Li Xi sneered inwardly, but remained outwardly calm.
She simply couldn't understand why the cult leader was keeping this from Situ Feng.
Could there be some deeper meaning behind this?
Just then, the cult leader sighed deeply.
A hint of helplessness appeared on his face as he slowly said, "I was forced into this situation. However, the imperial court is not to be trifled with. When the snipe and the clam fight, the fisherman benefits. If the two factions really fight to the death, it's not necessarily a bad thing."
After listening, Situ Feng felt that this made sense. "Xiaoyue, Jingyuan's fate is probably sealed. Let Prince An be a stepping stone for our adoptive father's great cause."
After listening to his nonsense, Li Xi felt even more that this person was really stupid. He just opened his mouth and tried to kill her.
Li Xi's inward sneer intensified, but she maintained a faint smile on her face, a barely perceptible chill flashing in her eyes.
Helplessly, he said, "I'm afraid Xiaoyue doesn't have that much ability. It's said that Prince An is leading 50,000 troops to reinforce Luocheng. Even if she has unparalleled martial arts skills, she probably won't be able to reach Prince An."
She lowered her eyes gently, concealing the turbulent emotions surging within them.
Upon hearing this, the cult leader's gaze sharpened slightly. "Don't worry, I will send you a few men. If all else fails, we'll hold off Prince An's army from reaching Luo City for five days later."
Li Xi couldn't figure out what other intentions he had in making such an arrangement.
It's not like she's indispensable for this matter.
Unless he was trying to test her, Li Xi couldn't help but feel more wary and vigilant.
She gently bit her lower lip, maintaining her composure on the surface, and slowly said, "Father trusts me so much, so naturally I dare not fail you."
Just as Situ Feng was about to ask to go with Li Xi, the sect leader spoke first: "Little Feng, you stay here and continue to do your job at Ren Shan Tang."
“But…” He frowned, clearly unhappy that he couldn’t go with Li Xi.
The cult leader seemed to see right through his thoughts.
A hint of sternness flashed in her eyes, yet she patted Situ Feng's shoulder with affection: "Your mission is equally important. Ren Shan Tang is our foundation for survival in this chaotic world. Besides, if you stay here, you can also meet up with Xiao Yue at any time. Isn't that a win-win situation?"
Upon hearing this, although Situ Feng was unwilling, he had no choice but to nod in agreement: "Yes, I understand. I will certainly live up to Father's expectations."
It seems they really came here to test her; saying they'd send her a few helpers is just a way to keep an eye on her.
Li Xi pondered silently in her heart, but remained outwardly composed.
The city gates slowly opened before dawn the next day.
Li Xi and Sui Feng waited at the city gate early in the morning. As soon as the gate opened, they couldn't wait to leave the city.
Before long, the "helpers" specially arranged by the cult leader followed closely behind. These "helpers" were the four protectors by the cult leader's side.
The four guardians were all dressed in black robes, with cold and stern faces, seemingly devoid of any emotional fluctuations.
One of the protectors spoke up, "Holy Maiden, the journey is long, and traveling on horseback would be more convenient."
Therefore, they did not prepare a carriage for the saintess.
Li Xi nodded slightly in agreement, "This is the usual practice, thank you all for your help."
Her tone was gentle: "This mission is of utmost importance, and we must be extremely careful, allowing no room for error."
Upon hearing this, the protectors responded in unison, "Yes, Holy Maiden!"
Then, everyone mounted their horses.
The sound of horses' hooves echoed in the morning stillness, breaking the tranquil atmosphere outside the city.
Meanwhile, on the other side, Prince An, as the commander-in-chief, was leading 50,000 soldiers at full speed towards Luo City.
Although Jingyuan had many military generals, it always had an extraordinary significance for the royal family to lead troops to quell the rebellion.
As a member of the royal family, Prince An, Qi Yu, was well-versed in military strategy from a young age and had some knowledge of troop deployment and formation.
Moreover, this time the main force is led by General An Yuan, a fierce general who was once under the command of General Qin, the Duke of Dingguo.
They were still more than 300 miles away from Los Angeles.
It was already dark. They had been traveling day and night for four consecutive days, and everyone's physical strength had reached its peak, so the army set up camp on the spot.
Qi Yu and General Xu Zhong sat in the main tent.
A detailed map of Los Angeles was spread out on the table, and the two men frowned.
Prince An, Qi Yu, slid his finger across the map of Luoyang.
He said in a deep voice, "General Xu, Luoyang is strategically located, easy to defend and difficult to attack. In addition, the rebels have been entrenched for a long time, and the people's hearts are not at peace. Our mission is not only to defeat the enemy, but also to appease the people's hearts so that we can achieve long-term stability."
General Duan nodded, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes: "Your Highness is absolutely right. The Battle of Luocheng is no ordinary battle; it is a matter of national destiny. Although I am a military general, I am well aware of the principle that 'he who wins the hearts of the people wins the world.' Your Highness's ability to have foresight and to take into account both the war and the people's hearts is truly a blessing for our Great Qi."
Xu Zhong paused, his gaze becoming even more resolute: "Your Highness, rest assured, I have ordered scouts to travel day and night to advance into the vicinity of Luo City, gathering information on the rebels' movements and the living conditions of the people within the city, striving to know both ourselves and our enemy. At the same time, I have begun preparing provisions and medical supplies to ensure the army's needs are met, laying the foundation for the future recapture of the city and the pacification of the people."
Upon hearing this, Qi Yu nodded slightly, a hint of approval flashing in his eyes: "General Xu's considerations are thorough. However, we must also be vigilant, as the rebel leader is cunning and unpredictable, and may have some tricks up his sleeve."
"Your subordinate obeys!" Xu Zhong responded, standing tall and straight.
At their current marching speed, they will reach Los Angeles in four days.
After suffering a crushing defeat in Yancheng, they had no way out and could only retreat step by step towards Luocheng.
However, Los Angeles is now facing a huge predicament: the city's food reserves are about to run out, while it is surrounded by rebel forces outside the city, making the situation extremely critical.
General Du was extremely anxious, hoping for reinforcements to arrive every day.
He knew that if he didn't receive more aid, Los Angeles would be difficult to hold out.
I initially thought this group of Red Shirts was just a rabble, but after actually getting to know them, I discovered how formidable they were.
Their organizational discipline, combat effectiveness, and combat skills far exceeded expectations, completely overturning previous perceptions.
This is definitely not a makeshift team made up of disaster victims, but a well-trained regular army!
Such a conclusion is shocking, but the facts are undeniable.
Based on the marching speed, reinforcements should arrive within three days.
General Du had no choice but to lead his soldiers in a desperate resistance. With food supplies running low, half of the city's inhabitants began clamoring to open the city gates and surrender!
It seems that many Red Shirt Army spies have already infiltrated the city, and he will have to send men to find them.
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