Longevity, starting from traveling and telling stories

Chapter 171 A glass of wine releases military power

Inside Zhang Bei's military tent, the lights were on and many people gathered together.

Zhang Bei sat in the main seat, his eyes swept over everyone, and he said in a deep voice: "Everyone, Lin Jiuyuan was plotting a rebellion and has been apprehended by this general. Now I will lead the command."

There was silence in the tent. Zhang Bei certainly wouldn't be stupid enough to continue employing Lin Jiuyuan's people.

After a moment, Tian Huazhi spoke first: "General, please appoint me as your general."

Ye Beixuan nodded and added, "Deputy General Tian is right. Li Shunyou will be the new captain and lead the troops to guard the rear."

The young man Li Shun's eyes showed determination. He was no longer the naive young man he had been when he first joined the army. He said in a resounding voice, "Thank you, General, for the promotion."

"Report!" A soldier suddenly came to report, and he said hurriedly: "General, the spies report that the Beiliang army has assembled and has set out to attack us."

Zhang Bei frowned upon hearing this, and after a moment's thought, he asked, "Beiliang is taking advantage of the change of leadership to attack aggressively. What are your thoughts?"

Tian Huazhi stood up and said in a deep voice, "General, please lead your troops to meet the Northern Liang army head-on and draw out their main force. I will lead your troops to attack the Northern Liang army's left flank, while Captain Ye will lead his troops to attack the right flank, forming a three-pronged pincer attack. This way, no matter how the Northern Liang army responds, they will be surrounded on both flanks and will find it difficult to escape."

After listening to this, Zhang Bei's eyes flashed with approval and he nodded, saying, "Deputy General Tian's plan is brilliant."

Ye Beixuan said nothing, because this tactic was discussed by him and Tian Huazhi. Although the three-party pincer attack was good, the rear was empty. Once the rear was attacked, Zhang Bei would certainly be attacked from both sides. He and Tian Huazhi could then counter-encircle him. This way they could win, but Zhang Bei would be in trouble.

Zhang Bei pondered for a moment, then slammed the table and made a decision: "Alright! Let's follow Lieutenant General Tian's plan and form a three-pronged attack, swift and decisive! I will lead the army to meet the enemy head-on, Lieutenant General Tian will attack the left wing, and Lieutenants Ye and Qin will attack the right wing. This battle is a matter of life and death for our army, so you must all give it your all!"

All the captains responded in unison, their morale high. Zhang Bei felt relieved upon seeing this.

Then he waved his hand and said, "Everyone, hurry up and prepare. We must defeat the Northern Liang army tonight!"

Everyone took the order and left. Hu Meir walked out of the inner tent, and only Zhang Bei and Hu Meir were left in the tent.

Hu Mei'er smiled sweetly as she walked over to Zhang Bei and said softly, "The general is truly wise and brave. This battle will surely bring about a complete victory."

Zhang Bei laughed heartily, put his arm around Hu Mei'er's waist, and said proudly, "Of course! When this battle is over, I will make you the General's wife. How about that?"

A hint of teasing flashed in Hu Mei'er's eyes. "General's wife? I don't care! I'm just looking for my husband."

So she smiled charmingly and said, "I come from a brothel, how can I be worthy of the position of General's wife?"

Zhang Bei didn't take it seriously and said with a smile, "You are extremely intelligent and have won my heart. Why not become my wife?"

Hu Meir lowered her head to hide the mockery in her eyes.

"Thank you, General."

Zhang Bei nodded with satisfaction, then stood up and left.

Inside the military tent, Hu Meir looked at his back with a slight sneer on her lips.

She turned and walked into the tent, a complicated look flashing in her eyes, and she whispered to herself, "Who is my poor husband?"

At the same time, in the Northern Liang army's camp, Tuoba Hong was discussing the attack plan.

Tuoba Hong sneered, "Zhang Bei is arrogant and conceited. With Lin Jiuyuan captured, the Great Zhou army is undoubtedly leaderless. This is the perfect time to attack. Even at this point, they're still playing political games. They deserve to be eroded by our Northern Liang."

After a pause, Tuoba Hong suddenly smiled and said, "Master, please take some people to attack their rear tonight."

The black-robed man smiled faintly, his tone carrying a hint of coldness: "Don't worry, I will definitely kill their rear tonight and avenge my disciple. If the enemy's master shows up, I will definitely kill him!"

