Chapter 1022
What Martial Arts Conference?
Chapter 1022 What Martial Arts Conference?
The sky is clear and the dusk is all over the sky.
The marching team was already exhausted. Looking at the dust on the official road, they didn't know how far the road ahead was.
The four sect leaders were still a little uneasy. They had been walking for a whole day and didn't know why the Marquis had called them here.
Zhang Jinyu took out a headscarf from her bosom and wrapped it around her head, leaving only one eye exposed. This made her feel much better.
"It's nothing. It's getting late, and we still have half a day to travel to Runan City. This place is unusually dry and swampy. I wonder if the four sect masters know where the water source is?"
When they heard that the Marquis was asking about this, the four of them immediately felt relieved. So that was the case. Qin Hao, the leader of the Tiger Roar Sect, quickly clasped his fists and said;
"My Lord, there is no water source here, but if we leave the official road and go north for 20 miles, there is a lake that is large enough for the army."
"Yes, Lord, there is another place. It is about ten miles east of the road. There is also a tributary flowing from the canal. When escorting, most of the people in the rivers and lakes used to get water there."
The leader of the Iron Palm Gang, Song Wenshan, also gave them a place to go. Having been around the martial arts world for many years, he knew all the places where supplies were supplied.
Zhang Jinyu looked up at the few people and saw that they were indeed old hands in the underworld. They really knew everything. In this way, there were only a few steps left. He touched his chin and asked;
"Which of these two water sources is easier to travel to?"
"Well, sir, the river in the east is easier to travel. The river in the north needs to go several miles west."
Qin Hao looked a little embarrassed. He had just said too much. The lake was bigger, but he had not considered the difficulty of the army's march.
"Okay, in that case, Ningbian, send someone to inform General Yin and General Duan in front to set up camp by the lake in the north. As for the central army tent, set up camp by the river in the east. Send scouts to keep watch on both sides."
"Yes, Lord, I will take your order."
As soon as Ningbian stopped his horse, he waved his hand. Then, the horn sounded once short and three long, and then "woo woo woo" sounded. The four sect leaders were a little at a loss. Why did they have to separate to set up camp? But the cavalry who had sent the order had already started to speed up and gallop forward.
The army had already left the official road and turned northeast. The road under their feet was much bumpier. Seeing that the Marquis was in a good mood, several sect leaders did not leave, so they followed him obediently, especially Sect Leader Fang. The saddle of his horse was tightly wrapped with a thick soft cushion. If it were not for this, he would have collapsed long ago.
This time,
Just one hour,
At this moment, the sky was already dark. Ahead was a fairly wide river with a small lake at the end. Seeing the land, the camp leaders immediately ordered to set up camp along the north bank of the river. The soldiers were exhausted and rushed to the river, lowering their heads to drink water. The scene of tens of thousands of soldiers rushing over at the same time, accompanied by the sound of armor colliding, shocked the leaders of several sects, who were secretly shocked.
It is true that the Jianghu is not as good as the imperial court. One is a minor path, and the other is a major path. What the saints said makes sense. Just from this scene, several people felt a little strange and expectant in their hearts.
"Okay, you guys, don't go too far. Set up camp near the big tent. By the way, I will host a banquet for you today as a token of my gratitude for showing me the way."
Seeing that they had found a good place, Zhang Jinyu looked up to the four people. As long as they were willing to follow him, they would be rewarded.
The four of them were overjoyed and quickly clasped their fists.
"Thank you, Lord, for your reward,"
Zhang Jinyu waved his hand. Seeing this, the four men quickly dismounted, took their followers with them, went to find General Ning to inquire, and set up camp on the spot.
He looked back at the carriage following behind him, and had forgotten about His Highness. He smiled, got off the horse, and leaned over.
"Your Highness, we have arrived at the place where there are two water sources. After replenishing them today, we will reach Runan City around noon tomorrow."
"Okay, Lord, I will rest assured that you will do your job. I wonder if those people in the martial arts world have left."
King Jin was still curious about the things in the martial arts world. Since he had encountered them, it would be a relief. Seeing this, how could Zhang Jinyu not know?
"Don't worry, Your Highness. After we set up camp, we will host a banquet for them. It will be a great achievement."
