444: Hu Weibang, the warlord of Sanshui County! He used unorthodox methods to attack the mainland.

Chapter 436: Warlord Hu Weibang of Sanshui County! Heretical Cultivators Attack Lu Xuan!

Xia Yu Kingdom, a feudal state similar to the Republic of China era, formed after the collapse of the previous imperial power.

It was divided into thirteen states, with counties under each state.

Qingzhou, the state where Lu Xuan currently resided, was located in the southeast, a crucial land and water hub, rich in resources. However, this also made it a battleground for strategists, with intricate internal forces.

The entire state had twenty counties, currently controlled by more than a dozen warlords of varying sizes.

Just three days after Lu Xuan returned from General Mountain, a group of well-dressed, uninvited guests arrived outside the city gate of Dingnan County.

The leader was a middle-aged scholar wearing gold-rimmed glasses and a neatly ironed Zhongshan suit.

Holding a gilded invitation, he loudly declared to the guards on the city wall, "Zhou Zhili, Secretary-General under Marshal Hu of Sanshui County, has come specifically to pay respects to Marshal Lu and present a personal letter from my Marshal Hu!"

The news quickly reached Lu Xuan's villa.

"Marshal, that old fox Hu Weibang, he acts quickly," Deputy Officer Mo presented the invitation, extremely cautious. "A weasel paying respects to a chicken certainly has no good intentions."

Lu Xuan took the invitation, his fingertips lightly tracing the gilded characters on it, and an extremely faint, chilling Evil Qi attempting to penetrate his body was instantly dispersed.

"Evil Qi infused in ink, to confuse the mind? A trivial trick."

Then, Lu Xuan unfolded the invitation, which contained Hu Weibang's smooth and humble words.

The general meaning was:

"I heard that Marshal Lu recently obtained a great Treasure Trove from an Ancient Tomb, and I am filled with admiration.

However, a man's wealth is his ruin, and surrounding wolves are circling. I fear the Marshal might be unable to stand alone.

I have specially prepared a humble banquet at 'Wangjiang Tower,' located at the border of our two counties, and wish to discuss with the Marshal the grand plan of forming an alliance against enemies, to jointly ensure the peace of this region, and so on."

After reading the content of the invitation, Lu Xuan casually tossed it to Deputy Officer Mo.

Deputy Officer Mo quickly caught it and, along with the Feng Shui Advisor who leaned over, examined it carefully.

A moment later, both their expressions changed.

"Marshal, you must not go!" the Feng Shui Advisor spoke first, anxiously. "Wangjiang Tower is built by the river, with complex terrain, making it very easy to set up an ambush!

Furthermore, Hu Weibang, though seemingly benevolent, is cunning at heart. His subordinates have gathered all sorts of people, and there must be strange individuals assisting him."

"This banquet is likely a Hongmen banquet, specifically designed to trap the Marshal!"

Deputy Officer Mo immediately followed up, advising, "Marshal, the Master's words are absolutely correct! That Hu Weibang is nicknamed 'Smiling Tiger,' and he's notorious for hiding a dagger in his smile."

A fierce look appeared on his face as he lowered his voice: "His invitation now is not for an alliance; it's clearly because he's jealous of our gains from General Mountain, and he covets our three counties!"

"He just wants to use such despicable methods to defeat our Dingnan Army!"

"If you ask me, we should just ignore him, or..." Deputy Officer Mo's eyes flashed with a fierce light, and he made a slashing gesture, "Let my subordinates lead a team of brothers to ambush Wangjiang Tower in advance and strike first!

Directly eliminate that old fox Hu Weibang, and then take the opportunity to annex his Sanshui County!"

As soon as these words were spoken, the Feng Shui Advisor beside him nodded slightly, apparently also thinking this was a good opportunity.

Although the Dingnan Army occupied three counties, most were barren mountainous areas with limited output.

However, Sanshui County, occupied by Hu Weibang, had land and water docks, prosperous commerce, and fertile land, making it one of the richest counties in the surrounding area. The Dingnan Army had long been envious.

Hu Weibang coveted the Dingnan Army's three counties and the Ancient Tomb's Treasure Trove, but how could the Dingnan Army not covet his oil-rich Sanshui County?

