SWDnovel Chapter 87: Qingshan's Assistance
Chapter 87: Qingshan's Assistance
Shangqing actually paid considerable attention to the Qin state.
The Qin state's "Lu Qi" and "Fu Qi" have been passed down for over a thousand years and have a profound cultural heritage.
However, when the Thunder Palace was destroyed, the [Prosperity Qi] and [Fortune Qi] were also purged, and almost all cultivators above the Purple Mansion Realm were wiped out.
The strongest cultivator in Qin at present is Crown Prince Ying Zichu, who cultivates the [Lu Qi] and has reached the perfect Foundation Establishment stage.
If he were within the Qin territory, his position as crown prince would give him roughly the combat strength of a half-step Purple Mansion cultivator.
Even so, the Qin state was still far behind the other four states and needed the support of Yulin Mountain.
After all, there are quite a few Purple Mansion True Persons from the four Daoist lineages.
…………
The State of Qin.
Prince's Mansion.
In the stillness of the night, the moonlight, like water, spills over the palace.
Ying Zichu sat cross-legged deep within the Crown Prince's Palace, his body surrounded by flowing [Lu Qi], like silk threads, slowly drawing in the fortune of the Qin Kingdom.
This is a unique cultivation method of [Lu Qi], which uses the national fortune to cultivate oneself. The stronger the country and the higher one's official rank, the faster one's cultivation will be.
"Your Highness."
A low, guttural call came from outside the hall.
Ying Zichu slowly finished his practice and said in a deep voice:
"Come in."
The newcomer was an elderly man with white hair and beard, a steady gait, and a deep, resonant voice.
He was a minister under the Crown Prince, named Gongsun Bai.
"Your Highness, an urgent report has arrived from the border."
"speak."
"On the border between Qin and Shu, the Shu Kingdom has stationed 100,000 troops and over 1,000 cultivators."
Upon hearing this, Ying Zichu frowned slightly and said in a deep voice:
"Is there a True Person of the Purple Mansion?"
"I didn't see it."
Upon hearing this, Ying Zichu pondered in his heart:
"The Qin state has had many conflicts with the four states of Yue, Zhao, Qi, and Shu throughout history, but it is rare to see an army of 100,000 on the frontier."
"It seems those Purple Mansion True Persons are getting restless. I wonder if the three kingdoms of Yue, Zhao, and Qi will make a move."
The Qin state's terrain bordered the land of witchcraft and sorcery to the east, and further east lay the East Sea.
The four states were located to the west and south of Qin.
Among them, the states of Yue and Shu are the closest.
Today, of the five kingdoms, only the Qin imperial lineage holds power; the other four kingdoms have long been fragmented by powerful clans.
Since most immortal sects do not value mortals, this army of 100,000 must be soldiers from aristocratic families.
Thinking of this, Ying Zichu pondered in his heart:
"Even a powerful family, such as the Purple Mansion Immortal Clan, would find it difficult to field an army of 100,000 and a thousand cultivators. This must be a coalition army."
"Among the powerful families of Shu, the Qian family, the Situ family, and the Ran family are the most influential."
"Your Highness."
Gongsun Bai hesitated for a moment, then whispered:
"Should we request assistance from Yulin Mountain?"
Ying Zichu nodded slightly and said:
"Send the intelligence to Yulin Mountain and the Dragon Palace of the East Sea respectively."
He paused, then said:
"Furthermore, issue an order to the border garrison to increase vigilance and monitor the movements of the Shu army at all times."
"Yes."
Gongsun Bai accepted the order and withdrew.
Ying Zichu sat alone in the hall, his fingers lightly tapping the table, his brows slightly furrowed.
One hundred thousand troops and a thousand cultivators—this is only the force that the three families of Shu have deployed.
If the states of Yue, Zhao, and Qi also launch an attack at the same time, the pressure on the Qin state will be unprecedented.
What's even more troublesome is the power struggle at the level of the Purple Mansion True Person.
The Qin Kingdom currently lacks the presence of the Purple Mansion True Man, relying entirely on the support of the Jade Forest Mountain Dragon Palace.
"I want to go to the frontier and personally oversee things," Ying Zichu thought.
…………
The next day.
frontier.
Upon arriving at this place, Ying Zichu's first act was to summon the officials.
Meng Li was in charge of military affairs, Shang Junyan was in charge of internal affairs, and Zhao Ziming was in charge of intelligence.
"The Shu Kingdom's 100,000-strong army has already set up camp on the border. Who is leading the troops?" Ying Zichu asked bluntly.
