Liver into a martial arts legend: starting with Embroidered Spring Blade

Chapter 116 The Second Elder of the White Lotus Sect! An Arrow That Annihilates a Grandmaster! [10,000-word update, please subscribe]

The next day.

The atmosphere in Kaifeng, a city already on high alert for war, seemed to become even more tense.

Overnight, the homes of thirteen local gentry families in Kaifeng were ransacked, and thousands of people were arrested and imprisoned.

The people of Kaifeng felt as if they had lived through another world.

Early in the morning, many people stood at the door of these dozen or so houses, looking out into the distance.

It wasn't until someone mustered up the courage to approach and saw the seal on the door and the notice of ransacking that it was confirmed that the homes of these dozen or so local gentry had indeed been ransacked.

The entire city of Kaifeng was immediately shaken.

Countless people spread the news with great excitement.

"The Wang family's property has been raided!"

"The Zhang family too!"

"Retribution has finally come; I hear they're going to settle accounts for the land they seized!"

"Thank God! Haha..."

The whole city is celebrating.

In contrast to the excited citizens, the atmosphere in the government office was extremely serious.

At daybreak, countless soldiers and yamen runners, under the orders of Lu Xiang-sheng and others, began to go out of the city to cook porridge.

They didn't mention a single word about what happened last night.

There were soup kitchens outside the city that had previously provided relief to the people, but now, after more than half a month without food, they have been occupied by disaster victims and are in a state of disrepair.

Left with no other option, they had to rebuild the soup kitchen.

Upon seeing this, the refugees from all directions excitedly gathered around.

"Rice's ready! Time to distribute porridge!"

"The authorities are taking care of us now!"

"Give us something to eat, gentlemen!"

"I can live now! Waaah..."

"Don't push! Don't push..."

The refugees, drawn by the aroma of rice, crowded around.

Many soldiers lined up around the soup kitchen, but they still couldn't stop the surging crowd.

"Don't mess up!"

Just then, a figure dressed in official robes appeared on the city wall and shouted: "Fellow villagers, please don't panic. Wait a moment, everyone will have food. There will be plenty of porridge today!"

"If the soup kitchen is overturned, no one will have anything to eat!"

Upon hearing this, the refugees calmed down a bit, standing at a distance, swallowing hard and waiting nervously.

The soldiers guarding the porridge shed breathed a sigh of relief and immediately sped up the cooking process.

On the city wall, Lu Xiang-sheng and the others nodded slightly.

What they fear most is unrest; starving refugees won't care about order or disorder.

Fortunately, seeing food with their own eyes has given the refugees hope, and the situation has barely stabilized.

Zhu Xieyuan moved closer to Lu Xiang-sheng and whispered, "My lord, I heard that Lord Jiang's men left the city before dawn."

Lu Xiang-sheng nodded: "I heard that his men discovered members of the White Lotus Sect in Nanyang and went there ahead of time to deal with them."

Zhu Xieyuan exclaimed, "The intelligence of the Embroidered Uniform Guard is indeed as good as its reputation. We have been searching for so long and have not found where the remnants of the White Lotus Sect are located, but they have news as soon as they arrive."

"What I admire about him is his character!"

Looking at the densely packed refugees outside the city, Lu Xiang-sheng's eyes were somewhat complicated: "I heard that he rose through the ranks from a low-ranking officer. Perhaps only by experiencing hardship himself can he truly empathize with these people at the bottom of society and still have a trace of compassion."

Zhu Xieyuan nodded, then said with some worry, "I just don't know how the court will handle this..."

Lu Xiang-sheng's gaze turned cold: "If there are both witnesses and physical evidence, and the imperial court still doesn't send anyone to handle the matter, continuing to allow these people to smash and trample on the laws of the Ming Dynasty and oppress the people..."

"These White Lotus rebels are better left unpunished by this governor!"

"I am fighting for the Ming Dynasty and its people, not for these powerful families or those officials who fill the court with righteousness!"

Zhu Xieyuan's expression changed slightly, and he said in a low voice, "Commander-in-Chief, be careful what you say."

Lu Xiang-sheng snorted coldly and remained silent.

"What are you doing? What are you doing!"

At that moment, a commotion broke out in the city.

A group of people walked towards the city gate, but were stopped by the city guards. They quickly explained, "Officers, we want to get some food for our fellow villagers outside the city!"

As if afraid the soldiers wouldn't believe him, he held up the food boxes and baskets he was carrying to show them.

Inside, there were various kinds of dry food, biscuits, boiled eggs and other foods, and some people were carrying buckets of clean water.

"Please, sirs, let us out!"

"Gentlemen, you have eliminated the Zhang and Wang families, these scourges who oppressed the people, in order to help the refugees. Although we have little food left, we also want to do our part for the refugees!"

"That's right. Although we are poor, we know how to be grateful. Those bastards from the Zhang and Wang families have always bullied us poor people and seized our land. Now that an official from the capital has come to seek justice for us, I am willing to contribute some food to help the suffering villagers outside the city survive!"

"Let us out!"

"This……"

Looking at the scene before them, the soldiers guarding the city were also moved, but they didn't know what to do.

