Eternal Immortal Dynasty: Starting as a Petty Official

Chapter 193 Soldiers Return Home, Surround and Kill the Bandits of Zhuhe (Seeking Monthly Tickets)

The next morning, as dawn broke and the eastern horizon turned a pale white, the sky began to lighten.

Zhao Xian lifted the tent flap, stepped out of the military tent, warmed up briefly, and then began his morning exercise.

About ten feet away, a tall but slightly thin soldier stood respectfully to the side.

This man was Zhu Ji, a servant recently taken in by Zhao Xian.

After practicing fist techniques, he then practiced sword techniques, and subsequently studied the "Nine Transformations of Fish and Dragon," a secret bone-tempering technique.

After mastering all the skills, it was already sunrise, and the sky was filled with golden clouds.

Seeing that Zhao Xian had stopped his stance, Zhu Ji, who was standing to the side, quickly stepped forward respectfully and offered a clean towel with both hands.

Zhao Xian took the handkerchief, wiped the sweat from his forehead, and looked at the respectfully standing servant in front of him.

"How old are you? Have you reached the Tendon Training level? What martial arts techniques have you learned?"

Upon hearing Zhao Xian's question, Zhu Ji immediately bowed and respectfully replied, "Reporting to the military commander, I am Zhu Ji, twenty-three years old, and still in the training stage. In my early years, I received guidance from an elder in my clan and learned a set of sword techniques."

"Let me demonstrate the sword techniques I have learned."

"I will obey your command, General!"

Sensing that Zhao Xian intended to test him, Zhu Ji immediately and solemnly agreed.

After retreating to a distance of about ten feet, Zhu Ji drew his ring-pommel sword from his waist, his gaze suddenly sharpening as he assumed a starting stance.

In an instant, Zhu Ji leaped up like a hungry tiger pouncing on its prey, his blade swirling around him, the wind howling incessantly, truly a powerful and ferocious move!

A short while later, Zhu Ji sheathed his sword, exhaled deeply, and bowed again, saying, "I'm just showing off my limited skills before an expert; I mustn't offend the esteemed lord's eyes!"

"It's not bad, though. There's a hint of killing intent in your swordsmanship." Zhao Xian nodded slightly and smiled calmly. "From now on, work by my side, be careful with your words and actions, and you'll have a bright future ahead of you."

"I am deeply grateful to General Zhu Jimeng for his shelter and leniency, and I am willing to repay him with my life!"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Ji bowed deeply once more, his face extremely respectful.

"Time will tell, and the journey is long!"

Several days later, Zhao Zheng and the others returned.

This time, however, the goal is to transport all of the hundred-plus bandits and the remaining money and provisions in the camp away.

Inside the military tent, all the officers gathered together once again.

Zhao Ze and Zhang Gong were overjoyed to see that Zhao Cheng, Zhao Ji, and the others had recovered from their injuries.

"Ah Cheng, this can be described as a blessing in disguise!"

Upon hearing that Zhao Cheng had successfully entered the Bone Refining stage after recovering from his injuries, Zhang Gong immediately said with considerable envy.

"If it weren't for Master Chen's dedicated treatment, I would probably need to recover from my injuries and hone my skills for several more months before I could advance to the Bone Refinement level!" Zhao Cheng immediately showed a grateful expression and said in a deep voice.

"Brother, you are absolutely right!" Zhao Zong chimed in, "For the past half month in Nankou Township, all of us officers and soldiers have relied on Master Chen's tireless efforts to save us!"

"This marriage is truly a blessed union! I must express my sincere gratitude to Mr. Chen in the future!"

As Zhao Xianzhong's elder brother, Zhao Ji spoke with great emotion.

The tent flap was lifted, and a burly figure came into view.

Everyone immediately straightened their expressions and returned to their places.

"We pay our respects to the Military Commander!"

As soon as the imposing figure sat in the main seat, everyone shouted in unison.

"Now that you have recovered from your injuries and returned, this military tent no longer feels so empty!"

Looking around at everyone, Zhao Xian revealed a genuine smile.

These are all capable assistants he has painstakingly trained over many years!

"Please sit down!"

Zhao Xian gestured for everyone to sit down, and his gaze naturally fell on Zhao Cheng.

"Fourth Brother has recovered from his injuries and has entered the Bone Refinement stage; this is truly a cause for celebration!"

"Without Master Chen's help, even if we recover, we will still have hidden injuries, let alone make any progress!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Cheng naturally stood up, bowed to Zhao Xian, and said solemnly.

