The First Sage of Military Strategists

"Ok?"

Chen Liuyun, standing to the side, took the initiative and slashed out with his sword. A dazzling blade of light surged from the blade and rushed towards the blazing red lotus.

"Hehe, explode!"

A child's voice suddenly echoed between heaven and earth, and then the red lotus exploded violently in the air.

There was no earth-shattering noise, but the commotion was still quite significant.

In an instant, the dark sky was illuminated, the darkness was completely dispelled, and as far as the eye could see, both the earth and the sky were bathed in crimson light.

Wisps of crimson fire descended from the sky, landing on the earth and quickly igniting everything around them, creating a raging inferno.

The entire manor, and even large areas of surrounding houses and buildings, were reduced to ashes.

Taking advantage of the earth-shattering explosion generated by the red lotus, Han Qing instantly flew thousands of miles and landed on a small hill. With a flash of light, he flew out of the Boundless Monument and immediately used the Wind Venerable's escape technique. His body was covered with a layer of shadow, and he completely merged with the whole world.

Even if a leader of a holy land were to pass by at this moment, he would not be able to detect his whereabouts at all.

Han Qing finally breathed a sigh of relief and looked into the distance, where he saw the sky ablaze with crimson flames, resembling a scene from hell on earth.

"This Red Lotus Demoness is helping me, but the power of this move is truly terrifying. I'm afraid that everyone in that manor and the surrounding area will die in an instant, at least several thousand people," Han Qingxin thought.

Fortunately, he was prepared. Knowing that the current situation was turbulent and that he was at the center of the storm, he was ready to fight at any time. Yan Qiuling and her many trusted followers stayed in the space inside the Boundless Monument when there was nothing to do, so that even if a battle suddenly broke out, it would not affect Lin Yueqiu and the others.

Even Yan Qiuling couldn't help in a battle at this level, let alone anyone else, so he hadn't planned to let everyone out earlier.

"Better to be a dog in times of peace than a human in times of chaos! This is especially true in this era. When death came, those seven thousand people were powerless to resist. This Red Lotus Demoness is indeed a powerful demon. Her actions are ruthless. Judging from her move just now, her strength should be no less than that of the Heavenly Wolf King." Han Qing kept recalling and reviewing the scene from just now in his mind.

Just as I was pondering this, a furious shout came from afar.

"Red Lotus Demoness, you're courting death! Once I've dealt with the current troubles, you'll be next!"

The voice naturally came from Han Yi. He was about to capture Han Qing alive when the Red Lotus suddenly exploded. This delay meant that by the time he came to his senses, Han Qing had already disappeared, and all his plans had failed.

You have to understand that he mobilized a lot of people and made arrangements for a long time in order to investigate and track Han Qing. How could he not be furious at this moment?
The voice of the Red Lotus Demoness echoed between heaven and earth.

"Hehe, why are you so fierce? Trying to hit me? You can't, but I'll make you mad!"

Han Yi's face was gloomy. He knew that the Red Lotus Demoness had long since disappeared, and what was speaking was just a wisp of her remaining magical thought.

"My lord, what do we do now?" Chen Liuyun descended from the sky and landed beside Han Yi, his face expressionless.

"With the Eight Directions Puppet and the Yin-Yang Seal, it flies extremely fast. I didn't catch it earlier, and it's too late to chase it now. It's a pity that if the Red Lotus Demoness hadn't intervened halfway, this little beast would definitely not have escaped my grasp this time." Han Yi said in a deep voice, "Go to Tongzhou first. Killing Han Qing is just a side trip. Killing Qi Wufeng in Tongzhou is the most important thing."

"it is good!"

The two immediately took flight and disappeared into the distance in an instant.

...

the other side.

Han Qing sat cross-legged on the small hill, silently adjusting his physical condition.

Han Yi's punch earlier was extremely powerful, directly penetrating his body and injuring his internal organs. If he hadn't been a military strategist who cultivated his spirit and possessed the Asura Body, transferring a significant portion of the damage to the Yin soldiers around him, his body might have been blown apart by that punch.

At that moment, a flash of light appeared, and Yan Qiuling emerged from the Boundless Stele.

Although she was inside the monument, she could still sense the movements outside. She had watched the entire thrilling battle from inside the monument and was silently worried for Han Qing.

"How are you? Are you badly injured?" Yan Qiuling asked with concern.

"That Han Yi is truly formidable. Even a clone of him possesses such formidable combat power. No wonder he can hold down the imperial city and be known as the number one figure in the court. I'm afraid even a leader of a holy land wouldn't be able to gain any advantage against him. His punch just now was indeed very heavy, but I have the Asura Body, and my injuries have now healed, so I'm not in any serious danger," Han Qing said.

"That's good. It's a pity that I'm too weak right now and can't be of much help," Yan Qiuling suddenly sighed.

Han Qing smiled and said, "Don't blame yourself. You have accumulated enough experience. After some time, we will find a place to break through the Heavenly Gate. Based on my experience, you should be able to break through the first Heavenly Gate with almost certainty, and even the second one is possible."

