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Chapter 160: Battle of Tiger Prison
"Why is General Deng so surprised?"

Chen Sanshi joked: "Do you really think I am a loyal hero of Dasheng?"

"Is not it?"

Deng Feng said seriously: "Everything you have was given to you by the Emperor of Sheng."

"He rewarded me? Indeed, he rewarded me with a cup of poisoned wine."

Chen Sanshi found it funny: "I, Chen, originally had only one ideal, which was to earn money by hunting, learn a few martial arts, and become a rich man. But what happened? They pushed me step by step to where I am today. Bullies harm people and no one cares. Martial arts schools kill people and no one investigates. Even after joining the army, I was stopped from moving up.

“The subsequent ten days in Yunzhou, just as General Deng said, there were huge problems.

"It takes someone of such high rank to create such a big problem, do I need to explain it clearly?

"I walked from Yunzhou to Youzhou. How many brothers died along the way? I remember every name of them. Do you think I wanted to lead the people across the river? I was forced to do it.

“Such a court.

"You want me to be a loyal hero for him, is he worthy?!"

Deng Feng was a little stunned after hearing this.

He couldn't think of it.

This young general of Dasheng, who had become famous throughout the world after just two years of joining the army, actually did not take the imperial court seriously at all.

"General Deng!

"If anyone hears what I'm going to say next, it will be a grave crime punishable by the death of all nine generations of my clan, but I still want to talk to you."

Chen Sanshi approached slowly, his voice was not loud, but deafening: "Whether it is Qing Kingdom, Dasheng, Nanxu, or even the barbarians, in fact... they are all rotten! Although I am a general of Sheng, everything I have done has never been for the so-called court.

“First, it’s for myself. Secondly, I will deal with things that I don’t like within my ability, such as sect disciples and corrupt officials… But this is far from enough. There are still many things I can’t handle.

“For example, the Ten Days in Yunzhou that you mentioned!
"Even if I know there's something fishy going on, what can I do? I can only play dumb.

"All I can do is to continuously improve my strength until no one dares to bully me or stop me. Only then can I truly be called 'holding a three-foot-long sword and slaying all the filth in the world'!
"I have said so much to the general because I think the general has been blinded by the word 'loyalty' and cannot see the real evils in this world, which happen to be the court you are loyal to!"

At this moment.

Deng Feng was a warrior who read the books of sages and was taught to be loyal to the emperor and serve the country since childhood. After hearing these words, his concept of the world was overturned.

Put all emotions aside for now.

He couldn't help but blurt out: "You want to rebel? When?!"

"..."

This time, it was Chen Sanshi's turn to be stumped.

He hasn't thought about this issue yet.

but……

What I just said seems to be exactly what I meant.

The revenge of the emperor's poisoned wine must be avenged.

But for the time being, this goal is still a long way off. To be down-to-earth, the next goal is still the main general.

after all.

Forget about being a Martial Saint, he is not even at the Xuanxiang realm.

The emperor was a cultivator of immortality.

The gap between them is really too big.

"General Deng."

Chen Sanshi changed the subject and asked, "Can you understand what I said?"

"I……"

Deng Feng's expression was extremely solemn, and he was obviously unable to accept it for a moment: "Mr. Chen, according to you, the reason why the world is suffering is because the court is rotten? Not because of corrupt officials?"

"so."

Chen Sanshi said: "General Deng's 'loyalty', is it loyalty to the people, or loyalty to each family and each household's private interests?"

"No, you're not right!"

Deng Feng was somewhat distressed: "The sages' books do not describe it this way. The truth is to be loyal to the emperor while receiving his salary!"

"Eating the emperor's salary?!"

Chen Sanshi asked again: "Where does the salary given to you by the emperor come from?"

"boom!"

Deng Feng was struck by lightning again.

"The books of sages are written by humans, just like the Martial Saints are also saints. Do their words mean the truth?"

At this point, Chen Sanshi suddenly stopped and said, "General Deng, think about it carefully. If you continue to be loyal to Qing, what else can you get besides the false reputation of being a loyal hero for six generations?

“That’s all.

“I will not continue to persuade the general.

“If after seven days, the general still claims to be a loyal member of the Shen family of Qing, then I will think that I have misjudged you and that you are just a person seeking fame and reputation. I will have them chop off your head and your family’s head and hang it on the city wall for public display.

"or……

"You can think clearly, choose to survive and do things, and wait for the day when you can 'sweep away all the filth in the world'.

"The decision is entirely up to the general.

"Farewell!"

Finished speaking.

