Loan Wusheng

Chapter 240 It’s all a misunderstanding
"kill!"

"..."

The sounds of battle raged on, and Xu Shimao led 200,000 Han troops in formation north of Yanmen, their banners obscuring the sun.

To contain the main force of the Han army, Wu Liyang dispatched his general "Tufa Wu," who was in charge of the four borders of Tongqiao, to lead 80,000 iron cavalry to launch a surprise attack on the left flank of the Han army. This general was of mixed Western and Central Chinese descent, and he wielded a hundred-pound wolf-tooth mace. He had fought alongside Wu Liyang in the north and south and was known for his fierce reputation.

Although it seems like 200,000 versus 80,000, the advantage is in my hands.

But unfortunately, the situation is completely different, and the advantage lies with him.

Because Xu Shimao's 200,000-strong army consisted mostly of local county and prefectural soldiers, as well as surrendered soldiers recruited during the campaigns, their combat strength was poor and they were not elite troops.

The 80,000 iron cavalry led by Wu Liyang's general 'Tufa Wu' had been fighting on the front lines of the Western Di for many years. Therefore, the strength of these 80,000 cavalry was naturally incomparable to Xu Shimao's 200,000 infantry.

Even so, Xu Shimao was no ordinary man, and he was not so easily slaughtered by these 80,000 iron cavalry. He was still able to hold out for a while.

All of this is predicated on Wu Liyang not being involved.

If Wu Liyang, a Yuan Dan Martial Saint, were to perish, his only fate would be death.

After all, things are different now than when the capital was besieged. The Prince of Jin doesn't have many troops, but this military governor of Suzhou really does have quite a few troops, giving people a completely different feeling.

Fortunately, Suzhou borders Xuanzhou.

The Lu family of Xuanzhou also put some pressure on Wu Liyang, preventing him from personally taking action to defeat Xu Shimao's 200,000 troops.

After all, once Wu Liyang makes a move, Lu Zhenglin will not hesitate to send troops westward and attack Yanmen, turning Wu Liyang into a homeless dog.

The fact that a Yuan Dan Martial Saint was unable to take action due to this matter naturally relieved a lot of pressure on Xu Shimao, but for Xu Shimao, the 80,000 cavalrymen were still deadly.

However, just as the two sides clashed again and suffered heavy losses, Tuoba Wu, the military governor of Suzhou, suddenly received a military order to immediately begin withdrawing his troops without hesitation. He did not even take back the several counties he had previously occupied, and withdrew completely back to Yanmen.

Upon receiving this military order, Xu Shimao was initially taken aback, but quickly understood what had happened and immediately smiled: "His Majesty has won the campaign against the Western Barbarians!"

Otherwise, Xu Shimao did not believe there was any other way to change Wu Liyang.

Therefore, Xu Shimao immediately ordered: "The entire army shall remain in place and not change course. General Zhang Wen of Wuwei shall lead 50,000 troops to advance and occupy the counties."

"promise!"

Upon receiving Xu Shimao's instructions, the generals immediately went to give orders to their respective troops according to military orders.

As for Xu Shimao himself...

Naturally, I had to visit Zheng Jun as soon as possible.

After all, he had no other means.

We can't exactly storm into Yanmen County and face off against a Yuan Dan Martial Saint in his prime, can we?
Not very realistic.

Xu Shimao thought this was pure wishful thinking; with his abilities, he could only rely on the great formation to maneuver around the situation.

It is more important to pay homage to His Majesty.

After finishing all his military affairs here, Xu Shimao spurred his horse and headed towards Yunzhong County.

Yunzhong County had been ravaged by the Western Di people and Murong Lang in the past six months, leaving it in ruins, with no chickens crowing for miles and no human habitation for miles around.

However, after the Han army recaptured the area, killed the two Western Di chieftains, and destroyed Murong Lang, Yunzhong County regained some vitality. Some people who had previously cowered in Yunzhong County and dared not come out gradually emerged from their houses, singing and dancing to welcome the royal army.

Zheng Jun himself resided in the capital of Yunzhong County.

Although Yunzhong County was desolate, Murong Lang, indulging in pleasure, built this 'royal palace' in an extremely magnificent and grand manner. When Zheng Jun arrived, he almost thought he had entered the capital city.

