Slave Empire [Complete] - 10

Volume 4, Chapter 57: Stalemate.
The situation in the Jade Dragon Kingdom on the continent, after an initial period of tension, strangely stabilized—
at Jade Dragon Pass in Xiliang County. The hundreds of thousands of troops of the grassland allied forces were helpless against the towering, mountain-built walls. The grassland warriors of the three major tribes—the Red Mongol, Silver Wolf, and Wusun—along with dozens of other tribes, were swift and agile on horseback, their powerful arrows no less formidable than those of divine crossbows. Yet, they lacked a way to conquer fortified cities. Accustomed to a nomadic lifestyle with tents, the grasslands had few decent cities.
Climbing walls with simple ladders and shields posed no threat to the battle-hardened Li family's Western Army, which relied heavily on the strong walls. The Li family's First Division alone held off the grassland allied forces' first day of attack. When the Li family urgently dispatched the Second Division from Ulan Prefecture in the north to reinforce Jade Dragon Pass, the grassland allied forces' offensive ceased.
The 50,000-strong grassland army that had captured Minglun City, a small town at the foot of the Yulong Mountains in the south, did not launch an attack on Longxi City, which was only defended by a regiment of the Western Army Corps' direct division, eighty miles away. Instead, they advanced the battle line thirty miles in two columns with 40,000 troops, occupying two small towns—Xinshi Town and Ma'an Town—on the two official roads leading east to Xiliang Prefecture and north to Longxi City. They looted and collected grain and fodder everywhere, and a steady stream of grassland cavalry gathered in the three towns from the gap in the Great Wall opened by Minglun City… Li Xuanji, the head of the Li family and commander of the Western Army Corps, one of the four great generals
of Lie Hualong, sent a regiment of the direct division and a guard regiment to Longxi City, and used two more regiments of the direct division to guard Taihe Pass, a key pass leading east from Ma'an Town to Xiliang Prefecture. The Jinlong Army used its naval divisions to guard Jiujiang Port and protect the river. After reinforcing Changyin City with three divisions totaling 120,000 men, they stopped reinforcing and formed a stalemate with the 80,000-strong Yulong Army of the Yulong Kingdom's central army.
The Later Tang's Southwest Army Corps and the Golden Dragon Army were almost identical in their tactics. After landing at Zijiang Town, they reinforced their forces to three divisions totaling 120,000 men, advancing twenty li (approximately 10 kilometers) to confront the First and Second Divisions of the Northern Army Corps under the Ding family of the Jade Dragon Army, as well as the Huaiyin Navy.
Perhaps both the Golden Dragon Army and the Later Tang Army feared that a direct confrontation, even if victorious, would first invite an attack from the Jade Dragon King's capital guards, and therefore were not in a hurry to expand their gains. As for why they did not continue to reinforce, perhaps both sides had their own agendas and were worried about their rear security; the true reasons remained unknown.
The 80,000 men of the First and Second Divisions of the Western Army Corps of the Great Liang, besieging Qingyuan City, launched a fierce offensive, but 20,000 elite Jade Dragon Army soldiers and 40,000 guards, led by Qiu Shuiba, withstood the Great Liang Army's fierce attack for two days. After losing 6,000 men, the Great Liang Army temporarily ceased its siege. General Long Feiyang of the Great Liang Dynasty led his direct-command divisions from Yangjiang Prefecture, the Fourth Division of Meijiang Prefecture, and the Third Division of Maoming, bypassing Qingyuan City and heading straight for the Qiu clan's stronghold—Baiyang City in Changlong Prefecture! Under the suppression of the Quanzhou naval division, two regiments of Qiu Shuiliu's direct-command divisions, one naval regiment, and 20,000 guards stationed at Tenglong Port dared not move.
In Shunde Prefecture, Long Feiyang secretly reorganized the local guards into a reserve division to guard against an attack from the Southern River by the Ding clan. However, facing pressure from the Later Tang army, the Ding clan dared not make any rash moves! Moreover, the Eastern Navy, under the Long clan's command, had already sent 160,000 men into Meijiang Prefecture, and the Ding clan would not easily provoke trouble!
The Long clan was the most powerful family in the Great Liang Dynasty besides the Zhu clan, the royal family. They rose to prominence in Donghai County east of the Yulong River. Ten years ago, during the "Five Kings Dividing Tang," they took advantage of the situation to cross the river and occupy Yunyuan County and Nanhai County. With the power of one family, they control three prefectures. Although each prefecture only has three counties, their influence is considerable!
The military system of the Great Liang is the same as that of the Later Tang Empire. Each legion has five divisions with a total of 200,000 men. The Long family controls the western legion and the eastern naval legion of the Great Liang Kingdom, with a total of 400,000 men. In addition, there is a navy of 80,000 men. If they had to face the pressure from the Qiu family, the Ding family, and the Later Tang Nanhu Legion (formerly the Feng family) at the same time, neither the Qiu family nor the Ding family would be a match for the Long family!
The Japanese army attacking Donggang has increased its troops to 80,000. They launched a strong attack on Donggang City from land and sea. They have breached the city walls several times, but were repelled each time. Faced with the attack of the Japanese invaders, the 150,000 inhabitants of Donggang City, regardless of age, gender, or social status, spontaneously mobilized. Some defended the city walls under the organization of the Jade Dragon Army, while others helped transport supplies and treat the wounded. The hidden experts from various powerful factions within Hualong City also secretly joined forces with Jade Dragon's spies to fight against the ninjas sent by the Japanese invaders! With
a common enemy at hand, they were united in their hatred. Even those who usually schemed against each other abandoned their differences and fought side-by-side, engaging in fierce battles time and again.
The walls of Donggang were almost entirely soaked in blood, becoming a shocking "blood wall"!
After the people of Donggang City repelled the Japanese invasion for a day and a night, General Qiu Su couldn't help but sigh, "The hearts of the people are reliable, and their strength is dependable," gaining a deeper understanding of the hidden power of the people on the Hualong Continent. After losing over 20,000 men, the Japanese army was forced to halt its offensive, setting up a large camp outside Donggang City to gather more troops…
The sudden war launched by the Jade Dragon Kingdom had unexpectedly fallen into a stalemate…

Raising clouds of dust ahead of the First Division of the Bright Army, led by the “Amorous Young Master” Xu Xiaoyao, was a cavalry squad led by Chang Shengqiu. For more than a day, the cavalry company, divided into three groups, had been tirelessly assisting over 10,000 reservists in dispersing the guards of the towns surrounding Riyue City, carrying out Hua Yinghong’s orders to seize government treasuries and grain, and release government and private slaves. From twenty li northeast of Beigang City, forty li east towards Keelung City, from the shores of Riyue Lake in the south to the Zhenbao Strait in the north, the hoofprints of the Free Army cavalry were everywhere—a truly imposing sight, swords drawn and horses galloping!
Nearly two thousand horse-drawn carts and tens of thousands of urgently conscripted able-bodied men, gathered from Xigang, Jubao Town, and Lingbao Town, were deployed to various locations by the Free Army under the command of Lü Jingwei and Liu Ju, who personally led internal affairs personnel to Lingbao Town. They continuously transported collected grain and various supplies to Lingbao Town. After the reserve detachment ordered to advance eastward arrived, the released government slaves and private slaves were quickly organized, carrying loads on their shoulders and backs, accelerating the transport. When
war breaks out, ordinary people instinctively seek protection from the stronger side. The Free Army, surrounding Riyue City and sweeping across the Riyue Plain, clearly held an absolute advantage, even to the blind. Furthermore, the Free Army's policies were mild and its discipline strict; wherever it went, whether in towns or villages, except for a very small number of the elderly, weak, sick, and disabled who were unwilling to leave their homes, over 90% of the population, under the Free Army's mobilization and organization, fled westward to Lingbao Town with their families. On the official road of the Sun and Moon Plains, carts and people carrying grain and supplies moved along, while on both sides of the plains, a vast migration flowed.
In just over a day, of the nearly 600,000 people in the central part of Zhenbao Island, excluding Sun and Moon City, Beigang, and a few remote villages, more than 300,000 had migrated west of Lingbao Town, coming under the control of the Free Army. As for the grain from this year's bumper harvest, nearly 2.5 million shi of official grain and 1.2 million shi of private grain from various granaries were urgently transported to Lingbao Town. Because there was simply no time to transfer them, they piled up like mountains in granaries and houses throughout Lingbao Town!
The Free Army's action plan underwent a major change, shifting from "Operation Lightning" to "Operation Grain Seizure." With grain in hand and the formidable "Heavenly Pass" behind them—the Free Army was now strategically invincible!
Hua Yinghong had already received news of Xu Xiaoyao leading the Bright Army to advance on Sun and Moon City via carrier pigeon from the Peach Blossom Palace's infiltrators in Keelung City. Because there was still a small town west of the Jinsha River with nearly 10,000 people who had not yet moved, Chang Shengqiu was the only one who could escort them. The movement was slow; after half a day, they were still more than 20 li from Riyue City. Hua Yinghong ordered Chang Shengqiu to lead the cavalry to intercept them, giving him a feint, and also ordered Batian's special forces and Peach Blossom Palace experts to urgently provide support.
Scouts reported that the Bright Army was approaching within ten li. Chang Shengqiu ordered each cavalryman to drag a long, thick, leafy tree branch that had already been cut down and charge forward in formation! They turned back horizontally across nearly five li of plains, the dust raised by the branches visible from ten li away—unless one was a seasoned warrior, one would mistakenly believe that thousands or even tens of thousands of cavalrymen were creating such a spectacle!
If Ji Wumou were here, he would not be fooled by the illusion. But how could the "Amorous Young Master" Xu Xiaoyao know the trick? Sure enough, he fell for the trap and stopped marching, sending out more scouts. However, because the scouts dared not get too close, they could not distinguish clearly for a while. After Chang Shengqiu's cavalry performed for almost half an hour and then retreated, the scouts found the ground covered with branches and realized they had fallen for a delaying tactic. Upon receiving the report, Xu Xiaoyao ordered a rapid pursuit!
"Corpses strewn everywhere" Shi Heng led the "Yinming Iron Guard" and more than a thousand elite members of the Bright Army composed of core disciples, using their lightness skills to be faster than galloping horses, chasing after them at almost the same speed as Chang Shengqiu's cavalry! The Free Army had plundered all the people and food, which would greatly affect the development of the Bright Army. They had to take back some of it, however much they could, and at least slaughter the Free Army to vent their anger—this was Xu Xiaoyao's idea.
More than half a mile away, the silhouettes of Chang Shengqiu's cavalry could be seen. Shi Heng gathered his inner energy and shouted urgently, "Brothers, give it your all, kill!" The "Yinming Iron Guard" took the lead, almost always covering six or seven zhang with each leap. More than a thousand highly skilled elite soldiers of the Bright Army followed closely behind, instantly closing the distance to only a hundred paces from the rear of the cavalry!
The cavalry suddenly turned, rushing to the right—
once the open field was deserted, suddenly a neat formation of more than a mile wide appeared as if three thousand special forces soldiers had sprung up from the ground. Because each of them was stained with dust, they were so well-known that even a master like Shi Heng could not spot them from a distance when they were prone on the ground.
"Kill!" If facing the elite Jade Dragon Army, Shi Heng and the "Yinming Iron Guard" might have hesitated, waiting for the main force to arrive before launching an attack. But facing this group of free soldiers who were slaves just a dozen days ago, how could these proud and arrogant masters, still clinging to their江湖 (jianghu, the martial arts world) habits, take them seriously? In Shi Heng and his group's minds, as long as they charged into the melee, wouldn't it be as easy as cutting melons and vegetables?
Ba Tian patiently waited until Shi Heng, who was at the forefront, and the more than one hundred figures of the "Yinming Iron Guard" had entered within fifty paces, and the more than one thousand people behind them had entered within seventy paces, before he gave the order "Fire!"
Fifty divine crossbows, three hundred divine crossbows, and six hundred powerful bows that had been prepared beforehand "whoosh! whoosh!..." A rain of deadly arrows shot towards the murderous Bright Army! The "Forty-Eight Arrows of High Mountains"—forty-eight "Sun-Shooting Arrows" infused with true energy—sliced through the void and disappeared in a flash, shooting at the top ten fastest experts in different combinations. Shi Heng, the "Corpse-Strewn" one, was the first to be hit by ten powerful arrows!
Even with three heads and six arms, and a body of bronze and iron, one would tremble in fear in the face of this rain of arrows!
In an instant, Shi Heng, whose body lay strewn across the ground, sensed the deadly intent and danger emanating from the ten arrows, their speed and trajectory unpredictable. Even his strong and resilient nerves were shaken, and he inwardly cried out, "Damn it!"
The newly formed Free Army and the Light Army were engaged in their first battle on the Sun and Moon Plains!

