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

Chapter 120: The Arrow of Intent Shakes Yongzhou, the Decisive Battle Arrives! [10,000-word update, please subscribe and vote!]

The next day.

The army set off for Yongzhou City.

Witnessing the devastation in Qiyang County, everyone was filled with rage.

As the saying goes, an arrogant army is bound to be defeated, while a desperate army is bound to be victorious.

And the enraged soldiers...

Our morale will be high, and we will be invincible!
Everyone knew this was going to be a fierce battle!

The journey was somber; everyone walked in silence, and no one spoke.

Meanwhile, Jiang Xuan, holding an ordinary fine iron longsword, closed his eyes to rest, seemingly lost in thought.

Everyone saw it and became suspicious.

Wasn't Lord Jiang a swordsman?

However, seeing that Jiang Xuan remained silent the whole way, no one dared to make a sound to disturb him.

The atmosphere in Yongzhou City grew increasingly tense.

Secret agents were constantly going in and out, relaying the Ming army's real-time routes.

Everyone knew that the Ming army had arrived.

A great battle is about to begin.

Inside the government office, most of the core members of the White Lotus, Sun Moon, and Bliss sects were gathered.

Moreover, for some unknown reason, Dongfang Bubai sent a message by carrier pigeon, summoning four more people from his halls.

These people were originally supposed to stay behind at Blackwood Cliff, but now they have all been transferred to Yongzhou City.

Of the twelve halls of the Sun Moon Divine Sect, ten have arrived, with a total of over ten thousand people, all of whom are trained. Even their ordinary followers are far superior to the militia hastily assembled by the White Lotus Sect.

Although the White Lotus Sect Leader was puzzled, he did not ask any further questions and simply expressed his gratitude.

With a major battle imminent, the more manpower the better.

Finally, it was evening of the third day.

The Ming army slowly appeared on the horizon.

From afar, the tens of thousands of troops stretched out like ants, covering the entire mountainside, with a bright red banner bearing the character "Ming" standing at the front of the ranks.

The White Lotus Sect members guarding the city trembled and hurriedly went to report.

Soon, the White Lotus Cult Leader and others quickly gathered at the city wall to investigate, their expressions grave.

"finally come!"

The White Lotus Sect leader spoke up, and everyone had been waiting anxiously these past few days. Now that they saw the Ming army arrive, he breathed a sigh of relief.

"I'm entrusting the rest to you all!"

He looked at the people of the Sun Moon Cult and the Paradise Cave, and clasped his hands in greeting again.

This time, the enemy came prepared, even deploying the Imperial Guards, making the situation different from the last time.

However, with the help of experts from the Sun Moon Sect and the Paradise Cave, he felt his chances of winning had greatly increased.

This battle marked the resurgence of the White Lotus Sect.

They defeated the Ming army, killed Lu Xiang-sheng and Jiang Xuan, and settled the score in one battle.

Everyone nodded, saying nothing more.

Since we're already here, there's no point in saying more, let's just get to work.

Everything, for the Miao people!

"Master!"

A flag leader of the Sun Moon Sect came forward, hesitating to speak: "The Holy Maiden, the Left Envoy, and the people of the Five Poisons Sect are all in the Ming army."

"Furthermore, I also saw, I saw..."

"Ren Woxing, right?"

Dongfang Bubai spoke, his expression calm.

“…Yes.” The flag lord breathed a sigh of relief.

The White Lotus Sect and the experts from the Paradise Cave were puzzled.

They had all heard about the changes that had occurred to the Sun Moon Sect twelve years ago.

It is said that Ren Woxing died from a qi deviation during his training, and at that time, Dongfang Bubai, who was then the Right Envoy of Light, took over Ren Woxing's position.

However, all the elders and hall masters of the Sun Moon Sect were shocked and looked at Dongfang Bubai in disbelief.

They were fully aware of the events of that year.

It was Dongfang Bubai who seized the position of leader while Ren Woxing was practicing his martial arts and had gone mad.

However, this was a scandal involving the Sun Moon Cult, and at that time, Dongfang Bubai had already purged most of the rebels and stabilized the situation.

Therefore, it was not spread outside the circle; the only public announcement was that Ren Woxing died from qi deviation.

But in their eyes, Ren Woxing was already dead.

But why is he now in the Ming army?
"Master..."

Shangguan Yun couldn't help but ask, "Ren... Sect Leader Ren, is he really not dead?"

"He is not dead, but this time, I will personally clean house and send him to his death."

Dongfang Bubai did not offer much explanation.

The members of the Sun Moon Cult trembled in their hearts, lowered their heads, and dared not utter a word.

The people from the White Lotus Sect and the Blissful Cave exchanged glances and tacitly fell silent.

Although I don't know exactly what happened.

But since Ren Woxing and his group have appeared in the Ming army's ranks, they are no longer with them.

These people are all traitors to the Miao people and lackeys of the Ming court.

The Sun and Moon Cult can clean up its own mess.

The Ming army stopped at a river five miles in front of Yongzhou City and set up camp there.

The siege was not a matter of just one or two days.

