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Chapter 212 Death in White Robe
Beijing.

royal palace.

Zhongjue Hall.

In recent months, Prince Regent Cao Huan and cabinet officials have basically eaten and drunk here and have never left.

The war in the west is of great importance and if anything goes wrong it could lead to disaster.

The Great Sheng Dynasty is facing...

It is possible that it will be attacked from three sides and fall apart!

Several months have passed since I requested the white robe from Liangzhou.

The last time we got news from Jiazhou was when Baipao led his entire army across the river to rush to Yunduan Prefecture for support, and then was forced to leave the city for a decisive battle.

During the process, the enemy and our side fought several times, but no winner was determined.

What followed was a head-on confrontation between the 170,000-strong army and the 350,000-strong army.

They did not rest for several days, waiting for news here all the time.

"Report——"

"Jiazhou urgent news——"

Finally, the long-awaited voice sounded.

"How about it?!"

Cao Huan suddenly stood up from his seat: "What's the result?"

Everyone looked at them nervously and expectantly.

"Your Highness!"

The soldiers presented the battle report with both hands: "Commander-in-Chief Chen fought a direct battle with the Xiqi army outside Yunduan Mansion. After several rounds of fighting, both sides suffered losses. Now the battle has stopped. Our army has retreated to Yunduan Mansion and is holding its ground."

"Mutually lost money?"

Including Cao Huan, Ming Qingfeng and others read the battle reports one by one.

The atmosphere then became even heavier.

"Chen Sanshi, didn't win either?!"

This is the first time.

Even when the man in white robe came out, he did not achieve immediate success.

"It's amazing to be undefeated."

Cao Zhi said, "170,000 against 350,000, fighting head-on on a plain, with warriors above the level of 'Military Immortal' and Martial Saint, they can still remain undefeated under such circumstances. Who else can do it?"

The Minister of War Ming Qingfeng also had to admit this fact.

But the problem now is.

What's next?
"If we continue like this, the food and fodder won't last much longer."

The Minister of Revenue held a pile of books and said, "In the past three years, many states in the west have suffered from poor harvests. Most of the grain and grass are transported from other places. The journey is long and rugged. Often, out of ten stones of grain and grass, only one stone is left after arriving at the front line. The loss of grain and grass is as much as 90%!"

"Otherwise...please make peace?"

Yin Mingchun, the Minister of Personnel, said cautiously, "If it really doesn't work, then we can give them the land west of Mangshan Mountain?"

"absurd!"

Upon hearing this, Prince Regent Cao Huan suddenly became angry: "How could our Great Sheng Dynasty have the precedent of ceding land and paying compensation?!"

"Your Highness, calm down!"

The Minister of Revenue said quickly: "I am only considering the national treasury. If Chen Sanshi cannot win within the time limit, the food and grass will be cut off!

“After the food and grass were cut off.

"The remaining 150,000 troops will also collapse...

"It may not be so easy to negotiate peace by then."

"Your Highness."

Minister of War Ming Qingfeng said, "I think this is a serious matter, so it is best to report the situation to Your Majesty. Only Your Majesty can make the decision whether to continue the war or negotiate a cession of territory."

"Master Ming."

Cao Huan held his forehead and said, "You should accompany me to the Wanshou Palace."

Escorted by the guards, the two of them came all the way to Wanshou Palace, but were stopped outside the gate.

"Eunuch Huang?"

Ming Qingfeng was puzzled and said, "We have important matters to discuss with His Majesty. Please inform him, eunuch."

"Your Majesty is meeting with distinguished guests."

The eunuch's arm was like steel across the door: "Your Highness and Lord Ming, please wait here."

……

Longevity Palace.

In the pavilion by the lake in the backyard.

"Thank you fellow Taoist for the hospitality."

A middle-aged monk was absent-mindedly sipping his tea, and finally found an opportunity to speak: "I wonder when you can give me an explanation?"

"Ah."

Emperor Longqing put down his teacup and said slowly, "Are you sure it's not just a coincidence that they have the same name, but that they are the same person?"

"I'm sure."

Li He said confidently: "Both of them are martial artists, and the leader of the troops under you, Chen Sanshi, happens to be the direct disciple of the garrison commander Sun Xiangzong, so how could he be wrong?
"Fellow Daoist, no, I shall address you as His Majesty the Emperor.

“Your Majesty’s ministers have killed several law enforcement deacons from my Deacon Hall in Dazefang City, including a young man from my Li family with a top-grade spiritual root!

