As the days passed, the storm in Huyang gradually stopped.
Everyone in the Green Forest knew that Chen Feng had already established himself in Huyang and was on par with the other two flood dragons. However, there was a winter truce and they did not move for the time being.
Because it was close to winter when Chen Feng seized Fan Zong’s foundation, the weather was cold and the water was frozen, making it difficult for the other two flood dragons to bring out their armies. They could not take advantage of his unstable footing to send out their troops to attack together, which gave them time to rest.
The storm in the Green Forest temporarily stopped, but a rumor spread like wildfire in the martial world.
It was rumored that the eight worldly sects would hold a martial arts conference on Huyun Mountain next spring. The goal was to gather the experts of the world and compete with the Chaotic World Demon, Chen Feng.
When the news spread, the martial world was shocked.
The eight sects had been famous for many years and had high prestige. They were all big shots of the martial world. Before this, they had never joined forces with great fanfare just to deal with one person.
In this case, wouldn’t it mean that most of the martial world would become Chen Feng’s enemy?
This was a big scene!
For a moment, the people of the martial world were excited. They came to Huyang one after another, wanting to join in the fun. They did not want to miss such a grand event of the martial world.
On the other side, as the magistrate of the Huyang Prefecture sent the memorial up, the situation here also reached the center of the Imperial Court.
…
Capital, palace, Extreme Purple Hall.
The Emperor had yet to return, and now the Crown Prince, Wang Jing, was in charge of supervising the country.
Other than the appointment of officials, the mobilization of troops, and the paying of respects for foreign countries, the Crown Prince was in charge of the rest.
On this day, they went to court as usual to discuss matters. Soon, they talked about the bandits.
“The bandits in Eastern Tai and Northern Yan have been causing trouble for many years. Before Father went south for his autumn patrol, he handed over the recruitment to Minister Qin. I wonder how his progress is now?”
Wang Jing looked at Minister Qin Song and said calmly.
He was about 23 or 24 years old, had a dignified appearance, and an extraordinary bearing. As the saying went, one’s position and environment could change a person’s temperament. He exuded an oppressive noble aura, clearly used to living a pampered life.
Qin Song stepped out of the crowd and said, “I didn’t disappoint His Majesty’s high hopes. I’ve already sent people to meet and talk to the Heavenly King Stronghold of the Green Forest in the north. Although this group of people is wandering in the wilderness, they all have the intention to serve the country loyally.
As long as they’re rewarded and pardoned, they’re willing to serve the Imperial Court. They’re willing to send troops to suppress the bandits and pacify the bandits. All matters have been discussed and are only waiting for His Majesty to return to the capital to issue the decree.”
“Minister Qin is the pillar of the country. Thank you.” Wang Jing smiled and nodded.
“Your Highness, you flatter me. I’m just doing my best. I don’t deserve excess praise.”
Qin Song cupped his hands and replied politely.
“Of course. If we get rid of this Northern bandit problem, we will remember Minister Qin’s contribution.”
Wang Jing nodded.
At this moment, an official stepped out and said, “I have something to report. Currently, most of the bandits in the world are in Northern Yan and Eastern Tai. However, recently, the magistrates of the Huyang Prefecture have reported that the bandits in Huyang also show signs of causing trouble.
That criminal, Chen Feng, who caused chaos in Jiangchun, has fled to the territory of Huyang and has started a gathering. In just a month or two, he has stirred up tens of thousands of people. He will definitely become a huge problem in the future. Please send troops to destroy him.”
When Wang Jing heard this, he pondered and said,
“The Imperial Court’s troops need to be mobilized, so I have no right to issue an edict. However, Father has always been implementing the recruitment strategy and is unwilling to rashly use weapons. Why don’t we try to recruit Chen Feng?”
“Your Highness, you must not!”
The civil and military officials stopped him in unison. The crowd was agitated, and it was a rare occurrence where they had a unified opinion.
