area51novel Page 394
Page 394
Just then, Chu Yang spoke up: "The reason I stopped you is that I don't want you to leave the city and die in vain."
The crying paused slightly.
Seeing that the cold, godlike man finally speak, some of the people mustered their courage and said, "Those wealthy merchants and officials have all left, taking their guards with them. If we stay, we'll just be waiting to die."
As soon as these words were spoken, someone immediately echoed, "That's right! How could so few people possibly defend Jinling City? Sir, please be lenient and let us out!"
"Yes! Please, sir, let us out!"
"Have mercy on us and give us a way to live!"
Chu Yang shook his head and said, "I'll just ask you one question: once you leave Jinling City, how will you evade the demon race's pursuit? What makes you think you can escape them?"
A scholar stepped out from the crowd and said politely, "The soldier who delivered the message said that Qi Family Army is trapped in Wanglong City, which proves that he came from Wanglong City. Considering the distance from Wanglong City to Jinling City, plus the speed of his blue-maned horse, we still have one day to escape."
"If all goes well, we can seek refuge in the next human city before the demons arrive."
Upon hearing this, everyone's hopes were rekindled, and they demanded that Chu Yang open the city gates.
Chu Yang sneered, "That's what those high-ranking officials think too, which is why they'll die a horrible death."
The scholar was taken aback, not understanding why Chu Yang would say such a thing, and assumed that he was just making excuses. He frowned and said, "If you cannot find a reason to refute me, please open the city gates."
As soon as he finished speaking, a handsome young man stepped out from the crowd. However, upon closer inspection, one could see that his temples were already streaked with white hair and there were some wrinkles at the corners of his eyes. But his eyes were very young and bright, as if they could illuminate the hearts of others.
Because he is so good-looking, people subconsciously overlook his age.
He walked up to the scholar and explained, "I think what this gentleman means is that no matter how fast a person runs on two legs, they can't possibly outrun a great demon."
"As far as I know, some bird-like demons can fly dozens of miles with just a flap of their wings. What you call a day's journey might not even take the time it takes to drink a cup of tea in the eyes of those great demons."
"Not to mention that some canine monsters have an extremely keen sense of smell, and it is commonplace for them to track the scent of three to five days ago."
"It's alright if you're alone, the scent will dissipate faster. But if a group of people are traveling in the wild, those demons will be able to detect them very quickly. That's why this lord is forcibly keeping you in the city to give you a chance to survive."
After the extremely handsome young man finished explaining, the people who were unaware of the truth finally understood Chu Yang's intentions, and their anger turned into gratitude. A few people still did not believe it, but they dared not incite the crowd to storm the city gate anymore.
The scholar who had spoken up to argue with Chu Yang lowered his head in shame. His attempt to use common sense to speculate about the demon race was a mistake beyond belief.
Seeing the scholar's expression, the handsome young man smiled and comforted him, saying, "General Qi has protected Jinling City very well, and even the nearby towns are rarely attacked by demons and monsters. This is very rare in the entire south, so it's normal that you don't understand these things."
The scholar bowed slightly, then bowed again to Chu Yang on the city wall before leaving with a flushed face. It was unclear whether Chu Yang had listened to him or not.
After persuading the crowd to disperse, the handsome young man leaped onto the city wall, met Chu Yang's gaze, and bowed, saying, "Your Highness, it's been many years. I wonder how you've been?"
"When I became the third-ranked scholar in the imperial examination, some people gave me jewels, some gave me beautiful women, and some even promised me high-ranking positions. But no one knew the pent-up emotions in my heart. All I wanted was to get drunk and forget everything!"
"You treated me to the best Daughter's Red wine in the capital and got me drunk. I still remember the taste of that wine to this day."
"I never expected to see you again after ten years. Your Taoist skills are almost profound. It's truly impressive."
The newcomer was none other than Li Xunhuan, the "Little Li Scholar" from ten years ago, who is now known as "Little Li Flying Dagger."
Actually, Chu Yang didn't intentionally invite Li Xunhuan for drinks. Rather, it was because the emperor was pressing him relentlessly, putting him under immense pressure, and he could only vent his frustration by drinking.
Who would have thought that by a twist of fate, she would meet the wandering scholar Li Xunhuan.
However, the two only drank together once. Not long after, Li Xunhuan resigned from his official post and went into seclusion, never to be found again.
How did you end up in Jinling City?
Chu Yang looked at him with considerable surprise.
"We were chased here."
Li Xunhuan shook his head and smiled bitterly, "I stayed outside the Great Wall for ten years. I just wanted to come back and take a look when the people from the Dragon Guard Manor found me. I have to say, the Dragon Guard Manor's intelligence capabilities are truly the best in the world."
Chu Yang asked curiously, "Why are they chasing you?"
Li Xunhuan said helplessly, "I don't like being an official, but they insisted that I become one, especially as the chief instructor of the 800,000 Imperial Guards. How could I possibly be qualified for such a high position? I had no choice but to run to Jinling City to avoid trouble for the time being."
Chu Yang's expression gradually turned cold as he asked, "Wasn't the head instructor of the Imperial Guards Guo Bujing, the chief constable of the Six Doors, concurrently serving as his position? Why has he suddenly been replaced by someone else?"
Li Xunhuan said, "The two men who were chasing me said that it was because the Emperor was considerate of Guo Juxia, who was holding two positions and was overworked, and hoped that he could take care of his health, that he dismissed him from his position as the head instructor of the Imperial Guards."
Chu Yang closed his eyes, seemingly lost in thought. After a moment, he opened them, his eyes flashing with a chilling light. "Your Majesty is indeed kind and benevolent."
"I wonder if His Majesty is a little tired after ruling for so many years."
