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Li Shimin strode to the map and pressed his finger heavily on Tangzhou: "This place is the throat of the northern edge of the Nanyang Basin, it must be defended! Uncle Bao!"

"Your subordinate is here!" Qin Qiong stepped forward.

"I grant you 15,000 elite troops, and the latest weaponry from the Luoyang arsenal is at your disposal. You shall depart immediately to reinforce the existing garrison in Tangzhou, strengthen the city's defenses, and fortify the city with deep moats and high walls. Your mission is not to repel Song Que, but to be like a nail, firmly anchored in Tangzhou, and hold him off! For at least twenty days! Is it possible to accomplish this?"

Qin Qiong clasped his hands in a fist salute, his voice as firm as metal and stone: "This humble general will live and die with Tangzhou! Within twenty days, we will not allow Song Que's main force to cross the line!"

"it is good!"

Li Shimin then looked at Yuchi Jingde: "Jingde, you will lead your 5,000 elite cavalry to patrol the area north and east of Tangzhou. Do not engage the enemy's main force head-on; instead, focus on harassing their supply lines, striking their scattered forces, and coordinating with Shubao from afar. Remember, preserve your strength and be flexible and mobile!"

"Your Highness, rest assured! We will make those southern barbarians restless and unable to eat or sleep!" Yuchi Jingde replied in a deep voice.

"General Qututong!"

Li Shimin looked at the veteran general Qu Tutong: "The defense of Luoyang and the surrounding passes are now under your full responsibility. Stabilize the morale of the people, train the new soldiers, and ensure that Luoyang is absolutely safe!"

"Your old minister obeys!" Qu Tutong replied solemnly.

After arranging emergency measures for the front lines, Li Shimin turned to his core advisors, his tone grave: "However, relying solely on Shubao and Jingde, I fear it will be difficult to hold out for long. Song Que commands a large and well-trained army, and is further aided by demonic figures from the Demonic Sect. We need stronger reinforcements, and even more importantly... the combat power to counterbalance and even suppress the enemy's top experts!"

His gaze fell on Changsun Wuji: "Fuji, take my letter and the gold medal His Majesty previously bestowed upon you, and immediately travel lightly to Chang'an tonight! Meet His Majesty and explain the dire situation in Jiangbei, requesting immediate reinforcements! Tell His Majesty that only the Pharmacist (Li Jing) can handle Song Que! Please make sure His Majesty appoints Li Jing as commander-in-chief, with Hong Fu as supervisor, and sends all available troops from Guanzhong to the east to provide immediate reinforcements!"

"My lord, take your orders!"

Changsun Wuji knew the weight of his responsibility and immediately bowed.

"besides,"

Li Shimin lowered his voice, a resolute glint in his eyes: "You go to Zhongnan Mountain in person to Jingnian Temple! Meet with Zen Master Kong and explain the situation. The rise of evil and the decline of Tao are no longer a matter of sectarian disputes, but rather a matter of the fate of the world and the well-being of all people. Since Buddhism is dedicated to saving the world, how can it stand idly by at this critical moment? Ask him to lead the temple's experts down the mountain to help! If you can also persuade the recluse Ning Daoqi, that would be an even greater blessing!"

He paused, his tone carrying a complex meaning: "Since Cihang Jingzhai has fled to the Western Regions, Master Liaokong is the pillar of Buddhism in the world. Tell him that if we lose this battle, Buddhism in the Central Plains may have no place to stand!"

Changsun Wuji was visibly shaken and kowtowed heavily: "Your subject understands! I will certainly not fail in my mission!"

"Xuanling, Keming,"

Li Shimin finally turned to his two most important advisors: "I entrust the administration of Luoyang, logistics, and intelligence gathering entirely to you two. Utilize all resources; I need to know the daily movements of the Heavenly Alliance's main force, especially the whereabouts of that Nameless One!"

"We would gladly die for you!" Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui solemnly agreed.

The meeting ended, and everyone hurriedly left to carry out orders. Only Li Shimin remained in Xiande Hall. He walked to the window again, gazing at the dark southern horizon, as if he could pierce through the heavy night and see the rolling, dark torrent.

"'nameless'……"

Li Shimin murmured the name, his hand unconsciously resting on the hilt of the sword at his waist: "So you're finally going to personally look north? The fate of the Central Plains will be decided in this battle!"

...............

Seven days later, Tongguan.