He left the tent.

Deng Feng was left covered in blood, hanging on a wooden stake, in endless shock and confusion.

"It is absolutely impossible to ask such a person to betray one court and be loyal to another."

Chen Sanshi knew it very well, so he simply made his position clear.

Practice!

He returned to the city and practiced his spear skills day and night.

During this period, Xia Cong and others were sent to persuade the remaining eight prefectures to surrender.

After learning that Zhaotong Prefecture had surrendered, the eight prefectures naturally did not resist at all. They all obediently opened the city gates and welcomed the Sheng Kingdom's army. At this point, Yongle Prefecture was the only one left in the entire Laizhou that was still holding on.

The 50,000 elite soldiers of Yongle Mansion were the personal troops accumulated by the foreign king Li Gong over the years. In addition, with abundant food and grass and sufficient troops, it would be difficult for the army's morale to be greatly shaken in a short period of time, and surrender was out of the question.

Today's situation.

"Sir, do you want a map?"

Xia Cong was already prepared.

"Ah."

Chen Sanshi nodded.

Xia Cong immediately spread out the map.

“In Luling Mountain, besides the Emperor of Qing, I don’t know if there are any other Martial Saints, so we need a huge force to defend against them and keep them out of Laizhou.

“In addition, we also need to be prepared to face the Nanxu army that may appear at any time.

"Either secede or...

"Hold Hulao Pass for three to five months, wait for the enemy to retreat after we capture Yongle Prefecture.

“This is also the best way...

"But at the moment, we can't mobilize too many troops from Laizhou in a short period of time. At most, there are only a few thousand people, and they are still...

"I!"

Chen Sanshi analyzed silently in his mind.

The conclusion was reached quickly.

If he had to defend Hulao Pass, this task, which could result in his death, would probably fall on him.

Specifically, is it to establish a separatist regime or to defend Hulao Pass?

It depends on how much the emperor desires Ziwei Mountain.

[Kung Fu: Dragon Spear of the Nation. Open Meridians (Mastery)]

【Progress: 496/1000】

……

[Magic: Sword Qi Technique (Mastery)]

【Progress: 955/1000】

A blink of an eye.

Just two days passed.

Chen Sanshi's spear skills have almost reached halfway point, and his sword skills are also about to break through.

Early morning on the third day.

He had just walked out of the door of his residence when You Jike came to report.

"grown ups!"

"Twenty thousand Tiger Soldiers are coming from Yongle Prefecture! General Fan Tianfa, I have brought you the military order from the Marshal!"

"Chihiro!"

Chen Sanshi called out, got on his horse and headed straight for the city gate.

"Chen Sanshi, listen to my orders!"

Fan Tianfa held up the commander's token and said, "The army of the Southern Xu Kingdom is invading and heading straight for Hulao Pass. The commander-in-chief orders you to lead 3,000 black armored soldiers under your command to reach Hulao Pass within ten days and defend it for a hundred days at all costs! If you fail to do so, you will be beheaded!"

really……

It's me who has to do this hard work again.

Chen Sanshi was mentally prepared: "General Chen Sanshi, I obey your orders!"

"Ah."

Fan Tianfa asked, "General Fang will be here soon and will help you with your plans. Apart from that, is there anything else you want... Actually, it's useless for me to ask this. Under the current circumstances, even the dispatch of food and grass will take a long time, and I can't give you anything. I can only say I'll try my best."

"We are short of generals."

Chen Sanshi nodded and said, "General Fan, I am only at the Tongmai realm. Even if the terrain of Hulao Pass is very dangerous, it would be unreasonable not to give it to a general at the Xuanxiang realm, right? If you really can't spare anyone else, give Sha Wenlong to me."

"Okay, I promise you."

Fan Tianfa did not refuse: "The rest of Sha Wenlong's troops will follow me to Luling Mountain immediately, and he will follow you to Hulao Pass."

"General Fan!"

On the side, Sha Wenlong almost vomited.

He had finally managed to wait until the city of Zhaotong was captured. Could it be that he had to stay and continue to obey the orders of a Lieutenant General Tongmai?

"Thank you, General Fan!"

Chen Sanshi also dislikes this person.

But there's nothing I can do, no one has it.

Moreover, in the current situation, both the prince and the emperor want to recapture Ziwei Mountain. On the battlefield, Sha Wenlong will still be obedient, after all, it is in the interest of his master.

Fan Tianfa said sincerely: "I hope you two can complete this mission and achieve one of the top merits in this battle."

"General Fan!"