Zhao Ziming clasped his hands and said:
"Your Highness, the commander of the allied forces is Qian Hong, an elder of the Qian family, who is at the peak of the Foundation Establishment stage. The deputy commander is Situ Lie, an elder of the Situ family, who is also at the peak of the Foundation Establishment stage. The Ran family has sent Ran Qing, who is at the late stage of the Foundation Establishment stage."
"All three companies have invested heavily."
Meng Li sneered and said:
"One hundred thousand ordinary soldiers and a thousand cultivators—the daily consumption alone is an astronomical figure. They can't last long."
Ying Zichu remained calm, looked at Zhao Ziming, and asked:
"Have the states of Yue, Zhao, and Qi made any unusual moves?"
"There are also troops gathering on the border of Yue Kingdom, about 50,000, and 500 cultivators."
Zhao Ziming said:
"There are currently no abnormalities in the states of Zhao and Qi, but I have increased the number of personnel to monitor them closely."
"fifty thousand……"
Ying Zichu frowned in thought; this number was quite substantial.
At this moment, Meng Li clasped his hands and said:
"Your Highness, I request to lead 30,000 troops to the border to meet the enemy."
Ying Zichu glanced at him and shook his head, saying:
"No rush, let's wait for Yulin Mountain's reply first."
He paused, then said:
"The Shu Kingdom has a 100,000-strong army pressing on the border, yet they haven't made a move. What are they waiting for?"
"Waiting for the Yue Kingdom?" Shang Junyan guessed.
Ying Zichu shook his head, his gaze sharpening slightly, and said in a deep voice:
"They are waiting for news from the Purple Mansion level. The mortal army is just a pawn. What truly determines the outcome of the battle is the game between the Purple Mansion True Persons."
Upon hearing this, everyone in the hall fell silent.
The Qin state's biggest weakness is the lack of a Purple Mansion True Person.
"However, you need not worry. The Purple Mansion True Persons of the four Daoist lineages will certainly not act rashly, after all, we also have Jade Forest Mountain and Dragon Palace behind us."
Upon hearing this, everyone's expressions calmed down somewhat.
Ying Zichu stood up, walked to the map hanging on the wall, and pointed to a strategic pass on the border between Qin and Shu.
"Meng Li, you will lead 30,000 troops and station them here. There is no need to launch an attack, but you must maintain a posture of being ready to fight at any time."
"Your subject obeys!"
"Shang Junyan, you are in charge of the grain and supplies. Make sure to ensure a continuous supply."
"Yes."
"Zhao Ziming, continue to gather intelligence. If any rifts appear within the three families of Shu, report back immediately."
"Yes, sir!"
The three men accepted the order and left.
Ying Zichu stood alone in front of the map, his face solemn.
Although the Purple Mansion True Person does not appear easily, even if it is just a contest of Foundation Establishment combat power, the Qin Kingdom is difficult to compare with the four kingdoms.
…………
Two more days passed.
A scout galloped in from the border to report:
"The Shu allied forces have broken camp and are advancing towards the Qin Pass!"
Ying Zichu suddenly stood up, his gaze sharp.
"It finally moved."
He donned his armor, drew his sword, mounted his warhorse, and was followed closely by three hundred of the Crown Prince's personal guards.
These guards were all elite cultivators selected from the Qin army. Although their cultivation levels were only between Qi Refining and the early Foundation Establishment stage, they were equipped with excellent magical artifacts and obeyed orders without question. They were Ying Zichu's trump card.
The Great Qin Pass.
The first formidable pass on the western border of the Qin state, built against the mountain, with towering city walls.
When Ying Zichu arrived, Meng Li had already set up a defensive line, with 30,000 troops standing ready.
On the distant horizon, smoke and dust filled the sky.
The Shu Kingdom's 100,000-strong army surged in like a tidal wave, their banners obscuring the sky, while the cultivators' escape lights flickered uncertainly above the army formation.
Ying Zichu climbed the city wall and looked out, his gaze sweeping over the Shu army formation and landing on a towering general's platform at the rear of the army.
Three people stood on the platform, all exuding the aura of the Foundation Establishment Perfection stage.
The man in the center, with his white hair, was none other than Qian Hong, the patriarch of the Qian family.
As if sensing something, he looked up at the Great Qin Pass city wall, his gaze meeting Ying Zichu's across the distance.
"The Crown Prince of Qin is indeed a man of extraordinary bearing."
Qian Hong smiled slightly, his tone calm yet carrying a hint of condescension, and said indifferently:
"It is said that the Crown Prince of Qin cultivates the [Lu Qi] path."
