In the summer of Wu Jianshuo's eighth year, two years after the Black Flag Army retreated in defeat from the northwest, the many problems left behind by the Black Flag Army already reached a point where they had no choice but to be resolved.
Among them, the issue of the Black Flag Army's many spies infiltrating the various powers of Great Qi during the three year war and army expansion was naturally the most important one. Meanwhile, during this period, there was another serious problem, one that truly could be big or small. That was whether the news of Black Flag Ning Yi's death was true or not.
During the three year war, when Jin Country was at its peak, it lost two great generals in the northwest. The central plains' Great Qi mobilized a million troops, ultimately killing Ning Yi, forcing the Black Flag Army to retreat from the northwest in defeat. When the matter was settled, everyone only immersed themselves in a feeling of relief from the three years of torment finally passing. Towards this entire matter, not many people dared to sing a different tune or talk about suffering. Either way, Ning Yi was already dead, the Black Flag Army was destroyed. This was the best conclusion.
Only after this did more information related to the Black Flag Army gradually surface. The remnants of the Black Flag Army that retreated from the northwest didn't die. They chose the region where Tubo, Dali, and the Wu Dynasty intersected as a temporary base to recuperate. Then, their power faintly radiated to Yungui Chuan, Xiangnan, and other places, slowly establishing themselves.
Towards this troop, the Wu Dynasty who had suffered greatly didn't dare rashly provoke them. In reality, there weren't many powers in Tubo, Dali, and other places that could truly challenge them head on. Meanwhile, after the northwest war, the Black Flag Army also leaned even more towards hiding their wounds. Their external responsibilities were only several caravans moving about in a corner of the south. The internal situation was difficult for anyone to say clearly.
As for the news of Ning Yi's death, in the beginning, not many people questioned it. The main reason was because everyone was inclined to accept his death, let alone the fact that his head was even sent north after it was verified. However, the Black Flag Army still existed. Just how exactly it operated in the dark, everyone curiously investigated. Only then did more rumors regarding Ning Yi's survival spread.
Even though the current Black Flag Army was difficult to investigate deeply, it wasn't a complete monolithic block. It was also formed of people. As the number of people searching increased, some of the information on the surface gradually became clear. First of all, the current Black Flag Army's development and consolidation, even though it was low-key, was still rather orderly, not falling into the chaos of a leader's absence. Secondly, after Ning Yi, Qin Shaoqian and the others' vacancies, the Ning Family's widows stood out to shoulder the burden. It was also them who released the news to the outside world, spreading the word that Ning Yi didn't die, that he was only being watched closely by foreign enemies, that he had to temporarily hide. This wasn't a lie, if it was really confirmed that Ning Yi was still alive, the Jin Kingdom who had long since been slapped in the face might immediately send troops south.
At the end of the day, Ning Yi's fate had turned into a legend that was like a ghost in the current Chinese server. No one had seen it, and no one could be certain of it. The most important thing was that even though Ning Yi had already separated himself from the surface, the Black Flag Army's power still seemed to be operating normally. Even if he died, no one could lower their guard. However, if he was alive, then this entire matter was enough to make all of the Central Plains' powers feel fear.
In the matter of determining whether Ning Yi was alive or dead, the sudden appearance of Li Shishi's name could only be said to be an accident. This former renowned courtesan of the capital city originally couldn't be considered to be well known by the world, especially during the chaotic years of war. She had long faded from everyone's line of sight. However, when everyone began to search for the truth behind Ning Yi's death, a former chief investigator of Six Doors Gate, one of the top experts in the Underworld, Tie Tianying, began to search for this woman's traces, expressing to others that Ning Yi's life and death might very well be related to this woman.
The reason for this was that even though Ning Yi was vicious and merciless, he cared quite a bit about his family and the people at his side. Meanwhile, this Miss Li just happened to be an old confidante of his. After the news of Ning Yi's death spread, this woman who lived in seclusion in Yunnan headed north. If she encountered danger, then it was clear that Ning Yi would not remain indifferent.
