Dragon Soul Heroes - Chapter 12: The Flames of War Rekindle

In winter, darkness falls early. After leaving Wutong Garden, the clouds had already turned somewhat dark. When Long Hui returned to the Long Mansion, he saw that Wei Xuexin had already prepared the New Year's goods. She was wearing a jade-skin shawl, which made her look like a ball of snow powder, delicate and lovely.
Upon seeing Long Hui return, Wei Xuexin beamed and exclaimed, "Big brother, you're back!"
Long Hui helped her carry the New Year's goods and said, "You've been waiting for a long time, haven't you?"
Wei Xuexin smiled and took his arm, nestling her head on his shoulder, saying, "No, but we have to hurry, we can't keep Mother waiting."
The two went out chatting and laughing. Wei Xuexin liked to enjoy the scenery along the way, so Long Hui didn't arrange a carriage and accompanied his young wife on foot, treating it as a stroll.
The streets were deserted, presumably everyone was at home celebrating the New Year. Wei Xuexin looked around for a moment, and seeing that no one was around, she bit her lip and asked with a blush on her cheeks, "Big brother, did you have a lot of fun with sister at noon today?"
Long Hui was taken aback and didn't know how to answer. He coughed a few times and said, "Xue Xin, why do you say that?"
Wei Xuexin muttered to herself, "You and your sister both love to play so much, and you even took a horse-drawn carriage to Auntie's... You can get a lot done in one afternoon."
Long Hui was both amused and exasperated. He had indeed done a lot that noon and didn't know how to respond.
"You little rascal... well, big brother will have some fun with you then." Since he couldn't explain, he wouldn't explain. Long Hui pulled Xue Xin into his arms and pinched her little face as a warning.
Although there were few pedestrians on the street, Wei Xuexin was not used to being intimate with a man in public, even her husband. Her face immediately turned red and she dared not speak.
After silencing the girl, Long Hui finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Two streets ahead lay Yanliu Residence. Just as the two were beaming with joy, almost simultaneously, their pores tightened, and a strong sense of hostility welled up within them.
Wei Xuexin bit her lip and whispered, "Big brother, I think I sensed something."
Long Hui nodded, his gaze fixed on a house in front of him. The house used to be a noodle shop, but the owner and the staff had all gone home for the Chinese New Year, and now the doors and windows were tightly closed.
Long Hui's expression was solemn. He walked over step by step, reached out and pushed the door open. Surprisingly, the door opened without any resistance, and Wei Xuexin followed him in.
The two stood at the doorway, gazing into the room. The hall was dimly lit, with chairs stacked on the tables, indicating that the business had been closed for some time. Only one table in the center was neatly arranged, with a person sitting at the front. Due to the dim light, only the outline of his face could be seen: a high nose bridge and sword-like eyebrows. His supposedly refined and elegant demeanor was broken by a pair of sharp eyes, exuding a powerful and domineering aura.
"Hey, on this New Year's Day, instead of throwing a big banquet in your palace, Master Cang has come to this dark little noodle shop!"
The person before him was his lifelong enemy, yet Long Hui showed no sign of anger or hatred. Instead, he chatted and laughed, appearing completely at ease.
Cang Shitian was somewhat surprised and laughed, "I thought you would angrily draw your sword, but you have surprised me quite a bit!"
The most terrifying people are those who bury hatred in their hearts. Cang Shitian understood this and reassessed Long Hui.
Long Hui laughed and said, "I am quite surprised that Sect Leader Cang has come alone."
Cang Shitian said, "Since you can remain so calm, it's easier to talk to you. I have a few words to say; are you willing to listen attentively?"
Long Hui glanced around but didn't find any ambush. Even if there were, with the support of this Earthly Branches Formation, no matter how high your martial arts skills were, you would have to obediently accept your death.
"Speak freely!"
Long Hui sneered, flicked his robe, and sat down with an air of authority, facing Cang Shitian.
Cang Shitian said calmly, "The New Year is a good holiday, but what about next year? Will you still be able to live so peacefully?" Long Hui raised an eyebrow and said, "Whether I am doing well or not is none of Cang Shitian's concern. You should think about which day to choose as my death anniversary!"
Cang Shitian laughed and said, "Now that I possess the world, how dare you speak so arrogantly? I really don't know where your confidence comes from."
Wei Xuexin suddenly spoke up: "Since ancient times, evil has never prevailed over good!"
Cang Shitian sneered, "That's just a weak person's way of comforting themselves. What is good and evil in this world? History books have always been written by the victors. The victor is king, which is good, and the loser is a bandit, which is evil. Now everyone calls me the Evil God, but a thousand years from now, I will be the Eternal Holy Emperor!"
Long Hui chuckled and said, "Master Cang, you have quite the audacity. It seems you've got us cornered!"
Cang Shitian said, "Now I am the ruler of the entire land, as bright as the sun at its zenith, while you are content with your corner of the world, your situation as precarious as an egg. Do you perhaps believe you possess the power to defy the heavens?"
Wei Xuexin raised her eyebrows, about to retort, but Long Hui ignored her and said indifferently, "It's too early to say who will win or lose. You didn't come all the way to Jiangnan just to say these empty words, did you, Master Cang?"
Cang Shitian laughed and said, "It's so much easier to talk to a smart person. I see that you are a talented person and I can't bear to see you die here. As long as you are willing to submit, I will not only protect your life and property, but also make you the King of Jiangnan!"
Long Hui snorted, "Such generous treatment! Should I accept it?"
Cang Shitian smiled and said, "There's no need to rush to answer. Let's draw a conclusion after the fifteenth."
"No need to wait that long, I'll tell you now!"
Long Hui said, word by word, "My lifelong wish is to take your dog's head, Cang Shitian!"
