yasinovel Chapter 82 Anyone who disobeys the order will die!
Chapter 82 Anyone who disobeys the order will die!
Chapter 82 Anyone who disobeys the order will die!
Wang Ziteng also saw Zhang Yuan and quickly walked over, forcing a smile on his face, but his eyes were filled with regret and lingering fear: "Qingyang, are you alright?"
"Damn it, who would have thought we'd run into such a tough opponent right here at the post station on the official road! Three brothers died, and seven or eight were wounded—"
He slammed his fist against his thigh, his voice filled with resentment and intense longing, "It's all my fault! My cultivation level is too low. Last night, I risked my life and barely managed to hold onto one person. I couldn't be of any help to Master He at all!"
"If it weren't for Master He holding the line and protecting the middle section of the convoy, those guys might have really overrun us!"
He gazed at He Dashan, who was inspecting the horses alone in the distance, his figure still as steady as an iron tower, his eyes filled with gratitude and a thirst for strength: "When I get back this time, I have to improve my kung fu no matter what!"
"In this world, if your fist isn't strong enough, you can't even protect your goods!"
Zhang Yuan patted Wang Ziteng on the shoulder, offering silent comfort, but his gaze went past Wang's shoulder and landed on the huge black prison van at the front of the group, which was heavily guarded by the Black Scale Army.
In the dim light of dawn, the prison van covered with black cloth resembled a silent behemoth.
He knew that the real target of last night's bloody ambush of the caravan was far more than just valuables.
The ruthlessness, tacit understanding, and audacity of those "bandits" to act right next to the post station, under the noses of the Black Scale Army—
Their swords were aimed at the great demon in the prison cart, a demon that even the captains were on high alert!
Wang Ziteng followed his gaze and only saw the back of the prison van slowly starting to move, not understanding what was going on.
Zhang Yuan's expression, however, appeared even more solemn in the morning light.
After traveling for half a day, the convoy had already left the territory of Fengming County.
The scout on horseback reported: "Captain Xing, there are two routes leading to Luyang Prefecture ahead. One route goes through Qingyuan County and Pinggu County, a detour of 300 li; the other takes the Canglang River for 100 li, a shorter route of 200 li, directly to the dock in Linshan County."
Zhang Yuan looked up and gazed ahead.
Fang Jingsong turned around and whispered to Zhang Yuan, "Although the waterway is closer, the demons in the prison cart are water demons. I'm afraid there are many water demons in the Canglang River to help us, so the risk is extremely high."
Zhang Yuan now knew that the captain's name was Xing Daorong, the patrol captain of Luyang Prefecture. At the same time, he also had another more important identity: the Zhenwu Captain of Luyang Prefecture, who was in charge of arresting, escorting, and suppressing evil spirits and serious criminals.
Beside him, Qiao Zemin, a Confucian scholar and one of the candidates for the Qingyun List, looked worried and said, "I'm afraid even you, Captain, will find this matter quite difficult to decide."
"If we choose to take the overland route, although it is safer, it may be interpreted as Captain Xing being wary of the water demon's power, which could lower morale and give the enemy an opportunity to ambush us along the long overland route."
"If we choose to travel by water, we will have to face the threat of evil spirits head-on, in case—"
Before he could finish speaking, Xing Daorong, seated atop his warhorse, raised his hand and waved it, his voice steady and resolute: "Proceed to Canglang Ferry!"
Upon receiving the order, the convoy immediately headed towards the waterway.
As Zhang Yuan watched the convoy move forward, his doubts deepened.
Chen Zijing, Fang Jingsong, and the others exchanged glances, their expressions grave.
Logically, as the chief escort officer, Xing Daorong should have prioritized completing the mission safely. Why would he be willing to take such a risky step?
unless----
In Zhang Yuan's mind, the image of Xing Daorong, who had killed a powerful enemy with a single shot last night, flashed like lightning.
Unless Xing Daorong's true combat strength is far beyond what he usually displays!
Above Grandmaster?
This idea became increasingly clear in Zhang Yuan's mind.
The convoy arrived at Canglang Ferry.
The ferry crossing is situated between two mountains, with a wide expanse of water but a rapid current, and a damp, chilly river breeze blowing in your face.