Sometimes the fighting is so intense that it can last for months, so it is necessary to find a good location with water resources to set up camp.

The river crisscrosses and flows into Yongzhou City, so there is no need to worry about the White Lotus Army poisoning the river.

Since being attacked by the Five Poison Boys, the Imperial Guards have maintained extremely tight security.

While the army was setting up camp, they took advantage of the situation.

Lu Xiang-sheng and others also rode their horses up the hillside to observe the situation in Yongzhou City.

"They're quite well-prepared, but unfortunately, they're just a bunch of rabble!"

Lu Xiang-sheng sneered, not taking the densely packed White Lotus Army on the city wall seriously.

On one side was a well-trained regular army, fully equipped; on the other side was a militia hastily assembled, some of whom didn't even have a decent weapon.

The two are not comparable at all.

However, the opponent's top experts are indeed a major problem.

Recalling the night Dongfang Bubai attacked the camp and calmly retreated from the midst of thousands of troops, Lu Xiang-sheng couldn't help but feel a little frightened.

He subconsciously looked towards where Jiang Xuan was, only to see that Jiang Xuan had already dismounted and gone to the hillside to practice his sword.

Lu Xiang-sheng sensed something was wrong and became somewhat anxious.

At this point, is it too late to cram for sword practice at the last minute?
And aren't you a swordsman?

When did you switch back to sword practice?

"Ugh……"

Lu Xiang-sheng sighed.

The outcome of this battle rests entirely on the shoulders of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

But there was nothing he could do at that moment.

He could only hope that Jiang Xuan could really help him hold off the opponent's top experts.

Otherwise, the fate of those at the Grandmaster level or above, each a powerful warrior capable of taking on more than a hundred men, would easily break through the army's formation and affect morale.

The others were also puzzled by the scene of Jiang Xuan practicing his sword before his death.

However, they were unaware of this.

In the past two days, Jiang Xuan's swordsmanship has been improving almost every moment.

[Martial Arts: Heavenly Escape Sword (Mastery)]

【Progress: 1766/5000】

With the support of a master-level sword technique at the "momentum" level, the speed at which one can cultivate a first-rate sword technique is simply too fast.

It's so easy to get started.

In just three days, Jiang Xuan had mastered the technique.

At this rate, mastering the second sword stance will take at most three to five days, requiring no enlightenment whatsoever.

As long as there's a progress bar, just keep grinding!
Without eating or drinking, Jiang Xuan practiced until sunset, at which point he slowly sheathed his sword and stopped.

Wiping the sweat from his brow, Jiang Xuan turned back and glanced at Yongzhou City, which was gradually disappearing into the sunlight. He murmured, "Have a good time, your time is running out..."

……

The next day.

Lu Xiang-sheng planned to take advantage of the still-high morale and launch a direct attack on the city.

However, Jiang Xuan stopped them, arguing that the army had traveled a long distance and would suffer too much damage attacking the city now.

After considering it, Lu Xiang-sheng also felt that it made sense, so he decided to rest for a day and attack the city the next day.

At dawn the next day, a large army gathered, and the vanguard of the attack set off towards Yongzhou City.

Lu Xiang-sheng also sent someone to invite Jiang Xuan to oversee the battle, which was actually to sit in the central army.

Without a skilled person by his side, he truly felt insecure.

Jiang Xuan didn't say much and silently followed the army to the front of Yongzhou City.

As the sun rose, both sides lined up their battle formations, ready to begin their fight.

Various siege engines, such as battering rams, catapults, ladders, and ballistae, were deployed to the battlefield, including more than a hundred cannons.

This is the real weapon of mass destruction on the battlefield, and it is also the source of Lu Xiang-sheng's confidence.

These siege weapons terrified the members of various sects on the city walls, and caused a stir among the White Lotus Army defending the city.

"Don't panic, everyone. We have the advantage of terrain. As long as we hold our ground, they won't be able to break through!"

The leader of the White Lotus Cult immediately stepped forward to appease the people.

Upon hearing this, the soldier's emotions indeed calmed down considerably.

On the other side, Lu Xiang-sheng rode out on horseback and continued to boost morale against the attacking soldiers.

"My lords, the time has come to make our mark!"

"The White Lotus Cult members have acted perversely and indiscriminately, slaughtering civilians and causing immense suffering to the people of our Great Ming. Only by killing them can our Great Ming achieve peace!"

"Kill them, so that innocent civilians will not be harmed in the future!"

"After capturing Yongzhou City, I will personally recommend you all for merit and reward you accordingly!"

"Ten taels of silver will be awarded for each enemy killed; the first to scale the walls will be rewarded with a thousand taels of silver!"

"kill!"

With a loud shout, all the soldiers' emotions were stirred to the extreme.

"The sun, moon, mountains and rivers will always be there, and the Ming Dynasty will always be there!"

"Siege!"

Densely packed soldiers, pushing chariots, began to approach Yongzhou City.

The siege has officially begun!

huh, huh, huh-

The enemy also set up catapults, and huge stones flew out, crashing into the army's formation.