"Get them out!"

Just then, a voice came from the city wall, relieving the soldiers from their predicament.

"Yes, my lord!"

The guards breathed a sigh of relief and let them pass.

"That's Commander Lu!"

"Thank you, Commander Lu!"

Some sharp-eyed civilians recognized Lu Xiang-sheng on the city wall. They thanked him and then rushed out to give food to the refugees outside the city.

"Fellow villagers, we are city dwellers, here's some food for you!"

"Here, take it!"

"Have some water first, ma'am!"

"Waaah... Thank you! Thank you!"

"No need to thank me. We're all poor people. Everyone has their share of hardship. Eat up!"

"The porridge is ready!"

At this time, the porridge at each porridge stall was cooked one after another, and the surrounding people flocked over.

"Don't crowd, don't crowd!"

"Everyone has one, one at a time..."

With the help of the city's residents, the porridge distribution began to proceed in an orderly manner.

On the city wall, Lu Xiang-sheng and the others stared at this scene in stunned silence.

Previously, in order to raise money, he, the military governor of three provinces, personally went to the gentry and clans in the city to ask for help, but no one offered any assistance.

Now, with the thirteen gentry families in the city wiped out, all the people of the city have come out to help.

It felt like a lifetime had passed in just one night.

This is public opinion.

……

Luoyang is less than 400 li away from Kaifeng.

But just like Kaifeng, the area outside Luoyang was also filled with disaster victims, and the number of them was even greater than in Kaifeng.

Luoyang was slightly wealthier than Kaifeng, and the government offices also had surplus grain reserves. However, Luoyang was the fiefdom of the Prince of Fu, who was powerful and held a high position. Most officials in Henan Prefecture were subordinate to him.

Without the order of the Prince of Fu, no one dared to open the granaries to distribute grain and provide relief to the people.

Inside Luoyang, the city's garrison was heavily guarded, keeping countless refugees outside the city walls, and remained unmoved as they watched the increasingly emaciated and starving people.

The atmosphere in the city was solemn, and no one dared to discuss the matter.

Meanwhile, the Prince Fu's Mansion, located in the northeast of Luoyang, was bustling with activity and revelry.

The palace, covering dozens of acres, was extremely extravagant, with luxurious decorations and countless precious artifacts.

Inside the main hall of the Prince's Mansion.

The stout Prince Fu reclined on his throne, enjoying a massage from two maids. Two beautiful maids were also there to peel fruit and feed it to him.

In the main hall below, a dozen or so maids dressed in long sleeves of various colors were playing the zither and dancing, creating a scene of extravagance.

“Father, that scoundrel Lü Qi came again this morning, wanting you to give some money to the disaster victims, but I sent him away.”

Zhu Yousong, the heir apparent of the Prince of Fu, who was standing next to him, was receiving the same treatment as the Prince of Fu, Zhu Changxun. Perhaps out of boredom, he casually said something to Zhu Changxun.

Zhu Changxun scoffed and said, "He pities those lowly commoners, but why doesn't he contribute his own money? He's delusional to think he can get money or grain from me!"

“Tell him, no way!”

Zhu Yousong nodded: "That's what I said too. The money of our Prince Fu's mansion doesn't grow on trees, so why should it be given to these lowly people?"

Zhu Changxun nodded in satisfaction: "That's right, my son is just like me."

“We have a large and prosperous family, so we can spend our money however we want. But we can’t just give it to outsiders. Otherwise, how will we support our family when we get old?”

“Your grandfather died young, and your uncle’s two sons are not on our side. If that day really comes, we won’t be able to rely on him!”

Zhu Yousong nodded: "I understand."

"Your Majesty!"

Just then, the butler rushed in, looking flustered.

"What kind of behavior is this, all flustered and in such a state!"

Zhu Changxun frowned and asked, "What's wrong?"

"Something has happened, Your Highness!"

The steward looked anxious: "News has come from Kaifeng that last night, the Zhang family, the Zhao family, and thirteen other gentry families in the prefectural city had their homes ransacked by the Embroidered Uniform Guard!"

Zhu Changxun was taken aback, then frowned and said, "What does this have to do with me?"

Zhu Yousong's expression changed, and he quickly said, "Father, have you forgotten? Those families in Kaifeng Prefecture are also our people. They pay tribute to us every year!"

"Really? So many people offer tribute to me every year, I really can't remember them all."

Zhu Changxun was taken aback for a moment, then his expression changed: "Who did you say? The Embroidered Uniform Guard?!"

"Yes, Your Highness!"

The steward said anxiously, "I heard it was Jiang Xuan, the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard in the capital, who led his men to do it. This morning, all the gentry families in the thirteen villages of Kaifeng were emptied out, and their doors were sealed off!"

"Be bold!"

Zhu Changxun was shocked and furious: "So, he even dares to touch my people?!"

A hint of panic flashed in Zhu Yousong's eyes as he said, "Father, those Embroidered Uniform Guards are now the Emperor's men. Could it be that the Emperor wants to use our Prince Fu's Mansion as a scapegoat?"

"He dares!"