Volume Four, Chapter Fifty-Eight: The Moon Fairy
. It was another full moon night.
The clear, cold moonlight bathed the Sun and Moon Plains, the moonlight hazy, the shadows of the trees hazy—was this the same moon as before? Hua Yinghong's longing was rekindled, a faint melancholy rising within him.
The moon rose above the willow branches, a rendezvous after dusk. He recalled those evening rendezvous with "Fei'er," those days of romance and beauty. He had thought that with Yu Fei, You Lan, Qian Qian, Liu Lan, and Liu Ju, the memories would fade, but unexpectedly, on this enchanting moonlit night, they became even clearer, causing a dull ache in his heart.
"Brother, are you homesick again?" A pair of gentle little hands wrapped around Hua Yinghong's waist from behind. The beautiful and charming Liu Yufei pressed her pretty face against Hua Yinghong's back and murmured as she asked. Having shared several wonderful moments of spiritual and physical intimacy, Liu Yufei understood Hua Yinghong to the core. She became increasingly understanding, gentle, and considerate towards this lover with his unique background.
Hua Yinghong turned and embraced the beautiful woman, saying apologetically, "Fei'er, with you, Youlan, and Sister Qian, I should be content, but I still can't help but think of my home in another world, and of Fei'er. I'm truly sorry—"
Before he could finish speaking, Hua Yinghong's lips were sealed by Liu Yufei's warm, moist lips, and a nimble little tongue slipped into his mouth. After a passionate intertwining, Liu Yufei said with a slight pant, "Brother, you don't need to say anything. Fei'er only needs your sincere love, that's enough, I ask for nothing else."
"Pfft!" A soft laugh came from behind a tree four zhang away, and Liu Lan's voice came, "Sister Fei, Brother Hua, everyone is waiting for you, come quickly!"
A few days ago, when Hua Yinghong urgently recruited internal affairs personnel and the Jubao Town reserve brigade to move east, Liu Lan insisted on leaving the female soldiers' brigade entirely to Feng Yanran under the pretext of protecting Liu Yufei and Liu Ju, and followed them to Lingbao Town. These past few days, nourished by Hua Yinghong's Primordial Qi and Essence, and with the guidance of the two masters, Xue Qianqian and Miao Youlan, her skill has advanced by leaps and bounds. She has broken through the eighth technique of the Heaven and Earth Technique, advancing to the level of an eighth-rank master. Her cultivation of the Mind Concentration Technique has also made some progress. With Hua Yinghong and Liu Yufei's skill, they didn't even notice that she had approached within four zhang when their minds were not focused.
"You brat! Stop!" Liu Yufei blushed, probably because this girl had overheard their sweet words and was probably gossiping about it to her sisters.
"I didn't hear anything, I didn't see anything," Liu Lan giggled, turned and flew away, but a perfectly imitated voice came from the air, "Fei'er, as long as you truly love me, that's enough..."
"Fei'er, let's go. Don't keep Brother Lü and the others waiting and making fun of us!" Hua Yinghong's mood improved after Liu Lan interrupted him, and he said to Liu Yufei with a smile.
Today is September 15th. Unable to resist Liu Yufei's persistent pleading, Hua Yinghong agreed to let her try his barbecue skills, which were said to have impressed even the Sword God and Knife God. He bought plenty of spices that afternoon, preparing to make barbecue that evening. However, the outspoken Liu Lan accidentally let slip when she went to the Internal Affairs Department to see Liu Ju. Lu Jingwei and some officials from the Internal Affairs Department relayed the message, expressing their desire to taste the culinary skills of this brilliant strategist and cunning "Son of Freedom." In fact, many newly recruited internal affairs officials wanted to witness Hua Yinghong's brilliance firsthand. Hua Yinghong also wanted to meet these internal affairs officials, as the Free Army's ability to conquer the world ultimately depended on the efforts of these personnel. Therefore, he simply instructed the Internal Affairs Department to prepare an open space, set up an iron frame, stock up on plenty of dry branches and wood, and host a moon-viewing barbecue feast, inviting even the military commanders and above of Lingbao Town—a simple victory celebration.
Hua Yinghong's residence was the former Yulong Army barracks near the west gate of Lingbao Town, now occupied by the directly subordinate regiment and serving as a temporary office for the Military Affairs Department. It was more than two miles away from Lü Jingwei's temporary office for the Internal Affairs Department—the Lingbao Town Mayor's Mansion. While Hua Yinghong was gazing at the moon in a daze, Lü Jingwei sent someone to invite him, hence Liu Lan
's urging. The Mayor's Mansion covered approximately two hundred acres, with several courtyards and hundreds of rooms. After entering the main gate, there was a large courtyard used for parking carriages and horses for daily business. At this time, iron frames had been set up and timber placed according to Hua Yinghong's request, and dozens of slaughtered and cleaned fat rabbits, sheep, fish, and other animals were placed on platters, waiting for the "master chef" Hua Yinghong to arrive.
With Hua Yinghong and Miao Youlan holding her hands on the left and right respectively, followed by Liu Lan, Fang Shiling, and the other eighteen guards, Liu Yufei slowly stepped into the gate of the town mayor's mansion. Immediately, dozens of people who had been waiting in the courtyard, including Lu Jingwei, Liu Ju, and other officials above the division level from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, as well as military generals such as Lin Zhi and Ye Zhiqi, stood up and applauded enthusiastically. The applause only stopped after the three of them took their seats in the chairman's seat and Hua Yinghong gently pressed his hands down to signal everyone to sit down.
Liu Yufei's voice, as melodious as a fairy's, rang out: "Gentlemen, since the establishment of our Free Alliance and the Free Army, we have won numerous battles, capturing Jubao Town, taking Xigang City, occupying Lingbao Pass, besieging Riyue City, annihilating tens of thousands of Yulong Army soldiers, and blunting the morale of the Bright Army. This is all thanks to your concerted efforts. Today's banquet, Commander Hua will personally prepare delicious food for everyone as a celebration of our alliance's achievements and a small expression of our leader's gratitude." On this occasion, Liu Yufei showed none of the girlishness she displayed in front of Hua Yinghong
. Her noble elegance and dignified presence, along with the innate leadership qualities of a royal princess, captivated everyone. "Since joining the alliance, our Gaoshan tribe has received your care, both in the military and in the local areas. Youlan, on behalf of the Gaoshan tribe, expresses her gratitude and also thanks you through Commander Hua." Although Miao Youlan had no experience appearing on such important occasions, her innate Gaoshan royal bearing and unparalleled beauty won over everyone present.
Everyone present was somewhat aware of the close relationship between Miao Youlan, Liu Yufei, and Hua Yinghong. The three were essentially one entity; although the two women were nominally the leader and deputy leader of the alliance, everyone understood the implication—the true ruler
of the Free Army was none other than Hua Yinghong. "Gentlemen!" Hua Yinghong paused, noticing everyone staring at him, before speaking slowly, "Before the banquet begins, I'd like to announce an urgent report we just received. Our naval regiment and reserve force, led by Commander Hai Tianqing and Commander Yun Shalang, killed Zhao Wuji, the pirate leader of the Thousand Pages Islands, and two thousand pirates, captured four thousand, pacified the Sakhalin Islands, and rescued forty thousand islanders. The pirate mole, the Hai Sha Gang, in Xigang City was also eliminated by our military intelligence, reserve division, and other allies."
"Bravo!" The crowd erupted in cheers. The Thousand Page Islands are located in the Treasure Strait between Xigang City and Tianshui Prefecture on the Hualong Continent. Led by Zhao Wuji, known as the "Sea-Troublesome Dragon," the Thousand Page pirates have entrenched themselves on the islands, causing havoc in Xigang and the northwestern part of Treasure Island for many years. The Jade Dragon Navy has repeatedly attempted to eradicate them but failed. Unexpectedly, Hai Tianqing and Yun Shalang did not participate in the Battle of Sun and Moon Plains; they were secretly dispatched to eliminate the pirates, and their victory was a great achievement, relieving Xigang City of a major threat.
Ironically, the pirates deserved their demise—after the Jade Dragon Army of Xigang was annihilated by the Free Army, Zhao Wuji believed his opportunity had arrived. He sent men to contact the Hai Sha Gang, an inside agent, intending to launch a surprise landing attack while the Free Army's newly established navy faced a major counterattack from the Jade Dragon Army. However, this plan was discovered by Mo Yan's intelligence agents and reported to the authorities. Hua Yinghong remained calm and collected while leading the Free Army to approach Lingbao Pass. He secretly ordered Hai Tianqing and Yun Shalang to create the illusion of advancing towards Beigang by water, while simultaneously transferring the reserve force left behind in Xigang, leaving only one battalion, which secretly returned in batches among the shipping guilds' transport troops. When Zhao Wuji led a large number of pirates ashore, intending to launch a surprise attack on Xigang with the support of the Hai Sha Gang, Hai Tianqing and Yun Shalang surrounded them from the sea and coast. Inside the city, the Military Intelligence Bureau, the Peach Blossom Palace, the Nangong family, the shipping guilds, and the reserve force had already annihilated the Hai Sha Gang. Under the siege of the Free Army, which outnumbered them several times over and was better equipped, more than 6,000 pirates were shot dead or wounded, and Zhao Wuji died in the chaos. Except for a few who escaped, all the remaining pirates surrendered. Those who escaped were also severely punished by the Chamber of Commerce and other gangs who resented the pirates' long-standing influence on Xigang's finances; almost none escaped. After their victory, the Hai Tianqing Naval Force marched straight to the pirate stronghold of the Thousand Pages Islands, swiftly annihilating them.
"Gentlemen! Domestic affairs are the foundation of the Free Army's victory, and the Free Army's victory is the guarantee of domestic stability. I believe that with your sincere cooperation, each fulfilling their duties and responsibilities, the Free Army will be invincible, and the Free Alliance will have a better tomorrow!..." Hua Yinghong gave an impromptu, inspiring speech before announcing, "The barbecue feast begins..."
The enticing aroma wafted from the grill, and plates of lamb and rabbit meat, personally grilled by the Free Army soldiers under Hua Yinghong's guidance, were brought to the tables—
"Delicious!" "I've never tasted anything so delicious before!" A chorus of praise rang out. Ba Tian was even more exaggerated, snatching a whole leg of lamb and hiding aside to devour it, muttering indistinctly, "Big brother! You're not just a military god, you're also a culinary god... Hey, Ye Laosan, don't steal mine..."
It turned out the roast meat was in high demand, and Ye Zhi Qiu, who often joked with Ba Tian, seized the opportunity to snatch the lamb leg and run away, eliciting laughter from everyone!
Suddenly, Miao Youlan's heart skipped a beat, followed by Lü Jingwei, Hua Yinghong, and Liu Yufei, who all became alert and looked towards the courtyard wall three zhang away—
two figures had silently appeared on the wall: one tall and imposing like a mountain; the other graceful and elegant like a fairy. Neither wore a mask, yet their figures appeared hazy and indistinct, their true appearances impossible to discern. A voice, seemingly otherworldly and ethereal, like a divine decree, rang out: "The moonlight is like water, and it's a
pleasure to see you all in such refined circumstances. Shui Xinyue, a disciple of the Sword Inquiry Pavilion, wishes to invite Alliance Leader Liu and Young Master Hua to a meeting at the Short Pine Hill by Sun and Moon Lake. Would you do me the honor?" The woman's sweet and elegant voice was so melodious that it instilled a sense of intimacy and a desire to see her in everyone, regardless of age or gender.
"Ximen Jie also wishes to meet with Brother Hua. I hope you will not refuse," a deep and steady male voice followed.
The others, though unfamiliar with the matter, were not particularly surprised. However, Lü Jingwei, Liu Yufei, and Miao Youlan exchanged bewildered glances, both astonished and delighted.
Shui Xinyue, the "Lingbo Fairy," ranked first among the ten beauties of the Hua Long Continent, had appeared in the martial world a year ago as a disciple of the Sword Inquiry Pavilion, and within a month, she had shocked the martial arts world. No one had ever seen her draw her long sword, yet no one dared to underestimate her—
it was rumored that Shui Xinyue had mastered the Sword Inquiry Pavilion's ultimate technique, the "Ruyi Heart Sword." Her first appearance in the martial world was in Baiyang City, the capital of the Qiu family. At that time, the arrogant Qiu Shuiliu, confident in his mastery of martial arts, challenged Shui Xinyue, refusing to accept his father Qiu Haoyu's unwavering respect for the successor of the Wenjian Pavilion. Unexpectedly, Shui Xinyue's "Ruyi Sword" remained unsheathed; she merely stood three zhang away from Qiu Shuiliu for a few breaths, and Qiu Shuiliu, unable to even land a single blow, abandoned his sword and conceded defeat!
Hearing that the young master of the Yinming Sect, the "Amorous Young Master" Xu Xiaoyao, had a chance encounter with Shui Xinyue, he was awestruck and relentlessly pursued her. Shui Xinyue simply said, "If you can withstand one of my sword strikes, I will allow you to accompany me for three months." Xu Xiaoyao, by then possessing some skill in the "Yinming Divine Skill," was overconfident, believing he could at least withstand one strike. However, before Shui Xinyue's "Ruyi Heart Sword," Xu Xiaoyao's "Tengshe Sword" only managed one strike before Shui Xinyue casually knocked it from his hand with the scabbard, leaving him too ashamed to continue the pursuit!
The appearance of Wenjian Pavilion disciples in the martial world is always for matters of great importance. Fifty years ago, the "prodigy" Liu Suifeng was favored by the then-successor of Wenjian Pavilion. His unparalleled influence over Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and various major powers allowed him to command the world and help Liu Suifeng achieve the great feat of unifying Hualong. Ten years ago, Ling Hanyan, a successor of Wenjian Pavilion, reappeared in the martial world. Together with the Blade God Guan Shanyue, the Sword God Lang Qingyun, and the Spear God Yan Fei, they forcefully stopped the five-nation war that had broken up the Tang Dynasty, presided over the demarcation of the five nations' borders, and spared Hualong the continent nearly ten years of war.
In the past year, the "Fairy of Lingbo" Shui Xinyue has traveled throughout the five nations of Hualong, visiting the leading figures of dozens of powers. It is said that those visited by the successors of Wenjian Pavilion are always heads of powerful families or rulers of nations. Some speculate that Wenjian Pavilion is selecting a true emperor with the potential to unify the world, like Liu Suifeng. Although neither Shui Xinyue herself nor the interviewees revealed any details, the reputations of the interviewees and their respective factions skyrocketed. Being chosen for a visit by the successor of the Sword Inquiry Sect was an unparalleled honor, representing at least a form of recognition! The fact that
the Free Army, less than a month old, received a personal visit from "Lingbo Fairy" Shui Xinyue was truly unexpected for Liu Yufei, Lü Jingwei, and Miao Youlan!
As for "Divine Sword Prince" Ximen Jie, he was the head of the renowned "Four Young Masters of the Martial World," an outstanding member of the martial arts family, and widely recognized as the top martial artist among the younger generation in Hualong, devoted to the sword. His exceptional skill was evident from his ability to travel with "Lingbo Fairy" Shui Xinyue.
Hua Yinghong had heard the Sword God and Knife God mention the Sword Inquiry Pavilion when discussing the various powers on Lonely Star Island. He had also "read" it in the spiritual senses of Liu Yufei, Miao Youlan, and Xue Qianqian, but couldn't recall anything particularly special about it. He was only astonished by the two's unfathomable martial arts. Just as he was about to speak, Liu Yufei, unusually, preemptively replied, "Please go first, Water Fairy. Brother Hua and I will follow shortly."
Shui Xinyue's beautiful eyes swept over everyone in the courtyard with a clear, bright light. Smiling, she said to Miao Youlan, "Are you the Miao family's sister, known as the 'Peerless Jade Maiden'? I visited your master a few days ago. Senior Mei's demeanor filled me with immense respect. If you're worried, you might as well come along."
As she spoke, without any apparent movement, Shui Xinyue's figure floated up slowly. It seemed incredibly slow, but in reality, she vanished in a flash before everyone's eyes. Her last words were already dozens of feet away!
"The Divine Swordsman" Ximen Jie clasped his hands in a salute, then vanished in a flash.