Qin Song cleared his throat and said in a deep voice,
“This Chen Feng has harmed the people and killed dozens of officials of the Imperial Court. He’s guilty of a heinous crime. According to the law, he can’t be forgiven. Otherwise, the Imperial Court will lose all its face!”
The Privy Ambassador, Pang Hong, stepped out of the crowd and chorused loudly, “That’s right! Such a rebel has to be punished openly before he degrades the dignity of the Imperial Court. In my opinion, we should immediately gather our troops and go out to eliminate this bandit.”
“Beloved Ministers, don’t be anxious. We have to invite you to report this matter. It’s not something we can decide.”
Wang Jing hurriedly comforted them.
Then, he looked around at everyone and pondered out loud,
“Everyone, I already understand what you mean. This Chen Feng can’t be recruited and has to be eliminated. It’s just that the Imperial Court’s troops can’t be moved on their own. Perhaps we can get the Heavenly King Stronghold to deal with this person?”
Qin Song thought for a moment and shook his head, “The north is a long way from Huyang. Distant water can’t resolve a nearby fire. Moreover, the Heavenly King Stronghold is prioritizing dealing with the bandits in the north, so it’s difficult for them to withdraw for the time being. I have a plan.”
“Please go ahead.”
Qin Song smiled and said, “This plan is quite simple. There are many bandits in Huyang City. Other than Chen Feng, there are also two other great strongholds. They each have tens of thousands of people under them. Why don’t we recruit these two and let them deal with Chen Feng? At the same time, the Huyang Prefecture can send troops to attack at their own discretion and destroy this person in one go. Compared to the Imperial Court suppressing the bandits alone, this method can save a lot of expenses. It suits His Majesty’s intentions.”
Wang Jing thought for a moment and felt that it was not bad.
“Then let’s do this first. Wait for me to report to Royal Father. If Royal Father approves, we’ll do as you say.”
Seeing this, Pang Hong’s expression did not look too good. He glared at Qin Song, his heart filled with hatred as he helplessly retreated into the group.
Only by sending troops would he have military merits and benefits. However, Qin Song’s ideas were always able to tickle the Emperor’s itch and prevent him from sending troops.
The two of them did not see eye to eye in politics and had different interests. They had never gotten along.
Pang Hong’s heart ached every time he saw the bandits being recruited… In his eyes, these bandits were akin to walking money bags to him. The moment they were recruited, he would lose the chance to earn a lot.
At this moment, Pang Hong was secretly annoyed and could not help but pray in the opposite direction.
“This Chen Feng can’t be eliminated so easily. It’s best if he grows bigger and bigger and becomes a huge problem for the Imperial Court. Only then will I have a chance to use him…”
…
Yang Lake, Azure Water Stronghold.
Many leaders gathered in the hall. Chieftain Tan Peng sat at the head of the table, holding his chin with his hand as he sized up the person who had come to visit.
“You’re sending a message on behalf of the Imperial Court?”
Tan Peng narrowed his eyes as he spoke, his tone inexplicable.
He was one of the Three Flood Dragons of Huyang and was nicknamed the “Copper-Headed Dragon King”. He was tall and sturdy, and his bald head was shiny. He had practiced authentic martial arts before, and his head could even split rocks.
“Greetings, Chief Tan. I’m a secret guard of the Martial Inspectorate. I have a waist token as proof.”
The person who came to visit spoke as he took out a token and showed it to everyone.
This person was dressed in tight fitting clothes befitting of a martial artist, but he was actually an official.
The Martial Inspectorate was a special organization. Its rank in the Imperial Court was not high, but it was in charge of monitoring the martial world for the Imperial Court. It mainly served as an intelligence division and usually disguised itself as part of the martial world. It was usually in charge of secretly contacting some martial world and Green Forest heroes for the Imperial Court to send news.
Tan Peng glanced at the Martial Patrol Division’s token and casually asked, “We’re criminals from the Imperial Court. May I know why you’re here?”