"It's a pity that you didn't break through to the Purple Mansion Realm. Without that, the [Lu Qi] path is no longer a threat."
Situ Lie beside him sneered, "Just attack the city directly, why waste words?"
"No rush."
Qian Hong shook his head and chuckled:
"First, send someone to tell Ying Zichu to cede three cities, and then the Shu Kingdom will withdraw its troops. If he is sensible, we will avoid fighting."
The loss of a city by the Qin state signifies a decline in its national fortune.
[Lu Qi] will be affected by this.
Their mission this time is to erode the Qin state's tradition of "Lu Qi" (禄炁).
…………
"Retreat to three cities?"
Ying Zichu listened to their words and sneered. His voice wasn't loud, but amplified by a wisp of auspicious energy, it carried clearly throughout the city and its surroundings.
"In the thousands of years since the founding of the Qin state, there has never been a precedent of ceding territory to seek peace. Qian Hong, if you are getting senile, this Crown Prince does not mind helping you to remember your mistakes."
Upon hearing this, the Qin soldiers on the city wall were greatly encouraged and shouted in unison.
On the platform in the distance, Qian Hong's expression turned slightly somber.
Situ Lie scoffed, "I told you, this kid doesn't know what's good for him."
Qian Hong slightly raised his hand to stop Situ Lie from speaking, and said calmly:
"No rush, let him keep his stubbornness for a few more days."
Ran Qing frowned and said:
"Fellow Daoist Qian, with an army of 100,000 pressing in, are we just going to wait it out like this?"
Qian Hong turned to look at him and said in a deep voice:
"Do you think I really intend to attack the city? Ten thousand ordinary soldiers and a thousand cultivators—how many people will die in a siege? Can the three of us afford such a cost?"
All three families were forced into this battle, having staked almost their entire fortune on it.
Even if they win this battle, they won't gain anything.
But if they lose, they will be severely weakened, and if they are targeted by other powerful families, their families and clans may be destroyed.
"So you mean...?"
"Surround them without attacking, cut off their supply lines, and wear down their morale."
Qian Hong looked towards the direction of Daqin Pass and slowly said:
"The Purple Mansion True Man behind our four kingdoms is currently waging war against Jade Forest Mountain and the Dragon Palace. Once the outcome is decided there, whether the Qin Kingdom lives or dies is just a matter of a word."
Ran Qing suddenly realized.
Situ Lie, however, was somewhat impatient: "When will that be?"
"No rush, just wait."
…………
As the sun set, the atmosphere in front of the Qin Pass grew increasingly solemn.
The two armies have been locked in a stalemate for more than half a month. The Shu allied forces have been besieging the enemy without attacking, only cutting off their supply lines and disrupting their morale.
Although Ying Zichu sent troops to attack many times, the allied forces were numerous and powerful, and could only achieve minor victories before retreating, never able to break the stalemate.
On this day, Qian Hong received a message.
"The Yue Kingdom can't wait any longer."
He crushed the communication jade slip in his hand and said in a deep voice:
"At dawn tomorrow, launch a full-scale attack on the city."
A glint flashed in Situ Lie's eyes, and he smiled:
"It should have been done a long time ago!"
Ran Qing hesitated and said, "But what about the Purple Mansion..."
"The Purple Mansion True Men have reached a tacit agreement: the Purple Mansion of the Dragon Palace of Jade Forest Mountain will not take action, nor will the Purple Mansions of the four kingdoms."
Qian Hong said coldly:
"This is a war at the Foundation Establishment level; everyone must rely on their own abilities."
He paused, his gaze fixed on the direction of the Great Qin Pass:
"The Qin state lacks a Purple Mansion True Person, which is their biggest weakness. However, our Purple Mansion True Person will not personally intervene. It will come down to who has the stronger fist."
…………
The next day, at Chen Shi (7-9 AM).
The sound of bugles echoed across the plains.
The Shu Kingdom's 100,000-strong army marched out in formation, with a thousand cultivators suspended in mid-air, their magical artifacts gleaming like countless stars.
Qian Hong stood on the platform and waved his command flag.
"attack!"
The war drums thundered, and the battle cries shook the heavens.
The Shu army surged towards the Qin Pass like a tidal wave, deploying siege ladders, battering rams, and catapults. The cultivators also unleashed their spells, raining down fireballs, ice blades, and lightning upon the city walls.
Ying Zichu stood atop the city wall, his expression calm and composed.
"Meng Li, you will lead the army to meet the enemy head-on."
