Patrol Captain

At noon, under the deep autumn sun, a thunderous roar echoed across the official road outside the south gate of Chengdu, the thunderous sound of iron cavalry thundering on the ground.

On the distant horizon, dust billowed as a black torrent of steel surged toward the south gate, kicking up clouds of smoke.

On the city gate tower, the soldiers guarding the city gripped their spears tightly and gazed into the distance. They saw a large black banner rising from the smoke and dust in the distance. The banner was black with gold trim and mountain patterns. Below it, a wolf tail whisk fluttered in the wind, like an ink dragon swaying its tail and splitting the smoke and dust.

"It's the banner of the Ninth Mountain's commander!"

"General Chen has returned to the mountain!"

When the garrison commander saw clearly, he suddenly shouted in a hoarse voice, his voice filled with awe and excitement.

With a snap, he swung the command flag down, and the massive main city gate, which had been closed, was pushed open by dozens of armored soldiers with a loud rumble, leaving the central gate wide open.

At the same time, the garrison commander on the city gate tower quickly gave orders.

"Hurry up!"

"Pass on my order: line up outside the city and go quickly to greet the general!"

Soon, the soldiers on the city wall moved swiftly and swiftly, like thunder. The guards on and off the city walls surged like a black tide. The clanging of their black iron armor was dense and formed a powerful symphony. The soldiers stepped on the bluestone slabs with uniform steps, and the sound of their stomping made the ground tremble slightly.

The cavalry inside the city gate were even more swift, their movements as swift and clean as they mounted their horses. Their hooves pounded the fallen leaves with a deep, rumbling sound. The formation resembled a long black dragon, with one group quickly driving out of the city through the gate passage and the other rushing into the city to form a clear line in the streets.

Horses galloped past on the bluestone slabs, the clanging of armor startling birds under the eaves.

"The general is returning to the mountain. All bystanders, disperse immediately!"

"Clean the streets!" The cavalryman's shouts echoed through the streets.

With these shouts, pedestrians on the street were dispersed and driven to the alley entrance. The shops along the street, those who knew the rules, all closed their doors and windows, but pairs of eyes peered out from inside, full of surprise and doubt.

As they waited in this state of surprise and uncertainty, the thunderous sound of horses' hooves grew closer and closer outside the city gate. The guards, lined up outside the gate, knelt on one knee, the clanging of their armor against the city bricks resounding in unison.

The sound spread from outside the city to inside, like dominoes. As the armored soldiers at the city gate knelt down on one knee, the first thing to cross the city gate's line of sight was a giant beast that was entirely black. It was shaped like a leopard but was stronger than a lion. Its body was covered with bluish-black scales that gleamed in the sunlight. Three sharp horns stood on its forehead. When its four hooves hit the ground, dust kicked up. The white breath it exhaled was like a white ribbon. Its eyes flashed with a terrifying ferocity.

On the back of the beast, Chen Yuan wore a five-colored dragon armor and a black cloak. Although the third eye on his forehead was closed, an invisible and powerful pressure emanated from it, making the surroundings quiet.

His body was as steady as a mountain, his right hand lightly gripping the reins, and the ferocious beast beneath him stepped steadily into Chengdu.

Behind them, banners fluttered, and black armor gleamed coldly. Ten men formed a squad, and a hundred men formed a team. The ranks were as neat as if cut by a knife. The sound of the armor plates colliding as they marched was uniform and sounded like the earth groaning.

In the middle of the military column, the black banner with gold-edged mountain patterns fluttered in the wind, exuding a chilling atmosphere.

At the alley entrance, the crowd of people, seeing this scene from afar, immediately shouted excitedly.
"General Chen is back!"

"I'm back, I'm really back."

"This great general just defeated the 100,000-strong army of Beiliang in the north a few days ago, and now he has returned from the south. He must have gone to deal with the demons of the 100,000 Mountains. He is a great hero. He has been working hard for my Shu region on the battlefield."

"With this person in charge, we in Shu can be worry-free."

"Welcome back, General!"

"Welcome, General Chen!"

"."

Someone in the crowd shouted something, which immediately triggered a chain reaction, causing everyone to shout in unison, and then a large number of people knelt down.

The momentum was continuous, and wherever Chen Yuan's army passed, there were enthusiastic shouts from the people.

The soldiers marched in orderly formation, the clanging of armor plates mingling with the cheers of the people, creating a breathtaking scene.

Thus, Chen Yuan led two thousand elite troops in a grand procession to Yunding Mountain.

At the foot of Yunding Mountain, a large group of officials from the provincial administration were already standing solemnly on the main road below the main peak to welcome him.

The leader was Gongsun Yang, who was ordered to lead the entire Fusi Bureau, and he was still wearing his old armor.

The remaining members included Lu Ming, Yun Tiansheng, Pei Yanhu, Lei Gongzu Lei, the commander of the Tianxing Army, and the sixth and seventh lieutenant generals.

Meanwhile, among the mountains, countless figures peered in this direction. Large numbers of men, eager to enlist, craned their necks, creating a noisy and bustling atmosphere.