Volume 4, Chapter 59: A Matter of Life and Death, Misfortune Strikes Again
. "My God! Is this even human?!" Ba Tian was gnawing on a lamb leg when he was interrupted by the appearance of Shui Xinyue and Ximen Jie. Startled, he finally managed to cry out, breaking the silence of the courtyard. It was unclear whether Ba Tian was praising Shui Xinyue and Ximen Jie's character or martial arts; in any case, his mouth was agape, unable to close it for a moment.
"Please don't panic, everyone. The Sword Inquiry Successor's status is so esteemed; how could he possibly do anything detrimental to Alliance Leader Liu and me? Enjoy your meat, we'll be right back." Hua Yinghong had already received Miao Youlan's explanation via telepathy, but seeing the worried expressions on the faces of the others in the courtyard, except for Lü Jingwei, who were unaware of the truth, he spoke to reassure them. He then took Liu Yufei and Miao Youlan's hands, and without any apparent movement, the three of them floated more than five zhang into the air, traversing more than ten zhang of sky, and swiftly sped towards Sun and Moon Lake!
After these past few days of being intimate with the women, Hua Yinghong's understanding of martial arts and his mastery of true qi had become much more proficient. The secret method of cultivating both spirit and desire saved him a great deal of time that would otherwise have required self-comprehension, allowing him to directly incorporate the martial arts insights from the women's consciousness into his sea of consciousness. His Primordial True Qi, through its fusion and transformation with Peach Blossom True Qi and Profound Heaven True Qi, had become even more refined and condensed, needing only one more opportunity to break through the bottleneck and reach the level of a Primordial Saint-grade expert!
As for Liu Yufei, Xue Qianqian, Miao Youlan, Liu Lan, and Liu Ju, the five women also benefited greatly from the Dual Cultivation of Spirit and Desire technique. Especially Hua Yinghong's unique Primordial True Qi, which seemed to be the source of all true energy, inexhaustible and ever-renewing. Even when exhausted, it could recover at an unimaginable speed—this made Hua Yinghong realize that true energy also followed the principle of "use it or lose it." Sometimes he would simply pour his true energy into Liu Yufei, Liu Lan, Liu Ju, as well as Ba Tian, Ye Zhi Qiu, and others, until he was completely exhausted…
Liu Yufei had already begun practicing the ninth technique of the Heaven and Earth Technique, advancing to the level of a ninth-rank master. Miao Youlan, a disciple of the "Plum Blossom Sword Saint" Mei Shanmin, already possessed extremely high cultivation. After opening her mind and merging with Hua Yinghong's consciousness, she advanced to the "Yin-Yang Harmony" realm of the Profound Heaven True Qi, her cultivation progressing rapidly. Therefore, the highly skilled Shui Xinyue revealed her sect's origins in a single sentence.
What is meant to be will be. Hua Yinghong knew that if Shui Xinyue and Ximen Jie's martial arts skills were to harm him, although the Free Army had a large number of members, the only ones who could be of use were Lü Jingwei, Xue Qianqian (who couldn't attend the banquet), and a few experts from Peach Blossom Palace. Therefore, he decided to be straightforward and only go to the banquet with Liu Yufei and Miao Youlan. Fortunately, all indications suggested that "Lingbo Fairy" Shui Xinyue and "Divine Sword Prince" Ximen Jie had no ill intentions.
******** ****
"Crack! Crack! Crack!—" From Xu Xiaoyao's room at the Bright Army headquarters, the sound of a bowl breaking came, clearly indicating that the food was not to his liking, triggering Xu Xiaoyao's spoiled temper.
The food was actually quite good, but Xu Xiaoyao, the "Amorous Young Master," had been having an extremely unpleasant few days—a truly disastrous time, or perhaps best described as utterly unlucky. On
the ninth day of the ninth lunar month, the elite "Yinming Iron Guard" of the Bright Army, along with over a thousand core disciples of the Yinming Sect, confident in their martial arts, relentlessly pursued the Free Army. Unexpectedly, they were ambushed by the Free Army's special forces. A barrage of powerful crossbow bolts resulted in the deaths of twenty-two members of the "Yinming Iron Guard," with over thirty wounded, and three hundred of the over a thousand core disciples were killed or injured!
"Corpses strewn everywhere," Shi Heng, having exhausted his inner energy, withstood three volleys of dozens of powerful arrows from the "Forty-Eight Arrows of the High Mountain" before approaching the Free Army's lines. However, he was surrounded and attacked by several experts from Peach Blossom Sect who were mixed in with the Free Army, sustaining serious injuries and nearly not escaping! By the time the Bright Army arrived, they could only watch helplessly as the Free Army retreated unscathed, protecting a large number of civilians as they fled.
The initial clash between the Bright Army and the Free Army resulted in a humiliating defeat for the Bright Army.
Xu Xiaoyao, seething with anger, led the Bright Army to the outskirts of Sun and Moon City, arriving at dusk. The Free Army, having already left behind trenches, had calmly retreated towards Lingbao Town. The
Free Army, centered on Baohe Town—a small town between Lingbao Town and Sun and Moon City—had established 20-mile-long defensive lines extending north and south, each garrisoned with 20,000 men. They dug deep trenches, built earthen walls, and laid extensive obstacles, creating the appearance of a demarcated territory. Scouts were deployed everywhere, bringing the vast Sun and Moon Plains west of the 60-mile-long defensive line stretching from the Zhenbao Strait in the north to Sun Lake in the south under their control. The Free Army's direct regiments and special operations battalions were stationed in Lingbao Town, ready to provide support at any time. The entire defensive system was tight, leaving the Bright Army and the Jade Dragon Army of Sun and Moon City with no opportunity to attack.
Xu Xiaoyao was not foolish enough to launch a direct assault on Sun and Moon City. Sun Moon City and the central region of Treasure Island are primarily agricultural. While the lives of commoners and slaves are impoverished, they are mostly able to survive due to their location in grain-producing areas, unlike Keelung City and its surrounding areas which are more easily instigated. The Demonic Cult has also been active in Sun Moon City and its surrounding areas, but with limited success. The few members who secretly joined the cult were mainly recruited by the Peach Blossom Palace, and now, with the Yinming Sect and the Peach Blossom Palace at odds, they are unlikely to be used by the Yinming Sect. A direct assault on Sun Moon City would only result in mutual destruction with the Jade Dragon Army, further benefiting the cunning Free Army.
Treasure Island has now formed a three-way balance of power between the Free Army, the Bright Army, and the Jade Dragon Army. Whichever two sides initiate a major battle will only benefit the third party—under these circumstances, even if Xu Xiaoyao is foolish, he knows he cannot afford to risk everything!
Not only did Xu Xiaoyao fail to attack Sun and Moon City, but he also had to rush back to Keelung City with the First Division of the Bright Army overnight.
Ling Ye, nicknamed "Mad Tiger," whose internal injuries had been healed by Qiu Haoran, returned to Beigang City before the Free Army besieged Sun and Moon City, organizing an effective defensive system. Mo Wentian's Second Division of the Bright Army, nicknamed "Azure Snow Sword," suffered a major setback in its attack on Beigang City, being repelled by the Jade Dragon Army after a fierce afternoon assault, losing 5,000 men. At dusk, Qiu Shuibo led the Jade Dragon Army to land at Beigang and launched a sudden counterattack against the Bright Army! The untrained Bright Army, though fighting bravely, was utterly defeated by the Jade Dragon Army, which possessed superior strength, weaponry, formation, and numbers. Mo Wentian, nicknamed "Azure Snow Sword," was also wounded in the chaos, but managed to escape back to Keelung City with his remaining forces of less than 20,000 men. The Jade Dragon Army pursued and annihilated the 2,000 Bright Army soldiers left to cover their retreat, pressing on Keelung. Fortunately, Xu Xiaoyao received the news quickly and withdrew just in time, returning to Keelung City before the Jade Dragon Army besieged it, where he fortified the city.
Qiu Shuibo led 60,000 elite Jade Dragon troops to surround the four gates of Keelung, cutting off the city's communication with the outside world. The Bright Army, which had just gained the upper hand, suddenly faced a sharp turn of events and dared not leave the city to engage in battle. "The Amorous Young Master" Xu Xiaoyao knew in his heart that, in a situation of similar numbers, the Bright Army, apart from its core disciples, was no match for the Jade Dragon Army. Especially in open field battles and positional warfare, they would almost become the targets of the "Iron Triangle Formation" to slaughter at will!
"Shura Blade" Tan Yingshou's attack on Shunhe Town with two regiments of the Bright Army also went poorly—the Treasure Division's garrison in Baonan City, having received a secret order from Qiu Haoran, left 3,000 guards to defend the city, and, carrying gold and other valuables, marched more than 100 li overnight via back roads, setting up an ambush at Danshan Ridge, 30 li east of Riyue City. As the Bright Army, led by "Shura Blade" Tan Yingshou, swaggered along the way, the Yinming Army, taking advantage of the terrain, caught them off guard, killing and wounding nearly three thousand of them before calmly retreating to Shunhe Town.
Tan Yingshou, with seventeen thousand men, attacked Shunhe Town, which was defended by six thousand Jade Dragon soldiers and guards. Although "Shura Blade" was incredibly powerful, single-handedly killing dozens of Jade Dragon soldiers, his followers, under the barrage of catapults and arrows, suffered heavy casualties as they stormed the city walls. Tan Yingshou, unable to withstand the onslaught, was forced to halt his attack, leaving him with only thirteen thousand men!
General Qiu Haoran, a veteran of many battles, decisively ordered the Baonan garrison to abandon the city and set up an ambush, thus securing the vital town of Shunhe Town, a crucial passage to Donggang. This was a brilliant move after a series of defeats—after this defeat, the Yinming Army didn't even have a chance to capture Baonan Town!
The once high-spirited Xu Xiaoyao, having suffered repeated setbacks, couldn't understand why the Free Army, composed of slaves, repeatedly defeated the Jade Dragon Army, while the Bright Army, with its overwhelming strength, consistently fell short. In desperation, he consulted his strategist, Ji Wumou. However, this time Ji Wumou truly lacked strategy, only proposing a plan to fortify the city and train the army to await further developments.
Xu Xiaoyao was utterly dejected, unaware that Ji Wumou's actions—forcefully releasing slaves and offending various factions, and his unilateral decision to send his most elite troops to attack the Free Army in Sun and Moon City—had led him to conclude that under the leadership of a spoiled brat like Xu Xiaoyao, the Bright Army, despite its formidable presence, was incapable of achieving anything significant!
Ji Wumou's original plan was to attack Beigang City with his elite First Division. With the overwhelming strength of Xu Xiaoyao, the Yinming Elders, Shi Heng, the "Yinming Iron Guard," and over a thousand core disciples, they believed that once they breached the city walls and captured a section, the Jade Dragon Army, with only a few thousand regular naval troops remaining, would be no match for the Bright Army's offensive! Before Qiu Shuibo's army could land, Beigang City would surely fall into the hands of the Bright Army. Qiu Shuibo wouldn't even be able to find a good landing spot. If the Bright Army held the city, they could certainly prevent its fall—if Mo Wentian's Second Division could simply play a role in containing and monitoring the Free Army and the Jade Dragon Army of Sun and Moon City, the entire battle would be rewritten!
Consumed by jealousy, Xu Xiaoyao made a seemingly minor but utterly foolish change to Ji Wumou's plan, leading to complete defeat.
The error wasn't in its size, but in its consequences. Any small mistake could have extremely serious consequences, even determining the drastically different outcome of a battle. The outcome of a battle largely depends on which side makes the fewest mistakes!
"Reporting to the young master, Shui Xinyue, the successor of the Sword Inquiry Pavilion, has gone to Lingbao Town to meet with Liu Yufei and Hua Yinghong." Li Wen tiptoed in, reporting the latest intelligence to Xu Xiaoyao.
In the Lingbao Town area, although the Yinming Sect lacked strength, they still had some spies operating in the shadows. While they couldn't play a significant role, they were capable of gathering intelligence.
Already troubled, this news only intensified Xu Xiaoyao's worries—why would Shui Xinyue, the most beautiful woman on the Hualong Continent, go to Lingbao Town? Could it be…? Remembering his unsuccessful attempt to get close to the "Lingbo Fairy" Shui Xinyue, and his humiliation at being defeated in a single move, Xu Xiaoyao's hatred for Hua Yinghong, whom he had never met, intensified!
"Order that the Free Army be closely monitored for every move, and that any news be reported immediately." Xu Xiaoyao composed himself, but still gave the reluctant order—in any case, the Sword Inquiry Pavilion successor's visit to the Free Army's leaders was definitely not a good thing for the Bright Army.
"Young Master, you've had enough these past few days, how about—" A spring-like smile appeared on Liwen's pretty face, her alluring eyes shooting out captivating waves. "The Amorous Young Master" Xu Xiaoyao may lack other skills, but his techniques for dealing with women are unparalleled, even captivating a seasoned woman like Liwen.
"Little slut, watch how this young master tames you—" Xu Xiaoyao reached out and pulled Liwen's waist...
Only with women could the Amorous Young Master enjoy the thrill of conquest, and soon the room was filled with lewd sounds!

