Chapter 257 Feng Ming Qishan, God’s blessing for the Great Zhou Dynasty
"Beast!"
When Qingxu Daode Zhenjun saw Yu Yuan leave, he became furious and quickly waved the fan in his hand.
As he moved, raging flames instantly rose into the air, like an angry fire dragon, tightly surrounding Yu Hua.
The flames were so fierce that they seemed to be able to burn all evil and filth.
Yu Hua only felt an indescribable pain and burning coming from deep within his body, as if it was going to burn him to ashes.
He couldn't help but let out a scream, his body twisting wildly in the flames, trying to break free from the burning bondage.
However, Qingxu Daode Zhenjun did not give him any chance and waved the Five Fires and Seven Birds Fan again.
The flames gushing out of the fan were like a sea of fire, completely engulfing Yu Hua.
Under the burning of the flames, Yu Hua's body gradually blurred, and finally turned into a wisp of black smoke, dissipating into the void. His soul was also severely damaged by the burning of the flames, and could no longer condense into shape.
Qingxu Daode Zhenjun witnessed all this and was furious. He glared in the direction where Yu Yuan fled, his eyes flashing with cold murderous intent.
Shen Gongbao rode the black-spotted tiger and landed steadily in the center of the battlefield.
He rolled down the tiger and strode towards the True Lord Qingxu Daode. This golden immortal of the Chan sect was surrounded by a faint golden light, appearing otherworldly.
He has an upright posture, a gaunt face, and a look of indifference and detachment from the world, as if nothing in the world can disturb his state of mind.
He was dressed in a snow-white Taoist robe embroidered with delicate cloud patterns, which fluttered gently in the wind, like a fairy in the clouds, untainted by dust. He wore a nine-beam Taoist crown on his head, which was inlaid with several sparkling gems, flashing a mysterious light, adding a bit of immortality.
"Brother, I am very grateful for your help!" Shen Gongbao's voice was deep and powerful, with some respect.
However, Qingxu Daode Zhenjun only sighed softly, with a barely perceptible trace of regret in his voice: "It's a pity that Yu Yuan still escaped."
If he could kill Yu Yuan, perhaps he could survive his calamity.
Now only a remnant has been burned, and the status is still a little too low.
Hearing this, Shen Gongbao smiled faintly, with confidence and a bit of cunning in his smile: "It's okay, Senior Brother. The fish may be slippery, but the net has been cast, and our goal has been achieved. Look at Sishui Pass, they have been defeated repeatedly in recent days, and their morale is low, like autumn wind sweeping fallen leaves, vulnerable to a single blow. Next, attacking the city and seizing the land will be as easy as taking something from a bag."
After saying this, his gaze penetrated through the layers of clouds and mist, as if he could see directly to the battlefield in the distance where flames of war were raging. There was the key to their next move.
Qingxu Daode Zhenjun finally opened his eyes, with wisdom shining in them. He nodded slowly, his voice gentle but firm: "Brother, what you said is absolutely right. Everything that follows is up to you. I believe that with your wisdom and bravery, you will surely return victorious."
When Shen Gongbao heard this, he felt a warm current in his heart. He knew very well that this was not only a trust in his own abilities, but also a deep friendship between fellow apprentices.
He saluted and said solemnly: "Brother, rest assured, I will not fail in my mission. When we return victorious, we will drink immortal wine together and discuss the Dao and the world."
After saying this, Shen Gongbao turned around and was about to leave, but he heard Qingxu Daode Zhenjun whispering, "Brother, be careful on this trip. Although Yu Yuan escaped, he is cunning and may have a trick up his sleeve. Take this 'Escape Talisman' with you. It may save your life at a critical moment."
After saying this, a talisman that was glowing with a faint light flew out from his sleeve and landed steadily in Shen Gongbao's hand.
Shen Gongbao took the escape talisman, with gratitude in his heart beyond words. He just looked deeply at Qingxu Daode Zhenjun, then turned around resolutely and mounted the black-spotted tiger. The tiger's roar rang out again, shaking the surrounding clouds and mist. They were like a black lightning, cutting through the sky and heading straight for Sishui Pass.