"That's good,"
Zhou Ding was smiling, after all he was not sitting in the car in boredom. Then, the noisy sounds from the north bank of the river could be heard.
at the same time,
Xihe County,
The Yangping government office was still bustling with activity. Many leaders of martial arts sects, as well as some fierce bandits and pirates, were making a lot of noise, drinking and eating meat from noon until the evening. The elders of several major sects gradually became gloomy and sat there watching with cold eyes. Occasionally, there were a few bandit leaders who wanted to come over and talk to them, but they were sent away and lost face.
One of them was Qiao San, a canal bandit. He had a bulging belly and a strong body. He walked towards the seats of the three leaders of Qingfeng Village with a wine bowl in hand.
"My name is Qiao San. I make a living on the waterway. Today I am honored to meet you three heroes. I would like to offer you a bowl of wine."
After howling a little, he placed four large bowls on the table, then picked up the wine jar and poured it diagonally from behind. The wine fell from a great height like a waterfall. Coincidentally, the wine flowed into the arranged bowls one by one without spilling. This unique skill caused everyone to howl and say good words continuously.
But he didn't know that the three leaders of Qingfeng Village treated him coldly. He had stayed here for a day without even seeing the real owner. The right protector disappeared after seeing him in the early morning. It was really suspicious.
in addition,
I was still paying attention to a table in the corner. The sect leaders were not there. Only the elders of the sect came and sat so closely together. What were they discussing?
"Masters, the drinks are ready, please."
I don't know if Qiao San was drunk or the wine made him bolder, but he didn't say anything polite. He pushed his bowl forward, and then raised his own bowl over his head, looking extremely embarrassed. The three of them narrowed their eyes, looked at each other, and Xiang Ran said;
"Brother, is it that the one who sent people to test us, a pirate, actually had the guts to say such a thing?"
"Don't bother me, second brother. He is nothing but a drunkard. Let me teach him a lesson."
Without waiting for the eldest and second brothers to speak, the third brother Xiang Cheng picked up a bowl of wine, then pursed his lips and cursed;
"Who do you think you are? How dare you come here and act wild? Do you think you are worthy enough if you don't take a piss and look in the mirror?"
Then a bowl of muddy wine flew out and hit Qiao San in the face. The wine immediately coated his face and flowed down. Even if a person was not sober, it would be difficult for him to come back to his senses after being splashed with wine.
"You are good, indeed you are good. Qingfeng Village is indeed the largest village in Xihe County. It is domineering."
There was resentment in his eyes. After all, he was a well-known figure in Xihe County. He was ridiculed like this. He would remember this grudge. He dropped the wine bowl in his hand heavily on the table and wanted to go back.
Unexpectedly, Xiang Cheng shouted coldly;
"Did you go back?"
"Why, Qingfeng Village is so powerful that it doesn't even take the White Lotus Sect seriously?"
Although Qiao San was a little timid, he had to admit that those who could get by here were not blind, and he could not help but sneer. However, he did not know that the three brothers of the Xiang family were already furious and were trying to lure out the real boss. Before he could finish his words, Xiang Cheng suddenly jumped up, stepped forward, and punched him in the face with a fist as big as a bowl. In front of so many heroes, the punch landed, and in an instant, Qiao San's face was pale, and with a muffled groan, he broke his bones and died.
This shocked all the martial arts heroes. They didn't know what the three leaders of Qingfeng Village meant. Even the elders at a table in the corner had their eyes lit up.
"Good fellow, it seems that the leaders of Qingfeng Village are not reckless."
Liang Cheng, the elder of the Tiger Roar Sect, opened his eyes and sighed. He really couldn't believe the rumors in the martial arts world.
"Oh, you are joking. How can we believe everything in the martial arts world? Qingfeng Village is so big that it takes a lot of brains to protect it. Besides, if the White Lotus Sect hadn't been eyeing Qingfeng Village, the leader would have wanted to recruit them to join the sect a long time ago."
The elder of Xuanbing Palace, Jiang Zijun, wore a black veil and headscarf and replied with a smile. Her swaying figure and her voluptuous top trembled with her laughter, making the other people at the table a little embarrassed.
"Elder Jiang, what you said is inappropriate. It is said that Xuanbing Palace and Qingfeng Village are ambiguous and that they want to form a marriage alliance with Qingfeng Village. I wonder who your sect will send."
