Though he respected capable men, and Li Muzhan’s archery was profoundly subtle, he would absolutely not yield, nor bow his head; he would rather be killed than serve General Hua. Such a mediocrity would only lead soldiers to their deaths; serving him was purely aiding tyranny.

He would have no face to meet anyone even after death, so it was better to die peacefully. Li Muzhan did not argue that General Hua was a mediocrity; instead, he followed the man's words to persuade him, saying that even if General Hua were a mediocre talent, he needed the assistance of an exceptional one all the more.

Following General Hua, he could surely save the lives of soldiers—a merit beyond measure, so why refuse? The tent was exceedingly simple, lacking even a proper bed, merely covered with thick, soft carpets.

Since Shenguang City bordered the vast grasslands, cattle and sheep were abundant, making the carpets easy to obtain and therefore not very valuable. Li Muzhan sat cross-legged, a faint smile on his face, his demeanor peaceful.

Zhang Anping, however, lay flat on his back, staring at the sky with his eyes closed, a lazy smirk playing on his lips as he spoke. As soon as Li Muzhan uttered these words, Zhang Anping slowly opened his eyes, his gaze flickering as if deep in thought.

“What they say—‘hearing is false, seeing is believing’—you come to assassinate just because others say the General is incompetent. In my view, you are the incompetent one!” Li Muzhan shook his head, his words entirely unsparing.

Zhang Anping snorted and tilted his head back toward the sky. Li Muzhan continued, “Whether the General is incompetent or brilliant can only be judged by seeing him with your own eyes.

Since you are not by the General’s side, how can you truly know what he is like?” Zhang Anping stared fixedly at the top of the tent, not uttering a word. Li Muzhan remained silent for a long time, gazing at him until Zhang Anping became noticeably uncomfortable, only then did he say, “You should remain by the General’s side and see for yourself.” He slowly stood up and shook his head, “Whether to leave or to stay, think it over carefully.” Zhang Anping watched him leave, then withdrew his gaze, scratched his head, and let out a long, troubled sigh.

He had no choice in the matter of leaving or staying. Seeing the situation, Master Mingkong would not kill him, but intended to imprison him instead.

His archery was ghost-like and unfathomable; he could not escape, nor could he set up a formation that would work. He had to stay.

Since that was the case, he might as well follow this man named Hua and see for himself if he was truly a misguided pawn. Li Muzhan lifted the curtain and entered.

General Hua was reading, looked up, and smiled, “Master, have you persuaded him?” Li Muzhan smiled faintly, “The timing is almost right; it should be settled within the next day or two.” “Haha, Master truly has great patience.” General Hua gently set down his book and shook his head with a soft laugh. This Zhang Anping was like a stone in a latrine pit—both foul-smelling and hard.

I have always valued composure and patience, yet encountering this fellow made me lose my temper and consider killing him just to be rid of the trouble. Li Muzhan smiled, “Sincerity moves mountains.” “Sincerity moves mountains, well said!

Haha…” General Hua laughed heartily, stood up, and said, “Master’s Buddhist teachings are profound; you will surely move him. I shall wait and see!” Li Muzhan pressed his palms together, recited a Buddhist invocation, and returned to the cushion behind him.

…………………………………………………… The next evening, Li Muzhan once again left the General’s main tent and lifted the curtain to enter an adjacent tent. Zhang Anping was lying sprawled out, lazily glancing over with one eye, completely motionless.

Li Muzhan showed a slight smile and sat down beside him, his expression teasing: “Benefactor Zhang, have you made up your mind? The General is magnificent and martial…” Zhang Anping quickly raised a hand: “Enough, you don’t need to say any more!” Damn it, I’ve agreed to fight for that General.” “Benefactor Zhang is wise.” Li Muzhan gravely pressed his palms together.

He chuckled inwardly. The methods of Tang Sanzang from later generations were truly marvelous; the power of persistent persuasion was incredibly potent—no one could withstand it.

A small demonstration, and this foul-smelling, hard fellow Zhang Anping couldn't take it anymore. Wonderful!

“Damn it!” Zhang Anping grumbled, scrambling to his feet and glaring at him, “I’d rather be killed by swords and spears than nagged to death by you!” Li Muzhan smiled, “I shall call you Brother Zhang. Brother Zhang, we will share a tent from now on; we are family.” He slowly stood up and smiled, “Others will speak of the next steps; I will not be a nuisance.” With that, he left the tent cleanly and decisively.

Zhang Anping stared blankly for a moment. Seeing that he was truly gone, he scratched his head and muttered to himself with a hum, “The little monk changes his face quickly enough.” Since Zhang Anping had surrendered, Li Muzhan would not waste any more words.