However, thanks to the resistance of the chariots, the Ming army did not suffer heavy casualties. On the contrary, several chariots and ladder carts were destroyed by the boulders.

The opposing side's objective was simply to destroy as many chariots as possible to reduce the pressure on the upcoming battle on the city walls; killing the enemy was secondary.

This is the siege warfare of this era.

It's not as simple as just lining up and mindlessly charging forward.

If that's the case, every single one of them who charges in will die.

The main siege relied on various war machines, and the most intense part of the siege occurred when the enemy forces approached the city walls.

"Artillery ready!"

Faced with the enemy's catapults, the Ming army quickly launched a counterattack.

Under the cover of tanks, the red-coated cannons fired in unison, creating a deafening roar. Smoke billowed over Yongzhou City, catching the White Lotus Army off guard and causing heavy casualties.

The equipment gap between the two sides was fully revealed at this moment.

Taking advantage of this opportunity, the vanguard of the attack quickly arrived at the foot of the city wall, successfully set up ladders, and began to climb up.

"Hold on! Charge!"

"Shoot them!"

"Oil, logs, quick!"

"kill!"

The two sides began a tug-of-war.

Dense numbers of Ming soldiers bravely climbed the city walls, determined to be the first to scale them.

However, the White Lotus Army was also extremely well-prepared. Although they lacked powerful weapons, various defensive items such as oil, yaksha battering rams, rolling logs, boulders, and boiled molten gold were continuously rained down upon them.

Archers continued to shoot arrows down from behind.

At each breach in the city wall, White Lotus soldiers armed with spears and lances stood ready, poking down anyone who dared to peek out.

This kind of war is simply about using human lives to pay the price.

It's cruel, but that's reality.

"kill!"

Suddenly, there was a loud shout.

Seeing that the time was almost right, a group of experts including Xiang Wentian and Ren Yingying flew up from a chariot. Taking advantage of their lightness skills, they quickly flew up the cloud ladder, killed the city guards above, and successfully opened a breakthrough.

The White Lotus Army was taken aback and quickly sent more men back to defend.

Seeing this, the Ming army's morale soared, and they launched an even more frenzied attack, quickly opening two more breaches.

"Damn it!"

The White Lotus Cult Leader and others, who had been observing the battlefield and directing the battle from the central city tower, changed their expressions upon seeing this.

"Master, it's Xiang Zuo... Xiang Wentian and the others!"

A master from the Sun Moon Cult spoke, his expression complex.

Their Sun Moon Cult's Left Guardian of Light has now become the vanguard of the Ming army, attacking them alongside them.

Dongfang Bubai also looked towards the direction where Xiang Wentian and the others had climbed the city wall, his gaze gloomy, and coldly said, "Go and clean house!"

"Yes!"

A group of experts from the Sun Moon Cult immediately went to provide support.

"Xiang Wentian!"

Jia Bu, Shangguan Yun, and Tong Baixiong, the main hall masters, stepped forward together to block Xiang Wentian.

Tong Baixiong roared, "You traitor! You actually betrayed the leader and joined forces with the Ming army to fight against us Miao people?!"

Forced back by the three, Xiang Wentian moved aside, glanced at the red figure in the direction of the city wall, and sneered: "You know very well who the traitor is. Dongfang Bubai is treacherous and wants to lead us Miao people into an abyss of no return. The leader's actions are to save our Sun Moon Divine Sect and to save us Miao people!"

Ren Yingying killed several White Lotus Cult members in front of her with a single sword strike and shouted, "Uncle Jia, Uncle Shangguan, Uncle Tong, your rebellion with the White Lotus Cult will only anger the imperial court and harm the Sun Moon Cult. My father is watching you from below. Do you really want to destroy our Miao tribe with Dongfang Bubai?!"

Upon hearing this, the three people's expressions changed slightly, and they subconsciously looked into the distance.

Sure enough, they saw Ren Woxing standing on his horse next to a Ming general in a yellow robe, staring coldly at them.

"The leader... is still alive!"

A hint of hesitation appeared in the eyes of all three.

But soon, Jia Bu came to his senses, gritted his teeth, and shouted angrily: "We Miao people have been oppressed by the people of the Central Plains for generations and are irreconcilable enemies with the Ming court. Ren Woxing has betrayed the Miao people and become a lackey of the court. He is no longer worthy to be our leader!"

"That's right, our Sun Moon Divine Sect now only has one leader, and that is the Eastern Leader!"

"You have betrayed the Holy Church and the Miao people; you all deserve to die!"

Tong Baixiong roared, "Kill! Cleanse the sect of traitors and kill these collaborators!"

The two sides immediately engaged in fierce combat.

The Sun Moon Cult had many experts, and Xiang Wentian and his group each had to deal with several at the same time, which greatly increased the pressure and quickly resulted in casualties.

Seeing this, Dongfang Bubai's expression softened slightly. He withdrew his gaze and looked at Ren Woxing, who was standing next to Jiang Xuan outside the city, a cold smile appearing in his eyes.

Do you really think you can make a comeback with just these few small fry?

