Chapter 253: Alliance

The rising sun is rising high, and on the top of the mountain, surrounded by clouds and mist and flying cranes, stands the Taoist palace of Our Lady of the Golden Spirit, which is called "Purple Sky Jade Universe".

The Taoist palace is built on the mountain and is magnificent. The glazed tile roof shines in the sun, and the golden and purple light interweaves, reflecting the green ancient trees and lingering smoke around it, adding a bit of mystery and solemnity.

Yu Yuan walked into the Taoist Palace casually, and saw exotic flowers and plants blooming on both sides of the corridor paved with bluestone, exuding a faint fragrance, leading him into a world that was otherworldly.

The palace is majestic, with flying eaves and corners, carved with patterns of dragons and phoenixes in auspiciousness, and seas of clouds billowing. In the hall, the candlelight flickered and the light and shadow intertwined, as if it could wash away all the distracting thoughts in people's hearts.

In this treasure hall, Yu Yuan saw an old and majestic figure pacing back and forth. Although his Taoist robe was slightly old, it could not hide his otherworldly temperament.

The years have carved deep marks on his face. His silver hair is like snow, his beard hangs down from his chest, but his eyes are shining with unyielding wisdom.

Sometimes he stared at the statue of the god enshrined in the center of the hall, with his hands behind his back and his brows furrowed, as if praying to the gods for guidance; sometimes he turned and looked outside the hall, his eyes piercing through the clouds and mist, as if he was looking for some unknown answer.

The anxiety was palpable, but Wen Zhong's demeanor remained calm and calm.

"Junior brother, why are you so anxious?" Yu Yuan's hearty voice sounded, with a sense of freedom and ease in his voice, which was in sharp contrast to Wen Zhong, who was full of worries.

"well."

Wen Zhong sighed, "Senior brother, my spiritual practice is profound and my realm is mysterious. Naturally, I won't be bothered by these mundane things. However, my realm is not good enough. I have too many trivial matters in my heart, and I feel very depressed."

"What's so annoying? Isn't there still a master?" Yu Yuan said carelessly: "If the master refuses to help, then there is me as a senior brother! When the time comes, I will stand up for you and teach that man a lesson. Yang Ling’s guy.”

"Thank you, senior brother!"

Wen Zhong quickly thanked him, feeling warm in his heart.

No matter what, after returning to Penglai Immortal Island, the senior brothers and master he met were still as before, always taking care of him.

The two senior fellow apprentices started chatting in the hall.

Yu Yuan has been practicing in Penglai Immortal Island and rarely goes out. He is very interested in news from the outside world. As Wen Zhong is a great master of Shang Dynasty, news from all over the world will be gathered to him.

Therefore, one of the two was responsible for speaking and the other was responsible for listening, and they had a lively chat.

While chatting, the Golden Spirit Mother came back.

Wen Zhong hurriedly greeted him and asked expectantly: "Master, what did Master say?"

"Let's put aside the conflict with the Human Religion for the time being."

Wen Zhong was stunned by the words of Our Lady of Jinling. He looked at his master in confusion and said in disbelief: "Are we going to give up the destiny of humanity that should belong to our Jiejiao?"

"Da Shang has a close connection with our Jiejiao. Even if the Humanist Religion supports Bigan to take over the position of King of Humans, it is impossible to cut off the connection with our Jiejiao.

At most, they can only get a piece of the pie, so why should they give it up? "

"But isn't this a break from our teaching?" Yu Yuan said with some confusion: "Disciple doesn't quite understand why we should choose to give in at this time?"

"Because Chanjiao also wants to attack us... Wen Zhong, do you know that Xiqi has raised troops and is gathering an army to march towards Chaoge?" Our Lady of Jinling stared at Wen Zhong and said.

"What?"

Wen Zhong was stunned, he really didn't know about this.

These days, he has been thinking about how to attack Chaoge. In addition, Chanjiao consciously intercepted the news, so that he, the great master of Shang, did not get any news at all.

"Xiqi's army has already arrived at Sishuiguan City." Our Lady of Jinling said calmly: "If we continue to fight with the Human Sect now, I am afraid that the Chan Sect will take advantage in vain."

