Chapter 421 Zhao Duan: Have I become a rebel?
Whoosh——
The cold mountain wind slapped the cloth, making a slight sound.
Inside the spacious tent, light from the sky faintly filtered through the tent cloth. Zhao Duan sat cross-legged with his eyes closed and his hands clasped in front of him.
With every breath, two thin streams of white turbulence burst out of the nostrils and then retracted, which was extremely mysterious.
As he completed a complete cycle of breathing, the Qi in his body reached its peak, and his thumbs suddenly crossed as he clasped his hands.
With him as the center, ripples spread out in the air around him, and then an illusory, faint and blurry "golden bell" slowly emerged, covering himself.
After maintaining for a moment, it collapsed and disintegrated.
"call--"
Zhao Duan opened his eyes, and the blue lotus mark on his brow slowly faded away. The corners of his mouth slowly rose:
"It's worthy of being the most classic Buddhist technique, the 'Golden Bell Cover'. It's indeed difficult to learn, but at least I've finally grasped the key."
Some days had passed since the Spring Festival. After leaving the city, Zhao Duan repeatedly pondered along the way, trying to learn the Buddhist self-defense techniques from the "Green Lotus of the Sea of Consciousness".
The main reason was that when the Empress slashed the Shenlong Temple with her sword, the abbot Xuanyin used the big golden bell to protect the entire temple and withstood the three swords of the Heavenly Realm Empress, the momentum was too huge.
Although Zhao Duan is a martial artist and can condense qi to protect his body, when it comes to defense, the Buddhist Golden Bell Cover is indeed the most exquisite among all the techniques.
“Although I haven’t fully refined it, it has only taken its initial form, and it is already equivalent to me using all my strength to condense the Qi to protect my body. As for the Xiaguang body protection, it is a little behind my level.
Once I fully master it, my ability to survive will be greatly improved. Combined with the numerous buffs I have now, I can withstand a few attacks from the Great Monk and avoid being killed instantly."
"Unfortunately, my cultivation has slowed down recently. I'm still stuck at the middle level, still a long way from the upper level of the Divine Chapter... Well, it's already fast enough. One shouldn't be too greedy..."
"But Zhenbao might have to go on some Fengshan ceremony in a few months. It's such a headache..."
As the "Emperor's Husband", Zhao Duan was worried about gains and losses, when he suddenly heard footsteps approaching.
Then, a scabbard suddenly pierced through the gap in the tent curtain, accompanied by the voice of female colleague Haitang:
"Come out for dinner. We should be heading to Fengcheng in the morning."
…
Zhao Duan opened the tent curtain, and the early morning light from the mountains suddenly shone through.
This place is actually a leeward col.
There was no snow around, only wild grass, but the mountain breeze with a hint of moisture was very different from the coldness of the capital.
Yesterday, this team disguised as an ordinary merchant caravan crossed the border between Linfeng and Binhai and officially entered the territory of Binhai Road.
To be precise, it is the "Fengcheng" area where the headquarters of the Kuangfu Society is located in the intelligence.
At this moment, there was a whole convoy of carriages parked around, and the ground was densely packed with tents.
At dawn, when the sky was turning pale in the east, many bodyguards disguised as escorts or captains in embroidered uniforms guarding the caravans had already gotten up and started feeding the horses, fetching water from the nearby streams, and collecting firewood.
Preparing to make a fire and cook, a busy scene
——This time, in order to assist Zhao Duan in capturing the rebels, Ma Yan waved his hand and selected the best from each of the nine halls of the imperial court, and assisted Zhao Duan’s direct line of defense, the Lihua Hall, to form this "merchant caravan".
In the tents in the center of the team, except for Zhao Duan, several other familiar people were also coming out one after another.
"Good morning, Brother Zhao!"
In the tent opposite, a short, fat young man with a round face came out, yawning, holding a hemp rope in his hand.
While pulling at his wrinkled cotton robe, he tied a large bamboo tube wrapped in cloth to his back with a hemp rope.
It turned out to be one of the Zhudian boys from the Tianshi Mansion:
The successor of the god of craftsmanship, Gongshu Tianyuan.
