Chapter 822: Mastering the Long-Term Technique to Counter Shen (Part 2) [Requesting Monthly Tickets]

"Gong Su, something terrible has happened!"

No sooner had Qin Li returned than Zhao Feng came knocking on his door.

Before he could even utter a word about this "important matter," Qin Li stared grimly at the sand table, his gaze fixed on the Chaoli Pass mountain range. Flashes of light occasionally appeared, indicating battles were taking place: "I already know about this matter. I miscalculated this time..."

Zhao Feng asked solemnly, "When did they appear here?"

Although Qin Li's way of the scholar was perfect, even the most perfect way of the scholar cannot be without any constraints.

The observable range and duration of the scholar's way are linked to the consumption of literary energy; the farther the distance, the longer the time, and the more energy consumed! As far as Zhao Feng knows, there is a limit to the observable range before other means are used to assist.

As for where the limit is, Qin Li never said.

So far, this range is sufficient, allowing Qin Li to detect the battlefield and enemy camps from the rear.

Zhao Feng stared at the sand table in disbelief.

When did this group of soldiers appear here?

Both the lord and Lord Wu's scouts were monitoring the enemy's movements, and Qin Li was also watching from the rear. Their split-force approach to the Chaoli Pass mountain range could not have been concealed and had been discovered long ago. But the reality was that there had not been a single related battle report before today.

The scouts didn't send a message, and Gong Su didn't discover anything either.

Zhao Feng opened his palm and used his thumb and forefinger to measure the distance between the two armies on the sand table. After roughly estimating the actual data, he frowned and said, "Some of the transferred military formation incantations can indeed make people achieve the effect of instant teleportation, but if the two places are too far apart, even the strongest [Transferring Flowers and Grafting Trees] would require a hundred or eighty transfers in the middle if we do not consider the consumption of scholars."

Such a strong fluctuation in literary style could not escape monitoring.

This behavior is completely pointless and futile!

Qin Li suddenly remembered something: "There is a way that might be possible. Previously, when Shen Jun and Qiu Wenyan were facing off in Xiaocheng, they sent people to dig an underground tunnel directly into Xiaocheng, so that they could attack the city defenses from both inside and outside and open the city gates."

Zhao Feng: "..."

Of course he knew.

She used this trick more than once.

Old methods never fail!

If they took the underground route, they could indeed avoid Gong Su's scholarly way, since Gong Su's scholarly way feared nothing but obstruction. Zhao Feng pondered for a moment, then a question arose: "Gong Su, no, what about all that soil?"

Large quantities of soil are difficult to handle. If even one scout discovers Huang Lie's camp transporting large amounts of soil out, Huang Lie's plans will fall apart! His lord might even turn the tables and bury it all underground. His lord is an expert at digging tunnels to harm people.

Qin Li frowned, leaving a faint mark between his brows, and said, "Righteousness, I'm wondering if someone is targeting me..."

Scholars are reluctant to reveal their methods, partly to protect themselves, and partly because they fear their intelligence might fall into enemy hands and make them easy targets. Qin Li's methods seem insurmountable at first glance; the enemy's formations, marching routes, and deployments are all clearly visible to him. However, from another perspective, his methods are also the easiest to crack…

One option is to hide under an object that provides cover.

Is there anything larger than the earth in the world?

Secondly, they ran beyond the limits of his monitoring range.

Qin Li never told anyone about this extreme distance, not even his most trusted friend Zhao Feng. He wanted to take the secret to his grave!

Zhao Feng was both shocked and worried.

"This...this can't be, right?"

Qin Li sighed, “The world is vast and full of wonders. The ways of the literati are even more diverse, with all sorts of things. No one can guarantee that their way of the literati is without a natural enemy... I hope that Lord Wu will not be caught off guard here.”

He didn't care whether Wu Xian lived or died.

But losing one's life at this critical juncture would be detrimental to the overall situation.

With Wu Xian dead, wouldn't the already fiercely divided group erupt into chaos? There's no way to expect them to unite against Huang Lie; they might even secretly defect when victory seems hopeless. This group might very well do it!

After all, nothing is more important than the continuation, survival, and interests of their family! Changing allegiance isn't shameful; as long as it's advantageous, today's enemy can be tomorrow's master. However, this is only the worst-case scenario.

Zhao Feng said with deep concern, "Indeed, Huang Lie and Zhang He have 300,000 troops. How can our lord withstand that alone?"

Of course, his desire for Wu Xian to live wasn't solely based on that. They had been master and servant for many years, and out of that consideration, he also hoped the other could live longer. It was just a pity that he didn't have the authority to leave the camp without permission and couldn't get there in time to rescue him…

Zhao Feng could only offer his prayers and blessings from afar.

By the way—

"Wu Gong's actions did have some benefits."

If Wu Xian and his group hadn't gone hunting and inadvertently discovered the traces, and hadn't encountered the enemy, they would have been able to traverse the mountain range in at most three days, based on the enemy's location.

If the scouts still can't find any trace of the enemy, Huang Lie can lead his main force to launch a strong attack from the front, while the sneaky ambush troops then flank from the rear, leaving them truly attacked from both sides. Even if they manage to hold out, the enemy can still set fire to the fields and granaries in the rear.

