The stolen magic is a bit magical

Mad Wolf suddenly looked up, her face filled with intense surprise.

Zhang Tao's eyes widened suddenly.

Three soldiers in front of her also turned around at the same time, staring at Lin Xiaosu in surprise.

"My lord!" Kuanglang tried to stand up, but considering that she would be much taller than Lin Xiaosu if she stood up, it would seem rather impolite. She stopped abruptly and sat down again: "My lord, although the brothers have indeed not received their full pay for many years and their families are indeed waiting for food, the imperial court is short of funds and grain and absolutely cannot agree to such a high reward from you."

“My lord!” Zhang Tao also spoke up: “Even if the soldiers of Zhentian Pavilion are paid in full, their annual salary is only twenty gold coins. But you, my lord, have offered a reward of one hundred gold coins for each operation, which is a full five years’ worth of military pay. No matter how much His Majesty trusts you, my lord, you will not be able to get past the hurdle of the high-ranking officials in the court. They will absolutely not agree to it.”

Lin Xiaosu laughed: "All you've said so far is whether the high-ranking officials in the court agree or not. Do I need their approval? I have no intention of asking them for money."

Zhang Tao and Kuang Lang were both shocked: "What does the master mean..."

"I just inspected the Dongxuan Sect's warehouse; there are at least several million worth of wild gold," Lin Xiaosu said. "This was earned by our soldiers with their lives. Don't they deserve a bonus? I've decided that in this operation, although no one in our army died, there were still some wounded. Each wounded soldier will be awarded 100 gold as medical expenses. In addition, everyone will receive 100 gold as a reward. In the upcoming battles, we cannot expect our soldiers to be without any casualties, but if there are any deaths, each soldier will be awarded 1,000 wild gold, ensuring that it reaches the families of the fallen!"

The mad wolf suddenly stood up!

She bowed deeply to Lin Xiaosu: "My lord, if there are any repercussions from this matter, I will share the responsibility with you!"

"Aren't you overthinking it?" Lin Xiaosu smiled. "Just announce it directly!"

"Yes!" Mad Wolf stepped onto the high cliff in front of him and announced the reward plan on the spot.

For a brief moment, the entire army was completely silent, then suddenly erupted into a thunderous cheer.

In this era, few soldiers came from wealthy families. They joined the army simply to reduce their families' taxes and corvée labor. Therefore, they could tolerate the army's withholding of their pay as long as they didn't starve.

But who doesn't miss their parents and relatives at home?
Every time they hear that their parents and relatives are being bullied, their morale will waver little by little, and they will feel: What am I working so hard for?

In today's battle, not a single one of them died on the battlefield. It was an unprecedentedly easy victory. However, they easily obtained a hundred pieces of wild gold, which was equivalent to five years' worth of military pay in one go. This amount of military pay was enormous. If it were sent home, their family would be well-fed and clothed for at least ten years.

This is the benefit of following the adults on their trip to the south of the Yangtze River.

For the sake of adults' empathy, and for the sake of their families' food and clothing for ten years, they would die for adults!

Oh right, if you really die in battle, you get a reward of 1,000 wasteland coins. My god, why am I suddenly a little eager to die in battle?
This is the voice of the soldiers!

Hearing the cheers around him and feeling the sudden explosion of morale, Zhang Tao let out a soft breath: "Sir, is this also the way of war?"

Mad Wolf was startled. The art of war?

Is this also a military strategy?
If so, this is also a page she doesn't understand, perhaps one she's never thought about before.

In the past, her understanding of military strategy was simply about how to improve physical fitness and how to fight to the death without retreating.

But Lin Xiaosu had just taught her a lesson, telling her that there are no fixed rules in warfare, and that fighting does not necessarily have to be done at the cost of one's life.

And now, giving money has become a military tactic?

It seems that distributing money is not the way of the military, but why was she so agitated just now? Why did she also swear an oath that if the court investigated this matter of distributing money, she would be willing to share the responsibility with him?

The fact that he even dragged himself onto his warship by handing out money—isn't that a matter of military strategy?
Lin Xiaosu smiled: "The way of war has no fixed form. People are soldiers, laws are soldiers, and everything in the world and the four seasons is a military matter. The morale and spirit of soldiers are also the way of war, and it is the most important way! We are used to telling our soldiers what they should do, but many people overlook one point: soldiers are also people! They also have their own families! They also have their most basic material needs."