Cang Shitian seemed to have anticipated Long Hui's answer and showed no surprise, saying calmly, "Love and hatred are as fleeting as clouds; is there any point in your persistence?"
Long Hui sneered, "Whether it has any meaning or not is none of your business, but no matter how incompetent I am, I would never give my wife to another man for sexual abuse!"
Cang Shitian's face turned ashen, suppressing a hint of killing intent, and he said calmly, "Everything I have done is for the eternal glory of my Cang family, and any sacrifice is worthwhile!"
Long Hui laughed heartily, coldly staring at his opponent, and retorted, "The Cang family? Do you even have a family?"
Cang Shitian's eyes suddenly narrowed, he slammed his hand on the table and rose up, his booming palm carrying boundless flames rushing towards Long Hui.
"Are you angry and embarrassed?"
Long Hui let out a cold laugh, his powerful internal energy stirring up a violent turbulence as he met his enemy head-on.
In an instant, Long Hui clenched his fist, his five fingers transforming into a powerful and majestic force that struck his opponent directly.
As his fists and palms fell in a flurry, Cang Shitian suddenly felt his inner strength leak out and his true essence inexplicably depleted. This was precisely the profound mystery of the Twelve Earthly Branches Formation.
In the instant of the exchange, although he had the upper hand, Long Hui still felt something was amiss. He pondered for a moment, and his expression changed drastically. So he changed his martial arts technique, forming a sword finger with his right hand. The energy in his finger returned and condensed again, which was the gathering of sword energy within the Ten Thousand Weapons Technique.
Cang Shitian chuckled and laughed, "Comparable to Yu Xiuting's sword energy, I should retaliate!"
As he spoke, he unleashed the Fire Silkworm Hand, and the fiery energy surged forth, displaying an unparalleled domineering aura. Most mysteriously, the fiery energy contained the flow of galaxy energy.
Long Hui snorted, "You're spouting nonsense! Today I won't take advantage of you; I'll make you admit defeat wholeheartedly!"
As he spoke, his strength diminished considerably.
The usurper god ventures alone into dangerous territory, yet his valiant spirit remains undiminished. The reincarnated true dragon, having mastered seven-tenths of his power, displays his courage and martial prowess. With similar internal strength, a fair battle is inevitable.
Suddenly, a burst of light erupted, and the figures were so numerous and intricate that it was difficult to distinguish who was superior.
"Clearly possessing the advantage of the formation, yet he voluntarily reduced his internal energy; what folly!"
Cang Shitian sneered and mocked.