The gates swung open with a thunderous roar, and a large army, with impeccable discipline and a palpable aura of killing intent, emerged, like a black steel dragon winding its way eastward.

Sunlight shone on the forest of spears and gleaming armor, reflecting a cold light that was too dazzling to look at directly.

Under the central banner, Li Jing sat upright on his warhorse, clad in refined black armor. His face was lean and serene, yet he exuded an aura of unshakeable strength, like a mountain, and unfathomable depth. Slightly behind him stood Hong Fu Nu, clad in crimson soft armor and a matching cloak. Her beauty was exquisite, yet her brows revealed a battle-hardened, heroic spirit and a chilling edge.

Beside Li Jing's central army stood a special group. Master Liaokong, dressed in a simple grey robe, carried prayer beads and walked on foot. His steps seemed slow, yet he always kept pace with the galloping horses. His aura was serene and composed, like an ancient Buddha walking among mortals. Behind him stood the Four Vajras—Bu Chen, Bu De, Bu Tan, Bu Xu—like four guardian deities, robust in physique, with piercing eyes and bulging temples. Further back were over a hundred martial monks from Jingnian Temple, their ranks orderly, their silence as firm as iron, their sheer strength and discipline palpable.

What's even more striking is that at the head of the procession, a blue donkey walks leisurely, and on its back, an elderly man with white hair and a youthful face, dressed in a wide robe, is resting with his eyes closed. This is none other than Ning Daoqi, the once-renowned figure in the martial arts world of the Central Plains.

The army reached a high point and rested temporarily. Li Jing and Hong Fu Nu rode side by side, while Liao Kong and Ning Daoqi also approached.

"Pharmacist, as the King of Qin said in his letter, Song Que is a master strategist, the Yin Kui Sect is omnipresent, and there is also the 'Nameless One' hanging high above. This battle... is truly extremely dangerous."

Hong Fu Nu spoke softly, her eyes filled with worry.

Li Jing turned his gaze to the southeast and slowly said, "Warfare is based on deception. Song Que, riding the wave of his recent victory, is advancing by land and water, his momentum unstoppable—this is his 'momentum' strength. However, his army has come from afar, his supply lines are growing longer, and his newly acquired territory is not yet stable; he is eager for battle—this is his 'weakness'. Our army has just suffered a defeat, and morale is low—this is our 'weakness'. However, we have a base in Guanzhong, the Prince of Qin is rallying the people in Luoyang, and we have the strong support of Ning Sanren and Zen Master Liaokong—this is our 'aid'. The balance of power is not static."

He paused, then his tone turned cold: "Song Que intends to use Tangzhou as bait to lure our main force into a decisive battle, aiming to seize control of the Central Plains in one fell swoop. I will go along with his plan, using Tangzhou as a fulcrum to influence the entire situation. The key is to prevent his momentum from escalating. We must strike him with lightning speed when his momentum is at its peak, breaking his backbone!"

Liao Kong clasped his hands together and softly chanted a Buddhist prayer: "Amitabha. General Li is well-versed in the art of war. This old monk is a layman and has limited knowledge of military battles. I only wish to use my physical body and cultivation to help the soldiers of our Great Tang to dispel the poisonous miasma and demonic aura, and to subdue those evil spirits who do not follow the rules and disrupt the battle formation."

Ning Daoqi opened his eyes at this moment, his gaze clear as a child's, yet deep as the starry sky. He smiled slightly and looked at Li Jing: "Young Li, you use your troops. If that nameless one comes, then leave him to this old Daoist. The unresolved situation from three years ago must be settled."

Li Jing solemnly cupped his hands in greeting: "Thank you for your trouble, Ning Sanren. This battle concerns the fate of the nation and the survival of the righteous path. I will do my utmost." Just then, a fast horse galloped from the direction of Luoyang. It was a trusted messenger sent back by Changsun Wuji.

"Report! His Highness the King of Qin has urgent military intelligence!"

Li Jing took the sealed wax pill, crushed it, and took out the silk book, quickly glancing at it. His brows furrowed slightly, then relaxed, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes.

"Pharmacist, what is it?" Hong Fu Nu asked.

