419: The Ninth Mountain enters the pass and sends troops to Zhennan Prefecture (4K monthly ticket request)

“Rumble!”

The noise grew louder and louder, as if the earth dragon was rolling, causing the houses to tremble slightly, and even dust and snow sprinkled down from the cracks in the rudimentary roof.

“Oh no, could it be a demon tide?”

Shopkeeper Xiao, who was analyzing the situation and talking about going to war, felt the ground shaking, his face changed, and his eyes widened in alarm, a little terrified.

Gongsun Wuji, lying on the bed, twitched his ears and slightly lowered his eyelids, “No!”

“It’s the sound of horse hooves!”

“And the noise is coming from the north.”

“If it were a demon tide, the Fa Shan Army inside the pass would issue an early warning.”

As he spoke, Gongsun Wuji’s gaze shifted back to the farm boy behind him, and he softened his tone, “Xiao Zhi, go outside and see what’s happening?”

“Alright!” Although the boy was a little scared, he still mustered his courage and responded without hesitation, running out again.

The pharmacy shopkeeper, surnamed Xiao, heard Gongsun Wuji say this and couldn't help but raise his eyebrows, “Such a big commotion coming from the north, it must be the army! Oh, and according to the news from Jinguancheng, the Ninth Mountain has not only conscripted the entire city to build defenses, but also mobilized a large number of troops from various prefectures to gather, probably to support the front line.”

As his thoughts turned, his expression became overly worried, “It seems I was right, the Fa Shan Army is preparing for a decisive battle with the Heavenly Gate Devil, and the bounty you posted, Young Hero Gongsun, was a signal of that.”

“And observing the current situation, it’s not optimistic. Many people in the city are collecting Spiritual Plants, talismans, and even Formations, preparing a retreat. I advise Young Hero to also be prepared!”

At this point, the shopkeeper deliberately lowered his voice.

And as soon as he finished speaking, Gongsun Wuji, who was on the bed, his originally scattered gaze turned sharp, his eyes fixed on the shopkeeper surnamed Xiao, he smiled, his voice weak yet tinged with sarcasm,

“Retreat! Where can we retreat to?”

“Once Sichuan Pass falls, behind it is the central plain, with hardly any natural defenses to hold, and the Heavenly Gate Devil army can march straight in.”

“One step back is a loss. If we, before the battle, are already thinking about a retreat, the outcome is already decided without even fighting. We would also lose the backbone of a Sichuan martial artist here, and be called cowards!”

Shopkeeper Xiao’s face became somewhat unnatural upon hearing these words. If someone else had said this, he could have easily walked away in a huff, cursing them for mistaking good intentions for ill will, for being ungrateful. But with Young Hero Gongsun saying this, he couldn’t find any fault.

He knew this person was cold by nature, spoke bluntly, and easily offended people, but when it came to character, he was impeccable. Outside the pass, he almost went mad slaying demons, saving many lives from the Heavenly Gate Devil. Coupled with his cultivation as a Tian Guan Dao Soldier and his identity as a successor of the Dragon Mountain Sword Tomb, he had made quite a name for himself in Sichuan Pass, deeply respected by many Jianghu righteous individuals.

And he had also been saved by him. Moreover, every time this person returned injured from outside the pass, he would basically come here for treatment. He also had some understanding of Young Hero Gongsun's character, so he didn't argue, only his face was a little unnatural, and he sighed:

“Young Hero Gongsun is right, I was just reminding you. A great war is about to begin, and there will always be people thinking of themselves, which is unavoidable. You have been to Huxia Pass, you know more than I do. I’m just afraid that at that time, truly… truly what, that’s why I said this!”

Upon hearing this, Gongsun Wuji recalled what he had seen and heard at Huxia Pass, his pale face darkened, and his lips moved, but in the end, he said nothing.

At this moment, the rumbling sound outside the house grew even more vast, like rolling thunder, appearing alarming and foreshadowing a storm.

The rumbling sound had already entered the city. He even heard the clatter of iron armor amidst the booming of iron hooves, like a tide.

Soon, the farm boy who had just run out came back, covered in cold air and panting. The boy, whose cracked face was chapped by the ice and snow, faced the two people in the room, exclaiming with excitement,

“Great Hero Gongsun!”

