"Last night, did any of you see Chen Sanshi?"
Zhou Rong ordered the entire army to halt its advance, then summoned all the generals who each commanded 10,000 men and asked the question.
"Didn't see him."
"Indeed, didn't see him."
"Now that you mention it, that's true."
Ling Qia, the Ling clan martial cultivator, said, "Every time the battle starts, we stay hidden and hold nothing back—using our full strength to deal with Chen Sanshi, to prevent him from suddenly appearing anywhere. But last night, we only saw him on a small boat in the distance. He never made a move."
"A small boat?"
Zhou Rong narrowed his eyes. "Explain in detail."
"It's exactly what it sounds like."
Ling Qia repeated, "He stood on a skiff, following the rebel main force as they retreated. I feared he was plotting something, so I didn't rashly charge in. I kept facing him across open water."
Zhou Rong's expression tightened. "The whole army rests in place. Pull the vanguard stationed in the enemy's water stockade back out as well, then search ship by ship inside our fleet!"
"Young Lord Zhou..."
Prince Qi mulled over the implication. "You're worried Chen Sanshi used the chaos to slip in?"
"Absolutely impossible!"
Ling Qia declared with certainty. "Last night looked like a melee, but our side mainly shoved forward with the Flying Cloud and Covering Sea ships. The medium and small warships in the rear maintained formation the whole time—there was absolutely nothing abnormal."
"On this point, I can also guarantee it."
Qiu Xin, a Shengyun Sect Qi Refining Perfection cultivator and a first-tier formation master, was also the commander overseeing the Shengyun Sect cultivators participating in the Chibi battle. He said firmly, "The tower ships all have the Water-Repelling Grand Formation. Each formation corresponds to a core formation flag, and only someone holding the core formation flag can freely enter and exit.
"As for the medium and small warships in the rear, our cultivators oversee the whole field from above. There are also patrols below the water. The possibility of them infiltrating our interior is almost completely cut off."
"Yes, Young Lord Zhou."
The Ling clan's senior sister spoke in a cold voice. "Even if we take 10,000 steps back, even if Chen Sanshi truly slipped onto one of our ships alone, the moment he makes any disturbance, he'll be discovered at once.
"At that point, it won't be just our Ling clan dealing with him, but all the cultivators—forming a complete Gui Water Demon-Slaying Formation, with the second-tier Water-Repelling Grand Formation at our backs as defense. Within 10 exchanges, we will certainly take his life."
"Exactly."
Qiu Xin flicked his sleeve. "Even if he's some peerless fighter within his realm, even if he grows stronger the longer he battles, he is still within the same realm—he's not at True Force middle stage, let alone some Foundation Establishment senior. There's nothing to fear!"
For cultivators—whether martial cultivators or spell cultivators—their strength ultimately would not exceed their own realm by too much. Otherwise, realms would become meaningless.
What was more, this was on the surface of the Luoxiao River, perfectly occupying favorable timing, terrain, and harmony, steadily suppressing the White Robe's fire-aspect True Force. As long as they worked together, there was no need for excessive fear.
Unless the army collapsed like a landslide, and Chen Sanshi led the cultivators under him to charge in together.
"By your account, he wouldn't come here to die."
Zhou Rong nodded, idly turning the jade thumb ring on his thumb, sinking into thought.
"Young Lord Zhou."
Yan Hongyuan spoke up. "Are you being too cautious?"
"I think so too."
Prince Qi followed. "Zhou Rong's caution is a good thing for our army, but too much caution may cause us to miss the moment. The rebel navy is in rout and fleeing—this is precisely when we should press the pursuit with the momentum of victory."
Zhou Rong did not issue orders right away. Instead, he turned back into the cabin and stood before the hanging map in silence.
"Young Lord Zhou!"
Yan Hongyuan said anxiously, "We can't keep dragging this out. The rebels are about to flee into the Wanliu region. This is the best time to encircle and block them, annihilating them in one blow!"
"This old general is right."
Qiu Xin echoed him. "Our spies report that the fake court in Youlan Capital City is already preparing to move the entire court northward. If we truly let them live and return to Northern Liang, it will inevitably become trouble again later."
At last,
Zhou Rong made up his mind. He drew the sword at his waist and used the blade tip to indicate positions on the map. "Qiu Xin, lead a fleet west through the Runxi River 25 kilometers ahead, then lie in ambush at the outlet of Green Ant Lake, cutting off their western retreat.
"Yan Hongyuan, take 2 cultivators and 50,000 troops. Go ashore 40 kilometers ahead, switch to warhorses at Xupu Prefecture, then ride straight for Guanghan Prefecture and sever the exit of Donghan Lake.