At Sishui Pass, war drums thundered, smoke filled the air, the shouts of killing from both sides shook the sky, and blood flowed like a river.
As a deafening horn sounded, the Xiqi army surged in like a tide, followed closely by the elite soldiers of the vanguard camp, their eyes flashing with desire for victory and dedication to justice.
Huang Feihu took the lead, the five-colored divine bull roared, its four hooves churning, like a god descending from heaven, invincible.
Under his leadership, the warriors of Xiqi seemed to be endowed with endless power. They shouted and charged, vowing to tear apart the solid defense line of Sishui Pass.
However, the defenders of Sishui Pass were no ordinary people.
They knew that this battle was about the survival of the country, and every inch of land and every drop of blood could not be lost. Facing the fierce offensive of the Xiqi army, they did not retreat at all, but held on to every inch of their position with an almost tragic determination.
A rain of arrows cut through the sky like locusts. Huge rocks rolled down from the city walls, colliding with the charging enemy troops with a deafening noise.
The defenders built an indestructible line of defense with their flesh and blood. Their bravery and fearlessness moved the heaven and earth.
In this fierce confrontation, General Han Rong, the guardian of Sishui Pass, demonstrated extraordinary leadership and firm conviction.
He knew very well that this battle was not only a test for the soldiers, but also a test of his own will.
Han Rong personally led his personal soldiers to form a battle supervision team. They stood behind the formation with sharp blades in their hands and cold eyes.
Then, his majestic and sharp voice pierced through the din of the battlefield and resounded through the sky: "Anyone who dares to retreat in fear of fighting will be killed without mercy!"
This was not just an order, but also the hatred he harbored towards Xiqi from deep within his heart.
Both of his sons had died on the battlefield. As a father, he was originally a little hesitant, but now he has made up his mind - he would rather die than surrender!
Sishui Pass, nestled in the mountains and beside the water, is an important gateway to the capital of the Shang Dynasty. The city walls are soaring into the sky, and the stone barriers are indestructible, like a natural barrier, guarding the important defense line of the Shang Dynasty.
However, in the eyes of the Xiqi army, this was just a shackle that was about to be broken.
The Xiqi army was divided into several routes. One route was led by Huang Feihu himself and attacked the city gate directly; the other routes attacked different parts of the city wall, trying to find a breakthrough.
Huang Feihu rode on the five-colored divine bull, leading the way and charging straight at the city gate. The spear in his hand was like lightning, cutting through the sky and pointing directly at the center of the city gate.
Behind the city gate, the Shang Dynasty's defenders were waiting in formation, firing arrows like rain, trying to stop this heroic general. However, Huang Feihu was agile and had excellent spear skills, and he defused the incoming arrows one by one. He shouted loudly, and thrust his spear out suddenly, piercing through the heavy city gate, opening a passage for the Xiqi army.
At the same time, other armies also launched fierce battles under the city walls.
They used ladders, ropes and other tools to try to climb the city wall, while the Shang Dynasty defenders took advantage of the city wall to throw down boulders and rolling logs in an attempt to knock down the attacking soldiers.
On the battlefield, smoke filled the air and flames shot up into the sky. The shouts and drums of soldiers from both sides intertwined together, forming a thrilling picture.
In this fierce battle, the soldiers of Xiqi showed unparalleled bravery and fearlessness.
They knew that there was a battlefield ahead where life and death were uncertain, but they still charged forward without hesitation.
Some soldiers were hit by boulders and died on the spot; some soldiers were shot by arrows but still insisted on fighting; and some soldiers climbed up the city wall and engaged in hand-to-hand combat with the defenders, using their flesh and blood to buy time for their companions.
Huang Feihu was extremely brave at the city gate.
He held a spear in his hand and charged left and right as if he was in an empty space. Whenever the defenders tried to close the city gates, he would rush forward with lightning speed and drive them back.
