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Chapter 142: The Conflict in Troubled Times, Heaven is Cruel

"I just don't know if I can just kill them."

Chen Sanshi is probably in big trouble.

Physical evidence without witnesses is not enough to convict a person.

Especially at this moment.

Many sects have strong opinions about the Liangzhou army.

In addition, there is still no explanation for the Yuyang Sect's affairs. Many sects have begun to say that the government did it on purpose in order to squeeze blood from them. What's more, some even say that there is no such thing as Wushen Sect and everything was directed and acted by the officials and soldiers themselves.

It is true that Ciyu Temple is a third-rate sect, but it has a good reputation. I guess even Pi Yue Villa and Tong Xuan Sword Sect will help speak for it.

But it's enough to lock him up.

Chen Sanshi was mainly concerned about the safety of his family.

"Did you find it?"

"Except for the vajra, nothing was found."

"Then close the mountain! Keep searching, dig up the houses, and see if there are any tunnels or secret rooms!"

"Leave two thousand people behind, and the rest go back."

"..."

The prince is really prestigious.

Chen Sanshi sighed.

In a word, without even any evidence, they brought so many people here to search the mountain.

He did not continue to work, but led his men away one after another.

Only one day left.

He was not idle either, and was basically practicing all the time.

It was not until the night before the expedition that everyone gathered together for dinner.

Sun Buqi's siblings, Senior Sister Rong Yanqiu, Eunuch Hou, and even the eldest and third senior brothers came over on their own initiative.

No matter what happens below, we still have to save face, after all, we have the same master.

"I wish my junior brother a successful start!"

"Dry!"

Until midnight, everyone dispersed.

at night.

Chen Sanshi was flipping through the book by candlelight.

The title of this book is "Hundred Herbs Illustrations", which is dedicated to recording rare and exotic herbs.

I have basically looked through all the books on materials for making weapons, but I haven't found any materials that can store strength. Not long ago, when I was studying medical books, I happened to see medicinal materials that can enhance strength for a short period of time, so I opened my mind and looked through the medical books as well.

the last page.

Ghost Vein Wood: A strange wood that has grown for thousands of years. It is crushed and boiled in water. The decoction can make a dying person come back to life. The trunk has the effect of retaining strength, but it is easily damaged and is not suitable as a material for Xuanbing.

Chen Sanshi sat up straight after watching this.

Can retain strength for a short period of time!
If it is relatively fragile, it cannot be used as a material for weapons, such as sword handles, gun barrels, spear shafts, etc., because it will break after a few uses, but...

It is just right for making arrow shafts.

That being said.

Still missing the material for an arrowhead!

Then you can put together a hundred-stone bow that can shoot out powerful force!
"Iron..."

Chen Sanshi had a headache.

This one is really hard to find. If it doesn't work, use black iron instead. Arrow shafts made of ghost vein wood are much better than ordinary wood.

Throwing down the book, he went to the next room and grabbed some spiritual sand to replenish his spiritual power.

[Magic: Sword Qi Technique (Introduction)]

【Progress: 15/500】

This amount of spiritual energy is fine for accumulating strength, but it is unlikely to improve proficiency.

Chen Sanshi planned to accumulate his sword energy skills once more as a life-saving trump card. As for the rest, he would have to wait until he returned from the expedition and got the incense burner.

He practiced until three o'clock in the morning, then tiptoed back to his room to sleep.

The next day.

The sky is dimly bright.

Gu Xinlan put on the newly made scarlet battle robe for the general, and then put on armor for him: "From now on, every time Shi Ge'er goes to war, I will prepare the battle robe in advance."

"Okay, wear new clothes every time."

Chen Sanshi adjusted his appearance in front of the bronze mirror and finally put on his iron helmet: "I'm leaving. When I come back, the baby will probably be born soon."

"Ah."

After experiencing the ups and downs of Yunzhou, it is true that Gu Xinlan is still worried, but she has also gotten used to it. In addition, she heard that this time the army is marching out in full force, which is different from the last time they escaped.

She leaned against the door and watched the man leave.

"Congratulations, sir!"

Siqin Mohua also bowed in front of the gate.

"You two."

Chen Sanshi took out two pieces of gold from his waist and threw them over: "Go make two pieces of jewelry you like. Take good care of the lady while I'm away."

"Master, we don't need this..."

Since Siqin Mohua came to the Chen Mansion, she has had meat for every meal. As the place is large, many rooms are idle, and there is even a separate room to live in. It is just like she has married into a good family. How could she dare to have any more extravagant demands?

