Chapter 57: Setting Fire to the Grain
The journey from the capital to Puding Prefecture was long. The three men rode at full speed, traveling day and night, and it still took them five days.
The only thing I gained during these five days was that we became more and more familiar with each other.
Chen Xuanli and Bao Buyi got to know Zhao Wumian better.
In general, this captain is easy to talk to, and as long as it does not interfere with important matters, his temper is not as exaggerated as it is said to be. There are basically various reasons for his killings in the past, and he is not a person who kills indiscriminately.
The same goes for Zhao Wumian. Chen Xuanli is taciturn, rigorous and meticulous in his work, while Bao Buyi is just the opposite. He is a chatterbox and even a little long-winded. He feels uncomfortable if he doesn't talk for a while and always finds all kinds of topics to talk about.
Evening of the fifth day.
The three of them arrived at the territory of Puding Prefecture and were getting closer and closer to the government army camp. They could clearly feel that the surrounding trees were becoming denser and the green leaves were becoming more and more.
It is now mid-March in the lunar calendar. The southwest has had abundant rainfall, bright sunshine, and all things are growing rapidly. In addition, the spring air is refreshing. Camellias, roses, wisteria and other flowers are in full bloom, the grass is growing, and the birds are flying, creating a scene of late spring.
Three horses were walking on the official road.
Bao Buyi stepped forward and handed over an oil-paper bag: "Sir, would you like some beef buns?"
"..."
Zhao Wumian was a little helpless. This guy was almost as fat as a ball, but he always carried food with him, and he never came empty-handed when passing by the inn's tea stall.
Zhao Wumian simply took it over: "We are almost at the military camp."
"almost."
Bao Buyi gave it to Chen Xuanli again and said, "We will arrive after we cross Jiaozi Mountain in front. Although Puding has been conquered, the two Miao tribes, Luogui and Xianxiu, who live nearby, are not content. They often poison water sources or harass the food supply. When we send out troops to attack them, they hide in the mountains and forests, and come out again to cause trouble when the storm is over. It's very annoying!"
Zhao Wumian thought for a moment and asked, "Did the food and grass come from Chen Yuan?"
"Yes."
Bao Buyi pointed to the road ahead and said, "That's the road that connects to Xiangxi. We encountered it several times before we returned to Beijing. We wanted to catch the leader first, but the chiefs of these two tribes are bastards and hid themselves very well!"
Zhao Wumian looked down the mountain and used the "Observing Words and Expressions" technique to see farther and more clearly.
In the villages below the official road, bamboo buildings and houses can be seen everywhere, and there are Gu jars and beehives hanging in front of every household. The Miao people look at the people from the Central Plains with fear... and hostility.
Every household here raises Gu.
Those ancient poison techniques have long become the foundation of their livelihood, and they are extremely united. Once someone uses techniques such as "The Art of Attracting Bees and Butterflies" and "The Spell to Control Insects" to control poison, not only will the snakes, insects, rats and ants in the mountains and fields obey the call, but even the poisonous insects in the poison jars will act together and greatly increase their power.
But we cannot kill all these poisonous insects, otherwise it would not be just those two Miao tribes causing trouble.
The only solution now is to find out the two chiefs and kill them first, punish the main culprit, and spare the lives of the others. By using both kindness and force, we can truly take down Puding and resolve our worries.
"Gu magic..."
Zhao Wumian recalled the one of the four generals of King Kaoshan who was killed some time ago, Dong Shisan Niang. She was a Gu master, and her Qiankun bag contained secret manuals related to Gu magic, but it was a pity that they were not orthodox.
From the secret book information, it can be seen that the Miaojiang poisonous insect is very magical.
The opening chapter of the "Treasure of Ten Thousand Poisons" is about the method of Gu: "... on the fifth day of the fifth month, gather hundreds of insects into a jar, the largest of which is snakes, the smallest of which is lice, and let them eat each other. The only one that survives is kept. If it is a snake, it is called snake Gu, and if it is a lice, it is called lice Gu. Use secret medicine, blood essence, and refine it, and then use it to kill people."
There are many kinds of Gu, each with its own miraculous effects.
