227: Qi Lianhua is dead! Recapture Xu Fengnian!

Chapter 225: Qi Lianhua Dies! Xu Fengnian Captured Again!

It was precisely because he had thoroughly comprehended the Great River Sword Intent that Li Chang'an was able to enter the Great Zhi Xuan Realm of martial artists, and thus had the power to fight Li Chungang.

With One Sword Opening the Heavenly Gate broken by the Great River Sword Intent, Sword God Li Chungang was completely speechless.

"This old man has tried his best, but still can't protect Xu Fengnian."

"If you can't even deal with a young punk in his early twenties, how can you still call yourself a Sword God?"

"It seems this old man should retire from the Jianghu."

Li Chang'an's current combat power couldn't kill Li Chungang, but it wasn't easy for Li Chungang to break Li Chang'an's Great Vajra physique either.

However, Li Chang'an had many Revered Masters under his command, so Li Chungang couldn't bring Xu Fengnian back to Northern Liang.

Li Chungang slowly turned around, taking a single step that covered hundreds of feet, but this departure scared Xu Fengnian half to death.

"Sword God Senior, save me!"

"I cannot fall into Li Chang'an's hands again!"

Li Chungang had already walked far away, but he still gave Xu Fengnian an answer.

"Either let your old man ransom you back, or commit suicide. This old man is out of options."

A large group of Brocade-Clad Guards stepped forward, surrounding Xu Fengnian, and then easily apprehended him.

Xu Fengnian's brocade robes were covered in mud, and his already thin face was now ashen, his hands and feet trembling incessantly.

He was truly afraid. He had already been tortured by the Eight Exquisites for three years before, and now he didn't know how Li Chang'an would torment him next.

Li Chang'an glanced at Xu Fengnian from afar, and said expressionlessly, "If you have the guts, commit suicide. This King won't stop you."

After speaking, Li Chang'an turned to other battlefields, no longer paying attention to Xu Fengnian.

Xu Fengnian's gaze was vacant, like a Living Corpse, but he lacked the courage to commit suicide.

He had enjoyed so many years, how could he bear to leave this vibrant world, and he also had an old man who doted on him so much.

Zhuge Liang, Gu Dazu, and Qi Lianhua were evenly matched, allowing the esteemed Saber Crown to truly witness the depth of the Tang Royal Mansion's foundation.

Previously, it was the combined attack of the Eight Exquisites that suppressed him, but now Li Chang'an was undefeated against Li Chungang alone, and the combined efforts of Gu Dazu and Zhuge Liang were also on par with him.

The other Northern Liang Revered Masters were gradually showing signs of decline, seemingly about to be completely annihilated.

Huang Zhentu, who had mastered Sword Nine, also gained no advantage against Gong Banque's dual Buddhist and Daoist secret arts.

Yu Xinlang hadn't even used his full strength to help Gong Banque; if that Celestial Phenomenon Realm martial artist had made a move, Huang Zhentu would have already been defeated.

Yu Xinlang was there to help Gong Banque kill people. Gong Banque was to serve Li Chang'an for three years, and killing one Zhi Xuan Realm enemy during that time would reduce one year.

Gong Banque had been in Sha Province for nearly two years. If Huang Zhentu was killed, then Yu Xinlang could take Gong Banque back.

Li Chungang couldn't defeat Li Chang'an and left alone in a desolate manner, but this severely harmed Qi Lianhua, because Li Chang'an was now free to deal with him.

Qi Lianhua was different from Li Chungang. Li Chungang only owed Xu Xiao a favor, and he had already repaid this favor by sacrificing his lifespan to use One Sword Opening the Heavenly Gate.

It could be said that the current Sword God Li Chungang had no more connection with the Northern Liang Royal Mansion.

However, Qi Lianhua was Xu Fengnian's maternal grandfather, and would definitely stand with Northern Liang, so Qi Lianhua had to die.

Qi Lianhua's Saber Qi covered the sky, firmly blocking Zhuge Liang's hurricanes and fireballs, and even Gu Dazu's Saber Qi couldn't break through it.

A powerful Sword Qi shot from the air not far away. As the Sword Qi approached, it all transformed into scattered Sword Intent.

These tens of thousands of Sword Intent layers enveloped Qi Lianhua's Saber Qi, then pierced through it bit by bit.

"Boom!"

The Saber Qi of the Spring and Autumn Saber Crown was finally completely shattered by Li Chang'an's Great River Sword Intent.

