Guarding the border: I am sanctified in the flesh

Chapter 118 Steady Improvement in Strength, Building the Strongest Dragon Shadow Guard
days thereafter.

As the commander-in-chief, Lu Fan inspected the warehouse, was familiar with the logistics operation of Longyingwei, and worked with Ye Wuchen to formulate a training plan.

Of course, he did not delay his cultivation.

Whenever I have free time every day, I will devote myself to practicing.

And the Dragon Shadow Guards also started rigorous training.

Archery, riding, and combat ability on horseback are the key points.

Then there is the improvement of personal cultivation.

For this reason, Lu Fan and Ye Wuchen specially simplified a set of sword techniques and taught them to the dragon shadow guards.

The moves are very simple, only a few strokes, or even a few movements.

However, it is extremely effective for slashing on the battlefield.

All for the coming war.

Including himself, is also preparing for this.

Ten days passed in a blink of an eye.

December 25th, morning.

Lu Fan woke up from his trance and opened the attribute panel.

Name: Lu Fan

Lifespan: 17/1900
Power: 295.93
Agility: 106.32
Mental Power: 105.54
Physical strength: 398.81
Cultivation: second grade

Cultivation method: Vientiane town magic power is complete, the ninth level of the Taoist scriptures (15300/30000)

Martial arts: God and Demon body training skills are perfected, nine-turn golden body skills are perfected, body of ten thousand refinements is perfected, mind training skills are perfected, Vajra Indestructible skills are perfected, dragon-elephant body skills are perfected, Hundred Vessels Meridian is perfected, tendon-changing marrow-washing skills are perfected, ten thousand kalpas tempering skills are perfected, Immortal Sutras are perfected (0/30)

Assignable Attribute Points: 324.15
After this period of painstaking training, he has practiced the Undead Sutra to great success, increasing his strength by 8 points, his agility by 4 points, his mental strength by 4 points, and his physical strength by 16 points.

Coupled with the various attributes that have increased on weekdays, his strength has steadily improved.

There are also exercises and scriptures, which can be upgraded with less than half of the experience.

At that time, he can be promoted to the first rank, and his strength will skyrocket again.

continue!

Lu Fan closed his eyes and re-entered the cultivation state.

I don't know how long it took, Ye Wuchen shouted outside, "Lu Fan, it's time to eat."

"it is good."

When Lu Fan came to the dining room, breakfast was already served on the table.

Big meat buns, beef biscuits, and hot mutton soup, this is his breakfast.

He likes to eat like this.

Especially in winter, it is very beautiful to drink a bowl of hot soup with buns.

Ye Wuchen's taste is completely different from his. What he eats are white rice cakes, small soup dumplings, pot stickers, and small chaos.

Of course, this is just breakfast today.

The two of them would eat differently every day.

Now they don't have to go to the kitchen, and someone will cook for them every day.

Whatever they wanted to eat, they could make it.

"I got news that He Zifeng is coming soon. If there are no accidents, he will be there this morning."

Lu Fan glanced at Ye Wuchen, "After breakfast, you take a short rest, then go out to meet him for me, and invite him to come directly to us."

"it is good."

Ye Wuchen quickly finished his meal, got up and said, "I'll go out and have a look."

"Row."

After eating and drinking, Lu Fan came to the living room, found a chair, sat down cross-legged, and continued to practice.

After an unknown amount of time, he heard footsteps coming from outside, so he quickly got up and greeted him.

Ye Wuchen accompanied He Zifeng into the yard, and a man followed behind them.

The man was carrying a large box on his shoulders, which looked very heavy.

"Brother He, you came so fast."

Lu Fan smiled and cupped his fists, "It's been a hard journey."

"Isn't it because you're in a hurry?"

He Zifeng smiled and said, "After it was done, I didn't dare to stay for a moment, so I sent it to you immediately."

"Thank you so much."

Lu Fan stretched out his hand to signal, "Please come in."

"it is good."

Several people entered the room and sat down according to the guest of honor.

Ye Wuchen went to make a pot of tea and poured it for several people.

After some gossip, He Zifeng told the man beside him, "Sun Hui, go and open the box and let the two commanders inspect the goods."

"Yes, Young Master."

Sun Hui got up, opened the suitcase that he carried, and a dazzling light suddenly appeared.

Sabers, bows and arrows, armor, protective gear, daggers, two sets of each.

