"I just wonder if we can kill them outright."
Chen Sanshi guessed it was unlikely.
Having physical evidence without witnesses wasn't enough to convict anyone—especially at such a tense time.
Many sects already had strong opinions against the Liangzhou army.
On top of that, the matter of Yuyang Sect still hadn't been resolved. Many sects were saying the government was deliberately dragging it out just to squeeze them for blood. Some even claimed the Witch God Sect never existed at all—that the whole thing was a show staged by the officials themselves.
Though Ciyun Temple was only a third-rate sect, it still had a good reputation. Even Splitting Moon Manor and Tongxuan Sect would likely speak up for them.
But imprisoning them would already be enough.
Chen Sanshi mainly wanted to ensure his family's safety.
"Found anything?"
"Nothing except that Vajra Pestle."
"Then seal the mountain! Keep searching. Dig through the houses—see if there are any tunnels or hidden chambers!"
"Leave two thousand men behind. The rest can return."
"…"
The prince sure had face.
Chen Sanshi sighed inwardly.
One command, and even without evidence, this many men were sent to scour the mountains.
He didn't join the rest in their busywork and instead led his men away in batches.
Only one day remained.
He didn't waste it—he spent almost all of it cultivating.
It wasn't until the night before departure that he gathered everyone together for a meal.
Sun Buqi and his sister, Senior Sister Rong Yanqiu, Father Hou, even Senior Brother and Third Senior Brother all came voluntarily.
Whatever their differences, at least on the surface, things had to look harmonious—they shared the same master, after all.
"To our Little Junior Brother—may your banner rise in victory!"
"Cheers!"
The gathering went on until midnight before everyone dispersed.
That night, under candlelight, Chen Sanshi sat reading.
The book was titled Compendium of Hundred Herbs, a record of rare and extraordinary plants.
He had already gone through every text on weapon-forging materials but hadn't found anything capable of storing Internal Force. Recently, while studying medical texts, he had come across herbs that could temporarily enhance Internal Force. That gave him an idea—so he began cross-checking both kinds of books.
On the very last page—
Ghost-Vein Wood: A rare timber formed after one thousand years. When crushed and boiled into a decoction, it can briefly revive the dying. The trunk can preserve Internal Force for a short time but is fragile and unsuitable for crafting mystic weapons.
Chen Sanshi sat up straight.
It could temporarily hold Internal Force!
If it was too fragile, then it couldn't be used for handles or shafts—sword grips, spear poles, or halberd hafts would all break after a few uses. But…
For arrow shafts, it would be perfect.
That meant he only needed a material for the arrowheads!
Once that was done, he could assemble a Hundred-Stone Bow capable of firing arrows infused with Internal Force!
"Iron… hmm."
Chen Sanshi frowned.
That was truly hard to find. If it came to it, he'd just use black iron instead. With Ghost-Vein Wood shafts, that would still be far better than ordinary wood.
He set the book aside and went next door to replenish his spiritual energy with Spirit Sand.
[...]
[Technique: Sword Qi Technique (Beginner)]
[Progress: (15/500)]
This amount of spiritual energy was fine for charging power, but not enough to raise his proficiency.
He planned to store one more Sword Qi as his trump card for emergencies. As for improving the skill itself, that would have to wait until after the expedition—once he obtained the incense furnace cauldron.
He practiced until the third watch, then tiptoed back to his room and went to sleep.
At dawn.
Gu Xinlan dressed him in a new crimson battle robe she had tailored herself, then helped him don his armor. "From now on, every time Shi ge'er goes to war, I'll have a new robe ready in advance."
"Deal. I'll wear a new outfit every campaign."
Chen Sanshi stood before the bronze mirror, fixing his appearance before putting on his iron helmet. "I'm off. By the time I'm back, the child will probably be born."
"Mm."
After everything they had gone through in Yunzhou, Gu Xinlan still worried, but she was more used to it now. And since this was a proper military expedition, it was nothing like last time's desperate escape.
She leaned against the doorway, watching him go.
"Farewell, Master!"
Siqin and Mohua both bowed deeply at the gate.
"You two."
Chen Sanshi pulled two small gold pieces from his belt and tossed them over. "Go make yourselves a pair of ornaments you like. While I'm gone, take good care of Madam."
"Master, we can't accept this…"
Since arriving at the Chen residence, the two girls had meat to eat every day. The house was big, with more than enough rooms—each even had her own. It already felt like living in a good family. They wouldn't dare ask for more.
