In Tufang, Moye City.
"Three-Headed Qiao Yi" led the grand army storming into the city.
The siege had not been difficult; from arraying their troops beneath the walls to breaching the gates took less than half an hour.
Shan Chengjun had just finished slaughtering Moye City down to the last soul, but he had not lingered.
He was a martial artist. Upon learning the granaries were destroyed and the vanguard camp was wiped out, he realized the army of the Shang State was about to march upon them.
The Sage understood the art of war as well, yet he still had to keep up appearances, ordering his subordinates to hold the city steadfastly.
Shan Chengjun was in no mood to hold the ground. Once he left, most followed. The few who remained pleaded earnestly with the Sage, playing their roles to the hilt to give him a dignified pretense before escorting him away.
Once the Sage withdrew, only a few hundred Tufang locals remained outside Moye City. What could they possibly rely on to resist the Shang army? Before the battle could even begin, every one of these Tufang folk surrendered.
Most of the siege weapons brought by the Shang forces went unused; their time was mostly squandered on clearing the air.
The venom left behind by Teng Chuanchang had not fully dissipated. Qiao Yi dispatched several Wind Cultivators to blow fierce gales for over an hour, then sent Poison Cultivators to test the residual toxicity. Only after confirming the poisons were largely gone did he lead the grand army into the city.
At the center of Moye City lay a natural spring. It was the sole water source for the entire city, and the very foundation upon which Moye City had been built.
Mounted on a warhorse, "Three-Headed Qiao Yi" rode up to the spring, scooped up a cup of water, and declared to the whole army:
"Moye City is the sovereign soil of Great Shang! Thanks to the valor of our officers and soldiers, we have reclaimed our lost land! This is the glory of our entire army, and the splendor of Great Shang!"
With that, "Three-Headed Qiao Yi" raised the cup and drained it in a single gulp.
The army let out a thunderous cheer that shook the clouds.
Clad in heavy armor and bearing sharp weapons, several hundred imperial clansmen stood at the head of the ranks. They cheered along with the soldiers, their voices ringing loud and clear, yet their hearts churned with mixed feelings.
Shang and Tufang had fought for years. In recent times, Shang had achieved virtually no victories, losing countless tracts of land.
Now that Qiao Yi had taken the initiative to challenge Tufang, many imperial clan members had joined the expedition simply to watch him fall into dire straits and seize his military authority in the aftermath.
Yet from the situation before their eyes, Qiao Yi had seized an entire city from Tufang's grasp. For the Shang State, this was of monumental significance. Henceforth, virtually no one in all of Great Shang would be able to shake Qiao Yi's position.
The army made camp inside the city, and "Three-Headed Qiao Yi" took up residence in the castellan's manor.
Once the onlookers withdrew, "Three-Headed Qiao Yi" thumped his chest repeatedly. "Scared the life out of me! I thought we were in for a brutal battle. I'm no soldier! If a real fight broke out, I wouldn't even have known where to stand!"
Nian Shangyou snapped in annoyance, "Setting the battle aside, I wrote an inspirational address of over a thousand words for you beforehand! You spent an entire day memorizing it, yet just now in front of the army, you only spoke two measly lines! Can't you do even a simple task like that properly?"
Xi Zhaofu grew angry as well. "With something so tongue-twisting, it was a miracle I remembered two sentences! After today, I won't remember a single word!"
"Then what good are you keeping around?"
"Whether I stay or not, is that your call to make?"
Seeing an argument brewing, Qiao Yi scolded, "Cease this pointless bickering. Rest for two hours and prepare to march."
Xi Zhaofu asked, "March where? We just took this city—why rush off already?"
Qiao Yi replied, "Advance on Shaliu City."
Nian Shangyou was taken aback as well. "We're fighting more?"
Qiao Yi looked at Nian Shangyou. "You were born a martial artist, yet do you not know that speed is the soul of war? With our momentum at its peak, we must press our advantage."
