151: Chen Yanwang

Chapter 151:

"Gee-up!"

"Gee-up!"

"Gee-up!"

The sky was vast, the wilderness boundless, with the setting sun casting its distant light.

South of Tianxiong Pass, over a thousand li away, amidst the sprawling mountains, the evening glow spilled across the peaks and forests.

Towards the official road leading to Jinguancheng, a mighty army galloped, urging their horses faster, their shouts echoing through the woods, while three different banners flapped in the wind.

These were the Fa Shan Army from the Fourth Mountain, the Ninth Mountain, and the Sword Pavilion Army from Jiange Pass, who had withdrawn from Tianxiong Pass!

They had galloped non-stop from dawn till dusk, covering over a thousand li, without looking back.

As time passed,

"Rumble!"

From the mountain forests and streams to the side, banners suddenly appeared.

More and more soldiers poured from all directions onto the official road leading to Jinguancheng.

"Seventh Mountain!"

"Eighth Mountain!"

"..."

It was as if a grand military rendezvous was taking place!

Then, several streaks of light cut across the sky, followed by shouts.

"Brother Chang!"

"Junior General Sheng!"

"Is Brother Wu from Jiange Pass here too?"

"Seventh Junior General, long time no see."

"..."

Several figures met in the midst of the mountains.

"It seems you all received the news too, alas." Someone sighed, shaking his head.

"Chen Yuan is gone, we are heartbroken, I swear I will not rest until those beasts are dead!" Someone gritted his teeth.

"Youmen Pass has been breached, and the entire southern Bashu region is likely to fall. This time, the demons from the Ten Thousand Mountains have clearly made thorough and complete preparations. First, they used the Demonic Dao Fruit Assembly to cause chaos everywhere, forcing us to disperse our forces, and then they breached Youmen Pass. This time, it probably won't end well." Someone frowned.

"By the way, Junior General Wu, you are the Zhonglang General guarding Jiange Pass. Logically, you should be in your Jiange City. How is it that you're with Chang Junior General? Also, it's strange, why is the Ninth Mountain's banner here? Aren't they...?"

The speaker was the Zhonglang General of the Fa Shan Army's Seventh Mountain. He wanted to say, wasn't the Zhonglang General of the Ninth Mountain already fallen, and their entire military structure crippled?

Among the few, General Wu Sheng, dressed in bronze armor, heard this and his expression became complex, "This matter is a long story."

Just as he was speaking, in the far distance of the official road, a streak of silver light rapidly grew from far to near, followed by a familiar eagle's cry.

The few figures in the sky immediately stopped their conversation, their gazes fixed on the silver light.

They knew it must be a messenger from the Fushi!

Indeed, an Ao Tian Falcon swiftly appeared. Upon flying close to the meeting Zhonglang Generals, its silver-iron-like wings flapped backward, bringing it to a halt.

On its back, a messenger, with three red signal flags stuck behind him, bowed with cupped hands: "I didn't expect you gentlemen to have already converged. The Deputy Commander has already sent three consecutive orders, instructing you to return to Yunding Mountain for deliberation without delay."

After speaking, this armored messenger, who had met Chen Yuan twice, looked at the few generals and then down below, and quickly asked:

"May I ask all Zhonglang Generals, where is Junior General Chen of the Ninth Mountain?"

"The Deputy Commander specifically requested to see him!"

At this, the two Fa Shan Zhonglang Generals who had just arrived for the rendezvous were somewhat surprised,

"Junior General Chen of the Ninth Mountain?"

"The new one? The Deputy Commander personally requested him?"

Several questions swirled in the minds of the two Zhonglang Generals from the Seventh and Eighth Mountains.

However, Junior General General Wu Sheng of the Third Mountain spoke at this moment: "Chen Yuan is presiding over the suppression of the rebellion at Tianxiong Pass and is in the final stages. He has ordered us to lead the troops back first!"