Li Xunhuan understood the implied meaning in the words, and his body trembled instantly, his face showing shock.
"Since Li Tanhua is here, he might as well stay and guard the city. Your Little Li Flying Dagger is the nemesis of bird demons."
Chu Yang didn't care how shocked Li Xunhuan was by his words and actions; he only wanted to handle the matter at hand.
"Your Highness, rest assured, that is exactly what I intend to do."
The moment Li Xunhuan stepped out of the crowd, he had no intention of remaining aloof.
"Then please ask Scholar Li to go to the other city wall to assist them in defending the city."
Jinling City has two gates, one in front and one behind. The gate under Chu Yang's feet faces south and is directly opposite Wanglong City, so it will be the first place to be attacked by the demon race.
Li Xunhuan asked in confusion, "Does Your Highness not need my help?"
Chu Yang explained, "I am enough on my own. You can take those constables with you later."
"One person defending the city?" Li Xunhuan hesitated, as if he wanted to say something but then stopped himself.
I don't know how to evaluate Chu Yang's "confidence" or arrogance.
Defending a city is no child's play. Even top martial artists would perish if faced with a million iron hooves, let alone the demon race about to attack the city.
The demon race is naturally superior to the human race in terms of physique, and the killing power of the soldiers on both sides is also different. When the two armies clash, the demon army is clearly stronger than the human army.
“I know Your Highness is familiar with Taoist arts, but it is still too much for one person to defend the city. You have been in the capital for many years and may not have seen much real war.”
Li Xunhuan tried his best to persuade Chu Yang to give up the idea of defending the city alone.
"Li Tanhua, there's no need to worry. Since His Highness says so, he must have a good reason to be so."
A figure approached from afar, a brocade spring knife at his waist; it was Li Gexiao.
"Lord Li?"
Li Xunhuan looked at Li Gexiao in surprise.
"Li Tanhua, it's been a long time. I heard you went to the border region. I wonder what the scenery there is like?"
Li Ge walked forward with a smile.
"The only scenery in this harsh and cold place is the endless snow."
Li Xunhuan shook his head and chuckled.
"Since you're going to retire, why not find a good place instead of going to the borderlands to suffer?"
Li Gexiao asked, somewhat puzzled.
"I did something heartbreaking, so I went to the border region to suffer."
For the first time, a bitter expression appeared on Li Xunhuan's face, and Li Gexiao felt the same way. He immediately understood that the sad thing Li Xunhuan was talking about was related to his relationship.
"Since that's the case, let's not talk about it." Li Ge waved his hand and walked straight to Chu Yang, cupping his fists and saying, "Your Highness, I've made arrangements on the other side of the city wall. Lu Xiaofeng and the others found the Demon-Slaying Crossbow at General Qi's residence, which can help us defend the city."
"However, it would be best to send someone to request assistance from the imperial court, so that we can be absolutely certain of success."
Chu Yang said, "Then you can go. It's a good opportunity to settle your score with Yan Song."
After hearing this, Li Gexiao decisively shook his head and said, "I have to stay and defend the city. Whoever wants to take Yan Shifan's life can take it; it has nothing to do with me."
Chu Yang was surprised. He had thought that Li Gexiao would not hesitate to appear and intercept Yan Shifan, after all, the pain of losing his wife had been etched into his heart for so many years.
"If you need someone to tip you off, I have two good candidates."
Li Xunhuan smiled and said, "Does Your Highness remember that I was chased to Jinling City just now?"
Chu Yang asked, "Are you referring to the Dragon Guard Manor?"
Li Xunhuan nodded and said, "The ones chasing me are Duan Tianya, the number one secret agent of the Heavenly Rank, and Guihai Yidao, the number one secret agent of the Earthly Rank."
“They were led to other places by my servant Tie Chuanjia, and I reckon they should be here soon.”
Although Li Gexiao was curious as to why the Dragon Guard Manor was pursuing Li Xunhuan, he knew that the important matter was more pressing, so he said, "The Dragon Guard Manor has been cooperating with the Divine Marquis's Mansion for many years. The Divine Marquis's Mansion is responsible for dealing with demons and monsters, while the Dragon Guard Manor is responsible for gathering information and is proficient in ways to evade the monsters' pursuit."
"With Duan Tianya and Guihai Yidao in charge of relaying messages, we can guarantee that everything will be foolproof."
With Chu Yang in charge, Jinling City can protect itself, but other southern cities may fall into disaster. Therefore, the sooner the imperial army arrives, the greater their chance of survival.
Chu Yang suddenly spoke up: "In that case, find those two as soon as possible. However, only one person is needed to pass on the information, and the other person should do something for me."
Li Xunhuan asked, "What is it?"
Chu Yang replied, "I want to know the situation in Wanglong City. How exactly did General Qi and his Qi family army get trapped there?"
Li Xunhuan understood Chu Yang's thoughts and said with a wry smile, "Your Highness, Jinling City is already struggling to take care of itself. Are you still thinking of helping Qi Family Army in Wanglong City?"
The implication was clear: "You must be dreaming."
Li Ge grinned and said, "Li Tanhua is really not suited to be an official. It's a good thing you resigned back then, otherwise you would be in trouble now."
Li Xunhuan asked in confusion, "What do you mean, Lord Li?"
Li Gexiao patted Li Xunhuan on the shoulder and whispered, "When I was still a centurion, my teacher told me that it's always better to do more and ask fewer questions."
Li Xunhuan was still in a daze when Li Gexiao dragged him off the city wall.
After the two left, Chu Yang stood on the wall and whistled. Not long after, a huge wolfhound appeared at the base of the wall and gave Chu Yang a fawning smile.