The night.
Lin Zhao logged in, completed a simple second-tier quest, and after obtaining the title "Swordsman," he hurried back.
His inventory was full of 400 Divine Dragon Crossbows. He first teleported to Shanhaiguan, then to Xuezhu Tianchi. His heart was full of ambition, and the smile on his face couldn't be concealed. To him, was this just 400 Divine Dragon Crossbows? No, this was practically 400 Katyusha 100-round rocket launcher systems!
In the game, it was early morning.
Inside the camp, Lin Zhao took out the Divine Dragon Crossbows one by one. There was also a large pile of spare bolts that could be used for replacement and reloading. After Lin Zhao had taken out all the items, he said solemnly, "These are Divine Dragon Crossbows crafted by Mo family experts. They can continuously fire bolts and have a strong restraining effect on the demon cavalry."
Xie Zhi, Mu Qia, Chu Yu, Xu Sheng, and others' eyes lit up.
Lin Zhao continued, "Each Divine Dragon Crossbow requires three people to operate. Therefore, select 1200 people from each camp to form a special team for firing the Divine Dragon Crossbows. Additionally, their cavalry training must not be neglected. They must be able to fire the Divine Dragon Crossbows on foot and kill enemies with swords on horseback. Do you understand?"
"Yes, my lord!"
A group of people nodded in unison.
Shortly after, 1200 Xuezhu cavalrymen were selected. They included veterans and people brought by Xu Sheng. Regardless of their relationship, the Divine Dragon Crossbows were heavy, and both their operation and transportation required great physical strength. Therefore, only strong young men were selected. According to Lin Zhao's wishes, this group of people must familiarize themselves with the use of the Divine Dragon Crossbows in the shortest possible time to prepare for the demon cavalry!
After all, although Yu Feng had suffered several setbacks in major battles, he still had at least 30,000 demon cavalry under his command. If the Xuezhu Army were to encounter these 30,000 demon cavalry, a single misstep could lead to their complete annihilation.
...
In the early morning, on the ridge, Chen Ben followed Mu Qia, diligently practicing his punches. On the stone bridge not far away, Tong Yu was practicing sword stances, cultivating her sword intent, equally serious. Da Feng Novel Network.
Lin Zhao, holding his sword, walked on the ridge and looked at the few people from a distance. With a flick of his hand, he learned the level 100 skill "Sword Breaking Style" that had dropped earlier. Immediately, he exuded an air of mastery. He flicked his blade and unleashed the new skill towards an open space nearby. Instantly, strands of sword energy shot out, forming a light screen in front. Countless flying swords flew forward with a continuous "peng peng peng" sound. The powerful sword energy that slashed down broke the grass leaves, sending them scattering everywhere.
Lin Zhao could move, and as he moved, this entire area of flying sword attacks would follow. It was directional, area-of-effect, and penetrating. This SSS-grade sword skill was indeed the strongest skill for sword heroes to date. Especially in team battles, if a few Sword Breaking Style swordsmen launched an offensive, the pressure they would exert on the enemy's front line would be unimaginable.
"Wow..."
Chen Ben turned his head to look, his face full of admiration, "Brother Lin Zhao's swordsmanship is so amazing..."
Mu Qia scratched his head. He was a martial artist in the Tianyuan realm. In his opinion, Lin Zhao's swordsmanship was not particularly impressive. This Sword Breaking Style was flashy and looked good but was not practical; one punch could probably break it. However, he dared not say such things aloud. If Lin Zhao got angry, his life in Xuezhu Tianchi would be difficult.
After all, who among Xie Zhi, Chu Yu, Tong Yu, and Dong Zang didn't dare to bully him? In Xuezhu Tianchi, he, Mu Qia, was undoubtedly "the highest in cultivation, the lowest in status."
On the stone bridge, Tong Yu looked at Lin Zhao and also showed a smile. She had initially thought that Brother Lin Zhao, this sword cultivator, was genuinely in the lower five realms. But the sword intent just now seemed a bit like the middle five realms. She believed he should be able to break through to the middle five realms in her lifetime. As for the upper five realms, the Sword Immortal... it was hard to say. With his talent, it was likely still a distant prospect!
...
"Yo~~~"
Not far away, a disheveled man had his left hand in his pocket and was eating a military flatbread with his right hand. He didn't drink any water. A plain longsword was slung across his back. The entire person was slovenly, very much like a rogue cultivator. This was Tang Guangjun, the gatekeeper of Xuezhu Tianchi. He passed by the stone bridge, glanced at Tong Yu, and said with a smile, "Tong Yu, practicing your sword?"
"Mhm!"
Tong Yu nodded. In fact, she wasn't very familiar with Tang Guangjun and rarely spoke to him. The gatekeeper's gaze when looking at people was strange, giving a feeling of condescension, she couldn't quite explain it.
"Good, good."
Tang Guangjun smiled and said, "A sword immortal in the making. Although you started practicing sword at a slightly later age, the gap in your state of mind is quite large. You can't hide the hatred and killing intent in your heart, but it's okay. With such a good master as Lin Wanhua, reaching the eleventh realm in the future is not a problem. But the twelfth realm... that's hard to say~~~"
Lin Zhao frowned.
Tang Guangjun walked along the ridge, sat down with a plop, and watched Chen Ben practice boxing not far away. While chewing the flatbread, he commented, "Your punches are weak and lack force. You dare to call yourself born with divine strength? Chen Ben, you're lucky the Mountain Master took you back at first glance. Don't be a disappointment to the Mountain Master. Get rid of that rustic simplicity in your heart and develop more killing intent. Otherwise, with your current fist intent, you dare to talk about the Martial Campaign Fist Technique? When the demons come in the future, will your little fists be massaging the demon lords' shoulders and legs?"