Nian Shangyou felt this was too risky. "My Lord, we took Moye City only because Puluo Province launched a sneak attack on Tufang's grain depot and vanguard camp. The Tufang forces were caught off guard and their supplies were cut off, which is why the battle went so smoothly. If we press forward now, I fear there could be grave danger."
Qiao Yi chuckled. "Shangyou, you lack the makings of a supreme commander; abandoning the martial path for civil administration was indeed your best choice. After suffering such a crushing blow, if the Tufang forces lag one step behind, they will lag every step behind. A single day of severed grain will leave them crippled for days to come. Right now is our prime opportunity to conquer cities and seize territory!"
Xi Zhaofu shook his head. "If you want to go, go yourself! I don't want to fight!"
Qiao Yi consoled him, "Worthy brother, have no fear. Our army sweeps through like splitting bamboo. There won't be any fierce battles anytime soon. You need only memorize that speech and ride along with the army."
Xi Zhaofu looked at Qiao Yi. "You mean I just have to move my legs and flap my mouth? That sounds easy enough."
Qiao Yi smiled faintly. "Just that easy. Shangyou, in two hours, give the order to march."
Qiao Yi had not been mistaken; the fighting was indeed easy.
***
Li Banfeng arrived in Boundless City. Luo Shaojun presented the battle reports to him, and after skimming through them for a while, Li Banfeng did not know what to make of it.
"Six victories in half a month... Is Tufang really that useless?"
Luo Shaojun said, "I heard Qiao Yi intends to keep fighting all the way to Tufang's royal capital. His prestige is sky-high right now—many in the court are even calling for him to become the emperor."
How on earth had he fought this war?
Was Qiao Yi truly so godlike in commanding troops?
Luo Shaojun could not explain the reasons behind it, but his wife was an expert in military strategy; she ought to spot the subtleties.
His wife and Hong Ying had gone to Jade Green Tower to visit Jiang Ling'er. When Li Banfeng went upstairs, the three women were frolicking, tearing each other's clothes so furiously that garments flew everywhere.
Li Banfeng roared in scolding reproof, "In broad daylight! Have you no shame!"
The three women reined themselves in somewhat. Li Banfeng handed the battle report to Zhao Xiaowan. "Wife, take a close look at this. Did Tufang throw the fight?"
Jiang Ling'er did not understand. "What does 'release water' mean? Does it mean taking a leak? Of course people from Tufang have to take a leak."
Zhao Xiaowan giggled. "Elder Sister, 'releasing water' is slang from the Outer States—it means yielding on purpose. The Tufang people are brave and fierce fighters, so this record does look rather abysmal."
After studying it for a while, she saw the crux: "Husband, the Tufang people aren't yielding on purpose. The Shang forces seized them by their vital point. Unable to supply men, horses, or grain, they have suffered rout after rout.
"In the final analysis, it's because the peddler struck too ruthlessly. By wiping out the vanguard camp and destroying the grain depot, he severed Tufang's lifeline in one blow."
Li Banfeng recalled the details. "According to A'yi, only three people went on that raid. It seemed pretty casual."
Zhao Xiaowan shook her head. "Husband, this isn't about numbers. The peddler is exceptionally skilled at ambushes. With Puluo Province's individual combat prowess, a single raid can turn the tide of an entire war. Every famed general who ever crossed swords with him has suffered at his hands.
"That sneak attack was definitely not done on a whim. This campaign is waged upon the fertile soil of the Inner States, where the terrain shifts constantly. What lies outside Moye City tonight might be a hundred li away tomorrow. To locate Tufang's vanguard camp and granaries, heaven knows how much effort the peddler expended.
"Years ago, during one campaign, the peddler spent an entire year preparing for a single raid. The imperial court suffered devastating losses, and the course of the war was nearly impossible to reverse.
"It was precisely because of that catastrophic defeat that the imperial court released Hong Ying and me from death row."
Jiang Ling'er did her needlework while watching Zhao Xiaowan discuss the art of war, looking at her as though she were her own younger sister, her eyes brimming with pride.