Volume Four, Chapter Sixty: Asking the Sword Three Times,
North of the Sun Lake, on the short pine hill.
Under the pure white moonlight, Hua Yinghong, Liu Yufei, and Miao Youlan, within a ten-foot distance, finally saw the face of "Lingbo Fairy" Shui Xinyue, or perhaps it was because Shui Xinyue deliberately didn't conceal her true face with her profound skills.
Bathed in the night breeze wafting from Sun and Moon Lake, the graceful Shui Xinyue, her snow-white dress billowing in the wind, exuded an air of effortless elegance and composure. An elegantly designed ancient sword slung across her back added a touch of heroic spirit to her indescribably beautiful face.
From the three's perspective, Shui Xinyue was bathed in the gentle, pure moonlight. Not far behind her, the bright moon was reflected in the lake, its shimmering light creating a breathtaking scene. This moment, just like her name, further accentuated her exquisite features, as if born from the very essence of heaven and earth.
Having witnessed countless beauties like Liu Yufei's heavenly fragrance, Miao Youlan's unparalleled elegance, Xue Qianqian's breathtaking beauty, Liu Lan's charming allure, Liu Ju's gentle grace, and even Feng Yanran's robust yet graceful figure, Hua Yinghong was also overwhelmed with a sense of awe. Shui Xinyue possessed a natural beauty, like a lotus emerging from clear water, unadorned and untouched by artifice. Her naturally beautiful face seemed to emanate an indescribable, almost ethereal, aura.
Shui Xinyue's beauty seemed to embody all the finest qualities a woman should possess, yet it was distinctly unique. If you yearn for nobility, she possessed it; if you yearn for radiance, she possessed it… In short, Shui Xinyue's beauty could give anyone who saw her all the aesthetic pleasure they desired!
Though she appeared in the mortal realm, she seemed utterly unfit for this mundane world. Her beautiful, deep, and unfathomable eyes captivated not only Hua Yinghong but also the hearts of Liu and Miao, both women, seemingly maintaining a mysterious and unfathomable tranquility.
No wonder that Dan Qingsheng, the painter and critic of the "Complete Compendium of Beauties of the Continent"—a master painter of his generation—though having seen Shui Xinyue, when he painted the latest "Ten Beauties of the Hua Long Continent" for the Compendium, while the other nine women were perfectly depicted, Shui Xinyue, ranked first, was missing.
It is said that Dan Qingsheng tried countless times, whether with meticulous brushwork or bold strokes, but could not capture her likeness. After dozens of attempts, he threw down his brush and sighed, still unable to finish the painting, and from then on, he retired from painting, vowing never to paint the "Complete Compendium of Beauties" again! Shui Xinyue's extraordinary, breathtaking beauty was indeed beyond the capture and control of ordinary mortal art.
Hua Yinghong, after all, was a man accustomed to seeing beautiful women. He spent his days entwined with beauties like Liu, Miao, and Xue. In terms of looks alone, Liu Yufei and the others might not be inferior to Shui Xinyue. However, Shui Xinyue's ethereal aura subtly stirred his heart. Moreover, Hua Yinghong was magnanimous and free from desires; since Shui Xinyue had invited him on behalf of the Sword Inquiry Pavilion, she must have something important to discuss. Therefore, even with such a stunning beauty before him, Hua Yinghong was still able to circulate his Primordial True Qi and Concentrate his Mind Technique. He only momentarily lost focus before quickly regaining his composure, cupping his hands and saying, "Fairy Shui, what brings you here?"
A flash of surprise crossed Fairy Lingbo Shui Xinyue's beautiful eyes. Her current position, environment, and posture, seemingly casual and natural, actually subtly embody the "Ruyi Heart Sword" of the Sword Inquiry Pavilion—a sword intent that allows for unrestrained action and leverage of circumstances. Even Ximen Jie, the "Divine Sword Prince," with his profound cultivation as the top young martial artist in the world, was momentarily stunned by Shui Xinyue's similar underhanded tactics upon their first meeting! Although Hua Yinghong's skill is not weak, the gap between him and Ximen Jie is not small. Unexpectedly, he regained control after a moment of distraction, demonstrating a performance far superior to that of the "Divine Sword Prince." A person who can start from scratch in a month, rise to prominence unexpectedly, and make the name of the Free Army known throughout the world, is indeed extraordinary.
"Young Master Hua, you flatter me. Xin Yue arranged to meet with Alliance Leader Liu and you, but due to my master's orders, I have been traversing Hua Long for the past year, seeking a path to peace. The trip to Treasure Island is the final stop, and I expect Alliance Leader Liu and you will have something to teach me." Shui Xin Yue was beautiful, had a beautiful voice, and spoke beautifully, without a trace of the arrogance often associated with a successor of the Sword Inquiry Sect, who held a position of superiority over the martial arts world of Hua Long and even the officials of various countries.
Liu Yufei, regaining her composure, said, "Yufei is merely an orphan from a fallen kingdom. The Freedom Alliance's current situation is entirely due to Brother Hua's brilliant strategies and the concerted efforts of everyone in the alliance. How could I dare to offer any advice before Fairy Shui?" Knowing that her knowledge and eloquence were inferior to Hua Yinghong's, she lightly declined the offer.
Only Hua Yinghong could handle such situations.
"Seeing is believing, no matter how much you hear. Fairy Shui might as well travel to Xigang, Jubao, and Lingbao. Facts speak louder than words. What you see and hear is far superior to my lengthy pronouncements," Hua Yinghong replied calmly.
Shui Xinyue was once again greatly surprised—this ordinary-looking young man before her, renowned throughout the Hua Long Continent as the "Son of Freedom," didn't engage in the grand pronouncements of governing the country and bringing peace to the world that many heads of powerful families did. She knew that in many people's eyes, the Sword Inquiry Pavilion, represented by the Sword Inquiry Successor, might hold the fate of the Hua Long Continent in their hands. If one could gain the Sword Inquiry Pavilion's approval and support, unifying the Hua Long Continent was not an exaggeration! She hadn't expected that her last stop, on a whim, would lead her to an anomaly like Hua Yinghong, who spoke so casually of the Sword Inquiry Successor, seemingly indifferent, or perhaps completely unaware of the influence he represented.
Such a person, such a level of understanding, far exceeded the power he had displayed. Of all the countless people I've met in the past year, only the Sword God Lang Qingyun, whom I encountered half a year ago on the shores of Dongting Lake in the Hualong Continent, bears a striking resemblance to me. That was an extraordinary aura of a hero of the world, one who could rival me. However, this young man before me lacks a bit of the Sword God Lang Qingyun's elegance, but possesses more of a domineering, or perhaps kingly, presence.
“Xin Yue arrived in Xigang three days ago, traveling eastward,” Shui Xin Yue said in her melodious voice, without mentioning her own feelings or opinions. She continued, “Since the Free Army’s uprising, treasures have been scattered everywhere, affecting the entire world from a single corner. War has broken out across the Hua Long Continent, and people have been displaced. I wonder what Young Master Hua thinks?” Shui Xin Yue’s words were like the sword intent of the “Ruyi Heart Sword,” casual yet already a move, leaving it to Hua Ying Hong to see how he would respond.
This question subtly placed the blame for the chaos in Hua Long on the Free Army, yet without leaving a trace. The successor of the Sword Inquiry was indeed extraordinary.
"Has the Water Fairy ever witnessed a volcanic eruption?" Hua Yinghong asked instead of answering Shui Xinyue's question, and before she could reply, he answered himself, saying, "Earth fire surges and roars underground, sometimes unable to dissipate due to pressure. Its heat and energy accumulate and lie dormant, eventually bursting forth from a crack in the earth. The war that has broken out on the Hua Long Continent has its own inherent causes. The Free Army merely happened to be there and acted as the igniter." Using a volcano as a metaphor, Hua Yinghong's response was apt, and his argument was flawless. War breaks out
for its own internal reasons. Even without the Free Army, the Demonic Cult or other individuals with ulterior motives would have started it; the only difference was who lit the fuse!
Shui Xinyue pondered for a moment, then asked again, "I have heard that Young Master Hua has widely spread the Void-Breaking Technique of the Sword God and the Heaven and Earth Technique in the army. If these two divine skills were to spread throughout the world, and everyone relied on their strength, wouldn't that become a source of chaos?" Even with Shui Xinyue's extraordinary and unconventional nature, she still questioned Hua Yinghong's widespread dissemination of these two divine skills, which shows how extremely shocking this move was!
Hua Yinghong replied without hesitation, “The Buddha said: All beings are equal. Fairy, look at Hua Long today. Why can the strong in the martial arts world bully the weak? Why can officials and powerful families disregard human life? It is because martial arts are treasured by various schools and powerful forces, used for their own selfish interests and desires. I spread my unique skills widely, merely to ensure that the weak are no longer powerless to protect themselves, and that the strong dare not bully the weak. Moreover, the stronger the people, the richer the country. When the country is rich and the people are strong, the world will naturally be at peace. As for whether it is the source of chaos, I dare not make a rash judgment. I believe that if we bind it with laws and punishments, supplemented by moral education, we can minimize the chaos.”
Shui Xinyue remained noncommittal, offering no comment, and asked again, “What is the true meaning of the name of freedom?”
"The elderly are cared for, the young are supported, the hungry are fed, the cold are clothed, there is no distinction between high and low, wealth and honor are at one's own discretion, one is unyielding in the face of power, and one is carefree and unrestrained—this is a glimpse into the true meaning of freedom." Hua Yinghong, without hesitation, blurted out, "The Freedom Alliance takes freedom as its aim, and seeks to promote the common good, so that all people under heaven may attain true freedom—
'Life is precious, love is more precious; but for freedom, both can be sacrificed.'" Unwittingly, Hua Yinghong had plagiarized another famous poem.
"Life is precious, love is more precious; but for freedom, both can be sacrificed." Lingbo Fairy Shui Xinyue, whose sword heart remained calm, was moved by these straightforward yet profound verses. She repeated them softly, pondered them deeply, and then looked up, saying, "Asking the successor of the sword is customary, three questions are asked. I believe that Alliance Leader Liu and Young Master Hua will not reveal the matter of tonight's three questions. Xinyue's trip out of the palace is now complete, and she should immediately return to her sect to report the truth." "Please forgive any disturbance."
Under the moonlight, Hua, Liu, and Miao only saw a fleeting shadow before Shui Xinyue vanished. A white figure, like smoke, glided across the surface of Sun and Moon Lake, disappearing in the blink of an eye. Her lightness skill was truly worthy of the title "Lingbo Fairy."
She was gone, but her lingering fragrance remained. Hua Yinghong felt as if he were in a dream, both real and unreal.
"Brother Hua, Ximen Jie requests a three-move duel." A fleeting shadow appeared, and where Shui Xinyue had just stood, "Divine Sword Prince" Ximen Jie stood against the wind, imposing as a mountain. His commanding presence emanated from his composed stance, radiating an aura of battle intent, devoid of murderous intent.
The autumn night was normally sweltering. The moment Ximen Jie stood there, Hua Yinghong, Liu Yufei, and Miao Youlan felt a bone-chilling cold enveloping a ten-zhang radius. Anyone with slightly weaker skills would likely be frozen solid by this chill!
"Brother Ximen, could we perhaps postpone this battle?" Hua Yinghong smiled bitterly to himself—most people in this world were obsessed with martial arts, readily seeking challenges. Just hearing the terrifying title of "Divine Sword Prince" Ximen Jie, "Number One Young Martial Arts Master," and the head of the "Four Young Masters of the Martial World," had already made him hesitate—things that could be resolved with the mind were best left unresolved with force.
"Does Brother Hua perhaps believe Ximen Jie is no match for you?" "Ximen Jie's face was still etched with his inner energy, making his features unrecognizable. He spoke coldly
, "Give me a reason why you want to fight." Hua Yinghong really didn't want to get into this pointless fight. Swords have no eyes, and just looking at Ximen Jie's stance, he knew he was far inferior. He really didn't understand why this martial arts fanatic would target him—there were countless experts on the Hua Long Continent, how could he possibly be the one to challenge him! He quickly searched his memory for information about Ximen Jie. Wasn't this guy only challenging the most outstanding experts?
"Brother Hua, as a successor of the Two Gods, why are you so timid?" Ximen Jie was somewhat displeased—if it weren't for the title of "Successor of the Two Gods," why would he have rashly approached Hua Yinghong?
It turned out that Guan Shanyue and Lang Qingyun's reputations were to blame! Hua Yinghong finally understood, but aside from two cultivation manuals, he, as the successor of the Two Gods, hadn't received any guidance whatsoever—but who would believe he had only practiced for exactly one month from beginning to end? Frustrated
—Ximen Jie's chilling aura grew increasingly cold, forcing Hua Yinghong to use his Hunyuan True Qi to resist. "Let's fight then! Who's afraid of who?" With a hum, the Dragon's Roar Blade flew from his hand. Hua Yinghong unleashed the "Three Clans of Breaking the Heavens" technique, specifically the "Splitting Mount Hua" move, and effortlessly leaped towards Ximen Jie
, slashing down with his blade! A hint of approval flashed in Ximen Jie's eyes...

