Starting from the Tiger Demon Yaksha, the demon immortality

Chapter 359 369 What night is this? Three routes attack Liang (8,000)

Li Cunxiao?
Upon hearing this, Bai Xiangshan and Monk Dezheng subconsciously recalled images from seven years ago.

At the Ullambana Festival, above the lotus pond, celestial beings and yakshas coldly wield their swords.

His outstanding demeanor, standing out from the crowd, and his soaring spirit that swept through Songzhou and even Bianzhou's young talents, left a deep impression on everyone.

Not to mention that the other party later became the disciple of two grandmasters, which, in addition to his outstanding talent, also gave him a powerful background.

When they parted ways that year, they both knew that this person was destined for greatness and would surely achieve something great in the future.

But I never imagined that I would hear the other person's name again at this time, in this place, under these circumstances.

"Li Cunxiao? Is that Li Cunxiao?"

Abbot Zhaoyang still had some impressions in his mind.

I remember that Puning, the rising star of Huishan Temple, nicknamed "Poison Dragon," was once defeated by the other party.

Later, Huishan Temple and Tiangu Temple joined forces to eliminate the Ming Cult's evil people. His junior brother Zhaohu even made a bet, losing a scroll of the Unmoving Black Dragon Sword Secret Technique.

However, this was originally intended to show goodwill to the Buddhist elder Qici, so he didn't feel any displeasure.

However, things are unpredictable. Who would have thought that Li Yisheng would become the emperor of the Great Qin Dynasty, and Zhu Quanzhong would ascend the throne and change the era name in Henan Province?

Bianzhou was located closer to the front line than Songzhou. It was not only exploited by the Liang Dynasty, but also ravaged by the Qin army after the city fell.

Zhao Yang's original Xuan Guan cultivation level was insufficient in the face of the Thirteen Protectors and tens of thousands of troops. He had no choice but to make a tough decision and lead the elite of his sect to join his old friend.

Who could have imagined that less than a month after the city was settled, Songzhou was about to fall again, and the Emperor of Liang himself was fleeing to the sea. There were even rumors that the other side planned to cross the ocean to escape the disaster.

They want to run, but where can they run to?
If we stay, we'll probably have no choice but to surrender, but are those ravenous soldiers easy to deal with?

For a moment, the three of them were all lost in thought about the past and the future.

Seeing the three elders' expressions, Yuan Guang couldn't help but feel a little more hesitant.

The masters and the others didn't listen to what they were saying at all.

Not to mention them, even they themselves couldn't believe it.

Li Cunxiao was gone for seven years. Not long after he left, Songzhou was incorporated into the Liang Dynasty, and war broke out all over the country.

With war raging everywhere and transportation and communication almost completely cut off, they had little chance of knowing what was happening in the capital.

It is impossible to know what Li Cunxiao's situation has been like in recent years, and the rumors that I occasionally hear are too far-fetched.

What about the thirteen bodyguards under Li Yisheng, the Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King? Among them was Li Cunxiao, the Third Prince of Nezha, who was a celestial being, skilled in both literature and martial arts, and assisted the Heavenly King in pacifying the chaotic world.

It is also said that Li Cunxiao was the reincarnation of the Medicine King, holding a pure bottle of nectar, saving countless lives, and so on.

All of this was similar to how rebels would claim to have extraordinary signs and divine mandate when they rose to power, but Yuan Guang didn't take it to heart.

However, just now when he saw a thousand elite cavalrymen galloping towards him from the city wall, he was horrified to find that the young general leading them looked seven-tenths like his junior brother Li from back then.

However, the Qin general was arrogant and fierce, and he dared not make any false accusations. Otherwise, if he angered the other party and the army massacred the city, wouldn't tens of thousands of people die in vain?
But what if it really is Junior Brother Li? Given his past character, there might be a turning point in today's crisis. How can we give up so easily?

“Master, Lord Bai, that young general does indeed resemble Junior Brother Li by about 70%.”

"Judging from his aura, I cannot fathom its depth, but his cultivation level is probably equal to that of the three of you."

These words finally brought Dezheng and the other two back to reality.

Yuan Guang reached the True Form Perfection seven years ago, and now he has reached the sixth realm of the Heavenly Ladder. He has passed the first stage of the Tail Gate, which is considered to be above the entry level, but not yet fully accomplished.

