What a lucky world!

Chapter 289 Three Steps to Discuss the World

It's getting dark.

Suddenly, a ball of fire illuminated the sky to the east of the county town, and the previously quiet streets were thrown into turmoil. One could faintly hear shouts of "The granary is flooded!" and the clatter of horses' hooves on the bluestone pavement.

Zhang Mu stood with his hands behind his back in the courtyard of the county government office, gazing solemnly at the towering fire. Wen Lang stood behind Zhang Mu, his gaze fixed on Zhang Mu's back, not even glancing at the flames.

After standing there for about half an incense stick's time, Zhang Mu turned around and said, "Mr. Wen, the street is in chaos."

Wen Lang remained expressionless and said, "Since ancient times, the people's hearts have always been focused on food."

Even though the city's granaries were in the hands of the White Lotus bandits, the people still believed that they could exchange obedience for a mouthful of food.

"But once it's burned down, it's gone forever. We've even lost the direction to dedicate our lives to."

"It will naturally become chaotic."

Zhang Mu nodded and said, "Han Zhou is suppressing the situation, and it's likely that many people will be killed."

“The vast wilderness has no path.” Wen Lang said calmly, “To forge a path, one must tread upon countless trees and grasses.”

"My lord, you have taken the first step in paving the way."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Mu suddenly curled the corners of his mouth.

Having transmigrated for two years, he had witnessed far too much carnage, and even had many lives on his hands. His values ​​from his previous life had long since merged with the survival rules of this world, so he naturally wouldn't harbor a saintly heart like, "Why eat such cute bunnies?"

Prosperity, people suffer; death, people suffer.

It seems that the people are caught in a dilemma.

But this is merely the sentimentality of a scholar.

Even a fool knows the choice between a peaceful and prosperous era and the end of a dynasty.

But there's no other way; everyone is living in the late stages of a dynasty, and the only way to achieve peace and prosperity is through blood and flesh.

Zhang Mu had always understood this in his heart.

It's just that the mindset hasn't changed yet.

Since taking charge of Qianyuan Martial Village, both his father and Wei Wuyou have always talked about having the power to protect themselves in chaotic times.

But how much strength is needed to be considered self-defense?
This is a false proposition.

In a winner-takes-all game, there can only be one victor.

Besides, Zhang Mu possesses a scroll of heavenly secrets. If he were to live a peaceful life guarding a martial arts stronghold, who would he look down on?
If Zhang Mu had traveled to a prosperous and powerful era, he might still be thinking about how to clean up his act and get back on his feet.

But in this day and age, all he wants to say is, "I can take it myself."

However, all of this was just a thought that Zhang Mu kept to himself until today.

But today, from the moment he decided to accept Wen Lang's offer to give up the grain, to the moment the granary fire illuminated the sky above Wan'an County, he understood that, just as Wen Lang had said, he had taken the first step.

However, his confidence stemmed from the existence of the Heavenly Secret Scroll. What about Wen Lang?
Zhang Mu took a deep breath and then bowed deeply to Wen Lang. Wen Lang's calm expression suddenly changed, and he quickly stepped forward to support Zhang Mu.

"Sir, have you taught me anything?" Zhang Mu looked at Wen Lang and asked for the first time.

Wen Lang paused for a moment, then closed his eyes as if deep in thought. Zhang Mu was not in a hurry and waited quietly.

About fifteen minutes later, Wen Lang opened his eyes again.

"My wisdom only sees two steps ahead."

"The first step is to cultivate the deep sea and raise an army of 100,000. Then, manage the East China Sea and take Feng'an in the south."

“I came here to observe the local customs and learned about the local history.”

"The chieftain's location, Qianyuan Mountain, was originally named Sanqing Mountain, which was the site of the Tianji Sect in the past." "The Tianji Sect is known for its eight thousand stars in the inner gate of the cave sect and one hundred thousand soldiers in the outer gate of the blessed land sect. It should have enough space to support its troops."

