong Yanqiu came over upon hearing the sounds.


    "Senior Sister Nine! Thank you for taking care of my wife during this time,"


    Chen Sansi said, as he took out a Purple Cold Flower, "This flower..."


    "Eh~"


    Rong Yanqiu stared at him, giving him a look, "Whom are you giving it to?"


    Chen Sansi understood, "I got it."


    The Purple Cold Flower was cold in nature and could not be given to pregnant women as it could easily cause a miscarriage.


    He found Sun Li, who was practicing with a saber in the second courtyard, "Senior Sister Sun, I have a gift for you."


    "Hmm?"


    Sun Li paused her actions.


    "Purple Cold Flower, crush it and mix with water, apply it directly on the skin, it can nourish the skin and prevent aging,"


    Chen Sansi said, "You have been taking care of Sister Lan all the way from Yunzhou, and I have not expressed my gratitude until now."


    "Oh."


    Sun Li took the flower, sniffed it next to her beautiful nose, and said faintly, "It smells quite nice."


    "Glad you like it, Senior Sister,"


    Chen Sansi had no time to chat further, he instructed Si Qin to invite the chef from Immortal Crane Tower to treat the two senior sisters well, then he ate the Ear Mouse heart and continued his cultivation without pause.


    Early the next morning.


    The door of the mansion was gently knocked.


    Chen Sansi was just about to go "to work", so he went to open the door himself and saw a familiar face.

 Chapter 205 - 140: Incense Burner, Expedition to Ming State_4

    Qiu Mingzi!


    He came himself.


    "Boundless blessings, Heavenly Venerate."


    Qiu Mingzi, holding a horsetail whisk, said with a smile, "Mr. Chen, it''s been a long time."


    "Indeed, it''s been a long time, Real One."


    Chen Sansi knew full well, "May I know the reason for your visit, Real One?"


    "Recently, I''ve sent invitations several times, but you have not attended the Daoism conferences. I understand you''ve been busy with military duties. I didn''t mean to bother you. I merely wished to present a gift."


    Qiu Mingzi took out an incense bag from his broad sleeves, "Mr. Chen, you donated incense last time, and I hadn''t had the chance to reciprocate. Hearing that your wife is pregnant, I personally crafted an amulet that nurtures the spirit and protects the fetus. Please accept it with a smile."


    "Very well."


    Chen Sansi took the incense bag.


    "Additionally, my junior brother, the current temple master of Ci Yun Temple, has returned from his travels with profound insights. He''s prepared to preach and solve doubts for everyone. I hope Mr. Chen can attend; it will be beneficial for you. Of course, whether to go or not is still up to you. I just wanted to let you know."


    Having spoken, Qiu Mingzi performed a Taoist salutation, bowed with cupped hands, and took his leave.


    [Amulet: Nourishing Herbs, Lan Youzi...]


    [?:??]


    The spices and herbs inside the amulet indeed have properties for nourishing the spirit and protecting the fetus, but like the Nourishing Spirit Soup, it''s mixed with something else!


    Chen Sansi was seething with anger.


    He wouldn''t attend some damn preaching conference, and they even targeted his home, planning to give it to his pregnant wife, Sister Lan. Preposterous.


    "Boom¡ª"


    Chen Sansi threw the incense bag into the fire in the kitchen stove, burning it completely.


    He knew the amulet was likely a test to see if he would notice anything unusual. Even so, it couldn''t be kept; who knows what immeasurable consequences might arise from keeping it. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Ci Yun Temple!


    Chen Sansi needed to devise a way to probe the depths of this Taoist temple.


    Sometimes, startling the snake on purpose isn''t a bad thing, but a strategy.


    Especially in a situation where he had been targeted.


    Otherwise, how could he rest easy leaving his wife and child behind when he was to depart for a campaign in Ming State, potentially for half a year?


    Setting aside these thoughts.


    Chen Sansi returned to his quarters and, with Si Qin''s assistance, donned his armor, then mounted his White Swan Horse and headed to the military camp for reporting.


    Upon his arrival, he received the notification.


    Three days later, the army would embark to suppress the rebel Chi Mei Army in Ming State.


    This deployment would include forty thousand troops from Liangzhou.


    The forces comprised the Reserve Camp, the Sky Wolf Camp, along with twenty thousand elite garrison soldiers from Liangzhou. Since both the generals of the Sky Wolf Camp and the Reserve Camp had recently taken their posts, General Zhao was appointed as the lead for this campaign.


    Lu Ji and others needed to stay in Liangzhou, ready to deal with potential barbarian invasions.


    "Assemble!"


    The sound of the bugle rang out.


    At the Martial Arts Arena.


    The deputy general of the Reserve Camp, who was effectively the main general, began the pre-battle mobilization.


    This person, named Yuan Dai, had been transferred from You State. He was at the Early Stage of the Profound Image Realm. He held an eight-foot snake spear in his hand, but he was relatively sophisticated in appearance, tall but not overly so.


    The main task of their Reserve Camp was to assist, with the Sky Wolf Camp taking on the primary attack responsibilities.


    After the speech.


    Special personnel distributed silver, clothing, and food along with additional shares of Supplemental Medicine to every soldier, advising everyone to say goodbye to their families in advance.


    "Xu Wencai, Wang Li, Xu Bin, Feng Yong... you guys, come with me."


    Chen Sansi called them by name, then entered the tent.


    As a Thousand Captain, he naturally had his own tent, albeit a small one.


    Inside the tent, maps and sand tables were fully prepared, all arranged in advance by the old scholar.


    "Let''s talk, any thoughts?"


    Chen Sansi called in those who were somewhat intelligent among his subordinates.


    After listening to Mr. Hou, he would study the maps whenever he was free and noticed that the situation in Ming State was quite strange.


    He might not command the grand strategy, but he still needed to be well-informed. In case of any situation, he could also approach General Zhao for clarification.


    "Sir, I''m not talented, but when I came to Liangzhou, I discussed the situation in Ming State with Mr. Fang, so I do have some insights to share. Let''s start with the specific deployment of the troops."


    Xu Wencai, holding a feather fan, gestured on the sand table and spoke confidently, "Ming State, located beyond Yan State, is the westernmost region of the Great Sheng Dynasty. From the court''s side, there are eighty thousand soldiers, and the rebels amount to twenty thousand."


    "General Dong An is on the western border of Ming State, confronting tens of thousands of troops from the West Qi Kingdom."


    "The Red Eyebrow Army is near Mei Mountain in the southernmost part of Yan State, seizing the opportunity of foreign threats at the border and the vulnerability of the heartland to start their rebellion. By the end of last month, they had already captured six cities and expanded their forces to thirty thousand troops."


    "Currently, they are halted around Golden Spring Manor, which has stabilized the situation temporarily."


    "General Dong can only spare thirty thousand soldiers to suppress the rebellion, due to insufficient forces, hence the Ministry of War approved the dispatch of forty thousand soldiers to provide assistance, aiming to recover all lost territory and execute the rebel Liang Jinian as the ultimate goal."


    He completed the summary of the situation.


    After arriving in Liangzhou, Fang Qingyun had been a great help to him.


    Now, Xu Wencai''s perspectives had broadened significantly, and his understanding of the military forces of the world had deepened considerably.


    Chen Sansi stood in front of the sand table with a deep look in his eyes. "Old Xu, don''t hold back. I know you haven''t finished speaking. Continue."


    He shook his head.


    This old scholar was still cautious about outshining him, using quite a few tricks.


    "Sir, you are wise. You must have already noticed the clues, so I will just say it."


    Xu Wencai started with flattery, then said, "Using only twenty thousand troops, the rebels managed to capture six cities within just two or three months. Even if the heartland of Ming State is vulnerable, it shouldn''t have happened like this."

 Chapter 206 - 140: Incense Burner, Expedition to Ming State_5

    "My lord, I have heard..."


    After receiving permission, Zhao Kang said, "This Liang Jinian has some kind of divine artifact, what''s it called again..."


    "The Heavenly Book!"


    Feng Yong supplemented, "It''s been spread everywhere that he is the heaven-ordained child who has seen an Immortal, holding a scroll of the Miracle Soldiers Heavenly Book, extremely powerful. With the Heavenly Book, coupled with the strong support of several Major Sects, it is indeed possible for them to fight to this extent." S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "You''re right,"


    Stroking his beard, Xu Wencai said, "He has the Heavenly Book, but if the Heavenly Book is truly so powerful, why were they stopped at Golden Spring Manor? The garrison of Golden Spring Manor is only five thousand strong, and General Dong''s thirty thousand reinforcements haven''t arrived yet."


    "Geographical advantage, perhaps."


    Zhao Kang said, "Golden Spring Manor is easy to defend and hard to attack, comparable to Henglong Prefecture in Yunzhou. As long as there is no internal chaos, it is very difficult to take."


    After they arrived in Liangzhou, aside from practicing, they spent their days poring over Military Books, all to avoid holding back their superior.


    "Good, you''re all correct, so now comes the biggest doubt!"


    Narrowing his eyes slightly, Xu Wencai said, "Given that Yunzhou is in such chaos, why hasn''t the West Qi Kingdom launched a full-scale assault by now, why are they still only probing with their attacks? Wang Li, what do you think?"


    "That..."


    Wang Li, rubbing the hilt of his knife and frowning in serious contemplation, said, "They are not yet confident, waiting for the right opportunity."


    "Waiting for what?"


    Xu Bin muttered, "It''s indeed strange, by the time our reinforcements get there, won''t West Qi Kingdom have missed their chance?"


    Upon such analysis, the group began to feel something was amiss.


    "My lord."


    Xu Wencai asked curiously, "After our Liangzhou forces enter Ming State, how will we deploy them, how will we annihilate the enemy, and where will we transport the food and forage from? Will we rely on local supplies or transport them?"


    Chen Sansi did not answer.


    These matters were not for subordinates to know.


    Strategic deployment was a secret.


    Even generals with fifth rank and above did not have the full picture, and he could only listen in on account of his third-rank title. Even if he trusted Xu Wencai greatly, it was impossible to reveal such information.


    According to the plan,


    the Liangzhou forces would travel lightly, passing through Yan State directly into the heart of Ming State. Supplies and heavy equipment would be provided by Ming State. After all, "speed is the essence of war", and the idea was not problematic.


    But in case of any unexpected events that prevented timely support from Ming State, the Liangzhou forces would turn into an isolated force, without even a city to rest and regroup in.


    If it were up to Chen Sansi to command, he would definitely choose a more cautious approach.


    After much consideration, he finally went to General Zhao''s camp, prepared to offer his counsel.


    "Yo, General Chen is here!"


    Zhao Wuji, also studying a sand table, greeted him warmly, "General Chen, how well are your men trained? This could be a good opportunity to distinguish yourself."


    "General Zhao."


    Chen Sansi got straight to the point, "I have a suggestion regarding the deployment of our forces for the suppression of the rebellion, I wonder if it''s appropriate to speak of it now?"


    "Speak, of course."


    General Zhao jestingly said, "In terms of military achievements, you''re no less than me."


    "My lord."


    Chen Sansi, pointing at the sand table of Ming State, said, "I think our current march arrangement is somewhat insecure; perhaps it''s better this way. After our army enters Ming State, we should not rush to advance southward but rather station and regroup at Guyu Prefecture, famously impregnable. Then we can wait for the Mingzhou Army to advance westward and join up with them at this point, merge our forces and proceed in an orderly fashion, gradually eating away at the enemy.


    "Additionally, I suggest transporting supplies from Yan State and Liang State, rather than relying entirely on Ming State, because an unexpected interruption of supplies could cause great turmoil within the army, with dire consequences."


    "Hmm, that''s very cautious, but..."


    Zhao Wuji, tapping on the sand table, said, "General Chen, haven''t you commanded an army larger than ten thousand before? Do you know how much is consumed daily by the men and horses when a large army advances? Transporting supplies from Liang State to Ming State, the loss is significant; out of ten bushels transported to the frontline, at most only one or two bushels remain. When the Mingzhou Army has ample supplies, why bother with extra effort?


    "As for your suggestion to merge forces, it''s stable, yet it would maximize our losses.


    "The Red Eyebrow Army is not foolish; while you''re consolidating, they''ll be preparing. If they retreat back into the city, you should know how brutal a siege can be.


    "Or is there something else you''re worried about? Feel free to speak up."


    "I can''t quite articulate it."


    Chen Sansi nodded, "I just feel that West Qi''s delay in taking action might be due to some other scheme."


    "They''re just too scared to act,"


    Zhao Wuji said calmly, "General Dong was someone who could arm-wrestle with General Fang Qingyun; although he failed to come out on top, he is still a grandmaster of military strategy. With him there, it''s natural for West Qi Country to be cautious and wait to see the extent of the Red Eyebrow Army''s success.


    "But ultimately they''re just a disorganized mob who lack even a Martial Saint. Even if they have some worthless Heavenly Book, what of it? If the Heavenly Book were so potent, they wouldn''t have come to a standstill."


    "Everything General Zhao says is correct."


    Chen Sansi stated, "But I still have this feeling..."


    "Combat isn''t about feelings, General Chen!"


    Zhao Wuji patted his shoulder, "I believe that you will certainly become a great general in the future, likely even a Martial Saint, but for now, you are still young and need to grow.


    "The plan to suppress the rebellion was formulated by General Lu, Mr. Hou, and me. It''s too late to change, and it wouldn''t be possible either.


    "This time, it''s your valuable chance to learn large-scale military operations by accompanying the army.


    "You don''t need to worry too much."


    "No matter what, with Ming State''s thirty thousand plus Liang State''s forty thousand, seventy thousand against the rebel army''s thirty thousand, the advantage is ours!"


    "..."


    Chen Sansi had no rebuttal to the other''s argument.

 Chapter 207 - 140: Incense Burner, Expedition to Ming State_6

    Because he truly had no idea what West Qi Kingdom was waiting for.


    Such a large-scale battle couldn''t possibly rely on the "feelings" of one Thousand Captain. The current plan, theoretically speaking, was without issues, and one could only take it one step at a time.


    "Then, I shall take my leave."


    Chen Sansi stepped out of the tent.


    He looked at the soldiers coming and going, and couldn''t help but feel a sense of poignancy; war was imminent again.


    In these days, the world was truly in chaos.


    However, before setting off, he still had an important matter to attend to.


    The Taoists of Ci Yun Temple!


    He needed to come up with a plan to take care of them first and probe their actual strength and intentions.


    ...


    The next day, at Ci Yun Temple.


    In a secluded pavilion courtyard.


    A middle-aged Taoist with a ruddy complexion sat cross-legged, eyes closed in meditation, as a gentle spring breeze caressed his face, causing his long beard, which nearly reached his chest, to flutter along with his wide Taoist robe.


    This man was none other than the current temple master of Ci Yun Temple, Yu Xuzi.


    Qiu Mingzi appeared, interrupting the Taoist''s meditation.


    After a long while, Yu Xuzi slowly opened his eyes, "Brother, you have returned."


    "Brother!"


    Qiu Mingzi began, "I''ve given the item to that Chen kid. How are things going?"


    "My gu has not responded."


    Yu Xuzi shook his head slightly, "Either he threw it away or he destroyed it outright."


    "No wonder he has repeatedly declined our invitations to the sermon conferences. It seems this kid has truly sensed something amiss."


    Qiu Mingzi felt this was strange, "But... the ingredient in the Nourishing Spirit Soup is not of the mortal world, how did he detect it? Could it be Sun Xiangzong... Brother, this is a serious matter, what should we do next?"


    "We''ll probe further, and if that doesn''t work, we''ll find an opportunity to kill him."


    Yu Xuzi spoke indifferently, "After all, he is only in the Refining Internal stage, and I have already achieved Meridian Passage. Killing him would be as easy as turning my hand over."


    "Temple master, supervisor! Disaster has struck!"


    While they were conversing, a young Taoist stumbled in.


    "What is this panicked state?"


    Qiu Mingzi scolded, "Speak up, quickly!"


    "Liangzhou soldiers, Liangzhou soldiers!"


    The young Taoist pointed in the direction of the foot of the mountain and said, "That Lu Ji, all of a sudden he''s brought thousands of troops, surrounding the mountain, claiming someone has reported that we''re harboring Witch God Sect Followers, and they want to search the mountain."


    "What?"


    Yu Xuzi quickly got up and joined his brother at the mountain gate.


    At the forefront was the mountain-like figure of Lu Ji, and by his side was a young general wielding an Azure Dragon Crescent blade.


    Cao Fan, his face full of anger, commanded his subordinates, "Search everything! Dig three feet into the ground, leave no stone unturned!"


    "Temple master, this man is the Crown Prince''s eldest son!" Qiu Mingzi whispered.


    "I have seen the Young Master before."


    Yu Xuzi greeted, "What brings the Young Master here?"


    "I suspect you have colluded with the Witch God Sect!"


    Cao Fan rebuked, "Taoist, where were you three days ago? The convoy outside the city, was it you who killed them?"


    Yu Xuzi promptly explained, "Young Master, this is a misunderstanding!"


    Whether it''s a misunderstanding or not is not for you to say!"


    Cao Fan''s eyes signaled.


    Sha Wenlong suddenly appeared, his Broadsword chopping down ruthlessly with endless murderous intent.


    "Clang!"


    Yu Xuzi was shocked, quickly drew his sword to block, but still staggered back several steps and finally sat down on the ground with a thud.


    "You have achieved Meridian Passage?"


    Lu Ji inquired, "Taoist priest, according to the laws of Dasheng, Sect members are required to test their realms annually without any concealment. If you have broken through to Meridian Passage, why did you not report it?"


    Yu Xuzi wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, "General Lu, you wrong me. I have always been traveling and have only just broken through. I was in a rush to return to report, but I haven''t had the chance yet..."


    "Are you sure?"


    Lu Ji''s broad hand, resembling that of a Five-finger Mountain, pressed down on the other party, immobilizing him completely until he confirmed that the individual had no hidden strength. Then he released his grip, "Take him down for questioning, everyone else, search!"


    At the command, hundreds of people surged into the mountain gate to begin their search.


    "General Lu."


    Cao Fan hurriedly inquired, "How did it go?"


    Lu Ji replied, "He''s just at the early stage of Meridian Passage."


    "So you mean, it wasn''t him?"


    Cao Fan had received news last night that Ci Yun Temple was connected to the Witch God Sect. The first thing he thought of was the deceased Yin Hanwen, then he sought people to kill, seeking revenge.


    But to instantly kill Wei Gong, at the least, the killer had to be at the Profound Image Realm.


    The Taoist before them obviously didn''t qualify.


    Their only option was to see if there were others hidden away.


    "Search!"


    "Search thoroughly now!"


    "..."


    Chen Sansi directed his subordinates while he himself went into the main hall to search everywhere.


    It was naturally him who had secretly reported the activity, and he''d best ensure he was left out of it, lest the troubles of Ci Yun Temple later be linked to him.


    Cao Fan was really zealous about this matter.


    It seemed he did share true feelings with Yin Hanwen.


    To cause such a commotion.


    On the one hand, Chen Sansi wanted to see if Ci Yun Temple was indeed colluding with the Witch God Sect.


    Zhang Huaimin and Huang Tianrong, both of them had evil Qi within their bodies. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    And their commonality was that they had both visited Ci Yun Temple and drunk the Nourishing Spirit Soup.


    On the other hand, he wanted to see what kind of power the temple master of Ci Yun Temple possessed.


    Chen Sansi wouldn''t dare to take the risk alone.


    Now, it appeared there truly had been a breakthrough in Meridian Passage.


    But there was no Qingxuan Energy or Purple Energy within him.


    He could be killed!


    The prerequisite was to wait a while longer.


    However, Chen Sansi needed more time to accumulate Spiritual Energy again.


    Using the search as a pretense, he picked up the incense burner shrouded in Purple Energy, savored it intensely, feeling as comfortable as a fish in water!


    If he could take it home, he could fully advance his Sword Qi Skill to proficiency or even to a small achievement!


    Of course, not now.


    To take an incense burner home in front of so many people would make it obvious that something was amiss.


    Chen Sansi could only temporarily leave his incense burner at Ci Yun Temple.


    Once the battle in Ming State was over, he would immediately return to retrieve it and take it home.


    Alchemy furnace, the incense for cultivation, he would have everything all at once!


    "Unjustly accused!"


    The Taoists were still crying out their innocence.


    Until soon after, a soldier discovered a blood-stained Vajra Pestle in the back mountain.


    Cao Fan thundered with fury, "Old man, you still claim you''re not colluding with the Witch God Sect!"


    "Young Master, this is defamation, defamation!"


    "Someone!"


    Lu Ji commanded sternly, "Lock all the Taoists of Ci Yun Temple in Liangzhou Prison."


    Watching as Brother Yu Xuzi and his fellow disciples were dragged away.


    Chen Sansi breathed a slight sigh of relief.


    Once they entered the prison and if they didn''t die, they would still be stripped of their skins, unable to come out for a long while.


    He could finally embark on the campaign without worry.

 Chapter 208 - 141: Turmoil of War, The Heavens are Heartless

    "I just don''t know if we can kill them outright."


    Chen Sansi doubted it was likely.


    With only physical evidence and no witness testimony, it wasn''t enough to convict.


    Especially at such a critical moment.


    Many sects had a very negative opinion of the Liangzhou Army.


    On top of that, with the Yu Yang Sect incident still unresolved and without an explanation, many sects began to say that the government did it on purpose, aiming to bleed them dry. Some even claimed that there was no Witch God Sect at all, and that everything was a self-staged act by the government soldiers.


    Ci Yun Temple might be a third-tier sect, but it was respected, and it was likely that even Moon Splitting Mountain Villa and Tongxuan Sword Sect would speak up for them.


    But locking them up was enough.


    Chen Sansi was mainly concerned about the safety of his family.


    "Did you find anything?"


    "Other than that Vajra Pestle, nothing."


    "Then seal off the mountain! Keep searching, dig up houses, look for tunnels and secret chambers!"


    "Leave two thousand men behind, and the rest can go back."


    "..."


    The Princely Heir really has quite the influence.


    Chen Sansi sighed to himself.


    With just a word, and without any evidence, he brought so many men to search the mountain.


    He didn''t continue bustling about and led his men to leave gradually.


    The last day.


    He wasn''t idle either and mostly spent it cultivating.


    It wasn''t until the evening before departure that he gathered everyone for a meal.


    Sun Buqi and her brothers, Sister Rong Yanqiu, Mr. Hou, and even the first and third brothers voluntarily came over.


    No matter what was happening below the surface, the facade had to be maintained, after all, they shared the same master.


    "Here''s to wishing my little brother a triumphant victory!"


    "Cheers!" S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The gathering lasted until midnight, and then everyone dispersed.


    In the night.


    Chen Sansi pored over books by candlelight.


    This book was called "Hundred Herbs Map", specializing in recording extraordinary mutant grasses.


    He had looked through almost every material book related to weapon making and hadn''t found any materials that could store Power. Recently while studying Medical Books, he stumbled upon a herb that could enhance Power for a short time, so he started looking through Medical Books as well.


    The last page.


    Ghost Vein Wood: A mutant tree that takes a thousand years to form. When crushed and boiled with water, the decoction can revive a dying person, and the trunk can retain Power, but it''s prone to breaking and thus unsuitable as a material for Mystical Weapons.


    Chen Sansi sat up straight with interest.


    It could temporarily retain Power!


    If it was indeed brittle, it indeed couldn''t be used as material for weapons such as sword hilts, spear shafts, or lance shafts, because they would break after a few uses, but...


    Using it as an Arrowhead shaft would be just perfect.


    In that case.


    He still lacked a material for the Arrowhead!


    With that, he could assemble a Hundred-stone Bow capable of shooting out Power!


    "Iron material..."


    Chen Sansi felt a headache coming on.


    That was truly hard to find. If push came to shove, he''d have to use mystical iron instead, which with an Arrowhead shaft made of Ghost Vein Wood would be much stronger than ordinary wood.


    Putting down the book, he went to the next room to grab spirit sand and replenish his Spiritual Power.


    [Magic: Sword Qi Skill (entry-level)]


    [Progress: 15/500]


    This amount of Spiritual Energy was fine for storing force, but probably not for increasing proficiency.


    Chen Sansi planned to accumulate another use of Sword Qi Skill as a lifesaving trump card. The rest would have to wait until his return from the battle, after he acquired the incense burner.


    He continued practicing until deep into the night before he crept back to his room to sleep.


    The next day.


    The sky was barely lit.


    Gu Xinlan helped the General put on a newly made crimson battle robe and then helped him don his Armour. "From now on, Brother Shi, I will prepare your battle robe in advance every time you go to war."


    "Alright, I''ll wear new clothes each time."


    Chen Sansi adjusted his appearance in front of a bronze mirror, finally donning his helmet. "I''m off, and when I get back, our child will probably be born."


    "Mhm."


    After the tumultuous events in Yunzhou, Gu Xinlan was still worried but had also grown somewhat accustomed to it, and furthermore, she had heard that this time it was the grand deployment of an army, which was different from the previous escape.


    She stood by the door, watching as the man left.


    "Best wishes to the master!"


    Si Qinmohua also bowed in salute at the front door.


    "You two."


    Chen Sansi pulled out two pieces of gold from his waist and threw them over. "Go and buy yourselves some jewelry you like. Take good care of my wife while I''m gone."


    "Master, we don''t need this..."


    Ever since Sagin Mohua arrived at Chen Mansion, they had been eating meat with every meal. With plenty of vacant rooms, they even had their own private rooms, akin to marrying into a good family. How could they dare ask for more?


    "If I give it to you, you take it. If I come back and find my wife has been treated unfairly, I''ll sell you to the brothel."


    Chen Sansi treated them as housemaids, but with some differences because the lives of these two girls were in his hands. Moreover, they were well-behaved and never arrogant or presumptuous, so giving them some rewards was fine.


    "Rest assured, master."


    As servants, Si Qinmohua didn''t even have the right to refuse and could only silently accept the gold.


    "Hao Qianxun."


    Chen Sansi gently stroked the horse''s mane. "It''s always you accompanying me."


    The warhorse was indeed the most intimate and trustworthy comrade.


    He had intended to ride fast to the military camp, but as he turned a corner, he saw a familiar figure again.


    "Bastard!"


    Zhaozhao deliberately made her voice loud. "When you left last time, my lady cried every day, and you didn''t visit again! Planning to go to war without even a goodbye?!"


    Chen Sansi reined in his horse, approached slowly, and then asked in a low voice from his elevated position, "Does Ning Xiang want to see me? Is there something important?"


    "Keep your voice down!"


    Zhaozhao came closer, cupping her hands to her mouth. "Important intelligence."


    "From Ming State?"


    Chen Sansi immediately rode towards Smoke Willow Lane.


    Not far off, he heard Zhaozhao chasing behind him from a distance, shouting, "Wait for me, you won''t be able to see my lady without me!"

 Chapter 209 - 141: The Struggle in a Chaotic World, The Heavens are Ruthless_2

    Chen Sansi then turned back and pulled her up onto the back of the horse.


    "Your horse, why is it so fast!"


    Zhaozhao sat behind him, feeling as if she were flying, her hands tightly clutching Chen Sansi''s waist, her lower body still floating in midair. She bit her silver teeth, "Can''t you go slower!"


    "Huh!"


    Upon arriving near Red Sleeve Tower, Chen Sansi dismounted.


    "Go through the back door!"


    Zhaozhao, sitting on the horseback with lingering fear, patted her chest and glared at him before jumping off and explaining, "Oirans only entertain guests at night, you''re now having a private meeting with my lady. A private meeting naturally requires using the back door."


    "..."


    It''s really troublesome how these people hide their identities.


    Chen Sansi followed her as they took a detour.


    When they arrived at the back door, they unexpectedly ran into an acquaintance.


    Yan Changqing was also dressed in armor, parting from a woman with great reluctance.


    "Brother Chen?"


    His eyes widened. "You, you couldn''t possibly be here to meet with Miss Ning Xiang..."


    "Hmm."


    Chen Sansi took the chance to return the silver note he had borrowed last time, then followed the back door all the way to the sixth floor.


    "General!"


    As soon as he entered,


    the partially concealed Ning Xiang threw herself at him.


    Chen Sansi sidestepped to avoid her.


    Though Ning Xiang missed her target, she still spoke tearfully, "General is truly heartless. After one night, you never came back. I''ve missed you so dearly..."


    "..."


    Chen Sansi felt an awkward tingling in his scalp.


    He also noticed maids outside.


    Upon hearing the noise, these maids immediately went downstairs to inform the madam.


    Oirans meeting privately is a big taboo; otherwise, if everyone were engaging in romance like this, the brothel wouldn''t need to make money. The overlooked indulgence is because Chen Sansi had received an imperial decree and was a closed-door disciple of Sun Xiangzong, a man of high status.


    "Enough, everyone has left; stop the act."


    Chen Sansi closed the door. "In half an hour, I need to gather at the barracks. Let''s make it quick."


    Once Ning Xiang confirmed that no one was eavesdropping, she sat up straight, speaking seriously, "General, regarding Liang Jinian, the leader of the Red Eyebrow Army, in your current expedition to Ming State, do you have any understanding of him?"


    "A failed scholar with a copy of the Miracle Soldiers Heavenly Book."


    Chen Sansi asked, "Miss Ning Xiang, you want to talk about the Heavenly Book, right?"


    Seeking Immortal Tower in pursuit of Immortal Trace was naturally very interested.


    "Nothing can really be hidden from the General," Ning Xiang said faintly. "Then General, how much do you know about the specific functions of the Heavenly Book?" sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Sansi shook his head.


    "Do I still have some use, then?"


    With her delicate fingers touching the water, Ning Xiang faintly stirred it on the table: "According to the information sent back by the Ming State branch of Seeking Immortal Tower, this treasure in Liang Jinian''s possession allows soldiers to harness the forces of heaven and earth during combat. At its strongest, it requires only two thousand men to trap and kill a General at the Profound Image Realm, with casualties not exceeding seven hundred."


    "Originally, there was a General at the early stage of the Profound Image Realm in Ming State, and this is how he died."


    "By this estimate, if five thousand men were deployed, the casualties would not exceed one thousand five hundred, and they would be able to encircle and kill a Martial Saint, oh, assuming there were no warriors at the Profound Image Realm participating, relying solely on soldiers below the Meridian Passage."


    Is it truly that powerful?


    Chen Sansi felt some reverence.


    A long time ago, he read on the "Dasheng Book" about Cao Xie single-handedly slaying two thousand three hundred enemy soldiers and learned even more detailed circumstances after arriving in Liangzhou with Brother Fang.


    When Cao Xie killed those two thousand three hundred people, the enemy army had a Martial Saint and three at the Profound Image Realm.


    Otherwise, the number would have been greater.


    Fang Qingyun had explained that in the absence of warriors of the same realm, a fairly strong Martial Saint could single-handedly slay more than two thousand five hundred enemy soldiers before exhausting his strength.


    Yet the Red Eyebrow Army could surround and kill a Martial Saint with just over a thousand men, which meant doubling their overall combat power!


    On the battlefield, this was a terrifying concept.


    Keep in mind this was merely a comparison using the Martial Saint; the actual situation on the battlefield was that Ming State had no Martial Saints, so when they faced other armies, it was like facing Heavenly Soldiers and Generals.


    No wonder with just over thirty thousand men, they had, within a few months, swept through like a breaking bamboo and captured as many as six cities.


    "But then~"


    Ning Xiang''s tone changed, "That was their strongest battle. After that encounter, the Red Eyebrow Army never again displayed such formidable combat power and now have halted in the Golden Spring area, without further advancement.


    "Thus, we speculate that the treasure, or the Heavenly Book, in Liang Jinian''s hands is like Spiritual Energy, which continuously depletes and can be exhausted. Whether it can be re-accumulated and how remains unknown."


    Chen Sansi pondered thoughtfully.


    To speak plainly, the Red Eyebrow Army was becoming weaker.


    This was undoubtedly good news for them.


    But it also piqued his curiosity about the "Heavenly Book."


    "Miss Ning Xiang,"


    Chen Sansi inquired, "Have any of your people seen the Heavenly Book?"


    "No one has, not just us," Ning Xiang flicked a splash of water onto the man with her finger, eliciting an impatient look from him before she "tsked" and continued seriously, "Even people from the Red Eyebrow Army themselves have never seen it."


    "So in other words, the existence of the real Heavenly Book is still uncertain," Chen Sansi analyzed the possibilities. "It''s also possible that Liang Jinian fabricated it. After all, the name ''Heavenly Book'' has a nice ring to it, and it easily earns people''s submission, useful for recruiting and buying horses. But no matter what, he definitely possesses something from the Immortal Realm."


    "So, the reason I invited the General today is to ask you to ascertain exactly what it is," Ning Xiang said unhurriedly, "When you return triumphantly, please inform us. If it''s a method to reach the Immortal Realm, we hope that the General would share the intelligence with us."

 Chapter 210 - 141: Turmoil of a Chaotic World, The Heavens are Heartless (3)

    ```


    Chen Sansi asked, "Why don''t you folks from Seeking Immortal Tower go yourselves?"


    "The entire Seeking Immortal Tower only has a hundred or so people."


    Miss Ning Xiang explained, "How many people do you think are in Ming State who can get involved in a war of such scale? And if the Immortal Path Technique leaks out even a little, the consequences need no mention."


    Chen Sansi understood.


    If people from Seeking Immortal Tower were to reveal their tracks, the first one to go insane would probably be the old Emperor, who would undoubtedly order a territory-wide search for them.


    "If it''s just sharing intelligence with you, that''s no problem."


    He agreed, "But I''m just a Thousand Captain in the army. Above me are a bunch of Generals, and in the end, I may not necessarily get access to the so-called Heavenly Book, so don''t get your hopes up too high."


    "Additionally, I have a favor to ask."


    "I wonder if Miss Ning Xiang could procure some iron material that can store Power?"


    Chen Sansi still wanted to try and see.


    In terms of seeking rare treasures and Exotic Beasts, Seeking Immortal Tower was definitely much stronger than him.


    "Iron material that stores Power?"


    Ning Xiang thought carefully and said, "I really haven''t heard of such a thing, but if the General wants it, this maid will naturally do her best to find it. There''s also a deal to discuss with the General. We''ll talk when you return."


    "Okay."


    Compared to owing a favor, a trade was even better, as no one would owe anyone anything.


    After a few more casual exchanges.


    Ning Xiang rolled up her sleeves to pour wine, "Then here''s to wishing the General success upon arrival."


    Chen Sansi eyed the wine to make sure there was no problem, then clinked cups with her and downed it in one go.


    Even if there were Immortal Elixirs inside, he would have noticed, it was only that he couldn''t distinguish whether it was good or bad, or what specific ingredients it contained.


    "I take my leave."


    Chen Sansi hurried out the door.


    Ning Xiang, leaning against the doorframe and seemingly on the verge of tears, said, "General, you promised to redeem me when you return!"


    "..."


    Chen Sansi swiftly left.


    He had uses for Seeking Immortal Tower, so he didn''t care about these trivial matters.


    "Master."


    Zhaozhao waited until he left and then pouted, "Why are you so nice to that jerk? He cut me with a knife last time."


    "Just an investment."


    Ning Xiang gently closed the door, her expression changing as if she had become another person, "As long as there''s a sliver of hope to enter the Immortal Realm, we must grasp it firmly. Since the Sun Li siblings ignore us, we can only turn to their disciple."


    ...


    "Sun and Moon Essence Qi."


    Chen Sansi recalled the last part of the conversation.


    The Qi absorbed by the Exotic Beast wasn''t Spiritual Energy, nor was it Evil Qi, but Sun and Moon Essence Qi. It didn''t need to understand any Cultivation Technique and would automatically absorb with the passage of time. The efficiency of absorption was related to the bloodline¡ªthe stronger the bloodline, the faster the absorption.


    If this went on for years, the Exotic Beast could gain divine powers and even turn into a demon as mentioned in legends, but due to the disruption of mixed Qis, even the Sun and Moon Essence became very thin.


    Therefore, there weren''t many Exotic Beasts.


    Immortals, demons...


    What he had seen so far might just be the tip of the iceberg.


    Chen Sansi couldn''t help but wonder.


    If Master had seen an Immortal, then where do Immortals usually stay?


    Liang Ji also claimed to have seen Immortals.


    It seemed the trip to Ming State was indeed necessary.


    Not only for the experience of leading an army, but he might also come into contact with genuine traces of Immortals.


    "Let''s go!"


    Chen Sansi quickened his pace to report to the military camp.


    A military expedition wasn''t something that happened overnight.


    A long time ago, the higher-ups had already begun clandestine preparations.


    An army of over forty thousand also needed two to three days to assemble and then set off in different orders.


    But during this time, no one was allowed to leave the camp.


    Until the third day at dusk.


    Finally, it was time for the Reserve Camp where Chen Sansi was stationed to set off on the expedition.


    As the sun set in the west.


    Countless soldiers left the city in succession. Due to the large numbers, the leading troops had already disappeared into the wilderness, while the following troops were still near the city gates.


    On both sides of the official road, dense crowds of family members lined up to see them off.


    With this departure, who knows how many women will lose their husbands, how many elderly will lose their sons, and how many children will lose their fathers. War is such¡ªcruel and unavoidable.


    "Junior Brother!"


    "Clip-clop¡ª" Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The sound of horse hooves approached from behind.


    Chen Sansi turned his head, only to see three people coming to see him off.


    Rong Yanqiu, Sun Li siblings.


    Senior Sister Nine was also clad in Armor today, holding an Iron Thorns Whip in her hand. Although there was no expression on her face, her whole being exuded a full sense of ferocity, the kind that only comes from those who have walked through mountains of corpses and seas of blood, somewhat similar to a Poisonous Beast.


    "Junior Brother, may I have a word?"


    "What is it, Senior Sister Nine?"


    Chen Sansi walked over to the nearby woods.


    "Here''s something for you, might come in handy."


    Rong Yanqiu blew a resounding whistle against the red sky.


    Shortly after, a Hai Dongqing flew over.


    Chen Sansi had seen this creature before, back when he was in Po Yang, Han Cheng also had one. It was a type of Exotic Beast used for transmitting information, not an ordinary Hai Dongqing, very precious and difficult to cultivate.


    If it weren''t for special circumstances, only a Main General commanding over ten thousand would be entitled to have one.


    "I got you a special privilege."


    Rong Yanqiu said, "In this campaign against the rebellion in Ming State, you have the right to access all highest-level intelligence, to help you understand the big picture and to train you in managing large-scale strategies."


    "Thank you, Senior Sister!"


    Chen Sansi extended his arm, and the Hai Dongqing landed on it.


    This was a valuable asset.


    On the battlefield, without intelligence, even the most capable person couldn''t make accurate decisions on time.


    Even though he wasn''t the one to command, being blind to the situation felt terrible.


    "This Hai Dongqing is mine, it''s the only one I have. You better not get it killed!"


    ```

 Chapter 211 - 141: The Struggle in a Chaotic World, The Heavens are Ruthless_4

    Rong Yanqiu warned,


    "Senior Sister, rest assured, I will take good care of it," Chen Sansi promised, "But, Senior Sister, don''t you need it?"


    "I''m not participating in quelling this rebellion, and I''m about to return to Yan State to handle some matters. By the time I return, the conflict will likely have ended."


    Rong Yanqiu joked, "It might sound a bit affected, but I must tell you, be careful. Don''t just focus on earning merits and end up dead in Ming State. I don''t care, but it would be pitiful for our master, who is left with one last disciple."


    "Junior Brother, take care. Sister Lan will be looked after by me."


    Sun Li casually pulled out a purse: "Here, this is an amulet I embroidered for you. I don''t have anything else to give."


    Chen Sansi took it and gave it a glance. The craftsmanship was still as sloppy as ever. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He could hardly suppress his laughter: "Thank you, Senior Sister Sun. With this, I''m sure to be safe and sound."


    Senior Sister Sun noticed his amusement and asked seriously, "Is the embroidery really that bad?"


    "No, it''s very good."


    Chen Sansi looked back at the gradually departing troops and didn''t dare to chat any further, "Senior Sister Nine, Senior Sister Sun, Bu Qi, I must take my leave!"


    Having said that, he spurred his horse and left.


    Rong Yanqiu scornfully said, "My dear sister, I''ve been fighting year after year. Why didn''t I ever get one from you?"


    "I''ve just learned it."


    Sun Li explained, "Next time you go to war, I will definitely prepare one too."


    "Yeah, right."


    Rong Yanqiu coldly said, "Sister, let me remind you, your beloved went to the brothel again before he left, and he seems to be redeeming that little vixen, half a million taels indeed! I don''t even have that much silver!


    "You still seem not to care, silly since childhood and even more so after practicing martial arts. Be careful lest you get completely taken advantage of!


    "I''m off. You go back and take care of your Sister Lan. Maybe you''ll end up sharing a bed."


    With that, she rode back to the city.


    "..."


    Sun Li remained silent.


    Bu Qi asked very seriously, "Sis, do you really want to make Sansi my brother-in-law?"


    Sun Li pondered for a long time, "I... I don''t know."


    She was not a contrary person.


    Initially embarrassed by the teasing, as time passed, she began to seriously consider this question.


    Sun Li was unclear whether their master''s closed-door disciple was truly her "beloved."


    But she knew that a woman must eventually marry.


    People had proposed marriage to her in the past, and she was always quite averse to it.


    Yet, with Chen Sansi, she didn''t feel this aversion. Instead, there was an inexplicable... reassurance?


    This sentiment.


    It probably started from the battle at Po Yang.


    "Sister, you are so naive!"


    Although Bu Qi usually got along well with Chen Sansi, he was somewhat displeased with this matter: "Every aspect of him is good, except he frequents brothels! The poems he writes there are almost famous in Capital City. I saw him writing ''A branch of rich red, laden with dewy fragrance,'' God knows how he''ll behave outside, probably ending up like Second Senior Brother with multiple wives and concubines!"


    Sun Li, ignoring the first part, caught the essence of the latter: "You are making progress."


    "Hmm?"


    "Who allowed you to go to brothels?"


    "I... hey, why are you hitting me! Why don''t you hit Chen Sansi!"


    "He has important things to handle! And you? You neither practice your martial arts nor study your books, still stuck with Bone Training, do you even have the right to carry the Sun surname?"


    "Stop hitting me, I was wrong. You want him to be your brother-in-law, go ahead, I won''t stop you, okay?"


    "..."


    The siblings frolicked.


    The army completely vanished, leaving only a sky full of dust.


    The Sun Li siblings, along with tens of thousands of citizens, fell quiet at the same time, silently watching the distance, speechless for a long time.


    ...


    Ming State.


    "Wang Li, this flatbread isn''t bad, did Mrs. Li give it to you?"


    "Let me try it!"


    "Not to scold you, brother, but why at your young age must you mess around with a widow? Isn''t it better to find a proper lady?"


    Wang Li defiantly argued, "What''s wrong with widows? They''re certainly better than some who fancy brothel courtesans!"


    "Oh, those words should not be spoken!"


    Xiong Qiuan covered his mouth swiftly, "Do you not want your tongue?"


    Only then did Wang Li realize the hot topic circulating in Liangzhou City recently.


    Red Sleeve Tower, Ning Xiang, redeeming...


    "What are you guys talking about?"


    Chen Sansi rode up on his horse.


    "Nothing, nothing!"


    Xiong Qiuan said with a smile, "Sir, just messing around."


    "The flatbread is good."


    Chen Sansi took a flatbread from Wang Li, took a bite, and handed over a five-hundred-tael silver note: "Buy a small house, and I''ll come over for the wedding."


    "Thank you, sir!"


    Wang Li, holding the silver note, his hands trembling slightly.


    "Alright, summon Xu Wencai, Zhao Kang... Bring the map and meet me at the open space ahead."


    Chen Sansi ordered.


    Soon, the map was spread out in front of them.


    Ming State.


    It is an extremely peculiar place.


    It borders the Great Sheng Dynasty, but the furthest eastern part is separated by the Luotian Mountain Range, with a vast uninhabited wilderness in between, not adjoining Feng State. The only passages are through Liangzhou and Yan State, but Yan State has few troops, so the responsibility for support and suppression naturally falls on Liangzhou.


    They also have to cross a vast canyon before they can officially enter Ming State territory.


    The current situation.


    The rebel army is mainly in the southern, southeastern, and central areas of Ming State, with the southeast being the primary location.


    Their army will directly enter the central region, and with the Mingzhou Army, from the west and north, strike the rebels outside the Golden Spring Manor. During this process, they will rely on Yangchun Prefecture for supply support.

 Chapter 212 - 141: Turmoil of a Chaotic World, The Heavens are Heartless (5)

    By then, it would be seventy thousand grand army against thirty thousand locals.


    The Red Eyebrow Army had only one Martial Artist of the Profound Image Realm.


    In contrast, Dasheng had Yuan Dai, Sha Wenlong, and Zhao Wuji.


    Additionally, there was Wu You, the Deputy General of Mingzhou Army''s leader Cao Fan.


    No matter how you look at it, the gap in the hard power on paper was tremendously large, and even with the so-called "Miracle Soldiers Heavenly Book," if it came down to a direct confrontation, it would be utterly impossible for the Red Eyebrow Army to win this battle.


    Their best outcome was to retreat in time to north of the Wushui River and east of the Hongze River Shore, holding on to the cities they had already captured. Even then, being gradually devoured was only a matter of time.


    "My lord, are you being overly cautious?"


    Zhao Kang said, "I think as long as we are vigilant against ambushes on the way, there won''t be any problems."


    "Perhaps."


    Chen Sansi said verbally, but he still felt something odd in his heart.


    West Qi Kingdom, what exactly are they waiting for?


    The Red Eyebrow Army was causing chaos in the south, a golden opportunity that came once in twenty years. If they were really to wait until the army entered the canyon and received supplies from Yangchun Prefecture, then the Red Eyebrow Army would be quickly subdued. Dreaming of coming back in would be a fool''s dream by then.


    Chen Sansi asked, "My Wo Long military advisor, do you have any ideas?"


    "Don''t worry, my lord, just one flash of spiritual light away!"


    Xu Wencai furrowed his brow, "Soon, let me change the approach."


    "Yes, I should change my approach too."


    Chen Sansi ordered them to pack up the maps and continue on the journey.


    The journey to Ming State alone would take nearly a month.


    That was also the reason Zhao Wuji and others insisted on not transporting provisions from Liangzhou; the cost was too high.


    Marching was extremely tedious.


    Every day was just walking, eating, and sleeping all handled on the spot, truly a life of hardship.


    Luckily, Chen Sansi was well-prepared.


    Spiritual Rice Medicine Ointment, treasure medicines, and Ear Mouse meat were all brought along, not wasting any time.


    Like his time in Yunzhou, relying on the incredible speed of the White Swan Horse, he deliberately lagged half a day''s journey to practice martial arts, then spent the other half of the day hurrying along, and in the blink of an eye, twenty-eight days had passed.


    [Cultivation Technique: National Guardian Dragon Spear, Hua Jing (entry-level)]


    [Progress: 395/500]


    In another ten days or half a month, he would almost be able to master the Hua Jing Technique.


    "We''re almost there!"


    Chen Sansi estimated that before nightfall today, they would pass through Sword Gate Canyon and enter the territory of Ming State.


    Hai Dongqing flapped its wings and found him, bringing the latest deployment and arrangements from the frontline.


    Sky Wolf Camp and twenty thousand Liangzhou Soldiers, responsible for the front area around Yingzui Mountain, were joining forces with the Mingzhou Army coming from Golden Spring Manor to encircle and eradicate the main force of the Red Eyebrow Army, striving to prevent them from retreating to north of the Wushui River and seeking a quick resolution.


    While the Reserve Camp was to follow, is temporarily not needed to face the main enemy forces, tasked with clearing out small groups of rebel forces around Yanling Mountain and maintaining the supply route outside Yangchun Prefecture after the battle officially begins.


    After all, the Reserve Camp had only been formed less than four months ago and was overall weaker than the other main forces, so they were primarily focused on gaining experience; only in an absolute necessity would they be deployed.


    "I''m infuriated!"


    Bai Thingzhi came over, cursing.


    By his side were Lu Shuhua and Xie Sishu, and all three had rather grim expressions,


    Chen Sansi asked, "What''s the matter?"


    "That Cao is shameless!"


    Bai Thingzhi didn''t hesitate even though others might hear, "Sha Wenlong said their Sky Wolf Camp is short of hands, then sent the three thousand men from Cao Fan''s right wing to the front lines against the Red Eyebrow Army''s main force, clearly giving them a chance to earn distinction!"


    "Mr. Bai, watch your words!"


    Xie Sishu warned, "Cursing someone with the Cao surname is like insulting the Holy Emperor. If it''s not pursued, it''s fine, but if it is, it could cost us our heads."


    "Sigh..."


    Lu Shuhua exclaimed, "It seems this trip is destined only to pick up some minor advantages."


    "I don''t mind, but General Chen..."


    Xie Sishu said meaningfully, "The Young Master heading directly to Yingzui Mountain to face the main force, and Sha Wenlong is very willing to give him opportunities; it''s very likely that he will attain Class A military achievements. Plus, he could reach the Expert Realm in the Hua Jing Technique before returning to Liangzhou, so...


    the position of Chief Disciple might be taken away!"


    "Thanks for the heads up."


    Chen Sansi wasn''t worried at all. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Because, by the time he returned to Liangzhou, he would be at least at small achievement in the Hua Jing, and Cao Fan, no matter how fiercely he tried, would not be able to match that pace.


    Many people still had no idea that he had already mastered Hua Jin.


    "We''re here!"


    Sword Gate Canyon!


    This canyon was connected to the eastern side of the Luoxiao Mountain Range, considered the tail end of the mountain range and the shortest route from Liangzhou to Ming State.


    The mountain range, which should have been continuous, had a huge chasm in the middle, perfectly straight with cliffs at ninety degrees, showing no slope, looking as if it was cut by someone with a huge sword, forcibly splitting the mountain range apart.


    This was why it was named Sword Gate Mountain Range.


    At this moment.


    The vanguard, most likely, had already passed Yangchun Prefecture and was about to engage the Red Eyebrow Army.


    The remaining parts of the Reserve Camp, front, back, and left, were also moving in different directions to eradicate small bands of bandits.


    "Chen Sansi, Bai Thingzhi, according to orders!"


    "At your command!"


    Yu Song issued the command, "Scouts report that 150 li west of here in Bai Gou County, seven hundred bandit infantry have broken through the city and are now slaughtering within. I order Chen Sansi to lead one thousand of his men, along with Bai Thingzhi''s five hundred soldiers, to quickly go and encircle to eradicate them. End the battle within two days, then immediately return to rendezvous with us!


    "The rest, follow me to Yangchun Prefecture to assist with the provisions!"

 Chapter 213 - 141: The Struggle in a Chaotic World, The Heavens are Ruthless_6

    "Understood!"


    "Brothers, advance at full speed!"


    Chen Sansi''s thousand men were all cavalry, superbly equipped¡ªa reward for his victory.


    For Bai Thingzhi and the others, they could muster at most two or three hundred horses. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A distance of one-hundred-fifty li, even average cavalry would need to rest intermittently, but they could still arrive within a day.


    But by the time they reached their destination, it was already too late.


    Bai Gou County, being an interior county within a state, didn''t have fortifications as tall and robust as those of frontier counties like Po Yang County; its walls were usually thin and low. A ladder would suffice to scale them. The defending force rarely exceeded five hundred, with some consisting of only a hundred City Guard Army members, supplemented by fewer than a hundred from the government office.


    Zhao Kang said, "General, Bai Gou County seems to have fallen..."


    Chen Sansi reined in his horse.


    Looking from afar, he saw the city gates of Bai Gou County already burnt to charcoal. The neglected walls had collapsed greatly, and from a distance, he could see the hellish scenes inside.


    "Zhao Kang, take ten riders with you to scout ahead in case of ambushes."


    Such small-scale bandits usually killed and looted before leaving; they wouldn''t stay to defend the city, nor would there be high realm martial artists¡ªrefining internal was the most one could expect.


    But underestimating the enemy is a major taboo for the military.


    Chen Sansi''s military strategy was based on caution; he never acted rashly.


    "Understood!"


    Zhao Kang, fearless, led the cavalry into the city and quickly returned, "Sir, not a single rebel in sight, just utter disarray."


    "Enter the city and take a look."


    Chen Sansi commanded.


    "Daddy..."


    "Ahh¡ª"


    "Wuu wuu..."


    As they entered through the city gates, the scene before them vividly defined what was meant by devastation: cries and howls, corpses strewn everywhere, a veritable purgatory!


    Houses aflame, streets turned into rivers of blood.


    Bodies lying haphazardly blocked their path, forcing them to dismount and step over the corpses to find any living souls to question.


    "Squeak!"


    A disheveled woman staggered out from one of the houses. Her hair was unkempt, her expression numb, her eyes hollow, as if she were a walking dead among the piles of corpses, searching for something.


    "Daddy!"


    A little girl of about five or six lay on the body of a middle-aged man, repeatedly calling out sweetly with no response, until after a long time, she realized her dad would never wake up and burst into tears.


    "Save me!"


    Someone grabbed at Chen Sansi''s ankle, and he instinctively dodged.


    After that single grab, the person took their last breath.


    "Clang!"


    The group continued forward.


    Behind them suddenly came the sound of a weapon hitting the ground. Turning back, they saw that the woman had finally found what she was looking for¡ªa knife to end her own life.


    This was the chaos of war.


    In that moment, fifteen hundred soldiers were all rendered speechless.


    Especially those who came from Po Yang County, felt the deepest impact.


    If not for General Chen back then, their fate, and that of their families, would have been the same.


    "The Red Eyebrow Army..."


    Chen Sansi closed his eyes.


    This force, initially a people''s uprising against oppression, turned into something even more frightening than their oppressors due to the lack of proper ideological guidance. They became demons that created one hell after another with their own hands.


    The mentality of bandits!


    It doesn''t lead to success!


    "Little girl."


    Chen Sansi walked over, looking down at the little girl: "Would you like to come with me?"


    "Wuu wuu wuu..."


    The little girl just sobbed, without speaking.


    "Who are you people, are you official soldiers of the Great Sheng Dynasty?!"


    At the end of the street, a servant-dressed man shouted towards them.


    Zhao Kang answered, "We are the elite soldiers of the Liangzhou Eight Camps here on orders to suppress the rebellion!"


    "The government troops, it''s the government troops!"


    The servant shouted excitedly.


    Soon, seven or eight individuals dressed as Martial Arts Academy Disciples came towards them from behind him.


    "My lord!"


    "You finally arrived!"


    "..."


    Chen Sansi observed their swords and, judging by the qi within their bodies, concluded they were in the Blood Refining realm, and among them were even Martial Artists in Bone Training.


    His face expressionless, he asked, "Where have you been hiding?"


    "Please follow me, my lord!"


    The Martial Artist led the way.


    In the southeastern area of Bai Gou County, there stood a huge castle with the words "Li Family Manor" written at its entrance. Many Martial Artists and Armoured Soldiers stood guard before its doors, where a large number of civilian corpses were piled up.


    "The elite from the Liangzhou Eight Camps have arrived!"


    The servant shouted at the front of the gates.


    The castle doors opened.


    A middle-aged man dressed in splendid clothes came out first, followed by the County Magistrate and the city defense Generals.


    Gradually, more than seven hundred people gathered, all vigorous young fighters rather than the old, weak, sick, or disabled.


    "I am Li Changsheng, the head of the Bai Gou County Li family, and I have the honor of meeting you, sir!"


    The middle-aged man greeted with utmost respect.


    "Who is the defending General?"


    Chen Sansi, his face expressionless, asked, "How was Bai Gou County breached?"


    "Sir, my name is Hu Wen, and I am the Inspector of Bai Gou County."


    Hu Wen explained, "The county''s walls were in disrepair after years of neglect, the Red Eyebrow Army was fervent, and they were aided by a Miracle Soldiers Heavenly Book bestowed by an Immortal, so we were no match for them. That''s why we retreated to the manor to hold out, waiting for reinforcements to arrive!"


    Chen Sansi nodded and said in a deep voice, "So you''re saying, you didn''t hold the line at all?"


    Hu Wen remained silent.


    "My lord."


    Li Changsheng took over the conversation, pointing southwards and said, "After pillaging and setting fires, the Red Eyebrow Army fled straight through the South City Gate. If you pursue them on horseback now, you should be able to catch up with them quickly!"


    "Are you certain of the direction?"


    "Certain! I guarantee it!"


    "Hmm."


    Chen Sansi led his army towards the South City Gate.


    Relying on his keen senses, he overheard a conversation meant only for Li Changsheng and his associates carried by the wind.


    "See, I told you there was no need to defend the city!"


    "Who would risk their life for that!"


    "Why should we risk our lives defending the city for these lowly commoners!"


    "Exactly, now that the army has arrived and the Red Eyebrow Army has scattered. I remain the County Magistrate, Mr. Li remains the lord, and Inspector Hu remains the inspector."


    "Give it two years, and everything in Bai Gou County will be as it always was!"


    "What''s it to us how formidable the Liangzhou soldiers are? In the end, aren''t they here to serve us?"


    "..."


    "Hmm?"


    "What are you doing?!"


    As Li Changsheng was speaking, he suddenly realized they were surrounded by the Liangzhou soldiers with bows and arrows aimed at them.


    "You..."


    "What is the meaning of this?!"


    "..."


    Zhao Kang, his expression cold and voice booming, proclaimed:


    "The Bai Gou County Magistrate and Inspector, who surrendered without a fight, are equivalent to colluding with the enemy and committing treason. Execute them all!"


    "Release the arrows!"

 Chapter 214 - 142: A Deadly Situation, Splitting Forces into Two Paths

    "Whizz whizz whizz¡ª"


    At the command, arrows fell like rain.


    The people of Bai Gou County were completely unprepared, and after several rounds of arrow rain, almost all were dead, except for the bone training martial artists.


    "My lord! It''s an injustice, my lord!"


    Hu Wen hurriedly explained, "The walls of Bai Gou County are weak, and we are few in number, we simply cannot hold."


    "Bullshit!"


    Wang Zhi glared furiously, "There are over ten thousand civilians in the city, you can''t hold them?!"


    "Commoners, will the commoners help us defend?"


    "I''m too lazy to reason with you, you don''t deserve to listen!"


    "Kill¡ª"


    After the rain of arrows, the charge of the army formation followed.


    Bai Gou County had only one Refining Organ Martial Artist, who was jointly beheaded by Feng Yong and Zhao Kang, and none of the others survived.


    The Liangzhou soldiers, on the other hand, suffered zero deaths and only a few minor injuries.


    The Reserve Camp, although subpar, was only when compared to the Eight Camps.


    Compared to the garrison soldiers of other States, they were fully armed elites, and a small county''s Martial Arts Academy Disciples and a handful of City Patrol Army were simply no match.


    "These people, keeping them around only means they would betray our country sooner or later!"


    As Zhao Kang spoke, he chopped the corpses a few more times.


    "Shanshi, all set!"


    Wang Zhi caught up and exclaimed, "A bunch of cowards!"


    "Good, Teacher Brother has passed down the order, the entire army will pursue!"


    Chen Sansi indeed wanted to see whether the Miracle Soldiers Heavenly Book truly had such great effectiveness.


    "Teacher Brother..."


    Wang Zhi laughed mockingly at himself.


    Zhao Kang and Feng Yong had refined their organs while he was still at the Bone Forging Perfection stage, not worthy of the title ''Teacher Brother''."


    "Let''s go!"


    After a brief rest, fifteen hundred cavalry quickly gathered at the South City Gate and charged full speed to the next battlefield.


    Chen Sansi was about to ride off when he heard faint footsteps from behind.


    He turned around.


    It was the little girl from earlier.


    She was no longer crying, but cautiously approached, her blood-stained hands tightly clenching Qian Xun''s tail, her large watery eyes rimmed red, looking up at the general on the horse.


    "Have you thought it through?"


    Chen Sansi threw some dry food from his bag, "Girl, find a place to hide. Wait for me to come back after the battle to pick you up, if by then you are still alive, it means we are fated to meet."


    The little girl held the dry food, pursing her lips without a word, but obediently let go of the White Swan Horse''s tail.


    "Hope we are fated, then."


    "Let''s go!" sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Sansi disappeared quickly.


    It was not a problem to foster another child in the manor. There was no need for him to take care, and with Si Qinmohua taking care of her, it would also be good company for the child not yet born. But now it really was inconvenient.


    This battle, it''s still uncertain what could happen, bringing a child, indeed, would be a burden not to mention that swords and sabers do not have eyes and could potentially harm her.


    Whether she could survive in this purgatory on earth was entirely up to her own fate.


    The White Swan Horse moved swiftly, as if its hooves did not touch the ground, soaring through the air.


    [Skill: Horse Control (small achievement)]


    [Progress: (0/2000)]


    [Utility: covers three thousand miles a day, the horse leads the way]


    The horse leads the way: As long as the commander''s horses are under command, all follow the White Swan Horse''s order, unharried and unafraid, cooperating until death.


    This entry, originally meant to describe subordinates following the commander''s orders, can now also apply to a "horse."


    "?"


    Chen Sansi looked down at the mane, "Do you also want to be a general?"


    Qian Xun even stopped and nodded.


    "You must be a demon!"


    Chen Sansi thought to himself, no wonder it''s always craving Spiritual Rice Medicine Ointment, this beast definitely has its own thoughts, and as time goes by, it continues to "evolve."


    He asked, "Can you command our cavalry?"


    Qian Xun nodded again.


    "Alright, alright."


    Chen Sansi knew the combat capability of his soldiers would be further enhanced.


    Previously, the military formations needed the cavalry to control the horses for cooperation.


    But now, under Qian Xun''s command, the horses could cooperate actively, making the effects displayed radically different.


    And being unafraid.


    It meant even if something unexpected happened, the horses would not scatter.


    Even during rest at night, there was no need to specifically tether or watch the horses; everything could be handled by Qian Xun, truly a general among horses, and a female general at that.


    The cavalry pursued southward.


    Along the way, they encountered a few fleeing refugees.


    An hour and a half later.


    They finally caught up with the rebels, the Red Eyebrow Army!


    These men were clad in armor, wielding standard-issue weapons, their heads wrapped in red scarves, eyebrows painted red, hence the name Red Eyebrow Army. They marched ahead, pushing along several carts containing looted silver and treasures, and even some beautiful young women who appeared untouched, tied up with ropes, unknown who they were destined for.


    "Car Suspension Formation!"


    "Horse archers!"


    "Release arrows!"


    "Charge!"


    "..."


    As the Red Eyebrow Army marched on, they suddenly heard the deafening sound of horse hooves behind them, followed by a rain of arrows like a downpour.


    "Ambush!"


    "Form up!"


    Over seven hundred members of the Red Eyebrow Army, after losing about a hundred men, quickly reacted, each grabbing their Iron Plate Round Shields, setting up a formation to engage the cavalry at close range. Their formation was indeed well-practiced; despite this sudden situation, there was no confusion, and they were fully capable of deploying it.


    "Damn the court''s soldiers!"


    "Kill the court''s lackeys!"


    "Brothers, kill, kill¡ª"


    "..."


    "Annihilate the rebels!"


    Bai Thingzhi led the charge, at the forefront.


    The two groups of troops clashed fiercely.


    "Energy!"


    Chen Sansi didn''t rush into the fray but reined in his horse at the side to observe.


    Rushing in directly would prevent him from clearly seeing the situation.

 Chapter 215 - 142: A Deadly Situation, Splitting Forces into Two Paths_2

    The saying that the one who''s in the game is baffled while the bystander sees it clearly is exactly this.


    By using the "Qi Observation Skill," it could be determined that out of these seven hundred soldiers of the Red Eyebrow Army, the majority were Array Soldiers with a small number of Bone Training soldiers, only two Refining Internal, and there were none at the Hua Jin level or higher.


    However, the combat effectiveness displayed by their battle formation was hardly inferior to the soldiers of the Reserve Camp.


    On one hand, it was because the Formation was indeed strange.


    It seemed that every step was resonating with heaven and earth, borrowing the might of nature. Even Chen Sansi couldn''t completely see through it at the first encounter, and he needed to spend time studying it.


    Besides, and most importantly,


    Chen Sansi''s gaze was deep.


    He saw a different kind of energy above the battle formation of the Red Eyebrow Army.


    This energy, in appearance, resembled the transparent energy inside those who practice Martial Arts, but it was not the same; he could feel the difference. It could not be used for cultivating spells, only for temporarily enhancing the army''s combat strength.


    "So this is the real function of the Miracle Soldiers Heavenly Book?"


    Chen Sansi suddenly realized.


    With the enhancement of this energy and combined with the intricate and strange battle formation, they had been invincible since the uprising, advancing all the way to achieve today''s results.


    But "energy" is not infinite.


    And it also varies in strength.


    The small group of rebel bandits in front of them, possessing this mysterious power, naturally could not match the main force of the Red Eyebrow Army.


    The infantry formation was almost equal to the Reserve Camp with the enhancement of the "energy."


    But...


    They were Cavalry!


    This was a natural immense advantage.


    Chen Sansi''s eyes were like torches, quickly pinpointing the source of the "Mystical Energy."


    A commander, roughly at the level of Refining organs small success, positioned at the core of the battle formation, had strands of "energy" emanating from his head, spreading like mist and enhancing the rest of the soldiers.


    After finding his target, he didn''t waste any more time.


    Actually, from the beginning of the fight to now, only a few breaths of time had passed.


    "Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh¡ª"


    In an instant, three arrows were shot out.


    The Refining Organ Commander of the Red Eyebrow Army parried two arrows with his sword, and the third arrow pierced through his arm.


    At the same time, Chen Sansi charged forward, and all the Red Eyebrow Army soldiers who dared to block him didn''t survive the blink of an eye. His Five Tigers Soul-breaking Spear, reinforced with force, pierced directly through Iron Shields and then through the shoulder of the Red Eyebrow commander.


    He intentionally left a living mouth to question, ensuring that the severely wounded could not escape before continuing to slaughter the rest of the Red Eyebrow Army.


    The skirmish lasted for about the time it takes to drink two cups of tea.


    All seven hundred soldiers of the Red Eyebrow Army were annihilated.


    Under Chen Sansi''s command, four were killed and seven injured, while Bai Thingzhi''s subordinates lost more than a dozen.


    No matter how powerful the enemy''s formation was, the quality of their soldiers was ultimately low, and their numbers were not many.


    Moreover, the brothers under Chen Sansi''s command were also enhanced by various attributes. If it weren''t for the "Mystical Energy" enhancement of the Red Eyebrow Army, their casualty rate would have been even lower, and achieving zero casualties might have been possible.


    On the battlefield, only the Red Eyebrow Commander continued to struggle.


    Bai Thingzhi rushed up and dragged him back.


    "You court dogs of the Emperor!"


    The Red Eyebrow Commander spat out viciously, "You only know how to bully us commoners, you all deserve to go to hell, to hell!"


    "Stupid dog!"


    Zhu Tong cursed as he rushed forward and started pummeling with his hammer, smashing the guy''s arm into mush before stopping.


    "I ask you,"


    Chen Sansi grabbed his collar, "what is your identity, and what position do you hold in the Red Eyebrow Army?"


    Asking directly about the Heavenly Book was impossible.


    It wasn''t a matter of whether this person was willing to talk or not; his status at most wouldn''t exceed that of a Thousand Captain; he couldn''t possibly know such high-level secrets.


    "I am a righteous outlaw from Mei Mountain!"


    The Red Eyebrow Commander said through gritted teeth, "Now, I am a Thousand Captain within the Red Eyebrow Army, blessed by King Liang''s Heavenly Book, specifically sent to kill you court dogs!"


    "Heavenly Book''s blessing..."


    Chen Sansi asked, "Have you seen the Heavenly Book?"


    "The Heavenly Book was bestowed by the Immortal to King Liang, it''s not for mortals like us to see,"


    The Red Eyebrow Commander said disdainfully, "King Liang was chosen by the Immortal, he will sooner or later overturn this realm, and you court dogs, just wait for your death..."


    "Clang!"


    Chen Sansi beheaded him with a sword, not bothering to continue the conversation.


    "Back to Bai Gou County!"


    After exterminating the rebels, everyone returned to the outskirts of Bai Gou County to rest.


    Chen Sansi didn''t see the little girl again, not knowing where she hid, or if she had been killed by any survivors within the city.


    He spread out the map.


    And began to study the current situation again.


    Passing through Sword Gate Canyon, S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The forty-thousand-strong army was like entering a giant pocket.


    Only that this pocket was surrounded by allies to the east, west, and north, with only the southernmost part of the pocket being enemy rebels.


    Chen Sansi began to think in reverse.


    He pondered.


    Under such circumstances, how could West Qi Kingdom maximize its benefits?


    They had been dragging their feet until now,


    Assuming they were certain of victory,


    What kind of change within Ming State would allow them to win?


    Abandoning all logic, and purely speculating,


    Chen Sansi imagined himself as the Emperor of West Qi. How could he capture Ming State? Looking at the location of the Great Wall, a terrifying idea gradually formed in his mind. What if the General of Ming State, Dong An, defected? Wouldn''t that be enough?!


    Looking up, he and Xu Wencai locked eyes.


    "My lord, I''ve thought of it!"


    Under a tacit understanding,


    Without saying a word, both knew they were on the same page.


    If this were true,


    Then the situation of surrounding the rebel army would turn into being surrounded by the rebels!


    Just seal off Sword Gate Canyon, and it would be like lambs to the slaughter, with no escape!

 Chapter 216 - 142 Desperate Situation, Split Forces Two Ways_3

    "Bad news!"


    Xu Wencai began to pace in place, "If that''s true, the Red Eyebrow Army with thirty thousand, Ming State with eighty thousand; add to that possibly a portion of the West Qi Kingdom''s troops, we''re looking at an army of over a hundred thousand easily. Devouring our forty thousand would be a piece of cake!"


    Under this possibility.


    Chen Sansi started to search for logic from the inside again.


    He said, "Old Xu, do you remember the information about Dong An?"


    "I remember, obsessed with military strategy."


    Xu Wencai pointed with his feather fan to the city that served as Dong An''s main base: "Many years ago, he participated in the Selected Point competition alongside General Fang, but that year he came in second. He outright refused the Inner Sect Disciple position and went to take part in the civil service examination instead, becoming the Martial Arts Top Scholar the following year. His Majesty promoted him step by step to his present position. The Governor of Ming State, also holding the post of General, controls the military and political power of the entire state."


    "It''s clear that this person would rather be a chicken''s head than a phoenix''s tail. He might be envious and jealous of Brother Fang in his heart. If he''s petty, he might bear a grudge, but that''s still not enough, not a sufficient reason for a rebellion."


    Chen Sansi tapped his finger against the map and analyzed, "Failing in Selected Point and then rejecting the status of an Inner Sect Disciple to take the civil examination is tantamount to a clean break from the Eight Camps. His Majesty would be more than happy with such a person, naturally he would be given important positions. Cultivated thereafter, he would become a loyal force restricting the Governor Mansion."


    "So, bestowed with so many favors from His Majesty and with such a high position, in a few more years he might breakthrough to the Martial Saint Realm and even become an ennobled Lord. There''s simply no reason for him to betray the country."


    "But he..."


    "Is still a military fanatic!"


    "You''re right, Sir!" Xu Wencai exclaimed as if having an epiphany: "General Fang mentioned to me that this man once competed with him to see who could reconstruct the Nine Palace Eight Diagram formation first. In the end, Dong An was a step behind. It''s said that he got so angry during training that he made a mistake and fell seriously ill."


    "If we follow this train of thought, then everything makes sense!"


    "There are those kind of people who only wish to win, and don''t care about anything else¡ªname, wealth, it doesn''t matter. As long as they can win, they''re willing to pay any price, to do whatever it takes."


    "For a military fanatic, what could be more tempting than the Miracle Soldiers Heavenly Book? A treasure of the immortals represents the ultimate variable!"


    "If the Commander of the Red Eyebrow Army, Liang Jinian, offered a treasure he possesses as a bargaining chip, and West Qi Country made promises, such as ennoblement and granting of land, it would be entirely possible to pull him over."


    "Really?"


    Bai Tingzhi stood to the side, confused along with Zhao Kang and the others.


    "Sir!"


    Xu Wencai saluted, "What should we do next?"


    "I''ll write down my thoughts and submit them to General Zhao and the others, but I doubt they''ll listen, especially since it''s only speculation with no concrete evidence, and also because this guess is a bit too... far-fetched." Chen Sansi and the old scholar were purely speculating based on the certainty of West Qi''s victory and our inevitable defeat.


    Even they weren''t sure if such a scenario would actually occur.


    Having written the letter,


    he blew a whistle, summoning Hai Dongqing to carry the intelligence to the front lines.


    Then, everyone rested for the night in Bai Gou County.


    By the next day at dawn, Yu Song sent an Order Officer who took them about two hundred li outside Yangchun Prefecture to gather, thereafter setting up camp on the spot, beginning to secure the transport of food and supplies.


    War isn''t an overnight affair, especially when it involves a battle configuration as large as an entire state.


    In the blink of an eye, over a dozen days passed.


    After Chen Sansi filled his stomach, he found a secluded place to practice with his spear. Since arriving at Ming State, his preparedness meant his progress hadn''t suffered at all. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    In the Blood Explosion state, he continuously fostered power through the blood of the Dragon Elephant, used it up, then fostered more, repeating this cycle day by day, tirelessly refining the strength and purity of his power.


    He could feel that, as time passed, there was a force in his power that seemed about to burst from his body, but each time before it could leave the skin, the power would dissipate. He could only grit his teeth and persist, continuing the monotonous repetition.


    Finally,


    just before Chen Sansi was completely exhausted, a stream of power flowed along his arm, transmitting through the spearshaft to the man, unleashing an unprecedented force.


    He had broken through the Outer Strength!


    [Cultivation Technique: National Guardian Dragon Spear. Hua Jin (Proficient)]


    [Progress: 0/1000]


    [Utility: ..., Storage]


    A new effect was added to the original entry.


    [Storage: Accumulate power for a single explosive burst.]


    After reaching proficiency in the Hua Jin realm cultivation technique is the Intermediate Hua Jing''s "Outer Power," which is a transitionary stage within the overall realm, laying the groundwork for the "small achievement" of "Jinli Holding Weapon."


    Its main purpose is to enable power to leave the body.


    To put it simply, it''s striking from a distance.


    Chen Sansi plunged his long spear into the ground and threw a punch. Although his fist didn''t make contact with the tree trunk, he still effortlessly broke a tree that was as thick as a bowl in half.


    At this realm, wielding a weapon would typically be just average for martial artists,


    since their Outer Strength couldn''t be sustained and was similar to firing arrows, one by one, which were also not very powerful. But if one could store power, that would be a totally different story.


    Chen Sansi clenched his fist, feeling the power gradually accumulate on his arm. It soon far exceeded the strength that the Outer Strength realm should possess. Given enough time to build up power, he could unleash a shockingly effective attack at any given moment.


    "The spirit sand is used up."


    He hadn''t neglected his spellcasting, either, building up another Sword Qi Skill.


    [Magic: Sword Qi Skill (Entry-level)]


    [Progress: 35/500]


    But the progress in proficiency was pitiful.


    The spirit sand had been completely depleted and reduced to a pile of ordinary and lusterless sandstones.

 Chapter 217 - 142: A Deadly Situation, Splitting Forces into Two Paths_4

    After returning, he must obtain the incense burner from Ci Yun Temple.


    Before Chen Sansi set off, not only were the temple master and supervisor imprisoned in the great prison, but Spirit Mist Mountain was completely sealed off. All Taoists were prohibited from leaving the mountain gate until everything was cleared up. The incense burner was naturally well-protected and there was no need to worry about it being lost.


    Whether or not he could return and when he could do so was the immediate issue to consider.


    The intelligence he relayed to Zhao Wuji and others had received a response.


    The content was simple¡ªthey would be cautious.


    At this point, the front lines had already set up camp and begun confronting the main force of the Red Eyebrow Army. It was too late to return by the same route.


    The transport of food and forage to Yangchun Prefecture was still relatively smooth.


    "I hope I am overthinking it."


    Chen Sansi watched the setting sun, muttering to himself.


    Another ten days passed.


    "In five days!"


    Upon returning to his tent, Yu Song issued a new order: "Reserve Camp, deploy in full force to Yingzui Mountain, join the main battlefield, and participate in the decisive battle!"


    "Even the Reserve Camp is being deployed?"


    Xie Sishu asked, "Vice Admiral Yu, how is the situation at the front?"


    "Three victories, one defeat, annihilating eight thousand Red Eyebrow rebels, our army suffered three thousand casualties."


    Yu Song said gravely, "These rebels have high morale, relying on having been granted a Heavenly Book and Immortal Law, they are able to retreat without disbanding. Moreover, over these two months, they''ve mustered another ten thousand men from various sects and mountain, along with new array soldiers trained."


    "It amounts to them still having over thirty thousand men to this day."


    "But, that''s all."


    "General Dong left Deputy General Wu You to guard the Great Wall, personally leading thirty thousand men to come to our aid, he will soon arrive at Golden Spring Manor. When he does, we will attack from both sides, within half a month we could annihilate half of the enemy. In two months, we will stabilize the entire region!"


    "Then, we will be able to return to Liangzhou!"


    They''ve mustered another ten thousand men.


    How frightening, and in such a short time?


    This means almost half of Ming State''s sect disciples and Jianghu martial artists have joined the Red Eyebrow Army.


    Such is the allure of a "myth."


    "Blessings from an Immortal"¡ªand moreover, a Heavenly Book and Strange Weapon specially meant for warfare, as valuable as "a mandate from heaven," genuinely backed by an Immortal.


    Merely on this account, more people will continue to defect.


    If it were not for the "Heavenly Book," this rebellion would not have intensified enough.


    In other words,


    No matter how desperate the situation becomes next, everything hinges on seizing Meishan Prefecture from Liang Ji, ending the rebels'' "faith" to persist, and resolving all issues by conquering without battle.


    Of course,


    The prerequisite is winning this upcoming great battle.


    His position was still too low, limiting what he could do.


    "Wang Li." S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Sansi asked, "Have there been any updates from Sword Gate Canyon?"


    "Soon."


    Wang Li replied, "In a few more days, Zhao Kang and his men should be back."


    "Good, go then."


    Chen Sansi had sent someone back to Sword Gate Canyon a few days ago to scout the situation.


    If his speculation were true, then definitely, a large force would encamp near Sword Gate Canyon, sealing their retreat route.


    ...


    Meishan Prefecture City.


    Prefect Mansion.


    "Holding the authority to kill, the righteous resolve the people''s plight.


    "Heavenly Book and Strange Weapon gifted by Immortals, recited before the ancestors'' verses.


    "A dragon lurks on Meishan, startling the heavens, for now quietly leaping in the deep.


    "Awaiting the gathering of storm clouds, soaring through the heavens to secure the kingdom!"


    "Excellent poem, excellent poem!"


    Inside the hall.


    A scholar wrote down a poem on the immaculate white wall, eliciting applause from many generals.


    Yet the scholar himself showed no sign of excitement.


    He slowly put down his pen, scanning the generals: "What''s the situation north of Wushui?"


    "To the Commander''s words."


    A general replied with a fist salute, "The Commander''s divine strategy has worked, Mr. Jia and others have been led into losses in several battles. Liangzhou Army has already crossed the area around Yingzui Mountain, even pulling up the last of the Reserve Camps, preparing for the final battle just outside Golden Spring Manor."


    "What about Dong An?"


    Liang Jinian inquired.


    "He''s also in position!"


    Xiang Tian responded, "General Dong with his fifty thousand strong army has arrived at Golden Spring Manor. We will retreat in defeat once more, then pretend to join forces with them, hardly dreaming that the reinforcement is here to end their lives!"


    "If this plan succeeds, the forty thousand Liangzhou soldiers will definitely be annihilated!"


    "And Sword Gate Canyon?"


    Liang Jinian, holding a rule stick, pointed at the terrain on the sand table: "Sword Gate Canyon must be blocked, do not let a single one escape, and also prepare Yangchun Prefecture."


    "The Commander uses troops with great caution, we truly admire that."


    The crowd once again showered praise.


    Liang Jinian waved his sleeve, "Enough, arrange it quickly, do not miss the opportunity for victory, upon this battle depends our lives and fortunes!"


    "Commander, you... you haven''t yet bestowed us with the Divine Power of the Heavenly Book!"


    The Sect Master of the Profound Image Realm, Xiang Tian, knelt on one knee before the scholar: "Please bestow the law, Commander!"


    With his kneeling, many others followed suit and knelt.


    Liang Jinian frowned slightly: "This battle will be eighty thousand versus forty thousand, an ambush, and yet you still need my instruction?"


    "Commander!"


    Xiang Tian replied with a fist salute, "We, the Red Eyebrow Army, have had it rough this month, constantly exposed to the elements, and only with your blessing of the Immortal Law can we maintain high morale."


    "The law should not be casually transmitted, nor should it be misused!"


    Liang Jinian dropped the rule stick: "Announce my mandate, let it be known the Heavenly Book predicts this battle is destined for victory. If we win this battle, pick a small city and reward the troops with three days to plunder!"


    Ming State is poor, and so is the Red Eyebrow Army. All their supplies either come from West Qi Country or are plundered from nearby cities. Normally, there''s nothing substantial to reward the troops with, apart from plundering a city to awaken their primal desires.

 Chapter 218 - 142: A Deadly Situation, Splitting Forces into Two Paths_5

    "As commanded!"


    Xiang Tian and the others left to carry out their orders.


    The hall became empty and desolate.


    Sitting in the Grandmaster Chair, Liang Jinian felt the Immortal Item within his body and his face looked ugly: "How could this happen..."


    "Husband."


    A woman carrying a food box walked gracefully over, efficiently setting bowls and chopsticks on the table: "Come and eat something."


    "I''m not hungry."


    Liang Jinian, with his eyes closed: "Wife, you eat."


    "Husband, you haven''t eaten anything for almost a day."


    Gao Peiwen tugged at the man: "Come on, just keep me company and eat a little."


    "Alright, I will eat a little."


    Only then did Liang Jinian stand up.


    Sighing, he said, "What''s wrong with all the sighs?"


    As Gao Peiwen served the scholar some soup, she asked, "Is it about that item..."


    "Mhm."


    Liang Jinian nodded: "It''s almost exhausted. Previously, every victory would lead to a surge, but lately... it must be because the situation is at a stalemate. Once this battle is over, we''ll certainly be able to forge a truly invincible army."


    He was a true scholar with no strength to truss a chicken.


    Since seeking refuge in Meishan Mountain Village, being revered as the leader by groups of vicious and evil men relied solely on the Immortal Item in his hands. Without it, he''d be the first to die.


    On the contrary, as long as he maintained a tight grip on the item, these men would obediently follow orders.


    "Husband, let''s just forget it,"


    Gao Peiwen said worriedly: "Why should we continue fighting every day when we can run away and live freely together?"


    "Woman''s view!"


    Liang Jinian said indignantly: "We''ve come this far, do you think it''s still possible to get out? Besides, once this battle is over, the West Qi Kingdom will crown me as the King of Mingzhou, granting me a vast territory! Then, I will be able to recruit soldiers and horses, and gather strength."


    "Given enough time, plus the Immortal Item, this realm ¨C I too might contend for it!" Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "At first, I only wanted to pass the scholar exams, but now, I want to kill all the scholars in the world!"


    "I''ll make them never dare to look me in the eye again!"


    ...


    Yingzui Mountain.


    "Only two more days to go!"


    "We''re nearly there!"


    "We of the Reserve Camp''s left flank are the last to arrive, stay sharp, don''t disgrace ourselves!"


    "..."


    News came from the front.


    The Red Eyebrow Army suffered another defeat.


    Now, the Liangzhou Soldiers are pursuing them all the way to the Wushui River Shore.


    Chen Sansi looked at the location on the map and felt terrified.


    This meant they were practically handing their backs to the Golden Spring Manor. The development of the situation was becoming more in line with his predictions. The Red Eyebrow Army didn''t seem to be retreating but rather luring the enemy deeper into their territory.


    It wasn''t that the Liangzhou Soldiers were shortsighted, as if only he and Xu Wencai were clever. Aside from them, nobody would think so far outside the box to suspect the Governor of Mingzhou of treason. This was a Sealed Border Governor appointed by the court. On the surface, he lacked nothing and even had prospects of being ennobled. Why would he risk his wealth and life to defect?


    But no, there was one person who might suspect it.


    The Fourth Senior Brother!


    He and the master had left Liangzhou long ago, claiming to go to the Capital City, yet there had been no news from there. Instead, the reserve camps started to expand in an organized manner before their departure.


    The suppression of the rebellion in Mingzhou wasn''t orchestrated by the Eight Camps, but rather by the Ministry of War in the Capital City, which controlled operations remotely.


    Pi Ji, Hou Bao, Zhao Wuji, and others were merely executing orders.


    Time had passed.


    The master and the Fourth Senior Brother should be aware by now, and it was even possible they had taken remedial actions.


    But due to the great distance, communication was too delayed.


    "General Chen, you really aren''t the least bit anxious,"


    "To think you actually wanted to stay until the end to escort the supplies, aren''t you afraid everything will be over by the time you arrive?"


    "We''re moving ahead!"


    "..."


    Lu Shuhua, Xie Sishu, and others felt it was unreasonable. If they hadn''t witnessed this man kill Wen Qiushi in front of everyone, they might have thought he was afraid of battle.


    Watching them leave, Chen Sansi still did not speed up. Moreover, being responsible for escorting the supplies, he would arrive at the destination three to five days later than the others.


    "Has Zhao Kang not returned yet?"


    Two more days passed, and just as he was about to send someone to hurry him, he saw dust rising from the rear.


    Zhao Kang returned covered in blood, with only two surviving cavalry out of the ten he had led out.


    Xu Wencai stamped his foot in frustration: "Damn it!"


    "..."


    Chen Sansi''s suspended heart finally sank.


    The report from Zhao Kang was almost word for word what he had suspected.


    "Sir, disaster has struck!


    "Sword Gate Canyon suddenly had thirty thousand ambush troops, and large numbers of West Qi Kingdom''s soldiers have crossed the border from the west. The exact number is unknown, but our forty thousand soldiers are about to be surrounded from both front and back!


    "What''s going on, sir? Has the Great Wall in the West Territory already been breached? Aren''t the soldiers under General Dong An of Golden Spring supposed to handle it ¨C aren''t they getting paid to fight?"


    "..."


    Having been prepared, Chen Sansi closed his eyes. After a moment of contemplation, he quickly made a decision: "Ditch all the supplies and provisions. Set up an ambush in the valley ahead and prepare to support our retreating forces!"


    "Yes, sir!"


    The others looked at each other, unclear about what had happened, but they followed the orders.


    The next evening.


    The soldiers guarding near the valley first saw a cloud of dust, followed by...


    The collapsed and defeated Liangzhou Soldiers!


    Seeing the ambush in the valley, they were almost frightened into disbanding a second time, but they gradually stabilized after realizing it was their own forces.


    "You... you guessed this already?!"


    Sha Wenlong''s armour was completely ruined, and Cao Fan beside him was also injured.


    He didn''t say much, simply ordering: "The whole army retreats two hundred miles, regroup at Longyang County, and then... we''ll make further plans!"


    The defeated army continued to fall back.

 Chapter 219 - 142: A Deadly Situation, Splitting Forces into Two Paths_6

    Only after meeting Yu Song and his disheartened men did they finally understand what had happened ahead.


    "Colluding with the enemy, colluding with the enemy!!!"


    Yu Song''s eyes were bloodshot, "At the moment of the decisive battle at Wushui River, the always retreating Red Eyebrow Army suddenly launched a counterattack, and Dong An even led an army of fifty thousand from the rear side of Golden Spring Manor!"


    "Luckily... fortunately, General Zhao heeded your advice and was wary of Dong An and his men, not merging the camps; otherwise, our entire army would have likely been annihilated!"


    "General Chen, how, how did you know?"


    Xie Sishu''s face was filled with horror: "No wonder you always refused to move forward, you had already guessed Dong An''s betrayal, why could you guess it, do you have any intelligence?"


    Lu Shuhua also looked at him incredulously, but he did not speak.


    Bai Thingzhi shouted, "If we had made General Chen the Commander earlier, none of this crap would have happened, all those imbeciles, Dong An, Yuan Dai, and that Zhao Wuji, are all imbeciles!"


    Chen Sansi was not in the mood to discuss this, he urgently asked, "Vice Admiral Yu, what exactly is the situation?" Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Sky Wolf Camp lost three thousand troops, Main General Yuan Dai, and Assistant Generals of the front, rear, and right, all perished in battle!


    "Of the twenty thousand elite troops from the Liangzhou garrison, only seven thousand remain, four thousand of whom escaped back with us, and the other three thousand, including General Zhao, have been scattered and their whereabouts are unknown."


    "The Reserve Camp also suffered heavy losses."


    "All in all, out of forty thousand troops, over half were lost!"


    Over half were lost!


    "Quick, we must leave here!"


    "A small number of troops laying an ambush won''t stop them, with fifty thousand troops pursuing us from behind, move quickly!"


    "First, head to Longyang County!"


    "Now that Yuan Dai is dead and General Zhao is scattered, Sha Wenlong is the highest commander!"


    "Move quickly!"


    "If they catch up, none of us will escape!"


    "..."


    "Retreat¡ª¡ª"


    The whole army quickly retreated.


    Along the way, countless provisions and heavy equipment were abandoned.


    Three days later.


    They gathered in Longyang County to discuss what to do next.


    After such a massive defeat, the morale in the entire camp was incredibly low.


    What was even more terrifying was that, after obtaining complete intelligence, they realized it wasn''t just a defeat they were facing, but complete annihilation!


    After Sword Gate Canyon was sealed off, the sixty thousand army of West Qi Kingdom surged from the west, and to the south, combined forces of the Red Eyebrow Army and the Mingzhou Rebel Army totaled eighty thousand, making a cumulative one hundred and forty thousand of enemy troops!


    The entire Ming State had turned into a sealed death trap.


    They were all about to be suffocated inside the trap.


    None could escape!


    Ming State was their burial ground!


    "Reinforcements, we still have reinforcements!"


    In the dead of night.


    A Hai Dongqing returned.


    It brought the latest intelligence.


    Ten days before, Liangzhou had assembled fifty thousand troops from You State and Daozhou, along with thirty thousand from the neighboring Yan State, including Rong Yanqiu''s Vermilion Bird Camp and "Second Brother''s" White Tiger Camp.


    Feng State was vulnerable, able to muster up less than ten thousand men, but eighty thousand of the Emperor''s trusted guards were already on their way from the distant Capital City, ready to traverse the Great Wilderness and join the battle from the most southern reaches of Ming State.


    All of this had been hastily arranged by Fang Qingyun and Sun Xiangzong as soon as they learned of the Military Department''s deployment.


    Even long ago, "Fourth Brother" had mentioned to the court that the Miracle Soldiers Heavenly Book might induce Dong An to rebel, but the court, suspecting that Eight Camps wanted to purge a competing power, ignored it, thereby leading to the current situation.


    Moreover, the initiative of the matter was truly in the hands of West Qi Country and Liang Jinian. If the Liang surname refused to hand it over, even if they were defeated in the end, it would be destroyed, and there absolutely would not be a scenario where Dong Anqin personally attempted to seize it.


    At last, the final tally between the Great Sheng Dynasty and the West Qi Kingdom was 170,000 to 140,000.


    This war, which began with the extermination of the Chi Mei rebels, had transformed overnight into a battle of national fate!


    However.


    Even with more reinforcements, the earliest batch wouldn''t arrive for over a month.


    And their current situation was such that they simply wouldn''t survive that long.


    How to persevere had become the urgent issue at hand.


    Chen Sansi examined the map of Mingzhou, looking at the Hongze River and the Wushui River, as well as the southernmost exit of the Great Wilderness, and scarcely found a glimmer of hope, but the precondition was that everyone had to listen to him!


    "Go to Yangchun Prefecture!"


    Inside the Central Army Tent.


    Cao Fan''s palm rested on the location of Yangchun Prefecture, "The closest fortress to us that we can defend is Yangchun Prefecture. The rebel army''s forces are weak on the east, and we could take this city within three days! There might even be provisions inside, and if we are lucky, we could hold out for a while!"


    "No!"


    Chen Sansi immediately objected, "General Sha! We must not go to Yangchun Prefecture. I am certain that the provisions that were transported out earlier were meant to deceive us; there are absolutely no provisions there now! If we go in now, we''ll never come out again!"


    "Oh?"


    Sha Wenlong''s one-eyed gaze turned towards him, "Then what do you suggest, Mr. Chen?"


    "We should cross the river!"


    Chen Sansi said, "We cross the Hongze River to the east and attack the towns on the other bank!"


    Cao Fan objected, "Mr. Chen, the towns on the east bank of the Hongze River are merely small counties with thin and short walls, long neglected. They simply can''t be defended. Once the enemy forces reach the town, we''d only have a dead end."


    "Then we don''t defend!"


    Chen Sansi explained his strategy, "That''s better than being trapped. Our goal is to keep maneuvering and then look for a chance to head south, enter the Great Wilderness, and escape to safety!"


    "Ridiculous!"


    Sha Wenlong coldly said, "Do you think the rebels are fools? The time it would take to cross the river and then head south is ample for the enemy to station heavy troops in front of the Great Wilderness, effectively trapping us!"


    "The Young Master is right; our only chance of survival is to quickly take down Yangchun Prefecture and then hold it, waiting for reinforcements!"


    "General Sha!"


    Chen Sansi stressed, "I implore you to seriously consider this! This battle has been disastrously costly, and continuing this way, the entire army will be annihilated!"


    Sha Wenlong slammed his fist on the table, fiercely questioning, "Are you saying that if we don''t listen to you, the entire army will be wiped out?"


    "It''s possible!"


    Facing a matter of great importance, Chen Sansi had to persist no matter what.


    "Nonsense! Even if I die, there are still assistant generals to take command. When did it become your place to give orders?!"


    As Sha Wenlong was about to burst out, he noticed a glance from Cao Fan beside him and suddenly thought of something. He paused, then spoke gravely, "Are you certain you want to cross the river to attack those counties?"


    "General Chen, regarding Dong An''s rebellion, you indeed had prophetic insight, but..."


    Yu Song followed with persuasion, "I also think defending Yangchun is the best strategy right now. You better just obey the orders."


    Chen Sansi firmly stated, "I am certain!"


    "Fine!"


    Sha Wenlong''s attitude abruptly changed, "Let''s not say that I don''t heed advice. Since General Chen is so adamant, I will accept your strategy."


    "Yu Song, listen to my command!"


    "I order you to lead 3,000 troops from the left wing of the Reserve Camp to cross the Hongze River to the east and find a foothold. If there are major casualties, you two can end it yourselves!"


    "Me?"


    Yu Song was stunned, "General Sha, I never said I wanted to cross east, and I wish to stay and defend Yangchun as well."


    "It''s settled!"


    Sha Wenlong disregarded him, "Everyone else prepare; we move out immediately to attack Yangchun Prefecture!"


    From then on, the Liangzhou routed army was split into two forces.


    One force of 3,000 crossed east, and the other 18,000 advanced to attack Yangchun Prefecture.

 Chapter 220 - 143 Crossing the Hongze River Twice

    ```


    "General Chen, you''ve really doomed me!"


    Outside the Central Army Tent.


    Yu Song was so angry he wanted to curse, nearly spitting out the words, "If you want to die, go alone, don''t drag me into this."


    "Vice Admiral Yu."


    Chen Shanshi said gravely, "Following my plan doesn''t guarantee survival, but following them is certain death!"


    Out of 18,000 men, fewer than 180 would survive in the end.


    "Ah! What else is there to say at this point?"


    Yu Song said with a face of resignation, "General Chen, if you get me killed, I...I won''t say it. My eight wives and twelve children will definitely come after you! Let''s go!"


    The command was passed down.


    Lu Shuhua, Xie Sishu, and others were also shocked.


    "What are you doing?"


    "General Chen, have you gone mad!"


    "If we don''t move with the main force and act alone, are we just asking for a quicker death!"


    "..."


    "Ridiculous!"


    Holding his sword, Lu Shuhua frowned and said unhappily, "We are all Thousand Captains, why should we leave the main force just because of his words? If you want to go, then go. I''m going to find General Sha!"


    "Brother Lu, wait for me, I''ll go too."


    Xie Sishu hurried to catch up.


    "Are you two out of your minds!"


    Bai Thingzhi mocked, "It''s so hard to persuade the damned to live!"


    However, Lu Shuhua and Xie Sishu were quickly called back.


    The orders from Sha Wenlong were already given and would not be changed lightly. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "You captains and assistant generals, what are you so afraid of? A bunch of cowards!"


    Zhu Tong cursed, "Back then, Shanshi led us in Po Yang County with a remnant force to defeat 20,000 barbarians, and then, while being pursued by tens of thousands of troops, he led 40,000 civilians all the way from Yunzhou to You State and still survived! A bunch of fools!"


    "How dare you!"


    Xie Sishu glared in anger, "You, a captain of hundred, dare to speak so rudely to me? Courting death!"


    "I think this brother is absolutely right!"


    Bai Thingzhi hefted his broadsword, "What, you want to challenge me?"


    "Clang¡ª"


    The sound of drawing swords erupted, and both sides confronted each other, swords at the ready.


    "Enough!"


    Chen Shanshi said solemnly, "At a time of life and death, are you still fighting amongst yourselves? Zhu Tong, back down! Brother Lu, Brother Xie, please believe in me. If, after crossing the river, we really suffer huge losses, both of you can come and chop off my head, and I definitely won''t resist!"


    "Fine!"


    Only then did Lu Shuhua relent, "These are General Chen''s own words; let everyone bear witness!"


    He and Xie Sishu had only given up their competition for the position of True Inheritor, but none of their innate pride as geniuses had diminished in the slightest.


    Especially Lu Shuhua, who also had a Martial Saint as a master, naturally the future Sword Saint. How could he be willing to be led by the nose by others?


    "Xu Wencai!"


    Chen Shanshi called out loudly, "Bring me the map!"


    ...


    "The Young Master has great strategy," Sha Wenlong admired, "Once they separate at Yangchun Prefecture, as long as they dare to cross the river and head south, they are definitely on a path to death. We can at least hold out for twenty days with the support of Yangchun Prefecture."


    "It''s not my strategy that''s good, it''s that he is rushing towards his own death," Cao Fan said while sitting atop his horse, casually holding the Azure Dragon Crescent blade. "If I can facilitate that, why wouldn''t I?"


    "Well said, this fellow has long deserved to die."


    Sha Wenlong knew very well that he was transferred because his cover had been blown. He was the last person who would want to see the other side grow stronger, otherwise, he would likely face a disaster.


    "Dong An is a thankless wretch!" Cao Fan spat out contemptuously, "Back then, he lost to Fang Qingyun in the Selected Point, and if it weren''t for Grandpa''s imperial appointment as a Martial Arts Top Scholar and the ample resources for cultivation, how could he have become a Deputy General in charge of a state''s military and administration today?!"


    "The temptation of treasured tactics is too great," Sha Wenlong guessed the reason, "Young Master, if you were tempted with methods above the Martial Saint in exchange for something, you would definitely swap, right? Even more so for him, the state isn''t his; it''s just a matter of switching masters for him!"


    "He really deserves to die! My Great Sheng Dynasty treats people with generosity, and yet these ungrateful wretches arose. Sun Xiangzong is fine, at least he has established many merits over the years! Dong An truly deserves to be hacked into pieces!"


    Cao Fan pondered the current situation of Ming State, "General Sha, do you remember what Chen Shanshi just said? He said there will be no supplies inside Yangchun Prefecture. If that''s the case, what should we do?"


    "We''ll collect supplies along the way!" Sha Wenlong cautiously responded, "Before we reach Yangchun Prefecture, we''ll pass through quite a few counties; we''ll take their reserves..."


    After all, food and fodder are the biggest issues when defending a city.


    As long as there are ample supplies and high walls, the defense can hold indefinitely.


    "This year is also not a good one for Ming State," Cao Fan said, "Many places have been hit by disasters, and I''ve heard that even taxes can''t be collected in full. Relying solely on the government''s reserves probably won''t be enough."


    "Then we will have to impose additional levies from the people," Sha Wenlong suggested, "It''s just making the common folk suffer a bit. Young Master, don''t worry, I''ll take the blame."


    "Your nobility, General Sha!"


    "..."


    ...


    Yingzui Mountain.


    The main encampment of the Red Eyebrow Army.


    The Central Army Tent.


    In front of the sand table.


    Mr. Jia had been brought to Mei Mountain by his father to join the bandits and, luckily, found a good master. He learned formidable martial arts and subsequently expanded the bandit stronghold, eventually swallowing the entirety of Mei Mountain''s regional strongholds and becoming the undisputed leader, commanding over two thousand troops.


    He knew that once a bandit force grew to a certain size, it must grow stronger or face obliteration.


    But Mr. Jia couldn''t continue to expand with his power alone until one day, a scholar came to the stronghold, claiming he could help them grow and become stronger, suggesting that becoming the Mingzhou King was not beyond reach.


    ```

 Chapter 221 - 143: Crossing the Hongze River Twice _2

    At first, Mr. Jia scoffed at this.


    Because this scholar, who did not have the strength to truss a chicken, claimed he would become a bandit on the mountain. Yet, he didn''t even have a token of commitment; wasn''t this a huge joke?


    The scholar knelt down and said, "Give me three months."


    Three months later, he would transform the Mei Mountain bandits into a formal army. If he failed to do so, he would apologize with death.


    But if he succeeded, they would help him abduct a bride and commit murder.


    Mr. Jia found this somewhat intriguing and gave him the opportunity.


    When the three months passed,


    his men really seemed like a different group of people, not only were they displaying strict military discipline, but they could also employ military formations. It was just like the official Ming State troops, no, much stronger than the Ming State soldiers!


    "Sir, you are a great talent!"


    At that moment, Mr. Jia knelt down, knowing that no matter what, he had to keep this person around and immediately led his brothers down the mountain to help him abduct the bride.


    The scholar had his heart set on a daughter from a wealthy family, with whom he had privately vowed eternal love.


    At first, the wealthy family didn''t object because this scholar was famously handsome within ten miles, and everyone said that he would be a scholar one day, until year after year, he repeatedly failed.


    The scholar became the laughing stock of the ten miles.


    The wealthy family''s attitude also took a 180-degree turn, telling him to get lost.


    Later, the scholar and the young lady agreed to elope but once discovered, his legs were broken, and the lady was betrothed to the son of a local official, who was an idiot.


    Hey!


    This guy was truly passionate, and with a cruel streak, too!


    After abducting the bride, he slaughtered over fifty members of the official''s household overnight, not sparing men, women, elderly, or children.


    Afterward, the scholar hid outside and didn''t leave.


    When asked what he was doing, the scholar said, "There must be children who have hidden and haven''t come out yet."


    And he was right!


    An hour later, a boy under ten crawled out from the cellar.


    The scholar went up with a cleaver and chopped off the boy''s head.


    He had the ability, and he was ruthless!


    When he returned, the scholar took up the second-highest seat in Mei Mountain.


    As time went on.


    They discovered that the scholar possessed Immortal Items, the Heavenly Book!


    The Heavenly Book contained various Qimen Formations that harnessed the power of heaven and earth. It was with this book that he had trained his troops.


    Mr. Jia and a few others began to harbor ill intentions.


    But when they snatched the Heavenly Book, they found it useless, utterly incomprehensible. Later they slowly realized that the scholar was chosen by the immortals, meant to lead them to overthrow the corrupt Dasheng.


    Hence, Liang Er, who was the second in command, became the main leader.


    They began to recruit troops and foment rebellion.


    In the beginning, they met with overwhelming response.


    Several city-states were even opened up voluntarily by the common people, welcoming them in.


    Gradually.


    Liang Dashuai, once the ringleader, had now become Liang Dashuai, the Commander.


    Then, he was able to correspond with the Emperor of the West Qi Kingdom, and using the Heavenly Book, he bribed Dong An, the Governor of Mingzhou. Afterward, he and his men devised a strategy to divide the world into three parts, planning to establish a dominion in five to ten years.


    By then, as a founding veteran of the rebellion, he would at least be made a Marquis, and the Jia family''s ancestors would be blowing smoke from their graves, achieving ''heaven favors man'' perfection.


    "Sect Master Xiang, how about it? Joining us was the best decision you ever made, wasn''t it? You''re from the Profound Image Realm and are bound to do much better than me in the future!"


    "Hahahaha!"


    Xiang Tian laughed loudly, "Mr. Jia is right, I really should thank you for that secret letter back then. Otherwise, I would still be kowtowing to the other Sects now."


    Their Sect used to be a top-ranking one. But in the recent hundred years, there were no successors, nor any Martial Saint emerged. In his generation, the younger members couldn''t even reach the Xuanxiang Realm, and it was inevitable that they would decline into second or third-rate Sects. Their estate was bound to dwindle, so instead of continuing down that path, it was better to take a risk and fight for a piece of the world.


    "Come, come, fill up the cups!"


    Mr. Jia cheerfully raised his wine bowl. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Damn it!"


    Just as he was about to drink, the tent suddenly opened, and a general wearing Xuan Tie Armor strode in. He looked at everyone with disdain and reprimanded, "The battle is not yet over; who gave you permission to drink stealthily and thus neglect critical affairs? Can you shoulder the responsibility if things go awry?!!!"


    "Mr. Dong overstates matters. We''re not overstepping,"


    said Mr. Jia nonchalantly, "The overall situation is settled."


    "Liangzhou Soldiers haven''t all been annihilated yet!"


    Dong An shouted angrily, "I ask you, who leaked the plan, resulting in Zhao Wuji''s refusal to combine forces with me?!"


    "Calm your anger, Mr. Dong. It wasn''t us."


    Xiang Tian took up the conversation and explained, "Definitely not us! According to interrogations of the prisoners, the information seems to have come from inside our Reserve Camp."


    "The Reserve Camp? Someone there could guess this strategy?"


    Dong An narrowed his eyes, "Yuan Dai? No, if he could have guessed it, he wouldn''t have been beheaded by me. Who else is in the Reserve Camp? Bring me the list of all Assistant Generals!"


    "Here you go!"


    "These Assistant Generals are all good-for-nothings; it couldn''t be them! That Princely Heir, Cao Fan, understands military strategy, but he''s too rigid¡ªit''s not him either!"


    Dong An asked, "Anyone else?"


    "That''s all."


    Mr. Jia said, "Apart from them, there''s just a bunch of Thousand Captains. But these Thousand Captains are unusual, all chosen from the Selected Point, with several having the Body of Martial Saint. Oh right, the Closed-door Disciple of Sun Xiangzong is also among them."


    "I know,"


    said Dong An as he discarded the list, "That Chen Sansi from Du He, is that correct? Nine times out of ten, it was that cripple Fang Qingyun who told him something in advance. It''s that cripple again, ruining my plans!"


    "Mr. Dong, what should we do next..."


    said Xiang Tian, "How should we proceed?"

 Chapter 222 - 143: Crossing the Hongze River Twice _3

    "I just got the information, the Great Sheng Dynasty has already dispatched one hundred seventy thousand troops to Ming State! And you are still in the mood to drink!"


    Dong An pointed at the sand table, "We must annihilate the entire Liangzhou Army within Ming State before the Sheng Dynasty''s army arrives, and then focus all our efforts on the foreign enemy, we absolutely cannot allow a knife to remain behind us!"


    These forty thousand Liangzhou soldiers cannot be left behind, no matter what.


    These are forty thousand elite soldiers!


    Even for the vast and rich Sheng Dynasty, this would be an extremely painful loss.


    Not to mention, among them are five with the Body of Martial Saint, including an Imperial Grandson.


    As long as they die, the Northern Territory will lack successors for the next fifty years, capturing the Northern Territory will then be just a matter of time.


    "Pass down my commander''s orders!"


    Dong An had become the supreme commander, he pointed at the sand table with his long sword, "They have only one way to retreat now, which is to Yangchun Prefecture. Call over all the forces from Sword Gate Canyon, and those from the east bank of Hongze River, and surround them completely. Xiang Tian, come with me personally!"


    The troops from West Qi Kingdom still need to defend the entrance from Yan State to Ming State, they cannot be called over entirely, but they have enough forces at their disposal, about one hundred twenty thousand men.


    As long as we consume these twenty thousand men, victory is assured!


    "Yes!"


    Xiang Tian took his leave to pass down the orders.


    "Is your surname Jia?"


    Dong An looked at Mr. Jia. "Mr. Liang from your family commands well, he has the makings of a general."


    "That''s for sure!"


    Mr. Jia said, "Our Commander is a strange man chosen by the immortals."


    "I hope he is also a man of his word," Dong An said gravely. "Don''t forget what you have promised me."


    "Mr. Dong, rest assured! Naturally, we wouldn''t dare forget, even if we went back on our word, West Qi Kingdom would not agree to it."


    ...


    Two hundred miles outside of Yangchun Prefecture, in the wilds, the troops split up.


    Chen Sansi brought over the map.


    Yu Song and others gathered around him.


    Only Xu Wencai, a big soldier, was also there.


    Lu Shuhua and Xie Sishu felt even more unreliable.


    "General Chen, have you gone mad! Life and death are at stake, how can you involve an old scholar!"


    "He is a friend of General Fang!"


    Chen Sansi cited his backer and said, "General Fang once had a deep conversation with Xu Wencai for three days and three nights, do you think he is of no use?"


    That settled the objections from the others.


    "Xu Wencai, you first!"


    Chen Sansi gave the chance to speak to the other party.


    "Lord Xie!"


    Xu Wencai bowed respectfully, then confidently picked up a feather fan and began to explain, "After splitting our forces here, I predict that within seven days, General Sha and his men will be able to take Yangchun Prefecture which lacks defending forces. The food and feed gathered along the way should also be enough for them to hold out for a while."


    "But!"


    "Soon, at least fifty thousand soldiers and two to three Martial Artists of the Profound Image Realm will go to attack the city; even if they can''t take it right away, the daily loss will be grievous. Therefore, the only way to survive is for the lord to lead us away."


    "Next, what we need to do is take advantage of the enemy''s entire force concentrated in Yangchun Prefecture, cross Hongze River to the east, and seize Qingbo, Jiankou, and other four counties in one fell swoop to serve as temporary rest points, and then look for an opportunity to head south."


    "Only by being able to head south into the Great Wilderness will Ming State not dispatch too many pursuers, and naturally, we will be able to live anew. Perhaps we may even encounter the Capital''s army from the Great Sheng Court in the Great Wilderness, and then turn back to completely obliterate the enemy troops!"


    Having finished outlining the general plan.


    No one objected, but no one praised it either.


    In their eyes, it was just a desperate flight, with no telling when they might be completely caught in a net.


    "Hmm, let''s do it this way," Yu Song finally decided. "These counties, at most the highest cultivation inspector would not exceed Refining Internal, taking them should definitely not be a problem. As for whether or not we can successfully head south, that''s another story!"


    "Depart, depart!"


    "Quick, keep up!"


    Three days later.


    The group had not encountered any enemy troops along the way and arrived smoothly at the shore of Hongze River.


    But soon, a serious problem lay before them.


    How to cross the river!


    There were no large ships here, and the number of small boats was very limited; they could only pass using the original pontoon bridges, but what to do with their warhorses then? sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Now, the remnants of their left flank added up to over three thousand eight hundred men.


    Among them, there were as many as two thousand five hundred horses.


    These horses could not cross the pontoon bridge.


    "What about the warhorses?!"


    Xie Sishu asked, "These pontoons are crudely made by the common folk, one has to be careful even walking on them, they simply cannot bear the weight of warhorses. If we stay behind to rebuild a sturdy pontoon bridge, we simply don''t have the time! Previously it was fine, but in a day or two at most, the enemy will discover our movements and come chasing after us!"


    Chen Sansi offered a two-word answer: "Let go!"


    "Let go? You''re messing around!"


    "General Chen, do you know how precious these warhorses are?!"


    "Moreover, they are key to our ability to move quickly. You are undermining the foundation of everyone''s survival!"


    "This ''foundation'' is undermining the path to survival! Release them, release them all! Everyone cross the river on foot!"


    Chen Sansi paused for a moment: "In the future, if we need to, there might be a way to get them back!"


    "General Chen, what do you mean by that?" Yu Song was puzzled, "These horses can''t possibly just wait in place for us."


    "Qian Xun!"


    Chen Sansi called out loudly.


    "Hiss¡ª"


    Qian Xun let out a piercing neigh.


    The rest of the soldiers'' horses, one after the other, responded, even disregarding their riders'' commands, and gathered towards the White Horse.


    "This..."


    Everyone was astonished.


    Was this White Horse some Exotic Beast, able to control their warhorses?

 Chapter 223 - 143: Crossing the Hongze River Twice_4

    "Dismount! Load the forage on the horses'' backs and let them carry it themselves!"


    Chen Sansi shouted loudly, "My White Swan Horse will lead your horses to a hiding place and, if necessary, come back to support you!"


    "That''s truly miraculous..."


    Xie Sishu couldn''t help but move closer, wanting to take a closer look, and almost got kicked: "You..."


    He wanted to explode but forcefully held back.


    "Qian Xun, come here."


    Chen Sansi stroked the horse''s head and whispered, "I appoint you as the Imperial Horse General. You must work hard, understand? Make sure to hide well and not get caught. When I return next time, I will reward you with Spiritual Rice."


    Qian Xun nodded, neighed loudly, and led more than two thousand horses away; it truly resembled a military brigade, quickly disappearing from sight.


    "..."


    Even Chen Sansi himself was somewhat overwhelmed by the shock.


    "Cross the river!"


    Yu Song gave the order.


    After crossing the river on foot, more than three thousand people marched day and night, quickly arriving outside several county towns.


    The entire eastern defensive forces had been completely withdrawn; either moving south or to the west to encircle the main force of Liangzhou. These cities were extremely vulnerable, basically guarded by only a few constables, with no one defending. Upon seeing the enemy army, they were first shocked and then immediately opened the city gates to surrender.


    They continued southward and eventually stopped at Jiankou County to rest and recuperate.


    Marching all the way, though appearing merely a short distance on the map, was, in reality, counted in hundreds or thousands of miles on foot. Without horses, even the Martial Artists'' Qi-Blood was limited. Marching hurriedly without resting would surely be fatal.


    Since crossing the river.


    Fifteen days had passed; they had virtually no casualties, just exhaustion.


    "Chirp¡ª"


    Hai Dongqing landed on his arm, bringing the latest intelligence.


    Outside Yangchun Prefecture, an army of seventy thousand besieged and attacked daily. Over these days, the defenders dwindled from eighteen thousand to fifteen thousand, suffering heavy losses, though the strong walls of Yangchun Prefecture could still hold for a while.


    However, the earliest reinforcements, the Yan State Army, wouldn''t arrive for another twenty-some days, entering from the westernmost part of the Ming State map and still needing to start a war with the West Qi Kingdom to the east, a difference of a hundred and eighty thousand miles.


    As for the rest of the defending troops, let''s not even mention them.


    On the city walls, Chen Sansi held the National Guardian Dragon Spear, not neglecting his daily cultivation.


    [Cultivation Technique: National Guardian Dragon Spear. Hua Jin (Proficient)]


    [Progress: 256/1000]


    Without Qian Xun around and his time being limited, it was fortunate he had Spiritual Rice Medicine Ointment and treasure medicine, preventing the progress from appearing slow.


    In a blink of an eye.


    The campaign had nearly reached three months, now in May of the year 73 under the Longqing era.


    Sister Lan was also five months pregnant; her belly was probably quite conspicuous by now.


    Those in Liangzhou, upon knowing the situation in Ming State, would surely be worried, perhaps even thinking they were already dead. Sadly, no messages could be sent out.


    Smoke signals had been seen for three months, and family letters were worth their weight in gold, so it went.


    Hai Dongqing was also needed for gathering intelligence and could not be extravagantly used for sending messages.


    "General Chen!"


    Yu Song returned hastily and reported, "News from the rear, Sword Gate Canyon has dispatched ten thousand soldiers from the West Qi Kingdom to pursue us. We can''t stay any longer. The plan was yours to make. What''s the next move?"


    "Head south."


    Chen Sansi had long been prepared, tapping on the southernmost checkpoint of the map: "Make straight for Luotian Pass! Let''s first see if we can escape from Ming State!"


    Luotian Pass, the last checkpoint to the south.


    If they could get through, they might find their way out!


    "Good!"


    Yu Song nodded: "On my command! The whole army will advance to Luotian Pass!"


    ...


    Yangchun Prefecture.


    "Kill!"


    "Brothers, hold on!!"


    "..."


    Sha Wenlong split an enemy General who had climbed the wall in two, temporarily repelling the opponent''s offensive.


    Next to him, Cao Fan was utterly exhausted, collapsing to the ground the moment he heard the signal to retreat.


    Fifteen days!


    During these fifteen days, they had not closed their eyes for a moment!


    They were either defending the city or building fortifications, with losses growing larger by the day and their provisions steadily diminishing. Continuing this way, waiting for reinforcements was impossible.


    "Go."


    Sha Wenlong took the intelligence from Hai Dongqing and let it fly away.


    "Cough cough..."


    Cao Fan coughed twice: "General Sha, it''s a letter from Chen Sansi, isn''t it? How are they doing?"


    "Still alive."


    Sha Wenlong clenched his fist, and his Gang Qi crushed the intelligence to smithereens: "They''re preparing to head south with Yu Song to Luotian Pass."


    "Luotian Pass might as well be called Heaven and Earth Net Pass!"


    Cao Fan sneered: "With barely more than three thousand men, including three with the Body of Martial Saint, neither Dong An nor the West Qi Kingdom will let them go. They will definitely reinforce Luotian Pass with heavy troops. They are doomed. All we need to do now is wait for the news of their deaths."


    If Hai Dongqing''s master dies. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Hai Dongqing will immediately seek out the nearest General possessing another Hai Dongqing.


    This also means the original master is already dead.


    "It''s a pity..."


    Cao Fan closed his eyes: "We might not survive either."


    "Princely Heir, do not lose heart."


    Sha Wenlong, seasoned in battle, calmly said: "Even if the city falls, I have a way to get the Princely Heir out of here. By then, with Chen dead, the Princely Heir can return to Liangzhou and naturally assume the position of True Inheritor."


    ...


    Outside the city.


    Rebel army Central Army Tent.


    "Report¡ª"


    A Scout rushed into the tent, knelt on one knee, and reported, "Commander Dong, the Reserve Camp has fewer than four thousand people moving south after crossing from the east. It seems they are preparing to take Luotian Pass and then escape through the Great Wilderness."

 Chapter 224 - 143: Crossing the Hongze River Twice_5

    "Hmm." S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Dong An''s face turned grave.


    Since arriving here, they had received intelligence that the Liangzhou soldiers had split their forces outside of Yangchun Prefecture: one group crossed eastward while another stayed behind to attack and then defend the city. They also learned through a captured Thousand Captain that this strategy was proposed by Sun Xiangzong''s closed-door disciple, the very Chen Sansi whom His Majesty had rewarded. The plan had even sparked an argument with Sha Wenlong, leading Chen Sansi to forcefully lead fewer than four thousand troops away, abandoning their warhorses in the process.


    "What boldness! Knowing certain death awaited them in defending the city, yet daring to defy the Main General''s orders to act alone. In the future, he surely would have been a force to reckon with. Sadly, they have no future."


    At almost the exact same time, in a different place.


    Liang Jinian of Mei Mountain, and Dong An outside of Yangchun Prefecture, simultaneously issued orders.


    "Tell the West Qi Kingdom generals at Sword Gate Canyon to immediately call up an additional twenty thousand troops to pursue from the rear, and also prepare thirty thousand troops at Luotian Pass in advance, with a General of the Profound Image Realm in command. We must annihilate them all here!"


    ...


    Before Luotian Pass.


    Xiao Luo County.


    Beyond this county lies Luotian Pass.


    Intelligence from Yangchun Prefecture had returned.


    As he had anticipated, they suffered heavy losses, fighting like trapped beasts.


    Moreover, news had arrived from Zhao Wuji.


    After being scattered earlier, he led the remnants of his troops to flee westward, darting between counties. They aimed to capture Wutong Prefecture, the weakest military point in the west, as a place to settle. However, their military strength was insufficient. If they had another three to four thousand men, there would be no issue. They inquired whether more troops could be dispatched to support or join forces. Wutong Prefecture was easy to defend but hard to attack, and it had a large supply of provisions. Once taken, it could definitely be held for a considerable time¡ªmore than forty days.


    Chen Sansi and his group waited outside the city gate for the last piece of intelligence to make their final decision.


    "Report¡ª"


    Zhao Kang rushed back in a panic, "Sir, terrible news! At Luotian Pass... At Luotian Pass, there are at least thirty thousand troops, and among them, there appears to be a General of the Profound Image Realm!"


    "Report¡ª"


    Another frantic voice came from the rear. A scout reported, "More troops have joined the pursuit from behind. The exact number can''t be determined, but there are at least twenty thousand people."


    "This..."


    "What do we do now?!"


    "..."


    Xie Sishu spun anxiously on the spot, "Wolves ahead and tigers behind, retreat means death, and progress is also death! I said we should not have come to Luotian Pass, but you insisted. General Chen, what should we do now?!"


    Lu Shuhua frowned deeply, staring intently at Chen Sansi, "If we had known, we might as well have stayed with the Princely Heir to defend the city. With a few thousand more troops, we could have held out longer, perhaps until reinforcements arrived!"


    "General Chen, it was your idea!"


    Yu Song drew his sword, "You say, what should we do now? If there''s no other way, shall we fight our way back?"


    "Maps!"


    Chen Sansi beckoned.


    Xu Wencai, who had prepared for a long time, immediately spread out the map.


    "Cross the Hongze River a second time!"


    Chen Sansi slammed his hand onto the western side of the map.


    "Cross the river again?"


    Xie Sishu''s face showed utter confusion, "If we head west from here, we''ll reach Yingzui Mountain and Golden Spring Manor. Not long ago, General Sha and his men were severely defeated there in battle with the Red Eyebrow Army. You want to go there? Are you mad?"


    "The situation then is different from now."


    Chen Sansi was forced to delay and explain to them.


    It was the same old story.


    His rank was too low, his power too insignificant. He had never commanded a large battle, nor did he have any prestige.


    Convincing everyone by explanation was something he had to do.


    "Have you forgotten what the enemy''s main forces are doing now?


    "More than half are in the western region, preparing to face the Yan State Army, and the majority of the rest are attacking Yangchun Prefecture. Plus the fifty thousand troops pursuing us, near Yingzui Mountain and even in Golden Spring Manor, there definitely won''t be more than two thousand troops, and they''ll be completely unprepared!


    "If we go now, we can not only temporarily shake off the pursuers, but we might even burn their supply depots! This will increase their cost in the upcoming battle with our kingdom''s great army!


    "Don''t worry, the information about the thinly spread troops can be corroborated by General Zhao on the western front. If you don''t believe me, look."


    The group was half-convinced.


    In the end, it was Yu Song, who, after seeing the intelligence sent through Hai Dongqing from Zhao Wuji, was willing to accept the outcome, "Alright, then we''ll do as General Chen says. We''ll cross the Hongze River a second time and head straight for Golden Spring Manor. Death awaits us if we stay, and if we succeed, we will join forces with General Zhao. With a General of the Profound Image Realm on our side, we''ll certainly have additional paths of survival!"


    Zhao Wuji...


    Chen Sansi sighed.


    The journey was long; they had little chance of rendezvousing with Zhao Wuji.


    But now was not the time to say it.


    He had to lead them out in a way that they were willing to believe, first.


    "Move out!"


    "Wait, Vice Admiral Yu, we can''t leave yet."


    Chen Sansi instructed, "We need to leave a group behind to make a feigned attack and delay the crossing time. After reaching the shore, our horses will return to find us, and they won''t be able to catch up anymore!"


    Vice Admiral Yu surveyed the crowd, "Who''s willing to go?"


    "I''ll go!"


    Bai Thingzhi stepped forward without hesitation, "I''m willing to cover the rear for General Chen!"


    "It''s a feint, not a real rearguard action!"


    Chen Sansi reminded, "Just make some noise at intervals, don''t actually die out there!"


    He was still somewhat worried.


    Bai Thingzhi and Zhu Tong were both considered "brainless."


    At the moment, Lu Shuhua and Xie Sishu were not likely to be willing.

 Chapter 225 - 143: Crossing the Hongze River Twice_6

    "Sir, let me stay!"


    Under the astonished gaze of Wang Zhi and others, Xu Wencai nervously stepped forward, "Sir, with me here, there''s a way to make them believe we are truly going to attack Luotian Pass. You just go ahead without any worries and don''t look back!"


    "Lazybones, you... when did you become so bold?"


    Zhu Tong said, disbelieving. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Old Zhu, I have never been a man who fears death!"


    Xu Wencai retorted, "Now is the time for me to be useful!"


    "Alright!"


    Zhu Tong slapped his chest, "I''ll stay with you and be your personal bodyguard. As long as I''m alive, no one can touch a hair on you!"


    "Bai Thingzhi."


    Chen Sansi instructed, "If you trust me, from now on, you and your men must respect Xu Wencai''s opinions. He won''t have any problems."


    "Understood!"


    Bai Thingzhi bowed with his fist, "With the General''s word, Mr. Xu is my Commander. Everyone, follow my command and attack Luotian Pass!"


    "It''s tough."


    Chen Sansi himself couldn''t stay behind, for if he left, these people would likely go after Zhao Wuji after crossing the river and die on the way.


    They left immediately, crossing Hongze River for the second time.


    "Horses!"


    "They are our horses!"


    "..."


    The soldiers, seeing the war horses waiting early on the river shore, were overjoyed. After a quick count, not only had their number not decreased, but they had gained over a hundred more horses; nobody knew where Qian Xun had found them. It was truly amazing.


    "Move quickly, don''t waste time!"


    Chen Sansi exclaimed loudly.


    Mounting the war horses, the troops quickly departed.


    Under Xu Wencai''s command, they also successfully attracted most of the enemy army''s attention, making them fully believe that they were attempting a forceful breakthrough of Luotian Pass to escape into the Great Wilderness.


    But by the time the pursuers actually caught up, everyone was already hundreds of miles away near Yingzui Mountain. In the enemy''s eyes, this group of more than three thousand had been closing in on Luotian Pass just moments ago. Yet, they couldn''t find a single person, as if they had vanished into thin air.


    "Gone?"


    Dong An looked at the latest news, his eyebrows tightly furrowed.


    "Strange, where could they have gone?"


    Xiang Tian, looking at the map, was utterly baffled, "Can they fly?"


    "Fly my ass! We''ve been tricked!"


    Dong An quickly realized, "They must have crossed the river again, planning to take advantage of the depleted central forces by detouring around Yingzui Mountain and then passing through Golden Spring Manor to meet up with the scattered Zhao Wuji and others... Wait, how many guards are left at Golden Spring Manor?"


    "About two thousand,"


    Xiang Tian recalled, saying, "The vast majority are here with us, and some have gone west to pursue Zhao Wuji and others. The rest are just civilians without combat capability."


    "Damn it! That''s enough provisions for our entire army plus the West Qi Kingdom army for a year!"


    Dong An commanded, "Quick, order the entire army east of Hongze River Shore to gather and then cross westward. Follow the shortest route to Golden Spring Manor! Also, notify General Zhong from West Qi Kingdom to dispatch an additional ten thousand men to the southwest. Ensure they intercept Chen Sansi and his group before they can join Zhao Wuji. Losing Wutong Prefecture would not be a big issue, but it would certainly be a hassle!"


    "Oh, okay, I understand."


    Xiang Tian, still confused, did not ask further and hurriedly followed the orders.


    "Chen Sansi, interesting!"


    Dong An took out a brush, figuring out their current marching route on the map. Looking at the bold decision, he felt a sense of unease he hadn''t experienced in nearly thirty years.


    Back when he competed with Fang Qingyun for the title of Champion Leader!


    The last Fang Qingyun hadn''t died yet.


    Could it be, another Fang Qingyun was emerging?


    "Phew..."


    Dong An took a deep breath, calming his emotions, "No, I cannot possibly lose to him. If I were to lose to a greenhorn, what would my life even mean!"


    War.


    It''s just like a chessboard.


    The commanders on both sides are like two players who cannot see each other.


    Only after the opponent makes a move can one know how to respond.


    The current situation is that the opponent is at a disadvantage, but has found an opportunity, which must be quickly crushed.


    "If the provisions are destroyed, so be it!"


    "This small troop must be wiped out!"


    "The provisions must not be destroyed, damn it!"


    Meishan.


    Liang Jinian, after receiving the delayed intelligence, kept pounding the table with his fist, "A year''s worth of provisions! If they really are destroyed, how am I supposed to explain it to Qi Country!"


    "Idiot! Dong An is so close, why can''t he stop them? No wonder he''s been suppressed by Phoenix all his life. They say he''s a military nut, I think he''s just a fool!"


    "West Qi Kingdom has now camped in the northwest, waiting for the provisions from Golden Spring Manor! If we have to transport more from within our borders, who knows how much more this battle will cost!"


    He aimed to gain status and resources from West Qi Kingdom through this battle.


    Not to mention, the Immortal Items he carried also required victory to enhance their power.


    If the provisions were burned, such a major failure would probably lead to a reduction!


    "Commander, please calm down!"


    A general quickly urged, "Is there any way to remedy this?"


    "Now, immediately, right away!"


    Liang Jinian said, "From Meishan Prefecture, dispatch ten thousand soldiers on large boats, cross the river as fast as possible, and try to intercept them midway!"


    "Ten thousand..."


    The general worriedly said, "Commander, we initially had fifty thousand troops in Meishan Prefecture. After transferring out thirty thousand, we are left with twenty thousand. Are you sure you want to send out another ten thousand?"


    "I have the natural defense of Wushui! What is there to fear! Besides, aren''t there still ten thousand left?"


    Liang Jinian urged, "Quick, don''t waste any more time here!"


    "Yes!"


    ¡ª


    The situation of the battle is shown below.


    Note: Black represents the chasing enemy troops, red represents the Reserve Camp''s marching route.

 Chapter 226 - 144 Capital City Trembles

    ```


    Liangzhou.


    "Mr. Hou, Governor Pei, I am leading troops to Ming State, and the entirety of the Liangzhou Army relies on both of you, The Great Wall must be closely monitored, and once the barbarian bandits show signs of activity, you can implement scorched earth tactics and retreat to Liangzhou City to hold steadfast without venturing out."


    Sitting atop his Fiery Fire Horse like a mountain, Lv Ji instructed the retainers including Mr. Hou who were staying behind.


    "Rest assured, General Lv."


    Pei Tiannan promised, "The Northern Territory in my charge will absolutely not encounter any problems."


    "Big Brother!" S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Bu Qi?"


    Lv Ji looked at the young master who was riding fast towards him, "What are you doing?"


    "I am going too."


    Sun Buqi, displaying the long spear in his hand, said, "I''ve achieved Bone Forging Perfection, I can be of help."


    "That won''t do."


    Lv Ji refused, "You and your junior sister should just stay put in Liangzhou. We don''t need you."


    "Wait!"


    Sun Buqi pressed on, "Big Brother, tell me straight, what''s the situation in Ming State like now? Why are you starting to deploy a large army there again, has something happened?"


    "Dong An."


    Lv Ji did not turn back, holding his Heavenly Halberd as he spurred his horse away, "He''s betrayed the country."


    Dong An had betrayed the country!


    This kind of high-level intelligence was something the others simply had no clue about.


    Sun Buqi was struck as if by thunder, "Sister, my brother-in-law..."


    Sun Li was not far away, only she didn''t come up to talk to Lv Ji.


    "The map!"


    Sun Buqi quickly acquired a map, "If Dong An has betrayed, then the whole of Ming State is¡ªSister, what do we do?"


    "The second senior brother and the others have sent letters saying they''ve already sent people there."


    Sun Li''s lips were bitten nearly to bleeding, "Don''t tell Sister Lan, understand?"


    "You still worry about that when Chen Sansi is finished, done for!"


    Sun Buqi said, "Not just him, the entire Ming State is done for! You stay here, I''m going back to see if I can get in touch with Father!"


    "..."


    Sun Li silently rode back to Chen Mansion.


    "Sister."


    Gu Xinlan, with her pregnant belly, welcomed her at the door, "How did it go?"


    "Quite well."


    Sun Li dismounted, squeezing out a smile without much joy, "We won, our little nephew will certainly be able to return before his birth."


    "Good, that''s good."


    Gu Xinlan took her hand, "Sister, I''ll teach you how to make clothes for the baby."


    "Oh, okay."


    ...


    Yan State.


    "Old Two!"


    Rong Yanqiu caught up to the second senior brother Cheng Wei ahead, "Have the letters arrived?"


    "They have."


    ```


    Cheng Wei released his Hai Dongqing, "Our younger martial brother is still alive, but the situation is bleak, with over a hundred thousand troops besieging them, I''m afraid they can''t hold out for much longer."


    Rong Yanqiu''s gaze was cold and sinister, "That Dong An is really something, Old Four has become the demon in his heart. To win against Old Four, he would stoop to such measures. He better hope I don''t catch him."


    "Oh no~"


    Cheng Wei was distracted, fiddling with an abacus in his hands, "It''s all over, all over!"


    "What do you mean, all over!"


    Rong Yanqiu spoke icily, "Within twenty days, we must break into Ming State!"


    "Twenty days won''t do, we need at least forty days."


    Cheng Wei clicked the beads of the abacus, "Right now the West Qi Kingdom has stationed a large force on the essential route heading south, and with the continuous supply of food and forage from within Ming State, it''s impossible to take it down in a short time.


    "In this battle, the West Qi Kingdom has all the advantages, not only fighting on our turf, with our civilians dying, but the provisions consumed are also from Ming State''s stores. It''s simply a business where they only win and don''t lose."


    "Forty days is too long!"


    Rong Yanqiu glared at him, "Old Two, aren''t you usually the most cunning? Find a way to break through within thirty days, no matter what!"


    "I''m not an immortal, even if you ask Old Four, it would be the same!"


    Cheng Wei put away the abacus, "Unless the central part is empty, someone could go to Golden Spring Manor, burn their granaries, and it would take the West Qi Kingdom two months to transport grain from their own territory.


    "Once the supplies are cut off, they will naturally have to start retreating, and only then can we seize the opportunity."


    "But do you think it''s possible? Zhao Wuji is barely able to protect himself, Sha Wenlong and his party are trapped in Yangchun Prefecture, and our younger martial brother is crossing the Hongze River trying to head south, who could go?"


    ...


    "Enemy troops!"


    "Enemy troops!"


    Outside Golden Spring Manor.


    The rebel army in charge of escorting the food and forage panicked as they saw the rapidly approaching cloud of dust, struggling to understand where the attackers were coming from, and moreover, they were cavalry!


    "Kill¡ª¡ª"


    "..."


    Before they could make a judgment, the cavalry had already charged in, nearly unstoppable, and the two thousand rebels collapsed in an instant, dropping their supplies and turning to run, while the civilian workers scattered in all directions.


    "Burn it all! Burn everything!"


    Chen Sansi ordered, "Then head to Golden Spring Manor!"


    "Good, quick, do as General Chen says!"


    Yu Song was momentarily bewildered at such an easily gained victory.


    So were Xie Sishu and Lu Shuhua.


    They couldn''t understand.


    How could Chen Sansi so accurately predict the enemy''s movements and position, and then find a gap among countless dead ends to wriggle through.


    "There are people ahead!"


    Lu Shuhua pointed towards the figures in the forest ahead, "Brothers, go for them!"


    "Don''t attack, it''s me, it''s me!"


    "..."


    These people, clearly dressed in Red Eyebrow Army uniforms, were moving towards them, though there weren''t many, only about twenty or so, and each one of them was grimy and gaunt, looking as if they would fall over with a gust of wind.


    "Brother Chen, it''s me!"


    "Yan Changqing?"


    Chen Sansi quickly recognized the man, "What are you doing here?"


    "Brother Chen doesn''t know."


    Out of breath, Yan Changqing said, "During the decisive battle, we were scattered here, I led my brothers into the deep forests to live like savages for months... at last, at last we''ve waited for you! How''s the situation now? Why have you come back, have we turned defeat into victory and started a counterattack?"

 Chapter 227 - 144 Capital City Trembles_2

    Not everyone has access to intelligence like Hai Dongqing.


    For them, being on the battlefield was no different than being blind.


    Xie Sishu briefly explained the current situation.


    "What?"


    Yan Changqing doubted he had heard right, "You only have about three thousand people, and both General Sha and the Princely Heir are trapped elsewhere? How did you manage to appear here and burn their supplies with such audacity!"


    "There''s no time to talk about that now."


    Chen Sansi asked, "Mr. Yan, do you know the current situation in Golden Spring Manor?"


    Yan Changqing had been guerrilla fighting in this area for a while and knew some things, "It''s very empty! However, apart from the two thousand guarding the supply route, there must be about two thousand more in the city. Moreover, as far as I know, the main general is at the Minor Meridian Passage level, and the deputy general is nearing the Meridian Passage level from Hua Jin Perfection. Now that their supply route has been intercepted, they will definitely come out of the city to pursue us immediately!"


    "Another two thousand men..."


    Chen Sansi knew it meant they had to fight a tough battle.


    There was no other way.


    War was not a game; he couldn''t know the exact strength of the enemy, only estimate approximately¡ª a discrepancy of two thousand men wasn''t significant.


    "Sir!"


    A scout from the front reported, "A large army has come out from Golden Spring Manor!"


    "They''re quick!"


    Yu Song said somberly, "Quick, burn the supplies. Once burned, set up our formation and confront the enemy right here. They don''t have as many men as we do. Take it slow, and we''ll definitely crush them."


    "No!"


    Chen Sansi interjected, "Vice Admiral Yu, we should set up the ''Heaven and Earth Triad Formation'' and charge directly at them!"


    "General Chen, haven''t you always been cautious in deploying troops?"


    Yu Song felt this youngster was unpredictable and curiously said, "If we charge into a melee, we''ll lose the advantage of our superior numbers, and there''s also the risk of collapsing."


    "War is also about deceit!"


    Chen Sansi said, "Moreover, Vice Admiral Yu, don''t forget, we might have a large number of enemy forces coming from the East Bank behind us, and north of the Wushui River is the main base of the Chi Mei Army, perhaps a large army is crossing the river."


    "Once we stay here too long, we will be caught in a three-sided attack by tens of thousands of armies!"


    "So, we must take this risk now!"


    "And don''t aim to kill the enemy, but to rout them. Once the battle starts, Brother Xie, Brother Lu, Brother Yan, and I will head straight for the enemy generals. As long as the main general and deputy general are killed, the enemy will naturally lose their will to fight!"


    "It''s just that I don''t know if you can handle their commander at the Minor Meridian Passage level, Vice Admiral Yu?"


    "A level higher than mine..."


    Vice Admiral Yu gripped his weapon, "No problem, I''ll give it my all!"


    "Good!"


    Chen Sansi tightened the reins with one hand, "I''ll take on those at the Hua Jin Perfection level!"


    "You?"


    "I''ve achieved Hua Jin."


    Chen Sansi didn''t elaborate further. Having been in Ming State for such a long time, achieving Hua Jin was reasonable.


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    "Listen to me¡ª"


    Yu Song stimulated his Qi-Blood to ensure his voice reached most of the men, "Follow me and charge ahead. Once we get past this hurdle, we can meet up with General Zhao and then take Wutong Prefecture in one fell swoop! Wutong Prefecture has ample resources, and then we can think of a way to motivate the citizens to defend the city together. We can definitely hold out until reinforcements arrive!"


    "So, let''s give it our all!"


    "Let''s give it our all!"


    "Kill the rebel army, attack Wutong!"


    "Kill the rebel army, attack Wutong!"


    "..."


    The promise of surviving the upcoming battle ignited extremely high morale among their troops.


    Chen Sansi didn''t tell them about the plans that would follow.


    Sometimes, people need short-term goals to drive them, which is called "quenching thirst by thinking of plums." If he told them about the long road they still had to travel, many would despair.


    Because everyone was simply too exhausted!


    After months in Ming State, no one had slept well or eaten a hot meal.


    Even an iron body couldn''t bear it.


    They had made it this far purely on willpower. Once that was gone, it was over, no matter how elite the forces were.


    And this was just from traveling around one state, with a continuous supply.


    ...


    "General Feng, the remnants of the Reserve Camp are just ahead!"


    Deputy General Xu Kai said, "But I''m afraid we won''t be able to save the supplies!"


    "Damn it!"


    General Feng had just received the notice that a group might appear from the East and loot the supplies, instructing them to rush out of the city and encircle them, "How did they arrive so quickly!"


    "Pass my order, once the enemy is spotted, form a formation twenty miles out. Try to avoid combat as much as possible. Our goal is to delay them until additional pursuers arrive; they will naturally become fish in a barrel!"


    However.


    After they formed their formation, they were shocked to discover the enemy had no intention of confronting. Instead, they had set up a charge formation and were heading straight toward them, with earth-shattering cries of war.


    "Are they not afraid of dying?"


    "..."


    "Small Car Suspension Array!"


    While the main troops formed the Heaven and Earth Triad Formation, their military officers gathered together in the Small Car Suspension Array, spearheading the front and forcefully breaking through an opening.


    "Whizz whizz whizz¡ª"


    Mounted on his horse, Chen Sansi was already shooting arrows continuously before the charge, nearly killing a hundred men until the enemy brought out the Mystical Iron Shie...

 Chapter 228 - 144 Capital City Tremors_3

    Sometimes from behind or from the flank, when the surprise attacks were launched, as long as they were from those below the Refining Organ level, Chen Sansi didn''t even dodge. He let them chop at his body, sparks scattering like iron striking against his Mystic Armor.


    Occasionally someone would strike at his neck, a gap where the armour didn''t cover, but even those were forcibly withstood by the trembling of his Vajra Body. To the higher-level Martial Artists, this indicated a special physique, but in the eyes of the vast majority of the ordinary rebel army, it was as if a god of slaughter, impervious to sword and spear, had descended from the heavens, bringing an indescribable shock.


    These rebels were under Dong An''s command, not possessing the mysterious, momentarily unrecognizable ''Qi'' enhancement. Under the cover of the Car Suspension Formation, they entered the uninhabited territory and quickly reached the location of the rebel army''s Main General and Deputy General.


    But there were hardly any men left behind him.


    After all, it was a deep ambush.


    Lu Shuhua, Xie Sishu, and Yan Changqing, among others, were intercepted by the enemy army during the charge and fell into deadly battles.


    All of them were Refining Organ Martial Artists, and the enemy army also had Refining Organ warriors.


    Now, only Chen Sansi and Yu Song remained.


    "Rebels, meet your death¡ª"


    Yu Song roared, engaging in combat with the Main General.


    Chen Sansi, however, thrust his spear towards the Deputy General.


    Xu Kai, with a Mo Blade in hand which was heavy and mighty, swung the blade down in panic; the blades collided with the Five Tigers Soul-breaking Spear, emitting a crisp metallic buzz, stabilizing his unease.


    The young General opposite him could not maintain strength in his Mystical Weapon for long, indicating he was merely proficient in Hua Jing, but he was a genuine Hua Jing Great Perfection, about to step into the Meridian Passage Realm in another two years.


    "I thought you were something special, just a brute, die!"


    Xu Kai was no longer afraid. The Mo Blade in his hands,


    "Everyone, charge forward!"


    Wang Zhi yelled exhaustively,"Cover Sansi, create a one-on-one situation for him!"


    Being already two major realms apart, if a few more Refining Organ or early-stage Hua Jing opponents interfered, it would increase the difficulty.


    "Attack!"


    The brothers from Po Yang County were all as if invigorated with chicken blood.


    "..."


    "Boom¡ª"


    Xu Kai''s Mo Blade chopped down again.


    On the blade of the Mo Blade, there was a layer of invisible force, something only a Hua Jing Great Perfection Martial Artist could achieve, enhancing the weapon with Qi, and even releasing some of it externally, effectively adding another blade surface on the weapon.


    The Five Tigers Soul-breaking Spear first came into contact with this Qi layer, and by the time it broke through the Qi and truly made contact with the Mo Blade, much of power had already been reduced. An ordinary Martial Artist proficient against a Hua Jing Perfection would certainly be easily killed within less than ten exchanges.


    "Clang, clang, clang, clang!"


    Several exchanges passed.


    To Xu Kai''s surprise, the young man no longer had even intermittent Qi support, clearly indicating his Qi was depleted, showing he had recently reached proficiency in the Hua Jing Technique, weaker than Xu Kai had anticipated.


    The only surprising thing was his incredibly strong physical power. Without Qi support, he still managed to withstand over a dozen exchanges with just a long spear, but that was all there was to it.


    Xu Kai''s killing intent grew stronger, and his saber techniques became even sharper, containing all his most ruthless and lethal skills.


    Sure enough!


    The enemy General couldn''t hold on.


    After the nineteenth exchange, the enemy general took advantage of a gap to turn his horse around, dragging his long spear in an attempt to flee back to his own lines.


    Clearly, both his Qi and Qi-Blood were exhausted, seeking to save his life!


    "Where do you think you''re running to!"


    Xu Kai roared, spurring his horse into a chase.


    The opponent''s White Horse wasn''t fast, and Xu Kai quickly closed the distance. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Thirty paces!


    Twenty paces!


    Ten paces!


    Finally, five paces!


    "Ah¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª"


    Xu Kai howled like a beast, raising his Mo Blade high, amassing Qi around the blade, ready to cleave the enemy general in two from the back.


    "Buzz¡ª"


    At the same moment the Mo Blade chopped down.


    The previously retreating, fleeing enemy general suddenly bent backwards in an extremely strange posture, his long spear thrusting out in a flash, under the blazing sun, it was like a dragon breaking out from the sunlight, its force immense, its power mountain-splitting, a surge of indescribable shock overwhelmed Xu Kai, stunning him for a brief moment.


    Backward Charge!


    What a cunning Backward Charge!


    And this spear technique was no ordinary technique!


    From the Reserve Camp wielding a spear...


    This man was Chen Sansi!


    As someone under Dong An''s elite forces, naturally he had some knowledge of the Selected Point from Liangzhou.


    This lad had been concealing his skill!


    The purpose was to lure the enemy deep, then ambush them with a Backward Charge!


    Excellent strategy!


    Worthy of someone who had thought of leading his army here to burn their provisions!


    A man of great talents!


    Too bad.


    He was going to die!


    Xu Kai sneered internally.


    He was at Hua Jing Perfection, as long as he blocked this spear, taking this leader''s head would be as easy as turning over his hand!


    This was the Champion Leader, the Closed-door Disciple of Sun Xiangzong!


    To kill him would earn immense credit!


    Not to mention gold and silver, the resources he would gain later could allow him to progress further in Martial Arts.


    "Die¡ª"


    "Boom¡ª"


    Xu Kai exploded with unprecedented power, his blood raging non-stop, the Mo Blade wrapped in terrifying Qi twisted unnaturally and swung back hard, slashing at the Five Tigers Soul-breaking Spear.


    However...


    The easy deflection of the long spear he had imagined didn''t occur. Instead, he was met with an incredibly strong Qi, instantly numbing his arms and trembling them. Unprepared, the Mo Blade slipped from his control, flying into the air.

 Chapter 229 - 144 Capital City Tremors_4

    This power!


    Even though he couldn''t even spread it to the periphery of the weapons, why was a single strike more powerful than his?


    Impossible, this can''t be possible!


    In a state of panic, Xu Kai reached out, trying to grab the Mo Blade hanging in midair.


    "Clang!"


    A desperate, crisp clanging resounded.


    The Mo Blade was once again flicked away by the long spear, spinning through the air for several tens of steps before landing and killing one of his own men.


    "Puchi¡ª"


    Before Xu Kai could comprehend what was happening, a golden light pierced through his chest, pulverizing his bones and heart together, causing him to tumble stiffly from his horse, dying with his eyes wide open.


    Storage!


    Chen Sansi had been preparing from the beginning; it seemed that after storing energy, any of his attacks could surpass those of an ordinary Hua Jin-"Perfection" Martial Artist, as long as he seized the right opportunity for a fatal strike.


    Of course, should it not succeed at first, he could simply try again, albeit it would waste a lot of time.


    Elsewhere.


    At the cost of severe injuries, Yu Song crossed the border and killed the enemy''s Main General.


    With the Main General, Deputy General, and the heads of mid-level generals fiercely cut off by Lu Shuhua and others, the rebel army lost its backbone instantly, breaking down as haphazardly as startled beasts scattering in all directions.


    "Hua Jin-''Perfection''..."


    Yu Song lay draped over his horse''s back, struggling to sit up multiple times and spitting out blood several times before he recovered slightly.


    Warring across borders was certainly no easy task.


    However, when he saw the head of the Deputy General hanging from the long spear, he received a heavy blow.


    Was Hua Jin-''Perfection'' so easily defeated? S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Not only was the opponent faster than him, but he hadn''t sustained a single injury, killing enemies across two realms without harm!


    Hua Jin and Refining Internal were the same.


    Once one achieved Great Success, not to mention compared to entry-level or proficiency, even the gap between small achievement was like a chasm.


    Forget it.


    There''s nothing to be shocked about.


    This young man had been the same back when he was a Selected Point.


    The difficulty of winning against a genius like Cao Fan across borders back then must have been greater than the current situation.


    Lu Shuhua, Xie Sishu, and others also witnessed this scenario.


    Just before leaving Liangzhou, everyone was still at Refining Internal Organs Perfection.


    How could this young man already be killing those at Hua Jin-''Perfection''? If he moved on to the next step, would he not be ready to kill those who had reached Meridian Passage?!


    "Don''t get tied up in battle!"


    Chen Sansi proceeded to inform everyone, "Hurry up and move on, head to Golden Spring Manor for supplies! Quick!"


    As the battle didn''t last long and the enemy army dispersed too quickly, they suffered only about two hundred casualties. Moreover, their formation hadn''t even become disordered; they didn''t even need to stop for regrouping and headed straight for Golden Spring Manor.


    "Sir."


    Zhao Kang rode up close and said, "How come Old Xu and Mr. Bai haven''t returned yet?"


    "They should be back shortly, you go ahead."


    Chen Sansi walked twenty li toward the east and indeed encountered Xu Wencai and Bai Thingzhi returning. Unexpectedly, they had suffered losses, but those losses were not heavy. Out of over nine hundred feign attackers, more than eight hundred returned.


    "You lazy lout, you really did it!"


    Zhu Tong changed his attitude from before and said, "The mindless fools at Luotian Pass got completely played by us."


    Xu Wencai, with no trace of pride on his face, staggered off his horse and bowed, saying, "Sir, the forces chasing from behind will likely catch up in about ten days."


    "Not just that."


    Chen Sansi pointed toward the south with his long spear and said, "Meishan Prefecture will most likely send people across the river too, and they should arrive within seven days. Let''s head to Golden Spring Manor first, the brothers are too tired and need a bit of rest."


    ...


    Yangchun Prefecture.


    "The south city wall has collapsed! Quickly send people to repair it!"


    "Arrows! We''re running out of arrows!"


    "Hurry up!"


    "What about the rolling stones and logs?"


    "Gone!"


    "If there''s none left, then go dismantle the houses of the civilians. Tear down every house in the city, even if it''s to forcefully drag a dog from a family home to help on the city walls!"


    "General!"


    "With no food to give them and Dong An spreading a plethora of guarantee letters outside the city, which promise that no civilian will be harmed after entering the city and even offering them a tax exemption, they... they are unwilling to come up and help!"


    "If they''re unwilling, then kill until they are willing!"


    General Sha''s broadsword was notched from use, and his armor had shifted from mystical iron to ordinary arms, and even he sat down wearily, grabbing a piece of horse meat and stuffing it into his mouth.


    The city''s supplies were running low.


    They had started to slaughter warhorses in small amounts to sustain themselves.


    Their military strength was also diminishing.


    When they first entered the city, there were eighteen thousand men, but now only about ten thousand remained.


    "General Sha."


    Cao Fan came over and asked, "How''s it going?"


    General Sha answered, "Not promising. The Yan State Army is about to engage with the West Qi Kingdom''s large army in the south, but it''s estimated that it''ll still take a month to enter Ming State. Mobilizing reinforcements from there will take even longer. General Lu has also arrived; he''s planning to launch a vigorous attack through the Sword Gate Canyon."


    "Sword Gate Canyon, the most difficult route to attack Ming State,"


    Cao Fan commented with a sigh, "He truly is a peerless brave man."


    Each Main General in the Eight Camps had their unique traits.


    General Lu''s special trait was being fierce and invincible.


    A saying circulated in the world, calling his courage ''peerless throughout the ages.''


    But no matter how brave, it would still take time to break through, as for the Imperial Army coming from the Great Wilderness, they would definitely be the last to arrive, no need to even think about it.


    For them, time was life, but they could only continue to hold on and see.


    "What about Chen Sansi and his men?"


    "No news."


    General Sha sneered, "Most likely, they''re already dead on the East Bank."


    "Good if they''re dead. It would save everyone a lot of trouble."

 Chapter 230 - 144 Capital City Tremors_5

    Cao Fan managed a bitter smile.


    This was probably the only thing that could offer him solace in this predicament.


    Another two days passed.


    On the third day,


    the siege from outside the city suddenly ceased!


    "What''s going on?"


    Sha Wenlong asked anxiously, "Could it be that reinforcements have already arrived?"


    "Report¡ª"


    The scout came back with news.


    Twenty scouts went out, but at most only two or three would return each time.


    He said wildly with joy, "General Sha, the rebel army''s food and forage supply was cut off three days ago. They are now forced to temporarily stop their offensive and send people northwest to gather supplies. The troops outside the city have decreased by one-third!"


    Food and forage are generally calculated in advance.


    Then, before the supplies run out, new ones are delivered. Any error in between can lead to food supply interruption.


    This is often why it''s said that provisions should go before soldiers and horses.


    Now the rebel army outside the city is hungry, which is starting to cause chaos among the troops. A forced siege at this time might lead to significant losses.


    "Good, good!"


    Cao Fan hurriedly asked, "Is it a great victory in the northwest? Have the Vermilion Bird Camp and White Tiger Camp broken through? No, wait, then why would they go northwest for supplies... Could it be Sword Gate Canyon? Impossible to be so quick."


    "It is indeed strange. Ming State has two granaries in total, one large and one small. The largest is Golden Spring Manor, followed by Mingdi Prefecture in the northwest, which is the smaller granary and doesn''t have much food."


    Sha Wenlong, looking at the map, said, "Logically, the food and forage for the rebel army outside the city should be supplied from Golden Spring Manor. Why run to the northwest? Could it be... Golden Spring Manor''s supply line has been raided?" S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Impossible!"


    "There''s no way our forces would appear at this location!"


    "General Zhao!"


    Cao Fan''s eyes lit up, "General Sha, is it possible that General Zhao has used some clever strategy outside Wutong Prefecture, devoured the pursuing forces, and then turned back to Golden Spring Manor?"


    "That''s the only possibility!"


    Sha Wenlong thoughtfully nodded, "If so, General Zhao has made an enormous contribution. After the granaries of Golden Spring Manor were torched, the granary of Mingdi Prefecture is simply not enough to supply Chi Mei, the rebel army, and West Qi''s armies all at once. At most, it''s only to avoid immediate demoralization. If they plan on a protracted war, they must transport food from outside the Great Wall, and that cost would be astronomical. This will be of great help in the overall war situation!"


    "Chiu¡ª"


    While the two were discussing,


    a Hai Dongqing flew in against the setting sun.


    "Princely Heir, look, it''s Chen Sansi''s bird. I suspect it''s probably dead. From now on, this Hai Dongqing can be yours to use... Hm? There''s intelligence on it?"


    Sha Wenlong removed the note and after reading it, his body shook, and he involuntarily took two steps back.


    "General Sha?"


    Cao Fan stood up, "He''s not dead?"


    "Far from it, far from dead!"


    Sha Wenlong''s hands were slightly trembling, "On their journey eastward and southward, they suddenly turned around, leaving tens of thousands of our troops grasping at straws! Then they marched westward, they are the ones who burned the supply line, and by now they may have taken Golden Spring Manor."


    "Based on their current route, they are likely to continue westward and meet up with Zhao Wuji soon to attack Wutong Prefecture. If that''s the case, Wutong Prefecture might hold out even longer than us!"


    "This youngster, how did he come up with this? He sure has a lot of nerve. Doesn''t he fear encountering a large enemy force after crossing the river?"


    Intelligence must be shared, and it must be real.


    That is the rule in the military, an iron-clad rule.


    Even if there were previous disagreements, they still needed to keep each other informed; otherwise, it would be tantamount to murdering the Right Army. If it leads to severe consequences, it would be considered as treason¡ªa betrayal of the nation, and exterminating one''s entire family wouldn''t be out of the question.


    After hearing all this,


    Cao Fan clenched his fists.


    He started desperately searching the map for "dead" routes, and after racking his brain, he finally found a flaw, "It''s too late! Even if previously ignored, following the burning of the food and forage, West Qi Kingdom will definitely send troops southward to encircle General Zhao. If we join forces now, we would directly run into West Qi''s large army, still a dead end. Wutong Prefecture, they can''t take it!"


    "Princely Heir, you truly have a thorough understanding of Military Books, even I overlooked this. You''re right, they''re still doomed."


    Sha Wenlong nodded satisfactorily, "The difference is, before they die, they''ve relieved some of our pressure."


    "That guy..."


    Even Cao Fan began to feel a sense of regret.


    If he could go back to before Selected Point started, instead of waiting for the other party to court his favor and not simply regarding him as a "dog" that needed an owner, was there a possibility to make him his own?


    Grandpa really had foresight, having seen this person''s extraordinariness a long time ago.


    But now, it was too late to say anything.


    It would be best for this person to die near Wutong Prefecture, otherwise, if he managed to survive to the end, there would be big trouble.


    Outside the city.


    Central Army Tent.


    "So soon? Couldn''t stop them after all..."


    Dong An closed his eyes, feeling an inexplicable suffocation.


    He had really been outplayed by a greenhorn.


    "Every disciple of Sun Xiangzong deserves to die, all of them!"


    Dong An nearly smashed the map, "Encircle them to death, encircle them to death behind Golden Spring Manor, I want their heads, I want to see a head surnamed Chen, do you understand!"


    "Yes!"


    ...


    On the border of Yan State, the camp of West Qi Kingdom''s large troops.


    Martial Saint Zhong Wuxin, looking at the report of the granary being burned, his face darkened, then all his emotions settled into a cold laugh, "If I had known that Dong An was such a failure, I would never have agreed to his ''shutting the door to hit the dog'' strategy. Now, look what''s happened, we''ve lost our provisions; it might actually be better to let Liang Ji come out and command, maybe there''d be some improvement."

 Chapter 231 - 144 Capital City Tremors_6

    "Commander, what should we do next?"


    The Deputy General asked, "Our own supplies in Da Qi still need twenty more days to arrive. Regarding the gap..."


    "Let''s retreat."


    Zhong Wuxin said, "Leave two tenths of the troops to defend. If they can hold, they hold; if not, they retreat. The rest will pull back two hundred miles in advance to Jing''an Prefecture to regroup and wait for the supply recovery. This task is yours. I must personally go to Sword Gate Canyon to meet with Ji."


    "You needn''t worry. This battle is merely increasing our costs, and even if we can''t defeat the Sheng Dynasty quickly, as long as Liang Jinian is here, and the Miracle Soldiers Heavenly Book is with us, the right time, place, and people are still on our side."


    Because this is a signal!


    A scholar blessed by the immortals stabilizes the foundation in Ming State, which is akin to announcing to the whole world that the Sheng Dynasty''s time is running out. Those who want to rebel, are hesitant about rebelling, or have already rebelled, let them all go crazy together!


    In less than half a year, the Sheng Dynasty''s interior will be completely plunged into chaos.


    Then, the Northern Barbarians, Dongqing, and Nan Xu Country will swarm in, each getting a substantial share of the spoils. The Cao Family, which has occupied the Central Plains for hundreds of years, should also give up their position.


    A battle for national fortune!


    This is a true battle for national fortune!


    ...


    Capital City.


    Longevity Palace.


    "Dong An, haha~"


    From atop the Dragon Chair.


    Emperor Longqing, holding a battle report, his lips curving into a strange arc with a smile, said, "Dong An, Dong An~ Who among you still remembers? He was the Martial Arts Top Scholar appointed by me. His betrothal was also granted by me. Even a few years ago when his son had an incurable disease, it was I who personally found the treasure medicine to cure him. And yet, for a Heavenly Book he has never even seen, he turned around and stabbed me in the back. Interesting, really very interesting!"


    Many officials in red robes knelt as one, including the Chief Minister Yan Liang. All of them pressed their heads against the ground, no one daring to raise their heads for another look.


    Only in a corner, on a wheelchair, sat a scholar with a calm face.


    When His Majesty is truly angry, he doesn''t shout or scream; he speaks with a smile, just like now.


    "Your Majesty, please calm your anger!"


    "The army has long since set out to quell the rebellion. I believe that within half a year, the situation in Ming State can definitely be stabilized!"


    Anyone whose trusted aide betrays them, especially causing such a significant impact, would probably find it hard to accept.


    "Where is Sun Xiangzong?!"


    Emperor Longqing swung the wide sleeves of his Taoist robe to rest on the sides of the Dragon Chair, "Ever since I approved his expansion of the army, he has disappeared. With such a major incident occurring, shouldn''t he return personally? Fang Qingyun, don''t feign ignorance; I''m specifically asking you."


    "In response to Your Majesty."


    Fang Qingyun spoke, "I too do not know, I too was left in the Capital City."


    "Where he went, what he did, there must be some rough explanation, right?"


    Emperor Longqing slightly narrowed his eyes, "Did he go somewhere to heal? He can tell me; he is my brother. Wouldn''t I help him? Why waste his effort alone?"


    "Your Majesty, I truly do not know."


    Fang Qingyun sighed, "The old man is not willing to tell me everything."


    "Haha~ alright, let him be then."


    Emperor Longqing did not continue to inquire, "Fang Qingyun, tell me, how will the situation in Ming State develop next? Oh, Chen Aiqing is also involved, he''s your junior. He died in there, don''t you feel heartbroken?"


    "To die in battle is the fate of the Eight Camps; there''s nothing to grieve about,"


    Fang Qingyun said leisurely, "Moreover, further battle reports have not yet come back. Maybe it''s not so bad."


    "Oh?"


    Emperor Longqing''s mouth twitched into a smile, "What, can the remaining twenty thousand men still create a miracle for me?"


    "Who knows."


    Fang Qingyun concealed his deep anxiety, "Until the dust settles, anything is possible."


    This, in fact, was his prayer.


    "Fine, I''ll only give Lu Ji, Jiang Yuanbo three months'' time. If they cannot resolve it within three months,"


    Emperor Longqing suddenly stood up, "I will take the field myself."


    ...


    Golden Spring Manor.


    After trekking for over two months, the soldiers of the Reserve Camp finally had a day to breathe.


    Immediately, a new problem arose: where to go next.


    "General Zhao has sent a letter!"


    Yu Song, looking at the intelligence, said excitedly, "He says if we attack from both front and rear, devour the small enemy force to the west, we can definitely take Wutong Prefecture. Hold out for another two months, and reinforcements are sure to arrive!"


    "It''s too late. General Zhao and his troops have wandered too long, giving the enemy ample time to react. In a few more days at most, the Qi Country army from the Northwest will descend to the south."


    Chen Sansi threw cold water on the plan, "Going there now would definitely lead to a clash."


    "What?"


    "General Chen, are you playing with us?!"


    Xie Sishu glared and said, "Brothers risked their lives fighting from Yingzui Mountain to Golden Spring Manor, and now you tell us we''re not going to Wutong Prefecture?"


    Chen Sansi countered, "I only said we were coming to Golden Spring Manor. When did I say we were going to meet General Zhao?"


    Everyone fell silent.


    "Cough, cough, cough..."


    The severely wounded Yu Song wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, "Quiet! General Chen, then tell us, where do we go next? If we can''t go to Wutong Prefecture, why not stay here and defend the city? There''s still food and supplies in Golden Spring Manor. If we mobilize the citizens to defend the city as well, perhaps we can hold out for a while. We can instead make General Zhao come to us, couldn''t we?"


    "Yes!"


    Yan Changqing followed, "Mobilize the citizens! We''ve been into the city several days without committing a single offense against the civilians, our reputation is excellent! Especially Brother Chen''s reputation. When we entered Golden Spring Manor yesterday, many civilians came out to see, wanting to see which one was the Chen Sansi from Du He. Brother Chen, if you speak, you can definitely mobilize many citizens."


    Chen Sansi said, "We lack High Realm Martial Artists, even Vice Admiral Yu is injured. If a Profound Image Realm arrives, how would we cope?"


    "This won''t work, that won''t work,"


    Xie Sishu asked, "Then what are you suggesting, General Chen? We surely can''t just sit here and wait to die." Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Of course not, so..."


    Chen Sansi slapped his hand on the east side of the map, "Cross the Hongze River again!"


    Cross the Hongze River three times!

 Chapter 232 - 145: Crossing Hongze Thrice, Hua Jin Small Achievement

    "Are you playing tricks?!"


    "We have already crossed the river twice, and crossing again makes it three times. Are you addicted?"


    "Madman, truly a madman. With fifty to sixty thousand soldiers chasing us, you still want to turn back and cross the river? Do you think you can make it?"


    "Besides, the journey back and forth will take another half month. I can''t walk any further. If you want to go, go without me!"


    Xie Sishu said and sat down by himself.


    Lu Shuhua hugged his sword, "Vice Admiral Yu, I still suggest we go find General Zhao, or stay and defend the city. You are our general and there is no need to listen to him in everything."


    "Ah..."


    Yu Song removed his helmet and grabbed his hair in thought, clearly very conflicted, "General Chen, are you sure? If we go back, won''t we encounter a large army?"


    He did not quite understand this route.


    Yet the previous two river crossings had proven one thing.


    Chen Sansi wasn''t making assumptions!


    He had his own logic and ideas.


    If everyone else could not understand, it only showed that they were not up to his level.


    Old Yu, his only notable trait was his willingness to take advice, and he knew when he was incompetent, it was time to step aside.


    "There''s a chance, but it''s not large."


    Chen Sansi pointed out a route on the map, "After leaving the city, we head toward the central region, then cross through Longyang County, skirting Yingzui Mountain and crossing the Hongze River again. Right now, all the pursuers are drawn to Golden Spring, leaving the central region extremely vulnerable, the only thing we need to be cautious of is the enemy forces in Yangchun Prefecture City, try not to draw their attention!"


    "Yangchun Prefecture?"


    Hearing this, Lu Shuhua finally started to understand the intent, a spark of inspiration, "I have a plan. If we really can get through Longyang County, wouldn''t we be able to coordinate a pincer attack with the Princely Heir inside Yangchun Prefecture."


    "No!"


    Chen Sansi retorted, "Our military force is not enough, and by the time we reach Longyang County, Yangchun Prefecture will have likely received some information and be somewhat prepared. If we go, it''s not only useless in lifting the siege on Yangchun Prefecture but equivalent to delivering ourselves to death. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "So, our primary objective is still to cross the river!"


    "You all need to understand, during this period, almost all of the large armies are now behind us, it''s a time when Luotian Pass is vulnerable. We have a chance to slip through unexpectedly and escape to safety."


    "Alright!"


    With a resolute heart, Yu Song declared, "Damn it, I''m listening to you this time. My life is in your hands. My eight wives and twelve children are still waiting at home, I promised to personally train a few of my sons in martial arts after returning!"


    "Vice Admiral Yu?"


    Lu Shuhua and Xie Sishu were puzzled.


    They did not understand why, as the battle progressed, a Thousand Captain became a de facto commander, and a formidable Vice Admiral was willing to obediently follow orders, even absolute obedience wasn''t an exaggeration.


    "But let me be clear first."


    Yu Song squeezed a smile out of his pale face, "If we encounter Meridian Passage again, and I can''t fight anymore, General Chen, you''ll have to deal with it yourself."


    "Let''s hope that doesn''t happen."


    Chen Sansi internally calculated the time needed for the journey, "If we set out immediately, we can cross the river before the rebel forces in Yangchun Prefecture react."


    "Good!"


    Yu Song abruptly stood up, almost falling due to his injuries, using his weapon as a crutch, "Transmit my general orders, we leave Golden Spring before dawn and continue on our way!"


    "Yes!"


    Lu Shuhua, Xie Sishu, and Yan Changqing, among others, naturally did not dare to disobey.


    "Vice Admiral Yu, are you alright?"


    Chen Sansi fumbled inside his coat and pulled out a porcelain bottle containing the Healing Treasure Medicine given to him by his senior brother before they departed.


    "This medicine is extremely precious."


    Yu Song wasn''t shy, he took it and poured it into his mouth, feeling slightly better afterward. He looked towards the north, in the direction of Yangchun Prefecture, and suddenly spoke, "Previously, General Sha and others insisted on following you eastward to cross the river, were they trying to kill us? General Chen, did you know about this all along?"


    Chen Sansi didn''t speak, which amounted to a tacit acknowledgment.


    "Heh."


    Yu Song scoffed, a departure from his usual composed demeanor, spitting curses, "Damn their pettiness. They lost as Selected Point and couldn''t take it, instead of settling it fair and square in the arena after returning, they resort to such dishonorable means on the battlefield, scheming against their comrades! To make it look unbiased, they even dragged me and my three thousand brothers into their schemes!"


    "Among them, several have the Body of Martial Saint, they are the hope of the Eight Camps and even the Northern Territory!"


    "This Cao Fan is still a Princely Heir, in the line of succession, he''s the future Emperor. Such a person, does he even deserve the vast lands of Dasheng?"


    "I''m from the Black Tortoise Camp, and I despise such people the most!"


    "Black Tortoise Camp?"


    Chen Sansi curiously asked, "Vice Admiral Yu, which year did you join the Black Tortoise Camp?"


    "Longqing fifty-eight."


    Yu Song recalled, saying, "The person I admire the most is General Tang, who led from the front, dying on the city wall without taking a single step back, unlike these people who bring calamity upon their comrades. If the Eight Camps fall into their hands, they''ll be doomed within ten years."


    Fifty-eight years...


    Chen Sansi pondered internally.


    The Black Tortoise Camp had been completely wiped out in Longqing fifty-seven.


    Which meant that Yu Song had never seen Wang Zhi and didn''t know that "General Tang" had always been with them, but due to his limited cultivation, he was only a Captain of a Hundred.


    "General Chen."


    Yu Song said, "You, young and highly skilled in cultivation, are clever; the Northern Territory truly depends on you in the future. Thus, no matter what, you all must survive and leave this forsaken place. As your Main General, I have that responsibility."

 Chapter 233 - 145: Crossing Hongze Thrice, Hua Jin Small Achievement_2

    "Vice Admiral Yu, you flatter me."


    Chen Sansi looked at the fish-belly white rising in the east, "We should set off."


    "Yes, let''s go!"


    ...


    Yan State.


    "Old Two, did you see it!"


    Rong Yanqiu rushed into the tent, excitedly saying, "Grain and fodder! The little junior brother is still alive, not only alive, but also burned down the granary of Golden Spring Manor along with the supply path!"


    When she saw the intelligence report, she almost thought it was fake.


    More than three thousand people, after dividing their forces, not only did they not die under encirclement, but they also destroyed the enemy''s most crucial grain supply. No matter how the situation in Ming State unfolds from here, it could definitely be considered a major accomplishment.


    "Yes."


    Cheng Wei, while working his abacus, said, "Now that''s good, the cost of this battle for the West Qi Kingdom will double. I bet Zhong Wuxin is pissed off. The junior brother''s death was worth it."


    "Death?"


    Rong Yanqiu, who had just been overjoyed, felt as though she had been doused with cold water, "Old Two, what do you mean?"


    "What do I mean, do I need to say it? Ninth Junior Sister is not ignorant of military strategy," Cheng Wei said calmly.


    "After this battle, where else could they go?"


    "..."


    Rong Yanqiu fell silent, "Is there enough time?"


    "Stop thinking about it, whether it''s us or the Elder Brother on the other side, it''s too late to save them."


    Cheng Wei spoke calmly, "But it doesn''t matter, the little junior brother has saved us so much trouble, I will remember him. In the future, on every memorial day, I will not fail to burn paper offerings for him."


    "I''ll burn you!"


    Rong Yanqiu snatched the abacus directly, "Old Two, cut the crap, tell me, how can the little junior brother survive?"


    "..."


    Cheng Wei said helplessly, "Ninth Junior Sister, pressing me is useless. There really is no way, unless they find the nonexistent escape route themselves, otherwise, no one coming would help. Start preparing the spirit money ahead of time."


    "Bullshit!"


    Rong Yanqiu couldn''t be bothered to ask any more and muttered, "You can''t find a way to survive, but can''t the little junior brother find one? You didn''t imagine the granary burning either. You just knock on that abacus all day long, your brain is broken."


    "It''s true."


    Cheng Wei had to admit, "The little junior brother is comparable to Old Four. In this regard, I am not as good as him. Then, let''s hope he has a natural lucky aura."


    ...


    Four hundred li west of Golden Spring Manor, Zhao Wuji''s remnant camp.


    "They left? How could they leave!"


    Zhao Wuji looked at the message brought back by Hai Dongqing, his features stiff, "Without joining me, where could they go? Tong Prefecture is the best next stop!"


    "Commander, it''s bad news!"


    "Two hundred li in the west, a West Qi army of twenty thousand has been discovered, along with two Mysterious Phenomenon Realm commanders!"


    "Did Chen Sansi know already?"


    Zhao Wuji quickly summoned his scribe, "Wait, can''t I just join them? I''ll defect to them!"


    But it was probably too late.


    Even Hai Dongqing had a big delay.


    It was only today that he received the intelligence, but Yu Song had likely led his forces several days'' journey away by now. Not to mention the pursuing forces from Golden Spring Manor, even if they defeated that pursuing force, by the time they reached Golden Spring Manor, tens of thousands of enemy troops would probably have just arrived.


    "This kid..."


    Zhao Wuji sat despondently on a rock, "He''s played us all..."


    Even he, looking over the marching route of the Reserve Camp, had been utterly convinced at one point that they were coming to join him.


    Fine then¡­


    He didn''t know if that kid could survive, but if he had the guts to use this kind of daring strategy, the Eight Camps would likely see another Fang Qingyun emerge. No, perhaps even stronger than Fang Qingyun.


    "If only I had known earlier!"


    If Zhao Wuji had changed his strategy sooner, why would his Liangzhou troops have come to such a pass?


    "All troops, break out!"


    ...


    Yangchun Prefecture, rebel army camp.


    Dong An looked at the map hanging on the wall, his expression solemn. In front of him, there was also a chessboard, a game he played with Chen Sansi, with himself playing black and the opponent white. But he could only see the opponent''s last move, guessing how to respond to the current play. Every misjudgment led to irreparable consequences, and he had already miscalculated once ¨C he could not afford another mistake.


    For him, it was no longer about victory in battle.


    It was about the dignity of a commander!


    "A general''s incompetence spells disaster for his troops," that saying was fitting.


    Fang Qingyun was one thing. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    If he, Dong An, truly lost to a young man, what face would he have left to live, what face to challenge Fang Qingyun? That guy wasn''t even into Martial Arts for more than a year.


    "Click~"


    Eventually, his fingers pressed the chess piece hard down on the board: "Die!"


    The original garrison forces of Golden Spring Manor hadn''t sent back any news until now.


    Which means no grain supply.


    Even Golden Spring Manor might well have fallen.


    Such fast speed!


    They were definitely unable to have horses when crossing the river back and forth unless the warhorses could also march and fight, waiting by the river in advance!


    "There must be a rare breed of treasured horse, and it''s one of the most precious in the world. He, a Thousand Captain, where could he get such an Exotic Beast, it''s already illogical. So, this defeat, is still excusable!"


    Dong An consoled himself internally.


    "Fortunately, it ends here!"


    All the calculations for marching and fighting, attrition, and even morale passed swiftly through his mind. This was his unique skill, born to wage war with his own mind.


    According to his estimation.


    The Reserve Camp whether joining Zhao Wuji''s remaining forces or staying to defend Golden Spring Manor, was on a path to death. A message would likely come in a day or two.


    "Commander, the grain supplies have arrived!"


    "If they''ve arrived then continue the siege, is there a need to ask me?"

 Chapter 234 - 145: Crossing Hongze Thrice, Hua Jin Small Achievement_3

    "But Commander, you haven''t paid attention to those people in Yangchun Prefecture City for a long time. Are you sure we don''t need to devise a new siege strategy? Why fixate on those few thousand remnants of defeated soldiers?"


    "What do you know!"


    Dong An scolded, "What''s imprisoned in the city are mere objects. What I fear most on the battlefield are variables! Now that the provisions have arrived, all you need to do is to continue the fierce attack. As long as the remnants of the Reserve Camp are not dead, I shall not leave the Central Army Tent for a moment!"


    In the blink of an eye, two days had passed.


    "Commander, do you want to eat something? You haven''t eaten for five days already."


    "Where''s the intelligence? The intelligence from the chasing army?"


    "Report¡ª"


    "Golden Spring Manor reports!"


    Upon hearing this, Dong An suddenly stood up.


    A soldier rushed into the tent in haste, knelt on one knee, opened his mouth, but ultimately said nothing.


    "What are you dawdling for?"


    Dong An''s eyes were bloodshot as he rushed forward, grabbed the soldier by the fabric under his armor, and lifted him almost into the air, "Why aren''t you speaking? Don''t tell me they actually managed to meet up with Zhao Wuji and fought their way to Wutong Prefecture."


    The soldier stammered, "That''s not it..."


    "Hmm." S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Dong An''s suspended heart settled down, only to hear the soldier continue, "But they were not annihilated either. We don''t know where they went; the major army drew a blank."


    "Drew a blank?"


    Dong An''s eyelids twitched continuously, "Say it again, make it clear!"


    "Commander, the forces sent for the chase not only included those from the east bank of the Hongze River but also the large troops sent from north of the Wushui River in Meishan Prefecture, adding up to a total of forty to fifty thousand."


    "But..."


    "By the time they arrived at Golden Spring Manor, they found it was an empty city.


    "The remnants of the Reserve Camp had long since disappeared."


    "Vanished a second time?"


    Dong An incredulously threw down the soldier, took two or three steps back to the maps, and scrutinizing the situation anew, beads of cold sweat formed on his forehead as if he had just fought a three hundred rounds battle.


    The situation with the remnants of the Reserve Camp.


    With pursuers both ahead and behind, fleeing south over the Wushui River was impossible.


    That left only one path.


    Heading north!


    Passing through the central region.


    What were they planning?


    "Rumble¡ª"


    Just at this moment.


    The sky, which had been clear just a short while ago, suddenly filled with dense clouds. After several flashes of lightning, a downpour began.


    Dong An suddenly realized.


    They were planning a surprise attack!


    If they were indeed heading north, they would either be near Longyang County in two or five days. Then, together with Sha Wenlong and others besieged in Yangchun Prefecture, they would launch a pincer attack and catch us off guard, potentially breaking through!


    Then, they would move to Sword Gate Canyon to assist the soon-to-arrive Ji Ji and others in opening up the situation.


    Good plan!


    Good plan!


    Too bad, he had guessed it one step earlier!


    "Pass my command!"


    Dong An excitedly said, "All troops on alert, and additionally dispatch five thousand soldiers to camp fifty li to the south. Should the enemy attack the camp, they are only allowed to retreat in feigned defeat, luring the people from Yangchun Prefecture to attack our main camp. Then set up an ambush here, see it clearly? Once the garrison from the city rushes out, they are on a path to death!"


    He finally saw through the young man''s intent.


    "Smartness has led to his own deceit!"


    "Initially, Sha Wenlong and his men hid in the city, and we couldn''t take it down in a short time; now this makes things much easier. Even if a small part of them manages to break through in the end, they won''t be able to stir any trouble within Ming State and retake Yangchun Prefecture. We can gradually build a new, safer supply route."


    "This young man has actually helped me! Young! Still too young!"


    "Brilliant plan!"


    The Assistant Generals also understood, "If it really happens this way, the Liangzhou Army is completely finished!"


    ...


    Inside the city.


    "Chen Sansi didn''t go to find Zhao Wuji and his men, instead, he is coming this way."


    Sha Wenlong narrowed his eyes, "He''s got guts! But he actually managed to escape, and now he''s already near Longyang County."


    "Coming here?"


    Cao Fan was shocked, "What are they planning to do, come and help us break the siege?"


    "I don''t know, but regardless of whether that''s what they think, I will demand they do exactly that!"


    Sha Wenlong said coldly, "Given the heavy rain that might continue for several days, suddenly attacking with a surprise force will definitely disrupt the rebel army''s formation, then it will be our chance to break out!"


    "Is it feasible?"


    Cao Fan pondered, "Dong An is ultimately obsessed with war; wouldn''t he anticipate this?"


    "What if he does!"


    Sha Wenlong looked around, "Young Master, in our breakout, it''s not like all the soldiers are breaking out together. Out of ten thousand men, if just a thousand can make it, isn''t it better than being trapped longer?"


    "The General speaks sense."


    Cao Fan voiced his concern, "But will Chen Sansi and his men do as told obediently? After all, even if we successfully break out, there might not be many of them left surviving, and afterwards, there''s nowhere for them to escape."


    "They have no choice but to follow orders! Military orders are like mountains!"


    Sha Wenlong spoke sternly, "Even if that Chen lad is unwilling, Yu Song must comply. That''s the rule of the Eight Camps, even if it means their own demise, they must follow without any hesitation!"


    ...


    Longyang County.


    Chen Sansi sheathed his long spear.


    [Cultivation Technique: National Guardian Dragon Spear. Hua Jin (mastered)]


    [Progress: 755/1000]


    Since arriving in Ming State several months ago,


    he had slept not at all, spending any extra time he had to elevate his power. With Yu Song severely injured, facing another enemy general would mean relying solely on himself. Fortunately, resources were plentiful, and he used only the best, nearing the small achievement of Hua Jin. Once achieved, he could enhance his weapons with power, thus doubling his strength. Even if facing an opponent from the Meridian Passage Realm, victory was not without chance.

 Chapter 235 - 145: Crossing Hongze Three Times, Hua Jin Small Achievement_4

    "The west, the battle at Sword Gate Canyon has already begun,"


    Chen Sansi didn''t pause for a moment and hurried to the resting area of the enemy to deliver the vital intelligence, "However, they still cannot break through; we cannot rely on reinforcements for the time being, so we must depend on ourselves."


    "General Chen, what are our next steps?"


    Yu Song asked, "Do we proceed to cross the river directly?"


    "Before crossing the river, we need a feint, a pretense of attacking their camp,"


    Chen Sansi explained, "Otherwise, they''ll quickly catch on and when we''re halfway across the river, Yangchun Prefecture could easily spare some of the troops besieging it to come at us. If the marching speed slows down, the army from behind will catch up too."


    "All right,"


    Yu Song said, "Bai Tingzhi, the task of the feint attack still falls to you, how about it?"


    "No problem!"


    Bai Tingzhi assured, "Give me Old Xu to lead us!"


    "Be careful,"


    Chen Sansi warned, "This feint will be more dangerous than the last, I estimate that your losses will not be small."


    "Rest assured, sir."


    Xu Wencai bowed with his hands folded, "I will do everything possible to reduce casualties without arousing the suspicion of the enemy army. However, the feint attack might be delayed by half a day later than expected; I wonder if that''s feasible? I plan to wait until the rain stops so that it will be easier to use fire. With not enough men, one fire, two drum beats, and three flags are the best way to confuse the enemy."


    "Are you sure the rain is about to stop, Old Xu, you understand heavenly phenomena as well?"


    Chen Sansi agreed, "No problem, you have a day''s time to arrange it yourself."


    "Yes!"


    Xu Wencai went down to make arrangements.


    "This younger brother is quite the talent,"


    Yu Song teased, "Brother Chen, to find such a treasure in a single county of Po Yang, with no official position; it''s really a waste of his abilities."


    Along the way,


    Xu Wencai''s abilities had been clear for all to see.


    The only pity was that he possessed no cultivation.


    "Yes, if we can return alive..."


    Chen Sansi said, "I will personally write a petition and see if I can ask His Majesty to grant Old Xu an official post; this can''t go on like this."


    In this world, the military is mostly dominated by Martial Artists.


    Even Fang Qingyun, he too was once a Martial Arts genius.


    "Good, let us also prepare to depart,"


    Vice Admiral Yu was about to order the remaining people to prepare to move on when he saw another Hai Dongqing flying in¡ªseemingly from the direction of Yangchun Prefecture. After General Chen obtained the intelligence, he fell into silence for a long time without speaking, prompting Yu Song to ask, "What''s going on?"


    Chen Sansi answered, "General Sha has ordered us to change direction and strike at the enemy camp from the side and rear, to assist them in breaking out, and ultimately to crush the rebel forces outside of Yangchun Prefecture."


    "Isn''t this the same as what I had in mind earlier?"


    Lu Shuhua said, "Should we not give it a try?"


    "Try my ass!"


    Yu Song cursed, "At this point, do you still not trust General Chen''s judgment? Without him, do you think we could have survived this far?"


    Lu Shuhua remained silent.


    Yan Changqing added, "That''s right, Brother Lu, Brother Xie, even I can see, this is an order for us to go and die, using our demise to pave their escape route."


    "That''s not the point!"


    Yu Song''s voice carried anger, "If it were any other time, with Sha Wenlong as the Commander, we would have no choice but to die if he ordered it! But have you forgotten what that Sha bastard did not long ago?


    "To go against General Chen, he threw us out of Yangchun Prefecture as well, forcing us to cross the river to the east!"


    "Does such a man deserve our loyalty and service?"


    "Oh right, there''s something else you might not know."


    "Do you remember the incident with the Yu Yang Sect?"


    "At that time, I was always with Sha Wenlong. Remember how he hesitated to help after hearing the arrow signal, concerned about luring the tiger from the mountain? It wasn''t until later that I understood he wanted others to do his killing!


    "He planned to use Huang Tianrong, the Sect Master of the Yu Yang Sect, to kill General Chen, making way for Cao Fan to ascend!"


    "If I can survive this time, I will certainly petition against him; to think of going with the brothers to save him, do you think that''s possible?"


    "But Vice Admiral Yu..."


    Xie Sishu said, "What you''re talking about is all speculative; there''s no evidence, and military orders are inviolable, aren''t they?"


    Yes,


    Military orders are inviolable!


    This was also why Chen Sansi was worried.


    If the Commander demands assistance with the breakout and they refuse to go knowing the danger, it''s more than a death penalty...


    Moreover, the responsibility for disobeying would normally fall on the highest-ranking officer, which was Yu Song.


    "Afraid my ass!"


    Yu Song swore, "If I say we aren''t going, then we aren''t going. As for disobedience, don''t worry about it landing on you."


    Chen Sansi reminded, "Vice Admiral Yu, that''s a capital offense."


    "Capital offense? We''re not necessarily going to make it out alive anyway," sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Yu Song then laughed, "If we do make it out alive, isn''t there the merit of burning the granaries? With the merits offsetting our offenses, and General Chen has connections, a word from him on my behalf by then, wouldn''t that settle it?"


    "Good,"


    In light of the gravity of the situation, Chen Sansi couldn''t afford to be concerned about the rest at the moment.


    If it really comes to it upon their return, he''ll find a way to plead on their behalf.


    "Let''s move out!"


    Yu Song issued the command, "Proceed with the original plan, Bai Tingzhi carries out the feint attack, and everyone else, cross the Hongze River three times!"


    ...


    Inside Yangchun Prefecture City.


    "It''s almost time!"


    Sha Wenlong said, "According to my orders, they will launch the attack in two hours. Once there''s chaos below, we''ll launch a full assault, striving to break through the north, and then head straight for Sword Gate Canyon.


    "General Lu has already joined the battle there and has responded to us; as long as we can leave Yangchun Prefecture, he will make every effort to come to our aid."

 Chapter 236 - 145: Crossing Hongze Thrice, Small Achievement in Hua Jin_5

    "Okay."


    Cao Fan expressed his concern, "The only uncertainty is whether they will follow through, as it effectively asks them to cover our break out with their lives."


    "Yu Song comes from Xuanwu Camp; he won''t disobey orders," said Chen Sansi.


    Sha Wenlong said, "Of course, to be on the safe side, we can prepare within the city first, and it won''t be too late to leave after there''s activity outside the city."


    Midnight.


    Dark clouds hovered oppressively over the city as if ready to crush it.


    The surviving soldiers within the city quietly completed their preparations, ready to break out at any moment.


    It had been over five months!


    Since arriving in Ming State, almost half a year had inadvertently passed.


    During this time, having lived and fought alongside these soldiers, Cao Fan had gradually grown fond of them, a feeling he had never experienced while in the Capital City or the Imperial Palace.


    "I can truly consider myself a man who has led troops and fought battles now," he said feelingly.


    He reminisced, "General Sha, speaking of tonight''s breakout, we have at most a thousand people left. Will the losses be too great? Wouldn''t it be better to hold out a bit longer?"


    "Young Master, you should know that the city has run out of food and supplies, even the warhorses have been nearly all slaughtered. If we drag this out, they are destined to die anyway. If they grow too hungry, there might even be a mutiny. I''ve heard some are already restless...," Sha Wenlong paused, then continued, "Their lives are not as valuable as the Young Master''s life. Not to mention ten thousand people, even twenty thousand, or fifty thousand, as long as the Young Master can make it out alive, it would be worth it!"


    "Report¡ª"


    In the midst of the discussion,


    a severely wounded scout returned on a horse and collapsed to the ground, mustering his strength to report: "Outside the city, the battle has begun."


    "How is the fight progressing?" Sha Wenlong pressed, "Did they attack the enemy camp with all their might as ordered?"


    "The sky is ablaze with fire, and the momentum is staggering!" the scout replied.


    "Good! That means they are obediently following orders." Sha Wenlong raised his broadsword high and shouted, "Brothers, follow me out of the city to break through. Tonight, we escape to freedom!"


    "Charge¡ª"


    The gates of Yangchun Prefecture swung wide open.


    Nine thousand soldiers swarmed out, leaving a thousand men behind to cover their retreat.


    Initially,


    everything went smoothly. Your journey continues with My Virtual Library Empire


    Until they reached forty li outside the city, when suddenly, from all directions, dense ambush troops appeared.


    "Don''t panic!"


    Sha Wenlong anticipated this: "Hold on! They will soon turn back to deal with Yu Song''s remnants. Their forces will quickly dwindle!"


    However,


    the situation quickly spiraled out of control.


    Instead of decreasing, the number of enemy troops encircling them grew even more numerous.


    "How could this be!"


    Sha Wenlong was momentarily stunned: "They have over three thousand troops, and it was a surprise attack. They should have dispersed ten thousand soldiers to encircle them! Could they have fled?!"


    "Sha Wenlong, meet your end¡ª"


    In the chaos, the enemy''s Profound Image Realm General, Xiang Tian, led an elite squad charging towards them.


    "We can''t break out, retreat, retreat¡ª"


    Sha Wenlong had no intention of lingering in battle, immediately leading his soldiers back the way they came: "Young Master, stay close to me!"


    But while it was easy to leave the city, returning was difficult.


    After a night of fierce battle,


    fortunately, the thousand men left behind allowed them not to be completely wiped out. They managed to return to the city by dawn, but the losses were staggeringly heavy: out of ten thousand men, only three thousand remained!


    "Ah!!!"


    In his rage, Sha Wenlong roared and nearly killed the scout who had brought the news with a slash of his sword: "Idiot, didn''t you say you saw with your own eyes that they were fighting to the south, and the enemy forces were being defeated?"


    "General, it''s true, I swear, I saw it with my own eyes!" the scout said tearfully.


    "I also don''t know why they retreated so quickly."


    "Shh¡ª"


    Finally,


    the Hai Dongqing that had been sent out returned.


    "Idiot¡ª"


    Sha Wenlong''s hands trembled as he held the report: "Disobedience! That Chen, how dare he disobey! The attack was a feint; their forces are moving past Yingzui Mountain towards the east, preparing to cross the Hongze River for the third time!"


    Triple crossing!


    "I knew it..."


    Cao Fan wasn''t too surprised: "Chen Sansi would never be willing to risk his life for us."


    "He''s not even an Assistant General! I had even assigned an Assistant General to him before I sent him out!"


    Fury uncontainable, Sha Wenlong exclaimed: "How dare Yu Song disobey orders, is he tired of living? I will kill him, and after we return, I will hang his head on the gates of Liangzhou City for all to see!"


    We could have held out a while longer.


    But now only three thousand men remained.


    The fall of our city is a matter of time!


    "What are they doing crossing three times, heading south?"


    Cao Fan frowned: "Trying to flee?"


    "They can''t run, in their dreams!"


    Sha Wenlong said, "There are still troops in Mei Mountain, and a large army is pursuing from the flank,"


    ...


    Meanwhile, in the rebel army''s camp.


    "Drive¡ª"


    Dong Anqin spurred his horse furiously forward, followed by five thousand elite troops.


    The fools of Yangchun Prefecture were basically taken care of; it wouldn''t be long before the city fell and their people perished. His primary goal was to personally twist off Chen Sansi''s head to relieve the hatred in his heart.


    Twice he had been made a fool!


    The remnants of the Reserve Camp, none higher than the Meridian Passage Realm, wouldn''t pose any threat with him personally in charge.


    "Brothers, whoever chops off Chen Sansi''s head will be rewarded with gold, and I will personally ensure his resources to reach the Meridian Passage!"


    "Attack¡ª"


    "Hush!"


    "You, what are you doing?"


    Dong An looked at his subordinates, who should have been engaged in battle with the remnants of the Reserve Camp at this time, but were idly standing around. His heart sank: "What are you doing here, where are the people?"


    "Sir, there''s... no one,"


    The soldiers stammered in reply.


    "No one? Nonsense, there was such a commotion earlier, was it... a feint? If they aren''t here to attack Yangchun Prefecture, where else could they be going, could it be..."


    sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 237 - 145: Crossing Hongze Three Times, Small Achievement in Hua Jin_6

    Dong An suddenly thought of something, and his vision darkened, his whole body rigidly fell from the horse.


    "Commander!"


    "Commander, how are you?!"


    "..."


    It was unknown how much time had passed before Dong An slowly opened his eyes, this moment seemed to age him by ten years, twenty years, from the spirited vigor at the start of the battle, turning into someone resembling an old man.


    "Quick..."


    He seemed to have received a grievous injury, his voice extremely weak, "They must have crossed the Hongze River the third time, quickly, notify Jia Lao Si. If I remember correctly, after he pursued them to the East Bank last time, did he stay on the East Bank? Tell him he must block Chen Sansi!


    "Also inform Liang Jinian from Mei Mountain, he must determine the troop deployments at Luotian Pass according to the situation, absolutely do not let them escape the Great Wilderness, otherwise, we''ll never catch up."


    "Yes!"


    "Help me up, help me up..."


    All those present couldn''t understand how a prominent commander of the Profound Image Realm could be so utterly deflated just because the Enemy Army had fled; it wasn''t as if they had lost the battle.


    With help, Dong An stood up, laughing at himself, "Three times! He tricked me three times! Every time, I was just a half step slower than him, just a half step!"


    And this half-step was deadly!


    If someone could look down upon Ming State as one does upon the land.


    They would see that this time, Chen Sansi and his men had nearly brushed past the edge of the large army, passing by shoulder-to-shoulder! Just short of a face-to-face greeting! How could he have been played like this after a lifetime of warfare?


    Was this what Fang Qingyun taught him?


    No!


    Even Fang Qingyun couldn''t do this!


    When replaced by Fang Qingyun, at most, he might have burned the provisions and then gone on to attack other cities!


    This young man, how could he utilize such tactics? Was he really born for warfare, or who did he learn from?!


    He was leading tens of thousands of troops by the nose!


    Three thousand men, toying with tens of thousands!


    Next.


    It was the last chance!


    If Luotian Pass fell, it would be like releasing the tiger back into the mountain!


    ...


    Hongze River.


    Chen Sansi led everyone to cross the river once again.


    Qian Xun and his subordinates found a place to hide.


    Discover hidden tales at My Virtual Library Empire


    Bai Thingzhi and Xu Wencai, who were in charge of the rear, also arrived on time. This time they suffered heavy losses; they set out with nine hundred men and returned with just over six hundred.


    "Sir!"


    Gasping for breath, Xu Wencai said, "Yangchun Prefecture can''t hold any longer. The spies sent back news that last night Sha Wenlong and his men failed to break through and retreated back into the city, and at most, only three or four thousand people are left. A few more fierce attacks, and either the city will fall and its people perish, or they will abandon the city and flee, being pursued until death."


    Upon hearing this.


    Lu Shuhua, Xie Sishu, and Yan Changqing all felt a sense of dread.


    It seemed Dong An really had laid down a net of heaven and earth early on, just waiting for them to fall into it, and it was fortunate they last heeded Chen Sansi''s advice to cross the Hongze River three times, which allowed them to barely snatch a sliver of survival.


    At this moment, none of these three men dared to harbor the slightest arrogance.


    Throughout the journey, even the most obstinate person had to admit defeat to Chen Sansi''s correct judgment time and again. Imperceptibly, he had effectively become the supreme commander.


    "General Chen, we''ve crossed the river again, what now?"


    "Yes, a large force will soon be pursuing us from behind."


    "We will all listen to you, guaranteed no objections."


    "..."


    "Rest in place for three days!"


    Chen Sansi said, "After three days, we''ll head south first. There might be a tough battle in between, after which we''ll make further plans."


    He had a rough plan in mind.


    But the war situation was changing in real-time, and it was useless to speak ahead of time.


    From Yingzui Mountain to now, another twenty days had gone by.


    The places on the map that didn''t seem far, when actually traversed, were incredibly stretched, and this was why the pursuers had always been far behind, unable to catch up.


    They were resting in place for three days partly because everyone was nearly collapsing, and partly because he was on the verge of a breakthrough. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    No matter the future direction, someone had to stand up.


    Yu Song''s body had been pierced by several knives previously, stopping just short of vital areas. It would take two more months to recover to full strength, and the one to carry the flag had to be Chen Sansi himself.


    "Huh!"


    Chen Sansi persevered through the fatigue, consuming the last of the Spiritual Rice Medicine Ointment, then started practicing his spear technique.


    Three days later.


    With countless experiences of breaking through bottlenecks before, this time was exceptionally smooth.


    With each move he executed, he could distinctly feel the Outer Strength starting to become more consistent. From the initial ebbing and flowing like tides, it transformed into a continuous surge like ocean waves, and finally a tsunami, covering the sky and endlessly raging.


    "Buzz¡ª"


    Finally, Chen Sansi''s Five Tigers Soul-breaking Spear started emitting a continuous buzzing sound, indicating that the Power was circulating and enhancing within the profound iron, capable of unleashing immense force.


    [Cultivation Technique: National Guardian Dragon Spear. Hua Jin (small achievement)]


    [Progress: 0/2000]


    [Utility:..., Power stored in the weapon]


    Hua Jin small achievement, Jinli Holding Weapon!


    [Jinli Holding Weapon: Overpowering, with tremendous force and weight.]


    Unlike the previous mere Storage, now Chen Sansi could accumulate power inside his body just by holding the weapon and then unleash a force stronger with each instance.


    Similar to the Moon Splitting Saber Technique from Moon Splitting Mountain Villa, as long as his own Power didn''t exhaust, the force could continue increasing.


    Of course, there was a limit; it couldn''t increase indefinitely.


    After a brief experience, Chen Sansi was certain that if he encountered the likes of Xu Kai again, he could easily defeat him within five rounds without needing tactics like the Backward Charge Spear.


    As for the Meridian Passage...


    He wasn''t actually in true combat with Meridian Passage before, the previous two encounters were purely annihilating the opponent, so he wasn''t clear about the limits of the Meridian Passage Realm, but what was certain was, he definitely wouldn''t be unable to respond.


    That was enough.


    There were only a few in the Profound Image Realm.


    Ming State''s Martial Saint was only Zhong Wuxin from West Qi Country.


    These people were far beyond reach.


    As long as he could handle Meridian Passage, no matter what situation arose, he could be much more composed.


    "Let''s go!"


    "Head south!"


    Three thousand soldiers fully equipped, set off again.

 Chapter 238 - 146: Four Crossings of Hongze, Straight to the Heart

    Liangzhou.


    June 27th.


    "Bang!"


    "It''s broken, it''s all broken!"


    Sun Buqi rushed into the courtyard and said, "The last time we received news was when Shanshi burned the granary, and then there was no movement at all!"


    "Keep it down!"


    Sun Li glanced inside the room, "Sister Lan is going to give birth in two or three months, don''t let her hear."


    "Ah!"


    Sun Buqi held a roll of maps in his hands, which he spread out directly on the ground, "Sister, so much time has passed, and now, the situation is that Senior Brother and Senior Sister Nine have all gone to war, even the troops from the Capital have entered the Great Wilderness, and in at most one more month, there definitely should be reinforcements entering the heart of Ming State, but the problem is... Shanshi has already lost contact..."


    "Sister, don''t cry."


    "I am not saying Shanshi is definitely dead..."


    He ended up having to comfort her in return, "Last time Shanshi lost contact, it was for two months too, and in the end, it was fine. This time it will definitely be fine as well..."


    It''s really exasperating.


    He had not seen his sister cry since their mother had died.


    "Creak¡ª¡ª"


    The door was pushed open.


    Gu Xinlan, dressed in a loose gown, walked out with the support of Si Qin, "What are you two talking about?"


    Sun Li hurriedly wiped her tears, "It''s nothing, Sister Lan."


    As she spoke, she fiercely twisted Sun Buqi''s arm, even using her Qi-Blood power.


    "Hiss!"


    Sun Buqi grimaced in pain and hurriedly put away the map.


    "Sister Lan, let''s go back inside."


    Sun Li couldn''t even manage a smile, "I think the clothes I made for my disciple this time are quite pretty."


    "Enough, I''ve heard it all."


    Gu Xinlan took out a handkerchief and gently wiped the corner of the other''s eye, "There''s trouble in Ming State, right? I noticed something was off last time, but it''s okay, that scoundrel loves to play this disappearing act; he''ll be back soon."


    As she spoke, she hugged Sun Li in comfort, patting her shoulder.


    "To hell with this defiance!"


    Sun Buqi couldn''t stand it any longer, grabbed the map, and took off running.


    ...


    Ming State.


    Jiankou County.


    "Daughter, daughter!"


    "Mr. Si, I beg you, let my daughter go!"


    "To hell with you!"


    Jia Lao Si impatiently drew a gleaming Yanling knife, "Old man, if you want to die just say so!"


    Behind him, a young maiden was forcibly tied up and thrown into a horse cart.


    "Mr. Si, have mercy, she''s my only daughter!"


    "Puchi¡ª¡ª"


    The flash of a knife.


    The old man was instantly cleaved in two.


    "Next one!"


    Mr. Jia sheathed his knife, "Brothers, hurry up, I''ll give you two more hours, loot what you want, kill whom you wish. After that, we''re moving to the next city."


    "Hahahaha!"


    "Right, right, right!"


    "..."


    The Red Eyebrow Army pillaged from house to house.


    "Mr. Si!"


    "Back when you attacked Jiankou County, it was we, the common people, who opened the gates for you!"


    "You even promised before to provide us with food, but everything has changed, everything has changed!!!"


    "..."


    "When you needed us to open the gates, we were useful. Now we''re good for nothing, just wasting food by being alive!"


    Mr. Jia looked at the wailing populace on both sides, "Massacre the city! Damn it, I''ve been through two city slaughters recently, and I was so tired. I planned to merely rob a bit here and leave, but since you don''t appreciate kindness, I suppose I''ll have to push myself more! Go wild, brothers!"


    Blood slowly seeped through the cracks of the citizens'' doors, gathering on the streets and forming a long crimson river.


    "Mr. Si!"


    A Red Eyebrow Army general emerged from an alley, "It''s about time we head to Luotian Pass. Dong An sent a messenger saying that the Reserve Camp''s survivors might flee to our location, urging us to be on our guard."


    "Nonsense! Do you think I don''t know military tactics?"


    Mr. Jia said carelessly, "They don''t have wings. Didn''t they just escape from here two months ago and even burned down Golden Spring Manor? How can they possibly get here so quickly?"


    "Mr. Si, I think it''s better to be cautious."


    The general advised, "Think about it, once you conquer the entire Ming State and even half the country, what does this momentary pleasure count for?"


    "Hmm, you make sense."


    Mr. Jia, grinning, said, "Then let''s hurry the brothers up to finish off here and then we can move on. Besides, what are you worried about? Isn''t Luotian Pass still guarded by three thousand men? Even if they do come, they won''t be able to break through anytime soon..."


    "Mr. Si, Mr. Si, they''re here!"


    A Red Eyebrow Army foot soldier ran over frantically, shouting, "We''ve spotted over three thousand of the enemy outside the city!"


    "They really came, how did they manage it?"


    The smile vanished from Mr. Jia''s face, and he said sternly, "How far away are they?"


    "Right outside the city gates!"


    "What?!"


    Mr. Jia kicked him, "What are you all good for?"


    "It''s dark, we couldn''t see, Mr. Si!"


    The Red Eyebrow Army foot soldier knelt on the ground pleading, "Only when the dawn broke did we see that it was densely packed with people, emerging like ghosts from the hills, terrifying indeed!"


    "Useless!"


    Mr. Jia, though unruffled, commanded, "Quick! Gather everyone for the defense!"


    There were still a few hundred soldiers on the city walls.


    Even though the enemy was already outside the walls, they could still hold them off for a while, giving them enough time to rally.


    The Reserve Camp''s remnants amounted to no more than three thousand people, and their rapid arrival implied they certainly lacked armaments and siege equipment. Even if the Red Eyebrow Army had only two thousand men, they would still be enough to wear them down.


    After all, there should be tens of thousands of pursuers right behind them. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Hum¡ª"


    The horns sounded.


    The Red Eyebrow Army, still in a frenzied animalistic state, instantly snapped to attention and rushed out of the houses, some pulling up their trousers, others stuffing silver into their clothes.

 Chapter 239 - 146: Four Crossings of Hongze, Striking Directly at the Heart_2

    "Folks! Let''s fight them!"


    "Open the city gate!"


    "I heard him, it''s Mr. Chen who was stationed in Jiankou County before!"


    "..."


    Upon hearing the situation, one by one, the townspeople near the city gate rushed out from their hiding places.


    They were definitely not afraid to resist.


    Even a rabbit will bite when cornered, let alone people!


    With knives at their necks, they certainly knew to fight for their lives.


    But unarmed as they were, how could they stand a chance against the Red Eyebrow Army? They could only flee.


    But it was different if someone outside the city was storming it!


    All they needed to do was open the city gate, and the people outside could naturally rush in.


    And it was said to be the Reserve Camp!


    That meant Mr. Chen and his troops had returned!


    The same Chen Sansi from the crossing of the river!


    And a few months ago, when the Reserve Camp was stationed in Jiankou County, they committed no offenses. If they could break in, everyone wouldn''t have to die.


    "Charge!"


    For a moment,


    With hoes, bamboo rakes, sickles, and even kitchen knives, countless townspeople cried out as they rushed toward the city gate.


    "What are you doing!"


    "Troublemakers!"


    "Damn, no wonder the imperial lords despised you!"


    "..."


    On the city wall, the Red Eyebrow Army was at a loss, hesitating between descending to kill the citizens or continuing to guard the wall.


    Near the city gate, there were only a dozen or so Red Eyebrow soldiers, all of whom were Array Soldiers with no real skill. The higher-ranked ones who had real power had long gone to loot and kill inside the city, as they would not bother with menial tasks like guarding a gate.


    After killing a few dozen civilians, the dozen Red Eyebrow soldiers were completely overwhelmed and turned into masses of flesh under the hoes and sickles.


    "Stop it!"


    "Vile scum, vile scum!!!"


    The Red Eyebrow soldiers inside the city, even if reacting quickly, needed time.


    By the time they arrived, it was already too late. They saw with their own eyes the city gates flung open, and thousands of elite soldiers clad in uniform armor rushing orderly into the city.


    "Kill¡ª"


    "Execute the rebels, pacify the Northwest!!"


    "Don''t let them form any formations!"


    Chen Sansi noticed.


    This group of Red Eyebrow soldiers had a "spirit" far stronger than the last time he encountered them in Bai Gou County. If they were allowed to execute their formation, it would only lead to unnecessary losses.


    "Mr. Si, what should we do?"


    "Should we retreat?"


    "Retreat my ass, do you think there''s still time? Besides, what are you panicking for!"


    Jia Lao Si, drawing his sword, said, "The intelligence reported only one Meridian Passage, and I too am at the Meridian Passage. Kill them, leave not a single piece of armor!"


    ...


    "He''s a Meridian Passage!"


    After chopping down a Red Eyebrow soldier, Yu Song anxiously said, "I''ve seen the portrait of this man. Before we set out for Ming State, we received portraits of the high-ranking Red Eyebrow officers. He''s the former leader of Meishan Mountain Village, his real name is Jia Youtian, probably entry-level Meridian Passage. My realm is higher than his, but with severe injuries, I''m not his match alone. General Chen, shall we team up? I''ll take the lead, and you find a way to attack from behind."


    "Vice Admiral Yu, you tackle the Hua Jin, Meridian Passage...I''ll go!"


    "Bang¡ª"


    Before the opponent could react, Chen Sansi suddenly charged, his feet leaving a huge crater on the stone path, and in the blink of an eye, he was tens of yards away.


    "You..."


    Yu Song stood frozen in place for two breaths.


    ''Could he already be able to kill through the Meridian Passage?''


    Unable to dwell on his shock, he dragged his injured body into the fray.


    "Zi¡ª"


    Jia Lao Si slashed to death a Dasheng soldier in front of him, then saw a young general carrying a long spear rushing towards him at a speed so fast it seemed like a mutated Shadow Leopard, leaving trails of afterimages in his vision.


    Young, with a long spear, valiant.


    Chen Sansi?!


    "Heh, courting death!"


    Jia Lao Si''s expression turned dark.


    The intelligence from Yangchun Prefecture had specifically emphasized that if he encountered Chen Sansi, he must kill him. He really walked right into the trap, like a pie falling from the sky!


    This guy, when he set out from Liangzhou, was only at Refining Internal Organs Perfection.


    This kid is audacious!


    Without Yu Song, what made him think he could confront him?


    Even if he had achieved Hua Jin.


    How could he possibly stand a chance against someone in the Meridian Passage Realm?


    Perfect!


    After killing him, I''ll exchange him for a chance to slaughter a larger city!


    The nearby counties are terribly poor, while the wealthier households in Prefecture City have tender wives!


    "Shoo shoo shoo¡ª"


    While his opponent was running, arrows started flying, one after another without him noticing when they had been drawn.


    "A fifty-stone bow?"


    Jia Lao Si sneered as he effortlessly blocked the arrows, "Playing pretty tough, but this broken thing is useless against a Martial Artist above Hua Jin!"


    When there were just a few dozen steps left,


    Chen Sansi''s hand tightened around his long spear again, Blood Explosion, Storage, Xuan Yuan''s Internal Organs, Blood of Dragon Elephant, Nine Dragon Living Veins, etc., all enhancements simultaneously bolstered his physical body, unleashing a terrifying force that fused with the Soul-breaking Spear, tearing through the air like a sea dragon breaking out of the ocean.


    Jia Lao Si, having clawed his way up to the Meridian Passage Realm from a bandit, naturally wasn''t a simpleton. His hand wielding the Yan Ling knife daringly swooped up in a move called "Piercing the Clouds to See the Sun."


    The two forces collided, emitting a clang of metal striking against metal.


    Immediately afterward, both parties retreated dozens of steps.


    Neither gained the upper hand!


    "What''s going on?!"


    Jia Lao Si couldn''t believe it.


    He could feel that although the opponent was indeed at Hua Jin, the force he exploded with was in no way inferior to his own at the Meridian Passage.


    "Buzz¡ª"


    Before Jia Lao Si could figure it out, the long spear came attacking again.


    He swung his knife to block.


    Another collision.


    sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 240 - 146: Four Crossings of Hongze, Striking Directly at the Heart_3

    This round, he was subtly falling behind, and his opponent''s power was still increasing!


    "Absurd!"


    Jia Lao Si even thought he had developed hysteria as he roared out loud, finally no longer holding back and fighting with his full strength.


    However, he soon realized that something was terribly wrong.


    The kid''s attacks were more fierce each time, bursting out with even greater power as if there were no limits. Not only that, as time passed, his own saber technique seemed to be slowly getting decoded, and the opponent could always predict his next move with precise accuracy.


    "You are at Hua Jin! And not even Great Success, just small achievement! How could you have such powerful force! Damn it, I''m done fighting!


    "I can''t die, I must become a marquis in the future, to be above others!"


    Jia Lao Si''s will to survive surged, unleashing unprecedented power, he desperately swung his blade to temporarily push back his opponent, but before he could escape, the silver spear would arrive at his heart again, forcing him to stop and continue the fierce battle.


    So it repeated.


    Every time he briefly gained some distance, he had to face even stronger attacks until he could no longer parry, his saber technique full of holes, his stance even more unstable.


    "Puff!"


    Jiao Long seized a moment to bite a bloody hole in his wrist.


    From then on, the victor was decided!


    Within five rounds, Jia Lao Si''s body was stabbed like a sieve, and finally, the Martial Soul Soul-breaking Spear pierced directly through his mouth and out the back of his head, completely ending his life.


    Chen Sansi pulled out the long spear, and before the body fell, he used the Zhenyue Sword to sever his head, then leapt onto the roof to overlook the brutal fighting in the streets and alleys, shouting loudly: "Jia Youtian is dead, you all might as well surrender!"


    "Mr. Si, Mr. Si is dead!"


    The Red Eyebrow Army all looked up, recognizing their leader, and exclaimed as they scattered and fled.


    Even though they were "energized," they were ultimately a disorganized mob.


    Not to mention Chen Sansi''s men who had the Sinking Formation Death Will, even the regular soldiers of the Reserve Camp had stronger willpower. With their leader dead, the rest quickly dissipated.


    Moreover, they could not be allowed to escape; if they did, there''s no telling how many more civilians of other counties would suffer their wrath.


    Defeated troops are often a hundred times more dangerous than bandits!


    "Kill¡ª¡ª"


    With the enemy general beheaded, the morale of the Reserve Camp skyrocketed, and the battle essentially turned into a one-sided slaughter, lasting from dawn till dusk, leaving the streets piled with bodies.


    "I''m exhausted..."


    Xie Sishu discarded his weapon and lay directly among the corpses, breathing deeply and heavily.


    These days were simply inhuman. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Every day was either spent in the open or in desperate battles, without a moment''s rest.


    The civilians of Jiankou County had also participated, but after they opened the city gates, they couldn''t help much. Now, seeing the battle over, they came out to whip the corpses, then a lot of them knelt down.


    "Mr. Chen!"


    "Thank you, Mr. Chen, for saving our lives!"


    "All of us here in Jiankou County bow down to you!"


    "..."


    "Stand up, there''s no need to kneel."


    Chen Sansi was also somewhat exhausted. He raised his hand and said, "If anyone should be thanked, it should be you for desperately opening the city gates. Otherwise, taking it would have cost many lives."


    Lu Shuhua looked at Mr. Jia''s head on the ground and kicked it with his foot, "General Chen, how, how did you kill him?"


    "Nothing special."


    Yu Song, using the Mo Blade as a cane, walked over leisurely, "You can even kill someone by hitting their meridian points. It seems I should really give up my position as Assistant General to you."


    "Vice Admiral Yu, stop joking and rest well," Chen Sansi replied.


    Chen Sansi also closed his eyes to rest, "After dawn, we still have to continue traveling."


    [Skill: Commanding Soldiers (Small Achievement)]


    [Progress: 1555/2000]


    After months of fighting,


    The proficiency in commanding soldiers had skyrocketed by over a thousand, but reaching great success would still take some time.


    ...


    Yangchun Prefecture.


    "General Sha! We can''t hold it anymore!"


    "We only have two thousand people left!"


    "No matter how many civilians we kill, they refuse to come and help us!"


    "What should we do!"


    "Why don''t we open the gates and surrender!"


    "The people outside said, as long as we surrender, they will allow us to join West Qi Kingdom, and you, General Sha, would still be a Great General!"


    "..."


    "What did you say?!"


    "Puchi!"


    With one slash, Sha Wenlong decapitated the soldier trying to persuade him to surrender. The head flew off far, and blood gushed out like a fountain from the carotid artery, splattering everywhere.


    His face ferociously twisted, he yelled at his men, "Anyone who dares to weaken the army''s spirit will end up just like him!"


    "Whoosh..."


    Cao Fan dropped the Azure Dragon Crescent Blade and collapsed, sitting down with a look of despair, "General, if you want to surrender, go ahead, I definitely won''t blame you."


    "Princely Heir, what nonsense are you talking?!"


    Sha Wenlong quickly knelt on one knee, "I, Sha Wenlong, know I am no virtuous man, but I also know gratitude and paying back kindness. Generations of my family have received the emperor''s grace, and even Young Master Yin is willing to go through fire and water for you. How could I not do the same?"


    "It''s over..."


    Cao Fan smiled bitterly and his expression grew numb, "We can''t hold it anymore. There''s absolutely no food left, not even horses to slaughter. The soldiers have no will to defend the city, so how can we continue?"


    "Then we won''t defend!"


    Sha Wenlong violently ripped off his eye mask, revealing his terrifyingly scarred blind eye, "First, we gather all the civilians inside the city and distribute weapons to them. Then, all of us will dress as civilians. Let the civilians go in front while you and I won''t follow the army but will blend with the fleeing people. Once we''re fifty miles out of the city and into the deep mountains and forests, no one will be able to find us. And don''t forget, General Lu has been fighting long enough that with his courage, he is bound to break through at Sword Gate Canyon. Then, it''ll be time for our rescue."

 Chapter 241 - 146: Four Crossings of Hongze, Striking Directly at the Heart_4

    ```


    To put it bluntly, it means abandoning everyone!


    Two people running away have the highest chance of survival.


    "Time reveals a person''s heart, adversity reveals true feelings!"


    Cao Fan sighed, "Who would have thought, my Cao Family in the Northern Territory, would have such a loyal minister and capable general like you! By the way, does General Sha have any hope of breaking through to Martial Saint?"


    "There is, but it''s slim."


    "Then, there''s a chance!"


    Cao Fan said, "As long as I can make it back alive, I will beg my father to train you with all his might. A loyal minister and capable general is much stronger than a mere genius!"


    "Thank you, Young Master."


    Sha Wenlong immediately went to arrange for the civilians to rush out first.


    ...


    Outside the city.


    Rebel army camp.


    Dong An didn''t even wear his armour, dressed in casual clothes, his hair turned grey overnight, alarming the soldiers who couldn''t comprehend the situation.


    What''s the big deal about letting a few thousand people go?


    Why torment oneself to such an extent?


    Dong An was looking at a map and playing chess by himself.


    "Report!"


    "Commander!"


    The soldier rushed in to report, "Something bad has happened! Yangchun Prefecture City gates are wide open, roughly a hundred thousand civilians are fleeing in all directions, and we estimate the city''s defenders are mixed among them. What should we do now?"


    "Da~"


    Dong An remained silent.


    "General Dong, would you say something?"


    Xiang Tian approached, "I think there is absolutely no need to focus on the remnants of the Reserve Camp. Jia Lao Si is still there, and Luotian Pass has military forces, they can''t escape. What''s urgent is to find a way to kill Sha Wenlong inside the city, and then capture Cao Fan alive!"


    Dong An still did not speak.


    From time to time, he would pick up a pen and scribble on the map.


    He was replicating the previous battle, like reviewing a chess game, to see how the opponent had managed it.


    "Report¡ª"


    The scout hastened back, panting: "Commander! News from Dong An at Jiankou County!"


    "Jia Lao Si..."


    Finally, Dong An spoke, his voice hoarse, "He should be dead by now, right."


    "General, how did you know?"


    The scout was surprised and then said, "The army that was in pursuit, when it passed by Jiankou County, Mr. Jia and his men had all died, and there was no news of the Reserve Camp''s remnants, they must have continued southwards, heading straight for Luotian Pass, which now has been left vulnerable..."


    "Tell Liang Jinian."


    Dong An said solemnly, "Block them at Luotian Pass, and be careful with your troops, watch for their feints. In the last two instances, we were deceived by feints, don''t fall for it again.


    "Also here, here, we need to station heavy troops and stay put to prevent them from repeating their trick, launching a Backward Charge, returning by the same path. The flanks must also be heavily guarded; by all means, they must be completely surrounded and killed!


    "I previously...


    "Underestimated them too much!"


    "Chen Sansi is smart, and this Yu Song isn''t bad either. Don''t forget, he''s the Main General of the remnants of the Reserve Camp."


    "Golden Spring Manor''s former defender was at Minor Meridian Passage, and so was Jia Lao Si. Killing two Meridian Passages in succession, he undoubtedly stands out in his realm. So, next to Chen Sansi, we must also pay close attention to Yu Song''s movements. If he doesn''t show up, it''s highly likely a feint. Make this clear to Liang Jinian."


    "Yes!"


    The scout accepted the order and left.


    They were responsible for writing the orders on paper and then delivering them to the Black Hawk. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Mr. Dong!"


    Xiang Tian said anxiously, "The arrangements are made over there, what about us here?"


    "You handle it."


    Dong An said indifferently, his gaze still not moving from the map.


    "Handle it?"


    Xiang Tian could no longer hold back, "General Dong, why bother? Even if a few thousand people escaped, what difference does it make? Let them do what they want. Taking down Yangchun Prefecture is the top priority."


    "What do you understand?!"


    Dong An gave a tiger-like glare and spoke fiercely, "Xiang Tian, do you realize what the remnants of the Reserve Camp mean? There are four individuals with the Body of Martial Saint alone! Not to mention, there''s Chen Sansi who far surpasses Fang Qingyun!


    "He''s not just good in warfare, but he will also achieve top-notch martial prowess! Don''t forget the rumors from Liangzhou, Sun Xiangzong might very well pass the Immortal Law to him! If this man isn''t taken down, it won''t only be a problem for us, he might not even be good news for Dasheng!


    "What are you standing around for? Can''t you handle the two thousand people in Yangchun Prefecture?"


    "Yes, I understand."


    Xiang Tian accepted the order and hurriedly left.


    "If, if I can crush the Chen surname this time, it would prove that Fang Qingyun is no longer a match for me."


    In Dong An''s heart.


    The young general who had been playing a game with him for less than half a year had long surpassed Fang Qingyun and became the enemy of his destiny.


    Some people live for money, some for power, some are fond of sensual pleasures, but what he was born to pursue is to become the number one Military Master in the world!


    Just like the Master of War a millennium ago.


    After his death, when people learn military strategy, the Military Books they study will be the ones he left behind.


    So, defeating this man was more important to him than anything else!


    If he could win this game, the previous losses would mean nothing.


    Because everything would become experience, absorbed and converted into his own strength, to be used on other battlefields in the future!


    He must, win!


    This battle is larger than his life!


    ...


    Meishan Prefecture.


    "It''s still decreasing!"


    Liang Ji paced anxiously in his room, acutely aware of the changes in his body, "It must be because they''ve suffered another defeat, another defeat! That''s what''s causing this!"


    "Report!"


    The intelligence finally arrived.


    Liang Ji quickly opened it to take a look and didn''t forget to collate it on a map and the sand table to replicate it, "What a strategy, attacking Yangchun Prefecture openly and crossing Hongze River secretly! They''ve used this trick once already during their second crossing!"


    ```

 Chapter 242 - 146: Four Crossings of Hongze, Striking Directly at the Heart_5

    "Jia Lao Si, did Jia Lao Si manage to stop them?"


    "Report¡ª"


    "Update from the East Bank battle!"


    "Mr. Jia''s forces were completely wiped out at Jiankou County!"


    "What? He''s dead? How is this possible, how is it possible!"


    Liang Jinian was somewhat frantic, "The Reserve Camp has been on the march, weary to the bone, first slaying the Meridian Passage and Hua Jin primary and deputy generals at Golden Spring Manor, and then again killed Mr. Si in Jiankou County.


    "It seems we have all underestimated Yu Song before, this man is bravely invincible, bound to achieve greatness in the future!"


    "Commander!"


    The soldier said, "What do we do next, we only have two thousand defenders at Luotian Pass, including one Meridian Passage, given this fighting power, they really might be able to break out. Should we call in additional forces from Meishan Prefecture?"


    Liang Jinian did not rush to make a decision but looked at the maps and sand table, analyzing, "Their current location is most likely south of Jiankou County, nearly arriving at Xiao Luo County.


    "According to common sense, if we want to stop them, we should indeed mobilize the troops there immediately.


    "But don''t forget!"


    "Last time, it was after they made a feint at the Great Luotian Pass and then turned to cross westward, making a fool of us, so this time, do not rush."


    "How many forces can we still draw together in Meishan Prefecture?"


    "Reporting to the Commander, according to the latest roster, there are ten thousand and five hundred sixty-two people."


    "Good!"


    Liang Jinian played with his abacus, squinting his eyes and said, "Convey my command, deploy eight thousand to encamp by the Hongze River, among them, three thousand to cross the river to support the siege at the Great Luotian Pass, and the rest stand by for orders!


    "If it''s really a main attack on the Great Luotian Pass, then launch an all-out offensive!


    "If it''s a feint, remain in place, always ready to defend or surround from the north!


    "This time, they are surely doomed!"


    "A brilliant plan, Commander!"


    An Assistant General exclaimed, "With such an arrangement, we can ensure they don''t escape from the Great Luotian Pass and prevent them from crossing the Hongze River again, going around in circles within Ming State''s territory."


    "This Chen Sansi with merely three thousand men, holding out against us for such a long time, is indeed impressive, his abilities are not inferior even to mine."


    Liang Jinian''s mood lightened considerably, putting down the abacus he said, "I''ve heard, he was also a scholar before, and he couldn''t even pass the Scholar examination, I actually feel quite a bit of empathy for him.


    "Unfortunately, an enemy is an enemy, to kill him is also to show my respect for him.


    "Let it be so, after his death, remember to leave an intact body, and then send it to Meishan to be peacefully buried."


    "A humane and righteous Commander!"


    "..."


    ...


    In the rebel army camp of Yangchun Prefecture City.


    Dong An, upon looking at the returned messages, it felt as if a weight was lifted from his heart.


    "Good, very good! Liang Jinian, truly worthy of the one who acquired the Heavenly Book, no fool indeed. Such arrangements can be said to be foolproof, it''s over!"


    "This time, it really is the end!"


    "Hiss..."


    He tried to stand but felt dizzy and nearly collapsed to the ground.


    "Commander!"


    The devoted attendant hurriedly helped, "Over the past seven or eight days you''ve only had one bowl of porridge, even an iron man can''t hold up! As practitioners of Martial Arts, we need to consume more meat to replenish our strength!"


    "Really? Have I not eaten for that long?"


    Dong An laughed, "I didn''t even realize, go on then, get some roasted meat for the commander, roast a sheep, and bring some soup. Forget the wine, just soup will do."


    "Understood."


    The attendant immediately went to happily carry out the command.


    The Commander''s happy mood indicated that the upcoming battle situation was going to turn completely in our favor.


    ...


    In Xiao Luo County.


    "We''re back again."


    Chen Sansi looked at the dilapidated city gate and, together with Yu Song, led his brothers into the city.


    Xiao Luo County, now void of any army, only maintained by constables from the government office, were actually people of the Great Sheng Dynasty, who simply submitted previously due to the pressure from Chi Mei. Seeing them was akin to a welcoming parade. They even had food prepared in advance.


    Having eaten a warm meal and rested briefly for half a day, they continued southward, heading straight for Luotian Pass, stopping near the wilderness only two hundred li away, waiting for the news from the scouts.


    "Report!"


    Zhao Kang ran until his shoes fell apart, he reported, "Luotian Pass is indeed weak in troops, after our probing, they are at most two thousand strong!"


    "Excellent, excellent, excellent!"


    Yan Changqing was overjoyed, "We''ve survived, we all survived!"


    "That''s right!"


    Xie Sishu also swept away the fatigue from his body, "The Imperial Army entered the Great Wilderness three days ago, as long as we break out, in a month we can join up with the Imperial Army, then return with the main force to take vengeance!"


    "We..."


    Lu Shuhua wasn''t quick to express his position, "Let''s first see what General Chen has to say, right?"


    "You already know what''s best."


    Yu Song cast a glance, "General Chen, everyone is waiting for your ''order'', get on with it." S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Back and forth so many times.


    They have completely submitted, up and down, who dares to make their own plans, speak nonsense? Each time before has proven, with just over three thousand men, death was just half a step away.


    "Luotian Pass, seems we cannot get out through there..."


    Chen Sansi first threw cold water on them and then patiently explained, "Each time after we cross the river, we lack sufficient warhorses, leading to a drastic reduction in the marching speed. I was also trying it out, but now it seems indeed too late.


    "After we arrived at Xiao Luo County, probably both Dong An from Yangchun Prefecture and Liang Jinian from Meishan Prefecture received the news and will certainly dispatch troops and horses to reinforce beforehand."


    "Under these circumstances, to break through Luotian Pass we need to act fast and decisively."

 Chapter 243 - 146: Four Crossings of Hongze, Striking Directly at Huanglong_6

    "But Luotian Pass is different from the likes of Jia Youtian in Jiankou County. They are responsible for defense and are always on alert. Moreover, the plan to ''lure the enemy into the pot'' to trap the Liangzhou Soldiers was already set. The defenses at Luotian Pass have been perfectly repaired. Last time, Xu Wencai and the others witnessed it themselves. Even if they only have two thousand men, without siege equipment, which we will need to either find or make, it will take at least twenty days to have a chance of breaching it."


    "Such a long time is not only enough for reinforcements to reach Luotian Pass, but also for the forces chasing us to catch up overwhelmingly."


    "Therefore, if we continue south and forcefully attack Luotian Pass, we are certainly doomed."


    As the words were spoken,


    even those who were mentally prepared fell into a dead silence.


    "Then... what do we do?"


    After a long pause, Xie Sishu finally said, "Is this truly a dead end?"


    Chen Sansi said indifferently, "There is a way..."


    "If you have a way, General Chen, spit it out already. Do you want to scare us to death?"


    "Exactly, exactly, we''ve reached this point, we will definitely obey your command. You tell us to go east, and we won''t even consider west!"


    "Yes, General Chen."


    Yu Song, having recovered much of his injuries, looked significantly better: "Do you have any concerns? It''s okay, just speak your mind."


    "Hmm."


    Chen Sansi nodded and asked, "Everyone, what do you think has been the most critical moment in this battle so far?"


    "Sword Gate Canyon? As long as General L¨¹ breaks through, with his valor, all our problems will be solved!"


    "That''s not right, I think it''s Yan State. The White Tiger Camp and Vermilion Bird Camp are facing the mighty army of the West Qi Kingdom. Further west is the Great Wall. If they win, it will put great pressure on the West Qi Kingdom."


    "It seems you''re all wrong, and General Chen hasn''t shown any agreement."


    Yu Song said with wry humor, "Then I guess it''s the Imperial Army. Once the General breaks through from Luotian Pass, our Great Sheng Dynasty will surpass the Enemy Army in terms of troops, and we can gradually gain the advantage."


    Chen Sansi still shook his head: "Old Xu, what do you think?"


    Xu Wencai waved the feather fan in his hand, landing on the location of Meishan Prefecture: "My lord, could it be that you''re referring to Liang Jinian?"


    "That''s right."


    Chen Sansi continued, "The Red Eyebrow Army doesn''t have many soldiers, but without the Red Eyebrow Army, there wouldn''t be this chaos in Ming State. At the end of the day, it''s not really Liang Jinian, but rather what he has in his hands... the Heavenly Book and Strange Weapon!"


    "Do you understand?"


    He paused, "Whether it''s the West Qi Kingdom or the rebel Dong An, they all came for the Miracle Soldiers Heavenly Book. You all only know military tactics, not realizing that ultimately, war is nothing but a battle for ''momentum''."


    "The hype of an Immortal''s gift, the Heavenly Book and Strange Weapon, is the biggest ''momentum''."


    "If things go as I have predicted, this chaos in Ming State will stir the whole world, because people worship Immortals. They believe the Immortals are supporting the rebellion, which indicates that the Great Sheng Dynasty''s days are numbered, and they will desperately join the chaos."


    "This is why the Red Eyebrow Army, which started with just a few thousand men, could cause the situation we see today."


    "But on the contrary!"


    "If the rumors about the Immortals are dispelled, then the enemy''s ''momentum'' will self-destruct without being attacked, the subsequent war situation will see a reversal of offensive and defensive momentum, and the Enemy Army will no longer have any advantage of time, location, or people. They will fall into an extremely difficult war of attrition,"


    "So, we must¡ª"


    Under everyone''s watchful eyes, Chen Sansi''s finger, like a stabilizer, forcefully tapped on the west bank of the Hongze River. Each word he spoke resonated in their minds like thunder on a clear day.


    "Cross the Hongze four times, and storm Meishan!"


    To storm the dragon in its lair is to strike at the heart, and for their understanding, Chen Sansi replaced it with Meishan.


    Four crossings!


    "A brilliant move, no, a divine strategy, this is a divine strategy!"


    Xu Wencai gasped, the first to come to his senses.


    He prided himself on mastering military tactics and had spent many years studying famous battles over a thousand years.


    At the beginning of the Ming State upheaval, he could keep up with the lord''s pace, but after the third crossing, he became somewhat perplexed, and now, even more lost, until he heard the words ''four crossings,'' as if suddenly enlightened.


    He explained to the others who were still confused: "Currently, most of the troops are chasing us from behind, and only the main base of the Red Eyebrow Army, Meishan Prefecture, can send reinforcements quickly! Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "But given the progress of the war, there won''t be many troops left in Meishan Prefecture City, at most no more than fifteen thousand, though it could be just a few thousand."


    "So, once they divide their forces to support, it will leave their main base vulnerable, and we can take the opportunity to cross the Hongze River four times to the west and then directly attack Meishan Prefecture!"


    "Liang Jinian, just a scholar, not even as good as an Array Soldier, and without any High Realm Martial Artists around him, as long as we break through, he will only be left with death!"


    "Once Liang Jinian is dead and the Heavenly Book and Strange Weapon are in our hands."


    "Not only will we be saved, but it will also greatly aid the battle situation in Ming State!"


    "This is what the lord intends."


    "Cross the Hongze four times, and storm Meishan!"


    But...


    Chen Sansi hadn''t spoken earlier because there was another very serious issue that needed careful planning.

 Chapter 244 - 147: One General Achieves Success

    ```


    Four Crossings of Hongze, straight to Meishan Prefecture!


    The rest, under Xu Wencai''s detailed explanation, also gradually came to realize.


    Their pupils trembled visibly to the naked eye.


    What does this mean?


    They''re not planning to run anymore.


    And directly...


    Win the battle?!


    Originally.


    If these three thousand men were to burn the forage, no matter what, as long as they did not defect, they would be at the forefront of the merit books at the end of this battle, and if they were to destroy the main camp of the Red Eyebrow Army and seize the legendary Miracle Soldiers Heavenly Book.


    Then wouldn''t that be...


    Heavenly Merit!


    Genuine Heavenly Merit!


    Three thousand men, influencing the direction of a huge battle involving three hundred thousand on both sides!


    Every one of them, Heavenly Merit!


    This isn''t a pipe dream!


    Upon understanding, the others also felt that this plan was feasible.


    "Then what are we waiting for?!"


    Lu Shuhua stood up, "General Chen, when do we set out?"


    "We''ll set out tomorrow at 5 a.m."


    Chen Sansi pointed at the map and allocated, "This time, Vice Admiral Yu and I will lead one thousand men to cover the rear. Then, Xu Wencai, you take Brother Lu and the others to cross the Hongze River from the west, hide at the crossing of Hongze and Wushui, and once there is a signal of burning the mountains from our direction, immediately cross the Wushui River and head straight for Meishan Prefecture City. You must seize Liang Jinian as fast as possible and take the Heavenly Book. Brother Lu, Brother Xie, and Mr. Yan, if you trust me, follow Xu Wencai''s command!"


    "Alright!"


    Lu Shuhua nodded forcefully, "General Chen, rest assured. We''ll listen to you and entrust the command to Mr. Xu, but..."


    "There''s something I don''t understand."


    Xie Sishu took over the conversation and uttered the second half, "Why do you and Vice Admiral Yu need to personally remain behind for this feint attack? You two are currently the highest in our Martial Arts Realm. Isn''t it a bit..."


    "It''s alright."


    Chen Sansi said solemnly, "The Red Eyebrow Army is originally composed of bandits. No matter how many people they have gathered in recent years, the number of High Realm Martial Artists has always been just a few. By the time they cross the river, the highest rank among the generals left in Meishan Prefecture will not exceed the Hua Jin stage. It''s been almost half a year, Brother Lu, yesterday I saw you practicing martial arts, you''re about to reach Hua Jin too, right?"


    "Exactly."


    Lu Shuhua didn''t deny it, "Just a hair away, I should be able to break through tonight!"


    "Then there''s no problem."


    Chen Sansi continued, "If we encounter any Hua Jin generals, I''ll leave them to you."


    "General! Why don''t you let me cover the rear!"


    Bai Thingzhi asked with confusion, "You and Vice Admiral Yu, one is in charge of command while the other is the Main General, what are you two doing staying behind?"


    "I have my arrangements."


    Chen Sansi stated, "Get everything arranged quickly, there''s no time for explanations anymore."


    After he finished speaking, he left carrying his long spear and soon disappeared without a trace.


    "This..."


    Lu Shuhua and the others looked at each other in dismay.


    "Why does this feel so strange?"


    "Yeah."


    "The two of them staying behind for the feint, why?"


    "It''s not necessary!"


    "..."


    Yu Song didn''t speak, almost lying on the map, his movements somewhat clumsy as he carefully studied it.


    "Mr. Xu, do you know the reason for this arrangement?"


    "..."


    "Because this is not a feint at all!"


    Xu Wencai suddenly realized something and was overwhelmed with tears, muttering to himself, "Such benevolence! Having such an enlightened ruler, I, Xu Wencai, have no regrets in this life! But we absolutely cannot do this, we cannot take such a big risk!"


    "What are you talking about?"


    Lu Shuhua and the others were even more confused.


    "I can''t stop Mr. Wang; I must find someone who can!"


    Xu Wencai looked around hastily and then rushed toward the area where the main force was resting.


    "God damn it!"


    Wang Zhi slapped Feng Yong on the head, "Last time it was clearly me who killed more, hand over the ten taels of silver quickly, don''t think of stiffing me."


    "Bullshit!"


    Feng Yong retorted, not convinced, "The ones I killed were all Bone Training level, one of them is worth ten of yours!"


    "..."


    After the battle with Jia Youtian, the soldiers took advantage of the rest to settle their gambling debts with each other, making some bitter fun for themselves. After all, they just needed to follow orders.


    During this half-year, no matter how flustered the rest of the soldiers were, they were relatively calm.


    "Mr. Wang!" Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xu Wencai interrupted them, "May I speak with you in private?"


    "Is it something you can''t say here?"


    Wang Zhi looked at him and after a moment''s hesitation, still agreed, "Okay!"


    The two of them went to a secluded corner.


    Wang Zhi clenched a grass root in his mouth and began, "Go ahead Mr. Xu, what''s going on?"


    "Mr. Wang!"


    Xu Wencai asked, "You must be the former Main General of Xuanwu Camp, Tang Ruoshan, correct?"


    Wang Zhi was startled.


    "Oh."


    Xu Wencai explained, "I overheard Mr. Wang calling you ''Elder Brother'' inadvertently last time, hence my conjecture. This matter is of great importance, so I implore Mr. Wang not to withhold any information."


    Wang Zhi replied seriously, "Speak."


    "Here''s the thing..."


    Xu Wencai recounted the whole situation in detail.


    "Does this lad want to repeat my missteps?"


    After hearing everything, Wang Zhi''s brow furrowed into a "Sichuan" character, murmuring, "I understand. I''ll stake my life to stop him!"


    ...


    Elsewhere.


    After spending a long time on the map, Yu Song finally understood. Cursing under his breath, he scooped up the map and set off in the direction Chen Sansi had left. Eventually, he found Chen Sansi sitting on a large rock by a stream, lost in thought.


    "General Chen, how did you end up hiding here?"


    Yu Song sat down beside him and stealthily reached into his chest to pull out a water bag, sniffing it after opening: "Guess what this is?"


    ```

 Chapter 245 - 147 Achievements of a General Part 2

    "Alcohol?"


    Chen Sansi didn''t need to peer inside; as soon as the stopper was removed, the potent scent of alcohol hit him.


    "That''s right!"


    Xu Wen boasted as he introduced, "This alcohol is called ''Drunk Saint'', they say even the Martial Saint would get drunk after a few sips. It''s very expensive, you know, just this water bag costs several hundred taels of silver!"


    "I brought it from Liangzhou when I set off, planning to share it with the brothers after winning a victory, but who knew this battle would drag on for half a year, and there hasn''t been a chance to have a taste until now."


    "Want some?"


    "Sure."


    Chen Sansi didn''t stand on ceremony and grabbed the water bag to take a gulp.


    The liquor was medicinal and steeped with an Exotic Beast, so after downing a swallow, his body felt fiery hot, and just one gulp made him slightly tipsy; this was indeed the first time he had drunk such a strong beverage, no wonder it was called ''Drunk Saint''."


    "Hahaha!"


    Xu Wen laughed as he snatched back the water bag and took a big swig, grimacing as he endured the harshness of the strong liquor while spreading the military map out in front of them.


    He pointed at the map, "General Chen, I just took another good look at our entire marching route since arriving in Ming State, and you are brilliant. You don''t realize until you look, but you''ve been leading a group of us toying with an army of more than a hundred thousand men."


    "I bet they''re all furious, especially Dong An; that man is well-known. Losing a battle is worse for him than losing his life, let alone to us, who number just over three thousand."


    Chen Sansi said nothing.


    "Why are you silent, boy? You look down on me? I''ve been in the army for so long and became an Assistant General. I understand some tactics at least!"


    Xu Wen continued, gesturing with his hand, "This time, the reason you had us two stay behind to cover the rear is because feint attacks don''t work anymore, right?"


    Chen Sansi did not deny it.


    "One may be cheated once or twice, but not forever! Use the same tactic too often, and even a pig would see through it, not to mention living, breathing men!"


    "Neither Dong An nor Liang Jinian of Meishan are fools; if not, the Liang surname wouldn''t have received an ''Immortal''s gift''. Therefore..."


    Xu Wen emphasized, "We can''t feint anymore; only a real attack can attract more of their forces, causing Meishan Prefecture''s defenses to thin."


    "But how can we make the exceedingly clever Liang Jinian and Dong An believe that we''re serious, not feigning?"


    "What''s more convincing than the Main General appearing at Luotian Pass?"


    "That''s why you asked for the two of us to stay behind to cover the rear."


    "How about that, am I wrong in my analysis? I haven''t been fighting these years for nothing, have I?"


    Chen Sansi nodded, "Vice Admiral Yu is spot on."


    "Good, good! What does this mean? It means ''create an opportunity if none exists''!"


    Xu Wen exclaimed, "General Chen is indeed a mastermind, a rare talent in command throughout the ages!"


    "I always felt you would become one of the premier figures in the Eight Camps, surpassing General Lu is not impossible. The hope of the Eight Camps lies with you."


    "But..."


    At this point,


    Xu Wen''s tone shifted suddenly, and he lunged forward to fiercely grab Chen Sansi''s lapels, hissing angrily, "I was wrong, you son of a bitch are a coward, a coward!" S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Vice Admiral Yu..."


    Chen Sansi was somewhat bewildered by the other''s abrupt change.


    "Chen Sansi!"


    Xu Wen''s eyes reddened as he bellowed, "I ask you, what is the duty and responsibility of a qualified general, a person in command of soldiers?"


    "You won''t say?"


    "Fine, let me tell you!"


    "A general needs to achieve strategic goals while minimizing losses!"


    "It''s that simple!"


    "Just this one line is enough!"


    "And you, what are you doing?!"


    "Vice Admiral Yu..."


    Chen Sansi''s gaze was complex, "I don''t understand what you mean."


    "Still pretending to be dumb with me!"


    Xu Wen shoved him to the ground, cursing without any courtesy, "Covering the rear, it''s enough with just me alone; why did you have to follow along? Because your strategy requires my death to succeed, so you feel sorry, guilty, you think you''ve caused my death! Right? Answer me!"


    "Yes!"


    Chen Sansi admitted.


    Since joining the army, he had never intentionally exchanged his brothers'' lives for victory, especially not so many lives.


    Of course, he wasn''t truly on a suicide mission; he had the Abnormal Fire and Sword Qi Skill as trump cards, and there was still a chance of survival, albeit with great risk.


    "Such cowardice, such misplaced mercy!"


    Xu Wen''s eyes showed contempt, "Do you think General Fang or Supervisor Sun would decide differently? They would leave me to cover the rear without hesitation, then lead the troops to attack Meishan Prefecture!"


    "If my death can bring victory in this battle, then my life as an Assistant General is well spent; history has never seen such a bargain!"


    "I''m telling you, if our roles were reversed, I would have sent you to die, not waffle like a woman here!"


    "I ask you!"


    "If you stay with me and die here, can Lu Shuhua and the others truly accomplish their mission? Are they really capable?"


    "Xu Wencai might be impressive, but at the end of the day, he''s no better than an Array Soldier; the battlefield is unforgiving, and should he fall, who else could command? Are the rest up to the task?"


    "If chaos ensues and Meishan Prefecture isn''t taken, wouldn''t everyone have died in vain?"


    "Your strategy shows you understand this better than I do; how can you be so irresponsible? Do you know how valuable your life is? Even if you must die, it should be on the way to attack Meishan Prefecture, not at Luotian Pass!"

 Chapter 246 - 147: One General Achieves Success Part 3

    Chen Sansi closed his eyes, "You''re right."


    He understood all this well enough; the other''s admonishments severed the last shackle in his heart.


    The battlefield was just like that.


    Without sacrifice, there could be no victory.


    "Knowing I''m right is good!"


    Yu Song looked at him, his voice trembling slightly with excitement, "So, put away your pathetic, cowardly sympathy and pity! Those who are benevolent don''t handle money, and those who are kind don''t command troops!


    "On the battlefield, it has always been that for one general''s success, thousands of bones lay dry¡ªa timeless truth!


    "But as long as they die a worthy death, the brothers will absolutely have no grievances!"


    "Don''t talk anymore!"


    He looked at the other, preparing to speak, but interrupted, "You kid are talented, but your biggest flaw is still your youth, hence your heart is too soft towards our own people! I hope that after this battle, you can transform, you can grow, and become a true general, and in the future, become a true commander!"


    "You don''t have the right to refuse.


    "I listened to you before because you were right, but this time, you''re wrong!"


    "And don''t forget, I''m the assistant general of the reserve camp, and you''re just a thousand captain. Military orders are like mountains; you have no right to defy them!"


    "I understand."


    Chen Sansi wasn''t being sentimental. When he reopened his eyes, his gaze had become resolute, "After dawn, please Vice Admiral Yu select one thousand cavalrymen to attack Luo Tian Pass. The more noise, the better, but for the first two days, try not to suffer too much loss. Drag it out as long as possible. Additionally, send someone to watch over Southern Wilderness Mountain. Once you see from the west bank of Hongze River, toward Meishan Prefecture, a large army approaching, immediately set fire to the mountain to send a signal. Then I will seize the opportunity to cross Wushui River and head straight for Meishan Prefecture."


    "Afterward, Vice Admiral Yu can try to break through on his own, if... there''s still a chance."


    "Hahaha!"


    After listening, Yu Song burst into hearty laughter, "That''s right! You should have arranged it like this from the start. In doing so, Meishan Prefecture is as good as gone. The unrest in Ming State, once the court''s army arrives, won''t take long to be quelled!


    "Come, to celebrate our mighty feat, let''s drink!"


    "I''ll go catch a rabbit to roast."


    Chen Sansi picked up a bow and arrow, and went into the forest ahead. In less than the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, he returned with a wild rabbit. Then, using the Zhenyue Sword, he butchered it cleanly and started a fire to roast the meat beside a stream.


    The two men ate the rabbit meat and drank wine, unknowingly passing from dusk deep into the night.


    "Alright!"


    Yu Song, with a hint of intoxication, said, "I need to practice some martial arts to sober up; we still have to depart after daybreak. General Chen should also hurry and make preparations, don''t delay the military opportunity."


    "Your subordinate obeys the order!"


    Chen Sansi bowed with his fist, turned, walked a few steps then stopped, "Vice Admiral Yu, do you have any last requests for your subordinate to carry out?"


    Calling it a request was really a euphemism for a final wish; both understood it very well.


    "I almost forgot about that."


    Yu Song grinning said, "I do have something I''d like to ask General Chen to do. I have three sons at home who don''t like studying but love martial arts. The oldest one has a decent constitution. There won''t be a position for Selected Point under Supervisor anymore, so please take some time to teach him a couple of moves when you have a moment, General Chen. You are the closed-door disciple of Lord Governor, and your teaching is no different from the Lord Governor himself¡ªhaha, much better than me. I''m benefiting from a great bargain."


    "I will provide for your son until his end!"


    Chen Sansi promised and then bowed before departing.


    Outside the woods.


    Wang Zhi and Xu Wencai finally located them.


    "Looks like there''s no need for us to persuade anymore."


    "Yes..."


    Xu Wencai breathed a sigh of relief, "The lord is good in all things, ruthless enough to enemies, but only soft-hearted when it comes to our own people. But after this time, I guess the lord will not be like this anymore..."


    "Senior brother."


    Chen Sansi stopped in front of Wang Zhi, "You should meet with Vice Admiral Yu, in another identity."


    "Me? With the way I look, how could I face anyone?"


    Wang Zhi forced a smile, "Well, since you put it that way, I''ll brave my shame and have a chat. Honestly, I could stay behind too. If I meet some Internal Refiners, I could still hold my own in a fight."


    "Senior brother."


    Chen Sansi objected, "You are needed; who knows, perhaps later on, there might even be a chance to cure your old malady!"


    Even an Immortal might be repairable.


    The injury to a martial artist''s meridians may yet have a chance of healing.


    "Alright then."


    Wang Zhi, carrying his sword, went forth.


    The next morning, early.


    The troops split into two groups.


    Chen Sansi led two thousand men to cross the river to the west, temporarily hiding near the junction of the Hongze and Wushui Rivers.


    ...


    "Kill!"


    "Don''t let a single one escape!"


    "Princely Heir Cao Fan and Sha Wenlong are among these civilians!"


    "..."


    "Spare us, military lords!"


    "We''re just commoners, not soldiers..."


    "Pu-chi¡ª"


    Outside Yangchun Prefecture, amidst barren hills and wild ridges.


    Commoners were everywhere.


    The rebel army was in pursuit from behind.


    In the midst of the chaos.


    Disguised as civilians, Sha Wenlong and Cao Fan, having discarded even their weapons, ran desperately forward in a sorry state.


    "I can''t go on..."


    "Thud¡ª"


    Cao Fan, running, suddenly collapsed.


    He hadn''t eaten for ten days, and if not for the robust physique of a martial artist, he would''ve starved to death long ago. But precisely because of his martial arts training, his body''s depletion was greater, making the hunger excruciatingly painful.


    "Young Master, please wait!" sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Sha Wenlong leapt away and soon after snatched some dry food from the fleeing commoners, "Please eat, Young Master. Once you''re done, we''ll continue on our journey."


    The two were dressed in tatters, their faces crudely disguised with Disguise Technique, looking nothing like a Great General and Princely Heir, but rather like pair of beggars.

 Chapter 247 - 147: One General Achieves Success Part 4

    As for the others...


    They''re probably mostly dead by now, buying them quite a bit of time.


    The lives of two thousand men, exchanged for their two lives, was too good a deal!


    "Princely Heir, I just went to the forest and received a report from Hai Dongqing!"


    Sha Wenlong said reassuringly, "General L¨¹ is about to break through Sword Gate Canyon to come to our aid. Truly, his valor is unmatched in history; we are saved! Princely Heir? You... you''re wounded?"


    "Cough cough..."


    Cao Fan wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, collapsing to the ground, "I was internally injured while defending the city. General Sha, you need not worry about me."


    "Absurd! I am Sheng Chen!"


    Sha Wenlong carried the Princely Heir on his back, "Your Highness, please don''t give up. Chen Sansi and others are indeed dead this time. Once we get out, if we follow General L¨¹ Ji and achieve a few merits, upon your return to Liangzhou, you''ll be the leading True Inheritor!"


    ...


    Luotian Pass.


    Yu Song led over a thousand men, camping on the plains thirty li outside the pass, using fabrics collected along the way as military flags and beating drums that shook heaven and earth, entirely appearing like a massive army about to storm the gate at any moment.


    Inside the pass''s fortress.


    Liu Shoujiang, in charge of defending, stood at a high point, watching the fiercely advancing Great Sheng soldiers, his expression grave.


    "General, what should we do?!"


    A subordinate asked frantically, "With so many people, shouldn''t we immediately notify Liang Dashuai to gather all the troops from the west bank here?"


    "What''s the rush; if it''s just a feint to bluff us, wouldn''t it cause Meishan Prefecture to fall into danger? Liang Dashuai has warned of this!"


    Liu Shoujiang said sternly, "Pass my order, for now maintain our defense and observe the enemy. Once they begin to storm the pass, send out two Hua Jin Generals to probe their reality. Unless it is confirmed that their main general Yu Song is present, consider it merely a feint!"


    One day later.


    "Report!"


    "General! Just now, the enemy attacked the city. Both Hua Jin Generals we sent to break their formation were killed, and through reconnaissance, it''s confirmed that the one attacking is a General in the Meridian Passage Realm. Besides Yu Song, who else could it be!"


    "Where are they now?"


    "They withdrew just before dawn, also suffering heavy losses. We roughly counted, and just the dead on their side are over four hundred men, no doubt their main force!"


    "Oh yes, there was also a young general wielding a long spear. Hearing how they shouted, it seemed like that Chen Sansi!"


    "Good!"


    Liu Shoujiang rejoiced, "In that case, with Yu Song and Chen Sansi both present, quickly write a letter, tell Liang Dashuai to immediately have the forces on the west bank cross the river to encircle them. The sooner, the better, don''t give them another chance to escape!"


    The intelligence was swiftly written, tied to the leg of a Black Hawk, and flown toward the west, in the direction of Meishan.


    This Black Hawk was incredibly swift!


    It was sent by the West Qi Kingdom after their alliance with the Red Eyebrow Army, incomparably precious, even more so than the Hai Dongqing often used by the Great Sheng Dynasty.


    ...


    Reserve Camp, campsite.


    In the darkness.


    The Great Village, having only five hundred men left, was still brightly lit with torches; all the soldiers patrolled, not a single one rested, thus creating the illusion of substantial military strength.


    "How was it, Qian, playing Chen Sansi today, was it exciting?"


    Yu Song looked at the young Refining Internal beside him, joking, "Scaring the fools at Luotian Pass silly."


    "Exciting, yes, but my cultivation is a bit low, I almost blew it a few times!"


    Captain Qian said a bit awkwardly, "Luckily those they sent out to probe weren''t too powerful, and with Vice Admiral Yu''s help covering for me, I barely managed to bluff through."


    "Qian, do you feel wronged?"


    Yu Song passed over the last of Drunk Saint, "You''re only twenty-five or twenty-six years old."


    "It was I who insisted on following you, so what''s there to feel wronged about?"


    Captain Qian smiled, "Besides, if Mr. Chen and the others succeed, it would mean having accomplished a great feat; by then, our families will surely be richly rewarded, no need for us to worry about them."


    "Yes, you''re right."


    Yu Song stood up, a trace of excitement hidden in his eyes, "We soldiers, who doesn''t have the ambition to achieve Heavenly Merit? To fulfill those ambitions would mean dying without regrets!


    "Moreover, after this, General Chen will truly have commanded a large-scale battle, accumulating rich experience. Once the Commander retires, there''s hope for the Eight Camps! You and I, fortunate to take part in this battle, haven''t lived in vain!"


    Captain Qian looked toward the fish-belly white of dawn in the east, "Vice Admiral Yu, the problem is we can''t hold out much longer..."


    They ultimately only had a little more than a thousand men.


    Now only half remained after several onslaughts.


    A couple more assaults would expose them.


    "Estimating the time, it should be soon."


    Yu Song silently watched the empty wilderness ahead, falling into silence.


    ...


    Meishan Prefecture. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Husband, please drink the medicine."


    Gao Peiwen held a spoon, urging, "If your body collapses, how will you accomplish what you''ve planned?"


    Liang Jinian said nothing but stared at the map, muttering, "I can''t afford to lose any more, the effect of the Immortal Items is weakening. If I lose again... there should be news from Luotian Pass by now..."


    "Cheep¡ª"


    An acute screeching sound rang out.


    A dark figure flew directly through the window into the room, landing in front of the scholar.


    Liang Jinian quickly took the intelligence from the dark figure''s leg, reading it before his face lit up with unabashed joy, "Good! The presence of main general Yu Song at Luotian Pass is confirmed; they are doomed this time!


    "Someone, someone!


    "Pass down my commander''s order, let the entire army cross the river, and march straight to Luotian Pass! After eradicating the Reserve Camp, stay at Luotian Pass and prepare to meet up with Dong An''s troops arriving later, getting ready to face the forces coming from the Great Wilderness of the Sheng Dynasty Capital."

 Chapter 248 - 147: One General Achieves Success Part 5

    ```


    "It''s over, it''s all over!"


    As long as the Reserve Camp''s remnants are successfully annihilated, we will be able to steady the situation in the southeast corner and then block the Capital''s troops coming from Sheng Dynasty. At worst, we will be entangled in a protracted war of attrition with Sheng Dynasty''s forces. The grand scheme of Ming State, is settled!"


    ...


    Outside Luotian Pass.


    The eastern sky slowly welcomed a rising red sun.


    A fast horse galloped out of the morning glow, its rider, a scout, bellowed in a loud voice, "Report¡ª¡ª"


    "On the west bank of the Hongze River, in the direction of Meishan Prefecture, at least seven thousand troops are crossing the river!"


    "Based on their march, it will take them at most another day and a half to reach the grand Luotian Pass!"


    "Good!"


    Yu Song was overjoyed and with a wave of his hand, ordered, "Set fire, burn the mountain!"


    "The rest of you, follow me and break through to the Great Wilderness."


    "Break through¡ª¡ª"


    ...


    Wulian Mountain.


    This place is where Hongze River meets Wushui River.


    Chen Sansi had his men waiting here well in advance.


    "General Chen."


    Lu Shuhua counted the days, "We''ve been hiding in this spot for four or five days, how come we''ve seen no signal from Vice Admiral Yu and his men? If this doesn''t work, should we turn back?"


    "Wait a bit longer."


    Chen Sansi replied calmly, "Vice Admiral Yu and his men are capable."


    "Smoke¡ª¡ª"


    "Fire!"


    No sooner had he spoken, than everyone saw billowing black smoke rising in the southeast, like a black dragon ascending to the skies, spiraling above Luotian Pass and ferociously devouring the momentum of the Red Eyebrow Army.


    Success!


    Due to the distance between them to ensure rapid communication, setting the mountains on fire was used as the signal.


    Now that the wildfire had spread for a hundred miles, it indicated that Vice Admiral Yu and his men successfully attracted the last of Red Eyebrow Army''s elite forces, leaving their main stronghold, Meishan Prefecture, in an unprecedented state of vulnerability.


    Next!


    It is the final dance of this battle!


    "Prepare the chariot, General!"


    "Convey my command!"


    Chen Sansi''s pupils gleamed resolutely in the sunlight, his voice as sonorous as a great bell, reverberated in the ears of two thousand soldiers, "After the entire army crosses the Hongze River, seize the bridge and cross the Wushui River, then march straight for Meishan Prefecture, capture Liang Jinian alive!"


    "Capture Liang Jinian alive!"


    "Capture Liang Jinian alive!!!"


    Two thousand men shouted in unison, their morale soaring to unprecedented heights.


    At this moment.


    In Chen Sansi''s eyes, the phrase "Sinking Formation Death Will" surfaced once again. Even if individuals like Yan Changqing had different thoughts due to their status and positions, at this very moment, everyone shared one common goal in mind¡ªkill the traitors!


    "Who says I bear no clothes, with my brothers I share my robe!"


    "Brothers, cross the river¡ª¡ª"


    They were already well-prepared, crossing the Hongze River for the fourth time within a mere two days.


    Qian Xun and other horses had long been waiting on the riverbank.


    The Wushui River, it has a bridge!


    Their horses could advance unobstructed, reaching Meishan Prefecture at lightning-fast speed, appearing like Heavenly Soldiers descending upon the earth.


    ...


    "Break through¡ª¡ª"


    The remnants of the Reserve Camp, led by Yu Song.


    The last thirty horsemen, riding on seized warhorses, set fire to the mountains on their return journey after failing to force their way through Luotian Pass, resolving to cross back over the Hongze River and re-enter the heart of Ming State.


    Unfortunately, they were surrounded on all sides by the enemy army, encircled as tightly as if in an iron barrel.


    In a valley.


    They were left with no room to retreat. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "How come there are only so few men?"


    Liu Shoujiang reined in his horse, frowning at the mere thirty-odd riders before them, and demanded loudly, "Yu Song! Where are the rest of your men? Tell us their whereabouts and you will be spared!"


    They were the ones who had converged from all directions, theoretically, no one should have been able to escape.


    But they had only managed to kill less than a thousand enemies; the Reserve Camp''s remnants clearly numbered more than three thousand.


    The answer they received was the sound of swords being drawn.


    "Reserve Camp, charge¡ª¡ª"


    Yu Song raised the Mo Blade high.


    The last thirty or so riders of the Reserve Camp charged into the enemy army''s formation of tens of thousands. In an instant, they were overwhelmed, disappearing without a trace, like mud cows into the sea...


    ...


    Yangchun Prefecture.


    The rebel army''s main camp.


    Dong An, donning his full armour with the help of his attendants, took up a He Miao Long Sword. He looked much better than he had in days, his eyes brimming with confidence.


    "Report!"


    "Outside the city, about fifty miles away, we suspect we''ve discovered traces of Sha Wenlong and others!"


    "General Xiang is already in pursuit."


    "Commander, do you wish to go see for yourself?"


    "Mm, I know, once the battle report from Meishan Prefecture arrives, I will personally go there myself."


    Dong An, holding a writing brush, sketched and planned on a map.


    But his focus wasn''t on the movements of the Reserve Camp''s remnants; instead, he was strategizing the overall situation in Ming State.


    The Reserve Camp''s men couldn''t possibly still be alive. The arrangements at Luotian Pass were foolproof, and the feint they employed was no longer effective. That Chen kid has run out of tricks at last!


    Once the confirmation of the result matches his prediction, Dong An will personally don his armor, first to pursue and kill Sha Wenlong and then to assist Zhong Wuxin in the battle against Ji at Sword Gate Canyon.


    The subsequent battles, however, seemed uninteresting to him, simply a contest of military strength and logistical support, without much room for surprises.


    "Report¡ª¡ª"


    "Word from Luotian Pass, the Reserve Camp''s remnants have been completely wiped out!"


    "Vice Admiral Yu Song''s head is on its way here!"


    "..."


    "Hmm, wait a second..."


    Dong An sensed something amiss, "Only Yu Song? Where''s Chen Sansi''s head?"


    "Commander..."


    The soldier bowed his head, not daring to meet his gaze: "There''s more important news. According to the battle report from Liu Anxing, they killed around a thousand of the enemy, the whereabouts of the other two thousand are unknown..."


    Dong An shouted angrily, "Nonsense! Speak clearly!"


    "Commander, I have told all there is to tell!"


    ```

 Chapter 249 - 147: One General Achieves Success Part 6

    The soldier''s voice trembled slightly, "It''s just that we didn''t find the person."


    "Just? Two thousand people missing, and you tell me it''s just?!"


    "Bang¡ª"


    Dong An kicked violently.


    The soldier spat out blood and died on the spot.


    Inside the tent, there was deadly silence, none of the soldiers dared to speak.


    Dong An returned to the front of the map, picked up the brush again, and mumbled to himself as he analyzed:


    "Impossible!"


    "The Reserve Camp was surrounded by a large army from all four directions!"


    "After they attacked Luotian Pass, it was absolutely impossible for them to have time to retreat!"


    "Unless..."


    "Unless these two thousand men never really went to attack Luotian Pass but had hidden away early!"


    "That means..."


    "This attack on Luotian Pass was another diversion!"


    "No!"


    "All the main generals were there!"


    "Yu Song''s head has already been cut off, this has been confirmed by multiple sources, there is no mistake!"


    "All the main generals were killed in battle"


    "Absurd!"


    "How could there ever be an example of main generals letting their subordinates die to cover their escape!"


    "If it really was so, what were they trying to do?"


    "Where did the other two thousand men escape to!"


    Dong An spared no effort, brought in a brand new map, and replayed the course of the battle in Ming State from beginning to end, until midnight when a loud thunder sounded in the sky, and the brush in his hand dropped to the floor with a "plop."


    "Whoosh¡ª"


    Ming State was hit by a downpour again, extinguishing the last flicker of hope in his heart.


    "It''s all over... all over..."


    "Thump¡ª"


    "Commander!"


    The soldiers hurriedly came forward.


    This time.


    Two hours later, Dong An finally opened his eyes again; he lay on the cot, his lips pale as if he had walked back from the brink of death: "Go tell Liang Jinian to run... never mind, it''s too late..."


    "Too late, what do you mean too late?"


    The soldiers, confused by what they heard, felt an inexplicable panic as they looked at the commander.


    "Commander!"


    A Deputy General leaned over the cot and earnestly asked, "Commander, please explain clearly, you''re a brilliant strategist, how could it be too late, even if it''s just to minimize our losses."


    "..."


    Dong An closed his eyes and said nothing more, as if he were a dying man.


    "This..."


    The men had no choice but to go inform Liang Jinian.


    ...


    Meanwhile.


    Meishan Prefecture.


    "Outrageous!"


    Liang Jinian angrily slammed the table: "Two thousand men! How could Liu Anxing let so many people go and then tell me they''re untraceable?!"


    "Commander, where could they be?"


    The last City Guard General in Meishan Prefecture, He Xianliang, asked: "From the moment they attacked Luotian Pass, they shouldn''t have had any chance to escape!"


    "Not good!"


    Liang Jinian paled in shock, "They never even attacked Luotian Pass."


    "How, how could that be possible?"


    He Xianliang said, "Commander, the head of Yu Song from the remnants of the Reserve Camp is undeniably real. Could the Main General have stayed behind to cover our retreat with his life?"


    "It''s exactly because of this that they fooled all of us! Deceitful, deceitful villains!"


    Liang Jinian wanted to flip the table, but lacking the strength, he instead ended up falling to the ground, where he roared fiercely: "How could this be, how could this be!


    "Even if he is exceptional, he is still just a Thousand Captain!"


    "A Thousand Captain could command a Main General to willingly die; there''s no logic in this at all!"


    "How could Yu Song have consented!"


    "Someone, come quickly!"


    "He Xianliang, how many men do we have left?"


    He Xianliang answered, "Commander''s trusted aide, plus the last of the City Guard Army, we still have over two hundred men left. Is something the matter?"


    "Over two hundred men, not enough to defend the city..."


    Liang Jinian grabbed the map, "Wait, I remember, aren''t there still over eighteen hundred people slaughtering in Linhe County?"


    "Yes, Commander."


    He Xianliang explained, "These people are the original veterans of Meishan Mountain Village. After winning the central region''s battles, they came back here as a reward from you, Commander, for slaughtering the city."


    "There''s still time!"


    Liang Jinian ordered, "Immediately summon them back to Meishan Prefecture, and be sure to intercept the remnants of the Reserve Camp on the road!"


    "What?"


    Hearing this, He Xianliang finally understood why the Commander was so panicked, and said incredulously, "Commander, you mean to say... this can''t be possible, right?"


    "Commander, it''s terrible!"


    A member of the Red Eyebrow Army burst into the hall, dripping with urine: "A hundred li outside the city, we found, we found approximately two thousand cavalry, it''s unknown where they came from! They claim to be Heavenly Soldiers and Generals, and they are here to reclaim the Heavenly Book bestowed to the Commander by the Immortal!"


    "This..."


    He Xianliang was in shock.


    The remains of the Reserve Camp indeed appeared just as the Commander had said.


    What''s the difference between this and real Heavenly Soldiers and Generals!


    "Nonsense, they are the remnants of the Reserve Camp, where are any Heavenly Soldiers!"


    Liang Jinian angrily said, "They are saying this merely to intimidate you!"


    He knew, if they succeeded, the rebel army''s might would collapse in an instant.


    Everyone across the world would think him devoid of virtue and capability, the Heavenly Book would return to Dasheng, signifying Dasheng''s power is not yet exhausted, and it was all just an unremarkable rebellion!"


    "Fine, I will use the Heavenly Book, and have a decisive battle to the death with you!"


    Liang Jinian removed several pages of golden paper from his person, flowing with mystical Formation symbols."


    He Xianliang immediately knelt down: "Please bestow the formation, Commander!"


    "Boom¡ª¡ª"


    A surge of Mystical Energy that mortals could not perceive entered He Xianliang''s body.


    "Go."


    Liang Jinian swept his sleeve: "After the bestowed formation, you all will have the strength for a battle!"


    "Rest assured, Commander!"


    He Xianliang accepted the command: "Since Yu Song has died, even if it''s that Chen Sansi leading men here, at his best he has only just reached Minor Hua Jin, while I, at least, have achieved Minor Meridian Passage. Plus with the formation bestowed by the Commander, I swear on my life, I will definitely win this battle, and then bring back Chen''s head to present to the Commander!"


    "Quickly go."


    Liang Jinian said nothing more, just watching his silhouette as he slowly closed his eyes and sighed.


    The Red Eyebrow Army''s severe lack of high-ranking generals was their fatal flaw. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But He Xianliang, having come from a Major Sect and achieved Minor Meridian Passage, might not necessarily be inferior to that Chen Sansi.


    Nevertheless.


    If this battle succeeds, it''s not yet too late.


    If this battle is lost, his life is over.


    ¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 250 - 148: Set the Overall Situation, Obtain the Heavenly Book

    Outside Meishan Prefecture.


    Dark clouds covered the sky, thunder rumbled continuously.


    A fierce storm erupted, evil qi rising!


    More than two thousand cavalry charged south from the north bank of Wushui, harboring a towering killing intent. Above the pitch-black heavenly dome, each flash of lightning illuminated the dense and uniformly arranged cavalry formation, truly as if the Heavenly God was furious, a divine army descending.