"Shouldn't you give me an explanation?"

"Daoist Li He, why don't you tell me?"

Emperor Longqing remained calm from beginning to end: "What kind of explanation do you want?"

"It's very simple."

Li He said in a deep voice: "Your Majesty, just hand the person over to me and let me take him back to Dazefang City to execute him in public. This will deter all robbers and maintain the dignity of my Li family."

Emperor Longqing said calmly, "Fellow Daoist Li He, don't you know that there is a great battle ahead and I recently dispatched Chen Sanshi to lead the troops?"

"so what?!"

Li He emphasized: "The young man he killed claimed to be mediocre in talent, but in fact he had a top-grade alien spiritual root. There is only one such person in my Li family for a hundred years. Can we just let him go like this?"

"It is not the place for outsiders to decide the life and death of my subjects. I will keep this matter in mind for now and make plans after the war is over."

Emperor Longqing's tone was calm, but his voice began to reveal a strong aura: "If you have nothing else to do, please go back."

"You mean, just forget it?"

Li He stood up suddenly and said angrily: "If you refuse to hand over the person, I will have to go get it myself!"

He was about to fly into the air when a sword suddenly appeared in front of him. The Longyuan Sword had been unsheathed without him noticing and was hovering three inches in front of him, pointing straight at his face, its sharp edge exposed.

"Cao Kai!"

Li He was furious: "What are you going to do?!"

Emperor Longqing, dressed in a Taoist robe, ignored him, walked away in the bleak autumn wind, and soon disappeared from sight.

Lakeside.

Only the eunuchs from the Western Factory who practiced incense and worship were left.

"Master Li Xian."

Huang Hong, the eunuch in charge of the Imperial Household Department, stepped forward and explained, "The battle in Jiazhou concerns the ancestral vein of Mangshan, and there can be no room for error. This is also the intention of the Shengyun Sect. If there is anything, why not wait until the battle is over before discussing it."

"how?"

Li He narrowed his eyes and said, "You have so many people in the Dasheng Dynasty, and you can only rely on Chen Sanshi to fight a war? You are a disabled person, if you don't get out of here, don't blame me for being rude!"

"Master Li Xian."

Huang Hong was not angry in the face of insults. He just bowed slightly and reminded in a polite tone: "This is not Dazefang Market. Your Majesty has treated us with courtesy and given the Li family enough face. If Master Li continues to be unyielding, don't blame us for being merciless. As for the matter of Chen Sanshi, regardless of whether the battle is won or lost, Your Majesty will deal with it after it is over."

"Well, a mortal emperor is so arrogant!"

Li He gritted his teeth.

If it weren't for the seal restriction, his Li family could destroy the royal family here with a wave of their hands!
But for now.

Looking at the Longyuan Sword that was always floating in front of him, he could only choose to swallow his anger for the time being.

"Then I'll wait!"

"Wait until the war is over and see what your old emperor has to say!"

"..."

Inside the Wanshou Palace.

Emperor Longqing stepped into the hall.

The old minister Yan Liang was sitting on the bench.

"Did you hear everything?"

Emperor Longqing waved his sleeves, sat down on the dragon throne, his eyes twitching slightly, and his dragon-like might and anger were hidden.

"Chen Sanshi is indeed guilty of deceiving the emperor."

Yan Liang's hoarse voice rang out: "He should have found a way to enter the world of immortal cultivation through Sun Xiangzong a long time ago. Now he has obtained the 'Jingshen Fruit' and the 'Dragon Sutra' in his hand. I'm afraid he is not far from the realm of true power. Once he reaches the realm of true power, according to his martial arts attainments, I'm afraid no one in the world can check and balance him except Your Majesty."

"I am sincere to Sanshi, why would Sanshi deceive me?"

Emperor Longqing closed his eyes and tried his best to control his tone: "I have to protect the country and deal with those 'immortals' externally, and I have to be careful of my ministers deceiving their superiors and their subordinates internally!"

"Your Majesty, calm down."

Yan Liang advised, "Your Majesty is a saint, the Wanshou Emperor, and you are responsible for the 36 states of the Great Sheng Dynasty. If it weren't for Your Majesty, this world would have collapsed long ago. It is inevitable that Your Majesty feels the burden."

"Okay, there's no need to say these compliments between you and me."

Emperor Longqing asked: "Chen Sanshi bullied the emperor. What do you think is the most appropriate way to deal with him?"