"Take it if I give it to you. If I come back and find out that my wife has been wronged in the slightest, I will sell you to a brothel."

Chen Sanshi also treated them as live-in nannies, but it was a little different because the lives and property of these two girls were in his hands. Besides, they were well-behaved and never took advantage of his favor to become arrogant, so it didn't matter if he gave them some rewards.

"Master, don't worry."

As a slave, Siqin Mohua didn't even have the right to refuse and could only accept it silently.

"Good Chihiro."

Chen Sanshi gently stroked the horse's mane: "You always accompany me every time."

War horses are truly the closest and most trustworthy comrades.

He had planned to ride as fast as he could to the military camp, but he met a familiar figure at the corner.

"asshole!"

Zhao Zhao deliberately spoke loudly: "After you left last time, my daughter cried every day and refused to see you again! You are preparing to go to war without even saying hello?!"

Chen Sanshi stopped his horse, slowly approached, and asked in a low voice, "Ningxiang wants to see me, what's the matter?"

"Keep your voice down!
Zhao Zhao came closer and put his hands in front of his mouth: "I have important information."

"From Mingzhou?"

Chen Sanshi immediately rode his horse to Yanliu Lane.

Not long after running, he heard Zhao Zhao chasing after him from a distance, shouting, "Wait for me! Without me, you can't see my girl!"

Only then did Chen Sanshi turn back and pull her onto the horse.

"You, how come your horse is so fast!"

Zhao Zhao sat in the back and felt like she was flying. She held Chen Sanshi's waist tightly with both hands, and the back half of her body was still floating in the air. She gritted her teeth and said, "Can't you slow down?"

"Shut up!"

After arriving near Hongxiu Tower, Chen Sanshi dismounted.

"Take the back door!"

Zhao Zhao sat on the horse and patted his chest with lingering fear. After glaring at him, he jumped off the horse and explained, "Oirans only receive customers at night. You are having a private meeting with my girl now. For a private meeting, you naturally have to go through the back door."

"..."

It's really troublesome for these people to hide their identities.

Chen Sanshi followed her and took a detour.

When I arrived at the back door, I actually saw an acquaintance.

Yan Changqing, who was also wearing armor, was saying goodbye to a woman reluctantly.

"Brother Chen?"

He widened his eyes: "You, you are not here to talk to Miss Ningxiang..."

"Ah."

Chen Sanshi returned the banknote he had borrowed last time, and then went to the sixth floor from the back door.

"General!"

Once inside.

The half-hidden fragrance came towards me.

Chen Sanshi dodged sideways.

Ningxiang was disappointed, but still said with tears in her eyes: "The general is so cruel. He never came again after one night. I missed him so much..."

"..."

Chen Sanshi's scalp was numb with embarrassment.

He also noticed the maid outside.

When the maids heard the noise, they immediately went downstairs to tell the madam.

It is a taboo for the courtesans to have secret meetings, otherwise if everyone talks about love like this, the brothel will not be able to make money. The reason why they turn a blind eye to them is because Chen Sanshi received the imperial edict and was Sun Xiangzong's last disciple, so he had a noble status.

"Okay, everyone's gone, stop acting."

Chen Sanshi closed the door and said, "I have to go to the military camp to gather in half an hour, so hurry up."

After Ningxiang confirmed that no one was eavesdropping, she also sat up straight and said seriously, "General, do you know anything about Liang Jinian, the leader of the Red Eyebrow Army, when you go to Mingzhou this time?"

"The failed scholar has a scroll of the Book of Wonderful Weapons in his hand."

Chen Sanshi asked, "Miss Ningxiang, do you want to chat with me about books?"

Xunxian Tower is naturally very interested in searching for immortal traces.

"Nothing can be hidden from the general."

Ningxiang said faintly: "General, how much do you know about the specific function of the Heavenly Book?"

Chen Sanshi shook his head.

"Is this slave still of some use?"

Ningxiang's soft hands dipped in water and gently fiddled with the tabletop: "According to the news sent back by Xunxian Tower's Mingzhou branch, this treasure in Liang Jinian's hand can use the power of heaven and earth when the soldiers are fighting. At its strongest, only two thousand people are needed to trap and kill a general in the Xuanxiang realm, and the casualties will not exceed seven hundred.

“There was originally a general in Mingzhou who was in the early stage of Xuanxiang Realm, and he died in this way.

"According to this combat power, if 5,000 people are dispatched and the casualties do not exceed 1,500, they will be able to surround and kill a Martial Saint. Oh, this is when they do not have the Xuan Xiang realm to participate in the battle, and only rely on soldiers below the Tongmai realm."

