Chinese martial arts! Grandmaster

Chapter 348 You were born for martial arts
The night is deep.

After having lunch at a restaurant, Chen Jie led Linghu Qiannian and the others back to the government office in Xianning Prefecture.

He suffered a minor injury in his fierce battle with Sarutobi Sasaki today.

The fighting outside Xianning Prefecture has temporarily ceased.

The troops stationed by Li Mu, the King of Han, were more than ten kilometers away, and no further harassment or attack was sent.

in addition,

Based on intelligence gathered by scouts at the front, the whereabouts of the Kwantung Army were discovered.

Ah Man's 20,000-strong army remained stationary.

Martial law was imposed in Xianning Prefecture.

Whether they are江湖人士 (jianghu figures) or ordinary people, they must be investigated.

Once any trace of Japanese people is discovered, they will be killed without exception.

The nights in Xianning Prefecture were exceptionally peaceful.

After Chen Jie finished his "medicinal tonic" and "medicinal bath", he changed into clean clothes and went with Linghu Qiannian to the top of the tallest tower in Xianning Prefecture.

A full moon rises slowly!

Under the moonlight, the surroundings seemed to be covered in a layer of silver, appearing exceptionally bright.

The evening breeze carried the smell of gunpowder from the daytime bombardment.

but,

Chen Jie felt an unusual peace in his heart, and all his distracting thoughts disappeared.

It seemed as if the moonlight and evening breeze had cleansed my mind, leaving it clear and empty.

Looking at the distant firelight under the full moon, Chen Jie's spiritual senses seemed to be bathed in a peaceful and serene atmosphere.

It is clear,
At that moment, his entire being entered a state of oneness with nature once again.

Since his breakthrough in the Refining Spirit realm to the 'Guarding the Aperture' realm, he has found it easy to calm himself down and achieve harmony between man and nature.

"The Black Dragon Society has deployed over a hundred elite members this time, who infiltrated Xianning Prefecture several days ago."

"Top masters like Nakajima Shinobu and Yokoyama Sora didn't come to the Hanzhong region this time. Could it be that the Imperial Guards are holding them back?"

Chen Jie felt a headache coming on as he recalled the several assassination attempts he had faced during this period.

But there is nothing that can be done about it.

The artillery and various weapons of the Ximentang were very advanced and overwhelmed the Kwantung Army.

but,

His martial arts skills were weak, which became Ximen Tang's only weakness.

The Black Dragon Society of the East will certainly spare no effort to assassinate Chen Jie time and time again in order to deal with Ximentang.

Chen Jie was relieved that he didn't see Shinobu Nakajima or Sora Yokoyama during this assassination attempt.

Otherwise, it's very dangerous.

Linghu Qiannian nodded, took a deep breath, and said:
“That’s right! Eunuch Cao has been keeping a close eye on Yokoyama Sora during this period of time.”

"Experts in the Meridian Opening and Qi Refining stage can lock onto a target's energy. Ever since the Emperor was assassinated at the Great Buddha Temple, all the palace guards have been mobilized!"

"According to the information, five top experts from the East have arrived in the Great Qian Dynasty!"

"The situation is becoming increasingly dire. The Japanese are no longer satisfied with occupying the Northeast; they want to swallow up the entire Daqian!"

The Japanese have no need to hide their wolfish ambitions.

After they landed in Lushun and occupied Northeast China.

They had already pointed their swords at the heart of the Great Qian Dynasty.

If Ximentang hadn't blocked the Kwantung Army's attacks twice, perhaps most of the Great Qian Dynasty would have already fallen under the control of the Kwantung Army.

After the Battle of Qingdao in Shandong, the Kwantung Army was already considering a full-scale war.

Unfortunately, the Kwantung Army ultimately suffered a crushing defeat, routed and forced to flee by Ximen Tang.

Perhaps it was because the Kwantung Army suffered heavy losses due to being repeatedly defeated by Ximentang.

Therefore,
That's why they strongly supported the rebellions of the various vassal kings of the Great Qian Dynasty.