    Along the way, passing county towns, none were without terror.


    "Chi Mei lack virtue, the heavenly generals come to collect!"


    "..."


    The deafening slogan quickly resonated along the north bank of Wushui, spreading among the people.


    This is.


    The momentum to kill!


    "Report!"


    Zhao Kang, riding his horse swiftly, arrived, "Sir, ten miles ahead, an army formation appears on the essential road to Meishan Prefecture, it looks like they''ve hurried over from the nearby Linhe County!" sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "General Chen!"


    Lu Shuhua asked, "What do you think we should do!"


    "Kill!"


    Chen Sansi spat out a word.


    There isn''t always a strategy available, when necessary, there''s only one word, kill!


    Amidst thunder and lightning, the two armies encountered each other directly.


    Looking as far as the eye can see.


    The Red Eyebrow Army arrayed their formation, which isn''t recorded in the Military Books.


    The Heavenly Book Formation!


    Their formation was orderly, and vaguely, it seemed they were utilizing the power of heaven and earth, with a stream of pure white Xuan Qi circling above them, from a distance appearing like a vast fog rising on a rainy night.


    "Brothers!"


    He Xianliang, in the center of the formation, raised his spear high, his voice shaking the rain on his face, "The Commander just granted us the formation, we are the real Divine Weapons Descending, as said in the Heavenly Book, this battle is our destined victory for the Commander to stabilize the heavens and earth!


    "The troops ahead, are nothing but remnants and defeated soldiers of the Reserve Camp, like rats scurrying through the state of Ming, leading them Chen Sansi, merely a Thousand Captain, I could take him down under my horse with just a snap of my fingers!


    "So brothers, charge freely! A head for an ounce of gold!"


    "Kill, kill, kill!"


    "Boom, boom, boom!"


    The enemy''s momentum was equally enormous.


    "Heavenly Book..."


    Chen Sansi, looking at the white Xuan Qi above their heads, gripped the Five Tigers Soul-breaking Spear firmly in his hands with a determined gaze.


    He really wanted to see, what treasure granted by the Immortal!


    Because it was bestowed to the Red Eyebrow Army, the scourge that slaughters towns and people!


    If it is true.


    Then this Immortal,


    should also be killed!


    "Kill¡ª¡ª"


    No more strategies.


    The Reserve Camp''s soldiers also arrayed into formation, charging with the One Line Long Snake Formation, transitioning into the Heaven and Earth Triadic Formation, followed by the Four Gates Capture Formation to surround and attack, then assisted by the Five Tigers Herding Sheep Formation, until at last, the more than two thousand men gradually fused into one, forming the Nine Characters Chain Formation, ultimately transforming into the Ambush from All Sides Formation!


    This is.


    The Ten Formations of the Military Family!


    In contrast, the Red Eyebrow Army''s formation was more complex. Under the mist-like Xuan Qi and leveraging the power of heaven and earth, they unleashed combat power far beyond their normal capacity.


    So much so that in the initial rounds of charges, both sides suffered equally, the young elites of the Reserve Camp gained no advantage!


    Chen Sansi, using the Qi Observation Skill among the waterfall-like rains, sought his target, and finally found their Main General at the core of the enemy''s formation, his aura foundation far stronger than Jia Lao Si, estimated to be around the realms of Minor Meridian Passage.


    Yet another tricky problem!


    This was why after Yu Song appeared at Luotian Pass, the enemy firmly believed that the Reserve Camp was truly attacking Luotian Pass with all their strength, thus lowering their guard as an essential reason.


    They had no senior generals left!


    Without the combat prowess of a Meridian Passage Realm such as Yu Song, their threat was greatly diminished. Even if they truly appeared outside Meishan Prefecture, they still had to face a high-level general of Minor Meridian Passage.


    Chen Sansi quickly assessed the current situation in his mind.


    Beyond the suppression of realms, there was another key point.


    He noticed that all the "white Xuan Qi" originated from this enemy general.


    Just kill him!


    The "Heavenly Book" enhancement would naturally collapse!


    "Lu Shuhua, Xie Sishu, one on each side, cover me!"


    Chen Sansi gave the order, then spurred his horse forward with his spear in hand.


    "Yes!"


    Lu Shuhua and the others acted as commanded, closely following his side, blocking attacks from all directions.


    "Clang¡ª"


    The sound of weapons clashing and the thunder in the sky exploded simultaneously, the formidable impact scattering a burst of water in the air. Under the terrifying impact, Chen Sansi''s Vajra Body, fueled by the racing blood of the Jiao Long, began to vibrate, his man and horse reared up high, like a painting under the brilliance of the lightning.


    After all, it was a Mastery of Meridian Passage!


    If not for the extraordinary White Swan Horse, his horse might not have withstood this strike.


    "Minor Hua Jin?!"


    He Xianliang showed a look of astonishment.


    The intelligence was clear, it only marked him as Refining Internal Organs Perfection at the end of the Selected Point, before dispatching to Ming State, at most at the entry-level of Hua Jin. Just half a year and he''s achieved Minor Hua Jin?


    What a speed!


    Fortunately, it was still Minor Hua Jin.


    He was at Mastery of Meridian Passage.


    Between them, spanning three realms!


    After a single exchange, the two warhorses sprinted past each other, then immediately turned, initiating a second clash, long spear and long spear continually colliding, like two Jiao Long wrestling, both aiming to use this rainstorm to ascend into dragons. The prerequisite, however, was swallowing the other to empower themselves!


    The most distinctive aspect of the Meridian Passage Realm was the formal use of the meridians!


    Flesh, Qi-Blood, and power, all maximized to the extreme, laying the groundwork for the next phase, the Profound Image Realm.

 Chapter 251 - 148: Set the Overall Situation, Obtain the Heavenly Book_2

    Just like the difference between Blood Refining and Refining Internal, the gap cannot be said to be small.


    These were indeed three distinct realms!


    Moreover...


    He Xianliang was a true Sect genius with a solid foundation, not some ordinary bandit with a superficial cultivation.


    Every time Chen Sansi crossed blows, he had to endure severe pain. Fortunately, with the Storage Power and Mystical Yuan in his organs, he was able to hold on. However, as time passed, the Mystical Energy boost on the bodies of the Red Eyebrow Army became increasingly apparent!


    The Formation used by the enemy troops subtly matched the thunderstorm, possessing an indescribable magic. Even though the Formation of the Reserve Camp was also practiced day and night, it gradually fell into disadvantage, then continued to widen the gap, and the number of casualties began to increase.


    The direct subordinates Chen Sansi brought from Po Yang County, relying on their understanding, were doing fine, but the others under them were not so lucky...


    If this continued.


    Their Array Soldiers would soon all be sacrificed, and the situation would then transform into the enemy''s Formation encircling and attacking our military officers one by one, with the addition of Mystical Energy, how long Lu Shuhua and the others could hold on was hard to say.


    The increase in casualties could not continue, enough people had died in this battle!


    "Clang!"


    Chen Sansi''s long spear was once again knocked aside by a forceful blow. He did not counterattack, but instead took the opportunity to gallop away dragging his spear, and after continuously stabbing several intercepting Red Eyebrow Rebel Army soldiers, he dashed into the curtain of rain.


    "Don''t run!"


    He Xianliang chased after him without any hesitation.


    When the distance between the two sides had closed to a certain extent.


    The Five Tigers Soul-breaking Spear suddenly counterattacked.


    Backward Charge!


    "A mere trick!"


    He Xianliang, already prepared, almost instantly blocked the long spear with his own spear, then flicked the long spear into the air, adjusting his position at a bizarre angle, and thrust directly towards the enemy General''s heart.


    "Crack¡ª"


    At that moment, a terrifying thunder resembling a spider web streaked across the dome above.


    Using the light from the electricity, He Xianliang saw that the enemy General, having lost his weapon and caught in an inevitable deadly situation, was not panicked at all; instead, he looked at him calmly as though he had been prepared for the Backward Charge and had anticipated it being blocked.


    Then why did he still use this move?


    In his rapidly dilating pupils, the following scene reflected.


    This young General, who had played rounds with a 300,000-strong army in Ming State using just 3,000 soldiers, at this critical moment of life and death, didn''t think about how to dodge to save himself but was forming hand seals, looking like some mindless Taoist.


    Immediately afterwards.


    He Xianliang witnessed a phantom image gathering on the opponent''s fingertips, which looked... like a small sword, only it was very tiny, almost like a sewing needle.


    What was this?!


    "Rumble¡ª"


    After the flash of lightning, a thunderous sound erupted, and the phantom in the young General''s hand vanished.


    He Xianliang only felt a chill in his forehead, and then he could no longer see this world clearly; he fell straight from his horse into the mud, a trickle of blood emerging from his forehead and quickly being washed clean by the rain, blending into the mud.


    All of this happened in an instant.


    Chen Sansi reached out and caught the Five Tigers Soul-breaking Spear previously flicked into the air, stabbed it down into the corpse''s skull, creating a huge bloody hole to cover up the wound from the Sword Qi Skill.


    The reason he had lured his opponent here was not to use the Backward Charge for a sneak attack. When the gap in realms was too large, small tricks were useless; it was solely to keep away from the main battlefield, to prevent others from discovering his use of Spell.


    "He Xianliang is dead!"


    "You rebels, quickly surrender¡ª"


    Under the enhancement of Qi-Blood, Chen Sansi''s roar at times overwhelmed the thunder, deafening.


    He could see.


    After He Xianliang''s death.


    The mist hovering over the Red Eyebrow Army dispersed at a rapid pace, vanishing in a few breaths'' time.


    The enemy soldiers, looking at the skull under the intermittently illuminated head with its terrifying visage, lost all their will to fight, one after another they turned and ran, and the previously exquisite Formation naturally completely collapsed.


    The tide of the battle shifted in an instant, turning into a one-sided massacre.


    ...


    In Meishan Prefecture City.


    "Commander, Commander¡ª"


    A member of the Red Eyebrow Army stumbled in, covered in blood and knelt on the ground, sobbing: "It''s over, it''s all over! General He was decapitated by that Chen Sansi, our brothers are mostly dead, the remaining people from the Reserve Camp are heading straight for the city, they will arrive in no more than half a day!"


    "So soon?!"


    Liang Jinian seemed as if he had been drained of strength, collapsing into a chair: "Chen Sansi is only at Hua Jin, how could he kill He Xianliang in such a short time, let alone, I... I even bestowed them with Spell!"


    It was a matter of life and death, he held nothing back.


    In this last battle, almost all the remaining Immortal Items were used up!


    "We... we don''t know either, Commander!"


    Several Red Eyebrow Army soldiers who had fled earlier returned and knelt in a row: "That Chen Sansi isn''t human at all, once he starts fighting he disregards everything and charges straight at General He, like a madman!"


    "Commander!" S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "What do we do, Commander!"


    "..."


    "Enough noise!"


    Liang Jinian was overwhelmed: "How long until reinforcements get here at the fastest?"


    "Commander, it will take at least fifteen days at the earliest!"


    "..."


    "You, first pack up the belongings, take the lady and some gold and Silver Coin, and then wait here for me!"


    Liang Jinian unsteadily left the mansion, mounted a fast horse, and went straight to a nearby grove, kneeling down and imploring to the sky: "Immortal, save me!"

 Chapter 252 - 148: Settling the Grand Scheme, Obtaining the Heavenly Book_3

    "Immortal! It is Liang Jinian who is incompetent. I have lost this battle and failed the treasure bestowed by the Immortal!"


    "I beg of you, Immortal, to lend me your aid once again, grant me another chance, an opportunity to make a comeback! I cannot accept this, I cannot accept this! Why should these dog officials strut around while we live so meekly? Why should they look down on me? I want revenge, I want to kill all the scholars, Immortal, help me!"


    "Immortal¡ª¡ª"


    However.


    No matter how much he shouted, he received no response.


    Liang Jinian forced a bitter smile and gave a resounding kowtow: "It seems that the Immortal has lost faith in me. I take my leave!"


    Back at the residence.


    The belongings were all packed.


    In total, there were seven or eight members of the Red Eyebrow Army, plus a woman and an old man in his seventies.


    However, as the Red Eyebrows gazed upon the gold, silver, and the beautiful lady, their eyes began to shift restlessly.


    "What are you standing there for?"


    Liang Jinian ordered: "Hurry up and leave, there might still be a sliver of hope!"


    "Commander, it''s over!"


    One of the Red Eyebrows with a beard said: "Even if we don''t understand military tactics, we know that what comes next is almost certainly death, unless we abandon the burdens..."


    "Yes, Commander!"


    Another chimed in: "Or perhaps, Commander could use a more powerful Immortal Law!"


    "Exactly, exactly."


    The others agreed: "Otherwise, they''re coming for you, and no matter where you go, you can''t escape."


    "You..."


    Liang Jinian clenched his fist beneath his wide sleeves, but eventually suppressed the surge of anger and adopted a calm demeanor, speaking lightly: "No need for Immortal Law! I have just consulted the Heavenly Book and once again received guidance from the Immortal. The Immortal told me to exit through the South City Gate and head towards Mei Mountain. There, an Immortal will surely protect us!"


    "Really?"


    The Red Eyebrows looked at each other, half believing, half doubting: "Can the Commander still meet with the Immortal?"


    "You impudent fools! How dare you!"


    Liang Jinian narrowed his eyes: "You dare to doubt me? Cut him down!"


    "This..."


    The Red Eyebrows hesitated, but seeing the scholar''s confidence, they dared not defy him. In the end, quite suddenly, one of them stabbed the man who had expressed doubt to death.


    "Commander!"


    They knelt down again: "Just give the order, we will escort you and the lady out of the city!"


    Liang Jinian commanded: "You go ahead and bring the horses, only the black ones. Today, only by riding black horses can we meet the Immortal, hurry!"


    "Yes!"


    The Red Eyebrows scattered.


    Inside the hall, only the woman, the old man, and he remained.


    "Uncle Wu!"


    Liang Jinian stuffed all the gold and silver into their hands: "You''re the only one I can trust. You must take Pei Wen to West Qi. Prime Minister Zhang there will see to your well-being!"


    "Liang, this, this is after a defeat, no matter, don''t be sad."


    Housekeeper Wu asked, somewhat confused: "What''s going on? Can''t we leave together?"


    "Indeed, husband."


    Gao Peiwen gently took the scholar''s hand: "Aren''t you going with me?"


    "No!"


    Liang Jinian struggled to speak: "The Dasheng soldiers are after me, the Commander of the Red Eyebrows. As long as I am present, you will never escape! Only by separating from me do you stand a chance to live."


    "Nian Lang!"


    Gao Peiwen cried like a pear blossom battered by the rain, throwing herself into the scholar''s arms.


    "Uncle Wu, I entrust you with this task!"


    Liang Jinian, having reassured her, forcibly pushed her away, "If it hadn''t been for you, sir, sneaking food and books to me from your residence back then, I probably wouldn''t recognize a single character. I shall repay your kindness in my next life!" S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As he spoke, he gave a deep bow and then resolutely turned and left.


    "Liang, don''t worry, even if it costs me this old life, I will ensure your wife is safely escorted to West Qi!"


    "Husband!"


    "Bang!"


    Housekeeper Wu knocked him out from behind with a stick, then called over two maids to join him as they left in a horse-drawn carriage through the back door.


    "Quickly, go!"


    Liang Jinian arrived at the front gate where several Red Eyebrow Army soldiers indeed had gathered seven black horses. They all mounted and headed straight for the East City Gate, but after escaping for twenty li, a white horse leading over a thousand men surrounded them, sealing off every direction completely.


    "Commander, you..."


    "Liang, you deceived us!"


    At that moment, several Red Eyebrow Army soldiers realized the truth.


    Liang Jinian wasn''t leading them to escape or to meet any Immortal; he was purely leading them to their deaths, all to buy his family back home time to escape!


    "Hahahaha!"


    Liang Jinian laughed maniacally, "That''s right, you bandits, what is your death to me!"


    "Fuck your mother!"


    "I''ll kill you!"


    "Don''t kill him, trade his life for ours!"


    "Bang!"


    A Red Eyebrow Army soldier with a whiskered beard kicked out.


    Liang Jinian was sent flying, tumbling over a dozen times before coming to a stop, coughing up blood continuously.


    "Damn it!"


    The Red Eyebrow Army hastily mounted their horses, pressed down on him fiercely, and then knelt on the ground before the Dasheng soldiers.


    "Mercy, my lord!"


    "We''re all common folk, forced into joining the Red Eyebrow Army!"


    "Right, right, we had no intention of rebelling."


    "We are willing to offset our crimes with our merits!"


    "This man is Liang Jinian from Mei Mountain, the Commander of the Red Eyebrow Army. We present him to you, my lord!"


    "..."


    "Where''s the Heavenly Book?!"


    "Strip search him!"


    The Red Eyebrow Army roughly searched him and finally found several golden-yellow booklets, looking as though they were made from gold, hammered and forged into thin sheets of paper.


    "This is the Heavenly Book!"


    "We offer it to Dasheng as well!"


    "We beg only for our lives to be spared!"


    "..."


    "Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh, whoosh, whoosh¡ª"


    The words had barely ended.

 Chapter 253 - 148: Settling the Grand Scheme, Obtaining the Heavenly Book_4

    ```


    The Sheng Dynasty General astride the White Horse offered no idle words. With the bowstring of his Big Bow twanging like thunder, one arrow after another followed in procession, piercing their hearts with deadly precision. Seven men lay dead in the blink of an eye.


    "Huh!"


    Chen Sansi reined in his horse, looking down upon the scholar and asked calmly, "Are you Liang Jinian?"


    "It''s me..."


    Liang Jinian, wiping the blood off his chin with a mud-caked sleeve, looked up and said, "Are you Chen Sansi? Brother Chen! You and I have no grudges, why resort to this?"


    Chen Sansi remained silent.


    "Brother Chen!"


    Struggling to his feet, Liang Jinian continued, "Dasheng is corrupt, its fate has run out! Why sacrifice your life for the Cao Family? With your talents and vision, why not join me in pursuit of great ambitions? The land might bear the name Chen one day!"


    He got no response.


    Liang Jinian picked up a golden booklet and persisted, "Brother Chen! Have you seen this? It''s the Heavenly Book, a gift from the Immortal to me! If you kill me, the Heavenly Book is to be presented to the court, and you will gain nothing. But if you work with me, I can share the treasure with you!"


    There was a deadly silence.


    He finally understood; he had indeed reached the end of the road.


    "Fine then, go ahead..."


    Liang Jinian closed his eyes.


    Yet the expected death did not come. Opening his eyes, he demanded, "Chen, what are you waiting for? Do you intend to humiliate me?"


    Chen Sansi simply watched the Southern sky, ignoring him.


    At last, a troop of Cavalry approached from that direction.


    A woman and an old man were being brought over.


    "Sir!"


    Zhao Kang saluted and said, "We''ve caught his family. Killed two maidservants, and these are the only two left!"


    "My wife!"


    "Ahhhh!!!"


    "Damn you, Chen, I''ll kill you!"


    Liang Jinian picked up a war blade off the ground, ready to risk it all.


    "Kneel!"


    Zhao Kang delivered a kick, snapping his right leg and leaving him writhing in the mud, a muddy mess.


    "Ahh!"


    He struggled to crawl forward, his tone shifting from anger to pleading, "Chen Sansi, Mr. Chen, I beg of you, my wife is innocent! She had nothing to do with the rebellion! Do not bring calamity upon my family. Please, release her! You may execute me even by lingchi if it pleases you!"


    "Do not bring calamity upon the family?"


    Chen Sansi finally spoke. He leaned forward ever so slightly, enunciating each word, "Liang Jinian, do you realize how many towns your men have slaughtered along the way? You have a family, don''t their families matter too?"


    "I..."


    Liang Jinian was taken aback, speechless.


    "Say your proper goodbyes to your woman."


    Chen Sansi spoke gravely, "Otherwise, she''ll be taken away. From then on, whatever the wardens do, I cannot control."


    "Ah!"


    Liang Jinian screamed in agony, clutching his head.


    "Jinian, I don''t blame you."


    Gao Peiwen picked up a blade from the ground. Before the scholar could react, she ended her own life.


    Following her lead was Housekeeper Wu.


    "Do it."


    Chen Sansi ordered indifferently.


    "Clack¡ª"


    The He Miao Blade flashed, and Liang Jinian''s head hit the ground.


    Only then did Chen Sansi dismount.


    "General Chen, this... weren''t we supposed to capture him alive?"


    Lu Shuhua asked, baffled, "The merit of capturing him alive is greater than that of killing him."


    "We''ve got pursuers behind us. It''s inconvenient to travel with a captive. We''re not truly out of danger yet; it will take some time."


    Chen Sansi explained calmly, "With his head and the Heavenly Book, we can sufficiently crush the morale of all rebel armies. There''s no need for excess baggage."


    "Makes sense!"


    No one objected.


    Chen Sansi stepped forward and picked up the Heavenly Book.


    The feel of it in his hands was just like gold foil.


    He glanced at the others, "If you want to see it, come here."


    "Thank you, Brother Chen."


    Yan Changqing was the first to lean in closer.


    Lu Shuhua and Xie Sishu also came nearer after getting permission.


    Bai Thingzhi, however, showed no interest and went to check the bodies to see if there were any survivors.


    "Sir, the characters in this book don''t seem to belong to our Central Plains, nor do they resemble those of the surrounding four nations!"


    "Indeed, it must be written by an Immortal!"


    "..."


    Chen Sansi gently turned the pages of the booklet.


    He recognized that the flowing golden script was the same as the one his fourth senior brother had translated into the "dictionary," which contained the Sword Qi Skill, and although it was unintelligible to others, Chen Sansi could understand it.


    It contained indeed some Formations.


    Not only military Formations.


    There were also some genuine Magic Arrays.


    But those Arrays required various immortal magic tools to construct.


    The other human-assembled Formations included large-scale military Formations and smaller ones.


    The smaller formations had a mix of everything from Sword Arrays, Magic Arrays, Demon Suppression Arrays, Evil Extermination Formation, and so on. He could understand every rune, but putting them all together was another story.


    These things required the collaboration of "Immortal cultivators" to be effective; for ordinary people, they were utterly useless.


    The same was true for the large-scale military Formations.


    Indeed, Formations could harness the power of heaven and earth, but the prerequisite was that the user of the Formation needed Cultivation as a foundation. Martial Arts practitioners wouldn''t suffice, and common Array Soldiers were even less capable.


    So how did the Red Eyebrow Army manage it?


    Energy!


    That white, smoke-like Mystical Energy which could partially substitute for Cultivation to form an Array.


    However, there was no mention of this "Energy" in the Heavenly Book. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Mr. Yan, would you have any issue keeping the Heavenly Book safe?"


    After having looked through it once, Chen Sansi, with his photographic memory, engraved everything he could and could not understand deep into his mind. The Heavenly Book itself had no particular use; holding on to it would not only be pointless for him but might also incur the court''s suspicion without cause.


    ```

 Chapter 254 - 148: Settling the Grand Scheme, Obtaining the Heavenly Book_5

    Moreover...


    Just after Liang Jinian had died.


    The term [Sinking Formation Death Will] still remained on the others, including Lu Shuhua and Xie Sishu, these two who had initially been strongly dissatisfied with him, still willing to charge into battle.


    Instead, starting from Liangzhou, the two who seemed to be on good terms on the surface, and who had still somewhat supported him in Ming State, had the term disappear from them.


    He, after all, was a person sent by the court.


    The grandson of the Chief Minister.


    He represented the court, the interests of the Emperor.


    After the great battle ended, the two were no longer comrades.


    "Isn''t that inappropriate?"


    Yan Changqing declined, "I haven''t reached Hua Jin, this matter is of great importance, it would be best for Brother Chen to keep it."


    "Alright."


    Chen Sansi said to everyone, "Then I ask you brothers to bear witness, I will take charge of the item for now, and immediately hand it over to the court after the battle ends."


    "General Chen, what do we do next?"


    Lu Shuhua and Xie Sishu, one on each side, drew up the map in front of the general.


    "Wait."


    Chen Sansi pointed at the location of Luotian Pass, "The troops at this place might not yet be aware of the situation in Meishan Prefecture. Let''s wait another ten days to half a month, by then the Imperial Army from the court should also be about to cross the Great Wilderness and attack Luotian Pass."


    "What we need to do next is to wait, and coordinate a pincer attack with the Capital, seize Luotian Pass, and then use it as a foundation to stabilize our footing in the southern region of Ming State, and, in coordination with other generals like Lu and Rong, gradually devour the rest of the rebel army and the troops of West Qi Kingdom."


    "In these next few days, everyone can rest well in Meishan Prefecture, remember our rules, don''t disturb or oppress the civilians, otherwise I will kill anyone I see."


    "Yes, Sir!"


    The army slowly entered the city.


    Chen Sansi had long since run out of Spiritual Rice Medicine Ointment, and by the end Qian Xun hadn''t even gotten a taste, he only had the treasure medicine given by the court left, after taking it he continued his cultivation without a moment''s rest.


    [Cultivation Technique: National Guardian Dragon Spear. Hua Jin (small achievement)]


    [Progress: 566/2000]


    Until midnight.


    He did not ride a horse, he sneaked into the darkness on foot, confirming with the Qi Observation Skill that nobody was following him, and after leaving the city gate, he went dozens of miles outside the East City Gate to a wilderness filled with piles of bodies.


    Chen Sansi found Liang Jinian''s headless body, took out the Zhenyue Sword, and cut open the stomach, searching for something inside.


    The reason he had killed Liang Jinian was not just because it was troublesome to keep a living person around, but also for other reasons.


    The surname Liang had hidden something!


    He hadn''t told the truth.


    Heavenly Book was Heavenly Book, White Xuan Qi was Xuan Qi, the two supplemented each other, but they were actually two different things, two different items.


    Since meeting Liang Jinian, Chen Sansi had noticed the "Qi" within him, guessing that if it wasn''t for cultivation on his person, it was some treasure hidden within him, if the former naturally there was nothing to be done, but if the latter then it could be taken out.


    Indeed


    Before long, he fished out something round and icy to the touch from within the flesh, taking it out, he found it was a bead similar to a crystal ball, but its surface flowed with intricate runes, a mist-like aura was contained within it, only the Qi inside the bead was already very weak, so weak it was nearly completely dissipated.


    "This is it!"


    Chen Sansi could be certain.


    Liang Jinian had only used the so-called "Heavenly Book" on troop formations to practice formation techniques, the truly powerful item was actually this bead, only with the Qi born within it could it exert part of the power of the Surprise Army Formation.


    Now, it seems the Heavenly Book was likely fabricated by scholars, intended to deceive and thus protect the true treasure, the bead!


    Without the bead, even if others obtained the Heavenly Book, they couldn''t understand it, and even if they could, it was useless. Over time, they would naturally think that Liang Jinian was the real chosen one, exceptional and unique, only he could control the Heavenly Book, and thus they would submit."


    "It''s indeed a clever scheme!"


    "Don''t know, how to use the bead, and how to accumulate the ''Qi'' inside?"


    "When the Red Eyebrow Army initially started the war, they were said to be like Heavenly Soldiers, but then they grew weaker and weaker, surely because the ''Qi'' inside the bead was used up."


    "Then why didn''t Liang Jinian accumulate Qi? Seems he also had no good solution."


    "Maybe, even he hadn''t figured out the purpose of the thing!"


    "Anyway, I''ll put it away first."


    Chen Sansi found a muddy pit, used the accumulated water inside to wash the blood off the bead''s surface, then tucked it into his chest.


    No matter where the item came from, what use it had, how to use it, in any case, it was his now.


    Did they really think he would work for the old Emperor for free?


    Looking around, ensuring no one was there, Chen Sansi chose a minor road to return to the city.</p


    S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 255 - 148: Set the Stage, Obtain the Heavenly Book_6

    "Have you made contact with those two Deputy Generals under Dong An''s command?"


    Lu Ji tapped his fingers on the desk, "Tell them, this rebellion has nothing to do with them¡ªit''s all Dong An''s responsibility. As long as they can abandon the dark and turn to the light, the court will not only refrain from pursuing their liabilities but will also promote them and reward them with resources."


    "I''ve tried this before."


    Nie Yuan said helplessly, "But those people are Dong An''s loyalists. Over the years, most of the court''s resources have gone to the Northwest Three States, leaving the military officers of Ming State lacking in resources, and harboring grievances. Their resolve to rebel is firm; otherwise, the chaos in Ming State wouldn''t have arisen."


    "Getting them to turn their coats again is impossible, unless... unless Dong An dies violently. Otherwise, this war will last at least another year."


    "I know, but we must try again. Even if just one of them is willing to turn, it would be of great help."


    Lu Ji mused, "What about other movements?"


    "Zhao Wuji''s remnants had only a few dozen people left last time they sent a message; now, we don''t know whether they are dead or alive." S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Nie Yuan remarked, "There''s also our little Junior Brother, probably..."


    "Cheep!"


    Before he could finish,


    a Hai Dongqing flew into the tent and landed on the Commander''s sturdy arm.


    "Isn''t that the one Ninth Junior Sister gave to our little Junior Brother?"


    Nie Yuan said incredulously, "After so long, he''s still alive? It''s hard to imagine. Boss, take a look. Let''s see where they have hidden themselves this time."


    "Hmm."


    Lu Ji took the message from the Hai Dongqing''s leg, opened it, and after reading it, the battle-hardened man known for his unparalleled bravery, was struck as if by lightning, unable to regain his composure for a long while.


    "Boss?"


    Nie Yuan asked puzzledly, "What happened? Did our little Junior Brother devise some incredible strategy that played the Enemy Army for fools?"


    "Playing them for fools? It''s more than that!"


    Lu Ji, with an expression that was no longer just astonishment but a mix of excitement, shock, worry, and even a trace of displeasure¡ªall blending into a look beyond description¡ªsaid with a slightly trembling voice:


    "Our little Junior Brother not only survived the ordeal at the great pass but, after crossing the Hongze River four times, stormed the Wushui River and headed straight for Meishan Prefecture. He executed Liang Jinian and seized the Miracle Soldiers Heavenly Book! The situation in the South is settled!"


    "What did you say?"


    Nie Yuan snatched the message, scrutinizing it word by word repeatedly.


    ...


    West Qi Kingdom''s military camp.


    At almost the same time, Martial Saint Zhong Wuxin received a message near Meishan Prefecture.


    He simply couldn''t believe the content: "Liang Jinian is dead? Who confirmed it! Even if they headed straight for Meishan Prefecture, there was only Chen Sansi left, a mere Hua Jin Cultivator. Didn''t Liang Jinian still hold the Heavenly Book? How could he die so easily? Absurd! Is this message real or fake?!"


    "Commander, it''s... it''s true!"


    "Ten days ago, the great pass received a distress letter from Liang Jinian, then no further messages. The scouts sent to the area around the Wushui River confirmed that Chen Sansi and his forces fought and decisively defeated the last of Meishan Prefecture''s forces near Linhe County."


    "Now, Liang Jinian''s head hangs on the walls of Meishan Prefecture City for public display."


    "There''s also a slogan, ''Chi Mei has no virtue, Heavenly Soldiers are here to settle,'' that has almost spread across the north and south banks of the Wushui River, known to all the common people."


    "So... it must be true!"


    ...


    Zhong Wuxin''s heart thundered, yet his face was as calm as a lake, his voice coldly saying: "Who would have thought, my Da Qi strategized for five years, supposedly a guaranteed victory, would be ruined by a mere Thousand Captain of the Sheng Dynasty, a disgrace so profound."


    "Commander, what shall we do?"


    "Don''t panic!"


    Zhong Wuxin calmly said, "We still have a foundation in Ming State. We just need to abandon the South and East soon; immediately dispatch orders to Dong An, commanding him to lead his troops to retreat westward swiftly. We will concentrate all our military forces on the western front of Ming State and endure a prolonged war with Sheng Dynasty, able to attack Ming State, aiming for Liangzhou and Yan State, or retreat behind the Great Wall to the west!


    "This war is not unwinnable; it''s just that we must be prepared to pay a grievous price."


    "Moreover, Dong An''s eighty thousand troops from Ming State must be preserved!"


    "Without these eighty thousand troops, there is really no need to continue this battle."


    "I heard that this guy has been utterly dispirited since Chen Sansi crossed the river for the fourth time. We must stabilize him!"


    "Yes! I will go and convey the orders to Dong An."


    "..."


    ...


    Yangchun Prefecture, rebel army camp.


    For half a month, Dong An had barely left his bed, causing panic among the troops who didn''t know what had happened.


    "Report!"


    A soldier entered the tent, knelt on one knee, opened his mouth, then hesitated and did not dare to speak.


    "It''s intelligence from Meishan Prefecture, isn''t it?"


    Dong An propped himself up to sit: "Read it."


    "Yes!"


    The soldier then read out the situation in detail, finally saying, "Liang Jinian''s head hangs on the city wall, and the Miracle Soldiers Heavenly Book most likely... has also fallen into Chen Sansi''s hands."


    He still remembered how horrible the death of the soldier who had reported after letting the enemy escape following the previous major battle had been; as he spoke, he was sweating profusely, constantly swallowing saliva.


    Unexpectedly, after hearing the report, Dong An was unusually calm, calm to the point of... resembling a dead pool of water. He just took the intelligence in his hand and said in a hoarse, weak voice, "I understand, you may leave."


    "Report!"


    "General Zhong Wuxin has sent a letter, saying he hopes the Commander will lead us to retreat west immediately!"


    "You may leave as well."


    "This..."


    The two soldiers looked at each other and had no choice but to withdraw temporarily.


    "Hehe~"


    Dong An looked at the letter in his hand, revealing a miserable smile that contained despair as well as resignation. He gently released the paper, letting it slowly drift down, then stood up and walked toward the General''s Sword hanging behind the Commander''s seat.


    ...


    "What has happened to the Commander?"


    "It must be that he''s unable to get over the fact that a young newbie defeated him."


    "Our Commander is good in every way, just a bit obstinate."


    "Go and persuade him."


    "At this critical moment, who dares to go?"


    "But the West Qi Kingdom has ordered us to retreat west immediately!"


    "If we don''t leave now, it will be too late."


    "I''ll go!"


    In the end, it was a Deputy General who mustered the courage to enter the tent.


    "Commander¡ª"


    Then there was a startled shout.


    The crowds rushed into the tent.


    They saw Dong An, dressed in his undergarment, with disheveled hair sitting in the main seat, his head drooping lifelessly as he leaned on the General''s Sword, blood continuously dripping from his neck, pooling into a puddle of blood beneath his feet.


    Dong An had committed suicide.

 Chapter 256 - 149: Terrifying the World

    Meishan Prefecture.


    [Cultivation Technique: National Guardian Dragon Spear. Hua Jin (small achievement)]


    [Progress: 855/2000]


    Atop the city wall, Chen Sansi put down his long spear.


    After the Spiritual Rice Medicine Ointment was used up, the pace of his cultivation slowed down significantly.


    It had been a full ten days since the execution of the rebel Liang Jinian to the present.


    "Chirp¡ª¡ª"


    Chen Sansi finally received a response from Hai Dongqing.


    This time it flew back from the southeast, outside the Great Wilderness; it was a reply from the Capital City Army!


    Opening the intelligence report.


    Chen Sansi learned that the army was led by Martial Saint Jiang Yuanbo, and they would arrive at the Great Wall within ten more days at most.


    Setting off from Meishan Prefecture now would be just right.


    As long as they could join up with the main force, it would be equivalent to victory.


    "Pass down my command!"


    "Move out¡ª¡ª"


    ...


    Sword Gate Canyon.


    West Qi Kingdom''s military camp.


    "Leave ten thousand troops to cover the rear in the canyon!"


    "The rest, retreat silently!"


    Zhong Wuxin commanded his soldiers in the darkness, "Within fifteen days, you must return to the Northwest!"


    "Report!"


    A soldier hurried back on a galloping horse, nearly tumbling off it.


    "What''s the matter?"


    Zhong Wuxin asked hastily, "Has Dong An''s troops retreated?"


    "Commander, it''s bad!"


    The soldier said in a panic, "Dong... Dong An, he... he committed suicide!"


    "Suicide? Are you joking with me?!"


    Zhong Wuxin could scarcely believe his ears and suspected he was hallucinating due to lack of rest. He grabbed the other party and demanded, "What''s the reason?"


    "I don''t know!"


    The soldier replied, "The people from the Mingzhou Army said that Dong An committed suicide shortly after seeing the death notice of Liang Jinian, without saying another word to them!"


    "Fool, Dong An is truly a fool!"


    Even though Zhong Wuxin had deep schemes, upon receiving this news, he couldn''t help but lose his composure and cursed, "His death ruins the grand revival of our Great Qi!"


    After a moment of thought, he understood why Dong chose to take his own life.


    Firstly, the shock of losing to a young person around seventeen or eighteen was too great.


    Dong An was famously obsessed with military strategies. Since the age of ten, he had studied warfare and later considered Fang Qingyun to be his greatest nemesis in life. As such, he set winning against Fang Qingyun in military tactics as his biggest goal, which was also an important reason why he allied with West Qi.


    But as a result...


    Before he could even defeat Fang Qingyun, another even more formidable Chen Sansi appeared.


    And the tactics used in the Four Crossings of the Hongze River were probably beyond what even Fang Qingyun could conceive; it was genius!


    No, it should be said that no one in the entire world could!


    There was not a single person capable of achieving such a feat!


    Going over the campaign again on the map made it clear just how terrifying it was. That was the true art of warfare, the true tactics. Chen Sansi didn''t just command his own men, he directly...


    Commanded the enemy!


    It was terrifying!


    Even now, Zhong Wuxin still felt a deep reverence for that young man whose face he hadn''t yet seen, whom he only knew by name. If that person lived, he could surpass Ji, even Sun Xiangzong, it wasn''t impossible!


    This battle, if it had been concocted by a storyteller...


    That storyteller would surely be cursed to death, pelted with rotten eggs and spoiled vegetables for fabricating lies!


    But by some fluke...


    The Four Crossings of the Hongze were real!


    After this battle...


    The young man''s name would surely echo throughout the land!


    From then on, known by all, recognized by all!


    How could Dong An endure such a tremendous blow?


    Secondly, of course, it was about the Heavenly Book.


    Unlike Liang Jinian''s rebellion for power, Dong An rebelled purely for the Heavenly Book.


    Now that the Heavenly Book was in Chen Sansi''s hands, he would never be able to obtain it again.


    For Dong An, this battle naturally lost all its meaning.


    With such a double blow, how could he not take his own life?


    But his life was of little consequence, yet it brought about disaster for the entire Qi!


    "Damn it!"


    Zhong Wuxin kept repeating the curse, "If I had known earlier, who would have needed to employ the ''catching turtles in a jar'' strategy!"


    Originally...


    The plan was for the armies of Great Qi to march directly into Ming State territory and engage the troops of the Great Sheng Dynasty head-on.


    Liang Jinian and Dong An had proposed the strategy together.


    Claiming they had a way to first consume four thousand troops of the Great Sheng Dynasty along with a bunch of Innate Martial Saints, seize the "momentum," and then take advantage of Sun Xiangzong''s absence to swiftly defeat Liangzhou and the Great Sheng.


    But in the end...


    It wasn''t about catching turtles, but reaping the whirlwind, basically shooting themselves in the foot!


    If they had known this would happen, they could have fought a direct battle. Even if it came at a greater cost, they still had a fifty percent chance of winning!


    Now, there was no chance at all!


    "Commander, I haven''t finished what I was saying."


    The soldier continued, "Dong An''s Deputy General Li Tiancheng and others seem to be converging towards us. They say that after losing their commander, they are unsure of what to do and hope to merge with us before making any further plans." S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "No good!"


    Zhong Wuxin immediately realized, "They are not coming to join forces, they have betrayed us to encircle us with Ji! Hurry, retreat, don''t leave a single man behind, the whole army withdraws overnight, head straight back west of the Great Wall!"


    "Doesn''t that mean..."


    A few deputy generals who had been listening by his side asked, "We''re not fighting anymore?"


    "What''s there to fight for!"


    Zhong Wuxin snapped angrily, "With Dong An alive there was still a chance, but with his and Liang Jinian''s deaths, our ''momentum'' is completely lost. Continuing the fight is certain defeat, even being slow to retreat won''t do, quick!"


    "Retreat¡ª¡ª"


    ...


    Xuanwu Camp''s military camp.


    "Boss!"


    "Good news!"


    "Great news!"


    Nie Yuan burst into the tent with excitement, holding a sealed letter in his hand.


    "Sansi, why are you becoming more impulsive?"


    Just as Ji was putting on his armor and picking up his mighty Heavenly Halberd, he said, "How good can the news be, Dong An is dead or something?"

 Chapter 257 - 149 Thunderous Prestige_2

    "Right! Dong An is dead!"


    Nie Yuan slapped the secret missive onto the table, "Li Tiancheng and others have written, claiming they have agreed to credit their achievements to us, and are now advancing at full speed towards Sword Gate Canyon, preparing for a pincer attack with us to devour West Qi Kingdom in one fell swoop!"


    "Is that so?!"


    L¨¹ Ji asked anxiously, "How did Dong An die, did Li Tiancheng and others conspire to assassinate him?"


    "No."


    Nie Yuan spoke deliberately, pausing with each word, "He was angered to death by our junior brother."


    "..."


    L¨¹ Ji fell silent.


    From this moment, he knew.


    Another kind of person would emerge within the Eight Camps.


    "Report!"


    "L¨¹ Shuai!"


    "Scouts report, half a day ago, the main force of Zhong Wuxin''s army began to retreat from Sword Gate Canyon!"


    "Then what are we waiting for, chase them!"


    L¨¹ Ji didn''t let the huge turn of events cloud his judgment, "Three thousand Xianzhen Army, follow me in charging forward to pursue, the rest divide into left and right behind, to prevent Li Tiancheng and the others from feigning surrender!"


    "Beat the drums, march!" S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ...


    Outside Yangchun Prefecture, in the wilderness.


    After Sha Wenlong barehandedly killed more than thirty riders pursuing them, he continued to flee with Cao Fan. It was at this moment that Hai Dongqing returned with intelligence from Sword Gate Canyon.


    "General L¨¹ says Sword Gate Canyon has fallen, tells us to just keep moving forward!"


    "General L¨¹ is indeed formidable..."


    Cao Fan sighed, "Sword Gate Canyon is easy to defend and hard to attack, yet he was able to in such a short time..."


    "But..."


    Sha Wenlong''s expression changed uncertainly, "It wasn''t General L¨¹ who took it down but West Qi Kingdom voluntarily retreated because, because after Chen Sansi crossed the Hongze River for the fourth time, he went straight to Meishan Prefecture to execute the Liang traitor, then angering Dong An to death."


    "What did you say?!"


    Hearing this, Cao Fan''s wounds seemed to heal instantly, and he leapt up from the ground, "General Sha, are you sure you haven''t got it wrong, this isn''t false information from the enemy?"


    "Princely Heir, this is indeed true."


    Sha Wenlong sighed deeply, "See for yourself."


    "How did he do it?!"


    Cao Fan''s hands trembled uncontrollably, his eyes nearly popping out as he spoke incoherently, "The achievements after the fourth crossing... directly caused the entire West Qi army to retreat, meaning... this Ming State campaign has been subdued by Chen Sansi leading merely three thousand men!"


    "One man, settles one state!"


    "This is not just first merit, it''s Heavenly Merit!"


    "It''s among the top ten Heavenly Merits in the over three hundred years of the Great Sheng Dynasty!"


    "Princely Heir!"


    Sha Wenlong, seeing that the other party was about to collapse, hurriedly stepped forward to support him, "Princely Heir!"


    "General Sha, I can''t compete with him anymore..."


    Cao Fan had to admit, "Not just me, from now on, no one in the younger generation can compete with him."


    "A towering tree invites the wind, which is not necessarily a good thing; he will have to face even more troubles in the future!"


    Sha Wenlong persuaded, "Moreover, the Princely Heir, there will still be opportunities in the future. Once we return, after resting and regrouping for a year or so, we will campaign across the grassland to suppress the barbarian tribes. The merit from such a campaign is much greater than that from quelling this rebellion!"


    "General Sha."


    With gritted teeth, Cao Fan said, "Tell me why Yu Song would disobey orders? If he hadn''t, the result would have been all of the Chen men dying on the way to attack Yangchun Prefecture. You and I leading over a thousand cavalry to break through and attack the enemy from behind at Sword Gate Canyon, in coordination with General L¨¹, would have scored us a major victory. This Heavenly Merit, it should have been ours; it was meant to be ours!"


    "The Princely Heir is right; how dare an Assistant General disobey orders!"


    Clenching his fist so tightly it cracked, Sha Wenlong said, "Once we return, I will personally list his crimes clearly! If all generals were to act as he did, I think we might as well not have fought this war at all; everything would have been thrown into chaos!"


    ...


    Luo Tian Pass.


    "Liang Jinian is dead!"


    "You rebels, surrender quickly, or face the eradication of your entire family, leaving not one alive!"


    "..."


    Chen Sansi''s forces were reduced to barely fifteen hundred men, and wherever they went, all would surrender at the mere whiff of their presence. Not until they joined forces with the Capital City Guard Army did they completely secure Luo Tian Pass and stabilize the situation in the south.


    At the same time, they also received news of Dong An taking his own life.


    "This man was really one for splitting hairs."


    Chen Sansi knew.


    With Dong An''s death, it meant the war had ended.


    "General Chen!"


    Lu Shuhua and the others were ecstatic, "You have led us to achieve such Heavenly Merit!"


    "Indeed."


    Xie Sishu continued, "And not just merit, we have learned a lot by following you this time."


    "More than that!"


    Yan Changqing said admiringly, "When I return, I''m going to thoroughly review the entire sequence of the Ming State rebellion campaign on a map, then document it. I believe it won''t be long before everyone in the Military Family treats it like a treasured resource!"


    "General Chen!"


    "Marshal Jiang and his men brought some fine wine; we shall drink to our fill tonight!"


    "Let''s go, let''s go!"


    "..."


    While the group was cheering and celebrating,


    Chen Sansi silently left, rode Qian Xun in search of something near Luo Tian Pass, and eventually found over thirty bodies in a valley dozens of miles away.


    There were many wild wolves nearby.


    Many of the bodies were gnawed beyond recognition.


    Through the painstaking identification of a water bag that was once used to carry "Drunk Saint," he recognized the decomposed and headless body of Yu Song.


    "Qian Xun."


    Chen Sansi patted the horse''s head, "Go, call Zhao Kang and the others over so we can take our brothers'' bodies back for a proper burial."


    He turned around to gather local herbs to prevent the bodies from decomposing further, then planned to transport them all back to Liangzhou after the war had truly ended, so they could rest in their homeland.


    The overall situation was already settled.


    However, there would still be two to three months of cleanup to do.


    Fortunately, no further danger would arise in the aftermath, and Chen Sansi and his men would merely have to follow the Capital Army, pushing forward unopposed. In most cases, they wouldn''t even need to engage in battle themselves, simply observing from the sidelines would suffice.

 Chapter 258 - 149: Shocking the World_3

    ...


    Capital City.


    Inside Longevity Palace.


    All the senior officials had arrived at court, creating a solemn atmosphere.


    Due to the delay in news from the war in Ming State, the Emperor was preparing to lead the expedition himself.


    "Your Majesty, please consider carefully!"


    Yan Liang and others knelt and pleaded, "You possess the body of a True Dragon, the sovereign of our nation, how can you lightly go to war!"


    "Indeed, Your Majesty."


    Minister of War, Gao Bo, emphatically said, "Your Majesty is the stabilizer of our Great Sheng Dynasty, and should not be moved lightly unless absolutely necessary."


    "Father Emperor, your son is willing to go!"


    The gray-haired Regent Crown Prince, leaning on a cane, slowly made his way into the hall, set down his cane, and knelt gently: "Father Emperor, allow your son to lead the expedition!"


    "Rise first."


    The curtains parted, and Emperor Longqing, with a ruddy complexion and full of vitality, approached the Crown Prince and personally helped him up: "Haven''t I already decreed that you need not kneel? You have difficulty with your legs, do not harm your body. Huang Hong, would you provide a seat for the Crown Prince?"


    "Thank you, Father Emperor!"


    "Yes!"


    The Chief Eunuch, dressed in plain clothes, hurriedly brought over a small stool and then assisted the Crown Prince in sitting down.


    "Hmm."


    Emperor Longqing slightly squinted his eyes: "Crown Prince, what did you just say?"


    "Father Emperor, your son wishes to lead the expedition to Ming State!"


    The Crown Prince spoke solemnly, "Ming State to the north can spy on Yan State, to the east it oversees Liangzhou, southwards it crosses the Great Wilderness, and it can directly threaten the militarily depleted Feng State and others. It is truly the gateway of our Great Sheng Dynasty, a place where no mishap must occur! Father Emperor, allow your son to lead the troops to Ming State, and your son guarantees with his life that he will quell the rebellion within three months."


    "Your Majesty! I concur."


    Minister of War, Gao Bo, followed up, "Your humble servant wishes to accompany him, with Jiang Yuanbo, Lu Ji, along with the Crown Prince and myself, we will definitely not fail!"


    "Heh~"


    Emperor Longqing did not answer them immediately, but swished his sleeve, turned, and sat down on the Dragon Chair. After a long while, he leisurely responded, "The Crown Prince is frequently ill, and the journey to Ming State is far, so let me go myself. That is settled."


    The Crown Prince and Gao Bo exchanged a glance, both displaying a touch of disappointment on their faces.


    "The Emperor is wise!"


    The previously dissenting Yan Liang, upon hearing that the Crown Prince wanted to go, also began to agree: "Emperor Wan Shou personally leading the expedition to Ming State will definitely triumph magnificently!"


    "With the Emperor arriving, the rebels will certainly lose their nerve upon hearing the news!"


    "..."


    "Enough, you all need not flatter me so..."


    Emperor Longqing spoke gravely, "Do you think I want to go? I have no choice! They say our Great Sheng Dynasty is full of talented individuals, but when it comes down to it, how many can stand on their own? In the end, there are not enough capable people, nor enough loyal people!"


    "We are incompetent!"


    "Forgive us, Your Majesty!"


    "..."


    "Fang Qingyun!"


    Emperor Longqing looked toward the scholar in the corner: "Come with me."


    Fang Qingyun slightly bowed his head: "Your humble servant obeys the command."


    "Hmm, and then..."


    Emperor Longqing was about to continue reviewing his troops and officers when suddenly loud shouts arose outside.


    "Victory report¡ª"


    "Great victory in Ming State¡ª"


    The battle reports were passed layer by layer into the palace.


    Inside the great hall, both civil and military officers heard it clearly, joy apparent on everyone''s face.


    The Chief Eunuch Huang Hong immediately went out to greet them.


    "Jiang Yuanbo truly is the foremost among the younger generation!"


    "Yes, in such a quick time."


    "It must be Ji!


    "You''re right, siege warfare is Marquis Ji''s specialty!"


    "..."


    Emperor Longqing said, "Read it quickly, right in front of everyone."


    "At your command!"


    Huang Hong opened the petition and read aloud.


    However, the expressions of the high civil and military officials soon froze, even the usually impassive face of Emperor Longqing showed uncontrollable emotional fluctuations.


    Burning Golden Spring, four crossings of Hongze, directly breaking into Mei Mountain, to the death of Dong An...


    Each of these feats, taken alone, was a tremendous achievement, yet they all ended up attributed to one man.


    General of Martial Virtue¡ªChen Sansi!


    "Boom¡ª"


    There were no clouds over the Capital City, yet in everyone''s ears, the rumbling of thunder was distinctly heard.


    For a moment,


    all was silent within Longevity Palace.


    There was not a single person who spoke; everyone looked at each other, not even sure how to express their shock.


    "Huang Hong!" sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Finally, it was Emperor Longqing on the Dragon Chair who brought everyone back from their dazed state, pointing at the Chief Eunuch and commanding, "You quickly sketch the entire process of the Ming State rebellion suppression campaign for everyone to see. Have every civil and military officer memorize it, learn what it means to be a General, what it means to be a Commander!"


    The Chief Eunuch immediately gathered a few eunuchs, hung the map of Ming State in front of the many officers, and started to methodically replay the entire campaign.


    "This... "


    "This seems too absurd!"


    "Every time just brushing past the Enemy Army."


    "West Qi combined with the rebel army had over a hundred thousand, yet this young man with just a few thousand brought them down!"


    "..."


    "My unworthy grandson, to be part of such a battle, is truly a stroke of fortune!"


    The Chief Minister Yan Liang said in his aged voice, "It''s fortune for the Great Sheng Dynasty to have such a young military talent, a blessing brought by Your Majesty''s extensive merit!"


    The Crown Prince, leaning on his cane, nearly pressing his face to the map: "A Divine General, a heaven-sent Divine General..."


    "It seems neither His Majesty nor His Highness need to visit Ming State anymore."


    Gao Bo knelt and said, "After this battle, I believe it will take at most another three to five months to completely settle the chaos in Ming State!"


    "Hmm, indeed it saves Us, saves the court a lot of worry."


    Emperor Longqing looked towards the corner and asked, "Fang Qingyun, speak up, did you teach him these things?"

 Chapter 259 - 149: Shocking the World_4

    ```


    "Your Majesty, it wasn''t my strategy. I am ashamed to say that after the war in Ming State broke out, I had no contact with Chen Sansi."


    Fang Qingyun said, "All of this, I''m afraid, was his own adaptation to the circumstances."


    He looked at the route drawn in vermilion on the map, fearing that even upon his own return, he would have to study it carefully before recording it. In this battle, even if he himself were to take charge, he could not possibly achieve such a feat, at most he would preserve his own life.


    Four Crossings of Hongze.


    These four words were destined to be recorded in history books, included in Military Books, for disciples of Military Families to study and admire for hundreds, even thousands of years to come!


    He was only...


    Eighteen years old!


    How many famed generals throughout thousands of years of history were eighteen years old?!


    "Adaptation to the circumstances?"


    When the courtiers heard that it had nothing to do with "Phoenix" and was purely the result of Chen Sansi''s independent command, they showed even more unimaginable surprise.


    "Divine General!"


    "A Heaven-sent Divine General!"


    The many officials bowed deeply.


    "Congratulations to Your Majesty, felicitations to Your Majesty!"


    "Ah, good."


    Emperor Longqing, who rarely showed his emotions, could not hide the joy in his eyes, and with a grand wave of his hand said, "Reward him, I want to reward him thoroughly. How about this, once the unrest in Ming State is completely settled, find a time to summon him to the Capital! I, wish to meet this eighteen-year-old General in person!"


    Fang Qingyun hesitantly said, "Your Majesty, this..."


    "What? Is there something inappropriate?"


    Emperor Longqing joked, "Could it be that Fang Aiqing is afraid that I will take away your Eight Camps'' man?"


    "Your Majesty''s words make your servant tremble with fear."


    Fang Qingyun explained, "Whether it''s the Eight Camps or all under Heaven, they are all Your Majesty''s subjects to begin with. There is no question of taking anyone away."


    "Look how scared you''ve become; I was just teasing you."


    Emperor Longqing leaned back in the Dragon Chair: "Let''s settle on this, then. After the war is over, the rest will be rewarded as appropriate, but as for the General of Martial Virtue, Chen Sansi, let''s wait until he comes to the Capital. In the meantime, I shall contemplate what rewards to bestow upon him!"


    "Your Majesty is wise."


    Fang Qingyun bowed and saluted.


    He turned his head to look outside the grand hall, towards the Northern Heavenly Dome.


    The unrest in Ming State was over.


    ...


    In the seventy-third year of Longqing''s reign.


    On July 25th, the Southern part of Ming State was pacified.


    On the sixth day of August, Zhong Wuxin, who was in the vicinity of Sword Gate Canyon, withdrew his troops, temporarily stabilizing the situation in Dingxi Prefecture. He dealt with forces from Yan State on one hand and orderly retreated on the other.


    On August 22nd, Vermilion Bird Camp and White Tiger Camp invaded the western part of Ming State, catching up with Zhong Wuxin''s troops. The West Qi Kingdom''s forces suffered an eighty percent loss, with two Mysterious Phenomenons killed, twenty Meridian Passages, and countless others. They retreated beyond the Great Wall, and after being supported by the troops within West Qi Country''s borders and losing another two engagements, they finally stabilized their position by leveraging the terrain. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    On September 12th, the main army cleared Ming State of the remaining rebels.


    On September 21st, Ming State was at peace.


    On September 28th, the Imperial Army returned to the Capital in triumph, other troops went back to their original posts, and the Reserve Camp returned in victory.


    "Old Zhao, did we come here in January or February?"


    "I don''t remember."


    "This war''s been going on for nearly a year."


    "Yes."


    "It seems our lord has become famous this time."


    "And how, that Martial Saint from the Capital, what''s-his-name Jiang something, he''ll have to give way to our lord by three points!"


    "Strange, why do they all look so shocked when they hear about the battle results?"


    "Exactly."


    "Isn''t winning battles with our lord very normal, very fitting?"


    On the road back to Liangzhou.


    While the rest were still discussing the Four Crossings of Hongze, the brothers from Po Yang remained unusually calm, simply feeling a bit ashamed.


    "Brothers, we need to push harder with our training once we''re back."


    "Yes, we were of too little use."


    "By the way, have you seen our lord?"


    "Seems like he went to Bai Gou County."


    ...


    Bai Gou County.


    Under the remains of broken walls, what was left of the city''s gate swung precariously in the autumn breeze.


    Chen Sansi rode slowly into the city on Qian Xun.


    Not long ago, the Vermilion Bird Camp and the White Tiger Camp had been here.


    The corpses on the streets had all disappeared, presumably dealt with by the army, either burned or thrown into some desolate burial ground in the mountains. The county had become desolate, with only one or two numb-eyed survivors wandering about, apart from the occasional overpassing rat, turning the once-thriving city into a ghost town.


    After this war, West Qi Country had suffered greatly and would probably dare not have any designs for many years.


    But likewise, Ming State had also suffered a tremendous loss and would need five to ten years of recuperation.


    Chen Sansi rode the White Swan Horse in and around the city, but in the end, he couldn''t find the figure he wished to see, feeling a tinge of regret that perhaps it was not meant to be, he turned his horse, ready to leave.


    "Daddy..."


    It was at this moment that a timid yet courageous childish voice rose.


    Chen Sansi turned back.


    A thin, frail figure emerged from a narrow, cramped alley, her clothes full of patches were now tattered, holding a dead rat she had found somewhere, her big eyes clear and bright against her dirt-stained face.


    Heaven knows how she had managed to survive until now.


    "You just now..."


    Chen Sansi bent down, "Called me what?"


    "Daddy."


    The little girl didn''t dare come too close, standing seven or eight steps away, she earnestly said, "Dad told me, when he can no longer speak, I should go out, call men daddy and women mommy..."


    "Alright."


    Chen Sansi dismounted and reached out his hands, striving to make his voice as gentle as possible, "Daddy will take you home."


    Through all the fighting.


    ```

 Chapter 260 - 149: Shocking the World_5

    His body had long been tainted with an indescribable evil aura.


    But the hesitant little girl took only a moment before she walked over with small, quick steps.


    Chen Sansi scooped her up onto the horse''s back, "Have you ever ridden a horse?"


    "No."


    "What''s your name?"


    "I''m called, called Yunxi."


    "What''s your last name?"


    "What''s Daddy''s last name?"


    "I''m a Chen."


    "Then I, I''ll be called Chen Yunxi."


    "..."


    "Yunxi, just throw away the mouse."


    "But..."


    "Daddy has jerky and pancakes here for you."


    "Oh."


    "..."


    "Daddy, where are we going?"


    "Didn''t I tell you, we''re going home?"


    "Oh, thank you, Daddy. Do I have a mommy?"


    "Yes, you do. By my calculations, you''re about to become a big sister."


    ...


    October 22nd.


    War flames burning for three months, a family letter worth a fortune.


    Liangzhou.


    Chen Mansion.


    "Ah¡ª¡ª"


    From within the bedroom came the sounds of agonizing struggle.


    "Yah yah yah!"


    Si Qin and Mo Hua were in a frantic state, "What to do, what to do."


    "What are you all yelling for?"


    The best midwife in Liangzhou City said impatiently, "Everything was going well, you''re giving me a headache, out, all of you! Miss Sun, you too, out!"


    "Oh, okay."


    Sun Li, realizing the situation, led the two maidservants out of the room.


    "Bang bang bang¡ª¡ª"


    Having moved from the inner courtyard to the front, it was only then that they heard someone knocking persistently at the door.


    When Sun Li opened the door, she found it was Sun Buqi.


    "Sister!"


    "Victory news! Victory news!"


    Sun Buqi said with overflowing joy, "Sis, my brother-in-law, no, that''s not right, Chen Sansi and the others have returned! How to put it, see for yourself!"


    Sun Li read through the message quickly, her eyes betraying a complex emotion that was hard to articulate.


    "It''s incredible! Just incredible!"


    Sun Buqi hopped around excitedly, "Crossing the Four Crossings of Hongze, do you understand? You don''t! I''ve figured it out, I''ll sketch it out for you later and explain it properly! This time, Chen Sansi''s name won''t just be famous in Liangzhou but in all of Dasheng, no, in the entire world! Including Dongqing, Beiman, everyone will remember this name!"


    "Where are they?"


    Sun Li asked, "Have they come back?"


    "Soon, they will arrive today."


    Sun Buqi pointed towards the South City Gate, "Everyone''s waiting over there."


    "Let''s go, have a look."


    Sun Li brought out the horses.


    On the way to the city gate, the siblings also came across a carriage from the Red Sleeve Tower.


    ```


    "Sister, isn''t that a whore from the Red Sleeve Tower?!"


    Sun Buqi was furious, "Why is she coming to join in on the fun too?"


    ...


    Wilderness.


    After ascending a slope, a behemoth crouched in the midst of the wilderness finally came into view at the end of everyone''s sight.


    Liangzhou City!


    We''re back!


    As the leading contributor to this battle''s success, Chen Sansi rode at the forefront of the troops on his White Swan Horse, with the drowsy Chen Yunxi cradled in his arms, not even wearing his armour for her comfort.


    [Skill: Horse Control (small achievement)]


    [Progress: (855/2000)]


    ...


    [Skill: Archery (Great Success)]


    [Progress: (1250/2000)]


    ...


    [Cultivation Technique: National Guardian Dragon Spear. Hua Jin (small achievement)]


    [Progress:1455/2000]


    Having consumed all the treasure medicine he had with him, the good news was that reaching Great Success with Hua Jin was just a matter of the next couple of months, after which he would strive to break through to the Meridian Passage Realm and make every effort to enter the Profound Image Realm as soon as possible.


    ...


    [Magic: Sword Qi Skill (entry-level)]


    [Progress:135/500]


    With the spirit sand completely used up, and barely any progress in proficiency, Chen Sansi was temporarily unable to use spells. Once things settled down, he needed to quickly secure the incense burner from Ci Yun Temple.


    The exploration deep in the Luotian Mountain Range had to continue, the trouble caused by the Witch God Sect in Ming State needed investigating, and he had to prepare the materials for arrows... sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    These were personal matters, but in military affairs, it seemed that next year there would be another campaign against the grassland, a battle on a scale greater than the Ming State campaign, and even more perilous.


    After all, in the Ming State, he hadn''t directly faced a High Realm Martial Artist, but if he were to attack an enemy''s homeland, he would definitely encounter High Realm Martial Artists.


    Thus, he had to quickly increase his strength.


    Meridian Passage was not enough; it would be best to reach the Xuanxiang Realm before the campaign against the grassland.


    It didn''t seem too bad at first, but once tallied, there was a lot to do, and not a moment to rest...


    "Daddy, have we arrived?"


    Chen Yunxi woke up and asked groggily.


    On the way back to Liangzhou, Chen Sansi made a special stop in Prefecture City for two days to give his adopted daughter a bath and change her into clean, nice clothes. The girl was clever and cute, though a bit skinny and dried out.


    "We have."


    Chen Sansi pointed ahead with his riding crop, "That''s our home."


    "Daddy, what are they singing?"


    "The song of triumph."


    ...


    The army that quelled the Ming State rebellion was returning in triumph, having dealt a devastating loss to the West Qi Kingdom, and naturally, there was cause for celebration.


    Officials big and small from Liangzhou City had already come out to welcome their return.


    From twenty miles away, one could see the ceremonial guards and banquet tables.


    Pei Tiannan and Mr. Hou were naturally at the forefront.


    Lv Ji and the others were in the rear, and it would take a few more days for them to return one after another.


    Chen Sansi was clearly not the Commander, yet still became the sole focus of attention.


    "Mr. Chen!"


    Mr. Hou approached with a cup of wine, "We''ve all heard of your deeds, the way you fought this battle is indeed unprecedented and unparalleled, I''m in awe!"


    "Yes."


    Pei Tiannan didn''t say much, "Where are the Young Master and the others?"


    Cao Fan and Sha Wenlong, who were finally rescued near Sword Gate Canyon by Lv Ji and his men in the last phase and had since achieved some minor merits with Xuanwu Camp.


    "The Young Master is in the rear."


    Chen Sansi said indifferently.


    He certainly hadn''t forgotten how the other had repeatedly stabbed him in the back on the battlefield and it was all done in the open¡ªas if everything was known yet nothing could be done about it, at most it could be chalked up to a command error.


    ```

 Chapter 261 - 149: Shocking the World_6

    ```


    Ironically, the largest portion of blame fell on Dong An''s shoulders.


    The court''s intention was that all the failures of this campaign would not be attributed to the various generals, because even the Ministry of War had not anticipated Dong An''s treason. Including the Mingzhou Rebel Army, after their surrender, not all of them would be killed either. At most, only a part would be executed. The rest would be scattered and then relocated to other places, to be absorbed and assimilated into other state armies. We''re talking about seventy or eighty thousand people, mass executions would be a huge loss for Dasheng.


    "Many thanks, Mr. Chen."


    Having received the news, Pei Tiannan went to seek the Princely Heir.


    After drinking the wine provided by Mr. Hou, Chen Sansi continued riding on.


    Near the city gate was a dense crowd of common folk, looking to number at least a hundred thousand people, practically overflowing the mountains and fields endlessly. They listened to the victors'' songs and music, each of them craning their necks and standing on tiptoe among the ranks, searching for their husbands, sons, or fathers. Some found that their family members had distinguished themselves and returned home, weeping with joy, while others did not see any familiar figures even after the troops had completely entered the city, only the carts of corpses at the very end. They couldn''t hold back their emotions and started to wail and rushed forward to claim the bodies.


    For some families, it was a time of joy; for others, a time of sorrow. The autumn brought grief, each degree varying in its chill.


    For one man''s triumph, a sea of bones was the cost; Beiliang''s desolate graves added yet more.


    "Shanshi!"


    "Little junior brother."


    The voices of men and women intermingled.


    Sun Buqi and Sun Li exclaimed in unison.


    "Bu Qi, senior sister."


    Chen Sansi smiled and said, "You''ve come as well."


    "You''re too cruel!"


    Sun Buqi exclaimed admiringly, "Nearly a year''s time, and we all thought you were dead. But look at you, not only are you alive, but you''ve also caused such a huge stir!"


    "Congratulations, little junior brother."


    Sun Li''s usually cool tone warmed considerably, "After this battle, you''re truly going to shake the world."


    "Eh~"


    Sun Buqi noticed the child in his arms, "Shanshi, where did you pick up this little girl?"


    "Daddy, how should I address them?" The little girl said, tugging gently at the man''s sleeve, looking somewhat uneasy.


    Daddy?


    How long had it been?


    Sun Buqi: "?"


    Sun Li: "?"


    "They are both your grand masters."


    Chen Sansi introduced, "Don''t be afraid."


    "Xixi has seen the grand masters."


    Chen Yunxi called out softly.


    "Mm, good girl..."


    Sun Li came to her senses and reached out to pat Chen Yunxi''s head.


    They could understand with a bit of thought.


    Even though he had been away for a year, it wasn''t enough time to have a child, let alone a child who looked to be five or six years old.


    It was very likely a homeless child picked up from some chaotic place.


    Just like their Great Senior Brother once was.


    "Where is Sister Lan?"


    Chen Sansi asked, "How is she doing?"


    "You should hurry back."


    Sun Li said, "Counting the hours, my little nephew should be born by now, and besides, we hadn''t had the chance to tell her you''re safe and sound."


    "Giddyup¡ª"


    Before they could finish speaking, Chen Sansi spurred Qian Xun onwards and was gone in the blink of an eye.


    ...


    Chen Mansion.


    "Wahhh¡ª"


    With a loud cry, a newborn baby came into the world.


    Gu Xinlan, pale-faced, held the child in her arms, her eyes tinged with red.


    "Sniff..."


    Si Qinmohua also began to sob.


    "Ah~"


    The midwife let out a sigh, "In these times of war and chaos, it''s said that several tens of thousands went to Ming State... But Mr. Chen is different from the rest, a lucky man has his own celestial favor, madam need not worry."


    "Sniff, madam!"


    Unable to hold back, Si Qin wept sorrowfully, "Rest assured, we will take good care of you."


    "We will also take good care of the young master."


    ```


    ```


    "What are you crying for, I''m not dead!"


    The door burst open.


    A sturdy, upright figure appeared.


    "Brother Shi?"


    "Mr. Chen?!"


    Chen Sansi hurriedly rushed to the bedside.


    "Brother Shi..."


    "Don''t move."


    Without looking at the child, Chen Sansi asked the others, "The medicine I left for my wife to recuperate, has it all been properly used?"


    "Stop worrying about me."


    Gu Xinlan strained to sit up, "How are you, are you hurt?"


    "I''m as strong as an ox, don''t you know? Rest assured."


    "You really scared me to death..."


    "..."


    "Wahhh¡ª"


    While the two of them were talking, the baby cried again. Chen Sansi then realized, and he picked up the child, "Indeed a son, the name Du He wasn''t chosen wrongly. Yunxi, this is your brother, and the woman in the bed is your mother."


    "Mom, mother."


    Chen Yunxi stammered.


    "Good child."


    Gu Xinlan also guessed the cause and tenderly embraced the little girl.


    Si Qinmohua, with keen eyesight, bowed and said, "Met the young miss, met the young master."


    "Congratulations, Mr. Chen."


    The midwife said cheerily, "Just like that, you have both a son and a daughter."


    "Here, you worked hard."


    Chen Sansi took out several bars of silver.


    "Oh my, thank you, Mr. Chen!"


    "Please take care of my wife and child for now, I have some military affairs that I haven''t finished dealing with."


    After making sure that everything was fine, Chen Sansi immediately headed towards the Military City.


    The troops had to regroup and recount the mission upon their return.


    He seized the opportunity to inquire about something urgent.


    At the military camp.


    "Don''t get me started, in this year you all were gone, the Witch God Sect hasn''t rested for a bit, and.."


    Li Qianzong said with a worried face, "Just the other day, the two Taoists from Ci Yun Temple died."


    "Died?"


    Chen Sansi pressed, "I remember these two were not convicted, did you later find evidence?"


    "That''s not the case."


    Li Qianzong explained, "After interrogating for almost half a year and still finding no substantial evidence, and with many Major Sects speaking in their favor and expressing dissatisfaction with the Liangzhou Army privately, we were under pressure and were about to release them."


    "Guess what happened then?"


    "The night before they were to be released, both of them died in the cell."


    "Really?"


    Chen Sansi had previously chatted with Li Qianzong for half an hour, casually bringing up Ci Yun Temple to avoid drawing attention, and he continued to ask, "How did they die?"


    Li Qianzong replied, "Suicide!" Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Suicide?"


    Chen Sansi pretended to be a simple bystander, "How did they commit suicide?"


    "They smashed their own heads with a palm strike."


    Li Qianzong clicked his tongue, "It''s quite spooky. They were held in separate cells, so who knows why they wanted to commit suicide? Their deaths were easy for them, but now it''s being said outside that the Liangzhou Army is killing the innocent."


    Chen Sansi was clear in his heart, there must be something fishy about these suicides.


    He inquired, "If I remember correctly, the two people who were captured, one was the temple master and the other was the supervisor, if both are dead, wouldn''t Ci Yun Temple have to close its doors for good?"


    What worried him the most was whether the incense burner was still there or if someone had taken it away.


    "Ci Yun Temple is doing just fine, and no issues were found with the other Taoists under them."


    Li Qianzong said, "Moreover, I''ve heard they have some kind of master''s uncle planning to return and take over Ci Yun Temple soon. If you ask me, there will definitely be someone to take over, with just the incense money alone they don''t know how much they can make each year, it''s simply a money tree! I can''t understand what those Martial Saints are thinking, praying to immortals, thinking they themselves can become immortals? Ridiculous."


    Someone else is coming...


    Chen Sansi knew, if he wanted to act, he had to hurry.


    ```

 Chapter 262 - 150: Loyal Heroic Tablet, Incense Fire Divine Sect

    Uncle Master...


    The Ci Yun Temple indeed has many Taoists who wander outside, but coming back at this critical juncture, I''m afraid it''s greatly connected to the "Immortal Elixir" and the "Incense Burner," and it''s quite possible that they are the masterminds behind everything.


    If we wait for them to return, grabbing the incense burner will become an extra hassle, and it''s not impossible that the incense burner could be taken away directly.


    We can''t delay any longer.


    We must take this opportunity while Ci Yun Temple is unattended.


    "Thousand Captain Li is right,"


    Chen Sansi didn''t forget to respond, "I''ve also been there twice, the old Taoist only spoke of grand but empty things."


    "Exactly, that''s what I said."


    Li Qianzong continued to talk about other recent events.


    For example, the Witch God Sect is causing a stir, with various sects becoming increasingly agitated and beginning to organize search teams privately to look for hiding spots of the sect followers. They even curse the Liangzhou Army as useless and the like.


    Among them, Manor Master Wen Zhi of Moon Splitting Mountain Villa lost two of his beloved disciples and has been patrolling all over the place like a madman, swearing to the heavens that he will expose the Witch God Sect Followers no matter what.


    "Alright, let''s not talk about this anymore."


    Chen Sansi said his goodbyes, "I still have some matters to attend to."


    "Go ahead."


    Li Qianzong joked, "General Chen, your military achievements this time are impressive. It''s hard to say about your merit, but at the very least you should be promoted from Fifth Rank and at the very least become an Assistant General in the army. The next time I see you, I''ll have to address you as Vice General Chen."


    "I hope so, auspicious words from Thousand Captain Li."


    Chen Sansi said with a fist salute, "Let''s gather the brothers we know sometime soon, I''ll treat everyone at the Immortal Crane Tower."


    "Great, we''ll definitely take the chance to feast at your expense then!"


    "See you then! See you then!"


    After dealing with the military affairs, it was nearing midnight.


    When Chen Sansi returned to his bedroom, he saw Sister Lan breastfeeding the child, and there seemed to be no room for him on the bed because Yunxi was also sleeping in this room, apparently because Sister Lan was worried she would get scared.


    "Daddy."


    Chen Yunxi called out.


    It''s over a month''s journey from Ming State to Liangzhou.


    Having spent a month together, they had grown quite familiar with each other.


    "Alright, then Yunxi can stay here and accompany your mother and brother,"


    Chen Sansi said, "You can go back to your own room after a while. I''ll be staying in the backyard for the time being."


    It was convenient for him to do some things.


    "Okay."


    Chen Yunxi nodded emphatically.


    Once in the backyard, Chen Sansi took a bath with the help of Si Qin, changed into clean clothes, then lay on the bed to rest while taking out the "Bead."


    This object could produce an unknown "Mystical Energy" that could enhance formations, so he temporarily named it "Xuanzhu."


    On the journey there were always too many people and too much attention.


    Only now did Chen Sansi have the opportunity to study it in detail.


    It''s worth mentioning that since the Xuanzhu came into his possession, the Mystical Energy contained within began to increase continuously, from a weak stream at first to a small clump of white smoke now, which seemed to be still increasing gradually. He did not know the reason behind this.


    Chen Sansi held the Xuanzhu in his hand, closed his eyes, and tried to sense in the same state as when he was cultivating the Sword Qi Skill. Before long, he established a special connection with the Xuanzhu, and could then manipulate the "Energy" inside to enhance himself. However, it seemed to be of no use as it did not enhance combat power for a single person. He also tried to use the Xuanzhu''s energy to cultivate the Sword Qi Skill, but that too failed. It seemed it could only be useful for army formations.


    Even so, it was absolutely a treasure!


    Or rather, it might be useless for a mere Martial Artist, but it was a supreme treasure for a commander.


    The strongest battle of the Red Eyebrow Army was won thanks to the Xuanzhu, which broke through the Enemy Army. It was said that the combat power demonstrated even surpassed that of the Eight Camps. It''s worth noting the Red Eyebrow Army was established for less than a year, and even most of the High Realm Martial Artists were gathered from various sects.


    Furthermore, for some unknown reason, the energy stored in the Xuanzhu began to decrease, leading to a substantial weakening of the Red Eyebrow Army''s combat effectiveness. Even so, his troop still struggled outside Meishan Prefecture. If he could accumulate enough Mystical Energy and then use it in one battle, he couldn''t imagine the fighting power it would unleash.


    "Just don''t know how to accumulate it..."


    "It seems that the types of Mystical Energy are plentiful between heaven and earth, and we still know too little of it."


    "Well, no need to use it for now, since it''s slowly increasing. It''s better to save it."


    "As for the Heavenly Book..."


    Chen Sansi planned to hand it over to Mr. Hou in a couple of days, to avoid being questioned again, which was annoying enough.


    With these thoughts, he began to meditate, waiting until after everyone had fallen into a deep sleep before getting up quietly, armed himself and headed straight for Ci Yun Temple.


    There was no time to lose!


    The benefits of the Sword Qi Skill were too significant.


    This was still only entry-level; if he achieved even minor mastery, there should be no fear even when facing High Realm experts.


    Spirit Mist Mountain was silent as death.


    There were no patrolling disciples in Ci Yun Temple at night either.


    Chen Sansi had long ago rehearsed the infiltration route in his mind countless times, and he encountered no obstacles. With the help of Concealing Breath and Hiding and Sword Qi Skill, he was confident he wasn''t exposed and smoothly made his way inside the main hall. S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Looking at the incense burner shrouded in Purple Energy.


    Once again, he checked to make sure no one was following, then he slowly approached.


    Initially planning to simply pick it up and run, he noticed as he neared that there was a trace of red glow at the bottom of the incense burner¡ªthis was... blood!


    Chen Sansi became alert.


    This blood glow was in a very peculiar position, surely the work of someone with intent. And it seemed very likely to be some sort of tracking mechanism, to prevent the object from being stolen.

 Chapter 263 - 150: Loyal Heroic Tablet, Incense Fire Divine Sect_2

    ```


    "Buzz¡ª" sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ```


    As he pondered what to do next, the Xuanzhu in his bosom suddenly resonated with some kind of response.


    The Xuanzhu seemed...


    to be able to store incense power!


    Chen Sansi immediately took out the Xuanzhu.


    Sure enough.


    Drawn by some mysterious force, the purple incense power that had accumulated over a long time within the incense burner was all absorbed into the Xuanzhu, where it coexisted with the white Mystical Energy already present without interference. Moreover, there seemed to be a certain degree of shielding effect; if one did not hold it in hand, it was virtually impossible to sense the incense power inside.


    "So this bead actually has this kind of use."


    In less than the time it took to drink a cup of tea, the purple incense power inside the burner had been completely cleansed, not a wisp remained.


    Having obtained the incense power, Chen Sansi had intended to turn around and leave.


    But he still felt it was a pity.


    The Mystic Iron Furnace could not withstand the temperature of the Abnormal Fire, and since such items were rarely sold anywhere, constantly buying new ones to take home would certainly attract attention. He still lacked a container that could withstand the heat of the Abnormal Fire.


    Although the incense power in the incense burner was depleted, it would be a real waste to just leave it there.


    Taking it with him, however, he didn''t know if the person behind the scenes had some way to track it.


    After brief contemplation, Chen Sansi quickly came up with an idea.


    In the end, he decided to take the incense burner with him. After leaving Ci Yun Temple, he headed straight for the Luotian Mountain Range, along the way gathering a large quantity of Spiritual Grain. He also did not go to his original secret base but instead randomly found a tiger''s cave, slaughtered the sleeping tiger, and then began to refine medicine on the spot with an Immortal Treasure.


    "Since I can''t keep these items for long, might as well refine enough at one go!"


    "Boom¡ª"


    A red fire dragon rose up and swiftly enveloped the incense burner.


    Under the torture of the fearsome temperatures, the burner did not warp or deform like the Mystic Iron Furnace. This proved it was indeed not a mundane artifact. However, it seemed that the effectiveness of the refined Spiritual Grain was not much better than with the Mystic Iron Furnace.


    Everything has its own purpose.


    The incense burner was meant to absorb incense power and not for refining medicines; it was already good enough that it could be used as such.


    While maintaining the flames, Chen Sansi prepared pot after pot of Spiritual Grain Medicine Ointment, quickly filling up the water bags left by Vice Admiral Yu to the brim, and then filled up the Medicine Gourds he had prepared in advance.


    All of these together should be enough for half a year or even more!


    With that, keeping the incense burner didn''t serve much purpose. He certainly couldn''t brazenly use it to snatch the incense power in temples; keeping it in his possession was nothing but a curse. Of course, he wouldn''t return it either, as it had other uses!


    After dealing with the scene.


    Chen Sansi hoisted the furnace and headed straight into town.


    He was responsible for patrolling the city and knew all too well about its inhabitants. This was the so-called threat from within, as he effortlessly arrived at a grand estate.


    Even though there was no signboard in front of the residence, it was clear that it housed a wealthy family.


    This place was Cao Fan''s residence.


    Chen Sansi planned to give him the incense burner, marked with bloodlight, as a gift.


    That way, if the person behind the scenes were to search, they could only trace it to someone with the surname Cao.


    Had it not been for the concern that there was always a eunuch at his side in the Mastery of Meridian Passage Realm, Chen Sansi would have acted as a Witch God Sect Follower and taken his life that very night. It was a pity that he had initially struggled against someone who had only minor Meridian Passage, let alone Mastery of Meridian Passage. He would certainly have to wait until he himself had achieved Meridian Passage before taking action.


    As it happened, the old eunuch had not gone to war before since he was protected by Sha Wenlong, not having any actual duties and merely accompanying the Princely Heir as his attendant.


    If the owner of the incense burner came looking and they took their lives directly, it would save Chen Sansi a lot of trouble.


    Using this opportunity, Chen Sansi also wanted to see what kind of background the person collecting incense power had.


    He leaped onto the roof, located the eunuch''s position using the Qi Observation Skill, confirmed that the other party was resting, and then made his way to the backyard.


    The mansion was large, and there was even a pond in the back garden.


    Chen Sansi gently sank the incense burner into the water, then left as quietly as he had arrived, making not a single sound.


    When he returned home, he sat cross-legged on his bed and began to play with the Xuanzhu, but he didn''t rashly start practicing the Sword Qi Skill.


    Based on sensation alone,


    the purple incense power''s Mystical Energy could certainly replace Spiritual Energy to some extent, but the exact difference once absorbed into the body was still unknown. It was better not to act recklessly for now.


    If necessary, look for an opportunity to ask his fourth senior brother.


    The problem was they didn''t know when they would return, and after the war, Hai Dongqing went off to find Senior Sister Nine. Even with it in hand, he dared not use it to send messages about Immortal Law, especially not in the Capital City where a slight mishap could land it in the Emperor''s hands, causing trouble.


    For the time being, he could try to coax some related knowledge out of Seeking Immortal Tower, playing on their previous unfinished transaction. It was indeed time to make a visit.


    "This incense power seems not as plentiful as it looks..."


    Chen Sansi held the Xuanzhu, sensing the incense power inside, which was far less abundant than he had imagined. It felt as if someone had taken a "stock" from it once.


    That was normal, of course. Since some people were collecting, naturally others were using it.


    "Let''s wait and see!"


    After a great battle, Chen Sansi finally had a few days to rest.


    Chen Sansi spent his free time practicing martial arts and accompanying his child.


    Yunxi was a child so sensible it hurt one''s heart.


    On the second day at home, she woke up earlier than Si Qin and Mo Hua, went to the kitchen to cook porridge for everyone, or otherwise washed clothes and cleaned the house...

 Chapter 264 - 150: Loyal Heroic Tablet, Incense Fire Divine Sect_3

    To prevent her from working, they simply sent her to the Governor Mansion to begin her enlightenment and study.


    Time flew by.


    Another ten days or so had passed.


    [Cultivation Technique: National Guardian Dragon Spear. Hua Jin (small achievement)]


    [Progress: 1855/2000]


    In a little while, he would reach Great Success in Hua Jin, and then it would be time to attempt the Meridian Passage.


    ...


    After breakfast in the morning, someone came to notify them, asking them to gather at the Military City.


    "Qian Xun, what are you doing?!"


    Chen Sansi acutely sensed that the White Horse between his legs was throwing a tantrum.


    "..."


    "Alright, it''s my fault."


    Once the main pet understood his intention, Chen Sansi quickly realized that Qian Xun was angry because he had broken his promise. He had agreed to give it some Spiritual Grain when they crossed the river, but he ended up eating it all himself.


    "I''ll give it to you tonight, okay? Stop being capricious now, let''s get going."


    Chen Sansi urged on, and before the horse''s hooves could even kick off, he saw another familiar face.


    "Mr. Chen!"


    Zhaozhao said sarcastically, "You really are forgetful of old friends, aren''t you? You''ve been back for so many days and haven''t even thought to visit my lady."


    "I was just about to."


    Chen Sansi had promised to share intelligence with the other party and had also asked for help in finding materials for bows and arrows. Not to mention the matter of the Incense, he had been planning to visit anyway.


    He said, "Would you ask your lady to wait for me tonight? And you, girl, speak more respectfully to me from now on, otherwise, be careful I leave a scar on your face again."


    "You..."


    Zhaozhao initially wanted to retort, but remembering that this fellow really would do such a thing, she deflated immediately: "Just you wait; I''ll have my revenge sooner or later!"


    She left a fierce remark and scurried away.


    Chen Sansi couldn''t be bothered with her and rode Qian Xun to the military camp to report.


    All the soldiers of the Reserve Camp had already assembled early at the Martial Arts Arena.


    The cleanup operations in Ming State had also been thoroughly settled.


    Lu Ji and others returned on the same day.


    Today.


    Was the day for their recognition and reward ceremony.


    The Chief Eunuch Hou Bao stood atop the high platform, reading the imperial decree himself.


    Every surviving member of the remnants of the Reserve Camp received a reward.


    The last one called was Chen Sansi.


    "Promote Chen Sansi to the third-rank post of General Huai Yuan, to hold the office of Assistant General."


    ''Is that all?''


    The group of people kneeling below were murmuring in their hearts.


    Their lord had made great contributions, why such meager rewards? Not even gold, silver treasures, or medals?


    Before they could find it strange, they heard Hou Bao continue:


    "Additionally, assign Chen Sansi to await orders in Liangzhou and to choose a date to enter the capital for his investiture!"


    To enter the capital for investiture!


    This...


    How grand must the reward be?


    To require a trip to the capital?


    Entering the capital for an audience with the Emperor, and receiving an edict for investiture were completely different concepts.


    "Brother Chen, it seems you really might ascend to the heavens in one leap..."


    Yan Changqing thought to himself with emotion. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After the imperial decree had been read, everyone bowed their heads together.


    "We thank Heavenly Grace, long live the Emperor! Long live, long live, may he live forever!"


    "..."


    "Mr. Hou!"


    Chen Sansi found a gap and spoke up: "I want to ask about the rewards for Vice Admiral Yu Song and Captain Qian Cheng."


    "Yu Song?"


    Mr. Hou thought for a moment and replied: "That man disobeyed orders on the battlefield. If it weren''t for Mr. Chen''s heroic efforts, Ming State might have faced destruction!"


    "At that time, the situation was not suitable for attacking Yangchun Prefecture; it was definitely not deliberate disobedience."


    Chen Sansi explained, "Besides, this strategy was decided after our discussion. If someone has to be accused of disobedience, then we all share in that disobedience!"


    "Indeed."


    Lu Shuhua was the first to corroborate: "Mr. Hou, what General Chen is saying is true."


    In fact, they had also disagreed with crossing the river at the time, it was purely under pressure that they disobeyed.


    But by now, they all deeply admired General Yu Song.


    "Mr. Hou, General Yu was utterly loyal to Dasheng, he deserves a reward!"


    Xie Sishu said, "His family, wife, and children also need an explanation!"


    "Please clear General Yu''s name!"


    Those kneeling on the ground, if they had official positions, were essentially all advocating for Yu Song.


    Only Yan Changqing remained silent.


    "Mr. Hou!"


    Chen Sansi spoke earnestly: "If it weren''t for Vice Admiral Yu''s decision to risk his life storming Luotian Pass and intimidating Liang Ji from Mei Mountain, we couldn''t have achieved our ultimate victory!"


    "Our household is aware of this,"


    Hou Bao said in his high-pitched voice: "It is precisely for this reason that the court has decided not to punish him. Otherwise, disobedience merits decapitation, and if it led to serious consequences, even executing his entire family would not be too extreme... If Mr. Chen really cannot bear this, you could always give him some silver coins in private."


    "Mr. Hou!"


    Chen Sansi spoke earnestly again: "This is not a matter of silver coins. Vice Admiral Yu didn''t go to Luotian Pass for material gains."


    "Mr. Chen, I appreciate your sense of righteousness, but you must understand something: disobedience is disobedience, it''s a fatal rule. Though it didn''t cause a negative outcome this time, what if everyone in the future follows suit, believing that disobeying orders might earn them great contributions? Wouldn''t that throw the entire military into chaos during battles?"


    Mr. Hou paused, then lowered his voice and continued: "If it is as you say, Mr. Chen, and the strategy to disobey was decided by you, let me be blunt¡ªif it weren''t for Vice Admiral Yu taking the brunt of the blame, even you would be punished."


    "Mr..."


    "Mr. Chen, do not speak further."


    Hou Bao interrupted: "If you are truly unsatisfied, Mr. Chen, you may write a petition through the Ministry of Communication, and then submit it to the Cabinet. No matter how earnestly you appeal to me, I cannot make this decision for you."


    "I understand."


    Chen Sansi felt a complex mix of emotions.


    Yu Song had disobeyed orders.


    Yet nothing was mentioned about Sha Wenlong and Cao Fan, who had attempted to kill him...


    On the contrary, their act of splitting the forces was considered meritorious. As for why they didn''t cross the river altogether, it was explained as a cautious military move, not daring to risk the entire army''s annihilation.

 Chapter 265 - 150: Loyal Heroic Tablet, Incense Fire Divine Sect_4

    ```


    This is simply inverting black and white.


    Yet, there''s no way to refute it.


    Because there is no evidence.


    "..."


    Chen Sansi felt a nameless anger burning within him.


    One protected by a close ally who had achieved Mastery of Meridian Passage, the other a general at the Profound Image Realm...


    He was still too weak.


    As long as one has sufficient strength to wrap things up cleanly, what does the surname Cao matter?


    Previously he was powerless.


    But moving forward, he would try.


    "Mr. Hou, may I have a word with you?"


    Chen Sansi gestured invitingly.


    Mr. Hou did not refuse, but as they walked, he said, "Mr. Chen, if you still wish to discuss the matter of Vice Admiral Yu, there''s no need..."


    "Please bother Mr. Hou to convey this to His Majesty on my behalf."


    Chen Sansi held several booklets resembling gold foil.


    "This... is this the Heavenly Book?"


    Mr. Hou looked somewhat entranced, "Our family was planning to ask about this matter in private, but Mr. Chen has taken the initiative to present it."


    Chen Sansi recited the excuse he had prepared well in advance, "I dare not forget His Majesty''s kindness for a moment; having gained something in battle, how dare I keep it to myself?"


    "Well done, Mr. Chen is truly a loyal minister and good general, no, a loyal minister and Divine General!"


    Mr. Hou inquired tentatively, "Mr. Chen, have you ever studied this object?"


    "To be honest, I studied it for several days, but the text on it is like talisman painting, truly incomprehensible, it''s indeed a ''Heavenly Book''."


    Chen Sansi, who had been holding the item in his hand for months, would only be believed by a fool if he said he hadn''t studied it.


    After meeting Jiangg Yuanbo, the Martial Saint from Capital City, he planned to give it to him, but it turned out that it was best to pass it to Mr. Hou upon return, indicating this person was one of the innermost trusted by the old Emperor.


    He paused, then continued, "Presumably, only the current Emperor could understand it."


    "This item will be temporarily in our family''s custody, and someone from the palace will come for it later."


    Mr. Hou said, "If it truly is the Heavenly Book, then Mr. Chen has made a great contribution! Tsk tsk, you''ve only joined the military for a short time, and yet you have repeatedly done great services for the court; this must be heaven''s blessings on our great Dasheng, a destiny that our state will flourish for tens of thousands of years."


    "You flatter me, I am but an ordinary courtier," said Chen Sansi. "Speaking of which, Mr. Hou, could you reveal a little about why His Majesty wishes to summon me to Capital City?"


    "What else could it be but a wonderfully good thing!"


    Mr. Hou whispered, "Mr. Chen is unaware, but His Majesty is extremely fond of you, praising you in front of the entire assembly of civil and military officials. You, my dear sir, are truly on the path to glory!"


    Chen Sansi inquired, "Then did His Majesty mention when it would be?"


    "That has yet to be determined."


    Mr. Hou sighed, "In recent years, with unrest on all sides, even the Emperor has started to reduce his seclusion. Whenever there''s a spare moment, he will surely summon you."


    "Thank you, Mr. Hou."


    Chen Sansi took out a silver note and passed it over.


    "Mr. Chen, I mustn''t accept this."


    Mr. Hou laughed while decling, "Our family dares not take your silver again. If you truly wish to show appreciation, just look after our family in the future. That would be gratitude enough."


    "In that case, I will take my leave first."


    Chen Sansi bowed and turned to leave.


    It was useless to speak of Yu Song''s matter with this eunuch; better to go back and write a petition to try his luck... S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As for the Heavenly Book...


    They were even less likely to suspect anything.


    Because the Heavenly Book was indeed genuine, if the old Emperor was truly cultivating immortality, he would recognize it at a glance; however, it was only half true, as the other half remained in his possession.


    And this, likely only Immortals besides Liang Jinian knew.


    Speaking of this...


    Chen Sansi began to become curious.


    Did Liang Jinian truly meet an Immortal?


    Where did he meet them?


    He was in a state of half-belief.


    But considering his fourth senior brother mentioned their master had met an Immortal too, he felt it was indeed highly possible.


    If this were true...


    Were Immortals descending frequently?


    What were they trying to accomplish?


    "It''s a pity the master isn''t here."


    "Otherwise, I could have inquired thoroughly about Liang Ji''s matter."


    "Forget it, best to concentrate on cultivating, for now."


    Chen Sansi stopped his wild thoughts.


    ...


    After watching Chen Sansi leave, Mr. Hou found Yan Changqing and took out the Heavenly Book, "Young Master Yan, please take a close look, is this item the same as the one previously in Liang Ji''s possession?"


    "It cannot be mistaken."


    Yan Changqing affirmed confidently, "It is genuine."


    "That''s good."


    Mr. Hou clicked his tongue, "It seems Mr. Chen really has no ulterior motives~"


    ...


    The next day.


    After handling military affairs, Chen Sansi led a few brothers into the city.


    All along the way, many homes displayed white lanterns and the streets were littered with paper money.


    They stopped in front of a residence with three courtyards, and even before entering, they heard wailing from within.


    In the center of the courtyard, there was a coffin surrounded by women and half-grown children dressed in mourning, and occasionally, familiar faces from the Liangzhou Army arrived to pay their respects.


    Chen Sansi entered the courtyard and silently began to burn paper money by the brazier.


    Lu Shuhua and Xie Sishu followed suit.


    "You must be Mr. Chen Sansi, right?"


    A woman spoke up, and upon acknowledgment, led her whole family in a deep bow.


    She was the legal wife of Yu Song, Madam Song.


    "Madam, my condolences."


    Chen Sansi was not good at comforting others, simply stating, "If you need any help in Liangzhou City in the future, just send someone to find me; I reside in Qingquan Lane."


    "Yes, yes, yes," Xie Sishu joined in, "Whatever we can help with, we will do."


    "Hmm," Lu Shuhua added, "At any time, the Tongxuan Sword Sect will treat Madam with the highest honor."


    "Thank you for your kindness, gentlemen. I appreciate it," Madam Song dabbed away tears with a handkerchief, "And please, don''t overly grieve for my husband. It''s not appropriate for me to say this, but for him, dying on the battlefield is, indeed, dying with honor."


    ```

 Chapter 266 - 150: Loyal Heroic Tablet, Incense Fire Divine Sect_5

    "Wu wu..."


    The concubine next to him sobbed, "Yes, when the master was alive, his greatest wish was to one day make a name for himself on the battlefield, and then become famous and honored."


    "This time he''s made such great achievements."


    "The highest achievement belongs to Mr. Chen, and the next, surely is the master''s, fulfilling one of his lifelong desires." S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "..."


    "Mr. Chen."


    A fifteen or sixteen-year-old boy earnestly asked, "This time, my father should be able to receive the Loyal Heroic Tablet, right?"


    "Yes, the Loyal Heroic Tablet, that was father''s greatest aspiration..."


    The youngest child said, "Wu Ergou often brags to us about the tablets his family has!"


    "..."


    Chen Sansi looked at them and for a moment, didn''t know how to answer.


    Normally.


    If a military officer died in battle after achieving merit, announcing it to the whole world would be natural, and if the merit was significant, a posthumous title and noble rank might be granted, but Yu Song''s position was neither high nor low, and he was not yet eligible for a title or a posthumous name.


    Even so, according to the customary practices of the Great Sheng Dynasty, it should first be announced to the world, then award a tablet similar to Loyal Heroic to be hung in front of his family home. If his descendants study martial arts, they would also receive martial arts resources, and once their realm was sufficient, they could inherit their father''s position.


    But Vice Admiral Yu had none of these.


    Forsaking the rewards, he likely wouldn''t even get a tablet.


    All because of so-called insubordination!


    Insubordination, what nonsense?!


    Lu Shuhua, Xie Sishu, and others also felt ashamed.


    Not daring to stay any longer, they left one after another, having offered their condolences.


    Chen Sansi began to mentally draft a petition, pondering how to exonerate Vice Admiral Yu from the stigma of insubordination.


    "I''ll write it when I get home tonight."


    After leaving the Yu Mansion, he made his way directly to Red Sleeve Tower and familiarly entered through the back door.


    Today.


    Chen Sansi went upstairs with a sword.


    With a slight push of his thumb, he revealed the cold gleam beneath the scabbard, signaling Ning Xiang not to throw herself at him.


    "What a pretense!"


    Ning Xiang covered her fragrant shoulders with a light gauze, pouted, and said, "Aren''t you just worried that I have some immortal trick to trap you? Otherwise, wouldn''t you take advantage if it were convenient? You''re someone with lustful intentions but not the courage to follow through."


    "You''re just average."


    Chen Sansi having been there several times and got acquainted, spoke while walking to the table and sitting down. After checking the wine pot he saw no issues, he poured himself a cup.


    "Average?!"


    Ning Xiang was stunned, then quickly asked, "What do you mean?"


    "Just what it sounds like."


    Chen Sansi sipped the wine and picked up two cakes to eat.


    "Fine then, you rotten man."


    Ning Xiang''s pretty face showed a hint of anger, "Sooner or later, I''ll set you straight."


    "Let''s talk business."


    Chen Sansi bluntly said, "The matter of the Heavenly Book is over, I have already submitted the object to the court, it seems it has nothing to do with the method to reach the Immortal Realm, only suitable for leading troops in battle."


    Their transaction had been for the method to reach the Immortal Realm and traces of immortals, other details were naturally unnecessary.


    Speaking of this.


    Ning Xiang also turned serious, "What about the others? The immortal who bestowed the Immortal Treasure to Liang Jinian, have you seen him?"


    Chen Sansi shook his head.


    "Alright."


    Ning Xiang appeared slightly disappointed, "It''s a pity I didn''t have a chance to see the Heavenly Book myself, General Chen came back and didn''t think to show it to me first."


    "Show it to you? Careful, His Majesty might come after you."


    Chen Sansi changed the subject, "What about the arrowhead material I asked you to find last time? Did you find anything?"


    "General Chen is in luck, I just inquired through the Seeking Immortal Tower branches, and found something that the general wants."


    Ning Xiang signaled with her eyes.


    "Oh."


    Zhaozhao reluctantly rummaged through a chest and finally took out a lump of iron from a chest full of corsets, and placed it heavily on the table, "Here, take it."


    "This is..."


    Chen Sansi picked up the black shiny lump of iron. He hadn''t seen it in books, and based on touch and appearance, it seemed similar to mystiron, but he could clearly tell it was different.


    "This thing has no name,"


    Ning Xiang introduced, "If it must be labeled, it could be considered a type of mystiron. It was just born in a special location and nourished by peculiar mystical energies, giving rise to some unusual properties.


    "Ordinary mystiron can only ''conduct force,'' but this can be used to ''store'' force. It''s for a short duration, about a few breaths'' time, and it''s very rare. There''s only so much, not even enough to make a spearhead."


    Chen Sansi focused his force, conducting it into the black iron, and indeed found it could briefly store force on its surface, though the duration was really short and the material was scant. But it was enough!


    It was perfect for arrowheads!


    With the Ghost Vein Wood he saw in the "Hundred Herbs Map" before his expedition to Ming State, which could store force, he could craft arrows that maintain force after being fired!


    During the last venture into Ming State, bows and arrows were practically useless against High Realm Martial Artists, and were only able to clear out martial artists below the realm of Refining Internal.


    Last time, even the Fierce Monster in the Luotian Mountain Range couldn''t be injured...


    No wonder few were fond of archery, as someone advanced higher, it became less effective, and most martial artists preferred close-range weapons for hunting Exotic Beasts rather than bows and arrows.


    But if they could store force, that''d be different!


    Don''t forget, he could also store force.


    "Miss Ning Xiang."


    Chen Sansi didn''t rush to take the material, but gently placed it on the table, "Let''s talk, what do you need me to do?"


    The exchange was agreed upon before heading to Ming State, after all, it was a transaction.


    "And here I thought you''d want to freeload again~"

 Chapter 267 - 150: Loyal Heroic Tablet, Incense Fire Divine Sect_6

    Ning Xiang gently stretched her slender legs under the table, removed her embroidered shoes and touched the other person, coquettishly saying, "It is simple to take it away, General. Just enjoy a delightful night with me. I would really like to try your Vajra Body~"


    "Hmm, all right then."


    Chen Sansi nodded, deliberately saying, "Although it''s ordinary, for the sake of Xuan iron, I can do it."


    Ning Xiang instantly lost interest and kicked him hard, saying irritably, "Do you really think I fancy you? Fine, I''ll give you the iron. In exchange, you need to help me find a medicinal herb in the Luotian Mountain Range for treating external injuries, called ''broken grass''. It shouldn''t be too hard for you, right?"


    Broken grass.


    The corresponding functions emerged in Chen Sansi''s mind. When combined with a few other invaluable herbs, it can be used to reattach severed limbs, but this thing is rare.


    He said, "I can''t guarantee that for you."


    "Then please do your best, General."


    Ning Xiang said, "Even if you can''t find it, the iron is still yours."


    "I''ll do my best then."


    Chen Sansi started packing up the iron, "Miss, do you have anything else to say?"


    "You could tell, huh."


    Miss Ning Xiang said somberly, "General Chen, have you heard of the Incense Fire Divine Sect?"


    "Incense Fire..."


    Chen Sansi hadn''t anticipated that she would bring up this topic before he could inquire about it. He seriously said, "I haven''t heard of it, tell me about it."


    "There are countless ways to cultivate immortality in the world, and Incense Fire Divine Dao is one of them."


    Miss Ning Xiang explained, "Among them, there''s a sect called the Incense God Sect. They have a special technique that allows them to steal the spiritual incense from deities for their own use, but due to their mysterious actions, little is known about their detailed whereabouts. It is only known that they prefer to hide in places within a state or mansion where the incense is most prosperous, though sometimes, they might deliberately hide in places with poorer incense to conceal their identity."


    "Incense can also be used for cultivation?"


    Chen Sansi took the opportunity to inquire, "Is there any difference compared to the so-called cultivation of Spiritual Energy?"


    "Of course, there are. Cultivation can be divided into entering the path and not entering the path."


    Ning Xiang patiently explained, "If you''re not on the path, you can use incense to some extent instead of Spiritual Energy, but if you enter the path, you can''t change back, and it''s said that cultivating with incense involves some costs, but I don''t know what they specifically are."


    "Entering the path?"


    Chen Sansi was even more confused, "Miss Ning Xiang, could you please explain clearly what it means to enter the path and what it means not to enter the path?"


    "Entering the path."


    Ning Xiang explained, "When you absorb ''Energy'' through your Spirit Root and store it in your Dantian, that is considered entering the path. The rest, if you simply use Spiritual Energy to practice some minor magic skills without being able to store it in the Dantian and transform your body, do not count as entering the path. The same applies to incense."


    Chen Sansi understood.


    Since he was only practicing Sword Qi Skill, he wasn''t considered to have entered the path, so he didn''t need to be concerned about any adverse effects from incense and could use it safely.


    "Let me show you a small magic skill, General."


    Ning Xiang beckoned with her finger, "Zhaozhao, come here."


    "Me? I don''t want to."


    Before Zhaozhao could finish speaking, she saw Ning Xiang''s dark pupils turn pink under the influence of Qingxuan Energy. After making eye contact, Zhaozhao became dazed and silly, drooling while hugging Ning Xiang''s thigh.


    "¡­"


    Chen Sansi watched this scene, which truly seemed like an Illusion Technique.


    No wonder rumors said that guests who had seen Ning Xiang couldn''t return to their senses for three days; perhaps they''ve really become foolish¡­


    Ning Xiang extended her delicate finger and gently tapped on Zhaozhao''s forehead, after which the latter regained her normal demeanor.


    She smiled seductively, "What do you think, General? Want to join the Seeking Immortal Tower? I can teach you."


    "Not interested."


    Chen Sansi asked, "By the way, you suddenly started discussing the Incense God Sect and incense with me, could it be..."


    "General is truly astute. You knew what I wanted to say just by listening. According to reliable information, the Incense God Sect has a branch in Liangzhou."


    Ning Xiang looked towards the window, "The two Taoists who died at Ci Yun Temple a while ago were most likely from the Incense God Sect. After they died, it is said that followers from near the Capital are hurrying here, but their purpose is unclear."


    That implied it''s probably that master uncle from Ci Yun Temple¡­


    Chen Sansi pondered, "Ci Yun Temple has been around for a long time, they are people from the Incense Fire Divine Sect, why didn''t you know about this earlier?"


    "There were suspicions, but no proof. After all, we don''t know how to use incense, nor would we rashly go to investigate. Besides, you didn''t ask me before."


    Ning Xiang continued, "I''m telling you now because they might be planning something big soon, so be alert."


    "Something big?"


    Chen Sansi asked curiously, "Concerning Liangzhou?"


    "No."


    Ning Xiang gently shook her head, "It''s about the Capital. According to our sources, the people from the Incense God Sect have recently started collecting items from various places and sending them to the Capital, most likely incense, but it''s unclear what they intend to do with so much incense in the Capital."


    Gathering incense for the Capital.


    Chen Sansi subconsciously suspected it was related to the old Emperor.


    Similar to the previous Witch God Sect.


    But it was just a possibility.


    Miss Ning Xiang also said, "We can track some of the movements of the Incense God Sect, but what people they interact with and what they do on a daily basis is completely unknown to us."


    "Hmm, that should have nothing to do with me, but still, thank you for letting me know, Miss Ning Xiang."


    Chen Sansi said.


    It had nothing to do with him.


    But it probably had something to do with Cao Fan.


    The incense burner from Ci Yun Temple was still soaking in a pond in the Cao family''s backyard, and the incense within had been completely absorbed, leaving no clue how the Incense God Sect would react.


    "If there''s nothing else, I shall take my leave first."


    Chen Sansi bowed with his fists clasped and left with his long sword slung over his shoulder.


    But he did not return home; instead, he changed directions and spent the night in another brothel.


    Since Cao Fan''s residence was located in a bustling area,


    there happened to be a high-rise brothel nearby that offered a view of the house.


    Chen Sansi planned to see if the Incense God Sect was indeed able to find their way there.


    He spent his days practicing and his nights sleeping in the brothel.


    Two days passed like this. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Finally, on the third night at midnight, Chen Sansi finally saw something happening.


    Two figures flickered momentarily and leapt over the wall into Cao Fan''s residence.


    ...


    Two Taoists moved silently through the darkness, one following the other.


    "Unexpectedly, those two people under Qiu Mingzi turned traitors, sneaking around with the Witch God Sect. We hadn''t even gotten a chance to question them before they died in the prison! Squad Leader, what is the Witch God Sect up to in Liangzhou?"


    "It''s probably related to the depths of the Luotian Mountain Range, but let''s not worry about it for now. Our primary task is to handle the important matters in the Capital first, and then we can get involved in Liangzhou''s affairs."


    "And who had the audacity to steal the incense burner?"


    In front of the Heir Mansion, the two stopped,


    "Squad Leader, are we certain we''re not mistaken? How did the incense burner end up here?"


    "The Blood Light Technique, how could it be wrong?"


    Their voices were as thin as mosquito whines. While discussing, they approached a rockery in the backyard.


    The leading old Taoist looked at the pond and spoke in a deep voice, "The object is below."


    "Good."


    The other person quietly dove into the water and in a few breaths reemerged, carrying the incense burner,"Squad Leader, it''s really here, and... the incense is gone!"


    "What?!"


    The old Taoist picked up the incense burner, held it carefully in his hands, and his face immediately soured.


    "Squad Leader!"


    The subordinate said, "Could the Princely Heir be responsible? I''ll go question him right now!"


    "Don''t move!"


    The old Taoist frowned, "This matter is a significant secret, don''t make a fuss about it. Whether it''s Cao Fan or not, we just need to ask when we get back."


    "Right."


    The subordinate confusedly said, "If it was Cao Fan, he wouldn''t have hidden the object in the water; he could have directly told us. But within Liangzhou City, who else knows the Incense Technique?


    "Seeking Immortal Tower? No, they don''t even know how incense is collected."


    "Sun Xiangzong? He hasn''t much dealt with incense either, and he''s not even in Liangzhou right now. The Emperor himself doesn''t know where he is, so who else could it be? After all this, Cao Fan is still the most likely."


    "Creak¡ª"


    A noise of a door opening came from afar.


    The two Taoists did not linger, leaping up to the surrounding wall and then disappearing into the darkness once more.


    ...


    Inside the brothel.


    Chen Sansi was somewhat disappointed.


    No disturbance?


    He had thought there would be a great show to watch tonight, yet his days of vigil had been in vain.


    Such a large amount of incense was stolen, and the people of the Incense God Sect showed no anger at all?


    Were they afraid of the Caos?


    Or was there another hidden reason?


    "Enough..."


    Chen Sansi realized that if he wanted to avenge himself and Yu Song, he would need to take action himself.


    In the coming days, he planned to first break through to Great Success in Hua Jin, while simultaneously practicing the Sword Qi Skill.

 Chapter 268 - 151: Hua Jin Great Success, War Resumes

    Chen Mansion, the back courtyard.


    "Buzz¡ª¡ª"


    "Whoosh¡ª¡ª"


    Si Qin, holding food and drink, stopped at the entrance to the back courtyard, listening to the noises inside that frightened her so much she didn''t dare to come any closer. There was just a door separating them, yet it sounded as if a gale was blowing inside.


    She didn''t dare to make a sound to disturb, gently put the things down at the door, and slipped away.


    Another late autumn had come.


    The thick layer of fallen leaves in the courtyard gradually gathered together beneath the Jiao Long-like dance of the long spear, eventually forming a golden tornado that swept through, shattering one flower bed after another, with the sound of popping and cracking continuously erupting.


    Inside Chen Sansi''s body, the blood of the dragon and elephant boiled and surged; his Xuan Yuan''s five organs were operating at full capacity, maintaining the Blood Explosion State while continuously generating powerful energy, which was then infused into the Five Tigers Soul-breaking Spear without stop.


    The path of Martial Arts.


    One misstep leads to a cascade of more.


    Starting with Qi-Blood, if one is naturally inferior to others, as their realms climb higher, the gap between the same levels will grow wider and wider, eventually forming a chasm too great to cross. This was the very reason why Selected Point deemed the bone assessment stage so crucial.


    Only martial artists with a strong physique could cultivate a more solid foundation.


    At this very moment.


    Chen Sansi continuously tested his limits to refine the purity and strength of his energy.


    With small achievement in Hua Jin, it meant to enhance one''s weapon with energy.


    And with great success, one could externalize the energy to form a layer of force around the weapon, achieving a terrifying offensive power. Even without the weapon''s blade making contact with the opponent, it could still inflict damage.


    If one were unarmed, using only hands, they could still block a sharp blade with pure energy, provided their energy is indeed more powerful than the opponent''s, and they wouldn''t hurt themselves.


    Every time Chen Sansi thrust his long spear, he felt the energy infused on the gun tip grew stronger; gradually, it began to spill over the tip and then spread outward. He kept pushing himself deliberately, exhausting every bit of energy until he was worn out and had drained the last whiff of energy from his body.


    Then came a qualitative change.


    After the extreme pain, his body ascended once more; the energy born from his Qi-Blood and internal organs became more refined. When added to a Mystical Weapon, it was like an extendable sharp sword, expanding around it. Upon reaching the gun tip, it formed an invisible force wrapping around the blade.


    Breakthrough!


    Hua Jin had achieved great success!


    [Cultivation technique: National Guardian Dragon Spear. Hua Jin (Great Success)]


    [Progress: 0/0]


    [Utility:..., True Dragon Strength]


    [True Dragon Strength: The energy rampages, akin to a True Dragon]


    The energy of a common person can be simply described as adding another invisible blade around the weapon''s edge; it''s static, with only the differences in strength and no special qualities.


    But the energy of the True Dragon Strength is alive!


    "Buzz¡ª¡ª"


    Chen Sansi gripped the spear shaft with both hands, enhancing it with energy. The Five Tigers Soul-breaking Spear trembled incessantly, especially the buzzing from the gun tip, as if several small dragons were circling around the blade.


    He didn''t use any moves or let the spear tip actually touch any object, just slowly pushed the long spear with True Dragon Strength, and when he was still more than an inch away from a potted plant, the ceramic pot burst open with a bang.


    Such a weak reference object still couldn''t manifest the full extent of the power. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    If he had to describe it, Chen Sansi felt that the True Dragon Strength outside his spear tip was like a chainsaw that could attack twice upon contact with an enemy, bound to be highly effective in real combat.


    "Done!"


    He wiped the sweat from his forehead and took a deep breath, "Next, it''s time to hit the Meridian Passage."


    The cultivation technique for the Meridian Passage Realm.


    Shortly after returning to Liangzhou, Sun Li brought it to him, still the National Guardian Dragon Spear, complete with the techniques up to the Xuanxiang Realm, including annotations and insights.


    She hadn''t given it to him all at once before because she must have added these things later.


    Speaking of which.


    His master had vanished since he went to the Capital City, an ordinary man gone without a trace nearly a year, including the chaos in Ming State where it was rumored that the Emperor himself almost took to the field.


    Chen Sansi guessed there must have been something more important for him to attend to.


    But honestly, even his master''s presence didn''t have much significance for his cultivation anymore.


    As the saying goes, "The master guides you through the entry, but your progress depends on yourself."


    He had the cultivation technique and the supply of treasure medicine had never been interrupted.


    What remained was solely reliant on his own effort.


    Speaking of which, Chen Sansi had been anything but frugal with the treasure medicine, devouring it continuously as long as he could digest it. After Hua Jin, each pill could be worth thousands or even tens of thousands of taels, a cost that most officials would find unaffordable.


    Originally.


    His master demanded that he reach Martial Saint within three years.


    Now, a year had passed, and two major realms remained: Meridian Passage, Profound Image Realm, and finally Martial Saint.


    With enough resources...


    Perhaps?


    One can only do one''s best and leave the rest to fate.


    After a brief rest, Chen Sansi ate the food left at the door and then went back inside to lock the room. He took out a Xuanzhu filled with White Xuan Qi and purple incense, starting to practice the Sword Qi Skill.


    Once certain that the practice of magic would not be affected by the incense, he could confidently and boldly use it.


    Chen Sansi sat cross-legged, eyes closed, focusing on meditation.


    He held the Xuanzhu in his hand and, under the pull of his Spirit Root, continuously drew the energy from the incense into his body before circulating it within his meridians according to the pathways of the Sword Qi Skill.


    [Magic: Sword Qi Skill (Entry-level)]


    [Progress: 435/500]

 Chapter 269 - 151 Hua Jin Great Success, the Battle Resumes_2

    During this period, I trained in martial arts by day, studied spells by night, and my proficiency with the Sword Qi Skill continued to improve¡ªI was close to a breakthrough.


    Unfortunately,


    the incense offerings were not plentiful, and it was uncertain how long they would last. Moreover, following this incident, the Ci Yun Temple would likely be on guard; attempting another strike would not be so easy.


    Speaking of which,


    Chen Sansi couldn''t help but recall what Ning Xiang had said.


    Trouble is brewing in the Capital City.


    "Does the Incense God Sect dare cause chaos in the Capital City?"


    "Damn."


    Chen Sansi thought that he might soon be summoned to the Capital City; he hoped it wouldn''t coincide with any such disturbances.


    But upon further contemplation, he felt that it might be an unnecessary worry.


    The court alone boasted eight Martial Saints¡ªeight Generals¡ªwith two presently stationed in the Capital. This was without taking into account the eunuchs within the Imperial Palace.


    Those eunuchs were not to be underestimated.


    Selected from the depths of the Imperial Palace and granted resources, each possessed a superior constitution.


    Plus, there was Emperor Longqing, whose strength was a mystery.


    For the Incense God Sect to stir trouble in the Capital City would likely not be easy...


    Before he knew it, another night had passed.


    Almost at the third watch of the night, Chen Sansi finally lay down to rest. When he woke up the next morning, he saw Si Qinmohua busily attending the household, either changing diapers or cooking for his wife.


    Chen Yunxi was sitting at the stone table in the courtyard, reading and learning characters.


    Indeed, it felt like a lively family home.


    "How''s it going?"


    Chen Sansi sat down beside his daughter, "How many characters can Yunxi recognize now? Are you happy staying at the Governor Mansion? Has anyone bullied you?"


    Chen Yunxi shook her head, "Pretty Uncle Teacher buys me candied hawthorn sticks every day. He said he''ll make me a floral dress in a few days. The brothers and sisters there like to play with me too, and there''s a teacher who teaches me characters."


    "Mr. Zhuang was once a scholarly gentleman."


    Chen Sansi said, "He disdained the court''s ethos and chose to teach privately in the Governor Mansion. He''s impressive, you should learn well from him."


    "But Daddy, I wasn''t talking about Mr. Zhuang." Chen Yunxi shook her head, "I was talking about another teacher."


    "Another teacher?"


    Chen Sansi asked, "Mr. Li?"


    Chen Yunxi shook her head again, "A young teacher."


    "..."


    Chen Sansi had been to the Governor Mansion often, but he had never seen a young teacher in the private school. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He asked, "Are you sure he''s from the Governor Mansion?"


    "Yes."


    Chen Yunxi nodded, "He also asked Yunxi what I want to do when I grow up."


    "What did you say?"


    "I said, I want to help Daddy."


    "What could you help me with?"


    "I don''t know."


    "..."


    Chen Sansi did not dwell on it much.


    Having a young man of talent in the Governor Mansion was, after all, quite normal.


    After patting his daughter''s head, he set out for the military camp. Now that he had some downtime, he planned to learn about the Power Quenching Medicine to see its effects and potentially improve some proficiency.


    If possible, it would be great to enhance the strengths of his brothers-in-arms.


    Zhao Kang and the others were all commendable, but their realms were lacking.


    Beyond that,


    Ji and others had gradually returned.


    Zhao Wuji was also alive, albeit in a sorry state. His entire army was lost, leaving him the sole survivor to escape on horseback, narrowly sparing his life.


    Ji and his peers were likewise rewarded for their merits.


    Moreover, it was heard that the East was also embroiled in war, which only began recently.


    Calculating the time, it coincided with the collapse of Ming State. The moment Dasheng began experiencing internal strife, Dongqing Country seized the opportunity for a swift attack, yet just as they made their move, the Four Crossings of Hongze concluded...


    Dongqing Country was caught off guard, finding themselves compelled to proceed with the attack, left with no choice but to continue fighting reluctantly.


    All of this, they had only just learned.


    Between Dongqing Country and the Great Sheng Dynasty, there was no Great Wall to separate their borders; trades were common, and many merchants settled their families on both sides. It seemed without significant discord, but in truth, the grudges between the two nations ran deep.


    The westernmost part of the Eight States in Dongqing was once the territory of the Great Sheng Dynasty!


    When the Sheng Dynasty was founded, Grand Ancestor Cao Xie was enshrined and crowned Emperor on Ziwei Mountain within Dongqing. However, during Emperor Qing''s reign, they suffered simultaneous attacks on all sides. Dongqing managed to bite off a piece of territory and then agreed to aid Sheng against Beiman and Nan Xu, with the provision that the Eight States'' land be permanently conceded to Dongqing. Thereafter, Dongqing steadily secured its foothold in the Eight States and grew in power.


    At that time, it was a period of prosperity for the Sheng Dynasty, and the loss of so much territory, including the Imperial Temple and Ziwei Mountain, dealt a heavy blow.


    From then on, the Sheng Dynasty began its decline.


    The people of Sheng, from the rulers to the commoners, all felt an immense shame, and the incident became known as the "Disgrace of Emperor Qing."


    Subsequent Emperors of Sheng set the recapture of the Eastern Eight States as their highest goal, though none succeeded. Now, despite being beleaguered from all sides, the dynasty''s survival was thanks to its numerous valiant warriors and large population.


    Mr. Hou revealed that the reason the Emperor did not summon him to the Capital was to wait until the conflict in the East concluded so that all the heroes could be gathered together for a grand bestowal of honors. Moreover, the current situation was highly favorable. Recapturing the entire Eight States was unlikely, but there was a real possibility of reclaiming Ziwei Mountain. If so, performing ancestral rites on Ziwei Mountain before bestowing honors would be a tremendous honor for both the Imperial Family and the servants.


    The State Guardian Sword...


    After roll call in the military camp, the morning was still devoted to routine drills.


    Chen Sansi, though titled Assistant General, found that his Reserve Camp, having returned from Ming State... was reduced to just over a thousand men, and further personnel expansion would have to wait until the enlargement of the forces was complete.

 Chapter 270 - 151 Hua Jin Great Success, the Battle Resumes_3

    ```


    Moreover, this military expansion will be quite special. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    According to the current information, four large camps will be expanded.


    Each regular camp has four sections front, back, left, and right with four thousand people each, making sixteen thousand people per camp. Adding up four camps makes sixty-four thousand people, and furthermore, during the Ming State campaign, both the Sky Wolf Camp and the Cloud Camp suffered heavy losses and need personnel replenishment.


    For the time being, it''s simply impossible to gather so many people.


    If one wants to quickly build up combat power, the best method is to transfer people from the surrounding garrisons over, which also requires meticulous calculations to prevent creating too large a deficit all at once, leading to the problem of robbing Peter to pay Paul.


    "Jiang Tiling!"


    Chen Sansi came to the pharmacy, cupped his fists, and said, "Thank you for your troubles!"


    "It''s no bother, I was just about to concoct a furnace of medicine, but..."


    Jiang Tiling looked Chen up and down: "Mr. Chen has come to learn Power Quenching Medicine, could it be that you have already achieved small achievement or even great success in Hua Jin?"


    Chen Sansi didn''t deny it.


    "That was so quick..."


    Jiang Tiling said incredulously: "Your cultivation speed is faster than even General L¨¹, and from what we see now, perhaps only Lord Governor when he was young, and... and the third young master from back then could compare."


    "I wouldn''t dare to compare with Master and third brother."


    Chen Sansi said: "It''s only because of the help of treasure medicine that I''ve barely caught up; I''m still far from being close."


    "Mr. Chen, you''re being overly modest. All right, let''s start."


    Jiang Tiling sat down in front of the furnace: "I will demonstrate three times, please watch closely, Mr. Chen!"


    "Buzz¡ª"


    As he spoke, he began to channel the Power within his body and enhance it in his palms, then transferring it through the specially made Mystic Iron Furnace to the contents inside. Under the dual strengthening of fierce flames and Power, the medicine''s toxicity was refined, and the essence of the herbal ingredients was extracted.


    "Alchemists in the world and the level of Power Quenching Medicine can generally be divided into three tiers."


    "If one can''t even produce Outer Strength, then that''s the lowest tier."


    "Second-tier alchemists can concoct Supplemental Medicine that can remove sixty percent of toxicity, leaving forty percent."


    "First-tier alchemists leave behind twenty to thirty percent."


    "The top alchemists in the world are those who leave behind only ten percent. These experts are basically all within the Imperial Hospital, and the treasure medicines Mr. Chen usually takes are from their hands."


    "I am untalented, having taken a liking to medical practice since childhood. Later, when I learned that alchemy also needed Power, I learned Martial Arts halfway through. Now, after cultivating daily for a major part of my life, I am but a first-tier Alchemist, still far from becoming a top Alchemist."


    The Imperial Hospital...


    Chen Sansi suddenly thought.


    If it was true that the Medical Officers of the Imperial Hospital were experts above the level of Hua Jin, wouldn''t they be a terrifying force in critical moments?


    Are they physicians?


    "Watch closely!"


    "Bang!"


    "Buzz¡ª"


    Jiang Tiling''s movements were dazzling, appearing to be a separate Cultivation Technique.


    But in fact, that wasn''t the case.


    He was purely using Power, not any Cultivation Technique. The greatest difficulty lay in the amount of force used, the timing, and the coordination with the heat, and then the concoction of each type of Supplemental Medicine required a new adjustment.


    Thus, it was a task of technical skill and a test of endurance.


    "Jiang Tiling, you are... "


    Chen Sansi looked at the other''s muscles: "Vajra Body?"


    "Exactly!"


    Jiang Tiling''s movements didn''t stop: "The Vajra Force cultivated from the Vajra Body is actually not suitable for medical practice. Otherwise, I might well have become an Alchemy Master!"


    Soon, he completed the demonstration three times.


    A furnace of precious Supplemental Medicine for the Refining Internal Realm of the Eight Camps was produced.


    Then, Jiang Tiling also demonstrated another set of Supplemental Medicine for each realm three times.


    "Mr. Chen, it would be good if you have the heart to learn and the spare time to concoct medicines."


    Jiang Tiling sighed: "After all, Power Quenching Medicine has its threshold, and there are only a few of us old guys in the pharmacy who can do it. With so many people in the troupe, how can I keep up?"


    Even if it''s not complete, the Elite Camp still has tens of thousands of people.


    Chen Sansi estimated that in the pharmacy, there were only about four to five people who understood Power Quenching Medicine.


    Therefore, these medicinal materials were essentially prepared for military officers above the Refining Internal Realm; there were also many Supplemental Medicines for ordinary military officers, but those were concocted by ordinary people like Medical Officer Jiang and his team, with less effective results.


    Of course, this was all relative.


    Compared to Po Yang County, the resources here could already be considered at the "Cave Heaven Blessed Land" level.


    After learning Power Quenching Medicine, Chen Sansi decided to practice and just happened to concoct medicine for his subordinates, both improving his proficiency in Medical Skill and enhancing his subordinates'' strength, killing two birds with one stone.


    Having watched Jiang Tiling''s demonstration, with the effects of "Qilin''s Heart" combined with "Photographic Memory", he firmly etched the method of concocting each type of Supplemental Medicine in his mind.


    Next.


    Chen Sansi took a room in the pharmacy as his future alchemy room and immediately began to practice Power Quenching Medicine.


    Once he started, it was not as difficult as he had imagined.


    Moreover, his True Dragon Strength seemed to be of great help to the concoction of medicine.


    It seemed that the purer the Power, the better the effect of the medicine.


    But how many people in the world with the Body of Martial Saint would be willing to become an Alchemist? Hence, this led to the scarcity of Alchemy Masters.


    After practicing for several days.


    Chen Sansi mastered the process of concocting several kinds of Supplemental Medicine and then invited Jiang Tiling for evaluation.


    "So soon?!"


    Jiang Tiling picked up a porcelain bowl, took a small sip at the edge of his lips. As the medicinal soup went down, shock appeared on his face, and his eyes widened: "Mr. Chen, how did you manage to reach the level of a second-tier Alchemist in just a few days?"


    ```

 Chapter 271 - 151 Hua Jin Great Success, the Battle Resumes_4

    "Really? Is it true?"


    The other alchemists who had come to join the fun also tasted it, then revealed the same expression.


    "I''ve always said, those with the Body of a Martial Saint are naturally born to be alchemists!"


    "I''m so envious!"


    "Disperse, disperse!"


    "Go back and cultivate diligently, if in the future you can reach the Profound Image Realm and use Gang Qi to refine medicine, you still have a chance to break into the realm of an Alchemy Master!"


    "..."


    "Sir, this is..."


    Zhao Kang and the others were called over to look at the medicine furnace in front of them.


    "I will often take time out to brew medicine for you."


    Chen Sansi personally served them the medicine soup, "If we can hunt more Exotic Beasts on the mountain later on, I will share some with you too. Cultivate well and strive to have several breakthroughs in Refining Internal Organs, and maybe one or two advancements in Hua Jin this year."


    "Thank you, Sir!"


    Zhao Kang bowed with clasped fists, "We will not let you down, Sir!"


    Feng Yong downed the medicine soup in one gulp, "Sir, the medicine you brew is almost comparable to that of a Pharmacist, which we usually have to queue for, yet you can brew it yourself!"


    That''s what Chen Sansi said.


    But in reality, he knew that at most, only one person might advance to Hua Jin.


    Though there was still Bai Thingzhi, Lu Shuhua and a few other geniuses available.


    But even if these people were willing to follow him now, once the expansion was complete and duties were assigned, they would surely be divided.


    How could several with the Body of a Martial Saint be under the command of one person?


    So in the end, he had to rely on his old brothers.


    If physical talent was lacking, then medicinal herbs must compensate!


    [Skill: Medical Skill. Proficient (Master)]


    [Progress: 895/1000]


    The recent increase in proficiency was mainly from using Power Quenching Medicine, the effects of which he did not know yet until reaching small achievement.


    After finishing with the medicinal ingredients, Chen Sansi then took his bow and arrows to the archery field for practice.


    [Skill: Archery (Great Success)]


    [Progress: (1550/2000)]


    The breakthrough in archery skills was also not very far away.


    Furthermore, it''s worth mentioning that Sun Buqi has been frequently practicing archery with him recently. His level had finally improved, holding a fifteen-stone bow in his hands, he could basically hit targets within a seventy to eighty steps. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After the morning training session ended.


    In the afternoon, Chen Sansi led a team to patrol the city.


    Passing by a martial arts training ground nearby, he saw Cao Fan, who seemed to have broken through to the mastery of the Hua Jing Technique.


    Seeing this person.


    Chen Sansi''s mind involuntarily recalled the events of several nights ago.


    The Incense God Sect, was it just going to be left at that?


    He heard that the "Elder" from Ci Yun Temple had arrived in Liangzhou, and perhaps he could meet him during the routine inspections in the afternoon to see what he was really about.


    ...


    "Huff, huff..."


    Cao Fan put down the Azure Dragon Crescent Blade, his face was blood red, which also revealed an unnatural paleness.


    "Congratulations, Young Master, on your breakthrough!"


    The sparring partner, Sha Wenlong, put down his blade, "If I''m not mistaken, Lu Shuhua and the others at most have only reached the entry-level of the Hua Jing Technique, Xie Sishu and Yan Changqing are still in the Refining Internal Organs Perfection stage. The Young Master has already surpassed them by two whole levels."


    "What about Chen Sansi?"


    Cao Fan, coughing, inquired, "Has he also achieved Hua Jing? Otherwise, how could he have possibly gone to Meishan Prefecture in the first place?"


    "This..."


    Sha Wenlong hesitated and then answered, "He indeed has achieved Hua Jing."


    "Entry-level? No, that''s not right..."


    Cao Fan furrowed his brow, "It must be mastery, right?"


    His heart was full of mixed feelings.


    Since the end of the Selected Point, to maintain his dominance in realm, he had not hesitated to sacrifice his lifespan by cultivating an extremely fierce Cultivation Technique to rapidly increase his strength, but now it had come to this.


    The honor was the other''s.


    And in realms, he probably had caught up and evened out!


    "Young Master..."


    Sha Wenlong did not reply.


    Cao Fan''s face stiffened, pressing further, "What does that mean, he has not only just reached it?"


    "Young Master, it doesn''t matter."


    Sha Wenlong redirected the topic, "If it really doesn''t work out, we can return to the Capital City. The rebels in the south and Dongqing Country in the east both present opportunities to establish military exploits, there''s no need to remain in the Northern Territory."


    "Eunuch Feng!"


    Seeing him unwilling to speak, Cao Fan turned to his close companion, "Tell me the truth, hasn''t he broken through to small achievement?!"


    "Young Master, please brace yourself."


    Eunuch Feng said with a bitter smile, "A few hours ago, I heard people in the pharmacy discussing that he seems to have reached small achievement in Hua Jing, or maybe even great success..."


    "Puh¡ª"


    Cao Fan felt something choking in his chest, his vision darkened as the world spun, and he fell backward, even spewing a mouthful of fresh blood.


    "Young Master!"


    Sha Wenlong hurriedly supported him.


    "Oh dear, Young Master!"


    Eunuch Feng was so anxious that he even started to cry, while he used a handkerchief to wipe the blood and searched his body for healing treasure medicine.


    The very path of cultivation that the Young Master had chosen was already damaging to the body, and now compounded with the suffocating distress, both effects together had made him simply unable to cope, resulting in a collapse.


    "Why, why..."


    After a while, Cao Fan finally reopened his eyes, "He''s only been practicing martial arts for two years, how can the heavens be so unfair! I only sleep two hours a day, maintaining my energy through medicinal herbs, is that still not enough, am I not trying hard enough..."


    "Young Master."


    Sha Wenlong said helplessly, "This person is a demon, and the talents he has shown in various aspects are no less than those of Sun Xiangzong back then, comparing yourself with him is truly unnecessary."


    "Right, Young Master."


    Eunuch Feng agreed, "You are a noble of the Imperial Family, why bother competing with a commoner for a moment of bravery? No matter how strong he is, what does it matter? Supervisor Sun is considered the most accomplished martial artist under the heavens, and yet he is still a subject of the Cao Family."


    "Ah..."


    Cao Fan struggled to breathe.


    The problem was.

 Chapter 272 - 151 Hua Jin Great Success, the Battle Resumes_5

    He was not the only heir.


    He was merely the highest in the line of succession officially.


    If he himself lacked outstanding achievements and extraordinary talents, he could be replaced by other brothers at any time.


    This point.


    It wasn''t just him.


    Even his father, the king, was no exception!


    The Crown Prince had been the Supervisor for forty years, and wasn''t it also a daily depletion of spirit and health?


    Which of his uncles wasn''t secretly eyeing the position of the Crown Prince?


    Cao Fan had seen his father handling official duties until the early hours countless times, and on ordinary days, he had to deal with the overt and covert attacks from various forces, his health deteriorating day by day.


    Especially after ten days in Yunzhou.


    A very significant change had occurred in the court.


    Grandpa, who had been obsessed with cultivating the Immortal Path since twenty years ago, began significantly reducing the number of his closed-door cultivations and spent more time handling state affairs, seemingly ready to reorganize the realm.


    The problem was...


    His father had been the Supervisor for forty years, his influence spread throughout the court and fields.


    Cao Fan, who had been well-versed in history since childhood, naturally knew that there would be a bloody storm in the court.


    What was even more frightening was that Grandpa''s health was said to be improving day by day.


    Considering his age.


    Grandpa was ninety-eight this year, a centenarian!


    In contrast, his father, after forty years as Supervisor, was already exhausted.


    To put it unpleasantly...


    It was uncertain who would outlast whom.


    Cao Fan had thought if he could achieve something in the Northern Territory, he would lay a foundation for himself while also relieving his father of some worries. But unfortunately...


    Chen Sansi had appeared!


    For decades!


    When had such a monster ever appeared in the entire world?


    It''s just not fair, not fair at all!


    "Eunuch Feng, let''s, let''s go, back to the Capital City¡­"


    Ultimately.


    Cao Fan said in a hoarse voice, "Let him stay here, in the future let him compete with the Martial Saint and Ji, the Princely Heir can''t compete anymore¡­"


    "Okay, okay."


    Eunuch Feng said while wiping his tears, "This wretched place, we''re not staying here anymore, there''s nothing good here."


    "Hmm."


    Cao Fan''s gaze was somewhat empty, "First, let''s go back to the Capital City to see my father, see if he needs me to go to Dongqing, or stay in the court to assist..."


    "I''ll write the resignation as soon as we get back."


    Eunuch Feng choked up, "Let''s first recuperate in Liangzhou, we won''t practice the fierce Saber Technique anymore, just the normal saber technique, your health can''t collapse, we''re going home."


    ...


    Ci Yun Temple.


    "Routine inspection!"


    Chen Sansi and Li Qianzong, leading twenty or thirty people, ascended Spirit Mist Mountain.


    At the mountain gate.


    An old Taoist who seemed to be aged around sixty came out to greet them: "I am Xiao Yunzi, the new temple master of Ci Yun Temple. May I know what exactly the lords wish to inspect?"


    "What else could it be!"


    Li Qianzong did not give a pleasant look, "Move aside!"


    "Don''t be too excessive!"


    By the old Taoist''s side, another comparatively younger middle-aged Taoist spoke indignantly, "Isn''t it enough that you forced two of my nephews to death? What more do you want!"


    It wasn''t just him.


    The other Taoists from Ci Yun Temple who were watching from a distance also cast resentful glances.


    This was the current situation in Liangzhou.


    Many sects were displeased with the actions of the Liangzhou Army.


    Some suspected that the Liangzhou Army was being perfunctory, hence their prolonged inability to find the person.


    Some simply said that it was Liangzhou itself who had done it, and that there was no such thing as the Witch God Sect in the world.


    "Enough talk!"


    Li Qianzong was not intimidated and scolded, "We''ve come to help you figure out why Qiu Mingzi and the other guy committed suicide! Move it!"


    "You..."


    The middle-aged Taoist wanted to talk, but Xiao Yunzi interrupted, "Junior brother, let the lords come in to investigate."


    "Search!"


    Li Qianzong waved his hand.


    Chen Sansi and the others immediately went in.


    After making a couple of rounds, he arrived at the grand hall and noticed that the incense burner was replaced; it was no longer the previous one that could plunder incense, but a common incense burner.


    Ci Yun Temple''s newly arrived Xiao Yunzi and the middle-aged Taoist were indeed from the Incense Fire Divine Sect.


    Because Chen Sansi saw the purple incense mystical energy stored in their Dantians.


    Incense Fire Divine Dao!


    The function of the Qi Observation Skill was similar to x-ray; these people''s secrets were laid bare before him.


    He also indirectly inquired with Ning Xiang, asking if they could detect others cultivating spells or following the Immortal Path. The answer was no, unless someone specifically cultivated the Detecting Skill or the Immortal Realm way was extremely high, otherwise, it was impossible to see through others'' secrets with the naked eye, one could only feel it through physical contact or after a fight. S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    And changing magic skills often required manipulating the mystical energy within one''s body.


    This point was observable from the patterns seen through the Sword Qi Skill and Ning Xiang''s Charming Technique.


    The purple incense inside Xiao Yunzi and his companion remained dormant without any sign of manipulation, indicating that they also didn''t possess the detecting magic skills.


    What Chen Sansi found interesting was.


    There were masters inside Ci Yun Temple.


    They were two Taoists who looked only fifteen or sixteen years old.


    But based on the energy hidden within them, they were probably also experts in the Meridian Passage Method.


    These two persons, he had seen before.


    Chen Sansi had a [photographic memory], basically remembering every face in Ci Yun Temple. When he last saw these two young Taoists, they were just introducing Blood Refining, how could they have progressed directly to Meridian Passage in less than a year?


    It looked like...


    They were replaced.


    As for why they looked the same, he guessed that most likely they used some Disguise Technique.


    The seemingly modest Ci Yun Temple turned out to be teeming with hidden dragons and crouching tigers.


    Not only that, while Xiao Yunzi and the others did not notice him, it was these two who were covertly observing him, unsure of their origins, but it was certain that they were tied to the two Taoists who died in the dungeon.

 Chapter 273 - 151 Hua Jin Great Success, War Resurges_6

    Qiu Mingzi had his eye on him while alive.


    He might have leaked the news to these two people.


    Witch God Sect?


    Until now, Chen Sansi had not figured out what exactly was added to the "Nourishing Spirit Soup", and whether the incense and Nourishing Spirit Soup were two separate acts by different groups of people.


    It''s also possible that Qiu Mingzi and his group were double agents, openly followers of the Incense Fire Divine Sect but secretly colluding with other forces?


    This trip today proved worthwhile.


    At least he knew who was watching him and could always be on guard, not completely in the dark until danger came knocking. Now, he was the proactive one!


    However, it seemed he still needed to enhance his power swiftly. Hua Jin was far from enough, and the materials for the bow needed to be gathered quickly. By hunting down the Fierce Monster and finding Ghost Vein Wood, theoretically, it should be possible to assemble a Hundred-stone Bow carrying True Dragon Strength.


    "Sir, I didn''t find anything!"


    "I haven''t got much here either."


    "..."


    Soon, a round of searches was completed.


    "Yun Xiaozi."


    Li Qianzong spoke emotionlessly, "If you find anything unusual, please make sure to inform us!"


    "Certainly, certainly."


    Yun Xiaozi performed a Taoist bow with clasped hands, "Then I''ll kindly see off the two officials."


    "Squad Leader."


    The middle-aged Taoist said in a low voice, "I''ve inquired about the news. It was not the Princely Heir''s doing. He knows nothing about our Divine Sect."


    "Just as I expected."


    Yun Xiaozi''s gaze darkened, "Yet someone has to cause trouble at this critical juncture, and it''s troubling that there''s no way to start the investigation. Moreover, this person has managed to absorb such a large amount of incense in such a short time¡ªthe background mustn''t be small!"


    "Then, Squad Leader, shall we continue the investigation?"


    "No, let''s stop. Missing the incense from one incense burner doesn''t make much difference."


    "What about the Witch God Sect? Are we going to drop that too? I heard that Qiu Mingzi and his group had constantly been organizing sermons, not sure what their purpose was."


    "No, we''ll leave that for later. Our immediate task is to handle the matters in Capital City. We''ll be leaving in a few days."


    "Yes, Squad Leader, I understand."


    "..."


    ...


    "Following me?"


    Chen Sansi noticed movement behind him.


    It was two young Taoists from Ci Yun Temple.


    But they did not follow all the way, retreating as they neared Chen Mansion, clearly unwilling to take action within the city.


    "It''s several days'' journey to the mountain, and I really can''t rest easy leaving the whole family in the mansion."


    "Fortunately, Senior Sister Nine wrote that the Yan State Army''s affairs have been settled, and she will soon return to Liangzhou. It would be perfect to ask her to be the bodyguard."


    "Master!"


    "Daddy!"


    "Godfather~"


    As Chen Sansi entered, the courtyard burst into lively scenes.


    Si Qinmohua goes without saying. The Sun Li siblings were also there, then Chen Yunxi, and finally, Tong Family holding a child.


    "Yu Huan is here, come, let godfather hold you."


    Chen Sansi picked up the roughly one-year-old girl whose first word after learning to speak was actually ''godfather'', making it unclear how the Tong Family had taught her.


    In the evening, a large table full of people and food.


    After the lively meal, they simply stayed overnight in the forecourt chambers, as it was all women and there was nothing inconvenient about it. This spared Chen Sansi the trouble of fussing over the child, allowing him to focus on cultivating in the backyard.


    Meridian Passage Realm!


    As the name implies, it involves opening up the body''s acupoints, storing strength in the meridians like blood flowing in blood vessels, without having to induce it with Qi-Blood after moving as in the Hua Jing Realm. Also, it is critical for laying the foundation for the Profound Image Realm, as only meridians tempered by strength are likely to generate Gang Qi, thereby stepping into the Profound Image Realm.


    The Pile Work of the Meridian Passage Realm is very complex, and the Breathing Skill had changed from the Haoran Breathing Skill to the Asking Dao Breathing Skill.


    Of course, for Chen Sansi, these things were hardly obstacles.


    In just two days, he had committed the Meridian Passage Method to memory.


    [Cultivation Technique: National Guardian Dragon Spear. Meridian Passage (Uninitiated)]


    [Progress: 5/100]


    His master''s handwritten notes stated that not only should he practice spear technique but also every other Cultivation Technique given to him previously up to the Meridian Passage, for countless future benefits.


    Sword, spear, saber, and halberd; axe, hook, trident, and fork.


    Basically, every type of weapon was included.


    Chen Sansi spent five days bringing the Zhenyue Swordsmanship, which he used frequently, to Hua Jing Perfection. He would have to find time for the rest.


    After Martial Arts, he had to cultivate Spells.


    He sat cross-legged, holding a Xuanzhu in his hand, absorbing the Incense Mystical Energy contained within. After circulating through the meridians inside his body and congregating at the fingertips through a special Circulation, he was one step away from breakthrough mastery.


    Unlike the inevitable pain of cultivating Martial Arts, cultivating Spells was an indescribable experience. Without any pain or itch, his right hand, which was forming seals, simply couldn''t stop trembling. The small sword phantom above his fingertips kept dispersing and then reforming in a continuous cycle, consuming the Incense at a rapid pace within the Xuanzhu until he fully grasped its profound technique, marking his great achievement.


    "Buzz!"


    A purple small sword floated in the void.


    Sized like a miniature pendant rather than the embroidery needle size it was upon initiation, it appeared much sturdier and not nearly as much a mere phantom as before.


    [Magic Skill: Sword Qi Skill (Mastery)]


    [Progress: 0/1000]


    [Utility: Cutting Strength Breaking Gang]


    "Cutting Strength Breaking Gang?"


    Chen Sansi, contemplating the effect term, fell into a deep thought.


    He had never exchanged hands with a Martial Artist in the Profound Image Realm, unsure of what strength Gang Qi really held and what extent Sword Qi Skill could counter Gang Qi. Just based on feeling, Profound Image Realm Initiation?


    Uncertain.


    This wasn''t something he could test.


    When Senior Sister Nine returned, he could use sparring as a pretext to experience Gang Qi and then have a clear idea.


    If he remembered correctly,


    Sha Wenlong was transferred from another state, with not a high realm, merely at the initiation of Profound Image Realm Cultivation Technique.


    Thinking thus, Chen Sansi dissipated the Sword Qi from his fingertips.


    Not having entered the Divine Dao, he couldn''t store Incense in his Dantian, and each accumulation could only be used once, after which he had to accumulate again.


    It was an unavoidable situation.


    Not to mention the lack of a Cultivation Technique for the Incense Fire Divine Dao, even if there were one, he dared not practice it casually, unknown what kind of price he needed to pay. Especially since the Incense was not his but stolen, it seemed unreliable to think about it. He would rather follow the orthodox initiation methods of his own master upon reaching a certain realm.


    Incense and Sword Qi Skill, considering them as his current trump cards. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 274 - 152: Archery Perfection, Unavoidable

    The stages in developing Martial Arts and Spells had been achieved.


    Next, it was time to go hunting in the mountains.


    "I have already written Vice Admiral Yu''s petition, and it was sent via the six thousand li Divine Eagle express from the Ministry of Communication, so it should arrive soon."


    "I wonder if the Emperor will grant Vice Admiral Yu a proper recognition after reading the petition."


    "In addition, I''ve also included Xu Wencai''s contributions."


    After the pacification of Ming State.


    Those who returned alive from the Reserve Camp received extensive rewards.


    Since Xu Wencai had no Cultivation and was not even a military soldier, and only received some gold and silver, it was rather unfair; the old scholar''s dream was to be granted a genuine Wolong Title.


    However, with Fang Qingyun''s outstanding reputation setting a precedent, such an equivalent title seemed difficult to obtain, but achieving a military or scholarly Medal would be good too, one could only try one''s best.


    Moreover, there was noteworthy news from the Capital City, just before they went to war, there was a new top scholar in the imperial examinations, his old acquaintance, Tang Yingke.


    Unexpectedly, that youngster really passed when he said he would take the exam; he truly had some ink in his belly.


    ...


    Capital City.


    Longevity Palace.


    All members of the Cabinet gathered here.


    "Joyous news!"


    "Since the war began with Dongqing Country, Marquis of Andong, Meng Quji, has rapidly captured the lands of Eight Prefectures in just two months, now advancing deep into Lai State, with victories one after another, an unstoppable momentum."


    "In desperation, Dongqing Sect sent Prince Tang with a hundred thousand troops to station in Tongzhou."


    "If Prince Tang of Dongqing is defeated next, we could recapture the territories of Lai, Tong, and Ling states in one fell swoop, which includes the fertile lands of two states and Ziwei Mountain."


    "Excellent! Whatever Meng Quji needs, fulfill it, gather grain if he lacks grain, allocate funds if he needs funds, as long as he retakes the three states, I shall promote him to State Duke!"


    Emperor Longqing was greatly pleased.


    After the discussions concluded, he changed the subject, "By the way, regarding Chen Sansi''s rewards, what suggestions do all my ministers have? Feel free to share, Yan Liang, Yan Maoxing, you father and son go first."


    "In reply to Your Majesty."


    Yan Liang, sitting on a small stool, leisurely responded, "Mr. Chen is too young, and his official rank is limited by his Martial Arts Realm, so Your Majesty''s grace can only be bestowed through a Medal.


    "Furthermore, after ferrying civilians across the river, Mr. Chen had already been conferred the third-rank title of Upper Guard, and now he has achieved such remarkable deeds in Ming State; theoretically, he should directly skip the second-rank, being directly appointed to the Standard Second Rank Upper Guard. Additionally, he already possesses the best Martial Arts Resources, so we can only reward him with some more gold and silver."


    "Your Majesty, I agree!"


    Yan Maoxing bowed deeply, "An eighteen-year-old Standard Second Rank Protector is extremely rare in our dynasty."


    The Minister of War, Gao Bo, concurred, "I second the motion."


    "Heh, too low,"


    Emperor Longqing interrupted, "I plan to directly grant him the title of Standard First Rank Upper Pillar Country, what do you think?"


    A murmur of astonishment.


    "Your Majesty, isn''t that a bit too high?"


    Yan Liang hesitated, "He is only eighteen and has only been serving in the army for just two years; isn''t this promotion too rapid?"


    "Yes, Your Majesty,"


    Gao Bo spoke solemnly, "If such heavy awards are granted at such a young age, he might become arrogant; perhaps start with Second Rank Protector, and then elevate to Upper Pillar Country in three to five years."


    "I think nothing is inappropriate!"


    The Minister of Rites, the father of Tang Yingke, Tang Ran, spoke up, "General Chen crossed Hongze River four times, and his tactics are now included in the Military Family''s art of war; if not for his extraordinary achievements, the insurrection in Ming State wouldn''t have been quelled in such a short time!"


    "Mr. Tang, public matters are public, and personal matters are personal."


    The Minister of Revenue hinted something cryptically but did not elaborate.


    Back when Assigned Point happened, they had heard about it.


    It was said that Chen Sansi harshly killed Wen Qiushi to avenge Tang Ran''s son, Tang Yingke.


    But the occasion was different, and many statements needed to be nuanced. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Not like in Liangzhou with Governor Liu and others, who directly argued with Mr. Hou.


    "I am discussing public affairs!"


    Tang Ran firmly stated, "Your Majesty''s decision is extremely wise; Upper Pillar Country is indeed appropriate."


    "Crown Prince~"


    Emperor Longqing drawled, "What do you think?"


    "Father''s imperial decision, why should your son interject?"


    The Crown Prince, sitting on a stool, expressed his agreement.


    Officials below continued discussing.


    "He is too young..."


    "Yes, even Sun Xiangzong at this time hadn''t made a splash yet."


    "What if he achieves more in the future?"


    "Wouldn''t he be made an Earl by the age of twenty?"


    "..."


    According to the merit system of the Great Sheng Dynasty, beyond the first-rank merit, the ranks ascended to superordinate ranks of Earl, Marquis, Duke, and Prince, each progressively scarcer, with only the Cao Family eligible to be princes. Currently, there were merely two or three State Dukes, Marquises were also scarce, Earls existed in some number, but they were veterans, hence a first-rank Upper Pillar Country appeared very prominent, essentially at an equal status with many veteran old ministers.


    "Who lets My favorite general be only eighteen years old!"


    Emperor Longqing took out several golden pages from his wide-sleeved Taoist robe and raised them high for everyone to see. "Do you see what this is? Heavenly Book!"


    "Dong An did not hesitate to betray Me, betray the Great Sheng, and rebelled just to obtain the Miracle Soldiers Heavenly Book!"


    "But Chen Sansi, after obtaining it, showed no greed and immediately submitted it to the court, without any deceit or falsification."


    "Such a loyal and good minister, can he not bear a first-rank title of Upper Pillar Country?"


    "I intend to show the people of the world, letting him set an example for the young talents across the land."

 Chapter 275 - 152: Archery Perfection, Unavoidable_2

    Many ministers fell silent.


    "Your Majesty speaks wisely, but..."


    After a long pause, Yan Liang said hoarsely, "Your Majesty, becoming Upper Pillar Country does have strict requirements, at least one act of Heavenly Merit, in addition to numerous Class A military achievements. Mr. Chen has secured Heavenly Merit, but the number of Class A military achievements is insufficient."


    "That''s easy to fix."


    Emperor Longqing, reclining in his Dragon Chair, spoke unhurriedly, "Soon, I will send him to the eastern battlefield and give him another chance to distinguish himself."


    "The east..."


    Minister of War Gao Bo mused, "Your Majesty, Liangzhou is in the far west; to transfer troops from there to Lai State might be too distant, the cost of moving troops might be a bit too high."


    "I had no plans to transfer troops from Liangzhou."


    Emperor Longqing pondered, "Just draw three thousand Black Armor troops from the Personal Guard Camps around the Capital; a capable general should have forces at his command, should he not?"


    "Your Majesty is wise!"


    "Very well, you all may leave, except for the Crown Prince and Fang Qingyun."


    "..."


    The vast hall quickly emptied until only a few individuals remained.


    "Crown Prince."


    Emperor Longqing, his calm voice laced with authority, asked, "Tell me, why did that Sha Wenlong refuse to heed Chen San''s advice and cross the entire army over the Hongze River to the east?"


    "As a general, one must prioritize stability,"


    the Crown Prince contemplated, "Had the entire army crossed and encountered blockades, it could have led to irreversible consequences."


    "So you say, should I reward them instead?"


    Emperor Longqing did not pursue further, shifting his tone, "Fang Qingyun, why are you silent? What is your opinion on the matter of Upper Pillar Country?"


    "I too find it somewhat inappropriate."


    Seated in his wheelchair, Fang Qingyun replied at a measured pace, "He is, after all, still too young; the prestige that comes with the title of Upper Pillar Country might be too high for him."


    "Hmm."


    Emperor Longqing''s mouth twitched imperceptibly, touching on the point briefly before changing the subject again, "Chen San had written a petition to me, mentioning a man named Xu Wencai, hoping that I would bestow some form of recognition. What do you know of him, Fang Aiqing?"


    "Mr. Xu is a talent of the highest caliber, surpassing me in every aspect. Had he not come from humble origins, he would have become a prominent scholarly general by now,"


    Fang Qingyun answered, "Having been by Chen San''s side, he must have also contributed significantly during the Four Crossings of Hongze; he indeed deserves recognition."


    "Even you say so; it seems we have another talent at hand."


    Emperor Longqing mused, "He hopes that I grant Xu Wencai an official title, but how come I''ve heard that Mr. Xu''s greatest aspiration in life is to be honored with the title ''Wo Long''? Why didn''t Chen San tell me directly? Is he worried that I, being stingy, would not be willing to bestow it?"


    "Your Majesty knows all."


    Fang Qingyun spoke calmly, "Mr. Xu certainly is fixated on receiving a title."


    Emperor Longqing spoke with a tinge of meaning, "''Wo Long,'' that title is on the same level as your ''Phoenix.'' Do you object?"


    "My nickname was originally just a rumor in Jianghu; however, it simply became reality as it spread. Mr. Xu is not less than me; why should there be an issue?" Fang Qingyun said, "The only concern is the corresponding pressure it brings; I wonder if he can withstand it."


    "Under pressure? Only with pressure can potential be inspired! I, specifically want to bestow upon him the title of ''Wo Long''."


    Emperor Longqing said, "If memory serves me right, there are still some small factions of the rebel army and bandits along the border of You State. Let the ''Wo Long'' lead the troops to eliminate them, also giving him an opportunity to independently earn his merits."


    "That would be excellent."


    Fang Qingyun said meaningfully, "Your Majesty''s arrangements, I''m sure Mr. Xu will be deeply grateful."


    "You should also join the upcoming battle in Lai State."


    Emperor Longqing rose slowly, passing the Heavenly Book over: "Take this as well." Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Why would Your Majesty do this?"


    Fang Qingyun did not accept it: "This is the Heavenly Book, your servant..."


    "What are you pretending for?"


    Emperor Longqing narrowed his eyes: "I know you can understand it. Memorize it and then return it to the court later. Once you''re in the East, if you want to teach it to Chen Sansi, do so; I''ve approved it."


    "Your servant obeys."


    Only then did Fang Qingyun accept the Heavenly Book.


    Emperor Longqing left with a sweep of his sleeve, quickly vanishing behind the layers of curtains.


    Several eunuchs followed closely behind him.


    In the great hall, soon only the Crown Prince and Fang Qingyun were left.


    "Tap tap~"


    The Crown Prince, leaning on a walking stick, stood up, tediously made his way to the scholar, handed over the stick, then, grasping the handles of the wheelchair, pushed him forward: "General Fang, let''s go. Allow me to accompany you."


    At the doorway of the great hall, when the wheelchair proved too heavy to lift, he called over some young eunuchs from outside to help carry it out, and then continued pushing it forward at a leisurely pace.


    A gust of autumn wind blew through, causing both men to start coughing.


    "General Fang, you must take care of your health."


    "Your Highness should be more careful. You really should not push me anymore; I can manage on my own."


    "No matter, no matter. It is not often that you and I get to be together. To walk and talk together is fitting."


    Silence.


    Having left the Longevity Palace and reached the outer perimeter of the Imperial Palace, Fang Qingyun took the Heavenly Book from his bosom and offered it back: "Your Highness, would you like to see it?"


    "Heh, might as well take a look."


    The Crown Prince paused, flipping through the Heavenly Book: "I can''t understand it. General Fang, after you translate it, please also make a copy for me."


    "His Majesty is truly generous."


    Fang Qingyun took back the Heavenly Book: "The contents recorded here are genuine Immortal Realm formations, to be shared so openly with everyone."


    "Do you know why they''ve been so generous with you lately?"


    The Crown Prince resumed pushing the wheelchair, slightly stooped, almost in the tone of telling a ghost story: "They could agree to the camp expansion and even share the Heavenly Book with you."

 Chapter 276 - 152: Archery Perfection, Unavoidable_3

    Fang Qingyun glanced over his shoulder, "Your Highness, if you have something to say, why beat around the bush?"


    "Is Supervisor Sun nearing his end?"


    It seemed like the Crown Prince wasn''t continuing the previous topic, "Expanding the troops will certainly strengthen Liangzhou''s forces, but it will also mean a lot of new recruits, and quite a multitude at that. The implications of this need not be spelled out too explicitly, right? General Fang, haven''t you ever pondered the future of the Eight Camps a few years from now?"


    "Naturally, we will be at His Majesty''s disposal," Fang Qingyun stated matter-of-factly.


    "..."


    Again, silence.


    "General Fang."


    The Crown Prince began again, "Speak your mind, what do you think of this palace?"


    "Your Highness has supervised the nation for forty years, always exhausting your mind and body in diligent service. It''s an undeniable and uncontested fact," Fang Qingyun replied, with his body slightly tilted.


    "But now that His Majesty has ended his seclusion, it''s about time you got some well-deserved rest and took care to recuperate," he added, intentionally stressing the latter part of the sentence.


    "..."


    The Crown Prince''s eyelids twitched uncontrollably, "In fact, it is Father Emperor who should be resting at his advanced age. The burden of the Great Sheng Dynasty should be borne by me, his son. Don''t you agree, General Fang?"


    "Is that so?"


    Fang Qingyun drew out his words, "I believe His Majesty is in the prime of life."


    "Yes, in the prime of life, cough, cough, cough..."


    "In the prime of life, that''s good. I too am glad for Father Emperor, cough, cough, cough..."


    Fang Qingyun, hearing the voice behind him growing fainter, strained to twist his body for a look, only to see that the person had quietly taken his cane and left, leaving him alone on the wheelchair, at the mercy of the autumn wind and falling leaves.


    He hurriedly called out, "Your Highness, what do you mean by this? The least you could do is leave me where there are people, Your Highness?!"


    From here to where there were people was at least a five-mile distance!


    He would have to wheel himself the entire five miles!


    ...


    At the Chen Mansion.


    "Senior Sister Nine, welcome back ''home''."


    Chen Sansi gestured invitingly, "I''ve prepared a room for you in the second yard, as you like. Let me know if there''s anything else you need, or if there''s anything I can prepare immediately. My family''s Xi Xi, Du He, and even Yu Huan are very fond of Senior Sister. If you don''t mind, you can stay with us when you come back to Liangzhou."


    "Why are you being so scheming, boy?"


    Rong Yanqiu, after tying the letter to Hai Dongqing''s leg and releasing it, rolled her eyes and said, "You just want me to act as a watchdog and protector for your house, don''t you? Dressing it up so nicely. Come give my shoulders a massage, and tell me more about how you came up with the Four Crossings of Hongze River. If I''m pleased, I might agree to be your guard dog."


    "Why does Senior Sister have to put it that way?"


    Chen Sansi stepped forward to massage.


    Not until he had served her satisfaction did he broach the main subject, "Senior Sister Nine, could you tell me about the Xuanxiang Realm?"


    "You want to know about Mysterious Phenomenon so soon? Could it be that you are about to achieve Meridian Passage?"


    Rong Yanqiu was slightly surprised and then explained, "The Profound Image Realm is about transforming strength into Gang Qi, and the entire realm revolves around enhancing the use of Gang Qi. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "With an entry-level understanding of the Cultivation Technique, you could think of it as turning the strength wielded in the Weapon into Gang Qi. This Gang Qi is more substantial, not only used for offense but also for defense.


    "Once proficient, you can send out Gang Qi, akin to a form of attack from afar, though usually not over great distances.


    "With a small achievement, you can possess Protective Gang Qi. As long as you don''t exhaust yourself, on the battlefield, it''s nearly impossible for those below your realm to break through your defenses.


    "Upon reaching Great Success, you can shape Gang Qi into forms and project it up to ten feet away from your body, for example..."


    "Shua¡ª¡ª"


    She suddenly unleashed a palm strike, and a near-transparent Gang Qi materialized, transforming into the shape of a python and then shooting out explosively, hitting a potted plant in front of her and shattering it into pieces, startling Si Qin who happened to be passing by, almost making her leap into the air in a scream.


    Even if it was just a demonstration.


    Chen Sansi felt the terrifying power.


    He asked, "What about the Gang Qi of a Beginner Martial Artist?"


    "Try stabbing me," Rong Yanqiu invited as she sat still, gesturing him over with a beckoning hand.


    "Senior Sister, no offense!"


    Chen Sansi did not hold back, grabbing the nearby Five Tigers Soul-breaking Spear, stacking various enhancements from within, and finally channeling True Dragon Strength into the long spear. With a humming sound, he fiercely thrust it forward.


    Rong Yanqiu stood unflinching, her right hand with faintly purple nails resembling a blooming lotus as it met the thrust. Wrapped in Gang Qi, she incredibly caught the sharp Gun Blade with her bare hand.


    The moment she touched the blade, her languid demeanor vanished as she quickly pushed away the spear and, with a swallow''s turn, dodged to the side, saying displeasedly, "You have True Dragon Strength, why didn''t you say so beforehand?"


    "Senior Sister didn''t ask me either," Chen Sansi retorted, shrugging his shoulders to show innocence.


    "Get out, I''m done playing with you. The nail polish I just applied is split," Rong Yanqiu huffed, rising to enter her room, shutting the door behind her to tend to something.


    "Hsss..."


    Chen Sansi sheathed the long spear and flexed his numbed arm.


    Even with Senior Sister deliberately restraining her strength to the entry-level of the Xuanxiang Realm, was the disparity still so vast?


    The reason Rong Yanqiu dodged earlier was not that she couldn''t handle it, but rather because she was indeed caught off guard by the secondary onslaught of the True Dragon Strength and because she did not want to invest more Gang Qi and risk injuring herself.


    But...


    Sword Qi Skill can!


    After experiencing it firsthand, Chen Sansi was certain that the Sword Qi Skill would have no problem breaking through the Gang Qi of a Mysterious Phenomenon Technique Beginner Martial Artist.


    Cao Fan, the eunuch, and also Sha Wenlong.


    These three needed to be dealt with, might as well handle them all together.

 Chapter 277 - 152: Archery Perfection, Unavoidable_4

    Sha Wenlong could resolve the situation with just one Sword Qi Skill, so all he needed to do next was take care of the personal eunuch. With Mastery of Meridian Passage, an individual handpicked from thousands within the Imperial Palace, even if physically impaired, his constitution was most likely that of a genius, incomparable by the Mingzhou Rebel Army or the Chi Mei Army¡ªan obvious reason. If it weren''t for exceptional talent, why would the Imperial Palace cultivate him among so many eunuchs?


    Jinyi Guard, eunuchs, neither should be underestimated,


    For safety''s sake, expertise in the Meridian Passage Method is needed to ensure he could quickly neutralize the target.


    It''s not that entry-level skills couldn''t contend, but what Chen Sansi pursued was a swift kill, as becoming entangled in a fierce battle could lead to missed targets and exposure of his identity.


    "The Big Bow needs upgrading!"


    "Senior Sister Nine is also staying at home; I can comfortably leave for a few days."


    ...


    Luotian Mountain Range.


    [Cultivation Technique: National Guardian Dragon Spear. Meridian Passage (not entered)]


    [Progress: 68/100]


    Inside the cave.


    "Meridian Passage is not far off!"


    After a brief rest, Chen Sansi picked up his long spear and ventured into the forested mountains.


    After he left, two Taoists from Ci Yun Temple began to follow him. They were quickly shaken off after leaving the city and failed to pursue him into the Luotian Mountain Range, eventually giving up.


    Now it was certain.


    The ones who had "poisoned" the Nourishing Spirit Soup were them, and they were not affiliated with the Incense God Sect. The two groups had completely different objectives, both simply using Ci Yun Temple as a cover.


    The most likely suspects were the people of the Witch God Sect.


    Their actions were highly likely centered around the evil Qi deep within the Luotian Mountain Range, concealing something within...


    Zhang Huaimin''s ascent to prominence outside Dongyi City was vividly remembered to this day.


    But since that incident, similar cases had ceased to appear.


    Just constant death, death...


    This has brought some second-tier sects within Liangzhou City to the brink of collapse.


    If this continued, it could force them into rebellion.


    "Now, I have reached Hua Jing Perfection."


    "Last time I reached the Eight-layered Mountain, let''s see how many layers I can reach this time!"


    Two days and nights of continuous travel later,


    Chen Sansi returned near the Eight-layered Mountain, entering the territory of the Fierce Monster once again. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Bang bang!"


    Invisible yet audible.


    Sounds like rocks clashing; a roar erupted, and a mass of pitch-black evil Qi descended from the sky!


    "Buzz¡ª"


    The Five Tigers Soul-breaking Spear turned into a Jiao Long, emerging from the sea at the hum, colliding instantly with the shadow that had almost immediately arrived, causing a piercing metal screeching sound that alarmed the birds nearby.


    The sharpness of this beast''s claws was comparable to metal. In raw strength, it matched a Hua Jing Perfection Martial Artist bolstered by true strength, even slightly stronger due to its animalistic build.


    However, when they made contact, the continuous killing force on the spear blade was like a stationary weapon encountering a rotating chainsaw, producing a "crackling" sound as sparks flew.


    In the end, the Fierce Monster was outmatched. Its massive body was shot backward by the impact, crashing heavily against a tree trunk. Before it could regain its footing, the silver Jiao Long attacked again.


    The claws and blade of the Poisonous Beast clashed repeatedly.


    Until, after several exchanges, a "snap" was heard. The Fierce Monster''s claws could no longer withstand the bite of True Dragon Strength and shattered. It completely lost its ability to combat the Martial Artist, its robust body rapidly riddled with gaping wounds, and it suddenly fell to the ground, lifeless,


    "This beast is much stronger than an ordinary Great Success Martial Artist!"


    Although Chen Sansi did not exert much effort, he still had to marvel at the horrors deep within the Luotian Mountain Range. There must be stronger Poisonous Beasts or Exotic Beasts ahead, no wonder only High Realm Martial Artists could breach it.


    He pulled out the Zhenyue Sword, bending down to skin and debone the Fierce Monster.


    The elasticity and resilience of this Poisonous Beast''s tendons were extremely impressive. Trying to break them with force, he found it difficult to do so in a short amount of time. No wonder its leaps covered tens of meters, appearing almost like flying if viewed from a distance. Using its tendons as the main material for a bowstring could effortlessly pull an Iron Core Bow of a hundred stones.


    The meat of the Poisonous Beast was inedible; its bones were hard but not as useful as black iron¡ªof little value to him now. He was going to keep moving forward, so he just collected the tendons and left the carcass behind.


    Jiuzhong Mountain.


    Chen Sansi continued to explore further while searching for the items he wanted.


    Ghost Vein Wood and broken grass.


    The former was material for arrow shafts; with it, he could assemble a complete Big Bow carrying True Dragon Strength. The latter was part of the trade promised to Miss Ning Xiang.


    "Hiss!"


    With one sword strike, Chen Sansi chopped off the head of an unknown Poisonous Beast, crossing another valley and entering the Ten Layers Mountain. The vegetation became denser, and upon his arrival, he saw swarms of poisonous insects writhing towards him, those closest eagerly anticipating fresh flesh.


    "There''s miasma too."


    He was prepared; taking a Medicine Pill from his robe, he swallowed it and accelerated his pace.


    "The qi between heaven and earth is changing!"


    Chen Sansi noticed that amid the chaotic qi of the world, threads of dark black Evil Qi began to mix, albeit very thinly¡ªso sparse that even he had to observe carefully to detect it.


    "Inside this mountain..."

 Chapter 278 - 152: Archery Perfection, Unavoidable_5

    "Perhaps there really are traces of immortals."


    "Forget it, those are too far off, let''s find the Ghost Vein Wood first."


    Ghost Vein Wood usually grows in dark places teeming with miasma and is accompanied by many poisonous insects. Hence, the tree itself is toxic. After it is used to revive a dying person one last time, the user often dies a gruesome death and must endure extreme pain.


    "It''s mentioned in the ''Hundred Herbs Map''."


    The Imperial Family of the former Great Da Yan had once employed this substance.


    Because the Old Emperor had not made clear whether the second or twelfth prince should succeed him, the princes had used Ghost Vein Wood on him, forcing him back to life to make his decision clear, then dying in torment...


    "There really is one!"


    Chen Sansi quickly found his target in the woods ahead.


    The Luotian Mountain Range is truly rich in resources.


    The growth of Ghost Vein Wood is extremely slow. The one he found was only as thick as a baby''s fist and a little over a person''s height; it would yield only a few dozen arrow shafts at most.


    "Let''s look for more!"


    After successively killing four or five Poisonous Beasts comparable to those with Mastery of Meridian Passage, Chen Sansi finally entered the range of the Ten Layers Mountain, where the miasma was denser than before and the Evil Qi between heaven and earth had increased noticeably.


    "Ghost Vein Wood..."


    Without going deeper, he saw a Ghost Vein Wood that was as thick as a person can embrace, enveloped by miasma, and at least eight hundred years old. If the whole tree was felled, it would produce an inexhaustible supply of arrow shafts.


    But Chen Sansi did not approach recklessly.


    Because right next to the Ghost Vein Wood, inside a hollow of another large tree, there was a mass of dense, pale blue Mystical Energy, which upon estimation might possess the strength of Mastery of Meridian Passage or even the Profound Image Realm. The appearance of an Exotic Beast in such a place indicated that not all animals would turn into Poisonous Beasts.


    "Roar¡ª"


    A deep roar resounded, and a colossal figure slowly emerged from the tree hollow.


    It was a black bear!


    Moreover, it was draped in an ancient monk''s robe, with Buddha beads around its neck and a Crescent Moon Spade in its hand; who knows how many years ago a hapless Martial Artist had encountered it and met their doom.


    If Chen Sansi hadn''t known about Meng Guangxin''s whereabouts, his Fifth Senior Brother, he might have suspected it was his own Senior Brother who had met a tragic end.


    "Roar!"


    After coming out, the black bear first scratched itself against the tree trunk, then started patrolling its territory.


    Chen Sansi decisively retreated.


    His Sword Qi Skill was limited; using it once would consume one set of incense. It was better to save it for preserving his life, and since the bear was an Exotic Beast, it would be best to leave it intact to use for food later.


    Thinking so,


    Chen Sansi turned back and chopped down the previously encountered Ghost Vein Wood.


    A few dozen arrow shafts were enough to last him for a while.


    Moreover, the iron materials provided by the Seeking Immortal Tower were only enough to make about a dozen arrowheads; cutting down so many trunks would have been wasteful.


    Fortunately, within a valley at the border between Jiuzhong Mountain and Ten Layers Mountain, where there was no miasma at all, Chen Sansi not only hunted three Exotic Beasts but also found the broken grass that the Seeking Immortal Tower needed, reaping a bountiful harvest.


    Carrying all his finds, he returned to Liangzhou City several days later.


    Chen Sansi left one Exotic Beast at the military camp, which was of little help to High Realm Martial Artists, took all the others home for Si Qinmohua to handle, and then, armed with the Iron Core Bow, the Fierce Monster Tendon, and the Ghost Vein Wood, he proceeded to the Forge.


    High-level Alchemists needed to have cultivation, and so did the craftsmen forging weapons.


    The person in charge of the Forge was an old man with muscles all over his body. He was said to have been with Sun Dushi since his youth and was considered one of his trusted old comrades. With a cultivation at the realm of Mastery of Meridian Passage, there was a chance he could even strike at the Xuanxiang Realm in recent years. It was said that most of the Main Generals'' weapons from the Eight Camps, including Lu Ji''s Heavenly Halberd, were made by him.


    "Do you want to learn to forge?"


    Old Man Pang said with interest, "I hear you were learning Power Quenching Medicine not so long ago, and now you''re about to start forging. Young man, don''t you ever get tired?"


    "Jack of all trades,"


    Chen Sansi said with a cupped fist, "Please grant me your guidance, Senior Pang."


    He wasn''t trying to hide the special nature of the materials because once used on the battlefield, everyone would eventually know, and since they weren''t celestial objects and could be found in the mortal world, knowledge of them didn''t matter much.


    But before then, he hoped to retain the opportunity for a striking debut, not alerting the opponents from the start. Also, the belief that having more skills does not burden one was genuinely how he felt, and it didn''t contradict the other consideration.


    "Heh, this old man is getting old. If it were someone else, I definitely wouldn''t teach, but you, I have to teach no matter what."


    Old Man Pang quickly brought a booklet from elsewhere: "This is a set of Hammer Techniques, go back and practice them, and then come find me."


    Chen Sansi said, "I''ve learned it already."


    After a quick mastery of Swordsmanship, he had specifically taken time in the past few days to practice two weapons; one was the saber, and the other was the hammer. The techniques brought by the old senior were exactly what he had practiced.


    "Oh?"


    Old Man Pang said excitedly, "Then that''s great, let''s start right away!"


    He went to the forging bench.


    "In any of the three hundred and sixty trades, it''s the layman who watches the excitement, the insider who sees the skill!"


    "Take the forging of weapons, for example."


    "They''re divided into lower, middle, upper grades, and top-grade."


    "The Five Tigers Soul-breaking Spear you''re holding is upper-grade, while the Zhenyue Sword is top-grade, good enough for you to use. Actually, there was no need for you to learn forging."


    "But since you want to learn, watch closely!"


    "Forging isn''t difficult, but there are many subtleties involved."


    "For example, to what extent to heat it, what temperature to use, and the water temperature during quenching, and so on..."


    sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 279 - 152: Archery Perfection, Unavoidable_6

    After a busy session, Old Man Pang forged a Xuan Tie Sword, "This sword, a top-grade Mystical Weapon, how is it, have you learned anything? You can start with ordinary iron materials."


    "Almost."


    Chen Sansi immediately got to work and forged a treasure sword from ordinary iron materials that was considered supreme quality.


    [Skill: Forging. Mediocre (small achievement)]


    [Progress: 0/2000]


    [Utility: Unfailing Success]


    [Unfailing Success: Weapons of the mundane, perfected in one attempt]


    Old Man Pang: "?"


    He snatched the sword away, holding it up to scrutinize it closely, and upon confirming it was indeed of exceptional quality, couldn''t help but gasp in shock repeatedly, "You lad, are you even human?"


    Even Chen Sansi himself was somewhat stunned.


    Was he at small achievement level just by picking it up?


    No need to go through the entry-level process at all?


    On second thought, it made sense.


    [Keen Intuition], [Photographic Memory], [Qilin''s Heart], when all these advantages combined, it would indeed be idiotic not to learn.


    Moreover, it really wasn''t as complicated as he had imagined.


    First off, he already knew the hammer technique for forging, and using True Dragon Power to forge, as well as the magical qualities of the quenching medicine, made learning a breeze. It really was learnable at a glance.


    Chen Sansi, seeing the word [Mediocre] beside the skill entry, knew that there were probably not only Immortals but also divine weapons, which reminded him of the silver long spear that appeared in his master''s hand when he killed Ning Changqun.


    "All right, I see there''s nothing really left for me to teach you."


    Old Man Pang sighed with a sense of defeat, feeling like his life had somehow lost its meaning.


    He then brought out some books: "The forging methods for different weapons are all recorded here; you can just follow them. Don''t come looking for me anymore."


    "Thank you for your guidance, elder Pang."


    Chen Sansi bowed with a cupped fist salute.


    He requested a separate room in the Forge and spent the next three days and nights, successfully pushing his forging skill to the brink of Great Success, essentially able to refine away the impurities within the iron materials.


    Following that, he used the iron materials provided by the Seeking Immortal Tower and coupled them with Ghost Vein Wood to create twelve arrows capable of storing power. Finally, with additional materials and focusing on Fierce Monster Tendon, he crafted the bowstring for the Iron Core Bow, signaling the completion of a great feat.


    "Done!"


    Chen Sansi, holding the Iron Core Bow, returned to his home''s backyard, locked the door, and brought out a stone target over half a person tall.


    The Iron Core Bow itself far exceeded the weight of ordinary weapons; on both ends of its limbs were blades, capable of serving as melee weapons to kill enemies without any issue.


    "Hum¡ª¡ª"


    He nocked an arrow and gently pulled the bowstring.


    A Hundred-stone Bow.


    About 15,000 jin, which was insignificant for a Hua Jing Warrior, and this was also why many did not use bows and arrows; even the heaviest bow couldn''t faze High Realm Martial Artists without a special power boost.


    But, from now on,


    From this Iron Core Bow in his hands, everything was about to change.


    The bow and arrow would shine brilliantly on the battlefield!


    "Hum¡ª¡ª"


    The blood of the dragon elephant within Chen Sansi began to boil as he slowly drew the bow with tens of thousands of pounds of force. The True Dragon Power stimulated by his Qi-Blood gathered on his arms then spread to the bow, eventually transferring to the arrow shaft made of Ghost Vein Wood, then to the arrowhead, making the Big Bow seem like a poised Divine Beast, buzzing continuously, eager to break free.


    "Boom¡ª¡ª"


    The moment he released his grip, a loud boom echoed.


    The black arrow made of Xuan Tie, carrying the vast and boundless True Dragon Power, turned into an unstoppable Jiao Long in the air, and violently hit the huge stone target.


    "Bang!"


    The solid stone shattered instantly.


    This was no longer just an arrow; it was more like a cannon!


    If it hit an ordinary soldier, under the boost of True Dragon Power, there would be a fist-sized hole, and it would be hard even to tell if it was caused by an arrow.


    Chen Sansi played with the Iron Core Bow, unable to put it down.


    In future confrontations, as long as the enemy''s power didn''t surpass his own, regardless of their realm, he could take their life in an instant.


    For instance, at the moment,


    Chen Sansi against entry-level Hua Jing masters proficient in basics would be one arrow per person.


    For those with small achievements, it depended on their talent.


    If they were a genius, they might withstand five arrows; if they were mediocre or less, a maximum of three arrows!


    Within three arrows, he could definitely take an enemy general''s life!


    Three arrows might seem a lot, but don''t forget, firing three arrows was an instant feat for him, requiring no time at all, and it would have unexpected effects on the battlefield.


    Against someone of the same realm, as long as he had enough arrows, he could also kill them.


    Unless their realm was higher, they wouldn''t die directly from the arrows. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    And this was just at Hua Jing!


    Once he reached Meridian Passage, or even the Xuanxiang Realm!


    As long as his arrow materials were strong enough, and he could channel power or Gang Qi, even generals of the Profound Image Realm would merely be souls fallen to his arrows!


    Moreover,


    His archery was on the verge of a breakthrough.


    Chen Sansi spent several more days using ordinary arrows, practicing at the range.


    Now his target practice involved moving targets.


    Sun Buqi stood more than three hundred steps away, shooting arrows randomly into the sky, and those were the targets for Chen Sansi¡ªstill hitting every single one without fail.


    Eventually, he felt as if there were no bow and arrows in his hand at all. By simply looking at the target with his eyes, the arrows would shoot by themselves.


    Finally,


    The long-silent archery panel reappeared.


    [Skill: Archery. Perfection (breaking the first rank)]


    [Progress: (0/2000)]


    [Utility: The arrows launched cannot be dodged]


    [Undodgeable: Man and arrow as one, impossible to avoid. Within three hundred steps, it automatically seeks the enemy and is undodgeable]


    Undodgeable!


    Chen Sansi could feel.


    With a bow in hand, no target within three hundred steps could escape his arrows!


    That also meant,


    Everyone must take the impact head-on!


    Unless one''s own power was formidable, or they had excellent armor, otherwise, there was only one path: death!

 Chapter 280 - 153 Wo Long Presents the Memorial, Killing Meridian Passage with One Arrow

    Chen Sansi noticed the annotation behind "Perfection".


    Breaking the limit by one rank.


    It seemed that it could still be improved.


    The direction of improvement would most likely be the accuracy of the range and the speed of drawing and shooting the bow.


    Currently, it was unavoidable within 300 steps.


    That came to over four hundred meters, nearly a mile; this distance, at any rate, ought to be sufficient.


    He stored away the bow and arrows.


    In the afternoon, Chen Sansi patrolled the city, and upon returning home in the evening, he received the court''s approval carried back by the courier, endorsing Xu Wencai''s suggestion, but Yu Song''s matter was not even mentioned, totally ignored as if it were thin air.


    The contents didn''t seem like the Emperor had penned it himself; most likely, it was handled by the Cabinet or Ritual Supervision after their presentation.


    "..."


    "Is a plaque really that difficult?"


    Did one have to wait until he arrived in the capital and said it in person?


    Fortunately, Xu Wencai''s official position should have been secured, but the response was equally vague, without specifying what the rewards entailed.


    ...


    Military City.


    Barracks residential area.


    Within Liangzhou City, about half of the North City District was occupied by soldiers'' families; the houses were no different from ordinary civilian residences, also divided according to military ranks.


    But even the humblest of these dwellings was enough for a family of five to live in, albeit a bit cramped.


    In a T-shaped dwelling in North Street Alley.


    A few Po Yang brothers off duty had laid out food and drinks in the courtyard, drinking wine and playing dice.


    "I''ve got ahead, now I''m also a general."


    Feng Yong, with one foot on the stool, said, "A Secondary Fifth Rank General of Military Strategy."


    "I''m a General Wu Yi, a rank above you!"


    "The silver bestowed by the family is not small either, after a while I plan to move out, not staying in this broken alley, get a proper large courtyard!"


    "My rewards were mainly Supplemental Medicine, I''m about to start Refining Internal too!" Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Good, good, good, everyone has a bright future!"


    "It''s really all thanks to our leader."


    "Yes, if it weren''t for him leading us to victory, where would we be today, stuck in Po Yang County, that lousy place, even if not dead, a promotion would have been out of reach for life!"


    "After the camp expands, we''ll definitely continue to rise."


    "Hey, Old Xu!"


    Zhu Tong looked at the scholar eating peanuts: "Why haven''t I heard about your promotion, seems like they just gave you some silver?"


    "What''s the situation?"


    Zhao Kang put down his chopsticks: "Just because you lack Cultivation and position, treating you as just an Array Soldier, seems a bit unfair, doesn''t it?"


    "Indeed."


    Feng Yong said, "I remember there were two times you covered the rear, both times you went with General Bai next door, almost didn''t come back, it was dangerous, and after all you were commanding, why didn''t they also appoint you as an official?"


    "Hey~"


    Xu Wencai, slightly intoxicated, seemed carefree as he said, "Honestly, I don''t mind. As long as there''s a place for my talents to shine, I won''t feel suffocated!"


    "Pretending, are we?!"


    Zhu Tong bluntly stated, "Ever since you came back from Ming State, you old fellow have been sneakily drinking alone. Did you think I didn''t notice?"


    Xu Wencai remained silent.


    Everyone fell silent.


    Initially, when Chen Sansi appointed him to manage everyone, many were displeased, but as time passed, they gradually accepted him.


    Xu Wencai''s hard work was understated, but everyone firmly remembered it.


    From daily training, duty arrangements, pre-combat strategic deployment, to ration management, compensation for families of the deceased, and other logistical duties for around a thousand to two thousand people, he was primarily responsible for overarching planning and management.


    Since Chen Sansi was often too busy, these trivial matters naturally had to be managed by someone.


    And thus, all the burden naturally fell on Xu Wencai alone.


    In the military camp, they often got up in the middle of the night to relieve themselves and would see Xu Wencai dealing with official business.


    If this was to be rewarded with just some silver, it would have been rather unfair.


    "Everyone, don''t rush."


    Wang Zhi broke the silence, "Aren''t you all reassured by Sansi? He''s busy with his cultivation but still doesn''t forget to simmer medicinal drinks for you, and a few days ago, he even got you an exotic beast to feast on. How could he possibly forget Old Xu''s matters?"


    "Right, right, right."


    "Stick with the superior and do a good job."


    "That Wolong Title of yours is quite high, at the same level as the Main General of the Azure Dragon Camp, impossible to obtain at the moment, but a slightly lower official rank is definitely no problem!"


    "... "


    "It''s all but a false reputation!"


    Xu Wencai stubbornly said, "I, Xu Wencai, never care about such empty titles, having or not having an official position doesn''t matter, whether there are rewards or not doesn''t matter, all these are external matters. I focus solely on my duties, not aiming for... "


    "The imperial decree has arrived¡ª "


    A loud shout commanded everyone''s utmost respect.


    Zhao Kang, covering his mouth, whispered softly, "The highest rank living nearby is just a Thousand Captain. How could the imperial decree be directed here; whose is it?"


    "Bang, bang, bang!"


    The old wooden door was knocked heavily.


    Voices urging from outside came through.


    "How bold! The imperial decree is here, what are you muttering about? Come out immediately to receive the decree!"


    "Ours?!"


    Everyone looked at each other, hastening to their feet.


    They went outside.


    In the middle of the alley, they saw an eunuch in a python robe, holding a golden-yellow imperial decree, followed by several sword-bearing guards.


    "Aren''t you kneeling down to receive the decree?!"


    "Rustle rustle rustle¡ª"


    Not knowing what had happened, everyone hastily knelt down to listen to the proclamation, even secretly observing each other, suspecting whether someone among them had committed a serious offense, leading to their entire families being executed.


    "Xu Wencai, receive the decree!"


    Mr. Hou slowly unfolded the imperial decree and read clearly, "The Emperor orders, under the mandate of Heaven: Xu Wencai of the Reserve Camp, proficient in astronomy and geography, understanding of heavenly phenomena, skilled in military tactics, demonstrated bravery by repeatedly confronting the enemies during the pacification of Ming State, achieving indelible merits in the Four Crossings of Hongze and the conquest of Meishan Prefecture. We greatly appreciate and have decided to entrust a significant responsibility. Hence, we specially award the civil and military position, promote Xu Wencai to be the Standard Third Rank Commander of You State Commanding Department, additionally appoint as the Middle Zizhi Yin of Standard Third Rank, also bestowing the title ''Mr. Wo Long,'' and command Xu Wencai to depart to You State to assist Commander Du Shiguang in suppressing the rebellion. He shall start the journey within ten days. By Our command!"

 Chapter 281 - 153 Wo Long Presents the Memorial, Killing Meridian Passage with One Arrow_2

    When the words "By Imperial Command" were inscribed,


    everyone was still savoring the content of the imperial edict, and for a moment, they all forgot to kneel.


    This...


    What is this?!


    What rank did the Emperor grant Xu Wencai?


    Third-rank?!


    If they remembered correctly,


    General Chen was temporarily only the third-rank General Huai Yuan.


    Although everyone knew that Mr. Chen would soon be granted an audience with the Emperor, and his rewards were definitely going to be greater, being only temporarily appointed to a position, even so...


    Third-rank was too high, wasn''t it?!


    The Commanding Department of a state managed all the garrisons of the entire State, consisting of tens of thousands of people!


    In it, he was the Commander, responsible for training, managing, and devising tactics; he was basically at the highest level, able to participate in the command during combat.


    This...


    It was a meteoric rise!


    And then the Wolong Title...


    What was going on?!


    This was damn near making him on par with Fang Qingyun, wasn''t it?


    Though it was just an honorary title without any real rank, could Xu Wencai really live up to it?!


    Whose intercession brought about this?


    Was it Mr. Chen''s doing? S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Such a significant favor?!


    "Your servant¡ª"


    "Xu Wencai!!"


    Just as everyone was still coming to terms, Xu Wencai, while weeping bitterly, began to tremble and loudly cried out, "I accept the decree and thank thee! Long live the Emperor, long live, long live!!"


    Forty-eight!


    He was forty-eight years old this year!


    Since he was sixteen, he had taken the examinations, and his life had been but a scholar''s!


    Today, he had finally made it!


    Only...


    There seemed to be something odd.


    ''Why did they move Old Xu away...''


    Wang Zhi was the first to realize it.


    But it wasn''t their place to interject.


    Under the gaze of the Chief Eunuch,


    everyone besides Xu Wencai discreetly left.


    "Mr. Xu."


    Mr. Hou personally stepped forward to help him up, "Please don''t kneel, get up quickly."


    "Thank you, Your Honor, for your hard work."


    Xu Wencai wiped his tears and rose, knowing the rules. He tremulously pulled out a silver note from his bosom; it was all he had earned from the Ming State campaign, totaling only a hundred taels.


    "This¡ª"


    Mr. Hou, without disdain, accepted it and then holding his sleeve, led him into the courtyard, sighing, "Mr. Xu, you''ve had it tough, enduring thirty years of examinations without success, even to the point where your family was so poor that your own mother starved to death, alas~ fortunately, you have now made it."


    "Yes, indeed."


    Xu Wencai invited the eunuch to sit, picked up a broken bowl, wiped it clean with his sleeve, then poured a bowl of wine: "I am a unfilial son; I spent most of my early life buried in books. Once, by chance, I copied a few extraordinary books, became engrossed in them, and for several months did not look up, the pantry at home ran out, my mother did not breathe a word to me, she gave me the remaining food and starved... By the time I noticed, my, my mother had already passed away... "


    "Tsk tsk~"


    Mr. Hou, with palpable sympathy, said, "Mr. Xu has always been obsessed with the title ''Wolong'', possibly related to your family, right?"


    "In my youth, I boasted that the whole world would call me Wolong, and I would provide a better life for my father, my mother, and my sister, but... "


    Xu Wencai did not continue recounting the painful memories, and with a deep sigh, he concluded, "Fortunately, now that I have received a legitimate reward, next year on the anniversary of their deaths, I can at least have the face to talk to them."


    "A light boat has passed ten thousand heavy mountains!"


    Mr. Hou gently patted his back, "Mr. Xu, your good days have started."


    Xu Wencai repeatedly nodded, "Many thanks to the Emperor, many thanks to the great man..."


    "Great man? Are you referring to General Chen?"


    Mr. Hou curled his lips, "Mr. Chen did not mention the Wolong Title in the petition, it was completely the Emperor''s favor towards you. Do you understand our meaning, Mr. Xu?"


    The previously teary-eyed Xu Wencai, upon hearing this comment, suddenly had a clear gaze, he squinted slightly but soon adjusted back, showing no sign of anomaly, and promptly knelt down, gratefully bursting into tears, "I, Xu Wencai, knock head in gratitude for the Heavenly Grace."


    "You know what''s important."


    Mr. Hou, holding the wine bowl, sniffed the aroma of the wine and with slight disdain, put it down: "As long as you always clearly understand your position, in the future, you will naturally have the opportunity to realize your ambitions!"


    "Rest assured, Your Honor!"


    Xu Wencai, beating his chest, then tentatively asked, "Could Your Honor reveal a bit of what Mr. Chen said about me in the petition?"


    "Well... he did not mention the title."


    Mr. Hou, pinching his shrill voice, said, "After all, who wouldn''t want a talent like Mr. Xu to remain under their command forever?"


    "That''s outrageous."


    Xu Wencai clenched his teeth, muttering under his breath, "How could he treat me this way, if it weren''t for my sacrifice, due to Bai Thingzhi''s foolishness... "


    His implication was clear, how could they limit his future.


    "Oh?"


    Mr. Hou''s eyes briefly flashed with surprise, seemingly not expecting such a good outcome.


    "Enough! After all, he has been kind to me."


    Xu Wencai sighed, "In the future, I will still help him, to repay the kindness for taking me out of Po Yang back then, but I will no longer sell my life for him."


    "It seems Mr. Xu indeed values old affection, I admire that,"


    Mr. Hou congratulated, "Once you are in You State, it''s like a fish entering the sea, a vast world where you can freely display your talents!"


    "I am already well aware of the situation in You State."


    Xu Wencai toyed with his Feather Fan, "Tonight, I will devise a detailed plan to suppress bandits and pacify rebels."


    "Good, however, I must remind you again,"


    Mr. Hou said, "With General Fang''s precedent, to live up to the ''Wolong'' title, you will likely need to endure great pressure. Mr. Xu, strive to achieve deeds, being Standard Third Rank Commander is just the beginning, once the expansion is completed in the future, who knows if you couldn''t become a renowned military scholar in your own right."

 Chapter 282 - 153 Wo Long Presents the Memorial, Killing Meridian Passage with One Arrow_3

    ``` sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I understand, this is a test of the sword!"


    Xu Wencai held his feather fan and bowed with a fist, "I shall exert all my effort and not let His Majesty down!"


    "Then, Mr. Xu, you should prepare well. Once the day arrives, we will set off immediately. Moreover, being a scholar, it''s imperative to have guards during warfare. Even General Fang needs a Deputy General of the Profound Image Realm as an aide. These two guards¡ª"


    Mr. Hou pointed towards the door where the sword-bearing guards were standing, "have been selected from the Forbidden Army, both are Assistant Generals of the Meridian Passage Realm and will henceforth be Mr. Xu''s personal protectors."


    "This subordinate pays respects to Mr. Xu!"


    The two guards stepped forward and gave a respectful salute.


    "I still have some official matters to handle, so I won''t stay much longer. The safety of Mr. Xu is in your hands."


    After Mr. Hou gave his instructions, he left the estate.


    Xu Wencai sat on a long bench, gently swaying his feather fan, gazing at the two deeply respectful guards standing at the door, lost in thought.


    "Bang!"


    The door was kicked open.


    Zhu Tong walked in carelessly, "Hehehe, you little kid have really made something of yourself, haven''t you!"


    "Indeed!"


    "Third-rank!"


    The rest of the people also squeezed in continuously, seeking excitement, "You''ve really hit the big time!"


    "They even appointed you ''Wo Long'', what''s going on?"


    "Old Xu, hurry up and tell us!"


    "..."


    Xu Wencai started speaking slowly, "Call me Mr. Xu, or Mr. Wo Long."


    Everyone was startled, but they didn''t take it seriously, assuming it was a joke.


    "Old fellow, you''ve really made it big!"


    "Yeah, yeah, now you''ve got to treat us to a big meal."


    "..."


    "Generals."


    Xu Wencai walked over to the guards, and before he could speak, the latter proactively handed over silver, he bowed with a fist, "Thank you, once I take office in You State, I will repay you. Zhu Baizong, General Zhao, let''s go, today''s feast at Immortal Crane Tower is on me."


    "You''re really putting on airs. What position are you holding in private?"


    "Exactly, look at how pleased he is with himself. Third-rank is indeed a high office."


    "Let''s go, let''s go, we must get a good feast out of the old kid today."


    "..."


    Inside the Immortal Crane Tower.


    A banquet was grandly set.


    However, everyone felt a bit displeased.


    Ever since they received the imperial decree, they felt like Xu Wencai became a different person, as if a thick barrier had been erected between them. The conversations and drinking no longer felt as joyous as before.


    Their mood for drinking was diminishing more and more.


    It was almost to the point of parting on unpleasant terms.


    In the end.


    Xu Wencai raised his cup and proclaimed, "Gentlemen, thank you for your cooperation over the two years we''ve served together in the army, as well as for your care on the battlefield. But... there''s no such thing as a feast that never ends. After this cup, I will be off to take my post in You State. From now on, our association with each other may grow less and less."


    His words were somewhat diplomatic.


    But anyone with a bit of sense could detect the estrangement in them.


    To translate, it was as if they were taking separate paths under the same sky¡ªfrom brothers to merely colleagues, signaling a cut from their past.


    "Bang!"


    Hearing this, Feng Yong slammed the table and stood up, "Old Xu, are you serious?"


    "Do you really think you''re some high official now?!"


    "You''ve only had the imperial decree for half a day and already you have this attitude, who are you trying to show?"


    "What do you know? He''s being transferred to You State, and who knows how high an official he will become. Does he need to stay under Mr. Chen''s command anymore?"


    "You mean he doesn''t plan to mix with Shanshi anymore and wants to be his own boss?"


    Zhu Tong was the last to understand.


    "Otherwise, what do you think he means?"


    "I''ve seen it for a long time that he has ambition. How many times in the night he would be lying there, looking at the entire map of Dasheng, if not to dream of commanding as a leader with free rein?"


    "We wouldn''t have said anything if you wanted to be a commander, but did you have to cut ties with us? What, do we embarrass you now?"


    "Speaking in riddles, disgusting!"


    "Let''s go, let''s go!"


    "Who cares for his treat, leave the money with him."


    People started pulling out silver coins from their waists, tossing them on the table, and one by one they left the banquet.


    "A base fellow when in high position, contemptible!"


    Zhu Tong finally found a couple of words to describe his feelings, spitting them out before grabbing his hammer and leaving.


    At the dining table, only Wang Zhi and Xu Wencai remained.


    Xu Wencai stared at the silver coins scattered across the table and the leftover feast, unable to speak for a long time.


    Wang Zhi stood up, sword in hand, his voice relatively calm, "I''m about to leave, do you have any message you want me to deliver to Shanshi?"


    "I''d trouble Mr. Wang to deliver this letter to Mr. Chen."


    Xu Wencai pulled out a letter he had written in the next room while everyone else was drinking.


    "Well, farewell."


    Wang Zhi bowed and left.


    ...


    Military City.


    The small training field.


    Chen Sansi continued his arduous spear practice as always.


    With the dual reinforcements of treasure medicine and Spiritual Grain, his proficiency kept climbing.


    The Meridian Passage Realm had four stages, each with different utilities.


    The Entry Realm was also known as Tong Qiao.


    After Tong Qiao, the Qi-Blood refined strength can flow within the body. While increasing the strength of the meridians and the physique, it also brings incredible explosive power. From then on, Martial Artists rely not only on their physical strength but also on the dormant meridians within the body.


    The Expert Realm was known as Opening Veins.


    The human body has a total of twelve main meridians and the Eight Extraordinary Meridians, making twenty primary meridians, plus countless smaller ones. Opening the twelve main meridians constitutes the success of Opening Veins.


    After Opening Veins, strength can be stored in these twelve meridians. The amount that can be stored depends on how much the meridians have been widened and the number of smaller meridians that have been opened.


    ```

 Chapter 283 - 153 Wo Long Presents the Memorial, Killing Meridian Passage with One Arrow_4

    The strength of a Hua Jing Warrior is completely reliant on the consumption of Qi-Blood, and although the attack power far exceeds that of Qi-Blood alone, the depletion to one''s Qi-Blood is also immensely substantial¡ªalmost equivalent to more than three times that of the Refining Internal Realm.


    Once Qi-Blood is completely depleted, the strength can no longer be mustered, so many Hua Jing Warriors on the battlefield will not use their strength unless it is time to fight desperately. Instead, they continue to use Qi-Blood to kill enemies until they meet an opponent of equal strength, and only then will they use their strength.


    It''s just that Chen Sansi has such great endurance, he never had this concern.


    But for Martial Artists who reach the Meridian Opening Realm, it''s a different story. On a regular basis, they can store enough in the twelve meridians to last a long time in one depletion, taking many lives on the battlefield before they are exhausted.


    Minor Meridian Passage is about learning to let the strength circulate within the meridians in a circulation, and then open the twenty-four minor meridians to further enhance the strength and purity of the strength.


    The ultimate Great Achievement is the opening of the Eight Extraordinary Meridians.


    After reaching the Great Achievement Realm, there is no longer a need to use Qi-Blood to generate strength, but instead, strength is continuously mustered through the Eight Extraordinary Meridians. The endurance and strength depend on how solid the previous foundation was, and it could also be said to be a matter of physique.


    Starting from the Meridian Passage Realm,


    Martial Artists truly begin to advance towards the mysterious direction, rather than just relying on physical strength.


    "Hum¡ª"


    Chen Sansi swung the long spear and distinctly felt something starting from the bottom of his feet, like mechanisms in his body being opened one by one¡ªclearly, the acupoints of the human body.


    The seven hundred and twenty acupoints aren''t opened one by one.


    But rather, they are honed continuously in daily life, and when a breakthrough of a bottleneck occurs, they all successfully open at once. Each acupoint''s opening brings heart-wrenching, excruciating pain, enduring the torture of seven hundred and twenty occurrences.


    Finally, all acupoints in his body were opened, and streams of strength surged into the twelve major meridians.


    If one says,


    Before this point, Martial Artists treated strength as a kind of weapon to wield.


    Then from this moment on, strength is fully integrated with the Martial Artist!


    The Martial Artist himself becomes the weapon!


    "I''ve finally made a breakthrough."


    [Cultivation Technique: National Guardian Dragon Spear, Meridian Passage (entry-level)]


    [Progress: 0/500]


    [Utility: Strength merges with the body, body merges with the weapon, the three become one, impregnable.]


    Impregnable!


    Unless one is outright overpowered in terms of raw strength, no flaws appear merely by technique.


    Chen Sansi planted the spear into the ground, "After Meridian Passage, I am truly worthy of the title of Assistant General."


    An Assistant General of the Elite Camp equates to the Meridian Passage Realm, and he finally no longer predated his position, meeting the average standard.


    He closed his eyes, carefully feeling the sensation of the Meridian Passage Realm.


    The colorless and formless strength flowed within him, not interfering with the purple incense breath in the meridians.


    Human meridians are inherently existing.


    Anyone with a Spirit Root can absorb nature''s spiritual energy into the meridians, but infusing strength into the meridians requires day after day of Martial Arts practice and tremendous effort.


    One relies on the spirit of heaven and earth.


    The other, the body of a mortal, goes against the heavens.


    This, perhaps, is the way of Martial Arts.


    Picking up the spear, Chen Sansi went to the pharmacy to practice Alchemy. He mastered the routines of Power Quenching Medicine to the point that every attempt pushed his current realm to the limit, and muscle memory took over, requiring no further thought.


    "Hum¡ª"


    Shortly, a batch of Great Nourishing Medicine to enhance the cultivation of Refining Organ Martial Artists was refined. The fragrance of the medicine wafted from the cauldron and spread throughout the room.


    [Skill: Medical Skill. Mortal (small achievement)]


    [Progress: 0/2000]


    [Utility: ..., Alchemy Master]


    [Alchemy Master: The quenched medicine has only one-tenth of residual toxins.]


    One-tenth!


    The medicine prepared by Chen Sansi contained only one-tenth residual toxins, bypassing first-rate and stepping into the realm of mastery!


    This meant,


    Ordinary Martial Artists who could drink only one bowl every three days due to residual toxins could now have two to three bowls, the speed of cultivation enhancement was obviously significant.


    "My lord!"


    Zhao Kang came in to take his medicine, and immediately felt something was wrong, "My lord, the medicine you''ve prepared, why is it even more potent than that from Jiang Tiling and the rest, and the residual toxins seem even less!"


    "No need to make a fuss, call all those above Bone Training as well, I''ve prepared some for them too."


    "Yes!"


    Soon,


    A dozen people gathered in the room, their expressions turned incredulous after drinking the medicine.


    Though it was ordinary Supplemental Medicine, the effect was beyond words.


    "From today onward, you all must focus on your cultivation."


    Chen Sansi instructed, "I will brew the medicine according to each person''s highest digestive capability, if your own share isn''t sufficient, I''ll pay for the medicinal ingredients for you. Within one month, I want five more of you to reach Refining Internal, within six months, at least one to achieve Hua Jin. Can you do it?"


    "Rest assured, my lord!"


    Liu Jinkui assured, "With this medicine, I will break through to Refining Internal at most within half a month."


    "I can too!"


    "I''m almost there too!" S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Many of them were already at Bone Forging Perfection.


    "Thank you, my lord!"


    The people spoke, all kneeling on one knee, deeply grateful from the bottom of their hearts.


    These people...


    Were really a group of good-for-nothings, somehow sustained until now.


    Where else would superiors personally brew medicine and pay for their subordinates'' medicinal ingredients?


    "Why haven''t I seen Xu Wencai these past few days?"


    Chen Sansi had been busy breaking through to Meridian Passage and hadn''t inquired.

 Chapter 284 - 153 Wo Long Presents the Memorial, Killing Meridian Passage with One Arrow_5

    "My lord, didn''t you know?"


    Zhao Kang frowned, "Mr. Xu transferred out, a couple of days ago..."


    They recounted the occurrences preceding this.


    "My lord, it was already enough that Xu Wencai was putting on airs..."


    Feng Yong stated, "He was about to leave and he didn''t even come to inform you?"


    "Pah!"


    Wu Da cursed, "This old thing, if not for my lord, what would he be? When he first enlisted, he was almost hauled off to build walls, he might as well have been buried in one!"


    "..."


    Chen Sansi didn''t rush to respond.


    Instead, he analyzed the content he''d heard in his mind.


    Assistant General, plus the title of Wo Long... sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The imperial grant was indeed ruthless.


    It seemed the Emperor truly intended to cultivate Xu Wencai as the next Fang Qingyun, and a more controllable Fang Qingyun at that. Currently being an Assistant General was probably only the beginning; if he could indeed make achievements in You State, he would likely be promoted even higher afterward.


    ''I have indeed underestimated the court''s intelligence capabilities.''


    In the memorial, Chen Sansi had written in great detail about Xu Wencai''s contributions since enlisting in the army, but since he didn''t have credits earned independently, he dared not write outright the request for the title "Wo Long." He planned to secure an official position first and then proceed slowly. After all, sometimes being raised too high too swiftly isn''t a good thing, especially if you''re staying in the Eight Camps, where people from the other camps would create a commotion if they heard he had a Wo Long under an Assistant General, as it might diminish Fang Qingyun''s status...


    Unexpectedly,


    the Emperor not only knew Xu Wencai''s lifelong ambitions but also directly and decisively transferred him to partake in warfare in You State. If he couldn''t establish meritorious deeds, it could well lead to his beheading.


    Of course, Chen Sansi believed Old Scholar still had that capability.


    As for why he didn''t come to bid farewell,


    the reason was straightforward.


    Severance.


    The Emperor gave him this opportunity because he valued that he had no Cultivation and no factional ties.


    If he continued to be deeply bound with me, it would be impossible for him to climb higher.


    "This old chap is too infuriating."


    Feng Yong grumbled, "He hasn''t even made a name for himself yet and he''s already disregarding my lord. Imagine if he really does succeed, wouldn''t he be looking down on everyone?"


    "Enough."


    Chen Sansi stopped them, "Old Xu has his own path to pursue; let''s not bring this up again."


    He understood Old Scholar; the man was cunning but not a villain.


    The behavior of villains who achieve success isn''t something Xu Wencai would do.


    He noticed Wang Zhi, standing at the back of the crowd, signaling him with his eyes so he drove the rest away.


    After closing the door, Chen Sansi inquired, "Sixth Brother, something''s up?"


    "Yes."


    Wang Zhi pulled out a sealed letter from his robe, "This is from Old Xu for you. I thought he was acting strange. He''s not usually like that¡ªthere must be some hidden issue. These past few days you were training without even eating or drinking, I was watching by your side and didn''t dare to disturb you. How is it, did you achieve Meridian Passage?"


    "Yes."


    Chen Sansi did not conceal the truth.


    After he opened the envelope and saw the neat script, he began to mentally recite it.


    The opening sentence alone flustered him.


    "I, a humble man, idle about in Po Yang, fortunate to not be abandoned by you..."


    The first part was mostly about how grateful he was for finding a benefactor.


    The latter part, however, began to describe grand ambitions.


    The summary of the meaning


    was that the severance was just for show, hoping not to take offense, and only by acting the part could he truly gain control of military forces, being an Assistant General was far from enough. He mentioned that he should be given a chance, promising to bring back twenty thousand elite troops within a year...


    "Why would I need so many troops?"


    Chen Sansi''s own goal had merely been to lead one camp, that is, just over ten thousand men; here was Old Scholar talking about bringing him over twenty thousand men.


    And that "Your Servant" term.


    Using it in their conversation, wasn''t it a bit inappropriate?


    What was he up to?


    The last sentence of the letter went as follows:


    "Now as I leave far away, tears flowing down as I write, I''m at a loss for words!"


    "..."


    After reading it, Chen Sansi found himself momentarily unsure of how to judge the situation.


    "How is it?"


    Curiously, Wang Zhi asked, "What did Old Xu say in the letter?"


    Chen Sansi apologized, "Please forgive me, brother, he asked me not to share it."


    "By saying that, I understand; just knew there was something off about that old chap."


    Wang Zhi nodded knowingly, lowering his voice, "I estimate the Emperor had the Jinyi Guard investigate Xu Wencai and, after confirming he could be controlled, decided to try and won him over. Moreover, you can''t even talk about it. If you show discontent, you''ll be seen as petty, as restricting your subordinate''s prospects, and to put it seriously, it can be labeled as forming cliques for personal gain."


    "As for our Emperor, he doesn''t have many skills, but he is masterful in dividing and balancing power, just like it used to be."


    "Just wait, after the expansion of the camps, at least half of the military officers will belong to the court rather than being from the Eight Camps."


    "Yes,"


    Chen Sansi was well aware.


    But these issues weren''t for him to worry about now; even if distressed, he could not get involved.


    He dared not let a third person see Xu Wencai''s letter, many words inside were simply treasonous. If word got out, it could bring great trouble and turmoil. He immediately threw the letter into the furnace and turned it to ash.


    Wang Zhi was ready to leave.


    "Brother,"


    Chen Sansi stopped him, "Wait for me, I believe there definitely must be a way to cure the meridians."


    "I..."


    Wang Zhi felt somewhat embarrassed, "Brother, you need not worry about me, I''m quite content as is; fewer people under me, less responsibility, and I sleep soundly."

 Chapter 285 - 153 Wo Long Presents the Memorial, Killing Meridian Passage with One Arrow_6

    "Get real,"


    Chen Sansi said, "Apart from you, everyone else is in such bad shape that I can only rely on you, elder brother."


    "..."


    Wang Zhi held his knife, opening his mouth to speak, then hesitating.


    He had wanted to talk about the eight taels of silver from before.


    In truth, he wasn''t planning on taking it for nothing.


    Back then, people from Tianyuan Martial Arts Academy tried to trip him up, suggesting through their words that they wanted Chen Sansi''s life.


    Wang Zhi took the silver and, at first, really didn''t plan to teach the Breathing Skill, but he actually intended to save Chen Sansi''s life once, eight taels of silver in exchange for a life, which in his view was a good deal.


    He was greedy, but he never harmed a life; most of what he coveted was the Martial Arts Hall''s silver.


    Yet some things, once their time has passed, seem to require no further explanation.


    And it seemed that Chen Sansi really held no grudge against him.


    After much thought, Wang Zhi finally decided to push the door open and leave.


    "..."


    Chen Sansi got up and returned to the Martial Arts Arena to practice his martial arts.


    In the evening,


    as he was packing up his things and calling for Qian Xun to prepare to go home, the sound of thundering hoofs approached.


    All at once, they saw elder brother Ji, riding a horse that was entirely red, constantly emitting white smoke, and from a distance, it looked as though it had burst out of flames.


    "Whoa¡ª"


    "Junior brother!"


    "I''ve just received your dispatch!"


    He pulled his horse to a stop, "The Ministry of War orders you to select twenty men to accompany you, then set off to Lai State to join the Eastern Expedition against Qing!"


    "Eastern Expedition?"


    Chen Sansi asked in confusion, "Just twenty men?"


    "The journey is long; having too many people can be troublesome and slow. After you head south, you will go directly by water, reaching the Eastern Territory with the utmost speed,"


    Ji said solemnly, "The Emperor has already prepared three thousand Black Armor troops for you. As soon as you arrive, they will be completely at your command."


    "Black Armor troops?"


    Chen Sansi had heard of them.


    They were the most elite troops among the Emperor''s personal forces.


    Everyone wore Black Armor, and their horses were all top-grade warhorses.


    "Also,"


    Ji continued, "The fourth brother is waiting for you at the destination. Get your things ready and set out quickly. As far as I know, this is an opportunity the Emperor has specially arranged for you to earn a higher title and reward."


    Chen Sansi asked, "Does elder brother know the current situation on the Eastern front?"


    "All is going well."


    Ji replied seriously, "Without any unexpected events, within a year, we should be able to reclaim the three states. At that time, the Emperor will hold a grand ceremony at Ziwei Mountain, and the meritorious will be rewarded at the old site of the Temple..." S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "You beast, what are you doing?!"


    While they were talking,


    Ji''s Fire Horse slowly approached the White Swan Horse, and then... it was promptly kicked away by Qian Xun, who then turned its head away haughtily, refusing to give it another glance.


    The Fire Horse, a mix of grievance and anger in its whinny, tried to get close again.


    "Smack¡ª"


    Without saying another word, Ji smacked it on the head, "You beast! Have you got a death wish?!"


    Chen Sansi: "..."


    Ji said somewhat embarrassedly, "This beast doesn''t usually act like this, sorry to make you laugh, junior brother. In any case, prepare well when you get back. In three days, your group will depart from Liangzhou."


    Chen Sansi clasped his fist in thanks, "Many thanks for the information, elder brother!"


    "Hmm,"


    Chen Sansi nodded and spurred his horse away.


    "I''ve only come back to rest for two months..."


    Even Chen Sansi felt somewhat weary.


    But who isn''t tired living in such chaotic times?


    He considered himself fortunate.


    "Let''s go home, Qian Xun, this time you have another three thousand cavalry to command!"


    Chen Sansi gently stroked the horse''s mane: "Everyone says I''ve accomplished great deeds, but in truth, each time we go to war, you''re the standout, indispensable. Do you think I''m stingy? That won''t do, I need the ointment myself, but just wait, if you distinguish yourself again, you''ll definitely be rewarded."


    The favored pair chatted like this as they arrived in front of the Governor Mansion.


    "Daddy~"


    Chen Yunxi waited for her father to pick her up, under the care of a maid.


    "Come, Yunxi."


    Chen Sansi lifted the girl onto the horseback and bought her a few strings of candied haws on the way.


    He had recently made a special trip to the Governor Mansion.


    But even Yunxi herself couldn''t find the young gentleman she had seen before, as if he had vanished from the face of the earth.


    "Here they come again..."


    Chen Sansi noted.


    Not long after leaving the Governor Mansion, two Taoist priests from Ci Yun Temple began to follow from a distance again.


    He stopped subtly in front of Chen Mansion and said, "You go home first, child. Winter is approaching, and I''m going to the mountains to hunt a tiger to make two blankets for you and your brother."


    "We have seen the young miss."


    Si Qin reached out to take Chen Yunxi away.


    Chen Sansi then rode his horse out of the city.


    Those two were merely adept at Meridian Passage.


    Since his own breakthrough, he hadn''t had a chance to spar with anyone.


    It was a good opportunity to test his arrows on these two!


    Moreover, it was best to keep one alive. If they were from the Witch God Sect, he could try to find out what they were up to.


    "Clip-clop¡ª"


    "Twang¡ª"


    In the rhythmic sound of horse hooves, suddenly a thunderous bowstring note mingled in.


    Two hundred paces away.


    The trailing Taoist had no idea when the other party had drawn their bow, and by the time he realized it, the arrow was only a few steps away from his heart.


    He was initially shocked, then disdainfully tried to bat the arrow away with a palm strike, thinking, ''This kid is laughable!''


    ''High Realm Martial Artists and arrows, of what use are they?''


    However, the Taoist''s palm imbued with twenty percent of his Power froze on his face the moment it touched the Arrowhead.


    What is this...


    Power!


    True Dragon Strength!


    An arrow... with Power?!


    Boom!


    With no time for any further reaction, the Arrowhead carrying a massive force pierced through the Taoist''s palm used for defense, then ripped through his body, shredding the heart before flying out more than ten yards, finally falling in a parabola to the ground, creating a large crater.


    One arrow, one life!

 Chapter 292 - 155: Winning Without a Fight

    Crown Prince?


    Beside the Emperor.


    The only support from the Cao Family that Chen Sansi could think of was the Crown Prince.


    In his younger years, Emperor Longqing had many princes, like Prince Zhen Nan who was a Martial Saint but obsessed with martial arts. To avoid getting involved in the whirlpool of court politics, he voluntarily asked to be stationed on the frontier.


    The other princes, such as the Fourth Prince, the Eighth Prince, and others...


    also held power within the court.


    But since the Incense God Sect approached Cao Fan, their intent was clear. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    There was also Pei Tiannan, who seemed to belong to the Crown Prince''s faction.


    The Crown Prince had been acting as a regent for forty years.


    During these forty years, Emperor Longqing often went into seclusion, sometimes for up to half a year. The Crown Prince''s influence had already spread far and wide across Dasheng, and it was feared that he controlled half the apparent military strength.


    It was said that since ten days after Yunzhou, the old Emperor had rarely gone into seclusion and seemed determined to rejuvenate the country, causing many officials in the court to be transferred.


    Moreover, Pei Tiannan had not received any transfer orders but had secretly followed, a Martial Saint sneaking away from his post, which was hard not to associate with ulterior motives.


    However, the intelligence provided by Seeking Immortal Tower clearly indicated that the Incense Fire Divine Sect was making moves in the capital city. What were they doing heading to the east?


    Chen Sansi didn''t continue to speculate blindly. After practicing his spear techniques, he returned to his private cabin, locked the door, and took out the Xuanzhu. He sensed briefly that the incense power he had gathered this time was substantial but still not enough to cultivate to a small achievement. It could at most bring his proficiency to half. The power of ordinary people was truly too weak, not to mention that like leeks, the Incense God Sect was always harvesting rather than accumulating.


    Regardless, it was still a good deed done.


    The Dragon King Temple was burned down, the sacrifices temporarily halted, and he had exposed the Incense God Sect to the world under the alias of Zhang Lai. They certainly would not dare to openly slaughter living people for sacrifices in Linjiang Prefecture now.


    Speaking of which.


    The usefulness of the Disguise Technique was indeed significant.


    In the future, as long as he could ensure his safe retreat, even using spells was not a big deal. After all, they could only look for Zhang Lai, not trace it back to him, Chen Sansi.


    Besides, not only had the amount of incense inside the Xuanzhu increased, the White Xuan Qi had also visibly increased, the principle of which he still didn''t understand.


    "What exactly is this energy, and how can it be collected?"


    "It would be great if it could be used in this Eastern Expedition."


    ...


    Cabin.


    Cao Fan quickly recognized the two people who barged into the room, dressed in coarse linen: "You two, aren''t you the newly arrived monks from Ci Yun Temple?"


    "Your Highness, do not be alarmed,"


    Pei Tiannan said amiably, "One of us, one of us."


    "One of us?"


    Cao Fan frowned, "Nonsense! Ci Yun Temple is suspected of colluding with the Witch God Sect. Yin Hanwen might have been killed by them!"


    "Your Highness, it''s a misunderstanding,"


    Yun Xiaozi explained, "Qiu Mingzi, the two of them, were indeed traitors within our ranks and did indeed have ties with the Witch God Sect. They deserved their deaths, but we, the Incense Fire Divine Sect, are staunch allies of Your Highness."


    "Allies?"


    Initially confused, Cao Fan soon understood, "Are you implying, my father?! Eunuch Feng, did you already know about this?"


    Eunuch Feng and the others kept silent, seemingly affirming by default.


    "Incense Fire Divine Sect, Father..."


    Cao Fan sorted through his thoughts, had suspicions, but did not dare to believe. His face showed alternating expressions of realization, and after a long time, he finally said in a grave tone, "I, understand now."


    ...


    In the blink of an eye, another year-end approached.


    Dasheng''s climate in the southeast was relatively warm, and even in the winter, it was not exceedingly cold.


    Chen Sansi stood on the deck, looking toward the rising red sun in the east and exhaled a murky breath.


    [Cultivation Technique: National Guardian Dragon Spear, Meridian Passage (entry-level)]


    [Progress: 418/500]


    Mastering the Meridian Passage was not far off.


    Time really flies fast.


    He still remembered when he was in Po Yang County, worrying about beginning Bone Training, yet now he had already mastered Meridian Passage. Advancing further into the Profound Image Realm, he would truly be one of the top figures in martial arts, capable of standing his ground alone.


    Not just him.


    In these two months.


    Five of his subordinates had achieved Refining Internal, and three of them were promising newcomers, specifically Wu Da, Zhuang Yi, and Wang Li. On the battlefield, they could finally ensure their own safety with their strengths.


    The proficiency in Medical Skill had also seen a significant increase.


    [Skill: Medical Skill. Mortal (small achievement)]


    [Progress: 782/2000]


    Merely at a small achievement, he could reach the level of an Alchemy Master. The effects would definitely be better after achieving great success.


    "We''re almost there!"


    The military officer in charge of steering said, "In no more than two hours, we shall enter the dock of Tongnan Prefecture, everyone please prepare in advance."


    Tongnan Prefecture, located on the boundary of the Eastern Territory, was not currently at the front line.


    Because the front had moved to Lai State.


    Tongnan Prefecture served as a restocking granary and was also the training ground where Chen Sansi was to receive three thousand soldiers of the Xuanjia Army.


    "Xu Wen, the map!"


    Chen Sansi instinctively called out. After nobody responded, he realized belatedly that the old scholar had long been away from his side.


    "Sire! The map!"


    Bai Thingzhi appeared at his call: "Sire, let me help you strategize!"


    "You?"


    Chen Sansi declined, "We''re almost at our destination, better get ready to disembark."


    Throughout this journey.


    He hadn''t found another chance to steal incense.


    Every time Yun Xiaozi and his companion disembarked, Pei Tiannan would also follow, almost confirming that the Incense God Sect''s backer was indeed the Crown Prince.


    Unexpectedly, while Emperor Longqing cultivated Immortal Law, his son was also secretly involved in the Incense Fire Divine Dao, and there was a ninety percent chance he was personally cultivating it, though how far he had advanced was unknown.


    One colluded with the Witch God Sect to massacre a city.

 Chapter 293 - 155: Winning Without a Fight_2

    A sacrifice of living people to the Incense God Sect.


    Is this the Cao Family''s doing?


    What a Great Sheng Dynasty.


    Before this, Chen Sansi actually heard relatively positive evaluations about the Crown Prince, who has been diligently overseeing state affairs for forty years, playing the role of a repairman. Yet, the deeds he has accomplished are no different from his father''s.


    This time.


    The Incense Fire Divine Sect along the way harvested an abundance of offerings, giving off an impatient feeling, seemingly eager to uproot the "chives" completely. It is unknown what significant, urgent matter they have encountered that needs to be dealt with.


    The Cao Family''s dispute is none of his concern.


    He only hopes it won''t affect the battle he is about to fight.


    The ship began to slow down, finally docking at the busy wharf.


    A figure in a light blue gown, sitting in a wheelchair, was particularly eye-catching.


    There was no Xu Wencai, but his fourth senior brother was present.


    "Senior Brother!"


    Chen Sansi greeted with a fist and palm salute, then naturally began pushing the wheelchair.


    "Junior Brother, you''ve become even stronger after more than a year of absence," Fang Qingyun chatted, "How is it going? I heard you now have both a son and a daughter?"


    "Yes, I gained a daughter while at war in Ming State."


    Chen Sansi asked, "What about Master? Why has there been no word from him?"


    "He''s gone to make preparations for the Eight Camps, no, I should say the Twelve Camps now."


    Fang Qingyun said eagerly, "How about it? I have prepared the maps. Shall we discuss the current situation just the two of us? Let me, as your senior brother, witness the genius who commanded the Four Crossings of the Hongze River."


    "Senior Brother flatters me, I was just lucky."


    Guided by a scholar, Chen Sansi arrived at a large residence within the city.


    Inside the hall, sand tables and maps were already prepared.


    Without any superfluous words, they went straight to the point.


    "Qing Country."


    "When the four factions of the grassland aren''t united, it is the strongest nation aside from the Great Sheng Dynasty. Officially, they have six Martial Saints and a total of six hundred thousand troops."


    "However, two years ago, they had a coup d''¨¦tat, and overnight three Martial Saints were killed, greatly reducing the number of High Realm Martial Artists. This time, they originally wanted to take advantage of the chaos in Ming State to act, but ended up shooting themselves in the foot."


    Fang Qingyun had already marked the map, "Two months ago, Prince Tang of Dongqing Country, leading an army of one hundred and eighty thousand, stationed in Lai State, was disastrously defeated by Meng Quji, losing seventy thousand men in battle and having twenty thousand captured."


    "Now the remaining ninety thousand troops of Dongqing are scattered along a thousand miles of front in Lai State, unable to form a cohesive front.


    "Among them, fifty thousand elite troops are trapped inside Yongle Prefecture City."


    "For the moment, the situation is at a stalemate."


    Chen Sansi nodded, "If I remember correctly, Yongle Prefecture was the capital of the former Yan, and almost became the capital of the Great Sheng Dynasty when the nation was founded, but for some reason, it was moved to Chang''an later.


    "Yongle Prefecture is also known as one of the five most impregnable cities in the world.


    "With fifty thousand elite troops inside, plus a Martial Saint, a strong assault would undoubtedly result in a tremendous loss. The best method would be to maintain the current situation and continue the siege until their supplies are exhausted. How long would it take?"


    "Six months." S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Fang Qingyun pointed at the city, "Yongle Prefecture itself is East Qing Border''s number one granary, enough to feed fifty thousand elite troops for half a year. I agree with Junior Brother; the best strategy is to continue the siege.


    "Only after Lai State falls can we enter Lingzhou and reclaim Ziwei Mountain.


    "Our forces at the front are still quite strained, after all, we''re facing an army of a hundred and eighty thousand. Though in pieces, they still add up to nearly one hundred thousand in number, just segmented into chunks."


    "Six months won''t do, that''s too long."


    Chen Sansi looked towards the south on the map, "Continuing to drag this out, the situation may become disadvantageous for us. We need to find a way to fight a quick battle and resolve it swiftly, otherwise, if enemy reinforcements arrive, the worst-case scenario might lead to a complete waste of previous efforts. Senior Brother, do you know the composition of the Enemy Army?"


    "Of course," Fang Qingyun explained slowly, "The fifty thousand elites trapped in Yongle Prefecture are experienced veterans. The rest are mostly garrison soldiers drafted from various places in Qing Country, or local troops. I''ve seen it with my own eyes, even though they have High-level Generals, the majority of their men are at the level of second-rate garrison troops of the Great Sheng Dynasty."


    With an empire of over two hundred and fifty years, decay was inevitable.


    The combat effectiveness and will to fight of the garrison troops are probably not high, otherwise, they wouldn''t have been beaten to this state in such a short time.


    "If that''s the case."


    Chen Sansi pondered, "There''s a high probability they will surrender. They must have reasons for resisting until now."


    "It seems Junior Brother has a plan already."


    Fang Qingyun said, "You have one month to integrate with the Black Armor Army bestowed by His Majesty. In a month''s time, we will formally enter the Lai State battlefield and head to Yongle Prefecture to await orders."


    After a preliminary analysis of the situation,


    they went to the military camp of the Tongnan Prefecture Command.


    The rest of the subordinates were also there.


    In the Martial Arts Arena, a densely packed sea of fully armored elites.


    Upon seeing Chen Sansi, they all knelt on one knee in unison.


    "Greetings, General Chen¡ª"


    Chen Sansi took the roster and quickly familiarized himself with it.


    The three Thousand Captains were at the Hua Jin Perfection, approaching Meridian Passage, High Realm Martial Artists.


    As expected of the elite Black Armor Army.


    Cao Fan and others were at another Martial Arts Arena.


    There, five thousand Hu Ben Army soldiers, the trusted aides of the Crown Prince, the elite of the elite, were now led by two Profound Image Realm Generals, one being Cui Congyi and the other Sha Wenlong.


    Furthermore, there were another twenty thousand Hu Ben Army soldiers at the main frontline, led by Martial Saint Fan Tianfa, joining Meng Quji to attack Yongle Prefecture, along with Pei Tiannan who had come secretly.

 Chapter 294 - 155: Winning Without a Fight_3

    That is to say, in the Eastern Territory now, the Crown Prince has two elite troops totaling twenty thousand, along with two Martial Saints, and an unknown number of Mysterious Phenomenons. Among the rest of the various troops, there might also be people belonging to the Crown Prince, but their specific identities and numbers are unknown.


    After the assembly of the five thousand Hu Ben Army troops was complete, they rushed to the frontline under the leadership of Cui Congyi that very afternoon, and two followers of the Incense Fire Divine Sect also vanished without a trace.


    According to the information we have, their first target is to attack Zhao Tong Prefecture, the second-largest city in Lai State.


    Chen Sansi and the Xuanjia Army, on the other hand, will have to remain in Tongnan Prefecture for a period of time to conduct drills and coordination exercises.


    "Junior brother,"


    Fang Qingyun spoke, "I arrived earlier than you, and in order to reduce the time you spend on drills, I took the liberty of practicing some of the formations from the Heavenly Book in advance."


    "Heavenly Book?" Chen Sansi asked, "Could it be His Majesty..."


    "Yes,"


    Fang Qingyun took out a prepared book, "His Majesty had the Heavenly Book translated for me, and then put it to use in military formations. I have also tried practicing them, and indeed, the formations within are very profound. They seem to have a subtle way of harnessing the forces of heaven and earth. It''s just that something seems to be missing, perhaps only the so-called Select of Immortals can truly recreate the momentum of the Red Eyebrow Army''s great victory."


    "Senior brother, actually..."


    Just as Chen Sansi began to speak, he was interrupted by Fang Qingyun, "Junior brother, you don''t have to tell me everything. Everyone has their secrets, which is very normal. As long as the Heavenly Book seen by His Majesty is real, that''s enough."


    "Thank you, senior brother,"


    Chen Sansi and Fang Qingyun shared a tacit understanding and did not delve deeper into the discussion, "Then I will start the drills."


    He scattered the twenty followers he had brought and integrated them into the different units of the Xuanjia Army, then began to devote time to practicing the formations from the Heavenly Book. Due to time constraints and with exactly three thousand troops, they mainly practiced charge formations and guerrilla tactics.


    One was called the Jiuxiao Heavenly Soldiers Formation, and the other was called the Luo Heaven Ghost Mist Formation.


    Among them, the Jiuxiao Heavenly Soldiers Formation was the strongest formation they practiced, and it was also the one they mainly practiced. It had been used during the great victory of the Red Eyebrow Army.


    Under the guidance of keywords like "Training Soldiers Skillfully" and the support of the Imperial Horse General Qian Xun, they were able to refine the Jiuxiao Heavenly Soldiers Formation to be well-organized in just ten short days, building on its existing foundation. Amidst the myriad of colored flags, the sound of war drums and bugle calls, and equipped with Mystic Iron Armor and top-grade warhorses, from a distance, they truly looked as if three thousand Heavenly Soldiers had descended to the mortal world.


    This was an unexpected joy for Chen Sansi.


    After the Emperor put the military tactics from the Heavenly Book into use, the Xuanzhu could finally come into play.


    "Junior brother, this..."


    Fang Qingyun sat in a high place, looking down at the formation below and couldn''t help but lean forward slightly, "Your way of training soldiers is no less than mine, and with the addition of this White Horse, you might have even surpassed me. Such a complex formation, yet you were able to fully master it in such a short period ¨C it''s really quite..."


    "Senior brother, you flatter me; it''s mainly due to Qian Xun''s role."


    Chen Sansi looked at the White Swan Horse running through the battle formation, feeling that it saved time and effort. If Xu Wencai had not been away, he could completely hand over the reins and devote all his time to cultivation.


    [Skill: Commanding Soldiers (small achievement)]


    [Progress: 1825/2000]


    The skill of Commanding Soldiers was also nearing a breakthrough.


    The originally scheduled one-month drill time.


    In actuality, after just twenty days, Chen Sansi fully mastered the control of these three thousand elite Xuanjia troops.


    There is a difference between making a name for oneself as a fledgling and training troops with fame. If this were before, it would have been impossible to control these proud and fierce soldiers without at least half a year''s time. However, after the Four Crossings of Hongze River, the name Chen Sansi became universally known and recognized.


    The three Thousand Captains within the Xuanjia Army.


    Were Xia Cong, Xiao Zheng, and You Jike, among whom Xia Cong also possessed the Body of an Innate Martial Saint and, having practiced Martial Arts for only four years, was on the verge of entering the Meridian Passage Realm, destined to become a Great General.


    These three men, upon initially seeing Chen Sansi''s youthful face, had some difficulty in relating it to the Four Crossings of Hongze River during the first two days, even doubting whether it was true. But after spending some time together, they became completely convinced.


    This was mainly because for thousands of years, history had never recorded such a young commander, not even Sun Xiangzong was this famous for Martial Arts when he was young, only starting his military career after twenty-five.


    After the troops were fully prepared. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A group of more than ten thousand set out for the frontline.


    Yongle Prefecture.


    War is not only brutal but also incredibly tedious.


    Especially during prolonged stalemates, the soldiers responsible for besieging a city have to endure the wind and sun, rain and lightning, freezing cold or scorching heat. Just stabilizing morale and keeping the army''s heart steady is a significant challenge. This is also one of the reasons why various surprise tactics documented in history could be effective; humans are not machines, they do feel exhaustion, they can become slack.


    Facing one of the top five impregnable cities in the world, Yongle Prefecture, a large army of eighty thousand had early on built camps by felling trees and setting up barracks forty li away from the city, which also formed makeshift towns, thoroughly encircling Yongle Prefecture City. The soldiers drilled day and night, their lives orderly, as if they were not out besieging, but rather in their own hometowns.


    These details clearly showed Meng Quji''s high level of military governance.


    Fang Qingyun spoke, "Junior brother, do you have any understanding of Marquis Meng?"


    "Since I''m coming here, of course, I''ve made special inquiries,"


    Chen Sansi nodded, "Meng Dashuai is also one of the most famous fierce generals of the Great Sheng Dynasty. He started out in the Jinyi Guard and climbed his way to the position of Marquis in just twenty years."

 Chapter 295 - 155: Winning Without a Fight_4

    "His military strategy primarily focuses on ''stability''. Throughout the career of Marquis Meng, there has never been a record of ''winning with fewer troops'' or ''achieving victory with surprise strategies''; it''s always a steady outcome."


    "However, as the saying goes, ''A good warrior holds no notable achievements.'' The higher the capabilities demonstrated by such individuals, the more dangerous they are, since they never suffer a major defeat. As long as there is no massive rout, there always lies the chance for a turnaround."


    "Take, for instance, this campaign against Qing Country. Advancing the battle line all the way to the residences of Lai State, cutting off supply routes, and besieging the Qing Army of a hundred thousand¡ªon the surface, the tactics might not seem particularly striking, with only two words on the battle report¡ª''great victory.'' Such individuals, actually, are far more terrifying than Dong An and his likes."


    "You indeed understand the details well," said the younger disciple.


    The main intention Fang Qingyun had when bringing up this subject was to see if the other party would become arrogant and complacent due to repeated military achievements. Now it seemed such worry was entirely unnecessary.


    "Clash! Clash!"


    The sound of armour colliding rang out.


    Inside the Central Army Tent, several generals, surrounded by attendants, steadily approached them.


    The leader among them was none other than the Three Armies Grand Marshal of this campaign against Qing, Meng Quji!


    "General Fang, good to see you unharmed!"


    "Good to see you unharmed."


    "This subordinate, Chen Sansi, has come to report!"


    Chen Sansi saluted with a fist, "I have seen Meng Dashuai!"


    "So you are Chen Sansi?"


    Meng Quji, admiring the young man before him, didn''t hide the appreciation on his face and patted his shoulder, "At last, I meet the prodigy who entered the Military Books at eighteen, for all the Military Families in the world to study. Your arrival is timely. I will immediately order the news of your arrival in the Eastern Territory to be spread out, to further pressurize the trapped Qing Army at Yong Yue Prefecture."


    "Indeed."


    Vice Commander Zhan Taoming spoke, "Mr. Chen''s arrival is also beneficial for us to analyze the current situation!"


    "The two commanders praise me too highly," said Chen Sansi.


    "I am merely an Assistant General, here just to await orders," Chen Sansi stated.


    "There''s no need to be so modest. General Fang, General Chen, please," Meng Quji''s mood was uplifted. "With Phoenix, Chen Sansi here, our chances of winning have instantly increased by another twenty percent!"


    Within the Central Army Tent.


    A group of senior generals exchanged information and discussed the current situation. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Sansi was the only Assistant General.


    "Vice General Chen!" Meng Quji spoke, "Zhaotong Prefecture has sent a letter saying they are short of hands. I am prepping to send you to assist Cui Congyi, Sha Wenlong, and others in continuing to forcibly attack Zhaotong Prefecture. What are your thoughts on this?"


    Sha Wenlong?


    Chen Sansi sneered internally.


    This one-eyed fool, he probably wants to use me as cannon fodder.


    Typical never-dying greed.


    If it weren''t for Pei Tiannan''s secret protection, their lives would have been taken long ago.


    And setting aside personal grievances, forcefully attacking Zhaotong Prefecture was an unfeasible tactic.


    "Don''t hold back!" Meng Quji began, "''In all great battles, Chen Sansi''s opinions need to be absorbed''¡ªthis is the imperial edict His Majesty issued from the Imperial Palace, and it''s your privilege, so feel free to speak frankly."


    Two Martial Saints and several Mysterious Phenomenon levels, at this moment, all their focus was on an Assistant General within the Meridian Passage Realm.


    They were also curious.


    This general who, with merely over a thousand remnants, had decisively defeated a twenty-thousand strong Barbarian Army, and after leading the people across the river, crossed Hongze four times¡ªwas he truly worthy of his reputation or not."


    "Then, I shall speak forthrightly," Chen Sansi began, clasping his fists. "It''s inappropriate."


    "Oh? What exactly is inappropriate?" Meng Quji pointed to the city on the sand table and spoke with confidence, "According to previous plans, surrounding but not attacking would take at least six months to exhaust the provisions in Yong Yue Prefecture, which is too long. Not to mention that Qing Country is mobilizing military forces from other states, and it''s likely that Nan Xu Country has also made movements. Half a year is enough time for too many changes to occur, and the best way to speed this up is only one¡ªto shorten the battle line and concentrate as many troops as possible in Yong Yue Prefecture for a fierce attack, regardless of the cost."


    "And the problem also arises here."


    "Currently, my army of over a hundred thousand, in order to divide the battlefield and prevent Qing''s forces from linking up, is spread across a nine hundred li battle line, each besieging cities, stuck in a stalemate."


    "Among them, Zhaotong Prefecture is the second granary of Lai State, too close to Yong Yue Prefecture to let go, drawing in a large amount of our troops."


    "Now, Cui Congyi, Sha Wenlong, two Mysterious Phenomenon Realm individuals, along with thirty thousand troops, are all here."


    "The city''s defense army only has nine thousand, but their defending general, Deng Feng, is invincibly brave, supported fully by over a hundred thousand civilians, and after more than forty days, it still hasn''t fallen!"


    "If we can''t take this city, we won''t be able to free up the thirty thousand elite troops to attack Yong Yue Prefecture, and prolonging this situation will gradually turn it unfavorable for us."


    "Therefore, I thought of sending you, Vice General Chen, to Zhaotong Prefecture. Taking Zhaotong one day earlier could increase our strength outside Yong Yue Prefecture by that much," Meng Meng Dashuai explained.


    "Indeed," Hu Ben Army Commander Fan Tianfa said in a deep voice. "Vice General Chen, you should proceed quickly. It''s of great significance¡ªtaking Zhaotong Prefecture would also count as your major accomplishment."


    "No, it won''t work," Chen Sansi decisively retorted. "Let alone sending three thousand, even if another ten thousand were dispatched, Zhaotong Prefecture could not possibly be taken in a short period."


    He paused, then suddenly raised his voice, "I have a strategy that can subdue the enemy without fighting, without spending a single soldier or a pawn, making all enemies other than those at Yong Yue Prefecture surrender at the mere sight of our forces!"


    Without spending a single soldier or a pawn?


    Make them surrender at the mere sight?


    Meng Quji, half doubtful, half intrigued, urged, "Quick, share your thoughts."


    Chen Sansi asked, "Commander Meng, have we ever slaughtered a city before?"

 Chapter 296 - 155: Winning Without a Fight_5

    "Hmm."


    Meng Quji answered candidly, "We have slaughtered around seven or eight cities. At the beginning, when we were attacking the border areas, we had a bitter victory near Leishan Prefecture. The troops needed rewards and a release for their frustration, so I didn''t stop them."


    Massacring a city.


    In ancient battlefields, it was a common occurrence, especially against foreign enemies; slaughtering a city was a means to boost morale and deter the enemy.


    For the vast majority of soldiers, they fight to win rewards, to get promoted and become rich. If after risking their lives they don''t reap enough benefits, discontent is inevitable and soon they won''t see the meaning in fighting to the death.


    "That''s right, which is what incited the desperate resistance of over a hundred thousand civilians, because they knew that once the city fell, it wouldn''t be just the defenders dying, but their own people as well," said Chen Sansi.


    "So, I would trouble Meng Dashuai to relay the order, refrain from massacres from now on. The soldiers'' rewards should preferably come from the court. Do you foresee any difficulties with this?"


    "No problem, we were only intimidating a few cities that were stubbornly resisting anyway," Meng Quji agreed immediately. "If we truly reclaim the land of the three states, then these people naturally become the citizens of Dasheng. If we kill them all, we would only be left with dead land. I will issue the command at once, no more massacres. General Chen, are you planning to persuade the defenders inside Zhaotong Prefecture to surrender?"


    "Exactly."


    Chen Sansi didn''t deny it: "The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting, next is to disrupt their alliances, followed by attacking their army, and the last resort is to besiege their cities. If we can convince the defenders inside to surrender, we could not only reduce Dasheng''s losses but also save time and seize a precious opportunity."


    "Mr. Chen, do you think we haven''t tried?" said Hu Ben Army commander Fan Tianfa, the Martial Saint. "Before the hostilities even began, we repeatedly urged their surrender, even offering the rank of Earl, but that person is stubborn and tough. After the defeat at Wutian Mountain, his army of thirty thousand was reduced to a little over a thousand, yet he managed to break out and has been steadfastly defending Zhaotong Prefecture ever since."


    "It could be said that Deng Feng is utterly loyal to Qing Country. Even if he dies on the city walls, he would never surrender, otherwise, he wouldn''t have held on until now."


    "General Fan is wrong there. Sometimes whether a city surrenders is not for the main general to decide alone," Chen Sansi spoke calmly, presenting his thoughts. "As long as the will to resist among the civilians inside the city is lost, the eight thousand defenders will hardly find the conviction to continue holding on."


    These civilians include the families of the local garrison soldiers.


    Just like back then at Po Yang.


    The brothers risked their lives to escort the civilians across the river not out of selflessness, but because their own families were ahead."


    Conversely, if they could ensure the safety of their families, the will to resist would be greatly diminished.


    Especially now with the enemy at the gates and no hope in sight.


    "I''m afraid it won''t be that easy," objected Deputy General Zhan Taoming. "Just with words, you can make them believe and then open the gates and surrender?"


    "Of course not, which is why we need to show them," said Chen Sansi. "For example, by releasing surrendered soldiers."


    "Release the surrendered soldiers? That might not be appropriate," Fan Tianfa''s brows knitted together. "The civilians of Qing Country may be spared the death penalty, but if we release the captives, wouldn''t that be the same as allowing tigers back into the mountains?"


    Meng Quji raised his hand to signal for him to stop, not rushing to argue, but instead asked patiently, "How many do you plan to release?"


    Chen Sansi uttered two words: "All of them."


    "That is a bit absurd," Meng Quji rejected calmly. "These twenty thousand surrendered soldiers could eventually be assimilated into Dasheng''s population, something we''ve earned at great cost. If we let them go so easily, wouldn''t the previous battles have been fought in vain?"


    "Yes indeed," Fan Tianfa seemed somewhat disappointed as he said, "Vice General Chen, your Four Crossings of Hongze was indeed a stroke of brilliance, but not all battles can be won by taking shortcuts. Sometimes, you must fight tough battles. In my opinion, let''s not waste time discussing this further. You should lead your troops to Zhaotong Prefecture posthaste, which could also relieve some pressure on Cui Congyi and the others. Even if we have to pay a price, as long as we can capture Zhaotong Prefecture, it won''t be a loss."


    The rest of the generals also seemed to agree.


    They thought it was some kind of earth-shattering strategy.


    Chen Sansi could only give advice; he didn''t have the final say in decisions.


    Releasing twenty thousand captives was indeed an outlandish idea.


    But he thought it was truly feasible. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I agree with Vice General Chen''s view," a clear voice rang out, Fang Qingyun taking over the conversation: "As far as I know, these twenty thousand are not elite troops, but merely local garrison soldiers with little will to fight. After being captured, their minds are focused solely on survival. Assimilating them as our own would probably take two years, which is of no help to the current battle situation and would just add to the consumption of provisions."


    "Moreover, Vice General Chen''s intention isn''t really to release the tiger back into the mountain," he continued.


    "To the north, there is a treacherous path called Ghost Gate Canyon, extremely narrow and allowing only two people to walk side by side. Once inside, there''s no turning back, leaving no possibility for a counterattack.


    "Beyond the canyon, it''s thousands of miles from where any remaining Qing Country forces could regroup. It would take at least half a year to reintegrate these forces, which to us is no different from them being dead. But for the defending Qing Country soldiers in other cities, it represents the only hope of survival. With hope, they will no longer fight like cornered beasts."

 Chapter 297 - 155: Winning Without a Fight_6

    "Gentlemen, you must understand that before any battle commences, the actual objective of our side must be clarified."


    "And our main objective this time is only one."


    "That is to devour the fifty thousand elite troops and the Prince inside Yong Yue Prefecture. The rest do not matter; as long as they are gone, Daqing will lose its hold on the border and be forced to abandon the Three Prefectures."


    "Vice General Chen, I''m right, aren''t I?"


    Chen Sansi agreed, "What General Fang has said matches exactly with what I had in mind." S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Waging war is not about slaughter but about achieving strategic objectives.


    Whether to slaughter or to be humane must be decided based on the current situation, adopting whichever strategy will lead to victory.


    "Even General Fang thinks it''s feasible?"


    Meng Quji began to hesitate.


    Clearly, in the military, experience is the real voice of authority.


    He pondered, "But no matter what, allowing so many surrendered soldiers to return is still a huge loss."


    "It''s best if Meng Dashuai does as recommended."


    Fang Qingyun''s attitude was firm, "If this plan fails, sending the Xuanjia Army to Zhaotong Prefecture can still be done later. As for the loss of releasing twenty thousand surrendered soldiers, I will bear it alone. I will write a petition to His Majesty."


    "Good! With General Fang saying this, if I still hesitate, indeed it would seem overly cautious. Let''s proceed as Vice General Chen suggested!"


    Meng Quji finally made the decision, "Pass down my commander''s order, keep the generals above ''Refining Internal'' level, and send the rest of the surrendered soldiers to Ghost Gate Canyon in batches, no more than five hundred each time. Also, assign people to guard the canyon well! Vice General Chen, do you have any other requests?"


    "I want temporary command and deployment authority over all the forces, except those at Yong Yue Prefecture,"


    Chen Sansi bowed with his hands clasped.


    This was necessary.


    Otherwise, while he was persuading a surrender at one location, another might still be attacking or sacking a city, easily leading to mishaps.


    "Very well, I grant you this authority!"


    Meng Quji readily agreed, then stressed, "But Mr. Chen, you should understand that ''no jokes in the military'' is an essential rule, right?"


    "I am willing to receive the military order,"


    Chen Sansi added, "But the matter of releasing the prisoners must be expedited. If my predictions are correct, reinforcements from Nanxu Country are about to arrive."


    "Indeed,"


    Meng Quji said, "That is what concerns me the most. Currently, the Great Sheng Dynasty is prevailing, but once the reinforcements from Nanxu arrive, the situation will immediately become severe."


    Nanxu sending troops was a given, inevitable for everyone.


    ...


    Yong Yue Prefecture.


    "Report!"


    "Prince, the Sheng Dynasty has sent more troops."


    "What''s the rush?"


    King Tang Li Gong, while cutting a steaming leg of lamb with a dagger, asked leisurely, "How many?"


    "Eight thousand Hu Ben Army, plus three thousand Xuanjia Army."


    The deputy general said with a worried expression, "Among them, the Xuanjia Army is led by Chen Sansi, who has crossed the Hongze River four times."


    Upon hearing this name, Li Gong''s action of cutting meat noticeably paused, then he said indifferently, "Do not panic. This person is most likely sent here to share in the merits and then rise in rank. The current situation in Lai State, his presence or absence makes no difference."


    "Prince."


    The deputy general sighed, "His Majesty was very critical of us this time; he disagreed with our dispatch of troops initially."


    "It''s clear His Majesty is too conservative."


    Li Gong chewed on the lamb, speaking unhurriedly, "Do not panic. As long as we hold on for another three months, reinforcements from Daqing will continue to arrive, and the Nanxu Army will also press up to Hu Lao.


    "By then, Meng Quji and others naturally will have to retreat to the border, and that''s when the real battle will begin."


    "Try to notify all the other cities'' defenders to hold their positions and await the opportune moment!"


    "Yes!"


    ...


    Zhaotong Prefecture.


    "Brothers!"


    "My fellow countrymen!"


    "Once the soldiers of the Sheng Dynasty break through, they will massacre the city, sparing no man, woman, or child. Guihai, Lianshui, and Jinggu states are examples. They are no different from the barbarians of the grassland! So, if you want to live, all of you, come and help me defend!"


    "Crack¡ª¡ª"


    Defending General Deng Feng''s Azure Dragon Crescent Broadsword roared downward, chopping off half of the body of the attacking Sheng general and ending a round of brutal assault and defense. The forces outside the city retreated ten miles, not daring to attack recklessly anymore.


    Outside the city.


    Cui Congyi, Sha Wenlong, and others led the Hu Ben Army to temporarily retreat to a camp twenty miles away.


    "This Deng Feng is really formidable!"


    Sha Wenlong planted his broadsword into the ground, "Even when you and I joined hands, we still couldn''t take him down."


    "After all, he is at Perfect Profound Phenomenon."


    Cui Congyi said more calmly, "Let''s regroup for half a day and then continue the attack."


    "Generals."


    Cao Fan expressed his concern, "Continuing the strong attack might also fail to take it down."


    "We have no choice but to attack,"


    Cui Congyi said, "This is a mortal order from the Crown Prince, and there''s a time limit."


    "Let''s wait for reinforcements."


    Sha Wenlong said, "Chen Sansi still has three thousand Black Armor troops. When the time comes, let his men take the lead, and with one push, we''ll storm the city walls. I don''t believe we can''t take it."


    "Whew¡ª¡ª"


    Hai Dongqing brought news.


    "How so?"


    Sha Wenlong asked, "How long till they arrive?"


    "No need to wait."


    Cui Congyi, holding a letter, said solemnly, "He''s not coming."


    "How dare he disobey orders?!"


    Sha Wenlong furiously said, "Last time it must have been Yu Song who covered for him, who can cover for him this time? Fang Qingyun?"


    "No, it''s not disobedience. He''s not only not disobeyed, but... he has ordered all of us not to continue the attack."


    "Is General Cui joking?"


    Sha Wenlong perplexedly said, "He''s just an assistant general, on what grounds does he order us?"


    "See for yourself!"


    Cui Congyi said angrily, "The Commander Meng Quji has decreed that he is now the commander over everyone except those in Yong Yue Prefecture."


    "What?"


    Sha Wenlong snatched the letter, scoffing, "So that''s what''s going on. He received a military order to make Zhaotong surrender within two months, such grand claims!"


    Cao Fan also took it and read it himself, anxiously saying, "This man wouldn''t make empty boasts if he wasn''t sure."


    "I don''t believe it."


    Cui Congyi pointed his blood-stained broadsword toward the city wall, "Deng Feng is unparalleled in courage; is he going to come out and surrender?"


    "Actually, I don''t believe it either."


    Cao Fan gave a bitter smile, "But he calls himself Chen Sansi."


    "This..."


    Sha Wenlong also hesitated to make further assertions, clearly remembering the lessons from last time.


    "You are both overthinking it!"


    Cui Congyi sneered, "There''s a time limit on the military order; within two months he orders Deng Feng to open the city gates and surrender. I really want to see what he will do when Deng Feng doesn''t surrender!"


    ...


    "Zhaotong defending commander Deng Feng, Perfect Profound Phenomenon."


    Fang Qingyun held the latest intelligence: "This person was originally the governor of Lai State, very well-reputed locally, known as Deng Qingtian, but he''s extremely loyal to Qing Country; convincing him to open the city gates for surrender is still difficult. But since my junior dares to say it, he must have his plans, just let him do it. It''s not suitable for me to travel around, so I won''t be a burden following you."


    "Brother, farewell!"


    Chen Sansi didn''t delay, leading three thousand Black Armor troops, he headed directly towards the distance.

 Chapter 298 - 156: The Art of War is a Matter of Momentum

    Chen Sansi led the troops away, and after another fifty li, stopped at a crossroads on an official road in the wilderness.


    "Xu..."


    It slipped out so naturally that he found it hard to correct himself: "Bring me the map."


    "Who has a map? Quickly!"


    Zhao Kang and the others searched but there was no sound for a long time.


    "My lord, I have one."


    Xia Cong was well-prepared; he presented the map immediately, respectfully unfolding it in front of Chen Sansi: "I have some humble thoughts, I wonder if I should speak?"


    On the journey, he could tell the general wanted to call out for Mr. Wo Long, the esteemed Xu, showing that the general lacked a right-hand man. He was ready to step in, hoping to learn more by the general''s side in the future, and become a trusted lineage.


    Chen Sansi looked at the map, without raising his head, he responded: "Speak freely."


    "Thank you, my lord!"


    Xia Cong bowed deeply: "I believe that even if we release the surrendered soldiers, direct persuasion will still be ineffective. We must use force before virtue, take down a city first, and then lead by action."


    "Hm, the thought process is not wrong."


    Chen Sansi glanced at him: "Continue."


    Encouraged, Xia Cong eagerly shared the analysis he had prepared in his mind: "Inside Zhao Tong Prefecture, there are still eight thousand soldiers defending, among them two thousand are local garrison troops and six thousand from Elite Camp Soldiers called from other places. With the help of the civilians, a direct assault on Zhaotong is definitely not feasible."


    "Therefore, I believe we should first attack Songlin Prefecture, which is closer to Zhaotong. The enemy''s defense there is not strong, they''ve already been under siege for a long time. If we add three thousand of the Xuanjia Army to launch a fierce attack, there is a significant chance of taking it by force. Once Songlin Prefecture falls, it will naturally shake the morale in Zhao Tong Prefecture, then we can persuade them to surrender."


    "No, it''s nowhere near enough."


    Chen Sansi rejected the idea: "Not to mention how great a cost that would be, time is not something we can afford to waste, moreover, do you know why we must capture Zhao Tong Prefecture within two months?"


    "Besides the need for more troops to concentrate on attacking Yong Yue Prefecture, I think..."


    Xia Cong felt like he was taking an exam, answering seriously: "In two months, reinforcements from Qing Country could likely arrive, conservatively estimated at over fifty thousand. The best place to stop them would be twenty li outside Green Ridge Mountain, but that requires bypassing Zhaotong. If Zhaotong is not captured, it means leaving a knife behind on our flank, ready to strike at any moment."


    "If you put it that way..."


    "Our situation seems not as optimistic as we thought!"


    His expression grew grave, "If the Qing Country reinforcements reach outside Green Ridge Mountain and we can''t deploy enough soldiers to stop them, it means we may have to give up the attack on Yong Yue Prefecture and choose another city to defend."


    "In such a scenario, the situation would shift from the Great Sheng Dynasty besieging the enemy to a stalemate between the two forces."


    "The deadlocked situation that Qing Country has in Lai State could all come back to life."


    "And if we add the reinforcements from Nan Xu Country that might appear outside Hu Lao at any time..."


    "All of the Great Sheng Dynasty''s efforts in Lai State could be wasted, reclaiming the territory of the three states could become a pipe dream." S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    To the side.


    The other two Thousand Captains of the Xuanjia Army, Xiao Zheng, and You Jike, also listened with serious expressions.


    "You few are still clear-headed."


    Chen Sansi continued: "So, what we have to do is race against time, time is the essence of opportunity, the faster we deal with the soldiers and horses in each city, and gather the dispersed forces of our Great Sheng Dynasty, the better prepared we will be to face the upcoming changes."


    "The fastest way to capture a city is to make the Enemy Army open its gates and surrender. If fighting breaks out, even with the smallest city, it will cost us a lot of time and troops. On a front of nearly a thousand li with so many cities, we simply cannot afford the accumulated time."


    "One Songlin is not enough, one Zhaotong is not enough."


    "What I want, aside from Yong Yue Prefecture, is for all thirty-six prefectures within the territory of Lai State to surrender at the sight of my forces!"


    All thirty-six prefectures surrendering at the sight!


    Xia Cong and the others exchanged looks, seemingly finding it hard to believe.


    Moreover, on the military order.


    They were only required to deal with Zhaotong Prefecture; was it really necessary to go this far?


    Xiao Zheng expressed his doubt: "My lord, if I may be bold, isn''t the difficulty a bit too great?"


    "Yes, my lord, it''s not that I doubt you, just..."


    You Jike added: "Persuading one or two key cities to surrender is already an exceedingly difficult task, let alone convincing all thirty-six prefectures. It''s almost... impossible, isn''t it?"


    "Hmph! Making a fuss over nothing!"


    Zhu Tong scornfully said: "Even I understand, do this first, then that, and it''ll work out!"


    "Old Zhu, stop causing trouble."


    Zhuang Yi pulled him aside: "Just listen to the general''s speech, and you know nothing!"


    But the brothers from Po Yang were unfazed, as they had no doubt their general could achieve the strategic goals he had declared.


    "You Jike, there''s one thing you got wrong."


    Chen Sansi''s gaze remained fixed on the map: "Sometimes, the difficulty of persuading many cities in a state to submit is far less than persuading just one or two cities; this is called momentum."


    "Some say that in war, deceit is key, others say authority is key, and still others say that the most important thing is to ensure a stable position for oneself, awaiting the enemy''s defeat. But I say¡ª"


    He paused for emphasis, each word he spoke ringing out like a deep ringing bell: "In war, momentum is everything!"

 Chapter 299 - 156: The Art of War is a Matter of Momentum_2

    "Momentum, perhaps?"


    Xia Cong was momentarily dazed.


    They almost said in unison, clasping their hands in salute, "Please instruct us, sir!"


    "Everything under the heavens is merely a matter of momentum,"


    Since joining the army, Chen Sansi had participated in numerous battles, big and small, gaining some insights: "Sieging has the momentum of recklessness that fears not death, defending has the momentum of prefering death over submission, charging into formations entails the momentum of plunging in to seek death, prevailing in battle the momentum of being unstoppable. Similarly, collapse brings the momentum of a rout spanning a thousand miles, even surrender carries the momentum of demoralization and submitting at the sight of the enemy,"


    "Once this momentum is formed, the enemy will act like a dog who lost its home, like a defeated rooster, with no more thoughts of resistance. They will only have one thought left, to surrender,"


    "What we need to do is to create the overwhelming momentum of ''surrender''."


    "Warfare is all about momentum!"


    Xia Cong, still puzzled, asked, "Then sir, how shall we create this grand momentum next?"


    "Five steps in total."


    "This first step, I call it Forced Surround with Intentional Flaws,"


    Chen Sansi ordered, "Pass my command, except for Yong Yue Prefecture, all generals must immediately cease sieging and leave a small path open, allowing their scouts a route for mutual communication and intelligence transmission,"


    "Xia Cong, write down the exact words then use the Hai Dongqing to convey it to all units,"


    This time, he used his fourth brother''s Hai Dongqing.


    "Then comes the second step, follow me!"


    "Move¡ª" Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The group proceeded at full speed,


    Soon arriving at,


    The nearest city holding surrendered soldiers.


    Military officers and Array Soldiers were detained separately.


    Among them, military officers with powers of Refining Internal and above were mostly controlled by piercing their scapula and other parts with Mystical Iron Hooks to prevent any mishaps,


    But Array Soldiers did not need such measures.


    Array Soldiers stripped off their Armour, laid down their Weapons, then scattered their organizational structure, and without a military officer leading them, they were as disorderly as ordinary people without a weapon in hand.


    Chen Sansi reined in his horse, raising the command token high, and shouted, "Who is the general in charge of watching over these surrendered soldiers here?"


    "General Chen!"


    A Vice General, having received the instructions earlier, came out of the city to meet him: "I am Zhu Qi, in charge of overseeing these surrendered soldiers here; does General Chen have any instructions?"


    Chen Sansi said indifferently, "The map."


    Xia Cong immediately complied.


    "And the writing materials?"


    Chen Sansi added.


    "I deserve death, I should always have writing materials ready!"


    Xia Cong hastily prepared them and then handed over a brush dipped in ink,


    Chen Sansi took the brush, outlined a route on the map, and commanded, "Vice General Zhu, when you release the surrendered soldiers, you must escort them exactly along this route I have drawn, distribute dry rations to them, and the more noise the better,"


    "These routes...,"


    Zhu Qi looked at the black lines, "Isn''t this making them deliberately conspicuous? I understand, General Chen''s intention is to let everyone see that we are releasing the surrendered soldiers, thereby weakening the will of the defending troops in other cities,"


    "Hmm."


    Chen Sansi nodded, "Besides this, select two thousand surrendered soldiers with strong voices to keep for the time being, not to be released yet, they will be used for something else,"


    "Strong voices?"


    Zhu Qi did not understand the purpose of this arrangement, but he nodded and said, "I understand, General Chen rest assured, I will execute accurately, ensuring no mistakes occur,"


    "A mistake will cost you your head!"


    Chen Sansi cautioned.


    "Understood!"


    Zhu Qi turned and went to carry out the tasks,


    Chen Sansi, sitting high on his horse, announced, "Next, comes the third step!"


    ...


    Zhaotong Prefecture.


    Outside the city.


    Cui Congyi stared at the latest order for a long while without speaking,


    "General Cui,"


    Sha Wenlong asked, "Did that Chen issue us any new orders?"


    They, being main generals by rank, now had to wait daily for an Assistant General''s orders,


    "Yes,"


    Cui Congyi said, "He ordered us to stop sieging, and send a surrender letter daily, along with ceaseless shouting day and night. Furthermore, the troops outside the city must achieve an encirclement with one side open, allowing spies and scouts from inside Zhaotong City to go out and gather intelligence,"


    "Ridiculous!"


    Sha Wenlong truly could not comprehend: "A siege battle demands extreme pressure, unsettling the enemy inside by cutting off their communication, which is the best way to apply pressure. Letting them out is giving them hope,"


    The intelligence passed by one or two Black Hawks, after all, is limited, as only high-ranking officers can serve as recipients on the ground.


    More detailed intelligence, however, generally requires scouts to investigate,


    Locking every scout inside the city,


    Means that, within the field of view of the city''s garrison, besides a few places like Yong Yue Prefecture, the rest is completely dark,


    But if you let the scouts out,


    It means the cities can communicate with each other, strategize together, giving them a sense of mutual support and the confidence to hold on becomes naturally greater,


    "This just makes sieging more challenging for us, really reckless command! And there''s no fear of actually letting them escape?"


    Upon saying this, Sha Wenlong''s eyes lit up, "I have an idea, why not intentionally let some out, try to keep the losses within a certain range, and then say it was Chen''s mistake in command, chop off his head, how about that?"


    "You''re overthinking it,"


    Cui Congyi scoffed, "Chen Sansi has ordered us to precisely control the gap, letting only scouts out, not the enemy. If someone manages to break out using this, he''ll chop our heads off first,"


    "He wouldn''t dare!"


    "What wouldn''t he dare, the Commander has given the token, if you dare defy the order, even if he beheads you, you can''t fight back,"

 Chapter 300 - 156: The Soldier, the Momentum_3

    Cui Congyi discarded the letter: "General Sha, this task is entrusted to you."


    "Disgusting!"


    Sha Wenlong had no choice but to follow the orders.


    "No matter what Chen Sansi is up to, as long as he can really force Deng Feng to surrender and leave the city, it can be considered a good thing. Let''s not mention the demands of the Incense Fire Divine Sect on us, my father..."


    Cao Fan pondered, "It would be extremely beneficial for the entire Lai State, for one, Zhao Tong Prefecture''s geographical location is critical, related to the subsequent course of events. Secondly, Deng Feng has high prestige, ''Deng Qingtian'', ''Mr. Deng of Skies High and Righteous''¡ªthese are all his nicknames. If such a man is willing to surrender, it will surely lead to many other cities surrendering as well."


    "But the question is, how is he going to accomplish it?"


    "Nearly seven days have passed in the blink of an eye, and we haven''t seen a trace of him. Is two months'' time really enough?"


    Since giving up the competition for Chief Disciple, to his surprise, he found that his resentment towards Chen Sansi quickly diminished, replaced more by admiration. It''s just that in the current situation, he really couldn''t figure out what this guy was up to.


    "Let''s just do as he said."


    Cui Congyi said with repressed emotion, "After all, if it doesn''t work and leads to any grave consequences due to missed opportunities in battle, it''s not for you or me to be responsible. After all, it''s not even two months."


    "General Cui."


    Yun Xiaozi, dressed in Da Sheng armor and disguised as an officer, stepped forward to remind, "Dragging this out is no solution, we must take down this city!"


    "Rest assured, Daoist Priest."


    Cui Congyi stated, "Even if we cannot take the city, we will certainly handle the matters entrusted by the Crown Prince properly, without delay."


    "I am merely reminding you."


    Yun Xiaozi added, "Moreover, the place to decide the outcome should best be outside the Capital City,"


    "That''s hard to say now."


    Cui Congyi frowned and said, "Looking at the current situation, it''s not certain we have a strong chance of reclaiming the three states. In any case, if things don''t work out, we''ll choose another time and place."


    "Alright then."


    Yun Xiaozi said no more and quietly withdrew.


    ...


    Zhao Tong Prefecture, inside the city.


    After enduring more than forty days of brutal siege warfare, the city walls were scarred and bodies piled up like mountains. The soldiers and civilian workers alike were ragged and utterly exhausted.


    But on this day, everything ceased abruptly.


    The enemy army outside the city unexpectedly became quiet, leaving only two or three horse riders calling for surrender at the foot of the city walls, and the occasional arrow shot over the wall also carried letters of persuasion to surrender.


    "People of Qing Country and the Qing Army inside the city, listen up!"


    "Open the city gates and surrender early to save your lives!"


    "Otherwise, once the city falls, not one will be left alive!"


    "Why insist on defending to the bitter end!"


    "You won''t be getting any reinforcements!


    "..."


    Atop the city wall, the civilian workers and soldiers, pausing their repair work during the lull in battle, were skeptical.


    "Great General!"


    The leading generals of Qing Country reported, "The Sheng Dynasty''s troops have all retreated into their camps and are laying low, indicating they will not continue the siege for the time being. Furthermore, the scouts we dispatched have finally broken through and will soon bring back news of the other cities nearby. Does this imply the enemy has let down their guard? Should we seize the opportunity to try and break out?"


    "Not possible."


    Deng Qingtian, the Great General of Zhao Tong Prefecture at the Profound Image Realm of perfection, was personally moving boulders, calmly asserting, "This ''encircle three, leave one'' strategy is probably to lure us out, with ambushes sure to be waiting outside. Continue to defend the city!"


    "Mr. Deng, how much longer can we hold out?"


    "Yeah, how long will this go on? They say Yong Yue Prefecture is also completely surrounded. Is Lai State done for?"


    "Alas, it''s already January. In the blink of an eye, we have been away from home for several months, and to this day, we''re still unable to send a single letter back."


    "Yeah, yeah."


    "..."


    The soldiers discussed amongst themselves with various opinions.


    The civilians within the city were equally suffering.


    Compared to the defending army, they were the ones who suffered the most deaths each day.


    "My lord..."


    "Please tell us clearly, when will this end?"


    "Yes, how long before we can repel the enemy outside?"


    "My father''s body fell from the city wall, and to this day, there''s still no chance to collect his corpse..."


    "..."


