As an official, what's wrong with raising a few monsters?

Chapter 226 The troops are approaching the city
"Why is the city under lockdown?!"

"I want to leave the city! I want to leave the city!"

"My uncle is a fifth-rank official in the imperial court, so get out of my way!"

"They're really here! They're really here! The Blood-Clad Army is really here!"

……

Dark clouds obscured the sun, and a chilling wind howled.

All the gates of Yueyang City were tightly closed, and a group of guards stood watch at the city gates, not allowing anyone to enter or leave.

For hundreds of years, the Qian Yuan dynasty had been in power. The capture of the capital meant the fall of the country. No matter how corrupt the country was, such a thing had never happened before.

Humans cannot predict or imagine things beyond their knowledge.

Therefore, slow-witted people always think that this day is still far away from them.

Until the blood-clad army galloped in from afar, finally shattering everyone's illusions, panic began to spread throughout the city.

The Blood-Clad Army doesn't have a good reputation in the capital!

People rushed to the doorway, trying to get away from this place of trouble.

However, it was too late; Yueyang City had already begun restricting travel long ago.

Even the powerful and wealthy are not allowed to leave.

A storm is brewing!

The once bustling and vibrant city is now shrouded in gloom and pervaded by despair.

Looking at the high city walls, the solemn soldiers on the city towers, and the tightly closed city gates in the distance... people couldn't help but put their hands together and pray with their eyes full of supplication.

All I ask is that the imperial court can defeat the Blood-Clad Army, and that everything can pass peacefully.

Faced with the overwhelming tide, even the most powerful and influential are no different from ordinary people and cannot control their own destiny.

Food prices in cities have begun to skyrocket.

People in Yueyang City are not allowed to leave the city, which is also a way of isolating themselves.

If this drags on, we'll run out of food sooner or later.

No matter how precious gold and silver are, how can they fill an empty stomach?
Ultimately, all that money is nothing but a mirage, a reflection in the water, a flower in a mirror...

The people of Kyoto, who once looked down on outsiders, are now paying the price for their arrogance and despairing over their identity.

……

Beyond the city that has stood for centuries.

The blood-red flag fluttered in the wind; after fighting their way through, they had reached the final checkpoint.

"Is that Yueyang City? It's huge! No wonder it's been a capital city for five hundred years!"

"I never imagined that my first trip to Beijing would be through infiltration!"

"I've heard that Kyoto is full of gold and silver treasures, and lots of novelties."

"Of course! That's where the emperor is! How many treasures has he plundered over the years?!"

"I've heard that the women of Kyoto are very beautiful!"

……

Compared to the fearful and desperate people of Kyoto in the city, the atmosphere here is completely different.

The soldiers set up camp outside the bustling city, glancing at the distant city from time to time with excitement in their eyes.

Wasn't this the day they started their uprising?

This is their ultimate goal in this battle!

They are making history; they will overthrow the old dynasty and follow their emperor to establish a new era.

But what's next after the victory?!
It's a reward! It's a way to divide up resources!

Those who first storm Yueyang City will have the right to divide up the gold and silver treasures that cover the entire city.

Once the new nation is established, these soldiers who fought and made contributions on the battlefield will become the first beneficiaries.

They will become the new elite.

Even the most disciplined and iron-blooded legion, directly under Wang Huai, couldn't help but feel excited at this moment.

"Military discipline! Military discipline! Military discipline!"

"Ji Liangcheng, keep your men in line!!!"

"We've already joined forces with His Majesty! Do you really want what happened to Chen Hua to happen again in our camp?!"

"If even one more person breaks the rules, I'll chop you down first!"

……

Inside the tent, a middle-aged general glared angrily and shouted at the younger general in front of him.

The other person trembled as he rebuked them.

She kept muttering to him in a low voice, "General... we've already reached Yueyang City! The soldiers are so excited!"

"There are so many of us! What are you afraid of? It's alright!"

"Taking Yueyang City is just around the corner!"

"Snapped!"

The next moment, before the words had even finished...

Suddenly, a slap landed on his face.

The slap only made him stagger backward a step, seeing stars, and a clear handprint was imprinted on his face.

He lost face and stared blankly at the person in front of him, covering his face.

"What do you mean it's not important?!"

"Do you think Yueyang, this ancient capital with hundreds of years of history, is so easy to take? Don't you understand the principle that pride comes before a fall?!"

"Let me tell you, if it weren't for your father's sake, you would have been dead seven or eight times over!"

"Now that we've joined forces with His Majesty, if we cause any trouble, I can't protect you!"

"Your father was a brave and heroic warrior on the battlefield, and you..."

The general pointed at the young man, raising his voice, his tone conveying a sense of disappointment and frustration.