Gongshu Tianyuan, who successfully advanced to the "worldly" realm on New Year's Eve, looked radiant. Even though he was tired from the journey, his complexion was much better than when he was in the craftsman's shop at the Tianshi Mansion.
He turned his head to look at Haitang, who had a high ponytail and was holding the scabbard, and asked curiously:
"Maritime Police, has my junior sister returned?"
Haitang, who shared a tent with Jin Jian last night, glanced at the slovenly fat man with disdain, raised her chin and pointed at her tent.
"I came back just after daybreak."
You can faintly hear soft, gentle snoring coming from the gap in the open tent.
After a night out, the young priestess Jin Jian came back early in the morning to catch up on her sleep. She wrapped herself in the tent and slept with her legs spread out.
When he heard someone calling him, his ears trembled as if on their own, then curled up silently to block out the outside noise, and even kicked his legs.
"Who would have thought that the mysterious and ethereal genius female priestess is not only a night owl with an inverted sleep schedule, but also snores?"
Zhao Duan curled the corners of his mouth. During this short journey, he had a deeper understanding of the golden tablet.
The appearance of two Tianshi disciples in the team was naturally Zhao Duan's recruitment.
After the priests of Tianshi Mansion are promoted to the "world", there is a rule that they go out for training. It is natural that Mr. Zhao will not let go of such a good fighter.
Jin Jian and Gongshu Tianyuan were also quite interested in catching the rebels. They felt as excited as if they had finally mastered the art and were going down the mountain to slay demons and eliminate evil.
It’s a pity that the young Taoist priest Zhong Pan’s status is too high and he is unwilling to participate in worldly fights. His relationship with him is not close enough, so Zhao Duan cannot use his personal connections to invite him over, which makes him quite regretful.
"grown ups."
From the other two tents, Lang Shiba, who had been released from prison, emerged with disheveled hair and a scimitar hanging from his waist.
And Ji Yue, who woke up early but was unwilling to come out of his little tent because of social anxiety.
That's right, this time Zhao Duan kidnapped two more people, and besides that, there was also...
"Master Shao Bao, go to the river and wash up. You can eat soon."
In the distance, Zhang Han, the expressionless man who was directing the actions of the Jinyi soldiers, walked over without a smile, holding a heavy water bottle in his hand.
Zhao Duan looked at his wet hair, the water on his face that had almost frozen into ice crystals, and the Jinyi men who had already started lighting firewood to cook, and smiled and nodded:
"Thank you for your hard work. Just call me by my name."
"Okay, Mr. Zhao." Zhang Han nodded calmly.
…
A moment later.
Wires of smoke rose from the camp. When Zhao Duan came back from washing up at the river, everyone had already started eating.
Camping in the wild is not easy, so we just boil water to heat up some leftovers and bread.
Fortunately, the group disguised themselves as a merchant caravan and carried a lot of goods with them, which was convenient for people and horses to eat.
"Let's have a meeting."
Zhao Duan took the soup bowl and pancake handed to him by the soldiers, and sat on a small stool in the middle of the camp to greet them. Everyone also sat around in a circle, eating and holding a morning meeting.
"Fengcheng is just ahead. Before entering the city, we need to unify our plans for after entering the city so that we can move forward."
Zhao Duan squatted on a small stool, taking a bite of bread and a sip of soup. He felt as if he was in a war movie in his previous life, where the army discussed the battle plan while marching.
It was a pity that he didn't have a baton in his hand, and there was no map on the ground, which was a bit of a letdown, but he still said with great confidence:
"Maritime Police, please explain the situation first."
Haitang had already finished her meal. As the most powerful detective among the nine halls of the imperial court, she looked the most serious among the few people.
"As you all know, according to the intelligence sent back by the Shadow Guard, the Kuangfu Society's headquarters is in Fengcheng County. The exact location is unknown, and the rebel leader Zhuang Xiaocheng has been hiding there for years, commanding various branches."
“It’s still unclear how many enemies there are in the headquarters, but according to the intelligence we know, the former commander Qi Yuchun, the retainers of the Second Prince Jianwen, and the Earth God Sorcerer Ren Kun are all veteran worldly realm masters.
