At the age of eight, he impersonated the orphan of a military officer and went to the martial world.

Chapter 124 Ninth on the Azure Cloud Ranking

The battle of Black Wind Ridge has come to an end.

But its aftershocks, like a boulder thrown into a deep pool, stirred up even more turbulent waves.

The court was furious upon learning that Rao Zhushi, the prefect of Pingyang Prefecture, had colluded with the Cangyue Sword Sect, hoarded military equipment, and plotted a rebellion, as irrefutable evidence had been presented.

As the imperial edict, delivered with utmost urgency, sped along, the elite troops of Liaoyang, Luyang, and Chenyang prefectures, like an awakened torrent of steel, began to rumble into action.

The atmosphere in Luyang Prefecture was both somber and bustling.

Squads of soldiers, clad in armor and armed with weapons, marched out of the city day and night, their heavy footsteps shattering the city's former prosperity and hustle and bustle.

The supply wagons stretched endlessly, rumbling across the smooth bluestone pavement of Zhuque Avenue.

The government office was brightly lit all night, and documents were delivered like snowflakes.

Officials at all levels wore solemn expressions and walked hurriedly, the air thick with tension and solemnity as a major battle loomed.

Within the territory of Pingyang Prefecture, the elite cavalry of Luyang Prefecture charged in like sharp knives.

The first signs of war foreshadowed a bloody storm that would soon engulf several prefectures.

Against the backdrop of this grand battle, the final evaluation and merit settlement of the Qingyun Ranking were also completed in full swing.

On the huge merit list in front of the government office, names shone brightly.

The top spot undoubtedly belongs to Yue Qingfeng.

Following the title "the eldest grandson of General Zhenyue," his illustrious achievements are listed, including decisive action in battle, calm command, leading the charge, and shooting down the mast of the enemy's flagship with a single arrow.

His talent in battle and the demeanor of a military family have already begun to shine.

Following closely behind in second place is Wang Ziteng.

His achievements as "born with superhuman strength, fighting bloody battles, killing countless enemies, and slaying the bandit leader One-Eyed Wolf Zhang Kui" are as awe-inspiring as his ferocious fist energy.

This achievement was earned through sheer blood and sweat.

Third place: Li Jinyuan.

"Young Master Jin Yuan" laid the foundation for a comeback with his "Wen Qi Tong Tian Lu" technique, creating a poetic illusion that disrupted the army's formation. His unparalleled Confucianism provided unparalleled support, and his talent as a master of literature and Taoism shone brightly in this battle, leaving everyone in awe.

As the merit list continued to be ranked, Zhang Yuan's name was prominently listed among the top ten, ranking ninth.

His achievements are described in great detail: "A descendant of loyal martyrs, calm and resourceful, he swiftly and decisively killed the enemy leader with a crossbow, delivering the finishing blow and securing the flank. He collaborated with Prince Yue Qingfeng in a riverbank ambush, and first used the poetic power of 'Peach Blossoms Beyond the Bamboo Grove' to detonate three enemy ironclad ships, annihilating..."

He faced countless enemies; moreover, with his extraordinary skill in "Ode to the Goose," he rescued his comrades and salvaged countless military supplies and provisions—his merits were immeasurable.

In fact, Zhang Yuan's achievements were not limited to these.

When the clerk of the prefectural government did the final calculation, Zhang Yuan took the initiative to propose that the merit points for the tremendous feat on the river, which almost turned the tide, destroyed ships and annihilated the enemy, and salvaged supplies, be split equally with Yue Qingfeng.

Facing the curious and inquisitive gaze of the clerk, Zhang Yuan remained calm and composed: "The key to this battle began with the Crown Prince's courage in charging into the enemy lines and seizing the flag, and ended with his decisive interception. The victory at the Great River would have been impossible without the Crown Prince's overall command and his ability to deter the villains. It is only right that the credit be shared equally."

Upon learning this, Yue Qingfeng looked at Zhang Yuan with his deep eyes for a moment, but did not refuse. He simply said in a deep voice, "I will remember this favor."

He definitely needs this undisputed top ranking.

This is not only his personal glory, but also the prestige and dignity of the Zhenyue General's Mansion, and a solid foundation for his future command of military power.

Zhang Yuan's actions were not only a timely help, but also demonstrated profound insight and foresight.

With his achievements confirmed, Yue Qingfeng also left Luyang Prefecture.

Before setting off, Yue Qingfeng, clad in black armor, exuded heroic spirit.

Behind him followed Shi Feng and Zhou Wu, two comrades-in-arms who had fought side by side on the battlefield and were perfectly in sync.

