Loan Wusheng

Chapter 203 Half-step Yuan Dan Realm, Fang Family Ancestor Fang Ji!

Yan Cunzhen's fingers trembled slightly as he gripped the military order, the candlelight casting a distorted shadow of him in the tent.

He suddenly chuckled, his laughter mingling with the crackling of charcoal: "That old fox Gongyang Jin... he's saved me a lot of trouble."

This is like a pillow being delivered to someone who's just fallen asleep.

"Homeowner?"

The captain of the personal guard, Yan Lie, couldn't help but whisper, "Should we...?"

"Yes, of course I want it! How could I possibly not want it?"

Yan Cunzhen took a deep breath and casually tore the military order to shreds. The shredded paper turned into ashes in the vibration of his true energy: "Pass the message to twenty of my Yan family guards. They don't need to come to the North City to find me tomorrow. You and the others should remove your armor and hide your weapons, and prepare kerosene in the dark alley of the barbican!"

"When Zheng Jun attacks the city tomorrow, we will set fire to the city to attract the attention of that old scoundrel Gongyang."

In just a few words, Yan Cunzhen had already planned everything.

He was not as skilled as a loyal minister or general, but rather a seasoned traitor who had been preparing for this for many years.

"clear."

Yan Lie nodded solemnly and was about to leave when Yan Cunzhen gripped his hand tightly again and said to him, "Yan Lie, my Cai'er was killed by Zheng Jun. That was because he was foolish and deserved to die! At my age, I'm afraid I won't have any more descendants. The future of the Yan family rests on young people like you!"

Upon hearing Yan Cunzhen's words, Yan Lie was taken aback, and then his whole body trembled, his heart pounding.

Anyone with a normal mind could understand the implication of Yan Cunzhen's words.

Does the head of the family want me to become the new successor of the family?

Thinking of this, Yan Lie was extremely excited and immediately bowed to Yan Cunzhen, saying, "I am grateful to the family head for not abandoning me. I am willing to repay the family with my life."

Upon seeing this, Yan Cunzhen immediately gripped Yan Lie's hand tightly and whispered to him, "The fewer people who know about this, the better. We must not let the news leak out."

"Please rest assured, Master!"

Yan Lie was utterly loyal and immediately turned and left.

Watching Yan Lie's departing figure, Yan Cunzhen couldn't help but smile contemptuously.

You, a mere member of a collateral branch, dare to aspire to be the head of the family?
Since Cai'er is dead, I have no choice but to bring back my illegitimate son, whom I've been keeping out of the public eye and never daring to show him, to inherit the family business.

As for Yan Lie?

If he is sensible, considering his merits, he can be sent to another place to be in charge after this matter is over.

If they don't know what's good for them...

Then let him drown in the river.

"..."

Fang Cun, who was replaced by someone from the North Gate, was very dissatisfied.

No matter what, he is a member of the Fang family, and Lanzhou belongs to the Fang family.

Although the performance of these scions of noble families was indeed somewhat unsatisfactory, we can't just hand over such an important family to Yan Cunzhen, can we?
With this thought in mind, Fang Cun decided to go and talk things out with Gongyang Jin.

However, when Fang Cun was halfway there, he saw Liu Nanyun walking quickly towards him, seemingly also intending to pay his respects to Gongyang Jin.

When the two met, they greeted each other with clasped hands, which was quite polite.

After all, for Fang Cun, Liu Nanyun was a comrade-in-arms who had fought alongside Zheng Jun in the bloody battle today, so his words were rather polite.

Liu Nanyun returned the greeting.

As a江湖人 (jianghu person) without any foundation in the imperial court, he naturally became more cautious.

Now, only six martial artists who have reached the Qi Refining stage remain in the city.

Of the eleven, Yan Cai, Murong Ling, and Helan Shan were all killed by Zheng Jun in the battle just now. Fang He was captured by Zheng Jun and surrendered on the spot. Fang Ping, fearing Zheng Jun's power and worried about being punished, fled to Anlong County.

Currently, there are only six martial artists who have reached the Qi Refining stage in this city.

Therefore, everyone appeared to be exceptionally cautious.

After exchanging pleasantries, Fang Cun asked, "General Liu, what brings you to see Gongyang Jin?"

Fang Cun was extremely dissatisfied with Gongyang Jin, and even refused to address him as "Marquis of Hancheng".

Upon hearing this, Liu Nanyun's expression turned slightly grave. He said in a low voice, "General Fang, I was ordered to take stock of the logistics and found that the food and military equipment have been greatly depleted, and the arrows and oil are almost exhausted. If they are not replenished in time, I am afraid that we will not be able to hold out for the defense of the city tomorrow. I was just about to report this matter to Marquis Hancheng."

"I see."

After listening, Fang Cun nodded and said, "Zheng Jun's offensive is fierce, and the consumption of supplies has indeed far exceeded expectations. It just so happens that I also need to go and discuss the defense of the North Gate with Lord Gongyang. Why don't we go together?"

