Starting as a centurion, he fought his way through the chaos of the world.

Chapter 120 Crisis? Opportunity

"Your Excellency, the Grand Tutor's supply lines have been cut off. It is said that the existing grain supply will not last for three months. Marquis Yundu is doing his best to resist the rebel coalition."

However, it doesn't hold a significant advantage.

For now, all we can do is stall. A month from now, the imperial army will likely be defeated.

Upon hearing the report, Lu Ming took a deep breath.

Let's wait a little longer; this opportunity may be coming soon.

Then, his gaze fell on Hu Fei.

"Think about everything that happened today. If you want revenge, then you should train your army properly. Your cultivation level has also weakened. Can you intimidate the Bai family?"
If you want to be respected and distinguished, you must work hard to cultivate yourself.

I'm returning to Hongdu Prefecture tomorrow. I hope you can give me a surprise when we meet again.

"Yes, sir!" Hu Fei lowered his head after being reprimanded.

Currently, his cultivation level is at the late stage of the Innate Realm. He has no problem dealing with ordinary rebels, but he is far inferior to powerful figures from aristocratic families.

Even if there is a military formation.

Even they would find it difficult to match.

"How many archers do you have under your command now?" Lu Ming asked in a deep voice.

If he were to actually go out to fight, in addition to ensuring his own victory, he would also have to be careful that nothing happens at home.

After all, just as he doesn't trust the powerful families, the other party might not trust him either.

Therefore, it is still necessary to have backup plans.

"A full five thousand people, all of whom have cultivated according to the techniques you taught them. Now, while we can't say they're always right, they're invincible in the face of a hail of arrows."

"It's still far from enough. Take this formation and practice it to improve the army's combat effectiveness as soon as possible."

As Lu Ming spoke, he took out a military formation diagram.

Hu Fei unconsciously read aloud, “The Houyi Hunting Sun Formation.”

"Practice hard!" Lu Ming patted him on the shoulder and then returned to his room.

Another three million points have been spent; it would be a lie to say I don't feel the pinch.

But there's no better way right now.

These powerful families are eyeing us covetously.

He always keeps some backup plans.

Moreover, one Hu Fei is far from enough.

Inside the Bai family's mansion.

When Bai Xian'er returned to her table.

They saw that Li He's face was already flushed from drinking.

"Sister Xian'er, he's just a mere governor, why bother inviting him? Right now, the imperial court is suffering defeat after defeat in the Southern Frontier. When they are defeated, the Southern Frontier will be ours."

Bai Xian'er frowned slightly upon hearing his words, but remained silent.

After being rebuffed, Li He stopped talking.

It wasn't that Bai Xian'er was particularly kind to Lu Ming, but rather that she didn't want to talk about others behind their backs, especially since Lu Ming was someone she had invited.

“Brother Li, please refrain from saying such things. Lu Ming’s territory is not in the Desolate State, so it’s natural for you to say such things. But if he were to conquer the Desolate State, I’d like to see if you would still be making sarcastic remarks in public!” said a disciple of the Bai family.

Li He wanted to refute, but ultimately remained silent.

Because what the other party said was indeed the truth.

If Lu Ming really takes control of the desolate state, I wouldn't be too afraid, but I would still have to give him the respect he deserves.

If the other party were stronger, they might have had to kneel down.

As the saying goes, when you're under someone's roof, you have to bow your head.

Especially in today's chaotic times.

However, nowadays, I naturally won't give in to the other party.

Moreover, he didn't believe that Lu Ming could infiltrate the Desolate State. After all, the Desolate King was not someone to be trifled with; even the Grand Tutor was struggling to deal with him.

As Bai Xian'er listened to their words, she felt inexplicably irritated.

A moment later, he made an excuse and left.

Early the next morning, Lu Ming led his personal guards back to Hongdu Prefecture.

When they returned to the mansion, more than ten days had passed.

After putting the silver and spirit stones into the vault, he went to the backyard.

As soon as I entered the room, I saw Li Xirou happily examining a letter.

Only after Lu Ming came in did she happily stand up and say, "My husband is back."

