: The Tragic Li Lie, Shang Xiuxun's Overtures, Flying Divine Escape, and the Mysterio

Chapter 83: The Tragic Li Lie, Shang Xiuxun's Overtures, Flying Divine Escape, and the Mysterious Iron Soft Armor [10,000 words]

"They've arrived!"

Su Yang's eyes snapped open, a cold glint flashing within them—this was Huang Shiyun's doing!

With a swift movement, he unleashed his Snow-Treading Without a Trace technique, disappearing from the secret chamber like a fleeting shadow.

A dozen or so black-clad assassins, wielding poisoned short blades, were frantically charging at the guards outside the secret chamber, their blades pointed directly at the chamber, clearly targeting him.

The leader, wielding the Wind Yin, brought forth a foul, fishy stench.

The defending soldiers were fearless and formed a sword and shield formation to block the gate, but they could not withstand the fierce and ruthless attacks of the elite soldiers. Several soldiers were already wounded and fell to the ground.

"Huang Shiyun is already a sitting duck, yet you all dare to come and die!"

Su Yang snorted coldly, drew his Cold Abyss Blade, and unleashed a torrent of blade energy.

The soldiers, already exhausted by the defenders, could not withstand his thunderous attack and collapsed to the ground with screams of agony.

The commander tried to flee upon seeing this, but Su Yang kicked him to his knees, locking his throat with his true energy, rendering him unable to move.

Just then, a bodyguard came running up, shouting urgently, "General! We're under attack from the direction of the dungeon! The target is Li Lie! The four masters are too skilled; the soldiers can't hold them off!"

"A feint to the east while attacking in the west!"

Su Yang's eyes sharpened, and he immediately understood!

Huang Shiyun's assassins openly came to kill him, but in reality, they were there to buy time for the Jianghuai Army to silence Li Lie. He handed the commander of the assassins over to his personal guards, then rose again and headed straight for the dungeon.

Outside the dungeon, a fierce battle raged, the stench of blood permeating the cold air.

The four assassins were all highly skilled. One wielded a spiked club, another wielded double hooks, and the remaining two joined forces, channeling their inner energy to deliver ruthless blows aimed directly at the defenders' vital points.

Their coordinated efforts had driven the guards at the dungeon entrance into retreat, with several soldiers being thrown back and coughing up blood. The defensive line was on the verge of being breached.

The defending soldiers fought bravely, forming a sword and shield formation to hold out, but they could only barely hold on, facing constant danger.

Just as the defense line was about to collapse, the expert wielding the double hooks suddenly feinted, his figure flashing back half a step with ghostly speed. He pulled a black short arrow from a hidden pouch at his waist—the arrowhead gleamed with an eerie blue light, clearly coated with deadly poison!

Without uttering a single wasted word, he raised his arm, and the poisoned arrow shot like a meteor straight into the depths of the dungeon, precisely targeting Li Lie, who was bound to a pillar!

Inside the dungeon, Li Lie was chained to a pillar. He still held onto a sliver of hope that the arrow might be there to save him, but when he saw the poisoned arrow hurtling through the air, its sharp blue light stinging his eyes, he widened his gaze.

All hope instantly turned to ice crystals.

"Pfft!"

The poisoned arrow grazed his shoulder and embedded itself in the wooden pillar behind him. The arrow's fletching trembled on its own, and the surface of the pillar was corroded by the poison, leaving a black ring that made a soft "sizzling" sound.

Li Lie froze, cold sweat instantly soaking his clothes. His heart felt like it was being gripped by an icy hand—this wasn't a rescue, it was a cover-up!

Just then, a sharp blade of energy pierced through the air!

As Su Yang descended from the sky, the moment the Cold Abyss Blade was drawn, its blade light swept out like a bolt of lightning.

The expert wielding the spiked club reacted the fastest, swinging his club to block, but with a loud "clang," the spiked club was knocked out of his hand and flew away. He himself was also shaken and staggered backward, his blood surging, and the blade's energy was upon him. He opened his mouth and spat out a mist of blood!