It was hard to say under what circumstances Tie Tianying revealed this speculation, but regardless, in the end, there were still people who took it to heart. Last year, Li Shishi paid a visit to the Black Flag Army's base in Tubo before leaving. Surrounding her side, the first assassination began, followed by the second, the third. By six months ago, the number of people from Green Forest who died because of her was estimated to have already exceeded three digits. However, whether the side protecting her was personally ordered by Ning Yi, or whether it was Ning Yi's family who set up a diversion, no one could say for sure.
This was a conflict that revolved around the news of Ning Yi's death, yet it allowed a woman who had long faded away to once again enter the eyes of the people of the world. In the sixth month, there was a flood in Puyang. The flood affected Daming, Jizhou, Enzhou, Shenzhou and other places. At this time, the imperial court had already lost the ability to provide disaster relief, the victims were destitute and homeless, suffering unspeakably. This nun who cultivated with her hair still ran all over the place to seek help, causing many influential families to join hands in disaster relief. Immediately, her reputation spread far and wide. She was truly like the reincarnation of Guanyin, the birth of Buddha for all.
From then on, the name Li Shishi was surrounded by not only the Black Flag forces that protected her, but also many people from the Underworld who had organized themselves. Of course, in order to not affect too many people, this young lady seemed to have found a way to hide her whereabouts. Occasionally, she would appear in a certain place and then disappear again.
Now that she had appeared in Zezhou, it was something that Lu Anmin truly felt was troublesome. Firstly, this woman could not be involved. Who knew if she was that Demon Lord Ning's person. Secondly, this woman could not die. Even if Ning Yi really died, the vengeance of the Black Flag Army was not something he could withstand. Thirdly, it was not good for him to directly refuse her request. This was because humans were not plants or trees. Who could be emotionless? Towards Li Shishi, he truly had a good impression of her. He even admired what she had done.
It was just that he was truly powerless.
"The matter in Zezhou, as I said, is not that simple." Lu Anmin deliberated for a moment. "Miss Li, it is everyone's misfortune to be born in troubled times. Heh, right now, I say I am guarding a region. However, in times like this, it is always those who hold the sword who speak. This time in Zezhou, Miss Li, you should also understand that the one who is truly in charge is that General Sun Qi. Closing the city gates is an important matter. Even if I have compassion in my heart, what can I do? Rather than trying to persuade me, why don't you go and persuade those who came … It's useless. There are seventy thousand soldiers. Moreover, behind them … "
When he said this, he looked at Li Shishi. He wanted to say something but stopped. "Miss Li, I cannot say too much about the inside story. But … since you have come here, stay here. I have to protect you. To be honest, if your whereabouts are exposed, it will be difficult for you to be safe … "
Before he finished speaking, Shishi looked at him. She pushed away the chair and stood up. Then, she bowed to him. Lu Anmin hurriedly pushed away the chair as well. Frowning, he said, "Miss Li, this is not good."
"I also know this is not good." Shishi's voice was very low. "In Fan Lou, there is a sense of propriety in everything. Even if you ask for help, you cannot be overbearing. This is to make each other feel better. Even if it does not work, you can at least leave a good impression in the other party's heart. But Shishi is indeed a weak and powerless woman. I have compassion in my heart, but I do not have the strength to truss a chicken. Even if I wanted to use a sword to kill the enemy, I would not be able to fight against half a man. Mister Lu, you are the Zhizhou. Even if you are powerless to change some things, as long as you have compassion in your heart, you can always save dozens or hundreds of people … "
She paused. "Today, Shishi does not want to force Mister Lu to express his opinion. But Mister Lu is also a kind person … "
"That may not be so!" Lu Anmin waved his hand.
"… I only hope that Mister can have a kind heart. Shishi thanks you in advance for those who survive. In the days to come, I will remember this and pray for Mister Lu … "
"Ai … You … Ai, you …" Lu Anmin looked at her in confusion as she kowtowed to him three times. For a moment, he did not know whether to support her or accept it. After this kowtow, she actually took the initiative to stand up. Her lively eyes did not change, but her forehead was slightly red. Her expression was a little embarrassed. Obviously, this kind of kowtowing was not natural for her.