Volume 4, Chapter 61: The Secret Agreement
. Liu Ju has been very busy these past few days. After the "Lightning Operation," the large amount of grain and supplies seized, the hundreds of thousands of people who entered the Free Army-controlled areas of the Sun and Moon Plains, the more than 40,000 people rescued from the Thousand Pages Islands, the large number of people transported by the ship guild from Baiyang County to escape the war between the Long and Qiu clans, and the slaves secretly rescued by the Peach Blossom Palace and the Restoration Society to the northwestern region of Zhenbao Island... all required her, as the head of the Household Registration Department, to organize manpower and resources. Handle it well.
There are countless matters to manage, and the idea of widely recruiting people was Hua Yinghong's. Without a sufficient population base, the Free Alliance would lack the momentum for future development—a point on which no one, including Lü Jingwei, objected.
Even so busy and tired, Hua Yinghong still didn't forget to cause trouble for the internal affairs department. The massive military expansion plan he mentioned to Liu Ju last night was giving her a major headache.
Early this morning, Liu Ju reluctantly left Hua Yinghong's specially made large bed and went to the temporary office of the Household Registration Department located in the former Lingbao Town Mayor's Mansion to begin her official duties.
Last night, after Liu, Hua, and Miao left, everyone in the Mayor's Mansion eagerly awaited their arrival. Liu Ju and Liu Lan were especially anxious; who knew that so-called "Sword-Asking Successor" Shui Xinyue and... Would "Divine Sword Prince" Ximen Jie harm the three? Given the terrifying martial arts skills of those two, if they were to harbor murderous intent at the slightest provocation, the three key figures of the Free Alliance and the Free Army could very well be wiped out—Lu Jingwei's attempts to appease them were futile!
Finally, the three who had gone to keep their appointment returned safely, accompanied by Xue Qianqian, who had rushed to the lakeside upon hearing the news. Only then did everyone breathe a sigh of relief and cheer loudly! Hua Yinghong appeared extremely weak and disheveled, a result of having exchanged three blows with "Divine Sword Prince" Ximen Jie. However, this did not diminish his image in the slightest—everyone knew that Hua Yinghong had only been practicing the Two Divine Techniques for a month, yet he had already withstood three blows from Ximen Jie, the leader of the "Four Young Masters of the Martial World," without injury. Spreading this word would greatly boost the morale of the Free Army!
Afterwards, Liu Yufei proudly recounted that "Divine Sword Prince" Ximen Jie was astonished after Hua Yinghong withstood three moves and learned he had only practiced for a month, predicting that given time, Hua Yinghong would surely become the number one martial artist in the world!
Five stunningly beautiful women slept with Hua Yinghong, indulging in supreme pleasure. Under the guidance of Xue Qianqian and Miao Youlan, Liu Yufei, Liu Lan, and Liu Ju all opened their hearts, abandoning all restraint… leaving the three Liu women in a daze of passion, unable to control themselves. The women's gentleness also brought Hua Yinghong to the brink of ecstasy several times. The sensual pleasures within the women's quarters, the erotic details, are not to be shared with outsiders…
Only after experiencing the intense fear of loss can one truly appreciate the present and everything one possesses—this is a common trait of humankind!
Entering the Household Registration Office hall, Liu Ju was still somewhat lost in the tender moments of the previous night, unaware that a tall man stood in the hall, smiling and bowing, saying, "This subordinate, Gong Wang, the newly appointed Deputy Director of the Household Registration Office, has come to report for duty!"
"Master Nangong!" Liu Ju was both surprised and delighted. The elderly man who called himself "Deputy Director of the Household Registration Office" was none other than Master Nangong Wang of Baoyue Tower in Jubao Town! Last night, Hua Yinghong informed Liu Ju that the next plan was to expand the army to a fully-fledged legion, plus a fully-fledged naval division and a special operations brigade, plus a female soldiers' regiment! Liu Ju was extremely worried, but Hua Yinghong mysteriously said he had a surprise for her—and sure enough, Nangong Wang appeared this morning!
The Nangong family had been engaged in business for generations, spanning over a century, and their wealth and power were immense, comparable to that of a nation. Liu Ju was astonished that Hua Yinghong had managed to secure the cooperation of the Nangong family, something she herself hadn't been able to obtain beforehand. She was delighted, however, that with the Nangong family's assistance, the Free Army would be greatly strengthened, paving a wider path for the restoration of the Tang Dynasty.
"From now on, I will be officially Nangong Wang, the Nangong family's head on Zhenbao Island, and secretly, Gong Wang, the Deputy Director of the Household Registration Department of the Free Army, assisting Director Liu in handling household registration affairs. I humbly request Director Liu's guidance." Nangong Wang emphasized the name "Gong Wang," indicating that the cooperation between the Nangong family and the Free Army was still in secrecy.
During Hua Yinghong's secret meeting with Nangong Wang before leading his army to Lingbao Pass, based on Feng Yanran's relationship, Nangong Wang and Hua Yinghong had a pleasant conversation. However, when discussing the cooperation between the Nangong family and the Free Army, Nangong Wang had reservations—the Free Army's previous impressive achievements were merely due to exploiting various circumstances and the Jade Dragon Army's underestimation of them; whether they could withstand the Jade Dragon government's strong counterattack remained uncertain. For a century, the Nangong family has prioritized caution, surviving numerous upheavals and regime changes on the mainland—a feat no accident.
Hua Yinghong, however, was well-prepared, offering the most enticing terms: cooperation between the Nangong family and the Free Army would not only secure economic benefits within the Free Army's controlled territory, but also allow members of the Nangong family to be promoted according to their talents, entering any department of the Free Army's government, with the highest potential to become prime minister!
This was a condition that deeply moved Nangong Wang—for a century, the Nangong family had been economically incredibly wealthy, yet politically virtually powerless. The Hualong Continent had historically prioritized agriculture over commerce; the traditional hierarchy of "scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants" placed merchants in a position even lower than ordinary farmers and laborers! When needed, the government frequently imposed exorbitant taxes on merchants, and even confiscated their property under various pretexts. The wealth of merchants was disproportionate to their political status, as they were unable to enter the core of the government and influence the decisions of those in power.
If the Free Army ultimately succeeded, the cooperation offered by the Nangong family at the most opportune time would reap the greatest economic and political benefits! The shrewd and experienced Nangong Wang was unwilling to easily give up such an opportunity, but he couldn't make the decision on behalf of his family. Therefore, he proposed a secret agreement with conditions: if the Free Army could capture Lingbao Pass and the Sun and Moon Plains, he would seek the family head's approval to begin secret cooperation with the Free Army!
With the Demonic Sect's uprising, the Jade Dragon Kingdom was besieged on several fronts. The Free Army cleverly seized "Heavenly Pass," besieged Sun and Moon City, and eradicated pirates. The shipping guilds that had already begun cooperating with the Free Army earned hundreds of thousands of gold coins from transporting grain and building ships… Although the Sun and Moon Plains were not yet fully under the Free Army's control, a series of major incidents made it impossible for the Nangong family to stand idly by! If they didn't begin cooperation when the Free Army needed them most, and waited until the Free Army had complete control of the situation on Treasure Island and found suitable partners, even if the Nangong family offered themselves up, they might not be taken seriously. As a merchant family, the Nangong family naturally understood the importance of choosing the right time, so they proactively began cooperation ahead of schedule, which led to the appearance of "Deputy Director Gong."
The appearance of Shui Xinyue, the "Fairy of Lingbo," the successor of the Sword Inquiry lineage, last night further solidified
Nangong Wang's confidence upon learning of it, as he rushed to Lingbao Town. He believed that any force visited by a Sword Inquiry successor in the past century, even if unable to unify the continent, was at least capable of becoming a powerful regional ruler! "Grandma Gong, you are too kind. Liu Ju is young and inexperienced; I would be grateful for your guidance and assistance." Liu Ju, unaware of the details, finally felt a great weight lifted from her shoulders: with the assistance of the Nangong family and Nangong Wang, a financial expert, Hua Yinghong's massive military expansion plan was no longer impossible.
"From now on, I will appear in the Household Registration Office with this appearance." Nangong Wang simply wiped his face, revealing subtle changes to his features. Combined, they were completely different from his original appearance, except for a slight resemblance in temperament; Nangong Wang's previous appearance had vanished entirely.
"The Nangong family's Lesser Formless Skill and Disguise Technique are unparalleled in the world; Liu Ju is fortunate to have experienced them," Liu Ju exclaimed sincerely.
**** ********
September 22nd, another week has passed.
In the camp of Lingbao Town, Hua Yinghong carefully examined a newly drawn map of the Hualong Continent. This map was created after Hua Yinghong secretly ordered Mo Yan's intelligence group to begin collecting data following the capture of Jubao Town. With the corroboration of information from people familiar with the Hualong Continent, such as Lü Jingwei, and their suggestions for revision, the draft was completed after more than a month. Compared to the captured official Jade Dragon map, which only outlined boundaries, mountains, rivers, and marked major towns with flat lines, this map was not only much more detailed but also employed some special techniques to give the mountains and plains a three-dimensional feel. Although somewhat rough, it was more intuitive than the original flat map and more useful for generals commanding troops. "
If it could be made into a sand table, that would be even better!" Hua Yinghong thought with some regret. The Free Army's most pressing need is for skilled personnel from all walks of life. While its generals and soldiers, many of whom were born slaves, have no problem with training and warfare, most are completely clueless when it comes to technical tasks, with very few exceptions. Although the Interior Ministry and even the Restoration Society have been asked to recruit and train them, it will not be a quick process.
The situation in the Jade Dragon Kingdom remains in a delicate balance—
the Grassland Allied Forces are not in a hurry to advance eastward into the heart of the Jade Dragon Kingdom, but are instead continuously reinforcing Ma'an Town and Xinshi Town through the gap in Minglun City. It is conceivable that when they do attack, it will be with overwhelming force! The Li family's Western Army is facing immense pressure, mobilizing all available resources to reorganize the local guards into three reserve divisions: one to be stationed in Longxi City, one to reinforce Taihe Pass, and one to remain in Xiliang City for intensive training. At this critical juncture, the Jade Dragon King's decree to only add one reserve division naturally becomes a dead letter.
The Jinlong Army, the Later Tang Army, and the Yulong Army continued their stalemate, with occasional small-scale battles resulting in casualties on both sides, but the defensive lines remained unchanged. In the three prefectures of Luolan, Wuling, and Yulong, effectively controlled by the Sima clan, the 280,000-strong guard force, almost equal to the original regular army, was reorganized into seven reserve divisions. In Jianghan Prefecture, controlled by the Ding clan, the 160,000-strong local guard force was also reorganized into four reserve divisions, stationed in the four prefectures of Jianghan Prefecture for intensive training.
The fiercest fighting occurred in Baiyang Prefecture, controlled by the Qiu clan—
Qiu Shuiba's First Division, with two regiments and 40,000 local guards, managed to hold Qingyuan City despite a week of relentless attacks from the Western Army of the Liang Dynasty. Of the 20,000 regular troops, only 10,000 remained, and of the 40,000 local guards, only 25,000 survived. However, the Yulong Army held a fortified city, and the elite Liang army, having suffered over 30,000 casualties, still failed to capture Qingyuan City in one fell swoop, putting them at a strategic disadvantage.
Long Feiyang, one of the "Four Great Generals," led three divisions in a surprise attack on Baiyang City. He initially believed that Baiyang City, with a population of over 600,000 and walls extending over 15 li on each side, was defended by only 20,000 regular troops of the Jade Dragon Army, plus a local guard force of little use, totaling no more than 60,000. He thought that with the strength of the three elite divisions of the Western Army of the Great Liang, they could easily breach the defenses. After capturing Baiyang City, the entire Baiyang County controlled by the Qiu Clan would be defeated piecemeal and fall into the hands of the Great Liang.
However, Long Feiyang underestimated the potential power of the Qiu Clan: facing the overwhelming force, Qiu Haoyu issued an emergency mobilization order, gathering 6,000 highly skilled soldiers from various branches of the Qiu Clan in Baiyang City, plus guards and personal soldiers—more than a full division! Even with Long Feiyang's abilities, a 120,000-strong army attacking a fortified city defended by 100,000 was futile. Both sides employed various strategies and fought fiercely for three days, each losing approximately 20,000 men before ceasing hostilities. At the foot of Baiyang City, the situation began to become extremely unfavorable for the Liang army.
Long Feiyang urgently dispatched 160,000 troops from the East Sea Fleet, which had already entered Meijiang Prefecture, to Baiyang County. His aim was to seize Baiyang County with overwhelming force while the Yulong Kingdom was besieged on all sides. From there, they could advance north to join forces with the Later Tang army in a pincer attack on Ding's Jianghan County, or west to directly threaten Yulong County, the capital of the Yulong Kingdom, thus laying the foundation for the Great Liang Kingdom's dominance!
Qiu Shuiliu, leading two directly subordinate divisions, garrisoned Tenglong Port, confronted the Great Liang naval divisions. The fighting was relatively mild: the Yulong Navy, with only one regiment, dared not venture out to sea, relying instead on long-range attack equipment such as catapults at the port to firmly protect it.
Despite this dire situation, Qiu Haoyu still did not recall Qiu Shuibo's pacification army and navy from Zhenbao Island. Instead, he transferred the North Port Navy to East Port as originally planned to assist in the fight against the Japanese pirates. Within Baiyang County, under the pretext of a powerful enemy pressing in and facing a life-or-death situation, a reserve division was established in Tianshui Prefecture, Dongguan Prefecture, and Qingyuan City, and two reserve divisions were established in Baiyang City. Even the Tenglong Port Navy expanded with a reserve division, totaling six divisions and 240,000 reserve troops, fully mobilizing the potential power accumulated by the Qiu family over the years. Adding to the existing forces and excluding private soldiers, the Qiu family's total military strength reached an astonishing 440,000!
In recent years, to circumvent the Jade Dragon King's restrictions on regular army organization, the Qiu family adopted a method of forcibly retiring regular soldiers. Every year, a large number of soldiers were demobilized and assigned to the vast family businesses controlled by the Qiu family in various regions. In reality, these people were the true source of the Qiu family's potential! When needed, a massive military force could be formed in just two or three days! Besides the Qiu family, all other powerful families did the same, only in different ways.
Strangely, not only did Jade Dragon King Sima Yuan and the Jade Dragon spies not stop the Qiu Clan's massive military expansion, but they also provided strong support in terms of weaponry and equipment—perhaps out of fear that Jade Dragon County would be directly threatened after the Qiu Clan's downfall, or perhaps for some other purpose? The true reason remains unknown to anyone except Sima Yuan, Qiu Haoyu, and a very few others.
Will the unprecedented force of over 300,000 troops of the Great Liang Dragon Clan overwhelm the Qiu Clan, or will the Qiu Clan's hastily mobilized forces drag down the Great Liang Dragon Clan? The eyes of the entire Hua Long Continent are focused on the real battle in Baiyang County…
The future of the Hua Long Continent may be determined by this unprecedented war, the largest in ten years!
"Commander, Qiu Shuibo and Qiu Haoran have sent a message through secret channels, requesting a secret meeting with you." Hua Yinghong was deep in thought about the situation on the Hua Long Continent when Mo Yan, the Director of the Military Intelligence Department, rushed in to report.
"Director Mo, arrange a suitable time and place. The number of people should be limited, and secrecy must be maintained." They had been holding back for so many days, waiting for this very message. The Free Army could patiently wait for an opportunity amidst the three-way power struggle on Zhenbao Island, but Qiu Shuibo and Qiu Haoran couldn't afford to!
Sometimes, skillfully utilizing the situation yields greater gains than skillfully employing the army and force!

