parentshiftbook Chapter 98: Another Chapter of Yunzhou
Chapter 98: Another Chapter of Yunzhou
Chapter 98 Returning to Yunzhou
Lu Yuan fought with increasing ferocity, which alarmed Zhou Xiong, Wei Yong, and others who had been following him.
The bandits in the village were terrified and could only retreat.
The imperial army is advancing rapidly.
Zhou Hongling stood on the city wall looking at Lu Yuan, her eyes filled with undisguised admiration.
"This guy's cultivation has increased again, and it hasn't been that long," she thought to herself.
But his gaze never left the other person.
As Lu Yuan swung his sword, wind and thunder were already faintly gathering around his body.
Centered on him, it seemed to coalesce into a vortex.
Any enemy that gets close will be cleaved away with a single strike.
One of the leaders of Vulture Ridge, seeing that Lu Yuan was about to charge over, immediately ran back in an attempt to escape.
But after taking only a few steps, he heard thunder in his ears.
By the time they realized what was happening, the cyan blade was already upon them.
Then everything went black, and he lost consciousness. In the eyes of others, his head had flown high into the air.
Not a single drop of blood was on the crescent blade.
The battle continued because there were too many people in the village to kill them all, and some were even fleeing, so it was almost a fight-and-chase affair.
By the time the battle ended, it was already afternoon, and the entire Vulture Ridge had been completely breached by the imperial army.
The number of those killed in battle is estimated to be in the thousands, while the majority escaped.
However, it is worth mentioning that when the group searched the village, they did not find much wealth. It was only after interrogating the surrendered strongmen that they discovered this.
Chang Ying had actually moved the gold and silver away a long time ago. He originally thought he could run away if he couldn't win, but who would have thought that he would fail to escape.
Although she didn't gain anything, Zhou Hongling didn't say much, because she hadn't expected to get much this time.
After the army returned to camp.
Zhou Hongling sat in her tent and looked at her three captains, saying, "This battle has come to a successful conclusion, and all military achievements have been recorded. Go back to your respective posts first thing tomorrow morning."
Just now, the Marquis sent a message by carrier pigeon, ordering all border troops not to step into the buffer zone, and to be careful from now on.
This was clearly a message to everyone: if they wanted to come in again, they couldn't do so as government officials; otherwise, if they were discovered, they would be in deep trouble.
"Yes, sir!"
Helian Shang and the other two quickly stood up and said.
Lu Yuan's eyes flashed; clearly, he hadn't expected the Dayong court to act so quickly.
Clearly, the other party also acquiesced to this buffer zone.
Then, the next thing to happen should be the entry of various parties.
However, he wasn't so worried about that, since he had taken the first step.
Wu Han should have already started incorporating the men who escaped from Vulture Ridge today.
As long as this wasteland outside the three cities is under our control, we will have a place in the wasteland.
However, what Lu Yuan didn't know was that Wu Han and Yang Xiao, the Bronze-Headed Lion, had another bet, which also involved 20,000 to 30,000 men.
If you add them all up, that's seventy or eighty thousand troops.
This is no small sum, no matter where you put it.
At this moment, Zhou Hongling nodded in satisfaction after seeing the three people's attitude, and then signaled Helian Shang and Yun Mo to step down first, leaving only her and Lu Yuan in the room.
"Sit down, everyone else has left, you don't need to stand anymore." Zhou Hongling stretched and relaxed.
Lu Yuan didn't stand on ceremony and immediately sat down opposite him, pouring himself a cup of tea and drinking it down in one gulp.
"Is there something you want me to do by staying?"
Actually, Lu Yuan is quite anxious right now, mainly because he wants to try to break through his limits after he goes back.
He possessed rare and precious materials for refining his spleen, but he hadn't rushed to break through last night because he was going on a campaign. Today would be a good day to give it a try.
Zhou Hongling said softly, "Can't I let you stay here if there's nothing wrong?"
His eyebrows involuntarily twitched as he spoke.
Lu Yuan immediately replied, "Of course."
He wouldn't dare provoke this boss now, it's no exaggeration to say.