"Marshal, Master Chen's identity is inconvenient, but the army really needs a military physician!" Zhao Zheng also said solemnly from the side.

"I have my own thoughts on this, but I will make a decision after the Ronghuai matter is resolved!" Saying this, Zhao Xian looked around at everyone, his expression turning serious. "The Ronghuai scourge and bandits have been mostly wiped out!"

"Apart from the Zhuhe bandits, the rest are nothing but petty thieves and outlaws!"

"From this perspective, Ronghuai's trip can be considered a complete success!"

Upon hearing this, everyone present smiled.

"Since we began recruiting soldiers in Saigo, seventy men have died in battle and twelve others have succumbed to their wounds!" Zhao Xian looked around at the crowd, his tone shifting, and his expression grew grave.

Upon hearing this, everyone's faces also showed a hint of grief!

"In addition, fourteen more people have suffered physical disabilities, and their future livelihoods will likely face immense difficulties!"

"Lord, I heard that you have ordered my uncle to buy land in Wohu Township. Is it to settle the dead and the disabled?" Zhao Ji raised his head to look at Zhao Xian, his eyes slightly red, and asked in a deep voice.

"Indeed!" Zhao Xian nodded, and continued, "Fifty hectares of farmland, a full five thousand mu, plus the oxen, foals, and bandits obtained from Feilong Mountain, are more than enough!"

"Eldest brother, fourth brother, and Gongzhao, you all act prudently. I still need to await Lord Chen's summons in Ronghuai County. I entrust this matter to the three of you!" Zhao Xian looked at Zhao Zheng, Zhao Cheng, Song Ming, and the others to his lower left, rose, and bowed deeply. "They are all our neighbors. Let us not allow the dead to bleed and the living to shed tears!"

"We will certainly not fail the trust placed in us by the military commander!"

Zhao Zheng, Zhao Cheng, and Song Ming immediately straightened their faces and stood up to accept the order!

"Rest here for the night. Tomorrow, you will lead the soldiers in your camp, escort the remaining bandits and the money and provisions, and return to Wohu Township!" Standing up and looking around the tent, Zhao Xian smiled. "This camp can be dismantled now!"

"Where will the military commander rest?"

"Dongzhu Country House!"

The next morning, as dawn broke.

Squads of soldiers packed up early and escorted the bandits and money back to Wohu Township!

Zhao Xian, alone, went to Dongzhu Township to stay temporarily.

The newly recruited servant Zhu Ji was taken away by Zhao Ji after Zhao Ji and others learned that he was a bandit. Zhao Ji said he would take him back to Wohu Township and hand him over to Mu Chun for proper training!

Although Sun Mao, the village head of Dongzhu Township, was not happy about Zhao Xian's arrival, he could only pretend to be pleased and busied himself with arranging accommodations for Zhao Xian.

Zhao Xian, however, did not care much about this. He stayed here only to await Chen Sheng's summons.

As for the timeframe, it will naturally be the two months agreed upon earlier!

There are only ten days or so left!

After all, Zhao Xian's marriage to Chen Yuanqing was scheduled for September 20th, so he had to return to Wohu Township in advance!

As the sun sets in the west and the moon rises in the east, just a few days pass in the blink of an eye.

Since Zhao Xian took up residence at Dongzhu Country House, he has stayed indoors all day long, and even his meals are delivered to his courtyard by a minor official.

Besides studying military texts, he honed his martial arts skills and practiced swordsmanship.

Such proper conduct relieved Sun Mao, Li Jin, and the others.

Rong Huai, the bandit chieftain Zhou Yan, also left Dongzhu Township with his subordinates and is now inspecting the township and suppressing bandits.

As the county's bandit chief, he had an inescapable responsibility to suppress bandits!

The sun rises high in the branches, and the heat of midsummer intensifies.

On the official road, a troop of cavalry galloped at breakneck speed, the thunderous sound of their hooves causing passersby to quickly move aside to the sides of the road.

The cavalrymen roared away, leaving behind a trail of dust!

Dongzhu Village.

"Hiss!"

The reins were pulled tight, the warhorses neighed, and dozens of riders stood outside the country house.

The group of men, exuding murderous intent, glanced around before dismounting and heading straight for the country house.

Upon seeing this, the two village soldiers guarding the gate dared not approach and quickly retreated to the corner of the wall.

Before long, these people appeared in the east wing of the country house.

"Greetings, Commander!"

In the main hall, several people bowed to the person in the main seat and shouted in unison.

