EFB Chapter 147 1 System Buffer Zone
Chapter 147 1 System Buffer Zone
"Creak!"
The sound of a bowstring being drawn rang out.
Everyone on the city wall had their bows drawn to their full extent.
It would take time for 30,000 people to enter through the city gate. Even the cavalry, after being caught up by the pursuers, still left a trail that was within the range of the arrows fired from the city walls.
These very people became the bait to lure Wu Ming.
This time, he brought out all the cavalry from the camp, intending to take revenge and see if he could seize Tianwang Village. Now that such a good opportunity was right in front of him, how could he let it go?
He brandished his longsword and charged forward, his warhorse neighing under his whip.
Just as they were about to reach the city wall, they leaped into the air, attempting to scale the wall.
A cold glint flashed in Lu Yuan's eyes.
He simply said, "Kill!"
Then, the bowstrings were released, and the arrows pierced the air; the others did the same.
Wu Ming knew that there was a master archer in Tianwang Village.
However, his body-refining skills were astonishing, and he never cared about weapons like bows and arrows.
When a person is in the air, their whole body radiates a golden glow.
It seems to have transformed into a golden Arhat.
"Jingle bells!"
A large number of arrows landed on him, making a crisp sound and producing bursts of sparks, but they could not harm him in the slightest.
However, just as a smile appeared on his lips and he was about to climb the city wall...
"laugh!"
An arrow pierced his chest, causing his body to stagger backward.
It was Lu Yuan's feathered arrow.
Let alone Wu Ming's physique, even a body made of fine steel would find it difficult to withstand this attack.
Incredulity was evident in his eyes.
But Lu Yuan did not stop.
The bow was drawn back to its full draw, and with another "whoosh," the sound of a sharp weapon piercing flesh rang out.
Wu Ming's body fell, and his golden statue was broken.
It was too late to resist.
It fell to the ground.
Covered in arrows.
The barrage of arrows created a massive waterfall-like effect on the city wall from a distance, with arrows falling like a torrent, engulfing anyone who got close.
One by one, their bodies collapsed to the ground.
Screams rang out continuously as large numbers of the village soldiers and high-ranking officers at the front were killed.
"Boom!"
After reaping the losses of the soldiers in front.
The city gates opened, and the Tianwangzhai army surged out in a dark mass.
The chieftain is dead, the high-ranking officials have been massacred, and the soldiers of Tianya Village are now in complete chaos.
They tried to escape in all directions, but Lu Yuan certainly wouldn't give them the chance.
With the four city gates opened, the Tianwangzhai troops surrounded the city from all sides.
Lu Yuan surrounded the Tianya Village army and roared, "Surrender and you will not be killed!"
This statement is most effective in the buffer.
The various strongholds were constantly fighting and swallowing each other up, which led to many of their soldiers having no real loyalty. They would often follow whoever won and whoever gave them money.
Therefore, Lu Yuan gathered the remaining 200,000-plus troops of Tianya Village without lifting a finger.
The army has now reached a terrifying 500,000.
It would absolutely crush Ice Mirror Lake.
This series of events seemed simple, but it was already the early hours of the next day when Lu Yuan had completely gathered his forces.
Only then did Tianwang Village begin to show some semblance of order.
All the surrendered soldiers from Tianya Village were brought into the city, dispersed, and then reorganized into the ranks.
In the distance, Fan Chen watched the scene on the battlefield, his face deathly pale. He knew he was doomed.
The eldest prince will definitely not let him go.
At first, Fan Chen thought that Tianwang Village was just expending some of Tianya Village's troops.
But who could have imagined that a Divine Origin Realm cultivator would die? Wu Ming chased after him without hesitation.
This pursuit was even more remarkable; he was shot and killed as soon as he entered the battlefield.
At that time, Fan Chen wanted to send reinforcements, but he had already missed the opportunity. If he rashly rushed in, his fate would definitely not be good.
Now, he's in a real predicament, leading 200,000 soldiers, and he doesn't know what to do.
The eldest prince was furious; he knew he would not have a good end when he returned.
The Third Prince probably wanted to skin him alive.
For a moment, he stood there, stunned.