"Zhao Ziming, lead the cultivator battalion to intercept the enemy cultivators."
After saying that, Ying Zichu took a deep breath, and the [Lu Qi] around his body suddenly erupted, transforming into a golden pillar of light that shot into the sky.
Ying Zichu, clad in armor and wielding a sword, stood atop the city wall.
He pointed his longsword at the Shu army, his voice booming like a bell:
"Qin soldiers, listen to my command: Kill!"
Before he finished speaking, he had already transformed into a golden streak of light and charged straight into the enemy ranks.
Wherever the sword light passed, Shu soldiers fell one after another.
The Qin army cultivators from the cultivator camp followed closely behind and engaged in battle with the Shu cultivators.
In an instant, the sounds of battle shook the heavens and rivers of blood flowed before the Great Qin Pass.
Although Qin had few cultivators, Ying Zichu empowered them with [Lu Qi], transforming each of them into golden-armored giants with soaring combat power, which subtly suppressed Shu's offensive.
Qian Hong stood on the platform, his brows slightly furrowed.
"This blessing from the [Lu Qi] is indeed quite effective."
Situ Lie snorted coldly and said in a deep voice:
I'll go and meet him.
Having said that, he flashed and transformed into a streak of black light, rushing straight towards Ying Zichu.
Ying Zichu was engaged in a fierce battle with several Shu Kingdom cultivators when he suddenly felt a sharp killing intent lock onto him, and he quickly swung his sword to block it.
"when!"
The sound of metal clashing was deafening.
Ying Zichu took several steps back, his hand holding the sword feeling slightly numb.
Situ Lie hovered in mid-air, looking down at him, and sneered:
"The Crown Prince of Qin is nothing special."
Ying Zichu's gaze sharpened. Although [Lu Qi] was not good at combat, his cultivation was enhanced within the Qin Kingdom.
"This person should be cultivating the [Earth Virtue] path."
After thinking it over, Ying Zichu chanted incantations and made hand seals, casting multiple layers of buffs on himself.
"Then let's give it a try."
The two engaged in battle once again.
It was difficult to determine a winner for the time being.
Just then, a clear voice suddenly came from the horizon:
"Fellow Daoists of Qin, we are here to help you."
Everyone was stunned and looked up.
In the far distance, a streak of azure light streaked across the sky like a meteor, arriving in an instant.
The light dissipated, revealing a young cultivator dressed in a blue Taoist robe.
He had a handsome face, and his aura was pure and vast, even faintly carrying the imposing presence of a True Immortal of the Purple Mansion.
But upon closer inspection, it was clear that he was only at the Foundation Establishment stage.
Qian Hong's pupils contracted.
"You are... from Sanqing Mountain?"
The young cultivator smiled slightly, clasped his hands in greeting, and said:
"Zhang Qingyuan, a disciple of Sanqing Mountain and of the Taiqing lineage, has come to assist the Qin Kingdom on the orders of the Shangqing True Man."
These words startled everyone, both on and below the city walls.
Sanqingshan?
That secluded place of seclusion for a hundred years, where one is detached from worldly affairs?
"You cultivators, your numbers are used to bully the few; this is utterly unreasonable!"
Before he finished speaking, a cyan longsword appeared in his hand.
The sword's blade is as clear as jade, and its sword intent is awe-inspiring.
Zhang Qingyuan moved swiftly, like a gentle breeze, and appeared in front of Situ Lie in an instant.
"How about I have some fun with you, fellow Daoist?"
Situ Lie's face darkened, and he swung his sword to strike.
The swords clashed, producing a piercing buzzing sound.
Situ Lie felt an overwhelming sword intent surge into his body through the blade, forcing him to retreat several steps.
"Excellent swordsmanship!"
His face was ashen, and a hint of fear flashed in his eyes.
The sword cultivators of Sanqing Mountain truly live up to their reputation.
Zhang Qingyuan, however, remained calm, twirled his sword, and said indifferently:
"Again."
The two engaged in battle once again.
Zhang Qingyuan's swordsmanship was exquisite, each strike containing the pure and righteous sword energy unique to the Shangqing lineage, leaving Situ Lie with only the ability to parry and no chance to retaliate.
In just over ten moves, Situ Lie was already in grave danger.
Upon seeing this, Qian Hong's expression turned completely grim.
"Sanqing Mountain... how dare they interfere in this matter?"
Ran Qing whispered, "Fellow Daoist Qian, do you need my help?"
Qian Hong shook his head, his gaze fixed on Zhang Qingyuan in the distance.
"No rush, let's take another look."
He always felt that things weren't that simple.
