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

Chapter 130 Pouring Wine
The recapture of two more states led to a significant increase in Lu Ming's points, which now reach 150 million.

He was very satisfied with this.

Then, I started looking at the products.

[Spirit Rice Seeds, 30,000 points per bag (each bag of seeds can sow ten acres, with significant effects. Although not as good as spirit stones, long-term consumption greatly benefits the absorption of spiritual energy. Continuous consumption for one month is equivalent to the effect of one spirit stone)]

Lu Ming's eyes flashed. If the warriors all consumed spirit rice, would their strength increase even faster?

You can redeem a bag of seeds for 30,000 points.

He gritted his teeth and redeemed a thousand bags, spending a total of thirty million points.

However, we can try planting 10,000 mu of land.

Although it's not enough to supply the entire army, ordinary soldiers can't use it either. Only those who have reached the Qi Refining Realm can take it for the best effect.

[Method for setting up an intermediate-level spirit-gathering array, 20 million points (can set up a spirit-gathering array with a radius of one mile, where the spiritual energy is fifteen times that of the outside world)]

Lu Ming was very satisfied. He could also give this to his soldiers, so he immediately exchanged for it.

[Devouring Heaven Willow Formation, 800 million points]

Lu Ming had seen this formation before.

And I've driven it myself.

If the "Devouring Heaven One-Word Long Serpent Formation" allows him to fight across a level, then...

This "Devouring Heaven Willow Formation" can span two levels without any problem.

Without hesitation, I redeemed it again.

After obtaining several items, Lu Ming stopped exchanging them.

After exiting the system store, I saw that Baili Fei had appeared at some point.

However, he remained standing outside the hall and did not come in.

When Lu Ming discovered him.

He stepped forward and said, "My lord!"

"Oh, Baili Fei is here. Come in quickly," Lu Ming said casually.

"My lord, the expenses have been too great recently. Guo Huai asked me to bring you the account books."

Baili Fei shook his fat body carefully.

To Lu Ming's surprise, this guy's cultivation level had actually increased again.

These days, he has actually broken through to the late stage of Qi Refining.

He was comparable to the formidable generals under his command.

After scrutinizing the other party for a moment, until Baili Fei was somewhat embarrassed, Lu Ming said, "You read it to me, I won't look at the ledger."

"My lord, in this battle, we have spent 60 million taels of silver on purchasing various medicinal herbs. The original silver in the treasury has been used up. However, we have captured a lot of silver later, and Lord Wu Han has also contributed to the victory after conquering Jiangzhou and Liuzhou."

After some funds were replenished, and considering the money given by the Bai family, the silver in the treasury was also gradually depleted, leaving only 42 million taels.

If the supply of pills continues, aside from other expenses, and considering the army's breakthrough speed and the pill upgrades, it might not be enough for three months.

As Baili Fei spoke, he carefully glanced at Lu Ming.

"Why would you use so much?" the other party asked in a deep voice.

"My lord, when we set out on the expedition, our army numbered only 600,000. Now it has more than doubled. Naturally, the quantity of medicinal herbs has increased. Moreover, many people have made meritorious contributions in this battle, and they have all used them to exchange for high-grade pills, so the consumption is naturally very large."

Baili Fei quickly explained.

Lu Ming nodded and didn't dwell on the question anymore. "What about the provisions? How much do we have now?"

"Seven million two hundred thousand shi, but when I came out this time, Lord Bai Yan asked me to report that the government needs three million shi of grain. The newly conquered prefectures have all been affected by the war, and the people do not have much surplus. The Marquis's mansion is needed to provide relief."

"Go ahead and allocate the grain; we can't skimp on it." Lu Ming nodded.

Now, everything is truly in need of rebuilding.

All of these things cost money.

If the economy were to collapse by accident, that would be quite a spectacle.

"Lord Wu Han has also sent word that he has captured 200,000 rebel soldiers in Jiangzhou and Liuzhou. Should we recruit them directly into the army?"

"Incorporate them into the city garrison. Sun He and Wu Chong under his command are quite good. Appoint Sun He as the governor of Jiangzhou and Wu Chong as the governor of Liuzhou. They shall take office immediately," Lu Ming said slowly after taking a sip of tea.

He had met both of them before.

Moreover, according to the system prompts, it is still trustworthy.

Having fought alongside Wu Han in numerous bloody battles, becoming a governor wouldn't be a problem.