Hong Ying snatched the battle report and took a look as well. "Qiao Yi's moves are remarkably accurate. Where he should strike, he strikes; where he should besiege, he besieges. He hasn't misjudged once."
Li Banfeng looked at Hong Ying and nodded with an air of profound wisdom, though in truth he hadn't understood a thing.
Zhao Xiaowan hastily explained to Li Banfeng, "Husband, what Yingying means is that Qiao Yi deploys his forces astutely.
"Look at Shuiwa City here: he marched at dawn and breached the city within half a day. There's no mention of enemy casualties or captives, proving Shuiwa City was clearly undermanned. Qiao Yi struck decisively, bringing about a swift conclusion.
"Look again at Tongyu Town: he also set out at dawn, yet victory came three days later with over ten thousand captives taken. That proves Tongyu Town had plenty of defenders, but likely little grain. Qiao Yi besieged without attacking, waiting for the enemy to collapse from within."
It sounded simple in principle, but execution was another matter. Li Banfeng harbored a question right then: "How did Qiao Yi know Shuiwa City was lightly guarded while Tongyu Town had many defenders? Did he fight a probing skirmish first?"
Hong Ying replied, "How could anyone just attack randomly? If he hit a brick wall, losing men and crushing morale, there'd be no war left to fight. He must have sent scouts who brought back solid intelligence."
Zhao Xiaowan felt it was more than scouts: "Scouts have only one pair of eyes; they can't see everything clearly. I suspect Qiao Yi planted many spies in Tufang as well. He, too, has been planning this great campaign for a long time."
Li Banfeng looked over the battle report again. Dealing with someone like Qiao Yi truly felt exhausting.
Seeing how much Qiao Yi had gained in Tufang, Li Banfeng figured he had to take his own share from him—ideally winning Old Train back.
Thinking of Old Train reminded Li Banfeng of that snot-stained paper.
"Wife, did you ever figure out that paper?"
"Oh, Husband, your humble servant tried all manner of methods, but the paper was glued shut so tightly it couldn't be pulled apart no matter what."
"Where did you leave it?"
"I usually keep it on me, but today I placed it on the shelf in our home."
Li Banfeng returned to the companion dwelling and took the snot-stained paper from the shelf. He wanted to inspect it closely again; if all else failed, he would hand it to Jiang Ling'er to see if she could pry it open with a needle.
The folded paper opened up on its own.
How had it unfolded?
His wife had studied it for half a month and insisted she couldn't pry it apart, hadn't she?
Was she teasing him?
His wife didn't have that sort of temperament. Perhaps in Jiang Ling'er's presence, it hadn't been convenient to speak.
Or had it not been his wife who opened it?
Yet who else could have opened it besides her?
On the side previously glued by snot, densely packed characters were written. Just the very first line sent a thrill through Li Banfeng.
*Travel Cultivator above-the-clouds technique: Boundless Traveler.*
It was actually an above-the-clouds technique!
Since ascending to Travel Cultivator Cloud Four, Li Banfeng had yet to learn any techniques. He never expected to obtain such a treasure from the peddler.
What kind of technique was Boundless Traveler? Could it be similar to Unimpeded Passage?
Starting from the second line, it was an introduction to the technique. The handwriting was somewhat smudged, taking Li Banfeng a long time to decipher.
*"Before employing this technique, first obtain a watch or a clock. It must be precise."*
Had Old Train written this?
What did this technique have to do with clocks and watches?
Reading further: *"To master the technique of Boundless Traveler, one must be adept in the techniques of Traversing a Thousand Mountains in Mind and Going One's Own Way."*
Li Banfeng blinked. He wasn't particularly proficient in either technique.
The text continued: *"Relying on the traveler's valor to tread flat the perils of a thousand mountains, unbounded and borderless, fearless and undaunted; amidst ten thousand steeds and a thousand armies, fearing no blade or axe, fearing neither fire nor water, fearing no poison or filth, fearing no evil apparitions, fearing no disturbance of mind, fearing no wounds of love or hate..."*
Fearing nothing at all?
