The Grandmaster Strategist

Chapter 150: To die for

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Duan Lingxiao was already heartbroken, but seeing that Xiao Shunzi and the other five all stopped their hands and retreated, except for surrounding themselves more closely, they didn't even make any moves. The side disperses, revealing two people, one of them is a white-haired old man, and the other is a handsome young man with a particularly childish look. Embarrassed, the young man was holding the old man in his left hand, and holding a short knife in his right hand against the old man's throat, he was standing opposite Jiang Zhe, far away. At this moment, a scolding voice suddenly came out from the guards: "Ling Duan, you are ungrateful, how dare you threaten me with a hostage." Jiang Zhe gave the tiger a cold look, his icy eyes let go He backed away angrily.

But it turned out that the young man was Ling Duan. After he followed Qiu Yufei back to the Northern Han Dynasty, he had no intention of returning to the army. After all, for him, his general was only Tan Ji, not to mention Qiu Yufei intentionally recommended him to join the Demon Sect. , Although Qiu Yufei did not have time to return to Jinyang and went to the East China Sea, he still gave him a letter asking him to see Duan Lingxiao, and Duan Lingxiao was quite fond of Ling Duan, although he had not been officially accepted as a disciple, but too sooner or later. Although Ling Duan had been with Duan Lingxiao for a short time, his martial arts were the foundation that Tan Ji had laid for him, and Qiu Yufei and Duan Lingxiao had to call on him successively, and his martial arts improved a lot, although it was not as good as the demons that Duan Lingxiao carried this time. A named disciple, but he has barely entered the second-tier. He has been in the army for many years and is very familiar with the geography of Qinzhou and Zezhou, so this time he also followed Duan Lingxiao to participate in the post-war search and kill operation. However, when following Su Qing, Duan Lingxiao did it alone, while the other disciples of the Demon Sect who responded to Duan Lingxiao followed the mark left by Duan Lingxiao. Only Ling Duan was left behind ten kilometers away because of his low martial arts skills. After guarding the horses, he escaped the capture of the tiger guards. But Ling Duan was unwilling to stay behind and wait. For him, Jiang Zhe was the biggest shadow in his life, his most respected general, and his friends who were suffering were indirectly killed by this person, so he disobeyed the order Sneak into the village. However, he came too late. At this time, Hu Jiwei had already withdrawn from ambush and trapped Duan Lingxiao by the lake. The rest of the Demon Sect disciples gave their heads one after another. Ling Duan came late, but he saved his life.

Ling Duan knew that he had no ability to rescue Duan Lingxiao, so he could only hope that Duan Lingxiao could escape by himself. Unfortunately, Duan Lingxiao failed to break through the siege. Ling Duan knew in his heart that this time the entire army would be wiped out, and the only turning point was himself, because it seemed that Yong Jun did not discover his own existence. Although Duan Lingxiao has not officially accepted Ling Duan as a disciple, but Ling Duan has already regarded Duan Lingxiao as a mentor. In order to save the life of the master, the disciple should have sacrificed, so Ling Duan made a decision regardless of life and death.

When he sneaked into the village, he found Ji Xuan and Zhao Liang. The two were protected by two tiger guards, or under house arrest. They were not allowed to leave the residence. Zhao Liang was nothing, but Zhao Xuan was There, he couldn't stop complaining about Jiang Zhe, and he heard the two tiger guards smiling bitterly. Ling Duan, who had followed Jiang Zhe for a while, knew that although Jiang Zhe had an easy-going temperament, he was very strict. He had personally experienced Jiang Zhe's methods. Although Zhao Xuan complained constantly, Ling Duan could feel it intuitively. The old man's tone was kind. When he talked about Jiang Zhe, his tone was like that of a acquaintance and an elder. Judging from the expressions of the two tiger guards, he was not angry because of it, which showed that Jiang Zhe was not interested in this old man. To be very respectful is to be very tolerant, no matter what kind of situation it is, it shows the importance of this old man. Thinking of this, Ling Duan decided to hold Zhao Xuan to hold Jiang Zhe. Of course, Jiang Zhe might not care about the life of this old man at all, but Ling Duan must not watch Duan Lingxiao die here. He is very aware of Duan Lingxiao's arrogance. Prisoner, he will never live in the world.