Long Hui snorted: "A person who only knows how to scheme behind people's backs, no matter how strong his martial arts are or how high his status is, is nothing but a rat that cannot see the light of day. What ability do you have to sit on the dragon throne!"
Seeing that Long Hui had limited his own power, Cang Shitian immediately unleashed all his energy, vowing to eliminate the powerful enemy. He first ignited the domineering flames, then offered up the vast starry river, combining the two great martial arts techniques.
"You've brought shame upon yourself!"
Long Hui let out a deep groan, his breath resonating through the heavens. In an instant, he channeled his sword energy to the left and condensed his sword finger to the right, unleashing a powerful burst of energy that combined the sword and saber into a halberd-like stance.
When the two powerful forces clashed, Chaos was struck, and the remaining force shattered the tables and chairs and broke the wine jars in the noodle shop, leaving nothing intact.
龙辉只出三成功，留有七分力在震荡中毫发无伤，而魏雪芯剑气护体，亦是烟不沾体，然而沧释天有天穹妙法加持亦是不痛不伤。
忽然魏雪芯眼眸一闪，玉指筛张，桌椅崩碎所留下的木屑应声卷起，她正以真气聚合地上木屑，凝物成剑。
“狗贼，看剑！”
魏雪芯剑心审敌，返璞归真一剑刺出，剑气化出滔天浪涛，竟将沧释天四肢百骸封住，然后一剑封喉，正是邪神授首！一泓鲜血，人头落地，魏雪芯蹙眉道：“大哥，此人不是沧释天！”
龙辉点了点头，道：“虽然武功是一样的，但我也感觉到他有些不妥。”
就在此时，那颗人头飘出阵阵青烟，还原本来面目，竟是一个年轻男子，并非沧释天。
魏雪芯惊愕道：“这是怎么回事？”
龙辉冷冷地望着地上的断首尸骸，本该喜庆的心情荡然无存，唯有一丝疑惑和忧虑。
就在此时，道华光耀，剑气横扫，两抹超绝人影赫然现身。
先天激战引来最近的两大先天，净尘与剑仙同时到场。
龙辉向两人说明事情经过，于秀婷也觉得极为诡异，蛾眉轻蹙道：“既有沧释天之面貌，又有邪神武学，但死后却化出异相，此等事情闻所未闻。”
净尘凝视尸首片刻，脸色丕变，长叹一声道：“劫数啊！”
龙辉奇道：“道长此言何意？”
净尘道：“当年圣极宗肆虐一时，三教溃败，神州沦丧，幸得竹虚子挺身而出，施展天穹妙法一平祸枭。据道门典籍记载，竹虚子祖师为了对付傲心的麾下阴兵鬼将，精心选取十名纯阳童子，将神念心血汇入纯阳童子体内，借着分灵之法，化出十具与本尊实力一样的分身，称之为神游物外大法。”
龙辉微微一愣，惊道：“道长所指莫非这沧释天也练成了神游物外大法？”
净尘苦笑一声，点头道：“应该不会错。”
魏雪芯愁眉紧锁道：“这么说来，沧释天岂不是天下无敌了。”
龙辉道：“针无两头锐，当初煞域也要藉借酆都阴气才堪堪化出十大分身，我不信这神游物外大法能逆天至此！”
净尘道：“将军所言甚是，神游物外大法的分身要求极为严格，必须选取生辰八字与主体相合之人，除此之外还得是天生武骨并且是不懂武功者。”
龙辉蹙眉道：“前面两项还好理解，为何要选不懂武功之人？”
净尘道：“不懂武功则犹如一张白纸，可以接纳主体的武功，从而以骨养武，速成武道。”
于秀婷道：“天下众人命格何其多，要选出符合者已是一个难题，而武骨天生更是万中无一，就算有也都被一些大门派抢先收入帐下，当做未来接班人培养，这三项要求很难实现。”
净尘道：“谷主慧眼，贫道佩服，当年竹虚子祖师乃是调集了三教之力，背后更有大恒朝廷支持，几乎聚集了全国花费了十年时间才寻得十名纯阳童子。”
龙辉暗笑一声，低声跟魏雪芯说道：“武骨天生定非俗人，身边怎会缺少美女佳人，这纯阳童子亦是难求。”
魏雪芯嫩脸一红，嗔了他一眼，似怪他不正经。
净尘道：“沧释天是在五年前得到天穹妙法，再加上领悟揣摩物外神通的奥妙，沧释天最少也得花费半年以上的时间，所以贫道敢肯定他所能动用的物外分身绝不超过五个！”
龙辉释然道：“他如今以一个分身潜入金陵，想必是要一探我方虚实，更是想找出地支阵法的破绽，却因功体首先被雪芯杀了一个分身，真是偷鸡不得蚀把米。”
于秀婷道：“除却兵力因素，沧释天麾下有尹方犀一个先天高手，再加上分身，顶尖战力依旧不如我方，这亦是我方的优势所在。”
净尘道：“地支大阵只要极元器不毁，便是固若金汤，兵力上的劣势得以扳回，只要我方能稳打稳扎，定可粉碎邪神野心！”
龙辉并无太大喜悦，暗忖道：“这分身如此珍贵，沧释天竟会让其孤身犯险，不符合他往日风格，除非他是另有打算，又或者有足够的取胜信心。但观其神态似乎后者居多，如今江南十二郡已经补成阵法，而且我们又有辽东作中转，铁壁关为后盾，虽不敢说能打入玉京，但要双分天下也不是难事，沧释天究竟有何依仗？”
虽是有些疑惑，但丈母娘就在跟前，龙辉也得做足功夫，换上笑脸继续拜年。
到了烟柳居，发现桌子上已经摆满了丰盛饭菜，看来于秀婷早已等候多时，魏剑鸣则满脸喜色地坐在一侧，他一身新衣尽显过节祥氛。
用餐过后，魏剑鸣心血来潮，竟拉着龙辉去下棋，龙辉棋力不佳但见小舅子如此雅致，也舍命相陪，孰料下棋之后，发觉魏剑鸣同样是一手臭棋，端的是芝麻瞪绿豆，没有更差只有更臭。
回娘家后，魏雪芯陪母亲在院子里散步，母女二人莲足踏在雪地上，发出兹兹的响声，甚是惬意悠闲。
于秀婷望了望四周莹白的雪景，又看了看女儿，只觉得女儿欺雪压霜，心想当年因自己喜欢雪景，就给叫女儿做雪芯，如今看来并无取错名字。
魏雪芯见母亲一直不说话，便问道：“娘，是不是有什么心事？”
于秀婷笑了笑，说道：“没有，只是想跟雪芯你静静地呆一会。”
魏雪芯嗯了一声，垂下螓首，便不敢多言。
于秀婷微笑道：“雪芯，你干嘛也不说话了。”
魏雪芯道：“娘亲喜静，雪芯自然不能扰乱。”
看着自家丫头如此乖巧又带几分呆气，于秀婷不禁莞尔，伸手把她揽在怀里，笑道：“雪芯从小到大你都是这么乖，除了偶尔会耍些倔脾气外。”