Chen Ben was stunned. "Then... what should I do?"
"Don't listen to his nonsense,"
Mu Qia frowned and said, "Tang Guangjun, just mind your own gate. The cultivation of the younger generation in our Xuezhu Tianchi is none of your business!"
"Yes, yes, yes."
Tang Guangjun chuckled and said, "You, Master Mu Qia, have been stuck in the eleventh realm for over a hundred years and haven't even seen a bit of the Rebirth realm. Why? Too little killing intent in your chest. If a martial artist's boxing is solely for defense, then it's meaningless. Extend your fist, be the villain, and you can open your state of mind. You and Chen Ben, master and disciple, have the same problem: too little killing intent and too many worries. The solution is simple: fight more battles, kill more people, and everything will be resolved."
Mu Qia's brows were tightly furrowed, and anger flashed in his eyes.
But coincidentally, everything Tang Guangjun said was right. Mu Qia had indeed never seen the boundary of the Tianyuan realm, as if he would remain in the Tianyuan realm for his entire life. Moreover, he had many worries in his heart, especially the injuries sustained from being almost killed by a great demon back then, which would likely become his lifelong inner demon. Without overcoming this inner demon, he would not be able to step into the Rebirth realm.
...
At this moment, Lin Zhao had sheathed his Thunderclap Sword and walked to the ridge not far from Mu Qia and Chen Ben. He glanced at Tang Guangjun and asked, "Had enough?"
"Ah? It's the Mountain Master..."
Tang Guangjun quickly cupped his fists and said, "Tang Guangjun greets the Mountain Master!"
In the entire Tianchi Mountain, only Lin Zhao could make Tang Guangjun so respectful. He didn't care about anyone else's words.
"Want to walk with me?" Lin Zhao asked with a smile.
"Mhm."
The two walked along the ridge, following the Baiyu Stream.
"Tang Guangjun."
"Here, Mountain Master."
"I don't know who you are, nor do I know your intention for coming to Xuezhu Tianchi."
Lin Zhao turned to look at him, his gaze icy, and said, "But I know that it is definitely not your wish to guard the gate of Tianchi Mountain, Tang Guangjun. I can see the restlessness and turbulence in your heart, and even more so the ferocity and killing intent in your eyes. But I advise you, do not harm anyone in Xuezhu Tianchi, no matter how high your realm may be."
"Yes!"
Tang Guangjun cupped his fists and said, "As long as the Mountain Master gives the word, Tang Guangjun will not flinch even if it means going through mountains of knives and seas of fire. Please believe me, Mountain Master, Tang Guangjun has no intention of defying you."
Lin Zhao knew this. He could see it.
What he was puzzled about was who Tang Guangjun was and what his purpose was in coming to Xuezhu Tianchi.
"What do you think of Tong Yu?"
"Such a young age, and already a bit cunning. This can lead to an early death," Tang Guangjun grinned. "If the Mountain Master approves, I can give Tong Yu a chance to experience life and death, to make her completely submissive. She is from Xuezhu Tianchi, and she should be completely devoted to you, Mountain Master, without any arrogance."
"Enough!"
Lin Zhao glared, "I don't want to hear such words again. Tong Yu is who she is, and it's not for you, Tang Guangjun, to point fingers here and sow discord!"
"I know my mistake, Mountain Master, please calm your anger!"
Tang Guangjun quickly lowered his head.
Lin Zhao originally wanted to ask about his views on Chen Ben, Mu Qia, and even Xie Zhi, but he no longer wanted to. He left with his hands behind his back.
...
Watching Lin Zhao's retreating figure, Tang Guangjun suddenly froze. A piercing pain emanated from his brow. He slowly sat down on the ground, his expression contorted in pain, and he broke out in a cold sweat. In his ear, the voice of the Martial Saint said, "Next time you disrespect my junior brother, the punishment will not be this mild."
"Yes, Sect Master..."
"And,"
The Martial Saint said indifferently, "This trace of sword intent in your brow is in harmony with my junior brother's life force. Therefore, if one day my junior brother harbors killing intent towards you, this mark will activate on its own and take your life. At that time, even I won't be able to save you. I hope you will conduct yourself with dignity."
"I know, I know..."
Tang Guangjun gritted his teeth. His body swayed a few times before he finally stood up and returned to his dilapidated wooden hut.
...
In the evening, a flying fish message flew into the commander's mansion in Lanxi City.
The strategist Qin Shang took down the message, glanced at it, and handed it to Li Chunyang.
Li Chunyang stood in the back garden, his brows tightly knit. "This demon cavalry has continuously attacked several northern human villages, killing and looting countless people. It seems Wang Jingzhi's words cannot be fully trusted."
"Hmph!"
Qin Shang sneered, "The words of petty schemers are naturally untrustworthy."
"What do you think we should do, sir?"
"What about sending the Linlu Army north to completely eliminate this demon cavalry?"
"North?"
Li Chunyang couldn't help but gasp. It had been a hundred years since the last time they marched north. In those days, Li Chunyang had led 200,000 Xishu cavalry on a northern expedition, how magnificent. Now, after decades as the Northern Commander, had his spirit to march north diminished?
"Great General?"
"Yes."
Li Chunyang gently crushed the message, his iron fist lightly pressing on the railing. "Let's wait a little longer?"
...
At this moment, the city protection barrier of Lanxi City suddenly rippled, and then a golden figure appeared outside the commander's mansion. She was clad in golden armor, wearing a golden cloak, and her hair was adorned with a golden crown. She held a golden longsword in her hand. Her entire being exuded a powerful divine aura of water transport. The moment she appeared, the entire Lanxi City seemed to be enveloped in rivers, giving an invisible pressure.