Zhou Hongling is now his biggest backer.
Although his official position wasn't very high, what was rare was that he would wholeheartedly support him.
This is more precious than anything else.
"That's more like it," Zhou Hongling said with satisfaction after taking a sip of tea.
Then, his expression turned solemn: "From now on, try to get as little involved in the affairs of this buffer zone as possible. This time, I helped you destroy Vulture Ridge, and the imperial army will not be able to enter next time."
Although I don't know why you're attacking here, I've done everything I can.
In a few days, this place will be under the watchful eyes of various forces.
This includes the nobles of the imperial court, who would not give up the Northern Barbarians as a major client.
Therefore, embedding nails in the buffer zone has become inevitable.
The Zhou family will also try to cultivate a force in the buffer zone. My father has already said that he will give you a share when the time comes.
So you shouldn't take any risks, understand?
Hearing Zhou Hongling's earnest advice, Lu Yuan felt a warmth in his heart. After all, it felt very nice to be cared for.
He nodded and said, "I understand."
"Good to know. Go back and rest. I see your cultivation has broken through again. When will you be able to reach the Blood Transformation stage?"
Zhou Hongling asked with concern.
He seemed to care more about Lu Yuan's cultivation than he did about his own.
"Tomorrow, I'll prepare for the breakthrough tonight," Lu Yuan said calmly.
A look of amazement flashed in Zhou Hongling's eyes.
Then he said, "Then hurry up and break through. Have Zhou Xiong protect you outside the tent. Make sure you are not disturbed."
"Yes, I understand," Lu Yuan replied before returning to his tent.
Outside the door, Zhou He, Wei Yong, and others were guarding it with their men.
This isn't the city, so proper precautions are still necessary.
It's never too much to be careful.
After Lu Yuan sat down, he swallowed a bottle of Xuanwu liquid that had been seized.
The next moment, a powerful surge of qi and blood erupted from his body.
The blood-red patterns on its body appear and disappear intermittently, adding to its mystique.
Zhou Xiong and the others who were guarding outside exchanged glances, and their faces showed horror. They had seen people in the Refining Realm before.
Zhou Xiong could even reach the stage of refining his mind very soon.
But this is the first time I've seen someone in the Refining Realm release such a powerful aura.
A faint, blood-red mist floated out from inside the tent.
Zhou Xiong even felt a sense of suffocation.
However, they simply moved a little further away, remaining vigilant and guarding the area.
Just as Lu Yuan was cultivating and preparing for a breakthrough.
Inside Tianwang Village, Wu Han was drinking and chatting with Yang Xiao.
One boasts of having powerful backers, while the other is far more capable; thus, they complement each other perfectly.
There was no situation where anyone looked down on anyone else.
Having stayed at Tianwang Village for a few days, Yang Xiao was much more relaxed than when he first arrived. He opened his chest and said, "Brother Wu Han, it's not that I don't trust you."
The main problem is that Vulture Ridge has been in the border region for many years without any incidents, and now it has 20,000 to 30,000 troops. Do you think such a stronghold can be easily wiped out?
I think you should stop arguing. Just pack your things and come with me to Black Wind Stronghold to enjoy life. You have connections, your brother is powerful, and we have a strong army.
There's no need to worry about them rising up in this area; they can just carve out their own territory and become kings—wouldn't that be great?
Yang Xiao was clearly drunk when he got to this point.
Their tongues are quite large.
Wu Han looked at him and smiled without saying a word.
This guy really dares to talk big, claiming to be king of his own territory. You'd be more like it if you had hundreds of thousands of elite troops.
Even if such a rabble were to gather a million men, they probably wouldn't be able to withstand several attacks from the imperial court's regular army.
There's still a long way to go.
As Yang Xiao recounted his past glories and looked forward to the future.
"Da da!"
A figure walked in from outside the main hall.
This person is a minor leader in Tianwangzhai responsible for reporting and guarding the palace.
As soon as he entered, he said to Wu Han, "Boss, the brothers we sent out have just sent back news that Chang Ying of Vulture Territory has been killed by the imperial army."
