That night, deep into the night.

Li Xian felt invigorated, wielding saber and spear, practicing punches and palm strikes, employing several martial arts skills, yet not exhausting his qi power.

Instead, he felt even more engrossed and even more exhilarated.

A martial artist's power originates from physical strength and the qi of the Qi Lake.

The two are complementary, rarely distinguished in daily practice. Only when practicing certain unique martial arts are they differentiated.

Physical strength refers to pure power generated from flesh and blood. Ordinary people farming, moving firewood, pushing mills, pulling carts, use mere physical strength.

This power is simple, straightforward, yet it is the foundation.

The qi of the Qi Lake is its extension, elevation, adding finishing touches, "icing on the cake."

Relying solely on physical strength, it is difficult to lift huge stones or cauldrons. But a martial artist with pure inner qi can, through qi application, achieve the unity of strength and qi.

Li Xian's physical strength greatly increased. Energetic, like a young dragon. With solid foundation, he was not easily fatigued.

Qi and strength combined naturally.

[Skill Level +2]

[Skill Level +2]

...

[Setting Sun Bloodsword]

[Skill Level: 3569/6000 Minor Achievement]

...

[Daluo Saber]

[Skill Level: 15/10000 Perfection]

Although Li Xian intended to slow down the practice of the Daluo Saber, because the martial arts realm never regresses, just occasionally displaying it, the skill level kept accumulating.

As water flows naturally, it still breaks into the realm of perfection.

The saber technique returns to simplicity, with the saber's momentum open and close powerfully.

"With such diligent practice, one day, I will be able to glimpse higher realms!"

Li Xian was full of pride. Seeing the night deep, he poured clear water over his body, washing away the sweat of toil.

About to fall comfortably asleep.

This residence next to the lake had downsides of heavy moisture, but the advantage of cool nights. For Li Xian, the drawbacks were negligible. After qi circulation, ordinary moisture was hard to invade his body.

Lying down to rest, he relaxed.

Thinking of his younger brother making a name, already gaining fame, not losing to him as an elder brother, he felt proud.

And it is said... his younger brother's master, supposedly named Fu Haoran, was a remarkable figure. Though never practicing martial arts, even the madam needed to show respect.

He once asked the madam about fame and fortune. The madam just casually revealed it, yet it gave Li Xian a rough understanding.

There are two sources of fame and fortune.

Seizing fame and fortune with literary energy.

The family and master's heritage through generations.

Each is hard-earned, in a chaotic world, even a small part is enough to ensure the family's well-being, free from worry, with a place to stay.

Closing his eyes to sleep.

Suddenly felt the bedboard slightly shake. Li Xian frowned, pressed down on the bedboard. Confirming it wasn't an illusion, this vibration felt like an up and down movement. Lateral shaking could be a natural earthquake. Up and down, however, felt like... a thousand troops rushing forth.

"Could it be true, that the Yellow Dragon Army really came?"

Li Xian promptly dressed, summoned the manor's nursing home, clerks, and servants.

Since he was prepared, although everyone was flustered, they didn't lose their order.

Li Xian loudly said, "The Yellow Dragon Army is ferocious by nature, leaving devastation wherever they go. Our manor is remote, and it's likely they may not easily find us, everyone need not panic."

"You each leave the manor, block some main paths. Ding Hu, quickly bring the tenant farmers inside the manor. Arm them with weapons."

"Gather all forces, if it comes to the final stage, we will fight against that Yellow Dragon Army!"

Li Xian had a plan all along.

Though the manor has high walls, it cannot compare to a city gate. It naturally cannot stop thousands of troops, and if he abandons the manor to enter the county, ha-ha... the madam's methods are no less merciful than the Yellow Dragon Army.

Hiding is the best option, hence the roads were buried, trees transplanted early, hiding the manor deep within.

If hiding fails, only by using the forest terrain can they maneuver around. At least wait for the madam to emerge, then follow her instructions.

Li Xian was deeply contemplative, personally overseeing operations, ensuring the manor's affairs were arranged appropriately.

Soon, tenant farmers from various villages gathered in the manor, bringing food supplies.

Li Xian said, "Now the rebellion is rampant, setting fires and looting wherever they go, only by joining forces with us can you survive this calamity!"