The remaining three men's expressions changed drastically, and they all attacked Su Yang. However, he swayed his body and used the Snow-Treading Without a Trace Footwork to easily evade the attacks. He then swung his sword three times, accurately striking the weaknesses in the three men's weapons.

"iZongdaoidaoidao," three crisp sounds rang out, and the double hooks and two long swords fell to the ground one after another.

The four experts were terrified. Just as they were about to unleash their inner energy in a desperate counterattack, the guards seized the opportunity to swarm forward, locking their throats with iron chains...

With a spear pressed against his chest, he held the four men firmly in place, preventing them from moving an inch.

Li Lie stared intently at the four assassins who were being brought in, especially the man who wielded double hooks and shot poisoned arrows. His pupils contracted sharply, and his body trembled slightly.

"It's you—Wang Laosi, Zhang Balian—and you, Zhao Dujian! You are all Du Fuwei's adopted sons!"

The four men hung their heads, clenched their teeth, and remained silent. Only Zhao Dujian glanced at him, a cold sneer curling at the corner of his mouth, but he said nothing.

This silence, more so than any words, filled Li Lie with despair.

"hehe..

""

Li Lie gave a bitter laugh, his voice hoarse like a broken gong, filled with despair: "I thought... I'm his adopted son, he would come to save me... It seems I was overthinking it... Well... after my defeat and capture, I'm useless to Du Fuwei. Keeping me around would only be a handle. He even sent his adopted son; is he afraid others won't be ruthless enough, that they won't eliminate me completely?!"

He stared at Su Yang, the last glimmer of light in his eyes extinguished, leaving only a deathly desolation: "General Su, you have won. I, Li Lie, have spent half my life on the battlefield, yet I failed to recognize true character. In the end, I was slaughtered by the very comrade I trusted most—"

Su Yang looked at his dejected appearance and understood.

With Huang Shiyun's assassins holding him back and the Jianghuai Army's poisoned arrows silencing him, Li Lie was utterly disheartened by the double blow.

Now is the best opportunity to persuade them to surrender.

Su Yang slowly approached, untied Li Lie, and said in a deep voice, "General Li, Du Fuwei may abandon you and kill you, but I will not allow loyal ministers and generals to suffer the destruction of their families!"

Li Lie shuddered, looked up at him, and a faint ripple flashed in his eyes.

"Your family members are under surveillance by Du Fuwei and are in imminent danger."

Su Yang cut to the chase, saying, "I'll give you two promises: First, I'll send elite troops in disguise to relocate your family to a secret camp in the north of the city, with dedicated guards. Second, I'll fabricate evidence of their accidental deaths to cut off Du Fuwei's pursuit. If you surrender, I won't need to attack your old troops; I only need to use my understanding of the Jianghuai army to identify and deploy our hidden forces. After we pacify Jianghuai, I will guarantee your and your family's identities, as well as your desire for your family's safety and your achievements. Du Fuwei can't give you that, but I can."

Li Lie stared blankly at Su Yang, his lifelessness replaced by struggle, and asked hoarsely, "Why did you believe me?"

"What I believe in is your undiminished conscience and your unwavering commitment to protecting your family." Su Yang's gaze was open and honest as he said, "Your arrival is a timely help in my time of need."

If you don't believe me, I will still relocate your family and give you the dignity of abandoning darkness for light.

As soon as he finished speaking, Li Lie's legs gave way and he knelt on the ground, tears and sweat streaming down his face: "General Su, I surrender! I'll give you the Jianghuai Army's deployment map and the locations of our hidden agents, just please protect my family!"

Su Yang nodded and helped him up, then called Sun Wang, who was outside the door: "Sun Wang, immediately take two elite teams and, as General Li instructed, evacuate the family members. Make sure it is done discreetly and safely!"

Sun Wang accepted the order.

Li Lie took a deep breath and gave the address and code: "Third house at the east end of Liujiaji, thirty li outside Luzhou City, old locust tree in front of the door, code: Jianghuai water warm," and then spoke to his personal servant, surnamed Feng.