    "Boom!" sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Deng Feng suddenly threw the massive stone he held, creating a thunderous sound, and he spoke with a powerful voice, "You ask me how long we must defend? To tell you the truth, at least another sixty days! If you truly don''t wish to continue defending, you may go open the gates and surrender. Go on, I won''t stop you, as long as¡ª"


    He deliberately paused, then emphasized, "you dare to believe the word of the Sheng people!"


    "This..."


    The soldiers and civilians exchanged glances, speechless.


    Indeed.


    Can one trust the word of the Sheng people?


    It was said that when they attacked the Leishan Prefecture region, similar things were promised, yet everyone had seen for themselves the fate of the local people. An inferno on earth engulfed five prefectures!


    "It seems you are not so foolish!"


    Deng Feng ascended to a higher position and queried with his resonant and robust voice, "Furthermore, consider this, the Sheng people have been besieging us for a month already, so why have they suddenly stopped now?


    "Indeed, because they have realized they cannot take the city and have no choice but to give up!


    "The letters of persuasion to surrender should not shake us but serve as evidence of their impending defeat!"


    "The General makes sense!"


    The crowd had a moment of clarity.


    "Their cessation demonstrates that they are scared!"


    "No wonder, they attacked like madmen before, and then suddenly they stopped."


    "We mustn''t fall for their trick; once we open the gates, those Sheng dogs will surely engage in frenzied retribution!"

 Chapter 301 - 156: The Art of War is a Matter of Momentum_4

    "Yes, even if they don''t kill the commoners, they won''t spare us soldiers."


    "If you become surrendered soldiers, the unlucky ones are directly turned into slaves, or simply treated and slaughtered like animals!"


    "There is a female general in the Sheng Dynasty named Rong Yanqiu, it is said that she has to kill more than a dozen living people every day; otherwise, she can''t sleep!" Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Even if you''re lucky and they accept you, the provisions, rations, and medicinal materials you get are the worst. In the future, when you go to the battlefield, you must rush to the front and shield them from arrows!"


    "And you have to be separated from your family!"


    "..."


    "My brothers, elders, and fellow villagers!"


    Deng Feng''s voice, amplified by his Qi-Blood, resounded for miles: "Don''t panic. Right now, the city has ample grain and forage. Our military might is slightly inferior, but we have over a hundred thousand civilians!"


    "Those outside, Cui Congyi and Sha Wenlong, to someone like me, are nothing more than flies and dogs, not worth mentioning!"


    "As long as our two hundred thousand people work together, what are those mere thirty thousand outside the city? They are nothing!"


    "Moreover, I have great news to tell you all!"


    "At most, in another two months, our great Emperor of Daqing will personally lead the charge! By then, not only will Zhaotong Prefecture survive, but we will also achieve great merit, and all soldiers and civilians who defend the city will be richly rewarded!"


    "Exempt from taxes for three years, no, five years!"


    "I, Deng Feng, promise you, after this battle, the entire Zhaotong will be exempt from tax on grain for five years!"


    "Additionally, orders are given to open the granaries, and for the coming two months, there will be plenty of white rice and big white steamed buns!"


    Five years!


    What does exempt from taxes for five years mean?


    It means that during these five years, the commoners might be able to eat their fill, and perhaps even save some extra money, not having to live those days when each spring, for planting, they had to borrow seed money at high-interest rates.


    After this speech.


    Over a hundred thousand people once again rekindled hope.


    In a word, hold out, and not only can you survive, but you''ll also be tax exempt!


    On the contrary, if you open the city gates and surrender, it''s a dead end.


    Their morale soared like never before, and they all hurried to strengthen the defensive fortifications.


    However, by that afternoon.


    Above the city walls, a Qing Country soldier squinted into the distance. He pointed at the empty plain: "Look quickly, those in red clothes seem to be our brothers from Daqing!"


    The soldiers and armor of each country are distinct.


    Most of Qing Country''s soldiers wear armor with bright red linings, which are very easy to distinguish.


    "Reinforcements? Could it be reinforcements?!"


    Someone shouted excitedly.


    "It''s not right!"


    "Take a closer look!"


    "It seems the Sheng dogs don''t plan to deal with them!"


    "And, why aren''t they wearing armor, and why are they not carrying weapons?"


    "Damn it, they are captives who have defected to the Sheng dogs!"


    "Damn it, how could captives make it here?"


    "..."


    Deng Feng, who heard the commotion, also climbed up to the city wall to check. He immediately sent people to investigate the situation.


    At that moment, scouts that had been sent out earlier hurried back.


    "Report¡ª"


    "Great General! Those outside indeed are our brothers!"


    Deng Feng, suppressing his anger, asked, "Have they committed treason?!"


    "No, Great General!"


    The scout knelt on the ground: "According to the information I gathered, the Sheng Dynasty is now releasing captives."


    "Releasing captives?"


    Deng Feng frowned: "Where to?"


    Stammering, the scout replied: "To... to our Daqing."


    "Nonsense!"


    Deng Feng, doubting what he heard, grabbed the scout: "Say it again,"


    "Great General, it''s absolutely true!"


    The scout himself seemed hardly able to believe it: "It is said that the Sheng Dynasty plans to send back all twenty thousand surrendered soldiers through Ghost Gate Canyon to Daqing territory. They''re not only releasing people but also providing them with dry food. For those who have trouble walking, they are even equipping donkey carts."


    ''Absurd!''


    ''Would not this entire battle be in vain? There is no sense in sending enemy soldiers back!''


    Type thoughts raced through Deng Feng''s mind but he dared not voice them aloud. He asked again, "Who gave the order?"


    Before he finished speaking.


    He noticed something odd in the eyes of the soldiers around him.


    Such a malevolent strategy!


    Clearly, this was a way to shake their military spirits!


    If it were Meng Quji, he would have definitely found a way to use these twenty thousand men as human shields, not release them completely¡ªafter all, there would be significant risks in going through Ghost Gate Canyon, to think of such a scheme!


    Trembling, the scout said, "They say it was that Chen Sansi..."


    "Chen Sansi?"


    Deng Feng was only too aware of that name.


    His country, Daqing, was brought to misery by this man.


    This man became famous all over the world for leading people across rivers two years ago, and even the commoners of Daqing praised him non-stop, calling him a rare hero and an upright official.


    Not to mention his victory afterward.


    In the Battle of the Four Crossings of Hongze River at Ming State, it was a shock to all; it was known far and wide, putting Daqing in a difficult position where they almost lost the Lai State.


    Not just Daqing, but Nan Xu and the Northern Barbarians probably began studying the Four Crossings of the Hongze River, too.


    This man...


    Had also been sent to Lai State, and started with such a venomous scheme!


    "It''s fake!"


    Deng Feng quickly reacted: "It''s a sham, meant to disrupt our morale! The surrendered soldiers outside, they''re all fakes, merely dressed in red. Isn''t red fabric easy enough to find?"


    "General, you''re right!"


    Everyone agreed in unison.


    "The Sheng people are the most deceitful!"


    "During the times we traded with them, they loved to cheat the most!"


    "But, didn''t they just say it was Chen San..."


    "..."


    "Stop standing around dumbfounded!"


    Deng Feng loudly interrupted, not allowing the topic to continue: "Have you forgotten what I told you before? They are clearly panicking, even resorting to such lowly tricks. We only need to hold on for the last two months, no, it won''t even take two months!"

 Chapter 302 - 156: The Soldier, the Momentum_5

    "Send another team out, try to notify the other cities, and make sure they don''t fall into the trap!"


    "..."


    "Yes!"


    ...


    Yongle Prefecture.


    "Chirp¡ª¡ª"


    A Black Hawk flew down into the city of Yongle Prefecture.


    These Exotic Beasts, which carried information, could not only pinpoint their destinations precisely but also evade arrows in high altitudes, making it nearly impossible for enemies to shoot them down.


    King Tang Li Gong stood in front of the mansion serving as the Central Army''s command center, outstretched his arm to allow the Black Hawk to land, then took the information from it, and immediately, joy appeared on his face.


    "My lord."


    The Deputy General knew there was good news, "Speak quickly, let the brothers be happy."


    "The Emperor is coming!"


    Li Gong handed the sheet of paper for them to see, "The Emperor is leading an army of seventy thousand on a personal expedition, and in about fifty days or so, they will reach Green Ridge Mountain, and in about eighty days, Nan Xu Country''s one hundred thousand troops will also reach Hulaoguan!"


    "That''s great!"


    The Deputy General and several other generals were invigorated, "With the arrival of the seventy thousand troops, Sheng people''s soldiers will be forced to abandon their plans of nibbling away at various places and gather all their troops together, Yongle''s siege, resolved!"


    "There''s another critical node!"


    Li Gong spoke earnestly, "Inform Deng Feng to make sure to hold Zhaotong Prefecture, setting an example for the other cities. As long as we have enough troops saved up by the time the Emperor arrives, we can handle Sheng people ourselves and will not need to invite Nan Xu into our territory!"


    Nan Xu Country agreed to send troops to help.


    On one hand, it was because their interests were interconnected; on the other hand, they naturally also wanted to take advantage of the situation to seek benefits.


    "Your Highness, rest assured!"


    "Deng Feng is incomparably brave and loyal; he will certainly have no problem!"


    "..."


    "By the way."


    Li Gong shifted the topic, "Have you clarified Chen Sansi''s dossier?"


    "It''s been clarified. I am here specifically to deliver the dossier."


    The Deputy General said, handing over a sheet of paper, "He has become too well-known these past two years; his background is very easy to check, but there''s nothing special, just a poor genius who rose from an impoverished land."


    Li Gong looked at the writing, "Gu Xinlan, this is his wife?"


    "Your Highness, do you want to check his family?"


    "It''s not me who wants to check; it''s the Emperor. I don''t have time for this."


    Li Gong read, "Gu Xinlan, originated from a lowly register, was purchased by Chen Sansi''s father as a child bride, is that it? No more? Which year, which place, what was the reason for entering the lowly register, is there nothing?"


    "That''s all."


    The Deputy General said awkwardly, "Your Highness, with the enemy at our gates, it''s truly impossible to be meticulous; these details were also gathered only when the news came across the Hongze River."


    "I see."


    Li Gong fell silent, pondering why the Emperor was interested in someone else''s family members. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ...


    "So, my lord, what exactly is the third step?"


    Xia Cong caught up with difficulty.


    "The third step."


    Chen Sansi said deliberately, "Siege and plunder, accumulate strength and wait to strike!"


    "Siege? But my lord, didn''t you say we would primarily persuade them to surrender, not to lay siege? Alright..."


    Xia Cong didn''t dare to question, pulled out a map, "We have traveled half a month, and now we are in the northeastern part of Lai State, the most barren area. There was a severe drought here last year, no crops were harvested, and after starting the fight this year, even the largest city in this area, Xinghua Prefecture, has barely enough food and depends on supplies from other prefectures. Even so, the food is still very tight, and we can only hold out for about a month at most."


    "I know!"


    "My lord wants to take advantage of the shortage of food and attack Xinghua Prefecture. To my knowledge, the city''s defender, Ma Hu, is only ''Minor Meridian Passage'' achieved, there are four thousand soldiers in the city, while outside our army has eight thousand men, including one ''Meridian Passage General.'' The geographic position of Xinghua Prefecture is average, the conquest would not be very significant, but after all, it is a prefectural city, and seizing it mainly serves to build momentum, which is quite appropriate."


    "Don''t attack Xinghua Prefecture."


    Chen Sansi sat on the horse, pointing with a long spear to a very small city on the map, "First attack Meizi County."


    "Meizi County? "


    Xia Cong became even more confused, "My lord, Meizi County is a small county in the belly of Lai State, poor in grain, short on manpower, with just over a hundred soldiers mainly meant to maintain order, their combat power is very low."


    Chen Sansi added, "So it''s easy to take, right?"


    "It''s easy to take, with almost no casualties..." Xia Cong asked, "But what use is taking it? The position of this county, is completely useless."


    Chen Sansi didn''t endlessly explain further, just calmly said, "Let''s set off. Before night falls, I want to capture Meizi County."


    ...


    Mezi County.


    On the thin city wall, seven or eight emaciated soldiers, holding rusty long spears, looked out. A gust of cold wind blew, hard enough to crumble the stone on the wall parapet, creating a gap, the soldiers'' dilapidated armor also made a clattering noise.


    "Clip-clop¡ª¡ª"


    The sound of hooves arose, from distant to near until it was clearly visible, approximately a dozen cavalrymen along with about twenty foot soldiers, bearing the flag of the Red Armor Army of Daqing, dressed in exquisite armor, each one tall and robust.


    The leading horseman rode forth, shouting loudly, "What are you waiting for? Open the gate quickly!"


    "Why is it people from Xinghua Prefecture again?"


    The soldier on lookout frowned, while instructing to open the gate, he said, "Go get Inspector Wang!"


    "Creak¡ª¡ª"


    The city gate opened.


    The Red Armor Army poured into the city.


    Inspector Wang Feng of Meizi County hurriedly came over to greet, "Du Baozong, why are you here again?"


    "We need supplies!"


    Without dismounting, Du Baozong said, "Xinghua Prefecture urgently needs supplies, we are here to requisition from your county."

 Chapter 303 - 156: The Art of War is a Matter of Momentum_6

    "Another grain levy?"


    Wang Feng said with a bitter face, "Du Baozong, just a few months ago, you moved all the grain from our Mei County granary to Xinghua Prefecture. Where would we have any grain left now?"


    "Enough chatter!"


    Du Baozong said very impatiently, "Inspector Wang! The Sheng forces are at our gates. Without grain, how can we defend the city? If Xinghua Prefecture City falls, do you think these counties below us can hold? The Sheng people are cruel! Once they pour into the territory and slaughter everywhere, not sparing men, women, elderly, or children, what would this bit of grain matter by comparison?!"


    "Ah~"


    Wang Feng sighed deeply, unable to find a reason to refute, "Not long ago, we forcibly levied several hundred stones of grain from the people. It''s in the county government granary, you go take it."


    Du Baozong questioned, "Only several hundred stones?"


    "That''s already the people''s rations!"


    Inspector Wang helplessly said, "People are starving to death every day in the city, and neither the Martial Arts Hall nor the gentry are willing to donate anymore. Four hundred stones is already a lot, we really don''t have any more than that!"


    "Alright."


    Du Baozong did not press any further and led his people to load up the four hundred stones of grain, then rushed out of the city in a hurry.


    "Du Baozong, can you dispatch some soldiers to Mei County?"


    Wang Feng asked from behind, "We are really too short of hands here. If the Sheng forces attack, we won''t be able to resist at all. There are nearly ten thousand people in the city after all!"


    "Don''t worry. The Sheng forces are all outside Xinghua Prefecture City. Besides, who would attack your backwater Mei County after eating till they''re stuffed?"


    After speaking, Du Baozong didn''t look back and continued to escort the grain away.


    "Go to hell!"


    Wang Feng cursed from behind, "All they know is to snatch our grain, not caring whether we live or die!"


    He went to the city wall, sighing and groaning.


    War and chaos, dead bodies everywhere!


    And yet, this battle must be fought.


    The enemy''s invasion was no different from bandits. Once the city fell, the soldiers would be the first to be wiped out, then the people of the city would suffer. They had to hang on, even if it was impossible to hold.


    Leishan Prefecture and several other places were living examples of this.


    "Da da da¡ª"


    "Why have you returned?"


    Wang Feng watched, wide-eyed, as Du Baozong and the others, who had left not long ago, were panic-stricken and had fled back, and the grain they had just taken was gone.


    He hurriedly asked, "Du Baozong, what''s going on?!"


    "Open the city gate! Quick!"


    Du Baozong shouted in terror, "The Sheng forces, the Sheng army has come!"


    "Didn''t you just say nobody would attack Mei County?!"


    Wang Feng''s face turned deathly pale: "How many men?"


    "Over three thousand, and they are the elite Xuanjia Iron Cavalry of the Sheng Dynasty!"


    Du Baozong''s voice trembled, "The leader is a young general with a long spear, bearing the Chen banner. They''ll be here in twenty li, so open the gates and get all the people up on the walls to help!"


    "Clang clang clang¡ª"


    The sound of gongs rang out in the alleys and streets of Mei County.


    Due to the hasty situation, not many people had gathered, and with no time to prepare rolling logs and defensive wood, they could only clutch at kitchen knives, hoes, stones, and tiles, essentially without any lethal force. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "The Xuanjia Army, three thousand men!"


    Wang Feng anxiously stomped his feet, "Elite forces of three thousand, and the leader is at least Meridian Passage stage¡ªhow, how have they come for us?!"


    "What else could it be?!"


    Du Baozong said, "To vent! Even in the poorest place, there are silver and women, isn''t that what the Sheng forces invade for?!"


    Wang Feng''s eyes were filled with fury, and he drew his battle sword resolutely: "Brothers! Even if we are wiped out today, we can''t let the Sheng forces step one foot into the city!"


    "Kill the brigands!"


    "To the end!"


    "..."


    The soldiers from Meizi County were all local garrison troops, and even though their hands trembled, they had no choice but to brace themselves and lift their weapons.


    From a distance, the thundering sound of horse hooves was heard.


    Soon, the tidal wave of the Xuanjia Army appeared just five hundred steps outside the city gate, deploying in formation.


    Unexpectedly, they didn''t launch a direct assault on the city.


    Instead, they sent a general who rode up to the city walls to shout.


    "People of Meizi County, listen up!"


    "We are the Xuanjia Army under General Huai Yuan, Chen Sansi, of the Great Sheng Dynasty, here to recruit your surrender!"


    "Should you open the city and surrender obediently, our General Chen guarantees that not a single hair on the civilians'' heads will be harmed, and you will be given food rations!"


    "Otherwise,"


    "if you fail to appreciate our goodwill and stubbornly resist, not a soul shall be spared after the city falls¡ªmen, women, old, and young alike!"


    "Choose which path you wish to take! It''s your decision to make!"


    "..."


    Atop the city walls,


    Wang Feng and the others heard it clearly.


    They exchanged looks with each other.


    "Is this for real?"


    "Not slaughtering the city is good enough, yet they speak of not harming even a hair."


    "And distributing food rations?"


    "Impossible, it''s obviously a deception!"


    Grinding his teeth, Du Baozong exclaimed, "Do you take Sheng people to be here for waging war or for doing good deeds and accumulating virtues?!"


    "Wait! What did that man say, their leading general is Chen Sansi?!"


    Gathering his courage, Wang Feng shouted, "Which Chen Sansi is your leader?"


    "Which other Chen Sansi could it be!"


    Booming with confidence, Xia Cong declared, "Naturally, it''s General Chen Sansi, known for leading civilians across the river during the Four Crossings of Hongze River!"


    The Chen Sansi who led the civilians across the river!


    The people atop the city walls were suddenly abuzz with excitement.


    The tale of leading civilians across the river had been spreading throughout the land for over a year, and it was a favorite segment of storytellers in many taverns and teahouses.


    Not because the battle itself was extraordinarily difficult.


    But because there was a general who, rather than risk his own life recklessly, chose to escort the civilians across the river first¡ªa feat unheard of through the ages.


    For military families,


    crossing the Hongze River four times might have been an unprecedented and unparalleled achievement.


    But for the common people,


    the act of leading them across the river was even more deserving of their remembrance.


    They would not believe the words of others.


    But could the words of a general like Chen Sansi, who loved his people as if they were his children, be true?


    "Where is Chen Sansi!"


    Wang Feng called out with all his might, "Let us meet him!"

 Chapter 304 - 157: Thousands of Armies Avoid the White Robe

    "My lord!"


    Xia Cong rode back: "They have not surrendered and wish to see you."


    "Is it worth wasting words with them? A mere county need not trouble you, my lord. Just give me command of over thirty riders and I can handle it. Kill a few people and they''ll naturally submit."


    Xiao Zheng sought approval: "My lord, give the order!"


    "There shall be no bloodshed."


    Chen Sansi rejected the idea: "If they wish to see me, then let them."


    He spoke, removed his armour and helmet, handed his weapon to Zhao Kang for safekeeping, and rode off alone on the White Swan Horse, breaking away from the military formation and heading straight toward the city gates.


    Xiao Zheng voiced his concern: "Is my lord really going alone?"


    "There''s no need to worry about that."


    Xia Cong planted his long spear into the ground: "The strongest in the city is merely at the Bone Forger Realm. With my lord''s Martial Arts expertise, if he really wanted to take it down, he could do so by himself. But what''s the use of taking a tiny Meizi County? Even after its surrender, what role could it possibly play? What exactly is my lord planning? What does ''building up strength to strike'' mean?"


    He thought the latter half without saying it aloud.


    Atop the walls of Meizi County.


    Wang Feng and the others, after Xia Cong''s departure, were unsettled, unsure what they would face next. There was a real chance the three thousand iron hooves would charge and flatten the city.


    "Do you think Chen Sansi will come see us?"


    "He should... "


    "You never know."


    "They say he''s fierce in battle, and since we are the enemy, it''s possible he could come in rage and slaughter us."


    "..."


    The transmission of any news takes time. The story of leading civilians across the river spread among the common folk, far slower than the tale of the Four Crossings of Hongze, reaching Xinghua Prefecture area about half a year ago.


    The past two months have been the most intense.


    Storytellers speak daily of the White Horse and long spear, a solo rider breaking through fifteen hundred armours, of entering the fray seven times just to save a dead brother''s family.


    He was the hottest and most famous character in local operas.


    Some people even heard this tale in the teahouse in the morning, only to be told in the afternoon ¨C Chen Sansi is coming, urging us to surrender quickly!


    It all felt so ethereal and dream-like, almost unreal.


    "Here he comes, isn''t that him!"


    "Quick, look!"


    The people on the city walls shouted, pointing below.


    The setting sun bathed the sky in red.


    A white horse, a man in a white robe.


    Chen Sansi, riding Qian Xun alone, approached the formation without a weapon in hand, not even wearing armour, but instead dressed in a white robe personally sewn by Sister Lan, intending to present a subdued and friendly appearance.


    He held the horse''s reins, calling out at a measured pace, "People of Meizi County, do you wish to see me?"


    The crowd questioned, "Are you Chen Sansi?"


    Chen Sansi replied, "I have not changed my name nor my surname; I am indeed Chen Sansi!"


    Amidst the city wall, a buzz of discussion erupted.


    "What do you think?"


    "Is it really him?"


    "Riding a white horse, looking dignified, just like the storyteller described, it must be him!"


    "Right, they wouldn''t impersonate one of their own!"


    "..."


    "General Chen!"


    Wang Feng called out, changing his address: "You said earlier that if we open the gates and surrender, you guarantee no one will be harmed, is that true?"


    "It is indeed."


    Chen Sansi controlled his Qi-Blood. Although he made no effort to shout loudly, simply speaking calmly from horseback, his words were heard clearly by everyone on the wall.


    "Gentlemen!"


    "What my subordinates said earlier, it''s all true!"


    He looked at the hesitant crowd, continuing, "I know what you''re worried about, but truly, there is no need to see me as an enemy or a member of an alien race.


    "Because the land of Lai State has always belonged to Great Dasheng!


    "In other words, your ancestors were once subjects of the Great Sheng Dynasty!


    "Now, it''s merely a return to Dasheng, so why resort to the carnage of war?"


    With this speech, he managed to dissolve most of the worries of the people on the wall with uncanny precision.


    Indeed!


    Lai State has always belonged to the Sheng Dynasty.


    By this reasoning, even after surrendering, they wouldn''t be treated as second or third class citizens like when the barbarians invaded the Heavenly Capital; they could continue living their lives. After all, who is the Emperor for those at the bottom of society; what difference does it make?


    "What do you think?" S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Wang Feng asked with a gulp, "Du Baozong, should we surrender?"


    "Let''s surrender..."


    Though Du Baozong wanted to say no, he was very aware that the walls of Meizi County could practically be knocked down with a kick. Moreover, with the urgency of the situation, there hadn''t been enough time to mobilize many civilians to defend the city, and no preparations for siege defense had been made in advance.


    If a battle were to ensue.


    A single charge would likely burst the gates open.


    Whether they surrendered or not, what difference would it make?


    "We can''t surrender, we mustn''t surrender¡ª"


    A green-robed official scrambled onto the city wall, turning out to be the parental official of Meizi County, County Magistrate Li, who breathlessly exclaimed, "Inspector Wang, we mustn''t surrender!"


    "Sir, is it our choice to surrender?"


    Wang Feng pointed outside: "Against the three thousand Xuanjia Army, even if we wanted to block them, we couldn''t!"


    "Even then, no surrendering is allowed!"


    County Magistrate Li drew a soldier''s saber, pointing it fiercely at them, and shouted, "Whoever dares to open the gates and surrender is a traitor, and I have the authority to behead them! Listen to my order, everyone fight to the death!"

 Chapter 305 - 157: Thousands of Armies Avoid the White Robe_2

    "Lord Li, you, you are just afraid that once Dasheng''s troops enter the city, they will remove your official position and you won''t be able to keep your seat as County Magistrate!"


    Wang Feng hit the nail on the head, "Why should we risk our lives for you? Bring someone, tie him up!" S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "You dare, you..."


    Facing the threat to their lives, no one cared whether he was the County Magistrate or not. In a surge, the crowd tied him up tightly.


    "General Chen!"


    Wang Feng stretched his neck, his voice somewhat trembling, "You must not deceive us. We don''t need the food, just promise not to massacre the city once you enter, and we will open the city gates!"


    Even after the opponent had entered the city.


    They would tolerate minor scales of arson, killing, and looting, which would still be better than a massacre.


    "Rest assured! Though it sounds offensive, there is a vast gap between our strengths. If I really wanted to massacre the city, I would have charged in directly, why would I need to waste words here?"


    Chen Sansi, clad in a White Robe, maintained a calm face, but his tone gradually elicited a sense of authority:


    "As long as Dasheng''s flag is hoisted on the city walls, not a single grass or tree, not a single soldier or pawn will be harmed¡ªall prisoners, if willing to surrender, will be considered our own people of Dasheng, and if not, we absolutely will not make things difficult for them.


    "However¡ª"


    "Since our military operation is time-limited, if we miss the hour, we will have to reluctantly employ some harming methods, so please do not waste too much time. You only have the time for a cup of tea to make your decision!"


    "No, no, no!"


    Wang Feng, devoid of any thoughts of resistance: "General Chen, we surrender, we surrender!!"


    "Open the city gates!"


    "Surrender¡ª"


    "Buzz¡ª"


    Without the need for a cup of tea''s time, the city gates were thrown wide open.


    More than a hundred stationed troops and several dozens of officials walked out of the city and knelt on both sides of the official road.


    County Magistrate Li, especially, was brought out tightly bound, and Wang Feng and the others offered up his official seal and hat as well. The common people, however, hid back inside the city, watching the developments outside from a distance.


    Meizi County, inside and out, fell into dead silence.


    Especially, Wang Feng and others, lying prostrate on the ground, were trembling like chaff under their inner turmoil and fear. They were completely like fish on the chopping block with no other choice.


    To resist meant a certain death, so they could only gamble.


    Gamble that this widely renowned young general could keep his word.


    "Mr. Chen, spare our lives!"


    "..."


    Following Chen Sansi''s signal, the Xuanjia Army swiftly advanced, confiscating all weapons and armor and took control of the two remaining military officers before the army marched directly into the city.


    Just when Wang Feng and others had just breathed a sigh of relief, they saw the Xuanjia Army suddenly start speeding through the empty city streets on horseback, beating drums and shouting loudly.


    "All commoners!"


    "Gather at the city gates!"


    "You have one hour''s time!"


    "..."


    Meanwhile, another group began going from house to house, forcibly driving out all the civilians.


    "Mr. Chen!"


    Wang Feng panicked, his eyes red as he shouted, "You promised no massacre, what, what are you doing?!"


    "Chen, you are untrustworthy!"


    Du Baozong cursed loudly, "You deceived us, you won''t have a good death!"


    Chen Sansi, sitting high on his horse, glanced at him indifferently, ignoring him.


    "I''m going to fight you!"


    Wang Feng watched as his family also emerged onto the street. He roared and tried to grab a weapon but was kicked to the ground, the bright blades surrounding him.


    "Everyone stay put!"


    Xiao Zheng said impatiently.


    "Do you see?!"


    County Magistrate Li, kneeling on the ground, furiously scolded, "I''ve always said, Sheng people are the most despicable. It''s you, you are the ones who doomed the entire city''s people. Even in the Underworld Hell, no one will let you off!"


    Wang Feng and Du Baozong felt immensely ashamed and utterly disgraced.


    As dusk was about to fall, almost 60 to 70 percent of the city''s population finally gathered in front of the city gates. They were all dressed in patched and tattered clothing, their nutritionally deficient pupils hollowed, their eyes filled with hatred, trouble, fear, and awe...


    Under the watchful eyes of thousands,


    Chen Sansi raised his arm high.


    However, when his arm came down, what greeted the people was not the cold blade, but...


    Food!


    Cart after cart was pushed in front of the people.


    Zhao Kang and others maintained order, shouting loudly, "Line up, line up, don''t push, don''t rush, everyone will get a share!"


    "Boom¡ª"


    That short statement sparked a huge uproar among the crowd!


    Distributing food?


    After the enemy troops invaded, not only did they refrain from massacring for pleasure, but they... they even distributed food?!


    Tales of sheer fantasy, tales of sheer fantasy indeed!!!


    This claim was heard when the Xuanjia Army first arrived, but typically such rhetoric was merely perfunctory, and no one really believed it.


    But General Chen... he... really provided food!


    Basically, each person received a dou of rice!


    Accounting for ten thousand people, that was a thousand dan of food!


    What everyone received wasn''t much, but it was enough to save lives at a critical moment!


    "Everyone!"


    It was only then that Chen Sansi spoke again, he dismounted and stepped up to a higher position: "Our march was urgent, and the food we carried wasn''t plentiful. It couldn''t possibly fill everyone to satisfaction, so I hope the villagers can understand and forgive!"


    "My lord!"


    "Heaven-blessed noble official!"


    "This is General Chen, who ferried the people across the river. Who else could it be but him?!"


    "Hurry, kneel down and express your gratitude!"


    "..."


    Thousands of civilians almost simultaneously knelt down.


    "Chen knows that Lai State has been suffering from disasters since last year, and all I can offer now is just a slight effort."

 Chapter 306 - 157: Thousands of Armies Avoid the White Robe_3

    Chen Sansi continued, "If you have relatives and friends in the neighboring counties and prefectures, you can also spread the word that all citizens in places that surrender to our Great Sheng Dynasty will receive their share of food!"


    "Xiao Zheng!"


    "Present!"


    Chen Sansi commanded, "Go and find the gentry and Martial Arts Halls in Meizi County and have them take out half of the grain from the granaries to distribute."


    "Mr. Chen, what if they are unwilling?"


    "They will be willing."


    "Yes!"


    Xiao Zheng gradually realized, "Mr. Chen is using Qing Country''s own grain to win over their own people''s hearts, truly a brilliant strategy!"


    "General Chen!"


    "The General is truly a compassionate and righteous leader!"


    Wang Feng continuously kowtowed on the ground, "Mr. Chen, I, I am willing to surrender to the Great Sheng and serve under your command as a foot soldier!"


    "Stand up."


    Chen Sansi looked toward the side at a General dressed in fine armor, "Are you from Xinghua Prefecture?"


    "Indeed."


    Du Baozong said shakily, "I am also willing to surrender and serve under General Chen."


    "There is no need for difficulty."


    Chen Sansi indifferently said, "You and your brothers can return to Xinghua Prefecture the same way you came."


    What?


    Du Baozong, thinking he might have misheard, incredulously asked, "Mr. Chen, you, you are letting me go?"


    Was this a sign of contempt, deeming him useless, or a test?


    Chen Sansi did not deny it but merely instructed his men to lift the restrictions on him.


    "Mr. Chen! I am useful!"


    Du Baozong hastily added, "I can return to Xinghua Prefecture and persuade General Ma to surrender; General Ma is a distant relative of mine!"


    Chen Sansi neither agreed nor refused, only calmly repeated, "You may leave."


    "This... I thank General Chen for sparing my life!"


    Du Baozong slowly stood up, made sure he was safe, and led his brothers to mount their horses and speed out of the city. The only difference from when they came was that they no longer had their armor and weapons; other than that, they were unharmed.


    "County Magistrate Li!"


    Wang Feng accused, "What more do you have to say? Fortunately, we did not sell our lives for you; otherwise, would that not be forcing General Chen to commit slaughter?"


    County Magistrate Li''s head thudded loudly, leaving traces of fresh blood on the stone road, "Lord Chen, spare my life, please spare me! I am also willing to become a citizen of the Great Sheng!" S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "A citizen?"


    Chen Sansi countered, "Why can''t you continue being a County Magistrate?"


    "Hm?"


    The kowtowing of County Magistrate Li abruptly halted; he slowly raised his head, "General Chen, what, what do you mean?"


    "You must know the Magistrates of the several nearby counties, don''t you, Lord Li?"


    Chen Sansi stated gravely, "If you can successfully persuade a County Magistrate to surrender, after the battle at Lai State is over, you will remain a Magistrate. Should the number of those you persuade be sufficient, promotion and ennoblement are also possible."


    "Is that really so?"


    County Magistrate Li''s eyes sparkled, "Very well, very well, very well. The county magistrates of Qimen County and Zhangde County next door are old schoolmates and good friends of mine. Now that General Chen has personally arrived here, and with the Mysterious Armor Lion under his command, plus my persuasion, it''s definitely going to work!"


    "Good. Then we''ll trouble County Magistrate Li. Also tell your friends that anyone who surrenders will receive the same treatment. We, the Great Sheng Dynasty, are an army of benevolence and righteousness, here only to reclaim lost lands, not to slaughter the innocent."


    Chen Sansi helped him to his feet, "Someone get County Magistrate Li a fast horse, and send two people to escort him along the way!"


    "Yes!"


    Soon, everything was properly arranged.


    After the people of Meizi County received their grain, Du Baozong returned to Xinghua Prefecture, and County Magistrate Li went to various places to persuade...


    Yet on the surface, everything seemed unchanged.


    It appeared as though all they had done was exhaust their efforts to conquer a useless and impoverished small city, but in reality, the momentum was established. All that was left to do was to wait, this was called gathering strength to strike!


    "Transmit my military order!"


    Chen Sansi spoke loudly, "The entire army will rest in Meizi County for ten days. During this period, no one is to disturb the common people in the slightest. Anyone who violates this order will be executed without mercy! Also, send orders to the forces in the other cities to maintain their original positions, any unauthorized actions will be met with the same fate!"


    "Ten days?!"


    Xia Cong was puzzled, and he voiced his concern, "Are we to stay in such a place for ten whole days? Isn''t that a waste of valuable time? My lord, the people of Meizi County are now deeply grateful to us and we have the help of Qing Country''s magistrates to persuade the others to surrender. Isn''t that exactly the momentum of surrender you wanted? Why not strike while the iron is hot and take the cities in one go?"


    "Xia Cong, you are too impatient. Hand me the bow and arrow."


    Chen Sansi stretched out his hand, and Zhao Kang, who was responsible for carrying the bow, immediately handed it over.


    He drew the bow and aimed an arrow at a sparrow perched on the top of a tree, some three hundred paces away, nearly a mile distant, "Do you see that sparrow?"


    "Buzz¡ª"


    The bowstring sang.


    An arrow flew swiftly through the air.


    "My lord."


    Xia Cong grew more confused, "What does this have to do with the sparrow?"


    As soon as he finished speaking,


    The arrow pierced the sparrow with precise accuracy.


    "Let the arrow fly for a while."


    ...


    Outside Yong Yue Prefecture,


    Sheng Army camp.


    "Report¡ª"


    "Commander Meng, a spy from within Qing Country''s territory has sent news that an army of seventy thousand has already set out, and they are expected to arrive in the vicinity of Green Ridge Mountain in no more than fifty days!"


    "So soon?"


    Meng Quji was slightly surprised.


    "What should we do?"


    Deputy General Zhan Taoming''s brow was deeply furrowed, "We must organize our forces to resist in the Green Ridge Mountain area before the Qing Country reinforcements arrive, yet all our forces are currently in a stalemate. To give them all up would mean losing more than half of Lai State!"


    "What about Chen Sansi?"


    Meng Quji inquired, "Didn''t he take a military order vowing that Zhao Tong Prefecture would open its gates and surrender within two months? It''s been half a month already, where are they now?"

 Chapter 307 - 157: Thousands of Armies Avoid the White Robe_4

    "Right."


    Fan Tianfa pointed at the map, "Let''s not worry about other areas for now. Just focus on taking down Zhaotong Prefecture first, and then we can figure out how to spare some forces to face the reinforcements."


    "Report!"


    A subordinate reported, "News came just before tea time, Vice General Chen and three thousand Black Armor troops are heading north and are now in Meizi County under Xinghua Prefecture."


    "Meizi County, where is that?"


    Meng Quji squinted his eyes and searched on the map but could not locate such a place even after a long time.


    "Here it is!"


    Finally, it was Zhan Taoming who placed his finger on a city that appeared as minuscule as a grain of dust.


    "What kind of godforsaken place is this? I wouldn''t want it even if it were given to me!"


    Fan Tianfa hammered the map, "Moreover, with Xinghua Prefecture and Zhaotong Prefecture, one in the far south and the other in the far north, is he planning to conquer them one by one starting from the far north? Just the cities in the prefectures number thirty-six, not to mention the hundreds of cities in the counties. Is he planning to do this for the next five years?"


    "What exactly is Vice General Chen trying to accomplish?"


    Meng Quji also seemed puzzled and ordered, "Quick! Send a message to Vice General Chen at once. No matter what his strategy is, I want him to immediately rush back to the south and take Zhaotong Prefecture first!" Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ...


    Meizi County.


    After consuming the Spiritual Grain and treasure medicine, Chen Sansi was cultivating on top of the city walls. His Five Tigers Soul-breaking Spear transformed like a Dragon Python, dancing wildly in the cold wind with tremendous power, gradually stirring up an invisible tornado of force around him, the exploding bricks and tiles on the walls proving its existence.


    The cultivation of the Meridian Passage Method to mastery is called Opening Veins!


    Just as Tong Qiao is about opening the body''s apertures, Opening Veins naturally involves opening the twelve main meridians of the human body for storing power, and the amount of power stored depends on previous accumulation.


    Again, one mistake leads to many.


    This time breaking through the bottleneck.


    It was the easiest in Chen Sansi''s history; almost every time he practiced with the National Guardian Dragon Spear, he would open a main meridian, and just an hour later, all twelve main meridians were fully opened.


    But he did not stop.


    "It''s not over yet!"


    Chen Sansi could feel that after using power to penetrate the acupoints and burst through the meridians, the changes were still continuing!


    Every time he combined spear technique with the control of power to circulate it within the body for a full cycle, the already opened meridians would continue to widen a bit more. This time it was truly Opening Veins!


    For most martial artists, the previous step marks the end, but for naturally talented martial artists, this moment is the real beginning. They would need to use all the power in their bodies to strike the meridians. The more power, the more the meridians would widen, thus, the more power could be stored in the future.


    The competition is about who can persist longer in the state of Opening Veins.


    And endurance has always been his strong suit!


    "Boom¡ª¡ª"


    Chen Sansi''s body entered an overdrive mode, the blood of the dragon elephant coursing ceaselessly, gradually transforming into a Blood Explosion State, with a speed unreachable by ordinary humans, the generated power continuously hammered his own meridians, and then, enduring all the pain brought by the Vajra Body, all his advantages were starkly highlighted. After hundreds of cycles, he was not even slightly tired, his meridians strengthened and widened time and again, until after three hundred cycles, he only gradually began to feel fatigued, then gritted his teeth and continued to persevere.


    During this period, Hai Dongqing returned with intelligence, not even bothering to look at it, all handled by Xia Cong instead.


    Until six hundred cycles later.


    Chen Sansi''s body was already soaked with sweat, as if he had just been drenched in a heavy rain, his complexion revealing an extreme pallor of weakness, his veins bulging prominently. In front of him, seemingly empty, he appeared to be fighting a formidable opponent.


    This opponent was himself!


    Eight hundred cycles!


    Chen Sansi''s eyes were bloodshot, now looking akin to a Poisonous Beast, his heart transformed into a battle drum, the sound audible even to subordinates not far away, his lungs numb, his throat and mouth filled with a nauseating bloody taste, and scalding white steam continuously emanated from his body, from afar resembling a god or demon, albeit one close to death!


    Nine hundred cycles!


    His arms lost sensation, his base no longer as stable as mountains, his vision intermittently darkening, unsure of the year or even his own location, his remaining consciousness all focused on the long spear, pushing the spear technique through muscle memory until completely draining the last trace of Qi-Blood and the last bit of power, then finally collapsing with a thunderous fall.


    One thousand!


    A full thousand cycles!


    Ordinary martial artists could at most manage a hundred, and geniuses often do not exceed three hundred!


    [Cultivation Technique: National Guardian Dragon Spear. Meridian Passage (Expert)]


    [Progress: 0/1000]


    [Utility: ..., power like a vast ocean]


    Power like a vast ocean!


    If the power stored inside an ordinary Meridian Passage Martial Artist is compared to a small stream, then he was like an infinite ocean!


    "General!"


    Two subordinates wanted to come over and support him.


    Chen Sansi raised his hand to indicate they need not help, and leaning against the city wall, he caught his breath. After consuming two elixir pills to replenish Qi-Blood, he quickly recovered.


    "General!"


    Xia Cong finally dared to speak, "The letter said, the Emperor of Qing personally leads the army, and in about fifty days, they will arrive at Green Ridge Mountain. Meng Dashuai is asking what exactly we are doing. He hopes we can return quickly, directly press toward Zhaotong Prefecture, and not cause unnecessary complications, lest we miss the opportunity for battle."


    After hearing this, Chen Sansi calmly asked, "What day is it today?"

 Chapter 308 - 157: Thousands of Armies Avoid the White Robe_5

    "It''s only the second day,"


    "That is to say, there are still seven days left."


    "But..."


    Xia Cong holding the letter: "Commander Meng hopes..."


    "So it''s a suggestion, not an order. We can choose to follow it or not."


    Chen Sansi said, "Inform the Commander of our true intentions faithfully, but the plan remains unchanged. We will continue to stay here for seven days."


    "Yes!"


    ...


    Lai State.


    Since last November, a national war involving a total of three hundred thousand troops from both sides had been underway.


    On the sixth day of the twelfth lunar month.


    King Jing of Nan Xu, Li Gong, was defeated at Wutian Mountain, leading to the loss of five prefectures including Lei Mountain and Guihai. Marquis of Andong Meng Quji led one hundred and fifty thousand Sheng Country soldiers and horses to break into Qing Country''s territory. With a lightning strike, he divided the Lai State battlefield, cut off Qing Country''s supply lines, and sought to destroy them in parts, annihilating them one by one before concentrating the advantageous troops to fiercely attack Yong Yue Prefecture, determining the victory of this war.


    As a result, fierce siege battles were taking place day and night within Lai State''s borders.


    Until the end of the twelfth lunar month, a General Chen from the Northwest Border of Sheng Country issued a silent order to encircle three and leave one, causing the front line stretching thousands of miles to fall silent overnight. It was as if a thunderstorm had abruptly stopped at its most ferocious, but the dark clouds in the sky did not dissipate, still covering the entire land and looming over the two hundred-plus cities within Lai State, plunging them into an eerily dead silence.


    In each of Qing Country''s cities, the garrison could see their own brothers, in neat rows, moving toward the deep interior of Daqing.


    They were going home! Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This was the exact intelligence gathered by Qing Country''s scouts,


    Dasheng was releasing the surrendered soldiers. They not only refrained from killing or tormenting the captured prisoners but also distributed dried food, escorting them eastward back to their homes.


    That is to say, even if they lost this battle, as long as they surrendered obediently, there would be no price to pay, and they could reunite with their wives and children within a month.


    Moreover, the persistent persuasion to surrender by Sheng Country''s soldiers outside each city caused all the defending armies within Qing Country''s cities to be in a state of panic.


    However...


    Every Qing Country city''s commander was telling their subordinates.


    "Brothers, hold on for a few more days!"


    "Our reinforcements are coming soon!"


    "Just the last forty days!"


    "No, thirty days!"


    "..."


    To give everyone the faith to persist,


    each city''s commander used the psychological tactic of "quenching thirst with hope," shortening the stated arrival time of reinforcements to boost the troops'' morale.


    In fact,


    Qing Country''s reinforcements were indeed almost there.


    The spies within the territory almost daily sent back new intelligence, and each time Qing Country''s reinforcements had advanced a great distance.


    Therefore, not only were the soldiers and generals of Qing Country anxious but the soldiers and generals of Sheng Country were also nervous. They didn''t understand why they had to stop when they had been winning all along.


    If the attacks continued, how long it would take to capture the city was uncertain, but they knew that if they kept dragging on like this, they would only be waiting for Qing Country''s reinforcements, which might lead to a major defeat.


    Outside Yong Yue Prefecture.


    The military camp of Dasheng.


    "Mad!!!"


    "Bang¡ª"


    Fan Tianfa had just finished reading the intelligence from Meizi County and nearly toppled the entire sand table over: "Commander Meng, Chen Sansi is crazy! Do you know what he said? He not only refused to go to Zhao Tong Prefecture but also plans to stay in Meizi County for ten days! Ten days! If we wait these ten days, Qing Country''s reinforcements will arrive!"


    "What should we do now?"


    Zhan Taoming paced back and forth, his face full of worry: "Commander Meng, my advice is to revoke Chen Sansi''s command authority and issue a death order for him to go to Zhao Tong Prefecture!"


    "Hmm..."


    Meng Quji pondered deeply.


    The current situation, if Zhao Tong Prefecture could not be taken and this deadlock continued endlessly, it would indeed become very dangerous.


    He sighed and said, "It was my fault for trusting Chen Sansi too much. The responsibility is mine. I will revoke his command authority immediately and then issue a death order for him to go to Zhao Tong Prefecture. Whether it''s by persuasion or force, as long as he can take Zhao Tong, he will have passed the test."


    "Everyone, calm down!"


    Just then,


    An attendant pushed Fang Qingyun into the Central Army Tent. He said leisurely. "Have you all forgotten something? Initially, Vice General Chen told us he would take down all thirty-six prefectures of Lai State, not just one."


    "Can''t we see his plan? Rushing headlong into the northeastern direction is to push from north to south in a sweeping advance. But how is this possible? It would take so much time!"


    Fan Tianfa said anxiously, "We didn''t ask for so much; even the military order specifically mentioned only Zhao Tong Prefecture. It would already be good to take Zhao Tong Prefecture!"


    "Yes, General Fang, Vice General Chen has used too many ingenious strategies. He''s somewhat too greedy and isn''t suitable for the current situation,"


    Meng Quji said gravely, "The pressing matter is to capture Zhao Tong Prefecture and then split our forces to deal with Qing Country''s reinforcements at Green Ridge Mountain. Anything else will have to depend on the situation."


    "Not enough, just one Zhao Tong Prefecture is not enough."


    Fang Qingyun raised a letter: "I have just received information. The King Jing from Nan Xu has gathered a hundred thousand troops, and they''re now on standby at the border. Ninety percent chance, they will reach the outskirts of Green Ridge Mountain in coordination with Qing Country''s reinforcements."


    "How many?"


    Meng Quji''s expression grew solemn: "A hundred thousand, isn''t Xu Country still at a stalemate with Prince Zhen Nan? If they can dispatch so many troops, are they preparing to lend their full national strength to assist Qing Country?"


    Truly, one move sets the whole body in motion!


    All of these were triggered by the chaos in Ming State. These enemy countries had been preparing for a long time.

 Chapter 309 - 157: Thousands of Armies Avoid the White Robe_6

    Thankfully, the chaos in Ming State was quelled in time, otherwise, I dare not imagine what the consequences would have been.


    "Mm."


    Fang Qingyun continued, "By then, the allied forces of the Qing and Xu nations will amount to two hundred thousand. If we cannot conquer all the cities and gather all our troops before this, it is impossible to face such a multitude."


    "So, just Zhaotong Prefecture is not enough."


    "Vice General Chen''s strategy is correct, only by taking all thirty-six prefectures can we have room to maneuver when facing the two hundred thousand strong army, and avoid a complete collapse."


    "Despite that..."


    Meng Quji pointed at the expansive terrain on the sand table with his scabbard and said, "With only about forty days left, how do we take down thirty-six prefectures? If they were going to surrender, they would have done so by now. There''s no need to have been delayed until now at a single Mei County, clearly, they are unpersuadable."


    "The likelihood is indeed slim, but..."


    Fang Qingyun countered, "Do you gentlemen have a choice? Now there are only two paths, either believe in Vice General Chen, or withdraw the army early."


    "Withdraw the army?"


    Fan Tianfa said, "Wouldn''t that greatly disappoint His Majesty? Plus, we''ve been fighting for so long, withdrawing now would mean all our efforts were in vain, wouldn''t it? Consider the impact on the soldiers'' morale."


    "Since that''s the case, why not wait and see?"


    Fang Qingyun looked at them and patiently persuaded, "It''s only been ten days, two months are still far off. Perhaps Vice General Chen will really succeed?"


    "General Fang."


    Meng Quji sensed something was amiss, "You have so much faith in Vice General Chen. Could it be that you have guessed his strategy?"


    "Vaguely."


    Fang Qingyun expressed with emotion, "And if I''m not wrong, this strategy wouldn''t work for anyone else, they would only come back in disgrace. But if Vice General Chen employs it, there might be unexpected results."


    "Why?"


    Meng Quji asked, "Because he commanded the Four Crossings of Hongze River and is a military genius?"


    "No."


    Fang Qingyun paused briefly, "It''s just because of the name ''Chen Sansi''."


    "As you please."


    Meng Quji had no interest in persisting any further, as he never took risks, "Be prepared for both. On one hand, let Chen Sansi continue what he wants to do and, on the other, make preparations for a retreat. General Fang, please plan the retreat route, and ensure it is orderly. You know the consequences of chaos during a retreat, need I say more?"


    ...


    Mei County.


    The tenth day.


    Atop the city wall, Chen Sansi, who had been resting with his eyes closed, suddenly opened them.


    "Assemble!"


    "We march!"


    The bugle sounded.


    The Xuanjia Army, having rested and built up strength here for ten days, gathered in front of the city gates.


    Thousands of residents of Mei County lined the streets to see them off.


    It wasn''t like the dispatch of a foreign army but rather the sending off of their own troops!


    During these ten days.


    The Xuanjia Army not only distributed grain from the storehouses but also executed a few corrupt officials and local tyrants with notorious reputations. They were genuinely supported by the local residents, and their fame had already spread hundreds of miles around and was still continuing to spread.


    "Mr. Chen!"


    Xia Cong asked anxiously, "What do we do next, sir? There''s not much time left. Even if we head directly south, the timing would just barely suffice, probably leaving no spare time to stop."


    "The fourth step, the momentum is established, rolling eastward unstoppable!"


    Chen Sansi advanced on his horse, "From here to the southeast, all the cities we pass through, no matter their size, will surely surrender to us. Prepare yourselves to receive the official seals and manage the surrendered soldiers. Ensure everything is done orderly and without any chaos!"


    Qimen County.


    "Mr. Chen!"


    "They''re here! They''re really here! The Xuanjia Army, three thousand strong!"


    "Leading them is Chen Sansi in a White Robe on a White Horse!"


    "What about the situation in Mei County, is it really as County Magistrate Li said?"


    "Exactly the same!"


    "The Xuanjia Army not only spared soldiers'' lives but also distributed grain from the storehouses!"


    "County Magistrate Li even got his position back!"


    "Then what are we waiting for?!"


    County Magistrate Zhao stood on the city wall, looked at the dense crowd below, and hardly hesitated, "Quickly open the city gates! Welcome General of Dasheng!"


    The city gates flung open.


    The county magistrate and inspectors came out to surrender and handed over the official seals and weapons.


    After staying for less than half a day,


    The Xuanjia Army continued southward.


    ...


    Zhangde County.


    "The Xuanjia Army has arrived!"


    "White Robe on a White Horse, no mistake!"


    "Lord Thousand Households, do we surrender or not? We have a thousand men in the city; we can last two days if we fight!"


    "Fight for what, to still die after two days?!"


    "Open the gates, surrender!"


    ...


    Cuiye County.


    "How is it? Have the neighboring two counties surrendered?"


    "They have!"


    "Hurry and open the gates, welcome Mr. Chen!"


    "That''s right, tie up the stubborn scouts from Xinghua Prefecture and present them to Mr. Chen!"


    "..."


    In just five days!


    All twelve counties of Xinghua Prefecture had surrendered.


    Only Xinghua Prefecture City itself was still stubbornly resisting, with about four thousand soldiers remaining within.


    Atop the city walls.


    "My lord! It''s terrible!"


    "The entire Xinghua Region has surrendered! Now, only we are left!"


    "It''s not just that they''ve surrendered, Cuoye County has even detained our scouts!"


    "As for the food and fodder within the city, we claim to have enough for twenty days, but in reality, it''s only enough for the last ten days!"


    "Uncle! Du Baozong urged, "Surrender! The Xuanjia Army led by General Chen is an army of benevolence and righteousness. Surrendering to them would be the best outcome!"


    Ma Hu questioned, "Will they really not kill us?"


    "They won''t kill us!"


    Pointing to himself, Du Baozong said, "Otherwise, how would I have come back?"


    "Report¡ª"


    "It''s been verified!"


    "The surrendered soldiers truly all went through Ghost Gate Canyon and returned home!"


    "Let''s go home too!"


    "Yes, let''s go home!"


    "Open the city gates!"


    Ma Hu gritted his teeth, the food in the city was insufficient, and they couldn''t wait for the reinforcements that were supposed to arrive in two months: "Surrender!"


    ...


    Qianjiang Prefecture.


    "White robes, white horse, Chen Sansi leading the Xuanjia Army has arrived!"


    "We still have three thousand brothers, three months'' worth of food and fodder, we can hold out until the reinforcements arrive."


    "What use are reinforcements! If there were reinforcements, why would Xinghua Prefecture have surrendered? Nine out of ten, they''re just deceiving us to keep holding on!"


    "Open the city and surrender!"


    ...


    Yuanqu Prefecture.


    "General, surrender! The neigboring cities have all surrendered! If we don''t surrender now, there''ll be no chance left!"


    "Go to hell, I was born a man of Daqing, and I will die a ghost of Daqing. I absolutely will not betray my country!"


    "General, there''s no need to betray the country!"


    "After surrendering, we can go through Ghost Gate Canyon back to Daqing, and in a few months'' time, we can come back for revenge!"


    "Right, this isn''t betrayal, it''s just a temporary measure. The city is empty anyway, surrender!"


    "..."


    ...


    Yizhou Prefecture.


    "My lord, the civilians have revolted!"


    "Audacious troublemakers, I''ve been desperately defending the city for them, how dare they revolt!"


    "They say that once the city gates are opened, there will be food!"


    "Nonsense! Tell the civilians that the Sheng people are deceiving them!"


    "The civilians say, the Sheng people might deceive them, but Chen San, who helps the people cross rivers, won''t!"


    "Moreover, it''s common knowledge that the Xuanjia Army opens granaries for food wherever they go, it can''t be fake..."


    "My lord, the civilians have gone mad!"


    "Everything''s in chaos, all is chaos!"


    "..."


    ...


    Heading south all the way. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Sansi, in his white robes and atop his white horse, led the Xuanjia Army in such a way that wherever they passed, they faced no resistance and cities surrendered.


    The Dasheng forces outside of various city walls immediately took control of the surrendered soldiers, and their path was unhindered.


    Only now, at this moment.


    Xia Cong finally had an epiphany: "I understand now! What my lord did back in Meizi County, that''s called building up strength. In fact, the defense forces of Lai State''s cities had already reached their limit. As long as they were convinced that there would be no repercussions for surrendering, they would completely collapse. One lead to surrender can start a domino effect; that''s called being utterly disheartened, surrendering upon seeing the others!"


    ...


    Twenty days later.


    Outside Yongle Prefecture City.


    Dasheng Army camp.


    "Why has there been no news of Chen Sansi for twenty consecutive days?"


    Meng Quji, with his hands behind his back, paced back and forth inside the tent: "General Fang, we really can''t delay any longer. Should we retreat in advance?"


    "Report¡ª"


    "They''ve surrendered! They''ve surrendered!"


    "The battle report from the Xuanjia Army has arrived, all twenty-three prefectures have surrendered!"


    "Three thousand Xuanjia soldiers heading south, they will soon reach Zhaotong Prefecture!"


    "What did you say? Hand it over quickly!"


    Meng Quji snatched it and scanned through it in an instant.


    On the 28th of January, three thousand defenders from Shiqiao Prefecture left the city to surrender.


    On the first day of February, the Deputy General of Chongzuo Prefecture committed treason, decapitated the Main General, and led two thousand defenders out of the city to surrender.


    On the eighth of February, the citizens of Huangpi Prefecture revolted, causing immense chaos within the city, ultimately resulting in their surrender.


    February...


    By the 19th of February, twenty-six prefectures within Lai State''s borders had opened their city gates to surrender, capturing more than fifty thousand enemy soldiers!


    "My lord!"


    "Incredible, truly incredible!"


    "The news from our brothers at the front!"


    "Any place General Chen passes by either surrenders directly or collapses from internal strife. They''ve come all the way from Xinghua Prefecture heading south, and they haven''t even killed a single person!"


    "Even if the Enemy Army has thousands of troops, they seem to be intentionally avoiding General Chen!"


    The momentum to surrender began in the Northern Territory, as countless soldiers avoided the white robe!

 Chapter 310 - 158: Besieged on All Sides [Thanks to

    "What did you say?"


    General Fan snatched the letter and as he read, his pupils visibly shook, "True, truly surrendered? They didn''t even put up any resistance?"


    "None!"


    The subordinate spoke firmly, "The brothers at the front all saw it with their own eyes. The Xuanjia Army only needed to stand outside the city gates with the General''s Banner for a while, and the city would open on its own!"


    "Good, good..."


    Meng Quji was relieved that he had heeded advice and hadn''t rashly ordered the troops to be called back.


    He looked toward the silent green-robed scholar at his side, "General Fang, you must tell everyone, how did you do it?"


    "..."


    Fang Qingyun silently stared at the sand table, motionless like a rooted tree, for a long time.


    "General Fang?"


    Zhan Taoming cautiously interrupted, "What is this?"


    "I got it."


    After a long while, Fang Qingyun suddenly spoke up, his voice clear and filled with surprise, akin to a seasoned mathematician finally solving a puzzle or a master craftsman discovering the method to unlock a complex contraption.


    "I know how Vice General Chen did it."


    "Oh?"


    Meng Quji couldn''t wait, "Tell us, let''s hear it!"


    "Commander Meng."


    Fang Qingyun asked with a smile, "I''m asking you, what is your path?"


    "My path? You mean my proficiency in military tactics, right?"


    Meng Quji promptly replied, "Then my path, naturally, is the path of invincibility. For all great military families, one must first ensure an invincible position for oneself, to await the enemy''s defeat."


    Fang Qingyun turned to the next person, "And you, General Fan?"


    "Me?"


    General Fan proudly claimed, "What I believe in is the king''s way, the way of the king being to follow the Heavenly Son''s mandate, to dispatch a righteous army. Wherever it goes, it is aided by heaven and is bound to be unstoppable, winning the hearts of the land."


    "I''m not worthy to discuss paths."


    Zhan Taoming said candidly, "I am a deputy under Commander Meng. If I had to speak of a path, my preference in everyday matters is the dominating path most favored by General Ji. Of course, compared to General Ji, I''m merely a poor imitation."


    "General Ji is the true embodiment of military dominance. Wherever he goes, the enemy trembles with fear, and once he seizes the advantage, there''s no stopping him. The enemy is sure to be routed!"


    "Ming State was just like this! Zhong Wuxin is a Martial Saint as well, and what became of him? His army of eighty thousand, under General Ji''s pursuit, ended up with only a little over ten thousand returning alive. I heard many were so frightened they were paralyzed with fear, some even died on the spot from terror."


    "General Ji is indeed a role model for our generation!"


    The court had intended to arrange it this way. As the deputy general alongside Meng Quji, one steady and the other dominant, the goal was to create a complementary effect in critical moments, achieving unexpected results.


    "To tell you the truth, our understanding of military tactics is not as profound as yours, General Fang."


    Meng Quji lamented, "Our respective ''paths,'' whether they be the king''s way, the dominating way, or even the stable way, are all about finding the methods that suit us in the Military Books and then expanding on them. But you, General Fang, you are the founder of ''Deceit,'' a true master of the ''path,'' and you will certainly be enshrined in the Martial Temple one day."


    Fang Qingyun did not show modesty or boastfulness, but at this moment, he changed his approach: "Do you gentlemen know which ''path'' General Chen''s military tactics follow?"


    "That..."


    Meng Quji stroked his short beard and soon declared, "Deceit!"


    "I think the same."


    Zhan Taoming agreed, "Now it seems, without a doubt, that General Chen''s path is Deceit! Actually, I have carefully reviewed Vice General Chen''s battle records. Back in Po Yang, when a mere thousand remaining troops crushed a twenty-thousand-strong barbarian army, he used strategies like feigning attacks and striking from unexpected angles, fitting with Deceit." sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Yes."


    Even General Fan agreed, "The Four Crossings of Hongze River, moving around within the small territory of Ming State, and then, without running away, directly striking at Meishan Prefecture, isn''t it all just like what General Fang originally wrote, ''The military, too, is based on deceit''? Truly worthy of being General Fang''s junior, he might surpass you in Deceit."


    Fang Qingyun just smiled and said nothing.


    "Oh?"


    Meng Quji became interested, "General Fang, don''t hold back, is it another ''path,'' perhaps Benevolence, Madness, or even the rare Art of Crossing?"


    "None of them."


    Fang Qingyun shook his head, "You are misunderstanding. If you look at Vice General Chen''s records, at first, there certainly are elements of Deceit, but if you look further, you''ll know it''s not merely Deceit."


    "I don''t know who he learned his military tactics from, but it definitely wasn''t me."


    "And now, at this point."


    "No matter who he learned from before, or how many people he learned from, it has all merged thoroughly, transformed into his own ''path.''"


    "His own ''path''?"


    Meng Quji discerned the underlying meaning, "General Fang, are you suggesting..."


    "Exactly!"


    Fang Qingyun waved his sleeve and announced loudly, "Gentlemen, prepare yourselves. Before long, the Eight Volumes of Military will become the Nine Volumes of Military, a path that belongs solely to Vice General Chen, a path that has always been there, yet it is also a completely new ''path''!"


    "This path''s name is¡ªMomentum!"


    "The military is about momentum!"


    ...


    Changting Prefecture.


    "General!"


    "All our brothers in the north have surrendered!"


    "There''s no more food in the city!"


    "Let''s surrender too!"


    "Surrender? We still have four thousand brothers, and you tell me to surrender?!"


    "General! General Chen is only giving us three hours to consider! It doesn''t bother you, you''re camp soldiers transferred from elsewhere, even if the city falls you''re just losing your own life, eighteen years later you''ll be a man again! But we are the local garrison, our wives and children are inside the city, if we continue to resist, once the city breaks, they will suffer the consequences!"

 Chapter 311 - 158: Besieged on All Sides [Thanks to

    ```


    "Enough talk, if I tell you to hold your ground, then hold it!"


    "Hiss¡ª"


    "You, you!"


    "General, you forced my hand!"


    Commander Ma Guocheng plunged his sword into the other''s chest, and several of his men surged forward, hacking the victim into mincemeat from behind.


    Then Ma Guocheng raised his long sword high: "Open the city gates, surrender¡ª"


    "Boom¡ª"


    The stout gates of Changting Prefecture swung open.


    Officials of various ranks came out to surrender.


    "General Chen!"


    "Please have mercy on my men!"


    "We are all local garrison troops. After opening the city and surrendering, we will not go through Ghost Gate Canyon, and from now on we are subjects of the Great Sheng Dynasty!"


    "..."


    The White Horse in its white robe took up residence in Changting.


    Having journeyed far, the Xuanjia Army needed a brief respite.


    "The twenty-seventh prefecture!"


    Xia Cong silently counted in his mind.


    On this journey,


    he and his comrades such as Xiao Zheng and You Jike watched wide-eyed as every place they passed surrendered at the mere sight of them, without expending a single soldier. From long-neglected small county towns to impregnable prefecture cities, all yielded without a fight.


    For the first time, they realized that conquering cities and seizing territories could be as effortless as reaching into a bag to retrieve an item!


    A rider in a white robe, atop a white horse.


    Countless troops, all surrendered!


    What awe-inspiring might!


    Xia Cong and his peers were carefully selected from the Capital City, each deemed a genius in his own right, well-versed in Military Books from a young age. Therefore, they each had their own opinions when it came to warfare.


    From the start, they could not comprehend the significance of their General''s actions.


    The reason they obeyed orders:


    On one hand, was due to their impeccable discipline. Different from the corrupt garrison soldiers, as an elite force, adhering strictly to military orders was a top priority. Even if they doubted the commands, they were to carry them out with exacting precision.


    On the other hand, General Chen''s awe-inspiring Four Crossings of the Hongze River had captured their patience, prompting them to wait and see what the end would bring.


    And the result...


    was just like this!


    Xia Cong and the others were utterly convinced, almost ready to prostrate themselves like the surrendered Enemy Army.


    However, even though they had been close to the General all along, they still couldn''t fully grasp the Magic Skill involved.


    In comparison,


    people like Lu Shuhua, who had personally experienced the shock of the Four Crossings of the Hongze River, were much less emotionally volatile, not because they weren''t stunned, but because they were almost numb from the sheer awe.


    "Aren''t they surrendering a bit too quickly?"


    Xie Sishu rode up to ask, "My lord, many places haven''t left many to watch over the surrendered soldiers. Could this make our Foundation unstable?"


    "Quick?"


    Chen Sansi asked in return.


    Not at all quick.


    This was the normal course!


    First of all, not all soldiers had the Sinking Formation Death Will like his brothers from Po Yang. Most of them defended the cities simply because they had no escape¡ªthis was called the desperate resolve of city defenders.


    But once Dasheng let the surrendered soldiers flaunt through the streets, this defending resolve would be immediately heavily fractured.


    Then, in every place they went, they opened the granaries to distribute food, earning the support of the civilians. Without the civilians'' help, the difficulty of defending a city increased manifold. Not to mention, in some places, the civilians were starving due to excessive conscription of food for the war effort, and as soon as they heard Dasheng soldiers were coming, they would revolt.


    Lastly,


    many city fortresses housed not only external Camp Soldiers but also many local garrison soldiers, and these two groups were not of one mind.


    For the external soldiers, losing the battle bore no consequence; they could even lay down their arms and return home for a festival as if they had never been there.


    For the local garrison soldiers, even if the city opened its gates, their families would remain unharmed.


    Why fight to the death if the outcome was the same either way?


    Sometimes when conflicts arose between the two, one side would foment internal strife. S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    All these factors combined made surrender the only logical course.


    As for Xie Sishu''s concern that surrendering too quickly might lead to instability, it was a groundless fear.


    Voluntary surrender and being besieged and forced to surrender were two different situations.


    After the city opened its gates,


    the defending troops were allowed to leave on their own.


    These Array Soldiers, being of low status and plentiful in number, would be exonerated by virtue of their sheer numbers even if they fled back into Qing Country territory; they could not be held accountable.


    But what about the Generals who ordered the gates to be opened?


    Dare they truly return?


    After going back, would Qing Country dare to employ them again?


    Knowing that there was no future in returning, and perhaps facing retribution after the war, would these Generals truly go back?


    They would not!


    Not only would they not go back, but they would also do their utmost to help Dasheng secure control over the cities!


    It''s a simple concept: one may explain away a single act of surrender as a reluctant necessity, but no one tolerates a General who betrays twice.


    Just like back in Ming State,


    Dong An''s Deputy General Li Tiancheng and others were not overtly punished, but who now knew where they were or what their state was?


    Not to mention officials like County Magistrate Li from the lower ranks¡ªthey would be the most fanatical supporters of the Great Sheng Dynasty!


    "Let the entire army rest for the night!"


    Chen Sansi gave the order.


    Upon entering the city, he rode around under the guise of inspection, his horse Qian Xun taking him hither and yon. Eventually, in a Guanyin Temple dedicated to child-granting, he found several Incense God Sect adherents disguised as monks.


    That very night, he stealthily returned and silently slaughtered the cultists, then used the Xuanzhu to extract the Mystical Energy from the incense in the incense burner.


    Each time he entered a city, he would conduct this search.


    The most abundant thing in Lai State was the child-granting Guanyin Temples, where the incense burned particularly brightly, and the local people said they were highly effective. Women who were unable to conceive would often visit and soon find themselves pregnant.


    As for the reason...


    Behind the statue of the Bodhisattva, there was a hidden path leading underground, where lay a bed; and every night beside that bed would gather seven or eight burly monks...


    The Incense God Sect truly had a plethora of sordid tricks.


    ```

 Chapter 312 - 158: Besieged on All Sides [Thanks to the alliance leader Jia Ling]_3

    To deceive Incense, Chen Sansi would use any scheme available.


    He found an abandoned house, where he first practiced his spear skills and then took out the Xuanzhu to practice the Sword Qi Skill.


    [Magic: Sword Qi Skill (Proficient)]


    [Progress: 688/1000]


    Along the way, he had collected a lot of Incense, but the rate of consumption was too high. It seemed he might need to collect Incense from several small temples or perhaps from one large temple to achieve small achievement.


    Zhaotong Prefecture.


    It was the largest city in Lai State and housed the largest Guanyin Temple. Previously, citizens from other prefectures and counties would even travel thousands of miles to worship there.


    This was a personal benefit.


    On a strategic level, Zhaotong Prefecture was also of utmost importance.


    Now in Lai State, out of the thirty-six prefectures, twenty-seven had already surrendered. The remaining nine were tough nuts to crack, with Zhaotong leading them, under the command of the well-known General Deng Feng. Capturing it would be difficult.


    However, on the other hand, if they could capture Deng Feng, it would be another significant blow to Qing Country''s morale and the remaining eight prefectures would crumble and immediately come out of their cities to surrender.


    After that, Dasheng would have the opportunity to rally its forces for the upcoming battlefield situations.


    The situation still wasn''t optimistic!


    Beyond that, there was one aspect of recruiting along the way that had surprised Chen Sansi.


    It was his name, unexpectedly effective!


    No one could have anticipated it.


    Initially, when he helped people cross the river, it had a significant impact.


    Of the twenty-seven surrendered prefectures, at least ten were due to rebellions within the cities which made them ungovernable. The name Chen Sansi played a role in at least thirty percent of these, representing a significant trend.


    "The Incense within the Xuanzhu is pretty much consumed as much as it is obtained."


    "But..."


    "The White Xuan Qi is becoming denser."


    He looked at the Xuanzhu in his hand and couldn''t help but fall into deep thought.


    Starting from Meizi County.


    Almost every place they went, the White Xuan Qi would increase slightly, essentially in pace with their advancement on the front lines.


    Could it be...


    That the momentum of great victory could transform into Xuan Qi?


    It felt like it, yet it didn''t.


    He always felt something was off.


    Chen Sansi couldn''t afford to think deeply about it at the moment, as unknowingly, the day had already dawned, and they were about to set off again.


    This time, their destination was Zhaotong Prefecture!


    There wasn''t much time left!


    The army from Green Ridge Mountain was almost there. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    They must make Zhaotong Prefecture surrender as quickly as possible!


    Even if it''s a tough nut to crack, they had to bite it!


    ...


    Yong Yue Prefecture.


    "Dammit!"


    King Tang Li Gong, looking at the battle reports, flew into a rage and knocked over the roasted meat and other dishes on the table, exclaiming, "In just thirty days! Twenty-seven prefectures have surrendered?!


    "Fifty thousand surrendered soldiers!


    "These fifty thousand, even if they just stretched out their necks for the Sheng people to chop, it would still take three days and nights! And they just surrender without firing a single arrow?!"


    "Is it so that wherever this Chen goes, doors open in welcome?


    "Are you sure this is battle, not Chen inspecting his territory? Ridiculous, utterly ridiculous!"


    "Indeed ridiculous."


    The Deputy General said with a worried look, "Many city commanders not only surrendered themselves but also actively became envoys to persuade other cities'' brothers to surrender, gradually making surrendering a broader trend that couldn''t be stopped. Now, Chen Sansi leading the Xuanjia Army is heading straight for Zhaotong Prefecture."


    "As long as Zhaotong doesn''t fall, there''s still a chance for redemption!"


    Li Gong quickly calmed down, pointing at the map with chopsticks, "Including Zhaotong, the remaining nine prefectures'' commanders are either old acquaintances of Deng Feng or hold great reverence for him. As long as Deng Feng doesn''t surrender, the others will definitely not yield!"


    "Then there''s no problem."


    The Deputy General assertively said, "The Deng family has been loyally valiant for seven generations, and Deng was amongst the foremost contributors when Daqing was founded. Who else would surrender if General Deng wouldn''t? I will send a letter to him right now, asking him to hold out for just another twenty days, merely twenty days!"


    "Quick, go!"


    Li Gong urged, "Also, notify Nan Xu to march towards Hu Lao Pass."


    "Alright."


    The Deputy General instructed someone to write the letter while expressing his concern, "Your Highness, weren''t you worried before that Nan Xu might ask for too much..."


    "It seems now that losing some territory is inevitable."


    Li Gong scoffed, "But this loss cannot be on our side. As long as Zhaotong holds, under a three-sided attack, we might still crush Meng Quji''s forces, and then not only will we reclaim the lost ground of Lai State, we will march into Sheng Country''s territory in one fell swoop!"


    "Yes!"


    ...


    Zhaotong Prefecture.


    Outside the city.


    Dasheng army camp.


    "Twenty prefectures taken in twenty days!"


    Cao Fan, after reading the battle report, couldn''t hide the surprise and envy in his eyes, "How did he do this? How can wars still be fought like this? First crossing the Hongze River four times, then thousands avoiding the White Robes, why can he always achieve strategic goals in ways that nobody expects?"


    "Young Master, you need not worry."


    Cui Congyi analyzed calmly, "The cities taken previously seem frightening, but the Main Generals in each were hardly formidable; their surrenders were normal. If you were in charge, surely you could do the same, perhaps even better. After all, you are a Prince, isn''t your influence much greater than that of an Assistant General?"


    "The upcoming battle at Zhaotong Prefecture is the real deal, an impenetrable fortress!"


    "This Deng Feng is as stubborn and tough as a rock in a dung pit. We have been sieging here for two whole months, offering every possible condition. He is just a Profound Image Realm Great Perfection, we even promised him a Marquis title, yet doesn''t he remain unfazed? Such a person, would he surrender?"


    "You''re right, General Cui."

 Chapter 313 - 158 Surrounded on All Sides [Thanks to the Alliance Leader

    Sha Wenlong spoke with disdain, "With only twenty days left, there''s simply not enough time. Let''s just wait for Chen Sansi to fail in completing the task set by the military decree and then lose his head!"


    "That may be true."


    Cao Fan said softly, "Taking Zhao Tong Prefecture will certainly benefit both the Great Sheng Dynasty and you and me."


    Cui Congyi praised, "Young Master is truly wise and virtuous."


    "Clip-clop! Clip-clop! Clip-clop!"


    The sound of horse hooves arose.


    The Xuanjia Army, flying the banner with the "Chen" character, appeared at the distant end of the horizon, bringing a cloud of dust along with them.


    "They''re here!"


    Soon, a party stopped outside the Great Village.


    Although Chen Sansi was the nominal commander, Cao Fan was after all the Prince, and his status was noble, but no one else came out to greet him. Instead, they all sat inside the Central Army Tent, not even standing up to salute him when he entered.


    "General Cui, General Sha!"


    Xia Cong, holding a long spear, questioned, "General Chen is the commander outside of Yong Yue Prefecture, how can you be so disrespectful?"


    "A commander simply issues orders which we must follow."


    Sha Wenlong disdainfully said, "He''s just an assistant general. Does he really deserve our salute?"


    "You..."


    Xia Cong wanted to retort, but he held his tongue at Chen Sansi''s signal.


    "Gentlemen."


    Chen Sansi asked calmly, "What''s the situation?"


    "We did as you said, but it was of no use."


    Cui Congyi stated, "Vice General Chen, I must remind you, time is running out! The reinforcements from Qing Country are getting closer to Green Ridge Mountain. If it really comes down to it, we should attack the city now. There might still be just enough time."


    "General Cui."


    Chen Sansi ordered, "You go personally to the city''s outskirts to call for its surrender, this time with a tougher stance. Tell them that if they don''t surrender within fifteen days, we will no longer give them any more chances, and at that time we will call up a large army¡ª"


    "Fifteen days? To give them that long?!"


    Cui Congyi asked puzzlingly, "Vice General Chen, it will only take twenty more days for Qing Country''s reinforcements to arrive. If they refuse to surrender, are you planning on capturing the city in the last five days?!" Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Capture the city? Ha!"


    Sha Wenlong scoffed, "Five days is hardly enough time to even retreat! Once Qing Country''s army pours in, we''ll have no room to advance or retreat, and will face being attacked from both sides by an army of two hundred thousand. Then, we can just wait for our forces to collapse like a mountain!"


    "General Sha," Chen Sansi said emotionlessly, "who did you say would collapse like a mountain?"


    Heh, who else could it be?"


    Sha Wenlong replied as if it was the most obvious thing in the world, "Of course it''s us!"


    "Cui Congyi, Sha Wenlong!"


    Chen Sansi suddenly raised his voice, like a clap of thunder exploding on a clear day.


    His tone became exceedingly cold, and every word he uttered sounded like a razor-sharp blade of ice, piercing the eardrums of everyone present, clearly audible as it hit the ground.


    "Considering that both of you are, after all, generals of the Great Sheng Dynasty, and my seniors, I can overlook your disrespect!


    "But if anyone dares to speak words such as ''collapse like a mountain,'' damaging our military might and shaking our military heart, I will exercise the right of the imperial authority and have both of your heads decapitated!"


    "You, what did you say?!"


    Sha Wenlong was furious, "Isn''t what I said the plain truth? It''s impossible for Deng Feng to surrender, and you''re going to waste another fifteen days here; what will you do after that?"


    "Guards!"


    Chen Sansi coldly ordered, "Drag Sha Wenlong out and behead him!"


    "At your command!"


    Zhao Kang and the others unsheathed their swords.


    This group of Refining Internal Martial Artists was unflinchingly surrounding the general from the Profound Image Realm.


    "Chen San, Vice General Chen!"


    Sha Wenlong couldn''t believe this youngster would really play for keeps, and he shouted loudly, "What right do you have to kill me?"


    "With the command token here, how can I not have the right?!"


    Chen Sansi held up the command token high.


    "You, I..."


    Overwhelmed by the sudden turn of events, Sha Wenlong found himself at a loss for words. He instinctively reached for his sword but knew that the situation wasn''t desperate yet, as he had neither defied orders outright nor committed a serious offense. In truth, his actions weren''t punishable by death, and there was still a chance for him to explain himself. To resist now with a drawn sword would truly be a capital crime, so he forcibly suppressed his anger, allowing several mere Refining Internal to place their swords against his neck.


    "General Chen!"


    Cao Fan stepped forward, pleading, "General Sha has not defied orders, nor has he continued to speak the demoralizing ''collapse like a mountain.'' Even if he was just talking back, it''s certainly not a capital offense, right?"


    "Indeed."


    Cui Congyi maintained his expression, but the throbbing vein on his forehead revealed the fierce anger he was suppressing: "General Chen, Young Master is right. General Sha was merely questioning, just questioning. Even with the authority of commander, don''t we still have the right to offer counsel? If you really executed General Sha now, wouldn''t you also be guilty of abusing your authority?"


    Chen Sansi acted as though he heard nothing.


    "General Chen!"


    Cao Fan advanced a couple of steps: "In front of the two armies, to behead one''s own general first would only serve to further damage our own morale. Moreover, General Sha was indeed just offering counsel.


    "General Sha, will you not kneel down and apologize to General Chen at once!"


    "Young Master?!"


    Sha Wenlong''s remaining eye widened.


    Cao Fan reminded, "Haven''t you seen the command token in General Chen''s hand? Even Meng Dashuai wouldn''t have anything to say if he killed you."


    "I¡­ ah! My fault, General Chen!"


    Ultimately, Sha Wenlong knelt on one knee with great difficulty. In extreme humiliation, his voice trembled uncontrollably, "I promise I will never again speak recklessly or shake the military heart, please grant me a chance to redeem my faults and atone for my merits."


    "It''s for the best."


    Chen Sansi signaled his men to sheath their swords, then led them out of the Central Army Tent.

 Chapter 314 - 158: Besieged on All Sides [Thanks to the alliance leader

    His purpose was to intimidate these few people, to avoid future disobedience and complications.


    As for capital punishment, it certainly wasn''t yet warranted.


    Watching them walk away, Sha Wenlong remained seated for a long time, his left hand propped against the ground, swirled with Gang Qi, twisting into a depression in the yellow clay, his teeth nearly shattered from clenching.


    "This is too much! I, Sha Wenlong, am after all a Second-rank senior official, a regional military officer. How dare he... how dare he humiliate me like this!"


    "What can we do when he holds the Commander''s token in his hand?"


    Cui Congyi felt the same humiliation.


    They had spent half their lives in military service and yet had to defer to a mere youth, "Just endure it for now. Twenty days will pass quickly. Once his term of military command ends, we can watch his head roll!"


    "You''re right."


    Sha Wenlong said in a deep voice, "I want to see how he is going to make Deng Feng surrender the city gates!"


    ...


    Zhaotong Prefecture, within the city.


    Atop the city walls, numerous soldiers looked toward the distance as another group of surrendered soldiers was released, walking towards Daqing, their eyes filled with envy. At that moment, dust filled the sky outside the city, accompanied by the thunderous sound of horse hooves, and a Chen character banner was particularly conspicuous in the gale.


    "This is bad, this is bad!"


    "Chen Sansi is coming, Chen Sansi is coming!"


    "White robe, White Horse, Black Armor, it''s unmistaken!"


    "Do we surrender?"


    "..."


    "You fools, who dares to speak of surrender?"


    Deng Feng rushed up the city walls, shouting at them furiously, "Have you forgotten what I''ve told you? Reinforcements will arrive soon, and the siege of Zhaotong will be lifted without a fight. Why surrender simply because of one Meridian Passage Realm Assistant General, Chen Sansi?"


    "But General!"


    Deputy General Song Hongbiao clenched his fists and said, "We''ve just received the news, they, they''ve all surrendered!"


    "Who are ''they''?"


    Deng Feng furrowed his brows, "Who has surrendered?"


    "Twenty-seven prefectures!"


    Song Hongbiao said, "Starting from Zhaotong Prefecture, northward, every city, large and small, has surrendered!"


    "What?!"


    After reading the intelligence Deng Feng gathered from him and then closing his eyes, it was more a sense of frustrated helplessness than anger, "A country raises its soldiers for a thousand days to use them for one moment. My Daqing has treated these generals generously; how could they be so disloyal and unjust."


    "Listen, people of the city!"


    At the same time, Cui Congyi personally rode his horse to the front of the formation, his voice loud and clear, resounding through the skies, "I am Admiral Cui Congyi! Hear me, city''s Qing defenders!


    "Now, inside Lai State''s territory, hundreds of cities, big and small, have already surrendered to our Great Sheng Dynasty, leaving only you stubborn holdouts resisting futilely. We no longer have the patience to continue this. I''m giving you one last chance!


    "Surrender immediately, and as previously agreed, not a hair on your head will be harmed, but if you ignore this advice...


    "Prepare for a decisive battle in fifteen days. Once the city falls, none will be spared!" S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    None will be spared!


    The loud calls of a martial artist within the Profound Image Realm were clearly heard by everyone present.


    How did it come to this?!


    Not long ago, Sheng people were still trying to persuade them to surrender, appearing hesitant to fight, so why had they suddenly threatened to spare none?!


    Could it be that Lai State was indeed lost?!


    "My lord..."


    "Twenty-seven prefectures have surrendered, let''s surrender too!"


    "Yes, General!"


    "All of you, shut up¡ª"


    Although Deng Feng raised his voice, he didn''t lose his temper. Instead, he shouted, "My fellow brothers, kinsmen! I just want to ask you all one question, what do you think of my character?!"


    "This..."


    "General Deng is brave and unmatched, one of Daqing''s very few fierce generals!"


    "Deng Qingtian, do we even need to ask everyone?"


    "It was General Deng who opened the granary to distribute food to us common folks."


    "Otherwise, we would have starved to death!"


    "..."


    Deng Feng asked, "If that''s the case, do you believe what I say?"


    "Of course we do!"


    "Then why don''t you listen to me?"


    "But twenty-seven prefectures have already surrendered!"


    "That means there are still nine cities standing with us!"


    Deng Feng shouted forcefully, "These nine great cities are Lai State''s stronghold! They can''t take them down, that''s why they are intimidating us here! It''s been another twenty days, with only the last fifteen days remaining, and the Emperor himself will come to lead the charge!"


    "General, is that true?"


    "The final fifteen days?!"


    "Yes! The final fifteen days!"


    Deng Feng knew, in reality, reinforcements would need at least twenty days to reach Green Ridge Mountain.


    But under the enemy''s intimidation, he had to bring the date forward, to "quench thirst by thinking of plums," inspiring everyone to hold on a little longer.


    Just holding on for these fifteen days would allow them to continue defending!


    After fifteen days, if the Sheng Dynasty army truly launched an attack on Zhaotong City, the soldiers and civilians would naturally fight desperately to survive; if the army did not attack, they could truly wait for reinforcements.


    Hold on for just the last fifteen days!


    "Alright, General!"


    "We believe in you!"


    "Brothers, let''s hold on together for fifteen days!"


    "In half a month, we will all be promoted and get rich!"


    "Right, right, right, and us common folk will also get tax-free grain!"


    "..."


    With Deng Feng''s passionate declaration, he was able to temporarily stabilize the military''s morale.


    Zhaotong Prefecture once again fell into silence.


    In the blink of an eye, three days passed, and still, no one opened the gates to surrender.


    ...


    On the fourth day.


    The people on the walls of Zhaotong Prefecture saw the Xuanjia Army leaving.


    "Where are they heading?"


    "Looking at the direction, they''re planning to bypass Zhaotong Prefecture and attack other cities first!"


    "Do you think the other cities might have also surrendered?"

 Chapter 315 - 158: Besieged on All Sides [Thanks to the Alliance Leader

    ```


    "If that''s the case, then only our Zhaotong Prefecture will be left holding out in the entire Lai State!"


    "What a joke!"


    Deng Feng kept vigil on the city walls day and night, ready to reassure his men in case of any situation: "Well done! The generals in the other prefectures are all old friends of mine, brothers in life and death! As long as I don''t surrender, they absolutely won''t surrender either!"


    "Chen Sansi is out of options when it comes to us; he has no choice but to attack elsewhere, but this plays right into my hands!"


    "With so little time left, which city do you think they can take down?! The time wasted coming and going is enough for His Majesty''s forces to arrive!"


    "If that''s really the case, nothing could be better."


    "Then we''ll trust in General''s words and wait a bit longer."


    ...


    Yong Yue Prefecture.


    "Seven days have passed! Deng Feng indeed did not disappoint me!"


    King Tang Li Gong heaved a sigh of relief.


    Time was on their side!


    The reinforcements were about to arrive!


    Outside the city.


    The Sheng Army camp.


    "It''s been seven days, and Zhaotong Prefecture has still not surrendered."


    Meng Quji was anxious in his heart, but no longer as restless as before, he patiently asked, "General Fang, that so-called ''trend of events'' you spoke of doesn''t seem capable of swallowing Zhaotong Prefecture! Deng Feng commands immense respect, and under such circumstances, he''s still able to stabilize the troops! What should we do now? There are only the last dozen or so days left, we will ultimately run out of time!"


    He had never felt such trepidation in battle in his life.


    If faced with this situation in the past.


    He would have already retreated.


    As long as the retreat was fast enough, one would never be defeated.


    "Wait a bit longer."


    After understanding Chen Sansi''s strategy this time, Fang Qingyun remained eerily calm, even playing the flute leisurely, his demeanor completely self-assured.


    Seeing him like this.


    Plus the lesson from the last time.


    Not just Meng Quji, but also Fan Tianfa and Zhan Taoming, out of caution, left the main camp to prepare for the retreat, but did not mention giving up just yet.


    Then they would wait another while!


    ...


    The three thousand Xuanjia Army, after bypassing Zhaotong Prefecture, continued to head south.


    "Having completed the first four steps, my lord, should we proceed to the fifth step now?"


    Xia Cong followed, saying, "This time, are we going to persuade the other cities to surrender first, making Zhaotong Prefecture an isolated city before pressuring them to surrender? A brilliant strategy!"


    Chen Sansi pointed with his long spear towards Luoying Prefecture at the edge of their vision: "You go, persuade them to surrender."


    "Me? Yes!"


    Xia Cong did not hesitate, immediately leading people straight towards the city gate.


    But he quickly returned, his face looking ugly: "My lord, the people of Luoying Prefecture are not like the ones we encountered before, they... they refuse to surrender!"


    "My lord!"


    Xiao Zheng added, "Would you like to try yourself? After all, the cities that surrendered before did so because of your reputation; maybe it''s just that we subordinates are ineffective."


    "No need, move on to the next prefecture."


    Chen Sansi did not give them time to respond and spurred his horse forward.


    "Ah?"


    Xia Cong and the others hurried to catch up.


    "Lianyi Prefecture will not surrender!"


    "Wuyuan Prefecture will not surrender!"


    "Lu Yuan Prefecture too will not surrender!"


    "My lord, are you really not going to persuade them yourself? These people are all fiercely loyal to Deng Feng, unwilling to surrender."


    "Moreover, with us going to and fro, by the time we return to Zhaotong Prefecture, it will already be the thirteenth day!"


    Xia Cong inquired anxiously.


    But now their questioning was no longer out of doubt, but purely out of a desire to learn, to understand.


    "Is that so?"


    Chen Sansi pondered, "Haven''t they already surrendered?"


    "This..."


    Xia Cong had a moment of realization: "Brilliant, my lord, I understand! We claim they have surrendered, and regardless of whether they have or not, in the eyes of the Zhaotong City Garrison, these cities have surrendered! With only the last two days left until the scheduled date of attack, they simply have no time to verify! And with the twenty-seven prefectures that previously surrendered, they will believe that under the weight of the situation, the Eight Prefectures have also surrendered! They''re left as the only isolated city!"


    "Xia Cong!"


    "At your service!"


    "You are to immediately go to the cities where the surrendered soldiers are detained and send all the remaining two thousand surrendered soldiers to the outskirts of Zhaotong City, spreading them out in various directions around the city gates."


    Xia Cong, who had just felt clarity for a few moments, was once again unable to follow the train of thought. ''Is this preparation for them to persuade their own to surrender, or for a siege attack?'' He felt dim-witted and ashamed to ask further. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Understood!"


    He executed the orders without delay.


    ...


    Leishan Prefecture.


    After the initial great battle, this place became the detention center for the surrendered soldiers.


    More than twenty thousand soldiers from Qing Country, who initially thought their fate would be tragic, were soon released by Dasheng, allowed to go home, and even provided with rations.


    Over a month.


    Of the more than twenty thousand people, only two thousand remained!


    These two thousand were constantly anxious and restless.


    Because they were specially isolated, while others were released and went their ways, they alone were detained from the beginning to the end.


    Moreover, they heard that all of Lai State had surrendered, leaving only them behind.


    "How could this be?"


    "My lord, why won''t you release us?"


    "Could it be that we are unlucky, to be kept for slaughter!"


    "My lord, please spare us!"


    They knelt down one by one on the ground.


    "Shut up!"


    Zhu Qi, in charge of the detention here, reprimanded, "Your lives are not for you to decide. If Dasheng says you die, you die; if you''re told to live, you live!"


    "General Zhu!"


    Xia Cong arrived, "General Chen commands! Escort these men quickly to the outskirts of Zhaotong City!"


    "Zhaotong?"


    The surrendered soldiers were shocked.


    "Is this to have us lead the assault?!"


    ```

 Chapter 316 - 158: Besieged on All Sides [Thanks to the League Master Jia Ling]_7

    "In the end, there''s no escape from death, is there?"


    "How cruel, so very cruel!"


    "..."


    "Enough talk!"


    Zhu Qi immediately set out, escorting them as they departed.


    ...


    The fourteenth day!


    On this day,


    the Qing Country''s grand army pressed towards Green Ridge Mountain.


    Just another three to five days'' march, and they would enter the territory of Lai State!


    Outside Yong Yue Prefecture.


    Meng Quji had already made preparations to retreat.


    Outside Zhao Tong Prefecture, in the camp of the Dasheng Army, Sha Wenlong and the others were mixed with worry and secret joy.


    The worry was that they were anxious about the direction of the situation to come.


    The secret joy was because someone had issued a military order!


    Ten days before.


    After Chen Sansi failed to persuade Zhao Tong Prefecture to surrender, he led his men further south.


    It was only recently that they had returned.


    As a result...


    According to reliable intelligence, they hadn''t taken a single city!


    That is to say, they had done nothing but run south and then back again, wastefully spending more than ten days'' time, and tomorrow would make the fifteenth day!


    That was the day previously agreed upon to let Zhao Tong Prefecture open its gates.


    After tonight!


    If Zhao Tong Prefecture still didn''t surrender, besieging it would be impossible, they would have to withdraw quickly!


    That is to say.


    Chen Sansi had failed to fulfill the military order!


    All his previous arrogance was about to meet its final reckoning!


    ...


    Zhao Tong Prefecture.


    Atop the city walls.


    The soldiers and citizens of Qing Country watched with their own eyes as the Xuanjia Army returned.


    Following that, came the news brought back by the scouts.


    "Things have gone terribly wrong!"


    "Outside the city, word is spreading like wildfire among the Sheng Army troops, and the other eight prefectures have surrendered, too!"


    "Just like before with the twenty-seven states, did every place Chen Sansi visited see the main generals open their gates to surrender voluntarily, without firing a single arrow?"


    "What, really?"


    "Didn''t General Deng say that the other eight prefectures wouldn''t surrender?"


    "Shh¡ªkeep it down, have you forgotten that before those twenty-seven states surrendered, General Deng also said they wouldn''t either? What happened then?"


    "You mean the general has been deceiving us all along, just wanting us to hold out?"


    "What else?"


    "Then what are we supposed to do?"


    "Actually, it''s completely unnecessary. Just open the gates and surrender, why stubbornly hold out? Those from the other prefectures who surrendered are probably already home!"


    "..."


    "What did you say? You''ve got some nerve, spreading rumors, disrupting our army''s morale, die¡ª"


    Deng Feng climbed up on the city wall and happened to hear what one of the soldiers said privately; he was thunderously furious, and with one swift motion, decapitated him right in front of everyone, the blood spraying from the severed neck, bringing a warm touch as it spattered on those nearby.


    He picked up the head: "Listen well, all of you. The news from outside must be false! I, your general, will not surrender, it''s simply impossible for the eight prefectures to surrender! Anyone else who dares to disrupt our morale will meet the same fate!"


    "This, this..."


    The crowd recoiled in horror, no one daring to discuss it any further.


    But Deng Feng knew that having to resort to killing for stability hinted they were at their limit!


    Fortunately, just a bit longer!


    This tension, just needed to last through one more night! S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Early tomorrow morning.


    This was when Dasheng claimed the time to attack the city.


    As long as they launched an attack on the city, and both sides became desperate in battle, they could keep defending!


    After five days, the army would arrive!


    ...


    Outside the city.


    In the central tent of Dasheng''s Hu Ben Army.


    "A few more hours and it will be dawn! If the people of Zhaotong Prefecture haven''t opened their gates to surrender by then, it means General Chen''s military order cannot be fulfilled! When the time comes, I''ll personally capture him and bring him before Meng Dashuai. I''d like to see how Fang Qingyun can save him then!"


    "Where is Chen Sansi? He better not be hiding!"


    Sha Wenlong squinted his single eye, continuously stroking the edge of his broadsword, imagining himself forcing General Chen to kneel and admit his wrongs.


    "Replying to General Sha, Chen Sansi is in the tent at the East City Gate!"


    "What is he doing?"


    "Don''t know, he seems to be doing nothing. However, I saw that the Xuanjia Army seems to have brought in many surrendered soldiers."


    "Surrendered soldiers?"


    Cui Congyi raised his eyebrows: "What is he bringing surrendered soldiers for?"


    "Don''t know! The people from the Xuanjia Army didn''t reveal anything!"


    "Report¡ª"


    Another soldier rushed into the tent and knelt down to report: "General Chen has an order! He commands us to abandon the strategy ''surround three gates and leave one'' by 5 a.m., completely lock down Zhaotong Prefecture, sound all the war drums, deploy troops on all four sides of the city, and prepare all the siege equipment."


    "Good!"


    Sha Wenlong couldn''t help but laugh coldly: "I get it! He''s using the surrendered soldiers to force them to serve as shields and storm in first, then we attack the city! It seems he has finally come to realize that the people inside won''t surrender, so we must attack!


    "Too late, though!"


    "Now it''s all too late!"


    "As soon as blood is shed, it will provoke a desperate resistance from the people inside, and it''s absolutely impossible to conquer it in five days! Qing Country''s reinforcements are almost here!"


    "He''s making a fatal blunder in wartime!


    "General Cui, send a message quickly!"


    "We are close to Yong Yue Prefecture, and by dawn Hai Dongqing will have flown back. Let''s have Meng Dashuai stop this fool! Attacking now is a suicide mission!"


    "Withdraw his false commission, let''s capture him and bring him back for trial!"


    "Yes!"


    ...


    Xuanjia Army.


    Under immense tension, Chen Sansi was practicing his spear technique in front of the tent.


    He stopped only when Xia Cong hurriedly came to report, leisurely accepting the coarse cloth that Zhao Kang handed him to wipe his sweat: "Is everything arranged?"


    "Sir!"


    Xia Cong bowed and said: "Two thousand surrendered soldiers are all positioned, spread across the four city gates to the northeast, southwest, and northwest! The other units are also ready and will prepare to attack the city as soon as it gets light! So Sir, for this fifth step, are we still attacking the city?"


    Lu Shuhua, Xiao Zheng, and others all cast puzzled looks.


    In their view,


    attacking now seemed impossible to complete in time.


    But since the sir insisted on it, it meant he definitely could capture it in an exceedingly short time.


    However, the method remained beyond their imagination.


    The answer they received, though, was completely contrary to their guesses.


    "No attack on the city."


    "Not attack? Then, are we still going to persuade them to surrender? But sir, we''ve brought in surrendered soldiers to serve as shields and ordered other units to prepare siege equipment; if it''s not for attacking, is it just for intimidation?"


    "You have been asking me what the fifth step of taking over Lai State is."


    Chen Sansi''s palm hovered over the sand table, directly above Zhaotong Prefecture City. Under the flickering candlelight, shadows enveloped the entire city.


    He spoke slowly, his words firm: "The fifth step! Songs of celebration from all sides!"


    "Celebration songs? Are you referring to the folk songs of Qing Country?"


    Xia Cong and the others were almost completely flustered: "Sir, what is this plan?"


    "Relay my command! After midnight, have the two thousand surrendered soldiers sing mountain songs!"


    "When the celebration songs start, and with the dawn in the east, that will be the moment when Lai State City falls!"


    "Bang!"


    Chen Sansi''s palm, like Five-finger Mountain, heavily fell, crushing the sand table depiction of Zhaotong Prefecture City into powder!


    The fifth step!


    Songs of sadness from all sides, arrows of heart attack, arrows to open the city gates and secure Lai State!

 Chapter 317 - 159: Subduing Deng Feng, Stabilizing Lai State

    The sun set, and night fell.


    Within the walls of Zhao Tong Prefecture City, there was a deathly silence.


    Thousands of soldiers and hundreds of thousands of civilians were all crowded near the city gates, on the walls, in the streets, and in front of their homes. It looked as if refugees gathered together during years of famine. No one dared return to their houses to rest, for no one knew whether the Enemy Army would start the attack ahead of schedule, tensions stretched to the limit.


    Only six hours left!


    Only six hours remained till the deadline given by the Sheng people!


    "Report!"


    "General! Something''s wrong! It''s sealed off¡ª¡ª"


    "The Enemy Army outside the city is no longer encircling three sides and leaving one open. Our scouts absolutely can''t get out anymore!" S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "The Enemy Army is also preparing all kinds of large siege engines... It looks like they''re really planning to attack the city after daybreak!"


    "What''s there to panic about?!"


    Deng Feng''s thunderous voice echoed in the darkness, "Let them attack! Can they really breach our defenses?"


    A few subordinates asked.


    "General, but... didn''t you say that our reinforcements would arrive the day after tomorrow, which is at daybreak tomorrow?"


    "..."


    "Yes, that''s correct."


    Deng Feng had no choice but to give an affirmative response, "After daybreak, the reinforcements will arrive! By then, His Majesty''s army of seventy thousand, along with the elite fifty thousand from Yong Yue Prefecture, a total of one hundred twenty thousand troops, will make the Sheng Army fall like dominoes. Tonight is the darkest hour before the dawn!


    In a word, stall!


    He''d spent most of his life guarding the frontier.


    Never before had he experienced such immense pressure like he did today.


    And all this pressure came from a young man, Chen Sansi!


    This person!


    In just a single month, he had managed to take over almost all of Lai State!


    Where the White Robe rides, armies retreat!


    What a tactic!


    The most crucial part was...


    According to the intelligence he received, the majority of cities had surrendered voluntarily. Even if the garrison was unwilling, the common people within were more than willing. Some even revolted because wherever the Xuanjia Army went, they killed corrupt officials, opened the granaries, and committed no transgressions against the people. To put it bluntly, the Xuanjia Army treated the... citizens better than the Qing Country''s citizens treated their own compatriots!


    Deng Feng had long heard of this man''s deed of "leading civilians across the river" and had always been skeptical deep down. If it was true, it was indeed admirable, but after all, it was the Emperor Dasheng who personally announced it to the world, and there was a very strong suspicion of making a show of it.


    But now it seemed to be true!


    A person who wins over the populace to the extent that they''d rather risk dying under the garrison''s blades than not pledge allegiance is surely sincere toward the populace, or even if it was an act, he must keep up the pretense indefinitely.


    From this perspective, it would be a great fortune for the Qing Country and a blessing for the people to have such a general in the world, or if Qing Country had such a general!


    Unfortunately, he was the enemy!


    A powerful and promising enemy!


    Still, they could win!


    Just hold out until dawn!


    Once the battle begins, and blood is seen, the dynamics of attack and defense will change!


    If they could capture Chen Sansi alive and turn him to the Qing Country''s side, that would be the best outcome!


    Deng Feng continued to suppress the army''s unease, "The Eight Prefectures haven''t really surrendered; it''s just a show of strength. They are still standing with us! Their aim is to disrupt our formation, don''t believe a single word those Sheng people say!"


    With earnest persuasion.


    The unrest within the city was quelled once more, with difficulty.


    "The reinforcements..."


    The subordinates and civilians were unaware, but as the Deputy General Song Hongbiao knew all too well, the reinforcements would definitely not arrive tomorrow. As to whether they could really arrive after five days, who could say.


    Perhaps King Tang Li Gong, like Deng Feng, had deliberately brought forward the arrival date of the reinforcements to deceive those defending the city.


    ...


    Yong Yue Prefecture.


    "Good!"


    King Tang Li Gong breathed a sigh of relief upon learning that Zhao Tong Prefecture City had yet to fall, "The final five days! The Sheng people can no longer take Zhao Tong Prefecture! Recovering the entirety of Lai State, and then casting eyes upon the Central Plains of Sheng Dynasty, is just within reach!"


    "General Deng is truly the backbone of Daqing!"


    The Assistant General praised, "Prince, the situation is stable!"


    "Yes."


    King Tang Li Gong raised his hand to give orders, "Inform all the troops in the city, especially the Cavalry, to be fully equipped and on stand-by day and night. Knowing Meng Quji as I do, he will surely withdraw his forces within three days! When the Enemy Army outside the city starts to retreat, that will be the day we launch our counterattack!"


    "Yes!"


    ...


    Outside the city, Dasheng Army camp.


    "Nan Xu''s army of one hundred thousand is pressing down on Hulaoguan!"


    "Deng Feng in Zhao Tong Prefecture City still hasn''t surrendered, and now we really have no time left!"


    Meng Quji sighed as he passed the intelligence report to others, "General Fang, we really have to retreat, if we don''t retreat now, it will be too late!"


    He had never tasted defeat in his life.


    Holding out any longer would raise the risk of collapse to over sixty percent, a risk he was definitely not willing to take.


    "Wait a little longer."


    Fang Qingyun still stuck to the same argument, "Vice General Chen has made it very clear, he ordered Zhao Tong Prefecture City to surrender within fifteen days, one night shy, even one hour shy, doesn''t make fifteen days, so why not wait until after dawn to discuss it further?"


    Zhan Taoming followed up with persuasion, "Commander, considering how things stand, might as well wait a bit longer!"


    "Yong Yue Prefecture is very close to Zhao Tong Prefecture, and communication takes about six hours, so we wait until dusk tomorrow. That''s... the final deadline!"


    Meng Quji felt like he was taking the biggest gamble of his life, "Also, I agree with Sha Wenlong and Cui Congyi''s suggestion that if there is still no surrender from Zhao Tong Prefecture City after daybreak, then at that time, we revoke Chen Sansi''s temporary authority of the imperial seal. He absolutely must not be allowed to attack the city; there''s no time left! Then, order Sha Wenlong and others to bring him back for disposition, and my army will immediately retreat, return to Dasheng, and garrison the border, responding to movements by standing still!"

 Chapter 318 - 159: Conquering Deng Feng, Stabilizing Lai State_2

    In his view, it was impossible for Chen Sansi to complete the military order.


    However, this matter couldn''t be blamed on Chen Sansi. The fact that twenty-seven prefectures had already surrendered was shocking and unprecedented, so it was normal that Zhao Tong Prefecture was not taken. But there are no jokes in the military; he must be brought back first, and then they would see how to deal with him.


    ...


    Outside the military camp of the Sheng Army near Zhao Tong Prefecture City.


    "The Commander agreed."


    Sha Wenlong stood up and ordered, "Assistant Generals from the front, back, left, and right divisions, listen to my command. Keep an eye on Chen Sansi. After dawn, capture him immediately and then we retreat at full speed!"


    "Yes!"


    A few Assistant Generals took their orders and left.


    "No! Sending him back, he will definitely not die!"


    Cui Congyi said, "You see what Commander Meng means, he clearly thinks it''s not his fault. I guess at most he might escape the death penalty but not a living one; it''s just earning merits to offset his crimes, which is useless!"


    "We still have to send him back first!"


    Sha Wenlong snorted coldly, "It would be best if he disobeys orders and continues to forcefully attack the city, then you and I will have a good reason to take his life!"


    ...


    In the Xuanjia Army''s main tent.


    [Cultivation Technique: National Guardian Dragon Spear, Meridian Passage (Expert)]


    [Progress: 155/1000]


    As the final hour approached, Chen Sansi was still practicing his spear techniques calmly.


    "My lord!"


    Xia Cong approached and whispered, "Sha Wenlong and his Assistant Generals have come near our camp, not sure what they are doing."


    "Ignore them."


    Chen Sansi said indifferently, "Stick to the original plan. Let Cui Congyi, Sha Wenlong, and the others do whatever they''re supposed to do. Before dawn, if they neglect their duties, I can still chop off their heads."


    "Yes!"


    Xia Cong left.


    "My lord."


    Zhao Kang said quietly, taking advantage of the absence of others, "This Sha Wenlong truly deserves to die. Ever since that time at the Yu Yang Sect, he hasn''t supported us, and he has been targeting us in Ming State too. If not for your subordinate''s incompetence, I would have gone and chopped off his head by now!"


    "You go attend to your duties as well."


    Chen Sansi didn''t respond to that.


    Pei Tiannan is still here.


    Two people from the Incense Fire Divine Sect are also here.


    On the surface, they are two Mystical Phenomenon Generals, but secretly, there is also a Martial Saint, plus two followers of the Incense Fire Divine Dao.


    They are guarding here, probably also harboring some intentions.


    Inside Lai State City, there''s a large temple too, but if it was just about collecting incense offerings, there wouldn''t need to be so many people staying here.


    However, they always have times when they separate.


    Lai Zi, there will eventually be a chance to make a move.


    "My lord."


    Lu Shuhua hurried over, "It''s about time."


    "Kang!"


    Chen Sansi stopped his actions and used the gun butt to drive his long spear into the clay ground, "Let''s begin."


    ...


    Inside the city.


    At midnight, deep into the night.


    The defenders of Qing Country trapped in the city for nearly three months were gradually unable to withstand the exhaustion, but their bodies were still tense, at most maintaining a state of half sleep and half alertness, with no one truly able to sleep.


    "Gurgle~"


    The sounds of growling stomachs continuously rose, everyone listlessly waiting for today''s food distribution. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "General, about the provisions..."


    "Gone!"


    Song Hongbiao said, "Even if we reduce rations, it''s only enough for the last two days. Should we stop the civilians'' food distribution first and take care of our brothers..."


    As Zhao Tong Prefecture is the second largest granary in Lai State, the provisions were indeed sufficient but the city had too many civilians, over a hundred thousand, and the daily consumption amount was enormous.


    Yet, they still needed everyone to defend the city, and even after reducing the daily rations, the granary was gradually running out.


    "Don''t spread panic!"


    Deng Feng made a swift decision while sitting cross-legged on the ground, "Do not reduce the rations, take out all the food and let everyone have enough. If we get through tonight, everything will be fine!"


    After that, even if they were hungry, they could endure for a few more days until reinforcements arrived.


    "Yes, I understand!"


    Song Hongbiao took his orders and left.


    Soon, buckets of steamed millet rice began to be distributed in order.


    "Mealtime!"


    "Eh~"


    "It''s not thin porridge today."


    "The General also slaughtered a horse! There''s a large piece of meat in everyone''s bowl!"


    "General Deng truly is a benevolent and righteous leader!"


    "Yes, but I heard that Chen Sansi does the same."


    "Really?"


    "Yes, it''s said that if there isn''t enough food in the city, he would even divert food from the Sheng Army''s supplies to the civilians, and many places facing famine were revived."


    "Ah..."


    "Two good people, why must they fight to the death?"


    "Exactly!"


    "Forget it, reinforcements will arrive early tomorrow. We''ll surely be rescued, just hang on a little longer!"


    "Right, just a bit longer, General Deng has been good to us!"


    "Sleep now, we''ll be saved when we wake up!"


    "..."


    The people and soldiers, full and satisfied, finally could no longer suppress their drowsiness and snuggled together to gradually fall asleep, leaving only a few to continue patrolling, responsible for keeping watch.


    In their dreams.


    It seemed they had awaited reinforcements and won the battle; the soldiers returned to their hometowns, the locals living as they had before, and in a few days, it was the Daqing Festival of Songs, when every household would gather together and sing their songs.


    "Caiwei, Caiwei, the herbs also come to an end. It says come back, come back, the years also do not stop."


    "Without a room, without a home, because of the enemies. Unable to settle down, because of the enemies..."


    At that moment, it seemed as if they had returned to their hometown, or as if they were returning to a daily life of rising with the sun and resting at sunset, living a poor life but at least accompanied by family.


    Wait...


    It seemed like someone was really singing!


    "Who is chanting?"


    "It seems to be from outside the city!"


    "Many people are singing; it sounds like thousands!"

 Chapter 319 - 159: Conquering Deng Feng, Stabilizing Lai State_3

    ```


    "..."


    In the rustling of movement, tens of thousands of men awoke one after another.


    "No leisure has the king for idle dealing, his sorrow-laden soul will find no healing. Though I wish to follow, I can march not thither¡ª"


    The singing was not loud.


    But it penetrated in all directions, enveloping the entire Zhao Tong Prefecture City, hesitant and indistinct, reverberating in the minds of every citizen and soldier, its lingering melody sinking deep into their hearts.


    This song was known as "Caiwei," which happened to be a tune widely popular within Qing Country. Moreover, its content perfectly expressed the homesickness of soldiers heading to war, matching perfectly with the current scene and emotion, as if it were made by heaven and earth.


    Added to that was the powerful emotional resonance of the lyrics, sung in the pure local dialect of Qing Country''s mountains, which gradually led the city''s inhabitants to hum along, unable to help themselves.


    "Once I travelled away, willow trees were swaying. Now I return in thought, amidst the rain and snowflakes flurrying!"


    The song grew louder and louder, until at last tens of thousands joined in chorus, their voices piercing the night sky, echoing through the entire Zhao Tong Prefecture City.


    Beneath the city walls, inside the tents.


    Deng Feng, who had been resting with closed eyes, suddenly opened them, his expression more serious than ever before.


    "This is bad!"


    ...


    Outside the city.


    Sheng Army camp.


    "What''s that noise?!"


    Sha Wenlong, who had been waiting for daybreak to demand justice, was napping inside his large tent when he was startled awake by the earth-shattering singing. At first, he thought they were under attack. Only after listening carefully did he realize that someone was singing.


    Not just him; Cui Congyi and Cao Fan also came over upon hearing it.


    "General!"


    "It''s the surrendered soldiers! The surrendered soldiers from Qing Country!"


    "Didn''t General Chen bring over more than two thousand of those surrendered soldiers earlier? They are the ones singing now."


    "Surrendered soldiers? They were not needed to be used as human shields, now they are called over to sing?!"


    Cui Congyi followed the sound to the area where the surrendered soldiers were gathered.


    He saw that these soldiers from Qing Country were singing with more passion than one another, emotionally invested, and some were even singing while crying.


    Cui Congyi, as if grabbing a small chicken, seized a frail surrendered soldier and asked, "What are you singing?"


    "General Chen said, as long as we sing with all our might until dawn, he will let us go home!"


    The soldier said with a sobbing voice, "We want to go home..."


    They were singing from their lungs.


    After all, out of twenty thousand surrendered soldiers, barely two thousand who were unable to leave longed to go home with an unstoppable eagerness.


    "Child''s play!"


    Sha Wenlong simply could not comprehend the intention behind such an arrangement, he sneered, "General Cui, Chen is like a cornered dog jumping over the wall, resorting to such childishly playful tactics. I think he''s really out of options!"


    "Indeed."


    Cui Congyi''s lips curled, "At his wit''s end. Can he really hope by singing they''ll open the city gates?"


    "Let them sing, let them sing!"


    Sha Wenlong snorted coldly, "Let them sing until dawn, it will be a fitting send-off for Chen!"


    Cao Fan remained silent, sensing a disturbance in his mind.


    ...


    Zhao Tong Prefecture City, within the city.


    "Enough!"


    Deng Feng dashed out of his tent with a burning urgency, his Qi-Blood fully activated, his voice like a great bell from the heavens forcibly drowning out the singing, "What are you singing for?! Stop singing!"


    Even so,


    it still took a good while, a span of a tea time, with everyone grown tired of the singing, for it to gradually come to a halt.


    ```


    ```


    "Reinforcements!"


    "Have the reinforcements arrived?"


    "Yes, they''re all speaking in the authentic Qing Country dialect, it must be our own people!"


    "They''re our own people from all sides!"


    "They have come, they have come!"


    "Let''s go, have a look!"


    "What are you doing? Stop!"


    But no one could be stopped.


    Tens of thousands of citizens surged up the walls from all sides, cramming to look outside, only to be greatly disappointed soon. For where were the reinforcements? Every direction, northeast, southwest, showed the well-entrenched camps of the Dasheng army, where soldiers dressed in exquisite armour patrolled in an orderly fashion with torches, and nothing had changed at all.


    As for the singing...


    It was coming from inside the Dasheng camp.


    Because of the distance, and the fact that it was nighttime, they couldn''t see clearly how many people there were, only that there seemed to be singers in almost every camp, meaning, their own Qing Country people were helping the Sheng people encircle them!


    "This..."


    "Where did all these fellow brothers come from?"


    "No mistake! Their voices, their singing style, are one hundred percent our countrymen!"


    "Even if one or two could imitate the singing, it''s absolutely impossible for there to be so many!"


    "Five thousand?" Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "No, at least ten, twenty thousand!"


    "Fifty thousand!"


    "Where did so many people come from? Weren''t all the surrendered soldiers released?"


    "The Xuanjia Army just returned yesterday, the people were brought back by them from the Eight Prefectures, new surrendered soldiers!"


    "That is to say, the Eight Prefectures have really surrendered!"


    "..."


    "Nonsense¨D"


    "It''s impossible for the Eight Prefectures to have surrendered!"


    Deng Feng rushed to the city wall: "Fake! It''s all a sham!"


    At this moment.


    In the darkness of the night, escorted by two torches, a general clad in white rode up on a White Horse, stopping three hundred steps from the city gate.


    "Who is this person?"


    "White Horse, White Robe, it''s Chen Sansi!"


    "Who else could it be?!"


    "Quickly come and look! That''s Chen Sansi!"


    "He has shown himself!"


    "..."


    Chen Sansi cupped his fists and, with a salute, addressed Deng Feng high on the city wall: "General Huai Yuan, Chen Sansi, pays respect to General Deng from here!"


    "Chen Sansi!"


    Deng Feng, unable to contain his anger, pointed at him and scolded: "What kind of ghostly tricks are you playing? Do you think a mere folk song can shake the morale of our troops?!"


    "General Deng misunderstands Chen. "


    Chen Sansi said politely, "I, your junior, am here to rescue General Deng and the tens of thousands of citizens of this city."


    "Absurd!"


    Deng Feng coldly said: "I still have eight thousand elite soldiers, ample food and supplies within the city, and reinforcements are about to arrive. Do I look like I need your rescue?!"


    ```

 Chapter 320 - 159: Conquering Deng Feng, Stabilizing Lai State_4

    "Is the supply of provisions really sufficient?"


    Seated on horseback, Chen Sansi''s facial features show no obvious fluctuations, but his voice rings out clear and strong, "Chen has travelled all the way here and seen that most parts of Lai State are suffering from famine. Ever since the war started last November, there have been continuous campaigns, and all the food and fodder for each city have been conscripted from the people, leaving them in unspeakable misery! sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Zhao Tong Prefecture, as the second largest granary in Lai State, indeed should have ample provisions, enough to feed eight thousand troops for a year and a half without an issue.


    "Yet, General Deng happens to be someone who loves his people as his own children, so the General would surely distribute the city''s grains amongst the citizens!


    "Hundreds of thousands of citizens, even the provisions of Zhaotong wouldn''t be enough, right?"


    "Nonsense, don''t flatter me with your lies!"


    Deng Feng retorts, "The provisions within the city are plentiful! The brothers in the city just had their full meal. Chen, don''t you go spreading wild rumors here!"


    "The matter of provisions can easily be confirmed with a single glance at the granaries. Even if there''s some left, I''m afraid it''s not much! Even if General Deng wants to deceive himself and others, we can set aside the matter of provisions for now and talk about military strength!"


    Chen Sansi continues, "Now, not only have all the Eight Prefectures pledged allegiance, but just two hours ago, Yongle Prefecture was also breached, and King Tang Li Gong''s head now hangs on the walls of Yongle Prefecture City!


    "That is to say, your Zhaotong has become a completely isolated city!


    "Those singing in the camp are soldiers from Qing Country who surrendered from the Eight Prefectures and Yongle Prefecture. They do not wish to slaughter their own brothers, so they plead through song! Do you really want to fight and kill each other? Amongst you, some not only know each other but might also be hometown folk!"


    Upon these words.


    A panic immediately ensues among the crowd.


    "We''re out of food?"


    "The city''s granaries are empty?!"


    "No wonder we suddenly had better food last night! This must be the last decent meal they planned for us!"


    "Yongle Prefecture has fallen too?"


    "Even King Tang is dead!"


    "Doesn''t that mean, in Lai State, only we are left? A hundred and fifty-thousand strong army is about to turn their weapons on us!"


    "..."


    Chen Sansi adds again, "General Deng! Everything I''ve said, you should be well aware of. But why do you still deceive your brothers and citizens in the city? Would you rather wait until Dasheng musters even more forces and siege until the city falls and is filled with corpses before you bow your head?"


    "Well aware? What am I supposed to be well aware of?!"


    Unable to maintain his composure, Deng Feng shouts, "Don''t listen to his drivel, I don''t know any of these things, no, I mean, there''s not a truthful word in his mouth!"


    "General Deng!"


    Chen Sansi raises his voice, "I too am aware of General Deng''s loyalty, but surely you can''t let your ''loyalty'' drag the entire city down with you into a joint burial!


    "I''ve just received a military order, Meng Dashuai has commanded me to attack at dawn!


    "Therefore, you don''t have much time left to consider!


    "My piece is said!


    "I also hope that the brothers and countrymen in the city could persuade General Deng!


    "I take my leave!"


    With that,


    he turns his horse and disappears back into the Great Village of the military camp.


    Above the city walls.


    The people and soldiers are in an uproar.


    "General!"


    "We can''t see things like the Eight Prefectures, but what about the granaries?"


    The crowd asks, "Are they really empty?!"


    "Can we go have a look at the granaries?"


    "Empty, the granaries are truly empty!"


    Someone who enjoys stirring trouble, having sneaked off upon hearing this conversation, now rushes back to loudly announce: "Before, the granaries were just off-limits for stealing, but you could still go there. Now, there are so many soldiers guarding the granaries that they don''t even let you take a look."


    Isn''t this evidence enough?


    "The granaries, they''re empty!"


    Deng Feng is forced to admit, "But so what if they''re empty? Aside from the granaries, everything else he said is false! Where those outside singing celebration songs came from, I do not know, but I would stake my life to swear that the Eight Prefectures have definitely not surrendered. If you really don''t believe it, you can try to break out to check the situation!"


    "General!"


    "It takes two days to go to the nearest city and come back, but... didn''t you say that reinforcements would arrive tomorrow morning? Even if the Eight Prefectures really have surrendered, is there a need to verify it anymore? After all, the reinforcements will arrive after dawn!"


    "Are you deceiving us?!"


    "..."


    "Boom¡ª"


    Seizing on the inconsistency in Deng Feng''s words, the crowd presses him relentlessly with questions.


    Deng Feng finds himself at a loss for words, unsure of how to respond.


    He curses Chen Sansi in his heart, labeling him a despicable and vile villain!


    First, he used the surrendered soldiers'' celebratory songs to shake the troop''s morale, then pushed all the blame onto him, stirring up discontent among his subordinates and citizens, leading to an indefensible predicament!


    "I only meant to prove to you that the Eight Prefectures have not surrendered, I didn''t say the reinforcements wouldn''t come back!"


    Deng Feng, though reluctant, says, "Tomorrow morning, the reinforcements will... arrive on time!"


    "In that case, we will trust the General one more time."


    "Brothers, let''s hold out until tomorrow morning!"


    "..."


    The crowd gradually disperses, but the unrest never subsides.


    Deputy General Song Hongbiao expresses his concern, "General, you already know that reinforcements won''t come by dawn, so why say that?"


    "After dawn, once the battle starts, there will be no more chances to surrender, and everyone, soldiers and citizens alike, must resist to the death!" Deng Feng says, "So, we just need to hold out until dawn!


    He has no other choice.


    Now if he admits it.


    Chaos would instantly break out within the city!

 Chapter 321 - 159: Conquering Deng Feng, Stabilizing Lai State_5

    "General!"


    Song Hongbiao frowned, his voice hesitant as he spoke, "But if that were the case, wouldn''t it mean that the brothers inside the city would have no way out?"


    "What do you mean?"


    Deng Feng sensed something was off, "You''re not thinking of surrendering, are you? Haven''t I told you that in about five days, his Majesty will lead a large army to our rescue?"


    "Really?"


    Song Hongbiao mustered his courage and said, "General, just tell us the truth, will the reinforcements truly arrive in five days?"


    In his eyes, with the Eight Prefectures already surrendered and the situation with the supplies being kept secret, under these circumstances, could the reinforcements... also be false?


    After all, these pieces of intelligence had reached him only after the general had reviewed them.


    "You, you don''t believe in me, your general?!"


    Deng Feng argued adamantly, "Song Hongbiao, I ask you, while the Yong Yue Prefecture still stands, do you think his Majesty would abandon Lai State?!"


    "But..."


    Song Hongbiao expressed his worries, "Just now, the Sheng people said that Yong Yue Prefecture has also fallen!"


    "Even you''ve been deceived?!"


    Deng Feng cursed inwardly once more.


    Chen was exceedingly despicable, exploiting the "fifteen-day" deadline, at this critical moment, no information could be verified!


    It mattered not that Deng Feng had conviction and didn''t believe these lies.


    Because others would believe them!


    "Shameless, utterly shameless!!!"


    Deng Feng had never felt such suffocating frustration.


    The victory songs continued all around.


    "The journey is slow, thirst and hunger in tow. My heart is filled with sorrow, unnoticed is my woe!"


    All night long, the hesitant songs faintly echoed like a continuous drizzle, incessantly drenching the bodies and souls of the people.


    Inside the city, the tens of thousands¡ªespecially the eight thousand defenders¡ªfelt their grief and sadness intensify with the passage of time; their will to fight was gone, only waiting for dawn and someone to come to their rescue.


    The night was a blur.


    Finally.


    The stars shifted, the essence of day and night changed.


    Dawn broke.


    The bright jade that hung all night gradually fell, and a sun with a reddish halo, Tingtong, slowly rose, as tens of thousands climbed the city walls, craning their necks in anticipation of a "Qing" banner emerging in their sight.


    However...


    Not only was there no Qing Army banner in sight.


    Instead, even more Dasheng Army banners appeared from all sides, vague and indistinct, the sheer number of men and horses unclear as they rapidly approached the city amidst swirling dust.


    "General, where are the reinforcements?"


    "You promised there would be reinforcements?!"


    "In fact, counting today, it''s already the sixteenth day!"


    "The reinforcements haven''t arrived!"


    "General, let''s surrender and leave the city!"


    "It''s too late!"


    "..."


    Under everyone''s gaze.


    Deng Feng stepped onto the high platform, his voice tinged with guilt, "Actually... the reinforcements will take another five days to arrive!"


    "Another five days?!"


    "..."


    "Everybody, listen to me!"


    Deng Feng raised his saber, "Previously, when I said fifteen days, it was to boost everyone''s morale, but this time it''s true, in no more than five days, his Majesty the Emperor will personally arrive at Green Ridge Mountain. By then, the Hu Ben Army and the Xuanjia Army outside the city will surely retreat!"


    "General, if I may be so bold, you''ve said something similar last time."


    "And the provisions..."


    "General, you''ve already deceived us many times..."


    "General, I''m afraid it''ll be another five days after these five days!"


    "There are simply no reinforcements!"


    "..."


    "Not good, everyone, look quick!"


    "The Sheng people are preparing to attack the city!"


    "There''s only one pot of tea''s time left until the hour strikes!"


    The celebratory singing outside the city halted abruptly, replaced by the earth-shattering beat of war drums, the grandeur of bugle calls, and the fluttering of military banners in the gale as ranks of troops were arrayed in formation.


    Additionally, there were crash cars, cloud ladders, Fenwen Cars, and other large pieces of warfare machinery, each being pushed to the front!


    "What do we do?!"


    "If we don''t surrender now, it''ll be too late!"


    "..."


    "General! Since there are no reinforcements, let''s just surrender¡ª"


    "No surrendering, no surrendering!!! I swear to the heavens, the reinforcements will truly arrive in five days!"


    Deng Feng roared with all his might, but no one was willing to listen anymore. After repeated lies were exposed, his credibility had greatly diminished, and any words he spoke appeared pale and powerless.


    "General!"


    "It''s bad!"


    "The commander at the East City Gate just tried to open it!"


    "Seeking death!"


    "Boom¡ª"


    Deng Feng, like a fierce tiger, dashed down the city wall on the walls, and at top speed reached the East City Gate, where he cleaved the commander to death. He had just put down his sword when he heard more reports from his subordinates.


    "The commander at the South City Gate is setting fire to the gate!"


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    Deng Feng repeated his previous actions, showing no mercy in his killing.


    "General!"


    "It''s bad"


    "Thousand Captain Wang Lin''an..."


    "And Thousand Captain Zhao..."


    "This is terrible, a group of civilians, they..."


    "..."


    However, no matter what Deng Feng did, he couldn''t stop the behavior of the masses. He felt an overwhelming sense of powerlessness, as if he were facing a landslide and tsunami. Even with a high level in the Martial Arts Realm, he was still just an ordinary person, incapable of stopping the force of nature!


    This major force.


    Had existed all along!


    And it had been coming down from the Northern Territory, once momentarily stopped by his sole effort.


    But at last, the overwhelming force proved unstoppable!


    Under Chen''s step-by-step siege of the heart, the sun rising today became the last straw that broke the camel''s back.


    From this point on!


    The trend of surrendering spread like an unstoppable plague within the city.


    Defending the city!


    Was not a one-person affair.


    Let''s not say he was at Great Perfection of the Profound Image Realm, even if he broke through to the Martial Saint Realm right away, what could he do when everywhere around was ready to surrender?


    Could he possibly kill all one hundred thousand civilians in the city?


    "Rumble¡ª"


    In the end, he was too exhausted to do anything, and the city gates to the south were blown open with a bang.

 Chapter 322 - 159: Conquering Deng Feng, Stabilizing Lai State_6

    The first batch of officials leading the way, the generals left the city to meet the white-robed figure on a white horse who had been waiting for a long time.


    "General Chen! Don''t attack the city, don''t attack the city!"


    "We surrender!"


    "We surrender!!" S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "..."


    The city was completely plunged into chaos.


    Countless soldiers from Qing Country streamed past Deng Feng, afraid that if they left the city even a moment later, they would miss the chance to surrender.


    Only Song Hongbiao and a few other trusted generals were still hesitating, but their eyes were also unsettled.


    "Hahahaha!"


    At that moment, Deng Feng suddenly laughed mockingly at the sky until he was out of breath, then with a trembling voice, he yelled at the heavens:


    "I, have lost!!!"


    Watching the crowd flow past him like a tide, he, a man full of martial prowess, found no opportunity to employ it, and was completely enveloped in a feeling of despair so intense, it nearly suffocated him.


    He closed his eyes, his Azure Dragon Crescent Blade clanged to the ground, and then, drawing the general''s sword from his waist, he was about to strike at his own neck.


    It was this action,


    that incredibly brought the chaos within the city to a halt.


    "General!"


    "No, General!"


    Song Hongbiao and a few close generals rushed forward, encircling him: "General! If you must die, kill us first!"


    "Deng Qingtian?!"


    The civilians were also stunned.


    They couldn''t understand why opening the city gates to surrender would lead Deng Qingtian to prefer suicide.


    The reason they were desperate to surrender was simply to save their own lives; they had never considered causing General Deng to die.


    After all, General Chen Sansi had promised that if the city were surrendered, whether generals, civilians, or soldiers, none would be killed; if no one was to die, why not surrender?!


    Why must it come to this?!


    "Mr. Deng!"


    "No, Second Master!"


    In an instant, both civilians and soldiers alike knelt down, and suddenly, no one was running towards the city gates anymore, as if they had forgotten about surrendering to save their lives.


    "You all want to surrender, so go surrender, what do you want from me!"


    Deng Feng''s eyes were bloodshot: "For six generations, the Deng family has been loyal to Daqing, how could I, Deng Feng, be a treacherous, shameless traitor? If I don''t kill myself, how can I face my ancestors!"


    "Boom¡ª"


    His Gang Qi erupted, directly blowing several of his subordinates away.


    He was about to act against himself.


    A voice rang out.


    "General Deng, why speak such words!"


    Appearing were a general in a white robe riding a white horse, swiftly arriving. Accompanying him were two other generals, Sha Wenlong and Cui Congyi who also achieved Great Success in the Profound Image Realm, along with the Hu Ben Army and the Xuanjia Army, completely surrounding them.


    The faces of Cui Congyi and the others were still filled with shock.


    Just a short while ago,


    they even had their weapons drawn, ready to take down Chen Sansi''s withdrawing troops.


    Then, at the same time, they received the news.


    Zhaotong Prefecture City was in chaos, and the East City Gate had been opened!


    After they led the troops in, they encountered no resistance, and thousands of Iron Armor soldiers surrendered and laid down their weapons!


    Chen had really done it!


    The once impregnable Zhaotong Prefecture City had, unbelievably, surrendered overnight. Moreover, it seemed that the Main General, Deng Feng, had not intended to surrender, but he couldn''t control the complete chaos within the city!


    With Deng Feng''s prestige, it was unimaginable that the situation had developed this way!


    Why?!


    Just because last night, Chen Sansi had sent a group of surrendered soldiers to sing all night and then shout some words?


    Clearly!


    The content of the shouts was basically no different from what they had been saying before; why did it work when Chen Sansi said it, but not when they did?!


    Now, the vast majority of the generals were under control, and the entire army had entered the city, stabilizing the situation.


    That is to say, Zhaotong Prefecture had been taken!


    In the final moments, when it seemed almost impossible, they had surrendered!


    Cao Fan had become somewhat numb; at this moment, as a member of the Imperial Family, a distinguished Prince, he even hesitated to open his eyes to look at this general of similar age to himself.


    Sorely ashamed!


    "Chen Sansi!"


    As he watched the overwhelming force of Dasheng Iron Cavalry approaching, Deng Feng couldn''t help but burst out cursing, "You despicable villain! Using such a lowly tactic to trick the city gate open, what kind of skill is that, why don''t you lead the assault yourself, you..."


    As he cursed, he himself felt it was pointless.


    Because he knew in his heart.


    This was not some conspiracy or trick; it was an overwhelming force, a trend he had personally experienced as unstoppable!


    This general, barely eighteen or nineteen years old, actually knew how to use a magic skill that had never appeared on the battlefield before!


    He had underestimated him after all.


    Enough!


    The city gate was already breached, and the civilians inside would not be involved; further talk was useless, death was the only way to apologize!


    "General Deng!"


    Chen Sansi quickly ordered, "Cui Congyi, Sha Wenlong, you two control him immediately, don''t let him commit suicide!"


    "As you command."


    Now that Zhaotong Prefecture City had surrendered, Chen naturally remained the commander, and his orders must be obeyed.


    "You two fools, coming to die?!"


    Deng Feng''s eyes bulged with anger, and with a stamp of his foot, he grasped the Azure Dragon Crescent Blade again; ferocious Gang Qi bursting like formidable dragons, he prepared to strike at the two men.


    "Deng Feng, how dare you!"


    Cui Congyi coldly chided, "Are you planning to rebel after surrendering? Planning to let your subordinates die with you!?"


    "You, you!"


    Deng Feng knew that alone, even if he could defeat Cui Congyi and Sha Wenlong, he would be injured, and with thousands of troops behind them, most likely he would implicate his remaining subordinates and civilians.


    In other words, resistance would not recapture the city but would only lead to the slaughter of its citizens.


    Confrontations between High Realm Martial Artists are decisive.


    In a few breaths'' time.


    Sha Wenlong and Cui Congyi had already rushed forward, holding Mystic Iron Chains specially designed for High Realm Martial Artists, enveloped in Gang Qi, they pierced through tens of Deng Feng''s acupoints like black pythons, finally even locking his scapula, completely controlling him.


    In such a state, even a Meridian Passage Realm martial artist could be restrained.


    Under the immense pain, Deng Feng only grunted, not letting out the slightest scream.


    "Take him away!"


    Cui Congyi ordered the two Minor Meridian Passage assistant generals, "Guard him well!"

 Chapter 323 - 160: Crown Prince Rebels

    "General Deng!"


    As they watched him being taken away, both soldiers and civilians almost unanimously exclaimed.


    "General Chen!"


    "Those who surrender will not be killed; you said it yourself... But please, please do not harm General Deng''s life!"


    "Indeed!"


    "General Deng''s honor reaches the skies, ever since his arrival in Lai State, who knows how many good deeds he has done!"


    "..."


    "Shut up, all of you!"


    Sha Wenlong cursed impatiently, "Whether he lives or dies, is it up to you to discuss?"


    "Cui Congyi, Sha Wenlong!"


    Chen Sansi gave his orders, "Now that Zhaotong has surrendered, there''s no need to worry about our rear, I command Cui Congyi to lead the Hu Ben Army to Green Ridge Mountain to set up camp and intercept the Qing Country reinforcements from Green Ridge Mountain. Sha Wenlong, take three thousand men and station the surrendered soldiers at the camp thirty miles outside the city. Without my orders, you are not permitted to enter the city! Additionally, Princely Heir Cao Fan, take more than twenty cavalrymen and return quickly to Yong Yue Prefecture to report back to Meng Dashuai, the rest shall stay in the city on standby with me! Oh, and leave Deng Feng in the city as well."


    "By your command." S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Cui Congyi left reluctantly with his orders.


    "Not allow me into the city?"


    Sha Wenlong cursed inwardly but had no choice but to comply.


    He and Cao Fan came to the city gates when suddenly, Sha Wenlong voiced his concerns with some unease, "Young Master, with Chen''s arrangement, giving you just over twenty cavalrymen to return to Yong Yue Prefecture, could it be that he has some ulterior motive?"


    Startled by this suggestion, Cao Fan felt a chill, "Could he?"


    "Why couldn''t he?"


    Sha Wenlong lowered his voice and analyzed, "By arranging things this way, he clearly wants to split us up!"


    "No harm!"


    A shadow emerged slowly from the darkness.


    Pei Tiannan bowed and said, "Young Master, I will personally accompany you back to Yong Yue Prefecture to report."


    Cao Fan asked, "What about the matters in the city?"


    "Just an incense burner."


    Smiling Tiger Pei Tiannan said with a smile, "Leave the collection to Yun Xiaozi and the others; as for other matters, in my opinion, it''s not easy to act on Zhaotong Prefecture now, better choose elsewhere!"


    "That would be the most prudent approach."


    Sha Wenlong agreed, "Then let it be so!"


    Soon, everyone took their respective places.


    Cui Congyi led the Hu Ben Army as the vanguard directly towards Green Ridge Mountain; Sha Wenlong oversaw the surrendered soldiers outside the city, unable to enter without an order; Cao Fan, meanwhile, led twenty men towards Yong Yue Prefecture.


    Chen Sansi watched with his own eyes.


    In the departing troop of Cao Fan, there was a powerful and overwhelming aura.


    Who else could it be but Martial Saint Pei Tiannan, aside from that eunuch surnamed Feng who was also in the troop?


    That is to say, now only two Taoists from Ci Yun Temple might still be lurking in the city, not yet gone.


    According to memory.


    These two old Taoists, one strong and one weak, one in the Meridian Passage Realm with incense magic skills and purple mystical energy of average level, the other in the Hua Jin realm with thin mystical energy of incense.


    Chen Sansi was now adept in the Meridian Passage Method and the Sword Qi Skill; handling these two men would be no trouble at all.


    After setting up the military forces within the city,


    Lai Zi slipped away quietly, heading straight for the Guanyin Temple in Zhaotong Prefecture.


    ...


    Yong Yue Prefecture.


    King Tang Li Gong in full armor, two thousand Iron Cavalry ready for battle inside the city.


    In addition, more than thirty thousand foot soldiers were ready for deployment.


    The war drums shook the earth and the skies while shouts and calls of battle rose and fell.


    The Deputy General hurried over, "Prince! Great news, Meng Quji and his men outside are starting to retreat, even leaving behind many siege weapons and supplies!"


    "Good! Keep scouting and report back! The moment they retreat, we''ll strike like thunder from the city and pursue them!"


    Li Gong raised the General''s Sword high, about to issue a command, when a Black Hawk descended in a spiral to alight on his arm.


    "This..."


    "Is it a message from Deng Feng? Why would he send a message at this time, is there anything urgent?"


    He opened the letter.


    Inside were a few lines of hastily written, almost scribbled text, written urgently enough that instead of ink, it was in blood.


    "Deng Feng incompetent, fear Zhaotong Prefecture City cannot hold, Deng can only die to apologize for his failure, please, Prince, be cautious in your actions."


    Overrun?


    After reading the content, Li Gong''s ears rang incessantly as if a venomous bee had burrowed into his mind, his expression fluctuating erratically, "Overrun? What nonsense is Deng Feng talking to me, wasn''t everything still alright yesterday? How could Zhaotong Prefecture be breached overnight?"


    "What?"


    The Deputy General was shocked, "Prince, how could this be possible? A single night, unless... unless the city walls have collapsed..."


    "Or!"


    Li Gong''s eyelids twitched, "He surrendered!"


    "That''s even less likely!"


    The Deputy General holding the blood letter, "If he had surrendered, why would Deng Feng even say he needs to die to apologize?"


    "Report¡ª¡ª"


    "Prince!"


    "Intelligence from the other Prefectures has arrived!"


    "Last night, turmoil erupted within Zhaotong Prefecture City, General Deng, despite his best efforts, was unable to quell the disturbances and was... captured alive by Chen Sansi, and is now detained by the military!"


    "The Eight Prefectures also say that if no reinforcements come, they are prepared to surrender as well."


    "Dare they speak to me like this? Damn scoundrels!"


    Li Gong struggled to control his emotions, almost roaring, "The Main General has not surrendered, yet chaos breaks out within the city first, are we overestimating Deng Feng''s capability, or does the one surnamed Chen have some sort of devilish spell!"


    "Prince, calm your anger!"


    The Deputy General felt helpless, "What shall we do next? If Deng Feng falls, the rest of the Eight Prefectures are bound to follow suit like the previous Twenty-Seven Prefectures, and we''ll be left an isolated city..."


    "Panic for what! The Emperor is on his way!"


    Li Gong was after all a grand commander, quickly regaining his calm and judging swiftly, "Moreover, I''ve just received news that those scoundrels from Nanxu Country, without our consent, have already entered the territory of Daqing."


    The Deputy General heard this and his face filled with loathing, "Those bastards from Xu Country, really like blood-thirsty wild dogs!"

 Chapter 324 - 160 The Crown Prince Rebels_2

    "Indeed, but there are benefits to this situation as well,"


    Li Gong spoke in a deep voice, "They will arrive at Hulaoguan much faster than expected! Although the Sheng people have now taken over the entirety of Lai State, they do not have wings. It takes time to assemble troops, gather forces, and dispatch orders!"


    "Not to mention, they will need to dispatch a large number of people to Green Ridge Mountain first, and the ones left behind to surround me wouldn''t dare to diminish their numbers. At most, they could spare a few thousand men to head towards Hulaoguan."


    "Nan Xu, a hundred thousand strong army!"


    "A few thousand men, can they hold it?"


    "All considered, the advantage still remains on our side, it''s just that the Sheng people have been given an opportunity to maneuver,"


    "Pass down my command: all troops be on alert and prepare for the Sheng people''s fierce attack."


    "Then..."


    "Figure out a way to inform Deng Feng to take his own life quickly! There''s no need for him to continue losing face here!"


    "A Xuanxiang Realm Great Perfection, someone who could break through to Martial Saint in another two years, has been captured by an Assistant General in the Meridian Passage Realm¡ªhow does he even have the face to live until now!"


    "Yes!"


    ...


    Outside the city.


    The Sheng Army camp.


    "The Crown Prince himself is leading the supervisory battle and will arrive in just half a month."


    Meng Quji, looking at the newly received message, had an ugly expression, "And just at this time, we have to retreat..."


    "Indeed."


    Zhan Taoming said, "Isn''t this a slap in the Crown Prince''s face..."


    The Hu Ben Army''s Commander Fan Tianfa spoke, "Commander Meng, how about we hold out a little longer?"


    "We can''t hold out any longer!"


    Meng Quji, pointing at the map, said, "Take a good look. If we don''t retreat now, we''ll really be too late. Let''s pull back first and then reassess the situation. Perhaps there''s still a chance to strike back! As for the pressure from the Emperor, I alone will bear it! It''s the same saying, only by remaining undefeated can we find a chance to exploit the Enemy Army''s weaknesses!"


    "However..."


    "Considering the time, why haven''t Sha Wenlong and the others brought Chen Sansi back yet? We don''t have the time to wait!"


    "Report¡ª"


    "Commander, the Young Master has returned with a group of more than twenty riders."


    "Twenty people?"


    Meng Quji rushed out of the tent.


    "Commander Meng."


    Cao Fan dismounted to greet him.


    "Where are they?!"


    Meng Quji looked toward the rear, "What about the others?"


    "Commander, there''s no one else."


    Cao Fan answered, "Zhao Tong Prefecture... has been taken."


    "Surrounded by cheers of victory, and Deng Feng captured alive?!"


    After hearing this, Meng Quji, Fan Tianfa, and including Zhan Taoming were all exchanging glances. With Deng Feng not dead, it seemed too far-fetched to have taken Zhao Tong Prefecture overnight.


    "Good..."


    After hearing the detailed explanation, Meng Quji couldn''t help but curl his lips upward, "That kid really came up with something!"


    "Phew~"


    Not far away, Fang Qingyun, who had been vouching for it, let out a sigh of relief.


    No matter how much he believed in his junior, it wasn''t the same as being there himself. His understanding of the situation was only conjecture, and as time grew increasingly pressing, it was impossible not to worry. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He couldn''t help but express his admiration, "This General Deng is truly extraordinary, completely resisting the trend of surrender in Lai State by his own strength. We were just a little short of ruining all our previous efforts."


    "Indeed."


    Fan Tianfa agreed, "Moreover, without this man, it will greatly assist us in the upcoming situation!"


    "What a shame!"


    Zhan Taoming regretted, "This man was too loyal and just. Even after being captured, he surely wouldn''t concede to our Great Sheng. As per the rules, if a captured military officer does not surrender within seven days and has no further intelligence value, he must be executed immediately."


    "All thanks to General Fang''s strenuous persuasion!"


    Meng Quji remarked emotionally, "Otherwise, we might have really screwed up big time."


    "The situation is still not optimistic!"


    Fang Qingyun brought everyone back to the topic at hand, "We still need to carefully plan the subsequent arrangements."


    "Right!"


    Meng Quji, with one hand, picked up the wheelchair, directly lifting the Confucian scholar along with the wheelchair into the air, and hurried into the Central Army Tent before the map: "General Fang, we currently have two main tasks."


    "The first is to do everything possible to take down Li Gong within Yong Yue Prefecture.


    "The second is to stop the army from Green Ridge Mountain!


    "According to what I know, Qing Country''s Martial Saints are few in number now. They also need to guard their own borders against enemies and can''t spare additional manpower. That''s why the Emperor of Qing is leading the campaign himself."


    "Besides Cui Congyi, General Fan also must hurry to Green Ridge Mountain as soon as possible!"


    "Here, we still need to wait for the Crown Prince''s reinforcements before launching a fierce attack on Yong Yue Prefecture, but the problem is..."


    "What about Hulaoguan?"


    "Nan Xu Country''s hundred thousand strong army is very likely to arrive soon. How should we respond?"


    "Prince Zhen Nan down south has tied up two of their Martial Saints along with half their elite forces. According to the reports, the current leaders of this hundred thousand strong army are two princes of Nan Xu in the Xuanxiang Realm."


    "But our Xuanxiang isn''t sufficient, and due to the previous focus on attacking, there are nearly no defenses within Hulaoguan."


    "By the fastest calculations, those who could reach Hulaoguan quickest are only General Chen''s three thousand Xuanjia Army. The rest of the large forces will take at least three months to gather and be redeployed."


    "This battle is going to be very tough."


    "Tough as it may be, we must fight,"


    Fang Qingyun, holding a flute, pointed to the location of Hulaoguan: "This pass ranks among the top four formidable passes in the land, known as a pass where one man guards the gate and ten thousand are unable to break through. Along with a hundred thousand strong army, many of which are new recruits trained only in the past couple of years, three thousand Black Armor might just be able to hold out for three months."


    "This will carry significant risk."


    "The greater the risk, the greater the reward."


    "My suggestion is to give up Hulaoguan and make Zhao Tong Prefecture City a node of contention with the enemy forces."


    "In that case, this war will have to continue for at least another two years. How much provision will be consumed in these two years, how many Silver Taels will the treasury have to spend? On the other hand, if Hulaoguan can just hold out for three months, during this period, taking down Li Gong''s forces and the Emperor of Qing from Green Ridge Mountain will naturally retreat, and Nan Xu Country will have no choice but to abandon their efforts too. Therefore, defending Hulaoguan is still the best choice."

 Chapter 325 - 160 Crown Prince Rebels_3

    "What if we can''t hold it for three months? General Fang, can you guarantee that we can really hold Hulaoguan?"


    This time, Fang Qingyun dared not be so certain: "If we can''t hold it, there''s a 50 percent chance."


    "That''s right!"


    Meng Quji said, "With a fifty percent probability, even General Fang, who likes to use surprise tactics, would find it too low, wouldn''t he?"


    "General Meng, this matter is of great importance; it''s not something just you and I can decide. How about this,"


    Fang Qingyun said, "let''s ask His Majesty and His Highness for their opinions, and let His Majesty decide in the end whether to adopt a strategy of long-term dominion or take the risk of defending Hulaoguan and try to quickly take Yong Yue Prefecture to force the Enemy Army back and recover three states."


    "Good!"


    Meng Quji did not refuse: "His Highness is not far from us, and His Majesty is always at Kunlun Mountain comprehending the Tao around this time of the year, not as far as from the Capital City. If we use the Crown Prince''s Divine Eagle, it would be even faster. There''s enough time, let''s do it this way!"


    ...


    Tongnan Prefecture.


    Crown Prince''s Residence. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Crown Prince, now past his sixties, was playing chess with a black-robed monk.


    During the game, an eunuch brought up a meal and gently placed it beside the chessboard.


    The dignified Crown Prince, Heir Supervisor, usually had extremely simple meals, consisting only of two dishes of vegetables and a bowl of rice.


    "After so many years, Your Highness is still so frugal."


    The monk flicked his Buddha Beads and slowly made a move: "You eat even more simply than I do, a monk."


    "If I don''t save some, how can I set a good example, letting the officials and my son also follow in saving? If everyone is extravagant, where would the silver for this war come from?"


    The Crown Prince picked up his chopsticks, pushed half of the rice in his bowl to the other side, and then began to eat.


    The black-robed monk looked at him with complex eyes and said, "After several years, Your Highness now can''t even finish a bowl of rice?"


    "Getting old, cough, cough..."


    The Crown Prince turned his face aside to cough a few times, then, after wiping his face with a handkerchief, continued speaking: "Never mind, let''s continue, we can eat and play chess without delay."


    "Alas, since Your Highness started supervising the state, you''ve overworked day and night and severely exhausted yourself."


    The black-robed monk picked up a white piece and gently placed it on the board.


    "Your Highness!"


    "Urgent news from the Divine Eagle!"


    "Read it."


    The Crown Prince, while observing the board, slowly brought rice to his mouth.


    "Yes!"


    The attendant opened the petition and read it word by word.


    As the details emerged, the expressions of the Crown Prince and the black-robed monk continued to change, getting so engrossed in the news they momentarily forgot the chess game before them.


    "What a genius, Chen Sansi is truly a leader sent from heaven!"


    The Crown Prince''s appreciation was evident: "From capturing Prince Yu Wen at the beginning to now, the widespread celebrations, each and every event, which one isn''t a feat unparalleled in history? I determine, these words will be passed down through the ages, lasting longer than I, or even my father."


    "Why would Your Highness say that?"


    The monk gently placed a piece: "With me here, Your Highness could perhaps last through the ages as well."


    "Old Yao..."


    The Crown Prince laid down his chopsticks and sighed: "I have never pursued the elusive path of immortality like my father; I just want to accomplish something with this life. Years of warfare, constant turmoil, corruption rampant, the Martial Arts Sects bullying the commoners, this world needs to be set right! But I can''t take a step further; I simply don''t have enough power."


    The black-robed monk asked, "So, Your Highness thinks that we should next defend Hu Lao, take Lai State, or after a great sacrifice, directly retreat to the border and choose another day?"


    Thinking of severing ties, it would take at least two years, the silver in the national treasury isn''t infinite; these forty years were hard-earned savings. If indeed such a long conflict arises, it might take a decade to recover, not to mention the need to deal with the northern tribes later. If we withdraw, the next opportunity might be unknown years in the future."


    The Crown Prince made up his mind: "Defending Hu Lao is worth a try; whether we can hold it or not is another matter, but I just want to ask one thing, if we successfully recover the three states afterward, how great are our chances of winning at Ziwei Mountain?"


    "In the Capital City, we can''t win."


    The black-robed monk calculated: "But at Ziwei Mountain, we only have a seventy percent chance of success; victory isn''t guaranteed. Your Highness, you may carefully consider it; it''s not too late to change your mind."


    As the conversation reached this point.


    The Crown Prince stopped talking and stared at the chessboard, silently eating his meal until he had finished most of the rice in the bowl. He then picked up the tea pot and poured it into his bowl, mixing the leftover oil with the tea water and drinking it all.


    He set down his bowl and chopsticks, slowly picked up a black piece, hesitated for the last two seconds, and then decisively placed the piece on the board, causing the entire board to tremble: "If we''re going to play chess, let''s play it thoroughly!"


    ...


    Kunlun Mountain.


    Cave Heaven Blessed Land.


    This place was originally a natural cave. Many years ago, Emperor Longqing, while enjoying a mountain and water excursion, took a short rest inside the cave; it was here, inside this cave, that the Emperor dreamed of an Immortal.


    Since then.


    Emperor Longqing began to have craftsmen transform the cave into a palace hidden within the mountain, coming here every year to stay for a while.


    "Your Majesty!"


    The Chamberlain, Ritual Supervision eunuch Huang Hong, hurried in with a report: "Battle news from the Eastern Territory."


    Emperor Longqing, wearing a seemingly plain but exquisitely made Taoist robe, continued to sit cross-legged with closed eyes, giving no response upon hearing the eunuch''s words.


    Huang Hong tactfully read in a low voice.

 Chapter 326 - 160 The Crown Prince Rebels_4

    It was merely a repetition of the affairs at Hu Lao Pass.


    At the end, he concluded, "Defending Hulaoguan poses great risks, but correspondingly, the rewards are also very high. Presently, General Fang, His Highness the Crown Prince, all agree with this strategy. His Highness''s exact words on the petition were ¡ª ''This prince is willing to personally join the battle array, even if it means sacrificing my life, to restore Dasheng''s terrain and fulfill the longstanding wish of my father the Emperor at Ziwei Mountain.''


    Hearing this, Emperor Longqing finally let out a light chuckle, "My son has always been dutiful since childhood."


    "Your Majesty, then..."


    Huang Hong asked softly, "How will this battle be fought?


    "Fight it as they suggest"


    Emperor Longqing''s voice was as calm as a still well, "Tell them, even if Hulaoguan falls, they must fight for me at all costs. I do not want any casualty figures; I only want Ziwei Mountain. By the way, have there been any leads on Sun Xiangzong''s whereabouts?"


    "To answer Your Majesty, no,"


    Huang Hong bowed his head, "Ever since the expansion of the army, his traces have been unfindable."


    "Then send Fang Qingyun to Hu Lao Pass too,"


    Emperor Longqing said calmly, "I refuse to believe that after Fang Qingyun''s disability, he has completely lost all means. This is also a good opportunity to force him to make use of whatever he has left."


    "Sending Fang Qingyun is indeed suitable, but does Chen Sansi also need to go along?"


    Huang Hong cautiously reminded, "Previously, didn''t you say that Chen Sansi needs more growth and is meant for great tasks in the future? Wouldn''t it be too regrettable if he were to fall at Hulaoguan?"


    "Ziwei Mountain is a matter of utmost importance."


    Emperor Longqing spoke unhurriedly, "Even if he only delays them two months, Chen Sansi''s death would be worthy. Naturally, I will properly take care of his family and confer a posthumous title on him." S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "This servant understands. I will make the arrangements immediately."


    ...


    Zhaotong Prefecture.


    In front of the gates of Guanyin Temple.


    A man and a woman arrived hand in hand.


    "Master, must we come to pray now, amidst such turmoil?"


    "What do you know? The master in the temple told me that today is an auspicious day. Praying today will definitely result in conceiving! Besides, the battle is over. After General Chen entered the city, he did not violate even a hair of the people. It''s all peaceful now. What are you afraid of?"


    "Oh..."


    "Hurry up, I''ll wait here for you. Remember to pray for exactly three hours. Pray sincerely!"


    ...


    The woman, with her dainty lotus steps, quickly entered the temple.


    "Tsk tsk!"


    Zhang Lai suddenly appeared, "I say, old man, you might as well stop praying to Buddha and pray to me, Zhang Lai, instead. I''m more useful than any deity in the temple. I guarantee your wife will conceive!"


    "Hmm?"


    The wealthy-looking middle-aged man, seeing a Jianghu knight with an ugly appearance and a sword hanging at his waist, did not react at first, "What do you mean by that?"


    "What do I mean?"


    Chen Sansi sneered, "What I mean is that Zhang Lai''s method is more effective than that of the monks!"


    "Ah?"


    Only then did the middle-aged man understand the implication, "You mean, the child my wife might conceive wouldn''t be the deity''s blessing but a seed from the monk? The masters are so respected, how could they possibly do such a thing?"


    Chen Sansi did not respond but leaped over the not very high temple wall and entered the temple.


    The middle-aged man, watching him disappear and feeling panicked, tried to enter through the main gate but was stopped by the guarding monks, which made him even more uncertain and increasingly uneasy. Finally, gathering his courage, he moved a stone to step on and also climbed over the wall into the courtyard.


    At this deep hour of Midnight, the vast temple was dark and silent, only the main hall, honoring Guanyin of the Child Granting, flickered with dim candlelight. A young woman in pink clothing knelt on a cushion, devoutly offering incense prayers.


    "Omm¡ª"


    Just as she quietly made a wish, behind the statue of the deity, a hidden chamber door suddenly opened. Following that, one figure after another emerged, until, finally, seven or eight burly monks surrounded the woman.


    At this moment, the woman finally understood why the temple''s child-granting was so efficacious.


    Blushing, she stood up and wanted to leave.


    She was stopped by the lead monk grabbing her sleeve, "Amitabha, madam, where do you think you''re going?"


    "I, I want to go home."


    "Madam, where are you going? Don''t you want a child anymore?"


    "Not anymore."


    "Stop! Madam, do you think you can still leave?"


    "Just obey us. We eight monks will perform an Enlightenment ceremony for you, and after you go home, you''re sure to conceive!"


    "Ah¡ª"


    "I''m fighting back!"


    Having seen what was happening, the middle-aged man, unable to contain his rage, charged at them barehanded.


    "Hmm?!"


    "Fornicating monks, fornicating monks!"


    "Layman, you must not slander. We were merely preparing to perform Enlightenment for the lady!"


    "Bang¡ª"


    The lead monk lifted a leg to kick the man, but as his leg rose, a cold gleam flashed by, and he felt a chill on his leg. Looking down, he saw it was missing half, followed immediately by a gush of fresh blood.


    "Ah!!"


    He wailed, collapsing to the ground, grappling with his severed leg.


    "Clink, clink, clink!"


    Chen Sansi''s He Miao Long Sword swung continuously, the sword lights forming a continuous bloom, like a blooming lotus. Within a few breaths, the ground became a pool of blood, and the eight members of the Incense Fire Divine Sect breathed their last.


    "Murder!"


    The middle-aged man, with the woman, fled in panic.


    Chen Sansi did not rush to extract the Xuanzhu, because he knew the incense in front had already been taken. He had come here to flush out the snake, hoping to gain big.


    "Your Excellency is Zhang Lai, Hero Zhang, right?"


    Indeed, an angry voice erupted.


    Yun Xiaozi and Ling Xuzi, one in front and one behind, entered the main hall.

 Chapter 327 - 160 Crown Prince Rebels_5

    "Indeed, it is I!"


    Chen Sansi controlled his tone and manner to ensure it was completely different from his usual self.


    "Hero Zhang!"


    Yun Xiaozi narrowed his eyes warily and said, "Our Incense Fire Divine Sect bears no grudge against you. Why then do you repeatedly rob our incense and kill our disciples!"


    "Your Incense Fire Divine Sect robs the divine incense, deceiving the common folk¡ªeveryone involved deserves death!"


    Chen Sansi retorted, "Don''t think I don''t know that you are instructed by the Crown Prince!"


    "Ah?"


    Yun Xiaozi exclaimed in shock, "How do you even know that!"


    "There''s nothing in this world that I, Lai Zi, don''t know about!"


    Chen Sansi''s face remained expressionless, but his mind began to race.


    He casually bluffed, and these two confessed.


    It really was the Crown Prince''s doing. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The reason he had come today was partly because he needed more incense to advance his Sword Qi Skill to the next stage, and partly because he truly wanted to understand what the Crown Prince was plotting.


    After all, this place was a battlefield; he had to ensure no one was causing mischief behind his back.


    "This..."


    Yun Xiaozi''s face kept changing colors. He had planned to kill him and silence him, but considering the speed with which the opposed absorbed the incense, which indicated daunting capabilities, he ultimately didn''t dare to make a rash move.


    He tentatively asked, "Hero Zhang, why the trouble? Must you oppose us and His Highness? With your capabilities, why not join us? Once our plan succeeds, you''ll be credited with a colossal help!"


    A colossal help?


    Chen Sansi seemed to stumble upon some incredible information unintentionally.


    The Incense God Sect was aligned with the Crown Prince.


    Then they mentioned a colossal help.


    The Crown Prince...


    Planning a revolt, to commit patricide?


    He maintained a calm demeanor, "Nonsense! I am a seeker of immortality, I have no interest in the affairs of the court!"


    "Hero Zhang, don''t be hasty in rejecting!"


    Yun Xiaozi said, "How about this, let me report back to His Highness, and since His Highness will surely appreciate someone of your stature, the terms he offers might not be easily refused by you."


    Chen Sansi didn''t answer and made a gesture as if he was about to act.


    "Why must it come to this?!"


    Yun Xiaozi backed away continuously, "Hero Zhang, how about this, meet us at the Mountain God Temple in Taihu Prefecture four months from now! Then, depending on whether you are satisfied with the conditions, it''s not too late to decide on cooperation."


    "Right."


    Ling Xuzi followed up, "Since you are not interested in the affairs of the court, you presumably won''t disclose this matter. As for the rest, we can negotiate slowly when the time comes!"


    Taihu Prefecture.


    Chen Sansi, who looked at maps day and night, knew exactly where it was.


    Next to Taihu Prefecture was Ziwei Mountain!


    That is to say.


    If the Crown Prince were to stage a revolt, he would choose to act in Ziwei Mountain, which meant, on the condition that he had regained control of three states.


    Originally.


    The information from the Seeking Immortal Tower was correct, the Incense God Sect was indeed planning something major in "Capital City".


    Only, this ''Capital City'' was not a place, but a person¡ªthe Emperor!


    "To show our sincerity..."


    Yun Xiaozi produced a miniature incense burner from his robes, "These incenses, consider them a meeting gift for Hero Zhang. For past incidents, our Incense Fire Divine Sect promises not to pursue them. How about it?"


    "Tch!"


    Chen Sansi glared and said, "Then don''t dawdle, get lost!"


    "Quickly, let''s go!"


    Yun Xiaozi and his companion exchanged looks, then quickly retreated.


    After Chen Sansi confirmed they were far away using his Qi Observation Skill, he began examining the incense burner on the ground. The miniature one was no bigger than the size of a palm, but it was surrounded by Purple Energy and full of incense, with a blood-red mark under it as well.


    "This incense is enough for the Sword Qi Skill to break through."


    He took out Xuanzhu and absorbed all the incense, then casually discarded the incense burner.


    It had marks on it, carrying it would make him be tracked.


    Moreover, after experimenting, the Spiritual Grain obtained from the burner wasn''t better than that from the Mystic Iron Furnace because it wasn''t meant for alchemy to begin with, so there was no use in keeping it.


    As for ointments, he wasn''t lacking now.


    Today''s venture was quite fruitful.


    Still...


    Why did the Crown Prince have to choose Ziwei Mountain for the revoltext, of all places?


    Upon further thought, he understood.


    Whether it was a coup or a revolt, one needed enough men at hand, and the Crown Prince''s influence within the Capital City surely couldn''t surpass the Old Emperor''s. Even around the Capital, mobilizing troops would be too conspicuous and easily detected.


    But Ziwei Mountain was just the right place!


    After the battle, the Emperor would surely come to offer sacrifices.


    And with the battle over the three states just ended, having troops there was nothing out of the ordinary, plus the early arrival under the radar of people like Pei Tiannan made everything logical.


    Still...


    The battle wasn''t over yet, and the Crown Prince was already laying the groundwork.


    What if the subsequent battles were lost, or if they failed to recover the three states?


    Would he still force the ''palace'' issue?


    Never mind.


    These things had nothing to do with him.


    For Chen Sansi.


    The one who poisoned him, the Old Emperor who had endured ten miserable days in Yunzhou, deserved death. The Crown Prince who used living people for sacrifices wasn''t any better; it made no difference who was Emperor to him.


    The only thing worth considering was whether in the future, while ensuring his own safety, it was possible to swindle more benefits from the hands of the Incense Fire Divine Sect.


    And it seemed...


    Yun Xiaozi had mistaken him for some great master.


    Of course, Chen Sansi wasn''t purely pretending.


    His Qi Observation Skill allowed him to judge strength.


    The Mystical Energy within Yun Xiaozi wasn''t even more potent than his own. If it really came to a fight, it would merely be a matter of killing him with the Sword Qi Skill.


    The Imperial Family really lacked kinship!


    After a brief moment of reflection, Chen Sansi left the grand hall and vaulted out of the temple, merging into the darkness again.


    No matter how big the uproar, the immediate battle still had to be fought.

 Chapter 328 - 160: Crown Prince Rebels_6

    Fortunately, it was certain that unlike Yunzhou, where the Emperor personally plunged the knife, one could let go and make full use of their abilities.


    According to his judgment, the situation in the Eastern Territory was still far from optimistic.


    Whether it was troops or high-ranking generals, Dasheng was somewhat lacking; on paper, Dasheng was undoubtedly the strongest, but being surrounded by enemies on all sides and needing to attend to every front was an extremely arduous task.


    That Deng Feng...


    If only he could surrender, it would be of great help for the upcoming situation.


    Moreover, Chen Sansi had carefully investigated.


    This man was of valuable character, one of the few good officials in this era who did not oppress the civilians or engage in corruption.


    It was for this reason that he was exiled from the Capital City to the borderlands several years ago.


    While he was a good man, such people often had a strong backbone.


    If it weren''t for being well-prepared and calling Cui Congyi and Sha Wenlong to go in together, he would have succeeded in his suicide just a moment later. Whether he could be persuaded to join was also something that could only be tried.


    If it really came to it, then so be it.


    On the battlefield, if one couldn''t be a friend, they could only be an enemy.


    After returning to his assigned quarters, Chen Sansi did not make any fuss but seized the time to practice the Sword Qi Skill all night long.


    [Magic: Sword Qi Skill (Proficient)]


    [Progress: 855/1000]


    Only when the next day dawned did he speak.


    "Xia Cong! Go fetch General Deng''s archives and all the records of his life''s deeds for me."


    "Yes!"


    ...


    "General Deng, why don''t you surrender? It would be beneficial for everyone."


    Sha Wenlong, holding the Iron Thorns Whip in his hand, looked impatiently at Deng Feng, who had taken off his armor and was left only in a blood-stained undergarment robe, and said, "You know the rules; it''s too much trouble to keep high-ranking generals captive, so usually, if they don''t surrender within seven days, they will be beheaded and shown to the public!"


    Not only was Deng Feng entirely bound by Mystic Iron Chains, but now his hands and feet were also nailed to a cross-shaped wooden stake.


    He kept his eyes tightly shut, without uttering a word.


    "Deng Feng!"


    Sha Wenlong reprimanded, "You, a defeated general, have even been promised a marquisate by the Great Sheng Court. What more could you be dissatisfied with? Well, I recognize your stubbornness. What about your family? Bring in the Deng family members!"


    Soon, a dozen or so family members, young and old, including two sons, three daughters, as well as his elderly mother and concubines, were pushed and shoved into the tent.


    Deng Feng turned a deaf ear.


    "General Deng!"


    Sha Wenlong said, "It would be one thing for you to die alone, but do you really want to drag down your wives and children along with you?"


    This time.


    Deng Feng finally opened his eyes, but rather than begging for mercy, he scoffed and said, "Hurry up and kill them, kill them all with me!"


    "You?!"


    Sha Wenlong was taken aback, never expecting that even this move would not work.


    "Kill them!"


    Deng Feng was actually urging them on, "They lived off my blessing while they were alive. Now that I have been defeated, it is only right for them to die with me! Why won''t you kill us!"


    "Fine, I will kill them for you to see!"


    Sha Wenlong, who had been bottling up a bellyful of rage and looking for an outlet, was about to act when a young man in a white robe walked into the tent.


    "Sha Wenlong, that''s enough."


    "Chen San, General Chen."


    Sha Wenlong, restraining himself from addressing him directly, said, "Deng Feng refuses to surrender, just kill him!"


    "You may leave. Make sure General Deng''s family is well-cared for,"


    Chen Sansi ordered, "If anyone, especially the women, suffers the slightest insult, I''ll send a petition and execute your entire family!"


    "Got it."


    Sha Wenlong, biting back his anger, led away the Deng family members.


    Chen Sansi then ordered Xia Cong and the others to stay two hundred steps away from the tent, forbidding anyone to come within two hundred steps.


    "Chen."


    Deng Feng mocked, "Do you think by taking care of my family, you can buy me over?"


    ```


    "No, I wasn''t planning on buying your loyalty with this. I simply knew that killing you would be pointless, so I kept you alive, intending to kill you alongside me after seven days, as a sign of respect for you."


    Chen Sansi said as he took a seat on the chair inside the tent and began perusing a few volumes of records, not in any hurry to continue talking.


    On the contrary, it was Deng Feng who couldn''t hold back. He said resentfully, "Chen Sansi! I only lost to you by an hour! By dawn, you all are planning to retreat, aren''t you? That means, in another hour, if the city doesn''t descend into chaos, you lose!"


    "Indeed, everything you said is correct."


    Chen Sansi paused, "But this hour is a chasm, an insurmountable natural barrier that you cannot overcome. You are destined to lose."


    This battle...


    He didn''t know where his confidence came from, but he truly had grasped a kind of military tactic, one that came not only from the deeds of sages but also from the understanding he gained through many large and small battles.


    Under the circumstances at the time, the common people and the defending army were simply seeking a way to survive. Since that way out had been provided, there was no point in continuing the defense.


    It was only because of Deng Feng''s excessive prestige that they didn''t open the gates the next day. They didn''t even need to resort to the tactic of attacking from all sides.


    "Enough."


    Deng Feng was tired of arguing: "Victors beget kings, and losers bandits. Go ahead and kill me. Deng will never be disloyal or unfaithful."


    "Loyalty and faithfulness, such noble virtues."


    Holding the document, Chen Sansi read, "General Deng, let me ask you one thing, what is the purpose of defending the city?"


    "Of course, it''s to protect the people!"


    "Now that the city has fallen, have the citizens been harmed? Even this morning, several corrupt officials whom you previously didn''t dare to touch due to their backing from the court were killed, and the common people are cheering. Doesn''t this mean that the circumstances have improved for the people?"


    Deng Feng: "..."


    "Or are you suggesting that General Deng believes you must continue the fight, and see more civilians die in order to protect them?" S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "..."


    Deng Feng changed his tune: "I did it to serve the court!"


    "Oh?"


    With the document in hand, Chen Sansi said: "In the year 192 of the Qingli Era, when General Deng was only sixteen and just beginning his career, you wrote a poem that shocked the literary world."


    "Studying the sage teachings assiduously to stand by the people, continuing the lost studies to usher in peace."


    "Holding a three-foot Green Blade Sword, sweeping away all corrupt beings in the world."


    "So I want to ask, what is more important to General Deng, serving the court, or pursuing this grand aspiration you once set for yourself?"


    Deng Feng furrowed his brow: "Are these in conflict?"


    "Of course, they''re in conflict!"


    Chen Sansi continued: "To my knowledge, in Qing Country corruption is rampant, taxes increase every year, and the people are in unspeakable misery, with at least a dozen uprisings each year. Given such a deeply entrenched and irreversible state of decay within the court, does General Deng believe it''s possible to achieve the so-called everlasting peace? Even... establishing a just society for the people and sweeping away all corrupt beings are unachievable, right? Otherwise, the officials in the city wouldn''t have to wait for me to execute them."


    "As such, doesn''t serving the court and aiming for a peaceful world contradict each other?


    By continuing to serve Qing Country, aren''t you destroying your own grand aspirations?


    Or is it that..."


    He paused for a moment, then suddenly raised his voice: "General Deng is nothing but a glory-seeking, hypocritical pretender! All your actions are merely to preserve the so-called ''six generations of loyal service'' reputation!"


    "You''re talking nonsense!"


    Deng Feng, who had been as silent as a dead dog, finally had his nerves struck and burst out in anger: "What right do you have to say that about me!"


    "Isn''t it true?"


    Chen Sansi stood up: "Suppose, because of General Deng''s brave and indomitable defense, Zhao Tong Prefecture City had been saved. Then, that Prefect Young Master with a powerful family background, considered to be royalty in Qing Country, could continue to harm the civilians, forcing himself on women. Even with numerous petitions filed by you, what good would that do? At worst, they would be dismissed or fined, but they could simply move to another place and continue their former deeds without any repercussions."


    "All those victimized civilians, could they think that it was General Deng''s defense that caused their suffering?


    Hence, aren''t serving the Qing Country court and striving for a world of peace in contradiction?


    As long as General Deng continues to serve as a general for Qing Country, even a thousand years would not be enough to realize your wish, right?"


    "Ridiculous, ridiculous!"


    Deng Feng found a loophole and began to fiercely counterattack: "All this meaningless drivel, isn''t it just to make me surrender? Corruption may be endless in Qing Country and the people may suffer terribly, but what about Sheng Country? In Yunzhou alone, in just ten days, even I can see that something''s amiss! That''s nearly a million civilians! If you want to talk about being rotten, Sheng Country is far worse!"


    "General Deng!"


    Chen Sansi enunciated each word: "Have I ever said that I am loyal to Great Sheng, or boasted about being a loyal martyr for Great Sheng?"


    "Boom!"


    Those words.


    They exploded in Deng Feng''s mind like a thunderbolt from a clear sky.


    "You, what do you mean by that?"


    ```

 Chapter 329 - 161: The Battle of Hu Lao

    "General Deng, why are you so surprised?"


    Chen Sansi joked, "Did you truly think I was fiercely loyal to Dasheng?"


    "Is it not so?"


    Deng Feng said seriously, "Everything you have was given to you by the Emperor of Sheng Country,"


    "Given to me? Indeed, he gave me a goblet of poison."


    Chen Sansi found it amusing, "I, Chen, initially had only one dream¡ªto hunt to earn silvers, learn some martial arts, and honestly be a wealthy man. What happened, though? They step by step forced me to today''s position, where bullies harm people unchecked, Martial Arts Hall murders uninvestigated, and even after joining the army, there were those who hindered my advancement."


    "The ensuing ten days in Yunzhou, as General Deng said, indeed had significant issues."


    "Such a big issue had to be created by someone of high position, no need for me to spell it out, right?"


    "From traveling on foot from Yunzhou to You State, how many of my brothers died along the way, I remember each of their names, ferrying civilians across the river, do you think I wanted this? I was forced."


    "Such a court."


    "You want me to be their loyal subject, do they deserve it?!"


    Deng Feng was somewhat stunned.


    He couldn''t believe it.


    This young general from Dasheng, renowned worldwide after only two years in the army, actually didn''t regard the court highly at all.


    "General Deng!"


    "The things I''m about to say, if overheard, are crimes punishable by the execution of my entire clan, but I still need to discuss them with you."


    Chen Sansi moved closer, his voice not loud, yet deafening, "Whether it''s Qing Country, Dasheng, Nan Xu, or even the barbarian tribes, in fact... they are all utterly rotten! Although I serve as a general for Sheng, everything I do is never for the so-called court."


    "Firstly, it''s for myself, secondly, within my capabilities, to handle some matters I find intolerable, such as Sect disciples, corrupt officials... but this is still not enough, there are still many things I can''t handle."


    "Just like the ten days in Yunzhou you mentioned!"


    "Even if I know there''s deception, what could I do? I could only pretend to be ignorant."


    "What I can do is continually enhance my power, until no one dares to bully me, no one obstructs me, only then can I truly call it ''wielding a three-foot Green Blade Sword, slashing all the vile creatures of this world''!"


    "I tell you so much, General, merely because I feel you are blinded by the so-called ''loyalty,'' unable to see the real maladies of this world, precisely in the court you are loyal to!"


    At this moment.


    Deng Feng, a warrior who had read saintly books since childhood and was taught to be loyal to his country, found his worldview being utterly upended upon hearing these words.


    Putting all emotions aside temporarily.


    He couldn''t help blurting out, "Are you planning a rebellion? When?"


    "..."


    This time, it was Chen Sansi who was at a loss for words.


    He hadn''t thought about this problem until now.


    But...


    The words he just said indeed seemed to imply that.


    The old Emperor''s poison wine vendetta was definitely something he intended to avenge.


    But for now, that goal was still far off, to speak more practically, his next target was still the Main General.


    After all.


    He wasn''t even in the Profound Image Realm, let alone a Martial Saint.


    Yet the Emperor was an Immortal.


    The gap between them was simply too vast.


    "General Deng."


    Chen Sansi changed the topic, "Do you understand what I''m saying?" Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I..."


    Deng Feng''s expression was extremely grave, clearly struggling to accept it for the time being, "Chen, according to you, the world is suffering because the court is rotten? Not because of corrupt officials?"


    "So."


    Chen Sansi said, "General Deng''s ''loyalty and righteousness,'' is it truly to the common people, or just to a particular family or personal loyalties?"


    "No, you are wrong!"


    Deng Feng said in agony, "The saintly books do not describe it as so, receiving the ruler''s favor and serving him loyally is the true truth!"


    "Receiving the ruler''s favor?!"


    Chen Sansi asked yet again, "Where does the stipend the Emperor gives you come from?"


    "Boom!"


    Deng was struck as if by lightning yet again.


    "Saintly books are written by people, just as the Martial Saint is also a saint, but does that make their words the truth?"


    At this point, Chen Sansi abruptly stopped, "Think it over, General. If you continue to be loyal to Qing Country, aside from a hollow reputation of being loyal through six generations, what else can you gain?"


    "That said,"


    "I will not try to persuade you any further."


    "If after seven days, you still proclaim yourself a loyal servant of the Qing Country Shen Family and the Imperial Family, then it means I have misjudged you, and you''re nothing more than someone who fishes for fame. I will have them behead you and your family and hang your heads on the city walls for public display."


    "Or..."


    "You could realize the truth, choose to stay alive to act, and wait for the day you can ''cleanse the world''s filth.''


    "The decision is entirely up to you, General."


    "Farewell!"


    With those words,


    he left the tent.


    Leaving a bloodstained Deng Feng hanging on the wooden stakes, plunged into boundless shock and confusion.


    ''A person like this, expecting him to betray one court and be loyal to another, is absolutely impossible.''


    Chen Sansi knew this well, so he straightforwardly declared his stance.


    Practice!


    He returned to the city, relentlessly practicing his spear technique day and night.


    During this period, he sent out people like Xia Cong to persuade the other Eight Prefectures to surrender.


    Once the Eight Prefectures learned that Zhao Tong Prefecture had surrendered, naturally, there wouldn''t be a speck of resistance, all of them willingly opened their city gates to welcome the army of Sheng Country, thereby, only Yong Yue Prefecture was still holding out.


    The fifty thousand elite troops in Yong Yue Prefecture, cultivated over many years by the Aliased King Li Gong, along with ample food and military supplies, meant that the morale of the troops was unlikely to waver significantly any time soon, making surrender impossible.

 Chapter 330 - 161: The Battle at Hu Lao_2

    The situation now.


    "Sir, would you like the map?"


    Xia Cong had already prepared it.


    "Hmm."


    Chen Sansi nodded.


    Xia Cong immediately spread out the map.


    "Green Ridge Mountain. Except for the Emperor of Qing, I''m not sure if there are any other Martial Saints. Therefore, a tremendous military force needs to be deployed for defense, to block them outside Lai State." S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Additionally, we need to be ready to face the large army from Nanxu Country that might appear at any time."


    "Either rule independently or..."


    "Hold Hu Lao Pass for three to five months, waiting to consume Yong Yue Prefecture and make the enemy withdraw."


    "This is also the best method..."


    "However, looking at the current situation within Lai State, we can barely mobilize a few thousand troops in the short term, and those are still¡ª"


    "I!"


    Chen Sansi silently analyzed in his mind.


    He quickly reached a conclusion.


    If he were to defend Hu Lao, this task, likely costing him his life, would probably fall upon him.


    Whether to rule independently or to defend Hu Lao.


    It would depend on how much the Emperor desires Ziwei Mountain.


    [Cultivation Technique: National Guardian Dragon Spear, Meridian Passage (Advanced)]


    [Progress: 496/1000]


    ...


    [Magic: Sword Qi Skill (Advanced)]


    [Progress: 955/1000]


    In the blink of an eye.


    Two days had passed.


    The progress in Chen Sansi''s spear technique was about to exceed halfway, and his Sword Qi Skill was on the verge of breakthrough.


    On the morning of the third day.


    He had just stepped out of his residence when You Jike came to report.


    "Sir!"


    "Twenty thousand Hu Ben Army soldiers are rushing from Yong Yue Prefecture! General Fan Tianfa has brought you the Commander''s military order!"


    "Qian Xun!"


    Chen Sansi called out and mounted his horse, heading straight for the city gate.


    "Chen Sansi, listen to the order!"


    General Fan Tianfa, holding the commander''s token, said, "The large army from Nanxu Country is threatening Hu Lao Pass. The Commander orders you to lead your 3000 Black Armor soldiers to Hu Lao Pass within ten days, and at all costs, defend Hu Lao for a hundred days! If not, bring your head to meet me!"


    As expected...


    This burdensome task was his own again.


    Chen Sansi was mentally prepared, "I, Chen Sansi, acknowledge the command!"


    "Hmm."


    General Fan asked, "General Fang will soon arrive to help you strategize. Besides that, is there anything else you need... actually, it''s pointless to ask. Given the current situation, even grain dispatch takes a long time, I can''t really offer you much; I can just try my best."


    "We''re short of a General."


    Chen Sansi nodded, "General Fan, I''m only at the Meridian Passage Realm. Even if Hu Lao Pass is strategically critical, not having a General of the Xuanxiang Realm is somewhat indefensible. If it''s really impossible to reallocate someone else, please send Sha Wenlong to me."


    "Alright, I agree."


    General Fan did not refuse, "Sha Wenlong''s troops will immediately head with me to Green Ridge Mountain, and he will go with you to Hu Lao Pass."


    "General Fan!"


    At the side, Sha Wenlong almost blurted out.


    He had barely endured until Zhao Tong Prefecture fell; was he supposed to stay and continue under the orders of a Meridian Passage General?


    "Thank you, General Fan!"


    Chen Sansi disliked the man as well.


    But there was no choice; he was short on people.


    Given the current situation, both the Crown Prince and the Emperor were keen on recapturing Ziwei Mountain. In the battlefield, Sha Wenlong would still obey, as it was for the benefit of his master.


    General Fan sincerely said, "I hope you two can complete this mission and establish one of the few major merits in this battle."


    "General Fan!"


    Following behind him, when no one else was around, Sha Wenlong spoke again, "Could we possibly exchange for someone else, even Cui Congyi would do, as long as I don''t have to go to Hu Lao Pass. I''d rather face death in battle!"


    "General Sha!"


    General Fan cautioned, "Now is not the time to act recklessly. Quickly recapturing three states not only concerns the future of the Dasheng, but also the major matters of the prince. If you follow Chen Sansi and really manage to hold it, you know what a great merit it would be. Obey the command."


    "I understand."


    Sha Wenlong couldn''t argue, "I''m just worried that he''ll use this opportunity for personal vendetta."


    "Personal vendetta?"


    General Fan countered, "Tell me, what personal grudge exists between you two?"


    "I..."


    Sha Wenlong was at a loss for words.


    "That''s enough."


    General Fan patted his shoulder, "If he really dares to seek personal vendetta, after the war ends, you just file a petition against him¡ªit''s a serious crime. Enough, hurry and prepare."


    "Go¡ª"


    After marshaling his troops, he led his forces and marched off.


    ...


    "Senior brother."


    Chen Sansi personally rode out for five miles to meet the mobility-impaired Fang Qingyun.


    Fang Qingyun, holding a flute, joked, "Junior brother, your grand presence is truly impressive; it is an eye-opener for me."


    "You flatter me, senior brother."


    Chen Sansi pushed him back to the tent, "There are two more days, please help me analyze the upcoming situation at Hu Lao Pass, you know the details better than I do."


    The map was spread out.


    The two sat opposite each other.


    "This time Nan Xu Country seized the opportunity to invade with a hundred thousand troops, swarming in."


    Fang Qingyun recounted, "Among these hundred thousand, fifty thousand are elite, with many at the Meridian Passage Realm. The remaining fifty thousand have not trained for long, but all are qualified Array Soldiers. Indeed, it is an overwhelming force and hard to stop."


    "The enemy''s only flaw is that they have no Martial Saint, but they indeed have four at the Xuanxiang Realm."


    "Among them, two are Princes, the main commanders Fan Shuzhen and Fan Jiuxiao, who are the eighth and fourteenth sons of the current fourteen Princes of Nanxu. Besides, there is a Marquis and two Generals."


    "Among the Generals, Ran Jingxuan merits a few words."


    "Junior brother, are you acquainted with him?"


    "Of course,"


    Chen Sansi expressed, "A top-ranked strategist in the world, following Wo Long and Phoenix, this man, nicknamed ''Lingsuan'', is the son of Nanxu''s top strategist, ''Zhong Hu''."

 Chapter 331 - 161: The Battle at Hu Lao_3

    In the fifty-seventh year of Longqing.


    The great chaos in the South.


    Originated from the scheming of Zhong Hu, severely damaging Dasheng''s vitality.


    However, Zhong Hu was aged and had retreated from the world many years ago, leaving his son, Ran Jingxuan, who was gradually becoming prominent.


    For over a decade,


    "Lingsuan" Ran Jingxuan had established countless major and minor accomplishments within Nanxu Country, even seizing two states from the enemy country at the southernmost border of Nanxu, gaining fame in one battle, and was considered one of the most famous martial figures in current Nanxu, even described as "the unrivaled cunning Lingsuan."


    "Zhong Hu was a lifelong adversary whom my master had battled against, the person he personally trained should not be underestimated, not to mention Ran Jingxuan is no longer young, well past his prime, free from the impetuosity of youth."


    Fang Qingyun continued, "Besides that, their commander, Fan Shuzhen, is also one of the four most competitive candidates among the many crown princes of Nanxu. He sends troops hastily here also aiming to establish an unparalleled achievement in this battle to gain more say in future competitions."


    "All in all, their four generals of the Profound Image Realm are all high-ranking nobles of Nanxu with numerous Meridian Passages."


    "And we only have Sha Wenlong, the difference on paper is quite substantial."


    "Brother, how is your Sword Qi Skill coming along?"


    "Not bad."


    Chen Sansi candidly said, "Profound Image Realm, I should attempt it. though Great Success is rather difficult."


    Sword Qi Skill was taught to him by his master and senior brother, even the Seeking Immortal Tower''s spirit sand, they also knew about it since it was originally given to him as a lifesaving trump card, making it unnecessary to hide.


    Fang Qingyun nodded, "Alright, but it might still increase our odds somewhat."


    "Brother, even if we can kill Xuanxiang, can the Sword Qi Skill really be used?"


    Chen Sansi wondered aloud, "Immortal Law on the battlefield, even if not seen, the death of the enemy general needs some explanation. Surely we can''t claim I enhanced my realm to kill Xuanxiang."


    Fang Qingyun holding a flute, pointed to himself, "Isn''t this where I come in?"


    "You mean?"


    Chen Sansi understood, "Say it was you who used it?"


    "Exactly."


    Fang Qingyun indifferently said, "You''re still young, but the master and I have long been unfearing of boiling water; the emperor has been watching us not just for a day or two. Instead of him noticing you, better to keep his focus on us."


    "I understand."


    Only then did Chen Sansi realize.


    The transfer order to send Fang Qingyun, a man with a disability, to Hu Lao Pass was exactly counting on him to pull off some tactics, creating a few surprises.


    The old emperor really lives by the principle of "using every talent to its full potential, employing every resource efficiently."


    But still...


    It''s very difficult!


    After all, Sword Qi Skill is a true Immortal technique, and it hasn''t been perfected to Perfection; its combat effectiveness is still inadequate, fortunately, there are also Xuanzhu beads to use, another card up the sleeve.


    "General Deng!"


    Chen Sansi arrived at the military tent, "What''s your decision?"


    The disheveled Deng Feng, head drooping and eyes bloodshot, did not respond.


    Outside the tent, in the sky above, an eagle''s cry echoed now and then.


    It was Li Gong reminding him to find a way to commit suicide and not disgrace Daqing''s honor, preserving the integrity of loyalty and valor.


    "I said I wouldn''t persuade you again, just came to tell you I''m leaving."


    Chen Sansi said, "Tomorrow morning, I will be setting off for another place, you don''t have as long as seven days to decide." Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Deng Feng: "..."


    Without another word, Chen Sansi left, promptly starting a drill exercise with the Xuanjia Army outside the city.


    For these individuals raised from childhood on saintly books with deeply ingrained teachings, if they changed their minds too quickly, that wouldn''t be normal. After all, they were grappling with the doctrines of "utter defiance," which naturally took some time to accept and digest.


    Three thousand Xuanjia Army.


    Forming the "Jiuxiao Heavenly Soldiers Formation," they galloped and roared through the barren plains with an unstoppable momentum.


    Moreover.


    The white qi from Chen Sansi''s Xuanzhu became even denser!


    It seemed, with an eighty percent probability, this was manifested by a victorious momentum, after a tough battle that followed, it would confirm if it really matched the guesses.


    Such abundant white Mystical Energy, if used all in one go, will assuredly create an unexpected advantage.


    However...


    Nanxu after all has an army of one hundred thousand.


    Three thousand special troops, no matter how formidable, can''t possibly win head-on.


    But this, would take one step at a time.


    Another night''s rest.


    At 5 a.m., as the dawn broke, Tingtong emerged.


    Chen Sansi, leading the three thousand Xuanjia Army, marched out of Hu Lao Pass!


    ...


    Within the detention tent.


    Sha Wenlong walked in, dragging a broadsword.


    The army was about to set off, unable to spare two men with Meridian Passage to guard a general, according to the rules, they could only execute him.


    Chen, however, couldn''t do whatever he wanted!


    A few days earlier, alone in the tent, he''d talked on and on for half a day, but in the end, it was totally useless.


    "Deng Feng!"


    "Your time is up!"


    Sha Wenlong gripped his sword handle, slowly raising his broadsword, "This is your last chance, surrender or not?"


    Deng Feng: "..."


    "Then face your death!"


    "Hum!"


    Around Sha Wenlong''s broadsword swirled Gang Qi, poised to behead with one strike.


    At that moment, Deng Feng, who looked like a walking corpse, finally let out a hoarse voice,


    "Call Chen Sansi!"


    "Hmm?"


    Sha Wenlong paused, reluctantly stopping his sword, "If you want to surrender, just nod at me, why bother asking for him? If you won''t surrender, he can''t save your life either!"


    "I told you to call Chen Sansi."


    Deng Feng slowly raised his head, looking at him with disdain, "Sha, not only are you blind, but are your ears deaf too?"


    "You!"


    Sha Wenlong sneered, "Fine, let Chen kill you then."

 Chapter 332 - 161: The Battle of Hu Lao_4

    ...


    Chen Sansi rushed over upon hearing the news.


    "General Deng should have done this earlier, why endure such torments for so many days?"


    He stepped forward and personally pulled out iron nails thick as baby''s fists from the other''s body, unlocked the python-like Mystic Iron Chains, leaving behind one bloody hole after another.


    "You?"


    Deng Feng''s forehead veins throbbed, but he did not wail in the extreme pain; he weakly fell from the crucifixion stakes, almost stumbled and fell down, and after struggling to steady himself, he said, "I''ve said nothing, yet you release me; are you not afraid I will rise against you and kill you?"


    "If you hadn''t changed your mind, why bother calling me over to no avail?"


    Chen Sansi said, "The battle is not yet over; with General Deng''s assistance, how can our chances of victory not increase by more than just a little?"


    "First things first!"


    Deng Feng did not deny it: "I do not surrender to Sheng."


    "Speak."


    Chen Sansi asked, "What are your conditions?"


    "I will help you,"


    Deng Feng slowly said, "Just as you said, advance, and then I will wait and see how you sweep the scum of the world away. If one day, you achieve great success and forget today''s words, I shall surely take your head!"


    "Fine!"


    Chen Sansi agreed without hesitation.


    "Thump!"


    Unexpectedly, Deng Feng kneeled down on one knee: "Deng Feng, at your service, Commander!"


    "General Deng."


    Chen Sansi helped him up: "There''s no need for such grand gestures; you are my senior and also a Martial Artist who has achieved Great Success in the Xuanxiang Realm, I cannot accept such honor."


    "Times change!"


    Deng Feng''s voice was even regaining its strength: "Before I agreed, I could call you by your name no matter what, but after nodding in agreement, I must recognize my position, it''s the rule, nothing else."


    "Very well."


    Chen Sansi did not refuse further.


    "May I, Deng Feng, be informed of the current situation?"


    Deng Feng paused, "If not, then forget it."


    He knew very well that being a newly surrendered enemy General, if he wanted to continue mixing in the military, he would need to work hard to redeem himself and prove his loyalty.


    "What could be the problem."


    Chen Sansi shared the details of the current situation as if on a platter.


    Trust those you use, and use those you trust.


    "Hulaoguan."


    Deng Feng mused, "Three thousand men to defend against one hundred thousand, and to hold out for three months, does the Emperor of the Sheng Dynasty yearn for Ziwei Mountain so badly? Well, if you think it can be held, then hold. Please, have someone fetch the other set of Armour from my residence, as well as the Weapons that were previously confiscated."


    "Shouldn''t General Deng rest and recover for a few days?"


    Chen Sansi eyed his bloodied body: "Your injuries are not minor."


    "It''s fine."


    Deng Feng replied, "Deng is of the Body of Undying Primordium, and without vital injury, I will recover my combat strength before long!"


    Body of Undying Primordium.


    One of the Bodies of Innate Martial Saint.


    Its special feature is resilience; under normal circumstances, as long as one doesn''t die, the recovery speed is much faster than that of other people.


    "Good!"


    Chen Sansi took out several healing treasure medicines that the court had given him.


    Deng Feng was not polite and swallowed them all at once: "This medicine is indeed valuable. Once we reach Hulao Pass, I should recover quite a bit!"


    Very soon.


    Zhao Kang and the others brought armor, weapons, and clean clothes.


    After getting dressed, Deng Feng once again looked imposing, and followed Chen Sansi out of the tent.


    Sha Wenlong almost doubted what he was seeing.


    "This..."


    Fang Qingyun watched the scene before him, equally surprised.


    He had memorized the dossiers of well-known generals from Lai State before the war had even started, which naturally included Deng Feng. According to reason, someone like him, even if he had faced the disaster of having his entire clan executed, would not have surrendered.


    It was truly unbelievable what kind of rhetoric or methods his junior brother had used to even bring such a person over to their side.


    "General Deng, I''ve been looking forward to meeting you."


    Fang Qingyun greeted with a fist and palm salute: "Having General Deng''s assistance in the battle of Hulao is indeed a stroke of great fortune!"


    "You must be General Fang." S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Deng Feng returned the greeting: "I''ve long admired your name!"


    "In that case, let us not waste more time here."


    "Pass on the order!"


    "Move out!"


    "To Hulao Pass!"


    ...


    Tongnan Prefecture.


    It was March, the time for spring plowing in the eastern regions.


    Farmers with their families started to get busy in the fields.


    "How was last year''s harvest, did you have any money left over?"


    The Crown Prince, dressed in rough hemp clothes and leaning on a cane, stood on the ridge of the field and asked an old farmer.


    "Last year our Tongnan Prefecture had a good harvest, but what''s the use?"


    The old farmer stood in the mud: "First there was the spring tax, then the autumn tax, and there were two additional rounds of tax collected in between. Come winter, with the war going on, more grain was conscripted. These were at least explicitly stated taxes. Then there were the inexplicable ones: bridge-crossing tax, hunting tax, firewood tax, straw sandal tax, even for raising chickens, ducks, and geese, one had to pay tax, on top of various compulsory labor tasks...


    "Even in a bumper year, we barely managed to survive, let alone save a single copper coin.


    "If there''s a drought like in the northern part of Lai State, in Qing Country, we might starve to death!"


    In many places, water conservation was not developed.


    Therefore, it was possible for one state to suffer drought or flooding while the adjacent one remained unaffected.


    "Wait a minute."


    The Crown Prince grew serious: "Fellow villager, what did you just say about tax? There''s a tax for raising chickens, ducks, and geese? I don''t recall such a tax in the Great Sheng Dynasty?"


    "How can there not be!"


    The old farmer said angrily: "For every chicken raised, we have to pay! They even begrudge us the eggs a hen lays!"


    "Absurd, utterly absurd!"


    Rage appeared on the Crown Prince''s face.


    He leaned on his cane and shakily moved to the side, addressing his attendant guards: "The firewood tax and hunting tax in the southeastern region, I remember they were abolished four years ago, right? And what''s this tax for chickens, ducks, and geese; where did it come from! Not a single copper coin has entered the state treasury! Which local official has the audacity to do this! Go check for me, check... cough cough cough..."

 Chapter 333 - 161: The Battle at Hu Lao_5

    As he spoke the latter part, his breath was clearly insufficient.


    "Your Highness..."


    The trusted guard Han Yan said with a troubled face, "Do we still need to investigate this? Even if the local officials were audacious, they wouldn''t dare to blatantly pocket all the tax silver. This must be the doing of the Yan Party, and above the Yan Party... Anyway, Your Highness knows how much the Emperor spends each year; just the pursuits of seeking immortals and alchemy alone... they account for over a third of the annual tax revenue..."


    "We must still investigate!" S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Crown Prince''s voice trembled as he said, "Investigate!!"


    "Yes, I will investigate immediately!"


    Han Yan hastily replied, "We''ll execute everyone we find, execute them in pairs if we find pairs. Your Highness, please calm your anger and take care of your health."


    "Go now!"


    "Yes, yes!"


    Han Yan hurriedly left.


    "Your Highness, why are you so enraged?"


    The black-robed monk quickened his pace to catch up.


    "It''s nothing, it''s nothing..."


    The Crown Prince gasped for air, "Speak."


    "There''s been a problem with the incense offerings."


    The black-robed monk spoke softly, "The folks below say that a vigilante named Zhang Lai Zi has emerged in Jianghu, continuously sabotaging our incense offerings. Moreover, it seems his craft in incense is quite exaggerated, capable of grasping any amount of incense and refining it instantly!


    "The most crucial point is, this Zhang Lai Zi seems to know about our affairs."


    "Who leaked it?"


    The Crown Prince did not panic; he quickly deduced, "Since this Hero Zhang has not disclosed it up till now, it means he is not interested in this matter. He must be a noble person. As long as we do not offend him, it should be fine. Furthermore, we could try to win him over; he would be a great asset to us."


    "Very well."


    The black-robed monk nodded slightly, "This monk understands."


    "Old Yao, wait a moment."


    The Crown Prince raised his hand, signaling him to stop.


    "Your Highness, do you have any further orders?"


    The black-robed monk inquired.


    "Old Yao."


    The Crown Prince, leaning on his cane, finally caught his breath and spoke solemnly, "What exactly is the cost of following the Evil God Path?"


    "The cost?"


    The black-robed monk''s eyes harbored a strange look, "It''s just that it consumes more incense than usual; haven''t you known this all along, Your Highness?"


    "Tell the truth."


    The Crown Prince looked towards the horizon, "I am not blind. Along the way, the Tongtian Dragon King sacrifice, the South Mountain God sacrifice, and various river god sacrifices... it was all your doing, correct? The so-called cost of the Evil God Path is to use lives of living people, right?"


    "To deceive Your Highness is a death sin for this monk."


    The black-robed monk reluctantly admitted, "But Your Highness, you might not be aware, this is the necessary path of the Evil God Path. If we do not periodically sacrifice living people, the Evil God will rage and we will suffer backlash!"


    "Heh, I knew it; there''s no such thing as a free lunch in this world."


    The Crown Prince first scoffed at himself, then stared at the farmers bustling in the fields, falling into a long silence.


    "Amitabha, Your Highness need not blame yourself."


    The black-robed monk tried to console, "All of this was arranged by this monk, and the sin also lies with this monk alone, as the saying goes ''If I don''t enter hell, who will?'' The people sacrificed compared to the ten days in Yunzhou are but a drop in the bucket.


    "After the accomplishment, Your Highness ascends to the throne, sweeps away the decadence across the realm, and restores Dasheng with a clear administration; these commoners also will have entered the path of great mercy, and in the next life, they shall surely receive a good fate..."


    The Crown Prince did not hastily respond but supported himself on his cane and lent a hand to an old woodcutter passing by who nearly fell.


    Once there was no one around, he sighed, "Go do it."


    "Amitabha."


    The black-robed monk said again, "Your Highness, it might not seem like it, but with Lai State stabilized and many states under it, if you could increase the number, you might extend your life, considering your health..."


    "Enough!"


    In the breeze, the Crown Prince turned his head and forcefully pounded his cane twice on the ground, "How many times do you want me to say it, I do not want any eternal reign! All I want is to use the rest of my life to reestablish the Cao Family''s realm!"


    "This monk will never bring this matter up again," the black-robed monk quickly assured.


    "Thump..."


    The cane fell from the Crown Prince''s hand, and he knelt slowly on the ground, his head heavily touching the mud, leaving a deep indentation. He restrained his voice, his eyes reddening, "My Cao Family owes the people a lot!"


    "Starting next year, in the Eastern region, all places involved in sacrifices will be tax-exempt for five years, to recuperate and recover!"


    "Amitabha, truly a reincarnation of Bodhisattva," the black-robed monk clasped his hands and bowed, then turned and left.


    ...


    Yong Yue Prefecture.


    The vicious siege had already begun


    "Bang¡ª"


    Martial Saint Meng Quji, carrying his spear, first ascended the city wall. With one thrust of his spear, the horrific power directly shattered five or six soldiers from Qing Country into pieces, their body fragments raining down like hailstones in all directions.


    "Meng Quji! Meet your death¡ª"


    King Tang Li Gong suddenly appeared from the flank, his dark metal dragon mace whistling through the air.


    "Bang¡ª"


    Two overwhelming forces collided, producing a sound like the sky tearing and the earth cracking; the bricks under their feet shattered inch by inch, leaving a huge gap in the city wall.


    Shortly afterwards.


    Meng Quji was forced to retreat, and Dasheng''s troops also sounded the retreat, signaling a temporary cessation on both sides.


    "That Meng really deserves to die!"


    Li Gong cursed as he walked towards the Central Army Tent, "Fighting and fighting, even spreading lime; despite being a Martial Saint, he''s using such childish tricks, truly shameless!"


    "Yes."


    Deputy General Liu Huanrong followed and cursed, "The stuff he spread contains a strange poison. The Prince is fine, but the brothers beside him suffered..."

 Chapter 334 - 161: The Battle of Hu Lao_6

    "This person originated from the lowliest of street scoundrels!"


    Li Gong disdainfully said, "Now, despite holding a high position, he still has no shame!"


    "However, after today''s probing, he must understand that a forceful attack won''t succeed."


    Grasping his iron helmet under his right arm, Liu Huanrong said, "Prince, we should still..."


    "Report¡ª"


    An underling interrupted the conversation, "A letter from Nan Xu Country! They have already reached Ziwei Mountain in Lingzhou, and in about three to five days, the vanguard troops will be able to move out to the outside of Hulaoguan."


    "Hmm."


    Without stopping his stride, Li Gong asked as he walked, "What about the Sheng people? How have they deployed? Are they drawing the line at Zhaotong Prefecture, expecting to fight a prolonged war of attrition with us?"


    "No."


    The underling reported, "They have dispatched three thousand troops to guard Hulaoguan."


    "Three thousand troops to guard Hulaoguan?"


    Hearing this, Li Gong abruptly stopped walking, "Are you sure there''s no mistake? Or is it that Fan Tianfa did not go to Green Ridge Mountain but went to Hulaoguan instead?"


    "Absolutely sure!"


    The underling confidently said, "Moreover, they are temporarily short of high-realm generals, currently led by Chen Sansi, followed by Fang Qingyun and Sha Wenlong. Calculating from the dates, they should also be arriving at Hulaoguan soon."


    "Who? That Chen Sansi again?"


    Li Gong dared not underestimate his opponents.


    Yet, no matter how he thought about it, he could not understand how someone from the Meridian Passage Realm, leading three thousand men, could hold against an army of a hundred thousand, plus four generals from the Profound Image Realm?


    Thinking it over and over.


    The Sheng people''s deployment could only mean they were desperate, with no one else to rely on!


    They were set on capturing Ziwei Mountain at any cost.


    An all-out effort meant they were taking risks, and taking risks could lead to a major collapse!


    "The Sheng people have really lost their minds! They are too arrogant!"


    Li Gong coldly snorted, "Chen Sansi, a merely entry-level of Meridian Passage, Sha Wenlong only in the Profound Image Realm, and an already crippled Fang Qingyun, who might still pose some threat, are these three supposed to hold Hulaoguan? That''s a big joke!"


    "Pass the intelligence to Shuzhen in Lingzhou, tell him Hulaoguan is guarded by only three thousand men, and order him to strike swiftly and fiercely at Hulaoguan!"


    "The faster Hulaoguan falls, the more we gain."


    "Retaking the lands of three states alone isn''t the end, as long as Meng Quji dies, we have a ninety-percent chance of capturing the five eastern states of Shengren. These five states, relying on Tongtian River, are lands of plenty!"


    ...


    Lingzhou.


    A hundred thousand troops passed through Ziwei Mountain and entered the vast flat wasteland, their numbers so vast, they appeared like a gigantic dragon emerging from the earth, endless and without a beginning or an end.


    In this northern expedition, there were five high-ranking commanders leading the army.


    These five were:


    Commander, Eighth Prince Shuzhen.


    Vice Commander, Marquis You Jingzhi.


    General and chief military strategist, "Lingsuan" Ran Jingxuan.


    General, Peng Yunheng.


    And the Fourteenth Prince, Fan Jiuxiao.


    Central Army.


    Among the five high-level officials, three were now gathered here, discussing the upcoming military actions.


    "This northern expedition, our goal is to capture the fertile lands of Lingzhou!",


    "Of course, if we could take all five eastern states of Shengren, nothing could be better! The Sheng people have hoarded the most fertile thirty-six states for over three hundred years, it is time they spit some out!",


    "..."


    "Whether Sheng people or Qing Country!"


    Fan Shuzhen, clad in golden armor, spoke,"Whoever offers us more benefits, we will aid them. Don''t truly think about sacrificing our lives for Qing Country; of course, for now, supporting Qing Country seems to be our most beneficial choice, and moreover, Sun Xiangzong has disappeared. This is a great opportunity for us!"


    "Indeed, Lord Eight."


    Vice Commander You Jingzhi looked at the map before him,"It''s just, we don''t know whether the Sheng people have already withdrawn their troops, as continuing the fight brings them no benefits."


    "Even if they withdraw, Qing Country must concede Lingzhou to us. Could our army of a hundred thousand have marched for nothing?"


    As the strategist of this hundred thousand-strong army, Ran Jingxuan elaborated on his plan,"Lord Eight, Lord You, I have already made arrangements. No matter what happens next, we can take Lingzhou quietly. Here are the two scenarios I have analyzed. Look..."


    "Whistle¡ª"


    While they were discussing, a falcon descended, bringing the latest intelligence.


    "What?"


    "The Sheng people are crazy?!"


    "Defend Hu Lao with just three thousand men? How little do they regard us?"


    "..."


    "Chen Sansi is in command, with Fang Qingyun as his deputy? Interesting!" S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Fan Shuzhen put down the letter,"How do you two see this?"


    Ran Jingxuan coolly remarked,"There''s no need to say much about Fang Qingyun; he is an old acquaintance of ours. This Chen Sansi, in just two or three years, has fought one astonishing battle after another, his previous crossing at Du He needless to mention.


    "His sudden, remarkable action at Four Crossings of Hongze, and now he has quickly moved to the East, pulling off a ''thousands flee at the sight of the White Robe,'' causing more stir in one year than many see in a century!


    "Only..."


    "What were the Sheng people thinking? Even if Chen Sansi''s strategies are unmatched, he is just at the Meridian Passage, commanding merely three thousand men.


    "Leaving him here to defend Hu Lao? Isn''t this aiming to get him killed?"


    "Hmm, I also find it strange."


    Fan Shuzhen rhythmically tapped on the map,"Does the Emperor of the Sheng people absolutely need Ziwei Mountain?"


    "It''s understandable."


    You Jingzhi reminisced,"Ziwei Mountain is where the Great Ancestor Sheng was enthroned; the humiliation by Ming Xuan has not been forgotten. Successive emperors have sought to recover Ziwei Mountain to prove their accomplishments."


    "That''s not quite it."


    Ran Jingxuan narrowed his eyes,"Have you forgotten something? Emperor Longqing is in pursuit of Immortal Path, and there are numerous legends about Grand Ancestor Cao Xie. Could it be possible that some treasure of the Cao Family remains on Ziwei Mountain?"


    "Now that you mention it, it does seem possible, only..."


    You Jingzhi said,"Ziwei Mountain has been in Qing Country''s hands for over a hundred years. Even if there was a treasure, it would have been taken long ago."


    "That''s where you''re wrong."


    Ran Jingxuan declared,"The Emperor of Sheng people''s eagerness to recover Ziwei Mountain suggests that the object might still be there. Of course, it could also be that I''m overthinking, and he simply wants the good reputation of a great reviving leader."


    "Easy to manage."


    Fan Shuzhen issued an order,"Send a message to Peng Yunheng at the rear, let him search Ziwei Mountain. It would be best if we find something, but it''s fine if we don''t."


    "The situation is clear, Ran strategist, begin your deployment."


    "Alright."


    Ran Jingxuan, known as ''Lingsuan,'' waved his hand grandly:


    "General Peng at the rear in Ziwei Mountain, while searching for the treasure, will also stabilize the rear.


    "Lord You, take a troop to control several important towns in the heartland of Lingzhou. Regardless of the outcome, we must take Lingzhou and absolutely not return it to the people of Qing Country.


    "As for Lord Eight, stay in command of the Central Army for now.


    "Also, send orders to Mr. Si in the vanguard to set up camp fifty miles outside Hu Lao.


    "Once everything is ready.


    "Our grand army of Da Xu, a hundred thousand strong, will march directly to Hu Lao!"

 Chapter 335 - 162: The Daqing Empress, A Defeat Is Settled

    Hu Lao Pass, as one of the most precarious passes under heaven, sat between two mountain peaks from where one could overlook the Lingzhou Plain in front and lead an assault into the Lai State Basin in the rear. During times of peace, it served little purpose, but once a war erupted, it became a crucial battleground for military strategists.


    And not just because of its treacherous terrain.


    More importantly, Hu Lao Pass controlled the Zhanan River, which after traversing through half of Lai State, directly connected to the Tongtian River and served as a vital waterway for transport.


    Waging war.


    The most crucial aspect was the supply of food and forage.


    Transportation by land led to substantial losses, hardly one in ten would arrive, but with a waterway, the efficiency of transportation could suddenly increase many times over. That was why it was essential to hold Hu Lao Pass. Once lost, food and forage could continuously enter Lai State through Zhanan River, potentially leading to a prolonged war lasting two or even several years. On the contrary, if they could defend Hu Lao for one hundred days more, the provisions at Yong Yue Prefecture would be depleted, and the war could end within a few months.


    "Hu Lao Pass, we''ve arrived."


    Far in the distance, ten miles away, a towering city sprawled amidst the rugged terrain, with adjacent mountain peaks resembling Demon Suppression Pillars, and the pass in between appeared as if it was suppressing a demon tiger.


    "Report¡ª"


    "Assistant General Liang Pi, I am the defender of Hu Lao Pass."


    An assistant general had come to receive them.


    "Liang Pi."


    Chen Sansi asked, "Tell me about the current situation at Hu Lao Pass."


    "The troop strength is less than three hundred, and provisions are also insufficient."


    Liang Pi, looking at the Xuanjia Army''s robust and formidable horses, said worriedly, "Especially with so many warhorses, the daily consumption of forage is an alarming figure."


    Fang Qingyun asked, "How long does it take to allocate food?"


    "The nearby Eight Prefectures have run out of provisions long ago. It has to be transported from Tongtian River''s dock, and all calculations considered, it will take about one hundred days." S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Liang Pi, with his fists clasped, said, "Additionally, there is a traitor in Hu Lao Pass, a centurion who received benefits from Nan Xu Country often leaked information. The person has been killed, and the head is hanging on the city wall."


    "I understand."


    Chen Sansi ordered, "From now on, you and your men will leave Hu Lao Pass and handle the provisioning matters. I will take over all defensive duties inside the pass."


    "Understood!"


    Liang Pi took his leave.


    After entering Hu Lao Pass, Chen Sansi instructed, "Zhao Kang, you lead a team of cavalry, scout outside the pass, find out the vanguard''s generals and troop strength, then return to report."


    "Yes!"


    ...


    Yong Yue Prefecture.


    "Report!"


    "Prince!"


    "Bad news!"


    "..."


    At Midnight.


    Resting in the Grandmaster Chair, Li Gong was awoken by his subordinate''s hurried voice, and he slowly opened his eyes, saying, "Speak."


    "Nan Xu!"


    The subordinate reported, "The scoundrels from Nan Xu, after entering Lingzhou, didn''t immediately attack Hu Lao Pass; some of them went to Ziwei Mountain while others controlled strategic locations in Lingzhou, killing any officials who thought to resist."


    "Shameless!"


    Deputy General Liu Huanrong cursed, "Are they here to be allies?!"


    "Keep your calm."


    Li Gong sneered, "From the moment we invited them in, Lingzhou was doomed never to be reclaimed. Draft a letter to Shuzhen, tell him Lingzhou can be his, but remember, quickly take down Hu Lao! We should not fixate our eyes solely on just one state!"


    "Prince."


    Liu Huanrong muttered, "There''s something else that''s a bit odd."


    Li Gong glanced at him, saying, "You''re talking about Ziwei Mountain, aren''t you?"


    "Yes."


    Liu Huanrong analyzed, "The Sheng people are taking substantial risks, it feels rather abnormal."


    "Ziwei Mountain."


    Li Gong pondered, "It''s been in our possession for a hundred years in Daqing; although previous emperors have searched, nothing unusual was ever found ¡ª either there is nothing there, or only the Cao Family can find it."


    "Related to the Immortal Path?"


    Liu Huanrong said, "Emperor Longqing, they say, is truly an Immortal."


    "He is, but isn''t our Emperor an Immortal too?"


    Li Gong said sarcastically, "What do you think? That woman in our Capital, a mere female, has in just a few years under the former emperor''s watch won over most officials, and after seizing power through a coup, quickly stabilized the situation. Do you really think she just relied on politics?"


    "This..."


    Liu Huanrong was shocked, "Prince, I had no idea about this."


    "The world has already changed!"


    Li Gong said with a deep gaze, "Grand Ancestor Cao Xie''s stories are all true! The reason he was able to defeat more than two thousand in armor is because he was not merely a Martial Artist. Centuries have passed, and it is likely that many similar occurrences will emerge. Immortals and Immortal Traces will continue to surface, and we, we are merely narrow-minded."


    "If that''s the case..."


    Liu Huanrong said, "Nan Xu must also have an Immortal Trace. Are we really just giving them Ziwei Mountain?"


    "That''s for the Emperor to consider, it does not concern us."


    Li Gong said solemnly, "Our only task is to fight this battle well, and also, have you checked again for information about Chen Sansi''s family?"


    "Using the Divine Eagle, it took a lot of effort to mobilize our spies within Sheng territory to finally obtain a detailed dossier. It''s just that with the battles raged during the day, I almost forgot about it."


    Liu Huanrong slapped his forehead and hastily said, "That Gu Xinlan, exiled from Sheng Country since Emperor Longqing''s fifty-fifth year, you surely know more about the events of that year, Prince. But she surnames Gu, a descendant of a Sheng Dynasty official, what relation could she have with our Empress?"


    "What if she doesn''t surname Gu?"


    Li Gong nodded, saying, "I think I know who she is. Let''s keep it a secret for now, until the war ends. Also, tell Shuzhen, I want Chen Sansi''s head!"

 Chapter 336 - 162 Daqing Empress, the Defeat is Evident_2

    ```


    "By the way, has Deng Feng died yet?"


    "We''ve already sent a Black Hawk to remind him to take his own life. Now that the Xuanjia Army is marching toward Hulao Pass, he must be dead by now. Moreover, someone later reported that General Deng had held out until the last moment in Zhaotong Prefecture City. He couldn''t bear to implicate his subordinates and the people, which is why he failed to commit suicide."


    "Hmm."


    Li Gong nodded in satisfaction, "He has done Daqing proud. Once the war is over, ask the Empress to posthumously confer upon him a title."


    ...


    Hulao Pass.


    "Report!"


    Zhao Kang came forward to report, "Fifty miles outside the city, Nan Xu''s vanguard has been spotted, led by the fourteenth prince, Fan Jiuxiao. A conservative estimate puts them at over twenty thousand men, camped around Silver Pine Cliff. Judging by their formation, the main force of a hundred thousand is probably close at hand."


    "The Fourteenth Prince, Fan Jiuxiao."


    Fang Qingyun recalled this person''s history, "At only twenty-five, he has already achieved Mastery of Meridian Passage, just one step away from being able to hold sway over a region. He is quite the standout among the younger generation of Nan Xu."


    "Judging from their march, they are planning to take their time."


    Deng Feng analyzed, "Once the hundred thousand troops are assembled and they press the attack day and night, it will be tough to hold them back."


    "This battle, we simply cannot fight."


    Sha Wenlong counted on his fingers, "A hundred thousand troops, four Mysterious Phenomena! Even with General Deng and me at the front, how long could we possibly hold out? At most a month, no, twenty days."


    "For the moment, there''s only one strategy."


    Fang Qingyun confidently stated, "That is to delay their assembly time. I suggest sending out five hundred cavalry, to leave Hulao Pass and take a detour, striking their camp at midnight and setting fire to their supplies before making a quick retreat. Then, before dawn, a second raid to throw their vanguard into complete disarray."


    "Of course."


    "At best, this will only buy us five to seven days."


    "And they are not fools; they will certainly be cautious. These five hundred men are very likely to suffer heavy losses."


    "Little brother, do you have a better idea?"


    Chen Sansi, after a moment of contemplative silence, slowly began, "Elder brother, we cannot hold."


    "Heh, is that something you need to tell me?"


    Sha Wenlong scoffed, "If we can''t hold, then what? These are the orders from above! Even if it means death, we must die on Hulao Pass and not retreat a single step! The Sha family has been under the imperial grace for generations. It''s time to serve the court. General Chen, I hope you don''t entertain the thought of retreating."


    "One-eyed Dragon, shut up."


    Deng Feng cursed him with a face full of disdain, "Let the General finish speaking."


    "Elder brother."


    Chen Sansi looked at the Green Robed Scholar, "What do you think is the best way to defend a city?"


    "Oh?"


    Fang Qingyun quickly responded, "The ancestor of the military family once said, the attacker owns the heavens. The best defense is an offense, and my earlier strategy also resonates with this adage."


    "It''s still not enough."


    Chen Sansi replied, "Elder brother''s strategy is indeed the best under normal circumstances, aligning with the ancestor''s words and fitting elder brother''s deceit. However, for the current situation, it is still not enough."


    "So, you are not planning to use a raid but a frontal assault?"


    Fang Qingyun guessed his younger brother''s intention, "You''re about to build momentum, you..."


    Want to win!


    At this point.


    Fang Qingyun, sitting in his wheelchair, felt a tremor in his heart.


    He raised his head to look at his younger brother.


    He suddenly understood Chen Sansi''s plan.


    This battle!


    ```


    Three thousand, defending against one hundred thousand.


    The junior brother of mine,


    not only does he not want to lose.


    He also wants to win!


    Three thousand men, wanting to win against an army of one hundred thousand.


    Whether they can succeed or not is one thing, but just this courage alone, how many in the world possess it?


    "My senior brother understands me." S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Sansi said, "That''s why, I want to dispel their momentum of attack! A night raid is certainly useful, but its effect is far from as fierce as a bold assault under the light of day."


    "The problem is..."


    Fang Qingyun curiously asked, "Junior brother, we lack the numbers, a night raid is a move of desperation, if we face them head-on, how many men do you plan to use?"


    "Let me go!"


    Deng Feng couldn''t wait to say, "Give me three hundred cavalry, and I guarantee to take the heads of more than five hundred and capture five generals!"


    "General Deng is indeed suitable."


    Fang Qingyun nodded slightly, "What does junior brother think?"


    "It''s not appropriate."


    Chen Sansi denied, "The enemy''s vanguard currently lacks a main general, there''s no need for General Deng to take action."


    "Shall I go then?"


    Sha Wenlong, however, was not afraid, "No problem."


    "It''s not you either."


    Chen Sansi stood up, slowly putting on his iron helmet, "For this battle of Hu Lao, where the enemy knows that the main general is me, Chen Sansi, only if I go personally, can the effect be maximized."


    "Hm."


    Sha Wenlong asked, "How many men do you plan to use?"


    Chen Sansi picked up the long spear from the corner, and said indifferently, "I alone am enough."


    "You, alone?"


    Sha Wenlong was stunned, "Have you lost your mind, Chen, General Chen, don''t be reckless!"


    Hu Lao is vital, and as the main general, Chen Sansi cannot afford to put himself in danger.


    Of course, if this young man doesn''t listen to persuasion and dies, then so be it.


    After all, with Fang Qingyun holding the fort, it''s merely one less person who has mastered Meridian Passage.


    "Chen Shuai."


    Deng Feng asked, "Why not let me accompany you?"


    "You should not show yourself just yet, you will be needed elsewhere."


    Chen Sansi took the Iron Core Bow passed to him by his subordinate and turned to leave the tent.


    Not long after.


    The gates of Hu Lao flung open wide.


    All the generals and soldiers on the city walls several zhang high watched the scene before them.


    A general in Black Armor, with a Big Bow on his back and a long spear in hand, strode boldly toward the wilderness. His pace quickened from a swift walk to a mad dash, like a tiger fleeing Hu Lao and regaining its freedom, his approach was formidable, carrying the wind and rolling clouds with him.


    "Hiss!"


    A horse''s neigh like a dragon''s roar sounded, merging gradually with the path of the general, then becoming one, disappearing in the blink of an eye onto the endless plains, leaving behind only the dust scattered in the air.

 Chapter 337 - 162 The Daqing Empress, Defeat is Inevitable_3

    Long spear, White Horse, Iron Core Bow, outside the Hu Lao Pass, charging towards the enemy camp!


    Though there are millions of men, I am going!


    ...


    Silver Pine Cliff.


    Nanxu vanguard.


    The great army''s camp was still being systematically constructed.


    Fourteenth Prince Fan Jiuxiao personally oversaw the soldiers'' actions, knowing that even setting up camp must not be taken lightly.


    With a Treasure Sword at his waist, he commanded, "The tents must be solidly built, and preparations for perimeter defense must also be thorough to leave no chance for the Enemy Army to attack the camp!


    "Especially Fang Qingyun.


    "Just now, Ran Junshi specifically sent someone to remind us that he is very likely to use a raid to slow down the speed of our army''s assembly and readiness. We must be prepared both day and night!"


    "Rest assured, Fourteenth Prince."


    Assistant General Lang Jiping, the son of a national uncle, was only twenty-two, yet he had already achieved Minor Meridian Passage.


    This expedition by Nanxu was regarded as filled with numerous nobles.


    He said, "Later, I will personally lead a patrol towards the possible directions from Hu Lao Pass to our large camp. It will be strictly guarded to prevent any mishaps! Once the army arrives, and we break through Hu Lao Pass, Fourteenth Prince will capture Chen Sansi and Fang Qingyun, and after this battle, you will be renowned throughout the land."


    Fan Jiuxiao said sentimentally, "We are all about the same age, yet this Chen Sansi has already been listed in the Military Books. Before coming here, the scions in the southern study of the Imperial Palace were already learning about the Four Crossings of Hongze. I am really eager to meet this White Robed General!"


    "Report¡ª"


    "One mile outside the army camp, there is someone coming to challenge us!"


    Fan Jiuxiao quickly asked, "How many people?"


    "One!"


    "What?" Fan Jiuxiao thought he had misheard, "One person? Who? Are you sure they''re not a messenger but coming to challenge us?"


    "Chen Sansi!"


    His subordinate replied, "He claims he is Chen Sansi, wishing to see you, Fourteenth Prince."


    "Good!"


    A murderous intent flashed in Fan Jiuxiao''s eyes. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Fourteenth Prince, you must not!"


    Lang Jiping hurriedly intervened, "This man is extremely cunning; how could he possibly come to the front alone to seek death? In my opinion, it is most likely a ploy to lure the tiger away from the mountain. I can lead five hundred light cavalry there, while you should stay and command the camp against their possible attack."


    "Hmm."


    Fan Jiuxiao quickly calmed down, "Then go, but remember to be careful."


    "Rest assured, Fourteenth Prince, it''s just him alone; could he possibly kill all five hundred cavalry? At most, he''s trying to lure me into a trap, and I simply won''t fall for it."


    As he spoke, Lang Jiping hurriedly left.


    Outside the Great Village of Nan Xu.


    Chen Sansi sat high on his horseback: "Hear me, Nan Xu bandits, I am General Huai Yuan Chen Sansi, leading thirty thousand soldiers, holding Hu Lao, waiting only for the fall of Yong Yue Prefecture before heading south to Lingzhou, to slaughter your assembled rabble of a hundred thousand! Today, I come here to give you a chance to surrender. If you fail to recognize what is good for you, there is only death!"


    "Do not listen to his nonsensical talk!"


    Lang Jiping rode his warhorse hastily to the entrance of the camp: "So you are Chen Sansi? I thought you were someone cunning, but it turns out you are just good at bluffing! Your Hu Lao Pass only holds three thousand men, yet in your mouth, it becomes thirty thousand!"


    "Ridiculous, does Chen need to lie to you?"


    Chen Sansi scoffed, "If I''m not mistaken, the number three thousand must have been informed to you by King Tang Li Gong, right?"


    Lang Jiping was silent, which was as good as accepting it.


    "Think carefully, you people of Nan Xu!"


    Chen Sansi exclaimed, "If he had told you the truth, would you still have helped him attack Hu Lao? Of course, he had to downplay the number of my Dasheng troops, so you would be deceived into selling your lives for Qing Country, right? If I''m not mistaken, Li Gong would have also told you there''s no general inside Hu Lao Pass, right?"


    "Nonsense!"


    Lang Jiping narrowed his eyes, "If there were another general, would it be your turn to take command?!"


    "Whether there is one or not, you will find out soon enough!"


    Chen Sansi continued, "Once Qing Country faces difficulty in the battle, it might turn around and join us in attacking your Xu Country! I''m saying all this not to keep your country in the dark. Be wary!"


    "Utter nonsense!"


    Lang Jiping''s mouth curled up into a sinister smile, "Chen, do you think I''ve been wasting time talking to you here to do what? Dismount and surrender, and maybe you won''t be killed!"


    "Da da da¡ª"


    As his words fell,


    Thunderous hoofbeats sounded from the plains on both sides, as a hundred cavalry each from left and right closed in from the middle.


    "Chen Sansi!"


    Lang Jiping mocked, "What nonsense about Four Crossings of Hongze, a thousand troops avoiding the White Robe; today, let''s see how you leave my Da Xu army camp! Brothers, attack!"


    Front, left, right.


    Three directions.


    At least five hundred cavalry were there.


    These had been deployed just as Lang Jiping had arrived, the purpose of the conversation was to buy time, surrounding Chen Sansi.


    Even if he was a formidable fighter, just being delayed by the cavalry for a moment,


    The brothers from behind in the large camp would soon arrive endlessly, enough to drown him alive!


    And now, given the current distance, it was impossible for him to escape.


    "You people of Nan Xu truly are deceitful!"


    Chen Sansi, composed on his horseback, cursed, "Chen kindly came to persuade you, and yet you resort to such despicable methods. I bid you farewell!"


    "Farewell? I''m afraid you won''t be able to!"


    Lang Jiping whipped his horse, charging forward at full speed.


    It was at this moment,


    The White Horse in front neighed, and in an instant, it transformed into a white streak, its hooves seeming not to touch the ground as if flying through the void with unbelievable speed. It managed to escape before the encirclement was complete, leaving them far behind within a few breaths.

 Chapter 338 - 162 The Daqing Empress, Defeat is Inevitable_4

    "What a fast horse!"


    "This horse is an Exotic Beast!"


    Lang Jiping ground his teeth.


    He felt his face flush with embarrassment.


    All the grandiose boasts he had made earlier had become a joke.


    When Chen Sansi came alone to issue a challenge, he had backing to rely on, and had even anticipated that Lang would secretly arrange for an ambush.


    "Assistant General Lang, are we still pursuing?"


    Another Assistant General, Yue Chen, asked.


    "Chase my ass!"


    Lang Jiping bit his teeth and said, "By doing this, he must have an ambush; if we pursue, wouldn''t we be falling right into his trap! Return to camp!"


    "Whiz¡ª¡ª"


    "Si¡ª¡ª"


    A sharp sound of cutting wind followed by the clashing of armor rang out.


    A fully armored soldier was shot directly through the heart by a sharp Triangular Armor-piercing Arrow, with his solid iron armor proving as ineffective as paper mache.


    "General!"


    "That Chen has come back!"


    A mere 300 steps away, the narrowly escaped Chen Sansi returned, holding his Iron Core bow. Without any discernible movement, a "whiz, whiz, whiz" sounded, and three more cavalrymen fell from their horses.


    "This is too much bullying!"


    Lang Jiping cursed: "I''ve long heard that this man was a hunter and excelled in archery. From 300 steps away, he still possesses such power, it seems it''s not just his accuracy that''s good; his arrows must also weigh over fifty ''li''!"


    "High Realm Generals, what use are arrows!"


    "I just don''t believe it!"


    Yue Chen said as he drew his long sword and charged forth, watching as the enemy once again drew his bow. With a light swing of his sword, he intended to deflect the incoming arrow.


    "Buzz!"


    The next moment.


    He felt the arrow flying towards him as though it were a martial move struck by the hand of a Martial Artist, carrying a tremendous and tyrannical force that sent his long sword flying. Then, a cold sensation at his throat followed by a suffocating feeling, his head spun, darkness flashed before his eyes, and he lost consciousness, falling stiffly onto the grass with his eyes wide open.


    One arrow killed the Assistant General!


    "Whoosh¡ª¡ª"


    The five hundred cavalrymen who witnessed this were horrified and shocked.


    "Your arrow, it can carry true power?!"


    Lang Jiping could hardly believe it.


    He had never heard that there was such a divine weapon in the world.


    "Whiz, whiz, whiz¡ª¡ª"


    More arrows followed swiftly.


    Chen Sansi sat leisurely on Qian Xun, with seven or eight Arrow Bags hanging on either side, the bowstring in his hands "humming" as if it were a musical instrument, except every note that sounded marked the end of a life.


    "What are you Horse Archers waiting for, counterattack, counterattack!"


    Hiding among the crowd, Lang Jiping shouted loudly, "The rest of you, charge for me, he''s just one man, he can''t possibly shoot all of you dead, go, whoever can capture him, no, kill him, will be rewarded a thousand gold and promoted three ranks!"


    With the promise of a rich reward.


    The cavalry mustered their courage and commanded their warhorses to charge towards the White Horse ahead.


    However...


    The speed at which this young General shot arrows was beyond everyone''s imagination; almost every time they blinked, at least two brothers fell from their horses.


    The dense crowd of cavalry, once they reached Chen Sansi, had already suffered heavy casualties, becoming sparse and struggling to maintain formation.


    And at that moment.


    Chen Sansi once again retreated, effortlessly increasing the distance between them.


    As for the Nanxu Horse Archers...


    Their effective range was only a little over a hundred steps.


    But the White Horse General''s range was 300 steps!


    Nearly a mile!


    At such a distance, they struggled even to see the White Horse General''s silhouette clearly.


    With such a great disparity, their bows and arrows were completely useless!


    After several rounds of charges.


    Five hundred cavalrymen!


    Only the last two hundred remained!


    "General! We can''t catch up!"


    The hundreds of cavalrymen, played with as if they were toys.


    "Retreat!"


    Lang Jiping was incredibly frustrated.


    He didn''t even care about any ambush anymore, he just wanted to catch up and kill Chen Sansi to relieve his anger, but the problem was...


    He just couldn''t catch up!


    If this continued, they would all end up dead under the enemy''s arrows one by one.


    At his command.


    The surviving cavalry turned around and fled towards the outskirts of the Great Village.


    However.


    Something even more terrifying happened.


    They...


    Couldn''t retreat!


    Just as effortlessly as Chen Sansi had escaped previously, the White Horse easily caught up, following closely behind at a consistent distance of just 300 steps, while he harvested lives from atop his horse.


    He seemed to be strolling leisurely.


    But for the Nanxu Cavalry, it was a terrifying nightmare.


    Unable to catch up, unable to escape!


    They felt less like humans and more like prey trapped in the hunter''s snare!


    "General! We, we are surrounded!"


    Under this dreadful pressure. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Nanxu Cavalry felt as if an army was on their trail, and they started to panic, shouting, devoid of any will to fight back, only hoping to get back to the safety of the Great Village to save their lives.


    "A bunch of garbage!"


    "You all go to hell first!"


    Lang Jiping, furious and ashamed, suddenly turned to face the White Swan Horse and charged at it, holding a Wolf-toothed Axe, choosing to cover the rear himself.


    In doing so...


    If the White Horse retreated, the rest of his men might live.


    If the White Horse didn''t back down, he could quickly close in and at least have a chance to fight, not dying cluelessly.


    "Whiz¡ª¡ª"


    The Triangular Armor-piercing Arrow carrying the True Dragon Strength roared in.


    Lang Jiping didn''t dare to underestimate his enemy and almost used all his strength to smash at the incoming arrow, blocking it, but under the intense impact, his warhorse seemed to struggle to cope, rearing up on its front legs.


    Then another arrow came, this one directly claiming the life of his warhorse.

 Chapter 339 - 162 The Daqing Empress, Defeat is Inevitable_5

    "Boom!"


    Lang Jiping landed steadily


    The speed of the White Swan Horse did not stop; at this moment, they were only a little more than a hundred steps apart.


    Lang Jiping''s Blood Explosion State was fully activated, and all his energy was added to his speed. A High Realm Martial Artist''s full effort in a short burst could indeed surpass most Exotic Beast Horses, although only for a brief duration. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He no longer planned to resist the arrows directly as that would only exhaust him; instead, he planned to use his explosive speed to dodge the arrows while quickly closing the distance.


    Engage!


    These two words became Lang Jiping''s most prominent thought at this moment.


    Even if he was poor in combat, he shouldn''t die without witnessing the spear technique passed down from Sun Xiangzong; as long as he could engage, even if he died, he would die without regrets!


    "Bang¡ª"


    As his body operated beyond its limits, Lang Jiping turned into a shadow, approaching forward at an indescribable speed, his movement ghostly and erratic without any fixed pattern.


    Eighty steps!


    Fifty steps!


    Finally, thirty steps!


    Chen just pulled the bowstring taut, but did not release the arrow.


    Indeed.


    At this speed and with this movement, Chen simply couldn''t aim!


    Until the last twenty steps.


    "Buzz!"


    The sound of the bowstring only resumed then.


    Lang Jiping was already prepared; with a bizarre posture, he forcefully changed directions in an instant, moving away from his original position; however... he couldn''t dodge this arrow.


    He clearly saw that the arrow wasn''t shot in this direction just now.


    He should have dodged it!


    How could this be!


    He didn''t have time to ponder the reason and could only once again channel his strength into the Mithril Wolf-toothed Axe, smashing towards the arrow, hoping to block the arrow again using the same old trick.


    But this time...


    What he saw was not an arrow.


    It was a...


    Jiao Long!


    "Boom¡ª"


    This arrow contained a power vast like the sea, akin to a frenzied Jiao Long devouring everything in its path; when it collided with the Wolf-toothed Axe, it produced a sound like a bell being struck.


    Lang Jiping''s arms went numb, the base of his thumb splitting open. Even though he used all his strength to firmly grip his weapon, preventing it from being knocked out of his hand, his body still flew backward several steps under the brutal force and smashed into the hard clay earth.


    "Buzz¡ª"


    The third arrow did not come quickly.


    The time given allowed Lang Jiping to steady himself. He burst out with the power of a dying beast, dodging to the flank, clearly seeing that this time he could surely dodge it.


    But still...


    He couldn''t dodge it!


    The arrows shot by this person were really like a living Jiao Long, unavoidable and soul-stealing!


    "Sss¡ª"


    The Heart Protector shattered suddenly.


    A Triangular Arrow easily penetrated the armour, shattered the bones, and finally pierced through the heart, lodging deeply into the body. Although it did not pass through, the force within blasted his heart to pieces.


    "Heh..."


    Lang Jiping''s pupils protruded, blood gushing from his mouth like a fountain. Clutching the arrow shaft in his chest, his body rigidly fell backwards, unable to understand why until his death. And he had not even managed to engage, not even qualified!


    In the end, he lost his breath among a pool of blood, his eyes never closing.


    "Puchi!"


    Chen Sansi, riding Qian Xun, passed by and casually retrieved the arrows embedded in the body. These Storage Arrows, crafted from Ghost Vein Wood, were only twelve in number and naturally could not be wasted.


    The reason he hadn''t hurried to shoot earlier was that he was storing power.


    This Assistant General, whose name he didn''t know, after all, was at the Minor Meridian Passage Realm. If he hadn''t stored power and solely used power at the Meridian Passage Mastery level, probably even three Ghost Vein Arrows would not have been enough to kill him.


    "Drive!"


    After retrieving them,


    Chen Sansi once again chased the fleeing Nanxu Cavalry.


    The previous encounter had delayed him only about a dozen breaths'' time.


    With each arrow shot, the remaining hundred riders quickly dwindled to just over a dozen, all High Realm military officers, requiring Ghost Vein Wood to quickly kill.


    The place was close to the Enemy Army camp, not suitable to linger, but Chen Sansi, wanting to save time, couldn''t bear to waste Ghost Vein Arrows; he finally simply took up a long spear and charged into the crowd, no one a match for him, and each flash of the Five Tigers Soul-breaking Spear was accompanied by the sound of a body falling, followed by the frightened war horses running away.


    "Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom¡ª"


    The deafening sound of horse hooves rose as another three thousand plus cavalry from Nanxu Country arrived.


    Chen Sansi deliberately left two survivors then pulled on the reins and disappeared.


    ...


    Fan Jiuxiao, unsettled in the camp, made preparations to fend off an enemy camp raid and then decided to lead people out to see.


    To see what Chen Sansi, on his own, intended by running in front of the Nanxu Camp.


    And then...


    He saw bodies everywhere!


    Almost every corpse had an arrow embedded in the heart, appearing as if hundreds of archers had formed an Arrow Formation, each one a one-in-a-million Divine Archer!


    "Ambush!"


    "Form up!"


    Fan Jiuxiao shouted.


    The three thousand cavalry formed a Defensive Array, slowly advancing forward.


    A few hundred steps further on,


    he saw two injured soldiers screaming as they fled back.


    "What happened?!"


    Fan Jiuxiao demanded, "Where is Assistant General Lang? Where are the ambushers?!"


    "Sir Fourteen! There are no ambushers, sir, we''re surrounded... It''s all arrows everywhere!"


    "Thud¡ª"


    The Section Chief, who had barely escaped with his life, fell off his horse directly. From time to time, he looked back to see if the white horse that took lives was catching up, and even his speech was jumbled.

 Chapter 340 - 162 The Daqing Empress, Defeat is Inevitable_6

    "No ambush, yet surrounded?!"


    Fan Jiuxiao furrowed his brows, "Rubbish! Do you even hear what you''re saying?"


    "It''s Chen Sansi, the one riding the White Horse!"


    Another person, slightly more rational, said, "He''s just one man; he can''t be blocked, nor can he be caught, and certainly not escaped from!!"


    "Are you saying, he alone, killed my Da Xu''s five hundred cavalry?!"


    Fan Jiuxiao got his answer from the terrified expression of the other: "How is that possible! Five hundred cavalry! That''s indeed five hundred cavalry! Among them, there are two in the Meridian Passage Realm, and countless in the Hua Jin, even if Chen Sansi is brilliant in strategy and tactics, he is only in the Meridian Passage Realm, are you all pigs?!"


    Even more terrifying was.


    From the corpses.


    The vast majority died from arrow wounds. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    One man, one bow and arrow, one White Horse!


    Also, how could a bow and arrow kill generals in the Meridian Passage Realm, isn''t this absurd!


    Behind Fan Jiuxiao, thousands of cavalrymen were in utter chaos, as if hearing a wild and fanciful tale.


    "Five hundred men..."


    "Two generals!"


    "Not even a touch, and they were all killed?!"


    "..."


    "Is there really such a mighty man in the world?"


    "How is this possible!"


    "..."


    While the Nan Xu Cavalry was in shock, a loud voice echoed across the land.


    "Fourteen, young lad¡ª"


    "Chen had asked to speak to you before, and you did not show up, which was truly rude. Take this arrow from Chen!"


    One kilometer away.


    An appearance, from a distance, looking like a mere white dot.


    By the time they heard his voice, an arrow was already flying towards them, and Fan Jiuxiao, in great alarm, hurriedly drew his sword to block it, only then realizing this arrow might be unusual.


    "Clang!"


    The sound of metal striking metal rang out, and sparks flew off the sword from where the arrowhead struck.


    Even at the last moment, although Fan Jiuxiao managed to enhance his power, he was still blown backward by an overwhelming force and fell off his horse, causing chaos.


    "Protect Mr. Si!"


    "Form up!"


    "Rumble!"


    The cavalry closed in a circle, forming a human wall at the front.


    "Whizz, whizz, whizz¡ª"


    Another dozen arrows came flying continuously, killing all on the spot, except for the high-ranking generals!


    "Shields!"


    "Shields!"


    The Mystical Iron Shield arrived too late.


    "This cursed arrow, it can even store power!"


    Fan Jiuxiao picked up the arrow that shot him, infuriated, snapped it in half, and threw it away: "Chase him!"


    "Mr. Si, he''s gone!"


    "..."


    "Whizz, whizz, whizz¡ª"


    "Chase!"


    "He''s gone again!"


    This repeated five or six times.


    The Nan Xu Cavalry lost over a hundred more men.


    In just half an hour, they were killed by one man totaling six hundred!


    "Retreat!"


    Even Fan Jiuxiao began to panic: "Quickly retreat back to the camp, everyone must hold their positions and not go out!"


    Even after they had retreated back to the camp.


    The White Horse General still forcefully followed and shot dead more than ten people.


    It was only after shields were deployed around the perimeter that the situation completely calmed down.


    "Ambush! Go set up an ambush on the flank in advance! If he dares to come again, make sure there''s no return for him!"


    Fan Jiuxiao, recalling the scene just now, was still palpably shaken: "Quickly go to the rear and find my brother, and tell him he must immediately send a Great General over, hurry¡ª"


    It seemed that.


    If the front army doesn''t have a general of the Xuanxiang Realm in command, it''s not just about launching an attack; even setting up camp would be hardly secure.


    ...


    In the Central Army.


    Ran Jingxuan gently set down the report he was holding: "We only remember Chen Sansi for his unconventional military strategies, yet we''ve overlooked his natural Martial Arts talent that allowed him to achieve the Meridian Passage just two years into his training..."


    "This is a bit too exaggerated."


    Fan Shuzhen said in disbelief: "Normally speaking, with a Profound Image Realm Death Trap Formation, even if the Enemy Army has generals of the same realm, at most, additional armor could be broken through five or six hundred, let alone the fact that the front were returning without a scratch, absolutely unhurt, if he advances to a higher realm later, is there even any need to fight at all?"


    "Inform General Peng."


    Ran Jingxuan helplessly said: "Let him return from Ziwei Mountain immediately to the front army, and after we stabilize the situation in Lingzhou, we will also set out for Hulao Pass."


    "Advisor."


    Fan Shuzhen asked: "Once General Peng Yunheng arrives, should we let them launch a couple of attacks to test the waters? After all, Chen Sansi said there are thirty thousand at Hulao Pass, Li Gong is deceiving us."


    "No."


    Ran Jingxuan countered: "Chen Sansi''s actions were not to show off. He did it deliberately. Given the uproar, the soldiers of the front army are probably scared out of their wits. Without fighting, their morale has hit rock bottom, and forcing them to attack now would be like sending them to their deaths, impossible to succeed. Instead, let''s replace the Left Army with the Front Army, wait for General Peng to arrive at the front, rest for seven days, and then we can consider assaulting the city."


    "Let''s follow the advisor''s plan."


    ...


    In the evening.


    Chen Sansi did not continue with the previous tactics, surprising them once or twice was feasible, but going back now would definitely fall into the well-prepared encirclement.


    [Skill: Archery. Perfection (Exceeds limit by one rank.)]


    [Progress: (248/2000)]


    Just as he had predicted, the bow and arrow capable of storing power was a soul-chasing weapon on the battlefield, coupled with Qian Xun, the effect it displayed was something even the Martial Saint couldn''t achieve.


    The Martial Saint also needed face-to-face combat.


    But he moved without a trace, taking lives from a kilometer away, how could the Enemy Army not fear?


    His goal was achieved.


    This wasn''t just a matter of morale!


    From this moment on, the defeat of the Enemy Army had silently begun to emerge.


    A hundred thousand troops?


    Three thousand Black Armor, might not be invincible!

 Chapter 341 - 163: White Robe Forms the Heavenly Array, Xuanzhu Reveals Its Divine Might

    [Skill: Horse Control (Small Achievement)]


    [Progress: (1089/2000)]


    "Hao Qianxun."


    Chen Sansi gently stroked the horse''s mane, which in turn demanded a reward, plus a bath.


    The last few rounds of fighting had been intense.


    Both he and the White Swan Horse were covered in blood.


    "You''re really getting more and more fastidious."


    Chen Sansi remarked.


    Qianxun''s demands for food were getting higher, and so were its living conditions.


    Of course,


    you can''t expect the horse to run without feeding it.


    Moreover, in some sense, Qianxun''s role was irreplaceable by any martial artist, so its needs should be met as much as possible.


    The master and pet arrived at the vicinity of Pieye River after arriving at Hu Lao Pass.


    Pieye River, being a branch of the Zhanan River, was not wide enough for large ships, but the surrounding pastures were extremely lush, suitable for grazing horses.


    There was a food shortage in Hu Lao Pass.


    Later, Chen Sansi could let Qianxun take three thousand warhorses out to graze, but this location was visible to the Nanxu scouts. However, sometimes letting the enemy see one''s movements could actually be beneficial.


    Chen Sansi made a mental note of any useful information, then bathed in the river and brushed Qianxun''s fur.


    By the time they returned to the pass, it was the next day''s dawn.


    "My lord!"


    Xia Cong had been on guard all night and hurriedly came to greet him: "Where did you go yesterday?"


    "Indeed, my lord."


    The others also crowded around, almost forming a circle.


    Yesterday,


    seeing the general disappear, they thought something had happened and sent out scouts to investigate.


    What they found...


    was that the Nanxu forces were collecting bodies!


    There were also many frightened and uncontrolled horses running wild across the wilderness.


    In front of the army''s main camp, not only was the guard extremely strict, but also shield formations were arranged.


    It looked as if they had been attacked.


    And yet...


    the general had gone alone!


    "Hunting."


    In response to everyone''s inquiries, Chen Sansi replied indifferently.


    Hearing this, Fang Qingyun finally understood what his junior brother had ventured out to do alone.


    He shook his head slightly, somewhat emotional.


    He had not understood before what kind of strategy one man could use.


    But sometimes, no cunning tactics are needed, or rather, unparalleled combat power is the true scheme that can''t be countered.


    His junior brother...


    was truly frightening.


    With a bow and arrow, he gave the feeling of killing people with a spell.


    "With this commotion from the junior brother, the enemy forces definitely will not dare to attack again within seven days," Fang Qingyun said, "But judging by the junior brother''s current method of combat, you don''t intend to give them time to rest and regroup their morale. You must be planning to further strike at their vanguard, right?" Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He knew very well.


    After this event, the Nanxu Army would have to deploy generals from the Xuanxiang Realm to command the front lines. If they wanted to further strike at the enemy, the best strategy would be to do it before that deployment occurred.


    "Brother, you''re right," Chen Sansi said, "we shall launch an offensive in five days."


    "..."


    Sha Wenlong was somewhat stunned: "An offensive attack?"


    "General," Lu Shuhua said, "according to the messages from our scouts, the Nanxu Camp is heavily fortified and does not venture out, plus their vigilance is extremely high. If we approach rashly, I''m afraid..."


    "At that time, I will have a way to draw them out," Chen Sansi stated, "for the next few days, you''ll gather twenty sets of General Armor for me, half of which must be from Qing Country."


    "General Armor?" Lu Shuhua asked, "What''s the use of so many high-level armors?"


    "It''s manageable," Deng Feng said, "I will order to bring all the armor of the surrendered generals from the nearby Eight Prefectures."


    "Hmm."


    Chen Sansi then instructed, "Besides that, from today onwards, send out two thousand people to pasture horses by the Pieye River at 5 a.m. and return at evening, continue this over the long term without concealment."


    "Pasturing horses? I know about the lack of provisions inside Hu Lao Pass," Sha Wenlong said in confusion, "but for pasturing horses, we don''t need two thousand people. The total number of defenders is just over three thousand."


    Chen Sansi paid him no mind, and after giving the orders, he ate some meat to restore his energy, then mounted Qianxun with enough provisions, and once again disappeared into the vast wilderness.


    He made a large detour to observe from the periphery and quickly determined how far he could go without getting surrounded. While he couldn''t approach the camp closely, it didn''t affect his ability to continue hunting on the outskirts.


    "Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh¡ª"


    In the Nanxu Army camp.


    None of the patrol squads that came out lived to return.


    In just two days, another two hundred or so perished under the arrows.


    Eventually, even the patrolling squads carried heavy round shields, ready to hide behind them at the slightest rustle of wind or grass, and those who failed to take cover properly ended up maimed.


    Before long, five days had passed.


    The army that nominally numbered one hundred thousand, apart from setting up camp, had not taken any other significant action. Even the scope of their patrols had become increasingly limited, not daring to venture more than twenty miles from the camp.


    "What a disgraceful humiliation!"


    Fan Jiuxiao raged within the camp, his anger flipping a table in front of him: "Should my hundred thousand army really be stopped by just one man?!"


    "Fourteenth master, we''re really helpless!"


    "Under the current circumstances, it''s death upon showing oneself!"


    "What''s more, that horse of his!"


    "It''s just impossible to catch up!"


    "..."


    "How much longer until General Peng arrives?"


    "It''s too far, it''ll take at least another seven to eight days!"


    "Then find my elder brother first!"


    Fan Jiuxiao said, "Have him lend me his green horse and also bring a batch of thick iron round shields suitable for cavalry to carry. Also inquire with Li Gong, and tell him to speak the truth about how many there are in Hu Lao Pass and what the situation in Lai State really is. It''s vital for us to know so we can judge how to fight the upcoming battles. There must be no omissions!"

 Chapter 342 - 163: White Robe Forms the Heavenly Array, Xuanzhu Demonstrates Its Divine Power_2

    ...


    Yong Yue Prefecture.


    "A bunch of wine sacks and rice bags!" sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    King Tang Li Gong received the secret letter.


    Inside the Nanxu Army, they also managed to bribe a few mid-ranking officers to receive frontline news.


    "Your Highness,"


    Liu Huanrong was startled, "Why such great fury?"


    "Look for yourself!"


    Li Gong forcefully slapped the letter onto the Deputy General''s chest, controlling his rage as he cursed, "The vanguard of thirty thousand troops hasn''t advanced a step in five full days!"


    "This..."


    As Liu Huanrong browsed the content, he said, "Chen Sansi, alone with a bow, terrified the vanguard troops? They also say now that the soldiers sent on patrol demand extra pay; otherwise, no one is willing to go¡ªisn''t that absurd?"


    "Boom boom boom¡ª"


    The massive sound of the catapult came through.


    It signaled the start of another round of the siege.


    As Li Gong picked up his weapon, he commanded, "Send a message! Tell them, Yong Yue Prefecture''s situation is very promising, the Sheng Army outside the city is utterly exhausted. If they can breakthrough now, they will surely crush the Sheng Army in one fell swoop. Don''t fear casualties, don''t just focus on preserving strength, and most importantly, do not distrust us!"


    "I, Li Gong, guarantee with my honor, swearing a deadly oath on my entire family, that Hu Lao Pass truly only has three thousand people, and within the Profound Image Realm Generals, there''s only one at the Early Stage¡ªSha Wenlong, and no second person!"


    "If we fight, we will win!"


    ...


    Wilderness.


    A secluded, uninhabited area.


    Chen Sansi was hidden among a pile of rocks, practicing his spear technique.


    Within the human body, there are twelve primary meridians, Eight Extraordinary Meridians, plus thousands of minor meridians.


    Meridian Passage Method reaching small achievement means opening up twenty minor meridians as the foundation. The more minor meridians opened, the more complex the Circulation becomes, forging even purer strength.


    Previously, Opening Veins mainly aimed to enhance endurance.


    Whereas opening secondary meridians aimed for a stronger Power.


    There were no barriers.


    Chen Sansi easily opened up twenty meridians and directly moved on to a hundred, only at this moment did he understand the purpose his master had in having him learn so many different weapons and cultivation techniques.


    Each cultivation technique enabled the opening of an additional minor meridian!


    Just as Senior Sister Sun had described, High Realm Martial Artists usually do not train in other cultivation techniques due to their low efficiency. Although each technique does improve one''s capabilities, the increment is minuscule.


    Even for a Martial Saint, practicing any cultivation technique requires time; human efforts have limits while cultivation methods are limitless. Many people do not train not because they don''t want to, but simply because they don''t have the time.


    Unless...


    Someone could truly learn hundreds or thousands of cultivation techniques in a short amount of time, accumulating small amounts to make a terrifying difference.


    And he, coincidentally, could!


    By the time the breakthrough was finished, Chen Sansi had already opened up a hundred meridians.


    The first cultivation technique he practiced opened the largest number of minor meridians.


    For those with lesser talent, this realm typically starts with the minimum standard of twenty meridians; for geniuses, fifty. He started with a hundred, and the key point is... he could still improve further.


    Currently, he had opened a hundred because he had only practiced dozens of techniques due to lack of time.


    And his intuition told him the number of meridians he opened was linked to the realm above Martial Saint, not just in contesting strength with others of the same realm.


    "Boom!"


    Casting aside all distractions from his mind, Chen Sansi thrust his spear, and his True Dragon Strength surged tumultuously. The rock pile in front of him burst open explosively, as if his spear had shattered a majestic mountain.


    [Cultivation Technique: National Guardian Dragon Spear. Meridian Passage (Small Achievement)]


    [Progress: 0/2000]


    Meridian Passage Realm, Small Achievement!


    Since the preparation was thorough, Chen Sansi''s breakthrough was very smooth. Checking that the time was almost right, he returned inside Hulaoguan.


    More than twenty cavalrymen were present, among whom ten were dressed in Armour that only Qing Country Meridian Passage above Generals could wear.


    "All troops, heed my command!"


    Chen Sansi ordered, "Follow me straight to the Nan Xu raiders'' main camp. Remember, none of you are below Meridian Passage. Twenty people, all above Meridian Passage, and we have an army of thirty thousand!"


    "This tactic is called feigning power."


    Xia Cong comprehended, "But sir, won''t it give us away? After all, the level of realm can''t be faked once a battle begins."


    "Exactly..."


    Lu Shuhua and others looked at each other, all somewhat nervous, "Our highest is only at Hua Jin."


    "It would have to come to a fight for it to give us away,"


    Chen Sansi said, "Besides, what I want is for them to be suspicious. Once they are suspicious, they will fall into the trap! Senior Brother, the rest is all up to you."


    "Little brother, wait for another three hours,"


    Fang Qingyun looked up at the sky, his clear voice slowly saying, "Start your move at dusk today, the effect will be at least twice as good, and you might even reap unexpected gains."


    "Good, I''ll follow Senior Brother''s advice,"


    Chen Sansi agreed, "This upcoming battle, I''m only responsible for drawing out the snake; the sequence of arrangements afterwards will have to be managed by Senior Brother, since I can''t possibly supervise both ends."


    A capable Phoenix could not possibly always remain idle.


    Besides, war is not a one-man affair, to win, one mustn''t think of hogging the limelight or getting all the credit. Only when everyone around plays their roles to the utmost can there be a chance of achieving victory through unexpected strategies.


    Not to mention...


    Fang Qingyun, as a disabled person, had always been the Main General of the Azure Dragon Camp, and even the Deputy General was at Profound Image Realm Great Success. If he didn''t have real capabilities, how could he possibly command respect?


    This kind of operation, requiring the use of deceit and clever tactics, was perfectly suited for him, sparing Chen Sansi the need to worry about every detail.


    Listening to the conversation between the two, the others were full of confusion.


    They felt that all the arrangements...


    were only comprehensible and manageable by Fang Qingyun alone.

 Chapter 343 - 163: White Robe Forms the Heavenly Array, Xuanzhu Demonstrates Its Divine Power_3

    All the remaining men, like fools, had no idea what would happen next and could only blindly follow orders.


    "What about me?"


    Deng Feng could barely contain himself, "Commander Chen, do I not need to come along?"


    "I almost forgot."


    Chen Sansi added, "I will trouble General Deng to take off your Qing Country General Armor and put on a set from our Great Dasheng, along with swapping your weapon for a different one,"


    "So, I am to disguise myself as someone else?"


    An air of discontent arose in Deng Feng''s heart, feeling that being a captured general and yet having to stay hidden gave off an undignified and embarrassing impression. He found it suffocating and yearned to distinguish himself in battle more than anyone.


    Of course, he didn''t show any displeasure: "I understand and accept the command!"


    "General Deng, a moment of patience,"


    Chen Sansi informed, "Keeping you hidden has a greater purpose; one general like you is worth three others."


    "Yes, General Deng."


    Fang Qingyun spoke, "Moreover, I have need of people. Without you, the plan cannot succeed."


    With all said and done,


    Chen Sansi quickly left with twenty of his subordinates.


    Inside the Central Army Tent,


    Only Fang Qingyun, Sha Wenlong, and Deng Feng remained.


    "General Fang, just give the order."


    Deng Feng bowed with his fist and said, "Apart from anything else, below Martial Saint I can slay any foe, and above Martial Saint, I can hold my own for several exchanges. If there''s a tough nut to crack, leave it to me!"


    "General Fang..."


    Sha Wenlong''s tone was noticeably more courteous when speaking to the green-robed scholar, "What do we do next?"


    "Vice General Chen''s shout from the Nanxu Camp."


    Fang Qingyun said leisurely, "Do you remember how many defenders he claimed there were inside Hu Lao?"


    "Thirty thousand."


    Sha Wenlong retorted, "Bluffing about having ten times the soldiers we truly possess, such exaggeration surely can''t be very meaningful, right?"


    "Exaggeration? No."


    Fang Qingyun''s usually gentle demeanor vanished as his gaze turned steely while looking at the sand table. The jade flute in his hand seemed like a sharp sword as it landed on the terrain, "If the junior brother says thirty thousand, then as his senior, I shall produce thirty thousand men.


    "Transmit my military order!


    "At evening, thirty thousand troops shall pour out and strike directly at the Nanxu Camp!"


    ...


    Silver Pine Cliff.


    Nan Xu Camp.


    "Excellent horse!"


    Fan Jiuxiao, mounted on the green horse, felt as if he was flying through the air as the scenery on either side whizzed past.


    This horse,


    was one of the three Exotic Beast Horses possessed by Nan Xu, notable for its explosive power allowing it to travel over two thousand miles a day, with a burst speed that could rival a Martial Artist of the Profound Image Realm.


    Beyond that, each soldier had a thick iron shield.


    No matter how formidable Chen Sansi was,


    he was still just a Meridian Passage Martial Artist!


    Even a few months ago in Ming State, he was merely a Hua Jin Warrior; even if he was a genius, at most by now he could have a small achievement in the Meridian Passage, and even if he was heaven-defyingly talented,


    he was a Great Success Meridian Passage Martial Artist with an innate Martial Body and an exceptionally solid foundation, unbeatable within his realm, not to mention when facing lower realm Martial Artists.


    Now, with the green horse combined with the thick shield, he could perfectly counter the enemy''s tactics of rapid cavalry movement and tricky archery.


    Not to mention, his shield was forged from Pure Darksteel!


    The majority of so-called darksteel weapons in the army were actually alloys with a mixture of some darksteel, as it was exceedingly rare and impossible to mass-produce.


    But that didn''t apply to high-ranking officers.


    Fan Jiuxiao''s shield was made of Pure Darksteel, allowing him to channel his power into it, possessing an extraordinary defensive power. Even Martial Artists of the Profound Image Realm would need several strikes to get through.


    Once he could close the distance, Chen''s advantage in agility would evaporate.


    At the very least, it would intimidate him!


    Otherwise, the situation where he swooped in day after day to kill over a dozen riders before retreating unscathed was seriously undermining the troop''s morale; it had even progressed to the point where no one dared to go out to urinate at night!


    Even for relieving themselves, they had to go in groups of three or five, with one person doing their business while the others held up shields.


    This...


    Was simply too humiliating!


    Through all of history, whose troops had ever been scared into such a sorry state by a solitary man?!


    Moreover, not long ago, King Tang Li Gong had sent a letter.


    This time, he personally guaranteed that there were indeed only three thousand men in Hu Lao, with only one Profound Image Realm General¡ªmeaning everything Chen had done thus far was nothing more than bluffing!


    Because he didn''t have the troops, he had to risk coming alone and use these tactics to slow their advance.


    A hero!


    Truly, a hero!


    But ultimately, a mere paper tiger, easily torn apart with a poke.


    "Report¡ª" S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "What, is Chen here again?"


    Fan Jiuxiao understood the answer just by looking at the messenger, and said coldly, "With many shielded ambushing soldiers set up around the camp now, he still dares to come alone courting death?!"


    "Not alone this time."


    The Scout replied, "He''s leading about twenty riders, and all outfitted in finely-crafted General Armor, claiming to be twenty Meridian Passage Generals. They''re not approaching the camp; instead, they''re outside, slaughtering our ambushing soldiers. Within two hours...already, over two hundred of our brothers have fallen!"


    "Twenty Meridian Passage Generals? A huge joke!"


    Fan Jiuxiao cursed, "My hundred thousand-strong army has only about thirty-something Meridian Passage practitioners in total. To say nothing of his three thousand, even if there really were thirty thousand, at most they wouldn''t have more than ten Meridian Passage practitioners unless he brought all his main forces to Hu Lao. This Chen, his bluffing is a bit too exaggerated."


    "Among them..."


    The Scout said, "Half of them are wearing Qing Country Armor."

 Chapter 344 - 163: White Robe Forms the Heavenly Array, Xuanzhu Demonstrates Its Divine Power_4

    "Qing Country''s armour?"


    Unless Yong Yue Prefecture was completely ruined, where would there be so many surrendered generals from Qing Country who could open their Meridian Passage?


    Moreover, surrendered generals are generally dispersed and used separately, and no one has ever heard of someone with the guts to gather newly surrendered generals for use together, let alone send them out for guerrilla warfare. How is that possible?


    "Fake!"


    Fan Jiuxiao was certain, and then he asked, "Where are they now?"


    His subordinate immediately brought over a map and circled the location of the twenty or so cavalrymen.


    "Keep it quiet!"


    Fan Jiuxiao resolutely said, "And don''t let the brothers who were informed of this position retreat. Have them strike twice more, pretending we know nothing and step by step lure the enemy deeper!"


    "The rest listen to my command!"


    "Vice General Zhang, I order you to lead 3,000 men from the left-front army and take a detour from the northwest to directly block their retreat. Vice General Gao, Vice General Liu, you two call upon three more vice generals, then split 2,000 men each from the left and right wings for a pincer attack. Another 4,000 men and one vice general to follow me for a frontal assault, and all generals with Hua Jin or higher should carry shields and be in the very front! The remaining 20,000 men are still to firmly hold the Great Village''s army camp. Should there be any situation, then choose a moment to leave the camp for support!"


    Martial Saints from Nan Xu weren''t numerous


    But over the years, they had been cultivating strength and vitality, so there were quite a few mid-level generals capable of opening their Meridian Passage, matching the number of the Eight Camps.


    10,000 men, plus a full six who could open their Meridian Passage. The front army had almost mobilized half of them.


    He didn''t believe that they couldn''t encircle and kill twenty men!


    He wanted to see exactly how many of them were real generals who could open their Meridian Passage!


    "Mr. Si."


    Vice General Zhang hesitated, "Could there be an ambush?"


    "Ambush?"


    Fan Jiuxiao scoffed, "Do you think I would mobilize 10,000 men just to deal with a mere twenty cavalrymen? I am waiting for their ambush! With 3,000 men holding the fort, they could at most bring out 1,000 men for an ambush, after all, they''d still need to leave people in the city for support in case of emergencies.


    "A mere 1,000 men, even if there''s an ambush, plus Sha Wenlong being there, how much could our 10,000 men possibly lose? Not to mention the over 20,000 men in the camp for support!"


    He was aware that there must be an ambush awaiting them.


    But the problem was that they had no choice but to fight this battle.


    It was a sheer compulsion!


    This was an overt scheme!


    Brother Eight and Ran Jingxuan were still dealing with Lingzhou, and it would take a few more days for General Peng to return. If they continued to slaughter like this, how could they even think about attacking the city afterward?


    Attack? Ridiculous!


    The vanguard¡ªhow can it bear the "edge" without the edge itself?


    If the edge was gone, how could it be possible to take the city?


    These past two days, he also followed Ran Jingxuan''s orders to switch the front army with the Central Army, and just after a batch of fresh troops had been rotated in, they had been scared witless within a few days. If this continued, the Da Xu''s army would psychologically collapse. No matter what, he had to curb their arrogance.


    And this was definitely not underestimating the enemy and being reckless.


    Fan Jiuxiao had real data on the enemy army''s combat strength and troop numbers. It was a deployment based on a force several times greater than the enemy''s, failproof!


    "Rumble¡ª¡ª"


    Just at that moment.


    A clap of thunder resounded above the heavens.


    Somehow, the clear sky had been covered with a layer of thick black clouds, and after the lightning, it started to pour heavily, quickly turning the wilderness into a muddy land.


    "It''s raining, General. Shall we still pursue?"


    "What a question!"


    Fan Jiuxiao drew his Treasure Sword, "Whoever kills Chen Sansi will be made a noble¡ª¡ª"


    "Rumble¡ª¡ª"


    The army of ten thousand raced into the curtain of rain at the fastest speed.


    Because the rain came too suddenly and too heavily, enveloping everything like a waterfall falling from the ninth heaven, everyone was drenched and visibility was greatly hindered, making it extremely low.


    ...


    "Zi!"


    Chen Sansi speared the only remaining sentry to death and, looking at the terrible weather, knew in his heart that this was why his senior brother had waited until evening to act¡ªhe was waiting for this rainstorm.


    Heavenly Phenomenon!


    Just like Xu Wencai, Brother Fang could also read the Heavenly Phenomenon.


    With this ability, coupled with the precise judgement of timing, the "Heavenly timing" part of the favorable conditions of heaven, earth, and humanity could always be firmly grasped in hand. And in this world, he was not the only one with the talent of a commander.


    This battle would certainly showcase Brother Fang''s maneuvers.


    Initially, the surrender of Lai State was broken down into five steps.


    This time,


    The defeat of Nan Xu''s hundred thousand army would also be in four steps! S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His lone bow had shot down six hundred for the first step, creating momentum. Today''s second step, gathering momentum, would be left to his senior brother to complete.


    Speaking of the Heavenly Phenomenon,


    Chen Sansi couldn''t help but think of the old scholar.


    Counting the days, it had been months since Xu Wencai went to the You State border to deal with the rebel army and the Wei Country supporting them in the dark. He wondered how the battle there was going.


    "Kill¡ª¡ª"


    "Boom!"


    The resounding cries of battle mixed with the thunder.


    "General!"


    Xia Cong hurried over, wiping the rain from his face, "They''re here, people are everywhere. Now we can only flee towards the northeast; otherwise, we''ll be surrounded very soon!"


    "Yes."


    Xiao Zheng followed, "The rain is too heavy, I can''t see clearly. Just from the sound, I can tell there are several thousand men in each direction!"


    "So many people?!"


    Yan Changqing said sarcastically, "This Mr. Si of Nan Xu Country is really desperate to kill us, using so many men to kill just twenty of us!"


    "Following what Xia Cong said,"


    Chen Sansi commanded, "move towards the northeast!"


    "Sir, there''s a problem!"


    Lu Shuhua said, "If we head northeast, wouldn''t that take us further away from the route back to Hulaoguan?"


    "Heading northeast will take us into the gorges of Silver Pine Cliff where General Fang, General Deng, and the others will meet us!"

 Chapter 345 - 163: White Robe Forms the Heavenly Array, Xuanzhu Demonstrates Its Divine Power_5

    Chen Sansi spurred his horse to take the lead.


    The rest followed closely behind.


    "Sir!"


    Xia Cong said worriedly, "Could there be too many pursuers? Can General Fang and the others hold them back?"


    "No need for idle talk!"


    "Giddyap!"


    Chen Sansi sped up.


    On one hand, he had a clear understanding of the situation, and on the other, he trusted Fang Qingyun.


    Moreover,


    A commander,


    If he does not know how to use his men and insists on doing everything himself, can he still be called a commander? That would make him a vanguard, a mere man!


    "Buzz!"


    Chen Sansi, hearing the sound of hooves behind him, turned and fired an arrow. The willow-leaf arrow, powered by True Dragon Strength, tore through the rain curtain. Its accuracy and strength were seemingly unaffected by the heavy rain, thanks to the assistance of the powerful force.


    One li!