"Everyone else, continue pursuing along the river with us—drive the rebels entirely into Donghan Lake!"
Donghan Lake
was the largest lake in the Chibi basin. On the map, the entrance was wide, but the western exit was extremely narrow—barely enough for a single large ship. If it were damaged, it would be the same as trapping them to death inside Donghan Lake.
"What a perfect trap to catch turtles in a jar!"
Prince Qi praised. "As long as we force them into Donghan Lake, not a single one will escape!"
The rebels' 200,000-strong army
would all be buried here!
On land, wars could last months or even years. On the river's surface, war was also never something that could end in a single morning or evening—especially with the Luoxiao River, the Great Sheng Dynasty's largest river, vast and boundless.
After all the tactics were carried out,
it was already 5 days later.
Fortunately, everything went smoothly.
"Governor!"
"A report—the rebel navy discovered there's no retreat to the west, and they truly had no choice but to head east into Donghan Lake!"
"Good!"
Prince Qi said excitedly, "Within 1 month, our army will herd the rebels into Donghan Lake like driving sheep. Then the rebels will be like turtles hauled out of a pond—just waiting for us to crush them underfoot!"
Zhou Rong showed no joy.
Because...
Chen Sanshi still had not shown himself!
The capital, Chang'an.
Inside Zhongjue Hall.
"A great victory at Chibi!"
The Chibi battlefield belonged to the eastern Central Plains and was not far from the capital, so the battle report could be delivered at the fastest possible speed.
"A great victory? So fast?!"
The regent Prince of Qin personally read the contents, then burst into loud laughter. "Zhou Rong's strategy is no inferior to the White Robe's!
"Everyone, look!
"What a fine chained scheme in the Battle of Chibi!"
The White Robe first used a Heavenly Book formation to force the Jiangnan navy to resort to iron-chain linking, then used Sima Yao to put on a show of a self-injury stratagem, nearly lighting the great fire from the inside.
Yet at the critical moment,
Zhou Rong actually cracked the self-injury stratagem with ease and then inflicted a crushing defeat on the enemy.
"Now even I, someone who has never led troops in war, can understand it."
Yan Maoxing pointed at the lake on the sand table and said, "As long as we force the rebels into Donghan Lake, unless they can make all their warships fly, not a single one of them will get away!"
"Mm."
Prince of Qin steadied his emotions and began to analyze. "A great victory at Chibi is already a foregone conclusion. We can discuss the follow-up strategic deployment and see how we can wipe them out completely in the shortest time."
"Your Highness!"
"Your Highness, something has happened!!!"
A eunuch stumbled into the hall.
"Xianglong, Tangli, and Donghua Counties were taken by the enemy a few days ago..."
"Wait!"
Prince of Qin cut him off. "What places?"
The officials gathered around the sand table.
Only after more than 10 breaths did they find those 3 counties within the prefectures along the western bank of the Luoxiao River.
"Who?"
Only after locating the cities did Prince of Qin press on. "How many enemy troops, and who is the commanding general?"
"About 3,000 to 5,000 men."
The eunuch produced the battle report, both hands and voice trembling. "The-the commanding general is... Chen Sanshi!"
Chibi.
The Luoxiao River.
The central army's flagship.
"Commander Zhou!"
"Young Lord Zhou!"
"Found him!"
"We have news of Chen Sanshi!"
A lieutenant general received the news and hurried over to report.
"Donghua County?!"
At this, Prince of Qi immediately said, "For him to appear in Donghua County at this time means that long, long before Sima Yao's feigned surrender, he likely had already set out!"
"What does that mean?!"
Zhang Jingwu was startled. "Don't tell me Chen Sanshi predicted in advance that Young Lord Zhou would see through his self-injury stratagem, so he made other preparations?!"
"This, this..."
Yan Hongyuan kept sucking in cold air. "What is that Chen brat trying to do?"
"I know!"
Third Senior Brother Nie Yuan suddenly shouted, startling everyone. He slapped the map with his palm. "Young Lord Zhou, Prince Qi, all you generals, look-what lies south of Donghua County?"
"Fuyu Prefecture?"
Everyone answered in unison.
"Fuyu Prefecture is the granary for our navy!"
Prince of Qi's pupils trembled, then he ground his teeth and said, "That Chen hunter wants to repeat Guandu-burning Wucheng, to burn the grain supplies of my 400,000-strong army?!"
"It's too late!"
Yan Hongyuan stamped his feet and beat his chest. "At most 2 more days and that Chen-surnamed brat can reach Fuyu Prefecture. Our forces in the east are hollow; there's no time to rush back for defense! The 400,000-strong army's 6 months of provisions are likely going to go up in flames!"