"Haha!" Zhao Xian put down the bamboo scroll in his hand, looked at the group, and burst into laughter. He asked with delight, "Dejing, Ahong, aren't you out there fighting bandits? How come you have time to come here?"

"General!" Upon hearing this, Xu Dejing immediately stood up and laughed, "We encountered the traitorous Zhou Cao and his men while suppressing bandits!"

"As Zhou Jun mentioned, the majority of the troops in the camp have already left, and only the military officer is staying in a country house!"

"We were worried about the safety of the lord, so we returned to our hometown to look for him!"

"Ha ha!"

Hearing this, Zhao Xian chuckled again, feeling quite gratified.

"Since we're here, let's take a good rest!" After laughing, Zhao Xian looked around at the others and pondered, "After resting for a couple of days, we'll return to Wohu Township!"

"Now that Lord Zhou has begun his inspection of the countryside, he probably doesn't need our assistance!"

"We shall return to Wohu Township, General." Xu Dejing hesitated for a moment as he said this.

"It's alright! Most of the major bandit groups in the villages have been quelled. The remaining ones are just petty thieves and bandits who won't amount to much!"

""

Zhao Xian waved his hand dismissively.

"Brother, how about the four of us stay here to keep you company?"

At this moment, Zhao Hong also spoke up to offer advice.

"What are you four doing here!" Zhao Xian smiled helplessly, pointing at the group. "My wedding is approaching, and I'm overwhelmed with other matters. I can't leave. You all should return to Wohu Township to help with the wedding arrangements!"

"Oh dear!" Upon hearing this, Zhao Hong immediately slapped his forehead. "After fighting for over a month, I almost completely forgot about this!"

"You!"

Zhao Xian could only smile helplessly.

As night fell, Zhao Xian ordered the local officials to buy ten sheep and five bushels of wine to host a banquet for his cavalrymen.

After more than a month of hard work, everyone was now free to indulge in unrestrained behavior upon learning that there was no need to continue suppressing the bandits!

The banquet lasted until late at night before it finally ended.

Everyone else was drunk, but Zhao Xian alone was sober!

Nowadays, the countryside is not very peaceful, and Zhao Xian was naturally worried about everyone getting drunk, so he took turns keeping watch for them at night.

For the next two days, there were continuous banquets, and the same thing happened every day.

On the morning of the third day, Zhao Xian got up early to see Xu Dejing, Zhao Hong and others off.

Aside from Zhao Hong and his three companions, as well as Xu Dejing, the other wealthy young men who came to help, along with their entourages and guests, and Wang Cong,

Both Zhang Wen and Zhao Xian received their rewards in advance.

These wealthy young men, along with Wang Cong and Zhang Wen, each possessed a mid-grade spirit stone.

Each of the dozen or so followers received fifty low-grade spirit stones.

Zhao Xian's generosity earned the admiration of these wealthy young men and his entourage!

The sons of wealthy families in the countryside, though they have no worries about food and clothing, have never had a mid-grade spirit stone in their hands!

It was only after fighting desperately for over a month that I received this reward!

This gives me far more confidence than asking my own father for money!

Moreover, Zhao Xian did not ask for any of the spoils obtained by the group in suppressing the bandits!

Of course, this was also because Xu Dejing had sent some of the spoils back to the camp in advance.

In short, after their trip to Ronghuai County, these wealthy young men from the countryside were finally convinced of Zhao Xian's abilities!

Zhao Xian also promised everyone that if they were willing to serve under Mo, each person would receive fifty mu of land, a house, and an additional household.

This promise certainly attracted these wealthy young men.

The wealthy young men who came to Ronghuai County with Zhao Xian to apply for the position were not the eldest sons of their families!

They will definitely not get a share of the family business in the future!

If the elder brother is kind, he might share some money with them; if the elder brother is mean...

The opportunity to establish a foothold abroad is a great temptation for them.

Moreover, the cavalry included Zhao Xian's followers from Xixiang, who all owned land, houses, and servants in Xixiang.

According to these veterans, last year, they harvested as much as fifty bushels of millet, which was worth five thousand talisman coins!

With this in mind, quite a few people are tempted!

Even some of Xu Dejing's followers were quite tempted!

Xu Dejing was somewhat helpless about this, after all, if it were him, he would also be extremely tempted!

Zhao Xian's ambitious move was also based on his own considerations. It was obvious that after a month of fighting, these men had already become qualified cavalrymen.

With superb horsemanship and excellent teamwork, they are truly an elite force!