Is the effect so strong?
Chen Sanshi was a little awed.

A long time ago, he read the records in "Da Sheng Shu" about how Cao Xie killed 2,300 enemy soldiers alone. After arriving in Liangzhou, he learned more details from his senior brother Fang.

Cao Xie killed these 2,300 people when the enemy army had one Martial Saint and three Xuan Xiang realm masters.

Otherwise, there would be more.

Fang Qingyun said that if there were no warriors of the same level in the enemy army, a relatively strong martial saint could kill more than 2,500 enemy soldiers by himself before he was exhausted.

However, the Red Eyebrow Army was able to surround and kill the Martial Saint with more than a thousand people, which was equivalent to doubling the overall combat effectiveness!
What a terrifying concept it is on the battlefield.

You have to know that this is just an analogy using the Martial Saint. The actual situation on the battlefield is that there is no Martial Saint in Mingzhou, and when they encounter the rest of the army, they are simply like heavenly soldiers and generals.

No wonder with just over 30,000 people they were able to capture as many as six cities in just a few months.

"But~"

Ningxiang changed the subject: "This is also the strongest battle. After this battle, the Red Eyebrow Army has never shown such a strong fighting power again. Now it is stagnant in the Jinquan Prefecture area and has not continued to advance.

"Therefore, we speculate that the treasure in Liang Jinian's hand, or the heavenly book, is like spiritual energy. It will be constantly consumed and will eventually be used up. However, it is unknown whether it can be accumulated again and how it can be accumulated."

Chen Sanshi seemed to be thinking about something.

To put it bluntly, the Red Eyebrow Army is getting weaker.

This is undoubtedly a good thing for them.

But it aroused his curiosity about the "Heavenly Book" even more.

"Miss Ningxiang."

Chen Sanshi asked, "Have any of your people ever seen the Heavenly Book?"

"No, don't say it's us."

Ningxiang used her fingers to lightly splash water onto the man. He gave her an impatient look and she tutted, then she said seriously, "Even the Red Eyebrows have never seen this before."

"In other words, whether there really is a heavenly book is still a matter of debate."

Chen Sanshi analyzed the possibilities: "It is also possible that Liang Jinian made it up. After all, the name of the Heavenly Book sounds good, and it is easy to get more people to submit and use it to recruit soldiers. But no matter what, he must have something from the fairy world in his hands."

"So, I invited the general here today because I want him to figure out what it is."

Ningxiang said slowly, "When you return victorious, tell us. If it is a way to the fairyland, I hope the general can share the information with us."

Chen Sanshi asked, "Why don't you go to Xunxian Tower by yourself?"

"There are only about a hundred people in the entire Xunxian Building."

Ningxiang explained: "How many people do you think you can have in Mingzhou to get involved in a war of this scale? If the immortal path method is exposed in the slightest, the consequences will be even more obvious."

Chen Sanshi understood.

If the people from Xunxian Tower reveal their whereabouts, the first person to go crazy will probably be the emperor, and a whole country search for them will be inevitable.

"If it's just sharing information with you, no problem."

He agreed, “But I am only a general of 1,000 in the army, and there are many generals above me. I may not be able to get access to the so-called heavenly book in the end, so don’t hold out too much hope.

“Also, I have something to ask of you.

"I wonder if Miss Ningxiang can get some iron that can store energy?"

Chen Sanshi still wanted to try to find it.

When it comes to finding rare treasures, Xunxianlou is definitely much better than him.

"Iron material that stores energy?"

Ningxiang thought seriously and said, "I have never heard of it, but if the general wants it, I will try my best to find it. I also have a deal to discuss with the general, so let's talk about it when the general comes back."

"Row."

Rather than owing favors, it is better to make a deal because no one owes anyone anything.

After chatting for a while.

Ningxiang rolled up her sleeves and poured wine: "Then I wish the general success."

Chen Sanshi took a look at the wine, and after making sure there was no problem, he clinked glasses with her and drank it all in one gulp.

Even if there was magic medicine inside, he could tell it, but he couldn't tell whether it was good or bad, or what its specific ingredients were.

"Farewell."

Chen Sanshi hurried out.

Ningxiang leaned against the door frame and said tearfully, "General, we agreed that you would redeem me when you come back!"

"..."

Chen Sanshi left quickly.

Xunxian Tower is useful to him, so he doesn't care about these messy things.

"Master."

