RPAGF Chapter 128 Commanding the Generals for the Northern Expedition
Chapter 128 Commanding the Generals for the Northern Expedition
As the morning light pierced the northern horizon.
A figure in a green robe stepped into the backyard of the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion, his steps piercing the morning dew.
Dugu Qiubai is back.
Behind him followed thirty-six Heavenly Guards, all dressed in black and masked, their auras as restrained as a deep abyss.
But the lingering murderous aura emanating from him made the early-rising servants instinctively retreat several feet.
Lin Chen had just woken up when he received a telepathic message from Yuan Tiangang.
"My lord, Senior Dugu has returned."
Lin Chen's eyes lit up. He gently moved Qin Shuyan, who was still resting on his arm, and got out of bed after putting on his clothes.
Qin Shuyan opened her eyes groggily:
"Eighth brother... so early?"
"Something came up, you should get some more sleep." Lin Chen kissed her forehead, got dressed, and left the room.
……
back yard.
Dugu Qiubai sat on a stone bench, slowly sipping his tea.
The thirty-six Heavenly Guardians stood solemnly in the garden, silent as sculptures.
Lin Chen walked in and said with a smile, "Thank you for your hard work, Senior."
Dugu Qiubai put down his teacup and said calmly:
"The Purple Robe Tower has twelve strongholds, totaling 362 people."
This includes an elder at the early stage of the Celestial Realm, eight Grandmaster Envoys, forty-eight Grandmasters, and the rest are all above the fifth rank.
They were all wiped out yesterday at the hour of Chou (1-3 AM).
He spoke calmly, as if he were saying that he had picked a few leaves the night before.
Lin Chen knew, however, what kind of bloodshed lay behind those few words.
The twelve strongholds of the Purple Robe Tower are distributed across various states of Dayan, thousands of miles apart, and can be completely wiped out in just three days.
It requires not only overwhelming military force, but also accurate intelligence and swift and decisive measures.
"What about the Yama Palace?" Lin Chen asked.
"Netherworld Valley," Dugu Qiubai uttered three words.
"The main altar is hidden, with natural mazes and traps."
"I broke through the formation with one sword, and killed with two."
He paused, then added:
"There were two Celestial Realm warriors hidden in the valley, but unfortunately they were only in the mid-to-late stages, and I killed them with a single sword strike."
Then, with a single sword stroke, I destroyed the Netherworld Valley, leaving not a single blade of grass standing.
Lin Chen wasn't surprised; he believed in Dugu Qiubai's abilities, however...
"Senior's cultivation has improved again?" Lin Chen asked tentatively.
A glint of sword light flashed in Dugu Qiubai's eyes:
"Having gained some understanding, I can break through to a higher realm at any time."
However, I want to refine my foundation further; there's no rush.
You can become a terrestrial immortal at any time!
Lin Chen felt much more at ease.
With two top-tier warriors, Guan Yu and Dugu Qiubai, guarding the backyard, the situation at home is basically secure.
"This is what we've seized." Dugu Qiubai tossed over a storage bag.
Lin Chen caught it and scanned it with his divine sense. It was filled with gold and silver jewelry, secret manuals and pills, as well as many rare treasures.
The most eye-catching items are three objects that emit powerful energy fluctuations.
An ancient bronze mirror, a blood-red short blade, and a dark token.
"The 'Sky-Gazing Mirror' of the Purple Robe Pavilion can detect the aura of powerful individuals within a radius of a hundred miles."
The "Blood-Drinking Blade" of the Underworld is specifically designed to break through protective qi.
The Netherworld Decree can command the remaining forces of the Underworld Palace—if any remain.
A brief introduction to Dugu Qiubai.
Lin Chen put away the storage bag and bowed solemnly: "Thank you, senior."
"It's my duty." Dugu Qiubai waved his hand.
"If there's nothing else, I'm going back to seclusion. My breakthrough is imminent, and I need to focus on refining my skills."
"Please do as you please, senior."
Dugu Qiubai's figure flickered and disappeared into the garden.
The thirty-six Heavenly Guards also vanished, as if they had never existed.
Lin Chen stood alone in the pavilion, watching the dawn light gradually brighten the sky, pondering in his heart.
With the Purple Robe Tower and the Yama's Palace destroyed, there are two fewer worries for our journey to the Northern Territory.
The next step is to integrate the available resources.