If food supplies run out, the only option is to withdraw troops.

Thinking about it that way, it was quite a close call.

After Zhao Fenggang finished speaking, he realized that his words were somewhat gloating, and he awkwardly shut his mouth, glancing at Qin Li out of the corner of his eye.

Seeing that Qin Li did not react, they assumed that he had not heard them.

To everyone's surprise, Qin Li nodded in agreement: "Indeed."

Since there are no outsiders around, what's wrong with gloating?

“If Xian Deng ever sets up a fortune-telling stall, I’ll wreck it!” Shen Tang rode her motorcycle at breakneck speed toward the direction where the scouting arrow had been launched. “He said there haven’t been any major troubles at Chaoli Pass lately, and even if there were any, we could turn the tide. And this is it? We don’t even know when the enemy will get to our doorstep! And that Huang Xiguang, he actually stole my special skill…”

The scouts found no enemy activity, yet enemies suddenly crept up to her doorstep. Shen Tang could basically conclude that someone had stolen her techniques. She had dug tunnels to trap so many enemies, but she never imagined that one day she would almost be ambushed and surrounded. It was truly a cruel joke from hell.

Gong Xichou said, "You mean that guy with the mustache?"

He even does fortune telling on the side?

Shen Tang gritted her teeth inwardly: "It's him!"

After Jiang Sheng perfected his literary skills, he borrowed literary energy from her every day, getting itchy to write less than twice a day. Shen Tang, considering the bigger picture, didn't stop him. Twice was enough for her! After finishing his official duties each day, Jiang Sheng would borrow from whoever he could find…

Just a couple of days ago, it was said that there was a military disaster at Chaoli Pass.

Shen Tang looked at him more and more like he was a charlatan, and retorted, "[They're almost at war, how can there not be any military disaster?]"

Checking the recent scout reports, the enemy hasn't made any significant moves.

Our side is ready to strike first, and everything is in place.

It's normal for the two sides to start fighting at this point.

Shen Tang felt sorry for her own lack of literary flair: 【And the result?】

Jiang Shengdao said: "An auspicious omen has arrived from beyond the pass, which can mitigate some of the military disasters. The outcome should be a close call without serious harm."

Shen Tang: [...Auspicious omen? A powerful figure descending from the sky?]

Could it be that another talented individual has willingly surrendered themselves to us...?

No, abandon darkness for light?

Jiang Sheng shook his head, his eyes darting towards Shen Tang with an intensely eager look: "If my lord wishes, I am willing to perform the divination a few more times; perhaps the results will be clearer."

Give him one night, and he promises to find out what auspicious omens are.

Shen Tang was moved but refused his advances: "I know you really want to, but don't think about it now. This is enough..."

This is similar to the addictive nature of spending money on gacha pulls.

The unlucky one had no idea about his own luck, always thinking that good fortune was just around the corner! Faced with his lord's abundant reserves of literary energy, Jiang Sheng couldn't control himself at all. Once the floodgates were opened, he wouldn't stop until he had drawn every last drop of her literary energy.

Since his lord refused, Jiang Sheng had no choice but to give up regretfully.

Shen Tang: [...]

I would rather Jiang Sheng's way of being a scholar not be perfect. Before it is perfect, he can only get one brick a day. After it is perfect, he can want to empty it every day.

The first man was becoming less like a staff member and more like a charlatan.

She feigned scratching her head, avoiding Jiang Sheng's eager gaze, and coughed lightly, saying, "Ahem, even so, we must still keep everyone on high alert and order all areas to be on high alert! Be prepared for war at any time!"

To her utter surprise, the enemy not only stole her skills but also wanted to raid her home!

How could the vanguard scouts have missed it?

While pondering, Gong Xichou said coldly, "We've arrived!"

The Chaoli Pass mountain range has a complex terrain, with varying heights and endless stretches. Ordinary people can easily get lost when entering the mountains, let alone find a way to provide support. Shen Tang and Gong Xi Chou are not ordinary people. They directly used force to climb the mountain in a straight line to the top, moving up and down between the peaks. According to the principle of "the shortest distance between two points is a straight line", they shortened the journey as much as possible and gained precious time.

"Damn it, where are they?"

After searching for a while, they finally found the location where the whistle arrow had been launched.

When they arrived, all that remained was a scene of devastation and ruins.

The surrounding area was filled with a mixed atmosphere, and there were quite a few people!

Judging from the situation, Wu Xian's men have likely launched a concentrated attack, and the enemy has dispatched a large force to pursue them...

"There!" Gong Xichou only made a quick identification before pointing to two different directions and suggesting, "They've split up. Mama, you go this way, and I'll go that way, okay?"

Shen Tang made a decisive decision: "Let's go!"

The two transformed into streaks of light and pursued in two different directions.

Reinforcements are on their way.

The Chaoliguan mountain range hasn't been this lively in a long time.

At the same time, Wu Xian and his son had different feelings.