Lu Fan picked up a saber and weighed it in his hand, it was quite heavy.

The pitch-black scabbard and pitch-black handle are somewhat similar to his Kunwu Saber.

"Shh!"

As the cold light flashed, the knife was out of its sheath.

The black blade exudes bursts of chill.

The blade is thick, slightly narrow, and of moderate length.

Lu Fan tried to chop and chop a few times, and it felt very smooth.

He put away the knife and walked out, "Go, go out and try."

"I'm going to call some people over."

Ye Wuchen rushed ahead of Lu Fan and left first.

Sun Hui carried the box and followed He Zifeng to the yard.

Not long after, Ye Wuchen brought four or five people into the courtyard.

They had swords and spears, butts, and a pair of armor.

They are all ordinary gang leaders, their strength is very poor, only a bit of brute force.

It is perfect for them to try these equipments.

"Let's try the knife first."

Ye Wuchen glanced at the leading soldiers and asked, "Who will wear the armor?"

Several people looked at each other and were silent.

"Let me do it."

Sun Hui said with a smile: "I have practiced body training, and my body is fairly strong. Ordinary knives and guns can't hurt me."

"Row."

Ye Wuchen picked up the armor that Long Yingwei had equipped before, and handed it to Sun Hui, "You put it on."

"Ah."

Sun Hui quickly put on the armor, secretly practiced the exercises, and shouted: "Come on."

"I come."

One of the gang leaders was eager to try.

"Take it."

Lu Fan threw the knife in his hand to him.

The gang leader took the knife, clenched his hands tightly, took a deep breath, aimed at Sun Hui, and chopped it off with all his strength.

"Oh!"

There was a soft sound, and everyone followed the prestige, only to see that the armor on Sun Hui's body was sliced ​​open, revealing a deep knife mark.

The clothes inside the armor were also cut to pieces, exposing the skin inside.

Looking at the knife again, it was unscathed, not even a trace was left.

"Good knife!"

Everyone applauded in unison.

"Come on, try the armor again."

Ye Wuchen took out a piece of armor from the box and handed it to Sun Hui, "You should do it."

"no problem."

Sun Hui took off the armor on his body and put on the armor of Jianjian Villa. This time he didn't have any luck, so he just stood there casually.

"I'll try."

Another Huotou soldier drew out the steel knife in his hand and slashed at Sun Hui with all his strength.

"clang!"

A crisp sound.

The armor on Sun Hui was unscathed, but the knife was bounced high instead.

Everyone looked closely and saw slight damage to the blade.

"Good stuff."

"As expected, it is the equipment made by the Sword Trial Villa."

"too strong."

Several Huo Toujun were full of praise.

Although their strength is average, they can be regarded as knowledgeable. They know that the equipment of the Dragon Shadow Guard is top-notch, but compared with the equipment brought by Jianjian Villa, it is far behind.

If the Dragon Shadow Guard can use this kind of equipment, how strong is it?
"Try bow and arrow again."

"it is good."

Everyone tried the bow and arrow again, and both the range and the penetrating power were much improved compared to before.

They all know what that means.

On the battlefield, bows and arrows like this are simply killers.

Before the enemy can get close, a round of arrow rain will cause countless casualties.

Then everyone tried the armor with guns and bows and arrows in turn, and they were still unscathed.

"Master Lu, how are you?"

He Zifeng looked at Lu Fan with a smile, "Are you satisfied with these equipment?"

"very good!"

Lu Fan praised: "It's even better than I expected."

"I'm relieved now."

He Zifeng said with a smile: "Finally, I have lived up to Master Lu's trust."

"We can set a price now."

Lu Fan asked: "Tell me, how much money do you need to complete a set of equipment?"

"Since you asked, I'll tell you straight."

He Zifeng pondered for a while, and said: "1000 taels of silver is the only way for me to make some money. Since I am a businessman, I can't work in vain, so I set the price at 1000 taels of silver."

"1000 taels of silver?"

The gang leaders were dumbfounded when they heard this. This is money they can't earn in a few lifetimes, and they can only buy a set of equipment?
In other words, a Dragon Shadow Guard warrior would cost 1000 taels of silver just for the equipment on his body?

That's not all.

Five hundred Dragon Shadow Guards is 50 taels of silver.

So extravagant!

"It doesn't matter if Mr. Lu thinks it's expensive."

