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

Chapter 158 Great increase in strength
During this year, Lu Ming's "Xuanwu Golden Bell Cover" reached the early stage of the sixth level.

In other words, his physical strength is already comparable to that of an early-stage Nascent Soul cultivator.

The Earth Master realm has also reached the fifth level. At this level, one would be an extremely respected figure in any place.

Because a five-patterned geomancer can already mobilize spiritual veins.

This is a watershed moment.

He can drain the spiritual energy from one place and place it in another, creating his own blessed land.

Its effects are nothing short of miraculous.

If the major sects knew that Lu Ming had reached the fifth level of the Five-Pattern Refinement, they would probably come to invite him immediately, and they would do anything to do so.

After all, there has never been a geomancer since ancient times.

As for his own cultivation level, it has now reached a higher level.

Mid-stage of the Nascent Soul realm.

The Celestial Master's progress is also very good.

With a wealth of cultivation experience and the support of resources...

He has reached the third level of the Golden Core stage, which is comparable to the Golden Core stage.

With his current strength, Lu Ming could even put up a fight against someone at the mid-stage of the Divine Refinement realm.

Besides the increase in his own strength.

The Hou family's combat strength has also greatly increased, and all of the elite troops under its command have now entered the Dao Foundation stage.

The other city guards in various states have also basically all reached the Innate Realm. The appearance of the Heavenly Martial Secret Realm has greatly shortened the cultivation time for many warriors.

One-third of them even reached the early stage of Qi Refining.

It should be noted that the Marquis's mansion has a regular army of 1.5 million.

Even a third of that is an army of 500,000.

Meanwhile, the generals of the Marquis's mansion, such as Wu Han, had their breakthrough time greatly shortened after having ample pills, spirit-gathering arrays, and spirit stones.

He has basically reached the Nascent Soul stage.

With the help of secret treasures, one can even fight against a Refining God.

Of course, this excludes geniuses like Jin Poyue.

Among all the generals, Wu Han, Lu Shi, and Xiao Lin stood out the most, having broken through to the mid-stage of the Nascent Soul realm.

Within the Marquis's household, he stood out from the crowd.

In fact, if Lu Ming hadn't pursued too many cultivation paths, with his talent and resources, he would probably have already entered the Refining Spirit stage.

However, I am very satisfied with the present.

Although the cultivation level has not been reached, in terms of actual combat strength...

Ordinary cultivators at the Great Refinement Realm are no match for him.

In particular, he selected nine experts from the Purple Mansion among the servants of the Marquis's household.

After the Nine Heavens Thunder Dragon Formation was formed.

Although constrained by the power of humanity, he could not unleash the true power of his Dharma form, he was not afraid of facing the peak of the Divine Refinement stage.

However, the only thing he regretted was...

With the enhancement of the formation, the strength of the five battalions under his command was almost negligible.

However, as their strength increased, they no longer needed formations to support them.

Lu Ming slowly stood up.

After feeling the surging energy within my body, I walked outside.

"Creak!" The door to the secret room was pushed open.

Li Xirou is pruning the plum blossom branches and leaves.

The last time he went into seclusion was in winter.

It is still winter now.

After years of war, the weather finally returned to normal.

Moreover, this winter is particularly cold.

When Li Xirou heard the noise and turned around, her gaze fell on Lu Ming, and a look of joy appeared on her face.

"My husband has emerged from the pass."

After saying that, he put down the scissors and came over.

"Hmm, you've emerged from seclusion. Your cultivation level has improved quite quickly; you're already at the Golden Core stage," Lu Ming said with a smile.

“How could I not be fast when I cultivate in the Heavenly Martial Secret Realm every day?” Li Xirou said with a smile.

A look of joy appeared on his face.

I feel that my husband still cares about me.

Then, as if she had thought of something, she said, "These past two days, Zhang Meng has been coming to see you every day, it seems something has happened."

Lu Ming raised an eyebrow.

The other party knew about my seclusion.