所谓的倔脾气便是她当年在泰山比武招亲之事，被提起陈年糗事魏雪芯觉得脸颊火辣辣的，羞得把脸埋在母亲温软的香怀内。
嘟囔了几句，魏雪芯忽然开口道：“人家摆个擂台起码还赚回了如意郎君。”于秀婷笑道：“你那夫君风流得很，这也如意？”
魏雪芯道：“大哥跟雪芯两情相悦，咱们都明白对方心意，这就足够了。”
于秀婷脸色忽然一沉，眼眸闪过一丝异色，平静的心湖竟泛起阵阵涟漪。
魏雪芯见母亲神色有异，问道：“娘，你怎么了？”
于秀婷笑了笑道：“没事，娘亲只是有些累了。”
魏雪芯急忙道：“娘，那你快回去休息吧。”
于秀婷点了点头，走回寝室，望了一眼门外的雪景，慢慢将门阖上。
梳妆台上并无任何胭脂盒，只有一把梳子和镶在墙上的镜子，于秀婷幽幽一叹，解开盘发簪子，乌发柔顺地倾斜而下，好似一道墨玉瀑布。
只见镜中之人仙姿玉骨，端雅清丽，柳眉如山，眼若秋水，玉靥凝脂，但却挂着一丝疑惑和迷茫，对镜自怜。
“两情相悦？”
于秀婷暗叹一声，心绪回朔……对楚无缺虽有仰慕，但也只是少女幻梦，梦醒之后便不再纠缠，与他相认不过是因为女儿的关系，至于下嫁魏少宗亦是感念其一片痴情以及师尊的撮合……这四个字与自己根本毫无关系。
半个月后，新春佳节算是终止，喜庆气氛一扫而空，十二郡城再度进入备战状态，因为春暖花开，便预示着道路冰冻解封，官道再无阻隔，沧释天的主力便会压向江南。
睦州，距离江南军最近，为十二地支的丑位，其东南西三面皆是平川地势，无险可守，唯北面有河道经过，所以此地也是龙辉最为重视的城池，在东南西三面修建了大量防御工事，而北面河道则有蛟龙守护，其余郡城也可通过河道支援睦州，除此之外，还以凌霄为主将，岳彪为副将，风望尘为军师，三人合力镇守此城。
旭日初升，凌霄如往常一样巡城，忽然东面烽火台燃起烟尘，凌霄立即下令全军戒备。
“斥候速速前往查探，我要最短时间内知晓敌军虚实！”
凌霄下令道。
斥候接令，迅速出动，东面烽火台的守兵也迅速派人来禀报，凌霄很快就知晓敌情。
“凌将军，东面来了一只军马，人数不下五千。”
斥候回报道，“他们打着旗号是一个赵字。”
经过多番沙场历练，凌霄早已具备大将之风，听到军情后沉稳以对，思量三分，立即命人传召岳彪前来。
“岳兄弟，东面来了一只军马，初步估计人数布下五千。”
凌霄对岳彪说道，“烦请你去一探虚实。”
岳彪咧嘴笑道：“凌大哥，怎地跟兄弟客气起来了，小弟这便去看看是那个不开眼的家伙，竟敢到咱们地盘放肆。”
凌霄道：“兄弟千万小心，莫要轻敌。”
岳彪笑道：“如今地支大阵已经布下，就算是沧释天亲临，岳某的金刚双斧也能砍他狗头。”
说罢便走下城头，点起五百骑兵奔向东面。
岳彪身躯颇重，普通马匹难以承受，所以他一人得用两匹战马交替骑乘，经过烽火台时，此地的守备立即出来禀报：“副将，敌人在三十里处按兵不动，也不知有何打算。”
岳彪粗中有细，心忖道：“烽火台在向外延伸三十里便是地支阵法的极限，那帮家伙不敢轻易靠近想必也是顾忌阵法玄通。当初将军曾告诉我们，沧释天暗中潜入金陵，想必他已经摸出了阵法覆盖的范围，所以他们才按兵不动。”
守备又小声问了一句：“副将，您的战马似乎有些累，要不要更换。”
岳彪扫了一眼身后的战马，只见这两匹马鼻子不断喷气，四肢颤抖，叹道：“换吧，换吧，给我准备两匹健壮的战马。”
当初武举比试之时他曾压断马腿，如今经过一个冬天的蓄养，似乎又重了几分，就连产自北疆的良种马也禁受不住。
换了战马后，岳彪喃喃自语道：“他娘的，这些马都不耐骑，真不知得找什么来代步，难不成以后我得撒丫子跑步？”
就在此时，烽火台旁边的树林响起一阵嗖嗖声，阵阵腥风扑面而来，惊走林中飞鸟，四周的战马也开始烦躁不安。
有经验的老兵脸色立即大变，开口提醒道：“林子内有猛兽，大家小心！”
如今正逢初春，恰是猛兽冬眠醒来寻找果腹食物的时候。
烽火台四周聚集了足有七八百人，浓重的肉味已经让这头饿疯的猛兽发狂。
伴随着沉闷的嘶吼，一尊巨大彪悍的巨兽从林中走出，众人定神一看竟是一头巨熊，这熊身长丈许，一身熊毛乌光油亮，双目赤红，口涎直流，显然已经把这伙人类当做了自己的盘中餐。
论力量和身板，棕熊都在猛虎之上，但却常有猛虎吞熊并不在少数，就是因为虎懂得避重就轻，不轻易出手，只会选择最佳时机一举扑杀猎物，而熊生性蠢笨，只要老虎选准时机便可猎杀巨熊。
但也正因为熊性蠢笨，这头饿疯的巨熊才会不顾一切地冲出来袭击人类，若是换了一头老虎，绝不会傻乎乎地面对七八百个全副武装的精兵。
那些将士一见巨熊不但没有慌张，反倒露出丝丝喜色，个个舔着嘴唇，仿佛正盯着一顿美味佳肴。
岳彪心知饥饿的巨熊更为狂暴，虽然己方人数众多，但也不敢轻视，立即命令众人严阵以待，弓弩火枪全数瞄向猛兽。
“岳老大，这头熊长得好肥，够咱们吃好几顿了。”
岳彪身旁的亲兵压低声音道。
岳彪哭笑不得，笑骂道：“小六，你真是吃货！”
那个叫小六的亲兵嘻嘻笑道：“老大，民以食为天嘛，等打下这熊后能不能给小弟一个熊掌尝尝鲜啊？”
岳彪直接无语，啐道：“熊掌乃是大补之物，你这小身板能受得了吗？小心别补得七孔流血！”
小六笑道：“老大，就是因为我身板瘦弱，怕给你拖后腿，所以才想方设法补上一补嘛！要是我也有您老这般虎背熊腰，就不枉此生了！”
岳彪骂道：“妈的个巴子，你小子是不是绕着弯子骂老子身重！”
亲兵吓得一缩脑，连忙说不敢。
虎背熊腰，身子重？岳彪脸色倏然一沉，脑子闪过一道灵光，大喝道：“放下弓弩火枪！”
众人不明所以，但军令如山，仍然照做，只见岳彪笑呵呵地走出军阵，丢开两把金刚板斧，然后解开衣甲，露出一身黝黑似铁的彪肉。
“老子正愁没有坐骑，你这畜生送上门来正合我意！”
岳彪哈哈大笑，一干士兵顿时愣了眼，他们将军竟然要赤手空拳肉搏饿熊。
那头巨熊虽然饿坏了，但眼见一个人类敢大摇大摆地走到它跟前，心里还是有几分疑惑，但始终敌不过本能的饥饿，张开血盆大口，张牙舞爪扑向岳彪。
面对巨大猛兽的身躯，岳彪不躲不闪，握紧砂锅大的拳头，对准熊头便是一拳。
铁拳刚猛，竟将巨熊砸得四脚朝天，呜呜哀嚎，一众士兵顿时拍手喝彩，纷纷称赞岳彪神勇。
巨熊吃个亏，但仗着皮坚肉厚，重整旗鼓，再扑杀猎物。
岳彪脚踏巧步，使了身法朝左侧一让，避开熊掌，然后一把跳到它背上，左手揪住脖子上的熊毛，抡起右拳便打，但岳彪劲力外刚内柔，竟砸痛熊肉，并无后劲伤其筋骨，饶是如此饿熊痛得不住乱窜，掉头朝树丛冲去，欲借冲撞树木之力摆脱身上人类。
只听咚咚的声响，三五棵碗口粗细的大树一一折断，但岳彪已经骑在熊背之上。
饿熊慌了神志，一股脑往前冲，竟不顾前方是块岩石，岳彪暗叫不妙，他要拿这头熊当坐骑而不是当点心，若是给它这般冲下去后果只有一个——众兵士今晚改良伙食。
危急关头，岳彪跳下熊背，左手依旧扣住巨熊的脖子，右手朝后一扬捉住熊背，随后沉腰扎马，使了个千斤坠，竟将巨熊的冲势硬生生截断，只看他双足有陷地一尺，但神威不见，猛然大喝一声：“给我起来！”
双臂一举，将巨熊举过头顶，然后纵身一丢，咚的一声巨熊被摔了回去，摔得七荤八素，呜呜哀啼。