The poisonous insect is not difficult to train, but it is extremely difficult to grow. Each transformation consumes countless resources.
For this reason, all powerful poisonous insects are passed down from generation to generation.
"It's troublesome..."
Zhao Wumian sighed in his heart. These Miao villages have a long history, and I'm afraid every village has some hidden tricks. If we really want to attack them, it won't be easy, and we still have to carry out a decapitation operation.
I was thinking about it.
Suddenly, a sharp sound came from the Jiaozi Mountain ahead, followed by shouts, flutes, pipes, buzzing sounds and all kinds of chaotic sounds gathered together, which was extremely harsh and almost tore the eardrums!
The voice came from far away, mixed with strange internal force.
The beehives in the Miao village below began to tremble violently, and countless poisonous bees flew out and rushed towards the mountain!
"Luo Guibu's "Imperial Bee Curse"!"
Bao Buyi's expression changed: "Are they taking action again?"
Zhao Wumian immediately said: "Let's go and take a look!"
The three men rode their horses at full speed and headed towards Jiaozi Mountain.
Jiaozi Mountain is not very high. The three of them rode up the mountain and followed the sound to the valley on the east side. Looking around, the valley bottom was already pitch black - two large swarms of bees were like two black clouds constantly colliding! The sound of the venomous bees colliding in unison merged into continuous thunder!
Boom boom boom!
Under the "black cloud".
Thousands of Miao people fought with the government troops. Broken bodies could be seen everywhere. Along with blood, corpses and mad bees, the vast valley bottom was turned into a hellish scene.
Among them was a young man in his twenties wearing Ming army armor, with a slender figure. He stood on a grain cart, holding a red bamboo flute in his hand, constantly making sounds to compete for the dominance of the bee colony.
He was surrounded by a group of personal soldiers wearing armor and holding long swords. They formed a circle to protect him in the center and resist the attacks of the Miao people.
Bao Buyi shouted, "It's Prince Consort Mei!"
A name flashed through Zhao Wumian's mind: Mei Yin, the nephew of Mei Sizu, Marquis of Runan.
The one confronting him was a sturdy Miao man wearing blue hemp clothes, about forty years old, with an extremely sturdy build. He held a long, thick, black iron flute in his hand. The sound was sharp, like the chirping of cicadas, but it was extremely effective. The poisonous bees became even more violent when they heard it!
Both sides have their advantages.
Mei Yin's internal strength was slightly weaker, he was at the initial stage of the third realm, but his bee-controlling witchcraft was stronger; the sturdy man's witchcraft was not correct, but he had strong internal strength, and the two sides fought back and forth with a group of poisonous bees.
The swarm of bees kept changing their positions under the control of the two voices.
Sometimes they fight to the sound of the flute, sometimes they charge to the sound of the flute, and the more they die, the fewer people they have!
But more poisonous bees are attracted by the sound and converge!
The southwest climate is suitable for the growth of poisonous insects, and poisonous bees and butterflies can be seen everywhere. Even though the bodies of dead poisonous bees have already covered the ground like black hail, more poisonous bees are still buzzing over.
"It's really the Luoguibu!"
Bao Buyi said in a deep voice: "That man is the son of the chief of the Luogui tribe, Tian Xingchen! They are here to rob food again!"
Zhao Wumian’s mind raced.
Originally, he was not going to get involved with the Huaixi nobles, but this Mei Yin was no ordinary person. It was said that he was a son-in-law that Zhu Yuanzhang loved very much. In history, he had entrusted his son to the care of others and secretly ordered this person to assist Emperor Jianwen Zhu Yunwen. Now that he had met him, he could not stand idly by for both moral and logical reasons. Moreover, this place was not far from the military camp, and with such a big commotion, someone should be able to come to support him soon.
"Rescue!"
Zhao Wumian ordered: "They are so close to the military camp, they are not here to rob the food, they are here to destroy it! There must be someone waiting for an opportunity in secret. I will find someone, and you go and help."
"Yes!"
Chen Xuanli and Bao Buyi responded and rushed down to help.
