An innumerable number of feathered arrows zipped through the air, raining down towards Pei Xuanjing, seeming like a torrential downpour.
Subsequently, almost five thousand soldiers formed their ranks and started to encircle Pei Xuanjing.
"So what if the Ning King is rebelling? It's not like I, a lowly military commander, can take down the Ning King'S vast army, right?" Yang Yunhui looked at Pei Xuanjing with a cold gaze and thought to himself, "Instead, I can just capture and kill you, a remnant of the Shenxiao Sect, to earn some merit."
Just six months ago, the emperor who had been peaceful for two years once again wished to travel down to the south and tour the world. His plans for this southern tour sparked massive protests from the courtiers.
In this context, Ning King Zhu Chenhao, who had always been ambitious, had risen in rebellion a month prior, citing the emperor's debauchery and unjust ways as excuses. He first killed the governor of Yangzhou, then beheaded the deputy inspector and defied the current emperor.
He set up a parallel imperial court within his own mansion, assigning the posts of left and right chancellors, secretaries of the six ministries, etc. He amassed an army of a million by rallying the masses and launched diatribes against the imperial court across the country. Half a month ago, he left a general in charge of his main camp and led a fleet downstream the river, capturing cities and territories on his way, straight towards South Capital Yingtian Prefecture. He wanted to restore the status of Yingtian Prefecture and declare it as the rightful capital.
It would not be an exaggeration to say that Ning King's actions had left many people stunned and not knowing how to react.
In just over a month, Ning King had almost claimed entire Yangzhou and seemed to be expanding further out.
As the commander of the Guard Command Department, Yang Yunhui understood the vast influence of Ning King better than anyone else.
Despite commanding a sizable army, facing the million-strong force of Ning King seemed just as difficult as reaching the high heavens.
Just a short while ago, the Nan Gan provincial governor Wang Yun and Wang Boan had issued orders to rally all the troops from nearby Guard Command Departments to resist the chaos caused by Ning King. Naturally, Yang Yunhui also received the order.
In light of these omens, even though Wang Boan's status was far above his, Yang Yunhui was truly reluctant to accept his order.
He knew very well that while Ning King had left behind a significant force, given his successive victories throughout these days, he had amassed an army of a million again. This was a dreadful force of daunting proportions.
Even if Wang Boan could hastily rally the troops from the surrounding Guard Command
Departments, he feared that they would not number more than a hundred thousand combined.
This gap of nearly ten times was daunting, to say the least. Even if Wang Boan had the abilities of a legendary war hero, it would be difficult for him to fend off Ning King's massive army.
From Yang Yunhui's perspective, leading forces towards the frontline now was tantamount to plunging into a death trap headfirst.
However, once such a royal order is received, it cannot be ignored. If defied, it would not be much different from rebellion, and the imperial court would certainly hold him accountable later.
Yang Yunhui was afraid of Ning King's massive army, but only apprehensive about becoming a mere pawn. Being fully aware of the Great Ming's strength, he knew Ning King likely didn't have much chance of winning until he captured South Capital.
Hence, Yang Yunhui first ordered some of his forces to advance, while he made up an excuse to delay for several days.
Just when he had run out of excuses for further delay, he fortunately received news about Pei Xuanjing. This made him elated as he conceived a perfect plan. It enabled him to avoid the death trap and also absolve him from any questioning by the imperial court later on.
He immediately sent a message to Wang Boan, stating in the letter: "I've received news about Pei Xuanjing, the remnants of the Shenxiao sect. The bandit is mysteriously heading towards Yangzhou without apparent reason, which could mean he might be about to join forces with the rebel Zhu
Chenhao."
"Therefore, I've decided to personally lead the remaining troops to capture this thief to prevent him from colluding with Zhu Chenhao, and inciting various forces to follow."
With this excuse, he had cleverly led his remaining troops into early ambush. He planned to use Pei Xuanjing's life to secure his escape path. As long as he could capture Pei Xuanjing, he would be invincible. He could attack or retreat as he pleased and without any worry.
If he went to join Wang Boan now in the mission to protect the king, the outcome would be uncertain. However, given the huge bounty on Pei Xuanjing, it would be a significant achievement if he could capture him.
Yang Yunhui looked at Pei Xuanjing, as if he was seeing a bright future full of promotions and wealth.
Pei Xuanjing, however, was unaware of Yang Yunhui's greedy calculations. He was anxious to leave and was furious when he saw Yang Yunhui unhesitatingly making a move.
Faced with the hail of arrows, Pei Xuanjing did not flinch. With a flick of his sleeve, he churned up massive true qi, stirring up fierce winds that easily knocked down these arrows.