Liu Nanyun cupped his hands and said, "It would be wonderful if General Fang were to accompany us. With you present, Marquis Hancheng might pay more attention to the urgency of logistics."

Fang Cun sighed softly, his tone tinged with dissatisfaction: "Now there are only six martial artists with the Qi Refining Realm left in the city, and that scoundrel Yan Cunzhen has also obtained command of the North Gate. How can we allow him to interfere with the foundation of the Fang family in Lanzhou? This time we must demand an explanation from Gongyang Jin."

Hearing Fang Cun's complaints, Liu Nanyun dared not speak.

He dared not say much about the factional disputes in Lanzhou.

However, given the circumstances, Liu Nanyun was somewhat dissatisfied.

What's the point of fighting over this and that at a time like this? Zheng Jun is about to break in.
The two hurried along, passing through several dark alleyways. The soldiers along the way looked exhausted, and the flickering firelight did not create a sense of grimness. Instead, the atmosphere was rather dim, giving the feeling of the sun setting in the west, as if the twilight between heaven and earth had become much heavier.

The feeling was quite strange, but neither of them paid much attention to it and stepped into the prefect's mansion.

However, as soon as they entered the prefectural governor's mansion, they felt a chilling coldness rushing towards them.

The candlelight flickered inside the mansion, but it couldn't illuminate the gloomy atmosphere that lingered between the beams and pillars, and even the sound of footsteps was swallowed up silently.

"That old scoundrel certainly knows how to put on airs, not even leaving a personal guard to guide him."

Fang Cun sneered and pushed open the inner hall door, but his words came to an abrupt end.

But then they saw Gongyang Jin sitting upright at his desk, his left hand still in the posture of holding a pen to write, but he remained motionless, as if he had become a wooden sculpture.

"Ok?"

Upon seeing this, the two were taken aback. Liu Nanyun immediately whispered, "Lord Hancheng, I'm here to report on logistics matters."

After he finished speaking, Gongyang Jin did not react at all.

Liu Nanyun was momentarily stunned.

Fang Cun realized something was wrong. He looked closely and saw that, illuminated by the candlelight, the face of this expert at the fifth level of the Qi Refining Realm was strangely bluish-gray, and his whole body was shrouded in wisps of twilight, as if some invisible force of time had drained all his vitality.

"wrong!"

Fang Cun suddenly realized something, rushed forward, and stood in front of Gongyang Jin. He looked closely and saw that Gongyang Jin had no breath and was already dead!
It looked like he had just died a few hours ago.

Upon seeing this, Fang Cun's expression changed drastically, and he whispered, "Gongyang Jin is dead!"

"what?!"

Liu Nanyun's expression also changed slightly: "Could it be that a traitorous assassin from Zheng Jun came here to commit murder? But I did not sense any other presence in the prefect's mansion, nor did I find any signs of a struggle. Could it be that Zheng Jun's strength has become so terrifying that he could kill Marquis Hancheng without leaving a trace?!"

Thinking about this, Liu Nanyun couldn't help but feel terrified.

Zheng Jun is already this strong, so what's the point of fighting?

I'm surrendering. Do as you please.

"Do not."

Fang Cun's expression was strange. He staggered and knocked over the lamp stand. He opened his mouth and said, "His lifespan has come to an end."

"Gongyang Jin was born in the 513th year of the Shenwu era, and was from Guanzhong."

Fang Cun took a deep breath and sighed, "He is now 347 years old. The average lifespan of a Qi Opening Martial Artist is around 300 years. Some Qi Opening Martial Artists die at the age of 260 or 270. It is normal for Gongyang Jin to die at this age."

"But why now?"

Fang Cun felt somewhat desperate.

Although he harbored some resentment towards Gongyang Jin, since Fang Yuan was killed by Zheng Jun, there were few commanders in Lanzhou who could mobilize an army of 300,000, and even fewer who truly possessed experience in commanding troops.

Gongyang Jin was the only one.

There were six martial artists who had reached the Qi Opening stage, no, wait, there are five now.

They are the backbone of the five of them who have mastered the essentials.

Gongyang Jin is now dead.

Fang Cun suddenly felt a wave of fear wash over him, and he didn't know what to do.

Upon hearing this, Liu Nanyun's face turned deathly pale, and his voice trembled slightly: "General Fang, this... what should we do? With the Marquis of Hancheng dead, the army is leaderless. If the news gets out, morale will surely collapse! Zheng Jun is going to attack the city tomorrow, we..."

Fang Cun abruptly raised his hand to interrupt him, his eyes sharp as knives: "Shut up!"

He took a deep breath, suppressing the surging fear in his chest, and whispered, "This matter must not be revealed to anyone. You and I will now straighten Gongyang Jin's body and make it appear as if he is still reviewing military affairs. We will announce to the outside world that he is in seclusion to recuperate, and no one is allowed to disturb him!"