"The King of Qin has sent an urgent report: Song Que's main force has begun besieging Tangzhou. General Qin Qiong is holding the city firmly, facing immense pressure. Yuchi Jingde's guerrilla tactics have yielded some successes, but they cannot change the overall situation. The King of Qin judges that Song Que intends to quickly break through Tangzhou, and then use Tangzhou as a springboard to advance northward to seize Nanyang, or westward to threaten Wuguan. The King of Qin has ordered our army not to rush to Luoyang, but to go directly to the area of ​​Zhixian (now Nanzhao) on the western edge of the Nanyang Basin, occupy advantageous terrain, which can both form a pincer movement with Tangzhou to contain Song Que, and prevent him from dividing his forces to advance westward. At the same time, the King of Qin has secretly ordered Prince Li Xiaogong, who is still active in the Jingxiang area, to try to gather his remaining troops and harass the rear supply lines of the Tiandao Alliance."

Li Jing passed the silk scroll to Hong Fu Nu and the others for review, and pondered, "The King of Qin's plan is very sound. Zhi County is located on the southern slope of the Funiu Mountains, with complex terrain that is advantageous for our army to establish a foothold, and it also overlooks the Nanyang Basin. If we set up camp here, if Song Que attacks Tangzhou, his flank will be exposed to us; if he attacks us, the terrain will be unfavorable, and Qin Qiong of Tangzhou can attack from the rear. What a brilliant strategic location!"

He immediately ordered: "Send word to the entire army to change course. Do not head east to Luoyang. Instead, head southeast. Target: Zhixian! Speed ​​up the march!"

Upon receiving the order, the reinforcements immediately changed course, heading diagonally towards the edge of the Nanyang Basin, where the clouds of war were gathering.

………………

Luoyang, Qin Prince's Mansion, Lingyun Pavilion.

It was late spring, but the night sky was starless and moonless, with only thick clouds hanging low, making the lights of Luoyang appear dim and unclear.

The Qin Prince's mansion was heavily guarded, with numerous sentries, both overt and covert, and armored guards standing with their hands on their swords, their sharp, eagle-like eyes scanning every corner.

Lingyun Pavilion, the tallest building in the Prince's Mansion, was originally used for storing books and enjoying the view, but now it has become a top-secret meeting place. The pavilion is three stories high, brightly lit, with its doors and windows tightly closed, and heavy curtains drawn, isolating it from all sounds.

The council chamber atop the pavilion.

Li Shimin, dressed in a simple black casual robe with a jade belt around his waist, stood with his hand on his sword before a huge sand table. The candlelight illuminated his sharply defined profile, his brows slightly furrowed, his gaze calmly sweeping across the dense array of flags representing the enemy and his own forces on the sand table, finally settling on the small black command flag planted at the location of Xiangyang.

Behind Li Shimin, several people sat solemnly on either side of a long table.

The first person on the left is Li Xiuning, dressed in palace attire, with an elegant demeanor that exudes both grace and heroism. Beside her is her husband, Chai Shao, both of them with solemn expressions.

The first person on the right was none other than Pei Ji, the Right Vice Minister of the Imperial Secretariat. He wore a purple official robe and a scholar's cap, with a lean face and three long strands of beard flowing down his chest. He appeared to be a scholar, but deep within his occasionally opening and closing eyes, there seemed to be a profound and mysterious light that made people dare not look at him for long.

Shi Zhixuan, using Pei Jizhi's identity, infiltrated the Li Tang court. Three years ago, in that battle, his martial arts foundation was almost shattered by Wuming, but this misfortune also turned into a blessing, allowing him to truly integrate the Flower Sect's and the Heaven-Mending Pavilion's mental techniques, stepping into a realm he himself had never anticipated. This time, he came at Li Shimin's secret summons, both to avenge his serious injury from years ago and to earn a new position for himself in this grand game of power.

Below Pei Ji, Zen Master Liaokong sat cross-legged on a futon with his eyes closed. A string of ebony prayer beads slowly turned in his hand, emitting a very subtle rustling sound, as if it could soothe the restlessness in the space. Behind him, the Four Vajras—Neither Anger, Delusion, Greed, nor Fear—stood like four iron towers on either side, their eyes focused on their noses, their noses on their hearts, their breaths long and deep, quite different from Liaokong's clear and empty aura, yet equally giving people a sense of indestructibility.

On the opposite side of the void, there were four other monks, dressed in relatively simple clothes, yet each exuding a mysterious aura.