But not to mention that the young man who was busy packing his clothes was not weak in martial arts, even the two tiger guards could not be easily dealt with by himself, and they could not disturb the Yong army by the lake, but fortunately Ling Duan brought a sleeve of arrows. It was originally given to him by Xiao Tong. At this time, the weapon used by the Northern Han scouts to capture the enemy, the arrow was quenched with a strong anesthetic, which could capture the enemy alive for torture. With the secret skills taught to him by Qiu Yufei and Duan Lingxiao, he successfully Put down all four of them. However, he didn't take the lives of these people. This is not because he is soft-hearted. He is worried that if he kills these people to anger Jiang Zhe, it will be self-defeating.

At first, my heart was like a river and a sea. How could such a thing happen? Two Hu Weiwei and Zhao Liang are protecting Ji Xuan. Although Ling Duan's martial arts are excellent, after all, he is still young. , and should not succeed silently. Su Qing whispered beside me: "Sir, that person must have used a hidden weapon for quenching medicine. The scouts of the two armies have such hidden weapons, which are used to capture the enemy alive." I suddenly thought, no wonder Ji Xuan's face was weak. It's not like I don't know about such a method. I even developed the hidden poisoning weapon in the hands of the secret camp disciples. However, I have always regarded Ling Duan as a person with a bright character, and I never imagined that he would use such a method. . Now that I think about it, I can't help laughing, after all, Ling Duan is Tan Ji's personal guard, and it seems that his relationship with the Mozong is also very shallow.

I glanced at Ji Xuan, and when I saw his tired expression, I couldn't help but get slightly angry, and said, "Ling Duan, Jiang is too lazy to mention the past, you treat me like dung, I don't blame you, today you You want to threaten Ben Hou with a hostage, do you think Ben Hou is a soft-hearted person?"

Ling Duan felt a chill in his heart. He saw Jiang Zhe's expression was cold. Although he was a weak scholar with a refined bearing, he was standing with his hands behind his back. His thin body seemed as proud as green bamboo in the snow. It's just that my thoughts are flooding. He said bitterly: "Ling Duan did not dare or forget about the methods of your lord. In the past, Ling Duan was already a prisoner of death. Fortunately, he got the mercy of the lord and escaped. Although the lord killed Li Hu later, Ling Duan felt resentment for a long time. But now that I think about it, our lives were originally picked up by the adults, and even if the adults took it away, we would have nothing to say. If the adults were safe at that time, they should have killed me together, but the adults still let it go. In the Diye store, Ling Duan aroused his inner demons for the sound of the piano, assassinated the adults, and the adults were kind enough to spare Ling Duan's life. Ling Duan did not dare to forget the grace of his life three times, but Ling Duan could not forget General Tan, Li Hu's death, and now the eldest son is Ling Duan who wants to worship his teacher. The teacher's life is at stake. As a disciple, how can he sit back and watch. Ling Duan guesses that the adults are very caring for this old gentleman, so he dares to threaten, as long as the adults are willing to let him go. Young Master, Ling Duan would rather die to apologize."

I frowned. Although I didn't mean to kill Duan Lingxiao, I also saw that it would be impossible to capture Duan Lingxiao alive. This Duan Lingxiao's identity is very important. Seeing his temperament and intelligence, he is definitely not someone who is willing to endure humiliation and bear heavy burdens. I'm not happy to let him go. Looking at Xiao Shunzi subconsciously, I asked his opinion with a wink.