“So many troops have entered the city, how majestic!”

“It’s the Ninth Mountain, the Ninth Mountain has arrived!”

When the boy said the last sentence, his tone clearly rose significantly, full of excitement.

Ninth Mountain!

This name, in the entire Sichuan region, has now become a symbol, invincible, insurmountable, carrying the hopes of countless people, and more so due to reasons of personal admiration.

That Ninth Mountain Zhonglang General, had left a significant mark in Sichuan Pass!

The boy's excited shouts echoed in the room. On the bed, Gongsun Wuji's originally pale expression quickly flushed with a hint of red after hearing the name. He couldn't help but straighten his body, leaning against the headboard, and looked at the boy named “Xiao Zhi,” asking seriously:

“Did you see clearly?”

The boy nodded vigorously, “Yes, it’s the Fashan Flag of the Ninth Mountain!”

At this, Gongsun Wuji seemed to take a breath, his face regaining a trace of luster, and he looked at the shopkeeper surnamed Xiao,

“Now, I’m afraid no one will dare to retreat.”

“The Ninth Mountain has killed no fewer people than the Heavenly Gate Devil.”

“That Zhonglang General,”

Gongsun Wuji paused here, a look of recollection in his eyes, his tone firm,

“Is someone who can bring miracles!”

Few people knew that he, an unknown person, was acquainted with that Ninth Mountain Zhonglang General, who was renowned throughout Sichuan!

More than a year ago, he and Chen Yuan met on a rumored treasure ship. He was trapped in the ship, and the other party rescued the people of Qingshan County and a few of them from the ship. At that time, the other party was only a Patrolling Mountain Commandant of Qingshan County, resisting the demon cult.

Not long after, when they met again, Chen Yuan had already taken office as the Ninth Mountain Zhonglang General, eradicating the demon cult that plagued Baidi City, and was ordered to suppress the rebellion at Tianxiong Pass. On the way, he encountered him, who was cultivating in the deep mountains and being hunted, and the other party once again helped him out of trouble.

After that, the news of Chen Yuan that came from the battlefield was a series of astonishing reports.

Recapturing Weiyuan Pass, fighting the Wucang Great Demon, breaking through to Wu Zang in a desperate situation, and the great victory at Sichuan Pass.

Oh, right, during that great victory at Sichuan Pass, he saw Chen Yuan from afar, but he didn't go forward.

He didn’t know if he could be considered an “old acquaintance.” In his memory, the other party was a person of great spirit, and he didn’t go forward to disturb him.

The other party’s astonishing rise had a tremendous impact and shock on him, and also made him feel somewhat ashamed!

But his heart was filled with respect!

A true man should be like this!

At this moment, in Sichuan Pass, on North Street, the night was bustling.

White snow illuminated the night, cold light on iron armor, and the thunderous roar of horse hooves shook the heavens. A torrent of steel roared into the pass from outside the city.

Weapons and armor clashing, their Qi swallowing thousands of miles like a tiger.

This commotion shook the pass, and gazes followed, exclamations rising one after another.

“The Ninth Mountain Fashan Flag!” Someone’s face was shaken.

“Aren’t they stationed in Jinguancheng? Why are they here?” Someone wondered in surprise.

“Even the Ninth Mountain has come, it seems a war is truly about to break out!” Another person whispered urgently, their face turning somewhat grim.

On North Street, a cold light gleamed, and ten thousand horses galloped wildly!

On each towering horse, armored soldiers, clad in heavy armor with three Fashan Flags Insert in their backs, looked like fierce beasts, filled with a strong and fervent murderous Qi.

The iron armor formed a continuous expanse, stretching as far as the eye could see, vast and mighty, with Evil Qi piercing the sky. Amidst the fluttering banners, golden-edged mountain patterns were revealed.

It was indeed the Ninth Mountain Fashan Flag!

This sight and Aura made the sweeping gazes involuntarily shrink. The momentum of these troops was like Vicious Beasts unleashed, unstoppable.

Leading the charge was a burly, broad-shouldered man in red armor, with dark skin and piercing eyes!

