Evening.
The Zouma Lane was eerily silent, save for the occasional sound of hooves from the cavalry of the Snow Region Army. Lin Zhao sat on the threshold of the Marshal's Mansion, pondering. He finally spoke, "Chu Yu, are those fourteen women still in my bedroom?"
"Yes."
Chu Yu nodded.
"Put Tong Yu with them then."
"Oh?"
Chu Yu narrowed her eyes and smiled, "Does my lord truly believe her name is Tong Yu?"
"She says so, and I believe her."
Lin Zhao smiled faintly, "What does it matter?"
Chu Yu chuckled softly. Both she and Lin Zhao were perceptive individuals, understanding unspoken matters with a shared glance.
...
As night fell, a large contingent of Da Shang cavalry blocked the entrance to Zouma Lane, numbering at least five thousand. They were led by a Commander of Ten Thousand Cavalry, whose collar bore the glint of a single golden star, indicating a rank far superior to Lin Zhao's position as a Commander of Five Hundred Cavalry. Without a word, he unfurled a military order and declared, "By order of Lord Yu Rang, we are to search the entire city. Commander Bai Yi, please grant us passage!"
Under the glow of the torches, Lin Zhao and Chu Yu rode forward. Lin Zhao smiled faintly as he looked at the Commander of Ten Thousand Cavalry, a mere seventh-realm martial artist. "May I ask what kind of person Lord Yu Rang is looking for?"
"A nine-year-old girl named Lu Tong, daughter of Lu Su, the Prime Minister of Dongwu Kingdom. She is said to be a beauty in the making, as lovely as a flower." The Commander of Ten Thousand Cavalry smirked, a knowing glint in his eyes. "If Lord Bai Yi sees her, you will surely recognize her at a glance. However, your Zouma Lane..."
He craned his neck to look, "You haven't plundered it?"
"No."
Lin Zhao shook his head, lightly tapped his left chest with his right fist, and said with a smile, "I couldn't bear to, so I didn't massacre the city."
"Is that so..."
The Commander of Ten Thousand Cavalry laughed, "What a pity, what a pity. Zouma Lane is second only to the imperial palace in terms of wealth. Many important figures live here, and they are all unruly folk. Wouldn't it be a shame not to search through it? If Lord Bai Yi is unwilling to kill, my brothers can do it for you. We can split the spoils fifty-fifty, how about it?"
His expression was earnest.
Lin Zhao smiled, "Perhaps not. What if I change my mind?"
"Hahahaha~~~"
The Commander of Ten Thousand Cavalry burst into hearty laughter. "Regardless, I must search Zouma Lane. This is General Yu Rang's order, and I dare not disobey. Please grant us passage."
"Passage is granted."
Lin Zhao glanced at the dense mass of Da Shang cavalry behind the Commander of Ten Thousand Cavalry. "Zouma Lane only has two residential streets. Deploy a hundred men for each street to search. How about you lead two hundred men into Zouma Lane to search? After all... Zouma Lane is flowing with riches, and it would be a shame if any of the jars and pots were broken. Those are my dowry funds!"
"Indeed!"
Beside him, Chu Yu smiled gently, "Please understand my lord's difficulties, Commander."
"This..."
The Commander of Ten Thousand Cavalry hesitated. If it were anyone else, it would be fine; thousands of men searching together would be faster. But these particular troops were different. Although they only had five hundred cavalry, they possessed a peak tenth-realm martial artist. Such a person dared not offend lightly. What if Chu Yu broke through to the eleventh realm, becoming a Tianyuan martial artist, and took a disliking to him? She could just storm into the army and settle it with a punch, and who would dare trouble a Tianyuan realm martial artist in the Northern Region?
"Fine!"
He nodded heavily. "Brother Bai Yi has spoken, and I must certainly give you face! Come, two hundred men will suffice. Follow me into Zouma Lane to search for Lu Tong!"
"Yes!"
Everyone nodded in unison.
...
Not long after, Zouma Lane was in chaos. Da Shang cavalry searched door to door, smashing them open if the residents refused. Upon entering, they conducted their search. As they approached the Marshal's Mansion, the Commander of Ten Thousand Cavalry glanced up at the large banner bearing the character 'Chen' and couldn't help but smile. "This is Brother Bai Yi's Marshal's Mansion?"
"Indeed."
Lin Zhao smiled and nodded. "Shall we search?"
"This..."
The Commander of Ten Thousand Cavalry showed a troubled expression. "Logically, given our acquaintance, we shouldn't search your residence. But Lord Yu Rang's orders are strict. If I make any oversight, my head might not be spared. So... shall we just go through the motions? Send a few men in to take a look?"
"Alright."
Lin Zhao nodded and accompanied the Commander of Ten Thousand Cavalry into the courtyard.
Shortly after, they reached Lin Zhao's living quarters. When the door was opened, more than a dozen women were huddled together, all looking pitiable. Some were crammed onto the bed, some sat on chairs, and others squeezed by the windowsill, their eyes wide with terror as they stared at the Da Shang cavalry who had suddenly barged in.