The village was burned down.
His men were also scattered and are now fleeing in all directions in the wasteland.
We intercepted some of the men who escaped from Vulture Ridge and are bringing them back to the village, but there are still quite a few more coming.
Hearing his subordinates say this, Wu Han breathed a sigh of relief and then looked at Yang Xiao beside him and asked, "How is Chief Yang?"
Is the bet still valid?
Even though Yang Xiao was quite drunk, he couldn't help but gasp upon hearing the news.
He sobered up almost instantly.
He knew exactly how strong Bald Ridge was; he was no less capable than himself, and might even be a bit stronger.
Yet this notorious bandit stronghold was wiped out in a single day.
The background of the person behind Wu Han surprised him greatly.
At this moment, staring at the other party, he said, "Brother Wu Han, I, Yang Xiao, am a man of my word. Once the bet is made, there is no way I can go back on my word."
I will go back and reorganize my men. They will report to Tianwangzhai within half a month.
7
At this moment, Yang Xiao's face was full of seriousness.
Wu Hanchao demonstrated sufficient strength, although he did not know who was behind the other party.
However, the fact that they could easily mobilize troops to wipe out Vulture Ridge meant that he couldn't afford to offend them.
"Okay, I believe you," Wu Han said calmly.
Yang Xiao quickly bowed and said, "Thank you for your trust, Chief."
Then he picked up his gold-backed nine-ringed saber and walked out of the hall, hurriedly leaving with his men.
This news was a huge shock to him.
The idea of establishing a territory as a kingdom was shattered in an instant.
The gap between these people and the imperial court was simply too great.
And this is just the border troops. You should know that the top-ranked army in the Dayong army is the imperial guards.
The quantity is enormous.
They will only be deployed when facing a truly formidable enemy.
After Yang Xiao left, Wu Han's expression turned serious. Looking at the messenger still standing below, he asked, "How many people did you recruit exactly? Were there any other gains?"
"The exact number is around three thousand, but there will be more later, and it is estimated that more than ten thousand people will join. We also seized a caravan, which was carrying gold, silver and valuables, as well as various pills and rare treasures. We learned from the interrogation that it was Chang Ying's property."
He had arranged for people to evacuate the treasure beforehand, but we caught them red-handed.
Upon hearing his subordinate's report, Wu Han smiled.
This time, Tianwang Village is safe.
In fact, he has been under a lot of pressure ever since he left the Icefield Fortress.
Lu Yuan saved his life and recently helped him get revenge.
He knew about the confiscation of the Sun family's property.
He knew in his heart that he would probably never be able to repay Lu Yuan's kindness in this lifetime.
I really want to help the other person.
But he was powerless to help the Dayong dynasty.
Now, we can finally say that we have achieved some results in the border region.
However, this is only the beginning. His goal is that, at the very least, if Lu Yuan does not fare well in the imperial court in the future, he can come to Tianwang Village.
I can give him a force that is strong enough to protect himself.
This is why, even though he knew he was not strong enough, he still pretended to be friendly with Yang Xiao.
Then, taking a deep breath, he slowly said, "Well done. Tell the brothers, I want the gold, silver, and valuables, and I want the men from Vulture Ridge too. Bring them all back."
"Yes, sir!"
After receiving the order, the messenger withdrew.
At this moment, Lu Yuan had already pushed his spleen to the perfect state.
At the same time, he consumed another Earth Element Fruit, which is also a rare and precious herb for refining the spleen.
After entering his mouth, it transformed into rich blood and qi, spreading throughout Lu Yuan's body.
Finally, it travels towards the spleen.
Then, a yellowish-brown halo shone out, which was quite miraculous.
If Lu Yuan could see inside his body, he would find that his five internal organs were radiating a faint glow at this moment. His heart was fiery red, his liver was emerald green, his spleen was covered in earthy yellow, his lungs were golden, and his kidneys were azure blue.
As time went by, Lu Yuan's internal energy and blood became more and more vigorous, perhaps because the five elements were coming together.
The momentum of their breakthrough was far greater than that of ordinary people.