My back was also soaked with sweat.
Just then, Lu Yuan, who was looking at the city wall from afar, suddenly had an idea.
"There is another way: join Tianwang Village. Since we can't take it down anyway, joining Tianwang Village should be enough to save our lives, after all, it is a force supported by the Seventh Prince."
"If I choose to pledge allegiance, the Seventh Prince will become the Crown Prince. Even if the First Prince and the Third Prince want to kill me, they will have to consider the Crown Prince's reputation." Fan Chen thought to himself.
After glancing at the few leaders around him, he said calmly, "Take your men and come with me."
After saying that, he headed straight for Tianwang Village.
Seeing this from afar, Lu Yuan's eyes flashed with doubt. Shouldn't the people and men of Ice Mirror Lake be fleeing at this moment? They actually dared to run over here. They really weren't afraid of death.
However, as the army approached, they stopped just an arrow's throw away.
Then Fan Chen knelt down on the ground and said to Lu Yuan, "Chief, my Ice Mirror Lake is willing to surrender. Please spare our lives."
After saying that, he slammed his head on the ground without hesitation.
The army behind them was stunned by this scene. They thought the chieftain was coming to fight to the death, but they didn't expect him to lead them to surrender directly.
However, everyone knew they couldn't defeat Tianwang Village, and surviving was the best outcome.
They all dismounted their warhorses.
Only a few leaders looked at each other in bewilderment, and after a moment's hesitation, they knelt down.
Lu Yuan didn't hesitate and ordered his men to open the city gates to receive the troops.
At this time, the army of Tianwangzhai had swelled to 700,000, and the number of experts among them was also considerable.
They officially became the number one power in the buffer zone.
In the main hall, Lu Yuan looked at Fan Chen kneeling before him, took a sip of tea, and slowly said, "Your cultivation is not weak. Tell me, how can I convince you?"
His voice was deep, yet it carried an air of authority.
Fan Chen's face was grim, but now he was at the mercy of others, like a fish on a chopping board, and there was nothing he could do.
His failure to send troops into battle led to the army's defeat. Now that he has surrendered, he has no way out. Both the eldest prince and the third prince wish they could tear him to pieces immediately.
In other dynasties, he was also wanted by the authorities.
Moreover, facing pursuit by the two princes, he did not believe he had any chance of survival.
He could only grit his teeth and say, "Chief, there is a kind of talisman in this world called the Fate-Controlling Talisman, which is used by people in the Demonic Sect to control their subordinates. I used to be an elder of the Yin Demon Sect, but after the sect was destroyed, I fled to the North alone."
I possess this life-controlling talisman, and I can even craft it myself. I beg the chieftain to grant me a chance to pledge my loyalty to you.
After he finished speaking, an ancient talisman with yellow background and blood-red characters appeared in his palm.
After placing a drop of blood on it, Fan Chen's face showed pain. He then handed the talisman to Lu Yuan and said respectfully, "If I dare to betray you, just tear this talisman to shreds, and I will surely die."
After Lu Yuan took it, he did not doubt what Fan Chen said, because he could clearly feel it when the talisman fell into his hand.
Having established a connection with Fan Chen, he could, with a single thought, render Fan Chen wishing for death.
After putting it into his spatial ring, he smiled and said, "Chief Fan, don't be so polite. From now on, you will be the Heavenly King's Guardian, responsible for dealing with experts that the village can't handle, and at the same time helping Wu Han to intimidate his subordinates."
What do you think?
Now that they were on the same side, Lu Yuan stopped being strict with Fan Chen.
After all, Tianwang Village is currently lacking a master to oversee it.
"Yes, Chieftain," Fan Chen replied hastily.
Immediately afterwards, Lu Yuan turned his gaze to Wu Han: "Take men and take over Ice Mirror Lake and Tianya Village. See what supplies they have and bring them all back. Also, count the number of newly surrendered troops and their cultivation levels."
This will facilitate future management.
"Yes, sir!"
Wu Han responded and walked out of the main hall.
Lu Yuan then looked at Fan Chen and said, "You should go too, and help General Wu get this done."
"Yes, Chieftain." Fan Chen listened to the order and turned to leave.