Tuoba Hong nodded, a fierce look flashing in his eyes: "Alright! Tonight, we will avenge our Immortal Master and his disciple!"

The night was as dark as ink. On the battlefield of Jinya Mountain, flames shot up into the sky and the shouts of killing were deafening.

The main force led by Zhang Bei was in direct confrontation with Tuoba Hong of the Northern Liang Army, and the battle between the two sides was hard to determine.

However, the offensive of the Northern Liang army was as surging as a tide. Although Zhang Bei's troops were brave, they gradually became unable to cope with the fierce attack of the enemy.

"General, I'm afraid the reinforcements on the left and right wings are also entangled?" A captain covered in blood rushed to Zhang Bei and asked anxiously.

Zhang Bei's face darkened as he gritted his teeth and said, "How is this possible? Have we fallen into another trap?"

Just as he finished speaking, a horn sounded in the distance. Zhang Bei looked up and saw deafening shouts of killing coming from the left and right wings. It was obvious that Ye Beixuan and Tian Huazhi were "trying" to break through.

Zhang Bei's heart sank, and he immediately realized that they might also be tied up. At this moment, all the pressure was concentrated on him, and this might be a tough battle.

"Tuoba Hong, that bastard!" Zhang Bei cursed angrily, a hint of helplessness flashing in his eyes as he said, "The entire army retreats."

The offensive of the Northern Liang army became increasingly fierce, and Zhang Bei was beaten back step by step.

Tuoba Hong, riding on his warhorse, looked at Zhang Bei's miserable appearance from afar and sneered, "Zhang Bei, you are still far behind Lin Jiuyuan."

Zhang Bei's eyes were cold. He hated it most when people said he was bad, especially worse than Lin Jiuyuan who had just been arrested. This was simply a contempt for him.

at the same time.

At the rear of the Great Zhou military camp, Hu Meir was sitting in the tent, bored and lazy.

She looked up at the night outside the tent, and suddenly felt a little irritated. She stood up and walked out of the tent to get some fresh air.

The night breeze was cool. Hu Meir was strolling in the military camp when she suddenly saw a young man leading a team of soldiers on patrol.

The young man had delicate eyebrows and a resolute gaze. Although he was young, his every move revealed a calm temperament.

Hu Meir was slightly startled, and a strange feeling arose in her heart.

"What a handsome young man..." Hu Meir murmured softly, her eyes involuntarily following the figure of the young man.

She never thought that she would have such a strong interest in a simple and honest boy.

Just as she was fascinated by the scene, a cold breath suddenly blew towards her. Hu Meir was startled and suddenly came to her senses.

She quickly looked around and found a dark shadow quietly approaching from a distance. The aura emanating from the dark shadow made her feel a little nervous - it was actually a cultivator, and his cultivation was far higher than hers!

Hu Meir's face suddenly changed, and she thought to herself that something was wrong.

Although she was good at the art of charm, she had no chance of winning against such a powerful cultivator.

She quickly took a few steps back, quickly distanced herself from the shadow. The cold voice of the shadow reached her ears: "Kill him."

Before he finished speaking, the black shadow suddenly attacked, and a sharp sword energy instantly killed several soldiers patrolling in the rear.

Hu Meir was horrified and quickly hid in the bushes. The army from Beiliang quickly joined the battle, and the soldiers of Da Zhou fought desperately.

However, in just a moment, Li Shun was the only one left standing in the field, and he was surrounded.

Seeing Li Shun about to faint and die, Hu Mei'er, who was hiding, gritted her teeth, took out the white silk in her hand, grabbed his waist, and pulled him to her side.

Just carry him on your back and run away.

"Hmm?" The black-robed old man suddenly burst into a powerful voice and said, "Want to run away."

Hu Mei'er was horrified, knowing that she was no match for the other party. She gritted her teeth and said, "I will not be your enemy. Please let us go."

The shadow slowly approached, revealing a lewd smile! He said, "I didn't expect to meet a fox demon in the deep mountains and old forests. It is said that fox demons are extremely beautiful and charming. That feeling is so refreshing."

Hu Mei'er's heart went cold when she heard this. She knew she had no way to escape and could only fight to the death.

She suddenly raised her hand, and a pink smoke flew out of her sleeve, trying to confuse the vision of the old man in black robe.

However, the old man was not moved at all. He just waved his hand and the black air instantly dispersed the smoke.

"You dare to show off your trivial skills in front of me?" The old man in black robe sneered, and suddenly moved his body, pointing a finger directly at Hu Meir's heart.