If someone can't figure out his strength, then their cultivation level must have indeed crossed a major realm.

If that general was indeed the exceptionally talented Li Cunxiao of the past, then after seven years, he should be twenty-six years old. It wouldn't be surprising if he had progressed from the Yellow Court to the Mysterious Pass.
Dezheng and the other two silently stood up, went out the door, and flew straight to the city gate with a halo of light.

"It's Prefect Bai."

Abbot

"Abbot, you've arrived."

The garrison troops of the city and the monks of the two temples all spoke up, but the three people who fell from the sky only nodded slightly. Their steps unconsciously quickened, and they approached the city gate and looked down.

The powerful aura of the thousand cavalrymen was like smoke from a wolf's beacon, stirring up the clouds. In contrast, the army was silent and still, a stark contrast to the restless and bloodthirsty soldiers of the past.

Zhao Yang keenly noticed that this army was well-equipped, with a layer of chainmail under their lamellar armor, and an additional breastplate covering their chests, resembling a tortoise shell.

The image of the dragon turtle Baxia is outlined on the skin of an unknown demon beast.

They seemed to be just as elite as the Great Liang Wild Geese I had seen before.
However, Bai Xiangshan and Dezheng's focus was not on this.

Their eyes swept over the fluttering military flag, and when they saw the words "Li, the Military Governor of Songzhou," their hearts tightened.

Although Li Yisheng and others came from the ranks of regional military governors, when it came to the struggle for power, even knowing it was inappropriate, they still followed the old path of their predecessors and appointed military governors in various places.

After all, the arrogance of soldiers and generals has a long history. They may kneel before the strong, but outside, no one doesn't want to be king or domineering.

Zhu Quanzhong appointed military governors to his own people, so Li Yisheng had no choice but to appoint military governors to his subordinates as well. The same principle applied to the Prince of Shu, the Prince of Wu, and the Prince of Yue.

Some of these military governors would treat their subordinates like crops, harvesting them but at least ensuring their survival.

Some military governors, however, treated people like livestock, pigs, and dogs, giving them life and death at their whim, without any bottom line or restraint.

So when they saw that it was a military governor, the two of them instinctively became nervous. As for the character "Li," it didn't mean anything. Li Yisheng had a lot of adopted sons, and there were too many people with the surname Li.

Thoughts raced through my mind, but the moment outside was fleeting. Beneath the banner, what caught my eye even more was a blue lion that resembled an elephant.

His aura was clearly at the pinnacle of the seventh realm. Bai Xiangshan couldn't help but silently compare himself and found that he didn't have much of a chance of winning.

When Dezheng saw the blue lion, he couldn't help but feel a sense of familiarity.

He had never seen this blue lion before, but he seemed to have heard of it somewhere.

Just then, behind the blue lion, a young general riding a magnificent steed with fur like blazing flames stepped forward from the crowd, a smile on his face:

"Abbot, how have you been?"

"You are, you are Li Mucha!"

Dezheng was speechless for a moment, his eyes scanning back and forth across that familiar yet unfamiliar face. The young man's face was handsome and strong, and one could still vaguely see some of the boy's appearance from back then.

"Li Mucha? Isn't that Li Cunxiao's younger brother? So, the person who came really is..."

Bai Xiangshan's breathing became rapid, but the back of the green lion was empty.

Could it be that Yuan Guang mistook Li Mucha for Li Cunxiao?
Yes, if this Songzhou military governor is indeed Li Cunxiao, then he must hold a high position and great power in the current Qin Dynasty.

Old friends are just old friends after all. Their meeting was merely a coincidence, orchestrated by Grandmasters Taiyi and Qici to train their disciples.

To be honest, whether it's top-grade martial arts or a few pills, they are extremely precious to them, but what do they mean to Li Cunxiao now?

The fact that Li Mucha came to meet with them was already a sign of consideration for their past relationship.

At least for now, the people in the city are not in mortal danger, and the fears of war have been alleviated.
"Abbot Dezheng, Prefect Bai, how have you been?"

The two men were startled and turned around abruptly, only to see a young general with a smile on his face standing behind them without their noticing!

