EFB Chapter 104 Western Rong Invasion
Chapter 104 Western Rong Invasion
Chapter 104 Western Rong Invasion
After a long drive, it was afternoon when Lu Yuan and his companion finally arrived near Pearl Lake. From afar, they saw a group of people gathered together around a bonfire.
Upon closer inspection, it was indeed Wu Han and his group.
This time, there were even more people in the arena. In addition to Wu Han, Yang Xiao, the Bronze-Headed Lion, was also among them. His cultivation at the Blood-Moving Realm was not weak, and he was now considered the number one expert in Tianwang Village.
Around them gathered hundreds of armored soldiers, whose auras were very strong.
Their cultivation levels are all around the Bone Forging stage.
Besides them, there were more than ten experts at the Refining Realm.
Upon seeing Lu Yuan and his companion approach, Wu Han immediately stood up, while the others wore expressions of surprise and doubt.
There was also a hint of curiosity.
Just then, Wu Han said, "I haven't greeted the chieftain yet."
His gruff voice rang out.
The others exchanged glances, not daring to be negligent, and immediately bowed, saying, "Greetings, Chieftain."
Lu Yuan nodded, his voice hoarse, and said, "No need for formalities."
Then, his gaze fell on Yang Xiao: "Yang Xiao, the chieftain of Black Wind Stronghold, the Copper-Headed Lion, I have heard of you."
"It is my honor to have been heard by the chieftain," Yang Xiao said hastily.
He still had the courage to bargain when facing Wu Han, but for some reason, he was a little reserved in front of Lu Yuan.
Perhaps it was because the aura emanating from the other person was too intimidating.
Lu Yuan did not respond to his words, but instead said, "Let's go and take a look at the village."
Then, Wu Han led the way.
The group rode their horses toward Tianwang Village.
This village is built on a huge mountain ridge at a high altitude.
Below are several huge horse ranches, with a garrison of about 30,000 troops, under the command of Yang Xiao.
As they headed up the mountain, Lu Yuan saw that the entire village was quite large, almost like a small town.
The wall made of bluestone is more than ten meters high and five meters wide.
Warriors in leather armor patrolled above, their faces illuminated by flickering torches.
It looked quite ferocious.
After all, this buffer zone is now filled with powerful figures from all over the country, none of whom are easy to mess with.
Once inside, Lu Yuan glanced around and found it to be much better than Vulture Territory, but still not quite as good as a real city.
Upon entering the main hall, Lu Yuan went straight to the head seat, with Zhou He and Wu Han sitting on either side of him.
Yang Xiao was seated to the left of Wu Han.
At this moment, the hierarchical relationship between the mountain stronghold was officially established.
After everyone was seated, Lu Yuan asked calmly, "How many people are there in the village now?"
"There are 93,281 people who can fight, and 150,000 warhorses. Among them, there is one Blood Refining Realm cultivator, 19 Dirty Refining Realm cultivators, 75 Tendon Refining Realm cultivators, 357 Bone Forging Realm cultivators, and 2,200 people who have entered the realm."
However, the rest were all young and middle-aged.
Wu Han responded.
A smug look appeared on his face; this team was already quite strong.
They couldn't compare to the imperial army, but they were quite strong in the buffer zone.
However, there is still a long way to go before achieving dominance, and the imperial court can send experts at any time.
Tianwangzhai was ultimately just a mountain stronghold.
"Can you support yourself now?" Lu Yuan asked in a deep voice.
Supporting such a large workforce is no small feat.
"Yes, the buffer zone is now only our part, which is completely covered by the same material, so many caravans go through here when they leave the border. It has almost become a trade route."
As long as they pay silver, they can travel freely, and they earn about 300,000 taels of silver a month, which is enough to make them self-sufficient.
"And this is only recently. The Zhao family from the capital city are so envious of our booming business that they keep coming over to cause trouble. Otherwise, this number could have doubled." Wu Han touched his bald head, his eyes blazing with anger.
Yang Xiao looked at Lu Yuan and said with some resentment, "These people from the capital are too domineering. They wanted to recruit us as soon as they came up. They almost started a fight back in the village."
Later, they organized elite troops to sabotage trade routes. Sending too few of our people was ineffective, and sending too many wouldn't be enough to retain their best fighters.
"In the last battle, I was pierced through the chest by a spear. If Wu Han hadn't led his men to surround that Qi Refining Realm expert, I probably would have died on the battlefield."