"I said take it. If I come back and find out Madam suffered even a bit, I'll sell you both to the brothel."
He mostly treated them as housemaids, but not entirely. Their lives belonged to him, yet they were disciplined and never overstepped—so giving them a small reward meant nothing.
"Please rest assured, Master."
As slaves, they had no right to refuse and quietly accepted.
"Good, Qianxun."
Chen Sanshi gently stroked his horse's mane. "Once again, it's you and me."
A warhorse truly was a man's most loyal companion.
He had planned to gallop straight to camp—but as he turned a corner, a familiar figure appeared.
"Bastard!"
Zhao Zhao deliberately raised her voice. "After you left last time, my lady cried every day! And you never even came to see her! You're about to go to war, and you didn't even send word?!"
Chen Sanshi reined in his horse, rode closer, and asked in a low voice, "Ningxiang wants to see me? What for?"
"Keep your voice down!"
Zhao Zhao leaned in, cupping her hands around her mouth. "Important information."
"From Mingzhou?"
Chen Sanshi immediately spurred his horse toward Yanliu Alley.
He hadn't gone far when Zhao Zhao came running after him, shouting from behind, "Wait for me! You can't see my lady without me!"
With a sigh, Chen Sanshi turned back, grabbed her by the arm, and pulled her up onto the horse.
"Y-you—why's this horse so fast?!"
Clinging to his waist, Zhao Zhao felt as if she were flying, her lower body practically lifted off the saddle. Gritting her teeth, she yelled, "Can't you slow down a bit?!"
"Whoa!"
When they arrived near the Red Sleeve Pavilion, Chen Sanshi dismounted.
"Through the back door!"
Still shaken, Zhao Zhao patted her chest and shot him a glare before jumping off the horse. "The courtesans only receive guests at night. Right now, you're sneaking in for a private meeting with my lady. Private meeting means back door, obviously."
"…"
These people really made a fuss about hiding their identities.
Chen Sanshi followed her around a narrow alley.
When they reached the back entrance, he unexpectedly spotted someone familiar.
Yan Changqing, clad in full armor, was lingering there, reluctantly saying goodbye to a woman.
"Brother Chen?"
Yan's eyes widened. "Don't tell me you're here to see Lady Ningxiang…"
"Mm."
Chen Sanshi casually handed back the silver note he'd borrowed last time and continued on through the back entrance, heading straight to the sixth floor.
"General!"
The moment he stepped in, half-veiled Ningxiang threw herself toward him.
Chen Sanshi sidestepped.
Missing her target, Ningxiang still put on a tearful expression. "General, you're so cruel. After that night, you never came again. I've missed you so much…"
"…"
Chen Sanshi felt his scalp tighten awkwardly.
He also noticed several maidservants outside the door.
The moment they heard movement, they rushed downstairs to inform the madam.
A courtesan having a secret rendezvous was a serious offense—if everyone started having love affairs, the brothel wouldn't make money. The only reason they turned a blind eye was because Chen Sanshi had received an imperial edict and was also Sun Xiangzong's personal disciple. His status made him untouchable.
"Enough. They're gone. Drop the act."
Chen Sanshi shut the door. "I need to report to camp in half an hour—get to the point."
Ningxiang checked that no one was listening, then straightened up and spoke seriously. "General, you're heading to Mingzhou. How much do you know about the Red Brows Army's leader, Liang Jinian?"
"Failed scholar. Holds a mysterious scroll of Divine Military Arts."
Chen Sanshi asked, "So Lady Ningxiang wants to talk about that scroll, right?"
Seeking Immortals Tower naturally cared about such things.
"Nothing can be hidden from you, General."
Ningxiang sighed softly. "Then, General, how much do you actually know about the scroll's power?"
Chen Sanshi shook his head.
"Seems this humble girl is of some use after all."
Dipping her fingers in water, Ningxiang traced patterns on the table. "According to the information our Seeking Immortals Tower branch in Mingzhou sent back, that treasure in Liang Jinian's hands allows his soldiers to draw on the power of Heaven and Earth during battle. At its peak, with only two thousand men, they can trap a Profound Manifestation–realm general, with casualties not exceeding seven hundred.
"Mingzhou once had a general at the early stage of Profound Manifestation. He died that exact way.