Hu Mei'er gritted her teeth and pointed a finger at it. Bang! In an instant, Hu Mei'er and Li Shun were knocked to the ground.

However, just as the old man in black robe continued to chase Hu Meir, a burst of shouting and killing suddenly came from the distance.

The old man in black robe's face changed when he heard that. He turned around and saw that the left and right wings of the Beiliang army that had attacked had returned to defend at some point. The old man in black robe frowned immediately. He had been the main force attacking Li Bei from the front and back, but now he was the one being surrounded.

At this moment, a cold light cut through the void, and the person who came brought with him a sharp sword energy.

Looking at the injured Hu Mei'er and Li Shun, Ye Beixuan said calmly: "You go first."

"Thank you, sir." Hu Meir nodded and quickly escaped with Li Shun.

"You are the one who killed my disciple?" The black-robed old man was slightly stunned, with a hint of doubt in his tone. This man is only at the foundation-building stage! How did he kill my disciple?

"I don't know." Ye Beixuan said calmly, "I've killed countless people, but I don't know if I've ever killed your apprentice."

The old man in black robe was furious when he heard this. He was clearly playing tricks on me, a Foundation Establishment Stage cultivator.

So he stopped talking nonsense and held an evil blood-red bead in his hand. This bead was made from the blood of many pregnant women's fetuses and was extremely evil.

Seeing this, Ye Beixuan's eyes flashed with solemnity. This blood bead was so evil.

The old man in black robe sneered, and suddenly threw the blood bead in his hand. Blood light splattered and instantly enveloped Ye Beixuan.

Ye Beixuan dodged and the two exchanged dozens of moves in an instant. Although his cultivation was not as good as the old man in black robe, his swordsmanship was exquisite and not affected by the blood beads. The sword energy of the Immortal Slash in his hand was as strong as a rainbow. For a while, the head-on confrontation was evenly matched.

The old man in black robe was secretly shocked. He didn't expect that this kid in the Foundation Establishment Stage would have such strength. He was not affected by the blood beads. Even I couldn't do it.

As time passed, the blood beads in the black-robed old man's hand began to riot, and the blood light became more and more intense, even he himself began to lose control and was about to be swallowed.

The old man in black robe's face changed. Oh no, the power of the blood bead has exceeded his control. If it continues like this, he will be counterattacked.

"Boy, you are lucky today!" The old man in black robe snorted coldly, his figure flashed and he retreated quickly.

Seeing this, Ye Beixuan did not pursue him. He had more important things to do at the moment.

Meanwhile, the beleaguered Zhang Bei discovered that the attacking troops from the rear had been surrounded by Ye Beixuan and Tian Huazhi, and thus retreated in disgrace. He and his fellow soldiers were exhausted, their faces stained with blood.

Before he had time to rest for a moment, the sound of rumbling horse hooves was heard, dust flew on both sides, and the army surrounded Zhang Bei.

Zhang Bei was suddenly startled and had a bad feeling in his heart. He asked, "Deputy General Tian, have you wiped out all the attacking enemy troops?"

Tian Huazhi, however, remained calm, his head held high and his chest puffed out. He immediately produced the imperial edict and said in a clear voice, "Zhangbei, receive the edict."

Zhang Bei's heart trembled, knowing that something was wrong, but he did not move.

Tian Huazhi once again said loudly and sternly: "Zhang Bei, receive the order."

After the shout, all the troops in the rear drew their weapons at the same time, emitting a faint cold light in the dark night.

Zhang Bei looked around, gritted his teeth, dismounted with reluctance, and knelt down, saying, "Your Majesty, Zhang Bei accepts the order."

Tian Huazhi then read aloud: "The Emperor, by the Mandate of Heaven, decrees: From this day forward, Zhang Bei is appointed Jiedushi of Pingliang. He will take up his post immediately. Command of the front lines will be handed over to Tian Huazhi. I decree this."

After hearing this, Zhang Bei realized that he had been used and abandoned.

This attack was simply a carefully designed plot. They wanted him to retreat exhausted after the battle with the Northern Liang Army, and then use Lin Jiuyuan's army to surround him and force him to hand over military power. No matter what, he would accept the imperial edict first. At worst, both he and the other would die.

He took the imperial edict and roared, "Ye Liuxiang, this general treats you well."

Ye Beixuan's expression was calm as he slowly said, "General, have you heard of the saying 'Giving up Military Power over a Cup of Wine'?"