As Lu Yuan was left alone in the main hall, he let out a long breath.
They now command a massive army of 700,000.
Two years later, they will play a huge role.
At that time, it would be enough to deliver a fatal blow to the Great Yong Dynasty.
Inside the Seventh Prince's main hall, the First Prince's face was so ugly it could drip water. As he watched Fan Chen kneel down and kowtow to Lu Yuan in the dazzling mirror, a coldness spread inch by inch from the corner of his eye.
Clench your fists tightly.
"That bastard not only ruined his own plans, but now he's even siding with his enemy."
His face flushed red, and he had already cursed Fan Chen countless times in his heart.
The Third Prince glanced at the First Prince, his eyes revealing undisguised disdain. "You like scheming, huh? Well, now you've fallen into their trap."
No one can have the crown prince position.
He got up and left the Seventh Prince's residence without hesitation.
A moment later, the eldest prince also ran out in a disheveled state.
The Seventh Prince couldn't suppress the smile on his face.
After his two older brothers left.
"Hahahaha..."
A series of laughs echoed in the empty hall.
"Zhao Yu, Zhao Yu, bring me some wine." As soon as the words were spoken, Zhao Yu, who was outside the main hall, hurriedly walked in.
His face was weary; he hadn't rested for days, even though several princes were in the hall.
But how could his cultivation level compare to that of the Seventh Prince and the others? So he had dark circles under his eyes.
At this moment, she carefully carried a jar of wine and placed it on the Seventh Prince's table.
He lifted the wine jar with his backhand and gulped it down into his mouth.
The Seventh Prince barely managed to suppress his joy. At this moment, he felt that the luckiest thing he had ever done in his life was recruiting the Heavenly King's Stronghold.
They turned a losing situation into a winning one in a short time and won a great victory.
With such a capable subordinate, what can't I do?
In his view, the Heavenly King's chieftain's talent in military strategy was no less than that of the Peerless Marquis.
They valued it more than anyone else.
After all, having a subordinate who is skilled in battle and commands an army of 700,000 is his greatest asset. After all, he is not the emperor, so there is no question of his merits overshadowing his lord.
Zhao Yu stood carefully below, waiting for instructions.
After a moment, the Seventh Prince said calmly, "Send someone to immediately send a message into the palace saying that the situation in the buffer zone has been stabilized."
"Yes, ma'am!" Zhao Yu replied hastily.
Then, the Seventh Prince called out to the outside, "Sun Tao, immediately send all the Bone Forging Pills we have to Tianwang Village and tell the village chief that he can make any requests he has."
My only requirement is to quickly strengthen the Tianwangzhai army; I will be of great use to them in two years.
Sun Tao, standing outside the hall, dared not hesitate and retreated after giving a reply.
He went to the warehouse excitedly and organized a team to start pulling out the pills.
The long queue stretched outside the city in less than an hour.
Seeing this scene, Helian Shang stood on the city wall and couldn't help but sigh, "Damn it, it's one thing that their treatment is worse than that of the Imperial Guards, but now they're even worse than the bandits in the buffer zone. Tens of millions of Bone Forging Pills! This is the first time I've ever seen such a grand display."
"They're just sent out like that. How many Bone Forging Realm cultivators are they going to train?"
"Young Master, His Majesty has always attached great importance to the buffer zone. It is a springboard for attacking the Northern Barbarians. Otherwise, he would not have used this place as a fighting arena to let several princes kill each other. This is not only for selecting the crown prince, but also for training troops."
This large army in the buffer zone was trained to fight the northern barbarians.
Do you really think that a seventh prince could produce so many pills?
"Recently, many people from the palace came under the guise of merchant caravans, just to deliver these pills," Helian Shang's teacher said softly.
A sigh appeared in his eyes.
Today, the Great Yong Dynasty is truly more powerful than ever before.
Not only is it vast and rich in resources, but it has also cultivated many elite troops over the years.
Take the 700,000 soldiers beyond the Great Wall, for example. After the war against the Northern Barbarians, they are probably an elite force comparable to the Imperial Guard.
This is the foundation left for the Seventh Prince.