"And it doesn't end there."
Third Senior Brother Nie Yuan delivered more bad news. "Everyone look again-where can one go from behind Fuyu Prefecture?"
Behind Fuyu Prefecture were unbroken mountain ranges. The roads were rugged and difficult to traverse, unsuitable for a great army, but within them was an ancient trail that had existed for more than 1,000 years.
Ziwu Valley!
At the end of Ziwu Valley...
was the capital, Chang'an!
Only at this very moment
did everyone finally realize.
"That Chen hunter wants to strike straight at Meishan?!"
Prince of Qi's breathing grew urgent.
"Yes!"
"Not only are Prince of Qin and all the civil and military officials in the capital..."
"His Majesty is also in seclusion within Wanshou Palace. If he is disturbed, the consequences are unthinkable!"
"Young Lord Zhou!"
"Young Lord Zhou?"
"Why aren't you saying anything?"
"What should we do next?"
After the news came that Chen Sanshi had appeared on land, the officials in the cabin, big and small alike, more or less fell into panic and unease.
Only Zhou Rong was the exact opposite.
Before he found the White Robe, he had been in a constant state of anxiety.
But now, knowing that the 400,000-strong army's grain stores placed at Fuyu Prefecture were about to be burned clean, Zhou Rong instead became incomparably calm and composed.
"Young Lord Zhou, why aren't you the least bit anxious?"
Prince of Qi said irritably. "If the grain is gone, it's gone, but we absolutely cannot let Chen Sanshi fight his way to Chang'an!"
Zhou Rong abruptly stood up. "The enemy has already been defeated; there is no longer any need for concern. Hurry and pursue the bandits, and force them into Donghan Lake."
"Young Lord Zhou..."
Nie Yuan asked in confusion, "Could it be you don't plan to deal with this group Chen Sanshi is leading?"
"The Ziwu Valley surprise stratagem."
Zhou Rong said leisurely, "Have you all been frightened out of your wits and forgotten that Shan Liangcheng, Immortal Master Shan, is still near the capital? Once they leave Ziwu Valley, Immortal Master Shan can turn back to block them, and the Ling clan's old ancestor Ling Kui of the Mang Mountain ancestral vein will also be returning soon.
"Once Chen Sanshi's troops emerge from Ziwu Valley, at most it will only be 3,000 to 5,000 light cavalry. In the end, they will surely be intercepted outside the capital.
"But without him...
"the 200,000 rebels still at Chibi are nothing but a rabble. This is precisely our golden opportunity to exterminate the bandits!
"No, not just the 200,000 on the Luoxiao River.
"Even Youlan Prefecture, and even Northern Liang, will all be pacified by us with thunderous momentum!"
Hearing this,
everyone finally breathed a sigh of relief.
"That's right."
Ling Ling spoke up. "My clan's old ancestor has been alone at the Mang Mountain ancestral vein, slaying several Fallen Leaf Valley cultivators in succession. Among them were martial cultivators who came for their bounty as well. They have suffered grievous losses. The old ancestor will set out for the capital in the next few days; their so-called Ziwu Valley surprise stratagem cannot possibly succeed."
This war
was never something that could be accomplished by 1 person alone.
Just Shan Liangcheng, the second-tier formation master, using the troops under him to lay out Heavenly Book formations, plus the formations of the cultivation world, was not something Chen Sanshi alone could break.
Not to mention the Ling clan's old ancestor Ling Kui, a True Force Realm middle stage martial artist.
True Force Realm middle stage-his combat power was equivalent to a Foundation Establishment cultivator!
"Then that's good..."
"So Chen Sanshi is a cornered dog jumping over the wall?"
"He's truly gone mad!"
"If there weren't Shan Liangcheng and Ling Kui, he might really have made it!"
"What a pity-there is no 'if' in war."
"Inform Immortal Master Shan and Senior Ling Kui."
Zhou Rong issued the commander's order: "Make sure they put down everything at hand and rush back to the capital to reinforce the defenses! As for Chen Sanshi, once he smashes his head into a brick wall, he will naturally come back to die!"
This trip through Ziwu Valley was an attempt made in the rebels' desperate straits.
It fit the White Robe's temperament of never sitting still to await death.
Even if he had no way to strike directly at Chang'an, he could still burn the 400,000-strong army's 6 months of provisions—one could say it would deal them a massive blow.
"Then what happens after the grain at Fuyu Prefecture is burned?"