岳彪步伐沉稳，一步步地朝巨熊逼近，那畜生似乎被打怕了，竟是不住后退，当退无可退之时，巨熊吓得匍匐在地，呜呜低喘，浑身发抖，好似一个被棍棒教训的孩子。
岳彪哈哈笑道：“笨熊，识趣的话就乖乖趴下给老子当脚力，要不然再赏你一顿拳头。”
那巨熊似乎听得懂人话，熊头竟一点一点的。
岳彪一个翻身骑在它背后，指了指前方军阵，说道：“去，带我到前边！”
巨熊不明所以，傻乎乎地呆在原地，岳彪不耐烦地又砸了它一个脑袋，喝道：“赶紧过去！”
巨熊这回学乖了，驮着岳彪老老实实地走过去。
众将士见他赤手空拳降服一头巨熊，纷纷喝彩，对其是敬佩万分。
巨熊虽被岳彪降服，但身上那股猛兽气息仍旧让战马不安，岳彪见状立即吩咐手下给巨熊准备食物，这头熊过了一个冬季后，正饿得发慌，食量大得惊人，竟把烽火台守军的粮饷吃了个精光，岳彪哭笑不得，便命人再回去调配军粮。
吃饱后的巨熊安静了不少，岳彪嘿嘿一笑，对着熊屁股提了一脚，巨熊吓了一跳，立即匍匐在地。
岳彪冷着脸，喝道：“吃饱了快给我滚！”
众人不禁吃了一惊，以为他们头领吃错了药，明明好不容易才捉来的猛兽就这么放走了，而且临走前还给这畜生大吃一顿，有的人还心想天底下要是有这种好事，自己也去做畜生算了。
巨熊呜呜低鸣，瞪着眼睛不解地望着岳彪，只见岳彪虎着脸，不由分说地揪住它的脖子，猛地朝树林拖去。
巨熊竟不断挣扎，熊掌在地上混乱挠抓，好像一个死皮赖脸的小破孩，嘴里还嗷嗷直叫，坚决不愿再回树林。
岳彪可不管这个，将它一把丢到树林里，然后大喝道：“全军将士上马，立即赶赴战场！”
布下军令后，岳彪穿好军甲，重新带上板斧，黑脸却露出一丝轻笑，召来那个叫做小六的亲兵，吩咐道：“你去给我准备几个马鞍，然后全部拆开，重新装订在一起，等会自有妙用。”
亲兵遵命照办。
五百士兵过了烽火台，朝东面再走十里，忽然战马再度焦躁不安，众人顿感莫名。
岳彪朝草丛了扫了一眼，嘿嘿道：“那笨熊又来了！”
亲兵脸色一变，便要下令戒备，岳彪摆手制止了它。
“笨熊，给我出来！”
岳彪大吼一声，好似闷雷炸响，惊走四周飞鸟。
草丛里发出嗖嗖响声，岳彪嘿嘿一笑翻身下马，径直走到草丛，伸手一探，猛地拖出一尊巨熊。
岳彪抡起拳头便要再打，那熊抱着脑袋呜呜直叫，似做哀求状。
岳彪收回拳头，抬脚踢了它一屁股，指着森林喝道：“滚！”
巨熊竟似通灵般，一双眼睛露出无辜的光芒，还微微摇头，岳彪也不管它，负手在后转身离去。
巨熊见状竟追了上来，岳彪回头瞪了它一眼，吓得它不敢前进。
但等岳彪转身，巨熊又跟了过来，一人一熊就这样走走停停，好似戏耍。
众人瞧得有趣，竟忘了猛兽凶威，纷纷哈哈大笑，仿佛眼前的不是一头恶兽，而是一只小猫。
又走了几步，岳彪猛然回头，巨熊立即趴在地上，岳彪慢慢朝后走去，巨熊以为又要吃苦头，吓得嗖嗖发抖。
岳彪轻轻举起手掌，按在巨熊头顶慢慢抚摸，说道：“你不愿意走吗？”
巨熊虽不懂人言，但感觉到岳彪不会再赶它走，便眯着眼睛，将脑袋蹭向岳彪的手心，好似一只像主人撒娇的猫咪。
岳彪吩咐士兵取来那个改造的马鞍，绑在了它背后，说道：“从今日起，你就叫阿勇，以后就跟着我，若敢不听话，立即将你烤成烧肉，犒劳全军。”
巨熊似乎感到岳彪的善意，竟发出呵呵的低吼，好似在憨憨傻笑，看得众人又是一阵捧腹。
岳彪出身猎户之家，对于野兽的习性甚是熟悉，猛兽虽然凶残，但心性却极为单纯，既惧怕强者，又能感觉人类的善意，所以要降服猛兽有两种法子，第一就是从小养到大，无论是虎豹狮熊都会对主人忠心耿耿，第二就是比它强，一顿拳脚后再给喂食，同样可以让猛兽归心，而岳彪再来个欲擒故纵，把这头狗熊给哄得昏头转向，乖乖当了坐骑。
绑上“熊鞍”后，岳彪总算有了合适的脚力，心情大爽，便趁着还未赶到战场的空闲，好好看一看这头巨熊，这细看之下立即大吃一惊。
巨熊的额头有两撮白毛，细细的，若不然仔细查看还不能发觉，这两撮白毛长在熊眼之上，就像是两笔白眉，这正是熊类中罕见的白眉熊，这种熊乃是熊王后裔，幼年期的体形就如同普通的成年棕熊，长大后更是大若小山，普通的棕熊也只有它的三分之一，力大无穷，一掌便可拍断一棵需要五六个人才能围住的大树，发起狂来，满山遍野的猛兽皆难挡分毫，吞狮撕虎那是常有的事。
其实这头白眉熊乃是一头幼熊，跟着父母在深山生活，说起来也是凑巧，神州气候失常，导致冬季提前到来，它们一家三口还未来得及储备足量食物就面临严寒，成年白眉熊长得大，吃的也多，当无东西可吃的状况下，两头成年巨熊便活生生饿死，而这头幼熊失了父母，又饿得难受，无奈之下便下山觅食。
也算它倒霉遇上了岳彪这么个硬骨头，一顿痛打再加上一顿好吃，立即让它觉得岳彪是天底下最好的人，死缠烂打的也要跟来，起码不愁吃喝。
捡到了个宝，岳彪心情舒爽，拍了拍白眉熊的脑门，说道：“阿勇，给我往前冲！”
白眉熊大吼一声，撒腿便跑，它身躯虽然笨重，但跑起来一点也不含糊，竟不下于奔驰快马，飞掠而出，竟把一众骑兵甩在身后，那些战马虽然训练有素，但毕竟是凡物，远不如这头白眉熊先天优势，再加上恐惧那猛兽气息，也就落在后边。
随着路程逼近，岳彪已经能够看见对方阵营，只见前方耸立着一支强军，怒马腾跃，铁甲锵锵，军容极壮，这些士兵穿着统一的锁子连环甲，全身包裹，至于手肘膝盖等关节则是裹着一层柔软的牛皮，既能保护关节要害，又不妨碍动作，而他们脸上都蒙着面纱，这种分明就是抵御风沙的装束，可见这支劲旅常年处于黄沙狂风之地，天下间唯有西域军。
“沧释天的主力果然来了！”
岳彪脸上一沉，手掌一扬，下了个停军令，身后骑兵立即勒住马缰，五百精骑序地排列成队，动作简练整齐，人数虽少，所展现之军姿丝毫不弱眼前敌军。
西域军扬起的军旗绣着一个赵字，说明这支队伍的首领是赵姓之人，岳彪喝道：“对面将领是何方人也，速速出来答话！”
“哈哈，岳彪，几个月不见，你嗓门还是这么大！”
一个熟悉的声音传出，军阵纷纷让开，只见一骑慢悠悠地走出来，锦袍裹坚甲，宝剑挂腰间，意气风发，竟是当初的武举第四名——赵无量。
岳彪冷笑道：“赵无量，想不到你穿了身将军服，倒也有几分将军样！”
赵无量嘿嘿道：“阁下的坐骑同样别出心裁，与你甚是般配！”
他话语犹如利刃，直接讽刺岳彪跟熊为伍，也是一头笨熊。
岳彪也不动怒，指着赵无量对手下说道：“兄弟们，这小子当初在尚武堂被老子打得做狗爬，也不知撞了什么狗屎运，竟然做了个小头目，真是天不开眼！”他嗓门极大，一字一句皆传遍全场，无论敌我都听得一清二楚，小六心知头领心意，当下起哄道：“岳老大，不是天不开眼，而是这小子开了屁眼！”
岳彪笑道：“小子，你说什么？”
小六道：“将军，西域军的驻扎之地多是风沙，前不着村后不着店，想找个女人都困难，所以西域军里边不少头目都被憋出了毛病，于是专门找些生得俊俏的士兵来做兔儿爷。您看那个姓赵的，生得俊眉俏目，十有八九也买了个屁股给他上头，然后换了个将军当当！”
小六说话尖酸刻薄，嗓门也是不小，再加上他故意起哄，声音比往日更大，西域军有大半人都听到了。
