Ou Yangming’s expression morphed into a frown as he noted to himself, ‘How shameless can this woman be…’
Without paying heed to Ou Yangming’s response, Bai Shixue commented, “Since you put it that way, I’ll be sure to appear before you again.” She then slipped into the darkness and vanished without a trace.
Ou Yangming’s jaw dropped. He wanted to explain himself to her, but instead, he had only made the situation worse.
“The best way to deal with women like her is probably to keep my mouth shut.’ For some reason, Ou Yangming had a lingering feeling that his journey to Changlong County was not going to be easy.
****
Three days.
Within the short span of three days, countless forces within the capital had mobilized, and a massive force was assembled.
During ordinary circumstances, the assembly of such a powerful force would likely have worried the imperial family, and they would have attempted to suppress the force. This time, however, the imperial family had decided to keep their eyes closed to the assembly, and pretended not to have noticed.
Outside the capital, a force that was around 2000-strong had assembled, as each Supreme Great Ancestor had around a dozen followers accompanying them.
Other than that, there were also a hundred or so luxury carriages parked outside. Despite everyone’s best attempts to maintain order, it still felt like a messy assembly to observers.
Back when Ou Yangming was leading the Advanced Blacksmiths, he had utilized his keen intuition to make arrangements that had taken the most advantage out of everyone’s talents.
However, managing a dozen or so blacksmiths was very different from managing a 2000-strong army. Worse still, none of his troops were blacksmiths, and as a result, he had even less of an understanding as to how they operated.
As such, he had a cloudy expression when he saw the rowdy scene that unfolded outside the capital and he could feel a migraine coming.
Woo Lejia walked to his side and chuckled. “Brother Ou, we’ve already brought as few people as we could with us. However, as there are still around 70 or so newly ascended Supreme Great Ancestors, they still need to stabilize their boundaries. Having them board the carriages is… The most you can ask of them. Plus, it’s also no surprise that their family would post them more guards to ensure their safety. Fret not, though, I’m sure they’ll definitely contribute in battle.
Ou Yangming nodded and answered, “Thank
you.”
Honestly speaking, the newly ascended Supreme Great Ancestors should be holing up somewhere safe to stabilize their boundary.
However, the moment Ou Yangming gave the order, they immediately abandoned their solitary cultivation and joined Ou Yangming’s troops. They were willing to carry out the stabilization of their boundaries while traveling within the carriages.
Without a doubt, throughout all the generations of the Supreme Great Ancestors, the treatment they received was undoubtedly the worst.
When Woo Lejia stated that this was their limit, he meant it.
In truth, if the imperial family were to ask the same of them, they would definitely have ignored the imperial family’s orders. As such, if Ou Yangming were to ask them to abandon their guards and travel alone, it would have resulted in massive backlash.
Woo Lejia waved his hand and added, “Brother Ou, you mean the world to us, so there’s no need to be polite.” He then swept his gaze downwards, and in a slightly awkward tone, he stated, “We come from different families, so it’s slightly hard for us to coordinate. But don’t worry, I’ll go and talk to them.”
Ou Yangming nodded. Indeed, such matters were better left to the Woo family and the Chen family to handle.
Nevertheless, before Woo Lejia had even stepped down, a small platoon of cavalry set out from the capital. It was a force that consisted of only a hundred or so people, each of them was clothed in uniforms and they all wore brilliant smiles. Surprisingly, once they joined the troops, the troops immediately mobilized.
W
To Ou Yangming and Woo Lejia’s surprise, the ensuing formation of the troops had become much more organized under the mysterious newcomers’ orders. Moreover, once the first carriage began to move, everyone else followed in an orderly manner.
If one were to describe the initial situation as chaotic, the situation after the newcomers’ appearance could only be described as organized.
Ou Yangming turned around in surprise, and Woo Lejia hastily stated, “It wasn’t me.” “I know it isn’t you.” Ou Yangming spat, “You were at my side all this time. How can it be
you?”