It’s just a ridiculous dream!
Ren Woxing stared intently at Dongfang Bubai, his eyes blazing with murderous intent. However, seeing Xiang Wentian and the others being steadily defeated by the Sun Moon Sect's experts, a look of anxiety appeared in his eyes. He turned to Jiang Xuan and said, "My lord..."

Jiang Xuan waved his hand and called out, "Pingzhi."

"Yes, Master!"

Lin Pingzhi stepped out from the crowd, carrying a longbow on his back. He led several Imperial Guards forward and handed the longbow to Jiang Xuan.

The Imperial Guards behind him were covered in quivers.

"drive!"

Amidst the puzzled gazes of the crowd, Jiang Xuan, accompanied by several Imperial Guards, rode his horse to the center of the battlefield and stopped about 300 meters outside Yongzhou City.

"What does he want to do?"

On the city walls of Yongzhou, Dongfang Bubai and the others, who had been keeping a close eye on Jiang Xuan's movements, also noticed Jiang Xuan's entry and their brows furrowed slightly.

"Is this person Jiang Xuan?"

A hint of doubt appeared in the White Lotus Cult Leader's eyes: "Could it be that he wants to enter the battle now?"

A murderous glint appeared in Dongfang Bubai's eyes as he coldly said, "If he dares to enter now, I will make sure he doesn't leave alive!"

"arrow!"

Jiang Xuan ignored the gazes from the city wall, calmly extending his hand. A member of the Imperial Guard immediately approached and respectfully held up a quiver.

Jiang Xuan took an arrow from his quiver, drew the bow to its full extent, and aimed at the city wall.

A sense of foreboding suddenly rose in the White Lotus Sect Leader's heart: "What is he planning to do?!"

Dongfang Bubai was also taken aback, then sneered: "He's at least 150 paces away from here. How could he possibly hit him from that distance...?"

call out!
Before he finished speaking, an iron arrow pierced the air and landed directly on the city wall of Yongzhou.

"what!"

A scream.

Jia Bu, the 'Yellow-Faced Venerable' who was besieging Xiang Wentian, was pierced through the chest by a sharp sword and pinned to the wall behind him.

"Master Jia!"

The members of the Sun Moon Cult changed their expressions drastically and rushed forward to help.

Jabu was shot in the chest and struggled desperately, but there seemed to be a strange force on the arrow that pierced into his body in the blink of an eye, rapidly damaging his meridians and internal organs. No matter how surging his internal energy was, he could not suppress this force.

"Master, save me..." Jia Bu looked in the direction of Dongfang Bubai and desperately reached out for help, his face full of terror. But he did not last long before he lost his life and was pinned to the city wall by the arrow.

"Damn it!"

Dongfang Bubai's face turned ugly. Seeing that Jiang Xuan had already drawn his bow and nocked an arrow again, he instantly leaped up and rushed out of the city.

Bang, bang!

Two more whooshing sounds rang out, arrows that, though clearly arrows, were as sharp as blades, carrying a domineering and bloody aura as they exploded in the void.

Dongfang Bubai was sent flying backward, his protective aura shattered, and his body stained with blood.

He was injured!

Everyone was horrified and couldn't believe it.

Two mere arrows were enough to wound a peak Grandmaster?
"Master!" Xue Qianxun flew out and caught Dongfang Bubai. She was the only one who knew that Dongfang Bubai was already injured and that his injuries had not yet healed.

Despite this, she was also extremely shocked.

The sect leader, who was always invincible among his peers, arrogant and domineering, was actually no match for Jiang Xuan?!
"Go away!"

Dongfang Bubai gritted his teeth, pushed Xue Qianxun away, his face grim, and stared intently at the yellow-robed figure holding a bow and arrow in the distance.

He vaguely saw a smile on the latter's lips, tinged with sarcasm and disdain.

"Jiang Xuan, what kind of skill is it to use a sneak attack? If you're so capable, come into the city and fight!"

Dongfang Bubai was furious.

Jiang Xuan dismissed it as mere barking.

In a battle between two armies, he wasn't an idiot to go into the city alone and be besieged by masters of the three religions.

Moreover, he is not confident that he can deal with the combined forces of several grandmasters, including Dongfang Bubai, the White Lotus Sect Leader, and the Five Poisons Child, at the same time.

However, three hundred meters outside the city, he is an invincible being!
call out!
Another arrow shot through the air, as fast as lightning.

A cultivator from the Sun Moon Sect who was fighting Ren Yingying was instantly pierced by an arrow, screamed and fell to the ground. He was quickly killed by the power of the divine intent.

"What amazing archery skills..." Ren Yingying looked at the person outside the city, a strange light flashing in her eyes. She felt reassured, then turned her sword and attacked another Xiantian.

Whoosh, whoosh…

Every time a sound of something breaking through the air rang out in the sky outside the city, a master of the Sun Moon Cult would fall to the ground.

Most of these are congenital, yet they are still unable to resist, or even dodge.