Previously in Black River Village, he had shown his ability to rally. At that moment, he displayed the [Heavy Pupil Appearance], and even though he intended to hide it, his aura still subdued everyone.

In chaotic times, people's hearts are unstable, and they seek strong individuals to rely on.

Li Xian's display of strength and leadership naturally instilled confidence and submission in others.

The Yihetang Manor's numerous guards, experienced in various incidents, were increasingly impressed by Li Xian. Seeing the sudden chaos, with Li Xian shouldering great responsibilities, awe-inspiring.

They all readily followed his commands.

Li Xian mobilized everyone, arranging for people to keep watch, dig traps... all sorts. He himself did not stay idle, he moved lightly, leaving Yihetang Manor.

Yihetang Manor is tens of miles from Qingning County. The terrain of Qingning County is mountainous and forested, with many obstacles, making discovery unlikely.

Li Xian knew the Yellow Dragon Army must be heading to Qingning County. He dared not get too close, traveled over ten miles, seeing a tall peak.

A thought struck him: "My vision is extraordinary, with the height of the peak, I can observe the scene in Qingning County. Furthermore, I'm not afraid of being detected!"

He immediately leapt and climbed the steep mountain path. The higher the mountain went, the more treacherous it became.

Reaching the later stages, he could only grab protruding rocks, climbing upward. Li Xian circulated qi in his hands, firmly clinging to the rocky surface, skillfully climbing to a great height, where the temperature was extremely cold, the wind harsh. Frost formed on his eyelashes.

Clouds and mist intertwined.

Heavy Pupil Appearance manifested.

His gaze penetrated the cloud layer, indeed seeing the Yellow Dragon Army encircling Qingning County.

The Yellow Dragon Army donned in yellow armor, flags embroidered with a yellow true dragon, its five claws outstretched, majestic and imposing. The leading commander was impressively dignified, with a mount akin to a horse yet not a horse, akin to a deer yet not a deer. It somewhat resembled a qilin, though certainly not a qilin.

It is said that for a king, with support from the people, they display kingly traits. A commander of an army, imbued with invisible martial strength.

"The scale of this Yellow Dragon Army is indeed significant, such a marauding army, like a mudslide or flood in revolt, even under the banner of overthrowing Great Wu, not even the commander knows what they truly desire, driven purely by ferocity."

Li Xian circulated inner qi, dispelling the coldness on his body.

The Yellow Dragon Army was sizable, but their formations were scattered and morale poor.

...

...

Qingning County.

Lin Guolong was well-prepared, with the city gates tightly closed. Standing atop the city wall, he shouted, "You traitors and rebels, don't harbor unrealistic fantasies, this city... you won't be able to take it!"

Yellow Dragon Army's general "Qi Biao" frowned upon hearing this.

The Yellow Dragon Army didn't initially regard "Qingning County" highly. During their eastward march, they suffered several defeats and retreated here in disarray.

With little grain left in the army, they needed to quickly capture a city, use it as a stronghold, and then seek more resources.

Qi Biao said, "This insignificant city dares to resist against our army. Soldiers inside the city, listen up. Our Yellow Dragon Army is a righteous force, forced into rebellion due to Great Wu's oppression."

"Great Wu is guilty, but the people are not. Capture that County Magistrate, open the gates, and welcome us in. I, Qi Biao, promise not to harm any innocent!"

Qi Biao's voice echoed powerfully.

Lin Guolong trembled with anger, "Nonsense! Your Yellow Dragon Army has conquered numerous cities, committing arson, looting, and heinous acts. Is there truly no innocent among them?"

Qi Biao coldly replied, "To impose charges is easy. Besides, how many county soldiers do you have in such a small city? Can you withstand my thirty thousand troops?"

"Open the gates quickly, it's your only way to survive!"

Qingning County was a small city, considered remote in Qiong Heavenly Mansion. Including county soldiers and constables, they only amounted to a few thousand.

Most county soldiers were funded by the county gate. Although they mobilized the populace, the total number was still insufficient.

But facing tens of thousands of soldiers, a well-ordered, blood-hardened fierce army, fear was inevitable.

Lin Guolong felt his scalp tingle, "Li Xian, you damned trickster, I shouldn't have listened to your deceit. Why guard this damn city? I should have taken my ten wives and fled back to the family, living a life of idleness."