"Judging from that level of strength, if they had five thousand troops, with losses under one thousand five hundred, they could surround and kill a Martial Saint—without even having any Profound Manifestation experts among them. Just ordinary soldiers below the Meridian-Connecting realm."
That kind of effect… was terrifying.
Chen Sanshi felt a twinge of awe.
Long ago, he'd read in Records of the Great Sheng Dynasty how Cao Xie alone had slain two thousand three hundred enemies. Later, after arriving in Liangzhou, he had learned more details from Senior Brother Fang.
Cao Xie killed those two thousand three hundred while facing an enemy force that included one Martial Saint and three at the Profound Manifestation realm.
Otherwise, the number would have been far higher.
According to Fang Qingyun, if there were no enemy experts of the same realm, a strong Martial Saint could single-handedly cut down over two thousand five hundred foes before exhaustion took him.
But the Red Brows Army could use barely over a thousand men to kill a Martial Saint. That meant their overall combat power was doubled!
On the battlefield, that was beyond frightening.
And that was just an example using Martial Saints. In reality, Mingzhou had none. Against other forces, they were practically divine soldiers.
No wonder that with only about thirty thousand, they had stormed through six cities in just a few months.
"But~"
Ningxiang's tone suddenly shifted. "That was their strongest battle. After that, the Red Brows Army never again displayed such overwhelming power. They've now stalled near Jinquan Prefecture, making no further progress.
"So, we suspect that the treasure—this so-called scroll—functions like spiritual energy. It gets consumed over time and eventually runs out. Whether it can be recharged, or how, no one knows."
Chen Sanshi fell into thought.
In simple terms, the Red Brows Army was weakening.
That was good news for them.
But it also deepened his curiosity about this "scroll."
"Lady Ningxiang," Chen Sanshi asked, "has anyone from your side actually seen the scroll?"
"No. Not even close."
Ningxiang flicked her fingers, scattering droplets of water at him. When he gave her a sharp look, she clicked her tongue and continued seriously, "Even the Red Brows soldiers themselves have never seen it."
"So, whether the scroll really exists or not is still uncertain."
Chen Sanshi analyzed aloud, "It might just be a story Liang Jinian made up. The name 'Heavenly Book' sounds noble—it'd inspire devotion and make it easier to recruit followers. But regardless, he must possess some kind of immortal relic."
"That's exactly why I asked you here, General."
Ningxiang spoke calmly. "When you return victorious, we'd like you to find out what that item truly is. If it's a method leading to the Immortal Realm, we hope you'll share that knowledge with us."
Chen Sanshi asked, "Why doesn't Seeking Immortals Tower investigate it yourselves?"
"The entire Tower only has about a hundred people," Ningxiang explained. "Do you really think we have the manpower to meddle in a war of this scale? If any trace of an immortal method leaks out, the consequences would be disastrous."
Chen Sanshi understood.
If a Seeking Immortals Tower agent was exposed, the first one to lose his mind would be the emperor himself—he'd launch a nationwide hunt.
"If it's just sharing intel, I have no issue."
He nodded. "But I'm only a Thousand-Commander in the army. Above me are countless generals. I might never even come close to this so-called scroll. Don't expect too much.
"Also, there's something I'd like to ask in return.
"Lady Ningxiang, can you get your hands on any kind of iron that can store Internal Force?"
He still wanted to try finding it.
When it came to finding rare treasures, Seeking Immortals Tower was obviously far better than him.
"Metal that can store Internal Force?"
Ningxiang thought carefully, then said, "I've never heard of such a thing. But if General wants it, I'll do my best to look for it. In fact, I have another deal to discuss with you. We'll talk about that when you return."
"Alright."
A trade was better than owing favors—clear and fair, with no debts between them.
After chatting a little longer, Ningxiang rolled up her sleeves and poured wine. "Then I'll toast to your victory, General."
Chen Sanshi glanced at the wine, made sure nothing was off, then clinked cups with her and downed it in one gulp.
Even if the cup contained an immortal elixir, he could tell—it was just that he couldn't discern whether it was beneficial or harmful, or what exactly it was made of.
"Farewell."
Chen Sanshi left in haste.
Ningxiang leaned against the doorway, tears glimmering in her eyes. "General, you promised—you'd buy my freedom when you return!"
"…"
Chen Sanshi quickly walked away.
Seeking Immortals Tower was useful enough; he didn't care for this kind of sentimental nonsense.
"Master," Zhao Zhao pouted after he left, "why bother flattering that bastard? Last time he even cut me with a knife."