This chaotic world was inherently a hunting ground where everyone devoured each other.

Throughout history, the best way to deal with enemies was to hold a meeting.

This method always worked, and how could Lu Xuan not understand that?

Coincidentally, he also wanted to take it easy. If the other side dared to come to a meeting, Lu Xuan guaranteed he would make them cry out to heaven and earth in vain!

"You two lead a thousand elites and wait five li away from Wangjiang Tower."

"I, the Marshal, will go personally."

"Marshal, absolutely not!"

Deputy Officer Mo and the Feng Shui Advisor were stunned at first, then their expressions drastically changed, and they almost simultaneously blurted out their objections.

For the Marshal to go into such danger personally was truly too risky.

"I, the Marshal, have my own arrangements."

Deputy Officer Mo and the Feng Shui Advisor trembled all over, all their words of protest caught in their throats, and they quickly bowed deeply.

"Yes! Marshal! Your subordinate obeys!"

Only then did they suddenly realize—the man before them was no longer the Marshal they had to constantly guard.

The Marshal was a Land Immortal who could freely draw Divine Talismans, exterminate flying zombies, and summon heavenly might!

Yes, the Marshal had various Divine Talismans protecting him, and his Divine Abilities were unfathomable.

Let alone dealing with a "Smiling Tiger," even conquering the world alone was not impossible!

Their previous worries seemed so superfluous and ridiculous in the face of absolute power.

When they looked up again, their eyes held only absolute reverence and fanatical trust.

The Smiling Tiger Hu Weibang was destined to completely disappear from this world.

And that prosperous Sanshui County would surely fall into the Dingnan Army's hands!

The next day, at Wangjiang Tower.

The tower stood isolated by the river, with excellent scenery. Downstairs, there were noticeably more capable "employees" patrolling back and forth, their eyes sharp, their waists bulging.

In the private room on the top floor, a window facing the river was wide open, and the river breeze gently rustled the delicate gauze curtains.

The banquet was already prepared, with a dazzling array of delicacies from mountains and seas.

When Hu Weibang, sitting in the main seat, saw Lu Xuan enter, especially noting that only about fifty soldiers followed him, he caught a fleeting, imperceptible glint of shrewdness and disdain in his eyes.

However, his face instantly broke into an extremely warm and effusive smile, and he actively rose from the main seat to greet him.

"Oh, Marshal Lu! Your esteemed presence honors us! Please, take the main seat!"

Hu Weibang acted extremely humbly, even personally leading Lu Xuan to his seat, placing him in the honored guest's position at the head of the table.

What was most striking was a woman Hu Weibang had specially arranged by Lu Xuan's side.

This woman, about sixteen years old, wore a moon-white cheongsam embroidered with twin lotuses. The fabric was exquisite, the cut elegant, perfectly outlining her breathtaking curves.

Her features were picturesque, her skin fairer than snow, with almond eyes and peach-blush cheeks. The flow of her eyes carried a delicate charm that made one feel pity, exactly the type of Jiangnan beauty the original body favored most.

Before Lu Xuan could ask, Hu Weibang smiled and introduced her, his tone carrying an ambiguous hint that all men understood: "Marshal Lu, this is Young Miss Su Wan. She is a renowned talented lady in our Sanshui County, proficient in all arts—zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting—and especially skilled at the pipa."

"Hearing of your elegance, I specially invited her to add to the enjoyment of today's banquet. I hope Marshal Lu will not find her wanting."

Upon hearing this, Su Wan rose and curtsied gracefully to Lu Xuan, her movements elegant, her neck slightly bowed, revealing a section of fair and delicate skin, her voice soft and intoxicating.

"Wan'er greets Marshal Lu."

When she looked up at Lu Xuan, her eyes were like spring water, containing just the right amount of shyness and admiration.

Any normal man, faced with such stunning beauty and deliberate charm, would likely find it hard to maintain composure.

Hu Weibang observed Lu Xuan's reaction carefully from the side, a cold sneer in his heart.

A hero is often undone by a beauty, let alone a lecherous brute like you?