As they were greeted by enemy archers, Wu Xian and his men underestimated the number of enemies, while the enemy also underestimated the strength of Wu Xian's forces. Wu Xian and his men were dressed in inconspicuously, appearing to be ordinary generals leading a hunting party.

I thought I could win easily, but I ran into a brick wall.

It also gave Wu Xian and his men the opportunity to shoot out warning arrows!

The enemy leader stared intently at the failed interception of the sentry arrow, his eyes filled with malice: [Take down these guys, they're dead!]

The whistle-wielding arrow shot into the air, signifying their location had been exposed and their month-long plan had gone to waste. This grudge would naturally be settled with the heads of these men! However, the more they fought, the more alarmed they became. How could these men be ordinary guards?

In the chaos of battle, Wu Xian, protected in the middle and fighting his way back, caught a glimpse of a familiar figure out of the corner of his eye. He momentarily thought he had mistaken someone for someone else. Before he could get a closer look, a furious shout suddenly came from the enemy's side: "Take them down! It's Wu Zhaode!"

Wu Xian knew who it was just by hearing the voice.

He cursed inwardly—

[Who else could this bastard be but Zhang Yongqing?]

As the leader of the force, Wu Xian's soldiers might not recognize his face, but Zhang Yongqing would definitely know him well.

At this moment, Zhang He's face was also filled with astonishment and shock, seemingly never expecting to find Wu Xian, who had come to hunt, lying in wait here! The resentment at his plan being ruined vanished completely, replaced by boundless elation: [Behead Wu Zhaode, and a hefty reward awaits!]

Wu Xian: [...]

If he weren't short-handed, he would definitely have stormed up to Zhang He, that ugly freak, and slapped him a few times across the face!

What kind of scoundrel would want to cut off his head?

However, Zhang He's men kept pouring in, and at a glance, they were all elite troops, with considerable military strength. Although they weren't as strong as his six elite generals, Wu Xian hadn't taken any of them with him on his hunting trip today...

For a moment, Wu Xian felt a chill run down his spine.

He knew he had encountered an ambush of elite troops.

Wu Xian fled ahead, pursued by soldiers behind.

The accompanying military officers stayed behind to cover the rear and delay the enemy.

They needed to get back to their own camp quickly; only by rendezvous with reinforcements who had seen the commotion could they be safe. This wasn't just their strategy; Zhang He understood it even better. While pursuing them, he ordered his men to use incantations to disrupt their escape route. This meant that even with rearguard action, they couldn't create a safe distance, and their own men continued to be wounded. If this continued, the situation was very unfavorable for them!

At this point, Wu Xian made a decision.

He wants to split his forces into two groups.

Protect him all the way, and protect the second young master all the way.

This was the first time the second young master had felt death so close. After the initial panic, he quickly calmed down. The young man could still calmly deflect arrows, but when he turned his head, he heard Wu Xian's decision to divide the troops and met those familiar eyes.

[...Father...]

His voice trembled with fear.

The second young master never expected that he would be abandoned by his biological father.

Time was of the essence, and Wu Xian failed to notice the fleeting resentment and hatred in his son's eyes. He hurriedly instructed him: "We, father and son, are at the mercy of fate. If anything happens to me, you must assist your elder brother and stabilize the family business—"

Zhang Yongqing recognized him.

The father and son split up, so the younger son could be safer.

By the time the second young master came to his senses, he only had time to see a familiar figure disappear into the distance before he fled in the opposite direction under the protection of Wu Xian's trusted men. Zhang He, knowing that Wu Xian had divided his forces, sneered mockingly: "Heh heh, neither of them, father or son, will escape!"

During the battle, Zhang He overheard someone addressing the young man beside Wu Xian as "Second Young Master." The young man bore a striking resemblance to Wu Xian, making them undoubtedly father and son. If they could sacrifice the father and son to the banner, it would surely severely demoralize the troops at Chaoli Pass.

This can more or less make up for the losses caused by the failure of the plan.

I've heard that Wu Xian's eldest son is utterly useless. If both Wu Xian and his son die, the eldest son won't be able to control his father, and Tianhai's power will inevitably crumble. And given Tianhai's nature, it won't be easy for Shen Youli to gradually devour them. Heh, how interesting!

Zhang He's eyes darted around, as if he had thought of something.

He made a hand gesture with his right hand, sending a message to the men who had split up to pursue the second young master, instructing them to do as the message said...

To kill someone, you must first destroy their spirit!

[Second Young Master, there's no way out!]

"The Chronicle of Song Tan," a song of thorns.

Synopsis: After returning from cultivating immortality, I went back to my hometown and started livestreaming my farming!

P.S.: If you like farming/development novels, you can check it out! It's been a year since Jingji started writing; time flies!

P.S.: My "The Wandering Earth" model kit was stolen on the 7th. There are no security cameras in the elevators of the Shiitake Mushroom Residential Complex. The thief was carrying the package with their back turned and walking backwards. To catch them, we could only deduce from the shopping basket and backpack they were carrying that they had just come home from work, and we tracked down their car... We've basically identified them, but I'm still so angry! My beloved model kit!

(End of this chapter)