"With a powerful enemy at hand, if we attack the commander at this time, it will probably have an immeasurable impact on the morale of the front line. In addition, the current battle situation is tense, so it is better to put this matter aside for the time being."

After thinking about it, Yan Liang said, "For now, let Chen Sanshi continue to lead the troops on the front line. If we can recapture Mangshan, we will summon him to the capital to meet the emperor. If we fail, we can hold him accountable."

"How is the battle situation at the front?" asked Emperor Longqing.

"I received news early this morning."

Yan Liang replied, "Han Xiang, the 'military genius' invited by Xiqi, and Chen Sanshi are evenly matched. In the decisive battle outside Yunduan Mansion, neither side won or lost, and the situation is still in a stalemate."

“Equally matched?”

Emperor Longqing's pupils were deep: "Neither winning nor losing, but we are evenly matched?"

"Your Majesty means..."

Yan Liang said respectfully: "Do you suspect that Chen Sanshi is deliberately not deciding the winner in order to delay time and wait for all the Jingshen to be opened and break through to the level above the Martial Saint?
“This old minister also finds it strange.

"Logically speaking, how could it be possible that both sides would be fine after a fierce battle on the plain?

"Of course, it is also possible that the two are indeed 'evenly matched' and it is difficult to determine the winner.

“Trying to figure out which is the case.

"I think we can issue him a military order and ask him to decide the outcome as soon as possible. Let's see how he does it."

"Ah."

After Emperor Longqing acquiesced, he said, "If we really cannot win, you can arrange for someone to contact the Fallen Leaf Valley behind Xiqi. I will not be controlled by any sect, including the Shengyun Sect."

"Your Majesty, take the order."

……

Cloud Palace.

Between the barren mountains.

Chen Sanshi brandished the Longdan Silver Spear and used the Fire Breathing Technique to absorb spiritual energy. With the help of the Dragon Sutra, the gods in his body gradually awakened during the cleansing, until suddenly, a spiritual light flashed on the surface of his skin.

Jingshen, the god of skin!

Tong Zhongzhong, whose name is Daolian, is one inch and one inch tall, and wears yellow clothes!

[Kung Fu: Dragon Sutra (Not yet started)]

【Progress: 37/100】

More than a month has passed since he retreated to Yunduan Palace. He has been practicing day and night, hoping to break through to the true power realm faster.

Both the enemy and ourselves.

Combat power above that of a Martial Saint may be added later.

Only by improving your own strength can you get a greater chance of winning.

A battle in the wasteland.

In fact, Chen Sanshi had also exposed his storage bag and talismans. In addition, Dazefang might also bring the wanted order to Dongsheng Shenzhou. It is possible that the imperial court knew that he had been to the world of immortal cultivation.

But something happens.

It couldn't be hidden.

Because he will not stop practicing.

One day.

He broke through to the realm of true strength, or even higher. How could he explain where his natural resources and treasures came from?

Could it be that they were all picked up?
There will always be times when explanations don’t make sense.

And this day will not be too far away.

Since you can't hide it anymore, there's no need to hide it anymore.

All this inheritance.

It was originally left by my master, not stolen by me. I was hiding it before because I was not strong enough. But after reaching the realm of true strength, even if I have the strength to protect myself, why not be open about it.

"boom--"

Just after Chen Sanshi put away his gun.

There was a loud noise coming from the woods nearby, and then a large number of trees fell down one after another.

Then Wang Zhi jumped out, looking a little excited: "I am also a martial saint. How long will it take you to become a martial saint?"

"uncertain."

Chen Sanshi expressed his feelings: "The mortal body has been corroded by mixed energy for too long. It is a long process to reactivate the secrets in the human body. Don't rush it."

"Is it?"

Wang Zhi was confused and said, "I heard that Cao Rong, the Prince of Zhennan, entered the realm of true strength through the Dragon Sutra a few months ago."

"So fast?"

Chen Sanshi's mind was completely on the battlefield and he didn't pay attention to the situation in the south.

"is not that right."

Wang Zhi scratched his head and said, "Is the fourth brother crazy? Did he really give the Dragon Sutra left by the master to the court? But under the circumstances at that time, if we didn't give it to him, the court would not let us stay to observe the mourning period.

"Speaking of it.

“A year has already passed.

“After this battle, I don’t know what we should do.

"And the fourth brother is still in the capital. If we don't follow the order, will he be in trouble?"

"Chirp—"

The two talked.

The bluebird came and chirped overhead.

