Mo Yuzi said, "I suggested to the headmaster that day that we should break off relations with the imperial court and raise an army to fight against the barbarians. Especially in the matter of Xuzhou, we must take action. If the headmaster can personally take action and unite with Nu Ying, Yun Caiyao and others to kill Lie Zunyi, then we can win the trust of the people of the world."
"The headmaster followed the advice of the headmaster of Kanshui Academy and wanted to sit back and watch the fight. It would be best if Lie Zunyi, Ming Yueshu and Yun Caiyao were all defeated."
"Now that Lie Zunyi has been defeated, the whole world is shocked, but Taisu Immortal Pavilion has become even more powerful and prosperous. Even the Crazy Blade Demon Hero has gained a lot of reputation because of this. The situation in Jingzhou is the same now. We want to occupy Jingxiang, but we don't want to cut ties with the court directly, which gives the Crazy Blade Demon Hero an opportunity."
"Brother Wei, now is the time to raise the slogan of resisting the barbarians and completely cut ties with the Barbarian Court. If you want to count on others to be the vanguard, and we start the rebellion from the back, the result will only be that others will take the lead."
"Liuguang Immortal Book" Wei Yuxin hesitated for a moment, and was somewhat tempted.
But he looked around again and said, "What do you think?"
Taoist Hongguang said: "For such an important matter, I'm afraid we should first go to the Immortal Sect and report to the headmaster, and wait for the headmaster to make the decision."
Mo Yuzi said anxiously: "With this back and forth, Yuezhou and Xiangzhou will definitely fall into the hands of Hao Xinghua."
Taoist Jin Yu snorted, "No matter how powerful those villains are, it's not easy for them to occupy Jingzhou. How could they take Yuezhou and Xiangzhou so quickly? Besides, taking Xiangzhou is easier said than done. Once they start doing it, it will be like falling out with the court. How can we decide on such a matter?"
Mo Yuzi said: "As long as Xiangzhou is taken, the Immortal Sect will have no choice but to start resisting the barbarians."
Taoist Jin Yu said angrily, "Do you want to kill first and report later, and force the Immortal Sect? Mo Yuzi, you are so bold."
Mo Yuzi sighed, "In fact, I have suggested many times before that you should ignore those people from the Immortal Sect and take Jingzhou first. If it had been a few days earlier, Jingzhou would not have fallen into the hands of Hao Xinghua. If you don't take action now, it's probably too late."
Taoist Hongguang said in a deep voice: "It's easy to say. When the deans of the other colleges gossip about it, it's not you who will be blamed, but Senior Brother Wei. You know the situation in the Immortal Sect. If the headmaster believes the slander and blames you, how can you bear it?"
Mo Yuzi said angrily: "It is because those people in the Immortal Sect wanted to respond to current events and change the dynasty, but they were indecisive and did not dare to take responsibility, so they missed many great opportunities. If Xiangzhou and Yuezhou were not taken, Hao Xinghua would have monopolized the 800-li Dongting Lake and would have grown rapidly, thus controlling the Changhe River system. It is too late to regret now."
Wei Yuxin, the "Liuguang Immortal Book", pondered and said, "Can we report to the Immortal Gate while recruiting soldiers and horses? After Hao Xinghua takes Yuezhou, we will attack Yuezhou in return. In this way, we will not seize Yuezhou from the court, but from the bandits, which does not violate the previous strategy."
Mo Yuzi sighed, "If we don't take it now, we won't be able to take it when the time comes. Senior Brother, a general is not subject to the king's orders when he is away from home! The riot in Dongting Lake was unexpected, and the original plan must be changed. Please make a decision quickly, Senior Brother Wei, and take Yuezhou quickly."
“Otherwise, if Hao Xinghua takes Yuezhou and Xiangzhou and expands in the name of fighting against the barbarians, it will be too late.”
