Shen Dan and his brothers led their troops to drive away the deserters and arrived at the main camp. The Hanzhong soldiers had already fled. They captured more than 2,000 prisoners and seized all the baggage in the camp.
Shen Yi had learned that although Zhao Yun had ordered them to rest, he had secretly prepared for it and deliberately lured out the defenders. He exclaimed in admiration, "General Zhao is a man of both civil and military talents. We are no match for him!"
Zhao Yun said, "I have just asked the prisoners. Yang Bai led all the troops of Chenggu out. I will go to take the city first, and the two generals will guard the camp to support the army."
Shen Yi was ordered to guard the camp and escort the prisoners. Zhao Yun and Shen Dan led two thousand elite soldiers to pursue the victory and rushed to Chenggu. As expected, the city was in chaos.
The defeated army fled back first. The defending troops were all newly recruited soldiers who were at a loss. When they saw the defeated army fleeing to Nanzheng, they also fled, leaving the city gates wide open with no one to restrain them.
Zhao Yun led his troops into the city, first guarded the city gate, and then issued a notice to reassure the people. When the people saw that the Jingzhou soldiers did not burn, kill, or loot, they calmed down a little. By nightfall, Cheng Gu had been captured by Zhao Yun.
Liu Qi led the army and passed through the Ziwu Pass. Wei Yan pointed to the narrow valley that was like a mountain crack and said, "If you want to take Guanzhong someday, and take advantage of Cao's army leaving the camp, I will lead 3,000 Red Flame Army soldiers to attack from Ziwu Valley and take Chang'an directly. Guanzhong can be decided in one battle."
Xu Shu shook his head and smiled, "The Ziwu Valley is a rugged and difficult road, and it is impassable. I have never heard of anyone using troops there in history, so I'm afraid it will be difficult to succeed."
Wei Yan laughed and said, "The military advisor also thinks it is impossible, so we should send troops."
Xu Shu asked in confusion: "Why do you say that?"
Wei Yan laughed and said, "Everyone thought it was impossible, but I did the opposite, and that's how I was able to achieve a surprise victory. If someone thought it was possible to use troops here, they would have been prepared, so how could it be considered a surprise attack?"
Xu Shu was startled, shook his head and laughed, "What Wen Chang said makes sense. Attacking the enemy when they are least prepared and taking them by surprise is in line with the art of war."
Chen Daoyan said, "When it comes to crossing mountains and ridges, my Bai Li soldiers are the best at it, so why not let me go?"
Wei Yan glared and said, "I'll come up with a surprising plan, so the Red Flame Army will be able to handle it. Moreover, we are deep in the wilderness, without food and grass, and it's easy to get lost. There are many extraordinary people in our army, and only those who can be self-sufficient can handle it. I'm afraid the White Li soldiers can't do it."
Chen Dao said with a smile: "Most of the Bai Li soldiers are from Danyang. The terrain there is difficult and difficult, with numerous valleys, dense forests and large rivers. They were born and raised there, fighting wild beasts since childhood, so they can cross the Qinling Mountains as if they were walking on flat ground."
Seeing the two men arguing, Liu Qi hurriedly said, "The two generals are plotting loudly here. I'm afraid that before we enter Hanzhong, the plan of Ziwu Valley has spread throughout the army."
Wei Yan suddenly covered his mouth, looked around to see if there was anyone around, and then whispered: "This plan must not be leaked, it may be useful in the future."
Everyone laughed. At this moment, scouts in front reported the news of Cheng Gu. Liu Qi was overjoyed and urged his men to march faster. Now that they had a foothold in Hanzhong, they could use their troops calmly.
When the troops arrived at Chenggu, Liu Qi saw charity houses scattered along the way with common people hiding in them. He watched nervously and also ordered the entire army not to disturb the people, and that when entering Hanzhong, no one should be harmed.
Zhao Yun had already sent people to spy on the military situation in Nanzheng. Zhang Lu transferred Yang Ren to visit again, and there were still more than 20,000 defenders. Although Cheng Gu had some food and grass, it was only enough for one month.
Wei Yan clasped his fists and said, "Zhang Wei's army is still in Shudao. Why not rush to Nanzheng and defeat Zhang Lu first? Then we can pacify Hanzhong in one fell swoop."
Liu Qi frowned and said, "We only have 20,000 soldiers, and we have come from a long distance with light equipment. We are short of supplies and cannot attack the city. If we surround the city and rush to build weapons, I am afraid we will run out of food and grass. Moreover, Zhang Wei's 30,000 elite soldiers are outside, which will eventually become a big threat. If Zhang Lu escapes and joins with them, Hanzhong will never have peace."
