Yueyaotai said softly: "I'm glad that the young master is alright!"
Shi Hao suddenly stood up, hugged her around the waist, turned around and pressed her on the table.
Yue Yaotai gently pushed his chest, her pretty face flushed: "Young Master..."
Shi Hao smiled and said, "Sister Yue, you have been worried for so many days. Now it is my turn to repay you."
Yueyaotai said: "Young Master... Young Master... Ah..."
—
Yue Yaotai felt that when she was serving the young master, he was the master and she was the horse ridden by the master.
When the young master was riding a horse, he was sometimes in front and sometimes behind, and she was still the horse.
Finally, the young master restrained himself this time and did not make her shout so loudly that everyone could hear it like last time.
At that time, the situation on the Yuelian Tower side had basically stabilized.
The integration between Yuelian Tower and Jinghuashuiyue Pavilion has basically stabilized, and the Black Lotus Realm has also sent several teachers to help. The integration of the three sects is no longer just in name only.
On the Huang Tian Army's side, Li Xiuer became very popular in the Huang Tian Army because they successfully repelled the barbarian army that was charging at them aggressively. The impact of Li Badao's tragic death also quickly disappeared after this great victory.
These days, being able to lead everyone to victory is the most important thing.
The name of "Hidden Dragon" Master Chongyun gradually spread throughout the country.
This time, the barbarian army marched south in large numbers, determined to win. For Huang Tian's army, it was a fierce battle.
Although Li Xiuer is the leader of the Huangtian Army, it would be difficult to achieve the current results without Shi Chongyun, the self-recommended "military advisor".
Everyone knows that it was thanks to Shi Chongyun's unification of the Jiangnan martial arts world and the combination of various forces to form a powerful combined force that the barbarian army was ultimately defeated and even forced to abandon a big city like Guangling.
Guangling can be said to be the economic center of the south. It controls the Changhe River and the southern section of the Grand Canal. It is extremely important both economically and geographically.
If the Longfeng Society had not captured Jiangzhou and the Dongting Army had not begun to break through the barbarian army's blockade on the Changhe River, coupled with the all-out counterattack by all forces in the south of the Yangtze River, the barbarian army, which was unable to capture Kuaiji, would have begun to fall into an embarrassing situation of fighting alone. I'm afraid the Barbarian Court would not be willing to give up no matter what.
Afterwards, Li Xiuer directly pushed the capital to Guangling, and Huang Tian’s army pressed to the south bank of the Changhe River.
The territory around Poyang Lake was therefore divided equally between the Huang Tian Army and the Longfeng Club. The two armies controlled the east and west sides of Poyang Lake respectively, and formed a certain tacit understanding under the righteous cause of resisting the barbarians.
However, the long river is a natural barrier after all. Next, if the anti-barbarian forces want to make a difference, occupying the upper reaches and controlling the Dongting Army in Jingxiang becomes the top priority.
This is also the reason why Xuanfeng Huanzhi kept sending people to ask whether the young master had returned.
The situation on the Yuelian Tower side is stable. Li Xiuer's position in the Huangtian army is solid. And because of this victory, she has become the leader of the martial arts world in Jiangsu and Zhejiang in a subtle way, even as a daughter.
The Evil Lotus Sect also sent several teachers to protect her, so there is no need to worry for the time being.
Therefore, Shi Hao asked Zhijinhua to continue to stay in Yuelian Tower, and he himself took Xiaofeicui, Yueyaotai and Shalingshan and sailed to Dongting Lake.
When the merchant ship left Poyang Lake and approached Jiangzhou, it encountered a naval battle between the Longfeng Society and the barbarian army.
There were corpses, wooden boards, etc. floating upstream from time to time, and they were unable to get through for a while as they drifted downstream.
In desperation, they could only temporarily leave the merchant ship and let it turn back.
Shi Hao and the two altar masters went ashore with "Red Lotus Fiery Beauty" Zhu Pin, "Black Core Mysterious Charm" Huan Tingting, Peach Blossom Lady, and Plum Blossom Lady.
Because there are still some people in the martial arts world who recognize Yueyaotai and Shalingshan, and Shi Hao himself traveled back and forth in the Jiangnan martial arts world some time ago, and many people recognized him.