There was a hint of excitement in his tone.

"You're back. Have you finished everything?"

Lu Ming said with a light laugh.

Li Xirou nodded, then picked up the letter and said, "It's a letter from my godfather. After we sent our gifts, he gave us a return gift, and this too."

Lu Ming took the letter and began to read it.

The above mostly expressed concern for herself and Li Xirou, along with a passage from Zhang.

At the same time, reassure him that he has the support of the court.

Everything is fine.

After reading the contents.

Lu Ming gently folded it and placed it in his wife's hand for her to keep.

Then he said, "After the New Year, I plan to cultivate properly for a while. If you have nothing to do, you can visit my home more often."

"Mmm!" Li Xirou said softly.

over the next few days.

Lu Ming spent every day with Li Xirou, and even spent the New Year at Li's house.

The whole family gathered together.

It was quite lively.

Even Li Ren, unusually, didn't show any displeasure.

With the New Year over, busy days have returned.

Early that morning, Lu Ming entered the secret chamber to prepare for cultivation.

After exchanging for a trial scroll.

That is to tear it apart.

The next moment, he appeared on a battlefield.

Clad in heavy armor and wielding a long-handled sword, he stood tall on the battlefield.

He was surrounded by people just like him, each one brimming with energy and passion.

Thick plumes of blood and smoke covered almost the entire battlefield.

On the other side, there was a large number of cavalry.

Clad in heavy armor, wielding a scimitar and a flail, their faces contorted in a ferocious expression, they charged toward their own side.

[The host's current training ground: The Battle of Xiangji Temple]

As the prompt appeared in my mind.

A look of understanding appeared on Lu Ming's face.

"Boom!" As the heavy cavalry of Yeluhe charged in like a giant wave, Lu Ming could even see that their hooves seemed to be lifting off the ground.

He knew in his heart that these were definitely not ordinary cavalry.

"kill!"

It's unclear who roared in anger.

Then he saw the Mo Dao soldiers in front of him rhythmically swinging the Mo Dao in their palms.

"Sizzle!" The heavy cavalry charging ahead was cleaved in two.

However, the soldiers with long swords in front were already exhausted, and the cavalry that continued to rush in from behind knocked them away in an instant.

Even though he was wearing heavy armor, Lu Ming could still see him.

The blood seeping from the armor clearly indicated a serious injury.

The Mo Dao soldiers behind them continued to push forward.

Lu Ming was also swept up in the process and moved forward.

He swung his longsword and killed a heavy cavalry centurion.

Then, with another slash, he severed the leg of the cavalryman on the side.

Crimson blood sprayed onto his body.

It fell like rain.

Lu Ming seemed tireless.

Finally, after he had killed more than ten riders.

A heavy cavalry unit charged toward him like a storm.

Lu Ming dodged to the side, but the next moment was met with a barrage of weapons as dense as raindrops.

His armor dented instantly.

My body was in turmoil.

"laugh!"

An arrow veered past his mask, pierced his eye socket, and emerged from behind his head.

Lu Ming's body fell straight to the ground.

When he awoke again, he was still on the battlefield.

The sky was overcast, and it was drizzling intermittently.

The battlefield has reached a fever pitch.

This time, after killing more than twenty people, he was cleaved in two by a commander wielding a heavy axe.

Each battle enriched Lu Ming's combat experience.

In his final act, he brandished his long-handled sword and went on a killing spree.

On the battlefield, it was like a whirlwind.

The blood-red mist gradually gathered towards him.

It was as if he had become a god of war.

This attracted a lot of attention.

He survived the battle.

He even saw a Tang Dynasty general walking towards him.

However, the next moment, Lu Ming's figure disappeared from the spot.

When you wake up.

Still in the secret room, the surroundings were extremely quiet.

Lu Ming swallowed a Qi Refining Pill and then continued his cultivation.

Azure-gold energy circulated endlessly within his body. The illusory battlefield behind him grew increasingly clear.

As their muscles bulged, the roars of dragons and elephants echoed continuously.

"boom!"

Finally, a soft sound came from inside the body.