While dealing with the enemy's attacks, they also had to guard against the sharp arrows outside the city. They were going crazy. In their fear and trepidation, they were quickly suppressed by Xiang Wentian and the others and fell into a disadvantageous position.

Dongfang Bubai also tried to attack Xiang Wentian and the others, but they were all forced back by the arrows and dared not take the arrows shot by Jiang Xuan head-on.

Is this what artistic conception is?

The White Lotus Cult Leader also realized what was happening and stared intently at the figure outside the city, his narrow eyes gleaming beneath his white robe and cloak.

"Master, the Ming army is attacking!"

A temple master, in a panic, came to report.

The Ming army's offensive was too fierce, and Xiang Wentian and others opened a breakthrough, greatly boosting their morale. They attacked the city like madmen, and soon they climbed the city walls one after another, engaging in close combat with the White Lotus Sect members.

More and more Ming soldiers rushed up; if this continued, the city walls would be breached sooner or later.

The White Lotus Cult Leader looked back and sighed inwardly. He had originally planned to use his trump card in the final battle, but now he had to expose it prematurely.

He took a deep breath, waved his hand, and one by one, the poisonous corpses shrouded in black robes were led into the arena by members of the White Lotus Cult.

Upon closer inspection, there were no fewer than a hundred poisonous corpses!
Chi chi chi——

These poisonous corpses entered the arena without fear or death. Not only were their defenses formidable, but they were also incredibly fast. Taking advantage of their physical strength, they rampaged across the city walls, slaying and tearing apart Ming soldiers one by one, leaving a rain of blood everywhere.

With hundreds of feet of city walls, poisonous corpses were everywhere defending and suppressing the enemy, and the White Lotus Sect quickly stabilized the situation.

On the Ming army's side, upon seeing these strange creatures, the soldiers behind dared not advance, their eyes filled with fear.

With their strength, let alone killing them, they couldn't even break through the defenses of these poisonous corpses. There was simply no way to fight them!

call out!call out!
Arrows shot in, piercing through the poisonous corpse's defenses and passing through its chest, but the poisonous corpse remained unaffected, its movements unaffected, showing no fear of the spiritual power carried by the arrows.

The White Lotus Sect Leader sneered, looking out of the city: "Although the intent is strong, it is not invincible. If you can't kill the Gu worms inside the poisonous corpse, they will never die!"

Jiang Xuan frowned and slowly lowered his bow and arrow.

He also realized that his arrows were ineffective against the poisonous corpses unless he shot them directly in the head.

But his archery skills haven't reached that level yet.

The ability to hit a person from 300 meters away is due to the effect of artistic conception and the enhancement of true energy.

In this situation, it's obviously impractical to shoot these extremely fast-moving poisonous corpses, especially in the head.

Unless, archery skills reach a perfect level.

Skills: Archery (Great Mastery)

【Progress: 1855/3000】

He glanced at the archery panel, shook his head, tossed the longbow to a nearby Imperial Guard, spurred his horse back, and said to Lu Xiang-sheng, "Let's call it a day."

Lu Xiang-sheng's expression was rather unpleasant.

In a siege, the first attack is vigorous, the second weakens, and the third exhausts the strength.

He originally intended to take advantage of the high morale and capture Yongzhou City in one fell swoop.

But at this moment, it seems impossible.

Because he also realized that the current situation was unfavorable to the Ming army.

Those poisonous corpses mingled among the crowd to participate in the defense of the city. Ordinary soldiers couldn't even break through the poisonous corpses' defenses before being torn apart and knocked down from the city walls. How could they possibly attack the city under such circumstances?

While muskets and cannons can also harm the poisoned corpses, using such firearms in this situation would injure friendly forces, which would ultimately damage morale.

Jiang Xuan could also see Lu Xiang Sheng's unwillingness, and said calmly, "The siege cannot be accomplished in a day. I will find a way to deal with those poisonous corpses. In the next few days, it will be good to delay and wear down the number of White Lotus Army soldiers."

"……it is good."

Upon hearing this, Lu Xiang-sheng had no choice but to trust Jiang Xuan, took a deep breath, and gave the order to withdraw his troops.

Woohoo——

The sound of the retreat signaled the Ming army to quickly withdraw.

Cheers erupted from the city walls.

On the Ming side, morale had declined.

They had already stormed the city walls, but were forced to retreat because of those strange poisonous corpses. Everyone was extremely unwilling and frustrated.

But military orders are absolute, and no one dared to disobey.

Xiang Wentian and the others also returned, all of them wounded, and the casualties were quite significant.

Leaving aside ordinary disciples, six of the innate masters were killed in battle.

They didn't have many skilled fighters to begin with, and so many of them died in this battle, which can be described as a heavy loss.

Moreover, this was only because Jiang Xuan helped to restrain them outside the city with his arrows; otherwise, it would be uncertain how many of them would have survived.

After all, they were the first to climb the city wall.

Ren Woxing was also heartbroken by this, but he thought that as long as he could win, all the sacrifices would be worthwhile.

He reported to Jiang Xuan somewhat nervously, but only received the evaluation of "not bad".