Of course we can't let this opportunity pass us by!

As for these people who are truly willing to serve, the plan is naturally to settle them in Xixiang.

Although Wohu Township is Zhao Xian's hometown, it is not as wealthy or promising as Xixiang Township.

Zhao Xian also intends to settle down in Xixiang!

After seeing Xu Dejing and his group off, Zhao Xian once again immersed himself in cultivation.

Just then, Chen Sheng's belated summons also landed before Zhao Xian.

After asking the messenger a few simple questions, Zhao Xian got up to pack his bags, bid farewell to Sun Mao and Li Jin, and then led his warhorse away with the messenger.

Although Zhao Xian had a rather unpleasant falling out with the two high-ranking officials of Dongzhu Township, the proper etiquette still had to be observed!

Watching the two riders head east, Sun Mao and Li Jin breathed a sigh of relief.

Finally, we've gotten rid of this plague!

As for why Zhao Xian left, the two of them simply didn't want to know!

As night falls, the river flows gently, winding its way through the village.

The sound of water is serene and peaceful, and the countryside is tranquil and idyllic.

With the moon high in the sky, dozens of figures silently crept up from outside the reeds.

Meanwhile, in a secluded thatched hut within the reed marshes, a group of people were gathered.

The moonlit pearl hangs from the roof, its rays illuminating the low thatched hut.

A middle-aged cultivator dressed in a black Taoist robe, with a refined and scholarly appearance, sat upright in the main seat, looking around at the other figures below.

The rest of the figures were all dressed in black robes and wore masks!

"I have summoned you all today because I have received some news." The man in the main seat paused, then continued, "The soldiers of Rongtai County have all left Ronghuai County!" His gentle, refined voice echoed in the thatched hut.

Upon hearing this, everyone below looked up at the person in the main seat, but no one offered any flattery or agreement.

The man in the main seat didn't seem to care and continued, "Chen Sheng is currently hunting us down. I intend to finish this job and then disband the Zhuhe bandits!"

"We've all gone our separate ways. If anyone wants to gather people together in the future, they can contact us directly!"

No one below spoke; they all simply nodded slightly.

"In that case, we shall proceed today..."

"boom!"

Before the man could finish speaking, a thunderous explosion rang out!

"Zhuhe bandits, surrender now!"

The familiar sound echoed above the reeds, instantly startling everyone inside the thatched hut.

"Who leaked the location of this gathering?!"

The thief no longer cared about concealing his identity and immediately shouted, his whole body filled with murderous intent.

"What's the use of saying this now!" another thief retorted, then turned to the middle-aged cultivator at the head of the group. "Zhu He, we look to you as our leader, what should we do now?!"

"Chen Sheng is a Foundation Establishment cultivator; he must have brought many followers with him!"

"I've come to delay Chen Sheng for a moment. You all join forces to repel the government troops, then go your separate ways!"

After saying that, Zhu He raised his hand and made a sweeping motion, and a streak of crimson light split the thatched hut in two!

In mid-air, a cultivator in a green robe stood on a flying sword. A gentle breeze blew by, and his robes fluttered, making him appear as graceful as an immortal descending to earth!

Zhu He then took out a talisman with dazzling spiritual light from his sleeve, crushed it in one go, and the talisman transformed into a crimson spiritual light that attached itself to Zhu He's body!

"Chen Sheng, I've come to meet you!"

With a loud shout, Zhu He actually stepped onto a flying sword and charged straight at the green-robed cultivator in mid-air!

"This guy actually had such a trump card up his sleeve!"

Upon witnessing this scene, a thief couldn't help but exclaim in surprise.

"What's the point of hesitating now! Follow me and kill!"

Before the thief could finish speaking, a deafening roar of battle cries erupted from all around!

The sheer scale of the commotion caused all the thieves present to change their expressions!

The bandits exchanged glances, and then, without prior arrangement, each fled in one of the directions!

However, they completely forgot about the plan that Zhu He had just mentioned!

The saying goes, "Better to die for your friends than for yourself." If we don't run now, it will be too late to escape once Chen Sheng has dealt with Zhu He!

They didn't think they could escape the pursuit of a Foundation Establishment cultivator!

In mid-air, the middle-aged scholar who was fighting Chen Sheng with his sword also caught a glimpse of the panicked flight of the crowd below!

He sighed inwardly, thinking to himself, "This brat is not worth discussing anything with!"

"Zhu He, look at this group of cunning scoundrels below! They're not worth you risking your life for!"

