Chapter 829: You Have Arrived

"Old Orange, are you sure you saw that correctly?" Granny Ku didn't quite believe it. "How could Scoundrel Ridge be connected to Mount Qunying?"

Old Man Orchard sighed, "I'm not good at fighting, but reading the earth is my skill. The land doesn't lie. Some things might not be clear from a handful of soil, but hundreds of handfuls tell a clear story. There's a road from Scoundrel Ridge to Mount Qunying that was just carved out in the past few days. A lot of soil has been absorbed into the road, and a lot has also been blown out by the strong winds, so there's no mistaking this. Moreover, the earth here also told me that Scoundrel Ridge might not just have fifty thousand people; it seems there are many more buried in the soil."

The Peddler rubbed his forehead, muttering, "Loss and gain, loss and gain..."

No one else understood what he meant, but Li Banfeng did. Sending Cui Tike to Chaoge City – was it a loss or a gain?

Cui Tike posed a great threat to the Shang Kingdom. His arrival in Chaoge plunged the city into chaos, creating favorable conditions for Li Banfeng's later raid on the Bandit Extermination Camp. This was a huge gain for the Peddler. Afterwards, Cui Tike went on a rampage in Chaoge, which naturally didn't cause any loss for the Peddler. Qiao Yi also gained by eliminating his rivals. Cui Tike massacred the city of Bozhou. Qiao Yi continued to eliminate his rivals and simultaneously gathered a large amount of materials for the Great Totem. This had to be considered a huge gain for Qiao Yi. With Cui Tike absent and Sage Peak vulnerable, Qiao Yi set up such a massive scheme here, resulting in a huge loss for the Peddler.

The Peddler's thoughts faltered. Eighteen Wheels looked at everyone and said, "Gentlemen, who can go and defend Mount Qunying?"

No one spoke.

Liu Hutian, the Ancestor of Wine Cultivation, said, "Qiao Yi can attack from either side. We must divide our forces, and it has to be a fifty-fifty split."

Lu Qianjiao frowned, "Nonsense! How many troops do we even have? How can we talk about a fifty-fifty split?"

Liu Hutian retorted angrily, "If you're not talking nonsense, then tell me something useful!"

The Ancestor of Wine Cultivation's words were correct. Qiao Yi now had two paths he could take, and he would choose the easier one. To fully defend against Qiao Yi, they needed to divide their forces equally. But if they divided their forces equally, their strength would be spread too thin. Could they still defeat Qiao Yi then?

Gui Jianchou offered an idea: "Old Seven went to the Barren Plain. We all know how dangerous that place is; calling it a 'nine out of ten chance of death' is being optimistic. Old Seven isn't the only young talent in Puluo Prefecture, is he? Granny Ku, you always say that Young Master He is quite a character. Where is this character now? He didn't show up in previous battles. Let's assign him to defend Mount Qunying this time. He has the Greater and Lesser Brotherhood Alliances; he's not short on manpower!"

Qiao Wuzui nodded, "I think that works! Aren't you Brotherhood Alliance members always clamoring about a new Puluo Prefecture? Don't just talk the talk; do something real!"

Eighteen Wheels had also invested in He Jiaqing before. He looked at Granny Ku and asked, "Can Jiaqing come?"

The Brotherhood Alliance was now under immense pressure. Song Shu considered volunteering for the battle; if He Jiaqing wouldn't go, she would!

Granny Ku said, "Jiaqing will arrive soon. He went to raise funds. War is expensive, and Jiaqing is preparing to donate all his family's assets. Isn't that enough?"

Gui Jianchou chuckled, "What do you mean, 'enough'? So, if you donate money, you don't have to fight anymore, right? Old Seven, you're richer than He Jiaqing, aren't you? Why don't you donate some too, and we won't have to go to the Barren Plain!" This was Gui Jianchou's honest sentiment; he really didn't want Li Qi to go to the Barren Plain.