Very quickly, Yan Hongyuan thought of the issue: "The current batch of provisions is about to be consumed. The next batch is still in Fuyu Prefecture—if Fuyu Prefecture is taken at this time, we will run out of grain within 10 days."
There was no need to spell out the consequences of cut-off supplies; everyone present understood perfectly well.
If the soldiers went hungry, then no matter how large the ships were, no matter how sturdy the formations were, it would all be useless.
And provisions were already tight. The reason they could still supply a 400,000-strong army for this campaign was, first, because they drew on local resources, and second, because water transport reduced wastage.
If the grain inside Fuyu Prefecture was burned in a single blaze,
then in the short term, they truly would not be able to scrape together enough supplies.
The White Robe… was truly vicious!
"Transfer grain from Mangshan Prefecture."
Zhou Rong gave the order.
"Mangshan Prefecture?"
Yan Hongyuan said thoughtfully, "The grain there could follow the Luoxiao River straight to Chibi, but that prefecture is only a small city in the southeastern corner. Even if it has supplies, I'm afraid it won't be enough for a 400,000-strong army to consume."
"I already calculated it. At most, Mangshan Prefecture's grain will take 15 days to reach Chibi, and it can support us for about 40 days."
Zhou Rong said with plans laid out in advance, "Forty days is enough to finish this battle at Chibi."
Youlan Capital City.
Taiji Hall.
"Our army has suffered a crushing defeat at Chibi!"
"Right now they're fleeing day and night, with the risk of total annihilation at any moment!"
"Why didn't they withdraw?!"
The Zhengtong Emperor, Cao Huan, thundered in fury: "Did I not already tell them—don't clash head-on, withdraw at once, preserve your strength, and then slowly make plans? Why insist on smashing into the enemy head-on?!"
"Your Majesty, calm your anger!"
Minister of Revenue Shangguan Haichang spoke up. "The imperial edict was delivered long ago, b-but our army simply refused to withdraw. We ministers are far away in the capital—there truly is nothing we can do."
Between the lines, he was saying nothing more than that the King of Northern Liang was defying the edict.
The Zhengtong Emperor, Cao Huan, could only suppress his rage and could not probe further.
After all, not long ago he had proclaimed it to the realm and even established an ancestral temple for the Chen clan—he could not slap the imperial house's own face so quickly.
In the end,
Cao Huan could only say with forced patience, "Why is Minister Chen acting this way? Given the situation at hand, he should avoid the enemy's edge."
"Your Majesty."
Minister of Rites Fu Kejin stepped forward and said, "All under Heaven know the King of Northern Liang is unmatched in wisdom and valor. The war is not yet over. In this minister's view, it is better not to draw conclusions rashly—perhaps the Prince has some divine stratagem, waiting to unleash it at the final moment!"
Those words
won quite a bit of agreement.
Even Cao Huan himself steadied considerably.
He recalled what happened back when Liangzhou was blood-sacrificed.
Hadn't the White Robe also defied the edict, refusing to rush to Youzhou for relief, instead insisting on leading the Hongze Battalion deep into the great desert alone? Everyone thought they were throwing their lives away for nothing—yet what happened? They achieved a "Seal the Wolf and Dwell at Xu," they achieved "South of the Desert, no Royal Court."
Perhaps…
this time, too, he was plotting some grand plan?
Just as the court officials were full of speculation,
someone finally delivered the latest news from the front.
10 days earlier,
on the surface it was a self-injury stratagem, but Chen Sanshi had already secretly left the Luoxiao River, leading 3,000 light cavalry straight for Fuyu Prefecture—and behind Fuyu Prefecture lay the 1,000-year-old ancient trail—Ziwu Valley!
"So this is the King of Northern Liang's surprise stratagem?!"
"It truly fits the military school's path of 'winning by the unexpected.'"
"If he really can strike straight to the capital, wouldn't that end this war early?"
"Heh. I said so."
The Zhengtong Emperor, Cao Huan, spoke. "Minister Chen surely wasn't acting recklessly—he must have his own thoughts and strategy."
"Not right!"
Just as many were praising it,
Shangguan Haichang raised a different voice.
He said solemnly, "Fuyu Prefecture can be burned, but Ziwu Valley absolutely cannot be forced through! Don't forget—the court still has a 1,000,000-strong army, Shan Liangcheng, and also the high-realm martial cultivators over at Mang Mountain!
"Even if Chen Sanshi's speed is as fast as can be, Chang'an will absolutely have time to respond!
"After Chen Sanshi burns the grain, he will most likely still have to return to Chibi—
"But then…
"He won't make it back in time!"
In the center of the hall
stood a massive sand table, with a map of the entire Great Sheng Dynasty hanging above it.