"Liuguang Immortal Book" Wei Yuxin stood up: "Don't worry, I will report your suggestions to the Immortal Sect as quickly as possible, everyone just need to be prepared." He turned and walked towards the inner hall.
Mo Yuzi said anxiously: "Senior Brother! Senior Brother Wei... Senior Brother Wei..."
Looking around, other people also stood up and left the meeting without saying anything more.
Mo Yuzi raised his head and sighed, "Really... this boy is not worth consulting with!"
—
On September 18, the "Mad Blade Demon Knight" Hao Xinghua led his troops to attack Jingzhou, issued the Three Major Disciplines and Eight Points of Attention, reorganized the troops, and gathered large and small warships in Jingzhou City. Together with the "Three Rebellions of Wuling" and many surrounding water strongholds, and at the suggestion of Xuanfeng Huanzhi, they attacked Yuezhou on September 20.
Originally worried that the Qingyu Altar of Chongxian Sect in Hengshan would react, Xuanfeng Huanzhi, who had seized Yuezhou first, did not see Chongxian Sect respond and was overjoyed.
The troops of Yuezhou fled in a panic and were completely vulnerable.
After a day's rest, Hao Xinghua personally led the heroes to retake Xiangzhou. He led the troops and fought hard for two days.
Heroes gathered together, the people in Xiangyang City rioted, and the barbarian army withdrew from Xiangyang City.
Xiangyang city was broken.
Afterwards, the "Mad Blade Demon Knight" established the Dongting Army. Xuanfeng Huanzhi, under the name of "Fengzhi", reorganized the troops on his behalf and enforced strict discipline. Anyone who oppressed the people or violated the three major disciplines and eight points of attention would never be let off.
Under the severe punishment, the Dongting Army was in awe.
After the Dongting Army was established, it only killed local tyrants and evil gentry in the area around Dongting Lake, distributed land, opened warehouses to release grain, provided relief to the people, and recruited good citizens.
During this period, the barbarian army came to attack twice, but was defeated by the Dongting army both times, leaving behind a large number of equipment and ships.
From the perspective of the general situation in the world, since the death of Emperor Taizong of the Barbarian Court, Lie Zunyi, riots have occurred one after another in various places.
Not to mention the south, even in the north, the Barbarian Court had finally suppressed the anti-barbarian wave started by Fu Shiyuan and barely had the momentum to pacify the north, but the situation was brewing again, and various rebel armies sprang up like mushrooms after a rain.
The establishment of the Dongting Army is just a ripple in the anti-barbarian wave sweeping the world. Compared with the already established Huangtian Army, Longfeng Society, etc., it is nothing for the time being.
After two unsuccessful expeditions, the barbarian army completely withdrew from the Jingxiang area and focused on controlling the Huai River and pacifying the north.
From then on, the 800-li Dongting Lake fell into the hands of the Dongting Army led by the "Mad Blade Demon Knight" Hao Xinghua.
After occupying the 800-li Dongting Lake, the Dongting Army did not expand its power outward for the time being. Instead, it focused on building a navy, preparing for war, and keeping a low profile.
Chapter 276: Accustomed to seeing the world, never forgetting the original intention
Shi Hao and Xuan Feng Huan Zhi walked together among the red leaves on the Chishan Mountain.
Xuanfeng Huanzhi was wearing a long emerald green dress, with her hair tied up in a casual twisted bun, a wide belt around her waist, and her figure was slender and graceful.
"This Taoist Qimu is both good and evil in the eyes of outsiders. He has a fifth-grade cultivation and is proficient in military tactics and good at strategy," Xuanfeng Huanzhi said, "When he was young, he was brave and aggressive. He once killed thirteen officials and evil gentry in one night in Jiangsu and Zhejiang because he could not bear to see the corrupt officials and evil gentry oppressing the people. He escaped from Jiangsu and Zhejiang, but was put on the blacklist by the Six Gates because of this.
