Martial Arts: My achievements in Beiliang were so great that they threatened the lord's positio

"You've really taken your time to relax quite far."

Lin Xuan raised an eyebrow slightly: "Are you unhappy that your godfather didn't send you to lead the troops?"

"laugh."

Chen Zhibao scoffed, "You underestimate me."

"Your mouth is still so sharp; no wonder none of your brothers are close to you."

Chen Zhibao retorted sharply.

"It's as if the others are on your good side."

Lin Xuan immediately retaliated.

Upon hearing this, Chen Zhibao chuckled and suddenly realized that his adopted son and Lin Xuan, the youngest of the seven adopted sons, had quite similar circumstances.

"That mediocre Chu Lushan, does he even deserve to hold military power?"

Lin Xuan crossed his arms, propped his feet on the table, and sneered, "You actually dare to dream of taking over the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry."

"Your current situation is precarious."

Chen Zhibao said calmly, "It's almost a matter of life and death."

"You came all the way to Yan County just to tell me about this?"

Lin Xuan stared at him.

"Yes."

"You saved me once in Tongyuan Mountain, and today I repay you with my life."

Chen Zhibao remained silent for a while, then picked up the throwing knife from the table, closed his five fingers, and crushed it into iron filings.

"This person is a spy from Beiliang."

He said solemnly.

"Understood."

Lin Xuan nodded.

"Is there anything else you want to say?"

"there is none left."

Chen Zhibao shook his head.

"Last time it was me, next time it's you."

Lin Xuan's voice was drawn out: "Would you be willing to come out and discuss important matters with me? If we join forces, we will surely be able to make a name for ourselves."

"I'm not interested."

Chen Zhibao curled his lip: "You can barely take care of yourself, yet you want to drag me down with you."

"ha."

Lin Xuan was not angry.

"A few days ago, Chu Lushan wanted to arrest several of the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry's lieutenants to establish his authority, but I stopped him."

Should we send the person to you?

Chen Zhi reported the question.

"Let's talk about it later."

Lin Xuan narrowed his eyes: "That fat bastard Chu Lushan is getting more and more arrogant. I will definitely skin him alive one day."

"Young master, the pickled fish is ready."

Dapan heard the conversation outside the door and stopped to report it.

"Bring it in."

Upon hearing Lin Xuan's instructions, she carried the wine and dishes inside and, upon seeing the man in white, naturally recognized him.

He didn't ask any further questions, nor did he show any particular expression; he simply pretended not to see him.

"Big Pan, guard the yard well, don't let anyone in."

"Yes."

The market has retreated.

"Try it."

Lin Xuan poured a full glass of wine, picked up his bowl and chopsticks, and said, "Given your temperament, if we meet again in the future, we'll probably have to fight each other."

Chen Zhibao raised his cup and drank it all, his face showing bitterness: "My godfather's actions are gradually losing their sense of proportion, and the brothers under his command are all feeling disheartened."

"Lin Xuan, when we meet again, let's have a proper match."

Chen Zhibao put down his wine cup: "Let's see if my White-Clad Military Immortal is more skillful, or if your General Who Guards the North and the Number One Warrior Under Heaven is superior."

"it is good."

Lin Xuan nodded.

"The debt of gratitude for being saved by Tongyuan Mountain has been repaid. From now on, we owe each other nothing."

Chen Zhibao got up and left his seat, stepping into the night and disappearing in an instant.

"Covering the sun."

Lin Xuan's expression suddenly turned cold, and a murderous intent flashed in his eyes.

"Young master."

He quietly emerged from the shadows of the hall.

"Go to the Fulong Guard and keep a close watch on Tiezamu. Report back immediately if there is any unusual activity."

"Yes, ma'am."

Yan Ri left as ordered.

"Father, your hidden move is truly profound."

Lin Xuan muttered to himself.

If Chen Zhibao hadn't leaked the information, I would probably still be in the dark; if that elite cavalry of the Three Guards, which served as a reserve force, had rebelled at a critical moment, the impact on Yan County would have been immeasurable.

The consequences were even more severe than when the Northern Barbarian cavalry breached Tianxian Pass.

Based on his understanding of Chen Zhibao, the other party would not stoop to deceiving him with false information.

It seems that Northern Liang indeed intends to use Yan County as bait, aiming to kill two birds with one stone: both to annex Yan County and to take the opportunity to encircle and annihilate the Northern Mang army.