Xu Shu said: "It is better to surround the point and attack the reinforcements. First destroy Zhang Wei, take the surrounding counties, cut off his external support, and then Zhang Lu will surrender without a fight."
Liu Qi nodded and said, "Military Advisor, this is a brilliant plan. Zhang Lu has deployed his troops to defend Nanzheng, which is actually a trap that he has built upon himself. I can peel it off layer by layer."
Xu Shu smiled and said, "We can send one troop to quickly capture Baozhong. Zhang Lu will definitely send troops to rescue it. At this time, we can send another troop to cross Nanzheng and capture Dingjun Mountain. If we can capture this place, we won't have to worry about Zhang Wei's reinforcements, and Hanzhong will be ours!"
Wei Yan, Chen Dao and others asked for orders one after another. Zhao Yun had already won a victory and was eager to show his merit.
Liu Qi smiled and said, "Only Huang Hansheng can take charge of Dingjun Mountain. Liu Pan and Huang Zhong will handle Zhang Wei's troops."
Liu Pan and Huang Zhong received the order, and Liu Qi ordered Wei Yan to lead the troops to attack Nanzheng first, while Chen Dao, Liu Xian and Kou Feng took Baozhong.
…
The defeated army fled back to Nanzheng and there was panic in the city. When Cheng Gu, the chief priest, heard the news, he tore up paper money on the spot, overturned the incense table, and burst into tears.
Yang Song was waving a peach wood sword and chanting scriptures on the altar. Hearing the noise, he got angry and said, "Who disturbed my formation and alarmed the gods? Can you afford to offend me?"
Cheng Gu, the chief priest, cried out, "If the gods don't bless me, what's the point of worshipping them?"
Yang Song was furious and said, "You bastard, as a priest, how dare you disrespect the gods and disturb the hearts of the disciples?"
Cheng Gu, the chief priest, looked ferocious, opened his arms and roared, "I am reciting the sutra here, but my home is gone, where is the spirit?"
"What?" Yang Song was shocked and asked hurriedly, "What's the military situation at the front?"
The ghost soldier who brought the news reported that the front army was defeated, Chenggu was lost, and Yang Bai was killed.
"Oh, my God!" Yang Song screamed, fell off the platform and fell unconscious.
The chief priests hurriedly helped him up and ordered people to carry him into the temple for treatment. Several people surrounded the chief priest Cheng Gu to comfort him.
"You don't have to be like this, my friend. Although your home is gone, you are still alive. This is the guidance of the gods, to help you escape from the disaster!"
"I heard that Liu Qi is kind and merciful, never kills innocent people, and treats prisoners well. Don't worry, brother!"
Cheng Gu Jijiu beat his chest and stamped his feet: "My disciples, my donations, and food are gone... all gone."
Zhang Lu changed Hanzhong to Hanning. There were no county magistrates or officials in various places. Instead, the people were governed by chief priests and governors. In addition to receiving a fixed amount of money and food to supplement the charity, the chief priest could also receive materials donated by believers and the people. Everyone had at least a fortune.
Baozhong Jijiu advised: "Since we have become monks to realize the truth, we should let go of everything and not let external affairs break our faith in the truth. As long as the Yishe is still there and the disciples are safe, everything will be fine!"
"It's easy for you to say that!" Cheng Gu Jijiu shouted, "It's not your home that was robbed..."
Nanzheng Jijiu said sternly: "As Jijiu, we respect heaven and serve the gods and set an example for the masses. How can we be so snobbish?"
When everyone saw that Cheng Gu, the chief priest, was so out of control because of losing his money, they all showed contempt for him, stopped trying to persuade him, and gathered under the altar.
Nan Zheng Jijiu said, "The High Jijiu ascended successfully just now. His soul has gone out of the sky to communicate with the gods. I am afraid he will not be able to return for three to five days. We still have to continue to preside over the formation. Who will be elected to continue to ascend the altar?"
Everyone's eyes suddenly lit up. Ever since Yang Song's last success, his prestige had greatly increased, and the reputation of the Five Pecks of Rice Sect had also risen. Almost every household in Hanzhong worshipped the sect, and everyone believed in it.
Seeing that he was popular, Zhang Lu gave up the idea of being crowned King of Hanning and planned to be promoted to Heavenly Master. Naturally, Yang Song would be promoted to the next Master. Whoever stepped up to the altar at this time would most likely be able to take over the position of High Priest.
For a moment, everyone started arguing again. Cheng Gu, the chief priest, wiped his tears for a while and sneered, "How can a group of selfish villains be qualified to be the chief priest?"
He had nothing now and was unable to compete for the position of high priest. He bowed to the altar, clasped his hands together, and prayed secretly to the gods, asking them to be punished as well.