The First Sage of Military Strategists

Chapter 46 Entering the Mountains to Suppress Bandits
Next came the Hundred Crack Blade, which took even longer, a full two hours, before its realm finally transitioned from perfection to breaking through limits.

Han Qing swung his sword forward, casually slashing, scattering a dazzling display of blade light.

Although at first glance it looks the same as before, Han Qing understands that many details such as the movements and postures are different.

The same strike, now faster and more lethal!

It was already afternoon.

Han Qing got up and went out, returning to the Zaoban compound.

Click!

Ma Er took a bite of the pear and slowly leaned over.

"Han Qing, want some pears?"

Han Qing shook his head: "Has my master returned?"

"You're back, in jail." Ma Er smiled.

Han Qing immediately went to Yang Wu's door. Before he could knock, Yang Wu heard the footsteps and opened the door first.

"Han Qing, three people died on Pingshun Street this morning. Is it related to you? Someone from the police station came looking for you just now, but I sent him away," Yang Wu said.

"Yes, Master. Those people are members of the Yin-Yang Sect. I got some important information from them, but I don't know if it's true or not."

Han Qing entered the room, and Yang Wu sat in a chair with a cup of hot tea on his left.

"Speak, what intelligence?" Yang Wu asked.

Han Qing then briefly recounted the information he had obtained from the Seven Killings Stele, which mainly included two aspects: first, the Yin-Yang Scholar and others were hiding in the Chen family's old residence; and second, the Luo family was likely colluding with the Yin-Yang Scholar.

After listening, Yang Wu tapped his fingers lightly on the table, showing little surprise.

“You’re right. The Chen family was once wiped out, and the old house became a haunted house with frequent rumors of being haunted. Many houses nearby are also vacant, and no one dares to live there. It is indeed an excellent hiding place. Magistrate Qi has also received the news.”

"The Yin-Yang Scholar has been making too many moves lately; he's gone completely mad, and this is precisely the harbinger of his demise," Yang Wu said calmly.

"As for the Luo family? Hmph! The Luo family is a bunch of old foxes. Not to mention the Yin-Yang Sect, they also have unclear ties with Black Cloud Mountain."

However, the Luo family was deeply entrenched in Baiyun County, and any move they made would have far-reaching consequences. If they were to take action, they would do so swiftly and decisively to avoid any future troubles. Magistrate Qi had long planned for this matter.

"You don't need to worry about this. I'll go find Magistrate Qi right away to discuss countermeasures. During this time, you should also try not to go out," Yang Wu instructed.

"Okay," Han Qing replied, bowing and leaving.

...

into the night.

The central courtyard of the government office.

In a spacious study.

County Magistrate Qi Chong stood by the window with his hands behind his back, gazing into the distance.

“My lord, this is the situation. The Yin-Yang Scholar has gone completely mad. I suggest we take action immediately, otherwise, who knows how many people will die in this city?” Yang Wu stood behind him, a deep sense of worry in his eyes.

Qi Chong turned his head, his eyes sharp and piercing.

“You’re right, it’s time to make a move. However, my target is not just the Yin-Yang Scholar.”

"Does Your Excellency intend to take action against the Luo family? I'm afraid that will be difficult." Yang Wu raised an eyebrow, already guessing what was going on.

"The backbone of the Luo family is Old Master Luo. As long as this old man is alive, the Luo family will be an unbreakable unit, managing all industries and infiltrating the government. I'm afraid I'll never have a chance to make a move in my entire life."

"So I've decided to get rid of this old dog first, before I deal with the Luo family." Qi Chong sneered.

“Old Master Luo rarely goes out, so this matter is somewhat difficult to handle. Moreover, once the matter is exposed, the entire Baiyun County will be thrown into chaos.” Yang Wu frowned, still feeling uneasy. “Everything requires taking risks. This old dog is secretly plotting to attack me. How can I sit idly by and wait to die? I must strike first!” Qi Chong’s tone was resolute.