After hearing Shangguan Haichang's words, the court finally realized that the Ziwu Valley surprise stratagem was not so easy to succeed with. At the very least, it would take 50,000 troops to even attempt it.
A mere 3,000 light cavalry was nothing at all!
This time
was different from the lone foray into the great desert.
The barbarian tribes lived in tents, but outside Ziwu Valley stood city after city, impregnable as molten gold, and there were also many high-level cultivators.
Once Chen Sanshi got "stuck" there, unable to advance or retreat,
the Chibi army and Youlan Capital City would be the first to face a grave crisis, liable to be overturned at any moment!
That was the advantage of having many troops and many generals.
Chang'an was not afraid of this kind of surprise attack at all!
Minister of Personnel Fu Kejin said, "Everyone need not be so anxious. Even if Ziwu Valley fails, can't the King of Northern Liang still burn the grain at Fuyu Prefecture?"
"Even burning it is useless!"
Minister of War Ming Qingfeng stepped forward. "The court certainly has contingency measures—for example, places like Mangshan Prefecture in the rear. Even if the grain that can be transferred is not much, it will still be enough to sustain the Chibi campaign to the end.
"In other words—
"The Chibi battle—
"Our army will certainly be defeated!"
The defeat was already set!
Once they completely lost control of the Luoxiao River, the Youlan Prefecture they occupied would no longer be safe either—they would soon face the court's troop deployments and encirclement!
The new dynasty had only just been established, yet it already faced the danger of collapse!
"Your Majesty!"
Shangguan Haichang said, "The capital cannot be stayed in any longer!"
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
"Once Chibi is lost, it will be the same as placing the capital right in front of the enemy. Our only path to live is to retreat back into Northern Liang territory!"
"This time,"
"General Chen truly should not have been so eager to seek victory!"
Even the officials from the sects and great clans absolutely did not wish for the Northern Liang army to be defeated.
Unfortunately…
The Northern Liang army was not skilled at naval warfare!
"Forget it!"
"As long as General Chen can break out and make it back alive, that's enough!"
"As long as the King of Northern Liang still lives, once we return to Northern Liang we can quickly stabilize the situation. In the future, it may not be impossible to rise again."
"But we can't delay any longer right now. Zhou Rong may have already split off troops and is coming for us—no matter what, we must leave the capital as quickly as possible!"
Nearly all of the new dynasty's high-realm combat power was concentrated at Chibi. Once the enemy came ashore and fought their way over, it would be like rotten wood before a storm—unstoppable.
"Your Majesty, issue the edict to move north!"
"Issue the edict!"
"No matter how the King of Northern Liang's battle turns out, we withdraw first—this is always the safest choice!"
"Move north!"
The Zhengtong Emperor, Cao Huan, swept his hand.
And so,
the "Youlan Prefecture," which had only recently been set as the capital, was emptied in just a few days.
Under the escort of 20,000 elite troops, the Zhengtong Emperor Cao Huan prepared to bypass the Luoxiao River and head north, then go straight to Yunzhou, hide within Northern Liang's borders, and only then hold the natural defenses.
Fuyu Prefecture.
Night.
Cold wind.
Ancient road.
Hoofbeats.
Led by Chen Sanshi, 3,000 light cavalry took advantage of the Chibi battle, surged ashore like thunder, then drove south. In just 10 days, they pulled out 3 cities by the roots.
Under the bright moon,
a massive city appeared before their eyes.
Fuyu Prefecture!
This place
was where the court's 400,000-strong army had stockpiled its provisions.
And because the court had been overly tense, placing all its top-tier combat power on the river to guard against the White Robe, the land forces—though not few in number—lacked real fighting strength.
Before Chen Sanshi, they were almost like paper paste.
As their iron hooves drew closer and closer to the city, the sentries atop the walls finally noticed the movement.
In an instant,
a piercing horn tore through the silent night, and soaring firelight blotted out the moon's brilliance.
"Enemy attack!"
"Enemy attack!"
"Hongze Battalion!"
"Charge!!!"
Among the 3,000 iron riders, a white horse surged to the front. Its entire body burst with azure profound spiritual light, and its speed climbed higher and higher—seen from afar, it looked as if it were flying low over the ground!
When they were still more than 1,000 steps from the city, the white horse turned into a streak of light and vanished. A figure in white robes came riding in midair on a flying artifact, reaching the towering city wall in just 2 breaths.
Fuyu Prefecture's defending general, Liang Liping, had already been resting. The moment he heard the commotion in his daze, he immediately climbed onto the wall—but when he saw that white robe in the air, his heart instantly jolted.
"Brothers!"