Li Banfeng read it over several times and finally understood the purpose of Boundless Traveler.
Within a set window of time, once a Travel Cultivator unleashed this technique, they would enter a state that disregarded all damage!
Was this the fabled invulnerability technique?
Such a technique actually existed?
Li Banfeng read further down. Below were special precautions.
*"The duration of the technique depends on the foundation of one's cultivation. The Patriarch of Travel Cultivators could use it twice a day, lasting twenty seconds each time. Having miscalculated the time, he had still not disengaged at the twenty-two-second mark and thus perished in chaotic battle. Bear this in mind: never be careless."*
So that was why a clock had to be prepared?
That was how the Patriarch of Travel Cultivators died?
Holding the snot-stained paper, Li Banfeng read it from start to finish several times. In his sheer excitement, he read aloud.
Honglian, resting in the second room, did not hear a single word.
***
The Sage assembled his followers for counsel. Shang had won victory after victory, and Tufang was in dire straits, which meant the Sage's own position was extremely perilous.
If Qiao Yi demanded that Tufang immediately surrender the Sage, there was no telling what decision the Demon Lord might make.
"Ministers, do you have any sound strategies to repel the enemy?"
Shan Chengjun replied, "Your Majesty, Tufang is fighting this war; the methods to repel the enemy should naturally be devised by Tufang itself. Even if we come up with a plan, Tufang might not listen to us. Why waste our energy?"
With these words from him, even if others had ideas, they did not dare speak up lightly.
The Sage's face turned livid. Just as he was about to reprimand Shan Chengjun, an attendant announced that the ruler of Tufang had sent an envoy.
The Sage hurriedly invited the envoy in.
This envoy was a three-headed person of royal blood, testifying to the gravity of the matter.
The Sage did not dare be negligent and received him with the highest protocol. But when asked about the reason for the visit, the envoy offered little detail, only stating that Shan Chengjun was summoned to an audience with the sovereign.
Coming to the Sage's residence only to summon Shan Chengjun—what did that make the Sage?
Shan Chengjun didn't think much of it and simply followed the envoy out.
The Sage looked at his subordinates and remained silent for a long time.
***
The ruler of Tufang sat upon his throne, all three heads looking down at Shan Chengjun.
The left head spoke first: "Marquis Shan, do you have any good strategy to repel the enemy?"
It was the same question, and Shan Chengjun still had no intention of answering.
For he knew full well that whatever answer he gave, the outcome would be the same: the Demon Lord would order him to take the field against the Shang army.
Shan Chengjun had experienced countless battles and saw the current situation clearly. The momentum of victory was firmly gripped in Qiao Yi's hands; turning the tide would be anything but easy.
"Your Majesty, this minister believes we should avoid the enemy's spearhead for now and stall for time against Qiao Yi. Once our forces have regrouped, we can contest the field with him."
This was no different from saying nothing at all.
The Demon Lord wanted to stall too, but Qiao Yi gave them no opportunity to do so.
The center head asked, "What other plans do you have?"
Shan Chengjun said, "There is indeed a plan, and the supreme plan at that. If Your Majesty can abandon this bitter struggle and strike directly at Puluo Province, you can still turn defeat into victory."
All three heads flashed with cold glints in their eyes. The right head questioned, "Marquis Shan, are you aware that Shang's army has already breached Tufang's borders? You speak of abandoning this battle—do you mean to abandon our people's territory as well?"
That was precisely what Shan Chengjun had in mind. "The few cities seized by Shang are all barren desert wastes. What does it matter if we have a few more or a few less? If we can conquer Puluo Province in one fell swoop, what would it matter even if we ceded all our current lands to Great Shang?"
The Demon Lord fell silent for a good while. The middle head asked, "Marquis Shan, We gave you chances. You led men into Puluo Province several times—did you achieve the slightest gain?"
This was a jab at Shan Chengjun: having gone several times only to return empty-handed, what ability did he have to conquer Puluo Province?