Volume Four, Chapter Sixty-Two: A Critical Moment – Secret Meeting
. On the shores of Sun Lake, the cicadas' chirping made the night even quieter.
Qiu Shuibo and his group of four alighted from the covered carriage. Three zhang away, two men and two women from the recently renowned Free Army stood silently waiting.
Neither side spoke first, instead carefully observing each other. The distance of five zhang was no obstacle for these experts.
Qiu Shuibo and Qiu Haoran immediately recognized Hua Yinghong's identity. Given his reputation as the "Son of Freedom," he was certainly not the old man who looked like a Confucian scholar beside him. His arrogant demeanor and his position between two beautiful, veiled women in black also indicated that he was the true master and soul of the Free Army.
The other two experts from the Qiu family who accompanied him, however, paid more attention to the two veiled women in black. As experts sent by their family to protect important figures, they were more concerned about the skill of the four people from the Free Army. When the carriage was still ten zhang away, they tested it with their true qi. Although the two men, one old and one young, were not weak, they might not be stronger than the two of them. The two young women, on the other hand, were so young that they gave them a sense of unfathomable depth and mystery.
Hua Yinghong looked at Qiu Shuibo as if he were looking at a close friend. This handsome and dashing young man exuded an approachable yet subtly distant aura, possessing a unique charm that made him difficult to be hostile towards, overshadowing the solemn and somewhat rigid old man beside him. As for the other two old men, although their martial arts skills were clearly exceptional, they weren't worth his attention.
"Brother Qiu, Senior Qiu," Hua Yinghong greeted them with the respect due to the lack of military uniforms, "What brings you two here?" The secret meeting place was closer to the Free Army's controlled territory, making Hua Yinghong the host, and thus he broke the ice first. "Brother Hua,
your army is invincible. Seeing you today, it's clear your reputation is well-deserved. I, Shuibo, am filled with admiration." Qiu Shuibo, worthy of being the eldest son of the Qiu family, immediately flattered Hua Yinghong, as if the defeated Jade Dragon Army wasn't the Qiu family's own.
"Brother Qiu, you flatter me. Yinghong merely happened to be there at the right time, and things only went as they came. In truth, I was always walking on thin ice, hanging by a thread, and my victories were purely by luck." Hua Yinghong was also impressed by Qiu Shuibo's demeanor.
"Seizing Jubao, occupying Xigang, breaking the fishing net, capturing Tianguan, and besieging Riyue, Brother Hua has repeatedly defeated the strong with the weak, displaying divine military prowess. Even the four great generals would find it difficult to achieve such feats. This is no accident. If I hadn't been forced to, would I have wanted to be enemies with someone like Brother Hua? Fate is cruel, and I can only lament that we met too late!" Qiu Shuibo had carefully studied the Free Army's numerous battles, and these words came from his heart, leaving Hua Yinghong no choice but to believe them.
"There are no eternal enemies or eternal friends in the world, only eternal interests. As time passes and circumstances change, with each having their own agenda, whether one becomes an enemy or a friend is just a matter of a single thought. If Brother Qiu intended to be an enemy of the Free Army, I'm afraid this trip wouldn't have happened, and our meeting would have taken place on the battlefield." Hua Yinghong had already guessed nine-tenths of Qiu Shuibo's intentions and spoke from the heart, intentionally leading the conversation to the main topic.
"There are no eternal enemies or eternal friends in the world, only eternal interests." Qiu Shuibo pondered carefully, then clapped his hands together and said, "Brother Hua's words are pearls of wisdom. With such brilliance before me, I will no longer feign anything. The meaning of today's secret meeting is all contained in this paper. Whether one becomes an enemy or a friend is entirely up to Brother Hua."
A piece of plain paper flew out from Qiu Shuibo's sleeve, moving at an extremely slow speed over a distance of three zhang before landing in front of Hua Yinghong, its force completely dissipated, and into his hand. To be able to send a piece of light, plain paper flying three zhang (approximately 10 meters) with such ease, and with a trajectory so slow and even that everyone could see it, demonstrated Qiu Shuibo's mastery of internal energy, reaching a level of complete control. This surprised Qiu Haoran and the two other experts, who rarely saw Qiu Shuibo display his martial arts prowess. Compared to the bold Qiu Shuiba
and the clever Qiu Shuiliu, the usually low-key Qiu Shuibo now displayed a skill no less than his two brothers, perhaps even slightly superior. If this great undertaking succeeds, Qiu Shuibo's contribution will be no less than, if not greater than, Qiu Shuiba's tenacious defense of Qingyuan City with inferior forces and Qiu Shuiliu's blocking of the Daliang navy and holding Tenglong Port. "I'm afraid it will be difficult for eldest brother to decide which of the three heirs to choose," Qiu Haoran said, raising his assessment of Qiu Shuibo's chances in the succession struggle.
Hua Yinghong glanced at the contents of the plain paper, remaining noncommittal. He then passed it to Miao Youlan, Xue Qianqian, and Lü Jingwei, who had remained silent, exchanging opinions via telepathy before speaking: "Yinghong also does not wish to be an enemy of someone like Brother Qiu, nor does the Free Army wish to be an enemy of the Qiu family. Moreover, Brother Qiu's demand for 'expelling the Japanese invaders and upholding the might of the Chinese dragon' is irresistible. All the terms on the paper, except for Brother Qiu's demand for a million gold coins which the Free Army cannot fulfill due to its limited resources, are acceptable. How about we use a symbolic one gold coin instead? Given the Qiu family's immense wealth and the profits they are pursuing this time, they will not care about a mere million."
"As Brother Hua says. In the name of 'Son of Freedom,' we are willing to pay this one gold coin, which is enough to offset millions or tens of millions of others. We need not put pen to paper; let's make this verbal agreement!" Qiu Shuibo, having achieved his main objective, readily agreed. One million gold coins might be an astronomical sum for others, but for the Qiu family, especially at this delicate time, it was nothing.
The secret agreement that would later shock Hualong, cause countless controversies in the historical community, and be known as the "Gentleman's Pact," was quietly made on this autumn night.
"Please return this piece of plain paper to Brother Qiu, Sister Qian." Xue Qianqian held the piece of plain paper in her hand. She and Hua Yinghong were of one mind; upon hearing this, she flicked her wrist, and the paper flew towards Qiu Shuibo's throat like a sharp blade, swift as lightning, almost invisible to the naked eye!
Qiu Shuibo remained motionless, Qiu Haoran remained motionless, and neither did the two guards—Xue Qianqian channeled her true energy into the paper, seemingly possessing unparalleled power capable of severing Qiu Shuibo's head, yet it carried no killing intent or aggression. To panic and dodge, or even to parry, would be a disservice, merely making Hua Yinghong and the others laugh—
sure enough, the rapidly flying paper stopped abruptly two inches from Qiu Shuibo, shattering into fine powder and dust, slowly falling to his chest, where it coalesced into a tiny, pure white peach blossom, perfectly formed, as if a corsage specially placed for him!
The four men—Qiu Shuibo, Qiu Haoran, and the others—changed in expression! Xue Qianqian's move was far superior to Qiu Shuibo's earlier display of skill; perhaps only a handful of reclusive members of the family could rival her. If Hua Yinghong and his group were to launch an attack tonight, a four-on-four battle, Qiu Shuibo and his companions might not stand a chance!
"Thank you for your wonderful gift, Fairy Xue," Qiu Shuibo, being no ordinary man, quickly regained his composure after his initial shock and smiled politely at Xue Qianqian. The intelligence he had gathered these past few days indicated that Peach Blossom Palace had close ties with the Free Army. If he still didn't know the true identity of the masked Xue Qianqian, he might as well give up.
"Young Master Qiu, you're too kind. It would be impolite not to reciprocate," Xue Qianqian's captivating voice rang out. She had accompanied Hua Yinghong to the appointment in black, masked, only worried that the Qiu family might send a special expert to harm her young lover, and had no intention of revealing her identity. But now that the appointment was made, at least temporarily, there was no longer any threat, so she no longer concealed it.
"Brother Hua, farewell. Until we meet again," Qiu Shuibo said, clasping his hands in greeting.
"Until we meet again. I wish you great success and all your endeavors fulfilled," Hua Yinghong replied, also clasping his hands in greeting.
Fifty paces after the carriage departed, Qiu Shuibo gently plucked a peach blossom from her bosom, muttering to herself, "Trying to kill a wolf at the front gate, but who knows if it will become a tiger to cause trouble?" The lifelike peach blossom, now freed from the control of Xue Qianqian's infused true energy, slowly dissipated into fine powder and drifted down…
******** ****
On the eighth day of the tenth month, the situation on Zhenbao Island was extremely delicate. The four major forces on the island maintained a fragile balance—
the Free Army, occupying almost half of Zhenbao Island, was undoubtedly the strongest and strategically most advantageous. Besides its continuous victories and high morale, it was rumored that after the visit of the Sword Inquiry successor, "Lingbo Fairy" Shui Xinyue, the Free Army suddenly expanded its army significantly. In addition to converting reserve divisions into regular troops, it established a full-strength naval division and two reserve divisions, plus a full-strength female soldier brigade and a special operations force of 10,000 men each, bringing its total strength to 220,000!
Even more alarming was the fact that Lingbao Town, Jubao Town, and Xigang City, along with surrounding towns and cities under the Free Army's control, were expanding rapidly due to a surge in population. Under the Free Army's lenient policies and the effective organization of Lü Jingwei's Internal Affairs Department, they were thriving. Many forces on the island, such as the ship guilds, showed clear signs of cooperation with the Free Army. Hundreds of transport ships from the ship guilds, escorted by the Hai Tianqing Navy, were continuously transporting people fleeing the Yulong War from Qingyuan Prefecture, Changlong Prefecture, and even Dongguan Prefecture to areas controlled by the Free Army. Nearly 10,000 people were transported there every day. The Household Registration Department of the Internal Affairs Department even established a new Population Management Office to register, receive, and resettle the incoming population.
"As long as you're willing and capable, there will be work, land to cultivate, food to eat, clothes to wear, and even official positions..." At Hua Yinghong's suggestion, the Ministry of the Interior selected some eloquent early arrivals to form a propaganda team, providing them with a certain amount of operating funds. They secretly encouraged the people of Baiyang County to flee to Zhenbao Island, exaggerating the central and western parts of Zhenbao Island—areas controlled by the Free Army—as a paradise of freedom and earthly bliss! With the support of a large amount of seized food, the Free Army-controlled areas, whose population was constantly increasing, showed no signs of collapse.
Anyone with a modicum of strategic vision could see that the Free Army, with its large numbers of soldiers and ample supplies, was thriving and possessed immense potential, holding an absolute advantage in the future situation of Zhenbao Island!
The Qiu Clan's Jade Dragon Army, led by Qiu Shuibo and Qiu Haoran, was undoubtedly the second largest force on the island. With only 60,000 well-trained troops to quell the rebellion, plus the Tenglong Port naval regiment, and nearly 90,000 men from the Treasure Division and the remnants of the Beigang and Donggang navies, Qiu Shuibo used the large amount of gold coins that Qiu Haoran had secretly transported to Beigang that had not yet been evacuated to replenish the Treasure Division and the remnants of Beigang and Donggang to full strength in various places. He also recruited two reserve divisions, bringing the total to 190,000 men.
Qiu Shuibo seemed unconcerned about the Free Army's large-scale offensive. He left most of the Treasure Division and a reserve regiment in Riyue City, and a reserve regiment in Beigang. The three naval regiments of Tenglong Port, Beigang, and Donggang, along with two reserve regiments, were stationed in Donggang to fight against the Japanese army. In Shunhe Town, two battalions of the Treasure Division were still confronting the "Shura Blade" Tan Yingxiao's troops of the Bright Army. The rest of the quelling army and a reserve division spent their days outside Keelung City practicing formations and training their martial arts. They would occasionally organize small-scale probing attacks on the city, but would retreat when they encountered resistance from the city walls. Their true intentions remained unknown.
The third major force on the island is the Japanese army from afar, thousands of miles away in the East China Sea. After a prolonged siege of Donggang City and the loss of 30,000 to 40,000 men, the Japanese army seems to have changed its strategy, occupying all the towns and villages within dozens of miles of Donggang City, and is now approaching the area around Shunhe Town. With a base established, the Japanese army has continuously reinforced its troops, with three divisions of 120,000 men landing alone, and more than 300 warships and nearly 50,000 naval troops at sea. However, due to its long supply lines, it is currently confined to a small area, unable to deploy its forces effectively and thus unable to make any significant progress.
The fourth major force is the Bright Army formed by the Yinming Sect. Currently, it has 80,000 men in Keelung City and more than 10,000 men under Tan Yingxiao's "Shura Blade" in Shunhe Town. However, the biggest problem for the Bright Army was its poor performance in battle. Confined to an isolated city, coupled with internal strife that alienated the people, recruitment for new troops was impossible due to a lack of volunteers, and they couldn't force conscription to incite a popular uprising. Even the morale of the already formed army was beginning to waver.
The "Amorous Young Master" Xu Xiaoyao was facing numerous troubles, and just when he was at his most distressed, good news finally arrived…

