I became a prince in a martial arts world.

The torch illuminated Wang Yu's location, where he was seen riding a horse among several cavalrymen, accompanied by two empty horses, namely Snow-Treading Black Steed and Golden Steed.

After leaving the horse farm at noon, they immediately turned north and met Zhao Shan's hundred cavalrymen. Then, with their mouths gagged and their horses' hooves covered, they quietly hid behind a small hill not far from the east gate of the horse farm, waiting for nightfall.

Then they were greeted by the cavalry, and Li Xiu, who was out on a trading trip.

Seeing Yang Chengwu hiding behind Li Xiu, trying to use information from beyond the Great Wall to make a deal with him, Wang Yu didn't answer, but turned to look at Zhao Yingjie.

"Pegasus Castle was only established in the last ten years, and it has always sent tributes to the Royal Palace every year. It has always been quite sensible."

Zhao Yingjie was quite familiar with the martial arts forces within the three prefectures, after all, he had previously been in charge of welcoming and sending off guests at the Prince's mansion.

"The fortress lord, Yang Chengwu, was from Qing'an Prefecture. When he was young, his family was massacred by bandits, and he was the only one who escaped. He went away to learn martial arts for twenty years and returned to wipe out the bandits. He then established Flying Horse Fortress and made a living by trading horses and escorting goods."

"Then how did he know about the news from beyond the Great Wall?"

"Those who can trade horses in the north are more or less connected to the grasslands or the northwest," Zhao Yingjie explained. "Outside Qing'an Prefecture are mainly the various tribes of the Bai Qiang. The Bai Qiang have maintained good relations with the Central Plains for many years, so it's not surprising that they have connections with Feima Fort."

Wang Yu nodded, and Zhao Yingjie spurred his horse forward two steps, asking loudly, "What news is it? Tell me, and see if it can atone for your crime of stealing horses from the Zhenxi Horse Ranch?"

Yang Chengwu replied, "I beg the Prince of Zhenxi to promise to spare our lives before I dare to speak. Furthermore, this news involves the Black and White Qiang tribes, and I must personally inform the Prince!"

Wang Yu raised an eyebrow, and Duan Wei leaned closer, saying, "Be careful, it might be a trap."

On the road, they encountered Zhao Shan's cavalry. Upon learning of the planned night ambush, they volunteered to help. According to Duan Wei, this meant:

"Anyone who dares to set their sights on the Zhenxi Horse Ranch must have some skill. The Ding'an Army's cavalry should be used to deal with the Qiang people of the northern desert. It would be a real waste if they were to suffer losses in a martial arts battle."

The Duan family was also a renowned martial arts family in the Northwest, and Wang Yu was happy to accept their offer of help.

The martial arts world isn't about fighting and killing; it's about human relationships and social interactions. If you help me, and I help you, that's how relationships are built.

Gongsun Yi also stepped forward, "Yang Chengwu's lightness skill is not weak, and he is also very cunning. And that strong man's spiked club, to be able to use a spiked club weighing dozens of kilograms so lightly, the opponent must be born with superhuman strength."

At this point, Gongsun Yi frowned slightly, "Ordinary small forces shouldn't have such experts, nor should they risk offending the royal palace to steal and sell horses for such petty gains."

Wang Yu hesitated for a moment, then dismounted.

Zhao Yingjie, Zhao Shan, Zhao He, Duan Wei, and Gongsun Yi stayed by his side, making him feel extremely safe.

It just lacks a bit of the atmosphere of a lone adventurer venturing into the world.

Seeing Wang Yu approach, Yang Chengwu also helped Li Xiu take a few steps, with the burly man beside him protecting him, cautiously looking at Duan Wei who was carrying a seven-foot-long sword.

"Greetings, Your Highness!"

As the two sides drew closer, the threat of a volley of arrows was gone. Yang Chengwu helped Li Xiu to the side, put away the tiger-head hook, and showed his sincerity, saying, "I was confused for a moment and am willing to compensate the Prince's Mansion for all the losses. I only ask that Your Highness forgive us. From now on, the entire Feima Fortress will follow the lead of the Zhenxi Prince's Mansion."

Wang Yu looked at Yang Chengwu, sneered, and said nothing.

