Chen Ping's Sword

Chapter 288: Chapter 154: Open Assault and Secret Raid, Laying a Trap for the Prey (Part 2)

"Nineteen, you shouldn’t blame us for not fully trusting you; your actions recently have been too unsettling."

Sitting on the left was an elderly man with a weathered face, exuding an aura rich in literature and art. He spoke slowly, like a senior holding court, but subtly, the authority of the Vast Righteous Qi Sword Pei Ziwen was palpable.

"I’ve brought along our family’s treasure, the Exorcism Book, which can lock the mind and seal the spirit, severing connections within formations. However, if it were to clash directly with the military qi drawing power of the Azure Dragon Seal, it would still be slightly inferior. It’s best to lure him away; without military qi assistance, the plan will be flawless."

They had gathered the information clearly.

On that day of battle, Chen Ping’s personal martial force was passable, seemingly at par with the Esoteric Sect Master Doroghi ranked seventeenth on the Earth List.

The two sides fought evenly for a period, each having their strengths and weaknesses.

Later, relying on his sturdy body and formidable strength, Chen Ping managed to overpower Doroghi, despite sustaining some injuries.

There were many witnesses on the battlefield that day, and the truth could not be concealed — everyone saw this clearly.

This fact was further evidenced by the actions of the two Elders of the Hall of Glory, Cui Yun and Cui Hao, from the Cui Family, after the battle.

One Elder died and the other fled, but not all were slain; Chen Ping’s martial force was widely recognized as being at its highest limit.

The sole concern was that under the effect of the Azure Dragon Seal, leading five thousand troops, Chen Ping was masterful in strategic maneuvering and unstoppable.

Even if the Cui Family sent twenty thousand elite troops, they were no match in direct confrontation.

"Chen Ping alone isn’t fearsome; it’s his Innate Great Success Primordial Golden Body, combined with military qi and the Azure Dragon Seal’s suppression of Qi Number, making his battle array undefeated. Unless five thousand troops are led by an unparalleled brave general, only then can one stand a chance."

This condition is evidently impossible to achieve.

Pei Ziwen shook his head: "The Pei Family elite, combined with the Imperial Forest Iron Cavalry, totaling eighty thousand troops heading south by water, could reach Xingqing Prefecture within a month. Though impressive, it’s insufficient for immediate needs.

However, this army makes no attempt to conceal its movements, which inadvertently draws much attention, allowing us to quietly enter the city. It’s an unexpected result."

He seemed to ponder, as if explaining, then turned to the shadowed few nearby and suddenly asked: "I wonder if Vice Magistrate Liang has any insights or complements to offer? If not, we’ll make our move tonight as night falls."

"If what Tao Fang claims is true, this plan is feasible."

The speaker, his face rugged, his beard resembling rings, wore a black robe with gold patterns and a red cloak. His voice was hoarse and heavy, with a gold spear lying horizontally beside his right hand, exuding lethal energy.

This man was Brocade Guard Deputy Commander on the Right, Dragon Roar Spear Liang Qi, ranked nineteenth on the Earth List.

"This time, Weifu Bo suffered a strike from Commander Lord Xu, already nearing his limits. He’s hiding near Mirror Lake in Yanshan, trapped tightly, surely unable to return to Jiangnan.

Without anyone guarding him, as long as Chen Ping is separated from his army, there’s no chance of failure."

He chuckled, coldness flashed between his brows: "One thing must be made clear: after slaying this man, his body must be handed to the Brocade Guard. This matter pertains to His Holiness’s decree, and I cannot disclose further details."

"Naturally." Pei Ziwen’s eyes gleamed; he indeed did not ask further.

As the eldest son of the Pei Family’s main line, his knowledge of worldly affairs was vast, with few things escaping him. ƒrēewebnoѵёl.cσm

Especially concerning the Great Li Court and the palace’s inner secrets, he knew them clearly; his father, Pei Yuanhe, as Cabinet Elder, certainly knew of the matters regarding the Longevity Sword and True Dragon Blood.

His Holiness was willing to risk utterly offending Fubo Island of the East Sea to pursue relentlessly, showing the immense stakes involved.

Should they interfere, even with the Pei Family’s strength, it might become overwhelming.

’It’s all about refining people into elixirs, extracting True Dragon Blood once more.’ Pei Ziwen thought to himself, but his expression remained unchanged, "Our Pei Family only seeks the return of Xingqing Prefecture under Court control, only needs to consolidate the army. What happens to the corpse is irrelevant to us."

"I hope the Third Place Scholar remembers what is said now."

Liang Qi, ranked nineteenth on the Earth List, though three positions below Pei Ziwen, showed no obsession with martial arts cultivation.

He rather valued when Pei Ziwen attained the third place scholarship at eighteen, a celebrated achievement nationwide.

He believed this to be man’s greatest glory.

While speaking now, there was a hint of courtesy.

Afraid that the other might be dissatisfied, he added: "In this operation, Eunuch Weii from the Inner Court has also arrived; he’ll act from the shadows, waiting to strike. You must be fully aware."

"Weii Lianxiang, Eunuch Weii?"

The group collectively gasped.

When people spoke of great masters or experts, they often referred to the Wind and Cloud List.

However, within the noble families and Court forces, some figures remained quietly obscure.

When they acted, they concealed their identities and traces, leaving even the Wind and Cloud List unable to capture their qi mechanisms, thus remaining unlisted.

But should anyone underestimate these unlisted experts, it would be a grave mistake.

Just like Eunuch Weii Lianxiang, perceived by others as simply an old eunuch serving the Emperor, so old that his hair and beard had turned white. Wait, no, he didn’t have a beard; it was glued on.

Though he appeared old and wielded no apparent power, secretly he solved many thorny issues for Emperor Ji Changshou.

It is said that his most skilled weapon is assassination, his "Godslaying Needle" technique, daunting even to the Grandmaster.