But Lin Xuan was by no means someone who would surrender easily.

It's not impossible to take his life.

The prerequisite is that the other party has the corresponding ability.

Suppressing his anger, he ate his midnight snack, wiped his mouth, and headed towards the backyard.

The study lights were still on, and the two women were focused on reviewing documents. When he entered, they both stopped what they were doing.

"Young master."

"Yunqin, it's late."

Lin Xuan gently stroked Lin Yunqin's slender waist and said with a smile, "Rest early. I'll be worried if you overwork yourself."

"it is good."

Lin Yunqin understood the unspoken meaning and quietly left the study.

"What urgent matter does the young master have that requires him to send Qinmei away?"

Mu Qing'er's expression was solemn.

"There are spies from Beiliang hidden within the Fulong Guard."

He sat down and said in a deep voice.

"Who is it?"

Mu Qing'er's expression changed slightly.

"Tezham".

Lin Xuan said, "I have ordered Yan Ri to keep a secret watch, but I suspect that among the Three Guards, there are far more than just Tie Zhamu as a spy for Bei Liang."

"This man enjoys a high reputation among the Tuoba tribe and was the first Tuoba leader to submit to us."

Mu Qing'er felt a lingering fear: "If this man were to raise his voice and shout when we were fighting against the Northern Barbarians, Yan County would be in imminent danger."

Fortunately, it was discovered early.

Lin Xuan nodded.

That adoptive father was indeed cunning; he even planted spies on the grasslands.

"Follow the clues to find the melon."

He said coldly, "We must find all the Northern Liang spies within the Three Guards and Yan County."

"Understood."

Mu Qing'er understood the young master's intention and said softly, "Young master need not trouble himself with this matter; I will handle it."

"I trust Qing'er the most when she's handling things."

He reached out and pulled Qing'er into his arms, feeling her warmth and softness, and felt his blood and qi surge.

With a flick of his fingertips, he opened his eyes slightly: "Good Qing'er, how dare you be so bold."

"No, not at all."

Mu Qing'er's cheeks flushed, and she said softly, "Isn't it because Young Master prefers this?"

"Well, you're right, I'm even happier now."

Lin Xuan smiled slightly and casually extinguished the candle flame.

March is coming to an end

The Northern Barbarian army of 200,000 men completed its assembly and marched south in a mighty force, heading straight for the border between Liang and Yan.

More than 100,000 cavalrymen galloped across the plains, causing beasts and birds to scatter in panic. Even from dozens of miles away, one could still feel the chilling killing intent sweeping in.

"Urgent dispatch!"

"Reporting to the General, the Northern Mang army has arrived at Xihe Prefecture."

"Reporting to the General, the Northern Mang army is only 800 li away from Duanlong Pass."

Scouts reported three times a day that the General of the Northern Garrison's mansion was heavily guarded, with armored soldiers patrolling day and night.

As the Northern Mang army drew ever closer, the entire Yan Commandery was shrouded in the clouds of war.

"Urgent dispatch!"

"Reporting to the General, a letter has arrived from Luanshi City. The three tribes of Duoyan are mobilizing their troops."

"Reporting to the General, the Northern Liang army is retreating towards the northwest defensive line."

With the Northern Barbarians pressing in, the three tribes of Duoyan were eager to make a move, and the Northern Liang took the initiative to withdraw its eastern front forces.

Although they had anticipated this and made preparations in advance, the generals still looked solemn when news of the military situation reached the general's residence.

"Is Xu the Cripple really...?"

"Completely devoid of morality."

Meng Jiao scolded angrily.

"In vain the brothers who have given their lives for him all these years."

"Leaving aside the past, just considering the bloody battle at Jubei City back then, if it weren't for the Great General turning the tide, how could he have held onto his position as King of Beiliang until now?"

"No wonder he raised a mentally challenged child."

Meng Jiao's rebukes continued incessantly.

"This is the cycle of nature."

Heaven has eyes.

"It makes it difficult for him to walk."

In the main hall

Everyone present looked helpless. Lin Xuan couldn't help but chuckle as well. Only after Meng Jiao finished venting did he speak up to stop him.

He turned to Zhuge Qing and asked, "Has Luo Wentong arrived at the three tribes of Duoyan?"

"We're almost there."

Zhuge Qing replied, "I will definitely arrive before tomorrow morning."