Zhu Changxun was furious: "I am his own uncle. Not to mention Zhu Youjian, even his father's throne was given to him by me. If Zhu Youjian dares to touch me, then he is disloyal and unfilial!"

With that, Zhu Changxun looked at the steward and shouted, "Speak! What exactly happened?!"

The steward hurriedly said, "Your Highness, I heard that this matter arose because of the refugees in Kaifeng Prefecture. A few days ago, the bandit-suppression commander Lu Xiang-sheng asked the Zhang and Wang families to borrow grain in order to help the refugees in Kaifeng, but those families did not agree."

"But after the Imperial Guards entered the city yesterday, they took action against those families. Then this morning, the Kaifeng Prefecture began distributing porridge outside the city to help those refugees."

Zhu Yousong breathed a sigh of relief and said, "So, this matter may have been decided by the Embroidered Uniform Guard on their own initiative, and has nothing to do with Your Majesty?"

"Probably!"

The steward nodded and said, "I heard that Lu Xiang-sheng let the White Lotus rebels escape a few days ago, and the Embroidered Uniform Guard was sent by imperial decree to help Lu Xiang-sheng suppress the rebels."

"It is highly likely that Lu Xiang-sheng couldn't bear to see the disaster victims suffer, so he asked the Embroidered Uniform Guard to do it. It should have nothing to do with the Emperor."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Changxun breathed a slight sigh of relief, then gritted his teeth and said, "They can't bear to see those lowly people suffer. They don't spend their own money, yet they take action against others. They're being generous with other people's money. It's truly justified!"

Zhu Yousong was somewhat worried and said, "Father, those families in Kaifeng Prefecture are, after all, our people. They've given you a lot of money over the years. Won't this matter implicate us?"

“What the young master says makes sense.”

The steward added, “Your Highness, I heard that the Embroidered Uniform Guard seized several carts of gold and silver jewelry from those families in Kaifeng Prefecture and sent them to the capital overnight. Over the years, those families have relied on Your Highness’s power to seize a lot of military farmland. If the Emperor finds out about this, it will inevitably implicate Your Highness.”

Zhu Changxun's expression shifted several times before he coldly said, "A mere commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard dares to touch even my men. I'd like to see if the Emperor still respects his uncle!"

After saying this, Zhu Changxun got up and went to his study. He quickly wrote a memorial, handed it to the steward, and instructed, "Send it to the capital as fast as you can, and make sure it reaches the Emperor before the Embroidered Uniform Guard!"

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

The butler dared not delay and quickly turned and left.

Zhu Yousong was still somewhat worried: "Father, over the years, we've done quite a few shady things behind the court's back. These things can't withstand scrutiny. And Jiang Xuan is the Emperor's most trusted minister right now. Will the Emperor believe us? What if..."

"Nothing unexpected!"

Zhu Changxun sneered, "So what if he finds out? My status is what it is. Besides, your grandfather instructed me to treat him well before he died. He's only been emperor for a few days, and he dares to target his own uncle? I think he doesn't want to sit on the throne anymore!"

"But……"

"It's nothing!"

Zhu Changxun interrupted, saying, "My son, don't worry. As long as our family doesn't rebel, no one can touch us!"

Seeing his father's confidence, Zhu Yousong's anxiety was somewhat relieved, and he nodded, saying, "Yes, Father."

"Ah."

Zhu Changxun nodded, then dragged his obese body back to the main hall, lay back on the throne, and waved his hand, saying, "Continue playing the music, continue dancing."

The music and dancing resumed.

……

Capital City, Imperial Palace.

Zhu Youjian had just returned to the Qianqing Palace after attending the morning court session when he received a memorial from Prince Fu impeaching Jiang Xuan.

"I sent him to help Lu Xiang-sheng suppress the bandits, and he went to compete with the people for profit?!"

After reading the memorial, Zhu Youjian's face turned pale and then red, and he slammed the memorial heavily on the table.

"I thought he was someone I could trust, but it turns out he's just another corrupt official!"

"Is there anyone in this court whom I can trust?!"

Zhu Youjian was furious and waved his hand, saying, "Wang Chengen, go and summon Cao Zhengchun to me!"

Wang Chengen walked to Zhu Youjian's side and whispered, "Your Majesty, this old servant feels that there is something strange about this matter. We cannot make a hasty conclusion based on Prince Fu's one-sided statement. It would be better to investigate it first."

Zhu Youjian frowned: "You mean, Uncle Wang is deceiving me?"

Wang Chengen quickly replied, "I do not know the truth, so I dare not speak rashly. However, I have heard that Prince Fu does not have a good reputation in Henan. When the late emperor was still alive, many officials submitted memorials to impeach Prince Fu, but the memorials were suppressed by the cabinet. I only discovered them a few days ago when I went to sort out the memorials."

Zhu Youjian frowned deeply: "Who received those memorials?"

"I don't know."

Wang Chengen said in a low voice, "Because it is a memorial from many years ago, this old servant has not reported it to the Emperor. If the Emperor wants to see it, this old servant will go and find it right away."

Tread...  