As the Kwantung Army provided more and more advanced weapons, the rebels grew stronger.

The stronger the rebels became, the more their ambitions grew.

"I fought Sarutobi Sasaki before, and his ninja escape techniques were extremely advanced!"

"Senior Linghu, what I want to know is, does the Imperial Palace possess the inheritance of the Ninja Escape Technique?"

"Ninja martial arts emphasize killing, and their training methods are very different from those of ordinary martial artists."

Upon hearing this, Linghu Qiannian nodded and explained:

"It used to exist, but the technique has been lost!"

"The Art of Escape is merely a technique of concealment, a smokescreen. It may be very useful below the level of Yi Sui Hua Jin."

"However, once the Refining Spirit realm breaks through to the 'Guarding the Aperture' realm, it becomes very difficult to conceal one's whereabouts under the influence of spiritual senses using escape techniques."

"If I'm not mistaken, you were able to track Sarutobi Sasaki all the way, meaning your Spirit Refinement Realm has already broken through to the 'Guardian Aperture' Realm, right?"

"I can no longer sense your spiritual presence!"

Chen Jie remained silent and did not answer.

Often, some things don't need much explanation.

in addition,

He felt that his 'mid-stage of guarding the acupoints' was only temporary.

He was confident that if he could reactivate the resonance of the 'Martial Saint Sect' once more, he could break through to the 'Late Stage of Guarding the Aperture'!
Li Lingyue and Nakajima Shinobu are both geniuses; their Spirit Refining Realm is at the late stage of Guarding the Aperture!
Linghu Qiannian continued:

"The ninja squad of the Japanese Black Dragon Society consists of the most elite warriors. Each of them has undergone the most brutal training and is proficient in assassination."

"Although you killed Sarutobi Sasaki, I am worried that the Black Dragon Society will have further actions."

Chen Jie narrowed his eyes, secretly becoming more vigilant.

Sarutobi Sasaki was the first formidable opponent he killed with his martial arts skills.

His opponent's martial arts level was a whole realm higher than his.

Moreover, his Spirit Refining Realm has already broken through to the 'Late Stage of Inner Vision'.

If it weren't for Chen Jie's breakthrough in the Refining Spirit Realm to the 'Mid-Stage Guarding Aperture' and his fusion of the Refining Spirit Realm with his Fist Intent, which gave him an advantage in terms of intent, he might have lost to his opponent.

to be frank,
Chen Jie's final unleashed "Heart-Pounding Kick" super move was a powerful kick that perfectly combined the power of heaven and man, reaching its peak momentum and representing an exceptional performance.

He wasn't sure if he would encounter a top ninja stronger than Sarutobi Sasaki next time.

Sarutobi Sasaki's level of martial arts power exertion is above his.

but,

A high level of martial arts skill does not necessarily mean strong combat ability.

This has been proven by many people.

With Li Lingyue and Nakajima Shinobu's peak combat power, ordinary Blood-Moving Pill experts are no match for them.

In life-or-death battles, it's not just about the level of martial arts skill, but also about the level of spiritual refinement and experience.

A master who has broken through to the Marrow Transformation Realm is not necessarily stronger than a master in the Dark Force Realm.

In a duel, the level of martial arts skill exertion only determines half the outcome.

Linghu Qiannian looked up at Chen Jie for a long time, then sighed and said:

"It was no accident that you were able to kill Sarutobi Sasaki with your Iron Bones and Hidden Strength at the Great Perfection level!"

"I've known you for so long, I'm sure I can't be wrong about you."

"You possess a firm belief in martial arts, and you are young, full of energy, and exude a magnificent and imposing aura!"

"Especially after you became the Governor-General of Shandong, your imposing presence became even more apparent in your every move."

"Even if an opponent's martial arts skill level is higher than yours, they will be suppressed by your fist intent and fall into a disadvantageous position when they encounter you."

"You were born for martial arts. I believe your future path in martial arts is limitless!"

Chen Jie smiled and shook his head, saying:
"It's not as amazing as you make it out to be."