His figure shuttled across the battlefield like an unstoppable lightning, making the Shang Dynasty defenders terrified.
The defenders of Sishui Pass were no ordinary troops. They knew their mission and responsibility, so they fought desperately.
General Han Rong personally took to the battlefield to command the defenders to counterattack. He held a broadsword in hand and led the troops in a desperate fight with the soldiers of Xiqi. Under his leadership, the defenders were in high spirits and fought bravely.
Faced with such stubborn resistance, Xiqi's generals did not lose heart. They quickly adjusted their tactics and used their numerical advantage to divide and surround the defenders on the city wall.
At the same time, they also sent out elite cavalry troops to go around the city wall and launch a surprise attack on the defenders. This move really worked, and the defenders immediately fell into chaos.
Huang Feihu saw this and immediately seized this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. He led an elite force, rushed into the city gate, and started a fierce battle with the defenders in the city.
After a hard battle, they finally captured the positions near the city gate and opened a passage for the subsequent army.
As the city gate was breached, the Xiqi army poured into Sishui Pass like a tide. They launched a final battle with the defenders. In this decisive battle, both sides paid a heavy price.
However, there was a huge gap in strength between the two sides, and while one side was in high spirits, the other side had no intention of fighting.
Under the leadership of generals such as Huang Feihu, the soldiers of Xiqi fought more and more bravely and finally defeated the defenders completely.
When the last Shang Dynasty flag was torn down, the entire Sishui Pass was in an uproar.
"The phoenix sings at Mount Qishan, and luckily for Great Zhou!"
"The phoenix sings at Mount Qishan, and luckily for Great Zhou!"
"The phoenix sings at Mount Qishan, and luckily for Great Zhou!"
……
The soldiers shouted loudly with excitement. This was their first battle in the rebellion against Shang. They thought it would be a tough battle, but in the end they won it easily.
Everyone felt excited and encouraged. It seemed that Xiqi really had a true god, otherwise how could things be so smooth?
Han Rong, the general of Sishui Pass, the once mighty general, was also captured by Huang Feihu himself and became a prisoner.
"Han Rong, do you admit your guilt?" Huang Feihu's voice was deep and powerful, as if it could penetrate people's hearts. He tried to give Han Rong one last chance with a majestic attitude, hoping that he would turn back and return to Xiqi.
However, Han Rong did not appreciate it. He looked up at Huang Feihu, a trace of anger and hatred flashed in his eyes, and he cursed: "Huang Feihu, you traitor! As the general of the Shang Dynasty, how can I, Han Rong, bow to traitors like you? I wish I could eat you alive, you son of a bitch!"
Huang Feihu's face darkened instantly. He had never seen such a stubborn person. He clenched his fists tightly, veins bulging, as if he would explode at any time.
Finally, he took a deep breath, trying to calm his anger, then looked at Han Rong coldly and said in a deep voice: "Han Rong, as a general, you should have defended your country, but you helped the tyrant to commit atrocities and harmed the people. You deserved to be captured by me today. I wanted to give you a way out, but you are so ungrateful. In this case, I will grant your wish."
Following Huang Feihu's order, the soldiers quickly escorted Han Rong to the execution ground. Han Rong's curses gradually faded away and finally disappeared in the dust of the execution ground.
Huang Feihu climbed to the top of Sishui Pass amid Han Rong's sudden screams.
The sun shone through the sparse clouds, shining on his resolute face, reflecting endless bravery and wisdom. His eyes were like torches, scanning the newly conquered land, and his heart was filled with satisfaction and desire. "Prime Minister, I, Huang Feihu, have come to report that our army has completely captured Sishui Pass, and all the more than 30,000 defenders have been wiped out, and more than 50,000 soldiers have been captured."
Huang Feihu's voice was deep and powerful, and every word was sonorous, revealing unquestionable majesty. He bowed slightly and saluted Shen Gongbao who was sitting on the high platform.
Shen Gongbao rode lazily on the back of the black-spotted tiger, looking down at the entire Sishui Pass from a high vantage point, with an imperceptible sneer on the corner of his mouth.