Lu Yuan nodded: "I'll resolve this matter as soon as possible. How's it going with the Northern Barbarians?"
Wu Han perked up as he said this: "We've already started cooperating. They've supplied us with a lot of warhorses, and we can also trade grain and fodder freely. They can also provide some weapons."
However, items such as armor and elixirs were subject to very strict control.
"Then we'll spend money to find them, by any means necessary. We can find alchemists and armor-making craftsmen. If we can't hire them, we'll kidnap them. We're mountain bandits, not some virtuous gentlemen. As long as we can develop, that's all that matters."
By this time, in Lu Yuan's view, Tianwang Village had basically gotten on the right track.
As long as it develops properly, there shouldn't be any major problems.
"Yes, I'll take care of it right away."
Then, Lu Yuan continued, "Let's talk about the Zhao family. I have some things to take care of recently, but I'll come and deal with them after this period is over."
"You should focus on defense these days."
"Yes, sir!"
Wu Han and Yang Xiao quickly replied.
By this time, the rules of Tianwang Village were considered to be set.
Then, Wu Han waved his hand and ordered his men to bring out the wine and dishes.
The group began to drink and chat happily.
At the same time, inside the Icefield Fortress, Zhou Hongling was preparing to rest.
"Bang! Bang!"
A loud knocking sounded at the door.
Then, a voice came from outside the door: "Young Miss, the head of the family just sent word that the Western Rong army has invaded the border, and the imperial court has ordered the mobilization of troops from various places to the western frontier."
We also need to send troops from the northern frontier. The Marquis requests that you proceed to Yanzhou City as soon as possible to discuss this."
"Okay, I understand," Zhou Hongling replied after putting on her clothes.
The people outside then withdrew.
At this moment, Zhou Hongling, who was inside the room, couldn't help but frown.
The Western Rong Dynasty was a more powerful dynasty than the Northern Frontier Dynasty, and it is no exaggeration to say that it was more powerful than the Great Yong Dynasty.
If war breaks out now, who knows how many people will die.
After thinking about this, he lost the will to continue sleeping, and instead sat up, took out the map and began to study it.
On the other hand, Lu Yuan stayed at Tianwang Village for one night and left with Zhou He the next day, visiting some villages and towns along the way.
Otherwise, I really wouldn't know how to explain it when I get back.
Five days later, when it was completely dark, he finally returned to the Icefield Fortress. As soon as he entered the city, Zhou Hongling summoned him to the General's Mansion.
At this moment, Lu Yuan had just entered the main hall.
There were many delicious foods laid out on the table.
There is also a jar of wine.
A deep sorrow lingered in Zhou Hongling's eyes, and when she saw Lu Yuan, guilt involuntarily surfaced in her eyes.
"Did something happen?" Lu Yuan asked softly after sitting down.
Zhou Hongling nodded: "The Western Rong have invaded the border and have started a full-scale war with my Great Yong. I went to Yanzhou City a couple of days ago and just came back today."
The court's intention is to transfer a contingent from the northern frontier to the western frontier. I recommended other people to the Marquis, but he favors you the most.
"I can't stop you from going if I insist you go, to bring honor to Northern Xinjiang."
Lu Yuan gave a wry smile, poured himself a glass of wine, and said, "Alright, I'll go then. When do we leave?"
"At the latest, the day after tomorrow. The situation in the Western Frontier is very tense right now. Our Dayong has always been at a disadvantage. Moreover, the terrain there is complex, with many hills and mountains, which is not suitable for warhorses to gallop."
Therefore, we must be prepared for infantry combat.
Don't think about anything else for now; the most important thing is to protect yourself and survive.
Zhou Hongling reminded her, her eyes filled with worry.
Although she knew that as Lu Yuan grew stronger and his position rose higher, she would eventually be unable to keep him by her side.
But I didn't expect it to happen so quickly, and this time it really came as a surprise.
The strength of the Western Rong Dynasty is no joke.
"Don't worry, sir, I will be careful."
"Yes, remember to write after you get there. Auntie, you don't need to worry, I will take good care of you," Zhou Hongling instructed Lu Yuan.
The other person kept nodding, knowing Zhou Hongling's good intentions.
At the same time, he felt a little emotional. He had originally planned to deal with the Zhao family members in the buffer zone after his strength broke through, but now things have turned out differently.