Zhao Zhao waited until the people left, then pouted and said, "Why are you trying to please this bastard so much? He even cut me with a knife last time."

“It’s just an investment.”

Ningxiang closed the door gently, her expression changed. "As long as there is a glimmer of hope to enter the fairyland, we must hold on to it. If Sun ignores us, we can only look for his disciples."

……

"Sun and moon essence."

Chen Sanshi recalled the last conversation.

The energy absorbed by the strange beasts is neither spiritual energy nor evil energy, but the essence of the sun and the moon. There is no need to understand any skills. It can be absorbed automatically over time. The efficiency of absorption is related to the bloodline. The stronger the bloodline, the faster the absorption.

Over the years, the strange beasts can also gain supernatural powers and even become legendary fairies, but they are affected by the mixed energy and even the essence of the sun and the moon becomes very thin.

Therefore, the number of strange beasts is not large.

Immortals, fairies...

What we see now may just be the tip of the iceberg.

Chen Sanshi couldn't help but wonder.

Master has seen immortals, so where do immortals usually stay?

Liang Jinian also claimed to have seen immortals.

It seems that this trip to Minnesota is still necessary.

Not only can you gain experience in marching and fighting, but you may also come into contact with real immortal traces.

"drive!"

Chen Sanshi hurried to report to the military camp.

Going to war is not something that can be done overnight.

The top leaders started making secret preparations a long time ago.

An army of more than 40,000 people would need two to three days to integrate and then set out in different orders.

However, during this period of time, no one is allowed to leave the barracks.

Until the evening of the third day.

Finally, it was the turn of the reserve battalion where Chen Sanshi was stationed to set out.

sunset.

Tens of thousands of soldiers left the city one after another. Due to the large number of people, the vanguard had already disappeared into the wilderness, while the follow-up troops were still at the city gate.

On both sides of the official road, dense crowds of family members lined up to see them off.

I don’t know how many women lost their husbands, how many old people lost their sons, and how many children lost their fathers. War is like this, cruel and inevitable.

"Junior brother!"

"Da da da--"

There was the sound of horse hooves behind me.

Chen Sanshi turned around and saw three people coming to see him off.

Rong Yanqiu and Sun Li are brother and sister.

Ninth Senior Sister was also wearing armor today, and holding an iron whip in her hand. Although there was no expression on her face, her whole body revealed a murderous intent. This was the "evil spirit" that could only be cultivated by someone who had walked out of a mountain of corpses and a sea of ​​blood. It was somewhat similar to that of a poisonous beast.

"Junior brother, can you please spare me a moment to talk?"

"Ninth Senior Sister, what's wrong?"

Chen Sanshi came to the woods nearby.

"I'll give you something that might be useful to you."

Rong Yanqiu blew a loud whistle towards the red sky.

Not long after, a Saker Falcon flew over.

Chen Sanshi had seen this thing before. Han Cheng also had one when he was in Poyang. It was a strange beast used to transmit information. It was not an ordinary Saker Falcon. It was very precious and difficult to cultivate.

Unless there are special circumstances, only a general commanding a battalion of 10,000 people is qualified to have it.

"I have asked for a privilege for you."

Rong Yanqiu said: "During this Mingzhou rebellion suppression, you are eligible to obtain all the highest-level intelligence, which will help you understand the overall situation and hone your experience in large-scale planning."

"Thank you, senior sister!"

Chen Sanshi stretched out his arm and the Saker Falcon landed on his arm.

This is good stuff.

If there is no intelligence on the battlefield, even the most powerful people will not be able to make accurate judgments in time.

Although it was not his turn to take command, it was really uncomfortable to be a blind man.

"This Saker Falcon is mine. I only have this one. Don't let me kill it!"

Rong Yanqiu warned.

"Don't worry, Senior Sister. I will definitely feed her well." Chen Sanshi assured, "But Senior Sister, don't you need it?"

"I'm not participating in the suppression of the rebellion, and I'm going back to Yanzhou to deal with some things soon. By the time I come back, your war will be almost over."

Rong Yanqiu teased, "It's a bit hypocritical to say this, but Senior Sister, I still have to say it. Take it easy and don't just focus on making achievements. If you die in Mingzhou in the end, I don't mind it. I just feel sorry for Master, the last disciple."

"Junior brother, take care of yourself. I will take care of Sister Lan."

Sun Li took out a purse generously: "Well, this is the amulet I embroidered for you. I don't have anything else to give you."

Chen Sanshi took it and took a look. The workmanship was still as sloppy as before. He couldn't help laughing: "Thank you, Senior Sister Sun. With this, I will be safe."