"General Huang played an indispensable role in the successful capture of Sishui Pass." Shen Gongbao said calmly:
"Regarding the prisoners, I believe that they should be disbanded and incorporated into our army to enhance our strength." Shen Gongbao said lightly, as if the lives of those prisoners were nothing more than chess pieces that could be manipulated at will in his eyes.
Huang Feihu frowned slightly when he heard this.
"Your Excellency is right, but I think we still need to consider how to properly place these prisoners, so that they do not harbor resentment and affect the morale of the army."
Shen Gongbao waved his hand impatiently, "Let's do as General Huang wishes. In addition, I have decided to rest at Sishui Pass for three days before heading to Jiepai Pass."
Huang Feihu's heart moved, and he thought of Xu Gai, the general of Jiepai Pass. He was an old subordinate of his father Huang Gun and had a deep friendship with the Huang family.
"Sir, the general of Jiepai Pass, Xu Gai, is an old subordinate of my father Huang Gun. He is loyal to the Huang family. Perhaps we can send someone to negotiate for peace and win without fighting. This will not only reduce casualties, but also demonstrate the benevolence of our army."
When Shen Gongbao heard this, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes. He didn't expect Huang Feihu to have such a brilliant idea.
"Oh? Is this true? General Huang, if this is accomplished, I will definitely give you credit for this great achievement!"
Huang Feihu nodded in agreement, and immediately sent his confidant to Jiepai Pass, carrying letters and tokens to convey his desire for peace to Xu Gai.
……
In the vast land at the first light of dawn, a mighty army of the Shang Dynasty marched rapidly through the dusty wilderness like a torrent of steel. At the edge of the sky, the first ray of sunlight seemed to be shocked by the magnificent scene, and shyly shone through the clouds, covering this ancient army with a layer of golden battle robe.
At the front of the team, an old general stood tall. He was riding a rare black unicorn. The mythical beast exuded a dark and mysterious luster. Its four hooves churned, and every step seemed to break through the void, leading the army forward fearlessly.
The old general was tall and straight. Although he was old, he exuded majesty and indomitable spirit, which made people look up to him like a mountain. His face was firm, and his eyes were shining with wisdom and determination, as if he could see through all the vanity in the world.
What is particularly eye-catching is that between the old general's eyebrows, there is a vertical eye, which is not only a symbol of his extraordinary talent, but also a sign of his profound cultivation after countless battles. The vertical eye flashes from time to time, as if it can see into the future, guiding the army to avoid all obstacles and go straight to Huanglong.
This old general was none other than the current Grand Master Wen Zhong, and the army behind him were all elite soldiers who had followed him in battles across the country. The soldiers were all wearing heavy armor, holding spears and shields, and marching with firm steps and great momentum.
Their faces were filled with determination and loyalty, and every step they took showed their desire for victory and loyalty to the country. The rumbling of war drums and the passionate sound of horns intertwined with the sound of horse hooves and footsteps, forming a thunderous war song that resounded through the sky.
Suddenly, in the boundless sky, a dazzling golden cloud cuts through the sky, like a piece of silk accidentally dropped by a god in heaven, foreshadowing that something extraordinary is about to happen.
Wen Zhong frowned and recognized that the cloud was his senior brother Yu Yuan. Then he saw Yu Yuan driving the five-cloud camel and slowly landing in a quiet valley dozens of miles away from the army.
Wen Zhong couldn't help but feel an ominous premonition in his heart.
He immediately ordered his deputy general Li Jing to take command of the army temporarily, and without hesitation he mounted the dark unicorn, which was as black as night and had sharp eyes, and rushed towards the valley at lightning speed.
Li Jing looked at Wen Zhong's receding back, a trace of worry flashed in his eyes. He knew that there would be major changes on this trip.
When Wen Zhong arrived at the valley and saw Yu Yuan, he saw that his senior brother had a solemn expression, revealing an indescribable fatigue and sadness between his brows. Before Wen Zhong could speak, Yu Yuan said solemnly: "Sishui Pass has been lost."