Xiao Shunzi frowned. In his opinion, killing Duan Lingxiao was naturally the best. How could Ji Xuan be more important than Duan Lingxiao, not to mention that if there is such a master, he would be a threat to the son after all, but he also knew that he You can't make your own decisions. After all, the son has a far-reaching vision. Many decisions that seemed very unwise at the time were the key to determining the outcome in the future, so he finally decided to only explain the current situation. After thinking about it for a while, Xiao Shunzi said through a voice transmission: "Sir, Duan Lingxiao has hit me two fingers one after another, and now he has suffered serious internal injuries. My internal strength is from Yin to cold. Mr. Sang once taught me a mental method that can be restrained. Demon Sect's mental method, his internal injuries are like maggots attached to bones, if he wants to recover as before, he will have the help of Demon Sect, it is impossible without a few months, and now he is just forcibly supporting it."

After listening to Xiao Shunzi's words, my heart was a little wider. In this case, if Duan Lingxiao, who can't do anything, is replaced by Ji Xuan, I won't suffer. But I need to take more of the cheap, and I can't let Ling Duan succeed easily. Otherwise, what should I do if someone follows suit? Woolen cloth? Deliberately putting my expression colder, I said: "Ling Duan, you have also listened to me by your side, as long as you let Mr. Ji go, I will spare your life, otherwise I will kill the eldest son Duan first. , and then deal with you."

A firm look flashed in Ling Duan's eyes and said: "Sir, since Ling Duan dares to threaten you, he doesn't take life and death in his heart. If the Lord asks you to continue to attack the eldest son, Ling Duan can only kill this old gentleman first, and then Accompanying the eldest son to die here, whether this person lives or dies, the lord can decide."

I jumped in my heart, I didn't expect this Ling Duan to be so determined, but how could he know that I would definitely exchange hostages? At this time, Ji Xuan may have been fading away from the medicine, so he said with all his strength, "I don't need you, Jiang Suiyun to save me. If I want to kill, kill me. How can I be humiliated?" I almost clenched my teeth, this Ji Xuan It's really making trouble for me, but if Ling Duan misunderstands that I don't want to save him, it will be trouble. He quickly checked Ling Duan's expression and saw that his expression became more and more confident. Even though Ji Xuan shouted loudly, he just pressed the short knife to Ji Xuan's throat, Neither light nor heavy, so as not to hurt him, and beware of him breaking free. Seeing that I was silent, Ling Duan said loudly, "Sir, if you don't decide, I'll have to kill him."

I looked at Duan Lingxiao angrily and said, "How does the eldest son see this matter?"

Duan Lingxiao has been conditioning his injuries so that he can find a burial when he makes another move. He is not sure that Jiang Zhe will let him go for an old man. Hearing Jiang Zhe asking himself, he said indifferently: "Duan'er is also a nonsense, the adults are not. He is a noble, how can he be easily threatened, Duan is confident that his worth is not low, Duan’er should leave quickly, at least this person should be enough for your life.”

Ling Duan's eyes were red, and he was about to burst into flames. He naturally doubted whether Jiang Zhe would be threatened by him. Although Jiang Zhe seemed to attach great importance to the hostages in his hands, Young Master Duan was the first disciple of the Demon Sect and had an honorable status. , Even if he changed himself, he would never let it go easily, but as long as there was a glimmer of hope, he would not give up. Looking at Jiang Zhe, he gritted his teeth and said: "Sir, please decide, if you don't want to exchange, the only way to kill this person is to get some interest back."

I was stunned. Ling Duan was arrogant and arrogant by nature. If he continued to force him, I was afraid that he would kill Ji Xuan, which would be bad. Since Duan Lingxiao has been seriously injured, it doesn't matter if he is released. He won't be able to make a move for a few months, so I'm relieved. By the time he can make a move, Beihan's buildings will be collapsed, and his martial arts will be useless no matter how high he is.

I smiled bitterly and thought to myself, it’s okay to let Duan Lingxiao go, but I can’t let you go so easily, I rolled my eyes, and I said coldly, “Although Mr. Ji is a friend of mine, Young Master Duan is a member of the Northern Han Dynasty. Master and disciple, what a noble status. When I saw him today, I felt that the eldest son was a hero of a generation. It would be fine even if he let him go. But you are taking hostages and blackmailing this marquis. Everyone in the world thinks that the Marquis can be threatened, so let’s see, if you are willing to let Mr. Ji go, I will allow you to exchange your life for the life of the eldest son of Duan, and I have already suffered a loss.”