"Later, he moved around, but his ambitions remained unchanged. More than ten years ago, he followed Zhao Jinghua, the 'Xuanwei Sword', to rescue the people in Lingnan and became an enemy of Hong Leichi. With the various suggestions of Qimu Laodao, he achieved considerable results. Unfortunately, Hong Leichi was too strong, and he was a top-grade master. In the end, they were no match for Hong Leichi and fled in defeat.
"Not long after that, Zhao Jinghua was tragically assassinated. The old Taoist Qimu was disheartened and lived in seclusion in Chishan. I also contacted him and tried to persuade him to cooperate with us, but unfortunately I failed. Now that the Dongting Army is strong, if he is willing to join us, it will be a great help to us."
As they were talking, the road ahead suddenly became brighter and they reached the edge of a cliff near the top of the mountain. They saw several thatched cottages and vegetable fields in front of them.
—An old man in a Taoist robe was sitting on a stone bench in front of the house, but a young woman with a sword on her back was talking to the old Taoist.
The woman had a pretty face and an elegant appearance, but was quite cold. She said something to the old Taoist and then walked away.
When she passed them, the young woman had an indifferent look on her face, as if she was not interested in anyone or anything. She didn't even look at them and just walked down the mountain.
Shi Hao and Xuan Feng Huan Zhi came to the old Taoist together. Xuan Feng Huan Zhi said: "Senior Qi Mu..."
Taoist Qimu's eyes widened, and he looked very unhappy. He suddenly turned to Shi Hao and sneered, "Are you the 'Mad Blade Demon Knight'?"
Shi Hao asked: "Your Excellency knows me?"
Taoist Qimu looked him up and down for a while, and sneered: "With your ability, how did you participate in the decisive battle with Lie Zunyi? It seems that there are not many rumors in the martial arts world that are worth believing.
Shi Hao maintained his disguised appearance with the Evil Shadow Disguise Technique, with his hands behind his back, and said calmly: "Some things are not about whether you can do them or not, but whether you dare to do them. I didn't do too much, I just did it when I was needed."
Taoist Qimu stared at him, and after a while, he snorted, "Interesting."
He picked up a crooked wooden stool in front of him, and with a small hammer, he started to hit it. While he was fixing the stool, he hummed, "What do you want me to do?"
Shi Hao said: "I would like to ask the senior to come out and assist our Dongting Army to fight against the barbarian army."
Taoist Qimu sneered and said, "You are from the Demon Sect, why should I help you?"
Shi Hao said: "Because it's not me that is being helped, it's the common people of China, the people of the world."
"Everyone in the world?" Taoist Qimu said disdainfully, "What a big tone! I think you are ambitious and want to take advantage of this chaotic world to dominate the world and change the dynasty so that you can become the emperor, right?"
Shi Hao laughed loudly, his face was stiff, and this laugh made him even more creepy, scaring all the birds on the mountain into flying away.
Taoist Qimu raised his head and glared at him: "What are you laughing at?"
Shi Hao put away his smile and sat cross-legged on the grass in front of the Taoist master Qimu: "Whether you believe it or not, I am not too interested in dominating the world. I have seen too many strange things. In my opinion, the imperial power in the human world is nothing but a passing cloud."
"I am participating in this war because, firstly, I cannot bear to see the suffering of the people and I hope to protect at least one piece of land in this chaotic world. Secondly, I want to find something to do and hone myself. As for any grand plans, just wait and see."
Taoist Qimu snorted, "You have seen too many strange things? At your age, how much have you seen? How dare you say that?"
Shi Hao raised his head and looked at the vast sky: "I have seen the eternal Yaochi, which was covered by lightning that destroyed the heavens and the earth. No immortals or gods were left, and all spirits were destroyed."
"I have seen the vast and boundless heavens, leaving only broken shadows, lifeless and gloomy, with all things turned into nothingness."
"I saw a phoenix soaring high above the nine heavens, overlooking the vast earth, with no joy or sorrow. No one knew where it came from. Even if the world were destroyed, it would still stay there, overlooking the vastness."
