Chapter 44: Mai

  In the depths of night, Qingyang Commandery.

  Li Jizong's narrow and long Danfeng eyes flashed with cold light, his face looked a bit ferocious. The scene that had just occurred seemed to appear again in front of him after the generals left. These bastards were originally afraid of his military power, and outside there was also the Western Xia army. After Chen Heng's death, they squeezed out that smelly and hard Zhang Wenguang, making Li Jizong the most powerful person in Qingyang City. He had indeed been glorious for some time, but now the Western Xia army withdrew without a sound, a group of cowardly guys, what great things could they accomplish? Next was the arrival of the reinforcement troops, he also went to the city head to take a look, the camps were densely packed, the flags were fluttering, just looking at the black and dense grain carts, it was possible to feed 30,000 to 50,000 soldiers for several months. Originally, he thought about pulling those bastards and the court to have a good talk, relying on the remaining food in the city, plus the estimated grain from Lingnan would arrive soon? By then, relying on the strong city and this town's 100,000 elite soldiers, it was not impossible for Li Jizong to create a new situation. But he still underestimated those bastards who were usually humble and timid. After the Western Xia army left and the reinforcement troops arrived, these guys' courage seemed to have grown, during the meeting they hummed and hawed, but there wasn't a single accurate word. He couldn't really say what was in his heart, facing a group of soldiers with different thoughts, he didn't dare to be too harsh.

  Thinking of this in his heart, his temper flared up and he couldn't hold it back.

  "Respected one, what should we do now? The Western Qin army has arrived and is busy setting up camp. They haven't even sent anyone to inquire about the situation in the city. It seems they already know the general layout of the city. Do you think we should send someone over to ask questions, find out which general is in command, and get a sense of the outside situation? Our Maitreya Sect has worked hard to establish itself in Western Qin, using countless manpower and resources. We can't let it be destroyed by our own hands. Previously, there was indeed an opportunity given by heaven, we could have used the area between Western Qin and Western Xia to create a base for our sect's uprising. This is the dream of many generations within the sect. However, the timing isn't right now. We should prioritize preserving your military position first. The prince of Western Qin has something in his hands that belongs to us, I heard he is also the supervisor of this relief army. Our Maitreya Sect has helped him so much, how can we let him stay out of this?..."

  After listening to him, Li Jizong thought for a while, gritted his teeth and smiled, "Yuan Fang elder brother, you are wrong this time. The day my brother beheaded Chen Heng with one knife was because he had confirmed that the reinforcements were led by the Crown Prince. How could the grain and grass in Qingyang disappear? Everyone's heart is clear about it. We don't care what we do, he will take the blame for us. Who knows, maybe he even hopes that we will slaughter all those who know the inside story...

  I'm not talking nonsense, think about it, from Pingliang to Qingyang is just a short distance, even with fast horses, it would only take five or six days to arrive. And look at the reinforcements that arrived below the city, how long did they take? I don't believe the imperial court's news would be so slow. Nine out of ten times, it must be that cowardly Crown Prince playing tricks, he's probably hoping we'll all die in Qingyang City so he can continue being the Crown Prince. Can we really count on him?

  I don't understand things in the martial arts world, but as for officialdom, Yuan Fang, you still have a lot to learn. Tomorrow, judging from the situation, we'll probably go to the big camp outside the city, who knows, it might be a feast at Hongmen...

  The old man's eyes sparkled with a sharp light as he heard this, "Sir, since that's the case, why not take advantage of our current situation where we have men and soldiers to rebel against her..."

  Li Jizong shook his head and said, "Yuan Fang, my old brother, we've been partners for many years now. I know you're a man of honor and loyalty. Today, no matter what, you have to listen to me. Take the brothers, Yun'er, Juan'er, and my wife, and leave through the west gate tonight. Go find Wei Da Hu Zi. Don't say anything else. I've thought it through clearly. If we rebel, our soldiers won't listen to us, and we'll lose the lives of all the brothers. These are the fundamental principles of our teachings. After being in the military for so long, without the foundation of Qingyang, as long as these brothers are here, our Mi Yi Jiao can have hope for revival. I was wrong earlier, thinking that if we killed Chen Heng, they would have no way out and would have to follow us. Later, we could take advantage of the situation between Xiqin and Xixia, but now it's clear that this is a huge mistake. The fact that the prince dares to delay until now before coming over means he knows our men are not united and is afraid of being unable to control the situation."

  "Alas, Dangxiang people, where is the prestige of those years? First, they fought a unnecessary and messy battle with Zhang Wenguang, then they retreated in disarray. From this, we can see that Dangxiang people have lost their ambition. It's just that Li Jizong was pitied, after planning for so many years, it all ended up being empty..."

  "What about you, sir?" The old man looked at Li Jizong with a burning gaze. He had known Li Jizong for a long time and knew that although he usually seemed careless and unorthodox, he was actually a profound and ambitious person. But today, he was disheartened and had already given up on his future plans, seemingly having made up his mind to die. "Why not... Tonight we can sneak out of the city and head to Lingnan, where we can make new plans for greatness. There's no need..."

  Before he could finish, Li Jizong had already waved his hand and burst out laughing. The laughter echoed in the secret chamber, but it was a desolate and helpless sound that couldn't be put into words. After finishing laughing, he stood with his hands behind his back, and this man who had been called a spoiled brat since childhood actually had a dignified air about him. "I, Li Jizong, have endured for so many years, my foundation and business are all in this Qingyang City, since entering the Divine Sect, I have never had any consideration for myself. This time, with our defeat, more than 100 members of my family will surely be implicated, if I were to live alone, how could I rest easy? Furthermore, that Crown Prince would not rest until he sees my head, and would surely search all over the world, at that time it wouldn't just implicate the brothers of various families, but also hinder the Sect Master's great plan. This matter doesn't need to be mentioned again, I am definitely unable to escape..."

  You and I have a deep friendship, all I ask is that you take care of my two children, don't let them get entangled in the disputes of this world again, let them settle down and start their own families, and continue the legacy of our Li family, then I will consider our brotherly bond not in vain.

  "I've arrived at the Master's place and told him that I, Li Jizong, have gone to see the Fire God with my fellow brothers from various families. I didn't give the Master a chance to settle down and rest, which is unforgivable..."

  "Speaking of which, looking at the old man's reddened eyes, he couldn't help but smile and say: "Yuan Fang, you're also a famous hero in the Jianghu world, how can you be so timid and hesitant, making people laugh? Although this time is perilous, there might still be a glimmer of hope. Maybe that Prince will take a liking to us and spare our lives, who knows? At that time, we'll live or die together with our brothers, what a wonderful feeling... Haha..."

  (My favorites have dropped again, and there are no recommendations. I'm so sad... Favorites, recommendations, favorites, recommendations... And also, I found a big bug myself and fixed it casually. Some people might not know that the chapter you modified will be displayed on the homepage. I'm not trying to cheat for clicks! Some people seem to be very dissatisfied with this, it's unfair.)