"What my husband says is absolutely right." Yan Qiuling nodded. After all, she was a top expert with a strong mind, so she didn't dwell on the matter too much.

"Chen Liuyun, I never expected that he was still alive. That blade light was truly terrifying. The imperial court has produced another top expert. His strength is formidable and unfathomable," Yan Qiuling remarked.

"It's alright. Human effort can make a difference. The Great Shun Dynasty lasted for eight hundred years, but it still perished in the end. In the torrent of change between humanity and the way of heaven, no one can go against the tide," Han Qing said.

As he was speaking, he looked up and saw a cluster of crimson light flashing in the distance, like a star hanging in the sky.

"Thank you for saving me, Senior Honglian!" Han Qing stood up and cupped his hands in thanks.

"Hehe, you're quite something, Yan Qiuling. You're too weak. Hurry up and become stronger. Humanitarian reform is coming soon, and with your current strength, you're not qualified to participate."

Having said that, the Crimson Lotus Demoness had no intention of showing herself. She suddenly took flight and vanished without a trace.

"We should go too," Han Qing said.

"Where to?" Yan Qiuling asked.

"Let's go to Mangshan in Shazhou first. Qi Wufeng told us after we left Tongzhou that the Black Sparrow Alliance has an ancestral home located deep in Mangshan, where there are many top assassins. That is the foundation of the Black Sparrow Alliance. Tongzhou is just the largest branch among the many branches of the Black Sparrow Alliance in the world," Han Qing explained.

"I never imagined there was such a secret," Yan Qiuling murmured.

"Qi Wufeng said that once I go to Mangshan, the Supreme Elder will bestow upon me a great fortune. I am curious, what exactly is this fortune?" Han Qing said slowly.

“Let’s go. I also want to see just who this Supreme Elder of the Black Sparrow Alliance really is.” Yan Qiuling nodded.

"Wait, Young Master Han, I have something to discuss with you!" Before the two could even move, another powerful figure arrived. It was a ball of pitch-black light that suddenly descended from the sky and transformed into a woman with long hair and a black dress in front of them. Her eyes were pitch-black and lifeless, like an abyss. Looking into them, it seemed as if one's mind and soul would be sucked away in an instant.

"Could you perhaps be the wife of the Sirius King, the Holy Maiden of the Underworld?" Han Qing asked calmly.

Compared to the Sirius King, this Holy Maiden of the Underworld is much more low-key and rarely goes out.

This has led many people to forget that Sirius Castle still has such a top expert.

Han Qing first learned of this person from Kong Xiu's notes, which recorded a legendary story about the Heavenly Underworld Saintess.

Legend has it that this person was born in a strange place called the Darkest Nether Light and walks the path of darkness.

However, since she is the only one in the world who cultivates this technique, it cannot be called a school of thought; rather, it should be called a secret innate skill.

His fourth Heavenly Gate opened, and he had already reached the Golden Body Realm decades ago. Even if he was slightly inferior, he was still a top expert second only to the leaders of the Holy Lands.

“Young Master Han is absolutely right. I am indeed the wife of the Heavenly Wolf King, the Holy Maiden of the Heavenly Netherworld,” the Holy Maiden of the Heavenly Netherworld said softly.

Its sound is quite pleasant, like a warm breeze blowing over one's body, or like a warm current flowing.

"Saintess of the Heavenly Netherworld, not long ago, your husband and I had a life-or-death battle in Tongzhou. I almost died at his hands. You've come here today, perhaps like your husband, to seize my treasure and then capture me alive to take back to the Heavenly Wolf Fortress?" Han Qing said with a smile. He didn't sense the slightest hostility or killing intent from the Saintess of the Heavenly Netherworld, so he didn't make the first move. However, he didn't dare to completely let his guard down. After all, the stronger one is, the more varied their methods become, and hiding hostility is not a difficult task.

"Young Master Han is too kind. My husband acts according to his own will and offended you before. I apologize to you here. I have come here to sincerely invite you to join the Heavenly Wolf Fortress. I just watched your battle with Han Yi and the others and I have fully recognized your strength and potential. I believe that it will not be long before you become a powerful figure and play an important role in the upcoming wave of human reform." The Holy Maiden of the Underworld said softly.

"I never imagined that the Holy Maiden of the Heavenly Netherworld, a powerful figure in a holy land, would be so courteous in her dealings with people. However, I have absolutely no interest in joining your Heavenly Wolf Fortress." Han Qing shook his head.

"My Heavenly Wolf Fortress is a sacred place for military strategists, and I will definitely help you quickly become a top expert," said the Holy Maiden of Heavenly Darkness.

"I, Han, can become a top expert in a very short time without the help of any force. Moreover, everything has its advantages and disadvantages. If I get the help of Tianlang Fortress, I will have to fight for Ximang in the future and be driven by others. This is not the result I want to see." Han Qing shook his head.

"Very well, Young Master Han is a wise man. Nothing can be forced. In this war, my Heavenly Wolf Fortress will also send experts to participate, hoping to coexist peacefully with Young Master Han," said the Holy Maiden of Heavenly Darkness.

