Starting as a centurion, he fought his way through the chaos of the world.

Chapter 68 The Crisis Approaches
A moment later, the attendants brought in the food.

A steamed fish, a plate of glistening pork belly, and a few spring wild vegetables served as a cold salad made quite delicious.

Then there's a jar of aged wine.

"I don't usually have many visitors here, so I've kept things simple. I apologize for any inconvenience to the general," Bai Yan said, as he poured wine for himself and Lu Ming.

The latter picked up a piece of fish with his chopsticks, took a bite, and said.

"tasty."

"They were caught in the river. If the general likes them, I'll have some more prepared." Bai Yan raised his wine cup.

After clinking glasses with Lu Ming, he smiled and continued, "The streams and wells in each village have been completed. Apart from those who are building the city, most of the migrants from outside have been dispersed to settle in each village, and the population has more than doubled."

A significant amount of wasteland has been cleared, more than twice the amount of land previously available.

Moreover, I had earthen forts built in every village and formed village protection teams.

Led by the wealthy households in the township, they were responsible for local security. If an outsider attacked a village, the entire township's security team could rush to its aid immediately.

The total number of village protection teams in the entire county is approximately ten thousand.

Lu Ming raised an eyebrow.

He hadn't expected Bai Yan to be able to accomplish such a great thing in such a short time.

However, it's really quite good. This arrangement will fill the entire Fenglei County with fortifications, so if anyone dares to come in...

Even though these local protection teams were limited in strength, they could still play a certain role in hindering the rebels and making it difficult for them to move forward.

Another factor is the increase in arable land.

That means this year's grain tax could potentially double.

With this food, he can feed more people.

Bai Yan's presence really saved him a lot of trouble.

"Magistrate Bai is truly talented! He has accomplished so much in just one winter. I wonder when the city wall will be completed?"

"In another two months, it should be almost done. The scale of the project to the county city wall won't take much effort," Bai Yan said confidently.

Lu Ming nodded.

He poured the other person a glass of wine.

Before he knew it, Bai Yan's face had turned red.

"General, the rebels from Zhelong Prefecture may be a hidden danger for Fenglei County, but for you, it may not be a bad opportunity. If you can seize this opportunity, you may very well soar to great heights."

At this point, Bai Yan's expression turned serious.

"What does Magistrate Bai mean?"

"I haven't decided yet, but there will always be opportunities. If you want to take it a step further, just wait for the right chance." Bai Yan downed the wine in his glass in one gulp.

After pondering for a moment, Lu Ming said, "Then I'll wait."

A smile appeared on his face as he spoke.

Lu Ming did indeed want to find an opportunity to take things a step further.

After all, only by becoming a garrison commander can he exchange for more resources from the system shop.

However, he was not in a hurry.

The armor of the Ironclad Pagoda is not yet fully completed.

Once this heavy cavalry force is formed, there will be nowhere they cannot go.

And it was during their casual conversation that...

At this time, inside the Zhelong Prefecture's garrison office.

A slender figure sat in the seat of honor.

He was dressed in black armor, his long hair was loose, and a fierce light shone in his triangular eyes.

This man is Lin Futong, the leader of the rebel army in Zhelong Prefecture.

He possesses the cultivation of the Innate Realm and is said to have received the Golden Python Sword Technique from a mysterious figure, making him invincible. He has ten disciples under his command; his eldest and second disciples have already reached the Qi Refining Realm, while the rest are at the True Essence Realm, making him quite powerful.

Lin Futong, with his pitch-black hand like a ghost's claw, picked up his teacup, took a sip, and said calmly, "This time, the feigned attack on Yunmeng Prefecture is actually aimed at Hongdu Prefecture. Not only is the Su family in Yunmeng Prefecture, but now the Prince Yong's heir is leading a large army there, and I heard that he has also brought two royal retainers with him. It will definitely be difficult to resolve this in a short time."

In contrast, the patriarch of the Baili family in Hongdu Prefecture is old and frail, his vital energy depleted. His true combat strength is probably only at the peak of the Gang Qi realm.

Then there's Qian Yong, the garrison general of Hongdu Prefecture, who only possesses the cultivation of True Essence.

To flatten it would be as easy as turning one's hand.

Once we have occupied the two prefectures and our army is strong and well-equipped, we can then launch a large-scale attack on Yunmeng Prefecture and surely defeat it in one fell swoop.

Therefore, tomorrow I will lead 30,000 men to the border of Yunmeng Prefecture to lure the Prince of Yong's heir, while the eldest brother will lead the others to attack Hongdu Prefecture.

I want you to destroy the entire Hongdu Prefecture as quickly as possible!

"Yes, Master!" A tall figure stepped forward.

This person is physically strong and robust.

There is a scar on his forehead.

He is Hua Yong, Lin Futong's eldest disciple.

He is very famous in Yunzhou, with a peak cultivation level of Gang Qi, and his power has also been greatly enhanced.

It was because of this disciple that Lin Futong felt at ease letting them attack Hongdu Prefecture.

"Don't rush to agree. Five elders have been sent over from above, all of whom are at the Qi Refining Realm, to help you deal with the Baili family. Be careful and be polite to these elders. You must not offend them."

"I understand, Master," Hua Yong nodded.

Lin Futong then said with satisfaction, "Then go back and prepare. Remember to make this quick."

After Hua Yong responded, he and his fellow disciples withdrew.

On the other side, Lu Ming and Bai Yan were enjoying their drinks.

Unbeknownst to them, a great battle that would engulf the entire Hongdu Prefecture was about to begin.

After offering Lu Ming a drink, the latter said with a smile, "General, I know you have armor-piercing crossbows. Now that the city is about to be built, shouldn't we place some on the city walls?"

"I knew your drinks weren't going to be that good. How much would you like?"

"If we lay them on all four sides of the city wall, a thousand should be about right." Bai Yan's words instantly sobered Lu Ming up.

Good heavens, that's outrageous!

One thousand armor-piercing crossbows require five hundred thousand points.

After three months of spending, he now only has 700,000 points left.

Spending 500,000 at once really hurts.

"My lord, with these thousand armor-piercing crossbows, you need not worry about the safety of Fenglei County. If you have the opportunity in the future, you can leave Fenglei County and establish unparalleled achievements. These thousand armor-piercing crossbows will provide you with an impregnable base of operations."

It was a huge profit.

"I'll think about it and give you an answer tomorrow," Lu Ming said somewhat helplessly.

He knew Bai Yan was right, but it would be a lie to say he wasn't heartbroken to actually have to take out so many armor-piercing crossbows.

"We await your reply, sir." Bai Yan smiled and poured Lu Ming another glass of wine.

At this point, the other person was no longer in the mood.

Looking at Bai Yan, he said, "I'm going back first; there are still many things to do at home."

After saying that, he got up to take his leave.

Bai Yan's smile deepened. After seeing Lu Ming off, he returned to continue drinking.

However, he seemed to realize something immediately, and his expression changed.

He stood up and hurried toward the general's mansion.

(End of this chapter)