    His effective range did not require a breakthrough to be improved, it was just that the regular improvements were insubstantial; after a breakthrough, the increase would surge. Now, with the improvement in his proficiency, it had officially gone from three hundred steps to over four hundred meters, up to one li!


    At such a distance, coupled with the pouring rain, it was impossible to see clearly, let alone hear the sound of a bowstring being drawn and released.


    Only when the arrow was twenty steps away did Fan Jiuxiao, riding at the front, suddenly realize the danger and hurriedly infused his strength into the Mystic Iron Shield to block it in front of him.


    "Buzz¡ª"


    Even so,


    The immense impact still caused Fan Jiuxiao to reel backward, but he was, at least, unharmed. He rejoiced in his heart, "It really works! Brothers, hold your shields tight! Without his arrows, Chen Sansi is useless!"


    "Kill¡ª"


    "Whoosh whoosh whoosh¡ª"


    Chen Sansi shot several arrows in succession, each time the feedback was the sound of metal collisions, obviously all were blocked. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    In fact,


    Even with shields, ordinary cavalry would find them useless.


    The sheer impact of the pure force could blow them away.


    The problem was...


    The number of Ghost Vein Arrows was too few.


    He only had ten left in his hand, and he really didn''t want to use them all up.


    It seems necessary to sort out the black bear after getting back, to obtain another robust piece of Ghost Vein Wood. If Seeking Immortal Tower could provide some more metal, it would make the use of Ghost Vein Arrows unrestricted.


    However...


    If he couldn''t shoot people to death, couldn''t he shoot horses?


    Chen Sansi, through the waterfall-like rain curtain and using his Qi Observation Skill, locked onto his targets. He slightly lowered his aim and within a single breath, three arrows shot forth.


    "Hiss!!"


    The cries of the warhorses rose.


    Several cavalrymen fell to the ground, and the cavalry charging from behind had no time to stop. Either they trampled their fallen comrades to death, or both rider and horse were tripped, suffering the stampede of those coming after...


    Essentially, each fall brought down a good number of others, and one could not get up even if they weren''t killed outright.


    In the pitch-black rain curtain, a voice louder than thunder boomed.


    "Nan Xu rebels!"


    "Dare you pursue us further? You have already been surrounded by my thirty thousand-strong army. Dismount and surrender quickly, or you will all die here at Silver Pine Cliff today!"


    "Bullshit!"


    Fan Jiuxiao cursed, "You couldn''t have more than three thousand men at most inside Hulaoguan, stop bluffing!"


    "Don''t believe it? Then keep chasing!"


    Chen Sansi''s White Swan Horse was fast enough.


    But the rest of his subordinates clearly weren''t enough.


    As a result, he had no choice but to continuously fire arrows while falling back.


    Even so, the distance between them kept getting closer.


    Until two giant mountain peaks appeared ahead, and more than twenty cavalry took advantage of the rain curtain to slip into the canyon, suddenly disappearing from view.


    "Boom¡ª¡ª"


    "Huh¡ª¡ª"


    Fan Jiuxiao reined in his horse, stopping, and the thousands of cavalry behind him along with thousands of infantry all did the same.


    "General!"


    "This area is narrow, there must be an ambush!"


    "Scared of what, charge in for me!"


    Fan Jiuxiao roared as he swung his long sword, fearless as a descending tiger, leading the charge into the canyon with cavalry swiftly following.


    "Kill¡ª¡ª"


    It was at that same moment.


    "Swish, swish, swish!"


    "Boom¡ª¡ª"


    Above the canyon, countless arrows fell like a waterfall in the rain, accompanied by endless rolling stones and falling wood.


    "Ambush!"


    "There''s an ambush!"


    "..."


    "Look at the top of the canyon, everyone!"


    "Crack¡ª¡ª"


    Thunder sounded.


    Above the canyon, it teemed with people, densely packed.


    At the highest point, a wheelchair quietly appeared, and with the help of the lightning, everyone could barely make out a scholar in a Confucian robe. With such an imposing manner, other than the widely known Mr. Feng Chu, Fang Qingyun, who else could it be?


    Standing beside the wheelchair, Wang Zhi shouted from his high vantage point, "General Fang Qingyun of the Azure Dragon Camp commands here. You have fallen into our encirclement. Surrender quickly to avoid death!"


    Fang Qingyun!


    It seemed.


    Everyone had been so focused on White Horse Chen Sansi that they had forgotten about Mr. Feng Chu, Fang Qingyun.


    "Ah!"


    In the midst of the canyon.


    The ambushed cavalry were dying one after another, with casualties surpassing a hundred in an instant.


    But at that moment.


    Fan Jiuxiao suddenly looked up and burst out laughing: "Hahaha¡ª¡ª"


    From atop the canyon, Wang Zhi rebuked sharply, "Hey! You brat, what''s so funny when death is upon you?"


    "I laugh¡ª"


    Fan Jiuxiao shouted loudly, "I laugh at that White Robe who lacks clever plans, and Phoenix who is short on wisdom!"


    "Do you really think I''m a fool!


    "Knowing there are ambush troops inside the canyon, would I still enter, increasing my own casualties?!"


    "I merely used myself as bait to lure you big fish!"


    "Fang Qingyun!


    "Look at both sides of the canyon, you''re surrounded¡ª¡ª"


    "Boom¡ª¡ª"


    On both sides of the Silver Pine Canyon,


    three thousand elite soldiers were raiding from each side. Carrying the flag of Da Xu, they attacked silently, assaulting from the flanks toward the top of the canyon.

 Chapter 354 - 165: Three Thousand, Breaking One Hundred Thousand!

    "Rumble¡ª"


    A martial artist of the Profound Image Realm, although not even close to a Martial Saint, had long transcended humanity.


    Every clash between the two emitted deafening roars. On the wilderness where rain had just fallen, the wet earth exploded into the air with chunks of turf under the strangulation of Gang Qi.


    "Deng Feng!"


    The mountain-opening giant axe and the Azure Dragon Crescent Blade in Peng Yunheng''s hands were locked, engaged in a pure contest of Gang Qi, "The southeast of the Central Plains praise you for your absolute loyalty, yet you willingly serve an inexperienced youth just to save your own life? It seems you''re nothing but a fame-seeking coward who fears death!"


    "Old fool! How dare you insult me?!"


    Deng Feng was left speechless.


    No matter how one put it, he was already branded as a traitor and defector.


    Moreover, during this time,


    he could neither take action nor reveal his identity, and once on the battlefield, he could not use weapons. His heart was already filled with repressed rage, and now, under the enemy general''s insults, he could no longer contain it and exploded.


    Rumble!


    The Gang Qi on the Azure Dragon Crescent Blade seemed nearly tangible like a fierce tiger, firmly clamping onto the mountain-opening giant axe as if it wanted to snap the axe''s blade in half.


    Peng Yunheng''s arms shook uncontrollably.


    With a loud shout, he exerted all his strength to push back the Qing Country''s defector general, then shouted while retreating, "Cover me!"


    "Whoosh whoosh whoosh¡ª"


    However,


    Peng Yunheng soon realized that the cavalry around him had unwittingly been reduced by more than half!


    Chen Sansi''s arm, which drew the bow, moved so fast it was almost a blur, and the sound of the bowstring resembled that of a string instrument. Arrows flew like black lines, and the unprotected cavalrymen died instantly.


    Those with shields saw their horses die first, and the moment the cavalrymen fell and exposed a gap, they were shot dead¡ªit was just a matter of withstanding one more arrow.


    "Meridian Passage, Hua Jin, get to the front!"


    Peng Yunheng roared, "He''s just one man! Kill the man in the white robe, and regardless of realm, you will be appointed as a Marquis¡ª"


    "Kill!"


    After all, great rewards compel brave men.


    Two Assistant Generals raised their shields, with four Hua Jin following closely behind.


    These were the generals that Peng Yunheng had selected from various units when he called for battle.


    "Clang clang clang¡ª"


    "Hiss¡ª"


    The sound of arrowheads striking shields rang out incessantly.


    Even if their horses were killed, the generals were quick to rise. After all, they were middle and high-level generals. They quickly got within close quarters without retreating or intentionally pulling away.


    "Chen, my Marquis title depends on you!"


    "Die¡ª"


    A full seven generals attacked simultaneously from all sides.


    "Gentlemen, why the rush to deliver your heads to Chen?"


    "Clang¡ª"


    The Zhenyue Sword was drawn from its sheath.


    The flash of the sword was seen.


    Instantly, two Hua Jin had their heads severed.


    To the left, a Meridian Passage Assistant General with a Mo Blade struck down fiercely, but was blocked by the Iron Core Bow, which was not only solid but also wrapped with active force, causing him to be violently repelled by the tremendous power.


    The Iron Core Bow, forged from mystical iron with blades on its limbs, was a weapon divine.


    Chen Sansi wielded the Big Bow with such efficiency that it surpassed even the speed of shooting arrows. Within a mere score of exchanges, seven or eight middle and high-level generals lay dead under the hooves.


    Then, a thorough hunt ensued.


    More than two hundred cavalrymen.


    When only seven or eight miles from the Sheng Army camp, they were reduced to only the last twenty or so.


    Meanwhile,


    Deng Feng caught up with Peng Yunheng once again. His longblade seemed to fall from the heavens, with Blade Gang rolling in, almost tearing the earth asunder.


    "Boom!"


    Peng Yunheng raised his axe to block again.


    But this time, he lacked the strength to protect his horse with Gang Qi. The impact was too much for the animal¡ªits bones shattered inch by inch, and its broken limbs sunk directly into the mud.


    Without his horse, Peng Yunheng was forced to fight on foot.


    In this state, having a horse gave a dominant advantage¡ªstriking from high ground, the force of the charge, enduring speed...


    Peng Yunheng was already less skilled than his opponent; he stood no chance.


    He had no choice but to unleash the speed of a Mystical Phenomenon realm martial artist, turning into a shadow as he sprinted forward toward his own great army, with just the last stretch of distance remaining, and three Mystical Phenomenon Generals to meet him!


    "Lord Eight!"


    "Save me¡ª"


    His voice echoed across the wilderness.


    Several miles away,


    Three Mystical Phenomenon Generals riding at full speed, along with tens of thousands of troops, heard it loud and clear.


    "Isn''t that General Peng''s voice?"


    Fan Shuzhen''s eyebrows furrowed deeply, "We ordered him to challenge the enemy, and he was beaten to this state? That unarmed general is so ferociously invincible?!"


    "Trouble!"


    Ran Jingxuan''s expression grew serious as he noticed the unease on the soldiers'' faces, "We''ve been tricked again. They deliberately avoided fighting outside Hulaoguan and chose this battlefield to let the soldiers witness General Peng''s disgrace."


    "How could Old Peng end up like this?!"


    You Jingzhi spoke incredulously, "Can that man really force him to such desperation that he''s begging for help?"


    "The army must engage!"


    Fan Shuzhen said firmly, "Tell the soldiers that Sheng people''s main forces might be straight ahead. We''ll crush the enemy completely¡ªperhaps Hu Lao will fall without us even attacking!"


    "Rustle¡ª"


    The army quickly ascended the slope.


    They could finally faintly see what was happening five miles away.


    Only...


    Where was the great army?


    There were only two riders from Sheng!


    One was striking Peng Yunheng.


    The other was pursuing and killing many cavalrymen.


    Just two men!


    Peng Yunheng had led more than two hundred cavalrymen and two people had reduced them to mere seven or eight survivors?! S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 355 - 165: Three Thousand, Breaking One Hundred Thousand!_2

    ```


    "Who is this!"


    Ran Jingxuan faced the enemy as if it were a great threat, "He holds the Azure Dragon Saber in his hand, totally unlike the same person in the battle at Silver Pine Cliff."


    "Did Li Gong deceive me?!"


    Fan Shuzhen clenched his teeth and said, "Adding this up, there are at least three individuals in the Profound Image Realm inside Hulaoguan, plus the White Robe Chen Sansi who knows the Heavenly Book, and Phoenix Chen Qingyun might also have some Immortal Law left by Sun Xiangzong. With our troop strength uncertain, how can we continue to fight?"


    "Lord Eight, stay calm!"


    You Jingzhi dragged a chain behind him, a Mystic Iron Flying Claw attached to its end; his eyes stern with resolution, "It''s simple, we just need to keep these two here, don''t we?"


    After a reminder,


    Fan Shuzhen came to his senses.


    These two were overly audacious!


    Two men, how dare they intrude a military camp of a hundred thousand troops?!


    Furthermore, this place is wide and open; there''s no possibility of an ambush!


    "Kill!"


    "At any cost, stop these two men for me!"


    Fan Shuzhen yelled towards the troops ahead.


    "Old Peng!"


    You Jingzhi called out, "Move faster, he can''t hold on much longer!"


    ...


    "Boom! Boom! Boom!"


    Peng Yunheng initially managed to create some distance with the combination of Gang Qi and physical strength, but this was not a long-term strategy and he soon got caught up by the green horse, leading to several more exchanges.


    He began to sustain injuries.


    One misstep leads to another!


    In combat, a single flaw often means an imminent cascade of vulnerabilities.


    Before long,


    Peng Yunheng''s Mystic Iron Armor was battered and torn, riddled with a dozen crisscrossing saber cuts from which blood flowed.


    This Lai State Deng Feng...


    Not just Profound Image Realm Great Success!


    He has probably already reached Perfection, and one step further, he would be a Martial Saint!


    "Boom!"


    The Azure Dragon Crescent Saber in Deng Feng''s hand seemed like an actual Azure Dragon, wielding the power to topple mountains as it descended from the skies, first tearing through Peng Yunheng''s axe Qi, then his Protective Gang Qi, and finally crashing down heavily. His giant axe fell, and his body soared backwards for over thirty yards before landing in an unnatural position, spewing out a mouthful of fresh blood.


    Before he could catch his breath, the enemy general came upon him again.


    "Ahh!"


    Peng Yunheng howled, lifting a boulder beside him to smash at the enemy before fleeing recklessly. Ahead of him, the Nanxu Army''s troops were in the thousands, and he even saw Fan Shuzhen amidst the rushing crowd.


    "Lord Eight!"


    "Save me¡ª¡ª"


    ...


    "Quick!"


    Ran Jingxuan urged loudly.


    Sadly...


    It was still too late!


    Just when the distance between them had closed to a mere two miles,


    Deng Feng had caught up.


    "Old fool, where do you think you''re going¡ª¡ª"


    Sword fell.


    Man died!


    ```


    In the presence of thousands of soldiers and under the watchful eyes of all, their leading general, one of the strongest combat forces of this expedition, was split in half by a single strike. Under the terrifying Gang Qi, half of the body exploded into pieces, while the other half flew off directly.


    "Crash!"


    The front-running Nanxu Cavalry, upon witnessing this scene, nearly stopped their charge until a reminder came from behind. Then they continued to push forward, though their momentum had already diminished by a third.


    "So many of them?"


    Deng Feng, looking at the dense waves of oncoming cavalry, said, "Chen Shuai, what do we do next?"


    "Stick by my side!"


    "Make sure we are not pinned down, and then..."


    "Kill a thousand soldiers!"


    "Drive¡ª¡ª"


    Shanshi, far from retreating, actually rode towards the enemy forces, slowing down only after a mile. His Big Bow once again burst into full power. Despite being just one man with one bow, the arrows he shot formed a continuous stream in the sky, eventually falling like rain upon the dense enemy troops.


    "Crash¡ª¡ª"


    "Hiss¡ª¡ª"


    In an instant, more than a dozen cavalrymen fell.


    At the same time.


    Loud voices echoed across the land.


    "Chen, a hunter by origin, rarely had the opportunity to hunt in the mountains since joining the military. Today is a good chance to use you hundred thousand swine and dogs for practice, lest I lose my livelihood!"


    Hundred thousand swine and dogs?!


    This time, not to mention the three main generals including Shuzhen.


    Even the ordinary soldiers felt a tremendous shame. They were furious, wishing they could immediately capture General Chen and flay him alive. Unfortunately, their fury was quickly extinguished by the rain of arrows.


    With each ten-zhang distance they closed, seven or eight of their comrades fell. The anger and humiliation in their hearts slowly turned into fear, as the ranks around them dwindled.


    "Shields!"


    "Shield cavalry to the front!"


    An assistant general shouted out the command.


    The Nanxu Army quickly made the corresponding adjustments.


    "Shields?"


    Shanshi, riding across the open field, found it amusing.


    Holding shields, if the Ghost Vein Arrows were not enough, indeed, one could not shoot anyone dead.


    But if one couldn''t shoot a person dead,


    couldn''t one still shoot the horses dead?!


    How many horses do you Nanxu Cavalry have for me to kill! S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Buzz¡ª¡ª"


    The bowstring continued to vibrate.


    One by one, the war


    horses, all of which were valuable resources cultivated with a great deal of manpower and materials, killing one meant one less, and there was no way to replenish them in a short time.


    In just a few breaths, dozens more horses lay dead.


    The Nanxu Soldiers soon realized a terrifying truth, they simply couldn''t catch up!


    Even though they had thousands of troops, at that very moment, they could only stand more than a mile away, continuously taking arrows and losing men, posing no threat at all. They were merely being toyed with, two men toying with tens of thousands!


    They really...


    had become hundred thousand swine and dogs!


    Their response to the term "swine and dogs" went from initial rage, to numbness, and then gradually, they started feeling it wasn''t inappropriate.


    Wasn''t this just a group of swine and dogs,


    chasing a hunter?!


    Under the multiple blows, the hundred thousand-strong army, facing the two riders ahead, actually lost all will to fight!

 Chapter 356 - 165: Three Thousand, Breaking One Hundred Thousand!_3

    The forefront of the cavalry deliberately slowed their pace.


    They didn''t dare to continue the pursuit.


    Nobody was willing to court death.


    It was still the same old saying.


    Only the elite of the elite possessed the will to fight to the death; all the other groups, no matter how numerous, feared death, especially when they knew resistance was futile, and they would completely give up.


    If all else failed, the only option was to let these two arrogant foes come and go as they pleased.


    However...


    Something even more inconceivable happened.


    Despite them deliberately easing up, the two riders ahead didn''t flee!


    They too stopped!


    "Nanxu bandits, why did you stop chasing? Chen here hasn''t had enough yet!"


    The General surnamed Chen stood his ground and continued shooting arrows, killing his enemies!


    "Mystic Iron Shield!"


    "Quick!"


    "Clear the way!"


    "Wait for the generals from behind to catch up!"


    "..."


    Tens of thousands of troops.


    Of course, it was impossible for everyone to move out at once.


    Upon hearing the signal arrow, the cavalry responsible for patrolling would chase out first, followed by the Main General and the Central Army, who would take time to reach the front from within the mass of soldiers.


    The situation at hand could only be left to the generals.


    "Boom! Boom! Boom!"


    One after another, Mystic Iron Shields formed an impenetrable wall of bronze and iron.


    This time, they were finally spared the pain of arrows.


    Seeing this...


    The White Robed General at the front couldn''t help but burst into laughter.


    "On the grasslands, barbarians call pigs and dogs Akina, Sai Sihei. You say you''re just that, and indeed, you are pure Akina, Sai Sihei! How come you ended up encaging yourselves like pigs while chasing us?!"


    "Deng Feng, tear down their pigpen!"


    "At your command!"


    The green horse burst into a sprint, and Deng Feng, riding solo, charged into the enemy lines. His sword struck like a Siege Giant Hammer, directly smashing a huge gap in the Mystic Iron Shield wall. He then went on a rampage, crushing the enemy''s defensive array to smithereens before managing to break out surrounded by Exotic Beast Warhorses just in time.


    After the "pigpen" was dismantled, arrows followed in quick succession.


    One after another, Nanxu soldiers fell, and the vanguard of the hundred thousand-strong army might have turned back to return to camp if they didn''t still have the generals for support.


    But at this moment...


    Three generals of the Profound Image Realm finally caught up.


    "Taste my blade!"


    You Jingzhi leaped high, covering over twenty yards in the air after leaving his horse and barely catching up; his Horse-cutting Saber fiercely slashed down.


    "Boom!"


    The next moment, he himself was sent flying backward, flipping several times in the air before landing back on the ground, retreating step by step until a soldier with a shield fortuitously helped stabilize his posture.


    "Lord Eight!"


    "This man is incredibly tough!"


    "Only you can handle him!"


    "..."


    "Keep him here!"


    Ran Jingxuan said, "Lord Eight, as long as we can hold them momentarily, surrounded by the great army, they are certain to die! We absolutely cannot let them escape, otherwise..."


    He glanced at the soldiers beside him, paused, and then continued, "the morale will completely collapse! It will take at least half a month to rebuild morale!"


    "Leave it to me!"


    Fan Shuzhen took the lead on horseback and quickly broke away from the formation.


    "Shoo, shoo, shoo¡ª" S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Arrows came flying toward him one after another, which he blocked using the Blunt Great Sword in his hands.


    Drag them down!


    They say it''s just two people!


    But on horseback, there''s no way to catch up!


    "Ah¡ª"


    Fan Shuzhen bellowed, his muscles bulging, veins popping, and his body suddenly enlarging, even stretching his Mystic Iron Armor to the point of swelling. Using some unknown cultivation technique, he stomped on the ground, leaving a huge deep pit, and then, like a tiger sprouting wings, he was incredibly quick, so fast that the naked eye could hardly catch him, and he miraculously caught up to the two Exotic Beast Warhorses in a short time.


    "Is this this king''s green horse?!"


    Getting closer, he finally recognized his own warhorse: "You beast! Won''t you stop right now!"


    The green horse hesitated upon seeing its former owner.


    But under the gaze of Qian Xun,


    the green horse quickly tensed up and ran even faster.


    "You beast¡ª"


    The warhorse, taken away to help others kill his own brothers.


    Fan Shuzhen was enraged.


    Fortunately, the green horse''s moment of hesitation had given him an opportunity. The Bladeless Giant Sword thundered down, clashing with Deng Feng, a blow met on equal terms.


    However...


    Reliance on the overdrive burst had its time limits and couldn''t continue indefinitely. Mere moments later, Fan Shuzhen felt weakened, his speed reluctantly slowed down, and he could only stand and watch helplessly as two horses, one white and one red, galloped away.


    "Shoo, shoo, shoo¡ª"


    Several more arrows flew over his head.


    Directly killing several cavalrymen behind him.


    Then.


    came the arrogantly outrageous voice of the White Robed General.


    "Too many pigs and dogs, too few sharp arrows!"


    "Today, Chen is also tired, shall return another day to continue!"


    "..."


    The objective was achieved.


    Chen Sansi gestured for Deng Feng to catch up.


    Today, just the two of them.


    In front of a hundred thousand-strong army, they forcefully killed a General and nearly a thousand soldiers, enough to leave the Nanxu Army filled with doubt and hesitation, and then they could smoothly proceed to the final step.


    ...


    "My horse!"


    "My horse!"


    "Ah!!!"


    Fan Shuzhen, helpless in his fury, stood in place, hacking and slashing wildly.


    A hundred thousand-strong army.


    After being shot at fiercely and then having to return to camp, their morale greatly damaged.


    "Deng Feng!"


    In the Central Army Tent, Fan Shuzhen threw down his weapon, and with unrestrained anger cursed: "This Deng Feng, to be able to match me blow for blow! Outside Hulaoguan, why is there such a fierce warrior! Bring... bring me the son of Li Gong!"

 Chapter 357 - 165: Three Thousand, Breaking One Hundred Thousand!_4

    Soon, a young official from Qing Country arrived at the camp, repeatedly explaining that it was all a misunderstanding.


    "A misunderstanding?!"


    "Do you realize how much loss this has caused us because one person, King Tang Li Gong, failed to report it? The Mystical Phenomenon General attained Great Success, my General Peng!!!"


    Fan Shuzhen roared, "Go and ask Li Gong right now! If he doesn''t give a reasonable explanation, I''m not fighting this battle anymore!"


    ...


    Yong Yue Prefecture.


    "What?!"


    "The third Mystical Phenomenon?"


    "Two men, in front of a hundred thousand troops, killed General Peng Yunheng of Nan Xu, then shot nearly a thousand people before fleeing with great strides?"


    "Deng Feng?!"


    "Is it Deng Feng?!"


    After seeing the battle report from Hu Lao Pass.


    King Tang Li Gong''s hands trembled, "Deng Feng, he didn''t commit suicide? He, he defected?!"


    "How is that possible?"


    Liu Huanrong incredulously said, "General Deng''s family has been loyal for six generations, how could he betray the country?"


    "He too is one who fears death and pretends, all this loyalty and righteousness, all just an act!"


    Li Gong had never felt such anger before.


    It took him a long while to calm himself down, "Can''t we just attack the city directly? Why, why, knowing that Chen Sansi and Fang Qingyun are full of tricks, do we still keep giving them chances!"


    "The subordinate understands their thinking..."


    Liu Huanrong helplessly said, "Nan Xu is here to make a fortune, not to die, so their hesitation is understandable."


    "Attack the city, let a hundred thousand troops rush in, even if two or three thousand die, so what! I''ve given them my only son, why don''t they trust me, why?!"


    Li Gong racked his brains, "Bring me the map, tell them that if they can really take down Hu Lao Pass, and if we can later take over the entire eastern region of Sheng Country, we only want Qian Province and Niao State, all the rest will be theirs, don''t hesitate any longer, if they hesitate again, I won''t fight anymore!"


    "I''ll break through directly, I don''t want Yong Yue Prefecture anymore!"


    "I don''t want the three states either!"


    "Let their hundred thousand troops fight the Sheng people themselves! They can''t even dispatch a Martial Saint, just wait for a crushing defeat, and die!"


    He had been fighting battles at the border all his life.


    Never had he felt this kind of disgust before.


    There were so many allied troops, but they...


    just wouldn''t advance!


    Sticking to their own even in times of ally distress, immovable as a mountain!


    Disgusting!


    Just like eating flies!


    As disgusting as that Meng Quji!


    ...


    Nanxu Camp.


    "Bastard!"


    "Li Gong even dares to talk tough in return!"


    Fan Shuzhen slapped the secret letter, "He''s threatening us, saying he''ll run away and simply give up on the three states if we continue to delay. Clearly, it was he who first concealed the military intelligence, causing us continuous losses, strategist, tell me, what should we do?"


    Ran Jingxuan, with his eyes closed, recalled the content of the letter, "It seems, Li Gong isn''t lying."


    "Yes, yes."


    The son of Li Gong hastily said, "My father sent me here to help, isn''t that enough sincerity?"


    "Then there''s only one possibility..."


    Ran Jingxuan made a judgment, "Li Gong also fell for a scheme, he was also misled, mistaken to believe that there were only three thousand troops inside Hu Lao Pass, this was deliberately done by Fang Qingyun, it''s what he''s best at."


    "Oh?"


    You Jingzhi hastily inquired, "Then in your opinion, strategist, how many troops are actually inside Hu Lao Pass?"


    "What about the scouts?"


    Ran Jingxuan, nicknamed "Lingsuan" asked, "Have you gathered intelligence according to my instructions during these days?"


    "General! Yes!"


    The subordinate answered, "People in Hu Lao Pass go to Pianye River to graze horses, leaving at 5 a.m. and returning at 6 p.m., the number of people herding is numerous, hard to count precisely, but it looks to be at least two thousand."


    "Just for herding horses there are two thousand people?"


    You Jingzhi was astonished, "Isn''t that a sign of many troops? Could it be a bluff?"


    The scout reaffirmed, absolutely true.


    "The area around Pianye River has a wide field of vision, you can see clearly across the river, of course, the generals'' judgment surpasses mine, why not take a look yourselves."


    "Hmm."


    Ran Jingxuan set off immediately. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After suffering great losses twice, they dared not be careless any longer.


    Direct observation lasted a full five days.


    The number of herders indeed exceeded two thousand.


    "Could it be..."


    Fan Shuzhen said, "There really are thirty thousand men?"


    "Not likely."


    Ran Jingxuan pondered, "If there were really thirty thousand men, Li Gong would certainly know, but it''s definitely not just three thousand either, I estimate, inside Hu Lao Pass, there are fifteen thousand troops, three Mystical Phenomenon Generals, plus the Heavenly Book and possibly Fang Qingyun who knows the Immortal Law, that''s their true military strength."


    "Fifteen thousand..."


    Fan Shuzhen caressed his weapon, "Hu Lao Pass is not easy to attack! If we really attack full force, we might need to lose forty thousand troops just to take it in a short time, forty thousand, it''s too great a loss."


    "But Lord Eight..."


    Ran Jingxuan patiently provided a perspective, "You can''t capture Hu Lao without breaking the pass, and securing Lingzhou would be difficult without it, once Li Gong truly retreats, if Sheng armies move southward through Hu Lao Pass, we might have made a trip in vain."


    "So what you mean is, we should attack?"


    Fan Shuzhen, eager for great power, needed his own territory, and Lingzhou was undoubtedly the best place, moreover, taking down Hu Lao Pass could provide even more opportunities, but the loss was also too great...


    These hundred thousand men.


    Were his very foundation, losing nearly half at once, it might take five to ten years to recover.


    "Lord Eight!"


    Ran Jingxuan saw his thoughts, "He who wishes to achieve great things, must not hesitate? In one word, if you want Lingzhou or even more, you must be willing to pay the price, if you hesitate looking ahead and behind, you''ll end up with nothing."


    "Then let''s attack!"


    Fan Shuzhen decided resolutely, "But what about my fourteenth brother?"

 Chapter 358 - 165: Three Thousand, Breaking One Hundred Thousand!_5

    Lord Fourteenth''s family is very important!


    "Lord Eight, you are mistaken, our hesitance is what places Lord Fourteenth in jeopardy, on the contrary, only when a large army presses on them will there be a chance to force them to return Lord Fourteenth."


    Ran Jingxuan paused, "And moreover, I have a plan that can reduce our losses.


    "Strategist, please speak."


    "Let''s wait a few more days."


    Ran Jingxuan gazed in the direction of Pianye River and slowly said, "Remember the message delivered to us by the secret scout in Hulaoguan before the war began? They are short of provisions within the city, sufficient for only two or three thousand soldiers to be fed, without even fodder for the horses. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Now, their daily pasturing at Pianye River also confirms this point.


    "Let''s wait another ten days or half a month.


    "After their provisions are exhausted, taking action can also likely reduce casualties."


    "Moreover, this is the most important point."


    He paused, emphasizing, "Li Gong is right, we cannot give them another chance!


    "Issue the command to move the army camp forward by twenty-five miles!


    "After ten days, let the large army press on them directly.


    "If they dare come out to play their cavalry game again, we''ll push directly to Hulaoguan!"


    ...


    Hulaoguan.


    "Sir."


    "We don''t have much provisions left."


    "If we send all the warhorses back to Yong Yue Prefecture and only feed the people, we can continue to hold on.


    "Otherwise, even with Pianye River''s grass, it won''t be enough."


    "..."


    "Report¡ª"


    "The Nanxu Army has moved forward by twenty-five miles!"


    "They also sent someone to declare, saying if we return the Fourteenth Prince, there is room for negotiation, otherwise, when the city falls, none shall be spared."


    "..."


    Bad news came one after another.


    "It seems..."


    Fang Qingyun stopped playing the flute, "They are determined to attack Hulaoguan this time; any strategy will be useless, and what follows is our biggest challenge."


    "These days, the fighting has been lively!"


    Sha Wenlong said, "But when you calculate it, we''ve only held out for a month, and we have to hold out for two more months, how can we hold on?!"


    The army is pressing on.


    The earlier method of going out to harass them won''t work anymore.


    "Since that''s the case."


    Chen Sansi said, "Let''s negotiate then."


    "Negotiate?"


    Everyone was even more confused.


    One moment, they wanted to take the offensive, the next, they called for peace talks; which was real and which was fake?


    It''s no wonder.


    The Enemy Army was always tricked.


    Not to mention the Enemy Army, even they themselves were unclear about what they were actually doing.


    "This is..."


    Sha Wenlong mumbled, "Using the delaying tactics! I understand now, General Chen, you also think we can''t hold on, so you are planning to delay, right?"


    "Most likely."


    Almost everyone thought so.


    "It seems the junior has a good plan."


    Fang Qingyun alone asked, "But how can the junior be sure that they will agree to negotiate?"


    "That''s the significance of the previous few moves."


    Chen Sansi spoke slowly, "The negotiation table is another battlefield; historically, only those with strength have the right to speak at the negotiation table.


    "If it were as before.


    "We only have three thousand men inside Hulaoguan; a Sha Wenlong wouldn''t qualify to negotiate."


    "But now, it''s different!"


    "In Nan Xu''s eyes, we have three Mysterious Phenomenon and an army of over ten thousand!


    "So in their minds, they default to the belief that taking the city would require a colossal price, yet due to not wanting to leave empty-handed, they have to bite the bullet and lay siege."


    "What if at this time we tell them there''s another choice, where they can get plenty of benefits without any cost, then do you think they will continue the siege?"


    A Sha Wenlong doesn''t qualify for negotiation...


    Sha Wenlong''s eyelids twitched upon hearing this.


    "General Chen speaks sense."


    Deng Feng, confused, said, "But after all, they are Qing Country''s allies, will they really just give up?"


    "Allies?"


    Chen Sansi and Fang Qingyun looked at each other and smiled; the latter said, "Mr. Deng, not everyone has a sense of loyalty like you; so-called allies are just two dogs fighting over food. If one is full, would it care about the other''s life and death?"


    If Nan Xu truly had iron-clad intentions to assist Qing Country, would they have dragged it out until now?


    "Inform Nan Xu!"


    Chen Sansi said, "As long as they promise not to attack Hulaoguan within two months, after the war is over, we will trade Lanzhou and Mo State with them.


    "These two states are the fertile lands of the south, coveted by Nanxu Country for a long time; for them, far more tempting than a mere Lingzhou, and most crucially, they don''t have to suffer any losses, and they can also take back Fan Jiuxiao, the Fourteenth Prince."


    "They will definitely be tempted!"


    "So, after all this time..."


    Sha Wenlong said sheepishly, "All these battles were just for the sake of negotiations? It''s true we can''t hold on. If the negotiations can indeed be successful, it wouldn''t be a bad thing, but... isn''t it a bit of a loss?"


    "Indeed."


    Yan Changqing followed, "General Chen, such a big deal, we really aren''t in a position to decide."


    "You don''t need to worry about that."


    Chen Sansi said, "After ten days, General Deng, General Sha, the two of you will enter the Nanxu Central Army Camp to negotiate with Nan Xu."


    "Go to their Central Army Camp?!"


    Sha Wenlong thought he misheard.


    That''s an army of a hundred thousand!


    If they went in and the negotiations didn''t succeed, wouldn''t they just be lambs to the slaughter?!


    "Alright, all of you go out."


    Chen Sansi dismissed, "Brother and Wang Zhi stay."


    Before long.


    The room was left with just three people.


    Zhao Kang and others in charge.


    Guarding, not allowing outsiders to approach.


    Even Xia Cong and others were not allowed.


    "This..."


    Xia Cong originally wanted to be responsible for guarding the door, couldn''t help feeling somewhat disappointed.


    It seemed, he was not one of General Chen''s confidants yet.


    ...


    "Hehe~"

 Chapter 359 - 165: Three Thousand, Break One Hundred Thousand!_6

    Fang Qingyun teased, "Junior brother, if your elder brother hasn''t guessed wrong, you''re planning to have the two of us go negotiate with the enemy army as well, aren''t you?"


    "Correct!"


    Chen Sansi said candidly, "It''s just that if only Sha and Deng go, there''s no full assurance of success in our plan. However, if you two elders also joined, there would be enough confidence. But before that, I want to ask elder brother, if we encounter danger, do you have any means to save your own life?"


    His Sword Qi Skill was taught by Fang Qingyun.


    This elder brother even compiled a translation dictionary for the language and characters of the Immortal Realm.


    Furthermore...


    He was the disciple most trusted by their teacher, probably without a rival.


    Nobody could compare.


    Whatever it was, it would have been discussed between the two of them.


    On top of that, as the fourth elder brother was disabled, it was impossible for him not to have any means of survival at his disposal.


    "Yes."


    Fang Qingyun nodded, "But it really is just for survival. Currently, I''m a cripple, not to mention techniques like Sword Qi Skill, I can''t even practice Martial Arts anymore."


    "Then..."


    Chen Sansi asked, "If someone in the Profound Image Realm was to kill you, how long could you hold on?"


    "It''s uncertain."


    Fang Qingyun said, "I''ve used it a few times, it''s very fragile now. But I should be able to hold on for a while."


    "Junior brother, no matter what you want to do, just go ahead with your plan if necessary. As generals, we should be decisive without hesitation. You don''t need to worry about our safety," said Fang Qingyun.


    "Elder brother is right, hesitation leads to defeat!"


    Wang Zhi agreed, "But from what you''ve said, junior brother, it seems like this negotiation is very likely to fail?"


    Chen Sansi did not deny it, "Since that''s the case, I''ll trouble the two elder brothers to make this trip."


    In the battle of Ming State, he learned from General Yu Song''s death how to weigh choices and would not have any more hesitations:


    "Besides, the matter of ceding territory is no small matter. We can''t decide it on our own, we need Meng Dashuai''s commander seal for it, and cooperation from your Highness and others, so I''ll trouble elder brother to write a letter to inform them."


    "No problem."


    Fang Qingyun immediately agreed.


    "Hold on."


    Wang Zhi froze, "Sanshi, I just realized something. Sha Wenlong and Deng Feng are well-known generals from inside Hulaoguan, what am I going there for?" sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "You also have a name."


    Chen Sansi said, "Your name is Tang Ruoshan."


    "What is that?"


    Wang Zhi didn''t understand.


    "Elder brother Six," Fang Qingyun said, "The general from the battle of Silver Pine Cliff was you. Junior brother is taking this opportunity to grant you a chance to earn merit before returning."


    Xuanxiang Realm.


    Every radish has its hole.


    If there were secret Dead Soldiers...


    They would not appear on the battlefield but rather in certain assassinations.


    And only Tang Ruoshan, to Nan Xu, would seem more credible.


    "Return? How do I return?"


    Wang Zhi waved his hand, "Let me go if you want to, but as for the rest, ever since I followed you all, I''m not as happy as I was in Po Yang."


    "The problem with your meridians should be curable."


    Chen Sansi pondered.


    Last time when they were extorting the Incense Fire Divine Sect, maybe something to treat the meridians would appear.


    It all depended on whether they were willing to give it up.


    "Alright, that''s settled then."


    Chen Sansi finalized the plans, "Two elder brothers, go get ready."


    ...


    Yong Yue Prefecture.


    "Good, what a valiant double incursion into enemy camp!"


    Meng Quji put down his spear exhaustedly, barely back to the Central Army, and began listening to the Deputy General reading out the battle reports sent from Hulaoguan, "It''s unexpected, Hulaoguan''s three thousand men claiming continuous victory, now even slaying an Admiral! It''s just a pity the forces are too inadequate; otherwise, why should Hulaoguan worry us?"


    "Yes, the Nanxu Army has set out, fearing they''ll soon start besieging in earnest."


    Zhan Taoming saw the latter part, "Eh? Request for peace? Meng Dashuai, take a look, what do they mean by this?"


    "Most likely it''s a ploy for benefits, after all, the best solution is to delay the enemy from besieging," Meng Quji deduced, "Stamp it for them."


    ...


    Nanxu Camp.


    "Request for peace?"


    Fan Shuzhen looked at the letter sent by the messenger, "Strategist, the Sheng people say they don''t want to fight a mutually detrimental war with us and promised that after the war ends, they''ll trade Lanzhou and Mo State for Lingzhou."


    "Lanzhou and Mo State, just to exchange for Lingzhou?"


    You Jingzhi said, "If that''s the case, wouldn''t we gain the most fertile lands of the two Southern states without doing anything, and so what''s the point of continuing the fight?"


    "Indeed."


    Fan Shuzhen was very tempted, "Strategist, with these two states, it would be enough for us to recuperate in secret, and our hundred thousand army wouldn''t have to suffer any more losses. In a few years'' time, they could grow to a hundred and fifty thousand strong!"


    A hundred and fifty thousand strong!


    Who could then contest him for the throne?!


    "Wait."


    Ran Jingxuan pondered, "Wouldn''t this be too big a loss for Dasheng? What they''ve gained from this war, the three Eastern states combined, isn''t as valuable as Lanzhou and Mo State, isn''t it somewhat unreasonable?"


    "Reasonable, I think it''s very reasonable!"


    Fan Shuzhen had an epiphany, "I get it! They''re aiming for Ziwei Mountain! I can understand the thinking of the Emperor of Shengren, there must be treasures on Ziwei Mountain!"


    "If Lord Eight thinks so, it must be true," Ran Jingxuan knew.


    The reason the Sheng people took such a big risk in this war was precisely for Lingzhou.


    "Should we talk about it?"


    Fan Shuzhen suggested, "There are no downsides to talking, at the very least we could rescue our fourteenth brother first."


    "Lord Eight, be wary of falling into a trap," Ran Jingxuan said with mixed certainty, "I suspect their plan is not a sincere offer to negotiate but merely a stalling tactic to buy time."


    "What if it''s true?"


    Fan Shuzhen argued, "Wouldn''t we have struck a huge bargain? The value of Ziwei Mountain to us is far less than that of the two states. Even if there are treasures up there, we wouldn''t be able to find them, after all, Qing Country has searched for more than a century!"

 Chapter 360 - 165: Three Thousand, Breaking One Hundred Thousand!_7

    "They just want to delay us,"


    "If they really want to talk, it''s not impossible."


    After pondering for a moment, Ran Jingxuan made a decision, "Very well, Lord Eight, tell them we can talk peace, but they must first send back Lord Fourteen, and then... dispatch at least two Mystical Phenomenon Generals along with Fang Qingyun, all to negotiate amidst our hundred thousand troops!"


    "If they dare to do so, there''s no harm in talking with them, after all, the exchange mentioned in the letter is already far more valuable to us than attacking Hu Lao Pass."


    "But if they don''t dare, it will shows they''re lying!"


    "Brilliant!"


    Fan Shuzhen was overjoyed and immediately sent someone to reply.


    ...


    Several days passed in a flash.


    During this time, it continued to drizzle, the rain wasn''t heavy, yet it made the already humid southeast even more obscure, especially for the hundred thousand troops, who had no good shelter from the wind and rain, their tents were directly in contact with the ground, it was genuinely long-term torture.


    The soldiers were filled with grumbling.


    "Why is there still no movement!"


    Fan Shuzhen paced back and forth, his patience slowly fading, "The agreed upon negotiation, with no news for days on end, Li Gong''s side has basically been urging every day, my head is about to explode."


    You Jingzhi said, "It seems that it''s really just a stalling tactic."


    "Damn it! How dare they play games with me!"


    Fan Shuzhen was furious, "Strategist, let''s take action!"


    "Clang¡ª"


    Ran Jingxuan drew the long sword from his waist, "Pass my command!"


    "Buzz¡ª"


    "Rumble¡ª"


    At a single command.


    An army of hundred thousand.


    Due to the huge number of troops, they formed a giant array, stretching out twenty li!


    They surged mightily, with a momentum that shook the heavens and earth!


    They advanced to suppress Hu Lao Pass!


    Above the city walls.


    Even the repeatedly victorious Black Armor soldiers felt somewhat daunted upon seeing this spectacle; after all, this was a genuine army of hundred thousand, and they knew that they only had three thousand men!


    But at this critical moment,


    a messenger arrived at the enemy camp.


    "They agreed?"


    Fan Shuzhen looked at the text above and once again became elated, "Strategist! Look quickly! Hu Lao Pass''s messenger says they''re willing to accept your terms!"


    "Oh?"


    Ran Jingxuan was slightly surprised, "They''re willing to dispatch two Mystical Phenomenon Generals to our camp for negotiations?"


    "No."


    Fan Shuzhen said, "It''s actually four people, Sha Wenlong, Deng Feng, that fierce general whose name is unknown, and Fang Qingyun. It seems Ziwei Mountain really is important to them, they are sincerely coming to negotiate."


    "All of them?"


    You Jingzhi heard this with some disbelief, "Doesn''t this mean they''re practically handing over ninety percent of Hu Lao Pass''s strength right into our camp? Their sincerity is really enough. Strategist, I think it''s worth talking."


    "If that''s really the case..."


    Ran Jingxuan said, "It might be worth trying to talk to them, but I still feel like something isn''t quite right."


    "Strategist, you might be overthinking this time!"


    You Jingzhi hastily said, "Three Mystical Phenomenon Generals are all in our Central Army Camp, even Fang Qingyun included. Once they enter our camp, they''ll be like lambs to the slaughter, don''t they value their lives?


    "Besides, with these people out, even Chen Sansi left in the rear, no matter how cunning, probably can''t exert his strength, can he?"


    Without Mystical Phenomenon Realm Generals.


    Having explained everything, what remained of Chen Sansi was merely someone in the Meridian Passage Realm.


    Even the previous Heavenly Book Array at Silver Pine Cliff had required that bare-handed warrior, and the later double cavalry raid relied completely on Deng Feng to resist Martial Artists of the same realm.


    Without them, what could Chen Sansi possibly do?


    "This point is indeed correct."


    Ran Jingxuan still hesitated somewhat, "It''s just..."


    "Strategist, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!"


    Fan Shuzhen said, "The Emperor of the Sheng people, Longqing, is inept and morally corrupt. Do you remember what happened in Yunzhou ten days ago? Eight or nine out of ten, it was his doing! If there really are treasures on Ziwei Mountain, to him, trading two states for them is nothing."


    Ran Jingxuan thought about it, and it really was so.


    Moreover, he reasoned that it was the enemy walking into the tiger''s den, and after all, it was just a negotiation, not a decisive battle. If the negotiation failed, they could simply continue the fight without delay.


    "Strategist."


    Fan Shuzhen continued to persuade from the side, "Don''t forget, our fourteenth brother is still in their hands. Even if we can''t agree, we can at least rescue him, right?"


    "Alright."


    Ran Jingxuan was finally convinced, "In that case, let them come in to talk first, but if we can''t agree..." Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His gaze suddenly became sinister, "then they don''t need to leave!


    "Pass my command!


    "Set up the trapping array around the Central Army Tent in advance. Wait for my signal with the throwing of the cup!


    "Then...


    "Welcome the guests!


    ...


    "Buzz¡ª"


    The gate of Hulaoguan city swung open.


    Fang, Deng, Sha, Wang, the four individuals, didn''t bring any attendants and walked straight toward the hundred thousand-strong army; the dense Armored Soldiers parted like a tide, eventually swallowing them up.


    "Sir..."


    "Is this, isn''t this too risky?"


    Even Zhao Kang and the others watched with fear and trepidation.


    "Yes."


    "General Fang and the others are all over there, that''s a hundred thousand troops!"


    "If something happens, wouldn''t it mean..."


    No one could come out!


    After all.


    The opponents still had three Generals of the Profound Image Realm, among whom Fan Shuzhen was no less powerful than Deng Feng. With only one Sha Wenlong left, should anything go wrong, it would mean the real end of Hulaoguan!


    Chen Sansi looked over the wasteland, silent, his gaze filled with a resolute determination to win.


    "Xia Cong, heed the command!"


    "The entire army to prepare for battle!"


    "Tomorrow morning, march out for a decisive battle!"


    "A decisive battle?!"


    Xia Cong almost thought he misheard: "Sir, aren''t we negotiating? Why suddenly a decisive battle! General Fang and the others are still inside there?"


    Chen Sansi''s silence provided the answer.


    Xia Cong and the others no longer dared to object and immediately took their leave to carry out the orders.


    This arrangement.


    Was a negotiation, but it was also a decisive battle!


    This was the fourth move, and the last move in the battle of Hulaoguan.


    Three thousand, to break a hundred thousand!

 Chapter 367 - 167: Conclusion at Hu Lao, the White Robe Shows Its Might

    Fan Shuzhen said, his massive sword already cleaving downwards.


    A sword gang transformed into a Dire Wolf of Kui, charging straight at the green-robed scholar in the wheelchair, leaving behind a huge crack along its path as if the earth itself was torn apart by this one stroke.


    "Boom¡ª"


    Almost at the same moment.


    Deng Feng also made his move.


    The Azure Dragon Crescent Broadsword fell, effortlessly splitting the sword gang that had taken the form of the Dire Wolf of Kui in two, which then rapidly dissipated, vanishing without a trace.


    "I''ll handle Deng Feng!"


    "One each!"


    Fan Shuzhen said, charging in to engage in battle with Deng Feng.


    "Lord You!"


    Ran Jingxuan drew his sword, "Ran is not exceptionally strong, I can only deal with Sha Wenlong; Tang Ruoshan is yours to handle first. After killing Sha Wenlong, I''ll immediately come to assist you!"


    "You look down on me too?!"


    Sha Wenlong, thunderously angry, swung his broadsword as if a mountain were collapsing towards his opponent.


    "Confinement Formation!"


    "Form up!"


    "Boom!"


    As several generals were deep in combat, another row of soldiers holding Mystic Iron Shields advanced.


    These men were the best of the best, risking their lives to launch sneak attacks; though the vast majority died instantly, it undeniably also accelerated the depletion of the enemy''s gang qi.


    In a situation with military officers of the same realm, surrounding and killing a warrior of the Xuanxiang Realm would take no more than five or six hundred lives.


    You Jingzhi wasn''t in a hurry to make a move.


    After all, in his mind.


    Tang Ruoshan was also at Great Success in the Xuanxiang Realm.


    Making a move directly, he would likely be no match; the best strategy was to use his men to chip away at him, in addition to delaying, waiting until the other two had settled their fight before ganging up to kill him.


    But just as he was tensely preparing to make a move to test the waters.


    Wang Zhi...


    ran away!


    Wang Zhi, who had been pretending to be a master, deftly snatched a weapon from the hands of the Nanxu soldiers, killed two of them, and then ran over to the side of the wheelchair.


    From his moves.


    You Jingzhi realized.


    This man was nowhere near the Xuanxiang Realm; let alone gang qi, he didn''t even have vigor, was he merely a Refining Internal or Bone Training, or still hiding his strength, tempting him to attack?!


    "Swoosh!"


    You Jingzhi, after much thought, finally chose to swing his iron chain, the Iron Claw at its end smashed out like a meteor, intending to use some strength to test how powerful this man truly was.


    "Rumble!"


    Wang Zhi had already snatched a Mystical Iron Shield and even placed several Nanxu soldiers in front of him; as the soldiers were struck dead instantly, the Flying Claw carrying gang qi came crashing down, and he was flung backwards, losing his grip on the Mystical Iron Shield and coughing up a mouthful of fresh blood.


    "Damn it, Bone Training?!"


    You Jingzhi announced loudly, "Lord Eight, strategist! Tang Ruoshan is a cripple, he only has Bone Training!"


    "What?!"


    Ran Jingxuan, who was fighting with Sha Wenlong, suddenly realized: "No wonder he didn''t dare to show himself openly before. Just as I suspected, the fearsome unarmed warrior from before was played by Deng Feng!"


    That explained everything!


    After all.


    The only time the fearsome unarmed warrior emerged was under cover of the night where faces couldn''t be clearly seen, which was proof enough of everything.


    "What are you waiting for, Marquis?!"


    Ran Jingxuan was overjoyed, "Kill Tang Ruoshan and Fang Qingyun, and we''ll have decided the outcome!"


    The current situation looked grim.


    Apart from Deng Feng and Sha Wenlong, no one present had any real combat power.


    In other words, there was only one at the Great Success level and one at the entry-level!


    They were, frankly, utterly vulnerable!


    "Old Four, what should we do?"


    Wang Zhi, struck by several knives, was fiercely protecting the wheelchair. "You''re crippled, and I''m useless. Use whatever means you have quickly! What''s the point of playing the flute at a time like this..."


    In the midst of the chaotic battle,


    The Green Robed Scholar had a serious expression, but there was no panic to be seen. He methodically took out a flute he always carried with him and gently placed it to his lips as if he was about to play.


    "Save it for the underworld!"


    As You Jingzhi spoke,


    His Flying Claw tore through the air anew, like a ghostly claw from the underworld, reaching straight for the Green Robed Scholar''s crown.


    At the same time,


    The jade flute sounded!


    "Woo woo~"


    The mournful and melodious sound of the flute unexpectedly rose amidst the cacophony of clashing metal on the battlefield. It was incredibly distinct, as if coming from another realm, separate from the world of men. Then, everyone''s minds were racked with pain as if being sliced by countless blades.


    "Ahh¡ª"


    "Pugh!"


    Some Array Soldiers even had their heads burst on the spot.


    Many military soldiers of lower realms also vomited blood or died from bleeding from all orifices. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Buzz!"


    Including You Jingzhi, who was engulfed in darkness until he fully released his Protective Gang Qi, barely managed to resist. He could feel an invisible force attacking his Gang Qi along with the sound of the flute, as if countless invisible Martial Artists were hacking and slashing at him.


    Even Fan Shuzhen and Ran Jingxuan were more or less affected, causing flaws to appear in their battle against their foes, nearly leading to fatal blows.


    "What is this thing?!"


    "How can a single flute have such tremendous power?"


    "Immortal Artifact!"


    "That''s the Immortal Artifact in Fang Qingyun''s hands!"


    "He really did have something!"


    "..."


    "Old Four, where did you get this thing?!"


    Wang Zhi stared in stunned disbelief.


    There was no reply.


    Fang Qingyun just signaled him with a gesture.


    Go!


    Wang Zhi noticed.


    Just a brief moment had passed, and Fang Qingyun''s complexion had turned deathly pale.


    Clearly, using such a method came at a cost.


    "I understand."


    Wang Zhi pushed the wheelchair and started running out.


    Where they passed, the encircling enemies automatically parted a way in the wake of the deadly flute sound.


    "Don''t let them escape!"


    "Kill!"


    Ran Jingxuan''s lower realm meant he was the most affected, his face even twisting: "Kill Fang Qingyun!"

 Chapter 368 - 167: Conclusion at Hu Lao, White Robe Demonstrates Power_2

    "Ah!"


    You Jingzhi let out a fierce shout.


    His protective Gang Qi suddenly soared.


    Finally, it completely blocked the attack of the flute sound. His Flying Claw, coated with Gang Qi, transformed into a long and terrifying claw, resembling a withered tree branch, and descended from the sky once more.


    "Boom!"


    The pitch of the flute sound rose higher.


    An invisible force collided.


    It actually blew away the full-strength strike from a Small Achieved Martial Artist of the Xuanxiang Realm.


    "I don''t believe it!"


    You Jingzhi roared in anger, continuing to attack the green-robed scholar in the wheelchair frantically.


    While the generals were fighting,


    The Nan Xu army of one hundred thousand had completely fallen into endless chaos.


    A great fog!


    A dense fog that blanketed the sky!


    This fog obscured half of the world


    The soldiers of Nan Xu


    watched with their own eyes as the places shrouded by the fog were left with bodies scattered everywhere...


    The white fog, mingling with the blood mist, the sound of golden spears and iron horses, the black armor faintly visible, created an indescribable scene of divine awe interwoven with bloodbath, terrifying the onlookers to the point where their souls scattered and their guts split.


    No one knew how many enemy soldiers were inside the fog.


    Nor did anyone know what realm they were from.


    All the soldiers of Nan Xu knew was they couldn''t hold back the enemy!


    It didn''t matter how many people went to block them, whether cavalry or infantry, whether holding their ground or forming a battle array; they were all crushed mercilessly, leaving only a field of corpses. The great fog, in the eyes of the people, gradually morphed into a titanic beast that devoured all; wherever it went, no matter how many soldiers were present, they would be swallowed whole.


    In such a situation,


    there was only one thought left in the minds of the Nan Xu soldiers.


    Run!


    "Stand your ground!"


    "Everyone, stand your ground!"


    "..."


    A few Assistant Generals stepped out to command.


    "Do not panic!"


    "Form a formation at the perimeter!"


    "Trap them!"


    "We have one hundred thousand soldiers!"


    "..."


    "Pfft!"


    However,


    these Assistant Generals were either directly stabbed to death by a long spear amidst the throngs of soldiers,


    or they simply couldn''t command.


    After all, an Assistant General could at most command a few thousand men; the rest simply wouldn''t listen to them.


    Chen Sansi, using his Qi Observation Skill, sought out and specifically targeted military officers to kill.


    "Where is the Prince?!"


    "Where are the Generals?"


    "What should we do now?"


    Without a leader,


    the one hundred thousand-strong army was nothing but loose sand.


    They had no idea how to respond.


    "We''ve lost!"


    "Our army has been defeated!"


    "..."


    When the Jiuxiao Heavenly Soldiers formation charged at the flank,


    the soldiers of Nan Xu, who were initially the vanguard but later shifted to the left side,


    at that moment,


    recalled the terror of having to hold up their shields even when relieving themselves.


    Ever since the battle of Hulaoguan began, Chen Sansi, time and again, either charged into the formation alone or with a companion to slay generals. The troops that were originally responsible for the vanguard had long been scared witless; expecting them to siege was out of the question.


    So, in order not to affect morale, they had already rearranged their deployment several times.


    But at this time...


    These soldiers, scattered everywhere, had become the seeds that ignited the epidemic.


    Every step arranged by Chen Sansi


    was like a series of interlocking chains, beginning to take effect.


    "Chen Sansi!"


    "Run for it!"


    "We can''t win, it''s simply not possible!"


    "Those two, they killed General Peng, tens of thousands couldn''t catch up with them!"


    "Now with the army charging, how could we possibly win!"


    "..."


    Thus,


    on this vast and boundless wilderness,


    an unprecedented grand rout could no longer be stopped. They couldn''t even distinguish the directions, fleeing haphazardly in all eight directions. Even the few generals still holding on were killed by their own men in the chaos.


    In the midst of battle,


    the number of soldiers under one''s command has its pros and cons.


    Fewer men meant more agility,


    while more men meant being unwieldy.


    Once the number of soldiers reached a certain level, it demanded a very high command ability from the Commander. If not a naturally born grandmaster of military tactics, it would be simply impossible to command so many men.


    Especially for many generals,


    their talents only allowed them to command a few thousand or perhaps ten to twenty thousand men.


    More is not always better,


    and not everybody is capable of managing more.


    Not to mention, within the Nan Xu Army, there were recruits with just two years of training, plus twenty thousand allies from Qing Country, creating utter chaos. With the three Mystical Phenomenon Generals absent, they were nothing but a disorganized mob.


    Next,


    as long as they took out the Main General,


    the army of a hundred thousand would be completely defeated!


    "Xia Cong, Xiao Zheng, you two continue to charge, but don''t just rush straight ahead. Charge out diagonally, then charge back again diagonally!"


    After Chen Sansi finished instructing, he headed straight for the Central Army Camp.


    At this moment,


    the Xuanjia Army, under various compounded factors, had already entered a state of the ultimate war frenzy. With eyes only for killing the enemy, and backed by the most important Mystical Energy and Heavenly Book, they confronted an Enemy Army intent only on fleeing, as if entering uninhabited territory.


    ...


    Central Army Camp.


    Supported by the sound of flutes,


    Deng Feng and others had been holding out in the encirclement until now. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    You Jingzhi''s multiple attacks had not been able to harm Fang Qingyun in the slightest.


    Instead, reports of defeat after defeat kept coming in.


    "General!"


    "It''s over!"


    "Complete chaos!"


    "If you don''t go out to take charge of the army now... my hundred thousand troops are going to collapse right here!"


    "..."


    "Useless!"


    Fan Shuzhen, who was evenly matched with Deng Feng, cursed, "A hundred thousand men, and he''s just a Meridian Passage? Inside Hulaoguan, there are only over ten thousand defending troops; can''t you all hold them back!"


    "Prince!"


    "Heavenly Soldiers and Generals!"


    That Assistant General said in a panic, "They are possessed by Heavenly Soldiers!"


    "It''s also unclear how many there are, but definitely not just over ten thousand!"


    "..."


    "Heavenly Soldiers?"


    Fan Shuzhen reacted.


    It must be the Heavenly Book again!


    He sheathed his sword intending to personally go and oversee the battle, but he couldn''t break away. Deng Feng, wounded by several cuts, broke out of the encirclement and charged towards him again.

 Chapter 369 - 167: Conclusion at Hu Lao, White Robe Shows Its Might_3

    ```


    "Lord You!"


    Ran Jingxuan was in the same predicament, "Since we can''t kill Fang Qingyun, let''s go and kill Chen Sansi. Once he dies, the enemy army will naturally collapse!"


    He was mistaken!


    Before, he had always assumed having Fang Qingyun along with three Generals here meant he could rest easy, but in fact, Chen Sansi was the true core, even though he was only at the Meridian Passage Realm!


    It was precisely the words "Meridian Passage" that greatly reduced their guard!


    "Good!"


    You Jingzhi decisively gave up on the Green Robed Scholar.


    Just as he had guessed.


    He couldn''t kill him.


    But this cripple couldn''t kill him either, his flute was more for self-protection; the offensive measure was alright for low-level warriors but somewhat lacking against High Realm Martial Artists.


    "Damn it!"


    Watching the other ride away, Wang Zhi voiced his concern, "Old Four, what shall we do?!"


    "Follow them."


    Fang Qingyun said.


    ...


    "Don''t panic!"


    You Jingzhi, amidst the chaotic army, tried to salvage the situation, but it was too late. The various forces were already in disarray; even if the military officers wanted to follow orders, they couldn''t do so.


    Fortunately, he found his target.


    In the midst of the dense Nanxu Army.


    There was a White Horse charging alone into the enemy''s formation, wielding a long spear in one hand and a sword in the other, unmatched by any opponent. No, to be precise, essentially no one dared to block his way. Everyone wet their pants in fear and stepped aside, not even daring to meet his gaze.


    As a result, a broad road emerged in the midst of the chaotic battlefield!


    "Chen Sansi, stop there!"


    You Jingzhi spurred his horse, chasing head-on at full speed.


    Contrary to his expectations.


    Chen Sansi didn''t run away but also galloped furiously towards him, trailed by a sky-covering fog that enveloped several miles around and hid his figure from sight.


    "What sorcery!"


    You Jingzhi momentarily panicked.


    First the Heavenly Thunder at Silver Pine Cliff.


    Now a bizarre and extreme fog out of nowhere. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    If the Heavenly Book Formation is truly this powerful, how did the Red Eyebrow Army get defeated in the past?


    How did Liang Jinian die at the hands of a mere thousand or two thousand soldiers?


    After all, as an Admiral and a noble Marquis, even if his strategic levels were average, he was someone who had been through many trials and tribulations. He quickly steadied his mind; no matter how dense the fog, it was just that¡ªa fog, merely a blinding technique!


    If it truly were effective!


    He would already be dead!


    "Da-da¡ª"


    "Zzzt!"


    You Jingzhi finally judged from the sound of the horse''s hooves that this Chen wasn''t taking advantage of the fog to sneak an attack on him but rather went first to kill the other nearby soldiers. Why?!


    "Boom!"


    He swung his Iron Claw with precision toward the sound of the hooves.


    Then came the sound of weapons clashing.


    He scored a hit!


    You Jingzhi immediately hastened towards the source of the sound, but arrived to find nothing. In front of him lay the corpses of his troops, within the several miles of dense fog a deathly silence.


    Apart from himself, there was no other living person in sight.


    Cleaning the field?


    Silencing witnesses?


    What is this Chen planning?!


    In the fog right in front of him, suddenly, a speck of purple light appeared. The purple light tore through the fog, revealing its true form.


    That sword!


    A sword emitting a misty purple aura, palm-sized but exquisitely crafted, its surface flowing with a mysterious light, intricately covered in dense, ant-like mystical runes.


    Immortal Law!


    Not long ago he had witnessed Fang Qingyun''s flute.


    You Jingzhi was somewhat prepared mentally; extremely cautious, he slammed his Iron Claw charged with Gang Qi onto the tiny purple sword.


    "Buzz!"


    Upon contact.


    You Jingzhi felt an irresistible force strike him.


    Despite the tiny size of the purple sword, it seemed to embody the weight of an entire mountain. With his small achievement in the Xuanxiang Realm, he couldn''t resist it.


    In that moment.


    Everything seemed to slow down.


    You Jingzhi''s chain Iron Claw was sent flying by the tremendous impact, temporarily out of his control. In an instant, the tiny purple sword arrived before his face.


    His clothes billowed and his armor clanked as bursts of Protective Gang Qi erupted around him, forming a transparent barrier that seemed like solidified gel.


    "Boom¡ª"


    The tiny purple sword slowed down momentarily as it collided with the Gang Qi, but in the end, it cut through the barrier layer by layer, unstoppably pushing forward, and reached its destination without any further obstruction, piercing through the skull.


    All.


    Happened in the blink of an eye.


    "Huh..."


    You Jingzhi stood rigidly, his mind blank, not knowing who he was or where he was until a warm trickle of blood spread like a crimson spider''s web across his face, and then he crumbled to the ground, breathless.


    "A Xuanxiang Warrior is quite tenacious, indeed!"


    Chen Sansi emerged from the thick fog.


    His small achievement in Sword Qi Skill was barely sufficient to kill a Xuanxiang Warrior at small achievement level. Even one at Great Success would likely have survived.


    Nothing like previously killing Meridian Passage Realm warriors who basically couldn''t even see what was happening before they dropped dead on the spot.


    It seems.


    High Realm Martial Artists are not as frail as imagined.


    At least, they can put up a fight against low-level Immortal Laws.


    If Xuanxiang is this tough.


    The Martial Saints must be even more formidable.


    Chen Sansi first used his long spear to wreck the wound, then with the Zhenyue Sword, he severed the head. He called over Qian Xun and hadn''t gone far when he met his two senior brothers, who were being pursued by several hundred troops and military officers of various ranks.


    ```

 Chapter 370 - 167: Conclusion at Hu Lao, White Robe Demonstrates Power_4

    The Green Robed Scholar''s face turned deathly pale as he sat in his wheelchair, relying on the sound of the flute to fend off the soldiers behind him.


    "Boom¡ª¡ª"


    Until a long spear arrived like a dragon, causing these last elites to collapse utterly.


    "The situation has been determined!"


    Chen Sansi said, "Brothers, finish them off!"


    The Central Army Camp had long been destroyed beyond recognition, as if it had never existed.


    Under heavy siege, Deng Feng had already been covered in wounds, his armor turning crimson. In front of him, with the help of thousands of soldiers, Fan Shuzhen gradually gained the upper hand.


    Yet at that moment, a familiar severed head fell in front of him.


    You Jingzhi!


    "How is this possible!"


    Fan Shuzhen was horrified.


    Hadn''t he sent him to kill Chen Sansi, how could...


    A thick fog had obscured the view just a moment ago.


    Could it be another Immortal Law used by Fang Qingyun!


    Sha Wenlong, looking at the severed head, was also shocked and found it strange.


    Meanwhile.


    Three thousand Iron Cavalry of the Xuanjia Army.


    After several rounds of fierce attacks, they completely overwhelmed the front and Central Armies, bringing a dense fog of blood with them to this place, killing too many and shedding too much blood, the originally thick white fog thoroughly turned into a deep crimson blood mist.


    In this blood mist.


    There were three thousand death gods!


    The unstoppable three thousand death gods annihilated the last of Da Xu''s elite troops who were stubbornly resisting.


    The situation.


    From Fan Shuzhen and others'' encirclement of Deng Feng and Sha Wenlong, suddenly and completely reversed.


    It changed to them being trapped in the dense blood mist, facing the bloodthirsty Xuanjia Army charging fearlessly, quickly allowing Deng Feng to catch a flaw and severely wound him in return.


    "Boom¡ª¡ª"


    A "Da Xu" military flag collapsed thunderously. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Someone!"


    Fan Shuzhen screamed desperately.


    But he could no longer summon a single subordinate!


    "Strategist! Save me, strategist!"


    In the end, he could only pin all his hopes on Lingsuan.


    Only to see Ran Jingxuan, unable to withstand the siege, exchanged wounds with Sha Wenlong and knelt on one knee, his complexion ghastly, his heart ashen: "Prince, we have lost..."


    "Lost? Just like that?!"


    Fan Shuzhen felt utterly bewildered: "A hundred thousand troops, I had a hundred thousand troops! How did it come to this?!"


    "Prince, open your eyes and see."


    Ran Jingxuan said despairingly: "Our ranks have entirely scattered..."


    In the face of a massive rout at the front.


    The rear troops, upon witnessing the "Da Xu" flag of the Central Army tent falling and being devoured by the blood mist, thought it was utterly over, did not release a single arrow, turned, and fled.


    The three generals of the Central Army Tent were all captured.


    They.


    Why even fight anymore?


    "Ah!"


    Fan Shuzhen roared, and after another fierce exchange with Deng Feng, he struggled to support himself and asked unwillingly, "Strategist, where did we fail, where did we fail!"


    "We failed because of indecisiveness, hesitation!"


    Ran Jingxuan regretted their past actions, "We should not have been calculating our own gains and losses. Initially, if we had attacked Hu Lao Pass with all our forces, even at great loss, we would definitely have been able to take it down. How did we end up with such a disastrous defeat?"


    The encirclement stopped.


    Two thousand of the three thousand Black Armor continued to slaughter the rest.


    A thousand remained, encircling without attacking, waiting for the two to run out of energy.


    "There is one thing I don''t understand!"


    Ran Jingxuan coughed up a mouthful of fresh blood, and as he watched the young general approaching slowly on a White Horse, he asked, "Inside Hu Lao Pass, exactly how many generals, how many troops are there? Twenty thousand? Or thirty thousand?"


    "Three thousand."


    The situation was already decided, Chen Sansi did not need to bluff anymore, "Three thousand troops, plus two Mysterious Phenomena."


    "What?!"


    "Pfft¡ª"


    Upon hearing this, the severely wounded Ran Jingxuan became frantic, spitting out another large cloud of blood. After a long while, he started laughing self-mockingly, "I, Ran Jingxuan, a grand Lingsuan, commanding one hundred thousand troops, finally defeated by a mere three thousand men!"


    Remembering anew, it felt like being in a different world!


    He finally understood.


    The moment his one hundred thousand troops reached Hu Lao Pass, or perhaps when Chen Sansi''s first arrow struck the patrolling sentry, it was a destined defeat.


    All their actions thereafter.


    Were in the palm of Chen Sansi''s hand!


    One could even say, they were all traps carefully laid out, and they kept jumping in, one after another without hesitation.


    Three thousand Black Armor!


    One Meridian Passage!


    Destroyed one hundred thousand troops!


    Ran Jingxuan cried out to the heavens, "What face do I have left, to live in this world¡ª"


    "Crack¡ª"


    "I never intended to let you live!"


    Deng Feng''s sword fell, and a head rolled on the ground.


    "Fan Shuzhen!"


    Chen Sansi pointed his long spear at him, shouting sternly, "You''re the only one left, yet you refuse to die..."


    "Thud!"


    However.


    Before he could finish speaking.


    The previously reluctant Fan Shuzhen, in full view of everyone, suddenly knelt down, as if the world had flipped over, without any warning or transition, he cried out loudly, "General Chen, spare my life! I am one of the eight princes of Da Xu, with many connections within the court. Spare me, and I will surely repay you!"


    "You?"


    Chen Sansi looked down at him, asking coldly, "Fan Shuzhen! My Dasheng has come to reclaim the territories of three states, hence the war against Dongqing Country. What does Nan Xu have to do with it, that you mobilize one hundred thousand troops, using the nation''s strength to cross borders and challenge our military might!"


    Fan Shuzhen knelt on the ground, almost blurting out a shocking revelation that made the thousand people present speechless, not knowing what to do, even the thought of killing evaporated.


    Despite his severe injuries, his voice was loud and resonant:


    "If not willingly come now, would the trouble be greater later!"


    "..."


    Chen Sansi was momentarily stunned.


    Fan Shuzhen continued, "General Chen is a genius born once in a millennium, a saint among strategists, bound to wage wars across the south and north, confronting Da Xu inevitably. If it were really so, General Chen would have to lead troops across countries and traverse thousands of miles to capture me. Isn''t me delivering myself to you now saving General Chen a great deal of trouble?"

 Chapter 371 - 167: Conclusion at Hu Lao, White Robe Shows Its Might_5

    At the same time.


    In the midst of the chaotic army outside, another shout came through.


    "I am the Fourteenth Prince of Da Xu, Fan Jiuxiao, who wants a taste of wealth and honor!"


    "..."


    Very soon.


    Fan Jiuxiao, severely wounded and not yet healed, was escorted over and knelt on the ground alongside others.


    "Eighth brother!"


    "Fourteenth brother!"


    The two looked at each other and wept.


    "Are all of you from Nan Xu born in the Year of the Dog? Your faces change faster than flipping through a book!"


    Wang Zhi cursed.


    These two men, one was recently shouting about his unwillingness and the other on Silver Pine Cliff wanting to behead the White Robe and capture Phoenix alive, yet in the blink of an eye, they knelt down, wagging their tails and begging for mercy. Are these really the same person?


    "You two brothers, you really did it!"


    Wang Zhi immediately determined that these men must not be killed!


    It would be best to send them back to Nan Xu.


    If one of them became the Emperor.


    In less than twenty years, Nan Xu will surely be in great chaos!


    "Sparing your life is possible,"


    Chen Sansi said without refusal, his voice grave, "But what you should do next, there''s no need for me to explain personally, right?"


    "Rest assured, General Chen!"


    Fan Shuzhen understood what was expected of him, "I will immediately gather my former subordinates, all those who can be called back will surrender to Dasheng!"


    "Zi zi!"


    Once they had removed their armor.


    Their wrists were quickly secured with Mystic Iron Chains, then they were placed on a green horse, while Chen Sansi riding Qian Xun followed behind, and soon caught up to the still fleeing troops of Nan Xu''s defeated army.


    Fan Shuzhen, carrying the flag of Dasheng''s army, thundered as he began to rally the troops.


    This battle at Hu Lao.


    Was declared completely over.


    Twenty thousand enemies slain!


    Forty thousand captured!


    An additional forty thousand plus disappeared without a trace, either flooding into the boundaries of Qing Country, or retreating by the original path, fleeing back to Nan Xu.


    However, there were still a few die-hard Assistant Generals who refused to listen even to the Prince''s words, leading the remnants of a few hundred cavalry, moving stealthily in the wilderness waiting for an opportunity. Chen Sansi ordered Sha Wenlong to lead troops to annihilate them.


    The rest remained to clean up the battlefield and rest for a while.


    "Thrilling, truly thrilling!"


    Deng Feng exclaimed, feeling refreshed.


    "This is what fighting a battle is!"


    "This is how you fight a battle!"


    "Three thousand men defeating a hundred thousand, unheard of in ancient times, truly unheard of!"


    "General Chen!"


    "I have no qualms about losing!"


    He kept exclaiming.


    Compared to this battle.


    The effortless fall of Zhaotong Prefecture, what did it count for?!


    The Xuanjia Army was also extremely exhilarated.


    When they left the Capital City, there were many among them who were not pleased.


    After all, they were one of the Emperor''s trusted aide armies, stationed near the Imperial Army around the Capital City. Suddenly, they were assigned to the borders, only because "crossing the Hongze River four times" was renowned enough and everyone wanted to see if this young general was truly as his reputation suggested. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After arriving in Lai State.


    One incident after another, who wasn''t completely convinced?


    Not only that.


    The great merits of this time.


    Everyone had a share!


    Such great merit, one can only imagine the amount of gold and silver bestowed as rewards, not to mention the Martial Arts Resources, which meant everyone''s future would take a step further!


    "It''s very normal."


    Zhao Kang and the others looked at each other: "We do this often, so we''re used to it."


    The old brothers from Po Yang, as always, were calm.


    Ever since they arrived at Hulaoguan, they started betting on how long it would take to win and how it would be done. The worst estimate was that they would hold out for three months. No one believed they would ever be defeated.


    "General!"


    "Please accept our bow!"


    Xia Cong, Xiao Zheng, and You Jike knelt in unison: "From now on, we will be loyal to His Majesty above, and obey the General below. We are willing to go through fire and water for the Great Sheng Dynasty, without hesitation!"


    "Rise."


    Chen Sansi said nothing more: "Clean up the battlefield, settle the surrendered soldiers as soon as possible, and make sure to annihilate any remaining enemy cavalry units. Leave five hundred men to garrison Hulaoguan, and the rest return to the territory of Lai State to aid the Commander in his assault on Yong Yue Prefecture."


    "Understood!"


    ...


    "Speaking of which, the Heavenly Book is truly divine!"


    "Indeed!"


    "In this battle, we had Heavenly Thunder and thick fog, the great forces of nature were aiding us!"


    "..."


    On the wilderness, those responsible for hunting down the last two hundred stubborn soldiers of the Xuanjia Army discussed the course of the battle on horseback as they searched for them.


    "And there were Immortal Laws!"


    "Have you not heard?"


    "In the Central Army Camp, General Fang survived amidst thousands of troops with just a flute!"


    "That''s not all!"


    "So many people died!"


    "It seems that Marquis Qinghe also perished under General Fang''s Immortal Law!"


    "Fang Qingyun? Maybe not!"


    Sha Wenlong thought to himself, but kept his thoughts to himself.


    He had seen everything clearly.


    You Jingzhi had left!


    To find Chen Sansi!


    By the time he came back, only his head remained.


    Compared to Fang Qingyun, it was more likely that Chen Sansi was the killer!


    How could one at the Meridian Passage stage kill someone at the small achievement level of the Profound Image Realm?


    There was only one answer.


    Immortal Law!


    Chen Sansi had also learned the Immortal Law!


    Did Sun Xiangzong teach him so quickly?


    This guy didn''t even report it to the court!


    And...


    Sha Wenlong suddenly recalled that Yin Hanwen and others who died outside the Liangzhou City walls had Chen Sansi as their prime suspect initially. At that time, however, he was only at the Refining Internal stage, which seemed far-fetched, and nobody gave it much thought.


    Now it seemed...


    It was very likely that he had used Immortal Law to kill them!


    And then framed the Witch God Sect!


    It all made sense!


    This youngster!


    He''s as good as dead!


    Without betraying his thoughts, Sha Wenlong said, "You few, search towards the east. I''ll check the west and return here in half an hour, cough cough cough..."


    "Understood!"


    "..."


    After making the arrangements, Sha Wenlong left the team on his own.


    He was seriously injured, with several wounds in vital areas. Now, he probably wouldn''t even be a match for someone at the Meridian Passage stage, especially since he was only an entry-level practitioner in the Profound Image Realm.

 Chapter 372 - 167: Conclusion at Hu Lao, White Robe Demonstrates Power_6

    Even so, he forced himself to a secluded area and pulled a piece of cloth from the lining of his shirt. After biting his finger, he began to write the secret letter.


    The Hai Dongqing also perched on his shoulder.


    Ready to send out the message at the fastest speed.


    "Whoosh¡ª¡ª"


    It was then.


    An arrow flew in, piercing straight through the just taken-off Hai Dongqing, causing it to fall from the midair.


    "General Sha." Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Sansi, holding the Big Bow, silently appeared, "What are you writing? Why don''t you go back inside the pass and use paper, had to use blood, so urgent?"


    "You, you..."


    Sha Wenlong instantly panicked and soon put on an act of shock, "How dare you, do you not know how precious these Exotic Beast Flying Eagles are?"


    Chen Sansi paid him no attention but instead picked up the Hai Dongqing, unfolding the cloth attached, "General Sha, you and I have been through life and death together, I can''t believe you would frame me like this, charging me with the murder of an Imperial Official, concealing Immortal Law, even accusing me of plotting rebellion, what a vicious heart."


    The truth was out.


    Sha Wenlong stopped pretending, "Chen Sansi! Was it you who killed Young Master Yin, yes or no?!"


    There was no response.


    He just saw a purple little sword slowly condensing above Chen Sansi''s fingertips.


    "What, what are you going to do?!"


    Sha Wenlong''s eyes widened in his one good eye.


    His guess was indeed correct.


    This Chen had learned Immortal Law!


    But he couldn''t care less about his shock at this moment, his greater feeling was fear, "You dare to kill me? How will you explain it?"


    "General Sha Wenlong, wounded while pursuing the remaining Nan Xu Cavalry, unfortunately ambushed and killed by a swarm of blades, how does this explanation sound, General Sha?"


    Chen Sansi''s tone was terrifyingly calm.


    "Bang!"


    Sha Wenlong realized escape was hopeless, and tried to run.


    A flash of purple light.


    He fell to the ground, rigid, quickly losing breath.


    Chen Sansi went over to deal with the body.


    This man.


    Also got what he deserved.


    At least before dying, he exhausted that little bit of value he had left.


    And moreover.


    In such a grand victory.


    For a General of the Profound Image Realm to die.


    Is truly...


    Too common.


    If a General didn''t die, the battle report would seem somewhat unreal.


    Chen Sansi could tell the man was seriously injured, that''s why he chose to make his move here.


    The main reason he used the Sword Qi Skill was for the sake of efficiency.


    Practicing the Sword Qi Skill consumes a great deal of incense, but replenishing it after a single use was not very much, only took a little time.


    This battle at Hulaoguan.


    Is considered, completely over!


    According to Chen Sansi''s judgment, by the time they rushed back to Lai State, they would be able to take down Yong Yue Prefecture soon, and the Qing Country''s army outside Green Ridge Mountain would quickly retreat, recapturing the three states was nearly a done deal, without any surprises.


    But there was one thing yet to be concluded.


    The Crown Prince''s rebellion!


    The pacification of the three states meant gaining Ziwei Mountain.


    The place that the Crown Prince and the Incense Fire Divine Sect were preparing to strike.


    The Emperor will soon grace Ziwei Mountain with his presence to conduct the consecration ceremony, and by then, civil and military officials alike will gradually arrive in Lingzhou. In this way, will Lingzhou not truly become the Capital City?


    Chen Sansi and the other meritorious servants will likewise remain to await their rewards, and even some from the battle in Ming State may come over.


    It''s bound to be extraordinarily lively when the time comes.


    It''s just unknown how this grand drama will play out.


    In fact, what Chen Sansi cared about even more was what kind of benefits Lai Zi could fish out from it all.


    Enough.


    Let''s first deal with the matter at hand.


    Having arranged the troops at Hulaoguan, at daybreak the following day, he led a great army back to Lai State, heading straight for Yong Yue Prefecture.


    ...


    Yong Yue Prefecture.


    Meng Quji had gone several days without sleep.


    "What''s the situation at Hulaoguan!"


    Day and night he was filled with anxiety, "Is the retreat all arranged?"


    "It''s arranged."


    Zhan Taoming took off his helmet to catch his breath, "If anything unexpected happens at Hulaoguan, we''ll immediately abandon the attack on Yong Yue Prefecture and fall back two hundred miles, using Zhao Tong Prefecture as the demarcation, to stand off against Qing Country and the Nanxu Liao Army. The supply of grain, fodder, and other logistics are also arranged properly, there definitely won''t be too much chaos. It''s just that within a year, I''m afraid it would be impossible to decide a victor."


    "I still don''t understand why we had to fight this battle, we should have retreated long ago."


    Meng Quji sighed and said, "But strangely enough, even the Crown Prince, who is always cautious and has always minimised expenditures with each military campaign, advocates for continuing the fight, truly baffling."


    "For honor''s sake."


    Zhan Taoming said, "Commander, the disgrace of Ming Xuan back then truly was an unprecedented humiliation for our Great Sheng Dynasty. I can understand why the Emperor and the Crown Prince both want to retake the three states."


    "Yeah, if we could take back the three states, Sheng truly would continue to prosper,"


    Meng Quji said regretfully, "It''s just a pity about Chen Sansi and the others at Hulaoguan. They shouldn''t have been risked to defend the pass; a war for territorial control should have been fought from the start. Now, not only might they not hold the pass, but they also have to take the initiative to strike out, with a high chance of their entire force being wiped out.


    "Three thousand men, not many in number, but the generals among them are all precious treasures of Sheng!


    "General Fang, and Deng Feng, a defector from Qing Country, go without saying, but how old is General Chen? To die at Hulaoguan like this is truly a waste of natural gifts, his future achievements had the chance to compare with Sun Xiangzong.


    "But now... they vanish like a fleeting bloom!"


    "Calculate the time."


    Zhan Taoming said, "The battle report from Hulaoguan should be arriving soon."


    "Report¡ª"


    In the midst of their conversation.


    The battle report from Hulaoguan arrived as expected.


    "That was fast..."


    Meng Quji couldn''t bear to look at the bad news, "Old Zhan, you read it. If it''s as we feared, there''s no need to say it, it would just depress everyone who hears."


    "Okay."


    Zhan Taoming, holding the battle report, trembled, then his entire body began to shake.


    "How is it?!"


    Meng Quji ultimately couldn''t resist asking, "Did anyone make it back alive?"


    "Gone, all gone!"


    Zhan Taoming''s eyes brimmed with tears, his emotions running high.


    "Ha, I knew it."


    Meng Quji shook his head and stood up to go arrange the retreat.


    "No, Commander, you misunderstand!"


    Zhan Taoming held up the letter, his voice raised, almost incoherent, "No, it''s not General Chen and his men who are gone! It''s Nan Xu, Nan Xu''s gone!"


    "A hundred thousand troops gone!"


    "Outside Hulaoguan, General Chen''s three thousand broke through a hundred thousand!"


    "Killed twenty thousand of the enemy!"


    "Captured forty thousand!"


    "..."

 Chapter 373 - 168: The Emperors Personal Visit, Grand Ancestors Relic

    "Hysteria?!"


    Meng Quji simply didn''t believe it, "Old Zhan, you should go take a couple of sleeping pills first and get a good sleep after we retreat."


    "Commander!"


    Zhan Taoming pointed at the letter, "I''m not talking nonsense, it''s true!"


    "True?"


    Meng Quji slapped himself hard, "Three thousand against a hundred thousand, and not only didn''t we get wiped out, but we also crushed the enemy? Impossible, absolutely impossible!"


    "Commander, see for yourself!"


    Zhan Taoming shoved the battle report into his hands, "We killed twenty thousand enemies, captured forty thousand, not to mention You Jingzhi and Ran Jingxuan both died in battle, and Fan Shuzhen and Fan Jiuxiao, both were captured alive! Among them, Fan Jiuxiao was captured alive twice!"


    "Is, is this true or false?"


    Even as Meng Quji stared at the plain white paper with black letters, he couldn''t accept it for a long time, "Did I go too far?


    "Or is this a ruse by Nan Xu to lure us!


    "After taking Hu Lao, they somehow captured Hai Dongqing alive and sent false reports, the purpose is to deceive us to stay in Yong Yue Prefecture and surround us in one fell swoop!


    "Right, it must be so!"


    "Commander, how could it be."


    Zhan Taoming said, "If Hai Dongqing had been captured, it would have desperately cawed as a warning when it came back."


    "They drugged it, right? They gave Hai Dongqing drugs."


    Meng Quji firmly refused to believe it.


    Such an inconceivable event could occur in the world.


    Until...


    "Report¡ª"


    "Commander!"


    "General Chen!"


    "The General and his forces have already left Hu Lao and are preparing to return to Yong Yue Prefecture to reinforce us, I saw it with my own eyes!"


    "Boom!"


    Meng Quji actually found it somewhat hard to accept this reality, beginning to feel ringing in his ears and his heartbeat quickening, as if they hadn''t won a great victory but had suffered a great defeat.


    After a full tea time had passed.


    He finally recovered, "Quick! First pass this news to the people inside Yong Yue Prefecture, tell them to come out and surrender, and if they don''t comply, then we initiate a siege without attack, I want to see how long their supplies can last."


    Hu Lao was secured.


    No longer any concerns from behind.


    They could continue to employ the strategy of encirclement without attack.


    ...


    Yong Yue Prefecture.


    "Unbelievable."


    Li Gong paced back and forth in the room.


    "I''ve already raised the stakes to the sky, yet why haven''t Fan Shuzhen and the others acted!"


    "According to the timing, Fang Qingyun''s head should already be hanging up."


    "Especially that Deng Feng! He must be hacked into pieces and have his bones pulled out and sinews extracted!"


    "..."


    "Report¡ª"


    "Prince!"


    "It''s bad, the Sheng people outside the city are shouting that Nan Xu''s hundred thousand strong army has been crushed, and they are asking us to come out and surrender, or else they won''t leave a single person alive when the city falls."


    "A joke!"


    Li Gong sneered, "Meng Quji, that shameless man, has been completely driven insane by me, now even spouting such dreams. "


    "Chirp¡ª"


    Before he could finish speaking.


    A Black Hawk flew in.


    "Prince."


    Liu Huanrong said, "This is a letter from the Princely Heir, quick, there must be news from Hu Lao."


    "Hmm."


    Li Gong calmly took out the secret letter, and soon his forehead vein began to throb wildly as if it had come alive, his hands trembling uncontrollably as he held the paper.


    "Prince? Could it be that the treacherous Nan Xu is still driving up the price, indecisively?"


    Seeing that something was wrong, Liu Huanrong carefully approached his side.


    Then, he saw the detailed contents.


    Nan Xu was utterly defeated, the Princely Heir''s whereabouts were unknown, his life and death uncertain.


    "One hundred thousand men!"


    Li Gong burst out in desperate screams, "One hundred thousand men! That''s a full one hundred thousand men!


    "Do you know?


    "One hundred thousand men, how much food do they need every day?


    "One hundred thousand men, how much iron ore is needed for their weapons?"


    "One hundred thousand men, how long does it take to forge their armour!


    "And four Mystical Phenomenon Generals! Four! S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Even if they were all wild boars, they should have stormed Hu Lao and captured it by now, how, how could it turn out like this, absurd, just absurd!"


    "Prince, what should we do now?!"


    Liu Huanrong was equally at a loss: "One hundred thousand Nan Xu men gone just like that, the battle at Green Ridge Mountain still hasn''t broken through, and the most crucial thing is that we don''t have much food and fodder left in the city; if this goes on, we may truly be in peril."


    "In peril? No, I insist we continue to hold our ground!"


    Li Gong crushed the paper in his hands, his voice booming like a tidal wave: "With Chen Sansi''s three thousand cavalry, he could breach Nan Xu''s one hundred thousand strong army, can''t my forty thousand elite troops hold a city against one hundred thousand men!


    "Order them to keep defending!


    "When we run out of food, eat the horses, when we run out of stones and timber for defenses, tear down the houses, but keep defending!"


    The fury in his heart was uncontrollable.


    Yongle Prefecture City.


    In a flash, another half month had passed.


    "Prince!"


    "It''s bad!"


    "What could be wrong now?!"


    "Chen Sansi''s troops have arrived!"


    "Fear nothing!"


    As of late, Li Gong had been cursing daily, long devoid of any noble demeanor: "So his three thousand men have arrived, what can they do!


    "Prince, it''s not three thousand men..."


    Liu Huanrong said gravely, "Chen Sansi has brought forty thousand troops!"


    "Forty thousand? Nonsense!"


    Li Gong cursed, "Where did he get forty thousand men!"


    "Nan Xu, all Nan Xu people!"


    Liu Huanrong, equally furious, said, "Fan Shuzhen, that damned coward, to save his life, even though he''s a Crown Prince, has actually surrendered to Dasheng, directing the tens of thousands of remaining men to serve as shields for the Sheng people! Combined, there are now one hundred fifty thousand troops outside the city!


    "Prince!


    "We truly can''t hold out any longer!


    "We have only two days'' worth of food and fodder left!


    "And there''s still no word from the Emperor!"


    "They should all die, they all deserve to die!"


    All Li Gong could do was rant helplessly, incapable of making any useful decision.

 Chapter 374 - 168: The Emperors Personal Visit, The Grand Ancestors Treasure_2

    ```


    He had no choice but to suppress his voice, "Liu Huanrong, inform everyone that we''ll counterattack and leave the city at midnight tonight, and also... gather all Generals above the rank of Assistant General, and follow me to lead five hundred light cavalry to seize the opportunity to abandon the city... and break through!"


    "Yes, Lord!"


    ...


    "Rumble¡ª"


    Midnight.


    Suddenly, the Qing Country''s defending troops within Yong Yue Prefecture launched a full counterattack.


    Chen Sansi realized that holding the city was no longer possible, and the decision was made to launch a counterattack from the city. Meng Quji had anticipated this and made preparations in advance, so there was no need for Chen to be involved.


    At the Martial Saint level, he could not yet partake.


    The Xuanjia Army had just made great achievements, but was also equally exhausted, mostly responsible for escorting the supply lines deep behind the front.


    A night of slaughter.


    Until dawn.


    Yong Yue Prefecture announced its fall, and the last twenty thousand people in the city surrendered.


    But the whereabouts of King Tang Li Gong and others were unknown.


    ...


    In the mountains.


    The five hundred cavalry who had broken through no longer existed.


    Only the last handful of three or five people remained, dismounting and scrambling into the woods, fleeing on foot, planning to find a way to escape back to Qing Country after the situation stabilized.


    Among them.


    Martial Saint Li Gong was ambushed and plotted against by Meng Quji, and with the encirclement and killings by the large army, he suffered severe injuries.


    But fortunately, for a Martial Saint, as long as a sliver of life remained, recovering strength and easily returning to Qing Country were possible.


    "Within these mountains, there are beasts, fruits, and wild vegetables sufficient to hide us for months!"


    "After several months, it will be time for our escape to heaven!"


    "It''s just a pity that the lands of the three states must surely be lost!"


    "Once we return, we can consider, allying with the Ancient Clan to take revenge."


    Every court has neighboring countries.


    The difference lies in the fact that Dasheng is surrounded by enemies on all sides, and the other countries each have their own foes.


    The continent is vast, boundless; if one counts the ocean, its ends are even more unfathomable.


    "Lord is right, as long as the green hills last there will be no worry of no firewood!"


    Just when Li Gong and the others started to breathe a sigh of relief, from all around the forest suddenly came a "rustling" noise, followed by fleeting figures swiftly surrounding them, blocking off all their escape routes.


    "Lord Li!"


    "I have an offer for you, an opportunity to live. Do you want it or not?"


    ...


    After the fall of Yong Yue Prefecture.


    The war in the Eastern Territory began to draw to a close.


    In just a few days, the Qing Country''s army in the Eastern Territory announced its withdrawal, and they sent a letter of peace, agreeing to return the lands of the three states to Dasheng, thus restoring amicable relations and ceasing the hostilities between the two.


    In fact.


    After the complete loss of Lai State, Qing Country, even if willing, no longer had the strength to continue fighting. If they were to lose again, it would be tantamount to shaking the foundation of the country. Giving up the three states was essentially an inevitable decision.


    To say they voluntarily returned them was merely to retain the last bit of dignity.


    Subsequently, within the next two and a half months.


    All land in the three states, including Ziwei Mountain in Lingzhou, was recovered.


    Afterward. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The court issued an order.


    All war heroes were to go to Tai Lake Prefecture for recuperation.


    The vast majority of the military forces were then dispatched to Yushan Prefecture, Jingyang Prefecture, and Lai Xi Prefecture. These Three Prefectures had become the new border, only by stabilizing the situation in the Three Prefectures could it be ensured that Qing Country wouldn''t launch a sudden strike from Yao State.


    However, without a Martial Saint to preside, only Zhan Taoming, the Deputy General, was there.


    Meng Quji, Fan Tianfa, Cui Congyi and others remained behind to rest within the Prefecture City.


    Chen Sansi, on the other hand, was not idle.


    He was either cultivating or cultivating.


    [Cultivation Technique: National Guardian Dragon Spear. Meridian Passage (small achievement)]


    [Progress: 788/2000]


    After opening the Eight Extraordinary Meridians, he could start preparing to break through to the Xuanxiang Realm.


    [Skill: Archery. Perfection (First Rank Limit Break)]


    [Progress: (1518/2000)]


    ...


    Beyond this.


    In places like Lingzhou, many medicinal herbs were also seized.


    In his free time, Chen Sansi was brewing medicine for his subordinates, helping them advance their cultivation.


    [Skill: Medical Skill. Ordinary (small achievement)]


    [Progress: 1252/2000]


    "The time promised to the Incense Fire Divine Sect is approaching."


    Chen Sansi started to intensify his training in the Disguise Technique.


    [Skill: Disguise Technique (entry-level)]


    [Progress: 355/500]


    After one more breakthrough, he would be able to practice Bone Shrinking and effectively conceal his identity fully.


    The good news of victory continued to spread in all directions.


    ...


    Qing Country.


    Temporary palace.


    In the hall.


    Tangerine-gold curtains fell, gently fluttering in the breeze, filling the vast space with a wafting scent of incense. The fragrance did not resemble the seductive scent of brothels, nor the demure scent of maiden''s boudoirs, nor the solemn scent of temples and Taoist institutes, but rather a pure... majesty!


    Without any special treatment or added substances, it was just plain incense, yet to the attendees'' noses it bore an unparalleled majesty.


    One after another, Generals clad in armor and reeking of murderous intent, upon stepping over the threshold of the great hall, found their evil Qi cleansed away in an instant. They stopped tens of feet away and all knelt down, not daring to raise their heads to look towards the curtains, their gazes fixed to the ground, filled with deep reverence.


    "Your Majesty..."


    "It''s over."


    "The three states have been taken under Sheng people''s control."


    "King Tang Li Gong..."


    "is unaccounted for!"


    "Half of the eighty thousand strong army within the three states are dead or have surrendered, essentially amounting to a complete annihilation!"


    "After this battle, for the next three to five years, our Qing Country''s borders will need to recuperate and rest."


    "..."


    There was no response.


    Silence.


    It was as if what they said was utter nonsense.


    But there was also no indication for them to leave.


    So, everyone remained kneeling on the ground, not daring to move for a full two hours.


    "This..."


    The leading General mustered the courage to speak, "Your Majesty, is there anything else we need to report?"


    ```

 Chapter 375 - 168: The Emperors Personal Visit, The Grand Ancestors Treasure_3

    "Right, right!"


    In the corner, a person suddenly slapped their forehead, "Chen Sansi, the dossier of that Chen Sansi I have brought back, I nearly forgot, a sin worthy of ten thousand deaths. Please forgive me, Your Majesty!"


    A female officer came over, took the dossier, and then took it behind the screen.


    "Rustle¡ª¡ª" Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    In the quiet grand hall, the sound of paper pages gently turning was unmistakable.


    The tip of a jade-like soft finger was capped with blood-red rouge, the wide sleeves of the glittering golden dragon robe overlapped with the yellowing pages. After a long while, their owner let out a cold laugh filled with chilling authority:


    "A mere hunter has indeed stumbled upon tremendous fortune."


    ...


    Tongnan Prefecture.


    "Your Highness!"


    "We won!"


    "We have won, ah!"


    The guard stumbled into the courtyard and knelt down in front of the old man making tea by the stove.


    "The three states have already¡ª"


    "All been reclaimed!"


    "..."


    "Three thousand breaking a hundred thousand."


    The black-robed monk gasped, "Amitabha, even the ancestors of the military families did not possess such a dazzling record! Not to mention, at that time in Hu Lao Pass, there were only two Mystical Phenomenons, one of them being Deng Feng, a former general from Qing Country. Under such circumstances, we only intended for him to hold firm, yet... the outcome was a grand defeat of Nan Xu, which is truly beyond comprehension."


    "Indeed."


    The Crown Prince said, "In the future, with such capable generals, even if we face numerous foreign enemies in our Great Sheng Dynasty, what is there to fear?"


    "Right, Your Highness, the tactics employed by Chen Sansi in this battle were undoubtedly clever, but there were still some oddities within."


    The black-robed monk paused, "It is said that in the battle at Silver Pine Cliff, thunder descended from the sky. On the day when three thousand broke a hundred thousand outside Hu Lao, a strange, enveloping fog arose, and then there''s Fang Qingyun''s flute..."


    "The ''Heavenly Book'' was bestowed by the Emperor, but the effect it produced when laying out the battle formations was indeed surprising.


    "It must be that Fang Qingyun and the others possess some method of utilization."


    "These are all matters for later."


    The Crown Prince poured tea for himself, "At this time, we must absolutely not provoke Fang Qingyun. After the success of our endeavor, Sun Xiangzong''s influence will also be a key to stabilizing the situation. It''s just a pity that despite my multiple hints, they refuse to assist."


    "Amitabha, it must be that Lord Governor and the Imperial Family have profound grievances," said the black-robed monk. "Fortunately, Lord Governor does not have much longevity left, and after expanding the Eight Camps, we just need to quickly divide and control them. Liangzhou will henceforth be thoroughly in the hands of the court. Once Your Highness ascends to the throne, we must handle this generation of young military officers properly. We absolutely cannot have a repeat of one family holding too much power."


    "Indeed, our Great Sheng Dynasty appears calm, but it is actually in imminent danger."


    The Crown Prince, looking at the sky, said, "Old Yao, now that the situation in the Eastern Territory is settled, the rest is up to you. After the accomplishment of our goals, you shall be the State Preceptor, and you will no longer need to discreetly gather incense offerings."


    "Thank you, Your Highness, besides that..."


    The black-robed monk said, "Your Highness, don''t you think that the Emperor supported this Eastern Expedition a little too much? He even did not hesitate to use the internal treasury. This monk feels..."


    "The Grand Ancestor''s treasure?"


    The Crown Prince suddenly recalled critical information, "It is rumored that after founding the nation, the Grand Ancestor left a National Treasure for his descendants, whose whereabouts remain unknown to this day. Even my father once dug up the Grand Ancestor''s mausoleum without success in finding it. Could it be... in the Temple on Ziwei Mountain?"


    "It is highly probable."


    The black-robed monk solemnly said, "Your Highness, this is a matter of great importance. It is best if we can explore it first. If we can obtain the Grand Ancestor''s treasure before anyone else, our chances of decisive victory will be greatly increased."


    "Then arrange for someone to search for it," said the Crown Prince. "Of course, it''s better to avoid alarming anyone in the process."


    "Your Highness!"


    At the entrance of the courtyard, the guard reported, "The Princely Heir and General Cui request an audience."


    "Let them in," said the Crown Prince with a gesture.


    "Father!"


    Cao Fan rushed in, first bowing and then saying, "Father, General Sha has died, do you know?"


    "General Sha? You mean that Sha Wenlong?"


    The Crown Prince spoke indifferently, "With such a large scale of war, it is very normal to have three to five hundred casualties, including sacrificing a Mystical Phenomenon General. After the rewarding of meritorious service, my palace will naturally grant him due honors, and we will not mistreat any loyal minister of our Great Sheng Dynasty."


    "He didn''t die in the decisive battle!"


    Cao Fan added, "Father, he was killed after the battle ended, Chen Sansi tasked him with mopping up the remaining cavalry..."


    "Wait."


    The Crown Prince sharply picked up on the abnormality in the conversation, "Tell me, how many enemies have you made for me in Liangzhou!"


    "Thump"


    Cao Fan fell to his knees, "Father, your son hasn''t, your son has only followed your orders to vie for the title of Champion Leader, and tried to bring the Supervisor over to our side. There can only be one leader, and it is quite normal for me to have had unpleasantness with him. Father, please understand!"


    "Your Highness, I can vouch for him."


    Eunuch Feng hastily knelt down too, "The Young Master has always been low-profile and modest in Liangzhou, never causing trouble. In the quest for the title of Champion Leader, he even went as far as to practice ''Fierce Saber'', at the expense of shortening his lifespan!"


    "You..."


    The Crown Prince looked at the Princely Heir with worry, "Enough, it was indeed I who sent you."


    The initial crossing of the river with the civilians.


    From a military family''s perspective, it actually didn''t seem like much, given that the barbarian main forces were at An Ding Prefecture, not even able to send a general over, so to most people, it was merely viewed as a risky venture.


    Who could expect that a villager who came out from rural areas could achieve such success?


    "Father!"


    Cao Fan accused, "Back when competing for the position, your son had fought him fiercely, and later in the battle of Ming State, General Sha just disagreed with his strategy, a mere disagreement, and he... This man is sinister and ruthless, your son fears what may come in the future..."

 Chapter 376 - 168: The Emperors Personal Visit, The Grand Ancestors Treasure_4

    Cui Congyi also followed up, saying, "Your Highness, before General Sha left, he indeed mentioned that Chen Sansi might hold a grudge and use it as an excuse. At that time, he even suggested to General Fan that someone else should be sent instead."


    "Enough."


    The Crown Prince interrupted, "This palace is aware."


    "Your Highness."


    The black-robed monk said, "If this humble monk''s predictions are correct, the Xuanjia Army will also be arranged to go to Ziwei Mountain next. The three thousand Black Armor soldiers may not have a Martial Saint or Mysterious Phenomenon among them, but they are still a force to be reckoned with."


    "..."


    The Crown Prince pinched the teacup in one hand, "Old Yao, is there a possibility of winning him over?"


    "The likelihood is not great."


    The black-robed monk analyzed, "This man was raised by the Emperor himself, and Yan Liang''s son has always been under his command. Additionally, there''s the connection with Sun Xiangzong... Of course, if it''s possible to win him over, we should try our utmost. Even if we can''t, we should avoid harming such a capable individual. After the success of our plans, he will naturally still be Your Highness''s servant."


    "Father!"


    Cao Fan pleaded, "Chen Sansi, he..."


    "You are the Princely Heir, how would he dare?"


    The Crown Prince sighed, "That''s enough, Cui Congyi. You and Cao Fan should act together in the following matters, including handling the situation with Zhang Lai. Remember, it''s better to resolve enmities than to create them. At this critical moment, don''t stir up any trouble!"


    ...


    Kunlun Mountain.


    "Your Majesty!"


    The Chief Eunuch Huang Hong presented the battle report, "Congratulations are in order, congratulations indeed!"


    "Heh~ three thousand against a hundred thousand."


    After personally reviewing the report, Emperor Longqing''s expression was no longer just one of shock and joy. It also contained wariness, "Huang Hong, tell me, do you think Sun Xiangzong could have achieved this?"


    "I fear not."


    Huang Hong lowered his head and said, "That was an army of a hundred thousand men, and more crucially, the three thousand under General Chen''s command had just been integrated for less than two months. Yet, in this great battle, they suffered only three to five hundred casualties." S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Does this mean he is stronger than Sun Xiangzong?"


    The Old Emperor''s mouth curved into an ambiguous, faint smile, "My splendid great land is indeed full of talents."


    "In my humble opinion, it is primarily due to the Heavenly Book."


    Huang Hong slowly said, "The formations detailed within, when deployed by them, yield effects unlike those practicable within the Capital City, oh, this servant is blabbering on..."


    Emperor Longqing huffed, "I knew it, Fang Qingyun and the others were hiding things. Let them be. I''m not a narrow-minded person. As long as they are beneficial to the Great Sheng Dynasty, they all count as meritorious servants."


    "Whatever the case, reclaiming the three states and restoring the Temple this time is a cause for great celebration,"


    "Huang Hong, instruct the Ritual Supervision to draft an imperial decree."


    "The Ministry of Rites also needs to start preparing."


    "At the enfeoffment ceremony at Ziwei Mountain, all the civil and military officials from the Capital City, as well as the meritorious subjects from these recent battles, will all have to wait in Taihu Prefecture."


    "I, too, will descend to the southeast in person."


    ...


    Taihu Prefecture.


    This place is an ancient capital from three dynasties, already the most prosperous prefecture city in the Eastern Territory, second to none. Further, since the main chaos in Lingzhou was concentrated around Hu Lao, luckily, most residents elsewhere were spared direct impact.


    But it was only that they had not been directly affected.


    The entire Eastern Border Three States had had poor harvests in recent years, and with the great battle, plus the incursion of Nan Xu''s hundred-thousand-strong army conscripting forcefully, a significant portion of the civilians'' grain was consumed in just a few months.


    And it happened to be spring, naturally the hardest time of the year. Many places were experiencing famine, and if this continued, people would start dying of hunger soon.


    Chen Sansi originally planned to proceed as before, by executing a few notoriously corrupt officials and sect members, then opening the granaries for relief. However, he was refused by the higher-ups who claimed these people had already surrendered to Dasheng and would be relied upon for long-term stability in the regions. Thus, they couldn''t rashly kill the "innocent."


    Even the request to allocate a small amount of military rations was politely declined by Meng Dashuai, who stated that the army''s supply must always be ensured plentifully; civilians could die, but the soldiers must not starve.


    As for transferring food from other state capitals...


    That was even more impossible.


    Chen Sansi had neither the authority nor the capability.


    However.


    Day after day, there were people seeking him, either to lodge complaints or to beg for food.


    Unable to execute the corrupt officials, all Chen Sansi could do was to spend his own money to buy some grain and distribute congee outside his residence daily. Almost every day at around 5 a.m to 7 a.m., there would be a long queue forming in front of his residence.


    For him now, money was sufficient.


    As one advanced in Martial Arts Realm, the resources needed were not things money could buy, so he helped as much as he could.


    Fang Qing also contributed silver, and so did Wang Zhi, but they both insisted on keeping this low-profile, warning that making a big fuss might negatively impact the court and bring trouble to themselves.


    Chen Sansi thus left the matter to his subordinates to handle.


    "A letter from home!"


    Days later, letters from various places arrived.


    The Cavalry delivered the missives from door to door.


    With the warfare ending, communication naturally became unobstructed.


    The majority of the soldiers were able to make contact with their families, though it took a long time.


    Chen Sansi''s letter, sent urgently by Hai Dongqing from the Governor Mansion, arrived much faster.


    He set down his long spear and opened the envelope.


    The letter was roughly about how everything was fine at home and there was no need to worry, half a year had flown by without notice, and Chen Duhe was even starting to babble; half a year more and he''d start to speak.


    Sun Buqi had broken through to Refining Internal, and Sun Li had reached Hua Jin.


    And so on and so forth...


    Essentially, it was mostly mundane family small talk.


    After all, it''s good as long as everyone is safe.


    "The incense has run out again."


    Chen Sansi held the Xuanzhu, sensing the inventory within.


    This incense, truly doesn''t last.

 Chapter 377 - 168: The Emperors Personal Visit, The Grand Ancestors Treasure_5

    [Magic: Sword Qi Skill (small achievement)]


    [Progress: 405/2000]


    Last time, the Incense Fire Divine Sect gave quite a lot of incense, but it only increased by a quarter. To cultivate to Great Success, either spiritual energy is needed, or a large amount of incense is still necessary.


    And then there''s the white Mystical Energy.


    The battle at Hulaoguan.


    Chen Sansi used up all the accumulated Mystical Energy in one go.


    Result.


    The overwhelming victory of three thousand against one hundred thousand didn''t even manage to replenish the Mystical Energy in one go.


    "Is replenishing Mystical Energy not just about winning battles?"


    "..."


    Luckily.


    The white Mystical Energy wasn''t completely depleted, and it was still slowly recovering and accumulating.


    These treasures from the Immortal Realm are truly inscrutable.


    As long as they work, it''s all good.


    Chen Sansi had secluded himself for half a month and was somewhat tired, so he had his men open the manor gates to receive some guests.


    A month passed.


    Officials from the Capital City kept arriving in droves, many of whom came to visit him.


    Including the local elite, they frequently requested an audience.


    Everyone knew.


    After the ceremony at Ziwei Mountain, this young general would become a highly influential figure in the imperial court.


    "Tell the local sects and the surrendered officials that those who want to connect with me should offer money and food, those who offer enough food can be considered friends of mine, Chen Sansi, and I will find time to attend their banquets," he said.


    "Yes, Mr. Chen!"


    Those who came early were mostly fringe officials.


    The place would become even busier soon.


    It was said that several other princes would also come over.


    The Fourth Prince, Eighth Prince, and the Twelfth Prince, who was the youngest but had martial arts talent comparable to Prince Zhen Nan, and so on.


    After a few more days of leisure.


    Chen Sansi received another task.


    He and his men, before the arrival of His Majesty the Emperor, along with the Crown Prince''s Hu Ben Army, were responsible for managing Ziwei Mountain and not allowing unrelated persons to approach until the official start of the grand ceremony.


    This task should initially have been the responsibility of the Imperial Guard.


    But they hadn''t arrived yet.


    So it was temporarily handled by the Xuanjia Army and the Hu Ben Army who had also come from the Capital City.


    Ziwei Mountain!


    Legend has it that 8,000 years ago, the Purple Emperor Star descended from heaven and transformed into a giant peak at this place. Since then, emperors of each generation have held their ascension ceremonies here, and only those who have been enshrined here can be considered legitimate emperors, a recognition of their status, as the saying "mandated by heaven with eternal prosperity" goes.


    Thus.


    The loss of three states was a severe humiliation for Dasheng.


    Because in some sense, Dongqing became the real "Heavenly Son," especially since the National Seal was still in Dasheng''s hands; otherwise, the title would truly be unjustified.


    "Mr. Chen!"


    "There is a very strange invitation here, it''s... from an Oiran house."


    Zhao Kang said, "It seems to be from the largest Oiran house in the area, and their Oiran wants to invite you over."


    "Have you lost your mind!"


    Liu Jinkui scolded, "An Oiran house worthy of cozying up to Mr. Chen? Next time, don''t bring this kind of invitation inside, just throw it away¡ª"


    "Give it to me."


    Chen Sansi said indifferently.


    "..."


    Liu Jinkui''s face flushed with embarrassment.


    After the two handed over the invitation, they hurriedly retreated.


    "Old Liu, are you out of your mind? I knew Mr. Chen liked this sort of thing, so I specifically picked it out," Zhao Kang said.


    "This... I didn''t expect that either."


    "It''s said that the Oiran of the Yunxiu Building in the area is exceptional."


    "The battles are over now, and Mr. Chen should indulge a bit too. Have you ever seen him idle? Every time you see him, he''s either holding a long spear or a bow, quite intimidating."


    "Why not buy a few beauties and offer them to Mr. Chen?"


    "What do you know? You have to personally go to the brothel to get that kind of atmosphere, understand?"


    "..."


    Chen Sansi watched their muttering figures leaving without saying anything.


    He opened the invitation.


    Judging by the tone of the message, it was from the Seeking Immortal Tower as expected.


    Nine times out of ten, it was related to the follow-up actions of the Incense Fire Divine Sect.


    "Might as well have a look."


    Chen Sansi wasn''t exactly friends with the Seeking Immortal Tower but rather partners in exchange.


    He informed a knowledgeable senior brother and headed to the Yunxiu Building that very night, bypassing the complicated procedures like those at the Red Sleeve Tower, instead being led directly through the back door and upstairs.


    After pushing open the door.


    The person inside was not the Oiran of this place but a man.


    A middle-aged man in a plain robe with a pale complexion and short beard, his presence profound, and most crucially, his body was flowing with clear spiritual energy, stronger than Ning Xiang, possibly already initiated into the path.


    Before Chen Sansi could speak.


    The middle-aged man stood to greet him: "Mr. Chen, I have long admired you! My name is Liao Shizhong, and I''m with the Seeking Immortal Tower; thank you for your assistance!"


    "Oh?"


    Chen Sansi questioned, "Senior Liao, what do you mean by that?" sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Mr. Chen, do you still remember¡ª"


    Liao Shizhong dragged his tone, "the broken grass you found in the Luotian Mountain Range?"


    "Broken grass?"


    Chen Sansi certainly remembered that incident.


    It seems that the broken grass was used to heal this man.


    His hunting skills hadn''t grown rusty; using his insight, he noticed that this man had changed his appearance and used a fake identity, although the disguise wasn''t sophisticated, it was obvious the beard was glued on.


    The man''s voice was a bit high-pitched, and his demeanor was very much like Mr. Hou, the eunuch from the palace.


    An eunuch from the palace?


    The Seeking Immortal Tower even had people hidden within the imperial court.


    He responded calmly, "Senior Liao, you needn''t thank me; my dealings with the Seeking Immortal Tower are merely transactions, there are no favors owed between us. May I know the reason for calling me here today? Is there something urgent?"


    "Indeed, there is."

 Chapter 378 - 168 The Emperor Visits in Person, The Grand Ancestors Treasure_6

    Liao Shizhong invited him to take a seat, "Mr. Chen, do you know about Ziwei Mountain?"


    "Of course, I do,"


    Chen Sansi said, "Otherwise, what''s the point of this battle?" S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Then does Mr. Chen also know¡ª"


    Liao Shizhong spoke with a mysterious air, "why the Emperor and Crown Prince are sparing no expense to reclaim Ziwei Mountain?"


    The Crown Prince wanted to rebel, but for some reason, he couldn''t make a move in the Capital City, and the Emperor basically wouldn''t leave Longevity Palace, so the only way to get him to leave would be taking advantage of the opportunity presented by the consecration ceremony at Ziwei Mountain.


    So...


    What about the Emperor?


    Chen Sansi had previously been too busy with the war effort to contemplate this question.


    For the old Emperor, was the merit of reclaiming Ziwei Mountain really that important?


    Or was it


    that there was something there that the Emperor desperately wanted to obtain?


    After all, sending him to defend Hulaoguan was probably done without any expectation of his survival. It was purely a decision made to buy time at all costs.


    If it weren''t for the help of the Heavenly Book and the formidable General Deng Feng gained by chance, hard-fighting this war would likely drain the national treasury by half.


    There must be a more important reason for such actions.


    "Is there something there?"


    Chen Sansi asked.


    "Exactly."


    Liao Shizhong said, "Grand Ancestor Cao Xie, killing with his flying sword, broke through the armor of two thousand men by himself and slew four Martial Saints. These records, Mr. Chen has surely seen, but what you definitely do not know is that Cao Xie disappeared for five years early in his career."


    "We suspect that he might have visited the Immortal Realm during those five years!"


    "And learned Immortal Law there!"


    "That''s how upon his return he was able to instantly become the foremost practitioner of Martial Arts in the human world and establish the three hundred years of the Great Dasheng''s foundation."


    "For hundreds of years, our Seeking Immortal Tower has also been trying to retrace Cao Xie''s steps to find out, but sadly without much success. We only know that he left something behind for future generations after his death."


    "The Emperor''s current eagerness to reclaim Ziwei Mountain implies that the object of interest is very likely within the Temple or somewhere on Ziwei Mountain."


    "So..."


    Chen Sansi inquired, "Senior Liao, you''ve asked me here because you want..."


    "Exactly."


    Liao Shizhong said candidly, "Mr. Chen''s Black Armor army is from the Capital City, and it''s very likely that they will be responsible for the security of Ziwei Mountain''s temporary palace. So, I hope you can pay close attention to this matter, and if you find anything, discuss it with me in a timely manner. If we can indeed find the Secret Technique to traverse the Immortal Realm, Seeking Immortal Tower is willing to share it with Mr. Chen."


    "I understand."


    Chen Sansi hadn''t expected such a profound secret on Ziwei Mountain. No wonder things had escalated to this extent, and it seemed the waters he was to wade into next would be even deeper and murkier than he had imagined.


    He had personally experienced the benefits brought by the Sword Qi Skill. If there really was a chance, he would naturally give it a try, of course, while ensuring the safety of his own life.


    "Senior Liao."


    He changed the subject, "Before coming to Lingzhou, your people at Seeking Immortal Tower had informed me that the Incense Fire Divine Sect would be making a big move. Do you now know what exactly it is?"


    "We don''t know."


    Liao Shizhong shook his head, "After collecting incense on their journey, they disappeared without a trace, very strange indeed~"


    Chen Sansi nodded.


    He wasn''t sure whether Seeking Immortal Tower was truly unaware of the developments or just unwilling to inform him.


    By now, it was nearly time for his scheduled meeting with the Incense Fire Divine Sect.


    Since the other party didn''t want to discuss the matter, Chen Sansi didn''t ask further, "Senior Liao, if there''s nothing else, I''ll take my leave now. I''ll keep an eye on the matter of the Grand Ancestor''s legacy."


    "Please feel free, Mr. Chen."


    Liao Shizhong said with a smile, "Once again, thank you Mr. Chen for the broken grass. This medicine is really hard to come by indeed!"


    Chen Sansi did not linger any longer and got up to leave.


    As he descended the stairs, he noticed Liao Shizhong also went downstairs and entered a red brothel worker''s room; soon after, indescribable sounds emerged.


    This eunuch actually had full functionality!


    He guessed what the broken grass was used for now.


    But aren''t eunuchs usually castrated when they''re very young?


    How was it reattached?


    Could it have been preserved for so many years?!


    Could it be someone else''s?


    At this thought, Chen Sansi felt a chill and hurried away.


    Moreover, if this person was indeed a eunuch from the palace, he feared he would stay in the Ziwei Mountain travel palace and would have to share this news with himself...


    The people from the Seeking Immortal Tower couldn''t be fully trusted either.


    It wasn''t to say they would definitely harm him, but one must not be without a guard against others.


    This included Ning Xiang as well.


    When fundamental interests were touched upon, what did a business partner count for?


    It was still early when he left the brothel.


    As Chen Sansi walked back to his lodging, he noticed the streets had suddenly become spotlessly clean; not a beggar or street vendor was in sight.


    Not until he arrived at the front of his residence.


    He saw that the lanes were fully crowded with troops, all dressed imposingly in Flying Fish Suits and carrying Xiu Chun''s Blades on their waists¡ªclearly, they were the Jinyi Guard of the Great Sheng Dynasty.


    "Wham!"


    "We pay respects to Mr. Chen!"


    These elite military officers, directly under the Emperor, were actually saluting him in unison.


    Before Chen Sansi could react, a noble young master dressed in luxurious Jinyi clothing ran up to him, extended his hand in a fist and palm salute, "Mr. Chen! I have long admired your name, and finally, I have the chance to meet you!"


    "Oh, I almost forgot to introduce myself.


    "My surname is Cao, given name Zhi."


    Cao Zhi?


    "Your Highness."


    Chen Sansi returned the salute, "You are of the Imperial Family, how dare I receive your courtesy?"


    Cao Zhi.


    The twelfth Prince.


    If he remembered correctly, he was now in the Imperial Palace of Capital City, serving as the Commander of the Jinyi Guard Commanding Department, overseeing all the Jinyi Guards including the Northern and Southern Defense Commands.


    It seemed that among the Princes, he was the first to arrive, and moreover, he found his way to his door late in the evening.


    "Ah, it is only right!"


    Cao Zhi had no airs about him and said with a smile brimming with amiability, "Mr. Chen, you are the leading hero of Ming State and the Eastern Expedition, and for this reason, you deserve to be honored!"


    "Your Highness speaks too highly."


    Chen Sansi had no ripple across his face, but inside, he was slightly surprised.


    Because...


    The twelfth Prince had Spiritual Energy within him!


    This Cao Family was truly intriguing.

 Chapter 379 - 169: Exploring the Secret Realm.

    The old Emperor of the current dynasty practiced Immortal Law, his level of cultivation unknown.


    The current Crown Prince, secretly allied with the Incense God Sect, his bottom line unknown.


    Now, a Twelfth Prince has emerged, his body flowing with Spiritual Energy, his strength equally unknown.


    Yet to appear are the Fourth Prince, the Seventh Prince, the Eighth Prince, the Tenth Prince, and the Eleventh Prince...


    No wonder, in the Incense Fire Divine Sect''s words, Lingzhou is the Capital City, the Capital City is Lingzhou.


    However, if anyone in the world is most likely to come into contact with Immortal Law, it is naturally a member of the Cao Family, but it seems that over the years, only the old Emperor has made any achievements.


    Even if they have been exposed to Immortal Law more than once...


    They still crave what Sun Xiangzong holds in his hand with great eagerness.


    It can only be said that Master is most likely one of a kind, different from the rest.


    "Your Highness."


    Chen Sansi made a gesture of invitation, "Please, come in."


    He ordered Zhao Kang and others to brew tea.


    The tea ware and tea leaves were all purchased from the market in the last few days.


    Cao Zhi didn''t rush to drink, but held the cup in one hand and gently fanned air with the other, sniffed, and then said, "Such coarse tea, how can it be worthy of a hero like Mr. Chen?"


    Chen Sansi replied indifferently, "Indeed, it is coarse tea. This humble abode is also just a temporary dwelling; I ask Your Highness not to look down on it."


    "Not at all, I came prepared."


    Cao Zhi said, clapping his hands lightly.


    "Yes!"


    At the command.


    Someone immediately moved in tea leaves and tea ware that had been prepared in advance, along with a precious and rare nanmu tea table, then placed screens around them, and finally, two beauties came in to serve.


    "The Prince is indeed a man of ''taste''."


    Looking at such a grand display, Chen Sansi said with an expressionless face, "Going out and still carrying tea ware with you."


    "Just a laughing matter, a laughing matter."


    Cao Zhi explained, "This Prince loves tea on ordinary days and really can''t stand tea from outside, so wherever I go, I simply carry it with me. Mr. Chen, please try it. This tea is the first tender leaves of early spring, picked at a specific time and place, and all by cardamom young girls with their rosy lips, giving it an extraordinary fresh fragrance when drunk."


    "..."


    Chen Sansi did not continue with idle talk, "May I know why Your Highness has graced us with your presence? Is there anything you wish to instruct?"


    "Ah, Mr. Chen misunderstood!"


    Cao Zhi said seriously, "I hereby declare that this Prince is simply in admiration of Mr. Chen''s talent and heroic spirit, and has come to make friends, with absolutely no other intentions!"


    As he spoke, he took out two booklets from his bosom.


    "Mr. Chen."


    "These are records of the maps and military campaigns you''ve been involved in since you joined the army. This Prince nearly knows them by heart, truly admiring you very much."


    "The Prince is noble, and I am but a minister."


    Chen Sansi responded to the compliment, "Between a Prince and a minister, there are only duties. For Your Highness to speak thusly is to entrap your servant in impropriety."


    "Formal, still so formal!"


    Cao Zhi said jokingly, "Brother Chen, I am not like my brothers; I don''t have that many rules. You don''t need to be so distant. If Mr. Chen is willing, let us become sworn brothers today!"


    He sent away his attendants,


    "I was born in the last month of the fifty-third year of the Longqing era, half a year younger than Mr. Chen,


    "How about from now on, I address Brother Chen as ''big brother''? Don''t worry, this matter will be known only between the two of us and will not bring you any adverse effects."


    The Twelfth Prince.


    He was the only son born to Emperor Longqing after beginning his Taoist practice and the last born, younger even than Prince Cao Fan.


    "Your Highness..."


    Chen Sansi barely opened his mouth when he was interrupted again.


    "Brother Chen, are you worried that after we become sworn brothers, your little brother will bind Brother Chen with this in court? I swear to heaven, I would never do such a thing!


    "Big brother above, please accept your little brother''s bow!"


    The Twelfth Prince Cao Zhi knelt down promptly, his forehead heavily knocking against the stone floor with a "thud."


    He went through the entire formal process.


    Chen Sansi didn''t even get the chance to refuse, no, not even to interject.


    Being sworn brothers with a Prince, a member of the Cao Family.


    Not only is it not a good thing; it''s a huge problem.


    How could he not see that this Prince was doing it on purpose?


    After all, being part of the Imperial family of the Cao Clan, he had the audacity to be this thick-skinned.


    Very well.


    If there''s no opportunity to refuse,


    Then don''t refuse.


    After all, you knock your head and call me ''big brother'', whether or not you''ll actually need me in the future is rather uncertain.


    "Please rise, Your Highness."


    Chen Sansi couldn''t even be bothered to help.


    "Does this mean that big brother agrees?"


    Cao Zhi got up, carefully dusting the dirt off his embroidered clothes, "That''s excellent. Now I have my own family as well."


    "Family?"


    Chen Sansi deliberately followed suit to inquire, "Just as a brother, Your Highness has..."


    "Ah!"


    Cao Zhi sighed, "Big brother doesn''t know, what brothers do the people of the Imperial Family have? I''m the youngest son of the Emperor, and have been without any ambition since childhood, only wanting to be an idle Prince, leading a mediocre and unremarkable life. Yet the Emperor insisted on teaching me martial arts, and accidentally, I became a prodigy.


    "Later on, I was arranged to handle some state affairs.


    "Then... I caught the attention of several older brothers!


    "Had it not been for the position of the commander of the Jinyi Guard at hand, I would have struggled to even keep my life safe."


    Dynastic struggles.


    Individuals, families, the Emperor, old court allies, intricate and complex. Often personal ambitions are irrelevant; there will naturally be forces pushing you forward.


    But.


    Chen Sansi had no interest in listening to this person''s half-truths and complaints. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He asked, "Your Highness tells me all this, for what purpose?"


    "Big brother, don''t misunderstand, although it''s my first meeting with big brother, I felt an instant camaraderie. Thus I couldn''t help but pour out the bitterness in my heart, and at the same time, it is a warning for big brother."

 Chapter 380 - 169: Exploring the Secret Realm_2

    Cao Zhi said solemnly, "In a couple of days, my fourth brother and eighth brother will definitely come to win over big brother. Big brother must be wise to protect himself and not rashly get involved with any side!"


    "Oh?"


    Chen Sansi asked, "What does Your Highness mean?"


    "My younger brother has received news that during the Purple Micro Mountain enfeoffment ceremony, they plan to act against the Crown Prince!"


    Cao Zhi said with emotion, "Big brother must not get involved, otherwise, it would be a catastrophe beyond recovery."


    The Crown Prince...


    Chen Sansi pondered in his heart.


    No wonder the Crown Prince couldn''t help but take action.


    If he didn''t act now, his other brothers would beat him to it.


    The Crown Prince had been Supervisor for forty years.


    His influence was exceedingly widespread.


    He controlled the entire Eastern Territory, half of the Western Territory, a third of the Northern Territory, and additionally, half of the Central Plains. Only the South and Southwest were the domains of the fourth and eighth brothers, and even those had been gradually eroded over recent years.


    According to what Cao Zhi said,


    this time, the fourth and eighth were joining forces, ready for a final bid. Using "Dong An," recommended and nurtured by the Crown Prince, as a pretext, and coupled with the Hu Ben Army''s recent expansion, they had compiled a list of other accusations, ready to strip him of his supervisory position first.


    But...


    they probably couldn''t imagine.


    The Crown Prince wouldn''t play their game anymore. He had something even more ruthless in store.


    "Your Highness should not have mentioned this to me."


    Chen Sansi stood up and said, "As someone from the military, I only wish to slay enemies. I have no interest in court disputes."


    "It''s good that you''re not interested. This is just a little brother''s kind reminder."


    After a few more pleasantries, Cao Zhi stood up to take his leave.


    Someone subsequently cleared away the teaware and such.


    "No ambition?"


    Chen Sansi watched his departing figure: "I''m afraid it''s you who harbors the greatest ambition."


    ...


    "Your Highness!"


    After stepping out.


    A Jinyi Guard approached and said, "The attitude you displayed just now in front of Chen Sansi, didn''t you appear to be a bit too humble?"


    "Too humble?"


    Cao Zhi strode forward, chewing on an unidentifiable fruit: "If I acted this way towards Sun Xiangzong, do you think it would still be too humble?"


    "This..."


    Jinyi Guard Zhang Zhao replied, "Not humble, but he''s just a disciple of Sun Xiangzong."


    "You''re wrong."


    Cao Zhi spat the fruit peel onto the ground and indifferently said, "He will be stronger than Sun Xiangzong in the future."


    "Your Highness thinks so highly of him?"


    Zhang Zhao was surprised: "It just seems that he won''t be so easily won over¡­"


    "Nonsense."


    Cao Zhi was nonchalant.


    He was putting on a performance.


    The other party knew he was acting.


    So what?


    The nominal relationship was now established, wasn''t it?


    Whether or not they could be friends, that was a matter for the future.


    His foundation in the court was weak; he couldn''t even control the Jinyi Guard. When weak, one must be aware of their weakness. A small bow was nothing; if he could really win him over, that would indeed be striking it rich.


    When Father ascended to the throne...


    "Not just relying on Sun Xiangzong and their group?"


    "Tsk~"


    Cao Zhi casually threw the half-eaten fruit he was eating to the roadside.


    Immediately, a beggar crawled out from the dark alley and reached out with dirty hands to pick up the half-eaten fruit, only to see a pair of delicate, luxurious boots appear beside his hand. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He slowly raised his head to meet a pair of eyes with a strange smile.


    "My lord, do you, do you still want it?"


    The beggar didn''t dare to take it, but instead pleaded, "I am terribly hungry."


    "No, no, no, you can''t eat this."


    Under the beggar''s reverent gaze, Cao Zhi gently moved his fingers, "Someone, take this... take him away, buy him a house, and give him some silver, so he doesn''t have to beg anymore."


    "Oh my!"


    "Thank you, my lord, thank you, my lord!"


    The beggar kept kowtowing.


    After the two guards from the Jinyi Guard took the man away,


    In the night breeze,


    Cao Zhi''s smile on his face slowly solidified, to be replaced by a deep, hoarse questioning, "Zhang Zhao! Did I ever tell you that I can''t stand to see human suffering, and had asked you to clean up this entire route."


    "Your Highness, this subordinate is deserving of death!"


    Zhang Zhao said in panic, "It should have all been cleared, I don''t know how one was missed..."


    "This is not to happen again."


    Cao Zhi left with a sweep of his sleeve.


    ...


    "Click, click~"


    "Hiss!"


    Chen Sansi repeatedly practiced the Bone Shrinking Technique recorded in the Disguise Technique manual until he was able to change his body shape to a certain extent by dislocating his bones, marking his task as accomplished.


    [Skill: Disguise Technique (Proficient)]


    [Progress: 0/1000]


    [Utility: ..., Bone Shrinking to change form, indistinguishable between true and false]


    First, he changed his face, then he used Bone Shrinking.


    Now,


    Not only his face, but even his body shape had completely become another person.


    Then he slipped out the door and headed towards the Mountain God Temple.


    The Purple Micro Mountain Temple, unlike other common Mountain God Temples, had a significant prestige, rumored to be the guardian god of the Purple Emperor Star. Even the Emperor had to worship there before holding a consecration ceremony.


    Moreover, the temple was located in a bustling area with streams of passersby, which also served as a kind of security in its own right.


    At this critical juncture, the Incense Fire Divine Sect could least afford to draw more attention.


    Especially in the region of Taihu Prefecture.


    Shortly after Chen Sansi, carrying a knife, entered the temple, a temple priest came over and whispered, "Are you Hero Zhang?"


    "If not me, then who?!"


    Chen Sansi spoke in a commanding tone, "Tell your manager to come out and speak with me!"


    "Hero Zhang, you are early."


    The temple priest said, "There are still a few days until the appointed date, if you have any message, I can relay it for you first."


    "Tell your Supervisor!"


    Chen Sansi raised his eyebrows, "I originally didn''t plan to cooperate with you all. After all, there''s nothing you have that I fancy. But you''re in luck."


    "I have a friend who recently suffered an injury and needs a powerful medicine that can repair meridians."


    "This is the condition for negotiation!"


    "If you want my help afterward, it will depend on how sincere you all are!"


    Since the other party took him for a high-ranking practitioner from the Incense Fire sect, naturally, he couldn''t just ask for anything without care; he had to find a way to make the other party offer it willingly.

 Chapter 381 - 169: Exploring the Secret Realm_3

    "The servant has noted it down."


    The temple priest replied, "In three days, please come here again, a person will discuss with you then."


    Chen Sansi snorted disdainfully and turned to leave, vanishing from sight.


    ...


    Ziwei Mountain.


    Three thousand Black Armor soldiers and another three thousand drawn from the Hu Ben Army were gathered at the foot of the mountain.


    After receiving their orders,


    they started to clear the mountain.


    In fact, they were just doing odd jobs.


    Under the direction of several Ministry of Rites officials who had arrived earlier, they preliminarily arranged the materials on the mountain.


    Ziwei Mountain was hundreds of feet high, but there were more than a dozen stairways of various sizes leading to the top, and there was also a line of palaces on the mountain, second only in size to the Imperial Palaces of Capital Cities of various countries.


    It was said that the construction alone took several years, not to mention the expenditure of financial, material, and human resources.


    Therefore,


    Even though Ziwei Mountain changed hands to Qing Country, no one was willing to destroy it, not even the Sheng people''s Temple was demolished; it was simply sealed off. Next to it, a new and more magnificent temple was built to express "magnanimity" and power.


    Of course, that''s the official story.


    In Chen Sansi''s view,


    Qing Country was probably also looking for the items Cao Xie had left behind, and they kept the old temple because they feared something might have been overlooked.


    So many people had searched for over a hundred years without finding anything.


    He didn''t harbor much hope in his heart...


    "Buzz!"


    Just as Chen Sansi was muttering to himself, the Xuanzhu in his bosom suddenly vibrated as if it sensed something.


    "This item is fated for me!"


    Without drawing attention, he made his way to a secluded area where no one was around.


    Could this Xuanzhu actually seek treasure?


    It seemed there really might be some fate involved.


    Chen Sansi was not overly excited, though.


    To have it would be fortunate, to lose it would be fate.


    First, he had to try and see, and if he really had the chance to obtain it, then certainly it would be good.


    Based on the sensations from the Xuanzhu, he judged it was roughly in the southeast direction.


    He hurried there, taking advantage of his position.


    The destination was a deep pool. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The daytime was not convenient.


    Chen Sansi waited inconspicuously until nightfall, then disguised himself and dived into the water. Guided by an indistinct feeling, he swam towards the depths, not knowing how long he had been swimming, until he squeezed through a narrow opening and suddenly emerged into a spacious, intricate cavern.


    No wonder this place had remained undiscovered over the last century; it was too well-hidden.


    An ordinary person,


    Even if they thought of searching underwater, would not be able to find the correct entrance among the chaotic pile of stones at the bottom of the pool, then navigate through a maze-like underwater cavern to find the right entryway.


    This place, outsiders simply could not find.


    It was highly likely that only emperors from successive generations could have known the clues.


    That was why, as soon as there was a chance, Emperor Longqing was so eager to reclaim Ziwei Mountain. It was just unknown what things were contained within.


    "Buzz!"


    The sensation from the Xuanzhu continued.


    Chen Sansi drew the He Miao Blade from his waist and cautiously moved forward.


    After about half an hour''s walk through the ant-warren-like caverns, he finally saw a stone gate ahead.


    He picked up a few stones and threw them at the stone gate to confirm there were no trap mechanisms, then observed it several times over using his Qi Observation Skill before approaching the gate carefully with his blade drawn.


    It won''t budge!


    This stone gate, although only a little taller than a man and seemingly not heavy, was immovable, no matter what. There must be some special mechanism or restriction.


    He retreated over a hundred paces and lifted a huge rock, hurling it with the combined force of his Qi-Blood and physical strength directly at the stone gate. Under normal circumstances, even an iron door would be deformed by such an impact.


    "Rumble©¤©¤"


    This time,


    Under the observation with his Qi Observation Skill, a thin red light was clearly seen to rise above the stone gate.


    "Immortal Law!"


    Chen Sansi became even more certain that he had found the right place.


    Without hesitation, he immediately used his Sword Qi Skill.


    "Bang!"


    But the result was the same.


    No matter what method Chen Sansi used, he was always blocked by the red light, and the stone gate remained unmoved. To try and open it with force appeared to be as difficult as reaching the heavens.


    It seemed,


    By himself alone, he was unlikely to manage it.


    Negotiate with the Seeking Immortal Tower?


    No.


    Rather than the Seeking Immortal Tower,


    Chen Sansi preferred to trust his senior brother more.


    Sword Qi Skill, Seeking Immortal Tower, he only had the qualifications to trade with Ning Xiang and others because of the backing of his two masters behind the scenes. Without the reputation of being a disciple of Sun Xiangzong, probably no one would pay any attention to him.


    Before,


    Many things were not shared.


    As his senior brother had said, everyone has their own secrets and their own path to walk.


    It''s not that it can''t be done, but there''s no need to.


    Unless faced with an insurmountable problem.


    With these thoughts,


    Chen Sansi returned the way he came and went to Fang Qingyun''s residence overnight. He relayed the information provided by the Seeking Immortal Tower eunuch and his own discoveries, giving a rough account.


    "Hmm..."


    Fang Qingyun had already lain down, wearing only his undergarments, and his already pale complexion looked even whiter under the candlelight.


    "Is it because of the flute?"


    Chen Sansi noticed that since the end of Hulaoguan, his senior brother had started to fall ill and convalesce.


    "No."


    Fang Qingyun gently shook his head, "The flute will deplete my Essence Blood, but my illness has persisted for a long time and is unrelated. Continue, junior brother."


    "..."


    Chen Sansi continued, "...That''s roughly what happened."


    "Indeed."


    Fang Qingyun wasn''t surprised, "Thirty years ago, His Majesty had asked our master to attack three states, but at that time we had just gone through several years of war. Our master didn''t want to exhaust the military and used seclusion as an excuse to hide away."


    "He was so eager, we suspected that there might be something on Ziwei Mountain."


    "It''s unexpected that junior brother, by a twist of fate, found it."


    "Based on your description, there must be a restriction there that requires a special Magic Skill to open. After opening the door, there may even be dangers within. Unfortunately... your senior brother really can''t help you."

 Chapter 382 - 169: Exploring the Secret Realm_4

    ```


    "Master is not here either...


    "If Junior Brother really wants the item inside, you can try to work with the people from Seeking Immortal Tower, but remember, they are usually reliable on ordinary days, yet once it involves anything related to Immortal Trace, they become crazed, and it''s possible they might even slaughter each other, let alone you."


    "Besides.


    "I speculate that it''s easiest for a Cao Family Member to acquire the object."


    "After all, it''s something left by Grand Ancestor; surely he wouldn''t want just anyone to benefit from it casually."


    Chen Sansi nodded: "Senior Brother, what do you think Cao Xie left behind, could it be some treasure?"


    "Most likely... cough cough cough..."


    Fang Qingyun started coughing.


    Chen Sansi hurriedly went to get some hot water: "Senior Brother, otherwise, I''ll go back first, and we can talk after your injury is better."


    "No need, it''s nothing serious."


    Fang Qingyun took a deep breath to calm himself: "What Cao Xie left behind must be something that could help him stabilize the Cao Family''s realm, and possibly, an item that could lead to the Immortal Realm."


    "To the Immortal Realm?"


    Chen Sansi looked somewhat yearning: "Is there really an Immortal Realm?"


    "There is."


    Fang Qingyun changed the subject: "These matters, Master and I, originally planned to discuss with you after you''ve grown a bit more, but now that we''ve come across them so early, it''s not harmful to talk about it now.


    "Junior Brother.


    "In your mind, what is the Immortal Realm, and what then, is an Immortal?


    "It''s not that I''m asking this, it was Mr. Mei who asked Master a long time ago."


    Mr. Mei?


    That Immortal?


    Chen Sansi thought about it and naturally answered: "Isn''t the Immortal Realm the land of the immortals, with endlessly beautiful scenery, and the Immortals are naturally carefree and immortal beings beyond this world. Isn''t this what those who seek the path to immortality pursue?"


    "Master and I, initially, thought so too."


    Fang Qingyun sat in the courtyard, looking at the bright moon in the night sky, his expression somber: "But the truth is not so; the Immortals I''ve met are the most selfish, most greedy people, cunning and insatiable, stopping at nothing for eternal life, no different from the officials of this mortal world."


    "Do you know, our Master actively abandoned the Immortal Path; otherwise, by now, he should still be very young..."


    "Let''s not dwell on the past.


    "In short, I want to tell you, Senior Brother, that the pursuit of immortality may lead to great disappointment. Even so, do you still want to give it a try?"


    Chen Sansi''s silence gave the answer.


    "So be it."


    Fang Qingyun said with resignation: "Master and I, we never intended for you to walk this path, but since you wish to, naturally, it''s up to you, and no one will stop you.


    "What''s more, even if you don''t touch on these matters, with Master around, your future achievements will not be less than His Majesty''s."


    "How could I know if I don''t try?"


    Chen Sansi, considering his journey in this life, naturally wanted to explore and see.


    As for what the Immortals are really like...


    One look suffices.


    "Then just do as you wish."


    Fang Qingyun reminded: "Take care of yourself; always act within your capabilities."


    "Don''t worry, Senior Brother; I won''t force things."


    Chen Sansi said, sending his Senior Brother back to rest in his room before taking leave.


    ...


    [Cultivation Technique: National Guardian Dragon Spear. Meridian Passage (small achievement)]


    [Progress: 1250/2000]


    Two days later.


    Chen Sansi woke up early, first practiced the spear, and then went to work at Ziwei Mountain.


    A part of the palatial residence had already been tidied up.


    The Crown Prince and the Twelfth Prince had settled in a side palace, and some higher-ranking officials were accommodated within Tai Lake Mansion, and finally, the eunuchs from the palace.


    There were several hundred eunuchs who had come.


    Among them were the Chief Eunuchs from Ritual Supervision.


    Including...


    That eunuch from Seeking Immortal Tower, Liao Shizhong.


    His Disguise Technique was rather crude, and with Chen Sansi''s Qi Observation Skill, the fact that his Martial Arts Cultivation as well as his spiritual cultivation were identical made it easy to deduce they were the same person.


    Eunuch Liao.


    That was his real title.


    After observing for two days, there were quite a few from Seeking Immortal Tower.


    A rough estimate put the number at over a dozen, some officials, some eunuchs, and some posing as clerks.


    Then there was the Incense Fire Divine Sect.


    The Incense Fire Divine Sect was even more straightforward.


    They simply disguised themselves as the Hu Ben Army.


    This Qi Observation Skill is truly handy.


    For Chen Sansi, it was like he had an identity scanner, able to see through anyone''s real status at a glance.


    "Brother Chen!"


    Yan Changqing found him: "My father has prepared a feast in the mansion and invites Brother Chen to join us. I sincerely hope you''ll honor us with your presence."


    "Mr. Yan''s father?"


    Chen Sansi of course knew. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Yan Changqing''s father was none other than the son of the Chief Minister, known as the Young Pavilion Master, Yan Maoxing, who held multiple positions, including Minister of Ministry of Industry, and was a major figure in the court.


    It was rumored in the court that Yan Liang was advanced in years, and once he completely stepped down, Yan Maoxing would succeed him as Chief Minister.


    "Is there something the matter?"


    "There shouldn''t be."


    Yan Changqing replied, "Brother Chen, please make sure to come, or else if you don''t, I''m going to be whipped by my father when I get back."


    "I understand."


    Chen Sansi answered nonchalantly.


    Barely a few steps away, he encountered another familiar figure blocking his path.


    "General Chen."


    Cao Fan stood in the way: "Could you do me the honor of sharing a drink to bury the hatchet tonight?"


    "Hatchet?"


    Chen Sansi replied, "Princely Heir, why would you say this, what grudge is there between you and me?"


    "I know, General Sha''s demise was no accident."


    Cao Fan continued: "Regarding past events, I''m willing not to hold grudges; it''s my fault after all. I, I hereby..."


    He struggled for half a day before finally squeezing out two very difficult words.


    "I apologize to you!"


    Cao Fan bowed deeply, with hands clasped in respect.


    "Princely Heir must not do this!"


    ```

 Chapter 383 - 169: Exploring the Secret Realm_5

    Chen Sansi hurriedly helped him up and returned a salute, "Should the opportunity arise in the future, I shall invite Young Master to drink."


    "So you mean, General Chen is willing to settle our accounts?"


    Cao Fan hastily said, "Rather than choosing a date, why not seize today? General Chen, would you be willing to visit my mansion tonight? My father has always wanted to meet General Chen."


    "This..."


    Chen Sansi evasively answered, "Young Master, I still have troops to patrol the mountains tonight, I''m afraid it would be inconvenient, next time for sure, farewell!"


    Having said that,


    He took a detour and headed straight down the mountain.


    It had nothing to do with anything else, he must be insane to get involved with the Crown Prince''s people at this critical juncture.


    Cao Fan watched his departing figure, his expression growing uglier.


    He watched this rustic villager grow stronger step by step until he completely lost control, to the point where even making a move against him had become extremely difficult, and on top of that, his father was very dissatisfied with his results in Liangzhou.


    Therefore, Cao Fan summoned the courage today, hoping to see if it was possible to turn hostility into goodwill.


    If he could truly win over the three thousand Black Armor troops, it would also mean alleviating some of his father''s worries and troubles.


    But...


    It was clear.


    He had failed!


    The Chen family was just brushing him off, not planning on resolving the vendetta at all.


    Should he continue to mix in the royal court...


    Even his father was becoming increasingly fond of him!


    In a sense, Chen Sansi could even threaten his own secure position as the Princely Heir!


    Considering what happened to Sha Wenlong...


    At Selected Point, he was merely an adept at Refining Internal.


    A year later, even the Mystical Phenomenon General would fall victim to his treachery!


    Cao Fan felt a chill down his spine. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He began with fear, and then gradually, it turned into anger, his fists clenched white, and his teeth grinding resoundingly, "Why, I have already bowed down, I even stopped pursuing the matter with General Sha who saved my life, isn''t that enough?!"


    "What else does he want from me?"


    "Does he expect me, a dignified Prince, to kneel and kowtow to him?!"


    "Eunuch Feng!"


    "He''s definitely planning to strike at me soon, devise a plan, we must strike first!"


    "Young Master, you must not do this."


    Eunuch Feng advised, "The Crown Prince has instructed that we must not stir up trouble recently."


    "It''s not that I want to stir trouble!"


    Cao Fan retorted bitterly, "He will definitely not spare me, do you want to watch me die? General Cui, General Fan, can you speak to them for me?"


    "This... I''m afraid not."


    Eunuch Feng said, "General Fan is busy with urgent matters, General Cui may indeed be responsible for protecting you, but the Crown Prince has instructed, he might not be willing to commit murder, especially at this critical juncture... As for me, I''m probably no match for him."


    "So, I''m just supposed to wait for death?!"


    Cao Fan''s face filled with agony.


    After racking his brains, his eyes suddenly lit up: "I know! There''s still one person!"


    "Whom do you mean, Your Highness?"


    "Zhang Lai, Hero Zhang!"


    ...


    "Brother Chen, was the Princely Heir trying to invite you?"


    Yan Changqing, who had been kept away, caught up and reminded, "You must absolutely not go! As I know, recently Prince Qin and Prince Qi have gathered quite a bit of evidence against the Minister of War, Gao Bo and others, all affiliated with the Crown Prince. So, Brother Chen, you should understand the implication of my words, right? It''s best not to get too close to them recently."


    The Emperor rarely attended court.


    Most often, he held Cabinet meetings in the Longevity Palace.


    This Ziwei Mountain sanctification was a rare grand occasion where civil and military officials gathered together.


    Therefore, it also became a good opportunity for other princes to impeach and seize power.


    "Mr. Yan, I understand, I will attend the banquet if I find the time, and if I really cannot manage, please apologize to your father on my behalf."


    Chen Sansi''s ears began to ache.


    Was this what it meant to be an official at court? In barely any time at all, one after another came knocking at his door, essentially forcing him to take sides.


    His principle was neutrality.


    If he could avoid taking sides, he would do so as much as possible.


    It didn''t matter to him whether the Crown Prince or the Emperor died.


    But the problem was, being a person of little influence, he did not actually have the privilege of neutrality.


    Should push come to shove...


    Then Chen Sansi had only one choice left.


    Whoever won,


    He would help them.


    Sure enough.


    Before Chen Sansi even reached his front door, he saw carriages lined up and guards arranged neatly.


    "Mr. Chen!"


    A person dressed like a steward said, "I am the steward of Yan Mansion, on the orders of the Young Pavilion Master to specially wait for Mr. Chen. Mr. Chen need not worry about the troops, my master will arrange everything properly for you, it won''t count as desertion."


    "..."


    Chen Sansi simply had no excuse to refuse.


    The Yan Party was at least the Emperor''s faction, interacting slightly with them was better than getting caught between several princes.


    There was no escaping now.


    He didn''t refuse any further, just determined not to make any commitments once he arrived at the place.


    Sitting in the carriage, swaying.


    After half an hour, the carriage finally stopped in front of a prince''s mansion.


    This place used to be a mansion of a prince of Qing Country, now, it was being used as a temporary residence by Yan Maoxing.


    Inside and outside the mansion, security was tight.


    As soon as Chen Sansi entered, even Yan Changqing, the young master of the mansion, was stopped at the door.


    He found this strange.


    "Mr. Chen!"


    Wearing a bright red official robe, neatly dressed, and dignified in bearing, Yan Maoxing came forward to greet him: "Finally, I have been hoping for your arrival, through numerous battles, you have taken great care of my son and helped him achieve many military feats, I have long wanted to show proper gratitude!"


    "Mr. Yan is too kind."


    Chen Sansi followed him into the side room.


    At the round table, there were also two middle-aged men sitting, judging by their attire, undoubtedly nobles.


    "Mr. Chen, let me introduce you."

 Chapter 384 - 169: Exploring the Realm_6

    Yan Maoxing said, "This is Prince Qin, and this is Prince Qi."


    Prince Qin and Prince Qi correspond to the Fourth Prince and the Eighth Prince.


    "..."


    Chen Sansi was somewhat surprised.


    How could this be? There''s no escaping it?


    Moreover, something seemed amiss...


    The Yan Party was the Emperor''s glove.


    He could tell; under these circumstances, why would Yan Maoxing dare to get involved in the dispute over the Crown Prince? Wasn''t this committing a grave taboo?


    And it was not just that.


    Chen Sansi had heard from Yan Changqing that his grandfather, Yan Liang, because of his old age, had not yet arrived.


    Plus, with the guard in the residence, it felt like they were sneaking around.


    Was Yan Maoxing contacting princes behind his father''s back?


    It was quite chaotic.


    The father and son, the sovereign and ministers, were all playing mind games with each other.


    Fortunately around the banquet table,


    Yan Maoxing and the others merely tried to coax him indirectly without openly asking him to do anything, so this banquet passed in a blur.


    The two princes, however, did not exude spiritual energy or anything like incense, just normal Martial Arts practitioners.


    "I need to move in with my senior brother,"


    Chen Sansi made up his mind, "This way, these people will stop coming to me constantly, and I can also take care of my senior brother''s health. Right, I should visit the Mountain God Temple today."


    He changed his appearance, once again adopting the look of Lai Zi, taking advantage of the morning when it was most crowded to arrive at the Mountain God Temple, grabbed the temple priest by the collar and demanded from a position of superiority.


    "Boy! Does this great hero have what he requested or not?"


    "Great Hero! Someone is waiting for you!"


    The temple priest respectfully said, "Right in the small hall next door." sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I presume you must be Hero Zhang?"


    Cao Fan, clad in common clothes, appeared.


    By his side were Yun Xiaozi and others.


    "Indeed!"


    Chen Sansi squinted his eyes and sized up the other party, "Youngster, who are you? Hurry and bring out what this great hero desires!"


    "Hero Zhang!"


    Cao Fan took out a porcelain bottle from his bosom, "This medicine can be regarded as half an Immortal Pill, even my father only has this single piece, it is sincere enough, please accept it, Hero Zhang!"


    "Your father knows his place."


    Chen Sansi unapologetically put it into his pocket, then squinted at them, "What else?"


    "More..."


    Yun Xiaozi and Ling Xuzi exchanged looks, finding this man a bit greedy.


    He reluctantly took out an incense burner from his bosom, "Hero Zhang, this is four months'' worth of incense accumulated by the Mountain God Temple. Our Divine Sect is also in great need, and we really can''t bring any more, but once the deed is done, we will definitely provide enough for the hero!"


    "This is it?!"


    Chen Sansi showed his dissatisfaction.


    "You..."


    Yun Xiaozi and others wanted to say something


    but were stopped by Cao Fan, "Hero Zhang, whatever else you desire, just ask. If it''s within our power, we will surely fulfill it."


    "You''ve been..."


    Chen Sansi eyed them carefully, "Searching for something on Ziwei Mountain recently, haven''t you?"


    Emperor Longqing wanted something on Ziwei Mountain, the Crown Prince definitely knew it, and would surely try to find it too.


    Since the secret chamber left by Cao Xie had special restrictions, and likely needed a Cao Family Member to open it, why not try to make use of that?


    After all, relying solely on his own abilities, he wouldn''t be able to open the secret chamber.


    So whether it was the Cao Family or Seeking Immortal Tower, it was wise to utilize whatever help was available.


    "Hero Zhang even knows about this?"


    Cao Fan was somewhat surprised.


    This Zhang Lai Zi was truly a rare master in the world, with almost nothing able to elude him, and he also understood the implied meaning in the words, feeling somewhat troubled, "Do you wish for a share of the Grand Ancestor Relics left behind? That might be inappropriate."


    "So stingy, completely insincere!"


    Chen Sansi spoke as he prepared to leave with the furnace tripod.


    "Wait a moment, let''s step aside and talk!"


    Cao Fan gritted his teeth, "I will report this matter to my father, it may not be impossible, but... before that, there is another matter for which I wish to seek the hero''s help."


    Chen Sansi glanced at him, "Let''s hear it then."


    "Hero, help me kill someone!"


    Cao Fan lowered his voice, "If you can help me kill this fiend, even if my father disagrees, if we really find the Grand Ancestor Relics, I will find a way to share them with you!"


    "Oh?"


    Chen Sansi asked, "Who?"


    "Chen Sansi!"


    Cao Fan enunciated each syllable, "This man is cunning and vicious, utterly despicable and shameful; if he is not removed, I will truly struggle to sleep at night!"


    "Nonsense!"


    Chen Sansi suddenly shouted, "Don''t you know that this man is a disciple of Sun Xiangzong? Are you trying to get this great hero into trouble?!"


    "Great hero, Sun Xiangzong has disappeared, he cannot appear in Taihu Prefecture!"


    Cao Fan urgently persuaded, "When the upheaval occurs, Ziwei Mountain will surely be in chaos, all you need to do is to strike amidst the confusion, it will surely be done without anyone knowing, even if Sun Xiangzong wants to investigate afterward, he won''t know where to start!"


    "Is that so~"


    Chen Sansi feigned a troubled expression, "Your words offer nothing solid, why should I believe you?"


    "Alright!"


    Cao Fan seemed to have made a significant decision, pulling out a jade pendant from his bosom, "This item, given to me recently by my father as something to protect my life, but it requires cultivation of the Incense Fire Divine Dao to be used, and I have no use for it currently, so I''ll entrust it to Hero Zhang for safekeeping!


    "After the deed is done, I will honor my promise and share the Grand Ancestor Relics with you, then you can return the item to me."


    "Hmm, that sounds more like it."


    Chen Sansi fondled the jade pendant, "Since that''s the case, I will agree to your request. I''ll fetch Chen Sansi''s head for you."

 Chapter 385 - 170: Meeting the Emperor, Slaying the Dragon, Assassination

    "Thank you for your kindness, great hero!"


    Cao Fan was overjoyed.


    A huge worry had finally been eliminated from his mind!


    Chen Sansi didn''t waste any more time. After packing everything up, he left the Mountain God Temple. On the way, he detoured to a deserted place, absorbed all the incense from the incense burner, and then casually discarded it.


    This Cao Fan.


    He had actually attempted to hire an assassin to kill him.


    Truly devious.


    After making all the necessary preparations, he took out the jade pendant in the wilderness and began to examine it in his hand.


    The object was called a jade pendant, but it was square in shape, lacking any sense of beauty, and looked very ancient. There were seven or eight cracks on it, and the only mystical aspect about it was the extremely fine and mysterious runes on it.


    So...


    How does it work?


    Maybe because they really thought Zhang Lai was an expert, the Incense Fire Divine Sect hadn''t given him any common spells as gifts, not even the method to use the jade pendant.


    He had to try to figure it out on his own.


    "Hum!"


    When Chen Sansi mobilized the Power of Incense within his body, the jade pendant indeed reacted, absorbing the Mystical Energy of Incense. Then it burst into a purple glow and, under his control, it spat out all the Qi of Incense like a dragon spitting pearls, transforming it into an attack method.


    "Boom boom boom!"


    In the small creek in front of him, a series of splashes erupted.


    The power was very ordinary though.


    It wasn''t even as good as the Sword Qi Skill at small achievement.


    "This jade pendant can absorb energy and then release it."


    Chen Sansi had almost figured out its use.


    He began to try if he could directly absorb the Sword Qi Skill into it and store it. This way, it could make up for the flaw that the Sword Qi Skill could only be used once. Unfortunately, it didn''t work.


    The jade pendant could only absorb pure energy, not already formed spells.


    That''s right, if it could absorb spells, wouldn''t it be able to block other people''s magic?


    "What else can it absorb..."


    Chen Sansi hoped to fully develop the uses of the jade pendant.


    After repeated attempts.


    He was surprised to find that the jade pendant could also absorb flames.


    Spiritual Energy as well.


    Only he didn''t have any on hand.


    Flames...


    Abnormal Fire too?


    Outside Prefecture City of Taihu Lake, Chen Sansi found a tiger cave on a barren mountain. After killing a tiger with one punch, he chopped wood, smeared it with lamp oil, and then carefully lit it.


    "Boom¡ª¡ª"


    The red flames soared up, illuminating the dark cave.


    "Hum!"


    Indeed.


    Under Chen Sansi''s control, the jade pendant began to suck in the Immortal Treasure Strange Fire like a dragon drinking water.


    But it seemed its capacity was limited.


    After a while, the number of cracks on it began to increase, and Chen Sansi immediately stopped.


    He guessed that this thing probably wouldn''t last more than one use before breaking.


    That made sense.


    After all, Cao Fan hadn''t cultivated Incense Fire Magic, so giving him something better would have been a waste.


    "Boom¡ª¡ª"


    Chen Sansi controlled the jade pendant.


    A red fireball shot out from it, striking the cave wall and directly melting the stone.


    "What a good item!"


    He finally didn''t need to use methods like "Fire Arrows" anymore. That was too troublesome, especially since it required a process to ignite them.


    With this jade pendant, he now had a true weapon at his disposal.


    "Cao has really made a big investment to kill me!"


    "Need to break through the Sword Qi Skill as well."


    Chen Sansi thought to himself and began to cultivate using the incense he had just obtained.


    [Magic: Sword Qi Skill (Small Achievement)]


    [Progress: 1508/2000]


    In fact.


    With an ample supply of incense, the speed of cultivating spells was faster than training in martial arts.


    Moreover, in the past two months, he had quietly collected incense from the surrounding areas for cultivation, so the breakthrough of the Sword Qi Skill was not far off.


    Abnormal Fire, combined with the Sword Qi Skill.


    With these two at his side, Chen Sansi felt confident in dealing with Seeking Immortal Tower, and wouldn''t be defenseless if backstabbed.


    After handling everything.


    Chen Sansi went back to Prefecture City of Taihu Lake with his original appearance restored.


    The next day, early in the morning.


    They received a new order.


    The Emperor was arriving.


    That day.


    Inside and outside of the Prefecture City of Taihu Lake, there was the highest state of alert. The official road was cleaned spotlessly, and no disheveled or undignified spectators were allowed, effectively meaning the indigent and beggars were expelled from the city.


    The Emperor''s arriving procession was splendid and imposing.


    The etiquette team at the front had been entering the city since the morning, and it wasn''t until noon that His Majesty''s Dragon Chariot arrived. Despite the enormous costs of the procession, the Dragon Chariot appeared quite simple, with no luxurious decoration. The gray curtain hung down, embroidered with the Tai Chi yin-yang fish pattern. A shadowy figure could be faintly seen inside, seated cross-legged and meditating, giving the impression not of an emperor on a journey, but rather like the sect master of a Taoist sect.


    His Majesty went straight to Ziwei Mountain Palace and informed the civil and military officials that a court meeting would be held in the Yangxin Palace of Ziwei Palace five days later at 5 a.m. Chen Sansi was also to attend.


    The main purpose was to announce the recapture of Ziwei Mountain, and the rewards for everyone would come after the ceremonial offering to heaven and earth.


    Chen Sansi was somewhat concerned.


    Would the Old Emperor go straight to the secret chamber in the Tan Bottom and take the treasures inside? Fortunately, the Old Emperor only sent many eunuchs to search the mountain, but the area was much smaller, very close to the deep pool at the back of the mountain, obviously following some clues.


    He needed to hurry!


    If this continued, the Old Emperor might indeed find it.


    That very night.


    Chen Sansi changed his appearance once again.


    ...


    "Who''s there?!"


    Eunuch Lao, who had been busy all day and was about to go back to rest, suddenly noticed a figure flickering ahead. He immediately pursued it until he reached a bamboo forest, where he saw a silhouette with its back to him.


    sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 386 - 170: Meeting the Emperor, Slaying the Dragon, Assassination_2

    The person was clad in an indigo robe, with the He Miao Long Sword slung at his waist. Amidst the night breeze, he carried the air of an expert.


    "Who are you?!"


    Eunuch Lao had mingled in the palace for many years, his mind meticulous, and he deduced that the other party had deliberately lured him to this place.


    With one hand behind his back, and a poisoned dart clutched in his palm, he squinted and demanded, "This is the Holy Emperor''s Palace, where trespassing is akin to being an assassin, a crime that condemns one''s entire family to death!"


    "I am Zhang Lai Zi!"


    The robed swordsman turned, revealing an ugly face that didn''t match his refined demeanor.


    "Zhang Lai Zi?"


    Eunuch Lao recalled the name in his mind.


    He had indeed heard of him.


    This Zhang Lai Zi seemed to have been at odds with the Incense Fire Divine Sect recently; his survival to this point suggested he was quite capable.


    He asked, "No matter who you are, this is not a place for you to come. If you cannot provide me with a satisfactory explanation, I''m afraid you won''t have the chance to leave."


    "Heh heh~"


    Chen Sansi spoke up, "If your identity from the Seeking Immortal Tower were to be exposed, I''m afraid you wouldn''t be able to walk away either, right?"


    "You, what exactly are you!"


    Eunuch Lao was shocked to his core.


    This so-called Zhang Lai Zi not only managed to locate the Incense Fire Divine Sect but also knew their identities. If this were to get out...


    He warned, "Speak, what is your purpose."


    "You needn''t be so tense, Eunuch."


    Chen Sansi calmly said, "I invited you here to share with you a great opportunity for Immortality hidden atop Ziwei Mountain."


    "Immortality..."


    Eunuch Lao clearly understood, "You know even this? And from the sound of it, you have discovered something?"


    "Indeed."


    Chen Sansi went on, "I wonder, Eunuch, if you are willing to forge an alliance with me. We could split whatever we find evenly between the two of us, how about it?"


    It was better to cooperate under a false identity than to risk his real one and possibly attract future trouble from the Seeking Immortal Tower.


    Whether it worked out or not was another matter.


    "..."


    After a long moment of contemplation, Eunuch Lao finally agreed, "Heh heh, if you have truly discovered something, I will certainly give you all the assistance you need!"


    "Follow me."


    Chen Sansi led the way.


    They soon arrived at a deep pool.


    "I have searched the bottom of this pool long ago and found nothing. Are you trying to deceive me?"


    Eunuch Lao was not easily convinced.


    "Descend and you will see."


    "If you dare deceive me..."


    "You''ve come all this way, are you planning to leave, or perhaps you intend to call people to kill me?!"


    "..."


    Seeing how adamant the other was, Eunuch Lao found himself believing a part of it.


    He couldn''t be sure of the methods the other might possess.


    Under the tremendous temptation,


    he dived into the water.


    Chen Sansi followed right behind him, knife in one hand and gesturing the path with the other.


    Zigzagging through the water,


    they finally arrived inside a subterranean cavern.


    "Beneath this deep pool, there actually exists such a hidden place!"


    The elderly eunuch observed in disbelief, "Hero Zhang, how did you find this?"


    "Stop talking nonsense."


    Chen Sansi led the other to the stone gate, "You, open this gate."


    "Oh?"


    Just like Chen Sansi at first, the elderly eunuch began with various probes, and only after cautious observation did he dare to approach, examining it attentively: "There is a restriction on this gate; ordinary people can''t open it."


    Chen Sansi urged, "Can you open it or not, eunuch?"


    "This... I''ll give it a try."


    All could see was the elderly eunuch using his body to block the view.


    Chen Sansi couldn''t clearly see what methods he used, but he saw streams of spiritual energy surging around the eunuch''s body, and shortly after, heard a "boom" sound as the stone gate slowly opened.


    Seeking Immortal Tower really did have some skill, to have the gate opened so.


    If this trip really yielded some gains, it would be perfect, and there''d be no need to bother with Cao Fan and the others anymore. The only fear was that the things left behind by Great Ancestor Sheng for their descendants would not be so easily obtained by outsiders.


    "Boom¡ª"


    The moment the stone gate opened,


    a corridor appeared before them.


    On both sides of the corridor, torches rose one by one, illuminating the dark surroundings.


    "Hero Zhang, quick, let''s go inside!"


    The elderly eunuch seemed somewhat excited.


    "You tired of living, eunuch?"


    Chen Sansi warned.


    "Oh right, right, right."


    The elderly eunuch then remembered, "I saw the immortal fate I''ve been dreaming of and got carried away, nearly forgetting that there might be danger inside. How about this, you and I go out and catch a few living people to scout the way, how about that?" S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Tsk!"


    Chen Sansi scolded, "I, Zhang Lai Zi, act with integrity and would never use such despicable means to seek immortality."


    "Who would have thought, Hero Zhang truly has a heart of chivalry, no wonder you burned down the Dragon King Temple of the Incense Fire Divine Sect by the Tongtian River."


    The elderly eunuch hesitated, "But you and I can''t just rush in recklessly, can we?"


    "Squeak, squeak~"


    Chen Sansi''s ears twitched, "Just wait here for me!"


    With that said,


    he dove back into the waters of the pool.


    Before long, he came back with a mouse that had ears as large as a fan and a body the size of a rabbit.


    "An Exotic Beast water-avoiding rat?"


    The elderly eunuch recognized, "Although this beast is a rat, it lives by the water and survives by catching fish. It''s quite spiritual, and it''s perfect for scouting the way!"


    "Go!"


    Chen Sansi threw it casually, tossing it into the corridor.


    The water-avoiding rat was panic-stricken, but with two people blocking its retreat, it had to cautiously inch its way forward into the depths.


    Chen Sansi and the elderly eunuch exchanged glances and closely followed behind.


    Within the corridor, there were no traps.


    After crossing the narrow and cramped corridor, what appeared before them was an even broader avenue, as well as statues. Looking ahead, there was a statue every hundred steps or so.


    All these statues were carved out of wood, next to which stood a stele with inscriptions carved upon it.


    The first statue.


    It was of a thirteen or fourteen-year-old boy, feeding a horse.


    "Great Ancestor Sheng!"


    The elderly eunuch identified, "Daoist friend, look quickly, these statues seem to all depict the deeds of Cao Xie!"

 Chapter 387 - 170: Meeting the Holy, Slaying the Dragon, Assassination_3

    "Daoist?"


    Chen Sansi was puzzled, "Why address me in such a manner?"


    "Seeking Immortals and asking about the path, aspiring for immortality, this is a grand road. Those like us are travelers on this path. On the scraps left by immortals, this is how we address each other!"


    Lao Gonggong''s eyes shone with uncontrollable joy, "Daoist friend, as long as we follow the path of Cao Xie, we will surely find a way to the Immortal Realm, to transcend the mundane world!"


    Chen Sansi said nothing more but scrutinized the inscriptions beside the statue.


    "When Cao was young, his family was fairly well-off. One day, seeing the former Emperor Yen arrive, with him high above and adored by thousands, Cao blurted out that such a position could be taken over."


    "At the age of twelve, Cao''s family fell into decline, his father was schemed against, the whole family was arrested, and exiled, Cao himself was reduced to a slave, serving as a horse groom for an official of the Zhou family."


    "At fifteen, Cao gained the appreciation of the Zhou family''s guardian, who taught him the arts of fist and foot, thus he began his contact with Martial Arts."


    ...


    The second statue.


    It depicted Cao Xie clad in the attire of a sect disciple, holding a wooden sword, his expression resolute.


    "At twenty, Cao departed from his lowly status, entered the Jiuyuan Sect, and through a stroke of luck, was favored by the Sect Master''s daughter, braving all difficulties, becoming the direct disciple of the Sect Master."


    "At twenty-two, Cao was invincible among his peers, from then on, he began to gather strength, made alliances with heroes, and cultivated his reputation, not within two years, he became renowned throughout Jianghu."


    "At twenty-five, in a time of great chaos, Cao rebelled against the government."


    The third statue.


    Cao Xie was dressed in armor, seated on horseback, sword pointed to the sky.


    "At twenty-eight, Cao claimed a territory, becoming a feudal lord."


    "At thirty, Cao''s northern campaign was fruitless, cornered, he then began his quest for immortality."


    The fourth statue.


    Cao Xie posed as a Jianghu hero, with a backpack, traveling along the road.


    "At thirty-five, he met an Immortal, gained the blessing of Ziwei."


    "At thirty-eight, he became unrivaled in the world."


    The fifth statue.


    Cao Xie holding a cup, raising it high to the sky.


    "At forty, he reorganized the rivers and mountains, setting off once again."


    "At forty-five, he unified the entire world."


    "At forty-eight, at Ziwei Mountain he offered sacrifices, and ascended to the throne as Emperor."


    "After the age of fifty, Cao personally built the prosperous Kaiyuan era, establishing a legacy for countless generations."


    "..."


    The sixth statue, and also the last one.


    "After the age of eighty, Cao passed the throne to the Imperial Grandson."


    According to the historical records.


    In the thirty-second year of Kaiyuan.


    Great Ancestor Cao Xie died, buried within the Imperial Mausoleum in the Capital City."


    "Cao lived a life without regrets, his greatest concern was whether his descendants could hold onto the great realm that he had personally established."


    "Therefore, he left the National Treasure and the chance to seek immortality here."


    Reading this.


    Chen Sansi felt strange. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The handwriting on the stele looked less like it was meant for his descendants, and more like it was addressing outsiders.


    Looking up.


    The final statue was of an aged Cao Xie, seated on the Dragon Chair, garbed in a dragon robe with nine claws, his authority imposing. Although clearly carved from wood, his eyes at that moment seemed alive, a sense of inexplicable oppression spreading out, as if numerous dragon claws were clutching at the throats of the living, nearly suffocating them.


    Just then.


    The text on the stone tablet suddenly disappeared, ultimately transforming into a line of stark, crimson, imperious characters.


    "You commoners and servants, having seen the Lord, how dare you not bow!"


    "Emperor Taizu above, servant, servant deserves death, deserves death indeed!"


    The previously enthralled Eunuch suddenly fell to the ground with a thud, head banging loudly.


    "Boom!"


    Cao Xie moved!


    His wooden eyes suddenly widened, as if an evil dragon opened its eyes and stared at the person standing upright before him.


    "Commoner!"


    "Why do you not bow!!!"


    "Clang¡ª"


    A flash of sword light.


    Cao Xie''s head fell to the ground.


    Chen Sansi slowly sheathed his sword, looking down at the wooden head under his feet, his voice thundered: "A mere skeleton in the tomb, dare not be presumptuous!"


    "Ah?"


    On the side.


    The Eunuch, looking at Cao Xie''s Dragon Head, was so frightened that he sat down on the ground, screaming continuously.


    "Eunuch!"


    Chen Sansi sternly rebuked: "A mere old emperor frightens you to this state, and you still claim to be a seeker of the Immortal?!"


    "Huff..."


    Only then did the Eunuch come to his senses.


    He patted his chest uneasily: "Daoist, forgive me... no, Daoist, there''s clearly some magic left on this statue, it''s definitely not just because I am naturally timid and cowardly!"


    "Strange..."


    "How come it has no effect on Daoist?"


    "This imperial wrath, are you really not afraid at all?"


    "Afraid?"


    Chen Sansi, hand on his sword hilt, calmly replied: "It was clearly my wrath!"


    "Great hero!"


    The Eunuch admired: "Hero Zhang truly is a great hero, let us continue, continue!"


    There were no more statues ahead.


    Instead, there was a stone platform.


    On the platform, there was a box and...


    a sword embedded in the stone platform, with most of its blade embedded inside, only the Dragon Head handle was exposed, currently "buzzing", resonating with the Xuanzhu in Chen Sansi''s arms.


    It was this sword.


    Calling him over.


    "Eunuch."


    Chen Sansi asked: "Do you know what this sword is?"


    "Could it be..."


    The Eunuch said: "Is it the legendary Dragon Abyss Sword? Back then, Taizu used the Dragon Abyss Sword to conquer all directions, but the sword passed down was the Longquan Sword, and the Dragon Abyss Sword went missing, so it was hidden on Ziwei Mountain."


    "Dragon Abyss Sword..."


    Chen Sansi wondered why the Xuanzhu would resonate with this sword.


    But when he really tried to control the sword through the Xuanzhu, he encountered great resistance, as if a thick sturdy rope was tied around the sword, connected to someone else''s hand.


    The two were about a hundred steps away from the platform at this time.


    "The Dragon Abyss Sword is not the key!"

 Chapter 388 - 170: Meeting the Holy, Slaying the Dragon, Assassination_4

    The eunuch said, "Daoist, you must have seen what was written on the stele just now. In the case next to it lies the Seeking Immortality.


    Just as he eagerly headed toward the stone platform.


    Mystical energy, transparent and bright, burst forth from the Dragon Abyss Sword into the air, scattering and landing on the sculptures of Cao Xie.


    Not good!


    "Run!"


    Chen Sansi reacted swiftly and backpedaled rapidly to the stone gate.


    Meanwhile.


    Starting with the horseman boy, the sculptures... came to life!


    They were wrapped in powerful auras, their gazes uniformly fixed on the eunuch.


    "This, this..."


    The eunuch also sensed something was amiss; he hadn''t completely lost his reason over the chance at immortality and, gritting his teeth, flitted away like a dragonfly skimming water, but he was still half a step too slow.


    In the corridor, the horseman boy caught up with him and threw a punch.


    "Boom!"


    The eunuch countered with a palm.


    Their fist and palm collided.


    Unable to withstand it, the eunuch was smashed heavily onto the floor of the corridor.


    In a flash.


    The eunuch in the Flying Fish Suit formed seals with his hands and conjured frost in front of him, eventually transforming it into a spinning Ice Blade that struck the horseman boy.


    The horseman boy had an arm severed.


    Before the eunuch could seize the chance to retreat, Cao Xie of the Sect era followed close behind, his wooden sword slashing straight at his face, leaving no opportunity for the eunuch to counterattack.


    "Buzz!"


    The He Miao Blade was unsheathed.


    Chen Sansi, too, found it difficult to resist, stumbling backward while unleashing a Sword Qi Skill.


    "Boom!"


    A purple flash of a little sword burst forth, blowing open the head of Sect-era Cao Xie.


    Seizing the gap.


    Chen Sansi and the eunuch quickly retreated.


    Behind Sect-era Cao Xie, there were three more wooden figures.


    Their strength varied with the era!


    The three behind were even more powerful!


    Luckily, the older Cao Xie had been slain by Chen Sansi from the start; otherwise, they would probably have died there.


    "Buzz¡ª"


    As the three wooden figures charged at them, spiritual energy flickered on the eunuch''s body, repeating some technique that allowed the stone gate to begin closing again.


    The water-avoiding rat also tried to escape, but was a step too late, getting crushed to mush under the hooves of Cao Xie''s wooden horseman.


    Almost the instant before the three wooden figures were about to burst out, the stone gate finally shut completely, followed by two booming sounds, and everything gradually settled.


    "Phew..."


    The eunuch gasped heavily, a trickle of fresh blood leaking from the corner of his mouth, his face filled with frustration as he stamped his foot, "Just one step, just one short step! The opportunity of Immortal Realm was within arm''s reach! These wooden figures, they wield such formidable power, just how far did Cao Xie get on the Immortal Path back then?"


    Chen Sansi also wondered about this question.


    From the methods of these wooden figures, they seem just as strong, if not stronger than what had been recorded, yet how could such a person have lived only a little over eighty years?


    Even Emperor Longqing is currently ninety-eight and in excellent health.


    In any case...


    It''s exactly as expected. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The things inside aren''t so easy to get.


    It''s still worth pulling Cao Fan into this to try.


    The mechanisms inside clearly recognize outsiders!


    "Daoist!"


    The eunuch bowed with his hands clasped, "Thank you for saving my life. If it weren''t for your help, I would have probably perished here today."


    "Just remember this great hero''s favor!"


    Chen Sansi maintained the tone of his speech, trying to sound as different as possible from his real self.


    Since he was cooperating with the other party, he ought to help where he could.


    Not to mention that later on, he still needed to make use of the Seeking Immortal Tower.


    "I will definitely remember," the eunuch responded, taking out a handkerchief to wipe the blood from his lip. "But how can we obtain the opportunity for immortality inside?"


    "We can''t rush in like that again," Chen Sansi said, recalling the Dragon Abyss Sword, always harboring a sense of ill omen.


    The mystical energy that activated the wooden figures was also unusual, being neither spiritual energy nor the energy from Xuanzhu, nor incense energy, but a type of mystical energy he had never seen before.


    Is this what Cao Xie left for his descendants?


    Dragon Abyss Sword...


    And it''s linked to another person.


    Who?


    The Old Emperor?!


    Then why didn''t he come to take it directly?


    With such a commotion, could he sense it?


    "Run!"


    Chen Sansi made a snap decision.


    After diving back into the depths, they quickly fled.


    Luckily, they did not encounter any more danger.


    And it''s still uncertain whether their earlier actions had attracted any notice.


    "Daoist."


    The eunuch said, "When do you think is a more suitable time to come back?"


    "I will seek you out when the time comes, farewell!"


    Chen Sansi did not linger, disappearing quickly with a few flashes.


    The next time...


    It would be best to wait until there''s chaos in the realm.


    That is, when the Crown Prince rebels.


    At that time, the Old Emperor and all of the strongest fighters will be in disarray, which in fact would be the safest time.


    ...


    Chen Sansi changed back to his real appearance, not returning to his own residence, but directly going to his senior brother''s home where he personally prepared two bowls of medicine, also taking the opportunity to advance his Medical Skill.


    "Sixth Senior Brother."


    He joked with Wang Zhi, who came to join in the fun, "Want a treasure?"


    "Treasure? You don''t have a damn treasure," Wang Zhi grinned, "But speaking of which, you''ve had quite a few invitations recently to visit others. It''d be foolish to keep dodging them. How about we just accept them all? We won''t be siding with anyone, and along the way, we could nab some treasures from them to see who''s willing to bleed a bit. It''s foolish not to take advantage of an easy deal, fool!"


    "..."


    Chen Sansi didn''t engage with that topic but instead pulled out a porcelain bottle from his bosom and tossed it over, "I do have a treasure; open it and see."


    The ingredients of this medicine...


    He recognized only half; among them were two ingredients not of ordinary quality.


    "What''s this?"


    Wang Zhi opened it, sniffed it near his nose, and exclaimed, "Medicine... Could it be? Where did you get this?!"

 Chapter 389 - 170: Meeting the Emperor, Slaying the Dragon, Assassination_5

    ```


    "Don''t worry about that."


    Chen Sansi said, "Give it to your Fourth Senior Brother to check. If there''s no problem, you should be able to resume practicing Martial Arts."


    "I..."


    Overcome with excitement, Wang Zhi became somewhat incoherent, "Old, Old Four, is it true?"


    "How would I know."


    Fang Qingyun spread his hands, "You''re really lucky, kid."


    "If it''s true, I only need one year, no, maybe not even a year!"


    Wang Zhi clutched the porcelain bottle tightly, "I could return to Great Success in the Xuanxiang Realm!"


    "That quick?" Chen Sansi asked, curious.


    "Of course."


    Wang Zhi said, "The Cultivation Techniques I''ve practiced are already etched in my mind, it''s just my meridians and organs that have been holding me back. If I can really heal, I could ascend a realm each month!"


    "Old Six."


    Fang Qingyun said earnestly, "After you recover your strength, don''t make a fuss about it."


    "Why?"


    Wang Zhi didn''t understand, "I''ve been holding back for so many years, now I should unleash destruction everywhere!"


    "The reinforcement is coming to an end."


    Fang Qingyun looked him in the eye, "Once we return to Liangzhou from Lingzhou, we''ll have to face the new adjustments in the Northern Territory, understand?"


    "This..."


    Wang Zhi nodded, "I get what you mean now."


    "Besides, our Eldest Senior Brother was also one of the key contributors in the battle at Ming State. He''s on his way here, and when the time comes, don''t forget to go and meet him. After all, he''s our Eldest Senior Brother."


    Fang Qingyun pushed the wheel with his hand, "Alright, everyone rest up early. Tomorrow morning, all of the civil and military officers need to be at the assembly in the Yangxin Palace. Don''t be late."


    Attending the imperial court.


    It was actually Chen Sansi''s first time.


    Even his official robe had been freshly delivered by a clerk a few days ago.


    He wasn''t very interested in his heart; without anything better to do, who would willingly go kowtow to someone?


    Tomorrow at court, there was likely to be a good show to watch.


    It''s just unclear how Prince Qin and Prince Qi are planning to impeach the Crown Prince.


    Just relying on petitions and a few words, the chances of bringing down the Crown Prince, who had been Supervisor for forty years, seemed unlikely. They must have some explosive material, as to what that was, who knew.


    Night.


    Chen Sansi was practicing in the courtyard.


    To improve his spells, he could not neglect his progress in the Martial Arts Realm.


    Your journey continues with My Virtual Library Empire


    After all, as it seemed now, even when facing an ordinary Cultivator, a Martial Saint would still have a fighting chance.


    [Cultivation Technique: National Guardian Dragon Spear, Meridian Passage (small achievement)]


    [Progress: 1650/2000]


    ...


    The next day.


    He woke up early, managing to get his official robe on only after expended tremendous effort.


    Chen Sansi was now appointed as the Standard Third-Rank General Huai Yuan, wearing a crimson official robe embroidered with a tiger patch, officially joining the ranks of nobility and officials.


    On Fang Qingyun''s robe, an emblem commonly used for first and second ranks¡ªa lion¡ªwas embroidered, and it looked slightly mismatched with his demeanor.


    At the base of Ziwei Mountain.


    All the officials had already arrived early.


    Today, the Emperor would ascend the mountain by foot, retracing the path of the ascension ceremony.


    On such an important day, naturally no one dared to be late.


    "Mr. Chen!"


    "Mr. Fang!"


    "An honor to meet you!"


    ```


    ```


    "Three thousand defeating one hundred thousand, an unprecedented event!"


    "Just between us, I''ve heard that General Fang will be ennobled after the Fengshan ceremony."


    "..."


    Before the court session officially began.


    The officials took the opportunity to network with one another.


    "Mr. Chen!"


    A civil servant in a scarlet robe approached: "Do you recognize me?"


    "This gentleman..."


    Chen Sansi replied courteously: "Who might you be?"


    "I am Tang Ran, currently serving as the Minister of Rites at the court."


    The official spoke politely: "Mr. Chen, thank you for taking care of my son during Selected Point. If there''s anything in court I can assist you with in the future, please feel free to ask."


    "So you are Brother Tang''s father."


    Chen Sansi inquired: "Hasn''t Brother Tang come?"


    "No."


    Tang Ran said: "He..."


    "The Emperor arrives¡ª¡ª"


    "Boom¡ª¡ª"


    Accompanied by a sharp and clear shout.


    The Emperor, whom hundreds had been waiting for, finally came into sight.


    This was also Chen Sansi''s first time seeing the Emperor, who felt very familiar yet was someone he actually had not met face to face.


    The ninety-eight-year-old, with streaks of black hair faintly emerging among his silver locks, did not wear his Dragon Robe for such a formal occasion; instead, he donned a black and white Taoist robe, with a horsetail whisk draped over his arm. He walked briskly, and behind him, the Crown Prince was using a cane and panting as he tried to keep up. Following farther behind were Prince Qin, Prince Qi, and several other princes.


    "This..."


    "What is this decorum."


    "How can he wear a Taoist robe."


    "The esteemed Emperor..."


    "..."


    Officials murmured among themselves, especially those from the Ministry of Rites. Tang Ran almost rushed forward but was firmly held back by two other court friends.


    "We, your officials, pay homage to Your Majesty!"


    Over a hundred officials kneeled in unison, chanting loudly:


    "May the Emperor live for ten thousand years, ten thousand years, ten thousand, ten thousand years¡ª¡ª"


    Emperor Longqing walked past everyone without acknowledgment.


    The eunuchs from the Ritual Supervision hurriedly beckoned everyone to follow.


    "The Emperor is in high spirits!"


    "He plans to ascend the mountain and enjoy the view before holding court!"


    "Follow! Quickly!"


    "..."


    Yangxin Palace was situated halfway up the mountain, just over an hour''s walk away.


    But because the summit grew steeper, it would take at least half a day''s effort; yet when the Emperor was pleased, no one dared to raise objections.


    Thus.


    The civil and military officials accompanied him, climbing the mountain for a full three hours.


    The military officers strolled with ease.


    But some civil servants, who truly had never practiced Martial Arts and the elderly ones, were put through a severe ordeal. The Crown Prince seemed on the verge of fainting several times but gritted his teeth and persevered until the end.


    Finally.


    Around midday. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    They reached the mountaintop.


    Emperor Longqing stopped in front of the mountain cliff, gazing at the towering peaks that reached into the clouds, stretching out his arms to feel the grandeur of the landscape, and remained silent for a long time.


    ```

 Chapter 390 - 170: Meeting the Emperor, Slaying the Dragon, Assassination_6

    The ministers also bowed their heads low, quietly waiting.


    "Majestic mountain peaks, clouds join the sky''s edge."


    An Emperor in a Taoist robe, exuding an Immortal-like aura, suddenly began to recite poetry:


    "Pine and rock guard the ages, spring waters encircle the green cliffs."


    "Mountain ranges don their verdant sleeves, a myriad of ravines birth rosy clouds."


    "Wind stirs the song of pine waves, sunlight bathes the vast expanse."


    "Eyes reach to the boundless horizon, heaven and earth a broad embrace."


    "From the summit I survey the peaks, my heart vast and free!"


    Once the poem ended,


    The ministers immediately praised it.


    "Your Majesty, what a poetic talent!"


    "Quick, send someone to copy it down, and later erect a stele here to carve it in stone!"


    "..."


    "A hundred years!"


    Emperor Longqing waved his horsetail whisk, "Three states'' land, lost for a hundred years, now restored, I have indeed lived up to my ancestors and the people of the world!"


    "All thanks to Your Majesty''s sagacity!"


    "Your Majesty''s recapture of Ziwei Mountain surpasses those before!"


    "Your name shall be ever fragrant throughout the ages!"


    "..."


    "..."


    After listening quietly, Emperor Longqing spoke leisurely, "This achievement is not just mine alone, Meng Quji is to be commended, Chen Sansi is to be commended, and so is Fang Qingyun, as are the soldiers of this battle!"


    "Enough, the mountain has been scaled, the scenery admired, let us go to Yangxin Palace."


    The group of aged ministers breathed a sigh of relief.


    "Chen Sansi."


    As Emperor Longqing was returning by the same path, passing the ministers, he suddenly beckoned, "You, come here, come to my side."


    "Your Majesty."


    Chen Sansi approached, "What are Your Majesty''s commands?"


    "Outstanding."


    Emperor Longqing appraised him, "True hero in youth, when I was your age, I would still have Sun Xiangzong clubbing people in secret over trivial matters, my days consumed with seeking pleasure. But you, crossing Four Times over Hongze, three thousand defeating a hundred thousand. That Fan Shuzhen even uttered ''if not forthwith, afraid must fetch from afar'', you''re stronger than me."


    "Your Majesty''s words leave your servant trembling with fear."


    Chen Sansi hastily said, "Your servant dares not compare with Your Majesty, nor with my master."


    "Why not compare? I am simply speaking the truth," replied Emperor Longqing with an easygoing manner. "Sun Xiangzong is also a pretender of propriety. Does he often boast to you about how obsessed he is with martial arts, how hard he trains? Let me tell you, in his youth, he often quarreled over girls, green with jealousy. Each time he went to woo a girl, the silver he used was sought from me."


    "Time really flies."


    "In the blink of an eye, more than a cycle of sixty years has passed, we''re old now, old indeed..."


    "Your Majesty is in the prime of spring and autumn, why speak such words?"


    Chen Sansi was speaking honestly.


    This Old Emperor.


    The richness of spiritual energy contained within his body was comparable to that of his master.


    "Speaking of this."


    Emperor Longqing casually asked, "Chen Aiqing, do you know where your master is now?"


    When the map ends, the dagger is revealed.


    Chen Sansi answered truthfully, "Your servant does not know."


    "Your master won''t last much longer."


    Emperor Longqing spoke bluntly, "It''s a matter of these past two years. I''ve always wanted to help him, but he''s become distant over the years, adamantly refusing to ask me for anything. In the future, whatever happens, you must speak more to me about it, so I know how to help him. After all, in this world, he remains my one and only old brother."


    "Your servant will remember this."


    Chen Sansi answered.


    In the midst of their conversation, S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    they had already begun walking down the mountain.


    "Swoosh¡­"


    Just then,


    from the woods on both sides, the sound of footsteps suddenly emerged, with several clusters of intense "Qi" moving toward their group. Almost without any time to react, several dark figures burst out.


    A total of four people.


    Based on the "Qi" they emitted, there were three from the Xuanxiang Realm and one Martial Saint!


    So many High Realm Martial Artists had actually appeared!


    Four people, four knives, all slashing towards Emperor Longqing.


    Everything happened abruptly, swiftly...


    Chen Sansi cursed inwardly.


    Was this Prince Qin and Prince Qi''s doing?!


    Sending a few Dead Soldier assassins, leaving behind clues related to the Crown Prince before their death, so it could be claimed the Crown Prince intended to assassinate and plot a coup.


    Simple, brutal.


    Whether it would work or not was hard to tell.


    No, that''s not right.


    Prince Qin, Prince Qi, they have Martial Saints under their command?


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    Where would they get the capacity for that?


    Could it be that they were really the Crown Prince''s assassins?


    Was today the decisive battle?


    Impossible.


    The old Emperor was cultivating immortality; the Crown Prince knew this, otherwise, he wouldn''t have gone to such lengths to collude with the Incense Fire Divine Sect. Even if they sent a Martial Saint, what good would it do?


    In the blink of an eye,


    Chen Sansi had assessed the delicacy of the situation.


    He saw the Spiritual Power within the Emperor, which was almost no different from his master''s, and looked at the close-by eunuch Martial Saint and the Jinyi Guards not far away. He immediately shouted loudly, "Your Majesty, run! There are assassins!"


    Then, he chose to rush towards the weakest among the assassins from the Xuanxiang Realm, clashed with one strike, successfully blocking the adversary''s attack but was also blasted away by the Gang Qi, landing on the ground. With all his strength, he managed to spit out a mouthful of fresh blood and yelled at the top of his lungs, "Protect His Majesty¡ª"


    The masked Martial Saint had already reached the Emperor in the blink of an eye.


    Ritual Supervision Chamberlain Huang Hong raised his hand to confront him.


    "Boom¡ª"


    The clash of two Martial Saints.


    The shockwave alone instantly killed two civil servant elders on the spot.


    The assassin Martial Saint was sent flying.


    At the same time, more High Realm Martial Artists had already rushed over.


    An assassin''s strike, if not successful on the first attempt, basically means there would be no second chance.


    The masked Martial Saint, seemingly unwilling to accept his failure, simply began to attack indiscriminately, killing more than a dozen eunuchs in the blink of an eye, along with seven or eight officials.


    The knife light quickly flashed again, aiming directly at Prince Qi and Prince Qin.


    "Boom!"


    From among the officials in crimson robes, an elderly Martial Saint with white hair took action, blocking this strike.


    The remaining three Xuanxiang assassin, were heading straight for the Crown Prince.


    This time, Fan Tianfa from the Hu Ben Army blocked it.


    But the Seventh Prince beside him wasn''t so lucky, as his head fell to the ground on the spot.


    The deputy commander of the Jinyi Guards was also defeated in the clash with the masked Martial Saint, having half of his body torn apart by a sword strike.


    Huang Hong and Fan Tianfa struck at the same time.


    The masked Martial Saint managed to hold them off, but his true face was also revealed before everyone.


    It was Prince Tang of the Qing Country, Li Gong!

 Chapter 391 - 171 Palace Coup

    Among the crowd.


    Someone immediately recognized the identity of Prince Tang.


    Li Gong?


    Chen Sansi had never seen this man.


    After the fall of Yongle Prefecture City, Li Gong disappeared without a trace.


    Unexpectedly, he appeared here.


    Meng Quji was in charge of the siege at that time. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    According to what Chen Sansi knew.


    Meng Quji was the Emperor''s only trusted aide left in the Eastern Territory.


    The Emperor certainly wouldn''t kidnap someone to assassinate himself, would he?


    Otherwise...


    The Crown Prince?


    But the problem was.


    Such an incident brought no benefit to the Crown Prince himself.


    Three Mysterious Phenomenons, one Martial Saint.


    After eliminating the four High Realm Martial Artists, a dozen more masked assassins with Hua Jin and Meridian Passage surged from all directions, all attacking indiscriminately as well.


    "Boom¡ª"


    After just a few exchanges.


    The Jinyi Guard, Hu Ben Army, and West Factory, along with various troops, arrived one after another.


    Li Gong still wouldn''t give up.


    Shockingly, he managed to fight and retreat under the joint force of two Martial Saints until he finally leaped off the cliff, descended the steep rock wall into the valley, and quickly vanished from sight.


    Huang Hong and Fan Tianfa exchanged glances before pursuing him together.


    The rest surrounded the remaining three assassins.


    "Protect His Majesty!"


    Chen Sansi, wearing a crimson official robe and unarmed, stood barehanded in front of the Emperor, his face deathly pale, blood dripping from the corner of his mouth.


    "Father!"


    At this moment.


    Prince Qin and Prince Qi finally reacted, snatched a knife from the Jinyi Guard, and rushed forward to stand in front of the Emperor, "Father, don''t be afraid. With your sons here, the assassins will definitely not harm a single hair on you!"


    "Father!"


    The commander of the Jinyi Guard, the Twelfth Prince Cao Zhi, also came hurriedly with Xiu Chun''s Blade in hand. He glanced at Chen Sansi with concern, then brandished his blade to fight the assassins.


    "Clang clang clang!"


    The sounds of weapons clashing and armor tearing reverberated.


    The three assassins were quickly overwhelmed.


    In the end, two were left alive.


    The chaos came to an end.


    "Your Majesty!"


    The frantic officials asked one after another, "Has Your Majesty been injured?"


    "We deserve death!"


    "We deserve death!"


    "Imperial Physician, call the Imperial Physician!"


    "..."


    "Boom!"


    Noises of combat came from the woods.


    Several Imperial Physicians, each carrying the corpse of an assassin, approached the Emperor, "Is Your Majesty unharmed?"


    From beginning to end.


    Emperor Longqing had stood still, watching everything with detached serenity, as if it had nothing to do with him, until the dust had settled, and then he slowly walked towards the crowd.


    He gazed at the corpse of the Seventh Prince on the ground, his dragon eyes calm, betraying no emotion.


    "Quickly!"


    Several eunuchs called out, "Escort His Majesty back to the sleeping palace!"


    "The sleeping palace?"


    Finally, Emperor Longqing spoke faintly, his voice like that of a dragon from the netherworld, "Yangxin Palace, court assembly."


    "Assembly!"


    "What are you waiting for, the officials are to attend court!"


    "..."


    The Jinyi Guards and others were left to deal with the aftermath. Your journey continues on My Virtual Library Empire


    Officials gradually arrived at the Yangxin Palace.


    "Junior brother, are you alright?"


    Fang Qingyun, pushing a wheelchair, came closer, "Is your injury severe?"


    "It''s okay."


    Chen Sansi had kept the situation under control; it wouldn''t affect his following tasks, yet he was indeed injured.


    He really didn''t want to get involved in this mess.


    But the problem was...


    That the assassin chose to strike just as he was walking with the Emperor.


    In such a case, he had no choice.


    If he didn''t protect the monarch, it would be considered a capital offense.


    He had to put on a show no matter what.


    "Damn it."


    Wang Zhi, when no one was around, lowered his voice and said, "Who do you think did it? The Crown Prince wouldn''t be this foolish. If it''s a set-up, the methods are equally crude."


    "Just watch."


    Fang Qingyun said indifferently, "It has nothing to do with us."


    Once everyone had arrived inside the Yangxin Palace,


    Emperor Longqing had already been sitting upright on the brand-new Dragon Chair.


    This Dragon Chair had been made half a year ago; a great amount of resources had been expended to transport it from the Capital City.


    At the signal of the eunuch,


    The courtiers paid their respects.


    "May our Emperor live for ten thousand, ten thousand, ten thousand years!"


    Yet, when shouting long live the Emperor, most people were still shaken, considering many of their colleagues were speaking beside them one moment, and the next, were lying in pools of blood, making their voices tremble.


    Emperor Longqing didn''t speak, merely lifting his hand to signal them to rise.


    Then, he left them hanging.


    He left them hanging for a full two hours.


    The old Emperor himself leaned on the Dragon Chair, resting with his eyes closed, not saying a word.


    It wasn''t until dusk, when the glow of the setting sun slanted into the hall,


    The Chamberlain Mr. Huang and the Commander of the Hu Ben Army, Fan Tianfa, along with Meng Quji and others, hurried back to report the situation.


    "What''s the status?!"


    Yan Maoxing asked harshly, "Was the assassin caught?"


    "Your Majesty, this subject deserves to die!"


    Meng Quji knelt on the ground, knocking his head hard on the floor, "The, the assassin has escaped!"


    "Escaped?!"


    The entire place erupted in an uproar.


    "What nonsense are you talking about, how could he have escaped?"


    Prince Qin stood up and asked, "There are more than twenty thousand troops inside and outside the mountain, and with you three Martial Saints, you let Li Gong escape alone?"


    "Your Majesty, we are incompetent!"


    Fan Tianfa said with remorse, "After chasing him to the cliff, Li Gong used some sort of sorcery, and then he just vanished into thin air."


    "Mr. Huang?"


    The white-haired Chief Minister Yan Liang slowly raised his head, directing his gaze.


    The Ritual Supervision Chamberlain, the eunuch Mr. Huang, who grew up with the Emperor, spoke up, "Your Majesty, what General Fan and General Meng have said is the truth, Li Gong has indeed disappeared."


    "Ridiculous!"


    Yan Maoxing, in anger, accused, "An assassin from an enemy state kills numerous officials, among them even a Prince, and then... just walks away? There must be a traitor, there has to be a traitor!"


    "Right, right."


    "There has to be an inside accomplice."


    "Otherwise, he wouldn''t even be able to make it up the mountain."

 Chapter 392 - 171 Palace Coup_2

    "Catch the mole!"


    "To be cut a thousand times over!"


    "We must catch this damned mole!"


    "..."


    Civil and military officials buzzed with discussion, each of them feeling angry¡ªon one hand out of fear, and on the other, humiliation.


    Chamberlain Huang Hong slowly rose to his feet and stood firm beside the Emperor.


    He looked at the closed-eyed Emperor, and after receiving a slight nod of affirmation, he began to question: "General Meng, Yong Yue Prefecture was attacked by you, and it was you who led men in pursuit of Li Gong. Tell us why he would appear here."


    "Your servant, your servant has no idea!"


    Meng Quji''s face turned unsightly: "After annihilating the Qing Army in Yong Yue Prefecture, I led three thousand light cavalry chasing them westward. They were driven to abandon their horses and flee on foot, but when we reached Wuzhai Mountain, they suddenly vanished. I don''t know how they could appear atop this Ziwei Mountain."


    "Your servant has something to say!"


    Young Pavilion Master Yan Maoxing interrupted: "Since April, the cleanup and security of Ziwei Mountain have been managed by the Xuanjia Army and the Hu Ben Army. It was only ten days ago that the Imperial Guard from the Capital City took over the core areas."


    "But the outer perimeter was still under the charge of the Hu Ben Army and three thousand soldiers of the Xuanjia Army."


    "Thus, the ones most likely to have let them in could only be Mr. Chen''s Xuanjia Army and the Hu Ben Army!"


    Xuanjia Army and Hu Ben Army.


    It was well-known that the Xuanjia Army was one of the two imperial armies personally nurtured by the Emperor.


    Even if Chen Sansi wanted to assassinate the Prince and usurp the throne, the Xuanjia Army might not obey his command.


    Moreover, this General Chen had little entanglement with various powers in the court and had no reason to do such a thing.


    Therefore...


    The intentions behind Young Pavilion Master''s words were quite clear.


    Hu Ben Army!


    "Thud!"


    "Your Majesty!"


    With utmost horror, Fan Tianfa prostrated himself and said: "Your servant has been negligent, I am willing to accept punishment, but the person definitely wasn''t let in by me deliberately, Your Majesty, please discern the truth, Your Majesty!"


    "Well, you''re confessing now?"


    Yan Maoxing attacked: "Fan Tianfa! You conspire with the enemy to assassinate His Majesty, harboring treacherous intentions¡ªwhat is your motive!"


    "Confess? What have I confessed to?"


    In a panic, Fan Tianfa replied: "Mr. Yan, please do not make false accusations! At the time of the attack on Yong Yue Prefecture, I was still in Green Ridge Mountain, locked in a bloody battle with the Qing Country''s main forces! I had absolutely no chance to come into contact with Li Gong! Think for yourselves, who was in Yong Yue Prefecture at that time and are the most likely suspects to have spared Li Gong''s life!"


    Meng Quji.


    A student of the Yan Party, lifted to his position by the Emperor''s own hand.


    This was known to all in the court and the country.


    Fan Tianfa was clearly making a counterattack.


    "Nonsense!"


    Yan Maoxing retorted: "General Fan, you might not have been in Yong Yue Prefecture at that time, but someone else was!"


    The implication of his words.


    Directly pointed at the Crown Prince!


    Hearing this. S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The old and frail Yan Liang''s expression changed markedly as he glanced sideways at his own son.


    This scene.


    Chen Sansi took it all in.


    It seemed...


    That Yan Maoxing was really participating in the struggle for the Crown Prince behind his father''s back.


    "Father Emperor!"


    The Prince of Qin crawled forward a few steps on his knees: "Father Emperor, after that assassin failed to harm you today, it was clear he was targeting me and my eighth brother. I barely... I almost lost the chance to fulfill my filial duties to you, Father Emperor!"


    "Indeed, Your Majesty!"


    Yan Maoxing added, "Your servant noticed that Li Gong''s attack seemed not to be aimed at Your Majesty but rather the Prince of Qin and Prince Qi. Who wants them dead? Who would benefit the most from killing the Prince of Qin and Prince Qi?"


    If the Prince of Qin and Prince Qi were to die.


    Apart from Prince Zhen Nan, there would be no one else to contest the position of Crown Prince.


    Whoever benefited the most was naturally the culprit.


    For a time.


    The ministers turned their gazes toward the Crown Prince, who knelt in silent submission, and they began to murmur amongst themselves.


    "Crown Prince~"


    On the Dragon Chair, Emperor Longqing, with his eyes closed, deliberately emphasized the final "Prince": "Do you have anything you wish to say?"


    "Cough cough cough..."


    The Crown Prince had been weakened further by the aftershocks of the fight, and after a fit of coughing, he managed to say breathlessly: "Your son has nothing to say! The Hu Ben Army is my responsibility, and any lapses are undoubtedly my fault!"


    "Your Majesty, there''s something fishy about this!"


    Minister of War Gao Bo chimed in: "From beginning to end, this incident seems like someone is deliberately framing and entangling¡ªin His Majesty''s wise discernment, surely you won''t be fooled by such lowly tricks!"


    "Framing and entangling?"


    Yan Maoxing glared: "Mr. Gao, perhaps you would like to explain, who among us here has the power to control Li Gong, to make him obey and sell his life, who has such ability!"


    "Mr. Yan!"


    Gao Bo shot back: "Instead of beating around the bush, why don''t you just say what you mean?!"


    "Your Majesty, your servant has a report to present!"


    Yan Maoxing took out a memorial that had been prepared in advance: "These are the correspondences between Mr. Gao and officials from various places in Dasheng over the years. In the letters, Mr. Gao made all kinds of promises about official positions, winning people over. It includes everyone from high-ranking officials to local magistrates¡ªthe extent and the connections are simply shocking, even including many military and political key figures!"


    "Right after the battle in the Eastern Territory, Mr. Gao even wrote to General Meng Quji, saying that if he simply nodded, he would make him a State Duke in the future."


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    "That''s a State Duke!"


    "As a mere Minister of War, what right does Mr. Gao have to appoint a Sealed Border Governor to be a State Duke? What does he mean by that? Could it be he wishes to take the Emperor''s place in making decisions?!"


    "His intentions are punishable, punishable indeed, Your Majesty!"


    In his speech.


    He made no mention of the Crown Prince, yet all his insinuations pointed to the Crown Prince.


    "Your Majesty..."


    Previously bitten and in a state of anger, Meng Quji supported the claim: "What Mr. Yan has said is true. I indeed received a letter not long ago, but I have absolutely ignored it!"


    "Mr. Gao."

 Chapter 393 - 171 Palace Coup_3

    Emperor Longqing first called for someone, and after pausing for a few breaths, he spoke with a smile that wasn''t quite a smile, "Would you not like to see if you can seal some official position for ''Your Majesty'' as well?"


    "Your Majesty, this servant, this servant never said such a thing!"


    Mr. Gao hurried to explain, "Even if this humble official had the courage of heaven, I wouldn''t dare to utter such words. Mr. Yan has gone mad. He wants to use this kind of slanderous accusation to cover up his own corruption and malpractice!"


    "Last year, just for building warships, their Ministry of Works spent over ten million taels of silver, and in the end, they only produced four ships with the excuse that they sank at sea!"


    "A sinking that accounts for ten ships ¨C isn''t that a story to fool idiots?"


    "And the year before last, the repair of the Hezhou Canal, also under their supervision, ended up collapsing in less than half a year due to a flood!"


    "And the silk case in the Southern region..."


    "Such are the matters!"


    "I dare bet! Mr. Yan''s home probably contains more silver than the treasury of our Great Sheng Dynasty!"


    "You''re talking nonsense!"


    Mr. Yan, not caring about propriety, cursed loudly in the court hall, "Everything you''re speaking of is clearly recorded and accounted for!"


    "Yes, accounted for."


    Mr. Gao snorted, "When the granaries are inspected, they catch fire, and when lands are examined, people die ¨C how could it not add up?"


    "Mr. Gao, do not spit blood, stop beating around the bush!"


    Realizing the topic was straying, Mr. Yan quickly said, "Today we are discussing who attempted to assassinate and rebel!"


    "Father Emperor!"


    Prince Qi, the Eighth Prince, spoke up, "I suddenly thought of something frightening! Now that Father Emperor and all the civil and military officials are at Ziwei Mountain, the main forces responsible for defense are three: General Meng''s Eastern Garrison, the Hu Ben Army, and the Imperial Guard. In such a situation, Mr. Gao has been courting General Meng''s Eastern Garrison. What could his intentions be? Should Mr. Gao succeed, with just one order, wouldn''t a hundred thousand troops be able to surround Ziwei Mountain!"


    "I understand clearly."


    Emperor Longqing opened his eyes, his body leaning slightly forward, "Are you trying to say that ''Your Majesty''s'' son wants to kill ''Your Majesty''?"


    As soon as these words were uttered,


    the previously bustling Yangxin Palace suddenly fell silent enough to hear a pin drop.


    These words,


    a group of ministers dared not say.


    "Father Emperor."


    Then, Prince Qi spoke up, "Actually, this matter might not be directly related to Eldest Brother. Both I and Fourth Brother believe that Eldest Brother definitely has no thoughts of rebellion!"


    "Exactly, exactly."


    Prince Qin chimed in, "Mr. Yan, do not be overly aggressive. The Crown Prince governs the world with kindness and filial piety; he is absolutely incapable of committing such an act against Heaven''s principles. However..."


    He paused, "But Eldest Brother has many and varied persons under his command. Even if the Crown Prince has no such intentions, it''s possible that those under him do!"


    "Well said, Fourth Brother!"


    Prince Qi supported him in chorus, "These people have ulterior motives. To advance themselves in court, they act recklessly without the Crown Prince''s knowledge!"


    "That means you, Gao Bo!"


    Mr. Yan without any mincing of words, "Mr. Gao not only aspires to be the Chief Minister, but he has even drunkenly declared his wish for the Great Sheng Dynasty to restore the Prime Minister system, as he desires to become Prime Minister!"


    "But who could have known..."


    "His ambition would go this far, resorting even to such means!"


    "This is not merely plotting rebellion, but also framing the Crown Prince as heartless, unrighteous, disloyal, unfilial ¨C he should be cut to pieces and then quartered!"


    Emperor Longqing listened to the incessant accusations, slowly flipping through the petitions impeaching Mr. Gao, until ultimately, he tossed them all forward, scattering them all over the ground.


    "Your Majesty!"


    "May Your Majesty quell your anger!"


    The group of ministers prostrated again, their foreheads pressed tightly to the ground, only to hear a voice, dignified without anger, echoing long and mighty in their ears.


    "The Ziwei Enthronement was supposed to be the foremost joyous event in a century for our Great Sheng Dynasty. How did you manage to turn it into this mess?


    "One moment, it is ''Your Majesty''s'' sons wanting to kill ''Your Majesty'', the next moment, it is ''Your Majesty''s'' beloved subjects wanting to kill ''Your Majesty'' ¨C where on earth is there so many people wanting to kill ''Your Majesty''? Or rather, is ''Your Majesty'' truly that incompetent?"


    "May Your Majesty quell your anger, we definitely did not mean it!"


    Mr. Yan explained, "We simply wish to eliminate the treacherous, to restore the Great Sheng Court to a bright and ordered state!"


    "Your Majesty."


    Gao Bo, not willing to be outdone, said, "Who the traitor is can easily be known with one search at home..."


    The two continued to argue,


    but as the Emperor began to speak, their voices grew quieter and quieter, not daring to loudly dispute any longer.


    "Gentlemen, no more arguing."


    Chamberlain Huang Hong spoke up, his tone carrying a warning, "What transpired today, His Majesty has his own sage judgment. It is not whatever you claim it to be."


    Mr. Yan and Mr. Gao immediately shut their mouths. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    One could see Emperor Longqing, dressed in a Taoist robe, slowly standing up from the Dragon Chair, just as a breeze blew into the hall, making his robes billow and his beard flutter. He did not hasten to deliver a verdict, instead, he began to recite a poem, "Practiced until the body is like a crane''s shape, under the pines two handfuls of sutras. I come for the Way without further discussion, clouds are in the blue sky, water resides in the jar."


    "Clouds are in the blue sky, water resides in the jar!


    "Some of you are water, some of you are clouds."


    "Traitors?"


    He waved his horsetail whisk, his gaze sweeping over the officials, continued to speak,


    "Where do these traitors come from?"


    "In ''Your Majesty''s'' eyes, there are no traitors, just loyal ministers, only that their deeds are different. What kind of spectacle are you making, squabbling in the court hall like this?


    "''Your Majesty''s'' son wanting to kill ''Your Majesty'', I wouldn''t believe it if I were beaten to death.


    "Gao Bo wanting to kill ''Your Majesty'', I don''t believe it either."


    "Your Majesty, see clearly!"


    Gao Bo prostrated deeply.


    "However, there is one point you are right about."

 Chapter 394 - 171 Palace Coup_4

    Emperor Longqing looked at the Crown Prince, who was coughing continuously, "Your Highness has been supervising the nation for many years, exhausting yourself. I''ve heard that you now drink more medicine daily than the food you consume. This cannot continue." S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "From today onwards, let''s set aside the burden of supervising the nation, Crown Prince."


    "Crown Prince, what are your thoughts?"


    "I am at Father Emperor''s command!"


    The Crown Prince didn''t argue at all.


    A showdown in the court.


    By now, the hammer had fallen, sealing the decision.


    On the surface,


    Although the Emperor did not directly convict the Crown Prince, who was most suspicious of assassination, he still stripped him of his supervisory role. For Prince Qin and Prince Qi, this was considered a significant accomplishment.


    Chen Sansi, who watched the drama quietly, noticed a problem.


    The Crown Prince and the other princes had long-standing conflicts; two of the princes even suffered permanent house arrest, and both Prince Qin and Prince Qi had kept their heads down, not daring to return to the Capital City for many years.


    Until the last two years.


    That was ten days after Yunzhou.


    The power of Prince Qin and Prince Qi grew overnight, allowing them to speak up in the court; clearly, someone was pushing matters along behind the scenes.


    The only person capable of this must be the Old Emperor.


    Forty years ago, Longqing secluded himself for cultivation, only holding minor meetings in the Cabinet and rarely attending court.


    Forty years later, Longqing emerged from seclusion.


    But by then, the Crown Prince''s followers had spread throughout the court, from high-ranking court officials to minor local officials.


    Like the initial status of Xiang Tingchun, akin to the lowest rank of the Crown Prince''s lineage.


    The control of the Crown Prince had reached such a state.


    If a rebellion were to succeed, no instability would arise in the transition, which would be completed with utmost smoothness.


    Could Emperor Longqing tolerate this?


    The best way for him to regain power was naturally to replace the Crown Prince.


    Frankly speaking, it was about killing the donkey once the grinding was done.


    But such matters, he naturally wouldn''t carry them out personally.


    Thus, Prince Qin and Prince Qi naturally became the best tools to achieve his goal.


    However...


    Today''s assassination still had many unexplainable aspects.


    Li Gong didn''t seem like he was sent by the Emperor.


    At that moment, it was very close to forcing the Emperor to act, apparently a genuine attempt, not to mention the deaths of several old officials and the Seventh Prince. The old Emperor was truly furious.


    He didn''t shout loudly, but everyone could hear the heavy tone of an Emperor''s rage.


    For this reason,


    It likely wasn''t sent by Prince Qin or Prince Qi.


    If they dared to use such crude methods, it would only leave a bad impression on the Emperor, and even without evidence, it would not be their turn after the downfall of the Crown Prince.


    In fact, this bad impression has probably already formed in the mind of the Emperor.


    The Crown Prince...


    Even less likely.


    What would he gain, knowing that the Martial Saint alone couldn''t kill the Emperor, yet still staging such a scenario where he ends up losing the position of Supervisor? What was he aiming for?


    And then there''s a third party...


    The one who benefits is the suspect!


    The name of a person gradually emerged in Chen Sansi''s mind.


    What a move to stir up trouble!


    "Report¡ª"


    "Urgent report¡ª"


    A war report from the border was passed up, eventually delivered to the front of the Dragon Chair by the eunuch guarding outside the Yangxin Palace.


    "Tell them."


    Emperor Longqing quickly skimmed it and handed it to the eunuch by his side.


    "A report from the Eastern Territory."


    Huang Hong read, "Zhan Taoming, in charge of defending the border at Yushan Prefecture in Yao State, has initiated a rebellion. In collusion with the border army of Qing Country, they have gathered an army of eighty thousand, preparing to attack Lingzhou and march directly to Ziwei Mountain!"


    "Boom!"


    This war report struck everyone like a thunderclap from a clear sky.


    Zhan Taoming!


    This person was originally a Main General of the Imperial Guard.


    After the battle in Lingzhou, he was sent to the East as Meng Quji''s Deputy General, complementing each other''s strengths and weaknesses.


    After the battle,


    Zhan Taoming was in charge of guarding the border.


    Why would he rebel?


    "How can this be good?"


    The crowd fell into panic again.


    "Once they break through, there will be no more defenses in Lingzhou, an unobstructed path all the way, and Ziwei Mountain is in peril!"


    "How could this happen!"


    "General Zhan Taoming, he is from the Imperial Guard of the Capital City!"


    "He was about to be rewarded for his military achievements, why would he betray the nation at this time? It makes no sense!"


    "..."


    "Now~"


    Huang Hong continued, "The forces from the other two states have already intercepted them, but they lack sufficient troops and hope that the court can dispatch at least twenty thousand men to assist at the border."


    Thirty thousand!


    In the Eastern Territory, Dasheng currently has several hundred thousand troops...


    But that is spread across three states!


    Having just regained control of the three states, each important Prefecture City needs a large number of troops to maintain stability; it''s impossible to dispatch them shortly, the fastest way is still within Lingzhou.


    Meng Quji still has twenty thousand of the Eastern Garrison, Hu Ben Army has another twenty thousand, plus five thousand Imperial Guards and three thousand Black Armor troops.


    This is Meng Quji''s territory.


    Normally, he should immediately lead troops there to suppress the rebellion.


    However, this would...


    Create a scenario.


    Ziwei Mountain.


    It would be left only with the Crown Prince''s Hu Ben Army!


    In this way, it truly becomes the Crown Prince''s domain!


    If previously some officials believed that the idea of the Crown Prince rebelling was unfounded, at this moment, more and more people are beginning to believe it.


    Zhan Taoming is from the Imperial Guard of Capital City!


    That is to say, the Crown Prince had the opportunity to bribe him and then personally fabricate the current drama.


    The motive.

 Chapter 395 - 171 Palace Coup_5

    ```


    They were going to remove the entire Eastern Garrison!


    "What should be done about this?"


    "Who should be sent?"


    "..."


    The Minister of War, Gao Bo, suggested, "Of course, General Meng is the most suitable for the mission."


    "Your Majesty, your servant wishes to go!"


    Meng Quji clasped his fist, "Your servant doesn''t know why General Zhan would do this, but there must be some trickery involved, and he has also used my men. If your servant goes, I should be able to quell this chaos very quickly."


    "Absolutely not!"


    Yan Maoxing quickly objected, "Your Majesty, your servant believes that it would be more appropriate to send General Fan Tianfa with the Hu Ben Army!"


    "Your servant seconds this!"


    The military officers unanimously agreed.


    Anyone could see that after today''s incident, the Hu Ben Army definitely could not be left simply stationed on Ziwei Mountain.


    "Fan Tianfa."


    Emperor Longqing spoke gravely, "Are you willing to go?"


    "Your servant is willing!"


    Fan Tianfa clasped his fist, "Your Majesty, rest assured, your servant will quell the rebellion with utmost speed and will not fail the trust you''ve placed in me!"


    "Your Majesty~"


    The Chief Minister, Yan Liang, spoke his first words at this court meeting, "Your servant believes that Your Majesty should return to the capital, postponing the date of the ritual at Ziwei Mountain is not too late until the situation in the Eastern Territory is thoroughly stabilized a year from now."


    "Indeed, indeed."


    The ministers echoed in agreement.


    "Your Majesty, you carry the weight of gold within you, you must not stay here and take risks."


    "..."


    "I will not go anywhere; I will wait right here in the Ziwei Palace, and I will not allow the ceremony to be delayed by even half a day."


    Emperor Longqing stood up and left with a flick of his sleeve.


    A moment later.


    Huang Hong returned to relay the Emperor''s decree.


    "Today, the guards of the mountain gate from the Black Armor and the Hu Ben Army are all to be beheaded to show the public."


    "It is decreed that General Chen Sansi, with the Black Armor Army, shall be responsible for the subsequent guard duties on Ziwei Mountain and, in addition, shall cooperate with the Marquis of Andong, Meng Quji, to continue the search, ensuring that King Tang Li Gong''s hiding place is discovered, and that no more mishaps occur."


    "Court is dismissed¡ª"


    "Your servant, receives the order!"


    Chen Sansi clasped his fist.


    The court meeting ended.


    The ministers left one after another amidst whispered conversations.


    Today''s events had indeed been full of excitement.


    First, there was an assassination attempt on King Tang, followed by Zhan Taoming''s revolt. What seemed like just one day felt as long as a year for the ministers.


    On the surface, the Crown Prince did not receive any punishment.


    But in reality, being stripped of his regental duties and barred from political affairs, it would not be more than two years before the power he had been building up over many years would be completely divided among the other Princes.


    The position of the Crown Prince would become very unstable.


    "Is the Crown Prince still going to stage a revolt?"


    Chen Sansi wondered to himself.


    He was still waiting for the chaos to ensue before he could attempt to take the treasure from the deep pool.


    "Big brother!"


    Dressed in the Flying Fish Suit and carrying Xiu Chun''s Blade, Twelfth Prince Cao Zhi rushed over. He took out a porcelain bottle full of Healing Treasure Medicine, "Big brother, I saw you get hurt while defending His Majesty today. How are you feeling, is it serious? Do you need this medicine?"


    "Having seen Your Highness, your servant is not seriously injured."


    Chen Sansi bowed in respect.


    "Big brother, look at this, you''re doing it again,"


    Cao Zhi put an arm around his shoulder, "We''re family, and there''s no need to be so formal."


    "Your Highness, your servant has other matters to attend to, I must take my leave!"


    Chen Sansi made an excuse to leave without further ado.


    "Big brother, take the medicine with you!"


    Cao Zhi failed to stop him but wasn''t annoyed; instead, he just smiled, tucked the medicine back into his chest, and casually tossed peanuts into his mouth.


    "Your Highness!"


    The Jinyi Guard, Zhang Zhao, hurried over, "The spies we planted in the Southern Town Commandery are dead. A few of the old men who died could perhaps be replaced with our people, but it''s a pity that the rest are too difficult to handle."


    "Seventh brother, oh, seventh brother."


    Chewing on peanuts, Cao Zhi watched the eunuchs cleaning up the blood nearby, "You see, you see, and you''re always trying to take away this life-saving job from me, brother, why bother."


    ...


    What will the Crown Prince do next?


    Even the Hu Ben Army has been relocated, and after this battle is fought, it''s likely that the generals, both large and small, will be purged; the Crown Prince will then truly have no chance to rise again.


    Is he really prepared to just wait for his demise?


    Chen Sansi didn''t believe it.


    A plan that had been strategized for years, ruined just by an accident?


    He wasn''t idle either.


    That very night, he changed into Zhang Lai and entered the Mountain God Temple.


    Before long.


    "Hero Zhang!"


    The figure of Cao Fan emerged, and he hastened forward, "Hero Zhang, your timing is impeccable. There''s a change in the plan. We''re preparing to act before the ritual at Ziwei Mountain, and we need to discuss the matter tonight. Hero Zhang, please come with me!"


    "Hero Zhang has said~"


    Chen Sansi drawled, "Am I supposed to help you all?"


    "Hero Zhang, this... "


    Cao Fan was at a loss for words momentarily.


    Behind him, Yun Xiaozi and Ling Xuzi''s faces showed hints of murderous intent.


    "Heh heh~"


    Chen Sansi chuckled coldly, "Just teasing, lead the way!"


    After all, he had taken so many things from them; it would be somewhat unreasonable to refuse now. Besides, this was related to whether he could obtain the treasure in the deep pool later, so of course, he had to go and see.


    "I knew Hero Zhang was a man of his word!"


    Cao Fan was overjoyed, and he respectfully invited Chen Sansi to proceed first.


    They moved quietly through the night, leaving the city and arriving at an abandoned and dilapidated temple outside the city.


    Within the dim main hall, in front of the decrepit Divine Statues, several candles flickered with their feeble light.


    Here, Chen Sansi encountered several familiar faces.


    Fan Tianfa, Cui Congyi, four eunuchs, several Jinyi Guards, as well as a few generals from the Imperial Guard...


    In total, there were more than twenty people!


    Practically every institution had the Crown Prince''s people in it; truly, his influence was pervasive throughout the court.


    ```


    Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 396 - 171 Palace Coup_6

    ```


    "Damn it all!"


    Fan Tianfa couldn''t help but curse, "Our strategy was supposed to be foolproof. Who would have thought that today out of nowhere Li Gong would show up and completely disrupt our plans!"


    "Fourth uncle, eighth uncle, they have completely lost their minds to resort to such a poisonous scheme!"


    Cao Fan furrowed his brow: "Once they expose themselves, they will be doomed as well!" S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Yes,"


    Cui Congyi followed up, saying, "Even if they don''t get exposed, I''m afraid the Emperor will have his suspicions, and it won''t be to their benefit in the future."


    "It''s just that I don''t know..."


    Cao Fan said: "Where on earth did they find Li Gong? I was originally chasing him with Commander Meng, and then he just vanished into thin air, as if he evaporated!"


    "And isn''t it the same today?"


    Fan Tianfa narrowed his eyes: "Two Martial Saints went after him and failed to catch up. Forget it, the decisive moment has come."


    The decisive moment...


    Chen Sansi heard.


    The Crown Prince is going for broke.


    But this Fan Tianfa, he is supposed to set off on a campaign tomorrow. Could it be that he''s going to make a move tonight? It''s all too hasty.


    And aren''t his forces insufficient?


    Not to mention the Emperor himself, there is also a eunuch Martial Saint by his side. Ji Yuanbo, the Commander of the Jinyi Guard, is also a Martial Saint, and there is a Martial Saint among the Jinyi Guard as well, said to be the uncle of the Twelfth Prince.


    Together, that makes three Martial Saints.


    Inside this decrepit temple, there seems to be only Fan Tianfa.


    Is he going to his death?


    "Aren''t there some people who haven''t arrived yet?"


    Chen Sansi asked: "Don''t waste this great hero''s time!"


    "Nothing escapes Hero Zhang."


    In just a few days, Cao Fan had learned to lower his pride and speak with a lowly demeanor: "Please wait a bit longer, Hero Zhang. We have two more Martial Saints joining the uprising, and they will arrive shortly!"


    Inside the broken temple, silence fell all of a sudden.


    At the door, two followers of the Incense Fire Divine Sect were on lookout duty.


    Only after half an hour did footsteps finally sound.


    Then two figures entered the hall.


    The leader was a monk in a black robe, holding a string of Buddha beads. Inside him contained a rich purple incense mystical energy, unfathomable.


    The other person...


    Dressed in coarse hemp clothes and due to his exceptionally tall stature, he even had to slightly bow his head when entering the door; his presence emitted an indefinable sense of oppressiveness as he moved.


    Eldest senior brother!


    L¨¹ Ji!


    Yesterday.


    Fourth senior brother Fang Qingyun had told Chen Sansi that in recent days, the eldest senior brother would also participate in the consecration ceremony, before accepting his reward.


    Unexpectedly, he would appear here!


    His expression remained unchanged, but inside, his heart was tumultuous.


    But on second thought.


    This was completely unexpected yet perfectly reasonable.


    I still remember when Selected Point.


    Cao Fan broke through my spear technique!


    At the time, who else was present that could teach him?!


    Perhaps the eldest senior brother had long since joined the Crown Prince Faction.


    This...


    Does Master know or not?


    Why isn''t he intervening?


    Normally, having connections with the Crown Prince might be okay, but now...


    This is a treasonous crime punishable by the execution of nine kinships!


    ```


    He''s also going to be involved?


    Once something goes wrong, I''m afraid the whole Eight Camps will be implicated.


    "Brother Lv!"


    Cao Fan moved forward excitedly, addressing affectionately, "Big brother, you''ve finally arrived."


    "Mm."


    Lv Ji nodded slightly, "A few days ago, I led a team to the grassland and fought two battles, so I came a bit late."


    "Big brother."


    Cao Fan introduced, "This is Zhang Lai Zi, Hero Zhang, whom I mentioned in the secret letter."


    Lv Ji glanced at Lai Zi and nodded slightly in greeting.


    Chen Sansi tilted his eyes, disregarding him.


    "Don''t mind it, big brother."


    Cao Fan hurriedly smoothed things over, "Hero Zhang is a bit proud, but he''s very reliable."


    "No matter."


    Lv Ji said gravely, "Everyone who comes here forms a Life and Death Alliance, Lv Ji would hardly take such trivial matters to heart."


    Chen Sansi pondered quietly.


    There was still one Martial Saint who hadn''t arrived...


    Looking around Lingzhou, he couldn''t think of anyone else.


    Could it be someone transferred from another place?


    Hearing that Prince Zhen Nan has a good relationship with the Crown Prince, could it be Prince Zhen Nan?


    "Amitabha!"


    The black-robed monk fiddled with his Buddha Beads, intoning solemnly, "The last benefactor has arrived."


    The final person.


    With steady steps and an upright figure, his aura flowed smoothly; as he approached the temple gate, he seemed to hesitate, pausing for a moment. However, ultimately he made up his mind and stepped over the threshold.


    "General Meng!"


    Cao Fan went up to greet him, "This time, it''s all up to you!"


    "Indeed, old Meng."


    Fan Tianfa said with emotion, "Who would have thought that at the crucial moment, you would still agree to join us."


    "Meng has never liked playing with fire in his life."


    Meng Quji said with a wry smile at the corner of his mouth, "The only two times I took risks, one was fighting wars alongside Chen Sansi, and the second time, is agreeing to join you in this act of rebellion."


    Meng Quji!


    Chen Sansi had been contemplating earlier.


    Even if they could gather three Martial Saints.


    What about after that?


    There were still two thousand soldiers of the Eastern Garrison.


    After the remnants of the Hu Ben Army had fled Lingzhou, they could not possibly muster another two thousand troops to confront the Eastern Garrison.


    Unexpectedly...


    Meng Quji had actually cast his lot with the Crown Prince!


    "General Meng."


    Cao Fan promised, "After this is over, you will at least be a State Duke."


    "Forget it."


    Meng Quji''s gaze was deep, "I didn''t agree to this in the end for the sake of a title, but because I felt that person can no longer be allowed to sit in that position. In just ten days in Yunzhou, how many border soldiers were needlessly sacrificed!


    "They say Meng is a retreating general.


    "But this time, Meng does not plan to hide any longer!"


    "General Meng''s righteousness!"


    Fan Tianfa said, "Everything in Yunzhou was too peculiar initially, the people defending An Ding Prefecture and Hengkang Prefecture suddenly surrendered, all orchestrated by someone behind the scenes! The Crown Prince wanted a thorough investigation back then, but in the end..."


    "Amitabha."


    The black-robed monk spoke up, "Now that everyone is here, it''s time to discuss serious matters."

 Chapter 397 - 172: The Rise of Ziwei, The Sorrow of the Royal Family

    ```


    Chen Sansi swept the area with his gaze.


    This was essentially more than seventy percent of Lingzhou''s power.


    "Your Highness is now trapped in the Eastern Palace, under strict surveillance, therefore, it is up to this poor monk to take charge of all matters this time," said the black-robed monk. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "The Emperor is not in the Capital City."


    "Therefore, there is no need to worry about the mysterious Immortal behind him."


    "When the time comes, our first task will be to take control of the remaining three thousand Imperial Guards on the mountain, as well as General Jiang Yuanbo, the Commander of the Imperial Guard. General Meng, do you think this is doable?"


    The black-robed monk deployed his plans unhurriedly.


    "Hmm."


    Meng Quji said, "Among my subordinates, I have eight thousand able men. When the time comes, I will find an excuse to send the rest away and use these eight thousand to deal with the Imperial Guards. As for Jiang Yuanbo, I can handle him alone."


    "Amitabha, I can rest easy with General Meng handling the matter," said the black-robed monk.


    The black-robed monk continued, "Next, we need to discuss the second person, Zhangsun Xusheng, the commander of the Jinyi Guard. This man retired from the court many years ago and later returned to protect his nephew, His Highness the Twelfth Prince. General Fan Tianfa, do you feel confident in dealing with him?"


    "I am to set off on a campaign tomorrow," Fan Tianfa stated his plan. "At that time, I will have a confidant impersonate myself, while I return to Ziwei Mountain the same way I came. When it''s time to act, I will do everything in my power to stop Zhangsun Xusheng."


    "And there''s more..."


    The black-robed monk''s tone became more emphatic, "Ritual Supervision Chamberlain Huang Hong, who has been a Martial Saint for many years, is unpredictable in strength and has always been a close confidant and personal guard of the Emperor. We cannot avoid dealing with him."


    "Leave this person to me," said Lu Ji in a deep voice.


    "Very good," said the black-robed monk. "In addition, there are the twelve Death Guards nurtured by His Majesty in secret: individuals chosen from civilians everywhere for their exceptional talents, still in their growth phase, not yet Martial Saints. These, gentlemen eunuchs and generals, will be left to you."


    "Rest assured, Holy Monk!"


    Several eunuchs and covert operatives among the Imperial Guards promised in response.


    "Lastly..."


    The black-robed monk paused, "it''s about the Emperor. Ever since His Majesty has been practicing his cultivation, no one has seen him in action, and probably only the members of the Elephant Sect know the extent of his strength, and he is the hardest to deal with."


    "But there is no need for you all to worry.


    "I will join hands with His Highness to persuade the Emperor."


    "Hero Zhang, you will also join us at that time. Before that, you can also pay more attention to the Grand Ancestor Relics, it would be best if we can find them smoothly, otherwise, they will always be a hidden danger."


    "Naturally, that is no problem for me," said Chen Sansi calmly.


    "There''s another point to be aware of."


    The black-robed monk fiddled with his Buddha beads and began pacing in the dilapidated hall, "All parties'' forces are accounted for, but don''t forget, there is still a power in Ziwei Mountain."


    "Holy Monk, are you referring to..."


    Fan Tianfa asked, "The three thousand Black Armor troops?"


    "There''s no need to worry about that," said Cui Congyi. "The Black Armor consists of young men, and although Chen Sansi is formidable at leading troops into battle, he is after all only at the Meridian Passage stage. Even if he wanted to intervene, I''m afraid there''s not much he could do."


    "Even so," the black-robed monk objected, "the three thousand Black Armor are still a force to be reckoned with. And don''t forget, among them is Deng Feng, a Great Perfection of the Profound Image Realm. With matters so critical, we cannot afford any slip-ups."


    "How about we just kill him?" Fan Tianfa said gravely. "Previously, His Highness didn''t want us to touch him to avoid complications, but now that we are about to make a move, we should eliminate him before we strike."


    "Very well!" Cao Fan agreed. "Since we can''t win him over, we might as well treat him as an enemy."


    "No, we cannot," said Lu Ji suddenly. "He is my junior brother."


    "Big Brother?" Cao Fan was taken aback. "It''s not that I''m narrow-minded, but he is ruthless. If we don''t take this opportunity to act, I fear I could end up like General Sha."


    "After all, he is my junior brother," said Lu Ji, his face devoid of much emotion, emphasizing, "I promised my master that I would look after my fellow brothers, no matter what, we must not harm his life."


    "..." Cao Fan was at a loss for words.


    "At that time, find a way to lure my junior brother out," Lu Ji said calmly. "As for you and his grudge, once our endeavor succeeds, he will become a servant of His Highness. Even with hatred in his heart, what can he do?"


    "Then we''ll follow Big Brother''s wishes," Cao Fan outwardly agreed but cast his gaze toward Zhang Lai Zi, Hero Zhang. The latter met his gaze, and the two nodded subtly in understanding.


    "..."


    Chen Sansi cursed inwardly.


    He had not wanted to get involved in these matters.


    Yet, after all this hassle,


    the Xuanjia Army had also become a force to reckon with.


    And to his slight surprise,


    his eldest senior brother had stood up to protect him in such circumstances.


    Initially, the Selected Point had leaked the spear technique...


    Later, someone was sent to track if he had received the True Inheritor...


    Now it was like this again.


    People are indeed complex.


    This also showed that the bond between the senior brothers was deep. Under normal circumstances, they would never reach a point of fighting to the death.


    Soon, the plans for the uprising were completely arranged.


    "Gentlemen!"


    The black-robed monk said, "Success or failure lies in this battle. Once our endeavor is accomplished, all donors will be viewed as the driving force behind our rise, meritorious officials of Dasheng''s eternal dynasty. Whether Dasheng''s state can continue for thousands of years depends entirely on you all!"


    An adherent of the Incense Fire Divine Sect brought a jar of strong wine.


    The assembled company raised their cups and drank together.


    Once Chen Sansi had made sure there was no problem, he also drank.


    "In seven days!"


    "At the Ziwei Palace, light the fire as the signal!"


    "..."


    Then, they scattered in batches.


    "Hero Zhang, please stay a moment!"


    The black-robed monk stopped the blue-robed hero.


    "Monk, what is it?"


    ```

 Chapter 398 - 172: The Rise of Ziwei, The Sorrow of the Royal Family_2

    Chen Sansi shifted his body.


    "Amit¨¡bha!"


    The black-robed monk placed his palms together, "The Princely Heir mentioned that Hero Zhang''s incense fire divine power is highly distinguished, I wonder what realm you are currently in, as I have encountered a bottleneck. Could I seek some guidance from you?"


    "Hmm?"


    Chen Sansi, with his hand on the hilt of his knife at his waist, glanced sideways, not uttering a word.


    Seeing this,


    The black-robed monk indeed apologized with a smile, "It was improper of me to break the rules, one Daoist to another should not pry, my apologies here."


    Chen Sansi snorted coldly and quickly vanished into the night after leaving the great hall.


    He naturally knew the other party was testing him.


    In such situations, the more you say, the more mistakes you make.


    Saying nothing at all was the right choice.


    As for the reason why they still let "Zhang Lai Zi" participate in such an important matter, even though they clearly didn''t know the particulars, the logic was simple.


    In the eyes of the Crown Prince''s line, even to those of the Incense Fire Divine Sect,


    Zhang Lai Zi was someone already aware of their plots.


    Moreover, he was a master of unknown strength.


    In such a case, all they could do was try their best to win him over. Whether he actually helped wasn''t important; as long as he didn''t switch sides or leak secrets, it was a victory for the Crown Prince and others.


    Thus, it wasn''t about trust.


    Or rather, trust wasn''t needed.


    Moreover, if Zhang Lai Zi had wanted to reveal secrets, they would have been doomed long ago.


    "There are only seven days until the event!"


    Chen Sansi began his retreat.


    For these seven days,


    he aimed to master the Sword Qi Skill.


    He also intended to enhance his Martial Arts Realm to the Mastery of Meridian Passage.


    In chaos, each increment of improvement gave him an extra chance.


    ...


    "Excellent spear technique!"


    The next day,


    while Chen Sansi was practicing with the Soul-breaking Spear in the courtyard of Fang Qingyun''s residence, a familiar voice rang out, like a mountain-like senior brother, carrying a jar of wine in one hand and food and drinks in the other, walked into the courtyard.


    "Haven''t seen you in half a year, junior brother, and you''re about to achieve Mastery of Meridian Passage."


    Ji sighed, "It seems that soon you will break through the Mysterious Phenomenon, and after returning to Liangzhou you will also be a Main General. In the future, you will be on equal footing with your brothers and sisters on the battlefield."


    "I still need to learn a lot from you, senior brother."


    Chen Sansi planted the spear into the ground, "Senior brother, you said you were coming to meet me, why did you come on your own without a sound?"


    "For a martial artist, where do so many rules come from?"


    Ji placed the items on the stone table in the center of the courtyard, "This wine helps with nourishing Gang Qi, and the meat is from an Exotic Beast I hunted on the mountain on my way here. Call out the fourth and sixth brothers, let''s all have a bite."


    "Oh, isn''t this the eldest brother?"


    Wang Zhi, pushing Fang Qingyun out, commented, "You''ve been quite imposing these years."


    "We all thought you were dead."


    Ji uncovered the wine jar and poured wine, "Turns out you were hiding away, and then due to some twists of fate, you ended up following our junior brother back to Liangzhou. Fate is truly indescribable."


    "It''s no different from being dead."


    Wang Zhi tasted the wine, "Eldest brother, are you bullying me? This wine can kill a person if drunk too much by someone below the Meridian Passage level!"


    "I''ve prepared some for you."


    Ji brought out another jar, "This is medicinal wine for nurturing the internal organs. But tell me, really can''t it be cured?"


    "It can''t be cured."


    Wang Zhi tore off a chicken leg, "In this life, I just plan to follow our junior brother, being a leader of a hundred is not bad."The brothers ate and drank. After three rounds of wine, they started to talk about the encirclement and assassination at the Ziwei Mountain.


    "Fourth brother."


    Ji''s drinking vessel was clearly a bowl, but in his huge palm, it looked like a small cup, which he held to his lips and lightly sipped, draining it in one gulp, "What do you think?"


    "What can I see, just watch it."


    Fang Qingyun casually said, "The Cao Family''s strife has nothing to do with us servants."


    "Hmm..."


    Ji pondered, "Fourth brother, have you ever thought, if we could help the right person, could we not resolve the crisis of Liangzhou, no need to engage in heart and dagger conflicts with the people in the Capital City?" sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "If you help the wrong side, it''s doomed."


    Fang Qingyun slowly said, "Even if you help the right side, it might not be of any use."


    "I don''t think so."


    Ji put down his cup and said, "If we help the right side, we will have the right to make demands, making demands allows us to become stronger, and after becoming strong, our fellow sect brothers will have better opportunities."


    "What are you planning to do?"


    Wang Zhi heard the implications in his words, "Eldest brother, I advise you not to meddle carelessly."


    "Hehe~ don''t worry, I know what I''m doing."


    Ji slowly stood up, "With me in the court, no matter where you go, even to the ends of the earth, you can sleep peacefully. I still have some matters to handle, I will take my leave now, younger brothers."


    "This..."


    After seeing him leave, Wang Zhi took a sip of the wine that nourishes Gang Qi and immediately contorted his face, "Fourth, what does he mean? Getting involved now, isn''t he afraid of stirring up trouble?"


    "Let him be."


    Fang Qingyun resolvedly said, "The eldest brother is too scheming, unstoppable.""Hey, this meat is really something."


    Wang Zhi no longer pursued the topic, as he tore into the Exotic Beast Meat, "Come on, Sansi, eat this heart and you will breakthrough in the next two days, the rest, I won''t hold back."


    He hugged the food and went back into the house with a teasing smile.


    "Brother."


    Chen Sansi inquired, "Tell me, if the Crown Prince were to rebel, how much chance does he have of success?"


    "It''s hard to say."


    Fang Qingyun appeared uninvolved, yet he knew the intricacies, "The position of the Crown Prince, one can only rise and not fall. After the uproar at Ziwei Mountain yesterday, he definitely won''t sit and wait for death."


    "It''s just...thinking over and over, the only ones who can contend with the Emperor are the Seeking Immortal Tower, Incense Fire Divine Sect, and even added the Witch God Sect."


    "It''s just unknown, what''s hidden behind the Crown Prince."

 Chapter 399 - 172: The Rise of Ziwei, The Sorrow of the Royal Family_3

    "It doesn''t matter anymore."


    "By the way, Junior Brother, after the Hu Ben Army has been transferred, your Xuanjia Army is now considered one of the ''Forbidden Armies.'' If there''s really a mess, what are you prepared to do? My suggestion..."


    Chen Sansi almost said in unison, "Whoever wins, I''ll help them."


    "Ah, I''m just redundantly reminding you."


    Fang Qingyun looked towards the direction of Ziwei Mountain, "Actually, if the Crown Prince can win, it would be good for us. He needs the Eight Camps, but... it''s still just a temporary solution, not a cure, so let''s just go with the flow."


    If both of them died.


    That would be best.


    These words.


    Neither of them said it out loud.


    "Cough cough..."


    Fang Qingyun said, "You continue with your training. I''m going back to read some letters, see the recent situation on the grassland. After returning to Liangzhou, we will start preparing for the northern expedition against the barbarians."


    The northern expedition against the barbarians.


    Had been prepared for many years.


    After the expansion of the troops was finished, it would almost be time to officially start.


    As of now, Dongqing, Nan Xu, West Qi, all suffered more or less impact; the past two years were an excellent opportunity for the northern expedition against the barbarians. If they could really deal a heavy blow to the barbarian tribes, it would mean that for the next twenty to thirty years, the entire northern region of the Great Sheng Dynasty would be stable.


    "Hiss!"


    Chen Sansi swallowed a bite of an unknown Exotic Beast''s heart; even though it was cold, after entering the belly, it began to dart around like flames, ultimately feeling like a knife slicing through the abdomen.


    He immediately picked up his long spear, ready to make the final breakthrough.


    Mastery of Meridian Passage!


    To open the Eight Extraordinary Meridians!


    This retreat lasted a full five days.


    Until the sixth day.


    Finally began to break through the threshold.


    Now.


    Chen Sansi''s major meridians were connected, minor meridians were also expanded to a hundred, and as long as he opened the Eight Extraordinary Meridians, he would be able to shed dependence on Qi-Blood, cultivating even purer inner strength within his body. It was only through this step that he could lay the foundation for transforming his strength into vigor later on.


    In fact.


    The entire Meridian Passage Realm was the foundation and transition for the Xuanxiang Realm.


    After Xuanxiang, the gap between ordinary Martial Artists and himself would be vast as heaven and earth.


    The Eight Extraordinary Meridians referred to the governor vessel, conception vessel, penetration vessel, etc., each serving to connect the rest of the major and minor meridians.


    "The penetration vessel runs through stomach, heart, and chest, connecting with the inner pass and yin wei vessel..."


    "Approaching tears, the gallbladder meridian brings together collateral vessels, meeting the external pass where the yang wei is sharp..."


    "..."


    Chen Sansi silently recited the mnemonic in his mind.


    Accompanied by Pile Work, Breathing Skill, and spear technique, along with Spiritual Grain, treasure medicine, and Exotic Beasts, with multiple layers stacked together, he could feel the so-called "governor and conception vessels" slowly opening under the impact of strength.


    It was at this critical juncture.


    His Qi-Blood suddenly became completely uncontrollable, making it extremely difficult to cultivate inner strength.


    Chen Sansi, who had always been at ease, felt completely drained within a couple of breaths, and he could only use all his remaining strength to control the vestiges of inner strength in his body, continuing to breakthrough.


    Breathing Skill! sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He realized.


    At this moment, the Breathing Skill became even more important than Pile Work.


    Qi!


    Chen Sansi began using the Breathing Skill to feel more intimately the Qi of heaven and earth.


    Mixed and impure Qi!


    Ordinary Martial Artists, at this stage, could only rely on feeling.


    But he also had the aid of Qi Observation Skill.


    The Qi of Heaven and Earth, teeming and mixed.


    Breathing Skill.


    It''s about bringing Qi into the body, using the invisible energy in combination with Cultivation Techniques to transform the body, thereby breaking its limits.


    However.


    Not all Qi is useful; within the mixed and impure Qi, the vast majority is useless waste Qi, the more one inhales it into the body, the greater the impact on cultivation''s efficacy.


    To open the Eight Extraordinary Meridians, it is necessary to further develop the Breathing Skill, extracting only useful Qi during the process, discarding useless Qi, utilizing the mixed Qi of heaven and earth to its utmost limit.


    After realizing this.


    Chen Sansi quickly grasped the trick; like a boulder obstructing a stream being moved away, strength surged unstoppably through the meridians within his body, encountering no more obstacles.


    Governor vessel, conception vessel...


    Until the final yang qiao vessel.


    By then.


    All the body''s meridians were interconnected.


    Together with the Breathing Skill.


    Waves of pure strength began forming within the body.


    After Mastery of Meridian Passage.


    The body''s Qi-Blood was liberated, all of it could be used to strengthen the physique, thus sharply elevating the five senses and explosive power. In battle, one could use the Breathing Skill to replenish strength, although at a comparatively slow rate. If besieged, there would still be more expenditure than replenishment, with Qi-Blood as the ultimate reserve.


    Mastery of Meridian Passage!


    [Cultivation Technique: National Guardian Dragon Spear, Meridian Passage (Mastery)]


    [Progress: 0]


    [Utility:..., Hundred Forces United, True Dragon Rampage]


    [Hundred Forces United, True Dragon Rampage]: Mastering a hundred Martial Arts, integrating and penetrating, when strength enters the body, it rampages like a True Dragon, invincible, striking directly at the heart.


    True Dragon Strength!


    Based on past experience.


    This should be the complete version of True Dragon Strength.


    "Tap~"


    Chen Sansi picked up a pebble, controlled his strength and knocked down an unidentified bird from the sky. After catching it, he injected a trace of strength into its body.


    "Squeak¡ª"


    The bird immediately screamed tragically and died.


    Within its body, the organs were churned to a mess.


    After Mastery of Meridian Passage, Chen Sansi''s True Dragon Strength evolved. Not only was it useful during combat, but after entering the opponent''s body, it could also linger for a while.


    In other words, even a mere scratch on the arm could potentially endanger vital organs if not promptly treated due to the relentless onslaught of his strength!


    With such True Dragon Strength!


    Chen Sansi, even if he encountered a General who was entry-level in the Xuanxiang Realm, should not flinch at all and could fight head-on.


    Besides that.


    Sword Qi Skill was also about to reach Great Success in the next few days.

 Chapter 400 - 172: The Rise of Ziwei, The Sorrow of the Royal Family_4

    With the jade pendant swindled from Cao Fan, dealing with the upcoming chaos shouldn''t be a problem.


    Speaking of the jade pendant¡­


    In the hands of others, its usefulness would not be as significant as one might imagine.


    Because,


    after all, the jade pendant is for storing one''s own power and releasing it again, it''s at most like a backup battery that isn''t very durable, and a damaged one at that, you could even say it''s somewhat superfluous.


    Otherwise, it wouldn''t have been so casually handed over to Cao Fan, and Cao Fan wouldn''t have so easily pledged it to Zhang Lai.


    But, S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Sansi possesses the Immortal Treasure Strange Fire!


    He isn''t yet clear about the realms of cultivation on the Immortal Path, but he can sense that its power far surpasses the Sword Qi Skill, and even a common initiate couldn''t withstand it.


    It is truly a weapon of death.


    The only pity is that it can only be used once.


    But then again, it was a windfall, so using it to exchange for a chance at an Immortal fate in the deep pool would be worth it.


    In two days, the great chaos will commence.


    Though he was supposed to be in seclusion, most of his time was actually spent at night, and during the day, Chen Sansi spent quite some time on guard at Ziwei Mountain. As dawn was breaking, he didn''t bother sleeping at all and simply picked up his long spear and went out the door.


    Ziwei Mountain was heavily guarded.


    Every few hundred steps, one would encounter patrolling armored soldiers.


    Li Gong, who had previously disappeared, was now nowhere to be seen, without a trace to be found.


    The Crown Prince was in custody.


    While Prince Qin and Prince Qi kept sending petitions to impeach, raking up old complaints, claiming that the Sixth Prince''s rebellion was a complete frame-up by the Crown Prince and that his confinement should be ended.


    "Mr. Chen,"


    a little eunuch appeared silently, "His Majesty summons you for an audience."


    "To see me?"


    Chen Sansi replied, "Please, lead the way, eunuch."


    Inside the Golden Palace,


    Emperor Longqing was sitting cross-legged atop a cushion.


    "Your servant pays respects to Your Majesty."


    "Dispense with the formalities,"


    Emperor Longqing interrupted, "Grant a seat."


    "Thank you, Your Majesty,"


    Chen Sansi bowed.


    "Aren''t you afraid?"


    Emperor Longqing added, "That day on the mountain, the assassins who attacked me were all masters above the Profound Image Realm. By standing in their way like you did, weren''t you afraid of dying?"


    "To be honest,"


    Chen Sansi answered, "the incident happened too suddenly, and I was unaware of their realms. All I knew was that protecting the carriage was my duty as a military officer."


    "Very good,"


    Emperor Longqing commented with emotion, "You are a loyal minister, similar to Sun Xiangzong in his youth. That year, it was also an assassin¡ªhad it not been for Sun Xiangzong taking a strike for me, I would long have been a mound of yellow soil."


    "Let''s discuss."


    "Who do you think sent the assassins?"


    "Your Majesty,"


    Chen Sansi evasively said, "I truly do not know. If I must speculate, then too many have suspicions."


    "The human heart is unfathomable,"


    Emperor Longqing did not press further and instead looked at the mountainscape outside the palace, "In my life, I''ve seen too many people, dealt with too many matters. Still, I do not understand why people change. Although I have never wronged anyone, they are never satisfied and always oppose me, always pressuring me¡­"


    "¡­"


    Chen Sansi found himself at a loss for words.


    He couldn''t figure out why the old Emperor had suddenly brought him here for this kind of sentimental talk.


    "Seventy years have passed,"


    Emperor Longqing''s tone became suddenly aged as he spoke, "Seventy years ago, when I first ascended the throne, there were power-hungry officials within the court and formidable enemies without. Beside me, there were only Sun Xiangzong and a handful of brothers who I brought from the Prince Mansion. The Dasheng nation was on the verge of collapse, ready to crumble at any moment.


    "It was I who implemented reforms, sweeping away the decay."


    "It was I who raised troops and nurtured generals, pacifying all sides."


    "It was I who turned the tide, creating the Longqing resurgence, ushering in a golden age."


    "Thirty years of hard work and dedication, in exchange for a stable realm."


    "Because of this, I was afflicted with a grievous illness. After the Imperial Physician took my pulse, he privately told the Empress that at best, I had two more years to live."


    "At that time, I finally realized."


    "That my life was passing by¡­"


    "I didn''t even have the time to properly enjoy the peaceful and prosperous age I had created with my own hands, to take in its full spectacle."


    "In search of a cure, I had no choice but to seek immortal paths and often had to seclude myself."


    "I just wanted to live, and then continue to protect the Cao family''s realm. Was it really wrong for me to do so?"


    The Dasheng Dynasty, seventy years ago, was in an even more chaotic state than now.


    It was on the brink of being a fallen nation.


    Indeed, it was after Emperor Longqing took the throne that he reversed the decline, almost single-handedly forging twenty years of resurgence and prosperity.


    Moreover,


    In this world of Martial Arts Saint,


    Emperor Longqing was a scholar, or rather, someone whose martial arts talent was exceedingly poor, and at that time, there were two Regent Martial Saints and a veteran minister serving for three generations in the court. Despite this, he was able to cleanse the royal court within just a few short years, which demonstrated his exceptional strategy and capability, ranking among the world''s best.


    But all of this took a dramatic turn for the worse as he began his seclusion and pursuit of the Immortal Path.


    "Now, everything is stable,"


    "I do not need to spend day and night in seclusion anymore, but times have changed, and so many people have changed."


    "They became strangers to me!"


    At this point,


    Emperor Longqing''s aged and despondent aura vanished in an instant, and an indescribable imperial presence began to rise.


    "Chen Sansi, will you also change?"


    Following a suffocating interrogation, his tone abruptly softened, "Enough! You need not respond, for I already have my answer. Let us discuss your reward.


    "Crossing Hongze four times to pacify Pingming State, thousands of troops avoid the man in the white robe to secure Lai State, breaking through a hundred thousand at Hulaoguan with just three thousand men.


    "These are all Heavenly Merits."


    "Tell me, what reward do you desire?"

 Chapter 401 - 172: The Rise of Ziwei, The Sorrow of the Royal Family_5

    ```


    "As long as you speak up, I can agree to anything,"


    "I haven''t really thought about it specifically,"


    Chen Sansi said.


    Treasure medicine would definitely be bestowed, followed by official rank and silver.


    And if he had to say he was interested in something else, it would be the Immortal Law practiced by the Emperor.


    "Alright, then I will have to decide for you,"


    Emperor Longqing closed his eyes, "Today can be considered a heart-to-heart talk between us monarch and minister, I hope that after you return to Liangzhou, you will work hard in commanding soldiers, striving to sweep the barbarians from the grassland with your master."


    "Alright, you may leave,"


    "By your command!"


    Chen Sansi bowed and left,


    By the time he left the Golden Palace, it was already late outside. After handing over defense responsibilities to others, he picked up his long spear and returned to his residence, only to find a Gui Gong waiting outside his door.


    "Yo, Mr. Chen!"


    Gui Gong, wearing a flattering smile, said, "The silver you owed last time at Yunxiu Building hasn''t been settled yet."


    "Silver?"


    Chen Sansi immediately realized it was someone from Seeking Immortal Tower wanting to meet him.


    When he arrived at the top floor,


    he soon met with Liao Shizhong, or rather, Lao Gonggong.


    "Mr. Chen!"


    Lao Gonggong greeted him with a beaming smile, "Today I have come with great news to tell you."


    "Oh?"


    Chen Sansi probed, "Could it be..."


    "That''s right!"


    Lao Gonggong affirmed, "We have a lead on the Grand Ancestor''s relics! We are preparing to make our move to retrieve them in the next few days. If Mr. Chen is interested, you may come along."


    "They were found that easily?"


    Chen Sansi asked, "Does Gonggong need me to do anything?"


    "Mr. Chen only needs to provide assistance,"


    Lao Gonggong said, "In acquiring the fate of Immortals, Seeking Immortal Tower is willing to share with you."


    "Is that so? Then I thank Gonggong,"


    Chen Sansi said verbally, while in his heart he started to ponder.


    Seeking Immortal Tower being this friendly?


    Are they just handing out clues for free, even sharing treasures at no cost?


    There''s no such cheap deal in the world.


    He glanced secretly at a painting on the wall, quickly guessed the likelihood, and without saying anything, he nodded in agreement on the surface and then took his leave. Passing by a box room nearby, he confirmed his discovery once more.


    No mistake!


    In the box room next to where they were talking, someone else was eavesdropping.


    Through the wall, Chen Sansi could see two familiar energies intertwining together.


    Both the spiritual energy and the martial arts cultivation were exactly like that of a certain person.


    The Twelfth Prince, Cao Zhi.


    "So, he is a man from Seeking Immortal Tower."


    "That explains it."


    Thus,


    It could be clearly explained how Cao Zhi obtained his cultivation and managed to control Li Gong to do his bidding.


    On the surface,


    The greatest asset Cao Zhi had in the court was the support of his mother''s family and his Martial Saint uncle, Zhangsun Xusheng. But that was still insufficient to orchestrate the assassination that day.


    Only Seeking Immortal Tower could have taken Li Gong away right under the eyes of people like Meng Quji, attempted the assassination, and then saved him from under the noses of several Martial Saints.


    It seems,


    This ceremony at Ziwei Mountain,


    Even if the Crown Prince and Prince Qin were not determined enough to fight to the death, this Twelfth Prince would also fan the flames from behind, making the situation as big as possible before resting.


    But it''s unclear,


    What exactly are the relations between Cao Zhi and Seeking Immortal Tower.


    Seeking Immortal Tower, S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    What happened to only seeking Immortal Traces and not meddling in worldly affairs?


    Think about it,


    Today, all the Immortal Traces appear near the Emperor''s side; they had to get involved too.


    "Cao Zhi is involving me in this indirectly, what is he planning?"


    "Does he really intend to bestow Immortal fate upon this ''big brother'' for free?"


    Perhaps it''s possible,


    But there would undoubtedly be a price to pay.


    Chen Sansi wouldn''t jump into a pit.


    Regardless of how these people scheme and conspire, the one involved would always be Zhang Lai Zi, not him, Chen Sansi.


    ...


    "Young master!"


    Lao Gonggong came next door, "The matter you instructed has been handled. Once he goes, he''ll be in the same boat as us, unable to escape and at the disposal of Your Highness and Seeking Immortal Tower."


    "My ''big brother'' isn''t that foolish,"


    Cao Zhi said, holding a half-eaten pastry, "he''s quite shrewd."


    "Oh?"


    Lao Gonggong inquired, "Does the young master mean he might not go, then what shall we do?"


    "If it''s successful, then good; if not, then let it be,"


    Cao Zhi stuffed the rest of the pastry into his mouth, "Prepare. If my fourth brother and eighth brother take no action, then help fan the flames a bit. A centennial ceremony naturally has to be lively."


    "When they start to fight, immediately make a move in the deep pool."


    "There''s only one chance for the Grand Ancestor''s relics, they must be seized!"


    ...


    In his mansion,


    Chen Sansi held a Xuanzhu in one hand and formed seals with the other, using his Spirit Root to attract the purple incense mystical energy into his body. But due to the lack of a cultivation technique, he couldn''t fully refine the mystical energy and keep it within his Dantian; instead, it entered his meridians and after a special Circulation, was converted into magic.


    "Hum¡ª"


    A small purple sword kept appearing and disappearing.


    With each reformation, it visibly grew longer and stronger to the naked eye, until after hundreds and thousands of attempts, nearly exhausting all the incense energy within the Xuanzhu,


    Finally, the panel in front of him fluctuated.


    [Magic: Sword Qi Skill. Great Success (can break limits)]


    [Progress: 0/0]


    [Utility: ..., Swords from Heaven]


    [Swords From Heaven: Store swords within oneself, await the right moment to strike]


    Swords from Heaven!


    Up until now, the biggest weakness of the Sword Qi Skill was that it could only shoot out one strike at a time, rendering it ineffective against multiple enemies, but with the [Swords from Heaven] attribute, this flaw could be compensated.


    ```

 Chapter 402 - 172 Ziwei Storm, The Sorrow of the Royal Family_6

    However, a large amount of stored incense must be consumed in advance. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Magic: Sword Qi Heaven Descends. First Rank]


    [Progress: 0/1000]


    [Utility: Simultaneous launch of ten swords]


    Ten swords!


    Chen Sansi immediately began to continue absorbing the incense mystical energy from the Xuanzhu.


    Unfortunately,


    the incense was gone again.


    He only managed to condense five sword qi skills before he was completely drained, but that was enough.


    With five sword qi skills and the Immortal Treasure Strange Fire at hand, even if he were to encounter an attack from many, he should be able to ensure his complete retreat.


    The timing was just right!


    Tonight was the time for action.


    ...


    Ziwei Palace.


    "Fourth brother! Something terrible has happened!"


    Prince Qi, with an anxious look on his face, burst into the hall with a secret letter.


    "Eighth brother, speak slowly,"


    Prince Qin stood up, "What happened?"


    "I just received a secret letter!"


    Prince Qi pointed at the writing, "Our eldest brother is going to make a move against us in the next two days!"


    "Is the information reliable?"


    "It''s reliable! This spy was cultivated by me, and the information he has sent in the past has always been accurate!"


    "In that case, Li Gong has snuck back in?"


    Prince Qin exclaimed in shock, "Are all the people on the mountain, inside and out, worthless?"


    "What... what should we do?"


    Prince Qi said in a panicked tone, "We don''t know where Li Gong is hiding, and we don''t have a Martial Saint to protect us. Why don''t we just go to our father''s sleeping chamber to hide? We can take this secret letter and report the matter to him!"


    "Without evidence, our father won''t bother,"


    Prince Qin calmed himself and analyzed, "Our father is inherently suspicious. If we are too aggressive, it might make him think we are trying to create discord. No, he probably already thinks that!"


    "Fourth brother..."


    Prince Qi spoke with a worried frown, "What should we do? Should we find General Meng to come over?"


    "No!"


    Prince Qin''s eyes gradually turned fierce, "If he can be so ruthless, he can''t blame me for being unrighteous!"


    "Oh?"


    Prince Qi lowered his voice, "Fourth brother, are you planning to... won''t the risk be too great?"


    "The Crown Prince has been plagued with illness. Recently, he was attacked by the residual force of a martial artist''s assault and then relieved of his Supervisor duties. With these two events combined, his condition worsened due to anger, and if an acute illness were to fatally strike, wouldn''t it seem reasonable!"


    Prince Qin said, "The Imperial Guard responsible for watching over him is our man. Call a few Imperial Physicians to act swiftly so that we can settle everything before he becomes desperate enough to fight back!"


    "Alright, I''ll follow your lead, fourth brother!"


    "Eighth brother! After this succeeds, we shall share the world together!"


    ...


    The Crown Prince''s sleeping chamber.


    Inside and outside the sleeping chamber, the doors were locked.


    Armored Imperial Guards with sharp weapons patrolled closely, ostensibly for protection, but in fact for strict surveillance.


    Supported by a cane, the Crown Prince stood in the courtyard looking up at the stars. As a cool breeze blew by, he could not help but cough violently.


    "Cough cough cough cough..."


    "Master, please drink your medicine quickly," urged the only old eunuch in the sleeping chamber, chasing after him with a steaming decoction, "You must take good care of yourself."


    The Crown Prince paid no attention to them, instead asking, "Is everything arranged properly?"


    "Please rest assured, Your Highness."


    The old eunuch said, "With Master Yao handling matters, how can Your Highness still be worried? Plus, now a great number of our people are in place inside and out. Once the action starts, success will come as easily as smashing bamboo, and all will be settled by dawn.


    "That''s why I say, Your Highness, you still shoulder the burden of our Great Sheng Dynasty''s capital and thirty-six states; you absolutely must not collapse. You should quickly drink your medicine."


    "Give it to me."


    Only then did the Crown Prince shakily take the bowl with his trembling hands.


    "Sigh~"


    The old eunuch carefully attended to him, "Your Highness, this illness of yours is very strange. Despite years of treatment and so many treasure medicines, why doesn''t it get any better..."


    "Rustle rustle¡ª¡ª"


    Amidst the conversation between master and servant,


    suddenly, a clamor erupted outside, but it quickly subsided.


    "This..."


    The old eunuch faltered, "Could it be that they''ve started the action prematurely?"


    "No, that''s not right!"


    The Crown Prince''s expression became grave, "It''s not Old Yao and the others!"


    "Buzz!"


    The doors to the sleeping quarters were pushed open.


    Seven or eight people rushed into the courtyard.


    The one leading them,


    was none other than the broad and portly Fourth Prince, Prince Qin, at his side, the long-bearded Eighth Prince, Prince Qi.


    Following them


    were three imperial physicians from the Imperial Hospital and two attendants.


    "Fourth brother, Eighth brother."


    The Crown Prince propped himself up with his cane, "What brings you here?"


    "We''ve naturally come to visit our big brother!"


    Prince Qin said with concerned, "Hearing that big brother''s illness had suddenly worsened, I came over with Doctor She and others to take a look. We even brought a treasure medicine that is said to cure all diseases."


    "Princes, please go back."


    The old eunuch stood in front of the Crown Prince, speaking warily, "The Crown Prince has just taken his medicine. And for the princes to burst in without so much as a greeting, isn''t that somewhat inappropriate?"


    "You lowly slave!"


    Prince Qi scolded loudly, "Do we need to announce ourselves when visiting our own big brother? Who are you, you scum, to speak to me this way?!"


    "You, you..."


    The old eunuch could tell something was amiss, and as a show of force warned, "Princes, if you do not leave, do not blame me for being impolite."


    "Boom!"


    At that moment,


    the few imperial physicians standing behind Prince Qin and Prince Qi surprisingly made their move.


    Among them was even a master of the Xuanxiang Realm!


    They quickly subdued the old eunuch and started pouring medicine down his throat.


    "Doctor She!"


    The Crown Prince pointed at the imperial physician, "You, how dare you do this!"


    "Hahaha!"


    Prince Qin laughed coldly, "Big brother, did you ever wonder why, all these years, not only is your illness not healed, but it''s actually getting worse?"


    "Fourth brother, Eighth brother!"


    The Crown Prince''s voice trembled, "Although we do not share the same mother, we are still of our father''s bone blood. How can you two be so vicious?"


    "Big brother! Your younger brother just thought you looked too tired and should get some good rest."


    "What are you waiting for? Why not hurry up and attend to the Crown Prince taking his medicine?"

 Chapter 403 - 173: Gaining Immortal Fate

    "Capture the assassin!"


    Ziwei Mountain.


    At the mountain gate.


    Chen Sansi, responsible for patrolling the perimeter, suddenly heard shouts everywhere.


    "Capture the assassin!"


    "Rustle rustle¡ª¡ª"


    "Bang!"


    He saw a figure drop from the sky.


    "General Meng?"


    Chen Sansi feigned confusion and asked, "What happened?"


    "There are assassins, and not just a few!"


    Meng Quji spoke with a grave expression, "I will chase ahead; General Chen, take your men and cut through the shortcut, you must intercept them on the official road twenty miles out!"


    "Alright."


    Chen Sansi agreed, "Xuanjia Army, search for the assassins!"


    Xuanjia Army.


    They were solely responsible for the outer security.


    The Imperial Guard would not easily leave Ziwei Mountain; theoretically, if there were problems, it should indeed be the responsibility of the Xuanjia Army to handle them.


    But Chen Sansi knew in his heart.


    What assassins?


    It was nothing more than the start of a military coup, meant to draw his forces away.


    "Deng Feng."