Sister Sun saw his smile and asked very seriously, "Isn't the embroidery good?"

"Okay, very good."

Chen Sanshi looked back at the troops that were gradually moving away, and didn't dare to chat any more: "Ninth Senior Sister, Sun Senior Sister, I'm not good enough, goodbye!"

Having said that, he rode away.

Rong Yanqiu said disdainfully: "My dear sister, I used to fight every year, why didn't you embroider one for me?"

“I’m also a new learner.”

Sun Li explained: "Next time Senior Sister goes on an expedition, I will definitely be ready as well."

"Come on."

Rong Yanqiu said coldly: "Sister also reminds you that before your lover left, he went to a brothel again, and it seems that he wanted to redeem that little bitch for 500,000 taels! I don't even have that much money!
"You still act as if you don't care. You've been stupid since childhood, and even more stupid after practicing martial arts. Be careful that someone will take advantage of you!

"I'm leaving now. You can go back and take care of your sister Lan. Maybe we can sleep in the same bed from now on."

After saying this, she rode back to the city.

"..."

Sun Li didn't say anything.

Sun Buqi asked very seriously: "Sister, do you really want Sanshi to be my brother-in-law?"

Sun Li thought for a long time: "I, I don't know."

She's not a naughty person.

At first I felt a little embarrassed when people teased me, but after a while I started to think about this issue seriously.

Sun Li was not sure whether this disciple of his father was really his "sweetheart".

But she knew that girls would always get married.

In the past, when someone came to propose marriage to me, I always felt disgusted.

But she didn't have this feeling towards Chen Sanshi. Instead, she felt an inexplicable sense of...security?
This kind of psychology.

It probably started with the Battle of Poyang.

"Sister, sister, you are so confused!"

Sun Buqi had a good relationship with Chen Sanshi on weekdays, but he was a little unhappy about this matter: "He is good in every way, but he has the habit of visiting brothels! The poems he wrote in brothels are almost spread to the capital. I saw him write it with my own eyes. It was 'A Branch of Red Beauty with Dew and Fragrance'. In short, who knows how he will mess around outside in the future. He will probably be like Second Senior Brother, with three wives and six concubines!"

Sun Li ignored the first half of the sentence and grasped the key point of the second half: "You have made it."

"Ok?"

"Who allowed you to go to the brothel?"

"I... Hey, why did you hit me! Why didn't you hit Chen Sanshi!"

"I have something important to do! What about you? You don't practice martial arts, you don't study, and you're still practicing bone training. Do you have the nerve to say your last name is Sun?"

"Stop hitting me, stop hitting me. I was wrong. If you want him to be your brother-in-law, then let him be. Isn't it okay if I don't stop you?"

"..."

The two were playing around.

The army completely disappeared, leaving only dust in the sky.

Sun Li's brother and sister, along with hundreds of thousands of ordinary people, fell silent almost at the same time, staring into the distance in silence for a long time.

……

Mingzhou.

"Wang Li, your pancake is pretty good. Was it given to you by Widow Li?"

"Give it to me and let me taste it!"

"I'm not saying anything to you, brother. You're so young, why do you have to flirt with a widow? Isn't it better to find someone decent?"

Wang Li refuted confidently: "What's wrong with being a widow? It's better than some people liking prostitutes in brothels!"

"Oh my, you can't say that!"

Xiong Qiuan covered his mouth with his hand: "You don't want your tongue anymore?"

Wang Li then realized the recent sensation in Liangzhou City.

Hongxiulou, Ningxiang, redemption...

"What are you talking about?"

Chen Sanshi came over on horseback.

"Nothing, nothing!"

Xiong Qiuan said with a smile: "Sir, I'm just joking."

“The pancakes are good.”

Chen Sanshi took a pancake from Wang Li's arms, took a bite, and handed him a five-hundred-liang silver note: "Buy a small house, and I'll go to the wedding later."

"Thank you, sir!"

Wang Li's hands were shaking as he held the banknote.

"Well, call Xu Wencai and Zhao Kang... and follow me to the open space in front with the map."

Chen Sanshi gave the order.

Soon, the map spread out in front of him.

Mingzhou.

It's an extremely weird place.

It is the border of the Great Sheng Dynasty, but it is separated from the city by the Luotian Mountains on the east, with an uninhabited wilderness in the middle. It does not border Fengzhou, and the only two states that can get through are Liangzhou and Yanzhou. However, Yanzhou does not have many troops, so the task of rushing to support the encirclement and suppression naturally falls on Liangzhou.

