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

Chapter 84 Gathering Storm
At this moment, Lu Ming's perception of the underground veins was much clearer than before.

He could see the black water flowing and the crimson flames burning.

As for the sensing range, it should be within a radius of one mile, and the depth reaches fifty meters.

This number already satisfied him. Although he hadn't mastered the basics, finding water veins was no longer a problem.

According to the "Xuanhuang Chuben", if one day one's sensing range reaches a radius of ten miles and a depth of one hundred meters, and one can mobilize one-tenth of the earth's vein power, then one can be considered to have entered the first stage.

They could easily rival even a master of Qi Refining.

However, Lu Ming still felt that he was very strong as he stood on the ground.

It was clear that the power of the earth's veins was continuously converging towards his body; although very weak, it was undeniably present.

Moreover, the boost it provides to a person's strength is enormous.

When he clenched his fist, a faint yellowish-brown halo covered the azure-gold true essence.

You wouldn't notice it at all if you didn't look closely.

When he threw a punch, his aura was much more powerful than before.

"Whoosh!" The punch was thrown with a deafening sonic boom.

Lu Ming believed that if he were to face Hua Yong back then, he could shatter him with a single punch.

"I wonder if I would have a fighting chance against a Xiantian opponent now."

he said to himself.

Then he stood up and just as he stepped out of the yard, he heard a commotion outside.

This made Lu Ming frown.

"what happened?"

His deep voice rang out.

Su Lie, who had been waiting at the door, immediately walked in.

"Sir, it's Prefect Bai who's looking for you."

"They arrived so quickly?" Lu Ming couldn't help but marvel at Bai Yan's speed.

Su Lie smiled wryly and said, "You have been in seclusion for five days, so Magistrate Bai has naturally come."

Lu Ming hadn't expected that he would be in seclusion for so long this time.

"Gululu!"

Then, I heard a sound coming from my stomach.

"Let Prefect Bai in, and while he's at it, go get him some food from the kitchen."

"Yes, sir!" Su Lie replied and ran outside.

A moment later, Bai Yan walked in.

He was still wearing that scholar's robe, and when he saw Lu Ming, he gave a wry smile. "General, actually, I only wanted to stay in Fenglei County."

He would never have come if Lu Ming hadn't sent someone to pick him up.

Bai Yan's original intention was to stay in Fenglei County, hoping to help the people there survive the year of great disaster.

Now, however, he has become the prefect of Hongzhou.

"Whether it's one sheep or a flock, it's still a number. In any case, wherever I go in the future, you'll have to come with me."

Lu Ming smiled and pulled Bai Yan into the living room.

After having tea served, he asked, "I wonder, Prefect Bai, how Hongdu Prefecture plans to deal with this year's drought?"

"Although it's a bit late to dig wells now, it's better than nothing. We can still store some water before the real disaster strikes. Yesterday, I sent my attendants to various counties to assist the local magistrates in building wells."

Construction of the prefectural city began yesterday.

Although the project is quite large, it also requires more people. If things go smoothly, it might be completed before summer arrives.

At that time, at least half of the farmland will be safe and sound.

"What about the other half?" Lu Ming asked, looking up.

Although half the land was still enough to keep the people from starving, at least they could get through the disaster years.

However, what Lu Ming wanted was not just to avoid starvation.

What he wanted was a bountiful harvest in Hongdu, and to build it into a logistical base that could supply him as he roamed across Yunzhou.

Only in this way can we prevent others from killing Hongdu Prefecture.

"I'll think of another way," Bai Yan said through gritted teeth.

He always carried out the tasks assigned by Lu Ming without any compromise.

This time is no different.

"Alright, I'll figure something out. Now that you've come to the prefectural city, I'm relieved to have you in charge here. I'll go back to Fenglei County to bring Xirou over. I might visit other counties along the way to mark the way."

You can have someone dig a well at the spot I've marked.

“My lord, digging wells is usually fine, but in years of severe drought, nine out of ten wells dry up,” Bai Yan said with a wry smile.

