Annihilation, Control of the Small Knife Society, Great Harvest, Unusual Movements in the

Chapter 75 Annihilation, Control of the Small Knife Society, Great Harvest, Unusual Movements in the Jianghuai Army [10,000 words, begging for more subscriptions!]

Su Yang entered the back storeroom and saw that Zhao Daqi and several personal guards had already opened the storeroom, with several brocade boxes neatly arranged to the side.

Three robust, well-formed, and densely covered ginseng roots, each fifty years old, with every hair clearly visible, exuding a rich and mellow medicinal aroma. Five plump and full-bodied twenty-five-year-old Polygonatum rhizome, with a smooth and lustrous texture. There are also two intact twenty-five-year-old Polygonum multiflorum roots.

Even more surprisingly, a locked iron box in the corner was smashed open. Inside was not gold or silver, but a sword manual—"The Water-Cutting Sword Technique"—along with a cultivation guide. Although not a peerless martial art, it was precisely the practical combat technique that the leaders of the Small Knife Society relied on to commit atrocities, with ruthless and direct moves.

"What a great harvest!" A hint of satisfaction flashed in Su Yang's eyes.

In this battle, ginseng can replenish the foundation of internal strength, and sword techniques can enhance combat skills; both are urgently needed by the Sharp Vanguard Battalion.

He turned to Zhao Daqi beside him and instructed, "Carefully pack these ginseng, polygonatum, and he shou wu, along with the book 'The Water-Cutting Knife Technique' and its accompanying notes. I'm taking them with me. Pack all the remaining gold, silver, and valuables into boxes, register them, and hand them over to Wang Tiezhu to escort back to camp."

Zhao Daqi bowed in agreement and immediately began tidying up.

After making the arrangements, Su Yang turned and walked out of the warehouse.

The morning light was already strong, and the golden rays shone on the plaque of the "Small Knife Society," completely dispelling the gloomy shadows of the past.

He stood on the steps, watching the soldiers methodically count and pack the boxes, and watching Chen Shun, accompanied by two soldiers, forcefully calm the anxious gang members. A trace of composure flashed in his eyes. The situation in the northern city had finally stabilized for the first time.

"Return to camp and report to the general."

Su Yang gave the order in a deep voice and mounted his horse.

Behind them, a convoy laden with chests and crates of gold and silver was already in place, following the procession in a grand procession.

This trip, by destroying the Golden Bell Martial Arts School and raiding the Small Knife Society, cleansed up two thorny tumors in the North City, and finally completed the important task entrusted by City Lord Fang.

Just as I finished thinking, the sound of rapid hoofbeats approached from afar.

A messenger, drenched in sweat, spurred his horse to Su Yang's horse. Before he could catch his breath, he tumbled off, knelt on one knee, and loudly reported: "Reporting to Battalion Commander Su! There's unusual activity at the Jianghuai Army's front line; their advance is aimed directly at Jingling! General Fang has ordered you to lead your troops back to camp immediately, without delay!"

The sound of horses' hooves was like a sudden rainstorm, rolling over the bluestone road.

Su Yang reined in his horse, landed on his feet, the bloodstains on his armor still wet. Without even wiping away his sweat, he headed straight for the central command tent.

"This humble general, Su Yang, greets the general!"

Inside the tent, Fang Zetao was bending over and staring at the map, on which the cinnabar mark had already approached the outskirts of the city.

"How's the North City?"

Fang Zetao raised his eyes, his gaze sharp.

"Golden Bell Martial Arts School and Small Knife Society have been destroyed. The remaining forces are usable."

Su Yang presented a letter and a dark token: "This is irrefutable evidence of treason. The token was found in the secret room of the Small Swords Society."

"The Black Tortoise Token?"

Fang Zetao took the token, his expression changing drastically: "The token of the Demonic Sect's Xuan Turtle Hall, which was renowned for its Xuan Shui True Skill fifty years ago—and there are still remnants causing trouble!"

"Mysterious Turtle Hall — Mysterious Water True Skill?"

Su Yang was deeply shaken.

He had already obtained the first volume of "Mysterious Water True Skill," but the second volume was nowhere to be found. Now, this token was actually related to the Mysterious Turtle Hall—he remained expressionless, but firmly engraved the three words "Mysterious Turtle Hall" into his heart.

After reading the letter, General Fang was furious and stood up abruptly: "These traitors dare to collude from within and without! The Yuwen clan and Huang family's spies within the city have been making frequent unusual moves lately, and I have long suspected them. Now the evidence is irrefutable; how can we allow them to continue their recklessness!"

He turned to his personal guards and said sternly, "Pass on my order: a thorough investigation of the Huang family's properties throughout the city! All merchants and residences connected to the Huang family must be sealed off and searched without exception!"