He broke through and reached the mid-stage of Qi Refining.

Feeling the energy increasing, a smile appeared on Lu Ming's lips.

In this way, if I were to go to the battlefield, I might have a better chance of success.

"call!"

He exhaled a long breath and stood up.

"Not only has his cultivation level broken through to the mid-stage of Qi Refining, but his spiritual essence has also reached the Great Perfection, just one step away from perfection."

Lu Ming muttered to himself, a slight smile creeping onto his lips.

Then, they walked outside.

"Creak!" The moment the door was pushed open.

A warm breeze blew towards me.

He saw that on the ground, there were already a few withered grasses that had sprouted tender shoots.

Li Xirou, who was in the courtyard, quickly came to greet her.

"My husband has emerged from the pass."

"Yes, you've finished your cultivation. How long did you stay inside this time?" Lu Ming asked softly.

Li Xirou looks especially beautiful today.

Perhaps due to her increased cultivation, as she stood still, the sunlight falling on her gave her a crystal-clear appearance.

She was like a fairy.

"It's been more than half a month already. There's a lot of stuff prepared in the kitchen. I'll have someone make it for you right away."

Lu Ming nodded, returned to the house, and sipped a cup of tea.

A short while later, a large amount of food was served.

What surprised him most was that there was also a pot of old turtles.

However, it seems that only a section of leg was stewed inside.

"This was sent by Wu Han. It is said that some time ago, they hunted down an old turtle at the Innate Realm."

Li Xirou said softly.

Clearly, she also knew about the effects of this old turtle.

Lu Ming didn't stand on ceremony and immediately began to eat heartily.

Li Xirou poured him wine.

"This is a medicinal wine that my father sent over. He said it contains a lot of medicinal herbs and that drinking it is very good for your health. You should try it."

At this moment, Lu Ming's gaze turned strange.

But he didn't refuse; he just shoved it all into his mouth.

Meanwhile, in the inner palace of the capital city...

The empress sat on a stone bench, dressed in a black royal robe, her fair face showing a hint of sorrow.

On the table beside him were several small dishes and a pot of wine.

A faint blush appeared on her cheeks.

"How is the situation in southern Xinjiang?" she asked in a cold voice.

"The Grand Tutor's supply lines have been cut off, and the army's supplies cannot be delivered. At most, we can hold out for two more months."

The army of Marquis Yundu is showing signs of collapse; the allied forces of the various rebel kings are too strong.

They not only occupied Jiangzhou and Liuzhou, the only routes for transporting grain, but also injured the Marquis of Yundu. The Marquis has already submitted a memorial, preparing to lead the army back to the central government. His fiefdom, Yundu Prefecture, is also about to fall.

The rebels have completely separated our troops in the southern border region.

The female official spoke very cautiously.

They were afraid of angering His Majesty.

"Issue an imperial edict to Governor Lu Ming, ordering him to lead troops to resist the rebel coalition and clear the supply lines," the Empress said, taking a large gulp of wine.

There is no better way forward now.

Using Lu Ming is still a gamble; perhaps the opponent can actually win.

Even if we lose, can the outcome be worse than it is now?

"Yes, ma'am!" the female official replied upon receiving the order.

They immediately and carefully retreated.

However, I sighed inwardly.

In her view, even if Lu Ming had extraordinary abilities, he couldn't change the current situation.

The devastation of southern Xinjiang was inevitable.

If the Grand Tutor were to perish in the desolate state, it would be an even more fatal blow to the Great Yu.

And then the palace orders were issued.

In the blink of an eye, the news had spread far and wide.

Inside the Prime Minister's residence, Li Yan stood in the living room with his hands behind his back, his face filled with sadness, disappointment, and a hint of worry.

"Old man, His Majesty has ordered Lu Ming to lead the troops. Can he win?"

Zhang asked in a low voice, now knowing that her husband was not feeling well, so she dared not say more.

However, she was so worried about Lu Ming that she finally couldn't help but say it.

"Sigh, the chances are slim. Now, my only hope is that he can hold onto the six states and protect himself."

Li Yan sighed.