His time was precious and not to be squandered. The Nine Revolutions Marrow Cleansing Scripture was completed, and the movements were choreographed, but he had no time to practice.

The Arrow Control Art was only partially mastered and still required focused refinement. The Great Dragon Form Blood Refining, however, he had been practicing consistently, transforming blood into mercury, and his progress was quite rapid.

When sitting still, he cultivated the Vajra Indestructible Divine Art; the refinement of his tendons was entering a critical phase, making him appear increasingly frail, looking like someone who knew no martial arts at all. At night, while sleeping, he cultivated the Heavenly Observation Divine Illumination Scripture.

Entering the diagram of the Heavenly Observation Divine Illumination, the six heart pearls transformed into vertical eyes, and a manifested form appeared upon the lotus flower, bathing in moonlight, nourishing his physical body, feeling as comfortable as soaking in a hot spring. As for the Vast Sea Divine Art, it had already reached completion.

He still pondered it from time to time; the subtleties within were endless. Every time he reflected upon it, he gained a fraction of insight—profound beyond measure.

After fifteen minutes, Li Muzhan closed his eyes, formed hand seals, and entered meditation. Ji Wuming suddenly announced from outside seeking permission; General Hua agreed.

The tent curtain was lifted, and Zhang Anping followed Ji Wuming in. Ji Wuming saw Li Muzhan meditating and withdrew.

Zhang Anping stood before the writing desk. General Hua stood up, approached him, and smiled gently, “It is rare for General Zhang to be so open-minded.

Remain here in the tent and help advise on military strategy.” “Yes, General.” Zhang Anping replied listlessly, head bowed. General Hua smiled, unconcerned, “Master is also skilled in the arts of the Qimen Dunjia.

You two can study it together; pooling your wisdom will surely yield results.” “…Yes, General,” Zhang Anping replied lazily. ……………………………………………… Outside Shenguang City, one li from the walls, tents spread out like clouds, stretching for several li, blotting out the sky and sun.

Looking down from the battlements of Shenguang City, the expanse of white tents was limitless, instilling despair. On the East Wall stood four old veterans, all around thirty, at the peak of manhood, their eyes sharp and radiating killing intent.

They were all clad in iron armor that gleamed with a metallic silver light under the sun—the unique Silver Scale Armor of the Shenguang Battalion. The scales on the edges of the armor overlapped like fish scales.

The areas over the heart and vital organs were exceptionally thick. Unless hit by a strong crossbow bolt at close range, there was no mortal danger; swords and blades were useless.

The Shenguang Battalion directly faced the Eastern Chu cavalry. The soldiers’ innate quality might not match the Eastern Chu forces, but their equipment was superior.

Otherwise, they would not have held off the Eastern Chu cavalry for decades. The Silver Scale Armor shone with a silver light.

They wore long sabers at their waists, and every movement was steady and measured. The four stood shoulder to shoulder, facing outside the city, coldly observing the distant tents.

A square-faced middle-aged man with a wide mouth and clear eyes, his chin covered in a full beard, possessed a rugged bearing. He shook his head and sighed, “Damn it, these Eastern Chu bastards have gone mad.

Judging by this setup, they are determined to attack our Shenguang City! They are simply courting death!” A thin middle-aged man beside him shook his head, stroked his beard, and sneered coldly, “Petty tricks.

I estimate half of these tents are empty, just for show to intimidate us.” His face was lean, his spirit bright, his eyes deep and piercing, and the three strands of beard on his chin fluttered, giving him a refined, scholarly air. “That makes sense, that makes sense,” the other two nodded in agreement.

The square-faced middle-aged man sighed, “This year is strange. The Eastern Chu suddenly increased their troops; aren't they afraid the Great Khan will take the chance to raid their home bases?” The thin middle-aged man stroked his neat beard and said slowly, “I suspect the Eastern Chu and the Great Khan may have reached an agreement, or perhaps the Great Khan has run into trouble and cannot deploy troops.

That’s why they are daring to attack us Ran!” The square-faced middle-aged man angrily slapped the edge of the wall, the blue brick making a dull bang. He grunted, “The Eastern Chu people are despicable and shameless, actually sending assassins to attack the General!” The other two nodded in unison, cursing through gritted teeth, wishing they could eat the assassins and wipe out the Eastern Chu.

The thin middle-aged man shook his head, unconcerned, “War is about deception. To capture the bandits, first capture the king; this tactic is not that significant.

It’s just that we were unprepared.” He sighed, “The Eastern Chu have always been straightforward, not skilled in secret schemes. No one expected them to suddenly change like this!” A pockmarked middle-aged man looked around, raised a finger to his lips, and lowered his voice, “I heard one of our high court officials defected and was heavily favored by the Eastern Chu Emperor.” The square-faced man asked, “Oh?