Sure enough, just as Zhang Qingyuan was about to defeat Situ Lie, three more streaks of light flew in from the horizon.
Three streaks of light landed in the sky above the battlefield, revealing three cultivators who were also dressed in blue Daoist robes.
The group consisted of two men and one woman, all of whom were at the Foundation Establishment stage, possessing pure and profound auras.
The leading middle-aged cultivator clasped his hands in a fist salute and said:
"Zhou Xuandu, a disciple of Sanqing Mountain and of the Yuqing lineage, has come here on the orders of the Shangqing True Man."
The young woman behind him also bowed slightly:
"Su Wan'er, a disciple of Sanqing Mountain and of the Shangqing lineage, has come here on her master's orders."
The last young monk's approach was even more concise:
"Li Qingfeng, a disciple of Sanqing Mountain and of the Taiqing lineage, has come here on orders."
Three disciples from Sanqing Mountain appeared together.
The situation on the battlefield reversed instantly.
Zhou Xuandu's gaze swept over the Shu army, and he said in a deep voice:
"The Shangqing Master said that the Qin State is an ally of Sanqing Mountain. Anyone who wants to harm the Qin State will be making an enemy of Sanqing Mountain."
His voice wasn't loud, but it reached everyone's ears clearly.
Qian Hong's expression changed completely.
"Does your Sanqingshan really want to get involved in this mess?" Qian Hong asked in a deep voice.
Zhou Xuandu said calmly:
"It's not about muddying the waters, it's about acting on behalf of Heaven."
He paused, then said:
"The Supreme Pure One has one more thing to tell you four."
Qian Hong frowned: "What did you say?"
"Human Core cultivators are an outrage against Heaven. If you do not stop now, the day the Jade Pivot Palace opens will be the day your entire clan is wiped out."
Upon hearing this, Qian Hong, Situ Lie, and Ran Qing's expressions all changed.
The implication of these words is that Sanqing Mountain has completely stood on the opposite side of the four kingdoms' Taoist traditions and sided with Lei Palace.
Qian Hong took a deep breath, suppressing his shock, and said in a deep voice:
"Does your Sanqing Mountain truly intend to protect the Qin state?"
Zhou Xuandu did not answer, but simply gripped the sword in his hand tighter.
Su Wan'er, Li Qingfeng, and Zhang Qingyuan beside him also raised their magical artifacts.
The four Foundation Establishment auras merged together, faintly forming an array that enveloped the entire Great Qin Pass.
This is the Four Symbols Sword Formation of Sanqing Mountain. Although it is only set up by four people, its power is enough to withstand any attack below the Purple Mansion level.
Qian Hong stared at the sword formation for a long time before finally waving his hand in reluctance.
"Withdraw the troops."
Situ Lie was taken aback: "Fellow Daoist Qian!"
"I said withdraw the troops!"
Qian Hong said sternly, a deep sense of apprehension flashing in his eyes.
Since Sanqingshan dared to openly protect the Qin state, it shows that they were prepared to be enemies of the orthodox traditions of the four states.
This matter is no longer something he, a Foundation Establishment cultivator, can decide.
It requires the intervention of the Purple Mansion Immortal.
"If you want to leave your wealth here, then continue your siege."
After saying this, Qian Hong turned and left, dispatching his clan soldiers and clan members to leave the area.
Seeing this, Situ Lie and Ran Qing had no choice but to withdraw their troops.
The Shu army retreated like a receding tide, leaving behind only corpses and broken magical artifacts.
Ying Zichu stood on the city wall, looked at the four disciples of Sanqing Mountain, and bowed deeply with his fists clasped.
"Thank you for your help, fellow Daoists."
Zhou Xuandu sheathed his longsword and smiled:
"Your Highness, there is no need for such formalities. The Shangqing Master said that from now on, the four of us will obey Your Highness's orders until the Jade Pivot Hall is opened."
Ying Zichu was slightly taken aback, but then he understood.
With the Jade Pivot Palace about to open, the world's situation is about to undergo a dramatic change.
The four sects, the witchcraft lineage, the Buddhist cultivation lineage... those forces that rely on human pills for cultivation will never sit idly by and wait for their demise.
Sanqing Mountain was inherently incompatible with those Taoist traditions that relied on cannibalism to enhance their cultivation, so it was predictable that it would now side with Lei Palace.
Thinking of this, Ying Zichu bowed deeply to the four people and said:
"The Qin state expresses its gratitude to Sanqing Mountain for its assistance."
Zhou Xuandu nodded slightly, accepting the bow.