As soon as your mind relaxes even slightly, it will be your death!

Lu Xuan calmly glanced at Su Wan, as if appreciating a delicate piece of porcelain, and nodded slightly in response.

Under his Heavenly Master's Heavenly Eye, all disguises and illusions had nowhere to hide.

This woman seemed frail, but her steps subtly contained a method, light as a feather.

Her breathing was long and subtle, far exceeding that of ordinary people. She clearly possessed an impressive charm Spell, belonging to the heterodox path.

Hu Weibang's scheme was indeed vicious.

If the one sitting here were still the original body, that lustful glutton, facing such stunning beauty and deliberately accommodating charm, he would probably have already been swayed, his bones half-numb, with no trace of vigilance left.

At that time, with killing intent upon him, he probably wouldn't even know how he died.

At this moment, Hu Weibang introduced a few people accompanying them at the table: "This is Director Wang of the Chamber of Commerce, this is local gentry Master Li..."

He paused slightly when introducing the last two silent, ordinarily dressed old men, then chuckled.

"These two are my house guests. They have some rudimentary knowledge of health preservation, so I brought them out to see the world."

Lu Xuan's gaze seemed to casually sweep over the two "house guests" standing behind Hu Weibang.

One was gaunt, like a withered bamboo in the wind, his hands tucked into his sleeves. But his occasionally exposed fingers had inch-long, grayish-white nails.

His eyes appeared cloudy, but deep within, an unsettling green light flickered faintly.

A Gu Master.

Lu Xuan immediately made a judgment in his heart. This evil Spell, using various poisonous insects as a medium, devastated lives and was incredibly sinister.

The other had a ruddy complexion and always wore a harmless, gentle smile, as if he were a kind elder.

However, the inconspicuous black gourd hanging from his waist subtly emitted a strange fluctuation that could captivate souls and disturb the mind.

The path of the Soul Capture Sect, specializing in attacking souls, adept at illusions and control, also a prominent figure among heterodox Cultivators.

Hu Weibang had truly "gone to great lengths" to deal with him, gathering these ghosts and monsters.

Lu Xuan's face remained unperturbed; he even picked up a teacup and took a light sip, as if merely observing two insignificant ornaments.

In the eyes of him, a Heavenly Master, these tricks of the heterodox path were nothing more than demons and goblins, easily eliminated.

After three rounds of wine and five courses, Hu Weibang, seeing the atmosphere was "harmonious," felt the time was right and began to expound on the "benefits" of an alliance.

His words were earnest, feigning concern for Lu Xuan: "Marshal Lu, your acquisition of the former dynasty's Treasure Trove is truly enviable, but... such great fortune can sometimes be a hot potato."

Hu Weibang feigned a worried expression: "You must know that 'Mad Dog' Zhang Tianbiao has long coveted your three counties!

He has ten thousand guns, controls the coal mines of Heishi County, and his soldiers are fierce and brave; he's not to be trifled with!"

"And there's 'Stone Buddha' Zhao Shouchang, with eight thousand men, guarding the treacherous mountain pass of Pan'an County, also a difficult character."

At this point, Hu Weibang leaned closer, lowering his voice as if sharing a secret.

"To be honest with you, Marshal Lu, both of them have sent people to contact me, intending to harm you!"

Changing his tone, a "sincere" smile appeared on his face.

"But! As long as you, Marshal, are willing to show sincerity and cooperate wholeheartedly with me... I, Hu, am not without some influence in Qingzhou. If I mediate, I guarantee that Zhang Tianbiao and Zhao Shouchang will not dare to touch a hair on you!"

After Hu Weibang finished speaking, he extended two fingers, then felt it wasn't enough, finally spreading his palm to make a "seven" gesture, and stated his ultimate goal with a smiling face.

"It doesn't require too much. Marshal Lu, you only need to give seventy percent of the gold, silver, and jewels you obtained this time, for me to handle all parties."

"This way, it can ensure your safety, and our two families can become allies, jointly resisting external enemies. Wouldn't that be killing two birds with one stone?"

Seventy percent?

Lu Xuan's hand, holding the wine cup, paused slightly, and he looked up at Hu Weibang.