"Actually, I do not have anything. Where others can help, as a woman, I can only beg and pray. It is like this during wars, and it is also like this during disaster relief. I know that this is not good, but sometimes after begging and praying, it can actually be of some use … I wish that no matter what, it is useless. Actually, thinking about it, in this life, my heart cannot be at peace, my wishes cannot be fulfilled, and I can't really become a monk. In the end, I am actually using my beauty to entertain others, using my feelings to implicate others. I am really … sorry. I know that Mister Lu is also in a difficult position. "
"Miss Shishi … How can you humiliate yourself like this … Ai, the way of the world …"
"Shishi will take her leave first."
"You really do not need to go …" Lu Anmin said. "I do not mean anything else, but this Zezhou City … is indeed not peaceful."
"Shishi also has ways to protect herself."
"I am not saying that it is generally not peaceful …"
After saying a few words like this, she still left the room. Lu Anmin was actually afraid of implicating her, so he sent her to the back door. Watching her figure gradually disappear into the night, there were some words that he did not say in the end. However, although she was wearing a monk's robe, she still addressed him as' Master '. Although she sincerely begged for his help, her words were filled with remorse. He finally understood the contradictions and intentions behind this.
But, how much of a role could he play in this …
After the nun named Li Shishi left the Zhizhou Residence and gradually disappeared into the streets of Zezhou, Zhizhou Lu also returned to his residence. In the city far away, the wedding banquet next to the Liang An Inn was still going on. Further away on the streets, the clamor of the yamen runners arresting bandits could be heard. On the northeastern side of the city was a brightly lit military camp where tens of thousands of troops were stationed. Coming down from the southeastern courier road, thousands of refugees were also heading towards Zezhou. They were the remnants of the hundreds of thousands of hungry ghosts that were scattered. Without weapons and supplies, they were no different from beggars. Under the suggestion of some people, they followed the army all the way to Zezhou and asked the Tiger King's imperial court to release Wang Shitong.
These people had nothing on them, and their stomachs were rumbling with hunger. When they headed south, they had received many favors from Wang Shitong. This time, apart from asking the Tiger King to show them mercy, they had also asked Ze Province to take them in. Otherwise, most of them wouldn't be able to survive this autumn. If Zezhou did not care about them and caused a ruckus, they would be killed by the Zezhou soldiers. In fact, it might not be the worst outcome.
There was a small temple on a small mountain several dozen miles away from Zezhou City. Another group of people who were originally under the Ghost King's command had already arrived. At this moment, torches were lit in the forest. More than a hundred people were standing guard in the forest near the temple.
The Ghost King had gathered three to four hundred thousand refugees when he headed south. Along the way, he had also taken down several cities. It was not that he did not have any troops who could really fight. This troop of more than a hundred people was Wang Shitong's direct subordinates. After the defeat on the north bank of the Yellow River, these people were gathered together. They were the ones who managed to keep their lives. Among them, there were also a few who were injured. Because of their unwillingness to accept defeat, they came north.
In the temple, six men were discussing countermeasures. They were Li Guifang, Yu Jing, Tang Side, Qian Qiu, Gu Dahao, and Feng Yangbo. Wang Shitong's troops were rumored to be the remnants of the Black Flag Army. Among them, only Li Guifang and Tang Side had truly participated in the Black Flag Army. Li Guifang was skinny, and one of his hands was missing. It was chopped off when he was fighting with the Jurchens at Little Cang River. He was a calm person and had some stratagems. In the Ravenous Ghost Army, he was a military advisor. Tang Side was tall and well-versed in martial arts. He had a scar on his face and a piece of his ear was missing. He was a brave general in the Ravenous Ghost Army.
Of course, even though it was an army, there were only a few people in front of them.
"… If I'm not wrong, it will be a dead end if we go there. Sun Qi is an inescapable trap. It won't be easy to make any waves."
"… What will happen? Let's see if they will let us enter the city tomorrow …"
"… So what if we catch them all? We still have a way to go. Look at those people behind us. They will starve to death this year … "
"… Set the city on fire after we enter the city!"
"… How many people will die?"
"… Do you think Sun Qi won't guard against it … Sun Qi doesn't care …"
"… We can't defame the Huaxia Army …"
"… That's the Huaxia Army. If there are more, why didn't that Mister Ning come out to save us …"
"… You don't know how to save yourself!?"