In truth, Ou Yangming had added another statement in his mind. ‘If you had this kind of ability, we wouldn’t be stuck in the mess earlier, now would we?’
V
mess
Ou Yangming observed the newcomers.
Among the hundred-or-so newcomers, a luxury carriage could be seen, and once the curtains were drawn, a charming face was revealed for all to see.
Ou Yangming’s eyes narrowed, and after some slight hesitation, he immediately caught up to the carriage on his horse. “What are you doing, Young Pavilion Master?”
Bai Shixue giggled and answered, “I’m here to help you, of course.” With a teasing smile, she commented, “You’ve got no experience leading so many people, right? Without me, you would be stuck here all day!”
Ou Yangming’s face reddened as he stammered, “I-I’ve led soldiers before, b-but I forgot that these people aren’t soldiers.” Bai Shixue smiled. “Indeed, they aren’t soldiers, but disciples of aristocratic families. They’re the real deal, and they all carry immense pride.” She then pursed her lips and stated, “Didn’t you notice earlier? They were at each other’s throats, how would they have mobilized?”
Ou Yangming’s eyes lit up. He had wrongly assumed that the aristocratic elites would be orderly due to their status, and it had almost ended up being his undoing.
“Young Pavilion Master, how did you manage to get them to be obedient?” Ou Yangming asked curiously.
Although the aristocratic family members had indeed possessed great talent, it was for that reason that they were as arrogant as they were. As such, logically speaking, it would probably take a lot for them to submit willingly. However, what Ou Yangming observed was not the case. Bai Shixue had only spoken a few words to make them listen, and this feat had impressed Ou Yangming greatly. Bai Shixue grinned like a sly fox. “it’s simple, really. I asked my followers to inform them that the Great Master Ou has given the command of the army over to me. If anyone disobeys me or delays me, then their rights to the magic tools will be revoked! See, aren’t I smart?”
Ou Yangming was utterly dumbfounded, and he could not help but chuckle bitterly at that.
‘So she’s riding my coattails, huh!’
But it’s also true that these aristocratic family members are obedient because of it.’
For the sake of the magic tools, these aristocratic family members were willing to risk their newly ascended Supreme Great Ancestors. As such, it was not a stretch to imagine how furious their family elders would be if they learned that they had lost the rights to the magic tools due to a few of their rowdy family members.
Although Bai Shixue was lacking in martial arts, her ability to toy with another’s heart was unparalleled.
After giving her a grateful nod, Ou Yangming thanked, “I appreciate your help, Young Pavilion Master. If there’s anything I can help you with in the future, I’ll be sure to assist you.”
Bai Shixue winked without saying a word.
With that, Ou Yangming clasped his fists and spurred ahead. Unexpectedly, however, the carriage behind him had tagged closely along. Ou Yangming reined his horse back. With a surprised tone, he asked, “Young Pavilion Master, what are you…” Bai Shixue giggled, “To ensure a smooth journey, I’m going to personally accompany all of you to Changlong County.” “You’re… Accompany us?”
“Y
eah, you don’t want me to?”
Ou Yangming’s lips twitched and he gritted his teeth. Upon noticing how orderly the troops ahead were, he could not bring himself to reject her.
Just as the two were at an impasse, the hurried gallops of horses rang out from behind the capital’s gates.
A force that was a hundred-strong stomped out, and an envoy of carriages tagged behind the troops. Upon noticing the familiar insignia on the carriages, Ou Yangming and Bai Shixue stared at one another in disbelief.
Chapter 364 - Great-ancestor-level Half-spirit Beast
Chapter 364 Great-ancestor-level Half-spirit Beast
Ou Yangming did not know much about carriages back then. To him, a carriage was considered decent if it had seats inside.
Nonetheless, after that night, he had a deeper understanding of influential people’s transportations. Therefore, he could now tell at one glance the rough identity of a carriage’s owner.