赵无量本是裴家妻族，沧释天收了裴家兵权后，为了不激起河东士族过大矛盾，便将武举第四名的赵无量破格提拔为正四品将军，由他统领一支五千人的军马，但这些直来直往的军人却不懂这些政治心术，只是看到一个毛头小子一下子就当上他们头领，心里多少有些不畅快，如今小六这么一说，有不少人倒也起了疑心，毕竟西域军高层的癖好已经是公开的秘密。
小六乃是铁壁关老兵油子，对于各路军队的事情多少有些了解，他这么一喊反倒切中要害，而这小子一不做二不休，继续吆喝呐喊道：“屁股鬼，屁股鬼，姓赵的是个屁股鬼。”
龙麟军众将士顿时乐了起来，纷纷起哄，齐声大喊：“屁股鬼，屁股鬼！”
气得赵无量脸色铁青。
岳彪也有心将对方激怒，好引他们进入地支阵法的范围内，于是随口编了支歌谣：“赵家小儿真无量，一朵菊花万人捅，肛脱屎漏拉鲜血，买个屁股当将军！”
岳彪能夺取武榜眼，绝非粗勇无脑之辈，相反他是熟读兵书，对于那些诗词歌赋虽不擅长，但要做几首还是游刃有余，如今做这么粗鄙的歌谣可谓是信口胡说。
龙麟军的将士也是粗人一群，文绉绉的东西不懂，但岳彪这首歌谣却是形象贴切，一学便会，五百多人齐声高唱这“屁股歌谣”。
正所谓三人成虎，再加上这五千西域军大多人对赵无量不服，也信了七八分，一道道疑惑的目光射来，气得赵无量脸色紫青，恨不得拔剑杀人。
岳彪拇指倒竖，做了个挑衅的姿势，他便是要火上浇油，把赵无量激得暴跳如雷，将这支西域精兵引入地支阵法的范围内，以便一举歼灭。
赵无量先是一怒，伸手按剑一副誓死厮杀的模样，但想起上头交代的命令，又将火气压下，吐了口浊气，暗忖道：“元帅曾明言，此番出兵只是为了确定对方阵法覆盖的范围，如今看他们也按兵不动，想来前面就是阵法的极限。”
罢了，罢了，暂且忍下此窝囊气，等大军破阵再将你这黑厮剁成肉酱！赵无量也是非常人，无视对方挑拨，下令道：“全军扎营，固守阵脚！”
岳彪暗吃一惊，思忖道：“这小子还这能忍，不过看他们架势似乎要长期驻扎在这儿。”
岳彪虽知赵无量不足以构成威胁，但也会让这颗钉子落在自家门口，心知生出一计——你能忍，我就不信你那群手下能忍！岳彪低声传令道：“尔等在此戒备，我去闯一闯他们阵营，待会我含撤退之时，你们就给我往回跑，尽量把这些兔崽子都引到里边来。”
小六笑道：“这咱们知道，不就是关门打狗吗！”
岳彪哈哈一笑，拍了拍白眉熊，说道：“阿勇，咱们去前面逛一圈，回去后给你吃鲜鱼！”
白眉熊隐隐猜到主子的意思，感觉到又有好吃的，立即口水直流，随着岳彪一声令下，嗖的一下便朝敌阵冲去。
When the Western Region soldiers saw this burly black man riding a black bear charging towards them with impunity, they felt inexplicably humiliated and drew their weapons, vowing to chop this black fellow into mincemeat.
The white-browed bear suddenly opened its mouth and roared, sending a stench through the air. Its voice was like thunder, startling the warhorses of the vanguard into a panic. Then Yue Biao pulled out two broadswords and began to wreak havoc, forcefully charging into the enemy ranks.
"Ah Yong, hit him!"
Yue Biao chopped down more than ten enemy soldiers with an axe. The heavy smell of blood aroused the wild nature of the white-browed bear. When the bear's paw struck, no one or no animal could be saved in its wake.
The man and the bear fought together, cutting through the enemy lines and scattering the entire vanguard battalion. This enraged the fierce generals of the Western Regions, and several of them couldn't contain themselves and rushed out of the formation to capture Yue Biao.
Yue Biao laughed loudly, "Just in time!" He chopped down a minor leader in front of him with an axe, then turned and ran.
Zhao Wuliang became increasingly uneasy and immediately ordered, "All of you, come back here!"
The military order stopped the generals who wanted to pursue them. Although they were indignant, they obediently swallowed their anger.
After Yue Biao fled a few steps, he loudly sang the "Buttocks Song" again, while Xiao Liu led the crowd in jeering and mocking the Western Region soldiers as a bunch of rabbits. The anger that the generals had just suppressed flared up again, and Zhao Wuliang repeatedly ordered them not to attack.
One of the generals could no longer contain himself and shouted, "General Zhao, what are you afraid of! The other side is flat as a field, not even a bird can hide there, do you think there would be an ambush!"