Nevertheless, Ren Woxing breathed a sigh of relief.

As long as Jiang Xuan is satisfied.

In this way, everything is still negotiable.

The army cleaned up the battlefield and began to return to camp to rest.

Jiang Xuan was about to return to his tent to continue practicing his sword when a soldier came to report that Lu Xiang Sheng wanted to discuss the siege with him.

"Still worried?"

Jiang Xuan understood; Lu Xiang Sheng was probably still worried that he might falter and be unable to deal with the poisonous corpses and the three sects' experts, thus affecting the battle.

After thinking it over, Jiang Xuan decided to head to Lu Xiang Sheng's main tent.

"Master Jiang!"

Lu Xiang-sheng was still wearing his armor. Upon seeing Jiang Xuan arrive, he quickly stepped forward, cupped his hands in greeting, and asked, "What are your plans for the upcoming battle, Lord Jiang?"

"I need seven days to make preparations. After seven days, the entire army can attack the city."

Jiang Xuan reassured him, and also reminded himself to hold back.

He was the only top-tier fighter in the Ming army, and he would not easily enter the fray until he was confident that he could kill Dongfang Bubai and the White Lotus Cult Leader and crush the White Lotus Army in one fell swoop.

Otherwise, if he were to lose, the Ming army would almost certainly be routed.

Lu Xiang-sheng was already struggling to deal with the White Lotus Sect, and now with the addition of experts from the Sun Moon Sect and the Paradise Cave, the Ming army would definitely be unable to stop them once the decisive battle broke out.

Lu Xiang-sheng was silent for a moment, then nodded and said, "Alright, I will buy you seven days. During these seven days, I will continue to attack Yongzhou City and try to weaken the White Lotus Sect's strength."

Jiang Xuan nodded; this was the result he wanted.

With the army already at the city gates, doing nothing and waiting for seven days is certainly not going to work.

We must put pressure on the White Lotus Sect.

Of course, the most important thing was that he wanted to use the siege as an opportunity to practice his archery!

"Seven days from now, the decisive battle will begin. Let's seize the opportunity, break through Yongzhou City, and destroy the White Lotus Sect!"

After saying this, Jiang Xuan returned to his tent, changed into some light clothes, and found an open space to continue practicing his swordsmanship.

[Martial Arts: Heavenly Escape Sword (Mastery)]

【Progress: 2855/5000】

Even after mastering a first-rate sword technique, developing its momentum still requires 8,000 points of proficiency.

After several days of arduous training, with the experience boost from the 'Momentum' level Raging Wave Dragon Sword Technique, I can increase my proficiency by an average of one to two thousand points per day.

Moreover, as your swordsmanship improves, your progress will accelerate.

Seven days is enough time to master the Heavenly Escape Sword technique!

Swish-

The sword light flashed like a bolt of lightning, tearing through the void and creating a series of whistling sounds.

……

Yongzhou Prefectural Government Office.

"Thank you all for your help today. I'll drink this first as a sign of my respect!"

The leader of the White Lotus Cult raised his cup, drank it all in one gulp, and turned the cup upside down to indicate that he had finished.

Everyone raised their glasses, and the banquet began.

In the first battle against the Ming army, they successfully defended the city and saved Yongzhou, which is indeed something to celebrate.

"The imperial army is nothing special. They control so many siege weapons, yet they can't even break into a small city like Yongzhou. It seems their fate is indeed sealed."

"Indeed, it all comes down to the White Lotus Sect Leader's 'secret weapon'! To think that we could combine our Miao people's Gu techniques with the Xiangxi people's corpse-driving techniques to create poisonous corpses that are impervious to swords and spears, the Sect Leader is truly a genius!"

Everyone praised it, and after witnessing the power of the poisonous corpse, they no longer dared to underestimate the White Lotus Sect.

Not only are there many experts in the sect, but they can also create so many poisonous corpses to assist them.

More than a hundred poisonous corpses—that's more than a hundred innate masters!

In terms of agility, it may not be as good as the average innate talent, but its amazing defensive power far surpasses that of the average acquired talent. Even top-tier experts cannot break through it. Isn't this more than a hundred innate talents?

His ability to lead a rebellion demonstrates his extraordinary talent.

The White Lotus Cult Leader smiled and nodded: "Although our army has suffered considerable casualties today, as long as we can hold our ground, all these sacrifices will be worthwhile..."

Tong Baixiong suddenly snorted: "It's not like it's someone from your White Lotus Sect who died, so of course it's worth it for you!"

The atmosphere suddenly became a little depressing.

In today's battle, the White Lotus Sect only lost ordinary members, but the Sun Moon Divine Sect lost a hall master, more than a dozen flag masters, and more than a hundred ordinary disciples. It was indeed a heavy loss.

As for Paradise Cave, they didn't make a move at all today.

"Master Tong!"

Dongfang Bubai rebuked them, saying that everyone was in the same boat now, and that he had given the order today. The deaths of the followers were just that, deaths. There was no need to act like this, lest people look down on the Sun Moon Cult.

"It doesn't matter."