"An investment, that's all."
Ningxiang gently shut the door, her expression instantly turning cold. "As long as there's even a sliver of hope to reach the Immortal Realm, we have to seize it. Since that Sun bastard ignores us, we'll have to rely on his disciple instead."
…
"Essence of the Sun and Moon."
Chen Sanshi replayed their last conversation in his mind.
The qi absorbed by strange beasts wasn't spiritual qi or foul qi—it was the pure essence of the sun and moon. They didn't need cultivation techniques; they absorbed it naturally over time. The rate depended on bloodline—the stronger the bloodline, the faster the absorption.
After countless years, such beasts could gain divine traits or even evolve into the fabled yao spirits. But because of the world's mixed, impure energies, even the sun and moon essence had grown thin.
That's why there weren't many of them left.
Immortals, spirits…
What they'd seen so far might only be the tip of the iceberg.
Chen Sanshi couldn't help wondering—his master had met an immortal before, but where did such beings live now?
Liang Jinian also claimed to have seen one.
It seemed this trip to Mingzhou was truly necessary.
Not just for the experience of war, but because it might bring him face-to-face with traces of the immortal path itself.
"Hyah!"
He urged his horse to full speed toward the military camp.
A campaign couldn't be launched overnight.
Preparations among the higher ranks had been underway long before.
A force of over forty thousand troops would take two to three days to organize before departing in stages.
During this period, no one was allowed to leave the camp.
By the evening of the third day, it was finally the Reserve Camp's turn to march—Chen Sanshi's unit.
The sun was sinking in the west.
Tens of thousands of soldiers filed out of the city in waves. The vanguard had already vanished into the wilderness, while the rearguard still waited near the gates.
Along both sides of the main road, families lined up shoulder to shoulder, silently watching their loved ones depart.
For every step forward, there would be countless wives losing husbands, countless elders losing sons, countless children losing fathers. War was always this way—cruel and inevitable.
"Junior Brother!"
"Da-da-da—"
The sound of hooves came from behind.
Chen Sanshi turned around and saw three people coming to see him off—Senior Sister Rong Yanqiu and the Sun siblings.
Ninth Senior Sister wore armor today, an iron-spiked whip in her hand. Her face showed little emotion, yet she radiated pure killing intent. That murderous aura—like poison distilled from a mountain of corpses—was something only those who had survived rivers of blood could possess.
"Junior Brother, a word."
"What's wrong, Ninth Senior Sister?"
They stepped into a small grove nearby.
"I've got something for you. You might find it useful."
Rong Yanqiu lifted her head to the red sky and whistled sharply.
A moment later, a gyrfalcon eagle swooped down from the clouds.
Chen Sanshi recognized the creature—it wasn't an ordinary gyrfalcon but a rare, intelligent beast used for delivering intelligence. He had seen one before in Poyang, under Han Cheng's command. They were precious and nearly impossible to train.
Usually, only a commander of ten thousand soldiers—a full battalion general—was qualified to own one.
"I pulled some strings for this," Rong Yanqiu said. "During the Mingzhou campaign, you'll have clearance for top-level intelligence reports. That should help you grasp the overall situation and train your sense for grand strategy."
"Thank you, Senior Sister!"
Chen Sanshi extended his arm. The gyrfalcon landed gracefully on it.
This was a treasure.
Without intelligence, even the strongest warrior couldn't make the right move at the right time.
He wasn't the one commanding armies, but going into battle blind was a miserable feeling.
"This eagle's mine. There's only one. Don't you dare get it killed!"
Rong Yanqiu's tone was stern.
"Don't worry, Senior Sister. I'll take good care of it," Chen Sanshi promised. "But won't you need it yourself?"
"I'm not joining this campaign," she replied. "I'm heading back to Yanzhou to handle something. By the time I return, your war will probably be over."
Then she smirked. "I know it sounds sentimental, but still—take it easy. Don't get so obsessed with earning merit that you end up dying in Mingzhou. I wouldn't care much, but it'd break Master's heart. You're his last disciple, after all."
"Take care, Junior Brother," Sun Li said warmly. "I'll look after Sister Lan for you."
She took out a small embroidered pouch. "Here, this is a charm I made for you. I don't have anything else to give."
Chen Sanshi took it and glanced at the stitching—it was as clumsy as ever.
He couldn't help laughing. "Thank you, Senior Sister Sun. With this, I'll be perfectly safe."