Therefore, this time, he used the Evil Shadow Disguise Technique to maintain the appearance of "Mad Blade Demon Knight" and appeared in front of people.
I even got a special sword for this purpose.
They entered Jiangzhou. Although Jiangzhou was under the control of the Dragon and Phoenix Society, it looked lifeless and did not have the vitality that Guangling and Gusu showed after being captured by the Huangtian Army.
The local people did not have much feeling about whether they were under the rule of the "imperial court" or the Dragon and Phoenix Society.
This also made Shi Hao frown...
Chapter 407: Wuwang Ghost City, a Proposal
They were at the window on the second floor of the restaurant. Sha Lingshan saw the young master looking out the window with a frown on his face, so she asked, "Young master, what are you worried about?"
Shi Hao said: "Once the Dongting Army begins to use its troops, it will also need the Dragon and Phoenix Society and the Huangtian Army to share the burden of the Barbarian Army, allowing them to maintain their pressure on the north bank of the Changhe River.
"The Huangtian Army is fine. Firstly, they are already under our control. Secondly, they now control the lower reaches of the Changhe River and the southern end of the Grand Canal. No matter what, the Barbarian Army will have to guard them.
"But the Dragon and Phoenix Society's foundation is unstable, and I'm afraid it will inevitably become a hidden danger to the anti-barbarian movement. If the Dongting Army attracts a large number of the main forces of the barbarian army, but they still cannot capture Chaohu and Luzhou, it will be very troublesome for the Dongting Army."
Yue Yaotai said softly, "Li Chenglong is a talented general after all, he shouldn't be so incompetent, right?"
Shi Hao said: "Although he is a talented general, he is unable to unite the entire territory into a united force. The Barbarian Court is brutal, and the people at the bottom suffer the most. Not only do the landlords and wealthy families not suffer, many of them are the middlemen and beneficiaries of the Barbarian Court's persecution of the people.
"And these landlords have their own considerations, fighting for power and profit. If everything goes smoothly, it's fine, but once they encounter setbacks, it's hard to say. In addition, there is actually another problem."
Yueyaotai asked, "Young Master, are you worried about Hong Leichi's mighty army?"
Shi Hao said: "That's right! Hong Lei Chi has not made many moves. The main reason is that he wants to wait and see the chaos in the Central Plains and see how the Barbarian Court and the various anti-barbarian forces can fight. In addition, the bad reputation of the Wei Ba Army is also a reason. No matter where it goes, it will inevitably provoke fierce resistance.
"But for the lower-class people in Huguang, the Barbarian Army is brutal, the Powerful Army is brutal, but they are equally indifferent to the Dragon and Phoenix Society. As for these wealthy families, they can become the 'middleman' of the Barbarian Court, and they can also become the 'middleman' of the Powerful Army.
"Anyway, no matter who arrives, they will be won over in the end. If the Dragon and Phoenix Society develops smoothly, it will be fine. Once the future is blocked, these people will inevitably have ulterior motives."
Sha Lingshan said: "But Li Chenglong can't stop. Once the Central Plains War begins, it will depend on who develops faster and more vigorously. If he can't make any achievements, he will also be abandoned. After all, he is a descendant of the prosperous dynasty, and he always talks about destiny and inheritance.
"Well, when it comes down to it, there were some issues with the path Li Chenglong took from the beginning."
Shi Hao shook his head and said, "The key is that his territory is not the kind of place where he can live in peace. If he does not make progress, he will be weak. If he does not develop, he will decline. And this may also lead to another problem..."
Sha Lingshan's eyes flickered, and she said, "Young Master is worried that if they fail to capture Chaohu and Luzhou, in order to further develop, they will have to take advantage of the Dongting Army's fierce battle in the Central Plains to resist the barbarian army and head towards Dongting Lake? They are not so stupid, are they?"
Shi Hao said: "It's hard to say! The army itself is like a giant python. Once it is deployed, it must eat something. Although resisting the barbarians is the general trend, if they really can't take Chaohu Lake, in order to give themselves and their subordinates an explanation and to continue to maintain the so-called "aggressive" momentum, it is very likely that they will take advantage of the emptiness of the Dongting Army's rear and attack Dongting Lake.