Shan Chengjun felt no shame whatsoever. "If we continue sending piecemeal forces as before, Puluo Province can never be taken. The proper strategy now is to amass overwhelming military might and sweep across Puluo Province in a single campaign. That is the true path."
"Sweep across in a single campaign?" All three heads laughed together, their laughter dripping with ridicule. "Is this the brilliant idea your master came up with?"
Shan Chengjun shook his head. "This is this minister's proposal to Your Majesty. Puluo Province boasts boundless wealth and resources, waiting only for Your Majesty to claim them. Why wage a grinding war with Shang over this barren land? I urge Your Majesty to reconsider."
The Demon Lord let out a long sigh and waved his hand at Shan Chengjun. "You may withdraw."
Shan Chengjun departed, and the Demon Lord summoned two courtiers to discuss seeking peace with Shang.
***
The peace overture document reached Qiao Yi's hands. Qiao Yi glanced over it and casually passed it to Nian Shangyou.
Nian Shangyou did not grasp Qiao Yi's intention. "Please instruct me, My Lord."
Qiao Yi was reviewing documents and seemed uninterested in the matter. "The war has reached this point, and they think they can negotiate peace on empty words alone? The Demon Lord's conduct lacks all sincerity. Find any excuse to send their envoy away."
Nian Shangyou thought of a bargaining chip. "If we demand the Demon Lord hand over that false king, he would probably agree."
The "false king" referred to the Sage.
Qiao Yi shook his head. "Pay no heed to the false king. He isn't worth that price."
"This subordinate is worried..."
Qiao Yi signaled for Nian Shangyou to keep quiet for a moment, wanting to scrutinize the document before him.
Having read it and penned his instructions, Qiao Yi said to Nian Shangyou, "There's nothing to worry about. That false king is more anxious than we are. Anxiousness breeds haste, and haste breeds folly. With his intellect, whatever clever tricks he manages to concoct will come down to his own fortune."
Since Qiao Yi refused peace, the war had to continue. Nian Shangyou suggested, "In that case, we should recall Marquis Shu from Puluo Province. He is a seasoned veteran and would surely achieve extraordinary merits once more."
"No need," Qiao Yi shook his head. "Let him remain in Puluo Province and guard those thirteen newlands well."
There seemed to be a rift between Qiao Yi and Shu Wanjuan. Realizing he had spoken out of turn, Nian Shangyou quickly changed the subject: "Speaking of those thirteen newlands, General of Martial Valor Liu Bufei sent a letter the day before yesterday, saying he has firmly established a foothold in Puluo Province, though land reclamation has proved somewhat beyond his capabilities."
Qiao Yi nodded. "Naturally it's beyond him. I instructed him repeatedly to conceal his edge upon reaching Puluo Province, and specifically had you pass word not to rush into recruiting anomalous creatures. Now that he wants to handle land reclamation, he probably doesn't even have anomalous creatures to administer the trials. Contact Ma Chenxing and have him allocate a batch of creatures to Liu Bufei. As for the manpower needed for reclamation, I'll arrange for others to gather them."
Not expecting Qiao Yi to care so deeply about the newlands, Nian Shangyou hurriedly reminded him, "My Lord, Wenyuan Pavilion heightened its vigilance, yet thirteen covenant deeds were stolen by thieves. In Puluo Province, the only ones capable of such a feat are likely Smiling Thousand Hands and He Jiaqing."
Qiao Yi shook his head. "No need to bring up Smiling Thousand Hands. He wouldn't take such huge risks for a dozen newlands. This was definitely done by He Jiaqing. That petty thief is greedier than his ancestral master!"
Nian Shangyou volunteered, "This subordinate will organize men immediately and ensure the deeds are wrested back from He Jiaqing."
"Pay him no mind," Qiao Yi said, opening another document. "Let him be."
Nian Shangyou could not understand why Qiao Yi wasn't the least bit anxious when half of the thirteen pairs of covenant deeds had been stolen by He Jiaqing.
