Chapter 745: Thousand Forces United Formation

Li Banfeng asked Jiuer, "Did City Lord Sun return to Fool's City after going with the Peddler to fight the Bandit Suppression Camp?"

Jiuer shook her head. "I didn't see him come back. I was killed by Dan Chengjun and lost many memories. By the time I woke up, there were no living people left in Fool's City. Afterward, I heard that none of the hundred elites Sun Tiecheng took, including himself, returned alive; they all died on the battlefield."

These memories deeply saddened Jiuer, and Li Banfeng didn't want to dwell on them. However, there were some crucial questions he needed to clarify.

"The Peddler certainly led troops, and City Lord Sun brought 100 elites from Fool's City. Given the combat power of those two at the time, what tactics did the Bandit Suppression Camp use to fight them?"

Neither Jiuer nor Hong Ying had ever encountered the Bandit Suppression Camp. Even Madam seemed unfamiliar with it, though she had heard rumors: "My dear husband, the Bandit Suppression Camp employs a unique formation. Your humble servant cannot recall its name, but it tactically poses a significant challenge for Proluo State."

If Madam couldn't remember, perhaps Old Train could?

"It's the 'Thousand-Man Power Formation'," Old Train confirmed. "This tactic is particularly effective against Proluo State. Our heroes from Proluo State are invincible when one charges forward. But if ten charge, perhaps they're not as valiant. With a hundred charging, things become very difficult. Commanders find themselves in a bind, unsure what battle strategy to employ. To put it plainly, our soldiers in Proluo State are not formal military personnel; they lack proper training. A pair—one scholarly, one martial, one ranged, one close-quarters—can manage some simple coordination. Even individual cultivators are passable; body cultivators have unique fighting styles and might serve as a surprise force. But add a travel cultivator to the mix, and the battle becomes impossible."

Li Banfeng, puzzled, asked, "Why can't a travel cultivator fight?"

Hong Ying was a renowned general in her time!

Old Train abruptly rose and began pacing in place. "Brother, you'll understand if we fight a round."

Li Banfeng calmed Old Train. "Brother, there's no need to rush. Please explain it to me slowly."

Old Train explained, "I can explain, but not slowly. The issue lies precisely with 'slow.' Travel cultivators cannot be slow; they must move fast in battle. But if a travel cultivator moves at full speed, who can keep up? How would you expect others to coordinate with them in combat? Back then, the Emperor had a great general named Hong Ying, whose travel cultivation talent surpassed mine. Her fighting style was unique: she would charge directly into the enemy's formation, first eliminate their general, then shatter their ranks. Only then would she let her subordinates charge. Her victories on the battlefield were achieved through sheer desperation. If she were truly asked to lead soldiers in a coordinated fight, she wouldn't know how. Most Proluo State tactics are similar to Hong Ying's; travel cultivators are difficult to coordinate with others. Poison cultivators are even more challenging; once they unleash a technique, both friend and foe alike fall. Among the hundreds of Daoist sects in Proluo State, very few are capable of effective cooperation."

This tactical approach aligned perfectly with Hong Ying's temperament and strength.

Li Banfeng nodded slightly. "I think this set of tactics would suit me quite well too."

"That depends on your opponent. If you're facing the Bandit Suppression Camp, you absolutely cannot fight that way! The Bandit Suppression Camp's Thousand-Man Power Formation specifically counters this fighting style. The Bandit Suppression Camp is comprised of Three-Headed people with cultivation, though their cultivation levels are low, typically only one or two layers. One-on-one, they are certainly no match for us, but with a hundred against one, it's impossible to predict the outcome."

"A hundred against one," Li Banfeng remarked, having heard similar descriptions. "Is that considered an advantage or a disadvantage?"

"For Neizhou, it's an advantage. A hundred first-layer Three-Headed people using the Thousand-Man Power Formation can easily kill a Cloud Ascender. A thousand first-layer Three-Headed people, employing the same formation, could effortlessly take down twenty or thirty Cloud Ascenders."

Li Banfeng suddenly recalled the source of this description. The Peddler had once told him: "A single person holding back an army of thousands, and an army of thousands holding back a single person, are both formidable tactics." When Zhang Fanglong used his farmers to unleash high-level lock cultivation techniques, the Peddler had speculated that Zhang Fanglong relied on sheer numbers to win.