Granny Ku remained silent. Eighteen Wheels also knew in his heart that He Jiaqing would definitely not go to defend Mount Qunying. Song Shu tried to stand up and volunteer for battle, but Granny Ku pressed her back into her seat.

Zhen Luoming seized the opportunity to help Granny Ku out of a tough spot: "If you ask me, Fool's City should defend Mount Qunying. Their sect is special, and the Inner Prefecture doesn't have many ways to deal with them."

Eighteen Wheels lowered his gaze, looking at Zhen Luoming. "Is that your authority speaking? What gives you the right to tell Fool's City to go to Mount Qunying?"

Zhen Luoming lowered his head and said, "I don't have the right, but the Peddler does. If no one is willing to go, then we might as well give up Mount Qunying entirely."

Sui Chanxin nodded, "True, it's just a barren mountain, isn't it? In the end, it's only a memory from back then. What difference does it make whether we keep it or not?"

"Nonsense!" Lu Qianjiao frowned. "How can we give it up? Right below Mount Qunying is the Ink Fragrance Shop. Are you saying we should give up the Ink Fragrance Shop too? That's the cultural lifeline of Puluo Prefecture!"

Gui Jianchou added, "And Qiao Yi also left roots this time, aren't there people helping him on the Ink Fragrance Shop side?"

As soon as he said this, Liu Hutian's veins popped out with anger. "Who went to support Qiao Yi? We haven't colluded with the enemy! We were just worried about the Ink Fragrance Shop being compromised, which is why we wanted to appoint a local deity for it!"

Ye Jianhuang shook his head repeatedly, "This isn't just about the Ink Fragrance Shop. From the highest peak of Mount Qunying, you can see the entire Puluo Prefecture. If Qiao Yi takes it, it'll be hard for us to ever recover. It's a strategically crucial location, just like Wuyou Plain, both are vital places."

Bing Suling said, "It is indeed a critical place. So why don't you go defend it?"

Ye Jianhuang took a drag from his pipe, looking at Bing Suling. "You've been looking for trouble with me all day today. How about we go outside and measure ourselves against each other?"

The conversation was veering off again. The Peddler waved his hand at everyone, "Why are you all thinking so negatively? What's wrong with going to Mount Qunying? You're only thinking about being attacked from two sides by the Inner Prefecture, but haven't you considered that we could also trap them from two sides?"

Zhen Luoming shook his head with a bitter smile, "We don't have that ability. We know our own limitations."

Granny Ku sighed, "Since there's no other way, then we'll divide our forces fifty-fifty. Let's see who is willing to lead half the troops up Mount Qunying."

"Dividing our forces would be falling right into their trap, wouldn't it?" The Peddler shook his head repeatedly. "I'll go to Mount Qunying. This side will be left to Old Train."

Eighteen Wheels asked the Peddler, "How many men will you take?"

The Peddler replied, "I don't need to take any men."

Eighteen Wheels was startled. "You're going alone?"

The Peddler shook his head. "Back when we fought the final battle against the Earth Nation in the Barren Plain, a group of Ironbone Seeds had nowhere to go after the war, so I settled them on Mount Qunying. Over the years, with good food, drink, and elixirs, these individuals have all reached Cloud-level cultivation. Their numbers are considerable, and with the advantage of the terrain, they're more than enough to fight Qiao Yi. However, ordinary people can't persuade them. I have to go personally!"

Zhen Luoming chuckled, "As expected of the leader, always having a backup plan. If you had said so earlier, we would have been so relieved."

Bing Suling's face darkened. "The compensation for these Ironbone Seeds is truly generous – they even get taken care of in their old age after the war. Why didn't we get that treatment back then?"

The Peddler looked at Bing Suling and said, "It's not too late if you want that treatment. If you want to go to Mount Qunying, I'll send you there right now. If others heard you, they'd think I've mistreated you."

Bing Suling bit her lip and said nothing.

Granny Ku looked at Old Train. "Fighting with the Peddler, I have nothing to say, but fighting with you, I'm truly uneasy."