After listening to this, Zhang Bei's eyes sparkled.

His voice was thick with storytelling as he continued, "It is said that in those days, a general led a mutiny and was crowned with a yellow robe by his subordinates. As a result, he gained control of the country and established his empire."

"One day, the emperor summoned those generals who commanded heavy troops. After three rounds of wine, he said: I can have the foundation I have today because of all of you, but what if your subordinates are greedy for wealth and fame and want to put on the yellow robe for you, what should I do?" Ye Beixuan imitated the emperor's expression and tone, sighed and said, his eyes like swords, staring at Zhang Bei closely.

Zhang Bei was shocked when he heard this. He had no intention of rebelling! He just wanted to be a local emperor who had no control over anything. It turned out that he had been suspected for a long time.

"In the end, those generals gave up their military power, lived a life of wealth and glory, and spent their old age in peace. Their families continued to be wealthy and aristocratic for generations."

Zhang Bei sighed and said, "If I give up my military power, will I be rich and prosperous forever?"

Tian Huazhi said, "General, now that things have come to this, there is no point in saying more. Please follow my orders to avoid getting yourself killed."

Ye Beixuan stepped forward and said, "General Zhang, I know you want to fight to the death, but look at the current situation. It will only increase casualties."

"Even if you break out of the encirclement now, you'll still be met with a relentless suppression. Furthermore, you've already turned against the Empress's greatest enemy, Li Chunfeng, and Beiliang is determined to kill you." Ye Beixuan carefully analyzed the situation for him. "You'll go to Pingliang as a Jiedushi and be employed by the Empress. I guarantee you'll have your time to shine, and you won't have to worry about anything. You'll enjoy endless wealth and glory."

Seeing Zhang Bei still hesitating, Tian Huazhi said coldly, "General Zhang, if you continue to be stubborn, you will be committing rebellion."

Before he finished speaking, the soldiers around him had already raised their spears.

Zhang Bei looked around and found that he was already isolated and helpless. His hands trembled slightly and finally dropped weakly.

"Forget it." Zhang Bei sighed, slowly put down his weapon, and said with a wry smile: "Your Majesty, I, Zhang Bei, thank you for your grace."

Ye Beixuan waved his hand, signaling the soldiers to withdraw, and then said to Zhang Bei: "General Zhang, Pingliang may be far away, but I can guarantee you prosperity and wealth."

Zhang Bei didn't say anything else, but turned around silently and walked out of the military tent with a staggering gait.

When everyone left and only Tian Huazhi and Ye Beixuan were left, Tian Huazhi bowed and said, "Sir Ye, His Majesty has ordered that you return to the capital immediately to report on your duties. I will be in charge of the border for the time being."

Go back to Kyoto? Ye Beixuan touched his chin. It seems that Kyoto’s affairs need me.

"Before I leave, I have to get rid of someone first." Ye Beixuan did not forget the old man in black robe. This guy was a trouble. The bead was terrible and must be destroyed.

at the same time.

Hu Meir carried the unconscious Li Shun on her back and rushed all the way until she finally found a hidden cave.

She gently put Li Shun down and carefully examined his injuries. Although Li Shun was seriously injured, his life was not in danger.

Hu Meir breathed a sigh of relief, then sat aside and looked at Li Shun's young and resolute face.

She murmured softly, "Why do I feel so nervous seeing this silly boy becoming more and more handsome..."

At this moment, Li Shun suddenly frowned and slowly opened his eyes.

When he saw Hu Mei'er, he was stunned at first, then he struggled to sit up and asked vigilantly: "You saved me?"

Hu Meier smiled slightly, a sly look flashing in her eyes: "Yes! I even ran a lot of mountain roads carrying you on my back!"

Upon hearing this, Li Shun showed a hint of gratitude on his face and whispered, "Thank you for saving me, young lady."

He looked up and down at Hu Meir carefully and found that she was carrying him on her back and her shoes were broken. So he took out the shoes his mother had made for him from his arms and handed them to her.

"My mother made these for me. I originally wanted to wear them myself. You saved my life, but now the shoes are damaged. I have nothing to repay you with, and I don't have anything else on me, so I'll give them to you!"

Hu Mei'er was stunned when she saw the shoes. He gave me shoes? He is my husband? Mr. Ye's fortune-telling is really accurate.

So she happily took the shoes, waved her hand, and said with a charming smile, "You're welcome. But you have to repay the favor!"