Volume 4, Chapter 63: A Close Call , Without Bloodshed
. A full month had passed since the Demonic Sect's uprising, and the "Amorous Young Master" Xu Xiaoyao had been troubled for a whole month! Back when he was a carefree young man, he had never experienced such hardship.
Because Qiu Shuibo's pacification army had blocked the four outer gates of Keelung, the city's livelihood was severely affected. While food was not a problem for the time being, the daily lives of over 200,000 people required large quantities of vegetables and fruits, which had always been mainly supplied by the surrounding eight towns. With supplies cut off, the city's residents, unsure of how long the siege would last, engaged in panic buying of daily necessities, causing prices to skyrocket. Adding fuel to the fire, some slave owners, who had suffered losses from the forced release of slaves
, secretly instigated further unrest. The Yinming Sect and the Bright Army, who had initially appeared as saviors, now clearly felt the hatred of many city residents, as if they were plague carriers. Tan Yingxiao, nicknamed "Shura Blade," was unable to capture Shunhe Town or return to Keelung City. Without reinforcements and supplies, he could only plunder food from villages surrounding Shunhe Town and even abduct women, causing immense public resentment. Privately, they were known as the "Dark Army"—avoided by the people at all costs.
Even the resourceful Xu Xiaoyao and the cunning Ji Wumou were helpless in this situation: the Bright Army's meager gold coins from the Jade Dragon Treasury, along with the pre-collected taxes for the next three months, and the Yinming Sect's accumulated wealth from years of operations in Keelung City, had all been exhausted by the massive expansion of their army. The Yinming Sect headquarters sent a letter stating that the reinforcements and gold coins were on their way, but how to get through the war-torn Baiyang County, avoid the Jade Dragon spies and the military, cross the hundreds of miles of the Treasure Strait, and sneak past the Jade Dragon army's camp to enter Keelung City was a major problem. Moreover, distant water cannot quench immediate thirst, and being trapped in an isolated city could not be solved by money alone.
What troubled Xu Xiaoyao most was that someone had leaked the story of how he had ignored his strategist's repeated advice and insisted on leading the First Division to attack Sun and Moon City because of personal grudges. This news had spread widely among the lower-ranking soldiers of the Bright Army. Not only had Xu Xiaoyao suffered heavy losses and returned empty-handed in that battle, but it had also caused the Bright Army's plan to capture North Port to fail, becoming the main reason for their current predicament. The commander's incompetence had led to the deaths of his entire army. Most of the Bright Army soldiers were members of the Demonic Cult or converted from those who agreed with its doctrines. They were absolutely fearless in their fight to the death to defend their doctrines, but because personal grudges affected the overall situation, their sacrifices were tantamount to pointless sacrifices, which they felt were not worthwhile. Despite the strict rules and reluctance to openly express their discontent, a growing distrust of the entire Yinming Sect leadership was quietly brewing within the army due to Xu Xiaoyao's poor performance…
Xu Xiaoyao also regretted not heeding Ji Wumou's advice. Had he personally led the "Yinming Iron Guard" and the First Division to capture Beigang, bolstering their strength, seizing the over two million gold coins and provisions yet to be transported, preventing Qiu Shuibo's army from landing smoothly, then freeing slaves, recruiting a large army, and reinforcing the east to capture Shunhe Town and the south to seize Baocheng… the Bright Army's prestige would likely be no less than that of the Free Army. Who would have thought that a small tactical adjustment would lead to total defeat?
Unfortunately, history has no ifs. With a powerful enemy outside and internal turmoil, Xu Xiaoyao's Bright Army was truly at its end, merely clinging to life!
"Reporting to the young master, the Free Army has significantly increased its forces eastward. 'Son of Freedom' Hua Yinghong is personally leading four divisions, totaling 160,000 men, to besiege Sun and Moon City again. Hai Tianqing is leading the Free Army's navy to approach Beigang." The person responsible for reporting this news was none other than Shi Heng, the recently recovered commander of the First Division of the Bright Army, known as "Corpse-Strewn," demonstrating the importance and shock of this message!
This was the best news Xu Xiaoyao had heard in the past month!
"Good!" Xu Xiaoyao momentarily forgot his hatred for "Son of Freedom" Hua Yinghong because of Xue Qianqian, and couldn't help but shout out! The Free Army's actions were like timely rain for the Bright Army, but like a knife to the heart for Qiu Shuibo's Jade Dragon Army! As long as the Free Army cut off the Jade Dragon Army's supply lines and provisions, the Bright Army's situation could be greatly improved, and they might even be able to defeat the besieging Jade Dragon Army in one fell swoop.
"Quickly summon the strategist to discuss this," Xu Xiaoyao ordered.
To seize this opportunity, the resourceful Ji Wumou needed to offer advice and strategies. This time, Xu Xiaoyao decided never again to let an outsider command an expert; he would listen to Ji Wumou's advice without reservation. As long as they could win and open up the situation, anything was negotiable.
Recently, Xu Xiaoyao had been under immense pressure—besides internal and external troubles, even his doting father, "Yinming Divine Fist" Xu Ling, had sent two strongly worded letters, ordering him to reconcile with Peach Blossom Fairy Xue Qianqian and cooperate again to open up the situation. As for more reinforcements, apart from the hundreds of experts already on their way, no more would be sent due to other important plans. Two days ago, out of desperation, he sent a humble apology letter to Xue Qianqian through a hidden agent of the Yinming Sect in Lingbao Town. Regardless of whether that bitch Xue Qianqian had whispered something in Hua Yinghong's ear while he was in bed, the Free Army's actions were greatly advantageous to the Yinming Sect and the Bright Army. Xu Xiaoyao's hatred for Xue Qianqian and Hua Yinghong lessened slightly...

"Report! The Free Army is attacking Sun and Moon City, surrounding it on three sides while leaving one open. Qiu Haoran has led the Treasure Division to withdraw from Sun and Moon City and escape towards Beigang! A division of the Free Army is in hot pursuit." "Report!
Two divisions of the Free Army are advancing eastward! They are seventy li from Keelung City."
"Report! The Jade Dragon Army at the South Gate has broken camp and split into two routes to bypass the city and head towards the East and West Gates!"
"Report! The Jade Dragon Army at the East and West Gates has joined forces with the Jade Dragon Army at the South Gate and continues to bypass the city and head north!"...
As night fell, Xu Xiaoyao, Ji Wumou, Shi Heng, and other high-ranking members of the Yinming Sect and the Bright Army gathered in the Prefectural Governor's Hall, hearing one piece of good news after another! With overwhelming numerical superiority, the Free Army immediately put the Jade Dragon Army in a completely passive position. If both Sun Moon City and North Port City fell, the 100,000 Jade Dragon soldiers besieging Keelung City would become an isolated and powerless force, facing total annihilation under the combined attack of the Free Army and the Light Army! The Jade Dragon Army's hasty retreat to North Port City was undoubtedly good news for Keelung City.
"Strategist Ji, should our army pursue them?" Xu Xiaoyao's sharp eyes were fixed on Ji Wumou. The Light Army and he himself desperately needed a victory to stabilize morale and boost fighting spirit. The Jade Dragon Army's hasty retreat presented an excellent opportunity to pursue and win.
"Young Master, I believe this is unwise. Although the Jade Dragon Army has retreated, they are not in disarray, and their numbers exceed ours. Their fighting strength remains formidable. Even if we win the pursuit, we will suffer heavy losses. If we are to be defeated again, we will have no chance to escape." Ji Wumou analyzed, "The most urgent task is to send troops to guard the Jinsha Bridge and prevent the Free Army from crossing the river. We should hold Keelung City as the center, send reinforcements to the east to help Commander Tan capture Shunhe Town, and to the south to capture Baonan City, gradually recovering our strength and winning back the hearts of the people. If the Free Army and the Jade Dragon Army fight a decisive battle in Beigang City, regardless of the outcome, the victor will be severely weakened. With their strength diminished, it will be time to restore the prestige of our Bright Army."
"Military Advisor Ji's plan is good, but I wonder how long it will take?" Shi Heng, the commander of the First Division, couldn't help but ask. He was used to leading the "Yinming Iron Guard" in their armored and fierce battles, and was accustomed to the straightforward and brutal combat of the martial world. He was not very knowledgeable about military affairs. The three hundred "Yinming Iron Guards" he led originally had fewer than a hundred members. In the past month, he had selected the most skilled core disciples and strengthened their training, expanding the force to a thousand. Although the individual combat strength was lower than before, the overall combat strength was quite formidable, and he was actually eager for a battle.
“If the Free Army doesn’t launch a full-scale attack on Beigang City, but instead attacks Keelung City, given their winning streak and the incitement from the Peach Blossom Palace, our army’s current morale will likely be insufficient to withstand them.” Xu Xiaoyao, having commanded the army for so many days and frequently discussing military affairs with Ji Wumou, had also learned to analyze the military situation. “Why not first win a battle against the Jade Dragon Army to boost morale, and then implement Strategist Ji’s plan? Wouldn’t that be more reliable?”
Ji Wumou saw that both Commander-in-Chief Xu Xiaoyao and First Division Commander Shi Heng were eager to fight, and Xu Xiaoyao’s words made sense. After nearly a month of dedicated training, the Bright Army’s battle formations, tactical discipline, and combat skills had significantly improved. With the assistance of a large number of highly skilled core disciples, as long as they mastered the techniques, a small victory in the pursuit was still possible.
"In that case, we can first send two regiments to garrison Jinsha Bridge. Young Master, Commander Shi, please lead the First Division and the Yinming Iron Guard to attack from the North Gate, carefully guarding against the Jade Dragon Army's ambush. A small victory is all that's needed before heading to Jinsha Bridge to block the Free Army."
"The strategist's plan is excellent, it's settled then! Issue the order..." Xu Xiaoyao adopted the air of a military commander, and he really looked the part.

"Report! A division of the Bright Army from Keelung City is following us!"
On the way back to Beigang City from Keelung City along the official road to the northwest, Qiu Shuibo received a rapid report from the scouts left behind.
Riding a white horse, Qiu Shuibo, dressed in a white scholar's robe, was extremely conspicuous in the darkness. Upon hearing the report, he couldn't help but smile slightly. The reaction of the Bright Army was exactly as he had expected. He muttered to himself, "Brother Hua, let me give you an extra big gift, so we can meet again in the future." He then gave the order: "The fish has taken the bait, proceed according to plan!"
The plan he had been preparing for many days could finally be implemented, and Qiu Shuibo was in high spirits. These 100,000 Jade Dragon Army soldiers, after intensive training and the baptism of a bloody battle, would be a powerful and terrifying force...

Xu Xiaoyao and Shi Heng led their troops to pursue for only ten miles from the north gate when scouts reported: "The majority of the Jade Dragon Army has rapidly retreated to Beigang City. Only one regiment is covering the rear three miles ahead, forming a defensive line to block the main road. No Jade Dragon Army has been found within five miles."
Along the way, Xu Xiaoyao had carefully observed: many of the Jade Dragon Army's supplies were scattered on the ground, indicating that they had retreated in a great hurry and had not had time to pack them up. This allowed him to deduce the immense pressure the Free Army had exerted on Beigang City! Upon hearing that only ten thousand men were covering the rear, he immediately ordered, "Full speed ahead! Annihilate the Jade Dragon Army covering the rear!" Eliminating ten thousand Jade Dragon soldiers would be a significant boost to the morale of the Bright Army!
"Kill!" The Bright Army charged in four columns towards the dark mass of the Jade Dragon Army's "Iron Triangle Formation"—
One thousand paces, five hundred paces, two hundred paces, one hundred paces… A hail of arrows rained down on the Bright Army like locusts. The Bright Army, having undergone rigorous training, showed significant improvement in battle formations, deflecting attacks with shields and swords, suffering only a few hundred casualties before closing in on the Jade Dragon Army's formation.
The Bright Army archers' retaliatory arrow rain also wounded many Jade Dragon soldiers!
"Glory! My life! Kill!" The Jade Dragon Army's war drums sounded, and the world-renowned "Iron Triangle Formation" charged towards the Bright Army! The Bright Army spread its flanks, flanking the Jade Dragon Army. Soon, 40,000 troops had the massive "Iron Triangle Formation" encircled within, engaging in close combat!
Xu Xiaoyao, Shi Heng, and the "Two Elders of Yin and Yang," leading a thousand "Yin and Yang Iron Guards," were invincible, breaking through the arrowheads of the Jade Dragon Army's "Iron Triangle Formation" and quickly killing hundreds of Jade Dragon soldiers! A large number of Bright Army soldiers followed behind, expanding the victory. Barring unforeseen circumstances, even with the formidable strength of the "Iron Triangle Formation," they would be annihilated by the Bright Army!
"Report! Three thousand Jade Dragon Army cavalry have cut off their retreat!"
"Report! Three thousand Jade Dragon Army cavalry from each side are charging in from the east and west!"
"Urgent report! The west gate of Keelung City has fallen, and the Free Army has entered the city!"
"Ah!—" Xu Xiaoyao turned around and saw the smoke signals indicating the fall of Keelung City. His vision blurred, and he nearly fainted from anger and anxiety!