Yang Chengwu stepped forward, and the five people behind Wang Yu also stepped forward at the same time.

Yang Chengwu gave an awkward smile, then lowered his voice, "Last month, when I went to the border to trade horses, I learned that the Black Qiang King had proposed to the White Qiang King, asking for the White Qiang King's beloved youngest daughter, Alde. It is said that the White Qiang King has already agreed."

"With the Black Qiang and White Qiang merging, if Lingwu Pass is not prepared, the Qiang people may breach the pass and endanger the Central Plains," Yang Chengwu said in a deep voice.

Zhao Shan and Zhao He's eyes widened, and Duan Wei and Gongsun Yi were also startled.

Over the years, the Bai Qiang have maintained good relations with the Central Plains and honestly engaged in trade, never cooperating with the Hei Qiang in attacking passes. Therefore, the defensive pressure on the Zhenxi Prince's Mansion is relatively light.

If the Black and White Qiang tribes were to join forces, their power would instantly double. Whether it was a surprise attack or a combined assault, it would not be good news for the Zhenxi Prince's Mansion.

If they breach the pass, then the entire Northwest will truly be engulfed in flames of war.

"This matter must be informed of General Feng," Zhao Yingjie said in a low voice. "Have him send someone to the Baiqiang tribe to investigate."

Yang Chengwu continued, "This matter is also a secret within Baiqiang. I learned about it because I know a cousin who works for the Baiqiang royal court."

Wang Yu snorted, "If it's such a secret, how come not only the servants know, but even their relatives do?"

Yang Chengwu was taken aback, seemingly not expecting Wang Yu to ask such a question. He hurriedly replied, "That person's cousin overheard it by accident and told him about it quietly, so it didn't spread widely."

If General Feng sends someone to investigate, and the operation is not discreet and is discovered, it could easily arouse the suspicion of the Bai Qiang. If the Bai Qiang were to launch a sudden attack, the Ding'an Army would inevitably suffer losses.

Zhao Yingjie retorted indignantly, "Do you have some good ideas?"

Yang Chengwu nodded. "The White Qiang are easily alerted. We can go to the Black Qiang to investigate. If the Black Qiang king starts preparing for a marriage alliance with the White Qiang, wouldn't that prove it?"

Although the Black Qiang have always been hostile to the Zhenxi Prince's Mansion, they still need to do business. Except for not being allowed to stay at the Black Qiang royal court or the Jinfeng Pass, they never hindered trade between the two sides.

Therefore, both sides actually had spies or agents disguised as merchants in each other's territories, and information about the general direction could never be kept secret.

Zhao Yingjie was taken aback when he heard this, and realized that what Yang Chengwu said seemed to make sense.

Yang Chengwu's eyes flickered, and he continued, "I come from a family of horse breeders and have some experience in raising horses. I am willing to work for the Zhenxi Horse Farm and apologize for my shortcomings."

In addition, Feimabao has been doing business outside the Great Wall in recent years and has also learned about the Baiqiang tribe. In recent years, the Baiqiang have moved their royal court to Vietnam, which is only two or three hundred miles away from Lingwu Pass.

If Your Highness discovers that the Black and White Qiang have joined forces in the Black Qiang region and intends to wage war, I am willing to serve as your guide, leading the Zhenxi Army to raid the White Qiang!

Zhao Yingjie and the others looked at each other, realizing that what Yang Chengwu said seemed to make a lot of sense.

Zhao Yingjie felt that keeping him around would be beneficial for everyone. If he hadn't known that Wang Yu was rational and had his own ideas, he would have been prepared to plead with Wang Yu for him.

All eyes were on Wang Yu, awaiting his reply.

Yang Chengwu's face revealed an expression that combined humility, determination, loyalty, and fearlessness, as if he were the most loyal lackey and the most valiant claw of the Prince of Zhenxi's mansion.

Then Wang Yu laughed, "If I'm not mistaken, your tiger-head hook isn't a single hook, but a double hook."

Yang Chengwu's heart skipped a beat, but he forced a smile. "Your Highness's discerning eyes are spot on. This was originally my trump card, but I didn't expect Your Highness to see through it at a glance."

Wang Yu raised an eyebrow. "So, it seems my judgment wasn't bad?"