Li Shun was stunned. Such a beautiful and gentle girl. Seeing that he had lost his composure, he quickly thanked her: "Don't worry, my lady. I cannot express my gratitude enough for your kindness. I will definitely repay you when I return to the army."

Hu Meir looked at Li Shun's serious expression, and suddenly felt a warm feeling in her heart. My husband is so handsome.

She said softly, "Okay, let's rest here for one night and return to the army tomorrow."

Li Shun nodded, and then asked: "Girl, why are you here? You happened to save me."

Hu Mei'er's eyes flashed with a complicated expression when she heard this. She was silent for a moment, then whispered, "I'm looking for someone who is very important to me in my life."

"But now I have found it."

Li Shun nodded silently. He wanted to return to the army. He had worked so hard to get to this point and he must not give up.

The night was deep and the cave was silent. Hu Mei'er looked at the starry sky outside the cave, with a myriad of thoughts in her mind.

At this moment, she felt a sense of security that she had never felt before. This was the so-called sense of reliance. Even though this little man could be crushed to death with just one finger of hers, this inexplicable sense of security was real.

"Maybe... this is fate." Hu Meir looked at the young man who had closed his eyes and couldn't help but smile.

But the Tiankui Mountains on the other side were not peaceful.

"Amitabha." Master Huikong clasped his hands together, his eyes filled with compassion. He said, "How many times has this happened? The demonic ways are rampant. It's time to launch a great war between good and evil."

Everyone looked at the many dead disciples of the Immortal Palace, whose blood had been drained out and who looked like mummies, and they were immediately filled with anger.

"This new Demon Lord does whatever he wants without regard for any consequences. If we don't take any measures, I'm afraid there will be even greater tragedies." Ma Rufeng said in a heavy tone.

The others remained silent, but their expressions seemed to indicate approval.

A storm is coming, and all the major immortal palaces have made preparations for war and officially begun to encircle and suppress the Demon Sect.

At the same time, on the top of Jinya Mountain.

An old man in a black robe held the blood bead in his hand, his chest rising and falling slightly. He had not expected that the young man in the Foundation Establishment Stage was so powerful that he could fight against opponents of higher levels.

Looking at the shocking wound on his stomach, he took a breath of cold air. He almost got ripped open and died like those pregnant women.

"It seems that you can't fully control this bead." Ye Beixuan said jokingly indifferently.

"You forced me to do this." The tone of the old man in black robe began to become fierce, as if he was fighting a last desperate battle.

He suddenly opened his mouth and swallowed the whole bead. Immediately, his whole body was filled with blood, and his eyeballs popped out, filled with blood-red bloodshot.

The whole person made strange noises and had a sinister smile.

Ye Beixuan shook his head and said, "They are more powerful, but also less rational, making them easier to kill."

Ye Beixuan said no more and rushed forward with Zhanxian in hand. It seemed like an instinctive reaction. The old man in black robe was extremely afraid of Zhanxian.

call out!
Just when the two were fighting hard, a cold light once again pierced the darkness. Behind the old man, his clone, holding the Zhuxie sword attached with the Nanming Lihuo, finally made a move.

In an instant, with a "puff" sound, it pierced his heart. The Nanming Lihuo and the power of Zhuxie instantly shattered his blood and energy. At the same time, a sword light flashed, and the old man's stomach was cut open. His internal organs flowed all over the ground, and there was a bead that had not yet completely melted, but soon everything was burned to ashes by the Nanming Lihuo.

Shaking his head, Ye Beixuan floated away.

the other side.

The capital of the Great Zhou Dynasty, the Imperial Palace.

early morning.

The empress sat upright on the dragon throne as usual, and the palace maids shouted loudly: "If you have a memorial, submit it. If you don't, leave the court."

Everyone looked at each other and shook their heads. The empress controlled the military power on the border and could now suppress Li Chunfeng in the capital. The imperial power was now higher than the prime minister's power.

At this moment, Li Chunfeng suddenly stepped forward, bowed and said, "I have a copy."

"Lord Li, what's the matter?"

"There are three forms of unfilial behavior, and having no offspring is the worst." Li Chunfeng first resorted to moral coercion, then continued, "Your Majesty has already reached marriageable age, and having an heir is crucial to the nation. Please choose a date."

"There are many talented young men in the imperial capital. Your Majesty can hold a martial arts competition to find a bride. The winner who passes the literary examination can be chosen as a matchmaker."

The empress pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "Yes."

(End of this chapter)