Just then, a young eunuch rushed in, cupped his hands, and reported: "Your Majesty, Lord Pei Lun of the Northern Garrison requests an audience."

"Pei Lun?"

Zhu Youjian paused for a moment, then waved his hand: "Let him in."

"Yes!"

The young eunuch left.

Soon, two figures walked in one after the other. The one in the lead was Pei Lun, the garrison commander of the Northern Garrison.

"Your humble servant Pei Lun greets Your Majesty!"

"Your subject, An Jianqing, Commander of the Right Guard of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, pays his respects to Your Majesty!"

"No gift!"

Zhu Youjian waved his hand, looking at the two with some doubt: "Minister Pei, what important matter do you have to report?"

"And you're the Right Commander of the Thousand Household? I remember you left the capital and went south with Jiang Xuan, didn't you?"

Pei Lun cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, I have nothing to report. It is Commander An who has just returned to the capital. He has important matters to report to Your Majesty and is worried that he will not be able to see Your Majesty, so he asked me to bring him here."

Zhu Youjian was even more puzzled and looked at An Jianqing, asking, "What do you have to report?"

An Jianqing stepped forward and respectfully presented a stack of memorials, saying, "Your Majesty, I have been ordered to return to the capital to report on the disaster situation in Shandong and Henan. These are memorials from the Governor and the ministers of Kaifeng Prefecture. Your Majesty will understand once you take a look."

Zhu Youjian gave him a wink, and Wang Chengen quickly took the memorial and handed it to him.

Zhu Youjian lowered his head and carefully examined the document. Soon, his face froze, and he could hardly believe what he was seeing.

As he read through the memorials from officials in Kaifeng, his breathing became more and more rapid, and his face grew increasingly grim. He almost gritted his teeth as he finished reading all the memorials.

bang~
Suddenly, Zhu Youjian could no longer contain himself. He slammed his hand heavily on the imperial desk, veins bulging on his face, and roared, "They've rebelled! They've all rebelled!"

"They dare to touch disaster relief funds?!"

"Do these treacherous officials still have any respect for the law or for me, their emperor?!"

"Emperor calm down!"

Wang Chengen and the other two's expressions changed slightly, and they quickly bowed and called out.

Zhu Youjian's breathing quickened, and he suddenly looked at An Jianqing, demanding, "Where are the money you brought back and those traitors?!"

An Jianqing took a deep breath and said, "Your Majesty, the matter is urgent, so I had to rush back to report on it. The gold and silver treasures confiscated from the house, as well as those traitors, are still on their way and should arrive in the capital in about three days."

"When they arrive, I will make sure they die without a burial place!"

Zhu Youjian's eyes were filled with a fierce light as he looked at Pei Lun and said, "Pei Lun, I order your Northern Garrison to investigate this matter. You must find out for me who dared to embezzle the disaster relief funds allocated to Shandong and Henan!"

"Furthermore, find out for me exactly how many treacherous officials and traitors in the south... no, throughout the country, dare to seize military farmland and the people's farmland, and dare to embezzle the court's money!"

Pei Lun was startled. Now, without even asking, he knew what had happened. He immediately cupped his hands and said, "Your subject obeys the decree!"

The two left.

Seeing Zhu Youjian's furious expression, Wang Chengen dared not say anything more. He could only step forward to pick up the memorial that had fallen to the ground for Zhu Youjian and take a look at it.

Soon, his pupils contracted, and he immediately understood the reason for Zhu Youjian's anger.

After a series of changes in expression, Wang Chengen whispered his dissuasion: "Your Majesty, this matter involves too many areas. If we were to investigate it thoroughly, the entire Ming Dynasty would likely be thrown into turmoil. Perhaps you should reconsider..."

"What to consider?"

Zhu Youjian suddenly turned his head, his eyes bloodshot: "This is the country's money! This is my money!"

"They even dare to embezzle my money! Do they even respect me, the emperor?!"

From inside the Qianqing Palace came the furious voice of Zhu Youjian.

for a long time.

Zhu Youjian took a deep breath, sat back on the dragon throne, and gritted his teeth, saying, "Go, bring me the memorial impeaching Prince Fu!"

"I want to see what my good uncle has been doing behind my back!"

"How dare you preemptively accuse me? Do you think I'm a fool?!"

"besides……"

"Summon Cao Zhengchun to me!"

"So much time has passed, and I haven't received a single word about the disaster relief funds!"

"I want to know who stopped those memorials from being submitted!"

"Do they all think I'm young and easy to bully?"

"Then I'll show you whether my Emperor's Sword is truly effective or not!"

A strong murderous intent flashed in Zhu Youjian's eyes.

Wang Chengen was startled and dared not say more. He bowed respectfully and turned to leave.

……

Tang County, Nanyang.

This area is located at the border of Henan and Hubei, so a town gate was also established here.

If you want to enter Huguang from Nanyang, this is the only pass through the pass. The surrounding area is mostly poor mountains and steep ridges, and the terrain is dangerous, making it impossible for a large army to pass.

More than 10,000 Ming troops who were previously responsible for suppressing the White Lotus Rebellion are now stationed here, awaiting orders from Commander-in-Chief Lu Xiang-sheng.