Zhang Mu nodded slightly.

Although Qianyuan Mountain is called a mountain, it is more accurately described as an entire mountain range. The entire back mountain area is still being expanded. Especially with the old native Green Turtle, the progress has been greatly accelerated. They have even discovered the ruins of three Dao City composed of relatives and family members of the disciples of the Tianji Sect.

In Zhang Mu's memory, the spark that ignited the revolution in his previous life established a revolutionary base in the Jinggang Mountains, covering an area of ​​over 7200 square kilometers and with a population of over 50.

Based on the current illustrations and the green-haired turtle's account, the final developable space in Qianyuan Mountain will not be less than this number.

The Heavenly Mystery Sect was once a top sect in the world. Even though it is now only a legend, its burial place still testifies to its former glory.

There is no problem with space to maintain an army of 100,000.

There are just two problems.

What about people?

What about money?

There is no corresponding training method for infantry, so if they want to be combat-effective, they need to recruit people with martial luck and help them improve their cultivation, thereby increasing their individual combat power.

However, with over 30,000 people living in the mountains, only less than 3,000 were selected. Including veterans who still had fighting strength after the last battle in the abyss, they could barely muster a fighting force of 4,000.

As for the cavalry, the problem was even bigger.

Although there is a training method for the White Horse Cavalry, the requirements for the trainees are very high. They not only need to be physically fit, but also have basic horsemanship and archery skills. Therefore, even now, the White Horse Cavalry has never been at full strength and has always maintained a size of 650 cavalry.

This is a problem of people, and also a problem of money.

Wei Wuyou originally planned to use military settlements to support his troops, but after the Battle of Qianyuan, Zhang Mu, in order to improve the combat effectiveness of his troops more quickly, had all the soldiers leave their jobs and be supported by the military settlement.

In other words, the private salt business in cooperation with the Bai family had started to improve, and Xuanji's Rat Brand Pill processing factory was also producing continuously, which prevented the Wuzhai from falling into a situation of deficit.

However, according to Thirteen Sister's calculations, not to mention the White Horse Cavalry, the current limit of soldiers that Wuzhai can withstand is only eight thousand.

How do you maintain an army of 100,000?
Seemingly sensing Zhang Mu's concerns, Wen Lang laughed and said, "My lord, do not worry. This plan will not be accomplished overnight."

"Now there are refugees like a tide, but there is one way to survive. No one cares whether they are civilians or bandits. We have no worries about finding people to take them in."

“Qianyuan Mountain is backed by the East China Sea. If a sea route can be opened up, it can reach Ningzhou and Yuezhou to the north and south, and go deep into Longhai to the east. With this sea trade, it can support the people and the army.”

Zhang Mu thought for a moment and nodded.

Opening up trade routes in the East China Sea has always been part of his plan. He had talked to Bai Laoqi about the smuggled salt issue last time, but it seemed from Bai Laoqi's words that there were some obstacles. However, the general direction was fine, and he would ask Bai Laoqi for clarification before making a final decision.

“Once our military strength is fully developed, we can take Feng’an County to the south,” Wen Lang continued. “The key to Feng’an County lies in Pengcheng.”

"It controls Pengcheng, forming a strategic triangle with Qianyuan Mountain to the north, and allows for a glimpse into Yuezhou to the south."

"Yuezhou was the birthplace of the White Lotus Sect, and its vitality was greatly damaged after this chaos."

"Therefore, my second step is to sweep through Yuezhou, seize control of the southeast, and observe the changing times."

"As for the third step of conquering the world, I dare not speak rashly at this time."

Zhang Mu nodded: "The current situation is chaotic, like a fog, and no one knows where it will lead next. You must have a plan in mind, but you just don't say it."

"That's cautious."

"However, in order to complete the first two steps you mentioned, you overlooked a key point."

Wen Lang asked curiously, "What?"

Zhang Mu said calmly, "Grandmaster!"

(End of this chapter)