Unlike Li Mucha, who hadn't fully grown up seven years ago, Li Cunxiao's appearance has remained unchanged since he began cultivating the "Supreme Secret Nana Heavenly Scripture" and achieving celestial transformation.

But when Dezheng and Bai Xiangshan looked at the living people so close to them, they were almost afraid to recognize them.

Nothing more than that; the person was still the same, but he had suddenly acquired a profound and imposing aura, his eyes calm, as vast as a boundless ocean that encompasses all things.

This is no longer the lucky newcomer who has won the favor of a master and is beginning to show his talent, but a general and military governor who already holds the power of life and death!

"If it weren't for Junior Nephew Li being right in front of me, I would have suspected that I had developed a mental demon, and that Yuanguang had also developed a mental demon."

Dezheng finally spoke first. Since the other party was willing to meet him in person and call him abbot, it meant that old feelings still existed. If he was too reserved, it would only create distance.

"With the army pressing in and the people about to be displaced, it was just in time for an old friend to come to our rescue. It was like a dream that had just been broken through the barrier and made us fall into a dreamlike state."

Li Cunxiao chuckled upon hearing this.

He did not stay under the city walls because he did not want to create a situation where the two armies were facing off, causing his old friend unnecessary tension and embarrassment.

But he never expected that the abbot, who had taken good care of him and had a righteous character, would say such things.

"Whether it's an illusion or not, you'll know in a little more time. This must be Abbot Zhaoyang of Huishan Temple in Bianzhou, right?"

Li Cunxiao looked at another old monk, sensing the aura of the other's Xuan Guan level, and vaguely guessed the other's identity.

After all, not everyone can be like him, rapidly advancing through realms like a rocket. To complete all twelve levels and achieve inner communion, it wouldn't be surprising for an ordinary person to spend twenty years.

In Songzhou, there are only two Xuan Guan masters, Bai Xiangshan and Dezheng. The extra seventh-realm monk is most likely Zhaoyang, the "Immovable King" of Huishan Temple in the neighboring Bianzhou.

“This old monk is Zhaoyang. Although we have never met, Dezheng has mentioned your talent more than once.”

Zhao Yang was more reserved than the other two. After all, they had no real relationship with Li Cunxiao back in Bianzhou, except for the fact that he had given them a martial arts technique.

The other party is clearly aiming to dominate Songzhou. While not exactly groveling, they certainly can't adopt the demeanor of a senior expert.

"Abbot Zhaoyang, you flatter me. I still remember when I sparred with Junior Brother Puning, the temple bestowed upon me martial arts techniques, from which I benefited greatly. How are Uncle Zhaohu and Senior Brother Puxing?"

As soon as Li Cunxiao spoke, he felt the atmosphere, which had just warmed up, immediately turn cold again.

The old monk Zhaoyang looked sorrowful, while Dezheng secretly transmitted his voice:

“A month ago, Liang Jun was defeated and fled to Bianzhou. Before leaving, he set fire to the city and looted it. Pu Xing saved more than 300 people, but he also exhausted his energy and finally died in the city.”

"No sooner had Liang Jun left than Kang Junli, one of the Twelve Protectors, led his troops to the temple. Ignoring the need to appease the local people, he immediately stormed the gate of Huishan Temple, demanding rare and precious materials, divine weapons and elixirs. His demands were excessive, and Zhaoyang had no choice but to flee with the entire temple."

"Zhao Hu stayed behind to cover the retreat of Zheng Yang and the others, but was killed by Kang Junli. His skin was peeled off, stuffed with straw, and hung in Bianzhou City as a warning to others."

what?
Pu Xing is dead?

Zhao Hu is dead too?
He still remembered the two of them; it felt like just yesterday that they worked together to wipe out the Ming Cult heretics.

But now, is it gone?

Li Cunxiao was initially bewildered, then an indescribable emotion brewed in his chest, mixed with murderous intent towards Kang Junli.

But he is no longer the same person he was back then. After four years of being stationed in the southwest, his emotions no longer show easily on his face.

"Please grief."

Li Cunxiao didn't say much. Zhao Hu and Pu Xing's words reminded him that he had no time to care about anything else. His powerful primordial spirit swept across the entire city, searching for the aura of the people in the escort agency.

