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The General's residence was ablaze, illuminating the night sky as smoke billowed everywhere. The people of Tuyang City tightly shut their doors, with a man holding a kitchen knife bracing against the door, while his wife and children huddled together in fear. Having experienced war and the frequent change of rulers, the citizens were well-prepared for such turmoil.
Gao Renwu led the rebels in an assault on the General's residence, showcasing his formidable prowess. With a Rhinoceros Horn Bow in hand, he unleashed a barrage of arrows, causing enemies to fall around him. The Silver Pearl Prince, renowned for his bravery, swept through the area without anyone able to stop him, truly embodying the spirit of a general drawing his bow and laughing at the heavens!
Eulji Nawi was undeterred, leading a large portion of the rebels to attack the barracks and Yamen. With an ancient sword dancing in his hands, blood splattered like large peonies blooming wildly in the night. The Garrison was caught off guard and could not mount any defense!
Gao Renwu charged into the inner courtyard of the General's residence, heading straight for the Western Martial General's quarters. Just as he emerged to sound the alarm, Gao Renwu drew his bow and arrow. The Western Martial General was quick-witted and instinctively dodged this deadly shot!
Seeing his arrow miss, Gao Renwu executed a rapid-fire technique, pulling another arrow from his quiver. In an instant, the bowstring hummed as he shot again; the arrow struck the door with a loud thud, penetrating halfway through!
Many rebels had been locked in a stalemate with the Tuyang City Garrison for some time, suffering greatly. Upon seeing their enemy, the Western Martial General retreat into his room, several rebels rushed in with their weapons drawn. However, moments later, they were thrown back out—some with their throats cut, others with their chests pierced or bellies slashed—an utterly gruesome sight!
The Western Martial General realized that if he did not charge out, he would be trapped inside. Without time to don his armor and seeing a young girl trembling in fear of being harmed by the rebels, he gritted his teeth in pain and killed her with one swift stroke before brandishing his long blade and charging out of the room with a fierce cry!
The rebels quickly surrounded the Western Martial General without needing orders; united in their hatred for their common enemy, they surged forward. Although small like a monkey, he unleashed incredible strength as he wielded a Former Sui long-handled saber with great skill. Many brothers suffered injuries but could not close in on him.
Gao Renwu, despite being able to shoot accurately from a hundred paces away, was concerned about accidentally harming his fellow brothers and did not wish to engage in underhanded tactics. He drew his waist knife and plunged into the fray, unleashing his might as he engaged in close combat with the Western Martial General!
Rongliuwang had many brothers who lived comfortably; however, only this Silver Pearl Prince possessed exceptional martial skills—proficient in both swordplay and archery—and had previously repelled invasions from Baekje. His illustrious military achievements ignited an endless fighting spirit as he faced off against this bandit leader turned general.
The Western Martial General had heard tales of the Silver Pearl Prince's bravery but now realized that those tales were not mere exaggerations. Despite relying on his weaponry experience, he found himself unable to gain any advantage and was instead forced back by Gao Renwu's relentless assault!
Just as they were locked in fierce combat, dozens of fully armed slaves burst into the General's residence—led by Xu Zhen and Qin Guang!
At this moment, Eulji Nawi had successfully captured both the barracks and Yamen. Fearing that their enemy might escape, he rushed over with dozens of men. Gao Huizhen also gathered after setting fires around them. The Western Martial General understood that the tide had turned against him; he sighed deeply towards the sky, realizing that he had already lost half of his momentum!
He was indeed a formidable hero, and it was rare for him to fight against the renowned Silver Pearl Prince of Goguryeo. Even if he were to die, it would not be in vain. With a firm resolve, he became ruthless, wielding his long knife with such precision that it was impenetrable. Gao Renwu had suffered from a short blade and could not take down this Green Forest Hero for the time being.
At a critical moment, Eulji Nawi, eager for achievements, snatched a bamboo bow, swiftly bending it and nocking an arrow. He aimed carefully and released the bamboo arrow, which shot through the air and grazed Gao Renwu's shoulder. Just as the Western Martial General raised his knife to strike, his forearm was pierced by the bamboo arrow, causing his long knife to suddenly drop and embed itself half a foot into the ground.