He swallowed his words, and finally sighed, "You may leave."

"Yes!"

The young player covered his face and went off.

The commander was left alone in the tent. Watching the departing figure, he sighed helplessly.

The Blood-Clad Army occupied most of the old Qian Yuan territory, and more and more people joined them.

But gradually... this once passionate and spirited legion seemed to have changed.

Now we are about to conquer that magnificent and prosperous capital, bringing everything to a temporary end.

They must be right...

He sighed softly.

The messenger soldier approached and shouted, "Reporting to General Zhang, His Majesty summons you to the main tent!"

"As ordered!"

……

"Your Majesty, General Ji has encountered rain and will arrive within three days."

"Your Majesty, there's no need to wait for General Ji! Give me five thousand troops, and I'll be the vanguard. We'll crush Yueyang City and take the head of that usurper!"

"Your Majesty, let's launch a direct attack! The Chen Kingdom is finished!"

"The old dynasty was full of incompetent villains who only knew how to fight in the court and not how to fight bravely on the battlefield. They were not worth mentioning at all!"

Inside the main tent, a tall man wearing a blood-red cloak stood in the center, surrounded by several fierce generals who had fought their way through thousands of troops.

With their ultimate goal within reach, the generals could no longer contain their eagerness and kept shouting at Wang Huai.

This is a feat that could destroy a nation, a situation where victory is assured!
Such achievements will surely bring a lifetime of wealth and honor, and will also be recorded in history.

"Generals, do not rush! General Liu, General Zhang, you have marched hundreds of miles and your soldiers are exhausted. Let's rest for a few more days."

"Yueyang City is an ancient capital with hundreds of years of history. It is surrounded by water on all sides, and its city walls are high and thick, making it easy to defend and difficult to attack. In addition, it is guarded by 100,000 imperial guards, so it cannot be attacked by force."

The three routes of the Blood-Clad Army that Wang Huai had dispatched were only one route away from completely joining forces outside Yueyang City.

The massive army of hundreds of thousands advanced with unstoppable momentum and overwhelming force.

Although we encountered a lot of resistance along the way, we were always able to overcome it, and the journey was quite smooth.

They completely occupied all the cities and territories south of Yueyang City in Chen State and east of Xin Qianyuan, absorbing a large number of soldiers and supplies, bringing their total army to 700,000, which can be said to have expanded their combat power to the extreme.

Now that the enemy is at the gates of Yueyang, it's no wonder the commander is so confident of victory.

The time has come for the dragon to appear in the field.

However, it is precisely at times like these that we must be extra cautious, as it is also easier for mistakes to occur.

With the ultimate goal right before them, Wang Huai showed no joy whatsoever. Remaining calm and composed, he addressed the group of generals before him in a deep voice.

"Gentlemen, keep your soldiers in check, surround them without attacking, and await my command."

"Victory is within our grasp. This is the final battle. We must not become complacent and lest we fail at the last hurdle!"

Although there were some twists and turns and the Blood-Clad Army seemed to have changed internally, they still managed to reach the capital.

The generals were afraid of vying for the attack, but since His Majesty had already given the order, they suppressed their various thoughts.

"Yes!"xn
They each accepted their orders and withdrew.

Everything returned to calm. Wang Huai left the camp and quietly gazed at the majestic city in the distance, his eyes filled with thoughts.

Suddenly, he raised the broadsword in his hand, its blade flashing coldly, pointing directly at Yueyang.

He raised his hand and gently stroked the Bloodstained Greatsword, which had slain countless enemies. He shifted his gaze little by little from the hilt, until finally, following the tip of the blade, he looked toward the ancient capital.

There was a hint of infatuation in his eyes.

This was the first time he had seen Yueyang City. Ordinary people from the dust of the world had risen up in rebellion, commanding a million-strong army, pointing their swords at Yueyang, changing the world, and becoming one of the most respected people in the land.

No one knows what he went through along the way.

"Chief, the sick ghost has secretly reported."

Just then, an old man carrying a bamboo basket came along.

He held a rat in his hand and spoke in a strange tone to Wang Huai.

As he spoke, he took out a crumpled piece of paper and handed it to Wang Huai.

He is one of the nine demons, the deaf demon. He is deaf, but he can read lips and speak.

It cannot hear human speech, but it has some special abilities, such as the ability to communicate with animals.

He was mainly responsible for intelligence and communications. Wang Liu was sent to the capital to serve as an official, and it was through him that they made contact with the Blood-Clad Army.

“Brother Liu…”

Mingchen is his adopted younger brother, while Wang Liu, who is in danger in Kyoto, is his biological younger brother.

Wang Huai naturally cared about him.