"I saw the collapsed Dragon Gate. Long ago, any creature that jumped over it could ascend to heaven and become a dragon. Now it is nothing more than a ruin left over from the distant ancient times."
Taoist Qimu looked at him with his eyes wide open. After a while, he snorted again, "Boy, I've seen many people who lie without thinking, but I've never seen anyone as liar as you."
Shi Hao shook his head and said, "A morning mushroom does not know the new moon and full moon, and a cicada does not know spring and autumn! These things are too mysterious, and it is difficult for me to explain them to you."
Taoist Qimu said unhappily, "According to what you said, you have seen these strange things, but you have no interest in ambitions. Then why are you running the Dongting Army now?"
Shi Hao said in a deep voice: "Original intention!"
Taoist Qimu frowned: "What do you mean?"
Shi Hao said: "Before I encountered these things, I lamented the destruction of China and the suffering of the people. I don't know how many people were destroyed by the brutality of the barbarian court. Afterwards, I saw a wider world, and I knew that there was an even wider world outside the human world."
"But I don't want to forget my original intention. I hope to do something for the world before pursuing a realm beyond the world. I believe that I was born into this world for a reason. I want to bring peace and prosperity to this world. This is my original intention."
“Only after I have completed this initial aspiration can I pursue the realm of transcendence.”
Taoist Qimu snorted, and suddenly said, "Watch this!" He flicked his sleeves, and boom, a huge force rolled towards Shi Hao like a tidal wave.
Shi Hao stretched out his hand, and with a bang, the surging energy hit the wall of the sky. The Taoist Qimu's hair and beard flew backwards, and the wooden stool in his hand broke into pieces. He also staggered like a candle in the wind.
"What kind of technique is this?" Taoist Qimu was moved. "Although it only has a fifth-grade foundation, it is neither Taoist nor demonic, and it seems to be above Taoist and demonic. I have never seen such a technique before."
Shi Hao said: "Hunyuan Yi Qigong!"
Taoist Qimu looked at him and gritted his teeth: "Okay! Although I don't believe your nonsense, but based on your amazing skills, I am willing to go with you. But I have a request!"
Shi Hao said: "You say!"
Taoist Qimu snorted, "I can help you. Whether you want to become a king or a saint, that's up to you. But you must not harm the people. If you keep saying that you have not forgotten your original intention, but do things that harm the world, don't blame me for being ruthless."
Shi Hao couldn't help but smile and said, "Senior, just don't worry about this little thing. If I do something that harms the world, you don't have to do anything, I won't let myself go."
Taoist Qimu glared at him for a while, put away the things in his hands, went back into the house, carried a package on his back, and came out quickly. Without saying a word, he turned around, locked the wooden door, and went down the mountain with them.
They returned to Jingzhou by boat and Taoist Qimu followed them into the city. When they entered through the city gate, they saw soldiers coming and going in an orderly manner, while the people were still doing their own things and were not disturbed by the fall of Jingzhou.
Qimu Laodao asked in surprise: "How did you manage this army into this state?"
Shi Hao said: "Set high aspirations, establish rules, clearly distinguish rewards and punishments, and do not offend anyone! That's all!"
Taoist Qimu sighed, "Even with just this one sentence, countless armies wanted to do it but couldn't."
Shi Hao said: "So from the beginning, we must be on guard. If we always think of delaying, selling favors, and talking about personal relationships, those who have made contributions will not be rewarded, and those who have committed crimes will not be punished. Over time, everyone will bend the law for personal gain."
"The same is true for discipline. As long as one person makes a mistake and does not receive punishment, others will have a sense of luck. So we must start with ourselves, work together, enforce the law strictly, and punish violations of the law."
"If everyone knows from the beginning that this army is like this, then it will naturally be like this. If you relax from the beginning, it will be too late to catch it later."
As they were talking, they arrived at the mansion and saw a girl standing next to the stone lion in front of the mansion.