"Do not be alarmed."
Lin Zhao said calmly, "The Da Shang soldiers are searching for Lu Tong, daughter of Lu Su, Prime Minister of Dongwu Kingdom. You are naturally not her. Allow them to search and compare."
"Guards!"
The Commander of Ten Thousand Cavalry raised his torch and produced a portrait of Lu Tong. "Compare them one by one. If any resemble her, take them away immediately. Better to capture the innocent than let the guilty escape!"
"Yes, Lord!"
A group of soldiers rushed into the room.
Lin Zhao let out a cold laugh. "Brothers, watch carefully. These women are all those I plan to bring back to the Snow Region Heavenly Pool as wives. You can look, but don't get handsy..."
The cavalry burst into laughter, and the Commander of Ten Thousand Cavalry also smiled, giving Lin Zhao a knowing look that only men could understand.
Finally, a cavalryman spotted Tong Yu in the crowd. The young girl was covered in dirt, her hair short, looking nothing like the Lu Tong in the portrait, though her age was similar.
"Lord, there is one here..."
As the cavalryman spoke.
"Wait!"
Lin Zhao's stern command cut him off. "Don't say she's Lu Tong, she's not. She's my future wife! Although her age is similar, her appearance and build are completely different. And Commander Elder Brother, when did Lu Tong go missing?"
"Yesterday."
"I captured these women the very first day I entered the city!"
Lin Zhao stated, "Our entire battalion can testify!"
He slung an arm around the Commander of Ten Thousand Cavalry's shoulder and lowered his voice, "Damn it, brother, I really captured them on the first day! Zouma Lane isn't much, but the women are decent. Is it easy for me to capture so many beautiful girls? Brother, you really must help me out..."
As he spoke, he secretly slipped fifty Flying Fish coins to the Commander of Ten Thousand Cavalry. "This is for drinks. Absolutely do not tell anyone I have fifteen wives as beautiful as celestial maidens. I'm afraid those bastards will come to snatch them!"
"Hahahaha~~~~"
The Commander of Ten Thousand Cavalry roared with laughter, quickly pocketing the money and giving Lin Zhao a thumbs-up. "Brother Bai Yi truly lives up to his heroic reputation! Tsk, tsk, making this old brother envious and admiring! Understood, understood. Brothers, why aren't you all getting out of here? How can Brother Bai Yi's wives be casually looked at by you?"
The cavalrymen withdrew one after another.
Lin Zhao, arm in arm with the Commander of Ten Thousand Cavalry, nearly swore brotherhood until he escorted him out of Zouma Lane without any further incident.
Chu Yu followed behind, suppressing a smile. She was overjoyed. Her lord was truly a master of both civil and military arts, and his ability to overcome immense challenges with minimal effort was something ordinary people in the martial world could only dream of.
...
The Sixth Day.
Zouma Lane remained silent. Lin Zhao and Chu Yu sat on the rooftop, watching the sun rise. As the golden rays pierced through the clouds and spread across Ye City, a new day dawned. But for those who had the misfortune of surviving in Ye City, it was merely a prelude to another day of slaughter.
Ye City was a large city, home to four hundred thousand people. At this moment, fewer than a hundred thousand likely remained, with corpses littering every street.
Lin Zhao guarded Zouma Lane, waiting until nightfall.
Just as the Da Shang cavalry in the city raised their torches, a clamor erupted again at the entrance of Zouma Lane. Lin Zhao frowned. "Something seems to have happened again. Let's go see!"
"Mm!"
The two, accompanied by ten cavalrymen from the Snow Region Army, rode to the street entrance and found a large group of cavalry blocking the way. Tensions were already high, and a confrontation with Lin Zhao's men was imminent!
"What's going on?"
Lin Zhao dismounted and stepped forward to ask.
"My Lord!"
A Snow Region Army cavalryman clasped his fist. "These men insist on entering Zouma Lane to plunder. We've blocked them, and they're threatening to wash both us and Zouma Lane in blood!"
"Is that so?!"
Lin Zhao raised his hand and drew his Ben Lei Sword. Streams of lightning surged along the blade. He roared, "Come, let me see who it is that wants to bloodwash my five hundred cavalry of the Snow Region Heavenly Pool! Step forward!"
"Tsk, tsk, how powerful..."
From within the crowd, a cultivator accompanying the army rode out. Clad in a yellow robe, he was none other than the Star River realm cultivator who had aggressively attacked the city earlier. He cupped his fist. "I am Zhao Yichuan of the Qingliang Sect, leading two thousand brothers here to seek some sustenance... Hmph, the entire Ye City, from the imperial palace bricks to the roof tiles, has been almost stripped bare. Only this Zouma Lane remains untouched. Since Young Hero Bai Yi doesn't want to act, why not let my brothers do it? Who cares who kills? Now the Snow Region Army's five hundred cavalry are guarding here, neither killing nor leaving. Isn't that like occupying a latrine without doing your business?"
