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In the world, those who achieve success always act ahead of others. The weak wait for opportunities to act, the next strongest borrow momentum to achieve their goals, while the strong create their own momentum to seize power. Xu Zhenzhi pondered that this Dragon Head Mountain was at least ten miles away from Ganzhou City. If they were to forcibly excavate a secret path that could accommodate a large number of people, it would undoubtedly require a significant mobilization of resources.
However, Li Chunfeng's team consisted of only about thirty individuals who were skilled in treasure hunting. They lacked extraordinary abilities and could only rely on the terrain to proceed.
The others were also puzzled and suppressed their curiosity as they followed the grain transport team deep into the reed marshes. Before long, they arrived at a wide and deep ravine, which was actually an un-dried riverbed!
"Yes, yes! The water veins in Ganzhou are abundant, with underground rivers crisscrossing. With Li Chunfeng's skills in locating hidden treasures and his ability to explore various wells and rivers in Ganzhou City, he could find the underground rivers. All that is needed is to modify the river course and divert the floodwaters; wouldn't that underground waterway naturally become a secret passage for travel?"
Zhang Jiunian, seeing this well-trodden waterway, couldn't help but exclaim. His deduction was remarkably accurate, earning him newfound respect from Li Chunfeng and Liu Shenwei.
The Brothers expressed their amazement as they descended along the gentle slope of the riverbed. After a few dozen steps, they came across a deep cave entrance that transitioned from darkness to light. They lit torches along the way, illuminating the various stalactites above them, which were dazzling and appeared to be crafted by supernatural hands. Although the Brothers were rough men, they couldn't help but applaud in admiration for this magnificent sight.
After walking for several miles, they heard a roaring sound of water nearby; it turned out to be a wide underground river with white waves crashing like a silver dragon roaring and rushing through. The depth was unfathomable and the current was as fierce as a raging dragon, causing everyone to break out in cold sweat. However, Li Chunfeng and the Brothers from the grain transport team were already accustomed to it and led the way confidently.
Xu Zhen noticed that those Grave Robbers were all thin like spirit monkeys, with fingers longer than hers. Their faces were pale without blood, lips darkened, and there seemed to be a black aura lingering around their brows. This reminded her of the day she escaped from the mining area with Zhang Jiunian and fourteen others when they encountered the Heavenly Strategy Army Tomb. She hesitated whether she should inquire about it.
After all, throughout her journey, she had relied heavily on the Red Armored Defense Guard and her sharp long knife to survive numerous life-and-death situations. Considering that mysterious Tomb could be seen as a benefactor for her and the Red Armored Fourteen Guards, how could she not even know its name or history?
However, after thinking for a moment, Xu Zhen decided against it. She didn't know these Grave Robbers well; while she trusted Li Chunfeng, it didn't mean she would trust those close to him. As for the origins of the Red Armored Longsword, she would have to investigate later.
With these thoughts in mind while walking along the path, they took several turns and walked for over an hour until they finally saw bright flames ahead, resembling wolves in a night forest. The Brothers from the grain transport team felt immense joy upon seeing lights like returning wanderers catching sight of home. They quickened their pace as those flickering lights grew brighter; it turned out to be hundreds of Tang soldiers already waiting to receive them!
The Tang soldiers gathered excitedly for what seemed like a warm reception. As they approached closer, they realized it was Xu Zhen's main force and hurriedly sheathed their weapons. It wasn't until Li Chunfeng explained that Xu Zhen revealed her identity that both sides rejoiced and quickly moved forward together. Before long, they stepped onto a wide staircase where it was already bright as day outside.
This exit led to an inner lake within the city that had long been drained of water. The ground was covered with sand and dry grass, allowing for smooth passage of vehicles and horses. The military and civilians in the city were enthusiastic as they began unloading supplies with familiarity. Upon seeing Xu Zhenbu's six hundred iron-clad troops displaying wild vigor, they felt an inner sense of caution.
Xu Zhen felt helpless; not wanting to create more trouble, she quickly restrained her Brothers when suddenly someone approached quickly. They heard a hearty laugh before seeing anyone—it was Li Dejiang!
"Xu Xiaoge! It really is you! How did you end up here! Hahaha!" Li Dejiang, with a heroic spirit, felt a twinge of guilt for having abandoned Li Mingda due to his father's orders. Now, upon seeing Xu Zhen, he quickly sent people to properly settle the horses and troops.
The two exchanged pleasantries. Li Dejiang, naturally bold, had past friendships with Zhou Cang and Gao He Shu, and they greeted each other warmly. However, this lively scene left the surrounding soldiers puzzled and increasingly curious about the identity of Xu Zhen's group.
Ganzhou City was tall and sturdy, with life inside orderly. The military and civilians worked together harmoniously, showing no signs of decay; instead, the atmosphere was filled with enthusiasm and fighting spirit, as if they had never been trapped for long.
If they could truly guard this secret path and continuously transport food and troops from outside, the Tuguhun Ashina Tribe outside the city would only drag themselves down.
Seeing this, Xu Zhen realized that War God Li Jing lived up to his name and couldn't help but feel immense respect.
As people pointed at this strange troop, a commotion erupted in the hidden path. A group of laborers rushed out, their faces pale with fear as if they had seen ghosts. Under everyone's gaze, a silver-furred beast with sharp fangs darted out like lightning!
"How can there be such a large wolf!"
The soldiers drew their swords in alarm, taking up defensive stances. However, from among this strange troop emerged a young man in barbarian attire. He had dark stubble and appeared to be in his twenties; broad-shouldered and long-limbed, he exuded a sense of valor. Without holding any weapons, he boldly approached the silver wolf!