He roared at the top of his lungs. "Put down your weapons!!"
Beside him, the deputy general's arm stiffened as he held his blade, thinking he had misheard. "General, what did you say?"
"Surrender!"
Liang Liping's booming voice rang through the city. "Go open the gates, now!"
"General! Why surrender before we've even fought?!"
The deputy general raged. "Inside the city is the court's provisions for a 400,000-strong army!
"Brothers, hold the line—hold it with your lives—"
Thud—
Before he could finish,
Liang Liping drove a blade into him, then beheaded him. Holding the head aloft, he dropped to his knees. "Welcome, King of Northern Liang!"
Chen Sanshi descended slowly from midair. "Take me to the granary."
Boom—
Inside Fuyu Prefecture, flames shot into the sky!
The provisions of the court's 400,000-strong army turned to ashes overnight!
"Damn, what a waste."
Wang Zhi smacked his lips. "How much grain is that?"
But they had no choice. With so few people, there was no way they could haul the supplies away—and even if they scattered it to the commoners, it would only be seized again.
"Fuyu Prefecture is taken."
Wang Zhi lowered his blade and pulled out a wrinkled map. "What do we do next? I think if we keep going to Ziwu Valley, we might not make it in time. How about we head back to Chibi first? We burned so much grain—those bastards will suffer for it!"
"Yes, Commander."
Xiong Qiu'an said, "No one is holding Chibi down right now. It probably can't last long. I heard that over in Youlan Prefecture, the Jin Prince was so scared he wet his pants, and he's already started moving north with 20,000 elite troops."
Back then, they had also received the order suddenly—to go ashore and raid.
After fighting so many wars alongside the Commander, everyone guessed along the way: wasn't this the Ziwu Valley surprise stratagem that Sima Yao had mentioned before? Was the self-injury stratagem just cover, and the true goal to drive straight at the capital?
But after arriving here,
Xiong Qiu'an felt something was off.
Because judging by the timing, they simply could not reach the capital before they were intercepted.
"After daybreak, continue the forced march."
Chen Sanshi did not waste words. After issuing the order, he went alone to a corner, took out a palm-sized iron box from his storage ring, and opened it. Inside was pale-yellow lamp oil.
He then took out a packet of silver needles, and for each needle, he used only the tip to touch a tiny trace of lamp oil.
Immortal treasure lamp oil—even the slightest amount could ignite. So even after using it up to now, it had only consumed 1/10 of the oil, and there was still enough left to use for a long time.
After roughly 100-plus silver needles had been dabbed with lamp oil, he tossed them all into a storage bag.
"Qingniao."
Chen Sanshi called out once.
Qingniao hooked the storage bag with its talons, then stirred the spiritual power within its body. In no time, it turned into a streak of light and vanished into the horizon.
After burning the granaries inside Fuyu Prefecture, the Northern Liang iron cavalry did not linger for even a moment. Once day broke, they set out again with light gear and plunged into the ancient road of Ziwu Valley, heading straight for the capital, Chang'an.
The capital.
Zhongjue Hall.
"Your Highness!"
"Chen Sanshi has already left Ziwu Valley and is rushing straight toward Zuixian Prefecture!"
Once Zuixian Prefecture was crossed, there would no longer be any fortified city that could hold. That meant the rebel army would soon be at the gates of the capital.
An uproar broke out in the hall.
"What is that Chen the Hunter trying to do?!"
The Prince of Qin paced back and forth, furious.
"He… he can't really break in, can he?"
The other officials recalled battle after battle of the White Robe from the past, and their hearts pounded with lingering fear.
"Th-this…"
Yin Mingchun said, "Has this man gone mad?! If he does this, isn't it the same as abandoning the 200,000 troops under his command? I heard even the Jin Prince and his lot were so frightened they fled Youlan Prefecture."
"Where is Zhou Rong?"
Yan Maoxing asked. "Does Zhou Rong know the White Robe's movements? What did he say?"
The Prince of Qin said heavily, "Zhou Rong told us to rest easy. He said the one surnamed Chen absolutely cannot succeed—at most, we must be prepared to suffer heavy losses of provisions."
"He's right."
A clear, resonant voice sounded.
Shan Liangcheng, dressed in a long robe patterned with cloud motifs and holding a bamboo flute, stepped over the threshold into the hall.
"Immortal Master Shan?!"
The moment they saw him, the civil and military officials steadied at once.
Who didn't know now?
Shan Liangcheng's Water-Control Grand Formation had beaten the White Robe until he had no way to respond?!
"Not just me."
