Chapter 183 Before the War, Blood Sacrifice
Pavilions, towers, breeze, drizzle.

The scenery before my eyes can only be described in four words: breathtakingly beautiful.

Anyone who sees this scene will probably be attracted to it involuntarily.

If those literati and poets saw it, they would probably paint on the spot.

But at this moment, the two people at the top of the pavilion obviously did not have such a mood.

Their faces were as gloomy as water and they looked at each other in bewilderment.

These are two old men.

As for the location of this place, it is well known to everyone in Liyang.

Beiliang Palace, Tingchao Pavilion.

Having said that, there is naturally no need to introduce the person in front of me in detail.

Xu Xiao, Li Yishan.

Now he is the number one or two figure in the entire Beiliang.

But at this time, the expressions of the two were obviously not very good.

Li Yishan's eyes fell on Xu Xiao, as if waiting for him to speak.

But Xu Xiao seemed to feel nothing at all, his eyes looking darkly ahead.

It seems like he is thinking, but also like he is in a daze.

Now this time period.

The eyes of the entire eastern part of Kyushu have long been on the Great Sui Dynasty.

The news of Yang Lin's death in battle shocked all the countries.

Temujin, Yang Lin, Yuan Dynasty, Sui Dynasty, Yumen Pass.

This is the topic that everyone is most concerned about now.

Beiliang is of course no exception.

It seems that the conflict between the Sui Dynasty and the Mongols has nothing to do with Northern Liang.

But the conflict between these two great powers will inevitably radiate to the surrounding areas.

Once changes occur, none of the surrounding countries will be able to stay out of it.

Places like Li Yang and Bei Mang are among them.

Beiliang, which is deeply involved with the above two countries, is naturally no exception.

In addition, for Beiliang, for Xu Xiao.

There is a name that cannot be avoided, Gao Changsheng.

News from the Ming Dynasty has been reported back.

This is also the reason why the two of them showed such expressions at this time.

Qi Lianhua was defeated and died under Gao Changsheng's sword.

That’s not all, the most important thing is that everyone seems to know the relationship between Qi Lianhua and Beiliang.

I know that this move was done by Xu Xiao.

This is not good news for Beiliang.

The two obviously didn't expect this.

Northern Liang and the Mongols united.

Several grand masters attacked at the same time, and one of them, Dao Jia, even sacrificed his own life.

In the end, Gao Changsheng wasn't hurt at all.

Now Gao Changsheng has returned to Nanjing safely.

What would be waiting for them in Beiliang? Even Xu Xiao didn't dare to think about it.

He turned his head slightly and looked at the wall in the distance.

Hanging there was a suit of armor that exuded a chilling chill.

Needless to say, the owner of the armor.

No one expected that Xu Xiao, who had intimidated the Liyang Beimang people for many years with his old body, had already taken out the armor that had been hidden for many years.

The butcher is wearing armor.

If the news got out, many people would probably be so scared that they wouldn't be able to sleep. At the very least, Emperor Zhao Dun in Tai'an City would definitely jump up from his throne.

"Hu~~"

Xu Xiao exhaled and took a deep look at the armor.

In fact, an emergency occurred within the territory of the Sui Dynasty.

If the Sui army had not been defeated at Yumen Pass, Yang Lin would have been killed.

At this time, the armor was probably not hanging on the wall, but was already draped over Xu Xiao.

"Your Majesty, Your Majesty."

Li Yishan spoke softly.

Xu Xiao turned his head.

He knew what Li Yishan meant.

As Beiliang's number one strategist, Li Yishan can naturally see the current situation clearly.

But the other party is just a strategist after all, and Xu Xiao will definitely have the final say on Beiliang’s general direction of action.

And this was obviously the question Li Yishan was asking at this time.

"Open the treasury and take out all the weapons and armor."

"Send soldiers to collect food and fodder in Beiliang."

"In a word, prepare for war."

Xu Xiao spoke in a deep voice.

Li Yishan's pupils shrank: "Now that Yang Lin has died in battle, the whole country of Sui is shaken."

"At this time, Gao Changsheng should have transferred his troops back to his country and is unlikely to attack us."

"Even if he knows our plan, he will probably suppress the matter for the time being and come back to us after resolving the Great Sui's predicament."

"After all, although Qi Lianhua attacked, Gao Changsheng was not injured."

Xu Xiao shook his head.

"Don't be careless."

"Yang Lin died in battle, and Yumen Pass was completely destroyed."

"The Sui Dynasty today is a powder keg on the verge of exploding."