He walked up to Zhang Yuan, patted him firmly on the shoulder, and said in a deep and powerful voice, "Qingyang, fighting side by side at Black Wind Ridge was exhilarating! On the Great River, I owe you a favor. I, Yue Qingfeng, always keep my word, and I will repay you handsomely one day!"

Having said that, he said no more, turned around and led Shi Feng, Zhou Wu, and a squad of guards away.

Watching Yue Qingfeng leave, Zhang Yuan turned his gaze to Wang Ziteng, who exuded a fierce aura beside him.

A slightly teasing smile appeared on his face: "Ziteng, from now on, when I, Zhang Qingyang, roam the martial world, I'll be using your name—second on the Qingyun Ranking, the 'Butcher of Black Wind Ridge,' Prince Teng. Let's see who dares to underestimate me then!"

Wang Ziteng was taken aback at first, then reacted, grinned widely, revealing his white teeth, and laughed heartily and heartily. He vigorously scratched the back of his head with his large, fan-like hand and said in a deep voice, "Hehe, Yuan-ge'er, go ahead and report it! My name is tough enough! Anyone who dares to mess with you, I'll smash them flat with one punch!"

Wang Ziteng never imagined that he would one day be listed on the Qingyun List.

In the post-war period of rest and recuperation, undercurrents were swirling in the city, and various forces were re-evaluating these newly emerging talents.

Zhang Yuan received another invitation from the Li family.

Unlike previous exchanges and discussions, this banquet carried a slightly farewell feel.

Li Yuanjiang has left the prefectural city due to the war at the front.

Li Jinyuan remained as refined as ever, but his eyes held a more determined and yearning light than usual.

He solemnly said to Zhang Yuan, "Brother Qingyang, I have benefited greatly from the battle at Black Wind Ridge. Although the prefectural city is a good place, it is not a place to stay for long."

"Jintang and I will soon set off for the capital, hoping to hone our knowledge in higher institutions of learning and in a wider world, and to explore the path of sages."

He pointed to several heavy boxes next to him: "Inside the boxes are the classics, histories, philosophical works, poems, songs, geographical notes, and even some simple Confucian and Taoist insights that I have collected and annotated over the years."

"My dear brother, you are skilled in both literature and martial arts, and your comprehension is extraordinary. These books are more valuable to you than they were brought into the capital with me and left to gather dust. I hope they will be of some help to you." In his words, he truly regarded Zhang Yuan as a kindred spirit and confidant.

Looking at the books that contained knowledge and hard work, Zhang Yuan was deeply moved and bowed deeply: "Brother Jin Yuan's generous gift is undeserved. You are going to the capital, and you will surely spread your wings like a roc, with a bright future ahead. When you are famous in the capital, I will listen to your teachings again."

Before leaving the Li residence, Zhang Yuan visited "Moyunzhai" again.

Shopkeeper Lin was still bent over behind the counter repairing old books. When he saw him come in, his goatee twitched, revealing a shrewd smile, and he handed over a long, narrow wooden box wrapped tightly in oilcloth.

"Young man, since you're on your way, take this box back to Fengming County and give it to Chief Escort Wang."

Zhang Yuan took the wooden box; it felt slightly heavy in his hand and exuded a faint scent of ink and wood.

His expression remained calm: "Don't worry, Manager Lin, it will be delivered."

Shopkeeper Lin nodded, said no more, and continued to fiddle with his ancient books, as if he had only explained a trivial matter.

With the important matter settled, Zhang Yuan, along with Chen Zijing, Fang Jingsong, Zhao Yuanchen, Sun Wenbai, and others from Fengming County, boarded a passenger ship to return home.

Although Chen Zijing and the others did not make it onto the Qingyun List, they still gained a great deal and learned a great deal from this trip.

As the boat travels down the river, the green mountains on both banks slowly recede into the distance, and the river breeze, carrying a moist scent, caresses the face.

The boat was halfway through its journey when the wind and waves subsided.

Suddenly, the melodious sounds of string and wind instruments came from not far downstream.

The crowd looked in the direction of the sound and saw an elegantly decorated pleasure boat slowly passing by.

The gauze curtains on the boat were lightly rolled up, revealing the figures of several beautiful young singers. Their lips parted slightly, and their melodious and clear voices, accompanied by string and wind instruments, floated clearly on the river: "Two or three peach blossoms outside the bamboo, the ducks are the first to know when the spring river warms up—"

The melody was melodious; it was the song "Peach Blossoms Beyond the Bamboo Grove," which had long been known throughout Luyang Prefecture.