“I wonder if Chief Tan is willing to work for the Imperial Court? The Imperial Court intends to recruit you, offering you rewards and will pardon your crimes. They can restore your innocence.”
This secret guard of the Martial Inspectorate had been in the martial world all year round and knew that the Green Forest people were an impatient bunch. He did not beat around the bush and directly explained his intentions.
“The Imperial Court wants to recruit me?” Tan Peng rubbed his bald head and sneered, “There must be conditions!”
“That’s right. The Imperial Court needs you to settle Chen Feng and his subordinates. If you agree, you can be recruited.”
“Hmph, Chen Feng is so difficult to deal with. It’s just a title of recruitment, and the Imperial Court wants me to work for them. How dare they? Take out some practical benefits, or don’t even think about it. In any case, I’m squatting over here in Yang Lake. You can’t do anything to me. I don’t have to look at the expression of your Imperial Court.”
Tan Peng snorted.
The secret guard of the Martial Patrol Division replied in a slightly dissatisfied tone,
“Chen Feng has always been domineering. He entered Huyang on his own and rose up so quickly that it’s rarely seen in the world. This shows that he’s a huge threat to Chief Tan. If you’re recruited, the Imperial Court will join forces with you to eliminate this person and remove this worry. In addition, Chief Tan and the brothers in the stronghold can all be conferred an official title by the Imperial Court. Not to mention anything else, it’s not a problem for you to be the commander of an army, and be in charge of the soldiers in the Huyang Prefectures.”
The expressions of the leaders changed. Many of them were tempted.
However, Tan Peng did not comment on the rewards promised, “We’re living a carefree life. Why would we need the Imperial Court to appoint us? In the future, we’ll act according to the wishes of those dog officials. However, Chen Feng is indeed a threat. I don’t mind getting rid of him.”
“Then I wonder if Chief Tan has any requests?” The secret guard of the Martial Inspectorate asked patiently.
Tan Peng said casually, “I’m not interested in recruiting. You want to send me away with just some official titles? Dream on! I want silver, armor, and food. Treat it as a transaction. Your Imperial Court can forget about using us as sabers. I’ll only follow up and send troops when I see you send troops to suppress Chen Feng.”
“This… I can’t make the decision.”
“I know you can’t make the decision. Get lost and ask your master. Anyway, these are all my conditions. If you agree, we’ll discuss further. Otherwise, get lost.”
Tan Peng patted his bald head and smiled sinisterly.
The secret guard’s expression was uncertain as he cupped his fists and left.
Seeing that he had left, Tan Peng snorted coldly.
“Recruitment, recruitment, recruitment? When I dominate the Green Forest of Huyang, I’ll be the first to beat up your state capital and occupy that area as King!”
The leaders exchanged glances with subtle expressions.
At the same time, a similar scene played out in the other “flood dragon” stronghold.
However, the final outcome was different.
…
The sun rose and the moon set. Winter passed and spring came.
Year 12 of Xinghe, Spring.
After a winter of rectification, the people Zhou Jing had recruited had stabilized a lot. They could be considered to have acknowledged him as their new boss.
He was not stingy with all kinds of martial arts secret manuals. There was no threshold for learning. From the leader to the lackeys, they could practice whatever he wanted. This made his status in the stronghold much more stable.
This action even caused a chain effect… The poor families in the surrounding villages and counties all learned that the stronghold was teaching martial arts for free. Some people wanted to learn a school of thought, so they simply went up the mountain to settle down and seek refuge under Zhou Jing.
At the same time, because of his reputation, there were also many famous experts from the Green Forest who came to seek refuge. Now, there were more unfamiliar faces under his command, but there was still a limit to those with true talent in his stronghold.
On the other hand, because of the rumors of the Martial Arts Conference, there were martial artists rushing over from all over the Huyang area. In particular, the county cities near Mt Yunxia had all the inns filled to the brim.
As the date of the battle on the 18th of March approached, the atmosphere in the martial world became more and more restless.
The teams from the various large sects also arrived at My Yunxia after a long journey.