The White Lotus Sect Leader shook his head, his tone tinged with apology, and said, "Brother Tong is right, it was indeed my slip of the tongue."

"Moreover, this was something I didn't consider carefully. When they attack the city again, I will have the best experts in my sect help your sect deal with the traitor..."

"No need!"

Dongfang Bubai waved his hand: "I will deal with the traitors within my sect myself."

"But Jiang Xuan, I'm afraid we'll need the sect leader's help to eliminate him."

He fought Jiang Xuan twice, and was injured and defeated both times.

Moreover, most of the Sun Moon Cult's experts, including Jia Bu, died today at the hands of Jiang Xuan's arrows.

At this moment, Dongfang Bubai already regarded him as a deadly enemy and was determined to eliminate him as soon as possible.

However, he was injured again today and may not be able to recover in a short time. Therefore, he abandoned his previous arrogance and chose to ask the White Lotus Sect Leader for help.

"It's natural."

The White Lotus Sect leader nodded: "This person is also the biggest obstacle to our White Lotus Sect's northward expansion, and must be eliminated."

"However, since he is not participating in the siege, we cannot give up our advantage of the city walls and take the initiative to fight. When the opportunity arises, Brother Dongfang and I will join forces to kill him first."

Dongfang Bubai nodded, offering no objection.

"Count me in!"

The Five Poison Child spoke, his eyes filled with resentment, saying, "He injured me once last time and killed more than a dozen of my children. I will make sure he dies without a burial place!"

The White Lotus Sect Leader smiled and nodded: "If Brother Wudu is willing to join forces, that would be wonderful."

……

The next day, the Ming army rested and raised a sign of truce, and did not continue the siege.

The White Lotus Army was puzzled, not understanding how the Ming army could have declined so quickly. However, the fact that the Ming army did not attack gave them time to rest and prepare, which was the best possible outcome.

In any case, they occupy the city, have ample food reserves, and their drinking water is drawn from Yongzhou Mountain behind the city, so they don't have to worry about running out of water and can afford to wait.

On the Ming army's side, however, there were already objections within the army. They didn't understand why the siege had to be stopped. Was there really no one who could deal with the White Lotus Sect's strange poisonous corpses?
Lu Xiang-sheng offered no explanation, but simply ordered everyone to guard the camp, with those who disobeyed to be executed.

The imperial edict was as imposing as a mountain, and no one dared to disobey it.

It wasn't until the third day that Lu Xiang-sheng ordered the second siege.

However, the situation was even more dire than before, because this time Xiang Wentian and his men did not participate in the siege. They fought for more than two hours and finally repelled the Ming army's offensive and defended the city at the cost of losing more than a dozen poisoned corpses and more than a thousand members of the White Lotus Sect.

After this battle, both sides fought with great passion, and their hatred levels soared.

However, both sieges ended in failure, which dampened the morale of the Ming army.

Lu Xiang-sheng saw this and was very anxious.

Things don't happen more than three times. If we suffer another defeat, morale will plummet, and it won't be so easy to attack the city again.

But seeing that Jiang Xuan was not in a hurry, he could only choose to trust him and grit his teeth, even if it meant enduring these seven days.

However, we cannot easily launch a third siege.

Lu Xiang-sheng withstood the pressure, hung up the sign of truce, and ordered the entire army to continue to rest and recuperate, awaiting the decisive battle seven days later.

Jiang Xuan, on the other hand, remained completely calm.

He struck again in this battle, and half of the dozen or so poisoned corpses lost by the White Lotus Sect were his doing.

It was also because of his long-range suppression with his arrows that the Ming army was able to scale the city walls and kill the enemy without any warriors participating in the battle.

In the two sieges, no fewer than ten innate masters died at his hands.

Having participated in two battles, his archery skills are about to break through and reach perfection.

Skills: Archery (Great Mastery)

【Progress: 2852/3000】

"almost!"

"We'll give the White Lotus Sect a surprise during the final battle!"

Jiang Xuan took a deep breath, shut down the system, and continued practicing his swordsmanship.

……

Time flies, and the seventh day has arrived in the blink of an eye.

Lu Xiang-sheng couldn't wait to find Jiang Xuan to ask, and after receiving an affirmative answer, he immediately ordered an attack on the city the next day to crush the White Lotus Sect and take Yongzhou City in one fell swoop.

Having waited so long, regardless of whether Jiang Xuan was ready or not, he couldn't wait any longer.

We must take advantage of our remaining morale and have a good, decisive battle with the White Lotus Sect!
The atmosphere in the army immediately became tense, and everyone sprang into action to prepare for the siege.

Jiang Xuan also summoned Ren Woxing and the others, and instructed them: "The final battle will begin tomorrow. You will continue to be the vanguard. I will send people to assist you."

finally come!

Ren Woxing's heart tightened, and he bowed deeply, saying, "I will obey your orders, sir!"

"Captain!"

An Jianqing arrived with several centurions under his command. He was ordered to escort thirteen aristocratic families from Kaifeng back to the capital. After completing his mission, he rushed back to assist and arrived in Yongzhou the night before last.