He Zifeng smiled and said, "As we said before, these two sets of equipment are my presents to Mr. Lu, no money is required."

"It's expensive, but worth it."

Lu Fan shook his head lightly, "Compared with the lives of us Dragon Shadow Guard soldiers, what is spending more money?"

"well said!"

He Zifeng praised: "Lord Lu is indeed far-sighted."

"What visionary vision?"

Lu Fan laughed and said, "It's just that I happen to have some money in my hand, so I can afford it."

"Haha."

He Zifeng was amused, "You are too honest, but to be honest, if I were someone else, even if it was 2000 taels of silver, I would not sell him. Therefore, there are really few armies that can afford such good equipment."

"That is."

Lu Fan nodded, "If we can afford the equipment, our Dragon Shadow Guard's advantage will be gone."

"That's right."

He Zifeng agreed very much, "I'm not bragging. The equipment built by our Jianjian Villa, let alone an army of 500 people, even if it is equipped with only 100 people, will be invincible and invincible on the battlefield."

"Then follow our agreement."

Lu Fan answered, "I want 520 sets of equipment, the sooner the better."

"Ah."

He Zifeng nodded, "To express my sincerity, in addition to these 520 sets of equipment, I will also give you [-] arrows."

"Okay."

Naturally, Lu Fan would not refuse, and said with a smile, "However, five thousand arrows is far from enough. I want one million arrows."

"so much?"

He Zifeng was stunned for a while, then said, "It takes at least 5 taels of silver."

"can."

Lu Fan also knew that even an ordinary military arrow would cost at least thirty cents.

Arrows like the one provided by Jianjian Villa cost fifty Wen, which is not expensive.

you get what you pay for!

Money must be spent wisely.

Especially at the critical moment of the upcoming war.

Fortunately, Long Yingwei's family background is strong enough, so that he can spend a lot of money to recruit the strongest Long Yingwei.

The reason why the Dragon Shadow Guard is rich is that on the one hand, the court has given enough military expenses, and on the other hand, the Dragon Shadow Guard itself has the means to make money.

The most important thing is of course to exterminate the property confiscated by the horse thieves.

In addition, the property harvested from the annihilation of the Black Tiger Gang and the Jinsha Gang, as well as the rewards from the court.

Not counting materials, but only money, it is far more than 100 million taels.

Therefore, Lu Fan didn't feel distressed when he spent it.

These silvers are enough for him to spend for a while.

Even if he ran out of money, he didn't worry about it, he just had to find a way to make money.

Isn't there a bloody gang?
For more than a year, you have collected a lot of money, right?
If it doesn't work, use the bloody clothes to help.

If it really came to a critical moment in the war and he was anxiously waiting for the money, he wouldn't care who the bloody gang was.

Now that they are fattened up, they must be slaughtered!
"Okay, then it's settled."

He Zifeng said, "I'll go back and make arrangements."

"Let's go after dinner."

Lu Fan stayed behind and said: "There is no rush at this moment. You have worked so hard to come here. I won't even treat you to a meal. Who will dare to do business with me in the future?"

"Isn't this afraid of you being anxious?"

He Zifeng smiled and said: "Okay, then I will listen to you and leave after eating."

"Urgent is urgent, but also steady."

Lu Fan asked: "How long will it take, can you send this batch of equipment?"

"Within two months, I will personally deliver it to you."

He Zifeng looked confident, "I will never delay you for a day."

"it is good."

Lu Fan counted the time, at most by the end of February, all the costumes will be ready.

There shouldn't be any delay.

He was very satisfied, and stretched out his hand to signal: "Let's go, let's go into the room and talk."

"Ah."

He Zifeng nodded and asked, "Is the color of the armor set to be silver? Or is it another color?"

"Just silver."

Lu Fan actually prefers black, but there are already Xuanjia troops in the army. In order to distinguish them from Xuanjia troops, he decided to change the color.

"By the way, the size has been counted, and I will ask you to bring it to you later."

"Row."

While talking, several people entered the room, went directly to the dining room, and sat down again.

In a short time, the table was filled with food and wine.

"Come on, let me toast you."

Lu Fan took the lead in raising his wine glass and looked at He Zifeng, "Thank you, Young Master, for your great support to me. I will remember this kindness."

"Then I would like to thank Master Lu for his hospitality."

He Zifeng raised his glass with a smile, "Thank you, Mr. Lu, for trusting me in Sword Trial Villa."