Everyone's gaze fell on Eighteen Wheels. Some wore expressions of disdain, others slight helplessness. Eighteen Wheels lowered his head, silent. Some of the things he had done back then were indeed difficult to explain.

The Freight Post nearby said, "From Mount Qunying, you can see the entire Puluo Prefecture. I'll be watching from the mountain, and if anything happens, I'll rush over via the Peddler's Path."

As soon as he finished speaking, everyone withdrew their gazes. The Peddler was warning them that he could return at any time.

The Peddler continued, "Let's be clear about this: it's a two-pronged blockade. If Qiao Yi attacks your side, I'll lead people from the mountain to flank him from behind. If he comes up the mountain to fight me, you'll flank him from behind at Wuyou Plain. We cannot let him defeat us one by one!"

With the plan settled, everyone prepared for battle.

Outside the camp, Li Banfeng asked the Peddler, "Why didn't you mention the White Falcon Alliance to them?"

The Peddler shook his head. "I have an agreement with the White Falcon Alliance; some things shouldn't be easily mentioned. Besides, it would be useless to tell them. They would say that going to the White Falcon Alliance to repay a debt is wrong."

Li Banfeng said, "How can that be wrong?"

"They would say that being in debt is wrong, and they'd find little excuses, eventually claiming that our original attack on the Bandit Extermination Camp was also wrong. I'm used to this by now; you'll have to get used to it too."

The Peddler took two bottles of vanishing cream from his cart and handed them to Li Banfeng. "The Barren Plain won't be an easy fight. Hold on if you can, but retreat if you absolutely can't. These two bottles of vanishing cream can heal wounds, cure illnesses, and restore combat strength. After you use them, don't throw away the bottles; they'll produce new cream after some time."

Li Banfeng accepted the vanishing cream. The Peddler pushed his cart, preparing to leave, but he glanced back at the camp, still feeling uneasy. "Qiao Yi could attack Mount Qunying at any time, and I can't be delayed here. You should stay one more day before leaving. I'm worried Old Train won't be able to keep them in line. You killed Shan Chengjun, so they must be truly afraid of you. Please help Old Train maintain order a bit longer."

Li Banfeng agreed and followed the Peddler all the way to the border. Across the border was the territory of Scoundrel Ridge. Li Banfeng looked into the distance, seeing the faintly visible Sage Peak.

"Will Cui Tike return?"

The Peddler sighed, "He probably won't. The news from the Inner Prefecture says he committed suicide in Bozhou, unwilling to be captured alive by Qiao Yi."

Li Banfeng pulled down the brim of his hat.

The Peddler pushed his cart, saying, "You take care."

Li Banfeng smiled, "You should be more careful. My life is tougher than yours."

Li Banfeng returned to the camp and stayed for half a day. Old Train was having continuous trouble; military orders were constantly failing to be carried out. Not only were Zhen Luoming, Bing Suling, and Liu Hutian causing problems, but even Ye Jianhuang and Qiao Wuzui had complaints about Old Train. Fortunately, Li Qi's stance was clear: he firmly supported Old Train. Ayi, Qiu Luoye, Song Qianhun, Gui Jianchou, Ye Jianhuang, Qiao Wuzui, and others also sided with Li Qi and were willing to obey Old Train's command. Those who came from the Ink Fragrance Shop were disgruntled, but they dared not voice it. They could discern the prevailing sentiment: before Li Qi left, he genuinely wanted to pave the way for Old Train, and they certainly didn't want to become obstacles in Puluo Prefecture.

At dusk, Tang Shijiang, Bai Qiaoniang, and Yue Wanshan arrived. Tang Shijiang, needless to say, was an acquaintance of Li Banfeng. Bai Qiaoniang, like Tang Shijiang, was a disciple of Old Train. Li Banfeng had never met her, but she and his wife had once been good friends, so Li Banfeng had always had a good impression of her, and she found him very congenial. Bai Qiaoniang's attire was almost identical to Tang Shijiang's – overalls and big-toed leather shoes. But Bai Qiaoniang was naturally pretty. Even without much effort to dress up, standing beside Sui Chanxin, she was far more attractive than Sui Chanxin. Bai Qiaoniang was also a dual cultivator of craftsmanship and travel. Upon meeting the Ancestor of Travel Cultivation, she naturally showed great respect. Her deference gave Tou Youlu a different idea. He privately asked Old Train, "Eighteen Wheels, has your female disciple taken a liking to me?"