"That Martial Saint General has returned to the mountain!"

"Really? I'm finally going to meet the real person."

"The news has come that they've already entered the city. I didn't see the spectacle. All the important figures from Yunding Mountain are standing at the foot of the mountain, ready to welcome them."

"Slaying demons and monsters, killing celestial beings, taking on Beiliang alone, and shouldering the entire Jiannan Road—this is what a true man should be like! This time, I must join the Ninth Mountain, become one of that man's soldiers, and bring glory to my ancestors!"

"Look, they're here!"

"I'm coming"

'.'

The crowd suddenly became agitated.

In the distance, on the mountain path, Chen Yuan's troops arrived at Yunding Mountain.

The horses slowed their pace, and the welcoming party stepped forward. The civil officials, dressed in bird-themed robes, stood respectfully with their hands at their sides, while the military officers bowed with their hands on their swords, not daring to even breathe loudly.

Gongsun Yang, the leader, strode forward, stood before the giant beast, bowed respectfully, and said in a firm voice:

"Welcome back to the mountain, General!"

The civil and military officials behind him also bowed and said in unison, "Welcome back to the mountain, General!"

Then, the soldiers who came to greet them dismounted, knelt on one knee, placed their right hand on the ground and their left hand on their swords, and shouted in unison, "Welcome back to the mountain, General!"

These shouts, powerful and resounding like thunder, echoed across the surrounding fields. Immediately afterwards, from the first mountain to the east, the second mountain, the eighth mountain to the west, the ninth mountain... the shouts spread from one place to a hundred, with a hundred responding to each call. Among them were the shouts of soldiers, as well as the fervent cries of young men who, inspired by the atmosphere, raised their arms and shouted with fervor.

"Welcome back to the mountain, General!"

"Welcome back to the mountain, General!"

"."

The roar grew louder and louder, crashing against the cliff face and sending rocks tumbling down, startling the mountain birds in the forest into a frenzy. A long wind whipped the howling banners, and the black banners embroidered with mountain patterns fluttered in the wind, intertwining with the earth-shaking shouts to create a powerful and overwhelming force that swept across the entire Cloud Peak Mountain.

How magnificent!

At this moment, atop the Ninth Mountain, Qin Rushuang, Daoist Li Guanyi, and other old friends witnessed this scene, their hearts stirred with emotion and deep感慨 (gǎnkǎi - mixed feelings of deep emotion and reflection).

"I vividly remember the day I attended General Chen's ceremony to bestow his seal of office as a Lieutenant General. At that time, demons were attacking the gates, causing widespread suffering. Twelve mountain-crushing armies were dispatched to the battlefield one after another. The governor invited various sects of the Shu region to discuss the great cause of resistance, but few responded. After attending the ceremony, I and my disciples, along with several thousand remnants of the Ninth Mountain, went to the battlefield, fighting and slaying. And now, listen, the whole mountainside, the entire city of Chengdu, is shouting."

"General Chen enjoys the support of the people and commands respect from all corners of the world. His voice is like thunder, and he is unstoppable. Times have changed. I believe that our Shu region will win this battle!" Seeing this scene, Master Li stroked his long beard, recalling the past battles, and sighed with emotion.

“Yes, I believe it too.” Sect Master An of the Su Nu Sword Sect murmured. “A true man should be like this!” Ji Wuming, the chief disciple of the Shu Mountain Sword Sect, gripped his long sword tightly, his heart filled with longing and excitement.

Below the mountain, atop the giant beast, Chen Yuan listened to the shouts echoing across the mountainside. His chest swelled with awe, and his eyes gleamed with a sharp light. With this kind of spirit, he would dominate every battle.

"Go up the mountain for a meeting!" He lowered his gaze and gave the order.

After saying that, the giant beast beneath its feet roared, shook its feet, and soared into the air, heading straight for the Sky Patrol Hall on the Cloud Peak!

Upon receiving the order, Gongsun Yang, the leader, turned around, waved his hand, and rose into the sky to follow.

Other civil and military officials also immediately rose and headed towards the Heavenly Patrol Hall.

Before long, officials of all ranks from the provincial government and military officers from other regions gathered in the main hall of the Heavenly Patrol and stood solemnly there.

Chen Yuan waved his cloak, took his seat in the main seat, and then swept his gaze across the room.

"Gongsun Yang".

"Your subordinate is here!" Gongsun Yang, who was standing at the front, took two steps forward and stopped, clasping his hands in greeting.

"I ordered someone to send a message to the general of the Dragon Guard stationed in the south of Chuanzhong Pass, as well as the six prefectures of Zhennan, Dingshan, and Huxia. I have reached an agreement with the six kings who are entrenched there, allowing their troops to pass through the pass. This will allow them to switch from defense to offense, take the initiative to attack, and be responsible for reconnaissance in the central and western areas."

Upon hearing this, a series of low gasps and whispers arose in the hall, creating a noisy atmosphere.

what?
General Chen actually went to the White Bone City in the south and reached an agreement with the terrifying beings there, including six kings.