Noticing his smile, Sun Li frowned and asked seriously, "What, you think it's ugly?"
"It's perfect. Really."
Chen Sanshi looked back at the retreating army. He didn't dare linger any longer. "Ninth Senior Sister, Senior Sister Sun, Buqi—farewell!"
He spurred his horse forward and galloped away.
Rong Yanqiu scoffed. "My good little sister, I've gone to war every year—why haven't you ever made one of those for me?"
"I just learned how," Sun Li explained quickly. "Next time you go to battle, I'll definitely make you one too."
"Yeah, sure," Rong Yanqiu said dryly.
Rong Yanqiu said coldly, "Let me remind you of something. Before your sweetheart left, he went to a brothel again. I heard he even plans to redeem that little slut's freedom—for five hundred thousand taels! Even I don't have that much silver!
"And look at you, acting like it doesn't matter. You've been stupid since childhood, and now that you've practiced martial arts, you're even dumber! Be careful, or he'll drain you dry and toss you aside!
"I'm leaving. Go take care of your Sister Lan. Who knows, maybe the two of you will end up sharing a bed someday."
With that, she whipped her reins and galloped back toward the city.
"…"
Sun Li didn't say anything.
Sun Buqi asked seriously, "Sis, are you really planning to let Sanshi become my brother-in-law?"
Sun Li thought for a long time before answering, "I... I don't know."
She wasn't the type to overthink things.
At first, when people teased her about it, she'd get embarrassed. But as time went on, she started to really think about it.
She wasn't sure if her father's last disciple truly counted as her "sweetheart."
But she knew one thing—sooner or later, every woman had to marry someone.
In the past, whenever anyone came to propose, she'd feel nothing but disgust.
But with Chen Sanshi, she didn't feel that way. Instead, there was a strange sense of... comfort.
That feeling probably started during the Battle of Poyang.
"Sis, you're such a fool!"
Sun Buqi, who usually got along well with Chen Sanshi, couldn't help feeling annoyed when it came to this topic. "He's great in every other way, but he's got that damn brothel habit! The poems he writes for those courtesans have already spread to the capital! I saw it with my own eyes—the one that starts with 'A crimson branch shines with morning dew, its fragrance lingering'! Anyway, who knows what kind of womanizing he'll do next. He'll probably end up like Second Senior Brother—with three wives and six concubines!"
Sun Li ignored the first part but caught on to the latter. "You've got nerve."
"Huh?"
"Who allowed you to go to a brothel?"
"I... hey, why are you hitting me! Why don't you hit Chen Sanshi instead?"
"He was there on official business! What about you? You don't train, you don't study, and you're still stuck at the Tempering Bone stage. Aren't you ashamed to call yourself a Sun?"
"Stop hitting me! Alright, alright, I was wrong! If you want him as a brother-in-law, go ahead—I won't stop you, okay?"
"…"
As the siblings bickered, the army disappeared completely into the horizon, leaving behind nothing but a trail of dust.
Sun Li and Sun Buqi, along with hundreds of thousands of civilians, gradually fell silent, all staring at the distant road with heavy hearts.
…
Mingzhou.
"Wang Li, those biscuits smell good. Widow Li made them for you, didn't she?"
"Hand it over, let me try one!"
"Brother, I'm telling you, you're still young. Why mess around with a widow? Can't you find a proper wife?"
Wang Li defended himself without hesitation. "What's wrong with widows? Better than those who like brothel women!"
"Hey, hey, you can't say that!"
Xiong Qiu'an quickly clamped a hand over his mouth. "You trying to lose your tongue?"
Only then did Wang Li realize what he'd said—remembering all the gossip that had been flying around Liangzhou lately.
The Red Sleeve Pavilion. Ningxiang. The redemption story...
"What are you talking about?"
Chen Sanshi rode up on horseback.
"Nothing, sir! Just joking around!"
Xiong Qiu'an grinned awkwardly. "We were just teasing."
"Nice biscuits."
Chen Sanshi took one from Wang Li's hand, bit into it, then handed him a silver note worth five hundred taels. "Buy yourself a small house. I'll come for your wedding banquet later."
"Thank you, sir!"
Wang Li's hands trembled as he held the note.
"Good. Gather Xu Wencai and Zhao Kang. Bring the map and meet me on the clearing ahead."
Chen Sanshi ordered.
Soon, the military map was spread out before them.
Mingzhou was a strange place.