Piaoji Lu Ming, under the command of the Ninth Mountain, led the Right Route Divine Might Army, totaling over eleven thousand cavalry. They departed from Jinguancheng and, after two days and nights, traveled over four thousand one hundred li, arriving at Sichuan Pass.

His eyes shone with a profound divine light, and as he galloped, a blazing fire danced in his eyes, like the scorching sun amidst the ice and snow.

On his left and right sides, four armored soldiers in green robes exuded an impressive Aura, their vital energy surging, clearly having reached the Heavenly Gate Realm. The vital energy pulsating and emanating from their bodies indicated that these four had only recently broken through.

These four were Lu Ming's old subordinates, who were stuck at a Bottleneck before the army was dispatched. A few days ago, after refining a large amount of Heavenly Gate Devil blood essence, they finally broke through to the Heavenly Gate in one fell swoop.

And with the help of those Heavenly Gate Devil blood and flesh, a total of thirteen people successfully broke through to the Heavenly Gate in that batch!

Even more soldiers broke through minor Realms.

With the help of over a hundred Heavenly Gate Devil's blood and flesh, the overall strength of the Ninth Mountain Army ascended to a higher level!

Lu Ming led his iron cavalry directly to the Fa Shan Army's garrison in the city. At full gallop, the rumbling torrent soon reached the Fa Shan Army's garrison.

The garrison gate opened directly, and ten thousand horses neighed in unison, charging in against the wind and snow.

A quarter of an hour later, Lu Ming appeared in the snowy corridor in front of the main discussion hall, carrying his helmet in the crook of his arm, striding like a Dragon. His cloak flapped in the wind as he headed straight for the main discussion hall.

At this moment, the main discussion hall was brightly lit.

“Clang”

“Clang”

“Clang”

He ascended the steps, his red armor making heavy sounds.

When he reached the entrance of the main hall, the large doors opened without wind, and Lu Ming stepped inside.

At this moment, inside the main hall, the atmosphere was solemn, with figures in armor seated. In the front row, there were even a few figures in civilian clothes, their Aura like a deep abyss, clearly present!

Lu Ming strode in, came to the center of the hall, bowed slightly, and saluted the figure at the head with both hands, his voice powerful, “Your subordinate Lu Ming, by order of my Junior General, greets Commander Pei!”

At the head of the table, Pei Yanhu stepped down and slowly helped Lu Ming up, his voice steady and earnest, “It was a hard journey, but you’ve arrived just in time. Your general has a new mission, and he’s been waiting for you!”

“Have a seat!”

Lu Ming’s eyes flashed brightly upon hearing this, but he quickly concealed it, nodded, then turned sideways and went directly to the end of the left side to sit down, next to the Twelfth Mountain Zhonglang General.

In the main hall, the remaining Zhonglang Generals of the Fa Shan Army, from the Second, Fourth, Sixth, Seventh, and Twelfth Mountains, were clearly present, seated in order on the left side.

And on the right side, there were also five people.

These five individuals were Yi Cangtian, the Sect Head of the Shu Mountain Sword Sect, who was stationed in Sichuan Pass; “Divine Nun,” the former Sect Head of the Su Nu Sword Sect; Yang Shan, one of the Eight Mountain Masters of Wudao Mountain; his Junior Brother Ling Yunzi; and Zhao Quanzhen.

Four Wu Zang, five Zhonglang Generals, plus the more than ten thousand iron cavalry of the Ninth Mountain represented by Lu Ming, the top combat forces of Sichuan Pass were gathered here to discuss important matters.

And the outcome of this important matter was not yet clear.

But the atmosphere in the hall had already become solemn and heavy.

After Lu Ming took his seat, he saw Ling Yunzi and Zhao Quanzhen, the master and Disciple, opposite him, and was somewhat surprised.

This master and Disciple pair had appeared at Fulong Ridge, and later followed the General back to the Ninth Mountain, having a brief acquaintance. He had also heard Cloud Skyborn mention the origins of this master and Disciple pair.

Just as he noticed them, Zhao Quanzhen, from across the table, cupped his fists at him.