Liu Nanyun swallowed hard and said with difficulty, "But what if Yan Cunzhen and Zhao Bo come to see me..."

"Use military orders as an excuse!" Fang Cun gritted his teeth and said, "You immediately draft a hand order in the name of Gongyang Jin, ordering Yan Cunzhen to take full responsibility for the defense of the North Gate, and the other generals to perform their respective duties. Also, transfer my personal guards to guard the prefectural governor's mansion. Just say... just say that the Marquis of Hancheng is studying a strategy to defeat the enemy and needs absolute peace and quiet!"

As Fang Cun spoke, he strode forward, pressed Gongyang Jin's stiff right hand onto the table, and then grabbed a brush and stuffed it between his fingers.

As the candlelight flickered, the grayish-blue face appeared strangely focused in the shadows.

Liu Nanyun was horrified, but knew he had no other choice. He could only say in a trembling voice, "How should we deal with Zheng Jun tomorrow? Without Marquis Hancheng in charge, I'm afraid we won't even be able to withstand a single strike of his blade!"

Fang Cun gritted his teeth and said, "Then let's wait until Zheng Jun arrives before we talk about it. You go and draft the order and inform the whole army!"

"Yes!"

Liu Nanyun took a deep breath, clasped his hands in agreement, and quickly left.

After Liu Nanyun left, Fang Cun looked back at Gongyang Jin's corpse, gave a bitter smile, and said to himself, "Old man, you always suppressed me when you were alive, but now that you're dead, you can at least be a clay statue."

After saying that, Fang Cun left without hesitation.

He planned to find Fang Jun, another martial artist from the Fang family who had reached the Qi Opening stage, and then leave together before Zheng Jun arrived.

That's right, let's go together.

Fang Cun knew perfectly well that Liu Nanyun's actions just now were all an act.

Once he leaves this door, he will seek out Yan Cunzhen and Zhao Bo, and then conspire to use their heads to curry favor with Zheng Jun!
The words I just spoke with Liu Nanyun were nothing but pretense.

He'd be a fool to stay here!

With this thought in mind, Fang Cun swiftly flew away.

After Liu Nanyun left, his previous panicked and hesitant expression vanished, replaced by an extremely normal and cold demeanor. He thought to himself, "Gongyang Jin is dead, and his troops are all routed and defeated. I'm afraid Ziyang County can't be held! Rather than fleeing now, I'd better find an opportunity to sell myself for a good price!"

Liu Nanyun spent the first half of his life wandering the underworld.

This doesn't mean he didn't want to make a living in the imperial court, but rather that there's a fixed position for everyone, and there weren't any suitable positions for martial artists of his caliber in the imperial court!

Although many prefects were martial artists at the third level of the Outer Strength realm, those positions were not for someone like Liu Nanyun, a rough and unrefined man who had mastered the basics.

the reason is simple.

They were either born into prominent families or were important talents recommended by prominent families to the imperial court.

Who are you sending it to?
Looking through the family genealogy, it seems that none of your ancestors for three generations were particularly distinguished. It was only in your generation that things started to improve. And you think you can become a prefect? ​​Go to sleep.

Why not go back and have more sons, and when the time of war comes, make meritorious contributions to the court? Perhaps this will protect your descendants and make your family a prominent clan.

After all, if given the chance, who wouldn't want to wield supreme power? Who would want to mingle in gangs in the martial world, appearing imposing on the surface but only able to bow down and fawn before the prefect?

Therefore, Liu Nanyun participated in the recruitment of Lanzhou and joined the Fang family, hoping to make a future after fighting Zheng Jun and obtain the position of prefect.

However, the current situation is clearly problematic; his predicament is no less than that of the 1949 invasion...

Liu Nanyun did not want his political career to end there, so he decided to switch sides in time, joining forces with Yan Cunzhen and Zhao Bo to defect and hand over the entire Ziyang City!

With this thought in mind, Liu Nanyun took a deep breath, transformed into a streak of light, and sped off towards Yan Cunzhen.

A short while later, Liu Nanyun arrived at the Yan family's residence in Ziyang County.

Liu Nanyun moved like a night owl, darting into the three-courtyard compound. Just as the Yan family guards raised their torches to warn them, Liu Nanyun whispered, "It's me!"

"General Liu?"

Yan Lie emerged from the shadows, his blade humming in its sheath. Recognizing Liu Nanyun, a cultivator at the initial stage of the Qi Refining Realm, he immediately tensed, whispering, "The patriarch is currently analyzing tomorrow's battle, you..."

He was panicked, worried that Liu Nanyun had recognized his scheme!

"Deduction? Deduction my ass, something terrible has happened!"

Liu Nanyun grabbed Yan Lie's wrist, his true energy causing the man's armor to rattle. After glancing at the five Yan family members with their swords drawn in the corner, he immediately transmitted his voice into the courtyard: "Lord Yan, I know you're listening. Gongyang Jin is dead!"