The guards received their orders and hurriedly left.

The atmosphere inside the tent eased slightly.

General Fang looked at Su Yang, his tone solemn: "You have rendered meritorious service in the clearing operations in the northern city, and acted decisively. But the military situation is currently extremely urgent!"

He pointed his finger heavily at the northern suburbs of the map: "The main force of the Jianghuai Army, numbering over 30,000, led by Li Lie, the ninth adopted son of Du Fuwei, known as 'Red Sun Fire Cloud Spear,' has already broken through our three outer defensive lines. Scouts report that they will launch a full-scale attack on Jingling within three days at the latest!"

"Thirty thousand?"

Su Yang's pupils contracted slightly.

Even though it was expected, the sheer size of the force was still alarming.

"Exactly."

Fang Zetao's gaze was like iron: "Therefore, I hereby appoint you as the commander of the northern city defense line, and in charge of eliminating the hidden agents within the city. The north gate is the throat of Jingling, and it cannot be lost... Can you hold it?"

"Your humble servant obeys! We will defend the North Gate to the death!"

Su Yang clasped his hands in a fist salute, his voice deep and resonant.

"good!"

Fang Zetao nodded, about to speak again, when a trusted guard quickly entered the tent, his expression grave: "General, we just found this sealed letter under your desk in your study. It's addressed to General Fang for personal opening," it said, unsigned, and the marks were very fresh, as if it had just been placed there.

A hint of surprise flashed in General Fang's eyes. He had clearly checked the desk before leaving the study.

He gestured to his personal guard to hand it over.

As soon as he received the letter, Su Yang noticed the tiny phoenix mark on the seal—the very symbol of his agreement with Dugu Feng. Su Yang understood, but lowered his eyes and remained expressionless.

General Fang peeled off the sealing wax, quickly glanced at the letter, and his face suddenly darkened.

"Snapped!"

He slammed the letter on the table, his voice laced with suppressed anger: "The Yuwen Clan actually sent the commander of the Ice Fiend Guard with his elite troops to infiltrate the city! Their objective is to sabotage the city's defenses and assassinate military commanders... You and I are among them!"

He raised his eyes and stared intently at Su Yang: "The Ice Fiend Guards are the top assassins of the Yuwen Clan, skilled in stealth and assassination, making them extremely difficult to defend against. The defense of the northern city is crucial to the overall situation, and I must send more capable men to assist you."

After saying this, he immediately ordered, "Summon Qiao Fenghai to see me!"

The guards outside the tent responded loudly and hurried away.

Before half a cup of tea could be brewed, the curtain was lifted by a large hand.

A tall, imposing lieutenant general with an iron-like face bowed as he entered, his armor clanking, his voice booming: "This humble general, Qiao Fenghai, has arrived as ordered! General, whatever your command, I will obey without hesitation, even at the cost of my life!"

Fang Zetao looked at him and nodded: "I order you to lead your troops to the North City immediately. From today onwards, you and your troops will be under the command of Su Yang, assisting in the defense of the North Gate and eliminating the hidden spies—can you accomplish this?"

Qiao Fenghai clasped his hands in a fist salute, his head bowed, his posture respectful yet exuding a rock-solid composure: "This subordinate obeys! I will do my utmost to assist Commander Su and defend the gates of Jingling!"

He then turned to Su Yang and clasped his hands in greeting again: "Qiao Fenghai greets Commander Su. Please give your instructions regarding the defense of the northern city."

Su Yang returned the greeting with clasped hands: "General Qiao, you have worked hard. I will discuss the details with you before we discuss the defense arrangements in more detail."

"This humble general awaits."

Qiao Fenghai responded and stepped aside to stand respectfully.

Su Yang nodded to Qiao Fenghai and stepped forward: "General, the raid on the Small Swords Society this time yielded a considerable amount of money and provisions. I humbly request permission to use this money and provisions to purchase medicine, meat, and supplies for the Sharp Vanguard Battalion, as well as to replace their armor and weapons, in preparation for war."

"allow!"

Fang Zetao replied without hesitation: "You are in full control of the defense of the North City and all military supplies. Furthermore, regarding your previous request to recruit your own scouts, I also grant permission—a separate quota and salary, without adhering to conventional regulations; you can select capable individuals to form your own unit. All I want is for the North City to be as solid as an iron wall."

"Thank you, General!"

Su Yang was certain.

With money and supplies, military power, and autonomy, the defense of the northern city was halfway to survival.

After agreeing on the initial division of labor with Qiao Fenghai, he took his leave of General Fang and withdrew from the main tent.

Upon Su Yang's return to the Vanguard Camp, Sun Wang congratulated him on his promotion to commander and reported, "Commander, I have handed over all the medicinal herbs seized from the Small Knife Society to Chen Wenyuan, instructing him to find reliable people to prepare the medicinal soup. Report back as soon as it is ready."