Volume 5, Chapter 64: Conspiracy and Scheme,
West Gate of Keelung Outer City.
"Your subordinate, Ji Wumou, greets the Palace Master. I failed to protect the lives of many Holy Sect disciples; please punish me, Palace Master!" Ji Wumou, with a gloomy face, appeared extremely respectful before the Peach Blossom Fairy, Xue Qianqian.
"Master Ji has done his utmost and saved Keelung City from war. He has done nothing wrong and need not blame himself," Xue Qianqian comforted her subordinate from Peach Blossom Palace, whose martial arts skills were not high but whose wisdom was exceptional. If he hadn't infiltrated the Yinming Sect as an inside agent and played his role, the situation in Keelung City would probably have been thrown into chaos by Xu Xiaoyao and his group, and it might have fallen into the hands of the Jade Dragon Army again, making the situation on Treasure Island even more complicated. This time, the Free Army launched another surprise attack on Keelung City, and Ji Wumou opened the west gate wide to welcome them, allowing the Free Army to take this fortified city without bloodshed. He had truly made a great contribution.
"Thank you, Palace Master!" Ji Wumou's expression remained neither happy nor worried.
"However, you must leave Peach Blossom Palace!" Xue Qianqian's words startled the usually composed Ji Wumou, who immediately knelt down and said urgently, "If I have made any mistakes, I am willing to accept the Palace Master's punishment, but please do not expel me from the sect." Ji Wumou was originally just an ordinary disciple of Peach Blossom Palace. Xue Qianqian had inadvertently learned of his exceptional wisdom and had broken the Holy Sect's tradition of judging people by their martial arts skills, entrusting him with the position of Altar Master and even ordering someone to teach him superior martial arts. She was truly indebted to him.
"This matter must be decided by Commander Hua. It is not that you have made any mistakes, but Commander Hua is eager to find talented people. However, as a disciple of this palace, I cannot join the Free Army. So, this is the only way. Whenever you leave the Free Army, I will welcome you back."
"The Free Army is offering the position of Military Advisor, with a rank equivalent to a division commander. In the absence of the division commander or deputy commander, you can command the entire army. I wonder if Brother Ji would be willing to accept this position?" Hua Yinghong smiled sincerely from the side. Xue Qianqian truthfully recounted Ji Wumou's strategies to Xu Xiaoyao and his actions in Keelung City, explaining her intention to protect the disciples of the Holy Sect. This allowed Hua Yinghong to recognize Ji Wumou's abilities even before meeting him. If Xu Xiaoyao hadn't been ignorant of military matters and arbitrarily altered Ji Wumou's plans, the Free Army would hardly have achieved its current success. Such talent is invaluable to the Free Army, which aspires to conquer the world.
"Palace Master, I humbly request your guidance, Commander, before making a decision." Ji Wumou bowed to Xue Qianqian, and after receiving her nod of approval, asked Hua Yinghong, "The Free Army's 30,000 troops are quietly lying in ambush outside Keelung City. The Jade Dragon Army has just withdrawn, and the Bright Army, which was stationed at Jinsha Bridge and pursuing the enemy out of the city, has just left, yet they immediately launched a surprise attack on the West Gate. I, Ji Wumou, am foolish and ignorant, and I know I cannot possibly evade the Jade Dragon Army's spies with 30,000 troops. I wonder how the Commander has managed to do so?"
"What if there is no need to evade at all?" Hua Yinghong replied with a smile, "Where in the world are there so many ingenious schemes and so many coincidences?" His gentleman's agreement with Qiu Shuibo was one of the top secrets, and Xue Qianqian would certainly not reveal it to Ji Wumou. Under the cover of the Jade Dragon Army, the Free Army secretly led Batian's Special Operations Brigade and the elite regiments of the two First Divisions to hide north of Jinsha Bridge. Given the fierce, life-or-death battles between the Jade Dragon Army and the Free Army, the fact that they would join forces to plot against the Bright Army was something Xu Xiaoyao and Ji Wumou could never have imagined!
With Ji Wumou's intelligence, he could guess the reason without much explanation. He immediately bowed to Xue Qianqian and Hua Yinghong, saying, "Commander, you are a hero of our time. I obey the Palace Master's orders and am willing to follow you. The day the Free Army achieves its victory will be the day I return to the Holy Church. I hope the Palace Master will grant my request."
"Granted," Xue Qianqian said. "Military Advisor Ji, from now on you must obey Commander Hua's orders. You no longer need to obey my orders. Do you understand?"
"Yes!"
"Good! Please, Military Advisor Ji, go now to oversee the full takeover of Keelung City and deploy its defenses." Hua Yinghong, seeing the Free Army completely inside the city, gave the order without hesitation.

Clad in white robes and riding a white horse, Qiu Shuibo stood atop a small hill, his eyes focused, surveying the battlefield situation with perfect clarity: under the repeated charges of nine thousand elite Jade Dragon cavalry, the forty thousand Bright Army soldiers were already routed and utterly defeated. The "Iron Triangle Formation," using ten thousand elite regular soldiers as bait, had split into several smaller formations, cutting the Bright Army, which had initially surrounded the Jade Dragon Army, into smaller pieces and devouring them one by one. Forty thousand newly trained reserves and twenty thousand regular soldiers from the Second Division surrounded the Bright Army from the east, west, and south, determined not to let a single soldier escape.
This was a one-sided battle with no suspense whatsoever. The Bright Army's individual combat strength was not weak, but in this large-scale battle on a plain, the open field, they did not cause much trouble for the Jade Dragon Army. Instead, the reserve soldiers were stained with blood, rapidly maturing into qualified warriors—this was one of the main reasons he spearheaded this battle.
Originally, in his "gentleman's agreement" with Hua Yinghong, Qiu Shuibo had not included the clause about annihilating the Bright Army for the Free Army. Before retreating as agreed, Qiu Shuibo fully anticipated the possibility that the Bright Army would be eager to boost its morale, which had plummeted, with a victory. He made arrangements in advance—ambushing troops ten miles east and west of the main road leading to Beigang. If the Bright Army pursued, he would fight a decisive battle, not only to boost morale, which had also been affected by the repeated defeats against the Free Army, but also to use bloodshed to transform the reservists he had been training into real soldiers.
Another important point: the Bright Army's individual combat strength was considerable, but their commander, Xu Xiaoyao, was not proficient in military strategy. Facing "Son of Freedom" Hua Yinghong and the Peach Blossom Palace, which were also part of the Demonic Sect, these men would likely be defeated and absorbed by the Free Army. Given the Free Army's current strength, unifying Zhenbao Island and landing in Hualong was only a matter of time. After the gentleman's agreement was fulfilled, the Free Army and the Qiu family would inevitably clash one day. At this time, annihilating a large number of the Bright Army and weakening some of the Free Army's potential would always be beneficial.
A sheep leading a pride of lions is not frightening, but the same pride of lions led by a lion king is immeasurably terrifying!
Two miles away on the battlefield, a 3,000-strong square formation centered on the Bright Army's banner displayed formidable fighting power. Neither the Jade Dragon cavalry nor the Iron Triangle infantry could penetrate deeply, suffering heavy losses in the process. Especially the small squad of about a thousand men, whom the Jade Dragon army could not withstand wherever they went, must be the renowned "Netherworld Iron Guard." This square formation constantly shifted, regrouping the previously fragmented and disorganized Bright Army under the banner. After a fierce battle, the remaining 20,000-plus Bright Army soldiers also charged in unison towards the banner, significantly increasing the Jade Dragon army's casualties.
"Autumn Wind Silver Guard, follow me! Bring the gleaming silver spears!" Seeing that if the Bright Army's strongest core square formation wasn't destroyed, the Jade Dragon army's casualties would increase considerably, contradicting the original plan, Qiu Shuibo decisively decided to take action personally.
The "Autumn Wind Silver Guard" was formed by Qiu Shuibo, who personally selected disciples from collateral branches of the clan or loyal descendants of family retainers, passing on the Autumn Wind Technique and training them for five years. Upon selection, each member possessed a skill level no lower than the fourth rank; after Qiu Shuibo's five years of training, even the lowest among them would likely be no lower than the seventh rank. The "Autumn Wind Silver Guard" always numbered one thousand, yet it was the elite of the Second Division's elite fighting force.
"Better to be a Autumn Wind Guard than a battalion commander." Within the Jade Dragon Army under the Qiu family, a master who reaches the sixth rank can typically command a battalion of three thousand men. However, joining the "Autumn Wind Silver Guard" trained by Qiu Shuibo, the "Autumn Wind Gold Guard" trained by Qiu Shuiba, or the "Autumn Wind Iron Guard" trained by Qiu Shuiliu is the highest honor in the Jade Dragon Army, second only to the "Autumn Wind Platinum Guard" who protect the family patriarch! Among the Qiu family members, receiving the family's direct lineage of the Autumn Wind Technique, climbing to the pinnacle of martial arts, and becoming a protector of important family figures is far more tempting than being a battalion commander leading three thousand men!
Holding a gleaming silver spear, Qiu Shuibo charged ahead towards the Bright Army's banner. Two black-clad guards from his family followed closely behind. A thousand Silver Guards, all clad in silver helmets and armor, wielding gleaming spears and riding purebred black horses, pursued relentlessly. Wherever they went, the Jade Dragon Army naturally gave way, and any Bright Army soldiers who tried to intercept them met with death! The
"Autumn Wind Falling Leaves Spear" wielded by Qiu Shuibo was vastly different from the spear technique used by You Kun, who died at Kunlong Beach. It lacked any astonishing momentum, but rather unleashed countless spear flowers like lightning and snakes, flashing dazzlingly in the darkness. Many Bright Army soldiers who overestimated their abilities and tried to block it didn't even see the spear's shadow before collapsing beneath it. Even experts of the fourth or fifth rank were no exception; those who could barely block with their weapons were pierced through along with their weapons. Qiu Shuibo had no equal in any fight!
"Kill!" The commander's valor ignited the Jade Dragon Army's somewhat faltering offensive, and the sounds of clashing metal, shouts of battle, war drums, and screams filled the vast plain.
"The Amorous Young Master" Xu Xiao saw a silver cavalry formation charging towards his main force from afar, cutting through everything in its path. The Jade Dragon Army's offensive was at its peak, and the defenses painstakingly erected by the Bright Army crumbled instantly. The core disciples' main force of over three thousand men was torn open by the Jade Dragon Army's silver cavalry. Knowing the situation was hopeless, a fleeting thought of regret for ignoring his foolish advice crossed his mind. He rose up and ordered, "Beat the drums! Order the entire army to break out to the east! The Yinming Iron Guards, follow me to hold them off!" In
the blink of an eye, Qiu Shuibo led the Qiufeng Silver Guards to the front, their gleaming silver spears bursting with countless sparks and flashes of light, aiming at the "corpse-strewn" Shi Heng, who was flying two zhang into the air to meet them head-on!
"Clang clang clang clang clang..." Shi Heng unleashed eighteen swift slashes with his "Extinction Blade Technique," each strike landing on the gleaming silver spear. Even with his ferocity, he was forced back six zhang by Qiu Shui Bo's spear, imbued with concentrated true energy, combined with the momentum of his horse and rider, before finally regaining his footing. Qiu Shui Bo's momentum also faltered—the Autumn Wind
Silver Guards, closely following behind, also encountered experts from the Netherworld Iron Guards. The "Autumn Wind Falling Leaf Spear" clashed head-on with various techniques and extraordinary skills. True energy surged, and with their well-coordinated attacks and the momentum of their charging horses, the Autumn Wind Silver Guards gained the upper hand, forcing the Netherworld Iron Guards experts back several zhang!
"Fallen Leaves Return to Their Roots!" Qiu Shui Bo raised her spear, spurred her horse forward again, and the gleaming silver spear, carrying boundless killing intent, aimed directly at Shi Heng, who had just regained his footing! Guided by his inner energy, he was confident he could wound the disadvantaged Shi Heng, nicknamed "Corpse-Strewn," within three moves. At that point, the Yinming Iron Guard would be unable to withstand the onslaught of the Qiufeng Silver Guard!
"A chilling wind!" Seeing the situation was dire, Xu Xiaoyao drew his Tengshe Sword with lightning speed, unleashing the full power of the "Thirteen Forms of Yinming." In the darkness, gusts of cool wind accompanied the sword's movements, deflecting Qiu Shuibo's spear intent and intercepting Qiu Shuibo's
earth-shattering spear strike before Shi Heng could react! The two commanders finally faced off! Xu Xiaoyao leaped into the air to parry, but compared to Qiu Shuibo's charge, he was at a significant disadvantage. With the sword and spear clashing, he used the momentum to retreat two zhang, neutralizing Qiu Shuibo's spear force and inner energy. Their skills seemed evenly matched, making it difficult to determine a winner.
The two elders of Yinming and two skilled guards of the Qiu clan clashed with fists and blades. The incomparable gale generated by the "Yinming Divine Fist" and the powerful blade energy unleashed by the "Autumn Wind Falling Leaf Blade" collided and clashed, creating billowing dust within a radius of several feet, making it impossible for anyone with weaker skills to get close!
"Extinction of Humanity!" - Shi Heng, who had roamed the martial world for many years and was rarely forced to retreat by a single move, unleashed a powerful strike from his Annihilation Blade Technique, aiming to attack Qiu Shuibo, who was once again exchanging blows with Xu Xiaoyao!
"One Leaf Knows Autumn!" Qiu Shuichang, the eldest son of Qiu Haocang and cousin of Qiu Shuibo, the commander of the Autumn Wind Silver Guard, charged forward on his horse, using the momentum to leap into the air, and thrust his silver spear at Shi Heng. If Shi Heng did not respond with a counterattack, he would be pierced by the spear before he even reached Qiu Shuibo!
"Die!" Shi Heng slashed fiercely at Qiu Shuishang's spearhead, but felt a jolt in his hand. Qiu Shuishang used the momentum to fly back, landing gracefully on her horse. Shi Heng, also forced back by the true energy emanating from Qiu Shuishang's spear, could only use the force to fly two zhang backward. He secretly thought that the commander of the Autumn Wind Silver Guard was indeed extraordinary! Although Qiu Shuishang's skill was not as refined and profound as Shi Heng's, it was not far off. If the two were to determine a winner, it would probably not be a matter of a short while.
"Kill!" The thousand Silver Guards ignored the battle between their commanders, raising their silver spears high and unleashing the "Autumn Wind Falling Leaves Spear" technique, charging once again towards the Yinming Iron Guard.
Without the powerful support of the Yinming Iron Guard, the formation of the Bright Army was once again broken by the Jade Dragon Elite Cavalry. Although they aimed to break through to the east, every step forward came at the cost of countless lives and blood!
Gradually, the Yinming Iron Guard could no longer withstand the relentless charges of the Qiufeng Silver Guard, and casualties began to appear. After all, they had already expended considerable true energy and strength before the previous battle with the Qiufeng Silver Guard; now, to withstand the combined charge of the Qiufeng Silver Guard was unbearable, even for a body of iron, let alone flesh and blood…
The battle between Qiu Shuibo and Xu Xiaoyao, the Yinming Elders and the two top guards of the Qiu Clan, and Shi Heng and Qiu Shuishang was fierce and intense, with no one showing signs of defeat. However, the Jade Dragon Army firmly controlled the entire battlefield, and the Bright Army, with only a little over ten thousand men remaining, faced imminent annihilation…

URL 1:http://localhost:909/htmlBlog/15864.html

URL 2:/Blog.aspx?id=15864&aspx=1

Previous Page : Slave Empire [Complete] - 11

Next Page : Slave Empire [Complete] - 9

增加

comment Open a new window to view comments

Contact Information

Slave Empire [Complete] - 10

comment Open a new window to view comments