Wu Ming and the others had made prior arrangements to slightly alter their appearances, discarding anything that might cause suspicion, before setting out on their journey.
As they passed through the small village from the previous night, they saw a thick column of smoke rising into the sky, black as ink, twisting upward like a dark lingzhi mushroom, with flames flickering below.
“What is this…?”
“How did the village we passed through yesterday suffer from a fire disaster?”
Xiao Jidu muttered to himself, his eyes flickering with expressions of reluctance, resolve, and revulsion.
“There’s no one fleeing or trying to extinguish the fire either…” Xiaodi added quietly beside him.
Yuan Tai was still confused, but Wu Ming immediately understood at a glance.
This fire was clearly set by Yu Shaojun. In fact, before setting the fire, there might have even been a massacre of the entire village.
The purpose was naturally to protect the secrets of their group.
Otherwise, if news of the elimination of the Tooth Soldiers spread, they would become suspects, making it difficult to even join the Jiushan Army, let alone assist in helping someone ascend to kingship.
Such a move was thorough and clean.
“Let’s go!”
Wu Ming exchanged a glance with Xiao Jidu. If Yu Shaojun hadn’t taken such extreme measures, they themselves had a similar plan, though at most they would have just paid people to disperse. Now that someone had taken decisive action, it had unknowingly given them a small favor.
These people were all shrewd individuals. With just a glance, they understood each other’s thoughts and chose not to linger, quickly departing.
With a fire breaking out and the Tooth Soldiers eliminated, an investigation was inevitable—this was no place to stay long.
After walking dozens of miles, they came upon a small town. Xiaodi and Yuan Tai went ahead to inquire and learned that Li Rubi had recently risen in rebellion, occupying Jiushan Commandery and declaring himself General, gaining considerable momentum.
They immediately asked for directions, took out some gold and silver, bought four yellow-maned horses, and headed toward Jiushan Commandery.
On the way, Xiaodi recounted the information he had gathered:
“This Li Rubi was originally the head of a prominent family in Jiushan Commandery, owning thousands of acres of fertile land. Additionally, he once passed the imperial examination and held an official title, making him particularly notable!”
Wu Ming and Xiao Jidu both nodded in agreement.
Throughout history, true grassroots uprisings were rare. The real downfall of dynasties often began with betrayal from within the ruling elite.
Commoners, unfamiliar with the laws and systems, might gain temporary power but rarely achieved lasting success.
Only powerful aristocratic families truly understood the power of the system and knew how to exploit it, enabling them to pursue kingship and hegemony.
Even in Wu Ming’s previous life, in ancient times, among those who rose from commoners to seize the throne, only Zhu Yuanzhang was a true exception.
Liu Bang, although from humble origins, had served as a village constable, an official within the system, giving him a much higher starting point than Zhu Yuanzhang, who had once been a beggar.
“…Li Rubi is immensely wealthy, known for his generosity and willingness to spend, fond of hosting guests, secretly maintaining a group of loyal warriors, and even hiding three hundred sets of armor and a thousand longbows…”
Xiaodi continued.
“This shows meticulous planning! It’s unlikely to be the work of just one generation!”
Wu Ming and Xiao Jidu exclaimed in unison.
In ancient times, armor and crossbows were considered major military assets. Possessing them was akin to treason, especially in such large quantities—rivaling even the armories of entire prefectural garrisons.
Furthermore, he actively spread his reputation, associating with heroes and cultivating loyal followers. Each of these actions bordered on rebellion. More crucially, the local county and commandery officials couldn’t possibly be unaware of such activities.
“The previous governor of Jiushan Commandery was likely already compromised…”
Xiao Jidu sighed.
“Indeed! There are rumors that the Li family’s ancestors had auspicious omens, their ancestral grave located on a dragon vein, marked as a latent source of fortune, promising blessings for thirteen generations. However, this generation’s head, Li Rubi, encountered a mysterious figure known as the Southern Hermit, who altered the geomantic currents, accelerating the flow of dragon energy to expedite success!”
“This Southern Hermit has a mysterious background, known for devising brilliant strategies, and has contributed greatly to Li Rubi’s foundation, earning him the title of military advisor and the honorific ‘Southern Immortal,’ second only to Li Rubi himself within the Jiushan Army, practically revered by all…”
Xiaodi continued slowly.
“Even such secrets are being openly discussed?”
Wu Ming was quite surprised.
“People are ignorant. Such tales of feng shui and dragon veins serve to enhance their prestige. I suspect this was deliberately spread by Li Rubi himself!”
Xiao Jidu explained: “After all, once a dragon vein is marked, it’s difficult to undo, leaving them fearless and unshaken!”
“Southern Hermit? Southern Immortal! Immortal!”
Wu Ming sighed softly, then smiled bitterly: “Daring to use such a title, he must at least be a mage of high rank, perhaps even a true immortal!”
“To support a potential dragon in seizing the world, this person truly dares to take risks!”
Xiaodi’s face turned icy: “In the struggle for the dragon throne, failure means death. Even major Daoist sects dare not get involved. This Southern Hermit is likely a self-taught rogue cultivator, or worse, a demon who has attained enlightenment, entering the mortal world to seize fortune and fate!”
“Regardless, even if this person is only a mage or sorcerer of moderate rank, with the support of the Jiushan Army and the blessings of titles, we would struggle to resist…”
Xiao Jidu continued: “Fortunately, this person is on our side!”
Yuan Tai finally managed to interject: “Exactly! The stronger the Southern Immortal is, the better our chances. As long as we survive these next three months and help Li Rubi become a prince, we can leave immediately. What do we have to fear?”