At this time, Yu Yuan seemed to have remembered something and exclaimed: "Sishui Pass? Isn't this the city gate where the disciple I took in is?"

"Senior brother, when did you accept a disciple?" Wen Zhong said with some surprise: "Who is so lucky to be favored by senior brother?"

"A lieutenant general in Bishui Pass, named Yu Hua... I still remember that twenty years ago, I was ordered by my master to go to Chaoge to visit you. On the way, I met a young man with good qualifications. I passed him a few words at a moment's notice. I didn't expect him to learn the Taoist method very quickly..." Yu Yuan said with a smile on his face, obviously very satisfied with the apprentice.

Wen Zhong nodded and said with a smile: "I see, then when I go back, I will have to meet this nephew."

"I'll go with you." Yu Yuan said sternly: "Xiqi's soldiers and horses have reached Sishui Pass. I'm a little worried. I have to take a look."

Wen Zhong was overjoyed when he heard this, "It would be great if a senior brother comes with us!"

After saying that, he turned to look at the Golden Spirit Holy Mother and said respectfully: "Disciple already knows what to do. Let's go back and form an alliance with Yang Ling to deal with Chanjiao together."

The Holy Mother of the Golden Spirit nodded, "It would be a good thing if we can form an alliance, but if they don't want to, we don't have to be willing to be humble. The worst is to die or lose!"

"Yes, disciple understands!" Wen Zhong nodded solemnly and said in a deep voice: "Master, don't worry, I will never lose the face of Jie Jiao!"

"Yes." Seeing that he understood what she meant, the Holy Mother Jin Ling nodded happily, turned to look at Yu Yuan, and warned: "Don't be competitive. If you encounter a strong enemy, retreat in time, and then start slowly. Of."

"Don't worry, Master, the disciples won't mess around." Yu Yuan said carelessly.

The Holy Mother of the Golden Spirit frowned slightly, feeling vaguely uneasy in her heart, and said hesitantly: "How about you stay..."

Before he finished speaking, he was interrupted by Yu Yuan: "That's not possible. Your disciple and grandson don't know what the situation is yet. I have to go and take a look in person to feel at ease."

"That's fine, just be careful." Our Lady of the Golden Spirit warned her again.

"Don't worry."

Yu Yuan nodded, looked at Wen Zhong aside and said, "Junior brother, let's leave quickly. I can't wait to see my disciple."

Wen Zhong nodded, solemnly bowed to Our Lady of Jinling, and then turned and left with Yu Yuan.

After leaving the Taoist Palace, his mount Mo Qilin immediately came up to him.

Wen Zhong turned over and rode on Mo Qilin, and Yu Yuan on the side also rode on the Wuyun Camel. The two of them each rode their mounts into the air and sped towards Dashang.

…

Dashang West

Sishui Pass

This city is like a towering giant, standing among mountains. Its height and majesty are breathtaking.

The city wall towers into the clouds, as if it is an insurmountable barrier on the skyline, tightly wrapping the land within it, giving the residents in the city an endless sense of security.

The city wall is made of huge stones and blue bricks. It has been eroded by wind and rain, but it is still as strong as ever. Every brick and stone seems to carry the weight of history, witnessing countless baptisms of war and years of peace.

On the city wall, there are arrow towers and city towers scattered in an orderly manner, and beacon towers tower into the clouds. Once an enemy invades, the alarm can be quickly transmitted and troops must be gathered to form a defense system like a copper wall and an iron wall.

The terrain of the city is even more dangerous, surrounded by steep cliffs and bottomless ravines, as if nature had specially set up a natural barrier for the city.

Such terrain makes it difficult for the enemy to launch attacks from the ground, and even a strong attack will require a huge price. Within the city, there is a flat land with sufficient food and water sources, which provides solid logistical support for the soldiers defending the city.

In this city, the characteristics of being easy to defend and difficult to attack are taken to the extreme. The solid city wall, the dangerous terrain, and the complete defensive facilities in the city together formed an indestructible line of defense.

If the enemy wants to break through this city, it is nothing more than a dream. Even the most powerful army has to stop here, looking at the city and sighing.