Wang Mazi, your brother works in the Tent Registry? Is that where you heard it?” Wang Mazi nodded and said quietly, “This caused a major uproar in the court.

That person, upon reaching Eastern Chu, was actually granted the title of Marquis Jingping.” “The Eastern Chu Emperor is truly formidable,” the thin middle-aged man sighed. ………………………………………………, Wang Mazi said, “This fellow is rotten to the core, always coming up with terrible ideas.

First, he sent martial arts masters to assassinate the General. The General was lucky to survive.

Then they issued a bounty order. The city hasn't been peaceful these few days!” A short, stout middle-aged man snorted, “Indeed, quite a few experts have entered the city.

Damn it, they really take us for useless dummies, thinking they can come and go as they please.” Wang Mazi whispered, “The General ordered that we are not to pay them any mind. In my opinion, the General intends to catch them all in one sweep.” “Heh heh, our General is not one to suffer a loss!” the square-faced man laughed.

The thin middle-aged man stroked his beard and frowned, “The General’s personal guards, to be frank, are acceptable on the battlefield, but they fall short when facing martial artists.” Wang Mazi laughed proudly, “You guys don’t know, right? The General has a new guard… this is top-secret information and must not be spread.” The square-faced man grunted, “A round of drinks at the Early Spring Hall!” Wang Mazi instantly beamed, throwing up his thumb, “Old Peng, you’re generous!” The square-faced middle-aged man, Old Peng, glared at him, “Enough nonsense, spit it out quickly!” What is the background of that guard?” Wang Mazi turned serious, “None of you must spread this, or if it gets out, it will implicate my brother.

I won’t be able to show my face.” “Relax, we are all iron bolts!” Old Peng urged him. Wang Mazi whispered, “This new guard is a monk.

Although young, he is highly valued by the General and has become his personal guard, never leaving his side!” “A monk?” Old Peng asked. Wang Mazi nodded, “A young monk this year.” “How young?” Old Peng asked.

“Eighteen or nineteen,” Wang Mazi stated seriously. Old Peng looked at the other two; they showed expressions of astonishment.

He snorted, “Eighteen or nineteen? Even if he started practicing in the womb, he couldn’t be that skilled, could he?” The thin middle-aged man stroked his beard and shook his head slowly, “Can’t say for sure.

Many young prodigies have emerged in the martial world lately—like Monk Xinjue from Luotuo Temple, Li Yujiao from Sacred Snow Peak, and many experts from the Hidden Void Island… The most formidable is Wen Yinyue of the Vast Sea Sword Sect; it’s said she has surpassed her predecessors and is the foremost young master.” “Could he be Monk Xinjue?” Old Peng quickly asked. The thin middle-aged man shook his head, “By rights, no!

Our military camps have always been forbidden territory for the civilian martial world; Luotuo Temple wouldn’t send someone to join the army.” Wang Mazi whispered, “That monk’s dharma name is Mingkong, not Xinjue… According to my brother, the General respects him greatly, calling him ‘Master,’ not using his dharma name.” “Seems he truly has ability!” Old Peng nodded. The thin middle-aged man smiled, “Old Zhang, you worry too much.

The General sees clearly; if he had no true ability, the General wouldn’t treat him this way. It’s a shame we haven't had a chance to witness it.” ………………………………………… Wang Mazi whispered, “My brother said nearly a hundred assassins came during this period… all were subdued by that young monk; not a single one escaped.” “Impressive,” Old Peng and the thin middle-aged man exclaimed in admiration.

Those who dared to infiltrate the military camp to assassinate the General must possess considerable skill; without solid foundations, they wouldn't dare take on such a task. Furthermore, the Shenguang Battalion’s camp was heavily guarded; not just anyone could sneak in.

“It’s the General!” the short, stout middle-aged man suddenly exclaimed in a low voice. The others turned their heads and followed the direction of his hand.

From this vantage point, they could look down upon both the outside and inside of the city. Three streets ran north-south, and three ran east-west, intersecting and dividing Shenguang City into blocks.

On the east-west street below the city wall, two figures were walking on foot, moving with composure and serenity, standing out like cranes among chickens on the thoroughfare. One was General Hua, and the other was the monk in grey robes.

Their gazes fixed on the grey-robed monk; they shielded their eyes with their hands, observing carefully. “Truly young,” Old Peng sighed.

“This monk is not simple,” the thin middle-aged man murmured slowly, stroking his beard. Old Peng shook his head, “It’s nothing special.