"Although in the long run, this is a huge mistake that benefits Man Ting and Hong Leichi, but at least in the short term it allows them to achieve results that everyone in the army can see and create a powerful feeling of momentum."
He smiled and said, "Of course, this is just one of the possibilities. There is no need to worry too much at the moment."
They did not stay in Jiangzhou for long and continued to head towards Dongting Lake.
On the way, news came of the results of the naval battle between the Dragon and Phoenix Society and the barbarian army, and the situation was not very good.
I rushed to Jinghua Lake and entered Xianyue Tower, but only saw Snake Queen but not Xuanfeng Huanzhi.
Snake Queen wanted to send someone to Jingzhou to invite the leader of the altar, but Shi Hao told her not to go through so much trouble.
At that moment, he left Zhu Pin, Huan Tingting, Meihua Niangzi and Taohua Niangzi in Jinghua Lake, and went to Jingzhou with Yueyaotai and Shalingshan.
Little Jade followed him.
He returned to his headquarters and summoned Xuanfeng Huanzhi, Qimu Laodao, Li Ximing, Gui Xiaoren, Wuling Sanluan and others to discuss the next move in the conference room.
Qi Mu Laodao said: "Demon Marshal, we all think that now is the best time to march into the Huai River."
Shi Hao sat on a big chair. At this moment, he used the Nine Transformations of Yin Mei to make himself look big and strong, with a gloomy face and sharp edges.
His tone was peaceful, and he said, "Reason!"
Taoist Qimu said: "The barbarian army attacked Jiangsu and Zhejiang, but not only did they fail, but they also lost Guangling, Jiangzhou, and Gusu. In particular, they were forced to withdraw from Guangling, which caused great losses to the barbarian court.
"The Prime Minister of the Barbarian Court, Fu Tu, is a man of great foresight and prudent behavior. Next, he will certainly abandon Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Huguang, and stick to the north bank of the Yangtze River, using the Yangtze River as the boundary and dividing the river into two regions. However, to defend the Yangtze River, one must defend the Huai River. The Dongting Army directly threatens the upper reaches of the Huai River, which will be the top priority of the Barbarian Court.
“Rather than waiting for the barbarian army to stabilize its position and attack Jingxiang, we should take the initiative to attack the Huai River. We can take advantage of the fact that they are retreating in the south and many parts of the Qinling Mountains are still covered with snow to capture the upper reaches of the Huai River.
"As long as we capture Suizhou and Guangzhou and control the upper reaches of the Huai River, the barbarian army will not be able to hold the north bank of the Yangtze River. The Dragon and Phoenix Society and the Huangtian Army will be able to move north at the same time. The anti-barbarian forces in the north will also gain momentum, and overthrowing the barbarian court is just around the corner."
Shi Hao nodded and looked around: "Does anyone else have any opinions?"
Xuanfeng Huanzhi said softly: "I have already made many arrangements in the Huaishui area. Once we start to attack Suizhou, many mountain strongholds between Changhe and Qinling Mountains, as well as many anti-barbarian forces will respond, which will surely make the barbarian army in the south, which is already unsuccessful, overwhelmed.
“But it is foreseeable that the Barbarian Court will not give up the Huai River. Even if we really capture Suizhou and Guangzhou, they will still suppress us with all their might, and a shocking battle will occur in the lower reaches of the Huai River.
"Under such circumstances, if the war doesn't start, then it's fine. But once it starts, it will basically be a decisive battle among all the forces. In the end, the Emperor of the Barbarian Court, the Prime Minister, the Servants of Heaven and Earth, and so on may all take action. Those people on the Black List who have been ready to make a move will most likely be involved."
Shi Hao said in a deep voice: "This is what I want everyone to know. No matter what, the Barbarian Court's military strength is still strong, and there are still four top-grade masters, or even more than four... Don't forget the 'Blood Lion' Zong Haixiongtu who has been hiding in the vast sea.