"All of you, stand back! No one is to remain within three zhang (approximately 10 meters)!"

Suddenly, Yan Cunzhen rushed out of the house, and after shouting sharply, he squeezed out the words through gritted teeth as the courtyard gate slammed shut: "Has the body been examined?"

Liu Nanyun said in a low voice, "It's absolutely true. Fang Cun tried to fool everyone, but I succeeded!"

Before Liu Nanyun could say anything more, Yan Cunzhen was already excited and immediately said, "Old Liu, go find Zhao Bo and have him take control of all four gates, east, west, south, and north, and don't let any of the Fang family's lackeys escape!"

"The Yan family's 40,000 troops are in full battle formation. The original plan was to start ahead of schedule, burn the entire city, and follow me to attack Fang Cun and Fang Jun's troops. I want to take their heads to welcome the Grand Commander into the city!"

Yan Cunzhen's voice was loud and clear, and the Yan family guards around him showed no surprise. They bowed and agreed, and immediately began to distribute weapons, preparing to make their move!
This scene left Liu Nanyun's head buzzing.

what?
So you've been wanting to rebel for a long time?
Thinking of this, Liu Nanyun's expression became complicated.

So they had been secretly in love all along?
You aristocratic families really know how to play the game.

Despite his complicated expression, Liu Nanyun did not hesitate at all and quickly flew off to find Zhao Bo, another martial artist in the city who had reached the Qi Refining stage.

After Liu Nanyun left, Yan Cunzhen did not hesitate. He drew his sword and shouted, "The Fang family is wicked! This battle is for the sake of the Marquis of Qin! Now that Gongyang Jin is dead, I, Yan Cunzhen, have rebelled! Soldiers, follow me to kill the remnants of the Fang family! Kill!"

"kill!"

The momentum is great.

The war started suddenly, and the night in Ziyang County was abruptly torn apart.

The war began so suddenly and unexpectedly. Yan Cunzhen's 40,000 personal guards surged towards the Fang family's camp like a tidal wave, and the red dragon formed by torches meandered through the streets and alleys.

In the drill ground east of the city, more than thirty members of the Fang family had just been awakened by shouts of killing when their tent flaps were cleaved into pieces by a long-handled sword.

"The Yan family has rebelled! Protect the young master!"

A Fang clan retainer at the peak of his cultivation rushed out of the tent, disheveled, but before he could finish speaking, he was pinned to the flagpole by three rockets.

He watched helplessly as a member of the Fang family, who had come to gain military merit, was hacked to pieces and then breathed his last.

"Yan Cunzhen dares to rebel! He dares to harm my Fang family!"

Fang Jun's roar echoed from the west of the city, and the True Essence of the Second Stage of the Qi shattered the tiles of half a street.

Fang Cun had previously approached Fang Jun, but Fang Jun did not make the same choice as Fang Cun. Instead, Fang Jun chose to stay in Ziyang County to cover the retreat of the Fang family members.

How can a clan elder just leave on his own when danger comes?

In response, Fang Jun also reprimanded Fang Cun.

Seeing that Fang Jun didn't want to leave, Fang Cun didn't want to stay and be buried with him, so he sped away on his own.

However, Fang Cun had just left, and Fang Jun hadn't had time to mobilize the Fang family's forces when the rebel Yan Cunzhen, who had been prepared in advance, arrived. Fang Jun could only be furious.

Fang Jun's roar was like a thunderclap, shattering the tiles along the entire street. His eyes were bloodshot, his true energy surging like a raging torrent, and a long black iron spear in his hand emitted a blinding cold light, pointing directly at Yan Cunzhen: "Old dog Yan! Your son Yan Caigang was beheaded by Zheng Jun on the battlefield, and you actually have the nerve to betray us?! The Fang family has raised your Yan family for a hundred years, and this is the kind of shameless scoundrel you've produced?!"

Yan Cunzhen sneered, and the Qingfeng sword in his sleeve rang out of its sheath, frost and snow condensing as it swirled: "Fang Jun! Your Fang family has colluded with demons to wreak havoc in the Central Plains. I have endured humiliation for many years, and today the clouds have finally parted and the sun has risen!"

His sword stance suddenly shifted, and a three-zhang-long frost sword aura swept out, cutting more than ten Fang family guards in half at the waist: "You old thief Fang Ji, in order to break through to the Yuan Dan realm, used the life essence of my Lanzhou people to refine pills, and you dare to talk about shame?!"

"fart!"

Fang Jun roared, his spear surging like a black dragon probing the sea, the true energy bursting from its tip shattering the icy sword energy.

He strode forward, his spear flashing into hundreds of black streaks, forcing Yan Cunzhen back three steps. At the same time, he shouted, "The old ancestor used only death row inmates to refine pills. You old scoundrel, you praised the old ancestor's benevolence when you were sharing the pills back then!"