Moreover, Zhang Meng has always been the most pragmatic.

Since they've come to me, it means they have something to say. Thinking about this leads me to the right path.

"I'll go take a look at the front."

"Yes, it's getting late. Dinner is almost ready. Come back soon," Li Xirou said softly.

Lu Ming nodded and walked outside.

As soon as they arrived at the front yard, they saw Zhang Meng watching his soldiers train.

He would occasionally exchange a few words with Wang Yue.

I don't know what they were talking about, but they seemed quite happy.

"Zhang Meng!" Lu Ming's voice rang out.

The other party was taken aback.

Then she turned around and ran towards him.

"Master Hou!"

The voice rang out, carrying a hint of respect.

"Has anything happened recently?" Lu Ming asked as he walked towards the front hall.

"My lord, the imperial envoys have come several times urging us to send troops to Langya Prefecture. It seems the central government is about to collapse," Zhang Meng said.

They then produced an official letter.

It was placed in front of Lu Ming.

After reading it, the other person's brows furrowed at that moment.

He really didn't expect that.

After I went into seclusion for a while, the various parts of the Great Yu had become so chaotic.

Then, raising an eyebrow, he said, "Immediately notify the governors and viceroys of all regions to lead their troops toward Langya Prefecture."

The Marquis's mansion is now quite powerful and well-equipped.

The time has come to pacify the southern border regions.

"As ordered!"

Zhang Meng quickly said, then took out a communication jade talisman and began to notify the generals under Lu Ming's command.

Now, with the Marquis of Zhige's power constantly growing.

Communication jade talismans have also been provided.

It's much more convenient than before.

Then, Lu Ming tapped the table and asked, "How is the strength of the Offering Department improving?"

"Reporting to the Marquis, Yunhe's cultivation has entered the early stage of Refining Spirit, and three more people have entered the Transformation Spirit realm. The cultivation of the rest has almost all reached the Golden Core stage."

Lu Ming nodded. Now that their cultivation had improved, it was time for them to lend a hand.

Isn't the support from the Kaiyang Sect substantial?

The power I currently control is not weak either.

Before the enemy could react, they killed the Prince of Langya.

At that time, even if Kaiyang Sect has great abilities, it will probably not be able to enter Dayu.

If we can only attack from the outside, then we are no different from the Great Xia.

"Inform Yunhe that we will depart in two days, and have him take all the offerings with him."

"Yes, Lord Marquis!" Zhang Meng replied and then withdrew at Lu Ming's signal.

When Lu Ming was the only one in the hall.

He took a sip of tea, pondering his next move.

Just then, Guo Zhun peeked out from outside the door.

Upon seeing him, Lu Ming waved his hand and said, "Come in and talk!"

After hearing the instructions, Guo Zhun cautiously walked in.

"Is there something you need?" Lu Ming asked with a smile.

At this moment, Guo Zhun grinned and said, "My lord, we're almost out of money."

After all, more than a year has passed.

Although the imperial court provided silver, large sums of money were spent on purchasing medicinal herbs and everything else.

Fortunately, the army's strength has improved.

The expenditure on silver has been greatly reduced; otherwise, it really wouldn't be enough.

"There are many?"

"There are less than 20 million taels left. At most, we can only last for two months," Guo Zhun muttered.

Lu Ming nodded. "What about spirit stones? Do we have enough?"

“We don’t have enough spirit stones. Last year we earned about 23 million spirit stones. After deducting the 15 million spirit stones needed in the secret realm, we only have 7 to 8 million spirit stones left over each year.”

However, as the army's strength increased...

The spirit stones left over from the year aren't even enough to pay a month's salary. Currently, except for the generals and those who offer sacrifices, the distribution of spirit stones has been suspended.

Lu Ming rubbed his temples.

He hadn't expected that so many warriors would break through to the Qi Refining stage after the secret realm opened.

The Marquis's mansion currently has approximately 600,000 Qi Refining Realm cultivators.