"What is this young man thinking? Is he trying to harm himself? Someone stop him quickly!"
While the soldiers were worried, the silver wolf had already pounced on the young man. The crowd gasped in horror, unable to bear witnessing the impending bloodshed. Yet miraculously, both man and wolf remained unharmed; the young man was actually petting the silver wolf as if they were master and servant in perfect harmony. Everyone stared in disbelief; it was truly unfathomable!
Yin Zong then chuckled and walked along with the silver wolf. Passersby hurriedly avoided them in shock.
When Xu Zhen saw Yin Zong give her a playful smile, she couldn't help but shake her head helplessly with a wry smile. She followed Li Dejiang and Li Chunfeng to pay respects to the Western Route Army Commander, who had retired from his position as Right Minister but still held the title of Duke of Wei Li Jing.
In the city, discussions among military personnel and civilians were rife with curiosity as they sought to uncover the truth behind these events. It was said that Li Dejiang was the son of the great general. As his father grew older and became less mobile, he always sent his son to lead in battles. Li Dejiang was known for his bravery and extraordinary courage, gaining increasing respect within the army. People noticed his close relationship with Xu Zhen and even referred to each other as brothers, which only fueled their curiosity further.
Amidst the chatter, someone suddenly exclaimed, "What a blind fool! Isn't this Silver Wolf Boy one of the savage subordinates of Firewood Man's Salar from the legends?"
"Firewood Man!"
"Is it really that Firewood Man who wins every battle and has slaughtered countless foes?"
"I just heard someone shout Commander Xu, so it must be him!"
"Is it really Xu Zhen and Colonel Murong Xiao! They seem a bit weaker in appearance, but they truly have a group of savages under their command. I wonder if this is beneficial or harmful to us in Ganzhou..."
The Reception soldiers who were settling the troops of Xu Zhen felt a surge of excitement upon hearing Xu Zhenzhi's name, and they eagerly welcomed the Salar and Rouran Brothers, while somewhat neglecting Qin Guang's Brave Warriors Camp.
Seeing this situation, the members of Brave Warriors Camp Brothers did not resist; they merely felt that their own Colonel Murong Xiao had gained some fame. They secretly competed with the Salar and Rou Ran Brothers, knowing that they would need to establish a notorious reputation in the future to enjoy this admiration.
In the city, many young men spontaneously sought to join the army. Upon witnessing the imposing presence of Xu Zhenbu, they were inspired to enlist. They gathered supplies for the troops and headed to the camp of Xu Zhen to inquire about joining her ranks.
At that moment, Xu Zhenxin felt slightly anxious. According to the records, Li Jing was a figure of War God caliber, undefeated in battle, a founding hero of the Li Tang, and a fierce general who expanded territories. He was even portrayed as a demon king in tales, entering the Dragon Palace and obtaining heavenly scriptures.
However, after some thought, Xu Zhen realized that Li Jing must be over sixty years old now. The regrets of life often come from three things: a decline in talent, fading beauty, and heroes growing old. What could be done about it?
Yet there was also Jiang Taigong, who at seventy still fished, and although old, Lian Po could still eat well. Now with Li Gong boldly going into battle, Xu Zhen naturally felt immense respect for him, which eased her mind considerably.
The Tang army set up camp throughout the city but did not harm the residents in any way. Even the Commander Duke settled within the Central Army Tent, not occupying any large residences in the city. The strict military discipline commanded great respect.
Li Dejiang entered to report and soon came out with a short, stout old man—none other than Master Yan Yan Lide!
He was obsessed with mechanical devices. After obtaining the blueprints for the Xu Zhen, he studied them day and night. After reporting on the Crossbow, he managed to produce a small batch, which played a significant role in the battle to Defend the City. His contributions were widely praised in the military, yet he remained humble and shared his findings, further enhancing Xu Zhenzhi's legendary status. Seeing this, Li Jing also held Yan Lide in high regard, allocating personnel and resources to support the research and development of the mysterious blueprints for the Xu Zhen.
However, there were still some challenges. During the initial experiments, the device unleashed a fury akin to the wrath of heaven or the roar of a dragon, resulting in significant destruction at the Craft Workshop. Many soldiers and workers were injured, and even Yan Lide himself suffered severe injuries.
Despite this, he firmly believed in the power of the device. He hastily treated his wounds and continued his research, though his subordinates were filled with fear, causing progress to slow down.
Upon hearing that the Xu Zhen had infiltrated Ganzhou City, Yan Lide felt an unexpected joy. He inadvertently imitated Cao Mengde's welcoming style, rushing forward with excitement that made Xu Zhen smile warmly despite herself.
"You finally made it! I thought I was going to die waiting for you!"
As he spoke, he pulled Xu Zhen into an embrace. Fortunately, Li Chunfeng was not a rigid scholar; otherwise, he might have been embarrassed by Yan Lide's overly affectionate demeanor.
Xu Zhen shrugged at Li Chunfeng with a shy smile but pushed away the overly eager Yan Lide. Li Chunfeng found it amusing yet admired Xu Zhen even more. He sensed that her mysterious aura was growing stronger, making her hard to read.
Moreover, how many could dare to show disdain towards Master Yan just because they held the title of Deputy Commander of the Zhechong Bureau? Furthermore, Li Chunfeng had seen Xu Zhen's design blueprints and understood how groundbreaking it would be for Tang Dynasty—and even for the entire era—if that device were successfully manufactured.
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