The rumors were indeed true; Emperor Yong's doting on the seventh prince had reached an unreasonable level.
"Hey, big shots are big shots indeed. The resources they control are things we've never even seen. Just a glimpse of them is enough to make my jaw drop. Back then, the Seventh Prince's veto forced Brother Lu Yuan to leave and go to the Northern Barbarians."
"I wonder how he is now," Helian Shang said softly.
Lu Yuan saved his life, and the two have kept in touch ever since, so they have a good relationship.
"Young master, be careful with your words," the old man beside him hurriedly said.
Helian Shang shook his head helplessly: "It's meaningless. In this Dayong, if you want to get promoted, you have to get close to these imperial nobles. Look at a mountain stronghold, it can rise up in the blink of an eye. If the border troops want to get ahead, I'm afraid it'll be impossible in this lifetime."
After saying that, he left the city and headed towards the brothel.
The old man looked at him with a helpless expression.
Given the current state of the court, this is the inevitable trend. The Great Yong Dynasty is now flourishing like oil on a hot fire, growing incredibly strong.
Who dares to be a troublemaker?
Everything was under the control of the Emperor Yong in the palace.
The current major strategy is to attack the Northern Barbarians.
Although the buffer zone is the most important move, the army in the northern border region is also destined to get a share of the spoils.
Helian Shang was still young and impetuous, and couldn't see things clearly, but his father saw things very clearly.
He sent himself over early on to advise Helian Shang.
Time passed quickly, and another five days went by in the blink of an eye.
These days, Tianwangzhai is extremely busy, as they are retraining those who have come to seek refuge every day.
Because Wu Han was born into the military, Tianwang Village was the most disciplined and strongest fighting force compared to the other two villages.
At least they won't easily rebel.
Therefore, this rework is necessary.
At the same time, the supplies from the three villages were also collected.
On this day, Lu Yuan was drinking in the front hall when Wu Han carried in a large pile of account books and brought Fan Chen in.
"Chief, these are the spoils from the two villages, along with a roster of the people."
As soon as he entered, Wu Han shouted.
His voice was a bit loud, causing Lu Yuan to frown helplessly. He then put down the military formation diagram in his hand and said, "I won't look at the details. Just tell me."
"The two villages yielded a total of 700 million taels of silver and countless medicinal herbs, enough to supply all our soldiers entering the country. The Seventh Prince also sent over 10 million Bone Forging Pills."
Before long, a large number of soldiers at the Bone Forging Realm will appear in the village.
Furthermore, we now control the entire trade route in the buffer zone, and the estimated annual revenue is 500 million taels of silver.
As for the experts in the village, there is currently one person at the Divine Origin Realm, eight at the Divine Palace Realm, thirteen at the Core Formation Realm, 130,000 warriors at the Entry Realm, 50,000 at the Bone Forging Realm, and 10,000 at the Tendon Refining Realm.
After Wu Han finished speaking, he made no attempt to hide the excitement on his face.
Such a massive force can already be described as extremely terrifying.
Even the imperial court wouldn't easily launch a war on a whim.
They will only choose to appease.
This is a case of "times create heroes." A buffer zone gave rise to a behemoth. Of course, the biggest reason for this is Lu Yuan. Without him, he would never have grown to this level.
"Hmm, not bad. Is there anything else?"
"There is indeed another matter. We found a Northern Barbarian in Tianya Village, locked in a dungeon. He is very strong, probably at the Divine Origin Realm. Fan Chen said that his aura is even stronger than his."
"I felt it would be a waste to kill him, so I brought him back for you to decide what to do with him," Wu Han said softly.
Lu Yuan looked curious: "Bring it up so I can see it."
After speaking, Fan Chen left the hall.
"Splash!"
Then, the sound of chains swinging rang out, and a figure walked in. He was tall and had a robust build.
With chains piercing her collarbone, she moved forward step by step.
Blood dripped down the chains.
Lu Yuan found it somewhat amusing when he recognized the person who had come; he hadn't expected that this person would actually be Man Tuo.
The chieftain of the barbarian camel tribe whom I had wiped out back then.
It has become like this.
