txolops Chapter 252 The Dilemma of the Yin Shang Dynasty, Xiqi Plans a Sneak Attack
Chapter 252 The Dilemma of the Yin Shang Dynasty, Xiqi Plans a Sneak Attack
During the time that Taibai was in seclusion, the war between the Shang and Western Zhou armies never ceased for a moment.
They've faced off dozens of times, both big and small, yet the outcome is regrettable:
The Shang army suffered more defeats than victories, often losing many soldiers and generals, while the Xiqi army suffered almost no substantial losses.
Ultimately, the problem mostly lies with the Taoist Ran Deng.
He is growing increasingly haggard and exhausted, all because of the repeated defenses Xiqi has suffered against the Yin Shang's attacks.
All of this was due to his skill in turning beans into soldiers, which conjured up Taoist soldiers and heavenly generals to resist them.
Even though Grand Tutor Wen Zhong personally led the charge on several occasions, the Twelve Golden Immortals of Jade Void Palace also came out in full force, ready for battle. How could they possibly give Wen Zhong the opportunity to use his supernatural powers and turn the tide of the battle?
Even more bizarrely, for some unknown reason, Lingya Xian and Jinguang Xian turned to help Xiqi.
Wen Zhong asked the two men several times for the reason, but they were both vague and unable to give a definite answer.
This unexpected turn of events undoubtedly added insult to injury for the Yin Shang dynasty.
Thus, this art of turning beans into soldiers became the key to influencing the course of the war.
Although this technique is one of the Thirty-Six Heavenly Arts, and Wen Zhong is also familiar with it, his master, the Golden Spirit Mother, had given him strict instructions:
One must not use Taoist magic or supernatural powers to directly slaughter mortal soldiers.
Wen Zhong was upright and even somewhat stubborn. He strictly adhered to his master's orders and refused to use this method.
Meanwhile, in Chaoge City, Kong Xuan was fully focused on protecting King Zhou of Shang, Di Xin, and was unable to come to the capital.
As a result, in the vast Yin Shang army camp, only Wen Zhong and his disciples Ji Li and Yu Qing remained as cultivators. With such meager strength, how could they possibly contend with the numerous cultivators of the Xiqi camp?
The situation was critical. After much deliberation, Wen Zhong had no choice but to issue the following order:
"Ji Li, Yu Qing, you two must immediately raise the 'no battle' sign. You are absolutely not to leave the camp to engage in battle until I return!"
He decided to return to Jin'ao Island in person to seek help from his fellow disciples in the Jie Sect.
"Your disciples obey!" Ji Li and Yu Qing bowed and acknowledged.
However, just as Wen Zhong was about to set off, Shen Gongbao suddenly lifted the curtain and entered.
Wen Zhong had always had mixed feelings about this person, partly because he came from the Chan sect and was not one of them.
Secondly, he was found to be of mediocre skill and had made no significant contributions to the military.
However, Shen Gongbao still held the title of the State Preceptor of the Shang Dynasty, and King Zhou did not depose him. Wen Zhong had no choice but to suppress his emotions and ask:
"Why is the Imperial Advisor here instead of overseeing the provisions and supplies? Does he perhaps already have a good plan to repel the enemy?"
Shen Gongbao was well aware of the disdain in Wen Zhong's eyes, but his authority in the army was limited.
Having no choice but to endure it for the time being, he forced a smile and said to Wen Zhong:
"Grand Tutor, the safety of the entire army is at stake. How can you leave lightly? It would be better if I, a humble Taoist, went to seek reinforcements in your stead."
An army cannot be without a commander, and this place cannot be without the Grand Tutor's presence.
Upon hearing this, Wen Zhong remained silent in thought.
About fifteen minutes later, he slowly nodded.
He also knew that Shen Gongbao's words were indeed reasonable. Although Ji Li was cautious in his actions, he was afraid that he would still be no match for Jiang Ziya if they were to fight against each other.
He couldn't feel at ease handing over the entire army to his two disciples.
In comparison, sending Shen Gongbao to Jin'ao Island to invite his fellow disciples might be a more prudent option at the moment.
"In that case, I will trouble the Imperial Preceptor. The journey is long, so please be careful."
"Take care, Grand Tutor. I'm leaving now." Shen Gongbao bowed and turned to leave the tent.
After Shen Gongbao left, Wen Zhong turned his gaze to the disciples standing on either side of him, his expression solemn, and issued another order:
"You two must immediately relay my order to the generals of each pass, commanding them to dispatch 5,000 elite troops from each pass, personally led by the general, to the front lines at once. There must be no delay!"
Upon hearing this, both Ji Li and Yu Qing frowned, their hearts filled with confusion.