    Chen Sansi instructed, "The terrain nearby is complicated, have the brothers form small teams and search separately; if there is a discovery, signal with an arrow shot."


    "Alright!"


    Soon.


    The Xuanjia Army dispersed.


    Chen Sansi also took advantage of the chaos to disappear into the darkness, altered his appearance to resemble Lai Zi, and confidently made his way through the mountain gate, returning to the top of Ziwei Mountain, heading straight for the palace.


    ...


    Ziwei Palace.


    Moon Sleep Gate.


    Entering through this gate, one could directly reach the Cloud Palace where the Emperor rested at night.


    In front of Moon Sleep Gate.


    Zhu Jianliang, the Assistant General of the Imperial Guard tasked with defending this location, stood by the gate, resting with his eyes closed, his hand on his sword at his waist, while his mind wandered to when he could return home to reunite with his wife and children in Capital City.


    "Clack clack!"


    The sound of armor colliding rang out.


    Another group of the Imperial Guard hurriedly approached.


    "Old Pan?"


    Zhu Jianliang opened his eyes and greeted him cheerfully, "Old Pan, what brings you here? It''s not time to change guards yet, is it?"


    "I''m taking over for you today."


    Pan Cheng said, "I have some personal matters to attend to tomorrow, so you''ll take over for me then."


    "Oh?"


    Zhu Jianliang didn''t rush to agree, "Brother Pan, with the recent string of events, isn''t it better to avoid any adjustments? If something happens, neither of us can afford to explain."


    "It''s fine."


    Pan Cheng''s tone became even more courteous, "I''ve already notified Commander Jiang, if you don''t believe me, brother, you can go and ask."


    "Alright."


    Zhu Jianliang yawned, waved his hand, and was ready to leave with his subordinates, "Then we''re off to drink."


    But just as he was passing by these men, he suddenly sensed that something was amiss.


    "Old Pan?"


    Zhu Jianliang silently drew his sword, "Why do these men look so unfamiliar? The Imperial Guard that came to Ziwei Mountain didn''t include any new recruits."


    "Don''t ask any more questions."


    Pan Cheng frowned, "These are brothers who have been through life and death with us; give and take a little. I really need to take care of something tomorrow."


    "What''s the matter? Is it a victory celebration?!"


    "Clang¡ª¡ª"


    Zhu Jianliang''s sword at his waist swiftly unsheathed, the cold light flashed towards the opposition with the speed of lightning.


    But at the same time,


    One of the men disguised as an Imperial Guard burst forth with enveloping Purple Energy, seemingly an armor clinging to his body, he blocked this full-force sword with his bare hands.


    "This..."


    Zhu Jianliang couldn''t believe it, "Sorcery?!"


    "Spurt¡ª¡ª"


    Just as he was struck with shock, the knife in Pan Cheng''s hand had already pierced his heart. "Brother, I originally wanted to let you go, sorry!"


    "Heh..."


    Zhu Jianliang''s eyes were wide open as he fell to the ground with a thunderous thud, dead with eyes unshut.


    What a pity this commotion was.


    In the end, it was impossible to enter the sleeping palace silently.


    The nearby hundreds of Imperial Guards reacted promptly, shouting phrases like "There''s an assassin!"


    "Boom¡ª"


    The palace was ablaze.


    In front of Moon Sleep Gate.


    Very soon, thousands of Imperial Guards gathered.


    "Such audacity!"


    "Pan Cheng, what are you trying to do?! Are you an assassin too?"


    "..."


    Pan Cheng cried out defiantly, "The current Emperor is old and muddled, surrounded by treacherous officials, resulting in a veiled monarchy. Hence, our great Dasheng is rife with turmoil. We are following the mandate of heaven, here to cleanse the royal side!" S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "You dare rebel?!"


    "Who is the mastermind behind you?!"


    "..."


    No answer came.


    The deputy commander of the Imperial Guards, General Wei Chi Lingjie, shouted angrily, "Bring men, take them down!"


    "General!"


    "This is bad..."


    During the conversation,


    Subordinates came running in a flustered manner to report.


    "The Eastern Garrison!"


    "The Eastern Garrison has rebelled!"


    "..."


    "What did you say?"


    General Wei Chi Lingjie''s eyes widened like bronze bells, "Rebelled?! How many men?!"


    "Don''t know..."


    "It''s too dark to see clearly!"


    "People from all sides!"


    "..."


    "Report¡ª"


    "General!"


    "I have news! There are eight thousand men!"


    "Meng Quji, two hours ago, had dispatched twelve thousand men, and then the remaining eight thousand men headed straight for Ziwei Palace!"


    "..."


    "Meng Quji?!"


    General Wei Chi cursed loudly, "That tortoise of a general, how dare he!"


    "When Meng acts, he is cautious yet decisive in critical times!"


    Meng Quji, holding a spear quietly appeared, "Take them all down!"


    The entire Ziwei Palace.


    There were only three thousand Imperial Guards, and they were scattered at the four palace gates.


    They were swiftly encircled by their assailants.


    "Make way for us!"


    Meng Quji''s resounding voice echoed throughout Ziwei Palace, "We are all brothers. I, Meng, do not wish to harm anyone''s life. As long as you don''t resist, everything will be back to normal after dawn!"


    "Meng Quji!"


    General Wei Chi pointed his Double Maces at him, spitting curses, "Do you realize what you are doing?"


    "Merely rebelling."


    Meng Quji said calmly, "General Wei Chi, surrender!"


    "Go to hell!"


    General Wei Chi swung his arms, "Brothers, to arms! Kill for me!"


    The melee began.


    "Stop, stop it!"


    In the dark of the night,


    A figure in a red robe hurriedly approached.


    Yan Maoxing, who lived at the foot of the mountain, somehow received the news and arrived in time.

 Chapter 404 - 173: Gaining Immortal Fate_2

    Several members of the Incense Fire Divine Sect were about to take action.


    But they were stopped by Meng Quji.


    "Meng Quji!"


    Yan Maoxing came directly in front of Meng Quji and asked, "Have you gone mad!"


    "General Meng isn''t crazy!"


    The similarly robed Minister of Military Books, Gao Bo, also made his appearance: "General Meng, are you initiating a rebellion!"


    "Gao Bo, well done! I''ve long known you wanted to revolt, just..."


    Stomping his foot, Yan Maoxing said, "Just never thought, I could never imagine Meng Quji would mix up with you lot!"


    "Meng Ergou!"


    "Have you forgotten? If it weren''t for my father, where would you be, the Martial Arts Top Scholar!"


    "Even your name, Meng Quji, was given by my dad!"


    "Quji, Quji..."


    Meng Quji repeated the name and then said, "When Mr. Yan gave me this name, it meant to purge the persisting illnesses of the court, but now... you are the illness! My actions today are indeed without guilt!"


    "Commander Jiang, come out, I know you''ve been watching!"


    "Tssss¡ª"


    Accompanied by the harsh sound of a long sword dragging on the ground, the commander of the Imperial Guard, Martial Saint Jiangg Yuanbo emerged from the shadows; he didn''t strike, but wherever he passed, several soldiers of the Eastern Garrison fell dead.


    "Boom!"


    The spear and the long sword collided.


    Sounding like the great bells and drums of heaven.


    The fight between the Martial Saints began.


    "Mr. Yan!"


    Gao Bo rolled up his sleeves: "I, too, know a thing or two about fisticuffs!"


    "Bang! Bang!"


    With two punches, he directly beat to death the attendants beside Yan Maoxing.


    At this moment.


    The two Martial Saints were battling fiercely, and the Eastern Garrison was engaged in a melee with the Imperial Guard.


    The remaining guards of Yan Maoxing were gone.


    He immediately became utterly panicked: "Vulgar! A gentleman resorts to violence only as a last resort! You, what are you going to do?!"


    "Stop right there!"


    ...


    Amidst chaos.


    Several figures successfully entered the temporary palace, heading straight for the direction of the sleeping chamber.


    Chen Sansi, disguised as Lai Zi, appeared in front of Cao Fan.


    "Hero Zhang!"


    Cao Fan was overjoyed: "They''ve started early! Shall you and I take advantage of the chaos to kill Chen Sansi, how about it?"


    "Kid."


    Chen Sansi glanced at him: "Are you in such a hurry to kill him?"


    "Of course!"


    Cao Fan gritted his teeth: "Chen Sansi and I cannot coexist under the same sky, Hero Zhang, haven''t you promised me?"


    "What I promised you, this great hero will surely accomplish, but before that..."


    Chen Sansi, with his eyebrows raised, said: "There''s something important to be done first; I have found the location of the Grand Ancestor Relics. If we don''t go to retrieve them tonight, I''m afraid there will never be another chance."


    "Great hero, you found them?!"


    Cao Fan exclaimed in surprise.


    So many people, they searched Ziwei Mountain for a whole month without a single clue.


    And this mysterious Hero Zhang just says he found it?


    "Indeed!"


    Chen Sansi informed him: "Kid, weigh what''s more important! You must think it over!"


    "..."


    Cao Fan went silent, pondering his choices.


    Tonight,


    is the night to settle major affairs.


    Succeed, and we will be at ease forever.


    Fail, and not one in Father''s lineage will be spared from disaster.


    If we could get the Grand Ancestor Relics, perhaps we could even lend Father a hand. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As for Chen Sansi...


    It won''t be too late to kill him after the big event is completed.


    "Hero Zhang, how do you feel about this?"


    Cao Fan made up his mind, "Let''s go for the treasure first, then assist my father in the sleeping quarters, and finally go kill Chen Sansi together."


    "Very well!"


    Chen Sansi praised, "Lad, I can see that you have quite some courage."


    "Thank you for the compliment, great hero!"


    Facing a major event in life, Cao Fan became extremely humble overnight: "Tonight, it all depends on the great hero!"


    He also thought to please the person before him as much as possible, considering if they could get on good terms, he might become a great asset in the future.


    Looking back now,


    he had grown up in the Imperial Palace since childhood, with first-rate cultivation talent and as the legitimate eldest grandson of the Cao Family, everyone had to address him as Young Master. Accustomed to being high above, he had become too arrogant!


    Back in Liangzhou, competing fiercely with Chen Sansi was utterly childish.


    If he had not gone out of his way to make things difficult, even if they could not become friends, he wouldn''t have made another enemy.


    He had grown up!


    Fortunately, it''s better late than never to mend the fence!


    After killing Chen Sansi and eliminating this significant hidden danger, he would certainly show respect to those below him.


    "Lad."


    Chen Sansi asked, "How many people are you planning to bring with me?"


    The reason he insisted on leading the other party,


    on one hand, was that non-Cao Family Members were likely unable to take the treasure.


    On the other hand, Cao Zhi and people from Seeking Immortal Tower would probably make their move as well.


    It is safer to completely mess up the situation than to deal with a Sect alone.


    Let''s not forget,


    his "sworn brother" Cao Zhi was still trying to deceive him over.


    Who knows if there are traps.


    "These few will follow me,"


    said Cao Fan.


    Behind him,


    stood Yun Xiaozi, Ling Xuzi, Cui Congyi, plus seven or eight disciples of the Incense Fire Divine Sect.


    "That should be enough."


    Chen Sansi waved his hand, "No time to delay, let''s set out now!"


    He led the way in front,


    and the dozen or so of them followed behind.


    They quickly arrived at the deep pool location behind the mountain.


    People from Seeking Immortal Tower had indeed already taken position.


    Still led by the eunuch Lao, but he was in disguise, not revealing his true identity, and the rest of the people from Seeking Immortal Tower also covered their faces, making it impossible to see their faces clearly.


    "Hero Zhang?!"


    The eunuch Lao asked, "Why have you come?"


    "Naturally, I have come to take something!"


    Chen Sansi did a quick headcount.


    There were also about a dozen people from Seeking Immortal Tower.


    He inquired, "Daoist, this Immortal Trace Cave was discovered by this great hero, why are you here like this, planning to monopolize the discovery?"


    "Hehe~"

 Chapter 405 - 173: Gaining Immortal Fate_3

    Eunuch Feng denied, "How could that be? I have been delaying diving into the water precisely because I was waiting for you, Daoist. If you did not come, I was prepared to send someone to invite you, but..."


    He said cautiously, "Daoist, why have you brought so many people? What is your intention?"


    "This is the current Prince, Young Master!"


    Although Chen Sansi knew that the other party was aware, he still introduced, "According to my judgement, the Grand Ancestor Relics cannot be obtained without someone from the Imperial Family, hence I requested their assistance."


    "This predecessor..."


    Cao Fan spoke up, "Below lies the treasure left by the ancestors of the Cao Family, you all behaving like this... I''m afraid it''s somewhat inappropriate, isn''t it?"


    Cui Congyi and Yun Xiaozi among others readied themselves for a confrontation.


    "Oh?"


    Eunuch Feng sneered, "Is the Young Master speaking like this because he is preparing to fight us?"


    "Young man."


    Chen Sansi reminded, "The entrance to the secret chamber has a stone gate. This Daoist can open it. Given that the time is pressing, I, as a great hero, advise you not to waste any more time here."


    "Heh heh~"


    Ultimately.


    Cao Fan made a decision, "Senior, please do not misunderstand, since everyone is indispensable, let''s be friends."


    "Hmm, the Young Master has a good temperament."


    Eunuch Feng tested, "But... it''s not quite proper for so many people to go down together, is it?"


    In the end.


    All eyes fell on Zhang Lai Zi, waiting for his answer.


    "Let''s do this."


    Chen Sansi cleared his throat and lifted his chin as he spoke, "I, Daoist Liao Shizhong, along with Cao Fan, the three of us will go down. The rest will wait here. This arrangement also ensures security for everyone, and should any mishaps occur, there will be people to assist."


    "I have no objections."


    Eunuch Feng said cheerfully, "Daoist and I can be considered life and death friends. Last time, if it weren''t for the Daoist, I might have died down there. I trust the Daoist."


    "Young Master..."


    Eunuch Feng and others were a bit nervous.


    After all, for them, whether it was Zhang Lai Zi or the Seeking Immortal Tower, they were essentially strangers.


    Cooperating with Zhang Lai Zi was solely because they feared his knowledge of secrets while not being sure about his capabilities.


    They even didn''t know whether the person in front of them was associated with the Seeking Immortal Tower.


    "No problem!"


    Cao Fan decided, "I will go down with them, General Cui, you and others wait here first."


    "Regarding the items obtained, how about this?"


    Eunuch Feng proposed, "If it can be divided equally, we divide; if not, we share it."


    "Then what are we waiting for!"


    Chen Sansi signaled the two to go first, then he casually walked from shallow to deeper into the pool, disappearing from sight.


    "Young Master, such a big change!"


    Eunuch Feng watched the water, "If it were before, he would never have made such a compromise. After all, it''s something left by the Grand Ancestor. How could it be shared with outsiders..."


    "The Young Master did nothing wrong, but this is only a temporary measure."


    Cui Congyi said sternly, "The current situation does not allow us to waste too much time here, and we also don''t know the origins and strengths of these people. We must at least wait for the items to be retrieved. While there''s still time, Eunuch Feng, please go and ask General Fan to come over here as well. The Grand Ancestor Relics are exceedingly important and cannot fall into the hands of strangers."


    "I''m off."


    Eunuch Feng disappeared from sight.


    "Boundless Heavenly Venerate!"


    Yun Xiaozi chanted, "After tonight, the Young Master will surely undergo a great transformation and will indubitably become a great enlightened ruler in the future."


    The two groups,


    the Seeking Immortal Tower and the Incense Fire Divine Sect, thus began to confront each other beside the pool.


    ...


    The secret chamber.


    Stone gate.


    "Hum rumble¡ª"


    Eunuch Feng repeated his skills, smoothly opening the stone gate, and then the torches in the passageway lit up one by one, the same scene just like the last time they came.


    He and Chen Sansi didn''t rush inside.


    After waiting at the door for about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, they walked side by side into the interior.


    Soon, they arrived at a spacious corridor and saw the wooden figures of Cao Xie, which nearly cost them their lives last time.


    The wooden figures of Cao Xie from the period of the horse-tending, the sect period turned into a pile of rotten wood scattered everywhere, while the remaining figures from the hegemonic period, the seeking immortality period, and the period of his initial ascension to the throne were returned to their original places.


    "Grand Ancestor?!"


    The newly arrived Cao Xie, upon seeing these wooden sculptures and the inscriptions on the steles, fell into deep shock.


    It wasn''t until he saw the last sculpture that he exclaimed in horror.


    "What... What is this?!"


    "Who dares to treat my Cao Family''s ancestor with such disrespect..."


    These words.


    Cao Fan did not voice them.


    He guessed that Zhang Lai Zi and others had already been here, but since they couldn''t take anything away, they dragged him here once more.


    "Bang bang bang!"


    Cao Fan adjusted his clothing, and with proper formality, knelt down and solemnly kowtowed three times: "Ancestor, your grandson is unfilial for disturbing you."


    After doing all this.


    He carefully picked up the severed head and reverently placed it back atop the Dragon Chair. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Gentlemen, let''s continue."


    They walked a few hundred more steps and again came upon a stone platform.


    "Dragon Abyss Sword!"


    Cao Fan recognized immediately: "This is the divine sword that Grand Ancestor used to defeat two thousand armors. Inside the wooden box next to it... should be the chance for immortality left by Grand Ancestor, hmm? Gentlemen, why aren''t you coming over?"


    He turned his head back, only to see Zhang Lai Zi and Eunuch Feng maintaining a certain distance.


    "Young man,"


    Chen Sansi informed, "Your ancestor''s sculpture will attack us. You try to see if you can bring the item over, but be careful."


    "Buzz!"


    As the words fell,


    the Dragon Abyss Sword began to vibrate.


    Streams of transparent mystical energy gushed into it, and then like rain, fell onto the three wooden sculptures.


    The wooden sculptures, came to life!

 Chapter 406 - 173: Gaining Immortal Fate_4

    Three wooden carvings almost simultaneously charged toward Cao Fan.


    "Grand Ancestor!"


    Cao Fan, somewhat at a loss, could only kneel again and kowtow, "I am a descendant of the Cao Family, not a thief coveting the Grand Ancestor Relics. Please discern the truth, Grand Ancestor!"


    However,


    no matter what he said, the three wooden carvings did not stop.


    Among them, Cao Xie from the general era, was already raising his wooden sword to chop at him.


    "Dodge!"


    Chen Sansi''s He Miao Blade struck out inexplicably, clashing with the wooden sword. It barely held for an instant, but fortunately, Lao Gonggong was not just watching from the sidelines. He also promptly lent a hand, pushing with a palm wrapped in Gang Qi, jointly blocking the strike.


    Immediately afterward, the two seamlessly cast spells.


    A Sword Qi Skill, combined with an Ice Blade condensed from frost.


    As the two spells struck simultaneously, General Cao Xie staggered backward, his chest exploding wide open, but this time, he wasn''t damaged. Merely stiffening briefly, he continued advancing toward them.


    "This wooden carving is rather bizarre!"


    Chen Sansi noted.


    They bore mysterious runes similar to those on the jade pendant Cao Fan had given him. Chen Sansi wondered where Great Ancestor Sheng had acquired such formidable carvings.


    Moreover, it was impossible to categorize the carvings'' power using the common realms of Martial Arts.


    In any case, as time passed, each carving seemed more troublesome than the last.


    As the other two carvings were also about to reach them, Lao Gonggong, while casting spells to delay, shouted, "Daoist friend, what should we do? Should we retreat first and find another solution later?"


    "No,"


    Chen Sansi objected.


    Taking advantage of the chaos tonight was the best opportunity; any later would only become more difficult.


    "Kid!"


    He commanded, "Give me your hand, let''s try again."


    Clang¡ª


    The He Miao Blade flashed, slicing a deep gash into Cao Fan''s palm.


    Chen Sansi pondered.


    Since Cao Xie left these items for his descendants, surely he wouldn''t intend to kill them as well?


    But since the carvings were not alive, he had to try using blood.


    If that still didn''t work, sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    it meant that another method was necessary, so they would have to give up for the time being.


    General Cao Xie, who had just been repelled, charged back into the fray. Chen Sansi and Lao Gonggong resisted together, and Cao Xie struck out with a palm.


    The moment his blood touched the wooden carving,


    General Cao Xie began to crumble at a speed visible to the naked eye: first the wooden sword in his hand, then his arms, legs, and even his head; within moments, he completely disintegrated into a pile of decayed wood.


    Crack¡ª


    Upon confirming its effectiveness, Chen Sansi unhesitatingly chopped several more times on Cao Fan''s body, creating larger wounds to achieve a splattering effect. Considering that General Cao Xie was as such, the following Immortal and Coronation were likely even more powerful.


    They absolutely needn''t take the risk of close contact.


    Blood spurted out, successfully splashing onto the remaining two carvings, smoothly resolving the crisis.


    "Daoist friend is truly resourceful!"


    Lao Gonggong praised, "Let''s hurry and seize the treasure!"


    The three tread cautiously forward.


    The journey of over a hundred steps took as long as drinking a cup of tea.


    Fortunately,


    they encountered no further traps, and they safely reached the stone platform.


    "Hum¡ª"


    The Dragon Abyss Sword''s cold light was dazzling, and it vibrated incessantly, while the dark box next to it was deathly still.


    "Princely Heir of the Cao Family, go!"


    Lao Gonggong coldly said, "Bring over the box and open it."


    "Alright."


    Cao Fan complied.


    He dared not use his hands, but instead pushed the dark box over with the Azure Dragon Crescent Blade.


    The box was about the size of a dinner plate.


    After a careful inspection, it seemed to be just an ordinary box, and the copper lock was the kind that common folk could afford. Cao Fan simply used the edge of his blade to cut through it, smoothly opening the box.


    Creak¡ª


    Inside the box, there were three items.


    One was a Jade Token, the second was a book, and the last item was an unenveloped letter.


    "Take it out and let''s see!"


    Cao Fan held his breath and took out the envelope with his blood-stained hand, not triggering any hidden mechanisms, finally breathing a sigh of relief.


    The contents of the paper read as follows:


    "I regarded myself as an Immortal, but at the last moment, I still held attachments to this kingdom that I had struggled over for decades, as well as to my flesh and blood, hence I left behind this already depleted Cave Heaven Blessed Land.


    "The items in the box are opportunities for seeking the path of the Immortal.


    "There is a common saying in the mundane realm of Martial Arts: ''The master leads you to the door, but it''s up to you to practice.'' The path to seeking Immortality is the same.


    "What I can leave for you is just these items.


    "The key to the Immortal Realm, the method of inquiry, and, half of a kingdom.


    "To the southeast and out to sea, until the ends of the earth, is the land of seeking Immortality, where opportunities and risks coexist. Remember this, remember this.


    "Lastly, I hope my Cao family''s kingdom, the Dasheng Dynasty will prosper for a thousand autumns and live forever."


    After reading the letter,


    nobody spoke,


    but they quickly absorbed the contents of the letter.


    Cave Heaven Blessed Land?


    Beneath this deep pool was indeed a Cave Heaven Blessed Land, only now depleted?


    Does this depletion refer to the lack of Spiritual Energy?


    Was there once Spiritual Energy here?


    Or was it something else?


    Then, the key points in the letter were the three items.


    The key to the Immortal Realm, the method of inquiry, and half of a kingdom.


    The first two probably referred to the Jade Token and the books inside the box, and the last half of a kingdom...


    Did it refer to the Dragon Abyss Sword?


    And,


    heading southeast out to sea to the ends of the earth, could one enter the Immortal Realm?


    "Ahem!"


    Lao Gonggong cleared his throat and spoke, "Gentlemen, it seems the items inside the box can''t be divided evenly but must be shared."

 Chapter 407 - 173: Gaining Immortal Fate_5

    ```


    "Snap!"


    Chen Sansi closed the box: "Since that''s the case, let''s get out of here and talk later."


    "This sword..."


    Cao Fan''s eyes filled with longing: "Shall I try to pull it out?"


    "Hum!"


    As a few people discussed,


    the trembling of the Dragon Abyss Sword not only didn''t stop, but grew more intense, as if it were coming to life.


    Chen Sansi''s Xuanzhu in his chest also responded.


    But it was still the same as before.


    Every time he tried to control it, he could personally feel that the sword was connected to another person.


    It wasn''t Cao Fan!


    Without the Qi Observation Skill, Chen Sansi would never have let a Cao Family Member touch the sword. The risk was too great¡ªno one knew how powerful the sword would be once unsheathed.


    But now he was certain.


    The one connected to the Dragon Abyss Sword was definitely not Cao Fan.


    "You give it a try!"


    The eunuch, having said so, subtly manipulated his Spiritual Energy, ready to deal with the man before him at any moment.


    After getting permission, Cao Fan leaped onto the stone platform, took a deep breath, and with both hands fiercely seized the hilt, using all his strength and Qi-Blood. His veins bulged, but he couldn''t pull out the Dragon Abyss Sword by even a hair''s breadth. Instead, he was repelled by an unknown force, flung backward.


    He clambered up awkwardly: "Sirs, no use, I can''t pull out this sword."


    "Let me try!"


    The eunuch was somewhat nervous about exposing his back to others but driven by immense temptation, he decided to step forward.


    Anyone could see.


    The value of the Dragon Abyss Sword was probably no less than the item inside the box.


    Spiritual Energy surged.


    Chen Sansi couldn''t see what spell the other party used.


    In any case,


    after much turmoil, the eunuch nearly got injured.


    He had to step back.


    "Daoist?"


    The eunuch inquired: "Do you want to give it a try?"


    "No."


    Chen Sansi knew he couldn''t control it, just by relying on his Qi Observation Skill.


    Getting the item from the box was akin to completing a great task.


    It was just that this sword...


    Suddenly,


    he thought of something, pieced together recent events, and looking at the increasingly agitated Dragon Abyss Sword, he suddenly understood something.


    "This is bad!"


    "Run!"


    Chen Sansi shouted loudly.


    "Daoist, who should keep this item?"


    The eunuch squinted his eyes.


    "Give it to Hero Zhang!"


    Cao Fan suggested: "He is the most suitable to hold it."


    To them,


    Zhang Lai was a middleman and had no external forces outside.


    "Alright then."


    The eunuch didn''t refuse: "Daoist, please!"


    Chen Sansi picked up the box.


    The three of them left the cave at the fastest speed, returning to the water above.


    On the shore,


    two anxious groups of people finally waited for their return.


    ```


    ```


    "How is it?!" Cui Congyi asked, "Did you get the treasure of the Grand Ancestor?"


    "Mmm."


    Cao Fan nodded to indicate confirmation.


    "Daoist!"


    The eunuch Lai called out, "Now that we have the item, shouldn''t we share it right here as agreed?"


    Chen Sansi nodded.


    But at the same time,


    he noticed the people from Seeking Immortal Tower completing an exchange of glances, followed by someone whose spiritual energy began to circulate within.


    Instantly,


    Chen Sansi felt a chill in his heart, and then an unnameable fire blazed through his body.


    He truly intended to share.


    But these people, clearly, had no such intention!


    "Boom!"


    A Sword Qi Skill burst forth.


    Beating Seeking Immortal Tower to the punch, it killed the person planning to make a move on the spot.


    "Daoist, what is the meaning of this?"


    The eunuch Lai played the blame game, "You actually want to kill someone and seize their goods!"


    While he spoke, his hands did not stop forming seals, and instantly, a wave of Ice Blades came cutting through.


    Another Sword Qi Skill collided with it, mutually nullifying each other, and neither side was injured.


    "Our house thought you were such a fierce person!"


    In a moment of desperation, the eunuch Lai almost forgot to control his usual manner of speaking, "It turns out it''s nothing special, act quickly, and get rid of him along with Cao Fan and the rest!"


    "I''ve long known you harbored ill intentions!"


    Yun Xiaozi and the others had purple armor climbing their bodies, and they all charged forward to fight.


    "..."


    Cao Fan was shocked; he hadn''t yet achieved Meridian Passage, and in the current situation, he simply couldn''t intervene.


    "Bang!"


    Chen Sansi stamped his foot and was about to retreat into the chaos nearby.


    Seeing this,


    the eunuch Lai led the four people from Seeking Immortal Tower away from the battlefield to pursue him alone.


    "Clang!"


    The He Miao Blade flashed past.


    Successfully killing one, a disciple of Seeking Immortal Tower. S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Spiritual energy is precious.


    Of course, not everyone can practice Immortal Law.


    Among the five people who were pursuing, only two had relatively rich spiritual energy within them, apparently members of the high echelon of Seeking Immortal Tower.


    "Don''t be afraid!"


    The eunuch Lai said to his companion, "This person has only used one attack spell in front of me twice, he has no other abilities, the two of us together will surely be able to kill him!"


    The two of them cast spells simultaneously, one with Ice Blades, and the other formed seals, growing two iron chains from his hands, lunging at Chen Sansi who was dozens of steps away, leaving him with no room to escape.


    Previously, when Chen Sansi had taken action, one of those times was even to save the eunuch''s life, but the other party instead took it as a test of his strength.


    "Forget it."


    "I shouldn''t have had the slightest trust in you."


    Before the hawks could swoop,


    a jade pendant floated up in front of him, radiating intense red light, like a piece of molten iron in the night, which then burst into crimson flames resembling a dragon''s head, in the blink of an eye spitting out several fireballs.


    "What?!"


    The eunuch Lai was shocked and astonished.


    They watched as their spells dissipated into ash the moment they touched the fireballs.


    Then the fireballs, with unstoppable momentum and speed difficult for the naked eye to track, arrived in front of them.


    "Boom boom boom¡ª"


    The two higher-ups from Seeking Immortal Tower were completely engulfed upon contact with the Abnormal Fire, like ignited straw, they didn''t last two breaths before turning into ash and then scattering in the night wind, merging with the earth and trees as one.


    ```

 Chapter 408 - 173: Gaining Immortal Fate_6

    Meanwhile,


    Martial Saint Fan Tianfa also hurried over, followed by two senior members of the Incense Fire Divine Sect.


    "Boom! Boom!"


    Chen Sansi simply used up all of the Abnormal Fire stored within the jade pendant in one go since there wasn''t much left.


    Another two fireballs.


    They directly burned several people from Seeking Immortal Tower to death.


    Only a few two or three managed to flee and their whereabouts became unknown.


    "This..."


    Cao Fan and the newly arrived Fan Tianfa and others were deeply shocked by the scene before them.


    "Hero Zhang!"


    "Truly an Immortal!"


    Cao Fan was dumbfounded.


    Even Fan Tianfa was quite wary, maintaining a distance of over a hundred steps, not daring to come close.


    Chen Sansi calmly collected the fragments of the damaged jade pendant.


    This thing...


    truly isn''t durable.


    Moreover, the Abnormal Fire was quite fierce, and the jade pendant could hardly withstand it.


    Just now, even if he had stopped, it was almost certain to be damaged.


    Therefore,


    Chen Sansi simply used it all up, which also served to deter the people from the Incense Fire Divine Sect from harboring any ill intentions. If it hadn''t worked, he would have had to use up all the remaining Sword Qi Skill and then take the opportunity to escape.


    But clearly, it was very effective.


    After witnessing the Abnormal Fire, everyone''s faces were filled with awe.


    "Hero Chen will keep these items safe!"


    Chen Sansi collected the books and jade token into his embrace and calmly said to the crowd, "Who agrees, who opposes?"


    "No one opposes."


    Fan Tianfa spoke, "Let Hero Zhang keep them for now, the urgent task at hand is to head inside the palace, the Holy Monk and his party should almost be there, we don''t have time to waste anymore." S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Let''s go quickly!"


    A group of people, leading the followers of the Incense Fire Divine Sect, rushed in the direction of the Ziwei Palace.


    Chen Sansi initially followed them, imperceptibly using the Concealing Breath and Hiding Skill, but when they were almost there, he suddenly took a turn and just disappeared.


    What a joke.


    All these people were waiting for daylight to kill "Chen Sansi."


    Would Zhang Lai actually go and really help them out?


    Moreover,


    the reason he was so eager to leave the cave was because he had suddenly realized something.


    Judging by the balance of tonight''s victory, it was likely already tipping.


    "Deng Feng!"


    Chen Sansi rallied the Xuanjia Army that was still searching the mountain, "Order all brothers, follow me back to Ziwei Mountain!"


    ...


    Ziwei Palace.


    The Black-robed Monk and Ji side by side, strode towards the Taizhen Palace where the Emperor was resting, followed by several senior members of the Incense Fire Divine Sect and, secretly left behind and not departed, a hundred elite Hu Ben Army troops.


    Along the way,


    Any person daring to block their path was killed on the spot.


    As they were about to reach their destination, they temporarily stopped.


    Fan Tianfa and others arrived in time.


    Then, it was everyone from the top to the bottom of the court, inside and out, involved in this action.


    There were military officers, eunuchs, Hu Ben Army, Imperial Guards, and even some high-ranking civil officers...


    These people, originally some were visible, some were hidden.


    But at this critical moment today, they all emerged to make one desperate move, aiming to end everything completely.


    "Why isn''t Zhangsun Xusheng here?"


    The black-robed monk fiddled with his Buddha beads, "The experts from the Jinyi Guard are also missing."


    "Holy Monk."


    Fan Tianfa said, "The Jinyi Guard is not responsible for guarding the palace. A significant number are still searching for Li Gong within the city. Based on the time, they should arrive within half an hour."


    "Amitabha, then we must hurry."


    "Wait!"


    Cao Fan interrupted, "Where is Hero Zhang?"


    "He was just here!"


    Everyone turned their heads only to find that he had long disappeared.


    "We''ve been tricked!"


    Fan Tianfa was furious, "This man has taken the Grand Ancestor Relics, it seems he does not plan to help us!"


    "Amitabha, let him be, we never truly counted on him."


    The black-robed monk was unexpectedly calm, "This Zhang Lai Zi''s strength is unfathomable. The fact he does not oppose us is already fortunate. As for the Grand Ancestor Relics, once everything is over, I will mobilize everyone in the Divine Sect to search for him. We will find them sooner or later. For now, let''s focus on the matter at hand. Begin."


    "Crack!"


    Another two eunuchs tasked with night duty fell.


    There was no further obstruction ahead.


    The black-robed monk signaled for everyone to follow, his movements gentle, as he pushed open the mahogany door.


    "Creak¡ª"


    Inside the palace.


    Several lanterns burned throughout the night, filling the vast space with warm, sun-colored light, until the door opened and the night wind poured in, causing the light to flicker.


    Inside the vast empty palace.


    The Old Emperor, dressed in a Taoist robe, was seated cross-legged on a cushion meditating.


    He did not react to the people slowly entering, as if entirely in another world, unaware of the external disturbances.


    "Amitabha, this monk has seen Your Majesty!"


    The black-robed monk brought his hands together in salute.


    The rest followed suit and also performed the kneeling salute.


    "We pay homage to Your Majesty!"


    "..."


    Then.


    The sleeping palace fell into a silence.


    "Emperor Your Majesty."


    The black-robed monk said, "This monk knows you can hear."


    A profound and enduring voice echoed around the beams, resounding through the sleeping palace.


    "Yesterday the flowers bloomed full on the trees, today they fall leaving the branches bare."


    "Thriving in the splendor of three springs, swept away by a single night''s wind."


    "Beyond worldly time one finds peace, who in this human realm can exhaust birth and death?"


    "The vicissitudes of a hundred years, large or small, pass by... as if in a dream!"


    Once the poem was finished.


    Emperor Longqing slowly opened his eyes.


    He looked at the dense armors in front of him and the blood-stained weapons, unexpectedly his face was as calm as a still lake, and his voice as undisturbed as an ancient well, indistinguishable from any other day:


    "My dear officials."


    "Coming to see me so late at night, I wonder what matter brings you here?"

 Chapter 409 - 174: Inviting the Emperor Father to His Death

    "Your Majesty."


    The Black-robed Monk spoke respectfully, "This humble monk has a request."


    "What is it?"


    Emperor Longqing waved his horsetail whisk, "Speak freely."


    "Amitabha."


    The Black-robed Monk spoke somberly, "It is widely known that Emperor Dasheng aspires to devote himself to the path, a clear-minded person destined for monastic life. Seeing you today, it is indeed the case, but..."


    He shifted his tone, "One cannot have both the fish and the bear''s paw." S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Since Your Majesty is the ruler of a nation, you should prioritize the welfare of Society. This is your duty to fulfill."


    "Pursuits such as Cultivating Immortality are endeavors suited for monks like myself, from the wilderness."


    "If Your Majesty persists in this...


    "Why not abdicate the throne? In doing so, you could focus on deep cultivation, and perhaps even make greater breakthroughs on the Immortal Path."


    "Indeed, Your Majesty."


    An older minister, over a hundred years old, with skin like withered tree bark, struggled to kneel with the help of several people..


    This person.


    He was the Emperor''s teacher, the former Grandmaster, who had been ennobled as Duke for his scholarly achievements, and held in high esteem at court.


    "Your Majesty!"


    His voice, aged and somewhat unclear, said, "Looking back through history, Your Majesty has already been one of the longest-reigning emperors, bound to be remembered through the ages. If you were to practice the ancient abdication tradition, you would truly be a unique emperor in a thousand years."


    "Grandmaster Xu, I granted you the privilege to attend court without the need to bow long ago, so why bother with such formalities?"


    Emperor Longqing, facing those who had come to force the palace, issued a directive, "Why aren''t you assisting the Grandmaster to stand and offering him a seat?"


    "This..."


    Fan Tianfa and the others were taken aback.


    But they eventually followed the instruction.


    "Your Majesty!"


    Grandmaster Xu, seating on the chair, still insisted, "It doesn''t matter whether or not I have a chair to rest, what''s important is that our Great Sheng Dynasty needs rest."


    "Enough, I understand your point."


    Emperor Longqing interrupted, "You all just think I''m old and senile, wanting me to abdicate. Fine, then tell me, whom would you recommend to succeed if I abdicate?"


    "Amitabha, naturally it would be the Crown Prince."


    The Black-robed Monk rotated his Buddha Beads, "In terms of sentiment, reason, and ritual, it should be the Crown Prince who has been Supervisor for over forty years to inherit the throne, to stabilize the world and ensure the continued prosperity of the Great Sheng Dynasty."


    "The Crown Prince is indeed not bad."


    Emperor Longqing spoke calmly, "He has been filial from a young age, diligent, ambitious, and capable. There is nothing wrong with what you have said, and I should indeed pass the throne to the Crown Prince."


    "..."


    The fingers of the Black-robed Monk manipulating the Buddha Beads paused.


    Ever since they had burst into the sleeping quarters,


    everything had been too quiet.


    The Old Emperor''s attitude towards them was just like an ordinary court meeting, as if it were genuinely a discussion about abdicating and naming a successor, rather than a coup.


    But the Emperor is old, not foolish.


    With such big commotion, how could he possibly not know what was happening?


    In the eyes of most people,


    The Old Emperor was being dignified and sensible.


    "If Your Majesty truly thinks so, it couldn''t be better."


    The Black-robed Monk brought his hands together, "Then, please draft the edict, Your Majesty. I promise here that after you abdicate and become the Supreme Emperor, you can reside in Kunlun Mountain to cultivate in seclusion without any disturbance."


    As he spoke,


    someone had already brought out the prepared writing brush, ink, and silk paper.


    "Well, well, it''s clear that you are all concerned for the country and its people. Today''s actions are also for the good of the Sheng Dynasty. The Sheng Dynasty is fortunate to have such a group of loyal subjects and good generals, ensuring the nation is without worries. It''s just that..."


    Emperor Longqing paused, and although his voice didn''t change, his words sent chills down the spine, "Have I really grown old?"


    "..."


    The ministers fell silent, exchanging glances, uncertain of how to reply.


    In terms of age,


    This year Your Majesty is ninety-nine, soon to turn one hundred.


    He is indeed as old as one can be.


    There''s a saying among the common folks that "It is rare for one to live past seventy," and even in the families of high officials, living past eighty is considered a long life, thanks to treasure medicine keeping them healthy; those living longer are one in ten thousand.


    Master Yu is now a hundred and two.


    He has lived long, but that''s a matter of the last few years.


    But comparing that to His Majesty...


    During his middle years, he was plagued with illness, and even after taking up cultivation, he frequently took ill. Five or six years ago, he looked like someone at death''s door, until everything suddenly improved more than two years ago.


    Not to mention,


    Just a few days ago.


    The Emperor led the civil and military officials to climb the mountains and enjoy the scenery, showing that despite advancing years, his health was improving.


    "None of you speaking? Hehe~"


    Emperor Longqing laughed softly, "It seems that in your hearts, I''m not so old as to be dying any time soon. Then why bring up the matter of abdication? Are you not afraid that after I step down, the world will descend into chaos?"


    "Your Majesty, what do you mean?" The Black-robed Monk asked, "The Crown Prince''s accession is the will of the people; how could it possibly cause chaos in the world?"


    "The Crown Prince is indeed the Crown Prince, but my beloved subjects..."


    Emperor Longqing''s words flowed calmly but as chilling as ever, "Have you forgotten? The Crown Prince has been ill, and today he has been shocked by the disturbance. It was with great difficulty that he had just unburdened himself from the responsibilities of Supervisor, ready to rest and recuperate for a while. Yet here you are, making a commotion with this act.


    "Are you prepared to watch the Crown Prince exhaust himself with state affairs while he is unwell, and let him die of overwork?


    "He is the Crown Prince, the heir, but also my son.


    "You may not care, but as his father, it pains me.


    "If you all continue to insist on pushing the Crown Prince forward...


    "Then I really must wonder.


    "Among this group of loyal ministers and good generals, there really might be someone, or a few individuals, who are treacherous, with ulterior motives."


    "Cao Fan, is what Grandpa Emperor saying correct or not?"

 Chapter 410 - 174: Inviting the Emperor Father to His Death_2

    At last.


    He gently lifted his gaze and looked towards Cao Fan, who had been standing in the corner, too afraid to speak.


    "Grandpa Emperor..."


    Before coming here,


    Cao Fan had resolved himself three times, but when he actually arrived before this figure, he still couldn''t control his fear. He approached the crowd, gently knelt on the ground, and said, "Grandpa Emperor is right, my father indeed has always been unwell."


    "See, even my grandson knows."


    Emperor Longqing sat on the ground, but his eyes seemed to be looking down on them from the heavens, "I remember, the previous Yan Country''s Filial Emperor was just like this, forcing himself to ascend the throne when he was seriously ill. Within two years, he was worn out and died, leaving behind a still green Crown Prince, creating a situation where the ministers overpowered the sovereign, and then chaos began corrupting the court."


    "The decline of Former Yan started from that time, and soon after, the rebellion of the seven princes occurred."


    "It appears."


    "Some among you have read well and also know how to apply your knowledge pragmatically."


    A palace coup.


    Should have come aggressively, to be resolved swiftly.


    But right after entering the doors, something was amiss.


    A few sentences into the debate.


    The ministers, who were originally leveraging "society''s welfare" to force the Emperor to abdicate, gradually lost their reasons to continue, not knowing how to respond and also lost their initial momentum.


    "Your Majesty."


    "We have no such intentions!"


    "We are all loyal ministers of Great Dasheng, evident by daylight; all our actions are for the welfare of the land and the people!"


    "..."


    "I believe you, you also have been provoked by villains, confused for a moment."


    Emperor Longqing spoke gravely, "Now that you have realized your mistakes, it is not too late; all of you leave for now. Any matters can be discussed tomorrow at the early court session. I am somewhat tired and will prepare to rest."


    "This..."


    The courtiers were at a loss.


    "Amitabha! Emperor, fine indeed are your skilled sophistry!"


    At a critical moment,


    The black-robed monk intensified his tone, realizing there was no way to maintain superficial politeness any longer, and began his reproach: "Then let us talk about the chaotic conditions at court during the years of Your Majesty''s spiritual retreat, which the treacherous ministers created, leading to the populace suffering indescribably, making it necessary to abdicate and address these seven cardinal sins.


    "First, decades ago, Your Majesty forced the whole nation to plant the worthless Spiritual Grain, taking up fully one-tenth of the arable land, which just happened to be the only surplus food the people had annually. Since then, in bountiful years, the people barely had enough to fill their stomachs, and by the end of the year, every household was barren. In years of disaster, there were corpses everywhere, and the people had no means to live! May I ask Your Majesty, these ''Immortal Herbs'' collected into the national treasury annually, what exactly are they used for, aside from diminishing the power of our Great Sheng Country?


    "Second, twenty years ago, just the construction of Longevity Palace alone cost half of the annual national treasury. The timber used was transported from thousands of miles away, costing countless manpower to bring to the Capital City, resulting in the lack of funds for disaster relief and consecutive triggering of three rebellions."


    "Third, the lands of the Southern...


    "...


    "Seventh, which is among Your Majesty''s actions the most unbearable to the people of Yunzhou, Ten Days! At that time, Yunzhou was leaking strangeness everywhere, how could its gates be flung open so shortly, allowing the barbarians to slaughter the people of the Great Sheng Dynasty!


    "Before the war started!


    "Your Majesty even secretly met with the barbarian envoys!"


    "May I ask Your Majesty, did you collude with the followers of the Witch God Sect, using the people of our Great Sheng Dynasty for a Blood Sacrifice?


    "After the Ten Days of Yunzhou, the barbarian troops were sharpened and stronger than ever. Yor Majesty''s actions, aren''t they equivalent to helping the bandits against our Great Sheng?


    "Your Majesty, why betray the nation?!


    "With these seven cardinal sins!


    "How can Your Majesty still have the face to call yourself a Lord, to call yourself the Emperor of Dasheng?!"


    As the crimes were laid out one by one,


    The courtiers, initially perplexed by the Old Emperor''s sophistry, once again became intensely agitated.


    Emperor Longqing listened to each of the accusations calmly; finally, a reaction appeared on his stoic face, but it was neither guilt nor anger, but... scorn!


    "Immortals have their own affairs, the mediocre have their own troubles!"


    "Servants have their duties, and a Lord has his own problems to solve."


    "You claim..."


    "Spiritual Grain is useless!"


    "But do you, the servants, know that now West Qi, Dongqing, and even Nan Xu are also planting Spiritual Grain. Are they also deliberately depleting their national strength?"


    "Were it not for my communication with the Immortals, this world would have descended into chaos long ago!"


    "It was I who, on behalf of the entire world, on behalf of all the civil and military officials, took on this infamy!"


    "As for the other matters..."


    "I am the Lord; there is no need to explain everything to you."


    "All of you¡ªwithdraw!"


    A dragon''s roar.


    At the end of the ranks, indeed, several people were frightened into kneeling on the spot.


    "Amitabha! Greedy and unvirtuous people, you still stand here making empty arguments!"


    The black-robed monk also raised his voice, "Honored guests, do not delay any further, please ask the Emperor to abdicate!"


    "Please, Your Majesty, abdicate!"


    At this point,


    Even those who feared in their hearts


    understood that there was no way back, and they collectively shouted, thunderous as a storm.


    "To rule under heaven and grieve for the people''s suffering, one''s heart hurts in agony!"


    Emperor Longqing did not respond further but instead recited two more lines of poetry and then closed his eyes again, as if everything unfolding before him had nothing to do with him. Your next chapter is on My Virtual Library Empire


    "Clang¡ª"


    The sound of swords being drawn echoed continuously.


    "Your Majesty!"


    "Today, no matter what, you cannot bluff your way out."


    "If not with dignity, then the monk must help you find it!"


    "..." S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The black-robed monk nodded, signaling for the men to take action.


    "Such audacity!"


    At that same moment,


    the Chief Eunuch Huang Hong, leading a dozen other eunuchs, emerged from behind the Palace.

 Chapter 411 - 174: Inviting the Emperor Father to His Death_3

    Behind them,


    there were Jinyi Guards, who had been ready for action, blocking their retreat.


    Leading them was the Martial Saint of the Jinyi Guards, Zhangsun Xusheng.


    Lastly,


    there were twelve face-covered Death Guards.


    "It seems the Emperor knew about today''s incident well beforehand."


    The black-robed monk''s expression was grave.


    These people were obviously pre-arranged to ambush them, merely waiting for their arrival.


    Who leaked the information?


    Zhang Lai Zi?


    Impossible!


    Zhang was clearly after the Grand Ancestor Relics, and with the Emperor''s way of doing things, he would never share the Cao Family''s possessions with others.


    It didn''t matter anymore.


    The people who were presently before him


    were all within the calculations of the black-robed monk.


    It was just that the location for the decisive battle had changed, not at the temporary palace but in the sleeping quarters.


    In terms of combat power, they still had the advantage.


    Huang Hong narrowed his eyes, and the sound he emitted was like needles, piercing the eardrums of the crowd: "You rebels and traitors should surrender quickly and await your fate!"


    "Eunuch! I''ve despised you for a long time!"


    "Bang¡ª"


    Fan Tianfa cursed loudly and disappeared from the spot, reappearing above Huang Hong''s head, holding a Mo Blade in his hand. The terrifying power he unleashed blasted a huge hole in the ceiling of the great hall as if splitting the entire palace in two, with gales scattering screens, tables, chairs, and decorations all over.


    The eunuch Huang Hong, unarmed, faced the blade head-on.


    "Boom¡ª"


    As the two forces collided,


    the floor beneath Huang Hong caved in several inches, and with his other hand, he made a bizarre clawing motion towards the front. The other man dodged to the side, and the claw, like white bone, struck the wood, making a ''sizzle'' sound.


    "You eunuchs always play dirty!"


    Fan Tianfa was seeing red.


    ...


    "Attack!"


    Jinyi Guard Commander Zhangsun Xusheng drew his Xiu Chun''s Blade, and along with his subordinates and the twelve Death Guards, they launched an attack against the followers brought by the black-robed monk, resulting in a chaotic battle of dozens of fighters.


    Within the Incense Fire Divine Sect,


    there was a white-haired and bearded disciple whose Martial Arts Realm was merely at the Xuanxiang Realm, yet he dared to confront the Martial Saint among the Jinyi Guards, with a Soft Sword in his hand, snaking like a living serpent.


    "Clang!"


    Zhangsun Xusheng''s eyes flashed with disdain: "Die!"


    His Xiu Chun''s Blade whistled through the air, wrapped in the "True Qi" that only a Martial Saint could possess, ready to sever the Gang Qi-formed serpent in half. However, just before the collision,


    a series of purple glows flickered from the body of the Incense Fire Divine Sect disciple, then transformed into a power beyond human comprehension, coiling around the sword. The serpent formed from the Soft Sword, as if a demon beast, bit at the blade.


    The Xiu Chun''s Blade could not dodge in time and almost lost control.


    Zhangsun Xusheng himself staggered back several steps, exclaiming in shock, "Sorcery?!"


    "This is the Incense Fire Divine Dao!"


    "Mortal, accept your death!"


    It wasn''t just the sword.


    Wreathed in the Incense Fire Divine Power, the Incense Fire Sect adherent took a quick step forward and was once again in front of the Martial Saint. As he thrust his Soft Sword, another hand, radiating with Purple Energy, transformed into a demonic claw, attacking from both sides simultaneously.


    "Bullshit divine dao!"


    Zhangsun Xusheng was not afraid; True Qi surged through his body so fiercely that his robes nearly stood on end.


    This time.


    He gave it his all, managing to match his opponent evenly.


    ...


    "Amitabha, all is well."


    The black-robed monk spoke indifferently, "General Lv, please assist Miao Sect Master and take down Zhangsun Xusheng quickly. The sooner we deal with them and focus our attention, the greater our chances of victory."


    "I understand."


    The mountainous figure of Lv Ji, clad in flaming red Black Armor, immediately moved towards the Jinyi Guard Martial Saint. But just as he took two steps, an overbearing surge of True Qi suddenly exploded from within him, and his Heavenly Halberd, like a Heavenly Pillar, came crashing down behind him.


    "Boom¡ª" S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    With that strike.


    The entire sleeping palace trembled as if an Earth Dragon was turning over!


    The spot where the Heavenly Halberd struck now featured a pit over a meter deep, and a web of cracks spread out from the center like a spider web for several meters in all directions. The floor and foundation shattered into dust that spread high into the air, obscuring half of the palace''s view.


    However...


    The black-robed monk who had been standing there was nowhere to be seen.


    "Amitabha, all is well!"


    The black-robed monk stood atop a beam, looking down at the imposing general: "General Lv, why deceive me?"


    "Rebel and traitor!"


    Lv Ji slowly raised his Heavenly Halberd, "Deserves death by all!"


    "Big brother, you, you..."


    Cao Fan''s face was filled with shock, "How could you betray us like this!"


    Looking at it now.


    No wonder something felt off after we entered the sleeping palace.


    The one who leaked the secret.


    It was Lv Ji!


    "Alas~ I warned His Highness early on, but His Highness trusted you. What a pity; His Highness is going to be disappointed."


    The black-robed monk shook his head slightly, "Since the general has proven to be such a traitor, do not blame me for being ruthless."


    Holding Buddha Beads that glowed with purple light and trembled continuously, he pushed a bead engraved with Buddhist runes forward with his thumb, hurtling it towards the person below.


    "I want to see just how powerful your sorcery is, you demons!"


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    "Boom!"


    Lv Ji, with True Qi considered the most domineering in this world, collided with the Buddha Beads, and waves of energy burst forth. A pillar thick enough for two men to embrace cracked inch by inch under the terrifying force, and then a section of the palace dome collapsed with a roar. Moments later, the Buddha Bead flew backward but did not fall. Instead, it hovered in the air amidst the purple haze, then flew back to its master''s front.


    "Go."


    The black-robed monk waved his hand again.


    This time, five Buddha Beads, like cannonballs, were continuously hurled forward.

 Chapter 412 - 174: Inviting the Emperor Father to His Death_4

    ```


    L¨¹ Ji didn''t show the slightest fear and resisted just like before, directly blocking all attacks one by one.


    Back and forth like this, there were at least a dozen times.


    The number of Buddha Beads had also increased to eight.


    "General L¨¹ is truly among the foremost in the realm of Human Martial Saints. It seems that this poor monk cannot prevail over you in a short time," said the black-robed monk, losing patience.


    "Omm¡ª¡ª"


    He pulled his hands apart.


    The entire strand of Buddha Beads completely broke apart, with seventy-two beads densely floating up and forming a purple barrier round as a big bowl, trapping L¨¹ Ji inside as they resonated with each other and gained power from the Purple Energy.


    "Thump! Thump!"


    Every strike of the Heavenly Halberd held by L¨¹ Ji left a crack on the purple light barrier, but ultimately, he was temporarily trapped inside, unable to escape.


    In the midst of the chaotic battle.


    The Emperor Longqing, clad in a Taoist robe, had been sitting cross-legged on the ground from the beginning, not moving an inch, even as concealed weapons shaved past his face.


    The black-robed monk reached out his right hand, and a Zen Stick appeared from thin air. He floated down gently from the rafters like a lightweight paper figure, then without further ado, he swung the stick down at the Emperor.


    Emperor Longqing still didn''t move.


    However, in front of him, a Great Seal suddenly appeared, emitting a transparent Mystical Energy to meet the incoming fatal blow.


    "Omm!"


    The black-robed monk''s Zen Stick trembled, nearly spinning out of control, as his body uncontrollably slid backward, not stopping until his foot stomped through the ground, finally stabilizing him.


    He looked on in astonishment: "The National Jade Seal?!"


    The National Jade Seal.


    A heritage treasure.


    It had been passed down from the era of the Ancient Three Sovereigns and carried a history of thousands of years.


    Although legends of it existed, no one had ever witnessed its power; its significance was more symbolic than anything else.


    How could it be...


    It had become a Magic Artifact in the hands of the Old Emperor!


    "Again!"


    The black-robed monk''s Incense Fire Divine Power surged even more intensely, and the end of the Zen Stick in his hand, bolstered by the Purple Energy, transformed into an immense size, falling heavily like a meteorite from the sky.


    "Boom!"


    And yet, even with numerous attacks using all his might, he still couldn''t cause any harm to the Emperor.


    "Huang Hong!"


    Emperor Longqing, eyes closed, his beard fluttering in the Gale, slowly spoke, "I am a hundred years old, what would it look like still fighting and killing like this? I bestow upon you the National Jade Seal to suppress these rebellious officials and thieves."


    "Boom¡ª¡ª"


    The National Jade Seal erupted with even greater power, repelling the black-robed monk, then descended above Fan Tianfa, who was in the heated battle with the Chamberlain of the Ritual Supervision, Huang Hong, and struck down fiercely.


    The evenly matched opponents quickly saw a victor decided amidst this unexpected turn of events.


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    "Boom!"


    Fan Tianfa had to split his attention to block the falling Jade Seal, allowing Huang Hong''s left hand to seize the Mo Blade tightly and his right hand''s Poison Palm to find the right moment to strike the opponent''s chest. True Qi laced with poison penetrated the Armor and into his body.


    Combined, the two strikes were too much for Fan Tianfa to bear. He was hit by the Jade Seal and then struck by the palm; his body flew backward like a severed kite, finally collapsing to the ground after smashing through a wall, coughing up mouthfuls of black blood, forced to tap his acupoints immediately for detoxification.


    Huang Hong didn''t pursue to kill but instead held the Jade Seal with one hand and confronted the black-robed monk face to face, struggling but managing to buy time.


    Elsewhere.


    The purple Barrier trapping L¨¹ Ji was already full of cracks, resembling shattered porcelain, just a critical hit away from complete destruction.


    Zhangsun Xusheng, having figured out the trick to the "Sorcery," had also stabilized the situation and began to exert pressure gradually.


    The others, like the Twelve Dead Servants, were also clearly gaining the upper hand.


    Continuing at this rate, the rebellion would soon be quashed.


    "Rebels, won''t you surrender!"


    Zhangsun Xusheng shouted fiercely.


    ...


    Outside the Purple Star Palace.


    "Stop!"


    In the midst of the fiery chaos.


    Gao Bo, rolling up his sleeves, pursued.


    Yan Maoxing fled desperately ahead.


    "Block him!"


    He yelled at several Imperial Guards ahead.


    But most of the Imperial Guards were engaged in battle with the Eastern Garrison, and the few who could attend to his call were mere Array Soldiers, easily killed by the Refining Internal Realm''s Gao Bo with a few strikes.


    Gao Bo picked up a Yan Blade from the ground as he continued the pursuit.


    "Ouch..."


    Yan Maoxing, in his panicked escape, stumbled and lost his balance, rolling down the hillside where his official robe was torn by thorns and sharp stones, and his body was covered in bloodstains.


    "Yan the bandit, meet your death!"


    Gao Bo struck with the blade, ready to take the head.


    "Clang!"


    A long spear appeared silently, firmly blocking the blade''s edge, preventing it from advancing an inch further.


    Gao Bo slowly raised his head, only to see a young face: "Mr. Chen? The Xuanjia Army?!"


    Chen Sansi had somehow returned to Ziwei Mountain.


    Behind him, three thousand Black Armor troops were rushing over.


    "Mr. Gao."


    Chen Sansi inquired, "What hatred do you and Mr. Yan have that compelled you to cross swords and take his life? Eh? With the sky ablaze and everything in disarray, could it be that Qing Country has been attacked?"


    "General Chen!"


    Yan Maoxing, overwhelmed with relief, scrambled up while accusing, "Rebellion! Gao Bo and the Crown Prince, they want to rebel and plot treason. Your timing is impeccable, seize him quickly!" S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Oh?"


    Chen Sansi looked skeptical: "Mr. Gao, is this true?"


    ```

 Chapter 413 - 174: Inviting the Emperor Father to His Death_5

    "Clang!"


    Gao Bo knew he was no match, so he simply threw his knife down, "General Chen, don''t put it so harshly. We are just purifying the royal side, removing these treacherous officials to restore our Great Sheng Dynasty to a thriving universe!"


    "You''ve come at the right time!"


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    "Join us, and it will be a great credit."


    "Sorry, Mr. Gao."


    Chen Sansi said indifferently, "I''m not clear who is causing the trouble, and I haven''t received any military orders. Let me figure out the situation first. Someone, take these gentlemen down to rest!"


    "Yes!"


    Zhao Kang and others immediately came forward and escorted Yan Maoxing and Gao Bo away.


    "My lord!"


    Xia Cong looked at the scene in front of him, his face anxious, "My lord, who is rebelling? We need to protect His Majesty!"


    "How would I know who is rebelling?"


    Chen Sansi ordered, "Don''t act rashly. Try to clarify the situation first. I''ll also go and see, and act according to my orders!"


    "Yes!"


    "..."


    Having given his instructions,


    Chen Sansi hurriedly approached the palace alone.


    On the way,


    he saw Jian Yuanbo and Meng Quji, two Martial Saints, clashing in a battle that could shatter mountains and split the earth. Besides them, not far away, two figures hurriedly escorted an elderly, frail man.


    Yan Liang!


    Quite the commotion.


    Chen Sansi ignored them and took the opportunity to slip inside the palace amid the chaos.


    ...


    "Boom¡ª"


    Jiang Yuanbo and Meng Quji had fought hundreds of rounds, both suffering injuries, and it was difficult to determine a winner if they continued.


    "Stop!"


    "Stop it!"


    "Don''t fight anymore!"


    "..."


    Yan Liang coughed as he walked over.


    "Mr. Yan!"


    Meng Quji''s eyes were bloodshot, "Nothing you say matters!"


    "Ergou!"


    Yan Liang stamped his foot, "Can you listen to me for a moment! Commander Jiang, you stop too!"


    "Whizz!"


    Jiang Yuanbo sheathed his sword.


    The two maintained their distance, both regulating their condition.


    "Ergou, come here!"


    Only then did Yan Liang slowly approach, pulling him aside to a corner, "You have always been loyal to the court, so why are you doing this? Because of the ten days in Yunzhou?"


    "Exactly!"


    Meng Quji replied, "Everything I have is given by the court, and I am willing to serve the court! But... the person I serve, he cannot stab us in the back!"


    "So, you joined Gao Bo and others in conspiring to rebel?!"


    Yan Liang, aged and frail, had to pause for breath halfway through each sentence, "Ergou! We won''t discuss who planned the ten days in Yunzhou right now, but I will tell you one thing!"


    "Do you really think that Gao Bo and his group had no chance to stop everything from happening?"


    "You..."


    Meng Quji was stunned, "Elder Yan, what do you mean? The ten days in Yunzhou, the Crown Prince had no idea! Otherwise, how could he have allowed it to happen!"


    "Initially, they might not have known, but later on, they definitely became aware, and the reason why they didn''t stop it is simple..." S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Yan Liang lowered his voice, "Because it was evidence, evidence used to bring me down! If they succeeded tonight, they would be seen as the righteous party, and we would be condemned no matter how we are treated; their victory would be thorough!"


    "What?!"


    Meng Quji couldn''t believe it, "Mr. Gao and the others didn''t stop it initially, just to use the so-called evidence, letting so many brothers die in vain at the borders of Yunzhou?"


    "It''s an effective strategy, isn''t it?"


    Yan Liang emphasized, "Isn''t it because of this incident that you decided to turn and join them? Without you, a Martial Saint, how much fewer chances would they have?"


    "Impossible!"


    Meng Quji said.


    "What''s so impossible?!"


    Yan Liang spoke earnestly, "Ergou, when I was young I was just like you, charging ahead for new policies! But later I realized, many things are not for us to decide individually!"


    "If you want to secure a position in the court, you must think of every possible method!"


    "Gao Bo and his group claim to be upright scholars, but in reality? They are just using the name of integrity to malign us and occupy the moral high ground! The things they do behind the scenes, how clean can they be?"


    "I''m telling you this to persuade you to step back now! A Martial Saint''s life is precious, if you stop now, I might still be able to spare your life, and at worst, your family won''t be implicated!"


    "I don''t believe it, I need to find out for myself!"


    "Bang¡ª"


    Meng Quji suddenly moved, disappearing in the blink of an eye.


    "Elder Yan!"


    Seeing this, Jiang Yuanbo exclaimed angrily, "Weren''t you supposed to persuade him to surrender? Why did you let him escape? What if he breaches the sleeping chamber, and something happens to His Majesty?"


    "I have already successfully persuaded him."


    Yan Liang sat down slowly with the help of a servant.


    "What?"


    Jiang Yuanbo stared in the direction Meng Quji had left, "What do you mean?"


    "I understand Ergou, his involvement with Gao Bo and others was merely to seek an explanation. If that explanation no longer exists, he also..."


    As he spoke, a sinister look flashed across Yan Liang''s cloudy, aged eyes, "might as well be dead."


    ...


    The sleeping chamber.


    "All this commotion?"


    Chen Sansi hadn''t yet approached when he heard the "rumble and roar" inside the sleeping chamber, it was like an explosion, with part of the palace collapsing. It was more than just "Candlelight Axe Shadows"; it was like two armies clashing.


    He dared not go any closer but instead found a nearby tree to climb and used the Qi Observation Skill to make sure he would not be noticed. Then, he began to observe the battle inside through the gaps in the sleeping chamber.


    "What''s going on?"

 Chapter 414 - 174: Inviting the Emperor Father to His Death_6

    "The eldest disciple has turned traitor?"


    ...


    "Boom¡ª¡ª"


    The Heavenly Halberd smashed down once more, finally breaking open the Buddha Beads that had trapped him.


    Ji and Huang Hong, joining forces with the National Seal.


    The black-robed monk quickly became overwhelmed.


    And as for the National Seal,


    though it was Huang Hong who appeared to wield it, in actuality, the Old Emperor was still secretly in control.


    A strike descended.


    The National Seal restrained the Zen Stick, as Ji and Huang Hong attacked simultaneously.


    The Protective Purple Energy that enshrouded the black-robed monk began to wobble as if ready to fall apart.


    "General Ji!" S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Huang Hong yelled loudly.


    One saw within General Ji''s grasp, the Heavenly Halberd, with the enhancement of True Qi, transformed into a lion-tiger beast towering over a zhang tall as if a demonic deity descended from the heavens, its roar shaking the air, carrying boundless Power as it pounced down.


    This time,


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    the black-robed monk could no longer withstand the assault, his Protective Incense Fire Divine Power completely collapsed, and he spun out like a top, crashing to the ground, unable to rise despite several attempts.


    Such overbearing True Qi...


    Struggling, he lifted his head


    only to see General Ji, dragging the Heavenly Halberd, slowly approaching.


    He shouted vehemently, "You rebels, will you not submit to execution?!"


    "Vice Sect Hierarch!"


    "Holy Monk!"


    "..."


    The crowd glanced sideways, momentarily becoming flustered.


    The civil servants who came to show support from a distance also had unsightly expressions.


    The situation was clear.


    They were going to lose!


    Everyone knew what the consequence of a failed rebellion would be.


    "All of you, stop!"


    Huang Hong''s voice rang out, high-pitched, "His Majesty is merciful, if you stop now, you may yet preserve your life, and your families will not be implicated. Continue this, and your entire clans will be eliminated, none spared!"


    "This..."


    "What do we do?"


    "The Holy Monk and the rest have all fallen!"


    "..."


    "Cough cough cough..."


    Amidst the cacophony of discussions, sudden coughing emerged from outside the hall, growing more and more severe, so severe that it sounded as if life could fade at any moment.


    At that precise moment,


    everyone briefly ceased fighting,


    making the coughing even more distinct.


    "Tap tap~"


    Following that, came the sound of a walking stick tapping on stone pavement.


    All eyes, as if on cue, turned towards the entrance of the great hall.


    Until a somewhat stooped figure appeared, moving from darkness to light, crossing the threshold with some difficulty, revealing a gaunt face.


    "Your Highness!"


    "Your Highness, why have you come?"


    "..."


    Fan Tianfa struggled to get up: "The matter is not yet concluded; Your Highness shouldn''t show yourself!"


    "Let''s all stop."


    The Crown Prince tucked away the handkerchief from his mouth: "You are all pillars of our Great Sheng Dynasty; if we are all injured, it is our own loss."


    "..."


    Emperor Longqing lifted his eyes and looked at him, saying nothing.


    "Your son pays his respects to Your Majesty!"


    The Crown Prince slowly knelt down, struggling to kowtow.


    "Rise,"


    Emperor Longqing said languidly, "You shouldn''t have come. Someone, the Crown Prince is unwell, quickly help him back to rest."


    "Father Emperor!"


    The Crown Prince raised his hand, signaling not to come closer, "Your son still has one more matter unfinished."


    "Speak."


    Emperor Longqing uttered a single word.


    To everyone''s eyes.


    Everything had already ended.


    What followed was simply a slow and individual cleanup.


    Even if the Crown Prince admitted his wrongs at this point, it would be too late to make amends.


    "Your son begs Father Emperor to abdicate!"


    The Crown Prince suddenly raised his voice, "The state of Dasheng can no longer bear Father Emperor exhausting the people and squandering wealth! Too many commoners have no way to live, too many grievances need to be exposed, too many ills need curing. Father Emperor''s position should be taken by someone else!"


    "Should Father Emperor abdicate to become the Supreme Emperor, your son will certainly fulfill his filial duty!"


    Emperor Longqing finally showed emotion, "Crown Prince, haven''t you caused enough trouble?"


    "Your son begs Father Emperor to abdicate! Otherwise¡­"


    The Crown Prince, supporting himself, slowly rose to his feet, each word echoing thunderously, "Your son will have no choice but, for the sake of this world, to commit an act of unfilial piety!"


    "Your Highness!"


    Chief Eunuch Huang Hong warned, "Can''t you see that His Majesty wants to minimize the impact? Now that the situation is settled, even if you persist on troubling yourself, what can you change?!"


    Crown Prince.


    Stripped of this noble status, he was just a frail and sickly old man.


    They really could not understand why he still wanted to come over.


    The royal family cared about face.


    As long as he did not appear, there were ways to negotiate behind the scenes, at least he wouldn''t lose his life. Now that he showed up in person, it was useless, and it would also disgrace the royal family.


    "Sect Hierarch!"


    All they heard was a black-robed monk shouting, "No more hesitation! Take action!"


    Sect Hierarch?!


    Upon hearing this.


    Everyone present doubted they were hallucinating.


    This old man, who needed a cane to walk, was the Hierarch of the Incense Fire Divine Sect?!


    Let alone outsiders.


    Even Fan Tianfa was unaware.


    "Buzz¡ª"


    An elliptical incense burner quietly appeared before the Crown Prince.


    One rune after another on the surface of the incense burner lit up with purple light, until fully connected, bursting forth a dazzling purple light that filled the entire bedchamber, like a purple sun.


    Above.


    A strange and ethereal shrine materialized.


    However...


    Transforming into strands of Purple Energy, it poured into the Crown Prince''s body from above.


    "Stop him quickly!"


    Although Huang Hong and others did not know what exactly would happen next, they understood they couldn''t let things be.


    General Ji, wielding his Heavenly Halberd, launched several moves, all of which were blocked by the mysterious force within the incense burner.


    "Father Emperor, this is from the Evil God Path!"


    The Crown Prince, allowing the Purple Energy from the shrine to fill him, spoke as if he were two people at once, "Once it is unleashed, your son will not be able to control himself. This is the last time your son is asking Father Emperor, would you be willing to abdicate?!"


    Emperor Longqing''s silence gave him his answer.


    With the loss of his last concern, the Crown Prince completely merged with the shrine, his eyes thoroughly turning purple, his posture erect, his expression drastically changed, as if he had become a completely different person:


    "Then I have no choice..."


    "But to invite Father Emperor to die!"

 Chapter 415 - 175 The Great Turmoil Subsides

    Ziwei Mountain.


    A figure thunderously descended.


    "Martial Saint!"


    "Commander Meng?!"


    Xia Cong and the others, seeing the figure holding a spear, did not understand what was happening.


    "Get out of my way, all of you!"


    Meng Quji made a beeline for Minister of War Gao Bo in the crowd.


    Those who tried to stop him were not killed, but simply brushed aside with a wave of his hand, sending them all tumbling away.


    "General Meng?"


    Minister of War Gao Bo frowned, "You don''t need to worry about me! If you get the chance, go straight to the sleeping quarters!"


    "Mr. Gao!"


    Meng Quji grabbed him by the collar, "You deceived me?!"


    "You, Meng... General, what do you mean by that?"


    Gao Bo asked in confusion, "When have I ever deceived you?"


    "Yunzhou!"


    Meng Quji questioned fiercely, "When you first learned of their actions, did you know and not stop them? You''d better tell me the truth!"


    "General Meng... I..."


    Gao Bo could not meet his gaze and finally said, "When I knew about it, it was already too late, even if I went to stop it, I could only save a portion of the border soldiers."


    "So, you really knew!"


    Meng Quji emphasized the point, "But you just didn''t go to stop it!"


    "Indeed! If a thousand people die, they die, if ten thousand die, it''s the same, so just let the north fall into chaos. In this way, it''s more advantageous for us! Now, we have their evidence of guilt!" Stay tuned with My Virtual Library Empire


    Gao Bo said, "After the event is successful, we publicize the evidence to the world, ''Purify the Monarch''s Side,'' and we will be the army of justice, not treacherous officials and rebels!"


    "A thousand people die, ten thousand people die..."


    Meng Quji repeated the Minister of War''s words over and over, then couldn''t help but sneer, until his eyes turned blood red, and he clenched his teeth to ask, "In Mr. Gao''s eyes, are our brothers at the border just numbers?!"


    "..."


    Gao Bo was stunned.


    He seemed not to realize what was wrong with what he said.


    "Gao Bo! You fight over power in court, why play with our lives as a joke? We, we are risking our lives for you on the frontlines!"


    Meng Quji''s emotions began to crumble.


    He almost yelled, "I, Meng Ergou, don''t understand grand righteousness, nor can I speak of the well-being of the common people. I only know that when brothers entrust you with their lives, even if you can''t lend them your full support, you must not stab them in the back!"


    "Is it necessary?"


    Gao Bo completely misunderstood, "General Meng, why are you going mad here?"


    "Is it necessary? A fine ''is it necessary''..."


    Meng Quji sneered, slowly releasing his grip, "You''re all the same. If that''s the case, what difference does it make who wins? For whom should I risk my life, and what would it mean!"


    "You''re really insane!"


    Gao Bo warned, "General Meng, you''re a master of military strategy; don''t you realize that there is no way out now? Hurry to the sleeping quarters. After success, you''ll be the leading contributor! Otherwise, if things fail, both our heads will fall!"


    "Or are you going to turn now and help Yan Liang and the others?"


    "You have to choose a side!"


    "Choose a side?"


    Meng Quji''s cold sneer suddenly turned into a nefarious smile, "What if I choose neither?"


    "What''s the time for?"


    Gao Bo advised, "General Meng, do you still think you can withdraw yourself from this?"


    "Did I ever say I wanted to withdraw?"


    "What do you mean by that?"


    Before Gao Bo could get clarity, a burst of fierce wind erupted in front of him, causing his official hat to fly up, hair to become disheveled, and when he opened his eyes again, Meng Quji was already a hundred yards away.


    He had no intention of fleeing down the mountain; instead, he headed straight for the Ziwei Palace.


    "Boom¡ª"


    At that moment.


    The entire Ziwei Mountain shook violently, with such magnitude that countless trees tumbled down, dirt slopes slid away, and even the stone paths cracked open as if a natural disaster struck, threatening the whole mountain''s integrity.


    "What, what''s going on?!"


    "..."


    The horrifying phenomenon.


    Caused even the fighting Eastern Garrison and Imperial Guard to cease their combat.


    ... S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The sleeping quarters.


    "Please, Father Emperor, to your death!"


    After uttering these words.


    The Crown Prince had thoroughly transformed into someone else.


    His form seemed ethereal, mixing with purple and red light. With a swipe of his hands, a sword constructed from Incense Fire Divine Power materialized in front of him. Gripping the sword, he walked slowly toward the Emperor.


    "You, what are you doing?!"


    On the meditation mat.


    The sitting Emperor Longqing finally showed emotion on his face. His pupils changed countless times in an instant, various feelings merging into a complex, indescribable mix: "My most filial son, to commit regicide and parricide?"


    "Your Majesty, be careful!"


    Huang Hong gathered True Qi in the palm of his hand, like a deep-sea vortex, and forcefully struck toward the godlike, demonic Crown Prince, who raised his hand and countered with a sword strike. Purple light flashed, and the True Qi shattered.


    He spun out and crashed heavily against a column, and only upon falling to the ground could it be seen: from his forehead to his chest, a bloody line ran down his whole body. If not for the Protective True Qi, he would have been cleaved in two on the spot!


    Despite this.


    He did not give up, struggling to spit out blood, and threw out the National Seal.


    The National Seal vibrated as if the Demon Suppression Pagoda was smashing down on the aging Crown Prince.


    Yet this time.


    The Jade Seal, unlike before, met the Incense Fire Divine Power only to be stalemated, unable to suppress his opponent. After several collisions, it lost control and fell to the ground with a "clatter," then rolling to a stop in front of the Emperor.


    Ji acted promptly but was likewise repelled repeatedly, helpless against his opponent.


    "Your Majesty, cough cough..."

 Chapter 416 - 175: Finalizing the Great Turmoil_2

    Huang Hong shouted, "Your Majesty, fight back!"


    "I will not strike back,"


    Emperor Longqing remained immobile, "If my son wants to kill me, let him do it. I shall go to my death. I will never raise my hand against my own progeny no matter what."


    "Your Majesty!"


    Huang Hong understood.


    Even commoners say, "Family scandals must not be publicized," let alone the Imperial Family.


    To have a son kill his father is a disgrace beyond compare.


    If the father struck back, it would probably bring the Cao Family''s reputation completely to the ground.


    "Come! Kill me, and take my place on the throne!"


    Emperor Longqing offered his neck, "Even if you''re wrong, our ancestors'' spirits in heaven will punish you one day!"


    This scene.


    Took all those present somewhat by surprise.


    Things had escalated to this point, and the Emperor still dared not make a move?


    "To preserve the royal face, such restraint indeed."


    Outside the bedchamber.


    The earthquake continued unabated.


    Chen Sansi crouched on a continuously shaking branch, watching the scene inside with perfect clarity.


    The Crown Prince had hidden his capabilities well.


    Even Chen Sansi had not seen it coming.


    Through the Qi Observation Skill, it was clear that this old man was just a regular person.


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    The Incense Fire Divine Sect''s Divine Skills allow an ordinary person to quickly gain such formidable combat abilities in a short time. Perhaps that''s why they offer living sacrifices.


    From the incident''s start until now.


    It was just half an hour, in fact.


    He was in no hurry, continuing to observe from the shadows.


    "Ssshh~"


    At that moment.


    He noticed another group of people appearing in the corner of the square.


    "What a lively scene,"


    Cao Zhi hid behind a rock, peering into the hall, "It seems that even without this prince''s help, the Ziwei consecration ceremony won''t be dull. What do you think, what method did the Incense Fire Divine Sect use to make my sickly brother so formidable?"


    "According to the latest intelligence, it seems to be some kind of True God Dao and Evil God Path,"


    Zhang Zhao said, "When shall we make our move?"


    "No rush, let''s wait a bit longer. It''s not our place to interfere now,"


    As they spoke. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The trembling of the ground intensified.


    "What''s going on?!"


    Cao Zhi, supporting himself on the ground with one hand, asked, "How is the situation at the underground cavern? Have they not returned yet?"


    "My lord!"


    "Something''s wrong!"


    "..."


    Two surviving disciples from the Seeking Immortal Tower stumbled back.


    "Where''s Eunuch Lao?"


    Cao Zhi sensed something was amiss, "Why only the two of you? What happened?"


    ```


    "Zhang Lai Zi, it''s Zhang Lai Zi!"


    ```


    The disciple of the Seeking Immortal Tower said with a face full of terror, "He used Heavenly Fire to burn Lord Lai Zi and the others to death, and then he took all the Grand Ancestor Relics!"


    ```


    Cao Zhi was somewhat incredulous, "Where did such a powerful cultivator come from?"


    ```


    ...


    ```


    "Grandpa!"


    ```


    Cao Fan, looking at his grandfather in a Taoist robe, felt a twinge of guilt, "Father King absolutely had no intention of harming your life. His loss of control is due to borrowing Divine Power. Grandpa, there is still time to abdicate."


    Upon hearing this,


    Emperor Longqing immediately looked at the Black-robed Monk, "Evil monk, what have you done to my son?"


    ```


    "The Crown Prince is the Hierarch of our Incense Fire Divine Sect!"


    ```


    The Black-robed Monk, supporting himself with the Zen Stick, said, "For the sake of the people, he willingly gave up the True God Dao to cultivate the Evil God Path. Even so, the Crown Prince still refrained from conducting large-scale sacrifices to extend his life; otherwise, why would he fall ill so frequently?


    ```


    "For country and people, such is the Crown Prince''s commitment. Aren''t you shamed enough to abdicate, Your Majesty?"


    ```


    The words that followed,


    were all ignored.


    Emperor Longqing began to lift his head slowly, the aura of the dragon starting to appear on his face; without uttering a word, the suffocating feeling intensified, "I always said, my son has always been filial, how could he change overnight and commit such an act of disobedience? Turns out...


    ```


    "There are demons like you instigating behind the scenes!


    ```


    ```


    "First, you stirred up trouble in the court; then you used Sorcery to control my son. You demons, your hearts deserve death, your crimes must be annihilated."


    ```


    In just a few words,


    what happened tonight turned from a forced palace change to religious upheaval.


    No matter what happens next,


    it was to save face for the Imperial Family.


    ```


    "..."


    ```


    Chen Sansi thought to himself.


    The Imperial Family is really troublesome. Even a scuffle begins with a pile of absurd justifications.


    ```


    "Old Emperor!"


    ```


    The Crown Prince spoke in a voice that had completely changed, as if it emanated from the depths of the underworld, disdainfully saying, "Shouldn''t you kneel and pay homage to me, or perhaps I might leave you a whole corpse."


    ```


    "What demon dares?"


    ```


    Emperor Longqing faced him and said coolly, "State your name."


    ```


    "Demon?"


    ```


    The Crown Prince let out a cold laugh impossible to discern as male or female, "I am a deity. You''re merely a mortal emperor who has practiced only the surface of Immortal Law; how can you be so insolent?


    ```


    "Your Majesty!"


    ```


    Huang Hong called out, "Please, Emperor Wan Shou, take action and subdue the demon to save the Crown Prince!"


    ```


    "I''ve cultivated for over forty years and never once made a move."


    ```


    Emperor Longqing said leisurely, "Today, it seems I shall make a small demonstration of my skills."


    The Crown Prince, who had been a hundred steps away, had somehow already come close, his hand''s Incense Fire Divine Power manifesting as a sword blade that was about to cleave down upon the elder''s head.


    Finally, Emperor Longqing moved.


    He violently swung the horsetail whisk draped on his arm, unleashing dazzling golden light, and what was distinctly a horsetail whisk under the boost of the golden light, could actually vie with the sword blade wrapped in purple light.


    A clash of forces.


    The Taoist-robed Old Emperor floated back gracefully and landed steadily on the ground.


    The Crown Prince also stabilized his figure in the void.


    ```


    "Whoosh¡ª¡ª"


    ```


    Emperor Longqing swung the horsetail whisk again.


    This time,


    curtains fell from the top of the great hall, just covering him and the Crown Prince from view, so that the rest of their confrontation could no longer be seen by anyone else; only rumbling sounds and flickering lights could be heard.

 Chapter 417 - 175 The Great Turmoil Subsides_3

    Obviously,


    the screen had been prepared for a long time.


    Even now, Emperor Longqing still chose to hide his true strength in front of everyone.


    But from Chen Sansi''s Qi Observation Skill,


    the "Qi" inside both individuals had a similar level of density. If the fight continued this way, it was likely that a victor wouldn''t be decided in a short time. However, it was also probable that neither had yet played their trump card.


    In front of the screen,


    characters like Ji and the rest restarted the chaotic battle, launching into the second round of slaughter among the High Realm Martial Artists. The palace was divided by the dark background, half of it so damaged it hardly looked like itself, and it seemed certain to be completely discarded after this battle.


    They fought from inside the palace to the outside.


    "Hum¡ª"


    From the incense burner that had previously been used to crown the Crown Prince, a purple Incense Fire Mystical Energy surged out once again, cascading down like a heavenly shower of shooting stars upon the followers of the Incense Fire Divine Sect.


    Originally, the flagging Incense Fire Divine Sect, after receiving the augmentation of Divine Power, began to stubbornly hold on again.


    Until the Mystical Energy within the incense burner was exhausted.


    The body of the incense burner began to crack inch by inch and finally exploded violently, tearing through the screen to reinforce the Crown Prince, igniting thunderous roars and fierce winds, shaking the entire palace to its foundations and setting it ablaze with towering flames.


    A few breaths later,


    Ziwei Mountain, which had been unstable for a while, shook even more violently, escalating the disturbance.


    The trees where Chen Sansi was hiding began to tilt rapidly until they finally fell, forcing him to find another place to hide.


    In his eyes,


    from a chasm to the southeast a clean energy soared to the heavens, resembling a colorless rainbow that arched over and connected within the sleeping quarters, like a massive rope pulling at its other end.


    It wasn''t until there was a commotion from within the sleeping quarters that the "rope" began to contract as if to pull something back into its embrace. Accompanying the sound of the Earth splitting open, a flash of golden light burst forth from the mountain, emitting a dragon''s roar that resounded through the heavens.


    "What, what is that?!"


    "A dragon!"


    "A True Dragon!"


    "Look quickly!"


    "There''s a True Dragon appearing in the world!"


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    Inside and outside Ziwei Mountain,


    whether it was the Eastern Garrison, the Imperial Guard, or the eunuchs, everyone looked up at the sky at this moment.


    Even the common people of Taihu Prefecture noticed this anomaly.


    "Is this the Dragon Abyss Sword left by the Grand Ancestor that you spoke of?"


    Gazing up at the Heavenly Dome, Cao Zhi said, "How divine must the Grand Ancestor have been to leave behind such a treasure!"


    "Boom¡ª"


    Under the gaze of the multitude, the Dragon Abyss Sword ripped apart a large portion of the palace and fell within the sleeping quarters.


    Golden light flickered, and thunder roared.


    A few breaths later,


    all was calm within the sleeping quarters.


    The screen that had obstructed everyone''s view completely turned into dust, revealing the scene inside to everyone once more.


    There stood the Crown Prince, leaning on a crutch, his body slightly hunched. There were no injuries on him, but his hair had turned white and hung loose, making him appear as if he had aged ten years.


    Ten steps away,


    Emperor Longqing sat cross-legged on a cushion, with his hands forming a seal, looking somewhat frail. In front of him, a sword like a True Dragon was embedded in the ground, still shining with bright golden light but now extremely silent.


    Outside the palace,


    the fighting also reached its concluding phase.


    Under the unknown and profound Divine Skills augmented by that incense burner, both sides were more or less equally damaged.


    Even Ji had suffered significant injuries and could only prop himself up with a Heavenly Halberd. It was clear that his meridians had been damaged. The Black-robed Monk continued to confront him, with neither able to leave.


    This situation


    was also reflected in the eunuchs, Fan Tianfa, Zhangsun Xusheng, and others.


    Every individual with the strength of a Martial Saint was nearly at their limit.


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    "The Emperor is injured!"


    The Black-robed Monk, while fending off Ji and ignoring the blood spilling from his mouth, exclaimed, "Do not delay! Once the Old Emperor dies, we win!"


    He took out the last Buddha Bead from his bosom, crushed it, and created a small Boundary to temporarily trap Zhangsun Xusheng, as well as numerous Ritual Supervision eunuchs and Death Guards.


    "Miao Sect Master, lead the remaining brothers and go!"


    "..."


    In such a scenario, the generals and followers of lower realms became more active.


    Unlike the Martial Saints, whose battles were difficult to decide, their fates were straightforward: dead or, if surviving, not severely injured. Quickly, they gathered a group of about twenty people and headed straight for the sleeping quarters.


    Just as Miao Sect Master stepped over the threshold, a sharp sound of slicing air was heard close to his ear.


    He turned and struck with his sword,


    colliding with an arrow carrying a forceful momentum.


    "Swoosh¡ª"


    Almost simultaneously,


    the sky was filled with the sound of arrows in flight.


    "Xuanjia Army, protect the Emperor!"


    "..."


    Everyone turned towards the origin of the voice to see a young General wielding a long spear, leading a throng of Armored Soldiers charging into Ziwei Palace.


    "Attack now!"


    Miao Sect Master ordered two men to block the rear while he rushed towards the Emperor himself.


    The long spear danced, and within the blink of an eye, two followers of the Incense Fire Sect fell to the ground, dead.


    "To hell with you!"


    Enraged, Miao Sect Master turned to counter-attack. His Soft Sword spread out with Gang Qi mixed with Incense Fire Divine Power, evolving into a venomous snake clashing with a Jiao Long emerging from the sea. The friction was so sharp it pierced the ears.


    The venomous snake appeared to have bitten the gun blade, but Chen Sansi felt pain in his arm, stumbling back several steps, shattering a wooden door before regaining his footing. His Vajra Body still vibrating from the impact.


    This high-level figure of the Incense Fire Divine Sect, judging by the Qi within him, seemed to have an entry-level Martial Arts Realm around the Profound Image Realm, but his Incense Fire Divine Dao cultivation was unknown. Virtually all of the Mystical Energy he had refined was spent.

 Chapter 418 - 175 The Great Turmoil Subsides_4

    It was for this reason,


    that Chen Sansi dared to fight his way up here alone.


    The overall strength of his opponent was just a notch above his own, making it the perfect trial.


    Lately, he had been relying too much on spells.


    But today''s great battle proved


    that Martial Arts were not inferior.


    Especially the Martial Saints.


    Each of them could clash head-on with a practitioner of spells and not necessarily be at a disadvantage.


    Therefore, before officially stepping onto the "Immortal Path," it was better not to abandon the fundamentals for the sake of the superficial.


    Fortunately,


    he hadn''t lost his edge.


    After three or five rounds, he gradually mastered the peculiarities of the opponent''s Swordsmanship, but with the dual boost of his qi realm''s suppression and the Incense Fire Divine Power, it was incredibly arduous.


    In the eyes of onlookers, it was an act of desperation, fighting to the death to protect the monarch.


    "Hmm?"


    Emperor Longqing watched this scene, his pupils flickering, feeling somewhat moved, he thought, "Sun Xiangzong back in the day was just like this. He''s grown old, but it seems he''s taken a good disciple."


    "Your Majesty, get out of here!"


    Chen Sansi held out until the thirtieth round.


    Under the effect of the "Qilin''s Heart," he had not only familiarized himself with the opponent''s tactics but also effortlessly found a flaw.


    Turning to look at Miao Sect Master, his body''s purple Mystical Energy was drained to exhaustion, and he began to rely purely on Martial Arts to combat his enemy. It wasn''t long before even his Gang Qi could barely maintain its peak state. Shifting from offense to defense, he felt as if blades were coming at him from every direction¡ªall lethal threats.


    Meridian Passage!


    This man was merely in the Meridian Passage stage!


    Yet he, a member of the Mysterious Phenomenon, was struggling to parry the blows.


    "A flaw!"


    In the midst of the grueling battle, with pressure mounting in Miao Sect Master''s heart, he finally found a loophole in Chen Sansi''s spear technique and thrust his sword without hesitation. The Gang Qi tore through the shoulder armour and penetrated the Vajra Body''s Copper Skin Iron Bone, leaving a gaping wound.


    In contrast, he merely suffered a minor scratch on his arm, a trivial cut that he would not have paid much attention to, but the next moment...


    A terrifying force surged through the tiny wound into his body and began to rampage wildly, shredding muscle before attacking bone, and continued to penetrate deeper towards vital death points.


    The True Dragon rampaged!


    True Dragon Strength!


    "Damn it!"


    The Miao Sect Master hurriedly used his other hand to seal the vital points to quench the True Dragon Strength inside of him, but at the same time, the long spear directly pierced through his heart. As it slowly began to twist, his heart was minced by the blade''s edge, allowing more True Dragon Strength to flood in.


    He could no longer hold onto his Weapon, letting the Soft Sword slip from his grasp. Even using the last of his strength to grab the spear shaft, he couldn''t stop it at all, and soon he used up his last bit of energy and died, his head hanging low.


    "Zila¡ª¡ª"


    Behind him,


    several members of the Incense God Sect crazily chopped their blades into Chen Sansi''s back as if possessed, tearing open the Vajra Body and leaving deep gashes.


    "What a formidable, loyal minister!"


    The gravely injured Chief Eunuch Huang Hong watched this with a shock to the heart.


    "Your Majesty!"


    With a fierce shout, Chen Sansi drew the Zhenyue Sword from his waist, reaping the lives of the assassins and then chased after those who sought to assassinate the Emperor, fighting valiantly in a bloodbath.


    "Kill him for me!"


    On the flanks,


    several Imperial Guard Generals who had joined the Crown Prince Faction came to attack. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Father, Mr. Chen!"


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    the Twelfth Prince Cao Zhi arrived with a group of Jinyi Guards, who blocked off the Imperial Guard; "Mr. Chen, take my father and flee!"


    "Your Majesty, quickly, escape!"


    The bloodied Chen Sansi approached Emperor Longqing, helping him to his feet: "The Black Armor Army will break through any moment, the situation is under control, the rebellion will soon be quelled, Your Majesty, please take care of your dragon body!"


    "Take the sword."


    Emperor Longqing did not refuse.


    "Yes!"


    "Clang!"


    Chen Sansi picked up the Dragon Abyss Sword, and with a swing of the sword, he cleaved an Imperial Guard, along with his armour, in half, easily cutting through metal, far better than the Zhenyue Sword.


    And even though the sword was in his hand, he had not truly mastered it.


    Its owner was still the Emperor.


    But the connective Mystical Energy between the Emperor and the Dragon Abyss Sword was somewhat restless.


    It seemed that the Emperor had not yet fully mastered the sword either.


    But there was still a vast amount of Spiritual Power in his body.


    In today''s battle, it was clear he had not yet gone all out.


    In fact,


    when the Dragon Abyss Sword appeared, Chen Sansi knew the outcome was decided, and the scene of mutual destruction he wanted to see wasn''t going to happen, so he hurriedly called his men to guard their ruler.


    The Emperor had always been able to establish a connection with the Dragon Abyss Sword!


    It was evident in the underground cavern!


    But why didn''t he retrieve the treasure from the cavern?


    He speculated that either he couldn''t sense its exact location until it was completely refined and he became the owner of the Dragon Abyss Sword, or it was... deliberate!


    With the appearance of the Dragon Abyss,


    such a massive disturbance was bound to be known throughout the land.


    In that case, these "traitors" would not jump out.


    Those involved in the coup tonight, from all over the court, both inside and out, the Emperor, despite his immense abilities, could not possibly weed them out one by one, unless...


    They revealed themselves!


    Before coming to Ziwei Mountain, the Emperor sensed that the Crown Prince Faction could no longer restrain their desire to revolt!


    All of this, if not predicted beforehand, was at least thoroughly prepared for!


    After tonight,


    the power that the Crown Prince Faction had painstakingly built up over forty years as Supervisor would be wiped out, and the court would face a new era where no one could influence the Emperor''s decisions for some time.


    He won.


    Chen Sansi protected the Emperor, making their way from the sleeping palace toward the Yangxin Palace.


    This coup was nearing its end.


    ...


    "..."


    Meng Quji arrived at the palace and began to attack indiscriminately. It didn''t matter whether they were the Crown Prince''s men or the Emperor''s; anyone in the way was impaled and killed on the spot, charging straight for the sleeping chamber.

 Chapter 419 - 175 The Great Turmoil Subsides_5

    "Since helping either side would wrong my brothers,"


    "I simply won''t help either!"


    "There''s no turning back now, no way out."


    "Rather than running away, I might as well go down fighting wildly, even if I die here, at least I''ll have avenged my border brothers."


    "Another figure blocked the way ahead."


    "Get out of my way!"


    With a roar, Meng Quji thrust his eight-foot snake spear, wrapped in rolling clouds of True Qi, colliding with an Azure Dragon Crescent blade.


    The person holding the Azure Dragon Crescent blade was sent flying backward, not landing until he had retreated dozens of feet to dissipate the force.


    "To withstand a blow from the Martial Saint without harm, you''re quite impressive!"


    Meng Quji fixed his gaze and was soon startled, "Deng Feng? What are you doing here?"


    "Naturally, to stop General Meng."


    Deng Feng glanced in the direction of the sleeping palace, "The situation is settled, General. Going there now, I''m afraid you would just be throwing your life away."


    "So what if I am?!"


    Meng Quji said with hostility, "If you named Deng want to live, don''t stand in my way!"


    Far from stepping aside, Deng Feng instead thrust the Azure Dragon Crescent blade into the ground to signal he had no ill intent and began to speak: "General Meng! I heard everything you said to Mr. Gao earlier."


    "You''re lashing out like a madman now simply because you don''t understand what living means anymore, and you want a swift death, am I right?"


    Meng Quji remained silent.


    "I won''t lie, not long ago, I was just like you."


    Deng Feng said solemnly, "At that time, I was confused and uncertain about what to do in the days ahead."


    "Spare me your nonsense, you''re just afraid to die and surrendered, you''re no loyal and righteous man!"


    Meng Quji was impatient and about to leave.


    Deng Feng shouted at his back, "General Meng, since you cannot tolerate the strife between the two factions in court, why not break free and join a third force?"


    This time,


    Meng Quji stopped in his tracks, "A third force? Are you talking about Prince Qin, Prince Qi, or the Sixth Prince, who''s about to end his house arrest? What''s the difference between them and the Yan Party and the Gao Faction?"


    "No."


    Deng Feng said calmly, "None of those."


    "None of those..."


    Meng Quji eyed him, then suddenly thought of something, "Deng Feng, you can''t be talking to me about Chen Sansi, can you?"


    Deng Feng''s silence gave the answer.


    Meng Quji snorted derisively, "Nonsense! He''s an official in the court just the same, isn''t he? And many people know that although he hasn''t clearly taken sides, he has a rather ambiguous relationship with the Yan Party."


    "Chen Shuai is different. He would never partake in these so-called factional disputes. Even if he seems to be involved, it is merely a temporary measure due to his position."


    Deng Feng continued, "If Chen Shuai were like those in the court, grabbing power and acting without scruples like those utterly corrupt officials, I would never choose to follow him and bear the stigma! This was evident when Chen Shuai arrived in Taihu Prefecture and did all he could to help the starving people, isn''t it? He even spent most of his own silver to help them. How many officials are willing to do that?" Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "..."


    Meng Quji knew about this.


    Back then, Chen Sansi even came to ask for his help, but he had refused.


    Compared to the common people, he cared more about whether his own brothers could get enough to eat.


    "You should have heard how good Chen Shuai is to his men."


    Deng Feng narrated, "When Chen Shuai began in Po Yang County, he brought out a group of brothers. These men were of average talent, but they are still in the Xuanjia Army to this day. Chen Shuai even personally funds supplemental medicines for them every month. Whenever a soldier is injured or killed, he provides the highest level of compensation. Could such a man, be like those in the court who treat border soldiers as mere numbers, doing things like what happened in Yunzhou ten days ago?"


    "Chen Sansi is indeed a figure."


    Meng Quji knew this well, "But what''s the point of you telling me all this?"


    "Can''t General Meng understand? Since the court is corrupt, forget about them!"


    Deng Feng declared resolutely, "Join me in following Chen Shuai, and one day, ''with a three-foot Green Blade Sword in hand, we will sweep all the filth from this land!''"


    "Wait a second..."


    Previously, he hadn''t thought it through.


    Having this conversation, Meng Quji suddenly realized something was amiss, "What are you all planning to do?!"


    This was forming a faction for personal gain!


    And it wasn''t just the explicit court factions, but something going on behind the scenes...


    No, this wasn''t just personal factionalism anymore,


    it should be called cultivating a power base in secret!


    Deng Feng said, "General Meng, you react just as I did at first. In any case, I can assure you that Chen Shuai is different from the rest, and if you agree to join, you''ll see for yourself eventually."


    "Regardless of what you''re planning to do, aren''t you all too weak right now?"


    Meng Quji calculated, "After this battle, at most Chen Sansi will have ten thousand troops under him, just a commander of one camp. What can he do?"


    "That''s why we need General Meng''s involvement."


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    Deng Feng persuaded, "Add me to that, and before long, Chen Shuai will have two Martial Saints under his command! And this might be your only chance to truly avenge the soldiers of Yunzhou.


    "If I remember correctly, you have several sworn brothers, as well as a woman you''re fond of, who all died unjustly in Yunzhou, correct?


    "Even if you rush over there, how many can you kill?


    "If you want revenge, let''s do it thoroughly!"


    These sworn brothers.


    Meng Quji had taken them a long time ago.


    None of them were as good as he was, and the best of them only made Assistant General. The rest were Thousand Captains and Hundred Captains. That woman was a brother''s sister, and with such low status, their deaths in Yunzhou are unlikely to have been of concern to the people at court.


    "How do you know these things? I rarely speak of them to outsiders!"


    "General Meng."

 Chapter 420 - 175 The Great Turmoil Subsides_6

    Deng Feng said in a deep voice, "Have you forgotten? I was responsible for guarding you at the border. Isn''t it reasonable for me to gather detailed information about the enemy''s main general? I''ve said everything that needs to be said. Now, it''s up to you to decide whether to keep a life for future revenge or to go to your death."


    Meng Quji closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and when he lifted his gaze again, his expression had become resolute. "Fine, as long as you can do as you say, I am willing to risk my life for you, but there''s another issue¡ªI have offended both sides now."


    "Chen Shuai..."


    "Even if it were his master, he wouldn''t be able to save me, right?"


    "You should hide for now."


    Deng Feng instructed, "A Martial Saint should be able to protect his own life, right? As for the follow-up matters, after I report to Chen Shuai, he will handle them."


    During the discussion,


    a figure was rapidly approaching from a distance.


    Jiang Yuanbo!


    "It''s not safe to stay here long. You better find a way to survive on your own for now."


    "Alright then."


    His anger dissipated, and his craziness receded, Meng Quji used every trick in his book to make a swift escape ¡ªthis was the first time he had acted so recklessly in his life.


    ...


    The people of Crown Prince''s lineage began to flee.


    After the Black Armor Army joined the battle, they had no power left to resist.


    Ling Xuzi died on the spot.


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    Yun Xiaozi, severely injured, fled with Cao Fan and a few attendants.


    "Emperor!"


    Chen Sansi had escorted the Old Emperor to Yangxin Palace and summoned a thousand soldiers before returning the Dragon Abyss Sword with both hands: "You weren''t injured, were you?"


    "Just a minor injury, it''s not serious."


    Emperor Longqing glanced at the blood oozing out of Chen Sansi''s shoulder: "But you seem to be seriously injured."


    "I have a tough life; it''s nothing serious!"


    Chen Sansi had calculated it well; these were merely external injuries. Once he applied medicine, he would recover quickly, and even if he needed to fight again, it wouldn''t affect him much since his meridians and bones were not damaged.


    The doors of the grand hall were pushed open.


    Jiang Yuanbo hurried in: "Emperor, I am late in coming to protect you!"


    Commander Jiang arrived just in time."


    Chen Sansi said, "You''re indeed the most reliable person to ensure the Emperor''s safety. I will go outside and hunt down the traitors!"


    "Understood."


    Jiang Yuanbo nodded, "Mr. Chen, you have worked hard." sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ...


    "Father!"


    "Your Highness, escape quickly!"


    "..."


    In the woods, Cao Fan took a few steps, each time looking back at the fire reaching to the sky from the Purple Star Palace: "Where is my father?"


    "Princely Heir, you are being foolish!"


    Yun Xiaozi said, "As long as the Crown Prince is alive, the Emperor won''t easily kill his own son; at most, he will be placed under house arrest. But the Princely Heir is still young. Are you planning to spend your whole life in the Ancestral Affairs Office?"


    "Yes, Princely Heir."


    Eunuch Feng said with tears, "The Crown Prince had already instructed before the uprising that if anything went wrong, you should go to the Incense Fire Divine Sect. There''s a High Priest there who can ensure your safety for life."


    "It''s Chen Sansi again, always him!"


    Cao Fan recalled the last scene, his heart filled with immense pain.


    There was clearly one last chance to fight back!


    Yet at that moment, the Black Armor Army intervened, extinguishing their last hope.


    "If the Princely Heir wants to seek revenge, he should come back with us to the Divine Sect. If you succeed in your cultivation in the future, it won''t be too late to come back and kill that mortal man!"


    Yun Xiaozi persuaded.


    At the exit of the woods they were approaching, a dark figure appeared unexpectedly.


    "Who goes there?"


    Eunuch Feng rebuked.


    "It''s me!"


    A familiar, ugly face appeared.


    Everyone breathed a sigh of relief instantly.


    "Zhang Lai Zi!"


    Yun Xiaozi initially wanted to curse, but in the end, he dared not, "You, why did you abandon us earlier?"


    "Hmph!"


    "With the Dragon Abyss Sword lying there, I had known something was amiss!"


    Chen Sansi declared, "Where were you planning to go?"


    "Back to the Divine Sect!"


    Yun Xiaozi said, "Hero Zhang, would you like to come along? You also practice the Incense Fire Divine Dao, and now that the Sect has suffered heavy losses, it wouldn''t hurt for you to become a Vice Sect Hierarch!"


    "Returning with you..."


    Chen Sansi pondered, "What benefits could I possibly gain?"


    "There are plenty of benefits!"


    Yun Xiaozi said, "Let''s talk as we walk, we are running out of time!"


    "Wait!"


    Cao Fan interrupted, "Hero Zhang, before we leave, could you... fulfill the promise you made to me first?"


    "Oh? What are you referring to?"


    "Chen Sansi!"


    Cao Fan said through gritted teeth, "He and I share an irreconcilable enmity! Hero Zhang, if you agree to kill him, the Grand Ancestor Relics... all of them will belong to you alone! Slaying him by severing his Meridian Passage should be effortless for you, right?"


    "You''re right, I''ll first escort you to the foot of the mountain!"


    Chen Sansi spoke, quietly moving everybody in front of him, stepped out a few paces, and then suddenly drew his sword, first killing two servants, then using his remaining Sword Qi Skill, he also killed both Yun Xiaozi and another.


    In the blink of an eye.


    Only Cao Fan was left.


    "Hero Zhang, why, why would you do this?!"


    Cao Fan was terribly shocked and angered, "All the Grand Ancestor Relics were offered to you, what more do you want?! Even Yun Xiaozi and the others, they even wanted to invite you to be the Vice Sect Hierarch!"


    "Initially, you had personally agreed to bring me Chen Sansi''s head!"


    "How could one be so untrustworthy and disloyal!"


    "Boy."


    "Lift your head and look carefully, who do you think I am?"


    Just then, Zhang Lai Zi''s voice suddenly became very familiar.


    He reached up and wiped his face, revealing another visage.


    "You..."


    Cao Fan showed a ghost-like expression, "How, how could it be you! Zhang Lai Zi, it has always, always been you? You deceived everyone?!"


    One by one.


    Recalling now.


    This great chaos.


    The biggest winner is neither the Emperor nor the Yan Party.


    It is likely the current Chen Sansi!


    "Click!"


    A sword slashed down.


    Cao Fan''s head fell to the ground.


    Chen Sansi began searching their bodies, and at last, he successfully found a sheepskin scroll.

 Chapter 421 - 176: Conferment of Titles, Opening Camp in Hongze

    Chen Sansi scrutinized carefully.


    The sheepskin scroll recorded two types of cultivation techniques.


    One was the True God Dao.


    The other was the Evil God Path.


    Your next chapter awaits on My Virtual Library Empire


    The so-called True God Dao, involved obtaining power through worshipping orthodox gods, enabling practitioners to acquire Divine Powers continuously as their cultivation realm elevated, approaching infinitely close to divinity, with the possibility of becoming an immortal god.


    Disadvantage:


    It required one to serve the gods they worshipped and protect their followers well.


    The black-robed monk was practicing the True God Dao.


    As for the Evil God Path:


    Compared to the True God Dao, which could take decades or even hundreds of years, the Evil God Path allowed mortals to make deals with evil gods in just ten years or even a few years.


    One was self-cultivation, the other was to invite a deity from the shrine to possess them, borrowing the deity''s power for a short time.


    Clearly:


    The Crown Prince belonged to the latter category.


    The Evil God Path had many flaws.


    Essentially, what the True God Dao had, it also had, and it even had what the True God Dao did not have.


    For instance, having to cater to the gods'' preferences...


    The previous Tongtian River ritual was such.


    Unless one could thoroughly satisfy an evil god, otherwise the Evil God Path could not extend one''s lifespan.


    "Lifespan..."


    "Cultivating the Immortal Law can indeed extend one''s lifespan."


    Chen Sansi quickly finished reading.


    It was better not to practice this Incense Fire Divine Dao.


    From the description above, at the end of it, you were just working for the deities.


    It was better to wait until the events were over and study properly the things left behind by Grand Ancestor Cao Xie.


    Those should be the real Immortal Laws.


    He first stowed the items away, disposed of the bodies, and swiftly left the scene.


    A massive chaos lasted until dawn and finally settled.


    Most of the high-ranking military officers from the Crown Prince Faction died that night; all the civil servants were detained pending punishment, while a few others escaped, causing citywide manhunts.


    The next morning:


    The Chamberlain from the Ritual Supervision declared publicly, setting the character of this incident.


    The Incense Fire Divine Sect used Sorcery to control the Crown Prince, creating chaos in the government, aiming to overthrow the Dasheng imperial power.


    Luckily, the Emperor, Emperor Wan Shou, summoned the national treasure, the Dragon Abyss Sword, to kill the demon and its magic, completely suppressed the rebellion, stabilizing the country, and selecting a day for the ancestral worship ceremony to report to Heaven and Earth.


    The Crown Prince, affected by the demonic sorcery and impaired in his intellect, would no longer handle state affairs after returning to the capital and would receive long-term rehabilitation at Xining Palace.


    Minister of War Gao Bo, who colluded with the demon, plotting rebellion and creating chaos, was condemned along with nine generations of his family.


    The rest of the military officers were dealt with according to their specific roles and knowledge.


    A significant reshuffle officially began.


    Many people in the imperial court and in the Jianghu were unknowingly affected.


    Afterward, it was unclear which power would rise.


    ...


    "Your Majesty."


    The Death Guard and eunuchs paved the way ahead.


    The Emperor personally came to the lakeshore.


    One by one, the Death Guard dove in.


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    They finally made a discovery.


    "Your Majesty!"


    "We''ve found it, there''s a huge gap blasted by the Dragon Abyss Sword below the lake, and following the hole leads to a cave."


    "..."


    The Emperor personally entered the water.


    At this moment, the cave stone gate had already collapsed.


    He stepped over the rubble, looking at the bleak scene with some emotion, "The Grand Ancestor protected our imperial lineage, leaving this secret chamber for us."


    "Your Majesty."


    After one Death Guard finished searching, he reported, "Nothing is there!"


    "According to the captured followers of the Incense Fire Divine Sect..."


    "Someone named Zhang Lai took everything inside and escaped."


    Upon hearing this.


    Emperor Longqing''s face remained expressionless, the corners of his eyes twitching uncontrollably, "Find this Zhang Lai! The method to enter the Immortal Realm, left to me by my ancestors, belongs to me, all of it is mine!"


    "Your Majesty, please calm your anger!"


    "We are already on it!"


    "..."


    Emperor Longqing stepped forward, extending a hand and gently touching the stone platform, confirming again and again, truly all was taken by others.


    "Unable to enter the Immortal Realm! I, shall forever be at the mercy of the immortals!


    "Everyone says cultivating Spiritual Grain is laborious and costly, don''t I know that?


    "If it were converted to normal grain, wouldn''t it also be mine?!


    "Initially when the Immortal Treasure couldn''t be found, the Spiritual Grain proved completely useless.


    "Now, the things left by my ancestors are all gone.


    "What have you all been doing?!"


    "Your Majesty!"


    Amidst the thunderous anger.


    Everyone knelt to the ground.


    "Your servant is useless!"


    "Your official is useless!"


    "Please forgive us, Your Majesty!"


    "..."


    "I, bear too much for this empire."


    Emperor Longqing waved his sleeve, "All of you leave, for the next few days, I will seclude myself here preparing for the sealing and worship ceremony, make sure there are no more mishaps."


    The Death Guard and eunuchs withdrew.


    Soon, only Huang Hong remained.


    He took out the duster he had prepared in advance, and while cleaning the stone platform of debris and dust, he reported:


    "Your Majesty, last night alone, we lost two Martial Saints."


    "Fan Tianfa was beheaded, Meng Quji went missing, the losses are not trivial."


    "I know."


    Emperor Longqing closed his eyes, "From the Twelve Death Servants, pick two with high realms and good qualifications, let them use the artifacts we got from the ruins back then, to break through to Martial Saint as soon as possible. Also, what about Pei Tiannan?"


    "Marquis Pei initially pretended to agree to their treason, and after reaching the Eastern Territory, he found another excuse to visit the headquarters of the Incense Fire Divine Sect, intending to eradicate this evil cult for Your Majesty, but we still haven''t heard from him."


    Huang Hong paused, "Your servant will try to contact him, and if it really doesn''t work, we''ll call him back."


    "Mm."


    Emperor Longqing nodded, "Alright, you too go and heal."


    "Your servant obeys."


    Huang Hong finished cleaning, placed the cushion properly, and then respectfully took his leave.

 Chapter 422 - 176: Granting of Noble Titles and Opening Camp at Hongze_2

    ...


    It wasn''t until the evening of the next day.


    Chen Sansi finally returned to his senior brother''s residence from Ziwei Mountain.


    "Sansi!"


    Wang Zhi and Fang Qingyun had been waiting at the door for a long time.


    "How did it go?"


    Wang Zhi glanced at the blood on his junior brother''s body and, knowing that extra concern was unnecessary, asked directly, "I heard that last night there was a rebellion by the Incense Fire Divine Sect? I watched from the rooftop as Ziwei Mountain nearly collapsed!"


    "Let''s talk inside."


    Inside the room.


    With his upper body bare, Chen Sansi was applying medicine and wrapping his own wounds. He didn''t stop speaking and briefly recounted the events that had transpired the day before.


    "The Crown Prince is the Sect Hierarch of the Incense Fire Divine Sect?!"


    Wang Zhi muttered, "The bastard hid it deep, and the boss, really, he''s capable of anything... After this, there will likely be significant changes at court. Fourth brother, what do you think?"


    "The Crown Prince''s rebellion showed signs long ago, so this development is not entirely surprising."


    Fang Qingyun, holding a scroll book in his hands, said, "After this event, according to my predictions, those who will rise in the court will likely be from the Sixth Master Party."


    "Sixth Master?"


    Chen Sansi had no concept of this person.


    "This man has briefly taken over the Supervisor''s position twice many years ago, his mother the Virtuous Consort''s family is one of the preeminent noble families, second only to the Crown Prince in the court. He just lost out previously and ended up confined for life," explained Fang Qingyun. "But now, he should be released. According to the Emperor''s ways, he shall continue his cultivation and won''t truly devote himself to governing entirely, nor let Elder Yan''s faction become too powerful. At this moment, bringing out the Sixth Prince can maintain the original balance of power and is relatively easier to control."


    "Speaking of which..."


    "The Dragon Abyss Sword is rather interesting."


    "From your description, it seems not to carry spiritual energy but some special power left behind by Grand Ancestor Cao Xie."


    "Good gracious."


    Wang Zhi, interested, remarked, "Fourth, you all are dealing with such mystic stuff now, can you teach me how to use it?"


    "You can''t."


    Fang Qingyun bluntly said, "The Immortal Path is beyond your reach; continue practicing your martial arts. Above Martial Saint, you have a chance, not any less formidable than the Cultivation Technique. Little junior brother, you''re also about to reach the Profound Image Realm, push harder, strive to break through Martial Saint within a year and a half." Experience tales at My Virtual Library Empire


    "Don''t worry, senior brother, I''ll do my best," said Chen Sansi.


    "Oh, right."


    Fang Qingyun reminded, "You have several letters from home, since you weren''t here in the past days, they were left in your room, go have a look."


    "Okay."


    Chen Sansi rose and left.


    Back in his room.


    Indeed, there were letters from home.


    There were three in total.


    They were from his Sister Lan at home, Sun Buqi, and Sun Li, each of whom had written one.


    The pleasantries had been exchanged half a month ago, but this time, all the letters mentioned the same thing.


    There was a new female guest at home.


    Sister Lan said it was an old acquaintance.


    Sun Li said it was a strange person.


    Sun Buqi said it was an unwelcome guest.


    They all hoped he would hurry back to check. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A female guest?


    Chen Sansi pondered that he hadn''t provoked any women outside, so who would come looking for his family''s home?


    Fortunately, from the tone of Sister Lan''s letter, there didn''t seem to be any danger.


    After the sealing ceremony was over, he could also go home to have a look.


    "..."


    Chen Sansi put away the letters and then took out the relics of the Grand Ancestor that he had acquired.


    "Five Elements Decision"


    Those were the three big characters written on one of the booklets.


    Upon opening it,


    Chen Sansi''s pupils gradually brightened.


    This seemed...


    To be the genuine Cultivation Technique of immortality!


    The booklet recorded the initial stages of entering the Immortal Path, consisting of Qi Refinement, Foundation Establishment, and Golden Core...


    The "Five Elements Decision" in his hand was the cultivation technique for the early stages of Qi Refining.


    Furthermore, not everyone can cultivate immortality.


    You must possess a Spirit Root to cultivate immortality.


    The five elements of Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, Earth correspond to the five most common Spirit Roots, with certain exceptional Spirit Roots like Lightning, Sound, etc., being unique to geniuses.


    Each type of Spirit Root has its corresponding Cultivation Technique.


    Ascending to immortality requires nature''s spiritual energy to cleanse the mortal flesh and body.


    Yet.


    There''s no spiritual energy between heaven and earth.


    The personal letter attached to the technique said,


    In ancient times this place was abundant with spiritual energy, everyone could cultivate immortality, until a great war caused the rapid depletion of the continent''s spiritual energy, eventually leading to its separation from other worlds and becoming isolated.


    The legends of the three great ancients are true.


    But that was the best era for cultivators before entering a time of decline, which ended completely a thousand years ago.


    Therefore,


    If the people of this land want to cultivate immortality, they must either find the remaining Spirit Stones, or the next best option is to use a Transmission Jade Plate to reach the Cultivation World when there is a rift between heaven and earth, where opportunities and risks coexist.

 Chapter 423 - 176: Granting of Noble Titles and Opening Camp at Hongze_3

    Moreover, in the Cultivation World, the restriction was unidirectional for this world; once someone successfully entered it once, he could freely travel to and fro.


    Initially, Cao Xie had become successful by seeking immortality, entered the Cultivation World, achieved great things, and then returned to seize the throne.


    This journey to the southeast, to the ends of the earth, was a great opportunity.


    There, the entrance to the Immortal Realm would open once every fifty years. If one wished to go, it was best to take advantage while young and with plentiful life span, otherwise it might affect one''s future upper limits.


    Finally, he emphasized that the Jade Token was incredibly precious.


    People from all over the world seeking immortality often wandered to the ends of the earth, for the sole purpose of crossing that thin line between the mortal and the immortal realms, hence it was better not to expose oneself.


    "..."


    Reading that, Chen Sansi picked up the Jade Token and examined it carefully.


    The somewhat whitened Jade Token was engraved with densely packed runes and looked somewhat similar on the surface to what Cao Fan had given him before, yet it could not store mana, serving a totally different purpose.


    Once every fifty years.


    He looked at the date specifically left by Cao Xie and compared it to the current year.


    The next fifty years were coming up soon!


    If he missed this time,


    the next opening of the Immortal Gate, wouldn''t he be a seventy or eighty-year-old man?


    Moreover,


    Martial Arts was a path of defying the heavens and transcending the mundane, and before breaking through to Above Martial Saint, one wouldn''t increase their lifespan.


    This point,


    Chen Sansi had personal experience with.


    Basically, every breakthrough involved punishing the physical body for power gains, and if it didn''t reduce lifespan, it was considered good fortune.


    However, in such a short time...


    he feared he might not break through to Martial Saint.


    He would have to take it one step at a time.


    "Sansi!"


    Wang Zhi''s voice sounded from outside the room, "Deng Feng is outside asking to see you."


    "Him?"


    Chen Sansi put away his belongings, then came to the front of the mansion.


    "Mr. Chen!"


    Deng Feng greeted with a fist and palm salute, "I have important matters to report to you; please come with me."


    Chen Sansi followed him to a secluded house.


    Upon opening the door, he saw a familiar figure.


    He saw a man dressed in coarse linen patched all over standing in the yard.


    Through the Qi Observation Skill, one could see a rich, powerful energy within the man.


    Martial Saint!


    "You are?"


    Chen Sansi just found the man''s face familiar.


    "Mr. Chen, it''s me."


    Meng Quji swiped his hand over his face, revealing his true appearance.


    "General Meng?"


    Chen Sansi was somewhat surprised.


    This man''s Disguise Technique was not bad either, and if it were not for the Qi Observation Skill, he really wouldn''t have recognized him.


    Deng Feng roughly explained the situation.


    "Mr. Chen."


    Meng Quji spoke gravely, "Things have developed suddenly, and you might not be aware. If you are willing to shelter me, from now on my life will be yours, Mr. Chen. If not, I will leave immediately and ensure you are not implicated."


    "..."


    Chen Sansi certainly hadn''t expected this development.


    He wondered what these people below him were up to.


    Xu Wencai was gathering troops.


    Deng Feng had even pulled a Martial Saint into this...


    "Mr. Chen!"


    Deng Feng advised, "Right now, our strength is weak. With General Meng here, it will be good to have an extra helper in the future."


    Ziwei was in great chaos.


    This let Chen Sansi see the utility of a Martial Saint.


    If he had a Martial Saint under him, indeed many things would be handled more conveniently, only...


    "Mr. Chen!"


    Deng Feng said, "Although I''m not his friend, I''ve interacted with him for many years and can vouch for his reliability."


    "Hmm."


    Chen Sansi was not worried about this.


    Now that Meng Quji had offended both the Emperor and the Crown Prince, if he didn''t defect to an enemy country, he had to resettle elsewhere; following him was probably sincere, otherwise, there was no need for this act.


    Seeing him tacitly agree,


    Meng Quji immediately knelt on one knee, "Mr. Chen! For any future endeavor, just command me. As long as Mr. Chen does not forsake me, I will assist with all my might."


    "Deng Feng, you arrange for him,"


    Chen Sansi instructed, "After the coronation ceremony, follow our troops back to Liangzhou secretly. I will also find a way to safeguard your family, General Meng."


    Not long ago, Meng Quji had made great contributions during the Eastern Expedition, and considering he hadn''t personally acted against the Emperor, they could pin the blame on the Incense Fire Divine Sect, then have someone plead on his behalf; he could avoid death but not punishment.


    The best outcome would still be confiscation and exile.


    But as long as he lived, that was enough.


    After giving instructions,


    Chen Sansi returned to his residence, then began practicing his spear.


    There was still time before the Ziwei coronation, and he couldn''t lag in his training.


    For seven consecutive days,


    he was in closed-door cultivation.


    [Cultivation Technique: National Guardian Dragon Spear. Mysterious Phenomenon (Entry-level)]


    [Progress: 16/100]


    [Utility: None


    "Huff..."


    After another night of hard training, Chen Sansi put his long spear down only as dawn approached.


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    He had just caught his breath when a whooshing sound came to his ears, and he immediately picked up the spear and swung towards the direction of the sound.


    "Boom!"


    The Mo Blade enveloped with fierce power.


    "So soon?"


    Chen Sansi increased his strength, repelling the other party, "Senior brother, have you completed the Meridian Passage already? It''s only been a few days?!"


    "Damn it, you beastly constitution with the Vajra Body and True Dragon Strength..."


    Wang Zhi staggered back, barely stabilizing his posture, and grinned, "Hey! Now I can breakthrough a minor realm in just three to five days, quicker than expected. Just wait, it won''t be long for me to return to Perfect Profound Phenomenon, then I will seriously tune you up."


    At the same time,


    Fang Qingyun, dressed in a crimson official robe, just wheeled out from the room, his official hat blown off by the gale generated by their sparring, speaking helplessly, "Enough already, hurry and prepare. After today''s ceremony and the court''s rewards, we can start our journey home."

 Chapter 424 - 176: Bestowing Nobility Titles, Starting the Hongze Encampment - Part 4

    "Good, good, good."


    Wang Zhi was in high spirits and picked up a hat to place on Fang Qingyun''s head: "Let''s get ready."


    The three sworn brothers, all dressed neatly.


    Atop Ziwei Mountain.


    After several days of repairs, the vast majority of places showed no signs of battle.


    On this day.


    Bells and music sounded in unison, a surge of people swarming.


    All officials bowed together as the emperor ascended to his enthronement.


    A grand sacrificial ceremony took place, consuming millions of silver taels, countless cattle and sheep, with human and material resources too many to count, presenting a scene of thriving prosperity.


    The grand sacrificial ceremony lasted for several days.


    Only after it concluded did the imperial court session take place.


    Inside the Yangxin Palace.


    The ministers were neatly arranged, each taking their place.


    Civil servants to the east, military officers to the west.


    Only when His Majesty the Emperor personally took his seat did solemn music sound from both sides.


    This grand ceremony.


    His Majesty the Emperor finally dressed in a dragon robe.


    The ministers performed a grand kowtow.


    After all the meaningless chatter, an eunuch from the Ritual Supervision began to announce the list of meritorious subjects. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Military Marquis Lu Ji, who has repeatedly demonstrated his valor in military service, struck terror into the hearts of the grassland barbarians, and guarded the Northern Territory for six years with outstanding merits and hard labor. In the seventy-second year of Longqing, during the rebellion in Ming State, he defeated the forces of West Qi''s Zhong Wuxin, killing forty thousand and capturing twenty thousand, quelling the rebellion and stabilizing the borders, achieving supreme merit. In the recent disturbance by the Ziwei Mountain Evil God, he risked his life, uncovered the treachery, and later provided critical protection for the carriage, proving himself to be among the countable fierce and good ministers of the Great Sheng Dynasty. For these reasons, Lu Ji is specially bestowed the title of Standard First Rank Special Advancement, Grand Master of State Ceremonies, and has the command of Three Camps."


    Three Camps!


    The ministers were internally calculating.


    With this appointment, even if the Northern Territory''s forces expanded to Twelve Camps, Lu Ji would control a quarter on his own!


    The eunuch continued with his announcements.


    Following that were rewards for several other generals'' merits.


    Until...


    "Former Xuanwu Camp Commander Tang Ruoshan, who after the battle of Lingchuan bore heavy injuries and chose to live under a concealed identity as a Thousand Captain in Po Yang, working tirelessly, demonstrating his thoughtful heart. During the battle at Hu Lao, he bravely infiltrated the enemy camp, assisting the Commander in achieving a great victory, balancing his merits and faults, restored to his Second-rank military merit as Upper Guard and appointed as the Standard Fourth Rank General for Displaying Martial Might."


    Tang Ruoshan!


    Hearts of the ministers stirred again.


    He''s still alive?!


    The military honor was high, but the rank only fourth, perhaps he had fallen from grace.


    "Assistant General of the Reserve Camp''s Left Army, Chen Sansi!"


    When this name was read,


    All present perked up their ears to listen.


    The three words "Chen Sansi."


    Only appeared in the court for two years, but each time with thunderous reputation, stirring hearts, his arrival to the Eastern Territory tallying one great deed after another to his name. In their eyes, Upper Pillar Country was indisputable.


    All heard Huang Hong''s resonant voice echoing in the hall.


    "During the Ming State rebellion, General Huai Yuan Chen Sansi crossed the Hongze River four times, struck directly at Meishan Prefecture, infuriating the rebel general Dong An to death, counting as one of the primary achievements of the Ming State campaign."


    "On the Eastern Expedition to Lai State in white robes and on White Horse, celebration songs were heard all around, and the places he passed surrendered at the sight of him, earning the hearts of subjects throughout the Great Sheng Dynasty."


    "At the battle of Hu Lao, three thousand overcame one hundred thousand, capturing two kings in one battle, an unprecedented grand military feat. The strategies from the three battles have already been fully recorded into military books for all the Military Families of the world to study."


    "Such three Heavenly Merits truly count as eternal glories, leaving an everlasting name through the ages."


    "During the rebellion of the Incense Fire Divine Sect, Chen Sansi risked his life, fighting to protect the royal carriage."


    "With all these deeds, he truly is a cornerstone of the Great Sheng Dynasty and an unparalleled loyal minister and good general.


    "For this, he is additionally bestowed with the title of Marquis Wu Yi."


    A Marquis?!


    Wasn''t the news spreading that it would be a Standard First Rank Upper Pillar Country title?


    Why just a Marquis now?!


    He''s only twenty years old.


    In the whole world, across the Five States, where else could one find such a young Marquis?!


    "Further!"


    Huang Hong''s voice continued.


    "Appointed as the National Guardian General from Second Rank, serving as the Main General of the Elite Camp, to establish the Hongze Camp!"


    A Main General.


    To establish the Hongze Camp!


    From this moment forth, within the newly established Four Camps of Beiliang, one would already bear a name.


    The Hongze Camp!


    "Reward of ten thousand gold, one hundred thousand silver taels, eight thousand bolts of silk, and a Marquis Wu Yi plaque!"


    "..."


    Subsequently.


    Many more generals received their rewards and titles.


    However, most were of higher ranks, and those below the Thousand Captain level were too many to be announced in the court session; they would receive their rewards after the conclusion of the session.


    Among them.


    To set an example.


    The turned general from Qing Country, Deng Feng, retained his native country''s Marquis title and First Rank military position, then entered the capital before being reassigned, potentially to the Northern Territory or to any of the Thirty-Six States in the future.


    Finally came the handling of the rebellious servants.


    The vast majority were executed along with their families, with only a few who had previously made significant contributions dying alone, their immediate families spared. The Emperor, to show his magnanimity, also gave the Three Camps'' soldiers involved in the rebellion a chance to redeem themselves on the front lines.


    Meng Quji had been one of the primary contributors to the Eastern Expedition.


    In the end, he was wanted; his family was exiled after their property was confiscated.


    Thus.


    The Eastern Expedition was completely over.


    The court session was finished.


    Behind the Yangxin Palace.


    There was a separate resting area.


    "Your servant pays respect to Your Majesty."


    Lu Ji bowed and saluted.


    "Lu Ji, you''ve done well this time."


    Emperor Longqing praised, "If it hadn''t been for you being the first to tell us, we might still have been kept in the dark for a while, and we wouldn''t have been able to prepare as thoroughly in advance."


    "It''s due to Your Majesty''s wise and decisive judgment."


    Lu Ji replied respectfully, "Your servant simply did his duty."


    "You, you are better than your master in this respect."


    Emperor Longqing said with satisfaction, "And you are the eldest senior brother; it couldn''t be better for you to take over the Eight Camps in the future. I am also at ease with you. Speak, what rewards do you desire?"

 Chapter 425 - 176: Granting of Noble Titles and Opening Camp at Hongze_5

    "Your Majesty!"


    L¨¹ Ji cupped his fists, "Your servant wishes to ask Your Majesty to bestow a marriage."


    "You, L¨¹ Ji, are so highly regarded that several elders of the Imperial Family wish to marry their daughters to you. Which girl do you fancy that you can''t marry on your own, that you need me to personally propose for you?"


    Emperor Longqing teased, "Speak."


    "Sun Li."


    L¨¹ Ji uttered two words.


    Emperor Longqing''s face changed, his lips curling into an arc that seemed both a sneer and self-mocking, "Shouldn''t you be asking your master if he''s willing?"


    L¨¹ Ji fell silent.


    He had naturally asked long before.


    His master had only one sentence.


    "Ask your junior sister yourself."


    ...


    He emphasized his tone, "I still humbly request Your Majesty to bestow the marriage!"


    "Sun Xiangzong only has one daughter, it''s better to let him decide for himself."


    Emperor Longqing said coldly, "If you fancy any princess, even one from an enemy nation, just speak up."


    L¨¹ Ji lowered his head, remaining silent.


    "Enough, you''re not that infatuated with Sun Li. It''s nothing more than wanting to officially inherit your master''s mantle in the eyes of others, there''s no need to be so fixated. Matters of men and women should be mutual, that''s most important."


    Emperor Longqing leaned back in his chair, "You already have three camps under your command, the other camp''s main generals are also your junior brothers and sisters. After expanding the camps is finished, the new generals I send will also respect you greatly. You can be considered to have inherited the mantle already, or else, shall I increase your title right now and give you the title of Supervisor?"


    "Your servant dares not!"


    L¨¹ Ji hurriedly knelt on one knee.


    "L¨¹ Ji, actually you don''t need to care so much about these things, whether it''s in the military or the court, prestige is most important. Sometimes, a title is more of a burden. Just take your master and me in the past."


    "One was the least powerful Prince, not even able to be bestowed the title of Prince."


    "The other was a military officer born from house slaves, commanding only four thousand soldiers."


    "The two of us, one in civil and the other in martial affairs, still managed to fight for a world, convincing everyone both inside and outside, didn''t we?"


    Emperor Longqing instructed earnestly, "Make a name for yourself on the grasslands, no one will dare disrespect you in the future. What you want, you''ll have sooner or later. You are Sun Xiangzong''s disciple and also the servant I favor most among the younger generation."


    "Your servant will heed Your Majesty''s words!"


    L¨¹ Ji said with a deep voice.


    "Since I can''t satisfy your request for marriage, I''ll compensate you with something else."


    Emperor Longqing patted the chair armrest.


    "General L¨¹."


    Huang Hong approached with a tray, "All of these now belong to you."


    "This is...?"


    L¨¹ Ji looked up, only to see several sheepskin scrolls and a shattered incense burner laid upon the orange silk.


    He recognized them at once.


    These were the Magic Artifacts used by the Crown Prince that night!


    "I know you''ve been yearning to advance further, but your master has been reluctant to teach you. It doesn''t matter if he doesn''t teach you, I will! "


    Emperor Longqing declared, "From now on, the great temples in the North are yours to use, but you must not harm my servants through ritual sacrifice. Do you understand?"


    "Your servant understands!"


    L¨¹ Ji took the tray, his eyes filled with irrepressible excitement.


    "By the way."


    Emperor Longqing inquired, "Has he taught Chen Sansi?"


    "It seems not."


    L¨¹ Ji replied formally, "After all, he is only entry-level, and his current realm is comparatively low."


    "Hmm, as long as you''re aware of it."


    Emperor Longqing waved his hand, "Go back, recuperate well, and prepare for next year''s campaign against the barbarians on the grasslands. We can''t give them more time to gather strength. Regardless of the cost, we must show them some color."


    "Your servant will not fail Your Majesty''s trust!"


    L¨¹ Ji, holding the tray, bowed deeply.


    ...


    Warship.


    Chen Sansi stood on the stern deck, practicing Archery on a straw man aboard a small boat behind him.


    After the court meeting ended, they embarked on the journey back to Liangzhou that very evening.


    The conflict in the East had also concluded some time ago.


    Zhan Taoming''s rebellion was a sham; he was coerced, with a revolt fomented by his subordinates, intended only to draw away a portion of the troops. Once it became known that the Hu Ben Army was lured there, the situation quickly settled.


    Ling, Lai, and three other states were still entrusted to the Eastern Garrison.


    However, the Sealed Border Governor was replaced by someone else.


    It appeared to be a Martial Arts prodigy from the Death Guard, soon to achieve Martial Saint.


    Deng Feng was also reassigned.


    For Chen Sansi, the greatest gain from this trip was Meng Quji and the three thousand Xuanjia Army soldiers, seasoned by a major battle, resembling tiger and wolf troops. Even among Liangzhou''s Eight Camps, they were considered elite forces¡ªonly the Main General was a bit weak, barely attaining Mastery of Meridian Passage...


    Sitting idle on the boat, he found it dull to practice only with the spear, so he took the opportunity to practice archery.


    The interface floated up. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Skill: Archery. Perfection (Second-tier breakthrough)]


    [Progress: (0/2000)]


    [Utility: ..., shoot twice in a blink, hit a target six hundred steps away with every shot]


    The second-tier breakthrough mainly enhanced the speed of drawing the bow and the effective range of shooting.


    Shoot twice in a blink, roughly equivalent to firing about five arrows per second, previously three arrows, so an Arrow Bag of arrows could be used up very quickly.


    Six hundred steps, or about eight hundred meters, where a living person standing there could indeed only be seen as a speck.


    In fact.


    Archery to this extent had already reached the pinnacle in the world.


    This time at Hulaoguan, with specially designed Arrow Bags hanging on both sides of Qian Xun, and Deng Feng''s green horse also hung full, along with his own back, amounted to just under a thousand arrows, which was still not enough.


    Therefore, what was more important was to increase the power of each arrow, especially with the [Unavoidable] effect.


    When he returned, it would be necessary to cut down the Ghost Vein Wood and then obtain some iron through the Seeking Immortal Tower.

 Chapter 426 - 176: Conferment of Titles, Opening Camp in Hongze_6

    After practicing for a while longer, Chen Sansi put away his bow and arrows and returned to the cabin to chat with his senior brother about the ends of the earth.


    "To the southeast lies the ends of the earth."


    Fang Qingyun murmured to himself and laughed self-deprecatingly, "It was there that my legs became useless. I never would have guessed that the item left behind by Cao Xie for his descendants would be there."


    "Senior brother, you''ve been there before?"


    Chen Sansi asked curiously.


    "Not only have I been there, but I once had the same jade token you hold."


    Fang Qingyun said with resignation, "Do you want to go, junior brother? Besides, if we wait another fifty years, not to mention that I would long be gone from this world, even you would become an old man with white hair. But this journey is perilous, and our master is not here."


    "Senior brother."


    Chen Sansi asked, "Can you reveal where master has gone?"


    "That... I truly don''t know."


    Fang Qingyun smiled bitterly, "I only know it has something to do with the strange occurrences in the Luotian Mountain Range, and it''s also related to you. He could be anywhere up and down the great rivers, and it might be a long time before he returns. I can try to help you make contact."


    "The strange occurrences in the Luotian Mountain Range..."


    As expected.


    Just as Chen Sansi had thought.


    The matter of the poisonous beasts was so obvious.


    Everyone in Liangzhou knew about it, how could his master not be aware.


    That was also why he initially didn''t bother to ask further.


    "Let''s return home first."


    Chen Sansi said lightly.


    In the blink of an eye.


    Another month had passed.


    [Cultivation Technique: National Guardian Dragon Spear. Profound Image (Not entry-level)]


    [Progress: 46/100]


    He wasn''t far from the Xuanxiang Realm.


    The warship docked at the shore.


    Chen Sansi and the others switched to horses for land travel.


    On their way there.


    They were no more than twenty riders.


    But when they returned, it was a grand procession of three thousand iron cavalry!


    In order to bring back the three thousand Xuanjia Army soldiers and their horses, they utilized dozens of large warships, and the amount of provisions consumed along the way was immeasurable.


    On the road.


    The horses had only brief chances to move about when docking and were already stifled. Finally "regaining freedom," they galloped along the spacious trails of the wilderness, kicking up clouds of dust and the deafening sound of hooves.


    Liangzhou.


    At the city gates.


    Sun Li, Sun Buqi, and the Tong Family relatives, having received the message, waited early at the city gates.


    "Sanshi was too fierce!"


    Sun Buqi said with emotion, "Three thousand overcoming a hundred thousand, is that even a battle that humans can fight? If any storyteller dared to make up such a tale, he would surely get his mouth swollen by the listeners!"


    "Indeed~"


    Rong Yanqiu who happened to be resting in Liangzhou remarked, "This little junior brother is truly amazing, becoming an earl at just nineteen, and at the very least, he''s bound to be a Marquis in the future."


    "It''s mainly his military prowess..."


    "I''m afraid he might even be a few notches above master and the fourth brother."


    "I''ve made up my mind!"


    Sun Buqi clenched his fist, "From now on, I too will join the army, I too will lead troops into battle!"


    "No, no, no!"


    Rong Yanqiu was startled, "My young master, you better stay at home honestly, please don''t give us any more worries."


    "Hm? You don''t believe in my capability?"


    Sun Buqi looked around, "Sis, do you think I can do it? I can start as a commander of a hundred, which is quite a step higher than Sanshi''s start. My archery has been learned from him, and I have even thought of a nickname. From now on, I''ll be known as ''Little White Robe'' Sun Buqi, how about that?"


    As he spoke, he began to indulge in his own fantasy.


    "Tsk tsk, so domineering! I''ve got a white robe, a long spear, and a big bow too¡ªI''m practically Chen Sansi!"


    "Yunxi!"


    Sun Buqi cleared his throat, raised the long spear in his hand, and struck a pose in front of the little girl, "What do you think? Do I have the qualification?"


    "Wow~"


    Chen Yunxi looked up with her small face and applauded enthusiastically, "Uncle Master is so dashing."


    "Hahaha!"


    Sun Buqi laughed heartily, "Good girl, if you want to learn martial arts and archery in the future, I''ll teach you!"


    The disdain in Sun Li''s eyes was hard to hide as she subconsciously took a few steps away, pulling Yunxi with her.


    "They''re back!"


    Not too far away.


    Lu Shuhua and Wen Zhi, who were also there to welcome their families, were present too.


    They pointed ahead.


    "Boom boom boom¡ª"


    The ground suddenly began to tremble!


    Yellow dust soared into the sky, as if a sandstorm capable of swallowing earth and sky surged forward.


    It wasn''t until it was closer that people could see.


    Within this sandstorm.


    There was a troop of Black Armor Iron Cavalry.


    Leading the charge was a young general on a white horse in a white robe, holding a long spear, with a big bow strapped to his back.


    "Yo~"


    Rong Yanqiu performed a respectful bow and then teased, "The servant greets Marquis Wu Yi."


    "Senior Sister Sun, don''t make fun of me."


    Chen Sansi reined in his horse, signaled for the Black Armor Army to enter the city in an orderly fashion, then dismounted and greeted everyone."


    "Senior Sister Sun!"


    "Buqi, your... this..."


    He was at a loss for words, seeing the other person''s attire almost identical to his own.


    "Daddy!"


    Chen Yunxi dashed up to him.


    Chen Sansi held her in his arms as she nuzzled his face a few times.


    He smiled and asked, "How is my girl? Did you miss me?"


    "I missed Daddy every day."


    Chen Yunxi said in her sweet, childlike voice.


    "That''s good."


    Chen Sansi noticed that the child had become much livelier, which meant she had likely had a nice half-year mingling with others.


    "Mister Chen!"


    Wen Zhi approached, glanced around and asked, "Have you reached the Profound Image Realm yet?"


    "Almost."


    Chen Sansi responded without turning back, "Master Wen, please wait a little longer, there''s no need to rush."


    "Hmph!"


    Wen Zhi snorted coldly and left with a flick of his sleeve.


    The rest of the brothers who had set out from Liangzhou also began to catch up with their families at the city gate.


    "Where''s Sister Lan?"


    While holding the girl and looking around, Chen Sansi did not spot the figure he was hoping to see and asked, "Why isn''t she here? Is she feeling unwell?"


    "Sister Lan... she..."


    Sun Li started to speak. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But she was interrupted by Rong Yanqiu, "Little Junior Brother, you better hurry home and see for yourself. There''s a female guest at your house, and she''s pretty formidable. She''s snubbing everyone and also refuses to leave.


    "Today, she was the one who stopped your wife from coming out to meet you."

 Chapter 427 - 177: Meeting an Immortal

    "Sister, she has been in the mansion for so long, and you..."


    Chen Sansi asked tentatively.


    Rong Yanqiu replied irritably, "I can''t beat her, but fortunately, she hasn''t hurt anyone besides making a sour face. Otherwise, we would have had to call up a large army and ask the Martial Saint to encircle and suppress her."


    "Thank you, Sister. I''ll go back and check now, Qian Xun!"


    Chen Sansi handed over Xi Xi to Sun Li, then mounted his horse and sped into the city.


    Upon arriving outside Chen Mansion, everything seemed as usual.


    "Ah, the master has returned!"


    Si Qinmohua came out to greet him.


    Chen Sansi gave her a look.


    Si Qin caught on and whispered, "She''s in the bedroom."


    "Hmm."


    Chen Sansi dismounted and entered the courtyard. Before he pushed open the door of the bedroom, he saw the aura of two people inside.


    One of them possessed dense spiritual energy, not much weaker than the old Emperor¡ªindeed, an unexpected visitor.


    "Creak."


    He pushed open the door.


    Inside the room filled with the scent of flowers, Gu Xinlan was sewing, and on the bed, another woman in black was seated cross-legged.


    This woman, with eyebrows like green feathers and skin like creamy jade, had the delicate beauty of peach blossoms with gold threads twirling around her temples. Her attire, dark as ink, flowed elegantly, and the high-set jewels sparkled. She seemed like an immortal descended from heaven, yet maintaining a dignified and modest profile, her celestial allure both indescribable and imposing.


    Upon closer inspection, her features bore some resemblance to Gu Xinlan, yet she radiated an aura that kept others at a distance. Noticing someone entering, she slowly opened her eyes, her deep black pupils exuding a dominance that looked down upon those below her.


    "Ah, has Brother Shi returned?"


    Gu Xinlan put down her needlework and came to greet him.


    After exchanging simple pleasantries, Chen Sansi got straight to the point, "Sister Lan, who is this lady?"


    "Mr. Chen, it''s easy to forget such things when one is important"


    The woman in the black robe, with embroidered gold edges, slightly parted her rose lips, her voice falling from the high heavens like celestial music, "Mr. Chen just swaggered through the three states, causing me to lose troops and territory. Have you forgotten?"


    I?


    Chen Sansi scrutinized her anew.


    The woman continued indifferently, "I am Shen, named Gui Ti."


    "So, you are the Empress of Qing Country."


    Chen Sansi nodded and inquired, "But I wonder, what brings you to the home of a Sheng official?"


    As he held her in his arms, the Empress paused before saying, "She real name is Shen Yuzhi, who is..."


    "My full sister, sharing both father and mother."


    "You..."


    Chen Sansi looked from the Empress to Sister Lan in his arms, absorbing the information and coming to a scarcely believable conclusion: "The Empress of Qing Country is my aunt by marriage?"


    "Aunt by marriage?"


    The Empress frowned, clearly not understanding the term: "What do you mean by that?"


    "Brother Shi, I didn''t mean to keep it from you."


    Gu Xinlan explained, "I was young at that time, and if it had been known, it could have brought deadly trouble to our family."


    "I understand."


    Chen Sansi, of course, grasped the situation.


    "A rural hunter who couldn''t even earn a scholar''s degree,"


    The Empress''s tone was tinged with disdain and anger: "actually spent seven pieces of silver to buy the Princess of Daqing to be his child bride, serving him like a maid."


    "Gui Ti!"


    Gu Xinlan was displeased.


    She retorted, "Look, Brother Shi is now an Earl, and you know very well how formidable he has been in battle over these years. What else is there to pick on? If it weren''t for father pitying me and gathering silver to buy me, I might be dead in some brothel by now."


    "As for serving...


    "Chen Family was not wealthy back then, where is the sense in women not helping out?"


    "Look, isn''t everything better now?"


    At that, the Empress''s eyebrows twitched, and she shot a look at her sister, seemingly reminding her of something.


    "You girl, I even agreed not to go to the city gate to meet people, but still haven''t given enough face to this ''Empress''?"


    Gu Xinlan said, "Aren''t you going to quickly call him brother-in-law?"


    "Sister, you..."


    The Empress was somewhat helpless.


    Even as a monarch of a nation, she couldn''t lose her temper in front of this woman. In the end, she could only sigh deeply: "He is after all, a mere mortal."


    "Gui Ti, you''re putting on quite the airs."


    Gu Xinlan said unhappily, "If you keep this up, I''ll really get angry."


    "Enough, what''s done is done. I have nothing more to say."


    The Daqing Empress stood up, leaving the bedroom.


    "Sister Lan."


    Chen Sansi then asked, "At this point, there surely can''t be anything left to hide, right?"


    "Yes, Brother Shi, please have a seat first."


    Gu Xinlan helped her husband to sit down and brewed a cup of tea: "Brother Shi, you must know about ''hostages,'' right?"


    Chen Sansi nodded.


    "Back then, my father was sent as a hostage from Qing Country. Qing and Sheng exchanged hostages to secure a good relationship and joint markets to resist the barbarians."


    Gu Xinlan spoke softly: "Unlike Sheng, in Qing, princes willing to be hostages were seen as earning their stripes. My father had practically been confirmed as the Crown Prince and was prepared to stay in the Sheng state for a few years before returning to take up his duties as Supervisor."


    "But then..."


    "Suddenly, Grandpa passed away, and my uncle took the throne." S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "After that, my uncle framed my father, implicating him in the Crown Prince''s disputes in Sheng, slapped him with a charge of treason, seeking to have our entire family executed."


    "The big case at that time resulted in many ministers in Sheng being killed and countless others exiled."


    "Back then, only one person could be saved¡ªI let my sister go, and I was fortunate enough to save my life using the false identity of a minister named Gu, though I was exiled instead of executed."


    "After that, Brother Shi..."


    "You probably know the rest."


    Political purges are always there; a major cleansing every decade or so is quite normal.

 Chapter 428 - 177: Encounter with an Immortal_2

    Chen Sansi really didn''t know about these things.


    He joked, "So you''re saying I actually picked up a bargain?"


    "Brother Shi, you''re still making fun of me?"


    Gu Xinlan said indignantly, "Anyway, I''ve come to understand that there''s nothing good about being part of the Imperial Family. It''s not bad to be ordinary people either, and our family is living quite well now." Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "The Imperial Family..."


    Chen Sansi recalled everything that happened on Ziwei Mountain.


    Indeed so.


    Once part of the Imperial Family, fathers and sons, brothers turn into enemies.


    The Old Emperor was not a good person.


    But one thing was true, he was very lonely and had no friends.


    This point,


    Could be seen from the fact that he always talked to him about the past.


    "What happened then?"


    Chen Sansi asked, "Where did your sister go afterward?"


    When he asked this,


    He was actually curious about the spiritual energy within the Empress''s body.


    As far as he knew,


    The Empress had disappeared for many years,


    Until, two years ago, during the coup, she accomplished a great feat in one fell swoop.


    "Back then..."


    Gu Xinlan recalled carefully, "She fled with the elders of our clan and couldn''t even return within Qing Country''s borders. She had to hide everywhere and wait for an opportunity. I''m not very clear about where exactly she went."


    Ends of the earth.


    Chen Sansi pondered.


    This aunt of his, she must also be a cultivator.


    Otherwise, how could she become the ruler of a country at such a young age?


    "Eh?"


    "What about Du He?"


    Having more or less covered all topics, Chen Sansi suddenly remembered as if he had completely forgotten about his own son.


    "Ah, I don''t remember either."


    Gu Xinlan turned to look at the cradle and found that it was already empty, "Today I was only focused on your return, and Gui Ti was also discussing matters, so I forgot."


    "..."


    Chen Sansi switched on both his "Tracking" and "Qi Observation Skill" to full, and while searching for his son inside the house, he finally found him in the backyard, not knowing when he had been left on a wicker chair, quietly asleep.


    By his side,


    Was the Empress in a black robe, stretching out her crimson rouged hand gently onto him, spirit light circling, before she murmured somewhat disappointedly, "Another mere mortal."


    "Your Majesty, Emperor Qing."


    Chen Sansi called for Si Qin to take Du He away, testing, "Why does everyone you speak of count as a mere mortal?"


    This guy seemed to have no intention of hiding his cultivation practices.


    "Well, you''re not considered one,"


    The Empress said emotionlessly, "A disciple of Sun Xiangzong, who can take the path of entering the Dao through martial arts."


    "Sister."


    Chen Sansi sat down in front of her and asked, "You''ve come all this way, aside from recognizing your sister, is there something else?"


    If it was just for recognition,


    There was no need to wait for his return.


    An emperor''s infiltration into enemy territory comes with great risks.


    After all, she isn''t the only cultivator in the world.


    The title "sister" visibly made the Empress uncomfortable, but she didn''t deny it. As long as she still recognized her sister, the man before her indeed qualified as her brother-in-law, nominally.


    "You do understand,"


    She looked down from on high at her sister''s husband, "I am taking her away. Out of respect for sister, I waited until your return to inform you.


    "What are you saying?"


    Chen Sansi looked directly into her eyes, "Even if you want to return to Qing Country, it doesn''t mean your sister is willing, right?"


    "What she says doesn''t count,"


    The Empress said coldly, "Chen Sansi, you might not know yet, but Liangzhou will soon be in dire straits."


    "Be clear,"


    Chen Sansi thought hard and could only associate one thing that might result in such disastrous consequences¡ª


    The Luotian Mountain Range!


    He still remembered,


    When he first arrived in Liangzhou, on his first hunting expedition into the mountains, he had seen the black miasma rising to the sky, along with various beasts mutated from infection, which the people from Seeking Immortal Tower called Evil Qi.


    It had all been brewing for some time,


    And his fourth senior brother had mentioned that their master was also dealing with this matter.


    But was it this serious...


    Widespread disaster.


    "Not too dull,"


    The Empress lightly said, "I cannot foresee how things will unfold, but one thing is certain, her staying here with you is ultimately unsafe."


    "What exactly is in the mountain range?"


    Chen Sansi inquired, "Liangzhou has sufficient military forces, with several Martial Saints among them. Can they really not handle the situation?"


    "If you dare, go see for yourself,"


    The Empress did not elaborate and dropped the topic after leaving those words behind.


    "I naturally intend to see,"


    Chen Sansi was already planning to enter the mountains to hunt beasts and cut down Ghost Vein Wood.


    While his mind was occupied with this matter, he didn''t forget to instruct Si Qin and the others to prepare meals.


    Having returned home after being away for half a year, it was natural to gather together.


    However, the Empress did not socialize with others, staying in Sister Lan''s room without eating or drinking, doing who knows what.


    The next day,


    While Chen Sansi was thinking about the situation in the Luotian Mountain Range, he had to first visit the military camp, knowing that when he returned, there would be lots of matters requiring immediate attention.


    The expansion of the camp was almost complete, with nearly the required number of troops gathered, all squeezed out from garrisons elsewhere. They only needed training before they could be used, but they hadn''t been formally assigned to units yet, waiting for the military officers to be transferred over as well.


    At the moment, including the Xuanjia Army, he had over four thousand men under his command, but they were still not officially Hongze Camp, just the Reserve Camp.


    Along with Yan Changqing, Lu Shuhua, Xie Sishu, Bai Thingzhi and others,


    Who had been transferred away.


    He no longer commanded them.


    Having so many talented people, three of whom were Bodies of Martial Saints, naturally, they couldn''t remain as his subordinates. The previous battles were essentially trials.


    Eventually,


    Chen Sansi still had to rely on his own men.


    Xia Cong, Xiao Zheng, and You Jike, three Meridian Passage experts.

 Chapter 429 - 177: Encounter with an Immortal_3

    These three individuals exhibited strong execution and abilities and were fiercely loyal to the court.


    Among his subordinates, Wang Zhi had finally achieved Meridian Passage.


    Then there were Zhu Tong, Zhao Kang, Wang Li, and others who had reached Hua Jin.


    Chen Sansi was very pleased.


    These people had been using the best medicinal ingredients, and they had finally achieved some success, though it was still not enough...


    After the formal establishment of Hongze Camp, it was planned to have five sections: front, back, left, right, and center, each with three thousand people, totaling fifteen thousand.


    It was necessary to have at least five who had reached Meridian Passage.


    After dealing with the tedious military affairs, Chen Sansi went to the pharmacy to start concocting medicines.


    During the journey back, he also took the opportunity to practice.


    By now, he was only the final threshold away from a major breakthrough in his medical skills.


    "Boom!"


    He continuously struck the Mystic Iron Furnace, submerged in roaring flames, and with the heavy aid of overlapping forces, his alchemical skill could no longer be described as expert but had reached the peak of perfection.


    Many doctors needed years just to learn how to properly quench medicine with power.


    But to Chen Sansi, these things somehow seemed very simple.


    He got it right from the start, and he improved with every practical operation.


    At this moment.


    He could seemingly see through the furnace the toxicity within the medicine soup and was always able to precisely use his power, along with the perfect fire control, to refine it away.


    "Hum!"


    After completing his hand technique, a batch of power-quenching nutritional medicine specifically for Hua Jing Warriors was ready.


    In front of him, the panel emerged again.


    [Skill: Medical Skill. Mortal (Great Success)]


    [Progress: 0]


    [Utility: ..., Mortal Medical Saint]


    [Mortal Medical Saint: Refining medicine, all residual toxins are eliminated]


    All residual toxins eliminated!


    What did that imply?


    It meant that any medicine Chen Sansi concocted could be consumed as easily as drinking water, indicating that even those with lesser talent could achieve heights they otherwise could not have, through medicated infusion.


    He looked at his hands, hardly believing it himself, and decided to take a spoon to taste the medicine himself.


    To say it was completely non-toxic was an exaggeration; there was a slight residue, minor to the extent of being barely noticeable¡ªif one had to quantify it, ninety-nine percent of the toxicity had been refined out with power and blazing flames!


    Now, as long as one''s body could endure and metabolize the potency of the medicine, one could continually consume supplemental medicines without worrying about residual toxins and wasting a lot of time.


    "Go and call everyone here."


    "..."


    Soon.


    Brothers from Po Yang, those above the Refining Internal stage, gathered in the pharmacy.


    "Sir, how come there is no residual toxicity in this medicine!" Zhao Kang tasted it again and again.


    If it weren''t for the positive effects the medicinal potency brought, he would have thought he was drinking water!


    The others reacted similarly.


    "Keep it quiet," Chen Sansi said calmly, "Just like before, I will personally brew the medicine whenever I have time. I''ll buy whatever we''re short of, and your only task is to train well. By the end of next year, when we campaign on the grasslands, it will be a tough battle. Without Hua Jin, not to mention achieving merits, it might be very difficult even to survive. Practicing is for your own good."


    "Sir..."


    The men looked at each other, each with an indescribable feeling in their hearts.


    "Sir!"


    "Brothers, what merits do we have!"


    "Indeed!"


    They were not on par with the Black Armor Army or people like Xiao Zheng.


    They assumed that after this campaign ended, they would become a secondary unit upon returning to Liangzhou.


    Unexpectedly...


    Sir had not given up on them!


    And his alchemy skills were nothing short of miraculous¡ªit wouldn''t be an exaggeration to call them the work of an Immortal.


    "You all!"


    Zhao Kang warned, "Don''t spread the word outside and bring trouble to Sir, understand?"


    "Understood."


    "..."


    Actually.


    Chen Sansi could only try to keep them quiet.


    If it got out, it wouldn''t really matter.


    Because he believed there were certainly other Mortal Medical Saints in the Imperial Hospital of the Capital City, maybe not many, but definitely one or two.


    But human resources are limited.


    One or two Medical Saints wouldn''t make much difference.


    For instance, Chen Sansi.


    He could at most provide for about ten people; any more than that would be too much for him to handle.


    Not to mention, he still needed time for his own practice; he couldn''t really be a full-time alchemist.


    "Sir."


    The soldiers were immensely grateful.


    "Sir to this extent, Xu Wencai still doesn''t appreciate it!" S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Exactly!"


    "What''s wrong with following Sir?"


    "Will he lack any official position in the future?"


    "I heard he''s still fighting; it''s best if he dies there!"


    "..."


    Because of their convincing act,


    the brothers now despised this man, viewing him as a traitorous ingrate who betrayed his master for glory.


    Speaking of which,


    after Chen Sansi returned to Liangzhou, he received news about Xu Wencai.


    Two months ago.


    Xu Wencai had finished dealing with bandits.


    Now, the court had assigned him a Martial Saint, leading tens of thousands of soldiers to directly attack the mastermind behind the scene¡ªWei Country. Reportedly, he had successive victories and even ventured deep into enemy lines alone, using strategies like the "empty city strategy" and "Fire Burning Seven Mountains"; these were now widely spread and became a topic of casual conversation.


    Sometimes,


    as Chen Sansi looked at these familiar terms, a thought suddenly occurred to him.


    Could it be...


    that in this world without Zhuge, Xu Wencai was the true Wo Long of this era?


    In the Great Thousand World, nothing is too bizarre.


    Not only that,


    storytellers even spun their relationship into a dramatic feud, turning them into archenemies, which was highly exaggerated.


    "..."


    When Chen Sansi finished his work and left the military camp, it was already late. He thought about it and decided to head straight to the Red Sleeve Tower,

 Chapter 430 - 177: Encounter with an Immortal_4

    In the room, there was already a young master who had been bidding to come upstairs, apparently the son of the Prefect of Liangzhou.


    "Why didn''t you tell me?"


    Chen Sansi questioned Zhaozhao, who deliberately made a face at him.


    "Mr. Chen?"


    The Prefect Young Master was surprised.


    "You may leave."


    Chen Sansi declared that he intended to stay there that day.


    "This, this isn''t appropriate!"


    The Prefect Young Master reluctantly said, "I came here to drink tea and write poetry, and I spent several thousand Silver Coins just to get the chance to talk to Miss Ning Xiang. Mr. Chen, driving me away is a bit too overbearing."


    "The Silver Coins are yours, hurry and leave."


    Chen Sansi took out a silver note and repeated.


    "I..."


    The Prefect Young Master didn''t dare to provoke him.


    As for Chen Sansi''s reputation, who in the world didn''t know of it?


    He was not only a Closed-door Disciple of the Elephant Sect but now also an Earl. Not to mention himself, even the Prefect''s father couldn''t afford to offend Chen Sansi; ultimately, he had no choice but to leave reluctantly.


    "This is too much bullying!"


    Chen Sansi shook his head.


    This young fellow didn''t know that he had actually saved him.


    Otherwise, even if he had stayed, he would have only witnessed an Illusion Technique and then gone home to act foolish for several days...


    "General~"


    Ning Xiang provocatively exposed her fragrant shoulder, "Who would have thought, General, that you would be jealous for my sake~"


    "If I am jealous, you are going to suffer the consequences."


    Chen Sansi was already accustomed to her way of speaking.


    "Really?"


    Ning Xiang said expectantly, "I too would like to taste the suffering of the Vajra Body~"


    "I''m talking about real physical pain."


    Chen Sansi exerted his strength as a warning.


    "Tsk~"


    Ning Xiang rolled her eyes, "By the way, during this time on Ziwei Mountain, someone from Seeking Immortal Tower must have looked for you, right?"


    "Yes."


    Chen Sansi thought silently, it was more than just looking.


    The Twelfth Young Master wanted to trick him; Lao Gonggong wanted to kill him.


    "General must be careful."


    Ning Xiang cautioned, "The others in Seeking Immortal Tower are not as genuinely sincere towards you as I am, they are quite nasty. It''s also my fault for not warning you sooner."


    "Oh?"


    Chen Sansi asked, "From what you''re saying, it sounds like the folks from Seeking Immortal Tower aren''t united?"


    "Even real brothers can have discord, let alone a sect."


    Ning Xiang said matter-of-factly, "The main aim of Seeking Immortal Tower is to pursue the Immortal Realm, and since encounters with the Immortal are rare, if we don''t compete, should we just line up and distribute them among everyone?


    "Just like this time, they found the Grand Ancestor Relics on Ziwei Mountain, including an Immortal Realm Jade Token, which a fellow named Zhang Lai Zi snatched along the way, suffering a huge loss.


    "If you ask me, they had it coming.


    "Otherwise, the treasures would just end up with the Tower Master, and we wouldn''t get a share."


    "Miss Ning Xiang."


    Chen Sansi did not continue to chat idly, "What about the item I asked you to find last time?"


    "Got it."


    Ning Xiang''s tone was as if she was seeking credit, "And this time the quantity is substantial, and the quality is even better. I''ve put in a lot of effort for the general; you must remember my kindness."


    Zhaozhao, carrying a black iron block the size of a human head, placed it on the table with a "thud".


    "Thank you, Miss. I owe you a favor!"


    Chen Sansi clasped his fists, ready to take his leave.


    "Ah, wait a moment, General."


    Ning Xiang suddenly grabbed his sleeve, "General, you did promise to buy my freedom last time." S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Are you serious?"


    Chen Sansi said, "I don''t like to misuse public resources for private purposes."


    "Misusing public resources for private purposes, what do you mean?"


    Ning Xiang pleaded, "If the general thinks it''s too expensive, I have saved up some Silver Coin over the years. Can''t I use my own money to buy my freedom?"


    "..."


    Chen Sansi could tell that there was something peculiar about her.


    If she was serious...


    Could it be that she wanted to use him to escape the Seeking Immortal Tower?


    Then he couldn''t possibly pay it any mind.


    He set down the newly acquired iron stone, "Sorry, I might not be capable of helping you with this; I am returning your item."


    "If the General doesn''t want me, then so be it~"


    Ning Xiang said melancholically, "Keep the item, General, a piece of iron stone can''t compare to the great favor of buying someone''s freedom. I am aware of that."


    "Really?"


    "Hmm."


    "Alright, if you need more herbs in the future, you can come to me."


    Chen Sansi picked up the iron stone again and stood up to leave.


    Ning Xiang, with her jade-like hand supporting her cheek, quietly watched him leave, sighing softly.


    "Master, I told you before, this guy wouldn''t help us."


    Zhaozhao, losing her usual liveliness, said worriedly, "What should we do next? The Tower Master and his people will come looking soon, maybe we should leave first."


    "And where could we possibly go, my dear disciple?"


    Surrounded by the scent of incense, Ning Xiang said helplessly, "In this world, only the Emperor and Sun Xiangzong can protect us now. Going to the Emperor would only lead to an even worse death, so only Sun Xiangzong is left."


    "Master..."


    Zhaozhao said, "Otherwise, we could return the item; perhaps the Tower Master..."


    "Shut up!"


    Ning Xiang said angrily, "The item was left to me by my ancestors. My father''s death was also caused by them; now I am only retrieving what is rightfully mine, and even if it kills me, I will not return the item."


    Zhaozhao bit her lip and fell silent.


    "Zhaozhao."


    Ning Xiang''s tone softened again as she gently stroked her disciple''s cheek, "You go. With the item in my possession, no one will trouble you."


    "I will not leave."


    Zhaozhao said resolutely, "Wherever my master is, I will be there."


    "Then we''ll try again."


    Ning Xiang looked towards Chen Mansion, "It''s just that I don''t know where Sun Xiangzong currently is; he might be searching for the same thing as the Tower Master. If all else fails, we could try contacting his senior disciple, Fang Qingyun."


    ...


    Chen Mansion.


    Chen Sansi, taking advantage of the night, agilely leaped across rooftops holding the chunk of iron, and as he was nearing his mansion, he saw a black-clad woman sitting on the rooftop, casting a cold gaze in the moonlight.

 Chapter 431 - 177: Encounter with an Immortal_5

    "Hey, little sister''s still up so late."


    Chen Sansi spoke as he prepared to jump directly into the yard.


    "Brothel?"


    Empress''s eyes slightly lowered, her tone carrying an imperial authority, "You have my sister in your house, plus a senior sister, and yet the moment you return, you head to the brothel?"


    "Little sister, don''t you have a male pet?"


    Chen Sansi couldn''t be bothered to explain.


    The Empress closed her eyes and said no more.


    After all the fuss.


    It wasn''t long before it was slightly light outside.


    The Empress then saw Chen Sansi, who had not rested for even two hours, mount his horse with his bow and arrows and leave the house.


    "Luotian Mountain Range?"


    ...


    "Ghost Vein Wood!"


    Riding on Qian Xun, Chen Sansi planned the purpose of his trip in his mind.


    The Ghost Vein Wood definitely needed to be cut.


    Then came the Exotic Beasts, he would try to hunt as many as possible.


    He strove to break through to the Profound Image Realm within this month.


    Last of all, he intended to go deeper, to see what was inside while ensuring his own safety, and even if he couldn''t handle everything, he would at least know what to expect.


    "Let''s go."


    As he neared the mountain, Chen Sansi patted the horse''s back, signifying Qian Xun to find a safe place to wait, then, carrying his Big Bow, he strode into the forest.


    He climbed over the First Layer Mountain. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Soon, he arrived at the miasma-filled Jiuzhong Mountain.


    This time, Chen Sansi was better prepared, the miasma-preventing medicine pills were worth hundreds, so he was practically unaffected, and also relying on his memory, he easily found the Ghost Vein Wood.


    In his hands, the Iron Core Bow fully drawn like a full moon, then, a Storage Strength Ghost Vein Arrow suddenly burst forth.


    "Roar!"


    A black bear, still in deep sleep inside the hollow of the tree, let out a painful roar.


    "It''s not dead, it''s that resistant to damage?"


    Chen Sansi immediately shot another arrow.


    "Clang!"


    This time, the sound of metal striking against metal was heard.


    Immediately, a black shadow burst out from the hollow of the tree at an incredibly fast speed, almost reaching him in an instant.


    It was a black bear.


    A black bear dressed in a monk''s robe, holding a Zen stick, looking like a wide-bodied, obese Martial Artist, the bear''s paw wielding the Zen Stick creating wind, carrying the force of thousands of jun crashing down.


    "Thud!"


    The Five Tigers Soul-breaking Spear clashed with it.


    The black bear, already shot with an arrow, was no match; it staggered back under this strike and exposed a flaw. Without the strength to retaliate, vital areas soon oozed with blood holes. It cried sorrowfully as it fell heavily to the ground and then lost its breath, with only its robust bear heart still beating.


    "Clang!"


    Chen Sansi then drew out the Zhen Yue Sword and began chopping the tree, quickly felling the Ghost Vein Wood and divided it into several sections. Just moving it out and finding a suitable place to store it took a lot of effort.


    Only then did he return to continue deeper into the forest.


    In the past, this Exotic Beast, the black bear, would have been enough.


    But now, it wasn''t quite impressive.


    Even with Spiritual Grain and treasure medicine, he wanted to accelerate his progress through hunting Exotic Beasts. Not to mention, the upcoming campaign on the grassland required even stronger abilities to cope.


    Ten Layers Mountain!


    He ventured deeper once again.


    Essentially, every hundred steps or so, he would encounter Poisonous Beasts of varying strengths, and later he even began to actively avoid them to save time.


    After walking a few hundred more steps.


    Sounds of running and chasing soon emerged ahead.


    In his eyes, several black mists and one light blue mist were visible.


    He saw four or five giant evil wolves with scales all over, red eyes pursuing an Exotic Beast, which looked like a horse but had sheep''s eyes, four horns on its head, and a cow-like tail, making sounds like barking dogs.


    Youyou!


    Chen Sansi had seen it in "Travelogue of Mountain Rivers," a rare Exotic Beast, its meat helpful in nourishing Gang Qi.


    As Youyou faced the attack of several evil wolves, it retaliated while fleeing. However, these wolves were coordinated, with two of them already blocking the road ahead, completely blocking its escape path.


    "Buzz!"


    An arrow wrapped in force shot precisely into the wide-open mouth of an evil wolf, followed by a second, a third...


    In less than two breaths.


    All the evil wolves lay dead on the ground.


    "Woof woof!"


    Youyou, now saved, barked joyfully twice, then saw the upright archer, the bow and arrow already aimed at it.


    "Swoosh¡ª"


    An arrow pierced through the skull, killing it instantly.


    Chen Sansi hid the body in a nearby tree hollow, then sealed it with a large stone, and continued deeper inside.


    Eleven Layers Mountain!


    Twelve Layers Mountain, even in the deep core area.


    "Roar¡ª"


    A strong force accompanied by a deafening roar rushed over.


    "Swoosh¡ª"


    Chen Sansi''s arrow was shot and instantly snapped; he didn''t waste time and went straight up with his spear. Upon clashing, he actually found it a bit difficult to parry, staggering back several steps, his Vajra Body continuously trembling.


    He looked carefully.


    It was a creature resembling Big Worm but covered in colorful bird feathers, over ten feet long, with a tail longer than its body. This creature, Zouwu, was greatly helpful to Martial Artists in the Profound Image Realm.


    Moreover, its strength was comparable to an ordinary Martial Artist in the Profound Image Realm.


    This was why ordinary Martial Artists dared not venture deep into the mountains¡ªbesides the fierce Poisonous Beasts lurking everywhere, they might encounter Exotic Beasts comparable to top Martial Artists at any moment.


    Chen Sansi dared to come because he had the Immortal Treasure Strange Fire for backup.


    But unless necessary, it was best not to use it.


    After all, once set ablaze, everything would be gone.


    "Hum rumble!"


    As he pondered how to handle the current situation, the ground underfoot began to tremble slightly.


    "Roar!"


    Zouwu seemed to sense some kind of fear, roared, and then turned to run.

 Chapter 432 - 177: Encounter with an Immortal_6

    Chen Sansi looked toward the East, only to see a black shadow flickering in and out of visibility among the mountains and forests. One moment it was at the mountaintop, then after a while, it appeared on the mountainside, and not long after, it showed up several miles away.


    That''s not right...


    It wasn''t moving fast, but its body was enormous!


    A giant snake!


    This must be the very snake that Sun Buqi and the others had mentioned before.


    Standing here, he was unable to see just how massive it truly was.


    But the trembling of the ground wasn''t caused by the giant snake alone.


    Many other powerful Exotic Beasts had also started running throught the mountain forests.


    "Boom¡ª¡ª"


    At the same time, straight ahead, a black miasma burst into the sky, deep black mixed with a bloody red, reaching for the clouds like a Heavenly Pillar that connected heaven and earth. Despite being over a hundred miles away, Chen Sansi felt his hair stand on end and discomfort envelop his entire being.


    There was no fear in his heart; these reactions were purely instinctive. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Over there...


    It was the Twelve Layers Mountain!


    Several mountains stood between his location and there, so he couldn''t clearly see what was happening inside.


    "Could this be the source of the Poisonous Beasts'' infection?"


    The surge of Evil Qi dissipated as quickly as it appeared, only lasting a few breaths, and the mountain forests gradually returned to calm. Then...


    Chen Sansi saw.


    Several figures flew through the sky and descended into the Twelve Layers Mountain.


    The distance was great.


    But his eyesight was remarkable.


    Those specks were people!


    Individuals, one after another!


    Some were standing on swords, some were walking through the air outright, and others were riding flying beasts...


    This...


    Immortals?!


    There were so many immortals in the deep mountains?


    From this angle, it seemed like after passing another mountain, it would be like a completely different world.


    Chen Sansi was puzzled.


    This place wasn''t too far from Liangzhou, given that there were many large mountains separating them. It had taken him many days of traveling day and night to get here, but to say it was far wasn''t quite true either.


    If Immortals were present here, how could no one have discovered them?


    And what were they doing here?


    Obviously, it had something to do with the Evil Qi.


    Were there people from the Witch God Sect among them?


    And was it related to the consistent murders of Sect disciples?


    Countless clues at this moment tangled into a chaotic mess, making it difficult to untangle the relationships; one could only wonder what would happen if things continued this way.


    Suffering of living beings.


    The thought began to echo incessantly in Chen Sansi''s mind.


    He was also one of those living beings!


    If there truly were to be earth-shattering changes, not just he, but everyone in Liangzhou wouldn''t be able to escape.


    But...


    Clearly.


    The situation before him was not something he could participate in.


    Chen Sansi no longer dared to approach rashly.


    If he were noticed by those "Immortals," he feared he wouldn''t even have the chance to escape...


    He picked up Youyou''s corpse and started back the way he had come. When he returned to the entrance of the Luotian Mountain Range ten days later, he was grateful that he had asked Qian Xun to call for help in advance, easing the transport of his items.


    The scenes from the heart of the mountain range.


    They replayed continuously in his mind like slides in a projector.


    "How did it go?"


    Inside the mansion.


    The Empress looked at him, full of serious thoughts, and in a teasing tone, she asked, "Did you see everything?"


    "What were all those?" Chen Sansi inquired, "Can you explain it more clearly?"


    "Most of those you saw are not people of this world; to you, they indeed qualify as immortals," the Empress said calmly. "They gathered here with a grand scheme. I haven''t dealt with them, but I know that once they succeed, not just Liangzhou, but the entire realm will transform drastically."


    "Including Qing Country?"


    After receiving tacit agreement, Chen Sansi continued, "Then you''re not going to intervene?"


    "Why should I intervene?"


    "Didn''t you say Qing Country would be affected too?"


    "I don''t care."


    "..."


    Chen Sansi knew there was no point in continuing the conversation.


    "After what you witnessed today, are you willing to let sister come with me first?" the Empress added. "With me, at the very least, her life isn''t in danger. If the situation has a chance to settle, and she truly cannot let go of you, I will personally escort her back here, although the probability of settling things is nearly nonexistent."


    "Mhm."


    Chen Sansi had no reason to refuse: "Please take care of Sister Lan for a while."


    Gu Xinlan quickly learned of the news.


    She was unwilling to leave: "What''s happening, Brother Shi, why are you sending me away?"


    "Your sister still has governmental affairs to take care of, and she can''t bear to part with you either, so isn''t that all the more reason to have you join her?"


    Chen Sansi made up an excuse: "After so many years apart, it''s about time for you sisters to have a proper reunion. I''m just worried that after you return and live the life of nobility, you won''t want to come back."


    "Nonsense."


    Gu Xinlan replied indignantly, pinching his arm hard.


    She wasn''t foolish.


    She could tell something was wrong.


    The more so, the less she would cause trouble, understanding that staying would only hold them back.


    After some patient persuasion, she agreed.


    "And Du He?"


    Gu Xinlan asked, "The child hasn''t weaned yet."


    "He''ll stay too."


    The Empress''s face was expressionless: "I''m only taking sister with me."


    Chen Sansi could tell.


    This little aunt of his was indifferent to everything except her feelings for her sister.


    "Don''t worry, Sister Lan, just let Du He stay, we''ll find him a wet nurse later."


    "..."


    It wasn''t long before everything was arranged.


    "In recognition of your decent treatment of sister these past two years, I shall grant you some gifts," said the Empress as she waved her sleeve.


    A large Brocade Bag suddenly appeared in Chen Sansi''s hand.


    Through the Brocade Bag, he could see an extremely dense Qingxuan Energy.


    Spiritual Energy.

 Chapter 433 - 178 Skill: Controlling Immortals

    "This item won''t be of use to you now, and later when you achieve the status of a Martial Saint, provided you survive until then."


    "..."


    Chen Sansi wasn''t one to stand on ceremony.


    He had run out of incense long ago.


    With the temples staffed by court officials, it was difficult to acquire any.


    For him, incense was ultimately a substitute.


    Having acquired this spiritual energy,


    meant that... sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    he could practice the "Five Elements Decision" left by Cao Xie, and step onto the path of immortality.


    As of now, there seemed to be no time allowed for him to break through beyond Martial Saint before embarking on this path.


    The door to the ends of the earth would next open in fifty years.


    Within the Luotian Mountain Range, a group of Immortals was up to some mysterious business.


    No matter what, after embarking on the Immortal Path, he would have additional means to save his life, like no longer depending on incense for Sword Qi Skill.


    Nighttime.


    Chen Sansi entered the bedroom.


    The Empress was sitting at the table, fiddling with a teacup: "Get out."


    "Sister, this seems to be my room, right?"


    Chen Sansi said, "The guest room is already prepared for you."


    "Yes Gui Ti,"


    Gu Xinlan concurred, "I have to return to Daqing with you tomorrow, can''t you let your brother-in-law and I have a good time tonight?"


    "You have two hours."


    The Empress looked disdainfully at "brother-in-law" and finally put down the teacup heavily, leaving the room, unaware of where she went without heading to the guest room.


    "This sister of mine, I really don''t know what''s going on with her,"


    Gu Xinlan said somewhat unhappily, "I always feel she''s strange, not even sparing a glance for her own nephew, Du He."


    "Perhaps it''s because she''s the Empress after all."


    Chen Sansi knew.


    Most likely, it was because she fancied herself an Immortal.


    "In my opinion, she has suffered too much these years,"


    Gu Xinlan pondered, "I still want to take Du He away, firstly because I don''t trust the wet nurse, and secondly, having a child can make her stop frowning all day."


    "Let''s not talk about this now."


    "Your Highness the princess."


    "Hmm?"


    "You should retire to bed."


    "..."


    The next day.


    Early morning.


    The warm sun streamed through the window lattice, casting strips of golden light into the room.


    In front of the bronze mirror.


    Gu Xinlan sat at the dressing table, her waterfall-like long hair cascading down her shoulders.


    "Don''t move."


    Chen Sansi held a wooden comb, brushing her hair.


    "Brother Shi, then I''m really leaving later."


    "Yes, go ahead."


    Once their intimate moment was over.


    The Empress, clad in a black robe, appeared silently.


    "Sister, let''s go."


    Only when speaking to her sister would the tone of superiority in her voice briefly fade.


    "Hmm?"


    The Empress looked at the nephew in her sister''s arms: "We agreed..."


    "Then I won''t go,"


    Gu Xinlan said displeased, "On this trip of yours, you haven''t shown anyone a pleasant face, and now you want me to separate from my child? He''s just over half a year old, I can''t be at ease, if you really won''t let me take the child, I''ll stay."


    "..."


    Eventually, the Empress agreed.


    The two sisters, holding the child, left from the back gate of the mansion without alarming anyone.


    By the time Chen Sansi came out to see them off, they had already vanished.


    Well then.


    She was still Sister Lan''s biological sister after all, and with sufficient strength, that counted as a kind of assurance.


    But about the Luotian Mountain Range and the matters concerning the ends of the earth,


    he should indeed have a proper talk with his senior martial brother.


    But he would have to wait until his senior martial brother and master made contact.


    The house had suddenly become much quieter without the baby''s crying.


    Chen Yunxi sat in the pavilion of the front yard, softly reciting from a book.


    Si Qinmohua were busy with their respective duties, preparing breakfast, and cleaning.


    Chen Sansi was also busy, practicing martial arts in the backyard.


    With the support of Exotic Beast Meat, his cultivation speed had greatly increased.


    He was in seclusion for as long as ten days.


    Hua Jin to Gang, that is the Profound Image!


    Having obtained Gang Qi, one is no longer ordinary.


    According to Chen Sansi''s observations.


    Be it Incense Fire Divine Sect or Seeking Immortal Tower, if they did not possess the Body Protection Technique, Gang Qi would be enough to destroy their physical bodies.


    "Hum¡ª"


    The Five Tigers Soul-breaking Spear danced, resonating continuously with the strength.


    Inside Chen Sansi.


    The large and small meridians including the Eight Extraordinary Meridians operated like an overburdened machine, incessantly generating strength; this strength was then depleted through spear technique, synchronized with the Breathing Skill in the cycle.


    After countless repetitions,


    At a certain moment,


    his internal strength was completely exhausted.


    A martial artist without strength, just like a machine that loses its energy supply, would turn completely into an inanimate object.


    In such a situation,


    Chen Sansi had no choice but to "manually" drive the machine, practicing the Cultivation Technique of the Profound Image Realm without the support of internal strength; in that instant, he could feel the "machine" wearing out crazily, the pain within his body like someone pouring chili oil into his meridians, with sensations of fainting and suffocation among other extreme pains following one after another.


    Relying on his blurred consciousness, he slowly restored the Breathing Skill.


    The mixed energy of heaven and earth entered his body through his nostrils, passed through the trachea, lungs, and other airways; the useful components became "fuel" and amalgamated with his body, while the useless exhaust was expelled along with the breath, merging back into the Great Thousand World.


    With each breath,


    The amount of useful energy absorbed increased slightly, and more mixed energy was expelled, making the utmost use of all the energies between heaven and earth, until just before he was about to collapse, everything between heaven and earth suddenly became smooth.


    With each breath, more than ninety percent was useful energy.


    With so much "fuel" infused, the long-inactive Eight Extraordinary Meridians began to operate again, True Dragon Strength began to emerge anew, but this time the strength reached an ultimate purity and then underwent a qualitative change.


    Gang Qi!


    "Hum!"

 Chapter 434 - 178 Skill: Controlling Immortals_2

    The Vajra Body resounded like a large bell.


    Chen Sansi''s long spear thrust out with a boom, carrying Gang Qi that blasted a rockery into smithereens.


    The panel floated up.


    [Cultivation Technique: National Guardian Dragon Spear. Profound Image (Entry-Level)]


    [Progress: 0/500]


    [Utility: Xuanwu Breath]


    [Xuanwu Breath: Transforming breath, fostering Gang Qi, steadfast and enduring, ceaselessly revitalizing]


    Another Xuanwu?


    Chen Sansi put it into practice himself.


    His Gang Qi was one of the most powerful and heavy in the world, and after the epiphany of the Breathing Skill, his recovery efficiency was extremely fast¡ªfighting multiple enemies was not a problem.


    He had finally reached the Profound Image Realm!


    But in actuality, counting the time,


    he had only been practicing martial arts for a little over two years.


    Coming to Liangzhou had been just over a year.


    In such a short time, to have broken through to the Profound Image Realm and become the Main General of a camp, he was the only on in this generation¡ªno, even if you climbed back a hundred years, there was no one else who could compare.


    Sun Buqi''s older brother, Sun Buhui, couldn''t match this speed either.


    "This spear needs to be changed."


    Chen Sansi looked at the tiny cracks on the spear shaft that had appeared after several battles.


    As the Main General of a camp, he naturally had access to weapons resources.


    But he didn''t plan to collect them; instead, he wanted to forge a weapon with his own hands.


    Since he was going to forge the Ghost Vein Arrow anyway, he might as well elevate his [Forging] skill to Great Success.


    "Yunxi, let''s go, I''ll take you to the Governor Mansion to study."


    "Okay."


    ...


    Chen Sansi and the young girl sat on the horse together. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Daddy."


    Chen Yunxi looked up, gazing at her father''s chin: "I saw that gentleman again recently."


    Chen Sansi asked, "Did you ask him his name? Who exactly is that gentleman?"


    Chen Yunxi shook her head.


    "..."


    Chen Sansi made a mental note, gently lifted his daughter from the horse, and watched her go into the Governor Mansion before he spurred his horse toward the military camp.


    In the Forge,


    he took a large piece of Xuan Iron from the storeroom and got busy with work.


    "Clang clang clang¡ª"


    The sound of forging echoed nonstop.


    Over several days, he created over a hundred arrowheads, and the Ghost Vein Wood shafts were also being made gradually.


    "Clang!"


    [Skill: Forging. Mortal (Great Success)]


    [Progress: 0]


    [Utility: Weapon Refining Master]


    [Weapon Refining Master: Every Mortal Weapon forged by hand is a Top-quality Xuan Weapon]


    Top-quality Xuan Weapons could carry Gang Qi better.


    Even many forging masters could not guarantee to forge Top-quality Xuan Weapons at a high rate, making them extremely precious.


    These things,


    Chen Sansi hadn''t paid much attention to in the past.


    Ever since arriving in Liangzhou, he had never lacked resources¡ªtreasure medicine, weapons, besides needing to hunt Exotic Beasts himself, one could say he had everything he wanted, making these things seem unvaluable.


    With Forging at Great Success, he started to forge a new weapon!


    He found a "Gun Soldier Record" and quickly selected a desired "companion" from it¡ªthe Li Quan Spear.


    This spear was over ten feet long.


    Its most notable feature was that it was made entirely of Xuan Iron, including the shaft, and it used no wood materials. The forging process required it to be done in One Breath; any failure would mean wasting a whole piece of excellent Xuan Iron.


    Chen Sansi took a deep breath, got ready for everything, and began to be busy.


    High Realm Martial Artists forged weapons, often without the need for too long because of the help of Power or Gang Qi, and in just seven days, a brand new Top-quality Xuan Weapon was nearly complete.


    "Hiss hiss¡ª"


    After quenching it,


    he did some finishing touches.


    The Li Quan Spear, a Great Success.


    This spear was approximately over ten feet long, entirely forged from a single piece of iron with a color like black jade. The glow from the nearby furnace flickered, flowing over the shaft.


    The spear blade was incredibly sharp.


    The spear, true to its name, resembled a pool of cold spring solidified into shape, exuding a chill silver glow. On the body of the spear, he had carved patterns¡ªDivine Beasts seemed to twirl and coil around, as if ready to soar. Red silk tassels adorned the grip, dancing lightly with the wind, adding a touch of majesty.


    Chen Sansi wielded it a few times and was very satisfied with the feel. It was probably considered an exceptional weapon even among the mortal realms. When he slightly infused it with Gang Qi, the long spear seemed alive, constantly trembling.


    What a pity!


    It was merely a weapon of the mortal world after all.


    Now, just thinking of those Immortals flying haphazardly in the sky left him somewhat sleepless¡ªnot due to fear but an indescribable feeling that he still didn''t understand enough, wasn''t strong enough, lacked a sense of security.


    Were all living beings to be reduced to ashes?


    These Immortals didn''t even show their faces yet, ready to let Liang State plunge into disaster?


    What kind of damnable Immortals?


    This Immortal,


    If you can cultivate it, why can''t I?


    Carrying the long spear, he left the Forge and returned to the military camp.


    An Assistant General from the Azure Dragon Camp came looking for him, saying that General Fang wanted to meet him.


    "Qian Xun," Chen Sansi called out, and the horse that had been bullying several warhorses immediately returned obediently: "Why do you keep picking on the other horses? Are you practicing for battle too?"


    "Whack!"


    A whip cracked on the horse''s rump, and the scenery on both sides began to fly by quickly.


    In a moment of distraction, he arrived at his destination.


    Near a lake behind the hills of Governor Mansion,


    Fang Qingyun had been waiting in the pavilion for a long time: "Two things, first, I''ve figured out your wife''s background, including that unexpected guest at your home. Hmm, by your look, there is no need for me to elaborate further.


    "Let''s talk about the second thing, then.


    "My master wrote to me saying that if you''ve made up your mind, just head to the ends of the earth. Before you set out, I''ll try to find two reliable people to accompany you."


    "Thanks, brother," Chen Sansi also said, "Also..."


    He briefly relayed his encounters in the heart of the mountains.


    "Immortals?" Fang Qingyun''s expression grew serious: "I''ve only heard master mention them... these people beginning to brazenly appear in the mountains suggests that they''re nearing Great Success. You should go, be careful on your way, and you might even encounter master."

 Chapter 435 - 178 Skill: Controlling Immortals_3

    "I remember."


    Chen Sansi added, "After I leave, claim that I am in seclusion. This lie will also need Brother to help sustain, and take good care of Yunxi and the two maids at home,"


    he said, heading to the Cultivation World.


    If the old Emperor were to find out, it would be a matter of life and death.


    "I will arrange everything properly."


    Fang Qingyun said, "Your wife''s sister, the Empress of Qing Country, might have Spiritual Energy. You could ask her for some or borrow some. It''s safer to go after entering the path."


    "Good."


    In fact, Chen Sansi''s family had it, but he hadn''t had the chance to use it yet.


    He went to the front courtyard, planning to spend time with his daughter since he was about to go on a long journey again.


    "Daddy''s going to close the doors and practice martial arts."


    Chen Yunxi, holding a candied haw, was only half through it when she froze: "When will Daddy be done?"


    "About six months."


    Chen Sansi patted her head: "Recently, you should play more at your grandteacher''s house. Haven''t you said that the brothers and sisters here are nice, and your grand uncles like playing with you too?"


    "Eh? Who bought you this candied haw?"


    "The teacher bought it."


    Chen Yunxi handed it over: "Daddy, do you want to eat?"


    That person again?


    After checking that the candied haw was fine, Chen Sansi didn''t refuse his daughter''s kindness, took it, and tasted it. It had been many years since he had eaten such a thing, and it was quite delicious. He unconsciously ate five pieces in a row.


    ?


    Chen Yunxi''s eyes, watery, stared at him, somewhat stunned.


    Chen Sansi, looking at the empty bamboo stick in his hand, awkwardly cleared his throat: "Eating too many sweets can rot your teeth, so daddy ate them for you."


    "Miss Yunxi!"


    A maid from the Governor Mansion came looking: "The teacher wants to test you, hurry over."


    "Daddy, I''m going now, otherwise, I''ll get spanked."


    Chen Yunxi licked the frost off her small lips, then hurriedly went to find the maid.


    In the courtyard.


    It suddenly became empty.


    Chen Sansi sat on a stone bench, fiddling with the bamboo stick, pondering the route of his journey and what else he could prepare.


    With Spiritual Energy available, Sword Qi Skill would definitely work, then to learn the "Five Elements Decision" as an entry-level, and also the Xuanzhu...


    Ever since returning from the Eastern Territory, the Mystical Energy inside the Xuanzhu had been constantly increasing, and quite rapidly. It wouldn''t be long before it could return to the level of the "Jiuxiao Heavenly Soldiers Formation."


    Speaking of which.


    The formations in the Heavenly Book were originally used by Immortals. If both were combined, would the effect be even better?


    "Young brother."


    A warm voice sounded at his ear.


    Chen Sansi looked up to see a young man.


    The man was dressed in a slightly faded and slightly whitened neat long robe, with an old sash tied around his waist with an old book hanging from it, and was wearing cloth shoes; while his attire seemed modest, he exuded an indescribable aura.


    From his appearance, he looked just over twenty, but his eyes seemed to hold the vicissitudes of life and seas as he gently opened his mouth: "Young brother, are you preparing to seek out Immortals?"


    Out of courtesy.


    Chen Sansi stood up and saluted: "May I know your esteemed name?"


    "My surname is Mei, with a single character of Xiao."


    Mr. Mei chatted casually: "Brother Chen, you might have heard my name."


    Mei Xiao.


    Mr. Mei.


    Chen Sansi naturally remembered the name.


    His fourth senior brother had mentioned it.


    This was the very Immortal who had once guided his master!


    He had unexpectedly appeared at the Governor Mansion, and in such an ordinary manner right before him.


    "Are you an Immortal?"


    Chen Sansi bowed: "Honored to meet the senior."


    If this person was indeed his master''s guide, it was proper to show respect.


    "Rather than an Immortal, I prefer to be called ''teacher''."


    Mei Xiao gestured for him to dispense with formalities: "I have no specific agenda, I just like to teach around."


    Indeed...


    The person Yunxi had mentioned several times.


    It was this Mr. Mei.


    "Thank you, Mr. Mei, for teaching my daughter."


    Chen Sansi expressed his gratitude, while also somewhat guarded: "What brings Mr. Mei here?"


    "Young brother, no need to be tense."


    Mr. Mei invited him to sit down: "Just here to chat. Is the Xuanzhu useful?"


    "Xuanzhu?"


    Chen Sansi remembered.


    Liang Jinian had claimed publicly that the Xuanzhu and the Heavenly Book were gifts from an Immortal.


    Could it be, this Mr. Mei before him?


    Was this to take back what was given?


    "The item is mine, but I didn''t give it to Liang Jinian."


    Mr. Mei seemed to see through his thoughts: "You need not return it, the item is for those fated to possess it. How much effect one can derive from it depends entirely on the individual."


    "Thank you, sir."


    Chen Sansi was even more puzzled, unaware of the "Immortal''s" true purpose for this visit.


    "Young brother, you must be very careful on your journey to the ends of the earth in search of Immortals."


    Mei Xiao paused, then said: "Could I possibly borrow the Xuanzhu to use?"


    "Of course."


    Whether Chen Sansi trusted him or not, he had to hand it over.


    This person was able to appear silently within the Governor Mansion, and right beside him, which spoke volumes.


    Moreover... sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His Qi Observation Skill could not see through this person.


    Mr. Mei didn''t take the Xuanzhu, but lightly touched it with his palm, and a surge of Qingxuan Energy flowed into it before returning to calm. He smiled lightly: "This item can resist all techniques, consider it a gift for our meeting. As for how and when to use it, young brother, you can slowly explore."


    Able to resist all techniques?!


    Chen Sansi didn''t know if it was as he understood it.


    If so...


    Was that not a bit exaggerated?


    And to just give it to him, why?


    They were neither kin nor acquainted.


    Because of his master?


    "Well then, before I go, let me ask you one question, young brother."


    Mr. Mei retracted his hand and slowly said: "Young brother, how do you interpret the word ''Immortal''?"

 Chapter 436 - 178 Skill: Controlling Immortals_4

    The script of this world has also evolved from pictograms.


    Many characters are similar, and some are identical, including ''Immortal.''


    "Immortal..."


    Chen Sansi said, "A mountain need not be high; it has spirit if immortals reside there. The character ''Immortal,'' represents a hermit living deep within the mountains."


    "Young brother, perhaps you could consider a different perspective."


    "In Mei''s view, the so-called ''Immortal'' is a combination of ''Person'' and ''Mountain.''


    ''A pile of human corpses as high as a mountain, that is ''Immortal''."


    Upon saying this, Mei Xiao''s voice suddenly became grave: "People say that to achieve longevity equal to heaven and earth and to roam freely with a self-fulfilling existence is to be an Immortal; in reality, it is nothing more than indulging in endless selfish desires and boundless greed."


    "Of course, this is merely my personal opinion."


    "As for how Brother Chen views it, you must walk your own path and find your own answers. If fate allows, we will meet again, farewell."


    With that,


    the figure suddenly vanished.


    Chen Sansi was left alone.


    He looked up in search.


    In another part of the front yard, he saw the same figure.


    But it looked...


    Different from before, as if younger and more spirited than the Mei Xiao who had spoken to him, as though embroiled in a heated argument or making grand vows, seen in gestures but unheard in words.


    Before Chen Sansi could draw closer, the figure dissipated.


    This time, it truly disappeared.


    "Strange and marvelous indeed."


    He did not linger any longer, but went directly home after leaving the Governor Mansion.


    The signboard at his residence had been changed from "Chen Mansion" to "Marquis Wu Yi Mansion," bestowed by the Emperor.


    "Master."


    Si Qinmohua was at the gate holding a horse.


    Chen Sansi went straight to the backyard and took out the Xuanzhu to carefully examine the gift Mr. Mei had given earlier.


    It was a strand of Qingxuan Energy.


    Or to put it another way, a kind of power.


    He tried to harness and use it but failed.


    He didn''t know whether it was the White Xuan Qi inside the Xuanzhu that was unusable or if his current level was not sufficient to wield that power, but he could only feel that the energy was mysterious and potent, beyond his current ability to use.


    Forbidding all magic!


    These three words, to Chen Sansi, who had just encountered the concept of immortal cultivation, was somewhat inconceivable.


    If it was true,


    possessing such powerful Divine Skills, who was Mr. Mei?


    In other words, if he too was a cultivator, what level was he at? Qi Refinement, Foundation Establishment?


    Coming and going without a trace, at the very least, he must be a Golden Core, right?


    At this moment,


    Chen Sansi had a strong desire.


    If it was possible to cultivate to become an Immortal, he certainly would pursue it; otherwise, like an ant, he would not even be able to control his destiny.


    He took out the Brocade Bag given by Shen Guiti, which contained a blue jade stone that was crystal-clear and lustrous, seemingly luxurious and imbued with dense Qingxuan Energy.


    This must be the Spirit Stone that Cao Xie had mentioned.


    By comparison,


    what he had before at the Seeking Immortal Tower were probably just spirit stone fragments.


    Inside the Brocade Bag, besides the Big Spirit Stone, there were also several small spirit stones.


    The small spirit stones were green in color, not only were they lower in quantity of Spiritual Energy, but their quality was also inferior to the Big Spirit Stone, indicating there were differences in grade.


    This little sister-in-law is quite generous.


    Chen Sansi felt the Spiritual Power within them and estimated that it would last him a while.


    He held the Big Spirit Stone in his hand, closed his eyes, and started to recall the contents of the Five Elements Decision; he officially began the journey on the Immortal Path with anticipation in his heart and also a bit of trepidation, not knowing how his talent for cultivation measured up.


    The path of Martial Arts


    was for mere mortals to obtain a glimmer of opportunity from the chaotic energy of the world, enduring great pain to endlessly push the limits of the physical body, until transcending the mundane and reaching the realm of Saints.


    This was, defiance against the heavens.


    The path of the Immortal,


    was for cultivators to borrow the world''s Spiritual Energy, refining their own bodies, until shedding the mortal coil to achieve the body of an Immortal.


    This was, taking advantage of heaven and earth''s power.


    Spiritual Energy was the most critical resource for cultivators.


    "Hum¡ª"


    Having practiced Sword Qi Skill,


    Chen Sansi quickly passed the "Qi Sensing" phase and began to test his Spirit Root talent according to the method in Five Elements Decision, with strands of Spiritual Energy entering his body, drawn by the Spirit Root, and starting to be refined in a highly complex Circulation.


    Cultivating immortality isn''t as painful as practicing Martial Arts.


    More so, it tested one''s patience.


    Time passed unknowingly.


    At last, the first strand of Spiritual Energy was refined into a mist-like entity to be stored within the Dantian.


    [Cultivation Technique: Five Elements Decision. Early-stage Qi Refining (uninitiated)]


    [Spirit Root: Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, Earth (inferior Mixed Spirit Root)]


    [Progress: 0/100]


    [Utility: None]


    Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, Earth?


    At first glance, Chen Sansi thought it wasn''t bad at all, having everything, the Five Elements Complete, which should mean he was versatile; but the phrase inferior Mixed Spirit Root was clearly not a positive description...


    "Am I not a genius?"


    He felt a bit sentimental.


    In the realm of Martial Arts, he had been an Innate Martial Saint, so why had he ended up with the lowest tier of talent upon embarking on the path of immortality?


    The difference was quite stark.


    However,


    Chen Sansi quickly stabilized his state of mind.


    It didn''t matter.


    Looking back, had he not also started as a frail scholar and, through his own diligence and sweat, achieved today''s accomplishments?


    The Immortal Path would be the same!


    Heaven rewards the diligent!


    Thinking so,


    Chen Sansi was filled with motivation.


    He practiced at this time, S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    lost to how long time had passed.


    When he opened his eyes again, he felt refreshed and not the least bit fatigued.


    [Cultivation Technique: Five Elements Decision. Early-stage Qi Refining (uninitiated)]


    [Progress: 41/100]


    [Utility: None]


    "Bang, bang, bang!"


    "Master, are you...are you all right?"

 Chapter 437 - 178 Skill: Controlling Immortals_5

    Outside the back courtyard gate, the voices of two maids could be heard.


    Chen Sansi put away his belongings and went to open the wooden door, "What''s the matter?"


    "Master, are you alright...?"


    "You scared us to death!"


    Si Qin patted her chest, Mo Hua breathed a sigh of relief.


    It turned out that his recent training session had lasted several days.


    Previously,


    even if Chen Sansi was in seclusion training martial arts, he would still need to eat every day, and it was always expensive items like beast meat and supplemental medicine.


    Si Qin and Mo Hua would bring meals three times a day and leave them in front of the courtyard gate, and the master would fetch and eat them whenever he was free.


    But this time...


    For so long, there was no sign of activity, and the food delivered was untouched.


    The two of them did not dare disturb him carelessly.


    After holding out for five or six days, worried that something might have gone wrong, they gathered their courage and knocked on the door.


    "No worries, I was healing,"


    Chen Sansi made up an excuse, "Lately I might often seclude myself like this, I will take care of my food in the mountains, so there''s no need for you to worry."


    "Yes, master."


    Si Qin and Mo Hua responded.


    First, Chen Sansi went to the military camp to make several pots of medicinal broth for his subordinates, then he headed to the Governor Mansion to inform his senior brother before embarking for the ends of the earth. By the time he reached his destination, he estimated he would have entered the Early Stage of Qi Refining. As long as he was careful, scouting the route should pose no problem.


    "This journey alone is too perilous for you, Junior Brother,"


    Fang Qingyun put down the book in his hands, "I have found two people for you, to travel together so you can look out for each other."


    Chen Sansi asked, "Who are they?"


    "Ning Xiang, Zhaozhao,"


    Fang Qingyun said calmly.


    "Them?"


    Chen Sansi had recently declined Ning Xiang''s request for redemption. He did not expect they had approached his senior brother, "Are they reliable?"


    "That Ning Xiang..."


    Fang Qingyun spoke leisurely, "was originally the intended successor of the fiftieth Tower Master of Seeking Immortal Tower, but then the current Tower Master took over all the resources. Not long ago, some people from Seeking Immortal Tower went to Ziwei Mountain, and the Tower Master went elsewhere.


    Ning Xiang seized the moment when the main fort was least guarded, and went back to take the ancestral treasures and some resources.


    Now, she is being pursued by Seeking Immortal Tower.


    I promised her that as long as she safely accompanies you on this trip, our master would protect her.


    Cultivators are most cunning, and they are no exception.


    You might go there again for a visit and talk to them.


    If they can make proper assurances, having someone accompany you would be beneficial."


    "I understand."


    Given that,


    Chen Sansi did not rush to leave, and instead went to Red Sleeve Tower again that night.


    "General."


    This time,


    Ning Xiang and Zhaozhao, seemingly unexpected, were very formal.


    "We''ve seen the General."


    Ning Xiang bowed respectfully.


    Zhaozhao followed suit, though her movements were somewhat unstandard.


    "General,"


    Ning Xiang said with great humility, "I know you have concerns, so I went to General Fang. Now, General Fang has taken the place of your master in agreeing. Can the General give us a chance?"


    "Actually, regardless of how it seems, through our interactions, we have formed a bit of a connection with you,"


    Chen Sansi paused, "But how can I trust you?"


    The events at Ziwei Mountain were still vivid in his mind.


    At that time, he had sincerely cooperated with the Seeking Immortal Tower and even saved the life of a eunuch, but what did he receive in return?


    A backstab.


    Chen Sansi would not easily trust their promises just because the two in front of him were women who seemed harmless. Last time it was just relics, but this time he was actually heading to the ends of the earth, likely venturing into the Cultivation World.


    The temptation for a cultivator was immense, and he was well aware of it. Thus, the likelihood of betrayal was too great. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "General, I am serious."


    Ning Xiang''s eyes brimmed with tears, pleading pitifully, "General, if you just agree to take me in, I can give you anything."


    "If you continue like this, there''s no need to continue this conversation."


    Chen Sansi turned to leave.


    He noticed.


    When Ning Xiang spoke with her head down, the spiritual energy within her was subtly manipulating, probably using a small spell to confuse the mind, thus making her appear particularly sympathetic.


    "Wait!"


    Ning Xiang knew she had been seen through.


    She seemed to make up her mind, "I am willing to sign a Blood Covenant and willingly become a slave."


    "Blood Covenant?"


    Chen Sansi nodded, "Continue."


    "General, you might not know what a Blood Covenant is."


    Ning Xiang explained earnestly, "With special paper and ink, along with a cultivator''s essence blood and a spell, followed by swearing an oath to the heavens, the promises made must be fulfilled. If someone breaks the covenant, it will cause fatal harm to the cultivator of a lower realm."


    "Master..."


    Upon hearing this, Zhaozhao''s expression tightened, "Master, aren''t you..."


    "Shut up."


    Ning Xiang continued, "As long as the General agrees, my life will be yours. How about it?"


    "Is it worth it?"


    Chen Sansi spoke candidly, "What''s the difference between giving your life to someone else and being dead?"


    "Since it''s all about dying, why not fight for a breath?"


    Ning Xiang''s face, filled with resentment, said, "I have only one condition. If I truly die, either you destroy the ancestral item on my body, or if you wish to keep it for your own use, and if one day, General, you are powerful enough, please avenge me... at least do not let them have it."


    Chen Sansi could tell.


    This woman indeed harbored deep hatred towards the master of Seeking Immortal Tower.


    If that was the case,


    once he verified the truth of the Blood Covenant, perhaps he could agree.


    It wasn''t that he wanted to hold someone else''s life in his hands, but "once bitten, twice shy", when the time was right and there was genuine mutual trust, it wouldn''t be too late to terminate the covenant then.

 Chapter 438 - 178 Skill: Controlling Immortals_6

    Thinking of this, Chen Sansi finally nodded, "Alright, I agree."


    "Besides, the Blood Covenant will only be signed with me, not with my disciples," Miss Ning Xiang stressed, "I am doing this to fight for my dignity, and it has nothing to do with Zhaozhao."


    Chen Sansi looked at the girl who was as plain as a landscape painting and noticed the pitifully thin Spiritual Energy within her, "No problem."


    "Hey, what do you mean by that?"


    Zhaozhao put her hands on her hips and said angrily, "Are you looking down on me? Just you wait!"


    "Now that things are settled¡ª"


    Miss Ning Xiang reverted to her seductive demeanor, approaching languidly with a waft of fragrance, "Then will the General redeem me quickly?"


    "What do you mean by this?"


    Chen Sansi quickly understood her intent.


    She intended to declare to the world and tell Seeking Immortal Tower not to trouble her anymore.


    It seemed the face of his master was indeed very influential.


    He extended his hand, "Silver."


    "Alright then."


    Miss Ning Xiang rolled her eyes, "You''re taking my life and still reluctant to give a bit of silver?"


    "My lady, you''re too expensive, and I''m poor,"


    Chen Sansi hadn''t remembered wrong.


    The price to redeem the leading lady of the Red Sleeve Tower was over a million taels of silver!


    These Oiran were, in essence, golden signs of the brothel, something it wouldn''t easily let go of.


    Unless he used his own identity to forcibly take her, which would be rather inappropriate. Moreover, while he had money, he would rather spend more on medicines to enhance the strength of his subordinates, which would be far more useful on the battlefield in the future.


    "Zhaozhao, go get the silver note."


    "Ah? Master, the mother of the Tower said it costs two million taels, and all the money we''ve saved over the years from trading treasures, plus what we got from those stinky men, only amounts to that much. Won''t we become penniless in the future?"


    "You''re the idiot,"


    Miss Ning Xiang tapped her disciple''s forehead, "In the future, we are going to follow the Earl. Do you think we''ll lack anything to eat or drink?"


    "Oh."


    Only then did Zhaozhao retrieve a stack of silver notes from a locked box, "Here, take it."


    Chen Sansi took the money and called over the matron from Seeking Immortal Tower.


    "Hey there!"


    The matron said in an extremely sycophantic tone, "Mr. Chen taking a fancy to our girl adds prestige to our Red Sleeve Tower. Come on, bring Ning Xiang''s indenture here. She will be Mr. Chen''s woman from now on. Also, prepare a carriage to respectfully send the General to his mansion."


    After the huge sum of two million was handed over,


    Chen Sansi finally "won the beauty."


    "With Ning Xiang, our top draw gone, who knows how much we''ll lose in business, more than two million for sure,"


    The matron began to rant and rave only after they boarded the carriage, "That Mr. Chen really, what kind of woman can''t he find? He insists on bringing home someone who has been with thousands of men!"


    "Hurry up, spread the news far and wide. Say that Mr. Chen made a big scene at the Red Sleeve Tower and redeemed Miss Ning Xiang, the more exaggerated the better."


    Storytelling was, after all, a means for a brothel to attract customers.


    ...


    Governor Mansion.


    By the lake at the back mountain, inside a pavilion.


    "These materials are only available at the main headquarters of Seeking Immortal Tower,"


    Before General Fang Qingyun, Miss Ning Xiang wrote down the Blood Covenant, reciting the spell, "General Fang, you must keep your word."


    "Rest assured, my lady,"


    Fang Qingyun carefully checked and after confirming there were no issues took the covenant, "I''ll keep the contract safe for my junior until he safely returns. If anything goes wrong in the meantime..."


    "You''re dead, and your apprentice won''t escape either. I also know where your father''s bones lie."


    "Miss, you should understand what I mean?"


    "A Blood Covenant has been signed; isn''t that enough sincerity?"


    Ning Xiang spoke with a hint of resentment, "Despite having a Spirit Root, I am now forced into servitude."


    She looked at the man in the White Robe beside her, "Master, isn''t it time to take me home?"


    Another two people appeared.


    Arrangements would naturally need to be made anew.


    Upon returning to the Earl''s mansion, they started arranging where they would stay in the future.


    In the front courtyard lived two maid servants; in between were Sister Lan and Chen Yunxi, leaving only the back courtyard with ample space.


    "Ah, my lord..."


    Si Qin watched the lord bring back two women.


    Mo Hua gave her a look and quickly pulled her to bow deeply, "Greetings to the Miss."


    They murmured in their hearts.


    How come the lord had a new love interest just two days after the lady of the house disappeared?


    "Such a grand Earl, yet his residence isn''t that large." sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Ning Xiang surveyed the surroundings and then naturally lay down on the couch, "Isn''t the General''s wife here? Just perfect. Maybe I should go to her bed..."


    "That''s about enough."


    Chen Sansi''s mind was fully occupied with the strange phenomena in the Tianya Sea and the Luotian Mountain Range; he had no interest in jest or ridicule.


    Now, two more helpers had joined his side.


    It seemed that Ning Xiang had quite some knowledge and could likely be put to use.


    Beyond that...


    He was thinking of what else he could prepare.


    Heavenly Book Array.


    In the Heavenly Book, there were not only large-scale military formations, but also some smaller arrays.


    The formations inside were originally designed for Cultivators.


    However, since mortal troops lacked Cultivation, they had to replace Spiritual Energy with the White Xuan Qi from Xuanzhu.


    If they could master one or two Immortal Arrays on this trip, it would definitely alleviate a lot of pressure.


    "You two, come here."


    Chen Sansi waved his hand, "Next, I''ll teach you a Formation. I''ll be the Array Eye, and you two will assist. Understand?"


    "Immortal Array?!"


    Ning Xiang looked shocked, "You know about this too? So the rumors that Silver Pine Cliff summoned Heavenly Thunder and Hu Lao presented a great fog are true?"


    If beforehand, her signing of the Blood Covenant was out of necessity to stay alive and await a chance for revenge,


    Now, she suddenly felt she might have made the right choice...


    Following this man could prove to be far more meaningful than staying at Seeking Immortal Tower.


    Under Chen Sansi''s command.


    The three of them sat down in specific positions, each channeling their Spiritual Power, slowly connecting to form the array.


    At the same time.


    A panel emerged.


    [Divine Skills: Controlling Immortals]


    [Progress: 0]


    [Utility: None yet]

 Chapter 439 - 179: The Southern Realm Attacked by Rebel Army, Qian Xun Opens Spirit Opening

    ```


    Controlling Immortals?


    Is this similar to Commanding Soldiers?


    After Chen Sansi joined the army and trained the troops, he acquired the Skill of Commanding Soldiers.


    Now,


    underneath my command are two Cultivators, and I''ve obtained "Controlling Immortals"?


    Moreover, it''s Divine Skills, not just a Skill.


    This is also...


    unexpected yet reasonable.


    ...


    An hour later,


    Chen Sansi informed them to stop.


    Even if it were ordinary troops, proficiency wouldn''t come in one day, and the same goes for an Immortal Array. Even the simplest and most basic coordinating Formation requires some time to harmonize; it certainly can''t be achieved overnight.


    [Divine Skills: Controlling Immortals (Entry-level)]


    [Progress: 5/100]


    [Utility: None For Now]


    It''s just unknown what the effects will be after reaching Entry-level. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Formation that Chen Sansi chose is called "Three Flowers Gathering Spirit Formation," a relatively simple Formation. Its purpose is singular: the two assisting Cultivators transfer their stored Spiritual Energy for their own use, thus allowing the "Sitting Array Cultivator" to have more enduring Mana, akin to how a Blood Refining Warrior has more Qi-Blood¡ªit''s understandable as borrowing another''s Qi-Blood.


    In layman''s terms, a power bank.


    There''s no helping it.


    We are simply too few in number. Even if we managed to gather seven people, we could at least employ the Heavenly Gang Beidou Formation, but with only three people, and all of lower realms, the Formations that could be deployed are limited.


    The Three Flowers Gathering Spirit Formation is quite practical under the circumstances.


    The next day,


    Before dawn even broke,


    they boarded the carriage prepared by the Governor Mansion and secretly left Liangzhou, disappearing into the dim wilderness.


    "Ends of the earth."


    Ning Xiang had planned ahead, "General, according to your description, the fastest way for us is by water. If we don''t mind the hardship, by traveling both by land and water we could reach the South Sea Port within a month.


    "Then we''ll find a way to get a boat and head out to sea. It''s estimated that it''ll take another two to three months to find the destination, of course, that''s assuming we''re lucky and find the right path.


    "It''s really unexpected that the path to seeking Immortals we''ve all dreamt of would require us to leave this continent."


    Chen Sansi sat in the carriage with his eyes closed, resting his mind, "Have you never tried before?"


    "Naturally, there were people who tried."


    Ning Xiang spoke softly, "But most of those who went out to sea never returned. Everyone thought the sea was fraught with dangers, and gradually no one thought about it anymore. Now, it seems that those people either succeeded or met some mishap at the ends of the earth. Most of them are likely the latter, with the former being very few."


    "By the way,


    "I have another piece of information to report to the General. The core of Seeking Immortal Tower has been very active recently, searching far and wide for something, and this is happening concurrently with the events involving Ziwei Mountain."


    "Be more specific." Chen Sansi said, "Is there something similar to Cao Xie''s relic?"


    "Who knows."


    Ning Xiang bit her silver teeth, "That Xun dog has already pushed me out, they wouldn''t let me know about such things."


    "Don''t call me General in public."


    Chen Sansi said.


    Since he had left discreetly, he naturally couldn''t expose his identity.


    "Understood, Master~"


    "..."


    After arriving at the nearest dock, the fourth senior brother had the ship prepared in advance; they didn''t need to worry about anything and could just head straight south, then proceed to the South Sea Port.


    The journey was monotonous.


    Nothing more than practicing Martial Arts, cultivating, and refining the Formation.


    In the blink of an eye,


    a month had passed.


    Chen Sansi''s Immortal Realm had reached a crucial moment for a breakthrough. Guided by his Spirit Root, continuously refining through the meridian cycle, until a certain instant, it was as if unlocking a shackle within his body, allowing the Spiritual Energy in the Dantian to be freely utilized.


    [Cultivation Technique: Five Elements Decision, Early-stage Qi Refining (First Level)]


    [Progress: 0/500]


    [Utility: Five Elements Complete, Peak Achievement]


    [Five Elements Complete: Possessing all Five Elements in the Spirit Root, culminating in profound foundational cultivation, albeit at a slow pace. One may choose to practice a specific Single Spirit Root Cultivation Technique to achieve peak achievement.]


    This is...


    Chen Sansi quickly understood the meaning of the term based on his rich experience.


    During the journey, he had discussed it with Ning Xiang.


    The quality of the Spirit Root is to Cultivators as physical fitness is to Martial Artists.


    Spirit Roots are differentiated into inferior, Lower Grade, Mid-grade, top-grade, and then Heavenly Grade...


    Beyond these categorizations,


    there are Single Spirit Roots and Mixed Spirit Roots.


    As the name suggests, a Mixed Spirit Root mixes multiple attributes.


    The more attributes a Spirit Root has, the slower the Cultivation speed will be, akin to the difference in nurturing a single tree versus five; each requires a distinct amount of nourishment. If the quality of the Spirit Root is even lower...


    The Cultivation speed would be agonizingly slow, like a snail climbing a tree, and demand a significant amount of Spiritual Energy.


    And Chen Sansi,


    possesses all five flaws.


    Not only does he have all five attributes, but his Spirit Roots are also of inferior quality.


    Yet, based on his past experiences,


    as long as he worked hard, fortune favored the diligent, and his body''s fitness would evolve to adapt optimally to the Cultivation Technique.


    [Five Elements Complete].


    The essence of the term implies that if he practices a Cultivation Technique of a single attribute, he could enhance the corresponding Spirit Root''s quality to a certain height, and after reaching top-grade, switch to another technique to improve the next Spirit Root.


    For example, practicing a Wood Attribute Cultivation Technique would bring improvement to the Wood attribute in his Spirit Root.


    "Still, it relies on my own efforts..."


    "The path at the beginning will be more challenging, needing perseverance."


    Chen Sansi mentally cheered himself on.


    Another point:


    The path of Cultivation is endless.


    It often takes years or even decades to break through a single realm.


    Qi Refinement can be subdivided further into Early, Middle, and Late stages, detailing from levels one to nine, with every third level considered a formal breakthrough, allowing one to enhance the Spirit Root''s quality once.


    Currently,


    he is at the Qi Refining First Level, an Early-stage Cultivator.


    ```

 Chapter 440 - 179: The Southern Realm Attacked by Rebel Army, Qian Xun Opens Spirit Opening_2

    As time passed,


    Chen Sansi began to gradually understand the meaning of the words "endless and boundless."


    Another ten days had gone by.


    The progress in proficiency had become minuscule.


    [Cultivation Technique: Five Elements Decision, Early-stage Qi Refining (Level 1)]


    [Progress: 10/500]


    Not only that,


    the middle-grade spirit stone given by Shen Guiti was rapidly depleting and unlikely to last until a breakthrough.


    "This middle-grade spirit stone of yours is worth a hundred low-grade spirit stones. The person who gave it to you is truly generous. Just one is enough for a long time after entry into the path. However..."


    Ning Xiang explained, "No matter how many spirit stones you have, they can''t withstand extended use. That''s also why our Seeking Immortal Tower has been longing to enter the Immortal Realm. It''s said that the world there is filled with spiritual energy."


    "Middle-grade spirit stone."


    Chen Sansi checked his resources.


    One middle-grade spirit stone, plus five low-grade spirit stones, and another two gathered from Ning Xiang, made a total of seven low-grade spirit stones.


    These things were all important resources and had to be well managed.


    Within the "Five Elements Decision,"


    there were also a few spells included, some offensive and some defensive...


    On the aspect of killing,


    Chen Sansi had the Sword Qi Skill, and what he truly lacked were defensive techniques.


    Among them, there was a defensive spell named "Thick Earth Decision," which could converge a barrier in front of oneself through spiritual power, capable of blocking one magic attack. It was considered an excellent spell during the Early-stage Qi Refining, but its downside was that it required time to seal again after collapsing, consuming a vast amount of spiritual power, which made it difficult for cultivators to sustain. Generally, it was used at critical moments to block attacks and save lives.


    This spell was also a basic one, not too difficult.


    In just half a day,


    he had successfully learned it.


    [Spell: Thick Earth Decision (entry-level)]


    [Progress: 0/500]


    [Utility: Store without Collapse]


    [Store without Collapse: With spiritual continuity, it remains unbroken and intact]


    The ordinary cultivator''s Thick Earth Decision was akin to a one-time barrier, but in his hands, it was like holding a Mystic Iron Shield indefinitely, although it continuously drained spiritual power to maintain.


    And...


    Chen Sansi felt and discovered that the defensive power of the Thick Earth Decision was slightly stronger than that of a Small Achieved Martial Artist''s Protective Gang Qi in the Profound Image Realm, but not by much, roughly equivalent to the Protective Gang Qi of a Martial Artist who mainly focused on Defense Physique.


    From this perspective...


    The Martial Arts weren''t too weak.


    In most cases, the only reason they couldn''t match "Immortals" was due to the Immortals'' bizarre techniques.


    As for Sword Qi Skill, it was extremely difficult to defend against.


    On the contrary,


    if a Martial Arts practitioner could get close to a cultivator,


    then a common cultivator definitely couldn''t withstand the Gang Qi.


    As for Martial Saints, it went without saying, their True Qi could certainly withstand some spells directly, which could be inferred from the actions of the eldest brother, Ji from Ziwei Mountain.


    Let alone those Above Martial Saint.


    As Cao Xie had mentioned in his letter, reaching Above Martial Saint would allow one to find a footing in the Cultivation World.


    But as to how much "above," there was no detailed explanation.


    Great Success or Perfection in Qi Refining might not even be the limits.


    These are two different paths.


    Of course,


    these were all speculations by Chen Sansi based on his experiences. How it truly was, he would have to wait until he had firsthand knowledge of the Cultivation World.


    Continuing south,


    he did not neglect his Martial Arts practice.


    [Cultivation Technique: National Guardian Dragon Spear, Profound Image Realm (entry-level)]


    [Progress: 260/500]


    Finally,


    there was the skill [Reading].


    This skill, since he had read a multitude of books, had almost completely stopped advancing until he started encountering different scripts in the Cultivation World with the Sword Qi Skill, and then it began to fluctuate again.


    [Skill: Reading (small achievement)]


    [Progress: (655/800)]


    The effects of the Reading skill, like [Seven Orifices Exquisite Heart], were not as visibly displayed as Martial Arts, but its role was substantial. It basically complemented all forms of practice, greatly improving efficiency.


    "Phew¡ª"


    Chen Sansi exhaled a breath of turbid air and went up to the deck for some fresh air.


    Looking at the endless lake in front of him and the mountain brows on both banks, he inquired, "Where are we now?"


    The one steering the ship


    was a covert agent dispatched by the Governor Mansion, all of whom were above the Meridian Passage Realm.


    After all these years, the Governor Mansion naturally had its own accumulated forces, and the ones sent by the elder brother were all equivalent to "Death Guards," tight-lipped and obedient.


    "Replying to the lord,"


    the attendant with a knife came to report, "We are currently in Hezhou. Once we are beyond these Eight Hundred Miles of Water Pools, we only need to travel another half-month by land to reach the nearest port for setting out to sea."


    "Hezhou."


    The map was already etched in Chen Sansi''s mind.


    This was the territory of Prince Zhen Nan.


    Not long ago,


    after the ten-thousand-strong army of Nan Xu suffered a massive defeat,


    the Fan brothers, Shuzhen and Jiuxiao, did not perish.


    Instead, after the end of the sacrificial ceremony, they were sent back to Nan Xu, exchanging them for many benefits. Despite the severe defeat, these two, due to their family''s powerful influence, did not face harsh punishment.


    It was only Ran Jingxuan''s father, the once-retired Zhong Hu who re-emerged in Jianghu, who seemed to be making some significant move.


    "The lord should not stay long on the deck; this place is not very peaceful,"


    the attendant advised, "This lake is called Liangshan Water Pool. In previous years, a group of civilians building the Canal rebelled and retreated here, later stabilized by the support of Nan Xu. Now they have a force of seventy thousand soldiers here, along with major generals sent by the local rebellious Sects and Daoist sorcerers from Nan Xu, combined with its defensive terrain, making it not easily overrun."


    "Liangshan Water Pool..."


    Chen Sansi found it interesting and had the same sentiment, the Great Thousand World was full of wonders.


    S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 441 - 179: The Southern Realm Attacked by Rebel Army, Qian Xun Opens Spirit Opening_3

    He said, "Explain the sorcery in detail."


    "It''s a Daoist who can use some weird techniques, causing the imperial soldiers who came here several times before to suffer great losses. Coupled with the pressure from Nan Xu, they temporarily stopped dealing with them. As for more specific details, I''m not very clear, so please forgive me, my lord."


    The attendant said, "In any case, if my lord wishes to go to sea, this place is an unavoidable path we must take. We just hope to get through quickly to avoid any trouble..."


    "No need to think about it anymore, this ''trouble'' is bound to happen."


    Chen Sansi said this as he turned and entered the cabin of the ship.


    When he came back out, he had already taken on the appearance of Lai Zi, his waist adorned with a He Miao Long Sword.


    "Wooo¡ª"


    "..."


    Around their large ship.


    Countless small boats were rapidly approaching, each one packed with soldiers in armour. Waving their weapons and shouting loudly, they seemed every bit the part of bandits.


    The guard responsible for sailing Chen Sansi and his group, named Qin Changxu, watched this scene without panic. Knowing escape was impossible, he ordered his men to stop the ship.


    Then, he cupped his fists towards the enemy ships, "My fellow heroes from Liangshan! We are merchants from the North, preparing to pass through this precious place for business in Da Xu! All the heroes must have heard of Mr. Jia from Da Xu, right? We are friends with him!"


    As they dared to pass through here, they naturally came prepared.


    Aboard the enemy ship.


    The leader was a middle-aged man with a goatee, who stroked his beard, "You really are friends of Mr. Jia?"


    "Of course! Otherwise, how would we dare to pass through here?"


    Qin Changxu said, "My brothers, we are all family, let''s not hurt the good atmosphere."


    "Even if you are allies of Mr. Jia, you still need to be inspected before you can go!"


    The goateed man raised an eyebrow, "Recently, there was a ship whose crew claimed they were going to Da Xu for business, but it turned out they were Jinyi Guard from your court, going there to carry out assassinations."


    "What should I call you, leader?"


    "I am Sixth Master Jin ZhaoFu from Liangshan!"


    Jin ZhaoFu.


    Originally, he was the Sect Master of a top southern sect, who had joined Liangshan to secure resources for breaking through to the Martial Saint level in the future. He was a noteworthy figure among the rebels, now proficient in the Xuanxiang Realm, considered as a Main General anywhere else.


    "So it''s the Sixth Master!"


    Qin Changxu saluted with his fist, "Then please come aboard, Sixth Master. We only have seven people on our ship, all old, weak, and sickly!"


    "Alright!"


    Jin ZhaoFu lightly tapped his foot and leaped onto their deck.


    Another twenty or so brothers set up a ladder and kept coming aboard one after another to search the ship.


    Looking around.


    On this ship.


    There was only Qin Changxu, a man in his prime.


    The rest indeed appeared to be the old and feeble. Many of the workers on the ship were missing limbs or were white-haired old men. There was also an extremely ugly man with a sword at his waist.


    "Sixth Master."


    Qin Changxu took out a bag of gold and a few silver notes, "We understand the rules; please allow us some convenience."


    "Hmm~"


    Jin ZhaoFu took the money without showing any expression.


    "Sixth Master, the search is done, they are indeed all weak and sick."


    His subordinate came to report.


    Jin ZhaoFu asked, "What about the cabin?"


    "There are just two women in the cabin."


    Qin Changxu said, "Shouldn''t we avoid searching there?"


    "Oh?"


    Jin ZhaoFu, pinching his beard, seemed intrigued, "Women? Can''t a woman be an assassin?"


    He said this and, ignoring the protests, went inside.


    Upon lifting the main cabin''s curtain, he saw a purple-robed woman amidst the swirling incense smoke, looking like an Immortal descended from heaven.


    "See, Sixth Master? As I said, they are just womenfolk."


    "An assassin, it must be an assassin!"


    Jin ZhaoFu came to his senses, his eyes somewhat glazed over, "Someone bring these two lasses back for a good interrogation!"


    "Yes!"


    "This is not right, Sixth Master!"


    Qin Changxu quickly objected, "These two are our boss''s women, if anything were to go wrong, I''m afraid we wouldn''t be able to explain ourselves."


    "You''d better tell the truth."


    Jin ZhaoFu casually said, "Just say that I, Sixth Master Jin, kept them behind, and I''ll send them back after a while."


    "Sixth Master!"


    Seeing that kind words were of no use, Qin Changxu forcefully said, "That''s against the rules, isn''t it?!"


    "Rules?"


    Jin ZhaoFu scoffed, "In these Eight Hundred Miles of Water Pools, I AM the rules!"


    In the midst of their conversation.


    Qin Changxu was the first to draw his sword.


    "Seeking death!"


    Jin ZhaoFu reacted faster than him and casually blocked the strike with his longsword.


    Qin Changxu, merely at Mastery of Meridian Passage, could not stand his ground and was blown away, but was caught by a gentle force at his back.


    Swords flashed brightly.


    Jin ZhaoFu headed straight for his face, slashing down.


    "Clang!"


    In the blink of an eye.


    The He Miao Long Sword firmly blocked the blow.


    Jin ZhaoFu raised his head only to see it was the previously mentioned extremely ugly individual, "Well done, having the Profound Image Realm! You really are the court''s dogs! Brothers, take everyone on this ship down!"


    "Clang¡ª"


    The sounds of unsheathing blades rang out constantly.


    One of Liangshan''s leaders raised his sword to strike down an old white-haired man.


    "Bang!"


    In the next moment. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A horrendous force burst forth as he caught the sword barehanded, followed by a punch that knocked the attacker unconscious.


    "Meridian Passage!"


    The rest of the brothers were shocked.


    This old man actually had Meridian Passage.


    "This cripple is at Hua Jin!"


    Around the ship, similar scenarios were unfolding.


    There was even an armless old man using his sleeves to wield a long sword, slashing wildly around.

 Chapter 442 - 179: The Southern Realm Attacked by Rebel Army, Qian Xuns Spirit Opening_4

    Nowhere are there any old, weak, sick, or disabled.


    All are martial arts experts!


    As a matter of fact,


    these people are all retirees from the Eight Camps, naturally not ordinary folk.


    On the great ship, a chaotic battle unfolded.


    Above the deck,


    Jin ZhaoFu swept his sword, and a sword gang cleaved through the air, shattering the planks on the ground into pieces.


    Mastering the Mysterious Phenomenon,


    He released his Gang Qi!


    "Hum!"


    Chen Sansi''s He Miao Long Sword flashed, shattering the sword gang.


    Noticing his defensive tactic, Jin ZhaoFu felt certain, "Well, he can''t release Gang Qi externally, just an entry-level of Mysterious Phenomenon, go to hell¡ª"


    "Clang, clang, clang!"


    The sword and the saber collided.


    "True Dragon Gang?!"


    However,


    it didn''t take long for Jin ZhaoFu to realize something was amiss.


    The person in front of him was not highly skilled, but his moves were immensely powerful and solid, and they seemed "alive." With every exchange, it felt like countless sharp teeth were gnawing at his sword''s edge. Within just a few exchanges, nicks appeared on the blade!


    Then...


    his Gang Qi began to fail, he gradually fell into disadvantage, until he revealed a flaw. He only felt a chill on his neck, then watched as the deck enlarged in his view until it struck his face. After a whirl of dizziness, he saw his body still standing in its original spot, and blood gushed from the artery in his neck, soon plunging him into endless darkness.


    "Sixth Master!"


    Witnessing their leader''s death,


    the bandits instantly panicked.


    The attendants of the Governor Mansion launched a slaughter.


    That one-armed old man even jumped directly onto a nearby small boat, and the lake was quickly dyed red with blood.


    "Quick!"


    "Go call for help!"


    "..."


    The bandits of Liangshan released volleys of arrows while calling for reinforcements.


    Everyone on the ship was above the Hua Jin level.


    In the short term, they did not fear these arrows.


    "Hero Zhang!"


    Qin Changxu would not yell out the real name outside, "What should we do? Should we just grab a small boat and break out? Otherwise, it might be troublesome when the main force surrounds us."


    "Boom!"


    "Boom!"


    In the midst of speaking,


    suddenly the ship''s body started trembling.


    "Not good!"


    "The hull is taking on water!"


    "Someone''s drilling a hole from underwater!"


    "..."


    "Rumble rumble!"


    The bandits of Liangshan began firing fire arrows.


    Soon, the entire large ship was blazing fiercely.


    "Master Nine is here!"


    "You''re all done for!"


    "..."


    The folks from Liangshan started shouting loudly.


    "Master Nine?"


    Chen Sansi pulled Zhaozhao over to shield him from the arrows, and asked, "Guard Qin, do you know about this person?"


    "Don''t know much!"


    Qin Changxu said seriously, "I just know he''s a young man, seems to have been sent here from the north to serve penal servitude, joined a rebellion and went up the mountain while building the Canal, gained favor for his talent in fighting exotic fish, he himself is a martial arts prodigy, and apparently later on, no one knows where he learned some sorcery."


    "What sorcery! I''ll go and meet him myself!"


    The armless old man leaped into the lake as he spoke.


    "Boom¡ª¡ª"


    A few breaths later.


    There was a loud explosion.


    The armless old man was hurled out of the water, another elder brother hurriedly rushed forward to catch him. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Boom!"


    Above the lake, a splash of water suddenly erupted.


    A lithe figure appeared, standing atop a column of water, looking down from above and scolded, "You court dogs, how dare you trespass on our Water Pool and kill our brothers!"


    "Sorcery!"


    The veterans on the boat were in disarray for the first time.


    This man could actually manipulate water. If not sorcery, then what was it!


    "Boom!"


    Master Nine let out a loud shout, and a column of water, like Jiao Long, came crashing down.


    "Clang!"


    Chen Sansi split the water column with a single slash and shouted loudly, "Zhang Shun! Do you recognize who your grandfather is?"


    "It doesn''t matter who you are, you will die at..."


    In mid-air, Zhang Shun was halfway through his sentence when he suddenly froze, staring at the ugly man on the deck, his face showing more and more disbelief: "Uncle Lai Zi? You''re a peerless master?!"


    He had been close to Shanshi since childhood, often playing in Yanbian Village; how could he not recognize this man, despised by all, sly, greedy, and slippery, often bullying even the little children, though not particularly malicious at heart.


    How could this man be...


    A master of the Profound Image Realm?!


    And to think he could split his spell, could he also be a Cultivator?


    After all, they were old acquaintances from the same village.


    They naturally couldn''t continue fighting in this unclear situation.


    "Stop!"


    Zhang Shun quickly ordered.


    "Master Nine?"


    His men looked at each other in bewilderment: "He, he killed the Sixth Master!"


    "I told you to stop, don''t you understand? I''ll go up and talk to them, then make a decision!"


    "As you command!"


    "..."


    "Splash¡ª¡ª"


    Accompanied by the Great Water, Zhang Shun landed on the deck, cupped his fist, and said, "Uncle Lai Zi, shall we talk somewhere else?"


    The big ship was already half sunk, soon to be unable to hold on.


    This scene.


    Ning Xiang and others were equally puzzled.


    How did Chen Sansi manage to meet an acquaintance while in disguise?


    Who had he been pretending to be on ordinary days?


    At Zhang Shun''s command, a small airborne ship soon arrived in front of them.


    Chen Sansi and he went alone into the cabin of the ship.


    "Uncle Lai Zi, you''ve hidden yourself well!"


    Zhang Shun looked him over carefully again, making sure it was indeed Lai Zi without a doubt.


    As he spoke, he was also on guard: "What are you doing here, how did you get into a fight with Jin ZhaoFu and the others?"


    "Just passing through," Chen Sansi informed him. "That scoundrel coveted a woman on the ship. I had no choice but to take action."


    "That guy¡­ The leader had already given orders not to do such things. He truly couldn''t change his nature; he deserved to die."


    Zhang Shun''s tone became much more amenable: "Uncle Lai Zi, will you return to the north in the future?"


    "I suppose so," said Chen Sansi.


    "That''s great."


    Zhang Shun shouted to the outside: "Bring me pen and ink! Uncle Lai Zi, I''ll write a letter. If you go back north, please take a trip to Liangzhou for me and deliver this letter to my brother."

 Chapter 443 - 179: The Southern Realm Attacked by Rebel Army, Qian Xuns Spirit Opening_5

    ```


    "Stone, Chen Sansi! You still remember Uncle Lai Zi, right?"


    "You must have heard too!"


    "My brother is now quite prestigious, having triumphed four times over Hongze, breaking ten thousand with only three thousand at Hu Lao. I heard he''s even become an Earl."


    "Ever since we parted ways in Yanbian Village, several years have passed in the blink of an eye."


    "I never had the chance to report our well-being, and now I cannot leave to head north, so I had no choice but to bother Uncle Lai Zi..."


    "Shun, take another look, who am I?"


    "How could I not recognize Uncle Lai Zi..."


    At this point in the conversation.


    Zhang Shun noticed something off in the voice, his pupils trembled violently, and only after mentally preparing himself did he lift his head. To his surprise, the face before him was indeed that familiar yet unfamiliar visage: "Brother... Brother Shi?!"


    Thump!


    He dropped the weapon in his hand and knelt down abruptly.


    "Brother Shi!"


    "Shun finally gets to see you again."


    "All these years, thank you for taking care of my parents!"


    Back then.


    Ten days later in Yunzhou.


    Zhang Shun''s heart cooled.


    Then later, he heard about leading the people to cross the river.


    Most of the common folk from Po Yang County survived and returned to Po Yang after the fighting ended. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Half a year ago.


    He finally managed to secretly contact his parents and found out that for the past two years, someone had been sending silver to his family in secret.


    How could he forget such a favor?


    "Get up, it''s no big deal."


    Chen Sansi helped him up and surveyed him: "Not bad, Shun, just a few years and you''ve become an ''Earl''. You''re quite impressive."


    "Brother, don''t talk like that, what am I compared to you? I''m lesser in status, and in martial arts, I''m only at Meridian Passage. It''s just that I''ve had some luck and got some opportunities, which allowed me to have a foothold in Liangshan."


    Zhang Shun slapped his forehead: "Speaking of which, I have something for you!"


    After checking to ensure no one else was on the boat and securing the cabin door, he took several spirit stones out of his bosom, along with a yellow paper that, despite being in water, was not rotten.


    The paper was inscribed with extremely mysterious patterns, as if they were carved or painted on, with tendrils of spiritual light flashing across from time to time.


    "Brother Shi, I saw you wield spiritual power just now, and since you''re heading southeast, I guess you''re not going to Nan Xu, but seeking immortality instead? You''ll definitely need these things!"


    "This is..."


    Chen Sansi looked at him, giving everything unreservedly: "All for me?"


    "Yes!"


    Zhang Shun said matter-of-factly: "I heard that over there, without spirit stones, you''d be like the refugees here, stuck at every step. It''s better for you to carry more, Brother Shi. This yellow paper is called a talisman; when activated, it provides a protective effect."


    "You keep it for yourself."


    Chen Sansi declined the offer.


    Clearly, that was all Shun had to his name, and Chen Sansi couldn''t possibly have the face to accept it.


    More than that.


    He was curious.


    Where did Shun acquire the way of cultivation?


    After insisting several times, Zhang Shun finally put the items away: "It''s a long story. I had just arrived at Liangshan and lived by bartering fish for martial resources, just a minor leader."


    "That day, when I went to the neighboring river to catch fish, I met an Immortal, and then... he accepted me as a disciple, gave me cultivation techniques and spirit stones, saying that after his affairs were settled, he would take me to the Cultivation World. It''s just I don''t know how many years that will be."


    "The cultivation technique cannot be disclosed; otherwise, I would show it to Brother Shi."


    "Oh, right."


    "My master said recently many Immortals have come to the mortal world, apparently fighting over something. Going southeast, you might encounter them, and many innocent people have been caught in the crossfire and killed."


    Immortals again...


    And the anomalies within the Luotian Mountain Range.


    These people, if they want to cultivate, should just do so, but they choose to come out and harm the mortal world, fulfilling the saying, "When Immortals fight, mortals suffer."


    "Brother Shi."


    Zhang Shun then said: "How have you been in Liangzhou? In the future..."


    At this point, he realized that he and his brother were probably on opposite sides.


    "Do you want to leave?"


    Chen Sansi said: "I can help you change your identity, come with me to Liangzhou, and we can quietly bring your parents there too."


    After all, this was a band of rebels.


    The reason it hasn''t been quelled yet is actually because Prince Zhen Nan hasn''t been able to spare the effort.


    "Brother Shi, anything but that."


    Zhang Shun''s expression became grave: "I don''t want anything to do with those corrupt court officials in my lifetime, so working for the court is out of the question. But if you need me in the future, Brother Shi, just say the word. I have some sway in Liangshan."


    "Alright then."


    Chen Sansi did not press the matter any further.


    Actually.


    No matter where, it''s always about the people.


    The atmosphere in Liangzhou is far better compared to other places.


    Not even a Major Sect would dare to act as overbearingly as some Martial Arts Halls back in Po Yang, for if someone complained to the Governor Mansion, there would truly be consequences.


    Once someone caused trouble, no matter who it was, the law would be applied.


    That''s also why.


    Sun Xiangzong offended so many people.


    Most likely, the majority of the Sects and officials are hoping for his untimely demise.


    "Then you and I, let''s part ways here."


    Casually chatting, Chen Sansi had already used the materials he carried with him to revert his appearance back to Uncle Lai Zi.


    "Take utmost care!"


    Zhang Shun said with concern: "The southeast has recently seen the emergence of a demon that specializes in killing Immortals. Alas, there''s so much happening on the mountain lately, and the court has been keeping a watchful eye. I truly can''t leave, otherwise, I would''ve liked to accompany you, even though... I wouldn''t be of much use."


    He was, after all, only at Qi Refining First Level.


    Water Manipulation was nothing more than a minor spell, more for show than anything.


    "A demon that specializes in killing Immortals?"


    Chen Sansi was intrigued: "A demon from the Cultivation World?"


    ```

 Chapter 444 - 179: The Southern Realm Attacked by Rebel Army, Qian Xuns Spirit Opening_6

    "I hear he''s a Martial Artist."


    Zhang Shun said with a look of reverence, "Whether he''s a Martial Artist from the Cultivation World or the mortal world, I''m not sure, but the Immortals are both issuing a bounty for him and yet hiding from him. You must be careful because it''s said that this demon is ruthless and brutal."


    "Okay, I understand."


    Chen Sansi stood up and looked at the completely silent big ship: "This..."


    "We may not have much, but we do have plenty of ships. I''ll send someone to get you a better vessel right away."


    Zhang Shun pounded his chest and said, "And the dead man, you don''t need to worry about him; he wasn''t one of ours anyway. Since you''re carrying Master Jia''s name, I''ll make sure it''s explained properly."


    The tumult had come to an end.


    Half a day later.


    They had switched to a new ship and after several days of travel, they finally docked ashore.


    This place was within the borders of Nan Xu.


    "My lord!"


    Qin Changxu said, "From here, heading southeast, lies an isolated and desolate land. There''s no use for us to follow. We''ll wait in the nearest small city and make preparations for your return."


    The men sent by the Governor Mansion did not know the mission was to seek Immortals, only that it was a secret assignment.


    They asked no further questions and abided by strict protocol.


    Moreover, they were brave and loyal, just as the soldiers from Po Yang were to Chen Sansi.


    "Thank you all for accompanying us on this journey!"


    Chen Sansi made a deep bow, "When I return to Liangzhou, I''ll find a chance to treat you all well."


    "Why stand on such ceremony, my lord?"


    Qin Changxu replied, "Though we''re no longer in the military, we still serve under the Governor Mansion, so it is only right to carry out our orders. Until next time!"


    "Until next time!"


    "Qian Xun, let''s go!"


    Chen Sansi called out.


    "Coming!"


    Since there was a mutual understanding.


    He even hallucinated a bit, as if Qian Xun was actually speaking human words.


    During the time on the ship, Qian Xun was looked after by a dedicated person, and when the ship sank, it leapt onto a small boat on its own. As long as it wasn''t specifically targeted, there was usually no need to be overly concerned.


    But actually...


    This trip...


    Chen Sansi''s original intention was not to bring it along because he was heading to the fabled Immortal Realm and wasn''t sure of his own safety, let alone a warhorse, which seemed quite risky.


    Yet Qian Xun was very excited about the prospect, creating a fuss several times when initially left behind, and after repeatedly assuring that it wouldn''t be a burden, it was finally brought along. Perhaps it could also prove to be useful.


    Just at that moment...


    The system panel flickered.


    [Skill: Horse Control (Great Success)]


    [Progress: 0]


    [Utility: ..., Spirit Opening]


    [Spirit Opening: Humans have Spirit Roots, beasts have spirit apertures. Humans can enter the Immortal Path by opening their Spirit Roots, and beasts can too, by opening their spirit apertures.]


    "?"


    "Clip-clop!"


    Qian Xun stamped its hooves arrogantly raising its head.


    "You want to cultivate to become an Immortal too?"


    Chen Sansi stroked its mane, momentarily uncertain whether it was the effect of the panel or if Qian Xun was inherently extraordinary, or perhaps both?


    He tried taking out a Spirit Stone: "Can you use this?" S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Then he saw wisps of Spiritual Energy flow from the stone into Qian Xun''s body.


    Chen Sansi quickly pocketed the Spirit Stone again.


    He only had seven in total, and he couldn''t afford to use them up just yet...


    "This horse is no ordinary beast, but it''s probably not a Divine Beast either," Ning Xiang analyzed. "From what I''ve seen in records, Divine Beasts usually have distinctive features, but being able to cultivate is definitely a good thing."


    "Let''s set off."


    Chen Sansi mounted Qian Xun.


    Ning Xiang and the other followed behind.


    So far, besides Chen Yunxi, Qian Xun seemed to only allow that girl to ride it.


    But since Ning Xiang and others possessed Martial Arts skills and used light body Magic Skills to slow their pace, they were able to keep up.


    The party of three.


    Wandered along the mountain wilds, stopping now and then.


    The further south they went, the more humid the air became, and eventually, it felt like there was a mist on their faces. After passing several mountain peaks over the next several days...


    A small town appeared before them.


    This was the last inhabited place before reaching the coast.


    Nanling Town.


    The town was small, but it had everything one needed: inns, restaurants, teahouses...


    Because it was close to the sea.


    One could smell the briny scent of the sea from afar.


    After crossing the boundary marker of "Nanling Town," there were stalls selling seafood on both sides, and the prices were quite reasonable.


    Da Xu had a coastline.


    Depending on the mountains and waters for sustenance, seafood was something neither Qing Country nor Dasheng had, making it part of the local cultural experience.


    Before coming here.


    Ning Xiang and Zhaozhao had changed into simple Nan Xu clothing in advance. Without needing Chen Sansi''s instruction, they proactively went to scout information through the streets and alleyways, and then they learnt...


    There was an Immortal here.


    "Of course, it''s true!"


    An old man said, "I saw it with my own eyes; that night there was an Immortal riding a Treasure Sword flying through the sky!"


    "There are demons too!"


    "You come from the Prefecture City?"


    "You''re not also here to seek an audience with the Immortal, are you?"


    "I''ll tell you, there''s not just an Immortal, but a demon too!"


    "Before, an Immortal died right at the entrance to our town!"


    "Over there, you can see the demon''s bounty!"


    "..."


    "Reward!"


    Disguised as another person, Chen Sansi tossed out a piece of silver.


    He noticed.


    Throughout the street there were many High Realm Martial Artists from Nan Xu.


    They were dressed as constables from the local government office, but in such a remote place, Refining Internal would be the limit. How could there be so many above Hua Jin... even Mysterious Phenomenon-level practitioners?


    Obviously.


    Nan Xu must have become aware of the commotion here and covertly sent people over.


    This journey...


    Originally, Chen Sansi was seeking the entrance to the Immortal Realm, but upon arriving here, the "Immortals" seemed to be flocking to the "mortal world," which suggested that something major must be happening here.


    There was also the demon who killed the Immortal, wanted by the Nan Xu government.


    He continued walking along the street and soon saw the bounty at the vegetable market entrance.


    There was a portrait on it.

 Chapter 445 - 180: The Demons Immortal Execution, The Resurgence of the Spirit Vein

    Atop the portrait,


    there was a person wearing a ghost-faced mask, nameless, with only a nickname "Ghost-faced Old Demon" and a bounty.


    The bounty was exceptionally high, not only including a large amount of mundane gold and silver, but the notice also stated that anyone who could provide information about this person would receive a reward from an Immortal, and that killing him would grant one the bestowal of a magic skill.


    Killing an Immortal.


    Was the Ghost-faced Old Demon truly so fierce?


    If he hadn''t killed enough to make even Immortals afraid, why would they collaborate with ordinary people to issue a wanted poster?


    Chen Sansi and Ning Xiang joined up.


    The information they had obtained was roughly the same.


    Recently, Immortals, demons, and even Exotic Beasts were descending from the mountain to eat humans, causing such strange phenomena that even Nanxu Prefecture had begun sending people to investigate, causing quite a stir.


    "Let''s find a place to stay first,"


    Chen Sansi and his party were set to take to the seas next, but as the evening sky turned a deep red, signaling the approach of nightfall, they could only plan to look for a ship to depart from the docks the next day.


    As they ventured deeper into the town, he discovered through his "Qi Observation Skill" that these so-called Immortals were in fact disguised and hidden among the "streets and alleys"!


    Some of them masqueraded as Jianghu heroes, while others as local residents...


    In front of a tavern, an old man leading a donkey who appeared to be buying liquor was actually circulating Spiritual Power within his body. His cloudy and aged eyes emitted a flow of light unseen by ordinary people, scanning every individual on the street.


    Including Chen Sansi and his party, none managed to escape detection.


    He guessed that this was likely due to a spell similar to the "Qi Observation Skill."


    Having always been the one to see through others, now being seen through by someone else was an exceptionally discomforting feeling...


    It seemed that if he were truly to enter the world of Cultivation, it would be necessary to find a Magic Skill that could hide his Cultivation.


    There was, however, one distinct difference.


    These "Immortals" required the use of Spiritual Power to probe others.


    Whereas Chen Sansi relied solely on his eyes, consuming no Spiritual Power at all, allowing him to observe without alerting the other party.


    "Old fool!"


    A younger Cultivator appeared, warning the old man, "Keep using your ''Investigation Skill'' recklessly and I''ll gouge out your eyes!"


    "Hehe, Daoist, don''t take offense,"


    the old man repeatedly apologized with a grin, "I am only looking to see clearly, who knows, I might find a clue."


    Their voices were not loud when they spoke, neither were they deliberately secretive, indicating the matter they were searching for was an open secret among Cultivators.


    Chen Sansi quickened his pace, preparing to head to the town''s inn for an overnight stay before figuring out a way to set sail at dawn.


    To avoid drawing attention, the White Swan Horse turned into a reddish-brown horse under Ning Xiang''s Blinding Technique.


    Ning Xiang and Zhaozhao, too, were made to look ordinary under his disguise techniques, to avoid attracting unnecessary trouble like before.


    The town was not big, boasting only a single inn. Fortunately, it had superior accommodations. Chen Sansi booked an entire courtyard to facilitate their operations.


    When traveling, food and lodging must be arranged.


    Once those were taken care of,


    Chen Sansi prepared to purchase some meals, having not really eaten much on their journey, and also to sample the local specialties.


    "Esteemed guest!"


    The innkeeper said, "Don''t be fooled by the size of our establishment; the food here is top notch! We have all sorts of Exotic Fish and Exotic Beast meat that Martial Artists love."


    "Is that so,"


    Chen Sansi inquired, "You have Exotic Beast Meat here to eat?"


    "Yes, plenty of it!"


    The innkeeper said proudly, "These days, several surrounding Prefectures rely on our town for supplies. There are even hunters sent by high-ranking officials in the mountains!"


    Supplying so many Prefectures...


    Chen Sansi took the opportunity to ask, "Have there always been so many treasures here?"


    "Not exactly," sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    the innkeeper replied, counting on his fingers, "To tell you the truth, it''s only been in the past year. Valuable treasures in the mountains and the sea nearby have been growing increasingly plentiful. Our little shop is packed daily; these Jianghu heroes come specifically for a taste of something fresh."


    "How about it, would you like to try some General Crab or Cow Horn Fish?"


    Looking at the saber hanging from Chen''s waist, he continued, "You look like a great hero from the Prefecture, perfect! Eating our Beast Meat will greatly assist your Martial Arts."


    "Innkeeper, you can''t fool anyone with just smooth talk,"


    Chen Sansi pretended to object, "Without seeing the goods with my own eyes, how can I judge their quality? Besides, once it''s cooked and served as dishes, you could charge whatever price you wanted, no?"


    "No problem, follow me, esteemed guest!"


    The innkeeper agreed readily, found a server to mind the shop, and then led them to a neighboring mansion.


    There, in the spacious courtyard filled with iron cages and water tanks, resided all sorts of Exotic Beasts¡ªa dazzling and countless array.


    Inside the mansion, several Meridian Passage experts and a Mysterious Phenomenon were present.


    Indeed.


    With such immense benefits revealing themselves, it was no longer the local commoners'' turn to pick up bargains. These people appeared to be high-ranking officials or Sect members from Nan Xu, including the inn''s Boss, who now likely held an esteemed identity.


    Exotic Beasts in vast numbers.


    Even Chen Sansi, an experienced hunter, was impressed by the sight; each one was a top-tier supplement, invaluable treasures in Dasheng that otherwise could not be purchased with money, essentially priceless resources.


    That such a multitude had appeared in a small town of Nan Xu was no wonder why so many Immortals were drawn to this place.


    Where there''s something abnormal, there must be a demon at play.


    This situation contrasted starkly with the Luotian Mountain Range, where Poisonous Beasts emerged endlessly while here, Exotic Beasts were emerging in droves. Was there a connection between the two?


    Chen Sansi observed with his "Qi Observation Skill," and his gaze quickly fixed on a red-hued sea fish. The Qi flowing within this fish differed from the pale blue of other Exotic Beasts'' Qi; it was a profound shade of blue.

 Chapter 446 - 180: The Demon Slaughters the Immortal, The Spirit Vein Revives_2

    This is likely no ordinary Exotic Beast, but a "spiritual" beast. If one could eat it, it would presumably be


    He immediately asked, "Shopkeeper, how much for this fish?"


    "Ah, the great hero is truly knowledgeable."


    The shopkeeper said, "This fish was just caught from the sea today, it really can''t be transported easily, and we can''t keep it alive either. Otherwise, the nobles in the Prefecture City would have bought it already. It''s not expensive, just six thousand taels of silver."


    Five thousand taels of silver.


    Indeed worth the price.


    Especially since the shopkeeper couldn''t tell that the fish was a spiritual beast, otherwise it would probably cost an astronomical price.


    "Alright, I''ll eat this fish raw, and then have that White Jade Rabbit, General Crab, and also that Purple Bird cooked in your best specialty methods, and then have them sent to my private room," he said.


    Chen Sansi started to order.


    "Right away!"


    The shopkeeper, with an abacus in hand, rattled it before saying, "I''ll round down the total for you, a neat fourteen thousand taels, our shop''s rule is to settle the bill before cutting into the meat, after all these treasures can''t afford losses, I hope the great hero understands."


    "Mm."


    Chen Sansi reached out for a silver note.


    Before he came, the Governor Mansion had prepared silver notes from Nanxu Bank.


    Just when the transaction was about to be completed, a rough voice rang out.


    "Hold on, I''ll take that fish!"


    A bearded burly man with a snakeskin bag slung over his shoulder walked up.


    "This guest..."


    The shopkeeper opened his mouth as if to say something.


    Then he heard a "thud" as the bearded man dropped the snakeskin bag on the ground, pulled it open, and revealed stacks upon stacks of glittering gold bricks inside: "Five thousand taels of gold!"


    "This, this..."


    The shopkeeper''s pupils dilated, and he picked up a weighty gold brick, biting on it and checking it several times before saying, "Really?"


    "Nonsense!"


    The burly man said coldly, "Sell it to me or to him, you choose!"


    Looking back at the Profound Image Realm martial artist sitting in the courtyard for approval, the shopkeeper coughed and said to Lai Zi, "Ahem, dear guest, our shop has an unwritten rule, the higher bidder gets the item. If you can''t offer a higher price..."


    "You old coot!"


    The bearded man''s eyes rounded with anger, "Are you sure you want to compete with me?"


    During his words,


    The fluctuations of spiritual power around him roughly at the Qi Refining Third Layer were displayed as a threat.


    Not only that,


    Chen Sansi saw with his own eyes.


    Before opening the bag, the man had also infused spiritual energy into it, suggesting that the gold was most likely counterfeit...


    He evidently had no intention of allowing a fair bidding process.


    After a moment,


    He said calmly, "Since this gentleman has offered a higher price, the item rightly belongs to him."


    "Hahaha! You know what''s good for you, kid!"


    The man laughed heartily as he grabbed the spirit fish from the tank and began to eat it raw as he walked away, scales and all.


    "My dear guest."


    The shopkeeper said with a conciliatory smile, "How about you look at something else instead?"


    "Give me that Green Tree Frog."


    Chen Sansi''s luck wasn''t too bad.


    He had found another spiritual beast in the corner, albeit of much lower quality than the fish.


    No one else came to snatch it this time.


    Food quickly covered the table in the private room.


    Zhaozhao''s eyes sparkled as she picked up the chopsticks and started eating.


    "General."


    Ning Xiang fed a piece of meat into Chen Sansi''s mouth with chopsticks and asked, "Shall we stay here for a couple of days? There are so many Immortals in this place, it must hold great opportunities."


    "Let''s leave immediately."


    Chen Sansi spoke decisively, "As soon as we find a ship to sail out, we go. We shouldn''t linger here."


    He had observed throughout the day.


    The highest level of Cultivator in this small town was at Qi Refining Perfection, most of the rest were in the Qi Refining Middle Stage, like the man from earlier who was roughly at the Qi Refining Third Layer, already considered to be on the lower end of the spectrum.


    For him to get involved in this quarrel, he would at least have to break through to Martial Saint status.


    "As you wish."


    Ning Xiang complied.


    After ingesting a substantial amount of Exotic Beast Meat, Chen Sansi closed the door and began to cultivate in the yard.


    This time, he had brought along both a bow and a long spear.


    But it wasn''t the Li Quan Spear, instead, he had taken another Mystical Weapon straight from the weapon store¡ªa fully metallic weapon with disassembly mechanisms, which could be broken down into segments for convenient carry when not in use, and reassembled when needed. Its name was Tiger Head Golden Spear.


    The Iron Core Bow came along as well.


    Both were kept in a wooden box, usually carried on Zhaozhao''s back.


    [Cultivation Technique: National Guardian Dragon Spear. Mysterious Phenomenon (entry-level)]


    [Progress: 401/500]


    Chen Sansi continued to practice until late into the night when he was soaked through. He finally set down the long spear and let out a deep breath of turbid air.


    Ning Xiang immediately came over with a handkerchief to help wipe off his sweat.


    "There is no need for you to curry favor with me."


    Chen Sansi said indifferently, "Although we have a contract, as long as you do not harbor ulterior motives, I will not use this to coerce you into doing anything, and after we return, I can release you from the contract." S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He had no interest in manipulating others'' lives.


    This trip was purely a self-protective measure born from distrust.


    "Are you serious, General?"


    Ning Xiang found it hard to believe.


    In Seeking Immortal Tower, to get actual resources from the Tower Master, one had to sign a Blood Covenant which could never be revoked¡ªa means of perpetual control over someone.


    Who would release a bound Death Guard, likening to a brothel madam granting freedom to a girl for free? Where in the world could you find such a good deal?


    "Do I have to lie to you?"


    Chen Sansi replied with a detached tone, "Besides, the Governor Mansion will continue to protect you. You won''t be discarded after use. So, there''s no need to deliberately please me any further; just do what you are supposed to do."

 Chapter 447 - 180 Demon Slaying the Immortal, Spirit Vein Revival_3

    Having finished speaking,


    he returned to his room to prepare for refining the "Five Elements Decision."


    "..."


    Ning Xiang gazed at his retreating figure, her eyes rippling slightly.


    "Spiritual energy truly does not last!"


    Chen Sansi took out a middle-grade spirit stone, eyeing its diminishing reserves inside with some distress.


    "Boom¡ª¡ª"


    "An Immortal!"


    "..."


    Just as he was about to begin cultivating, a sudden loud noise erupted from outside.


    "Let''s go and see."


    Chen Sansi immediately got up with his sword in hand.


    It wasn''t for the thrill of the spectacle, but because the situation was eerie, and only by constantly understanding the circumstances could he respond appropriately.


    The sound came from nearby.


    After leaping onto the roof of the courtyard, he clearly saw the scene where it occurred.


    In the courtyard of another inn, stood a white-haired old man wearing a ghost-faced mask, holding a spear in his hand, and stepping on the body of a cultivator.


    On the roof, stood four cultivators, whose outflowing spiritual power fluctuations suggested they were all at the middle stage of Qi Refining or higher.


    One of them, wearing a white robe and holding a Green Blade Sword, fluttered his robe in the night breeze, his demeanor noble and detached, like a Sword Immortal descended to the mortal realm, or to mortals, he was indeed a Sword Immortal.


    The Sword Cultivator coldly questioned the ghost-faced elder in the courtyard, "Old Demon, won''t you swiftly hand over the Spirit Vein!"


    The ghost-faced elder let out a scornful laugh, "If I won''t give it, what can you do?"


    "Old Demon, you cannot escape!"


    The Sword Cultivator threatened, "Now, inside Daze Fang City, there are bounty missions for you everywhere. As long as you don''t hand over the Spirit Vein, cultivators coming to kill you will never cease!"


    "Daoist Fang is right,"


    said an old woman nearby, "Why must you monopolize such a treasure of heaven and earth? Do you really think you can handle it?"


    "Yes, indeed,"


    another said, wearing a bamboo hat, smiling with squinted eyes, "Just hand over the Spirit Vein, and the Cultivation World promises you boundless benefits. Why must you fight to the death here?"


    "Or is it that..."


    the last cultivator intensified his tone, "You really intend to oppose all cultivators under the heavens?!"


    "Hey!"


    The ghost-faced elder interrupted, "You''ve actually got that right."


    "Seeking death!"


    "Buzz¡ª¡ª"


    The Sword Cultivator''s Green Blade Sword levitated from his hand, splitting from one into two, and two into four, finally turning into eight sword lights that overwhelmingly charged towards the Old Demon in the courtyard center, yet...


    The figure in the courtyard had long vanished.


    "Daoist, be careful!"


    A deadly intent struck from behind.


    The Sword Cultivator was horrified, "You are a Martial Cultivator, how come you have an Escape Skill?!"


    "Just Qinggong."


    "Boom¡ª¡ª" S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The ghost-faced elder thrust his spear forward, and the Sword Cultivator only felt as if a sky-swallowing python was attacking him. Pinching his fingers and chanting a spell, he summoned back the eight sword lights, but they shattered like glass before the spear, the unstoppable python bit off the Sword Cultivator''s head, and the blast that followed even collapsed the entire wall.


    At the same time,


    the Bamboo Hat Cultivator pinched his fingers and chanted a spell, then stomped the ground.


    The collapsed wall and the surrounding earth surged like waves, trapping the ghost-faced elder within in a flash. Seizing the opportunity, a cultivator raised a Giant Hammer wrapped in Purple Thunder and smashed down while the old woman condensed a ball of poison fog in front of her, turning into numerous black butterflies flying forward, the three of them worked together in perfect harmony.


    However...


    The onlookers only saw a burst of energy from beneath the enveloping walls of earth, followed by the walls exploding piece by piece, the black butterflies from the poison fog dispersed, and the cultivator with the Giant Hammer was flung away as a spear thrust from the dust straight for his heart, even as more spells struck him, they were forcefully scattered, his unstoppable momentum chased after him.


    The cultivator still in midair crushed a talisman, transforming into golden light that integrated into his body, forming a pair of light wings and stabilizing his figure in defiance of reason, roaring as he pushed his limits, the Giant Hammer with Purple Thunder wrapped around it smashed towards the spear.


    "Boom!"


    The thunderous noise spread far and wide, the spear broke instantly, but the ghost-faced elder suffered no injury. Instead, the cultivator bled from all orifices as the ghost-faced elder, catching up, smashed half of his body with a punch.


    "Run first!"


    The Bamboo Hat Cultivator was terrified, conjuring a giant stone to smash, and then attempted to escape, but it was already too late.


    The ghost-faced elder, taking the deceased cultivator''s Giant Hammer, firstly shattered the giant stone, then descended from the sky, smashing the Bamboo Hat Cultivator into a pulp, and sent the hammer carrying endless True Power towards the old woman who had escaped a hundred feet away, unsurprisingly, resulting in a spray of blood and flesh...


    The whole process lasted only about seven or eight breaths.


    All four cultivators were completely annihilated.


    This scene


    was fully observed by Chen Sansi.


    Daze Fang City?


    Is it a place name in the Cultivation World?


    Is this Old Demon wanted by the Cultivation World, having escaped from there?


    How formidable his strength is!


    Yet he seems to still be merely a Martial Artist, his strength far surpassing that of senior brothers, and those cultivators at Qi Refining Perfection were simply like lambs to the slaughter.


    After the fight had ended.


    The ghost-faced elder began... searching the bodies.


    He fumbled around the corpses of several people for a long time, seemingly without finding much.


    Above the night sky,


    more and more cultivators arrived, hovering in the air, their numbers at least twenty, and among them, some had stronger spiritual power fluctuations than those who had perished.


    "Whew...,"


    The ghost-faced elder stuffed a few medicine pills under his mask, then picking up the hammer, took a light leap, and disappeared from sight.

 Chapter 448 - 180 Demon Slaying the Immortal, Spirit Vein Revival_4

    Over twenty cultivators came up empty-handed.


    Chen Sansi returned to his room.


    He asked, "Do you know what this ''pulse spirit'' they mentioned is?"


    Ning Xiang gently shook her head, "It sounds related to nature''s spiritual energy."


    "Nature''s spiritual energy..."


    Chen Sansi pondered.


    From where does spiritual energy come in this world, and what treasures are there, worth so many cultivators coming from the Cultivation World to the mundane world, even risking their lives?


    But no matter what, it was probably not something he could meddle in at the moment.


    Of all strategies, the best is to retreat.


    It was already the middle of the night.


    After such a commotion, no one could sleep anymore.


    Chen Sansi silently waited until dawn, then led Ning Xiang and the others to the harbor, wanting nothing more than to quickly leave this troubled place.


    Over fifty percent of the residents in Nanling Town were fishermen.


    Yet, just at 5 a.m., the area near the dock was already bustling, some preparing to set out to sea and some returning from several days at sea, with a heavy presence of government troops maintaining order.


    Everyone was discussing the events of the previous night.


    Troops of immortals flying through the sky on their swords.


    For the elderly locals who had lived in this remote place for most of their lives, it was indeed hard to accept; moreover, it was said that Nan Xu was also preparing to send a large army for negotiations.


    "Stop there!" S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Troublemaker! How dare you secretly hoard Treasure Fish!"


    "..."


    Not far away.


    A fisherman just back from sea was discovered by several government troops trying to take away Treasure Fish and was beaten on the spot.


    "There''s no justice!"


    "We have been fishermen here for generations!"


    "When we couldn''t get enough to eat, no one cared!"


    "Now that we have Treasure Fish and Exotic Beasts, you take control of everything!"


    "Troublemaker, courting death!"


    "..."


    It was only after asking around that I learned.


    Not long ago, Nan Xu had sent officials to Nanling Town, first forbidding local hunters from hunting, then coming to the docks to collect fish, setting a quota of Treasure Fish the fishermen had to turn over each month as tax, which they had to sell to the government¡ªregarding the price...


    Some corrupt clerks didn''t give even a single copper coin, pocketing everything for themselves.


    For martial artists or cultivators, this place might be an opportunity of a lifetime; but for the people of Nanling Town, it had become an inexplicable disaster.


    "..."


    Chen Sansi made his way along the dock, inquiring about "Tianya Sea" but the locals all said they hadn''t heard of it, so he had to directly ask if any fishermen were willing to take people out to sea.


    Initially, hearing of the handsome reward, many were eager to try, but when they learned he intended to keep going after finding Tianya Sea, they were immediately frightened off.


    Only upon asking carefully did I learn.


    The sea journey spanned four thousand li, marking the end.


    Beyond four thousand li, the sea was covered in dense fog; boats that ventured into it never returned.


    "Dense fog..."


    Upon hearing this, Chen Sansi was even more certain he had found the right place, and it also seemed there was a feeling that this world was deliberately isolated from the Cultivation World using some means,


    He continued to inquire about "Tianya Sea", the vast sea was best navigated by someone with a lot of experience.


    It wasn''t until noon that an old man finally said he knew something about it.


    "Tianya Sea, huh..."


    The old man gazed out over the boundless ocean and said, "Fifty years ago, many people from Jianghu came to our town, also wanting to go to Tianya Sea."


    "Back then, they found my father to take them out to sea, and then they never returned."


    "These great hero, Old Mo advises you to cherish your life, do not be rash."


    He was unwilling to guide him.