This is good news for Sichuan.

I couldn't help but admire and marvel at General Chen. He was truly capable and decisive. This position should belong to him. He had just resolved the threat from the north, and now he was on the southern front, opening up the passage to White Bone City.

"Yes!" Gongsun Yang responded, then took two steps back and turned his head slightly to the side, moving his lips a few times.

Soon, Fan Chou, the military advisor, stepped forward and strode towards the outside of the hall.

At this moment, Chen Yuan's gaze shifted to the front of the line and landed on a tall man with a thunderous face.

"Leishan!"

Lei Shan of the Lei clan stepped forward upon hearing this.

"You send a message to Ding'an Prefecture, telling him that the west is under close surveillance. He must keep his promises. He must defend while we attack; there can be no mishaps, otherwise..."

Chen Yuan's voice was chilling, his gaze piercing, and he didn't finish his sentence.

Lei Shan felt an immense pressure, his expression changed slightly, and he lowered his head, not daring to meet Chen Yuan's gaze. He said in a muffled voice:
"Yes."

"I will inform Lord Helian."

After speaking, he stepped back and returned to the queue, his head down, making it impossible to see the expression on his face.

Upon hearing Chen Yuan's command, which contained a deeper meaning, Gongsun Yang couldn't help but clasp his hands in a fist salute, step forward, and say solemnly:
"Is the general preparing to launch an offensive?"

The clues here are not hard to see. Now the mountain-climbing army is recruiting soldiers on a large scale, the general has gone to the south to ask several kings for passage, and at this time he has also ordered Helian Guoshi on the western front to stay in Ding'an Prefecture for defense.

The answer is about to come out!

The general intends to launch a proactive attack on the demon race of the Ten Thousand Mountains!

At this reminder, the expressions of everyone in the hall changed, the noise grew louder, and many people looked at Chen Yuan, who was in the main seat, with some tension in their eyes.

"Why not?" Chen Yuan's eyes flashed with golden light as he surveyed the crowd, taking in the expressions of everyone in the hall.

"I have summoned you here because I have decided to wage war against the Ten Thousand Mountains. I have decided to take this opportunity to go and fight those guys in the Ten Thousand Mountains."

"For a thousand years, our Mountain Expeditionary Army has guarded the southwest, fighting against demons and monsters. Generation after generation has perished in the battle. In recent years, demons have attacked our gates, wiping out most of our troops and causing our rivers and mountains to fall into ruin. This has led to a decline in morale and a loss of military prestige. This situation must be completely reversed from now on!"

"We must kill them until they are terrified, until their race is wiped out, until this war is over for generations to come."

"From now on, I will be responsible for both attacking and defending against the aliens!"

Chen Yuan's voice wasn't loud, but it resonated throughout the hall, silencing everyone present.

"The general seconded the proposal!"

"This humble general is willing to lead all my comrades from the Sixth Mountain to charge into the Ten Thousand Mountains!"

"We, the people of Bashan, are all fertile!"

"And I."

"And I."

"."

One by one, the generals stepped forward, loudly echoing the call to action, adding fuel to the fire and igniting the atmosphere in the hall.

"Good." Chen Yuan looked at the effect with satisfaction, slapped his chair and leaned back, "Then today's topic will revolve around this battle."

"Gongsun Yang".

"What is the current status of the recruitment of soldiers for the twelve routes of the mountain-climbing army?"

"Reporting to the General, today's schedule is not even halfway through, and the roster has not yet been submitted. Since the recruitment notice was issued, the list of recruits for the first four days has been compiled." Gongsun Yang waved his sleeve, and a group of black-clad boys appeared, standing in front of him in a row, reporting to the records on the list.

"The First Mountain has been re-established. I have assigned personnel from the Ninth Mountain to conduct the review. The appointment of the Lieutenant General is pending. A total of 1,184 people have been recorded."

"The second mountain, the position of Zhonglang General is pending, and a total of 1,067 people have been recorded in the roster."

"The third mountain, the position of Lieutenant General is yet to be determined."

"."

"The Ninth Mountain, the list compiled over four days totals 3,386 people."

"The Tenth Mountain"

As Gongsun Yang reported on the recruitment efforts, reading out the names on the rosters one by one, everyone was astonished. In just four days, they had recruited over 20,000 soldiers, with the Ninth Mountain undoubtedly leading the pack in terms of the number of recruits. Moreover, it was said that the Ninth Mountain's recruitment assessment was the most difficult.

Then, Chen Yuan and Gongsun Yang, the two generals, asked and answered questions about the subsequent supply of troops, equipment, and provisions.

During this process, various departments of the Daofu Division were involved, and gradually, more and more people participated in the preparation and discussion of this mobilization. There were arguments, disagreements, and adjustments.
And so the meeting continued from noon until dusk, lasting for almost two hours.

After the meeting ended, officials of all ranks hurriedly left, many with a sense of urgency on their faces, eager to get back and complete their tasks.

Thus, the war machine of the Daofu Division, under Chen Yuan's control, began to rumble into operation.

(End of this chapter)