His appearance is ordinary, truly unremarkable; he doesn’t look like a martial artist.” Li Muzhan, clad in a grey monastic robe, was swinging his prayer beads with his left hand, walking leisurely beside General Hua. The two were talking as they walked about local customs and the livelihood of the common people.

Suddenly, he felt something, turned his head to look towards the city wall, and smiled faintly. “How potent!” The four, including Old Peng, quickly withdrew their gazes and exchanged glances, looking bewildered.

They felt a momentary disorientation; Li Muzhan’s smiling face suddenly appeared right before their eyes, as if he were standing right in front of them, smiling at them from such a distance. “This monk is indeed not simple!” Old Peng praised.

Unable to suppress their curiosity, they turned to look again. General Hua and Li Muzhan had stopped before an antique stall, squatting down to rummage through broken metal and scrap iron.

“Not good!” the thin middle-aged man suddenly exclaimed urgently. Everyone’s eyes widened.

They watched as a group of burly men in black, masked and wielding knives and swords, rushed out from both sides of the street like a fierce gale, charging toward General Hua. From two zhang away, they simultaneously threw weapons from their left hands, covering General Hua with a storm of projectiles, like a swarm of flying maggots.

“Damn it!” Old Peng stamped his foot and started to run down. ………………………………………………, the thin middle-aged man grabbed his shoulder, “Old Peng, don’t move!

It’s too late to go down now!” Old Peng furiously slapped the city wall, “Damn it! We shouldn’t have let those bastards into the city!” “The guards!

Where are the guards!” Wang Mazi murmured, gripping the top of the wall so tightly his knuckles turned white. They talked while keeping their eyes fixed below.

Li Muzhan flicked his sleeve, and the myriad cold stars in the air instantly flew back like swallows returning to their nests, disappearing into his sleeve. He flicked his sleeve again, and the scattered cold stars shot toward their original owners.

With a series of crisp clanging sounds, the weapons of more than twenty burly men were forced to deflect the incoming projectiles. The following scene made Old Peng and the others laugh in relief, their tension instantly easing.

As soon as the weapons of the twenty-odd men collided with the projectiles, their weapons flew from their hands, tracing bright arcs in the air before embedding themselves with a shush into the wall behind them. They were forced to stop, their hands empty.

They looked at Li Muzhan and General Hua, then turned to look behind them. Trapped between advancing and retreating, they paused momentarily.

“Kill!” the black-clad man in the center snorted coldly. The twenty-odd men immediately surged forward, surrounding General Hua and Li Muzhan.

General Hua said in a deep voice, “Master, allow me!” Li Muzhan stepped back a pace, making room, positioning himself behind the General as a guard. General Hua punched out, fast and fierce, hitting a burly man squarely in the chest.

The man flew through the air, landing heavily two zhang away, spitting blood continuously from his mouth. General Hua had achieved minor success in the Great Dragon Form Blood Refining, his strength greatly increased.

This punch had the power to shatter stone and topple monuments. Li Muzhan chuckled, “The General’s divine might…” General Hua laughed heartily, encircled by the crowd, yet he held his own, not falling into the disadvantage.

Left punch, right punch, his feet executed a peculiar, slippery footwork, like a loach; the twenty-odd men couldn't even get close to him. “The General’s divine might!” Old Peng clenched his fist and swung it powerfully.

The other three followed with cheers, their spirits lifted, their expressions bright. Seeing the General display such majesty filled their hearts with pride.

Li Muzhan suddenly flicked his sleeve, and a cold gleam flashed in the air, followed by a muffled thud, and a grey-robed elder in the crowd fell. He smiled faintly.

Under the Ruthless Sleeve, incoming projectiles were all reflected back, returning the favor, using the enemy’s own methods against them. He was beginning to get the hang of it.

Suddenly, three cold lights shot out from the crowd. Three men, swords in hand, leaped into the air, their swords and bodies moving as one, like a long rainbow traversing the sky, diving down toward General Hua.

Li Muzhan shook his head and flicked his long sleeve. With a muffled bang, the three paused in mid-air as if they had hit an invisible wall, then plummeted straight down like three stones.

With another muffled bang, the three hit the ground, and the earth seemed to tremble slightly. The onlookers, watching from afar, suddenly heard someone shout, “It’s General Hua!” “It’s General Hua!” “Someone is trying to assassinate General Hua!” “Quick, call for help!” The crowd erupted in a clamor of excited chatter, becoming a chaotic mess.

General Hua, besieged by more than twenty men, fought with increasing vigor, his spirit soaring. He fully experienced the formidable power of blood refinement; vital energy surged through his body, doubling his martial prowess—it was utterly exhilarating!

(To be continued)