These words were like huge rocks weighing thousands of pounds, smashing into Wen Zhong's heart and causing him to tremble.
The usually calm and composed Grand Tutor of the Shang Dynasty could not hide his shock and sorrow at this moment.
He never expected that even his senior brother Yu Yuan, who had profound cultivation and extraordinary wisdom, could not defend that crucial pass.
"The twelve golden immortals of the Chan sect have also taken action." Yu Yuan's voice was low and hoarse, and every word seemed to be squeezed out from between his teeth. "Moreover, there is more than one person. There are also unknown peepers in the dark."
These words made Wen Zhong frown, and a sharp light flashed in his eyes. He knew very well that behind this war, there was a more complicated and dangerous situation.
After a moment's silence, Wen Zhong's thoughts jumped quickly and brightly like a candle in the wind.
He took a deep breath and looked at Yu Yuan firmly: "Brother, you need to return to Penglai immediately and report everything to Master. I will personally lead the army to Jiepai Pass to stop the enemy and avenge the loss of Sishui Pass!"
"Okay!" Yu Yuan did not refute, "Junior brother, take care! I will report everything to the master and will come back to help you!" After that, he gently patted the Five-Cloud Camel, and the beast soared into the sky, turned into a colorful cloud, and disappeared into the sky.
Wen Zhong looked at his departing back, feeling mixed emotions.
There is both sadness over the fall of Sishui Pass and worry about the unknown future.
After Yu Yuan left, Wen Zhong immediately returned to the army and told Li Jing and other main generals the news of the fall of Sishui Pass. He then immediately mobilized the entire army and swore an oath to march to Jiepai Pass.
Under the leadership of Wen Zhong, the army was in high spirits and surged towards Jiepai Pass like a tide.
Jiepai Pass, this ancient and majestic pass, stands between towering mountains, like a silent guardian between heaven and earth, witnessing the vicissitudes of countless years.
At dawn, the mist shrouds the pass with a mysterious veil. In the distance, the mountains are continuous and the peaks are overlapping, just like a magnificent landscape painting slowly unfolding, and Jiepai Pass is like the finishing touch of the painting, magnificent and imposing.
The city wall is built with solid stone slabs and blue bricks, with towering city walls and majestic arrow towers. It has experienced erosion from wind and rain, but it is still as solid as ever, revealing an indomitable and tenacious temperament.
Above the city gate, there is a huge stone plaque with three big characters "Jiepai Pass" engraved on it. The handwriting is vigorous and powerful, as if declaring to the world the solemnity and inviolability of this place.
Inside the pass, quaint shops and teahouses are scattered on both sides of the street, and the bluestone-paved road stretches under your feet. Every step seems to be stepping into the long river of history. Occasionally, the sound of horse hooves or the ringing of copper bells breaks the tranquility of the early morning and adds a bit of vitality to this ancient pass.
A few days later, Wen Zhong led a large army, approaching Jiepai Pass in a cloud of dust. The battle flags fluttered, the horses' hooves clattered, and the momentum was magnificent.
Xu Gai, the general of Jiepai Pass, had already learned the news and immediately ordered the soldiers guarding the city to prepare to welcome them.
As the army approached, Xu Gai personally walked out of the city gate, dressed in military uniform and with a solemn expression. He looked up into the distance and saw Wen Zhong riding a tall horse, looking majestic, and behind him were densely packed soldiers in bright armor and high morale.
"Open the city gate!" Xu Gai ordered loudly, and the city gate flew open with a bang. The welcoming team quickly formed up. He stepped forward quickly, clasped his hands together, and gave a standard military salute: "Master Wen, you are finally here! All the soldiers at Jiepai Pass have been waiting for you for a long time!"
Wen Zhong stopped his horse, looked around with a sharp gaze, and nodded with satisfaction: "General Xu, you have worked hard. Jiepai Pass is a strategic location for our army. I feel relieved to have you here."