Ten coins per person per month, at least six million, plus the generals and those who make offerings, it's probably heading towards seven million spirit stones.

That's nearly 80 million a year, but it's just a drop in the bucket.

However, this needs to be resolved as soon as possible.

The army's training supplies must not be stopped.

Moreover, the payments have already been made for some time, so if they are stopped...

This can easily lead to discontent among the soldiers.

When I thought of this...

After glancing around, he asked, "How many spirit stones do we have left?"

"Around two million." Guo Zhun looked at Lu Ming, unsure of what the other party meant.

"Let's stop all the spirit stones for now. Give them all to Bai Fu so he can buy materials and forge the warship."

Nowadays, if you want to earn spirit stones, you still have to find a way from the sea.

If you want that much power, obediently hand over the spirit stones.

You need to have formidable strength.

There are still too few warships nowadays.

There are only about twenty ships.

If we add another twenty ships, that would be about right.

"Yes, Lord Marquis," Guo Zhun replied hastily.

He seemed to have guessed Lu Ming's thoughts.

Therefore, there was no objection whatsoever.

Then, they prepared to leave.

However, just as he was about to take his leave, he seemed to remember something and said, "My lord, there is one more thing. There is a family called Mu in the sea area who have been kneeling outside the city for a year while you were in seclusion."

They seemed to have come to apologize.

The head of the Mu family personally brought a beautiful woman with him, and they couldn't get rid of her no matter what they tried.

As soon as the voice rang out, Lu Ming knew who it was.

After a moment's hesitation, he said, "Go and have someone notify them to come over."

"Yes, Lord Marquis," Guo Zhun replied hastily.

He knew that since the Mu family had come to apologize, they couldn't possibly come empty-handed.

Putting everything else aside, the necessary price still needs to be paid.

The Marquis will surely cut a chunk of flesh off the other party.

Then, there will be things in my warehouse again.

Lu Ming picked up his teacup and sipped it lightly, pondering how to deal with the Mu family next.

A moment later, outside the front hall.

A middle-aged man led Mu Qinglin in.

Both of them are now in a rather sorry state.

Mu Qinglin wore a long, azure blue dress, her knees stained with mud.

The middle-aged man was similar; he must be Mu Hong, the patriarch of the Mu family.

When she saw Lu Ming, she knelt down.

"Greetings, Lord Marquis. My daughter has offended you and deserves to die. I have brought her here today to apologize to you." Mu Hong's voice rang out.

They then presented a storage ring.

"My lord, this is all the spirit stones that my Mu family can currently gather, totaling ten million. I am willing to hand them all over, along with all the profits of the Mu family from now on."

They all belong to the Marquis; we will do whatever the Marquis says.

"I only beg you, Lord Marquis, to spare my life."

Mu Hong pleaded.

He came to find Lu Ming a year ago.

But the other party had no intention of seeing him at all.

For a whole year, the Mu family lived in constant fear, terrified that one day the Marquis's army would arrive.

Especially six months ago, he received the news.

After Helian Nu broke through to the early stage of Refining Spirit.

They were filled with anxiety and fear.

Now that Lu Ming was finally going to see him, he dared not say anything more and immediately handed over all his family assets.

Just want to save my life.

Lu Ming didn't speak, but picked up his teacup and took a sip of tea.

Their gaze fell on Mu Qinglin.

In fact, he planned to wipe out the entire Mu family.

Because of his seclusion, he had forgotten about the other person.

Now that the head of the Mu family has come in person, not only with a sincere attitude but also with the entire Mu family seeking refuge, he is somewhat hesitant.

After all, businesses in the sea also need someone to manage them.

The Mu family is indeed a suitable candidate.

However, Mu Qinglin's actions back then still made him uncomfortable, and he was unwilling to let the other party go so easily.

Mu Hong truly lives up to his reputation as the patriarch of a major clan in the sea region.

After noticing Lu Ming's gaze coming towards them.

Without the slightest hesitation, he hurriedly said, "My daughter has offended the Marquis, and it is truly unforgivable. I brought her here today so that the Marquis can deal with her as he sees fit."