Upon hearing this, it was clear this was the opinion of someone entirely inexperienced.
Wu Ming and Xiaodi exchanged glances, both unable to suppress bitter smiles and shakes of their heads.
…
Jiushan Commandery was located in the center of Cao Prefecture. The region was characterized by rolling hills and fragmented landscapes, with nine towering peaks forming natural fortifications, making it easy to defend and hard to attack, hence its name.
Li Rubi’s uprising was swift. At the beginning of the year, he launched his rebellion, immediately defeating the local garrison and gaining fame.
Under the guidance of the Southern Hermit, numerous bandits entrenched in the mountains soon pledged allegiance. Within three months, his forces exceeded ten thousand, defeating the army dispatched by the provincial governor.
Later, they captured a batch of military horses and seized several commanderies, their momentum growing rapidly, shaking the entire province.
Jiushan Commandery was his main base. As Wu Ming and his companions traveled, they saw devastation everywhere—abandoned farmlands, ruined towns, and rampant lawlessness, causing deep sorrow.
Fortunately, Wu Ming and his group were strong and well-armed, appearing formidable enough that common rogue soldiers dared not provoke them.
After a half-day’s ride, they arrived at the main camp of the Jiushan Army.
Wu Ming looked around and saw several camps stretching across the open field, each housing fifty to a hundred soldiers. Drainage ditches were dug, patrols were active, and the camp was heavily guarded. With a glance of the aura-reading technique, he noticed a continuous black and red aura hovering above the camps, exuding a solemn and awe-inspiring atmosphere, indicating a certain level of legitimacy.
“Brave heroes! Our general is desperately seeking talents. If you possess administrative skills or martial prowess, you are welcome to join our ranks. We value talent above all else, offering gold, silver, and women. Share in our prosperity!”
At the camp entrance, several people beat drums and gongs, loudly proclaiming this message, while recruitment posters were posted nearby.
Occasionally, groups of ruffians, outlaws, or skilled hunters would arrive, entering the camp for assessment.
“The provincial army suffered a major defeat, and the imperial court is furious, dispatching a general with six thousand elite troops to join forces with local garrisons for another campaign… Naturally, Li Rubi must gather all available forces and fight desperately…”
Understanding the situation, Wu Ming and his companions, seeing the disciplined army, felt renewed hope and stepped forward: “We also wish to enlist!”
“Excellent! You all look like true heroes. Please come inside!”
The guards at the gate immediately brightened.
They had been greeting recruits all day, their eyes sharp enough to judge a person’s worth at a glance—whether they were genuine warriors or not.
Even if someone turned out to be a fraud, if they came equipped with their own horse and bow, they were still considered elite material.
Without hesitation, they quickly led the group inside.
Upon entering the camp, they saw several large training grounds, each capable of accommodating thousands without feeling crowded. Wooden racks lined the sides, displaying swords, spears, halberds, and longbows with red targets. Several horses were available for demonstrating horsemanship, though they appeared exhausted, foaming at the mouth from overuse.
Candidates were being tested here, while in nearby camps, shouts and battle cries echoed, indicating new recruits undergoing training.
The guards entered to report, and soon, the tent flap was lifted, revealing a general with a broad face and thick beard, his upper body bare. Spotting Wu Ming and his companions standing out among the crowd, his eyes lit up.
Such recruits were definitely worth accepting. At the very least, their self-provided horses and bows alone made them valuable assets.
Noticing Xiaodi, a woman among them, he was slightly surprised but didn’t dwell on it.
“So you’re the ones wanting to enlist?”
The general cast a sidelong glance, his expression revealing nothing, scrutinizing them with a critical eye.
“That’s right. I am Wu Ming, and these are Xiao Jidu and Yuan Tai. We are wandering knights from other provinces, having heard of General Li’s reputation, and have come specifically to join his ranks!”
Wu Ming stepped forward, bowing respectfully.
Xiaodi and the others, hearing him use yet another false name, couldn’t help rolling their eyes.
“We don’t accept useless people. What skills do you have?”
“I may not be much, but I’ve trained in martial arts for several years, possessing some skill, and I can read a few characters!”
The general laughed: “Good! Tang Sheng, go test his martial prowess!”
“Understood!”
One of his attendants saluted, stepping into the arena. His expression was cold as he slowly drew his waist sword, exuding a faint murderous aura.
“This man’s martial aura seems similar to those previous Tooth Soldiers!”
Tooth Soldiers were elite personal guards of high-ranking generals, not ordinary troops, but this general was in charge of training new recruits.
“Excuse me!”
Wu Ming gracefully entered the arena, his hands slightly lowered: “Please!”
“You won’t use a weapon?”
“Arrogant!”
Someone nearby scoffed, but Tang Sheng’s expression remained unchanged, only a glint of coldness flashing in his eyes. Suddenly, he lunged forward like a tiger descending from the mountains, his long sword slashing downward: “Kill!”
This soldier, hardened in countless battles, was completely unaffected by external distractions. He cared nothing for notions of fairness or honor in combat.
His martial techniques were bold and direct, aimed at eliminating the enemy with minimal risk.
Moreover, the killing intent and bloodlust radiating from him could severely impair the skills of any opponent with weak resolve.
Hiss!
As the blade descended, Wu Ming’s right hand shot forward, entering the arc of the sword with astonishing speed, seizing Tang Sheng’s wrist and twisting sharply.
Clang!
The sword fell to the ground. Tang Sheng staggered back, his arm dislocated, sweat pouring down his face. Yet, displaying his fierce courage, he remained silent, not uttering a sound.
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