Lingyun Pavilion elder Zhou Wen smiled. In the martial arts world, Xuanbing Palace was the one that liked to think about these things the most. The women of the disciples came in many varieties, even prostitutes from brothels. This was really immoral. Zhou Wen just couldn't stand it. No matter how beautiful the Xuanbing Palace trained these women, it couldn't cover up their previous experiences.
"Hmph, then Elder Zhou, don't bother with that,"
Elder Jiang smiled coldly. Seeing that they were not on the same page, Iron Palm Clan Elder Liu Qi quickly fought back.
"Everyone, please don't lose your manners. Now that the real master has not appeared, we can't fight among ourselves. This man's death was intentional by the three brothers of the Xiang family. If the White Lotus Sect still doesn't show up, this martial arts conference will be over."
Everyone's expression changed, and they quickly looked inside the arena. Before the sects could start making a fuss, they heard the hearty laughter of the Right Protector Ying Xiancai outside the hall;
"Haha, the Xiang family leaders are born with supernatural powers. With this punch, Qiao Lao San couldn't even take a single blow. I am really enlightened."
The Dharma Protector Ying, dressed in white, unexpectedly walked in with a Confucian robe and a feather fan in hand. The three Xiang brothers looked at him suspiciously. This was the Right Dharma Protector of the White Lotus Sect, who was famous all over the world. How could he look like a legal advisor in the government office?
But all the disciples present stood up and clasped their fists.
"Meet the Right Guardian,"
"No thanks, no thanks. It's all the kindness from my fellow brothers in the martial arts world. I feel unworthy of it."
Ying Xiancai smiled slightly, and glanced at everyone in the hall. Seeing that the sect leaders had not shown up, he thought to himself that the leader's guess had come true.
"Thank you, Protector,"
"Well, all the brothers in the martial arts world are here to show respect to the White Lotus Sect. Today's so-called martial arts conference is just a cliché. This Dharma Protector asked everyone to come here to show each other. In Xihe County, I want to do something for the White Lotus Sect. Another thing is to ask you to borrow some money and food as military pay. How about that?"
Since the leader has thought of a way to hide, reserve is the first priority, and there can be no unnecessary trouble. Ying Xiancai felt a little aggrieved. In the past, these people were just the leaders of the slave army. Those who obey me will prosper, and those who disobey me will perish.
"this."
Many people were drunk and didn't know what the White Lotus Sect was up to. They were supposed to discuss how to rebel, but why did it become a matter of borrowing money and grain?
Just when everyone was at a loss, Ying Xiancai laughed again.
"Of course, if you brothers want to join the great cause, you can also lead others to join. The White Lotus Sect is a family, and we welcome everyone who comes."
After he finished speaking, he shook the feather fan in his hand, but his sharp eyes were always fixed on Qingfeng Village and the few people in the corner. There was another silence. Everyone couldn't understand why it turned out like this today. Shouldn't the White Lotus Sect follow the way of the rivers and lakes, issue a call for action, and then let them join with some benefits?
Just when everyone was unable to react, the leader of Qingfeng Village immediately clasped his fists and bowed;
"Well, since the Right Protector is so quick to speak, how can Qingfeng Village not take action? 50,000 taels of silver and 10,000 shi of grain will be presented tomorrow."
With someone taking the lead, Tiger Roar Sect elder Liang Cheng also stood up and bowed.
"Right Protector, you are generous. Although the Tiger Roar Sect is not well-off, we still want to support your sect. We will give you 50,000 taels of silver and 10,000 shi of grain."
With the example in front, it was easier for those behind to bid. Then came the Iron Palm Gang, the Mysterious Ice Palace, and several elders from the Lingyun Pavilion, who handed over their chips one by one, and also forced the remaining martial arts sects to send money despite the pain. Many people looked unhappy and didn't know how to ask.
Seeing that his goal had been achieved, Ying Xiancai did not want to stay any longer. After all, the supplies from Yangping had been secretly sent to the West Mountain, and even the manors in the mountain had been re-disguised. To call it a cover-up was nothing more than returning to being a commoner and farming.
In addition, they arranged for the hidden sect to be stationed there, and also built a mountain gate there.
"Well, since you have donated so generously, I would like to thank you all. When we meet again in the future, the White Lotus Sect will definitely repay you."