In addition, Zhuang Xiaocheng has about thirty people in the Divine Chapter Realm under his command... as well as a large number of members.
Well, of course, most of these people are scattered across the country, manning branch offices, so the number of experts at headquarters is definitely far less than this, but they should still not be underestimated."
Gongshu Tianyuan smiled and said:
"So, the enemy is at the two world realms? On our side, we have two brothers and sisters, plus Brother Lang and Sister Yue, which makes four world realms. In addition, although Brother Zhao has not yet advanced, he is also very skilled. Even if those rebels still have some trump cards, we are not afraid of them in comparison."
After a pause, he frowned and added:
"But as for the manpower below... even though we have the nine halls of the Imperial Court, I'm afraid we still don't have enough manpower."
Zhao Duan smiled and said:
"It's okay. I've already ordered the shadow guards to pass the message to the military headquarters in Binhai Road. As long as the order is given, the government troops will arrive at any time.
However, it is best for us to keep a low profile on this trip to avoid alarming the enemy. For now, we should wait until we enter the city to understand the situation first, and then make specific arrangements for our actions."
Gongshu Tianyuan spread his hands and said, "Then there's no problem between me and my junior sister."
Haitang continued:
"Compared to the combat strength of both sides, what's more important is to determine the location of the rebels' headquarters, and... whether there are any local forces in Fengcheng colluding with the rebels...
Just think about it, the Yu Kingdom was so big, why did Zhuang Xiaocheng set up his headquarters here? There must be a reason for it.
Since being released from prison and making up his mind to join Zhao Duan, Lang Shiba has gradually regained some of his former temperament as a soldier in the northern region. He swallowed the soup, wiped the water stains from his beard with his big hand, and said with a serious look:
"You already have a suspect?"
Haitang shook her head and said:
"Without any evidence, I can't give an answer. But I do suspect one person, the Purple Robe Taoist, the abbot of the Zixiao Palace Taoist Temple in Fengcheng."
Zhao Duan swallowed the cake and said calmly:
"I've also read about this place on the way. Zixiao Palace is a well-known Taoist temple in Fengcheng County. Its owner is said to have achieved great success in cultivation and can control several powerful flying swords.
Several decades ago, when the late emperor came to the south to escape the summer heat, he met this man. He presented him with treasures, and the late emperor was so pleased that he rewarded him with a mountaintop for a Taoist temple, a plaque inscribed with his own hand, and a large amount of land.
Haitang nodded in agreement:
"That's right. It's said that after this Purple-Robed Taoist became famous, he interacted with many people in the martial arts world. He was also a big shot in the martial arts world. Even the disciples from Qingshan would visit Zixiao Palace when they left Binhai Road...
Well, this legend is somewhat self-promoting, but it also shows the influence and reputation of this Taoist in the local area. Among the local people, he is even revered as an "Immortal Master". He owns many properties and estates, and his cultivation level is unknown.
Zhang Han frowned and said:
"This person's status and position are probably even greater than that of the Fengcheng County Magistrate. Zhuang Xiaocheng is planning to establish the Kuangfu Society, and he has close ties with the Jianghu people. I'm afraid that even if the Purple Sky Palace Master is not a traitor, he is aware of this and is not reporting it."
Zhao Duan's expression was surprisingly calm:
"Since there is no evidence, it is just suspicion, so there is no need to rush to convict."
He turned his head, looked at the Artisan Warlock, and said sincerely:
"Priest Gongshu, the Tianshi Mansion is the most prominent Taoist sect in the world. Do you know anything about the Taoists of the Zixiao Palace?"
The great inventor, wearing a dirty grey robe and carrying a bamboo tube on his back, showed disdain and contempt on his face:
"As for Lu Zhengchun of Zixiao Palace, I know him. Although he holds a Taoist certificate, he thinks he was the master of Zixiao Palace bestowed by the late emperor himself, so he has always distanced himself from our Tianshi Mansion. He probably wants to establish his own faction.
However, as a mere local Taoist temple, it is not a significant entity and can only act arrogantly in Fengcheng County and barely be considered a figure in Binhai Road.