After the White Lotus Sect's previous attack and looting, the city's population has been greatly reduced, and there are few pedestrians on the streets. From time to time, a patrol of soldiers can be seen walking by, and the defense is very strict.

In an inn within the city, Jiang Xuan looked at the Imperial Guard agents in front of him and asked, "Are you sure it's here?"

The undercover agent respectfully cupped his hands: "Reporting to the Governor, we have confirmed that the entire western part of the city is inhabited by members of the White Lotus Sect. Our people have been monitoring them for two days and have investigated them all. After the White Lotus Sect's army looted the area, these people suffered almost no casualties. There is definitely something wrong with them!"

"This place is very likely a former stronghold of the White Lotus Sect!"

Jiang Xuan narrowed his eyes slightly: "You really have guts, trying to play dirty tricks on me?"

Before this upheaval fully erupted, the White Lotus Sect had already gathered a considerable number of people. In Shandong and Henan, traces of the White Lotus Sect could be found from time to time, but their hideout had never been located.

Unexpectedly, it was right here in Tang County.

Moreover, almost everyone in the western part of the city is a follower of the White Lotus sect.

The Tang County government was completely unaware of this.
Of course, it's also possible that there were members of the White Lotus Sect even working in the government offices to cover for them, but since the last White Lotus Sect attack, almost everyone in the government offices has been wiped out.

With no one left to testify, who could have imagined it?

How could so many members of the White Lotus Sect be hiding at this important pass where the Ming army was stationed?
If it weren't for the fact that 'Netherworld's' undercover agents noticed something was wrong and reported it to him.

I'm afraid that when he leaves the pass and heads to Huguang, he will pass through here and will never imagine that this place is actually a stronghold of the White Lotus Sect.

"Go get ready!"

Jiang Xuan waved his hand: "Take my token and notify the garrison in the city to mobilize all their forces, surround them and attack, and do not let a single one escape!"

"Yes!"

The Imperial Guard immediately got up and left.

Jiang Xuan also got up and went outside.

But just as they stepped out of the inn, a member of the Imperial Guard rode up on horseback, his face anxious, and reported loudly, "Reporting to the Commander, the White Lotus Sect army is attacking the city!"

"what?!"

Jiang Xuan's expression changed slightly.

...Atop the city gate west of Tang County, flames rose.

Dense numbers of Ming soldiers gathered at the city gate, ready for battle, exuding a murderous aura.

On the city walls, hundreds of archers and musketeers stood ready, creating an extremely tense atmosphere.

"Damn it, where did these White Lotus rebels come from?"

"And the Grand Commander is still in Kaifeng, what should we do?"

Several armored generals stood on the city wall, discussing countermeasures.

On the opposite hillside, thousands of White Lotus Sect members appeared out of nowhere, each carrying torches and spears, with white headscarves on their heads, and were approaching the city gate.

Why did these White Lotus rebels suddenly attack this place?

"Even if we take it down, what's the point?"

Everyone frowned, utterly puzzled.

I don't understand why this group of White Lotus cult members suddenly gathered here.

"who cares!"

A garrison commander, exuding murderous intent, gripped his spear and coldly said, "A mere few thousand men dare to attack the city? They've come to give us military merits; let's just wipe out this bunch of traitors in one fell swoop!"

The other generals were also somewhat tempted.

During wartime, kills were considered military merits.

Regardless of why this group of White Lotus rebels came.

With over 10,000 troops against a few thousand White Lotus followers, a tenfold difference, the advantage is on our side!

Killing this group of White Lotus rebels is a considerable military achievement!
"Bring me my weapon!"

A general waved his hand, signaling to lead his men out of the pass to meet the enemy.

"Bring mine too, I'm going too!"

"Brother Li, you're going to try and take this from me with such a small group?"

"Stop arguing, all of you. I wasn't involved in the last hunt for the White Lotus Sect's defeated troops, but this time it's my turn!"

"Get out of my way!"

As the generals argued fiercely, the sound of horses' hooves came from behind.

Hoof-clack, hoof-clack...

A white horse galloped towards them, but before it reached the city wall, a figure dressed in a yellow robe leaped up and landed on the city tower in the blink of an eye.

Everyone was startled, but when they saw the flying fish robe on the newcomer, they immediately relaxed and became somewhat puzzled.

A general cupped his hands and asked, "Who is this, sir?"

"This is Jiang Xuan, Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard in the capital!"

Jiang Xuan casually replied and then looked out of the city.

When he looked at the White Lotus Cult members slowly walking down the opposite slope, a look of doubt appeared in his eyes.

A mere thousand White Lotus followers dare to attack the city?
Is it...

As if he had thought of something, Jiang Xuan's expression changed slightly.

call out!
Just then, a rocket suddenly shot into the sky from within the city, exploding and illuminating the night sky.

Then, a shout of battle suddenly came from the direction of the west city.

"Damn it, what's going on!"

"Something's happened in the city?!"

Everyone changed their colors.

Jiang Xuan's expression also changed slightly.

It seems they really came for the White Lotus followers in the city.

A big fish caught in the net?!