They also have to cross a huge canyon before they can officially enter Mingzhou.

The current situation.

The rebels are mainly concentrated in the south, southeast, and central regions of Mingzhou, with the southeast being the main focus.

Their army would go straight into the central hinterland and, together with the Mingzhou army, attack the rebels outside Jinquan Prefecture from the west and north. In the process, they would need to rely on Yangchun Prefecture for support of food and supplies.

At that time, it would be 70,000 troops against 30,000 local troops.

The Red Eyebrow Army only has one Xuanxiang Realm warrior.

The most prosperous ones include Yuan Dai, Sha Wenlong and Zao Wou-Ki.

In addition, we must also add Wu You, the deputy general of Mingzhou General Dong An.

No matter how you look at it, the gap in hard power on paper is very huge. Even if there is the so-called "magic weapon book", the Red Eyebrow Army has no chance of winning this battle in a head-on confrontation.

The best outcome for them is to retreat in time to the north of the Wushui River and the east of the Hongze River and hold on to the cities they have already captured. Even so, it is only a matter of time before they are eaten away one by one.

"Sir, you are marching cautiously, but are you worrying too much?"

Zhao Kang said: "I think there will be no problem as long as we pay attention to ambushes on the road."

"maybe."

Chen Sanshi said this, but he still felt weird in his heart.

Western Qi, what are you waiting for?
The Red Eyebrow Army is causing chaos in the south, and this is a godsend opportunity that has not been seen in twenty years. If we really wait until they enter the canyon and get supplies from Yangchun Prefecture, the Red Eyebrow Army will be pacified soon. It will be a foolish dream to think of attacking us at that time.

Chen Sanshi asked: "My Wolong Military Advisor, do you have any clues?"

"Don't worry, sir. We are just one step away from a flash of inspiration!"

Xu Wencai frowned and said, "I'll be there soon. I'll change my mind later."

"Yeah, I should change my mindset."

Chen Sanshi ordered them to put away the map and continue on their journey.

The journey to Mingzhou alone will take nearly a month.

This is also the reason why Zhao Wuji and others insisted on not transporting food and fodder from Liangzhou, the cost was too high.

Marching is extremely boring.

Every day, I just walk and walk all the time. I eat and sleep on the spot. It can be said that I live in the open air.

Fortunately, Chen Sanshi was well prepared.

I took the Linghe ointment, precious medicine, and ear mouse meat with me, so no time was wasted.

Just like when he was in Yunzhou, he relied on the speed of the Baihu horse and deliberately shortened his journey by half a day to practice martial arts, and used the remaining half a day to travel. In the blink of an eye, twenty-eight days had passed.

[Kung Fu: Zhenguo Dragon Spear. Transformation of Strength (Beginner)]

【Progress: 395/500】

In another ten days or half a month, you will be able to master the Hua Jin technique.

"Coming!"

Chen Sanshi estimated that they would be able to pass through Jianmen Gorge and enter Mingzhou before dark today.

The Saker Falcon flapped its wings to find him, bringing the latest deployment and arrangements from the front line.

The Tianlang Battalion and 20,000 Liangzhou soldiers were responsible for the area in front of Yingzui Mountain, and together with the Mingzhou army that rushed to Jinquan Prefecture, they encircled and suppressed the main force of the Chimei Army, trying not to give them the opportunity to retreat to the north of the Wushui River and to win a quick victory.

The reserve battalion was to cover the rear and would not need to encounter the main enemy force for the time being. It was responsible for clearing out the small rebel groups outside the various small towns in the Yanling Mountain area, and maintaining the food routes outside Yangchun Prefecture after the war officially broke out.

After all, the reserve battalion has only been established for less than four months, and its overall strength is lower than the main forces of other battalions. It is still mainly for training, and they will only be used when things really don't work out.

"I'm furious!"

Bai Tingzhi came over cursing.

Next to him were Lu Shuhua and Xie Sishu, all three of them looked unhappy.

Chen Sanshi asked: "What's going on?"

"You are so shameless, Cao!"

Bai Tingzhi was not afraid of anyone hearing: "Sha Wenlong said that their Tianlang Camp was short of manpower, and then he transferred Cao Fan and his 3,000 men from the right wing to the front line to deal with the main force of the Red Eyebrow Army. Isn't this obviously giving them a chance to make merit?"

"General Bai Qian, be careful with your words!"

Xie Sishu warned: "You dare to insult the Cao family name, which is tantamount to insulting the current emperor. If you don't pursue it, it's fine. But if you really pursue it, you will be beheaded."