If troops are gathered from various places at this time, wouldn't that leave the defenses of the passes vulnerable?
However, Wen Zhong did not offer any further explanation, and the two dared not ask any more questions, so they had no choice but to accept the order and leave.
Wen Zhong had his own strategy. He intended to gather the strength of the entire Yin Shang territory and accomplish everything in one battle, taking this opportunity to completely wipe out the Xiqi rebels.
He was even more convinced that Shen Gongbao's trip to Jin'ao Island would surely allow him to invite several highly skilled fellow disciples of the Jie Sect.
After all, the cultivation level of the direct disciples of the Jie Sect has always been recognized as superior to that of the disciples of the Chan Sect, which is his greatest source of confidence at this moment.
High above the clouds, a faint, almost imperceptible figure stood silently—a clone of Taibai.
He kept a close eye on the battle situation below and the movements within the camp from beginning to end.
When Taibai saw Shen Gongbao set off again to seek help from the Jie Sect, he couldn't help but feel a sense of foreboding.
According to his deduction, there was no need for more disciples of the Jie Sect to be involved in the calamity.
If Shen Gongbao were to invite several more highly skilled individuals this time, it would likely be an even greater loss for the Jie Sect.
Thinking of this, Taibai was about to set off, but he tried to stop Shen Gongbao before he could.
However, just as he was about to move, he suddenly froze.
A chilling killing intent came from behind him and locked onto him firmly.
Taibai was greatly alarmed, and his clone instinctively lowered its head to look.
A sharp, foreign object had emerged from his chest, piercing through his body.
The intense pain and the feeling of rapidly dissipating magic power came at the same time.
Taibai suppressed his shock and tried his best to turn his gaze to look behind him.
Taibai suppressed his shock and tried his best to turn his gaze to look behind him.
Before my eyes came the familiar face of Lingya Xian.
But at this moment, the expression on his face was cold and indifferent, quite unlike his usual self.
What shocked Taibai even more was that the aura emanating from Lingya Xian had completely changed, and its strength far exceeded the level that a Taiyi Golden Immortal should have.
"You...aren't..."
Taibai's clone's pupils contracted, and before he could finish speaking, his consciousness rapidly sank into boundless darkness.
The next moment, the entire clone turned into specks of light and dust, silently dissipating from the spot.
At this moment, inside the Jade Void Palace, Taibai was still focused on breaking through his cultivation, completely unaware that one of his clones had quietly dissipated.
Everything happened very quickly, and no signs of a struggle were left, so even Shen Gongbao did not notice anything unusual.
"Reporting to the master, it has been cleared."
After killing Taibai's clone, Lingya Xian immediately returned to Lintong Pass to report back.
Upon hearing this, Cihang nodded slightly and then turned to walk towards the council hall.
Jiang Ziya was the only one in the hall, pacing back and forth, his gaze fixed on the hanging map, not even noticing Cihang entering.
"Junior Brother Ziya, why are you so worried? Now that Wen Zhong has raised the white flag of truce, he must be returning to Jin'ao Island to seek reinforcements. This is the perfect opportunity to strike."
Cihang's voice jolted Jiang Ziya back to his senses. He pondered for a moment, then shook his head in denial:
"Brother Cihang, this is not advisable. In war today, we should follow the principles of gentlemanly warfare, and the two armies should only engage in battle after they have formed their battle lines."
If we were to launch a sneak attack, it would damage the reputation of Xiqi; we must never do it openly.
"Junior brother, if we do not take this opportunity to defeat the Yin Shang army and kill Wen Zhong, we will be put on the defensive once the reinforcements from Jin'ao Island arrive."
The Jie Sect's power was already formidable; if they were to receive further reinforcements, I fear we would face imminent difficulties. If we were to fail then, how could we face our teacher's entrustment?"
Jiang Ziya remained silent for a moment, then looked towards the direction of Ran Deng's residence:
"Even so, there's still Vice Master Ran Deng in charge. Besides, if we really dare not, we can ask our master for permission..."
"Junior brother, the master has already gone into seclusion. Even if Ran Deng can use the technique of turning beans into soldiers, it is not omnipotent."
What use would this method be if the opponent summoned dozens of disciples of the Jie Sect?
However, Jiang Ziya still looked conflicted and had not yet made a decision.
Cihang finally sighed softly:
"Junior brother, this is an opportunity not to be missed. You should think carefully whether you are willing to take this chance or sit and wait for defeat and fail your sect."
Having said all she had to say, Cihang turned and left.
Inside the council hall, only Jiang Ziya remained. He slowly slumped onto the prayer mat, his face ashen.