Lu Ming is indeed not omnipotent.

They know everything.

But the other party waved his hand and said, "Don't worry, just do as I say, and there won't be any problems."

Bai Yan could only nod and say, "Yes, sir."

Lu Ming then showed a satisfied expression.

Just then, Su Lie brought in the food.

Knowing that Lu Ming had gone into seclusion to cultivate, the Li family mansion's kitchen has been stocked with large quantities of meat every day.

We'll enjoy it after he comes out of quarantine.

At this moment, the table was laden with a dazzling array of items.

There were river fish over a foot long and roasted goats until golden brown.

There are so many delicious foods that it's impossible to count them all.

Of course, a large jug of wine is also indispensable.

Looking at the delicious food, Lu Ming didn't hesitate and said to Bai Yan, "Eat."

While speaking, he started eating on his own.

A smile appeared on Bai Yan's face.

"I've long heard that the Li family is incredibly wealthy. To be able to casually produce so much delicious food in such a year is truly extravagant." Although he said that, he didn't eat very quickly.

In less than half an hour, the food on the table was ready.

It was completely eaten.

Of course, Lu Ming ate most of it.

I patted my slightly full stomach.

He said slowly.

"Then do as I say. If this succeeds, the people of Hongdu Prefecture will thank you, the prefect."

"It's all thanks to your support, sir," Bai Yan said hastily.

Clearly, they dared not take credit.

Lu Ming smiled but didn't reply.

After having a cup of tea with Bai Yan, the other party left.

There are too many things to do in the city these days, and he, as the prefect, is simply too busy to handle them all.

Lu Ming led a troop of cavalry out of the mansion.

They wandered around the city, focusing on areas near waterways.

He marked them all.

The naval base's flag was planted.

The next morning, after bidding farewell to the people of the Li family, he left the city with his men.

He did not go directly to Fenglei County along the way.

Instead, he traveled to other counties and planted the flags of the garrison headquarters all over the place before returning to Fenglei County.

This trip took almost half a month.

Including his previous mission to aid the prefectural city, more than two months have passed since he left Fenglei County, and the weather is getting hotter day by day.

Along his journey, Lu Ming encountered many villages and towns where people were organizing prayers for rain and worshipping the river god.

It was quite lively.

The situation in Fenglei Town is much better now that there is a well in the stream.

The waterwheel turned slowly, drawing water into the fields.

Many children were playing around the edge of the field.

The crops in the field have already sprouted tender buds.

It looked full of vitality.

The city walls have been built; they aren't particularly tall, but they give people a sense of security.

They had just entered the gate when they returned to the mansion.

Then they saw Wang Han leading a strongman in training.

After the Mo Dao soldiers were taken to the prefectural city, he mobilized a thousand strongmen to come over.

Responsible for the security of Lu Ming's residence.

"My lord, you're back." Zhang Meng's lips trembled with joy when he saw the other person.

He ran over in a few quick steps.

He was extremely anxious during this period.

They thought that after Lu Ming became the garrison commander, he would abandon them and leave them alone.

Now we see them coming back.

Overjoyed beyond control.

"You're back. Gather all the brothers tonight; I'll host a banquet in the front hall," Lu Ming said, patting Zhang Meng on the shoulder. The man nodded and immediately ran out of the courtyard.

It's obvious that they've notified other people.

Wang Han simply bowed from a distance and did not approach.

Because he knew that Lu Ming must have been in the inner quarters since he hadn't returned for so many days.

Sure enough, after Su Lie was settled, the other party hurriedly headed towards the inner courtyard.

Li Xirou was wearing a light red long dress.

She was holding up her skirt and tending to the flowers she had planted, with a shovel in hand.

Her figure had become much fuller, and her hair, styled in an updo, shimmered with a jet-black sheen, creating a striking contrast with her exposed skin, which appeared even more radiant.

She wiped the sweat from her forehead, and just as she looked up, she saw Lu Ming standing beside her.

"My lord," she murmured softly.