Old Train didn't know how to explain. "Is that what you think?"

Tou Youlu also felt a little ashamed. "I'm just too handsome; I've ruined so many good girls."

Old Train also specifically introduced Yue Wanshan to Li Banfeng. This person wasn't his disciple; like Li Banfeng, he was considered an intergenerational friend. Yue Wanshan was a young talent Old Train had met over a decade ago. Due to his significant achievements in travel cultivation, Old Train had given him much guidance and even recommended him to become the local deity of Qingyan City. These three brought a large supply of military equipment to Old Train, boosting his confidence this time.

At dusk, Old Train instructed Zhen Luoming to take men to patrol around the border. Zhen Luoming dragged his feet, unwilling to go. Old Train's face darkened. "You're not new to warfare. You know very well the consequences of defying orders on the battlefield." Seeing Old Train's murderous expression, Zhen Luoming led his men away. Old Train specifically warned, "Check the entire three-hundred-mile border thoroughly. Miss even a glance, and don't blame military law for being merciless." These weren't empty words. That very night, Old Train circled the border, finding over a dozen negligent patrolmen, all of whom he sent to hard labor. Several other patrolmen, relying on their status, reported their names but didn't show up for duty at all. Old Train caught these individuals red-handed. He immediately set up an execution ground in front of the camp gate and publicly executed them. During the execution, Old Train was beaming, as if it were a New Year celebration. None of the various Ancestors or Grandmasters dared to say a word.

Sui Shenju sighed, "Old Seven, do you see? When Old Train goes berserk, few among them aren't afraid. You don't need to worry about this side."

Seeing Old Train in this state, Li Banfeng felt relieved and prepared to set off for the Barren Plain. Old Train brought out several of his prized weapons, insisting that Li Banfeng take them.

Li Banfeng shook his head and said, "Brother, you already have your hands full; you don't need to worry about me. I have ways to handle the military equipment."

"What time is it for formalities with me?" Eighteen Wheels broke into a sweat at the thought of the Barren Plain. "Brother, how can you be so reckless? Even if the Peddler could give you more men, how can a few youngsters like you possibly stop the Earth Nation? If it's truly impossible, go to Fool's City again and discuss it properly with Old Sun. Ask him to bring people to help you. Brother, this isn't the time to worry about appearances. Once you're truly on the battlefield, you'll know..."

Old Train suddenly shivered, his face turning pale, unable to speak. Li Banfeng had witnessed this situation once before at Yellow Earth Bridge. At that time, Old Train had also struggled to speak, and Li Banfeng didn't know who had frightened him.

"Big Brother, what's wrong? I'm not going to battle alone; the brothers are all coming, and besides, there are Ironbone Seeds there too."

"It's not about that!" Old Train trembled even more violently. "I... I feel like someone has arrived."

"Who's here?" Li Banfeng thought Qiao Yi had crossed the border.

Old Train's face was covered in sweat. "Last time at Yellow Earth Bridge, I thought you had brought him, and it terrified me then. This time, it seems he's really here. Old Seven, in my life, there are two people I can never see. One is Ayi... Thankfully, things have been cleared up recently, so seeing her is fine now. But there's one more person I absolutely cannot see..."

Li Banfeng was puzzled. Who could this person be?

Old Train drank half a jar of wine, took a deep breath, and walked out of the barracks, heading straight towards the camp entrance. Seeing his murderous expression, Li Banfeng knew the visitor meant trouble.

Li Banfeng also exited the barracks and saw a short, stout man pulling a rickshaw, standing at the camp entrance. It was Che Wushang!