He didn't actually agree with Wang Liu's idea of ​​infiltrating the capital. The capital was the enemy's stronghold, and navigating the court was like walking on thin ice, no less treacherous than fighting on the battlefield. If Wang Liu revealed anything, he would face the most severe and unbearable torture.

It's been over a year since I last saw Wang Liu, and this information exchange is the only proof that he's still safe and sound.

The Blood-Clad Army's undefeated record was inseparable from Wang Liu's management and intelligence network in the capital.

Wang Huai trembled upon hearing this, lowered his eyes, and accepted the note offered. This was the last time… Soon, the Blood-Clad Army's flag would fly atop Yueyang City.

Thinking this, he lowered his eyes to look at the intelligence report.

"Ghosts and gods... the King of Beheadings, the Heart-Gouging Demon, the One-Armed General..."

Ghosts and spirits appeared in the imperial court, and Dong Zhenghong was completely driven mad.

Even if we assume that Chen really did defeat the Blood-Clad Army this time, how will the country be governed in the future?

Who rules the court? Is it a world of ghosts and gods, or a country ruled by a human king?

After reading it, he casually tossed the letter into the campfire beside him.

Wang Liu's information also confirmed what the astrologer had told him; some of the information was no different from what the astrologer had told him.

However, the information transmitted by Wang Liu was always more detailed.

It even goes into detail about the special abilities possessed by several demon kings.

For example, the King of Beheading's turning back means certain death.

Looking back? He only needs to forge ahead!

He also knew that no matter how strange or bizarre these ghosts and gods were, they could not possibly fight against thousands of troops in broad daylight.

As long as the Blood-Clad Army's unparalleled military might and morale are guaranteed, victory can be achieved.

"Call the astrologer here."

"Yes!"

……

The night is exceptionally dark, with no stars or moon tonight.

A chilling wind swept through Yueyang City, filling the people with unease.

In the distance, where the firelight illuminates the land, a dense mass of people gathers—the gathering place of hundreds of thousands of enemy troops.

The guards on the city wall dared not be negligent for a moment, constantly observing the movements of the Blood-Clad Army.

Everyone knows that Yueyang City has reached a dead end; if it is not careful, it will be doomed.

No matter how careful you are, you can't always take care of things that are beyond your imagination.

A figure flashed past in the darkness.

A series of soft, rustling sounds came from below the city wall.

"Whoosh!"

The blood arrow transformed into a streak of light, flashing past in an instant.

It pierced the throats of several guards on duty with pinpoint accuracy. Their eyes widened, but they couldn't utter a word before losing their lives.

"Whoosh!"

Immediately afterwards, several figures leaped up, stepping on long spears forged from blood that were driven into the city wall.

The torches held by the defenders illuminated their faces, revealing a bloody, lifeless paleness and expressionless faces.

Blood Lords can manipulate blood, are invulnerable to blades and spears, and disregard life and death.

This is a special unit directly under Wang Huai.

Only Qi Yuan, the astrological ghost who helped him train, and Wang Huai himself knew his background, which could be considered Wang Huai's trump card.

He rarely used it unless absolutely necessary.

He sent this group of people to test the waters of Yueyang City.

Several Blood Warriors successfully climbed the city wall, picked up the guards' torches, and maintained the usual order. From a distance, it seemed as if nothing had happened.

They exchanged a glance, but did not proceed further.

Just then, a cold wind howled, and ghostly figures darted about.

It seems that there was an extra person among them at some point.

The firelight, however, could not illuminate any shadows.

"Blood?"

A chilling voice suddenly rang out in the night.

The blood warriors' eyes narrowed, and they turned around abruptly, their various weapons forged from blood plunging into the newcomer's body.

But nothing happened; it was as if the needle had struck empty air.

At the same time, withered hands suddenly landed on their bodies.

The next instant, the night was suddenly flashed with blood-red light, and blood mist filled the air.

The Blood Warriors shuddered violently, and a steady stream of blood was drawn from their bodies.

They were warriors skilled at manipulating blood, but now their power was out of control, surging towards the strange figure and converging into a blood sphere.

Before long, several Blood Warriors who had once fought against hundreds of enemies fell to the ground, their bodies withered and motionless.

"One person is worth fifty... What a powerful spell!"

Looking at the several intruders who were no longer moving.

The ghostly figure, clutching the blood orb, murmured softly before slowly disappearing from the spot.

……

"This is a great spot, the best place to watch the movie."

As the sun rises, all ghostly figures disappear.

The bright sun slowly rose from the eastern mountain peak. On the western mountaintop of Qianyuan, a person stood up, spread his arms to embrace the sun, leaving behind a tall and slender silhouette.

Looking into the distance, one can see the bustling city and the imposing armor of the soldiers.