Besides, even if Ou Yangming knew nothing about other carriages, he was familiar with this particular carriage. He had barged into this carriage that night, resulting in a series of uncontrollable events. ‘Her Royal Highness left the capital?’
Wu Hanning was not an ordinary princess; she was brought up as the top genius among the younger generation in the imperial family. Given that she could ask the family’s supreme elder to borrow the secret realm’s power, one could imagine her status in the family. According to Ou Yangming’s observation and inquiries through indirect approaches, he even suspected that the imperial family had internally decided that Wu Hanning would inherit the supreme elder’s position. If that was true, she would become the Humans’ strongest powerhouse after Wu Yuanwei—the present supreme elder-passed away.
The imperial family was the only party in this realm that could offer a boundary beyond a Supreme Great Ancestor, but they could only guarantee the birth of one supreme powerhouse.
A figure like that would not be as important as Wu Yuanwei, but would not be far off.
Theoretically, Wu Hanning had to keep watch over the capital like Wu Yuanwei by observing the changes in the world in silence. However, she had just left the capital, and judging from her carriage’s path, she seemed to be traveling together with the 2,000-people convoy. Bai Shixue scoffed and remarked softly, “Brother Ou, you’re incredibly charming! Her Royal Highness has even put aside her reputation for you!”
One would be accused of slandering the imperial family by saying that, hence she spoke so softly that Ou Yangming was the only one who could hear her.
“Don’t speak nonsense,” Ou Yangming responded softly and glared at her. He glanced at the capital and the sky, then he gestured to her to be careful. Following that, the young fellow patted the horse and went away.
‘This young fella still cares for me,’ Bai Shixue thought as she curled her lips into a faint smile. As she waved her hand, her carriage caught up to the convoy and joined the rest. As for Ou Yangming, when he arrived in front of the 100-person army, he noticed a familiar face.
It was Wu Haohan. During the Myriad Treasure Meet, his Simulated Spiritual Fist Technique was secretly learned by Ou Yangming, but he was blessed by the setback and advanced to the peak of Yang Grade in the end.
It was evident from his armor and position that he was the leader of the army.
Wu Haohan immediately cupped his hands when he saw Ou Yangming, and he greeted the young fellow loudly, “Good day, Master Ou.”
Ou Yangming nodded and looked at the eye-striking carriage, then he lowered his voice and asked, “Brother Wu, what’s going on?”
“What?” Wu Haohan was surprised.
“Why did Her Royal Highness leave the capital?” Ou Yangming looked up and questioned snappily.
Wu Haohan answered seriously, “Her Highness is feeling bored in the capital, so she reported to His Majesty and is going out for a trip.”
Ou Yangming was dubious. “Where is Her Highness going for a trip?” “Hehe.” Wu Haohan could not help but laugh. “Her Highness did not specify it, so she’ll simply follow her heart.”
“Her Highness’s destination isn’t going to be the same as mine, is it?” Ou Yangming stopped himself from rolling his eyes.
Wu Haohan responded without any hesitation, “That’s not necessarily the case. The world is massive, after all, so it’s unlikely that you’ll meet. Having said that, if you do meet each other, it’s certainly fate!”
Ou Yangming did not know to cry or to laugh when he looked at the unsmiling Wu Haohan. He stole another glance at the carriage. They were not speaking softly, hence the young fellow was sure that Wu Hanning heard them clearly, but she did not intend to pull the curtains apart at all.
As bold as Ou Yangming was, he would not have the guts to barge into the carriage this time.
He felt extremely helpless.
‘I already have a splitting headache because the smart little fox joined us. Now that Her Highness is also coming with us…
‘How should I introduce them to Yinghong once we arrive at Changlong County?’ Ou Yangming’s head ached more when he thought about that.
Wu Haohan commented softly all of a sudden, “Consort, Her Highness is only worried about you, so you mustn’t make her sad!”
Ou Yangming was stunned. He glared hatefully at the man, then he squeezed his horse with his legs to go off.