    Even though Chen Sansi offered a high price, the old man firmly agreed only to sell the boat; after thinking it through, even experienced old fishermen couldn''t manage to navigate through the dense fog...


    Moreover, he only knew an ambiguous direction towards "Tianya Sea," if he were to try to find it by himself on the open sea, it might take an eternity.


    "Could this Daoist be someone shopping for immortality?"


    An aged voice rang in his ear.


    Chen Sansi turned around and saw the old cultivator who was leading a donkey and buying wine; since some things can''t be faked, he simply assumed a false identity and did not deny it: "Exactly."


    "Then Daoist, don''t bother trying."


    The old man chuckled and said, "There is a barrier laid down by an ancient powerful being in this world; mundane vessels cannot reach Tianya Sea. If Daoist forcibly enters the dense fog, there is a 99-percent chance of losing your


    life, better not to waste your effort."


    "Unless..."


    His tone shifted, "You give me two Spirit Stones, we make friends, and I show you a clear path, how about it?"


    Two Spirit Stones...


    Keeping the Middle-grade Spirit Stone aside, Chen Sansi currently only had seven in his possession; two were almost a third, truly a painful consideration.


    But from his inquiries throughout the day,


    he was almost certain that reaching Tianya Sea without help was practically impossible.


    In the end, he could only negotiate further: "Are you serious?"


    "Just two Spirit Stones, old Mo wouldn''t lie to you,"


    the old man took another sip from his gourd: "You should quickly think it over, time waits for no one."


    "Deal!"


    Chen Sansi had no other choice.


    He could only gamble with those two Spirit Stones.


    "Tsk tsk~"


    The old man''s bark-like hands reached forward and swept the Spirit Stones into his pouch.


    "Daoist,"


    Chen Sansi feigned reluctance and said, "I only have four Spirit Stones on me, and now they''re almost all yours."


    "Rest assured, rest assured,"


    the old man leisurely said, "Old Mo, surname Mo Mingzhu, you can also call me Old Mo directly."

 Chapter 449 - 180: The Demon Slaughters the Immortal, The Spirit Vein Revives_5

    "My surname is Zhang, and my given name is Lai Zi,"


    Chen Sansi introduced himself, "You can simply call me Lai Zi."


    "Alright, Daoist Lai, let''s walk and talk."


    Mo Zhu led the donkey, and the two strolled along the beach. Mo Zhu, feeling somewhat emotional, said, "It''s really unexpected that this time, as the heavens and earth crack open a sliver, so many from the Mortal World intend to journey to the Cultivation World."


    "Oh?"


    Chen Sansi asked, "Are there many people?"


    "Many, they are all at the ends of the earth, some holding Jade Tokens waiting for the Heavenly Gate to open, others are there kneeling and begging Immortals to take them as disciples," Mo Zhu explained leisurely, "and it''s not just people from Xu Country, but from all over the Jiuzhou Continent, now gathered there."


    "Every fifty years¡­"


    Chen Sansi continued asking, "Senior, may I ask why the gate to the Cultivation World only opens once every fifty years?"


    Since he had spent Spirit Stones, he naturally wanted to clear up everything he could ask.


    "Speaking of which, it''s a long story¡ª" S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Mo Zhu wasn''t stingy either, "I read in a book that after a great war between gods and demons during Ancient Times, the ancestor of all Spirit Veins between heaven and earth was shattered¡ªnot only causing the Spiritual Energy to decrease rapidly but also giving birth to various mixed energies contaminating the Great Thousand World, just like¡­ like a plague in the Mortal World. If not contained in time, it would spread everywhere."


    "Thus, powers from Ancient Times took action and sealed these places off."


    "Since then, if the people of the Mortal World wish to enter the Cultivation World, they must do so through a Teleportation Array, which is what you refer to as ''a crack between heaven and earth.''


    "This restriction is one-way, and doesn''t exist for those from the Cultivation World; of course, we who are idle have no business returning to the Mortal World, the situation you see now, it''s because¡­"


    "Your realm''s Spiritual Energy is going to revive."


    "The Spiritual Energy is reviving?"


    Chen Sansi pondered, if the Spiritual Energy were reviving, perhaps he wouldn''t need to make a painstaking journey to the ends of the earth.


    "That''s right."


    "The damages caused by that grand battle from Ancient Times are being repaired."


    "These sealed places, every once in a while, have a chance to repair themselves, giving birth to new Spirit Veins,"


    Realizing his thoughts, Mo Zhu said, "You need not think about it, as Spirit Veins are the slowest to revive among the earth''s energies, requiring at least a hundred years. If you wait here till then, you''d likely turn into a handful of dirt¡ªyour best option is to head to Daze Fang City, which is closest, and find a Spirit Vein to cultivate on."


    A hundred years...


    Chen Sansi indeed could not wait that long and continued, "If that''s the case, why have the Daoists come here?"


    "In the Cultivation World, usually, whichever power finds the Spirit Vein first claims it as their own."


    "Not long ago, a reward was posted in Daze Fang City. Whoever can locate the place where the Spirit Vein is reviving could exchange it for a share of Foundation Establishment Pills and heavenly treasures. Before each Spirit Vein is born, it will spawn a vein spirit. Only by following the vein spirit can one locate the position of the Spirit Vein."


    "So, it would seem,"


    Chen Sansi nodded, "Daoist is also here to catch a Spirit Vein for the reward? No wonder last night, that Ghost-faced Demon was attacked; surely the vein spirit was in his possession."


    "My cultivation is too weak to compete with those people; I''m just here to pick up whatever''s left. Each time a Spirit Vein revives, some spiritual beasts will appear; taking them back can also be good for exchanging for some Spirit Stones, as for that demon you mentioned..."


    Speaking of this, Mo Zhu''s tone carried a bit of wariness, "He''s a madman!"


    "A madman?"


    Chen Sansi asked, "Why do you say that?"


    "Wait a moment."


    Mo Zhu looked around to ensure no one was nearby before continuing, "That Ghost-faced Demon found the vein spirit many days ago, but instead of taking it to the workshop to claim the reward, he hid it alone, his purpose unclear. The powers in the workshop went to him for negotiations, but when talks failed, they had no choice but to take action. Then... he began to kill indiscriminately."


    "I really can''t understand it. What''s the use of holding onto the vein spirit and not claiming the reward?"


    "He''s alone, with no power to back him up; does he really plan to monopolize an entire Spirit Vein?"


    "Behavior so strange?"


    Chen Sansi inquired further, "What''s his background?"


    "Unclear,"


    Old Mo replied, "All I know is that he appeared many years ago in the workshop, then appeared again not long ago, and moreover, this man is different from you and me, he only practices martial arts and doesn''t cultivate. I don''t plan on provoking him. I''ll wander around for a couple more days, and if I can''t pick anything up, I''m prepared to head back."


    "Come here at Midnight tonight."


    "A special ship will come to take cultivators like us back, but each person needs a Spirit Stone for the fare; make sure you''re prepared."


    Another one...


    It''s just as Shunzi said, Spirit Stones are needed everywhere.


    If it really comes to it, I''ll just have to break the Middle-grade Spirit Stone, though I''m not sure how much it''s worth now...


    "In that case, thank you very much, Daoist."


    Chen Sansi bowed with his fists in thanks.


    "Taking someone''s money and doing their bidding, Daoist, why be so courteous? That said..."


    The old man said, "Actually, I am a Talisman Master; would you like to buy a couple of talismans to carry with you? My prices are reasonable, fair for all ages..."


    "Daoist, forgive me. You know I come from the Mortal World; where would I get so many Spirit Stones? I only have four in total, spending any more would leave me with none."


    Chen Sansi took his leave, "Should I need anything in the future, I will definitely buy from you, Daoist."


    "Make sure you remember to come on time today,"


    Old Mo reminded, "They won''t wait for you if you''re late."


    "Naturally."


    Chen Sansi did not continue the conversation, having gathered enough information, yet still needed to further verify whether it was true.

 Chapter 450 - 180 Demon Slaying the Immortal, Spirit Vein Revival_6

    The boat is not something one can simply board recklessly.


    And then there''s the revival of spiritual energy...


    It''s truly beyond comprehension.


    If this place is where immortals gather due to the revival of spiritual energy, then what is the situation in Liangzhou?


    And that ghost-faced demon, what does he want to do?


    Accompanied by all these thoughts,


    he returned to the inn and met with Ning Xiang, who had previously split up to gather information.


    "Mr., I will be taking my leave first~"


    At the front of the inn.


    Ning Xiang was speaking with a young and handsome gentleman.


    Not only that.


    Where was Ning Xiang the usual courtesan, full of amorous allure? Her face was covered with a purple veil, and everything about her demeanor was exceptionally graceful, somewhat resembling a lady of great family, somehow through the light screen there showed a hint of ethereal beauty, adding a bit of a celestial air, truly giving off the aura of an immortal descending to the mortal world.


    The young gentleman standing opposite her maintained completely proper etiquette, but his eyes could hardly conceal their fixed stare, and a sycophantic smile hung on his face, his lips seeming always ready to drool as he talked.


    "Miss Ning Xiang, you, you must come, then we shall meet again!"


    "Eh~"


    He turned around and saw Chen Sansi "This person is..."


    "Mr. Liu, this gentleman is my cousin,"


    Ning Xiang gracefully moved closer to her "cousin": "I wonder if it might be possible..."


    "Yes, of course!"


    Mr. Liu cupped his hands and said, "If this Daoist is Miss Ning Xiang''s cousin, he is certainly also my friend. Tonight at midnight, just follow me onto the boat, the fare will be on me!"


    "Sir, this is rather embarrassing."


    Ning Xiang politely declined "I merely said it would be nice to have some company. It wouldn''t be right to have you pay."


    "It doesn''t matter, just a few spirit stones!"


    Mr. Liu patted his chest and said "It''s settled then, I must take my leave!"


    With that, he hurriedly left.


    "How about that, cousin~"


    The moment they were back in the courtyard, Ning Xiang reverted to her flirtatious demeanor and, carrying a fragrant breeze, she leaned in close "I am still of some use, right? Everything''s taken care of."


    Chen Sansi cautiously said "You didn''t use any illusion technique, did you?"


    If that were the case, it was essentially akin to courting death.


    This is no place like the mundane world.


    Even if a cultivator were to fall for it, they might recover soon after, and then there would be trouble.


    "I''m not that foolish,"


    Ning Xiang retorted with feigned anger "Don''t worry, it was purely my charm. Even cultivators are just like that, it seems men, no matter where they go or what status they hold, are lustful creatures. Zhaozhao, pay close attention and learn."


    "Mmm-hmm."


    Zhaozhao nodded earnestly and vigorously.


    "Alright then."


    Chen Sansi found that just to inquire about some news had cost him two spirit stones.


    Yet when it came to Ning Xiang, not only did it cost nothing, but someone even offered spirit stones voluntarily, and most importantly, he hadn''t managed to gain even the slightest verbal advantage, it was merely simple, normal communication.


    Could that person be that foolish?


    Well, better to exchange the information first.


    After the exchange,


    they concluded,


    The old man named Mo had not spoken falsely.


    This place was indeed about to experience the revival of spiritual energy. To reach the ends of the earth, one must travel via the cultivators'' boat.


    If it were not a coincidence...


    Had it been fifty years earlier, the difficulty of reaching the ends of the earth would have been a hundred times greater.


    That evening.


    The three of them had packed up and arrived at the dock precisely at midnight.


    Here.


    A large number of cultivators had already gathered.


    "Daoist Zhang, you''re leaving too?"


    "Let''s hurry, we''re just loose cultivators who came for the bounty; why should we stay and risk our lives?"


    "Exactly, let those who should worry about the Spirit Vein worry about it."


    "In this trip, I at least picked up two spiritual beasts."


    "Hahaha! I fooled someone into trading a Treasure Fish for a pile of rocks!"


    The cultivator who had used a Blinding Technique to purchase the Treasure Fish yesterday and then threatened Chen Sansi with martial power to not reveal it or bid fairly was also among them; Chen, however, noticed him and simply ignored him.


    About half an hour later as the crowd waited, sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    a somewhat chubby cultivator on a flying sword came into view.


    "Daoist Xu, you''re finally here; what are we waiting for? Let''s start the ship and get out of here."


    "..."


    Xu Youliang, looking at them, asked in a somewhat shrill voice, "My fellow Daoists are so eager to leave; are you sure you don''t want to wait a bit longer? Even just providing a clue about the vein spirit can earn you a large amount of spirit stones."


    "It''s that we might earn big but might not live to spend it!"


    "The cultivators who went after that demon yesterday ended up dead, five of them; who would dare continue the pursuit?"


    "We cultivators are better off not getting involved in violence."


    "Yes, indeed."


    "..."


    "Fine, have it your way then."


    Suddenly, a miniature boat carved from walnut appeared in Xu Youliang''s palm and he hurled it into the sea where it flickered with spirit light in mid-air, and by the time it landed, it became a full-sized ship.


    He glanced at everyone: "Old rules, one spirit stone per person."


    "Me, I''ll do it!"


    Mr. Liu hurried to take out a spirit stone.


    "No need!"


    Chen Sansi cut in front of Mr. Liu and paid three spirit stones.


    It was enough to glean some information from this person''s mouth. If he used his spirit stones, who knew what kind of karma he''d be associated with later on.


    "Daoist, you are indeed straightforward!"


    "..."


    Soon, everyone had paid their spirit stones.


    And they still had to check identities before boarding the ship.


    Chen Sansi''s mundane identity seeking immortality was clarified by Mo Zhu''s help, and he was able to board smoothly; the two spirit stones were, in the end, not spent in vain.


    The environment inside the ship was very good, with each cultivator having their own small cabin.


    He was one of the last to board, his location at the end of the lower deck. He was just finding a place to sit when he saw, through his Qi Observation Skill, a flash of Gang Qi from next door, followed immediately by the extinguishing of another''s spiritual energy.


    "..."


    Damn it!


    Chen Sansi slowly mobilized the spiritual power within him, about to cast defensive magic while preparing to escape and raise an alarm to gather all the cultivators on the ship.


    At the same time.


    A voice rang out.


    "Hmm~ how strange.


    "The cultivators'' Investigation Skills can only detect spiritual energy, and I just specifically used martial Gang Qi to kill without making a sound; how could you have noticed that, boy?


    "I have no quarrel with you and will not make a move against you."


    "You also have no quarrel with me."


    "Let''s not make a fuss. I''ll leave as soon as the ship docks."


    "Let''s give each other a little convenience, shall we?"

 Chapter 451 - 181: Beast Taming Skill, Recruiting Disciples in the Immortal Realm

    "Senior''s words make sense,"


    After briefly weighing his options, Chen Sanshi decisively agreed.


    Given the previous situation, he might not have survived if he had tried to escape from this person, and the other cultivators would not necessarily come to his rescue.


    The most crucial point was...


    He indeed had no grudges with this person.


    The term "Demon" was merely a result of competing for the Spirit Vein.


    And that was the most critical issue.


    He wasn''t qualified to participate and had no intention of getting involved.


    Therefore, he didn''t care about the dispute over the Spirit Vein.


    "That''s more like it."


    The voice inside the cabin became much calmer, "I like least of all to fight and kill. It''s all their doing; don''t let the title ''Demon'' scare you."


    "I understand, I understand."


    Chen Sanshi was being perfunctory and just wanted to leave.


    "Where are you rushing off to? It''s been a dull journey for the old man. Now that I''ve made your acquaintance, why not come in and chat with me for a while?"


    "..."


    Chen Sanshi did not move hastily.


    Behind him, Ning Xiang''s pupils emitted a pink spirit light.


    "Ask your friend to stop, must you really force my hand?"


    "..."


    Chen Sanshi signaled for Ning Xiang to back off.


    He could tell that the other party indeed had no intention of taking action; otherwise, they wouldn''t have wasted so much time talking. Thus, he remained cautious as he walked through the cabin door.


    Inside the cabin,


    An old man with white hair sat relaxed.


    Next to him, a cultivator slept very peacefully.


    The old man removed his mask, revealing an ordinary face: "Come, sit."


    "I am Zhang Lai, nice to meet you, Senior."


    Chen Sanshi sat down beside him.


    "Hmm, I am Gui Qi,"


    Gui Qi looked him over, "You''re unfamiliar. Are you a loose cultivator or a mundane person seeking immortality?"


    "A person seeking immortality, from Da Xu,"


    Chen Sanshi spoke in a standard Nan Xu accent.


    "A person from Xu Country, eh~ I am from Daze Fang City,"


    Gui Qi spoke somberly, "This ship will take ten days to reach its destination, so just wait."


    With that,


    The two fell into silence.


    Gui Qi began to search the dead cultivator''s body, but after a long while found nothing, cursing under his breath, "These gluttonous creatures, probably left all their possessions in the Cultivation World before coming out; fighting them is truly a waste of effort."


    "..."


    Chen Sanshi didn''t know how to continue the conversation.


    Apparently bored, Gui Qi threw the cultivator''s corpse into the sea and then took out a fishing line with a hook tied to a big hammer he had obtained the previous night and began fishing through the window.


    The ship had already started moving; oddly, Chen Sanshi didn''t feel it until they were unable to see the dock anymore, by which point they had already entered the vast ocean.


    On the massive walnut ship, almost no one spoke.


    All the cultivators were meditating quietly, creating a particularly tranquil atmosphere.


    Worried about attracting attention, Chen Sanshi didn''t dare show off his Middle-grade Spirit Stone and simply sat dry-eyed playing with Gui Qi for four or five days, watching the old man become increasingly irritable because he hadn''t caught a single fish despite several times nearly jumping into the sea to catch fish that leaped from the water.


    Are all fishermen this easily frustrated?


    It wasn''t until the sixth day


    That Gui Qi finally caught a red fish as long as a forearm: "Come, let''s eat together."


    The spiritual energy within this fish was similar to what he had seen at the inn that day; it was highly valuable. Chen Sanshi didn''t hesitate and ate half of the fish, then began his cultivation with the little spiritual energy he had gained. S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    By this time, the great ship had already entered a vast fog, thick enough on deck that visibility was nearly reduced to a few feet.


    As the ship sailed, a golden boundary occasionally brightened its surface, with mysterious runes flowing on it that rubbed against the thick fog and emitted a piercing noise.


    No wonder mundane people cannot venture far out at sea; without special means, this dense fog and man-eating beasts were indistinguishable.


    "Lai Zi Daoist," Gui Qi leaned back in his seat, "I observe that your understanding of the Martial Arts Realm could easily grant you high office and great wealth, even among the mundane. Why then risk your life to venture to the ends of the earth?"


    Chen Sanshi didn''t directly answer.


    He just said, "Why talk about me, Senior? If your cultivation were to be placed among the mundane, I suppose no one could match you, yet you still oppose this entire ship of cultivators for a Spirit Vein, seeking to monopolize it."


    "Monopolize the Spirit Vein?"


    Gui Qi laughed softly, "When did I ever say that? It''s merely their speculation forced upon me. Besides, after the revival of the Spirit Vein, its coverage would be nearly equivalent to an entire mountain range. How could I alone protect it?"


    "..."


    Chen Sanshi was curious what exactly the other intended to do if not monopolize the vein.


    But since they were not familiar, he felt it was not his place to keep inquiring.


    Unexpectedly, Gui Qi said shockingly, "I seek the Spirit Vein to uproot and destroy it, to prevent further trouble."


    "What did you say, Senior?"


    Chen Sanshi was puzzled, "Why destroy a perfectly good Spirit Vein?"


    According to Old Mo''s words, the revival of a Spirit Vein was a tremendously fortunate event. With a Spirit Vein, cultivators would have one more place to practice their cultivation. Destroying it would isolate this world even further.


    Gui Qi, however, did not respond further.


    Instead, he asked, "Lai Zi Daoist, would you stay and help me? Upon successful completion, you would certainly benefit."


    "You jest, Senior."


    Chen Sanshi hurriedly declined, "This junior''s cultivation is too meager; I fear I''m unqualified to participate in such matters, and even if I wanted to help, I lack the power."


    He pondered.

 Chapter 452 - 181 Beast Taming Skill, Immortal Realm Accepts Disciples_2

    Spirit Veins of such nature.


    Since they are a great natural fortune of heaven and earth, I fear they are not something just anyone has the power to destroy, right?


    "Very well, everyone aspires to the path of becoming an Immortal, and I was no exception once, but...,"


    Gui Qi paused, "Lai Zi Daoist, may I ask about your background?"


    "Very well."


    Chen Sansi blurted out, "Otherwise, whence would come these martial arts?"


    Yet in his heart, he understood that he was merely a mountain hunter, and even including his previous life, he was just an ordinary member among the common throngs of beings.


    "So that''s how it is, no wonder then."


    Gui Qi lamented, "Those already in high positions, they find it very hard to empathize with ordinary people, you and I are not of the same path, let us part ways here."


    As the two conversed,


    Xu Youliang''s voice came from outside.


    "Fellow Daoists, prepare to disembark!"


    "..."


    Unnoticed, the core vessel slowly sailed out of the great fog.


    Through the window, one could clearly see an island emerging in the middle of the boundless vast ocean, with a towering stone stele of several ten zhang high erect on the shore, inscribed with the four large characters "Ends of the Earth."


    The speed of the core vessel began to slow down.


    Gui Qi disappeared from sight.


    Chen Sansi hurried back to his own cabin.


    Seeing him safe and sound, Ning Xiang let out a long sigh of relief, "Could that person be..."


    Chen Sansi nodded in affirmation.


    "This demon is quite formidable."


    Ning Xiang said warily, "Earlier, through the cabin, before I could cast a spell, he had already anticipated it... and he was able to blend undetected among the numerous cultivators on board and then disappear as if by magic."


    "Indeed."


    Chen Sansi also felt this person was unfathomably deep.


    And to destroy the Spirit Vein...


    It didn''t sound at all like something a normal person would do.


    The large ship docked.


    The cultivators disembarked one after another, no one noticing one less person on board. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    On the shore of the island, many people had already gathered.


    Chen Sansi scanned the scene.


    Among them were some martial artists and some cultivators, but with lowly cultivation realms, quite a few had not even entered the path.


    They all began to crowd around the core vessel.


    "Immortal!"


    "Immortal Master!"


    "Could you give us a chance?"


    "Could this Immortal Master take me as a disciple?"


    "..."


    "I''m a farmer, take a disciple?"


    "No, where would a Loose Cultivator get resources to share with others."


    "..."


    Those who gathered here were all from the Jiuzhou Continent, seekers of Immortals.


    But the real cultivators did not pay any attention to the crowd, many directly flew away, rapidly departing this place.


    But there were also a few who stayed.


    However, they too were not in it to do good deeds, but rather to ask for benefits.


    Take Mo Zhu leading a donkey, for example, "Two Spirit Stones, and I will show you a clear path..."


    "..."


    Chen Sansi figured, the old man could make quite a bit from this trip.


    Moreover, Mo Zhu seemed to have met that bearded man before, and the two of them exchanged glances in their conversation, discussing who knows what.


    He had not offended the other party.


    That fish had also sensibly yielded, so there shouldn''t be any trouble.


    "Spirit Stone? What is a Spirit Stone?"


    "..."


    Some people didn''t even know what a Spirit Stone was, nor did they understand the divisions within the Cultivation Realm, having found their way here by luck, simply in search of "Immortals."


    "Spirit Stone? Is this called a Spirit Stone? I have this thing!"


    Suddenly,


    a young man opened his travel bag, which was filled with multi-colored Spirit Stones.


    This scene,


    made all the cultivators present gasp in amazement.


    "Kid, you pass!"


    Xu Youliang was the first to act, grabbing the young man''s arm and infusing a strand of Spiritual Energy into him, "Low-grade Three Spirit Roots, passable, come with me, from now on you''re my disciple! These Spirit Stones will be your apprenticeship gift, no objections, right?"


    The young man joyously presented the Spirit Stones with both hands, and kowtowed to become a disciple on the spot.


    The other cultivators'' eyes were mixed with envy, jealousy, and various other emotions, eventually they too could only leave reluctantly, as they clearly did not dare to provoke Xu Youliang.


    "Rise."


    Xu Youliang formed a hand seal, summoned a flying sword, and led the young man away through the sky.


    The young man shouted excitedly, "I''ve got an Immortal as a master!"


    "There are really fools who can find this place."


    Ning Xiang marveled.


    Most people didn''t know the value of Spirit Stones, and were very envious of the young man, only wishing they had such luminous stones themselves.


    "Mr. Mo."


    Chen Sansi approached the old man and asked, "Could you reveal why, despite being able to come and go freely, you do not bring some people back to the Cultivation World?"


    "That ah~"


    Mo Zhu said willingly, "As we''ve discussed before, this world is sealed, we can indeed travel freely, that''s true, but we need to go through a Transmission Array, forcibly opening a line in heaven and earth, each time allowing only one person to pass through, and it consumes a great deal of Spirit Stones."


    "This time''s Transmission Array was also activated by several families from the workshop, spending a fortune to look for the Spirit Vein, and even we only had one free passage opportunity."


    "Common cultivators, naturally, cannot easily take advantage of it.


    "Twelve Spirit Stones, I will accompany you through, how about it?"


    "I truly do not have so many Spirit Stones."


    Chen Sansi inquired, "Besides this, is there another way?"


    "Then you can only rely on a Jade Token, to find the location of the Ancient Transmission Array."


    Mo Zhu explained, "Only with a Jade Token can the Ancient Transmission Array be operated, it''s said that if this Jade Token is brought into the workshop, it can be worth quite a lot of Spirit Stones, do you have such a Jade Token?"


    Chen Sansi shook his head, lamenting, "I have neither Spirit Stones nor a Jade Token, this trip I fear is in vain..."


    "It doesn''t have to be necessarily so."


    Mo Zhu continued, "Every fifty years when the Ancient Transmission Array is activated, there will also be some forces from the Cultivation World who come out to take disciples or seek people, the former requires genius, the latter requires a Martial Arts Saint from the common world.

 Chapter 453 - 181 Beast Taming Skill, Immortal Realm Accepts Disciples_3

    "That''s all I have to say."


    "Daoist, if you don''t have the spirit stones to buy a spot for the transmission, I need to hurry back."


    With those words,


    he rode away on a donkey, soon disappearing from sight.


    "Old Mo!"


    The bearded man chased after him, "How about it, did that mundane loose cultivator have a jade token? One jade token can be exchanged for a first-rank top-grade cave mansion!"


    "I asked, he doesn''t have one."


    Mo Zhu poured wine into his mouth, "I''m telling you, Li Huzi, why are you always having such crooked ideas on this trip?"


    "It''s because I''m too poor, still lacking some spirit stones to buy the elixir pills needed to break through the bottleneck, so I can only go out and try my luck."


    Li Huzi cursed and said, "That Xu Youliang''s luck is truly damn good, met a big fool and just like that, two hundred spirit stones were his! No way, I have to stay near the transmission array, maybe I can catch someone with a jade token."


    "Mr. Li, are you planning to engage in robbery cultivator''s deeds?"


    Mo Zhu earnestly advised, "Many have died because of excessive greed."


    "I''m only robbing mortal cultivators, and won''t be wanted, what''s there to fear? Moreover, as cultivators on this long journey, aren''t we all just seizing the opportunities of heaven and earth? You agree, right, Old Mo?" S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Before Li Huzi could finish speaking, his hands behind his back suddenly smashed towards the old man on the donkey, carrying fierce flames, intending to devour everything.


    "Boom¡ª"


    The ground was left with a huge deep pit.


    But Mo Zhu had already escaped dozens of meters away, holding a dim talisman in his hand, he questioned, "Li Huzi, what are you trying to do?"


    Having missed his strike, Li Huzi did not pursue further, shamelessly saying, "Just a joke, Mr. Mo, don''t be angry."


    "Li Huzi, such jokes are not to be made."


    Mo Zhu pointed at him with a wine gourd, boldly stating, "A tunneling talisman is worth five spirit stones, all wasted because of your ''joke'', I should take you to court at the workshop!"


    "I''ll compensate, isn''t that enough?"


    Li Huzi squinted his eyes, "Besides, the workshop won''t care about things that happen after coming to the mundane world, complaining might not even get attention, it''s better to make money in peace."


    Mo Zhu snorted coldly and vanished.


    ...


    "So jade tokens are this precious."


    Chen Sansi contemplated as he turned back to meet up with Ning Xiang.


    "Chen Sansi!"


    Zhaozhao came running with a chest taller than her, filled with weapons, slightly out of breath she said, "I found many people over there, heard a sect is gathering disciples, my master asked me to call you to take a look together."


    "Hmm."


    Chen Sansi had her lead the way.


    "Hey, can''t you carry your own stuff?"


    Zhaozhao complained indignantly, "Are you treating me like a maid, carrying it for you all this way."


    Chen Sansi ignored her.


    As they reached where Ning Xiang was.


    On this desolate island, there was actually a Taoist hall.


    At that moment, a high platform was set up in the hall, with many cultivators who have achieved great success and even perfection in Qi Refinement gathered there, dozens of mortals seeking the path of immortality lined up, seemingly undergoing some kind of inspection.


    "This brother."


    Chen Sansi casually stopped someone to ask, "Who is gathering disciples up front?"


    "They are said to be from a major sect in the cultivation world!"


    "Being their disciple could lift one straight to the heavens!"


    "..."


    The man said excitedly as he squeezed forward.


    "Master."


    Zhaozhao eagerly said, "Shall we also go over? I read in books that if we can enter a major sect in the cultivation world, it will save us a lot of detours."


    "Fool."


    Ning Xiang calmly said, "Just because they say they are a prestigious sect, you believe it? Be careful not to be sold without even realizing."


    Chen Sansi thought so too.


    As newcomers to a strange land, it was better not to rashly approach any power, and even if really necessary, it was best to wait until they were familiar with the environment of the cultivation world.


    Not to mention, after observing, this sect had extremely high requirements for "qualifications."


    With his five elements complete but inferior spirit root, it was better not to step forward and embarrass himself.


    The sect recruiting disciples wasn''t the only one.


    "Gold, wood, water, fire, earth, all inferior spirit roots, just honestly go back to the mundane world and farm!"


    A young man, deeply shattered, sat on the ground for a long time motionless.


    "..."


    Chen Sansi felt as if he was being scolded.


    The test continued for two hours, with over a hundred people from Jiuzhou and Wanfang at the scene, the vast majority didn''t even come close, and in the end only one young woman was taken away, the rest were left to watch as the immortals ascended into the sky.


    "Ning Xiang."


    Chen Sansi asked, "What is your spirit root?"


    "Mine, it''s a bit special."


    Ning Xiang teased, "You''ll naturally find out later."


    "..."


    Chen Sansi didn''t bother to ask further, he then asked, "Have you found the location of the ancient transmission array?"


    "The route is clear."


    Ning Xiang had already investigated, "Come with me."


    Twenty li to the east of their location, they saw an ancient path leading to the deep mountains of the island, at a fork in the road, gathered seven or eight people, some were cultivators, some were purely martial artists, including two Martial Saints.


    "This brother."


    A young man carrying a sword noticed Chen Sansi, "You must also be a seeker of immortality heading to the ancient transmission array, how about joining us if you have a jade token?"


    Chen Sansi did not answer immediately.


    Behind the leading Martial Saint, who carried a giant blade, he explained, "This brother, no need to be too cautious, the situation is such that, as far as I know, jade tokens are quite valuable in the cultivation world, hence they attract the attention of some cultivators."

 Chapter 454 - 181 Beast Taming Skill, Immortal Realm Accepts Disciples_4

    "The ancient transmission array had been activated ten days ago."


    "Many who sought the path of immortality went there alone and were attacked and killed."


    "That''s why I didn''t go over there, but waited here instead, preparing to gather some seekers of immortality with jade tokens, so that we could travel together. It''s safer and more secure that way,"


    As he spoke, he directly showed his jade token.


    The others followed suit, showing their sincerity through this gesture.


    With the Qi Observation Skill at hand,


    Chen Sansi could basically confirm that they were indeed ordinary people seeking immortality, and the jade tokens they held were also genuine. He decided they could be temporarily trusted and after some thought, agreed to join them.


    He made simple acquaintances with them.


    This Martial Saint was named Lu Boqin, hailing from a dynasty called "Da Li," said to be on the northern side of this island.


    "Huh?"


    Lu Boqin asked in confusion, "Daoist Zhang, why are you also bringing two family members?"


    An enthusiastic person next to him explained, "Daoist Zhang might not know, but each jade token can only bind one person, and you can''t bring companions."


    This.


    Chen Sansi indeed did not know that.


    "No matter."


    Ning Xiang, who wore a veil and ordinary clothes, spoke up, her voice cold and detached as if she were another person, "We were only meant to escort our cousin, so please allow us two to travel together with this Brother Lu."


    "If you want to follow, then follow," Lu Boqin paused, "but let me be blunt, if you dare any trickery, we will not show mercy."


    "Of course."


    Ning Xiang said calmly, "Once I have taken my cousin there, I will leave."


    After the discussion was settled, a group of seven or eight people began to travel together.


    While their realms on the Immortal Path might not be high, their realms in Martial Arts were at least at the Profound Image Realm. Traveling together, they still posed a considerable threat, and they reached their destination without encountering any troublemakers.


    At the peak of a deep mountain on the island, above a precipice thousands of feet high,


    a vast circular stone platform appeared before everyone.


    The stone platform, marked by the passage of time, was engraved with dense runes that glowed with a deep blue light, moving along specific trajectories as if they were alive. From several yards away, one could still feel the terrifying fluctuations of the spiritual power with it.


    This was the ancient transmission array from the ends of the earth to the Cultivation World.


    Every fifty years, it would randomly open for ten to twenty days. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    If missed,


    For the average person, it was basically equivalent to losing any chance to enter the Cultivation World.


    "Brother Lu!"


    Several martial artists asked, "How do we use this transmission array?"


    Chen Sansi bent down, picked up a pebble, flicked it with his fingers, and struck down a passing eagle, then tossed the stunned bird toward the stone platform. With a loud "boom," the eagle, amidst the tumult of spiritual power, turned instantly into a rain of blood and flesh.


    "Hiss..."


    The scene before them made everyone gasp in shock.


    In the end,


    it was the young man holding a sword who stepped forward to examine it closely, "Take a good look, everyone. The whole stone platform is divided into twelve sections, each with a groove on it that perfectly fits the shape of our jade tokens. I suspect that only those holding jade tokens can stand on it safely, and after placing the jade tokens in the grooves, they can be teleported away."


    That being said, everyone had seen the fate of the eagle just now, and even when some people threw several boulders into the array, they were all ground to dust in an instant, naturally, no one wanted to risk their lives to try.


    "Brother Lu, what, what are you doing?!"


    After perhaps several breaths of silence,


    Lu Boqin suddenly struck, swinging his fist charged with rolling True Qi, transformed into a tiger''s head aimed brutally at the always respectful sword-bearing young man who was caught off guard. While his protective Gang Qi burst apart in response and he used the sword sheath to block, his body was still knocked flying backward by the blow, slamming down onto the stone platform after passing through the undulating spiritual power.


    He spat out a mouthful of blood on the spot. Fortunately, the jade token he wore flashed with light and protected him, preventing his body from being torn apart like the previous eagle, proving that indeed holding a jade token allowed one to be safe and sound.


    "Brother Lu, how could you do this?!"


    The sword-bearing youth was enraged.


    This was using him as a test subject!


    Lu Boqin''s face was indifferent as he said, "Hehe, Brother Tang, no offense, but since you proposed the idea, naturally you should be the one to test it. Moreover, you''re fine, so all''s well that ends well."


    While his actions left many unsatisfied, no one said anything, for they had already arrived at their destination and naturally, no one was going to speak up for someone unrelated.


    The young man surnamed Tang could only grit his teeth and swallow his anger.


    After all, Lu Boqin was a powerful and prominent Martial Saint. Even if they suddenly turned on him and killed him, there would be no consequence.


    ''This alliance is indeed fragile.''


    Chen Sansi had been walking at the back of the group all along, worried about such an event happening.


    "Since that''s the case."


    Lu Boqin said in a deep voice, "What are you all waiting for? The operating time of the transmission array is uncertain and it might close at any time."


    With that, he was the first to step onto the transmission array.


    The others followed one after the other.


    "The two of you take Qian Xun and find a safe place to wait for me here."


    Chen Sansi turned to instruct.


    "Cousin, rest assured and go. We will take good care of the horses," Ning Xiang replied.


    Chen Sansi then stepped onto the stone platform, imitating the others, and placed his jade token into the groove below his feet.


    In an instant,


    all eight of them were enveloped in dazzling white light.

 Chapter 455 - 181 Beast Taming Skill, Immortal Realm Accepts Disciples_5

    Ning Xiang and Zhaozhao, along with the White Swan Horse''s eyes, almost got injured.


    By the time they finally managed to open their eyes, the Transmission Array was already empty, as if the eight people before had evaporated from the world, disappearing without a trace.


    "Master."


    Zhaozhao sighed, "We''ve come all this way, and the Cultivation World was almost within reach, but in the end, we still can''t enter."


    "Don''t worry."


    Ning Xiang was quite calm, "There''s something you might not have understood."


    Zhaozhao sat down on the stone, placing the heavy case on the ground, "What''s that?"


    "If we continued to stay at the Seeking Immortal Tower, we would most likely die old in the brothel."


    Ning Xiang looked at the empty stone platform, speaking somberly, "But now it''s not necessarily the case."


    Zhaozhao still didn''t understand.


    After resting for a while, she wanted to take advantage of Chen''s absence and ride back on the horse.


    It was at this time.


    The White Swan Horse suddenly charged uncontrollably towards the stone platform.


    "Eh?!"


    Ning Xiang wanted to use a spell to stop it but was too late, she could only watch helplessly as it entered the Transmission Array.


    Unexpectedly,


    The White Swan Horse on the stone platform was unharmed, instead, it triggered the Transmission Array again and vanished in an instant.


    ...


    "Boom¡ª¡ª"


    Chen Sansi felt like his body was sinking into an endless abyss, with the world spinning around him, only seeing colorful spirit light, and feeling extreme discomfort.


    This state lasted for about a dozen breaths.


    When he regained consciousness, he found himself still on the stone platform, along with the other eight people, and even the Jade Tokens under their feet were still in the slots. But looking around, the environment had completely changed.


    This place...


    Seemed to be a forest.


    Chen Sansi used the Qi Observation Skill, and didn''t detect any Spiritual Energy nearby, it seemed that the so-called war of Ancient Times had caused severe damage to the Great Thousand World. There was clearly a lot less of the chaotic energy between heaven and earth.


    "Huff..."


    He steadied his breath, stood up after retrieving the Jade Token.


    After the line of eight people stepped off the stone platform, the Transmission Array disappeared.


    "Indeed!"


    Tang Ao spoke, "Just like the records I''ve seen, the location of the Ancient Transmission Array is random within a certain range, we probably won''t have any cultivators lying in wait for us here anymore."


    "Since that''s the case."


    Lu Boqin said, "Let''s continue as companions and look for a place where we can cultivate."


    The seven people walked ahead.


    Chen Sansi took the opportunity to slip unnoticed into the underbrush.


    The fool continued to follow them.


    There was no other choice before.


    On the road, many cultivators were eyeing them, and relying on himself alone he most likely wouldn''t have made it, but now...


    Those two Martial Saints became the biggest danger.


    Should anything happen again, he would likely be captured and used as a human shield.


    Chen Sansi wiped his hand across his face, reverting to his original appearance, then reversed the two layers of clothing on his body, completely changing his attire, before continuing forward.


    "Qian Xun?"


    He felt something in his heart.


    Not long after, the White Swan Horse appeared in his field of vision.


    He had encountered many cultivators earlier, but no one paid special attention to Qian Xun, indicating that it didn''t seem to have anything special on the surface that would attract envy, so following him here was no problem at all.


    The only reason it stayed on the island was that it was uncertain whether the Jade Token could protect the mount along with its rider.


    Unexpectedly, Qian Xun had followed him by itself.


    It didn''t have a Jade Token, so how did it come along?


    Chen Sansi asked, "Can you activate the Transmission Array to take someone through without a Jade Token?"


    The answer was no.


    "Alright." Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Sansi mounted the horse.


    No matter where he went, not having to walk was always a comfortable thing.


    [Skill: Beast Taming (entry-level)]


    [Progress: 0/100]


    [Utility: None yet]


    The panel appeared.


    So it seemed...


    Qian Xun had indeed evolved into a spiritual beast.


    Chen Sansi wasn''t too surprised, and he officially set off on the horse, also curious about what the Cultivation World was really like.


    In his original imagination,


    The cultivators in the Cultivation World should be unfettered, living free and happy lives.


    But either from Mr. Mei''s words or from observations along the way, it''s clear that it was not the case.


    Especially with Spirit Stones as currency.


    It meant that cultivators also needed to work and would have various disputes.


    "Is there a human presence?"


    Chen Sansi saw trails of smoke rising into the sky to the south and urged Qian Xun to speed up towards it. About half an hour later...


    A small mountain village appeared before him.


    Indeed.


    It was just an ordinary village, with simple brick and tile houses, busy villagers, and playing children, and dogs chasing each other; all too common in the mortal world.


    For a moment, Chen Sansi almost thought he had returned to Yanbian Village, as if he had just finished hunting and was about to go home.


    "Spiritual Grain?"


    After his view widened.


    Large fields came into sight.


    The main crops cultivated by the villagers here were rice, and nearly every field had about forty percent Spiritual Grain; some places even had half of their fields planted with Spiritual Grain.


    "Ha!"


    "Heh ha¡ª"


    "..."


    Under the big locust tree at the entrance of the village, a child about six or seven years old, holding a sword carved out of wood, was wildly swinging it without any technique.


    "Kid."


    Chen Sansi stopped next to him, "What place is this?"


    He got no reaction.


    The child continued focusing on practicing with his sword.


    Chen Sansi dismounted and asked, "Why are you practicing with a sword at such a young age?"

 Chapter 456 - 181 Beast Taming Skill, Immortal Realm Accepts Disciples_6

    "Kill the Immortal!"


    The boy said without even lifting his head.


    "Oh?"


    Chen Sansi continued, "Why do you harbor thoughts of killing the Immortal?"


    "By killing the Immortal, we won''t have to plant Poison Grass anymore, my mother won''t starve to death, and my father will have silver to treat his illness!"


    The boy''s words were heavy, and the untrained wooden sword in his hand faintly carried a hint of killing intent.


    Chen Sansi bent down, "I''ll teach you the sword, will you learn?"


    "Who are you?"


    Finally stopping, the boy studied the foreigner with a gaze full of hostility, "Are you also an Immortal? I won''t learn the sword of an Immortal!"


    "I am not an Immortal."


    Chen Sansi answered, "I am just like you, also a commoner. One last time, I''ll teach you Swordsmanship, will you learn or not?"


    Upon hearing that the other party was not an Immortal, the boy''s attitude softened, and he seriously asked a paradoxical question, "But if you are not an Immortal, can the sword you teach kill an Immortal?"


    "That..."


    Chen Sansi paused, "will depend on your skill."


    "Fine, I''ll learn!"


    The boy nodded vigorously, then knelt down immediately, "Master, please accept your disciple''s bow!"


    "..."


    This was rather sudden, and Chen Sansi was unprepared.


    He helped the other up.


    The best Swordsmanship he knew was the "Diancang Swordsmanship," which could be practiced until reaching the Martial Saint Realm, so he thought of initially teaching two types of Pile Work to the child.


    Upon practicing,


    Chen Sansi found that this world, due to having less "exhaust" in its mixed energies, likely caused fewer side effects to the body, implying that one could start practicing from a very young age.


    Moreover, to his surprise, the boy in front of him remembered the Pile Work along with the Breathing Skill in just one attempt.


    "Body of Martial Saint."


    Upon touching him, Chen Sansi felt his bones were unlike those of ordinary people.


    How coincidental, he had arrived in a remote rural village and randomly taken a disciple with the innate Body of Martial Saint. It seemed... like fate.


    Right now, he wasn''t in a particular hurry.


    So he thought of teaching for a bit longer.


    Then an old man hurriedly approached, striking the boy with a branch, "Ping''an, didn''t I tell you to herd the cattle? What are you doing here!?"


    "Grandfather, I''ve learned Swordsmanship!"


    Li Ping''an said, not even trying to dodge, "I can kill an Immortal in the future!"


    "Oh my god, my ancestor!"


    The old man hastily covered the boy''s mouth, "Do you want to doom the entire village? Hurry up and go back!"


    "Uncle, hold on."


    Chen Sansi asked, "Could you tell me where we are?"


    "A foreigner?"


    The old man was somewhat cautious.


    "Oh, rest assured, I am not an Immortal."


    Chen Sansi hastily assured.


    The old man then spoke, "This is Sky Water Continent, under the jurisdiction of the Jiutian Sect and this place is called Small Stone Village, but... You don''t even know this, are you from the outside world?"


    Chen Sansi didn''t deny it, "But I am really not an Immortal."


    "This..."


    The old man hesitated, looked around, and finally said, "Come with me." S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Sansi accompanied the grandfather and grandson to a fenced courtyard at the village''s end.


    In the yard, there was a donkey, and then a large bundle of firewood.


    "Ping''an."


    Chen Sansi chatted casually, "Where''s your cow?"


    "Master, where would my family get a cow from?"


    "Didn''t you say you were herding cows before?"


    "That was Mr. Huang''s cow."


    "..."


    Chen Sansi was momentarily stunned.


    He suddenly realized something.


    That was the fact that he had been "a wealthy master" for quite some time to the point where he nearly forgot that in such extremely poor villages like this, not every household owns a cow. Many rely on human power for plowing and when needed, they go back and "rent" cows from the masters.


    "Please, have a seat."


    The old man invited him to sit down on a long bench.


    An elderly woman, trembling slightly, took a worn-out earthenware bowl and poured a bowl of hot water.


    Hot water is considered a customary way for common folk to treat guests.


    One must understand that even firewood is quite valuable.


    But here...


    Isn''t this the Cultivation World?


    "Uncle, are you a hunter?"


    Chen Sansi noticed the Recurve Bow hanging on the wall.


    "Where can I hunt? That''s my son''s; he had no silver to pay for his medical treatment, and he died..."


    After chatting for the duration of a cup of tea,


    Chen Sansi had gained a relatively deeper understanding of this world.


    He hadn''t come to the wrong place.


    This was indeed the Cultivation World.


    It''s just that immortals only settle in specific places and generally don''t come to the mortal plane.


    Moreover, the ruling method here is different from the outside.


    The dynasty here is merely a puppet.


    The real masters are the various Immortal Sects.


    The Spiritual Grain grown in the fields is the tax that''s paid to the Immortal Sects.


    ''It looks like Spiritual Grain has a fixed demand in the Cultivation World.''


    Chen Sansi thought of Dasheng.


    Why would the old Emperor also pay with Spiritual Grain?


    Could it be that it''s also sent here?


    Had he been in contact with the immortals or even the Immortal Sects of this world a long time ago?


    "You are also a seeker of immortals, right?"


    The old man seemed to have seen quite a few.


    He pointed to the southeast, "If you follow this direction for five hundred li, there is Daze Fang City, which is the nearest place with an immortal."


    "Master, didn''t you say you aren''t an immortal?"


    Li Ping''an felt like he had been deceived.


    "I really am not."


    Chen Sansi explained, "Didn''t you see I can''t even fly? I just go there for a visit."


    He finished the hot water, then took several ingots of silver from his bosom.


    "Thank you for your hospitality, Uncle Li. I won''t impose any longer."


    "Qian Xun!"


    Chen Sansi mounted his horse.


    "You..."


    Li Ping''an, holding a wooden sword, ran out: "Then, will you still teach me swordsmanship?"


    "I will."

 Chapter 457 - 182: Daze Fang City, Golden Bow and Silver Bullet

    At the gate of the courtyard.


    The grandfather and grandson watched as the stranger on horseback kicked up dust and rode away, until he completely disappeared from sight.


    Li Ping''an looked at the wooden sword in his hand, still practicing the Pile Work from before.


    "Hiss..."


    Suddenly, his ear felt a tearing pain.


    Old Man Li, who had been rather polite before, suddenly burst into rage, "You scoundrel, that man is also someone seeking immortality, and will likely ascend to the heavens one day. Talking about killing Immortals, you really... really want to get the whole village killed!"


    "I want revenge!"


    "Crack¡ª"


    Old Man Li snapped the wooden sword in half, raised his hand as if to strike, but then stopped mid-air, "My boy, just accept your fate..."


    ...


    In this so-called Cultivation World, people''s lives aren''t necessarily better than in Dasheng.


    Cultivators need so much Spiritual Grain...


    Why can''t they grow it themselves?


    At this thought, Chen Sansi even felt the question was somewhat foolish.


    He quickened his pace.


    According to Old Man Li, just head southeast for five hundred li.


    Then, a towering mountain blocked the path, but there were also a few familiar figures. It was Lu Boqin and seven others who had just parted ways not long ago. Clearly, they had also found their way here.


    The foot of the mountain was shrouded in mist, and towering trees rose from the ground, but they couldn''t find the entrance to ascend the mountain. Lu Boqin sent two men into the heavy fog, who soon returned.


    "Brother Lu, it won''t work, inside it''s like a maze, no matter how we walk, we end up back here."


    "Sigh..."


    "I''ve been seeking immortality out at sea for five years now, truly every step is filled with hardship!"


    "..."


    Just as everyone was worried, unsure of what to do next.


    From within the mist,


    two figures slowly emerged.


    An old man with a liquor gourd hanging at his waist, leading a donkey.


    Mo Zhu cheerfully said to the people, "Fellow Daoists, are you also seekers of immortality?"


    "Indeed."


    Lu Boqin cupped his fists, "Are you a cultivator from Daze Fang City? Could you inform us how to enter the city?"


    "Ten Spirit Stones~"


    Mo Zhu took a sip of his liquor, "How about I point out a clear path for you fellows?"


    "Ten?" S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Lu Boqin furrowed his brows and said firmly, "You wouldn''t be considering us fools, would you?"


    These people, their knowledge of the Cultivation World was obviously superior to most people from the ends of the earth.


    "Hey~"


    Mo Zhu spoke with a hint of drunkenness, "You folks, with so many people, ten low-grade spirit stones, how is that expensive?"


    "Two."


    Lu Boqin nodded, "We''ll collectively put out two spirit stones. If you''re willing to do this deal, then do it; if not, then let it be."


    "Sigh, I''ll just take a small loss then."


    Naturally, Mo Zhu agreed.


    Lu Boqin and the others started gathering money.


    Ten Spirit Crystals equals one Spirit Stone.


    They shared the cost per head.


    "That fellow over there."


    Lu Boqin noticed Chen Sansi, who had been looking around on his White Horse, "If you are also a seeker of immortality, why don''t you join us?"


    "Sure."


    Chen Sansi did not decline.


    He took out a Spirit Stone, exchanged it for ten Spirit Crystals, and then took out his share.


    This Mo fellow, truly knows how to do business.


    He figured that with just this one trip, he could earn at least a few dozen spirit stones.


    Having gathered two spirit stones,


    Mo Zhu began to lead the way.


    It turned out that this was a Maze Formation, intended to prevent mortals from accidentally entering and disturbing the cultivators'' peaceful cultivation. It required following a specific walking method and incantations to pass through.


    After walking about five hundred steps through layers of mist, the group finally arrived at the long-awaited place.


    The Cultivation World.


    Daze Fang City!


    Looking ahead, the scene was a vast expanse of green mountains and waters, with Spiritual Medicine and Immortal Herbs spread across the fields, colorful lights flickering occasionally. Spirit springs gurgled, and Exotic Beasts roamed about. Above the azure dome, there were also Immortals and cultivators soaring through the sky, mastering the four directions. Truly, it was a scene from a legendary realm of immortals.


    Seeing this, Lu Boqin and the others couldn''t help but be a bit dumbstruck.


    "We''ve finally arrived!"


    Tang Ao exclaimed with excitement, "Should we just find a place and start cultivating?"


    "Heh, young Daoist, you are thinking too simplistically,"


    Mo Zhu stroked his beard, "Between heaven and earth, Spiritual Power is limited, but people are limitless. If everyone could occupy Spiritual Power, how could there be enough? We cultivators, to receive sufficient Spiritual Power for cultivation, must have a Spiritual Vein Cave Mansion."


    "Let''s walk and talk," he said as he led the way, pointing ahead to the pavilions and pagodas shrouded in the mountain mist, "This place is called Daze Fang City, which has a Second-tier main Spirit Vein and a First-tier branch Spirit Vein."


    "There''s a reason behind the classification of Spirit Veins.


    "Simply put, the higher the tier of a Spirit Vein, the greater the help it provides to a cultivator''s cultivation. However, for those below the Foundation Establishment Stage, a first-tier Spirit Vein is sufficient."


    "The most common here in Daze Fang City is the first-tier Spirit Vein."


    "Let me introduce the rules of Daze Fang City first."


    "Daze Fang City is currently managed by a family."


    "If foreign cultivators want to stay here, they must first go to the Steward Hall to register their identity and then purchase a Cave Mansion; otherwise, they cannot stay here long."


    "Why are the dwellings in this Cultivation World so simple?"


    After passing through the beautifully scenic fields, suddenly many thatched houses appeared on both sides of the road ahead, looking far inferior even to the mundane rural villagers.


    "These are the Spirit Vein Cave Mansions."


    Mo Zhu explained, "Again, the Spiritual Energy between heaven and earth is limited. Each Spirit Vein must be utilized to the maximum; overcrowding is inevitable. What you see here are the Cave Mansions of the first-rank lower-grade Spirit Vein."

 Chapter 458 - 182: Daze Fang City, Golden Bow and Silver Bullet_2

    ```


    "Lower Grade, Mid-grade, High Grade correspond to the early, middle, and late stages of Qi Refinement respectively."


    "If you desire better conditions, you can purchase a Mid-grade or High Grade Cave Mansion, though the corresponding price will be much more expensive."


    "However, cultivators with Lower Grade Cave Mansions often also buy large estates in the mortal world to use as recreational dwellings for relaxation."


    Soon.


    They arrived at the mid-mountain level.


    The surrounding scenery became bustling once more.


    Streets branched out in all directions, with cultivators coming and going; not only were there street stalls, but also various shops, presenting a lively scene with a constant stream of carriages and a surging throng of people.


    Unlike the mortal world, here beasts of burden pulled the carts, not horses, and the stalls and shops sold not worldly goods, but Elixir Pills, talismans, Magic Artifacts, and so on...


    All of them watched, completely captivated.


    Soon.


    They reached their destination.


    This was the tallest building in the workshop, with a signboard that read "Daze Deacon Hall" in big letters.


    After entering.


    Chen Sansi once again saw a familiar face.


    Xu Youliang, the cultivator who had made a tidy sum off the ignorant youth earlier, was one of the stewards here.


    "Yo~ Old Mo."


    Xu Youliang glanced around and immediately understood the situation, "Still you are the one who knows how to make Spirit Stones, old boy!"


    "Just making some hard-earned cash. My lips are almost worn through from all the talking on this trip," Mo Zhu excused himself, "I''ve brought the people here, so my task is completed. We''ll meet again, Daoist friends. Oh, and if you need to buy talismans, feel free to look me up; fair-priced and good quality, no deception even if you''re a child or an elder."


    "Alright~"


    Xu Youliang waved his hand, "Come on, let''s get you all registered."


    The group stepped forward to leave their names, identity records, and then each received a wooden token, which served as identity verification, allowing them to freely enter and leave Daze Fang City in the future.


    But without a Cave Mansion.


    They could not stay for more than two hours each day.


    And the price for a Cave Mansion was also extremely expensive.


    A Lower Grade Cave Mansion required thirty Spirit Stones per year.


    Mid-grade cost fifty.


    High Grade, even one hundred.


    "All of you Loose Cultivators who found your way here from the mortal world must have Jade Tokens, right?" Xu Youliang said, "If you don''t have Spirit Stones on you, you can choose to exchange your Jade Tokens; according to the current rules, one Jade Token can be exchanged for twenty years of a High Grade Cave Mansion."


    After hearing the prices, everyone felt their scalps tingle.


    It wasn''t until they learned how valuable their Jade Tokens were that everyone breathed a sigh of relief.


    "You outsiders holding Jade Tokens are much stronger than the local Loose Cultivators," Xu Youliang explained. "You can live in a High Grade Cave Mansion right from the start, which is highly beneficial for your future cultivation, unlike the local Loose Cultivators who basically have to squeeze into Lower Grade slums."


    "What are we waiting for?"


    Tang Ao couldn''t wait to bring out his Jade Token.


    "However, I must make one thing clear beforehand."


    Xu Youliang stressed, "Once the transaction is completed, the Jade Tokens will belong to the workshop, with no take-backs, and without the Jade Tokens, you will essentially have no chance of returning to the mortal world."


    "Can''t return to the mortal world?" sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Tang Ao asked, "Didn''t many cultivators from Tianya Sea head out from the workshop to search for Spirit Veins?"


    "You know they did it to search for Spirit Veins," Xu Youliang raised an eyebrow. "The workshop wouldn''t normally spend such a huge amount to maintain the Transmission Array if there wasn''t a good reason. As soon as the matter is resolved, the Transmission Array will be shut down immediately.


    "Of course, you can spend Spirit Stones to reactivate the Transmission Array, but the cost is so high that you probably can''t afford it for many years."


    After hearing this.


    Everyone looked at each other, hesitant.


    The situation now was that by giving up their Jade Tokens, they could have a place to stay in the Cultivation World, but it also meant saying farewell to the mortal world forever.


    "I have two younger brothers and a sister at home."


    "I have a son."


    "I promised to find my younger sister a good home.


    "..."


    "Snap!"


    In their indecision, Lu Boqin slapped his Jade Token down on the table and proclaimed, "Brothers, it seems your resolve to seek the Immortal Path is not strong enough."


    "Indeed."


    Another Martial Saint also surrendered his Jade Token, "Having stepped onto the Immortal Path, we are no longer mortals. In the future, if we achieve success, our lifespans could easily be hundreds or thousands of years. No matter what ties one has in the mortal world and how difficult it is to part with them, sooner or later, it must be discarded."


    "Brother Qu is right."


    Once two Martial Saints took the lead, the rest stopped hesitating; they brought out their Jade Tokens one after another.


    "And this Daoist friend?"


    Xu Youliang reached out, "Where is your Jade Token?"


    "I~"


    Under everyone''s gaze, Chen Sansi declined, "Maybe not after all."


    His journey to seek immortality.


    The primary reason was the appearance of the Emperor, the Incense Fire Divine Sect, and others, proving that there were greater supernatural forces in the world, forces he needed to understand properly to face future challenges.


    In addition.


    The anomalies in the Luotian Mountain Range.


    "Living beings in misery."


    This phrase still echoed in Chen Sansi''s mind.


    Not to mention for the sake of others, even for his own sake, he needed to find a way to quickly increase his strength.


    To face Immortals, the best course of action was naturally to learn Immortal Laws himself.


    So his goal.


    Was not solely to seek eternal life.


    Living forever was just a bonus; his real goal was to increase his strength.


    If he really stayed, it wasn''t certain whether he could succeed, and he''d be abandoning his wife, his children, and all his brothers?


    "Oh?"


    Lu Boqin looked at him, "It seems this brother''s worldly attachments are very strong."


    "Indeed."


    "Brother, are you perhaps giving up on the path to immortality?"


    ```

 Chapter 459 - 182: Daze Fang City, Golden Bow and Silver Bullet_3

    "..."


    "Who in the world doesn''t dream of eternal life?"


    Chen Sansi retorted, "However, I sincerely wish to ask everyone here what drives us all to desperately seek immortality."


    "What else could it be?"


    Lu Boqin thought about it and laughed, "Of course, it''s the desire to do whatever one wants."


    "Brother Lu is right."


    "Immortals are unrestrained and free!"


    "..."


    "I might slightly differ from everyone here."


    Chen Sansi said candidly, "My pursuit of the Immortal Path is not about wanting to do whatever I wish, but rather about not wanting to do anything I don''t wish to do."


    "Isn''t that the same thing?"


    Lu Boqin and the others felt he was deliberately being obscure, seeming to want to be different.


    "Steward Xu."


    Chen Sansi asked, "Do you know of any other ways to earn Spirit Stones?"


    "Yes, plenty."


    Xu Youliang pointed at the staircase, "Downstairs in the main hall, there are various notices for apprenticeships and bounty tasks available that can earn Spirit Stones; you can check them out if you''re interested."


    The others handled the Cave Mansion procedures.


    Chen Sansi went downstairs alone.


    The walls were covered with various notices.


    [Golden Spirit Mountain, recruiting 500 miners]


    [Two Spirit Crystals daily, paid monthly,]


    Two Spirit Crystals?!


    Chen Sansi estimated in his mind.


    Isn''t that equivalent to only six Spirit Stones a month, seventy a year, and just a lower-grade Cave Mansion costs thirty per year, meaning half of one''s annual income would need to be handed over.


    That''s quite severe, and it''s not even the base line.


    [Daze Fang City, recruiting spirit farmers]


    [Depending on the quality of the spirit field, the annual rent starts at fifty Spirit Stones per acre.]


    ...


    [Hundred Elixir Workshop, recruiting alchemy apprentices]


    [Requirements: tuition fee of eight Spirit Stones, ten years of learning, thirty years of service]


    ...


    [Swallowing Fire Mountain Villa, recruiting artifact refining apprentices]


    [Requirements: tuition fee of twelve Spirit Stones, ten years of learning...]


    ...


    And so on.


    Astounding!


    Chen Sansi carefully calculated.


    Attempting to rely on manual labor to settle and cultivate in Daze Fang City, if everything goes as expected, the budget would likely break even, hardly saving any Spirit Stones.


    Yet, crafts like talismans, alchemy, and artifacts seem to be more lucrative, but acquiring these skills also demands a heavy price, potentially wasting decades.


    Is this cultivation?


    It appears that the lives of lower-level Cultivators are no better than ordinary mortals.


    Chen Sansi suddenly realized something.


    The middle-grade Spirit Stone he had was worth a hundred low-grade Spirit Stones, definitely a substantial amount.


    His sister-in-law.


    Was unexpectedly generous.


    Wait...


    Where did Gui Ti get so many Spirit Stones?


    And where did she learn her Immortal Law?


    [Daze Fang City, recruiting Law Enforcement Deacons]


    [Requirements: Martial Arts Realm pinnacle of First Realm and above]


    [Twenty Spirit Stones per month starting]


    Martial Arts Realm pinnacle...


    Chen Sansi inquired and learned.


    In the Cultivation World, the levels of Martial Arts differ from the mortal world.


    The First Realm, Transcend Mortality.


    The Second Realm, True Power.


    A Martial Saint in the mortal world belongs to the late-stage of the First Realm, Transcend Mortality, with formidable combat ability; often they can receive relatively generous compensation if willing to work for someone.


    Currently, Chen Sansi, proficient in the Profound Image Realm, was about to enter the small accomplishment stage, and was also in the middle stage of the Transcendence Realm.


    He needed to advance to Martial Saint soon!


    From what he could see, a Martial Saint, no matter where they went, would have the ability to defend themselves and find a place to stand.


    Beyond all these. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Cultivators had other ways to make substantial money


    Such as bounties, hunting.


    There are many types of bounties, including but not limited to killing for Cultivators, searching for rare Spiritual Medicines...


    Hunting.


    involves hunting spiritual beasts or Demon Beasts.


    The Exotic Beasts in the Luotian Mountain Range are comparable to High Realm Martial Artists; the Demon Beasts in the Cultivation World must also possess strengths comparable to Cultivators. Hunting has always been a life-threatening profession.


    As for the bounties, needless to say.


    They require not only courage but also strength.


    [Ghost-faced Demon]


    [Bounty: ten thousand Spirit Stones, plus permanent rights to a top-grade Cave Mansion]


    How much?


    Ten thousand!


    In a situation where the vast majority of Cultivators earn less than a hundred Spirit Stones a year, the bounty for Gui Qi was outrageously high; it seems the yield from Spirit Veins is indeed extremely high.


    No wonder so many Cultivators risk their lives to hunt Gui Qi.


    If one could get those ten thousand Spirit Stones, it would likely be many years before they had to worry about income again.


    The Martial Arts Realm of Gui Qi...


    Probably True Power?


    Similar to his master.


    According to the Qi Observation Skill, the Spiritual Energy inside Gui Qi was even stronger than that of his master.


    Wait, where''s the master?


    Chen Sansi recalled that before setting out, his Fourth Senior Brother had said he might encounter the master, and since both had similar realms and were both Martial Artists... could they actually be the same person?


    They look different; they wield different weapons.


    Come to think of it, doesn''t he himself have entirely different faces?


    But ultimately, there''s no evidence...


    And according to reports, Gui Qi is from the Cultivation World; it''s better not to jump to conclusions if he misidentifies his master, as that would be somewhat embarrassing.


    ...


    Chen Sansi began to calculate his own assets.


    Two for gathering information, three for riding the boat.


    Low-grade Spirit Stones, just under two left.


    The middle-grade Spirit Stone used during cultivation consumed much, not knowing how much it is still worth, but definitely no more than forty low-grade Spirit Stones, just barely enough for one year of a low-grade Spiritual Vein Cave Mansion.


    But Chen Sansi wouldn''t stay.


    At least, not for now.


    But this trip shouldn''t be in vain.


    He left the Steward Hall and began to wander in the workshop trading area, preparing to see what he could buy to take back.

 Chapter 460 - 182: Daze Fang City, Golden Bow and Silver Bullet_4

    Treasure Tower.


    At last.


    Chen Sansi''s steps halted in front of a shop.


    "What do you need, Daoist?"


    A female cultivator with a welcoming smile approached him.


    "I''m just looking around."


    Chen Sansi looked at the magic artifacts hanging on the wall, each accompanied by a wooden placard detailing its description.


    [Guiyuan Sword]


    [Quality: First-rank Lower Grade Magic Tool]


    [Price: Twenty Spirit Stones]


    ...


    [Purple Gold Hammer]


    [Quality: First-rank Mid-grade Magic Tool] S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Price: Fifty Spirit Stones]


    ...


    These magic tools, each more expensive than the last.


    To genuinely afford one, he would have to mine for a year to save enough surplus spirit stones.


    [Golden Bow and Silver Bullet]


    [Quality: Supreme First-rank Top-grade Magic Weapon]


    [Price: Two hundred Spirit Stones]


    Chen Sansi stopped in his tracks.


    "Daoist indeed has good taste,"


    the female cultivator enthusiastically explained, "This Golden Bow and Silver Bullet, so long as you can shoot accurately, each bullet''s power is comparable to the full-force strike of a Qi Refining Perfection cultivator. There''s just this one; once it''s sold, there won''t be another, so make sure you don''t miss out."


    "How wonderful..."


    Chen Sansi was very tempted.


    Unfortunately.


    He didn''t have enough spirit stones.


    Even if he did, with his current pitiful state at Qi Refining First Level, he couldn''t activate a tool of this caliber.


    Maybe buy a flying sword?


    If Chen Sansi remembered correctly, he should be able to perform Sword Flight starting from the Qi Refining Middle Stage.


    But upon further consideration, he decided against it.


    He lacked spiritual energy cultivation...


    Merely relying on a single mid-grade spirit stone, he feared he couldn''t even cultivate to the Qi Refining Second Layer, otherwise, cultivators in this world wouldn''t be desperately acquiring cave mansions.


    Moreover, "Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime."


    He decided to look for some sustainable resources and thus started browsing through areas dedicated to various cultivation techniques.


    Unlike mundane secret skill books, which are bound in paper,


    most of the cultivation techniques here were embedded in palm-sized jade scrolls, which required cultivators to inject a thread of spiritual power to glimpse some of their contents, and upon purchase, one could access the full version.


    [Nourishing Essence Pill. Pill recipe]


    [Clearing God Pill. Pill recipe]


    [...]


    "Does Daoist wish to learn alchemy?"


    The female cultivator, noticing he was a new loose cultivator in the Cultivation World, reminded him, "Our pill recipes here are quite basic and aren''t meant for ordinary loose cultivators.


    "If you want to learn alchemy, it would be better to apprentice at the Hundred Elixir Workshop."


    "Is apprenticeship the only way? Is there no other option?"


    Chen Sansi pulled out a spirit crystal from his robe: "Miss, could you please explain in detail?"


    "Daoist is quite generous,"


    the female cultivator accepted the spirit crystal: "In the Cultivation World, there are over a hundred skills, and the most superior ones are Alchemy, Artifact Refining, Talismans, and Formation Arrays. Mastering any of these can set one up for life in the Cultivation World."


    "But it''s easier said than done. Most of these skills are monopolized by various powers, and it''s rare for loose cultivators to master them, not to mention the immense difficulty involved."


    "Just to take the alchemy you''re interested in, without guidance in the early stages, it would result in a colossal waste of resources, and individuals with mediocre talent couldn''t possibly achieve any success."


    "Even if you are a genius in the Alchemy Dao, you can''t avoid the apprenticeship route."


    "As for pill recipes and pill furnaces, we have those here too, though the quality isn''t pursued."


    "Just the matter of Elixir Fire isn''t something ordinary cultivators can afford."


    "Elixir Fire?"


    Chen Sansi inquired further: "What is Elixir Fire?"


    "Elixir Fire, as the name suggests, naturally refers to the Immortal Fire used in alchemy and Artifact Refining, requiring special flames only available to alchemy powers.


    "Without fire veins...


    "One would need to purchase Abnormal Fire."


    "Please look here, Daoist."


    The female cultivator opened a box on the counter, displaying several wood logs within.


    The logs glistened, clearly not made of mortal materials.


    "When these logs burn, the Abnormal Fire produced is sufficient for crafting First-rank Lower and Mid-grade Elixir Pills, but each use roughly consumes several spirit stones; it''s more akin to burning spirit stones than logs, and without being a veteran alchemist, it almost always results in a loss."


    Chen Sansi nodded slightly.


    Abnormal Fire.


    He had that!


    From this discussion, Artifact Refining and alchemy seemed the most suitable skills for him to learn.


    If he just managed to secure a pill recipe and a pill furnace, there would be no need to acquire additional flames.


    "Thank you for the advice, miss; I''ll take a further look myself."


    Chen Sansi subtly began to scout his targets.


    As the female cultivator had said,


    there were hardly any precious pill recipes that could enhance a cultivator''s Skills in the store; they were all minor recipes. Luckily, one of these included a recipe that could enhance Martial Arts into the Transcendence Realm¡ªNourishing Jing Pill.


    He could make use of it.


    If he could refine a few pills, their effect would far surpass treasure medicine, quickly aiding him to breach through the Profound Image Realm and strive towards the Martial Saint Realm.


    Now more than ever,


    he was becoming increasingly eager to achieve the breakthrough into Martial Saint.


    Beneath Martial Saint...


    Facing the current situation, the utility was indeed meager.


    Take for example, under the circumstances in Luotian Mountain Range, to spar with other cultivators, he had to at least reach Martial Saint.


    Unfortunately, at the current rate, it would still take him at least half a year to cultivate to the Profound Image Realm Perfection...


    Purely in terms of speed, it was already rare in this world.


    But it wasn''t enough.


    He must be even faster to handle the upcoming situations.


    Including the Witch God Sect of the grassland!


    Yunzhou, ten days.

 Chapter 461 - 182: Daze Fang City, Golden Bow and Silver Bullet_5

    Over a million had perished.


    Such a large-scale Blood Sacrifice was not a method that should exist among mortals. Coupled with years of accumulating strength, who knows what would happen after the war began. It was truly urgent to make a breakthrough to the Martial Saint Realm!


    Since Martial Artists in the Transcendent Realm had little use in the Cultivation World, the price of this pill recipe was not too expensive, exactly twenty low-grade Spirit Stones.


    It was just that it still required the collection of a Pill Furnace and the necessary materials.


    "Regarding the Pill Furnace, I recommend this one for two hundred Spirit Stones,"


    the female cultivator introduced, "It''s sufficient for refining all First-rank Elixirs."


    "..."


    Chen Sansi felt a toothache, greatly disappointed in his heart.


    Does starting a foundation in the Cultivation World require so many Spirit Stones?


    That''s also true.


    If it were that easy, then no one would do jobs like mining and farming.


    In the end, he tentatively asked, "Must special Pill Furnaces be used for Alchemy?


    Would the incense burners of the Incense Fire Divine Sect work?


    If it was possible, he could try to bring one back when he returned and then figure out a way to remove the tracking marks on it.


    The answer he received was negative.


    "Of course, specific Pill Furnaces are needed. The quality of the Pill Furnace will affect the rate and quality of the pills. Otherwise, wouldn''t any piece of iron used to craft Magic Artifacts be turned into a container shape and be used for Alchemy?"


    "Alright."


    Chen Sansi wasn''t surprised; this was corroborated by the fact that there was no difference in the effects of the Spiritual Rice Medicine Ointment made with the Mystic Iron Furnace and the incense burner previously. Since that was the case, he could only decide to buy what was available on hand.


    Luckily, the price was relatively cheap, with five Spirit Stones he could buy one.


    "Do you have Elixir Pills for breaking through the Late-stage Transcendent Realm?"


    "Late-stage Transcendent, that''s a First-rank top-grade Elixir, of course we have it,"


    the female cultivator said as she presented a porcelain bottle, "This pill is called ''True Martial Pill'', also from the Hundred Elixir Workshop. Each is two hundred Spirit Stones. After taking it, someone with sufficient qualification can greatly shorten the time needed for cultivation. Even for cultivators with insufficient qualification, there is a one-in-a-hundred chance to break through to the True Power Realm."


    Two hundred?


    It''s the same price as the Pill Furnace, outrageously expensive.


    But upon further thought...


    The precious aspect of this Elixir seemed to be the one percent chance of allowing those with insufficient qualification to break through to the Martial Saint Realm.


    And beyond Martial Saint, one could attain a position in Daze Fang City.


    It must be designed for Martial Cultivators with inadequate qualifications to gamble upon.


    With such a low probability, who knows if anyone would gamble on it.


    That being said.


    Just from the gap in the cost of necessary resources, it''s evident that First Realm and Second Realm of Martial Arts are entirely on different levels, probably a world apart, and it must also involve the realms above Martial Saint.


    After all, a Transcendent Warrior from the First Realm can hardly withstand the attacks from spells, their usefulness in the Cultivation World being quite limited.


    His Middle-grade Spirit Stone, at best, was worth about thirty Spirit Stones.


    It was impossible to afford it.


    At the very least, he could afford "Nourishing Vitality Pills" that would allow a quick breakthrough to Great Perfection in the Profound Image Realm, and his trip would not be in vain.


    Chen Sansi immediately took out a Middle-grade Spirit Stone.


    The remnants of Spiritual Power inside were not much. In the end, he could only exchange it for thirty-two low-grade spirit stones and then spent twenty Spirit Stones to purchase four Nourishing Vitality Pills, leaving only fourteen Spirit Stones on him.


    Cash changed hands.


    After the transaction was complete.


    Chen Sansi packed up his belongings and rode Qian Xun to leave Daze Fang City.


    On his way down the mountain, he saw the busy figures of cultivators in the shanty areas.


    Some were carrying back demon beasts, bearing wounds on their bodies.


    Others returned with their faces covered in dirt, recounting the torments and sudden dangers inside the spirit stone mines.


    There were also cultivators carrying back the corpses of their companions, their expressions somber.


    "Your Cave Mansion''s lease is up!"


    "Give me a few more days, I''ll take on a bounty, and I''ll have enough Spirit Stones within a month!"


    "Less nonsense! Then come back and rent it again after a month!"


    Several Law Enforcement Deacons, without further discussion, ejected a Loose Cultivator from the workshop.


    The scenes before him further solidified Chen Sansi''s resolve to leave this place; it seemed to have a foothold in the Cultivation World, one must either break through to the True Power Realm in Martial Arts or master a Cultivation Technique.


    Otherwise, one would fall into a vicious cycle of struggling.


    He had plenty to do back in Liangzhou, and holding a Jade Token allowed him to travel freely without waiting fifty years. So it was better to wait until he had broken through to the Martial Saint Realm before returning.


    Leaving Daze Fang City.


    Chen Sansi returned to Small Stone Village.


    "You this..."


    Old Man Li was somewhat surprised, "Mr. Chen, weren''t you going to seek immortality?"


    "Seeking is over, it didn''t suit me. I''m planning to leave,"


    Chen Sansi politely said, "It''s getting late; I''d like to stay overnight at Uncle Li''s home and leave at daybreak tomorrow, if that''s alright?"


    Being new to the Cultivation World.


    He naturally did not dare to stay outdoors overnight; it was best to have a place to stay.


    "Planning to leave?"


    Old Man Li was seeing someone willingly leaving for the first time.


    But no matter what, this was not someone he could afford to offend, so he quickly invited Chen inside the house.


    Chen Sansi noticed that there was an additional basket of eggs in the house.


    "I have a granddaughter, who''s already married off," sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Old Man Li poured him some hot water, "She''s a concubine for someone in the city, the girl takes care of her family, occasionally bringing things back, and because of her, the past few years haven''t been too bad."


    "Old lady, quickly bring out some lard and fry some meaty dish with the eggs for this, for the Immortal... for the great hero."


    The old couple busied themselves.


    After dinner.


    Chen Sansi swallowed a Nourishing Vitality Pill and found a deserted bamboo grove in the village, taking a bamboo pole as a long spear to practice his cultivation.

 Chapter 462 - 182: Daze Fang City, Golden Bow and Silver Bullet_6

    Five spirit stones for one elixir pill.


    But it was indeed an Immortal Pill!


    The moment he swallowed it, he felt a pleasantly cool sensation spreading through his limbs and bones, without the pain that comes from more mundane potent medicines. As he cultivated his technique, most of the medicinal strength gradually concentrated within the Eight Extraordinary Meridians, nourishing them while continuously enhancing the purity of his Gang Qi. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Crack!"


    The bamboo stick could not withstand the Gang Qi and instantly turned into numerous splinters flying everywhere.


    But at this stage of martial training, there was no need for a weapon to practice.


    Moreover,


    Swordsmanship and spear technique were inherently connected.


    "I''m about to break through!"


    Chen Sansi was moved, the speed of the breakthrough far exceeding his expectations.


    Every punch he threw stirred up a terrifying wave of air.


    So much so that the nearby bamboo forest seemed caught in a storm, rustling loudly and bending nearly ninety degrees as though they would snap at any moment, much to Li Ping''an''s astonishment.


    In this world, very few people practiced Martial Arts, and in civilian life, the Second Realm of Martial Arts was forbidden; he had only ever seen immortals flying in the sky, never such a formidable martial artist.


    Expertise in the Xuanxiang Realm, externalizing Gang Qi!


    After the breakthrough, a martial artist''s Gang Qi could reach a distance of three zhang from the body.


    Each time Chen Sansi''s fist moved, the Fist Gang he released traveled a bit further. With the help of the Immortal Pill, for the first time, he mastered the knack of it without being completely exhausted.


    He suddenly punched out, and the Gang Qi tore through the air, with a faint sound reminiscent of a tiger''s roar.


    A "boom" sounded, and the entire bamboo forest exploded into pieces, countless sharp splinters flying everywhere like arrows, frightening Li Ping''an who quickly hid behind a large rock.


    [Cultivation Technique: National Guardian Dragon Spear. Profound Image (Expert)]


    [Progress: 0/1000]


    [Utility:..., White Tiger Killing Gang]


    [White Tiger Killing Gang: A Gang of slaughter, overwhelming and destructive.]


    Breakthrough!


    Chen Sansi slowly concluded his training.


    He could feel


    that the medicinal power of the Nourishing Meridian Pill was still lasting, and if he took two more, he would soon reach a small achievement in the Profound Image Realm.


    "Can you kill an Immortal?"


    Li Ping''an asked seriously.


    "Haven''t fought one, don''t know."


    Chen Sansi patted the boy''s head, "Go back to sleep. Before I leave, I will leave the complete sword technique with you. Practice well, but don''t show it off in front of others until you''re sure, understand?"


    "Okay."


    Li Ping''an quietly noted, "Master, you said you are leaving, will you come back?"


    "I should."


    Chen Sansi pondered, "I''ll come back in a couple of years to see how well you''ve trained, and remember, if you cause trouble, don''t mention your master''s name."


    He knew early on.


    He shouldn''t have used his real identity to take disciples.


    But it didn''t matter, if trouble did arise, he could just disguise himself as someone else.


    The gap in language between the two worlds wasn''t large.


    Chen Sansi wrote down the complete sword manual overnight, instructed Li Ping''an to hide it well, then sat cross-legged in the house for a brief rest. The next day before dawn, he rode Qian Xun back the way he had come.


    This journey was also coming to a close, better to return to Liangzhou to take care of important matters first.


    What a pity...


    No spirit stones!


    He couldn''t afford a pill furnace, pill recipes, or the materials.


    Otherwise, if he could refine two batches of True Martial Pills, he could easily break through to the Martial Saint Realm before the great battle on the grassland and earn the right to intervene in the matters of the Luotian Mountain Range instead of sitting by helplessly.


    This path of an Immortal truly is expensive!


    ...


    At the ends of the earth,


    An Ancient Transmission Array.


    A young man wearing straw sandals, carrying a travel bag, set foot on his journey to seek the Immortals.


    His name was Si Nan, originally a completely ordinary mortal martial artist with exceptionally poor talent for Martial Arts. After several years of training without any achievement, his family could no longer bear the expense.


    Frustrated, he began to wander the mountains and waters, and by chance, he had an incredible encounter, obtaining a Jade Token and a method to test for Spirit Roots.


    He was a genius with a Heavenly Thunder Spirit Root, additionally blessed with a Supreme Bone.


    According to the Immortal Trace,


    as long as one could enter the Cultivation World, one would inevitably become a power to be reckoned with, an existence out of reach for all!


    "Is this really the way?"


    After inquiring for several days, he learned that this ancient road could take him to a Transmission Array.


    "Young brother!"


    A burly man with a bushy beard sidled up, "Are you also seeking the Immortal Path?"


    Si Nan looked at him warily, without answering.


    "Don''t be afraid, I am too!"


    The burly man with a beard took out a Jade Token from his bosom, "Look."


    Si Nan looked closely, and indeed, it was exactly like his own Jade Token, which made him breathe a sigh of relief.


    "Brother,"


    the man with the bushy beard earnestly said, "I''ve heard that there are people who would rob us of our Jade Tokens. If the two of us travel together, it''ll be good to have each other''s back, what do you say?"


    "Sure!"


    Si Nan nodded vigorously.


    The two of them continued on together.


    Halfway through, someone suddenly sprang out for an attack.


    Si Nan was greatly alarmed.


    The bushy-bearded burly man made his move, swiftly beating the attacker into a hasty retreat.


    "Thank you, brother!"


    Si Nan was still in shock.


    "Eh~"


    The bushy-bearded man asked, "Young brother, I see you haven''t practiced martial arts?"


    "Mm."


    Si Nan straightforwardly replied, "My Martial Arts talent is exceedingly poor, but I have a Heavenly Thunder Spirit Root and a Supreme Bone. I''ve heard that these are quite powerful in the Cultivation World! Today, you and I have forged a life-or-death friendship. Once we enter the Cultivation World, I must repay this favor."


    "So that means~"


    Li Huzi sneered, "I, Li Huzi, would have killed a future power then."


    "What?"


    Si Nan was startled.


    He only saw a golden light wrapping around the other''s fist as it smashed down towards his head, and the world turned pitch black instantly.


    "Got it!"


    Li Huzi fumbled over the corpse and pulled out a Jade Token, "Never practiced martial arts, and yet he made it this far? I even bothered to test him for so long!"


    "Li Huzi!"


    Another cultivator leapt out from the bushes, clearly his accomplice.


    "He said he had a Thunder Spirit Root, why did you kill him? If he truly became a great power, that would''ve been our chance too!"


    "Nonsense!"


    Li Huzi cursed, "We are cultivators long before he even begins. Once he achieves something, a single check will reveal everything, and then what? Would we still be alive?"


    "Ah, what a pity."


    The cultivator felt it was a missed opportunity.


    If they had known earlier, they would''ve appeared openly to guard him and really ride to success.


    "Better to rely on oneself than others!"


    Li Huzi sneered, holding two Jade Tokens, "Got them! Two High Grade Cave Mansions! Even selling these would fetch a good price!"


    This youth was the second victim they had lain in wait for.


    With the opening of the Heavenly Gate this time,


    among them, quite a few people had made a fortune!


    "Li Huzi, we had a deal!"


    His accomplice spoke, "Let''s split it, one each."


    "Of course, of course."


    Li Huzi spoke, but a shadow of malice flashed in his eyes.


    Just as he was about to make a move, he saw the ancient Transmission Array ahead light up.


    Another was coming!

 Chapter 463 - 183: Martial Arts Slaying Immortal, Master and Disciple Recognize Each Other

    With the spiritual light of the ancient transmission array lighting up and then extinguishing,


    Li Huzi and Shu Daoist both looked up simultaneously.


    On the stone,


    there appeared a man in a white robe, leading a white horse behind him.


    "Truly a wonder~"


    Li Huzi muttered, "You only hear about those who fight tooth and nail to enter the Cultivation World, never about someone who wants to leave after getting in."


    "Odd indeed."


    Shu Daoist squinted his eyes, "This lad is likely a mixed spirit root, realizing his cultivation has no hope, he''s planning to make a retreat."


    "Qi Refining First Level!"


    Li Huzi said disdainfully, "Since the jade token is of no use in his hands, there''s no point in wasting it, Daoist, let''s prepare to make our move."


    "Hold on a moment."


    Shu Daoist cautioned, "Didn''t you see the blade on his waist? If he''s a True Power Warrior, it could be troublesome. It''s better to test him first."


    "Agreed!"


    ...


    "Esteemed brother!"


    Li Huzi, exuding an air of Jianghu, came forward, clasped his fists and said, "Isn''t that the Cultivation World ahead, brother? Why did you come out after going in?"


    Chen Sansi looked at the familiar face and said calmly, "Stopped cultivating, it''s dull."


    "What do you mean by dull?"


    Li Huzi leaned in closer, "Could you elaborate a bit for this brother?"


    He pulled out a jade token to prove his identity.


    "Don''t be nervous, brother, look, I''m also a seeker of immortality just like you."


    "Oh?"


    Chen Sansi looked at the jade token, then suddenly laughed, "Turns out you''re also a brother, then let me explain to you..."


    The two walked on.


    Suddenly,


    a streak of emerald green sword qi shot out from the forest, heading straight for Chen Sansi.


    "Brother, watch out!"


    Li Huzi shouted loudly.


    "Boom¡ª"


    Chen Sansi immediately formed a seal, a Sword Qi Skill emitted, and the purple sword qi collided with the green sword qi, neutralizing each other.


    At the same time,


    a massive boulder appeared overhead, as if a whole mountain was crashing down.


    "Clang¡ª"


    The He Miao Blade was unsheathed.


    The Blade Gang crackled, bursting out like a tiger''s roar, splitting the boulder in two, which then crumbled into countless pieces like rain.


    "Gang Qi, Transcendent Warrior,"


    Li Huzi recognized immediately.


    Cultivation World.


    A Martial Cultivator''s reliance on resources even exceeds that of normal cultivators, and their potential for advancement is extremely limited, hence their rarity.


    In their case,


    The First Realm Transcendent, even for Qi Refining cultivators, is as fragile as paper, easily annihilated by a single spell. Consequently, even fewer people choose to cultivate Martial Arts.


    As long as they don''t get close, they pose no threat to Qi cultivators.


    Furthermore, the spells exhibited by the person in question were merely of Qi Refining First Level strength.


    Essentially, it was like slaughtering a fish on a chopping block.


    Shu Daoist no longer hid himself, stepping out from the woods, "Young friend, since you also don''t plan to continue your cultivation, how about you hand over your jade token, and I''ll spare your life, how about that?"


    "Yes, kid."


    Li Huzi no longer hid his intentions, "Hand over the items quickly."


    "Big brother,"


    Chen Sansi''s face was a mix of shock and anger, "Are you with him?"


    In the midst of speaking,


    he patted the horse''s rump, signaling the White Swan Horse to move ahead.


    Li Huzi and another person glanced at the white horse, deeming it worthless, and did not try to stop it.


    "Less nonsense!"


    Li Huzi urged, "Hand over the jade token, and you still have a way to live."


    "Really?"


    Chen Sansi looked at them both and then asked, "To whom?"


    "Of course to¡ª"


    The Shu Daoist''s hands formed seals at a speed that left afterimages.


    Behind him,


    the vegetation in the forest seemed to come to life, myriad-colored vines transforming into a massive net that swept over from all directions, leaving no route for retreat.


    The cold gleam of a blade flickered.


    The White Tiger Killing Gang forcefully cut open a gap, and Chen Sansi found a gap to escape through before the vines could touch him, the plants, which looked ordinary, were as hard as steel.


    Sword Qi Skill!


    The purple little sword condensed once again.


    In the blink of an eye, it reached right before the Shu Daoist.


    "Whoosh!"


    All the vines retracted, and in front of the Shu Daoist, they formed a thick grass shield. From a distance, it looked woven from vine after vine, yet the spirit light flowing and the mist around it proved it was some kind of Immortal Technique. The Sword Qi Skill hit it, issuing a sizzling sound, burning a palm-sized rot, but it did not break through.


    "Qi Refining First Level''s Sword Qi Skill, and you think you can break my life''s technique?!"


    The Shu Daoist was about to speak when he saw that behind the Sword Qi Skill, there were three more sword Qi.


    "Boom, boom, boom!"


    Each streak of sword Qi tore through a layer of the grass shield until it completely blasted a hole through, and the last sword Qi faced no obstacles, piercing directly through the Shu Daoist''s body.


    "Ah!"


    The Shu Daoist fell to the ground and began to wail.


    His face was filled with disbelief.


    Impossible!


    Sword Qi Skill!


    It''s the most basic spell.


    The power of this spell depends on the level of one''s cultivation.


    At Qi Refining First Level, even if well practiced, it''s merely so-so. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The most crucial point is...


    This technique can only emit one sword Qi at a time!


    To continue,


    one needs to reform the seal and cast the spell again, not to mention the time wasted during battle, but the consumption of spiritual power is also incredibly significant.


    But just now, the Shu Daoist saw clearly.


    This guy.


    Formed the seal and chanted just once, and consecutively released four!


    This does not look like Sword Qi Skill at all.


    Rather, it resembles an advanced spell used by a high-level cultivator!


    The only consolation,


    is that it truly is Qi Refining First Level only, and the power of the spells isn''t sufficient; five consecutive Sword Qi Skills should have nearly exhausted it.

 Chapter 464 - 183: Martial Arts Slaying Immortal, Master and Disciple Recognize Each Other_2

    "Li Huzi!"


    "Why haven''t you made your move yet?"


    "..."


    Although it seemed like several exchanges of spells, it was actually only the duration of two breaths.


    Li Huzi was not just standing by idly.


    He reached behind him and drew a Crescent Moon Curved Blade from his waist. Unlike a martial artist engaging in close combat, he threw it forward. The curved blade emitted a dazzling golden light in mid-air, resembling a rotating crescent moon slicing towards the enemy.


    Chen Sansi''s He Miao Long Sword slashed downwards.


    The White Tiger Killing Gang burst forth but was incredibly frail in front of the Golden Light Flying Knife. It dissipated into smoke the moment it touched, then tangled with the He Miao Long Sword.


    "Zzzzzzlah!"


    The sound of metal friction was like sharp claws tearing through one''s eardrums.


    A moment later.


    The He Miao Long Sword shattered directly. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Sansi felt as if a dragon-elephant was charging at him. His body uncontrollably lifted off the ground and floated backwards. Before he could fall, the Golden Light Flying Knife chased after him like a reaper''s scythe, and in the blink of an eye, it was mere inches from his throat.


    Thick Earth Decision!


    He dropped the broken hilt and quickly formed seals with his hands.


    In an instant.


    The already scarce spiritual energy in his Dantian began to be rapidly depleted, functioning like a water pump, pulling the refined spiritual energy through the Spirit Root into the meridians of his limbs. Finally, through special Circulation, it transformed into mana, drawing elements from heaven and earth under the orange-yellow light. The soil on the ground gradually peeled away and then formed a mud wall in front of him.


    "Boom!"


    The mud wall exploded with a bang, scattering dry yellow dirt like rain and raising a huge cloud of dust. But at the same time, the previously unstoppable Golden Light Flying Knife was rebounded back to its owner.


    "Thick Earth Decision?"


    Li Huzi clicked his tongue, "You, coming from the mortal world and only at Qi Refining First Level, can actually use two spells. But, that''s as far as you go!"


    Thick Earth Decision.


    It''s considered a not bad defensive magic in the Qi Refinement Realm.


    The downside is that it''s highly consumptive, and after blocking an attack, it would collapse on its own.


    Wait a second?!


    Li Huzi was taken aback.


    He witnessed...


    The supposedly instant Thick Earth Decision, reformed right in front of the opponent.


    Then...


    The opponent holding the mud wall charged at him.


    How is that possible!


    "The spiritual power of Qi Refining First Level, able to consecutively produce five Sword Qi Skills and then cast the Thick Earth Decision?!"


    In his distraction.


    The opponent had already closed in to a distance of twenty steps.


    Li Huzi hurriedly controlled the Golden Light Curved Saber again, carrying rolling mana and slicing through as a flowing light, preparing to blast open the Thick Earth Decision once more and then use another spell to kill him.


    "Boom!"


    Something strange happened.


    This time.


    After the flying knife collided with it, the mud wall, while being shattered by the attack, did not disperse but instead autonomously restored itself, gathering without collapsing.


    How the hell is this the Thick Earth Decision? It''s no different from what high-level cultivators use with the Earth Element Technique?!


    After two unsuccessful spellcasts.


    Chen Sansi swiftly approached the cultivator, his fist carrying a tremendous Gang Qi like a ferocious tiger descending a mountain. Twisting the air, it thunderously struck the opponent''s chest over the heart.


    Li Huzi''s bones shattered inch by inch, and his heart suffered from the impact. Blood surged to his throat, and despite enduring the pain and trying to control the flying knife, it was again blocked by the Thick Earth Decision. Then, another punch to his face completely upset his balance, sending him flying backwards and crashing to the ground. He spit out several mouthfuls of blood and his arms trembled uncontrollably, making it impossible for him to even form seals to cast spells.


    Just as expected!


    After the hand-to-hand combat, Chen Sansi personally experienced.


    The so-called cultivators have frail bodies!


    Of course.


    This frailness is relative to martial cultivators.


    If it were an ordinary person, the punch just now could completely smash them to pulp; now, it only caused injury.


    But it also proved one thing.


    Martial artists at the Xuanxiang Realm could pose a lethal threat to lower-level cultivators.


    The only flaw is the difficulty in closing the gap.


    But once that gap is bridged, it''s no problem!


    "Catch the spear!"


    Just then.


    A silver light shot from afar, undoubtedly the Tiger Head Golden Spear.


    Chen Sansi firmly caught it in his hands, emitting a metallic hum. He didn''t give the opponent a chance to breathe. Like a soul reaper, he came upon Li Huzi before he could recover, the long spear thunderously falling before the opponent could regain composure. The cold light of the gun blade, like a White Tiger opening its bloody jaws, directly smashed his head to pieces, like cracking open a watermelon. The red and white matter splattered, and the golden light on the Crescent Moon Flying Knife also extinguished.


    "Crack¡ª"


    His body poised like a bow, the long spear his arrow, he suddenly turned and threw it. Carrying the rolling White Tiger Killing Gang, the long spear unobstructed, directly pierced through the heart of Shu Daoist, who was severely injured by Sword Qi Skill and trying to flee, instantly ending his life.


    These two men.


    One strong, one weak.


    Li Huzi, at Qi Refining Third Layer.


    The other, using Wood Attribute Magic, was only at Qi Refining Second Layer.


    Their physical bodies were just that mediocre.


    No wonder Martial Saints were able to gain a foothold in the workshop.


    Thinking back now.


    The battle atop Ziwei Mountain, Emperor Longqing and others were probably at Late Spirit Origin Stage or even higher. Reaching that level in the mortal world, they likely controlled most of the world''s cultivation resources.


    "This is my first time fighting a cultivator."


    Chen Sansi, at Qi Refining First Level, plus mastering the Profound Image Realm Cultivation Technique.


    Neither is particularly high.


    But combined, they were sufficient to deal with a cultivator at Qi Refining Third Layer, and that wasn''t too shabby.


    "How is it?"


    Ning Xiang, light on her feet like a butterfly landing beside him, her pupils shining with a pink rose-like luster, and in front of her hovered a silver exquisite ring. She asked, "Are you injured?"

 Chapter 465 - 183: Martial Arts Slaying the Immortal, Master and Disciple Recognize Each Other_3

    Zhaozhao also hurried over with Qian Xun soon after.


    They had been guarding near the Transmission Array for the past two days without wandering far, worried about not being able to help in a timely manner in case anything happened.


    "It''s fine."


    Chen Sansi noticed that this woman really did have some resources.


    "These two."


    Ning Xiang waved her sleeve, and the silver ring transformed into a bracelet returning to her wrist, "Recently killed more than one seeker of Immortals, they must have something on them."


    "..."


    Chen Sansi slightly shook his head.


    This was a Cultivator, what was the difference with a robber?


    But when thinking about the lower-level cultivators in the workshop, it seemed that they didn''t have anything to do with the Immortals'' "carefree and at ease" either. They also needed to toil day and night, rushing around for their "livelihood."


    It really seemed no matter where, it was all about the survival of the fittest, and then the weak preyed on the even weaker.


    He stopped his rambling thoughts and bent down to search the bodies.


    "Jade Token?"


    Soon, Chen Sansi found two Jade Tokens.


    Besides that, there was only the Golden Light Flying Knife, which was probably a low-grade magic tool, and it had many nicks on it; it might even be second-hand.


    As for Spirit Stones, the two of them altogether only had twenty-one.


    The most valuable were still the Jade Tokens. If the Jade Tokens weren''t used to exchange for a Cave Mansion, the Spirit Stones they could be traded for would definitely be enough to gather a complete set of Alchemy equipment and materials, and maybe there would even be some left over.


    Chen Sansi immediately changed his appearance and handed the two Jade Tokens to Ning Xiang, "Let''s go back for a visit!"


    ...


    Shortly after.


    Daze Fang City Steward Hall.


    "What did the Daoist say?"


    Xu Youliang said confused, "You''re not exchanging for a Cave Mansion, but want to sell the Jade Tokens instead?"


    Chen Sansi affirmed, "Exactly."


    "It''s not that it''s not possible, but the price will be somewhat reduced."


    Xu Youliang fondled the Jade Token, "One Jade Token can be exchanged for one thousand four hundred Spirit Stones."


    "That little?"


    If Chen Sansi remembered correctly,


    The fee for a High Grade Cave Mansion was one hundred Spirit Stones.


    A Jade Token could be exchanged for twenty years'' worth, which is two thousand Spirit Stones; to be cashed out, there were only one thousand four hundred Spirit Stones, a 25% markdown and then some.


    Thinking carefully,


    He also understood. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The entire Spirit Vein was owned by the workshop''s master; the Cave Mansion, to put it bluntly, was just a house constructed on the Spirit Vein. If there were vacancies, it was virtually worthless. Exchanging Jade Tokens, on the other hand, meant earnings for the workshop master.


    But if converted to Spirit Stones,


    That was actual "cash."


    Of course, there wouldn''t be as much.


    Chen Sansi estimated that there must be something like a black market in the Cultivation World where he could sell the Jade Tokens for a higher price, but with his current strength, he dared not recklessly venture there.


    Selling to Steward Hall would not fetch a high price, but it was safe.


    "Daoist, I still suggest converting them into a Cave Mansion."


    Xu Youliang said, "Even if you have Spirit Stones, in the end, won''t you still need to find a Cave Mansion for cultivation?"


    "No need to consider anymore, one thousand four is one thousand four."


    Chen Sansi made up his mind.


    "Deal."


    Xu Youliang didn''t try to persuade him further, sticking to the rules, the transaction was settled.


    "You also want to exchange for spirit stones?"


    Half a day later.


    Another female cultivator came, holding a jade token to cash in.


    "Yes, Daoist."


    Ning Xiang''s voice was as lingering as autumn water, "May I know how many spirit stones it''s worth?"


    "One thousand four, no, one thousand five!"


    Xu Youliang stared at the other party''s fair and delicate hands, and those soul-hooking eyes, "Daoist, let me tell you quietly, for others, I only give one thousand four, but for you, I give one thousand five!"


    "Really? Then, this little sister here thanks the Daoist."


    Ning Xiang took half a step back and curtsied gracefully.


    Xu Youliang smiled infatuatedly, "Daoist, are you a seeker of the Immortal Realm from the outside, or someone from the Daze Fang City who chanced upon this jade token? May I know if it''s convenient to leave a name and residence, so I can look out for you in the future?"


    "This little sister has come to join my cousin, and after settling down, I will come to express my gratitude."


    Ning Xiang tactfully declined, then left the Steward Hall with the spirit stones, walking away with a graceful gait.


    "Master."


    Zhaozhao followed closely behind, feeling both distressed and puzzled, "A high-grade cave mansion, what was Chen thinking? Isn''t he losing big by exchanging like this? Could it be that he doesn''t plan to stay in the cultivation world and is preparing to leave?"


    "Isn''t it obvious enough?"


    Ning Xiang was very calm.


    "What about us? We''ve finally found the cultivation world!"


    Zhaozhao watched a female cultivator flying past on her sword, full of envy.


    "Idiot, even if I give you a jade token to exchange for a cave mansion, can you settle down and establish yourself here?"


    Having observed the way things work, Ning Xiang asked, "Tell me, what skills do you plan to rely on to earn spirit stones to provide for your cultivation? Digging for spirit ore as an apprentice, or... I see there are brothels here in the cultivation world, would you sell yourself?"


    The techniques she formerly used to deceive men with illusion techniques would hardly work here; in such places, there is a fear of truly becoming a plaything.


    "I won''t sell."


    Zhaozhao shook her head repeatedly, "Then when can we enter the path?"


    "Wait for the right opportunity."


    Ning Xiang understood that some things cannot be forced, "Let''s hurry, he''s waiting for us."


    ...


    "One thousand five?"


    Chen Sansi knew he had been duped; that Xu fellow must have skimped on him secretly.


    Furthermore, he estimated.


    The real price of the jade token might be higher than four hundred, but not by much.


    Never mind.


    The Steward Hall was the administrative center of the entire workshop city; he couldn''t exactly complain there. He had to swallow this loss for now. Fortunately, with a total of two thousand nine hundred spirit stones, he had enough to start his setup.


    Chen Sansi began to purchase materials all around.


    [Alchemy Furnace, costing two hundred spirit stones.]


    [Golden Smoke Wood, costing twenty spirit stones.]


    This wood could not generate Immortal Fire by burning on its own, its main purpose being durability, capable of burning for a long time even with Immortal Fire.


    If Chen Sansi goes back to perform alchemy, he would need to use the Immortal Treasure Strange Fire, ordinary firewood couldn''t withstand the burn and would need to be replenished continuously. It was said alchemy could last for days; who knew how much wood would be needed. You couldn''t just chop down an entire forest; even fools would find that suspicious.

 Chapter 466 - 183: Martial Arts Slaying the Immortal, Master and Disciple Recognize Each Other_4

    [Qi Nourishing Pill recipe: 50 Spirit Stones]


    [True Martial Pill recipe: Two thousand and one hundred Spirit Stones]


    [Qi Nourishing Pill ingredients x20: Twenty Spirit Stones]


    [True Martial Pill ingredients x5: Five hundred Spirit Stones]


    The Qi Nourishing Pill was relatively cheap.


    But starting with the True Martial Pill, the price became extremely expensive.


    Especially the True Martial Pill recipe, it was frighteningly expensive.


    [Fasting Pill recipe: Twenty Spirit Stones]


    [Fasting Pill ingredients x50: Five Spirit Crystals]


    If one wanted to practice alchemy, starting from the simplest was a must.


    So, Chen Sansi bought the cheapest Fasting Pill recipe and materials to practice with.


    [Storage Bag: Twenty Spirit Stones]


    In the end,


    Chen Sansi found something interesting.


    A storage bag!


    A brocade bag the size of the palm, able to hold many items.


    This trip, they purchased so many things in the workshop, carrying them openly was too conspicuous. Considering the character of Li Huzi and his cronies, parading through the market would have certainly attracted an attack from robbery cultivators.


    Naturally, it was better to buy a storage bag, which also had other uses back home.


    For instance, storing weapons.


    With it, Chen Sansi need not worry about a long spear being too lengthy to carry around anymore.


    And arrows!


    He could also have a large reserve of arrows.


    One mustn''t be stingy; he decisively made the purchase.


    After buying everything needed, the total cost was two thousand nine hundred and thirty Spirit Stones plus one Spirit Crystal. The considerable fortune he had just accumulated was spent clean, leaving him with only a few Spirit Stones and a single Flying Knife magical artifact.


    Without a clear understanding of the black market channels, he dare not blindly go there. Besides, the item wasn''t very valuable, so he might as well keep it for his own use. For an ordinary martial artist, it was still a considerable weapon.


    The shop owners were overjoyed.


    Especially Treasure Tower.


    It was said that due to the scarcity of martial cultivators, the True Martial Pills often went for years without a buyer, not to mention pill furnaces worth over two thousand Spirit Stones, which could sit untouched for a hundred years.


    To invest in oneself!


    It was indeed a luxury!


    According to Chen Sansi''s knowledge,


    Ordinary loose cultivators looking to practice alchemy would save up Spirit Stones to buy second-hand Alchemy Furnaces and start with Fasting Pills, paying back their investment crystal by crystal, then steadily moving up. This could take decades.


    Chen Sansi was willing to pay such a high price to break through to the Martial Saint Realm as quickly as possible.


    After settling everything,


    they left using the ancient transmission array.


    Only one Jade Token was left.


    Leaving depended entirely on Qian Xun transporting the Jade Token back and forth.


    Looking back at the Cultivation World one last time, Chen Sansi felt a hint of regret in his heart.


    Immortality, everyone desires it.


    It''s just unfortunate that with his current strength, even facing a Qi Refinement Middle Stage cultivator could be disastrous. Moreover, Liangzhou still had many affairs requiring his attention; he couldn''t abandon everything to stay here for years or even decades.


    The fate has not arrived!


    Once he broke through to Martial Saint, gained sufficient self-protective ability, and dealt with Liangzhou''s affairs, he would return for a visit. By that time, he would also have almost mastered the art of alchemy, making everything much easier.


    Without further hesitation,


    Chen Sansi placed the Jade Token into the groove. Accompanied by the surge of Spiritual Power from the transmission array, he smoothly returned to the island at the ends of the earth.


    "I''ve inquired."


    Ning Xiang said in a meticulous tone, "Recently, every few days there is a ferry from within the workshop, we can take it to Nanling Town, then return by the same route we came, and within two months we''ll be back in Liangzhou."


    Chen Sansi and his party avoided the ancient road of the transmission array and returned to the seashore at the ends of the earth without encountering any more covetous pursuit.


    On the island at that moment,


    There still gathered a large number of immortality seekers and mundane loose cultivators, who neither could enter the Cultivation World nor were willing to return to the mundane world. A small portion came through various serendipities but now lacked Spirit Stones. Without the means to leave, they were most likely fated to stay and die there. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It seemed,


    Chen Sansi''s journey had been smooth.


    But in reality, the path to seeking immortality was incredibly difficult. Who knows how many have died on the way, including potentially many talents.


    The next ferry was scheduled for midnight the next day.


    They found a corner to sit down, planning to wait quietly until the next day. However, in the latter part of the night, a group of more than ten cultivators suddenly flew out from the southwest direction, landing among the crowd, and the ends of the earth were stirred into commotion.


    "I''ll go find out."


    Ning Xiang returned promptly, her tone grave beneath her veil: "It''s Gui Qi.


    "The cultivators from Daze Fang City, having discovered Gui Qi''s tracks here on the ends of the earth, plan to completely seal the island until they capture him; we can''t leave now...


    "As for the commotion,


    "The cultivators declared that whoever finds Gui Qi will be taken into the Cultivation World free of charge.


    "Now, everyone on the island has gone mad searching for him."


    "Not Gui Qi again."


    Chen Sansi winced. "I left Nanling Town in a hurry just to avoid that old fellow. I didn''t expect to encounter him on the boat, and now in my haste to leave, there he is again. Could he be my nemesis?"


    "Lai Zi Daoist, why are you speaking ill of me behind my back?"


    An aged voice from behind made him stiffen, and from the corner of his eye,


    he could see an old man in a black robe, who had approached unnoticed.


    "Buzz!"


    Ning Xiang''s wrist where the Silver Ring Magical Artifact was, started to activate, but the black-robed old man said in a deep voice, "Girl, if you want to live, it''s best not to make a fuss."


    "..."


    Ning Xiang wisely halted.

 Chapter 467 - 183: Martial Arts Slaying the Immortal, Master and Disciple Recognize Each Other_5

    "Senior Gui Qi..."


    Chen Sansi''s eye twitched twice as he shifted the topic, "Did you come to see me for something?"


    "You guessed right,"


    Gui Qi sat down beside him and said indifferently, "Help me with something later."


    "Senior."


    Chen Sansi declined, "I''m of low cultivation level, I''m afraid that..."


    Gui Qi cut him off bluntly, "Don''t help, then don''t expect to live."


    "I''ll help,"


    Chen Sansi agreed immediately, "Senior, you say."


    He had no right to refuse, so he could only agree first and then find an opportunity to act accordingly.


    "That''s right, don''t worry,"


    Gui Qi patted his shoulder, "You don''t need to take any risks, Once the task is accomplished, I will leave with you."


    Leave?


    This person wasn''t returning to the Cultivation World but was leaving? S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Could it really be...


    Chen Sansi probed, "Senior, your martial arts are unparalleled, and you have a promising future. Why then do you seek to destroy the spirit vein and sever ties with the Cultivation World?"


    "Young friend, are you speaking too much?"


    Gui Qi''s tone carried a warning.


    "..."


    Chen Sansi currently felt that Gui Qi was forty percent similar to his master.


    But after all, it was just a similarity.


    There are many cultivators in the world.


    And not all martial cultivators could be the only one.


    He couldn''t just assume that an extraordinary martial artist was Sun Xiangzong.


    He wanted to probe further.


    But Gui Qi didn''t give him the chance, throwing a bead and a talisman to him, "In an hour, I''ll attract everyone on the island fifty miles away. Take this bead, and follow its signals to search."


    "Keep going to the place where the signal is strongest, first use the talisman to set up a boundary, then infuse a trace of mana into the bead, and after that, you don''t need to do anything, just sit there and wait for me to come get you."


    "Who is this girl to you?"


    He pointed at Zhaozhao and asked.


    Before Gui Qi appeared.


    Zhaozhao was stuffing her mouth with cakes made from spirit rice purchased in the Cultivation World.


    After Gui Qi appeared.


    She even forgot to swallow what was in her mouth, standing dumbfounded with puffed cheeks.


    "Her?"


    Chen Sansi replied, "She is my sister."


    "Good!"


    Gui Qi picked her up as if picking up a chick, "She will come with me first, to prevent you from playing tricks! If things go wrong, she dies first, then I will come for you."


    With that said,


    he vanished in the blink of an eye, leaving no chance for further conversation.


    "Zhaozhao!"


    By the time Ning Xiang reacted, it was already too late.


    "Let''s go,"


    Chen Sansi whispered, "Let''s do as he said."


    "Zhaozhao, she..."


    Ning Xiang was extremely anxious.


    "Don''t worry, she will be fine,"


    Chen Sansi stated confidently.


    "Something is wrong..."


    Ning Xiang sensed something amiss, "Why do you suddenly seem to trust that demon so much?"


    "Guess who he is?"


    Just a moment ago,


    when the other party took something from his chest,


    Chen Sansi clearly saw a pendant hanging around Gui Qi''s neck.


    That pendant...


    Was actually a ring!


    He had seen this ring a long time ago.


    At the time of Selected Point, when he killed Ning Changqun.


    His master, the old man, took out a long spear from the ring!


    He hadn''t known before.


    But now it seemed obvious.


    It was clearly a Storage Ring!


    Thinking further.


    This Gui Qi predecessor.


    Seems to have never had a suitable weapon.


    The initial spear broke after a few uses, obviously makeshift, later on, he even snatched a cultivator''s hammer to use...


    Almost certain!


    Chen Sansi was now almost sure that Gui Qi was his master!


    Unless the master had died and the ring fell into someone else''s hands.


    As for not recognizing them...


    One reason was because they all had altered their appearances.


    Secondly, this place was far too distant from Liangzhou.


    The matters concerning Ning Xiang were decided solely by the fourth senior brother, the master was not aware.


    "..."


    "Really?"


    Ning Xiang incredulously, "Gui Qi is the Commander, he, what is he doing at the ends of the earth, and also intending to destroy the Spirit Vein?"


    "Don''t know, just do it."


    Chen Sansi got up.


    Let''s not talk about whether it''s the master.


    Even if it wasn''t Sun Xiangzong, they had no other choice.


    With the power currently revealed, it would be easy for him to kill them in turn.


    "This bead..."


    Chen Sansi scrutinized it.


    The bead was about the size of a palm.


    From its appearance, it seemed somewhat similar to a Xuanzhu, but perceived entirely differently; holding it, one could feel the immeasurable and fierce mana contained within it, as if someone had forcefully compressed the ocean into this tiny bead, which, at this very moment, could hardly be contained any longer and might erupt like a tsunami with minor external assistance.


    This bead was also a container.


    But it stored not Mystical Energy but some sort of mysterious power.


    Holding it.


    Chen Sansi visibly resonated with something, the bead functioning much like a compass.


    He stealthily moved under the night sky, with Ning Xiang closely following behind.


    The two headed toward the southeast direction of the island, arriving in a valley about a hundred miles from the Ancient Transmission Array.


    "It''s right here."


    Chen Sansi crouched in front of a puddle.


    "Buzz buzz!"


    The bead began to vibrate violently, as if coming to life, trying to break free from its constraints.


    Chen Sansi had to use all his strength just to keep it from slipping out of his hand.


    Spirit Vein!


    With the bead''s assistance, he sensed that there seemed to be a Spirit Vein underground at this location!


    But this Spirit Vein still seemed to be slumbering, and without special tools, it was completely undetectable.


    "Is the master making us look for the Spirit Vein?"


    Chen Sansi realized something, "Does he want us to use this bead to destroy the Spirit Vein below?"


    A sense of disconnection!


    He suddenly felt a strong sense of disconnection.


    Within the Transmission Array.


    Countless cultivators struggled desperately for a Cave Mansion established on a Spirit Vein.


    But on this island.


    Someone intended to destroy a Spirit Vein that could be exchanged for countless resources!


    This was completely two extremes!


    Why?


    Why destroy the Spirit Vein?

 Chapter 468 - 183: Martial Arts Slaying the Immortal, Master and Disciple Recognize Each Other_6

    He did not stay to exchange for resources.


    With the talents of his master, he should have been able to advance further on the Immortal Path. Moreover, everyone said that the master''s lifespan wasn''t much, couldn''t he rely on the Spirit Vein in the Immortal Realm to find a way to extend his life?


    Missing for two years.


    He had gone to such great lengths only to find the Spirit Veins and then destroy them.


    What was the motive?


    At this moment, exactly half an hour since he had parted from Gui Qi, a loud noise arose from the west side of the island, clearly a deliberate disturbance created as a signal for notification.


    Still the same saying.


    Even if Gui Qi wasn''t his master, he had no choice but to follow the instructions.


    Chen Sansi picked up the talisman and activated it with his Mana. Strands of golden light emerged from the talisman, spreading outward from him and eventually forming a boundary that enveloped him within.


    Although he had never dealt with the way of talismans, he could tell it was some kind of defensive boundary, and its level was very high, definitely not of the first or second tier, as for exactly how high, he couldn''t accurately judge.


    Chen Sansi pulled Ning Xiang into the boundary, then he injected his own Spiritual Energy into the eager bead.


    The bead, no longer under control, transformed into a streak of flowing light and flew into the night sky, then become brighter and brighter, changing from a star to a full moon, and then from a full moon to a blazing sun, illuminating the entire ends of the earth like daylight. Subsequently, wave after wave of runes burst forth like a fountain, quickly forming array seals that enveloped the island.


    "This..."


    "What''s going on?!"


    "Everyone, look!"


    "..."


    The seekers of the Immortal from the Great Thousand World all looked up, utterly dumbfounded.


    "Boom!"


    Gui Qi smashed a cultivator into pulp with a hammer in front of him.


    Next to him, there were more than a dozen cultivators.


    They all observed the phenomenon covering the heavens and the earth, all with shock on their faces.


    "A grand formation?!"


    "What kind of formation is this?"


    "Gui Qi, did you do this?!"


    "What are you trying to do?!"


    "..."


    Zhaozhao, thrown aside, was even more bewildered.


    "Gui Qi!"


    "No matter what method you use, you could never monopolize the Spirit Vein all by yourself!"


    "Old man, when did I ever say I wanted to possess this Spirit Vein?"


    Gui Qi started to laugh coldly, "Tell me, you guys fight day in and day out, aren''t you tired? Old man is doing you a favor by destroying it¡ªeveryone gets to relax at last!"


    "What?"


    "Destroy the Spirit Vein?"


    The cultivators looked at each other, doubting they heard correctly.


    "Have you gone mad?!"


    "What good is this for you?!"


    "..."


    "The Spirit Vein is the essence of heaven and earth!"


    "Only the truly powerful have the ability to destroy it, what nonsense are you spouting?!"


    "..."


    Gui Qi simply sneered, "Whether I can or cannot, you will see for yourselves!"


    "This formation..."


    "What tier is it?!"


    As the formation became complete, the powerful force instilled increasing fear and unease in the cultivators; they could not even determine what formation it was or its level, only feeling it to be unfathomable.


    "Could he truly destroy the Spirit Vein?!"


    "Quick!"


    The leading cultivator shouted, "Find the location of the Array Eye..."


    He trailed off toward the end of his sentence.


    Even he himself lost confidence.


    If there truly existed a Formation capable of destroying the Spirit Vein.


    How could they, mere Qi Refinement cultivators, possibly stop it? S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Buzz¡ª¡ª"


    Under everyone''s watchful eyes,


    a deer resembling a sprite emerged from the Spiritual Pearl in the night sky and then floated toward the valley.


    "Spirit of the Vein!"


    "..."


    Whenever a Spirit Vein is revived, it must first produce a Spirit of the Vein!


    Only after the Spirit of the Vein matures and merges with the Earth Vein can a true Spirit Vein be born. The best way to pinpoint the location of a Spirit Vein beforehand is to capture the Spirit of the Vein.


    Chen Sansi witnessed the Spirit of the Vein fall before him and then, like a bodiless entity, drift into the ground.


    A moment later,


    from deep within the ground, waves of Spiritual Energy began to ripple and quickly spread to the ends of the earth, growing more intense.


    "The Spirit Vein is reviving!"


    All the cultivators at the ends of the earth felt the abundant Spiritual Energy between heaven and earth!


    "Second-tier!"


    "It has reached the concentration of the second tier just after reviving!"


    "..."


    Cultivators encountering Spiritual Energy is akin to fish encountering water, utterly exhilarating.


    "Boom¡ª¡ª"


    However,


    before they could carefully feel the rich nature''s spiritual energy,


    the Spiritual Pearl above the Heavenly Dome, which was the Array Eye of this great Formation, burst forth with a fiercely hot golden light as intense as the sun''s energy. It pierced through the ground, directly targeting the Spirit Vein.


    Immediately after,


    the newly revived Spirit Vein began to decay rapidly, and the Spiritual Energy between heaven and earth irreversibly dispersed.


    The Spirit Vein was being destroyed!


    "Roarrrr!"


    The earth shattered and mountains collapsed.


    Centered around the point where the golden light fell, a terrifying shockwave spread out, collapsing mountains after mountains, causing the entire island to violently quake as if it could sink into the vast sea at any moment.


    In front of Chen Sansi, the earth split into an abyss with no visible end.


    The entire process was unstoppable, unable to be interfered with by anyone.


    It lasted for an entire hour.


    Finally,


    the sprite-like deer reappeared, with all the remaining Spiritual Energy in heaven and earth contracting and condensing onto its body, whereupon the Spirit of the Vein''s body completely disintegrated, turning into specks of light that integrated into the Spiritual Pearl in the Heavenly Dome.


    The golden light extinguished.


    The Formation dissipated.


    The Spiritual Pearl transformed into a flowing light and fell back into Chen Sansi''s hands, where he immediately felt the profound Spiritual Power within it.


    The Spirit Root wasn''t completely destroyed...


    A considerable part of it was absorbed into the Spiritual Pearl.


    At this moment,


    this Spiritual Pearl.


    is equivalent to a First Rank Spirit Vein.

 Chapter 469 - 184: The Human World Guardian, Longqing Goes to Nan Xu

    ```


    "Gui Qi¡ª"


    Just as the Formation extinguished.


    The entire ends of the earth were enveloped by a sound as grand as the ringing of a great bell.


    "Where did you get this Destructive Spirit Array? Who on earth are you?"


    "This Spirit Vein might very well be one of the four Grand Ancestor Veins of the Eastern Continent. Your actions have destroyed the fortunes of countless beings, ruined the destiny of countless people!"


    "..."


    Ancestor Veins?!


    Why does it sound so serious?


    Chen Sansi held the Bead, feeling the rich Spiritual Energy within.


    The Ancestor Vein of heaven and earth?!


    The Eastern Continent?


    Is it referring to the continent they are on?


    And who is the person speaking?


    Despite Chen Sansi''s exceptionally keen senses, he could not discern the specific direction of the voice, feeling only its omnipresence. The pressure it exuded was almost unbearable for him.


    The voice ceased.


    Above the Tianya Sea, the void split open, and slowly a great Transmission Array materialized.


    "Gui Qi!"


    "You can''t escape!"


    "..."


    Behind the Transmission Array.


    One after another, White-Robed Sword Immortals flew out, heading straight for the mask-wearing Old Demon on the ground. Sword Qi roiled, spirit light flashed, resembling Sword Immortals from the Immortal Realm, descending to punish.


    Swords fell like torrential rain.


    A Gale swept through.


    The black robe of the Ghost-faced Demon billowed as he stood his ground unmoving. Only when the sky full of Sword Qi approached did he fiercely swing the Purple Gold Hammer in his hands. His True Power was wildly violent, shattering the Sword Qi in an instant. Beneath the surging True Power, several Sword Cultivators were directly turned into minced meat.


    In the night sky, clusters of blood mist exploded, akin to Red Spider Lilies blossoming in the Netherworld.


    More and more Red Spider Lilies bloomed, until they filled the entire night sky, transforming the Tianya Sea into the underworld, Nine Netherworld, like a Netherworld purgatory or the Abyss of All Gods.


    "Form up!"


    "Hum!"


    Over a hundred Sword Cultivators arranged themselves into a Formation. They all let go of their sword handles, allowing their flying swords to hover in front of their chests. Then they began to mold seals and chant, the sky full of incantations like the Immortal Court Luo Fu. The golden flying swords in the sky connected to form a curtain of sword rain, transforming continuously until a giant sword that spanned heaven and earth appeared above. It then plummeted rapidly toward the ground, as if to pierce through the island.


    On the ground. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Countless Golden Iron Chains surged forth like serpents, entwining the Ghost-faced Demon within and binding him tightly in place, rendering him incapable of breaking free.


    At the same time.


    The ten-zhang-long great sword also plummeted swiftly, its emitted might causing the ocean to roar and waves to surge, on the verge of completely suppressing the Demon and grinding him into dust.


    In the blink of an eye between life and death.


    A glint of cold light flashed in front of Gui Qi.


    And then.


    A Silver Dragon was born.


    The Golden Iron Chains shattered inch by inch.


    The Silver Dragon emerged from the deep sea, soaring to the heavens ninety thousand miles high.


    "Rumble¡ª"


    The great sword.


    The Silver Dragon.


    Mana.


    The tsunami.


    ```


    ```


    The ground shook and the mountains trembled.


    In the core region, Zhaozhao''s hair was disheveled in the gale, clinging to a boulder to avoid being blown away.


    Master!


    If before there had been a ninety-nine percent chance that this person was Sun Xiangzong, then when the Silver Spear revealed itself, there was no longer any doubt¡ªGui Qi was Sun Xiangzong, Sun Xiangzong was Gui Qi.


    A few breaths later.


    The Silver Dragon triumphed, and the huge sword shattered.


    Countless Sword Immortals fell from the sky, smashing onto the ground or plunging into the sea.


    "Gui Qi!"


    "Who exactly are you?!"


    Above the dome.


    Behind the largest Transmission Array, the voice full of command sounded once again.


    "Hehe~"


    The Ghost-faced Demon sneered, gripping the Silver Dragon in hand, then rose into the air and stood before the Transmission Array. Each word thundered like lightning: "Eastern Continent Guardian, Sun Xiangzong!"


    "Guardian?"


    The voice behind the Transmission Array was shocked and angry: "You demons of the Demon Path, your sins enrage heaven and earth, deserving to have your souls scattered and never reincarnated!!!"


    "Impotent rage."


    Sun Xiangzong stood with his spear, staring straight at the Transmission Array and shouted authoritatively, "Do you dare to come out and exchange a few moves with this old man?"


    "Old fool! Do you dare to come in?"


    "Do you dare to come out?!"


    "You come in!"


    "Come out!"


    "..."


    "Old fool, prepare to die¡ª"


    "Rumble¡ª"


    A giant purple hand slowly stretched out from the Transmission Array, bringing with it supreme might, as if with a snap of a finger it could turn the entire island to dust. Some fortune-seeking individuals on the ground nearby died on the spot, their livers and gallbladders splitting in fear.


    However.


    Upon coming into contact with this world.


    The might of the giant hand began to rapidly weaken, until it completely left the Transmission Array, its power having diminished to less than one percent of its original strength.


    "Boom!"


    The Silver Spear, like a Silver Dragon being born, collided with the giant hand, shattering it. The cloaked demon was sent flying back hundreds of yards, before steadying himself midair and spoke coldly: "Old bastard, are you coming out or not?"


    "An ant that dares to make noise only because it is suppressed by the heavenly way!"


    The voice of the Great Cultivator behind the Transmission Array was furious: "Cultivators of Daze Fang City, listen up; this man is but an ordinary Martial Artist with his lifespan nearly depleted, you need not fear him, swarm him and you will surely capture him! Whoever brings me Gui Qi''s head will be allowed into the Upper Sect and enjoy the treatment of a True Disciple!"


    "Buzz¡ª"


    Inside the dome''s Transmission Array, dozens of Cultivators swarmed out, and from Daze Fang City''s Transmission Array, over a hundred Loose Cultivators arrived,


    but they saw Sun Xiangzong not fleeing but attacking instead. He directly grabbed a Cultivator who could control the entrance, barged into the Transmission Array of Daze Fang City, and disappeared from sight.


    "He dares to enter the Cultivation World? Seeking death!"


    "Chase him!"


    "..."


    "Thud thud!"


    After several sounds like war drums, the Cultivators above Tianya Sea had all vanished without a trace.


    In the valley.


    The Boundary''s talismans began to gradually dissipate.


    "Quick, let''s go!"


    Chen Sansi understood it was not wise to linger here, so he pulled Ning Xiang up and they took off.


    ```

 Chapter 470 - 184: The Human World Guardian, Longqing Goes to Nan Xu_2

    The spirit vein was destroyed.


    The majority of cultivators had gone after Gui Qi, but there were definitely others who would come this way to check the situation, especially since everyone had just seen that the Ancestor Vein was here.


    Sure enough.


    After rushing out of the valley, they were faced with two cultivators at the Qi Refining First and Second levels.


    "Two Daoist fellows."


    An elderly man leaning on a cane said, "Did you discover anything here just now?"


    "What discovery, discover what?"


    Chen Sansi was completely perplexed.


    "Feigning ignorance!"


    The other middle-aged man immediately pinched his fingers together and cast a spell, shooting out a fireball.


    A moment ago.


    Under the Destructive Spirit Array, even the islands were almost collapsing. Ordinary cultivators would be completely destroyed even if they got close, yet these two people were in the valley, and not even their hair was disheveled¡ªsomething must be amiss.


    The Thick Earth Decision was activated, and they easily blocked the fireball.


    The Golden Light Flying Knife followed, directly slicing off the middle-aged man''s head.


    The old man bellowed angrily, and his cane transformed into a Flying Snake. In an instant, it was upon them, its huge mouth open showing sharp fangs wrapped in thick Poison Fog, ready to poison a living person before swallowing them.


    Ning Xiang''s gentle and careless actions caused the silver ring on her wrist to float in front of her, releasing a clear, bell-like sound, blocking all the poison fog and the Flying Snake, and then flew away with a faint purple light.


    The elderly cultivator couldn''t retract his hand in time and died on the spot.


    "They have treasures in their possession!


    Several more cultivators arrived, all thinking the two had obtained some treasure in the valley, their eyes red with greed, lunging forward like hyenas smelling blood.


    These people didn''t belong to any power.


    They simply wanted to play the robbers!


    Clearly without any grievances!


    "Puchi¡ª¡ª"


    Chen Sansi took out a long spear from his storage bag, directly smashed a cultivator''s head, and with his other hand, pinched a technique to condense Sword Qi Skill, piercing through another cultivator who tried to attack them sneakily.


    On the other side.


    There were also two father and son cultivators who went to encircle and kill Ning Xiang.


    "Son!"


    "Strike, this woman definitely has good items on her!"


    The middle-aged cultivator used Ice Magic, conjuring two Ice Spurs, one like an arrow shot out, and the other held as a weapon for close combat.


    "Buzz!"


    Ning Xiang manipulated the silver ring to block the Ice Spear.


    "Dad! Your son is here to help you!"


    The young cultivator held a Purple Light Magic Weapon Flying Sword in his hand, attempting to circle to the side for a sneak attack, just about to make his move, he made eye contact with a pair of very beautiful eyes...


    "Young lady!"


    The middle-aged cultivator held the Ice Cone, locked in a deadlock with the silver ring. He could clearly feel that the opponent''s Mana was rapidly weakening, and a grim smile couldn''t help but form at the corner of his mouth, "Hand over the treasure, and I''ll spare your life, how about it?"


    Ning Xiang did not speak, only manipulating her Mana desperately, her delicate body gradually beginning to tremble.


    The middle-aged cultivator grew even more desperate.


    Ancestor Vein!


    The land of the Ancestor Vein!


    The two had come out from the land of the Ancestor Vein, who knows what kind of treasure they might have!


    Maybe after obtaining the treasure, their Li family could also buy a plot with a spirit vein, spread their branches and leaves in the Cultivation World, and establish a Cultivation Family!


    "Ungrateful, die!"


    The middle-aged cultivator held the Ice Cone in his right hand, his left hand was free, and as Mana was added, frost formed on the surface of his skin, making a ''crackling'' noise, eventually transforming into an Ice Claw, ready to take the female cultivator''s life.


    It was at this moment.


    The female cultivator suddenly cried out in a pitiable way to someone behind him, "Young master, save me."


    "What?!"


    The middle-aged cultivator realized something was amiss.


    He turned his head and saw a Purple Light Flying Sword chopping towards him.


    "Son, what are you doing?!"


    "Old fool, die!"


    "Puchi¡ª¡ª"


    The middle-aged cultivator was solidly struck by a sword: "Sorceress, you this enchantress, I will..."


    In his moment of distraction, he also made eye contact with those very attractive eyes.


    Instantly.


    His spirit was swayed.


    The middle-aged cultivator turned around and charged at the young cultivator: "You brat, daring to compete with your father for a woman, if it weren''t for your old man, could you have stepped onto the Immortal Path?!"


    Father and son fought each other, soon both severely injured.


    Ning Xiang took this opportunity to control the silver ring, taking both of their lives.


    She herself was also pale, her internal Spiritual Power nearly depleted.


    "Be careful!"


    While controlling the silver ring, helping to block a spell attack aimed at a figure in front of her, she reached her limit, her body softened and she fell backwards, even breathing becoming difficult.


    Qi Refining First Level.


    Using a spell to control a cultivator of a higher realm than oneself was as difficult as ascending to the heavens, relying entirely on her special constitution to succeed. After several rounds of depletion, she could no longer hold on.


    Fortunately.


    When Ning Xiang looked up again, she saw corpses of cultivators all over the ground and a blood-covered figure with a spear standing tall.


    "Susu¡ª"


    Cultivators were still approaching from all sides.


    Chen Sansi didn''t dare delay, he didn''t even have time to scavenge the bodies, he lifted Ning Xiang onto his back, left the valley before the remaining cultivators arrived, and after shaking off the pursuers, reached the beach.


    "Zhaozhao."


    In her extreme weakness, Ning Xiang spoke in a voice as faint as a mosquito''s hum, "If we can''t escape, just leave me behind, take her and go."


    What about Master? S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Didn''t he say he would come back for them...


    Upon thinking it through.


    Chen Sansi realized.Maybe Master could also recognize him.


    And since Southern Ridge Town, Master had worn a mask, not even using his familiar weapon, clearly hiding his identity.


    But just now.


    On the dome above, after the third Transmission Array opened.


    Compelled to use his spear technique.


    He basically exposed his identity, so he simply didn''t hide anymore.


    In such a situation, if he had taken them with him, people would definitely notice, so he chose to return to Daze Fang City to attract attention.

 Chapter 471 - 184: The Human World Guardian, Longqing Goes to Nan Xu_3

    However, he felt that his master must have left a method to depart from this place, or at least some hints.


    He traveled all the way to the seaside.


    Dead bodies of cultivators were everywhere; those loose cultivators who had survived were now feeling the corpses for treasures, and many fought over the loot, creating a scene of such chaos it was indescribable.


    Chen Sansi found Zhaozhao behind a cluster of coastal rocks, half-submerged in water.


    At that moment, Zhaozhao was clutching a Dharma Seal in her hand, looking around nervously. Suddenly, she felt a pair of large hands press down on the back of her neck, and before she could react, she was already lifted off the ground.


    "It''s me!"


    Chen Sansi quickly said as he saw the other was about to react violently, "You didn''t even notice me when I got close to you, it''s a miracle you''re still alive!"


    Zhaozhao felt severely insulted, but in the end, she didn''t know how to retort and could only say, "Hey, Chen Sansi, put me down; I can keep up!"


    Chen Sansi released his grip.


    Zhaozhao, with a splash, fell into the seawater, emerging wet and miserable: "Couldn''t you have warned me? Chen Sansi, you''ve gone too far!"


    "Stop wasting time."


    Chen Sansi asked, "Did he ever say how we can escape from the ends of the earth, or is there any safe place to hide?"


    The current chaos.


    It''s unknown how long it will continue.


    The longer they stayed, the more endless trouble there would be.


    "This is what the demon snatched and then gave to me, saying we should take it and leave first."


    The thoroughly drenched Zhaozhao took out a small boat from her flat clothing and then, with a solemn expression, seriously analyzed, "But I think he''s definitely not that kind-hearted; there might be traps inside, so we''d better be careful,


    "..."


    Obviously.


    She hadn''t realized that Gui Qi was Sun Xiangzong.


    "Hurry, set sail!"


    Chen Sansi seeing that more cultivators were casting malevolent glances in their direction, barked out an order prompting her to act, "Didn''t you hear me?!"


    "Why are you being so fierce?!"


    Zhaozhao was startled, her eyes becoming somewhat reddened, but her hands did not stop moving. She immediately followed Gui Qi''s instructions, pinching gestures, and chanting incantations. The palm-sized wooden boat turned into a streak of light and flew out. Upon landing in the water, it had already transformed into a spirit boat over two zhang long.


    This boat was much smaller compared to Xu Youliang''s.


    But it was sufficient for a dozen people to board.


    Chen Sansi, with Ning Xiang on his back and one hand holding Zhaozhao, lightly leaped onto the deck and then dropped the two of them there.


    Last of all, Qian Xun himself jumped aboard the spirit boat.


    After getting up, Zhaozhao took out a Spirit Stone from her bosom, placed it on the mechanism of the spirit boat, and then, biting her silver teeth, she infused mana into it. Under her control, the spirit boat smoothly set sail.


    "Hum!"


    An orange-yellow boundary unfolded.


    Under the cover of this boundary, the spirit boat exhibited incredible speed, and within just a few breaths, the crowd on the coast had shrunk to the size of ants in their eyes.


    As they submerged into a boundless dense fog, the boundary emitted a crackling sound, warding off the outside erosion, and everything entered a state of stability.


    Chen Sansi was finally able to sit down on the deck.


    Seeing the strenuous look on Zhaozhao''s face, he worriedly stated, "You won''t steer the boat off course and head to some other place, will you?"


    The vast ocean.


    A slight error in navigation could lead to a world of difference in destination.


    This place was profoundly mysterious, and it was possible to even reach another continent.


    Zhaozhao, still dripping onto the deck, replied irritably, "Then why don''t you steer?"


    "..."


    Forget it.


    Chen Sansi guessed that his master must have taught her, so he did not argue further.


    Finally winning a round, Zhaozhao felt a lot more comfortable.


    "Whew..."


    Chen Sansi lay on the deck, repeatedly recalling the events that had just unfolded in his mind.


    The Eastern Continent.


    Guardian.


    Ancestor Vein.


    All these things sounded incredibly mystic.


    Half a year ago.


    In Chen Sansi''s mind.


    His master was just a martial artist above the Martial Saint Realm.


    Looking at it now...


    The old man had probably been facing a much vaster world for a long time.


    Behind the Emperor and others.


    There must be even greater secrets.


    And it was mentioned before.


    This Spirit Vein was one of the four Ancestor Veins, meaning that this continent, referred to as the "Eastern Continent," might have other Spirit Veins yet to awaken.


    His master''s identity was forced to be exposed. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    With such a commotion, it was likely that soon the whole world would know.


    Human World Guardian...


    Guardian?


    What is it guarding?


    The immortals called his master, the old man, a demon.


    All this...


    Could it be related to Mr. Mei?


    Chen Sansi felt the Xuanzhu in his bosom, which still contained an elusive power he could not activate.


    His greatest concern was his master''s safety.


    He could have left straight away.


    It was completely to cover for himself, to go back, and draw attention...


    But worrying was useless.


    He was still too weak.


    Not to mention the high-realm cultivators, even facing a Qi Refining Middle Stage cultivator would be enough trouble.


    After returning, he would indeed need to break through to the Martial Saint Realm as soon as possible.


    With this in mind.


    Chen Sansi felt ashamed even lying down, so he immediately took out the Tiger Head Golden Spear from his storage bag and began practicing.


    In a blink.


    Several days had passed.


    With the help of the nourishing pills, his proficiency grew daily.


    [Cultivation Technique: National Guardian Dragon Spear. Mysterious Phenomenon (Proficient)]


    [Progress: 398/1000]


    At this rate.


    Once he returned to Liangzhou, he would be close to achieving a small achievement, and within half a year he could reach Great Success and strive for a breakthrough towards the Martial Saint Realm.


    This boat was slightly faster than the larger one.


    About eight days later.


    They passed through the dense fog and arrived on the normal open sea.


    Looking into the distance, they could see civilian fishing boats hard at work.

 Chapter 472 - 184: The Human World Guardian, Longqing Goes to Nan Xu_4

    "This, for you?"


    Having recovered, Ning Xiang brought over a brand-new flying sword.


    "Keep your own spoils,"


    Chen Sansi said casually.


    "Really?"


    Without being too polite, Ning Xiang stepped forward to massage his shoulders, "How about that, after this trip, mistress and the general are pretty much comrades in life and death."


    Chen Sansi didn''t speak, his hands fiddling with a spiritual pearl that contained a spirit vein.


    This thing...


    It was equivalent to a first-rank mid-grade spirit vein.


    He just didn''t know if it could be used.


    He was somewhat worried that it might have other uses, and using it for cultivation could affect its future effect.


    Better to wait until the master returns to discuss it.


    That night.


    At dusk.


    The sea was dyed red under the afterglow of the setting sun.


    At the port''s dock, everything was as it had been before.


    Fishermen counted their catch.


    Soldiers checked everyone thoroughly, anyone who tried to secretly take away treasure fish, spirit fish, or hadn''t gathered enough mandated quotas would be beaten lightly and forced back into the sea, or at worst, sent directly to the army.


    Under the revival of the spirit vein, this sea area...


    Who knows how many treasure fish, how many treasure medicines, and exotic beasts the mountains would give birth to.


    Not long after...


    Nan Xu''s overall strength was likely to greatly increase.


    This was probably also Nan Xu''s chance.


    Why did the spirit vein revive inside their territory?


    "Nanling Town is under martial law,"


    Ning Xiang went to investigate the situation and quickly came back, "Nan Xu''s one hundred thousand troops have set up camp nearby, encircling the area so tightly, nothing gets through, and everywhere there are wanted orders by Supervisor Sun, their Martial Saints like Zhong Hu have also arrived."


    Another hundred thousand?


    Xu, Sheng, Qi, and Qing, being major nations, could mobilize over two million troops each with sufficient provisions, which was within expectations.


    As for the master''s wanted order...


    It must''ve been notified by cultivators.


    How to leave this place and then return to Dasheng without any obstacles had become the primary problem.


    At this moment in Nanling Town.


    Not only were ordinary people unable to leave, but cultivators also had to go through strict inspections.


    Most crucially...


    None of the cultivators even wanted to leave this place.


    After all...


    Many cultivators from Daze Fang City were fighting in the mountains and seas, aiming to capture spiritual beasts and spirit fish to exchange for spirit stones. Going back to the workshop city was reasonable, but anyone heading in the opposite direction would be entering Da Xu, then Dasheng, which is a mundane world, and not a single person intended to go to the mundane world.


    Chen Sansi and his group had no choice but to temporarily stay at an inn. Fortunately, Lai Zi had made an appearance here earlier, and the innkeeper vouched for him as a seeker of immortals, so the cultivators did not cause too much trouble.


    Even so, they were required to stay until Sun Xiangzong''s whereabouts were discovered, and no one was allowed to leave.


    ...


    Dasheng.


    Capital City.


    Since the chaos at Ziwei Mountain, three months after the imperial return to the capital, the Crown Prince passed away in Xining Palace, all his offspring left the Capital City for remote fiefs.


    Princes Qin and Qi were unscathed in the chaos and formally began to participate in state affairs.


    Only they knew...


    It was their eldest brother who had not struck the fatal blow.


    "Born from the same root; why be so eager to annihilate each other?"


    After saying these words, the Crown Prince left in their presence.


    Born from the same root; why be so eager to annihilate each other.


    Well said indeed.


    No wonder the eldest brother failed.


    He was too merciful!


    Princes Qin and Qi were brimming with vigor.


    But once the dust settled, the Sixth Prince ended a decade-long confinement and returned to court immediately, quickly gathering a large following of old officials and supporters, with Old Twelve assisting him from behind, creating a formidable presence.


    As for His Majesty the Emperor...


    Since returning, he had been intermittently secluding himself for cultivation, stronger than ever before.


    Longevity Palace.


    "Your Majesty!"


    "Your Majesty, there''s a big issue!"


    "..."


    "Stop!"


    The Chamberlain eunuch Huang Hong stopped the messenger and took the letter himself to deliver it into the main hall.


    Behind the curtain...


    Emperor Longqing spoke in a deep voice, "Read it; have we found that Zhang Lai?"


    After his return to the capital, he summarized information from multiple sources. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The more carefully he calculated, the more clear it became.


    This Zhang Lai was playing both sides.


    First, he got benefits from the Incense Fire Divine Sect.


    Then, taking advantage of the chaos at Ziwei Palace, he took the Grand Ancestor Relics.


    Those were the possessions of his Cao Family!


    Among them definitely lied the magic skill to enter the Immortal Realm; how could he tolerate it falling into the hands of others.


    "Your Majesty, Zhang Lai is still being searched for, no news yet, this document..."


    Huang Hong''s voice trembled slightly, "is about the whereabouts of Supervisor Sun."


    "Him?"


    The Emperor said impassively, "Tell me, where has he been hiding these past years?"


    "Supervisor Sun, he''s at the ends of the earth..."


    Huang Hong paused, then relayed the information precisely.


    "What did you say?"


    The curtain was lifted.


    Emperor Longqing came down from the high platform, clenching his horsetail whisk, digesting the information, "The ends of the earth is in Nan Xu... the opening that occurs every fifty years just happened recently, Sun Xiangzong destroyed the spirit vein..."


    "Your Majesty."


    Huang Hong continued, "According to the cultivators from Nanling Town, Supervisor Sun did indeed single-handedly destroy the spirit vein, killing many cultivators. His level in the Martial Arts Realm is now unfathomable. If he..."


    Emperor Longqing looked towards the Dragon Abyss Sword behind the curtain, his breathing momentarily disordered then returning to calm, he said nonchalantly, "He is my brother, and now he doesn''t have much time left, no need to be overly suspicious."


    "Where is he now?"


    "Still at the ends of the earth."


    Huang Hong replied, "There is a large force of immortals planning to kill him, and Nan Xu has also dispatched a hundred thousand troops there."


    "Think of a way for me."

 Chapter 473 - 184: The Human World Guardian, Longqing Goes to Nan Xu_5

    Emperor Longqing said, "How should we intervene in this matter?"


    "Your Majesty, I''m afraid this may be difficult."


    Huang Hong said worriedly, "The location of Nanling Town is at the southeasternmost point of Nan Xu, with no telling how many mountains and waters lie in between. It is almost impossible for the army to get there in a short time. And now there are Immortals there; even sending our best experts from within the palace would be futile..."


    Emperor Longqing pondered, "From what you say, Sun Xiangzong''s chances are slim?"


    "This slave has no idea."


    Huang Hong bowed with his head down, "But since Supervisor Sun has dared to go, he must have some assurance."


    "No..."


    Emperor Longqing paced to the front of the great hall, looking in the direction of Liangzhou as if he had made some decision, "I want to see for myself what he is doing."


    "Your Majesty?"


    Huang Hong followed the Emperor all the way to where they were now, sharing an unspoken understanding, "Could it be that you..."


    "Announce to the outside that I am in seclusion for cultivation, and let no word of this leak."


    Emperor Longqing gave the order, "Also, have Lao Liu temporarily assume the role of Supervisor."


    "Your Majesty, you mustn''t! Your Majesty!"


    Huang Hong attempted to dissuade him, "You, the Heavenly Son, are of immeasurable worth, how can you risk yourself like this?"


    "Huang Hong."


    Emperor Longqing nodded his head and said in a deep voice, "The doors to the Immortal Realm are before me; how could I not explore them personally?!"


    "This slave is useless!"


    Hung Hong was filled with shame, "Unable to share the worries of my master."


    "That''s enough, my mind is made up."


    Emperor Longqing flicked his horsetail whisk, changing his clothes and appearance to another person.


    He threw down the whisk, and with a "buzz" of dragon-like hum, a flash of golden light fell into his hands, which settled to reveal none other than the Dragon Abyss Sword left behind by the Grand Ancestor.


    "Your Majesty!"


    Huang Hong expressed his concern, "Shouldn''t we dispatch a few attendants to follow you?"


    "A bunch of burdens!"


    Emperor Longqing soared on his sword, vanishing into the sky in the blink of an eye.


    ...


    Nan Xu.


    Nanling Town.


    Chen Sansi had been trapped here for the better part of half a month.


    He saw with his own eyes ¡ª a Martial Saint from Nan Xu and a Cultivator who had achieved Qi Refining Perfection walking on the streets, apparently having reached some kind of cooperation.


    It was said that Nan Xu was thrilled.


    They were preparing to help the Cultivators trap Sun Xiangzong to death here and then immediately lead their forces northward.


    "What is to be done..."


    Zhaozhao was leaning on the table, fiddling with the Spirit Boat that had reverted to the size to fit in the palm of her hand, occasionally drawing circles with it in mid-air.


    As she declared.


    Only the master could command this Spirit Boat.


    The original owner''s marks had been erased, and now Zhaozhao was the master, making it truly hers.


    "Indeed."


    Ning Xiang pondered a plan, "Continuing to be trapped like this is not a solution; what if I find a high official from Nan Xu, or control an Early Stage Cultivator to help us leave?"


    "Not wise."


    Chen Sansi dismissed the suggestion; Ning Xiang''s Charming Technique was useful, but with her own low level of cultivation, she could easily be seen through by those of higher realms, which would only invite bigger risks.


    The best way was to find a method to stir chaos among them.


    But for that...


    His power was probably insufficient, so he could only watch quietly for any changes, while not wasting time.


    During these days.


    He practiced with his spear in the courtyard every day.


    [Cultivation Technique: National Guardian Dragon Spear. Mysterious Phenomenon (Proficient)]


    [Progress: 598/1000]


    "Huff!"


    Only when completely exhausted.


    Did Chen Sansi stop, storing the Tiger Head Golden Spear in his storage bag, then strapping a knife to his waist and heading out to see if today''s guard was any less strict and if there was a chance to escape.


    The answer he got was negative.


    The entire Nanling Town, inside and out for two hundred li, maintained a "permitted to enter, forbidden to leave" status.


    The reason was that Sun Xiangzong might disguise himself as anyone to leave.


    Unless Sun Xiangzong was confirmed to be truly within Daze Fang City, everyone had to wait, no matter how long it took.


    "Forget it, I''ll think of some other way."


    Chen Sansi returned to the inn, planning to order some Exotic Beast dishes.


    Just at that moment.


    A Sword Cultivator glided through the sky and slowly descended outside the inn.


    For Nanling Town as it was now, this should have been an ordinary sight.


    But Chen Sansi was startled.


    Because...


    He clearly recognized the flying sword beneath the feet of the Cultivator.


    No.


    It was not just familiar.


    It was the Dragon Abyss Sword!


    It had gone through a simple disguise, but Chen Sansi, with his "eidetic memory," wouldn''t forget any detail. S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    In fact, there were few who had seen the Dragon Abyss Sword, so its disguise was somewhat moot. If it weren''t for coincidentally encountering him, no one would recognize it.


    More than that, even if his eyes were mistaken, the sensation from the Xuanzhu in his chest couldn''t be wrong.


    The Dragon Abyss Sword...


    The Emperor?!


    What was he doing here?


    Was he coming for his master, or for the Immortal Realm?


    "..."


    Chen Sansi''s heart grew tense.


    The old Emperor.


    Was he here to help his master or to harm him?


    For a moment.


    He even felt an impulse to rush back to Daze Fang City and somehow get the news to his master.


    But reason told him.


    He mustn''t do that.


    The master didn''t forcefully break out to leave, intending to help them conceal their identities first, and rashly going against the arrangement could not only fail to be of any help but might even bring about a negative impact.


    And do not forget.


    No matter how high the cultivation.


    His master, the national commander of the Eight Camps, the renowned Supervisor Sun Dashuai.


    And now he himself was also a Second-rank National Guardian General.


    They were both commanders of troops.


    They could not act rashly.


    But then...


    Emperor Longqing disguised as an ordinary aging Cultivator, casually waved his hand to stow the Dragon Abyss Sword into his sleeve, and then stepped boldly into the lobby of the inn.


    This was bad...


    Chen Sansi was operating in this place under the guise of Lai Zi.


    Though the Emperor had never seen him in person.


    The distinctive appearance was ultimately noticeable.


    And being near the ends of the earth.


    He lowered his head, pretending to act nonchalant, with the intention of leaving the place before anything else.

 Chapter 474 - 184: The Human World Guardian, Longqing Goes to Nan Xu_6

    ```


    "Daoist, please halt!"


    However, the elderly cultivator still took the initiative to approach.


    Chen Sansi stopped in his tracks, "What is it that you wish to discuss, Daoist?"


    There was no need to be overly anxious, though.


    Even if the old Emperor harbored suspicions, at most he would just test the waters; he certainly wouldn''t dare to make a move here.


    This place was in the heartland of Nan Xu, with an army of a hundred thousand and the Martial Saint outside, plus the Immortals collaborating with Nan Xu. Should Emperor Dasheng''s identity be exposed, the consequences were easy to imagine.


    "My surname is Xu, with a single name of Liao,"


    the elderly cultivator said with a cupped fist salute, "I wish to inquire about some matters with you, Daoist. May I have a word with you in private?"


    "Whatever it is, just say it here."


    Chen Sansi remained unmoved.


    "To be honest, I am a seeker of immortality and I wish to ask for directions to the ends of the earth,"


    said the elderly cultivator as he retrieved a spirit stone from his sleeve, "Please accept this as a gesture, Daoist."


    "This..."


    Chen Sansi accepted the spirit stone, "You simply need to go to the dock and look for a ferry boat."


    "I have already searched,"


    the elderly cultivator said calmly, "They say there will be no boats coming soon, and even if there were, one would need a jade token to enter the workshop. Have you ever seen such a token, Daoist?"


    He was indeed probing.


    "Heh, if I had such an item, would I still be hesitating here?"


    Chen Sansi had intended to openly claim he was a Loose Cultivator from within the workshop.


    But a simple inquiry by the Emperor would reveal the lie, so it was better to play dumb for now.


    "However..."


    holding the spirit stone given by the other party, "Given your generous manner, Daoist, you must be quite wealthy. Even if you don''t have a jade token, you could use spirit stones to access the teleportation array of Daze Fang City and enter the Cultivation World just the same. The only difficulty is finding a ferry boat to cross the river."


    "I see."


    The elderly cultivator, now going by the name Xu Liao, nodded thoughtfully, "We are both seekers of immortality, and meeting here today is surely fate. I''d like to know your esteemed surname and where you hail from so that we may count each other as friends should we meet again."


    "My name is Zhang Shun."


    Chen Sansi said with a cupped fist salute, "Just a local from Nan Xu. And where are you from, if I may ask?"


    "I hail from Daqing."


    The elderly cultivator did not persist in the conversation, "Since Daoist is busy, I won''t bother you further. Fate willing, we shall meet again."


    "Farewell!"


    Chen Sansi saluted with his fist and left, a plan for slipping away forming in his mind.


    ...


    Emperor Longqing stood rooted to the spot, quietly watching the unsightly Loose Cultivator depart. Several times, he nearly drew the Dragon Abyss Sword to take the man''s head and demonstrate his imperial authority.


    Eighty percent!


    He was eighty percent convinced that this man was Zhang Lai.


    He had stolen from his Cao Family and now came seeking the way of immortality!


    But on this trip,


    Emperor Longqing had also managed to clarify a few things.


    The items left behind by his ancestor were likely the jade token and a Cultivation Method.


    The former could be compensated with spirit stones, while the latter he had already obtained.


    The most important Dragon Abyss Sword was not lost.


    In this light, the loss wasn''t too severe.


    This person deserved death the most, but he couldn''t risk revealing his identity by acting here and now; he had even more important matters to attend to.


    After contemplating thrice,


    Emperor Longqing chose to let the man go for the time being.


    When night fell,


    he went back to the docks, searching for a ferry boat to the Tianya Sea.


    "Two spirit stones!"


    An old man leading a donkey appeared quietly, "I can show you a clear path for that price."


    "..."


    ```


    Emperor Longqing knew the other party''s asking price was very high.


    But in his urgency, he didn''t care about the Spirit Stones and immediately handed them over.


    "Hehe~"


    Mo Zhu accepted the Spirit Stones.


    He had only returned to the workshop recently when he heard that the demon Gui Qi had broken into the market, scaring him into hastily hiding for two days. He hadn''t expected that there would still be business to do, which was wonderfully surprising.


    He cleared his throat, "These past few days, there have been very few Ferryboats. However, I just saw a young female cultivator returning on a Spirit Boat. Daoist friend, you can try asking her. As long as the Spirit Stones are sufficient, there should be no problem."


    Without another word,


    Emperor Longqing searched along the coastal dock.


    Very soon,


    he found a female cultivator who had just disembarked from the Ferry, appearing to be of a young girl''s age, not very old.


    "Daoist friend,"


    Emperor Longqing spoke, "I wonder if you could ferry me across?"


    "Not ferrying."


    The girl shook her head, "The ends of the earth are in chaos, I''ve only just returned."


    "Five Spirit Stones,"


    Emperor Longqing said.


    "It''s not a matter of Spirit Stones."


    The girl still refused, "It''s really..."


    "Ten Spirit Stones,"


    Emperor Longqing raised the price, "Little lady, or you could sell your boat to me, and I will go by myself."


    "That''s not possible,"


    the girl hastily replied, "I rely on it to catch spirit fish in the workshop, it''s my livelihood, I cannot sell it no matter what. How about this, I''ll remotely pilot the boat for you, and I won''t go with you, how''s that?"


    "Agreed,"


    Emperor Longqing consented.


    He took out the Spirit Stones and gave them to her, then boarded the Spirit Boat.


    With the activation of the Spirit Stones,


    the Spirit Boat began to move.


    Before long, it entered the vast sea, until it was completely engulfed by the heavy fog.


    "This fog..."


    Emperor Longqing, watching the glowing boundary of the Spirit Boat, grew vigilant until he was sure there were no problems, and then he focused on looking ahead.


    It wasn''t that he trusted cultivators easily, but under the circumstances of not revealing his identity, there should be no foes in this place. Even if the Cultivation World was full of cunning and deceit, it wouldn''t mean that treachery awaited him at every turn.


    And the young female cultivator from earlier was only at the Qi Refining First Level. Should she try anything sneaky, he could exterminate her in the snap of a finger.


    "Daze Fang City!"


    Emperor Longqing stared into the dense fog ahead, his gaze deep.


    This journey was not just about Sun Xiangzong.


    If he could take this opportunity to gain control of the channel to freely travel the Cultivation World and gain a foothold there, in the future, he could enhance his strength in secret without being controlled by others.


    "Hm?"


    Thinking so,


    Emperor Longqing clearly sensed the speed of the Spirit Boat slow down.


    A flash of spirit light.


    The Spirit Boat suddenly began to shrink rapidly.


    In the blink of an eye, it disappeared, and he, now outside the protection of the boundary, was immediately enveloped by the dense fog. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Emperor Longqing crushed a talisman to form a defensive boundary around himself.


    The engulfing fog made a "crackling" sound, as if countless sharp fanged teeth were gnawing at the boundary.


    "Courting death,"


    Emperor Longqing was not angered; he wasn''t about to fall to such a childish trick, though it meant a delay.


    A strong intent to kill arose in his heart as he prepared to fly back out of the fog to settle accounts with the female cultivator.


    Just then,


    in the midst of the fog, he saw another boat approaching faintly.

 Chapter 475 - 185 Hongze Camp at Full Strength, Preparing for War on the Grasslands

    Emperor Longqing hovered in the thick mist, the "crack crack" sound of the mist attacking the barrier rang in his ears. He didn''t make any rash moves, cautiously watching the approaching ships through the dense fog.


    "Esteemed Daoist!"


    "We are cultivators from the Jiutian Sect!"


    "Who are you, state your name!"


    "..."


    Beams of golden light shone through, tearing apart the curtain-like dense fog.


    A spirit boat was anchored, with several sword cultivators standing on it.


    "My surname is Xu, first name Liao."


    Emperor Longqing spoke calmly, "I am a loose cultivator from Daqing, having heard that the Immortal Gates have recently opened wide, I have specifically come to seek immortals and inquire about the Dao. Do you esteemed Daoists have any matter with me?"


    "Xu Liao?"


    The leading sword cultivator spared no courtesy, sternly shouting, "Gui Qi, tear off your human skin mask!"


    Gui Qi?


    At first Emperor Longqing was puzzled, then he quickly understood.


    Surely, it was that Zhang Lai Zi who recognized him and led the Immortals here to surround and kill him!


    No!


    He had used the Disguise Technique, and even the surface of his Dragon Abyss Sword was disguised.


    How did that scabby-headed fellow recognize him?


    "Esteemed Daoists." Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Emperor Longqing explained, "I am not Gui Qi, truly just someone seeking immortal wisdom."


    "Enough talk!"


    The sword cultivator wiped across his eyes with two fingers, purple light burst forth from his eyes, and he saw through the other''s disguise technique at once, "As expected, a changed appearance, take him back for the Law Enforcement Hall to interrogate thoroughly."


    This was Nan Xu territory.


    If he really fell into the hands of these people¡ª


    Would there still be a chance to escape?


    "Esteemed Daoists, could you grant me some convenience,"


    Emperor Longqing paused, "and spare yourselves a future path."


    "How arrogant!"


    "Take him down!"


    "Buzz buzz buzz!"


    Five or six sword cultivators sealed and cast spells, Spiritual Power surged, forming a vast sea of magic.


    Above the boundless sea of delusion,


    Within the sky-obscuring mist,


    Emperor Longqing stood suspended in air.


    Dragon Abyss unsheathed,


    Splitting the seas.


    ...


    Nanling Town.


    "Quick!"


    "A fight has started at sea!"


    "It is indeed Gui Qi!"


    "Take him down!"


    "..."


    In the air.


    Dense throngs of cultivators flew high, shooting towards the sea, and the perimeter security suddenly thinned.


    "Let''s go quickly."


    Chen Sansi led Ning Xiang and another, hastily making their way to the small path between the mountains and forests.


    He had been worried about how to escape.


    But with the old Emperor delivering himself to their doorstep, he naturally had to make good use of it.


    If he could trap him to death here all the better, but it wouldn''t matter even if he couldn''t.


    On the small path between the mountains and forests, originally blocked by five to six cultivators for checks, now only one person was left, and he looked sneaky.


    "Hmph!"


    ```


    "A few spirit stones a month, for me to risk my life!"


    "..."


    As he grumbled, Chen Sansi and others with murderous intent appeared.


    "..."


    The men looked at each other in disbelief.


    A moment later.


    The cultivator, knowing what''s good for him, treated them like air and chased after his fellow disciples: "Wait for me!"


    Chen Sansi and his group managed to escape smoothly.


    After leaving Nanling Town.


    Qin Changxu and others greeted them and headed straight to Water Pool Liang Mountain.


    In a blink of an eye, several days passed.


    ...


    Daze Fang City.


    Steward Hall.


    "Slap!"


    Xu Youliang firmly pasted a brand new wanted poster on the bulletin board.


    [Bounty: Sword Cultivator Xu Liao]


    [Reward: Two thousand spirit stones]


    "Daoist."


    As the newly-appointed Law Enforcement Cultivator of Daze Fang City, Lu Boqin asked, "This person..."


    "Yes, it''s that loose cultivator who killed more than twenty cultivators of the Upper Sect on the sea a few days ago. His identity is still unclear, and now he''s very likely hiding within Daze Fang City," Xu Youliang said with deep concern, "Things have been really chaotic lately. Even the old ancestors from the Upper Sect have made a move. If we don''t find this person, and the old ancestor gets angry, our entire workshop might be razed to the ground. Better be prepared to run away in advance."


    "That serious?"


    Lu Boqin''s heart tightened. "Could you tell me what this ''Human World Guardian of the Eastern Continent'' mentioned by Gui Qi really means? Why is the old ancestor from the Upper Sect so furious?"


    "The Eastern Continent, ah," Xu Youliang said, "probably refers to that world sealed outside. As for the Human World Guardian, I haven''t heard of it either."


    "..."


    ...


    Teahouse.


    "Daoist, the tea here all comes from the Spirit Plant Master''s top-grade spirit tea, like our signature Azure Dragon Tea, which not only tastes excellent but also has a calming effect and greatly benefits cultivation. How about a pot? Only five spirit stones."


    The elderly cultivator with white hair coughed weakly and took out a few spirit crystals from his pocket: "One pot of Vitality-Nourishing Tea will suffice."


    "Just the Azure Dragon Tea."


    "Clack!"


    Five spirit stones gently tapped on the table.


    Another elderly cultivator with graying hair appeared quietly.


    "All right, Daoists, please wait a moment," the server said, taking the spirit stones and going to brew the tea.


    The elderly cultivator sat down across from him.


    Gui Qi did not look up, only coughed and stuffed two elixir pills into his mouth.


    "This is buying healing elixir pills with all the spirit stones."


    The elderly cultivator said leisurely, "Not even enough left for a cup of tea?"


    Gui Qi didn''t respond, swallowed the elixir pills and then closed his eyes to meditate.


    Both of them had disguised themselves as well-known local loose cultivators and would not be found out in the short term.


    Soon.


    The freshly brewed top-grade spirit tea was brought to the table.


    The server poured it for them.


    Inside the tea cup, green leaves accompanied by spirit light whirled in the water, truly resembling an Azure Dragon.


    "Good tea."


    Cao Kai picked up the tea cup, took a gentle sip, and immediately heaped praise: "Bitter but not astringent, the aroma is refreshing and enduring, like a spring passing through upon entering the mouth, the spirit energy twists and nourishes the body, indeed something only immortals can enjoy. The Cultivation World is truly a good place. It''s just like back in the day when you took a fancy to a spear in the weapon shop, and it was me who paid for it for you."


    "Cao Kai, I''ve been curious about something."


    ```

 Chapter 476 - 185: Hongze Camp at Full Strength, Preparing for Battle on the Grassland_2

    Sun Xiangzong slowly opened his eyes and spoke in a hoarse voice, "Can you sleep?"


    "..."


    Cao Kai''s hand, holding the teacup, stiffened, and his expression instantly darkened.


    "Never mind, it''s redundant for this old man to ask you."


    Sun Xiangzong didn''t drink the Azure Dragon Tea but insisted on drinking his Vitality-Nourishing Tea, "You got what you wished for, and now you have found this place again, you can continue to strive for your eternal glory."


    "It''s not just for that."


    Cao Kai put down the teacup, "How can I not come to assist when an old brother is in distress?"


    "There''s no need for you."


    Sun Xiangzong spoke indifferently, "I can handle it myself."


    "Back then, I said the same thing and couldn''t stop you either,"


    said Cao Kai.


    At these words, S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    the two centenarians looked at each other and laughed.


    But this laugh contained more of a cold chuckle, filled with a multitude of emotions, which ultimately turned to vicissitudes of life.


    "You have protected me for a lifetime."


    "Hum¡ª¡ª"


    As they spoke,


    the Dragon Abyss Sword was slowly drawn from its sheath.


    The sound of the sword was like dragon roars, deafening.


    "Now, I am no longer that powerless prince."


    "Let me,"


    "protect you this time."


    "As you wish."


    A silver dragon climbed out from the ring, circled around the white-haired old man a few times before landing in his hand, transforming into a bright silver long spear.


    The cultivators sipping tea in the teahouse cast sidelong glances and then fled the place trembling with fear.


    Two centenarian elders, one with a spear and the other with a sword, stepped side by side into the workshop.


    "I have figured it out for you, the oldest ancestor of the Upper Sect will take at least half an hour to arrive here."


    "Within half an hour, we can fight our way out."


    "..."


    ...


    Liangshan Water Pool.


    Aboard the warship.


    Chen Sansi wielded the long spear in his hands, trying his best to control it to minimize damage to the ship''s deck, while around him a spiraling Gang Qi tornado formed, significantly distorting the air so much that it was hard to see the figure within.


    As time went on,


    within this Killing Gang, slowly, strands of different Gang Qi began to emerge.


    Profound Image Realm small achievement.


    Martial Artists who reached this realm could, through the ultimate control of Gang Qi, form a Gang Qi barrier around them, which is Protective Gang Qi, impervious to swords and spears, water and fire.


    Of course, that is if there is enough Gang Qi.


    With the assistance of Immortal Pills, these two breakthroughs caused Chen Sansi little suffering; this latest breakthrough required more of a patient and meticulous effort.


    Protective Gang Qi, mainly, serves as a defense.


    But his Gang Qi, which blended the True Dragon Gang with the White Tiger Killing Gang, was mainly characterized by a fierce offensive nature, extremely violent, making it extremely difficult to control and form into Protective Gang Qi.


    Even with Chen Sansi''s utmost effort, the spiraling Gang Qi could not help but disperse after maintaining for about a dozen breaths, resembling Quilong Dragons and Fierce Tigers as they roared and bellowed with impressive force.


    "Boom boom boom!"


    The deck exploded, wood chips flying everywhere.


    "Again!"


    Chen Sansi took a deep breath and started practicing again from the beginning.


    The second time...


    The third time...


    "My lord!"


    Qin Changxu prompted softly, "If this continues, we will have to change ships."


    "..."


    Chen Sansi, engrossed in his training, then realized that his destruction had left the deck in tatters. He simply ordered to go ashore and practiced in the woods, and then would ride Qian Xun to catch up with the fleet.


    Finally,


    he gradually found the steadiness brought by the Xuanwu Breath, and with this force, he forcefully suppressed both the White Tiger Killing Gang and the True Dragon Gang, until he could control the two types of Gang Qi around his body for a long time.


    Protective Gang Qi!


    No matter how much he suppressed it, the killing nature of the two Gang Qi could not be eliminated.


    Thus,


    the Protective Gang Qi that twined around Chen Sansi''s body was exceptional, not merely a barrier formed by simple Gang Qi condensation, but as if fierce tigers and true dragons were intertwined¡ªa Protective Qi that was also a path of killing!


    [Cultivation Technique: National Guardian Dragon Spear, Profound Image (small achievement)]


    [Progress: 0/2000]


    [Utility:..., Dragon Roar and Tiger Roar, Mixed Element Body Protection]


    [Dragon Roar and Tiger Roar, Mixed Element Body Protection: Offense and defense in one, when under attack, there is a rebound effect, the strength of which depends on your own Martial Arts Cultivation and the enemy''s cultivation]


    Rebound effect!


    Chen Sansi estimated that if someone of a lower realm attacked him with the chaotic Protective Gang Qi, they would likely be rebounded into serious injury or even death, especially since it contained the True Dragon Gang.


    Once injured, the True Dragon Gang would directly invade the enemy''s body, raging wildly, only to be suppressed by their own realm.


    Only two steps away!


    Only the last two steps left to the Martial Saint Realm!


    After reaching Martial Saint, even achieving the Perfection of Transcendence, he would no longer be at the bottom level in the Cultivation World.


    After a smooth breakthrough,


    Chen Sansi quickly caught up with the big ship on Qian Xun. As they passed by Water Pool Liang Mountain this time, they encountered no obstruction and proceeded smoothly.


    Life on the ship,


    he also wasn''t idle, consuming the remaining Vitality-Nourishing Pills and practicing his spear technique day after day.


    A month later, they switched from water to land travel, and they were just a few days'' journey from returning to Liangzhou.


    [Cultivation Technique: National Guardian Dragon Spear, Profound Image (small achievement)]


    [Progress: 588/2000]


    Unbeknownst to him,


    the trip in search of immortality has passed nearly half a year.


    Now it is deep autumn, September, and winter will begin soon.


    If calculated,


    the expansion of the Eight Camps should be roughly complete.


    If nothing goes wrong, Hongze Camp is already at full capacity.


    Next comes the drilling of military formations, always ready for next year''s campaign against the grassland.


    Besides...


    there''s the trouble inside the Luotian Mountain Range to deal with.

 Chapter 477 - 185: Hongze Camp at Full Strength, Preparing for Battle on the Grassland_3

    He feared that the dangers inside were too great for him to be involved at the moment. It was best to rely on his master to solve them.


    Speaking of which...


    So much time had passed.


    He didn''t even know how his master was doing.


    And the old Emperor, whether he had died at the ends of the earth.


    ...


    Nanling Town.


    The camp of the Nanxu Army of a hundred thousand men.


    Central Army Tent.


    Both the brothers, Fan Shuzhen, and Fan Jiuxiao were present at this location.


    "How is it?"


    "Have you found Sun Xiangzong?"


    "Replying to Your Highness, not yet!"


    "..."


    One month ago.


    Sun Xiangzong had burst out of Daze Fang City, yet he had vanished without a trace in Nanling Town.


    According to the Immortal Masters, he was hiding within a certain mountain.


    The Nanxu Army surrounded the mountain layers upon layers on the ground, and many cultivators even in the sky. No bird could escape as they were determined to trap Sun Xiangzong within.


    "Very good, very good!"


    Fan Shuzhen was thrilled, "Once Sun Xiangzong is dead, the Great Sheng Dynasty will no longer have anyone above the Martial Saint. With the cooperation with the Immortal Masters and our army moving northward, we''ll take down the continent!" S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Yes, Brother Eight. You and I coming here could also be considered as redeeming our merits."


    The two Fan brothers.


    In the previous battle at Hulaoguan, the ten thousands were greatly defeated by the three thousand in white robes, a complete disgrace.


    Fortunately, their family influence was significant, allowing them to keep their lives and return to Da Xu. Moreover, with Zhong Hu re-emerging in the court also strongly supporting them, they were now not only avoiding disadvantage in the succession struggle but also gaining the upper hand.


    But...


    Their prestige was still somewhat lacking.


    This time, however, was a good opportunity to restore it.


    The humiliation at Hulaoguan couldn''t be rectified through Chen Sansi, so it had to be recouped from his master!


    What else could be more renowned worldwide than killing the first man of the Great Sheng Dynasty?


    "Prime Minister Ran has instructed that we must not underestimate our enemy or be careless."


    Fan Jiuxiao was a bit nervous, "After all, Sun Xiangzong has roamed the world for a sexagenary cycle. Back in You State by the Hongze River, he even had a record of defeating a thousand and eight armored barbarians. We better be careful."


    "You are right, Brother Fourteen, however..."


    Fan Shuzhen declared solemnly, "After all, we have an army of a hundred thousand!"


    "This time, Sun Xiangzong doesn''t even have three thousand men."


    "Most importantly, we have the Immortal Masters!"


    "What can he do to turn the heavens upside down?!"


    ...


    Dragon Ridge Mountain.


    By the riverbank among the mountains.


    Two centenarians each held a fishing rod, fishing.


    At the side of Emperor Cao Kai from Great Sheng, a bamboo basket he had just woven was placed, containing five or six lively fish, among them two extremely precious spirit fish.


    Not far away.


    At Duke Sun Xiangzong of Beiliang, the governor''s, likewise with a cage, but it was empty inside.


    "Hey!"


    Upon noticing the movement, Cao Kai hastily reeled in his catch¡ªanother lively treasure fish into his bag.


    Looking askance, Sun Xiangzong''s eyelid twitched. He said nothing as he picked up his fishing rod and bamboo basket, moved to a different spot, baited his hook, and cast the line again, waiting quietly.


    About a tea time later.


    Both their rods hooked something simultaneously.


    "Here it comes!"


    Sun Xiangzong was delighted, and his True Power burst forth as he sharply reeled in the rod.


    A clump of seaweed!


    "Splash!"


    Cao Kai next door reeled in another priceless spirit fish.


    He casually tossed it into the bamboo basket: "Zizhan, after all these years, you still can''t beat Me. Cheating at chess is the only way you can win, and you''ve never caught anything by fishing."


    Ignoring the Emperor, Sun Xiangzong''s gaze landed about a hundred yards away, seemingly spotting something.


    A flash of silver.


    Then he vanished from his spot.


    "Boom!"


    Soon after, a giant wave exploded in the distance.


    When Sun Xiangzong reappeared, he was holding a spirit fish about half the height of a man.


    Shortly after.


    By the campfire.


    The two, who could be considered sovereign and subject, brothers, or even enemies, began leisurely eating roasted fish by the river.


    "What should be done next?"


    Just like back then.


    On the borders of Beiliang.


    When Cao Kai, then a minor prince, looked upon his few thousand weak and ailing men against the tens of thousands of marauding bandits about to attack, he asked the same.


    "Zizhan, what should be done next?"


    "Your Highness, just watch. I have a clever plan to break the enemy."


    ...


    But this time.


    He received no response.


    "Ha ha~"


    Cao Kai let out a cold laugh, talking to himself, "The two of us can always find a way to break out of this encirclement, but what about after that?"


    "You destroyed the Spirit Vein."


    "Will the Upper Sect of the Cultivation World let you off?"


    "Even if bound by the Heavenly Dao, the true powers cannot descend to the mortal world, they would still send endless cultivators to hunt you down."


    "This time, you really have brought about a calamity!"


    "Even if I want to help you, I fear even I have more than enough will but not enough power."


    "So..."


    He paused, "Why, why did you have to do this?"


    "This so-called Guardian of the Eastern Continent, where is that title of office from?"


    "As far as I know, there is not such a force within the Cultivation World."


    Ancestor Vein.


    That is one of the Ancestor Veins.


    If the Ancestor Vein is revived.


    The Eastern Continent will surely give rise to many tributaries.


    Great Sheng would also have its Spirit Veins.


    At that time.


    This world would no longer be trapped within seals and would become a genuine Cultivation World.


    "Cao Kai."


    Sun Xiangzong addressed him directly, "Do you think, even if the world becomes rich in Spiritual Energy again, would it be your turn to divide the grades of Spirit Veins? Second-tier, First Rank? What are you, the Cao Family, in all this?"


    "I know."


    The Old Emperor was neither annoyed nor angry: "Just the Immortals I know don''t take me seriously, which is why I have never blamed you. I''m just curious, curious as to why you did this, and I''ll do everything I can to help you."


    Immortals meddling in mortal affairs.


    It''s detrimental to everyone.

 Chapter 478 - 185: Hongze Camp at Full Strength, Preparing for Battle on the Grassland_4

    Especially for him, the Emperor of Dasheng.


    Any emperor,


    would never allow himself to be a puppet that others could replace at any time.


    "Ancient records state,"


    Sun Xiangzong coughed twice, "After the great war of ancient times, the Ancestor Vein collapsed, and chaotic energy spread like a plague between heaven and earth. To prevent it from affecting the Great Thousand World, powerful beings joined hands to set up a seal and barrier, isolating the Eastern Continent and leaving behind a limited number of Jade Tokens, as a sliver of opportunity for the beings in this world, hence it is called ''a line opened between heaven and earth.''


    "Nowadays,


    "Whether tens of thousands or hundreds of thousands of years have passed, the seal has gradually loosened. With resources consumed, a Transmission Array can be re-established, allowing lower-level Immortals to come and go as they please in the mortal world."


    "So what?"


    Cao Kai asked, "You''ve been beating around the bush, but you still haven''t said how to solve the remaining troubles. If we really go back to Dasheng like this, it will be the time of Dasheng''s downfall. The matter of the Ancestor Vein has gotten too big; even the Immortal Master backing me won''t be able to help."


    "It''s simple."


    Sun Xiangzong discarded the fish bone in his hand, "Since the seal has loosened, we should reinforce it."


    "Make these ''Immortals'' stop meddling in the affairs of the human world so easily."


    ...


    Nanling Town.


    "Immortal Master, is there any news of Sun Xiangzong''s whereabouts?"


    Within the camp,


    Fan Shuzhen sought the cooperation of the Immortal Master from Nan Xu.


    Hong Jun Immortal Master,


    It is said that this man is a disciple from a Major Sect in the Immortal Realm.


    Deaf to the query,


    completely ignored, Fan Shuzhen felt somewhat embarrassed.


    He respectfully offered a cup of Spiritual Tea, "Immortal Master, this is Spiritual Tea that I asked other Immortal Masters to procure from the Immortal Realm, would you like to try it?"


    "Hmm."


    Finally showing a reaction, the glacier-like Hong Jun took the tea and gently sipped it, "Not bad, you''ve put thought into this."


    "Immortal Master!"


    "Thump!"


    Seizing the opportunity, Fan Shuzhen knelt to the ground, "Immortal Master, I too yearn for the Immortal Path, may I ask for a chance to pursue the way to immortality?"


    It is said,


    After killing Sun Xiangzong, the Immortals from the Immortal Realm planned to swarm out and search the Eastern Continent for other locations of the Ancestor Veins, to protect them in advance and prevent a similar situation.


    For this reason,


    a great sum may be spent to keep the Transmission Array open for the long term.


    That is to say,


    everyone will have the chance to pursue the Immortal Path in the future!


    Not only that,


    their Zhong Hu from Da Xu, also known as Prime Minister Ran''s young son, was even found half a month ago to be a genius with a Heavenly Grade Spirit Root and was taken away by someone to cultivate in the Cultivation World.


    He too must seize the opportunity!


    If he could truly become a person of cultivation,


    in the future, he could also avenge the battle at Hulaoguan.


    You Chen Sansi might win the battle in martial prowess, but what if I become an Immortal?


    "Buzz!"


    Without speaking, Hong Jun Immortal Master suddenly placed a hand on his forehead, infusing a thread of Spiritual Power and then showed a faintly surprised expression, "Top-grade Earth Spirit Root, not bad." S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Top-grade, I am top-grade?"


    Fan Shuzhen vaguely sensed the extraordinariness in it.


    "Wait until the matter is over."


    Hong Jun Immortal Master said calmly, "I will report to my Sect to see if they are willing to take you in."


    "Thank you, Immortal Master, thank you!"


    Fan Shuzhen was overjoyed,


    casting aside the dignity of his Imperial Family, he thanked with extremely low posture, kowtowing earnestly.


    "Me?"


    Fan Jiuxiao at his side also asked, "Immortal Master, can you test me as well?"


    "You..."


    Hong Jun Immortal Master did not refuse, "You have a dual Spirit Root of wood and water, overall considered mid-grade, barely acceptable."


    "Thank you, Immortal Master!"


    Fan Jiuxiao was overjoyed.


    He bowed deeply, following his younger brother''s lead.


    Just as the two of them felt excitement in their hearts, a loud voice suddenly echoed from the Heavenly Dome above.


    "Cultivators of the Southern Continent!"


    "Come out!"


    "I have something to tell you!"


    "..."


    "Sun Xiangzong!"


    Hong Jun Immortal Master''s expression tightened, and he hurriedly stepped out of the tent.


    It was dusk.


    The setting sun in the west.


    In front of the glorious red sun and above the crimson sky, an old man stood in the air, with a Silver Dragon constantly coiling around him.


    "Gui Qi!"


    "Take him down!"


    "Whoever kills Gui Qi will be rewarded with ten thousand Spirit Stones, a top-grade third-level Cave Mansion, and before reaching the Golden Core stage, with each breakthrough, will receive the best Magic Artifact and Cultivation Technique of the corresponding realm!"


    "Moreover, be chosen as a True Inheritor of the Sect!"


    As the saying goes, bullish rewards breed valor; not only is this true in the mortal world, but it also applies in the Cultivation World.


    Only the Cultivators knew.


    How generous this offer was.


    The temptation was enough to drive all the cultivators in the world mad.


    It was enough to show that the elder was truly enraged.


    He was willing to pay any price to kill Gui Qi.


    To kill the one who had destroyed the Ancestor Vein, cutting off the chance of fate for countless beings, not just humans but all living creatures.


    "Boom!"


    One after another, figures flew into the sky, their Spells dazzling and bright like fireworks.


    However...


    No matter how many charged forward, they all shared the same fate.


    Pierced by the Silver Dragon.


    A rain of blood fell from the sky, still warm as it landed on the Nanxu Soldiers.


    "This person!"


    "He must have surpassed the Second Realm of Martial Arts!"


    "He has entered the extremely rare Third Realm!"


    "The Third Realm?"


    "How is that possible!"


    The Martial Path not only demands a huge amount of resources but also represents a dead end, with a limit that prevents practitioners from achieving immortality and living as long as heaven and earth, which further results in the scarcity of Martial Cultivators.


    But now.


    A worldly Martial Cultivator, unless bestowed with an immense stroke of fate, how could possibly cultivate to the Third Realm in a place like the Eastern Continent, where the Spiritual Energy is so depleted it''s akin to a plague-stricken land?


    It was utterly inconceivable!


    If he truly was of the Third Realm.


    Then even if they all surged forward together, they might still be unable to end his life.


    "Hong Jun Senior Brother!"


    "He is of the Third Realm of Martial Arts!"

 Chapter 479 - 185: Hongze Camp at Full Strength, Preparing for Battle on the Grassland_5

    ``` S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "What should we do?!"


    "..."


    It wasn''t until over twenty cultivators had died that the remaining cultivators finally dared not continue forward, but since they did not dare to disobey orders, none of them fled.


    They looked down anxiously, scared and restless.


    Hoping the person in charge of this sect mission would have an idea.


    "Trap him to death!"


    Hong Jun had also seen that Gui Qi was defying the natural order.


    He quickly made a decision, "Take out all the talismans the ancestor gave you, and then form the array again, slowly grind him to death!"


    This person, after all, is from the mortal realm.


    And the old master had said.


    Gui Qi doesn''t have much life left!


    The confrontation at the ends of the earth must have inflicted injuries on him.


    Now, he probably is a spent force.


    If they trapped him and maintained the formation with a vast number of spirit stones, eventually he would be worn down to death!


    "Form the array!"


    "..."


    The cultivators, one by one, took out their precious talismans that they had been reluctant to use, and according to the positions they had practiced beforehand, formed the array. Then even more array flags arrayed in the air, and a tremendous amount of spirit stones infused with spiritual power.


    "Om rumble¡ª"


    The Luotian Array was deployed.


    The cloaked demon was trapped within.


    With spirit stones as the source of energy,


    The array continuously unleashed spell attacks, not painful, but nagging, chipping away at the opponent''s strength.


    "Look at you all, so flushed and desperate."


    Sun Xiangzong continuously parried the attacks, sneering, "I was just going to say a few words to you, but you insisted on fighting and killing, making me seem like I''m bloodthirsty!"


    "Gui Qi!"


    "Om¡ª"


    In the southern sky,


    A streak of light, like a falling star, flew from the Tianya Sea, eventually stopping in front of the demon.


    Within it,


    Came the voice of that ancestor.


    "Speak!"


    "Where are the other three Ancestor Veins?!


    "If you cooperate, I can still spare the lives of your relatives in the mortal realm!"


    "..."


    "There is no Ancestor Vein of spirit.


    Sun Xiangzong said coldly, "There is indeed a Slaughter Vein, do you want to help out and exterminate the Ancient Demon Clan?"


    "Slaughter Vein..."


    From within the streak of light, a cold snort sounded, "Stop beating around the bush, I am asking you for the last time. If you do not cooperate, I will eradicate your bloodline, I mean what I say!"


    "Boom!"


    Sun Xiangzong didn''t waste any more words.


    He suddenly lifted his long spear and thrust it forward.


    With one blow, the streak of light shattered.


    "Gui Qi, you..."


    The ancestor''s words had not yet finished when they abruptly ceased.


    "All you cultivators, listen up!"


    "From this day on!"


    "You must not enter the mortal world, intervening in mortal affairs!"


    "Leave now, while there''s still time!"


    "Arrogant!"


    Hong Jun flew down from the sky, "A dying man still dares to spout such nonsense!"


    Amidst layers of formations.


    ```


    The Demon Gui Qi slowly took out a talisman.


    But this talisman of his,


    was completely different from those used by cultivators.


    It was not talisman paper,


    but rather a Jade Token.


    Even with the discerning eyes of the cultivators present, they could not tell what rank the talisman belonged to or what function it served; they could only see that as a trace of Spiritual Power was infused into it, waves of dense, highly compressed Mana pulsed from within.


    It was as if...


    in the canopy above,


    a deep blue ocean appeared out of nowhere, followed by an abrupt eruption of a tsunami.


    "Boom!"


    In an instant,


    the Formation carefully constructed by hundreds of cultivators lay in tatters, and they, shocked and dismayed, scattered in all directions like startled birds.


    After this surge of blue light shot into the sky, it did not pierce through the heavens but was blocked a thousand feet in the air, as if by a shield obstructing its path, and this "shield" subsequently became visible.


    That was...


    a Seal!


    A Seal left by an Ancient Power many years ago!


    Looking across,


    at the ends of the earth, a faint glimmer of golden light could be seen.


    This world of theirs,


    the entire Eastern Continent, was enveloped in the light''s embrace.


    It was like an upside-down Big Bowl, separating them from the Great Thousand World.


    Yet, this "Big Bowl" had become old and worn with the passing of time, and at the edges, countless tiny cracks had formed. The Transmission Arrays at the ends of the earth were situated at the fault lines between these cracks.


    "Humming...


    The Jade Talisman transformed into a meteor racing towards the sky, then streaks of light flew out from it, accurately landing on the cracked parts of the Seal, much like mending torn fabric. Where the light fell, the Seal gradually recovered.


    The orb of light carrying the voice of the Patriarch appeared once more.


    "Quick!"


    "He''s reinforcing the Seal!"


    "Stop him!"


    "..."


    Once the Seal is reinforced,


    those within the Cultivation World who wish to enter the Mortal Realm may not know how much time and effort it will cost them!


    "The one who kills Gui Qi!"


    "shall protect our clan''s Immortal path!"


    The stakes were raised to yet another dimension.


    But the scene before them,


    was not something these low-tier cultivators dared to meddle with.


    "How can you reinforce a Seal of Ancient Powers?!"


    "What exactly is that Jade Talisman?!"


    "..."


    It was nothing short of a fantasy!


    The cultivators couldn''t even begin to fathom the extent of the implications.


    Quickly,


    the Patriarch transmitted a message.


    Hong Jun, acting on behalf of the Patriarch, gave the order: "Since we can''t stop the reinforcement of the Seal, we must retreat from this place!"


    Leaving behind over a hundred cultivators in the Mortal Realm would be sufficient for revenge against the Sun Family and would allow the search for the locations of other Ancestor Veins, granting their Sect a head start in the hope that one day they might reopen a gateway to the heavens.


    "Leave?"


    However,


    the power within the Jade Talisman soared again, directly forming a Boundary that spanned the entire sky, blocking all paths to the Mortal Realm, with chains extending from within.


    "I am not one who delights in slaughter,"


    Sun Xiangzong, surrounded by a Silver Dragon, formed incantations with his hands, his voice sounding like a ringing bell: "All cultivators here may choose to return to the ends of the earth, or else leave your lives behind!"

 Chapter 480 - 185 Hongze Camp at Full Strength, Preparing for Battle on the Grassland_6

    ```


    "Boom!"


    The chains within the Jade Talisman spread out like vines, acting like life-claiming grappling hooks, piercing through the body of each cultivator; over a hundred cultivators were powerless to fight back.


    Not only that.


    These chains could even seek out cultivators attempting to hide. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    In the blink of an eye, another twenty or so cultivators lost their lives.


    Unable to leave, unable to hide.


    Even Hong Jun had to admit that staying any longer was meaningless, nothing but a sure way to court death.


    "Elder Ancestor!"


    "Please, Elder Ancestor, make a move!"


    "Your disciples are powerless, utterly incapable of contending against an adversary of this caliber!"


    "..."


    "All of you, get out!"


    The Elder Ancestor''s voice rang out.


    At the same time.


    A hazy purple figure appeared, one that was resisting the suppression of the Heavenly Dao, becoming more illusory with every ten feet it advanced, and yet it persisted, racing straight for the Jade Talisman.


    Body Externalization!


    "The Elder Ancestor himself is taking action!"


    "Quick, retreat!"


    "Retreat!"


    Once permission was given.


    The cultivators no longer dared to tarry, frantically rushing back towards the ends of the earth.


    If they couldn''t return before the seal was reinforced, they would have to die right here!


    ...


    The Elder Ancestor''s Body Externalization collided with the Jade Talisman, setting off a world-shaking tumult.


    The entire sky was rendered uninhabitable; the slightest touch would annihilate one completely.


    Even the demon Gui Qi himself had to fall back to the ground.


    The other cultivators were flying close to the surface of the earth.


    After a series of enormous bangs.


    The Elder Ancestor''s Body Externalization disintegrated.


    Nothing could prevent the Jade Talisman from reinforcing the seal now.


    ...


    Seeing this.


    Hong Jun also decided to leave.


    "Immortal Master?!"


    It was not until this moment that Fan Shuzhen came to his senses from the shock, he grabbed hold of the Immortal''s sleeve, "You, you''re all leaving, what do we do?"


    "You..."


    Hong Jun pointed at the black-robed Elder ahead, "Kill him at all costs!"


    "Me?!"


    Fan Shuzhen was stunned.


    "Yes, kill him!"


    Hong Jun said, "He''s just showing off with the aid of the Jade Talisman, and he''s already at his limit; all you have to do is kill him, and the Upper Sect will ensure your Fan Family has an untroubled Immortal Path! If you let him go easily, when the day comes for the seal to be reopened, we''ll come back to settle the score with you!"


    After speaking.


    He used an Escape Technique, and soon disappeared from sight.


    "Brother Eight, what do we do?!"


    Fan Jiuxiao watched as the last Immortal Master left: "Do we follow the order?!"


    "Do it!"


    Fan Shuzhen clenched his teeth, "I have a hundred thousand-strong army! Pass down my battle orders! Surround and kill Sun Xiangzong!"


    However...


    With such a terrifying supernatural phenomenon having occurred.


    The mortal army had long been frightened out of their wits, having broken ranks from the very start, now beyond anybody''s command.


    "Boom¡ª¡ª"


    Suddenly.


    True Power surged ahead.


    And hundreds of soldiers died.


    In just a moment, the black-robed Elder carved out a path and then soared into the air, vanishing into the horizon.


    Half an hour later.


    The strange phenomena between heaven and earth finally dissipated.


    The Jade Talisman in the sky had completely exhausted the Mana within it and shattered into pieces.


    The seal fissure in the Eastern Continent had also been mostly repaired.


    Everything.


    Returned to calm.


    ```


    ```


    ...


    Cultivation World.


    "Dammit!"


    Within a certain Upper Sect.


    The ancestor was thunderously furious.


    Several elders were also conversing across the distances from their respective peaks.


    "It seems~


    we let that demon Guardian have his way."


    "From the Destructive Spirit Array to the Jade Talisman, I fear they were all left by the mighty ones."


    "Now that the seal on Eastern Continent has been reinforced, what should we do?"


    "No matter!"


    "Just now my Body Externalization slightly weakened the power of the Jade Talisman. There''s still a loose spot in the seal, it''ll just take some time to handle.


    "The impact on the Ancient Transmission Array is minimal; it should still be usable soon. It''s just that the Transmission Jade Plates, once collected from the various workshops, would be immediately refined, and the secret techniques extracted from them would render them invalid. Now we have very few left, after all, who would have thought he could actually reinforce the seal?"


    "Having even one is better than none. Once the Ancient Transmission Array is restored, immediately send someone out!"


    "..."


    ...


    Liangzhou.


    This time it was a secret journey.


    Chen Sansi and others entered the city under the cover of night, acting quietly.


    Returning to the long-missed mansion.


    His first sensation.


    Was of emptiness.


    After all, Gu Xinlan and Chen Duhe had gone to Daqing long ago, leaving only Chen Yunxi and two maids at home.


    Calculating the time, Du He was probably already able to speak.


    Chen Sansi quietly entered his daughter''s room.


    Under the moonlight, Chen Yunxi was sleeping soundly.


    He sat down by the bed, gently pinched the girl''s cheek, and when he was sure she was safe and sound, he breathed a sigh of relief. He was about to leave quietly when a drowsy voice rang out beside his ear.


    "Daddy?"


    All of a sudden.


    Chen Yunxi had awakened, rubbing her still hazy eyes, "Daddy, are you back?"


    "It''s me, did I scare you?"


    "Daddy, hold me."


    "You should keep sleeping."


    Chen Sansi whispered softly.


    "Daddy, there''s a letter from Mommy here."


    Chen Yunxi pointed to the bed.


    Chen Sansi found a stack of envelopes under the pillow. The sender was Gu Xinlan, who wrote home every month.


    He hugged his daughter, opening and reading the letters one by one.


    [Night as Bright as Day]


    He didn''t need a candle.


    Reading the words was like seeing her face.


    It was as if a familiar voice was whispering in his ear.


    "Brother Shi."


    "Gui Ti has been forcing me to learn how to deal with the state affairs of Qing Country."


    "The ministers don''t know that the person sitting behind the curtain at court every day is actually me."


    "But I''m really not interested in these affairs."


    "Gui Ti has a sharp tongue but a soft heart, always saying Du He is a common mundane, but she often secretly plays with the child as well."


    "By the way, Du He spoke yesterday."


    "But the first word was ''Auntie''¡­"


    "Anyway."


    "I''m doing well."


    "Are you well, Brother Shi?"


    "..."


    A journey in search of immortality, like a lifetime apart.


    Chen Sansi held his daughter, reading the letters, feeling an inexplicable sense of peace.


    If he must remain in Daze Fang City to cultivate immortality,


    He would rather give up the path to immortality.


    In the end.


    There was also a stack of intelligence, sorted daily by his fourth senior brother.


    From it, he learned:


    Hongze Camp was fully established, with a complete troop of fifteen thousand, all elite soldiers from Liangzhou, simply awaiting his command to train and officially go to war.


    ```

 Chapter 481 - 186: Beiliang Reviews the Troops, Wo Long Destroys Wei Country

    The Great Desert to the north was stirring, and troops were being called from various tribes.


    In response,


    The border of the Northwest Three States was also gathering a massive number of soldiers to confront them. Among these, the eldest brother, Lu Ji, had even slain many in several battles, totaling over a thousand enemies, including one General.


    Beyond that, there was news regarding the Witch God Sect.


    The Witch God Sect had been temporarily pacified for over half a year.


    Just over a month ago, it had started targeting Sect disciples for "persecution" again, and it was still unclear who was behind this, even if it had something to do with the "Immortals" in the Luotian Mountain Range, someone should have seen something.


    Evil Qi...


    Recalling the strange phenomena in the Luotian Mountain Range,


    Chen Sansi now felt that it probably also had something to do with the resurgence of Spiritual Energy; it seemed necessary to find time to return to the mountains.


    Since returning this time, he had gained some insight and wanted to try to figure out what those Cultivators were up to.


    Liangzhou was his home.


    Even if it didn''t involve the Cultivation World,


    incidents like what happened in Yunzhou ten days ago were absolutely not allowed to happen again.


    Putting aside his myriad thoughts,


    Chen Sansi realized that his daughter in his arms had fallen asleep; he gently placed her back on the bed. He was about to leave when he noticed the girl''s small hand still tightly clutching his sleeve, worried that forcibly pulling away might wake her up.


    In the end,


    he simply sat at the edge of the bed, originally intending to think carefully about the next steps in planning. However, somehow, the fatigue that had accrued since returning home surged up, and he fell asleep sitting there.


    When he opened his eyes again, the sky outside the window was already slightly bright.


    The little girl was covering him with a tiger skin blanket.


    "Daddy''s awake?"


    Chen Yunxi ran down from the bed and soon returned with hot water and a towel.


    "I''m off."


    After hastily washing his face, Chen Sansi mounted Qian Xun and headed to the long-missed military camp.


    "Thud! Thud!"


    It was precisely 5 a.m. to 7 a.m.


    After roll call, the soldiers were training. Even from a distance, one could hear the earth-shattering war drums and shoutings of battle.


    "General!"


    A familiar voice came to his ears.


    Xia Cong hurried over: "Have you finished your retreat?"


    "Yes."


    Chen Sansi looked toward the direction of Hongze Camp: "What about the situation?"


    "It''s all set up!"


    Xia Cong said: "Now all the Main Generals of the Twelve Camps are in Liangzhou, and not long ago, the Sixth Prince also came under the imperial command, just waiting for you to leave retreat to review the troops, and then we set out."


    "Waiting for me?"


    Chen Sansi knew he had been in retreat for half a year, and even with the fourth brother''s help in covering up, it was time to show up.


    He learned that the Sixth Prince was currently in the Central Army Tent, so he went there on his own initiative.


    ...


    Central Army Tent.


    "General Fang."


    The Sixth Prince Cao Huan stood in front of the sand table: "When does General Chen''s retreat end? Within this month, after the big review of troops, we must enter the next phase of training, ready for battle on the grassland at any time."


    "Just start."


    In the wheelchair, the Green Robed Scholar said: "General Chen is at a critical juncture in his retreat; it''s best not to disturb him."


    "Mm, fine."


    Cao Huan ordered to the person next to him, preparing to arrange the specifics.


    Just then,


    The tent flapped open.


    A figure in a White Robe appeared in everyone''s view.


    "Your Highness, I regret arriving late,"


    Chen Sansi said with a fist salute: "We can start the review of the troops now."


    "You are General Chen?"


    Cao Huan advanced to welcome him: "I have long admired your reputation! In the past two years, even in the West Splendor Palace, the name of the General was often heard. You truly are a great General bestowed upon the Great Sheng Dynasty by heaven."


    "Your Highness flatters me."


    Chen Sansi responded politely, while taking the opportunity to size him up.


    This Sixth Prince was not very old, only in his early forties, but perhaps due to many years of confinement, he already had a head full of white hair, and the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes revealed a profound weariness.


    This is the fate of Royal descendants.


    After stepping into the court, there was no way back unless one withdrew at an early stage.


    "Since General Chen has ended his retreat, it must mean that there has been a breakthrough?"


    In casual conversation, Cao Huan said: "At the beginning of your retreat, it was heard that you were an entry-level practitioner of the Xuanxiang Realm. Have you mastered it by now?"


    "By a stroke of luck, I''ve achieved small achievement."


    Chen Sansi calmly spoke the truth.


    In fact, according to military regulations,


    one must not conceal one''s realm.


    Mainly, there was also no need to hide it now.


    "Small achievement?"


    Upon hearing this,


    Not only Cao Huan, but also all the Generals in the tent were taken aback.


    What the heck?


    Small achievement in the Profound Image Realm?!


    "Clash clatter¡ª¡ª"


    The sound of Armour clashing arose.


    All the Generals showed their respect.


    How long had this man been practicing Martial Arts?


    Just a little over two years ago,


    During the Selected Point,


    If I remember correctly, he was barely at Hua Jin?


    In two years,


    He soared all the way to the Profound Image Realm from Hua Jin!


    What kind of concept is that?


    Actually,


    Chen Sansi himself was somewhat bewildered; he didn''t think it was that astonishing of a feat.


    But to outsiders, it was almost inconceivable.


    Martial Arts is a path that defies the heavens.


    Resources, physique, comprehension...


    A multitude of hardships stack up, and each bottleneck halts countless individuals.


    Like the toughest stage, Hua Jin.


    Eight out of ten Martial Artists will be stuck at this step.


    The remaining two tenths, again, get stuck attempting to break through Meridian Passage and the Mysterious Phenomenon. Even geniuses require ample time to cultivate and gradually improve.


    But this guy...


    Practicing Martial Arts for a total of three years, arrived in Liangzhou barely over two years ago!


    To compare people is to infuriate.


    In the blink of an eye,


    The Selected Point military officer had grown into a fully-fledged campaign Main General.


    And let''s not forget, he has the Body of Martial Saint.


    If this continues, S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It''s likely he will soon become one of the most prominent figures in the Northern Territory, second only to General Lu Ji.


    "Since General Chen has ended his retreat,"


    Overcoming their shock,


    Cao Huan continued to discuss official matters: "Then let''s begin reviewing the troops in two days."


    ...


    In the Great Sheng Dynasty, reviewing the troops carries two significances.

 Chapter 482 - 186: Beiliang Reviews the Troops, Wo Long Destroys Wei Country_2

    The first is to marshal troops and designate leaders for a military campaign.


    The second is to inspect the troops.


    The purpose of this troop inspection was naturally the second.


    Expanding the camp took two full years, using countless amounts of silver, so naturally, there had to be an imperial envoy from the court to inspect for any oversights, to see if anyone had the audacity to engage in corruption, leading to the situation of drawing pay without serving.


    Twelve Camps, each with fifteen thousand men.


    In total, there were a whopping one hundred eighty thousand men!


    Add civilian workers during wartime,


    and one could boast of having three hundred thousand men externally.


    Of course,


    this was not the limit.


    There were still a huge number of garrison troops present in the Northwest Three States.


    Dasheng had vast territories and a large population.


    As long as there was food and pay, more soldiers could be continuously found.


    Thus, a grand troop inspection began to be prepared.


    The Central Army Tent was too crowded, and Fang Qingyun had military matters to deal with,


    so Chen Sansi did not rush to discuss matters about the ends of the earth but instead took his long spear and left, preparing to go to Hongze Camp first.


    "Greetings to all senior brothers and sisters!"


    On his way, he encountered his senior brothers whom he hadn''t seen for a long time.


    During the grand troop inspection, it was natural for all the Main Generals of the camps to return.


    "Hello, little junior brother~"


    Rong Yanqiu, contrary to his usual demeanor, didn''t come up for a warm chat but leaned against a stone pillar, idly playing with a flower, wholly uninterested.


    Second Senior Brother Cheng Wei had a worried expression, fiddling with an abacus as if he were a merchant who had just conducted a big loss-making deal.


    Fifth Senior Brother Meng Guangxin sat cross-legged on the ground with his eyes closed, "tap tap tap" striking the wooden fish, unable to control his agitated mood. Each time he struck, cracks appeared, until with a "snap," it was completely shattered.


    He stood up, carrying his Crescent Moon Spade and went to Seventh Senior Brother Ye Fengxiu: "Old Qi, let''s have a spar!"


    "Get lost."


    Murderous intent filled Ye Fengxiu''s phoenix eyes, clearly unwilling to pay attention.


    "Boom!"


    Regardless of whether he agreed or not, Meng Guangxin swung his Crescent Moon Spade forward, bringing with him an overwhelming Gang Qi.


    "If you''re looking to die, I''ll oblige you!"


    Ye Fengxiu drew his sword to respond, and the two of them fought fiercely together. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "This..."


    Chen Sansi could naturally tell something was wrong with them.


    "Come with me."


    Amid the confusion, Wang Zhi appeared.


    Chen Sansi followed him as he left: "Senior brother, what''s going on?"


    Wang Zhi spoke deliberately: "The Eight Camps, gone."


    "What?"


    Chen Sansi had a guess in his heart: "What exactly happened?"


    "After the expansion, Assistant Generals and those of higher rank from each camp were all replaced."


    Wang Zhi explained: "The soldiers brought in also basically do not obey the command of the Governor Mansion."


    "What about our senior brothers and sisters?"


    Chen Sansi asked: "Were they reassigned as well?"


    "Yes."


    Wang Zhi nodded: "Previously, every senior brother had at least one camp under their command, but now it has been reduced to two people jointly managing a single camp as the Main General and Deputy General, and half of the junior officers under them have been replaced. It''s expected that later on they will be transferred out of the Northern Territory."


    "Apart from the eldest and the third,"


    "Among the Twelve Camps, plus your Hongze Camp, we now only have four camps left."


    The Eight Camps.


    Only four remained!


    Several sacred decrees, coupled with a series of reassignments.


    Years of effort


    were crippled by half.


    And this was likely...


    just the beginning.


    After the war on the grasslands concludes, they will surely continue to cut down, until the original Eight Camps were completely dispersed, never to be united again. It''s highly possible they''ll be demobilized to return to the fields, but it''ll take time to find a new generation of generals to completely replace them.


    "Our Hongze Camp did not escape either."


    Wang Zhi pointed to the practicing formations of troops ahead: "From Assistant Generals upward, all are people nurtured by the court from a young age; they will certainly fight with you without problems, it''s just that in the future..."


    "Let''s go have a look."


    Chen Sansi interrupted.


    ...


    Hongze Camp.


    "Why are we being transferred to the Sky Wolf Camp?!"


    Xiong Qiuan, Feng Yong, and other brothers from Po Yang gathered together, loudly questioning several generals before them.


    Xiao Zheng, You Jike, Xia Cong, along with two older Assistant Generals, watched them coldly.


    Among them, there was also a Deputy General in the Xuanxiang Realm, Chu Shixiong.


    He faced the questioning crowd and emotionlessly provided an answer: "From the fifteen thousand men in Hongze Camp, aside from the three thousand Black Armor soldiers, the remaining twelve thousand were reorganized troops transferred intact from near the Capital City. There really isn''t a place for you."


    "You''re talking nonsense!"


    Liu Jinkui cursed: "We''ve been with the general right from the start in Po Yang."


    Speaking of this,


    he clenched a fist to the sky, then continued to curse: "Crossing the Hongze River four times, breaking through a hundred thousand at Hu Lao, we were always in the Central Army. Why would you transfer us to the Sky Wolf Camp? Based on what?"


    "Based on what?!"


    Chu Shixiong narrowed his eyes: "Because you are not worthy!"


    Not worthy!


    "General Chu, there''s no need for such unpleasant words,"


    beside him, another Assistant General, Meng Dingxin, stopped him, speaking in a much calmer tone, yet his words were still uncompromising: "What''s your name? Nevermind, it doesn''t matter.


    "Po Yang, right?


    "To all the brothers from Po Yang,


    "I understand that all of you have followed General Chen through hard work and contributions, but times have changed. Now, Hongze Camp is the elite of the Beiliang Army, and you guys¡­


    "Most of you are still around the Refining Internal stage, right?


    "There aren''t many even at Hua Jin, let alone Meridian Passage.


    "Most importantly, due to your constitutions, there is no possibility of reaching a higher threshold.


    "If you were to stay in Hongze Camp, it would be equivalent to holding back the general!


    "General Chen is kindhearted and remembers old affections,


    "but we cannot let past loyalty drag down the combat effectiveness of a unit.


    "You going to the Sky Wolf Camp can at least maintain your current military rank based on your realm, but there really is no place for you in Hongze Camp."

 Chapter 483 - 186: Beiliang Reviews the Troops, Wo Long Destroys Wei Country_3

    "Furthermore,"


    "Sky Wolf Camp is also part of the Beiliang Army; you all can continue to serve the court, advancing and retreating alongside General Chen, sharing life and death."


    Between the lines,


    was full disdain and contempt.


    Yet, regrettably,


    the military officers from Po Yang County found it difficult to refute.


    Just as Meng Dingxin said, whether by background or qualification, they were somewhat inferior, and none of them had achieved Meridian Passage, but they were certainly capable of fulfilling their duties.


    This was clearly an intentional act to kick them out.


    It wasn''t just the military officers; over a thousand Array Soldiers from Po Yang would have to transfer to Sky Wolf Camp as well.


    However...


    The other party was pressuring them under the excuse of "the court," so they were unable to disobey.


    At this time, General Chen was not around.


    Even having Xu Wencai there would have been fine.


    In the past when Mr. Chen wasn''t present, Old Xu would always handle situations promptly and at the very least, provide some advice, but this cunning old fox... let''s not mention him!


    "No...


    Zhao Kang was more composed.


    He didn''t rush up to make a scene, but he knew he couldn''t compromise.


    If they really went to Sky Wolf Camp, they''d likely never have the chance to return.


    "Sir!"


    "Sir has returned!"


    "..."


    Just when the two sides were at an impasse, suddenly someone cried out.


    All eyes turned.


    "Sir!"


    They suddenly felt bolstered.


    "This humble one, Xia Cong!"


    "This humble one!"


    "Greet the General!"


    "..."


    Deputy General Chu Shixiong, along with the five Assistant Generals, all raised their fists to pay their respects in unison.


    They held great reverence for this young General who had achieved consecutive astounding victories.


    Chen Sansi briefly scanned the room, his gaze landing on a few unfamiliar faces, but he said nothing.


    "This humble one''s surname is Chu, given name Shixiong!"


    Chu Shixiong bowed with a fist in hand, "I am now a Standard Second-Rank National Stabilizing General and also the Deputy General of Hongze Camp. From now on I''ll be General Chen''s right-hand man. If there is anything you need, just command me!"


    Rank from second-rank.


    From the initial title of "National Guardian General" to "National Stabilizing General," and then to an additional title of "General of Service to the Nation."


    Theoretically, after three such promotions, one would continue on to the rank of Standard Second-Rank General of Cavalry.


    For someone like Chen Sansi, leaping from Sixth-Rank Captain Chengxin to Standard Second-Rank National Guardian General was already a promotion of heavenly speed.


    Chu Shixiong, purely in terms of military rank, was one rank higher than Chen Sansi.


    "This humble one, Meng Dingxin!"


    Meng Dingxin also introduced himself.


    "This humble one, Dong Yulin."


    Another Assistant General followed.


    On the way there,


    Chen Sansi had talked with Wang Zhi.


    He had already obtained a brief understanding of these three men.


    Chu Shixiong.


    He had been a Main General of the Imperial Guard, reached Great Success in the Xuanxiang Realm, and also possessed the Body of an Innate Martial Saint. He was not far from breakthroughs, and yet, such a man was dispatched to serve as a Deputy General. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The remaining two, one from the Black Armor Army, one from the Jinyi Guard.


    In short.


    All were elites from the Capital City.


    "Oh, General Chen need not worry.


    Chu Shixiong felt that he knew what the other was thinking and hastened to say respectfully, "I have grown up reading Military Books and I admire the greatest masters of the ''Eight Volumes of Military'' strategies the most.


    "It was beyond my wildest dreams that there would be another master like General Chen in our time.


    "I have read and reread General Chen''s battle records every day and night, and my admiration for the general has grown day by day.


    "For this reason, I asked His Majesty to let me come and be the deputy general of my own initiative, I definitely would not resent the demotion in military rank. On the contrary, I cherish the opportunity to march and fight alongside the general to campaign against barbarians to the north!


    "Therefore, if the general has any requests in the future, just command me, and I will definitely go through fire and water without any hesitation!"


    "I understand."


    Chen Sansi spoke calmly, "General Chu said so much. Are you worried that I wouldn''t be able to command you because your official rank and realm are higher than mine?"


    Chu Shixiong clasped his fists tighter, thinking his statement was not bad.


    However...


    He did not hear the expected polite words and compliments, but a calm three-word phrase, smooth as a lake.


    "You think so?"


    "..."


    Chu Shixiong''s body trembled.


    The others also looked stern.


    "Chu Shixiong."


    Chen Sansi tossed the long spear in his hand to Zhao Kang to hold, placed his hands behind his back, expressionless, and spoke unhurriedly, "From what you''ve said, it seems like... the position of the main general of Hongze Camp..."


    He paused, then suddenly emphasized, "was given to me by you?"


    "I wouldn''t dare!"


    "Thump!"


    Upon hearing this.


    Chu Shixiong hurriedly knelt on one knee, "I definitely did not mean that!"


    The other party''s realm was not as high as his


    But at this moment, he truly felt fear, as if a great seal was pressing down on him, making it hard to lift his head.


    Chen Sansi did not speak again but instead, walked into the Central Army Tent with a wave of his sleeve.


    Shortly after, Wang Zhi came out and signaled all of them to follow inside.


    "What were you all arguing about just now?!"


    Wang Zhi pretended not to know and asked.


    "Sir!"


    Zhao Kang reported the whole situation, "We don''t want to leave Hongze Camp!"


    "Exactly."


    Xu Bin followed and said, "Sir, even if we die, we want to die in Hongze Camp."


    "Chu Shixiong."


    Chen Sansi sat in the main seat and asked, "Was reassigning the men your arrangement?"


    "I wouldn''t dare make such decisions on my own."


    Chu Shixiong explained, "This expansion of Beiliang Army and all related personnel assignments were arranged by the Ministry of War, I was merely carrying out orders."


    "The arrangements of the Ministry of War are not reasonable; they don''t understand the situation."


    Chen Sansi said gravely, "The brothers from the Po Yang Army are essential to the operations of the battle array and cannot be replaced. They must stay in Hongze Camp."


    "General, Hongze Camp is at full capacity."


    Chu Shixiong said with difficulty, "There are not that many military officer positions."


    "Simple."


    Chen Sansi holding a roster said, "Transfer out a portion of your men."


    "This is the Ministry of War..."


    "I''ll write the petition."

 Chapter 484 - 186: Beiliang Reviews the Troops, Wo Long Destroys Wei Country_4

    Chen Sansi paused between each word, "I will directly hand the petition to the Longevity Palace, do you understand?"


    "Understood!"


    Chu Shixiong had no choice but to take the order and leave.


    The brothers from Po Yang looked at each other and collectively exhaled in relief, then took their leave one by one.


    Now,


    Chen Sansi had his own Central Army Tent.


    But sitting in the Taishi Chair, he felt no stir of emotion.


    Retaining these thousand-plus men today was not difficult.


    After all, their numbers were few, and none were Martial Artists of high cultivation.


    But this was a signal,


    a signal that from now on, the court would firmly control the Beiliang Army.


    Indeed,


    Chen Sansi knew from reading the history books of Dasheng,


    that after the Grand Ancestor founded the nation, the method of controlling military power was very secure.


    Taking the garrison as an example,


    the highest military rank was Commander,


    but a Commander had no authority to mobilize troops.


    Whenever there was a battle, the court would temporarily appoint a General to take command, and after the battle ended, military power was withdrawn, and the General returned to his original post.


    This arrangement prevented military officers from gaining too much power but also caused delayed responses to battles, missing opportunities.


    Later, as conflicts arose frequently, almost every year witnessed various scales of turmoil, and gradually it became so that local commanders only needed approval from the Ministry of War to deploy.


    The current trend,


    is to revert to the old system after the campaign in the grassland.


    Indeed, this is a good time.


    With Nan Xu, Dongqing, and West Qi all suffering losses, as long as the barbarians in the grasslands are severely damaged, there will likely be no sudden battles for the next decade, and temporarily appointing commanders will suffice.


    But then...


    wouldn''t that mean he had worked for nothing?


    From the very beginning,


    Chen Sansi''s purpose in studying Martial Arts and joining the army had only one focus: to control his own destiny.


    Over these years, he had indeed braved wind and rain, fighting battles from south to north, and traversed through fire and swords.


    Fighting desperately,


    was he really just working for that old man, the Emperor?


    To have struggled so hard to build a formidable tiger and wolf troops, only to hand it over easily?


    This was too much to bear.


    But currently, there were no good solutions.


    He could only finish fighting the battle in the grassland, then discuss it with his martial brothers and sisters.


    In any case,


    no matter what, he could not truly hand over his life to the court.


    Let alone the fact that the old Emperor was an "Immortal" who might recreate the "Ten Days of Yunzhou" incident at any time, even if he were a wise ruler for all ages, he would not willingly hand over military power.


    Being close to the Emperor was like accompanying a tiger.


    He refused to do so.


    Speaking of which,


    dozens of days had passed, and he wondered how things were at the ends of the earth,


    If the old Emperor died there, it would be a cause for universal rejoicing.


    And what about his master?


    "First, prepare for battle," he said.


    "Prepare for battle and practice Alchemy at the same time, striving to break through to Martial Saint soon to really secure a foothold in this mundane world."


    "There are also anomalies in the Luotian Mountain Range that need to be dealt with."


    "Truly a season full of events."


    ...


    With Chen Sansi''s emergence from seclusion,


    the muster of troops officially began.


    Originally anticipated to form twelve camps, it was said that last-minute adjustments had raised the number to fourteen camps; the two extra camps of troops seemingly coming from nowhere.


    In any case,


    Fourteen camps of troops.


    Fourteen Main Generals.


    Totaling up to 210,000 elite soldiers and officers. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    All assembled within Liangzhou City.


    The muster list is as follows:


    Firstly, the absent Sun Xiangzong, Supervisor Sun, who during the war commanded all military forces and controlled the troops of the Northern Territory, commanding the Personal Soldier Camp, known as Heavenly Strategy Camp.


    Lu Ji, with assistant and third senior brother Nie Yuan.


    Controlling the Three Camps.


    Respectively, the Xuanwu Camp, White Tiger Camp, and Heavenly Lion Camp.


    Fang Qingyun, Meng Guangxin as Main and Deputy General, leading the Azure Dragon Camp.


    Rong Yanqiu, Ye Fengxiu as Main and Deputy General, leading the Vermilion Bird Camp.


    Second senior brother Cheng Wei and General Zhao Wuji together led the Liangzhou Guard Station soldiers.


    The other camps were all commanded by generals dispatched by the court.


    Bai Thingzhi, Lu Shuhua, Xie Sishu, and Yan Changqing, among others, were scattered among the various camps, taking on the roles of Assistant Generals.


    Then, there was the Hongze Camp.


    The positions in Hongze Camp are as follows:


    Chen Sansi served as the Main General of the camp.


    Deputy General, Chu Shixiong.


    Front Army Assistant General, Dong Yulin.


    Left Army Assistant General, Xiao Zheng.


    Right Army Assistant General, You Jike.


    Rear Army Assistant General, Meng Dingxin.


    Central Army Assistant General, Xia Cong.


    The rest of the Thousand Captains and Hundred Captains, each in charge of their duties.


    Totaling 15,000 troops and horses.


    Lastly,


    as the muster was nearing its end on the seventh day,


    there were two additional camps of troops, who gradually arrived in Liangzhou City.


    Accompanied by a piece of significant news:


    Wo Long destroyed Wei!


    A year ago,


    Xu Wencai was commissioned to head east of You State; within just four months, he quelled all rebellions and, without demobilizing, obtained the approval of the Ministry of War to march eastward. In six months, he took over forty cities and two months ago took the Wei Kingdom Capital and captured the Emperor of Wei alive.


    Even though Wei Country was a minor nation, it was still a country.


    It is said that Xu Wencai was nearly prophetic in his thinking, creating strategies as if by divine intervention. The military formations he used were almost indistinguishable from those of the White Robe, combined with several ingenious strategies, his fame thundered across the world.


    He was granted the Pillar Country rank and appointed as National Guardian General.


    People ranked the four contemporary Military Family saints, three of whom were in the Northern Territory of Dasheng.


    Thus,


    the court changed the garrison into camps, specifically establishing two camps for Xu Wencai.


    Zhenbiao Camp and North Prefecture Camp.


    The allocation of troops in these two camps was no different from the rest of the Beiliang Army.


    They were temporarily in Liangzhou, mainly to coordinate the campaign in the grassland, and after that, it was said that they would either move south or be stationed to the west.


    "This old man..."


    The brothers from Po Yang couldn''t believe the news when they heard it.


    "A destruction of a nation!"


    "Although Wei Country is small, it is still a nation!"


    "This old man has no power to bind a chicken, how can he control a group of military officers?!"

 Chapter 485 - 186: Beiliang Reviews the Troops, Wo Long Destroys Wei Country_5

    "..."


    Under the watchful eyes of the crowd,


    the majestic Zhenbiao Camp crossed through the city gate.


    Leading at the front


    was Xu Wencai.


    However, this man wasn''t riding a horse, but instead sitting in a pushcart, his attire complete with a feather fan and an aura of scholarly composure, creating quite a spectacle.


    "Heh!"


    "That old fellow!"


    "He has legs but won''t walk, why sit in a wheelchair?"


    "He must be imitating General Fang!"


    "Ridiculous!"


    "..."


    Another day passed.


    By dusk, the grand military inspection was declared to be over.


    The inspection wasn''t for all troops to gather together.


    After the rest of the troops were reviewed, only the main generals remained, as they had left earlier.


    Now, there weren''t too many people left in the Martial Arts Arena.


    The Main Generals of the Beiliang Army gathered, preparing to hold a banquet to get to know each other better since they would soon go to war with the grassland tribes, and would be comrades in life and death.


    "Congratulations to Mr. Xu!"


    "Yes, Mr. Xu, you truly are a late bloomer!"


    "..."


    "I have seen Mr. Chen!"


    "I''ve long admired General Chen''s reputation. Today, I finally have the honor to meet you in person, it is a fortune in three lifetimes!"


    "..."


    The generals greeted each other.


    "Mr. Xu."


    Chen Sansi also stepped forward to give a bowing salute, "Congratulations, for a merit that will be recorded in the annals of history."


    Unexpectedly,


    Xu Wencai glanced at him, merely "Hmm"ed, and then went on to chat with others, almost completely ignoring him.


    This scene,


    caught the eyes of the other generals, all taken aback.


    They had heard that the two did not get along, but they hadn''t expected it to be to this extent, not even bothering to keep appearances.


    "Old Wu, do you know what this is about?"


    "I heard that after Xu Wencai made his accomplishments, Mr. Chen held off on giving recognition, wanting to keep him firmly under his control."


    "That''s like ruining someone''s future!"


    "No different from killing someone''s parents."


    "No wonder, no wonder!"


    "..."


    Thus,


    the tale spread far and wide.


    Almost everyone in Liangzhou knew


    that Chen Sansi and Xu Wencai were at odds.


    Their subordinates even fought each other on several occasions, to the point of drawing blood, and each suffered severe punishment.


    "Damn it!


    "We''ll kill that old bastard!"


    "We won''t kill him, but


    "find an opportunity to put a sack over him, and give him a beating!"


    "Enough!"


    Zhao Kang scolded, "From now on, just avoid any dealings with them, why escalate to life and death fights?"


    "Let''s go!"


    "The General has called us to see him quietly tonight, there must be something important."


    ```


    "..."


    ...


    Governor Mansion.


    Chen Sansi sat in the pavilion by the lake on the back hill, recounted the experiences he had at the ends of the earth in brief, hoping to understand the whole story.


    "In some sense, you could be considered an Immortal now, only not deeply involved in the Immortal Path. Given the circumstances, there''s no need to keep certain things from you."


    Fang Qingyun said gravely, "Longqing fifty-sixth year, yes, the year before the complete annihilation of his forces."


    "Master discovered an ancient tomb beneath the glaciers in the Extreme North."


    "A Cultivator''s tomb?"


    Chen Sansi guessed.


    "Sort of, to be precise, it was a battlefield."


    Fang Qingyun continued, "Master opened the ancient tomb but got injured and had to return to Liangzhou temporarily."


    "His injuries were very serious at that time."


    "After the court became aware of it, they seized the chance to fabricate charges against Master and imprisoned him, preparing to move against the then-dominant Eight Camps."


    "The next year, Nan Xu made a big push northward."


    "During that period."


    "I went to the Extreme North on behalf of Master, at that time, I had actually become a Martial Saint."


    "I encountered people from the court in the tomb, and we each obtained some things."


    "Later, I also visited the ends of the earth."


    "Long story short, by the time I returned, I had become the disabled man you see before you."


    "At the same time."


    "Nan Xu was unstoppable, and they had no choice but to release Master."


    "After the conflict was over."


    "Master made another trip to the Extreme North."


    "But as for the specifics, I don''t know."


    "All I know is that after returning, Master''s strength increased explosively. The Destructive Spirit Array, the Guardian of the Eastern Continent, might be related to the Extreme North. I''m not privy to the details."


    "I only know that the court also got a lot of good stuff from there, enough to cultivate many Martial Saints and Mystical Phenomenon Generals."


    "The explosive growth of the past few years was just like that."


    The Extreme North...


    Chen Sansi inquired, "Do you still remember Mr. Mei?"


    "Are you asking if there is a connection with Mr. Mei?"


    Fang Qingyun shook his head slightly, indicating uncertainty, "In any case, you don''t have to worry about Master. He will definitely return safely before matters are concluded."


    After talking about the ends of the earth,


    Chen Sansi brought up the issue of military authority.


    This time, Fang Qingyun only showed a wry smile and said nothing.


    "What does this mean, brother?" S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Sansi said, "Are we just going to let it go?"


    The power was already being tampered with.


    He estimated that the next step would be to act against people.


    "Younger brother."


    The Green Robed Scholar opened his hands wide, "The court has long coveted the Eight Camps."


    "They''ve finally found their chance."


    "The grassland campaign, I fear, will be the last dance."


    "After that, who can the Eight Camps count on?"


    "The world mistakenly praises me, calling me Mr. Feng Chu, but in the end, I am but a disabled man and a waste."


    "None of the other brothers have reached Martial Saint, I''m afraid they won''t have much say either."


    "I remember the Aliased King of the former Da Yan court, Li Wei, who defended the borders for more than fifty years. After his death, his twelve adopted sons were either poisoned, beheaded, stripped of their powers, or some were forced to join the barbarians..."


    "Oh."


    "I almost forgot, we have our eldest brother."


    "With him around, hopefully, we won''t end up like the adopted sons of the Li family from the previous era."


    "Who knows? Leave it to fate."


    ```

 Chapter 486 - 186: Beiliang Reviews the Troops, Wo Long Destroys Wei Country_6

    As they spoke,


    Fang Qingyun had already disappeared into the distance, pushing the wheelchair: "Junior brother, junior brother, your timing isn''t good. If you had come to the Eight Camps a few years earlier when they were thriving, you could have enjoyed some good times. Instead, you ended up in Liangzhou in these final years and became the closed-door disciple, sigh..."


    The voice faded away.


    The Green Robed Scholar had also vanished into the darkness.


    Chen Sansi was no fool.


    He could clearly hear the hidden meaning in his senior brother''s words.


    If he were simply sad and nostalgic, why add that last sentence?


    This was a hint to him.


    Thinking back,


    the three-year Martial Saint pact must have been planned from the start.


    Having learned the sect''s martial arts, he also had to shoulder the sect''s responsibilities.


    Moreover...


    It wasn''t as if he was just following someone else''s desires.


    The path


    was his own from the beginning.


    Initially,


    there were merely two choices: one, to go to the Capital City and be a dog.


    Two, to try his chances at the frontier.


    With things as they stood,


    why hesitate?


    "Pop!"


    Chen Sansi drained the tea from his cup in one gulp and then firmly set down the cup before returning to his residence.


    Marquis Wu Yi''s residence.


    The backyard was connected to a secluded alley.


    Tonight, the back door was wide open.


    Zhao Kang and others gradually arrived.


    Once everyone was present, a maid locked the back door.


    In the courtyard, a fragrant medicinal aroma wafted through the air.


    Mr. Chen sat on a stone bench, facing several boiling medicine furnaces.


    "So, how is it?"


    he began, "Have you felt uneasy in the army these past few days?"


    "Uneasy!"


    Xiong Qiuan cursed, "Almost dying from unease!"


    "Yes,"


    Feng Yong continued, "Lady, after you left us here, those damned people disliked us even more."


    "Then..."


    Chen Sansi asked, "Why do you only have to feel uneasy?"


    Everyone was silent.


    What else could it be because of.


    It was because their abilities weren''t sufficient.


    Otherwise, they could have competed legitimately.


    "My lord, it is our incapability!"


    "..."


    Chen Sansi didn''t rush to speak, but instead served a bowl of a pitch-black medicinal soup: "Wu Da, you first."


    Wu Da''s physique was undoubtedly a Mysterious Phenomenon Body, coupled with his excellent comprehension, he was now the highest realm among this group.


    "Alright."


    The scar-faced Wu Da didn''t hesitate and gulped it down.


    Afterward,


    he felt a clear sensation spreading throughout his limbs and bones after it entered his stomach.


    This medicinal effect...


    was even stronger than treasure medicine!


    After drinking, Wu Da tried to cultivate immediately and immediately felt his rapid progress.


    "This..."


    "My lord! What is this medicine?!"


    "How is this possible?!"


    "..."


    "It''s just ordinary medicine."


    Chen Sansi said indifferently, "This is all the help I can offer you."


    Spiritual Grain.


    He mixed the Spiritual Rice Medicine Ointment into the top-quality Supplemental Medicine!


    And this Spiritual Grain.


    was concocted using an Alchemy Furnace he had purchased from the Cultivation World.


    After testing, it was discovered that it was many times more effective than those concocted using the Mystic Iron Furnace, and as long as one''s realm was above Refining Internal, it could be taken with virtually no side effects.


    Subordinates of Po Yang.


    Their capability to adapt on the battlefield was sufficient, and their loyalty was too.


    The only flaw was their lack of inherent talent.


    Something that could not be compensated for in the mortal world.


    Thus, he decided to compensate with methods of the Immortals!


    Now, the Hongze Camp, following him to battle the barbarians, posed no problems at all.


    But...


    They ultimately weren''t his own people.


    To truly make them his Hongze Camp, he first needed a sufficient number of trusted generals.


    As for the matter of Spiritual Grain...


    After having gone to the ends of the earth, it seemed no longer so secret.


    If it really came to light, there were plenty of ways to cope.


    Although it was still unclear what the Immortal Treasure actually was, after the grand opening of the Heavenly Gate, there were plenty of explanations for the methods of concocting Spiritual Grain, no need to keep gripping it in hand anymore.


    As his realm increased, the Spiritual Rice Medicine Ointment was no longer as significant for Chen Sansi, but for his subordinates, it remained a top-tier treasure medicine, and keeping it hidden was too wasteful.


    Following Wu Da''s lead.


    The rest of the men also successively drank the Supplemental Medicine mixed with Spiritual Rice Medicine Ointment.


    "Five Meridian Passage, fifteen Hua Jin,"


    Chen Sansi set the requirement, "In half a year, if you still can''t meet this requirement, leave the Hongze Camp on your own."


    With the aid of Spiritual Grain, plus an unlimited supply of Supplemental Medicine.


    If you still can''t reach that level of cultivation, then you''re truly a hopeless case. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Sir!"


    "No problem!"


    Zhao Kang confidently stated, "With this divine medicine, within two months, I will be able to reach Meridian Passage!"


    Meridian Passage and Hua Jin.


    Equivalent to Assistant General and Thousand Captain.


    They are also the most crucial generals for controlling an army.


    As long as there are enough hands on deck, no matter how much chaos, Chen Sansi was confident he could keep firm control of the Hongze Camp. After giving specific instructions to everyone, he let them leave.


    Unwittingly.


    It had already broad daylight.


    He couldn''t even bother to rest and went straight to the military camp for roll call, fully armored.


    From today onward.


    Hongze Camp would be responsible for guarding a section of the Great Wall and dealing with small groups of cavalry testing and harassing them.


    When Chen Sansi led his troops to the Great Wall, he felt the scene was very familiar, just like back in the days at Po Yang, except now he commanded ten thousand men and he was even more a Mystical Phenomenon General.


    "Sir!"


    Xia Cong proactively brought over a map, "Sir, please look, this is the current military distribution of the Four Barbarian Tribes on the grassland."


    "It''s not only us who are actively preparing for battle."


    "The barbarians have also noticed, and had been amassing a large army at the frontier tribes as a precaution six months ago."


    "Our most advanced line is facing the Yuwen Tribe''s army!"


    "Now, with approximately twenty thousand troops, the Yuwen''s Chancellor is also stationed among them."


    "This is the local situation."


    "Viewing the overall situation, our forces combined amount to two hundred thousand, the Four Barbarian Tribes'' allies even exceed four hundred thousand."


    "After the official start of the Northern Expedition."


    "They should realize quickly, so it will be a tough face-to-face battle,"


    Yuwen Tribe.


    Chen Sansi had also, so to speak, dealt with them before.


    He stood on the observation platform, gazing into the endless Northern Great Desert.


    There lay the capital of the barbarians.

 Chapter 487 - 187: Great Turmoil in Liangzhou, War Breaks Out Again

    The barbarian tribes lived in the Great Desert.


    Either they had no cities and all dwelled within various types of tents,


    or the majority of their cities were akin to small towns, primarily serving as gathering and trading places with virtually no defensive power.


    As for the few major cities of the barbarian tribes,


    they were a full ten thousand miles away from the Liangzhou border.


    Chen Sansi silently calculated this account in his heart.


    The Beiliang Army Fourteen Camps, with more than two hundred thousand troops, would need about five hundred thousand civilians for logistical support if the entire army were to strike.


    Five hundred thousand troops!


    This number might not seem significant for the vast and populous Northern Territory, but the consumption of resources was immensely huge, especially the unpredictable consumption of food and fodder for a campaign.


    This battle,


    even if it ended in a grand victory, S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    would likely take the Great Desert twenty years to recover, and even the Northern Territory would need over a decade to recuperate and rejuvenate.


    Indeed, some things cannot be delayed.


    But it still gave off an impression of urgency among everyone.


    Hastily expanding camps, hurriedly going to war.


    His master simply wanted to quickly secure peaceful days for the north, otherwise, every few days, barbarian cavalry would come to the city outskirts looting and slaughtering, then swiftly fleeing, truly preventing peace.


    And the Capital City''s court agreed.


    Fearing they harbored intentions to quickly stabilize the chaos and thereafter reclaim the military power of the Northern Territory.


    There was another most important point.


    Yunzhou in ten days.


    What had the barbarians gained, and how much had their overall strength increased?


    All these were still unknown.


    It looked like, a chance had to be found to lead a small force into the Great Desert for exploration.


    "General!"


    "All the transition of defensive duties has been properly arranged."


    Xia Cong came to report.


    "Hmm."


    Chen Sansi patted his shoulder, "Do not slack off."


    After giving instructions, he rode away on Qian Xun.


    As the Main General, it was naturally impossible for him to personally scout, his main duty was to patrol and inspect, and after finishing, he would leave on his own.


    About two thousand people were responsible for observation in the Hongze Camp.


    The main function of the Great Wall was still surveillance, no need to leave too many people.


    [Cultivation Technique: National Guardian Dragon Spear, Mysterious Phenomenon (small achievement)]


    [Progress: 988/2000]


    Another day of cultivation ended, Chen Sansi exhaled a long breath and then took out an Alchemy Furnace from his storage bag, setting up his stall within the woodshed, preparing to start his first official alchemy endeavor.


    "General, are you going to perform alchemy?"


    Ning Xiang finally understood what all those Spirit Stones in the workshop market had been used for.


    "Thank you both for protecting me."


    Chen Sansi said flatly.


    For the time being, he couldn''t find a better place, so he decided to start alchemy at home first.


    Cultivation has a hundred arts,


    but among the foremost four, they are Alchemy, Artifact, Talisman, and Formation.


    The rest, such as Spirit Plant cultivation, Beast Taming, Puppetry, are all regarded as inferior to these four major arts.


    And among these four arts, Alchemy holds the highest place.


    Alchemy, Artifact, Talisman, Formation, the other three are merely external enhancements.


    Only Alchemy is something ingested, a tangible enhancement to the cultivator''s own body.


    The Dao of Alchemy can lead to eternal life!


    Throughout history, countless emperors have sought the secrets to immortality through alchemy, some wise emperors even became obsessed with alchemy in their later years, causing their rule to fall into disarray.


    Indeed, within the Cultivation World, there genuinely are elixirs that can extend life, and many others that can improve cultivation; however, without exception, all are extremely precious. Even cultivators would fight over them, let alone ordinary mortals, who could not possibly gather the necessary ingredients.


    Speaking of ingredients,


    Spiritual Grain.


    It is the universal material for a hundred cultivation arts!


    No matter the elixir, Spiritual Grain is the most basic ingredient.


    It''s included in talisman paper for making talismans, and even in Artifact Refining and Formation, not to mention in Beast Taming.


    To cultivators,


    Spiritual Grain is as important as food is to ordinary people.


    The most terrifying aspect is that Spiritual Grain doesn''t rely on Spiritual Energy and can grow normally in mortal soils under certain conditions, which is why it''s massively cultivated in the mortal world.


    However...


    To ordinary people, Spiritual Grain is a deadly poison grass; it not only occupies arable land, but prolonged cultivation also drains the soil''s nutrients, turning fertile fields barren.


    Moreover, the consumption of Spiritual Grain for alchemy is extremely horrifying.


    Take the "Fasting Pill" that is about to be prepared, for instance; one single pill requires compressing one measure of Spiritual Grain.


    It''s the same with Spiritual Rice Medicine Ointment.


    Each batch requires a significant amount of Spiritual Grain.


    Thus, it can be imagined how massively Spiritual Grain is consumed daily in the Cultivation World.


    Having set up the Alchemy Furnace,


    Chen Sansi first added water.


    Low-grade elixirs can use ordinary water, but high-grade elixirs also have specific requirements for the water used.


    Next,


    he took out some Golden Smoke Wood, smeared it with Immortal Treasure Lamp Oil, and finally used a Fire Stick to ignite it.


    A crimson flame soared.


    But unlike previous times, the Abnormal Fire did not wildly rampage. Shortly after burning, the Alchemy Furnace seemed responsive as its azure glyphs lit up one by one on its surface, and the bottom appeared like a vortex, absorbing all the Abnormal Fire into it, and then began a humming sound, starting to refine the contents within the furnace.


    The price of this Pill Furnace alone equals the years, if not decades, of efforts of an ordinary cultivator.


    The Golden Smoke Wood below neither vanished into ash instantly like regular firewood but consumed at a faster rate than expected.


    "This Abnormal Fire is truly formidable."


    Luckily, Chen Sansi had prepared enough beforehand and could also add a moderate amount of ordinary firewood to save some trouble.

 Chapter 488 - 187: Great Turmoil in Liangzhou, War Breaks Out Again_2

    He did not delay.


    He began adding ingredients to the alchemy furnace.


    Prepared earlier, the Spiritual Rice Medicine Ointment, ginseng, Lingzhi, and Spirit Rice...


    The ginseng and Lingzhi, which are genuine spiritual objects born within the Cultivation World, are relatively inexpensive when converted to spirit stones, but they are beyond comparison with ordinary medicinal materials.


    Each ingredient was added to the alchemy furnace in a specific proportion and at a specific time, without any deviation allowed.


    For Chen Sansi, this was straightforward.


    The challenge lay in "Enlightenment."


    During the process of alchemy,


    he needed to place his hands on the alchemy furnace, transferring mana through the formation into the furnace to assist the Abnormal Fire in refining the elixir pills. Too much or too little would not work, and the intensity had very strict requirements.


    The previous steps were clearly written on the pill recipe.


    But this step,


    since each person''s cultivation realm, cultivation technique, and even physique are different and cannot be precisely quantified, completely relied on one''s own feeling, much like the "moderate amount" mentioned in recipes.


    It also involved something known as "Divine Sense."


    In the early stage of the Immortal Path, a cultivator''s Divine Sense is weak and not very effective, but it is not entirely useless. To accurately control the alchemy temperature, one must use the Divine Sense to feel the subtle changes within the alchemy furnace.


    Chen Sansi closed his eyes, activated the "Five Elements Decision," and patiently sensed the changes inside the alchemy furnace. He did not know how much time had passed until at one moment, he felt himself become void and then entered the alchemy furnace, witnessing the transformations within it firsthand.


    This was not merely alchemy.


    It was a cultivation of the great Dao!


    Within the alchemy furnace, it contained the universe''s myriad phenomena and the transformations of the Dao!


    Each collision would affect the quality of the elixir pills ultimately produced.


    "Bang!"


    An explosion sounded next to his ears.


    Chen Sansi was suddenly jolted awake.


    The alchemy attempt had already failed.


    He cast a spell to open the lid, and a pungent odor rushed to his face, the interior of the alchemy furnace a charred mess.


    Since alchemy includes transformations of the Dao, it naturally carries risks.


    After spending at the Treasure Tower, they had also given him a booklet, basically on the basic knowledge of alchemy. The higher the level of the elixirs, the greater the risk, and one could even blow oneself up.


    [Skill: Alchemy (Not Entry-Level)]


    [Progress: 2/100]


    [Utility: None]


    One more time!


    Chen Sansi felt he had grasped some tricks, and since the Fasting Pill was relatively simple, containing only twelve variations, he did not waste much effort and mastered the knack after just five tries.


    Formation, flame, natural and earthly treasures.


    Tempering.


    Combining.


    Smelting.


    Although he was physically outside the alchemy furnace, he could vaguely sense the changes inside it and then adjust them with his mana until he successfully mastered the twelve variations.


    The elixir is complete!


    "Buzz!"


    A buzzing sound as the lid of the alchemy furnace opened.


    The bottom of the alchemy furnace was clean and quiet, with five elixir pills lying peacefully.


    Even within the same batch of elixir pills, there could be a disparity in quality.


    For instance, out of these five Fasting Pills, two were of the finest quality, two were good, and one was inferior; if one were to calculate based on price and cost, it would be a loss.


    Cultivation includes a hundred arts, how could it be easy?


    Otherwise,


    there wouldn''t be so many cultivators forced to mine, farm, or even risk their lives in exchange for spirit stones and cultivation resources.


    According to the booklet,


    successfully creating a Fasting Pill within ten tries would be considered average talent.


    Chen Sansi succeeded in five tries.


    That was considered excellent.


    His Spirit Root was poor, but his comprehension was quite good.


    This also involved the enhancement from [Seven Orifices Exquisite].


    [Skill: Alchemy (Not Entry-Level)]


    [Progress: 20/100] S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Utility: None]


    Learning how to refine the Fasting Pill was not enough to enter the path of alchemy.


    He realized more elixir types such as the Nourishing Essence Pill and the True Martial Pill needed to be created.


    Luckily, he had prepared early.


    For Chen Sansi, it was just a matter of time.


    Picking up a top-grade Fasting Pill, he was about to chew it, but the pill, as if alive like a star, flew into his stomach on its own, and then he felt refreshed and energized, with a trace of Spiritual Energy contained within it.


    Consuming a Fasting Pill could stave off hunger for a month and also had the benefit of restoring a Martial Artist''s Qi Power.


    With these few pills in hand, enough... for never exhausting one''s strength on the battlefield!


    Indeed worthy of being an Immortal Pill.


    Even the lowest grade Immortal Pill could have such a significant effect. The Fasting Pill did not simply mean filling one''s stomach on the literal level.


    After swallowing the pill,


    Chen Sansi was full of strength and, taking his long spear, continued to practice in the courtyard.


    [Cultivation Technique: National Guardian Dragon Spear, Profound Image (Small Achievement)]


    [Progress: 1288/2000]


    Great Success is imminent!


    Picking up the pace!


    Heading to the Luotian Mountain Range, to find the Zouwu that got away last time, plus with the aid of the Nourishing Essence Pill, it would not take long to achieve great success in the Profound Image Realm, and then he could start preparing to break through to the Martial Saint Realm.


    After becoming a Martial Saint, let alone in the mortal realm, even entering the Cultivation World would not be at the bottom level.


    Thinking thus,


    Chen Sansi quickly completed that day''s training.


    His current main tasks were twofold.


    One, to patrol and keep watch over the Great Wall.


    Two, to arrange for troops to patrol the city and search for Witch God Sect followers.


    Presently, Liangzhou City had four camps stationed.


    Hongze Camp and his elder martial brother''s three camps.


    Two of these were in Dongyi City and West Barbarian City, with another stationed at the frontline stand-off.


    This meant that only Hongze Camp was responsible for the city''s interior.

 Chapter 489 - 187 Liangzhou in great chaos, war breaks out again_3

    ```


    Witch God Sect...


    I should take the time to personally investigate it properly.


    Carrying a long spear and holding a big bow,


    Chen Sansi had been hustling through the Luotian Mountain Range for several days, slaying countless poisonous beasts along the way, until he finally arrived at Twelve Layers Mountain. Almost the moment he stepped over the boundary line, he felt a change in the Qi between heaven and earth.


    "Evil Qi!"


    The black evil Qi was already beginning to contaminate the nearby heavens and earth. Among the mixed Qi, there floated sparse strands of evil Qi.


    "This evil Qi..."


    Chen Sansi felt that the Five Elements Decision could seemingly absorb the evil Qi between heaven and earth.


    Spirit Vein?!


    No, that''s not right.


    It should be called a Slaughter Vein!


    The Slaughter Vein is awakening!


    In the Luotian Mountain Range, there was actually a Slaughter Vein hidden!


    It seems that.


    It''s not just the Spirit Veins that are awakening in the Eastern Continent, but the evil Qi is also reviving!


    That''s why there are more and more poisonous beasts appearing in the Luotian Mountain Range.


    But this Slaughter Vein...


    As far as Chen Sansi knows, it''s not something the Human Race can utilize for cultivation.


    He took Concealing Breath and Hiding to the extreme, hiding on the fringe to observe, and soon after, he saw several figures flying back and forth in the sky, eventually descending into the deep mountains.


    Such a matter of great importance, the master must have already noticed. The two years of his disappearance are most likely related to dealing with this matter.


    "Hiss hiss..."


    Beyond that.


    Chen Sansi saw that enormous snake wandering in the distant mountains again.


    This snake...


    I''m afraid it''s not something anyone below a Martial Saint should offend; otherwise, it would be excellent material for arrows and bows.


    First, go find Zouwu!


    Chen Sansi continued to shuttle through the woods and quickly spotted an Exotic Beast.


    A white-furred monkey.


    This monkey sat on a tree trunk towering over ten zhang high, cross-legged like a human, absorbing the essence of the sun and moon, until it accidentally became tainted with evil Qi. Then, it struggled in agony and soon could no longer control itself, constantly absorbing the evil Qi, until it became frenzied and violent.


    "Hiss!"


    After noticing the newcomer underneath, it bared its fangs and pounced down.


    Chen Sansi raised his hand with a spear, impaling it right through, chilling to the core.


    Looking at the creature''s body, he finally understood how poisonous beasts were born.


    In the Luotian Mountain Range, the beasts with rather unique bloodlines could passively absorb the essence of the sun and moon, or the spiritual energy of nature for their cultivation. However, they did not know how to discern, and so they indiscriminately absorbed the evil Qi as well, potentially turning into poisonous beasts at any time.


    It''s just that I don''t know...


    Who is behind the awakening of the Slaughter Vein, it''s probably related to other worlds of the Great Thousand World.


    Perhaps, it''s also related to the trouble caused by the Witch God Sect inside Liangzhou City.


    If these events are indeed connected, they may be related to the upcoming battle.


    Chen Sansi collected his thoughts, knowing that he still needed to take care of the matter at hand first.


    It didn''t take much time.


    After half an hour, he found the Zouwu.


    "Roar!"


    The Zouwu, upon being invaded in its territory, roared and lunged forward. Its combat power had already reached the Small Success Level of the Profound Image Realm.


    Unfortunately.


    Chen Sansi was no longer the same person he was six months ago. In just two rounds, he pierced through the Zouwu''s skull with a spear. Blood spilled out, staining its colorful feathers as he ended its life.


    "This fur and skin must be worth quite a bit."


    He hoisted the body and headed back to Liangzhou City.


    Not long after entering the city, he happened to come across a troop of Xuanwu Camp soldiers rushing toward the eastern part of the city. It seemed there was some urgent matter to be dealt with.


    "What''s going on?"


    Chen Sansi asked.


    "Mr. Chen!"


    The leading Thousand Captain saluted, "It''s nothing too serious. A second-rate Sect insists there''s no Witch God Sect, claiming that it''s the Beiliang Army who''s doing the killings and is plotting a rebellion. We''re heading there to take a look. It should be resolved quickly."


    The Sect is...


    About to be driven mad.


    Chen Sansi shook his head.


    How could they not go mad? People are dying every day, and no reason has been found yet.


    Tomorrow it''s his turn to patrol the city. He should personally get involved and give more attention to this matter.


    After carrying the Zouwu''s body home.


    The moment he entered the door, a woman''s hand swung towards him, aiming to grab his ear.


    Chen Sansi instinctively dodged: "Senior Sister?"


    "You''re still avoiding?"


    Senior Sister Nine, Rong Yanqiu, came forward and grabbed his ear: "So, after your realm has increased, you decide to defy your mentors and ancestors? Thinking of fighting your senior sister?"


    "I wouldn''t dare." S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Sansi was puzzled: "I just don''t know what the junior brother has done to make the senior sister so angry?"


    "What do you think?"


    Rong Yanqiu glanced toward the backyard: "You''re really something, not only visiting brothels but also bringing those flirtatious women home?"


    "Senior Sister, listen to my explanation."


    Chen Sansi removed his senior sister''s hand but immediately didn''t know where to start explaining. In the end, he simply changed the subject, showcasing his recent acquisition: "Senior Sister, look at this Exotic Beast. How about I skin it and make you a coat? It''s bound to be incredibly beautiful."


    "For me?"


    Rong Yanqiu spoke irritably: "Have you really not learned your lesson?"


    "First for Senior Sister Sun!"


    Chen Sansi feigned a sudden realization: "I''ll go today."


    "Junior Brother."


    Rong Yanqiu spoke seriously: "There''s something I''m not sure I should say."


    "Please speak, Senior Sister."


    "Sun Li is already twenty-one this year, she''s a grown woman. If there''s something that needs to be done, you should do it. Dragging it on like this..."


    Rong Yanqiu paused, "Are you waiting for Master to speak to you in person, or do you want Sun Li to tell you by herself?"


    "I understand."


    Chen Sansi actually had no qualms.


    Come to think of it.


    He seemed to have not seen the Sun Li siblings for over half a year. Having some free time today, and with endless duties starting from tomorrow, he really should make the trip over.


    After dealing with the Zouwu''s fur.


    That very afternoon.


    ```

 Chapter 490 - 187: Great Turmoil in Liangzhou, War Breaks Out Again_4

    Chen Sansi arrived at the Governor Mansion.


    "Shanshi!"


    Sun Buqi was very excited, "Finally, I get to see you in person, it really isn''t easy!"


    After exchanging a few pleasantries with him, Chen Sansi found Sun Li practicing with her knife by the lake behind the mountain.


    Her constitution wasn''t bad, and she had enough resources, while her realm had already reached Meridian Passage.


    "Sister apprentice."


    Chen Sansi was holding the fur of a Zouwu, "Take this, make yourself a big cloak."


    "The feathers are really beautiful."


    Although Sun Li was a woman at heart, she wasn''t squeamish and took it openly: "Thank you."


    "Shall I teach you how to practice with the knife?"


    As soon as Chen Sansi said these words, he felt it was somewhat against heaven''s principles.


    Because back in Po Yang, it was he who had begged his sister apprentice for instruction.


    He stayed at the Governor Mansion until the evening.


    After having dinner with his fourth apprentice brother and the Sun Li siblings that night, Chen Sansi took his leave. On the way, he stopped several times, trying to see if he could meet Mr. Mei again.


    The affairs of the Luotian Mountain Range, Mr. Mei might be able to shed some light on.


    Unfortunately, he couldn''t meet him as he wished.


    The next day.


    Chen Sansi continued to concern himself with the army''s affairs, drilling in the morning, inspecting the Great Wall afterward, then personally led a group of men into the city, prepared to try to investigate the Witch God Sect.


    "Ah!"


    When passing near the Moon Splitting Mountain Villa.


    A roar suddenly came from up ahead.


    "Manor Master!"


    "Manor Master, calm down please!"


    "..."


    "Boom¡ª¡ª"


    The gate of the villa collapsed.


    Wen Zhi, with disheveled hair and wielding twin knives, charged down the mountain with bloodshot eyes, like one possessed by madness. He came to the gate and hacked wildly, creating several large pits even on the official road.


    Then, he wanted to head towards the direction of the city.


    "Manor Master, you mustn''t do this!"


    "Get out of my way¡ª¡ª"


    "Manor Master, we don''t even know where the Witch God Sect followers are!"


    "..."


    "Clang¡ª¡ª"


    At the critical moment.


    A flash of sword light passed by.


    Knocking Wen Zhi, who had leapt into the air, to the ground.


    "Old Wen."


    Shao Yujing stood atop the bamboo grove with his sword, his face just as haggard: "Rushing into the city in your state, you''ll only harm the innocent, calm down first."


    "Do I need you to meddle?!"


    "Boom!"


    Wen Zhi rose with his knives, engaging in a fight with the other.


    After about a dozen or so exchanges.


    Perhaps because he was able to vent the resentment in his heart, or realizing that continuing the fight wouldn''t get him out, Wen Zhi finally stopped, planted his knives in the ground, and slowly regained his composure.


    The disciples of Moon Splitting Mountain Villa quickly helped support their master back up the mountain.


    Not far away, soldiers from Hongze Camp happened to arrive.


    "Sect Master Shao."


    As was his duty, Chen Sansi asked, "What happened?"


    "Sigh..."


    Shao Yujing slowly sheathed his sword and sighed deeply, "Old Wen has lost another child..."


    "How did he die?"


    Chen Sansi inquired, "Witch God Sect?"


    "Exactly."


    Shao Yujing stared in the direction of Moon Splitting Mountain Villa, "Just last night, Old Wen''s second son died violently in his own room, his heart rotten away, someone took his heart blood. If not the Witch God Sect, then who else could have done it?"


    "Not just him."


    "I also had two True Inheritors die..."


    "General Chen!"


    He paused, then stressed his words.


    "I admit it."


    "When the Eight Camps first arrived in Liangzhou, we from the Sky-reaching Sword Sect and Moon Splitting Mountain Villa were the leaders in non-cooperation."


    "But later..."


    "After all, we did as Lord Governor requested."


    "Opened up our forests, allowed hunters to go hunting."


    "Most of the land rent was also reduced to the lowest."


    "The share of military expenses we agreed to shoulder, not a single Copper Coin was missing."


    "These years, any profits we could give up, we gave up."


    "Yet these past two years..."


    "The Witch God Sect continuously murdered our Sect disciples."


    "And you Beiliang Army still haven''t found out why, up to now."


    "Shouldn''t you also be giving us an explanation?"


    A cascade of questions poured forth.


    The soldiers of Hongze Camp felt somewhat ashamed after hearing this.


    However, their commander only hooked the corner of his mouth in a cold smile.


    "Mr. Chen?"


    Shao Yujing was slightly taken aback, "What do you mean?"


    "Sect Master Shao."


    Chen Sansi retorted, "Do you think that all of you Sects appear very merciful in willingly giving your money and food to help the court and the people, like sacrificing flesh to feed an eagle?"


    "Merciful, perhaps not."


    Shao Yujing responded, "But the people of Liangzhou should indeed be grateful to us."


    "Shao Yujing!"


    Chen Sansi called out his name, each word striking like thunder, "Do you think I haven''t seen Liangzhou''s records of these years?!"


    "Starting from the twentieth year of Longqing."


    "The tax records, Fish Scale Book, yellow register in Liangzhou City, which year have they ever matched up, where did the excess tax go if not into the national treasury, Sect Master Shao, dare you settle these accounts with me?"


    "Afterwards, when the Holy Emperor ordered the planting of Spiritual Grain, why wasn''t any seen in your Sect''s farmlands? Instead, the common folks'' fields were forced to grow an extra tenth to cover the shortfall."


    "Then, during disaster years, you buy good land at a cheap price, in plentiful years you force people to take high-interest loans, countless acts of clever extortion.


    "How is it that when you have to spit out a portion, it''s like a great injustice has been suffered, and the people should feel grateful for your ''favor''?!" S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Upon hearing these words.


    Shao Yujing''s pupils shifted several times.


    It was as if, he himself had been unaware of all this.


    He insisted, "General Chen''s words, what does that have to do with the Witch God Sect Followers'' deeds? Regardless, you can''t just ignore the life and death of our Sects, can you?!"


    "So there''s no connection now? Wasn''t Sect Master Shao just threatening the Beiliang Army with this earlier?"


    Chen Sansi fired back this question and continued as he saw the other''s silence, "Moreover, we''ve never said we wouldn''t care; we''ve simply not been able to find any concrete clues."


    "Up the mountain!"


    At his command,


    he gathered hundreds of men and strode through the gate of Moon Splitting Mountain Villa.


    In the past,


    Chen Sansi was a Thousand Captain, his main duty had been patrolling the city, and the specifics of investigations weren''t his concern. Now that he had the opportunity, it was time to try his hand at investigating, to see if he could uncover some clues.

 Chapter 491 - 187: Great Turmoil in Liangzhou, War Breaks Out Again_5

    Dongyi City Zhang Huaimin.


    The unidentified drugs of Ci Yun Temple.


    Both of these matters have yet to be clarified.


    "General?"


    "What is this?!"


    The people of Moon Splitting Mountain Villa were taken aback as the armored soldiers barged into the villa without a greeting and were momentarily at a loss. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Beiliang Army is here to investigate!"


    Xia Cong instructed, "Leave one person to detail the recent events, and the rest of you, withdraw!"


    In the end,


    Moon Splitting Mountain Villa chose an older martial artist, one of the four Elders, Liu Rongquan.


    "I''ve seen Mr. Chen!"


    Liu Rongquan said respectfully, "May I know how you would like to proceed with the investigation?"


    Chen Sansi said indifferently, "Tell me everything about how your disciples died in the past four months, where, when, and if there was anything unusual before their deaths¡ªtell me everything."


    "This is what happened..."


    Liu Rongquan narrated everything in detail.


    "It is indeed peculiar."


    That was Chen Sansi''s conclusion after hearing the summary.


    These disciples,


    the majority of them died within the sect, and their deaths were silent without any unusual disturbance. Typically, they were only discovered when they were not seen the next day.


    The time of death


    was generally after midnight.


    Reportedly,


    Moon Splitting Mountain Villa was not without vigilance; on the contrary, they had arranged meticulous patrols starting two years ago, round the clock, without interruption. Oddly enough, they never spotted anything; the ones destined to die still died, rendering the measures entirely ineffective.


    "And just last night..."


    Liu Rongquan said, "The second young master also met with disaster, just ahead."


    "Is Master Wen''s residence right next to it?"


    Chen Sansi observed the terrain from atop the roof.


    "That''s right."


    Liu Rongquan said, "To prevent accidents, the Master lives in the neighboring courtyard."


    "That''s too close."


    Chen Sansi looked at the two courtyards, no more than a hundred steps apart.


    For a Martial Saint, it''s basically akin to living together, and any disturbances should be noticed immediately.


    Yet, the father knew nothing of his son''s death at his side.


    No wonder Wen Zhi was going mad.


    "Let''s go."


    "To the Sky-reaching Sword Sect."


    "..."


    Soon,


    Chen Sansi led his people to the next sect.


    Over several days,


    he had scoured dozens of large and small sects both inside and outside Liangzhou City, with almost identical results.


    The peculiarity of the whole matter


    seemed as if the deaths of these sect disciples were not caused by others, but as if they had killed themselves.


    "This matter is truly bizarre."


    Xia Cong, unable to fathom it, mused, "Even if the Wushen Sect Leader were to come over, it''s unlikely he could kill without leaving a trace, right? Moreover, during the two days we''ve been investigating, the deaths keep happening."


    When things are abnormal, there must be demons at play.


    Since the whole matter itself does not conform to logic,


    Chen Sansi stopped trying to think in conventional terms.


    Combining what he saw at Ci Yun Temple, he had a rough guess in his mind.


    "Heh, it can be seen as their own retribution."


    "Xia Cong, go and find General L¨¹, do it discreetly, just say..."


    ...


    That night,


    Moon Splitting Mountain Villa.


    Wen Zhi had five children,


    three of whom had remarkable talents.


    The eldest son, Wen Qiushi, dead.


    The second son, Wen Buhua, dead.


    Now, only the youngest daughter, Wen Chengrui, who possessed the Body of Martial Saint, remained as the sole heir of the Moon Splitting Mountain Villa. The other son and daughter, with poor qualifications, did not practice Martial Arts.


    "Miss!"


    "Please go back!"


    "Indeed, leave the search to us!"


    "If you encounter an accident, the Manor Master will truly go mad!"


    "..."


    Convinced by the crowd,


    the young lady dressed in white, her attire resembling that of a scholar, with double swords strung at her waist, finally agreed.


    After returning to the courtyard,


    dozens of disciples immediately surrounded it for protection.


    "Creak~"


    Wen Chengrui gently pushed open the door to her bedroom.


    In the room of a lady who practiced Martial Arts, it was filled with various ink paintings, with a table set up with fine stationery and a complete variety of books.


    Women in the Great Sheng Dynasty couldn''t participate in the imperial examinations; no matter how well they read, it could only be considered a hobby.


    Wen Chengrui took out a fire stick and lit the candle.


    The room lit up with a faint glow.


    She gently placed the candle on the table''s edge, her slender hand about to take the brush when her peripheral vision caught a strange figure hiding in a corner of the room. Her body tensed slightly, pretending not to notice anything wrong, her hand covertly reaching for the sword at her waist, her mouth opening to call for help.


    Just then,


    she noticed the figure, also clad in a white robe, place a finger to their lips, signaling for silence.


    "You?"


    Wen Chengrui''s brows knitted slightly: "Chen Sansi?"


    "Do not make any noise."


    Chen Sansi spoke calmly: "Carry on with whatever you were doing, just ignore me."


    "Did they let you in?"


    Wen Chengrui released the sword hilt: "Are you here to wait for the Witch God Sect Followers who will come to assassinate me?"


    Chen Sansi did not deny it.


    "It''s useless."


    Wen Chengrui quickly calmed down, hung her double swords on the Lan Qi, and while grinding ink, she said, "I would advise you to leave instead. This method has been tried before, and all it leads to is an additional death."


    "Your Wen Family should not be hoping for my death, should they."


    Chen Sansi looked out at the moonlight and said offhandedly.


    "Hoping for your death, why would they?"


    Wen Chengrui did not stop her movements, pondering: "Because you killed my elder brother?"


    Chen Sansi could not detect any hatred in her tone, which was somewhat unexpected. He glanced sideways at the young woman whose brows and eyes exuded a spirit of valor and scholarly air.


    "Life and death are fated in a contest of Martial Arts."


    Wen Chengrui''s lips curled into a cold smile: "Besides, with his character, him being dead might mean fewer people get harmed."

 Chapter 492 - 187: Great Turmoil in Liangzhou, War Breaks Out Again_6

    "You''ve put your reading to good use."


    Chen Sansi had no idea if this person was truly reasonable to the extent of putting justice before family, or if Wen Qiushi had indeed committed so many atrocities that even his own sister could no longer turn a blind eye.


    He didn''t care.


    The room fell into silence.


    After a while,


    Wen Chengrui, following her usual routine, blew out the candle and sat quietly behind the desk waiting.


    This wait


    lasted two hours.


    Until the second watch of the night, there was no activity.


    "It seems he won''t be coming tonight."


    Wen Chengrui started to speak, "You can go¡­" but before she could finish, she saw the door move slightly and then gently open, as if a night breeze had passed. A figure appeared in the doorway, flitting from the darkness, and swiftly moved in front of Wen Chengrui.


    "Father?!"


    Moonlight spilled through the window lattice into the room.


    Wen Chengrui saw the person before her was indeed her biological father.


    Just as she was about to sigh in relief, she noticed her father''s extremely cold expression, as foreign as a stranger''s, his hand... holding a Vajra Pestle with an ancient bronze sheen!


    In the blink of an eye,


    the cold light of the moon flashed, and a Jiao Long dragon emerged from the sea.


    Wen Zhi, holding the Vajra Pestle, turned and struck down upon the dragon''s head.


    "Boom!"


    True Qi surged.


    The Li Quan Spear in Chen Sansi''s hands let out a continual wail, and he found himself uncontrollably retreating backward, his feet etching a long trench in the ground until his Vajra Body''s back crashed against the wall to stabilize. Only with his Protective Gang Qi was he spared from injury.


    So this was a Martial Saint?


    It was his first time engaging with a Martial Saint, and he truly experienced the terror of True Qi.


    True Qi and Gang Qi were existences of completely different calibers.


    If it had been an ordinary martial artist of small achievement in the Xuanxiang Realm, they likely wouldn''t have been able to block it.


    "Father?!"


    Shock covered Wen Chengrui''s cheeks, "Was it you, you killed the other disciples and my second brother?"


    Indeed, the Vajra Pestle in Wen Zhi''s hands, along with his sudden nocturnal visit and subsequent attack, had said it all, but she still could not fathom the reason behind it.


    Even a tiger wouldn''t eat its own cubs!


    This was the murder of dozens of fellow disciples and his own flesh and blood!


    As expected,


    Chen Sansi had guessed correctly.


    The reason why no one had been able to find the true culprit no matter how much uproar or how many deaths there had been for such a long time, was not because the Witch God Sect Followers were so good at hiding, but because the killer was inside!


    Not just inside,


    but also the Sect Masters of various sects!


    Only they could manage to kill and collect blood within their own sects without a trace!


    "Father, I''m Chengrui, don''t you recognize me?"


    Wen Chengrui, seeing the unfamiliar look on her father''s face, kept backing away.


    "Don''t bother, they''ve been controlled."


    Chen Sansi could clearly see a flickering mysterious light writhing in Wen Zhi''s abdomen, though he didn''t know what it was, he was certain that it was controlling the body.


    Back at Ci Yun Temple, it was said,


    that whatever these Sect Masters had ingested was related to this substance.


    Tonight, the same scenario was occurring in the various sects of Liangzhou City.


    Sky-reaching Sword Sect,


    "Master?!"


    Lu Shuhua had taken a rare trip back to the Sect from the military camp.


    And then¡­


    in the dead of night, he saw his master holding a bloodstained Vajra Pestle at his bedside.


    "Master, it''s me! It''s Shuhua!"


    A majestic figure appeared.


    The Heavenly Halberd collapsed like a Heavenly Pillar, clashing with the long sword.


    "Boom!"


    Two streams of True Qi collided, like a tsunami erupting.


    Even from several zhang away, Lu Shuhua was still blown away, spitting out a mouthful of fresh blood as he landed.


    The two Martial Saints each retreated.


    "Sect Master Shao."


    Ji Ji looked at the person in front of him, puzzled, "Why would you attack your own True Disciple?"


    He had also received a message from his junior not long ago, asking him to come to the Sky-reaching Sword Sect in secret; he hadn''t expected to encounter such a situation.


    All along.


    The ones slaughtering the Sect disciples were their own people!


    And it seemed.


    These people were under some kind of control, without even their own consciousness.


    Shao Yujing simply carried his sword and charged forward again, fighting fiercely.


    ...


    Moon Splitting Mountain Villa.


    Rong Yanqiu and Meng Guangxin appeared at the same time.


    One holding an Iron Thorns Whip and the other a Crescent Moon Spade, they attacked from both flanks.


    "Boom!"


    Wen Zhi''s dual blades turned into two bright moons, terrifying True Qi burst forth, directly repelling them, barely as Martial Saints, of course, they weren''t easily trapped by those of the Xuanxiang Realm.


    He did not linger in battle but leapt into the air with one step.


    "Stop!"


    Rong Yanqiu barely caught up, the Iron Thorns Whip chopping down vertically, directly collapsing half of a house, with Gang Qi turning into a Flying Snake biting towards the opponent''s back.


    Wen Zhi turned around in one move.


    True Qi surged and easily shattered the Gang Qi, he was in front of Rong Yanqiu in an instant.


    "Sister, be careful!"


    Chen Sansi''s three types of Gang Qi burst out simultaneously, helping his sister block the onslaught.


    Wen Zhi, holding his dual blades, bore a fierce look as he prepared to take out the nuisance before leaving.


    Chen Sansi was already prepared to use his spell. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Dad!"


    The voice of Wen Chengrui rang out, "What on earth is going on with you? Stop your hand!"


    Suddenly.


    Wen Zhi''s dual blades hung suspended in mid-air.


    His face trembled violently, his whole body struggled as if fighting against something.


    Meanwhile, the third senior brother and the seventh senior brother were also rushing over.


    "Bang!"


    Wen Zhi stomped his foot and fled at top speed, leaving behind a voice filled with pain and desolation.


    "Chen Sansi!"


    "I beg you, please preserve the last legacy of Moon Splitting Mountain Villa!"


    "..."


    "Whirr¡ª"


    Thousands of Armored Soldiers who had been prepared in advance surged forward.


    "Sir!"


    "Things have gone bad, Sir!"


    "The Great Wall has lit signal fires!"


    "There is an enemy attack!"


    "The Sects within the State City have also fallen into chaos!"


    "Liangzhou is in great disarray!"

 Chapter 493 - 188: Barbarian Heavenly Capital, Langjuxu Mountain

    "Many Sects are saying that Beiliang Army is going to raid their homes, and they''ve already started rebelling!"


    "..."


    No need for the reports from his subordinates, standing on high at Moon Splitting Mountain Villa, he could already see the fires raging in four directions within Liangzhou City.


    There were only two Martial Saints.


    But there were still quite a few Sects with Mysterious Phenomenon in residence.


    Such sudden chaos could cause a lot of trouble.


    Not to mention, there was the enemy attack outside the city.


    "Chu Shixiong!"


    "You take the left, right, and rear forces, surround Moon Splitting Mountain Villa, stabilize their emotions, explain the situation, and you must control the situation before dawn."


    "Front forces, central forces, follow me to the Great Wall!"


    "..."


    In the midst of chaos.


    The most terrifying thing was disorder, for once it began, no amount of troops was useful.