A large amount of vital energy was exhaled from the mouth and nose.
At this moment, the five elements within his body circulated, forming their own independent entity, and the primordial energy became even stronger. They did not stop their work but continued to temper Lu Yuan's five internal organs.
May his physical body transform in a more mysterious and unpredictable direction.
"Buzz!"
As his muscles trembled and the surrounding air hummed, Lu Yuan knew he had broken through.
Then, the system panel was opened.
Name: Lu Yuan
Age: 17
[Technique: Grade 3 Technique "Wind and Thunder Slaying General Blade Technique" (39310/50000 Entry Stance)]
[Third-grade martial art "Tiger Subduing Stance" Blood Transfusion (0/1000 Minor Success)]
[Fourth-grade martial arts technique "Blood Refining Golden Bell Shield" (1037/1000 Minor Success, Breakthrough?)]
[Second-grade formation "One-Character Long Snake Formation" (29481/30000 Perfection) Additional effects: Increased defense, entanglement and killing]
[Second-grade martial arts technique "Rain of Arrows" (29813/30000, Perfect)]
Looking at the data in his mind, Lu Yuan's eyes showed satisfaction.
The Blood Refining Golden Bell Cover technique was clearly enhanced because he had absorbed spiritual energy from his five internal organs.
To allow oneself to take another step forward.
"breakthrough!"
He let out a low shout.
In an instant, his entire body was covered by a powerful energy.
The already formidable power of qi and blood became even more refined at this moment.
Lu Yuan's strength and defense have both improved to varying degrees.
If he were to fight his daytime self at this moment.
It feels like one punch could take down several people.
Reaching the Blood Transformation Realm represents a significant advancement in one's cultivation level.
After his realm stabilized.
Lu Yuan let out a long breath.
Then, the panel in my mind popped up again.
[Fourth-Rank Cultivation Technique: Blood Refining Golden Bell Shield (37/10000 Mastery)]
"Next, we should head to Yunzhou."
Lu Yuan thought to himself.
Seeing that it was still dark outside, I lay down to sleep.
Nothing happened that night. The next morning, as Lu Yuan stepped out of his tent, he saw Zhou Hongling approaching. She stared at him curiously and asked, "You've broken through?"
There was also a hint of concern in his eyes.
Lu Yuan nodded: "You've broken through; you've reached the Blood Transformation Realm."
Upon hearing this, Zhou Hongling's face immediately lit up with a smile.
Zhou Xiong and the others were secretly astonished; such talent was simply too extraordinary.
Only Zhou He had an air of self-awareness, clearly indicating that he was the one who truly understood Lu Yuan.
Moreover, he knew Lu Yuan's terrifying combat power better than anyone else.
Since meeting this guy, Zhou He had doubted himself and felt that he was too useless.
However, after seeing that Wu Han, who was very talented at the time, was left far behind, he was completely relieved.
"Alright, that's good. Let's set off then."
After Zhou Hongling said something.
They were already mounted on warhorses.
As for Helian Shang and Yun Mo, they left before dawn.
Zhou Hongling knew that Lu Yuan had broken through to the next level last night, so she didn't let anyone disturb him.
We're only just starting now.
Lu Yuan glanced around and found that everyone else's tents had been packed up except for his own. He realized that the whole team was waiting for him.
Knowing that this was Zhou Hongling's intention, he felt a warmth in his heart.
Then he rode his warhorse and followed.
Apart from encountering some scattered small groups of bandits on barren hills along the way, nothing else happened.
However, Zhou Hongling did not bother with these bandits.
This place was once a crossroads of scouts from the Dayong Kingdom, scouts from the Northern Barbarians, and various mountain bandits.
Now, with the two dynasties making peace...
Both sides exercised much more restraint, and the number of scouts they sent out was significantly less than before.
However, bandits are as numerous as hairs on a cow in this area. Now that the main stronghold has been attacked, there is no need to pursue these remnants.
Therefore, the army marched quite fast, since there were so many warhorses.
After the horse farm in Bald Ridge was occupied, it was divided among four families.