"cheers!"

"cheers!"

……

……

That afternoon, after sending He Zifeng away, Lu Fan came to the living room, found a chair and sat down, and began to practice exercises.

Ye Wuchen was not far from Lu Fan, lying on the recliner, closing his eyes and resting his mind.

The two did not disturb each other and practiced in their own ways.

After a long time, there was a knock on the door.

"come in."

"Yes."

Song Xiucheng entered in response, "My lord, the new marching staff officer wants to see you, but he said he is an old acquaintance with you."

"March staff?"

Lu Fan was stunned: "Who is it?"

"His name is Xu Zhao."

Song Xiucheng reminded: "I heard that he is still the number one scholar in the new department."

"Oh, it's him."

Lu Fan remembered, nodded slightly, "Please come in."

"Yes."

Song Xiucheng turned and left.

Not long after, the knock on the door sounded again.

"Please come in."

Lu Fan stood up and looked out the door.

Xu Zhao pushed the door open and walked towards Lu Fan with a smile on his face.

"Well, the Hanlin Academy is not waiting, why did you come here?"

Lu Fan was a little puzzled, "How good is it to be with the emperor? Promotion and fortune are just around the corner."

"Good is good."

Xu Zhao shook his head slightly, "It's been a long time, but I always feel too comfortable and lack of challenges, so I came to the barracks, to be closer to you, and to ask you a lot for advice."

"sit down."

Lu Fan and Xu Zhao sat down.

Ye Wuchen on the side was still closing his eyes, as if he was asleep.

"Won't it bother him?"

As Xu Zhao spoke, he glanced at Ye Wuchen.

"fine."

Lu Fan smiled and said, "He's just lazy."

"Oh."

Xu Zhao nodded.

"I see."

Lu Fan suddenly remembered something, and asked, "You came back to Zhennan Pass because of Miss Liu Dai, right?"

"I know I can't hide it from you."

Xu Zhao admitted it frankly.

"Have you met her?"

Lu Fan asked again: "She should still be in Zhennan Pass, right?"

"It's still there, I've inquired about it in advance."

Xu Zhao sighed softly, and said, "But I haven't met her yet, and everyone says that being close to home is timid, especially for me."

"When I was in the capital, I didn't want to see her all the time."

"But when I really went back to Zhennan Pass, for some reason, I was afraid to see her again."

"I'm afraid that she will become a stranger, and I'm even more afraid that her heart belongs to her, and her heart will be captured by other men."

Speaking of this, Xu Zhao's face became a little sad, "Then what should I do?"

"It's useless to worry, you have to face it."

Lu Fan asked, "Have you collected enough ransom?"

"It should be worse."

Xu Zhao shook his head lightly, "But it's okay, I should be able to make up enough soon."

"Ah."

Lu Fan didn't worry about this, "With your current status and status, it's okay to have less money, the other party will accommodate you."

"Do not."

Xu Zhao had another idea, "I will still go as a poor scholar and see how they treat me then."

"also."

Lu Fan understood Xu Zhao's intentions, he wanted to take this opportunity to test Liu Dai, did he really like him?rather than his identity.

The difference is huge.

But also extremely risky.

If Liu Dai didn't go with Xu Zhao, Xu Zhao might be hit hard.

But it shouldn't be a big problem.

After all, the Xu Zhao of today is not what it used to be.

Not only has his identity and status changed, but his mentality has also changed accordingly.

"But I want to remind you of one thing."

Lu Fan remembered something again and said, "You are now a military staff officer, and you will know a lot of military secrets in the future. You must not disclose it to anyone, including Liu Dai."

"Do not worry."

Xu Zhao said with a smile: "If I can't even do this well, wouldn't it be a waste of the emperor's trust in me?"

"That's good."

Lu Fan persuaded: "No matter what Liu Dai is, since you are already sitting in this position, you have to share more for the Commander-in-Chief. Especially at this critical moment, you have to think ahead, how to deal with the future battle situation?"

"clear."

Xu Zhao replied loudly: "I am very familiar with the terrain near Zhennan Pass. If the Chu army comes to attack, I have my own countermeasures."

"Oh?"

Lu Fan was a little curious, "Let's hear it?"

"Okay, listen to me tell you in detail."

Xu Zhao opened up the chatterbox and told Lu Fan what he thought.

One lecture is an afternoon.

Hearing Lu Fan's admiration, he thought that he really deserved to be the number one scholar.