"Especially Gao Changsheng."

Xu Xiao spoke in a deep voice.

Li Yi nodded.

Everyone knows that tigers are scary, but the scariest time for a tiger is when it is injured.

Because that represents irrationality and uncontrollability.

And today's Sui Dynasty is obviously such a wounded tiger.

At this time, anyone who is a little bit smart will not provoke this giant beast that has been severely injured but still has the strength to fight for its life.

"Your Majesty, do you think Gao Changsheng might attack us at this time?"

Li Yishan raised his eyebrows.

Don't provoke Gao Changsheng, don't provoke the Sui Dynasty.

This is now a common understanding among neighboring countries.

This is also the reason why Beimang, Liyang, and Kublai Khan withdrew their troops one after another.

But from Xu Xiao's arrangements, it was obvious that he was on guard.

And the implication of his words undoubtedly showed that he was worried about what would happen to Beiliang.

This means that Xu Xiao is worried that Gao Changsheng will attack Beiliang.

This is obviously very unreasonable.

After all, at this time, Gao Changsheng has no reason to set his sights on Beiliang.

Xu Xiao shook his head.

"No one knows what Gao Changsheng will do."

"Gao Changsheng is now a knife, a fierce knife that has been unsheathed and is waiting to kill people."

"The target of this knife is the Mongols and Genghis Khan. Everyone knows this."

"But who can be sure that Gao Changsheng will use other lives to sharpen the blade before slashing at Temujin?"

Having said that, Xu Xiao turned his head away quietly.

"You may not know this, but according to my speculation, Yu Juluo may have also encountered an accident during the battle of Yumen Pass."

"How could that be? There is no news about Yu Juluo in the battle report, and Yu Juluo should not be at Yumen Pass."

Xu Xiao took a deep breath and said.

"There is indeed no news."

"But the battle report doesn't make sense."

"Of the nine leaders of the Great Sui Dynasty, only four remain. Wu Jianzhang is in charge of one side, and Ding Yanping has retired to Youyan."

"The remaining Yang Lin and Yu Juluo are the ones who work together to support the Sui Dynasty."

"Jiao and Meng are inseparable, and Meng is inseparable from Jiao."

"No matter how you look at it, it's unreasonable for Yang Lin to fight alone and die at Yumen Pass."

"With Yujuro's cooperation, the battle of Yumen Pass would not have developed this way."

"So something must have gone wrong with Yujuro."

Li Yishan understood.

In the Sui army, Yang Lin and Yu Juluo have always supported Gao Changsheng.

Especially the latter, who not only passed on all his life's learning, but also supported Gao Changsheng wholeheartedly.

Ruoyu Juluo also met with an unexpected accident.

God knows what Gao Changsheng will do.

No wonder Xu Xiao was so alert.

"Of course."

Xu Xiao spoke again.

"It's just a possibility."

"Gao Changsheng may not necessarily take action against Beiliang."

"If something really happens to Yu Juluo, Gao Changsheng's murderous intent will undoubtedly become even more violent."

"There's a good chance he'll return sooner."

"This is what I am doing, just to take precautions."

Xu Xiao let out a breath.

"Moreover, Qi Lianhua's affairs have been exposed."

"The relationship between us Beiliang and Gao Changsheng has almost been torn apart."

"No matter what, Beiliang must prepare in advance."

"Your Majesty is going to mobilize troops?"

"Yes, Beiliang is too small. It is still okay against Liyang, but facing other countries, it is difficult to support it in terms of depth and resources."

"The battle between Gao Changsheng and Temujin would undoubtedly become even more terrifying if he could win."

"If we lose, we can take a breather, but we still have to face the wolf."

"Beiliang must not sit still and wait for death."

"Liyang Beimang can sit on the sidelines and watch, but we can't."

"So, just wait for Gao Changsheng to leave."

"I will order the troops to retake Youzhou first, then seize Longyao Gusai, and at the same time extend Liuzhou to the Western Regions to open up a passage to the Ming Dynasty."

After saying that, Xu Xiao turned his head again and looked at the armor on the wall.

Deep in the pupils, there were constant fluctuations.

What he and Li Yishan said were all true.

But there was one thing he didn't say.

During this period of time, he always had a bad premonition in his heart.

It was as if a dark cloud was covering his head, weighing down his heart. That was why Xu Xiao made this arrangement immediately.

He didn't know whether Gao Changsheng wanted to kill Beiliang or for some other reason.

But during his many years on the battlefield, this premonition had saved him countless times.