Zhou Hongling received 10,000 horses, while Lu Yuan received 3,000.
That's quite a lot; selling it would bring in a fortune.
However, he wasn't short of these meager sums and planned to wait for an opportunity to have Zhou He deliver them directly to Tianwang Village.
Help Wu Han replenish some warhorses.
And so, before nightfall, the caravan finally made it back to the outskirts of the Icefield Fortress, where all the warhorses were herded into a makeshift stable.
Lu Yuan then went to the General's Mansion with Zhou Hongling.
He had already asked for leave while on the way back to Yunzhou, so today was his farewell.
Inside the general's mansion hall, a table was laden with delicious food and a jar of wine.
"When are you planning to leave?" Zhou Hongling asked softly after placing a piece of food on Lu Yuan's plate.
"Tomorrow, I want to get it done as soon as possible. I told Zhou Xiong and the others on the way back from the border," Lu Yuan said softly.
Zhou Hongling nodded: "Okay, how long will it take?"
To be honest, it wasn't that she didn't want to approve the leave, but she felt a little reluctant knowing that the other person would be leaving for so long.
"When I came here, I was a prisoner and could only walk. I was also in shackles and couldn't even get enough to eat. It took me a full six months to get here. Now I have a mount and if I don't stop along the way, I can make a round trip in about four months."
Lu Yuan estimated the time and said.
Although Zhou Hongling was reluctant, she didn't want the other person to be in too much of a hurry on the road, so she said, "Then let's make it five months. By then it should be winter."
Before you leave, you'd better buy some winter clothes so you don't suffer on the way back. I'll keep an eye on this military post for you.
Actually, there was one more thing she didn't say: now was the perfect time to leave, because soon those nobles of the court would come to the northern frontier like wolves that had seen blood.
Lu Yuan's departure also allowed him to escape the entanglement of these people.
To avoid trouble.
"Thank you for your concern, sir," Lu Yuan said quickly.
He then raised his glass and toasted Zhou Hongling.
After the meal, Lu Yuan did not linger at the general's mansion and went straight back to his own captain's residence.
He had already prepared the things for his trip to Yunzhou some time ago.
Therefore, there's no need to deliberately bring anything; just grab your bag and leave tomorrow.
As for the pills, he bought some after he returned.
He bought a lot of Blood Coagulation Pills needed for the Blood Removal Realm and Meridian Opening Pills needed for the Meridian Opening Realm.
There's enough for the journey anyway.
As for rare and precious materials, he only purchased the Crimson Blood Spirit Mushroom needed for the Blood Transformation Realm. As for the Meridian Opening Realm, he was unable to purchase it due to a shortage.
But there's no rush; we can buy it later.
After checking what he needed to bring, Lu Yuan went to sleep.
Nothing happened that night. The next morning, when he woke up...
He picked up his bundle, changed into a black brocade robe, and pushed open the door.
As soon as I stepped outside, I saw Zhou He was already there.
Lu Yuan looked at him and said, "I will return to Yunzhou as soon as possible. There are generals in the city, so there shouldn't be too much trouble. The main concern is Wu Han in the border region."
If anything happens, the two of you should discuss it and decide how to handle it.
You know where my internal storage key is. Just buy whatever you need. Don't worry about the money; it's fine if you spend it all.
You can send three thousand warhorses to Wu Han at a later time.
I also told him that many people would be contacting him recently, but he must maintain a good attitude and try his best not to antagonize them.
"Okay, I understand. Is there anything else you need me to tell you?" Zhou He asked, unusually serious.
Lu Yuan thought for a moment and said, "No, but you need to improve your cultivation as soon as possible. Right now, you're still only at the tendon refining stage, which is a bit slow. Your old uncle is about to get dirty from refining."
"You know he's my uncle, right? I'll be quick, okay?" Zhou He said speechlessly.
Lu Yuan glanced at him but didn't say anything, instead walking outside.
Zhou He followed behind.
Actually, he wanted to go to Yunzhou with Lu Yuan, but Wu Han had a lot of things going on lately, and he really needed someone to discuss things with.