Yang Chengwu nodded readily, "Of course."

Wang Yu smiled and said, "In that case, I have a few questions to ask you."

Yang Chengwu said, "I will speak frankly and without reservation!"

Wang Yu suddenly asked, "Did the Black Qiang King propose marriage to the White Qiang King, and then get rejected?"

Yang Chengwu was taken aback. "What?"

Wang Yu asked again, "What is your relationship with the Black Qiang King that you were able to make him fake a successful marriage alliance?"

Yang Chengwu was shocked, and managed a weak smile. "What did you say, Your Highness? I didn't understand."

Wang Yu nodded and asked one last question, "Which disciple of Shi Mo are you?"

Yang Chengwu's pupils shrank suddenly, and he no longer had any hope. The tiger-head hook in his hand suddenly split in two, turning into two streams of light that flew up and down like two fierce tigers descending the mountain, rushing straight at Wang Yu.

Duan Wei shouted loudly, and his horse-slaying saber was instantly drawn, slashing straight at the center of the double hooks.

The burly man reacted just as quickly, brandishing his spiked club and blocking the way for the horse-slaying sword.

Zhao Shan flicked his wrist and threw a flying knife, but Yang Chengwu ducked to dodge it. His double hooks flashed silver again, one grabbing Wang Yu's shoulder and neck, the other hooking Wang Yu's waist and ribs.

Zhao He and Gongsun Yi stood on either side of Wang Yu, Zhao He's bare hands reaching into the double hooks to grab his wrists, while Gongsun Yi held a chain spear that transformed into a silver streak, aiming straight for Yang Chengwu's throat.

Yang Chengwu used one hook to deflect the chain spear, and with another hook, he blocked and slashed, intercepting Zhao He's palms as well. He then emerged from between the two men, his eyes filled with murderous intent as he looked at Wang Yu.

"Impressive skills!"

Gongsun Yi gave a light shout, and his chain spear wrapped around the tiger-head hook that had just broken free. On the other side, Zhao He turned and grabbed Yang Chengwu's waist with a tiger claw.

Zhao He was the top guard in the Prince's mansion, and Gongsun Yi was also a master from the Central Plains, so of course they wouldn't let Yang Chengwu get away so easily.

But Yang Chengwu's reaction was unexpected. He let Gongsun Yi entangle his left tiger-head hook, and as he loosened his grip, he swung it around to grab Zhao He who was rushing towards him from the right, blocking him again.

Although it was only for a moment, Yang Chengwu did indeed leave Gongsun Yi and Zhao He behind and faced Wang Yu again.

"Whoosh—"

But Zhao Shan's throwing knife arrived again, along with Zhao Yingjie's blade, carrying wind and fire, the blade's wind was fierce.

Helpless, Yang Chengwu could only stop, deflect the flying knife, and block Zhao Yingjie's knife, but he was then surrounded by Zhao He and Gongsun Yi.

Even at this point, he was still five feet away from Wang Yu.

Yang Chengwu clearly saw the mockery in Wang Yu's eyes, and his anger flared. "Zhao Yu! What kind of skill is it to rely on numbers? If you're so capable, fight me one-on-one!"

Wang Yu looked disdainful. "This is not a feud between martial arts practitioners, but a war between two countries, so there is no need to talk about martial arts rules. Besides, you were the one who broke the rules and launched a sneak attack first. What right do you have to talk to me?"

"To put it another way, what are your identities, and what are mine? If you want to fight me one-on-one, have you asked about my 50,000 troops, 3,000 cavalry, the royal guards, and my friends from the martial arts world?"

Seeing that Yang Chengwu was speechless, Wang Yu waved his hand as if he was bored, "He's useless, no need to keep him alive."

Yang Chengwu was shocked, angry, and frightened. Then he heard a scream behind him. He turned around and saw that Duan Wei had already killed the burly man with a single blow and turned back to face him.

Then he heard Wang Yu tease him, "How about this, to avoid people saying I'm domineering and not giving you a chance, let's not talk about the 50,000 troops and 3,000 cavalry. As long as you can defeat the five of them who are attacking you, I'll fight you one-on-one."

Wang Yu looked at Yang Chengwu, grinned, and said, "I am a kind person."