Sha Wenlong followed him and waited until there was no one around and said again: "Can you replace Cui Congyi with someone else? As long as they don't let me go to Hulao Pass, I would rather go to the battlefield!"

"General Sha!"

Fan Tianfa reminded him, "Now is not the time to act on impulse. The rapid recovery of the three states is not only related to the future of Dasheng, but also to the great cause of His Highness. If you follow Chen Sanshi and can really hold on, it will be a great achievement. You should know very well, so obey the order."

"I see."

Sha Wenlong couldn't refute: "I'm just worried that if I follow him alone, he will take revenge on me."

"Public revenge?"

Fan Tianfa asked back: "Tell me, what is the personal grudge between you two?"

"I……"

Sha Wenlong was speechless.

"okay."

Fan Tianfa patted his shoulder and said, "If he really dares to take revenge, you can report him after the war is over. Taking revenge is a serious crime. Okay, hurry up and get ready."

"drive--"

After he reorganized his troops, he led his men away.

……

"Senior brother."

Chen Sanshi personally rode his horse to a place five miles away to pick up Fang Qingyun who had difficulty walking.

Fang Qingyun held a flute in his hand and joked, "Junior brother, your momentum is really amazing. It really opened my eyes."

"Thank you, Senior Brother."

Chen Sanshi pushed him back into the tent and said, "There are still two days left. Please help me analyze the situation at Hulao Pass. You should know the details better than me."

The map is spread out.

The two sat opposite each other.

"This time, the Southern Xu Kingdom took advantage of the situation and invaded with a mighty force of 100,000 soldiers and horses."

Fang Qingyun narrated: "Among these 100,000 soldiers, 50,000 are elite soldiers, many of whom are at the Tongmai realm, and the remaining 50,000 have not been trained for long, but they are all qualified soldiers. They are indeed coming in force and are difficult to stop.

“The enemy’s only flaw is that they don’t have a Martial Saint, but they do have four Xuan Xiang realm warriors.

“Among them, there are two princes, the commanders Fan Shuzhen and Fan Jiaxiao. They are the eighth and fourteenth princes of Nanxu. In addition, there is a marquis and two generals.

"Among the generals, Ran Jingxuan deserves a special mention.

"Does Junior Brother know anything about this person?"

"Of course I know."

Chen Sanshi said: "He is a top-ranked military advisor in the world, the descendant of Crouching Dragon and Phoenix Youngster. His nickname is 'Ling Suan', and he is the son of 'Zhong Hu', the number one strategist in Southern Xu."

The fifty-seventh year of the Longqing reign.

The great turmoil in the South.

It was Tsukhu's plan that severely damaged Dasheng's vitality.

It's just that Zhong Hu is old and retired many years ago, while his son Ran Jingxuan, whom he personally taught, has gradually become active.

For more than ten years.

"Lingsuan" Ran Jingxuan has made countless contributions in Southern Xu. In the southernmost part of Southern Xu, he seized two states from the enemy in one fell swoop and became famous in one battle. He is considered one of the most famous warriors in Southern Xu today. There is even a saying that "Ran Lingsuan is unparalleled in wisdom and strategy."

"Zhonghu is the opponent that Master has fought for half his life. He is a man that Master has personally trained and should not be underestimated. Not to mention that Ran Jingxuan is not young either. He has already passed the age of forty and does not have the impetuousness of a young man."

Fang Qingyun continued, "In addition, their head coach Fan Shuzhen is also one of the four most competitive candidates for the succession among the many crown princes in Southern Xu. He led his troops here in a hurry, hoping to make great contributions through this battle, so that he can have more say in future competitions.

“Generally speaking, these four Xuan Xiang realm generals are all high-ranking nobles of Nan Xu, and they have many connections.

“And we only have one Sha Wenlong, so the gap on paper is quite large.

"Junior brother, how is your sword energy training going?"

"good."

Chen Sanshi said calmly: "At the Xuanxiang realm, you should be able to give it a try, but it will be difficult to achieve great success."

The sword energy technique was taught to him by his master and senior brothers. They even knew that Xunxian Tower gave him the spiritual sand. It was originally a life-saving trump card given to him, so there was no need to hide it.

Fang Qingyun nodded: "Okay, but it can more or less increase the chances of winning."

"Brother, even if you can kill Xuan Xiang, can the sword energy technique really be used?"

Chen Sanshi was puzzled and said, "Even if the immortal method is not seen on the battlefield, there must be an explanation for the death of the enemy general. You can't say that it was me who killed Xuan Xiang with my Tongmai Exaggeration Realm."