Ling Duan was stunned for a moment. Although he was ready to pay the price of his life, he did not expect to use this method, but after thinking about it carefully, Ling Duan felt relieved, thinking that taking hostages is inherently shameless, and he is just a person. The little man, the eldest son is the first disciple of the Demon Sect. If he can give his life to his life, he really has taken advantage of himself. Thinking of this, he calmly said: "Sir, Ling Duan has never seen the son break his promise. Life is on the line, Ling Duan is willing, but please forgive me, Ling Duan can't let go of the hostages before the eldest son leaves."

Duan Lingxiao shook his head slightly. At this moment, he knew very well that Jiang Zhe might not want to leave his own life. Only by the way that Jiang Zhe instructed Su Qing to intercept him, he knew that Jiang Zhe was a thoughtful and vicious person. There will be no way for the enemy to survive. He asked himself if he faced such a situation, although it was a little dangerous, it was not without the possibility of successfully saving the hostages. Ling Duan's martial arts were not high. He wouldn't think that Jiang Zhe really kept his promises. As long as he killed all the outsiders who knew about it, who would know that he never kept his promises. So maybe Ling Duan was the one who contributed to his survival, but if Jiang Zhe had not had such an idea, he would never have gotten this chance. And Jiang Zhe wanted Ling Duan to die, or maybe it was because of revenge on Ling Duan that he damaged his majesty. But now Duan Lingxiao has no way to stop all this from happening, unless he really wants to die here, but even if he is willing to die, he can't save Ling Duan. He raised his head and looked at Jiang Zhe, who happened to be approaching him. Those clear and quiet eyes seemed to have a hint of ridicule, and they looked at each other. Duan Lingxiao clearly saw a flash of surprise on Jiang Zhe's face, as if he had noticed Seeing through his mind, he couldn't help showing a bitter smile. In any case, his life was exchanged by a late disciple of the Demon Sect. Such humiliation would surely follow him for the rest of his life.

Sighing lightly, he said indifferently: "Duan'er, let go of Mr. Ji, who is Mr. Jiang, you can threaten him, now that he has agreed, he will not regret it for no reason, and neither should you. Stubborn."

Ling Duan was at a loss, he already respected Duan Lingxiao very much, he hesitated for a while, and finally let go of Ji Xuan, he was confident that the eldest son would not seek death, and sure enough, after he let go of Ji Xuan, except for the two tiger guards who quickly helped him Outside of Ji Xuan, Jiang Zhe did not order an attack, and no one even came to subdue him.

I glanced at Ling Duan, who had a deadly expression on his face, and knew that this young man had really given up all his desires for survival. I couldn't help feeling pity in my heart. At this moment, a tiger guard hurriedly came to report: "Master Qi, Zhao The three of them are not life-threatening, they just passed out."

I was relieved, looked at Ling Duan, and said coldly, "Ling Duan, do you know why I have always treated you well."

Ling Duan raised his head, there was no trace of blood on his pale face, he gritted his teeth and said nothing.

I said coldly: "You are just an ordinary soldier, why should I use it to please you, if you are not the ghost rider in General Tan's personal guard, why should I pay attention to your life and death? Humiliating you, but you are ungrateful and run away privately, that's all, in the face of General Tan, it is understandable that you are loyal to the Northern Han Dynasty. Although this lord was arrested, he did not really treat you. If you were lucky enough to survive, you should Good life to save your life, but you have come here today, I am afraid that you have come to assassinate Ben Hou. Seeing that the opportunity failed, you also threatened the hostage and threatened Ben Hou. It is unbearable or unbearable. Come, drag him down and punish him with fifty whips. "

The self-owned tiger took the lead and took him down. Ling Duan had no heart to resist, and walked out silently with his hands down. After a while, the sound of whipping flesh sounded in the distance.