It sat on the Great Sheng Dynasty's border, but its eastern side was sealed off by the Luotian Mountain Range. Between it and Fengzhou lay a vast, uninhabited wilderness. The only access points were through Liangzhou and Yanzhou. But Yanzhou's forces were small, so the task of leading the offensive naturally fell to Liangzhou's army.
They had to march through a massive canyon before officially entering Mingzhou's territory.
The current situation was clear.
The rebels were concentrated in the south, southeast, and central regions of Mingzhou—with the southeast being their main stronghold.
Their army was to strike deep into the central heartlands, while the Mingzhou garrison advanced from the west and north. Together, they would encircle the rebels outside Jinquan Prefecture. Their supply lines would depend on Yangchun Prefecture.
By then, it would be seventy thousand imperial troops against thirty thousand rebels.
The Red Brows Army had only one expert at the Profound Manifestation realm.
The Great Sheng side, however, had Yuan Dai, Sha Wenlong, and Zhao Wuji—three Profound Manifestation experts.
Additionally, Mingzhou's overall commander, Dong An, had his Deputy General, Wu You, assisting him.
No matter how one looked at it, the difference in raw strength was massive. Even with that so-called "Heavenly Book of Divine Military Arts," if they fought head-on, the Red Brows Army stood no chance.
Their best option would be to retreat north of the Wushui River and east of the Hongze River, fortifying the cities they'd already taken. But even then, it would only delay the inevitable—they'd still be crushed bit by bit.
"Sir, aren't you being a little too cautious?"
Zhao Kang asked, "As long as we stay alert for ambushes, nothing should go wrong."
"Maybe."
Chen Sanshi replied calmly, but inside, something still felt off.
What exactly was Western Qi waiting for?
The Red Brows uprising in the south was a once-in-twenty-years opportunity—a gift from the heavens. If Western Qi didn't seize it now, once the rebels were defeated and Liangzhou secured, invading later would be impossible.
Chen Sanshi turned to his strategist. "My Wolong, got any ideas?"
"Don't rush me, sir—just need one flash of inspiration!"
Xu Wencai frowned deeply, muttering, "Almost there... just let me think from another angle."
"Yeah… I guess I should try a different angle too."
Chen Sanshi ordered them to pack up the map and continue the march.
The journey to Mingzhou alone would take nearly one month.
That was also why Zhao Wuji and the others insisted against transporting provisions all the way from Liangzhou—it would cost too much.
Marching was pure monotony.
Every day was just walking and more walking. Meals and rest were taken wherever they stopped—truly a life of sleeping under the stars.
Fortunately, Chen Sanshi had come prepared.
He carried spiritual grain salves, precious medicines, and even ear-mouse meat. He didn't waste a single moment.
Just like back in Yunzhou, he used the incredible speed of his White Swan horse to his advantage—spending half a day training and the other half catching up to the army.
In the blink of an eye, twenty-eight days had passed.
[...]
[Technique: Dragon Spear of Nation-Suppression – Transforming Strength (Beginner)]
[Progress: (395/500)]
A few more days—ten to fifteen at most—and he'd likely reach Mastery in Transforming Strength.
"We're almost there!"
Chen Sanshi estimated that before nightfall, they would pass through Jianmen Gorge and officially enter Mingzhou's territory.
The gyrfalcon circled down to him, bringing the latest reports and orders from the front.
The Heavenly Wolf Battalion and twenty thousand Liangzhou soldiers were tasked with surrounding the main Red Brows force near Eagle's Beak Mountain. Together with the Mingzhou army from Jinquan Prefecture, they would strike hard to prevent the rebels from retreating north of the Wushui River—ending the battle swiftly.
Meanwhile, the Reserve Camp was assigned to the rear—not yet required to face the enemy's main force. Their job was to sweep the smaller rebel groups around Yanling Mountain and nearby towns, and once the full-scale war began, maintain the supply route near Yangchun Prefecture.
After all, the Reserve Camp had only been formally established for less than four months. Their overall strength was still a tier below the main battalions, so their role focused more on experience and support. They'd only be deployed in real combat if absolutely necessary.
"This pisses me off!"
Bai Tingzhi came storming over, cursing under his breath.
Luo Shuhua and Xie Sishu followed close behind, all three wearing grim faces.
"What happened?" Chen Sanshi asked.
"That shameless bastard Cao!"