You can kill me or torture me, it doesn't matter.

However, what I mean is to keep her by the Marquis's side as a slave or maid.

This not only punished her.

Moreover, when the Marquis goes out to fight, he has people to take care of him.

"Rest assured, my daughter has been rigorously trained over the past year and will absolutely not displease the Marquis," Mu Hong said hastily, his voice pleading.

Mu Qinglin, standing to the side, couldn't help but blush.

As Lu Ming's gaze fell upon them.

The body was shaking slightly.

After a moment of contemplation, Lu Ming looked at Mu Hong and asked, "What kind of business does your Mu family run?"

Upon hearing such a question.

Mu Hong understood that he was most likely not going to die.

He hurriedly replied, "Reporting to the Marquis, we usually purchase materials for alchemy and weapon crafting in the Dayu and coastal areas, and then use ships to transport them along the coast to sell them outside the Dayu territory."

It generally includes everything.

However, recently, major forces outside the region have been in dire need of Star Sand, which can be sold for 100 spirit stones per kilogram. This kind of refining material is available in the Great Yu territory, and there are quite a lot of reserves.

"If Your Excellency could find a mine, you would surely make a fortune."

Mu Hong reiterated that if he wanted to survive under Lu Ming's command, he knew in his heart that he had to increase his own value.

At this moment, the other party fell into deep thought.

Xingchensha, it seems there is a mine in Chizhou.

This is something we could try selling.

Thinking of this, he nodded and said, "I understand. The heads of your Mu family will be put on the Marquis's account for now. Tomorrow, I will go to your family to count the assets."

"Thank you for sparing my life, Lord Marquis," Mu Hong said hastily.

Then, they carefully withdrew.

As expected, Mu Qinglin was left behind.

Looking at her, Lu Ming glanced at her and asked, "Do you have any complaints?"

"Qinglin dares not."

Mu Qinglin quickly replied.

His voice was filled with humility.

"Come with me. From now on, you will be a maid in the Marquis's mansion. You can leave the mansion whenever I'm no longer angry."

After saying that, Lu Ming walked towards the backyard.

Mu Qinglin followed closely behind.

Meanwhile, on the other side, inside the Chaotian Hall of the Imperial Palace, although it was night, the hall was still brightly lit.

The ministers of Dayu stood on both sides.

They seemed to be discussing something.

The empress on the dragon throne was hidden by a curtain, so her expression could not be seen.

"Report! Urgent news from the border!"

Just then, a hurried sound came from outside the main hall.

A palace attendant rushed in, looking rather flustered.

"Read it!" the Empress's cold voice rang out.

The eunuch dared not hesitate, raised the battle report high, and knelt on the ground, saying, "Jin Poyue, under the command of the Prince of Langya, has swept through the Three Mountains Pass with unstoppable momentum."

Thirteen members of the imperial clan who had reached the Nascent Soul stage were killed.

Marquis Yue Shan was seriously injured.

The Three Mountains Pass is expected to hold out for a maximum of ten days.

The sound caused an uproar among the officials in the hall.

Then, a figure stepped forward and said, "Lord Zhige was afraid of the enemy's strength and dared not attack, thus delaying the battle. Now, if the rebels break through the pass, the first line of defense of the central government will be completely broken."

"At that time, the imperial court will be in grave danger!"

The speaker was an old minister of the Great Yu Dynasty.

His face was filled with indignation.

After a moment of contemplation, a powerful member of the royal family also stepped forward.

"With Jin Poyue's strength, even if he sent all the troops from the Southern Frontier, he probably wouldn't be able to withstand it."

Moreover, since Lord Zhige was in seclusion, it couldn't be blamed on him.

After all, he must have suffered heavy losses in order to recover most of the southern border region on his own.

Let's not be too harsh on them.

"What should we do then? The Seven Ancestors went to the Eastern Region to resist the sects from outside the region, and they can't leave now. Are we just going to watch the central barrier be breached?"