A moment later, he breathed a sigh of relief, nodded to the three of them, and his figure vanished instantly.

The three of them, Dezheng, and others, were stunned, their grief completely overshadowed.

"Did you see it clearly just now?"

"No."

"No."

"."

"Seven years ago, Li Cunxiao was still Huang Ting, right?"

"Yes."

"Although those at the Profound Gate Realm can fly, they can't do something like traversing the void, right?"

"You're also part of the entryway, why are you asking me?"

"I can't do it anyway."

The three fell silent again. After a moment, Bai Xiangshan spoke with a wry smile:
"It seems that Li Cunxiao's fate and talent are even more astonishing than we imagined."

"But in any case, the crisis in Songzhou has been resolved."

As he spoke, he waved his hand, and the guards hesitated for a moment before shouting loudly, and the city gate drawbridge was slowly lowered.

Li Guangyi led several dozen riders slowly into the city and planted the "Li" banner on the city wall.

On this day, Li Jiedu, no, the King of Song, returned to his familiar homeland.

Xingshanfang, Flying Tiger Escort Agency.

Deserted.

silence.

The once bustling main street, the most prosperous place in Songzhou City, is now only covered with fallen leaves that no one sweeps, and scattered bloodstains, some gray and black, some dark red, stretching from the street to the alley.

Escort agencies rely on trade for their livelihood.

But during times of war, who would dare to do business? Whether encountering soldiers or bandits, the outcome is always the same: losing both money and people.

Without traveling merchants, there would be no need for escorting goods, and the porters would have no way to make a living.

The continuous warfare forced these lowly warriors to either risk their lives to survive or flee into exile, repeatedly pursuing a fleeting, dreamlike peace only to have it shattered again, leading to another exile.

This process repeated itself until one day, they succumbed to the speed at which war arrived and met their demise.

The Flying Tiger Escort Agency had already declined several years ago.

"Squeak~"

The side door opened, and a young girl dressed in coarse cloth came out, carrying a broom and carefully sweeping the fallen leaves in front of the security agency.

Chua chua.

The sound of bamboo branches sweeping through broken bricks and stones was so striking that instantly, pairs of fierce, predatory eyes turned their attention to the surrounding dilapidated shops.

"Que'er," came a call, and a slightly older young woman emerged from the side door of the security company.

She wore a monk's robe, carried a long sword, and her sharp gaze, like a cold blade, swept across the surrounding streets. In an instant, the greed and hunger in the eyes of those around her quickly turned into fear.

"It's that nun from the Zhang family."

"Even a fallen tiger retains its might; four top-tier martial arts experts still reside within this escort agency. We can't afford to offend them." "How strange, all the porters have fled, what's the escort agency still doing here?"

"Let's change our target. I heard the Qin army is coming. Let's find another one to attack, and once we succeed, we'll run."

A rustling sound followed, and after a moment, the street returned to silence.

Zhang Yuelu breathed a slight sigh of relief.

Seven years ago, she was still at the Muscle Realm. Thanks to the elixirs left by Li Cunxiao and the care of Tiangu Temple, and through her own efforts, she has now reached the Minor Completion of the Internal Organs Realm.

In the current Songzhou City, he's considered quite capable. He can easily deter gangs that are taking advantage of the chaos in the city, as well as deserters who have infiltrated the city along with the refugees.

However, generally speaking, as long as one understands the strength and background of the Flying Tiger Escort Agency, unless one is a desperate criminal, most people would not dare to provoke them.

The fifth realm's true form is not revealed, and the fourth realm's Yellow Court is considered a master. The higher realms of sixth and seventh are all people from Tiangu Temple, Huishan Temple, and the government office.

"Li Sanlang's gifts, even after all these years, are still not exhausted."

Zhang Yuelu was momentarily dazed when the image of the fierce-looking boy from back then flashed through her mind, and she didn't even hear her sister's cries.

Seven years have passed. What level have those outstanding talents reached now?
I heard that the Qin Dynasty has a new emperor. Huayin County is located in the capital region. Has it been affected?
"Third Sister? Third Sister!"

Zhang Que'er raised her voice slightly, which startled Zhang Yuelu out of her reverie. Looking at her younger sister, who had grown into a graceful young woman, she felt a mix of emotions.