The surprise in his eyes flashed for a fleeting moment.

Lu Ming didn't reply and pulled the other person straight into the house.

A moment later, the sounds of spring filled the air.

Until the two stopped making love.

When you are dressed neatly and step outside.

Li Xirou said softly, "How have you been these days, my husband? Please take good care of yourself while you're away."

"It's been great. I've been staying at your house all this time, and my mother-in-law has taken excellent care of me. I came back this time to take you to the prefectural city. How's everything packed?" Lu Ming asked softly.

"Father agreed to let us go back?" Li Xirou asked in surprise.

This has been a source of anxiety for her for the past six months.

“I agree. But after we get to the prefectural city, I plan to stay at the garrison office. You can go back and visit when you have time.”

"Yes, I'll listen to my husband. Everything at home is packed up." Li Xirou nodded.

At the same time, he got up to pour tea for Lu Ming.

"I'm not having tea. I'll eat out tonight. Just take care of yourself. We'll set off tomorrow."

"Mmm!" Li Xirou responded obediently.

Lu Ming got up and walked towards the front yard.

Upon arriving at the front hall, they saw that Wang Han and the others had already arrived. Zheng Yong, however, was not present because he had taken the Mo Dao soldiers to the prefectural city earlier.

On the table in the front hall, there were bowls of meat.

Upon seeing Lu Ming arrive, the group stood up and bowed, saying, "My lord!"

"No need for formalities, let's sit down and talk," Lu Ming waved his hand, gesturing for everyone to sit down.

His gaze fell on the group. "Su Lie, if I asked you to stay in Fenglei County, would you be willing?"

Upon hearing the voice, the other person's body trembled, realizing that Lu Ming intended to promote him.

He immediately stood up and said, "I will follow your arrangements, sir."

"Alright, then you can stay in Fenglei County as the garrison commander. I will formally issue you an appointment letter after I return to the prefectural city and assign you three thousand men. This place is very important to my garrison office. The diamond workshop and the blacksmith workshop will also be left here to be responsible for forging equipment for the army."

Therefore, we must not afford to make any mistakes, do you understand?

“Anyone who wants to breach the city will have to step over my dead body!” Su Lie said immediately.

Lu Ming nodded, indicating that he believed him.

Then, looking at Sun Tian, ​​he said, "You will also stay here. In addition to assisting Su Lie, you will be responsible for protecting the safety of the two workshops."

"As ordered!"

Sun Tian quickly replied.

He had a thousand crossbowmen and more than three hundred armor-piercing crossbows.

Besides the two tasks Lu Ming just mentioned, staying here also serves to supervise and observe Su Lie.

Although the other party has been behaving well lately.

But Lu Ming still needed to keep some backup plans.

Sun Tian was among the first group of people to follow him, which made him feel very at ease.

After arranging everything, Lu Ming looked at the blacksmith and asked, "If we have enough materials right now, can you forge the complete set of Ironclad armor immediately?"

"Sir, we've accumulated quite a bit of fine steel these days, enough for us. As long as we have black iron, we can get started immediately," the old blacksmith said confidently.

After learning "Eighteen Forging Techniques of Iron", he felt that his forging skills had made a qualitative leap.

Lu Ming nodded. "Okay, after we return to the city, I will send over enough black iron. A thousand sets of armor must be made within three months. Also, make thirty thousand sets of cotton armor."

Calculate how much silver it is.

Now that there are more men under their command, the silver allocated by the imperial court is not even enough to pay their salaries, let alone provide armor.

So, we'll have to figure it out ourselves.

"Sir, we can forge the fine iron ourselves. As for the cotton, one suit of armor requires seven catties of cotton. The weather is getting hotter and hotter, so the price of this stuff should have dropped quite a bit, but I'm not sure of the exact amount," the blacksmith said with a wry smile.

Lu Ming didn't mind and nodded, saying, "I'll figure out a way to get the cotton wadding. We'll have it delivered in a few days."