Fang Qingyun held the flute and pointed at himself: "Isn't this me?"

"did you mean?"

Chen Sanshi understood and said, "You said you used it?"

"That's what it means."

Fang Qingyun said calmly, "You are still young, but my master and I have long been like dead pigs that are not afraid of boiling water. His Majesty has been staring at us for a long time. Instead of letting him notice you, you should continue to stare at us."

"I see."

Only then did Chen Sanshi think of it.

The transfer order also sent the disabled Fang Qingyun to Hulao Pass. Wasn't it because they hoped that he could show some talent and create some surprises?

Old Emperor, you really make the best use of everyone and everything.

only……

It’s still difficult!

After all, sword energy technique is a true immortal technique, and it has not been practiced to perfection, so the combat effectiveness is still insufficient. Fortunately, there is still the Xuanzhu that can be used, which can be regarded as another trump card.

"General Deng!"

Chen Sanshi came to the tent and asked, "How have you considered it?"

Deng Feng, with dishevelled hair and dirty face, lowered his head, his pupils were bloodshot, and did not answer.

From time to time, two eagle cries could be heard in the sky outside the tent.

This was Li Gong reminding him to find a way to commit suicide, so as not to bring shame to Daqing and preserve his reputation as a loyal hero.

"I said I won't persuade you anymore. I came here just to tell you that I'm leaving."

Chen Sanshi said, "We will be leaving for another place tomorrow morning. You don't have seven days to think about it."

Deng Feng: “…”

Chen Sanshi left without saying a word and started training the Black Armor Army outside the city.

For those who have been reading books of sages and have been heavily indoctrinated with these ideas since childhood, it would be abnormal if they changed too quickly. After all, these are all "treasonous" principles, and it certainly takes some time to accept and digest them.

Three thousand black armor soldiers.

They formed the "Nine Heavenly Soldiers Formation" and roared and galloped across the wilderness plains with great momentum, seeming unstoppable.

and.

The white aura of Chen Sanshi’s black pearl became even stronger!

It seems that there is an 80% probability that it is the winning advantage. After fighting a tough battle, we will be able to verify whether it is really as we guess.

If such abundant white mysterious energy were used up all at once, it would definitely be able to create a surprise attack.

only……

After all, Nanxu had an army of 100,000.

No matter how powerful the three thousand special troops are, they cannot win in a head-on battle.

But we have to take it one step at a time.

Another night of rest.

At dawn at the hour of Mao, the eyes begin to rise.

Chen Sanshi led three thousand black armored soldiers to capture Hulao Pass!

……

Imprisoned in the tent.

Sha Wenlong walked in dragging a broadsword.

The army was about to leave, and they could not spare two guards to escort the general, so they had to kill him according to the rules.

People with the surname Chen can’t do everything!
A few days ago, I was alone in the tent, and I talked for a long time, but in the end it was all in vain.

"Deng Feng!"

"Your day has come!"

Sha Wenlong gripped the hilt tightly and slowly raised the broadsword: "I'll give you one last chance, surrender or not?"

Deng Feng: “…”

"Then suffer death!"

"Buzz!"

There was a strong energy swirling around Sha Wenlong's broadsword, and he was about to cut off the enemy with one blow.

Just at this moment, Deng Feng, who looked like a walking corpse, finally made a hoarse sound.

"Call Chen Sanshi!"

"Ok?"

Sha Wenlong was startled, and finally put away the knife: "If you want to surrender, just nod to me directly, why bother to find him? If you don't surrender, he can't save your life!"

"I asked you to call Chen Sanshi."

Deng Feng slowly raised his head and looked at him with disdain: "Sha, you are not only blind, but also deaf?"

"you!"

Sha Wenlong sneered: "Okay, then let Chen kill you."

...Chen Sanshi rushed over after hearing the news.

"General Deng should have done this long ago. Why did he have to endure so much pain for so many days?"

He stepped forward and personally pulled out the iron nails as thick as a baby's fist for the other party, opened the python-like black iron chains, and left bloody holes.

"you?"

The veins on Deng Feng's forehead throbbed, but he didn't wail in pain. He was so weak that he fell off the cross stake, stumbled and nearly fell. After finally standing firm, he said, "I didn't say anything, but you let me go. Aren't you afraid that I'll kill you?"

"If you didn't change your mind, why did you ask me to come over?"

Chen Sanshi said: "The war is not over yet. With General Deng's help, our chances of winning are much better."

"Say it first!"

Deng Feng did not deny: "I did not surrender to Sheng."