Zhao Wuliang patiently explained, "The enemy has supernatural powers protecting them. If our army advances rashly, we will only fall into their trap. We should follow the marshal's instructions and station our troops here. This will not only block their route of attack but also allow us to monitor their movements. Why not do it?"
The general was a veteran in the army. Logically, the position of commander should have been his, but he was demoted to second place due to Cang Shitian's political maneuvering. He had long harbored resentment towards Zhao Wuliang, and after being yelled at by Yue Biao, he believed that the young man in front of him had risen to a high position by selling himself into servitude. Now that he saw Zhao Wuliang holding back, he really thought that Zhao Wuliang was just a rabbit without eggs, and that he would no longer listen to his military orders.
"Bullshit! If you're scared, then stay here. I don't believe a mere few hundred people can turn the world upside down!"
The deputy general roared, raised his whip, and led his troops forward. Zhao Wuliang inwardly groaned. Most of these five thousand men were the deputy general's confidants. His attack had mobilized half the army, making the charge unstoppable.
Yue Biao was so happy that his face lit up with a smile. He patted the big butt of the white-browed bear, turned around and ran back. Xiao Liu and the others also pretended to be frightened, throwing their equipment as they ran, afraid that the horses would be too heavy and slow down, and that the enemy would catch up with them.
The deputy general had initially feared that Yue Biao was feigning defeat, but now that he saw that both of them had lost their weapons and armor, his confidence soared. He spurred his horse forward and gave chase. The soldiers, who had been holding back their anger for so long, were also filled with rage, determined to tear these despicable fellows to pieces.
After chasing for two or three miles, the Western Region army was panting heavily, feeling as if the armor weighed a thousand pounds, making it hard to breathe. Even if their warhorses ran as fast as they could, they felt dizzy and as if all their blood and energy had been drained. Their eyelids were drooping with exhaustion. After running another mile, many cavalrymen fell from their horses and were trampled to death by the warhorses behind them. Before Yue Biao and his men could even make a move, more than half of the more than three thousand pursuers had already died. The remaining men struggled to rein in their horses, but the defeat was already irreversible. Suppressed by the Earthly Branch Xuan Power, their physical strength was greatly depleted, making them weaker than even a child. Wearing a full suit of armor, they could hardly move an inch, unable to even lift their arms, let alone draw their swords to fight.