Lu Ming returned the gesture, somewhat surprised during the process. This True Disciple of Wudao Mountain had undergone a significant change in temperament compared to a few months ago.

In fact, not only was Lu Ming surprised by the appearance of these three, but the five Fa Shan Army Zhonglang Generals were also confused by their presence, including the appearance of Lu Ming, the Piaoji of the Ninth Mountain.

The five of them had been notified to attend a meeting an incense stick ago, only to find that they were not the only ones attending.

Today, four Wu Zang appeared, and the Ninth Mountain's leading Piaoji brought his army into the pass in a mighty torrent, making them feel that a storm was brewing.

Even they were kept in the dark, having received no prior notice, which showed the seriousness of the matter. The atmosphere was silent, waiting for Pei Yanhu to speak.

Pei Yanhu returned to his seat, his tiger eyes scanning both sides, finally resting on the three individuals from Wudao Mountain on the right side. He slowly began,

“Allow me to introduce first. These three, this is Senior Yang Shan, one of the Eight Mountain Masters of Wudao Mountain. This is his Junior Brother, Senior Ling Yunzi. And this young hero is Senior Ling Yunzi’s esteemed Disciple.”

“These three esteemed masters and heroes, three days ago, launched a night raid on the Zhennan Prefecture, which was occupied by the Heavenly Dog Yao Race. They braved life and death, successfully broke through the Formation, and obtained first-hand intelligence regarding the teleportation Formation in that city!”

Pei Yanhu introduced the origins of the three and explained why they were seated there.

Upon hearing this, the Zhonglang Generals’ eyes widened in shock. No wonder.

However, they knew that what was to be said next was the main point, so they did not interrupt.

Not only them, but apart from Lu Ming, who was in the know, the three from Wudao Mountain and the two Wu Zang stationed in Sichuan Pass were also waiting for Pei Yanhu’s next words.

After getting the intelligence, then what?

Pei Yanhu took in the expressions of everyone present, his large hand gripping the armrest of the chair tightly, leaving a few clear fingerprint on the iron-wood chair, which was as hard as metal. Then, his eyes fixed, bloodshot lines appearing around his eyes,

“Next, Sichuan Pass plans to send troops to Zhennan Prefecture!”

As his words fell, the faces of everyone in the hall changed.

The three from Wudao Mountain exchanged glances, some frowning, some looking peculiar, unable to discern the logic behind it.

The intelligence they obtained did not seem sufficient to support sending troops to Zhennan Prefecture; they had not destroyed the Yao Race’s teleportation Formation in that city.

“Commander, why is this?”

“You also know that we don’t have the capability to send troops, and once we do, it will affect everything, this…”

The Sixth Mountain Zhonglang General immediately stood up, his face anxious.

The other Zhonglang Generals pondered, not speaking further. Although they frowned, for such a major matter, Commander Pei would not be joking, and there must be reasons they were unaware of.

Facing the question, Pei Yanhu knew the truth had to be revealed, after all, it concerned so many lives.

The reason he gave such an order was because Gongsun Yang had received Chen Yuan's reply about preparing to send troops that afternoon.

According to Gongsun Yang, the General already knew what that tree was and would take action as soon as possible, telling them to start preparing as well.

He hadn't expected it to be so soon.

Pei Yanhu's eyes flashed, his expression solemn, “What I am about to say concerns the life and death of our front line. All of you here have rendered great service and virtue to my Jiannan Road, so you must keep this absolutely confidential.”

His gaze slowly shifted, inadvertently sweeping over the three from Wudao Mountain.

He had investigated these three, and from Gongsun Yang, and from the soldiers who were among the first batch to retreat from Zhennan Prefecture that afternoon, he had received confirmation that they could be trusted. Moreover, he hoped to receive the help of these three in the upcoming plan.

Finally, he looked at Lu Ming, who was seated at the far end of the left side, “Lu Ming, I’ll leave it to you to speak!”

Lu Ming received the order, rose sharply, his eyes bright, and cupped his fists towards everyone present,

“This time, the Right Route Divine Might Army of my Ninth Mountain will lead the expedition!”

“And this time, the expedition is to bring our General back from the Ten Thousand Mountains!” (End of chapter)