"You said."

Chen Sanshi asked: "What are the conditions?"

"I will help you."

Deng Feng said slowly: "Just like you said, go ahead, and then I will wait and see how you sweep away all the filth in the world. If one day you become successful and forget what I said today, I will definitely take your head!"

"it is good!"

Chen Sanshi agreed immediately.

"Pfft!"

Deng Feng knelt down on one knee without any warning: "Deng Feng, I pay my respects to the Marshal!"

"General Deng."

Chen Sanshi helped him up and said, "Why do you have to perform such a great ceremony? You are my senior, and a warrior who has reached the realm of Xuan Xiang. How can I bear it?"

"This time, that time!"

Deng Fenglian's voice recovered: "Before I agree to you, I can call you by your name, but after you nod, you have to put yourself in the right position. This is the rule, nothing else matters."

"Ok."

Chen Sanshi stopped being pretentious.

"Can you please tell Mr. Deng what the current situation is?"

Deng Feng paused, "If it doesn't work, forget it."

He knew that he was, after all, an enemy general who had just surrendered. If he wanted to continue to stay in the army, he would have to make amends for his crime and pay a token of his allegiance.

"What's wrong?"

Chen Sanshi explained the current situation to everyone.

Don't use the suspect, but don't use it.

"Hulao Pass."

Deng Feng pondered and said, "It will take three months for three thousand men to defend one hundred thousand. Does the emperor of the Sheng Dynasty want Ziwei Mountain so much? Well, if you think you can defend it, then defend it. My lord, please bring me another set of armor and the weapons that were confiscated earlier."

"General Deng, don't you need to rest for a few days?"

Chen Sanshi looked at the bloody holes all over his body and said, "Your injuries are not light."

"It doesn't matter."

Deng Feng replied: "I am a Hunyuan Immortal Body, and no vital parts have been injured. It won't take long for me to recover my fighting ability!"

The immortal body of Hunyuan.

One of the innate martial saint bodies.

The characteristic is that it is durable. Generally speaking, as long as it does not die, it will recover much faster than other people.

"it is good!"

Chen Sanshi took out several precious healing medicines given to him by the imperial court.

Deng Feng swallowed the whole thing in one gulp. "This medicine is very valuable. Once we reach Hulao Pass, I will be able to recover to a large extent!"

soon.

Zhao Kang and others brought armor, weapons, and clean clothes.

After getting dressed, Deng Feng regained his majestic appearance and followed Chen Sanshi out of the tent.

Sha Wenlong almost suspected that he had seen it wrong.

"This……"

Fang Qingyun was also surprised when he saw the scene in front of him.

Long before the war broke out, he had memorized all the files of Laizhou's famous generals, including Deng Feng. According to common sense, this man would not surrender even if he faced the disaster of having his entire clan exterminated.

I really don't know what kind of words and means my junior brother used to be able to use such a person for his own benefit. It's really unbelievable.

"General Deng, I have long admired you."

Fang Qingyun clasped his fists and said, "It is a great honor to have General Deng's help in this battle of Hulao!"

"You must be General Fang."

Deng Feng responded: "I have long heard of your great name!"

"In that case, let's not waste any more time here."

"Send the order!"

"Leave!"

"Hulao Pass!"

……

Tongnan Prefecture.

It was March, which happened to be the spring ploughing season in the eastern region.

The farmers, along with their families, were busy working in the fields.

"How was the harvest last year? Do you have any extra money?"

The prince changed into a coarse linen robe, leaned on a walking stick, stood on the edge of the field, and asked an old farmer.

"Last year, we had a good harvest in Tongnan Prefecture, but what was the use?"

The old farmer stood in the mud: "First there was the spring tax, then the autumn tax, and in between there were two suppression taxes. During the winter, there was a war ahead, and grain was collected. These are still clear. What is not clear is the bridge tax, hunting tax, firewood tax, straw sandal tax, and even raising chickens, ducks, and geese. You have to pay a tax, plus various corvée duties...

"In good years, we can barely survive, so how can we have any extra money?

"If there was a drought like in Laizhou, Qing, we would have starved to death!"

In many places, water conservancy is not well developed.

So there may be drought or flood in one state, but the neighboring states are fine.

"and many more."

The prince said sternly, "My fellow countryman, what tax did you just say? Do we have to pay taxes for raising chickens, ducks, and geese? We don't have this tax in the Great Sheng Dynasty, right?"

"How not!"

The old farmer angrily said, "Every time you raise a chicken, you have to pay a fee! Even the eggs laid by the hens have to be handed over!"

