"Young man, full of vigor."

Fang Zheng spoke:

"They were born into a chaotic era, accustomed to fighting and killing, daring to fight and struggle, unlike us who seek stability."

"This is also good..."

He leaned back:

"Forming a good relationship now, if anyone can forge a path in the future, it will also be beneficial for Gu’an County."

"This world ultimately belongs to the young."

"Yes." Shangguan Duo understood the implication and cupped his hands:

"I will keep an eye on them and provide assistance if needed."

"Mm."

Fang Zheng nodded.

*

*

*

Not long after.

News from the front lines came one after another.

The two former life-and-death rival forces, Princess Qingyuan and Three Sages Manor, unexpectedly formed an alliance, clearly surprising the Nie Family.

Facing the invading army, the Nie Family’s influence rapidly contracted, currently holding tightly to the Prefecture City.

Summoned by Li Yingxuan, righteous soldiers from all over joined the ranks.

Except for Gu’an County,

Yuan Zhongdao also couldn’t withstand the solitude and led 300 private soldiers to join the battle, gradually making a name for himself.

Early June,

The two armies formed a siege, directly threatening Zhaonan Prefecture.

At the end of the month.

The flames of war approached within ten miles of Zhaonan Prefecture, where a Master triggered an earthquake and altered river courses, trapping thousands of troops.

Mid-July,

The forces of Three Sages Manor first appeared beneath the city walls of the Prefecture City, launching a probing attack on Zhaonan Prefecture.

By the end of July,

The two forces converged, and the offensive intensified.

"It’s said."

"In mid-August, disciples of the Profound Flame Hall, previously reclaimed by the Nie Family, suddenly incited a rebellion within the Prefecture City."

"Hall Master Ah Nan Tu, unknown when he became a Martial Sect leader, shattered two streets with his dual blades, almost breaking through the city gate."

"Afterward..."

"An old ancestor of the Nie Family, long since deceased, appeared and forcefully suppressed Ah Nan Tu with overwhelming mana."

"Had it not been for Princess Qingyuan’s timely rescue, even as a Martial Sect, Ah Nan Tu might not have escaped disaster."

"It’s said."

"Princess Qingyuan had long secretly subdued the Profound Flame Hall, aiding Ah Nan Tu to achieve the Martial Sect status. This time infiltrating Zhaonan Prefecture for inside-out coordination, it’s a pity they didn’t anticipate the Nie Family ancestor wasn’t dead, thus failing at the last step, but it also exposed the Nie Family’s trump card, revealing a gap in their city defenses."

Much news trickled in.

Fang Zheng stroked his chin.

The disorderly Profound Flame Hall turned out to be under Princess Qingyuan, no wonder they were never eradicated completely.

Isn’t this akin to holding the bandit to boost one’s power?

Hmm...

Back then, when I killed the Fairy Lv Hua of the Luofu Immortal Sect, Li Yingxuan inquired about it, and I used Ah Nan Tu as an excuse.

Looking at it now,

Li Yingxuan probably laughed at me back then.

"Nie Family’s old ancestor..."

"Should be over 300 years old, right?"

"Yes." Shangguan Duo nodded:

"Three hundred and seventeen years old, a Master’s typical lifespan is three hundred, but there are many Secret Techniques and Spiritual Medicines to extend life."

"Though rare, those who live past three hundred are not unheard of."

"Over three hundred years!" Fang Zheng sighed lightly:

"Just his accumulated mana is incredibly formidable, probably no one in the surrounding prefectures can match him."

"Not exactly." Shangguan Duo spoke:

"According to the latest reports, though Princess Qingyuan isn’t his match, she can protect herself."

"Furthermore, there’s the Iron Flute Immortal, who repelled the pursuers of the Nie Family, making the Nie Family’s old ancestor hesitant to act rashly."

"Iron Flute Immortal?"

Fang Zheng shook his head.

This isn’t good news. His beloved disciple died by my hands, who knows if he’ll seek revenge in the future.

"Young Master Ping’an is currently under the command of the Princess, stationed in the rear as a Mage, so he’s safe."

"Additionally,"

Shangguan Duo continued:

"The Nie Family has produced a Female War God, leading nearly ten thousand government soldiers in relentless assaults, making the Battle Array unstoppable."

"Even Martial Sect leaders and Masters can’t withstand her edge."

"In recent months, Nie Shensha has left Zhaonan Prefecture five times, causing nearly ten thousand casualties. Neither Three Sages Manor nor the Princess could do anything."

"Oh!"

Fang Zheng raised an eyebrow and looked at Yang Meng.

"My lord."

Yang Meng cupped his hands:

"According to reports, Nie Shensha’s battle array is likely the Nine Nether Soldiers Array, which can utilize the resentment of the deceased and the determination of the dead to manifest countless Ghost Soldiers, even establishing an Underworld, making it a top-tier battlefield slaughtering technique."

"Recently, with numerous casualties in Zhaonan Prefecture, the accumulated resentment makes the activation of the Nine Nether Soldiers Array truly unstoppable."

The battle array gathers the strength of ten thousand people, suppressing mana and True Qi, even suppressing heaven and earth’s Qi Mechanism.

For Martial Sects and Masters, facing the battle array leaves them helpless.

It can be said.

The reason Zhaonan Prefecture has held out for so long without falling is largely due to Nie Shensha and her Nine Nether Soldiers Array.

"What about you?" Fang Zheng asked:

"How do you compare in the Dao of Battle Arrays?"

"Currently, she is not my equal." Yang Meng replied:

"In the future, I will not be her equal."