After disposing of Ling Duan, I looked at Duan Lingxiao and said with a smile, "Does the eldest son have any objection to this treatment of me?"

Duan Lingxiao's eyes flashed with a hint of happiness, and said, "Master Hou is merciful and willing to spare Ling Duan's life. Duan feels the same way. Even if Master Hou has broken his promise and took Duan's life, Duan will die without any shock."

I smiled slightly, Duan Lingxiao really looked like a torch, just because I punished Ling Duan, I knew that I had no intention of killing him. First, I used Ling Duan, and I felt a little guilty for him. Second, I like Ling Duan's temperament very much, since he didn't kill him Hu Xi and Zhao Liang, who were conspiring to death, I will also open up the net. Of course, the most important reason is that after today's events, Ling Duan must have an extraordinary position in Duan Lingxiao's heart, and will inevitably become an important part of Mozong in the future. Character, there is a person who is fearful and grateful to me in the Demon Sect. It is definitely a good thing for me. After all, the Northern Han Demon Sect cannot be destroyed. Not to mention that the inheritance of the Demon Sect has its own uniqueness. With my original intention, I would not want to destroy the Demon Sect. After all, neither the emperor nor I want to see the Shaolin Temple as the dominance of the famous sects. The rivers and lakes are like the imperial court, and power needs to be checked and balanced.

Since I no longer wanted to kill Duan Lingxiao, I waved my hand to make everyone retreat, leaving only Xiao Shunzi, Huyanshou and Su Qing to protect them. His internal injury was not minor, but Xiao Shunzi was completely unharmed. With such masters as Su Qing and Hu Yanshou by his side, Duan Lingxiao would never believe that he could assassinate me no matter how conceited he was. How could such a smart and decisive person do something useless? So I also put on this kind of friendly pattern, but Xiao Shunzi will not let him leave, the son of a thousand gold, I am very careful, who knows if Duan Lingxiao will go crazy

I said gently: "Eldest son Duan, Ling Duan is not suitable to stay in Qinzhou, I will send him to Donghai to be with Yufei, I don't know what the eldest son wants?"

Duan Lingxiao's eyes flashed, and he said, "Thank you for your compassion. Although this child's martial arts skills are not high, his character and aptitude are top-notch, and I can't bear to have any damage to him on the battlefield. Yu Fei treats this child differently and sends him to him. It is also good to go to the East China Sea, Hou Ye really loves Ling Duan very much."

I sighed softly: "It's a pity that Zhe Ping didn't see General Tan personally. General Tan only has such a close guard to stay. How could Ben Hou have the heart to take his life."

Duan Lingxiao's heart moved, and when he saw Jiang Zhe's sincere tone, he couldn't help but sigh: "Tan Ji is so arrogant and arrogant, and his heart is full of hatred and sorrow. That day, the master intended to accept him as his disciple, but unfortunately, because he has too much demons, he is only destined for the next generation. I am also deeply saddened by the death of General Tan when I teach martial arts."

I said in a loud voice: "Heaven is not benevolent, life is chaotic, and the earth is not benevolent, the smoke of wolves is smoldering; relatives and parents are turned to dust, and their ambitions are broken and their hearts are broken. What can I do? Although resentment is repaid and hatred is endless, the kindness of the ruler is heavy, and death is difficult; murder is abundant. When I am wild, I have no regrets, I bleed and float on the scull, and all my souls are covered in charcoal; when you hold a crossbow, I hold a dagger, and I drive a horse, and you follow each other; when the water is cold, I bury my body, and when I go to the Yellow Springs, my mind is at peace; in life and death, I am generous and generous. , I am heartbroken when I meet that old man!"