The Canglang River connects to Luoxingze in its upper reaches and leads directly to the Yunmeng River in its lower reaches, making it an important waterway hub.
At this moment, boats of all sizes shuttle back and forth on the river, including merchant ships, fishing boats, and government patrol boats, creating a bustling scene.
The crowd escorted the prison cart onto a sturdy government ship.
Zhang Yuan stood on the wide deck, feeling the large ship sailing upstream against the turbulent current.
The boat trembled slightly, the boatmen's chants mingling with the splashing of waves against the hull.
He gazed at the steep cliffs and churning turbid waves on both sides of the river, his vigilance still undiminished.
"Your foundation looks good. What kind of cultivation technique do you practice?"
Xing Daorong's calm voice suddenly rang out behind Zhang Yuan.
Zhang Yuan quickly turned around and saw Xing Daorong standing in the center of the deck with his hands behind his back, casting sunlight onto the misty water in the distance.
"Reporting to Commandant Xing, I practice the Wild Bull Fist and the Rock-Stone Saber Technique," Zhang Yuan replied respectfully.
Xing Daorong nodded slightly: "Yes, these are all superior basic skills for strengthening muscles and bones and consolidating the foundation. Your master is quite something."
He changed the subject, his tone softening slightly: "Don't disgrace the name of your father, Zhang Zhenshan, the 'Tiger of the Mountain'."
Zhang Yuan's heart skipped a beat, and he solemnly clasped his hands in a fist salute: "This novice will remember the captain's teachings!"
Xing Daorong's gaze fell on Zhang Yuan: "I met your father several times when we were in the border army. Although he was at the peak of the Innate Realm, he was well-versed in military strategy and was a good man."
He pointed to the long sword that Zhang Jiumei was carrying not far away.
"That sword, was it a gift from General Yue? General Yue greatly admired your father's talent as a military commander capable of leading troops and breaking through enemy lines."
Then, Xing Daorong looked at Zhang Yuan and changed the subject: "I heard you're studying Confucianism and Taoism with Chen Wenyuan? What are you studying?"
"Reporting to the Captain, I am studying under you, Master, learning the principles of classics and strategy, as well as the methods of cultivating one's noble spirit," Zhang Yuan replied.
He didn't expect Xing Daorong to ask him these questions, but fortunately they were all normal things, and he didn't hide anything from him.
Xing Daorong nodded: "Confucian and Taoist practices cultivate a noble spirit and enlighten the mind, which is of great benefit to martial arts practice."
"In particular, the art of military formations is one of the few methods in the world that allows martial arts practitioners to achieve victory against the odds through wisdom and cooperation."
His words conveyed a high regard for military strategy.
Just as Xing Daorong finished speaking, the large ship, which was struggling against the current, suddenly shook violently!
As if it had hit an invisible barrier, the ship suddenly stopped and began to spin uncontrollably in place!
"Splash—!"
""
"Glug glug—!"
At the same time, the river, which was originally turbulent but relatively orderly, suddenly began to churn violently like boiling water, centered on the official boat and covering an area of several tens of feet in radius!
Countless turbid bubbles surged and burst, creating eerie vortexes, and a cold, fishy, and eerie aura instantly spread out!
"alert--!"
From the rear of the cabin, He Ye's thunderous roar exploded.
The members of the Guzhu Gang reacted quickly, grabbing their weapons and standing back-to-back at the edge of the boat, watching the boiling river surface warily.
The cabin door opened, and Zeng Bo, the squad leader, led a group of guards out in single file. Their swords and spears were drawn, gleaming coldly, and they quickly formed a defensive formation on the deck. Everyone looked tense, as if facing a formidable enemy.
Only the Blackscale Army soldiers, dressed in black robes and always silent, remained motionless around the deck, like cold stone sculptures.
However, their eyes became sharper, and their hands quietly reached for the weapons at their waists.
Xing Daorong did not look at the churning river immediately, but instead turned his head sharply, his gaze fixed on the bow of the boat.
There, the sailors were struggling to maneuver the sails and try to steady the ship.
His voice wasn't loud, but it carried a chilling killing intent that sent shivers down one's spine, clearly piercing through the roar of the waves: "The imperial court is escorting a serious criminal here on official business. Anyone who dares to make a move—those who disobey orders will die!"