    Currently, the fastest to mobilize in the city was the Hongze Camp.


    The rest, like the Black Tortoise Camp, needed time, better to simply leave them to quell the chaos within the city.


    "Sir!"


    Xia Cong reported, "Three jujube fires, three piles of firewood, there must be over two thousand assailants!"


    "Investigate further and report back! I need to know their exact location!"


    "Report¡ª"


    "A breach has appeared at the northwest corner of the Great Wall, and over a thousand barbarian cavalry have poured in, currently wreaking havoc in the area of Fengxi Village!"


    "..."


    "Central Army, block the breach and cut off the retreat!"


    "Front Army, proceed to Fengxi Village immediately!"


    ...


    Fengxi Village.


    At the end of the village, a dilapidated tile house.


    Inside the house.


    A woman was sewing patches onto torn clothes under the dim candlelight.


    "Phew~"


    Seeming to sympathize with the candle, she gently blew out the flame and continued sewing by moonlight, although she kept glancing outside the window intermittently, distracted.


    "Hiss..."


    As expected, the needle pierced her finger.


    The woman didn''t care much, just put her finger in her mouth, waited for the blood to stop, and then continued sewing, but her actions grew more and more agitated until she could no longer calm down, and simply put down her things and stood up.


    "Why hasn''t my brother come back yet."


    Su Wen and her brother had depended on each other since they were young.


    Her brother, Su Can, didn''t enjoy studying.


    Now having saved enough silver coins, he had bought a bow and arrow and learned from the village elders to go up the mountain and become a hunter.


    But today...


    He still hadn''t come back this late.


    Hearing about the Big Worms and Black Bears in the mountains, and another kind of fierce beast with red venomous eyes, recently, many people from the village had met with misfortune. If something happened to her brother... she couldn''t go on living like this.


    Thinking this way.


    Su Wen opened the window, and with half her body leaning out, she stared intently in the direction of the village entrance, but she couldn''t see any figures.


    Just as she was frantic with worry, suddenly a hand tapped on her shoulder.


    "Ah!"


    "Little brother?!"


    "You scared me to death!"


    "Why did you come back without making a sound?"


    "..."


    Su Wen looked at the familiar youth and finally let out a long sigh of relief.


    Carrying a bow and arrows on his back, and holding a rabbit in his left hand and a pheasant in his right, the young Su Can said, "Sister, we have meat now!"


    "Next time you mustn''t come back this late, I was almost scared to death by you," Su Wen responded.


    "Don''t worry, sister," Su Can reassured as he unloaded his gear and continued, "I''ve inquired, and joining the Sect to learn Martial Arts is too difficult. In a little while, I plan to join the army, starting with the Liangzhou Guard Station. If I perform well, I could directly join the Beiliang Army.


    "Maybe, I''ll even have a chance to join the Hongze Camp and follow that General.


    "Once I''m in the Hongze Camp, our family''s days will get better! By then, sister, you can also marry a good man."


    "You want to join the army?" Su Wen felt worried as she said, "Young brother, haven''t you heard that war is about to break out? Joining the army at this time...


    "It''s okay, sister," the youth said confidently, "If I really can get into the Hongze Camp, it''s impossible to lose a battle."


    "Still..."


    "Enough, sister, how can one secure a life without learning Martial Arts nowadays? I know what I''m doing. I''m hungry, is there anything to eat at home?"


    "I''ll cook for you right now."


    "..."


    Su Can picked up his bowl and chopsticks, just about to eat, when suddenly the table began to shake.


    That''s not right...


    The whole house, the entire village, was trembling!


    "Dada dada¡ª"


    Following that, the deafening sound of hooves and the terrified cries of the villagers came next.


    "Barbarians!"


    "The barbarians have attacked!"


    "..."


    Screams, sinister laughter, sounds of swords, and the noise of fire, all these chaotic sounds mixed together, turning the previously peaceful village into a living hell in a matter of moments.


    "Barbarians!" Su Can gritted his teeth.


    Years before.


    It was the same chaos in which their parents had died!


    "Sister, let''s go!"


    Su Can grabbed his bow and arrows and dragged his sister out of the house.


    The neighbors were doing the same.


    Many villagers were awakened from their sleep, hurriedly rushing towards the city with their wives and children in tow. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Sister, you head to the city too!"


    "Young brother, what are you doing?!"


    Su Wen reached out in vain, watching as her brother charged into the inferno with his bow and arrows.


    ...


    "My girl!"


    A middle-aged man watched in horror as his daughter was abducted on horseback by a barbarian, grabbing a pitchfork and rushing forward to fight desperately.


    But he was no match for a trained martial artist, and instead was thrown backwards violently.


    "Annoying creature!"


    A barbarian with furious eyes swung his curved sword, intending to cleave him in two.


    Just then, a black snake darted through, piercing his throat, causing his raised curved sword to stiffen midway, then with a "clang" it dropped to the ground, and the man toppled from his horse.


    "Su Can?"


    The middle-aged man turned his head and saw the young archer amid the flames.


    "Uncle Xu!"


    Su Can yelled, "Hurry and take Ling''er away, the town will definitely send help!"


    "Alright, alright, I understand," the middle-aged man said as he carried his daughter, who had fainted from shock, "Can, what about you?"

 Chapter 494 - 188: Barbarian Heavenly Capital, Langjuxu Mountain_2

    The youth didn''t answer, he simply took his bow and arrows and disappeared into the light of the fire.


    "Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh¡ª"


    Arrows continually shot forth.


    Each time accurately hitting the barbarian''s throat.


    Before long, he had claimed over a dozen lives.


    Su Can''s eyes were like an eagle''s, constantly drawing his bow and loosing arrows.


    Soon enough, he drew the attention of the barbarians.


    A barbarian of the Bone Forger Realm spurred his horse and headed straight for the youth to attack.


    "Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh¡ª"


    Su Can fired several arrows in succession.


    However, they were all blocked by the round shield in the opponent''s hand.


    As the barbarian drew near, he bent down to pick up a long knife and swung it.


    In an instant,


    The youth felt as if he had collided face-to-face with a mountain. His arm bones shattered inch by inch, the long knife was thrown from his grasp flying several meters away, and he himself was violently smashed against the wall. It felt as if all his internal organs were shattered, and mouthfuls of fresh blood surged up continuously, leaving him to fall to the ground, unable to move.


    The glint of a blade shone before him.


    Just at that moment,


    A dragon''s roar echoed.


    With a thunderous crash, it was as though a black dragon had stormed past, the barbarian leader''s head burst apart, with red and white matter raining down like a downpour, splattering all over Su Can''s body.


    "Thud!"


    Along with the muted sound, the black dragon landed beside him.


    It was an arrow, glowing with a black sheen.


    Looking in the direction from which the arrow had come, within the chaos of the fiery hell, he saw a robust figure slowly drawing his bow on top of a white horse, glancing at him with his peripheral vision before spurring the horse away. The long spear in his hand glittered with silver light, and wherever he passed, barbarians fell from their horses, until he completely disappeared into the darkness at the end.


    "Beiliang Army!"


    "The Beiliang Army has come!"


    "It''s Chen Sansi from the Hongze Camp!"


    "..."


    The villagers, mired in the quagmire of panic, began to cry out as though grabbing onto a lifeline.


    The Beiliang Army was like the scorching sun dispersing the clouds.


    In less than a quarter of an hour,


    The barbarians within Fengxi Village were wiped out.


    "Sound the arrow signal!"


    "Order the Central Army of the Great Wall to tighten the encirclement; don''t let a single one escape!"


    "..." S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Giddyup!"


    Chen Sansi increased his horse''s speed, his Big Bow humming as it reaped the lives of the barbarians. Carried away by the killing, he eventually grasped his long spear and plunged into the crowd. Wherever his eyes fell upon an enemy, he swept his long spear all around, his Gang Qi swirling like a tornado, unstoppable as if he were in uninhabited territory.


    Several hundred barbarian cavalry were terrified out of their wits.


    The last person in the Beiliang Army to inspire such terror was Ji!


    Everyone said he was skilled in archery.


    Yet, this spear technique was nothing short of terrifying!


    Blood and blade-light filled the air.


    Chen Sansi didn''t know how many he had killed. He simply kept thrusting his spear whenever he saw someone, until the armor and colors of those around him had completely changed. Only then did he pull on the reins to stop.


    He looked back.


    Corpses of robbers lay everywhere.


    "Sir!"


    Xia Cong reported, "The breach in the Great Wall has been sealed, and the barbarian cavalry who were fortunate enough to get through have also been wiped out. Shall we return to the city or...?"


    "Stay at the Great Wall!"


    Chen Sansi ordered.


    The city was being handled by his senior brothers. The more pressing issue was the Great Wall.


    "Yes!"


    "..."


    Soon,


    Chen Sansi arrived at the northern gate tower of the town''s Great Wall.


    He stood at the edge of the city wall and saw the vague figures of barbarian cavalry retreating miles away. It seemed they were not planning to continue the attack on the city, the previous offensive was likely just a probe.


    Until dawn,


    A few more Night Patrol Teams returned.


    "Sir!"


    "A new camp has been discovered by the barbarians near Huqiu Mountain!"


    "There''s also one by the Agate River."


    "..."


    "..."


    After the information was consolidated,


    It was basically determined that the barbarians were pressing across the entire Northern Territory border.


    But the specific intelligence was not yet clear.


    "Explore again and report back! Find out exactly how many troops are near Huqiu Mountain and who is in command."


    "Yes!"


    "..."


    Around midday,


    News came from the city.


    The turmoil triggered by the various Sects had mostly settled down.


    Only Shao Yujing, Wen Zhi, and a number of High Realm Martial Artists from the Mysterious Phenomenon had disappeared without a trace, their whereabouts unknown. Everything happened so suddenly, that if it hadn''t been discovered in time that these people were controlled, it would have been unimaginable chaos if they had stayed behind during the war.


    "..."


    Chen Sansi recollected.


    Last night, almost simultaneously with the detection of signs of trouble in the Sects, the enemy launched an attack outside the Great Wall.


    It was almost certain.


    There must have been a connection between the two events.


    This Northern Expedition could no longer be delayed.


    "Sir!"


    "The Crown Prince has summoned the Main Generals of the Fourteen Camps to return to the city for a meeting."


    ...


    Thousands of miles away,


    Heavenly Capital City.


    Yuwen, Murong, Tuoba, and Duan Clan are known as the Great Desert''s four prominent leaders.


    Though all part of the barbarian tribes, they had not been harmonious over the past thousand years.


    Frequent conflicts and attempts to swallow each other were common, each desiring to dominate the others.


    It wasn''t until the past hundred years, in response to resisting Dasheng and encroaching upon the more fertile lands of the Central Plains, that they slowly joined forces, forming the Grassland Alliance. Whenever there was a war against Dasheng, they would march and retreat together.


    Even so, there was still distrust and scheming amongst themselves.


    However, at this very moment,


    Today,


    All four Great Khan were gathered together for an unprecedented meeting.


    Langjuxu Mountain!


    The Great Desert grassland is divided between impoverished and prosperous territories.


    The Yin Mountain Range is the boundary between the Northern Desert and Southern Desert.


    South of the mountain range, the climate is relatively mild, suitable for herding cattle and sheep.


    The reason the barbarians have steadily grown stronger is because of the rich resources of the Southern Desert.


    Langjuxu Mountain, located within the Yin Mountain Range, is said to have been home to a gathering of myriad demons in Ancient Times until a Divine Wolf descended from the heavens and drove away the demons, allowing the Human Race to thrive in this land.


    Therefore, this place is considered sacred by all four barbarian tribes.

 Chapter 495 - 188: Barbarian Heavenly Capital, Langjuxu Mountain_3

    Its status is equivalent to that of Ziwei Mountain to the people of the Central Plains.


    On this day,


    The Great Khans of the Four Barbarian Tribes, who rarely meet together,


    Ascended the mountain to worship their ancestors!


    "Three hundred years ago!"


    "My Heavenly Clan once ruled over the Central Plains for more than a hundred years!"


    "Little did we expect!"


    "That Great Ancestor Sheng Cao Xie would emerge, forcing my Heavenly Clan to retreat back to the Great Desert, bearing three hundred years of humiliation!"


    "But it all ends here!"


    Among the Four Tribes of the grassland, the Tuoba were the most powerful.


    Raising his wine bowl, the Tuoba Great Khan said to the other three Great Khans, "The Sheng Dynasty is corrupt, its time has come to an end!"


    "This time with the aid of the Witch God Sect and the Immortal Master from the Demon Clan!"


    "We can not only take back the Central Plains!"


    "But also cleanse the Central Plains with blood and step onto the Path of Immortality!"


    "From now on, the people of the Central Plains will never again raise their heads!"


    "That Emperor of the Sheng people is quite laughable!"


    Yuwen Great Khan chuckled coldly, "If it were not for his support to Yunzhou for ten days, we wouldn''t have had the chance to open a rift in the heavenly seal through Blood Sacrifice and receive assistance from the Ancient Demon Immortal Masters!"


    "Indeed."


    Murong Great Khan followed, "The old Emperor of Sheng people would do anything to live another couple years, millions of commoners, tsk, even if it were cattle and sheep, we would need to put in some effort."


    "He succeeded, extending his life by twenty years, continuing to pursue his Immortal Path."


    The Duan Clan Great Khan snorted, "It''s just a pity, his reign may not last that long."


    "The Immortal Masters of the Ancient Demon Clan have said."


    The Tuoba Great Khan stated, "The key this time lies with Sun Xiangzong!"


    "That is why the Great Sect Master built the Array Eye of the Blood Sacrifice right at the end of this Slaughter Vein, once the great array and the Slaughter Vein are revived, even the one surnamed Sun can do nothing."


    "Victory to the Heavenly Clan!"


    "Victory!"


    Just as the Great Khans raised their wine to the heavens, at the edge of the altar, a Witch God Sect High Priest in a fluttering black robe seemed to sense something, suddenly opening his eyes, his expression turning ice-cold and grave.


    "This..."


    "High Priest."


    Asking the Tuoba Great Khan, "Is there a problem?"


    "Extreme Yin Gu."


    The High Priest said gravely, "The undercover agent buried within the city has been exposed."


    "How could it be exposed?!"


    Yuwen Great Khan asked in a tense voice, "Does it affect our grand plan?"


    "It''s of no consequence."


    The High Priest stated coldly, "The Blood Sacrifice was almost ready, it''s simply a matter of starting a bit earlier."


    ...


    Liangzhou City.


    Sixth Prince Cao Huan gathered all the Main Generals of the Beiliang Army''s Fourteen Camps together to discuss last night''s events and how to plan the upcoming battles in front of the huge sand table.


    "This time,"


    Cao Huan spoke, "thanks to General Chen''s early detection of the activity within various sects in the city! It''s hard to believe that these Sect Masters themselves are the greatest culprits. If we had left them in the city after the battle started, the consequences would have been unimaginable!"


    "Sun Dushi has yet to return to Liangzhou City. Today I''ve summoned the generals here to discuss how we should proceed?


    "The original plan was to march north when the spring starts in five months. After what happened last night, do you think we should maintain the status quo or make some changes?"


    "Naturally, we should stick to the original plan."


    The Main General of Skyhawk Camp stood up and said, "As everyone knows, the barbarians are primarily nomadic, and in late autumn when the grass is plentiful and they''re at their strongest, that''s their most powerful time. In contrast, during winter, their food and grass become scarce. After a period of consumption, by spring, they are usually at their weakest."


    "On the other hand, our Beiliang Army has been storing food and fodder for several years in advance, with no such concerns."


    "By next spring,"


    "Striking the enemy''s weakness with our strength, in such a trade-off, we will surely win with a single blow!"


    "General Li is right!"


    "I agree with General Li."


    Several Main Generals echoed in agreement.


    "General L¨¹!"


    Cao Huan called on, "You are the most experienced and seasoned in the military among us present. What do you think we should do next?"


    "In my opinion,"


    L¨¹ Ji spoke unhurriedly, "what happened last night was no coincidence. Plus, considering their actions on the front line, it indicates that there is a greater scheme at play. Continuing to procrastinate means we would be led by the nose, remaining passive. It''s better to catch them off guard with a proactive strike."


    "General Chen."


    Cao Huan asked, "What is your view on this?"


    All eyes shifted to him.


    Now, Chen Sansi,


    Was an existence with towering prestige in the Beiliang Army.


    "I share General L¨¹''s sentiment,"


    Chen Sansi stated frankly, "we should act sooner rather than later. What do you think, General Fang?"


    "Hmm."


    Fang Qingyun, due to his physical condition, was assigned to oversee Liangzhou City this time.


    He nodded slightly, "Not only do we understand the barbarians'' weakness in spring, but they do as well. Yet they still dared to come to the frontline at this time, which means they must be prepared. Striking unexpectedly is indeed the best choice."


    "Mr. Xu."


    Cao Huan shifted his gaze.


    Xu Wencai swayed his Feather Fan, uttering slowly, "Your servant believes it''s time to make our move."


    "..."


    "..."


    Ultimately,


    Opinions were split evenly between conservatism and aggression.


    But those in favor of attacking included illustrious figures like Chen Sansi and L¨¹ Ji.


    Finally,


    Cao Huan slammed the table, "Before Sun Dushi returns, this prince will temporarily take command. I may not have much experience in leading troops, but I know that we cannot miss a strategic opportunity."


    "Send orders down, prepare the twenty thousand troops of the Northern Territory for battle!"


    "One month from now, to march on the grassland!"


    "Then, we shall discuss how to best fight this battle." S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "..."


    The dozen or so generals began to discuss,


    Coming to the conclusion that they must take Huqiu Mountain first, no matter what.


    This mountain occupied a strategic location.


    If there was to be an advance of several thousand li, they needed an anchor point to stabilize the supply of food and fodder.

 Chapter 496 - 188: Barbarian Heavenly Capital, Langjuxu Mountain_4

    Huqiu Mountain is indeed the best choice.


    But even now,


    everyone is not clear about the barbarian forces'' deployment on Huqiu Mountain; we only know the Prime Minister of the Yuwen Tribe is stationed there.


    "Reliance solely on the intelligence brought back by the Scouts and the night watch may not be entirely accurate. They are well aware that ''All warfare is based on deception'', and we cannot afford to take this lightly since this battle is about the fate of our nation."


    Cao Huan said, "If I remember correctly, the location of Huqiu Mountain falls within the area you are responsible for scouting. You should be the most familiar with its geography and terrain. In five days, take eight hundred Light Cavalry to probe the area, can you?"


    "No problem."


    Chen Sansi accepted the task.


    He also had this intention.


    A military and political conference lasted until the time of Xu.


    By the time all the generals left the Prince Mansion, it was already pitch-black outside.


    Moreover, with the start of the curfew in Liangzhou City from today, it felt even more silent.


    "My brothers in arms." S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Fang Qingyun appeared at the end of the street: "Before you leave, let''s gather together as a family now that a great battle is imminent."


    "Yes, yes, yes!"


    Meng Guangxin was overjoyed: "I remember you''ve hidden away a jar of fine wine, it''s time to bring it out!"


    "Let''s go,"


    Cheng Wei said, "We brothers don''t get many opportunities to meet as it is."


    "I''ve hunted a Zouwu."


    Chen Sansi said, "Send someone to retrieve it; it''ll accompany our drinks."


    Ten brothers in arms walked together in groups of three or two.


    In terms of Martial Arts Realm, Chen Sansi was actually the weakest, as his siblings were all in the Profound Image Realm at Perfection, just bottlenecked at the Martial Saint level.


    They arrived at the Governor Mansion.


    Sun Buqi and Sun Li were also there.


    "Only our master is missing."


    Nie Yuan, the Third Senior Brother, whispered, "Then it would truly be a complete reunion."


    "Could not be better."


    Meng Guangxin said casually, "It''s been so long since we''ve seen our master."


    "It''s been rare in the last five or six years."


    "..."


    Chen Sansi had seen him not long ago, but even he did not know where the master was or what he was doing at the moment.


    "Generals, the banquet is in the Danggui Courtyard."


    A maid led the way.


    Upon arrival,


    the banquet was not prepared inside a room but was set out under the osmanthus tree in the center of the courtyard, flanked by many green plants and potted landscapes, with a bright moon hanging in the night sky overhead.


    An old man with white hair and beard sat at the head of the table.


    "Master?!"


    The crowd showed surprise.


    But soon, this surprise dissipated completely.


    Because they noticed


    their master looked extremely ill, as if not two years but twenty additional years had passed on him, with signs of aging and decay layered upon him, giving the impression that... he was on his deathbed.


    "Master?!"


    The crowd exclaimed in unison.


    Ye Fengxiu, who was always silent, dropped the sword from his embrace and rushed over: "What''s happened to you?"


    The brothers gathered around.


    "Are you trying to suffocate me?"


    Sun Xiangzong waved his hands impatiently, "Back off, all of you."


    The crowd had no choice but to comply.


    "Master."


    Only Rong Yanqiu remained by his side, "What''s wrong with you?"


    "Old man here is exactly one hundred years old this year."


    Sun Xiangzong naturally said, "Is it abnormal to feel old? How many of you here will live longer than me?"


    This was indeed true.


    Everyone still felt uneasy, but the atmosphere became somewhat better.


    The steward from the Governor Mansion brought over a jar of wine and started pouring drinks for everyone.


    "This wine is Spiritual Wine."


    Sun Xiangzong slowly said, "Not only will it make you drunk, but even if you use your cultivation to digest it, your meridians will ache for several days.


    You ten people, one by one, demonstrate the Cultivation Techniques you''ve been practicing for me to see; for every flaw I point out, drink a bowl."


    "Eldest, you start."


    "Yes, Master."


    Lv Ji picked up the Heavenly Halberd and performed a set of broad and magnificent halberd techniques.


    Then came Old Two, Old Three...


    All the way to the fifteenth, Chen Sansi.


    Yes, in terms of seniority, he was actually the fifteenth disciple. There had been five senior brothers before him who perished together in a battle.


    "Old Two, your spear technique is still crap, drink five bowls."


    "Old Three, your Swordsmanship is too hasty, drink four bowls."


    "Old..."


    "Old Six, stop holding back, do you think I don''t know you''re back? Still the same as before; I''ve told you long ago you''re better off practicing short knives, yet you insist on the Mo Blade, not even taking a look at yourself in the mirror! Drink up, five bowls, and even if it hurts, bear it!"


    "Xiao Jiu, you''re not bad, drink three bowls."


    "Not bad and still have to drink?"


    Rong Yanqiu stiffened holding the Iron Thorns Whip.


    "Just drink if I tell you to!"


    "Chen Sansi! Get out, I''m too lazy to watch you practice."


    "..."


    Chen Sansi, who had been ready with his long spear, awkwardly withdrew.


    "Cough cough cough..."


    A gust of night wind blew, and Sun Xiangzong placed his fist to his mouth, coughing lightly, "Enough, this is all the ability you have, far inferior compared to my age; sit down and eat."


    "Girl, you come here too."


    He looked at Sun Li, "Everything about you is good, but if you don''t like practicing martial arts, why force yourself? Stop practicing from now on."


    "Right!"


    Meng Guangxin said loudly, "We''re here for you, junior sister, no need for you to practice."


    "Hm."


    Lv Ji added, "Junior sister, with your senior brothers here, what''s the need to continue cultivating?"


    "That''s right."


    Sun Buqi naturally said, "I''ve always thought the same."


    Joking.


    This table was full of individuals at the Perfection of Mysterious Phenomenon and future Martial Saints.


    He had known since he was little that practicing martial arts was useless, and swaying people was the true way.


    "You get out, I didn''t ask you to sit at the table and eat!"


    Sun Xiangzong slapped the table and coughed twice.


    "Eh eh eh?"


    "Senior brother, what are you doing?"


    Meng Guangxin grabbed Sun Buqi and threw him out of the courtyard, "Master, don''t be angry!"


    Sun Xiangzong poured himself a cup of wine and took a sip before starting on the side dishes.

 Chapter 497 - 188: Barbarian Heavenly Capital, Langjuxu Mountain_5

    Master began eating with his chopsticks.


    Only then did the disciples dare to follow suit and start their meal.


    A feast.


    It lasted until midnight before it ended.


    Their gathering spot moved from the courtyard to the hall, from drinking wine to drinking tea.


    Flanking Sun Xiangzong, Rong Yanqiu on one side and Sun Li on the other, they helped him sit down in the Taishi Chair, "Old Two, kneel down."


    "Ah?"


    Cheng Wei, puzzled, nevertheless immediately complied.


    "You, since you were little, have always been narrow-minded, and that hasn''t changed to this day."


    Sun Xiangzong said, "Sometimes, being too meticulous in your calculations isn''t a good thing. When you get back, copy this Heart Sutra ten thousand times."


    By the side, the housekeeper had already prepared everything.


    "Master..."


    Second senior brother Cheng Wei suddenly realized what Master had suddenly called everyone together for that day. Kneeling there, holding the Heart Sutra, his body trembling, he was unable to speak for a long time.


    "Old Three!"


    Sun Xiangzong called for the next person.


    Nie Yuan knelt heavily, "Master, please speak!"


    "Your previous Swordsmanship didn''t suit you, or rather, there was no Swordsmanship in the world that was suitable for you."


    Sun Xiangzong said while coughing, "I''ve created a new Swordsmanship for you, which should be stronger than what you practiced before. Go back and give it a good try."


    "Thank you, Master!"


    "Bang!"


    Nie Yuan kowtowed heavily.


    "Old Five!"


    Sun Xiangzong beckoned, "After this battle, you should leave. Go to Lingyin Temple; there''s a place for you there. I know you''re the most compassionate among your brothers and sisters; you''ve been wronged these years."


    "Master..."


    Meng Guangxin pressed his palms together.


    "Old Six."


    Sun Xiangzong continued, "Do you realize your mistake?"


    "Disciple realizes his mistake."


    Wang Zhi wept bitterly, "The disciple shouldn''t have been impulsive."


    "You still know that! Is Sun Buhui''s life a life, and the lives of fifteen thousand soldiers of the Xuanwu Camp not lives?! Luckily, you had good fortune and came back alive with your junior. Otherwise, I wouldn''t want to see you for the rest of my life!"


    Sun Xiangzong truly became angry, but after a barrage of reprimands, he slowly calmed down, "Here are some treasure medicines that I brought back from the Extreme North; take them. Since you chose to come back, you should always be aware of your place and know what you need to do."


    "Old Qi."


    "I went to Qing Country and had an old friend forge a sword for you; take it."


    "You''ve always been heavy-hearted since you were young. Go out more often, don''t always be fixated on your enemies. The girl you like, Master has already proposed on your behalf. After the war, go get married."


    "Master..."


    Ye Fengxiu took the sword with both hands, "Your teachings will not be forgotten."


    "Xiao Jiu, you too."


    Sun Xiangzong said, "The incidents of the past have made you overthink and become too ruthless. When you have free time, follow Old Five and read some Buddhist scriptures to cleanse your murderous intent. I''ve also created a set of whip techniques for you, and here are some Elixir Pills."


    "Xiao Jiu will remember this!"


    Rong Yanqiu bowed deeply.


    "Chen Sansi."


    "Here, Disciple."


    Chen Sansi knelt down gently, ready to receive his master''s command.


    "You are the youngest of my students, and also my Closed-door Disciple."


    Sun Xiangzong gently said, "Your elder brothers and sisters, many have followed me since they were small, and some were even raised by me. Even those from Selected Point have been with me for many years.


    "Frankly speaking, your bond with me should not be as deep as that of your senior brothers and sisters, but no matter what, we are master and disciple. In the future, I hope you''ll take good care of that rascal Sun Buqi and your elder sister."


    "Master is too serious."


    Chen Sansi hurriedly said, "Although Disciple has not been in the sect for long, since I have learned the martial arts of the sect and received Master''s care, in my heart, I naturally consider my fellow disciples as family."


    "Haha, you lad."


    Sun Xiangzong seemed a bit emotional, "In many ways, you remind me of myself when I was younger, yet you''re also completely different. If you ever face the same problems, I hope you can do better than I have."


    "The rest of you, leave for now."


    Leave?


    Fang Qingyun nodded, signaling the others to do as told.


    Suddenly.


    The disciples all understood what this meant.


    Today...


    Master was clearly making arrangements for his affairs after he''s gone.


    Each person had received gifts, all immensely precious.


    But only the youngest disciple was left behind, signaling to them...


    The passing of the mantle!


    What about the eldest?


    It wasn''t necessarily the case.


    The eldest hadn''t spoken yet.


    They went into the courtyard and saw Ji Lv standing at the doorway, hesitating and struggling before choosing to step out of the room.


    "Master."


    Chen Sansi found an opportunity and brought out the Spiritual Pearl, "After parting at the ends of the earth, I hadn''t had the chance to return this to you."


    "Kid."


    Sun Xiangzong did not take it but asked with an even tone, "How do you find the Cultivation World? Do you still plan on following that path in the future?"


    "The Immortal Realm is crueler, even more than the mortal world."


    Chen Sansi nodded, "But in the coming days, Disciple will still try his luck there. After all, everyone yearns for immortality, and Disciple is no exception."


    "Old Four must have told you, I originally did not wish for you to go."


    Sun Xiangzong sighed deeply and then said gravely, "But since you wish to walk this path, I have nothing else to give, only a Spirit Vein to present to you in the hopes that it will help with your Immortal Path."


    "For me?"


    Chen Sansi was naturally aware of what this meant.


    It meant...


    He was probably the only person who didn''t need to venture into the Cultivation World and could still cultivate the Immortal Path, able to avoid countless dangers and save a vast amount of resources.


    This gift was heavy.


    "After I''m gone."


    Sun Xiangzong tapped his ring, "Take it. Inside, there is a Cultivation Technique above the Martial Saint level and a long spear. With the Longdan Bright Silver Spear, people will acknowledge you, but you''ll also need your own prestige. Do you understand what I mean?


    "The battle in Ming State, you didn''t join with the Eight Camps.


    "Nor did you in Dongqing." S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 498 - 188: Barbarian Heavenly Capital, Langjuxu Mountain_6

    "Only by winning this battle on the grassland can you truly command the respect of the Northern Territory and the Eight Camps, do you understand?"


    "Truly settling his affairs for after his departure."


    Chen Sansi was not pretentious; he knocked his forehead heavily on the ground: "This disciple will keep it in mind."


    "Good, not a fussy person."


    Sun Xiangzong turned up the corners of his mouth: "This old man says, at a hundred years of age, it''s time to be buried. I don''t know what they are all so sad about."


    "Remember what you promised this old man, take good care of Sun Buqi and his sister as if you''re exchanging their well-being for my estate."


    "Alright, off you go and call your eldest senior brother in on the way."


    "Yes!"


    Chen Sansi got up and left.


    Only then did Sun Xiangzong pick up his teacup, coughing deliberately as he saw him really walk away, repeating, "I told you to take good care of Sun Buqi and his sister, did you remember?!"


    "This disciple remembers..."


    Chen Sansi stopped, realizing his master''s implication.


    He quickly turned around, knelt again, and said loudly, "Master above! This disciple is fond of Senior Sister Sun and wishes to marry her formally. The betrothal gifts will be delivered to her residence tomorrow. Please grant your permission!"


    "Hmm, I will think about it."


    Sun Xiangzong waved his hand with satisfaction: "Go on."


    Marrying the Senior Sister.


    These few words.


    Chen Sansi spoke them loudly.


    All the fellow disciples in the courtyard heard them clearly.


    Such matters were, after all, aboveboard and no need for secrecy.


    "Yo~"


    Cheng Wei laughed: "Not bad, little junior brother!"


    "Amitabha!"


    Meng Guangxin chanted a Buddhist invocation: "How commendable, how commendable."


    "Not bad."


    Rong Yanqiu breathed a sigh of relief: "If he did not speak up, he would be too insensible."


    "Ah?"


    Sun Buqi at the gate also heard clearly: "Chen Sansi really became my brother-in-law? Sister, did you hear that?"


    In the darkness, Sun Li''s expression was not clear, only her voice was heard: "Do you have any objections?"


    "None at all."


    Everyone was happy.


    Only Lu Ji''s smile was forcibly drawn.


    But it wasn''t over for him yet, there was still hope.


    "Creak~"


    The door opened.


    "Eldest senior brother."


    Chen Sansi said, "Master calls for you."


    "Alright."


    Lu Ji stepped forward confidently, entered the room and closed the door, then knelt down heavily: "Master!"


    "Thirty-some years."


    Sun Xiangzong looked at him and slowly said, "Picking you up from the war-torn land, it has also been thirty-some years."


    "Master''s great kindness, I will never forget in this lifetime!"


    Lu Ji kowtowed, not speaking aloud, but full of anticipation in his heart.


    "No need to think about it, the Longdan Bright Silver Spear belongs to your junior brother."


    Sun Xiangzong stated directly.


    "..."


    Silence.


    After about a dozen breaths of silence, Lu Ji''s voice rose again: "Disciple... understands. The Longdan Bright Silver Spear aside, disciple wants to know why master is unwilling to pass on the Cultivation Technique to me?"


    "Good, very good."


    Sun Xiangzong closed the lid of his teacup: "If you hold any grudge in your heart, you should speak it out. Your forthrightness actually raises you in your master''s estimation."


    "So..."


    Lu Ji respectfully said, "Could master tell me if it''s because my qualifications are poor, or if I have done something wrong..."


    He paused, as if recalling something.


    "Or is it because of that incident from years ago?"


    "Master!"


    "That incident from years ago, disciple has already recognized his mistake and seriously repented. The names of everyone who died I have engraved on a stele and placed them in the best spot amongst mountains and rivers!" sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Ten years."


    Sun Xiangzong spoke indifferently, "This old man once buried the ring containing the Cultivation Technique under that stele for ten years. You only erected the stele to show me, not thinking you were at fault. If you had gone to look even once, even just once, you would have found the ring. But you never went, not even once."


    Lu Ji trembled, frozen in place.


    The Cultivation Technique he had dreamed of...


    Thus...


    Had been buried in the mud for ten years?


    If he had gone just once, he would have obtained it!


    "Child."


    Sun Xiangzong said earnestly, "With such a heart, you will not change, but after all, we have had the relationship of master and disciple. I only hope that one day, you won''t become enemies with your junior brothers."


    "Master!"


    Lu Ji voiced trembled: "May I, may I see the Cultivation Technique?"


    "Since you have already practiced the Incense Fire Divine Dao, why insist on asking for it?"


    Sun Xiangzong put down his teacup and closed his eyes: "Everyone come in."


    "Master!"


    The junior brothers and sisters filed in.


    Seeing the eldest brother''s complexion was not good, they knew some matters might have been settled.


    "Let me say one last thing."


    Sun Xiangzong said slowly.


    "Master, are you referring to the upcoming battles?"


    Wang Zhi said.


    "Yes."


    "Master, you are the Supervisor and the Commander of the Beiliang Army. Even the Sixth Prince has been waiting for you."


    "I am telling you..."


    Sun Xiangzong spoke calmly, "This old man can''t fight wars anymore. From now on, it''s up to you all to look after Beiliang."


    "Don''t worry, Master!"


    Everyone knelt in unison.


    "With martial prowess we have the eldest and fourth, and with strategy, we have the youngest junior brother!"


    "We shall annihilate the main forces of the barbarian marauders in this battle and bring peace to the Northern Territory!"


    "Master, you''ve been battling throughout your life, it''s time you rested and enjoyed your old age!"


    "Right."


    "Master, once the battle is over, we''ll all resign and come to serve you in your old age."


    "Hehe, go on down, this old man needs rest."


    Sun Xiangzong waved lightly: "The road ahead, you must walk on your own."

 Chapter 499 - 189: Eight Hundred Hongze Soldiers, Heavy Snow Attacks the Enemy Camp

    "Master!"


    "Bang¡ª¡ª"


    Nine disciples, all knelt on the ground simultaneously, pressing their foreheads heavily to the floor.


    Then,


    guided by the steward''s signals, they refrained from further disturbance and left one after another.


    Lu Ji was the last to leave.


    "Boss!"


    Third Senior Brother Nie Yuan caught up: "How did it go? Could it be..."


    "Master has passed everything on to the junior brother."


    Walking forward with a sullen expression, Lu Ji said, "The Longdan Bright Silver Spear, and the Cultivation Technique that is above Martial Saint."


    "This..."


    Calculating, Nie Yuan said, "This means he has passed on the mantle to the junior brother! But why... The junior brother is indeed not bad, but after all, he has just been an entry-level disciple for a little over two years. Isn''t Master being a bit rash?"


    "Yes, why indeed..."


    Lu Ji abruptly stopped, then gripped his junior brother''s lapel in a grasp: "Tell me, what is the reason! When it comes to Cultivation qualifications, I am the best; in terms of military achievements and reputation, I am the highest-ranked! About loyalty, would I not treat you all as my own brothers!


    "Is it because of those inconsequential people that I am dismissed? Really... Is it worth it?!


    "I can''t understand, I really can''t understand!


    "What do those people have to do with me, and what do they have to do with Master!"


    By the end of his speech, he released the grip, pounding the ground with his fist in a restrained manner.


    "Sigh..."


    Nie Yuan sighed: "To tell the truth, Master is a peculiar person... but it may also be because the junior brother hasn''t been an entry-level disciple for long, so Master takes extra care of him."


    "After Master retreats."


    In a grave voice, Lu Ji said, "The position of Supervisor will be vacant. Only if I take that position can I protect all of you."


    "There shouldn''t be a problem."


    Analysing, Nie Yuan said, "Even if the junior brother inherits the Longdan Bright Silver Spear, and... marries the junior sister, he only commands one battalion of soldiers. In terms of experience, he still falls short of the eldest senior brother, and the emperor will likely favor the eldest senior brother more."


    "We must fight this battle well."


    Lu Ji slowly lifted his fist from the indented stone ground, his voice growing exceptionally heavy and resolved: "I will fight for the Northern Territory, show everyone in the world that I, Lu Ji, am the greatest disciple of the Sun Xiangzong, the future unanimous choice of the Beiliang Army!"


    ...


    "Bang bang bang!"


    Morning.


    Villagers for hire placed chests upon chests of gold, silver, jewels, and silk in the courtyard of the Governor Mansion, and Liangzhou City''s most renowned matchmaker also came to speak, making the marriage proposal official.


    The wedding date was set to follow the end of the battle on the grassland.


    The urgent matter at hand was to fight this battle well.


    Regarding the affair of the Luotian Mountain Range, since Master hadn''t spoken, it meant there were other plans. His focus should remain solely on military affairs.


    Additionally,


    He needed to mention the matter of marrying Senior Sister Sun to Sister Lan.


    Gu Xinlan would undoubtedly be agreeable.


    It was just that the house was becoming a bit cramped.


    A three-section yard.


    The first section for the maids, the second for Sister Lan, and the backyard for his own Cultivation, where he and Ning Xiang lived together. Now, with the addition of Senior Sister Sun, at least one more section was needed.


    Not to mention...


    Chen Yunxi was growing up day by day, and Chen Duhe would also need his own space eventually.


    It was about time to get a larger house.


    Of course,


    This was no problem for Chen Sansi, he had plenty of silver.


    "The lord has returned."


    Si Qinmohua welcomed him at the door.


    Chen Sansi wasted no time.


    In a few days, he would set out for Huqiu Mountain to explore. Before then, it would be best to break through to Great Success in the Mysterious Phenomenon.


    After finishing the Fasting Pills, it was clear that mere practice would not suffice. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But if he could refine a few more Fasting Pills, combined with Zouwu''s Heart, a few days would be enough!


    "You need me again?"


    Zhaozhao began to chop wood and add water, preparing for the Alchemy.


    "This is an apprenticeship."


    Ning Xiang chided: "In the Cultivation World, people have to pay Spirit Stones to learn this."


    "Boom¡ª¡ª"


    Scarlet flames soared.


    The Formation within the Alchemy Furnace activated layer by layer, absorbing the Abnormal Fire and transferring it inward.


    Chen Sansi stood by, adding heavenly materials and earthly treasures into the furnace at different intervals according to the time.


    Spiritual Grain was the most basic ingredient.


    And under the empowerment of the Alchemy Furnace, Spiritual Grain dissolved upon contact with water, quickly turning a furnace full of water to turquoise. A continuous, tremendous amount needed to be added in batches.


    Then, the rest of the ingredients followed.


    Cold Gold Grass, treasure mushroom wood, Shujing Flower...


    Each of these items was heavenly materials and earthly treasures purchased from Daze Fang City, requiring a spiritually rich environment and long years to grow. Any single one, if taken out into the mortal world, was of incalculable value.


    The Fasting Pill contained thirty-six major transformations and sixty-three minor ones, significantly more complicated than the Fasting Pill.


    "Boom!"


    "Hum rumble!"


    As the materials were nearly all added, the Pill Furnace began to react violently as if a storm was surging inside, threatening to burst forth. Chen Sansi channeled his Mana, placing his hands on it, merging the Formation and the Pill Furnace "into one." He then sensed the changes within through his Divine Sense.


    Despite not being his first use,


    he was still amazed by the profound mystery of the Pill Furnace.


    Materials, Formation, structure...


    None of these could be comprehended overnight.


    Inside the Pill Furnace,


    he faintly saw the ingredients become incredibly large, colliding with each other under the influence of Abnormal Fire and Mana. Each collision brought about changes that contained the essence of great truths.


    Unsurprisingly, the first attempt at making the Fasting Pill failed again.


    And the subsequent waste of materials exceeded even the Fasting Pill''s, taking seven or eight tries to produce an inferior pill, until the ninth attempt when he finally mastered the knack¡ªskillfully controlling the ninety-six major and minor changes.

 Chapter 500 - 189: Eight Hundred Hongze Army, Heavy Snow Assaults the Enemy Camp_2

    "Buzz!"


    Just at that moment, the Golden Smoke Wood had burned out, and the array pattern on the Alchemy Furnace was dimming one after the other, as if it was losing its energy supply. The furnace opened, revealing a green elixir pill within.


    Nourishing Meridian Pill, good quality.


    Chen Sansi breathed a sigh of relief.


    At least he hadn''t wasted all the materials.


    Even so, it was still a major loss!


    Despite his above-average talent in alchemy, his initial attempts had always been at a loss.


    With a hundred skills in cultivation, how could it be easy?


    It was said that...


    The vast majority of Alchemists would only refine one or two kinds of elixir pills they were most familiar with on a daily basis to ensure a profit and avoid losses. Very few would attempt to make a variety of elixir pills, as it was not only a waste of time, but often resulted in financial loss as well.


    Chen Sansi was clearly an exception to this.


    [Skill: Alchemy (Not Entry-Level)]


    [Progress: 50/100]


    [Utility: None]


    More than halfway there.


    Chen Sansi estimated that once he successfully refined the True Martial Pill, he would almost reach the entry-level, and then the future refining of elixir pills would hopefully not be so laborious.


    Great success achieved.


    With a wave of his sleeve, he gathered all his belongings into his storage bag.


    "Right, I almost forgot something. Ning Xiang, come here for a moment."


    Chen Sansi took out a sheepskin scroll from his chest.


    This was the contract between the two of them.


    After the feast last night, his fourth senior brother had returned it to him.


    He asked, "How do I break this?"


    "Break it?"


    Ning Xiang approached, her eyes shimmering, "General, are you serious?"


    "Hurry up," Chen Sansi urged. "I still have to cultivate."


    "First recite the incantation, then apply the spell, and finally tear this contract to pieces."


    Ning Xiang sat beside him, "General, let me teach you."


    She guided him step by step.


    Chen Sansi did each step, and in front of Ning Xiang, he finally burned the contract to ashes with Abnormal Fire. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "From now on, you are free. You are free to leave right now if you wish, but if you want to stay, I will protect you both in place of our master."


    "With the General''s kindness, I will surely not let you down."


    Ning Xiang''s sleeves fluttered as she solemnly pointed to the sky and said, "Today, Ning Xiang swears here that in this life, I will be Chen Sansi''s protector, to serve by his side. If I go against this vow, let thunder strike me and cut off my reincarnation cycle."


    "Master? You, you, you..."


    Zhaozhao said somewhat stutteringly, "Why would you make such a heavy oath? Doesn''t this mean you really can''t change your mind later?"


    Chen Sansi was somewhat puzzled by her sudden oath, "A heaven-reaching oath?"


    "A heaven-reaching oath is different from a contract."


    Zhaozhao started explaining like a teacher, "With a contract, the master can control life and death, for instance, if you were displeased before and chose not to destroy the contract, you could completely take the life of a low-rank cultivator."


    "But a heaven-reaching oath is different."


    "You cannot use the oath to actively harm my master. Instead, my master herself cannot break the oath, or else she would face inner demons or heavenly punishment at every cultivation breakthrough, until she dies a cultivator''s death."


    "Most crucially, contracts can be resolved, while a heaven-reaching oath lasts a lifetime."


    "Master, why did you do this?"


    "Just to show my sincerity."


    Ning Xiang performed a formal salute then said, "General, I have been alone since childhood, and now that I have turned against the Seeking Immortal Tower, I truly have nowhere to go. From now on, I can only follow the General."


    "Suit yourself."


    Chen Sansi probably understood.


    He couldn''t say much more, and after all, it was her own voluntary decision.


    Moreover...


    After returning from the ends of the earth, in some ways, this woman really was one of the most trustworthy people.


    "You two go out for now."


    Chen Sansi sent them out, then swallowed the Nourishing Meridian Pill to begin his final breakthrough.


    As the elixir entered his stomach, Spiritual Energy circulated, nourishing his body and replenishing his meridians.


    He swung the Li Quan Spear in his hand, first summoning a Protective Gang Qi that shimmered around him like dragons and tigers, followed by sharp spear Gang Qi lancing through the air, distorting the atmosphere within a several meters radius.


    To materialize Gang Qi is to achieve a Mysterious Phenomenon!


    Profound Image Realm Great Success.


    It was about using the "meaning" of one''s own Cultivation Method and manifesting this "meaning" through Gang Qi, essentially a more intensified version of external Gang Qi, yet containing the amplification attributed to "meaning," a cut above ordinary Gang Qi.


    Furthermore...


    Only after Great Success in the Profound Image Realm could one refine Gang Qi to its peak, laying a solid foundation for the next breakthrough of transforming Gang Qi into True Qi and becoming a Martial Saint.


    Thunderous sounds echoed continuously within the courtyard.


    As he became more absorbed...


    The long spear in Chen Sansi''s hands danced like an Azure Dragon, and he was like one who seized the dragon''s tail, skillfully directing it. The surrounding Gang Qi also took the form of an Azure Dragon.


    Azure Dragon Form!


    Followed by...


    White Tiger Form!


    Black Tortoise Form!


    And finally, Vermilion Bird Form!


    The four forms of Gang Qi changed at will, moving as the mind wished, forming with the spear!


    Mysterious Phenomenon Realm Great Success!


    [Cultivation Technique: National Guardian Dragon Spear, Mysterious Phenomenon (Great Success)]


    [Progress: 0]


    [Utility:..., Four Symbols Heavenly Gang]


    [Four Symbols Heavenly Gang: Intimidates the masses, encompasses all phenomena]


    In simple terms...


    With the empowerment of the Four Symbols, Chen Sansi''s spear technique now possessed the might of all common warriors in the Mysterious Phenomenon Realm, making him the king of all phenomena, unmatched within his level.


    One more step forward...


    And he would be a Human Martial Saint!


    Before the year fifty-seven of Longqing...


    The number of Martial Saints under the heavens could be counted on one hand.


    Later...


    In the Extreme North...


    Unknown treasures were obtained by the court, causing an explosive increase in the number of Martial Saints, and according to his fourth senior brother, the resources had not been depleted, the court still had some left.

 Chapter 501 - 189: Eight Hundred Hongze Army, Heavy Snow Assaults the Enemy Camp_3

    But no matter what,


    after breaking through to Martial Saint,


    even in this mundane world, standing at the highest level, one can completely defend a territory. As long as one doesn''t voluntarily become someone''s lackey, it''s very rare to need to consider others'' feelings. Even if one goes to the Cultivation World, a Martial Saint is equivalent to a Mid-stage Qi Refining cultivator, and above Martial Saint, one can reach Late Stage or even Perfection.


    Yet, Martial Saint


    is merely the pinnacle of the First Realm of Martial Arts, and not truly considered the Second Realm.


    From this, it can be seen that the strength of Martial Arts is not inferior to that of the Immortal Path.


    If one cultivates both paths together, it can provide even greater protection for one''s longevity.


    This is currently Chen Sansi''s plan.


    He must cultivate the Immortal Path,


    but he must also train in Martial Arts.


    As a Xuanxiang Warrior, after cultivating both spell techniques, he feels no fear against Early-stage Qi Refining cultivators. After advancing to Martial Saint, dealing with Mid-stage Qi Refining cultivators should not be difficult.


    After breaking through, Chen Sansi did not rest for a moment, and immediately continued cultivating the Martial Saint Realm techniques.


    Even he,


    after reading the techniques, found them somewhat frightening.


    It includes over a thousand varieties of Pile Work, and countless spear technique moves and sets. Not only do they encompass the strengths of all spear techniques in the world, but they also contain the essence of over a hundred types of long weapons techniques. All of these merged together to form the National Guardian Dragon Spear.


    What is a Martial Saint?


    A saint among men, who has reached the peak in a specific field and transformed beyond the ordinary. Any Martial Saint, if willing, could establish a sect that would last for hundreds of years.


    Though there are many Pile Works,


    Chen Sansi has a photographic memory.


    The moves and sets may be complex,


    but he has already practiced hundreds of techniques.


    Just two days later,


    he completely mastered the techniques of the Martial Saint Realm.


    [Cultivation Technique: National Guardian Dragon Spear, Martial Saint]


    [Progress: 5/100]


    [Utility: None for now]


    The next step,


    seems like just crossing a threshold,


    but it''s this very threshold that has stopped countless Martial Arts prodigies in the mortal world.


    Take Chen Sansi''s senior brothers and sisters for example, among them are those with the Body of Martial Saint, but they have been stuck in the Great Success of Xuanxiang Realm for years, with no breakthrough in sight, evident of the great difficulty.


    He is unlikely to get stuck, but he will need time.


    It would be best to concoct True Martial Pills that could greatly shorten the time, but there is no time now. Alchemy takes at least several days, and tomorrow morning he must go to the military camp to muster the troops, then head north past the Great Wall to Huqiu Mountain to scout the enemy situation.


    If all goes as expected, warfare will follow.


    Such a large-scale war is likely to last a year or a year and a half.


    Fortunately, he now has a storage bag. The Alchemy Furnace and materials can be carried around, which allows using the spare moments during the war to practice Alchemy.


    "Before leaving, I have to make a trip to the Governor Mansion,"


    Chen Sansi checked the hour, it was nearly Midnight.


    He took two types of Spirit Grass from his storage bag, combined it with some treasure medicine to make a simple Protective Body Ointment, and then went straight to the Governor Mansion.


    "Are you here to see the lady?"


    The housekeeper refused outright, "According to the rules, after the marriage has been arranged, you and the lady must not meet again before the wedding. Please leave at once." S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "It''s okay, I''ll just say a few words and leave."


    Chen Sansi flashed past the housekeeper, bypassing him to enter the mansion, disappearing from view.


    "Hey! You brat!"


    The housekeeper was also a Xuanxiang Warrior, he wanted to intercept but found he couldn''t catch up, "This lad, has he broken through again?!"


    ...


    "Tap tap!"


    Groping his way to his senior sister''s chamber,


    Chen Sansi gently knocked on the window.


    "Who is it?!"


    The cold voice of Sun Li rang out.


    Chen Sansi whispered against the window, "It''s me, your junior brother."


    "Junior brother?"


    From inside came Sun Li''s voice, "What are you doing here at this hour?"


    "It''s nothing."


    Chen Sansi softly said, "I know the rules; I won''t look at you. I''m off to war tomorrow, and I came to give you something. Please open the window quickly."


    A few breaths later,


    the window cracked open just a sliver.


    "Pour it into the water when you bathe."


    Chen Sansi placed the porcelain bottle on the windowsill and turned to leave.


    "Hey, wait a second."


    In the moonlight, a delicate hand reached out, holding an Amulet, "This is for you."


    "Another Amulet?"


    "What do you mean?"


    "I''m checking if the craftsmanship has improved."


    Chen Sansi took hold of his senior sister''s gentle hand, examining the Amulet within her palm.


    "Hey, what are you¡ª?"


    Sun Li stiffened slightly but didn''t pull away.


    Chen Sansi hadn''t expected the hand of a female Martial Artist to be so delicate; she clearly had not skimped on using treasure medicine for daily care.


    Silence.


    Neither of them spoke.


    They stayed like that for about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea.


    "Cough cough cough!"


    From a distant courtyard, suddenly came a cough.


    "Senior sister, I should go!"


    Chen Sansi quickly let go, taking the Amulet and ran off.


    ...


    Luoye Courtyard.


    Bedroom.


    Sun Xiangzong slapped the table, not happy at all, "That little rascal, taking all the advantages for himself!"


    "Hehe, a young talent, my niece''s match is not too shabby,"


    Cao Kai spoke softly.


    "Speak up."


    Sun Xiangzong shot him a glance, speaking indifferently, "What brings you here this time?"


    "After returning from the ends of the earth, seeing that you were gravely injured, I especially sought the Immortal Elixir for you,"


    Emperor Longqing said, waving his sleeve, causing numerous bottles and jars to appear on the table.


    "Cao Kai, oh Cao Kai,"


    Sun Xiangzong sneered, "Have you sat on the Dragon Chair for so long that no matter where you go, and no matter what you do, you must put on an act?


    "Enough with your crocodile tears, whether it was your trip to the ends of the earth to find me or bringing these healing Elixir Pills, it''s all because you''re afraid that after I die, no one will handle the matters in the Luotian Mountain Range.


    "Cao Kai, how cunning you are!


    "So sly that even I fear you from the bottom of my heart!


    "Two years ago.

 Chapter 502 - 189: Eight Hundred Hongze Army, Heavy Snow Assaults the Enemy Camp_4

    "After what happened in Yunzhou ten days ago,"


    "I had pondered,"


    "your collaboration with the Witch God Sect and the barbarians¡ªdo you truly not worry that they might grow stronger and eventually turn against you, against the rule of the Cao Family?"


    "Suddenly,"


    "I understood."


    "You are not worried!"


    "Because..."


    At this point,


    Sun Xiangzong stopped, "Because of Liangzhou, and because of this dying man standing before you!"


    "You know that no matter what happens,"


    "in the end, it''s I and the tens of thousands of soldiers in Liangzhou who will clean up your mess!"


    "Haha~"


    "Putting everyone to their best use."


    "Cao Kai, you really are a qualified emperor."


    "In your eyes, everyone is just a piece on the board."


    "..."


    Emperor Longqing''s expression grew dark.


    He spoke slowly, "I have always regarded you as a brother..."


    "A brother?"


    Sun Xiangzong said disdainfully, "You think I don''t know how my younger brother died years ago? You sent him to escort the Crown Prince back to the Capital, and yet both of them mysteriously died.


    "It was you!"


    "Who had Wang Yonggui inform my younger brother to murder the Crown Prince!"


    "Then to clear your own suspicion, you had my younger brother commit suicide!"


    "Brotherhood in your eyes is worth nothing!"


    "Today you came to my house,"


    "feigning concern."


    "Merely to remind me that in my last moments I should handle the situation in the Luotian Mountain Range, otherwise my Sun family will be annihilated, right?!"


    Cao Kai was silent. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After a long time, his gaze turned stern and majestic, the authority of an emperor emanating forth, "Sun Xiangzong, this is the duty you should fulfill as the governor of Beiliang Governor''s Mansion and as my servant."


    "Without your reminder, I would still handle the matters properly for the sake of the people of Liangzhou."


    Sun Xiangzong coldly spoke, "Tomorrow at dawn, you and I will enter the mountains together, there are still some mysteries to clarify, and you should exert some effort as well."


    "I naturally will go."


    Emperor Longqing agreed.


    Losing the desire to stay any longer in the same room, Sun Xiangzong turned on his heels and pushed the door open to leave, "Sometimes I wonder if there are malevolent spirits hidden in that Dragon Chair, possessive ghosts that take over the sitter, turning them into someone unrecognizable to all.


    "Hereafter, there''s no need to vainly call me brother."


    "My brother Cao Kai died long ago."


    ...


    At 5 a.m. to 7 a.m.,


    Chen Sansi went to the master bedroom. Sister Lan had prepared a White Robe for him ahead of time. After dressing neatly, he stuffed the amulet into his chest and then slung a bow and arrows over his back, picked up a long spear, and belted the Zhenyue Sword at his waist. Lastly, he checked the Xuanzhu in his storage bag again.


    Over this period of time,


    the White Mystical Energy inside the Xuanzhu had automatically restored itself to the level of Hu Lao, and even stronger. When the time came, deploying the Heavenly Array would be a significant aid.


    Before his return,


    his fourth senior brother had tacitly helped to practice various formations in advance.


    Chen Sansi also hadn''t been slacking, fully ready to use them at any moment.


    Inside, there was also the clean energy left by Mr. Mei, still in a state unable to be activated, with no clue yet on how to use it.


    "I''m off!"


    At the door of the Governor Mansion,


    Chen Sansi lifted his daughter from the horseback to the ground, gave her head a gentle pat, then spurred his horse and galloped away.


    Upon arriving at the camp,


    the soldiers of Hongze Camp were already assembled at the Martial Arts Arena.


    After roll-call,


    Chen Sansi began to select soldiers: "Chu Shixiong, Xia Cong, Meng Dingxin, each of you pick eight hundred Light Cavalry. Tonight, after dark, follow me into the Northern Desert towards Huqiu Mountain to probe the Enemy Army''s reality!"


    "Understood!"


    That night,


    eight hundred Hongze Light Cavalry were ready at the Great Wall''s exit.


    Sixth Prince Cao Huan, Supervisor Mr. Hou, Great General L¨¹ Ji, and fourth senior brother Fang Qingyun personally came to see them off.


    "General Chen!"


    Cao Huan repeatedly instructed, "The main purpose of this sortie is to ascertain the reality, to understand the outside military deployment so we can arrange our subsequent strategy. Remember, the main purpose is exploration; should you encounter any issues, do not engage in unnecessary combat. You are among the foremost mighty generals of the Great Sheng Dynasty; any mishap would be a severe loss to the Beiliang Army."


    "This Hai Dongqing, which was trained not long ago, from now on belongs to General Chen."


    As he spoke, he extended his arm, offering an adult Hai Dongqing.


    This Hai Dongqing, its entire plumage a beautiful mountain green and its eyes a deep blue, was particularly striking.


    Chen Sansi now finally had his own "communication device," no longer needing to borrow someone else''s.


    He used the tip of his spear to prick his finger.


    The Hai Dongqing immediately opened its mouth to drink the dripping blood.


    This was the blood oath of recognition.


    The training had been completed before it reached adulthood.


    Upon adulthood, the Hai Dongqing would recognize its master through a blood oath.


    If the master died, it would quickly carry the news of death and intelligence to another nearby general, completing its final duty before starving to death.


    "From now on, I''ll call you Bluebird."


    Chen Sansi casually named it.


    The Hai Dongqing cocked its head, seeming to earnestly memorize his face and the scent of its master, then flapped its wings, signifying that the recognition was complete.


    "Depart!"


    "Go!"


    "..."


    Eight hundred Light Cavalry took advantage of the night and left the city gate in succession, disappearing into the vast grassland desert.


    After several days of exploration,


    they had roughly figured out the deployment of the forces.


    All-out war.


    It wasn''t just referring to Liangzhou.


    But to the Northwest Three States, plus the other two Northern states¡ªa total of five states¡ªgoing to war, including Yunzhou.


    Fourteen Camps of troops would make corresponding arrangements based on the enemy''s troop deployment.

 Chapter 503 - 189: Eight Hundred Hongze Army, Heavy Snow Attacks the Enemy Camp_5

    Therefore,


    it was not only Chen Sansi leading his troops out to survey the enemy situation; the other states were doing the same.


    In Liangzhou, facing the Yuwen Tribe, the total forces arranged on the outskirts were around forty thousand, not many, and they were still setting up camp without any signs of rushing to attack.


    "So stable and steady, unhurried?"


    Behind a hill,


    Chen Sansi sat on the ground, with a map spread out in front of him.


    They observed that outside Liangzhou, the barbarian forces weren''t very numerous.


    Keep in mind that between Dasheng and the Desert Barbarians, due to geographical location and other factors, the main battlefield had always been Liangzhou City, with the other states playing more of a supporting role.


    In Liangzhou City currently, there were five camps of soldiers plus the garrison forces, totaling over a hundred thousand, among them were Martial Saint Lu Ji, Pei Tiannan who escaped unscathed from the previous Crown Prince''s turmoil, and his mentor, an old man.


    The Master was old, his days numbered.


    But he had not died yet!


    From the situation at the ends of the earth,


    Chen Sansi firmly believed


    that as long as the old man hadn''t closed his eyes for good, no ordinary mortal could harm him. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    So...


    The Luotian Mountain Range!


    Chen Sansi suddenly realized.


    The reason his master didn''t sit and command the front-line was probably to stay behind to resolve issues with the Luotian Mountain Range.


    But no matter what...


    The total of forty thousand barbarians outside Liangzhou City was indeed too few.


    Moreover, from their observations, the barbarians outside the city appeared methodical and confident of victory, as if they were not here to fight but rather waiting to pluck the fruits.


    Just forty thousand people, why?


    Of course,


    it''s possible that the barbarians are merely setting up camp in advance, waiting for the main army to arrive.


    As for specifics, one must look at the bigger picture.


    "Counting the days, the intelligence summary from the other four states should have arrived by now."


    Thinking this,


    Chen Sansi ordered his subordinates to wait here.


    "It''s snowing."


    A few of his men discussed in a low voice.


    Now was mid-October.


    For Beiliang, snow was nothing unusual.


    But this snow seemed a bit heavy.


    Accompanied by the biting cold wind, the heavy clouds had unknowingly covered the Heavenly Dome, and large snowflakes drifted slowly down from the high skies, landing on the soldiers'' armor and not melting for a long time, quickly turning everyone into snowmen. Luckily, all were Martial Arts practitioners and elites selected from the best, strong enough not to be overwhelmed by this degree of cold.


    "Why does it suddenly feel like it''s extremely cold winter time?"


    "Yes."


    "And it hasn''t snowed this heavily in Liangzhou in recent years, right?"


    "..."


    Chen Sansi reached out his palm to catch a snowflake, which only melted into water after a long while.


    This snow...


    Something was off.


    He unconsciously looked up towards the direction of the Luotian Mountain Range.


    Just at that moment,


    a bluebird carrying intelligence returned.


    Chen Sansi pulled his thoughts back, knowing it was wise to focus on the present matters.


    The intelligence detailed the barbarians'' troop deployment in the other regions.


    After reading it, he handed it to Chu Shixiong and others to see.


    "How could this be?!"


    Chu Shixiong''s body trembled: "The barbarians have deployed a hundred and fifty thousand strong in You State, concentrating most of their Martial Saint power, and they started besieging the city ten days ago?!"


    Expansive territories.


    Delays in intelligence were common.


    "Impossible."


    Xia Cong said in disbelief, "They bypass Liangzhou and attack You State? Isn''t that suicide?"


    "Right."


    Meng Dingxin also couldn''t understand: "With more than a hundred thousand soldiers in Liangzhou City behind us, if we send troops within a month, wouldn''t it be a situation where we annihilate the enemy by attacking them from both fronts?"


    "No, it can''t be that simple."


    Xiao Zheng added, "The barbarians aren''t fools, they must have a purpose in doing this!"


    "Sir!"


    "What do you think the barbarians are trying to do?"


    Eventually,


    everyone''s gaze landed on the Main General of Hongze Camp.


    Chen Sansi did not hurry to speak, his gaze intensely focused on the map.


    You State!


    If he remembered correctly,


    There were also two camps of soldiers in You State, guarded by Xu Wencai. Even if the military force was insufficient, there shouldn''t be any problems in the short term, and once reinforcements arrived, the barbarians would be doomed.


    If it was really as such,


    It would be too foolish of the barbarians.


    The situation became increasingly bizarre.


    Similar situations


    had happened before.


    Yunzhou Ten Days!


    Originally,


    the barbarians did not attack Liangzhou or You State but oddly went to attack the least useful Yunzhou. The revealed outcome proved that their aim was not the land but to massacre the civilians for a Blood Sacrifice.


    Now,


    they bypassed Liangzhou and turned to attack You State, beginning with an assault from a force of nearly a hundred and fifty thousand. Did they want a Blood Sacrifice in You State?


    The likelihood was slim.


    Even the old Emperor wouldn''t dare, within such a short time, to cooperate with the barbarians for another Blood Sacrifice; maybe in his eyes, the civilians were nothing but livestock for sacrifice.


    But livestock is silver.


    Yunzhou hasn''t recovered yet; it is said over forty percent of the land remains barren. If You State were to experience another such event, apart from Liangzhou, the Northern Territory would indeed be doomed.


    Not to mention, with the experience from the last time,


    his master would definitely not be fooled a second time.


    So, this possibility could be ruled out.


    Therefore...


    Why did the barbarians rush into You State? What did they want?


    Aren''t they afraid that more than a hundred thousand soldiers from Liangzhou would emerge and cut off their retreat, leading to their complete annihilation?


    The Luotian Mountain Range!


    The map was clear,


    you state also borders the Luotian Mountain Range,


    to put it precisely, the Luotian Mountain Range separates You State and Liangzhou.

 Chapter 504 - 189: Eight Hundred Hongze Army, Heavy Snow Attacks the Enemy Camp_6

    The Marauders and the Witch God Sect, indeed, relied on the mountain ranges deep in the mountains to lay out their grand strategy!


    Even.


    Master was not completely aware!


    "Let''s go!"


    Chen Sansi ordered, "Head to Huqiu Mountain, let us complete our mission here and then return to discuss the subsequent enemy situation."


    Their mission was to clarify the Marauders'' military strength in Liangzhou, and they could not abandon it halfway just because You State was in trouble.


    ...


    Huqiu Mountain.


    Marauders'' Yuwen Tribe camp.


    Central Army Tent.


    "General Teng Ge''er, come, come, cheers!"


    Prime Minister Yu Wen Chengzhao, holding his wine cup, drank with two military officers under his command, "It won''t be long before Liangzhou becomes devoid of people and livestock, and then our Heavenly Clan will move into the Central Plains!"


    As both the Prime Minister and a member of the Imperial Family, he held a position of high authority and power within the Yuwen Tribe.


    "Hahaha!"


    General Teng Ge''er drained his fiery liquor, "The Sheng people could never guess that by extending such a long battle line outside Liangzhou City, we are merely trying to confuse them. Our real target is You State, and we only need to hold it for a few months. Once the Ancestor Vein revives and the Blood Sacrifice Array is set, millions of Sheng people from Liangzhou will turn into our nourishment!"


    "Sun Xiangzong, Lu Ji, and that Chen Sansi who fights in a white robe, even if they have enormous capabilities, they can''t utilize them, no, probably by that time they won''t even know how they died!"


    Dari Achi said as he burst into loud laughter.


    "Quite right! But still, we must be careful."


    Yu Wen Chengzhao, stroking his beard braided into twists, said, "I heard there''s a small troop of cavalry roaming nearby recently, and the leader might be someone important. We mustn''t overturn the boat in a drainage ditch."


    "Just a few hundred men!"


    Teng Ge''er heavily placed down his wine bowl, speaking somberly, "Buzzing around like flies, I''ve wanted to crush them for a long time!"


    ...


    Outside the camp.


    "Zila¡ª"


    After questioning, Chu Shixiong killed the captured Marauder soldier with a single slash.


    "General!"


    "All is clear now."


    "Here in Huqiu Mountain, there are roughly twenty thousand troops, all elite."


    "The person in charge is the Yuwen Tribe''s Prime Minister Yu Wen Chengzhao, plus the two Deputy Generals under him, totaling three Perfect Profound Phenomenon."


    "Troublesome to provoke." S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "..."


    After hearing his subordinate''s report, Chen Sansi confirmed, "You said Huqiu Mountain has twenty thousand troops, three Perfect Profound Phenomenon?"


    "Yes, exactly three Perfect Profound Phenomenon, indeed very powerful in combat. If you also consider two nearby stationed locations, the troop numbers could reach around thirty thousand."


    Chu Shixiong nodded gravely, "Now that we have gathered clear information, let''s hurry back. Several patrols have been captured, and it won''t be long before they notice something is odd. If we get surrounded by their Heavy Cavalry, it would be problematic."


    In the meantime,


    Flames were already visible in the distance, obviously signaling that they had been discovered.


    The brothers were all ready, waiting for the Main General''s command to depart from this place.


    However...


    They then saw their own leader vault onto his horse, with a killing intent emanating and spreading from him, staring ahead at the Central Army''s Main General, his voice booming like a war drum:


    "Without a Martial Saint, twenty thousand dares to camp before me?!


    "Eight hundred Light Cavalry, heed my command!


    "Follow me straight into the Marauders'' Central Army, kill the Main General, capture Yu Wen Chengzhao alive!"


    "What?!"


    Chu Shixiong was stunned, "Sir, they have twenty thousand people."


    "I alone can take the enemy general''s head from the midst of an army!"


    Chen Sansi slowly lifted his long spear, "You just charge; send also a letter to the blue bird, command the entire Hongze Camp within the Great Wall to strike, and before dawn, come over to take over the Huqiu Mountain garrison!"


    The barbarians'' intentions were still unclear.


    But one thing he was sure of.


    Sitting idle within the city was not an option.


    First, seizing Huqiu Mountain, even if there was subsequent support going to You State, would ensure Liangzhou was free from harassment!


    Chen Sansi had been scouting Huqiu Mountain for nearly two months.


    He had thought that, with someone of the Prime Minister''s stature present, there would at least be a Martial Saint overseeing things, but to his surprise, there was none.


    Three who had reached Great Perfection in the Profound Image Realm.


    It sounded intimidating enough.


    But Chen Sansi...


    was no longer that Meridian Passage General who had to duck and hide in battle, wracking his brain to find the enemy''s flaws.


    Below the Martial Saints,


    there was now no one who could stop him!


    As long as he wasn''t trapped, no amount of troops would suffice!


    Exhausted?


    He had just taken a Fasting Pill, how could he be exhausted?!


    "Charge!"


    Before his subordinates could even react, that figure in a white robe and on a White Horse had already disappeared into the dark snowflakes, heading straight towards the bright fires.


    There,


    was the Enemy Army''s Central Army Tent!


    "My lord!"


    Chu Shixiong was dumbfounded.


    Twenty thousand men!


    Rushing in, wasn''t that a death wish?!


    Even for one who had achieved Great Success in the Profound Image Realm, killing over a thousand would be exhausting, and if the opponent had a military officer of the same realm, he could at most kill a few hundred!


    Not to mention, the enemy had three who were at Great Perfection!


    Plus twenty thousand men!


    Even if all eight hundred charged in, it wouldn''t be enough for the enemy to floss their teeth!


    Before coming to Liangzhou,


    Chu Shixiong imagined the Marquis Wu Yi as more of a strategist. Little did he expect him to also have such a brave side; no, this was not merely bravery¡ªit was outright recklessness!


    Even a common Martial Saint, faced with three at the Profound Image level, wouldn''t dare charge in so recklessly!


    "General, let''s follow him!"


    "Well said!"


    "The general said they are nothing! Even if they had a hundred thousand, they are still nothing!"


    "Attack!"


    Although they couldn''t understand,


    Xia Cong and the others had never truly fathomed the general''s heart.


    All they knew was to obey commands.


    And that led to victory!


    This was the effect of a formidable reputation!


    Unmatched morale!


    Even with just eight hundred men, they all lined up in formation with the belief that they would win, charging towards the enemy camp with overwhelming evil Qi and the thunderous sound of hooves.


    Eight hundred Light Cavalry, attacking the enemy camp in a heavy snowstorm!


    ...


    The Great Wall of Liangzhou.


    Sixth Prince Cao Huan personally took charge, inquiring about the frontline situation every day, waiting to see how the enemy outside Huqiu Mountain was faring, so he could respond as quickly as possible.


    "Your Highness!"


    "There''s trouble!"


    "Hai Dongqing brought back news!"


    "General Chen..."


    "led eight hundred Light Cavalry straight towards the enemy''s main camp, saying he''ll take down Huqiu Mountain tonight to facilitate our army''s subsequent advance and support for You State."


    "What did you say?!"


    Cao Huan grabbed the report, feeling as if he must have read it wrong.


    They had only eight hundred men!


    "I told him to scout and test, not to annihilate the enemy!"

 Chapter 505 - 190: Eight Hundred Slash Ten Thousand, The Barbarians Courage Shatters

    These eight hundred light cavalry, in essence, are just an oversized Night Patrol Team, or you could say, scouts.


    Their mission was to probe for information and then return.


    Since when do scouts wander around and then charge directly into the enemy army''s camp?


    Are these scouts? Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    In the heart of the Great Desert.


    Once surrounded, there is almost no terrain for maneuvering, one can only break out through sheer force, and even immortals would find themselves out of options!


    "A martial artist of the Mysterious Phenomenon at Great Success, if trapped by a heavy army, could slaughter over a thousand men before exhausting their strength."


    "But the issue is... inside the Prime Minister''s tent on Huqiu Mountain, there are not no generals, but three!"


    Cao Huan paced anxiously in front of the sand table, "General Chen has ordered this prince to command the entire Hongze Camp to leave the Great Wall overnight, preparing to take over Huqiu Mountain''s enemy camp and prisoners. General Fang, what do you think we should do?"


    "Your Highness, rest assured, General Chen would not act rashly.


    "Since he has gone, let''s do as he said."


    "Indeed."


    Like him, Zhao Wuji who was also stationed in Liangzhou followed with, "General Chen must be using some clever strategy that requires the main force to meet him from behind. Any delay could be detrimental."


    "If that is the case, then let''s proceed accordingly."


    The Sixth Prince, Cao Huan, gestured, "Quickly issue the commands, instructing the soldiers of Hongze Camp to leave through the north gate and head straight for Huqiu Mountain, and they must reach the destination within a day."


    The fifteen thousand men of Hongze Camp were all cavalry, extremely precious.


    Of course, the most precious of all was Chen Sansi.


    If anything were to happen to him, the loss would be far greater than fifteen thousand men.


    Previously in the Capital City''s restrictions.


    Cao Huan relied on reports for news from the outside, also through sheets of paper, reading about "Four Crossings of Hongze River," "Three Thousand Defeat One Hundred Thousand," accomplishments that seemed almost fictitious.


    At that time, he wondered.


    What it must feel like for the commanders in charge of these battles, to have under them such a general who persistently delivers surprises.


    Now...


    Cao Huan understood.


    This was not a surprise.


    It was a scare!


    It was utterly terrifying!


    Because they had no idea what was going to happen next, it felt less like being in a military camp and more like being in a casino, where one keeps betting more and more like a gambler.


    And Chen Sansi was the one rolling the dice.


    Until he lifted the cover.


    No one knew the outcome.


    Once the decision was made.


    Fang Qingyun pushed the wheelchair into the courtyard, looking up at the heavy snowfall, "It''s been many years since Liangzhou has seen such heavy snow."


    "A heavy snow promises a prosperous year."


    Cao Huan followed, draped in a black cloak, "Why is this snow so chilling?"


    "Report¡ª"


    "Your Highness!"


    "The Twelfth Prince is here!"


    "The twelfth brother?"


    At these words.


    Cao Huan tightened his cloak and personally went out to greet him.


    In the flurry of snow, the Twelfth Prince, Cao Zhi, approached on horseback, dismounted, smiled, and offered a salute, "Greetings to King Zhao."


    "Twelfth brother, since when do we need such formality between us?"


    The Sixth Prince, Cao Huan, helped him up, "It''s good that you came. It''s also good having an assistant by my side. For you, being able to take part in such a great battle is somewhat of a tempering experience."


    "I thank Sixth Brother for granting this servant brother this opportunity for tempering," Cao Zhi said.


    Stretching his neck, Cao Zhi looked inside and asked, "Where is General Chen?"


    "Gone," replied Cao Huan.


    "He took eight hundred scouts to annihilate the enemy," Cao Huan said truthfully.


    "Scouts, annihilate the enemy?"


    Cao Zhi raised his head, "What are you talking about, Sixth Brother?"


    "Oh, it''s like this."


    Cao Huan explained the situation.


    "Let me go too, Sixth Brother," Cao Zhi said. "I will head to Huqiu Mountain with the Hongze Camp from inside the city!"


    "That''s fine," Cao Huan instructed, "Be very careful in everything."


    "Don''t worry, Sixth Brother," replied Cao Zhi.


    No sooner had Cao Zhi dismounted, he hurriedly remounted and headed straight for the direction of the military camp.


    ...


    The Luotian Mountain Range.


    Two hundred-year-old men walked side by side.


    "Zizhan," Cao Kai began in a low voice, "are you truly handing over such a significant battle entirely to them?"


    Sun Xiangzong walked forward with his hands clasped behind his back, occasionally lightly brushing aside plants in his path, ignoring the Emperor''s question.


    "Heh, that''s fine," Cao Kai murmured to himself, "the younger generation in the Northern Territory, each one is an outstanding talent, even without their predecessors paving the way for them, they will surely fight this battle well."


    Just at that moment,


    a Hai Dongqing flew over.


    "Speaking of the battle, the intelligence has arrived."


    Because he didn''t want others to know he was here,


    Emperor Longqing used a normal Hai Dongqing. He slowly opened the intelligence report, and after reading it, couldn''t help but slightly raise his eyebrows, "Interesting, your closed-door disciple has led eight hundred scouts to raid the camp."


    "Speaking of which, why is the barbarians'' strategy this time so strange?


    "They aren''t attacking Liangzhou but instead attacking You State, what do they intend to do?"


    "That''s for you to answer," Sun Xiangzong said coldly. "Will the gates of You State open wide in a few days, willingly letting the barbarians in?"


    "Sun Xiangzong, don''t make baseless accusations," Emperor Longqing denied, "You State is a vital place, how could I let the tiger into the sheepfold?"


    "There''s nothing you can''t do; it depends on whether you want to or not," Sun Xiangzong stopped, staring at the Twelve Layers Mountain in front of him¡ªthe core of the Luotian Mountain Range¡ªand his voice grew heavier, "But I must remind you."


    "If the Slaughter Vein isn''t dealt with,


    "let alone the common people''s lives being devastated, I fear your Cao Family''s empire might not be spared either."


    In front of them,


    they could clearly see cultivators flying in the sky before descending into the deep mountains.


    "Lately, I too have been looking through ancient texts," said Emperor Longqing, narrowing his eyes, "After the revival of the Slaughter Vein, the Ancient Demon Clan of the Cultivation World will be free from the suppression of the Heavenly Dao, descending on the mortal world. Afterward, they will use Evil Qi to contaminate the Eastern Continent, transforming it into an environment suitable for their cultivation."

 Chapter 506 - 190: Eight Hundred Cuts Down Ten Thousand, the Barbarians Quail in Fear_2

    "So.


    "Their collection of the Martial Artists'' Heart Blood, is it related to the resurgence of the Slaughter Vein?"


    "This still has to thank His Majesty''s help,"


    Sun Xiangzong said, "Otherwise, such a large-scale Blood Sacrifice would not be so easy to form."


    "Enough!"


    Cao Kai''s voice roared from within his sleeves, his angry tone punctuated after each word, "I myself will sever this Slaughter Vein with you, and then exterminate these demons! Once the battle is over and the North is pacified, peace will naturally return to the world!


    "I, myself will forge a second Longqing era of prosperity, and peace will descend!"


    Sun Xiangzong shook his head slightly, quickening his own pace.


    ...


    Huqiu Mountain.


    Snow flurries drift down, cold air fills the sky.


    "Not good, a patrol team of brothers has gone missing."


    "It''s the Sheng people''s night watch team!"


    "Quick, there''s movement ahead!"


    "..."


    The alarmed barbarian cavalry squad moved to investigate the outskirts, and in the midst of the heavy snow, they could vaguely see a figure coming their way.


    "Our own brothers?"


    The barbarian Assistant General Haribari shouted.


    No response.


    All they heard was the rapidly approaching sound of horse hooves, and the figure within the snow became clearer.


    It was a White Horse.


    On horseback, there was a young general, not wearing Armour but a robe of the same color as the great snow; a long spear lay across the horse, while in his hand he held a Mystic Iron Bow, and as it became clear, through the swirling obscuring snow, the Iron Core Bow was already drawn full-circle, a dark Arrowhead aimed directly at his face.


    White Robe, White Horse, long spear, Big Bow...


    Could it be?!


    Haribari was shocked and dismayed.


    "Boom¡ª¡ª"


    The snowy curtain exploded.


    A black Jiao Long roared forth.


    Haribari''s sidearm was already grasped in his hand, his body in a split second had gone into a state of ultimate explosion, Qi-Blood, strength, as well as his own physical power, were all combined onto the curve of the blade; his face twisted ferociously, and he roared as he slashed at the Jiao Long before him.


    "Clang¡ª¡ª"


    The next moment.


    Accompanied by a clear ringing hum, the curve blade shattered under the force of terrible power, and the unstoppable Jiao Long landed directly on the face, plunging Assistant General Haribari''s world into darkness.


    "Thump!"


    A head burst open like a watermelon, a mist of blood rising, merging with the snow fog, and against the white expanse of the world, a blood-red lotus abruptly unfolded.


    The Jiao Long didn''t stop.


    After piercing through Haribari''s head, it continued to roar forward, everywhere it went, fiery red blossoms appeared, and in just a moment, a string of blood flowers bloomed.


    In a mere breath, five or six barbarian cavalrymen fell stiff from their horses, without even a chance to scream.


    "Chen Sansi!"


    Not until this moment.


    Did the patrol squad finally realize.


    The legendary White Robed General, had come!


    "It''s Chen Sansi!!"


    "Quick!"


    "Sound the alarm..."


    "..."


    "Whoosh whoosh whoosh¡ª¡ª"


    But in another breath.


    The whole patrol team lay dead under a volley of arrows.


    Such a commotion.


    Naturally drew attention.


    Within a few miles, the sound of arrows whistling through the air was unceasing, and the cries of terror followed one after another.


    "Chen Sansi!"


    "Chen Sansi is leading a large army to attack our camp!"


    "..."


    "Stop them, I told you to stop them!"


    "..."


    With orders dispatched,


    in front of Chen Sansi, hundreds of men soon appeared to block his way.


    However...


    They were not even able to engage in close combat before seeing arrows flying through the snow, followed by one rider after another falling from their horses.


    Not far away,


    Chu Shixiong and others also encountered more and more barbarian cavalry.


    In front of them, they could see the main general charging ahead fearlessly, inspiring their own courage and will to kill, and they fought fiercely with the barbarians on horseback.


    At the Central Army Camp,


    "Report!"


    "Prime Minister!"


    "It''s not good!"


    "Something big has happened!"


    "Chen Sansi!"


    "That Chen Sansi from the Sheng people, leading a large army, has come to attack our camp!"


    "..."


    "What?!"


    Yu Wen Chengzhao nearly choked on the wine in his throat, he tossed aside his wine bowl and asked loudly, "Who did you say? Are you sure?"


    "It''s Chen Sansi!"


    "There''s absolutely no mistake!"


    "Prime Minister, quickly think of a solution!


    "Chen Sansi is less than two miles from the Central Army Tent!"


    "..."


    Yu Wen Chengzhao and two other generals exchanged glances; they hadn''t anticipated this sudden development either, but being people of high authority, they were not about to let themselves be overtaken by panic.


    "Impossible."


    Teng Ge''er said in a deep voice, "Our scouts are spread all over the border. If there were a large army attacking, we would definitely have had some reports. Since there is not a single piece of news, it certainly isn''t a large-scale attack on our camp."


    He spoke calmly and even used a knife to cut off two slices of roast lamb leg to chew in his mouth.


    "Hmm, General Teng Ge''er is right,"


    Yu Wen Chengzhao nodded, then scolded his subordinates, "Don''t be in such a panic, what do you look like?! Quick, find out how many of them there are."


    "Yes, Prime Minister!"


    "..."


    Inside the camp tent,


    The three of them were not flustered, neither did they underestimate their enemy, and while they waited for the intelligence to be gathered, each of them took up their weapon.


    "Report!"


    Suddenly,


    The message was relayed back.


    "Report to the Prime Minister!


    "The enemy army is roughly around a thousand men."


    "At the lowest estimate, perhaps only six to seven hundred, but certainly no more than twelve hundred!"


    "And leading them is indeed Chen Sansi."


    "It seems they are the same Sheng people''s night watch that has been roaming around here lately."


    This is their Central Army Camp.


    Surrounded by their own men everywhere,


    Finding out how many enemies there were couldn''t have been easier.


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 Chapter 507 - 190: Eight Hundred Slay Ten Thousand, Barbarians Courage Shattered_3

    "No more than a thousand people?"


    Yu Wen Chengzhao squinted his eyes, "Could it be a spur-of-the-moment decision to lead the scouts on a raid?"


    "Isn''t this a huge joke?" S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Dari Ahchik coldly said, "Isn''t this Chen known for his cunning and resourcefulness, how could he also behave so recklessly?"


    "I still find it strange."


    Yu Wen Chengzhao said softly, "Could he possibly think that he alone can match a thousand troops? That''s also somewhat preposterous."


    "Perfect timing!"


    Teng Ge''er picked up a Wolf Fang Club, "I have long wanted to fight this person!"


    Dari Ahchik said, "A year ago, this man was merely at the Meridian Passage, even if he''s incredibly talented, at best he''s just entered the Mysterious Phenomenon Technique, even assuming he''s proficient¡ªisn''t this courting death?"


    "Seeing is believing."


    Yu Wen Chengzhao, holding a weapon, said, "Order the army to quickly form a encirclement, I will join the battle personally!"


    "Boom, boom, boom!"


    In the midst of heavy snow.


    The sound of drums shook the heavens.


    The densely packed barbarian cavalry, like a tide, came from all directions.


    "Really only seven or eight hundred people?"


    "Very well!"


    Teng Ge''er, dragging his Wolf Fang Club, climbed up to the Cloud Tower, looking out over a battlefield more than a mile away. He repeatedly confirmed that the Sheng people who had come to raid the camp numbered merely seven or eight hundred and had already been trapped by heavy forces.


    "Since you dared to come, there''s no need to leave!"


    "Buzz¡ª¡ª"


    The voice had not yet faded.


    Suddenly, an arrow enveloped in surging Gang Qi streaked through the air, beneath which seemed to coil a Azure Dragon.


    From here to Chen, there was more than a mile!


    How did he shoot it from there?


    And this arrow, it actually carried Gang Qi!


    Luckily.


    Chen Sansi''s archery was world-famous.


    In the heart of Teng Ge''er, he was already prepared, waves of Gang Qi dispersed from his body, concentrating on the Wolf Fang Club and he fiercely smashed it down.


    "Boom!"


    Two fierce bursts of Gang Qi collided, causing a huge surge of air.


    The wooden Cloud Tower could hardly withstand it and immediately collapsed; Teng Ge''er fell heavily from tens of feet in the air, creating a huge depression under his feet.


    It was said that this man had strange arrows that could carry Gang Qi, and it was indeed true.


    However, in terms of strength.


    It was probably just as they had predicted, an entry-level to the Profound Image Realm.


    The killing intent in Teng Ge''er surged, and without riding a warhorse, he crossed the thousands of troops with merely a few leaps, landing in the center of the battlefield, only a hundred steps away from the trapped White Robe.


    Two more arrows flew towards him; he continued swiping the Wolf Fang Club to deflect them, closing the distance once more, only fifty steps left to confront the White Robe.


    Kill!


    Killing this one man was worth millions in military achievements!


    Thinking thus.


    On Teng Ge''er''s arms, veins violently bulged as he intertwined his muscles. Having pushed his Breathing Skill to the limit, the Eight Extraordinary Meridians circulated within his body. He drew in the chaotic energies between heaven and earth, transformed them into pure Gang Qi, and then regurgitated it, layering it upon the Wolf Fang Club until it metamorphosed into a massive and ferocious beast!


    In the eyes of the barbarian soldiers nearby,


    their General seemed to be wielding not a weapon, but a giant Bear Gang over ten feet tall.


    The Bear Gang materialized amid a raging blizzard, closely following Teng Ge''er. It leaped dozens of feet into the air and with a force as heavy as Mount Tai plummeting, it ferociously crashed towards the ground, its momentum startling and its power boundless!


    Profound Image Realm, Gang Qi takes form!


    Right from the start, it was an all-out strike!


    In mid-air,


    the image of Chen Sansi, along with the White Horse beneath him being crushed into a pulp, had already emerged in Teng Ge''er''s mind. His face even showed a bloody excitement, but soon his facial features stiffened.


    On the ground,


    Chen Sansi, mounted on the White Horse, had already drawn his bow and nocked an arrow, yet his fingers which tightly pulled the bowstring hesitated to release. Bursts of Gang Qi were transmitted from his arm to the Big Bow and from the Ghost Vein Wood, it flowed and gathered on the Arrowhead, building up continuously.


    The Gang Qi on the Arrowhead grew stronger and more majestic until it reached the critical limit that the arrow could no longer withstand, and then it burst open to reveal... a pair of wings!


    Suddenly, wings formed from congregated Gang Qi flared open, stirring up flying snowflakes. The biting cold ice and snow instantaneously melted away, and under the distorted air, a flame-like Divine Beast emerged in its full glory.


    That was...


    Vermilion Bird!


    In an instant,


    everyone seemed to hear a clear and resounding phoenix cry!


    Vermilion Bird Form!


    ''Gang Qi takes form?''


    ''Is he also at the Great Success of the Profound Image Realm?''


    How could it happen so fast?!


    It wasn''t that Teng Ge''er had underestimated his opponent but rather, what seemed impossible had indeed occurred!


    An unprecedented cultivation speed!


    He didn''t fall into disarray but clenched his teeth and twisted his facial features, pushing his limits further and causing the form of the Bear Gang around him to become even more substantial. It roared as it pounced fiercely.


    "Buzz¡ª"


    The bowstring thundered like lightning.


    The Vermilion Bird melted the snow, transforming into a streak of blue smoke that burst forth.


    Bear Gang!


    Vermilion Bird!


    The two collided in mid-air a dozen feet off the ground.


    All that was heard was a gut-shaking boom. Waves of force spread out from the point of impact, startlingly clearing the sky and land amid the widespread snowstorm.


    When the winds calmed and the waves settled, the Bear Gang had long vanished.


    In the deep pit on the ground,


    Teng Ge''er lay straight, his entire right half rotten away, a horrifying sight of mangled flesh. With a lifeless expression, he watched the snowflakes that began to fall once more and after struggling through two breaths, his head tilted, and he died on the spot.


    One arrow.


    Killed the Profound Image!


    "Teng Ge''er!"


    Several hundred steps away,


    Yu Wen Chengzhao and another hurried to the scene and upon witnessing what had happened, they abruptly reined in their horses, daring not to move forward even half a step. Both were dumbfounded, unable to comprehend the sight for a long time.

 Chapter 508 - 190: Eight Hundred Slay Ten Thousand, Barbarians Courage Shattered_4

    What happened?


    The two of them had been following right behind, it only took a few breaths.


    Teng Ge''er''s men...


    Just disappeared?


    With one arrow?


    An arrow killed a warrior at the Great Success of the Xuanxiang Realm?!


    Even though Teng Ge''er was the physically weakest among the three, even though he had just advanced, he was genuinely at the Great Success of the Xuanxiang Realm, only one step away from entering the Martial Saint Realm!


    Just like that...


    Died so effortlessly?


    The two of them could no longer waste time wondering why the White Robe''s realm had soared to the Great Success of the Xuanxiang Realm in such a short time; they were even more puzzled...


    Even if you are at the Great Success of the Xuanxiang Realm, you shouldn''t be able to overpower another martial artist of the same realm, right?


    "Prime Minister..."


    Dari Achik hesitated with fear in his voice, "What should we do?"


    "Surround and kill!"


    Yu Wen Chengzhao quickly regained confidence as he watched his twenty thousand troops gather, "A mere eight hundred daring to attack us? Today, forget about you being at the Great Success of the Xuanxiang Realm, even if you were a Martial Saint, you will die here!


    "Attack!


    "Whoever kills Chen Sansi will be made a marquis!"


    At that moment.


    The eight hundred Beiliang light cavalry entered the melee.


    But they did not recklessly charge; instead, they first struck from the outer flanks and then retreated, using guerrilla tactics to kill the enemy. With Chu Shixiong, who was at the Great Success of the Xuanxiang Realm, personally leading the charge, they would not suffer significant losses unless heavily surrounded.


    There was another more important reason.


    It was Chen Sansi alone!


    Who attracted the majority of attention!


    The attention of twenty thousand troops!


    Alone, he was trapped within heavy encirclement!


    Chen Sansi looked around.


    Everywhere except the ice and snow, there were only enemy troops. With no more reservations in his heart and within a breath, all heterogeneous Qi within his body transformed into the Four Symbols Heavenly Gang, and the weapon in his hand switched from the Big Bow to the Li Quan Spear.


    "Kill him!"


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    "..."


    Countless d¨¤o, javelins, swords, and spears were coming from every direction.


    However, just when their weapons were about an inch away from the White Robe''s body, they could no longer advance even slightly; invisibly, it''s as if several Kui Dragons were coiling around the white-robed white horse, with several fierce tigers biting at their weapons; followed by a terrifying force that blasted dozens of people flying, those of insufficient realm died on the spot with blood flowing from all facial orifices.


    Protective Gang Qi!


    "Confinement Formation!"


    High Realm Martial Artists, are almost impossible to kill before exhausting their strength.


    Thus, various formations have been designed with the purpose of depleting the enemy general''s strength while minimizing one''s own casualties. When the depletion is sufficient, one''s own general would more effortlessly slay the enemy general.


    "Boom! Boom! Boom!"


    One after another, seven-feet-tall rectangular Mystical Iron Shields were embedded in the snowy ground, forming copper walls and iron barriers in the four cardinal directions, slowly advancing to reduce the size of the encirclement around the white-robed white horse.


    The ones holding the Mystical Iron Shields included seven or eight who were of the Meridian Passage Realm serving as assistant generals, and the rest at the least were of the Hua Jin Realm, all high-ranking officers. They hid behind the shields, sticking out long weapons wrapped in forceful energy through the gaps to attack, consuming the enemy bit by bit in this manner.


    Behind them, even more high-level officers waited to sub in, determined to trap this man to death.


    Upon reaching the hill, Chu Shixiong and the eight hundred light cavalry had witnessed this scene firsthand.


    "General!"


    "Sir!"


    "General Chu!"


    Zhao Kang shouted fiercely, "We can''t go on like this anymore; with this tactic, we are not in much danger, but you alone are in peril, sir. Quickly give the order for us to charge back!"


    "We eight hundred men, guerrilla fighting on the outskirts is the best option!"


    Chu Shixiong said solemnly, "Once we are surrounded, if they send another general to entangle me, we won''t last long before our entire army is wiped out!"


    "Then let our entire army be wiped out!"


    Xu Bin raised his weapon and shouted, "And don''t forget, the lord has promised to capture Prime Minister Yu Wen alive, we can certainly do it. If we don''t keep up, we might hold him back!"


    "Well said! Brothers, charge straight at their formation!"


    "Stop!"


    Chu Shixiong rebuked, "Wait a bit longer!"


    "General Chu, I also think we can''t wait any longer."


    Xia Cong said with clinched fists, "Charge directly at their formation, otherwise, under the Confinement Formation, again..."


    He hadn''t even finished speaking.


    He suddenly stiffened.


    They saw!


    Ahead!


    From within the Confinement Formation, within the walls of copper and iron.


    Suddenly, there was a deafening boom.


    "BOOM¡ª"


    It seemed as if thunder exploded from deep within the earth, akin to hills in the Great Desert collapsing: the ground shook, the sky seemed to fall, and amid the stormy turmoil, countless barbarian soldiers flew into the sky.


    The blast of air cleared the heavy snow, revealing the truth.


    Only to see, in Chen Sansi''s hands, the Li Quan Spear, which was entirely made of mystical iron and immeasurably hard, yet before their eyes, it miraculously transformed into a long dragon, the Azure Dragon roaring amidst the snow and wind, weaving through the thousands of troops, under the writhing Gang Qi, pieces of ruptured armour scattered, limbs and body parts thrown into the air; blood and bodies mixed in the blast, tossed halfway into the sky before crashing down like hail, releasing loud clattering sounds, leaving behind only corpses wherever the white-robed white horse passed.


    Blocking a chariot!


    This was the best description the soldiers of the Hongze Army could imagine!


    Even though it was just a white horse, it seemed like a mountainous Mystical Iron War Chariot, whereas the vast numbers of enemies, seemingly sharp, were like the brittle arms of a mantis, easily crushed into dust!

 Chapter 509 - 190: Eight Hundred Slay Ten Thousand, The Barbarians Courage Shatters_5

    Within the span of just a tea break,


    Barbarians...


    had died, a thousand strong!


    A thousand men!


    Most crucially, the White Robe...


    had not yet exhausted his strength!


    "Where does he get this endless Gang Qi from!"


    Upon learning of the sudden attack,


    Yu Wen Chengzhao didn''t panic.


    Upon learning it was Chen Sansi who had come, he did not hurry.


    Even upon seeing Teng Ge''er killed with a single arrow, he maintained his calm.


    It was only when over a thousand men had been killed with no signs of Gang Qi exhaustion that both Yu Wen Chengzhao trembled, beginning to sweat profusely amidst the falling snow, their warhorses losing control several times.


    One man slain over a thousand, against the comparison of twenty thousand, seemingly not many, but in reality, he brought the grand army to the brink of collapse!


    Because...


    In the eyes of the barbarian warriors, what they were facing was no longer human.


    But...


    A god!


    A god of slaughter!


    An invincible god of slaughter!


    Watching their soldiers gradually enveloped by fear, on the verge of a grand rout, the two Yu Wen Chengzhao had no choice but to go to the front themselves, steeling themselves and charging at the White Robe.


    "Prime Minister!"


    "After all, he has killed over a thousand men, even an immortal should have exhausted a great deal of mana by now!"


    "If we stabilize our formation and have our troops wear him down further, then we can strike from both sides and take him down together!"


    "You''re right!"


    "Crack¡ª¡ª"


    Yu Wen Chengzhao''s broadsword fell, directly executing several subordinates showing signs of retreat, all the while loudly shouting, "Whoever brings me Chen Sansi''s finger will be made a marquis! But anyone who dares to retreat a step, no matter man or woman, old or young, from their tribe, will be demoted to slaves!"


    With the two of them pressuring the formation, the situation finally stabilized.


    "The horse!"


    "Stop his horse!"


    "Yes!"


    Many realized that the White Robe''s unstoppable momentum was hugely related to the precious horse beneath him. With the spear technique so brave and the horse so swift, they naturally could not stop him.


    Soon,


    under command, soldiers brought Iron Tribulus and Horse Refusing Stakes from the camp, laying them across the charge path, and the stakes were raised with horse-cutting spears waiting, intending to kill the White Horse first, then capture the White Robe.


    Iron Tribulus,


    was an irregular sharp trap made purely of metal.


    Horse Refusing Stake,


    were tall wooden fences covered in spikes, with soldiers hiding behind them, holding their spears high, with an attack range of over a zhang in height.


    However, just as he was about to collide with the countless traps,


    Chen Sansi leaped into the air, several zhang high, and raised the long spear high behind him. Under the concentration of Gang Qi, the snowflakes were drawn in, gaining shape from the influence of Gang Qi.


    The entire long spear transformed from an Azure Dragon into a killing god, the White Tiger!


    "Hiss¡ª¡ª"


    The warhorse neighed.


    The White Swan Horse leaped forward as if capable of flying, completely unaffected by the traps, catching its master in mid-air and then descending from the sky with the White Tiger.


    "Roar!"


    For a moment,


    the people on the ground could not distinguish whether it was the sound of the spear or the roar of the tiger, only seeing shockwaves rolling beneath, with countless men thrown into the sky, flesh flying and blood splashing!


    This leap spanned dozens of zhang!


    By the time they landed again, they had already reached in front of Yu Wen Chengzhao and his companion.


    "Prime Minister, be careful!"


    Da Ri Achi''s giant axe swung down, like a celestial wolf descending, but as soon as it met the White Tiger, it instantly crumbled away. Then the man himself was blown backwards under the tremendous force.


    "Buzz¡ª¡ª"


    Chen Sansi did not give him a chance to get up and come back, and after gathering Gang Qi, he hurled the Li Quan Spear like a ranged Weapon, transforming into a Azure Dragon amidst the blizzard.


    This strike,


    Rainbow Through the Sun!


    Both reaching Great Success in the Mysterious Phenomenon, yet there was a gap.


    Da Ri Achi was significantly stronger than Teng Ge''er; his Mysterious Phenomenon Great Success had long reached Perfection.


    In his exchange with the White Robe, he was only unable to block and was pushed back, needing only a moment''s breath to dispel the force and land steadily, but, unfortunately, he did not even have that moment''s breath.


    The spear arrived in an instant.


    Da Ri Achi, who had just summoned more Gang Qi, could not withstand the force of the Azure Dragon and was pierced through the heart on the spot, nailed dead in the snowfield, with the True Dragon Gang wreaking havoc within his body, completely damaging his meridians and all internal organs, cutting off his life force.


    Another General had died!


    Yu Wen Chengzhao did not simply watch; as his opponent launched the spear, he delivered a broadsword strike bearing the force of a myriad jun towards his opponent''s face. Ridiculously, the enemy discarded even his Weapon to kill Da Ri Achi. With renewed confidence, Yu Wen Chengzhao''s Blade Gang was as ferocious as a lion.


    "Clang¡ª¡ª"


    Zhen Yue unsheathed!


    Black Tortoise Form!


    Suppress!


    The Divine Beast reappeared, and the majestic lion was driven away.


    Yu Wen Chengzhao could not see his opponent''s sword drawing motion, only glimpsing the flash of the sword light. He hurriedly blocked, only to feel a chill on his exposed shoulder as his entire right arm, along with the broadsword, flew away, tumbling into a snow pit.


    "Ah!"


    Despite the agony of the severed limb, he still did not give up resisting, and with his left fist, he struck again, only to break it as well.


    Both Mysterious Phenomena!


    Yet they,


    were no match for this man in a single exchange!


    Chen Sansi took arrows from the Arrow Bag, in place of the Mystic Iron Chains, the bowstring sounding like thunder, accurately piercing through each of Yu Wen Chengzhao''s acupoints, leaving him like a hedgehog, devoid of fighting strength within a short time, then grabbed him by the neck and lifted: "Will you not surrender to Great Dasheng!"


    "Prime Minister!"


    "Prime Minister?!"


    "..."


    Astride the Blood River, atop the Corpse Mountain.


    Twenty thousand barbarian soldiers witnessed this scene unfold. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A lone rider slaughtering a thousand troops!


    In the midst of a vast army, slaying three Generals in succession!


    Three Generals!


    All the Generals!


    If they were still human, no, even bloodthirsty beasts would feel instinctive fear, their hearts void of the will to fight, their hands clutching weapons trembling.

 Chapter 510 - 190: Eight Hundred Slay Ten Thousand, The Barbarians Courage Shatters_6

    "No surrender!"


    However.


    The blood-soaked Yu Wen, his voice hoarse with exertion, roared, "Don''t worry about my life or death! You are not to surrender, you may retreat, retreat! They only have eight hundred men; you can escape back to the nearest tribe!"


    If he dies, so be it!


    How could he let twenty thousand men simply become slaves to the Sheng people!


    As long as he, the Prime Minister, does not cooperate, eight hundred men cannot possibly make twenty thousand surrender!


    Chen Sansi certainly understood this principle.


    Back at Hulaoguan, three thousand had surrendered tens of thousands, all thanks to Fan Shuzhen''s cooperation.


    Unexpectedly, this Prime Minister still had some backbone.


    He couldn''t be bothered to argue anymore, simply throwing him to the ground with force, and then, with a rearing of his horse and a raise of his spear, he shouted loud as a mighty bell, as if a deity had descended from the skies, striking awe into the hearts, "Those who do not surrender, shall be killed without mercy!"


    Waging war!


    One must understand strategic objectives!


    This northern campaign into the Great Desert aimed to annihilate the barbarians'' living forces, not to occupy land.


    The vast desert...


    Except for the area around the Agate River, which could be used for raising horses, other areas were not worth the upkeep for Dasheng, so the focus had to be on annihilating the enemy.


    "This..."


    The barbarians looked at each other, hesitating.


    But in the end, they chose to retreat, not surrender.


    The Prime Minister was right.


    The Sheng people only had eight hundred men.


    If they couldn''t fight them off, couldn''t they still run away?!


    They just needed to return to their own tribes, and live as they had before; if they became captives, it wouldn''t be the same!


    "Flee quickly!"


    "Retreat!"


    "..."


    Under the command of several assistant generals, the twenty thousand-strong army turned their horses and headed in the direction of the nearest tribe.


    "Good escape, good escape!"


    The severely injured Yu Wen Chengzhao revealed a grim smile, "As long as we, men of the Heavenly Clan, are still alive, we can always return and seize all your Sheng people''s land, drink all your Sheng people''s blood!"


    No expression could be read on Chen Sansi''s face.


    These people, if they were willing to surrender, could have spared themselves; Dasheng too would have less trouble on its hands.


    But if they were not willing, then they had no choice but...


    Kill!


    Kill until they were willing!


    The barbarians didn''t care, barely maintaining formation as they fled toward the nearest tribe with a Martial Saint.


    The eight hundred Hongze Cavalry could only chase after them, unable to stop an army set on fleeing.


    "Clang¡ª"


    Time flew by in a flash.


    Chen Sansi pulled his long spear out of the body of Darai Achik, and then disappeared from Yu Wen Chengzhao''s view.


    When he reappeared,


    It was just him with his spear, blocking the way of thousands of soldiers!


    "I''ve said¡ª"


    In the heavy snow,


    Chen Sansi''s voice echoed again,


    "You only have two choices, either surrender or die; there is no third way out!"


    "You..."


    The barbarians were both frightened and angry, "You are too bullying!"


    Unable to defeat him and not allowed to flee!


    It was like being driven down a path of certain death.


    In an instant,


    These nineteen thousand people turned into cornered beasts, their fear transforming into ferocity under their survival instincts, paradoxically rallying from defeat to charge at the solitary figure in the snow.


    "You can kill a thousand!"


    "But can you really wipe out all twenty thousand of us!"


    "..."


    However,


    They soon realized a terrifying fact.


    This man really could!


    The Qi Power of the White Robe seemed never-ending!


    Many times, S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    When they saw the White Robe pause, they thought he was finally exhausted; however... he merely wiped the thick bloodstains off his spear, then continued to charge at them, giving no indication of fatigue!


    From an organized retreat, the barbarians devolved into a disorderly rout, but even so, very few managed to escape; that White Horse was like a ghost reaping lives, appearing behind anyone who thought of leaving.


    The geography around Huqiu Mountain meant there were only two viable escape routes. Add to that the eight hundred Light Cavalry covering gaps, it was like herding sheep, relentlessly driving them back.


    In the hearts of the fleeing barbarians, there was no more fighting spirit left, completely turning into lambs awaiting slaughter.


    Two thousand men!


    Three thousand men!


    Eight thousand men!


    Up to ten thousand!


    Until at dawn the next day, when the heavy snow suddenly stopped and sunlight flooded the earth, the killing went on all night long!


    Finally!


    The barbarians were utterly consumed by fear!


    Gut-wrenchingly fearful.


    Just like a tamed beast at the slaughterhouse, unable to muster even a hint of resistance!


    Even the thought of running away was absent!


    "Clang clang!"


    Weapons and armor were discarded as if to relieve a flood.


    The last ten thousand barbarians kneeled down in unison, like straw blown by the wind.


    "We surrender!"


    "We surrender!"


    "Ah!"


    "Ah¡ª"


    In a reflexive response, some even looked across the blank expanse, seeing White Horses and White Robes everywhere, and were frightened into madness on the spot!


    "..."


    In the distance, already subdued by Zhao Kang and others, Yu Wen Chengzhao was completely numb, just staring dazedly at the soldiers in front of him kneeling in surrender and at the blood-covered White Robed General who still did not know fatigue.


    He alone...


    had likely killed over four thousand people that night


    and yet he was not exhausted!


    One man killed an army!


    Yu Wen Chengzhao trembled all over.


    He was certain.


    In the world, there was no second man as fiercely brave.


    This loss was not unjust!


    ...


    Hongze Camp.


    Cao Zhi, leading along with Assistant General You Jike, rushed forward with fifteen thousand cavalry.


    Not far ahead of them was Huqiu Mountain, the barbarian''s major camp.


    "Why is it so quiet?"


    Cao Zhi, with a worried expression, "Did we take a wrong turn?"


    "We didn''t take a wrong turn."


    You Jike stated confidently, "I once personally led the Night Patrol Team here to scout, Prime Minister Yu Wen''s camp is right ahead."


    "Why is there no noise at all? Could something have happened?"


    Cao Zhi muttered.


    Eight hundred light cavalry, still scouts!


    Going to annihilate the enemy force was an utterly absurd task in itself; now, with such silence, how could one not worry.


    Inside Hongze Camp.


    Most of the soldiers, who hadn''t truly fought with Chen Sansi before, couldn''t help whisper among themselves.


    "Could our General have..."


    "Yes, after all, eight hundred men."


    "It is said that Huqiu Mountain''s barbarians have as many as three Mystical Phenomenon Generals."


    "Once surrounded..."


    "Stop talking nonsense!"


    Wang Zhi cursed, "Sowing discord within the army is a capital offense, don''t you know?!"


    "General Tang."


    Cao Zhi suggested, "How about the army halts here, and you and I take fifty light cavalry to Huqiu Mountain to clear up the situation before making a decision?"


    Before understanding the situation,


    it was absolutely unwise for their main force to approach too closely.


    if the eight hundred cavalry had truly met their doom...


    it meant there could be a trap prepared upfront, just waiting for them to jump in.


    "My junior brother is not reckless."


    Wang Zhi analyzed seriously, "The previous attack by eight hundred cavalry could be a feint; his command for us to lead the main army here might have other intentions. Let''s go and see."


    They selected fifty light cavalry and headed with utmost speed to the slope where they could see the enemy camp.


    Then what they saw...


    was a snowy field stained with red and white, under the warm golden sun, hordes of submissive barbarians lining up neatly, heading toward Dasheng''s direction.


    Next to them were hardly any prison guards.


    At the rear at the Central Army Tent, the military flag...


    had already been replaced with a large banner emblazoned with ''Sheng'', and another with the ''Chen'' General''s banner.


    Seeing this,


    it was clear to Cao Zhi and Wang Zhi.


    Huqiu Mountain...


    had been taken!


    Eight hundred men had seized a camp of twenty thousand soldiers and three Mystical Phenomenon Generals!


    And so many, facing just eight hundred, didn''t even run, as if they were willing to surrender.


    Even looking at the bodies on the ground,


    just from the slain enemy, there were about ten thousand!


    They were terrified into submission, chilled to the bone by the killing!


    But they only had eight hundred men...


    If controlling the enemy''s leaders and forcing their surrender, that was understandable.


    But how was it possible to kill so many?


    Was this killing...


    or mowing grass?!

 Chapter 511 - 191: Blood Sacrifice of Liangzhou City, A Lone Army Enters the Great Desert

    That''s ten thousand people!


    To kill them all in a single line, it would take an entire night!


    "General Chen..."


    Cao Zhi looked around, somewhat incoherently, and said, "Aren''t you famous for your wisdom and strategies? What is this about..."


    "I don''t know either."


    Wang Zhi squinted his mung bean eyes, seemingly trying to see more clearly, and then yelled at the top of his lungs, "That, that Zhao Kang, come over here you son of a...!"


    Zhao Kang, who was nearby, heard the commotion and rode over on his horse.


    "Who is this?"


    "This is the 12th prince!"


    After Wang Zhi introduced him, he could not wait to ask, "Last night, what strategy did Shanshi use again with you guys? Eight hundred killing ten thousand people?!"


    "Strategy? There was no strategy."


    Zhao Kang, displaying the blood stained on his armor, said, "The strategy was to kill, the gentleman alone..."


    As he recounted the events.


    After Cao Zhi''s eyebrows rose, they never lowered again, "What are you saying? General Chen, alone, cut down three enemy generals in the midst of ten thousand soldiers, and then, in the encirclement of twenty thousand troops, he single-handedly killed over four thousand enemies?! Are you joking with me?!"


    "Prince Yan, I have no reason to lie to you."


    Zhao Kang said calmly, "The corpses are right here, and we only have eight hundred men, how could this be faked? It''s not like the barbarians killed themselves."


    After repeated confirmations, Cao Zhi felt somewhat dizzy.


    One arrow...


    Killed a master of the Mysterious Phenomenon?


    The remaining two were no match at all.


    When did he master the Mysterious Phenomenon?


    The last time I saw him on Ziwei Mountain, their realms were similar.


    But now, he has mastered the Meridian Passage.


    And Chen Sansi has mastered the Mysterious Phenomenon?!


    The most crucial part.


    How did he manage to kill thousands of men without exhausting his strength?!


    Even if we ignore the fact that there were other martial artists of the same realm in the enemy side, even the most formidable Mysterious Phenomenon can only kill about a thousand people before becoming completely exhausted. Four thousand, that''s four thousand men, among whom there were many barbarian military officers of various realms!


    How is that possible?!


    Let alone a martial artist.


    Even if he''s not human!


    According to what Cao Zhi knows, even if a common immortal from the cultivation world came here, after killing about a thousand people, all of their mana would be depleted, and without a means to escape, they would also die under the chaotic blades!


    Four thousand!


    How did he do it?!


    The Grand Ancestor Cao Xie back then only broke through two thousand armors, and although he was facing martial saints, in terms of numbers, Chen Sansi has far surpassed that record.


    "Prince Yan? Your Highness?"


    Zhao Kang cautiously reminded, "Since the army has arrived, we should quickly station ourselves in the forward camp!"


    Only then did Cao Zhi begin to calm the tumultuous waves in his heart and started arranging to station the men in the barbarian camp, sending the battle report back to Liangzhou City at the fastest speed possible.


    Outside the Central Army Tent.


    Chen Sansi, having changed into clean robes, was wiping his long spear when he heard the thunderous sound of horse hooves ahead, as well as a familiar face leading the group.


    He set down the long spear, stepped forward, and fist-palmed, "This subordinate greets Your Highness. May I ask what brings Your Highness to grace us with your presence?"


    "General Chen, why stand on ceremony with me?"


    Cao Zhi hurriedly dismounted, "To be honest, my visit this time was to seek some battlefield experience following the general, but as soon as I arrived, I heard such astounding combat achievements of the general, which I could not help but admire wholeheartedly."


    He pulled Chen Sansi aside into a corner, and said privately, "Big brother, to put it bluntly, I just want to mingle with you for some military merits. You won''t mind me, will you? Rest assured, I won''t be a drag on you."


    "For Your Highness to come, this subordinate is naturally honored."


    Chen Sansi said perfunctorily.


    Having a prince by his side was inconvenient for any task.


    But what could he do to send him away? What more could he say?


    "Big brother, you still see me as an outsider!"


    As Cao Zhi spoke, he kept sizing him up and could not resist asking, "Big brother, how did you do it?"


    Chen Sansi inquired, "Do what?"


    "The four thousand men."


    Cao Zhi stretched out his fingers, "Big brother, aren''t you exhausted?"


    Chen Sansi replied indifferently, "Kill them, does that take effort?"


    "..."


    Suddenly, Cao Zhi did not know how to continue the conversation.


    "Since you''re here, you might as well join me in planning the next phase of our advance."


    Chen Sansi said as he walked into the tent on his own.


    He spread out the map on the table at the head of the tent and ordered his subordinates to call all assistant generals and above.


    Cao Zhi sat down by his side.


    He commanded his personal guard to bring a cup of wine, found an unopened barrel of barbarian wine from the large storehouse, and began to taste it leisurely, "Go, roast a head of sheep as well."


    "Yes!"


    "..."


    Soon after, a fatty sheep was roasted in the tent, its meaty aroma filling the air.


    "Prince Yan really knows how to enjoy life."


    Chen Sansi did not look at the lamb leg that was passed to him, but instead focused on the map, "How is the situation in You State now?"


    "The news hasn''t come back so swiftly."


    Cao Zhi, after eating only the tenderest two bites, put it down and spoke seriously, "According to the previous plan, at least five camps of troops will be assembled within ten days from inside the Great Wall in the safe zone to support You State."


    "Now, since General Chen has taken down Huqiu Mountain, it means a closer route to You State has been opened, and there''s also a chance to surprise the barbarians by circumventing them and directly appearing behind them outside the Great Wall of You State. However, it''ll also take two months'' time."


    "General, what do you think we should advise Liang State?" sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chu Shixiong spoke with a heavier sense of reverence in his tone.


    God of slaughter!


    Among those present, his realm was the highest, so naturally, he saw things most clearly.


    Last night''s heavy snow.


    A white-clad god of slaughter!


    This gentleman, amid ten thousand troops, moved as if he were entering uninhabited territory!


    He went straight to the barbarians who didn''t even dare to flee!


    What concept is this?!


    "..."


    Chen Sansi looked at the Luotian Mountain Range on the map, its full extent unknown, ultimately making it difficult to make entirely accurate decisions.

 Chapter 512 - 191: Blood Sacrifice of Liangzhou City, Lone Army Enters the Great Desert_2

    After pondering, he spoke, "Write to Liangzhou and say that we hope they can dispatch two more regiments of troops out of the Great Wall to meet with us at Huqiu Mountain, and then we can make further plans."


    "Good, I''ll write it myself."


    Cao Zhi immediately picked up a pen there and then.


    Before the grand strategy was set, Chen Sansi could only await here with his troops, thankfully, the crude encampment the barbarian tribes had hastily established spared them a lot of trouble.


    "Whoosh¡ª¡ª"


    "Whoosh¡ª¡ª"


    Just at that moment.


    Suddenly, a gale started outside, causing the tents to flap wildly as if they were about to be ripped away at any moment.


    "What a fierce wind!"


    "Why has it gotten so windy all of a sudden?"


    "..."


    Listening to the discussions outside.


    Chen Sansi put down the map and walked out of the tent.


    He saw that the sky, which had been clear not long before, was now densely covered with dark clouds, and an even more intense blizzard began to pour down, sufficient to affect the upcoming battle.


    "General Chen."


    The half-way writing Cao Zhi came out, "With such heavy snow, the supply lines can''t be maintained, can they?"


    "Indeed."


    Chu Shixiong, gazing at the sky with concern, said, "Why is it snowing so heavily?"


    "If it continues like this, I''m afraid the battle can''t be fought."


    Cao Zhi said, "General Chen, do we still stick to the original plan? Under such heavy snow, even if we forcefully advance, there''ll be no subsequent supplies."


    "It might turn out that..."


    Chu Shixiong looked at the overwhelming snowstorm, "this battle will be called off, and we might have to retreat back to Liangzhou City, supporting You State''s defense only from within the Great Wall and no longer taking the initiative to attack. The northern campaign is likely to be postponed until next spring."


    "It''s really quite bizarre."


    Cao Zhi muttered, "Could it be that the barbarians anticipated this heavy snow, and that''s why they attacked You State, betting that we wouldn''t be able to send a large army deep into their territory no matter what?"


    "Continue!"


    As the two discussed.


    An authoritative voice, brooking no doubt, sounded by their ears.


    There stood a figure in a white robe, leaning on a long spear amidst the swirling snowstorm, issuing a command, "Tell Liangzhou that they must send at least two regiments of troops to Huqiu Mountain by any means necessary, and quickly!"


    Cao Zhi was right.


    This battle.


    The barbarians dared to attack You State with such disregard.


    Not because they weren''t afraid of being attacked from both front and rear.


    But because...


    They probably already knew.


    That the grand army of Dasheng couldn''t venture far from Liangzhou City!


    The more the situation developed like this, the more urgent it was to dispatch troops from the city to stand by, ready for unforeseen needs.


    Whatever the enemy intended to do, they simply must not be allowed to succeed!


    Even at a great cost!


    And was it really just the snow they were relying on?


    Chen Sansi, looking in the direction of the Luotian Mountain Range, knew in his heart that it might not be the case!


    There might be an even greater scheme at play.


    One that even his master and the others were unaware of.


    ...


    The Agate River.


    The barbarian''s Great Village.


    The Yuwen Tribe and Duan Clan, a total of fifty thousand troops gathered at this place.


    Among them.


    The Martial Saint of the Yuwen clan, the Great Khan''s own elder brother, the Left Xian King Yuwen Jingwen, was personally in charge here.


    His nephew.


    Ninth Prince Yu Wen, as well as Yu Wenxin, who had recently returned from a "study" in Dasheng, were also present.


    "Xiner!"


    Yu Wenjingwen''s deep and rough voice was filled with indulgence, "You really won''t leave and insist on staying here?"


    "I won''t leave!"


    Yu Wenxin, still dressed in the attire of the Sheng people, sat on a deer leather chair, "Uncle, I want to stay here, waiting to take my revenge!"


    "Good! My nephew truly has made something of himself!" Yu Wenjingwen said laughingly, "You just wait. Before long, not a single man, woman, old person, or child will remain inside Liangzhou City, and your vengeance will be served."


    "I also want to capture Chen Sansi alive!"


    Ninth Prince Yu Wen clenched his fist, "And then take the Zhenyue Sword back!"


    "Nephew, you really don''t have to dwell on this so much."


    Yu Wenjingwen said gravely, "It seems now that it wasn''t your carelessness back then, but rather that Chen Sansi is no simple man."


    Speaking of which.


    Ninth Prince Yu Wen.


    Initially encountered Chen Sansi outside the Xi River tribe in Po Yang County.


    At that time.


    Chen Sansi was just a little-known centurion from a small county''s Households Office.


    Yet in just two or three years.


    He became renowned throughout the world.


    Now he has even been ennobled as an Earl, commanding an army of soldiers.


    It can only be said, his nephew has no cause for shame, surviving is already quite an accomplishment.


    "Report¡ª"


    "Prince, terrible news!"


    Suddenly.


    A soldier burst into the tent, so excessively panicked that he staggered and fell to the ground: "Prime Minister, the Prime Minister!"


    "The Prime Minister?"


    Yu Wenjingwen leaned forward, "What happened to the Prime Minister?"


    "Outside Huqiu Mountain, Chen Sansi led eight hundred scouts, cutting down ten thousand of our soldiers, captured another ten thousand, and then captured the Prime Minister alive, sending him back to Liangzhou!"


    "What?"


    Yu Wenjingwen stood up and hurried over to the soldier, "What did you just say? Repeat that."


    "Prince, it''s..."


    The soldier, gasping for breath, tried to recount the entire sequence of events as completely as possible. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Eight hundred scouts...


    Annihilated the garrison at Huqiu Mountain?!


    Teng Ge''er and Darie Achi, died in battle right then and there?!


    Chen Sansi alone cut down thousands of the enemy?!


    Ridiculous!


    It''s far too absurd!


    "Prince!"


    "This information comes from friendly forces stationed nearby, there''s absolutely no mistake."


    "..."


    "He, a Mysterious Phenomenon, managed to slay thousands without tiring?!"


    Yu Wenjingwen couldn''t imagine it.


    "At that moment!"


    Ninth Prince Yu Wen said, "I didn''t even have a Meridian Passage by my side. Looking at it this way, I''m still the strongest!"


    "This child is a monster, even more so than Sun Xiangzong!"


    Yu Wenjingwen ground his teeth, "Dasheng really is a land of outstanding people. Sun Xiangzong is not dead yet, and already another such man has appeared!"


    "Uncle!"


    Ninth Prince Yu Wenxin said, "What do we do? Shall we deploy the troops to go and rescue my Seventh Uncle?"


    "It''s too late now. By the time we get there, Seventh Brother will probably have already been taken back inside Liangzhou City."


    Yu Wenjingwen closed his eyes, "And considering the date, the Blood Sacrifice of the Slaughter Vein is about to begin. Seventh Brother inside Liangzhou City is more likely to meet misfortune than fortune..."

 Chapter 513 - 191: Blood Sacrifice of Liangzhou City, Lone Army Enters the Great Desert_3

    "Ah?"


    Yu Wenxin asked, "Don''t you want to think of a way? Just like me, save them through negotiations."


    "There''s no time left! Everything is centered on the high priest! I will keep the sacrifice of my seventh brother in the hearts of the Sky Clan."


    Yu Wen Jingwen''s expression turned icy, "And with such a blizzard, the Sheng people will surely retreat to south of the Great Wall soon, and then what awaits them is refinement!


    "The deep-seated hatred of blood between my Sky Clan and Liangzhou!


    "There will also be an outcome!" sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ...


    Langjuxu Mountain.


    "Ridiculous!"


    The Great Khan of the Yuwen Tribe also received the news.


    He almost flipped the table in front of him.


    As soon as the battle started, the Yuwen Tribe lost three generals in succession!


    The faces of the other three tribe''s khans all showed a bit of schadenfreude.


    "Calm down!"


    At the altar.


    The high priest of the Witch God Sect burst out with a black and red evil Qi.


    "The great ritual begins!"


    "Everything will soon come to an end!"


    ...


    Liangzhou.


    Prince Mansion.


    The Sixth Prince, Ji Ji, and several generals, including Fang Qingyun, were once again waiting.


    In anxiety, Cao Huan finally received the frontline news.


    "I wonder if the troops dispatched by this prince will arrive in time to support General Chen and how the situation at Huqiu Mountain is?"


    He pondered while opening the letter to personally review the battle report, then he was taken aback.


    "Your Highness?"


    Seeing his reaction, Ji Ji asked in a deep voice, "Could it be that something has happened?"


    "Something has happened, a big event!"


    Cao Huan handed over the letter with joy, "General Chen last night led eight hundred light cavalry and slew ten thousand enemy troops, capturing Prime Minister Yu Wen alive. Right now, ten thousand prisoners and Yu Wen Chengzhao are on their way back!"


    Upon hearing this.


    Ji Ji quickly took the letter, his facial expression changing.


    "They say General Chen has unrivaled cunning, but it now seems his bravery is also enough to top the three armies!"


    Cao Huan couldn''t stop admiring, "As it stands, he''s second only to General Ji, then!"


    "Yes, General Ji!"


    "You truly deserve to be brothers from the same school."


    "General Chen''s cunning is comparable to General Fang, while his bravery rivals General Ji!"


    "Supervisor Sun''s closed-door disciple is really something!"


    "With General Chen in Beiliang in the future, no worries!"


    In the room.


    Many were old generals of the Beiliang Army.


    They might not have high status or realm, but each was an assistant general who commanded troops for years, with considerable authority and a high reputation in the army.


    Listening to their conversation.


    Ji Ji''s gaze grew even deeper.


    "Huqiu Mountain is settled."


    The third brother, Nie Yuan, said, "But this snowstorm is getting heavier, what should we do next?"


    "By common sense, with such a snowstorm, we should shrink the whole army back, figure out how to mobilize the troops to defend You State, instead of attacking."


    Cao Huan said with conflict, "But General Chen wrote in the letter, hoping that we would send out two more camps of troops from the city, but won''t this mean even the provisions can''t keep up?"


    War.


    Always sending provisions ahead of troops.


    Without sustaining logistical support, sending troops rashly is out of the question.


    "This snowstorm is not normal."


    Fang Qingyun came to the door in his wheelchair, watching the heavy snow in the courtyard: "The half-year before the war, I kept an eye on the heavenly phenomenon day and night, and somehow I missed this blizzard.


    "It feels as if it''s deliberately made by the barbarians, with the purpose of stopping our advance, facilitating their attack on You State, exuding strangeness everywhere.


    "My view is the same as General Chen''s.


    "The more this is the case, the less we can do as they wish!


    "Even if we are temporarily unable to launch a large-scale campaign to the north due to the influence of the heavenly phenomenon, we absolutely can''t hunker down in the city and wait to die; we should select two camps of troops to leave the city and take a shortcut to You State."


    "I agree."


    General Ji took over, "Liangzhou and You State are separated by the Luotian Mountain Range, and now with a snow-blocked road¡ªeven if we take the nearest route outside the Great Wall, it might not be timely, let alone the route inside the Wall.


    "Why not let me lead the Black Tortoise and White Tiger camps north out of the Great Wall, first rendezvous with General Chen at Huqiu Mountain, and then all three camps march directly to You State, striving to arrive within a month to support."


    "Hmm..."


    Cao Huan pondered, "What about the supplies? And General Ji, aren''t you afraid this is a ploy by the barbarians and that you''ll encounter an ambush on the way to You State?"


    "One month of supplies will suffice."


    General Ji said solemnly, "As for the ambush, if there truly is one, then we shall break through it!"


    "Good! Worthy of being ''the most fierce among horses, General Ji among men''!"


    Cao Huan made up his mind, "I trust your judgment! Let''s go with the generals'' suggestions, Black Tortoise Camp, and White Tiger Camp will take thirty days of provisions and head north out of the Great Wall immediately!"


    "This subordinate accepts the order!"


    General Ji saluted and hurriedly left.


    The third brother, Nie Yuan, followed closely.


    He whispered, "Our little junior brother is too exceptional; the battle of Huqiu Mountain will soon spread throughout Liangzhou, and then the entire Beiliang Army will know of his valor; those old generals just now clearly admired him greatly.


    "Yes, so we can''t wait any longer; we must fight two tough battles as well."


    General Ji''s armor clanked as he walked: "In this northern battle, I intend to take the lead; if possible, I aspire to the position of Supervisor, only then can I protect my younger brothers and sisters."


    "Big brother is right."


    "Just don''t know, with such a big matter, is our master really not coming out to take charge?"


    ...


    Luotian Mountain Range.


    Twelve Layers Mountain.


    At the core.


    Below the main peak, the altar stood tall, evil Qi soared to the sky, and the formation patterns intensified.


    One after another black-robed cultivator, holding Vajra Pestles, took their positions at specific locations, manipulating the formation to unfold, the Slaughter Vein beneath the earth revived, and the immense evil Qi, like an ocean, spread out from the Twelve Layers Mountain as its center, expanding into the heavens and earth.

 Chapter 514 - 191: Blood Sacrifice of Liangzhou City, Lone Army Enters the Great Desert_4

    The aura of sinister evil, changing the Heavenly Phenomenon!


    Causing the temperature in the Northern Desert to continuously plummet.


    The entire Slaughter Vein, starting from the south at Luotian, extending north to Langju Xu, spanning tens of thousands of miles; wherever it passed, a blizzard raged, with the Luotian Mountain Range resembling a succession of snowy mountains.


    Atop the altar.


    There were a number of cultivators from the Ancient Demon Clan of the Cultivation World.


    They cultivated by relying on the Evil Qi, their bodies exuding an eerie and murderous aura; their faces, eroded by the Evil Qi, were webbed with black veins like a spider''s web, and their eyes were an unnaturally deep red.


    "Esteemed Immortal Masters!"


    "The Formation is complete!"


    "..."


    Wushen Sect Leader Yi Leide appeared, "Shall we begin?"


    "Don''t rush."


    The leader among the cultivators, a young man who didn''t look more than twenty and held a sword, had eyes that betrayed a weariness not matching his age, "Our guest hasn''t arrived yet."


    "Deng Immortal, in my opinion, that Sun fellow is also utterly helpless."


    Yi Leide sneered, "Otherwise, he would have come long ago."


    "Hmm."


    Deng Immortal spoke, "Let''s start."


    Before his words had faded,


    a Silver Dragon descended from the sky.


    Deng Immortal and several other Ancient Demon Cultivators were already prepared; the five Magic Artifacts in their possession sprang to action. As they moved, the altar''s Formation drew upon the Killing Evil Qi from the Ancestor Vein, bolstering it with power, and astonishingly transformed into a black Evil Dragon.


    "Boom¡ª¡ª"


    Upon collision,


    the black dragon dissipated.


    But the Silver Dragon was also knocked flying backward.


    In the end, it fell into the hands of an old man who had appeared abruptly, someone who was a centenarian.


    By his side, there was also an old Daoist in a Taoist robe.


    "We''ve seen Emperor Dasheng!"


    Wushen Sect Leader Yi Leide asked in a neither hot nor cold tone, "It seems the Lifespan Extension Pill is quite effective, our cooperation has been pleasant, hasn''t it?"


    "Yi Leide!"


    Cao Kai ignored him and instead rebuked, "Yi Leide, you dare collude with the Demon Clan of the Cultivation World, practice Demon Techniques, and attempt to revive the Slaughter Vein. Do you realize that once the Slaughter Vein is resurrected, and the Demon Clan pours into the human realm, it will bring catastrophe to all living beings!"


    "What of it?!"


    Yi Leide laughed coldly, "My Wushen Sect was founded by a powerful Ancient Demon in Ancient Times. We are merely returning to our roots. By then, all of you will be nourishment for my Heavenly Clan!"


    "I''ll give you a chance."


    Sun Xiangzong spoke indifferently, "Scram back to your own homes, and I will just destroy the Slaughter Vein and spare your lives."


    "Sun Xiangzong, don''t you think you''re being overly arrogant!"


    Deng Immortal''s voice was raspy, "Better to save your own decrepit life and hide away to catch your breath for a few more years!"


    "Since you know I don''t have much time left, you should value your lives even more."


    As Sun Xiangzong finished speaking, he spread the palm of his hand open, revealing a Spiritual Pearl engraved with the Destructive Spirit Array, as tremendous mana began to erupt from it, "I am not afraid of the backlash from the Evil Qi."


    "Destructive Spirit Array?"


    Deng Immortal Master discerned the truth, "No wonder you haven''t dealt with the Slaughter Vein for so many years, only to rush over now. It turns out you have been looking for ways to charge the Destructive Spirit Array."


    For that very reason.


    They did not wait for the Slaughter Vein to naturally recover over the long years, but instead set up the Blood Sacrifice Array to prematurely provoke it,


    Both sides were racing against time! S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Ancient Demon Clan wanted to revive the Slaughter Vein before Sun Xiangzong found the Destructive Spirit Array that sealed it.


    In the end, they still collided.


    "Sun Xiangzong!"


    Deng Immortal Master, holding his Magic Weapon Flying Sword, hovered in the air, "You think you are the only one with a powerful inherited formation? To destroy the Slaughter Vein, you must first destroy the Blood Sacrifice Array!"


    "Activate the formation!"


    At his command,


    Yi Leide immediately inserted the Vajra Pestle, obtained from the hands of the Ancient Demon Clan, into the altar''s groove.


    It contained the blood of hundreds of thousands from Yunzhou over ten days, plus the essence blood of Martial Artists collected slowly over the years, preserved through the Magic Artifact until this moment, all of it now injected into the altar, then a crimson formation was superimposed on top of the original revival array, taking the deeply buried Slaughter Vein as the energy source, expanding and strengthening without restraint until a pillar of blood-red Evil Qi shot into the sky, and the ominous qi slowly spread across the dome, unfolding like a blood-red curtain pulling open slowly above the sky.


    Boundary!


    "Buzz!"


    Under this boundary,


    the Spiritual Pearl extinguished,


    falling back into the hands of Sun Xiangzong.


    The Destructive Spirit Array, failed!


    All things engender and overcome one another, and formations are no exception!


    Cao Kai nodded and said, "Influenced by this array?"


    "Yes, thanks to His Majesty,"


    Sun Xiangzong had no choice but to put away the Spiritual Pearl temporarily, "The essence blood of tens of thousands of people from Yunzhou is here, plus the Slaughter Vein as the supply of Mana. To activate the Destructive Spirit Array, we must first destroy the Blood Sacrifice Array."


    "The Blood Sacrifice Array."


    Emperor Longqing asked, "What is the purpose of this array, to protect the Slaughter Vein?"


    "Protect?!"


    The Wushen Sect Leader sneered and clarified for him, "Once the Blood Sacrifice Array is formed, it will encompass the entire Liangzhou. By then, the five million people of this city will all become nutrients for the Slaughter Vein!"


    "Evildoer!"


    Cao Kai''s Taoist robe fluttered, and the Dragon Abyss Sword hummed as it flew out, "I, shall destroy this array!"


    "You think you can?"


    Deng Immortal Master, leading several Ancient Demon Cultivators, swarmed forward to entangle in a fight, their Sword Qi fierce like tornadoes, startling countless birds and beasts in the forest into frenzied flight.


    The Wushen Sect Leader Yi Leide held a copper bell in his hand and gently shook it, issuing a command to someone, "Aren''t you going to make a move yet?"


    "Boom!"


    From both sides of the woods,


    Figures dashed out.


    One holding a longsword,


    One holding a pair of blades.


    It was none other than Shao Yujing and Wen Zhi, who had been controlled by the Gu Insect, attacking the Old Governor holding a long spear from the left and the right.

 Chapter 515 - 191: Blood Sacrifice of Liangzhou City, Lone Army Enters the Great Desert_5

    One was a Human Sword Saint.


    The other was a Dual Saber Martial Saint.


    Placed in the secular world, both were figures who had reached the pinnacle of Martial Arts.


    "So it was controlled by the Gu Insect."


    Sun Xiangzong spoke as True Power surged forth from him in waves.


    "Boom!"


    Under the tremendous power, the ground within a ten-zhang radius cracked open under the wave of energy, sand and rocks flew about, and dust filled the sky, obscuring everyone''s vision, leaving no one clear about what was happening.


    ...


    "My son!"


    "My son!"


    Wen Zhi was trapped in a huge terrifying nightmare.


    He couldn''t control his body and watched himself, taking out the Demon-Subduing Pestle and smashing his son''s heart, and shortly thereafter, he was about to strike at his daughter, when he was stopped by a long spear.


    Chen Sansi!


    This avenger who had killed his eldest son had yet saved his daughter.


    After that, Wen Zhi lost consciousness.


    Until this moment.


    He finally came back to his senses.


    ''What happened?''


    Wen Zhi saw himself holding dual sabers, his body covered in blood.


    ''I...''


    ''Whom did I kill again?!''


    He slowly lifted his head and saw an aged face with white hair.


    "Sun Supervisor?"


    "I killed Sun Supervisor?"


    "Cough cough cough..."


    A few coughs disrupted Wen Zhi''s illusions.


    He then saw that his dual sabers, along with Shao Yujing''s long sword, hadn''t pierced the old governor''s body at all but were blocked by a layer of protective True Power, unable to advance an inch.


    "Enough, do you two really think your fancy moves could kill anyone?"


    Sun Xiangzong let their weapons chop at him as he calmly took out two elixir pills and swallowed them: "Stop dawdling, this old man''s last Clearing God Talisman was also used on you two. If you don''t hurry to kill the Wushen Sect Leader''s mother Gu, you will still be unable to break free from control."


    "This..."


    Wen Zhi trembled as he withdrew his dual sabers: "Supervisor, thank you for your intervention, Sun Supervisor!"


    Sun Xiangzong ignored the two and dashed towards the altar, his Silver Dragon roaring in his hand, causing several Witch God Sect Followers to be torn apart, leaving only a handful alive in the blink of an eye.


    The Wushen Sect Leader conjured spells, his hands turning into blood-red demonic claws.


    However, he was no match.


    After merely two rounds, he fled with injuries.


    Elsewhere.


    Cao Kai had also slain several, capturing one Demon Cultivator alive.


    "Immortals?"


    "All of you are Immortals?"


    Wen Zhi and Shao Yujing found it hard to accept.


    "You two, why aren''t you assisting promptly?"


    Cao Kai rebuked coldly, then proceeded with Sword Flight, heading straight for the remaining Demon Cultivators.


    Seeing this.


    Wen Zhi and Shao Yujing stopped just watching; one went to assist while the other controlled the captured Ancient Demon Cultivator.


    "Boom!"


    After repelling the Wushen Sect Leader.


    No one else could stop them.


    The Silver Dragon descended from the sky, and under the surge of True Power, it fiercely tore through the black Evil Qi, shattering the altar.


    However...


    The Blood Sacrifice Array in the sky did not stop!


    This place was not the real Array Eye!


    For the first time, a serious expression flickered across Sun Xiangzong''s aged face.


    "Sun!"


    In the distance.


    The Wushen Sect Leader revealed a triumphant smile: "You fell into the trap!"


    Sun Xiangzong took out a Spiritual Pearl and gauged the distribution of the Slaughter Vein while examining the array patterns left on the altar, quickly understanding the operating principle of the so-called Blood Sacrifice Array.


    This place was the origin of the Slaughter Vein.


    The real Array Eye should be at the end of the Slaughter Vein, that is, the Barbarian Heavenly Capital... Langjuxu Mountain!


    "Cao Kai, leave this place to you!"


    Sun Xiangzong didn''t waste a word and was about to fly away, leaving Liangzhou, but there was a Boundary in the sky that even he couldn''t forcibly break through.


    "Don''t bother!"


    Deng Immortal taunted: "Since you''ve come, don''t think about leaving; from this moment on, not a single living creature in Liangzhou can pass through!" S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This was indeed their open plot.


    This time, the Blood Sacrifice Array had three Array Eyes, two main and one auxiliary, perfectly corresponding to the three most important positions of the Slaughter Vein, acting in mutual response, continuously extracting energy from the Slaughter Vein to complete the Blood Sacrifice Array.


    Even as capable as Sun Xiangzong was, he could only destroy one.


    The other two Array Eyes could continue to function.


    "Buzz¡ª"


    Cao Kai flew into the sky, his sword striking down, yet unable to move it an inch.


    He looked towards the Supervisor: "What should we do?"


    "The auxiliary Array Eye is in the east, in the direction of You State."


    Sun Xiangzong narrowed his eyes.


    He hadn''t personally participated in the battle, having used the last of his energy to manage the anomalies in the Luotian Mountain Range, but he was not completely ignorant of the frontline intelligence.


    No wonder the barbarians used their troops abnormally, mainly attacking You State.


    There.


    Was the auxiliary Array Eye.


    It was also the location of the Life Gate!


    By destroying the auxiliary Array Eye, they could open a Life Gate.


    Everything has a weakness, and Arrays were no exception¡ªthis Life Gate was one of the weak points of the Blood Sacrifice Array.


    As long as the barbarians tightly controlled the Array Eye on the border of You State, they could ensure that no one escaped alive.


    And Sun Xiangzong speculated.


    At this point in time...


    You State had already been breached!


    To be precise, it had been torn open.


    The barbarians'' target was not You State, but the Zhu Tuo Pass on the border of You State!


    "Cough cough cough..."


    Sun Xiangzong coughed a few times and again took a large amount of elixir pills to maintain his condition, giving Emperor Longqing the best solution: "Either, send someone to Zhu Tuo Pass to locate the Life Gate, or, go to Langjuxu Mountain and destroy another main Array Eye."


    The Array Eye here had been destroyed.


    If they could destroy two main Array Eyes, relying solely on one auxiliary Array Eye, the Array could no longer continue operating.


    "Langjuxu Mountain?"


    Cao Kai''s eyes twitched almost imperceptibly: "That is the Barbarian Great Capital, thousands of miles away from here."

 Chapter 516 - 191: Blood Sacrifice in Liangzhou City, A Lone Army Enters the Great Desert_6

    He had never intended to reach the Yin Mountain in this northern expedition. His greatest hope was simply to capture the area around the Agate River, which he would later use to breed warhorses for Dasheng.


    Langjuxu Mountain...


    It seemed far too distant.


    "Let''s deal with these people first!"


    Angered, Cao Kai was ready to attack the Wushen Sect Leader and Deng Immortal with his sword.


    "We dare to come here because we have something to rely on!"


    Deng Immortal waved his hands, and array flags appeared in front of him, landing around the last living people and then a boundary appeared, enclosing them.


    After several attempts,


    Emperor Longqing felt that this boundary was somehow connected to the Blood Sacrifice Array above the Heavenly Dome.


    "Don''t waste your energy!"


    Deng Immortal sneered, "Unless the Blood Sacrifice Array is broken first, this boundary will not be breached!"


    They were directly harnessing the power of the Slaughter Vein''s Evil Qi¡ªan ability beyond what any inferior formation could match.


    Simultaneously,


    above their heads.


    A black-red vortex formed above the dome, a swirling mass of crimson blood mist flying out, and as an Exotic Beast eagle encountered the mist, its flesh and bones dissolved into blood, all absorbed by the Array to become nourishment for the revival of the Slaughter Vein.


    Once the blood mist filled the sky from above,


    within Liangzhou City, both people and livestock would be sacrificed, their living beings obliterated!


    "Cough cough cough..."


    Sun Xiangzong''s coughing worsened, forcing him to sit cross-legged on the ground to cultivate and recuperate.


    "Life Gate, Life Gate."


    Emperor Longqing muttered, "I cannot die here, nor is it possible for me to do so, since there is a Life Gate, it can definitely be opened. Capturing You State is next."


    "Cheew¡ª"


    He called over Hai Dongqing, took out paper and a brush from the storage bag, and was about to give orders to the front.


    Seeing this,


    the Wushen Sect Leader, hiding within the boundary, jeered: "Cao Kai! Have you lost your mind? The boundary has been sealed; what do your troops have to use to get out?!"


    This was precisely what Emperor Longqing was worried about.


    According to the original plan, there were only eight hundred light cavalry outside at this time!


    Mobilizing troops from other areas to You State was simply not feasible.


    "Heh heh¡ª"


    In such a dire situation, the seated Sun Xiangzong could only sneer.


    "Zizhan, why the cold laughter?"


    Emperor Longqing said, "If we can''t leave this place, you and I will both die here."


    "I laugh at the Emperor who sits on the Dragon Chair in the capital controlling the life and death of others, having his moment of panic, truly a case of reaping what one sows! It''s just a shame..."


    Sun Xiangzong''s tone suddenly grew harsher: "It''s just a shame that you alone covet life and commit atrocities, yet millions of Liangzhou''s citizens must die senselessly with you! Cao Kai, may you never find peace in death!"


    "What happens in Yunzhou in the next ten days has nothing to do with me."


    Emperor Longqing, unangered, let Hai Dongqing carry away the finished letter, his gaze deepening as he felt the Dragon Abyss Sword in his hand.


    In the Dragon Abyss Sword, there still lay half a kingdom!


    ...


    Inside Liangzhou City.


    "Look!"


    "Quick, look, what is that in the sky?!"


    "..."


    Such a huge anomaly; it wasn''t just visible in Liangzhou, but could be clearly seen in the surrounding prefecture cities as well.


    Above the Luotian Mountain Range,


    within the vast dark clouds, a sudden pitch-black vortex appeared, strands of blood-red eerie mist fell from it, shrouding the entire sky like a giant blood-red bell trapping countless living beings inside.


    "What''s going on?!"


    "..."


    At the edge of the Great Wall.


    Sixth Prince Cao Huan, Fang Qingyun, and several veteran generals personally came to see off the troops of Black Tortoise Camp and White Tiger Camp as they headed to battle.


    Not long after the camps had departed,


    a blood-red mist wall appeared between heaven and earth, about two li outside the edge of the Great Wall.


    "This..."


    "What kind of sorcery is this?!"


    Cao Huan nervously said, "Quick, you go check it out!"


    A soldier rode to the edge of the mist wall and out of curiosity, reached out his arm to touch it.


    "Crrrrrack!"


    "Ahhhh¡ª"


    In an instant,


    the soldier''s arm dissolved into blood water; he fell to the ground writhing and wailing.


    "What?!"


    Everyone on the wall, having witnessed this scene, was utterly horrified.


    "It''s a boundary." sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Fang Qingyun, who was ever so knowledgeable, finally spoke: "It seems we are trapped."


    "Trapped? What do you mean?"


    Cao Huan could not understand, "This blood mist, can it really trap millions of people in Liangzhou?"


    "Tweet¡ª"


    A Hai Dongqing flew in.


    He hastily took off a letter.


    "Father?"


    Cao Huan, recognizing the very familiar handwriting, acknowledged it as his father''s: "Father is in Liangzhou? When did he arrive?"


    He read on.


    The content was utterly terrifying.


    To sum it up briefly,


    if they could not, within the allotted time, find their way to You State and locate the special altar within the Luotian Mountain Range, millions of soldiers and civilians within Liangzhou City would all...


    turn into blood water!


    Just like that soldier just now!


    "Ah!"


    The screams continued.


    The soldier, in agony, fell from his horse; even though only his arm had touched the blood mist, the rest of his body rapidly dissolved, spreading like a plague, and soon he was completely vanished!


    A literal evaporation of a person!


    "You State!"


    The scene before him was too bizarre, beyond the understanding of ordinary people, but Cao Huan knew that to save his life and preserve Liangzhou City, he could only do as his father said.


    "Quick!"


    "Gather all the troops..."


    He paused mid-sentence.


    He suddenly froze.


    Because he realized.


    Where could they even escape to?


    Inside Liangzhou City, there were more than a hundred thousand troops, most of whom were trapped in the city.


    Now outside the Great Wall,


    there were only Chen Sansi and Ji, leading the three camps, while the barbarian tribes in You State had as many as one hundred and fifty thousand troops!

 Chapter 517 - 192: Defying Orders at Huqiu Mountain, Marching Straight to the Great Capital City

    Now.


    Liangzhou City was almost entirely trapped within the boundary.


    Only three camps of soldiers remained outside!


    These three camps were forcibly deployed outside at Chen Sansi''s insistence!


    If it had been according to Cao Huan and others'' plans, there probably wouldn''t have been a single soldier outside by now, and more than a hundred thousand troops would have been trapped within the Great Wall.


    "General Fang!"


    Cao Huan lamented, "It is thanks to your persistence, otherwise, we really would have had nothing left but to await death."


    "Even so, the situation is still not optimistic,"


    Zhao Wuji said.


    Even with three camps of soldiers outside.


    We still need to find a way to make contact.


    With the entire heavenly dome shrouded, exotic beasts like Hai Dongqing could no longer pass through at will.


    "Old Big!"


    Cheng Wei, the second senior brother, leaped to the front of the fog wall and, mobilizing vigorous Qi-Blood, shouted to the outside, "Ji Ji! Can you still hear us from the outside?!"


    Outside the boundary.


    Ji Ji and Nie Yuan had just led the troops less than twenty miles from the Great Wall when sudden abnormalities burst forth behind them.


    They witnessed with their own eyes.


    Above the sky of the Luotian Mountain Range, the sky seemed to tear open, spewing forth a scarlet blood mist, dyeing the entire canvas of the sky before forming a boundary that descended.


    Liangzhou City was trapped!


    Regardless of whether they were human or animal!


    "Old Big..."


    Nie Yuan pulled his horse to a halt, "What... what is this?"


    "The Luotian Mountain Range."


    Ji Ji made a quick judgment, "I thought my master completely abstained from the war, turns out there were problems at the core of the mountain range."


    "Related to the Poisonous Beast?" Nie Yuan asked, "What should we do next?"


    "Let''s go back and see."


    Ji Ji ordered the troops to halt their advance. He rode the Fire Horse swiftly to the boundary and, holding the Heavenly Halberd filled with rolling True Qi, struck down mightily upon the blood fog. The result was a whiff, as if the fog was truly ordinary mist, and his Heavenly Halberd smashed solidly into the ground, stirring up waves of mist that swept toward him.


    He hurriedly retreated, widening the distance.


    "What a peculiarly eerie boundary!"


    They saw before their eyes, a sparrow fly into the mist and then dissolve into blood.


    Immediately afterward, they heard the second senior brother Cheng Wei''s voice.


    "Old Big, can you possibly hear the sound?"


    "Old Two?"


    Nie Yuan hastily replied, "We can hear you!"


    Suddenly.


    Both sides let out a slight sigh of relief.


    The essence of the great formation was the refining of flesh and blood; it had not reached the point of completely severing internal and external contact. If even communication could not be guaranteed, then it really would have been nothing left but awaiting death.


    "General Ji!"


    Cao Huan shouted, "Things are looking bad, we must resolve the trouble within a set time; otherwise, the millions of soldiers and civilians of Liangzhou will all be refined by this strange blood mist!"


    "After you go to Huqiu Mountain, join forces with General Chen, and then immediately proceed to You State to assist in the battle. Go inside the mountain range and destroy the Array Eye," he said.


    "You State." sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Ji Ji nodded, "I understand."


    "What comes next?"


    Zhao Wuji spoke, "How do we maintain timely communication?"


    The battlefield changes in an instant; even with Hai Dongqing, they couldn''t guarantee real-time intelligence. They certainly couldn''t always rely on shouting across the air since it was far too inefficient.


    Ji Ji examined the Heavenly Halberd that had come into contact with the blood mist and remained unharmed; he quickly figured out the pattern of the formation. He took an Iron Core Bow, drew it to its full extent, and shot an arrow toward the fog wall.


    "Whoosh¡ª"


    Within the fog wall.


    Cao Huan and others successfully saw the arrow.


    "This will do."


    Ji Ji suggested a method, "We still use Hai Dongqing to carry messages, we only need to have people wait inside and outside the fog wall, then tie the messages to arrows and shoot them through the blood mist."


    Once the most convenient method of communication was established.


    Cao Huan directly sent the Emperor''s handwritten letter outside the blood mist.


    "The Emperor?"


    Ji Ji, looking at the letter, grew even more solemn, "The Emperor is also inside Liangzhou City now?"


    He knew in his heart that there was no time to waste and immediately led the troops toward Huqiu Mountain.


    ...


    Langju Xu Mountain.


    "The formation is complete!"


    At the altar.


    The High Priest of the Witch God Sect spoke faintly, "With time, Liangzhou will be devoid of humans and animals. Once the Slaughter Vein is revived, swarms of Ancient Demon Immortal Masters will flood in. Not to mention Liangzhou, Dasheng, but the entire world, the entire Eastern Continent will be ours!"


    Now.


    Through a great sacrifice, they had only managed to bring in a few Immortal Masters.


    But if the Evil Qi revived, the heavenly and earthly seals would automatically unlock, and by then, this place would truly become the land of the Demon Clan.


    Mortals.


    How could they contend with gods and demons?!


    "Well done."


    The Great Khan Yuwen addressed the other three, "Gentlemen, shall we discuss how to divide the territories thereafter?"


    "Indeed."


    The Great Khan Tuoba pulled out a map he had prepared earlier.


    This battle.


    They were fighting with ease.


    All they needed to do was guard the Array Eye; the rest would be taken care of by the Demon Clan''s Immortal Masters.


    Afterward, not only would they gain the world, but they would also be able to practice Demon Techniques, pursuing the Immortal Path of everlasting life.


    ...


    The Agate River.


    Early in the morning, Yu Wenxin stood atop the high slope looking toward the South, only smiling coldly with satisfaction when the expected anomaly occurred, "Excellent, it''s started! Nephew, do you see it? Millions of people in Liangzhou City, along with countless livestock, have all become materials in the cauldron."


    "Uncle, that''s not quite right."


    Yu Wenxin added, "Did you forget? There''s also Chen Sansi''s eight hundred Light Cavalry. After they took down Huqiu Mountain, they''ll surely send people over to garrison, and there might be two camps of soldiers."


    "Ah, you''ve improved,"


    Yu Wenxin, tall as an ox, patted his nephew''s shoulder, "I''ve already sent people to scout the situation."

 Chapter 518 - 192: Defying Orders at Huqiu Mountain, Marching Straight to the Great Capital City_2

    "Report¡ª"


    In the midst of blizzards, a rider hurriedly approached.


    "Bring the intelligence, intelligence has arrived!"


    Yuwen Jingwen spoke in a deep voice, "Speak, how many people have escaped from outside Liangzhou City by now?"


    "At Huqiu Mountain, there are fifteen thousand men from Beiliang Hongze Camp."


    The soldier knelt in the snow, "At the edge of the Great Wall Barrier, roughly two to three thousand soldiers and horses are estimated, led by Ji, surmising he is leading two camps to meet with Hongze Camp at Huqiu Mountain."


    "So, you''re saying, within the Great Desert, there are now three camps?"


    Yuwen Jingwen muttered pensively, "In such a snowstorm, they still dare to deploy troops outward, neglecting even their logistic supplies, whose idea? It must be Chen Sansi."


    He answered his own question.


    Yuwen Xin calculated, "Three camps of soldiers, according to their structure, is roughly around forty-five thousand men. That''s no small number. Uncle, if they head towards You State, couldn''t that spell trouble?"


    "Not a big problem."


    Yuwen Jingwen patiently explained the situation to his nephew, "In the corner of You State, most likely a breach has already been torn open, firmly defending Zhu Tuo Pass. Moreover, not only do my Heavenly Clan''s four divisions have one hundred and fifty thousand soldiers and a Martial Saint, but also an Immortal Master helps, so even if their three camps manage to arrive, just a single Martial Saint is fundamentally futile."


    "The most crucial point, nephew, you must not forget."


    "We don''t even need to win this battle, we just need to protect the Array Eye, delay time, wait until the Blood Sacrifice Array is completed, and after the Slaughter Vein revives, the rest will naturally be handled by the Immortal Masters of the Ancient Demon Clan."


    "So Uncle means..."


    Prince Yuwen Xin seemed to understand but not quite, "Ignore them?"


    "Let them be."


    Yuwen Jingwen spoke indifferently, "Even if the three camps truly go to You State, they are no more than a drop in the bucket."


    ...


    Huqiu Mountain.


    Hongze Army Camp.


    "Sir!"


    "Look towards Liangzhou!"


    "..."


    "The Barrier?"


    Chen Sansi ascended to the top of Cloud Tower, witnessing firsthand the whole process of the crimson blood mist enveloping Liangzhou.


    Matters had become increasingly thorny.


    It seemed that the issues within the Luotian Mountain Range were difficult to resolve.


    The soldiers of Hongze Camp looked around in confusion.


    Their families were still within the city; how could their thoughts not be in turmoil.


    "Elder brother!"


    Cao Zhi ascended to Cloud Tower and came next to him, "What should we do now?"


    Chen Sansi did not answer.


    He too was waiting.


    Finally, in the midst of the blizzard.


    The intelligence brought by the blue bird.


    Reading the handwriting, it was personally written by Fourth Brother, Fang Qingyun.


    In the letter.


    Fang Qingyun, after communicating with his master, detailed the situation within the Luotian Mountain Range again.


    "My Sixth Brother is in the city, and Father King is also in the city!"


    Cao Zhi saw it distinctly, his voice somewhat trembling, "That means, after the Blood Sacrifice Array ends, won''t they all leave me?"


    "Prince Yan, you should read it in full."


    Chen Sansi reminded, "After the Slaughter Vein revives, the Cultivators of the Ancient Demon Clan from the Cultivation World will be able to roam the heavens and earth, by then it won''t just be about the destruction of Liangzhou City."


    "Right right right, I understand."


    In just two breaths.


    The expression on Cao Zhi''s face rapidly changed: surprise, excitement, agitation, loss, and finally to solemnity, "Elder brother, what should we do next? I have the map right here."


    He personally opened the map, "After merging with General Lv''s forces, should we immediately head to You State?"


    "That might not be in time."


    Chen Sansi indicated for him to put away the map.


    "Not in time?"


    Cao Zhi asked, "Then, elder brother, do you have any better ideas?"


    "Let''s wait until General Lv arrives and then decide."


    Chen Sansi estimated that, at most, half a day more, Xuanwu Camp and White Tiger Camp should also arrive.


    He asked Cao Zhi to help organize the troops first while he himself found a secluded place, picked up his long spear, and practiced.


    Martial Saint.


    As the situation grew more severe, he must break through to the Martial Saint Realm before the final battle to gain a slight edge.


    This stand might likely face an Immortal outright.


    Martial Saint Realm.


    To turn Mysterious Phenomenon Gang Qi into True Qi, even if it meant reaching the peak of the First Realm of Transcendence Realm, going beyond that would be above Martial Saint.


    But how easy is this step?


    Even though Chen Sansi had supreme talent and the aid of Spiritual Grain, it wasn''t something that could be achieved overnight.


    Normally, it would still need half a year.


    Which was exactly three years after arriving in Liangzhou.


    The timeline set by his master back then.


    [Cultivation Technique: National Guardian Dragon Spear. Martial Saint]


    [Progress: 20/100]


    After marching.


    He would also carve out some time every day for practice. In real combat, his spear technique also improved, yet the progress was still merely one-fifth.


    True Martial Pill!


    Now it seems, if he wanted to speed up.


    He must concoct the True Martial Pill.


    Pill Furnace, materials he had them all, but now there wasn''t time.


    He had to act according to circumstances.


    Besides this.


    There were various spells.


    Ever since he knew his master had given him the Spirit Vein, he had been rushing to enhance them.


    Improvement in spells, compared to the speed of "Five Elements Decision," was much faster.


    [Spell: Thick Earth Decision (entry-level)]


    [Progress: 200/500]


    ...


    [Magic: Ten Thousand Swords Arrival. First Rank]


    [Progress: 258/1000]


    After Sword Qi Skill had broken its limits, it transformed into Ten Thousand Swords Arrival.


    Not just spells.


    Chen Sansi also had some spoils of war obtained from the ends of the earth, a Golden Light Flying Knife, but only a first-rank low-grade magic tool, with an addition of two hundred Ghost Vein Arrows as his entire holdings.


    Spells and magic tools.


    Unless absolutely necessary.


    He would not use them.


    But now he had reached the brink of absolutely necessary.


    He calculated the time was almost right, then returned to the camp, and within the time of a tea brewing, his subordinate came to report that Xuanwu Camp and White Tiger Camp had arrived.


    ...


    You State.


    Li City Prefecture.


    This place.


    Was the gateway to You State, where the great battle abruptly commenced. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 519 - 192: Defying Orders at Huqiu Mountain, Directly Heading to Great Capital City_3

    Xu Wencai had hurried to this location to take charge.


    Outside. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It was an army of one hundred fifty thousand barbarians, including four Martial Saints.


    In their hands, they only had over thirty thousand men from two camps.


    There were also two Martial Saints urgently summoned.


    One named Fan Hailing.


    He was his old partner during the initial attack on Wei Country.


    The other, Pei Tiannan, was the former Governor of Liangzhou, also an acquaintance.


    Two Martial Saints, over thirty thousand men.


    The disparity in military strength was immense.


    Furthermore, an unusual heavy snowfall,


    relying on the fortified Li City Prefecture, they could barely hold on at first.


    Until this day...


    In the chaotic siege.


    From the edge of the sky, a person soared through the air with a sword.


    This battle, it couldn''t be fought!


    Even if Xu Wencai was an ingenious strategist, he was ultimately just a true scholar, what could he do under brute force?!


    Fortunately.


    He discovered that the Martial Saints had some fighting power in the presence of "Immortals," so they still managed to hold on desperately, not immediately falling to a fate of city breached and people dead.


    "Master Xu, what should we do?"


    The usually smiling Pei Tiannan now wore a grave face.


    "I think they are crazy!"


    Fan Hailing slammed the table heavily, "Coming to attack You State, what are they after?"


    "Indeed,"


    Pei Tiannan continued, "And looking at their movements, even if they take Li City Prefecture, we still have Green Lake Prefecture and Ji''an Prefecture to the east, and it''s impossible to annex the entire territory of You State in a short period. Should we not retreat first?"


    "Retreat!"


    Xu Wencai waved his feather fan, announcing the retreat.


    He understood the principle that abnormal behavior must have a demon, knowing that the unusual military deployment of the barbarians must have a clue hidden within, but there was no alternative, to continue defending would only lead to the annihilation of the whole army after the city was breached.


    The plan for now was to retreat from Li City Prefecture and then defend the other two prefectures, waiting for reinforcements.


    Leaving two thousand decoys behind.


    The rest of the men retreated overnight to the interior of Green Lake Prefecture.


    Also, on that day.


    The unusual phenomenon in the Luotian Mountain Range.


    Shocked the Northern Territory.


    "What kind of sorcery is this?"


    "It''s like a fierce beast, swallowing Liangzhou entirely!"


    "..."


    The first piece of news they got.


    was that this was a Blood Sacrifice Array, and soon after, it would refine tens of thousands of lives within Liangzhou City!


    And after entering You State,


    as they expected, the barbarian army did not continue to attack You State, but turned their troops toward Zhu Tuo Pass, guarding the auxiliary array eye, also known as Liangzhou''s only Life Gate.


    "Barbarians, they can cooperate with Immortals?!"


    Fan Hailing spoke unsteadily, "This, this is to devour my entire Dasheng!"


    "And our reinforcements are gone."


    Pei Tiannan continued to read the intelligence, "Only the three camps outside the Great Desert remain."


    "Three camps, altogether only forty-five thousand men, one Martial Saint at most."


    Fan Hailing worriedly said, "Comparatively, the barbarians, not to mention four Martial Saints, still have support from two Immortal Masters, the power disparity remains immense!"


    "Speak quickly."


    Xu Wencai urged, "Which three camps?"


    "Black Tortoise, White Tiger,"


    Pei Tiannan paused, "And Hongze."


    "Hongze."


    Upon hearing this, Xu Wencai remained composed on the surface, but his heart, which had been in suspense, finally had a glimmer of hope.


    "Wait."


    Pei Tiannan said gravely, "It''s impossible for the troops from other places to arrive in time, we can only wait for General Lu to come with his troops to support us."


    ...


    Luotian Mountain Range.


    Sun Xiangzong and Emperor Longqing were here, forming a standoff with the Wushen Sect Leader and others to prevent them from leaving easily or causing trouble elsewhere.


    Hidden within a boundary, Deng Immortal had a black talisman appear before him.


    This was a Sound Transmission Talisman.


    Once activated, it could send messages across thousands of miles, even in the cultivation world, it was considered a precious item.


    After exchanging messages with the High Priest of the Wushen Sect.


    Deng Immortal revealed a sinister smile, "Sun Xiangzong, how about a deal? Let the two of us leave Liangzhou, and I will spare your descendants, saving your son and daughter from this place."


    "Don''t rush to refuse."


    "The Blood Sacrifice of Liangzhou is a done deal,"


    "Originally, if you could destroy the auxiliary eye on the east side of Liangzhou, opening a Life Gate, you could still save a small part of Liangzhou''s people."


    "But now, even Zhu Tuo Pass in You State has been taken, you no longer have any way to escape."


    Across from them.


    The soldiers of Liangzhou City had gathered, setting up tents for Sun Xiangzong and the Emperor to rest, while also promptly passing on intelligence, Mr. Hou, the supervisor of Liangzhou, was also there.


    He originated from the palace, one of the Emperor''s confidants.


    Otherwise, he would not have been assigned to such a critical position as the supervisor of Liangzhou.


    "Forget it!"


    Mr. Hou spoke on behalf of the Emperor and the Lord Governor, "Don''t even think about leaving!"


    To the side.


    There were Shao Yujing and Wen Zhi.


    "Wushen Sect''s scourge!"


    Wen Zhi''s eyes were bloodshot, holding double swords, "Even if not one in Liangzhou is left, I must perish together with you, to avenge my son and disciples!"


    Being controlled.


    He had personally killed many of his disciples and his own son.


    Such a heavy blow.


    That he had not gone completely mad by now was already a testament to his strong mental resilience.


    "You scourges, you haven''t won yet!"


    Mr. Hou threw the battle report in front of them, "In Liangzhou outside the city, we still have three camps, this Life Gate might not be impossible to open!"


    The Wushen Sect Leader scoffed, not bothering to look.


    Inside the tent.


    "Who would have thought, You State would be breached so quickly."


    Emperor Longqing sat cross-legged on a cushion, "Send another letter to Huqiu Mountain, instructing Lu Ji and Chen Sansi to immediately devise a plan to attack You State, leaving no room for error."


    ...


    Huqiu Mountain.


    "Big senior brother, third senior brother."

 Chapter 520 - 192: Defying Orders at Huqiu Mountain, Directly Heading to Great Capital City_4

    Chen Sansi personally went two li from camp to welcome him.


    "Junior brother."


    L¨¹ Ji did not engage in small talk, "The situation is urgent, I just received an urgent report from You State, let''s you and I go to the Central Army Tent to discuss a plan straight away."


    Inside the Central Army Tent.


    Maps and sand tables were all in place.


    L¨¹ Ji quickly recapped the current situation: "As of now, You State has fallen, and the barbarian hordes have been arriving at Li City Prefecture in succession, rushing towards Zhu Tuo Pass, guarding the only Life Gate of Liangzhou.


    "Given our encounter, you and I, brothers, should set off for You State immediately.


    "Three camps, forty-five thousand men


    "I will take the main force, and you will assist, with our combined efforts, forty-five thousand men, it is not necessarily impossible to take down Zhu Tuo Pass and destroy the Array Eye outside the Luotian Mountain Range."


    "Yes, my younger junior brother, let''s not delay any further, let''s set out."


    Nie Yuan said and, seeing the White Robe unmoved, asked, "What''s the matter, junior brother, do you have other plans?"


    "Two senior brothers."


    Chen Sansi disagreed, "We cannot act in such a manner."


    "Oh?"


    L¨¹ Ji nodded slightly, "Share your thoughts."


    "If You State had not yet fallen, the arrangement of the eldest senior brother would have been without fault, and we should indeed set off for You State immediately, but as the barbarian army has entered in full force, we decidedly cannot do so," Chen Sansi said, maintaining a respectful tone toward his senior brothers and calmly explaining, "Senior brothers, Li City Prefecture is easy to defend but difficult to attack. Zhu Tuo Pass itself is not significant, but its strategic location is formidable and, once manned, can hold off a myriad of foes. In the face of the Enemy Army''s occupation, a forceful attack is likely to require a great deal of effort."


    L¨¹ Ji spoke solemnly, "I shall use my strength to break through it."


    "Eldest senior brother''s bravery is well-known, and I also believe that given time, you would be able to take Zhu Tuo Pass, but let''s not forget, what we lack the most right now is time," said Chen Sansi as he lifted the tent flap, looking towards the blood mist above the distant Heavenly Dome. "This Blood Sacrifice Array operates daily, and it could be completed at any moment, hence the barbarians at Zhu Tuo Pass do not need to defeat us, they just need to delay the time."


    "The younger junior brother makes some sense."


    L¨¹ Ji calmly asked, "I understand what you''re saying, but given the current situation, aside from attacking Zhu Tuo Pass, we probably don''t have a better strategy.


    "This crisis in Liangzhou is essentially a death trap.


    "To break this trap, we can only do it by force; to put it plainly, it''s a bet, staking our lives on it."


    "Well said, eldest senior brother!"


    Chen Sansi affirmed, "But since it''s a gamble, why not gamble even bigger."


    "Even bigger?"


    Nie Yuan, somewhat puzzled, asked, "What do you mean, junior brother?"


    White Robe drew the Li Quan Spear embedded in the ground, and with a flash of cold light, the tip of the blade pointed directly toward the edge of the sand table, the Yin Mountain Range, the Barbarian Capital, Langjuxu Mountain!


    "Senior brothers, do not forget one thing.


    "Zhu Tuo Pass is just an auxiliary array eye to the Blood Sacrifice Array. Even if we destroy it and open a Life Gate, it is still within the mountains. Considering Liangzhou''s vast territory and numerous inhabitants, how many people will be able to reach and pass through the Life Gate in time to leave Liangzhou?


    "On the other hand,


    "If we destroy the last main Array Eye atop Langjuxu Mountain, the Blood Sacrifice Array will collapse immediately."


    At these words, the inside of the tent fell into deathly silence.


    This included Chu Shixiong, Cao Zhi, and the generals of the various camps, who could hardly believe their own ears.


    Could this be another direct strike at Mei Mountain, like in the campaign of Ming State?!


    But times have changed.


    This would be against the Barbarian Capital!


    Not to mention the great distance, there were innumerable perils along the way.


    Most critically,


    They would be a lone army!


    A lone army, intending to strike directly at the enemy''s capital city, was practically unimaginable.


    "You mean to strike directly at the Barbarian Heavenly Capital?"


    Nie Yuan could not comprehend, "Junior brother, this is not just bold, it might be a bit of wishful thinking, don''t you think?"


    The others,


    felt the same.


    "Junior brother, I''m not dismissing your strategy,"


    L¨¹ Ji pointed at the sand table and countered, "Do you realize that we are a good ten thousand li away from the Barbarian Capital?


    "Do you realize the four tribes of the barbarians have formed an alliance with more than four hundred thousand troops? The ones in You State are only part of them, with over two hundred thousand still observing from various places across the Great Desert.


    "Do you realize we have only forty thousand men, and moreover... no supplies! If we don''t quickly make it to You State, we will run out of provisions. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Do you realize, near the Great Capital, there might also be Immortals defending...


    "Considering all the above, isn''t heading to the Barbarian Capital an even bigger waste of time compared to going to You State?"


    However,


    Even though he laid out four clear points of contention,


    Chen Sansi still insisted, "No, it will certainly be faster!"


    L¨¹ Ji and Chen Sansi locked gazes.


    The interior of the tent fell into silence.


    Cao Zhi, who had been quietly eating at the side, perked up with interest at the scene.


    "Eldest senior brother, younger junior brother,"


    Nie Yuan saw the tension and promptly meditated, "We''re just discussing matters, let''s not harm our camaraderie."


    After the exchange of glances, L¨¹ Ji and Chen Sansi stopped the argument and smiled at each other.


    "Junior brother ah, junior brother,"


    L¨¹ Ji spoke gravely, "It seems we cannot persuade one another."


    "Do not blame your senior brother,"


    Chen Sansi replied, "I truly believe so."


    "Currently, our ranks in the army are equal, and neither can command the other,"


    L¨¹ Ji said, "In that case, let us prepare the troops. I estimate the imperial edict will arrive shortly, and we can make a decision then, alright?"


    Chen Sansi could not refuse.


    More than forty thousand soldiers from the Three Camps were neatly arranged near Huqiu Mountain, awaiting military orders from Liangzhou City.

 Chapter 521 - 192: Defying orders at Huqiu Mountain, Heading straight for Great Capital City_5

    About two hours later.


    "Chirp¡ª"


    Accompanied by a piercing eagle scream, a golden Divine Eagle sliced through the sky, braving the vast snowstorm to arrive above Huqiu Mountain.


    This Divine Eagle.


    Was the Holy Emperor''s cherished pet!


    The Divine Eagle landed next to Ji, who opened the case, extracted the sacred decree inside, and immediately passed it to his side, "Take a look, Junior Brother, His Majesty''s decree commands us to set off for You State immediately, without any delay."


    "..."


    Chen Sansi silently looked at the decree, not uttering a word for a long while.


    "We can''t waste any more time, let''s set off!"


    Ji issued the order.


    The army was about to head out, straight for You State.


    Seeing their general motionless, the soldiers of the Hongze Camp could only follow suit.


    "Boom!"


    Just at that moment.


    The heavenly dome trembled.


    But looking in the direction of Liangzhou, the Blood Sacrifice Array began to accelerate its operation, with plumes of blood mist rising from it, turning the entire sky crimson red.


    And it was upon seeing this scene.


    That the White Robed General on the White Horse suddenly raised his long spear high, and with a voice loud as Divine Thunder, proclaimed, "Hongze Camp, heed my command! Change direction, follow me, and head straight for the Barbarian Capital!"


    This military order.


    Drowned out the heavy snow, the raging winds, and clearly echoed through the minds of every single one of the forty-five thousand soldiers at Huqiu Mountain.


    "Hongze Camp, heed my command!"


    Xu Bin was the first to draw his sword and echo the response.


    Next were his fellow brothers from Po Yang.


    For them, their minds only held the military order!


    If the general said the army was to rush somewhere, they just charged forward without question.


    Moreover...


    In their eyes, there was nothing impossible about a battle led by their general.


    From Po Yang to the Battle of Hulaoguan.


    When had it not seemed impossible to outsiders?


    And yet, when had they not achieved it?!


    This time would be no exception.


    If the general said to strike at the Barbarian Capital, it meant they could!


    With their influence, the vast majority of the soldiers followed suit.


    "Hongze Camp, heed my command!"


    "..."


    Unlike the Assistant Generals.


    These low-ranking military officers and Array Soldiers were from various places, assembled in the Beiliang Army''s Hongze Camp, but given their lower status, they had more contact with the general and obeyed the military order.


    Moreover.


    The White Robed General wasn''t trying to do something else, but to lead them to victory, to the rescue of Liangzhou City, saving millions of people including the Holy Emperor, as well as their families.


    In the time before.


    The fame accumulated from victory after victory transformed into authority at this moment, an authority that could stabilize the morale and control the army!


    And moreover.


    They did not merely hear of the White Robe''s prowess, they had witnessed it with their own eyes.


    Right there.


    At Huqiu Mountain!


    In this fortification constructed by the barbarians!


    Eight hundred men.


    Slaughtered ten thousand enemies in one night!


    To this very moment, the corpses of the enemy lay buried in the snow, ice sculptures in human form scattered everywhere¡ªwasn''t that proof enough?


    General Chen stated how this battle was to be fought; he must have had a strategy in mind.


    To follow the order was the right thing to do.


    "Hongze Camp, heed my command!"


    Then came the likes of Xiao Zheng and Xia Cong, who had long followed Chen San. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    They were witnesses from Lai State who had seen thousands avoid the White Robe, and participants in the battle outside Hulaoguan where three thousand had routed an army of one hundred thousand, already utterly convinced by General Chen''s command.


    Driven by the atmosphere, they too expressed their willingness to follow the order.


    "You, have you gone mad?"


    Chu Shixiong, the Deputy General of Hongze Camp, looked at the excited faces of his brothers, momentarily at a loss.


    "Junior Brother?!"


    Ji had not expected this turn of events, riding over on his Fire Horse, "What is this? The imperial edict has already been issued."


    "Eldest Brother, it''s not that I am unwilling to obey, but that I cannot!"


    Chen Sansi clasped his hands, "Look to the direction of Liang, who knows when the Blood Sacrifice Array will be complete? Even if we were to break through Zhu Tuo Pass and open a Life Gate just before the array''s completion, that can''t stop the ritual, it only leaves a brief time for people to evacuate. How many can survive?!"


    "So what?"


    Ji said with conviction, "Junior Brother, you must understand, the Holy Emperor is now in Liangzhou City, Master is there as well, along with nearly a hundred thousand troops. As long as we open the Life Gate, at least Master, His Majesty, Sister Sun Li, and Brother Sun Buqi will survive. Whatever number of fellow brothers and civilians that can be saved is how many can be saved, isn''t that the safest method?"


    "Eldest Brother, trust me, I''m not being reckless! Going to Zhu Tuo Pass, I have only fifty percent certainty, but going to the Barbarian Capital, I have over seventy percent, and if you join me, there''s over eighty percent."


    Chen Sansi assertively said, "If I weren''t somewhat certain, why would I insist on this course of action?"


    He looked at the silent Ji, knowing their thoughts completely differed, so he did not press further.


    "Depart!"


    With a fierce command.


    "Hongze Camp, heed my command!"


    This time.


    The fifteen thousand soldiers of Hongze Camp cried out in unison, shaking Heaven and Earth, swaying the snowy landscape.


    Subsequently.


    Mounts robust and strong bore the neatly arrayed soldiers in Armour, heading into the boundless expanse of the Northern Great Desert.


    "General Chu! Don''t hesitate!"


    Xia Cong urged, "Hurry and follow the army''s departure!"


    "This is insubordination!"


    Chu Shixiong warned, "Have you all lost your minds? The imperial edict clearly states we are to lead the troops to You State, not head northward, and certainly not to some Barbarian Capital thousands of miles away!"


    The soldiers below might not be individually punished due to their numbers.


    But he was the Deputy General!


    One of the Deputy General''s responsibilities was to check and balance the Main General, ensuring compliance with the court''s commands, preventing mishaps.

 Chapter 522 - 192: Defying Orders at Huqiu Mountain, Directly Heading to Great Capital City_6

    After such a scene, could this be tolerated?!


    "General Chu, in this world, is there anyone more loyal than General Chen?!"


    Xia Cong seriously said, "General Chen was personally promoted by His Majesty! And the previous battles, when didn''t he take command in dangerous times, alleviating the court and His Majesty of troubles?


    "Right.


    "And on Ziwei Mountain.


    "When the assassins attempted assassination, General Chen risked his life to shield His Majesty from the blades!


    "On the night of great chaos, it was General Chen who led us, the three thousand Black Armors, into the hall to protect His Majesty. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Even on the battlefield, I have never seen General Chen wounded.


    "Yet that night, General Chen had countless injuries on him, enduring I don''t know how many cuts and stabs, covered in blood. Despite that, he still desperately protected His Majesty''s safety.


    "These are all things I witnessed with my own eyes, can there be any falsehood?"


    "Assistant General Xia is right."


    Xiao Zheng also said, "General Chen today did not disobey deliberately¡ªclearly, he believed that by doing so, he could better rescue His Majesty from the crisis in Liangzhou!"


    "Didn''t the general say? Following his plan, there''s an eighty percent chance to save His Majesty, while following General Lv, there''s only fifty percent."


    You Jike said, "I choose to believe in the general."


    "Alright!"


    Chu Shixiong himself had no conflicts with Chen Sansi.


    He highly respected this White Robed General, and having believed that the general only aimed to protect His Majesty better, he found no reason to refuse anymore and immediately agreed, bringing his confidants along to follow the troops ahead.


    "Junior brother!"


    Nie Yuan, riding a fast horse, caught up: "This is an imperial decree, you''re defying His Majesty''s command, think it over carefully!


    "Moreover, taking down the Barbarian Capital is far more perilous than heading to Zhu Tuo Pass; any slight error could lead to irreversible disaster!


    "Junior sister.


    "Right, Junior Sister Sun Li is waiting for your return to get married, I''m still waiting to attend your wedding!"


    "Brother, it''s the same words! I, your junior brother, am certainly not a reckless man seeking glory, but based on my analysis, I truly believe this course has a higher chance of success. As a commander, shouldn''t one adhere to their convictions and choose the strategy with greater prospects of victory?"


    Chen Sansi spoke deliberately, "As for defying orders, when the general is abroad, military orders may not always be adhered to! After all, His Majesty is trapped inside Liangzhou City, and many situations are unclear to him.


    "Later, I will write to His Majesty to explain everything clearly. His Majesty, a rare wise ruler, will surely understand me!"


    "I will also help explain and share the consequences with General Chen!"


    In the midst of this discussion.


    At the back of the line, Cao Zhi, who had come over at some unknown time, flirted a brow at the White Robe and, placing a hand near his mouth, whispered, "Big brother, my life and fortune are in your hands!"


    Seeing that persuasion was useless, Nie Yuan, the Third Senior Brother, had no choice but to give up, watching helplessly as Hongze Camp gradually vanished from sight at the border.


    "Enough."


    Sitting high on his horse, Lu Ji said, "The junior brother is not the Martial Saint, and furthermore, there are not many in Hongze Camp; attacking Zhu Tuo Pass without him won''t make much difference¡ªlet him go."


    "Yes, General."


    An Assistant General from Black Tortoise Camp said, "This battle, precisely the one where the general truly makes a name for himself! If relying on the two camps we can resolve the crisis in Liangzhou, and leveraging your many years of accumulated prestige, you will undoubtedly win over the entire Beiliang Army''s loyalty naturally, taking on the Supervisor''s mantle!


    "That Chen Sansi is just the person the Commander most recently took in as a disciple, and yet these past few years he''s been gaining prominence, recently some old generals were privately discussing who would succeed the Supervisor''s position, with some actually ranking him even before you, General.


    "This time, it''s the perfect opportunity for them to see clearly."


    It wasn''t only Chen Sansi who had deeply loyal followers.


    Lu Ji, after years of campaigning, had similarly numerous loyal generals and soldiers under him.


    Lu Ji coldly uttered two words: "Blathering."


    "This subordinate deserves to die!"


    The Assistant General immediately began slapping his own face, withdrawing afterward.


    "Actually, he''s right."


    The Third Senior Brother, Nie Yuan, slowly said, "Some matters, it''s not just up to the master alone, it''s not about who he wants to pass the mantle to, and everyone just accepts it. Big brother, you are the eldest disciple, and most people are indeed more convinced by you. After this battle, it''s as if you have secured a great merit, with His Majesty appointing you as the Supervisor being almost certain."


    "Furthermore, this little junior brother, since joining the army, has never tasted defeat, it''s about time he took a fall to reflect."


    "Just hope, he doesn''t die deep in the Great Desert."


    "No need for further words, let''s set out."


    Lu Ji spurred his horse, leading the army to march forth.


    ...


    Liangzhou City.


    After the Boundary appeared.


    To get the news at the earliest.


    The Sixth Prince, Cao Huan, not hesitating to risk himself, stayed in a tent near the Great Wall.


    He watched the Boundary, pacing back and forth anxiously.


    "You State!"


    "I hope General Lv and his troops can reach You State quickly."


    "Mr. Xu and the others have done well, not stubbornly holding their ground but preserving their strength."


    "Once the forces from both sides converge, facing the barbarian''s 150,000 troops, they should stand a chance in battle."


    "The court is also dispatching troops and generals from all around!"


    "Only hoping that the Array Eye can be destroyed soon."


    Fang Qingyun, Cheng Wei, Zhao Wuji, and others were all present here.


    "Indeed."


    Zhao Wuji was also anxious: "I don''t know where they are now."


    "Whoo¡ª"


    In the midst of their discussion.


    An arrow carrying intelligence landed at the edge of the Boundary.


    It was immediately retrieved.


    "It should be in time, it should be in time."


    Cao Huan composed himself and opened the intelligence.


    But the next moment, he froze.


    "Your Highness?"


    Assistant General Cheng Wei asked, "What happened now? Are other tribes near Huqiu Mountain intercepting, or did they encounter an ambush on the way?"


    "Neither..."


    Cao Huan''s voice trembled slightly, "Chen Sansi, Chen Sansi defied orders!


    "He didn''t go to You State.


    "Instead, he led Hongze Camp north, claiming he''d strike directly at the Barbarian Capital thousands of miles away!"

 Chapter 523 - 193: Fighting with Ones Back to the River

    "What?!"


    At Huqiu Mountain, eight hundred defeated ten thousand.


    Cao Huan thought he had gotten used to Chen Sansi''s startling command style, only to find...


    No one could really get used to it!


    Disobedience!


    This was disobedience!


    And it was disobedience against an imperial decree!


    How dare he?!


    "Cough cough~"


    Cheng Wei, his second senior brother, said, "Your Highness, please stay calm, my junior brother undertook this mission to resolve the crisis in Liangzhou, to save the emperor himself. It''s definitely not intentional disobedience, and besides, he didn''t divide his forces by much."


    "I too have some understanding of military strategy."


    Cao Huan anxiously said, "Setting aside his disobedience for now, did you see what he is planning to do? He is heading north, deep into the Northern Desert, straight for Mei Mountain!"


    Great Capital!


    More than ten thousand li!


    No supplies!


    Above the Great Desert, where over two hundred thousand troops were scattered, just the known Agate River held a Martial Saint. Inside the Great Capital, there might also be the high echelons of the Witch God Sect, perhaps even an Immortal Master.


    In these circumstances unfavorable to their side.


    He was leading fifteen thousand men to attack the Barbarian Capital, thousands of miles away!


    This was no longer an implausible fantasy; it was downright calamitous news!


    Even if!


    He could do it.


    How much time would it cost?


    How could it possibly be faster than attacking You State?


    "Quick!"


    Cao Huan urgently said, "Bring the gold medal, and stop him for me!"


    "It''s too late, Your Highness!"


    His subordinate reported, "General L¨¹ and his forces didn''t dare delay, they''ve already rushed toward You State overnight, and General Chen''s forces, I fear, have also already moved hundreds of li north..."


    "What should we do?!"


    Cao Huan clapped his hands, "General Fang, tell me, what should we do? The lives of millions in Liangzhou City, can we afford to take such a great risk?"


    "Because there are tens of thousands of lives, it is worth the risk."


    Fang Qingyun, who was in a wheelchair, coughed twice, "Your Highness, the situation has already reached this point, there''s no use worrying now, and actually, the situation is not as dire as you think.


    First of all, General Chen must have had his reasons, he''s not just wilfully reckless, I believe no one would doubt that."


    The emotions of Cao Huan gradually calmed down.


    It was the same for the other veterans.


    Each instance of their great victories, naturally, was in their hearts.


    "But, looking solely at this instance, General Chen is still somewhat young."


    "When it comes to siege warfare, General L¨¹ is the strong suit, following him to You State was actually the best choice."


    "Even if he had some thoughts, there were elements of show-off."


    "Still young, a bit impetuous."


    "..."


    "Alright, assuming what you said isn''t wrong,"


    Fang Qingyun continued, "Isn''t General L¨¹ still in You State? With Xu Wencai''s two Camp Soldiers and various other reinforcements going there, having one more Hongze Camp or one less doesn''t make much difference.


    "If that''s the case, then..."


    "Why don''t we simply allocate a camp of soldiers, to hold onto a bit more hope? Why put all our bets on You State?"


    After these words were spoken,


    Cao Huan was no longer angry.


    "Forget it,"


    he waved his sleeve, "Now that things have come to this point, whatever I say is useless. Let it be. If anything unexpected occurs, we can punish him then... The fear is that, with millions of souls in Liangzhou being sacrificed, he would have no way to survive in the Great Desert."


    ...


    Luotian Mountain Range.


    Inside the tent.


    Emperor Longqing.


    Just before a moment of tea, he had finished reading the battle report from the front.


    Outside Huqiu Mountain, the forces split into two directions.


    Hongze Camp was heading north.


    Cao Kai was dissatisfied with such risky actions.


    But he was even more dissatisfied with...


    Disobedience!


    Chen Sansi.


    Had disobeyed!


    "Your Majesty, please calm your anger,"


    Mr. Hou hastily said, "General Chen did it also for the sake of thousands of lives."


    "I sent him to You State,"


    Emperor Longqing''s face was expressionless.


    "..."


    Mr. Hou kneeled to the ground.


    "Report¡ª"


    "Urgent message from General Chen has arrived!"


    "..."


    "Bring it here."


    Emperor Longqing personally received the urgent message, opened it, and after reading, his expression remained solemn, "Mr. Hou, you take a look too."


    "Yes."


    Mr. Hou took the letter with both hands and scrutinized it carefully, soon breaking into a smile, "Your Majesty, look, Mr. Chen stated it clearly, he is desperate to protect you, willing to resign from his office and relinquish his title after the battle is over.


    "He also said that Your Majesty is an unprecedented emperor, a wise monarch for all ages, who understands the rapidly changing nature of the battlefield, that commanders may not always follow orders, and if Your Majesty were at Huqiu Mountain, you might even take the field yourself and rush to Langjuxu Mountain.


    "Your Majesty, Mr. Chen''s words are earnest and sincere, it is apparent that his disobedience was a reluctant necessity, given the urgent situation at hand."


    "He has praised me excessively, making it difficult for me to punish him,"


    The voice of Cao Kai was calm, barely revealing any emotion, "Mr. Hou, how do you find Chen Sansi''s military strategy?"


    "This..."


    Mr. Hou frankly said, "I fear it holds more danger than fortune."


    "If he truly dies in the Northern Desert, I could forgive his disobedience and posthumously reward him."


    Emperor Longqing looked towards the direction of You State, "Send orders to Ji Ji, to capture Zhu Tuo Pass at all costs."


    "Yes!"


    "..."


    After the eunuch had left,


    Cao Kai slowly rose from his seat, stepped outside the tent to where Sun Xiangzong was meditating and healing, and dropped the intelligence and urgent message before him, "Take a look, your esteemed disciple."


    Sun Xiangzong opened his eyes, glanced at it briefly, then paid no further attention.


    "Such audacity, he boasted to me about capturing the Great Khan of the Four Barbarian Tribes alive, claiming that thereafter there would no longer be barbarians causing trouble in the Northern Desert. He has already led the Hongze Camp northward."


    Emperor Longqing overlooked the old man, "He probably does not know that there are cultivators on Langju Xu Mountain. What can he achieve with his Mysterious Phenomenon Great Success capabilities? This mission is likely more perilous than not; I am about to lose a general, and you, a beloved disciple." S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 524 - 193: Fighting with Ones Back to the River_2

    ...


    You State.


    "How long until the reinforcements arrive?!"


    Fan Hailing paced back and forth on the city wall, dragging a long saber, which made a grating noise.


    "General Fan."


    Pei Tiannan, unable to bear it anymore, said, "Can''t you stay quiet for a while?"


    "How can I stay quiet?"


    Fan Hailing pointed towards the Luotian Mountain Range, "Watching the barbarian armies continuously station themselves, if they refine Liangzhou next, won''t we be next? Those flying demons in the sky have said they want to refine us all into elixir pills!"


    Those who assisted the barbarians.


    Were definitely not real "Immortals."


    Because from a distance, one could feel the bloodlust and evil Qi from them, heavier than that of seasoned warriors like themselves.


    Moreover, beneath the black robes of the "Immortals," every face was covered with vine-like purplish-red veins.


    They were clearly demons!


    "Your worrying is useless."


    Pei Tiannan said, "Moreover, counting the days, the reinforcements from Huqiu Mountain have already set off. Look..."


    He pointed at the Hai Dongqing appearing in sight, "A message has arrived."


    Fan Hailing whistled to call the Hai Dongqing down and hurriedly tore open the letter to read its content.


    "General Fan, how are things? I told you there''s no need to be too anxious."


    Pei Tiannan asked, "After the three camps arrive in You State, along with our own two camps, that makes nearly eighty thousand soldiers. With General Lu and General Chen here, if we unite and fight to the death, we can still seize a sliver of hope."


    "It''s gone, General Chen is gone!"


    Realizing the ambiguity in his words, Fan Hailing quickly clarified, "Hongze Camp isn''t coming!"


    "Not coming?"


    Pei Tiannan couldn''t sit still, asking urgently, "If not coming to You State, where else could they go?"


    "Northern Desert!"


    Fan Hailing''s hand trembled as he held the letter, "General Chen has led Hongze Camp to march directly to the Northern Desert; it seems he''s aiming for a direct assault on the Barbarian Capital and aims to destroy Langju Xu Mountain."


    Behind them was the watchtower.


    Xu Wencai, previously resting inside, couldn''t contain himself any longer and walked out holding a feather fan. He didn''t speak; instead, he took the letter and read it through once again.


    "The Barbarian Capital, if I remember correctly, is ten thousand li away from Huqiu Mountain, right? And from Liangzhou to You State is only four thousand li. Why divert an extra six thousand li? This would only waste more time, and the difficulty of attacking the capital is only going to be greater, right?!"


    Pei Tiannan spoke with some hesitation, "This this this, what kind of tactic is this, Mr. Xu, what do you think?"


    "The map!"


    Xu Wencai ordered, "Bring the map quickly, General Fan, repeat the route mentioned in the letter to me again."


    The subordinates brought the map.


    Fan Hailing also repeated the information, "Mr. Xu, just talking about their current position, say no more, just a few hundred li ahead there''s a barbarian checkpoint which is nearly impossible to pass quickly."


    Based on the route of Hongze Camp.


    Xu Wencai''s feather fan eventually stopped near a large river.


    The Agate River!


    "Here, this is the massive challenge General Chen will soon face!"


    Pei Tiannan frowned as he spoke, "The area around the Agate River has fertile pastures and has always been an important pass for the Yuwen tribe. If I remember correctly, there are currently at least forty to fifty thousand soldiers stationed there."


    "The Four Sage Kings of Yuwen, Yu Wenjingwen is here, and he is a Martial Saint."


    "The military power, combat capability are both far superior to General Chen, his only option is to waste time by detouring. If he lingers too long, he will be surrounded by armies from all sides and then... his entire army will be wiped out!"


    "This General Chen has always liked taking risks!"


    Fan Hailing said, "This time, he is going to suffer a major setback!"


    "Mr. Xu?"


    Pei Tiannan asked, "What is your opinion?"


    "This man is arrogant, he deserves such a major defeat!" sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xu Wencai stated, raising his eyebrows.


    But in his heart, he felt more relieved once again.


    The way the adults were acting.


    Indicated...


    There was still hope!


    Liangzhou still had hope!


    ...


    Agate River.


    Yuwen Great Village.


    "Uncle Four!"


    Prince Yu Wenxin, sword slung at his waist and carrying a dusting of snowflakes, stepped out of the large tent, "News from the front has come back!"


    "Hmm."


    Yu Wenjingwen calmly said, "They should have all gone to You State by now, right?"


    "They did go, but it seems not everyone went!"


    Yu Wenxin pointed at the letter, "We have a few tribes on the eastern side of Huqiu Mountain; using the terrain, they monitored Sheng people''s movements and indeed spotted a large army heading to the frontline of You State, but the numbers don''t amount to three camps, it''s roughly only two camps, led by Lu Ji; that damned Chen Sansi and his Hongze Camp have disappeared."


    "Disappeared?"


    Yu Wenjingwen, considering this very important, stood up and went to the sand table.


    "Uncle Four."


    Yu Wenxin, puzzled, said, "After they left Huqiu Mountain, currently, there are only two paths they could take.


    "Either towards the western Yan State, which isn''t controlled by the Blood Sacrifice Array, simply put, it''s a retreat! But I believe, given Chen''s temperament, he wouldn''t likely cowardly flee.


    "Or...


    "Only heading north!"


    "They neither have enough soldiers, nor a Martial Saint, nor supplies, nor time; why would they do this?"


    "My nephew analyzed it well,"


    Yu Wenjingwen said, "But we can''t underestimate the enemy, let''s assume they''re heading north for now, instruct the tribes to be on alert, and keep a close watch on Hongze Camp''s movements; report back to me immediately at any sign."


    ...


    The Great Desert.


    A gale.


    A blizzard!


    A cavalry troop advanced amidst the severe extreme weather.


    "Brother!"


    Cao Zhi, following at his side, his face covered in frost, said, "I have a question I''d like to ask you."


    Chen Sansi responded indifferently, "Ask."


    Cao Zhi, draped in a marten fur cloak, also rode a precious Exotic Beast warhorse, "General Lu''s four questions earlier, you haven''t answered yet, could you clear up the confusion for your little brother?"

 Chapter 525 - 193: Fighting with Ones Back to the River_3

    Four questions.


    They were simply about the long journey, the numerous barbarian forces, the possible presence of an Immortal Master at Great Capital, and the lack of logistical support.


    The march was tedious, yet Chen Sansi did not refuse.


    He slowly said,


    "First, though the journey spans ten thousand miles, we do not need to attack cities or fortresses, so it only seems long on the surface. If we consider the time spent attacking various cities in You State, it is actually about the same." S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Second, although the barbarian forces are numerous, they are spread across the Great Desert and take time to mobilize. As long as we keep moving, it''s hard for them to encircle us."


    "Third, whether it''s the Witch God Sect or the monsters, not only are they in Langjuxu Mountain, but You State will also have its share. It''s the same no matter where we fight."


    "You really have thought this through, big brother."


    Cao Zhi nodded and then asked, "What about the most critical issue, the supplies?"


    "Liangzhou is under siege, and heavy snow blocks the roads. Even if supplies are dispatched from Yan State, they simply cannot keep up with the speed of an army operating deep in isolation. We are... truly an isolated force."


    "When Black Tortoise Camp split its forces earlier, it only took ten days'' worth of dry food and fodder for the horses, and now our supplies are nearly depleted. If this continues, we might end up eating snow."


    He had only been with Hongze Camp for a few days.


    Yet, he recognized it.


    This was a...


    True tiger and wolf troops!


    Even in such harsh conditions, they managed to maintain perfect order.


    But even the fiercest tiger and wolf troops need food to fill their bellies.


    "Well asked!"


    "Buzz¡ª¡ª"


    Chen Sansi''s Li Quan Spear suddenly appeared in his hand, pointing into the wind and snow ahead. A vaguely emerging fortress: "Your Highness, do you see what this is?"


    "A barbarian fortress."


    Cao Zhi tossed some jerky into his mouth, "Fifteen thousand cavalry and infantry, two commanders. Not wanting to slow you down, big brother, I made sure to memorize all the intelligence available before coming."


    "No."


    Chen Sansi''s voice boomed like thunder, "Wherever the enemy is, that is our granary!"


    ...


    Fengshuang City.


    It''s called a city, but it actually doesn''t have any walls¡ªit''s more like a small town, primarily serving as a trading center for various barbarian tribes within a thousand miles.


    The stationed troops here also number fifteen thousand, jointly managed by the Duan Clan and the Murong Clan.


    The main general is a member of the Imperial Family from the Duan Clan, named Duan Zhe, at the Great Achievement Realm.


    His position within the clan was neither high nor low. Unable to reach the core elite, he had actively chosen to be stationed here, both to avoid disputes and to easily reap rewards.


    "What a pity! Soon, my Heavenly Clan will take over the Central Plains, and then this Fengshuang City won''t be worth much!"


    Duan Zhe was reflecting when his subordinate delivered some intelligence.


    "General!"


    "A letter from the Four Sage Kings!"


    "..."


    "Him?"


    Duan Zhe said nonchalantly, "Sending me a letter when there''s nothing to do, the front-line warfare doesn''t require me, could it be that the Sheng people are attacking?"


    He opened the letter.


    Suddenly, his expression turned grave.


    "General?"


    Deputy General Murong Chao asked, "What''s happened?"


    "You must know about that Chen White Robe who has made a big name for himself these past two years?"


    After reading the letter, Duan Zhe threw it into the charcoal basin to burn to ashes, "He''s headed towards the Northern Desert, Yu Wen the Fourth said he might appear near us, and instructed us to be very cautious."


    "What?"


    Murong Chao was stunned, "Liangzhou Blood Sacrifice, roads sealed by heavy snow, and he still dares to come to the Northern Desert?"


    "Report¡ª¡ª"


    "Twenty miles outside the city, an unknown number of enemy troops advancing, main general unknown!"


    "They really came?"


    Murong Chao was not afraid, but calmly analyzed, "It must be Chen Sansi! His Hongze Camp has fifteen thousand people, and we also have fifteen thousand, both with two at the Great Achievement Realm, what is there to fear?! We just need to hold on for a few days, and nearby tribes will send reinforcements! It''s the perfect time for us to achieve a significant feat!"


    He and Duan Zhe were different.


    He hadn''t come here voluntarily, but was pushed out, always longing to make a name for himself.


    "Pass my general''s order!"


    Murong Chao raised his sword, "Murong troops assemble, march to the outskirts of the city in formation, and prepare for a decisive battle with the Sheng people!"


    He and Duan Zhe nominally had a main and deputy relationship, but in reality, neither controlled the other, each commanding half of the troops here.


    "General Duan, what are you waiting for?"


    Murong Chao urged, "Go rally your troops, don''t miss the opportunity for battle! Mr. Chen dares to penetrate deeply into this area alone; he''s practically seeking death."


    "Well said, he''s indeed seeking death."


    Duan Zhe readily agreed, "You go form up outside the city first, I''ll fetch my weapons, then gather the troops, and join you to advance or retreat together, for life or death!"


    "Good!"


    Murong Chao, holding his long sword, charged out of the city.


    In the vast snowstorm.


    Murong Chao sat astride his horse, with a large army of over seven thousand men in tight formation behind him.


    And in front of them, through the blurry vision obscured by the snowstorm, one could see a vast expanse of whiteness, with a sudden black mass spreading until it filled the road ahead.


    "Thud thud thud!"


    Accompanied by the thundering sound of war drums and roaring hooves, the black shadow passed through the curtain of snow, gradually revealing its true form¡ªan immensely disciplined tiger and wolf troops! Even in such harsh conditions, they maintained a complex military formation. The place was already icy and snowy, but upon seeing this troop, the soldiers of the Murong forces felt an additional piercing cold that made their hairs stand on end.


    It was as though a steel beast was advancing across the vast land!


    Within this steel beast, a bright red flag fluttered in the fierce wind, emblazoned with a large "Chen" character.

 Chapter 526 - 193: Fighting with Ones Back to the River_4

    General Chen Sansi''s banner!


    The barbarian generals and soldiers within Fengshuang City had also heard of this famously menacing general, yet they were still in a state of confusion because nobody knew why this terrifying army had suddenly appeared deep in the Northern Desert.


    Thinking thus,


    they couldn''t help feeling restless.


    "Brothers, do not be afraid! Kill this man and we shall revel in wealth and glory!"


    Murong Chao looked back, "Where is General Duan? Why haven''t his troops been assembled yet?"


    "Report¡ª"


    "General, it''s bad!"


    "General Duan..."


    "He has taken the people of the Duan Clan and fled!"


    "What did you say?!"


    ...


    Five miles away,


    Duan Zhe, with his gold and silver treasures, took his troops and fled hastily.


    "Saying Chen Sansi is courting death? I think you are the one courting death!"


    As he spoke, he spat on the ground, feeling that Murong Chao really had no brains.


    Not long before,


    General Chen''s eight hundred light cavalry had stormed through the Yuwen tribes of Huqiu Mountain, where there were three individuals with Great Success in Mysterious Phenomenon; the two of them couldn''t defend anything, staying was purely a death sentence.


    Or rather, what use was there in fighting desperately?


    The Blood Sacrifice was about to be complete; let Chen Sansi fuss all he wanted, the good days of the Heavenly Clan people were still to come. Dying at this time would be a huge loss, better to conserve strength and seek refuge with another tribe nearby as a way out.


    ...


    "That damn Duan Zhe, truly a coward!"


    Murong Chao cursed vehemently. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "General!"


    A subordinate asked in a trembling voice, "What should we do now? Without the Duan Clan, we are only left with a little over seven thousand men..."


    "He, Chen Sansi, with eight hundred, could kill ten thousand, and I, Murong Chao, with seven thousand, cannot kill ten thousand?!"


    Murong Chao raised his long knife high, "Brothers, to the kill¡ª"


    "Buzz¡ª"


    Before he could finish,


    just one mile ahead,


    the snow curtain suddenly tore apart.


    It was a Vermilion Bird, melting the ice and snow, distorting the void, coming with a force as vast as the sea''s Gang Qi.


    Murong Chao roared, using the Breathing Skill and activating the Eight Extraordinary Meridians in his body to the extreme, unleashing all his skills. His battle knife transformed into a mad lion, neither dodging nor hiding, plunging towards the Vermilion Bird.


    "Boom¡ª"


    The terrifying aftershock, like a tsunami, erupted from the center of Murong Chao, flinging dozen of soldiers into the air, and the area for several yards around exploded into a white expanse.


    When the snow mist cleared.


    The soldiers saw...


    Murong Chao lying in the snow, barely alive, bleeding from all orifices, breathing out without breathing in, clearly not long for this world.


    One arrow!


    One arrow almost claimed the life of their main general!


    And this arrow...


    was from one mile away!


    "Hongze Camp!"


    "Charge¡ª¡ª"


    At the same time.


    The distant tiger and wolf troops shook heaven and earth as they suddenly increased their speed to charge, their rolling Evil Qi almost melting the snow, flawlessly advancing towards them in combat.


    "Retreat, retreat!"


    The soldiers of the Murong tribe had no fighting spirit left, immediately plunging into endless chaos. Just the colliding and trampling among themselves resulted in countless deaths, until Hongze Camp burst into the fray and unleashed a most bloody massacre!


    An hour later.


    Fengshuang City was then securely in their grasp.


    "Slaughter the cows!"


    "Slaughter the sheep!"


    "Brothers, eat and drink as you please!"


    "After you have eaten your fill, open the storehouses, and take their dry food and jerky!"


    "If anyone''s horse is frostbitten or has died of exhaustion, simply choose the strongest from their horses!"


    "..."


    Marching for a long time.


    Many horses, naturally, could not withstand it.


    But!


    The one thing the Barbarians were never short of was warhorses!


    Each tribe had a great number of fine horses!


    These horses were already trained.


    Moreover, with Qian Xun present, they could almost immediately be put to use!


    Supplies?


    The Enemy Army was the supply!


    This journey of more than ten thousand li, everywhere there were scattered tribes.


    How many Martial Saints were there?


    How many people could block his path!


    The mutton of the grassland was indeed out of the ordinary!


    In Dasheng, while there was chicken and pork as well as beef, only lamb was a rare item, priced more than double that of pork.


    For the soldiers, it was also a gluttonous feast, as during marches they had only dry food to eat, not to mention hot meals or meat.


    Inside a wooden cabin.


    Chen Sansi and a few subordinates sat around a campfire, discussing the path ahead.


    "Sir, our current position is here."


    Xia Cong pointed at the map, saying, "According to the General''s deployment, if we want to quickly reach the Barbarian Capital, we must cross the Agate River, but... "


    "There is a Great Village on the Agate River."


    Chu Shixiong took over and said, "Just within the village alone, there are forty to fifty thousand soldiers. Once we cross the river, our movement will be hindered, and then nearby scattered tribes will quickly gather here. In a few days, they could muster a total of a hundred thousand soldiers. General Chen, what should we do?"


    "Easy to say."


    Chen Sansi casually said, "Before they encircle us, why not just take down Prime Minister Yu Wen Jingwen''s Great Village."


    "This Yu Wen Jingwen is a Martial Saint, a renowned Martial Saint for many years. No one among us can match him!"


    Chu Shixiong emphasized, "Moreover, the fifty thousand soldiers in the village are the elite of the Yuwen Tribe. How could we possibly take down the Great Village in a short time and leave there?"


    "General Chen, I am not doubting you."


    Cao Zhi added, "Another thing you should be aware of, before this, we also need to build a pontoon bridge to cross the Agate River, and then... there is no way back, this is a battle with our backs to the river."


    A frozen river doesn''t ice over from just a day''s cold.


    This heavy snow had come suddenly, but it had not lasted long enough to freeze the surface of the rapidly flowing Agate River sufficiently to bear a person''s weight, let alone horses and weapons.

 Chapter 527 - 193 Stand With Our Backs to the River_5

    "You don''t need to worry about this; I have my own plans."


    Chen Sansi ordered, "Tell all the brothers to rest well tonight. Tomorrow, at 5 a.m., we continue our march!"


    ...


    Agate River.


    Great Village.


    "Snap!"


    "Useless trash!"


    Prince Yu Wenxin had just finished reading the battle report from Fengshuang City and, in anger, smashed the table in front of him. "Fengshuang City is an important trading place for my barbarian tribes, just gone like that?!


    "That Murong Chao and his men, who have fifteen thousand troops, the same as Chen''s, how could they not hold out even for a day? Even just one day!


    "Murong Chao aside,


    "That Duan Zhe, actually took his men and ran away!


    "What, not a bit of backbone?!"


    "Haha~ With Chen Sansi''s bravery, it''s normal that a wine sack like Murong Chao couldn''t stop him."


    Yu Wenjing simply smiled, seemingly unsurprised. "My dear nephew, don''t just lose your temper. Think about it, where do you think Hongze Camp is heading next?"


    "This..."


    Prince Yu Wenxin, looking at the sand table, said distressedly, "How do I feel, after Liangzhou has been sealed off, that Chen, with nowhere to return, is like a headless fly rampaging across the grassland to vent his anger?"


    "Not exactly,"


    Yu Wenjing patiently said, "Think again, why would he do something meaningless? Think from the enemy''s perspective, what would be the most beneficial for Liangzhou."


    "Could it be..."


    Reminded by his uncle this way, Yu Wenxin suddenly realized, then stared with disbelief, "Chen wants to directly attack the Great Capital, destroy the main Array Eye on Langjuxu Mountain?!"


    "Exactly."


    Yu Wenjing said somberly, "That''s precisely his plan."


    "Absurd!"


    Prince Yu Wenxin sneered, "He''s really a desperate dog jumping over a wall, even daring to try such a method!"


    "As the saying goes, a cornered beast will do anything desperate. He must have realized it''s impossible to breach You State, so he chose to take a risky, life-threatening gamble."


    Yu Wenjing instructed, "Once you understand the enemy''s intentions, look again at the route Hongze Camp is taking; where will they appear next?"


    "Agate River! Right here?!"


    Yu Wenxin deduced, "The shortest route to Langjuxu Mountain is across the Agate River, then inevitably encountering us. Well, he''s dead for sure!


    "In our Great Village, we still have fifty thousand elite soldiers."


    He analyzed systematically, "The enemy army is merely fifteen thousand, and while the Great Village has you, a Martial Saint, they have none. Once the fight starts, it won''t be long before reinforcements from all directions come to surround them.


    "Moreover, considering the enemy troops have been marching day and night and are utterly exhausted, while our forces have been staying inside the village, conserving energy. This is what the Military Books call ''waiting at leisure.''


    "Combined, how could Chen Sansi not lose?


    "Exactly."


    "One gets prone to mistakes once flustered, whether practicing martial arts or conducting a battle; Chen Sansi is no exception!"


    "We must not underestimate him."


    Yu Wenjing, calm as a still lake: "As the saying goes, even when a lion hunts a rabbit, it uses all its strength, let alone this Chen Sansi being a tiger. Pass down the order, let the tribes gather their soldiers and come here ahead of time. Also, send out a large number of scouts near the Agate River to gather intelligence and definitely pinpoint their exact movements."


    "Good, I''ll arrange that now."


    Yu Wenxin said as he was about to leave.


    "Wait!"


    Yu Wenjing called him back: "Xiner, this battle is a good opportunity for you to redeem your honor and prove yourself, understand?"


    Always.


    Yu Wenxin had been the most favored prince in the Yuwen family.


    Although his fifth brother was capable and had many allies, he just wasn''t favored by their father.


    Until...


    The battle of Po Yang.


    Yu Wenxin was captured alive by Chen Sansi amidst thousands of troops and then stayed in the Great Sheng Dynasty for a whole two years.


    His fifth brother gradually began to rise.


    Prince Yu Wenxin experienced a sense of crisis for the first time in his life.


    "Uncle, rest assured!"


    He touched his sword at his waist: "They say failure teaches success. I, Yu Wenxin, am no longer the old Yu Wenxin; I won''t disappoint father or you, Uncle!"


    "Good, go!"


    ...


    Fengshuang City.


    The snow fell intermittently, unpredictably large or small.


    It was still dark outside.


    Fully fed and rested, the soldiers of Hongze Camp began preparing, many changing into new horses. For those who resisted, just a bit of training by Qian Xun made them compliant and tame.


    Outside the city, behind a dirt mound.


    Chen Sansi planted the Li Quan Spear into the snow and exhaled a long breath of murky air.


    [Cultivation Technique: National Guardian Dragon Spear. Martial Saint] Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Progress: 40/100]


    Still a long way off!


    "Junior brother!"


    Wang Zhi came alone. "Did you ask to see me alone for a special arrangement?"


    "Yes."


    Chen Sansi asked, "Senior brother, how is your recovery?"


    "Me?..."


    "Watch the blade!"


    The moment the shout rang out,


    bursts of heavy Gang Qi erupted from Wang Zhi''s body. His armor buzzed sharply, and the surrounding snow was drawn in, gathering into a tornado around him. His Mo Blade fiercely chopped down, transforming into a gigantic Black Tortoise.


    Gang Qi taking form.


    Black Tortoise Heavenly Gang Qi!


    "Boom¡ª"


    Chen Sansi lifted his spear to meet the blade, and a wave of air burst from their center, shattering the ice and snow and trembling the earth; it took a long while before peace was restored.


    He congratulated, "Congratulations, senior brother, on returning to the Perfect Profound Phenomenon Realm."


    "Hehe!"


    Wang Zhi chuckled: "Thanks to the Spiritual Grain you gave me, combined with the treasure medicine, the effects were superb, improving daily. Plus, the Spiritual Wine master made us drink that day..."

 Chapter 528 - 193: Fight with Our Backs to the River_6

    Mentioning his master. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The smug look on his face gradually faded, "Let''s not talk about these things anymore, Junior Brother, what plans do you actually have for me?"


    "Whoosh¡ª¡ª"


    After Chen Sansi arrived behind the mound, he unfolded a map: "Senior Brother, I''m allocating two thousand men to you, to take a separate route. Lower the flags, silence the drums, and cross the river quietly. Then, in this mountain, within Lanling Mountain, await the signal from the blue bird, and then directly attack the great encampment of the enemy army."


    "I''ve written the more detailed plans in advance for you."


    As he spoke, he took out a brocade bag and handed it to his senior brother: "Remember, stealth is the most crucial element! I will create as much noise as possible to draw their attention. The lives of millions from Liangzhou are now in Senior Brother''s hands!"


    Earlier.


    Chen Sansi was somewhat worried.


    Wang Zhi''s cultivation hadn''t fully recovered, but now it seemed, the worry was superfluous.


    "I understand."


    Wang Zhi took the brocade bag and felt reassured: "It seems that Junior Brother indeed had plans all along. After fighting so many battles with you, I finally have a real chance to make a difference."


    "Rest assured, I will not let you down."


    "After winning this battle, I''ll come back and drink at your and Junior Sister''s wedding feast!"


    "I am off!"


    He received the orders and left.


    Chen Sansi, however, didn''t rush to follow the main army''s departure but instead took out an alchemy furnace and materials on the spot, preparing to try and concoct the True Martial Pill.


    To increase the chances of winning the final battle at Langjuxu Mountain, he had to break through to the Martial Saint Realm.


    In the midst of snow and wind.


    A crimson fire dragon soared into the sky, then was sucked into the bottom of the alchemy furnace by the Formation.


    Chen Sansi had already added ice and snow into the furnace beforehand, which quickly melted into water. Then, he added Spiritual Grain, followed by various precious heavenly materials and earthly treasures.


    True Martial Pill.


    Costing two hundred Spirit Stones per pill, with materials alone valued at one hundred Spirit Stones.


    He had only five batches of materials in total.


    He must be as careful as possible.


    If he could save some materials, it would be a valuable reserve, whether he sold it for Spirit Stones in Daze Fang City or kept it for other uses in the future.


    Once the process was nearly complete.


    He placed both hands on the Pill Furnace and began to infuse Mana into it.


    The True Martial Pill had a total of forty-nine major changes and sixty-four minor ones, significantly more complex than the nurturing pills. Chen Sansi could manage at ease in the beginning, but he started losing control after about twenty changes, and beyond thirty, he couldn''t sustain it any longer, leaving the heavenly and earthly treasures to rapidly decay under the power of the Abnormal Fire.


    "Bang!"


    A loud explosion.


    The Pill Furnace burst open, sending waves of spiritual energy fluctuating through the air.


    Chen Sansi quickly formed the Thick Earth Decision to block it.


    Fortunately, it was only a First-rank Elixir, so it wasn''t particularly harmful.


    He looked inside the furnace, only to find a mess of black residue, and immediately felt a stabbing pain in his heart.


    However, sinking costs in elixir concoction was inevitable. At least with each attempt, he would become more proficient. With the remaining four sets of materials, he would definitely be able to concoct a True Martial Pill.


    That alone would be enough.


    After packing up his things.


    Chen Sansi estimated that four or five days had passed.


    He needed to catch up with the main force quickly.


    "Qian Xun!"


    He called for his White Swan Horse and took out an inferior Fasting Pill from his bosom: "It''s cold and freezing; you haven''t had it easy either, have some of this."


    Qian Xun sniffed it, seemingly aware it was of inferior quality, showing some disdain, but in the end, decided to eat it. Instantly, its body maintained warmth even amidst the heavy snow, and its energy surged.


    It carried its master and quickly caught up with Hongze Camp.


    "Sir, you''ve finally returned."


    Xia Cong reported: "There have been seven urgent dispatches from Liangzhou, all written personally by the Sixth Prince. He even had the Divine Eagle bring a gold medal, still hoping we could change direction. If we go back now, we can still catch up with the following battles in You State. If we proceed further, it''s the annihilation of our entire army."


    "No need to pay it any mind."


    Chen Sansi thought for a moment, "I will inform them of our marching route myself and further explain."


    If they could understand, that would be best.


    Especially for those in the court, sometimes, the attitude is more important than any action.


    Hongze Camp continued northward.


    On the way, they continually overran several small tribes, slaying nearly ten thousand enemies, with tens of thousands fleeing.


    This time, Chen Sansi didn''t pursue and simply let them escape.


    It was still the same reasoning.


    Every battle must have a clear strategic objective.


    During Huqiu Mountain, the northern campaign was about annihilating the living forces.


    Now, it had become a race to reach Langjuxu Mountain, to destroy the Array Eye, and break the Blood Sacrifice Array.


    "General!"


    "Ahead lies the Agate River!"


    "The surface is covered with thin ice, impassable for men and horses; we need to build a pontoon bridge!"


    "Do I even need to say it?"


    Chen Sansi ordered, "Quickly build the bridge and cross the river as soon as possible."


    "But Sir..."


    Xia Cong presented the dispatch: "Another letter from Liangzhou. The Prince says that our spies planted among the tribes in the Northern Desert sent word that the barbarians were forewarned of our move. Yuwen Jingwen has already mobilized a large army to encircle us, possibly amounting to more than a hundred thousand. Once we cross the river, there will be no way back."


    In wars, both sides often have spies or covert agents from the other side. Perhaps they can''t obtain classified intelligence, but they can usually learn of the movements of the opponent''s army.


    Seeing that the General wasn''t swayed.


    Chu Shixiong reminded him again, "Sir, a hundred thousand troops plus a Martial Saint! Yuwen Jingwen isn''t like the incompetent Murong Chao. He''s a renowned fierce general from the Yuwen clan. Once we cross the river, it''ll be too late for regrets!"


    "Without a way back, then we shall not retreat!"


    Chen Sansi, knowing that further explanation was useless, simply stopped explaining: "Write back to Liangzhou, tell them that I am determined to cross the river, that I want to..."


    "Fight with our backs to the river!"

 Chapter 529 - 194: Killing the Martial Saint

    Upon the vast expanse of the Great Desert.


    The soldiers of Hongze Camp began to construct a pontoon bridge across the broad Agate River using materials collected along the way from the barbarian tribes; this quickly constructed bridge was essentially only wide enough for one person to cross at a time.


    The army''s crossing of the river would inevitably be discovered, and by then, a retreat would be practically impossible, as the enemy would simply watch as soldiers crossed the bridge one by one.


    Therefore.


    If they could not achieve victory after crossing, they would face certain death.


    There was no way back.


    And they.


    Fifteen thousand men. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Were tasked with taking down the Great Village ahead, guarded by the Martial Saint, resupply on the go, and swiftly head north to leave this place¡ªall while being encircled and pursued by an army of one hundred thousand.


    Even the most skilled military strategists would deem this mission impossible.


    ...


    The Agate River.


    The barbarian tribes'' Great Village.


    "Report¡ª"


    "Prince!"


    "After passing Fengshuang City, the Hongze Camp pillaged our five tribes as they marched north, their might formidable; they have now reached the Agate River, and by the time they were spotted, they were almost done crossing!"


    "..."


    "Uncle, they indeed came!"


    Prince Yu Wenxin, a mix of excitement and anxiety in his voice, his palm gripping the sword sweaty, proclaimed, "No matter what, I am Chen Sansi''s old foe!"


    "Back then, he was just an unknown little soldier, and his first enemy was me!"


    "Now, his fame shakes the world, and still, it is I who stand in his way!"


    "I, Yu Wenxin, am Chen Sansi''s old foe!"


    "That''s the spirit we need!"


    Yu Wenjing spoke in a stern voice, "Send the orders down, all troops on alert¡ªif Hongze Camp dares to cross the river, make sure they don''t live to return!"


    ...


    Liangzhou.


    "Rumble¡ª"


    The Blood Sacrifice Array sped up its operation.


    The black vortex churned out blood fog that completely obscured the entire sky.


    And then...


    The sky fell!


    Yes, the sky was falling!


    Everyone could clearly see that the sky was getting lower and lower and that the distance between the blood fog and the ground was rapidly shrinking, as if it could fall at any moment, swallowing the earth entirely.


    "Tat tat tat¡ª"


    Walking on the streets, now and then, birds would fall from the sky as their wings touched the blood fog, then dissolve into a pool of blood before the eyes of the onlookers.


    "Divine punishment!"


    "This... Is this the work of the heavens?!"


    "O heavens!"


    "Do not panic¡ª"


    "There is no divine punishment, it''s all chaos caused by the demon folk of the Witch God Sect!"


    "The Beiliang Army is outside the city, trying to find a way to rescue everyone!"


    The Beiliang Army, trapped within the city unable to leave, naturally took it upon themselves to maintain order.


    "Demons?!"


    "The demon folk of the Witch God Sect can even cover the skies?!"


    The more this was said,


    The more panic people felt.


    "I''ve already said, do not panic!"


    "There''s an army outside the city that will rescue us!"


    "Master, if you all are in the city, which generals are outside the city?"


    "L¨¹ Ji, General L¨¹, and Chen Sansi, General Chen!"


    "General Chen is outside?!"


    Upon hearing this.


    The emotions of the people stabilized considerably.


    "There''s hope!"


    "We still have hope!"


    "Mr. Chen will surely save us!"


    "Exactly, exactly!"


    "Strange..."


    An Assistant General stopped a civilian and asked, "Why aren''t you mentioning General L¨¹, only General Chen? Is General L¨¹ not brave?"


    "Who in the world doesn''t know of General L¨¹''s bravery?!"


    "But what does that have to do with us?"


    "..."


    ...


    Governor Mansion.


    "What are we to do!"


    Sun Buqi paced back and forth in the courtyard.


    Who would have thought.


    A well-intentioned Northern Expedition turned out like this.


    "This time, even Father is trapped!"


    Sun Buqi said, "Does everything really depend on Big Brother and Sansi now? But I heard Sansi didn''t go to You State but ran off to the Northern Desert¡ªcould something have happened? Then my sister, wouldn''t she become a widow before she''s even married?"


    "Young Master, if you keep spouting nonsense, I''ll have to discipline you on behalf of the Master!"


    The steward rolled up his sleeves, as if ready to strike.


    Though he was called a steward, he was actually one of the earliest brothers to follow Sun Xiangzong.


    Sun Li sat in the room, looking through the window at the red clouds in the sky, with cheeks and pupils all reflected in a bloody red hue, making it difficult to see her true expression.


    "Second Mother, why have the clouds in the sky turned red?"


    Chen Yunxi hid beside the woman, "Everyone outside says, a demon wants to eat us."


    "Don''t be afraid, Yunxi."


    Sun Li clenched the little girl''s hand, "Your father will surely take us away. Oh, what did you just call me?"


    "Second Mother."


    Chen Yunxi said earnestly.


    ...


    Great Wall.


    "How is it?!"


    "Have all the letters been sent out?"


    "Your Highness, they''ve all been sent! We''ve also informed them that the Agate River area is now heavily encircled by enemy forces, and it is impossible to go there by any means."


    "I hope Chen Sansi comes to his senses in time."


    Cao Huan paced nonstop, only sitting down out of exhaustion, "Turning back now, there''s still time to participate in the battle for You State, but if not, there will be no way back."


    "Almost."


    Cheng Wei fiddled with his abacus, carefully calculating the travel time, "General L¨¹ should have almost reached You State by now; if General Chen were to return the same way, he''d only be delayed by about twenty days or so, which shouldn''t be a problem."


    "Hmm, then..."


    "Report!"


    A fast horse arrived in front of the tent.


    "Your Highness, bad news!"


    "General Chen has replied!"


    "Not only did they not turn back, but they also sped up crossing the river, saying they want to fight with their backs to the water and chop off Yu Wenjingwen''s head to bring back for your Highness with the Divine Eagle!"


    "What? Did I not already tell him that the barbarian army is gathering at the Agate River? A battle with their backs to the water, is that not absurd?"


    Already displeased by the disobedience, Cao Huan, having urged them in vain, felt anger welling up in his heart as he pointed to the Agate River on the map, "This river is wide, once crossed, there is no way back; I only wanted to save him, can he not see that?"

 Chapter 530 - 194: Killing the Martial Saint_2

    No matter how you look at it,


    Chen Sansi is still one of the valuable "assets" of the Great Sheng Dynasty.


    Cao Huan just couldn''t bear to let him die.


    Sometimes he got angry,


    but more often it was a worry about loss.


    "A fight to the death..."


    Zhao Wuji muttered, "Based on past situations, Mr. Chen on the battlefield likes to build up momentum. I can understand his thoughts, but this time it''s different.


    "Backed against the agate river, it''s like a cornered beast, theoretically providing a temporary boost to morale. However, the presence of the Martial Saint on the other side means that any unfavorable situation in the battle could turn the effect of the agate river from a morale booster into the final straw that breaks the soldiers. They know there''s nowhere to run and could completely collapse, and direct defection is also possible."


    To be put in a desperate situation and to find a way to survive.


    This saying sounds easy, but the difficulty can only be understood by generals who have truly led troops into battle¡ªit''s as hard as reaching the heavens!


    Because when a group of people is facing doom, rather than bursting out with unprecedented fighting will, it is more likely... they''ll wet themselves in fright!


    The battle at Hu Lao is the perfect proof of this.


    "As the saying goes, ''Good words can''t persuade a ghost fated to die''!"


    An old general said, "Since we really can''t stop him, just let him go."


    "Yes,"


    Cao Huan put down the letter and exclaimed with a sigh, "I just hope that General L¨¹ won''t let us down."


    ...


    You State.


    After a long journey,


    L¨¹ Ji finally led his troops to You State.


    Gazing into the distance, a huge breach could be seen in the thousands of miles of the Great Wall, looking as though a dragon python was savagely bitten in half by another ferocious beast.


    At this gap, there were thousands of barbarian soldiers left behind.


    "Boss!"


    Nie Yuan caught up and said, "I''ve got the details: Ahead, there are five thousand barbarian troops; another fifty thousand are in Li City Prefecture, and a hundred thousand stronger army is camping near Zhu Tuo Pass.


    "Passing through the Great Wall ahead, we enter the territory of You State.


    "Shall I send a few dozen Light Cavalry ahead to test the reality of the Great Wall''s garrison?"


    "No need."


    L¨¹ Ji held the Heavenly Halberd in his hand and gazed at the Great Wall ahead with penetrating eyes, and said in a deep voice, "Send the order, call for a thousand men from the Xianzhen Army from the White Tiger Camp to follow me and directly charge into the enemy lines!"


    "Alright!"


    Nie Yuan immediately went to arrange it.


    The two brothers had been partnering for a long time,


    Always using such tactics,


    At the sight of the Enemy Army, L¨¹ Ji himself, with a few troops, would plunge into the formation. If any advantage could be gained, the larger force would swoop in afterwards, directly collapsing the Enemy Army.


    If they fell into an ambush, at most, they would lose around a thousand men. L¨¹ Ji himself would be able to break free, while Nie Yuan was responsible for the main army''s rear.


    Of course, in most cases, L¨¹ Ji would lead a thousand cavalry into the Enemy Army and scare them to the point of breaking, and then it would be a sweeping victory until a grand win was secured. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This was L¨¹ Ji''s domineering way of marching troops, using invincible valor and bloody slaughter to terrify the Enemy Army, keeping them on the verge of collapse.


    Today was no exception!


    "Boom boom boom¡ª"


    "Hiss¡ª"


    The Fire Horse neighed, its hoofbeats thunderous, mane fiery red, and breath steaming like smoke.


    Astride the horse,


    A fierce general clad in vermillion Armor, a Heavenly Halberd trailing on the ground, tearing the earth, leaving trenches.


    One man, one horse, like a Mountain God descending, charging straight into the enemy''s lines.


    "Sheng people!"


    "Enemy raid!"


    "It''s L¨¹ Ji!"


    "..."


    The barbarian general guarding the breach in the Great Wall immediately identified the person: "Quick, notify the Prince and the Immortal Master, L¨¹ Ji is here! The rest of you, follow me and arrange the formation to block him, stop him, stop him!"


    "Boom¡ª"


    In front of the camp,


    Neither the Iron Tribulus nor the Horse Refusing Stakes could last a moment in front of the Fire Horse and the Heavenly Halberd, as fragile as paper.


    "Ah!"


    Just as the enemy broke into the camp, the barbarian general shouted furiously, picked up a Horse-cutting Saber, and charged forward.


    "Boom¡ª"


    However,


    In just one strike,


    The barbarian general turned into a pile of mush along with his horse.


    With the general dead, the garrison troops instantly scattered, L¨¹ Ji entered a complete frenzy; wherever he passed was as if no one was there, and a thousand men from the Xianzhen Army slaughtered five thousand barbarian soldiers until they scattered in disarray.


    Half an hour later,


    The Xuanwu Camp and White Tiger Camp had entered the territory of You State, meeting with Xu Wencai and others in a small city.


    "General L¨¹, we''ve been anxiously waiting for you!"


    Fan Hailing was ecstatic as if he had seen a lifesaving straw.


    "Yes, General!"


    Pei Tiannan also came forward to greet him: "With the reinforcements that have arrived in the past few days from various places, plus the Xuanwu Camp and White Tiger Camp, we now have nearly eighty thousand troops, and with three Martial Saints we can definitely engage them in battle!"


    "It''s just a pity that Hongze Camp hasn''t arrived.


    Fan Hailing said, "Otherwise, we would have nearly one hundred thousand troops, not much different from the barbarian forces, and our chances of victory would be much higher. It''s just a pity..."


    "General L¨¹."


    Xu Wencai, holding a Feather Fan, approached and asked, "How are the forces at the agate river?"


    "I''ve just received the news too."


    L¨¹ Ji pointed to the map with a bloodstained finger: "Yuwen Jingwen has gathered nearly one hundred thousand troops from nearby tribes, intending to intercept and cut off our retreat. Once we cross the agate river, it''s a dead-end."


    His tactic in leading troops was indeed domineering,


    but it was not without judgment. Instead, it was based on assessing the odds of victory and what the cost of failure would be. Then he would go for a do-or-die fight, intimidating the Enemy Army with brutality.


    If he fought the Enemy Army whenever he saw them, that wouldn''t be domineering, that would be mindless, a balance of rough with subtlety, maintaining an unbeatable domineering stance, is true intimidation, able to make the Enemy Army panic at the mere mention.


    For this reason,

 Chapter 531 - 194: Killing the Martial Saint_3

    In his judgment,


    heading north into the Great Desert, one would not only face a long journey, but also confront the Martial Saint and even greater numbers of soldiers. The difficulty of both paths was essentially the same, so naturally one would choose the way that saved more time.


    Indeed,


    after destroying the main array eye, everyone would be saved, but with the auxiliary array eye, there might not be enough time to save everyone.


    But in life, one must always make choices.


    "Yuwen Jingwen, skilled with the Meteor Hammer, is a famous general from the Yuwen family, known for his bravery and stability, and he is also a Martial Saint. With so many soldiers at his command, no matter how you calculate it, General Chen won''t likely be able to leave the Agate River smoothly,"


    Pei Tiannan asked, "I wonder if this situation has been communicated to General Chen, asking him to turn back immediately. He may not catch up to the attack on Li City Prefecture, but he should be able to assist us in the final battle at Zhu Tuo Pass."


    "Your Highness, I, I have written him several letters in succession."


    L¨¹ Ji paused, "But General Chen still insists on his own idea."


    "This..."


    Fan Hailing clicked his tongue, "What a pity indeed!"


    Actually,


    to them, the loss of fifteen thousand soldiers wasn''t a fatal blow, but it was a pity for such a young and famous general like Chen Sansi to perish during this trial.


    "Let''s not talk about this."


    Xu Wencai interrupted, "Let''s discuss how to take Li City Prefecture and then rapidly set off to attack Zhu Tuo Pass instead, as the power of the Blood Sacrifice Array is getting stronger by the minute."


    ...


    Daqing.


    Capital City.


    Imperial Palace, Imperial Study Room.


    Incense smoke swirled, tranquil and serene.


    Behind the bed curtains.


    The Empress, without dipping her hand in ink, simply swept her reddened rouged finger lightly across the memorial, and the pages turned and annotations were made automatically, yet even so, she spent a full four hours from morning to dusk dealing with the mountain of memorials, and there were still many left untouched.


    "Aunt, auntie..."


    A muffled baby''s voice rang out.


    "Stop fussing, We, ah, told you not to fuss."


    "Wah wah wah wah wah¡ª"


    From the cradle, the half-grown baby burst into loud cries.


    "..."


    The Empress, losing her patience, pointed her dainty finger.


    A trace of spirit light circled around and landed on the cradle, causing it to rock gently on its own.


    "Sister, this commoner child is hungry."


    The Empress noticed no one was by her side, "Sister?"


    No one answered.


    "Someone, keep an eye on the Crown Prince."


    After giving her command, the Empress put down the memorial she had not finished reviewing and walked toward the depths of the palace.


    As she left,


    the child started wailing again.


    "Yes!"


    The two palace maids stationed outside the hall hurried inside at the call, shaking rattles and making funny faces, trying everything they could to cheer up the baby.


    "Crown Prince, can you please stop crying?"


    "The Empress will punish us when she returns!"


    "..."


    "Hey, who do you think the Crown Prince''s father is?"


    Ling''er murmured softly.


    After the Battle of Hu Lao Pass had ended,


    their Emperor of Daqing went on a long journey, and when he returned, there was an additional child and a woman.


    The Emperor said,


    the child was his.


    The woman was the child''s auntie.


    But no one knew who the Emperor''s spouse, or rather the child''s father, was.


    "Do you want to lose your tongue?"


    Palace maid Chun''er warned, "Mind your own business."


    ...


    At the very back of the palace, a door stood ajar.


    Gu Xinlan, dressed in dignified and luxurious attire, stood in front of the door, her graceful neck exposed as she looked toward a red light in the distance of the Heavenly Dome, worry written between her frowned brows, her hands nervously clasped together.


    "Sister?"


    The Empress spoke discontentedly, "Didn''t we agree that you would learn to handle state affairs with me?"


    "Gui Ti, you''re just in time, look there,"


    Gu Xinlan grabbed her sister''s hand, pointing towards the west, "Isn''t that Liangzhou? What''s going on there? Why has the Heavenly Capital turned red?"


    Before she left, she also guessed that trouble would arise, but she only thought it might be a war.


    If a war breaks out similar to the one with Po Yang, repeatedly moving to and fro, dragging her along would be a burden. That''s why she brought Du He to Daqing. But she never expected the "trouble" to grow to such an extent.


    "Sister, don''t be afraid."


    The Empress''s voice was cold, yet what she said carried warmth, "If the Witch God Sect''s fiends do succeed and Ancient Demon Clan cultivators flood into the Eastern Continent, I will take you away from here and find a way to return to the Cultivation World.


    If the fiends'' plot fails, then there''s even less to worry about."


    "That''s not what I''m talking about."


    Gu Xinlan explained, "Your brother-in-law, he''s still in Liangzhou, what about him? Gui Ti, can''t you use your magic to go and bring your brother-in-law here?"


    "Sister, why do you keep pining day and night for that brothel frequenter?"


    The Empress said coldly, "Do you know that within half a year of your departure, he has become engaged to Sun Xiangzong''s daughter?"


    "Isn''t that a good thing?"


    Gu Xinlan replied as if it were the natural course of events, "Did our father not take concubines? And Sun Dushi is your brother-in-law''s master, and the master''s word is as good as a father''s command. Could he even decline?"


    "Leaving him aside,"


    "let''s talk about you. The whole court is abuzz with rumors that you have eighteen male pets!"


    "..."


    The Empress couldn''t help interrupting, "Sister, what''s so good about a man surnamed Chen? Why can''t you just forget about him? What he can give you, I can too, and what he can''t, I can as well!


    If the Witch God Sect doesn''t succeed this time,


    Daqing will be the support I leave for you and Chen Duhe. What can a man surnamed Chen give you?


    In the end, he''s just a subject, the Old Emperor of Sheng Dynasty is obtuse and suspicious. Who knows when he might take Chen''s life? You won''t be able to live a peaceful life with him."


    S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 532 - 194: Killing the Martial Saint_4

    "Can''t you also bring your brother-in-law over?"


    "He would never be willing."


    "But we still have to save him."


    "Can''t save him, let''s see what fate has in store for him."


    The Empress, dragging her dragon robe, left and disappeared from sight.


    ...


    The Agate River.


    The shore of the Big Snow River.


    All the soldiers of the Hongze Camp successfully crossed the pontoon bridge.


    Fifty miles ahead of them was the largest camp of the barbarian tribes within thousands of miles. Although its fortifications were not as strong as those of a real city, they were incomparable to those of ordinary camps.


    The most critical aspect was that a Martial Saint was stationed there, with fifty thousand troops ready for combat. In all directions, there were countless barbarian tribes gathering.


    Ten days!


    Within ten days.


    If they couldn''t find a way to leave this place, they would be facing a siege by one hundred thousand soldiers, along with three Martial Saints!


    "Sir!"


    Xia Cong brushed off the ice and snow from his body and bowed with his fist, "What are our next arrangements?"


    "Sir, shouldn''t we... just go back the way we came?"


    Chu Shixiong put away the report he had just received.


    Seeing that sending letters to Chen Sansi was useless, Liangzhou simply started sending letters to Chu Shixiong.


    He said, "We can still make it, before the battle commences."


    "Whoever speaks of retreat again, off with his head to sacrifice to the battle standard!"


    The voice of Chen Sansi roared above the wind and snow, "At Hulaoguan, I had only three thousand men, yet I still smashed a hundred thousand and captured Fan Shuzhen alive! Today, I have fifteen thousand men, could it be that all these newly joined soldiers of the Hongze Camp are cowards, dragging down the combat strength of our army?!"


    "General!"


    "We swear we will not retreat to the death!"


    "Swear not to retreat to the death!"


    "Behead Yuwen Jingwen!"


    "..."


    The brothers from Po Yang, the original three thousand Black Armor warriors, all shouted together, and the other Hongze Camp soldiers also followed suit, their voices thunderous.


    "Someone, tear down the pontoon bridge for me!"


    Chen Sansi ordered.


    "Yes!"


    Several Assistant Generals immediately complied.


    Before fifteen thousand soldiers, they dismantled the pontoon bridge completely.


    A point of no return!


    Onward with courage!


    Chu Shixiong dare not mention retreating anymore, he asked, "General, since that''s the case, let''s march as quickly as possible. I''ve scouted ahead earlier, ten miles ahead, just outside the great village of the barbarian tribes, the terrain is open, suitable for our cavalry to form up, and in case something goes wrong, we can still detour for some time on the small path to the northwest."


    "No, pass my military orders!"


    Chen Sansi stood at a high point, "Set up our military formation right here, on the shore of the Agate River!"


    "Right here?"


    Chu Shixiong turned around, looking at the cold river water beneath his feet, "If we take one step back, we''ll fall right into the river."


    "Then, don''t take a single step back!"


    "Form up!"


    "..."


    ...


    The great village of the barbarian tribes.


    "Uncle!"


    Prince Yu Wenxin came hurriedly into the tent, "They''re here! All of them! Last night, Chen Sansi successfully crossed the river!"


    "Hmm."


    Yu Wenjingwen asked, "Is their main force camped ten miles outside of our Great Village?"


    "No."


    Yu Wenxin replied, "After crossing the river, they dismantled the pontoon bridge themselves and didn''t move forward at all, just arranged their troops in formation right there."


    "Oh? They took down the pontoon bridge and are now backed by the Agate River?"


    The usually unflappable Yu Wenjingwen finally showed a hint of surprise on his face. He squinted his eyes as he stared at the map of the Agate River: "It seems this young man has truly made up his mind to have a decisive battle with me right here!"


    "Good nephew, are you certain the entire Hongze Camp is there?"


    "Positive!"


    Yu Wenxin said with conviction, "We''ve checked back and forth many times. At the riverside, there are at least twelve thousand men, basically the entire army."


    After all, they were not counting names in a line, so it was impossible to get an accurate count of the enemy troops down to the last man, only a rough estimate.


    A full-strength camp numbers fifteen thousand men.


    At least twelve thousand men, plus the losses along the way, are about the sum of their main force. There would be no reinforcements from the Sheng people here.


    "One last question."


    Yu Wenjingwen asked, "Are Chen Sansi and Chu Shixiong both there?"


    The surname Chen was full of tricks.


    He also had to guard against a general laying an ambush in advance.


    "Both are there!"


    Prince Yu Wenxin said, "Not only are Chen Sansi and Chu Shixiong there, but also King Yan Cao Zhi, the Twelfth Prince of the Old Emperor of the Sheng Dynasty. There''s absolutely no mistake!"


    "Try again."


    Yu Wenjingwen wasn''t in a hurry.


    "Report¡ª¡ª"


    Just then.


    A soldier came to report.


    "Chen Sansi and Chu Shixiong, leading a few hundred men, have come to challenge us outside the Great Village!"


    "How timely!"


    "Swish¡ª¡ª" S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Yu Wenjingwen abruptly stood up.


    Wrapped around his arms was a layer of thick Mystic Iron Chains, which rattled as he moved. At the end of the chains in his right hand was a large hunk of metal.


    Meteor Hammer!


    The spherical hammer, covered in spikes, was nearly as tall as a man.


    "Boom!"


    Under the tug of the imposingly-built Yu Wenjingwen, the Meteor Hammer began to shift, like an iron mountain in motion.


    "Uncle."


    Prince Yu Wenxin said, "You''re moving so quickly to take action yourself. Why not wait a bit longer and send out two generals to test Chen Sansi''s mettle first?"


    "Nephew, let me ask you,"


    Yu Wenjingwen said as he stepped into the snow, "Do you know why, despite having a hundred thousand soldiers and the aid of Zhong Hu''s son, Lingsuan Ran Jingxuan as military advisor during the Battle of Hu Lao, Fan Shuzhen of Nan Xu still lost?"


    "Because..."


    Yu Wenxin thoughtfully replied after some consideration, "Chen Sansi is full of tricks?"


    "Incorrect."


    "I admit, he is unparalleled in courage."


    "Wrong again, think harder."


    "Could it be because he had, by his side at the time, Qing Country''s defected General Deng Feng and Mr. Feng Chu Fang Qingyun?"


    "Still not right."


    Yu Wenjingwen patiently explained, "Fan Shuzhen''s defeat lay in his hesitation!"

 Chapter 533 - 194: Killing the Martial Saint_5

    People from the Central Plains say that barbarians do not understand military tactics.


    However, in truth,


    each of them has been reading Military Books from a young age.


    Whenever there is a battle, they also analyze the collected intelligence thoroughly.


    One could say, Chen Sansi had deeply studied every battle he fought,


    and Hulaoguan was no exception.


    Initially,


    if the army of one hundred thousand from Nan Xu had not hesitated in Lingzhou but had attacked Hulaoguan directly, would there have still been so much trouble afterward?


    Hesitation leads to defeat!


    Today was no exception!


    Since they had figured out the enemy army''s movements and personnel distribution, what was there to wait for?


    Send a General to probe?


    That''s not probing.


    It''s sending them to their death!


    Yuwen Jingwen knew that in this world, apart from the Martial Saint, there was probably no one else who could withstand Chen.


    Before the battle, if his side''s General died first, it would only needlessly squander morale.


    His own intervention was the best choice.


    No matter how many tricks you, Chen Sansi, have up your sleeve, as long as I can strike you down with one slap, none can be used!


    ...


    In front of the Great Village.


    "Barbarians!"


    Chu Shixiong, holding his Mo Blade, shouted at the barbarians on the watchtower, "You barbarians are known for your bravery, so why do you shrink inside the city at the sight of us? Are you scared?!"


    "Audacious Sheng people, you''re facing death and still dare to be defiant!"


    The barbarian General Ma Gatale could no longer restrain himself and immediately led three hundred Light Cavalry out of the city to battle.


    He had just left the city gates.


    when he saw a White Robed General next to Chu Shixiong, drawing his bow in the heavy snow. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Whoosh¡ª"


    A black Jiao Long tore through the air, abruptly appearing in the vast expanse of white heaven and earth.


    Ma Gatale roared, about to use his curved blade to decapitate the Jiao Long, but as the arrow drew nearer, he felt the immense and fierce Gang Qi it carried, realizing his own Gang Qi paled in comparison like a star against the bright moon. Without even touching the arrow, he foresaw his fate as the Jiao Long rapidly twisted and distorted into a huge looming "death" before him.


    "Boom¡ª"


    Just as Ma Gatale was about to give up resistance, an Iron Mountain landed in front of him, blocking the unstoppable arrow and smashing the black Jiao Long!


    "Prince?!"


    He turned around.


    and saw atop a mighty black horse, a burly figure as grand as a mountain, clad in fur Armor, Yuwen Jingwen slowly retracting his Meteor Giant Hammer, with the gates of the Great Village wide open behind him and neatly arranged barbarian Cavalry swarming out.


    Upon confirming that the ones a mile away were indeed Chen Sansi and Chu Shixiong, he no longer had any hesitations.


    The first battle would be the decisive battle!


    "Ma Gatale, I''m leaving two thousand men with you to guard the Great Village."


    Yuwen Jingwen''s resounding voice almost altered the course of the wind and snow, echoing in everyone''s ears:


    "Everyone else, follow me out of the village!


    "The Sheng people are now at the end of their tether, with no way out. We just need to push forward, and if they retreat half a step, they will fall into the Agate River!


    "In this battle, anyone who decapitates an enemy can later exchange for five acres of fertile land and two female slaves in the Central Plains!


    "Come with me, and leave not a single Sheng person alive!"


    The scarce land of the Great Desert!


    The differently featured women of the Central Plains!


    Wealth, status!


    After winning this battle, everything will be ours!


    Liangzhou was about to assimilate, and it was well known that an Immortal was preparing to intervene and hand over the Eastern Continent for them to rule. Now was the time to strive for merit and secure a favorable position.


    "Kill¡ª"


    For a moment.


    The barbarian Cavalry surged forward with murderous intent, their formation neat as they charged, their momentum so vast that on the nearby slopes, the snow visibly fell off as the earth trembled.


    ...


    "Let''s go."


    Chen Sansi did not engage further, leading his men back to the Agate River.


    In front of him.


    were the similarly neat and strictly ordered thirteen thousand soldiers of the Hongze Camp!


    The red battle flags danced wildly in the blizzard.


    The war drums sounded as if assisted by the Duke of Thunder.


    Not only did the barbarians know what they could possess after victory,


    the soldiers of the Hongze Camp were even more aware of what was to come after defeat.


    It wasn''t just about dying in battle.


    but that their parents, wives, children, and all their loved ones would be turned into furnace fodder.


    So,


    this battle.


    They could only win, not lose!


    Their momentum, their murderous intent, and their will to do or die were in no way inferior to that of the barbarians. If anyone could have flown high into the sky to look down upon the battlefield, they would have seen two invisible forces swirling above the two armies.


    "Hongze Camp!"


    "Charge¡ª"


    At the front.


    Chen Sansi halted his horse.


    His long spear sternly pointed at the approaching barbarian Cavalry.


    "Kill!"


    "Kill¡ª"


    "Kill!!!!!"


    "Boom!"


    Hongze Camp''s soldiers surged past Chen Sansi one after another like dividing river streams, merging again in the front, becoming even more tumultuous. Engaging with the fifty thousand barbarian horsemen in close quarters, the immediate clash of the horses produced a massive sound, looking from afar like colliding tidal waves, plunging into an immensely fierce melee.


    This battle,


    though Chen Sansi used the Surprise Army Formation from the Heavenly Book, he did not utilize the Xuanzhu; thus, there were no Heavenly Phenomena to assist, relying solely on his brothers to fight with their blood!


    In the melee,


    he looked towards the direction of the Great Village.


    At this time, Wang Zhi should also be taking action.


    ...


    Inside the Great Village,


    Ma Gatale paced back and forth, feeling somewhat envious of his brothers outside.


    After this battle, many would receive rewards, yet he had to guard the camp here.

 Chapter 534 - 194: Killing the Martial Saint_6

    But when he turned his head to think, if the Prince hadn''t taken action, he likely would have already died under the arrows of the man in the white robe. To have preserved his life was still better than anything else, and he could earn his merits slowly in the future.


    "Report!"


    "General!"


    "Something''s wrong!"


    "We have enemy forces!"


    "From the northwest direction, a group of cavalry suddenly appeared, also bearing the flag of Hongze Camp!"


    "..."


    "What did you say?"


    Maga Tala asked.


    Fighting and killing were already audible from the west side of the great village.


    The great village was not like a city; it was built of wood, and if there weren''t enough people defending it, it could easily be breached.


    "How many men?!"


    "Around two thousand!"


    "Don''t panic!"


    Maga Tala calmly said, "Chen Sansi and Chu Shixiong are both outside, at most it''s just an Assistant General that''s come!"


    Mystical Phenomenon General.


    They were all accounted for!


    There were a total of three above the Mystical Phenomenon level in Xuanwu Camp and White Tiger Camp, Lu Ji, Nie Yuan, and Guan Daowu, all of whom had already shown their faces in You State and couldn''t possibly be here.


    This Chen fellow was merely a cornered dog jumping over the wall.


    He wanted to play the game of raiding the camp!


    Maga Tala immediately dispatched troops to fight the intruders who had broken into the great village.


    In the chaos.


    He quickly locked onto the enemy''s general.


    Mystical Phenomenon...


    It was a Mystical Phenomenon!


    In the midst of the crowd,


    a man was holding a Mo Blade, each slash carrying a rolling Gang Qi, blood splattering, flesh flying everywhere, and two Assistant Generals who attempted to stop him were immediately beheaded, their corpses mutilated.


    "Impossible!"


    Maga Tala exclaimed in shock, "Who are you!"


    "I just don''t like letting people die with understanding!"


    In the blink of an eye,


    Wang Zhi arrived in front of Maga Tala.


    His Xuanwu Heavenly Gang Qi was powerful and heavy.


    After only seven or eight exchanges,


    Maga Tala could no longer defend himself. Though there were no wounds on his body''s surface, his organs were already bleeding out, the damage going from inside to out, spreading through his meridians, and he began to show endless flaws.


    With one thrust, Wang Zhi pierced through Maga Tala''s heart. When Maga Tala desperately grabbed the blade to prevent it from being drawn out, Wang Zhi lifted his foot and kicked, seemingly with the power of the Dragon Elephant, sending him flying.


    After Maga Tala fell to the ground, his fingers that had previously grasped the blade were scattered on the ground, and the continuous flow of blood from his heart quickly stained the snow red, leaving him barely clinging to his last breath.


    "Clang!"


    The Mo Blade was raised above his head.


    Yet the dying Maga Tala actually sneered, grinding his teeth he said, "Chen Sansi really is full of tricks, hiding you, such a Mystical Phenomenon of Great Success!"


    "But you are still destined to lose!"


    "There are no walls here.


    "Even if you take it down, what use is it?!"


    "As long as the Prince is here, it would take less than two hours to annihilate you all, you..."


    "Crack¡ª"


    Wang Zhi had no patience for his drivel, immediately raising his blade and dropping it, ending his life.


    Under his leadership, with a mere loss of a hundred men, they took down the great village at the fastest speed and then began preparations according to the instructions in the Brocade Bag.


    But...


    There was no joy on his face.


    Instead, he went to the top of the lookout tower, gazing at the distant battlefield, his expression extremely grave.


    Maga Tala was right.


    To thoroughly defeat the enemy army by means of surprise attacks and capturing the village, one must either have not too great a disparity in force or be able to kill the enemy''s main general, creating a situation where the dragon lacks a head and falls into chaos.


    But now, they only had two thousand men.


    As for the general,


    Yuwen Jingwen was a Martial Saint.


    Unless...


    His master could slay this Martial Saint,


    all other schemes would be useless.


    ...


    Agate River.


    On the battlefield.


    Initially.


    The barbarian cavalry, with their numerical advantage, dominated.


    But soon, the soldiers of Hongze Camp steadied the situation.


    [Mainstay]


    All soldiers, calm in crisis!


    [How Could We Be Clothed?]


    All soldiers, united as one, increased their combat effectiveness with their formation fighting power!


    [War Frenzy]


    After bathing in blood, they went into a complete frenzy.


    A frenzy of fifteen thousand men!


    They forgot fear, forgot everything, with only the words "kill the enemy" left in their minds.


    Empowered by each term,


    The Hongze Camp, even when facing an enemy several times their own size, even as comrades fell constantly at their sides, still maintained their formation like cold, unfeeling machines, yet their blood was hot, and no one retreated!


    They accomplished it; no matter how many brothers died, nobody took a single step back!


    Even in death,


    They would die upon the banks of the Agate River, not a single one allowing their corpse to fall into the water.


    Such a fierce will to fight.


    Was something no one had ever seen before.


    Even Yuwen Jingwen had to admire them from the bottom of his heart.


    How long had the Hongze Camp been at full strength?


    In such a short time, Chen San had forged them into a death-like unit, fierce as tiger and wolf troops!


    "Boom¡ª¡ª"


    Yuwen Jingwen''s heart was filled with rage; his meteor hammer fell from the sky like a meteor, smashing more than a dozen Hongze Camp soldiers into a bloody pulp, and the shockwave threw another twenty or so into the air!


    "Prince!"


    "Trouble!"


    "Great Village!"


    "The Great Village has been seized by the enemy!"


    "Hmm?"


    Amidst the chaos of battle, the area around Yuwen Jingwen was deserted. Hearing this, he was not at all flustered: "Didn''t I leave Magatale to defend the camp? He can''t be so useless that he was killed by an Assistant General, can he?"


    "No, they... they also have a Mystical Phenomenon General!" stuttered a commander, reporting: "It seems to be, it seems to be that Tang Ruoshan!"


    "So he was hiding a Mystical Phenomenon Realm General."


    Yuwen Jingwen scoffed.


    Before the battle began,


    He had already considered all the possibilities. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Including the possibility that Hongze Camp might leave out one or two thousand men to attack his camp.


    But he didn''t care!


    That''s right!


    Even with an additional Mystical Phenomenon Realm General, it didn''t matter!


    So what if the camp was lost?


    It wasn''t needed anyway!


    Just need to kill off the Hongze Camp at the Agate River bank. A mere two or three thousand men, what waves could they possibly make?!


    And that moment wasn''t far off!


    Even if the soldiers of Hongze Camp were not afraid to die, it didn''t mean they wouldn''t die!


    Not crumbling didn''t mean they wouldn''t be defeated!


    Holding out until now,


    The casualties of Hongze Camp were very real.


    This battle, just continue to fight on!


    Moreover¡­


    Yuwen Jingwen raised his head, searching the crowd for the White Horse in a White Robe who was also fighting among the enemies.


    He was ready to speed things up!


    After the battle started,


    Chen Sansi deliberately avoided him, going after Assistant Generals and Generals.


    But that would stop here!


    Killing this man would end everything.


    The young General in the white robe also shot back a look filled with boundless killing intent.


    Today''s battle,


    Was the last stand for Hongze Camp.


    And how could Chen Sansi''s last stand be any different!


    The thoughts of the two Commanders coincidently aligned.


    Killing the other would end it!


    Kill, Martial Saint!

 Chapter 535 - 195: Agates Great Victory, Drinking at the Frozen River

    "Buzz¡ª¡ª"


    Chen Sansi swept the enemy away with several continuous thrusts of his spear, and after clearing the nearby threats, he picked up his bow and arrow, aiming at the enemy commander, a burly prince from the Yuwen clan, known also as a famous general.


    The bowstring sang.


    The arrow flew.


    Gang Qi surged forth, transforming into the form of a Vermilion Bird. After melting the ice and tearing the curtain, the arrow traveled the distance of a hundred steps in an instant, arriving just in front of the Black Horse.


    Atop the horseback.


    Yuwen Jingwen stood unshaken. In his left hand, he gathered a sphere of True Qi and then crushed it. Threads of True Qi merged into the chains wrapped around his fist. He watched the arrow quietly until the Vermilion Bird was mere inches from his face and the Gale Qi fluttered his hair and beard backward. Then, with a sudden reach of his left hand, he firmly clasped the Vermilion Bird and... crushed it to dust.


    He squinted his eyes, looking at the debris in his hand, "Ghost Vein Wood, and with the addition of special Mystical Iron, these arrows, capable of storing Gang Qi to kill generals from hundreds of steps away, are well made. I''ll take your bow!"


    Muttering to himself.


    The figure in the white robe shot several more arrows in the blink of an eye.


    White Tiger Gang, Azure Dragon Gang, Black Tortoise Gang!


    "Bang bang bang!"


    With his iron fist swinging, they all turned into dust.


    "Four Symbols Heavenly Gang."


    Yuwen Jingwen clicked his tongue in admiration, "Even with the Transformation and Mysterious Body which can automatically adapt to the Cultivation Techniques practiced, it is not certain to develop the highest grade physique. This means that your perception is remarkable too. If one day you break through to the realms above Martial Saint, my Heavenly Clan might never have a chance to turn the tide. Alas, it''s a pity that as of now, you are only at the Mysterious Phenomenon level."


    After blocking a few more arrows, he stopped testing his strength and slowly pulled on the chains wrapped around his arm. The Meteor Giant Hammer at the end began to whirl above his head, emitting a "buzzing" dulled sound. Under the surge of True Qi, a tornado storm originated from his position in the midst of the heavy snow, sucking in enemy soldiers clad in armor. The snow tornado turned black, and when his force reached its peak, he hurled the Meteor Giant Hammer. It was like a deformed black dragon plummeting from the sky.


    "Rumble¡ª¡ª"


    In an instant, dozens of Hongze Camp soldiers turned into dust, and the path ahead was cleared of any obstacles.


    Yuwen Jingwen swung the Meteor Giant Hammer once again.


    This time, his target was the White Horse.


    But the figure in the white robe clearly had no intention of fighting him head-on. Riding the White Horse, he turned and fled, vanishing into the blizzard in the blink of an eye.


    "You won''t escape."


    Yuwen Jingwen kicked his horse''s flank.


    Underneath him.


    Stood another Exotic Beast Warhorse, named Black Gale!


    "Hiss¡ª¡ª"


    Accompanied by a neigh.


    Black Gale''s muscular body burst into action. Its hooves kicked the snow, and it became a force to be reckoned with, a black Gale chasing the distant white figure doggedly.


    "Uncle Four!"


    Yuwen Xin, having just slain a soldier with his sword, saw his uncle in pursuit of the white-robed figure and immediately wanted to follow. Distracted, a blade of light flashed before him, and in a haste, he raised his sword to block.


    The Yan Feather Blade in Xu Bin''s hand came down relentlessly like a snow wolf: "Yuwen brat, do you still remember your uncle?!"


    "Get lost!"


    Yuwen Xin, who had a photographic memory since childhood and was a favorite of his father, naturally recognized this face. He seemed to be with Chen Sansi back when he was captured in Po Yang. Surprisingly, he had nearly completed his Meridian Passage now.


    "Assistants! Block him for me!"


    Trying several times to leave but finding himself entangled, he called a few Assistant Generals to his aid. He was finally able to break free, leading a small group of men to join the search: "I''m going to help my uncle kill the White Robe!" S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ...


    In the midst of the Great Desert.


    A black and a white figure.


    One chasing the other.


    Across the wild desert, they seemed like two whirlwinds in pursuit of one another.


    Black Gale''s burst of speed, even outpacing Deng Feng''s green horse, might not catch up with the White Swan Horse, but it never lagged too far behind, clinging on relentlessly.


    "Huff huff¡ª¡ª"


    On horseback.


    Yuwen Jingwen swung the Meteor Giant Hammer once more, bridging a hundred steps in an instant, arriving above the White Horse.


    While galloping.


    Chen Sansi felt as if the sky was suddenly blocked by something.


    That was...


    An iron mountain!


    A spiked mountain carrying the force of world-destroying True Qi!


    In a flash.


    In Chen Sansi''s eyes, the world seemed to slow down. Amidst the snow, he executed the Breathing Skill, inhaling the myriad Mystical Energy between heaven and earth into his body. Then, with precision, he used all the useful Qi, exhaling the useless mixture. His Eight Extraordinary Meridians, bolstered by Qi, generated bursts of Gang Qi, which nourished the flesh and traveled to the Li Quan Spear, eventually taking shape amid the whirling winds. It was a majestic Divine Beast with a mountain-like armored body and a dragon-serpent like head.


    Black Tortoise, suppress!


    "Rumble¡ª¡ª"


    A Black Tortoise soared into the sky, colliding with the iron mountain. With a thunderous crash and an overwhelming storm, the Black Tortoise disintegrated under the massive mountain. Even so, the mountain itself was thrown back before it could touch the ground, reeled back in by the iron chain to its origin, in front of Black Gale.


    Barely withstanding the blow.


    Chen Sansi''s Li Quan Spear buzzed continuously, and his Vajra Body vibrated intensely. He felt numbness in his arm, and the Qian Xun horse beneath him stumbled, sinking deeper into the snow.


    This was...


    The difference between Mortals and Immortals!


    Only after transcending the Martial Saint, one truly steps out of the mundane and moves toward higher realms. The name of the first realm in Martial Arts is "Transcend Mortality." What is Transcend Mortality?

 Chapter 536 - 195: Agates Great Victory, Drinking at the Frozen River_2

    Shedding the flesh of his mortal body!


    The difference between Martial Saint and Profound Image Realm seemed only a realm apart,


    but it was like a chasm separating heaven and earth!


    Even several senior brothers and sisters had been trapped at the Great Success of the Profound Image Realm for many years, unable to break through the bottleneck.


    "Qian Xun, let''s go!"


    Chen Sansi dismounted from his horse.


    When facing martial artists of a higher realm, he needed to concentrate fully and could not afford to worry about the safety of his mount. The Black Wind Horse opposite him seemed to primarily excel in speed, but it couldn''t withstand its master''s True Qi and immense strength. Forced to part from its master, it became extremely restless and agitated, as if provoked, and quickly lost control of its emotions, chasing after the White Swan Horse before disappearing from sight.


    "Not bad,"


    Yuwen Jingwen''s iron chains rattled as he walked, and his beard, tied into a whip, fluttered in the wind. "To think you can catch my Meteor Hammer in the Profound Image Realm, this prince is really curious to see just how capable you are!"


    "You sure talk a lot!"


    Chen Sansi stomped his foot, and the Li Quan Long Spear in his hand suddenly transformed into an Azure Dragon.


    Yuwen Jingwen only saw a flash of cold light, and by the time he caught sight of the other''s figure, the spear''s light had already reached within seven steps. He swung the Meteor Giant Hammer at the end of the chain once more.


    This chain was dozens of yards long.


    The Meteor Hammer itself weighed a thousand pounds.


    It should have been a very cumbersome weapon.


    But in the hands of this prince of the Yuwen clan, it was as nimble as a dagger, catching up to the swiftly advancing long spear in the blink of an eye, followed by a fierce strike.


    "Clang!"


    Sparks scattered in the snowy backdrop from the clash of metal. A figure in a white robe was sent flying, landing awkwardly on the snowy ground. After retreating several steps, the figure stabilized.


    The shockwave from the collision


    created a large fog of ice and snow.


    It obscured the vision of both men.


    But Yuwen Jingwen used his hearing to tell that the figure in the white robe had not moved from its original location.


    As he wondered why, he sensed strange murderous fluctuations behind the fog.


    It was...


    a purple Light Sword!


    It arrived in an instant!


    Yuwen Jingwen''s brow furrowed as the Meteor Hammer, wrapped in True Qi, obediently collided with the purple Light Sword. He actually felt a power far exceeding what should be possible for the Profound Image Realm and quickly added power to his stance to stabilize himself.


    Spell!


    He felt firsthand that after the Light Sword shattered, it completely dispersed.


    This was a spell practiced by Immortal Masters!


    Could this Chen Sansi also be a cultivator?


    But he quickly steadied his mind.


    From the strength of the spell, it was only so-so!


    "Buzz, buzz, buzz, buzz¡ª"


    Four Sword Qi attacks followed in quick succession.


    "Well brought!" sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Yuwen Jingwen''s Meteor Giant Hammer swung out consecutively, smashing each Sword Qi attack until all four were shattered, then that cold light attacked him again.


    Another deep bell-like sound rang out.


    The Meteor Hammer clashed with the White Tiger Killing Gang.


    But this time,


    the Meteor Hammer was no longer just a display of brute force; it transformed into a Dragon Python, repelling the White Tiger before coiling around it layer by layer, intent on constricting it to death.


    The Li Quan Spear in Chen Sansi''s hand let out a mournful cry; both tip and shaft were entwined by the chain, struggling to break free for a moment, and a dreadful force sought to pull him forward. Thus, he drove his legs hard, planting half his leg straight into the ground, his Qi-Blood surging, his Vajra Body layer upon layer activated, nailing him firm to the spot as if he were an iron stake.


    Seeing that he could not take the long spear, Yuwen Jingwen decisively closed the distance, his massive body, like a mountainous figure, leaped into the midair a dozen yards above amidst the heavy snow. His right arm still held the Meteor Hammer, while his left fist gathered True Qi, forming layers of storm. In a blur, he seemed to possess the body of a Dragon Python and the head of a Demon Bull, the True Qi churning into ramming Cow Horn, and with a thunderous impact, he aimed for the diminutive white robe on the ground; a mere touch from the Bull Python would be the moment the white robe turned into minced meat!


    And at that critical juncture,


    Yuwen Jingwen witnessed firsthand


    the snow layer,


    the earth crumbled!


    The soil, hardened by ice and snow for over a month as solid as iron, surprisingly peeled off the ground layer by layer, then in front of the white robe, condensed into an earthen wall, its surface swirling with spirit light, dazzling and bright.


    The Bull Python could not but strike against the earthen wall.


    "Boom, boom, boom¡ª"


    In that instant,


    the blizzard reversed its course!


    The ground beneath their feet cracked layer by layer!


    "Another spell?!"


    Noticing the earthen wall in front of him beginning to crack, Yuwen Jingwen continuously added more True Qi to his fist, seeking a quick resolution, intending to break the spell forcefully and take the life of the white robe directly.


    The spell-formed earthen wall repaired itself each time it neared collapse, possessing extreme resilience, but fortunately, it was not indestructible!


    He mobilized his Protective True Qi, condensing it all into his left fist, the Demon Bull Python becoming more solid, its power suddenly increased, and he could faintly hear the Bull Python''s roar.


    Finally,


    the Thick Earth Decision crumbled.


    Without any impediment, the Bull Python charged forward.


    At the same time,


    amid the blizzard of frost and dust, a streak of golden light suddenly flashed.


    It was a blade emitting a brilliant spirit light.


    Magic Artifact!


    The Demon Bull Python had to change direction, colliding with the golden flying blade.


    To destroy the Thick Earth Decision,


    the Bull Python had already used most of its True Qi, and now, clashing with the Magic Artifact, it wailed and dissipated like smoke.


    Even so,


    Yuwen Jingwen did not dodge, bellowing loudly as his Qi-Blood entered a frenzied state, his muscles swelling continuously, his already towering stature instantly grew even taller, bursting his fur coat open to reveal a bronze-skinned and ferocious body, along with python-like chains tied around it.

 Chapter 537 - 195: Agates Great Victory, Drinking at the Frozen River_3

    His True Qi gathered once more, his fist tensed around the chain, ready to blast open the golden blade of light.


    He could sense it.


    The strength of this golden blade of light was not significantly stronger than the previous Sword Qi Skill.


    Indeed, it was so.


    Yuwen Jingwen''s iron fist, filled with True Qi, effortlessly blocked the golden blade of light.


    "Clang!"


    A crisp sound echoed.


    Metal clashed against metal, sparking brilliant sparks.