Fang Zheng understood.

Yang Meng is already in his fifties or sixties, and the number of private soldiers in the Fang Mansion is limited. If the two were to be opponents, they could rely on experience and cultivation base to win now, but their future growth potential is far inferior to Nie Shensha.

"Lord."

Yang Meng spoke seriously:

"We, as commanders, can use the battlefield to temper our physical bodies and enhance our cultivation base. Nie Shensha is currently flawless."

"If she advances to the Martial Sect and has over ten thousand elite soldiers by her side, even the Commandery Princess and the Three Sages Manor will be scattered."

"In recent months, she has repeatedly deployed troops, precisely to hone herself; do not underestimate this woman, she is likely the biggest variable in this battle."

Fang Zheng raised an eyebrow.

Accustomed to solo fights, he always overlooked the power of Military Schools’ battle arrays.

Indeed.

Currently, Nie Shensha is merely flawless, yet she can force two factions not to confront her head-on. If she achieves Martial Sect status...

Who can oppose her?

No!

Little Princess Li Shu also understands Military Schools’ battle arrays, and in terms of cultivation base, she is stronger than Yang Meng and Nie Shensha.

Why has she not taken action?

Could it be that Li Yingxuan is guarding against his own sister?

"By the way."

Shangguan Duo remembered something and laughed:

"Regarding this Nie Family Female War God, there’s an interesting rumor in the market, saying her sweetheart is a stable boy at home named Sun Huai’an. Though he comes from a humble background, he is extremely handsome, and Nie Shensha was willing to destroy the Nie Family’s marriage contract for him, almost turning against her family."

"That stable boy is currently in the military camp too; the two haven’t married yet but are already living in the same military tent."

Yang Meng shook his head upon hearing this.

Fang Zheng merely laughed lightly.

Who knows the truth of such market rumors, and even if they were true, what does it matter? As long as one has adequate strength, they can be capricious.

"Report!"

Someone reported from outside the hall:

"Qian Buyu from Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion requests an audience."

Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion?

Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion is not just any merchant but the purse strings of the world’s number one Daoist sect, Profound Celestial Dao.

What does the Qian Family want at this time?

Fang Zheng pondered:

"Let him in."

"Yes!"

......

Qian Buyu had gray hair, likely already in his sixties or seventies, yet his spirit was still vibrant.

Upon entering the hall, he clasped his hands in greeting:

"Qian, greets Hero Fang."

"Sit."

Fang Zheng gestured with his hand:

"A rare guest indeed, Brother Qian actually came to Gu’an County. Could it be to purchase some Square Porcelain and silk fabric?"

"I do have such an idea. Square Porcelain ceramics are sought after wherever they go." Qian Buyu nodded and continued:

"Of course, I have other important matters this time."

"Oh!" Fang Zheng replied:

"Let’s hear it."

"At the behest of Lord Nie, I’ve come to seek assistance." Qian Buyu corrected his expression, stood up, and clasped his hands:

"Due to vile people’s frame-up, the Nie Family is currently at a life-or-death juncture, hoping Hero Fang can lend a hand."

"Afterward, the Nie Family is willing to present generous gifts. Furthermore, Gu’an, Santai, and Wu Qing counties will belong to Hero Fang."

"Sorry." Fang Zheng shook his head:

"I’m merely a rural landlord, powerless to help the Nie Family, and adding onto Gu’an County would already be gratifying."

"As for Brother Qian..."

"Has the Qian Family already submitted to the Nie Family?"

"To be honest with Hero Fang, the Qian Family does business in the Prefecture City, how can they not have Nie Family support?" Qian Buyu shook his head:

"If there were another way, I would not want to be involved."

"Is that so?"

Fang Zheng narrowed his eyes:

"Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion, do they have to answer to the Nie Family too?"

Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion represents Profound Celestial Dao.

Although the court is tumultuous now, Profound Celestial Dao’s reputation as the world’s number one Daoist sect has not yet faded.

Profound Celestial Dao’s Daoist Lord Wei Boyang is also a terrifying existence who can claim the title of ’top master’ in the Cultivation Realm.

"Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion..."

Qian Buyu shook his head.

Profound Celestial Dao has Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilions all over the world; the Qian Family is responsible for Zhaonan Prefecture. Unfortunately, business has not been good in recent years.

In the Daoist sect, they are not respected.

Moreover, the Qian Family’s patron in Profound Celestial Dao has fallen, life is becoming increasingly difficult, and long gone are the glories of over ten years ago.

"Hero Fang."

After a brief consideration, Qian Buyu spoke:

"You also know the Qian Family deals in Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion business. Do you have any interest in purchasing the Magical Treasure from Mad Daoist?"

"Hmm?" Fang Zheng’s eyes glinted as he smiled:

"So Brother Qian was waiting for me here."

"Indeed." Qian Buyu didn’t deny it, nodded, and said:

"Part of my visit is at Lord Nie’s behest, seeking Hero Fang’s support, and part is for someone who wants Mad Daoist’s Cyan Rope Sword."

Cyan Rope Sword!

An upper-grade magical treasure, Mad Daoist’s protective item.

This sword is extremely sharp and brimming with spiritual energy. If wielded by a Master adept at Sword Control, it can greatly increase power.

Previously, Mad Daoist wielded this sword, almost slashing through the battle array and escaping alive.

"I’m not skilled in Sword Control; Cyan Rope Sword would be wasted in my hands."

Fang Zheng stroked his chin and replied:

"If the price is right, it’s not impossible to sell."

"Really?"

Qian Buyu was greatly pleased upon hearing this.