"There must be something urgent in the barracks."

Chen Sanshi returned to the military camp.

Inside the Chinese army's tent.

A eunuch has been waiting here for a long time.

"Northern Liang Commander Chen Sanshi, listen to my orders. The rear is short of food and grass, and the enemy is all around. We must win a decisive battle with Western Qi and recover the two states before winter comes."

"Before winter?"

Chen Sanshi asked, "Isn't this a bit too hasty?"

"Master Chen."

The eunuch placed the military order in his hand and said earnestly, "It is true that you are fighting hard in the front, but the court is also worried about raising military supplies. Since the war began, His Royal Highness Prince Jing's hair has turned mostly white. The adults in the cabinet do not leave the court day and night. Everyone is under great pressure. Lord Chen must understand."

"..."

Before Chen Sanshi went into battle, he knew that the pressure on food and fodder would be enormous.

He also knew that if things continued like this, he would not be able to hold on any longer.

But there is a problem with food and fodder.

They are not the only ones who have it.

The Western Qi army also wants it.

And it's not much better.

The best way right now is to delay and wait and see how it plays out.

First put yourself in an invincible position, and then wait for the enemy to be defeated.

In this situation, the more anxious the party is, the more likely it is to reveal flaws.

No matter how much pressure the court was under, it could not follow their strategy.

"I have brought the military order."

The eunuch said in a shrill voice: "The court trusted Master Chen's ability and transferred Master Chen from thousands of miles away to the west to take charge. I hope you will not let the court down."

"I know."

Chen Sanshi simply accepted the military order and did not argue with the other party.

You will be outside, and your orders will not be accepted.

Just like the Wolf Mountain back then.

When marching and fighting, the most important thing is your own judgment, and you cannot be easily influenced or disturbed by external factors.

After sending the eunuch away.

Chen Sanshi came to the top of the city wall, overlooking the enemy camp dozens of miles away, and asked: "Has Xiqi made any moves in the past few days?"

"Not yet."

Tong Xiaochu said, "According to the intelligence sent by the scouts, they are staying put in the barracks. But the less they move, the more I feel that Han Xiang has a bigger plan, and I am very panicked."

Chen Sanshi raised his hand.

Without saying anything, Xia Cong, who had been following him, immediately spread out the map in front of him.

The enemy and us fought.

It's nothing more than putting yourself in the other person's shoes and thinking about the problem from their perspective.

If he were Han Xiang, how should he act to break the current deadlock.

"Sizhou Prefecture."

Chen Sanshi's finger landed on a fortified city wall: "Who is guarding here?"

"The garrison commander, Ni Shikui, has been a senior official in the imperial court for three generations. He himself is a master of Tongmai. There are only 4,000 soldiers and horses in the mansion, which are used to maintain the safety of the grain route. It is also our largest transit granary."

As Tong Xiaochu was talking, he realized something was wrong: "Commander-in-Chief, do you mean that Ni Shikui might rebel?"

Under normal circumstances, he would not believe it, but with the precedents of Lishi Prefecture and Ma Zhen, he had to be cautious.

"Wang Jun."

Chen Sanshi ordered: "Send a cultivator in the middle stage of Qi Refining to check. If anything abnormal is found, behead him immediately."

"it is good."

Wang Jun nodded: "What about other places? Will there be more people rebelling? As far as I know, there are quite a few scattered guards in Jiazhou. They don't have many soldiers, but if they get into chaos, there might be big trouble."

"Definitely."

Chen Sanshi said slowly: "But there are too many, it is impossible to check them one by one. We can only wait until a fire breaks out and then find a way to put it out. If that doesn't work, we can only... withdraw."

"withdraw?"

Teng Le was stunned: "Commander Chen, do you mean to abandon Yunduan Prefecture and retreat to the east of Luoshui? In this way, wouldn't they be able to take a detour across the river and enter the heart of Jiazhou?"

"I understand what you mean, Master."

Tong Xiaochu took over and said, "If our army continues to stay in Yunduan Mansion, the rear will be empty and chaos will easily occur. Only after we retreat can we suppress the traitors."

"Can……"

Teng Le said hesitantly: "Someone from the palace just came today and ordered us to fight as soon as possible. If we retreat to the rear, wouldn't that be tantamount to defying orders?"

"I am the commander-in-chief. All military orders are issued by me. They have nothing to do with you."

Chen Sanshi put his hands on the edge of the city wall and stared at the scene in the distance: "Just do it."