Chen Xuanli held a rapier in his hand. The blade was strange and changeable, and could be bent or straightened. He used it for sneak attacks and was always effective. Wherever his body passed, several people had their throats cut. Bao Buyi had a different style. After jumping off the valley, he went straight underground. When the people on the ground were not prepared, he grabbed their legs and dragged them underground. Before those people could burst out their true energy and struggle out, the dagger had already stabbed into their hearts.
Zhao Wumian narrowed his eyes and scanned the battlefield.
This is not the way to rob food. Someone must be doing it in secret!
Sudden.
Zhao Wumian looked carefully and felt a powerful magical fluctuation behind Tian Xingchen, which was Yin-Yang magic!
Fire element... So that's what he wants to do, he wants to burn the food!
Zhao Wumian immediately performed the stunning snow-treading steps, jumped down the valley, stood in the middle of the grain cart, made hand seals, and performed "Heaven and Earth as Soldiers".
"The sky and earth are dark yellow, the universe is transformed into energy, the five elements rotate, and the sea is turbulent!"
When you put your hands together, water vapor rises around you!
The person behind Tian Xingchen was changing the five elements of energy in the formation, turning it into fire energy, when suddenly another force of magic power invaded, tearing the energy of heaven and earth and transforming it into water. The opponent's power was not as good as his, but the energy that could be transformed was more strange! The magic had just been released, and the flame had not yet been generated, and a turbid wave had turned into a water dragon and pounced over!
not good!
With a loud crash, a huge wave came upon him, like a wild bull charging towards him.
"puff!"
He groaned, blood oozing from the corner of his mouth, and three ribs were broken.
"Ying Jue!"
Tian Xingchen immediately had no time to fight with Mei Yin to control the insect. He quickly put away the iron flute and rushed to his second brother behind him.
Tian Yingjue was much younger than him, only in his twenties. He was originally the trump card for burning the grain this time, because according to the news, only Mei Yin in the grain transport team could use magic. As long as he was delayed, he could create an opportunity for his second brother to burn their grain!
I didn't expect there would be one more.
"Yin!"
Zhao Wumian drew his sword from its sheath and approached like a flash of lightning. His movements were as swift as a ghost and his sword moves were fierce and powerful. In the blink of an eye, the Embroidered Spring Sword had already chopped towards Tian Yingjue's throat!
"Go away!"
Tian Xingchen was furious, his true energy burst out, and the iron flute in his hand suddenly stabbed out. Under the infusion of true energy, the two huge forces collided with each other, and the energy was radiated, making a clanging sound that was deafening!
Tian Xingchen was already in the middle stage of the third realm, and his attack was extremely powerful. Zhao Wumian was immediately repelled by the powerful energy, but Tian Xingchen's hands could not help but tremble, and the huge force made his palms numb.
How can a person at the second level of cultivation have such strong power?
Body training?
But doesn’t he use magic?
Before I had time to think, the flute sounds became louder.
Mei Yin secretly sweated, fortunately the fire was not set off. He immediately seized the opportunity and gathered all his energy. Now that Tian Xingchen's interference was gone, all the poisonous bees in the valley only obeyed his orders.
The sound of the flute changed, and a black swarm of bees madly pounced on the Miao people who came to burn the grain, and screams rang out one after another.
The situation is not good!
Tian Xingchen released his outer energy to block the poisonous insects. Looking at the tragic battlefield, cold sweat broke out on his forehead.
Tian Yingjue covered his chest and took a breath, and said hurriedly: "It's no use, retreat quickly!"
Now there is another person who is spiritual and knows magic. In this way, even if the food is burned, the opponent can use water to put out the fire and will not cause much damage. We can't get entangled and must withdraw immediately!
"withdraw!"
Tian Xingchen roared loudly, and without caring about anyone else, he took Tian Yingjue and fled to the west using his Qinggong skills.
"Where to go!"
A loud shout came from the sky, and a heavy sword came down. The sword light was as bright as the sun in the sky, so strong and positive!
Tian Xingchen had no way to avoid it. Without thinking, he slapped Tian Yingjue away with one palm and raised the iron flute to block. The power of the poison in his body burst out at the same time, and the dark energy was added to the iron flute, ready to take it head-on.