The mansion that Shi Hao chose in the city avoided the original government offices and wealthy mansions. It was just a small courtyard with warriors stationed in front of the door.
The girl was standing by the door, wearing only an ordinary autumn-scented double-breasted skirt. Her long hair fell like a waterfall from the back of her head. She didn't tie her hair into a bun, but simply tied up the ends of her hair with a rose-purple bow.
No matter how you look at it, she is just an ordinary girl. Although she is well-made, she doesn't look special because she is only wearing a cloth skirt that ordinary girls wear.
Perhaps knowing that her master was not at home, the girl did not say much and just waited by the door.
The warriors guarding the door did not chase her away, but just glanced at her occasionally, probably wondering what this girl wanted to do with their magic hero
Shi Hao stepped forward and asked, "Why are you here, Senior?"
The girl raised her head and looked at him. Her eyes fell on his face, but she quickly scanned it up and down and said, "It's you."
That day in Overlord's Underground Palace, although Shi Hao had deliberately used the Evil Shadow Disguise Technique to change his appearance before taking action, the girl was such a powerful figure that although his appearance had changed, his figure remained the same. She took one look and naturally recognized him... After all, she already knew that the only ones hiding in the dark watching the battle at that time were this young man and his companions.
Shi Hao said: "Senior, please come in and talk."
Seeing how politely he treated this little girl who was only twelve or thirteen years old, Taoist Qimu couldn't help but ask, "Who is this little girl?"
Xuan Feng Huan Zhi said slowly: "'Goddess Infant' Ming Yue Shu!"
Taoist Qimu was moved!
Shi Hao invited the "Goddess Infant" Ming Yueshu into the palace. At this moment, she was already in his house. The serving ladies, Meihua and Taohua, dressed up as maids, served tea, and then left.
In the main hall, Ming Yueshu sat on a big chair. She was petite, so her legs were hanging in the air and her back could not lean against the chair. She just sat there, looking quiet and gentle.
Shi Hao asked, "Senior, are you here to know about Fairy Shengxuan?"
Ming Yueshu turned to look at him, slightly raising his face: "Last time you mentioned that you had seen Fairy Shengxuan, but because of the emergency, let's talk about it later. I heard that there is a Mad Blade Demon Hero gathering here to revolt, and I guessed that the Mad Blade Demon Hero should be Shi Chongyun who I saw last time, so I came to take a look."
Shi Hao wiped his face with his hands, restored his original appearance, and said: "I have already told Sister Zi Yin about the matter of the Three-Tassel Ghost Cave..."
Mingyue was surprised and asked, "Who is the sister Ziyin you are talking about?"
Shi Hao said: "It is the Fairy Shengxuan! To be honest, I saw her in Yuanshi Cave Heaven, and she didn't abandon me and recognized me as her sister."
Ming Yueshu was moved: "Although I know that Fairy Shengxuan and Demon Sect's Charm Emperor provoked the martial arts catastrophe because of the Yuanshi Cave Heaven, but you said that you saw her in the Yuanshi Cave Heaven, which is really unbelievable."
Shi Hao said: "In fact, I didn't just see Sister Zi Yin, I also saw the Emperor Mei."
He just waved his left hand and a ball of icy gas appeared. The icy gas suddenly turned and turned into a tornado. The tornado kept spinning in his hand, and then changed again and turned into water splashes.
Ming Yueshu said in astonishment: "This is the Three Yuan Flowing Pearl Technique, which is the inheritance of the Taisu Immortal Pavilion."
Shi Hao flipped his right hand again, and a magic fire formed a vortex, constantly spinning in the palm of his hand.
Ming Yueshu said softly, "This must be the skill of the Evil Lotus Sect! Practicing both Taoism and magic at the same time, this is unprecedented. If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I really wouldn't have believed it."
Shi Hao put his hands together, and the two energies connected, spreading into a mysterious airflow.