Bai Tingzhi wasn't afraid of anyone hearing. "Sha Wenlong said the Heavenly Wolf Battalion was short on men, so he reassigned three thousand from Cao Fan's Right Division to the front line against the main Red Brows force! Isn't that just handing them the chance to earn the highest military merit?"
"Hundred-Commander Bai, watch your words," Xie Sishu warned. "Insulting anyone with the surname Cao is the same as insulting His Majesty himself. If someone took that seriously, you'd lose your head."
"Sigh…"
Luo Shuhua sighed. "Looks like this time, we'll only be picking up scraps."
"I don't mind," Xie Sishu said meaningfully, "but Thousand-Commander Chen… His Lordship the Prince is heading straight to Eagle's Beak Mountain to face the main force, and Sha Wenlong seems eager to give him opportunities. He's very likely to earn first-class military merit. Plus, he's already entered the Transforming Strength stage—he might reach Mastery before returning to Liangzhou. So…"
The position of chief disciple might be taken from him.
"Thanks for the reminder."
But Chen Sanshi wasn't worried.
By the time he returned to Liangzhou, he'd at least reach Minor Achievement in Transforming Strength. Even if Cao Fan risked his life, there was no way he could advance that fast.
Most people didn't even know that Chen Sanshi had already begun Transforming Strength long ago.
"Here we are!"
Jianmen Gorge.
This gorge was connected to the eastern Luoxiao Mountain Range, forming its very end—and served as the shortest route from Liangzhou into Mingzhou.
At the mountain's center stretched an immense, perfectly straight ravine. The cliffs rose at a sheer ninety degrees, as though someone had once taken a giant sword and split the range clean in half.
That was why it was called the Jianmen—Sword Gate—Mountains.
At this moment, the vanguard likely had already passed Yangchun Prefecture and was about to engage the Red Brows main army.
The remaining front, rear, and left divisions of the Reserve Camp were each heading toward different areas to eliminate small rebel bands.
"Chen Sanshi, Bai Tingzhi—hear my order!"
"At your command!"
Yu Song gave his command. "Scouts report that 150 li west of here, in Baigou County, 700 rebel infantry have taken the city and begun a massacre. I order Chen Sanshi to lead 1,000 cavalry and Bai Tingzhi to lead 500 more—ride there at full speed, eliminate them within two days, then immediately rejoin the main force.
"The rest will accompany me to Yangchun Prefecture to secure supplies!"
"Yes, sir!"
"Brothers, full speed ahead!"
The 1,000 soldiers under Chen Sanshi were all cavalry, well-equipped and well-fed—one of the rewards from his previous victory.
Bai Tingzhi's troops had at most 200 to 300 horses.
At a distance of 150 li, even an average cavalry unit—allowing time for rest—could reach within a day.
But when they finally arrived, it was already too late.
Baigou County, located deep within the province, wasn't fortified like border cities such as Poyang County. Its walls were low and thin, barely enough to hold off ladders. The local garrison rarely exceeded 500, sometimes as few as 100 guards plus another 100 or so government runners.
"General, I think Baigou's finished…" Zhao Kang said quietly.
Chen Sanshi pulled his reins and stopped.
From afar, he could already see the city gate reduced to charred ruins. The old, crumbling walls had collapsed in several places. Even from a distance, the sight inside resembled a hell on earth.
"Zhao Kang, take ten riders ahead to scout. Watch for ambushes."
Small rebel groups like these usually looted and killed before fleeing. They didn't hold cities, nor did they have high-level martial experts—most were no stronger than the Tempering Organs stage.
But carelessness on the battlefield meant death.
Chen Sanshi always operated with caution and never rushed in blindly.
"Yes, sir!"
Without hesitation, Zhao Kang led ten riders into the city. He soon returned. "My lord, not a single rebel left—just corpses everywhere."
"Enter the city."
Chen Sanshi commanded.
"Father…"
"Ah—!"
"Wuu… wuu…"
The moment the troops entered the city gates, the scene before them perfectly defined what it meant to be ruins everywhere, ghostly wails and howls, corpses scattered across the ground—a living hell on earth.
Houses blazed fiercely, and rivers of blood ran down the streets.
Bodies lay strewn all over the road, forcing the soldiers to dismount and walk on foot, stepping over corpses as they searched for survivors to question.
Creak!
A woman in torn clothes stumbled out of a collapsed house. Her hair was messy, her expression empty, and her eyes lifeless—wandering like a ghost among the dead, searching for something.
"Father!"
A little girl, no more than five or six years old, lay over a middle-aged man's corpse, crying softly at first, then louder as she finally realized her father would never wake up again.
"Help me…"
A hand reached toward Chen Sanshi's ankle. He instinctively dodged, but the man who had reached out exhaled his last breath right after.
Clang!
Behind them came the sound of a weapon falling. When they turned, the same woman who had staggered from the ruins had found what she was looking for—a knife—and used it to end her own life.
This… was what a chaotic world looked like.
Not one of the 1,500 soldiers spoke.
Those who had survived the Battle of Poyang felt it most deeply.
If not for General Chen back then, they and their families would have ended up the same way.
"Red Brows Army…"
Chen Sanshi closed his eyes.
A force that should have risen to resist tyranny had become worse than the oppressors they once hated. Without true guidance or ideals, they had turned into devils wearing human skin—bringing hell to every town they touched.
That was the curse of bandit thinking.
Such people could never build a nation.
"Little one."
Chen Sanshi approached the small girl and looked down at her. "Do you want to come with me?"
The girl only sobbed, too scared to answer.
"You there! Are you soldiers of Great Sheng?!"
At the end of the street, a man dressed like a house servant shouted toward them.
Zhao Kang replied, "We're soldiers of Liangzhou's Eight Battalions, sent to suppress the rebels!"
"Soldiers! The imperial army is here!"
The servant shouted excitedly.
Soon after, seven or eight young men dressed in martial attire came running out behind him.
"My lord!"
"You're finally here!"
"…"
Chen Sanshi eyed them coldly. Judging from the qi in their bodies, they were all at the Blood Tempering stage, and one even seemed to have reached Bone Tempering.
He asked flatly, "Where were you hiding?"
"My lord, please follow me!"
The martial artist led the way.
In the southeastern part of Baigou County stood a massive fortress with three large characters carved above the gate—Li Family Manor. Armed men stood guard at the entrance, some even wearing armor. Piled before them were the corpses of countless civilians.
"The elite of Liangzhou's Eight Battalions have arrived!"
The servant announced loudly at the gates.
The heavy doors opened, and a middle-aged man in fine silk robes stepped out, followed by the county magistrate and the garrison commander.
One by one, about seven hundred able-bodied men gathered behind him—all young, all capable of fighting. Not a single old or weak one in sight.
"I am Li Changsheng, head of the Li family of Baigou County. Greetings, my lord!"
The man bowed deeply.
"Who's the garrison commander?"
Chen Sanshi's face showed no emotion. "Explain how Baigou County fell."
A man stepped forward. "My lord, I am Hu Wen, the county inspector."
Hu Wen explained, "The city walls were old and crumbling. The Red Brows attacked fiercely, and they had the aid of the so-called Heavenly Book of Divine Military Arts gifted by an immortal. We couldn't resist, so we retreated to this manor to hold out and wait for reinforcements."
Chen Sanshi nodded slowly, his tone calm but cutting. "So, you're saying… you didn't even try to defend the city?"
Hu Wen fell silent.
"My lord," Li Changsheng quickly interjected, pointing south. "After looting and burning, the Red Brows fled straight out the south gate. If you ride now, you can easily catch up to them!"
"You're sure of the direction?"
"Absolutely sure! I guarantee it!"
"Hmm."
Chen Sanshi gave a slight nod and signaled for the troops to move toward the southern gate.
As they rode off, his heightened senses caught the whispers that Li Changsheng and the others thought only they could hear.
"See? Told you there was no need to defend the city."
"Who wants to die for this?"
"Why risk our lives for those filthy peasants?"
"Exactly. Now the imperial army's here, the Red Brows are gone, and everything's back to normal. I'm still magistrate, Lord Li's still a lord, and Inspector Hu's still an inspector."
"Give it two years—Baigou will be back to how it was."
"So what if Liangzhou's troops are strong? They're still the ones dying for us."
"…"
"Huh?"
"What are you doing?!"
Li Changsheng suddenly noticed they were surrounded—Liangzhou soldiers had encircled them completely, bows drawn and arrows aimed straight at their chests.
"You—"
"What's the meaning of this?!"
"…"
Zhao Kang's voice was cold and steady as he shouted,
"Baigou County Magistrate and Inspector—surrendering before battle is treason against the state. Execution on the spot!"
"Loose!"
A rain of arrows shot forth.