"Young Master, the defending general of the next pass is named Gao Wenyong. He was originally God Ning's strategist, with cultivation at the second-grade Divine Emperor. He is extremely skilled in formations and poison techniques. But according to my investigation, he has secretly pledged allegiance to the Zhou Emperor, incited many generals to his side, and has always been at odds with me. I wonder if your dragon can break his grand formation…"
At this moment, Yuan Fei naturally had no idea what Ling Xiao was thinking. Great Zhou's seven passes each had one general.
Tiance City was the first mighty pass, originally with the strongest defense, guarded by three Emperors and four Kings.
But… the city fell today because that Zhang Liao was arrogant and overconfident, taking the initiative to engage.
If Gao Wenyong defended his city to the death, sealing it with formations, even Qiao Yunli would find it difficult to breach easily.
In that case, once the Zhou Emperor sent reinforcements, Ling Xiao's plan would likely fail.
"Oh? Formations and poison techniques? I'm afraid that won't do…"
A sinister glint suddenly flashed in Ling Xiao's eyes. He then waved his hand at Yuan Fei. "General Yuan, a word in private."
"What are your orders, Young Master?"
Ling Xiao wasn't particularly concerned about formations or poison techniques.
With the Boundary-Breaking Talisman in hand, although its might wasn't what it used to be, mere formations weren't worth worrying about.
But… could he use this opportunity to make Yuan Fei willingly offer up his life?
"General Yuan, you said earlier you were willing to die for the War God. Was that sincere?"
Ling Xiao's expression was serious, with a hint of gravity.
"Of course it's true! If not for God Ning, I would have died on the battlefield long ago. This life belongs to the War God!"
Yuan Fei's expression turned stern, without the slightest hesitation.
"Good! General Yuan, your righteousness is commendable. After the War God returns, I will surely inform him!"
Ling Xiao nodded, then suddenly transmitted his voice via divine sense. "General, since this person was once the War God's subordinate but has now pledged allegiance to the Zhou Emperor, I must kill him to intimidate those with divided loyalties. However… before that, we should let the Northern Frontier soldiers witness his and the Zhou Emperor's treachery. Only then can we break the city, kill the enemy, and unite hearts!"
"Young Master, you mean…"
"I will blend into the Great Zhou army and enter the city with you. When the time comes, find an opportunity to quarrel with that Gao Wenyong, let everyone know he has betrayed our faith. Then…"
Ling Xiao trailed off, his voice cold, but his eyes held bitterness.
"Young Master… I understand!!"
Yuan Fei was initially shocked but quickly calmed down.
Given Gao Wenyong's cunning and caution, he certainly wouldn't easily open the city gates to welcome them. To break the city, they must kill him first.
But killing a city's defending general required a reason.
Yuan Fei's death would be the best trigger.
He and Gao Wenyong were already at odds. If he died under Gao Wenyong's watch, anyone who still held faith and loyalty to the War God would surely rise up and kill that scoundrel.
Moreover, with the Young Master mixed in the army, given his strategic brilliance, why fear they wouldn't rebel?
Once the city gates were open, who could withstand Qiao Yunli's might as a sixth-grade Divine Emperor?
"Aside from this person, are there any other traitors in the Northern Frontier?"
Ling Xiao's gaze was intense. Yuan Fei shook his head. "Gao Wenyong is merely a strategist. Originally, following the War God, he was only responsible for provisions and city defense, never truly fought alongside God Ning on the battlefield. So, he lacks the bloodlust of our Northern Frontier soldiers. Besides him, the defending generals of the remaining six Northern Frontier cities were all personally trained by God Ning. You can trust them, Young Master. As for the soldiers… most likely, there are spies planted by the Zhou Emperor…"
"Good, mere ants, not worth worrying about!! General Yuan… the success of this great plan rests on you!"
Ling Xiao took a deep breath and suddenly bowed to Yuan Fei. "This plan is crucial, General Yuan… It's best not to let a third person know."
"Young Master, rest assured! Yuan Fei knows what's at stake!"
"Let's go!"
Ling Xiao waved his hand, sending Hua Hua back to the Domain World. Since devouring Yuan Fei's Divine Wood power, that damned dog had been either belching or farting the whole way, and its aura showed signs of a breakthrough.
Dammit.
Is this creature's talent really just… devouring?
In the end, Ling Xiao didn't dwell on it. He used the soul mark to send a message to Qiao Yunli, informing him of the next phase of the plan, then blended into the Great Zhou army, heading towards a distant fortress.