Otherwise, why would the White Lotus Sect have gone to such lengths to come here?

"Leave some men to guard the city gate, the rest of you follow me!"

Jiang Xuan made a quick decision and turned to give orders to the generals.

"This is!"

Although they were all commanders of garrison posts, Jiang Xuan was the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, so the others dared not disobey and made arrangements accordingly.

Some men were left to guard the city, while the rest led their troops to follow Jiang Xuan toward the turbulent western city.

……

At this moment, the once quiet and peaceful West District was filled with deafening shouts of killing.

Thousands of the original inhabitants of the West City transformed into White Lotus Sect followers with white turbans on their heads, chanting slogans such as "Eternal Mother, True Homeland" and fighting against a squad of guards.

At the front of the procession, three imposing White Lotus Altar Masters protected an elderly man dressed in white robes and leaning on a cane.

Behind the old man followed dozens of figures shrouded in black robes, emanating a faint, unpleasant odor; they were clearly 'poisonous corpses' crafted by the White Lotus Sect.

This person was none other than Shi Jun, the second elder of the White Lotus Sect.

During the last decisive battle with the Ming army, he was wounded by Ming firearms and had to hide here to avoid being pursued by the Ming army.

Coincidentally, this is also a branch of the White Lotus Sect, which has been developing for many years and has hidden many followers.

With the help of his followers, he successfully hid here for more than half a month.

They originally planned to wait until the Ming army left before heading to Huguang to meet up with the leader.

Unexpectedly, these Ming soldiers stayed there for more than half a month, preventing him from leaving.

The main reason was that he couldn't bear to part with the dozens of poisonous corpses behind him, as well as this group of core followers.

We're going to take them all out with us.

Otherwise, if Lu Xiang-sheng's army arrives and the situation is exposed, the White Lotus Sect's years of hard work will be destroyed.

Just two days ago, he made contact with the cult leader, who then sent his left protector, Zhao Wuji, to meet him.

After discussing it, the two decided to coordinate from the inside and outside, and take all the poisoned corpses and core followers out before Lu Xiang-sheng's army arrived, so that they could meet up with the cult leader.

That's why tonight's mutiny happened.

Ding~
One of the sect leaders shot down a stray arrow that was being fired from the front and stood in front of Shi Jun, his face solemn: "Protect the Second Elder!"

"Yes!"

One by one, the core followers surrounded Shi Jun, protecting him as he advanced.

"Master Long, deal with these Ming soldiers as soon as possible! Protector Zhao's men have arrived!"

Shi Jun gave the order.

"Yes, Second Elder!"

The Dragon Altar Master responded and immediately flashed into the battlefield, leading his team in the fight.

……

Hoof-clack, hoof-clack...

The densely packed Ming army troops marched towards the western city.

Jiang Xuan rode ahead, preparing to go and see what was going on.

At this moment, a group of people also arrived from a distance.

Looking back, it was Xu Longqing and his group.

"Captain!"

Upon meeting, Xu Longqing and the others bowed in greeting.

"You've come at the perfect time! Join me in annihilating the White Lotus Cult!"

Jiang Xuan ordered that they continue leading their men to the turbulent area.

Soon, everyone saw the White Lotus Cult members rushing towards them. The Ming army that had just gone to respond had been completely wiped out.

"kill!"

Jiang Xuan didn't bother to care about the identity of this big fish and simply waved his hand to give the order.

The crowd immediately rushed forward.

"Captain!"

At this moment, several spies responsible for surveillance approached and reported the situation: "Reporting to the Commander, we have confirmed the other party's identity."

After a while.

Jiang Xuan narrowed his eyes and looked at the figure in the center of the battlefield, protected by a group of White Lotus Cult members: "The Second Elder of the White Lotus Cult? He really is a big fish!"

sigh~
Without hesitation, Jiang Xuan took to the air and charged toward the center of the battlefield.

"There are experts!"

"Protect the Second Elder!"

The Dragon Altar Master and others shouted loudly, increasing their vigilance.

Several of them immediately took to the air, attempting to block the figures swooping down.

chi chi chi...

The next second, people were torn apart by sword energy in mid-air, and severed limbs and blood rained down.

"Grandmaster?!"

The Dragon Altar Master's pupils contracted, somewhat incredulous.

There's actually a grandmaster-level figure in the Tang County army?!

How can this be? !
"The intelligence is wrong. Protect the Second Elder!"

After regaining his senses, the Dragon Altar Master gritted his teeth, shouted loudly, and braced himself to step forward and defend.

"return!"

The Second Elder called out to stop him, a hint of coldness flashing in his eyes as he looked at the young man in yellow robes strolling leisurely towards them. He said, "Perfect, let him try out the treasure I just refined recently!"

Jingle bell~
The second elder shook his cane, and the bell hanging on it rang out with a clear, crisp sound.

"Heh, heh..."

Behind him, one poisonous corpse after another awoke, slowly raising their heads to reveal their dark and disgusting faces.

Beneath those uneven skin, it seemed as if insects were crawling, which was extremely terrifying.

"kill!"

The Second Elder issued the order.