With a crisp sound, Gu Dazu's Saber Qi descended from the sky, severing one of Qi Lianhua's arms at the root!

With his defense broken, Zhuge Liang's Celestial Phenomenon fireballs smashed into Qi Lianhua one after another. Now, Zhuge Liang's fireballs had a diameter of half a zhang, much stronger than two years ago.

Qi Lianhua, with one arm severed, rushed left and right amidst the fireballs, but was still hit in the right leg by a fireball!

The Celestial Phenomenon fireball was no ordinary object; one of Qi Lianhua's legs was instantly burned away without a trace.

Severely wounded, Qi Lianhua despairingly glanced at the captured Xu Fengnian, and then was crushed into a bloody mist by Saber Qi and fireballs.

"Maternal Grandfather!"

Xu Fengnian let out a heartbreaking, desperate roar, and then he saw old Huang spitting blood, his life hanging by a thread.

"Sword Nine! Hu Bugui!"

In the original story, old Huang accompanied Xu Fengnian on his Jianghu travels, the two relying on each other, covering over six thousand li.

So at that time, old Huang's newly mastered Sword Nine was called Six Thousand Li.

But now, Xu Fengnian had been imprisoned by Li Chang'an for three years, and old Huang longed day and night for his Young Revered Master to return to Northern Liang.

Therefore, his Sword Nine ultimate move was called Hu Bugui.

Sword Nine Huang was the Junior Brother of the Western Shu Sword Emperor, and this move was the essence of Sword Nine Huang's life's ultimate skill.

"Gong Banque, old Huang's move might even defeat your old man!"

Now old Huang had found Xu Fengnian, but Xu Fengnian had stayed in Northern Liang for more than half a year, and was captured by Li Chang'an again.

A precious sword flew out from Huang Zhentu's sword box, and the powerful pressure of the Great Celestial Phenomenon Realm assailed Gong Banque.

Yu Xinlang, who had been observing the battle, suddenly brightened, "Good sword!"

When Huang Zhentu challenged Wang Xianzhi back then, he left a Huanglu Sword on the city wall of Martial Emperor City, so old Huang and Martial Emperor City were both old acquaintances.

Gong Banque felt the immense power of this sword, and was forced to retreat repeatedly by the Sword Intent.

Just then, with a crisp clang behind him, Yu Xinlang's treasured sword, Shu Dao, finally unsheathed!

Yu Xinlang said loudly, "Sword Nine Huang, this move of yours can defeat my Junior Brother, but it is absolutely no match for my Revered Master, that old man."

"Because I can block this move!"

Gong Banque's vision blurred, and Yu Xinlang, holding the Shu Dao longsword, had firmly blocked Sword Nine Huang's Hu Bugui.

Sword Qi clashed fiercely, as if thousands of precious swords were stabbing and hacking at each other in the air, with incessant clanging sounds of intense combat.

These two were both considered top swordsmen of their generation, and for a time, they were evenly matched.

Wu Liuding and Cui Hua stared intently at Yu Xinlang and Huang Zhentu's sword fight; they had witnessed too many powerful Sword Qi today.

Li Chungang's Sword Qi Rolling Dragon Wall, One Sword Immortal Kneels, Two Sleeves Green Snakes, One Sword Opening the Heavenly Gate, and Li Chang'an's last three Great River Sword Intent moves, were all the pinnacle of Sword Intent in this world.

Yu Xinlang and Huang Zhentu's cultivation was close to theirs, so their Sword Qi held greater reference value.

Wu Liuding swallowed, suppressing the excitement in his heart, "Cui Hua, following King of Tang these past few years, I've truly broadened my horizons."

"If we keep following King of Tang, maybe we also have the chance to become Sword Immortals."

Cui Hua stared blankly at the sword lights dancing across the sky, and the Suwang Sword behind her let out bursts of humming.

"Wu Liuding... I... I'm about to advance to the Celestial Phenomenon Realm!"

Although Cui Hua was Wu Liuding's sword attendant, her Aptitude was actually stronger than that of Sword Crown Wu Liuding.

Over the past two years, she had quietly reached the Peak of the Martial Artist Zhi Xuan Realm, and having witnessed profound Sword Intent repeatedly today, she could no longer suppress it.

"Clang!"

The Sword Intent within the Suwang Sword had been accumulating for a long time, and now it suddenly erupted completely, emitting a violent roar!