"Well done."

Su Yang nodded and then ordered, "Tell Chen Shun to incorporate the two hundred or so usable members of the Small Knife Society that he has screened into the elite vanguard battalion as auxiliary soldiers. They will be responsible for reconnaissance, intelligence transmission, and logistical support in the streets and alleys of the northern city. He will be fully in charge of all deployments and must ensure that the streets and alleys are clear and communication is unimpeded."

"This subordinate obeys!"

Sun Wang strode away, while Su Yangjing personally mustered the elite troops and headed towards the north city.

at the same time.

A quiet residence within Jingling City.

Huang Shiyun, dressed in a brocade robe, sat quietly in the armchair with a gloomy expression, flipping through a stack of account books in front of him.

Just then, his trusted confidant Huang Chengzong strode into the secret room, bowed deeply, and lowered his voice: "Master, the news is confirmed. The Small Knife Society has been completely wiped out by Su Yang. All its strongholds have been destroyed, and the remaining members have either been captured or scattered."

"Useless—utterly hopeless trash!"

Huang Shiyun suddenly raised his hand and slammed the account book to the ground. His previously gentle face was instantly covered with frost, his eyes were as dark as deep pools, and his whole body exuded a chilling aura.

He slowly rose, paced back and forth in the secret chamber, then abruptly stopped, his gaze sharpening as he looked at Huang Chengzong. He said hatefully, "Chengzong, you must immediately go and contact Yuwen Zhuo. Convey my message: the Small Knife Society has been defeated, and Su Yang's momentum is at its peak. The original plan has been brought forward! It must be launched tonight. My Heavenly Lotus Sect will secretly provide support. We must disrupt Jingling's defenses and eliminate Su Yang and Fang Zetao before the Jianghuai Army attacks the city!"

"Yes, sir!"

Huang Chengzong bowed and accepted the order, then turned and quietly left the secret room.

The clatter of armor from the elite battalion echoed through the streets and alleys of the northern city. Su Yang reined in his horse beneath the north gate tower. He glanced at the soldiers on duty atop the city wall; their faces showed weariness, yet they gripped their weapons tightly, the frost and dew on their armor revealing their steadfast commitment throughout the night.

"General Qiao."

Su Yang dismounted and said in a deep voice, "The reinforcement of the North Gate must be completed before sunset! You will lead three hundred elite troops to patrol the northern part of the city, focusing on the outer residences of the Huang family and the Yuwen clan. If you encounter any suspicious persons, leave quietly and send someone back with the coordinates. The scout squad will follow secretly, without alerting the enemy!"

"Yes, Commander!"

Qiao Fenghai clasped his hands in acceptance of the order, then turned and led his troops away.

Su Yang then summoned Chen Shun, who had already reorganized more than two hundred surrendered soldiers of the Small Swords Society, who were lined up below the city wall awaiting orders.

The surrendered soldiers looked apprehensive, having changed into the uniforms of auxiliary soldiers of the Ruifeng Battalion, and were holding simple curved knives.

"Chen Shun".

Su Yang walked to the front of the line and said in a booming voice, "I know you were once forced into this situation, but now you are in imminent danger. If you can atone for your crimes through meritorious service, all your past offenses will be forgiven. Tonight, you will guard the streets and alleys. If you see any unfamiliar figures or hear any strange noises, immediately light a beacon fire as a signal!"

"Yes, Commander!"

Chen Shun took the lead in kneeling on one knee, and the surrendered soldiers followed suit, responding in unison. Although their movements were not uniform, they conveyed a sense of determination.

After arranging the defenses, Su Yang was about to go upstairs to look at the defense map when Sun Wang rushed over with a bowl of herbal medicine: "Commander, this is a bowl of herbal medicine brewed by Chen Wenyuan, with a piece of 50-year-old ginseng the size of a finger added."

[Proficiency in Nourishing Life and Strengthening Qi Exercise +1]

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【Nourishing Life and Strengthening Vitality Exercise 13750/62500】

Su Yang drank it all in one gulp, the medicinal power soothing his meridians, and the panel in his mind kept flashing.

"As expected of a 50-year-old ginseng, a small piece increased my proficiency by 800 points. If I cut 20 slices from a 50-year-old ginseng, that would increase my proficiency by 16,000 points per ginseng. After drinking three 50-year-old ginsengs, five 25-year-old Polygonatum sibiricums, and two 25-year-old Polygonum multiflorums, my Nourishing Life and Strengthening Qi cultivation technique will be complete!"

Su Yang looked at the panel, his eyes filled with anticipation.

He knew in his heart that once he perfected the Nourishing Life and Cultivating Vitality Technique, his internal strength would increase greatly, and his power would reach a new level.

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