As the bells rang, the poisonous corpses roared and charged forward.

ding ding ding...

One after another, the sounds of metal clashing rang out.

Ordinary imperial guards and soldiers were simply unable to break through the defenses of these poisonous corpses.

Just as Jiang Xuan was about to step forward, he was stopped by two burly poisonous corpses.

Two sinister auras, accompanied by thick poisonous gas, rushed towards us, creating an extremely oppressive atmosphere.

The more powerful a person was in life, the stronger their poisonous corpse will be!
Jiang Xuan narrowed his eyes slightly, recalling An Jianqing's introduction: "A Grandmaster-level poison corpse?"

The White Lotus Sect's foundation is truly outrageously strong.

No wonder he doesn't strive to dominate the martial arts world, but instead dedicates himself to rebellion!

boom!
With a double palm strike, a violent aura spread out, blasting away the two Grandmaster-level poisonous corpses.

However, when the true energy came into contact with the bodies of the two poisonous corpses, it made a sizzling sound.

The poison from these two corpses is so potent that it can even corrode the true energy of a Grandmaster!

"But that's all!"

"Inanimate objects without sentience are ultimately no match for true masters. Apart from defense and poison, they are not worth mentioning!"

Jiang Xuan shook his head in disappointment, then flashed away and rushed out again.

"roar~"

The two poisonous corpses let out low growls, completely unaware of fear, and charged forward again.

sigh~
As Jiang Xuan's figure swept past, a faint sword intent slashed across the night sky, causing the two poisonous corpses to pause and stand motionless.

Ordinary martial arts techniques are not enough to deal with it; there is also the artistic conception.

He has plenty of tricks up his sleeve!

The Second Elder was slightly stunned. Looking at Jiang Xuan who had walked to the other side, he was shocked and hurriedly shook the bell, shouting, "Kill! Kill him! What's going on..."

Bada~

Before he finished speaking, the two master-level poison corpses split open simultaneously, and the two Gu worms also broke in two. After struggling on the ground for a moment, they quickly went still.

"This……"

The Second Elder stared blankly at the two poisoned corpses in disbelief: "How could this be..."

This was a poisonous corpse he had painstakingly cultivated for over a decade, which had killed countless people for him.

Even true masters have killed before.

But how could this be...?

"Second Elder, run! He's no ordinary Grandmaster!"

When the Dragon Altar Master came to his senses, his expression changed drastically. Without thinking, he took out two black cylinders from his pocket and threw them at the other side. Then, he immediately grabbed the stunned Second Elder and fled into the distance.

Bang, bang!

The black bead exploded, scattering pitch-black poison powder. The White Lotus Cult members who were touched by the poison powder immediately covered their faces, screamed, and collapsed. Soon after, yellow pus oozed from their bodies.

Zizizi~
Jiang Xuan circulated his true energy, and a layer of pale golden light appeared on his body, completely isolating him from the poison powder.

However, wherever the poison powder went, the protective aura shield also made a hissing sound, as it was directly corroded and attacked by the poison powder.

Jiang Xuan frowned slightly, looking at the dead White Lotus Cult members around him, his eyes growing even colder.

sigh~
The Dragon Altar Master froze, a look of terror appearing in his eyes as he stared intently at the figure that had appeared in front of him.

"You... are you a human or a ghost?!"

Jiang Xuan didn't waste any words and simply raised his hand to tap the void.

The Dragon Altar Master's eyes widened, a trace of blood appeared between his brows, and he collapsed in a daze.

The Second Elder's expression changed drastically, and a hint of fear appeared in his eyes. Looking at Jiang Xuan who was gradually approaching, he swallowed hard and said, "I am the Second Elder of the White Lotus Sect."

Jiang Xuan nodded: "I know."

The Second Elder was slightly taken aback, and quickly said, "If you kill me, the Sect Leader will never let you go!"

"I told you, I know."

Before the words were even finished, the Second Elder's head was already in Jiang Xuan's hands. The headless corpse spurted out a three-foot-long column of blood and slowly fell to the ground.

Hey~
As the Second Elder died, his cane fell from his hand, and the surrounding poisonous corpses froze in place, no longer moving.

Looking at this scene, and then glancing down at the Second Elder's head, Jiang Xuan seemed to be deep in thought.

No wonder someone without martial arts skills can become an elder and control so many poisonous corpses at the same time.
……

Outside the city gate in the west of the city.

A dense crowd of White Lotus followers surged in.

A garrison commander who remained behind stood on the city wall, directing the battle.

As wave after wave of arrows rained down, the number of White Lotus Sect followers visibly decreased.

But they still charged toward the city gate with unwavering courage.

We are less than 200 meters from the town center.

"Prepare the weapons!"

The commander shouted and raised his right hand, preparing to order an attack with muskets.

"court death!"

Suddenly, a figure flew out from the White Lotus Sect crowd like a ghost, leaping and flashing through the night before speeding towards the city gate.

The commander's expression changed slightly, and he quickly shouted, "Fire! Fire now!"

bang bang bang...

Clusters of firelight lit up.

Some shots missed their target entirely, while others hit their targets but were blocked by a beam of white light emanating from the dark figure.