***
The Sage summoned six subordinates. Among them were two Scholar Cultivators, two Martial Cultivators, one Poison Cultivator, and one Demon Cultivator—all standouts within their respective traditions.
He poured a cup of wine for each subordinate. After reminiscing about old ties, the Sage sighed, "You have followed Us for many years. Even in Our downfall, you have remained steadfast and loyal."
The six rose one after another. "This is our bounden duty, Your Majesty."
The Sage motioned for them to sit. "Now there is a matter of great import that requires your aid. I trust you will not refuse."
Having barely sat down, the group stood up again, bowing in unison and answering together: "We are willing to serve Your Majesty to the best of our humble abilities!"
***
The Sage invited Shan Chengjun to his residence. After exchanging courtesies, he asked about the audience with the ruler.
Shan Chengjun replied truthfully, "The Demon Lord asked me how to repel the enemy. I didn't dare say much—if I did, it would become our problem. I tried fobbing him off with platitudes, but he wasn't easily fooled and insisted on getting a plan from me. So I didn't hold back and gave him one right then and there: I told him to stop tangling with Shang and focus entirely on Puluo Province. Unfortunately, the Demon Lord is dim-witted and wouldn't listen to me."
The Sage sighed, "Beloved Minister Shan, you truly have labored hard."
"It's hardly hard labor, just that I've seen through a man," Shan Chengjun said with disappointment. "The Demon Lord is not someone who will achieve greatness. We cannot rely on him henceforth."
The two chatted for a short while longer before Shan Chengjun rose to take his leave.
The Sage saw him to the door and instructed his subordinates to prepare to strike.
He hadn't made a move earlier because he hadn't known Shan Chengjun's whereabouts.
He hadn't struck inside the manor because he didn't want to arouse the Demon Lord's suspicion.
Now that Shan Chengjun had exited the manor, it was the prime opportunity. In the Sage's eyes, a minister so rebellious and defiant had to be eliminated rather than allowed to become a threat.
After waiting for over three hours, the Sage finally received the outcome—not from his subordinates, but from Shan Chengjun himself.
Shan Chengjun walked into the residence and found the Sage right in his study. "In serving Your Majesty with loyalty, I've taken quite a beating this time."
The Sage's shock lasted less than a second.
He had never anticipated Shan Chengjun would return alive.
A second later, the Sage displayed his usual genial smile. "Beloved Minister Shan, I was just about to look for you! You have strategized and exerted yourself for Us, turning the tide when all seemed lost and propping up the collapsing mansion. You have rendered Us renewing merit! Today, We wish to draft an edict appointing Beloved Minister Shan as General of Chariots and Cavalry and Prince of Anguo. What do you think?"
Shan Chengjun wore a look of astonished surprise. "Your Majesty wishes to confer a princedom upon me? What virtue or ability does this humble minister possess to receive such deep imperial favor?"
The Sage shook his head. "Your meritorious deeds are vast, Beloved Minister. You should have received this honor long ago!"
"I thank Your Majesty for your boundless grace!" Shan Chengjun bowed once more, casually pulled a sack from his sleeve, and produced six severed heads from within.
The Sage recognized all six heads: they were the very men he had sent to assassinate Shan Chengjun.
Shan Chengjun smiled at the Sage. "Your Majesty, have they expressed their gratitude to you yet? Shall I kowtow on their behalf, or would you prefer them to pay their respects to you in person?"
The Sage's pupils contracted. He unleashed the technique of Body-Consuming Joyous Flame upon Shan Chengjun!
He knew this move could not harm Shan Chengjun, but he was prepared to flee; using the technique on Shan Chengjun was solely to buy himself a better chance of escape.
The flames ignited, then sputtered out. Shan Chengjun's body did not catch fire; only wisps of smoke rose from his skin.
The Sage stared at Shan Chengjun, terror written across his face.
Shan Chengjun rose expressionlessly and looked at the Sage. "Originally, I intended to leave your corpse intact. Now I've changed my mind. You bastard, there's not a single shred of pity to be had for you."
Chapter 735