We're about to head to Western Xinjiang.
I have no idea what the situation is like over there.
Zhou Hongling looked at him and continued, "This time, the imperial court will also send the Imperial Guards, and Zhang Zhe may be among them. You must be careful of him."
Regardless, he is now the son-in-law of the Prince's mansion.
"Um."
As Lu Yuan listened to Zhou Hongling's repeated instructions, a warm feeling rose in his heart.
After finishing his meal, it was already getting late, so Lu Yuan returned to his room and continued his cultivation.
His trip to the western frontier instilled in him a sense of urgency.
The battlefield in the northern frontier was already very dangerous; I was almost betrayed.
It is said that the people of the Western Rong are naturally strong and prefer foot combat. The Dayong Dynasty always lost more battles than it won against them.
Therefore, every so often, princesses would be sent to marry foreign rulers to avoid conflict.
This time, for reasons unknown, the Western Rong have started another war.
However, no one can predict such things. On this continent, there has never been peace between nations.
Nothing happened that night, and the next day, Lu Yuan began to reorganize his troops.
First, all three thousand city guards under his command will be taken away, and the defense of the Icefield Fortress will fall to Zhou Hongling.
There was only one day to reorganize the troops.
He was constantly busy with tasks such as supplying provisions and allocating personnel.
After arranging all this, it was already evening before he arrived at the Lu family's courtyard to prepare to take his leave.
As soon as he entered the house, he saw that his mother and Anniang had already prepared the meal and were waiting for him.
Upon seeing Lu Yuan enter, before he could speak, Madam Lu said softly, "Are you preparing for battle?"
"How did Mother know?" Lu Yuan asked, somewhat surprised.
"Your military headquarters has been bustling with soldiers coming and going all day long. I'm not deaf or mute, so I naturally noticed," Madam Lu said slowly.
Then, after gesturing for Lu Yuan to sit down, she continued, "Go to war if you want. You're a captain now, and there's no way to avoid this. Your mother supports you."
However, don't always be so carefree. Hongling doesn't tell you anything, but you should still care about her and not always let her take care of her.
Hearing Lu Shi say this, Lu Yuan frowned: "What happened to her?"
"It's not that something happened to her, it's that something seems to have happened to the Zhou family. I went to eat next door a couple of days ago and heard that someone contacted the Zhou family and asked them to withdraw from the buffer zone."
The messenger was a marquis. As the saying goes, a higher rank can crush a person. Hongling had put a lot of effort into the buffer zone, but this guy was going to take it away with just a word.
The Zhou family doesn't even have the right to be angry. I'm not asking you to help her, after all, you're just a captain now, but you should care about Hongling, you know?
I know about this whole thing, and you still don't understand? In this lifetime, it's so rare to meet a woman you like who is also good to you.
"You mustn't take this for granted." Lu Yuan nodded.
A fierce glint appeared in his eyes; in the end, it was still the infighting within the officialdom of the Dayong Dynasty.
Thinking about this, he was no longer so opposed to going to the Western Frontier. Since he had joined the army, if he wanted to get promoted, he had to rely on military merits.
He is now a captain, with the cultivation level of the Meridian Opening Realm.
Reaching the Innate Realm seems not far off.
During this trip to western Xinjiang, he not only wanted to improve his skills, but also to advance his career.
Help the Zhou family get their belongings back.
He had certainly noticed the care Zhou Hongling had taken for him during his time in northern Xinjiang.
Thinking of this, she said softly, "Mother, don't worry, I know what I'm doing."
"It's good that you know what's going on. Remember to take good care of that girl. It's not easy for a woman to be in the army, and I think she has a strong personality."
"Understood, Mother," Lu Yuan replied.
Lu Shi didn't say anything more, and after the meal, Lu Yuan left.
He's setting off tomorrow, so he went to bed early today.
The next morning, without disturbing the Lu family, Lu Yuan led his personal guards out of the mansion. As soon as he opened the door, he saw Zhou Hongling already waiting.
Upon seeing Lu Yuan, he stepped forward and said, "After you go to the Western Frontier, remember that your survival is paramount, and don't act impulsively."
As someone in the military, Zhou Hongling naturally understood that the Western Rong warriors were not to be trifled with.
Lu Yuan nodded, then looked at her and said, "I heard that someone is causing trouble over in the buffer zone?"
