Chapter 335: Old and Young Thieves

The Cripple and Qin Mu walked out of Qingmen Pass, causing many generals within the pass to frown deeply. Bian Zhenyun quickly sought instructions from the National Master of Yankang, who shook his head and said, "No need to help them. With that Cripple present, no one can kill Cult Master Qin."

"Cripple?" Everyone looked towards the Cripple. This old man’s limbs were perfectly fine, and he walked quickly. Where was he crippled?

"Crippled in spirit."

The National Master of Yankang's expression was somewhat displeased. He said, "Crippled in virtue, a crooked body casts a crooked shadow, crippled in heart and mind. Let's not talk about him. Shan Youxin, how many Divine Firmament Rings have the Ministry of Works and the Imperial College forged?"

"Fourteen thousand have been forged."

Shan Youxin said, "They've already been mounted on the Vitality Cannons. In another day, the remaining several thousand will be forged, and then we can attack the enemy camp."

The National Master of Yankang looked at the formidable pass opposite them and said calmly, "There's no need to wait another day. Order all armies to prepare for deployment immediately. The warships will form an array and push forward! General Bian, Grand Commandant, General Who Assists the Nation, Cavalry General, Supreme Pillar of the State, Duke of Weiguo, Pillar of the State General, Champion General, Huaihua General!"

He called out each name, and many Yankang generals stepped forward, awaiting orders.

After the rebellion of the former Crown Prince Ling Yuxia, officials aligned with him were purged. However, Yankang was a land of extraordinary talents, and the Emperor promoted many new officials to take over, preventing any disruption.

The National Master of Yankang said gravely, "Move the troops behind the pass to the rear of the warships. The warships will form the front, and the army behind will sweep through. You all will focus on the enemy's Divine Bridge and Life-and-Death Realm experts, ready to strike them down at any moment!"

The generals felt a chill in their hearts. The Duke of Weiguo said, "National Master, Cult Master Qin is still on the front lines. A reckless attack might provoke the enemy to target him."

The National Master of Yankang smiled. "The moment he retreats will be the time for attack. There's no need to worry about his safety. Moreover, with that Cripple present, those who can harm him in this world are few and far between."

Bian Zhenyun asked, "Who will command the warships?"

The warships were originally dispersed among various armies, commanded by their respective generals. Now, the National Master of Yankang had changed tactics, intending to use all the warships to clear the path. This required establishing a separate unit, and a strong commander skilled in offensive warfare was needed to direct each warship to adapt to the rapidly changing battlefield situation.

The National Master of Yankang's eyes flashed, and he said gravely, "Summon the mid-level generals from all armies! And also, have all the Imperial College students come here!"

A moment later, hundreds of mid-level generals and numerous Imperial College students arrived.

"Two hundred and forty-five warships are equivalent to two hundred and forty-five flying swords."

The National Master of Yankang scanned the group and said gravely, "Those who are proficient in swordsmanship, those who can simultaneously control two hundred and forty-five flying swords, step forward."

Over fifty mid-level generals and Imperial College students stepped forward.

The National Master of Yankang's vital qi erupted, transforming into flying swords that circled around him. "Attack me. Whoever breaks through my sword formation and strikes my body will be the commander of the new army!"

Upon hearing this, over fifty strong individuals unleashed their swordsmanship, attacking the National Master of Yankang. In an instant, countless sword lights whirled rapidly, and the clanging sounds of collision were incredibly dense!

The National Master of Yankang stood motionless, his mind controlling countless sword lights to block all the attacks from the fifty-plus generals and Imperial College students.

Suddenly, one general was 'struck' in the chest by a sword, though the National Master's sword light did not actually wound him. This general immediately withdrew.

After a moment, more and more people were 'struck' and withdrew, leaving only over ten master swordsmen still attacking.

The Duke of Weiguo, Bian Zhenyun, and others watched this scene, secretly marveling. The remaining dozen or so individuals were all exceptional swordsmen, their mastery of swordsmanship reaching a high level. The only thing they lacked was cultivation.

It was gratifying to see so many talents emerging in Yankang.

After another moment, only three of the ten-plus remained, still attacking the National Master of Yankang. Suddenly, a sword-sun erupted, its red light like fire, illuminating the surroundings intensely. A sword light pierced out from within the red sun, passed through the National Master of Yankang's sword defense, and made a small hole in the corner of his robe.

The National Master of Yankang raised his hand, signaling the three to stop. He looked at the person who had pierced his robe and asked, "Imperial College student from Hanguang Hall?"