Could Zhang Wanlong also know the Thousand-Man Power Formation?

At that time, the Peddler had also specifically mentioned the Iron Bone Army.

"Brother, does the Iron Bone Army also utilize the Thousand-Man Power Formation?"

Old Train shook his head slightly. "They look quite similar. At first, I thought they were identical because both fighting styles rely on 'seed blood'—the only difference being Iron Bone men versus Three-Headed people. However, I later realized that the Thousand-Man Power Formation is more sophisticated. In the Iron Bone Army, if even a few cowards emerge, the entire army falls into disarray. On a true battlefield, facing mountains of corpses and seas of blood, how many can genuinely remain unafraid? Therefore, building an Iron Bone Army is incredibly difficult. The Thousand-Man Power Formation, however, avoids this issue. Once the formation is properly set, even if some individuals falter, it won't lead to the collapse of the entire army. That's why I believe the Bandit Suppression Camp is a more effective fighting force than the Iron Bone Army."

Upon hearing Old Train's explanation, Li Banfeng felt his judgment was spot-on. "The Bandit Suppression Camp will be attacking soon."

Old Train nodded. "When Zhang Gunli brought people to attack Zhao Lanmeng, I sensed something was amiss. They certainly weren't aiming for a 'proper land'; even if they acquired the territory, they wouldn't be able to hold it. But if Zhang Gunli truly killed Zhao Lanmeng, the Peddler would surely retaliate. If Neizhou stirred up more trouble, the Peddler would be effectively tied down. Old Seven, gather more intelligence. Once the battle begins, I will head straight to the front lines. I brought a lot of good things from Neizhou; this time, I'll give them a proper fight."

Li Banfeng had already taken action. He had sent Chu Shaoqiang with a message specifically to provoke Qiao Yi into making a move. He had already leveraged all his channels—Xiaodu, Boundless City, the Dark Star Bureau, and the White Falcon Alliance. He was confident that any slightest development would reach him; he simply didn't believe Qiao Yi could operate without leaving a single trace.

Nian Shangyou entered Qiao Yi's study, holding a letter, and began to read aloud: "Chu Shaoqiang sent a secret message, stating—"

Qiao Yi kicked Nian Shangyou. "Who gave you permission to open a secret letter? And you dared to read it aloud?"

Nian Shangyou had forgotten a crucial detail: Qiao Yi's eyesight had recovered.

Qiao Yi took the letter and read it. Chu Shaoqiang had just received news that the local god of Pillow City had been killed, and the Peddler was now tracking the killer's whereabouts.

After reading the letter, Qiao Yi's expression remained calm. "Send another person to investigate," he instructed.

Nian Shangyou quietly asked, "My lord, do you not trust Chu Shaoqiang?"

"Why should I trust him? Is he even trustworthy?" Qiao Yi looked at Nian Shangyou. "How many mistakes has he made in Proluo State? His secret message doesn't warrant even a fraction of my trust."

Nian Shangyou lowered his head in silence. To be honest, he truly didn't know who Qiao Yi would trust.

Two days later, Qiao Yi received another secret report, this time delivered by Ma Chenxing's messenger.

Qiao Yi frowned slightly. While he didn't doubt Ma Chenxing's loyalty, he questioned his capabilities. Ma Chenxing had been sent to Proluo State to serve as a decoy, to draw attention, and Qiao Yi hadn't anticipated Nian Shangyou assigning him intelligence-gathering tasks.

Nian Shangyou explained, "Your humble servant did not instruct Ma Chenxing to investigate matters in Pillow City. He received the information by chance."

Qiao Yi frowned. "Why would he coincidentally receive news from Pillow City?"

"Because many people in Pillow City have woken up. This kind of event hasn't occurred in Proluo State for many years. Under the local god's care, people in Pillow City typically sleep for over half a year at a time. Such an abnormal occurrence proves that something has indeed happened to Zhao Lanmeng."

Qiao Yi remained suspicious. "Where did Ma Chenxing obtain this information?"

"The Ma family has businesses scattered across Proluo State. When the residents of Pillow City awoke and began to move around, they were noticed by the Ma family's shops."