Zhang Tao sighed deeply, "I admire your military strategy to the fullest! This trip to Jiangnan will be the greatest gain of my life!"

"Actually, the art of war is not limited to this!" Lin Xiaosu said, "Captain Zhang, if you are interested, you can come back to Fuyou City with me, and I will show you another interpretation of the art of war."

Zhang Tao was overjoyed.

Mad Wolf cried out, "My lord, this humble general also wishes to go!"

"Alright! You leave ten squads behind to clean up the battlefield and fulfill your promise. The rest of you can come with me to Fuyao!"

With a whoosh, Lin Xiaosu soared through the air.

The wind stirs in the sky, and forty warships set sail.

The setting sun on the horizon resembled a waning sun, and the might of the army seemed to be truly revealed at this moment.

Fuyao City arrived in the blink of an eye.

Fuyao remains serene under the setting sun.

Suddenly, more than forty warships appeared above the clouds.

With a soft thud, the warship descended into the sky, and a gale from the heavens enveloped the entire Fuyao.

Everyone looked up at the same time and saw the huge military flag representing imperial power fluttering in the wind. Feeling the immense pressure descending from the sky, everyone was stunned.

What is this going to do?
Could it be true, as the rumors suggest, that the imperial court is about to launch a military campaign against the Dongxuan Sect?
Good heavens, has this thing gotten this big?

Inside the restaurant, the nineteenth elder suddenly looked up, staring at the warship in the sky with an extremely serious expression.

A fat man next to him bowed and smiled obsequiously: "Elder, please rest assured. Our Dongxuan Sect has countless experts and a foundation of 3,800 years. How could a mere few warships possibly deal with us? The more imposing we are now, the more pathetic we will be later."

This fat man, from the Qi family of Dongcheng, is always adept at changing his tune depending on the situation. He is not originally a member of the Dongxuan Sect, but in front of the Dongxuan disciples, he always refers to himself as "our Dongxuan," which always makes people feel comfortable.

However, this time, Elder Nineteen did not smile at him. Instead, he stared intently at the flagship in the very center.

On the flagship's deck stood dozens of people, the one at the very front dressed in the robes of a fourth-rank official, none other than Lin Xiaosu, who had just flown away from here.

"Elder, something's wrong!" a disciple beside him said. "Wasn't Su already at the Cave Profound Realm? How could he still appear?"

Yes, Elder Nineteen also suddenly realized something was wrong.

Su Zei broke through the sky and said he was going to Dongxuan Sect. After he reported to the sect, he also received feedback from the sect that this kid had entered the territory of Dongxuan. According to the sect leader's plan, he should be kept in Dongxuan forever. Why did he reappear?

What happened?

boom!
Strong airflow reverses.

Forty warships were positioned in mid-air, their height now equal to that of the tallest skyscrapers.

A massive shadow loomed over Fuyao, bringing immense shock and awe to the entire city.

Experiencing the majesty of this enormous warship up close would make anyone feel breathless.

Lin Xiaosu took a step forward, standing on the edge of the warship, his gaze fixed on Fuyao City: "Listen up, everyone in Fuyao Prefecture! The Dongxuan Sect has used its power to break the law, oppressing the people and causing them immense suffering. Their crimes are too numerous to count. I have been ordered by His Majesty to lead a large army to pacify Dongxuan. All ten peaks of Dongxuan have been wiped out, and everyone from the sect leader to the disciples has been brought to justice!"

With a crack, the wine cup in the Nineteenth Elder's hand shattered, and he sprang to the ground, his whole body trembling.

With a deafening boom, like an invisible shockwave crashing into Fuyou City, the entire city exploded...

The Dongxuan Sect has been destroyed?

When did this happen?
true or false?

Prefect He Zhang turned around abruptly, staring at the person behind him, his face completely pale.

The man held a communication stone in his hand. He stared at it, his lips trembling slightly. Finally, with a soft thud, the communication stone fell to the ground. The man's face was deathly pale: "My lord, it's true... the Dongxuan Sect is truly finished! The sect leader and all the elders are dead, and the remaining disciples have all had their foundations destroyed..."

Prefect He Zhang stumbled and almost fell over.

Lin Xiaosu's voice continued from the air: "In Fuyao City, there are still remnants of the Dongxuan sect... Mad Wolf!"

"exist!"

"Go down into the city and arrest all members of the Dongxuan Sect. Those who do not resist, destroy their cultivation; those who resist, kill them without mercy!"

"Yes!"

With a whoosh, more than two thousand people jumped off the warship.