"If he can persuade the three tribes of Doyan with his eloquence, he will have made a significant contribution."

Lin Xuan closed his eyes and focused his mind, continuing to rest.

The strategists continued to discuss and deliberate whether there were any other unforeseen variables, which is precisely the way of warfare.

While adaptability is crucial, a well-thought-out plan is essential for dealing with such a significant battle.

All potential changes must be carefully considered in order to ensure victory.

Lin Xuan was quite fortunate to have recruited strategists who were all highly skilled; at least for now, their abilities were all top-notch.

As for just how skillful he was, we'll find out once the battle is over.

"General, a crowd of people has gathered outside the mansion, insisting on seeing you."

The head of the guards at the general's mansion rushed inside to report.

"You want to see me?"

He looked surprised: "Who are these people?"

"They seem to be the village elders and ward chiefs of various counties within the prefecture."

The leader replied.

"Let's go and see him."

He got up and went outside.

Outside the Zhenbei General's Mansion

There were no fewer than a hundred people gathered, all of them elderly, each holding a slender broadsword.

Four gatekeepers are trying to persuade an elderly man with white hair.

"You young people, how come you can't understand?"

The old man looked anxious, bracing himself on his broadsword as he shouted, "We will not leave until we see the General today!"

"Old buddies, don't you agree?"

"Indeed, since we haven't seen the General, we will wait here."

"I will never leave."

Although these elders are old, each of them has a booming voice.

"Li Lizheng".

The soldier solemnly replied, "This is the residence of the General Who Guards the North; no disturbance is permitted here."

"I don't care about any of that."

The old man simply sat cross-legged and said, "We must see the General."

The guards looked at each other speechlessly, unsure of how to respond.

At this moment, the gates of the General's Mansion opened, and Lin Xuan appeared.

"General."

"The Great General"

The village elders and village headman immediately brightened up and hurriedly got up from the ground.

"General, they have all come from all over the world."

The guard explained in a low voice.

"It's alright, you may leave."

Lin Xuan waved his hand, and the guards immediately stepped back. He descended the stone steps and looked at the elders of Yan County.

Everyone was over fifty, yet they all looked radiant.

He chuckled and said, "Could it be that the government office has handled something improperly, requiring you elders to personally come to the General's Mansion to plead for the people?"

"General, everything in the government office is in order."

Li Lizheng shook his head: "There is only one thing that is not right."

"What is inappropriate?"

He asked.

"Why are the sons of Yan County not allowed to go into battle and fight the enemy?"

Li Lizheng said passionately, "The Northern Barbarian army has invaded the south, and Yan County is in grave danger. Countless brave men in our county are eager to kill the barbarians and avenge our grievances, but the county governments refuse to accept them. We have no choice but to take the liberty of coming here to ask the General for justice."

"That's exactly right."

Another elderly man in his sixties stepped forward, holding a rusty long knife. Although he was thin, his eyes were sharp and bright.

"In the past two years, the General has been in charge of the administration of Yan County. He has swept away the Hu and Qiang tribes and driven the enemies of the grasslands to distant places. He has also reduced taxes and corvée labor, encouraged farming, and rectified officialdom, so that the people of Yan County can live in peace and stability."

Every single detail is etched in our memories.

The old man was visibly moved: "Now, in every household of Yan County, who is not grateful for the General's kindness?"

"But those Northern Python barbarians are unwilling to let us live in peace. How should we deal with them?"

"Let's fight them to the death."

"I'm going all in."

A group of elderly men from Yan County were in high spirits.

An elderly man with a limp stepped forward, leaning on a knife, and said in a strong voice: "Our Luoliu Village has a total of 180 households, and there are still 123 able-bodied young men who can fight."

"As long as the general gives the order, no man in the village will back down."

"Shuiyu Village can produce ninety-eight people."

"Shigu Village has 160 people."

"Nian Village can produce two hundred people."

"Maple Leaf Village can produce seventy-eight people."

The elders stepped forward one after another to volunteer for the battle, surrounding General Lin Xuan, the Great General of the Northern Garrison.

"Fellow villagers, please hear me out."

Lin Xuan raised his hand to signal, and the surroundings quieted down.

I understand everyone's feelings.

He raised his voice and said, "But the county government's stockpile of weapons, armor and provisions is currently limited."

Moreover, Yan Commandery still has tens of thousands of cavalry stationed there, and they would never allow the Northern Pythons to invade the border.

"General."