But now, there is an army rushing towards Sishui Pass, vowing to crush this majestic city pass!

At dusk that day, Xiqi's million-strong army surged in like a tide and arrived more than thirty miles away from Sishui Pass.

Its momentum was so huge that it seemed that even the heaven and earth were changed by it.

Looking from a distance, I could see dust flying, battle flags flying, and countless flags fluttering in the wind. The totems and words embroidered on them showed the identity of the Xiqi army.

In the army, war drums thundered, horns sounded, and passionate war songs resounded through the sky, stirring the hearts of every soldier, making their blood boil and their fighting spirit high.

As tens of thousands of vanguard troops advanced, the open space in front of Sishui Pass was gradually filled, and densely packed soldiers were arranged in neat formations, like a sea of ​​steel.

Their armor shone with a cold light in the sun, and the weapons in their hands shone with a cold light, revealing an arrogant and arrogant air.

However, facing this black and overwhelming army, Sishui Pass did not show the slightest panic or fear.

The towering city wall still stood, and the archery towers and the defenders on the city tower stood ready, staring at the enemies below the city with eyes like torches.

They knew that this pass city had thick walls, was easy to defend but difficult to attack, and the mountain road was narrow. Even though Xiqi's army numbered millions, it was impossible for them to attack it together.

As the defender of the city, they had to face only tens of thousands of enemies at most.

Of course, these tens of thousands of people must be the enemy's elite, the elite who can truly attack cities and seize territory.

The setting sun is like blood, falling on the ancient and solid city wall, coating the blue bricks and gray tiles with a tragic golden glow.

Above the city, the wind whistled, with a bit of chilling air, and seemed to be telling the story of the upcoming decisive battle.

A middle-aged general wearing heavy armor and holding a spear stood at the highest point. His figure was elongated in the sunset, looking particularly tall and majestic.

His face was resolute, and his eyes shone with unyielding determination, as if he had put all life and death aside, leaving only his desire for victory and his deep responsibility for the soldiers under his command.

Behind him, followed a group of equally well-armed generals. They either held swords, knives, or bows, each standing with solemn but heroic expressions.

These generals are all warriors who have experienced hundreds of battles. Their eyes show not only vigilance for the enemy, but also trust and respect for the general.

Everyone looked beyond the battlements to the vast battlefield outside the city.

I saw Xiqi's army coming like a tide, a mass of darkness, flags fluttering, war drums thundering, the sound of horse hooves and shouts of killing intertwined, shaking the sky and the earth.

However, in the face of this seemingly invincible offensive, the soldiers at the top of the city did not panic or flinch at all.

On the contrary, their eyes burned with an even fiercer fighting spirit, as if they wanted to use this raging fire to burn all invading enemies to ashes.

The middle-aged general at the head turned around and glanced at each general. His voice was calm and powerful: "Everyone, this battle is related to the safety of our city and the life and death of the people. As military generals, we must set an example and defend to the death. The city has lived up to His Majesty’s trust and the people’s expectations!”

After saying this, he raised his spear and pointed it straight at the sky, as if to declare their determination and belief to heaven and earth.

The generals responded one after another and shouted in unison: "Defend the city to the death! Defend the city to the death!"

Their voices echoed at the top of the city, cutting through the din of the battlefield and reaching people's hearts.

"Tsk... quite impressive."

Thirty miles outside the city, a black-spotted tiger walked slowly from the distance. Its steps were steady and powerful. Every step seemed to follow the rhythm of the march of the army, causing the surrounding air to tremble slightly.

This tiger has shiny black fur, and the spots on its body are like the brightest stars in the night sky, shining with mysterious and majestic light.

Sitting on the back of the tiger is a Taoist with an immortal style - Shen Gongbao.

He was wearing a wide-sleeved robe, the skirt of which swayed gently in the wind. His silver hair was as white as frost and snow, his face was pale, and his eyes revealed extraordinary wisdom and depth.

Shen Gongbao holds a delicate whisk and puts it gently on his lap. His whole person exudes an aura that is otherworldly and one with heaven and earth.