Then he continued, "Let Wu Han temporarily govern the three prefectures over Mingzhou. Tell him he doesn't need to come over yet."

After all, once territory is captured, someone has to guard it.

However, the war is not officially over yet.

Therefore, this arrangement can only be made temporarily, and the generals under his command will be formally appointed after the battle is completely over.

After arranging all of this.

Lu Ming smiled and asked, "When are you going back to Hongdu Prefecture?"

"It should be three days from now," Baili Fei said hurriedly.

Lu Ming patted him on the shoulder and said, "Do you know the Li family of Huangzhou?"

Baili Fei immediately perked up. "Of course I know, but the Li family has always looked down on my Baili family. When the old master of the Bai family celebrated his birthday, they didn't invite our old master. It was the Li family who instigated it."

When it comes to this.

Baili Fei's face showed anger.

Lu Ming smiled and said, "Come with me to Huangzhou today."

After saying that, he walked out of the courtyard.

Xiao Lin was already waiting outside with his horse.

After mounting his horse, Lu Ming headed towards Huangzhou.

Baili Fei followed behind.

The next day, they arrived in Huangzhou City. The Li family was only a second-rate family, not as powerful as the Bai family. Therefore, they only built a large mansion in the city, rather than occupying the entire city.

When Lu Ming arrived outside the mansion, Bai Hong came forward to greet him, respectfully cupping his fists and saying, "Lord Marquis!"

Are all the members of the Li family inside?

"Reporting to the Marquis, they're all inside." After conquering Huangzhou, Bai Hong had been guarding outside the Li family's residence and had not continued to attack Linzhou. Even the position of vanguard officer had been replaced.

Lu Ming glanced around.

He said slowly, "Go in."

His calm voice rang out, and then he walked into the mansion.

Then, as if remembering something, he asked, "How much supplies were seized in these two states?"

"Reporting to Your Excellency, a total of 100,000 people have been captured, along with 41 million taels of silver and 4.2 million shi of grain. I have already dispatched people to transport them to Hongdu Prefecture."

Lu Ming nodded.

With these supplies, the army can hold out for a while longer.

As they were talking, they had already arrived outside the front hall of the manor.

The Li family was already there to greet us.

Upon seeing Lu Ming, the head of the Li family immediately stepped forward and said, "Greetings, Lord Marquis!"

The other members of the Li family also bowed in greeting.

Lu Ming didn't speak, but after a moment he spotted Li He in the crowd. Li He was hanging his head, trying his best not to attract Lu Ming's attention.

"My lord, I have prepared the banquet."

The head of the Li family bowed and continued.

Now, Lu Ming has accused his family of colluding with rebels.

If this is confirmed, it would be a heinous crime that could lead to the extermination of the entire Li family.

With his late-stage Dao Foundation cultivation, he would have absolutely no chance of survival.

"Okay, but it's too hot inside. I prefer to drink outside."

"Then let's drink outside, whatever you say, sir." The head of the Li family immediately ordered his servants to bring out a table, on which all sorts of delicious dishes were already laid out.

Lu Ming sat down with an air of authority, while the Li family members, including the patriarch, stood cautiously to the side.

The former's lips curled up involuntarily, revealing disdain in his expression.

No matter how powerful or influential a family is, when it is in a vulnerable position, it is no different from ordinary people.

They are even less principled.

"Master Li, could you please pour some wine?" Lu Ming said calmly.

Without hesitation, the head of the Li family picked up the wine pot and prepared to pour wine for Lu Ming.

But at that moment, the other party said calmly.

"It's not for me, it's for Baili Fei!" Lu Ming's words made the Li family head's lips twitch involuntarily.

He didn't mind pouring wine for Lu Ming; after all, the other party was currently at the height of his power and held leverage over him. The Li family had no room to resist him.

But pouring wine for Baili Fei was a bit uncomfortable.

Moreover, Lu Ming is trying to suppress and humiliate me.

But there was no other way, so in the end, he obediently poured Baili Fei a glass of wine.

Just then, Lu Ming's calm voice rang out again, "I don't want to eat anymore. I feel that business is more important. Tell me about your Li family's collusion with the Prince of Yunjiang."

As he spoke, his fingers tapped lightly on the table.

Each knock reverberated in the hearts of the Li family members.

This caused their expressions to change drastically.