He was self-aware; his current martial arts level and the Refinement of Spirit realm were all thanks to the 'Martial Saint's Inheritance' in his mind!
In terms of martial arts talent, he is not even as good as Liu Qi.

Linghu Qiannian said seriously:

"I'm not kidding. As long as you can unleash your full combat power beyond your usual level when facing an opponent stronger than you."

"There is a fierce energy in your heart. Once stimulated, your combat power will increase exponentially."

“Sarutobi Sasaki’s strength is beyond doubt. I am no match for him, but you were able to kill him with your ‘Dark Force Realm’.”

"This is definitely not something that someone at the Refining Spirit Realm who surpasses him can accomplish!"

The two then began to discuss martial arts.

Although Chen Jie's combat strength has surpassed Linghu Qiannian's.

However, Linghu's thousand-year-old martial arts knowledge is definitely beyond what Chen Jie can currently match.

After the two started talking about martial arts, they seemed to lose track of time.

Until late at night.

"Alright, let's have a proper spar sometime."

"It's late, go and rest. Prince Li Ben of Han is very likely to launch a general offensive tomorrow!"

After saying that, he and Linghu Qiannian came down from the tower.

-

The assassination attempt in Xianning Prefecture was merely an interlude.

Unless Chen Jie is assassinated, it might cause a stir in the government and the public.

If Chen Jie is alright, then it won't attract too much attention.

All officials, both military and civilian, throughout the Great Qian Dynasty were focused on this decisive battle in the Hanzhong region.

Li Qiong, the Grand General of the Ministry of War of the Great Qian Dynasty, who had been stationed in Ezhou, heard that Prince Li Ben of Han was leading an army of 200,000 to attack Xianning Prefecture.

Li Qiong was completely shocked, and he couldn't sit still.

Based on the military intelligence he received, Guo Feng led a large army to confront the rebels, but was routed and forced to flee.

and,

Guo Feng's cavalry were all routed by the rebels.

The fighting prowess of the army under Prince Li Ben of Han shocked General Li Qiong.

His originally high spirits were instantly crushed.

Because the army under Han King Li Ben was equipped with the most advanced weapons in the East, its combat power increased dramatically.

Li Qiong quickly understood two things.

First of all,

His own 100,000-strong army would be no match for the rebel army under Li Ben, the Prince of Han.

Only Ximen Tang's army had the power to quell the rebellion.

Other armies could only clean up the battlefield, play a minor role, and act as cannon fodder.

Secondly,

Although the rebel army under Li Ben, the Prince of Han, obtained weapons from the Japanese.

but,

The rebels did not gain any advantage against Ximen Tang's army and were repelled by Ximen Tang once again.

"Sigh—I originally thought that by occupying Huangshi Prefecture, I could put up a fight with Prince Li Ben of Han."

"I never imagined that in the end, we would still have to rely on Ximen Tang's army!"

"No wonder before I set off, my father and the Sixth Prince repeatedly told me to obey Chen Jie's orders."

Li Qiong sighed helplessly.

He found himself seemingly without any other options.

If he wanted to gain merit by leading his troops to Hanzhong to quell the rebellion, he needed to produce a respectable report card.

Then,

He could only rely on Ximen Tang's men.

At this moment, Li Qiong realized that Ximentang's refusal to attack Tongshan County was not because he was afraid of Prince Li Ben of Han.

When Ximentang arrived in the Hanzhong area, Chen Jie had his own plans.

He had always excluded the army of the Daqian Ministry of War from Ximentang's plans.

Perhaps it was due to distrust, but more so to disdain for the fighting capabilities of the Daqian Ministry of War's army.

The Sixth Prince and the Emperor were indeed prescient, knowing long ago that the only way to quell the rebellion of Prince Li Ben of Han was to rely on Ximen Tang.

but,

Li Qiong soon became somewhat worried again.

Because the 200,000-strong army under the command of Prince Li Ben of Han was at the city gates and began to attack Xianning Prefecture.

The 20,000 troops that Ximentang had mobilized from Qingzhou, Shandong, were bogged down by the Japanese Kwantung Army on the outskirts of Xianning Prefecture.