After all, with three consecutive orders, the Fushi must be in a hurry, so an explanation was necessary.

As he spoke, a glint flashed in General Wu Sheng's eyes. He recalled the decisive actions of Junior General Chen after the bad news arrived, and he couldn't help but praise him.

"Chen Yuan?"

This subtle difference in address was keenly caught by the remaining two Fa Shan Zhonglang Generals, who were somewhat surprised.

"I haven't changed my habit yet. When Junior General Chen was at Tianxiong Pass, he temporarily acted as our commanding general, so calling him that is understandable."

Colonel Chang Shan's expression remained unchanged as he said lightly, not finding anything amiss.

"Yes! The Commander said that Junior General Chen's meritorious service at Tianxiong Pass will be celebrated with a seal bestowal ceremony for him!"

"What?!"

...

Meanwhile, at dusk that day, Tianxiong Pass, a dozen li outside the South City, on Jiuming Mountain.

From atop the cliff, one could overlook the mighty pass in the distance.

At this moment, the sound of horse hooves echoed through the mountain forest.

Then, an excited voice came.

"Big Brother, Tianxiong Pass is just ahead! It's in chaos right now, with all the factions uniting to counterattack the Sky Patrol Division. Heh, this is great! Heroes emerge in troubled times, and such a big piece of cake should definitely have a slice for our Five Heroes of Zuoling!"

"Hmm, Valley Master Cao of the Duanbing Shop sent someone to say that all the factions have already persuaded two old recluses who have been in closed-door cultivation for years. They've called us to join the fray, promising us a territory in the East City if this succeeds. If they dare to go back on their word, I'll butcher them." A rough voice responded.

"..."

As the voices approached the cliff, five figures leading on horseback gradually emerged.

Behind them followed a group of people dressed in various coarse clothes, of different builds, carrying all sorts of knives, spears, rods, and "eighteen types" of weapons.

Roughly three to four hundred people!

Every single one of them had shifty eyes and crooked brows, not looking like good people!

At the front, the two speaking men included one with bell-like eyes, a somewhat fierce and evil appearance, spitting wildly, and carrying a large bronze-ringed saber on his shoulder, with nine bronze rings passing through the saber's arm, striking the blade and producing a crisp clanging sound.

He possessed Major Achievement in Body Profound cultivation!

The other was skinny and gaunt, with a rat-like face and pointed mouth, and small eyes gleaming with excitement.

From their conversation, it seemed these people were heading to Tianxiong Pass to take advantage of the chaos and offer support.

At this moment, among the remaining three people on horseback, someone suddenly exclaimed:

"Boss, someone's here!"

Saying that, his gaze turned towards the edge of the cliff.

Instantly, the big man with the saber froze, following the gaze.

He saw, at the edge of the cliff under the setting sun,

A figure in green robes was seated. Most striking was the ten-foot-long spear stuck beside him.

The black spear shaft felt weighty, and its blood-glowing, three-pointed, double-edged tip gave a shocking impression.

"Neigh!"

The horses beneath the five men seemed to sense a strong unease. Their hooves lifted, and they became violently agitated.

"Big Brother?"

A subordinate quickly gave the saber-wielding big man a look, implying that this person seemed a bit dangerous.

"Third Brother, what are you afraid of?" The saber-wielding big man scolded, then turned to look at the back of the figure blocking their path, and then said, "When traveling the Jianghu, everyone you meet is a friend!"

He was actually a bit uncertain in his heart, narrowing his eyes slightly.

"Friend!"

"Our five brothers are passing through this precious land, preparing to do some business in Tianxiong Pass. Please let us pass."

"Or perhaps, friend, you are also a man of passion, and would like to join us? Our Five Heroes of Zuoling welcome Jianghu heroes the most. Let's work together with shared aspirations to achieve great things."

"I'm the boss!"

"I'm the second!"

"..."

"I'm the fifth!"

At the edge of the cliff, the voices reached the ears of the green-robed figure. Chen Yuan opened his eyes.