“Of course, I originally intended to cause trouble for your husband one day, but since the Holy Maiden of the Heavenly Netherworld is willing to set aside her pride and apologize, then let's just let this matter go,” Han Qing said.

"I take my leave. Oh, by the way, I have some information to give you as an apology. The Great Emperor Taizu of Da Shun is not dead and is likely to reappear soon. The situation in the world will become even more chaotic. Young master, please be careful." After saying this, the Holy Maiden of Tianming soared into the air and transformed into a streak of extremely dark light, disappearing into the world.

"I've heard that the Great Emperor Taizu of the Great Shun Dynasty was a terrifying figure who opened the Heavenly Gate six times during his peak. Now that he has returned, his strength must have declined, but he should not be underestimated," Yan Qiuling pondered.

"The world situation is even more chaotic now. There are rumors that this is the greatest humanitarian change in history, and many figures buried in history will appear, and even figures from ancient times and myths will appear," Han Qing sighed.

"It is both a calamity and a blessing. Many powerful figures will fall, but many others will rise to become the top experts of this era," Yan Qiuling said.

"Let's go to Mangshan and let me see the hidden power of the Black Sparrow Alliance." Han Qing said, and suddenly took flight.

Yan Qiuling followed and said slowly, "Han Qing, I have accumulated enough strength. Why don't we find a place to open the Heavenly Gate first? This way, my strength will become stronger. No matter where I go, I will have confidence in facing any enemy. I won't be like I am now, unable to help at all when a powerful enemy attacks."

Han Qing originally intended to go directly to Mangshan, but after hearing Yan Qiuling's words, he felt they made a lot of sense.

"There's no rush to go to Mangshan. You're right, we've both accumulated enough strength. Let's open the Heavenly Gate first and boost our combat power to its maximum."

"There is a Wuji Mountain nearby, located deep in the desert, desolate and uninhabited, often experiencing thunderstorms, making it the most suitable place to open the Heavenly Gate and undergo tribulation," Han Qing said.

When the Heavenly Gate opens, it makes a great commotion. Generally, it is necessary to find a thunderstorm to cover up the loud noise of the Heavenly Gate opening by relying on the natural sounds of thunder and rain echoing between heaven and earth.

Although it's still possible for others to notice, it does have some effect.

This has been an unwritten rule throughout history, and Han Qing did not want to be different.

The two hit it off immediately and turned around, soaring into the depths of the desert.

...

Shazhou.

In the courtyard of a small town.

A handsome young man in a blue robe stood in front of a smooth stone wall. On the wall was an ink painting of a soaring dragon with flowing whiskers and dense scales. From the overall image to the details, there was not a single flaw. At first glance, it seemed as if a real ink dragon was riding the clouds and mist, as if it could fly away at any moment.

"Young master's painting skills have become even more exquisite. This ink dragon is so lifelike even without eyes. Amazing!" A gray-robed old man next to him laughed. His eyes were sunken and empty, and he was also blind.

"Hmph, that Wu Liren, the court painter of the Great Yu capital, boasts that he is the number one painter in the world. Compared to me, he is far inferior," Li Dangfeng laughed.

“What you say is absolutely right, young master. You opened the Heavenly Gate twice with your painting skills and became a Great Saint of the Incense Realm. You are the number one person in the painting skills throughout history. Wu Liren is only a half-saint in the painting skills. He is naturally no match for you, young master,” the blind old man said with a smile.

"Blind Qiu, you're getting better and better at talking." Li Dangfeng said, picking up his brush and lightly touching the ink dragon's eyes. In an instant, the ink dragon truly came to life, suddenly soaring into the sky with bursts of dragon roars.

"The magic of painting is truly wondrous," the blind man Bei murmured, looking up at the ink dragon.

Li Dangfeng put down his brush, raised his eyes and looked northwest, where mountains loomed in and out of sight, the largest of which was named Wuji.

He could hear a faint rumbling sound coming from deep within the mountains.

“A thunderstorm is approaching, and the mountains are sparsely populated, making it an ideal place to undergo tribulation. Here’s what we’ll do: Blind Qiu, you wait here. I’ll go to Wuji Mountain for a while, and once the third Heavenly Gate is opened, we’ll head to the border camp,” Li Dangfeng said slowly.

“Young master, opening the Heavenly Gate is a rather dangerous matter. Let me go with you,” said Blind Qiu.

"No need. I have accumulated enough strength. Even if I experience the third Heavenly Gate Tribulation, I will not be injured. There is no need for you to come with me." Li Dangfeng shook his head, his eyes shining with confidence.

“Since you are so confident, then I won’t go.” Blind Qiu nodded.

"I met with the Grand Ancestor some time ago, and with his help, I obtained a considerable amount of Dharma Thoughts. Now, the number of Dharma Thoughts has exceeded 40,000, which is equivalent to a Saint of the Golden Body Realm. I am naturally very confident," Li Dangfeng said with a smile.

"I see. Young master, please return soon." Blind Qiu nodded. (End of Chapter)