"Both the county magistrate and I greatly admire you. If you surrender, we will certainly not make things difficult for you, and may even help you lay the foundation for your cultivation!"

At this moment, Chen Sheng also noticed the change below and immediately shouted in a stern voice.

"Help me build my foundation?" Upon hearing this, Zhu He sneered, mocking, "What use is a foundation built by consuming Foundation Establishment Pills!"

"It's just that you harbor malicious intentions!"

"Even if I die today, I will not let your plot succeed!"

With a roar, Zhu He mobilized all his magical power to control his flying sword and attack Chen Sheng opposite him.

But his left hand, tucked into his sleeve, was tightly gripping a talisman!

On the other side, Zhao Xian and his group of cultivators also met the fleeing bandits!

No need for further words; when life and death are at stake, no one will back down an inch!

"kill!"

With a sharp shout, Zhao Xian drew his precious sword and charged at the bandit!

When the bandit saw Zhao Xian charging at him with a knife, he waved his sleeve and scattered several spirit seeds at Zhao Xian's feet!

Instantly, several vines burst from the ground, tightly coiling around Zhao Xian's legs like venomous snakes!

"Is that all you've got?"

Zhao Xian sneered and exerted a little force with his legs, but he still couldn't break free!

He has already mastered the skin and tendon training, and now he has entered the bone training level. His strength is over a thousand pounds. He can't say he can pull five oxen backwards, but he can definitely pull one ox backwards!

This thief actually has some skill!

"I don't think you're that capable!"

The thief shouted, made a hand seal, and after silently chanting a few words, a wind blade shot towards Zhao Xian!

"Whoosh!"

With a flash of light, the vines beneath his feet snapped in two, the smooth cuts revealing the extraordinary nature of the sword in his hand!

"break!"

With a flick of his finger, a fireball shot out, hurtling straight toward the incoming wind blade!

"boom!"

A loud bang followed, and sparks flew everywhere.

"Your fireball technique has reached the mastery level!"

When the thief saw that Zhao Xian didn't even need to make hand gestures or chant incantations, a look of fear immediately appeared on his face!

"go!"

Zhao Xian avoided answering, but instead raised his hand and pointed, sending three more fireballs flying out in a triangular formation toward his opponent!

"No!"

The bandit looked terrified, turned around and fled!

Unfortunately, it was already too late!

Three fireballs landed squarely on his back!

In an instant, a series of explosions rang out, and flames shot into the sky!

As the firelight subsided, Zhao Xian took a few steps forward and scanned the area with his divine sense. A small storage bag flew out from the reeds in front of him!

"Why didn't you carry a protective amulet with you?"

Zhao Xian sighed softly, then his smile vanished, and he used his lightness technique to attack the next person!

"die!"

Zhao Xian appeared like a ghost behind a fleeing bandit, and slashed down with his ring-pommel sword!

A gust of wind swept from behind him, and he saw the bandit crush a talisman, instantly enveloping his body in a golden light!

"die!"

He turned around, raised his hand, and pointed at Zhao Xian, a beam of green light shooting out from his fingertip!

Unexpectedly, Zhao Xian neither dodged nor avoided, but with a slight exertion, the ring-pommel sword in his hand became three times faster!

"Pfft!"

The ring-pommel sword easily tore through the golden light shield blocking his way, splitting the bandit in two!

As for the incoming blue light, Zhao Xian easily dodged it!

"Truly a superior weapon!"

Watching the blood droplets slowly slide down the blade, Zhao Xian couldn't help but exclaim in praise!

At the auction in Daqingshan Market, a high-grade weapon fetched over a thousand low-grade spirit stones!

How could such a crude protective talisman possibly withstand it!

After putting away the storage bag, Zhao Xian flicked his finger again, and a fireball landed on the thief's body.

With a swift movement, he charged towards another bandit!

At this very moment, the reed marshes had become a fierce battleground!

Some cultivators killed bandits, while others killed cultivators and escaped!

However, few bandits had escaped from Zhao Xian's side, clearly all of them were stunned by Zhao Xian's clean and efficient killing methods!

"Whoosh!"

Suddenly, a burst of spiritual flame shot out, forcing the cultivator opposite to retreat!

But then the bandit took out a talisman and stuck it on his body. In his panic, he fled straight toward Zhao Xian!

"Fellow Daoist Zhao, stop this scoundrel!"

The cultivator who was forced back immediately roared at Zhao Xian!

Upon hearing this, Zhao Xian immediately chased after him!