"Fortunately, there is good news at the moment."

Just as Xu Xiao was in deep thought, Li Yishan spoke again.

Hearing this, Xu Xiao also turned his eyes away instantly.

Good news, these three words, they in Beiliang haven't heard them for a long time.

Ever since Gao Changsheng led his troops out of the Sui Dynasty, Beiliang has been associated with bad news.

Although he did not suffer as many heavy blows as Li Yang in Beimang, he still encountered setbacks.

After all, it was the incident with Yang Lin some time ago that made them breathe a sigh of relief.

Li Yishan did not keep the person in suspense and started explaining right away.

"Kunlun Mountain knows that the Mongols also lost two grand masters." Li Yishan introduced softly.

Xu Xiao didn't interrupt.

Although they joined forces with the Mongols this time, the two sides were not allies at all.

No matter how many people the Mongols lost, it had nothing to do with Northern Liang.

Moreover, the death of two grandmasters does not seem like good news no matter how you look at it.

But Xu Xiao knew Li Yishan very well, and since the other party said that, there must be something to it.

"One of them is none other than the Demon Sect's Meng Chixing."

"Meng Chixing has been famous for many years and holds a pivotal position in the two sects and six paths of the Demon Sect. Most importantly, he is the enlightenment mentor of the Demon Master Pang Ban."

"It is rumored that Pang Ban has cultivated the devil in his Dao Heart and is about to reach the state of forgetting all emotions and nature."

"But in fact, he may ignore anyone's life, but Meng Chixing definitely holds a pivotal position in his heart."

"Even if Pang Ban is ruthless to Meng Chixing, he cannot ignore this just for the sake of his own dignity."

"So Pang Ban will definitely take action, and there will definitely be a battle between him and Gao Changsheng."

Li Yishan let out a long breath.

Pang Ban's strength and reputation are known to everyone.

If this person uses all his strength to deal with Gao Changsheng, perhaps it will bring a turning point for Beiliang.

"Maybe."

Xu Xiao nodded casually.

He did not show any joy at these words, but still looked worried.

Li Yishan didn't care either.

Both Xu Xiao and Li Yishan are the type of people who are used to keeping the situation under control.

Now we put our hopes on others.

This has undoubtedly completely revealed their weak position in front of Gao Changsheng.

Li Yishan did not go any further.

Pang Ban and Gao Changsheng have already become enemies.

But it is completely uncontrollable when the other party will make a move.

Li Yishan does not have the ability to control the magician Pang Ban.

"One more thing."

Li Yishan turned his head slowly.

"Given the current situation, should we call Feng Nian back first?"

"No need, let him stay in Daming for now."

"According to Wei Xiong's message, what happened over there may be an opportunity for us. It would be good to let him have more contact with it." Xu Xiao waved his hand.

"However, now that the situation has suddenly changed, the forces around Feng Nian may be too weak. Moreover, Feng Nian already knows about the relationship between Qi Lianhua and him. What if..."

Li Yishan did not continue speaking.

Xu Fengnian only has Jian Jiuhuang by his side. With his level of Zhixuan and the skill of controlling the sword.

In the past, it was enough to protect Xu Fengnian.
But now the situation is becoming more and more chaotic, and all countries are in turmoil.

Jian Jiuhuang's strength has become increasingly weak.

The most important thing is that Xu Fengnian already knows the identity of Qi Lianhua’s grandfather.

Now Qi Lianhua died at the hands of Gao Changsheng.

With Xu Fengnian's temper, God knows what he will do.

In other words, Gao Changsheng has already returned, otherwise the message to call Xu Fengnian back would have probably been sent.

"With Wei Xiong here, we should be able to suppress Feng Nian and prevent him from causing trouble."

"But what you said makes sense. Although Fengnian is in Yanjing, the situation is becoming increasingly chaotic. With only Jian Jiuhuang, accidents may indeed happen."

Xu Xiao spoke in a deep voice, then slowly lowered his head and looked below the Tingchao Pavilion.

"The troops cannot be moved lightly. Perhaps we can only ask that person to come out..."

Xu Xiao let out a light breath and said quietly.

……

Just when Xu Xiao and Li Yishan were discussing future plans in Beiliang.

In Nanjing city.

The rolling murderous aura was like a dark cloud, pressing down on the sky above the city.

In the military camp in the south of the city.

Human figures stood upright inside the big tent.

The white-haired Ding Yanping and the sharp-as-a-knife Song Que.

The rebellious Yang Xuangan and the heroic Li Shimin.