"Ugh……"

Lu Shuhua sighed, "It seems that we are destined to only be able to pick up some small benefits on this trip."

"I don't care, but Mr. Chen Qian..."

Xie Sishu said meaningfully: "Your Highness is heading to Yingzui Mountain to face the main force, and Sha Wenlong is very willing to give him a chance. It is very likely that he will get first-class combat merit. In addition, he has already entered the realm of Huajin. He may be able to reach the realm of Huajin mastery before returning to Liangzhou, so..."

The position of chief disciple will be taken away!
"Thank you for reminding."

Chen Sanshi was not worried at all.

Because by the time he returns to Liangzhou, he will have at least achieved a small level of Hua Jin. Even if Cao Fan tries his best, he will not be able to reach that speed.

Many people don’t even know that he has already achieved the state of Hua Jin.

"arrive!"

Jianmen Canyon!

This canyon is connected to the Luoxiao Mountains on the east side. It is considered the end of the Luoxiao Mountains and the shortest route from Liangzhou to Mingzhou.

In the middle of this mountain range, which was supposed to be continuous, there appeared a huge ravine, and it was straight. The cliffs were at 90 degrees without any tilt. It looked as if someone had used a big sword to cut the mountain in half.

Hence the name, Jianmen Mountains.

At this moment.

The main vanguard force has most likely already passed Yangchun Prefecture and is about to engage in battle with the Red Eyebrow Army.

The remaining front, rear and left parts of the reserve camp also went in different directions to suppress small groups of bandits.

"Chen Sanshi, Bai Tingzhi, listen to my orders!"

"The general is here!"

Yu Song issued an order: "Scouts have sent news that in Baigou County, 150 miles to the west, 700 bandits have broken into the city and are now slaughtering the people. I order Chen Sanshi to lead 1,000 soldiers and horses under his command, plus Bai Tingzhi's 500 soldiers and horses to quickly encircle and suppress them. End the battle within two days, and then return to join us immediately!
"The rest of you, follow me to Yangchun Prefecture to pick up food and fodder!"

"As ordered!"

"Brothers, full speed ahead!"

The one thousand men under Chen Sanshi's command were all cavalry, and their resources were extremely good, which was also one of the rewards he received after winning the championship.

If it were Bai Tingzhi and his men, they would have at most two or three hundred horses.
A distance of 150 miles is something that even ordinary cavalry can reach within a day as their horses need to stop and rest frequently.

But when they arrived at their destination, it was too late.

A small county like Baigou County located within a state would not have high trenches and fortifications like a border city like Poyang County. The walls were often very thin and low, and you only needed a ladder to climb up. The number of defenders inside would usually not exceed five hundred, and some even had only one hundred city guards, plus less than one hundred yamen staff.

Zhao Kang said: "General, Baigou County seems to be finished..."

Chen Sanshi reined in his horse and stopped.

Gazing from afar, he could see that the gate of Baigou County had long been burned down to charcoal, and the city wall, which had fallen into disrepair for many years, had collapsed for the most part. He could see the hellish scene inside from a distance.

"Zhao Kang, take ten riders in to investigate first, in case of an ambush."

These small-scale bandits usually kill and rob and then leave. There is no such thing as defending the city. There are no high-level warriors either, and at most they will not be able to surpass the Lian Zang level.

But underestimating the enemy is a taboo in military strategy.

Chen Sanshi’s way of employing troops is based on caution and he will never act rashly.

"As ordered!"

Zhao Kang was not afraid at all. He led his men into the city and quickly returned: "Sir, there is no rebellion, only chaos everywhere."

"Go into the city and have a look."

Chen Sanshi commanded.

"Daddy..."

"what--"

"Woooo..."

The moment he led the army into the city gate, the scene before his eyes perfectly illustrated what devastation, the howling of ghosts, the corpses everywhere, and purgatory on earth meant!

Houses were burning and streets were flooded with blood.

Corpses were scattered all over the road, blocking them. They had no choice but to dismount and walk over the dead bodies to find living people to question.

"Squeak!"

A disheveled woman staggered out of the house, her hair disheveled, her expression numb, her eyes empty, and she was searching for something among the pile of corpses like a zombie.

"Daddy!"

The little girl, who was only five or six years old, lay on the body of a middle-aged man, calling out in a soft voice, but getting no response. After a long time, she realized that her father would never wake up again, and she burst into tears.

"help me!"

Someone grabbed Chen Sanshi's ankle and he dodged subconsciously.