Li Banfeng was overjoyed and quickly stepped forward to greet him. Tang Shijiang arrived at the entrance first, calling out to Old Train, "Master, Junior Brother is here!" Bai Qiaoniang also quickly went forward to greet her Senior Brother.

The rickshaw puller saw Old Train, set the vehicle down, and bowed deeply, saying, "Master, your disciple is late!"

Old Train trembled all over and quickly went to meet him, "Oh, isn't this Master Che!"

"Master, I've come to fight with you."

"Master Che, why have you come on such a cold day?"

"Master, your disciple is willing to go through fire and water with you."

"Master Che, I don't have much to offer here. Shijiang, quickly prepare some good food and wine for Master Che, and invite him to a good meal."

"Master, your disciple... that is, I didn't come for food..."

"Master Che isn't eating, Master Che is busy, Master Che isn't gracing us with his presence, then I won't keep Master Che. Master Che, take care, Master Che, be careful on your way, Master Che, come again when you have time!"

Old Train forcibly sent Che Wushang away.

Tang Shijiang was embarrassed. "Master, since Junior Brother has already come, why are you doing this?"

Li Banfeng also couldn't understand how much harm Che Wushang had caused Old Train.

Old Train was still trembling slightly. "I'm telling you, don't let him come during a battle. It's bad luck. The moment I see him, I just..."

Old Train stopped again. He felt the danger hadn't gone away. He turned around, walked out the gate, and found Che Wushang still near the camp.

"Master Che, why have you come back again?"

Che Wushang said, "Master, your disciple is willing to fight with you to the very end, guaranteeing not to retreat a single step!"

"Master Che, you're being too polite! Would you like some tea, Master Che? Would you like some food, Master Che? Master Che, you're not hungry, are you? If you're not hungry, then I won't keep you. Master Che, take care! Master Che, be careful on your way! Master Che, I won't see you out..."

Li Banfeng couldn't watch anymore. "The man is already here, do you really have to send him away?"

Ye Jianhuang tapped his pipe beside him and told Li Banfeng, "Old Seven, don't get involved in this. Old Train once made Che Wushang his vanguard three times, so that's why he's afraid..."

That evening, Li Banfeng set off. He first went to the border line, placed three bowls on the ground, and poured three bowls of wine: one for Cui Tike, one for Cui Tike's younger brother, and one for Xiao De. After pouring the wine, he placed three cans and gazed for a long time before finally leaving. If he hadn't dreamed of Cui Tike, he wouldn't have come to Scoundrel Ridge, and Wuyou Plain would have already fallen. As the cold wind blew, Li Banfeng seemed to hear that familiar voice again.

"My friend, take care."

Li Banfeng took the train to the Barren Plain. Midway, he first called Ma Wu to discuss military equipment, a matter that truly required attention. Qin Xiaopang had brought out the treasury of the Three Heroes Sect, and Zhang Xiuling had emptied the coffers of the Hundred Flowers Sect. The He family, the Lu family, the Chu family, plus all the assets Ma Wu had accumulated over the years, were all brought out. But even with all this, the equipment of the group was still somewhat lacking in quality. Fortunately, Li Banfeng still had reserves. He had Ma Wu go to Sleepless Town in advance. Earlier, the local deity of Sleepless Town, Wang Zimian, had been killed by Li Banfeng, leaving behind an entire warehouse of top-grade magical artifacts and weapons, all of which Li Banfeng had taken possession of. Later, Li Banfeng took out a few items from the warehouse, distributing them to Ma Wu and Feng Daiku, and locked up the rest. He had never forgotten about this, but Li Banfeng didn't easily accept magical artifacts and weapons; once accepted, they had to be treated like family. So these items had remained unused until now, when they would prove to be of great use. Ma Wu successfully obtained the items and traveled with Feng Daiku to the Barren Plain.

On the train, Li Banfeng entered Sui Shenju and studied tactics with his wife. She was marking and drawing on a map, calculating the battlefield's location.

"The battlefield will definitely be in Wasteland Town, right? It's the center of the Barren Plain, and the Earth Nation will surely try to take the town."