"This……"

Tong Xiaochu and others did not dare to disobey orders, but they were more worried that chaos in the rear would lead to collapse, so they had no choice but to follow orders.

"..."

Chen Sanshi could almost see the various rebellion scenes in Jiazhou in the near future.

When two countries are at war, it is actually normal for spies to go first.

The situation is better for other races.

But once a war breaks out between Dongqing, Dasheng, Nanxu and Xiqi, there will be a large number of fence-sitters who will not respond.

Whoever wins, who they help.

Especially the aristocratic families and sects.

In some areas, the control of the aristocratic families and sects is huge, sometimes even greater than that of the imperial court. Moreover, the temptations given by the "immortal masters" are often beyond the reach of ordinary imperial courts, which will make more people take the bait.

Chen Sanshi was sure that if all the letters between these people and Xiqi were piled up, they would be as high as a small mountain.

Before the defeat at Yiling, the aristocratic families were loyal to Dasheng.

After the defeat at Yiling, various places began to wait and see.

After the collapse, some people began to communicate secretly.

After the Battle of the Wasteland, more and more people began to waver.

If we continue to lose, it will only lead to complete chaos.

Therefore, even if we retreat, we must not lose any more soldiers.

of course.

The Dasheng Dynasty had also been sending people to secretly win over the generals in the Western Qi army, but because Western Qi had "smooth sailing", the responses were few and far between, but there were some responses as well.

traitor.

It has never been a rare thing.

"Supervisor, two people have replied recently."

Tong Xiaochu said: "They are just asking for titles, gold and silver, and asking if their children, if they have spiritual roots, can get the opportunity to practice and live forever. I will continue to keep in touch with them."

……

The Western Qi army.

The Chinese military tent.

"Immortal Master."

Zhong Wuxin walked into the account in a hurry: "Something happened. The secret letter that Ni Shikui hid at home was discovered by a cultivator from Sheng Dynasty. He died before he could destroy the grain route."

"Then..."

Han Xiang alternated between black and white chess pieces, placing several pieces in succession: "Let the sky blossom."

……

Inside the Cloud Palace.

"Commander, something bad has happened!"

"The Seven Absolute Sects of Zhuixi Prefecture have raised an army to rebel!"

"The garrison commander of Wenshan Prefecture attacked the grain route!"

"Jingtan Prefecture is heading towards us!"

"..."

Just half a month later.

News of rebellion one after another was continuously transmitted to the Yunduan Palace.

"Chu Shixiong, you lead 5,000 soldiers to suppress the rebellion in Zhuixi Prefecture."

"Wang Zhi, you lead 8,000 soldiers to Wenshan Prefecture and make sure to restore the normal operation of the grain route within ten days."

"Wang Jun, go directly to Jingtan Prefecture and behead the rebel general!"

"..."

Chen Sanshi carried out the remedial work in an orderly manner.

These places are not serious and the rebel forces are not strong, so they can often be pacified by simply capturing the leader first.

but.

Rebellion and defection is also a general trend.

It cannot be allowed to continue to develop.

Chen Sanshi made up his mind: "Wei Xuan, Song Guizhi, you two stay and lead 20,000 Dubiao troops to cover the rear in Yundu Prefecture. The rest of you, retreat with your entire army, abandon the six prefectures in the west of Jiazhou, and retreat to Gengyang Prefecture in the Guandu area."

"Giving up so much?!"

Hear this.

Tong Xiaochu was so frightened that his hair stood on end: "How can I explain this to the court?"

"Refund?!"

Qu Yuanxiang smashed the wine jar in his arms to pieces: "Mr. Chen, your emperor transferred you here to help us fight to Mangshan, not to let you retreat!
"If you can't do it, let me take charge!
"Retreat on your own!"

"boom--"

Wang Zhi slammed the table and stood up: "Qu, if you really want to die, just say so!"

"well said!"

Chu Shixiong and others echoed.

Compared to the immortal master who always looked down on others, even if they were from the capital, they would naturally prefer to stand on the side of the governor: "You were here before our governor came, but you still collapsed?!"

"If our Hongze Camp hadn't rushed over, you would have been killed and annihilated!"

"Qu Yuanxiang."

Wei Xuan narrowed his eyes and said, "When marching in battle, you must obey orders. You have repeatedly contradicted the commander. If you were not relying on your status as a cultivator, I would have chopped off your head eight times."

"Bullshit! Now it's your turn to disobey orders!"