With these people leaping down, it signifies that the Dongxuan Sect's power in Fuyao will be completely annihilated.

On the deck, Lin Xiaosu's forehead was bathed in the last rays of the setting sun, and his voice became unusually gentle: "All the shops, fertile fields, orchards, and other private property that the Dongxuan Sect has seized over the years shall be returned to their rightful owners!"

"Ah..." A long cry came from the west city, and all eyes turned to an old man who knelt down in the street: "Heaven has opened its eyes, thank you, Your Excellency!"

"Your Excellency's kindness is immense; I am deeply grateful!"

Dozens of people knelt down beside him.

"Thank you, Your Excellency!" came a loud cry from the east of the city, a cry that sounded like a sob.

"Thank you, sir!" (South City...)

"Thank you, Your Excellency!" Countless people throughout the city knelt down.

These people were all people whose property had been seized by the Dongxuan Sect. With the Dongxuan Sect's power expanding day by day, they had no hope at all. However, today, this imperial envoy told them that the land and shops that had been seized could actually be returned to their hands.

This surprise sparked a city-wide wave of kneeling in worship.

The more exciting ones are yet to come.

Lin Xiaosu announced: "The Dongxuan Sect has committed atrocities for a century, causing countless refugees, tearing families apart, and leaving countless people to die. How many people teeter on the brink of starvation and freezing to death every day? His Majesty cannot bear to see the people of Fuyao suffer such a price because of this wicked sect, and has therefore ordered me to confiscate all the gold, silver, and other valuables of the Dongxuan Sect. His Majesty will not take a single coin from these assets, but will distribute them equally among all the people of the prefecture. This is truly taking from the people and using it for the people!"

The entire city was shocked.

Is everyone allowed to share in the Dongxuan Sect's wealth?
What is floating wealth?

Property other than fixed assets such as farmland, real estate, orchards, forests, and shops is considered floating property, including cash and physical goods...

How vast is the business of the Dongxuan Sect?
The amount of his floating wealth is astonishing.
Under normal circumstances, if His Majesty destroys the Dongxuan Sect, all its assets will surely be confiscated and returned to the national treasury.

But today, His Majesty did not take a single penny, distributing it all to the people of the entire prefecture.

Oh my god, is this real?

If that's true, then let's say the moment Dongxuan falls, the whole mansion will be fed...

People were already kneeling in the street, shouting, "Thank you, Your Excellency!"

This act of gratitude quickly became a domino effect, causing the entire city to collapse.

Compared to the previous kneeling and worship to return the seized property, this one was almost a nationwide event.

This incredibly generous distribution of wealth benefits everyone, including beggars and homeless people…

Moreover, they have much more practical uses for this windfall; at least they won't starve.

Countless tearful expressions of gratitude echoed throughout the city.

Lin Xiaosu raised her hand high: "Do not thank me, fellow villagers, thank His Majesty!"

"Your Majesty, your grace!"

"Your Majesty's grace is boundless!"

"Such a wise and benevolent ruler has not been seen in ten thousand years..."

The sounds converged into a torrent, soaring straight into the night sky.

Zhang Tao's gaze fell on Lin Xiaosu, his heart trembling. Before the lord set off, he said this was the way of war! He had witnessed the whole thing and seemed to have grasped some of the intention, but his heart was still trembling.

He acknowledged that at this moment, the people of Fuyou Prefecture were highly united, all kneeling before His Majesty to thank him for his great favor. However, wasn't this gesture a bit too extravagant?
You confiscated enemy supplies and distributed them directly to all the people of the prefecture. Won't His Majesty feel the pinch? You need to understand that the national treasury is currently extremely depleted. His Majesty is desperate for money, and now that he has finally managed to obtain some, you've divided it all up in no time, leaving His Majesty with not a single penny...

Inside the prefectural government office, Prefect He and his men all wore strange expressions.

Several of them are distorted.

Including Prefect He.

Because their relationship with the Dongxuan Sect is exceptionally deep.

They all have shares in the profitable businesses of the Dongxuan Sect in Fuyao City.

When Lord Su announced this from the deck, returning all of Dongxuan Sect's real estate, he had already taken a heavy cut from them. Now, he was distributing all their floating wealth as well—this was also their money being distributed…

But can we protest right now?
If you dare to protest, you're asking for death!
Several fifth-rank officials turned their gazes toward the prefect, whose expression was a mixture of emotions...

Lin Xiaosu in the air has finished her announcement.