"… How can I save myself? My death is not enough …"
The discussion in the temple was intermittent, sometimes low and sometimes intense. In the end, Qian Qiu, Tang Side, Gu Dahao, and the others began to quarrel. Everyone knew that they were at a dead end. Arguing was useless, but they had to. Li Guifang stood in a corner, his expression uncertain. "Alright, is this the time to quarrel?"
"I don't want to quarrel!" Tang Side said. "But how can they insult the Huaxia Army!"
"There are only about a hundred people left," Officer Yu said. "If you quarrel, you might as well disband. Whoever wants to leave can leave!"
His words might have flashed through everyone's mind. After he said it, everyone stopped talking. The room was silent for a moment. Qian Qiu, who was still injured, sighed. "I'm not leaving."
"Where are you going? So many people are going to die …" Gu Dahao gritted his teeth. "At worst, we'll just die in Zezhou City …"
"No one wants to leave …"
"… I'm not leaving."
"… Didn't you say that the Black Flag Army is still here? If they were really willing to help this time, how good would that be." After a moment, Officer Yu sighed. After he said this, Li Guifang shook his head and was about to speak. At this moment, they suddenly heard laughter.
"Hahahaha — Ning Liheng pretends to be benevolent and righteous. How can he save you —"
The laughter was deafening, echoing in the night. The six people in the temple were shocked. At this moment, Tang Side unsheathed his blade. Officer Yu grabbed a musket beside him. At the same time, a huge figure broke through the tiles and descended from the sky.
The wind pressure and crushed rocks suppressed the fire in the temple. For a moment, the huge darkness was pushed away. That voice was like thunder. "Let this seat save you —" Yu Jing had just turned around when the sound of breaking wind arrived.
It was a heavy punch that was like the breaking of a river. The musket shattered in the middle. His body was swept by the edge of the fist. His entire chest had already begun to collapse. His body flew backward like a cannonball, passing by Tang Side, Qian Qiu, and the others before crashing into the temple wall.
The people in the forest had already reacted. When they looked at the temple, they saw that the roof of the temple had suddenly collapsed. The next moment, the earth wall at the side collapsed with a loud bang. The body that fell out with the earth and stone was no longer human. In the dusky smoke and dust, everyone saw the valiant Gu Dahao get punched in the head by the attacking figure. His entire neck was twisted and bent backward.
Outside the forest, fire arrows rose.
"Meet the enemy —" someone shouted.
In the temple where debris flew everywhere, Tang Side brandished his steel blade and charged forward. The figure waved a fist and sent his steel blade flying. Blood spurted out from the area between his thumb and index finger. Before he could stop, the wind from the fist came from his left and right. With a bang, it landed on his head at the same time. Tang Side knelt on the ground. He was already dead.
"The Great Radiant Sect will enforce justice on behalf of the heavens!" someone shouted in the night.
The figure that had suddenly appeared was like a demonic god. After defeating Tang Side, the figure grabbed Qian Qiu's neck and crushed his throat like a little chick. Huge chaos descended upon this place in an instant. It was also at this moment that Li Guifang, who was standing in a corner, suddenly understood the identity of the person who had arrived.
He had been on the battlefield and had never thought that he would face such a person.
The leader of the Great Radiant Sect, Lin Zongwu.
He was unrivalled in the world and was publicly recognized as the best in the world in terms of martial arts!
More than ten years ago, when Sage Duke Fang La was still around, when Iron Arm Zhou Dong was still around, and when Mister Ning had suppressed the world with the name of the Inner Demon two years ago, the people in the Black Flag Army had not taken this person seriously. But the situation now was different.
The demonic god's figure rushed forward and killed Feng Yangbo with a punch. Then, he strode forward boldly. Li Guifang used his remaining hand to grab the bundle of gunpowder he had with him and lit the fuse on the brazier at the side. He held the gunpowder in his bosom and walked toward Lin Zongwu without stopping for a moment.
The light and shadow swayed, and a hint of anger and awkwardness suddenly appeared on that powerful figure's dignified face. This was because when he stretched out his hand to grab something to the side, there was nothing he could use as a throwing object. So, he took a step back.
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