"Ridiculous, absolutely ridiculous!"

Anger showed on the prince's face.

Leaning on a cane, he staggered to the side and asked the guards who were accompanying him, "I remember that the firewood tax and hunting tax in the southeast region were stopped four years ago. And what about the tax on chickens, ducks and geese? Where did it come from? Not a single copper coin of this silver entered the national treasury! Which local official is so bold! Check it for me... cough cough cough cough..."

When he spoke the second half, he was obviously out of breath.

"Your Highness..."

Han Yan, the trusted guard, said with embarrassment: "Is this even necessary to investigate? Even if the local officials have great courage, they dare not blatantly put all the tax money into their own pockets. This must be done by the Yan Party. Above the Yan Party... In short, your Majesty knows how much His Majesty's annual expenses are. Just the two items of seeking immortals and refining pills... account for more than one-third of the annual tax revenue..."

"That needs to be checked too!"

The prince said in a trembling voice: "Check!!"

"Yes, I will check it out later!"

Han Yan said quickly: "If we find one, we will kill him. If we find two, we will kill them both. Your Highness, please calm down and take care of yourself."

"Going right now!"

"Yes Yes!"

Han Yan left in a hurry.

"Your Highness, why are you so angry?"

The black-robed monk quickened his pace and came over.

"it's okay no problem……"

The prince gasped: "Go ahead."

"Something went wrong with the incense."

The black-robed monk whispered, “People below said that there is a knight called Lai Zi Tou in the Jianghu who has been destroying our incense offerings along the way. It seems that his attainments in incense offerings are extremely exaggerated. No matter how much incense there is, he can refine it in an instant if he grabs a handful!

"The most important thing is that this Zhang Laizi seems to know about our affairs."

“Who leaked it?”

The prince did not panic, and quickly deduced: "Since this hero Zhang has not revealed anything yet, it means that he is not interested in this matter. He should be an expert. As long as we don't offend him, it shouldn't matter. In addition, we can try to win him over, which will be a great help to us."

"it is good."

The black-robed monk nodded slightly: "I understand."

"Old Yao, wait a minute."

The prince raised his hand, signaling him to stop.

"Your Highness, do you have any other instructions?"

The black-robed monk asked.

"Old Yao."

The prince leaned on a cane and finally recovered his breath. He asked quietly, "What is the price of the evil way?"

"cost?"

The black-robed monk had a strange look in his eyes: "It just consumes more incense. Your Highness, didn't you know that a long time ago?"

"Tell the truth."

The prince looked at the horizon in the distance and said, "I am not blind. Along the way, the Dragon King Festival, the Nanshan Mountain God Festival, and various River God Festivals... They were all organized by you, right? The so-called price of the evil way is to use the lives of living people, right?"

"I have deceived you, and it is my death sentence."

The black-robed monk had to admit, “But Your Highness doesn’t know that this is the only way for the evil god to survive. If you don’t regularly perform human sacrifices, the evil god will be enraged and will retaliate!”

"Haha~ I knew that there is no such cheap thing in the world."

The prince first laughed at himself, then looked at the farmers busy in the fields and fell into silence for a long time.

"Amitabha, Your Highness, don't blame yourself."

The black-robed monk advised, “This matter was all arranged by me, and I bear all the sins alone. As the saying goes, ‘If I don’t go to hell, who will?’ Compared with the ten days in Yunzhou, the number of people offering sacrifices is just a drop in the bucket.

"After the success, Your Highness will ascend the throne, sweep away all the corruption in the world, and restore a clean and honest government to the prosperous country. These people will also be regarded as entering the path of great compassion, and they will surely be rewarded with good karma in their next life..."

The prince did not answer in a hurry, but walked forward with his crutches and helped the old woodcutter who was passing by and almost fell.

When there was no one around, he sighed, "Go do it."

"Amitabha."

The black-robed monk continued, "Your Highness, Laizhou has already been established. There are many prefectures. If we can increase the number, it may extend your life. Your body..."

"enough!"

In the breeze, the prince turned around and slammed the ground twice with his cane: "How many times do you want me to say it? I don't want eternal life! I just want to use the rest of my life to rebuild my Cao family's empire!"

"I will never mention this matter again." The black-robed monk hastily promised.

"clatter……"

The prince dropped the cane in his hand, and he slowly knelt on the ground, his head hitting the mud hard, leaving a deep dent. He suppressed his voice, his eyes reddened: "My Cao family owes a lot to our people!"