The aftershocks of the clash of their true essences overturned houses along half the street. Suddenly, Yan Cunzhen changed his sword technique, and his Qingfeng sword ignited with a ghostly blue flame, which was the Yan family's ancestral divine power, the "Mysterious Nether True Flame"!
No one would have imagined that the Yan family, known for their ice-attribute swordsmanship, would possess a supernatural power that is actually fire!

Flames spread up the shaft of the spear. Fang Jun hurriedly spun the spear to disperse the flames, but Yan Cunzhen took the opportunity to make a hand seal, and seven ice locks suddenly shot out from the ground and wrapped around his legs.

"The Yan family is truly declining with each generation!"

Fang Jun grinned maliciously, his muscles bulged, and he actually shattered the ice lock. At the same time, his spear suddenly transformed into a sky full of starlight, each strike accurately piercing Yan Cunzhen's vital points, forcing the opponent to retreat repeatedly, and three bloody holes appeared on his armor.

Just as Yan Cunzhen was beginning to show signs of defeat, two long howls suddenly echoed through the night sky.

Zhao Bo descended from the sky wielding two maces, smashing one mace against Fang Jun's spear shaft, sparks flying everywhere; Liu Nanyun, meanwhile, darted behind Fang Jun like a ghost, aiming straight for his back with the Judge's Pen!
Fang Jun hastily parried with his spear, but Yan Cunzhen sliced ​​off half of his shoulder armor with a single sword strike. "You three traitors! Do you dare to fight one-on-one?" Fang Jun spat out blood and shouted fiercely.

Yan Cunzhen breathed a sigh of relief, then shouted, "Kill him quickly, eliminate the stubborn elements in the city as soon as possible, and welcome the Grand Commander into the city!"

Zhao Bo wielded his double maces to create a golden wall of energy, Liu Nanyun painfully drew talismans with his judge's pen, and Yan Cunzhen pointed his sword at the sky.

The Green Edge Sword transformed into an Ice Phoenix, the Twin Maces solidified into a Golden Tiger, and the Judge's Pen drew out a Black Dragon, all rushing towards Fang Jun!
"boom!"

The shockwave from the collision of the four forces leveled dozens of houses in the surrounding area.

Amidst the smoke and dust, Fang Jun staggered back seven steps, his chest armor shattered, and his left arm twisted unnaturally.

Just as he was about to brace himself with his spear, Yan Cunzhen suddenly appeared in front of him, his Qingfeng sword piercing through his throat!
"You... Yan family... will not have a good time..."

Fang Jun's eyes widened, and his unfinished words were abruptly cut short by the gushing blood.

Yan Cunzhen drew his sword and sneered, "I'd like to see whether your Fang family line will end first, or my Yan family will perish first!"

He turned to Yan Lie, who had rushed over, and shouted, "Send the order! Hang Fang Jun's head at the north gate!"

"Yes!"

Without hesitation, Yan Lie stepped forward and beheaded Fang Qun, then prepared to take control of the city gate.

Zhao Bo and Liu Nanyun spoke different words, but everything was understood without being said.

Immediately afterwards, the war in Ziyang City continued.

The county town before dawn was like a purgatory.

The war gradually subsided as the eastern sky began to lighten.

Everything belonging to the Fang family in Ziyang City was executed, and tens of thousands died or were injured in the massacre that night.

Everything was over. Yan Cunzhen, full of heroic spirit, did not hesitate and loudly ordered, "Open the city gates! Welcome the royal army!"

……

The next morning, the gates of Ziyang County were opened wide.

When Zheng Jun led his troops into the city, his expression was somewhat strange.

I originally thought that Ziyang City, with its army of over 100,000, would be a tough nut to crack, but to my surprise, it was taken so easily.
I haven't even done anything yet!

As he rode his warhorse, his gaze swept over the head of Fang Jun hanging on the city wall, then looked at Yan Cunzhen, Zhao Bo, Liu Nanyun and others kneeling on both sides of the city gate. His brows furrowed slightly, as if he were pondering something.

"Grand Governor!"

Upon seeing Zheng Jun enter the city, Yan Cunzhen immediately stepped forward, cupped his hands, and loudly proclaimed, "This humble general, Yan Cunzhen, has already annihilated the Fang clan traitors and pacified Ziyang City last night. I am here to lead my troops to respectfully welcome the royal army!"

His voice was loud and clear, with a hint of boasting.

Seeing this, Zheng Jun went along with his wishes, showing an approving expression, and said, "Patriarch Yan is indeed decisive and efficient. You deserve the most credit for taking the city this time."

Upon hearing this, Yan Cunzhen immediately laughed and said, "The Fang family has been acting perversely, and I have long wanted to get rid of them. Last night, upon learning that Gongyang Jin was dead, I immediately raised an army to clear the way for the Grand Commander!"