A gaunt-faced, thin man, seemingly so frail he could be blown away by a gust of wind, was none other than Master Jiaxiang, one of the Four Patriarchs of Zen Buddhism. His eyelids were lowered, as if he were half asleep, yet a sense of Zen, of "withering and flourishing," flowed subtly around him, as if he were watching flowers bloom and fade, clouds roll and unroll.

A smiling, kind-faced, and portly man was Master Daoxin. He held a bamboo staff in his hand, occasionally tapping it lightly on the ground, his posture leisurely. If he weren't in this place, he would look like a friendly woodcutter you might encounter by chance in the mountains.

A tall, imposing figure with a square face, exuding an aura of authority even without anger, was the Venerable Emperor Xin. His gaze seemed to flash with lightning as he opened and closed his eyes, and when he stared at someone, it was as if he could see right into their soul, carrying an awe-inspiring air of keen insight.

The last one, with a slender face and exceptionally bright eyes, was a master of wisdom, whose aura was the most ethereal and elusive.

These four are the most prestigious and unfathomably accomplished monks in the Chan (Zen) school of Buddhism today. They usually live in seclusion and rarely appear together. Their arrival at the invitation of Pei Ji (secretly contacted by Shi Zhixuan in his capacity as a high-ranking official in the imperial court) demonstrates the seriousness of the situation and the fact that Buddhism has reached a point where it must devote all its efforts to the cause.

Li Shimin slowly turned around, his gaze sweeping over everyone present: "I presume there is no need for me to elaborate on why I have invited you all here tonight. You are all already aware of the battle report from Jiangbei. The Heavenly Alliance's military might and the Yin Kui Sect's cunning methods have far exceeded expectations. Qin Qiong of Tangzhou is currently fighting a fierce battle, and Li Yaoshi's army has already changed course to Zhixian. However, the key to this battle may not lie in the face of a million soldiers, but rather in..."

After a pause, Li Shimin's eyes narrowed: "It depends on whether we can withstand, or even suppress, the Heavenly Dao Alliance's top experts' decapitation and disruption tactics. Ning Sanren has already gone to Zhixian with the army to prevent the Demonic Sect's villains from assassinating our generals. But the enemy's true trump card has not yet been revealed."

His gaze swept over Pei Ji, who remained indifferent, eyes downcast. Finally, Li Shimin's gaze settled on Kongyu, the Fourth Patriarch of Zen Buddhism.

Li Shimin said in a deep voice, "The name of the Yin Empress has been renowned in the Demonic Sect for decades. Her 'Heavenly Demonic Technique' is said to have reached an unbelievable level. If this fiend were to personally lead an army into battle, using music and illusions to bewitch the troops, or even attempt an assassination in the midst of a vast army, the harm would be immense."

Chai Shao interjected, “Your Highness is absolutely right. However, although Zhu Yuyan is strong, she has her limits. With Ning Sanren, Zen Master Liaokong, and other holy monks in our army, we can keep her in check and there should be no problem. Even if she has mastered the eighteenth level of the ‘Heavenly Demon Great Art,’ she will have no chance of acting recklessly in front of us.”

Li Xiuning nodded slightly, but her delicate brows remained furrowed: "Zhu Yuyan is a problem, and the Heavenly Blade Song Que is an unparalleled weapon of mass destruction on the battlefield. His swordsmanship has reached the heavens, causing all armies to retreat. If he leads his elite Xuanjia cavalry into battle, I fear no one in our army can withstand his onslaught. Although Commander Li is skilled in warfare, if such a figure were to charge straight into our center..."

"Song Que is to be handed over to this old man."

An aged yet powerful voice rang out; it was Master Jiaxiang speaking. His eyelids were lowered, and his voice was dry, yet it carried an undeniable certainty: "Battlefield combat is not my forte, but if it comes to one-on-one duels, to stop its sharp edge, this withered body of mine may be able to test the sharpness of its Heavenly Blade."

Master Jiaxiang's "Dry Zen Mystic Skill" emphasizes defense and endurance, using bluntness to counter sharpness, making it an excellent choice to deal with Song Que's domineering sword technique.

Master Daoxin chuckled, patting his belly, and said, "Since Senior Brother Jiaxiang is willing to block the Heavenly Blade, then let this old monk and Senior Brother Dixin handle the Empress of the Underworld. One of us speaks of 'following fate,' and the other holds the 'clear mirror.' Let's see how much of her Heavenly Demonic Melody can disturb our Zen mind." (End of Chapter)