It's just an empty shell, lacking the mysterious grand formations of the Forbidden City.

Zheng Jun himself, on the other hand, was considering how to prove his path to enlightenment.

Zheng Jun has now reached the peak of the mid-stage of the Yuan Dan realm, and is not far from the late stage of the Yuan Dan realm. After killing the two Yuan Dan Martial Saints of Xidi, he gained nothing except the proficiency in the 'Great Dao Martial Book', which made Zheng Jun quite regretful.

"Alas, the Western Di have been a nation for over four thousand years, an ancient country that has existed since the Xia Dynasty. Their royal court must have a lot of treasures, probably comparable to the treasury of the capital... What a pity."

Zheng Jun felt a little regretful that he had failed to seize the treasure trove of the Western Di royal court.

However, it wouldn't hurt to go to the grasslands to collect some more in a few months.

What Zheng Jun found strange was that the Western Di were so weak and incompetent, so why hadn't the Divine Martial Emperor taken action to wipe them out?

Whether it's the Western Di, the Northern Rong, the Eastern Yi, or the Southern Man, these four barbarian tribes may seem aggressive, but in the end, they are nothing more than Yuan Dan Martial Saints.

The Divine Martial Emperor of that time was at the Dharma Aspect Realm.

Apart from the Divine Emperor, why didn't the two Dharma Emperors of the Xia Dynasty, the Wei Emperor, and the Yu Emperor take action to destroy the Western Di?
Leaving aside the two emperors of the ancient Xia dynasty, let's talk about Emperor Wei, Emperor Yu, and Emperor Zhou Shenwu. Although the Yuan Dan Ancestral Spirit on Yin Mountain is indeed fierce, what does it matter to the Dharma Image?
They're nothing but straw dogs; they can be easily suppressed.

Zheng Jun had no experience with the Northern Rong, Southern Man, and Eastern Yi peoples and was therefore unaware of their situation.

But they must be quite similar to the Western Di.

If that's the case, why hasn't it been eradicated yet?

Zheng Jun pondered for a moment.

Perhaps, this is all preordained? Or perhaps, after condensing the Dharma image of the 'Lord of the World,' the emperor became less concerned with territorial expansion?
With this thought in mind, Zheng Jun didn't think too much about it. He just stared at the direction at the end of the palace and at the Dragon Guard soldiers who rushed over to report. Before they could even open their mouths to report, Zheng Jun raised his hand and said, "Let Xu Shimao in."

Upon hearing this, the Dragon Guard soldiers were immediately taken aback.

He came to inform the Duke of Xinyi, Xu Shimao, of his request for an audience, but little did he know that His Majesty the Emperor already knew about it.

Although he was stunned for a moment, he quickly recovered and immediately whispered "Yes" before hurriedly retreating to summon Xu Shimao for an audience.

Not long after, Xu Shimao was granted an audience.

"Your subject, Xu Shimao, Duke of Xinyi, pays his respects to Your Majesty. Long live the Emperor!"

Xu Shimao was extremely respectful.

"Be flat."

Upon seeing this, Zheng Jun remained calm and said to Xu Shimao, "Why is the Duke of Xinyi here? Didn't I order you to be stationed outside Yanmen?"

Upon hearing Zheng Jun's words, Xu Shimao respectfully replied, "Your Majesty, I humbly report that recently, the rebel army suddenly scattered like birds and beasts. I knew then that Your Majesty's might had prevailed and that the rebels had won. Knowing this, they must be filled with dread and dare not harbor any further thoughts of invading our borders. Therefore, I have come here to report the military situation."

Upon hearing this, Zheng Jun chuckled and said, "That's right. I first beheaded the Western Di high priest, and then pursued and killed the Western Di Chanyu Hu Yang at Yinshan. Two of the Western Di's three Yuan Pills have been used up, so the Western Di are no longer a threat."

"Even if you don't come, I will still summon you."

After saying that, Zheng Jun paused for a moment and then continued in a cold voice: "That Wu Liyang dared to join forces with the Western Di to invade the border while I was in seclusion. This crime is truly intolerable! I want to discuss with Shimao how to wipe out Wu Liyang."

Wu Liyang cannot be allowed to stay.

Although this person had joined Zheng Jun in supporting Emperor Jinglong, the last emperor of the Great Zhou Dynasty, two years ago, they were ultimately not on the same path.