"Patriarch Yan, you've worked hard."

Zheng Jun nodded slightly. After riding into the city, he looked at the Ziyang City, which already showed some signs of burning, and said, "In that case, this place will be left to the five generals Yan, Liu, Zhao, Fang, and Wei."

Zheng Jun continued, "Leave the Lanzhou army behind to reorganize the troops in Ziyang City. The rest of the troops will follow me south to Anlong County and then to the walls of Lanzhou!"

After saying this, Zheng Jun turned his horse around and headed south, returning the way he came without entering the city.

This scene surprised Yan Cunzhen, Zhao Bo, and the others. The next second, they realized that the Grand Commander was indeed a famous general.

The Grand Commander made no attempt to rest and planned to lead his army directly south, taking advantage of the vulnerability of Anlong County to crush the garrison and besiege the city!

This is the source of the Grand Commander's confidence!

Upon realizing this, the group immediately became convinced and respectfully saw Zheng Jun off.

After Zheng Jun left, the two Zheng Junfang who remained in the area were Wei Tu, the commander of the Lanzhou army.

The other was their old friend, Fang He, the only martial artist from the Fang family to surrender.

Upon seeing Fang He, everyone appeared somewhat embarrassed.

However, they quickly managed to defuse the awkward situation.

"..."

After leaving the city, Zheng Jun wanted to lead the Cangdao Army and Xiaoguo Army, who had rested for a night, to continue south.

Resting for a night doesn't actually have any obvious effect.

It only provides some psychological relief.

But now that the opportunity is too good to pass up, Zheng Jun felt he should also overcome his fatigue.

After all, in his previous life, the truly famous Prince Qin, Li Shimin, had confronted Song Jingang and Liu Wuzhou for many days until Song Jingang could not hold on any longer and withdrew his troops. Only then did Li Shimin decisively launch an attack, marching more than 200 li at night, pursuing Song Jingang's troops for three days and three nights, fighting dozens of battles, large and small, and recovering the entire territory of Shanxi.

His military exploits were extraordinary, and upon his return, the soldiers composed music based on old military tunes, which became known as the "Qin King's Battle Music".

At this moment, just as at that moment.

However, his opponent was a bit too childish, making his pursuit too easy.

With this thought in mind, Zheng Jun rode his horse to the front of the Cangdao Army and the Xiaoguo Army, his true energy surging around him, his robes fluttering in the wind.

His piercing gaze swept over the array of soldiers, and with a clang, he drew his Dragon Abyss Blade, its blade pointing straight south, the sound of which resounded like a great bell throughout the heavens and earth.
"Soldiers! The gates of Ziyang City are wide open for us, and the Fang family's stronghold is within reach! Last night, the righteous men of the Yan family beheaded Fang Jun and executed the traitor. Now, Anlong County is nothing but a pack of stray dogs. That fugitive general Fang Ping is probably cowering behind the city wall, trembling with fear!"

The sonic boom, carrying the oppressive force of the collapsing sun, swept across the army formation. The Xiaoguo Army's Mo Dao soldiers unconsciously straightened their backs, hearing the sharp whistling of the Grand Commander's blade cutting through the air:

"Do the remnants of the Fang family think they can escape our slaughter just because the city walls are high and strong? How laughable! Today, I, the governor, will see if they have any backbone..."

The Dragon Abyss Blade suddenly burst forth with a hundred-foot-long golden light. Zheng Jun spurred his horse forward and shouted, "Our army's blades are still sharper!"

"Wan Sheng! Wan Sheng!"

The 40,000 veteran soldiers of Cangdao and the 40,000 elite warriors roared in unison, the sound of their swords scabbards hitting the ground causing panic all around, and making the newly surrendered soldiers in Ziyang County shrink back in fear.

"Set out for the expedition, head south to Anlong!"

With Zheng Jun's order, the 80,000-strong army set off, heading straight for Anlong.

Behind them, the iron torrent rolled across the official road like a raging wave, and the army marched on, turning the land black with their trampling.

The entire army marched at breakneck speed, and a day later, Zheng Jun led his troops to the city of Anlong, where the setting sun was turning the city walls blood red.

To Zheng Jun's surprise, the city gates of Anlong County were wide open, and more than ten Anlong officials knelt down to welcome them. The county magistrate, who was in charge, raised his seal and his voice trembled as he said, "Grand Commander, please be wise! We are willing to surrender the city to you. We hope that you will not resort to force!"

Upon seeing this, Zheng Jun was taken aback.

What's happening here?
Upon seeing this, Zheng Jun instinctively asked, "Why surrender?"