"Thump thump!" A group of people rushed in from outside.

They were Lu Ming's elite troops, wielding long swords and wearing armor, their gleaming blades flashing in the crowd.

The entire Li family was so shocked that they all retreated.

Li He, being young, couldn't help but step forward and say, "You, you've gone too far!"

He pointed at Lu Ming, his hand trembling. "Swoosh!" But the next moment, the sword blade flashed across Bai Hong's palm.

Li He's arm fell off with a thud.

"Ah!" he roared.

He hugged his arms, blood seeping continuously from between his fingers.

No one expected Bai Hong to make a move so suddenly, and they were all taken aback.

Then, the opponent's sword slashed out again, this time aimed at Li He's neck.

"Bang!" The person who was just jumping around suddenly fell straight to the ground.

The blood spread outwards.

Scarlet and glaring.

At this moment, the Li family finally felt Lu Ming's killing intent.

"Li He colluded with rebels, insulted court officials, and attempted to assassinate them, but was killed by Bai Hong," Lu Ming's calm voice rang out.

Two soldiers stepped forward and dragged Li He's body away.

The Li family members were pale.

The head of the Li family finally knelt on the ground.

"My lord, we were wrong, the Li family was wrong, please spare us."

"I'd give you a piece of information in exchange for my family's lives, just please let us go."

"Oh?" Lu Ming looked up.

Look at the other person.

The head of the Li family dared not hesitate and hurriedly said, "My lord, the Penglai Immortal Island, which only opens once every ten years, is about to open. It is said that many disciples of immortal sects will go there. As long as you climb the immortal mountain, you can receive the gifts of this treasure land."

They obtained the supreme elixir.

Many people have defied fate and changed their destiny because of this; this news is absolutely true. I beg Your Excellency to spare my Li family.

His body was trembling with fear as he spoke.

Lu Ming turned his gaze to Bai Hong, who was standing to the side.

"My lord, there is indeed such a thing, but my Bai family has only heard that Penglai Immortal Island will appear, and we did not know that it would open soon."

"I heard it from that traitor, King Yunjiang. The sect behind them is preparing to set off. It must be true." The Li family head was extremely anxious.

A cold smile appeared on Lu Ming's lips.

After a moment, he said, "The Li family has been secretly funding rebels. The evidence is conclusive. Kill them!"

"Lu Ming, you will die a horrible death!" As the Li family head spoke, he leaped into the air and charged towards Lu Ming.

It's obvious they're willing to fight to the death.

"Bang!" The next moment, the other party slapped out with his palm.

A cyan-gold palm print landed on the head of the Li family.

The opponent was immediately sent flying at an even faster speed, spitting out blood.

It was clear that he was not going to survive.

A complex emotion flickered in Bai Hong's eyes, then he gritted his teeth, raised his longsword, and shouted, "Kill!"

He led his warriors in a massacre at the Li family's residence.

In an instant, screams and wails echoed throughout the entire house.

Lu Ming sat in the chair, expressionless.

The gushing blood mist behind him almost completely enveloped him.

Lu Ming poured himself a glass of wine and sipped it gently.

An hour later, Bai Hong, covered in blood, ran over and said, "My lord, the entire Li family has been dealt with."

Lu Ming nodded.

He raised his head and said, "Tell me about Penglai Island."

Bai Hong's gaze sharpened, and after organizing his thoughts, he said, "I've heard that Penglai Immortal Island appears once every ten years. Each time it appears, many people from various sects and the royal family go there, and only those below the Purple Mansion level can enter."

Moreover, there must be absolutely no conflict inside.

After landing on the island, you can climb the sacred mountain; the higher you climb, the more rewards you will receive.

Therefore, almost every cultivator, before reaching the Purple Mansion, will try to enter it, and quite a few people have managed to defy fate.

The most typical example is Tian Shu Dao Zi of the Tian Shu Sect.

Actually, I don't know much about this myself; it's mostly what my ancestors told me.

"Is your Bai family going this time?"

"If it really happens, I should go. My father and my ancestor are both nearing the end of their lifespans, so I dare not even dream of climbing the immortal mountain. However, there is a life-extending herb on the island that can extend a person's life by twenty years."

The old ancestor will probably try his luck.

Bai Hong quickly replied.

Lu Ming raised an eyebrow. "Besides that immortal mountain, are there any other places on Penglai Immortal Island with spiritual herbs?"