"In the blink of an eye, Sparrow has grown up. To be honest, I suddenly miss your mischievousness back then."

"I was young and didn't understand things back then."

Zhang Que'er smiled, but her expression showed no trace of her childhood liveliness.

The horror of war loomed over everyone's heart. No matter how hard Zhang Lishi tried to shield himself from it, shadows would eventually seep through the cracks.

Famine, disease, chaos. It is difficult for people who grow up in such an environment to maintain a carefree innocence.

Li Cunxiao stood beside the two sisters, quietly watching everything unfold.

Just by observing their expressions, manner of speaking, and clothing, he could roughly guess how the people in the escort agency had been doing all these years.

It won't be too bad, but it won't be too good either.

A feeling of trepidation welled up inside him as he approached home; the threshold was right there, yet he suddenly hesitated to step inside.

A person can only remain indifferent to those who are completely unrelated to them, or those who are only interested in them for personal gain.

Just like powerful figures like Changsun Fu, no matter how much they invest and gamble, it's ultimately for themselves and their families.

Li Cunxiao greeted them with a smile and addressed them as brothers, but even if these people died in front of him the next moment, his emotions would not fluctuate in the slightest.

The people of Wenzhou and Fuzhou were grateful for his benevolent rule, but if one day he were to raise taxes to train troops and cause resentment, he would only step in to appease them while proceeding with the original plan.

Because Li Cunxiao was not so arrogant as to think he was a savior bearing the mandate of heaven and the hearts of the people, he simply tried his best to improve the lives of the people, doing as much as he could.

He has a clear conscience as long as the other party has genuinely benefited and their situation has not worsened.

But Flying Tiger Escort Agency is different.

Although it was only a year or two, Li Cunxiao spent his weakest and most emotionally complex period here.

After leaving Songzhou, facing the turmoil and unpredictability of the capital region, his heart gradually hardened. Apart from his younger brother, wife, and Master Qici, very few people could stir his emotions.

Standing at the entrance of the Flying Tiger Escort Agency, gazing at the old plaque, it was as if a wave of light was pushing open the dusty memories.

He and Qin Yu played with stone locks, sweating profusely on the training ground to hone their strength;
Traveling with Shi Tie on a delivery mission, the smell of alcohol and laughter around the campfire late at night;

There were also the Cui brothers laughing and joking, the Zhang sisters running around the yard with their children, and...
"Snapped".

Just as the side door was about to close, it was suddenly grabbed by a hand. Zhang Yuelu's pupils contracted, and she pushed her bewildered younger sister back with her right hand while her left hand drew her sword like a shooting star, thrusting it towards the uninvited guest.

At the same time, his dantian vibrated, and he shouted:

"father!!!!"

She had clearly observed carefully just now that there was no one else nearby. This person's sudden appearance must mean that his cultivation level was above hers; he was either at the Perfection of the Internal Organs or at the Yellow Court level.

After repeated battles in Songzhou, many skilled fighters in the city were lost, and many remnants of defeated soldiers took advantage of the chaos to infiltrate the city. The escort agency has encountered this situation three or four times in recent times.

Fortunately, in addition to his father Zhang Lishi, his senior brother Shi Tie and his two senior uncles Cui Jia have also broken through to the Yellow Court level in recent years.

With four masters of the Yellow Court School, they will surely be able to defeat the invading enemy.
"Junior sister, it's me."

A gentle force traveled from the tip of the sword to the palm of her hand, and with the help of inertia, Zhang Yuelu's longsword returned directly to its sheath along the same path.

He pushed open the side door with his palm, and a young man dressed in magnificent armor, looking like a heavenly king or general, came into view.

"Your Excellency... no, you are, you are..."

"I am Li Sanlang."

Zhang Yuelu's mind went blank. The image of Li Sanlang in her memory slowly overlapped with the figure of the person in front of her, but there was always something uneven about them.

"Yue'er!"

With a furious shout, four figures flew over the rooftops and walls, their different true qi lights shining brightly together.

The sword energy and spear light approached within three feet, then suddenly dissipated without warning. The Cui brothers and Shi Tie felt their bodies sink, as if their true energy had been locked up.