"Starting next year, all places in the eastern region that are involved in sacrifices will be exempt from taxes for five years, so that they can rest and recuperate!"

"Amitabha, Your Highness is truly the reincarnation of the Bodhisattva."

The black-robed monk clasped his hands together, bowed, and then turned and left.

……

Yongle Mansion.

The brutal siege has begun
"boom--"

The Martial Saint Meng Quji climbed up the city wall first with a spear in hand. With one thrust of the spear, the terrifying force blew five or six Qing soldiers in front of him into pieces, and the body parts flew in all directions like hail.

"Meng Quji! Die—"

King Li Gong of Tang suddenly appeared from the flank, and the black iron Kanglong mace in his hand whizzed away.

"boom--"

The two overwhelming forces collided with a loud noise like the collapse of heaven and earth. The bricks and tiles under their feet exploded inch by inch, leaving a huge gap in the city wall.

Soon after.

Meng Quji was forced to retreat, and the Dasheng troops also called off their attacks, and both sides temporarily stopped fighting.

"Damn it, Meng!"

Li Gong walked towards the central army tent, cursing: "During the fight, he even spilled lime. He is a martial saint after all, but he even resorted to such childish tricks. How shameless!"

"Yes."

Deputy General Liu Huanrong followed suit and cursed: "The stuff he spilled is extremely poisonous. The prince is fine, but the brothers around him are in trouble..."

"This man was born as a street scoundrel!"

Li Gong said disdainfully: "Now that you are in a high position, you still don't care about your dignity at all!"

"But after testing him today, he must have realized that he can't attack by force."

Liu Huanrong held the helmet in his right arm: "Your Majesty, let's..."

"Report——"

A subordinate interrupted the conversation: "A letter from the Southern Xu Kingdom! They have arrived at Lingzhou Ziwei Mountain. In another three to five days, the vanguard will be able to move out of Hulao Pass."

"Ah."

Li Gong did not stop, and asked as he walked: "Where are the Sheng people? How are they deployed? Are they using Zhaotong Prefecture as the dividing line to fight a protracted tug-of-war with us?"

"Do not."

The subordinates reported: "They sent 3,000 men to guard Hulao Pass."

"Three thousand men, guarding Hulao Pass?"

Hearing this, Li Gong suddenly stopped and asked, "Are you sure you didn't make a mistake? Or did Fan Tianfa go to Hulao Pass instead of Luling Mountain?"

"Absolutely true!"

The subordinate said confidently: "Moreover, they don't have enough high-level generals at the moment. Currently, Chen Sanshi is in charge, followed by Fang Qingyun and Sha Wenlong. They will soon reach Hulao Pass.

"Who? That Chen Sanshi again?"

Li Gong did not dare to underestimate the enemy.

But no matter how hard he thought about it, he couldn't figure out how a general at the Tongmai Realm, with three thousand men, could defend against an army of one hundred thousand plus four generals at the Xuanxiang Realm?
Think about it.

The Sheng people's deployment in this way can only mean that they are at the end of their rope and have no one to use!

This is a determination to take over Ziwei Mountain at all costs.

Regardless of the cost, it means they are taking risks, and taking risks will lead to disastrous defeat!

"Mr. Sheng has really lost his mind! He really doesn't take others seriously!"

Li Gong snorted coldly, "Chen Sanshi is a Tongmai, Sha Wenlong is only at the entry level of Xuanxiang realm, and there is only Fang Qingyun who has been disabled for a long time. He may still pose a threat. With these three people, we can defend Hulao Pass? What a joke!"
"Send the information to Fan Shuzhen in Lingzhou and tell him that there are only 3,000 men at Hulao Pass. Order him to march out as quickly as possible and attack Hulao Pass!

“The faster we take Hulao Pass, the more we will win.

"It's not over yet to take back the three states. As long as Meng Quji dies, we have a 90% chance of taking over the five states in the east of Sheng State. These five states are fertile lands relying on the Tongtian River!"

……

Lingzhou.

The 100,000-strong army passed through Ziwei Mountain and entered the flat wasteland. The number of their numbers was so large that it looked like a giant dragon emerging from the ground. There was no sight of its head or end, and it seemed as if it was endless.

In this Northern Expedition, there were a total of five senior officials leading the army.

The five people are:
Commander-in-chief, the eighth prince Fan Shuzhen.

The deputy commander was Qinghe Marquis You Jingzhi.

The general and military strategist, "Lingsuan" Ran Jingxuan.

General, Peng Yunheng.

And the fourteenth prince, Fan Jiaxiao.