After a pause, Li Lie added with concern, "Old servant Feng is loyal, but his only son was punished by our military law for raping a woman in his early years and had his martial arts skills crippled. He may not be without resentment in his heart, so please ask your men to be more careful."

The atmosphere in the dungeon froze, but Su Yang remained calm and patted him on the shoulder: "Honesty is the beginning of trust. Sun Wang, be adaptable, and prioritize the safety of your family."

"Yes, General!"

Sun Wang noted down the details and left.

Li Lie watched his retreating figure, his shoulders slightly relaxed, but worry still lingered in his eyes.

Su Yang looked towards the door and instructed, "Go and fetch a jar of 'Blood-Activating and Muscle-Regenerating Ointment' and some clean cotton cloth."

A moment later, a guard brought the medicine. He took it and handed it to Li Lie: "This medicine is very effective; apply it first. You were not defeated by me, but by Du Fuwei's cold-hearted suspicion. In my court, merit and demerit are clearly distinguished; those I doubt are not used, and those I use are not doubted. In chaotic times, only those who can protect their families and dare to be honest can fight for their comrades. Take good care of your wounds; the walls of Jingling may one day still need your Fiery Cloud Spear to defend them."

Li Lie took the cotton cloth with the scent of medicine, his fingers trembling. He looked at the ointment, then at Su Yang, and bowed deeply, his words condensing into a thousand unspoken thoughts.

This bow is both an expression of gratitude and an acknowledgment of the Lord.

Su Yang helped him up: "No need for formalities. From now on, we are comrades."

Li Lie stood up, looked at Su Yang with a firm gaze: "General Su, I will write down the Jianghuai Army's deployment map and the locations of the hidden agents. Some of the hidden agents need to be marked by me personally for accuracy."

"it is good."

Su Yang nodded and immediately ordered his personal guards: "Bring pen, ink, paper and inkstone, and take General Li to a side tent to rest and take good care of him."

The guards stepped forward.

Having gained Su Yang's trust, Li Lie was completely relieved and turned to leave with his personal guards.

Inside the dungeon, Su Yang gazed in the direction Li Lie had left, his eyes deep and thoughtful.

Zhao Daqi, who was standing nearby, asked in a low voice, "General, Li Lie has just surrendered. Although he is sincere, we must be wary of any tricks. Should we send someone to secretly monitor him?"

"No need."

Su Yang shook his head: "He has been driven to the brink by Du Fuwei. His family is his weakness. Once he surrenders, he will not turn back."

He paused, then added, "Pass down the order to execute Zhao Dujian and his three accomplices on the spot, thoroughly investigate their associates, and make sure to find out Du Fuwei's mole within our army."

"yes!"

Zhao Daqi accepted the order and withdrew.

The next morning, the sun rose.

Su Yang stood up on the cold jade bricks in the secret room, his proficiency in the cultivation technique improving even further.

Just as he finished washing up, Zhao Daqi came to report: "General, people from Pegasus Ranch are requesting an audience, saying they have important matters to discuss and need to see you privately."

Su Yang's eyes flickered slightly, and he took the lead in responding.

A moment later, a young man dressed in plain clothes, with light and agile steps, slipped in, carrying a square ebony box in his hands, while his attendant carried a long, thin cloth bag behind him.

The young man stood still, solemnly clasped his hands in greeting, and said, "My name is Luo Fang, the captain of the personal guard under the owner of the Pegasus Ranch. Today, I have come to pay my respects to the general on the orders of the ranch owner."

After speaking, he deliberately lowered his voice, glanced around to make sure there was no obstruction, and then said, "The owner of the venue has long admired the general's reputation and actions, and has prepared a small gift to present to you, hoping to make friends with you."

.

After saying that, he first opened the ebony box.

The box was lined with brocade, and three ginseng roots, each fifty years old, lay quietly inside. The ginseng roots were intact and of excellent quality, and the aroma of the herbs was rich but not overpowering, indicating that they had been sealed using a special method.

Next to it was a bronze token with the words "Pegasus" engraved on the front and intricate mechanical patterns on the back.