Zhou Hongling was taken aback, then continued, "I didn't want to tell you this, but since you know, it's nothing. It seems that Marquis Shang Yong of Zhenbian is coming to the Northern Frontier to take charge."
Marquis Hongcheng of Jiusai may be transferred.
Shang Yong has a history of discord with my Zhou family. This time, his intentions are clearly hostile. Before he even arrived, he sent a letter ordering the family to withdraw from the buffer zone.
"What does the family mean?" Lu Yuan raised an eyebrow.
"My father's idea is to leave him alone for now and see whether Marquis Jiu Sai stays or leaves. If Shang Yong really comes, then my Zhou family's days will probably be numbered."
Zhou Hongling smiled helplessly.
Then, forcing himself to stay alert, he said to Lu Yuan, "So, while you're protecting yourself, you'd better perform well. If you really get promoted to a high-ranking position, I'll be waiting for you to protect me."
Although she was joking, Lu Yuan replied seriously, "Definitely."
Then, he turned his gaze to Zhou Xiong and the others behind him and said, "Let's go!"
As soon as he finished speaking, the group slowly moved forward.
After Zhou Hongling and Lu Yuan led their troops out of the city...
A look of reluctance and helplessness appeared on his face.
Lu Yuan then entered the pass and headed towards the Western Frontier. Along the way, he could see that people were also heading to other fortresses.
They even ran into acquaintances.
After all, he had dealt with many captains and generals when he went to the frontier.
Along the way, he also learned that the battle was extremely fierce. In addition to mobilizing troops from various places, Dayong had even dispatched 100,000 imperial guards, a scale never seen in recent years.
Even during the attack on the Northern Barbarians, nothing like this ever happened.
Western Xinjiang and Northern Xinjiang are not very far apart, but it still took us two whole months to travel there.
Upon arriving at the western fortress, Lu Yuan and his men were assigned to the central army, tasked with assisting the Imperial Guards in direct combat against the Western Rong.
Leading the army was the Duke of Zhenyuan of Dayong, a general renowned throughout the court and also a nobleman.
However, unlike other nobles, he did not treat other grassroots generals as outcasts and was known for his uprightness and incorruptibility.
This is also why the Emperor of Dayong sent him here. After all, the Western Rong forces are very strong this time, and there can be no mistakes if they want to win.
Otherwise, if we are not careful, we will be defeated. If the western front is breached, the people of the entire western frontier will become victims of the Western Rong.
For the Great Yong Dynasty, this price was unacceptable.
Lu Yuan had just finished setting up camp in the Western Frontier when he encountered Zhang Zhe. However, this was no coincidence; the other party had clearly been keeping an eye on him as well.
Therefore, when Lu Yuan went out to inspect the camp which had just been established.
Zhang Zhe led a dozen or so imperial guards over, and when he glanced at Lu Yuan, a smug look appeared on his face.
"I didn't expect you to become a captain now. You've risen through the ranks quite quickly," Zhang Zhe said casually.
Lu Yuan didn't pay much attention to him, but instead focused his attention on the Imperial Guards, who were said to be divided into different ranks.
The army commanded by Zhang Zhe was not the strongest among the Imperial Guards, yet the cultivation level of its ordinary soldiers had already reached the Tendon Refining Realm.
Moreover, their armor was made of fine iron, far superior to that of the border troops.
Lu Yuan roughly estimated that it would cost a considerable amount to build such an army.
Just compare them to the thousand elite troops of Tianwang Village and you'll know.
Zhang Zhe's strength should be at the late stage of Refining the Elixir now. It probably won't be long before he deliberately steps into the Blood Transformation stage. The Imperial City is indeed a nurturing place for people.
Seeing that Lu Yuan did not respond to him, Zhang Zhe's anger intensified, but he did not show it immediately. Instead, he said calmly, "The Western Frontier is different from the Northern Frontier. I hope you can survive and watch me rise step by step. I will prove to the family that the family was not wrong back then."
"You don't need to tell me," Lu Yuan said calmly.
Then he turned around and went back to his own camp.
Zhang Zhe felt as if he had punched cotton; instead of venting his anger, he almost strained his back.
However, after seeing Lu Yuan leave, he could only say to the guards behind him, "Let's go."
Then, he returned to his own camp.
Lu Yuan ignored him and went straight to the system panel after entering the tent.
Prepare to check your cultivation level to see if you have reached the breakthrough standard.
After all, it had been two months since we left northern Xinjiang.
: