“However.”
Jun Changxiao said: “Now isn’t the right time to go for practical training. Wait until the war ends before leaving.”
“Mm.”
Lu Qianqian was thinking the same thing.
She was just asking for the Sect Master’s opinion first. If he agreed, she would then consider picking an appropriate time to leave.
By the way.
If Jun Changxiao hadn’t agreed, would Lu Qianqian still go for practical training?
This question—one didn’t ask and the other didn’t answer, so everyone can imagine for themselves.
Actually, Jun Changxiao wouldn’t completely confine disciples to the sect. Going out for practical training helped with growth in all aspects, so he naturally wouldn’t oppose it.
As for defection, he wasn’t worried about that.
Because the moment disciples had such thoughts, all their memories would be instantly erased.
It was because of this restriction that Sect Master Jun dared to recruit disciples without restraint. Otherwise, he would definitely screen them individually to confirm whether new disciples were undercover agents from other forces.
Looking at the current situation, with over two thousand disciples, none had lost their memories, indicating they truly recognized the Iron Bones Sect and weren’t here to play spy games.
Of course.
As the sect’s prestige grew, there would definitely be forces that got such ideas.
Sect Master Jun was quite looking forward to seeing how memories would be erased.
The System said helplessly: “Host’s thought is truly both cheap and mischievous.”
…
While Iron Bones Sect disciples made major breakthroughs, external warfare continued.
Several righteous city lords in Huayang Commandery continued to defend their cities desperately with their troops and civilians.
As for Heyang Commandery, although they couldn’t stop more cities from gradually falling, they were also doing well at delaying the enemy.
Using this time, Jun Changxiao ordered disciples to continue cultivating, striving to break through to even higher levels.
“Sect Master.”
Xue Rengui said: “I believe now is the time to take the initiative and catch Zhenyang Commandery’s army off guard.”
With all Wolf Cavalry Hall members breaking through to Wushi, he had much more confidence.
Jun Changxiao shook his head: “If we attack on our own initiative, it would mean directly participating in the war. Zhenyang Commandery might very well abandon their attacks on the two commanderies to focus entirely on attacking Qingyang Commandery.”
“That makes sense,” Xue Rengui said.
Jun Changxiao looked at the sand table: “So we can only wait—wait for them to attack, then repel them under the pretext of defense.”
The quest was to defend Qingyang City. As long as he repelled the enemy, he could still complete the quest.
“Sect Master.”
Just then, Li Luoqiu hurried in, saying gravely: “News from the frontlines—after breaking through a fortified city, Zhenyang Commandery has deployed thirty thousand troops heading toward Qingyang City.”
“…”
Jun Changxiao was speechless.
Can’t you guys follow the rules!
Why don’t you eliminate Heyang Commandery and Huayang Commandery first instead of constantly making detours to harass my Qingyang Commandery!
Xue Rengui offered an explanation: “Zhenyang Commandery wants to break through Qingyang City, then launch attacks on Heyang City’s other cities from more directions.”
“Fine.”
Jun Changxiao said: “What’s meant to come will come eventually, and there’s no avoiding it.”
Li Luoqiu continued: “According to reports, the commanding general of this invasion is named Tao Yuan, another fierce general under Bai Reihu’s command.”
“I’ve heard of this Tao Yuan.”
Xue Rengui said: “He comes from a military family and has studied military strategy since childhood. He’s quite a promising youngster. The army he trained is called the Tiger Might Army, one of the most elite forces in Southwest Yang Province.”
Although he hadn’t been a soldier for many years, he naturally paid attention to military affairs—it was a hard-to-break professional habit.
“So you’re saying the thirty thousand troops coming are stronger than the previous cavalry?” Jun Changxiao asked.
Xue Rengui said: “The Tiger Might Army commanded by Tao Yuan is strictly disciplined and brave in battle—incomparable to a brute like Miao Kuai.”
“Can it compare with the Wolf Cavalry Hall?” Jun Changxiao asked.
Xue Rengui said: “Naturally not.”
As a former Five-Star General, he was confident that even facing this rising star Tao Yuan head-on, he could defeat him.
Of course.
This was built on the Wolf Cavalry Hall being too strong.
If given two or three thousand ragtag troops, even with the God of War’s blessing, it would be impossible to contend with such an elite force.
“Let’s go.”
Jun Changxiao said: “We’re heading to Qingyang City.”
“Yes!”
The thousand Wolf Cavalry Hall members rode their Hurricane Wolves away from the Iron Bones Sect.
Sect Master Jun not only brought Li Qingyang, Xiao Zuiji, and other inner disciples, but also deployed a thousand inner disciples.
With only 2,500-plus people in the sect, pulling out over 2,000 at once was essentially emptying the nest.
The Epic Quest was to defend Qingyang City. Jun Changxiao had to ensure absolute certainty, because if the quest failed, he would be stuck at peak Wuzong for a very long time!
“Damn it!”
While traveling, he broke down: “Although the quest gives great rewards, it’s really frustrating if you can’t complete it!”
…
Qingyang City, City Lord’s Manor.
Xie Guangkun was now like an ant on a hot pan, pacing anxiously back and forth.
He received the news at the same time as Jun Changxiao.
Zhenyang Commandery wasn’t playing by the rules, sending thirty thousand troops to attack from Heyang Commandery—this was completely beyond his expectations.
What made our adorable City Lord Xie even more devastated was that it just had to be the Tiger Might Army!
This was an elite force that ranked third in the military tournament a few years ago. Coming to attack his Qingyang City—they were definitely going to sing a sad song!
“City Lord.”
After Zhenyang Commandery’s thirty thousand troops arrived, a general gritted his teeth: “No matter what army Zhenyang Commandery sends, this subordinate will defend the city to the death!”
This man was named Sun He, Qingyang City’s garrison commander.
Although he had rich commanding experience, honestly speaking, compared to a general like Tao Yuan, he was truly too weak.
If given equivalent troops in numbers and strength for a battle on the field, no matter how many times they fought, he would lose every time.
Some people were born with military talent.
People like Tao Yuan, who also worked hard at learning, could definitely dominate many commanders.
Of course.
If Xue Rengui were given equivalent forces, he could beat this rising star Tao Yuan so badly he couldn’t find north, because Five-Star Generals didn’t reach their rank by seniority—they climbed up step by step through proven ability.
“City Lord!”
Just then, a subordinate came to report: “Sect Master Jun has come to visit!”
The anxious Xie Guangkun immediately said: “Quick, quick, show him in!”
…
In the great hall.
As soon as Jun Changxiao sat down, Xie Guangkun said with a worried expression: “Sect Master Jun, Zhenyang Commandery’s thirty thousand troops are heading this way. I fear Qingyang City is in grave danger!”
The attackers were the Tiger Might Army commanded by Tao Yuan—he truly held no hope.
“City Lord Xie.”
Jun Changxiao said: “I also received the news, so I’ve specially brought disciples to provide support.”
Xie Guangkun was very moved, yet also full of bitter feelings: “The attackers are the famous Tiger Might Army of Southwest Yang Province. Qingyang City cannot escape this calamity.”
“Not necessarily.”
Jun Changxiao pointed to Xue Rengui standing behind him: “City Lord Xie, today this Seat has brought a general skilled in military operations who will surely help Qingyang City resolve this crisis.”
Xie Guangkun couldn’t help but take another look at this somewhat unkempt middle-aged man, thinking to himself: “He has absolutely no military bearing. Can he really command armies?”
Being recognized by Miao Kuai had reminded Xue Rengui to disguise himself this time, and he hid his military aura well.
Initially, Jun Changxiao had asked in confusion: “Why does Hall Master Xue need to disguise himself?”
Xue Rengui said: “I’m just a deserter. If word got to Central Zun Province, it would only bring unnecessary trouble.”
“Hall Master Xue is afraid of bringing trouble to the sect, isn’t he?” Jun Changxiao said.
Xue Rengui nodded.
Jun Changxiao looked at him, then at the disguised Jiang Xie, and said seriously: “Once the Iron Bones Sect has sufficient strength to contend with any danger, you won’t need to hide anymore.”
—