"At present, the top masters are actually restraining each other. Although there are several top masters in China, they are basically fighting on their own. Among the top ten masters on the black list, Hong Leichi is not mentioned for the time being. Wu Chengtian, Ding Mocan, and Zi Guilong also have their own ambitions. Once the Central Plains War breaks out, they will probably take action. We must be on guard."
Gui Xiao's voice was as soft as a woman's. "Demon Marshal, I have found something! The leader of the Poison Sunflower Sect, 'Red Dragon Poison Sea' Wu Tianshuo, was killed. The Poison Sunflower Sect suffered heavy casualties. The perpetrators should be the four generals under Ding Mocan."
Shi Hao remained calm on the surface, but he was thinking quickly in his heart: "Poison Sunflower Sect? Why did Ding Mocan go after the Poison Sunflower Sect? Hmm... Could it be that he wants to annex the Hanshui League?"
Xuanfeng Huanzhi looked around and suddenly said, "I have the latest news about Ding Moshen. I wonder if you have heard of Wuwang Ghost Market?"
Taoist Qimu, Li Ximing, and Gui Xiao all changed color.
The Three Rebellious Leaders of Wuling and other generals looked at each other in bewilderment, not knowing what this thing was.
Shi Hao didn't want to make himself, the Demon Commander, appear too ignorant, so he kept his face as cold as water.
His mind was quickly searching his memory... He had indeed heard of the "Wuwang Ghost Market" somewhere.
Then he remembered that it was at the Hongqiu Meeting, someone sold a ticket for three people to enter the Wuwang Ghost Market, and that ticket was worth two hundred taels.
The ticket was later bought by Xiaoyan. When she asked to buy it, Taoist Tieyu directly warned her not to go to such a place unless necessary.
Xuanfeng Huanzhi explained to the generals: "Wuwang Ghost Market is an extremely secret place in the northern underworld, where countless demons, bandits, and robbers gather. There is a huge black market hidden there, and anything can be traded there, as long as you can afford the price.
“You need a ticket to enter the Wuwang Ghost Market, and the ticket is very expensive. In addition, if the martial arts world cannot accommodate you, you can also go in directly and sell yourself to the Wuwang Ghost Market. Anyone can be accepted there, and anyone dares to be accepted.
"No one is allowed to kill anyone in the Wuwang Ghost Market. If you break the rule, you will not be able to leave alive. It is a paradise for bandits, but also a hell for them. Countless people have become rich overnight, and countless people have been trapped there, forced to sell themselves and become slaves in the ghost market."
Taoist Qimu's face changed: "Madam Fengzhi suddenly mentioned the Wuwang Ghost Market at this time. Could it be that she has found out the owner behind it?"
Xuan Feng Huan Zhi said: "It is Ding Mo Shen!"
Li Ximing frowned, "It's not surprising! For Wuwang Ghost Market to be so big and so powerful, there must be a top-notch expert behind it. We have speculated before that the owner of Wuwang Ghost Market is either Wu Chengtian or Ding Mocan. Now it's just confirmed."
Xuanfeng Huanzhi said: "In the past, Wuwang Ghost Market was just a paradise for thieves to sell stolen goods, and it was the last chance and desperate place for desperate people to escape. But now, Wuwang Ghost Market has begun to take action. In places like Xishu and Guanzhong, many underworld gangs have been forced to surrender to Wuwang Ghost Market. If there are those who refuse to obey, they will be slaughtered by Wuwang Ghost Market.
"This wave of changes in the martial arts world has spread very quickly. So far, many underworld gangs have been forced to submit to the Wuwang Ghost Market. It is precisely because the Wuwang Ghost Market used to be hidden in the dark, but now it has begun to appear on the surface and openly develop its power that we were able to find out the relationship between it and Ding Mocan and confirm that Ding Mocan is the real owner of the Wuwang Ghost Market."
Taoist Qimu sighed, "Wuwang Ghost Market has always been a place where filth and corruption are hidden. There are even many criminals on the blacklist who have been put on the death list by the Six Gates, but in fact they are hiding in Wuwang Ghost Market. This is a very powerful force, and now it is openly on the stage. It is obvious that Ding Mocan is determined to dominate the martial arts world."