His wife shook her head. "Not necessarily. I think the Earth Nation probably won't attack Wasteland Town. After all, attacking a city incurs too many losses. Attacking their morale would be much easier."

"How does 'attacking their morale' work?"

Zhao Xiaowan pointed and drew on the map, explaining the strategy. Li Banfeng roughly understood the concept.

"Husband, to win this battle, we must understand each other's strengths and weaknesses, especially since we'll be using Ironbone Seeds. If morale is shattered, this battle will be truly difficult to fight."

The whole family discussed tactics together until dawn. Zhao Xiaowan worried about oversights in the tactics and summoned Fifth Miss to further discuss the details with Lai Wuju. Fifth Miss sat in the wilderness, looking at Li Banfeng and Zhao Xiaowan, and asked, "I've helped you. Are you willing to help me?"

Zhao Xiaowan understood Lai Wuju's meaning; she wanted the Oblivion Ash and the method to break the curse.

"Husband, you decide on this matter."

Li Banfeng looked at Fifth Miss and said, "To put it simply, how do you plan to help me?"

Fifth Miss lowered her head and said, "I've heard of the battlefield prowess of both General Zhao and General Hong. Logically, I shouldn't presume to offer advice. However, I have fought many battles and know quite a few strategies on the battlefield. This is a tough fight, and there will always be places where I can help. In this battle, I am willing to fight with all my heart and strength. If you think I've contributed enough, please give me a portion of the antidote. If you think my contribution isn't enough, at least credit me with a merit and allow me to earn more achievements in the future. I trust you. I only ask that you let me see a little hope..."

Bronze Lotus scoffed repeatedly nearby. Lai Wuju had carried that curse for so many years, and now she thought she could break it with just one battle? Where in the world could something so easy exist?

"Here." Li Banfeng took a bottle of Oblivion Ash and handed it to Fifth Miss.

Bronze Lotus was startled, and Fifth Miss herself was stunned for a long time.

"Seventh Master, did you misunderstand me?" Fifth Miss explained, "I'm not trying to trick you out of the antidote; I want to earn it with merit."

"I trust you," Li Banfeng placed the Oblivion Ash by the wall. "We cannot afford to lose this battle. I've given you the reward, so you must do your utmost."

"Hehehe!" Sui Shenju laughed.

Li Banfeng stood up and said, "Wife, you and Fifth Miss continue discussing tactics. I'll go check the situation outside."

Zhao Xiaowan looked at Li Banfeng with a smile. She knew her husband's character and also knew how much of a role Lai Wuju could play.

Fifth Miss picked up the medicine bottle from the wall and gulped down the liquid. Above her collarbone, a worm slowly emerged. Fifth Miss pulled the worm from her flesh, her hand trembling slightly.

Zhao Xiaowan held the written tactics and looked at Fifth Miss again. Fifth Miss looked back at Zhao Xiaowan and nodded vigorously.

The train arrived at Iron Bowl Ridge. Wangyou Niang, the local deity of Iron Bowl Ridge, brought the ridge's chefs, who had prepared various delicacies to treat everyone. Among them, a chef wearing a small round cap and round-framed glasses prepared a bowl of braised pork hock that particularly suited Li Banfeng's taste. But this person wasn't from Iron Bowl Ridge.

"Elder Pan, I'm truly a bit embarrassed to have you personally cook."

Pan Dehai laughed, "At my advanced age, I still wish to be on the battlefield one more time, and that will depend on Seventh Master's care."

Li Banfeng sometimes couldn't understand Pan Dehai's thoughts. "Elder Pan, if you're willing to fight, why not go to Wuyou Plain?"

Pan Dehai shook his head. "There are too many virtuous people on Wuyou Plain. I'm afraid my virtue isn't sufficient, and I'd be ridiculed if I went."

Li Banfeng looked into the distance. "Are there many virtuous people in the Barren Plain?"

Pan Dehai said, "I hear there are quite a few, but I can still teach them a thing or two about virtue."