He looked at Tianxiong Pass in the distance, from a high vantage point, golden light swirling in his eyes, with fleeting images within.

In the fleeting images, war drums boomed within the Inner City, and fierce fighting erupted outside the city. The Sky Patrol Division's frantic actions had driven the twenty to thirty forces on their list to desperation, uniting them in a swift counterattack. The Sky Patrol Division was holed up within the city, and the situation appeared to be a stalemate.

But Wei Zhong had not yet sent a signal, indicating that the time was not yet ripe.

Everything was proceeding in an orderly fashion!

Last night, after hearing the bad news from the Dao Fu Division, Chen Yuan and the others were to withdraw to Jinguancheng. However, the rebellion at Tianxiong Pass had just been suppressed and the aftermath not yet cleared. It was foreseeable that once they withdrew, and the news of Youmen Pass's fall spread, nine times out of ten, things would return to their old state, with undercurrents surging. At that point, whether the Dao Fu Division would even have the strength to suppress the rebellion would be an unknown.

The entire plan was disrupted by the sudden news. Chen Yuan did not want his achievements to all go to waste, ending up with nothing.

Therefore, last night, Chen Yuan discussed a plan with the other three Zhonglang Generals!

A compassionate general does not command troops; stratagem is not too much in warfare.

Those who participated in the rebellion of the three factions, or those with malicious intentions and restless ambitions, would all be wiped out in one go this time.

First, they would release the news of Youmen Pass's fall, then, in front of everyone, withdraw their troops, and then force those who wrote self-incriminating letters to reveal their true colors, bringing out more people with similar intentions.

This was called cutting the Gordian knot swiftly!

They couldn't give these people time to react!

He had waited here all day, not for Wei Zhong's signal, but unexpectedly for a group of bandits heading to Tianxiong Pass to take advantage of the chaos!

"May I ask what kind of business you gentlemen are doing?"

Chen Yuan spoke with his back turned, his voice calm.

"Friend, you must have heard the commotion from afar, right? Tianxiong Pass is in complete chaos now, and the Sky Patrol Division is almost finished. I heard the Sky Patrol Division went mad, forcing various factions to rebel. I received word that even two old recluses in the city, who have been in closed-door cultivation for years, are going to act. Those are Heavenly Gate Realm experts! Why don't we all go and get a share of the spoils?"

"Oh, is that so?"

Chen Yuan stood up, turned his head, and raised his sword-like eyebrows, showing an expression of considerable interest.

At this moment, behind the so-called "Five Heroes of Zuoling," there was a young man dressed in a black robe with a white collar and a hammer embroidered on his cuff. He had been looking at the Three-Pointed, Double-Edged Spear with uncertainty. When Chen Yuan turned around and he saw Chen Yuan's face, the young man's pupils suddenly widened, revealing a look of horror.

"Run! Run!"

He cried out, his voice becoming extremely sharp.

Then, he quickly slapped his horse, scared out of his wits, startling the crowd behind him.

The Five Heroes of Zuoling didn't know what had happened, only hearing that voice filled with terror and fear. The eldest, who was the saber-wielding big man, frowned fiercely and suddenly grabbed at the young man who wanted to run.

His large palm reached out, grabbing the other party into his hand as if he were carrying a small chick, and he said impatiently, "Why are you running?"

This person was sent by Valley Master Cao of the Duanbing Shop to deliver a message and invite them to join.

The Qi Refining Disciple from the Duanbing Shop, at this moment, was pale. After glancing at Chen Yuan, his emotions spiraled even further out of control.

"Run!"

"He didn't leave!"

"He's Chen Yanwang!"

"We're all going to die!"

As he spoke, the Duanbing Shop Disciple's voice trembled violently, and he looked as if all his strength had been drained.

And as soon as the words "He's Chen Yanwang" came out, the Five Heroes of Zuoling instantly changed color dramatically. Their horses immediately startled, and neighs echoed.