“Yes, there are quite a few. So, besides the sects, some patriarchs from other aristocratic families, and even members of the royal family, will also go,” Bai Hong quickly replied.

This news stirred something within Lu Ming.

Li Yan's lifespan is nearing its end. If I could obtain a life-extending herb, wouldn't that extend his lifespan?

Twenty years from now, the system will have been unlocked several times, and perhaps an elixir of immortality will appear by then.

Thinking of this, his eyes flickered slightly.

It seems that the Five-Toothed Warship must be forged as soon as possible.

He needs to prepare for going to sea.

At the same time, inside Prince Yong's camp.

Liu Xuan looked at Prince Yong and said, "Your Highness, I will be going to Penglai Immortal Island in six months."

"The fairy is going there too?" Prince Yong asked in surprise.

If Liu Xuan leaves with her grandfather, then he will have no one from the immortal sect to protect him.

"When Daozi ascended the Immortal Mountain, he looked down on all the geniuses of the sects. As his wife, I naturally want to follow in his footsteps and also climb the Immortal Peak. Although I dare not compare myself to Daozi, I still want to try the path he walked."

"But Your Highness, rest assured, a true disciple at the Purple Mansion Realm will be arriving at the sect soon, at which time you will be assured of your safety."

When Liu Xuan spoke of Tian Shu Dao Zi, a hint of pride appeared in her eyes.

I'm glad I made that choice.

Putting everything else aside, the fact that no one has been able to surpass his record for more than a decade is enough to demonstrate Tian Shu Dao Zi's excellence.

Moreover, she believed that no one would be able to surpass her in the next hundred or even thousand years.

"I have heard of the name of Tian Shu Dao Zi. The record he set back then has not been surpassed to this day. He is truly amazing. As Dao Zi's wife, Fairy, you should go. I wish you a smooth journey to the top and that you and Dao Zi will become immortals soon and become a divine couple."

Hearing Prince Yong's words, Liu Xuan smiled lightly, which was rare for her. "Then I thank Your Highness for your kind words. However, the matter of becoming an immortal is still up to Your Highness. As long as you can ascend the throne, that will be the time for us to become immortals."

Upon hearing this, Prince Yong was overjoyed.

Meanwhile, Lu Ming, after resolving the Li family's matter, prepared to return to Hongdu Prefecture.

I've been away for so long.

It's time to go back.

In the time that followed, he planned to focus all his efforts on building a warship in preparation for his voyage.

Besides plundering resources, the only other option was to head to Penglai Island.

Saving Li Yan's life is of utmost urgency.

The old man's health and blood are now severely deteriorating.

I'd feel more at ease if they could save his life as soon as possible.

Moreover, he also wanted to see how far he could go if he were to ascend to the immortal island.

They're young after all; who wouldn't be hot-blooded?

During this period of time, he had heard the name Tian Shu Dao Zi so many times that it was practically calloused.

But it also aroused their competitive spirit.

Although their cultivation level is not as high as the other party's, those who ascend to the immortal mountain are at most at the Golden Core Realm.

This can be considered a comparison between the two at the same level.

"Let's go back to Hongdu Prefecture!" Lu Ming stood up, glanced at the Li family compound littered with corpses, and straightened his clothes.

"Yes, ma'am!" Xiao Lin quickly followed.

However, just as they stepped out of the front yard, Bai Hong rushed over.

After he finished reporting the news about Penglai Island, he went to search the Li family's property, and now there should be results.

Thinking of this, Lu Ming couldn't help but smile.

After this incident, the Bai family will never be able to clear their name, no matter how hard they try.

There is no other way but to follow your own path.

Unless they're stupid, they will never easily turn against you.

"Sir, the Li family's supplies have all been sorted out." Lu Ming raised an eyebrow, instantly showing interest.

My subordinates' abilities have improved too quickly lately.

A large number of warriors have broken through to the Blood Transformation Realm, and they also hold merit points, so a huge amount of pills are exchanged for them every day.

But all of these require a huge amount of money.

So, Lu Ming has been experiencing a bittersweet feeling lately, the bitterness stemming from the fact that he's running out of money.

To his delight, the strength of his soldiers was increasing every day.

We've taken another step closer to everyone reaching the True Essence Realm.

Therefore, the spoils here were very important to him, and he paused in his steps and said, "Tell me about it."

(End of this chapter)