The Li family seems to have connections in this area; he can ask them when he gets back.

Armor is crucial to a soldier's safety on the battlefield, and cannot be taken lightly.

However, this expense is indeed quite large.

Currently, there are approximately 1.2 million taels of silver remaining in the treasury. The Baili family gave him 500,000 taels, plus 200,000 taels from the garrison headquarters.

One million nine hundred thousand taels of silver seems like a lot.

However, the cost is also enormous.

However, the silver was meant to be used to enhance our strength, and it was kept in the treasury.

If a powerful enemy attacks...

If we are no match for them, wouldn't we be leaving it to others?

Then, looking at Tian Fu beside him, he said, "This time you will come with me to the prefectural city to see if this can be refined?"

As he spoke, he took out the formulas for the Bone Forging Pill and the Blood Moving Pill.

After taking it, Tian Fu examined it carefully for a moment. "Sir, as long as you have the recipe, you can refine it."

"Alright, once we get back to the city, we'll begin refining." As Lu Ming said this, he knew in his heart that this was about money again.

But as long as it can improve the skills of my subordinates, I'll find a way even if I don't have the money.

The world is vast; as long as he has the strength and the army, there will always be someone who can provide enough silver.

After saying this, he raised his wine glass, looked at everyone, and said, "The rest of you, come with me to the prefectural city."

No one dared to be negligent, and they all raised their wine glasses.

Everyone was happy at the meal; some got promoted, and others were going to develop in bigger places.

However, they knew in their hearts that the center of their attention was Lu Ming.

I have everything I have now because of following that person.

While Lu Ming was methodically arranging things...

At this moment, inside the garrison office of Yunmeng Prefecture.

A young nobleman sat in the seat of honor. He was tall and robust, with sword-like eyebrows and bright eyes. He wore a golden crown and dark gold armor.

It gives people a sense of extraordinary demeanor.

It was none other than Prince Yong's heir, his eldest son, and the General Who Conquers the South, Tuoba Hao.

His father was Tuoba Ye, the most powerful and only non-royal king of the Great Yu Dynasty.

In their early years, their ancestors followed the Great Ancestor of the Great Yu Dynasty to conquer this vast land.

That's how they achieved their current wealth and prominence.

He himself showed amazing martial arts talent at a very young age.

Now, having passed the Immortal Sect's test, they can officially become disciples of the Immortal Sect immediately.

As a prodigy, he has never experienced defeat.

But this time, they were actually defeated by a captain who appeared out of nowhere.

This infuriated him.

At this moment, his fingers tapped lightly on the table.

Each time it landed, the general guarding below broke out in a cold sweat.

"Have you found out anything about that captain named Lu Ming?" his calm voice rang out.

This made everyone in the hall hold their breath.

"Reporting to the general, we have found out that this person was just a down-on-his-luck centurion in the past, but he seems to have some talent for cultivation and has suddenly risen to prominence in recent years."

"He has now become the garrison general of Hongdu Prefecture," a retainer beside him said cautiously.

"Hey, he's really lucky. He climbed to the top by stepping on my shoulders. I thought he was someone important, but he's just a penniless nobody who killed a few rebel old and weak people and became a general."

"Prepare the troops. Tomorrow we'll storm Zhelong Prefecture and let the garrison commander of Hongdu Prefecture and the imperial court know that killing a few old and weak people is nothing special."

"Yes, Your Highness!" the attendant replied hastily.

Meanwhile, in the Black Mountain, Shen Tu Xiu's injuries had healed, and his cultivation had even subtly improved.

His robust physique exuded a fierce aura.

Looking at the mountain village engulfed in flames.

It seemed to merge with the anger in his eyes.

After a moment, he turned to the second-in-command beside him and said, "Let's go down the mountain!"

Then, he led the bandits behind him toward the direction of Zhelong Mansion.

He was determined to stir up trouble when he came down the mountain.

Let's slaughter everyone in Yunzhou to avenge the sword wound inflicted on the Prince Yong's mansion.

(End of this chapter)