Even Yue Biao was frightened by the power of this Earthly Branch Formation. From the moment he left the city until the end, he was the only one who wielded his axe a few times. The others didn't even draw their swords. They just ran around a few laps, and a group of prisoners of war were waiting for them behind them.
"Damn it, I finally understand what it means to get something for nothing!"
Xiao Liu swallowed hard, staring at the pile of fine weapons and the rows of tall warhorses, utterly at a loss for words.
"Brother Yue, can I pick out a few horses?"
Xiao Liu snapped out of his daze and asked.
Yue Biao nodded and said, "Tie all these people up and take them back to the city. Then you can choose the weapons and warhorses you like. But be careful not to eat them all, or I won't be able to explain it to General Ling!"
The crowd cheered and immediately began capturing prisoners of war. These Western Region soldiers were exhausted; they were either lying on the ground or sprawled on their horses. The Dragonscale Army soldiers tied them all up effortlessly—it wasn't even as easy as capturing a pig.
After their initial defeat, the morale of the Western Regions army plummeted. However, this one-sided battle was observed by the people on the hilltop. They were dressed in various styles, with three of them being Confucian, Taoist, or Buddhist figures, and the other two dressed as military generals.
"This formation is truly powerful, its power is comparable to the Six Paths Reincarnation Formation of the Fiend Domain!"
The Taoist priest took a deep breath and sighed helplessly.
The monk, without raising his eyes, asked calmly, "Master Zihe, you have been observing for so long, have you discerned the mystery within?"
The Taoist priest was none other than Zihe. He said, "Every formation has a core and a key point. That cunning scoundrel Jingchen will surely cover the key point tightly, so breaking it will not be easy. We might as well take a step back and break the core. This formation is based on the twelve earthly branches, so there are twelve cores. These cores can be locations or objects. Once we break one of them, things will be much easier!"
The monk slowly opened his eyes, his gaze deep and boundless, like a vast ocean. He seemed intrigued and said, "True Master, your insights are unique. Is it possible to dismantle the formation by breaking through the ultimate essence?"
Zihe sighed, "The twelve earthly branches correspond to each other. Unless the array eye is broken, the array will not be destroyed. However, the extreme essence is a kind of primordial energy that allows the array to exert its maximum power. As long as we break the extreme essence, we can reduce the power of the array to the greatest extent."
The monk was none other than the Venerable One who had attained the holy Buddha body. After hearing Zihe's words, his brows furrowed with worry again, and he said with a frown, "Breaking through all twelve extreme elements is no less difficult than breaking through the array's core."
The scholar, dressed in purple and exuding elegance, was none other than Jin Ziyi. He clapped his hands and laughed, "Daoist Master's words have enlightened me!"
Shi Zun and Zi He looked at him at the same time. Jin Ziyi said neither humbly nor arrogantly, "Taoist formations can be called the best among the three religions, but their essence lies in a balance, the balance of Yin and Yang, and the balance of the Five Elements. Rather than breaking all twelve formation eyes, it is better to break only one. If one of the twelve is missing, the balance will be difficult to maintain."
Zihe said, "Breaking only one of them can at most weaken the power of one city. The profound magical power of the twelve earthly branches will still protect the enemy army."
Jin Ziyi smiled and said, "One city is enough. At least our army can exert its normal strength in the vicinity of this city. Currently, our army's strength is far superior to that of the rebels. Without external interference, it is not difficult to take back a city."
One of the military officers spoke up: "The enemy's navy is formidable. All twelve cities are accessible by water. Capturing just one city will leave it isolated, and it will eventually be devoured by the navy!"
It was none other than Qiu Baifei, the commander-in-chief of Jiangnan.
Jin Ziyi laughed and said, "No, no! Although Jiangnan is a water town, it is not everywhere. For example, Muzhou City is an example. It only has water on the north side, while the other three sides are flat land, which is exactly where the powerful army from the Western Regions roams!"
The other military officer was Zhang Huanyu, the commander-in-chief of the Western Regions army. His brows furrowed and his interest was piqued. He said, "Prime Minister seems to have a brilliant plan. Why don't you tell us about it? It would be good for me to experience the brilliance of a Confucian strategist!"
Jin Ziyi laughed and said, "General Zhang, you're too kind. My idea is to take one city first, and then gradually dismantle the enemy's defenses. No matter how hard the tortoise shell is, we'll break a piece today and smash another piece tomorrow, and one day we'll drag this cowardly tortoise out!"
Qiu Baifei also asked, "So, Prime Minister, which city do you plan to start with?"
Jin Ziyi's gaze was sharp as she looked into the distance and said calmly, "Let's start with Muzhou!"
Qiu Baifei nodded and said, "Prime Minister, you have a good eye. Muzhou is the closest to our military strength. After we take it, we can also send troops to assist in its defense. It is truly a brilliant move!"
Zhang Huanyu laughed and said, “Excellent! I will do my utmost to cooperate with Brother Qiu and the Prime Minister, and we will take Muzhou no matter what!”
Zihe cupped his hands and said, "This humble Taoist will also do his utmost to find the location of the ultimate artifact!"
Jin Ziyi said, "I will send all my spies to infiltrate Muzhou and find out where Jiyuan is!"
Just then, a deep beastly roar resounded, followed by a soft female voice: "Everyone, I am late, please forgive me!" Venerable Shi clapped his hands and laughed: "Haha, not late at all, the nun has arrived just in time, these traitors are doomed!"

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