Gao Renwu swung his knife towards him, seemingly about to behead the Western Martial General. However, the blade stopped just shy of the General's neck, not moving an inch, demonstrating exquisite control over his strength.
The Western Martial General believed his end was near and sighed helplessly, closing his eyes. However, after a long moment of silence, he opened them to find that Gao Renwu had already sheathed his knife and commanded those around him: "General, you are indeed a hero in your own right. Please step down and be treated well. If there is any offense, I will ensure strict punishment!"
Everyone understood that Gao Renwu intended to win over the Western Martial General and did not dare to act rashly. They could only take him away for custody.
Princess Jinyang could not help but admire Gao Renwu's vision and political acumen. Although this battle was swift as thunder and resulted in many beheadings and countless captives, the Western Martial General had occupied Tuolang for quite some time. If he were killed, it would undoubtedly incite chaos among the people. If he could be brought under their banner, it would allow for the rapid consolidation of Tuolang's military strength.
Once news spread, Tuolang would become the target of all Goguryeo's forces. Cheon Gae Su Mun would certainly not sit idly by while securing his own position; he would send troops to suppress them. Without uniting the people's hearts, the rebel forces would surely collapse at a single blow!
The battle erupted like a sudden storm—quick and deafening—and then just as abruptly ceased like a heavy rain shower. Gao Renwu strictly restrained his subordinates from harming civilians while also issuing proclamations to assure peace among them. Many townspeople celebrated upon hearing that it was the Silver Pearl Prince who had arrived. At dawn, large crowds gathered in front of the general's residence!
The guards initially thought the townspeople were about to riot and hurriedly reported this to Gao Renwu. Upon seeing them, he realized they had come to offer food for the troops—chickens, ducks, fish, and rice piled up in front of the general's residence. The townspeople showed their support, clearly indicating that Rongliuwang was indeed favored by the people!
Gao Renwu was not blinded by victory; he knew that Tuyang City would inevitably become a target. The suppressive army could arrive at any moment, so he quickly convened everyone for discussions.
Rongliuwang was recognized as the king of Goguryeo by the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty. Although Cheon Gae Su Mun had usurped power and established a treasure king, he actually controlled state affairs himself and proclaimed himself Great Mo Li Zhi—a title more noble than that of Dae Duilu—revealing him as a treacherous rebel.
Gao Renwu realized that merely relying on the name of Silver Pearl Prince and Princess Min'en Gao Huizhen was far from sufficient for restoring order; even defending Tuyang City posed challenges. The only viable plan now was to request military assistance from the Tang Dynasty!
Xu Zhen is undoubtedly the best choice for a messenger. If the Tang Dynasty sends troops to Goguryeo, they can use Tuyang City as a base. With the army having a stronghold, they can safely cross the Liao River. As long as the Tang army can successfully cross the river, what is there to fear from Cheon Gae Su Mun's forces?
The Sovereign is about to lead the expedition personally and has sent Xu Zhen to act as a scout. If they can establish a foothold in Tuolang, the grand plan to conquer Liao can be realized!
Xu Zhen quickly grasped the key points and gladly agreed. Gao Renwu was overjoyed and presented her with a wooden box. Upon opening it, she found a detailed Military Map of Goguryeo, showcasing mountains, rivers, forests, and fortified cities, meticulously drawn by the Western Martial General over many years of plundering various regions.
With this Military Map, how could they fail in their grand endeavor?
Xu Zhenxin was thrilled and summoned a prisoner familiar with the terrain to explain the Military Map in detail. Xu Zhen memorized it carefully, feeling quite pleased with herself!
In Goguryeo, chaos erupted, and Rogue elements were migrating everywhere, causing disruptions in information transmission. Gao Renwu also intended to keep news under wraps, estimating that he could cover it up for about a month. This period was just right for Xu Zhen to return and gather troops!