Zhang Lishi was most anxious when he heard his daughter's cry for help, and he rushed over the fastest. However, when he got to the young man, he suddenly felt that the young man looked familiar.

The Azure Phoenix Armor activated its transformation ability, and the emerald-feather-like armor flipped and transformed into a plain white round-necked robe.

On the black turban, a red headband was drawn out of thin air.

The middle-aged man with graying temples suddenly slowed his pace, his long sword stance became erratic, and his dilated pupils focused on the approaching young man, whose arms were slowly opening.
Li Cunxiao stepped forward and gave Zhang Lishi a firm hug.

Zhang Lishi froze, completely at a loss.

Clang.

The long sword fell to the ground, and rough hands clung to the young man's broad back, their fingertips trembling involuntarily.

"Master, how are you and your wife? How is Tiger?"

"Okay, we're all good, Sanlang, you are too."

"You're back?"

Li Cunxiao gently loosened his arms, looking at Shi Tie and the Cui brothers whose eyes were red, and felt a sense of peace and tranquility in silence.

He laughed from the bottom of his heart.

"I am back."

"Your Majesty, Li Songzhou has sent a letter saying that he has captured Songzhou without bloodshed and requests permission to allocate grain and fodder to relieve the disaster victims."

"Granted," Li Yisheng said, looking up from the sand table in the central command tent.
"Take the imperial edict conferring the title of king with you as well."

"Yes," the messenger kowtowed in response, glancing casually at the other guards in the main tent as he rose.

Seeing those ashen faces, I felt as if the temperature here had dropped considerably. I shivered and quickly left with the imperial edict in my hands.

Li Yisheng looked relaxed, holding a waist knife in his hand, pointing at the sand table.

"It's good to win without bloodshed. It can win people's hearts and save money and food. If you could learn from the thirteenth prince, our casualties would be much less."

"Some of you might be wondering, since we've all risked our lives and conquered more than one state, why was the thirteenth prince made a king as soon as he arrived?"

"Hmm? Twelfth brother, tell me, why?"

Kang Junli, who was called out, lowered his head, stood up and crossed his arms, "Because Li Cunxiao and because the King of Song are grandmasters."

Li Yisheng laughed, threw his waist knife onto the sand table, and looked around at everyone.

"Look, isn't it all very clear?"

"Li Cunxiao became a master at this critical juncture, able to rival Ge Congzhou and Yang Shihou. If he lost, it goes without saying; if he won, he would capture more than just one city or one territory."

“Zhigang will be stationed in the capital for me, Zhiheng will be stationed in the eastern capital for me, the eldest and third brothers will be stationed in the north and south, and now that Li Cunxiao has arrived in the central region, the position is complete.”

"With him around, you all have a grandmaster protecting you, which is why your lives are safe. Do I have to teach you such a simple truth? Huh?"

"Everyone's got such sour faces. What, are you going to start fighting amongst yourselves before the big battle?"

"If you're capable, break through to the Grandmaster level on your own. If you're not, then show me the attitude you should have!"

"From this day forward, Li Cunxiao shall be appointed as the commander-in-chief of the central route, Li Siyuan as the commander-in-chief of the northern route, and Li Cunxu as the commander-in-chief of the southern route, in command of the three routes of troops."

"Three days later, the three armies will attack Liang simultaneously! I want to see if Zhu Quanzhong is really going to run away, or if he's hiding in some stinking ditch, waiting to launch a surprise attack!"

Li Yisheng spoke harshly and sternly, beating the six men mercilessly. After giving his orders, he simply kicked them out.

Kang Junli and the others dared not utter a sound, but simply lowered their heads and hurriedly left, each of them clenching their fists.

I was furious, but I couldn't refute it.

Because Li Cunxiao was truly a grandmaster, and it was really difficult for them to break through to the grandmaster level.

Unless Li Yisheng stays by their side for all twelve hours of the day, the central army is under Li Cunxiao's command. If the enemy deliberately sends them to be cannon fodder or secretly sabotages them, they will die without even knowing how they died on the battlefield, where swords and spears have no eyes.

Situation is stronger than people!
"Damn it, are we just going to swallow this insult?!"

Li Siben spoke angrily, and Li Sien immediately elbowed him upon hearing this.

"We are His Majesty's personal guards, so watch your words."