Duan Lingxiao listened silently, and his expression also showed a look of embarrassment. He silently recalled Tan Ji's voice, face, and smile. His heart was full of sadness, but he suddenly realized that he had been practicing Xuan Gong for many years, and it was difficult for him to be emotionally fluctuated. He couldn't help it, it seemed that the severity of the internal injury was more than estimated, he did not show the slightest abnormality, and said indifferently: "Master Hou is really contradictory, although Tan Ji died in the hands of King Qi, the plan is probably decided by Master Hou. Why be sad about it now?"

I smiled proudly and said: "Although I am a scholar, I am a little arrogant. Although there are many people in this world, most of them are mediocre people, and there are very few people who are outstanding. I love heroes the most in my life, no matter if they are enemies. I am a friend, I will not neglect it, but unfortunately I am a secular person after all. Due to the limitation of my status, even if I love you dearly, I have to get rid of them quickly. General Tan and Duan Da Gongzi are heroes in the world, so General Tan You must die, and although you may not die today, eldest son, but I don’t know that I am not for the layout in the future, but it is good that the eldest son should not blame me when the time comes.”

Duan Lingxiao said with a loud laugh: "Jiang Suiyun is really bold. Although you are a scholar, your pride is not less than that of a contemporary hero. Emperor Yong has you as his assistant, no wonder he is so proud. Ling Duan is just a younger generation, so it's fine if you don't kill him. But Yu Fei once assassinated you, why didn't you kill him, but kept him in the East China Sea at all costs, isn't that the kindness of a woman?"

I smiled without saying a word. Although Qiu Yufei is highly skilled in martial arts, he is naturally rhythmic and tired of the world. How could such a person be a threat to me? To keep him, firstly, I admire him, and secondly, it is because of his usefulness in the future. At this point, killing a person does not mean hating him, and the kindness of his subordinates does not mean compassion. How can these things be explained clearly to others, and I have no heart to tell the truth, so is it not good for others to think that I have the kindness of women

Seeing that Jiang Zhe was silent, Duan Lingxiao was also silent. He naturally knew that the two were always hostile and could not communicate with each other. However, Duan Lingxiao felt that Jiang Zhe was a weak scholar, but he had a style under the forest and got along with each other. Sometimes it feels like a spring breeze, and sometimes it feels like walking on ice, which makes people feel conflicted that they can't bear to stay away and don't dare to get close, but it's a pity that this person is a great minister.

After a moment of silence, I also sobered up from my thoughts, and commanded: "Huyan, go get some wine, I want to see the eldest son off."

Huyanshou glanced at Duan Lingxiao vigilantly, went down and called out, and after a while, he personally brought a wooden tray over with a wine jug and two wine cups on it. Picking up a cup, Huyanshou walked over to Duan Lingxiao with a tray, Duan Lingxiao smiled calmly, and also picked up a cup.

I raised my glass and said, "Eldest son, if you kill my bodyguard, I will kill you in the same sect. The two countries fight against each other. You and I are enemies. There are only brewed wines in the countryside, but it is fate to meet today. Will the eldest son appreciate the honor?"

Duan Lingxiao drank it and said, "We will fight today, I will defeat you and win, but although your army is strong, it may not be able to win. I hope your Excellency will cherish it."

I didn't comment, but just slowly drank the wine and said, "It's a pity that the eldest son did not lead the battle. With your wit and decisiveness, the troops should not be under your majesty."

Duan Lingxiao was stunned for a moment, and then showed a faint wry smile. As the first disciple of the Demon Sect, he had to maintain a detached attitude. Reputation, let alone worldly affairs, is just how to talk to people for this reason.

I was also glad that Duan Lingxiao, who was drifting away, was sent away. Fortunately, this person was not my opponent. He had taken Ling Duan after he was tortured. I didn’t say much. Fei, if you are willing, go on your own way. Ling Duan was stunned and nodded in agreement. He has never had the face to fight against me again. But after he left, I politely asked Zhang Jinxiong to follow him to the East China Sea secretly. If Ling Duan keeps his promise, that's all. If he escapes on the way, he will be killed. I think General Tan Ji won't mind if I kill him. An unbelievable man.