This was his first time witnessing such a spectacle.

The swarming troops made his legs go weak.

Lin Guolong mustered his courage, "I don't care how many troops you have, stop talking nonsense. Come up to the city wall if you dare and chop off my head."

"Listen up, Qingning County, fight them! After this, everyone will be rewarded with a hundred taels of gold each!"

He couldn't afford any of it.

Qi Biao's expression was grim. He had suffered setbacks in sieges. Knowing the difficulty of capturing the city, a bloodless surrender would be ideal. This remote county town, lacking troops and a cowardly magistrate, should easily be intimidated.

But there were hard-headed individuals among them.

Encountering one was troublesome. Qi Biao thought, "This magistrate is stubborn, but being remote, their troops shouldn't be numerous. It's best to attack swiftly!"

He immediately ordered the left and right guards to lead troops in the assault.

Drumbeats rallied morale, and the soldiers charged forward. Siege engines advanced towards the city gates.

"Oh, they're really coming." Lin Guolong trembled, "Shoot arrows, shoot arrows!"

Soldiers unleashed volleys of arrows in defense, but the enemy's numbers were too great, and several waves of arrows couldn't halt their advance. Amidst piled corpses, siege engines reached the city walls.

Ladders were raised against the gates.

Some glory-seeking soldiers charged up the walls with fervor. Qingning County's side countered with stones and scalding oil, repelling the offensive.

"Ignite the flames!"

Lin Guolong shouted.

They set the oil ablaze. Although the special material of the ladders was sturdy and fire-resistant, the soldiers climbing them were not, momentarily stopping their ascent.

Lin Guolong shouted, "Shoot, shoot hard!"

People from behind helped supply stones and wood, providing continuous resources. Though Qingning County's military strength was meager, the collective effort of its populace made their defense formidable.

Heavy logs crashed down...

Screams echoed incessantly.

Qi Biao's face darkened, "Useless! Attack harder, harder!"

He continuously sent forces forward.

After overcoming initial fear, Lin Guolong realized that despite their numbers, the enemy couldn't capture them easily. He began commanding boldly, fear no longer residing in his heart.

This struggle lasted several hours.

Thousands were killed and wounded. Qi Biao knew this siege had failed. With insufficient supplies, laying siege without attacking would spell his doom.

A series of failures.

Truly unfavorable.

"General Qi, we can't continue attacking!" The Left Wing Guard of the Yellow Dragon Army, seeing the dire situation, advised.

"Retreat!"

Qi Biao, looking grim, ordered the entire army to retreat ten miles away, camping in a wooded area.

"Damn it, damn it!"

Inside the military tent.

Qi Biao was furious. The Yellow Dragon Army's repeated failures, plummeting morale was one reason; depleted supplies another. Ultimately, it was his incompetence and poor command.

"Hu Fang, what do you think of the current situation?" Qi Biao asked a strategist by his side.

The strategist Hu Fang replied, "General, given the current circumstances, attacking the city is no longer feasible. It's better to retreat and loot the surrounding villages instead."

"Take rice if there's rice, grain if there's grain, money if there's money. If there's none of those, aren't there still people? When push comes to shove, hungry soldiers will even eat some meat, right?"

"After eating and drinking their fill, we can rebuild morale!"

Qi Biao nodded, agreeing: "Alright, let's follow your plan! Tomorrow, let the elite soldiers lead units to sweep and plunder the surrounding villages."

"Search thoroughly, take everything edible. Not a single dog or person should be spared!"

...

...

Li Xian, observing the battle, was both glad and worried. With the Yellow Dragon Army's defeat, the county's populace was spared massacre, which was certainly good. However, this meant the Yellow Dragon Army would likely shift their focus.

Qingning County could withstand a siege.

Due to the towering city gates, there was no skimping during their construction.

Yihetang Manor didn't have city gates.

Inside were thousands, mostly tenant farmers, maids, servants, and laborers, largely lacking combat ability. If a fight were to break out, they would surely be crushed.

"If the Yellow Dragon Army finds us, it would be a disaster," Li Xian thought.

One person alone can't fight an army. If the Yellow Dragon Army came in force, even the mistress must avoid confrontation.

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