Jiang Xuan instructed: "Tomorrow, you will lead the Imperial Guards to protect the military commanders. You don't need to worry about anything else."

"Your subordinate obeys!" An Jianqing bowed and accepted the order.

After explaining everything, everyone left.

Jiang Xuan returned to his tent, where three figures were already waiting for him.

It was Xi Yu, Qiu Moyan, and Yang Huizhen.

Xi Yu has always kept in touch with him and is always available whenever he calls.

Meanwhile, Qiu and Yang had been in Yongzhou and Chenzhou, gathering intelligence on the White Lotus Sect.

This battle is the most crucial one, and Jiang Xuan decided to let the experts from 'Netherworld' make an appearance.

Otherwise, relying solely on the Embroidered Uniform Guard would be insufficient to deal with the masters of the three religions.

"Is everyone here?" Jiang Xuan went straight to the point.

Xi Yu nodded: "We've mobilized everyone we can: sixteen innate masters, one super-first-class master, fifteen first-class masters, and over seventy second- and third-class experts."

Has the 'Netherworld' developed to this extent without us even realizing it?
Jiang Xuan was somewhat dazed. With money paving the way and enough martial arts manuals as a foundation, the power was indeed developing extremely quickly.

"There's actually a top-tier expert? Who is it?" Jiang Xuan asked, somewhat surprised.

A top-tier master, whose strength is comparable to the mid-to-late stage of the Innate Realm, needs to cultivate basic martial arts to the point of mastery. Such a person is rare.

“He’s also an assassin named Xiao Leixue, who joined a month ago,” Xiyu replied, clearly valuing this person highly.

"Xiao Leixue?"

Jiang Xuan was taken aback for a moment, then a strange light flashed in his eyes: "The son of Master Xiao, the extraordinary figure in the martial arts world?"

In "Heroes Shed No Tears", the son of the master swordsmith Xiao, his weapon is a strange box, a unique weapon with the same origin as the "Tears Sword".

"I don't know."

Xi Yu shook her head: "He came to me on his own. He killed our mole in Luoyang. I went to fight him and defeated him by a small margin. A few days after I left, he came to me again and voluntarily chose to join 'Netherworld'."

Jiang Xuan nodded slowly and said, "No matter what his purpose is in joining, as long as he doesn't betray us, he's one of us. Just keep an eye on him."

The drizzle nodded.

"You two have also broken through?" Jiang Xuan looked at Qiu Moyan and Yang Huizhen, noticing that the two women's auras were different, and their internal energy had begun to circulate in the Small Heavenly Circuit, clearly indicating that they had opened up the Eight Extraordinary Meridians.

Qiu Moyan said helplessly, "You're already a second-grade Grandmaster. If we don't break through soon, I'm afraid we won't even be able to keep our status as 'Black and White Impermanence' in the future."

Jiang Xuan smiled and said, "Don't worry, you are all veterans. Even if your martial arts skills can't keep up in the future, I won't dismiss you."

Qiu Moyan rolled her eyes.

Yang Huizhen smiled slightly, but her face still maintained that aloof and detached expression.

After exchanging a few casual words, Jiang Xuan got back to business: "I will handle the Grandmasters of the White Lotus Sect, the Sun Moon Sect, and the Bliss Cave in tomorrow's battle. The rest are up to you."

The three women nodded.

"Besides the mysterious leader, the White Lotus Sect's Right Protector, Third Elder, and Fourth Elder are all Grandmasters; the Sun Moon Sect, besides Dongfang Bubai, also has Shangguan Yun, the leader of the 'White Tiger Hall,' who is also highly skilled in martial arts and should be at the Grandmaster level; the Bliss Cave only has the Five Poison Child who has reached the Grandmaster level."

“There are so many grandmasters on the other side, but on our side, you are currently the only expert of your caliber…”

Yang Huizhen spoke softly, her eyes filled with worry. She was in charge of investigating the intelligence in Yongzhou City.

"Don't worry, as long as I deal with the White Lotus Sect Leader, Dongfang Bubai, and the Five Poison Child, everyone else is nothing but chickens and dogs in my eyes!"

Jiang Xuan spoke, his tone calm yet full of confidence.

Martial Arts: Raging Sea Dragon (Style), Heavenly Escape Sword (Style)

[Progress: 98%]

As the Heavenly Escape Sword technique developed its sword intent, and it was displayed on the same panel as the Raging Sea Dragon, the progress increased by 30%.

With just two percent of progress remaining, I will be able to master the second realm of intent—sword intent.

Artistic conception, like momentum, can be layered and applied.

Moreover, once you've mastered the conception, you no longer need to be bound by weapons; you can unleash the power of the conception regardless of the weapon you use.

With just a single sword intent, he was able to transcend several minor realms and defeat Dongfang Bubai, who was at the peak of the Grandmaster realm.

When the two states of mind overlap, even Jiang Xuan would find it difficult to predict how much his strength could improve!

He was already impatiently anticipating the final battle and wanting to test the power of the two different realms!
(End of this chapter)