Qu Yuanxiang argued, "Your imperial court's military orders clearly state that victory must be won as soon as possible, but you want to retreat? It's useless to tell you. I'll go find your emperor!"

Finished speaking.

He flew away on his sword.

The entire army began to retreat in an orderly manner according to Chen Sanshi's order.

……

The Western Qi army.

"Immortal Master!"

Gong Yu rode a fast horse to the central army tent, dismounted and shouted: "As you expected, Chen Sanshi led the army to retreat to the east of Luoshui! What should we do next?"

"The enemy retreats, and I advance."

Han Xiang took many black chess pieces representing Dasheng from the chessboard slowly and said, "Pass on my military order. The whole army will take a detour across the river to prevent the enemy from crossing halfway and attack them. Then, we will go straight into the heart of Jiazhou!"

"No problem, but..."

Zhong Wuxin said solemnly: "Master, the pressure on our food and grass in the rear is getting greater and greater. After the Sheng people retreat, they must fortify their walls and clear the fields. If we continue to advance, the consumption of food and grass will continue to increase. We will not gain any advantage in a protracted war."

"No matter how great the pressure is, we must hold on. We don't need to annihilate the enemy. As long as we can force them out of Guandu, Sheng Dynasty will no longer be able to recover in the western region. We will have a firm foothold in the Mangshan ancestral vein. As for food and fodder..."

Han Xiang was well prepared. He took out a booklet filled with dense data and said leisurely, "I have already calculated the number of people, farmland, and grain in each of the 32 states of Western Qi. If there is not enough grain in the imperial granary, we will collect it from the people. If it is still not enough, we will collect it from the noble families."

"Forced conscription?"

Zhong Wuxin said worriedly, "In recent years, the situation of our Great Qi has not been very good... With 400,000 troops going out this time, plus nearly a million civilians to support the logistics, we have basically reached the limit of grain collection. If we continue to collect grain, won't it easily cause rebellion in the rear?"

"Just collect the grain with confidence."

Han Xiang said confidently: "I have clearly written down the limit of grain collection in each place. As long as the people don't starve to death, there will be no chaos."

"..."

Zhong Wuxin looked through the numbers in the booklet and felt a chill down his spine.

The "Military Genius" that they had invited from Da Qi had actually calculated to such an extent that it was clearly written in the book how much minimum amount of food an adult needs per day to avoid starving to death!

They only need to collect taxes according to this number, and there will be no rebellion in a short period of time. By the time those people are about to collapse, the war will have subsided.

"I'll send the letter back to Da Qi right away."

Zhong Wuxin took the order and left.

Not long after he left, a cultivator walked in with a secret letter: "Brother Han, the Sheng Kingdom court sent a letter, wanting to negotiate with my Luoye Valley."

"Oh?"

Han Xiang took the envelope.

……

The situation between the two armies changed again.

The entire Dasheng army retreated to Guandu.

After Xiqi crossed the river.

They set up camp in the Guandu area.

The deployment of hundreds of thousands of troops is extremely time-consuming.

Before I knew it, nearly two months had passed.

Chen Sanshi also reached a small bottleneck again.

As he practiced day and night, his eyes were filled with spiritual light, sparkling brightly in the darkness.

The fourth of the eight gods in the upper part.

The god of eyes, named Ling Jiansheng, with the courtesy name Daotong, is three inches and five centimeters tall, and wears blue clothes!

[Kung Fu: Dragon Sutra (Not yet started)]

【Progress: 48/100】

……

Beijing.

Zhongjue Hall.

"Report——"

"Chen Sanshi retreated eight hundred miles!"

"..."

"What did you say?!"

Jin Wang Cao Huan personally rushed forward and grabbed the battle report: "Didn't the Ministry of War just issue a military order, asking him to decide the outcome in Yunduan Mansion and do everything he can to recapture Mangshan? Why is he retreating instead of advancing?!"

"It's a big bad thing."

Yan Maoxing pointed at the sand table and said, "After Guandu, if we retreat again, we will have to give up the entire Jiazhou. After Jiazhou is lost, my Great Sheng Dynasty will lose the entire western region!"

"We can't retreat any further!"

"What did Chen Sanshi do?!"

"..."

"Don't panic."

Ming Qingfeng, the Minister of War, lay in front of the map and said calmly, "The cities in the Guandu area are in a mutually supportive position and are extremely strong. After retreating here, the pressure on defense will be reduced many times. We should not be able to retreat any further in the short term. However, if we want to counterattack... it will be extremely difficult."