The one who had pierced his robe was none other than the Hall Master of the Sword Hall, who bowed and said, "Hanguang Hall, Jian Sansheng."

The National Master of Yankang nodded and looked at another general who had unleashed the red sun, having just performed the "Sunset Sword Art," which allowed the Sword Hall Master to succeed. He asked, "General Guide Yu Yuan Chuyun?"

Yu Yuan Chuyun bowed and replied, "National Master."

The National Master of Yankang smiled. "Jian Sansheng, you will be the commander of the new army, and Yu Yuan Chuyun, you will be the vice-commander. I give you half an hour to familiarize yourselves with the names of all the ship captains and their ship numbers. Remember, when commanding the warships, don't think of them as mere ships, but as your flying swords!"

Sword light flickered in the Sword Hall Master's eyes, and he said gravely, "What does the National Master want us to do?"

The National Master of Yankang pointed to the imposing pass opposite them. "Flatten Helan Pass!"

The Sword Hall Master's body trembled slightly, and he turned to look at the formidable pass opposite, his chest swelling with ambition.

Meanwhile, Qin Mu and the Cripple had arrived at the 'Duck Tongue' area.

"Qin Gongcuo, I hope you've been well?" Qin Mu called out with a laugh.

Ban Gongcuo smiled faintly, then turned to his left and right. "Khan Luan Di, this is the Cult Master of Heavenly Devil Cult. He's not someone who can unleash swords like an ocean, is he?"

Behind him, Khan Luan Di's gaze, sharp as lightning, fell upon Qin Mu. He said gravely, "This is the young man. The terrifying swordsmanship that erupted when he arrived on the battlefield was suffocating."

Qin Mu looked behind Ban Gongcuo and was slightly startled.

Following Ban Gongcuo were various Khans from the grasslands, as well as the Shaman King of Loulan Golden Palace, but one among them stood out the most.

He was tall and robust, a few inches taller than the Sword Hall Master and Apothecary. Although it was late summer, he wore thick, dense raccoon dog fur, and a golden saber and quiver hung at his waist.

"The grassland overlord, Khan Luan Di!" Qin Mu felt Khan Luan Di's eyes, aggressive as fire, and immediately guessed his identity.

Years ago, the Shaman Venerable personally bestowed the title of Khan upon this man. 'Luan Di Khan' meant the greatest divine archer in the world, and his tribe was also skilled in horsemanship and archery. From then on, Khan Luan Di rose in power on the grasslands, his influence growing steadily.

Khan Luan Di's martial prowess was undoubtedly top-tier. He was not merely a divine archer. When Qin Mu and Priest Ba Shan first saw Ban Gongcuo (before he was possessed) on the battlements of this formidable pass, Ban Gongcuo's mastery of fist arts had impressed both Qin Mu and Priest Ba Shan.

At that time, Ban Gongcuo's fist arts originated from Khan Luan Di, demonstrating that Luan Di's combat prowess was not limited to archery.

People often compared Khan Luan Di to Emperor Yanfeng. Both were powerful rulers who implemented sweeping reforms. Khan Luan Di was more like an imitator of Emperor Yanfeng, learning from his actions to reform the chaotic and self-governing situation of the various tribes on the grasslands. He annexed other tribes, eliminated all the large and small shamanic cults on the grasslands, and absorbed their experts into his army.

Had it not been for the subtle or explicit obstruction of the Loulan Golden Palace, he might have unified the grasslands much earlier.

At that time, the Loulan Golden Palace was also concerned that if Khan Luan Di unified the grasslands, he might emulate the National Master of Yankang and Emperor Yanfeng by suppressing the Golden Palace, so they did not fully support him. It was only when the Great Venerable reincarnated as Ban Gongcuo, and Ban Gongcuo regained control of the Golden Palace, that he received strong support for his ambition to unify the grasslands.

"Khan Luan Di's strength is probably not much weaker than Emperor Yanfeng's."

Qin Mu smiled slightly, stepped ahead of the Cripple, and called out loudly, "Ban Gongcuo, is that your father, Khan Luan Di, behind you?"

Ban Gongcuo remained unfazed and chuckled, "Still trying to provoke me, you little scoundrel?"

"Senior Brother Luan Di!"

Qin Mu, with a beaming smile, saluted Khan Luan Di and said, "The Cult Master of the Heavenly Saint Cult greets the Khan of the grasslands."