"Kneel down!" Fan Chen shouted angrily.
He kicked the camel in the knee.
"Thump!"
His tall frame instantly knelt on the ground, though his face showed some resentment.
"Damn you Yong people! You captured me by trickery, you're no heroes! If you're so tough, fight me!" Man Tuo roared in dissatisfaction, struggling violently, but ultimately failed.
"Judging from your reputation as a master of the Northern Barbarians, how come you're at Tianya Village? I'm not with them. In fact, it was I who destroyed Tianya Village that allowed you to stand here. If you tell the truth, I might consider letting you go," Lu Yuan said calmly.
His eyes narrowed slightly beneath the mask.
This savage camel is indeed not weak. Currently, there is only Fan Chen in Tianwang Village. Even with the Life-Controlling Talisman, he is still not at ease. If the savage camel can be subdued, Wu Han will be balanced and there will be no problem.
Although the brooding man camel was irritable, after listening to Lu Yuan's words, he still told the whole story. However, he omitted his own experiences in the Northern Barbarians, only saying that he was chased by his enemies in the Northern Barbarians and was seriously injured before escaping to the buffer zone.
When passing by Tianya Village, he got into a conflict with the enemy and was seriously injured and unable to escape, so he was captured and imprisoned in the dungeon and tortured.
After hearing his explanation, Lu Yuan finally understood why they had been unable to capture the barbarian camel after the Northern Barbarian wanted notice was issued.
Then, staring at the other party, he said, "I'll give you two choices. First, join my Heavenly King Stronghold. I can provide you with cultivation resources and have someone heal your injuries, but you must obey my orders, and I will place a restriction on you."
The second option is for me to kill you, throw you out of the village, and let the wolves in the wilderness devour your body. The choice is yours.
"I choose option one," said the camel almost without hesitation.
He could sense that Lu Yuan was different from the people of Tianya Village; if he didn't agree, the other party would really kill him.
Although he didn't know why this chieftain of the Heavenly King's stronghold had such a strong killing intent, he really didn't dare to gamble. Wasn't the reason he abandoned his wife and children to escape in order to survive?
The reason he was so arrogant just now was that he realized the people of Tianya Village didn't want to kill him, but only wanted to wear him down and make him slowly submit.
Now that they've realized Lu Yuan is serious, they certainly don't dare to say anything more.
Upon hearing his agreement, Lu Yuan smiled.
Then he reached out his hand towards Fan Chen.
The latter, being very perceptive, handed a life-controlling talisman to Lu Yuan.
After confirming there were no problems, the talisman flew to the side of the barbarian camel, and Lu Yuan said calmly, "Drip your blood on it."
The camel dared not hesitate and obeyed.
The next moment, he felt as if his fate was being controlled by someone else.
After Lu Yuan put the talisman away again, he waved to Fan Chen and the barbarian camel to retreat and heal the injuries of the powerful man from the Northern Barbarians.
When they found out there were no outsiders among them.
He turned his gaze to Wu Han: "Have you contacted Zhou He yet?"
"I got in touch with him as soon as I finished yesterday. He contacted the Northern Patrol General, and we'll meet in the buffer zone first thing tomorrow morning," Wu Han said hurriedly.
"call!"
Lu Yuan let out a breath and nodded: "We'll go to the agreed place first thing tomorrow morning, and then I'll leave Tianwang Village directly for Beiman. I'll leave things here to you. If Fan Chen and Man Tuo make any unusual moves..."
You must communicate with me telepathically to avoid any danger to yourself.
"I know."
Wu Han responded and then continued, "I'll go arrange the meeting right away."
After saying that, he turned and left.
Lu Yuan then got up and walked towards his mother's courtyard.
As soon as I entered the house, I saw that Madam Lu was already packing her things, which meant that Lu Yuan had obviously informed her in advance.
"Mother, that's the capital city. They have everything there. You only need to bring the essentials. There's no need to bring so much stuff," Lu Yuan said with a light laugh.
But I still couldn't help but help my mother pack her things.
"Sigh, there are so many things I can't bear to lose. This time I'm leaving, and I don't know when I'll be able to come back. Maybe I'll stay in the Northern Barbarian Lands forever. I'll take as much as I can with me, so that I'll have something to remember me by then," Madam Lu said softly.