As for the capabilities of the flying swords he refined, I'm not sure, but I heard he's done some research on formation techniques... However, they can't compare to the orthodox techniques of the Tianshi Mansion."
Tsk, you're quite proud...
Yes, the Tianshi Mansion has always held a high position in the Daoist sect. The fat boy is a disciple of the Tianshi, and holds a very high rank in the world of cultivation...
Zhao Duan sighed, wondering why he had met Lao Zhang first, which had completely shattered his perception of Taoists.
Gongshu Tianyuan thought for a moment and added:
"By the way, I heard this guy is quite lustful... and has accepted a group of female disciples..."
"Ahem, there's no need to talk about this," Zhao Duan interrupted.
"Anyway, we'll investigate this person after we enter the city. I've already contacted the Shadow Guards. Once we enter the city, we'll first join them as a caravan, then gather the latest intelligence and investigate further."
Well, his so-called latest intelligence was about contacting spies planted in the rebel party, led by Wu Ling.
After everyone had made their agreement and hurriedly finished their breakfast, they got up, loaded the tent onto the carriage, and prepared to set off.
"Moan——"
In the tent, Jin Jian, who was sleeping soundly with his legs spread out, suddenly felt a blinding sensation.
She opened her eyes, and the bright sky was reflected in her pupils without glasses.
She sat up in confusion and found that the tent had been taken away by her secretary Qian Kerou:
“No…I…”
Zhao Duan walked over with a smile, resisting the urge to ruffle the young priestess's messy hair:
"Get in the car, and sleep in an inn once we get to the city."
"Inn? Where?" Jin Jian was stunned and asked subconsciously before his mind could figure out what was going on.
"Jinfu Inn."
Zhao Duan said casually, looking up at the city at the end of the official road in the distance. This was the place where he would meet with the imperial shadow guards.
…
…
Fengcheng County Government Office.
At dawn, the magistrate of Fengcheng County was still sleeping when he was awakened by the sound of knocking on the door.
The middle-aged innkeeper, bleary-eyed and in his pajamas, poked his head out of the covers and yelled:
"What's banging on the door so early in the morning? Master, I'm sleepy."
The urgent voice of the yamen clerk outside the door came in:
"County Magistrate, please come out and take a look! The prefect is here!"
"Prefect?!"
The Fengcheng County Magistrate's brain froze for a moment, then he suddenly woke up, all his sleepiness vanished. He quickly put on his official robe and walked out while asking about the situation.
The official replied:
"I don't know either, but the prefect suddenly arrived with a large group of detectives from the government office. They looked murderous and must have entered the city before daybreak."
The magistrate of Fengcheng County was completely confused. When he rushed to the front hall, he saw a large number of constables standing in the yard. These people were bulging with stuff, obviously wearing armor and carrying swords, bows and crossbows.
Inside the hall, a middle-aged official wearing a crimson official robe and looking like a scholar sat upright.
Next to him stood a black-faced warrior with fierce eyes and two swords hanging from his waist.
"Your Excellency, I was not aware of your visit and I apologize for not welcoming you..."
The county magistrate forced a smile and greeted them flatteringly, but he was nervous in his heart. Seeing this group of officials, his heart and liver were trembling. In an instant, all the accounts of bribes he had accepted in the past few years went through his mind, and his legs went weak.
Luan Cheng, the prefect of Binhaidao Prefecture, looked at him coldly, not bothering to exchange pleasantries, and said straight to the point:
"Do you know why I came here so suddenly?"
"No...I don't know. Please explain clearly, sir."
"Humph," Prefect Luan Cheng pointed at him and said angrily:
"This government has received news that a prominent figure from the rebel party has arrived in Fengcheng County today, and we are here to arrest him."
"Ah? Rebels? I don't know." The county magistrate was stunned.
Luan Cheng scolded him harshly before saying:
"By the time you know, everyone has run away! Let me ask you, is there an inn in the city called Jinfu?"
"Jinfu Inn? Yes!"
"That's right. Get ready and follow me to arrest the rebels!" Luan Cheng's eyes lit up and he said firmly.
…
Kavin
(End of this chapter)
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