Qiao Yi shook his head. "Investigate further. Have a scout personally visit Pillow Village to confirm."

Nian Shangyou found himself in a dilemma, as the scout might be unwilling. "My lord, if the Peddler is truly enraged by this matter, the scout might not return if they go."

Qiao Yi glared at Nian Shangyou, who, having no other option, reluctantly issued the order to the scout.

Two days later, the scout sent back his report. He had personally visited Pillow City and confirmed that many people had indeed awakened from their slumber. Unable to bear their hunger, a significant number had left Pillow City to seek livelihoods elsewhere.

A look of satisfaction spread across Qiao Yi's face. "The time has come," he declared.

Nian Shangyou, by contrast, became more cautious. "If Zhang Gunli succeeded in killing Zhao Lanmeng, he would surely send back word. Why don't we wait two more days?"

Qiao Yi, unwilling to wait, said, "With the Peddler investigating, Zhang Gunli is already in a desperate situation. Forget sending messages; it's likely he won't survive this time."

Nian Shangyou then suggested, "Since Zhang Gunli has achieved such a great accomplishment this time, your humble servant could lead a team to Proluo State and bring him back to Chaoge."

Qiao Yi shook his head. "Why would I bring him back? This man has made countless enemies; everyone in Proluo State despises him. Even in Dashang, many former acquaintances wish him an early grave. The two individuals accompanying them are also infamous. Such people deserve to die. Let them continue to tangle with the Peddler for a few more days. Order the Ministry of War to prepare the camp. The Bandit Suppression Camp will march out tomorrow to attack White Falcon Commandery."

Nian Shangyou stated, "The Bandit Suppression Camp has only been training for a short time, and the soldiers' skill levels are quite low. They are far from the Bandit Suppression Camp that once faced the Peddler. Rushing into battle now might be ill-advised."

"This time, we are neither engaging the Peddler nor confronting the main army of Proluo State," Qiao Yi declared, his mind already made up. "Attacking anywhere else would certainly be ill-advised, but striking White Falcon Commandery is a sure thing. The Peddler is tied up with Zhang Gunli, and the Eighteen Wheels will need time to recover. White Falcon Commandery is far away in the mountains, making it impossible for others to provide timely support. This is an excellent opportunity to annihilate the enemy."

Nian Shangyou pointed out, "But even if we capture White Falcon Commandery, we won't be able to hold it."

"There's no need for a long-term defense," Qiao Yi replied, shaking his head. "Annihilating the stubborn enemy in White Falcon Commandery and uncovering the sea route to Proluo State will constitute a great victory!"

Nian Shangyou had finished drafting the decree and was about to send it to the Ministry of War when Qiao Yi suddenly cautioned, "It is crucial to act with absolute secrecy. There are many spies within Chaoge, so ensure the Ministry of War doesn't let even a whisper of this leak."

Li Banfeng was awaiting developments from the Shang Kingdom when Luo Zhengnan called. "There's a foreign woman named Zuo," he said, "who claims White Falcon Commandery is in danger."

While there was no activity from other sources, the first to send intelligence was surprisingly Anna Zuo of the White Falcon Alliance. It appeared the White Falcon Alliance's intelligence network within Dashang was remarkably well-established. Her warning about danger in White Falcon Commandery confirmed that the Shang Kingdom was indeed preparing to attack. The earlier prediction proved accurate. The Shang Kingdom had been attacking White Falcon Commandery for years, and this time was no different, as providing support to the region was exceptionally difficult.

Li Banfeng quickly called Tan Jinxiao, instructing him to prepare for battle immediately.

Seeing the urgency of the situation, Old Train told Li Banfeng, "I'll make an exception just this once and let you ride in a sleeper car. Hurry and get on board."

Li Banfeng replied, "Brother, my cultivation isn't low either. If we run together, it's hard to say who's faster."

The two sped towards Three-Headed Fork. Upon reaching the boundary, Li Banfeng was about to contact A Yu to lift the barrier, but Old Train swiftly grabbed Li Banfeng onto his back and burst through the boundary with him. He charged through without any protective measures.

"Brother, you just crossed the boundary like that?"