"Grandmaster?!"

The commander's face showed fear, and he immediately turned and ran down the city wall.

In the last battle against the White Lotus Sect, many of their high-ranking generals were assassinated by the enemy's experts, leading to their defeat.

Unexpectedly, this time, the other side has sent a grandmaster-level expert to attack the city. What on earth is going on?!

boom!
While still in mid-air, the man in black unleashed a palm strike, his white true energy exploding and instantly destroying the city tower.

Before the commander could even run down the city wall, he was struck by a flying giant log, coughing up blood as he flew away.

sigh~
The man in black landed on the city wall and casually waved his hand, knocking several nearby soldiers off the wall by an invisible force.

The others were so frightened that they backed away.

"No...don't kill me! Save me..." The commander's face was filled with terror. He tried to escape, but he was pressed down by the giant tree and could not get up. He could only desperately reach out for help.

The man in black glanced at him coldly, then turned to look towards the west side of the city where the fighting was raging, a hint of worry flashing in his eyes.

"Ok?"

At that moment, as if he had seen something, his expression changed slightly: "There's another expert?!"

Swish, swish, swish~

A figure moved swiftly through the night, as if teleporting, rapidly approaching the city gate.

When they reached about a hundred meters from the town gate, they threw something with their backhand.

Just as the man in black was about to dodge, he suddenly realized that the round thing looked like a head, and its face was vaguely familiar.

Finally, the man in black saw the face of the head clearly, and his expression changed drastically. He quickly leaped up and caught the head.

"Second Elder?!"

Staring at the head with its eyes wide open and unseeing death, Zhao Wuji began to tremble all over.

Finished!

It really is the Second Elder!
how come……

Although the Second Elder did not know martial arts, he was the only one in the entire White Lotus Sect besides the First Elder who knew how to refine poisonous corpses.

Now that the Second Elder is dead, how is he going to explain himself when he returns?!

"I want you to die!"

Zhao Wuji suddenly looked up at the figure rushing towards him, a violent aura surging from his body, and he struck out with a palm towards the person.

Jiang Xuan raised his hand and exchanged a palm strike with him.

boom!
The aftershocks of the true energy exploded in the night sky, producing a deafening sound.

Zhao Wuji was so shocked that he took two steps back, and his expression changed slightly.

Jiang Xuan was also forced to stop and land by the aftershock. He took a few steps back and looked at Zhao Wuji on the city wall with some surprise. Then, a look of excitement appeared in his eyes.

"Good, good! This is more interesting!"

sigh~
With a flash, Jiang Xuan leaped into the air again, rushing towards Zhao Wuji.

unexpectedly.

Zhao Wuji turned around, grabbed the Second Elder's head, and jumped off the wall...and escaped!

"The Second Elder is dead, retreat!"

Sensing the approaching, violent aura behind him, Zhao Wuji shouted orders as he ran.

The Second Elder is dead; continuing the fight is pointless.

Moreover, even though it was only a single exchange, he could already sense that his opponent's strength was probably no weaker than his own.

If they continue fighting, not only will he not be able to get revenge, but he might even perish here.

Therefore, he decisively chose to escape.

Jiang Xuan caught up with Zhao Wuji on the city wall and looked at him, who had already escaped nearly a hundred meters away. His face was somewhat gloomy.

I was just getting into the game, and you've already given up?!
"Bring me a bow and arrows!"

Jiang Xuan reached out and gave a cold shout.

A nearby soldier quickly handed him a bow and arrows.

Jiang Xuan drew his bow and nocked an arrow in one smooth motion, as if he had practiced it countless times, without the slightest pause.

call out!
The next second, the arrowhead, forged from fine iron, shot through the air with the arrow.

Just as Zhao Wuji breathed a sigh of relief, a chill suddenly ran through him. He felt himself being locked onto by an extremely dangerous aura, and a sharp whistling sound came from behind him, making his hair stand on end and his eyelids twitch.

Without a second thought, he immediately circulated his true energy, forming a thick protective aura on his back.

At the same time, he moved his body and quickly dodged to the side.

laugh!
The next second, he suddenly felt as if his protective aura had been pierced by something, his heart turned cold, and his speed involuntarily slowed down.

As his inner energy dissipated, Zhao Wuji looked down and saw a sharp arrowhead piercing his chest, instantly extinguishing all his life force. The arrow also carried a domineering and sharp aura, rapidly destroying the meridians within his body.

"Blade intent?! You are Jiang..."

He turned around with all his might, looked at the figure standing on the city gate, and finally recognized the person's identity, his face filled with blankness and disbelief.

Before he could finish speaking, he collapsed heavily, his life force rapidly fading away.

Even a grandmaster will die if his heart is pierced!

Skills: Archery (Great Mastery)

【Progress: 148/3000】

The shooting interface, which had not seen any progress for a long time, reappeared.

Jiang Xuan glanced at it casually, then closed the interface. He looked at Zhao Wuji's corpse with a hint of regret on his face and murmured, "What a pity. I wanted to try out the beginner-level Absorption Technique, but you insisted on forcing me to use an arrow..."

(End of this chapter)