His gaze fell upon the prefectural governor's residence below, a faint smile appearing on his face. He descended from the sky and landed in front of the governor and his entourage.

To his left, as usual, was Zhang Tao.

On the right is Fufu, and there's another person, Kuanglang.

When the mad wolf arrived, the prefect's mansion seemed rather short.

He Zhang bowed deeply: "Lord Su actually managed to destroy the Dongxuan Sect with the strength of an army. He is truly wise and powerful. I admire him the most!"

"Yes, I admire you greatly!"

"Sir, you are truly a young man of great promise!"

"Your future is bright..."

A group of officials behind them echoed in unison, seemingly all congratulating this amazing achievement.

Lin Xiaosu gently raised her hand, and everyone fell silent.

His gaze slowly fell on He Zhang's head: "Lord He, do you still remember what I told you before I went into battle?"

What was that sentence I told him before the battle?
Which sentence?
He Zhang slowly raised his head and stared at Lin Xiaosu.

For those in officialdom, keeping one's emotions in check is a basic skill, but there are also limits.

Lin Xiaosu's words at that time had already crossed the line that one could calmly face in officialdom.

Lin Xiaosu said calmly, "What I'm telling you is that insulting you is far from mild! You were expecting my harsher measures, and now I'm giving you what you wished for!"

He Zhang's face twisted slightly: "What does Lord Su want to say?"

"I want to tell you that before I came to Fuyao, I knew you were unworthy to be a prefect. But after arriving in Fuyao, I realized I was wrong. You are not only unworthy to be a prefect, you... are unworthy to be a human being!"

He Zhang's expression suddenly changed...

The expressions on the faces of all the subordinates changed...

Having spent half their lives in officialdom, they had never heard such bureaucratic language before.

He Zhang took a deep breath: "Lord Su, I am honored that you have come all the way from the capital..."

Lin Xiaosu suddenly raised her hand...

Suddenly, a beam of light shot out from the sword-shaped official seal in his palm!
The light shone forth, like a vortex.

The vortex parted, revealing an incomparably majestic aura. A figure appeared atop the golden palace, followed by a nine-clawed golden dragon…

"Your Majesty!" With a loud bang, everyone in the audience knelt down at the same time.

Even Zhang Tao, as well as the tall and imposing Mad Wolf, were startled. For the first time in his life, Fu Fu ran away from Lin Xiaosu at top speed.

Only one person did not kneel down; that was Lin Xiaosu, the one holding the official seal.

In the Wenling Hall, His Majesty slowly raised his gaze and saw Lin Xiaosu.

"Your Majesty!" Lin Xiaosu bowed.

"Minister Su, where are we?" His Majesty asked.

"Your Majesty!" Lin Xiaosu said, "This place is Fuyou Prefecture. I have disturbed Your Majesty by informing you that the Dongxuan Sect has been destroyed!"

In the Wenling Hall, His Majesty suddenly stood up, his eyes wide open: "The Dongxuan Sect has... been destroyed?"

"Indeed! Relying on Your Majesty's might and the strength of the Zhen Tian Pavilion's army, I have killed Dongxuan Sect Master He Yue and over three hundred of his subordinates at the Enlightenment Realm and over a thousand at the Body Enlightenment Realm. His 760,000 disciples have all had their cultivation abolished. The Dongxuan Sect has thus been wiped out of the martial world!"

His Majesty froze, his entire body stiff. Huo Gang, standing behind him, stared wide-eyed, utterly unable to believe it.

Time seemed to have frozen.

After a long silence, His Majesty let out a soft sigh: "Minister Su's work has truly surprised me! Excellent! Very good!"

"Thank you for your praise, Your Majesty!" Lin Xiaosu said, "Furthermore, in accordance with Your Majesty's will, I have confiscated the land and shops that the Dongxuan Sect has seized over the years, as well as the wealth it has plundered from the people. All the land and shops have been returned to their rightful owners, and the remaining wealth has been distributed to all the people of the prefecture!"

His Majesty's heart pounded wildly...

They also confiscated money?

Right!

With thousands of years of accumulated wealth and resources, how could the Dongxuan Sect be short of money?
My goodness, this is an unexpected windfall!

This kid really understands me. He knows I have many expenses, but the national treasury is starving. Good, very good.

however……

His brain finally caught up with the processing speed...

The confiscated property should either be returned to its rightful owner or distributed among all the people of the prefecture.
and many more……

You actually say this is in accordance with my decree?