"Choo-choo~" Old Train was still whistling. "Crossing like this is simple enough. Today's situation is urgent, so I won't perform any fancy tricks for you. When I have some free time another day, I'll show you something exciting!"

After reaching Three-Headed Fork, they still needed to proceed to the underground city, and beyond the human market, they had to traverse the sea market. Numerous personnel from the Border Control Office appeared at Three-Headed Fork, and the Innocent Army was also steadily assembling.

Li Banfeng had informed Liao Zihui, who had already initiated his operations. Qiu Zhiheng was in the process of allocating personnel, food, and military supplies, which were being transported through the sea market to White Falcon Commandery.

Old Train commented, "Starting now might be a bit late."

Li Banfeng shook his head. "It's not late. This isn't the first time we've sent aid to White Falcon Commandery; we began preparations long ago."

Inside the military camp, lights blazed brightly.

Qiao Yi stood in the grand hall, holding a golden yue, and addressed all the soldiers: "Brave sons of Dashang, valiant descendants of the imperial family! Today marks an excellent opportunity for you to earn glory and forge your legacy. Wield your blades and axes to cleave the rebel forces; drive your iron cavalry to flatten the cities of traitors; employ your wisdom and strategy to thwart the arrogant folly of deceitful lords. With your magnificent achievements, let us reforge the might of Dashang and restore the sacredness of our nation. May your great power be fully displayed, ensuring that all rebellious elements within Dashang's territory forever abandon their rebellious hearts and never dare to rise again!"

The entire army erupted in thunderous cheers.

The commanding generals, Yi Sheng, Han Qing, and Yan Chong, stepped forward. They were a single entity with three heads, and Han Qing typically took the lead. They were about to receive the golden yue bestowed by Qiao Yi. The yue, similar in shape to a battle-axe, was central to a highly significant ceremony in Dashang. It symbolized the recognition of a general's capabilities and the conferment of authority before the army's departure.

Qiao Yi first held the head of the yue, then handed the handle to Han Qing, declaring, "From this moment forth, you shall command all that is above the heavens." Then, holding the handle once more, he handed the blade to Han Qing, stating, "From this moment forth, you shall control all that lies below the abyss."

As the ceremony concluded, the Bandit Suppression Camp immediately set forth.

Qiao Yi withdrew from the main camp and did not accompany the army. Fighting Proluo State was entirely different from fighting Tu Fang State. In battles against Tu Fang State, conventional engagements between two armies, the commanders on both sides generally faced no mortal danger, regardless of victory or defeat, as long as the conflict wasn't excessively brutal. However, when fighting Proluo State, anything could happen, especially against the tenacious resistance of White Falcon Commandery. Even if the battle appeared hopeless, they would fight to the bitter end. It was entirely possible for Dashang to achieve a decisive victory, only for their commander to be taken down by the desperate forces of White Falcon Commandery.

Furthermore, Qiao Yi no longer needed to prove himself. The war against Tu Fang State had already elevated his reputation to its zenith. This battle would consolidate his position within Dashang but did not require his personal presence on the front lines. Han Qing was also an excellent general, having commanded many critical battles during the conflict with Tu Fang State. As one of Qiao Yi's trusted confidants, he was naturally deemed reliable for the role of commanding general.

Watching the enormous encampment slowly depart, Qiao Yi immediately began planning the next phase of operations. "After capturing White Falcon Commandery," he instructed, "have the Ministry of Works immediately dispatch personnel to map out the sea route to Proluo State."

Nian Shangyou confirmed, "The Ministry of Works has already prepared the necessary personnel."

White Falcon Commandery bordered the sea that led to Proluo State, a route Li Banfeng himself had seen.

Qiao Yi reiterated his caution: "After our major victory, the Peddler will inevitably counterattack. Presently, the Bandit Suppression Camp's combat strength is limited and may struggle to resist. Therefore, it is crucial to secure a clear retreat path."

Nian Shangyou confirmed, "It has been properly deployed."

Qiao Yi remained concerned. "Tell Dan Chengjun to send people to Proluo State and, under the guise of the 'false king,' create further disturbances to occupy the Peddler for as long as possible."