The old minister who had just angrily rebuked Lu Ming stepped forward again.

A look of panic crossed his face.

He has no cultivation, so if the rebel army comes to the city, not only him, but his family will also surely die.

"But you're dead, what are you panicking about!" Li Yan stepped forward and said calmly.

Then, looking at the Empress, he bowed and said, "Your Majesty, this old minister is willing to lead the Xu Tu Wei to Sanshan Pass to supervise the battle. As long as this old minister is still alive, he will absolutely not allow the rebels to set foot in the central territory."

His voice was firm when it rang out.

Clearly, they were prepared to die.

The ministers looked at each other in bewilderment.

Clearly, no one expected Li Yan to be so determined.

"Report! Marquis Zhige has left the pass and just sent word that his army has begun to assemble and will march on Langya Prefecture in two days!" Outside the main hall, another eunuch's voice rang out.

There was a moment of silence in the Chaotian Hall.

The powerful member of the royal family who had just spoken shook his head helplessly, "Even if we launch an attack, it will be too late to reverse the situation. We can only delay the army of the King of Langya slightly."

Who can withstand Jin Poyue!

Silence fell once again in the main hall.

Clearly, others share this view.

The Empress did not respond, but instead focused her gaze on Li Yan.

"Thank you for your trouble, Prime Minister Li."

“As the Prime Minister of the Great Yu, this is the proper course of action!” Li Yan said slowly.

At this moment, the entire imperial palace was filled with an atmosphere of fear.

Meanwhile, inside the Yongwang Mansion.

At this moment, Prince Yong sat in the seat of honor, but his expression was not good.

"Jin Poyue is truly a master. We've been attacking the central area for so long without success, yet he brought the city to our gates in just one year. He'll likely be a formidable foe in the future."

"His strength is indeed very strong. In the Refining God Realm, he is definitely a top genius. Among the major sects, there are not many who can match him in this realm."

But Your Highness need not worry.

When the dragon vein trembles again, a Dao Child-level expert will descend.

"At that time, Jin Poyue will be nothing," Liu Xuan said with a smile.

A look of anticipation appeared on her face.

As long as the Heavenly Pivot Dao Child descends.

I won't have to put up with this humiliation anymore.

At that time, no one will be able to stop them.

The disciples of the Tian Shu Sect standing nearby nodded in agreement, clearly acknowledging Liu Xuan's words.

In the hearts of the younger generation of disciples of the Tian Shu Sect.

Tian Shu Dao Zi is the strongest.

Among all the major sects, none can rival him.

While everyone was discussing Jin Poyue.

Two days have passed in the blink of an eye.

Lu Ming, leading his army, also appeared outside Langya Prefecture.

This time, things are different from the past, except for the five battalions of soldiers.

He also commands an army of 500,000 Qi Refining Realm cultivators.

His subordinate generals were all powerful.

Finally, we were able to fight the enemy without relying on formations.

Not far from them was the fortress of Langya Prefecture.

The rebels above looked wary.

Leading them were more than ten disciples of the Kaiyang Sect, and even two experts at the Refinement of Spirit level.

Clearly, the King of Langya had anticipated Lu Ming's attack and had made preparations accordingly.

Looking at this lineup, Lu Ming smiled.

In the past, two Refining Gods plus more than ten Nascent Soul experts, and dozens of Purple Mansions, would indeed have given him a great headache.

But it is different now.

Not to mention himself, even his generals could deal with the Refining God with the help of the secret treasure.

This was the first time he had ever encountered such a wealthy war.

Just then, Lu Shi, dressed in black armor, stepped forward and said, "My lord, this humble general requests to fight!"

Lu Ming did not refuse. After gazing ahead for a moment, he said, "The infantrymen advance with shields raised. The archer and crossbowmen battalions suppress the archers on the city walls. The rest of the battalions follow suit and attack the city!"

Following his order.

The army began to advance slowly.

The battle officially began at this moment.

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(End of this chapter)