Ying Xiancai bowed and thanked him with a punch, then walked out of the hall and disappeared, leaving a group of people at a loss. Only Xiang Hong, the head of Qingfeng Village, stood up and whispered;
"Walk,"
"yes, Sir,"
The three of them left quickly, shoulder to shoulder, followed by the elders of several other major sects. This departure led everyone to leave as well. It was almost a martial arts conference that started with a bang but ended with a whimper. They came with joy but left with disappointment, and they did not understand what the White Lotus Sect was all about.
After the others left, a mess was left behind. No one knew where the White Lotus Sect leader, Bai Shuoyue, appeared wearing a bamboo hat.
"Master, why do you leave them room for maneuver? Why not just recruit them directly?"
Ying Xiancai no longer looked like he had just now. He changed into a tight outfit and looked fierce. However, he didn't know that Bai Shuiyue shook her head, which had a deeper meaning.
"A bunch of ruffians, with only courage, what's the use? The number of people is not the key, what's important is how to settle down. Besides, keeping them may cause trouble for the court. Why make enemies in the martial arts world? How is Xishan doing?"
With these people as cover, the White Lotus's strategy of hiding the truth from the world can be implemented. As the saying goes, if you keep the green mountains, you will not be afraid of running out of firewood. She is not as stubborn as her master. As her junior sister said, sometimes there are strange ways. If you can win, fight. If you can't win, retreat. If you can't retreat, hide. If it really doesn't work, go and ask Luo Yunhou for help. We are one family and don't have different opinions.
"Yes, Master, you are still thinking long-term. The previous sect in the West Mountain has been replaced by our own people. The village at the foot of the mountain has been expanded a lot on the original basis. In addition, many brothers have turned into bandits and hid in various places. The 50,000 elites in the sect are hidden in the West Mountain. So now there are only 30,000 elites available."
Ying Xiancai was a little unsure. He left 30,000 men behind just to supervise the battle and could not reduce them any further. The so-called slave soldiers under his command were nothing but hot-blooded soldiers. If they could not be suppressed, they would probably disperse.
"Okay, it's fine with these people. We will besiege the city today and start organizing the attack on the county city tomorrow. Don't be afraid of death. It's better if all of them die. Then wait for news from Runan and Shizhou. If Shizhou falls, the back mountain of Qingfeng Village is where these 30,000 elite troops will hide. We must be quick and arrange for people to pick us up."
Bai Shuiyue had already arranged everything. The secret tricks she had left behind in the early years were now useful. By then, the officers and soldiers would only focus on capturing the fleeing soldiers in front of them. Who would care about those who had fled?
Ying Xiancai sighed. The good situation was ruined by the Taiping Sect's leader Chu. He said he was the most talented person in the world and he was the best. Who wouldn't brag? Now it seems that his plan is not as good as the one offered by his protector.
"The leader is wise. He has already thought about this matter carefully and prepared a way out. But I am unwilling to give in. The situation is so good that it is only a little bit away from success. At least it can be divided into two parts. The leader's painstaking efforts are in vain. The Taiping Sect and that nobleman can't even stop Luo Yunhou, so they lose everything."
Thinking of this, the resentment in my heart increased a little, even Bai Shuiyue felt a little disappointed, yes, one wrong move and the whole game is lost,
"Victory and defeat are common in the military. I did not expect the Taiping Sect to be defeated so quickly. If they could contain the main force of the imperial court and take over Xihe County, they would have a chance of survival, whether they march north or west. With different ideas, how could they win?"
He shook his head. No matter if Luo Yunhou led the troops or not, the final result would be the same. It seemed that the three families had formed an alliance, but no matter what they thought in their hearts, they would go their separate ways sooner or later. It was just a matter of time. Rebellion was just rebellion.
At this moment, Bai Shuiyue suddenly felt that what her junior sister said might be right. The White Lotus Sect was too reckless. Even though it had been dormant and reformed over the years and cultivated many scholars, it was a pity that its foundation was shallow and the results could not be seen now. But fortunately, there had been changes.
"Master, the leaders of several major sects in the county have not come. I feel that this is a bit strange. Also, Master, why don't you try to contact the Saintess and send a secret letter to Marquis Luo Yun to ask him to postpone the dispatch of troops. I am confident that we can capture Xihe County City."
I don't know what got Ying Xian to come up with this idea. Bai Shuiyue's eyes narrowed and he scolded him.
"Confused!"
(End of this chapter)