“Since you’ve made up your mind, sir, let’s take a gamble. If we can really get rid of this old dog, we will immediately gain a huge advantage in Baiyun County, which will be a great joy for the people,” Yang Wu said in a deep voice.

After spending several years together, he knew Qi Chong's personality: decisive and efficient, and once he made a decision, he wouldn't easily change it.

"However, sir, the Luo family has planted countless people in the police force and the guards. Only our guards are trustworthy. You must be careful about this to prevent anyone from leaking information," Yang Wu reminded him again.

"I have considered this and made preparations in advance. A few days ago, I secretly transferred a group of experts from the army. As long as we can get close to that old dog, killing him will not be difficult!" Qi Chong said in a deep voice.

“My lord, you seem to have a well-thought-out plan in mind,” Yang Wu said.

"Tomorrow morning, gather the three shifts of constables from the yamen, and send someone to deliver a message to the major forces in the city. Tell them that I am going to Black Cloud Mountain to suppress bandits, and ask them to contribute money and manpower. I will personally direct the operation tomorrow," Qi Chong said, turning around.

"Yes, sir." Yang Wu turned and left.

...

The next morning.

Before dawn, Han Qing got up and pondered the Jade Void Skill for a while. Just as he was about to go and prepare medicine for Master Fang, a clear gong sound came from not far away, the sound deafening.

"gather!"

"Everyone, proceed immediately to the Minglu Hall courtyard!"

The entire government office was immediately alarmed.

The sound of the gong meant that, except for a very few who were too old or infirm, and some clerks and registrars, all other servants and runners had to assemble and wait for orders.

Master Fang was also the first to step out of the room, shouting loudly, "Assemble!"

The group of teenagers quickly assembled in just over ten breaths and then followed Han Qing straight to the Minglu Hall courtyard.

Before long, the group arrived at the courtyard, which was already full of people, with even more people rushing over.

Han Qing glanced around and saw that the police, soldiers, and constables were divided into three teams, with the three team leaders standing in front, their expressions solemn.

Standing in front of the squad was a burly man with a thick beard, who was Yu Qiu, the squad leader. It was rumored that he was the strongest fighter among the three squads of constables.

Han Qing strode forward and stood behind Yang Wu, with Sun Xiao and Ma Er beside him.

Sun Xiao remained expressionless, silent, staring blankly ahead.

Ma Er, standing nearby, pulled a pear from his pocket and was about to take a bite when Yang Wu suddenly turned around and glared at him. He gave an embarrassed smile and stuffed the pear back into his pocket.

"Han Qing, do you know what this is all about?" Ma Er put his hand on Han Qing's shoulder and asked in a low voice.

Han Qing shook his head.

"This is a campaign to suppress bandits in the mountains. It happens every year. Not only will our government officials gather, but also all the major forces in the city, such as the Luo family, Jinfeng Martial Arts School, Tieshan Martial Arts School, Chai Gang, Yu Gang, Escort Agency, Blacksmith Shop, etc. All the well-known forces in the city will send people. You'll see, wow, the scene will be huge."

However, in my experience, it's often all bark and no bite, and completely useless.

"Every year we launch such a large-scale campaign to suppress bandits, but it's all for nothing. The bandits of Black Cloud Mountain are still alive and well," Ma Er complained.

Yang Wu turned around and glared at him again: "You're the one who talks too much?"

"Boss, it's my fault, I won't say anymore." Ma Er smiled sheepishly and obediently shut his mouth.

Han Qing pondered. He had heard that Black Cloud Mountain had a complex terrain and that the bandits were extremely cunning. They had set up more than ten strongholds scattered in different locations. Whenever government troops entered the mountain, if the number was large, they would abandon the strongholds and break into smaller groups. They would use the complex terrain to conceal their movements and repeatedly maneuver with the government troops to delay them.

If the number of government troops is small, they can defend the stronghold or even launch a proactive attack. In addition, there are people in the city who can tip them off, so the bandits of Black Cloud Mountain have been living a very comfortable life for many years.

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(End of this chapter)