He knew while Wu Hanning was a lady, she was much more resolute than most men in the world. Since she left the capital regardless of the consequences, nobody could change her mind.
‘If that’s the case, I can only take one step at a time.
‘Everything will turn out to be alright; I just hope it won’t be terrible.’
Nevertheless, Ou Yangming knew his return to Changlong County would surely stir up a sensation like never before.
XXXX
Outside the Immense Forest Military Camp in Changlong County.
Fierce roars filled the air. Even so, whether it was the elite Guards or ordinary soldiers from the five camps, they were no longer fearful like they were in the beginning.
A month ago, many unordinary changes happened in the immense forest. Despite that, the ferocious beasts did not intend to leave the forest. The soldiers were the ones who entered the forest to kill the beasts, and they did not worry about the creatures coming out of bounds.
That said, the soldiers still had to be careful because plenty of new vicious beasts appeared in the forest, causing many soldiers to be injured.
Nonetheless, one day, everything changed.
The ferocious beasts, who had been staying in the forest for generations, suddenly went bad and left the forest. Moreover, they began to attack the Humans.
Villages, small towns, and camps were attacked, causing countless people to die tragically under the beasts’ claws.
Li Xinfan instantly ordered the military to counterattack. He also asked the common folk around to leave their homes for the time being, so they could retreat to safer grounds. Although the Humans’ disaster, which would occur once in a century, was not publicly announced due to political reasons, many related stories circulated among the people. With help from the government and the military, many folks were transferred to the prefecture or fortresses with big cities.
Needless to say, those from the Immense Forest Military Camp, which was closest to the forest, could not retreat. The soldiers were harassed and attacked by ferocious beasts almost every day.
In the first few days, there was a lack of experienced soldiers and the new recruits were rather afraid. As time passed, and as there were more desperate fights from both parties, everything changed.
The new recruits gained experience. As long as they survived by luck from the battlefield, they were reborn, quickly becoming qualified and experienced soldiers.
As the closely-fought battle lasted for a month, the Immense Forest Military Camp’s loss rate increased to 50%. Even though the other soldiers improved greatly through the flames of the war, it was inev
itable that the military had low morale and was dispirited.
If it was not because military orders were imperative and must be obeyed, someone would have crumbled and escaped long ago.
Chen Yifan carried his magic spear and led the West Camp’s soldiers as they patrolled the camp. When he looked in the distance at the dark forest, he was concerned.
The Humans’ huge disaster was finally coming, but could Changlong County and Linlang County overcome it this time as they did before?
While the He family’s Iron Blood Loyal Heart was ready, there was an unforeseen change in the Ni family’s sacrifice.
This was not only because of the relationship between Ni Yinghong and Ou Yangming, but most importantly, it was because the Ni family had lost the connection with their clan’s secret realm for decades. As such, nobody from their younger generation could play a pivotal role.
Though Ni Yinhong had been sent to the secret realm to receive the inheritance, how could the difference of decades be compensated in a short period?
The eight counties had four disasters altogether, each one could possibly develop into one that could overturn the Humans.
It was true that the Humans still had the imperial family’s supreme elder keeping watch in the capital, but Chen Yifan’s confidence could not help but waver when he looked at the pitch-black view ahead. It was as though his future had turned dark too.
At the spur of the moment, a shrill sound was heard coming from the horn, which was sounded at the military camp’s periphery. The soldiers on duty ran in that direction at once. The ferocious beasts were the most active at night, by which they roared and pounced out from the dark to fight the brave and skillful soldiers.
Chen Yifan kept a straight face and strode toward the area where the fight was the most intense.
His composure had unknowingly caused the other people to calm down. As long as their general was around, so what if the creatures showed up? In the end, the beasts would be forced to retreat, leaving a number of carcasses around.
However, Chen Yifan’s face changed as he made his way to the fight. He pricked up his ears and listened closely.
Immortal Path to Heaven c1-725 Page 217