Following Shen Gongbao, a five-color sacred cow came riding on the auspicious clouds. Its coat was colorful and shining with five different lights, just like the most brilliant rainbow in the sky descending on the world.

Sitting on the back of the sacred bull is a heroic and majestic general. He is wearing golden armor and holding a spear. There is a heroic spirit in his brows that shows no anger and self-power.

This general is none other than the former Great Shang King Wucheng, now the Grand Marshal of Xiqi, Huang Feihu!

At this moment, Huang Feihu was staring firmly at Sishui Pass ahead with sharp eyes. His wife and sister all died tragically in Di Xin's hands.

Even he himself had difficulty escaping to Xiqi.

He dreamed of returning to Chaoge and killing that foolish king with his own hands to avenge him.

I just didn't expect that the faint king had been killed first, but this did not affect his ability to continue leading the Xiqi army to conquer Dashang.

In his opinion, Dashang has long since sunk and grown old, and the young Xiqi Ji clan is the real destiny!

Otherwise, why would those gods from the Chan Sect come to help?

Huang Feihu was very confident. He felt that it was only a matter of time before he captured Chaoge and overthrew Dashang's rule.

But before that, we must first capture the first pass to the east - Sishui Pass!

At this time, Shen Gongbao pointed the whisk in his hand at Sishui Pass and asked in a deep voice: "General Huang, you see that the terrain of this city gate is dangerous, how should we attack it?"

Huang Feihu's eyes were like a torch, staring at the impregnable Sishui Pass. He has experienced hundreds of battles and has rich experience. He can see at a glance the fact that Sishui Pass is easy to defend but difficult to attack. At this moment, he frowned and said in a deep voice: "Sishui Pass has a dangerous terrain and is easy to defend but difficult to attack. If we use conventional methods, It may not be effective, so I intend to use surprise tactics to defeat the enemy."

When Shen Gongbao heard this, a faint smile appeared on his lips, and the light of a wise man shone in his eyes.

"General Huang's words are reasonable, but our army has just arrived and its morale is at its peak. If we cannot win the first battle openly, how can we boost the prestige of our army? I want to send generals forward and invite the battle openly and openly, so that everyone in the world will know the bravery of our army."

Huang Feihu heard this, although he had doubts in his heart, he also admired Shen Gongbao's courage and courage, so he stopped talking and mentioned the powerful enemies in the pass: "The martial arts of Han Rong, the guard of this pass, is mediocre, but there are fierce generals under his command such as Yun, this is especially true for Yi Yuhua, who is known as the 'Seven-Headed General' because of his profound knowledge of human nature. The soul-killing banner in his hand is even more powerful. I wonder who can match it?"

Hearing this, a mysterious look flashed in Shen Gongbao's eyes. He stroked his long beard and said, "Don't worry, general. I just got a helper this morning. It's my nephew Huang Tianhua. He has been practicing with my senior brother since he was a child. He has great magical power. We will definitely defeat the enemy."

When Huang Feihu heard this, his heart was shocked. This name seemed to touch his dusty memory.

Just when he was thinking a lot, he saw a flash of light passing by in the sky, and a young and handsome Taoist stepped on the auspicious clouds and arrived gracefully.

He was wearing a Taoist robe and looked graceful. After landing, he first saluted Shen Gongbao and said hello, then turned to face Huang Feihu, his eyes full of warmth and respect, and softly called: "Father."

At that moment, time seemed to freeze. Huang Feihu's eyes widened and he looked at the familiar yet unfamiliar young man in front of him in disbelief.

The child in his memory has grown into what he is today, and the feeling of blood connection instantly surged into his heart, making him so excited that he could not speak.

Seeing this, Huang Tianhua took a few steps forward and held Huang Feihu's hand tightly, with tears shining in his eyes.

"Father, my child is unfilial and has made you worry for so many years."

…

Wen Zhong and Yu Yuan drove the Mo Qilin and the Wuyun Camel respectively, like two streams of light across the sky, passing through the clouds and mists, reaching the border of Dashang territory.