As he spoke, he glanced at Kang Junli and Shi Jingsi, then dragged the cursing Li Siben away.

The other two were taken aback at first, then realized what was going on.

His Majesty's personal guards, of course, could not say anything, but of the remaining four, Kang Junli and another were men of Grand Protector Li Siyuan, while Shi Jingsi and Li Cunzhang were men of Third Protector Li Cunxu.

Li Si'en was clearly furious that Li Cunxiao was stealing the credit, so he directly instructed both sides present to pass a message to the two people behind him.

Ultimately, Li Cunxiao became the King of Song, and these people only suffered some indignity.

However, for Prince Qin, Li Siyuan, and Prince Jin, Li Cunxu, this meant another rival vying for the throne.

The key is this opponent; they were the ones who initially joined forces to send him to the remote areas of Jiannan.

Now that Li Cunxiao has made a literal return to power, how should the other two react?
"Prefect Bai, is this grain enough to settle the displaced people in the city?"

"That's enough. The rest can be supplied to the farmers. Take advantage of late spring to rush to plant some crops so that they don't end up with nothing."

In the prefectural government office, Bai Xiangshan looked at the rows of numbers on the documents and felt at ease.

On the third day after Li Cunxiao arrived in Songzhou, soldiers and horses arrived with provisions and medicine, which were life-saving supplies for the city of Songzhou at that time.

"On behalf of all the people of the city, I thank Your Majesty for your grace."

Xiaguan Dawang
Li Cunxiao couldn't help but feel a little uncomfortable seeing Bai Xiangshan, who had once looked after him, behaving so respectfully.

But times have changed, and now, whether in terms of status or simply martial arts realm, the two are no longer what they used to be.

If we force ourselves to change, it will only make things more awkward.

'Oh well, never mind.'

Li Cunxiao did not insist, but used his true energy to support Bai Xiangshan when he was about to pay his respects.

"There's no need for that. Since I'm enfeoffed in Songzhou, I have an inescapable responsibility to ensure the livelihood of the people."

Bai Xiangshan secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

In just seven years, he went from Huangting to Grandmaster; it's truly unbelievable.

In such a short time, he has acquired such powerful martial arts skills. His strength and experience are mismatched, so it is normal for him to be arrogant and conceited.

However, apart from having gained some of the imposing presence of a superior, Li Cunxiao remained largely unchanged. He was quite peaceful and adept at handling government affairs, always able to easily grasp the pain points of the people's livelihood.

"However, now that Your Majesty is leading troops into battle, will His Majesty be concerned about incurring such a large expenditure on provisions and pay?"

"It's alright. I brought this batch of provisions with me, and I am an elite soldier."

"You don't need to worry about these things. Just focus on restoring production in Songzhou."

Li Cunxiao requested permission to go to the front lines, so naturally he was not unprepared.

Besides medicine and military supplies, he also extorted a large sum of money from Wang Jian under the pretext of military intelligence regarding food supplies.

The latter was naturally unwilling, but since there was a contract in place and he had the moral high ground to claim it, he had no choice but to hand it over in full.

A moment later, Li Cunxiao and Li Guangyi left the government office together.

You can see the Dragon Armor Army opening granaries and distributing grain within a hundred steps.

The people receiving the food were all emaciated and pale, and many of them fainted halfway through the queue.

Fortunately, there were monks from the Medicine King Courtyard of Tiangu Temple nearby who would rush to help if they saw what was happening.

Cao Mu Fang Yuan Ling, Jin Shi Fang Yuan Qian, and Tu Zai Fang Yuan Huai—these three familiar faces were surprisingly among the crowd.

However, upon meeting the Li Cunxiao brothers, all three were somewhat at a loss, their faces showing a mixture of honor and embarrassment.

After the two brothers had walked away, they began to whisper among themselves.

“I could tell from the beginning that Junior Brother Li was an outstanding person who would surely achieve great things.”

"While others avoided the blood and filth of the slaughterhouse, he enjoyed it immensely."

"What's this called? If you can't even sweep your own room, how can you sweep the world!"

"Bullshit! You're just as capable as Junior Brother Li in our thatched hut. You're nothing but a butcher! I beg Junior Brother Li to give you a stable job in the army someday."

(End of this chapter)