"Who do you think you are?"
Lin Zhao's gaze was icy. He raised a token in his hand. "Lord Yu Rang has granted me Zouma Lane as my territory. I can do as I please. What business is it of yours? Chu Yu, without my command, anyone who dares to step into Zouma Lane will be executed on the spot!"
"Yes, my Lord!"
Chu Yu smiled faintly, clasped her hands together, her joints cracking with a series of pops. Fist intent flowed through her, and she smirked, "Qingliang Sect? Zhao Yichuan? Tsk, tsk, do you really think you're something special?"
With that, Chu Yu flickered and sent a punch through the air towards Zhao Yichuan's face.
"You!"
Zhao Yichuan let out a low growl and raised his hands, palm techniques already surging. But after a tremendous bang, he actually slid off his horse, only regaining his footing after retreating dozens of steps. His arms went numb, and a chill ran through his heart. This was not good. He was indeed a Star River realm cultivator, but his opponent was a Stepping Sea realm martial artist! With equal realms, martial artists could easily overwhelm ordinary cultivators!
Chu Yu's initial display of power was highly effective. Fist intent flowed around her arms as she calmly looked at Zhao Yichuan.
Just then, another column of cavalry galloped over. Leading them was none other than Yu Rang, followed by four Commanders of Ten Thousand Cavalry and more than ten Commanders of a Thousand. He narrowed his eyes as he looked at Zouma Lane, smiling and shaking his head. "Young Hero Bai Yi, why be so coy? I bestowed upon you such a great fortune in granting you Zouma Lane, and you're unwilling to accept it?"
As he spoke, Yu Rang's gaze turned cold. "By doing this, aren't you chilling the morale of the three armies? Everyone else's hands are stained with blood, only your Bai Yi's hands are clean. Do you think we are beasts, and only you, Bai Yi, still possess a shred of humanity?"
"..."
Lin Zhao gritted his teeth, remaining silent.
On the sides, Zhao Yichuan's men dispersed, beginning to surround Zouma Lane. Further away, more Da Shang cavalry arrived. Yu Rang sneered and said, "Since Young Hero Bai Yi is not of the same kind as us coarse folk, why not immediately lead your men away? There are plenty of people who want Zouma Lane. Young Hero Bai Yi may depart quickly to avoid self-inflicted harm."
"Yu Rang."
Lin Zhao stared fixedly at the deputy commander of the Lin Lu Army, whom the human race called the commander of three hundred thousand troops.
"What is it?"
Yu Rang raised an eyebrow and smiled. "Does Young Hero have any profound insights?"
Lin Zhao smiled, suppressing his burning rage, and said word by word, "In the past, Da Shang had Yue Hao, Shao Shi Yu, Chen Wanli, and those countless loyal sacrificing provincial governors, Lin Wuyang, Li Xuanji, Ning Ze, Wen Tingwan, and others. Compared to these deceased famous generals of Da Shang, you, Yu Rang, are worse than a beast!"
In an instant, the entire army was astonished!
Yu Rang, who was known for his vindictiveness, knew that the moment the man in white uttered those words, he and his five hundred Snow Region Army cavalry were doomed!
"You little bastard..."
Yu Rang narrowed his eyes and smiled. "Are you looking for death??"
Lin Zhao pointed his sword directly at Yu Rang and said sternly, "Brothers of the Snow Region Army, fight to the last man!"
"Clang, clang, clang~~~"
The cavalry of the Snow Region Army drew their swords one after another, their eyes filled with pride. They weren't afraid of dying fighting the demon race, so why would they fear fighting these trashy Da Shang cavalry? They were just outnumbered, and it was a good thing, as they could kill more!
...
At this moment, on the blood-stained avenue of Ye City.
An old gentleman walked over, leaning on his cane. A small bamboo basket hung from his back, containing some wild fruits, and a wine gourd was tied to his waist. Despite his scholarly demeanor, he carried no books. In truth, he didn't need to. The old gentleman had spent his life in scholarship, possessing a vast repository of knowledge within him.
"This world..."
The old gentleman walked with a stoop and smiled. "Has humanity degenerated to such an extent that it cannot tolerate even a little of my young Lin Zhao's kindness towards the world?"
As he spoke, the ground of Ye City slowly trembled. Every step the elder took seemed to tread upon the Great Dao. Although it was night, golden rays of light pierced through the clouds, casting themselves upon the earth. The old gentleman lightly tapped the ground with his cane, and instantly, the swords, sabers, spears, and halberds in the hands of the Da Shang cavalry turned into wisps of smoke and scattered with the wind.
"..."
Although Yu Rang was merely a tenth-realm martial artist, he had lived for many years. This aura was that of a legendary sage! The old man's scholarly demeanor… could he be a Confucian sage?!