Above White Falcon Commandery, five islands suddenly shifted, moving outside the cave. Ling Baitao and his clansmen crouched in the trees, their piercing wails rising and falling. This was the unique horn sound of White Falcon Commandery, signaling the imminent arrival of war.

A colossal spherical object descended from the sky.

Han Qing, Dashang's commanding general, meticulously observed the situation on White Peach Island, then ordered his soldiers to assemble and prepare for attack. "Hear my command! The people of White Falcon Commandery are fierce and untameable. Now that we have subdued them, slaughter all inhabitants of the five islands—young or old, women or children. Leave no survivors."

This was the most comprehensive order for a massacre, and precisely the command the Bandit Suppression Camp most desired to hear. Leaving no one alive and killing them all was the easiest command for them to execute.

The camp gates opened, and three thousand cavalry stormed out with a roar. As cavalry, they naturally required mounts. Each Three-Headed cavalryman rode an iron warhorse with winged backs, but these were not merely steeds; they were actually suits of armor. The armor worn by the Three-Headed people could transform into various shapes: in aerial combat, it sprouted wings; for ground warfare, it extended four hooves; and for naval engagements, it could even morph into a boat. The armor was exceptionally tough and could also emit steam, making it an excellent weapon for both offense and defense. It was equipment far beyond the reach of Proluo State and other outer states.

Three thousand iron cavalry swooped down, and the valiant warriors of White Peach Island advanced to meet them. Throughout the battle, Ling Baitao led the charge, as he possessed the highest cultivation and strongest combat power in White Falcon Commandery, capable of eliminating enemy generals. However, he had never encountered the Bandit Suppression Camp and was unfamiliar with their tactics. Han Qing's primary target for the day was Ling Baitao.

The three thousand cavalry roared in unison, "Kill!" This single roar, like a powerful sonic wave, caused all five islands of White Falcon Commandery to tremble. This was a classic tactical maneuver specifically designed against Proluo State. The sonic wave was aimed directly at Ling Baitao. According to Han Qing's calculations, this single shout would be enough to severely injure Ling Baitao; a few more shouts would cause Ling Baitao to explode. This was also Han Qing's pre-planned tactic: eliminate Ling Baitao, and White Falcon Commandery, leaderless, would surely descend into chaos. Once the enemy's bodies shattered, they would not transform into peach trees upon hitting the ground due to their incomplete forms, which meant the subsequent ground battle would be significantly easier.

The actual situation proved even more favorable than he had anticipated. After just one shout, Ling Baitao's body exploded directly. The Bandit Suppression Camp's morale surged, and they continuously roared, "Kill! Kill! Kill!" A colossal sonic wave, devastating everything in its path, swept through every White Falcon Commandery warrior. The warriors exploded one after another, and in the blink of an eye, very few remained.

The Bandit Suppression Camp charged with increasing ferocity, yet Han Qing sensed something was amiss. This battle was progressing far too smoothly. The bodies of the White Peach Island inhabitants seemed unusually fragile. Their flesh and blood appeared to be conspicuously vivid in color. There was also a distinctly sweet and somewhat fishy scent in the air. And where were these particles floating in the air coming from? It wasn't dust; it was white fluff. A piece of fluff landed on Han Qing's hand, resembling a paratrooper successfully landing with a parachute.

It was a dandelion!

Han Qing faintly heard screams, which seemed to be coming from the Bandit Suppression Camp. What was happening? They were still charging, but Han Qing could see some soldiers writhing and struggling within their armor. He flicked the dandelion from his hand, his attention entirely on the battlefield, unaware that the dandelion seeds had not been dislodged. The white fluff adhered tightly to his hand, and the seed at its center quickly germinated, its delicate rootlets abruptly burrowing into his palm.

Han Qing felt an intense pain and vigorously pulled the dandelion out. As he did, it tore away a large patch of skin and flesh from his palm. He now understood the source of the screams. He saw vast quantities of dandelion seeds soaring through the sky; these seeds had burst forth from the "warriors" of White Falcon Commandery. Using observation equipment, Han Qing saw the bodies on the ground. They weren't warriors; they were watermelons! They had been containers for these seeds. No wonder there was a sweet, fishy scent in the air. But why were these watermelons still moving?