Zhang muttered to herself, "Yes, as long as he can protect himself, that's enough. His Majesty doesn't trust that child, so I don't ask him to achieve any merit now. I just want him to be safe and sound."

Occupying six states guarantees a lifetime of wealth and honor.

Everyone in the family is trustworthy, and there are only two elderly people in the living room.

She finally couldn't hold back and spoke her mind.

"It's not Her Majesty's fault. She has it tough too. Once she's in that position, everyone will be suspicious. I'm already the Prime Minister, and my godson Lu Ming is commanding troops in the field. That's an army of hundreds of thousands."

"How could Your Majesty not be careful?" Li Yan said with a wry smile.

During this period, the Queen no longer consulted him on matters.

It's clearly a deliberate act of distancing.

Zhang nodded.

No more words.

She also has feelings for His Majesty.

When the other child was little, they would often come to my house for meals.

Silence fell over the living room.

Several days later, in Hongdu Prefecture, at the Governor's Office.

Lu Ming, who was drinking tea in his residence, finally received the order to send troops.

At this moment, he looked at the military order in his hand.

He didn't say much, his gaze fixed on his wife.

"I'm going out."

Li Xirou was a little nervous.

When Lu Ming returned with the military order, she knew that the other party was about to go to war.

But she still nodded and said, "I will wait for my husband to return."

Watching the other person's figure disappear before their eyes.

A pang of sorrow welled up in my heart.

As soon as Lu Ming arrived at the training ground, he called out, "Zhang Meng!"

"My lord!" The other party rushed over in a hurry.

He responded cautiously.

This was the first time he had seen Lu Ming so serious.

"Order Wu Han, Wang Xun, and Su Lie to mobilize half of their troops to launch an attack on Mingzhou. Zheng Yong and Wang Yue shall lead their respective troops to join the attack."

"Lin Wu of Haizhou, dispatch half of your troops to Yuzhou to guard the border with Huangzhou with Hu Fei and keep a close eye on the Bai family's movements. If they dare to make a move, send troops to suppress them directly."

Even if war breaks out, you must hold out until I return.

"Order the garrison commanders of Yunzhou to send half of their troops to Hongdu to join them. Commanders of the various guards of the governor's office, come here immediately for a meeting."

"Yes, sir!" Zhang Meng quickly withdrew after receiving the order.

He had clearly ordered his subordinates to relay the message.

Lu Ming went into the front hall and drank tea.

He awaited the arrival of his generals.

A moment later, Zhang Mu, Lu Shi, Wang Han, Li Xun, and Baili Fei entered the hall with solemn expressions.

Upon seeing Lu Ming, he respectfully said, "Greetings, Your Excellency!"

Lu Ming nodded, gesturing for them to sit down.

Then he slowly said, "Marquis Yundu is about to withdraw his troops. His Majesty has ordered us to send troops to open up the grain supply route in the southern border, resist the rebel alliance, and prevent them from attacking the Grand Tutor's army together."

Li Xun is currently being appointed as the grain transport officer in Wu Han's army.

Baili Fei was the grain transport officer in our army.

You can communicate with Guo Zhun more often if you have any issues.

"Yes, ma'am!" The two quickly stood up.

Then, after glancing at everyone, he continued, "Wang Han is leading troops to garrison Hongdu Prefecture. Madam, the officials and people of Hongdu are all in your care."

"Yes, sir!" Wang Han stood up and said.

"Zhang Mu and Lu Shi, lead your respective troops and the Yunzhou army to join me in the expedition to resist the rebel king's coalition."

"As ordered!"

The two of them stood up quickly.

Lu Ming waved his hand and said, "Go and prepare. We will set off in five days, once the Yunzhou army has assembled!"

After he finished speaking, the generals all retreated.

Just then, a guard rushed in.

"My lord, a letter from the Bai family!"

Lu Ming raised an eyebrow. "Bring it here and let me take a look!"

Thank you to the user "Huluwa Nightly Wolf" for the 500 Qidian Coins reward, and thank you to all the other users for the monthly tickets.

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(End of this chapter)