That is,

Currently, there are only 10,000 troops and 5,000 supply troops in Xianning Prefecture.

The disparity in numbers between the two sides is too great, making this battle very difficult.

The armies of Guo Feng, Lin Rui, Meng Ying, and others were stationed in the valley behind Xianning Prefecture, and their combat effectiveness was questionable.

If Ximentang were to be surrounded, he would truly be fighting alone.

Fifteen thousand men against an army of two hundred thousand.

By any measure, it's a losing proposition.

call--!
Thinking of this, Li Qiong couldn't help but take a deep breath.

If Chen Jie loses this battle, as the Grand General of the Ministry of War of the Great Qian Dynasty, he will probably be held responsible.

of course,

During this period, Li Qiong has not been idle.

He took command in Ezhou and gathered troops from various prefectures around Wuchang Prefecture, increasing the total strength of the Ezhou army to over 100,000.

With the addition of Guo Feng, Meng Ying, and Lin Rui's troops, they have a total of nearly 200,000 troops.

Several other strategic locations in Hanzhong have already been occupied by the army of the Daqian Ministry of War.

Although Chongyang Prefecture was garrisoned by elite troops under the command of Prince Li Ben of Han, it would be difficult for Li Qiong's forces to conquer it.

but,

For the time being, Li Qiong has managed to tie down a portion of the troops under the command of Prince Li Ben of Han.

Meanwhile, Tang Youwang's army, which had come from the Guangdong and Guangxi regions, finally launched its operation and entered Hanzhong, posing a threat to the rebel army of Prince Ning, Li Mu, in Xiangyang.

Overall, the situation in Hanzhong is not out of control.

of course,

All of this is related to Ximen Tang's role in tying down the 200,000-strong army under Prince Li Ben of Han in Xianning Prefecture.

in addition,

News came from the capital that Hong Yanchuan of Hebei had led a large army, made ample preparations, and decided to divide his forces to enter the Hanzhong region.

In this way, the three armies will be able to encircle and attack Li Ben, the King of Han, from three sides.

of course,

The premise is that Ximen Tang's army must first contain the 200,000 elite troops of Prince Li Ben of Han and withstand the rebel army's attack before Tang Youwang and Hong Yanchuan's armies can encircle them.

The most pressing issue was that Xianning Prefecture had become the key to the war situation.

After discussing the matter at length with his strategists, Li Qiong finally decided to personally lead his army from Ezhou to Xianning Prefecture.

He needed to have a good talk with Chen Jie to prepare for the upcoming decisive battle.

If Xianning Prefecture cannot be defended, then it is better to simply abandon it and retreat to Ezhou.

Ezhou Prefecture is easy to defend and difficult to attack, much easier than defending Xianning Prefecture.

After Tang Youwang and Hong Yanchuan's armies have surrounded them, they will send troops from Ezhou Prefecture.

In this way, the risk is much smaller.

Anyway,

Li Qiong knew very well that the entire tactical plan and strategy for suppressing the rebellion in Hanzhong was now being led by Ximen Tang.

Although he was the Grand General of the Ministry of War of the Great Qian Dynasty, Chen Jie's position was above his.

Any operational plan of the Ministry of War of the Great Qian Dynasty to quell the rebellion in Hanzhong must be discussed with Chen Jie and obtained his consent before it can be implemented.

Otherwise, if the war gets out of control, he will have a very difficult time.

for the rest of the time,

After arranging the defenses of Ezhou, Li Qiong personally led an army of 50,000 men to Xianning Prefecture.

but,

To Li Qiong's surprise, when he led his army to Xianning Prefecture...

King Li Ben of Han has actually withdrawn his troops!
It is unclear whether the assassination attempt by the Black Dragon Society ninjas failed, which forced Prince Li Ben of Han to withdraw his troops.

It was because he sensed the crisis that he disregarded the advice of the Japanese and retreated directly to Tongshan County.

and,

His withdrawal was very decisive, without any hesitation or delay.

(End of this chapter)