Shan Liangcheng lightly tapped his palm with the bamboo flute. "Ling Kui of the Ling family has already set out as well. Before Chen Sanshi reaches the capital, he will certainly arrive here. So all of you may rest assured—I will keep you safe and sound."
"Good—good!"
The officials all let out long breaths of relief.
Luckily the court had soldiers in abundance and generals in plenty. Otherwise, if 3,000 cavalry truly took the capital this time, it would become the biggest joke under Heaven.
"Since the capital can rest easy, then the rebels' momentum is finished."
The Prince of Qin said thoughtfully, "We can send orders to Zhou Rong—once his provisions are prepared, he should swiftly commence the decisive battle!
"Immortal Master Shan!
"You and the Ling family's old ancestor can also prepare to mobilize the 1,000,000 troops, sweep north in grand array, and reclaim our lost territory!"
Shan Liangcheng did not speak. He merely stared quietly at the sand table before him.
Was this White Robe truly cornered, making a last desperate gamble?
Or did he have another scheme?
Zuixian Prefecture.
A fire dragon howled in from several hundred paces away and slammed straight into the solid city wall. Scorching heat, carrying vast True Force, spread outward, blasting open a huge breach—and even burning the commanding general into charcoal along with it.
Chen Sanshi once again took the city with ease.
"Past Zuixian Prefecture, there won't be any more large cities ahead—only small towns and minor prefectures. Just right for us to replenish supplies."
Zhao Wuji stared at the map, speaking tensely. "We only need to keep forcing the march for another 7 or 8 days and nights, and we can reach the gates of Chang'an directly!"
One step away from the capital!
While they were making this thousand-mile raid here, the fighting at Chibi was still ongoing—and it had likely reached the final stage, with no retreat left at all.
"Those damn dogs!"
"Let's do it!"
"That old dog of an emperor still hasn't shown his face—that means he hasn't come out of seclusion yet!"
"Break into Chang'an and kill the dog emperor!"
However.
Just as the soldiers had steeled themselves for a fight to the death,
Chen Sanshi said, "That's about enough. Withdraw."
"Withdraw?!"
Wang Zhi froze.
"Commander, why are we withdrawing again?"
Zhao Wuji could not make sense of it no matter how he thought. "We've been running day and night—after all that, we finally fought our way here. The capital is right in front of us. Are we really not going to gamble once?"
"That would be death, not a gamble."
Chen Sanshi shook his head.
How could he not know that around the capital there were still 1,000,000 troops, a second-tier formation master, and a True Force middle-stage martial warrior who might arrive from Mang Mountain at any time?
Under those conditions,
only by leading an army over as well, and coordinating with a Heavenly Book formation, could it count as a decisive battle on equal footing.
Otherwise, one person's strength was limited in the end.
The reason they had marched out through Ziwu Valley was merely to put on a show.
"Take these."
Chen Sanshi produced several clone talismans and handed them to a Guiyuan Sect cultivator who had come along, then ordered, "Zhao Wuji, Wang Zhi—after I leave, the two of you will immediately lead the brothers to withdraw. Be ready to rendezvous at Chibi."
"Chibi?"
Zhao Wuji said, "Chibi is enemy ground now. Our army has probably already fallen back into the lakes and tributaries."
"No. It's already over."
With an eerily calm expression, Chen Sanshi spoke words that made the blood run cold: "The 400,000 Jiangnan troops have all become belly-fodder for the fish at the bottom of the Luoxiao River."
With that said.
He took out a "Godspeed Talisman" and a "Wind-Avoiding Talisman," then stepped onto his flying artifact and shot into the sky, vanishing from sight in no time.
Chibi.
The Jiangnan navy.
The central command flagship.
"Report!"
"Chen Sanshi has already killed his way to Zuixian Prefecture outside Chang'an!"
"That Chen the Hunter really is insane!"
The Prince of Qi took out a confidential letter that had just arrived from the court. "Over in the capital, Immortal Master Shan Liangcheng has already returned. Even if Chen Sanshi flies to Chang'an all by himself, it'll be too late!"
"It's just a pity…"
Yan Hongyuan sighed deeply. "The provisions inside Fuyu Prefecture—enough for our 400,000 troops to eat for half a year—went up in flames. Those were the very foundations of our Great Sheng Dynasty!"
"Northern Liang rebels! Truly hateful!"
Zhang Jingwu nearly ground his teeth as he spoke. "They keep saying it's for the world, but in the end they're only thinking of their own benefit! Especially that Chen Sanshi—the court has trusted and promoted him time and again. If he had grievances, couldn't he have discussed them properly with the court?!
"He had to raise troops and rebel!
"And he's thrown the whole realm into misery!"