    Just as Yuwen Jingwen slightly relaxed his guard against the magic artifact, under the stimulation of the sparks, the surface of the golden blade suddenly surged with a tuft of scarlet flames, strikingly conspicuous in the vast white world, melting large swathes of ice and snow in an instant and blooming with the scorching heat of the blazing sun.


    "This fire?!"


    Astonishment showed in his pupils, retreating almost as soon as the scarlet flames ignited.


    Even so, his fist was set ablaze.


    The eerie and terrifying flames seemed to devour everything, spreading rapidly across his fist upon contact with the skin, and where it passed, not even pain could be felt. Flesh and bone alike were reduced to ashes, swiftly spreading toward his forearm, then to his upper arm, arm, and eventually his entire body.


    At most, one breath!


    One breath.


    He would perish under these flames!


    "Crack¡ª"


    In the blink of an eye.


    Yuwen Jingwen pulled and tightened the chain, forcefully severing his entire arm at the elbow joint, just before the scarlet flames continued to devour upward.


    "Plop¡ª"


    The arm fell in the snow, quickly turning to ashes in the flames, even melting the surrounding ice and snow into a puddle of water. Yuwen Jingwen''s severed arm kept dripping blood, staining the puddle red.


    "Big brother, let me lend you a hand."


    A figure who had been lying in wait emerged on the nearby slope, it was Cao Zhi in his large cloak, his hands performing seals, emanating spirit light and surging with mana.


    Beneath Yuwen Jingwen''s feet. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The ice and snow, which had just melted, froze again and then transformed into frosty python snakes that coiled around his legs, hindering his movement.


    Not far away.


    The figure in white robes somehow broke free from control appeared two hundred paces away, holding a lit torch and wielding the Iron Core Big Bow, from beneath which veritable Vermilion Birds were formed in the scarlet flames, assaulting like suns exploding forth.


    More of that strange fire!


    Yuwen Jingwen''s True Qi burst forth, breaking free from the frosty Spell that restrained him as the Meteor Giant Hammer carelessly came crashing down onto Prince Jin Yi.


    "Crack!"


    In front of Cao Zhi too, a barrier was conjured.


    But compared to the Thick Earth Decision, it was as fragile as paper, instantly collapsing upon contact, and he was sent flying by the impact of the giant hammer, smashing into the snow hundreds of meters away, his fate unknown.


    Watching the scarlet Vermilion Bird approaching, Yuwen Jingwen intended to dodge, but to his shock, he found that the arrows shot by the man seemed to track his movements, making them impossible to avoid.


    His ferocity completely erupted as he roared like a Bull Python, wielding the Meteor Giant Hammer not to retreat but to advance, carrying overwhelming killing intent as he charged towards the distant White Robe pulling the bow, knocking down all the arrows along the way.


    This flame was terribly frightening.


    Each contact with the Meteor Giant Hammer melted a dent into it.


    But that was it; in the end, it couldn''t ignite the metal as if it were kindling.


    In the space of a leap and pounce.


    Yuwen Jingwen had entered the range of attack; the Meteor Hammer transformed into a Bull Python, winding through the vast snowy wilderness, then suddenly plunging from high above.


    The last thing he saw was Chen Sansi raising the Iron Core Bow to block, and then his figure was completely engulfed in the snow mist generated by the clash, with only a broken-stringed Big Bow flying out and landing in the distant snow.


    When the snow mist cleared.


    There was the figure in white robes, using the long spear as support, on one knee on the ground, blood spilling from the corners of his mouth, clearly wounded.


    "Such a strange fire."


    Yuwen Jingwen looked at the Big Bow on the ground, still filled with lingering fear, and spoke in a deep voice, "Is this your trump card? This prince thought, how could you, a mere Mysterious Phenomenon, dare to attack the Agate River? Turns out, it was with the help of this Abnormal Fire!"


    He remembered.


    Long ago, the barbarian tribes had lost an Immortal Treasure in Po Yang County, and this Chen came from Po Yang. Could it be that this Abnormal Fire was the lost Immortal Treasure?


    "Enough!"


    Even as Yuwen Jingwen spoke, his movements never slowed, not giving White Robe a chance to breathe as he dragged the chain to pursue once more, manipulating the iron weight to smash down again.


    "Since your trump card is used up, there''s no need to struggle any longer¡ªjust die quietly¡ª"


    "Trump card?"


    Atop the vast earth.


    The figure in white robes slowly stood up, pulling the long spear from the ice and snow, with no emotion in his voice, as if he was stating an ordinary fact, "You''re mistaken, Spells are not my trump card, nor is the Abnormal Fire..."


    He paused, "My trump card, has always been, myself!"


    "Clang¡ª"


    Zhen Yue unsheathed!


    Radiance of a clear spring!


    A spear and a sword, a dragon and a tiger.


    In the midst of this snowstorm, they clashed with the Martial Saint.


    "Zhenyue Sword? Come back to me!"


    Yuwen Jingwen seemed hardly affected by the loss of his arm, as he wielded the Meteor Giant Hammer with immense force with every strike, causing the earth to tremble within a hundred paces.


    Chen Sansi met each strike of the Meteor Hammer with a spear and a sword.

 Chapter 538 - 195: Agates Great Victory, Drinking at the Frozen River_4

    Every time.


    He would retreat.


    Every time.


    The injuries within his body would slightly worsen.


    But every time,


    He held on!


    This was enough!


    "Clang clang clang!"


    The sounds of weapon clashes kept coming, as if there were a large forge by the banks of the agate river.


    Several hundred steps away,


    Cao Zhi struggled to wake from unconsciousness, blood all over his face from his eyes, ears, mouth, and nose. His breastplate had long been tattered, revealing the golden soft armor underneath. Combined with his defensive magic, he barely managed to preserve his life under the Martial Saint''s strike.


    His decision to follow Hongze Camp, rather than Xuanwu Camp, was a gamble.


    Cao Zhi was betting.


    That Chen Sansi could win.


    If he could,


    it would be his military achievement too.


    After sharing life and death, it could also bring him closer to the White Robe.


    That was why,


    Cao Zhi risked his life to help out, although it was to no avail.


    But come to think of it,


    this cheap big brother of his sure had a lot of things hidden on him, be it spells or bizarre flames.


    It''s just a pity...


    He still wasn''t a match.


    Yuwen Jingwen''s reputation was well-deserved, he was certainly one of the fiercest warriors of the Yuwen clan.


    You see,


    even among Martial Saints, there were disparities.


    This Yuwen Jingwen, even among Martial Saints, must be one of the premier figures.


    It seemed...


    he was going to lose the bet.


    But no matter,


    there''s always winning and losing in gambling.


    Cao Zhi still had one tunneling talisman left for himself. As long as he kept his life, all was negotiable.


    After swallowing several elixir pills to treat his injuries, he struggled up from the snow. He planned to leave the place first before doing anything else, then he heard the sound of hammering iron, "dang dang lang lang."


    "Still fighting?"


    "He is still holding up?!"


    That''s a Martial Saint, who represents a qualitative change on the path of Martial Arts. To put it exaggeratedly, it''s like the difference between a mortal and an Immortal!


    "Cough cough..."


    Using his sword as a walking stick, Cao Zhi staggered towards the source of the sound, crawled up the hillside, and peered down at the ground.


    The fight was still going on.


    One in a white robe, wielding spear and sword, the other bare-chested, swinging a meteor giant hammer.


    No one knew how long they had fought for.


    All that could be seen was,


    Chen Sansi at a disadvantage, struggling to hold on steadfastly.


    And the one-armed Yuwen Jingwen, seemingly with an absolute advantage, but yet unable to make further progress.


    A Xuanxiang Warrior


    was actually enduring until now?!


    Cao Zhi gave up the idea of running away and chose to watch on.


    ...


    "Still not dead?!"


    In Yuwen Jingwen''s arms, his hammer and iron chain had long since turned into a blur. His eyes saw only his opponent, devoid of the world, as he had entered a state of overexertion long ago.


    But...


    The white robe simply wouldn''t die!


    No matter what killer moves he used, no matter what tactics he employed, it always fell short by a hair.


    And this tiny bit, seemed like an insurmountable gulf, forever out of reach.


    Martial Saints weren''t without pain, nor did they ignore their injuries.


    Earlier,


    Yuwen Jingwen relied on his powerful physique to temporarily ignore the pain of his severed arm, but as time went on, the continuously bleeding stump began to throb with pain, and the side effects of excessive blood loss gradually manifested.


    "Ah!"


    He roared, swinging his hammer even faster, the sound of iron striking grew constant with no interlude, merging into one: "Xuanxiang, you are just a Xuanxiang, can you outlast me? This king wants to see how long you can hold on!"


    "Hold on how long?"


    The blood-stained white robed Chen Sansi showed no sign of exhaustion: "You know, everyone who has said that to me is already dead."


    "Bullshit!"


    "Boom boom boom¡ª¡ª"


    Another ten rounds went by.


    To Yuwen Jingwen''s horror,


    His hammer technique had been thoroughly figured out during the fight.


    Chen Sansi seemed capable of divining the future, anticipating his next moves and then cleverly defusing them, no longer merely hanging on but moving with ease.


    "Ridiculous, ridiculous!"


    Yuwen Jingwen''s normally steady state of mind could no longer stay calm.


    Because his True Qi,


    was running out!


    Standing before him was but a single man,


    Yet the True Qi he expended could suffice to kill thousands of soldiers!


    This one man,


    Was worth thousands of soldiers!


    "Impossible¡ª¡ª"


    "Even if it means perishing together today, this king absolutely will not let you leave the banks of the agate river by half a step, never!"


    "..."


    If Hongze Camp didn''t perish at the agate river,


    then there would be no more armies to stop them afterward.


    They...


    would march straight to the Barbarian Capital, then to Langjuxu Mountain.


    There, lay the main Array Eye of the Blood Sacrifice Array!


    Thinking thus, sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Yuwen Jingwen, like a frenzied beast, was willing to damage his foundation and risk demotion in his cultivation, forcibly elevating his power once more.


    Finally!


    The guy had exhausted his power, he was spent!


    He could distinctly feel it.


    The white robe''s Gang Qi was also weakening.


    That''s more like it!


    Even if a person equaled thousands of soldiers, he would eventually run out of energy.


    However,


    Just as Yuwen Jingwen was becoming increasingly ferocious, wanting to hang on by a thread to smash him, he saw the opponent inexplicably surge with a strange strength within his body, as though he had rested and returned to the fray, even showing faint signs of returning to his peak.


    [Mysterious Phenomenon Five Organs]


    The cycle of life never ends, the flow never ceases!


    At this moment,


    Chen Sansi finally brought out his ultimate resource.


    Dragon-Elephant blood roared through his veins, the Mysterious Phenomenon Five Organs, combined with meridians ten times more than those of a warrior of the same realm, helped him recover his Gang Qi at an almost insane rate.


    On top of that, he had taken a Fasting Pill before fighting to replenish his Qi-Blood.

 Chapter 539 - 195: Agates Great Victory, Drinking at the Frozen River_5

    In his eyes,


    there was no such thing as "exhaustion"!


    No matter how many enemies, no matter how strong the enemy, as long as they couldn''t kill him, what awaited them was only a desperate counterattack!


    As he witnessed this scene, Yuwen Jingwen''s last breath was also exhausted.


    He could only watch unwillingly as the opponent switched from defense to offense.


    He went from managing to defend, to barely holding on, to a flurry of panic, until...


    He was completely out of strength!


    This battle!


    Had Yuwen Jingwen''s explosive limits not been hindered by an opponent of the same realm, he alone could have slaughtered about five thousand soldiers, enough to completely collapse an army.


    But what he faced was just a Xuanxiang!


    And...


    He was defeated by this Xuanxiang.


    In this world,


    where is there a Martial Saint who would be defeated by those beneath them!?


    This was a disgrace...


    It was the dishonor of the Yuwen Tribe.


    It was also...


    The disgrace of the Martial Saints under the heavens!


    "Clang, clang, clang, clang!"


    "Boom¡ª¡ª"


    A lapse appeared.


    The Meteor Hammer was struck away, and the iron chain wrapped around the long spear once again. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But this time,


    it was the long spear that yanked on the iron chain, preventing it from retracting.


    "Roar¡ª¡ª"


    The Zhenyue Sword shimmered with cold light, transforming into a White Tiger that pounced forth.


    Yuwen Jingwen instinctively tried to block with his left arm but only felt a numb chill; where did he even have a left arm...


    The sword edge pierced through skin and flesh, severing the throat, spine, and continued until it swept completely under his eyelids.


    All was,


    suddenly quiet.


    After a brief deathly hush,


    Yuwen Jingwen''s head slowly slid off, dropping to the ground, with blood gushing from the severed neck like a fountain, forming a warm, crimson rain that fell upon the White Robe.


    "Rumble¡ª¡ª"


    The massive body fell to the ground.


    This slaughter,


    was declared over.


    Chen Sansi could no longer bear it, and quickly took out a large amount of healing Elixir Pills and stuffed them into his mouth and swallowed them.


    This battle,


    he had used everything at his disposal.


    The golden blades had been pre-coated with lamp oil and after being burned, they were completely discarded.


    The bowstring of the Iron Core Bow also snapped.


    He too was injured, but fortunately, it was not a fatal wound; he could slowly recover on the road.


    It could only be said...


    the gap between a Martial Saint and a regular Martial Artist was indeed too vast.


    Fortunately, he was no ordinary Martial Artist.


    Back at the Moon Splitting Mountain Villa, he had a brief encounter with Wen Zhi and roughly understood the lethality of a Martial Saint, which is why he dared to lead the troops head-on into the fray, not rashly.


    Certainly,


    Yuwen Jingwen was much stronger than Wen Zhi.


    "Uncle¡ª¡ª"


    The arriving Prince Yu Wenxin only saw the headless corpse of his uncle and the blood-soaked Chen Sansi.


    How could this be possible?!


    His uncle,


    heralded as the strongest warrior of the Yuwen Tribe.


    How could he just die like this?!


    And to be killed by a warrior of the Xuanxiang Realm?!


    Yu Wenxin was first shocked, then furious, drawing his sword and charging forward.


    Halfway through the charge,


    Chen Sansi, who was sitting on the ground recuperating, suddenly opened his eyes wide.


    Yu Wenxin immediately dared not take another step forward, "I, I''m going to fight you! I must avenge my uncle, come on, come at me!"


    "It''s you, huh."


    After recognizing the person, Chen Sansi spoke calmly, "Your Highness, are you still watching the show?"


    As his words fell,


    the ice and snow beneath Prince Yu Wenxin transformed into chains, firmly trapping him.


    Cao Zhi, who had not yet fully recovered from the shock, spoke with disbelief, "Who would have thought, Big Brother''s martial arts would be so exceptional, it''s unheard of for a Xuanxiang to kill a Martial Saint!"


    "You''re not bad yourself, having learned Immortal Law; could it be bestowed by the Emperor?"


    Chen Sansi feigned ignorance.


    This man, no doubt, was deeply involved with the Seeking Immortal Tower.


    His original intention was not to expose his spells and Abnormal Fire, but this person had been following him all along, and more likely than not, had some lifesaving trump cards in hand. Killing him to silence him wouldn''t be that simple.


    Fortunately, he also knew some dirt on Cao Zhi, and revealing it would benefit no one.


    Both knowing each other''s secrets was equivalent to neither knowing.


    At the moment, there were more important matters to handle.


    The main battleground!


    They had to quickly clear out the barbarian army of fifty thousand. After a brief respite, they had to leave immediately, or else more and more barbarian forces would keep coming.


    After a bit of recovery, Chen Sansi gathered all the things he needed to collect.


    Qian Xun also returned on her own.


    The Black Wind Horse obediently followed behind.


    Qian Xun had also won.


    ...


    The Agate River.


    The main battleground


    The warriors of the Yuwen Tribe had the advantage in numbers.


    But the warriors of the Sheng people they faced...


    seemed not to fear death at all!


    Like emotionless war puppets, no matter how many of their comrades fell, they would immediately fill the gaps, maintaining the formation without chaos.


    This aura,


    was enough to deter the barbarian warriors.


    Seeing their growing desire to retreat, the great General of the barbarians, amidst the chaos, loudly scolded to stabilize the morale, "Don''t panic, they''re about to collapse! That White Robe Chen Sansi has already fled!"


    "Indeed!"


    "Your Main General has fled, what are you still fighting for?!"


    "Lay down your weapons, join our Heavenly Clan, and you will be second-class citizens!"


    "..."


    "General Chen..."


    The bloodied Chu Shixiong''s heart gradually turned cold.


    He had seen with his own eyes Yuwen Jingwen chasing after Chen Sansi, and it had already been the time it takes an incense to burn.


    A Martial Saint chasing to kill a Xuanxiang.


    The outcome went without saying.


    With General Chen''s death, the army would surely disperse, and then they would all be on a path to certain death!


    Just as both sides were in a stalemate,


    a loud and clear voice rang,


    shaking the heavens and the earth,


    "Yuwen Jingwen is dead!"


    "Won''t you all surrender now!"


    Yuwen Jingwen was dead!

 Chapter 540 - 195: Agates Great Victory, Drinking at the Frozen River_6

    "Nonsense!"


    The barbarian general sneered as he said, "Who dares to bluster like this, watch as I take your life!"


    Under the watchful eyes of all.


    Upon a hilltop, a white horse arrived, overlooking the battlefield from a high position. The white-robed figure had just raised the long spear in his hand, the head impaled on the spear tip was none other than one of the Four Sage Kings, Yu Wenjing Wen!


    "Prince Yu Wenxin is here!"


    Cao Zhi was holding the captured prince, "You are already doomed, why continue this futile struggle!"


    "Boom Boom - "


    In an instant.


    It was as if two bolts of thunder had struck right into the hearts of the barbarian warriors.


    "Prince..."


    "It''s really the prince!"


    "Chen Sansi, you killed the prince!"


    "The white-robed one killed the prince!"


    "Martial Saint!"


    "He has also reached the Martial Saint level!"


    "..."


    Because it was too preposterous, the soldiers preferred to believe that Chen Sansi had advanced to Martial Saint rather than believe he had killed their prince using the Profound Image Realm.


    Even so, coupled with the fearless warriors from Hongze Camp, it was enough to throw them into complete panic.


    "This..."


    Chu Shixiong was just as shocked as the barbarians.


    He indeed knew.


    Chen Sansi was merely at Great Success in the Mysterious Phenomenon!


    Yet, he had killed an enemy Martial Saint!


    "Normal."


    A few brothers from Po Yang said, "It''s just killing a Martial Saint.


    "Right, don''t act like you''ve never seen it."


    "General Chu."


    Xu Bin, wiping the fresh blood off his Gun Blade with his armored wrist, said, "Now, do you still have any doubts about his lordship?"


    Chu Shixiong was in disbelief.


    ...


    "Retreat, retreat!"


    "Retreat!"


    "Don''t panic, retreat to the Great Village first!"


    The barbarian general commanded.


    "The Great Village has already been breached!"


    "What did you say? When did that happen?"


    "Not long after the battle started, the Great Village was seized by the enemy. It was the prince who told me not to make it known!"


    "How is this possible?!"


    The army panicked and retreated.


    When they were still a few miles from the Great Village, they indeed saw Dasheng''s banners planted all over the place. At the highest point, there fluttered a large gilded "Chen" character in the wind.


    The village gates were wide open.


    The overwhelming Dasheng Cavalry poured out, their numbers indistinguishable.


    At this moment.


    The barbarian warriors only knew one thing.


    Their main general was dead! The enemy had a Martial Saint!


    And they had nowhere to go, caught in a pincer attack.


    A total rout!


    A thorough defeat unfolded along the banks of the Agate River.


    On the contrary.


    The soldiers from Hongze Camp, seeing their General return to the battlefield with the head of Yu Wenjing Wen in tow, saw their morale boosted to an unprecedented peak, and nothing could stop them from achieving a great victory.


    Next.


    It was a one-sided slaughter.


    On the battlefield, once the will to resist was lost, they became worse off than pigs or dogs, no matter how strong or robust, all they could do was to await their execution.


    From morning, killing lasted until the dusk.


    On the banks of the Agate River, corpses lay strewn everywhere!


    Eventually,


    only half of the enemy army fled in disarray, the rest were all slaughtered without mercy!


    By the time the battlefield was cleared, the sky had already turned dim.


    "Report, sir! The count is complete!"


    Xia Cong saluted, "In this battle, our army beheaded more than twenty thousand of the enemy, with our own casualties around two thousand."


    "..."


    Two thousand.


    It sounds like a casualty ratio of only ten to one.


    Without a doubt, it was an overwhelming victory.


    But Chen Sansi felt no excitement.


    Because he remembered every single name.


    Even when initially reviewing the military records, he knew how many family members each person had, whether they were a son, a husband, or a father...


    At night,


    the battle-worn Hongze Camp reached its limit and received supplies at the Great Village by the Agate River.


    Inside the camp, there were freshly slaughtered lambs and mare''s milk wine brewed on the grassland.


    Outside the camp, the sky was obscured by heavy snow and the ground was covered with corpses turned into ice sculptures.


    Qian Xun led the horses, standing by the bank of the Agate River, bowing their heads to drink.


    Everything was so orderly.


    But everything was also so quiet.


    Including the soldiers of Hongze Camp, no one showed excitement, the majority wore faces heavy with a trace of numbness.


    "Brothers!"


    Chen Sansi held a bowl of wine, standing by the bank of the Agate River, his voice resonant, stirring the souls.


    "For thousands of years!"


    "The barbarians'' desire to destroy us has never died!" sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Among you, how many have joined the army because a family member died under the barbarian''s iron hooves? And how many of you have fathers who died on the battlefields fighting these barbarians?!"


    "Now."


    "The barbarians have even allied with the demons from another continent, aiming to turn our Liangzhou into mere fodder in their cauldron!"


    "Their intentions must be punished, their crimes eradicated!"


    "But all along."


    "Relying on the vast, boundless Great Desert, with its confusing directions, no matter how great the defeat they suffer at the front, they only need to shrink back and they can recuperate, before emerging again soon after to renew their assault!"


    "But today!"


    "I want to say one thing!"


    "If the enemy can advance, so can we¡ª"


    "After crossing this Agate River!"


    "Within thirty days, we can reach south of the Yin Mountain."


    "There, lies their Barbarian Capital, their sacred Langju Xu Mountain! Also, the Great Khan of the Four Barbarian Tribes!"


    "There lies our final battle!"


    "I, Chen Sansi, assure you!"


    "After this battle, the barbarians will no longer invade our borders, troubling our people!"


    "From then on, south of the Yin Mountain, not one barbarian tribe will remain!"


    "Drink this bowl of wine!"


    "We head straight for Langju Xu Mountain!"


    "We will fight the barbarians fiercely, with all our might!"


    "Kill!"


    "Kill¡ª"


    In the desert night, shouts of killing shook the heavens.


    Thirteen thousand soldiers drained the fiery liquor from their bowls, then smashed the clay bowls to the ground.


    "Set out!"


    "March¡ª"


    "Thump thump thump¡ª"


    On the night before even more barbarian reinforcements and the Martial Saint could arrive,


    the soldiers of Hongze Camp crossed the Great Village of the Agate River, vanishing completely, disappearing into the depths of the Great Desert.


    The blue bird flew through the windy snow, racing back toward Liangzhou, its sharp claws clutching a frozen head sculpture, the head of Yu Wenxin.

 Chapter 541 - 196: Evil God Path, Breaking Through Martial Saint

    Agate River.


    The Martial Saint of the Tuoba Clan, Tuoba Deyu, halted his horse as he looked out over the densely packed corpses scattered across the icy, snow-covered ground.


    He couldn''t imagine what had transpired here.


    All he could do was to urgently send a message back to the Great Capital.


    ...


    Liangzhou.


    "Boom¡ª¡ª"


    The blood fog was only a few dozen feet away from people''s heads now.


    Above the Heavenly Dome, no birds flew anymore.


    Crows flocked in groups, perching en masse on the rooftops and eaves.


    The streets, buildings, and everything within sight had turned crimson, as if the air between heaven and earth was filled with the scent of blood; oppression and suffocation followed, plunging the vast city into an eerie silence.


    Inside the mansion of Marquis Wu Yi.


    The two maidservants, SiQinmohua, had been scared senseless much earlier.


    "Master."


    Zhaozhao watched as the blood fog drew nearer," What should we do? Are we about to turn into blood... I heard that even Chen Sansi''s master is trapped here and can''t get out."


    "If his master is trapped, doesn''t he still remain?"


    Ning Xiang looked up, her voice faint," This isn''t just a calamity for Liangzhou, this is a catastrophe for the whole world."


    Great Wall.


    "What should we do now?!"


    Sixth Prince Cao Huan, amid a myriad of concerns, appeared a bit disheveled.


    He had just ended his decade-long confinement and had finally returned to the court to make a difference when he encountered such a massive catastrophe; if things continued this way, he feared they would soon turn into blood water.


    "How is the situation in You State?"


    "Not bad, we should be able to take down Li City Prefecture in the next few days."


    "After Li City Prefecture, there''s still Zhu Tuo Pass!"


    Cao Huan, exhausted, said," Zhu Tuo Pass is the hardest to conquer, I''m afraid... it might be too late!"


    "Indeed."


    The Second Brother, Cheng Wei, fiddled with his abacus," Zhu Tuo Pass, with its hundred thousand defenders and several Martial Saints and Immortal Masters, and while the likes of Jiang Yuanbo from the Capital City are still en route, relying solely on General L¨¹ and his men will probably be a dim hope."


    "To damage the White Robe, and then lose Liangzhou, could it be..."


    Cao Huan spread his arms wide," Is heaven determined to destroy our Great Sheng?"


    "Your Highness."


    General Fang Qingyun interjected," The battle report from General Chen has not yet been sent back, it''s still better not to speculate recklessly."


    "General Fang, with the situation at this point, you don''t need to speak for General Chen anymore. He died for his country, even if he disobeyed orders at first, surely no one will punish him now."


    Cao Huan sighed," If only, my twelve brother!"


    King Yan Cao Zhi.


    He had watched him grow up himself.


    Though they were not born of the same mother, their relationship had always been the best among all the siblings.


    Had he known this would happen.


    He should never have allowed Cao Zhi to venture with Hongze Camp.


    No, to be precise, he should never have let him come to Liangzhou!


    "Report¡ª¡ª"


    "A letter from Agate River!"


    "Oh?"


    Cao Huan was startled," Quick, is it that my twelfth brother and General Chen are still alive?"


    Given the current circumstances. S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Even if the whole army was wiped out, if only a few high-ranking officers survived, it would still be a timely loss for the Great Sheng Dynasty, better than total annihilation.


    "No..."


    The guard reading the report, his voice trembling," General Chen, ten days ago, fought a desperate battle against the current, personally slaying Yuwen Jingwen, then led Hongze Camp to smash fifty thousand enemy troops, and now has taken Agate River and is heading straight for Yin Mountain."


    "What did you say?"


    Cao Huan initially didn''t grasp the news.


    He reminisced about the name Yuwen Jingwen in his mind, then suddenly recalled that this wasn''t Yuwen Jingwen of Agate River, renowned as the first Batulu of the Yuwen Clan?


    He is dead?!


    Chen Sansi...


    Killed him?!


    He killed Yuwen Jingwen.


    A Profound Image Realm practitioner killed a Martial Saint?!


    Not only Cao Huan.


    Upon hearing the news, everyone present was dumbstruck.


    "Could it be a false report?"


    General Zhao Wuji said with a wry smile,"You tell me Bone Training kills Refining Internal, I believe; you tell me Hua Jin kills Meridian Passage, I can accept; but Profound Image killing Martial Saint, isn''t that a bit too absurd?


    "If that''s really the case, wouldn''t the Martial Saint be somewhat disgraced?


    "Could it be, the barbarians are playing tricks on us?"


    "General Zhao, are you truly confused?"


    General Fang Qingyun spoke up,"Would Hai Dongqing send us a false report?"


    "Your Highness, it''s true!"


    The guard said excitedly,"Yuwen Jingwen''s head has also been sent back, it''s just that it can''t pass through the Boundary, it''s right outside now."


    "Is it true?"


    "It''s an 80% match to the portrait, it''s definitely genuine!"


    "..."


    The tent fell into silence again.


    "Map!"


    "Quick!"


    "Bring the map!"


    Cao Huan shouted loudly.


    He pointed at the location of Agate River on the map,"So that means, they are now at this location, and in about twenty more days, they can reach near Yin Mountain. How many troops can the barbarians gather here in twenty days?"


    "Considering the original garrison, plus reinforcements."


    Cheng Wei provided the answer,"Approximately a hundred thousand, four Martial Saints, along with high-ranking officials from the Witch God Sect, and an unknown number of Immortal Masters."


    Hearing this.


    The recently exhilarated Cao Huan felt as if a bucket of cold water had been dumped over his head.


    Ultimately, this was something impossible to achieve.


    He estimated.


    Even if Chen Sansi really killed Yuwen Jingwen, it was unlikely he could face so many Martial Saints and supernatural beings afterward.


    But to have come this far.


    It was admirable!


    "General Chen, truly a fierce and loyal minister."


    Cao Huan bowed his head, gazing at the route taken by Hongze Camp from Huqiu Mountain northward, as if he could see them moving through the storm, sharing their determination.


    Even if it ultimately amounted to ants shaking a tree, it was still worthy of respect.

 Chapter 542 - 196: Evil God Path, Breakthrough to Martial Saint_2

    "General Fang, you''re right."


    He let out a sigh, "Regardless of the outcome, with General Chen''s Hongze Camp present, we still cling to a glimmer of hope."


    ...


    The Luotian Mountain Range.


    Defensive Boundary.


    Deng Immortal looked up, watching as the blood mist drew ever closer to the ground, a sense of panic welling inside him.


    He gritted his teeth and threatened, "You''re all on the brink of death and yet remain clueless? In no more than thirty days, the Blood Sacrifice Array will come crashing down, and no matter how high your realm is, you will become nothing but nourishment for the revival of the Slaughter Vein!"


    The Blood Sacrifice Array.


    If left undisturbed, it should be complete within twenty days.


    The destruction of one of the Array Eyes had slowed the process down, by how much, nobody knew.


    But even so, it was on the brink of completion.


    "Bullshit!"


    Wen Zhi burst out swearing, "We still have tens of thousands of troops outside! You''re definitely not going to succeed!"


    "Foolish!"


    Deng Immortal scoffed, "Are you referring to that mortal named Chen Sansi, who''s leading a mere ten thousand people to their deaths? Or perhaps to the Transcendent Warrior with the surname Lv who went to You State?"


    "It''s useless.


    "How slowly does a mortal army move? They''ll never make it in time."


    "Sun Xiangzong!


    "I''m giving you one last chance. Why continue to die here for a mere mortal emperor? Wouldn''t it be better to take your family and leave with us? We can use blood pills to extend your life by a few years, to live out your years in comfort. Isn''t that a good idea?"


    In front of them,


    The old man was simply sitting cross-legged, recuperating, and paying them no heed.


    "Don''t bother wasting your energy!"


    Shao Yujing cursed, "I''ve already told you, if we die, you''ll die with us!"


    "Your death is certain, but I might not necessarily..."


    "Buzz¡ª"


    Before he could finish speaking,


    The Sound Transmission Talisman in Deng Immortal''s bosom reacted, and as he listened to the words that entered his ears, a flicker of surprise passed through his pupils, which was quickly covered by disdain.


    That mortal with the surname Chen. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Had actually killed a warrior at the pinnacle of the Transcendence Realm all by himself.


    "Yi Leide!"


    He turned to the Wushen Sect Leader beside him, "Did you hear that? Your people can''t be that worthless, unable to stop even a mid-stage Transcendent Warrior, right?"


    "Rest assured, Immortal Master!"


    The Wushen Sect Leader said confidently, "By the time he arrives, the army will have already completed the encirclement, with the Martial Saints from all tribes present, and combined with our Wushen Sect''s High Priest, even if he has extraordinary powers, he won''t be able to get half a step closer to Langjuxu Mountain!"


    "Let''s hope so!"


    Deng Immortal''s voice was sinister, "If the Slaughter Vein fails to revive, it''s not just my Ancient Demon Clan that will be affected. You people of the Heavenly Clan will be forever marooned in this barren desert."


    "I understand!"


    The Wushen Sect Leader guaranteed repeatedly.


    ...


    In the midst of their conversation,


    Several Jinyi Guards, adept in Qinggong, hurried over.


    "Your Majesty!"


    "Good news!"


    "..."


    Inside the tent,


    Emperor Longqing sat on a cushion, with the Dragon Abyss Sword resonating, as if sensing the Blood Sacrifice Array, humming incessantly.


    He slowly opened his eyes, did not reach out, but said indifferently, "Read it."


    "Your Majesty, this..."


    Mr. Hou, out of excitement, read the content with pauses and breaks.


    "He really crossed the Agate River."


    Emperor Longqing narrowed his eyes, "A Mysterious Phenomenon killing a Martial Saint is truly unprecedented in the world."


    He did not comment further but asked, "How about Ji Lv?"


    "He is attacking Li City Prefecture, and there will definitely be results within ten days!"


    ...


    You State.


    The walls of Lifu City.


    Beneath the black clouds.


    Huge stones rained down from the heavens with the help of catapults, and countless barbarian soldiers were mashed into pulp. The solid walls developed one huge gap after another, and fires broke out everywhere within the city. Chaos reigned with bodies and smoke of war everywhere, presenting a hellish scene on earth.


    The Beiliang Army''s siege had been ongoing for many days.


    Luckily, there was new progress every day, preventing them from being truly stuck outside the city.


    Inside the Central Army Tent.


    Ji Lv, covered in blood, looked up at the rushing in Fan Hailing and asked, "How is the situation?"


    Fan Hailing answered, "Before Mr. Xu withdrew, he quietly left a vulnerability in the north city wall. It''s extremely fragile. After a few rounds of bombardment by the catapults, it collapsed almost entirely, and the barbarians have no way to repair it!"


    "Good, Mr. Xu did well!"


    Ji Lv praised, then picked up the Heavenly Halberd:


    "General Pei!"


    "General Fan!"


    "Follow me up first!"


    "..."


    "Kill¡ª¡ª"


    "Kill them¡ª¡ª"


    "..."


    The black tide-like Beiliang Cavalry charged frantically toward the city walls. At the forefront were three main generals. One stood like a mountain with a Heavenly Halberd in hand, another dragged a broadsword with a smirk, and one, without a horse, carried a Mo Blade and leapt everyone a dozen meters.


    "General!"


    "Ji Lv and the others have charged over!"


    "Hold them off for me!"


    "..."


    "Boom¡ª¡ª"


    Inside the city, two barbarian Martial Saints remained.


    Fighting fiercely against them.


    The surge of True Qi was so intense that the shockwaves alone killed hundreds of soldiers.


    The already crumbling walls.


    After the time it took to drink a cup of tea, they finally collapsed with a thunderous crash.


    Pei Tiannan and Fan Hailing teamed up to suppress one.


    Ji Lv alone faced off against a Murong Clan Martial Saint wielding twin blades.


    Each strike of the Heavenly Halberd was like a dragon or an elephant, with overwhelming power that forced the twin-blade Martial Saint into constant retreat, unable to lift his head, and his hands holding the blades were oozing blood, on the verge of losing his grip on the weapons.


    After ten exchanges.


    Both sides pulled apart.


    Ji Lv rushed forward, and suddenly planted the Heavenly Halberd into the ground; his body leaped into the air like a dragon or an elephant turning over, pulled out the Heavenly Halberd in midair, and then smashed it down from the sky, several dozens of meters high.


    "Rumble¡ª¡ª"


    This time.


    The Murong Martial Saint could no longer withstand it, could no longer hold onto the twin blades, and his body flew backward like a kite with a broken string, crushing dozens of soldiers and horse refusing stakes before heavily falling, his blood gushing from his mouth like a spring.

 Chapter 543 - 196: Evil God Path, Breakthrough to Martial Saint_3

    Both were Martial Saints,


    but this person couldn''t last ten rounds in front of Ji,


    Seeing this scene,


    the barbarian soldiers, without exception, fell into immense panic.


    Ji was about to make a move, to use his overbearing True Qi to directly claim the life of Murong Martial Saint,


    Right at that moment,


    a red light suddenly shot from the Heavenly Dome.


    "Hmm?"


    Ji immediately changed direction, the Heavenly Halberd colliding with the red light.


    In an instant,


    the terrifying power transferred through the weapon into his body, causing him to retreat uncontrollably, his legs embedded in the stone pavement, leaving behind two ravines over thirty feet long.


    Looking up again,


    the red light was astonishingly a flying sword with a striking presence of blood Qi.


    Also, a figure in a black robe, with a face covered in dark blood vessels and blood-red eyes, floated in midair. He simply curled his finger with a relaxed demeanor, and the flying sword returned to his side automatically.


    "This..."


    "Is this the demon summoned by the barbarians from another world?!"


    "..."


    Seeing this,


    the Beiliang Army was somewhat taken aback.


    "Demon, meet your demise!"


    Only Ji was completely undaunted. He pulled the Heavenly Halberd from the ground and walked on the walls, reaching a sufficient height before kicking off fiercely, breaking through half of the wall to reach high into the air; with both arms tightly holding the Heavenly Halberd, under the surge of True Qi, it transformed into a ferocious dragon-elephant beast, its momentum overwhelming.


    "Just a mere Transcendence Realm Martial Artist, I want to see how capable you are."


    The floating Ancient Demon Cultivator was calm and collected, while a mere flick of his sword finger sent the blood-colored flying sword crashing into the dragon-elephant beast, causing shockwaves to burst forth as if twisting the very fabric of space.


    A few breaths later,


    the blood-colored flying sword pierced through the dragon-elephant beast, and Ji, like a falling meteor, smashed into the midst of thousands of soldiers, leaving a gigantic crater more than half a person tall in the ground as he knelt on one knee, about to rise.


    From within the earth, mana fluctuated,


    and one after another blood-red vine grew out, resembling chains, that in an instant wound around his legs and arms, preventing any movement.


    And that blood-colored flying sword, unbeknownst when it had been launched again, was already in front of him.


    "Boss!"


    Nie Yuan exclaimed in shock,


    but he was too far away, with two Generals entangled beside him, unable to rush over in time.


    "Boom¡ª"


    In the blink of an eye,


    suddenly, a dense purple energy burst forth from Ji''s body, the purple energy fierce like flames, melting the vines that restricted his movements and enveloping his entire body in a burst of fury!


    From a distance,


    it seemed like purple flames were burning across the surface of his body.


    Even on the Heavenly Halberd, the True Qi-formed dragon-elephant beast was no longer formless, but radiated with rich purple energy, slapping the flying sword away with a heavy palm strike, causing it to spin out of control for several rotations before it finally returned to its master''s hand.


    "Incense Fire Divine Dao?!"


    A look of surprise appeared on the face of the Ancient Demon Cultivator: "You also cultivate the Incense Fire Divine Dao? Heh, indeed, Incense Fire Divine Dao is probably the only magic skill that can be cultivated in this land bereft of Spiritual Energy. However, it''s a pity, you''re still too weak! Huh?"


    He was just about to exert his full power.


    ""


    Sounds of a sharp weapon slicing through air echoed from behind.


    The ancient demon cultivator frantically reached for his sword to block.


    The sneak attackers,


    were none other than Fan Hailing and Pei Tiannan.


    The colossal strength of two Martial Saints was imbued in their attack.


    The ancient demon cultivator couldn''t resist; his body losing balance and plummeting towards the ground. In desperation, he formed hand seals and chanted spells, unfurling a pair of wings forged from evil qi behind him to forcibly regain control of his body.


    But at the same time,


    the Heavenly Halberd had already been lying in wait for a long while.


    Three Martial Saints worked in tandem, assaulting the ancient demon''s cultivator.


    "You martial artists are utterly detestable! I am done playing with you!"


    The ancient demon cultivator quickly became overwhelmed.


    He cast a spell, releasing a cloud of poison fog that forced the three Martial Saints to retreat. Then, seizing the injured Murong Martial Saint, he flew away on his sword, vanishing into the horizon''s edge in the blink of an eye, leaving only his words echoing in the air.


    "If that''s all you three are capable of, then give up on any fantasies about Zhu Tuo Pass. Just wait obediently for my clan''s cultivators to descend upon the Eastern Continent, and refine you into supplemental medicines!"


    "Those fiends can fly; there''s simply no way to deal with them!"


    Fan Hailing cursed under his breath.


    Pei Tiannan and Ji once again charged into the enemy army.


    With the death of one military leader and the flight of another, the barbarian forces quickly crumbled, and the Beiliang Army successfully recaptured Lifu City.


    "General Ji."


    Fan Hailing said, "In this battle, our army has slain ten thousand enemy soldiers and captured another ten thousand. Another thirty thousand realized they couldn''t hold out and had already fled last night. They must have gone to Zhu Tuo Pass as well."


    "Let''s start by cleaning up the battlefield,"


    Ji ordered, pausing before adding, "By the way, has there been any news from the Agate River? I hope nothing has happened to my junior brother."


    "General!"


    "The report from Agate River arrived just as we commenced battle!"


    "General Chen smashed through the Agate River, slaying Yuwen Jingwen before heading straight for the Yin Mountain Range."


    "Wait a second,"


    Ji interrupted, "What did you say? General Chen killed whom? Yuwen Jingwen?"


    "Are you sure about the news?" S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Stunned, Fan Hailing exclaimed, "If I remember correctly, the Agate River had fifty thousand enemy troops, and Yuwen Jingwen was a fierce warrior from the Yuwen clan. Meanwhile, General Chen is only in the Xuanxiang Realm... He... he killed Yuwen Jingwen?!"


    "What about the details?"


    Pei Tiannan pressed on.


    "I don''t know,"


    the subordinate replied, "but it''s definitely true."


    "Sss..."


    Fan Hailing and the others all sucked in a cold breath of air.


    In this world,


    there could actually be someone from the Xuanxiang Realm who could kill a Martial Saint?!


    Does that mean all these years they, as Martial Saints, had been training in vain?!


    "Boss,"


    Nie Yuan said with a sense of amazement, "Our little junior brother is just too monstrous. Just over two years ago, he was still an unremarkable Hua Jin; now... eh, what do you think, could he even spar with you now?"

 Chapter 544 - 196: Evil God Path, Breakthrough to Martial Saint_4

    Hearing this,


    a solemn look flashed across Lu Ji''s eyes.


    "But General Chen''s situation is still not optimistic,"


    Fan Hailing pointed at the map, "The Agate River disturbance has been so great, the Barbarian Capital will surely receive the news at the fastest speed and prepare in advance. The real challenge will come after he arrives on the scene."


    "In view of this..."


    Pei Tiannan said, "General Chen has also done his best, but in the end, it still falls on us."


    "Now, the vast majority of our forces are concentrated at Zhu Tuo Pass, and in terms of numbers, we are not afraid. The main issue is..."


    Nie Yuan sighed, "Today, there are at least four demons inside Zhu Tuo Pass, plus the Barbarians'' Martial Saint, we almost have no possibility of breaking through the defenses. Watching the Blood Sacrifice Array become more complete day by day, what shall we do?"


    "Mr. Xu."


    Pei Tiannan turned his gaze to the seasoned scholar, "Do you have any ingenious plans for the upcoming battles?"


    "Zhu Tuo Pass is easy to defend but hard to attack, and there is only one path to take."


    Xu Wencai shook his head gently, "I am also at my wit''s end."


    "We can''t drag this out any longer. No matter how hard the fight, we have to grit our teeth and go through with it. We don''t have time to hesitate anymore."


    Lu Ji quickly made the final decision, pressing his palm firmly on a wide-open plain on the map: "Right here, we will make a life and death stand against the Barbarian forces. Even if the entire army is wiped out, we must take down Zhu Tuo Pass and destroy the Array Eye!"


    "Actually, there is another issue."


    Xu Wencai stood up, using his feather fan to point in the direction of Liangzhou City.


    In their field of vision, most of the sky and earth had turned into an expanse of red; looking from afar, only a slight gap remained for the survival of people.


    He said, "Even if we win and open the First Line of Life at the border, I fear we will have only a few days left to retreat. How many people can make it out? In a sense, we have..."


    already lost.


    "At least, Her Majesty can leave, my masters can leave, and for the rest, we save whoever we can save,"


    Lu Ji said in a deep voice, "General Fan, General Pei, you and Mr. Xu get resupplied and set out tonight. General Nie and I will follow soon."


    "Alright."


    Fan Hailing agreed, "There are still ten thousand prisoners in the city, what should we do with them?"


    "Don''t worry about that, just set off as soon as possible,"


    Lu Ji urged.


    That night,


    the Beiliang Army swiftly left Li City Prefecture, heading for Zhu Tuo Pass.


    Inside the city,


    it was Xuanwu Camp and White Tiger Camp bringing up the rear.


    "Big brother,"


    Nie Yuan followed by his side, "If there really are three to four demons ahead of us, with strength not much different from what we encountered today, I fear this battle is more likely to bring misfortune than fortune. Big brother, where are you going?"


    He watched as Lu Ji left the city.


    Outside the city,


    it was the military formation of Xuanwu Camp.


    In the midst of the formation, Barbarian soldiers lay separated as prisoners.


    "You''re right, junior brother," S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Lu Ji ascended to a high platform, looking down at the military formation before him: "With our current strength, we are not enough to contend with the demons. Therefore, I must enhance my strength as soon as possible."


    "Big brother, what do you mean by..."


    Nie Yuan, puzzled.


    "My Incense Fire Divine Dao is close to breaking through."


    Lu Ji''s gaze was deep, "If I can increase my speed just a bit more, I''ll be able to play a role in the final battle."


    Hearing this,


    Nie Yuan suddenly recalled something, "You want to... "


    "Hmm."


    Lu Ji spoke calmly, "Only the extensive sacrifices of Evil God Path can assist me to break through in a short period of time."


    "Brother, this doesn''t seem proper,"


    Nie Yuan said, "After all, Evil God Path is a deviant and evil practice."


    "Whether it''s deviant and evil or not depends on how it''s used,"


    Lu Ji narrowed his eyes, "Besides, these are Barbarians, don''t forget that in this war, they wanted to refine us. Also, given the current situation, where can we find the troops to guard prisoners? Solving it right here also saves us one trouble."


    "These Barbarians are indeed not worthy of sympathy,"


    Nie Yuan concurred, though still somewhat hesitant, "But what about afterward? I''ve read the Incense Fire Divine Sect cultivation techniques granted to you by Her Majesty after you returned from Ziwei Mountain."


    "In theory, you could return to the True God Dao at any time.


    "But it''s said that the Evil God Path can ensnare the heart, once..."


    "Don''t worry,"


    Lu Ji affirmed, "Just this once. After I break through, I will return to the True God Dao."


    "Alright!"


    Nie Yuan agreed, "Given the circumstances, it is the only way."


    Lu Ji took out a sheepskin scroll from his chest and handed it over, "Set up the altar according to the records on this, aim to complete the sacrifice within three days, and then I will retreat for ten days, which will be enough for me to break through."


    ...


    Daqing.


    Imperial Palace.


    "Sister, you''ve been reviewing petitions for a day and a night. Won''t you rest a bit, have something to eat?"


    The Daqing Empress looked helplessly at the Princess processing documents at the desk.


    "No need."


    Gu Xinlan handled the brush adeptly, her actions orderly, "Didn''t you ask me to learn these things? Can''t I just listen to you? Check it out, point out any mistakes I''ve made."


    "All right, I''ll go,"


    The Empress shut her eyes, saying coldly, "I promised you, I''d go to Langjuxu Mountain to have a look, but I won''t interfere with anything else. At most, I''ll only save his life."


    "Great."


    Gu Xinlan then put down her brush and stood up, grabbing the Empress''s hand, "Sister, you can''t be like this. No matter how much you cultivate, you can''t ignore your kin. He is your brother-in-law. Besides, didn''t you also seem quite fond of Du He?"


    "Only for your sake, Sister,"


    The Empress said expressionlessly, "I shall leave now.


    "You can leave the day-to-day affairs of the court to those old officials for now. Besides, several Female Death Soldiers are hiding in the palace to protect you. If you encounter any trouble, just crush this talisman, and I will rush back."

 Chapter 545 - 196: Evil God Path, Breakthrough to Martial Saint_5

    "Alright, I''ve got it all down."


    Gu Xinlan led the Empress to the back door of the great hall, "You better go now."


    "What''s the point of love and affection?"


    The Empress shook her head slightly and with a wave of her hand changed into a different attire; then a flying sword appeared, turned into a streak of light, and soared away.


    She looked in the direction of Beiliang, at the red glow that filled the sky.


    "I''m afraid no one will escape unscathed."


    "I also need to find an opportunity to take sister and the others away from this place of trouble."


    ...


    Langjuxu Mountain.


    The Formation operated day after day.


    The weather had gotten extremely cold; it had reached the point where one''s eyes could freeze shut.


    In the midst of wind and snow.


    Within the great tent, a fierce blaze burned.


    Four Barbarian Great Khans warmed themselves around the campfire while constantly debating how to divide the territories that lied ahead.


    "After the Slaughter Vein is revived."


    "The Ancient Demon Immortal Master will be able to control the entire Eastern Continent within two years!"


    "By then, the Sheng Dynasty will belong to my Tuoba Clan."


    "Nonsense! In this campaign, my Yuwen Tribe has contributed the most; it is only right that it should belong to us, Yuwen. You should be content with Dongqing."


    "West Qi is mine," declared the Duan Clan.


    "That leaves me with no choice but to barely accept Nan Xu," said the Murong Great Khan reluctantly.


    "We shouldn''t fuss over this."


    "There''s plenty of land and wealth in the Eastern Continent."


    "Once we have controlled the four nations, we can continue marching forward; everything in the world will belong to us!"


    "Well said!"


    "By my calculations, only a few days are left!"


    "The Old Emperor of the Sheng Dynasty is also inside."


    "Hehe, the most crucial one is Sun Xiangzong; that old immortal is trapped within the city. In his lifetime, he has killed who knows how many of our Heavenly Clan. Now, turning into blood water is his just deserts."


    "And what about his disciple?"


    "Did Yu Wenxin manage to crush that Chen to death at the Agate River?"


    "..."


    "Report!"


    "Bad news!"


    "Great Khans, bad news!"


    A barbarian burst in with intelligence, recounted the events at the Agate River, and finally added, "Now, Chen Sansi is leading his troops straight to Langjuxu Mountain!"


    After a brief dead silence. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Tuoba Great Khan slammed the table and stood up, pointing at the white-haired Yuwen Great Khan, "Yuwen Jinglan, didn''t you boast that your fourth brother was the strongest in your Yuwen Tribe? The strongest man, leading an army of fifty thousand, died at the hands of the Mysterious Phenomenon?"


    "My fourth brother, my son..."


    Yuwen Jinglan was plunged into the shock of the terrible news.


    It was a long time before he came back to his senses, gnashing his teeth he retorted, "Tuoba Hongxin, you don''t know the full story, what gives you the right to insult my fourth brother? Maybe that Chen has some kind of trump card?!"


    "If I remember correctly, your younger son was captured alive for the second time, right? And by the same person too!"


    Tuoba Hongxin said sarcastically, "It seems to me that your Yuwen Tribe is not far from its end!"


    "You..."


    Yuwen Jinglan stood up, wanting to say something, but he was interrupted.


    "Gentlemen, please stop arguing," urged the Duan Clan Great Khan.


    "What is urgent now is to make preparations, not to let him actually reach the mountain. If something goes wrong with the Array Eye, many years of our hard work will be ruined all at once!"


    "Indeed, wouldn''t it be a joke if the two of you start quarreling over such a trivial youngster?"


    Murong Great Khan pointed to the map, "That Chen Sansi is currently at most at this location. There are a few tribes in front; even if they cannot stop him, it should buy us enough time for us to deploy heavy troops at the foot of Langjuxu Mountain. In the end, he is just a Mysterious Phenomenon."


    "Let''s assume he has broken through to the Martial Saint Realm!"


    "He only has fifteen thousand men at most," said the Duan Clan Great Khan. "Add a few Martial Saints and High Priests, and if he dares to come, we''ll make sure he stays here forever."


    "That''s right."


    "This man is most adept at using schemes and tricks; we should not act rashly. Let''s set up our formation here and wait for him!"


    ...


    The Great Desert snowfield.


    Hongze Camp was making a difficult march through the ice and snow.


    The farther they went, the lower the temperature dropped.


    Even the soldiers who practiced Martial Arts every day began to suffer frostbite, and they had to stop frequently to warm up by the fire.


    "This horse, I''ll give it to elder brother," said Chen Sansi, as he handed the reins of the Black Wind Horse to the other man.


    "Great," said Wang Zhi, who couldn''t let go of the horse. He immediately tried riding it and exclaimed, "This horse is a treasure; was it that old scoundrel Yu Wenxin''s? I bet there aren''t many like this on the grassland."


    He looked down at the horse, recalling how not long before, a Martial Saint had been sitting on it.


    This younger brother.


    Is really flamboyant.


    He was on tenterhooks in the Great Village when not long afterward, he learned of Yu Wenxin''s death...


    "My lord!"


    Zhao Kang came riding up to report, "There is another Yuwen Tribe camp ahead, but it doesn''t have many soldiers, just over two thousand, and the General in charge is not of Martial Saint Realm."


    "My lord, what should we do?"


    After the Battle of the Agate River, Chu Shixiong had no doubt left in his heart, fully integrating into Hongze Camp, "There are no Martial Saints ahead, and the forces are not strong. How about I take the lead and charge straight into it?"


    "Stand down."


    Chen Sansi rejected the proposal, waved his hand to signal the Ninth Prince nearby to come over.


    Yu Wenxin, the Ninth Prince, was only at the Hua Jin level, and there was no need for the special confinement method of Mystic Iron Chains piercing through his acupoints; simply disarming him and having Xu Bin and others watch him was sufficient.


    Moreover, Yu Wenxin was very compliant, riding on horseback without ever straying half a step.


    "Chen Sansi, what... what do you want me to do by calling me over?"


    He swallowed nervously and cautiously said, "I''m a Prince, you can''t kill me!"


    "I won''t kill you."


    Chen Sansi tossed him a piece of dried meat, "Do you recognize the commander of the camp ahead?"

 Chapter 546 - 196: Evil God Path, Breakthrough to Martial Saint_6

    "Of course I know them!"


    The Ninth Prince said, "The commander''s name is ''Xi Ri Gou Li Ge,'' and he''s a subordinate of my fourth uncle."


    "Good, no need to waste time then."


    Chen Sansi instructed, "Go open the gate of the Great Village, ask them to lay down their arms and surrender. After we''ve had our fill and rest, we''ll leave this place."


    The enemy forces ahead were not many.


    But if casualties could be reduced, they should naturally be reduced.


    Prince Yu Wenxin tested, "If I call on them to open the gates, will you let me go?"


    "You still have to show us the way."


    Chen Sansi said, "In this vast expanse of whiteness, if you''re not a local, it''s really hard to recognize the way. But rest assured, as long as you do as you''re told, I guarantee not to kill you."


    He brought a few barbarian soldiers with the army, instructed to split up and ask for directions before reconvening, to prevent any tricks.


    Under the current circumstances, time was the most precious.


    Soon.


    Prince Yu Wenxin was brought before the Great Village on horseback, under Xu Bin''s "protection."


    Inside the Great Village.


    The lookouts immediately drew their bows: "Halt!"


    "Don''t shoot, it''s me! I''m Yu Wenxin!"


    In the midst of the wind and snow, the Ninth Prince shouted, "Go, call out Xi Ri Gou Li Ge for me!"


    "The Ninth Prince?!"


    Xi Ri Gou Li Ge, seeing the prince cloaked in sable fur, found the encounter within expectations; he had received news not long ago of the disastrous defeat at Agate River, and had not expected the arrival so soon.


    Inside the village.


    There were only a mere five thousand men.


    He knew they couldn''t hold out but still gritted his teeth and said, "Your Highness! Rest assured, I will go out and fight them to the death, and do everything in my power to keep you safe!"


    "Open the village gates!"


    In the gale, the Ninth Prince said, "As long as you lay down your arms, you will not be killed! After Hongze Camp has eaten and drunk its fill, we will leave!"


    "Your Highness? What are you saying?!"


    Xi Ri Gou Li Ge doubted he had heard correctly.


    "There are only five thousand of you, and you can''t hold out, so why throw your lives away for nothing?"


    Yu Wenxin said as a matter of course, "Just let them go to the Great Capital and throw their lives away there!"


    "..." sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xi Ri Gou Li Ge was at a loss for words.


    With their prince saying such things, how could the soldiers within the Great Village maintain any will to fight?


    If they insisted on fighting at this time, it would truly be a massacre.


    Xi Ri Gou Li Ge had no choice but to comply.


    Hongze Camp was thus able to rest and get warm amidst the fires dotting the Great Village.


    Chen Sansi continued his cultivation.


    [Cultivation Technique: National Guardian Dragon Spear. Martial Saint]


    [Progress: 60/100]


    The previous battle with Martial Saint Yu Wenjing Wen had also been of great help in his cultivation.


    By normal calculations, it would take him no more than two months to break through to Martial Saint.


    But clearly, there wasn''t time now.


    The next day dawned.


    Hongze Camp continued on its march.


    Chen Sansi, along with Qian Xun, went to a deserted place.


    He fired up the furnace, time for alchemy!


    To create the True Martial Pill.


    With it, he was certain¡ªgiven ten chances¡ªat breaking through to the Martial Saint Realm before reaching Yin Mountain.


    "Boom¡ª"


    A red fire dragon appeared.


    The surrounding area for several dozen yards turned as warm as spring, and the ice and snow on the ground melted swiftly.


    Chen Sansi began adding heavenly materials and earthy treasures in sequence to the mix.


    When the right moment arrived, he placed his hands on either side of the Alchemy Furnace, channeled his mana with care to spur the medicinal ingredients inside, and tried his best to use his "Divine Sense" to perceive and control the changes within.


    "Bang¡ª"


    The Alchemy Furnace exploded.


    Chen Sansi woke with a start.


    His second attempt at producing the True Martial Pill had failed.


    He took a deep breath and reignited the fire.


    As he was nearly finished, the Pill Furnace exploded again.


    "Almost there."


    Chen Sansi opened his storage bag.


    Inside, there were only two portions of True Martial Pill ingredients remaining.


    But he should have an extra one this time.


    "Boom¡ª"


    The flaming red fire, talisman light shining.


    This time.


    Chen Sansi managed to control the seven times seven, forty-nine major changes, and the eight times eight, sixty-four minor changes smoothly. Even his so-called "Divine Sense" seemed to strengthen a bit, allowing him to see the situation inside the Pill Furnace a bit clearer.


    "Hum!"


    Finally.


    Several hours later.


    The Abnormal Fire went out, the talisman dulled.


    Chen Sansi nervously opened the Alchemy Furnace and looked inside.


    There.


    At the bottom of the furnace, lay a dusky green Dan Pill, covered in a faint semblance of spirit light flowing over its surface.


    The True Martial Pill.


    Done!


    [Skill: Alchemy (First Rank)]


    [Progress: 0/500]


    [Utility: Dan Quality]


    [Dan Quality]: Any Elixir Pill made will not be of inferior quality; as long as it''s successfully created, it''s top-notch.


    With this attribute now.


    Chen Sansi wouldn''t have to worry about creating waste in the future. If controlled properly, he could even produce multiple Dan Pills in a single furnace, guaranteed not to be inferior quality.


    His great task was complete.


    He gently took the Elixir Pill and slowly placed it in his mouth.


    Immortal Realm Elixir Pills required no chewing.


    Once swallowed, they would turn into a streak of light and travel down the throat to the stomach, from which one could clearly feel a coolness spreading, reaching the limbs in just two breaths, especially benefiting the meridians immensely.


    With the next breath.


    Chen Sansi felt as if he could sense the change in the Eight Extraordinary Meridians, the Gang Qi that was cultivated became incredibly pure, almost as if it were close to a qualitative change.


    He quickly packed up everything, then took out his long spear and began to practice his spear technique on the spot.


    After over three years of practicing Martial Arts.


    He was finally about to break through to the Martial Saint Realm!

 Chapter 547 - 197: The Great Snow Dragon Riders Open the Heavenly Gate

    A thousand miles of ice,


    Ten thousand miles of snow drifting.


    In the vast snowy wilderness, silver snakes dance wildly.


    Upon this barren plain, a white storm is unleashed.


    A figure in a white robe dances with a long spear amidst the blizzard,


    At the center of it all,


    Within a radius of several dozen feet,


    A huge white hurricane forms.


    Inside this hurricane,


    There seems to be a Jiao Long,


    A raging tiger might appear,


    The Vermilion Bird spreads its wings, S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Black Tortoise suppresses the earth.


    The Gang Qi-transformed Four Symbols Divine Beasts, circling around Chen Sansi''s side,


    revel, roar, dance wildly, and rush about.


    What is a Martial Saint?


    The saint among men, the pinnacle of Martial Arts!


    Martial Saint,


    The reason they couldn''t advance further


    Was not that the people at the Martial Saint level were too weak,


    But it was this world


    That limited all Martial Saints!


    This world, the Eastern Continent, was originally a realm of forbidden laws, only those who practice Martial Arts went against the heavens, reaching the pinnacle of their path, with their physical martial practices standing shoulder to shoulder with immortals of the Cultivation Realm!


    Any Martial Saint,


    Even the weakest among them, would have their unique epiphanies on the path of Martial Arts.


    Chen Sansi indeed,


    Has been cultivating here for ten days and nights!


    Relying on the Fasting Pills, he didn''t rest for a moment.


    Even Qian Xun expressed concern multiple times,


    But Chen Sansi acted as if he heard nothing, wholeheartedly swinging the Li Quan Spear. The True Martial Pill continued to work without end, every breath drawing in the inconsistent Qi from the surroundings was purified and converted into Gang Qi by the Eight Extraordinary Meridians, becoming purer and purer until it could not be further condensed, always sustaining the peak level of Gang Qi.


    Ten days and nights of continuous Martial Arts practice,


    Even an individual tough as iron would be completely exhausted, and even with the Fasting Pills, their energy would be depleted.


    The body long reached its limit.


    All of a sudden,


    The hurricane made of ice and snow showed signs of subsiding, the Four Symbols Divine Beasts also became increasingly illusory, ready to shatter and vanish like smoke and clouds at any moment.


    Chen Sansi was clear.


    The moment he stopped,


    The Gang Qi that he had refined to "Great Perfection" would regress, and to reach this state again would waste a great deal of time.


    To advance against the current, or retreat if you don''t!


    There is no retreat on the journey of Martial Arts, only by pressing forward can one reach the ultimate peak!


    In the heavy snow,


    A roar exploded forth.


    The figure in the white robe, not knowing where he found the strength, burst out with a surge of energy, as if granted a second life, torrents of mighty Gang Qi erupted from his body, and the long spear buzzed nonstop, its cold glint dazzling.


    Thus,


    The hurricane grew wilder,


    The Azure Dragon more majestic,


    The White Tiger more fierce,


    The Vermilion Bird flapped its wings,


    The Black Tortoise dominated the heavens.


    Nearby boulders shattered one after another, rocks and ice whirled violently in the air; a passing snow fox was instantly reduced to pulp, amidst the heaven and earth upheavals caused by the revival of the Slaughter Vein, creating a unique realm of their own.


    "Chiu¡ª¡ª"


    Between heaven and earth,


    Suddenly, a clear and resonant phoenix cry rang out.


    And then, the Vermilion Bird spread its wings and charged directly toward the man in the white robe, merging into his body.


    Next,


    the White Tiger roared and galloped, as if fighting with the long spear, yet also seemingly dancing in unison with it, until a resonant connection was established. Then, through the long spear, it transformed into strands of Mystical Energy and integrated into Chen Sansi''s body.


    Following that, the Black Tortoise descended from the sky and landed upon him.


    Finally, the Azure Dragon circled around the white robe, its trajectory slowly nearing the long spear, until they were in perfect alignment and overlapped completely; it was as if the Li Quan Spear was the Azure Dragon, and the Azure Dragon was the Li Quan Spear!


    After the Gun and Dragon Integration, it was time for man and spear to become one!


    In that very instant,


    Chen Sansi''s Eight Extraordinary Meridians underwent a qualitative change. With each breath, he seemed to become a gigantic vortex, as the mixed Qi of heaven and earth surged towards him, and after circulating through him, a True Dragon burst forth, its roar shaking the heavens and earth, causing glaciers to crumble and hills to collapse!


    True Qi!


    It was the True Qi that formed when the Qi of heaven and earth combined with Acquired Qi!


    Breakthrough!


    Martial Saint!


    [Cultivation Technique: National Guardian Dragon Spear. Martial Saint]


    [Progress: 0]


    [Utility:..., Unrivaled]


    [Unrivaled]: The more one fights, the braver one becomes, with War Intent stacking infinitely.


    The more one fights, the braver one becomes!


    This was the effect of the entry that came with Chen Sansi''s realization after becoming a Martial Saint.


    Before becoming a Martial Saint,


    he only found it very difficult to run out of strength.


    But now,


    not only would he not exhaust his strength, but he could also become increasingly valiant as the battle went on. The longer he fought and risked his life, the higher his War Intent would rise, endlessly, until he died in battle, or until the moment all his enemies were vanquished!


    Finally!


    He had broken through to the Martial Saint Realm!


    "Hoo¡ª"


    Chen Sansi slowly retracted his long spear and planted the butt of the gun into the ground.


    Instantly, the storm subsided.


    Rock and gravel fell to the ground.


    The ice and snow also ceased their ferocity and reverted back to their gentle, feather-like state, floating down leisurely to rest atop his black hair.


    Martial Saint!


    Now,


    even though his master hadn''t had the chance to mention it yet,


    Chen Sansi could guess.


    Beyond the Martial Saint, one more step forward lies the Martial Artist of the True Power Realm.


    The process in between was probably just a matter of lacking the proper cultivation technique and nature''s spiritual energy.


    Of course, those were concerns for later.


    The immediate task at hand was to destroy the main Array Eye of the Yin Mountain Range.


    Even among Martial Saints,


    there are disparities!


    Now that he had broken through to become a Martial Saint, what could even the collective Martial Saints of the Four Clans do against him in the Barbarian Capital?!


    "Qian Xun!"


    The White Swan Horse responded to his call.


    Chen Sansi mounted the horse and headed north.


    The Xuanzhu in his bosom was once again brimming with Mystical Energy.


    ...


    Liangzhou.


    "Hummm¡ª"


    The heavenly dome collapsed once more.


    The blood mist was merely the final ten zhang above the ground.


    People looked up and felt as if they could almost touch it.


    More and more bird flocks were forced to leave the treetops and branches, congregating on the streets and eaves of houses, the birds'' pupils reflecting a bloody red hue as the world seemed to turn into a purgatory.


    "How is You State faring?!"

 Chapter 548 - 197: Great Snow Dragon Riders Open the Heavenly Gate_2

    Sixth Prince Cao Huan hadn''t slept well for several days, his eyes were full of bloodshot, and even his clothes were somewhat disheveled.


    "Good news, good news!"


    An arrow shot in from the outside finally brought the message they had been waiting for: "General L¨¹ has already rushed to the front line at Zhu Tuo Pass!"


    "Is there enough time?"


    Cao Huan looked towards the several generals by his side.


    Zhao Wuji and the others were silent.


    "We can evacuate a part,"


    Cheng Wei gave the answer, "If the Life Gate opens, it will be on the eastern side of the Luotian Mountain Range."


    "Then let''s prepare in advance."


    Sixth Prince Cao Huan ordered, "Command all the troops and soldiers in the city to assemble outside the Luotian Mountain Range, and immediately flee as soon as the Life Gate opens. As for the civilians within the city, they can follow behind. After the soldiers have pulled out, they can then retreat!"


    "Alright, I''ll arrange it right away!"


    Zhao Wuji took his leave to carry out the orders.


    Soon enough,


    the Beiliang Army and garrison soldiers trapped in Liangzhou City began to assemble, forming an orderly queue toward the Luotian Mountain Range, with clusters of civilians following at the end of the line.


    Zhao Qiao, who had stayed behind to take care of logistic duties because he was too old to keep up with Martial Arts, watched this scene, feeling a sense of deja vu, reminding him of the time they had fled from Po Yang.


    ...


    Barbarian Capital.


    Under the guidance of the Ninth Prince Yu Wenxin,


    Hongze Camp smoothly reached the Yin Mountain Range without any obstacles and at the greatest speed.


    After over two months of relentless blizzards and extreme cold, the entire Great Desert had turned into a glacier and snowfield, with the endless peaks transformed into snow-capped mountains, resembling silver snakes dancing and wax elephants charging.


    Amid this vast land, a pitch-black city stood imposingly like a hibernating behemoth that devours the sky.


    Barbarian Capital!


    Tianshan City!


    In the midst of the desert, there were few buildings, and even those that did exist were mostly in the form of small arrays like Fengshuang City. However, Tianshan City was the Barbarians'' only fortified city!


    Its strength matched that of any dynasty''s capital city in the Central Plains.


    Prior to this,


    it was always the most powerful tribal city of the Barbarians, the capital of the Tuoba Clan.


    But Hongze Camp''s target was not it.


    It was a peak over a hundred li behind Tianshan City, Langjuxu Mountain!


    There,


    lay the Barbarians'' Ziwei Mountain, their sacrificial site, and the location of the main Array Eye of the Blood Sacrifice Array.


    Yuwen, Tuoba, Murong, and the Duan Clan, all the Great Khans of the Four Barbarian Tribes, were currently gathered atop that peak.


    This battle,


    would be the final one,


    between the Central Plains People and the Barbarians in a century!


    Fifty li outside Langjuxu Mountain, Hongze Camp temporarily stopped.


    "My lord!"


    Zhao Kang returned to report, "Twenty li ahead is the Barbarians'' army of a hundred thousand. They have preemptively formed a battle array and have been waiting for a long time. Conservatively estimated, there are at least five Martial Saints, and it pretty much includes all the Barbarians'' forces outside of You State. Moreover, there''s only this one path up the mountain."


    "Since there''s only one path, then..."


    Chen Sansi paused, "Charge up! Pass on my military order, all the soldiers of Hongze Camp, form up right here, prepare¡ªfor the charge!"


    "Yes, sir!"


    Chu Shixiong took the command.


    The orders were passed down through the ranks.


    Hongze Camp began their final preparations amidst the icy heavens and snowy earth!


    "Yu Wenxin."


    Chen Sansi spoke, "You can go."


    "Really?"


    Yu Wenxin, who had been on edge the entire journey, was overjoyed. After taking a few steps, he looked at the dark mass of the Barbarian army formation in the distance, and his tone hardened, "Chen, that''s a hundred thousand troops right ahead, plus each tribe''s Martial Saints and the High Priest of the Witch God Sect providing support. Your efforts are but a futile shake at a mighty tree. I advise you not to throw your lives away for nothing. Flee now, and maybe if you hide in a remote corner, you might survive to live another day."


    Chen Sansi, standing on horseback, replied, "We''ll see each other again before nightfall."


    "What, what did you say?"


    Yu Wenxin was taken aback, soon realizing the implication of those words.


    Letting him return while mentioning a rendezvous before nightfall¡ªdidn''t Chen mean to say that he''d reach the peak by dusk?


    "Arrogance! But..."


    Yu Wenxin scoffed, "I suppose I''ll see your corpses within two hours, not even needing nightfall to do so!"


    After spitting out a final curse, he hurriedly mounted his horse and fled at a gallop.


    ...


    At the summit,


    on the altar,


    the High Priest of the Witch God Sect sat cross-legged atop the altar, his hands forming Dharma Seals, with numerous Killing Stones laid out beneath him, sustaining the operation of the Blood Sacrifice Array. After two months, his entire body was already covered with ice and snow, making him appear like an ice sculpture.


    "Only a few more days!"


    "The Blood Sacrifice Array will be completed."


    A hoarse voice emanated from within the ice sculpture. S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Truly, High Priest?"


    Hearing this,


    the Great Khans showed excitement on their faces.


    This meant that,


    if they could just endure these last few days,


    the entire Eastern Continent would belong to their Heavenly Clan!


    The Great Khans awaited with eager anticipation at the summit.


    Several days later,


    a soldier came to report.


    "Chen Sansi is here!"


    "The White Robe and Hongze Camp have formed up at the foot of the mountain!"


    "..."


    "So soon?"


    Yu Wenjinglian snorted contemptuously, "They truly dare to come!"


    "Great Khan, the Ninth Prince has returned!"


    "Father Khan! Father Khan!"


    Ninth Prince Yu Wenxin burst into the tent, distressed, and knelt on the ground.


    "Xin''er, you... why have you returned again?"


    Yu Wenjinglian rose to his feet, incredulous, "Did Chen simply let you go?!"


    "Father Khan, the man is extremely arrogant!"


    Yu Wenxin denounced, "He left parting words, claiming he would take the heads of Father Khan and several uncles before nightfall!"


    "Seeking death!"


    Upon hearing this,


    Tuoba Hongxin roared in fury, "Merely ten to thirteen thousand people wanting to come up the mountain is sheer lunacy! Where are the warriors of the Heavenly Clan?!"


    "We are here!"


    Five Martial Saints stepped forward.

 Chapter 549 - 197 Great Snow Dragon Riders Open the Heavenly Gate_3

    They.


    were the strongest fighting force of all the barbarian tribes, excluding You State.


    Among them.


    Tuoba had two.


    The remaining three, each of the three tribes possessed one.


    "Listen up!"


    Tuoba Hongxin said, "Any of you who can chop off the head of a Chen will be made a king after the Blood Sacrifice Array concludes! Any other soldier who can draw a drop of blood from Chen Sansi will be made an Earl! Cutting off his limbs, even just a finger, will earn you the title of Marquis!"


    Such grand rewards!


    Needless to say, not only the one hundred thousand soldiers but even the five Martial Saints were concealing excitement in their expressions.


    "What are you hesitating for?"


    "Hurry down the mountain, don''t fall for that boy''s schemes and tricks!"


    "..."


    ...


    At the foot of the mountain.


    The soldiers of Hongze Camp stuffed the last bits of dry food and jerky into their mouths for one final replenishment of their strength.


    Chen Sansi also took out another Tiger Head Golden Spear from the storage bag and personally assembled it piece by piece, keeping it as a spare. He was about to return to directing the battle when a voice as cold as ice echoed in his mind.


    "Come with me."


    Shen Guiti? S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Sansi recognized it at once.


    It was the voice of his younger sister-in-law. When he looked up, he saw a figure in a black and gold dress descending slowly on a flying sword.


    "Well, if it isn''t my sister," Chen Sansi said, carrying two long spears as he walked over. "How did you find your way here? Just in time. Since you''re here, sister, why not stay and lend a hand? With your help, our chances of victory could increase by another twenty percent!"


    The Empress of Daqing had an expressionless face as pale as snow, and her voice was emotionless as she repeated, "Come with me."


    "It''s fine if you don''t want to help; you can leave." Chen Sansi had anticipated this: "If I die here, Sister Lan and Du He will have to rely on you, sister-in-law. I, Chen Sansi, have failed them both, mother and child."


    "Knowing that you have wronged them," said the Empress indifferently, "aren''t you coming with me?"


    Instead of answering, Chen Sansi turned to leave.


    Who would have thought...


    The Empress lifted her sleeve and blocked his path, her tone carrying an irrefutable authority: "I''m telling you one last time, come with me."


    "Have you gone mad?" Chen Sansi asked in disbelief. "Not helping is one thing, but please don''t delay the battle. Step aside."


    "What if..." In the palm of the Empress, a flying sword emerged along with flowing light, her voice cold: "I don''t move aside?"


    "Then I guess, I''ll just have to spar with my sister," said Chen Sansi determinedly, spinning the two long spears as True Qi surged forth.


    Seeing his stance,


    The Empress of Daqing finally put down the sword: "Is it worth it? The people inside Liangzhou City are no kin of yours, why take the risk of losing your life to save them? Come with me. You have a Spirit Root, and for my sister''s sake, even if you have the lowest qualification, I could send you to a Major Sect to be a servant disciple; you could still enjoy a life of wealth and luxury in the mundane world."


    "My master is in the city; how can I say they are of no concern to me?"


    "He''s already a dead man."


    "And my senior sister..."


    "What? You want me to save your mistress as well? You don''t need to mention your daughter either; she''s not my sister''s flesh and blood, not even your own biological child."


    "What about the common people, then?"


    "The common people?"


    At this point,


    the Empress of Daqing''s eyes, cold as the freezing point, finally showed an emotion: confusion.


    She said, puzzled: "Aren''t the common people the least related to you?"


    Facing her question,


    Chen Sansi didn''t answer directly.


    Instead, he reached inside his jacket, and soon took out a stack of silver notes, slapping them into the Empress''s hand, followed by several Silver Ingots.


    "Wait a second..."


    As he spoke, he searched his waist for some copper coins, but before he could hand them over, the Empress disdainfully scattered them on the ground, saying indifferently, "I have no need for mundane silver and gold. I wouldn''t let Sister lack food or clothing."


    "I know you are the Emperor of Qing, who could be richer than you? That''s not what I mean. I''m answering your question. Didn''t you ask what the common people have to do with me?"


    Chen Sansi bent down to pick up the scattered silver notes and silver, one by one, holding them in his hand to show them, and said calmly:


    "At first, I was a hunter."


    "Living off a bow and arrow, surviving by my own hands."


    "At that time, aside from the people close to me, ''the common people'' really didn''t matter much to me; I was just one of them, choosing to save myself when faced with such a situation."


    "But later."


    "I became ''official''."


    "Do you see these silver notes? Each worth thousands of taels, an amount many would never earn in their lifetimes. With these, your sister and I could live in a large house, eat delicacies, and enjoy a life of wealth and luxury."


    "So, what do you think, where did these silver come from?"


    "Nonsense."


    The Empress said impatiently, "It''s naturally your official salary."


    "No, you''re wrong. These silver notes are not from the court, nor from the Emperor," Chen Sansi said as he took a handful of Spiritual Grain from the storage bag, suddenly intensifying his tone, "but from the common people.


    "The common people give grain and stipends to the Beiliang Army, and for what?


    "Isn''t it to seek safety and protection? When barbarians breach the Great Wall and invade their villages, shouldn''t someone stand up to stop them?"


    "Receiving money to ward off disasters is naturally right and proper."


    "The Jianghu Escort Agency has a saying, ''The mission ends only when the escort dies.''


    "Even the people of Jianghu understand this principle. Don''t you, sister, no, Your Majesty of Daqing, understand it?"


    After his speech,


    the Empress of Daqing pondered for a moment, eventually speaking lightly, "That''s an interesting perspective. But in the end, you still choose to stay and risk your life?"

 Chapter 550 - 197: Great Snow Dragon Riders Open the Heavenly Gate_4

    Chen Sansi tacitly agreed.


    "After all, I''ve been here too, and I haven''t let down my sister''s trust. You are dead set on seeking death, and I cannot stop you. So, do as you please."


    The Empress finished speaking and left through the air.


    "Really leaving, huh?"


    Chen Sansi shook his head.


    He had hoped he could persuade his sister-in-law to help.


    Well then.


    It''s nothing more than a fight to the death!


    ...


    An hour later.


    Before Hongze Camp had made a move,


    the hundred thousand strong barbarian army took the initiative to attack.


    Arrayed at the very front


    were ten thousand Iron Cavalry, the combined forces of four tribes!


    This ten thousand elite, well-rested


    were covered from head to toe in thick iron armor, with only a pair of eyes exposed, and even their carefully selected war horses were decked in armor. Arranged in a line, from afar, they looked like an onrushing iron mountain.


    In contrast, at Hongze Camp,


    after a long march through an extreme cold phenomenon, the soldiers were relying solely on their stubborn will to reach this point, not to mention there were no traps or weapons specifically for dealing with the Iron Cavalry.


    That is to say,


    the immediate problem they had to face was Light Cavalry versus Heavy Cavalry.


    In a normal situation, anyone who knows military strategy would have a clear idea of the outcome.


    But at this moment,


    not a single one of Hongze Camp''s soldiers had fear on their faces, what they possessed was only the resolute determination to die gloriously and the belief that they would prevail.


    At the front of the formation,


    Chen Sansi reined in his horse and turned to ask, "Brothers, are you afraid?"


    "What is there to fear?"


    Nearly thirteen thousand soldiers responded in unison.


    "Good!"


    Chen Sansi said in a deep voice, "Back in Lingzhou, the three thousand in Black Armor, do you still remember the three bolts of Heavenly Thunder at Silver Pine Cliff? Do you still remember the great fog outside Hu Lao Pass?"


    Upon hearing this, sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    the soldiers started murmuring among themselves.


    Three thousand in Black Armor.


    I don''t know how many times I''ve told the other brothers.


    But everyone was half-convinced.


    After all, it was a little too fantastical.


    Who has ever heard of a battle aided by Heavenly Thunder?


    And possessed by Heavenly Soldiers.


    It was like a wild and fanciful tale.


    But now, just before the decisive battle, the general suddenly mentioned it, could it be...


    "My lord!"


    Xia Cong was a bit excited but also puzzled, "Could it be..."


    "Indeed!"


    Chen Sansi gave the necessary pre-battle inspiration, "We are a righteous army, with the Heavenly God aiding us, while the barbarians in front of you only rely on mischief by demons! They will receive divine retribution!"


    Xiao Zheng was curious, "My lord, but today there is no thunder, nor is there fog."


    "There is a saying,


    ''When the time comes, heaven and earth unite their power; when luck departs, heroes are not free!''


    ''The barbarians are cruel! Slaughtering living beings! They act against heaven, and heaven and earth will not tolerate them!''


    ''Therefore, heaven and earth will lend their strength to our Hongze Camp!''


    ''Hongze Camp!''


    ''Form up!''


    At the front of the two armies,


    the man in white robe and on a White Horse raised his long spear high, and with his passionate voice, he resounded across the snowy plains, each word tolling like a great bell in the minds of both enemies and companions:


    ''Great Snow Dragon Riders, Heavenly Gate Formation!''


    ...


    You State.


    Zhu Tuo Pass''s terrain was treacherous, but the city was small and could not accommodate too many troops, so the hundred thousand barbarian army mostly set up camp according to the terrain, defending all around.


    Under Xu Wencai''s command,


    in recent days, the Beiliang Army had steadily advanced to the Yellow Maple Valley area.


    Passing through this area, directly ahead would be Zhu Tuo Pass.


    Once the Beiliang Army entered, they would face encirclement and have no way out.


    "Brothers, charge with me!"


    Fan Hailing roared, swinging his Mo Blade and suddenly launched a night assault on the enemy''s camp.


    In the barbarian camp, a figure soared into the sky.


    It was the Ancient Demon Cultivator from earlier.


    "You really dare to come seeking death?"


    The cultivator coldly shouted as he sent a flying sword with a wave of his hand.


    "Thud!"


    Fan Hailing used all of his might, his Mo Blade striking down like a fierce lion.


    But in an instant,


    the flying sword slew the lion.


    He himself was flung backward like a boulder hurled by a catapult.


    "And me!"


    Pei Tiannan appeared behind the enemy with his Broadsword drawn, True Qi rumbling on the blade like an erupting tsunami, but just as it was about to slash the opponent''s head, a red barrier suddenly lit up around the black-robed cultivator, the Broadsword broke the barrier but became firmly stuck, unable to advance further, trapping him in a dilemma.


    The black-robed cultivator''s face was ghastly, with dead-like fingers quickly Sealing and chanting. Black Poison Fog flowed in his palms as he smacked down, easily shattering the Protective True Qi.


    Pei Tiannan fell heavily to the ground from dozens of meters in the air.


    Without any time to catch his breath,


    the Ancient Demon Cultivator already pursued and attacked, with the blood-colored flying sword mere inches away, leaving no time to react or dodge, sealing an almost certain doom.


    At the critical moment,


    "Clang¡ª"


    A Heavenly Halberd staunchly faced the threat, wrestling with it.


    "Is it you?"


    The Ancient Demon Cultivator did not stop. With one hand on the sword and the other forming Seals, the Evil Qi on the flying sword surged, beginning to press forward, about to overpower the Heavenly Halberd.


    At that moment,


    layers of purple light began to shine on the Heavenly Halberd, until it covered the Weapon completely, and unleashed an unprecedented Incense Fire Divine Power that sent the blood-colored flying sword and the Ancient Demon Cultivator tumbling away.


    "You?!"


    The Ancient Demon Cultivator steadied himself in the air with his spell-transformed wings, surprise flashing across his face: "You broke through so quickly?!"


    The towering Lu Ji slowly stood up, enveloped by Purple Energy, with his Armor too emitting a bright purple glow, and his pupils radiating Incense Fire Mystical Energy, making him look both godly and demonic.

 Chapter 551 - 197 Great Snow Dragon Riders Open the Heavenly Gate_5

    "Evil God Path?"


    The Ancient Demon Cultivator quickly noticed the clue, "Ah, realizing you are no match, so you simply switched to the Evil God Path? It seems the captives in that city have all become your sacrifices, tsk tsk~ Ten thousand people is no small number, you really do match our style."


    "Fiend, those barbarians deserved to die!"


    Nie Yuan retorted from not far away, "General Lu is only temporarily using the Evil God Path, and after this battle, he will continue to cultivate the True God Dao!"


    "Nonsense! I''ve never heard of anyone who could return after joining the Evil God Path."


    The Ancient Demon Cultivator said with a smirk, "You''re surnamed Lu? Daoist Lu, I quite admire the way you handle things. Would you like to join our Ancient Demon Clan?"


    "Fiend, how dare you!"


    With a voice thunderous as a roar, Lu Ji declared, "I, Lu Ji, am a mighty marquis of Dasheng, the eldest disciple under Sun Xiangzong of the Elephant Sect, how could I stoop so low as to associate with you fiends?! Enough of your nonsense, give me your life!"


    Before the voice even faded,


    The Heavenly Halberd struck with a thunderous crash.


    As the Ancient Demon Cultivator parried with his flying sword while forming a seal with the other hand, he summoned long thorny crimson vines from the ground that swept towards Lu Ji from all directions like demonic snakes.


    Lu Ji completely ignored them, carrying a surge of murderous intent, he repeatedly dropped the Heavenly Halberd infused with the power of Dragon Elephant, seeing only attack and no defense in his eyes.


    Behind him, dark iron fragments infused with Incense Fire Divine Power rose, dense like flocks of crows following the halberd''s descent to attack the enemy.


    "Incense Fire Magical Artifact? This mundane land still harbors legacy artifacts!"


    Utilizing the breakthrough of the Evil God Path had already taxed the Ancient Demon Cultivator greatly, and with the emergence of the magic artifact, he could no longer hold on. He spat out a mouthful of poison fog, attempting to flee towards the sky.


    However, the moment he left the ground, a purple demonic claw extended from the pitch-black fog, firmly pinning him by the shoulder, making escape impossible.


    He turned his head and saw a face resembling that of an Evil God.


    "Thinking of leaving now?"


    Lu Ji''s voice was hoarse, and as he spoke, it faintly transformed into someone else''s voice, "Too late!"


    At the end of his words,


    he yanked the cultivator from mid-air and slammed him into the ground with a thunderous crash. The Heavenly Halberd followed immediately, with the Incense Fire Magical Artifact raining down like a fierce storm until several breaths later when it finally ceased.


    When the dust had settled, a deep pit over ten meters deep emerged in front of him, within the pit, nothing remained but a pool of flesh.


    "Fiend, that is all you amount to."


    Lu Ji slowly extracted the Heavenly Halberd from the pit, the blade still clinging to lumps of viscous flesh that dripped onto the ground with a "plop plop."


    "General Lu!"


    "Majestic!"


    "The General is majestic!"


    "..."


    Having witnessed this scene,


    The morale of the Beiliang Army soared.


    "Follow me, kill¡ª"


    "Kill!"


    The seventy thousand Beiliang soldiers, completely blinded by rage,


    their numbers not too far off from the barbarian''s hundred and twenty thousand at Zhu Tuo Pass. Within just a few hours, they continuously pushed forward the frontlines, and by midnight, bearing blazing flames, they charge toward the direction where Zhu Tuo Pass was located.


    Behind the city,


    Among the mountains and forests,


    there were five Ancient Demon Cultivators sitting cross-legged.


    In their midst was the auxiliary array eye that controlled the Life Gate.


    "Things are bad, Immortal Master!"


    A General of the Murong Clan stumbled and rushed over, "We can''t hold the front anymore!"


    "What? Are all you people of the Sky Clan worthless?!" S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Ancient Demon Cultivator Wen Ji angrily said, "They have three mid-stage Transcendents, you have four, and more soldiers; you can''t even hold them back?"


    "It''s not that, Immortal Master!"


    The General hastily explained, "Lu Ji! That Lu Ji from the Beiliang Army, practicing the Evil God Path, recently performed a Blood Sacrifice with ten thousand of our Sky Clan, and now his realm has significantly improved! Normal Martial Saints are no match for him, I fear he is,"


    "Evil God Path? That would explain it."


    Wen Ji looked towards the others and instructed, "You three, go and make sure to kill this man!"


    "Rest assured, elder brother!"


    The three cultivators took the command and left.


    Wen Ji then turned to the last person, speaking solemnly, "If I remember correctly, Sun Xiangzong still has a younger disciple who went to Langju Xu Mountain?"


    "No worries."


    Wanyan Lie calmly said, "That man is but an army of ten thousand, at the first realm of Transcendence, mid-stage. Even if he breaks through to the late-stage, he''s merely equivalent to the middle stage of Qi Refining, moreover, those mundane Great Khans also have four Martial Artists of the same realm."


    "Along with the High Priest of the Witch God Sect, who was taken as a disciple by our sect years ago and is now at the Late Stage of Qi Refining, they should definitely be able to handle a single Transcendent realm Martial Artist."


    "Despite that,"


    Wen Ji added gravely, "But considering the importance of this matter, we cannot afford even the slightest negligence. You must immediately return to Langju Xu Mountain to assist the High Priest and guard the main array eye. I will watch over this place."


    "Alright then."


    Although Wanyan Lie was reluctant, he agreed, activated all his acceleration talismans, and soared away, quickly vanishing from sight.


    After several fierce battles outside Zhu Tuo Pass,


    Lu Ji led the charge, unstoppable in his assault and flanking maneuvers around the city, heading straight for the array eye''s location. Anyone who dared to block his path was not even touched by him personally but was instead pierced through by fragments of the incense burner and died.


    "Commoner!"


    "Die!"


    "Boom¡ª"


    Suddenly, three different magic artifacts attacked from above.


    A flying sword, a bundle of iron chains, and a Vajra Pestle.


    Lu Ji neither dodged nor avoided, his whole body once again wrapped in Purple Energy. Swinging the Heavenly Halberd left and right, he knocked away two of the artifacts, and the last Vajra Pestle also lost contact with its owner under the relentless assault of the incense burner fragments, and fell to the ground.

 Chapter 552 - 197: Great Snow Dragon Riders Open the Heavenly Gate_6

    Then he took the initiative to strike, flying through the air on the fragments of the incense burner, and in an instant, he reached the front of the Ancient Demon Cultivator who had lost his magic artifact.


    "Whirrr¡ª"


    The cultivator, holding a magic artifact that resembled Mystic Iron Chains, timely entangled the Heavenly Halberd, while another person controlled the flying sword to attack from the flank. The unarmed cultivator also performed a sealing technique, instantly turning the fight into an attack from three sides.


    However.


    Facing a nearly certain death situation,


    Lv Ji, surrounded by Purple Energy, just sneered, "Demons, that''s all you are!"


    Having said that,


    he violently yanked, sending the chains on the Heavenly Halberd and the cultivator attached to them flying. The fragments of the incense burner under his feet swarmed the sword-bearing cultivator, forcing him to summon the flying sword back for defense. Then, raising his left fist, True Qi and Incense Fire Divine Power converged in an instant, forming a Dragon Elephant Demon God that smashed onto the head of the last cultivator before he could complete his spell.


    That cultivator fell to the ground like a fallen meteor.


    After that,


    Lv Ji took the initiative to engage the three cultivators in a fierce battle.


    Despite being outnumbered, he did not fall into disadvantage.


    And he did not linger in the fight, seizing any opportunity to head directly towards the direction of the Array Eye.


    Twenty li!


    Ten li!


    And finally, the last five li!


    Just as the Array Eye was within reach,


    a beam of blood light descended from the sky, its magic and Evil Qi far surpassing any of the previous cultivators.


    Lv Ji roared as he charged forward.


    After a tremendous boom,


    he fell amidst a cloud of dust, the fragments of the incense burner dimmed and scattered on the ground.


    "Ah, so that''s how it is."


    The Ancient Demon Cultivator Wen Ji hovered in the air, looking down at the mortal general on the ground, "The Evil God Path helped you advance to Mid Spirit Communication Stage, plus the Evil Qi from slaughtering thousands of people, that''s why you have such combat power.


    "Heh, you are also foolish.


    "With your talent, if you had practiced the Evil God Path earlier and sacrificed more ants, by now you could have been in the late stage of Spirit Communication or even broken through to the Second Realm. Starting to practice now, indeed, it''s a bit late."


    "Cough cough¡­"


    Lv Ji knelt on one knee, wiping the blood from the corner of his mouth.


    "Big brother!"


    Nie Yuan and the others, along with three thousand Xianzhen Army troops, broke through to this location, barely surviving with only the last two hundred men, even though they were accompanied by two Martial Saints.


    "Pay no attention to me, I am unharmed."


    Lv Ji stood up, using the Heavenly Halberd as support, "You all just charge, destroy the Array Eye at all costs!"


    "Waste!"


    Wen Ji looked at the group of mortals rushing towards him, his eyes filled with contempt, "What rubbish Heavenly Clan, you dare to claim you''re the descendants of my Ancient Demon Clan in the Eastern Continent? You can''t even stop these few people, I think you''ll all end up as medicinal ingredients too!"


    "Immortal Master, please forgive us!"


    "Brothers, follow me, kill these Sheng people!"


    "..."


    The barbarian Martial Saint who had been leading the army in pursuit suddenly fell into immense fear and immediately led his men to desperately block them.


    Third Brother Nie Yuan and the others.


    They had already forcefully broken through to this point, and with Lv Ji detained, they could no longer advance forward, quickly becoming surrounded by the large army.


    Three Ancient Demon Cultivators, along with the two newly arrived barbarian Martial Saints.


    quickly inflicted severe injuries on Pei Tiannan and Fan Hailing.


    Including Lv Ji, none was a match for Wen Ji, who, after several more bouts of fighting, left his bright red Mystic Iron Armor utterly tattered.


    Thus.


    The Beiliang army fell into utter despair.


    Though only a few li remained, and they could even see the altar, that final stretch of the road seemed insurmountable, breeding desperation in their hearts.


    "Boom¡ª"


    The auxiliary array eye flickered with red light, and Evil Qi soared into the sky.


    The fog of blood within the boundary.


    Once again, it lowered.


    Only the last six feet remained!


    Just six feet!


    In Liangzhou City, starting from the third floor, the attic was already completely engulfed.


    Crowds of troops moved towards the depths of the Luotian Mountain Range, followed by a mass of people. It was said that there were many beasts deep in the mountains, but it seemed that they, too, felt the drastic changes in the world, as no one saw a single beast.


    The number of people in the mountains was just a tenth of Liangzhou''s population, and many more had just received the notification and were rushing frantically towards the city outskirts.


    But...


    The Life Gate did not open!


    It was almost a matter of life and death, yet the so-called Life Gate did not appear.


    The catalyzation speed of the Blood Sacrifice Array increased further, the blood fog lowered again, leaving only the last three feet from the ground, almost within reach if one were to jump up.


    Twelve Layers Mountain.


    Inside the tent.


    "What about Ji? Is there still no news?"


    Emperor Longqing asked.


    "Your Majesty, the dense fog obscures the sky, I''m afraid even the intelligence can''t be delivered anymore!"


    Mr. Hou was clearly overwhelmed with panic, "General Ji and his forces, we''ve had no news from them before this..."


    "Hmm."


    Emperor Longqing did not continue sitting idly.


    He drew the constantly humming Dragon Abyss Sword and stepped outside the tent, approaching the old governor: "It seems the calamity facing the people of Liangzhou is fated, and no one can do anything about it."


    Sun Xiangzong acted as if he heard nothing.


    "I''m asking you." S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Emperor Longqing narrowed his eyes, "If I, have a way to get you out, can you still seal the Slaughter Vein?"


    "What did you say?!"


    Upon hearing this, Sun Xiangzong suddenly looked up, his tone filled with uncontainable anger that hadn''t been seen since the start of the Blood Sacrifice Array, "You, you''ve had a way out all along?!"


    Emperor Longqing did not deny it.


    "Cao Kai!"


    Sun Xiangzong stood up, "Why didn''t you say so earlier?! If there was a way out, why did you have my two disciples lead many soldiers to risk their lives?"


    "I, have my difficulties!"


    Emperor Longqing revealed the Dragon Abyss Sword, "An ancestor left something on this sword, if used, it might counter the array that has its source in the Slaughter Vein, and protect one person to leave here, but only this once. After using it, it will disappear completely. How could I not be extremely cautious?"


    "I understand now.


    "You are willing to gamble the lives of tens of thousands of soldiers and millions of civilians on the Life Gate opening in time outside, simply because you are not willing to lend the sword to me, trying to keep your own trump card.


    "Cao Kai, Cao Kai, you are indeed selfish to an infuriating extent!


    "Your son is also in Liangzhou!


    "In your eyes, apart from yourself, does nothing else matter?!"


    In the face of Sun Xiangzong''s admonishment.


    Emperor Longqing simply repeated, "I ask you once again, if I lend you the sword, can you go and deal with this trouble? The array is not yet complete, and no civilians have died yet, it''s still in time."


    "In time? No, it''s too late! Cough, cough, cough..."


    Sun Xiangzong, overwhelmed with frustration, said, "I''ve been dragging my worn-out body till now, getting worse day by day, only a breath remains to trigger the Destructive Spirit Array, and once this breath is used up, I will completely become a disabled person!


    "If you had spoken just ten days earlier, just ten days, I could have tried to risk everything!


    "Now, cough, cough, cough..."


    He coughed violently, "Now, just wait for death!


    "The Blood Sacrifice Array will be complete by tomorrow at 5 a.m.


    "Even if you could escape, you wouldn''t have time to rush to Langju Xu Mountain and destroy the Array Eye!


    "After which, the Slaughter Vein will revive!


    "Once the cultivators from the Ancient Demon Clan pour in, how long can your Cao family hold on?!"


    "If it really comes to that, I will personally invite the Immortal Master from the Cultivation World to aid in the battle!"


    Emperor Longqing extended his hand, "Give the Destructive Spirit Array to me, and your other belongings, I assure you, once we leave this place, I will do everything possible to seal the Slaughter Vein."

 Chapter 553 - 198: The Battle of Yin Mountain, Slaying Ten Thousand People

    "Great Snow Dragon Riders!"


    "Heavenly Gate Formation¡ª¡ª"


    At the command, the soldiers of Hongze Camp lined up like machines, strict in order and standard in procedure, forming their formation at the swiftest speed.


    But as the Slaughter Vein neared revival, the temperature between heaven and earth plummeted once again, to the extent that their upper and lower lips would freeze and stick together, and a thick layer of frost hung on their eyelashes.


    Thus,


    even their "swiftest" seemed extremely stiff, basically pushing on with their last breath. When forming ranks, their minds were devoid of thoughts, relying solely on muscle memory gained from day after day of training within Liangzhou City.


    The Martial Saint of the Murong Clan, Murong Huatu, leading the Iron Cavalry, spotted this scene from twenty miles away.


    He sneered immediately:


    "Warriors of the Heavenly Clan!


    "Do you see this?


    "These Sheng people are already freezing their butts off before the battle has even started!


    "But us, we just drank hot wine and warmed ourselves by fierce fires!


    "In front of us, they''re like wild boars, necks stretched for the slaughter!


    "Once we kill this bunch of wild boars, the world will be ours!"


    "Attack¡ª¡ª"


    The morale of the barbarian soldiers grew stronger, vaguely generating Evil Qi between heaven and earth, their murderous intent endless, sweeping forth like a black tide.


    Twenty miles away.


    The soldiers of Hongze Camp still assembled in extreme cold.


    "Jia Yi East, Dragon Claw position, Left Army three thousand men!"


    "Geng Xin West, Dragon Claw position, Right Army two thousand men!"


    "Ren Gui North, Dragon Head position, Central Army two thousand men!"


    "Wu Ji Central, Dragon Body position, Front Army three thousand men!"


    "Bing Ding South, Dragon Tail position, Rear Army three thousand men!"


    "Quick!"


    Each squadron leader waved the Array Flags in their hands, the seemingly light flags feeling as heavy as mountains in their frozen hands, requiring both hands to struggle to give directions.


    In this sweeping snowstorm, colorful flags danced wildly in the gale, the warhorses moved following the flags, and even the way the soldiers held their weapons was unusually meticulous.


    If one were to look down from above,


    they could see the ten thousand three hundred mortals arranged in positions and stepping patterns that subtly aligned with the Heavenly Dao, an entire military formation, resembling a Nine Palace Eight Diagram, subsequently transforming continuously, until it morphed into...


    a Dragon shape!


    Only the position of the Dragon Head had some imperfections.


    It was not until the white-robed, White Horse rider with a spear took position,


    that the Dragon shape became completely formed.


    However, it seemed to lack a key node; this dragon had form but no spirit, thus it was merely a dead dragon, outwardly impressive but devoid of power.


    At this moment,


    only five miles separated the two armies.


    Chen Sansi made no reservations, using up all the Xuan Qi from within the Xuanzhu. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Streaks of white Xuan Qi, like fireworks or mist, merged with the already white-blanketed snowfield, then fed back into the ranks, coiling around each soldier of Hongze Camp.


    At this moment,


    the True Dragon came to life!


    "Roar¡ª¡ª"


    Faintly,


    a dragon''s roar seemed to sound between heaven and earth.


    "What''s that noise?!"


    The charging Iron Cavalry was stunned, thinking they had auditory hallucinations.


    "Strange!"


    "General, what formation is this from Sheng Renbu?"


    "A single line snake formation?"


    "Why does it look so strange?"


    "..."


    "Even such a low-grade formation is being used, it seems that Chen Sansi has run out of tricks; he''s actually planning to force his way up the mountain."


    Murong Huatu raised the long sword in his hand, "This formation is all offense and no defense, we just need to charge in and break out from the east side to defeat it. Deputy Generals, be ready to follow my command!"


    "General!"


    "The snow has stopped!"


    "Snow?"


    Since two months ago, under the influence of the revival of the Evil Qi, the entire Northern Territory spanning tens of thousands of miles had fallen into extreme coldness, with heavy snow almost never ceasing day after day. Some areas had snow and ice piled up over half a person''s height.


    The vicinity of Yin Mountain had not fared any better; peak after peak had thoroughly turned into snow-capped mountains, and the ice on the ground had, indeed, significantly affected the cavalry''s combat effectiveness.


    In theory, the cessation of the heavy snow should have been good news.


    But Murong Huatu sensed something was off.


    As long as the revival of the Slaughter Vein continued, the snow and ice were not supposed to stop.


    "General!"


    "Look quickly!"


    "Great snow!"


    "..."


    Murong Huatu looked up again.


    What he saw...


    Was not the cessation of the blizzard.


    But...


    The blizzard had merely gathered all around the Hongze Camp''s army!


    "Hu hu hu¡ª"


    "Hu¡ª"


    Between heaven and earth.


    A storm suddenly arose.


    Its severity was almost enough to lift both man and horse into the air, forcing their charge to momentarily halt.


    The source of the storm.


    Was Hongze Camp!


    All around were storms, and Hongze Camp was the convergence point of all these storms.


    All of the ice and snow were being drawn up above them.


    Therefore, within a hundred miles, there was not a single snowflake to be seen.


    "What kind of sorcery is this?!"


    Murong Huatu furrowed his brow, suddenly recalled something, "Heavenly Book?!"


    "General, it must be the Heavenly Book!"


    "The Heavenly Thunder and dense fog at Hu Lao, it seems they were not false!"


    "What do we do?!"


    "What should we do now?!"


    "..."


    "Roar¡ª"


    Another dragon roar resounded, and the splashing ice and snow, under the convergence of the storm, actually merged perfectly with every one of the Dasheng Cavalry, not just the men, including the warhorses beneath them as well.


    Therefore.


    The shape of a True Dragon became even clearer with the enhancement of the ice and snow.


    It was no mere single-file formation.


    They had formed a True Dragon!


    A gargantuan ice and snow dragon!


    "A dragon!"


    "There is a dragon!"


    "The Heavenly Book has summoned a True Dragon!"

 Chapter 554 - 198: The Battle of Yin Mountain, Slaying Ten Thousand People_2

    "..."


    "What are you panicking about? It''s just a blinding technique!"


    Murong Huatu stabilized the troops, "It''s just a snowstorm, even if it''s dragon-shaped, in the end, it''s still just snow. Look under your feet, snow that collapses as soon as you step on it; could it possibly crush you to death?"


    "Boom¡ª"


    As his voice fell.


    Suddenly, the mountain split and the ground shattered.


    The snow, it collapsed!


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    "Whoosh¡ªwhoosh¡ª"


    The storm continued.


    In the icy snowy surroundings.


    The soldiers of Hongze Camp, who had almost frozen to death, found themselves not worsening but rather warming up instantly after more ice and storms descended.


    Not.


    Warm isn''t the right word to describe it.


    More accurately, it was like a fish back in water!


    Just as a fish is born to swim in water.


    They were born.


    To thrive in snow and ice!


    All the discomfort brought by the extreme cold faded away, and even the frostbite on their bodies healed as usual. The warhorses beneath them became spirited, each lifting their heads and neighing.


    "Great Snow Dragon Riders!"


    "Charge¡ª"


    The command was given.


    The giant ice dragons began to surge forward.


    As the soldiers charged, more and more snow covered the surface of their armor. This snow neither fell off nor melted but clung there, in the midst of their charging, it turned into frost armor!


    The frost covering them and their horses seemed merely a thin layer, yet it contained an inexplicable profound power, continually spreading to their weapons.


    The soldiers of Hongze Camp, like incarnations of ice dragons!


    The Dragons neighed.


    The icy edges danced.


    Mountains and rivers shattered.


    Giant snow engulfed the sky!


    "Rumble¡ª"


    Accompanied by a loud roar.


    Mountains within hundreds of miles all snow avalanched!


    Like a tsunami had erupted.


    Rolling seas of snow fell from a thousand feet high like a pouring waterfall.


    The hundred thousand-strong barbarian army, stretched long in formation at the mountain''s base, saw hundreds to thousands of its soldiers swallowed by the snow waterfall in an instant, vanishing without a trace.


    "General!"


    "They really can control heavenly phenomena!"


    "..."


    "Enough with the nonsense!"


    "The ice dragon is just another blinding technique; such a grand spectacle naturally involves great noises. An avalanche is nothing unexpected. How could we, men of the grassland, be as cowardly as you?"


    Murong Huatu raised his saber high, "Whoever draws even a drop of blood from the White Robe will be named a marquis in the future!"


    Just one drop of blood, and you''re a marquis!


    With such a great reward, the somewhat panicked barbarian warriors suddenly burst with tremendous courage, a thousand Iron Cavalry facing the ice dragon and charging forward.


    They couldn''t possibly kill Chen Sansi.


    But to make him bleed amidst ten thousand troops was very hopeful.


    Just one drop of blood, and a lifetime of glory and riches!


    One black, one white.


    Two waves collided over the snowy plains.


    Leading the Iron Cavalry, Murong Huatu quickly identified the greatest weakness of Hongze Camp.


    The White Robe!


    He couldn''t help but marvel at the man''s ability to lead troops.


    To maintain such formidable combat power and will under such harsh conditions and over such long distances was rare in the world.


    But clearly.


    The White Robe was the mainstay of Hongze Camp!


    As long as he fell!


    Hongze Camp would definitely collapse!


    And he.


    According to the information received.


    At the Battle of the Agate River, he was just a mere latecomer to the Profound Image Realm!


    But Murong Huatu didn''t believe it for a second.


    He speculated that the man must have been in the Martial Saint Realm long ago; otherwise, how could he have breached the Agate River tribes in such a short time?


    And the reason Yuwen Jingwen died by the White Robe''s hands was surely due to his own complacency and underestimation.


    He, Murong Huatu, would definitely not make that mistake.


    In the midst of contemplation.


    The vanguards of the two armies were about to make frontal contact.


    At the very front of the ice dragon was that white robe.


    In Murong Huatu''s heart, he regarded him as a full-fledged Martial Saint, maximizing his Breathing Skill amidst the onrushing storm, the miscellaneous energies circulating layer by layer within him, then transforming into Protective True Qi, followed by his forehead, neck, and arms bulging with veins as his body size suddenly doubled, the Qi-Blood turning fierce in an instant. Bolstered by the swirling True Qi, the saber in his hand transformed into a huge winged tiger-like Divine Beast, more than ten feet tall, the mere shockwave radiating from it forcing his nearby Deputy General to intentionally fall back a few steps to briefly evade its sharpness.


    In his mind, memories flashed of his youthful Martial Arts training swinging a saber five thousand times daily, following his master''s strict teachings, how he won his first opponent, where he lost to his first enemy, and how he gradually became stronger, who were the noble personnel he met on the cultivation path, how step by step he reached the summit in saber technique, becoming a Human Martial Saint!


    Every Martial Saint.


    Leads an extraordinary life.


    They were already one in ten thousand, the center of attention.


    Having reached the pinnacle that this world imposes in just a few decades, how could it not be extraordinary?


    Two thousand four hundred fifty-seven battles!


    Murong Huatu sat on his horseback with closed eyes.


    He remembered clearly.


    Including sparring, combat, all kinds of skirmishes and conflicts.


    In his life, he had been in two thousand four hundred fifty-seven battles, of which one thousand and one were fights to the death, plus ninety-six narrow victories, and eight miraculous comebacks from the brink of death, leading to today''s accomplishments.


    All of this!


    At this moment!


    Merged and penetrated!

 Chapter 555 - 198: The Battle of Yin Mountain, Slaying Ten Thousand People_3

    All techniques and skills fused into one in this instant.


    This was his strongest slash!


    Within this indistinct moment,


    Murong Huatu could even vaguely sense the realm above Martial Saints!


    He could see a bigger world!


    This slash was all-out offensive, with no defense¡ªeither kill the foe or die himself!


    This slash could split mountains!


    "Boom¡ª"


    The Xuan Plate Black Tiger formed by the long slash spread its wings, and amidst the downpouring ice and snow, it lunged at the White Robe in front of it, at the exact moment when the two armies clashed, with a wild blast of energy, a tiger''s roar that shook the heavens, carrying the momentum to swallow the sky and devour the earth!


    Right at this moment,


    A glint of cold light arrived first, followed by a dragon-like thrust of the spear!


    The True Dragon roared forth, effortlessly penetrating the body of the Xuan Plate Black Tiger, scattering it to the winds, blending it entirely into the icy sand of the heavens, followed by a crisp "clang."


    Murong Huatu''s long sword flew out of his hand, spinning towards the sky; he tried to catch it, but the True Dragon had no intention of giving him that chance.


    The sharp Gun Blade tore through the Protective True Qi, relentlessly approaching the center of his forehead, the explosive True Qi it released deforming his facial muscles, his hairpin scattering, his long hair fluttering wildly behind.


    It seemed...


    He was about to die!


    Is this really a Martial Saint?


    In one move!


    The strongest slash of Murong Huatu''s life was so easily defeated before the White Robe!


    Why?!


    Forty years!


    Had his forty years of training been bested by someone else''s three years?!


    All kinds of unwilling emotions surged in his mind, becoming his final resistance. He gave up on retrieving his still falling long sword, instead opting to reinforce his hands with True Power to catch the Gun Blade, hoping to buy time.


    Two breaths!


    Even if he could only delay for two breaths!


    The Martial Saint by his side would have enough time to act, and the White Robe, restricted by the need to retrieve his weapon, would likely be injured and would then make a cascade of errors until he was slain.


    Murong Huatu bellowed, directing all his Protective True Qi to his hands, grabbing the long spear firmly a split second before it could reach his heavenly spirit.


    However...


    It was all but a futile effort!


    True Qi, palms, bones, everything combined couldn''t last a single breath; the buzzing Li Quan Spear, like cutting through tofu, sliced through him layer by layer, then suddenly accelerated, leaving a hole in Murong Huatu''s heavenly spirit.


    "Heh..."


    The Breathing Skill abruptly stopped S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Murong Huatu exhaled the last bit of warm air from his body, then his body stiffened as he fell from his horse. His eyes stared blankly at the White Horse and White Robe, filled with unwillingness, but he could no longer ponder why, only knowing that his vision was blurring more and more until he sank into complete darkness.


    "Brothers, kill¡ª"


    The two armies commenced battle.


    First to decapitate the general!


    And it was a Martial Saint, at that!


    The boost to the morale of the soldiers in Hongze Camp needs no description.


    "Thunderous boom¡ª"


    The Great Snow Dragon Riders of Hongze Camp clashed with the Iron Cavalry of the Snowy Plains barbarians.


    The Heavy Armor Iron Cavalry should have had the absolute upper hand against the Light Cavalry.


    But the reality was the complete opposite.


    The Light Cavalry of Hongze Camp, with their Armor, warhorses, and the chill on their Ice Blades, matched the Iron Cavalry in impact force and defensive power, without the heavy disadvantage of the Iron Cavalry.


    In other words,


    These thirteen thousand soldiers of Hongze Camp were equivalent to Iron Cavalry with the mobility of Light Cavalry!


    With the storm''s blessing,


    Their combat capabilities soared.


    Some Array Soldiers could even spar with Blood Refining Warriors.


    Moreover,


    The avalanche continued.


    More bizarrely, these white cascades, if they fell on the barbarian army, would turn into vicious beasts that buried everything in their wake, but if they fell on the upwind side of Hongze Camp, they would transform into spiraling tornados, continuously strengthening this colossal ice dragon.


    The armies had only been clashing for a few breaths,


    And the barbarian side was already in chaos.


    "Murong Huatu!"


    Off to the side,


    Several other Martial Saints watched with their own eyes.


    The White Robe on a White Horse managed to kill Murong Huatu with a single strike!


    This person had indeed broken through Martial Saint!


    And it was highly likely that he had done so before the battle at the Agate River!


    Admittedly,


    Murong Huatu''s final strike was all offense, with no room for defense.


    But at the same time, it was his strongest strike!


    Even so, it couldn''t withstand a single spear thrust from the White Robe?


    "Let us all swarm him, don''t face him one-on-one!"


    Amidst the chaos of battle,


    The remaining four barbarian Martial Saints acted almost simultaneously.


    One wielded a spear, one a pair of swords, another a Giant Hammer, and the last, with a sheathed sword at his waist, had not drawn his sword to fight but instead used a flowing Hand Technique.


    This man was Tuoba Junfeng, known as the number one Sword Saint of the grasslands, and the Tuoba Clan''s Eldest Prince.


    He had studied swordplay from a young age, surpassed the grasslands with his sword art by eighteen, later secretly traveled the Central Plains absorbing various swordsmanship, integrated all he learned to create the Killing Intent Sword, and with it, he defeated the then Sword Saint of the Central Plains.


    It was said that no one had seen him draw his sword since his forties,


    For drawing his sword meant certain death.


    At this moment,


    The spear in Duan Clan''s Martial Saint''s hand was like a wild python, pressing from the front.


    The last dual-sword Martial Saint from the Yuwen Clan struck from the left, the giant hammer-wielding Martial Saint of the Murong Clan attacked from the right, while Tuoba Junfeng watched calmly, beginning to amass killing intent for his sword.


    The Four Barbarian Tribes, who had fought and killed each other for hundreds of years, were now united like never before, all to take down the White Robe before them.

 Chapter 556 - 198 Battle of Yin Mountain, Slaying Ten Thousand_4

    "Hum¡ª"


    The tips of the Li Quan Spear and the spear clashed with pinpoint accuracy.


    The next instant, Duan''s Martial Saint felt the boundless True Dragon True Qi effortlessly devour his giant python; the horse beneath him could not withstand the terrifying power, collapsed with broken limbs, and died instantly, and he himself was smashed directly into the snowy ground.


    As the saying goes, it is hard to fend off four hands with two fists.


    While the long spear was meeting the spear, the twin swords had already reached the left side, mere inches from his hair; but then, with a flash of the blade, the Zhenyue Sword came flying across the sky, halting any further advance.


    Although it was just a standoff, the twin swords Martial Saint felt as though there were Jiao Long coiling and ferocious tigers galloping on the surface of the Zhenyue Sword, swirling and intertwining with terrifying power, bringing along an exceptionally strong rebound force.


    He let out a roar like a dying beast, stubbornly locking into a standoff, once more shocked by the profoundness of the White Robe''s True Qi, which was top-notch even among Martial Saints!


    Even that Lu Ji might not be able to win for sure!


    Fortunately.


    In the end, they were all Martial Saints!


    As long as they were still within the realm of Martial Saints, if the four of them worked together, they would surely bring him down off his horse!


    "Boom¡ª"


    After blocking the twin swords, and before Chen Sansi could exert his strength to force them back, the Martial Saint with the Giant Hammer smashed down; Chen Sansi had to raise his spear to block and, at the same time, his Protective True Qi burst out, repelling the two of them.


    Dragon Roar and Tiger Roar, Mixed Element Body Protection!


    But at the same time.


    The previous spear-wielding Martial Saint was making a comeback.


    Tuoba Junfeng continued to entangle them with his Hand Technique while accumulating killing intent, ready to draw his sword and strike lethally at any moment.


    Having temporarily repelled them, two more would immediately take their place.


    In this cycle, they fought for over twenty rounds.


    In single combat, no one was a match for Chen Sansi.


    Clearly recognizing this, they did not give him any chance to kill.


    After all, they were all Martial Saints.


    And Chen Sansi also could not afford to play a game of trading wounds for wounds.


    For a time, the situation fell into a deadlock.


    But a deadlock!


    For Hongze Camp, that was good news!


    Because!


    All the barbarian Martial Saints were clashing with General Chen alone.


    That meant Hongze Camp didn''t have to face any Martial Saints!


    And for the Mysterious Phenomenon Great Success.


    They had two.


    With Chen Sansi absent.


    Wang Zhi took his place as the Dragon Head of the Great Snow Dragon Riders'' Heavenly Gate Formation, and Chu Shixiong was the free agent patching up any holes, ensuring the Array of thirteen thousand men operated flawlessly.


    If one were to say.


    The barbarian army was like a dark tide of water.


    Then the soldiers of Hongze Camp were like a sharp sword that cleaved through the dark tide, unstoppable!


    The Ice and Snow Giant Dragon surged and howled across the wilderness, leaving countless barbarian soldiers dead in its wake; the ten thousand Iron Cavalry had long since collapsed, and the frost-armored soldiers of Hongze Camp pressed forward relentlessly, even though more barbarian soldiers awaited them.


    "Boom¡ª"


    The fiftieth round.


    The four Martial Saints alternated attacks; although they were not at a disadvantage, after such a long time, they still could not take down the White Robe. Moreover, that man seemed to grow fiercer!


    "Could this lad''s True Qi never exhaust?!"


    "Impossible!"


    "Tuoba Junfeng, won''t you draw your sword already?" urged the twin swords Martial Saint, "Aren''t you self-proclaimed as the number one Sword Saint among men, capable of striking to kill even a Martial Saint with your sword? Draw your sword then!"


    "Shut up!"


    "Thump¡ª"


    Tuoba Junfeng shattered the True Qi attacking him with a palm, staggered back, and said, "When it''s time to draw my sword, I will naturally draw it!"


    He might say this, but his expression was markedly grave.


    He had indeed killed a Martial Saint before.


    But for some reason today, facing the White Robe, the speed at which he accumulated killing intent was considerably slower, and he didn''t have much confidence that he could kill with one sword strike. Fortunately, he was almost ready to accumulate enough killing intent to strike.


    Once he drew the sword, all would be well.


    His Killing Intent Sword technique had twelve moves; the world only knew of one because so far, no one had forced him to use the subsequent moves.


    "I knew you were unreliable!"


    "Wear him down for a few more rounds!"


    "I refuse to believe his True Power won''t drain out!"


    "It seems like you might actually be right." Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "..."


    These barbarian Martial Saints had faintly sensed something wrong earlier, and after fifty rounds, that feeling became even more distinct. This fellow named Chen was not only not being tired out by the relentless battle, but he was actually becoming more ferocious.


    This ferocity wasn''t simply a strengthening of his will; there was... True Qi!


    His True Qi was growing more and more potent!


    It was simply...


    An unprecedent oddity in history!


    Everyone had heard of getting weaker with battle fatigue, not of getting stronger!


    Unless.


    This fellow had yet to use his full strength until now!


    The twin swords Martial Saint, who had been bearing the brunt with gritted teeth.


    Now, gradually, showed signs that he could no longer hold on.


    He immediately conceived the thought to retreat.


    And with retreat!


    Came flaws!


    In this instant of flaw, Chen Sansi seized the chance, his True Power erupted centered on him, Zhenyue Sword swept out temporarily pushing back the other three, and the Li Quan Spear transformed into a True Dragon, lunging directly at the opponent''s front.


    By the time the twin swords Martial Saint reacted, it was too late; he couldn''t fight back and could only retreat repeatedly, until the True Dragon caught up and a spear thrust pierced his throat, True Qi rampaged, and directly shredded his neck, leaving him standing there and falling headlong, dead.


    To fight three on one and still slay a Martial Saint!


    Everyone knows that with different qualifications, even warriors of the same realm may vary greatly in strength.

 Chapter 557 - 198: The Battle of Yin Mountain, Slaying Ten Thousand People_5

    But it''s often said with reference to martial artists below the level of the Xuanxiang Realm!


    Those who can reach the Xuanxiang Realm, their talent is often not bad.


    And the Martial Saint,


    Without exception, is an absolute genius!


    After today, the world will know.


    Even among geniuses, there are differences!


    Since the two armies lined up, Tuoba Junfeng had been accumulating his killing intent, and he was about to draw his sword when he saw this scene; the killing intent he had gathered suddenly lessened by a fifth, forcing him to continue waiting.


    Seeing that they were no match when they swarmed together, the remaining few Martial Saints felt that the man in the white robe had unfathomable strength and no longer had the will to continue the fierce battle.


    "Boom¡ª"


    Just then, a blood-red light visible to the naked eye burst from the summit of Langjuxu Mountain, piercing the sky and turning the dark snowy battlefield completely red, to the extent that the ice and snow mingled with blood could no longer be distinguished.


    The Blood Sacrifice Array was about to succeed!


    The final two hours!


    In two hours, every living being in Liangzhou would become a pool of blood, not even a rat hiding in a gutter could escape!


    "It''s almost time!"


    The Martial Saint holding a giant hammer, as if hearing the signal to retreat, heaved a sigh of relief, waved his weapon, and said, "Anyway, there isn''t much time left; if you can''t hold on, there''s no need to keep on trying. Retreat first, use the army to trap him, that''s enough!


    "Even if he really manages to reach the summit, he will have expended a great deal of True Qi!"


    "Then it''s not too late to fight for our lives with him!"


    "As long as we can hold the altar, that''s good enough!"


    "Right you are!"


    Taking advantage of the window when the dual-sword Martial Saint fell, the remaining three Martial Saints had already retreated by a hundred yards, and moreover, they were scattering and fleeing.


    Chen Shanshi could see that the Blood Sacrifice Array was about to be completed and knew full well that he had no time to pursue and kill the barbarian Martial Saints one by one, and he understood these men were temporarily scatter, but in the end, they would still guard above the Array Eye.


    Everything still had to be resolved at the summit!


    In his hands, the weapon transformed from a sword and spear into two long spears, one Li Quan Spear and one Tiger Head Golden Spear; like capturing a dragon in one hand and subduing a tiger in the other, his True Qi surged, creating a tornado that turned anyone in its path to mincemeat, allowing him to ascend towards the summit at the fastest speed.


    Finally, two hours left!


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    The summit.


    The altar.


    Several Great Khans looked at the Martial Saints who returned in a sorry state, now reduced to three, and their faces all showed stunned expressions.


    "Ridiculous!"


    "The five of you Martial Saints, in such a short span of time, have been killed by a man with the surname Chen!"


    "You''re all Martial Saints, five of you against one, and you still can''t win?!"


    "..."


    "Great Khan, please forgive us!"


    The three Martial Saints knelt down on one knee.


    "That Chen Sansi..."


    "I''m afraid he''s been in the Martial Saint Realm for several years!"


    "The accumulation of his True Qi, it can''t possibly be just after breaking through!"


    "Even with the four of us taking turns fighting him in rotation, we still couldn''t wear him down!"


    "Even among the Martial Saints of the world, there are scarcely any who could be his match!"


    "..."


    "Nonsense!"


    Tuoba Great Khan cursed, "That Chen fellow, including his time in Po Yang County, has only been practicing martial arts for a bit over three years; where would he get several years'' accumulation? At most, he hasn''t even been in the Martial Saint Realm for half a year! You few, pretend to be the valiant warriors of our Heavenly Clan! How can you deserve the ''saint'' in Martial Saint!"


    "Brother Tuoba is right!"


    Heartbroken at the loss of a Martial Saint, Murong Great Khan vented his anger on others: "Enough about Chen Sansi, even if Lv Ji or Jiangg Yuanbo were here today, you would not be able to withstand them either!"


    "Gentlemen, no need to be angry,"


    said Duan Clan Great Khan, "After all, only the last hour remains; they still need to fight their way to the summit, how could they possibly have enough time?"


    "Not good!"


    Yuwen Jinglian pointed down the mountain: "If we continue to let him kill like this, our Heavenly Clan''s great army will be scattered, how can we stand against him?"


    From their point of view,


    the figure in white robes wielding twin spears, wherever he went, it was like entering uninhabited territory; nobody could resist him. And with the lack of barbarian Martial Saints to bolster their forces ¡ª were it not for the hefty reward on offer, they might have already fled.


    "Damned fool!"


    Tuoba Hongxin scolded, "Aren''t you going back to fight? Today, even if you die, you must stop him for me!"


    A few Martial Saints also felt disgruntled.


    After being scolded, they too felt they had not lived up to the ''saint'' in Martial Saint.


    Any that can become a Martial Saint naturally have pride,


    Their retreat before was more out of rational calculations; after all, the aim of the battle was to guard the altar, not simply out of fear of death or battle.


    But those words clearly struck a chord deep within their hearts.


    Now being provoked, they were truly ready to return to the fight.


    "Good!"


    "The three of us will go back to support!"


    "..."


    "Wait!"


    Just then,


    the High Priest of the Witch God Sect, who had been maintaining the formation at the altar, finally spoke up: "There are other cultivators nearby, you three stay here to guard the Array Eye, do not go down the mountain again, the Array Eye absolutely must not have any mishaps."


    "High Priest?"


    Tuoba Hongxin said, "But we still need someone to hold the line, don''t we?"


    "Rely on you?!"


    The High Priest sneered, looking at the ice and snow dragon that had reached halfway up the mountain: "Does that man surnamed Chen really think that only he has a Heavenly Book that can boost the army''s formation, that the Ancient Demon Clan''s Immortal Masters have no means at their disposal?"


    With a flick of his sleeve, a formation plate appeared from thin air in his hand.


    After chanting and making hand gestures,


    the plate hovered in midair, and then it bizarrely merged directly with the altar.


    In an instant,


    billows of black mist sprouted from the Slaughter Vein as the source, quickly enveloping dozens of miles around, enshrouding the entire snowy battlefield and all the barbarian soldiers.


    "What is this?!"


    Tuoba Hongxin was both shocked and puzzled.

 Chapter 558 - 198: The Battle of Yin Mountain, Slaying Ten Thousand People_6

    "With this formation,"


    the High Priest explained unhurriedly, "not only are the people of Hongze Camp fearless in death, but our warriors of the Heavenly Clan will also enter a savage state of fearlessness in death."


    "That''s great!"


    The Martial Saint of the Duan Clan, holding a long spear, said: "As long as our army doesn''t collapse, I don''t believe Chen Sansi can fight his way to us through a hundred thousand troops!"


    "Even if he can, how much True Qi could he possibly have left?!"


    "..."


    ...


    "Boom¡ª¡ª"


    On the battlefield.


    Without the Martial Saint to support them.


    Chen Sansi, wielding dual spears, slaughtered as if mowing down grass.


    A thousand!


    Two thousand!


    Three thousand!


    His True Qi was inexhaustible, and with the Fasting Pill he had taken, he could only grow tired from killing, but never exhausted!


    Hongze Camp closely followed right behind him.


    Their momentum was unstoppable!


    Faced with such ferocity, a look of fear appeared on the faces of the barbarian warriors, most of whom hesitated with their weapons and dared not advance any further.


    The next step was a rout!


    After the great defeat.


    They would be able to reach the summit with the greatest speed.


    Just at this moment.


    Black mist spread between heaven and earth.


    This black mist transformed into tiny black bugs, burrowing into the orifices of the barbarian warriors, while the soldiers of Hongze Camp were protected by Mystical Energy, unaffected.


    "Damn it, what is this?!"


    This scene.


    Was visible to the naked eye.


    Wang Zhi pulled his blade from the body of an enemy and looked up at the black mist in the sky.


    He saw.


    After being baptized by the black mist.


    The already retreating, nearly crumbling barbarian soldiers suddenly fell into a mad state, their eyes blood-red, movements wild, and roaring as they charged into combat, looking like crazed beasts.


    "Damn it, it''s definitely sorcery!"


    Chu Shixiong gritted his teeth and said: "These people are no longer afraid of death!"


    "So it seems..."


    Amidst the battle, Cao Zhi was already out of breath: "Can''t we make them rout? Without them routing, how are we supposed to ascend the mountain?


    Ahead.


    There were still over sixty thousand barbarian troops, with twenty thousand more pursuers behind.


    In a situation where the enemy, like "zombies," did not fear death, they had no way out except one, which was, to kill!


    Charge up!


    Kill as many as stand in the way!


    "Hum¡ª¡ª"


    In the forefront of Hongze Camp.


    Underneath the sky drenched in bloodlight, a silver spear was raised high.


    "Hongze Camp!"


    "Charge!"


    "I."


    "Will clear the way for you!"


    The long spear swept across.


    A thousand troops shattered!


    Under the surging True Qi, regardless of how many enemies stood ahead, all were reduced to mangled limbs and bodies.


    "Bring it on!"


    In the [Unrivaled] state, Chen Sansi felt the layers of War Intent stack up, experiencing what it meant to have endless amplification. As long as he didn''t fall, he could continue to gain strength!


    Previously.


    He hadn''t been completely confident.


    Because Chen Sansi knew.


    On Langju Xu Mountain, there would at least be one person in the Late Stage of Qi Refining or even Qi Refining Perfection overseeing.


    After all.


    This was their plan of many decades.


    And even if Chen Sansi was a strong Martial Saint, he was still only a Martial Saint.


    Theoretically speaking, his combat power was roughly equivalent to the Middle Stage of Qi Refining, but if he were to confront someone in the Late Stage of Qi Refining, even using all his spells, what were his chances of victory?


    But!


    Since the barbarians refused to rout, insisting on blocking the way here.


    Then might as well fight all the way up and stack the Unrivaled War Intent to its limit!


    The Main General personally cleared the way for his troops.


    The soldiers of Hongze Camp reached an unprecedented peak of exhilaration.


    Wang Zhi''s face contorted fiercely, as if influenced by the black mist as well, roaring:


    "Hongze Camp!"


    "Charge!"


    "Kill¡ª¡ª"


    Five thousand!


    Eight thousand!


    Ten thousand men!


    Strike down the enemy, break through ten thousand!


    In the end, the enemy''s fresh blood struck against the Protective True Qi, almost forming a blood wall; Chen Sansi had long forgotten how many people he had killed; he only knew that his field of vision was becoming narrower, narrowing to just the altar on the mountain top.


    Atop his Li Quan Spear, war intent surged tumultuously and his killing intent was boundless, destroying everything that stood in his way, be it living beings or lifeless objects!


    Five miles!


    Two miles!


    Hundred paces!


    Finally!


    Under the direct witness of the four Great Khans of the barbarian tribes.


    Under the fearful eyes of those three barbarian Martial Saints.


    Under the astonished gaze of that High Priest of the Witch God Sect.


    In a white robe and carrying two long spears, stepping on Blood River, with boundless war intent, he ascended the mountain top!


    Before the altar, there was a deathly silence!


    What had they just.


    Seen?!


    A single man in a white robe, had struck down over ten thousand enemies!


    Not only had he struck down more than ten thousand enemies!


    Moreover, he had reached the altar unscathed!


    In the annals of history, there had never been a record of slaying so many enemies.


    But this was not impossible.


    After all, the world is vast and boundless.


    Perhaps Great Ancestor Sheng Cao Xie could have done it.


    Perchance the legend marked in history as the greatest Martial Saint ever could have achieved this.


    The reason it had not occurred in reality was firstly because no one could kill that many, any army would have crumbled and been defeated, with no chance to face and kill so many people, and secondly, no top combatant would exhaust themselves, risking others taking advantage of their weakened state.


    Yet!


    This man in a white robe, by virtue of his Martial Saint Realm, not only could kill more than ten thousand enemies, but also...


    He showed no signs of exhaustion!


    That''s right!


    He was not yet exhausted!


    Tuoba Jinfeng and others had watched with their own eyes how, within two hours, he had fought his way from the mountain''s base to the top; the initial illusion they harbored of having him die of exhaustion also completely vanished.


    Even a man forged out of iron should have been exhausted between four thousand and five thousand enemies, still within the realm of understanding.


    Ten thousand slayings!


    What concept is this!


    As fellow Martial Saints, why is there such a great disparity?


    "The last hour of tea time."


    The High Priest of the Witch God Sect maintained the formation, commanding the few Martial Saints in front of him, "Have you not stopped him yet? Or do you need me to lend you a hand?!"


    Contrary to his expectations,


    the three Martial Saints did not cower, but actively met the challenge head-on.


    They were indeed shocked, but not fearful; in their hearts, there was only defiance and puzzlement.


    Practicing Martial Arts all their lives, sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    what they saw today had nearly completely demolished the Martial Arts Realm they had built up over time.


    The three could not understand why someone could achieve such feats.


    Again the same mantra.


    Anyone who achieves the realm of Martial Saint has their own pride.


    When someone strips away that pride, life doesn''t hold as much importance to them anymore.


    "I don''t believe it!"


    "I can''t believe it!"


    The Martial Saint wielding a giant hammer, in a state of collapse, spoke with a voice tinged with maniacal sobbing, "I have practiced Martial Arts for forty-eight years, what I saw today is unheard of!"


    "Indeed!"


    The Martial Saint holding a spear unleashed all his True Qi, stepping forward with a resolve to die, "If I avoid today, how can I face others calling myself a Martial Saint!"


    Tuoba Jinfeng didn''t speak.


    But the sword at his waist suddenly unsheathed.


    Killing intent filled the air!


    "Clang¡ª¡ª"


    Instantly.


    The three Martial Saints.


    Using all their life''s effort and martial prowess, launched a full-force strike towards the man in the white robe.


    What met them,


    was a dragon''s roar, cutting through the black fog!


    "Boom¡ª¡ª"


    When the dust had settled,


    only three figures were seen, kneeling dead on the ground.


    A figure in a white robe walked out from among them, holding a Li Quan Spear in his hand, carrying the tsunami-like True Qi, and the war intent accumulated from slaying over ten thousand enemies, moving slowly towards the High Priest of the Witch God Sect on the altar.

 Chapter 559 - 199: Sealing Langju

    The High Priest of the Witch God Sect, with mana flowing in his pupils, saw through the cultivation level of the person before him.


    First Realm, Perfection of Transcendence.


    According to previous intelligence, this person should have been at the Mid-stage Transcendent. Yet, he had managed to break through to the Late-stage Transcendent in such a short time, a feat astonishing even among martial cultivators in the Cultivation World.


    Fortunately, he hadn''t reached the Second Realm.


    That is to say,


    he was still equivalent to the Qi Refining Middle Stage, not his match.


    Seeing this,


    the High Priest of the Witch God Sect breathed a slight sigh of relief.


    Previously,


    he had to maintain the formation.


    Unable to leave the altar within three paces, otherwise, he would have taken action personally long ago.


    But since the opponent had come to him, there was nothing more to say.


    "Buzz¡ª"


    Watching as the other person got closer and closer to the altar,


    a sinister red pattern emerged above the brows of the High Priest of the Witch God Sect. Then, a red light burst forth, hovering in front of him, exuding powerful mana.


    It was a dagger.


    But not forged of metal.


    Rather, it was carved from ghastly white bone.


    The bone knife had a hollow middle, its surface engraved with ancient script resembling patterns.


    The characters on it lit up one after another, until the bone knife was filled, making it glimmer brilliantly. Waving with mana, it buzzed continuously. From a distance, several Great Khans could feel the chilling intent it contained.


    This bone knife


    was the lifebound magical artifact of the High Priest of the Witch God Sect!


    Enough to kill a martial cultivator at the Perfection of Transcendence!


    He watched the white-robed figure rushing towards the altar, slightly narrowing his eyes, and commenced sealing.


    Eighty paces!


    Sixty paces!


    Chen Sansi''s speed increased more and more, from brisk walking to a frenzied sprint, and from the sprint, he turned completely into an afterimage. With each step forward, his unrivaled war intent would elevate a bit further, and the accumulation of his True Qi would deepen further.


    [Unrivaled]


    [Qi Accumulation]


    [Vajra Body]


    [Mixed Element Body Protection]


    [True Dragon Energy]


    and more.


    At that moment, piled to the peak!


    The white robe approached the altar and with a jump merged with the Li Quan Spear, his True Qi surging under him, parted the layers of black fog, repelled the rolling red light, and a True Dragon descended from the Heavenly Dome.


    Instantly,


    The flow of time,


    abruptly slowed down. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Just a little more!


    Just a tiny bit more!


    In the Cultivation World,


    a single realm often took years or even decades to cultivate, not to mention the accumulation of experience. If one could easily overcome realms and kill enemies, wouldn''t all those years of cultivation be in vain?


    And though magic cultivators have fragile bodies, the lethal moves they unleash are not the slightest bit weaker than those of physical cultivators.


    Even with [Qi Accumulation] till now,


    plus the layered war intent from slaying ten thousand men, it was still just a bit short.


    "Buzz¡ª"


    Above the altar,


    The High Priest of the Witch God Sect also completed his sealing.


    The bone knife burst forth, transforming into a crimson meteor, smashing towards the True Dragon flying from the Heavenly Dome.


    Even at this moment!


    The mana fluctuation of this crimson meteor was still slightly stronger than that of the True Dragon.


    Just at the very last moment.


    "Hongze Camp!"


    "Great Snow Dragon Riders!"


    "Support the formation¡ª"


    Wang Zhi rode the Black Wind Horse, leading the last of the Hongze Camp soldiers, maintaining the Heavenly Gate Formation of the Great Snow Dragon Riders, and charged up the peaks of Langjuxu Mountain in the Yin Mountain Range.


    Within the formation.


    At the Dragon Head position.


    He returned to his white robe.


    Threads of White Xuan Qi fortified the fabric of the white robe.


    The Heavenly Book Array offered enhancement to everyone in the formation.


    Though individually small, the effects were indeed present.


    Not to mention the white robe, who was the Dragon Head, their Array Eye!


    "Boom¡ª"


    With the enhancement of Mystical Energy.


    The surface of the True Dragon formed by the Li Quan Spear was covered with an additional layer of frost, and the burst of True Qi at that moment, finally slightly surpassed the white daggers in the red comet.


    In the pupils of the High Priest of the Witch God Sect, an image reflected.


    The True Dragon swallowed the comet.


    And then it rapidly enlarged in his eyes until it obscured all vision, blocking out the entire Heavenly Dome.


    ...


    You State.


    After the Ancient Demon Cultivator Wen Ji took action personally.


    Lv Ji and the others could no longer advance a single step.


    Clearly, the altar was within reach!


    Yet what was within reach seemed as distant as the ends of the earth!


    "Boom¡ª"


    Following another bout of magical combat.


    Lv Ji once again crashed down, with blood streaking from his mouth, kneeling on one knee on the ground, unable to rise for a long time, breathing heavily, exhaling dense mists of blood from his mouth and nose, even his right hand clutching the Heavenly Halberd trembling uncontrollably.


    "Bang¡ª"


    Pei Tiannan and Fan Hailing.


    Similarly, after being surrounded and attacked by several Martial Saints and Cultivators, they were severely injured and fell to the ground.


    "Cough, cough, cough¡ª"


    Fan Hailing lay on the ground, desperately trying to pick up the Mo Blade that had fallen in front of him, each movement causing him to spit out a mouthful of fresh blood, and just as he was about to touch the Weapon, a barbarian Martial Saint kicked him away like one kicks a ball.


    Pei Tiannan was covered in injuries, leaning against a tree trunk, completely incapable of fighting back.


    In front of him.


    Two barbarian Martial Saints came at him with weapons.


    "Hehe..."


    Nie Yuan, the third senior brother, with several arrows stuck in his chest, was breathing his last.


    "Little three!"


    Seeing this.


    Lv Ji somehow mustered some strength, abruptly standing to save his junior brother.


    "Whirr¡ª"


    At this moment.


    A red light struck.


    Knocking Lv Ji down again.


    In midair.


    Demon Cultivator Wen Ji withdrew his flying sword, his gaze ice-cold, "You better, take care of yourself first."


    As he spoke.


    The flying sword in front of him split from one into two, two into four, four into eight, a total of eight red lights slowly unfolded, aiming at the severely damaged ground.


    "Monster!"


    Lv Ji, seeing his soon-to-be-slain junior brother, along with the injured Pei Tiannan and Fan Hailing and the corpses of the Beiliang Army soldiers scattered everywhere, felt waves of bitterness surge up relentlessly.

 Chapter 560 - 199: Sealing Langju Xu_2

    He could feel it.


    The so-called cultivators'' contempt for him.


    To them, everyone else seemed like nothing more than ants.


    Just because...


    They were stronger!


    This world.


    It was always like this!


    Only the strong could look down on all beings.


    And the weak, could only ever bow and scrape!


    His thoughts tumbled chaotically.


    When Ji looked up again, his eyes were nearly bursting with fury.


    Then he.


    Would become stronger!


    Amidst the enveloping Purple Energy.


    A sheepskin scroll emerged in front of him.


    "Eldest brother..."


    The third senior brother Nie Yuan saw this scene and wanted to stop him, but he no longer had the strength.


    From within the sheepskin scroll.


    Faint voices could be barely heard.


    But no one could make them out clearly. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    And Ji seemed to have made a certain decision.


    Thus.


    Waves of black and purple aura began to rise around his body.


    The Ancient Demon Cultivator Wen Ji certainly wouldn''t just stand by and watch. He attacked the moment the other started his spell summoning.


    Regrettably, it was still too late.


    The black and purple Mystical Energy climbed higher and higher, lifting Ji''s body to float gently upward.


    In front of him appeared a shrine.


    The shrine dissipated.


    Turning into wisps of Purple Energy pouring through his crown and into his body.


    When Ji opened his eyes again, godlike and demon-like, he slowly spoke with a voice that seemed like two overlaid together, "You lowly Ancient Demon Cultivator, do you not kneel before me?!"


    "Impressive guts!"


    Wen Ji frowned, his expression turning solemn, "Daring to borrow from these Evil Gods, aren''t you afraid you won''t be able to repay the debt?"


    "If you won''t kneel, then pay with your life¡ª"


    On Ji''s Heavenly Halberd, black and purple flames began to burn. The previous incense burner fragments also turned into balls of purple fire, smashing toward the overwhelming flying swords, and under the eruption of Divine Power.


    The illusionary flying swords shattered one after the other, and the real flying swords lost control and embedded into a tree trunk.


    Seeing he couldn''t dodge in time.


    Wen Ji summoned a black Magic Artifact shield.


    "Boom¡ª"


    Beneath the thunderous roar.


    The shield blocked the Heavenly Halberd but not the balls of purple flame. Wen Ji had to form hand seals and cast a spell, conjuring a barrier in front of him, but it was like trying to snuff out a cartload of burning hay with a cup of water.


    After blocking the first few purple flames, the barrier shattered, and four balls of flame smashed forcefully onto his body.


    The Ancient Demon Cultivator plunged into the earth.


    Instead of pursuing him, Ji soared into the sky, heading straight for the altar.


    There was no time left!


    The Blood Sacrifice Array had already reached its final moments.


    How much longer was there?


    Half a stick of incense?


    Ten breaths?


    Or maybe just a few breaths?


    Ji was just hurtling toward the altar at full speed.


    "Stop him!"


    "Just one last breath, don''t let him release anyone!"


    "Cough cough..."


    Wen Ji didn''t rise but, coughing up blood, lay on the ground casting spells, unfolding a pair of wings crafted from magic to give chase.


    The remaining cultivators and the Martial Saint also gave everything they had to follow.


    In Ji''s blurred vision.


    The Luotian Mountain Range ahead was almost completely shrouded by a blood mist, leaving only the last sliver of a gap for survival.


    Seeing that Wen Ji and the others were about to catch up,


    he simply threw the Heavenly Halberd wrapped in Purple Energy, which transformed into a Dragon Elephant Demon Beast that pounced toward the sacrificial altar, followed by all the incense burner fragments. He himself went to block the Ancient Demon Cultivators with his bare hands.


    Only to see,


    above the altar,


    the auxiliary array eye entered an overloaded operation, the embedded Spirit Stones and Killing Stones, along with the Vajra Pestle filled with Essence Blood, were consumed at an incredible rate, until the Dragon Elephant Demon Beast with purple flames descended.


    "Boom¡ª"


    The altar collapsed, and the auxiliary array eye cracked.


    After the array eye controlling the lifeforce was damaged,


    one could see,


    from the direction of Liangzhou,


    between heaven and earth,


    a crack slowly opened amidst the sky full of blood fog.


    A thread between heaven and earth!


    A thread of lifeforce!


    "Master!"


    Ji wanted to break free and rush into Liangzhou.


    However, the Life Gate that was opened after great hardships and enormous sacrifices could only be maintained for less than two breaths before starting to close rapidly under the erosion of the blood fog.


    "Ah¡ª"


    Ji roared in frustration.


    Had he lost?


    "Hahaha¡ª"


    On the contrary,


    the injured Ancient Demon Cultivator Wen Ji burst into laughter upon seeing this scene.


    "Too late!"


    "Everything is too late!"


    "The Blood Sacrifice Array is complete, the auxiliary array eye has fulfilled its purpose!"


    "With the lifeforce gone, how can there be talk of a Life Gate?!"


    "After all, this is just an auxiliary array eye!"


    "Boom¡ª"


    Another loud noise.


    Wen Ji''s smile suddenly froze.


    ...


    Liangzhou.


    The blood fog completely enveloped everything in the world and continued without pausing, starting to devour downwards recklessly from a height of about three meters, and quickly reached just above people''s heads.


    "Ah¡ª"


    At the city gates,


    several civilians who accidentally touched the blood fog screamed in agony as they turned into pools of blood.


    "Demon!"


    "There''s a demon eating people!"


    In their eyes,


    within the blood fog,


    there seemed to be gaping bloody maws, and contact with even a single finger would lead to the entire person being devoured.


    People fell to the ground one after the other, not a single person daring to stand up straight.


    But even so,


    the demon within the blood fog didn''t intend to spare them, and continued to descend.


    Nine feet!


    Seven feet!


    Five feet!


    "Sister!"


    Sun Buqi found Sun Li amidst the chaos.


    Right next to her were Chen Yunxi and Si Qinmohua, along with other maids and servants.


    Soon after, two more figures arrived.


    It was Ning Xiang and Zhaozhao.


    "Hum¡ª"


    Ning Xiang''s wide sleeves fluttered, and with her delicate hands she cast a spell, manipulating a silver ring that suddenly expanded above the heads of Sun Li and the others, as if intending to envelope this slice of heaven and earth. But upon touching the blood fog, it was knocked back.


    She herself staggered, with a trace of red spilling from the corner of her lips.

 Chapter 561 - 199: Sealing Langju_3

    "Master." S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Zhaozhao hurriedly supported him, "How are you, don''t scare me..."


    "What''s the big deal about being injured?"


    Ning Xiang gave a bitter smile, "We''re about to turn into pools of blood."


    "..."


    Sun Li remained silent, just holding Chen Yunxi tightly, covering her eyes firmly.


    "Hide underground!"


    Someone in the crowd suggested.


    Many people rushed to hide in cellars and rivers, and some even jumped into wells.


    But soon.


    Wails of agony emerged from underground.


    This Blood Sacrifice Array was activated both above and below the ground, trapping them as if they were in the slowly closing jaws of a gigantic beast. Where could they find a way to survive?


    It wasn''t just the civilians.


    The assembled Beiliang Army was plunged into immense panic.


    Supervisor!


    This time, even Sun Dushi, even His Majesty the Emperor were trapped here. With no news from the forces outside, there was no one left to stabilize a falling dynastic pillar or stem the surging disaster.


    Only to hate.


    They were not dying on a battlefield.


    But rather, perishing under this inexplicable sorcery!


    "Your Highness, get down quickly!"


    Several eunuchs tackled the Sixth Prince, Cao Huan, to the ground.


    He struggled and said, "Get off, I need to find arrows, gather intelligence, General Lv and the others must have succeeded!"


    For over a decade!


    He had been confined in the capital for over a decade.


    And just when he returned to the court, he encountered such a disaster.


    How could he just accept this?!


    "Your Highness!"


    The eunuchs firmly held him down, choking up as they said, "Two days ago, the fog expanded, and we lost the ability to contact the outside world! If General Lv and the others could have succeeded, they would have done so already..."


    "Buzz¡ª"


    Their voices had barely fallen.


    When they saw a crack suddenly open in the eastern side of the Luotian Mountain Range.


    "Life Gate!"


    "It''s General Lv!"


    "It''s You State!"


    Cao Huan''s pupils dilated, "It''s General Lv, You State has achieved a great victory..."


    He was mid-sentence.


    When he saw the newly opened Life Gate close again.


    In this moment,


    it became the final straw that crushed the hopes of millions of beings.


    Everyone.


    fell into endless ice caves and abysses.


    This would be their last few breaths in this world.


    Luotian Mountain Range.


    Emperor Longqing watched the Life Gate open and close, compelled to abandon any thoughts of escape through it.


    Within the defensive boundary,


    the Wushen Sect Leader and Deng Immortal watched this scene, both excited and fearful.


    Excited because the array was about to succeed.


    Fearful because they too had no way to leave!


    Fearing that they too, might turn into pools of blood!


    "You damned things!"


    Deng Immortal''s voice was somewhat crazed, "I gave you a way to live, yet you choose to perish together? Fine, fine, then let''s die together, all of you becoming the nourishment for the revival of my Ancient Demon Clan!"


    "Damn your ancestors!"


    Wen Zhi cursed loudly, bending over as he approached, his twin blades furiously slashing at their boundary.


    "Zizhan, you see, there''s no time left,"


    Emperor Longqing came to Sun Xiangzong''s side and urged him,


    "If you don''t hand over the item to us now, even if I can get out, I fear I won''t be able to seal the Slaughter Vein. Do you really have the heart to watch all the living beings suffer under the massacre of the Ancient Demon Cultivators?"


    He looked at the blood mist pressing down above his head, the Dragon Abyss Sword in his arms buzzing incessantly: "Do not hesitate any longer, I will do as I say."


    "Cough, cough, cough, cough..."


    Sun Xiangzong coughed, producing a bead, and instructed with a hoarse voice: "You just need to infuse it with spiritual power to form the array, but after the Slaughter Vein revives, it won''t be as easy as before. You need to go to the Cultivation World yourself, find those reputable sects, and figure out a way to get them to make a move."


    "I understand," the Emperor replied.


    Emperor Longqing looked at the ring on his hand: "Zizhan, shall I try it? Maybe I can take you out too?"


    "If you want to make a move, then do so. Why waste so many words?"


    After Sun Xiangzong finished speaking, he closed his eyes amid the overwhelming fog, quietly waiting for the final moment to arrive.


    "Whether you acknowledge it or not, I regard you as a brother and will not force you," the Emperor finally shifted his gaze away.


    He lifted the Dragon Abyss Sword.


    An indescribable mystical energy began to burst forth from within.


    Just as the all-engulfing blood mist was about to descend, and he was making the motion to draw his sword¡ª


    Heaven and earth underwent a dramatic change!


    ...


    "Ah!!"


    "Wuuu!"


    "My child, your mother couldn''t afford your education, our family is poor, only permitting you to be a farmer, don''t resent your mother..."


    "Daughter, close your eyes!"


    "My wife, in the next life I will still marry you!"


    "I want to be rich, and I want to be rich in my next life too!"


    "I have failed my master, not having avenged him!"


    "..."


    "Sister."


    Su Can sat in the stable: "It seems I won''t have the chance to join the army."


    One by one, case by case.


    Within and around Liangzhou, millions of citizens and their friends and families were making their final farewells.


    But at that moment...


    The blood mist stopped!


    It hovered just above the heads of the people seated on the ground, not moving any further downwards.


    "What..."


    "What''s happening?"


    "..."


    About a few breaths later.


    The blood mist not only ceased to move.


    It also began to retreat.


    It was as if time were flowing backward.


    The crimson dome rose higher and higher.


    Seven feet.


    Ten feet.


    One hundred feet.


    One thousand feet...


    Until it returned to the high sky, then got absorbed back into a huge vortex that had emitted it, finally the vortex itself constricted and closed, turning into a cascade of blood light and pouring back into the altar deep within the Luotian Mountain Range.


    Everything.


    Came to an abrupt halt!


    When people lifted their heads again, what they saw was a vague yet clear sky, precisely during the time of 5 a.m to 7 a.m., with the pale light of dawn in the east just beginning to brighten, and soon, a red sun was about to rise, filling everything with hope.

 Chapter 562 - 199: Sealing Langju_4

    If it hadn''t been for the people frantically fleeing out of the city amidst confusion, most of whom were now scattered across the wild mountains and hills, confirming a great escape had just occurred, one might still believe that nothing had happened and it was all merely a nightmare brought by a natural disaster.


    "This..."


    "Are we saved?!"


    "Heaven has opened its eyes, Heaven has opened its eyes!"


    "Yes!"


    "It must be immortals from above!"


    "It''s the immortals of heaven, the immortals who couldn''t bear to watch, so they intervened to save us!"


    "Quick, everyone, quick, kneel and kowtow!"


    "..."


    "It wasn''t immortals."


    From among the crowd, Chen Yunxi called out in a sweet voice, "It was my father."


    "Your father?"


    The nearby villagers turned their gaze, "Little girl, what nonsense are you talking about? It was clearly the immortals from above that intervened. Who is your father?"


    "My father is Chen, named Sansi,"


    Chen Yunxi answered.


    "Yunxi, you, what are you saying?"


    Sun Li asked, "How do you know it, it was my junior brother''s doing?"


    "Yunxi felt it."


    "Yes!"


    Sun Buqi came to his senses, "I remember now, Sansi was also leading a group outside, Hongze Camp, it was Hongze Camp! That Life Gate which opened and then closed, it was the Elder Brother, it was directly Sansi and his Hongze Camp who terminated the Blood Sacrifice Array!"


    "It''s done!"


    "Sansi did it!"


    ...


    "This..."


    Cao Huan, with disheveled hair, and several generals who were present had just witnessed the scene.


    No one knew how much time had passed.


    He finally spoke with lingering fear, "This, what was this?"


    "General Chen, it could only have been General Chen!"


    Zhao Wuji, drenched in cold sweat, gradually regained his composure, "Only General Chen, by destroying the main Array Eye at Yin Mountain, could have stopped the Blood Sacrifice Array at the last moment!"


    "It seems..."


    Fang Qingyun let out a breath, "General Chen has won."


    "Yin Mountain?"


    Cao Huan stood up with the help of an eunuch, "You mean, General Chen, at the Profound Image Realm, led his division of more than ten thousand men from Hongze Camp, won the battle at the onyx river and then moved north, and then conquered Langju Xu Mountain?!"


    "There, there are at least five Martial Saints!"


    "Plus an army of a hundred thousand!"


    "And the monsters of Wushen Sect."


    "It''s not that I doubt General Chen''s capabilities, but on paper, how could that possibly be?"


    "Perhaps..."


    Cheng Wei, the second senior brother, spoke up, "Maybe my junior brother broke through to the Martial Saint Realm on the way?"


    "Broke through to Martial Saint?"


    Cao Huan was incredulous, "He only advanced to Profound Image how long ago? How many people are stuck in the Perfect Profound Phenomenon for a lifetime, and he, in just two months, advanced to Martial Saint as well?"


    "Okay, even if he advanced to Martial Saint."


    "Near the Barbarian Capital, there still need to be five Martial Saints!"


    "It''s also possible..."


    Zhao Wuji analyzed, "Maybe they themselves had some issues that caused the formation to stop operating?"


    Actually.


    Rather than credit Chen Sansi.


    They were more inclined to believe the latter assumption.


    Because...


    Destroying the main Array Eye with just one man and a small force of soldiers was simply an impossible task.


    "No matter what, the crisis in Liangzhou seems to have been resolved,"


    Cheng Wei said, "As for General Chen''s whereabouts, I believe we''ll have an answer soon."


    ...


    Luotian Mountain Range.


    Shao Yujing and Wen Zhi had long been prepared to die.


    Then, the scene that everyone witnessed occurred.


    "Impossible?!"


    Within the boundary.


    Deng Immortal''s eyes were about to burst: "How could this be? Yi Leide, haven''t you figured it out yet? What are your people even doing?!"


    The Wushen Sect Leader immediately took out a sound transmission talisman, trying to get in touch with the High Priest.


    However, the only response he received was dead silence.


    "How could this be?"


    Yi Leide looked utterly baffled: "Impossible! Could the sound transmission talisman be broken?!"


    "Your Majesty..."


    Equating to being resurrected from death, the eunuch''s emotions were somewhat agitated: "Heaven bless Your Majesty, heaven bless our Great Sheng Dynasty!"


    Only one breath away.


    Emperor Longqing, who was about to make use of the Dragon Abyss Sword, stood still, observing the changes in the heavenly phenomena, without making any rash moves.


    A hint of satisfaction flashed through the aged eyes of Sun Xiangzong.


    "Hehe, it seems the disciple I took in before my death has turned out to be the greatest merit of my life."


    "Do you mean,"


    Emperor Longqing paused, "that Chen Sansi did it?"


    "Whether he did or not, you will soon find out."


    Sun Xiangzong supported himself on a tree trunk to stand up: "Now that the Blood Sacrifice Array is broken, shouldn''t you hurry and seal the Slaughter Vein?"


    ...


    You State.


    Lv Ji, severely injured, upon seeing the Life Gate he had struggled to open close again, reached the peak of frustration, but then... he saw, the Blood Sacrifice Array, stopped!


    Up ahead in Liangzhou, normality was restored!


    "The Blood Sacrifice Array, how could this be?!"


    The expressions of a few Ancient Demon Cultivators turned extremely unsightly in an instant.


    The failure of the Blood Sacrifice Array meant there weren''t enough living beings to prematurely activate the Slaughter Vein, their effort wasted!


    "No good!"


    Wen Ji gritted his teeth: "It''s the main array eye at Langjuxu Mountain!"


    "Waste!"


    "All of these people are complete waste!"


    "Langjuxu Mountain is at least ten thousand miles from here!"


    "Moreover, didn''t they have only one Mid-stage Transcendent Martial Artist? Even if he suddenly broke through to the later stage, how could he possibly have affected the grand array?!"


    "..."


    "Is it the Junior Brother?!"


    Lv Ji knelt on one knee on the ground, listening to their conversation.


    Where could he still be unclear about what happened?


    The thing he had not done.


    Had Chen Sansi...


    ...done it?


    "Giggle hahaha~"


    With mocking laughter echoing in his mind, Lv Ji shook his head, maintaining his clarity of consciousness.


    "The Blood Sacrifice Array is broken, what now?"


    The Ancient Demon Cultivators looked somewhat at a loss.


    "Yes, without the Blood Sacrifice Array, the revival of the Slaughter Vein is indefinitely delayed!"


    "Who knows how long we''ll have to wait."


    "..."


    "Let''s go!"


    Wen Ji quickly made a decision.


    Since the Slaughter Vein could not be revived, what point was there in staying in the Eastern Continent?


    S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 563 - 199 Sealing Langju Xu_5

    How hateful!


    All the preparations, destroyed in an instant!


    But now is not the time to vent frustration. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He led a few Ancient Demon Cultivators and was about to leave.


    "Immortal Master, where, where are you going?"


    A Duan''s Martial Saint asked as he saw this.


    After the anomaly occurred.


    On the battlefield, soldiers from both sides, as if by some unspoken agreement, stopped their fighting and turned to look towards the Luotian Mountain Range.


    Especially the barbarian soldiers.


    They did not understand spells, but they could also tell that the so-called "great plan" seemed to have failed.


    "Immortal Master, you can''t leave! "


    Duan''s Martial Saint hurriedly said, "If you leave, our morale will collapse! Then, the Heavenly Clan soldiers will all be doomed!"


    "Heavenly Clan? Do you even have the face to call yourselves descendants of the Heavenly Clan? A bunch of good-for-nothings, get lost!"


    Wen Ji had no intention of caring about the lives of these mortals; after cursing them, he immediately led a few Ancient Demon Cultivators and flew north, only wanting to quickly escape from this place.


    "Demon, stop right there!"


    In a flash.


    From deep within the Luotian Mountain Range.


    An awe-inspiring figure in a Taoist robe, with an air of immortal grace, flew through the air. His speed was far faster than a few of the Ancient Demon Cultivators, and in a moment, he intercepted them on their way.


    In his hand, the Dragon Abyss Sword was shining as it slashed down, engaging in a magic warfare with the Ancient Demon Cultivators.


    "Your Majesty?"


    All kinds of emotions in Ji''s heart compounded together, eventually turning into endless rage and a desire for slaughter. Purple Energy rose from his body once again as the Heavenly Halberd that was embedded in the altar returned to his hands. He drove the incense burner magical artifact into the air to join the battle.


    In less than thirty rounds of combat.


    All the Ancient Demon Cultivators, including Wen Ji, were slaughtered on the spot.


    Afterward, Emperor Longqing took out a bead and began to deploy the Destructive Spirit Array.


    Golden Array Seals enveloped the earth and sky.


    Not only to seal the Slaughter Vein.


    For the barbarian army, it was also a terrifying deterrence!


    They watched with their own eyes as the Blood Sacrifice Array failed, and then saw the bodies of the Immortal Masters fall from the sky, crashing into a pulp right in front of them. Their morale dropped to rock bottom in a very short time. Who would still have the slightest thought to continue fighting?


    Moreover.


    More reinforcements from Dasheng finally arrived.


    Martial Saint Jiang Yuanbo led the Imperial Guard.


    As well as the Beiliang Army that had been previously spread out in other parts of the Northern Territory, now appeared amid thunderous war cries.


    For the barbarians, their attack on You State was already a desperate gamble, doomed to be caught between two forces. The only reason they persisted was because they were relying on the successful Blood Sacrifice Array and the revival of the Slaughter Vein, which would bring a large number of Ancient Demon Immortal Masters into their realm to assist.


    But now the plan had failed.


    The Slaughter Vein was not only unrevived, but also about to be completely sealed under the Destructive Spirit Array.


    The barbarian army.


    Was doomed to defeat like a landslide!


    ...


    On Langjuxu Mountain.


    Chen Sansi pulled out the battered Li Quan Spear from the body of the Witch God Sect High Priest.


    Beneath his feet.


    Lay the destroyed Array Eye.


    At last.


    He made it in time!


    In the last breath, he destroyed the main Array Eye.


    From the extinguished Array patterns, everything in Liangzhou should settle down.


    "You impudent scoundrel!"


    "How dare a mere mortal ruin the grand plan of the Ancient Demon Clan for thousands of years!"


    "Rumble¡ª¡ª"


    Before Chen Sansi, space began to warp, and then a black crack appeared. From it emanated anger, unwillingness, violence, full of Evil Qi, like the hoarse voices of evil spirits from The Abyssal Hell, also revealing an indescribable sense of oppression.


    Seals!


    He knew the Eastern Continent had always been under a seal.


    The one speaking to him now was probably a cultivator from another world, also the main culprit behind the Blood Sacrifice in Liangzhou.


    The cultivator did not show himself.


    But merely the voice, and the pressure it exuded, was enough to make everyone tremble within a hundred miles.


    "Ant!"


    "A mere ant from the Transcendence Realm actually ruined the millennia-old grand plan of my clan!"


    "I shall flay your skin and eat your flesh!"


    "And kill every single one of you from the Eastern Continent!"


    "Turn every one of you into a great medicine for my Ancient Demon Clan!"


    "..."


    "Do you know..."


    Only the man in the white robe was undaunted; wielding his long spear, he stood before the fissure and decisively said, "The way you are now, you remind me of a mange-ridden dog hiding in a gutter, afraid to come up and bite, only able to hide in the gutter and whimper fiercely."


    "You dare insult me?!"


    Through the seal, the voice penetrating his mind rang out again, "Ant! Do you know who you''re speaking to?"


    "Ant?"


    Chen Sansi''s unrivaled War Intent still surged wildly, as the vast sea of True Qi layered up onto the long spear in his hands. It transformed into a True Dragon, which, with the sound of a dragon''s chant and the rolling True Qi, was like a Rainbow Through the Sun, thunderously entering the world behind the seal.


    "You keep calling me an ant, then come out and kill this ant!


    "If you dare not, then shut your dog''s mouth and listen carefully to what I say next!


    "I am Chen Sansi!


    "No matter which world you come from, or which continent, from now on, if you dare to step onto the Eastern Continent again, I will make you pay a thousandfold, ten thousandfold for it!


    "I, Chen Sansi, can rush a thousand miles to Juxu Mountain to destroy the Array Eye, and I can traverse the Great Thousand World to find your dwelling places. It might be hard to tell then who is the ant.


    "Those who offend my Divine Continent, though far away, shall be punished!"


    The long spear pierced through the crack, accompanied by a deafening buzz.


    Following that.


    This crack began to close and blur.


    "Those who offend my Divine Continent, though far away, shall be punished?!"


    "A mere mortal warrior from the Transcendence Realm, to utter such words, is the biggest joke under the heavens!"

 Chapter 564 - 199: Sealing Langju_6

    "Chen Sansi, I will remember this name!"


    "But Chen Sansi, I fear you still don''t know that the seal on the Eastern Continent is damaged in many places and already at the brink of collapsing! I wonder how long you, this immature child, can strut around because of the seal!"


    "Boom¡ª"


    As the voice faded, the gap closed.


    Heaven and earth''s strange phenomena, everything returned to calm, no...


    To be precise.


    There was still Hongze Camp!


    The ice dragon was still in fierce battle!


    But without the augmentation of the black fog, the barbarian soldiers gradually regained their clarity from the frenzied state.


    However.


    They then saw.


    That figure in the white robe.


    Had already crossed the winds and snow, standing at the summit.


    Behind him.


    Were three Martial Saints of the Heavenly Clan.


    Kneeling in death!


    At his feet.


    Lay the body of the High Priest of the Witch God Sect.


    Everything...


    Was over!


    Their Heavenly Clan''s Martial Saints, exterminated!


    In an instant.


    The rout was like a breached dam. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The remaining seventy thousand plus barbarian army entered an irreversible route to a crushing defeat.


    They discarded their helmets and armor.


    They fled in panic.


    They tumbled and wet themselves in fright.


    They were totally terrified!


    No one knew how many barbarian soldiers died under the standard long knives of the Beiliang Army and Hongze Camp, nor how many barbarian soldiers fell off the cliffs and smashed into a pulp while fleeing in disgrace.


    This day.


    Was the doomsday for the barbarian horde!


    For the next hundred years.


    The silhouette of that white-robed figure.


    Would be deeply etched in the hearts of the barbarians!


    This war.


    Continued until dawn the next day.


    Out of the one hundred thousand barbarian army, only twenty thousand survived.


    Not a single Martial Saint was left.


    All four Great Khans of the barbarian tribes, the highest commanders of various tribes, came to the white robe''s figure one after another and then... knelt down!


    "General Chen!"


    "I, we are willing to swear allegiance to you, to swear allegiance to Dasheng!"


    "..."


    What had they witnessed this day?


    One man in a white robe.


    Slain five Martial Saints!


    One man forging the path for the entire army, slaughtering ten thousand without tiring!


    In the end, even with a single spear.


    Killed the High Priest of the Witch God Sect!


    What was destroyed was not just the Array Eye.


    But also the very...


    Fate of their barbarian tribe!


    With such heavy losses.


    It would be impossible to recover for over fifty years.


    Other than submission, what choice did they have?


    ...


    Amidst the clouds.


    The Daqing Empress had never left, her flying sword still stained with the fresh blood of an Ancient Demon Clan cultivator.


    She quietly watched the figure on the mountaintop, her deep eyes betraying no emotion.


    Finally.


    She did not show her face; she maneuvered the flying sword into the air and left, returning to Daqing.


    The red sun rose in the sky.


    The wind and snow calmed.


    The desolate battlefield.


    Corpses were strewn everywhere.


    Chen Sansi stood atop the summit of Langjuxu Mountain, overlooking the surroundings for a hundred miles.


    "My lord!"


    Zhao Kang, covered in blood, came forward holding the broken He Miao Blade to give the final summary:


    "This battle!"


    "Our Hongze Camp slaughtered eighty thousand of the Enemy Army, captured more than twenty thousand, and seized an innumerable amount of provisions and livestock. Or in other words... the entire grassland now belongs to us!"


    Chen Sansi was unconcerned with the spoils; he merely asked indifferently, "And the casualties?"


    "The casualties..."


    Upon hearing this, Zhao Kang trembled, "Were also grievous. Since the Agate River, until now, the total deaths have surpassed seven thousand, and there are also over two thousand wounded..."


    Hongze Camp came with.


    Fifteen thousand men.


    Now, barely eight thousand remain.


    Casualties approaching half.


    If one counts from Huqiu Mountain.


    On this northern campaign.


    They had accumulated over one hundred thousand enemy deaths. Not only did they travel ten thousand miles in a forced march, but they also often faced High Realm Martial Artists and extremely adverse Heavenly Phenomena. Having merely eight thousand casualties was already an unprecedented miracle.


    But these eight thousand lives.


    Still piled up to form a mountain of corpses.


    Atop Langjuxu Mountain, Chen Sansi stood beside the altar, remaining for a long time without leaving.


    "My lord."


    Xia Cong cautiously said, "The battle is over; we can descend the mountain now!"


    "Right,"


    Xiao Zheng followed, "The Barbarian Capital City is empty; it''s the perfect place for our grand army to rest for a while. This time, the brothers are truly exhausted."


    Chen Sansi placed his hand on the broken altar, gazed at the corpses that covered the mountains, and ordered solemnly:


    "The entire army, rest for five days.


    "After five days,


    "We shall burn incense and offer sacrifices to heaven right here on Langjuxu Mountain!"


    "What?!"


    Aside.


    Several Great Khans of the Barbarians shuddered upon hearing this.


    "General Chen!"


    Tuoba Hongxin said, trembling, "This, this might not be appropriate?"


    Langjuxu Mountain.


    Was the birthplace of their Sky Clan.


    It was also their symbol!


    Said to rival Ziwei Mountain.


    But in reality, Langjuxu Mountain held a far greater significance in the hearts of the Sky Clan than Ziwei Mountain.


    If they were to burn incense and pay homage to heaven here,


    It would be tantamount to declaring to their ancestors that the Sky Clan was no more!


    The humiliation was beyond words.


    "Inappropriate?"


    Chen Sansi sat on Tuoba Great Khan''s antlered chair and looked down at the four kneeling Barbarian Great Khans, "Then perhaps you''d like to properly explain to me what''s inappropriate about it?"


    "Appropriate, appropriate, very appropriate!"


    Murong Great Khan quickly said, "If General Chen wishes to offer sacrifices to heaven, then let it be. Since the Sky Clan now belongs to Dasheng, the land of Langjuxu Mountain naturally belongs to Dasheng too. Whatever General Chen wishes to do, there''s no need to seek our opinion."


    What choice did they have but to acquiesce?


    Five days later.


    In the Yin Mountain Range, atop Langjuxu Mountain.


    Chen Sansi led the eight thousand soldiers of the Hongze Camp, at the sacrificial altar on the mountain summit.


    A ceremony to offer sacrifices to heaven!


    Thereafter,


    In the Barbarian Capital, a ritual to consecrate the earth was held.


    In this battle, fifteen thousand soldiers from Hongze Camp,


    Led by Chen Sansi,


    Drank from the icy rivers, sealed Langju Xu, and consecrated the Barbarian Capital!


    Not long after,


    The Four Barbarian Tribes abandoned the Great Capital, leading the surviving embers of their tribes north of the Yin Mountains, and signed a covenant promising never again to invade the fertile lands of Dasheng.


    After this war, the Southern Desert was left without a royal court!

 Chapter 565 - 200: Choice

    Northern Territory.


    The Destructive Spirit Array successfully sealed the Slaughter Vein.


    With the defensive boundary relying on the Slaughter Vein gone, Deng Immortal and the Wushen Sect Leader also vanished.


    Wen Zhi and Shao Yujing''s eyes gradually lit up with excitement.


    "Fuck your ancestors!"


    Wen Zhi roared, grabbing his twin blades and hacking away frantically.


    Shao Yujing''s Heavenly Sword Skill was also unleashed, and in an instant, the light from the swords flickered across the sky.


    "Seeking death!"


    The Blood Sacrifice Array was so close to success.


    For Deng Immortal and others, it was bad news, but it also meant there was a way out, a chance to escape this place, to break free.


    The Vajra Pestle on the chest of the Wushen Sect Leader emitted Evil Qi.


    Deng Immortal''s flying sword even split from one to two, until it became eight swords floating in front of him.


    Until...


    Two withered old hands.


    Each pressed on their shoulders.


    Deng Immortal and the Wushen Sect Leader immediately turned into immobilized live targets, becoming corpses under the twin blades and the flash of swords.


    The remaining few Witch God Sect Followers and Cultivators met the same fate.


    "My son!" S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Wen Zhi threw away his weapon and collapsed to the ground, weeping bitterly, "Daddy has avenged you!"


    "..."


    Shao Yujing sheathed his sword and closed his eyes to calm his emotions.


    High above in the sky.


    Emperor Longqing controlled the Destructive Spirit Array and completely destroyed the Slaughter Vein, with towering Evil Qi bursting forth.


    Surprise appeared on his undisturbed face as he continuously sealed it, also sealing his own meridian points. Even so, several strands of Evil Qi still penetrated his body.


    "Sun Xiangzong, why didn''t you tell me that sealing the Slaughter Vein would backlash against oneself?"


    As he spoke and manipulated the magic, he returned the bead to the old man''s hand.


    "Your Majesty was so eager, this old subject had no chance to speak."


    Sun Xiangzong received the bead, completed the sealing that hadn''t been finished, and strands of Evil Qi entered his meridians through the bead. Confronting the backlash, his eyes twitched slightly, and then he took the full brunt of it.


    His already weakened vitality became even more decayed, but unexpectedly, the True Power emanating from his body seemed to strengthen, rising steadily, and his pupils surged with dark light, becoming like those of Ancient Demon Cultivators.


    He said in an unhurried tone, "The Slaughter Vein is different from Spirit Vein; to seal the Slaughter Vein, not only is the Destructive Spirit Array needed, but one also has to bear it with their body, hence I had trained in some Demon Techniques beforehand. Still, I must thank Your Majesty for helping me bear some of it, otherwise my old body would not have withstood the Evil Qi backlash after activating the Destructive Spirit Array."


    "Hehe~"


    Emperor Longqing, seeing the increase in True Power in him, his eyelids twitched imperceptibly and then he indifferently said, "It''s alright, I also did it to protect the millions of people in Liangzhou. Now that this matter is concluded, I shall not stay any longer."


    Having spoken.


    He left through the air, disappearing in the blink of an eye.


    Sun Xiangzong quickly left the place as well.


    It was only after he returned to the Governor Mansion that he suddenly spat out a mouthful of blood and collapsed to the ground.


    ...


    You State.


    After various reinforcements arrived in succession.


    The battle ended in the shortest time possible.


    What followed was just some cleanup work.


    In the eyes of most, a great catastrophe among humans strangely began and then just as strangely ended.


    And many Generals were waiting.


    Waiting for news from the North.


    The Blood Sacrifice Array...


    The interruption was too strange.


    Logically speaking.


    The only way this could happen would be if someone destroyed the main Array Eye of the Langjuxu Mountain thousands of miles away.


    And that person could only be Chen Sansi.


    Great Success of the Mysterious Phenomenon, an entire camp of soldiers.


    Facing an army of tens of thousands of barbarians, not to mention countless Martial Saint Generals and Witch God Sect experts, the task seemed absolutely impossible.


    Just as some people have said.


    They would rather believe that there was some internal issue among the demons themselves.


    This battle.


    Though many participated.


    Its impact was not actually very widespread.


    Take You State, for example, it only affected two or three Prefecture Cities, and the duration was not long.


    Liangzhou, theoretically in chaos.


    But in truth, it was just the people collectively fleeing outside the city; there had been no real armed conflict, and in just a few short days, it returned to normal, as if the events of the previous days were but a nightmare.


    Ji and others were recuperating in Li City Prefecture of You State.


    Meng Guangxin, Rong Yanqiu, and others also stayed behind to manage the army. As days passed, their hearts grew more anxious.


    "Hai Dongqing have been sent out one after another, why is there still no news from junior brother and the others?"


    "Amitabha, good indeed! Most likely, junior brother sacrificed himself to destroy the Array Eye and perished in the Northern Territory!"


    "Bald donkey, spout nonsense again, and I''ll tear your mouth apart!" Rong Yanqiu scolded, ready to take action, "My junior sister is still waiting at home!"


    "There''s no need to rush."


    Ye Fengxiu, holding his sword, said, "This place is a good ten thousand miles from the Barbarian Capital. Even for Hai Dongqing, it would take many days to fly back and forth. Let''s wait a bit longer."


    On the couch.


    After Ji had taken the Elixir Pills and recovered, he also changed into casual clothes to wait for news with his junior brothers and sisters.


    His expression was complex, showing concern, but what exactly he was worried about was difficult to discern.


    This waiting.


    Lasted for a full ten days.


    Not until then did a few Hai Dongqing arrive at Dasheng with the same reports they had copied.


    Liangzhou.


    Inside the Prince Mansion.


    "General Chen is likely not coming back."


    Zhao Wuji shook his head and sighed.


    "Yes."


    Several old generals agreed, "Even if it really was General Chen who used some ingenious strategy to destroy the main Array Eye on Langjuxu Mountain, he probably didn''t have a chance to leave there alive."


    "Heaven envies talents indeed!"

 Chapter 566 - 200 Choice_2

    "Fortunately, the Blood Sacrifice Array failed, and the barbarian tribes suffered greatly, so much that they won''t likely recover for the next ten to twenty years."


    "Yes, if this matter was truly not a problem from within the barbarian tribes, but rather General Chen''s doing, then he truly is a Dingshan Stone bestowed by the heavens upon our Dasheng!"


    "Once the news is confirmed, I myself will petition the emperor to bestow a marquisate on General Chen, along with a posthumous name to bless his descendants."


    "And my twelfth brother..."


    Sitting in the Taishi Chair, the Sixth Prince, Cao Huan, appeared somewhat somber and sorrowful: "I lived in the West Splendor Palace for nearly twenty years, where not even a ghost would show up at my door, except for him. He would occasionally scale the walls and sneak in to accompany me in chess, bring me something to eat, and tell me about the outside world."


    "I had intended for him to gain some experience in the military with this northern expedition."


    "Never did I expect it to end up like this."


    "Creak¡ª"


    Suddenly.


    A wheelchair was pushed to the door, and Fang Qingyun''s clear voice rang out: "Your Highness, and esteemed Generals, don''t you think your conclusions are a bit premature?"


    He held up a piece of paper in his hand.


    "General Chen is not dead, Hongze Camp did not suffer total annihilation. This is the news they''ve just sent back. As for the contents¡ª I think Your Highness and the Generals should read it for yourselves."


    "General Chen isn''t dead?"


    "Hongze Camp is still around?"


    "So that means, the Array Eye was really destroyed by General Chen?"


    "Impossible!"


    "How did he do it?!"


    "Quick, Your Highness, take a look!"


    Almost everyone stood up at once, eager to see the contents of the report.


    Seeing this.


    Cao Huan simply waved his hand, signaling a young eunuch to read it aloud.


    "Hongze Camp war report."


    "Hongze Camp set out from Huqiu Mountain forty days ago, then at the Agate River¡­"


    After the battle''s conclusion.


    It''s natural to report the entire campaign in detail, clarifying all losses and casualties, as well as meticulously recording the merits of every General and every soldier.


    The events at the Agate River.


    Were known to everyone.


    But suddenly, the narrative shifted.


    Right to the Barbarian Capital!


    Below Langjuxu Mountain, thirteen thousand warriors of Hongze Camp arrayed for battle, charging toward an army of a hundred thousand barbarians.


    Chen Sansi, Main General of Hongze Camp, cleared the way for the troops.


    A single man felled over ten thousand enemies.


    Decapitating five barbarian Martial Saints.


    Then with a single thrust, he killed the Witch God Sect''s High Priest, destroying the main Array Eye.


    Yuwen, Tuoba, Murong, Duan Clan.


    The Four Barbarian Tribes.


    Bowed their heads in submission.


    They watered their horses at the icy river, sealed Langju Xu, and gave up their seats in the Barbarian Capital.


    Thereafter.


    All of the surviving barbarian soldiers and horses voluntarily retreated beyond the Yin Mountain.


    From then on, no royal court in the Southern Desert!


    As each and every detail, narrated by the trembling voice of the young eunuch, haltingly came out.


    The entire Prince Mansion.


    Fell into dead silence.


    In the silence, shock struck like thunder!


    ...


    You State.


    At the same time, those who remained in You State also received intelligence from the Northern Desert.


    When they heard its contents,


    each of them fell into a prolonged silence.


    "Junior Brother became a Martial Saint?!"


    "That''s not right, even if he was a Martial Saint, he couldn''t possibly have killed five Martial Saints!"


    "Slaying ten thousand without tiring; is Junior Brother the reincarnation of a demon?!"


    "Amitabha, it must be the numerous killings I have committed that have led me into this nightmare, Amitabha, Amitabha!"


    "..."


    But soon,


    their shock turned into surprise.


    "Good, it seems Junior Brother really saved us!"


    "This time, he''s truly established an enormous achievement!"


    "No, I must ask later how Junior Brother managed to do it."


    "In any case, it''s good news!"


    "..."


    "Hmm..."


    In the corner, Ji, who was sitting on a stool listening to the news, felt a warmth in his chest and a surge of blood to his throat, the taste of blood filling his mouth immediately.


    "Eldest Senior Brother!"


    Nie Yuan, the third Senior Brother who was also wounded, covered in bandages all over but whose movements were not hindered, noticed the commotion and immediately came over to offer support: "Are you alright?"


    "It''s nothing..." S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Ji raised his hand to indicate that there was no need to worry, but before he could finish speaking, he violently coughed up a mouthful of fresh blood: "Help me back to my room to rest first."


    Along the way,


    Nie Yuan''s expression fluctuated, and he eventually spoke with a wry smile: "After this battle, Junior Brother is likely to become the most revered person in the entire Beiliang Army, second only to our Master who established the Eight Camps."


    "Yes, cough cough cough..."


    Ji held his fist to his mouth, struggling to control his breathing: "Senior Brother, tell me why? I fought desperately to the brink and yet fell short, whereas he continues to push forward, making a name for himself across the world?"


    "Eldest Senior Brother, you should stop thinking about these things for now."


    Nie Yuan consoled him: "You rest first and recover from your injuries. Regardless of the outcome, you led us through You State according to the imperial decree and even managed to open the Life Gate successfully in the end. Even if the final goal was not achieved, you still made your mark."


    ...


    Governor Mansion.


    "I knew it was Sansi, they just wouldn''t believe me!"


    Sun Buqi, excited beyond measure as he looked at the message sent from the Prince Mansion, exclaimed: "Yunxi, you were right in your hunch!"


    "Second Mother, don''t be sad, Father will be alright."


    Chen Yunxi held the other''s hand.


    "Yes, I''m not sad."


    ...


    Capital City.


    Prince Mansion.


    Prince Qin and Prince Qi were drinking and toasting each other.


    "The Blood Sacrifice Array was successful!"


    "The Emperor, Sixth Brother, they have all departed from us!"


    "The old officials in court have already begun to discuss the matter of the Crown Prince, after all, a country cannot be without a ruler for a day!"


    "Fourth Brother, let me congratulate you in advance."


    "..."


    "Your Highnesses, this servant..."


    "Get out, can''t you see that I''m enjoying my drink?"


    "Your Highness, it''s not that, the Emperor has summoned for a court meeting, and dawn is upon us; the two Highnesses should also prepare."

 Chapter 567 - 200 Choice_3

    "What? Father has returned?!"


    The Blood Sacrifice Array had been in operation for nearly two months.


    The matter had long since caused an uproar, known to all under heaven.


    Within the Capital City, it even once fell into chaos.


    After all, the Emperor, the two Princes, along with the Old Governor, were all in Liangzhou¡ªif anything were to happen, I fear that the chaos would not subside for at least two years.


    But it was on this day that they suddenly received news.


    The crisis in Liangzhou had been resolved.


    Not only that, but His Majesty the Emperor had also returned early and announced the court assembly as usual.


    Inside the Qinghe Hall.


    Civil and military officials gathered in full attendance.


    Emperor Longqing sat on the Dragon Chair, tending to all the accumulated state affairs from as early as 5 a.m. until the evening before they concluded, after which he explained a number of issues concerning the subsequent handling of the court''s governance.


    The impression given was as if he intended to handle all state affairs in one fell swoop, then act as if he was washing his hands of the matter.


    After explaining the last message.


    Emperor Longqing then opened his mouth indistinctly, "How goes the war in the Northern Territory?"


    Ming Qingfeng, the newly appointed Minister of War, answered, "Liangzhou and You State have both stabilized. Within two months, all chaos will cease; Your Majesty can be at ease."


    "We,"


    Emperor Longqing paused, "are asking about the movements of your barbarian headquarters."


    The barbarian headquarters!


    Indeed, to this day, the Capital City has yet to reach a consensus on how the crisis in Liangzhou was resolved.


    They only know that You State has achieved victory.


    But setting aside You State, the scattered barbarian headquarters still had nearly two hundred thousand troops lying in wait, unmovable.


    According to common sense.


    With such a major defeat in the front lines.


    The barbarian headquarters should have taken some kind of action.


    Yet to date.


    The Great Desert laid silent, with no movement detected.


    It was as if...


    The barbarians of the Great Desert had all vanished overnight.


    Not just the barbarians.


    There was also an army from Dasheng that headed north and disappeared, with no news to this day.


    Hongze Camp, Chen Sansi!


    Therefore, they were still unclear about the ins and outs of the situation.


    "Your Majesty."


    Ming Qingfeng said, "Your humble servant will closely monitor the barbarians'' subsequent movements and report anything immediately to Your Majesty."


    "Enough."


    Emperor Longqing waved his sleeve, "Dismiss the court." S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Dis... "


    The eunuch by his side had already strained his voice; just as he reached the middle of his cry.


    Outside the palace.


    Suddenly a more resonant voice arose, interrupting him.


    "Urgent news from the Divine Eagle, covering eight thousand miles!"


    "Urgent news from the Divine Eagle, covering eight thousand miles!"


    "Victory report¡ª¡ª"


    "A victory report of utmost importance¡ª¡ª"


    "... "


    Passed through layers.


    Finally, from outside the Imperial Palace it reached Qinghe Hall, and was handed to Huang Hong, the Chamberlain of Ritual Supervision.


    The so-called victory report.


    It was not a single letter, but several letters stacked together in a box.


    The first few.


    Were letters of allegiance from barbarian tribes such as the Murong and Duan Clans!


    Moreover, each was personally written by a Great Khan, accompanied by the Great Seal, with sincere and earnest words.


    "It must be the Emperor''s personal campaign that has struck terror into the barbarians'' hearts!"


    "After the four tribes'' submission, there shall no longer be war in the Northern Territory for a good while!"


    "Such is the majestic power of the Emperor, deterring the barbarians!"


    Yan Maoxing took the lead and shouted, "His Majesty has cultivated the way for forty years. This time, as he personally headed to the Northern Territory, upon making a move he shocked the entire world. The barbarians, having witnessed the divine might of Emperor Wan Shou, how could they not bow their heads in submission?!"


    The facts indeed appeared so.


    No one knew just how many years His Majesty the Emperor had practiced cultivation.


    The civil and military officials only knew of the countless expenditure of silver and wealth, even those most loyal to Dasheng could not help but murmur in their hearts that this was a wasteful depletion of the national treasury and a squandering of national strength.


    But in Liangzhou...


    The Emperor, in his Taoist robe, slew the demon with a single sword strike, witnessed by all under heaven.


    Since then.


    The civil and military officials finally had an epiphany.


    The Emperor''s cultivation quest had been successful!


    Their Emperor was truly an Immortal!


    "His Majesty, with the body of a True Dragon, disregarded his own safety to slay the demon!"


    "It is only natural for the barbarians to be utterly terrified."


    "Exactly, exactly, what Lord Li says is true."


    "... "


    The civil and military officials'' words of praise flowed ceaselessly like a river.


    "That''s enough."


    Only when Emperor Longqing interrupted without any expression.


    His heart had no ripples; rather, he found the letters of allegiance quite peculiar, and he said in a heavy voice, "Huang Hong, continue reading!"


    Sure enough.


    The more the reading continued, the more unusual it became.


    In the beginning, there was only mention of General Chen.


    But as it went on.


    The words "General Chen" appeared with increasing frequency.


    Terms like "invincible bravery", "peerless under heaven", "Martial Arts Saint" were endlessly cited.


    Even further on, the frequency of mentioning General Chen even surpassed that of Emperor Dasheng...


    The letters of allegiance were not battle reports, so they generally did not discuss the details of this battle.


    But one could still discern a thread within them.


    "This, this... "


    "Could it be that..."


    Yan Maoxing analyzed, "Could it be that the crisis in Liangzhou was truly resolved after General Chen headed north, all the way to Langjuxu Mountain, where he destroyed the main Array Eye?"


    "How could that be possible?"


    "... "


    Civil and military officials discussed animatedly.


    Chen Sansi was but a general of the Mystical Phenomenon rank, and the Hongze Camp had only over ten thousand men.


    Whereas, the barbarians in the Great Desert, when added up, had a force of over two hundred thousand.


    Even if they had time to deploy to Langjuxu Mountain, there were more than one hundred thousand troops, not to mention the number of Martial Saints.


    On paper, even if they did manage to reach Langjuxu Mountain, it would be akin to a sheep entering the tiger''s mouth.


    "Read."


    Emperor Longqing stressed his tone.


    Only then did Huang Hong take out the last letter from the box.


    That was...


    The battle report from the Beiliang Army''s Hongze Camp!


    "The seventy-fourth year of Longqing, on the eighteenth day of the last lunar month."


    "Chen Sansi led the entirety of Hongze Camp''s soldiers to the Barbarian Capital."


    "After thirteen thousand Hongze Camp soldiers lined up, they clashed with one hundred and eleven thousand soldiers from the four barbarian tribal armies at the foot of the mountain."

 Chapter 568 - 200 Choice_4

    "In front of the two armies, Chen Sansi first beheaded the Martial Saint Murong Huatu."


    "Afterward, surrounded by four Martial Saints, he struck down the Martial Saint Yu Wen Ruzi."


    "After severely demoralizing the enemy army, Chen Sansi took the lead and commanded the Hongze Camp soldiers in a charge, killing all the way to the peak of Langju Xu Mountain. Along the way, Chen Sansi alone slew over ten thousand of the enemy."


    "Subsequently, he successively killed the Martial Saints Tuoba Junfeng, Gu Wen Bilege, and Duan Kui, as well as the Witch God Sect''s High Priest, successfully destroying the main Array Eye of the Blood Sacrifice Array."


    "..."


    "..."


    "In this battle, more than eighty thousand soldiers of the Barbarian Alliance Army were killed. The Hongze Camp suffered a total of seven thousand three hundred sixty-one fallen, and two thousand two hundred nineteen wounded..."


    "..."


    "On the twenty-fourth day of the twelfth lunar month."


    "Chen Sansi led all the soldiers of the Hongze Camp to offer sacrifices to the heavens atop Langju Xu Mountain. Thereafter, in the Barbarian Capital, a chan ceremony was held, and the Great Khans of the Four Barbarian Tribes pledged their allegiance to our Great Sheng."


    The battle report was very detailed.


    But upon hearing the end,


    the civil and military officials only extracted three phrases from it.


    Drinking at the Ice River!


    Sealing Langju!


    Chaning at the Barbarian Capital!


    These three phrases will become idioms in the future!


    Any one of these idioms, when taken out individually, is an extraordinary achievement.


    But they...


    have merged together!


    As a result, the hall fell into a silence as still as death.


    If the outcome of the battle report is true, what does it mean?!


    It means...


    Chen Sansi, with just one camp of soldiers, has all but resolved the problem of the barbarians that has troubled the Central Plains for four hundred years!


    An accumulation of nearly ten Martial Saints were lost!


    Of the living barbarians, if there are any left at all, there are probably only the last one or two.


    And the loss of two hundred thousand troops!


    Calculating it,


    it''s impossible to recover in less than fifty years!


    There will be no more wars in the Northern Territory within fifty years!


    Such merit...


    Even the twelve Admirals whom Grand Ancestor Cao Xie personally ennobled after founding the country didn''t achieve such a great merit.


    That is to say,


    At only twenty-one years of age, Chen Sansi''s merit has surpassed anyone since the establishment of the Great Sheng Dynasty!


    Worthy of worship in the Grand Ancestor''s Temple!


    He truly is worthy of worship in the Grand Ancestor''s Temple!


    In the Martial Temple of Ten Sages, there should be a place for him!


    Among the living...


    In the Martial Temple of Ten Sages, the saint of the military family!


    After a silence that lasted the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, people began to gradually come to their senses, still incessantly drawing breaths of cold air, immersed in shock.


    Until the end,


    there wasn''t much commotion.


    It was rather a quiet buzz.


    "This General Chen, he''s only twenty-one years old, right?"


    "At twenty-one years of age, to have achieved such success."


    "Truly a role model for our generation of military officers!"


    "With such great merit, ennoblement is a certainty."


    "Just speaking based on merit, even becoming a State Duke wouldn''t be a problem..."


    "But that''s precisely the issue."


    "If he were to be made a State Duke now, at twenty-one, he still has plenty of chances to earn rewards for his service in the future. To go any higher..."


    "Wouldn''t that mean making him an Aliased King?"


    "Has our Great Sheng Dynasty ever had an Aliased King since the founding of the nation?"


    "That''s a matter for the future."


    "..."


    Atop the Dragon Chair.


    Emperor Longqing''s visage showed no emotion, his pupils growing ever more profound.


    "Congratulations, Your Majesty!"


    Only then did the courtiers speak.


    "The grave threat of the Barbarian tribes has been removed!"


    "After this, there will be no more wars in the Northern Territory!"


    "The people of the Northern Territory are most fortunate, as is our Great Sheng Dynasty!"


    "The Sheng Dynasty will surely last for thousands of generations!"


    "..."


    "Yan Liang."


    Emperor Longqing''s dragon-like voice rose, cutting off the courtiers'' words, "In the next few days, discuss with the Cabinet on how to reward Chen Sansi, then send it to the Longevity Palace."


    "Your servant obeys!"


    Yan Liang bowed and accepted the order.


    Emperor Longqing stood up and left.


    He went behind the screen and immediately stuffed several Elixir Pills into his mouth.


    Evil Qi entered his body!


    Fortunately, it wasn''t a large amount.


    But he feared he would need some time to recover.


    "Your Majesty?"


    Huang Hong hurried forward but was gestured to stop.


    "For decades."


    Emperor Longqing sat down right there on a cushion to meditate, "My old Brother, Sun Xiangzong, is about to pass away, one hundred years of lifespan, it should be considered a happy demise, I have done right by him."


    "Naturally."


    Huang Hong agreed, "Sun Dushi has rendered great services to Society and the Great Sheng, but at the same time, he has several times shown disrespect to Your Majesty, I still remember in the 57th year of Longqing, when he stabbed the then Minister of War to death outside the Imperial Palace."


    "He''s committed not a few such sins."


    "Each one a capital offense."


    "Allowing him to live until now is entirely due to Your Majesty''s magnanimity, and also a remembrance of past affection, Your Majesty, you have certainly done right by him and every courtier."


    "Yes, the trouble in the North is gone."


    Emperor Longqing closed his eyes, "A new trouble has arisen, Sun Xiangzong has been deceiving me until his death."


    "Your Majesty means?"


    Huang Hong had a vague guess, but he did not dare to disturb further and slowly withdrew.


    Meanwhile.


    The eunuchs in front of the screen also loudly declared, "Court is dismissed¡ª"


    ...


    Daqing.


    Imperial Palace.


    Imperial Study Room.


    "Sister?"


    Gu Xinlan, who had been waiting daily at the back door, finally saw the Empress in her black and gold gown return on her flying sword.


    She bit her lip anxiously, "How did it go? Why don''t I see Brother Shi?" S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "He''s at Yin Mountain."


    The Daqing Empress walked, the breeze brushing past her, the flying sword rapidly shrinking until it became pocket-sized and then disappeared.


    "Yin Mountain?"


    Gu Xinlan quickly recalled this place.


    As a military officer''s wife, she had maps hanging in her home, and even without studying them deliberately, she had glanced at them occasionally and naturally knew what that place was.


    "Yikes."


    Gu Xinlan voiced her concern, "Isn''t that the Barbarians'' Capital City? Brother Shi only had a little over ten thousand men with him this time, how could they have fought their way there..."


    "Sister actually knows how many men he has."

 Chapter 569 - 200 Decision_5

    The Daqing Empress praised, "It seems sister is getting more and more adept at handling political affairs."


    With the warfare in Sheng Country being so intense,


    there might be a delay,


    but nonetheless, Qing Country would still receive some intelligence reports, more or less.


    "Gui Ti, have you helped Brother Shi?"


    Gu Xinlan asked, "He''s alone; don''t let anything happen to him."


    "Why should I help him?"


    When the Empress entered the hall, she saw a baby learning to walk on a deer-skin rug.


    "Auntie, Auntie Mu~"


    The baby called out indistinctly.


    "You mortal, all you know is to laugh foolishly every day."


    The Empress swept past the baby and walked towards the desk. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Gui Ti?!"


    Gu Xinlan said somewhat angrily, "If you really can''t handle the dangers at Yin Mountain, sister naturally won''t force you to take the risk. After all, he is my man, not yours. But I clearly saw the red light in the direction of Liangzhou fade away, signaling that the great danger has been resolved. If you can''t even help in such a situation, it shows you''ve truly become heartless from cultivating."


    "Sister, you actually blame me because of him?"


    The Empress''s cheeks turned even colder, "Rest assured, he''s not dead."


    "Really?"


    Gu Xinlan, realizing she spoke hastily, quickly grabbed her sister''s hand, "Gui Ti, I''m truly worried about you. Ever since we met this time, you''ve seemed different, and I fear one day you won''t even recognize your own sister."


    "Sister, as cultivators, we must seal our worldly desires; otherwise, we may face inner demons during breakthroughs. You wouldn''t understand these things," the Empress said, holding her sister''s slender hand.


    "That Chen Sansi, you don''t have to worry about him. He has made significant contributions and won''t die in the Great Desert. If he must die, it will be in Beiliang."


    "Earning merits and still having to die?"


    Gu Xinlan was somewhat puzzled, "What kind of reasoning is that?"


    "Merits arousing the sovereign''s envy."


    The Empress explained calmly, "The Old Emperor of Sheng Country is suspicious and narrow-minded. He can''t tolerate sealed border governors who are truly capable and possess the people''s hearts. After finally getting rid of Sun Xiangzong, another disciple of Sun Xiangzong arises. How could he sleep peacefully?"


    "Is the Emperor of Sheng Country really that malicious?"


    Gu Xinlan, unaware of the detailed situation, asked, "What should we do then?"


    "Simple."


    The Empress spoke serenely, "You write him a letter calling him to Daqing, to become my Daqing''s Prince Consort. This way, we can be reunited as a family and he can enjoy wealth and prestige. Wouldn''t that be killing two birds with one stone?"


    "I''m afraid Brother Shi might not be willing..."


    ...


    The Great Desert.


    The Barbarian Capital.


    "My lord!"


    "The brothers are all ready, they can start heading back to Liangzhou at any time."


    "You all go ahead first."


    After giving the order, Chen Sansi turned his head to look at the two people in front of him.


    Great Khan Yuwen Jinglian of the Yuwen Tribe, and Prince Yu Wenxin.


    With Chen Sansi''s arrangement,


    supporting the Yuwen Tribe, helping them occupy new territories,


    and then made the Great Khan abdicate, allowing Prince Yu Wenxin to take his place, while conveniently getting rid of a few dissatisfied brothers and uncles.


    "Do well."


    Chen Sansi patted his shoulder, "I''m waiting for you to come back and seek revenge on me."


    "Alright, you just wait!"


    Prince Yu Wenxin vowed earnestly, "In ten, no, twenty years, I''ll come back to Beiliang to find you!"


    Chen Sansi didn''t linger; after leaving the Great Capital City, he mounted his White Swan Horse and disappeared into the edge of the Southern Desert in a few breaths'' time.


    "Alas..."


    Yuwen Jinglian watched the white robe disappear into the distance before he finally let out a sigh and dared to sit down weakly.


    This time,


    the losses suffered by all their tribes were far too heavy.


    "Father!"


    Prince Yu Wenxin comforted, "You needn''t feel sad. I''ll keep my word. Within twenty years, I will definitely lead the warriors of the Heavenly Clan back to Beiliang and capture the White Robe alive!"


    "No, you must never do that!"


    Yuwen Jinglian paled with fright, "My son, now that our Yuwen Tribe has gained considerable benefits and you have taken the position of Great Khan, in this life, we should simply enjoy the peace and quiet. Never think of challenging Beiliang, otherwise, our Yuwen Tribe may not even be able to keep its current status!"


    "Father, what do you mean? I admit, I am not strong enough now."


    Yu Wenxin retorted, "But is there no possibility that I couldn''t rise to power later and come to greatness in the end?"


    "There is no such possibility!"


    Yuwen Jinglian blurted out.


    ...


    After leaving the Barbarian Capital,


    Hongze Camp marched south in haste, heading back to Beiliang.


    There were far too many fallen comrades,


    and it was impossible to take them all back.


    As they journeyed back, if they encountered any, General Chen would personally lead the men to find a decent place nearby to bury and erect a tombstone for every one of them, each with their own name and surname.


    On the returning journey, snowflakes began to drift over the desert.


    But this snowfall was natural.


    Along the way,


    they passed the Agate River.


    "On the way back, we can specifically dispatch a few thousand men to station here."


    Wang Zhi looked at the vast grassland, "This area''s grassland is extremely fertile; even a significant portion of the barbarian''s warhorses come from here. From now on, Beiliang will no longer lack horses."


    "Yes, it''s all been exchanged by the brothers," Chen Sansi said, "Let''s pick up the pace. We won''t make it back for the new year, but let''s see if we can make it in time for the Lantern Festival."


    ...


    Twenty-five days later.


    The gates of Liangzhou City.


    Tens of thousands of citizens welcomed them outside the city.


    They had already been informed.


    The demons that harassed Liangzhou,


    were all driven away by that Chen Sansi, General Chen, leading the Hongze Camp!


    It was General Chen and the Hongze Camp who saved them, who saved the millions of people in and around Liangzhou!


    To them, he was like their deity!


    "If I''m not mistaken, this General Chen is the closed-door disciple of Supervisor Sun, isn''t he?"

 Chapter 570 - 200 Choice_6

    "Yes, it can''t be wrong; it was just under three years ago that he was taken in."


    "Cough cough~"


    An elderly man leaning on a walking stick said, "When I was young, Supervisor Sun fought several major battles to the north, earning Beiliang over twenty years of peace. Now, it''s his disciple who has saved us, truly a continuation of his legacy!"


    "I heard Supervisor Sun is advanced in age and did not accompany the troops this time. Do you think General Chen will be the one to inherit his mantle?"


    "Is that even a question?"


    "Eh, but doesn''t Supervisor Sun have a senior disciple, General Lu? Even though he hasn''t spent much time in Beiliang, I''ve often heard the storytellers recount his tales."


    "That still doesn''t compare to General Chen, though."


    "Every battle General Chen fights is earth-shattering, isn''t it?"


    "Exactly, exactly."


    "Moreover, Supervisor Sun clearly has no intention of passing on the mantle to his senior disciple; otherwise, why take on a closed-door disciple like he did?"


    "You make a good point."


    "Regardless, I think it would be best if General Chen stayed on as our Supervisor."


    "Yes, indeed."


    "General Chen once helped the people cross the river. If Liangzhou were to face difficulties again one day, he would surely not forsake us."


    "Right, right!"


    "..."


    "They''re back, everyone look!"


    Under the watchful eyes of an entire community,


    On the wilderness''s official road,


    A cloud of dust arose,


    The ground beneath their feet began to tremble.


    The first thing to come into sight was Dasheng''s banner, followed swiftly by the gilt "Chen" on the General''s Banner.


    A White Robe atop a White Horse led the procession.


    "Folks!"


    "General Chen is our lifesaver!"


    "We must express our gratitude properly!"


    "..."


    Without further prompting the villagers had already prepared various offerings, kneeling together on the ground.


    "General Chen above!"


    "Please accept our bow."


    "..."


    Not far away,


    Chen Sansi, riding atop Qian Xun, seeing this scene had no choice but to dismount and walk: "Fellow villagers, it is my duty. My own family is also within the city walls; it''s only right that I do my utmost, no need for such fuss."


    "These are not the words of a just General."


    "Yours is a great virtue."


    "If possible, temples of merit should be built for General Chen."


    "..."


    "We mustn''t speak of such things,"


    Chen Sansi quickly responded, "How could someone like Chen receive such a tribute?"


    "Benefactor!"


    "General Chen and his subordinates, all of you are our benefactors!"


    "Hey, Old Zhang, you only recently moved to Liangzhou, didn''t you? Isn''t your son in Hongze Camp?"


    Many soldiers from Hongze Camp were transferred from Capital City or other places. After being stationed, their families gradually relocated to live within the walls of Liangzhou City.


    "Indeed, when I was leaving Capital City I wondered why leave the comfort of the city for these wild hills, but who could have imagined, such great merit would come of it."


    "Surely he''ll be promoted and make a fortune this time."


    "Shared joy, shared joy."


    "Eh, Old Zhang, your son carried water for me once. I recognize him, how come I haven''t seen him?"


    "Gulp~"


    The old man''s heart sank. Already kneeling, he collapsed completely to the ground.


    The mood among the villagers,


    gradually became solemn.


    Seven thousand soldiers killed in battle, by the measure of five family members each, that''s over thirty thousand family dependents.


    The world of these thirty thousand plus people had still collapsed.


    "Fellow villagers, please all stand up."


    Chen Sansi helped each person up one by one, finally managing to get everyone to stand on their own.


    He looked at the men and women, young and elderly, staring at him with blank expressions and finally said, "Your sons, your husbands who followed me into battle and did not return, it is my fault for being incapable.


    "But, their deaths will exchange for decades of peace in Liangzhou and the entire Northern Territory!"


    "I promise you, every single one of their names will be reported to the court, and the court will not treat you unfairly!


    "I, Chen Sansi, will not forget you either."


    After consoling the families of the fallen soldiers.


    Other civilians crowded around to bring gifts, eggs, white flour, vegetables, and those better off even brought salted duck eggs and cured meat.


    "My lord, what should we do with this?"


    Zhao Kang spoke in distress, "According to military discipline, Supervisor does not allow us to accept gifts from civilians, saying it could lead to extortion, but they insist on giving, and it''s impossible to refuse."


    "Wang Li."


    Chen Sansi called over his subordinate, "When you take the things, make a note of the names, and how much those things are worth, then exchange them later for an equal value of rice and grain."


    "Understood, I''ll take care of it."


    Wang Li left after bowing with clasped hands.


    The road into the city.


    It took more than half an hour to finish the journey.


    Sister Lan was not there, nor could Sun Li be met.


    The ones coming to meet him this time.


    Were only Sun Buqi and Chen Yunxi.


    "Daddy."


    Chen Yunxi held out a stick of candied hawthorns, "Yunxi earned money by writing, and bought this for you."


    "Oh, you''re already making money at your young age."


    Chen Sansi lifted her onto the horse''s back, "But what made you think of buying candied hawthorns?"


    "Didn''t Daddy really enjoy them last time?"


    Chen Yunxi said earnestly.


    "Yes, I really do enjoy them."


    Chen Sansi ate the candied hawthorns, and looking at Sun Buqi beside him asked, "What, you have something to say?"


    "It''s my father."


    Sun Buqi said, "He told me that as soon as you return, you should immediately come to the Mansion to see him."


    The mentor...


    Chen Sansi nodded slightly. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It was right to see the old man first.


    "Alright, I understand."


    With that, Chen Sansi hastened his horse toward the Governor Mansion.


    Inside the pavilion by the lake in the back mountain, he found Sun Xiangzong fishing.


    To his surprise.


    The old man''s fish basket was brimming with fish this time.


    He was in high spirits as he removed a large catfish from the hook, "Heh, finally, finally, I have reached the pinnacle of my fishing skills!"


    "Master."


    Chen Sansi approached, clasping his hands in a bow, "Your disciple has returned."


    "You''ve done well, this time even I did not expect it," Sun Xiangzong changed the topic abruptly, "But I didn''t call you here to praise you, I want to ask what you''re planning next."


    "Planning?"


    Chen Sansi inquired, "Master, are you referring to..."


    "You have two paths ahead of you," Sun Xiangzong cast his fishing rod again, explaining, "The first is to take your senior sister and others, leave this place, and find somewhere to live in seclusion. I have some friends outside who can set you up, but you''re quite well-known now, and how long you can hide is uncertain.


    "The second, is to stay in Liangzhou, lead your troops, train your martial skills, and inevitably you will encounter more troublesome matters."


    "I''ll introduce you to some people."


    "Which do you choose?"

 Chapter 571 - 201: Above Martial Saint, the Court Grows Suspicious

    Hermitage?


    To put it plainly, it''s just hiding away.


    Chen Sansi had never done anything unscrupulous, so why did he need to hide?


    To live a peaceful life?


    It''s the same phrase again.


    If hiding away could bring peace,


    Chen Sansi wouldn''t have joined the army under Xiang Tingchun during his time in Po Yang.


    Without any hesitation, he had said, "A disciple naturally must stay."


    Up until now,


    Liangzhou had long become his true home in this world.


    "Alright, it was superfluous of me to ask you,"


    As Sun Xiangzong said this, he caught another fish, "Tomorrow then, come to the Martial Arts Arena."


    "Alright, disciple will remember,"


    Chen Sansi replied.


    "Also, let''s get your marriage with Sun Li sorted in the next few days,"


    Sun Xiangzong said it very naturally, "A joyful occasion should come before a mournful one."


    "Master, what are you...?"


    Chen Sansi''s expression subtly shifted.


    In fact,


    ever since he had arrived, he had seen through his Qi Observation Skill that the old man''s body was threaded with strands of Evil Qi, corroding his flesh.


    "It''s the same phrase again, I have lived long enough, you live to a hundred first, then mourn for me, now scram,"


    Sun Xiangzong waved his hand impatiently, "Don''t disturb my fishing."


    "Then you just keep fishing, Elder,"


    Chen Sansi bid his farewell and left.


    He hadn''t walked far


    when he heard another fish get hooked.


    "Hey, good, very good!"


    "This old man is thoroughly enjoying himself today!"


    "..."


    ...


    Chen Sansi didn''t directly leave the Governor Mansion, but with a few swift movements, he scaled the wall to enter the courtyard where his senior sister usually resided.


    "Junior brother, you''re back?"


    Before he even got close,


    a cold female voice came from the room.


    "I''m back,"


    Chen Sansi came to the window, "Open the window, I brought a gift for senior sister."


    "What could you possibly bring me from the Great Desert?"


    "Just stretch out your hand, and you''ll know,"


    Chen Sansi took out a golden hairpin from his storage bag, which looked like an antler but was hanging with many leaves, shimmering golden under the sunlight, extremely splendid.


    "This is?" S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "A golden hairpin, the queens over there like to wear them."


    "Spoils of war?"


    "I had a local craftsman make it new with money; you can wear it on your wedding day,"


    "Hmm, thank you."


    "..."


    "Mr. Chen, my dear son-in-law, my ancestor¡ª"


    The butler shouted from outside the courtyard, "That''s enough! We really shouldn''t be breaking rules here."


    "Okay, I get it,"


    Seeing that the other party wanted to barge in, Chen Sansi had no choice but to scale the wall and leave.


    By the time he got back home, it was already dusk.


    "Master!"


    Si Qinmohua bowed in greeting.


    "General."


    Ning Xiang also came out to meet him.


    Zhaozhao led Chen Yunxi to the rooftop, though it was unclear what they were up to.


    "Heading home now,"


    Chen Sansi entered the study, asking Ning Xiang to prepare the ink as he started to write a letter.


    Now that the Slaughter Vein crisis had been resolved, it was time to have his sister-in-law bring his wife and child back from Qing Country.


    After finishing the letter, he handed it directly to the blue bird.


    Suddenly, he found himself with nothing to do.


    Chen Sansi instinctively wanted to practice with his spear, only to realize he didn''t have his long spear on him.


    The Li Quan Spear was left in a ruinous state after colliding with a high-grade magic weapon, and he had casually given it to an Ancient Demon Clan cultivator who was yelping wildly after being sealed. The Tiger Head Golden Spear was also thrown off a cliff during a skirmish with several Martial Saints.


    Thinking about it,


    not only did his brothers under his command suffer heavy casualties in that battle, but he also lost quite a few items.


    Two long spears.


    And a bow.


    During a skirmish with Yuwen Jingwen, the bowstring of the Iron Core Bow had snapped.


    Chen Sansi planned to go back to the mountains to see if the gigantic Exotic Beast Snake was still there. It would be perfect to use its sinew as a bowstring due to its huge size.


    And speaking of cultivation,


    he had cultivated as much as he could fire now, as methods above the level of Martial Saint were still unknown to him, pending instruction from his master.


    However, he could still cultivate the "Five Elements Decision."


    On the march, he practiced whenever he could spare time, improving his magic abilities as well.


    [Cultivation Technique: Five Elements Decision. Early-stage Qi Refining (First Rank)]


    [Progress: 285/500]


    ...


    Compared to the Immortal Path''s life-extending exercises, magic improved much faster.


    [Magic: Thick Earth Decision (Entry-level)]


    [Progress: 395/500]


    ...


    [Magic: Thousand Swords Descend from Heaven. First Rank]


    [Progress: 788/1000]


    ...


    Furthermore,


    with Qian Xun and the blue bird, his Beast Taming Skill was also improving.


    [Skill: Beast Taming (Not entry-level)]


    [Progress: 25/100]


    ...


    All these things required slow and steady cultivation and improvement.


    The pace of his advancement in the Five Elements Decision was frustratingly slow.


    If there were single-attribute cultivation techniques to refine his Spirit Root, then improvement should be much quicker. Otherwise, who knows how long it would take to break through to the Qi Refining Middle Stage.


    And then there was alchemy.


    There were many elixir pills that could enhance his cultivation.


    Boosting these would allow him to enhance his strength more quickly.


    It seemed,


    he needed to find time to make another trip to the Daze Fang City.


    Now that he thought about it, it really was his "grocery market" where he would go whenever he needed to buy something.


    Speaking of which,


    his master had summoned him to the Martial Arts Arena tomorrow, though it was unclear what for. He also mentioned meeting some people, though it was uncertain who these people were.


    After running about for more than two months,


    even though the Fasting Pills kept him from feeling tired, he still felt the need to relax mentally.


    Mulling over various matters, Chen Sansi gradually fell into a deep sleep.


    The next day.


    At 5 a.m. to 7 a.m.


    The morning mist grew thin and luminous.


    Chen Sansi, riding Qian Xun, arrived at the military camp.


    The soldiers still in Liangzhou, including those from the Hongze Camp, had finished their roll call and were neatly assembled on the Martial Arts Arena.


    And Sun Xiangzong, in no particular hurry, walked up to the high platform.

 Chapter 572 - 201: Above Martial Saint, the Court Grows Suspicious_2

    "Lord Governor."


    An old officer asked, "You suddenly gathered us here; do you have any urgent orders to command?"


    Sun Xiangzong calmly said, "Today''s training, I will personally oversee it. Let''s start."


    "Really?"


    The old officer immediately said in a high-pitched voice, "Hurry up and train, whether you are a soldier or an officer, anyone who can receive personal guidance from the Lord Governor will benefit for a lifetime!"


    The Lord Governor had not participated in the group training for many years, instead, he entrusted his disciples with the responsibility.


    Today was indeed a rarity.


    "Yes!"


    "Dong Dong Dong¡ª"


    The war drums sounded.


    The soldiers from five camps inside Liangzhou City began their training.


    The training was divided into military formations and individual drills.


    Sun Xiangzong, with his hands behind his back, began to inspect the Martial Arts Arena, speaking a few words when he encountered any issues, whether those involved were veterans from the Eight Camps or newcomers sent by the court.


    It wasn''t until noon that he declared the end.


    He climbed back up on the high platform. His voice, seemingly not loud, was however clear to the more than seventy thousand people present.


    "Eighty years."


    "I remember it was the thirty-sixth year of Jiayuan."


    "At that time, His Majesty, who was still an Azure Dragon, and I came to Beiliang under the imperial court''s order. We organized a troop to assist the then Liangzhou Guard Station in repelling the barbarians from the Great Desert."


    "Initially, I had only eight hundred men under my command."


    "Later, it became three thousand, five thousand, then ten thousand, until Heavenly Strategy Camp was established."


    "Then there was Xuanwu Camp, White Tiger Camp..."


    "Gradually, we had the Eight Camps."


    "Unconsciously, nearly a hundred years passed by."


    "The Eight Camps have grown into the Fourteen Camps of the Beiliang Army."


    "People changed batch by batch."


    "I''m getting older, my memory is increasingly poor, and I don''t recognize many people."


    "It seems, it''s time for me to retire."


    "Retire?"


    Rumors had been circulating in the streets for many years that Sun Xiangzong''s life would not be long.


    Back then, he seldom appeared in public, and the officers and soldiers of the Eight Camps all thought it was true, which led to later events such as various decentralizations, Ning Changqun establishing his authority, and other messy affairs.


    It wasn''t until Selected Point that the old governor speared Ning Changqun to death, restoring his authority immediately, and everyone knew that the Supervisor was just appearing less, not really aging.


    But this time during the northern expedition to the Great Desert...


    Sun Xiangzong was the nominal Commander, but he did not participate in reality.


    In the end,


    it was thanks to his closed-door disciple, that General Chen from Hongze Camp, who turned the tide and severely defeated the Barbarian Army, resolving the crisis.


    They also just found out yesterday.


    What had happened after Hongze Camp moved north.


    Sealing Langju!


    The Four Barbarian Tribes bowed down to the White Robe!


    Not to mention the founding of Dasheng.


    Even for a thousand years,


    no dynasty in the Central Plains had ever produced such a military officer. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Just one battle,


    brought about at least fifty years of peace to the borders.


    It can be said,


    he is now the foremost figure in the Beiliang Army.


    In the past,


    everyone in the army venerated the founder of the Eight Camps, whose campaigns in the south and north had shaken the world, Sun Dushi.


    But in the future,


    in the hearts of the young, it is likely that they will regard Chen Sansi in the White Robe as their role model.


    But that''s just the young people.


    The prestige and position of Sun Xiangzong,


    are irreplaceable in the hearts of the middle-aged generals.


    "Lord Governor... "


    A few old officers, holding their fists, were a bit at a loss for words.


    "Hongze Camp."


    Sun Xiangzong came to the front of Hongze Camp: "You''ve just set up camp and achieved such great merits. According to the usual practice, I should personally reward you and select some external disciples."


    "But since it''s time for me to retire, naturally I can no longer teach."


    "I can only gift your Main General a weapon as a reward."


    "The future Beiliang will belong to you young people."


    "Buzz¡ª


    As his voice fell,


    in the eyes of tens of thousands,


    only a flash of spirit light was seen.


    When the light gradually faded,


    everyone saw,


    in Sun Xiangzong''s hands, holding a Silver Dragon.


    That was...


    the Longdan Bright Silver Spear!


    A weapon well-known to everyone!


    For the past sixty years, Sun Xiangzong has been traversing the world with it!


    Years ago.


    When Dasheng went to war with the West Qi Kingdom,


    due to special reasons, Sun Xiangzong could not personally dispatch troops. Even the gold medals from the Capital City and the Tiger Talismans in the Eight Camps were ineffective, until someone brought the Longdan Bright Silver Spear, which allowed the dispatch of troops and generals.


    Basically, it was a situation where the weapon was recognized over the person.


    It can be said, the one holding the Longdan Bright Silver Spear was the Commander of the Eight Camps.


    Now...


    In front of tens of thousands of soldiers, Sun Dushi handed over the Longdan Bright Silver Spear to Chen Sansi, the deep implication was self-evident!


    This was...


    Inheritance!


    The inheritance of the mantle!


    This was telling everyone,


    from now on,


    the White Robe will be Beiliang Army''s, "Heaven!"


    Even though he might not yet be the Supervisor,


    with this spear in hand,


    both mid and elder-aged generals would recognize it.


    "Thanks to Sun Dushi for bestowing the spear!"


    Chen Sansi received the silver spear with both hands, as if truly grasping a Silver Dragon in his hand, buzzing continuously, and even seemed somewhat uncontrollable.


    He also realized just now what his master had intended by letting him come to the camp.


    One generation replaces the former,


    A new generation replaces the old.


    Old master,


    This was passing on all the prestige accumulated over his lifetime.


    Publicly,


    handing it over to him.


    "Supervisor mighty!"


    "General Chen mighty¡ª"


    Within Hongze Camp,


    Zhao Kang and Zhu Tong exchanged glances, then led the shouting.


    "Supervisor mighty!"


    "General Chen mighty!"


    "..."


    The sound began to spread.


    Wave after wave,


    Soon.


    The word "mighty" echoed through the skies.

 Chapter 573 - 201: Above Martial Saint, the Court Grows Suspicious_3

    A military exercise.


    Also, amidst earth-shaking shouts, was declared finished.


    The soldiers were still cheering.


    Chen Sansi, however, retracted his silver spear and followed his master out of the barracks, making their way to the Immortal Crane Tower and up to a room on the top floor.


    "Ah, Supervisor Sun has arrived."


    The waiter led the way with a beaming smile, "Your guests have all arrived."


    "Good."


    Sun Xiangzong said as he pushed open the door.


    Inside,


    sitting around the dining table in the room, were a dozen or so people dressed luxuriously.


    They were not in official attire,


    yet Chen Sansi could still recognize that these people were officials from the varying levels of the nineteen bureaus of Liangzhou City.


    Of course, he could tell it was only a part of them, not all.


    Some of them even had ancestors who were ennobled. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    There were even hereditary marquises.


    ''Why has Master invited all these people here?''


    ''...''


    "Supervisor Sun!"


    "After many years, you are well, I trust!"


    "The one behind you must be General Chen Sansi, right?"


    "Indeed, just meeting you today, one can see you are impressive!"


    "Remarkable, truly remarkable!"


    "Sealing Langju Xu!"


    "This is a first!"


    "I myself used to be in the military, and I must drink a few more cups with General Chen later!"


    "..."


    "Shanshi."


    Sun Xiangzong leaned slightly and said, "Hurry and greet all the dignitaries."


    "I am honored to meet all the dignitaries."


    Everyone took their seats.


    After three rounds of drinks, the officials spoke up.


    "Supervisor Sun, rest assured!"


    "Once we return, we will petition the Capital City, requesting His Majesty to bestow upon Mr. Chen the appointment as the new Beiliang Governor."


    "Though we are not in the Cabinet,"


    "We are still the governor of a state, and to some extent, we must listen to the opinions of the local officials."


    "This is also for the good of Beiliang."


    "Before, it was Supervisor Sun."


    "In the future, with General Chen here, Liangzhou will be without worry!"


    "..."


    The banquet lasted until near midnight before it ended.


    Sun Xiangzong had people arrange for them to stay within the Governor Mansion, to stay for the wedding that was soon to follow.


    Soon, only the master and disciple remained in the room.


    "Boy."


    Sun Xiangzong, stroking his teacup, spoke up: "Do you know why I did what I did today?"


    "Please..."


    Chen Sansi hesitated: "Master, I await your instruction."


    "Since you chose to stay, you must aim higher, and only by ascending can you secure your stance in court and possess the power to be unconstrained by others."


    Sun Xiangzong explained unhurriedly: "The position of governor, it''s not that I insist you take it, but rather you must take it."


    "Especially after your contributions become substantial, you will need this position even more."


    "Before this, you know what the Beiliang Army went through, and the state your Hongze Camp is in; only with this position can you act with proper authority in whatever you do in the future."


    "Master''s words are true."


    Chen Sansi understood his master''s meaning.


    After expanding his camp,


    in name he was the Main General of the Beiliang Army''s Hongze Camp, but from Deputy General to Assistant General, all were from the Capital City, and while they followed his orders in battle, they would certainly not go against the court''s commands.


    In other words,


    if one day he displeased the Capital City,


    just a single transfer order could wipe clean all the foundations he had fought so hard for over the years.


    This was something he absolutely could not accept.


    One''s destiny must always be in one''s own hands.


    "Master has considered everything."


    Chen Sansi said: "But, will the Capital City agree?"


    "Heh, you naive boy, do you really think I can appoint you to however high a position I claim? First off, it''s about whether your own merits are fitting."


    Sun Xiangzong said: "Sealing Langju Xu¡ªsuch a great feat has never been achieved by me in all my life. Let alone a governor, if you were bold enough to petition for the title of State Duke, they might even agree.


    "A governor, after all,


    "is really just a title without substance."


    "What I can give you is just this superficial title."


    "Whether you truly become a governor or not will depend on you."


    "I will bear it in mind, Master."


    Chen Sansi said.


    "Take this."


    A jade scroll suddenly appeared in Sun Xiangzong''s hand.


    Chen Sansi took the jade scroll and examined it closely.


    "A True Power Realm cultivation technique."


    Sun Xiangzong explained: "Or as they often say in the Cultivation World, above the Martial Saint."


    "In the Cultivation World,


    "Cultivators say: To absorb the spiritual elements of the heavens and the earth, to cultivate the very root of all techniques, to create one''s own transformation, to transcend mortality, and ascend, that is the Heavenly Way, the true Immortal Path."


    "But in reality,"


    "They don''t know that the human body itself is the greatest treasure."


    "At the dawn of the ancient chaos, Divine Beasts dominated, demons roamed freely, but only the Human Race seized the heavens and earth''s creation, born amidst Spirit Essence, and could pass on through generations till this day. How could the human body possibly be weak?


    "Some people lack a Spirit Root and cannot cultivate the Dan Tian Technique, so they give up in despair, believing that in this life, they can no longer touch the supernatural, nor ever stand shoulder to shoulder with so-called Immortals."


    "Little do they know, the human body itself has hidden secrets!"


    "The difference between a True Power Warrior and one who has Transcended Mortality lies in transforming True Qi into True Power."


    "And to achieve this step, one needs to utilize Spiritual Power to refine the body once again."


    "In the True Power Realm cultivation technique, the human body is divided into¡ª"


    "Three parts, eight scenic gods, twenty-four truths."


    "Before this, you will need a treasure of heaven and earth to officially activate the secret within the human body."


    "Afterward, you can begin to refine your body."


    "Upper, middle, and lower three parts, corresponding to the eight scenic gods and twenty-four truths, once all are thoroughly refined, you then enter the realm of Great Perfection in the True Power Realm."


    "Three parts, eight scenic gods, twenty-four truths..."


    Chen Sansi inquired: "Then Master, what lies beyond the True Power Realm?"


    "In the Cultivation World, the cultivation techniques beyond the True Power Realm are forbidden, and aside from a few special sects and cultivators, no one is to cultivate them privately, and I also do not possess such techniques. You''ll have to explore that on your own."

 Chapter 574 - 201: Above Martial Saint, the Court Grows Suspicious_4

    Sun Xiangzong put down his tea cup, "Additionally, the decline of Martial Arts or Body Refinement is due to another crucial reason, which is that the path ahead... is severed."


    "The path is severed?" S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Sansi speculated, "Master, do you mean that there is no succession in the cultivation methods?"


    "Yes."


    Sun Xiangzong continued, "Once a certain realm is reached, the cultivation techniques and methods of Martial Arts cease to exist, whether they were deliberately destroyed or fell into oblivion on their own."


    "In any case."


    "Magic cultivators can ascend, but the path of ascension for martial cultivators is severed, and thus, there is no way to eternal life."


    "Moreover, martial cultivators need to temper their bodies. Compared to the resources consumed by magic cultivation, it requires significantly more, which is why there are fewer martial cultivators in the cultivation world."


    "But I believe, as long as one desires to walk, the path is beneath one''s feet!"


    "Cough cough cough..."


    At this point, he began to cough, "Of course, you are different from others; you have both a Spirit Root and a good talent for Martial Arts, so you can walk both paths simultaneously."


    "Sometimes."


    "Walking two paths at the same time can be easier than walking just one."


    "Cough cough cough cough cough..."


    "Crack¡ª"


    Sun Xiangzong''s face suddenly turned deathly pale, uncontrollably knocking over his tea cup, and ceramic shards splashed everywhere.


    "Master?!"


    Chen Sansi hurriedly stepped forward to support him, "It''s getting late, let me take you back to rest."


    "Hmm..."


    Sun Xiangzong said while walking, "Martial Arts Practitioners also need spiritual energy."


    "Magic cultivators absorb the nature''s spiritual energy through their Spirit Roots, and after circulating it through the Circulation, they refine it into mana, which is then stored in their Dantian."


    "Whereas in Martial Arts, practitioners inhale nature''s spiritual energy using Breathing Skills and then refine the Spiritual Power using Pile Work and techniques, similarly miraculous as the Martial Cultivation in the Transcendence Realm."


    "As for spiritual energy..."


    "Cough cough cough, I have prepared for you in advance some Spiritual Pearls... master..."


    "Master, let''s talk about these things slowly later."


    Chen Sansi said somewhat guiltily, "You should rest well first."


    "Impertinent disciple, it''s not your place to interrupt!"


    Sun Xiangzong chastised, "Those Spiritual Pearls are not only for your use. After taking them out, it''s equal to creating a Spiritual Vein Cave Mansion within a certain area. If you are willing, you can also share them with others."


    "A First-rank top-grade Spirit Vein is enough for your Martial Arts True Power Realm and the Foundation Establishment of the cultivators until then."


    "After that, if you still want to continue upward, you''ll have to find a way yourself."


    "Additionally."


    "Now that the seal on the Eastern Continent is loosening, other continent''s cultivators will gradually enter the Divine Continent, seeking other Spirit Veins. There will be more problems than fewer, so if you can handle them, handle them. If it''s too dangerous, avoiding them is also acceptable."


    "These things should have been managed by me, but I am truly no longer able to manage them."


    "There''s also Cao Kai, our Holy Emperor, the Emperor of Capital City."


    "Behind him also stand cultivators, but I do not know the specifics."


    "His cultivation realm is Qi Refining Perfection, and if I am not mistaken, he will be establishing his foundation soon. Combined with the National Guardian Seal and the Dragon Abyss Sword, after my death, he should rightfully be the strongest among the mortals. You should be aware of this."


    "Also, one more thing."


    "After I fall asleep, if one day I don''t wake up, remember to take off my ring too. Inside there are some things that you can take if you want, or destroy if you don''t."


    "The day after tomorrow is your grand wedding with Sun Li."


    "I have only this one daughter to offer to you."


    "And..."


    "Master, please stop talking."


    "Impertinent disciple, you don''t need to support me."


    "No matter how you scold me, today you must not exert yourself further by talking. Save your energy to drink the celebratory wine in a couple of days. I heard from your fourth disciple brother that you buried a jar of Daughter''s Red Wine behind the mountain at the Governor Mansion, which was made from ingredients from the cultivation world."


    "You kid, really planning to drain me dry, huh."


    "..."


    ...


    When Chen Sansi escorted his master to the Governor Mansion, he found that they had already started preparing the wedding decorations.


    When he returned home, Si Qinmohua was also bustling about indoors and outdoors.


    Red lanterns, the character ''double happiness,'' red silk, red carpets, everything appeared festively joyous.


    "Master."


    Si Qin hurriedly said, "Master, you''ve finally come back. The tailor has sent the wedding attires, please try them on quickly to see if they fit. If they don''t, we still have time to alter them."


    With the help of two maids.


    Chen Sansi tried three sets of wedding garments back and forth until well into the night before he could finally relax.


    He did not rest but went directly to Ning Xiang''s room.


    "Is the General back?"


    A seductive voice emanated from the bed, veiled in haziness, "Coming to my room in the middle of the night, have you finally decided to cultivate the Yin Yang Harvesting Path with me?"


    "For the time of a cup of tea."


    Chen Sansi said, "Call your silly disciple to my room too."


    "Who are you calling a fool?!"


    Zhaozhao had already arrived, fuming.


    Inside the room.


    Chen Sansi took out the Spiritual Pearl.


    Upon his activation, waves of spiritual energy immediately diffused like a dense fog.


    Fortunately, having an extra person wouldn''t cause him to absorb less; allowing the two of them to use it together wouldn''t hurt. If their cultivation could improve somewhat, they would be able to play a bigger role in the future.


    [Divine Skills: Controlling Immortals (entry-level)]


    [Progress: 25/100]


    Last time at the ends of the earth, they had also faced trouble together, and his proficiency in the skill of Controlling Immortals had increased, although it was uncertain what effects and functions advancing it would have.


    The grand wedding was in five days.


    During these days.


    Chen Sansi, besides practicing "Five Elements Decision," was also researching cultivation techniques above Martial Saint.

 Chapter 575 - 201: Above Martial Saint, the Court Grows Suspicious_5

    He injected a sliver of Spiritual Power into the Jade Scroll, whereupon the contents of the Cultivation Technique emerged in his mind in the form of text accompanied by images.


    The alchemy recipe he had bought in Daze Fang City was also recorded in this manner.


    The name of the True Power Realm Cultivation Technique his master had passed on to him was brief, merely two words: "Dragon Scripture."


    Needless to say, the Pile Work and moves were complex and ever-changing.


    Yet, the most intricate part turned out to be the Breathing Skill.


    The "Dragon Scripture" came with a corresponding Breathing Skill, a choice among the Five Elements Breathing Methods, to be refined further later on.


    His master practiced the Gold Breathing Method, and according to his constitution and Martial Arts background, he recommended the "Fire Breathing Technique" for him.


    After all, there was no distinction of strength in Breathing Skills.


    Thus, Chen Sansi started practicing the Fire Breathing Technique first.


    While the Pile Work and moves were complex and required Spiritual Energy, they were no trouble for him; he was proficient after just two days. The Breathing Skill, however, not only tested his constitution but also demanded great perceptiveness.


    Pile Work and moves were essentially killing techniques, whose main purpose in cultivation was to refine Spiritual Energy and strengthen the physical body, whereas the Breathing Skill related to the speed of cultivation.


    Even though he was exceptionally perceptive, it still took him four full days to master it. Then, combined with the Pile Work and moves, he skillfully performed the entire set of Dragon Scripture.


    Three sections, eight scenic beauties, twenty-four truths!


    The upper section''s Eight Scenic Gods, enshrined within the Upper Yuan Palace of the human body, consisted of Enlightened Yuanzi, Mysterious Father Hua, Tong Zhong, Ling Jiansheng, Ling Mo Gai, Yi Lifu, Zhong Longyu, and Shi Liangzhi.


    They corresponded to the Brain God, Hair God, Skin God, Eye God, Neck Marrow God, Lu Shen, Nose God, and Tongue God.


    In essence, these were parts of the human body.


    In the theory of Martial Arts.


    Inside the body, there reside gods!


    Or rather, the person themselves is a god!


    The process of cultivation is a step-by-step unlocking of these secrets or refining of the divine body until the flesh becomes divine and capable of destroying heavens and earth.


    The upper section''s Eight Scenic Gods, simply put, are parts above the neck.


    But this is just the beginning of "Jing Shen"; it does not only refine the flesh above the neck. During cultivation, Spiritual Energy purifies the entire body, though in actual combat, the extent of "Jing Shen" one has unlocked manifests differing levels of strength.


    [Cultivation Technique: Dragon Scripture (entry-level)]


    [Progress: 0/100]


    [Utility: None]


    Just starting to cultivate.


    Lacking the heavenly treasures to activate Jing Shen, he could never touch the real threshold.


    Chen Sansi had no choice but to give up.


    The so-called heavenly treasures weren''t prepared by his master, no doubt because he was too busy.


    Of course.


    He was not a helpless infant.


    If one had to rely on elders for everything, why bother practicing Martial Arts at all, or how would one be worthy of the "saint" in Martial Arts Saint?


    Let it be.


    It wasn''t an urgent matter anyway.


    After his grand wedding, he''d find an appropriate time to visit Daze Fang City again; there would always be a way.


    Unexpectedly, even the old Emperor was nearly at the Foundation Establishment stage.


    It seems his practice had been long and his talent not lacking.


    He gathered his thoughts.


    Chen Sansi calmly cultivated the "Five Elements Decision."


    When he opened his eyes again, he heard the sound of gongs and drums, and the voice of Si Qin.


    "Master, hurry!"


    "Everyone outside is waiting for you, don''t miss the hour!"


    ...


    Governor Mansion.


    Chen Sansi, dressed in a red wedding robe and riding a White Swan Horse adorned with red flowers, was followed by a grand eight-bearer sedan chair, surrounded by numerous ceremonial attendants and spectators.


    After going through the necessary ceremony, he arrived at the hall of the Governor Mansion.


    The bride, dressed in a vibrant red phoenix crown and robe, her face covered with a red veil, looking dignified, emerged slowly with the help of the joyous matrons, gently grabbing the other end of the red silk ribbon connected to the groom.


    Then came the couple''s bowing ceremony, as well as offering tea to their master.


    Ji, Rong Yanqiu, and other senior brothers and sisters had also returned early, making merry on the side.


    After completing the necessary ceremonies, it was time to entertain the guests.


    Chen Sansi noticed that the attendees of the banquet included not only officials from Liangzhou but also many from other regions.


    He toasted each one.


    Mingling with these officials.


    His master had bestowed even his limited connections upon him...


    He kept the guests company with good wine until Liang Lingzhi, while laughed and cheered on by his fellow disciples, finally returned home. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The second inner courtyard, another chamber, served as the bridal chamber.


    He opened the door.The candlelight flickered.


    Behind the curtains, the bride sat on the bed.


    "Have you returned?"


    "Yes, senior sister."


    "Still calling me senior sister?"


    "Wife? I think ''senior sister'' is quite good, no delay."


    "Hmm, as you wish, junior brother."


    "Senior sister, according to the customs of the Sheng people, aren''t we supposed to drink cross-cupped wine?"


    "It''s on the table."


    Chen Sansi picked up the pre-prepared daughter''s red wine, poured two glasses, and then the two of them sat on the edge of the bed, their arms intertwined, drinking the fine wine together.


    "Senior sister, doesn''t this wine taste off?"


    "Off?"


    "Try it again."


    "Hmm~"


    ...


    Capital City.


    Longevity Palace.


    Members of the Cabinet gathered here.


    Behind the curtains.


    The voice of the Old Emperor was as calm as a deep well.


    "Let''s talk about Chen Sansi''s matter, what do you think would be an appropriate reward?"


    "Your Majesty."


    Ming Qingfeng said, "For such Heavenly Merits, bestowing a marquisate would be the minimum, but... recently, Sun Xiangzong has often been filing petitions, suggesting the position of Beiliang Governor for Chen Sansi."


    "I''ve seen the petitions too, and there are many local officials from Liangzhou as well, all of whom seem to hope Chen Sansi would succeed as the next Governor."Yan Maoxing spoke: "But we had previously agreed that after Sun Xiangzong''s death, we would abolish the title of Governor, never to be reinstated. After all, the Governor''s authority is too great nominally: they can regulate troops during peacetime and command all military and administrative matters of three states during war. Such Sealed Border Governors are indeed difficult to control, and Sun Xiangzong is a prime example." />

 Chapter 576 - 201: Above Martial Saint, the Court Grows Suspicious_6

    "Yes."


    Minister of Personnel Yin Mingchun, who was also the father of Yin Hanwen, said, "Sun Xiangzong pulling such a move before his death, I don''t know what he''s up to. In my humble opinion, granting him the title of marquis is acceptable, but the position of Supervisor should absolutely not be allowed."


    "I also feel it is inappropriate."


    "Yes, indeed."


    "The position of Supervisor was only set up in the Beiliang because of unceasing warfare which often led to emergencies, requiring someone who could take charge at any moment, but now that the conflict at the Northern Territory has ended, there is completely no benefit in retaining the position of Supervisor."


    "That''s correct."


    "..."


    Emperor Longqing''s voice rang out, "Yan Liang, Ming Qingfeng, you two stay. The rest may leave."


    "Yes!"


    Several ministers bowed and withdrew.


    Inside the hall.


    Only Yan Liang, Ming Qingfeng, and Jinyi Guard Zhangsun Xusheng remained.


    Zhangsun Xusheng reported, "Your Majesty, lately, Sun Xiangzong has been doing more than just writing petitions."


    "Not long ago, he even went to the Martial Arts Arena and in front of tens of thousands of people, handed over his Longdan Bright Silver Spear to Chen Sansi."


    "Chen Sansi''s wedding banquet with his daughter also invited quite a number of officials."


    "The implications need not be elaborated."


    "Indeed, Your Majesty."


    Ming Qingfeng concurred, "After finally getting rid of Sun Xiangzong, our Great Sheng Dynasty absolutely cannot allow another Sealed Border Governor who is not restrained by the court. What''s the difference between that and the feudal princes from Da Xia two thousand years ago?


    Looking through the historical records.


    All the great chaos in past dynasties has been caused by military towns rebelling."


    "Although..."


    "So far, Chen Sansi has shown no disrespect towards the court, but there''s no guarantee he won''t change in the future."


    "Every great treacherous minister in history started as a loyal subject and a fine general. It was the excessive power in their hands that turned them into traitors. With so many precedents, we absolutely cannot make the same mistake."


    "Lord Ming speaks wisely, and moreover, Your Majesty, this loyalty of Chen Sansi is not necessarily genuine."


    Zhangsun Xusheng said with clasped hands, "The battle in the Northern Territory had too many anomalies."


    "Based on subsequent verification by Chu Shixiong and others."


    "Their Great Snow Dragon Riders and Heavenly Gate Formation are different from what was practiced by the Capital City''s troops."


    "That... could really utilize Heavenly Phenomena"


    "This is the third time."


    "The first time was at the Silver Pine Cliff in Lingzhou, the Heavenly Thunder striking Nan Xu."


    "The second time was the heavy fog during the decisive battle at Hu Lao."


    "The Heavenly Book, originally obtained by Chen Sansi during the battle of Ming State, could he be hiding something else?"


    "Furthermore."


    "This time."


    "Chen Sansi not only claimed the lives of ten thousand men but also took down six Martial Saints including at the Agate River. Even though he himself is a Martial Saint, this is absolutely impossible to achieve."


    "In my opinion, Sun Xiangzong must have passed on the legacy to him long ago."


    "The legacy may not be important."


    "But the fact that Chen Sansi has not handed it over to the court, nor even informed the Liangzhou Supervising Army Mr. Hou Hou, this is very important."


    One of the Jinyi Guard''s duties is to supervise officials.


    Located in the Capital City.


    If they really want to investigate.


    They can clearly find out not only what a particular official had for dinner, how many dishes were served, what kind of liquor they drank, with whom, and even exactly how many cups they had."


    "Yan Liang."


    The voice of Emperor Longqing was emotionless, "Your opinion?"


    The only one not standing but sitting on a stool, Chief Minister Yan Liang, slowly began to speak, "I believe we can agree."


    "Mr. Yan?"


    Ming Qingfeng hastily said, "How can we agree to this? Do you want to create another Sun Xiangzong?"


    "Lord Ming, please be patient and listen to me explain," said Yan Liang, his aged voice resonating slowly. "Earlier, you all said the position of Supervisor is too important. In fact, it is not so. The power of any official position is determined by the court."


    "Take the current situation of the Beiliang Army for example."


    "After expansion, a large portion has been replaced, and it''s no longer the time when loyalty was only to the weapon and not to the people."


    "Regardless of the circumstances, it was General Chen who achieved Heavenly Merit. If we do not meet even this small request, it''s inevitable to discourage the hearts of the military officers in the realm." S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Furthermore, the title of Supervisor is but a nominal position."


    "After appointing Chen Sansi as Supervisor, we can promote General Ji Ji of Beiliang as the Liangzhou Governor so they can check and balance each other."


    "In addition, I have another recommendation."


    "Speak."


    Emperor Longqing said calmly.


    "At the beginning of the establishment of our Great Sheng Dynasty, the management of military power was very reasonable. The local generals only had the responsibility to lead soldiers, without the authority to deploy them. In times of war, a general would be dispatched from the Capital City to take command."


    "Only due to the frequent wars over the past hundred years, it was really unsustainable."


    "But now, after successive large-scale wars, peace has temporarily been restored everywhere. I believe it is time to revert to the old system."


    Yan Liang paused for a moment, then continued, "Therefore, we can not only comply with Sun Xiangzong''s request to reward General Chen but also bestow a significant title. After which, Chen Sansi can be transferred to a post in the Capital City.


    "As long as he is in the Capital City, in a few years, his connection with the frontier troops will weaken, and there won''t be any need to worry about him harboring too much power."


    "Moreover, in future wars, we can deploy Chen Sansi as needed, making full use of his talent."


    "With such arrangements."


    "It not only fulfills Sun Xiangzong''s wish, setting an example for all, but also avoids alienating General Chen. After all, he is a rare military genius, still needed for many tasks in the future."


    "Hmm, you all listen."


    Emperor Longqing said thoughtfully, "I still like how Yan Liang handles matters comprehensively. Proceed with this plan, confer Chen Sansi the title of marquis. What title should we bestow upon him?"


    "For the battle at the Northern Territory, a ten-thousand-mile raid, slaying over ten thousand enemies, Sealing Langju Xu, and valor unsurpassed in the army."


    "He should be conferred the title of Champion Marquis."

 Chapter 583 - 203: Chess Game

    "..."


    Chen Sansi remained silent.


    He did not rush to respond.


    Before his master had departed,


    he had warned him repeatedly to beware of the Dragon Abyss Sword and the Immortal Master behind the Emperor.


    Originally,


    on Langju Xu Mountain, Chen Sansi had barely managed to slay the Witch God Sect''s high priest in the late stage of Qi Refining by gathering War Intent from killing thousands and with the amplification of the Great Snow Dragon Riders'' Heavenly Dragon Formation.


    As for the old Emperor,


    he had reached Qi Refining Perfection years ago. His Dragon Abyss Sword could even cleave through the Blood Sacrifice Array, and he also possessed a National Guardian Seal.


    Additionally, with the Beiliang Army, Chen Sansi truly didn''t control much now.


    He probably...


    still lacked the standing to outright refuse.


    Once their master was gone,


    there was no one else to stand in front of them anymore.


    "Enter the Capital City?"


    The rest of his senior brothers and sisters knew immediately the malicious intent behind it.


    If their junior brother truly settled in the Capital City away from the frontiers, even with significant prestige, he would gradually lose control over the army.


    Then, he would really be like a tiger bound in Mystic Iron Chains.


    You would have to do whatever you were told.


    Otherwise, they could demand your life at any time.


    "Damn it."


    Wang Zhi almost blurted out a curse.


    The other senior brothers silently watched Chen Sansi.


    They were waiting.


    Waiting for their junior brother.


    To decide for himself.


    Just as Fang Qingyun had said after a banquet some days before.


    What they would do next still depended on what kind of life Chen Sansi wanted to lead.


    If the junior brother accepted these terms,


    in some respects, he would indeed live relatively easier, though not as freely, with many aspects restricted.


    After all, throughout the ages, ministers always had to obey orders obediently.


    But this was also not unreasonable as long as the junior brother was willing and could take good care of his junior brothers and sisters; they would have nothing else to say.


    "Mr. Chen, why aren''t you hurrying to accept the decree?"


    Mr. Hou''s voice rose again, doubling in volume from before.


    "I, accept the decree gratefully!"


    Chen Sansi received the imperial edict with both hands.


    Thereafter,


    Mr. Hou produced another set of orders.


    "National Guardian General Cheng Wei listen, you are hereby appointed as Commissioner of Ming State''s Commanding Department from Second-rank Deputy Commander, set off immediately!"


    "National Stabilizing General Meng Guangxin listen, the Holy Emperor is benevolent and knows General Meng loves Buddhist teachings. Now that the war in the Northern Territory has ended, you are specially appointed Director of Chengtian Temple, set off immediately!"


    "General Feng listen, you are hereby appointed as Commissioner of Qing State''s Commanding Department from Second-rank Deputy Commander, set off immediately!"


    "National Guardian General Tang Ruoshan listen, you are hereby appointed as Commander of Hezhou Tiger and Leopard Camp, assist Prince Zhen Nan to guard the southern border, set off immediately!"


    "National Stabilizing General Rong Yanqiu listen, you are appointed Overseer of the Sixth Bureau of the Inner Palace, set off immediately!"


    "..."


    In just a few sentences,


    the lives of several senior brothers and sisters who had mixed in the army for most of their lives were scattered to all corners of the world.


    "I, accept the decree!"


    "I, accept the decree!"


    "..."


    Rong Yanqiu and the others, unable to wait for their junior brother to speak, displayed somewhat disappointed expressions and then gradually accepted the orders one after another.


    But just as Meng Guangxin reluctantly finished accepting the last decree and Mr. Hou prepared to leave, S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Sansi''s voice suddenly rang out.


    "Mr. Hou! I have a request to present!"


    "Oh?"


    Mr. Hou raised his eyebrows, "Mr. Chen, please speak freely; I will report every word exactly to His Majesty."


    He spoke,


    and there were already two Jinyi Guards beside him taking out paper, one Jinyi Guard ready to write.


    "Our Great Sheng Dynasty values rites, loyalty, and filial piety,"


    Chen Sansi said loudly, "There''s also a saying, ''Among a hundred virtues, filial piety is the most important.'' According to the rules set by the saintly Confucian scholars, one whose father has passed should return to their hometown to observe mourning for seven years."


    "I and others dare not disobey His Majesty''s orders."


    "However, my master has just passed away seven days ago."


    "If we, as brothers, were to rush to our new postings at this time, would it not be greatly unfilial?"


    "If possible,"


    "My fellow brothers and I would like to remain in Liangzhou to observe mourning for seven years. After seven years, we will each assume our appointed positions in accordance with the decree."


    Upon hearing this,


    everyone present was taken aback.


    The Confucian scholars of this world indeed had once set such a rule.


    The Great Sheng Dynasty indeed upheld Confucianism.


    Many military officers were also martial scholars.


    But this rule was set over two thousand years ago.


    Seven years is indeed a long time.


    As things developed, it had already changed to seven days of mourning.


    But no one doing it didn''t mean it was incorrect.


    On the contrary,


    if one person were willing to do so, it would actually earn the praise of the scholars all over the world, as a correct example to follow.


    Rong Yanqiu and the others then understood.


    Their junior brother was not compromising.


    Instead, he was preparing to negotiate in this way.


    If they really did stay in Liangzhou for seven years, by then the world would have completely changed.


    But obviously,


    the court would not agree to this.


    "Marquis Chen is truly a man of loyalty and filial piety,"


    Mr. Hou, after pondering, replied, "But in loyalty and filial piety, loyalty comes first! General Chen is indeed a pillar of the state, a rare military talent. Moreover, now that the barbarians have been subdued, confining him to just Liangzhou is indeed somewhat a waste of his talents."


    "On the other hand, Nan Xu and the other two states secretly engage in alliances and plots."


    "His Majesty is transferring General Chen to the Capital City also to ensure that should war arise again, General Chen can take command of the troops from any part with the utmost haste, so as not to miss the opportunity for battle."


    "This shows how much His Majesty trusts General Chen, how important he is, essentially planning to put all the troops under his command."


    "But to observe mourning for seven years..."

 Chapter 584 - 203: Chess Game_2

    "Your Majesty will surely agree, but the court cannot be without General Chen for seven years,"


    It was a statement.


    Seemingly flattering, but in reality, a refusal.


    "Mr. Hou, I also know that since ancient times, it has been difficult to fulfill both loyalty and filial piety,"


    Chen Sansi spoke again, "But even if one is to show loyalty, it does not mean one must completely forsake filial piety.


    "Two thousand years ago, the one known as the Military Immortal, Yu Shanggong, on his return home for his father''s funeral amidst a war the Great Zhou Court launched against foreign enemies, commanded all military affairs through letters during his three years of mourning; only after the completion of those three years did he rejoin the fight."


    "Our peers should take the Military Immortal as a role model. Even if we are military men with duty binding us, we cannot wait seven years, but at the very least, three years is the minimum,"


    The Military Immortal Yu Shanggong.


    He was the greatest loyal minister through the ages.


    Back then, during the late period of the West Zhou, when the vassals rose up to divide the territory, Yu Shanggong received the command in times of peril to be the minister charged with the care of an heir, taking the mere six-year-old prince from the corner of Northwest and, with his own power, recaptured the entire territory, creating the prosperous era of the East Zhou. Afterwards, he actively handed power back to the Emperor, who respected him as a second father until Yu Shanggong''s death. His descendants inherited his ranks without replacement, thus completing a tale of Emperor and minister for the ages.


    Using him as an example would brook no denial.


    Even if the Emperor were here, he would have nothing to say.


    "This...,"


    Mr. Hou hesitated, not knowing how to respond for a moment.


    "Right, Mr. Hou!"


    Wang Zhi took the lead to shout, "We beg you to convey to His Majesty that even if we return to being commoners, we wish to stay in Liangzhou for three years to observe mourning for our master!"


    "Please relay this to His Majesty!"


    The other senior brothers and sisters in turn echoed the same sentiment.


    With the conversation having reached this point,


    It was not something that Mr. Hou, an eunuch, could refuse.


    He had no choice but to temporarily compromise, "I have taken note of the words of you generals, and all your requests will be conveyed to the court for the Emperor to make the final decision."


    "If so, our thanks to you, Mr. Hou."


    Chen Sansi gave a salute with his fists.


    "However, Mr. Chen, may I have a word in private?"


    Mr. Hou raised his eyebrows, making a gesture of invitation.


    The two moved to a corner.


    "Mr. Hou."


    Chen Sansi had an inkling of what mattered but still feigned ignorance, "May I know what you wish to instruct?"


    "Mr. Chen, the court has always placed great trust in you!"


    Mr. Hou said, "Recall when you crossed the river from Yunzhou to Liangzhou, it was His Majesty who proclaimed your name throughout the land to establish your repute, and blessed you with numerous treasure medicines. It was with these that you were able to prevail in the Selected Point and become the closed-door disciple of Supervisor Sun, correct? So Mr. Chen, please do not act in any way that would break the court''s heart."


    "Mr. Hou, what do you mean by that!"


    Chen Sansi glared angrily, his voice rising sharply, "I, Chen Sansi, have taken blades for His Majesty, shed blood for the court, and now I simply wish to fulfill filial obligations to my master¡ªhow come in your mouth, it seems like some act of treason?!"


    "Mr., Mr. Chen, I didn''t mean that,"


    Mr. Hou was startled.


    He patted his chest with a hand shafted like a hooked orchid to soothe his nerves, "I also acknowledge that Mr. Chen is indeed a loyal minister and great general, so you would not withhold anything from the court."


    "I understand."


    A flash of silver light appeared in Chen Sansi''s hand, and suddenly, a Silver Dragon surfaced. As True Qi surged, it made Mr. Hou retreat repeatedly in fear.


    He said gravely, "This spear was personally passed down to me by my master. Are you suggesting it should also be handed over to the court? I''m willing to, but after all, it is merely a weapon. Even if taken to the Capital City, surely someone must wield it rather than let it collect dust in the arsenal?"


    "A great spear belongs to a hero; naturally, Marquis Chen should use this spear,"


    Mr. Hou said, "My lord, please do not misunderstand, the court has absolutely no intention of taking any possessions from you, but some things could perhaps be shared? For example, Cultivation Techniques.


    "If Supervisor Sun''s martial arts could be passed down more broadly, it would count as establishing a lineage and earning a lasting reputation for him.


    "Moreover."


    "Are there any special items among his legacy that might pertain to certain secrets? Mr. Chen, even if you kept them, they would be of no use to you.


    "Lastly."


    "Regarding the Heavenly Book, we hope Mr. Chen could give an account, or perhaps if there is a special method needed to utilize the Formation to manipulate the Heavenly Phenomenon, my lord should kindly inform me of that as well."


    Secrets...


    Do they refer to the token of the Guardian?


    And ultimately, they desire the Martial Arts Technique above the rank of Martial Saint.


    This Technique...


    He never passed it to outsiders during his life, which means he did not wish it to be disseminated.


    Chen Sansi naturally could not disobey his master''s order.


    As for the Xuanzhu...


    It pertains to the use of the true Heavenly Book Array and is related to the future Skill of Controlling Immortals; it contained Mr. Mei''s Mana¡ªhow could he possibly hand it over willingly?


    This was something...


    He had fought desperately to obtain.


    However... sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It seemed these matters could no longer be brushed off.


    No matter.


    He would stall for as long as possible.


    Determined, Chen Sansi was about to speak out when he heard the squeaking sound of a wheelchair.


    "Mr. Hou."


    Fang Qingyun alone approached, pushing the wheelchair, "You don''t need to ask my junior brother anymore. Our master''s belongings were given to me in advance."


    "Senior brother?"


    Chen Sansi looked over, and the other''s gaze signalled him to remain silent.


    "General Fang?"


    Mr. Hou skeptically said, "The Longdan Bright Silver Spear was publicly passed to General Chen by Supervisor Sun; you..."


    "What, you doubt it?"


    Fang Qingyun spoke calmly, "A True Power Realm Martial Arts Technique and the secret to activating the Heavenly Book Array¡ªit''s all in my hands."

 Chapter 585 - 203: Chess Game_3

    Mr. Hou pondered.


    He remembered.


    During the battle at Hulaoguan, Fang Qingyun was indeed there.


    Therefore,


    it was indeed possible that he was aware of the Formation''s details.


    He tentatively said, "If that''s the case, then I must trouble General Fang to bring out the items for me to hand over to His Majesty. Rest assured, the court only wishes to further develop it. Whether it''s General Chen or General Fang, anyone who wishes to cultivate a technique above Martial Saint will be able to obtain a copy, and the secret recipes of the Formations capable of influencing Heavenly Phenomenon will also be available for all generals to use."


    "No."


    Fang Qingyun shook his head slightly, "Mr. Hou, this is a matter of great importance, and I''m afraid it''s not appropriate to hand it over to you."


    "What''s inappropriate?"


    Mr. Hou asked in confusion, "I am the Liangzhou Supervising Army, and I''m also a liaison between Liangzhou and the Capital City."


    "Very well,"


    Fang Qingyun said indifferently, "In that case, if there are any issues with the items in the future, it will be your responsibility, and I, as well as General Chen, will have nothing to do with it."


    "What do you mean by that?"


    Mr. Hou said with an embarrassed smile, "I am not capable of shouldering such a heavy responsibility, but General Fang, what you mean to say... could it be..."


    "Exactly."


    Fang Qingyun said with extreme calm, "I will personally go to the Capital and hand over the items to the court."


    "Oh?"


    After pondering for a moment, Mr. Hou immediately agreed, "If that''s the case, very good! Then we must trouble General Fang. May I know when you can depart? As this matter is of great importance, it would be best not to delay."


    "I can leave at any time."


    Fang Qingyun said, leaning back in his chair, "I am alone and do not need to pack anything."


    "Very good, very good!"


    Mr. Hou said quite satisfied, "Then I will arrange for it immediately. We will leave before noon. Rest assured, there will be Martial Saints and the Jinyi Guard to escort you, and there will be absolutely no trouble."


    As he spoke, he hurriedly left to prepare for the escort.


    "Fourth brother?"


    Chen Sansi looked at his senior brother, hoping the latter would explain.


    The items were clearly in his possession, and the senior brother seemed ready to take all the responsibility upon himself...


    And even...


    To go to the Capital?!


    "Old Four, what are you doing?"


    Wang Zhi and the other senior brothers and sisters gathered around. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Clearly,


    nobody knew he had planned this.


    "Everyone, stay calm."


    Fang Qingyun''s clear voice slowly entered their ears, "Since no one wants to leave, someone must go to the Capital and explain the situation clearly."


    "..."


    Chen Sansi could see what his senior brother was trying to do.


    Without handing over the legacy,


    neither he nor the other senior brothers and sisters could possibly stay in Liangzhou.


    The fourth senior brother.


    He was preparing to go to the Capital himself to buy them time.


    Their master was gone.


    The fourth senior brother stepped up.


    For a moment,


    the scene fell into silence.


    Everyone stood in a circle around the wheelchair, looking down at the Green Robed Scholar sitting on it.


    "Cough cough cough..."


    Fang Qingyun coughed as he leaned forward, "What are you all doing? It''s just a trip to the Capital, and it''s not as if I haven''t been there before. Every time you got into trouble, wasn''t it the master who led me there? I''m already familiar with the journey, and I''ll be back once everything is settled."


    "Senior brother,"


    Chen Sansi spoke up, "The items aren''t with you."


    No matter whether it''s the Cultivation Technique or the Xuanzhu,


    the fourth senior brother doesn''t have any.


    He might not have even seen one.


    If he arrives at the Capital City without anything to show, I''m afraid there will be trouble.


    "Don''t worry,"


    Fang Qingyun said with a light chuckle, "I have them."


    "..."


    Chen Sansi understood.


    The senior brother had planned ahead.


    He couldn''t stop him, nor did he know how to.


    Within an hour,


    the Jinyi Guard arrived with a carriage to pick up their charge.


    "Fourth, you, you''re being too hasty,"


    Meng Guangxin''s rough voice boomed, "Deciding to leave just like that without a heads-up."


    "Enough, enough, it''s not like I won''t come back,"


    Fang Qingyun waved his hand, "Move aside."


    "Fourth brother!"


    Ji, who had intentionally left early after receiving his reward, also rushed over after hearing the news, "You''re leaving?"


    "You''re just in time."


    Fang Qingyun pulled out a letter from his chest, "This is from Master, for you. Little junior brother, push me along."


    "Alright."


    Chen Sansi silently pushed his senior brother through the crowd.


    "Junior brother,"


    Fang Qingyun sat in front of the wheelchair, his expression unclear, only his clear voice audible, "Now that you hold a position of power, in the future, you must think thrice before acting. After I leave, Liangzhou will be relying on you."


    "Senior brother, how long until you return?"


    Chen Sansi asked, "If everything goes well, why don''t you come back and keep filial vigil for Master?"


    "Two months,"


    Fang Qingyun calculated, "I will return in two months."


    "Alright."


    Chen Sansi stopped in his tracks.


    Two members of the Jinyi Guard lifted Fang Qingyun onto the carriage.


    The carriage curtain fell, concealing his figure.


    "Giddy up¡ª"


    Before long,


    the carriage procession left the Military City, entered the bustling streets, quickly reached a crossroad, turned a corner, and vanished from sight completely.


    ...


    Ends of the earth.


    An endless sea of fog.


    Two cultivators sat on a boat, a golden Boundary repelling the fog, emitting a "crackling" grating noise.


    One cultivator had a mustache and clutched a wine gourd, completely drunk.


    The other, a man of impressive bearing, stood disdainfully at the other end of the Spirit Boat.


    "Junior brother~"


    The drunken cultivator slurred, "Aren''t you going to have a drink too?"


    Wang Jun did not acknowledge him.


    Qu Yuanxiang talked to himself, "Ay, ay, ay~ What bad luck, having the two of us come down to the mundane world for this arduous task."


    "Arduous task?"


    Wang Jun glanced at him and said, "If we can find a Spirit Vein, let''s not talk about Foundation Establishment Resources, even the resources for future Core Formation won''t be a concern, and countless people would want to come."


    "Heh~"

 Chapter 586 - 203: Chess Game_4

    Qu Yuanxiang wrinkled his wine-sodden nose, "That''s true, and once we reach the Eastern Continent, no matter what, I''m considered an Immortal and no longer bound by the sect''s restrictions.


    "I can do whatever I want!


    "That''s indeed a delightful thing!"


    "Don''t just focus on pleasure."


    Wang Jun said, "We must prioritize the important tasks of our sect! Not only us, but after the seal loosens, other sects will also gradually enter the Eastern Continent. Whoever controls the land first will own the Spirit Veins discovered there. We must hurry!"


    "Fine, fine, fine~"


    With a drunken mirth, Qu Yuanxiang said, "However, I heard that the Emperor of Sheng Country even has connections with the Elder, telling us to treat him with respect. I really don''t know, what''s there to respect about a mundane emperor."


    "He''s about to reach Foundation Establishment."


    Wang Jun replied, "He''s not inferior to you or me."


    "What? Someone in this wretched place can reach Foundation Establishment?"


    As the two conversed,


    The Spirit Boat had already sailed out of the heavy fog.


    With a wave of his hand, Wang Jun stowed the Spirit Boat into his sleeve, and then the two soared into the sky, speeding past Nan Xu, flying towards Dasheng.


    ...


    Dasheng.


    Capital City.


    Longevity Palace.


    Emperor Longqing sat atop a cushion, fingers forming seals, circulating his Spiritual Power, expelling the Evil Qi from his body.


    Although it was only a slight contamination,


    It required a great deal of effort.


    Only at dusk one day did he finally pause, "Come in."


    "Your Majesty."


    Huang Hong had been waiting outside the palace for many days.


    "How is it going."


    The voice of Emperor Longqing seemed to arise from an abyss, "By dates, Chen Sansi and his family should also be arriving soon."


    "Your Majesty..."


    Huang Hong bowed and said, "Chen Sansi is still in Liangzhou."


    "Still in Liangzhou?"


    Emperor Longqing emphasized elongated, "What, does he intend to disobey again?"


    "That''s not it."


    Huang Hong replied, "Chen Sansi said he wants to observe three years of mourning in Liangzhou and even cited the Military Immortal Yu Shanggong as an example..."


    "Mist shrouds cold water; the moon envelops the sand, mooring by the desolate mount near dwellings at night."


    Emperor Longqing murmured, "The fog is thick, unwilling to reveal its true form, there are ghosts in his heart."


    "Yes, Your Majesty."


    Huang Hong said, "What should your servant arrange next?"


    "Issue an order to Liangzhou, summon him to the Capital City to appear before me."


    After giving his instructions, Emperor Longqing set aside the matter and asked, "What day is it?"


    "To reply Your Majesty''s question,"


    After confirming seriously, Huang Hong answered, "The twenty-ninth of the first month."


    "Just right."


    Emperor Longqing commanded, "You go arrange for them to come to the Longevity Palace to see me."


    "Your servant understands."


    Huang Hong bowed and left.


    Shortly after, he returned.


    Emperor Longqing, behind the curtain, remained silent, quietly waiting for him to speak.


    "Your Majesty."


    Huang Hong respectfully said, "Your servant deserves death. These days your servant has been outside protecting the law, and some news was missed. According to the messages delivered subsequently, Chen Sansi did not come to Liangzhou, but Fang Qingyun did, and it is said he came bearing Cultivation Techniques superior to that of Martial Saint and the secrets of the Heavenly Book Array, now settled within the Capital City."


    "Bring him to see me."


    "Yes!"


    Two hours later.


    Twelfth Prince Cao Zhi, escorting Fang Qingyun, arrived in the hall.


    "When your master passed away, I was in seclusion; otherwise, I would have definitely attended the mourning in person. I hope you will contain your sorrow and accept this change," he continued, his voice deepening, "However, Fang Qingyun, I did not decree for you to come to the Capital City."


    "Cough cough cough..." S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Fang Qingyun softly coughed twice: "I hope Your Majesty will forgive me; the matter is of great importance, and your servant could not trust others to handle it."


    As he spoke, he took out a book and a talisman from his bosom.


    After Huang Hong inspected them, he handed them beyond the curtain.


    Soon after, the sound of pages turning arose.


    "Dragon Scripture"


    "The Cultivation Technique dreamt of by all practitioners of martial arts."


    "It turns out that to step into the True Power Realm, it''s not only about Spiritual Energy and Cultivation Technique, but also about heavenly and earthly treasures."


    Emperor Longqing seemed to be making small talk, casually asking, "Is this what Sun Xiangzong instructed you to bring to me? Hehe, after all, he is my old brother, the Duke of England of the Great Sheng Dynasty, even passed away, he still thought about the good of the society."


    As his words of reminiscence flowed, his dragon eyes, through the curtain, were fixed on the blurred figure of the Green Robed Scholar in the wheelchair, the imperial majesty emitting unintentionally in waves.


    "No."


    About a few moments later.


    "My teacher was very stubborn; he only passed this Cultivation Technique to my junior brother and probably specifically instructed him not to share it with the court, let alone with the Imperial Family."


    Fang Qingyun spoke in a lower tone, "My saying this, Your Majesty, might you be displeased?"


    With these words.


    He essentially told the emperor outright that Sun Xiangzong was opposing the court until his death.


    But from behind the curtain.


    The pressure tinged with anger gradually dissipated, along with the emperor''s dragon eyes dimming, his tone becoming much calmer, merely sighing faintly: "Hehe, the man has passed."


    "While Zizhan was alive, I never blamed him, now that he rests below the soil, naturally, I will not hold it against him."


    "But since Sun Xiangzong only passed the Cultivation Technique to Chen Sansi and no one else, how did you come to possess it, and why did you bring it to the Capital City, to my hands?"


    "It''s a shame to say."


    Fang Qingyun forced a smile: "It was I who deceived my junior brother, exploiting his trust in me to ''have a look'' at the True Power Realm Cultivation Technique, then took the opportunity to copy it down, so this set of techniques is merely a copied version."


    "Regarding that talisman, it corresponds to the Heavenly Book Array; upon arranging the formation, you only need to activate the Array talisman to move heavenly phenomena and unleash the true power of the formation."


    "There are a total of five talismans."