So, I had no choice but to stay.
When Lu Yuan arrived outside the mansion, he saw Zhou Xiong already waiting with his men, including Wei Yong and Zhang Gun, both of whom were now at the Bone Forging Realm.
It shouldn't be long before I break through to the Tendon Refining stage.
Of the hundreds of people under Lu Yuan's command, even the weakest among them have entered the realm, and with the pills distributed last time, some of them should soon be able to advance to the next level.
However, as guards, they will receive corresponding benefits once their cultivation level is high enough, but it will be difficult for them to obtain official positions with real power.
Because not everyone has Lu Yuan's dazzling achievements and talent, and can be noticed by the higher-ups.
Another point is that even if Lu Yuan asked these guards to leave, they probably wouldn't.
After all, following them not only meant getting money, but more importantly, they also received pills, something they had always dreamed of.
"Greetings, Your Excellency." Zhou Xiong stepped forward and greeted Lu Yuan upon seeing him.
"Is everything ready?" Lu Yuan asked softly.
"Reporting to you, sir, everything is ready. One person, three horses, there will be no delays on the road," Zhou Xiong said, patting the horse's back and grinning.
Lu Yuan could vaguely see that the horse was carrying cotton-padded clothes and dry rations, which meant that preparations had been made in advance.
"Let's set off then." Lu Yuan said before boarding the Crimson Scale.
Others also joined in.
"Creak!"
Just then, the gates of the General's Mansion opened, and Zhou Hongling walked out.
She looked at Lu Yuan and then said calmly, "Be careful on the road."
Then he turned around and walked in the other direction.
"Thank you for your concern, General." Lu Yuan said, bowing with his hands clasped behind his horse.
The whip lashed fiercely across Chi Lin's back.
The warhorse neighed and headed towards the city gate.
Zhou Xiong and others followed closely behind.
Only after they had gone far away did Zhou Hongling turn around.
Only after Lu Yuan's figure disappeared did they return to the General's Mansion.
The warhorses trod on the bluestone floor, making a crisp sound.
After leaving the city gate, the group headed south.
A surge of excitement rose within Lu Yuan.
Although he only spent a little over ten days with his mother in this life, the memories deep in his mind and the blood ties that connected them made him want to see her as soon as possible.
I've been away from Yunzhou for more than half a year, and I don't know how the other person is doing.
Thinking of this, he couldn't help but urge his mount to speed up again.
Zhou Xiong and his group could only try their best to catch up.
However, no one complained of being tired or suffering.
After all, they had all followed Lu Yuan and fought their way up from the battlefield.
Not to mention traveling, even in dangerous places, they dare to follow Lu Yuan into danger.
Besides, they all have elixirs now.
You can also practice meditation along the way at night.
As for Lu Yuan, he naturally wouldn't miss the opportunity to cultivate.
It takes at least two months to get from the northern border to Yunzhou. How could we possibly waste this time?
Therefore, everyone would rest after dark.
Lu Yuan diligently practiced his cultivation techniques every day.
He also brought a python sinew bow with him on this trip, which he specifically used for archery practice.
And in these fulfilling and busy days, two months have passed.
Although autumn has arrived, Yunzhou is still as hot as summer.
On this day, outside Yunzhou City, a group of soldiers dressed in armor, with weapons at their waists and riding magnificent warhorses galloped towards the city. The iron-blooded and fierce aura emanating from them caused passersby to give way.
Some people even stopped and looked on with awe.
"Tsk tsk, look at that armor, look at that imposing manner, they must be the border troops from the northern frontier, they are indeed spirited." After watching the troops leave and head towards the city gate, someone stopped and exclaimed in amazement.
"Isn't that right? It's said that the Northern Frontier Army is the most valiant among the border troops of Dayong. I don't know if it's true or not. That leading general must be a captain. He's a big shot. His warhorse is truly magnificent."
Lu Yuan had no idea that so many people were talking about him.
After handing over the travel documents at the city gate, he led his team straight towards the Zhang family's location.
At this moment, I don't want to waste a single second.