"This is where the problem lies!"

The Minister of Revenue stamped his feet and said, "Master Chen, by doing this, isn't it clear that you want to fight a protracted war? How much food and grass can you supply them?!"

……

same moment.

Longevity Palace.

Huang Hong took the battle report and reported to the emperor.

Behind the curtain.

There was silence for a long time.

Finally, it was the cabinet chief Yan Liang who broke the silence: "Then issue another military order!"

……

Guandu.

"Supervisor!"

"Military orders from the capital!"

"..."

Chen Sanshi, who was sitting cross-legged, did not answer the call and asked, "The capital is urging me to send troops?"

"Exactly!"

Xia Cong said truthfully: "We have consumed too much food and grass. The Ministry of War has ordered us to leave the city within ten days to find a breakthrough. Otherwise, the commander will be held accountable."

"Tell the capital that the battle has not yet arrived."

Chen Sanshi said.

In the blink of an eye.

Another month has passed, and it is the coldest month of winter. Heavy snow has begun to fall in most parts of the Central Plains.

Jiazhou also fell into peace.

……

Zhongjue Hall.

"Report——"

"Jiazhou is still in a stalemate!"

"In the past two months, only a small group of rangers have encountered each other. Apart from a few minor skirmishes, there has been no further progress."

"..."

"What should I do?"

Ming Qingfeng put his hands behind his back and paced back and forth in the hall anxiously. He looked at the official in red robe beside him and said, "Master Tian, ​​how long can the food and grass last?"

"At most, five months!"

Tian Guang, the Minister of Revenue, said: "Now, the armies in the east and south also need food and grass. One move will affect the whole body! Five months later, there will be no more extra food and grass to be transferred to the west. By then...

"Master Chen will have to withdraw from Jiazhou completely.

"The six western states are completely lost."

"It can't be delayed any longer."

Ming Qingfeng pointed at the subordinate official who was in charge of writing the military order and said, "Hurry up, hurry up!"

……

Longevity Palace.

"..."

Qu Yuanxiang, who was drunk and carrying a wine gourd, was stopped from entering.

He shouted angrily: "Emperor, I heard that your food and grass are running out?! Do you know what the consequences will be if Mangshan is lost?
“Wait until the time is right and the ancestral vein is revived.

“The seal of heaven and earth will collapse from within!

“At that time, the ‘Fallen Leaf Valley’ occupying the ancestral vein will be able to build a teleportation formation and come to Dongsheng Shenzhou.

“If Xiqi helps Luoye Valley to seize the ancestral vein, Lingji Cave will then help them to destroy you and help Xiqi unify the world.

"Your Great Sheng Dynasty is about to perish!
"And forget about your foundation-building pills! You are all just garbage!"

Compared to the noise outside, the hall was quiet.

Emperor Longqing was not here.

A round table.

The old and frail cabinet chief Yan Liang sat opposite a monk.

Zhu Gui, a monk from Luoye Valley, said, "Your emperor, why doesn't he come out to talk to me in person? Isn't that a little too insincere?"

"Your Majesty is in seclusion recuperating."

Yan Liang signaled the eunuch Huang Hong to pour tea for the monk, and an old voice sounded leisurely: "Your Majesty has appointed me as an envoy to negotiate with your clan."

"You~"

Zhu Gui said doubtfully, "Do you mean what you said?"

"Nature counts."

Yan Liang raised his sleeves and said: "The negotiation location is chosen to be the Wanshou Palace where your majesty lives. Any negotiation results are equivalent to your majesty's personal consent, and there will be no regrets."

Zhu Gui guessed what the other party was thinking, and immediately raised a sneer of contempt: "Old man, you are quite pitiful, a mortal of your age, and you have to take the blame for your emperor. I heard that you had a 'Ten Days of Yunzhou' before, and it should be you who came forward to negotiate with the barbarians and the ancient demons, right?

“Tsk tsk.

"If anything unexpected happens in the future, you will be the first to die."

"I am your majesty's subject. As a subject, I should share the monarch's worries."

Yan Liang changed the subject: "Master and I, let's talk business. As long as your sect produces a foundation-building pill, our Great Sheng Dynasty will withdraw its troops and hand over the three western states including Mangshan."

"You should have done this long ago."