Lu Yuan didn't try to persuade them any further. The mother and son only stopped after they had finished packing everything up.
After eating a simple meal, Lu Yuan left without disturbing his mother.
Nothing happened that night. The next morning, a horse-drawn carriage in the village was sealed off completely.
Wei Yong and the others all had bronze masks covering their faces, and a total of over a thousand people followed Lu Yuan out of Tianwang Village.
These people are all veterans of Tianwang Village, and they are also quite talented.
Lu Yuan planned to take them back and leave them at the academy.
Responsible for teaching disciples.
Wu Han did not come out to see him off.
Lu Yuan kept his identity a secret and didn't want others to know. This time, he was accompanied by the chieftain.
After the caravan left the city.
They headed towards the northern barbarians, and after traveling less than ten miles, Lu Yuan, riding his horse, saw two figures waiting ahead in the distance.
It was Zhou Hongling and Zhou He.
The moment they saw the group approaching, the former's eyes reddened slightly, while the latter's face was filled with excitement.
A smile also appeared on Lu Yuan's lips.
We finally met again.
When they got close, he dismounted, and Zhou He ran up and gave him a big hug.
As their eyes met, Lu Yuan's gaze fell upon Zhou Hongling's bloodshot eyes.
"Didn't you sleep last night? Your eyes are so red?" the former said with a light laugh.
"When did you get back?" Zhou Hongling didn't answer his question, but sniffed as she asked.
Today she seemed to have dressed up a bit, wearing a long red dress that hugged her curves beautifully, with a pretty pattern on it, and a white fox fur cloak behind her.
It makes the whole person look beautiful and noble.
"It's been a while, but I've resolved some things, so I'm only now having time to meet with you all," Lu Yuan said truthfully.
"Will you come back in the future?" Zhou Hongling asked, her hand holding the riding whip trembling slightly.
"I'll come back. You're still here, how could I not come back?"
"Come find me first when you come back," Zhou Hongling said softly, subtly expressing her feelings.
"I will do my best," Lu Yuan said immediately.
After hearing the conversation, Zhou He and Wu Han led their men away to a safe distance and kept watch in the surrounding area.
Just then, the carriage curtain was pulled open.
Madam Lu poked her head out and said softly, "Hongling."
Zhou Hongling was taken aback at first, then quickly stepped forward. When she saw Madam Lu, she could no longer hold back her tears.
Madam Lu stroked her cheek and took a bracelet off her hand: "This bracelet was passed down from A Yuan's father's branch of the family. It's not a particularly valuable item, but it's only given to daughters-in-law."
"If I give you this bracelet, would you accept it?"
Zhou Hongling turned her head to look at Lu Yuan, then nodded firmly at the Lu family.
The latter smiled and said, "Good boy."
After saying that, he put the bracelet on Zhou Hongling's wrist.
At the same time, he looked at Lu Yuan and said, "Bring Hongling to your side. It will be your responsibility from now on. Don't make her wait too long."
Madam Lu knew Hongling's feelings, and seeing her like this now, she couldn't help but settle her status first. As for taking Zhou Hongling away, that was impossible now, since the Zhou family was still in Dayong. If she were taken away...
The Zhou family members in Yanzhou are likely to be in trouble.
Lu Yuan nodded.
Looking at Zhou Hongling, he solemnly said, "Don't worry, it won't be long."
Reunion days are always too short.
Before they knew it, it was time for Lu Yuan and the others to continue their journey, and Zhou Hongling also had to return to Saicheng.
The two sides parted with reluctance.
After giving Zhou He some instructions, Lu Yuan led the team to set off again.
At the same time, groups of Northern Barbarians from all over the country arrived, pointing towards the imperial city like arrows.
These teams all have one thing in common: they contain a lot of young people, and even some children.
They were dressed in fine clothes and were surrounded by a large number of guards, but their cultivation levels were not very high.
But the equipment is quite good.
These teams are the disciples who went to register at the Northern Barbarian Imperial City.
The number of people is not large, but it is definitely not small either.