"Report—"
A lieutenant general rushed into the cabin in a flurry. He cupped his fists and said, "The rebel army failed to break through. The full 200,000 troops have been forced into Eastern Han Lake, and both the front and rear exits have been completely sealed off!"
"Good!"
The Prince of Qi slammed the table and sprang to his feet, thrilled. "This time, Chen the Hunter has truly lifted a rock only to smash his own foot! If he hadn't led troops out through Ziwu Valley, and had instead personally held the line, perhaps he could have carved out a road to survive and preserved part of his strength. But now, those 200,000 troops can only be buried in Eastern Han Lake!"
"Everything should come to an end."
Zhang Jingwu said, "We only need to wait for the provisions to arrive. Then our army can press the advantage, strike in one breath, and sweep the rebels away."
"The problem is right here."
Yan Hongyuan asked, "After today and tomorrow, the army's provisions will be exhausted. When will the provisions from Mangshan Prefecture arrive?"
That night.
At last, news came.
"Report—"
"Mangshan Prefecture has dispatched 20,000 troops to escort provisions here. At most, it will take another 3 days to arrive!"
"Heh heh."
Zhang Jingwu stroked his beard, smiling. "Back when we accepted the surrender of that band, I was actually rather dissatisfied. I thought those bandits should be exterminated to the last. Who would've guessed they were righteous and brave men instead. Truly—heroes do not ask of birth."
Mangshan Prefecture
was a southeastern prefecture, near Liangshan Marsh.
Several years ago, there had been a band of brigands on Liangshan Marsh, their momentum immense. Yet they could not withstand the pressure of the Prince of Zhen'nan, and in the end they chose to accept amnesty. After more than 100,000 troops were reduced and dispersed, only the final 20,000 were kept and stationed in Mangshan Prefecture.
Later, Southern Xu launched a large-scale invasion.
This force in Mangshan Prefecture displayed unexpected valor. In the great war against Southern Xu, they won merit time and again. Their leader, Shan Qunyu, had now been granted the rank of General of Swift Cavalry, serving as the Chief Commander of Mangshan Prefecture's Commandery Commission. Under him, there was also a young general known as "White Stripe in the Waves," who was exceptionally fierce as well.
He had once, in naval battles against Southern Xu, repeatedly used surprise stratagems and earned no small amount of merit. Now he was also a Senior Second-Rank Nation-Suppressing General, appointed as the Deputy Commander of the Commandery Commission.
This time, the White Robe sent an odd force to raid, and with a single blaze burned the provisions of Fuyu Prefecture.
If not for the troops of Mangshan Prefecture, the 400,000-strong army truly would have been trapped in a dilemma with no way forward and no way back.
"Since the provisions are on the way, then we begin."
Zhou Rong made his final arrangements before the decisive battle. "Your Highness the Prince of Qi, General Nie Yuan—you two stay in the rear to receive the provisions.
"Daoist Friend Qian Qiren, you and General Zhang Jingwu will lead a force to pursue the Jin Prince and the other rebels fleeing from Youlan Prefecture. You must intercept them south of the Luoxiao River to prevent unforeseen complications.
"As for the Ling family and the other generals—make ready, and follow me into Eastern Han Lake to exterminate the rebels!"
The Luoxiao River.
On a horse-transport ship dedicated to hauling provisions.
The former grand boss of Liangshan, now the Senior Second-Rank General of Swift Cavalry — Shan Qunyu, stood on the deck, gazing over the vast, boundless river. Beside him, Zhang Shun and Meng Quji hurried back and forth at their tasks.
After parting from Zhang Laizi the Scabby-Headed Knight back then, Meng Quji simply stayed on Liangshan. He used the Art of Disguise to change his face and appearance, taking the alias Meng Erleng, and became a capable aide at Shan Qunyu's side.
As for Zhang Shun on the court's side, he also had an alias of his own.
"Brother Erleng."
Shan Qunyu said, thoroughly perplexed, "Are you certain this was Zhang Laizi the Scabby-Headed Knight's instruction?"
"Nonsense."
Meng Quji hoisted a sack onto his shoulder. "Didn't you already see the letter?"
"Hiss—"
Shan Qunyu sucked in a cold breath, then said thoughtfully, "So Zhang Laizi the Scabby-Headed Knight is a subordinate of that King of Northern Liang!"
"General Shan."
Meng Quji said in a low voice, "We're about to arrive. Don't tell me you're chickening out."
"How could that be?"
Shan Qunyu said. "Back then, if not for Hero Zhang taking action, Shan would have died long ago—how could there be a today? This time, heading to Chibi, Shan will repay with everything he has!"