Wu Liuding thought he was already strong for advancing to the Late Stage of Zhi Xuan in two years, but Cui Hua had actually reached the Celestial Phenomenon Realm directly!

The Suwang Sword was attracted by old Huang's Sword Nine Aura, instantly drawing out vast Sword Intent, and flew towards Huang Zhentu.

"Pfft!"

Old Huang, already severely wounded, felt the powerful Sword Intent of the Suwang Sword, and with rage overwhelming his heart, he spat out blood.

The Suwang Sword's momentum was irresistible, flying swiftly, and after a soft clang, it pierced through Huang Zhentu's chest!

Yu Xinlang angrily said, "Wu Family Sword Mausoleum, why did you snatch my opponent!"

The Suwang Sword returned, and Cui Hua said lightly, "I didn't kill him."

"The Suwang Sword killed him."

Yu Xinlang was helpless; his plan to snatch a kill for Gong Banque had also fallen through.

Watching Huang Zhentu die on the spot, Xu Fengnian's tears almost ran dry. All the accompanying Revered Masters, except Li Chungang, had died.

Xu Fengnian suddenly felt that this time, he was doomed.

The Brocade-Clad Guards escorted Xu Fengnian, and Li Chang'an and the other Revered Masters returned to Sha Province together.

On the way, Li Chang'an said to Zhuge Liang, "Military Advisor, what do you think we should exchange Xu Fengnian for with Xu Xiao this time?"

Zhuge Liang smiled slightly, and said with confidence, "Land!"

"Last time we captured Xu Fengnian, we exchanged him for the most urgently needed grain and money. This time, of course, we should exchange him for land. We only have one province, which is a bit restrictive."

Li Chang'an leisurely said, "Northern Liang occupies Liang Province, Ling Province, and You Province. Among these three provinces, this King thinks Liang Province is the most suitable."

Xu Fengnian, not far away, heard Li Chang'an's words and his heart trembled violently.

Li Chang'an wanted to exchange him with Xu Xiao for Liang Province! This was simply preposterous!

Northern Liang, Northern Liang, what would it be called without Liang Province?

Among the three provinces of Northern Liang, although Qingliang Mountain was in Ling Province, Liang Province was the largest province in terms of area.

Liang Province also contributed the most in terms of military resources and taxes among the three provinces. Did Li Chang'an target Liang Province simply because it bordered Sha Province?

Northern Liang still had over two hundred thousand troops, and Liang Province alone had a garrison of around one hundred thousand. Li Chang'an actually wanted to exchange a Young Revered Master for a whole province.

How could Xu Xiao possibly agree!

However, deep down, Xu Fengnian hoped that Xu Xiao would agree.

If Xu Xiao agreed, then Xu Fengnian would have a day to return. If Xu Xiao didn't agree, he could only die in Sha Province.

Jiayu Pass.

The Eight Exquisites activated their Eight-Sided Unity, and the powerful offensive directly turned the recently repaired Jiayu Pass into a pile of ruins.

Several mountain Peaks on both sides of Jiayu Pass were cut down, completely transforming this pass into an impassable dead end.

Li Chang'an was not worried that reinforcements would pour out of Jiayu Pass; he only wanted to ensure that Northern Liang soldiers who left the pass would have no return.

Jiayu Pass, like Jiange Pass, was a formidable pass, but now it was completely impassable.

Dong! Dong! Dong!

The rumble of horse hooves echoed. The Da Xue Dragon Riders Army retreated while fighting, avoiding the ongoing Earth Immortal battle, and finally arrived at the foot of Jiayu Pass.

At this moment, Yuan ZuoZong was utterly distraught, because Qi Dangguo had been killed on the battlefield by Gu Dazu, and the Da Xue Dragon Riders were left with only over four thousand men.

Huo Qubing's light cavalry had cut off the retreat of the large infantry contingent, and over fifty thousand Northern Liang infantry were surrounded by the Sha Province army, completely annihilated.

Of the one hundred fifteen thousand Northern Liang soldiers who marched out to battle, only these four thousand-plus Da Xue Dragon Riders Army remained behind him.

Northern Liang's Thirty-Five Fierce Lions had their forces reduced by one-third, and the renowned Iron Pagoda was completely wiped out.

Of the dozen or so Northern Liang Army generals, only Yuan ZuoZong and a few generals of the Da Xue Dragon Riders Army had now retreated to the foot of the pass.