However, the heavy sword smashed down with the power to split mountains and break seas. With a click, the iron flute broke, and the blade cut into his chest. Tian Xingchen vomited blood on the spot, like a meteor falling from mid-air to the ground!
"Big brother!"
Tian Yingjue flew away with bloodshot eyes.
Rumbling--
The whole valley was shaking and dust and smoke were rising!
A deep pit was created where Tian Xingchen landed, it was shocking!
"puff--"
At the bottom of the pit, Tian Xingchen spurted out a mouthful of blood, his internal organs were ruptured, blood splattered all over his face, and a long scar appeared on his chest. The blazing red knife energy was like a raging flame, still burning his wound, and an unpleasant burnt smell came out.
Tian Xingchen fainted immediately.
boom!
A burly general descended from the sky, wearing armor, holding a broadsword, and walking with the gait of a dragon and a tiger, looking very majestic.
Tian Xingchen was severely injured. The Miao people who accompanied him were terrified when they saw his mighty power and knelt down in surrender.
The morale of the Ming army was high, and they raised their swords and shouted in unison:
"The general is mighty!"
"The general is mighty!"
"The general is mighty!"
One sound louder than the other!
The person who came was the Duke of Wei, Deng Yu.
Zhao Wumian stood aside to calm his breath. He took the attack from the Third Realm head-on, which made his blood boil. Looking at the awe-inspiring Deng Yu in the distance, he thought that he was indeed a famous general, the "Great Sun Sword King". If he had not intended to spare that man's life, the blow from the sword just now would have cut him into two halves.
Chen Xuanli and Bao Buyi protected them on both sides.
Bao Buyi's eyes lit up as he exclaimed in admiration: "The Great Sun Sword Art is truly extremely powerful. Captain, with this great general here, the two marquises will never dare to act rashly, but..."
Bao Buyi sighed softly.
Zhao Wumian understood what he meant, but the Duke was currently injured and now in Miao territory. His lung disease was getting worse and worse, so he was afraid that he was powerless to deal with such petty schemes.
If nothing unexpected happens, when Fu Youde and his men arrive, it will be time to move away from the front line...
Zhao Wumian said: "I understand. Don't worry, it's okay."
the other side.
Deng Yu waved his hand and said, "Detain these Miao barbarians and transport their food back to the camp!"
"Yes!"
Mei Yin immediately ordered his personal soldiers to capture people and transport food, and he and Deng Yu walked towards Zhao Wumian.
His eyes were full of gratitude.
Mei Yin bowed and said, "Thank you three for your help. If you hadn't acted in time, I'm afraid a lot of these military rations would have been destroyed. If the army starved, Mei Yin would be held accountable!"
"We are here to help in the battle, and it is our duty to fight the enemy. Your Highness, don't worry about it."
Zhao Wumian and the other two bowed, "Your subordinate Zhao Wumian (Chen Xuanli and Bao Buyi) greets Duke Weiguo and Prince Consort Mei!"
"Are you Zhao Wumian?"
Mei Yin was stunned, his expression a little complicated, not hostile, but not very welcoming either.
The Huaixi nobles were not just a group, but also a group of comrades-in-arms who had helped Zhu Yuanzhang conquer the world and had shared life and death with him many times!
No matter how loyal he was, no matter how much the three marquises of Fei Ju deserved their punishment, it is regrettable that they ended up like this, especially when we heard that there were other reasons for the three marquises' crimes. It was rumored that it was Zhao Wumian who forged evidence and framed others, so there was no point in being nice to him.
Zhao Wumian looked normal.
Deng Yu looked at his expression with some surprise. He was in his forties, with a square face and a beard. He looked very majestic, nearly nine feet tall, a head taller than Zhao Wumian. He looked down at him, a golden light flashed in his eyes, revealing a look of understanding: "Is this the Kanglong Body? It is indeed extraordinary. The three of you have come from afar, and you must be tired on the journey. Follow me into the camp."
Zhao Wumian and the other two clasped their fists and said, "We will follow the general's orders!"
(End of this chapter)