It was dawn.

He had three purposes for this trip, one of which was to witness the final chapter of the war between the two countries.

The Blood-Clad Army chose a conservative approach, besieging the city without attacking, and did not rush to attack the city as soon as they arrived.

Mingchen set off late, but he didn't arrive late along the way.

Upon arriving here, Mingchen did not choose to meet with his elder brother.

After all, we said at our last parting that we might be rivals when we met again, so meeting now would seem a bit beneath us.

Capturing a city has many advantages: captured and surrendered soldiers, recruited new soldiers... although it may greatly dilute the original core members with strong beliefs, creating some loyalty issues.

However, it cannot be denied that the military strength of the Great Qi has now expanded to an exaggerated degree.

From a distance, the dark mass looked like soldiers.

Even if they were a rabble, one person with a club would be enough to turn all the people in Lieyang City into mincemeat.

This is a war that cannot be lost.

With so many people and such a grand scene, it was even more exaggerated than the big-budget movies I saw in Beilie.

Mingchen plans to stay here for a few days.

As he looked away, a shiny bald head came into view: "Benefactor, how about this for today?"

A booming voice rang out as a tall, burly monk, carrying a blood-stained broadsword on his back, dragging a massive bear carcass along with a grotesque bear head in one hand and a huge bear corpse in the other, walked over, laughing heartily, "I've heard that bear paws are the perfect accompaniment to wine..."

This bear must be quite old; it's very strong, and one slap from it could probably break a tree.

It's just a pity... it met the wrong people.

Beside the senior monk, a junior monk carried a basket on his back, filled with wild vegetables and mushrooms.

The difference is exceptionally obvious.

Mingchen: ...

After their meeting in the small town that day, the monk did not part ways with Mingchen. Instead, he followed him north and came here.

During their conversation at the inn, Buchen gained some new insights into Mingchen.

He felt that Mingchen was a very wise person, and he wanted to continue talking with him.

Anyway, the new dynasty is there, and he can go there anytime.

However, you can't always run into Mingchen.

The four traveled together for some time, and Bu Chen came to understand Ming Chen better. He felt that this person who associated with demons shared similar interests with him, was not bound by worldly rules, and had his own beliefs. He felt a sense of kinship with him.

"You monk!"

“What kind of monk is like you, indulging in your desire for words and committing murderous acts?”

Mingchen laughed and scolded him.

This great monk is a model of being strict with others and lenient with himself.

The young monk followed him, eating only bland food and avoiding meat, while this fellow smeared his mouth with oil, unable to enjoy life without meat and wine, completely disregarding the rules and regulations that monks should follow.

"Eh~"

Upon hearing this, the senior monk waved his hand and said, "You are mistaken, benefactor."

“This wicked beast has plagued the mountains for many years. I have killed it, and I don’t know how many lives I will save! This is an act of kindness and compassion for all living beings.”

"The law of the jungle, where the strong prey on the weak, is a natural law among living beings. Why should you interfere?"

"Hey! So it's fate that he met me today, and it's also the law of the jungle!"

Mingchen rolled his eyes at him: "What about the wild deer from before?"

"Um...who said deer don't eat meat?"

"You monk! You're talking nonsense!"

"You'll never become a Buddha, so you might as well find another wife and break all the precepts!"

Surprisingly, the monk wasn't the kind of person who was particularly rigid. He would often prepare some wild game to change up the meals, which saved Mingchen from having to do it himself.

In any case, it's good to have more people to talk to on the road.

"Hahahaha... You jest, benefactor!"

"Don't say these things, they'll corrupt the children."

He wasn't annoyed at all; he simply patted the bald head of the little monk beside him and said with a smile.

Mingchen: ...

Yuanling: ...

The campfire crackled and popped, and fallen leaves drifted down, landing in the flames, turning to ash, and disappearing without a trace.

In this day and age, it's clear that no one is managing the forests or prohibiting arson.

The bear paws sizzled and dripped with oil from the roasting, and were sprinkled with special spices, making them incredibly appetizing.

"Your skills are truly superb!"

The monk, holding a wine bowl, sat to the side, swallowing hard as he watched, and couldn't help but sigh.

The young monk sipped his mixed vegetable soup, glancing over here every now and then.

He silently chanted scriptures, constantly reminding himself that this was also a test for him.

Roasted with the Phoenix Divine Fire, with Marquis Jing'an controlling the heat, you monk, just go ahead and eat it with that big face!

Mingchen shrugged and didn't answer him. He just gazed into the distance quietly, then suddenly asked, "Monk, tell me, how do you compare to those legendary ghosts and gods?"

"Can you win the battle?"

The monk paused upon hearing this, and his smile immediately vanished.

(End of this chapter)