After this one grab, the man died completely.

"Clang!"

Everyone continued to move forward.

There was a sudden sound of a weapon falling behind me. I turned around and saw that the woman had finally found what she was looking for. It was a knife, a knife used for suicide.

This is the troubled times.

For a moment, not a single one of the fifteen hundred soldiers spoke.

Especially the brothers who came out of Poyang County, they were most deeply touched.

If it weren't for General Chen, they and their families would have ended up in the same way.

"The Red Eyebrow Army..."

Chen Sanshi closed his eyes.

This army, which was supposed to be a people's uprising against oppression, did not have the correct ideological guidance. After gaining power, it turned into evil spirits that were even more terrifying than the people who originally oppressed them, and created one purgatory after another with their own hands.

Bandit thinking!

It will never amount to anything!
"Little girl."

Chen Sanshi walked over and looked down at the little girl: "Do you want to come with me?"

"Woooooooo..."

The little girl just sobbed and didn't say anything.

"Who are you? Are you officers and soldiers of the Great Sheng Dynasty?!"

At the end of the street, a man dressed as a servant shouted at them.

Zhao Kang replied: "We are soldiers from the eight camps of Liangzhou, and we have been ordered to come here to suppress the rebellion!"

"Officers and soldiers, they are officers and soldiers!"

The servant shouted excitedly.

Soon, seven or eight people dressed as martial arts disciples appeared behind him and walked towards this side.

"grown ups!"

"You guys are here!"

"..."

Chen Sanshi looked at the swords in their hands and judged based on the qi in their bodies that they were all at the blood training level, and some of them were also bone training warriors.

He said expressionlessly: "Where are you hiding?"

"Sir, please come with me!"

The warriors lead the way.

In the southeast area of ​​Baigou County, there is a huge castle with three big characters "Lijiazhuang" written at the entrance. Many warriors are standing in front of the gate, including soldiers in armor. In front of them, there are a large number of corpses of civilians.

"The elite troops from Liangzhou's eight battalions are here!"

The servant shouted at the door.

The castle gate opens.

A middle-aged man in gorgeous clothes came out first, followed by the county magistrate and the generals guarding the city.

More than 700 people gathered one after another, and all of them were young and energetic, not old, weak or sick.

"I am Li Changsheng, the head of the Li family in Baigou County. Nice to meet you, sir!"

The middle-aged man bowed respectfully.

"Who is the guard?"

Chen Sanshi had a blank expression on his face: "How did Baigou County fall?"

"Sir, my name is Hu Wen, and I am the inspector of Baigou County."

Hu Wen explained: "The walls of Gou County have been in disrepair for a long time. The Red Eyebrow Army is coming aggressively. In addition, they have the help of the magic weapon book given by the immortal. We are no match for them, so we retreat to the castle and hold on, waiting for reinforcements to arrive!"

Chen Sanshi nodded and said in a deep voice: "In other words, you didn't defend it at all?"

Hu Wen remained silent.

"grown ups."

Li Changsheng took over the conversation, pointed to the south and said: "After burning, killing and looting, the Red Eyebrow Army fled straight to the South Gate. If you chase them on horseback now, you should be able to catch up with them soon!"

"Are you sure you're heading in the right direction?"

"Sure! I promise!"

"Ah."

Chen Sanshi led his troops towards the South Gate.

Relying on his super-strong five senses, he followed the sound of the wind and heard the conversation between Li Changsheng and his companions, which was supposed to be heard only by them.

"So, I said there's no need to defend the city!"

"Who is risking his life?"

"Why should I risk my life to defend the city for these lowly people?"

"That's right. Now that the army has arrived, the Red Eyebrows will retreat! I am still the county magistrate, Master Li is still the master, and Inspector Hu is still the inspector."

"In less than two years, everything in Baigou County will be back to normal!"

"So what if the Liangzhou soldiers are powerful? Aren't they still here to fight for us?"

"..."

"Ok?"

"What are you doing?!"

As Li Changsheng was talking, he found that they were suddenly surrounded by soldiers from Liangzhou, with bows and arrows pointed at them.

"you……"

"What do you mean?!"

"..."

Zhao Kang's face was cold and he announced in a loud voice:
"The Baigou County Magistrate and the Inspector surrendered before the battle. This is tantamount to treason. All of them shall be executed!"

"Fire arrows!"

　Due to time constraints, the map is not yet perfect and accurate enough. You can refer to it first and update it later if there are any additions. Please vote for me, please vote for me!

　
(End of this chapter)