They couldn't even claim to be completely safe, because Li Cunxiao was leading the Xuanjia Army and the Guiyi Army in hot pursuit.

However, upon seeing Jiayu Pass from afar, Yuan ZuoZong's heart immediately filled with despair.

Above the pass, the Eight Exquisites stood on the city wall, each holding their weapons.

The defending soldiers inside the city couldn't attack, as the Eight Exquisites had completely destroyed the pass, making it absolutely impossible for large cavalry units to pass.

The sound of horse hooves behind them grew louder, and the black torrent had caught up.

Blood was still dripping from the Xuanjia Army's armor, and their horse lances gleamed coldly. Despite countless slaughters, their sharpness remained undiminished.

The Xuanjia Army suffered a thousand casualties, and the Guiyi Army five thousand, but the remaining soldiers' killing intent intensified.

The Eight Exquisites destroying Jiayu Pass was an arrangement Li Chang'an had made long ago.

Li Cunxiao did not rein in his horse; instead, he spurred it faster, "Lads, the Da Xue Dragon Riders Army has nowhere to retreat!"

"Achieving glory is today! Follow me and kill!"

The already battle-hungry Xuanjia Army and Guiyi Army were now even more excited!

Meanwhile, the Da Xue Dragon Riders Army, trapped at the foot of Jiayu Pass, had their formation scattered and felt a bit unnerved.

"General, let's fight them to the death!"

"The Da Xue Dragon Riders will never surrender!"

"Even if we die, we'll drag a few unlucky ones with us!"

At this moment, Yuan ZuoZong's heart was in the most anguish. Only half of the nine thousand Da Xue Dragon Riders Army remained.

But these four thousand-plus Da Xue Dragon Riders were still crucial to Northern Liang; these men alone could withstand ten times the number of regular cavalry!

Of course, Sha Province cavalry were an exception.

However, against Northern Mang or the Li Yang Dynasty, even three thousand Da Xue Dragon Riders would be an absolute deterrent!

"The wounded will stay to fight the enemy; the rest will follow me north into Northern Mang!"

The northern side of Jiayu Pass bordered Northern Mang, and beyond the border stretched an endless grassland.

As long as they could break through a few Northern Mang tribes, the Da Xue Dragon Riders could still bypass the vast Qilian Mountains and return to Qingliang Mountain.

The Da Xue Dragon Riders Army truly lived up to its reputation as Northern Liang's elite force, and also the most disciplined in the Northern Liang Army.

Upon hearing the order, the wounded soldiers spurred their horses forward, rushing towards the pursuers with a determination to die.

Yuan ZuoZong, leading about three thousand able-bodied men, plunged into the Northern Mang grassland without hesitation.

You Province.

Xu Xiao stood on the battlements of Beilao Pass, looking at the dense Northern Mang army below the city.

Upon learning that Xu Fengnian had personally led the expedition to Sha Province, Northern Mang had actually gathered three hundred thousand troops and marched towards You Province.

Fortunately, he and Li Yishan had made preparations early, and with Yan Wenluan and one hundred thousand veteran soldiers of the Yu Gu Camp, they could barely withstand Northern Mang's offensive.

Now, he wasn't too worried about Northern Mang; he was more concerned about Xu Fengnian.

Although Qi Dangguo and Yuan ZuoZong had both secretly assured him that Xu Fengnian had not interfered with the command, Xu Xiao still felt an inexplicable unease in his heart.

Perhaps it was because the stakes for this western expedition were too high, and it concerned Xu Fengnian's position as Young Revered Master; Northern Liang could not afford to lose this battle.

"Report! Your Highness, urgent dispatch from Jiayu Pass!"

A scout ran breathlessly onto the city wall, handing a sealed military report to Xu Xiao.

Xu Xiao felt his hands trembling. For decades, he had never experienced such unease and fear.

He tried to compose himself, then eagerly opened the sealed tube. A few short lines of text met his eyes.

"The Western Expeditionary Army has collapsed, Qi Dangguo died in battle, losing one hundred thousand troops."

"The Young Revered Master has been captured. Please exchange him for Liang Province, Your Highness, otherwise he will be slowly tortured to death."

On the battlements of Beilao Pass, a beast-like roar suddenly erupted.

"You brat, how dare you!"

At this moment, Xu Xiao was consumed by fury, raging like thunder!

Li Chang'an, you are truly going too far!