There are also Luo Cheng, Qin Qiong, and so on.

Gao Changsheng's subordinates, as well as those who were transferred from the country one after another, have all gathered here.

But no matter whether it is the Ninth Master Ding Yanping who has an amazing seniority and prestige.

Or it was Song Que, the Tiandao who was originally independent in Lingnan and was not considered to be part of the Sui Dynasty.

Even Yang Xuangan, who is the best in the world and does not submit to anyone.

The expressions on their faces were exactly the same at this moment.

Quiet, silent, and even with a hint of involuntary respect.

And all in all.

It’s all because of the man sitting above.

Gao Changsheng.

There were so many people in the field, whether it was Yang Xuangan who first knew Gao Changsheng, or Li Shimin who was forced to follow Gao Changsheng's command in the Liaodong battlefield, or Ding Yanping who knew Gao Changsheng last.

This isn't the first time they've seen each other.

But at this moment, everyone seemed to be meeting him for the first time.

The feeling Gao Changsheng gave them was completely different from their previous meetings and communications.

Plain, cold, without a trace of emotion.

It didn't feel like a human being at all.

Like a god, like a devil, like a cold knife.

Even Yang Xuangan and Li Shimin, the two fearless men, shuddered unconsciously when they saw Gao Changsheng's eyes.

"You should all know the details."

An indifferent voice sounded slowly.

Everyone nodded silently.

With all the soldiers under his command gathered, anyone who is not a fool would definitely know Gao Changsheng's purpose.

Besides, with such a huge event happening in the territory of the Sui Dynasty, Gao Changsheng’s purpose could not be concealed from anyone.

"very good."

"Song Que."

The sound came again.

"exist."

Among the people in the field, Yang Xuangan's arrogance and arrogance were written on his face, while Li Shimin's was only vaguely visible because of his age.

As for Song Que, it is engraved in his bones, not only because of the history of Lingnan and the Sui Dynasty, but also because of his sword intent.

But now, this Heavenly Sword lowered his head for the first time.

Although he did not call himself "the last general", it represented that this sharp knife was slowly being suppressed by another stronger and sharper knife.

Of course, no one on the scene cared about Song Que's attitude at this time. They only cared about Gao Changsheng and his next order.

After all, now the eyes of the entire eastern part of Jiuzhou are on the Sui Dynasty and the Mongols.

And everyone in the Sui Dynasty was looking at Gao Changsheng.

This new military god of the Sui Dynasty holds the King's Order.

If he moves, it means that the Sui Dynasty has moved.

It will also completely unveil the prelude to this shocking war.

"I will give you a group of soldiers and horses to stay in Nanjing."

"You don't have many soldiers, but I will give you a right. You can recruit soldiers on the spot and do whatever you want in the seven states. I will not make any demands on you."

No one in the field showed any abnormality.

After all, the main enemy now is definitely the Mongols.

There must not be many soldiers and horses that can stay in these seven states.

If the enemy really attacks at that time, the situation will most likely be very difficult, and Gao Changsheng's order is undoubtedly understandable.

"Luo Cheng, Qin Qiong."

"The end will be here."

They both spoke at the same time.

"You two will follow General Ding first and go into Sui along the Lingnan route."

After saying this, Gao Changsheng turned to Ding Yanping.

"General Ding."

"You are to take my order and move your troops westward to join up with Wu Jianzhang, Shi Wansui and others."

"As for Luo Cheng and Qin Qiong, you two should follow my orders."

"Yes."

The three of them cupped their hands at the same time.

"Li Shimin, Yang Xuangan, and Pharmacist Li"

"Just follow my army."

"Yes."

Facing Gao Changsheng at this time, no one dared to object.

However, everyone looked up at the same time and looked at Gao Changsheng.

Gao Changsheng's seven states were located close to Lingnan of the Sui Dynasty. He had also entered Beimang from Lingnan.

And now, he asked Ding Yanping and others to return first, and also mentioned Lingnan.

There was some obvious meaning in the words.

That is, Gao Changsheng might have chosen another route to return.

And this is what makes everyone curious.

Gao Changsheng did not answer, but stood up silently, his eyes fixed straight along the tent door.

"Before the war, which sacrifice should be used to pay tribute to the flag?"

The faint question, with a biting coldness, made everyone in the field feel a chill in their hearts.

Gao Changsheng ignored them. His cold gaze pierced straight to the west along the void, and then slowly turned from west to north, slowly making half a circle.

No one knew where his goal was.

(End of this chapter)