Upon hearing this, the Prefectural Magistrate raised his official seal high, his forehead pressed to the ground, his voice trembling with awe: "The Grand Commander's divine might is unparalleled! First, he shattered the 100,000-strong army of Jingyuan, then launched a surprise attack on Tan County, defeating 30,000 soldiers, and then slew Hong Shanhe! The 300,000-strong army of Lanzhou was like clay chickens and earthen dogs, and even the elite cavalry under the Qin King's command were reduced to ashes under your blade! The people of Anlong County are terrified at the mere mention of your name. How dare we fight against such a formidable enemy? Today, we offer up the city to surrender, hoping that the Grand Commander will have mercy and spare our people from the calamity of war!"

The officials behind him kowtowed in agreement, and one of them, a white-haired registrar, tremblingly presented a register of households: "Since the Grand Commander's successive victories, ninety percent of the city's garrison has deserted in three days. That traitor Fang Ping fled here the day before yesterday, and this morning he absconded with the treasury's silver... This is a sign from Heaven, and Anlong should submit to the true Lord!"

The soldiers guarding the city wall had long since removed their armor and weapons, and now a bolder one leaned out and shouted, "May Governor Zheng be victorious!"

The shout was like a spark thrown into a hot oil pan, instantly triggering a chorus of responses throughout the city.

Seeing this, Zheng Jun had already extracted the key information.

Fang Ping has run away yet again.

This guy is quite good at escaping.

Of the eight martial artists who had besieged Gongyang Jin, all of them were either dead or had surrendered. Only Fang Ping fled south, truly renowned for his swift and agile movements.

Zheng Jun shook his head and looked around, not seeming to be hiding any soldiers.

However, he remained very vigilant and immediately said, "The Cangdao Army will follow me into the city, while the Xiaoguo Army will temporarily garrison outside the city and be ready to provide support at any time."

Once inside the city, even if the enemy activates the formation, Zheng Jun will have no fear and will be able to defeat them from within.

After all, once the formation is activated, the difference between the inside and outside is enormous.

It may be indestructible on the outside, but it's not so strong on the inside.

The army entered the city without any ambush. The Fang family's army had indeed withdrawn and dared not ambush Zheng Jun.

Zheng Jun was speechless upon seeing this.

It really is.

In this way, he has already gained control of seven of the eight prefectures of Lanzhou.

Yulian, Ningyuan, Jingyuan, Batang, Guangping, Ziyang, Anlong.

All seven prefectures were now under his control, except for Xinyi, which was located behind Lanzhou City, and was not under his control.

However, as long as I break through Lanzhou City, Xinyi will be no problem.

In addition, there are the three prefectures of Kangle, Yanting, and Pingzhang in Bozhou.

Zheng Jun's current sphere of influence is no less than that of the Yuan Dan Martial Saint.

He could even start considering what title to use after becoming king.

Zheng Jun fell into deep thought.

To be honest, it's not that Zheng Jun has become arrogant.

Zheng Jun now has only one thought and idea: if he were to become king, what would be the best title to use?

He can't exactly call himself 'King of Storms'.

For Zheng Jun, this title was a bit strange, but for this world, it was actually quite normal.

The reason Lanzhou is called Lanzhou is because it was once part of the ancient Lan Kingdom.

However, Zheng Jun didn't really like the title of king. After thinking about it for a while, he thought the title of King of Han was better and he liked it very much.

After all, it was the Han dynasty that ultimately unified Qin.

But calling him the King of Han here feels somewhat incongruous.

After thinking about it for a while, Zheng Jun shook his head and banished the inexplicable thought.

For him, declaring himself king now would undoubtedly be a suicidal move.

Although the territory is large, it is based on the endorsement of Cai's son-in-law and Emperor Yongchang. Emperor Yongchang now has a large number of Yuan Dan under his command, and ordinary forces dare not provoke him at first. This is why he has not become too powerful and attracted trouble.

But if he were to declare himself king, it would be a huge experience boost for the King of Zhao in Suzhou, the King of Chu in Chuzhou, the Emperor of Southern Liang, and even the patriarch of the Lu family in Xuanzhou!

They can enjoy a delicious meal without worrying about being labeled as traitors due to public opinion.

Extremely comfortable.

If one truly wants to become king, besides having the right status, one must also have absolute strength.

At least, one can only consider this after reaching the Yuan Dan Martial Saint level.

The most important thing right now is to find an opportunity to kill Fang Ji and take complete control of Lanzhou.

With this thought in mind, Zheng Jun took a deep breath and immediately ordered the entire army: "Tonight we will rest in Anlong County. Tomorrow at dawn, we will prepare food and march straight to Lanzhou City!"

……

Lanzhou City, the ancestral home of the Fang family.

Fang Ping and Fang Cun knelt outside the forbidden area where the ancestor was in seclusion, their foreheads pressed against the cold floor tiles, their robes soaked with cold sweat.

"Ancestor... the army of 300,000 has been defeated."

Fang Cun's voice trembled, his throat dry as if swallowing sand: "Gongyang Jin is dead, Helan Mountain committed suicide, Yan Cunzhen betrayed us, and Ziyang and Anlong counties were lost... Now, only Lanzhou City and Xinyi County remain."