Life is full of divergent paths, and since they have already parted ways, Zheng Jun naturally wouldn't hold back their past friendship and show him any mercy.

Immediate annihilation is the only way to achieve victory!
Upon hearing this, Xu Shimao immediately offered his advice and suggestions.

Before long, the Longwu Guards returned and said outside the palace: "Your Majesty, an envoy from the Suzhou Military Governor's Office has come to deliver a letter from the rebel Wu."

Upon hearing the noise outside the hall, Zheng Jun raised his hand and used his true essence to retrieve the letter. Then, he said rudely, "Envoy, get lost. Leave the letter behind."

Upon hearing this, those outside the hall dared not utter a word and immediately withdrew.

Zheng Jun picked up Wu Liyang's letter and opened it to read.

The content is very simple. In short, it can be summarized in one sentence—

It's all a misunderstanding.

The letter was written in Wu Liyang's own handwriting; he had clearly chickened out and was writing to beg for mercy.

Zheng Jun couldn't help but sneer at this.

Now you want to back down?

What are you doing?
"His Majesty."

Suddenly, Xu Shimao spoke up: "Why not let Wu Liyang go and order him to leave Yanmen and go to Jiaodong to serve?"

Upon hearing Xu Shimao's words, Zheng Jun raised his head: "You mean you want him to go and seek refuge with that imposter?"

It's highly likely that Emperor Yongchang has truly returned.

However, Zheng Jun's Han regime could not possibly admit that the Yongchang Emperor was not dead, and would naturally call him an imposter.

"How come I heard that in the Central Plains War, that person was quite strong, causing the Prince of Qi to suffer repeated defeats?" Zheng Jun said, "That person only has Shu Weiyuan under his command. He was so powerful even with two Yuan Dan cultivators fighting against seven Yuan Dan cultivators. If Wu Liyang were to go as well, wouldn't that be like adding wings to a tiger?"

“Your Majesty, no matter how strong that person is, it’s only a temporary advantage. Once the King of Qi, the King of Han, the King of Wei, the King of Yue, Wei Bohu, Yang Hui, and Yang Hong of the pseudo-Zhou have coordinated their efforts and made a joint attack, the situation will be reversed,” Xu Shimao said. “How can Jiaodong Prefecture possibly contend with seven Yuan Dan cultivators?”

Yes, no matter how powerful Emperor Yongchang was, he was helpless against these seven Yuan Dan Martial Saints.

In Xu Shimao's view, the man returned as swiftly as lightning.

But it can only last for four or five years at most; sooner or later, it will inevitably fail.

Once the sons of the Divine Martial Emperor are free to deal with something, it's obvious who they'll be targeting.

Therefore, it would be better to send Wu Liyang there to relieve the pressure.

Upon hearing this, Zheng Jun felt there was some truth to it.

Killing Wu Liyang will at most increase the repayment progress.

However, sending Wu Liyang to Jiaodong would delay a period of stability.

During this time, I was able to continue my dedicated practice.

Zheng Jun now has only one thought: to break through to the peak of the Yuan Dan realm as soon as possible and unleash the 'Lord of the World' Dharma Image in advance.

He directly gave the whole world a great transformation.

"In that case, let's draft an edict."

Zheng Jun took a deep breath and said, "In this way, I can also demonstrate my benevolence."

"promise."

Xu Shimao immediately clasped his hands in agreement.

After the edict was issued, Zheng Jun felt a vague unease in his heart.

It's not that he felt uneasy about Wu Liyang.

Instead, he felt somewhat uneasy about Emperor Yongchang.

After all, according to Cai Kang's words that day, this guy had already self-destructed his Yuan Dan and escaped.

Now, he has returned as a Super Yuan Dan, defeating Qi Wang and Wei Bohu so badly that they could not even raise their heads. His winning streak has indeed puzzled Zheng Jun.

"In the land of the East Sea, there dwells the True Lord of the Subdued Dragon Cave."

Zheng Jun let out a breath. Behind this Emperor Yongchang must be this powerful Dharma Master: "According to what Old Man Cai said, the Dharma Masters cultivated by these people are 'stealing heavenly secrets,' could it be..."

Zheng Jun already had some vague guesses.

