Chapter 123 - 122: Qi Qianyu Takes Action
The battle at Jiming Posthouse had begun,
amidst the frantic preparations in Linjiang City, the White Lotus Army arrived two days earlier than expected, and their numbers were much greater than anticipated.
It was originally estimated that the White Lotus Army would dispatch at most fifty thousand troops.
In fact, that estimate wasn’t far off, but the White Lotus Sect forcibly dragged along thirty thousand ordinary civilians, making these civilians their scapegoats, forcing them to attack the city and wear down the Jiming Posthouse defenders.
Once the battle broke out,
the defenders of Jiming Posthouse were plagued with low morale, for after all, their victims were ordinary civilians. In an instant, all of Linjiang County seemed shrouded in a layer of shadow—whether Martial World Gangs or common folk, everyone felt an unbearable weight pressing down.
Only at this moment did everyone truly realize that simply imagining could never convey the true cruelty of war.
With thirty thousand civilians being forced to the slaughter,
the White Lotus Sect fought ferociously, utterly disregarding any losses, attacking the city almost day and night without pause.
Perhaps because General Jing Zhan’s fierce reputation preceded him, the White Lotus Army had no intention of deploying any strategy at all; they simply used lives to fill the breach, making the battle at Jiming Posthouse far more arduous and brutal than anyone had expected.
This directly caused resources at Jiming Posthouse to be depleted many times faster than budgeted, especially in terms of arms and supplies—a massive amount needed to be replaced daily,
placing the logistical burden squarely on the Embroidered Uniform Guard and the Prefecture Government.
Yang Yuzhi personally led men everywhere to procure military supplies,
Gu Zhan worked tirelessly day and night with Rong Yichu to arrange transport routes,
these supplies could not suffer the slightest mishap,
so the Embroidered Uniform Guard always altered their routes when delivering supplies, to avoid spies in the city discovering them. Should any batch be robbed or delayed, many soldiers on the frontlines would be lost.
To prevent any accident,
Gu Zhan always sent his most trusted men, such as Chen Fei and Ma Lang, those who had followed him from the very beginning, and every supply escort was staffed with many guards,
but, after so many battles and turmoil, the Embroidered Uniform Guard was already stretched thin, lacking manpower, and the Prefecture Government was even worse off.
Fortunately, the Martial World Gangs in Linjiang City gave face to Gu Zhan, readily lending their people to him and the Prefecture Government without holding back, only then barely enabling logistics to support the great battle at Jiming Posthouse.
...
Under the nightfall of Linjiang City, the usual bustle was absent, and it was rare to see a soul outdoors.
The South City, which usually hosted the liveliest night market, was now desolate and cold. The gambling dens and brothels had all closed their doors.
Outside Wind and Rain Alley,
a few martial men crowded around a middle-aged man in embroidered uniform as they moved leisurely ahead. This middle-aged man was Gang Leader Zhong, head of San Yuan Bang, one of Linjiang City’s largest gangs.
The group moved forward, the atmosphere somewhat chilly.
A subordinate spoke: "Boss, when will these days ever end? Over seventy percent of the gang’s businesses are shut down, brothers are living off the old reserves, and we still have to work for the Embroidered Uniform Guard for free, running around all day, not earning a single coin..."
"Silence!" Zhong Liang shot the man a glare, voice heavy: "What are you saying? In this situation, which gang isn’t affected? Is it only San Yuan Bang’s business that’s been halted? Should we not defend the city and instead let the White Lotus Army in to slaughter everyone?"
The subordinate hurriedly responded: "Boss, that’s not what I mean. I mean the Embroidered Uniform Guard hasn’t shown us the slightest courtesy. We’ve sent out so many brothers, working alongside them day after day, but the Embroidered Uniform Guard hasn’t even given us a single tael of silver, yet every day it’s nothing but hard, exhausting work..."
"Nonsense," Zhong Liang snapped: "What nonsense are you spouting? Do you have a problem with Lord Gu?"
"Boss, I..."
"Don’t ever say such things again," Zhong Liang scolded, displeased. "We must abide by honor. San Yuan Bang was just a nobody gang, guarding one or two casinos, still worried daily about getting robbed. If not for Lord Gu giving us a chance, would we have hundreds of men in San Yuan Bang today?
And as for Lord Gu, don’t you know who he is? Though his reputation is fierce, when has he ever treated his own people poorly? When we helped Lord Gu fight earlier, did he skimp on the compensation for families? Didn’t he always give double or triple the settlement? When some brothers got in trouble, he even showed up himself to support them,
We’ve seized so much territory—how many brothers ended up in the prison? Didn’t Lord Gu take care of every single one? Even you, if it weren’t for Lord Gu, could you have escaped the prison alive?"
The subordinate’s face filled with shame. "Boss, I’m sorry, I..."
Zhong Liang patted the man’s shoulder and said, "Don’t listen to others gossiping. Our business is ours to understand. Lord Gu’s journey—his reputation might not be good, and he does inspire fear, yet which gang with any standing in Linjiang City isn’t grateful to him? If he ever leaves the Embroidered Uniform Guard, he’ll certainly be revered as the leader of Linjiang County’s Martial World."
The group continued to conversate as they walked,
and soon arrived outside a small courtyard.
As soon as Zhong Liang stepped into the yard, an ominous feeling surged in his heart—it was too quiet. He immediately gestured for his men to retreat.
However, at that moment,
a flat voice rang out from within the compound: "Gang Leader Zhong, you’ve returned home—why not come inside?"
Accompanying that voice,
a few figures stepped out from the inner courtyard.
When Zhong Liang saw their faces, his expression darkened.
He recognized them—young talents from Yunzhou’s Martial Arts circles. The leader was Qi Qianyu, famously known as the Little Sword Spirit.
This group, since arriving in Linjiang City,
the Martial World Gangs had repeatedly instructed their men, strictly forbidding clashes with these people. To the gangs, these were dragons crossing the river.
Never mind all the powers backing them; just these young talents alone, with several Innate Martial Artists in the lead, each with a cadre of fellow disciples from major sects—within Linjiang City, all would be regarded as true experts.
Upon seeing Qi Qianyu and his companions, Zhong Liang drew a deep breath, forced a smile, and clasped his hands in greeting: "So it’s Young Hero Qi himself—I apologize for not welcoming you earlier. Please forgive me. May I ask, to what do I owe this visit? If any of my men have accidentally offended you, I will certainly offer an apology!"
Qi Qianyu smiled slightly and said, "Rest assured, Gang Leader Zhong. I’ve come today merely to personally deliver an invitation!"
As he spoke,
Qi Qianyu took out an invitation and handed it to Zhong Liang, saying, "Tomorrow at noon, I await your distinguished presence, so we may discuss the founding of the Martial Arts Alliance, the matter of resisting the White Lotus Sect, and defending Linjiang City. You shall attend, won’t you?"
Zhong Liang held the invitation, his mind whirling.
Qi Qianyu chuckled lightly, then continued, "By the way, Gang Leader Zhong, Linjiang City is in chaos these days—too many spies and scouts about. Your guards are too weak. To prevent accidents, I’ve invited your son and wife to my place. Rest assured, Gang Leader Zhong—they are absolutely safe with me!"