Shi Hao glanced at Xuan Feng Huan Zhi and said in a deep voice, "Has the Hanshui League been attacked by the Wuwang Ghost Market?"
Xuanfeng Huanzhi said: "Not yet."
Shi Hao nodded slightly: "Behind the Hanshui League is actually the Dukui Sect, and there is a connection between the Dukui Sect and Hong Leichi. However, the Dukui Sect's plan to use the Hanyang Gang to swallow up Bashan was stopped earlier by the 'Hidden Dragon' Shi Chongyun, and Sheng Menghui was defeated in Chuyin.
"The two masters Xie and Du of the Poison Sunflower Sect died in Wu Gorge, and now 'Red Dragon Poison Sea' Wu Tianshuo has also been killed. The Poison Sunflower Sect has greatly reduced its strength and suffered heavy losses. The Hanshui League has almost lost the support of the Poison Sunflower Sect. Hong Leichi's power is far away in Lingnan, and he can hardly help 'Tiger Swordsman' Xiong Wanghu.
"Ding Mocan attacked the Dukui Sect but did not touch the Hanshui League. It seems that he wants to completely take over the territory and strength of the Hanshui League and subdue Xiong Wanghu."
Gui Xiaoren said grimly: "If the Hanshui League falls into the hands of Ding Mocan, we will be in danger."
Shi Hao said: "Ding Mocan is ambitious, and the White Dao led by Yue Panlong and Yun Caiyao will not sit idly by. In any case, that is not our top priority now. The most important thing now is to conquer Suizhou first."
"Once we send out our troops for this battle, we must win and not lose!"
The generals responded loudly.
After the meeting, Shi Hao continued to discuss with Xuan Feng Huan Zhi, Yue Yao Tai and Sha Ling Shan in the study.
The three altar masters gathered again. Xuan Feng Huan Zhi said, "Young Master, Ding Mo Shen is originally a demon. Now that he has killed the leader of the Poison Sunflower Sect, he is likely to come to our Evil Lotus Sect next. Young Master, you may also be their target, so you must be on guard."
Shi Hao paced in front of the desk. "If I were Ding Mocan, even if I annexed the Hanshui League, I would definitely attack the 'Demon Marshal' of the Dongting Army after the Huaishui War. Otherwise, it would be like helping the Barbarian Army. A person like Ding Mocan will not submit to the Barbarian Court. From a long-term perspective, he is a great enemy of my Evil Lotus Sect, but from a short-term perspective, there is no need to worry too much."
Xuan Feng Huan Zhi said: "Although this is my guess, we must not be careless. The top masters are involved with each other, and it is unlikely that Ding Mo Can will take action personally, but the four generals under his command and Wuwang Ghost Market are not easy to mess with."
Looking at Yueyaotai and Shalingshan, he said, "From now on, both of you must follow the young master and must not leave your post without permission."
Yueyao's face was as cold as water: "You don't need to tell me about this."
Sha Ling fanned herself and smiled, "I do have a suggestion on this point."
Xuanfeng Huanzhi and Yueyaotai looked at Shaling's fan at the same time.
Sha Lingshan smiled and said, "Looking at you all, you have actually thought of it, but you are too embarrassed to tell the young master! Oh, why bother? Although the young master is a man, he is also one of us, and he will definitely not be shy! Besides, it's not like the young master hasn't touched the three of us together before."
Chapter 408: Three Lotuses Converge into Yin, Separate Qi and Merge into One
Shi Hao looked at the three altar masters and asked, "What's going on?"
Sha Ling fanned herself and looked seductively, covering her face with the fan, looking shy: "Young Master, have you ever heard of 'Three Lotuses Converge Yin, Separate Qi and Merge Flow'?"
Shi Hao asked in confusion: "What is this?"
He looked around. At this moment, Xuan Feng Huan Zhi had her hair combed into a high bun, wore a phoenix crown, and was dressed in a long green dress. She had a tall figure.
She is a little older than Yue Yaotai, but not much older. She just seems more dignified and steady than the other two leaders.
She has fair skin, disheveled hair, a slender figure, and is taller than the other two forum masters.