However, this speculation has nothing to do with him.

After all, Jiaodong Prefecture and his current territory are not exactly worlds apart, but they are still thousands of miles apart.

Moreover, even if that 'Shangdong Fulong Zhenjun' really had some ideas, there are tall people to hold up the sky if it falls, so what is there to be afraid of?
With this thought in mind, Zheng Jun felt refreshed and immediately turned his attention to Liangzhou.

If Wu Liyang leaves, then Liangzhou will be all that's left.

……

On the shores of the East China Sea, towering waves crash against the shore, and snow-white waves pile up on the reefs.

A young Taoist priest sat alone on a precipice, his black robes fluttering like clouds rolling across the sky.

Holding a nine-section green bamboo pole, its golden thread disappears amidst the white foam and surging waves, the buoy bobbing with the waves, as if the fairy island of Penglai suddenly appears in the misty sea.

Suddenly, the raging waves crashed down like a collapsing mountain, but the Taoist sat calmly and still, like an old monk in meditation, his spirit wandering in the vast emptiness.

Despite the fierce wind tearing at his sleeves, he remained calm; despite the crashing waves, he became even more steadfast, like a pine tree standing on a cliff or a lone crane perched on a cold pool.

"Fellow."

As the crashing waves broke the shore, a clear voice suddenly drifted from the depths of the East China Sea, echoing like a secluded valley, or like a mirage: "We are both from the same homeland, why do you block my way home?"

"The Central Plains are too vast; they need a 'ruler of the world' to stabilize the realm."

The young Taoist priest sat calmly on the fishing platform, speaking softly. But just sitting there, he seemed to be blessed by heaven, making no one want to compete with him: "If you are trying to steal the Emperor's fortune, then please go back."

This Taoist priest is one of the two Dharma images of the Central Plains, namely, the Venerable Qingxu Wanfa.

He was also a figure who was stationed in the northern region, with his dojos spread throughout the northern country.

And the one speaking to him across the sea was naturally the Dharma Master of the East Sea, the [Shangdong Fulong Zhenjun].

As for the words of "Master Qingxu Wanfa", "True Lord Fulong of Shangdong" clearly did not take them seriously, and even sneered at them.

So you've finished eating and now you won't let anyone else sit at the table?
Why is the martial arts world of the Great Zhou Dynasty so powerless and despised by the officialdom?
It's important to know that during the Wei Dynasty, the martial arts world was incredibly vibrant. Most ordinary martial artists sought a carefree life by roaming the martial arts world. At that time, the leader of the martial arts alliance held a position second only to the emperor.

The emperors of the Wei Dynasty also turned a blind eye to people from the martial arts world, granting them certain privileges as long as they did not assassinate court officials.

But why did the martial arts sects appear so inadequate during the Yu and Zhou dynasties?

Besides the fact that the emperor set up an agency to manage the martial arts world, it was also because of this 'Master Qingxu Wanfa' before us!
Master Qingxu Wanfa was born in the martial arts world. After attaining the Dharma form of "Dao Wuwei", he wanted to attain another Dharma form, "Jianghu You", and then devour it. So he took the initiative to interfere with the process of the martial arts world, causing it to wither and lose its former vitality.

Now, the 'True Lord of the Upper Cave Subduing Dragon' is about to steal the Emperor's fortune, and the 'Master of Pure Void and Myriad Laws' has come out to stop him, saying that the world cannot be without a 'Lord of the World'.

But no matter what he says, isn't it just that he doesn't want me to set foot in the Central Plains and seize his dojo?

hypocritical.

The True Lord of the Upper Cave, Fulong, naturally ignored this and instead launched a fierce attack.

Since he had already forced Emperor Yongchang back, what could this old fellow do?

At worst, we can just have a fight right here on the shores of the East China Sea!
Before long, a magnificent radiance suddenly appeared at the horizon where the sea meets the sky, and the clouds in the sky shattered like glass, bursting forth with billions of golden rays.

According to local fishermen, the East China Sea suddenly appeared upside down, and two blood moons could be seen rising from the depths of the sea, resembling a pair of eyes. The shadow of the Milky Way could also be seen, which was extremely dazzling.

Several days later, countless dead fish floated ashore.

Fishermen along the coast had a bumper harvest.

(End of this chapter)