Am I crazy? The national treasury is so poor, how can I still have the mind to give relief money to the whole government?
Even if you absolutely have to do me this favor, there should be a limit, right? You should at least leave me a copy.

What about my share?

"Your Majesty, please raise your dragon eyes and open your dragon ears to hear the people of Fuyao bowing and thanking Your Majesty!" As soon as Lin Xiaosu finished speaking, His Majesty's projection appeared in the sky above the entire city.

The entire city was already kneeling in worship, and at this moment, the projection of His Majesty's imperial seal appeared in the sky, causing the people to go even more frenzied.

Everyone lay on the ground, shouting desperately.

Thank you, Your Majesty!

Your Majesty is a wise and benevolent ruler for all time!

Your Majesty is a benevolent ruler for all ages!

Inside the Wenling Hall, His Majesty stared in disbelief.

Throughout his many years as emperor, the people had always knelt and bowed before him whenever he went on tours, but that kneeling was merely out of reverence. But today, the cries choked with sobs, the heartfelt gratitude, suddenly gave this emperor, who held the highest position, a sense of satisfaction.

He felt elated, believing himself to be a benevolent ruler for all eternity.

This is what the kid made for him.

This was obtained by exchanging his money.

One moment he wanted to strangle Lin Xiaosu to death, the next he suddenly thought it might not be so bad.

"Your Majesty! Your humble servant also seized some waste gold from the Dongxuan Sect's treasury. After paying some bonuses to the soldiers, there is about three million left. Tomorrow, your humble servant will send a special envoy to deliver it back to the capital and hand it over to Your Majesty!"

His Majesty's heart skipped a beat: "Three million?"

"Yes!"

His Majesty's entire body seemed to come alive instantly, his mind cleared in a flash, and he no longer cared about the meager share he had received. He was overjoyed from head to toe: "Minister Su, you truly are... truly a pillar of the nation! I am so pleased, so pleased!"

His Majesty's voice didn't have a wide range; only Lin Xiaosu and the people around her could hear it.

Prefect He Zhang, whose back was originally covered in sweat, felt a renewed sense of hope upon seeing His Majesty's excitement.

However, when he looked up, he met Lin Xiaosu's gaze, which was rather sharp. He Zhang felt a sudden rush of sweat down his back.

"Your Majesty, there is one last matter that concerns the long-term stability of Fuyou Prefecture!"

"Please speak freely, my dear minister!" His Majesty was in a very good mood.

"Prefect He Zhang of Fuyao has been colluding with the Dongxuan Sect for many years. He is called a prefect but is actually a lackey. I believe that this villain is not worthy of being a human being or an official. I request Your Majesty to dismiss him from his post and escort him to the capital for questioning!" Lin Xiaosu bowed deeply.

His Majesty's face suddenly darkened!
He Zhang kowtowed sharply: "Your Majesty, your humble servant..."

"Shut up!" The two words pierced the air.

He Zhang was deeply shaken.

"Colluding with the Dongxuan Sect to bring disaster to the people! So it was you, the root of all evil!" His Majesty said coldly, "Minister Su!"

"Chen is here!"

"Capture this traitor! Immediately dispatch troops to escort him to the capital and hand him over to the Ministry of Justice for severe punishment!"

As soon as the words fell, the prefectural seal flew off He Zhang's body.

"According to the order!"

He Zhang was completely limp, and all the officials behind him were drenched in sweat.

His Majesty's cold gaze swept over them, slowly landing on Lin Xiaosu's face. The look in his eyes softened as he looked at him: "Minister Su!"

"Chen is here!"

"In your opinion, does Fuyao have anyone suitable to be the prefect?"

Upon hearing this, the group of officials looked up at the same time, and several of them had a gleam in their eyes.

The prefect is no ordinary position; it's the head of a prefecture. Normally, high-ranking officials would go to great lengths to get their trusted sons into this position. But today, with He Zhang removed from office, the new prefect might just be a matter of fate for this Lord Su.

This powerful position, which seemed infinitely distant from them, suddenly became very close, as close as a dream.

Lin Xiaosu bowed: "Your Majesty, Li Yi, the Assistant Prefect of Fuyao, never forgot his original aspirations even when the Dongxuan Sect's power was at its zenith. He refused to collude with He Zhang and, with his frail body, bravely held up a protective umbrella for the people. I believe that he is the only suitable candidate to be the Prefect of Fuyao!" (End of Chapter)