The next day, under the guise of a Flame Cave Temple Priest, Xu Zhen officially prayed for blessings for Gao Renwu and Tuyang City. With the intention of winning over the people's hearts, Gao Renwu turned this ritual into a grand ceremony. Xu Zhen also prepared an impressive fiery Illusion, captivating the audience who bowed in reverence, calling her “Suimont,” meaning “the finger of the Sun God.”
Seeing that Xu Zhen had gained more popularity than himself, Gao Renwu felt displeased and regretted it. However, with a sudden idea, he immediately announced the establishment of a temple in Tuolang dedicated to the Sun God, reclaiming the people's affection.
After the ceremony concluded, as Xu Zhen was about to set off back to Tang Territory, Qin Guang had already gained recognition from the hundred slave soldiers. Though reluctant to part with them, Gao Renwu, wanting to earn the trust of the Tang Kingdom and demonstrate his sincerity in forming an alliance, allowed Gao Huizhen to volunteer as an envoy accompanying Xu Zhen back to Tang. Thus, he ordered these hundred slave soldiers to serve as guards alongside her.
In this battle, Jin Shu had made significant contributions and was now recognized as the personal Divine Maiden of “Suimont,” receiving much better treatment than before. Although Gao Huizhen had also disguised herself as a Divine Maiden, she was still a proper princess and thus unsuitable for that role again. Therefore, Xu Zhen officially appointed Jin Shu as the new Divine Maiden. During her absence from Tuolang, she entrusted the affairs of the Sun God temple to her. Naturally, Gao Renwu had no objections.
Having come from a wealthy background, elegant and noble by nature, it was only natural for Jin Shu, now serving as the Divine Maiden, to manage the affairs of the temple effortlessly. Reflecting on her arduous journey and considering how things changed after meeting Xu Zhenzhi, she felt deeply gratified and secretly thankful. If she hadn’t bravely walked into Xu Zhen ’s wooden house that rainy night, she might still be just another fearful and suffering Rogue.
At the end of April, loyal martial general of Tang Dynasty, Xu Zhen along with Right Guard Captain Qin Guang from Yingzhou Pacification Office and Princess Min'en of the Goguryeo dynasty, under the protection of one hundred slave soldiers now named as Suidong Guard, headed towards Liaoxi to cross the river back to Tang Territory .
On the day of departure, Silver Pearl Prince accompanied Eulji Nawi and others to see off Xu Zhen's team five miles away. Divine Maiden Jin Shu brought her son Li Chengjun to bid farewell to Xu Zhen. Xu Zhen took a short sword with a sheath from her waist and gifted it to Li Chengjun; it was a sharp blade she had captured in the general's residence.
Li Chengjun was overjoyed, and Xu Zhen then took out the sword manual she had drawn the previous night, instructing Li Chengjun to practice diligently before leading her team away.
Gao Huizhen felt a wave of bitterness in her heart. As a dignified princess, young and beautiful, she surpassed Jin Shu in both appearance and ability. Yet, Xu Zhen had never even glanced at her, which inevitably dampened her spirits.
Jin Shu, however, wore an elegant smile as she gazed at the increasingly distant figure of Xu Zhen, recalling the madness of the previous night, feeling a warmth fill her heart.
As Xu Zhen's team crossed the Liao River and headed towards Yingzhou Territory, the Yingzhou Governor's Office received intelligence immediately, claiming that a delegation from Goguryeo was crossing the river with nearly a hundred guards, led by Right Guard Captain Qin Guang from the Yingzhou Pacification Office!
Upon receiving the report, Zhang Jian made a swift decision, ordering the Governor's Office troops to decisively intercept the delegation!
However, it was hard to believe that leading the delegation was not only Right Guard Captain Qin Guang but also the newly appointed Colonel Murong Xiao, Xu Zhen!
"Isn't he supposed to be at the military yamen every day? Who can tell me who this is! Who is that in the yamen! Which one is Xu Zhen!"
Zhang Jian swept everything off the table with his sleeve and slammed his hand down in anger!
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