……
At Chen Shi (7-9 AM), in the main courtyard of the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion.
Lin Chen sat in the main seat, with Yuan Tiangang, Zhuge Liang, Li Chunfeng, Zhao Zilong, Jing Ke, and Li Bai sitting in the two rows below him.
The Eight Vajra Guardians waited outside the hall.
"The army will depart in eight days; we need to finalize the accompanying personnel today," Lin Chen said bluntly.
"The northern border is not like the capital; it is the home ground of the Northern Shu, so we must be careful."
Zhuge Liang gently waved his feather fan and smiled:
"My lord, I believe that the journey to the northern border can be divided into two lines, one explicit and one implicit."
On the open front, the lord led the Tiger Warriors northward in a grand display, attracting the attention of the Northern Shuo.
An undercover operation was launched, with elite agents secretly infiltrating to investigate the background of the man in black robes and the War God Pill.
"What you say is absolutely right, sir." Lin Chen nodded. "The choice of the person in the shadows..."
"The Bad Guys have already infiltrated the northern border; we can continue deeper," Yuan Tiangang said.
"Furthermore, the Thirteen Protectors are familiar with the terrain of the northern border and can cooperate in the operation."
Brother Jing Ke is skilled in assassination and stealth, and can act independently.
Jing Ke clasped his hands in a fist and said, "I am willing to go."
Regarding the overt strategy, Zhuge Liang continued:
"My lord must bring sufficient guards. The Eight Vajra Warriors, leading the Tiger Legion, can ensure the safety of the army."
General Zilong is the deputy commander and can oversee the overall situation.
Li Jianxian must accompany them, in case Bei Shuo or the Black-Robed Man deploy their top combat forces.
Li Bai took a sip of wine and laughed:
"As Mr. Kongming has arranged, I, Li, will obey."
"Mr. Li Chunfeng must accompany you to arrange the battle formation." Zhuge Liang looked at Li Chunfeng.
"If there are any masters of battle formations in the Northern Shuo army, you will be the one to deal with them."
Li Chunfeng cupped his hands in greeting: "It's my duty."
"Mr. Yuan needs to stay in the capital," Lin Chen replied. "The mansion cannot be left unattended."
Mr. Bai is in charge of Zuiyue Pavilion, Hua Tuo needs to take care of his sister-in-law's health first, and General Guan Yu and Senior Dugu are stationed in the backyard to ensure the safety of the household.
Yuan Tiangang nodded:
"Rest assured, my lord, with me in the capital, there will be no trouble."
"As for the lady who accompanied you..." Lin Chen paused.
"Shuyan, Yulou, and Qingying each have their own strengths and can accompany the army, but their safety must be guaranteed."
"Each of the three ladies should be accompanied by a swordsman for personal protection," Zhuge Liang said.
"In addition, eighteen members of the Heavenly Gang Guard will accompany you, and thirty-six members of the Hidden Dragon Guard will be dispatched to provide covert protection."
Lin Chen pondered for a moment, then said:
"Take all five hundred of the Great Snow Dragon Riders with you, and they will serve as my personal guards, always by my side."
He still had 500 Shu soldiers he hadn't summoned, as well as the Thirteen Riders of Yanyun and the remaining 500 Great Snow Dragon Riders, among other trump cards.
The situation in the north is unclear, so we need to have backup plans.
"My lord," Yuan Tiangang suddenly said, "there is one more thing."
"Among the Northern army, there must be former subordinates of the old Duke. Your Majesty, on this journey, will you subdue them, or...?"
A cold glint flashed in Lin Chen's eyes:
"My father and seven brothers died on the battlefield, although it has been found that they were framed by the Cui family and Zhao Yuan."
But if anyone in the Northern Army is involved, or if they know about it but fail to report it, I will settle accounts with them.
If they are just ordinary soldiers, they should be treated equally.
Zhuge Liang praised:
"My lord, you are wise. The way to govern your subordinates is to combine kindness with severity."
The group discussed for another half hour, finalizing all the details.
Finally, Lin Chen stood up, looked at everyone in the hall, and said in a deep voice:
"This journey to the northern border is not only to fight for the country, but also to find out the whole truth about the deaths of my father and brother, and to comfort their spirits in heaven."
I implore you all to lend me a hand.
The crowd shouted in unison, "We are willing to die for our lord!"