The two parted ways here, with the wind blowing under Mo Qilin's hooves and taking Wen Zhong straight to Chaoge; while Yu Yuan was leisurely riding on the Wuyun camel and speeding towards the west. His destination was In the distant Sishui Pass, I am thinking of my beloved disciple whom I have not seen for a long time.

Before leaving, Wen Zhong said with a smile that if everything went well, he would go to Sishui Pass soon.

Yu Yuan smiled and nodded, "Then I will wait for my junior brother to arrive at Bishui Pass."

The sunset was like blood, dyeing the sky of Chaoge City red. When Wen Zhong arrived at Chaoge City, he didn't even enter the military camp. He stood directly on the clouds, looking directly at the prosperous capital city with his eyes like torches.

After a long time, he shouted in a deep voice, and his voice penetrated the clouds and reached every corner of the city: "Where are Yang Ling and Kong Xuan? Wen Zhong wants to see you!"

After saying this, two figures soared into the sky from the city, like two bolts of lightning, and instantly met Wen Zhong at a height of ten thousand feet.

The two looked at Wen Zhong with both complexity and expectation in their eyes.

"Master Wen, why are you stubborn? Everything in the world has its destiny. Why not obey the destiny, join the court, and work together for peace?" Yang Ling tried to convince people with reason.

Kong Xuan was standing aside, his eyes blazing, as if he thought this was a waste of time.

When Wen Zhong heard this, a wry smile appeared at the corner of his mouth. He was well aware of the heavy burden and mission he shouldered, but he could not hide the fatigue and struggle in his heart.

"If I join the imperial court now, how will the imperial court treat me?" There was a trace of imperceptible fatigue in his voice.

Hearing this, Yang Ling didn't know what he was thinking, so he quickly explained: "Don't worry, I heard that your majesty Bi Gan is a benevolent king and has already made a plan. As long as the grand master and others know their way back, they will ignore the past grudges. It is the great fortune of the great merchants to participate in this grand event together, and it is also the blessing of the great master."

Wen Zhong breathed a sigh of relief and solemnly said: "I, Wen Zhong, have devoted my life to the country. If I can really forget the past and resume my official duties, I will do my best."

Hearing this, Yang Ling and Kong Xuan looked at each other and felt slightly relieved. At the same time, they were also curious about why Wen Zhong suddenly changed his mind.

You know, Wen Zhong was so greedy that he wanted to skin the two of them and extract their bones.

Why is it that now that I have gone to the Jiejiao base camp, my attitude has changed?

At this time, Wen Zhong suddenly changed the subject and looked solemn: "Do you two know that Xiqi's army has arrived at the city? I wonder if the court has any countermeasures for such a crisis?"

Upon hearing the news, Yang Ling and Kong Xuan looked at each other, with a flash of shock and solemnity in their eyes.

Xiqi raised an army?

Why didn't they receive any news?

Is the other party acting secretly, or is someone deceiving the secret?

With this in mind, Kong Xuan spoke first and said, "Master Wen, please rest assured that I, the great merchant, have my destiny, and our soldiers are ready to defend our territory to the death."

Kong Xuan's answer was resounding. It was not only a response to Wen Zhong, but also like his own promise to the people of Dachang.

Wen Zhong stood in the clouds, and the afterglow of the setting sun shone on his resolute face, coating the old master with a layer of golden brilliance.

He described in a deep voice how Xiqi's army besieged Sishui Pass like a dark cloud. His words not only provided a precise analysis of the situation, but also revealed unquestionable decisiveness.

Kong Xuan stood on one side, his brows slightly furrowed, his eyes flashing with caution and thoughtfulness. He reminded softly: "This matter is related to the fate of the country, and we need to inform His Majesty before making a decision."

When Wen Zhong heard the words, he nodded slightly, a flash of appreciation flashed in his eyes, and the two looked at each other and smiled, showing a perfect understanding.

As the palace door slowly opened, a luxurious yet solemn atmosphere rushed in. Inside the palace, the carved beams and painted buildings, the jade palace and the jade palace, every detail showed the prosperity and power of the great merchants.

The three of them walked into the main hall and saw King Bigan of Shang sitting on the dragon chair. He was wearing a dragon robe and looked extremely majestic. His brows showed an aura of calmness and self-power.