Zhu Gui said coldly, "Isn't it too late to think about negotiations now that you know you can't win? Even if we don't agree, you will have to withdraw from Jiazhou after your food and grass run out in a few months at most. Why waste a foundation-building pill? Even in our Fallen Leaf Valley, the number of foundation-building pills is limited."

"Master Zhu is wrong."

Yan Liang shook his head slightly: "It is true that the West is doomed to fail, but...what if we cooperate with Nanxu?"

Hear the words.

Zhu Gui's expression was stern.

Yan Liang continued, "Master, you should know that now not only is your sect Luoye Valley eager for the ancestral bloodline, but the 'Lingji Cave' behind Nan Xu is also eyeing this piece of fat meat. If it really doesn't work, we in the Great Sheng Dynasty can also let Nan Xu in to join forces.

“It is true that the Great Sheng Dynasty will suffer heavy losses, but by then, the situation will be even more chaotic.

"I'm afraid the difficulty of your clan firmly occupying the spiritual vein will increase instead of decrease, right?"

"..."

Zhu Gui was silent.

Apparently, this is true.

"so……"

Yan Liang's old voice grasped the opponent's lifeline: "So, should you use a foundation-building pill in exchange for a stable position in the ancestral vein, or insist on being aggressive and causing both sides to suffer losses, and all the benefits will eventually belong to Lingji Cave? Your sect should know how to weigh the pros and cons, right?"

“So cruel!”

After thinking for a moment, Zhu Gui took out the Wanli Chuanyin Note and relayed all the original words to Han Xiang, who was in charge of the matter. Soon after, he agreed:
“Senior Brother Han said, no problem.

“We’ve made this deal by exchanging a foundation-building pill for the ancestral vein.

"but……

"There is one more condition."

"What other conditions are there?"

Yan Liang said in a deep voice: "Master, please speak."

"I want the lives of 150,000 people."

Zhu Gui's words were shocking.

"..."

After hearing this, the old and frail Yan Liang froze up. He couldn't hold the teacup steady and dropped it to the ground. It broke into pieces with a "crack". He asked, "Where is the 150,000?"

"Of course it's your 150,000-man army from Guandu."

Zhu Gui said indifferently: "As Lord Yan said, if you cooperate with Lingji Cave behind Nanxu, it will be another trouble, so Senior Brother Han said that you have no choice but to completely lose the qualification to cooperate with Nanxu.

“Fifty thousand people in exchange for one foundation-building pill is actually a good deal.

"After all, your old emperor has great talent. Maybe he will form a golden elixir in the future? Then he will be considered a great man.

"Moreover.

“It’s not like you haven’t done this kind of thing before.

"Over a million people were killed in Yunzhou in the past ten days, so these 150,000 people won't make a difference."

"This is the army of our Great Sheng Dynasty!"

Yan Liang's emotions finally fluctuated. He stood up suddenly, but he almost fell on his back due to his old age. Fortunately, the eunuch Huang Hong stepped forward in time to support him. After taking a deep breath for a while, he was able to speak again, panting: "And, and they are 150,000 troops, not unarmed civilians. How can you kill them just like that? If we don't handle it properly, if they are forced to rebel, won't it be more troublesome?"

"It's simple. Senior Brother Han has already come up with a brilliant plan for you."

Zhu Gui wants a map:
"The three cities of Wujun, Dounan, and Guangyuan are located behind Guandu. We only need to occupy them to completely cut off the retreat route of the 150,000-man army at Guandu. Soon, the food and grass will run out, and the 150,000-man army will have no way to retreat, and will naturally be annihilated."

"These three prefectures are the heartland of the Great Sheng Central Plains. Without external enemy forces, who will occupy them?"

Yan Liang coughed and said, "Could it be possible that we can send our own people to fight against our own people?"

"This is easy too."

Zhu Gui said: "When the time comes, we will send some of our fellow disciples to pretend to be your people and rebel against Xiqi. Wouldn't that be perfect? ​​And it won't damage the reputation of your court.

“That’s all.

"If you don't agree, then let's fight to the end.

“You should also know what the consequences will be if we continue to fight.

"Whether you want to agree or not, make a decision quickly."

"..."

Yan Liang was breathing intermittently.

He cast his gaze into the depths of Wanshou Palace, as if waiting for something.

"Boom-"

Until a clear sound of chimes rang out.

This bell rang.

It determines the fate of 150,000 soldiers on the front line, including the man in white robe!

Death in white robe!

Together with 150,000 soldiers!
Yan Liang closed his eyes:

"it is good!"

(End of this chapter)