Nezha followed behind Wen Zhong and winked at Yang Jian, signaling him to look at General Xu.
The commander-in-chief of this city gate is a fat and strong middle-aged general. His body is huge, like a moving mountain, and every step he takes seems to carry a steady and unignorable force.
He has a round face and plump cheeks. His skin appears rough due to the years, but it also reveals a kind of toughness that comes from having experienced many hardships.
Although his eyes were small, they sparkled with wisdom and majesty, as if they could see into people's hearts, making people dare not look directly at them.
He was wearing heavy armor, and although the size of the armor seemed to be specially enlarged to accommodate his wide body, it still could not completely cover his bulging belly and thick limbs. Every carving on the armor showed his identity and honor, and the long sword hanging at his waist, although not unsheathed, was enough to make people feel a force that should not be underestimated.
When he walked, his steps were not brisk, but each step was firm and powerful. His voice was as deep as a bell, and whenever he spoke, people around him would involuntarily calm down and listen. It was a natural leadership temperament cultivated by long-term command of the army.
Despite his fat body, there was no laziness or slackness in his eyes, but instead they were full of majesty.
After a brief conversation between the two, Xu Gai led Wen Zhong and the army slowly into the city. Seeing this, the people and soldiers in the city cheered and saluted, and the scene was warm and solemn.
The General's Mansion at Jiepai Pass is located in the center of the pass and is magnificent. The mansion is built with bluestone foundation and blue brick walls. It has gone through wind and rain and is still as solid as ever.
The gate of the mansion is wide, and above the tall gate tower hangs a horizontal plaque carved with dragons and phoenixes, with three large characters "General's Mansion" inscribed on it. The handwriting is vigorous and powerful, shining with golden light, and looks even more solemn under the sunlight.
In front of the door, a pair of stone lions squatted majestically with their eyes wide open, as if always alert to intrusion from the outside world.
As you enter the mansion, a bluestone-paved corridor leads directly to the lobby, with neatly arranged side rooms and halls on both sides, which are used for the general and his subordinates to work and live.
The lobby is majestic, with flying eaves and corners, and the roof is covered with thick green tiles, which looks simple and solemn. Inside the hall, a huge military map is hung in the middle, and a weapon rack is placed next to it, with various swords, spears, swords and halberds arranged in an orderly manner, revealing a strong military atmosphere.
Behind the lobby are the second and third halls, as well as the general's private study and back house. In the study, the bookshelves are tall and the collection of books is rich, including military strategies and historical books.
After arriving at the lobby, Xu Gai asked Wen Zhong to sit at the top, and then bowed again.
"Sir," Xu Gai's voice was steady and powerful, breaking the silence in the tent, "The scouts I sent out have penetrated deep into the enemy territory and found out that the Xiqi army has quietly crossed the Sishui Pass and is approaching the Jiepai Pass like a surging tide."
Wen Zhong's brows were tightly knitted together, his eyes were as sharp as torches, as if he could penetrate the map and look directly at the raging war in the distance.
He was silent for a moment, his fingers gently running across the mountains and rivers on the map, as if looking for a strategy to defeat the enemy.
At this time, Xu Gai spoke softly again, mentioning another more difficult matter: "In addition, Huang Feihu secretly sent an envoy with a secret letter, intending to persuade me to surrender."
When Wen Zhong heard this, he suddenly looked up, with a flash of anger in his eyes, as if his most sensitive nerve had been touched.
He shouted angrily, his voice shaking the tent slightly: "Huang Feihu! How dare such a despicable villain try to shake the morale of our army with sweet words! I, Wen Zhong, have been loyal and brave all my life, but I never thought that I could not see that he was such a villain!"
Seeing this, Xu Gai had a thousand words in his heart, but he could only stand aside silently, feeling Wen Zhong's unquestionable determination and anger.
When he told the secret letter, there was also a hint of temptation in his words.
At present, it seems that this Grand Master has nothing else in his mind except suppressing the rebellion.
(End of this chapter)