Records of Mysterious Things in the Southern Dynasties

Chapter 513 King of Linyi

The White-Robed Army was currently stationed in Puyang City in the southern part of Jiaozhou. It was called a city, but it was actually just a large earthen and stone camp.

The city was filled with a strong smell of medicine; after the large-scale outbreak, this smell had become the norm.

“This disease is too bizarre.” Chen Baxian stared intently at Ma Fonian’s vomit and said in a deep voice, “I think there are worms in it.”

“No need to look, it’s definitely a Gu worm.” Ma Fonian said weakly, his face pale. “Once a person’s nine orifices are opened, they are no longer afraid of miasma. Even if my nine orifices are not good, I shouldn’t be poisoned by miasma, let alone get this sick.”

"Yes." Hu Longya, lying on another bed, also had dark circles under his eyes, and nodded, "It seems someone has cast a spell on us."

"Who is so powerful that they can cast a curse on our entire army?" Chen Baxian asked with a grim expression.

“I’ve heard that there’s a kingdom called Linyi south of Jiaozhou, whose people are skilled in Gu poison,” Ma Fonian said softly.

“But to make us all fall victim, it must be at least a demigod or even a god.” Hu Longya said worriedly, “This means that the rebels in Jiaozhou have already colluded with the Linyi Kingdom.”

“That is indeed quite troublesome.” Chen Baxian said in a deep voice, “We can’t even muster a thousand men to move around now, and even fewer of them are capable of fighting. If the Lin Yi Kingdom also sends troops, I’m afraid it will be very difficult to resist.”

"So we have to find a way to withdraw the troops," Ma Fonian said slowly, "but the imperial court is slow to agree..."

“If this drags on any longer, I’m afraid I won’t be able to leave even if I want to.” Hu Long spat and said, “Damn it, someone wants us to die in Jiaozhou. It would be better if none of us went back.”

"We won't let them have their way!" Chen Baxian slammed his fist on the table, gritting his teeth, "I'm leaving, so what?!"

“That’s what we mean too.” Ma Fonian nodded and said to Chen Baxian, “Now I order you to lead the troops north and bring them back to Panyu safely. If the court holds us accountable in the future, I will take full responsibility, and it will have nothing to do with you.”

"What are you saying?" Chen Baxian raised a thick eyebrow and said arrogantly, "You're so sick you're delirious, what kind of orders can you give? I take responsibility for my own actions, I don't need anyone else to do it for me!"

As everyone was scrambling to take responsibility, a scout rushed into the tent and urgently reported: "Report! A large force has broken out of the mountains and is rushing towards our army!"

"Explain yourself! Which direction?" Chen Baxian demanded.

“They’re in every direction,” the scout said, his face pale. “There are tens of thousands of them! And more troops are constantly emerging from the mountains.”

"What are you cavalry battalion doing? Why did it take you so long to report?" Chen Baxian was furious.

"All the scouts have been killed..." the scout said, choking back tears.

"Sigh! Go take a look." Chen Baxian stopped cursing, picked up his helmet, and said to Ma and Hu, "You two can just lie there peacefully. I'll hold up the sky if it falls." After saying that, he quickly left the tent, leaving the two generals sighing on the bed.

"Dragon Fang, is my White Robe Army truly cursed by the heavens?" Ma Fo Nian asked, his eyes reddening. "Why are we so unlucky?"

"What utter nonsense about being envied by the heavens! It's that old emperor who wants us dead!" Hu Longya spat fiercely, then coughed violently and said, "If all my brothers perish in this battle, I'll haunt him even as a ghost!"

~~
Chen Baxian arrived at the low and simple city wall and, sure enough, saw enemy troops swarming in all directions.

Hundreds of fully armed elephants were also mixed in, making the sight particularly awe-inspiring. Even more terrifying was the large black banner in the center of the enemy formation, bearing the three striking white characters 'King of Lin-yi'!

Chen Qingzhi looked closely and saw a huge white elephant standing under the black flag, wearing golden armor and carrying a throne. On the throne sat a man wearing a crown, tassels, and gorgeous clothes.

The man appeared even more noble and extraordinary against the backdrop of the nearly naked barbarian soldiers around him.

This man was indeed extraordinary; he was Gao Shisheng, the new king of Linyi who had just usurped the throne a few years ago.

Upon seeing this person, Chen Baxian felt a chill run down his spine.

Before the expedition, Marshal Chen specially invited these key generals to his home, firstly to give them a farewell banquet, and secondly to remind them of the key points of the journey.

This person was specifically mentioned. Chen Qingzhi said that as soon as this person appeared, they should retreat decisively without delay. This was because he also had another name, Wu Peng, and was one of the Ten Witches.

Chen Qingzhi told them that the Ten Witches had split into two factions and fought fiercely. However, some remained neutral, such as Witch Peng, who simply disappeared. Many years later, people learned that he had gone to Linyi, using the alias Gao Shisheng Kai. After demonstrating a few of his Gu techniques, he easily won the trust of the King of Linyi and was appointed as the Imperial Preceptor.

Afterwards, Wu Peng taught the people of Lin Yi how to raise and use Gu worms. Gu worms have many benefits; some can grant superhuman strength, some can prevent all diseases, and some can even allow one to fly or teleport. Naturally, some can enhance certain abilities…

For a time, the entire kingdom of Lin Yi was obsessed with raising Gu poison, and Gu masters became the most revered profession. In order to raise a powerful Gu poison, princes and ministers spared no expense, even becoming apprentices of Wu Peng and recognizing him as their godfather.

The Gu technique greatly increased the strength of the Lin-yi Kingdom, enabling it to eliminate several small, long-time enemy states and become the dominant power in central and southern China.

King Linyi was very fortunate to have met the Imperial Advisor, which enabled his country to become so powerful. Little did he know that Wu Peng had no good intentions at all—because the Gu worms were raised using the Gu maker himself as a vessel.

After the civil and military officials of Linyi Kingdom all started raising Gu poison, they realized that they had become the puppets of the Grand Preceptor.

With a single thought, he could make them wish they were dead, so naturally they had no choice but to obey him.

So Wu Peng simply moved his mouth, and the Lin Yi prince beheaded the king and made him the new king.

After becoming the King of Lin-yi, Wu Peng continued to strengthen his army and instigate and win over various tribes in Jiaozhou. With his Gu magic paving the way, he was naturally invincible. Now he had secretly taken control of half of Jiaozhou and was preparing to use the famous White Robe Army as a sacrificial offering to launch the first shot of Lin-yi's northern expedition!
This battle was of extraordinary significance, especially since the opponent was the invincible White Robe Army. Even though He had already cast a spell beforehand, He still dared not be careless in the slightest. Not only did He mobilize all his forces, but He also personally led the expedition. It was truly like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut...

~~
Chen Baxian looked at his own side again. There were only a few hundred soldiers on the city wall, many of whom were obviously sick and had to lean against their spears to stand up straight.

Moreover, being isolated deep in enemy territory and with virtually no defensive equipment, the situation couldn't be worse...

Despite such an unfavorable situation, the soldiers showed no fear.

There was no other reason than the pure white battle robes they wore.

"I had already decided to lead you out of this predicament," Chen Baxian said apologetically, "but now it seems we can't leave."

"..." The soldiers remained silent, understanding the current situation without needing to be told.

(End of this chapter)