All kinds of tricks are handy.

If the Chu army attacked head-on, with Zhennanguan's favorable location and Xu Zhao's strategy, even if Lu Fan and Long Yingwei didn't make a move, they could at least last for a few months if they only relied on the Zhennan army to defend.

even longer.

……

……

three days later.

in the afternoon.

Qin Yu came to Lu Fan's residence and gave him a wink.

Lu Fan understood and took him into the bedroom.

The two sat down facing each other, Lu Fan did not speak, but quietly waited for Qin Yu to speak.

He knew what Qin Yu came to him for.

"I went to see Qiao Yun today and heard some news from her."

Qin Yu thought for a while and said: "Half a month ago, Chu State had already started to increase its troops to the border, and it is said that 20 people have been gathered now."

"Ah."

In fact, Lu Fan knew about it a long time ago, and the spies of the Zhennan Army reported it to him.

"anything else?"

"Then Chu Zhaonan, the prince of the Chu Kingdom, has won over many masters of the Chu Kingdom in the past year or so, and promised them martial arts, martial arts, money and beauties, in order to let these masters work for him."

After a short pause, Qin Yu continued: "It is said that this person is insidious and cunning, and has many tricks. I am worried that he will be harmful to Zhennanguan, and he may be deliberately dealing with us."

"It's possible."

Lu Fan remembered the enmity between him and Chu Zhaonan.

This man should hate him to the bone.

The same is true for Dragon Shadow Guard.

After all, it was the Dragon Shadow Guard who wiped out those horse thieves and confiscated so much property.

The state of Chu suffered heavy losses, and Chu Zhaonan fled in embarrassment.

If Chu State really wants to send troops to attack Zhennan Pass, Chu Zhaonan will definitely try to deal with Long Yingwei.

to avenge the day's revenge.

"There is another incident that happened on Langui Street."

Qin Yu whispered, "Xu Zhao went to Liuxiang Pavilion to redeem Miss Liu Dai, but was thrown out."

"Sure enough."

Lu Fan was not surprised, he had already guessed it.

After all, Liu Dai is the number one card in Liuxiang Pavilion, money alone is not enough to redeem her.

At least you have to have a certain identity.

What's more, the money in Xu Zhao's hands may not be enough.

Just because of his status as a poor scholar, it's no wonder he doesn't suffer.

"There's one more thing that's weird."

Qin Yu said: "There is a steamed stuffed bun shop on Langui Street. The owner is Tang Rongxing. For some reason, he offended a few members of the Bloody Clothes Gang and was injured."

"But within a few days, all the minions who injured him died."

"And he died quietly at home, without alarming anyone."

"No one saw who the murderer was."

"I heard that the Bloody Clothes Gang searched for several days, but they didn't find a clue at all."

Speaking of this, Qin Yu looked puzzled, "I really can't figure it out, who is standing up for Tang Rongxing? You know, he only has one daughter, and the two depend on each other for life. There are no other relatives, and no friends."

"Oh?"

Lu Fan was a little surprised, "Is there such a thing?"

At this moment, he thought of the little girl named Tang Chuowan.

Could it be Tang Chuowan?

He still remembered that Tang Chuowan had asked him about cultivation back then.

It is said that you don't rely on exercises, you have to practice by yourself.

Wouldn't Tang Chuowan really find out a way of cultivation?

What kind of talent against the sky can you do it?

If he could really do it, he would be a person at the level of founding a sect.

so strong?

Lu Fan didn't quite believe it.

But besides Tang Chuowan, who would help Tang Rongxing vent his anger?

Thinking of this, Lu Fan asked, "Is Tang Rongxing okay?"

"fine."

Qin Yu said: "After the death of the members of the Bloody Clothes Gang, our Zhennan Army Qianji Battalion sent people to thoroughly investigate the case, and the members of the Bloody Clothes Gang no longer dared to attack Tang Rongxing. Tang Rongxing is recuperating at home now. His steamed stuffed bun shop is closed, and his daughter is taking care of him at home."

"okay, I get it."

Lu Fan nodded, "Is there any more?"

"That's all for now."

Qin Yu stood up and said goodbye, "I'm leaving first, and if there is any news, I will report to you as soon as possible."

"Okay, let's go."

Lu Fan instructed: "Remember not to reveal Qiao Yun's identity."

"clear."

……

……

(End of this chapter)