Gazing at the soldiers forming their ranks and closing in on him, Pei Xuanjing sat still on his horse, his Shenxiao sword came out of the sheath with a clear ring.
Boom!
Pei Xuanjing swung his sword several times, releasing a myriad of intersecting sword energies, cutting down the soldiers within thirty feet of him.
Facing Pei Xuanjing's brutal and fierce massacre, even the brave soldiers hesitated and their steps paused momentarily.
"What are you standing still for, kill him!" Yang Yunhui, who was standing at a distance, saw his soldiers hesitating and shouted in anger.
"Pei Xuanjing, a Shenxiao remnant, is in collusion with the rebel Zhu Chenhao, committing heinous crimes. Whoever kills him will be rewarded a hundred Tael and be promoted two ranks!" Yang Yunhui unhesitatingly slapped the rebellious hat onto Pei Xuanjing.
After all, Pei Xuanjing was an outlaw wanted by the imperial court, with many deaths of courtiers under his belt. Hearing Yang Yunhui's command, the soldiers once again formed their ranks and rushed towards Pei Xuanjing.
Pei Xuanjing's eyes filled with intense murderous intent: "Heh heh."
While it'S true that he bore a grudge against the Great Ming court, even a mere guard commander dared to heap unwarranted charges on him, which irritated him.
Pei Xuanjing continuously slashed his sword, killing soldiers who were trying to approach him then turned his cold gaze towards Yang Yunhui.
He dismounted from his horse and landed on the ground, grasping his Shenxiao sword tightly. With every swing of his sword, a soldier was killed. In the blink of an eye, he cleared a path with his sword.
At the end of this path, stood Yang Yunhui.
"Quick, stop him!" Yang Yunhui's face turned pale and he shouted at the guards by his side.
Yang Yunhui never expected Pei Xuanjing to be so ferocious that nearly five thousand soldiers couldn't stop him.
Understand that the Great Ming court could control all under heaven not by relying on martial arts masters, but through these ordinary soldiers.
While five thousand soldiers may not be enough to suppress a first-grade martial artist, they can certainly exhaust one to death.
However, Pei Xuanjing's strength had far exceeded his estimations.
It seemed his plan had been in vain.
Now watching Pei Xuanjing, who was like a god of death, he remembered the notorious reputation Pei Xuanjing had earned, a wave of fear surged within him, and his back was awash with cold sweat.
Pei Xuanjing emanated an icy aura, like a god of death, slowly moving towards Yang Yunhui. Every step he took, Yang Yunhui involuntarily felt his life inching closer to its end..
Puft!
Despite Yang Yunhui's struggles, the flash of a sword led to his head soaring into the sky, his body tumbled from the horseback to the ground, causing a cloud of dust.
The commander of the Guard Command Department, considered a respectable authority, was killed by Pei Xuanjing as effortlessly as one would crush an ant, despite the fact that he, himself, was a third-grade martial artist.
Perhaps he had been in a lofty position for too long, or perhaps he had often relied on his massive army to intimidate adversaries stronger than him, or perhaps he relied too heavily on the power of his soldier company, or perhaps he believed too much in his unrivaled tactical genius…
Regardless of the reason, when Pei Xuanjing's sword descended, Yang Yunhui had no surprises to offer. He was as easy to kill as the ordinary soldiers that Pei Xuanjing effortlessly eradicated.
Under the Shenxiao sword, all beings are equal.
Yang Yunhui's decapitated head flew high into the air , his eyes wide-open in shock, filled with unwillingness and regret.
All his plots, all his tricks fell into nothingness.
He thought he had escaped a catastrophe, only to face a more terrifying enemy.
Pei Xuanjing flicked his blade lightly, shaking off the blood, stood proudly with his robes billowing in the wind. He looked around at the astonished and frightened soldiers, shook his head slightly, and then sheathed his sword.
He turned and walked towards his horse. The soldiers were awed by his imposing manner and involuntarily stepped back, opening a path for him.
He walked slowly, step by step. The soldiers' eyes followed Pei Xuanjing's every move, frozen in place as if time had stopped.
Wherever he passed, no one dared to stand in his way!
Pei Xuanjing mounted his horse, whipping the reins of his horse and galloping away, his horse hooves causing a cloud of dust.
Only after Pei Xuanjing's figure disappeared from sight did the soldiers finally come to their senses as if a spell had been lifted, and a wave of chaotic noise erupted.
"How could this happen? Who among you can tell me how the situation has become like this?" Ning King, Zhu Chenhao, who wore full armour, stood angrily in the military tent, berating his generals.