"These three ginseng roots are treasures from the ranch, and they are most effective in strengthening the body's foundation, nourishing vital energy, and clearing impurities from the dantian."

Luo Fang explained in a low voice, "Sending warhorses here now would be too conspicuous. In the future, the general can use this token to go to the ranch and collect fifty fine horses."

Su Yang's heart stirred. He knew all too well the preciousness of fifty-year-old ginseng. This stuff was of great benefit to improving one's proficiency in the Nourishing Life and Cultivating Essence Technique. Shang Xiuxun's actions were indeed extraordinary.

Then, Luo Fang untied the long, thin cloth bag, inside which were two exquisite items.

The main body is a palm-sized black iron claw, with a cold, sharp light gleaming at the tip. The end is connected to a circle of tough ice silkworm silk, which is as thin as a hair but indestructible.

"This is the Flying Divine Claw, controlled by true qi. The claw can pierce through metal and stone, and the tough threads can be long or short. It is unparalleled in climbing, capturing enemies, and breaking through enemy lines."

As Luo Fang was introducing the situation, Su Yang had already picked up the Flying Divine Claw. He activated a wisp of true energy with his fingertips, and the iron claw instantly opened and closed freely, as agile as a living thing.

He was secretly amazed. This craftsmanship would have been top-notch in the world before he transmigrated, and it was even more miraculous in this era. With this thing in hand, he would have an extra way to save his life if he encountered danger in the future.

The other piece was a soft nail, with plates as thin as cicada wings, a dull sheen, and a breathable, subtle embroidered pattern on the lining.

"This soft armor is woven from black iron sheets mixed with ice silkworm silk. It is almost impossible to detect when worn under clothing, yet it can withstand divine weapons and even deflect 30% of internal energy."

Su Yang reached out and took the soft armor. The delicate touch made him realize the significance of this gift even more—the combination of black iron and ice silkworm silk provided maximum protection without hindering movement, making it a divine weapon for both the battlefield and the martial world.

Luo Fang added, "These two ingenious artifacts are never shared with outsiders at the ranch. The ranch owner said that the general is a man capable of great things, and that gifting these treasures to a hero would prevent them from being wasted. He asks for nothing more than to establish a good relationship."

These gifts were all essential for martial arts training and actual combat, and Su Yang instantly understood Shang Xiuxun's sincerity.

This is an attempt to forge a powerful ally.

He put away the ebony box and cloth bag, and said in a deep voice, "Please thank the shop owner for me. I accept the gift. If the ranch encounters any danger in the future, I, Su Yang, will definitely not stand idly by."

"The general is righteous!"

A hint of joy flashed in Luo Fang's eyes, and he bowed and agreed: "In that case, I will not trouble the general any further."

As soon as he finished speaking, he moved swiftly and disappeared without a trace, as if he had never been there.

Inside the secret chamber, Su Yang opened the ebony box again, looked at the tokens for participation inside, and then at the Flying Divine Claw and the Xuan Iron Soft Armor beside him, a look of satisfaction appearing in his eyes.

He knew that the craftsmanship of these two exquisite artifacts and the token was most likely the work of Lu Miaozi. After all, in the original drama, these exquisite treasures were given by Lu Miaozi to Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling. It was not surprising that Shang Xiuxun's mother, who was Lu Miaozi's confidante, possessed such items.

Currently.

With Li Lie assisting in the deployment of the Qingjiang and Huai armies, and with the Feima Ranch providing external support in terms of supplies and combat power, the team felt even more confident in dealing with the plans of Du Fuwei and Huang Zhenggang.

He carefully put away the treasure, turned and walked out of the secret room, instructing Zhao Daqi, who was guarding outside the door, "Pass on my order to strengthen the defenses of the northern city, and at the same time closely monitor news from the direction of Luzhou to ensure the safe transfer of General Li's family. In addition, have the clerk prepare pen and ink, and as soon as General Li has finished resting, record the details of the Jianghuai army's deployment as he confesses."

"Yes, General!"

Zhao Daqi accepted the order and left.