Fang Ping and Fang Cun were somewhat disheartened. Although they had escaped back to their family, the series of defeats still brought tears to their eyes.

Three hundred thousand troops!

This is a full 300,000 troops!

How could we lose so inexplicably?
Before they even understood what was happening, they began to collapse, collapse, and collapse again.

Of those who returned to Lanzhou City, only 20,000 from Fangping remained.

They felt utterly hopeless. The pressure Zheng Jun exerted on them was so overwhelming that it drained them of all their strength, and they even began to doubt whether their ancestor could defeat Zheng Jun or be his opponent.

However, after the two reported, there was no feedback whatsoever.

There was only silence.

Deep within the forbidden area, all was deathly silent, as if even the wind had frozen.

Fang Ping trembled all over, his teeth chattering, and he dared not raise his head.

Just then, a deafening roar suddenly erupted, and the entire city of Lanzhou shook violently!

"boom--!"

Fang Ping suddenly looked up, his pupils shrinking sharply.

Above the forbidden area, a five-colored pillar of light shot into the sky, the power of the five elements of metal, wood, water, fire and earth intertwined and swirled, transforming into a huge vortex that blotted out the sky!

"This...this is?!"

Fang Cun was horrified. He saw an old figure slowly rising from the five-colored pillar of light. The figure was surrounded by the true essence of the five elements, and its aura was rising steadily, causing the entire world to tremble!
This is clearly a sign of the unity of the five elements!
"Ancestor...you've succeeded?!"

Fang Ping's voice was hoarse, and his eyes flashed with wild joy.

However, his smile suddenly froze the next moment.

"not enough……"

A hoarse sound, like metal scraping against metal, came from the pillar of light. The figure of Ancestor Fang Ji gradually became clear. His eyes were closed, and his skin was as transparent as glass. Five-colored light flowed through his internal organs, as if he was transforming into a higher level of existence!

The five elements unite, half a step towards the primordial elixir!
"Ancestor!" Fang Cun kowtowed excitedly, "You have already stepped into the half-step Yuan Dan realm, and you are only one step away from truly reaching the Yuan Dan realm!"

Fang Ji slowly opened his eyes, but there were no pupils in them, only five-colored vortexes swirling around. His voice was cold and ruthless: "Although the five elements are combined, the Yuan Dan has not yet been condensed... Moreover, my combination of the five elements was delayed by your news, and it is slightly imperfect. It still needs a 'great medicine' to supplement it."

"Big medicine?"

Fang Ping was taken aback, then suddenly realized what was happening and said in a trembling voice, "Ancestor, you mean..."

Fang Ji's lips curled up slightly, revealing a sinister smile.

"good."

He slowly raised his hand, his five fingers spread out, and a blood-red array pattern appeared in his palm. The array pattern spread and instantly covered the entire Lanzhou City!

“Buzz——!!!”

The earth trembled, and all the martial artists in the city with the Fang family bloodline felt their blood and qi surging, as if something was being forcibly drawn out of them!
"Ancestor?!"

Fang Cun was horrified. He felt his true energy leaking out uncontrollably and rushing towards Fang Ji!

"what!"

Fang Ping and Fang Cun suddenly knelt down and screamed in agony, their pores spewing out the essence of the five elements.

The two's cultivation levels plummeted from the Tongqiao Realm to the Waigang Realm, and the extracted essence flowed into the pillar of light like rivers flowing into the sea!

"The ancestor is drawing blood from his descendants to replenish his Dao foundation..."

Fang Cun's face was filled with terror, and he thought desperately in his heart, "He doesn't care about the foundation of Lanzhou at all; he only wants to use the great battle to break through to the Yuan Dan realm!"

Fang Cun and Fang Ping's bodies shrank at a visible rate, their skin quickly losing its luster and shrinking like withered tree bark.

His martial arts cultivation level declined from the external strength stage all the way down, from accumulating qi and refining blood until he became an ordinary mortal, and finally he was completely reduced to a limp shell.

Their eyes bulged out of their sockets, and they made hoarse "hoarse" sounds in their throats, but they couldn't utter a single complete sentence.

"If I had known these clansmen were so incompetent, I would not have let them fight. Instead, I would have absorbed them all into my body before the battle to replenish their essence and true energy. This would have saved me two months of hard training and adjustment."

After absorbing the two Fang clan martial artists into dried-up husks, the old ancestor Fang Ji landed on the ground. His gaze pierced through the void as he looked towards the direction outside the city, his voice as cold as the wind from the deepest hell: "Zheng Jun, you've come at the right time."

“This boy is exceptionally talented. After I have absorbed all of the Fang family’s blood and energy and completely refined those 20,000 soldiers, I will use his heart, liver, spleen, lungs and kidneys as a catalyst.”

A greedy glint appeared in Fang Ji's eyes: "If that's the case..."

"The Yuan Dan is ready!"

(End of this chapter)