Han Qing had no time to ponder this question. He immediately issued the order to retreat, but the soldiers who had charged onto White Peach Island no longer had any chance of withdrawal. Dandelion seeds clung to their hands and heads, burrowed into their armor, and continuously rooted themselves in their flesh. One soldier clutched his throat, trying to scream but unable to, as dandelions had rooted themselves within his larynx. Another soldier desperately tore a dandelion from his eye socket, pulling his eyeball out along with it. Another soldier covered his ears; leaves with flowers were sprouting from his ear canals. The dandelions, having absorbed sufficient blood and flesh, rapidly withered, their flowers transforming into white fluffy balls that continued to scatter seeds. Every Three-Headed cavalryman was now sprouting branches and leaves, each adorned with fluffy flowers. Each soldier was using their own flesh and blood to nourish the dandelions. Whether fallen to the ground or still suspended in the air, the cavalrymen were incapacitated, struggling in agony under the torment of the dandelions.

Inside the tunnel, Zhang Wanlong smiled, and Xiao Genzi, by his side, also smiled. On the boat, Tan Jinxiao smiled. Xu Han, after holding back for a long while and rubbing his face, finally couldn't help but smile as well. The four, master and disciples, had worked tirelessly for days and finally achieved their goal!

Xu Han praised, "Jinxiao, your contribution to this battle is invaluable."

Tan Jinxiao waved his hand dismissively. "I didn't do much heavy lifting. Wanlong was the one who truly made it happen this time. For him to cultivate such formidable watermelons and dandelions, that's genuine skill. I am utterly convinced!"

Xu Han commented, "Without the hardened phlegm you acquired, these dandelions couldn't have been cultivated."

"That task was certainly not easy. Going from house to house asking people for their phlegm—that was truly mortifying."

Xu Han chuckled, "And asking for 'golden liquid' wasn't humiliating?"

Tan Jinxiao shook his head. "That's completely different. I'd collect 'golden liquid' from latrines, and when I explained it was for farming, people understood. But if I asked a young lady for a mouthful of phlegm, Master, do you know how many beatings I received for that? Those girls truly hit hard! It's a good thing I used to be a hoodlum, otherwise, I wouldn't have been able to take it!"

As they spoke, over half of the three thousand Bandit Suppression Army soldiers were dead or wounded.

The true Ling Baitao, hidden in the tunnel, saw that the moment was ripe. He asked Zhang Fanglong to recall the dandelions, as they were ready to emerge and engage in the final decisive battle.

Zhang Wanlong shook his head. "These dandelions cannot be recalled," he said. Plants don't possess such strong spiritual sentience; they can't simply return at his command.

What could they do if they couldn't be recalled? This phenomenon didn't distinguish between friend and foe, meaning they couldn't charge out and fight now.

Ling Baitao was eager to emerge and end the battle, but Zhang Fanglong cautioned him, "There's no need to rush. If you charge out now, even without the dandelions, you'll regret it."

"What is there to regret?" Ling Baitao still hadn't grasped the seriousness of the situation.

Zhang Wanlong sighed. "My master, he appears honest and upright, but his heart is actually quite malicious. He's about to make his move, and you surely don't know what that looks like."

Everyone looked up and saw a golden dragon ascend from the sea, soaring towards the Shang Kingdom's main camp.

Han Qing ordered the gates closed, but it was too late. Carried along by the golden dragon, a massive number of dandelion seeds crashed into the encampment with it. The moment the golden dragon lunged towards him, Han Qing felt a despair he had never known. The entire encampment became submerged in a golden sea. Han Qing struggled desperately within this golden deluge; the current situation only deepened his despair. The dandelions carried in, nourished by abundant fertility, began to grow wildly.

Old Train and Li Banfeng stood suspended in the air. From the scent in the air, Old Train had already clearly assessed the battle situation ahead.

"That must be Old Xu making his move, right? An ordinary person's 'scent' wouldn't be so potent."

Li Banfeng said, "It's not just Old Xu; his disciples are involved as well."

Old Train seemed skeptical. "He and his disciples, getting involved in others' business?"

"They can!" Li Banfeng nodded. "As long as Proluo State ensures farmers don't suffer, they won't allow Proluo State to suffer any losses."