Seeing Wenzhong step into the hall, a hint of surprise flashed in Bigan's eyes, and then he stood up, his steps steady and powerful, as if even the air was trembling.

He walked a few steps and held Wen Zhong's hand tightly with both hands. His excitement was beyond words, his eyes were slightly red, and there seemed to be tears: "It's my great fortune to hear that the Grand Master has returned!" There was a bit of sobs in his voice. , showing the joy and gratitude in his heart.

Wen Zhong bowed and saluted, and his voice was sonorous and powerful: "Your Majesty, now the Xiqi army is invading, and Sishui Pass is in danger. I am willing to lead the troops to fight, swear to defend the territory, and protect the peace of our great business!"

As he spoke, his eyes were firm and fiery, as if he was on a battlefield filled with smoke.

Hearing this, Bigan's eyes flashed with admiration and relief. He patted Wen Zhong on the shoulder and said in a deep voice: "I heard that Grand Master is both wise and brave. With you here, why should I, a great businessman, be afraid of powerful enemies? I approve your request. , order your troops to go out immediately, and be sure to return victoriously!"

When Kong Xuan heard this, his brows slightly raised, and a trace of deep thought flashed in his eyes. He asked slowly: "Which generals does the Grand Master want to send to accompany him? How many soldiers are needed to build up the momentum?" After saying this, his eyes were bright, and he was obviously worried about what was coming. The campaign is filled with emphasis.

Wen Zhong smiled slightly and replied confidently: "Our soldiers are all elite. They have gone through hundreds of battles and are enough to deal with Xiqi's army. This time, the number of people in the expedition is not large, but the elite. We only need to quickly replenish food and grass to ensure that the army has no worries." That’s it.”

He paused, and his tone became more sincere, "However, to be sure, I also need to invite General Kong Xuan and his subordinates Li Jing and his wife, Nezha, Yang Jian and other brave generals to accompany them. They all have unique skills. It will definitely help our army.”

Kong Xuan heard the words and nodded slightly, with a flash of approval in his eyes. He knew the profound meaning of Wen Zhong's move, which was not only a trust in himself and his generals, but also a decision made after careful consideration of the war situation. He said solemnly: "What the Grand Master said is absolutely true. We should go all out for such a major event. Li Jing and his wife, Nezha, Yang Jian and others are all brave and capable people. With their help, we will definitely be able to defeat the enemy. This matter will be defeated. , It’s not a big problem, I’ll arrange it immediately.”

Wen Zhong was relieved when he heard this, and he immediately bowed his hands to thank him: "General Kong Xuan is very righteous, and I am grateful. With the help of the general and other generals, this battle will definitely win!" The two smiled at each other, and the tacit understanding and trust between them reached its peak at this moment.

Then, Kong Xuan quickly mobilized the necessary troops and prepared food and grass, while Wen Zhong began to arrange strategies and plan the marching route.

As the morning light broke, outside the city of Chaoge, the Xiqi army surged like a tide, but they set out in an orderly manner.

The flags fluttered and flew in the wind, each carrying the faith and determination of the soldiers. The war horses neighed, and the iron hooves stepped on the ground, making bursts of roars, like the heartbeat of the earth, foreshadowing the upcoming decisive battle.

Yang Ling and Jiang Ziya stood side by side on the top of the city, looking at the orderly army below.

In the army, Wen Zhong rode on the black unicorn, wearing armor, holding a golden whip, and inspecting the entire army with a torch-like gaze.

Li Jing and his wife, Nezha, Yang Jian and other generals each led their elite troops and followed closely behind Kong Xuan.

The army that went to Sishui Pass for support this time was led by Wen Zhong, and Kong Xuan served as his deputy.

As the horn sounded, the army slowly moved forward and marched firmly towards the direction of Sishui Pass. The sun shone on them, and the golden armor flashed with dazzling light, like an invincible iron stream, sprinting towards the other side of victory.

Along the way, the people walked out of their homes and watched this heroic army leave.

The army set out in an orderly manner, and the team was neat and uniform, like a giant dragon winding forward, marching towards Sishui Pass in a mighty manner.

…