As a group of bandits entrenched outside Tianxiong Pass, the name "Chen Yanwang," though they had not seen his face, resonated like thunder!

Rumor had it that this person had a ferocious face, green mouth, and fangs, capable of stopping children from crying at night!

He... didn't he leave?

Just as these bandits stared wide-eyed in terror at Chen Yuan, whose face was like jade and eyes like bright stars,

In the distance, within Tianxiong Pass, a mighty roar erupted. In the far distance, two enormous beams of light were bombarding the Inner City!

Then, from within the Inner City, a streak of light shot into the sky, blossoming into dazzling fireworks high above.

Upon seeing this, Chen Yuan's eyes shot out brilliant light.

Finally, a fish had taken the bait!

The next second, atop the flying cliff, the spear roared mightily.

As the spear shaft vibrated, the sky and earth immediately shook. The entire flying cliff, centered on the spear shaft, rapidly cracked into hideous fissures that spread outwards. Streaks of spear force surged along the fissures.

"Ah!"

A scream was heard.

One of the Five Heroes of Zuoling, as the fissures rapidly spread to his feet, was then, along with his horse, directly torn apart by an invisible force.

Then, wherever the fissures passed, the mountain collapsed, crumbling down.

Screams of terror erupted.

People and horses fell off the cliff.

At the same time, the long spear roared, growing explosively against the wind, reaching a massive twenty zhang.

In an instant, a point of brilliant cold light suddenly blossomed in the Void Realm.

Then, the cold light flashed, like a meteor plummeting, heading straight for Tianxiong Pass.

On the other side, within the Inner City of Tianxiong Pass, a massive green formation stood tall. Below the city walls to the east, west, south, and north, streaks of True Qi and talismans were wildly smashing against this formation.

The twenty-odd second and third-rate forces on Tianxiong City's self-incrimination list were now counterattacking the Inner City.

And their reliance,

Was the two old men high in the sky, currently manipulating Dao soldiers.

One, with sparse hair, dressed in hemp clothes, as thin as a withered corpse, with sunken eye sockets, was wielding a large green sword, five or six zhang long, its Sword Qi directly slashing at the Inner City's grand formation.

The other, an old man whose entire skin resembled withered tree bark, was manipulating a golden bell, ringing wildly with "clang, clang, clang" sounds. Rings of golden ripples spread out, continuously crashing against the green light screen.

These two old men, nearly half-buried in the earth, were persuaded to come out of their closed-door cultivation by the pleas and lobbying of various families, thinking that their Breakthrough was hopeless and wanting to leave some benefits for their descendants!

"Who would have thought that we two old fellows, almost in our graves, would do something big."

"Old immortal, stop hiding! Quickly break this formation." The old man whose entire body resembled withered tree bark, swept his gaze towards the Inner City with a sinister smile, saying:

"Youngster Wei, stop hiding! Come fight us two."

However, at this moment, within the Inner City, their response was a streak of light suddenly rising, then exploding high in the sky.

What is this?

The eyelids of the two old men twitched.

The offensive of the other factions also suddenly halted.

Immediately following, a howl echoed through the heavens and earth, piercing the long sky.

The next second, a cold star, like a meteor chasing the moon, swiftly streaked across the sky.

Suddenly bursting forth!

A Three-Pointed, Double-Edged Spear, like lightning, slashed directly towards the old man whose entire body resembled withered tree bark.

The old man's pupils contracted sharply.

He blocked with his golden bell.

"Clang!"

A mighty roar.

But the next second, the bell exploded into fragments.

A line of blood splattered across the sky.

In the distance, at Tianxiang Pavilion, a graceful figure watched this scene.

"I knew he didn't leave."

Recently, accompanying my wife for prenatal check-ups, there have been some anxious situations, which have led to my poor state recently. My writing has been a bit dry. I apologize to everyone in advance, and I will adjust as soon as possible.