During the journey, Yuan Fei didn't mention Ling Xiao's specific plan but told everyone that from now on, all matters were to follow Ling Xiao's commands.
Of course, with the War God Command in hand, these Northern Frontier generals didn't dare disobey.
As for those who might resist… just find an excuse to kill them; no need for hesitation.
As for Ling Xiao's identity…
Now that Zhang Liao was dead, besides them, only the Great Xia side had seen Ling Xiao riding the dragon in battle. No matter how cunning Gao Wenyong was, he probably couldn't imagine the Great Xia commander was right there among the Zhou troops, could he?
---
Great Zhou Imperial Capital, Central Imperial Palace.
The Zhou Emperor looked coldly at a black-clothed figure below, his face already gloomy.
"You're saying Great Xia's Grand Tutor Qiao Yunli led troops to attack Tiance City, and Tiance City… fell?!"
"Yes! Your Majesty, scouts from the front report that at noon today, Great Xia suddenly launched an attack, heading straight for Tiance City. Commander Zhang Liao resisted valiantly, but in the end… he was no match for Qiao Yunli and was slain on the spot! Now, the Great Xia army is heading for the second pass, Heavy Cloud City!!"
"Great Xia is seeking death!!! First, they kill my princess, now they launch an invasion. Relay my military order: Tell Gao Wenyong to defend Heavy Cloud City to the death! Order the defending generals of the other six passes to lead their troops for reinforcement! Our Northern Frontier garrisons a million troops; why fear a mere Great Xia?"
The Zhou Emperor shouted coldly. A dragon phantom seemed to manifest behind him, a divine temple appearing, exuding boundless majesty.
"Your Majesty… the Northern Frontier generals have long held grievances against the court. Gao Wenyong has frequently come to the capital in recent years. I fear…"
"Hmph! Order the Northern Suppression General Pei Qinbao to lead seventy thousand Golden Feather Guards to the Northern Frontier to assume command and punish the Great Xia rebels!"
The Zhou Emperor pondered briefly before finally speaking coldly.
He certainly knew that sending Ning Tiance back to the Northern Frontier to command the troops was the most suitable option.
But… releasing a tiger back to the mountains, the struggle between tiger and dragon for fortune has existed since ancient times.
Unless absolutely necessary, the Zhou Emperor didn't dare take the risk.
The Northern Suppression General Pei Qinbao, a fourth-grade Divine Emperor, was one grade higher in cultivation than Ning Tiance, and was currently the general the Zhou Emperor trusted most.
The seventy thousand Golden Feather Guards were also Great Zhou's most elite army, invincible wherever they went.
With Pei Qinbao leading the troops, the rebellion could be quelled.
"Wait! Send word to the Great Qin and Great Qi imperial dynasties. Tell them… Great Xia harbors demons. Our three dynasties can act on Heaven's behalf and carve up Great Xia! Hmph, daring to send troops against my Great Zhou? I'll see his dynasty ruined!!"
"Yes!!"
---
Northern Frontier of Great Zhou, amidst towering mountains and steep ridges.
A golden-robed figure materialized in the void, frowning slightly as he looked down at the countless figures below.
"How can this be? How did it suddenly disappear? Did it detect my scrutiny?"
"Lord, could it have used some secret technique to conceal its aura?"
Qiu Qinghan stood about a zhang behind him, a complex coldness in her delicate brows.
"Not necessarily. It might also have used a void treasure to leave temporarily. But… hmph, as long as we keep watch on this person, nothing can escape my grasp."
"Lord… how wise."
---
"Young Master, ahead is Heavy Cloud City."
Yuan Fei stood beside Ling Xiao, who was now clad in Great Zhou battle armor, giving off a different aura.
"Mm! Go ahead."
Ling Xiao nodded. Yuan Fei immediately stepped forward, stood below the city gate, and shouted loudly, "Tiance City defending general Yuan Fei, defeated in battle, seeks entry. Open the gates quickly."
"Huh? General Yuan? Didn't you swear to live or die with Tiance City? Since Tiance City fell, how come… you've fled to my Heavy Cloud City?"
Someone on the city wall instantly sneered.
"Audacious!!! The Great Xia wolves are right behind us! Any further delay, and your Heavy Cloud City will surely share Tiance City's fate!!"
Yuan Fei roared angrily, his Emperor aura instantly surging, intimidating the ten thousand troops.
"Hmph! General Yuan, wait a moment. I need to report to Lord Gao before a decision can be made."
The guard on the wall didn't dare hesitate, turning and rushing into the city.