This man, with empty words, doing nothing, wanted to take seventy percent of the Ancient Tomb's Treasure Trove out of thin air?

He truly regarded Lu Xuan as a naive fool to be manipulated at will.

At this moment, Su Wan, holding her pipa, gently plucked and strummed, playing a melody.

The zither's sound was flowing, lingering and enchanting, and an invisible seductive power subtly rippled with the sound waves, attempting to soften Lu Xuan's mind and amplify his inner desires.

She occasionally looked up at Lu Xuan, her eyes full of allure, her charm deeply embedded.

Hu Weibang, seeing that the atmosphere was sufficiently built up, raised his wine cup again, his smile becoming even more sincere.

...Therefore, for the welfare of our two armies' soldiers, and for the peace of Qingzhou's northern border."

"I hope Marshal Lu can give me a clear answer today."

"Alright," Lu Xuan put down his wine cup, his voice echoing in the private room.

"However, I want Sanshui County." He looked at Hu Weibang, as if stating an established fact, "Marshal Hu, surely you won't refuse this small request from me."

At these words, all sounds in the private room ceased abruptly, plunging into dead silence.

Hu Weibang's smile instantly froze, his facial muscles twitching stiffly, the veins on his forehead bulging.

He almost squeezed out the words through gritted teeth: "Marshal Lu... haha... hahaha... these jokes are not funny at all!"

"Who's joking with you?" Lu Xuan's voice suddenly turned cold. "Starting today, Sanshui County will be under the jurisdiction of my Dingnan Army."

"You're seeking death!" Hu Weibang could no longer maintain his false benevolence and slammed his hand on the table, rising abruptly!

Almost at the same instant he stood up, a sudden change occurred!

The soft and delicate Su Wan's eyes instantly transformed from gentle charm to a venomous sharpness!

Her jade fingers fiercely strummed the pipa strings, no longer a gentle melody, but a harsh, ear-splitting demonic sound!

This sound wave condensed into a tangible form, transforming into countless invisible sharp needles, piercing directly into Lu Xuan's eardrums!

The Gu Master's hands, hidden under the table, suddenly shot up, his ten fingers like ghostly claws, flicking out countless tiny Gu insects almost invisible to the naked eye, like a gray mist, silently enveloping Lu Xuan!

Once these insects entered the body, they could control the mind, turning a person into a Puppet, or completely devour them.

Almost simultaneously, the Soul Cultivator from the Soul Capture Sect violently slapped the black gourd at his waist, and a black light flashed from the gourd's mouth.

An invisible soul-capturing ripple shot straight towards Lu Xuan's glabella, seemingly intending to temporarily fix his soul, facilitating the Gu insects' invasion!

Sound attack, Gu Spell, soul capture—three deadly moves erupted at the same instant!

Their target was precisely Lu Xuan, aiming for a single, decisive strike to control him!

Seeing this, Hu Weibang's smile instantly turned sinister and determined.

However, facing this sudden fatal attack, Lu Xuan didn't even twitch an eyebrow.

He merely gently placed the wine cup in his hand down.

"Clink."

The soft sound of the cup bottom touching the table seemed to carry a strange rhythm, easily dispelling the demonic sound.

The next moment,

The countless Gu insects flying in the air, when still about a foot away from Lu Xuan's body, seemed to hit an invisible wall of raging flames. Without even a shriek, they instantly vaporized, turning into wisps of green smoke and disappearing!

And the soul-capturing ripple, upon touching Lu Xuan's glabella, vanished without a trace, like a clay ox entering the sea.

The Soul Cultivator, instead, was struck as if by lightning, grunting, black blood oozing from his seven orifices, and he fell straight backward—his Spell had been retaliated a hundredfold!

In an instant, Su Wan's delicate body trembled violently, and the pipa in her hands clattered to the floor.

The backlash caused her Qi and blood to churn, her throat sweet, almost making her vomit blood.

Only then did Lu Xuan raise his eyes and look at Hu Weibang, whose smile was completely frozen on his face, now deathly pale.

"Is this your... attitude towards cooperation?"

"Then I won't be polite either!"