In the early morning of the next day, Ye Yang commanded his troops, and the entire Liang City was bustling with activity.
Outside Liang City, on the official road, the Fire God Clan was relocating as a whole, even taking along their old willow tree. A group of clan members was exhausted and panting heavily. Peng Yue'er stood nearby, holding a long sword and directing the efforts.
Meanwhile, the Azure Thunder Merchant Association's convoy was also ready. Over forty horse-drawn carriages formed a long line, each loaded with heavy iron boxes. All valuable items from the Azure Thunder Merchant Association's headquarters were being transported away. Even if Liang City were to be plundered, it would not suffer significant losses.
Lei Xiaodie stood at one side of the convoy with a slender sword in hand, accompanied by a dozen respectful Guild supervisors.
The merchant convoy was fully protected by a Cavalry unit, including hundreds of Dragon Armored Warriors, ensuring complete safety. Additionally, five Starry Sky Level Experts—Zeng Xuan, Ye Yang, Zhang Tianhe, Zhang Fei, and Zhao Yun—were accompanying the convoy. There were likely very few capable of robbing this convoy in the entire world.
Ye Yang stood at the edge of the official road, watching as the convoy passed slowly.
Wang Lie approached leading a warhorse and said with a smile, "My lord, this is a fine steed we found within the Qi State court. This is the legendary Crimson Flame Horse, which is fire attribute and originally a magical beast that has been tamed. It can now serve as your mount; we have kept it for you..."
Ye Yang nodded in appreciation and took hold of the Crimson Flame Horse. Although as a Starry Sky Expert he could fly, flying consumed True Qi and stamina. Therefore, riding a warhorse during long journeys was more practical to maintain ample energy to deal with threats from any direction.
Wang Lie pulled out a scroll from his robe and said solemnly, "My lord, we have consecutively captured fifty-six cities in Qi State. Among them, we recruited four thousand Qin Soldiers from Jibei Commandery, two thousand seven hundred from Langya County, and four thousand five hundred from Jiaodong County. During our assault on Linzi City, we lost fifteen hundred soldiers. After breaching the city, we acquired six thousand elite Imperial Guards from Linzi Capital. Together with the remaining garrison troops from other cities, we now have a strong army of over one hundred ten thousand men. Excluding garrison troops from various County Cities, we have seventy thousand available for deployment at any time. Currently, forty thousand are stationed at Linzi Capital while thirty thousand are in Liang City. For this relocation of our capital, twenty thousand troops will accompany us for protection."
Ye Yang couldn't help but smile slightly: "Very good. With such forces, we at least have the strength to contend with the Chu Army!"
"Indeed."
Wang Lie's gaze turned cold as he smiled and said, "My lord, we have taken control of all of Qi State and annexed most of Qingzhou and Jizhou. Should we continue our northern campaign to eliminate the Yan Kingdom that dominates Youzhou and Liaozhou?"
Ye Yang pondered for a moment before responding thoughtfully: "Not for now. I have ties with Princess of Yan Yan Yao; it is best not to engage in battle with Yan Kingdom for the time being. Moreover, your soldiers are already weary from continuous battles; it is time to rest for a while. We will grant amnesty across Qi State regarding labor duties so that our subjects can recuperate. For half a year, we should avoid warfare as much as possible."
"Yes, my lord, wise as always!"
...
Not long after, the convoy of Ye Family Forge set out. A group of robust blacksmiths, bare-chested and wielding hammers, followed behind the convoy. Their muscular bodies glistened in the sunlight, stirring the hearts of countless women in Liang City, who couldn't help but throw flirtatious glances and offer tea and water, taking the opportunity to touch the blacksmiths, much to the delight of the young blacksmiths.
In the crowd, Ye Beichi led a black warhorse, accompanied by Ye Shuang and other members of the Ye Family. He smiled and said, "Zi Yu, has the Fire God Clan decided on a place to settle now that they are moving to Linzi?"
Ye Yang looked confused and quickly turned his gaze towards Wang Lie.
Wang Lie was a capable man and immediately replied with a smile, "Don't worry, old man. To the southeast of Linzi City, at the foot of Emerald Mountain, there is a piece of prime land that used to belong to a royal family. The old noble has already moved out of Linzi. The estate stretches for miles and is uninhabited, making it suitable for the Fire God Clan's residence. Additionally, there are thousands of acres of fertile land surrounding it. You can rest assured; the Fire God Clan will be the most esteemed group in Linzi!"
Ye Beichi nodded with relief and smiled before turning to Ye Yang. "Zi Yu, if your father were still alive and saw this scene today, he would surely be very comforted. Our Fire God Clan has been looked down upon by foreign tribes and had to endure humiliation in a corner of Liang City. Now we are actually moving our entire clan to such a large capital like Linzi; it is truly a blessing for the Fire God Clan!"
Ye Yang smiled and said, "Second Uncle, once we enter Linzi, we can continue to recruit new members into Ye Family Forge and teach them Refining Technique. This way, the Fire God Clan can achieve a true resurgence."
"Yes, indeed! I will discuss this matter with Peng Yue'er!"
Ye Beichi suddenly revealed an ambiguous smile and said to Ye Yang, "Zi Yu, ever since you taught Zhen Jian and his son a lesson, that little girl Peng Yue'er seems to have completely changed her temperament. She has even come to Ye Family Forge several times to greet me personally. It seems she has let go of her hatred and perhaps rekindled some feelings for you..."
Ye Yang was taken aback and awkwardly laughed, "Second Uncle, you jest! Helping Yue'er is my duty; I can't have any improper thoughts. I'm already grateful that she doesn't seek revenge on me; how could I dare to wish for more..."
"Brother, do you look down on Sister Yue'er?" Ye Shuang bluntly pointed out.
Suddenly, Ye Yang's mind flashed with the beautiful face of Yun Xiaoxi. He recalled how Yun Xiaoxi had protected him with her life in Asura Hall before leaving tragically. A ripple of emotions stirred within him.
At that moment, a carriage with red curtains passed by. The curtains were drawn back, revealing the beautiful face of Zeng Xuan. She looked at Ye Yang and said, "Zi Yu, your True Qi seems a bit chaotic, and the flow of Starlight Power is accelerating. Have you fallen in love..."
"Damn it!"
Ye Yang scoffed, "Sister Xuan, mind your own business and keep moving..."
Zeng Xuan chuckled and said, "Yun Xiaoxi has been waiting for you at Asura Hall for half a month. This kind of devotion is quite touching. You should go to Serene Gate to find her, but unfortunately, it's probably not a good idea. The leader of Serene Gate may not welcome you, and it would be quite embarrassing to be turned away. Just stay in Linzi and wait for Yun Xiaoxi; with her abilities, she will definitely sense your presence in Linzi..."
Ye Yang nodded, "Yeah, thanks, Sister Xuan!"
Zeng Xuan waved her hand and continued to sit comfortably in the carriage.
...
Thus, the convoy moved intermittently, and three days later arrived at Linzi from Liang City. When the convoy appeared at the foot of Linzi City, Ye Yang looked up at this magnificent capital and couldn't help but admire it silently. The sturdy walls and perfect fortifications—such a city could actually be taken down. The main reason was the weakness of the Qin Army, and with Zhang Tianhe and the Starry Sky Warriors joining the battle, no matter how strong the defenses were, it would be futile.
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