At this moment, Zhu Chenhao did not possess the confidence he had three days ago. His face was gloomy, his heart filled with rage, unable to understand how a favorable situation suddenly turned sour.
Ten days earlier, he received a sudden report that his central camp in Nan Gan had been attacked by Wang Boan.
Baffled and alarmed, he immediately led his army to return and lend assistance, only to encounter Wang Boan's troops three days ago.
Even in the rush of his return, Zhu Chenhao had still managed to gather a massive army of 500,000, facing a mere 100,000 troops of the enemy. He had a numerical advantage, and to anyone it seemed like victory was at hand.
But when it seemed like nothing could go wrong, a catastrophy had occurred.
Zhu Chenhao's 500,000 troops fought Wang Boan's 100,000 soldiers. After a day and night of fighting, Zhu Chenhao's army was defeated and driven back by the enemy.
That's why Zhu Chenhao was angrily questioning his officers.
"1 want to know, how could any of you, generals renowned for being veteran warriors, end up in this state under the lead of Wang Boan?" Zhu Chenhao asked in a cold tone.
He had long heard of Wang Boan's fame. The man was born into a prominent family, and early in his life he became a scholar-official. However, after offending Liu Jin, he had been demoted and exiled from Tiandu, his father ruined alongside him.
Later, if it hadn't been for Wang Qiong, the Minister of War, who took a liking to him, he might have spent his entire life in obscurity in Nandu.
Despite every obstacle he faced, Wang Boan displayed incredible strength when he rooted out bandits in Nan Gan. But how could such a small force of 100,000 soldiers defeat his army of 500,000?
This was something Zhu Chenhao could not fathom.
Actually, not only was Zhu Chenhao at a loss, but almost everyone present couldn't understand.
The generals were clueless. They didn't know why a supposedly won battle had suddenly turned into a loss.
"My lord, since a direct approach doesn't work, we might have to resort to other means." The white-robed monk, Liu Yangzheng, his eyes flashing with a cold light, said in a low tone.
Seeing his trusted advisor speaking up, Zhu Chenhao's anger eased a bit, and he asked: "Advisor, what's your plan?"
The white-robed monk Liu Yangzheng spoke in a cold tone: "Let the people of the Underworld strike down Wang Boan. Only then can we break this stalemate."
Originally, Liu Yangzheng admired Wang Boan greatly. He even wanted to advise Zhu Chenhao to win him over for their cause after their army conquered Nan Du.
However, before they could act, Wang Boan surprisingly gathered an army to resist them, becoming an enemy. If that were the case, there was no reason to leave him alive.
Having heard Liu Yangzheng's words, Zhu Chenhao nodded in agreement.
"King Chujiang, I am now looking forward to the good news from the Underworld." he said to King Chujiang.
All the officers present were his loyal followers, and they were well-aware of the collaboration with the Underworld.
"My lord, leave everything to us." King Chujiang confidently took on the task.
Since the beginning of the rebellion, King Chujiang of the Underworld had become the liaison between both parties. He led a few experts from the Underworld and followed the march of the main army.
They had been invincible along the way, breaking down cities and seizing territories with ease. The Underworld also contributed significantly. If it wasn't for their assassination of the hard-line resistance, their victories wouldn't have been so smooth.
Liu Yangzheng was deeply familiar with Wang Boan, and he said to Chu Jiang Wang, "I understand Wang Boan well, and you must not underestimate him. He's not just a great scholar; he's also extraordinarily accomplished in martial arts. More than a decade ago, he had already reached the realm of the third-grade master. Rumors have long claimed that he has broken through to the second-class realm. In my view, given his talent, breaking into the realm of first-grade martial artist would not be surprising."
Liu Yangzheng found Wang Boan a mystery. A renowned scholar with potential for a unique school of Confucianism, he was also an exceptional martial artist who advanced quickly in his training. What was most strange, however, was despite his obsession with entering officialdom, he was not interested in using his martial arts skills to gain power. He had earned all his promotions through his administrative skills.
This kind of contradictory existence surprised Liu Yangzheng.
A first-grade martial artist.
Hearing Liu Yangzheng•s analysis, Chu Jiang Wang also fell silent. It was hard for him to understand why a possible first-grade martial artist would behave like this. After all, he himself was only a second-class martial artist.
However, he stopped underestimating the situation and promised, "In that case, we'll have to invite the Ghost Emperor himself."
During this campaign, the Underworld had sent a real expert–the central Ghost Emperor of Five Ghost Emperors..