Chinese army.

Among the five senior executives, three of them gathered here at this time to discuss the next battle.

"Our goal for this Northern Expedition is to capture the fertile land of Lingzhou!"

"Of course, it would be great if we could eat up the entire five eastern states of Sheng! The Sheng people have been sitting on the thirty-six most fertile states in the world for more than three hundred years, it's time to give some of them back!"

"..."

"Whether it's Shengren or Qingguo!"

Fan Shuzhen, who was wearing golden armor, said: "We will help whoever can give us more benefits, but don't really think about risking your life for Qing. Of course, at present, helping Qing is the option that can get us the most benefits, and Sun Xiangzong is missing, this is the great opportunity I've been waiting for!"

"Yes, Master Ba."

Deputy Commander You Jingzhi looked at the map in front of him and said, "I just don't know if the Sheng people have already withdrawn their troops. After all, continuing to fight will not bring them any benefit."

"Even if we withdraw our troops, Qing will still cede Lingzhou to us. With an army of 100,000, is it possible that our trip will be in vain?"

As the military advisor of the 100,000-man army, Ran Jingxuan told his plan: "Eighth Master, Lord You, I have made all the arrangements. No matter what happens next, we can take Ling Ran. These are the two situations I analyzed. You see..."

"Chirp—"

While they were discussing, a goshawk landed and brought the latest information.

"what?"

"Is Shengren crazy?!"

"We want to defend Hulao Pass? There are only 3,000 of us. How can you not take us seriously?"

"..."

"Chen Sanshi is in charge, and Fang Qingyun is his deputy? Interesting!"

Fan Shuzhen put down the letter and asked, "What do you two think?"

Ran Jingxuan said calmly: "There is no need to say more about Fang Qingyun, he is an old acquaintance of ours. This Chen Sanshi has won one stunning victory after another in just two or three years, not to mention the previous experience of leading the people across the river.

"He made a great splash when he crossed the Hongze River four times, and who would have thought that he would come back to the east so soon, creating a scene of 'thousands of troops avoiding white robes'. The world has been in turmoil for a hundred years, but he has not made as much splash as he has in a year!

"only……

"What's going on in Shengren's mind? Even if Chen Sanshi's strategy is unparalleled in the world, he is just a general with only 3,000 men under his command.

"Leaving him here to guard Hulao Pass? Isn't this trying to kill him?"

"Yeah, I find it weird too."

Fan Shuzhen tapped the map with his fingers rhythmically: "Does the emperor of Sheng have to have this Ziwei Mountain?"

"That's understandable."

You Jingzhi recalled: "Ziwei Mountain is the place where Emperor Taizu of the Sheng people ascended the throne. They have not forgotten the hatred of the Ming and Xuan shame. Emperors of all dynasties wanted to prove their achievements by retaking Ziwei Mountain."

"wrong."

Ran Jingxuan narrowed his eyes and said, "Have you forgotten something? Emperor Longqing pursued the way to immortality, and there were many legends about Emperor Sheng's first emperor Cao Xie. Is it possible that some treasure of their Cao family is still left on Ziwei Mountain?"

"Now that you mention it, this is indeed possible, but..."

You Jingzhi said: "Ziwei Mountain has been in the hands of Qing Kingdom for hundreds of years. Even if there are treasures, they have been taken away long ago."

"That's a bad word."

Ran Jingxuan said: "The Emperor Shengren is so eager to recapture Ziwei Mountain, which means that the things are likely still there. Of course, it may be that I am overthinking it, and he is simply trying to gain a good reputation as the Lord of Restoration."

"Easy to handle."

Fan Shuzhen issued an order: "Send a message to Peng Yunheng in the rear area, and ask him to go to Ziwei Mountain to look for it. It would be best if there is any harvest, but it doesn't matter if there is no harvest.

"The situation is clear now, Military Advisor Ran, please start your deployment."

"it is good."

Ran Jingxuan, who was known as the "Spiritual Suan", waved his hand:
“General Peng is in Ziwei Mountain in the rear, searching for treasures while stabilizing the rear.

“Lord You will lead a team of troops to first control several important cities in the heart of Lingzhou. No matter what the outcome of this battle is, we must take Lingzhou and never give it back to the people of Qing.

“As for Master Eight, he will remain in charge of the central army for the time being.

"Also, tell the Fourteenth Master who is at the front to set up camp fifty miles outside Hulao Pass.

“Wait until everything is ready.

"I, the Great Xu, will march straight to Hulao Pass with 100,000 troops!"

(End of this chapter)