Khan Luan Di frowned, somewhat bewildered. Qin Mu was clearly trying to gain an advantage over Ban Gongcuo. If he returned the greeting, it would place Ban Gongcuo a generation below Qin Mu, and Qin Mu would immediately make Ban Gongcuo call him 'uncle.' If he didn't return the greeting, it would be a breach of etiquette, and if Yankang was conquered in the future, Qin Mu would surely lead the Heavenly Devil Cult to cause him trouble.

Ban Gongcuo knew his thoughts and laughed, "Khan Luan Di, that little pipsqueak Qin is just infuriating. A single sentence from him can make you choke to death, making you want to grab him and tear him to shreds. Now that you've met him, you should know that his skill lies only in his mouth; he's nothing special."

Khan Luan Di said, "So, the old man behind him is the one who unleashed sword light like an ocean?"

Ban Gongcuo didn't recognize the Cripple either. He shook his head and said, "Not him. It's an old immortal without hands or feet. Don't worry, that old immortal won't easily make a move. He has too many rules that restrict him. Besides, in a few days, someone from the Heavens will come here to eliminate him."

He smiled faintly. "After he dies, you can flatten Qingmen Pass, march straight in, and become the master of the Central Plains!"

Khan Luan Di quickly said, "Then the Golden Palace will be the only sacred land under heaven!"

Ban Gongcuo laughed heartily. "You don't need to be so cautious. My goal is not to be the first or only sacred land; my aspirations are far grander, beyond your imagination."

As he thought of the treasured golden scroll he kept close to him, his heart burned with fervor, and his fists clenched involuntarily.

Just then, Qin Mu strode over, a wide smile on his face. "Khan Luan Di, you are truly impolite. I greet you, yet you don't return the courtesy. Your upbringing must be terrible, no wonder you taught Ban Gongcuo, this little brat, to be like this."

Ban Gongcuo's expression darkened. Just as he was about to speak, Qin Mu suddenly quickened his pace and charged towards him, shouting loudly, "Ban Gongcuo, get out here and call me 'uncle'! Uncle's going to spank your bottom!"

Ban Gongcuo was enraged. He glanced at the old man, who was still smiling and standing far away. Immediately, his fury overcame his caution, and he charged forward to meet Qin Mu, sneering, "Qin, I couldn't kill you on the ship last time. This time, you'll die on this battlefield!"

The two collided with a roar, their vital energy and divine arts erupting, causing the surrounding air currents to swirl and expand outwards!

Ban Gongcuo felt his arms go numb and his heart tremble slightly. "I'm already at the peak of my realm, yet this kid's vital energy is still no weaker than mine!"

Qin Mu joined his hands, and countless sword lights shot up from the Taotie Bag on his back, attacking Ban Gongcuo!

Ban Gongcuo quickly defended. Suddenly, the countless sword lights retracted sharply, forming a large, shimmering silver ball that pressed down. Ban Gongcuo raised his hands high, supporting the immense sword pellet, and couldn't help but let out a muffled groan, being pressed down into the ground.

Khan Luan Di and the others, along with the Shaman King of Loulan Golden Palace, rushed forward to rescue Ban Gongcuo and attacked. Qin Mu quickly opened his Taotie Bag, retracting the sword pellet. Meanwhile, the smiling old man in the distance suddenly vanished like a ghost, flashing repeatedly around everyone. For a moment, chaos erupted among the crowd, as everyone felt as if they were simultaneously under attack by the old man!

At the same time, Ban Gongcuo appeared from a distance, rising from underground, and shouted, "There's no need to struggle with him here. We'll truly contend with him on the battlefield..."

However, Qin Mu and the old man did not linger in battle. They suddenly turned and ran, like two streaks of wolf smoke, heading straight for Qingmen Pass.

The benevolent-looking old man held up a mountain of clothes and spirit weapons in his hands. Khan Luan Di and the others had their clothes, ornaments, and spirit weapons stripped clean, leaving them standing naked and helpless.

In Qin Mu's hand, he clutched a treasured golden scroll, and beneath it was a pair of underwear, as he frantically fled towards Qingmen Pass.

Ban Gongcuo stared blankly, then hastily lifted his robes, instantly letting out an earth-shattering scream.

The treasured golden scroll he kept close to him had vanished, along with his underwear!

"Catch them!" Ban Gongcuo roared.

Just then, the gates of Qingmen Pass swung open, and countless troops poured out. Behind the city tower, towering warships floated into the sky, their bows pointing towards Helan Pass.

Giant strongmen stood at the bows of the ships, striking the war drums mounted there again and again, their beats roaring like thunder.

The National Master of Yankang's voice echoed throughout the city: "Soldiers, flatten Helan Pass for me!"