Chapter 2141

Even the messenger of Lu Qingbin had a string of garlic hung around his neck by someone unknown.

The Bailie soldiers in the ranks, while holding their heads high and chests out, secretly wiped the corners of their eyes.

So this is what it feels like to win a great victory?

So the people of Bailie can also be this enthusiastic toward them?

Amidst the gaze of ten thousand eyes, the army slowly marched to the end of the long street.

Further ahead lies the Lu residence.

Outside the Lu residence, the army also formed a tight encirclement.

Actually, there are two forces here: one is the patrol army of the Bailie capital, whose leading officer, upon seeing the opposing formation, felt his heart skip.

This force routed the Ya army—could they possibly be a match?

The other force is the Mou National Guard led by Commander Wu Xingxun and Deputy Commander Huang Yang.

The two forces combined number nearly four thousand, not insignificant, but compared to the winding, coiling long dragons of troops surrounding from multiple directions, they appear weak and few.

Opposing them are also two forces: the Bailie army led by Lu Qingbin, and the Dragon God army already familiar to the Bailie people, with countless enthusiastic Bailie followers surrounding them on the outside.

A dark, endless crowd, stretching beyond sight at a glance.

The two armies outside the Lu residence standing here made things somewhat awkward.

Lu Qingbin returned victorious, the entire city's people warmly welcoming him, and they also saw these several thousand of his men blocking the residence gate.

What are they trying to do?

As the troops and civilians drew nearer, the gongs and drums grew louder, and Deputy Commander Huang stepped forward two paces, gathered his true energy, and shouted loudly: "Halt!"

Though the opposing side was numerous and powerful, Deputy Commander Huang's shout still carried great confidence.

Even if our side is few, he represents Mou! How long has Cangyan been established as a state, daring to openly challenge Great Mou?

The young officer walking at the very front of the Bailie army was precisely Lu Qingbin.

He smiled, narrowed his eyes, and rode forward on horseback: "I return victorious from the south—are the two commanders here to congratulate us? Where is my great uncle?"

After saying the last words, he still glanced left and right, searching for the figures of the Lu family.

This demeanor was exactly that of one returning victorious, wishing to share joy with family.

Logically, the Bailie army's triumphant return should have seen the clan elder go outside the city to greet them, to show solemnity. Instead, Lu Zhenshen not only failed to do so, but did not even leave his own residence, with Mou troops still tightly guarding the gate.

This sight caused the Bailie people nearby to murmur in discontent, deeply dissatisfied.

Street gossip said the patriarch disliked Lu Liu, and also disliked those who commanded troops for him, fighting Ya—Lu Qingbin, the Lu general. Previously, people had gossiped vividly while remaining doubtful, after all, it was just catching wind and shadows—no one had solid proof. But today, seeing it, oh dear—it was true: Lu Qingbin returned victorious from the south, earned immense merit, yet the Lu patriarch did not even come out to greet him.

Tsk tsk, indeed, an idle wind does not rise without cause.

Extending a hand does not strike a smiling face, but Commander Wu is no pushover. Hearing this, he likewise smiled and said: "The patriarch has been waiting inside the residence for some time—dismount and enter."

Lu Qingbin's face instantly fell: "I thought my great uncle would come out to greet me."

His voice was not small; nearby soldiers and civilians heard it clearly.

"If there's an issue, you sort it out internally." Commander Wu did not indulge him. "Your great uncle not greeting you is his problem—what does it have to do with me?"

"Very well." Lu Qingbin waved his hand backward.

He dismounted, and the over a thousand men behind him simultaneously dismounted, following him forward.

Commander Wu narrowed his eyes: "You may enter, but the others must remain outside!"

Lu Qingbin asked strangely: "What does it matter to Commander Wu whether I bring people when entering the Bailie capital, my Lu family ancestral home?"

Meaning, you're overstepping.

Lu Qingbin had never been so rude to Mou commanders before—this was someone backing him from behind. Commander Wu did not anger but smiled: "How so? Do you intend to bring Cangyan's army to forcefully storm the Lu residence?"

The key is "Cangyan's army"!

He could let Lu Qingbin pass, but blocking the Dragon God army is only natural. Everyone is an "outsider," after all.

During the exchange, dozens walked out of the Lu residence gate, the leader being precisely Lu Zhenshen.

He wore a full smile, walking from behind the Mou troops toward Lu Qingbin. Many eyes saw him pat his nephew's shoulder and neck, comforting: "Well done, Qingbin—truly worthy of being my Lu family's son! This great victory, Bailie shall celebrate for three days and three nights!"

Lu Qingbin immediately pointed at the Mou troops before him and asked his great uncle: "Great uncle, what is this about?"

"Your elder brother feared Ya retaliation, so he specially requested the Dijun Sect to send troops. These commanders are merely fulfilling their duty." Lu Zhenshen said this in passing, seeming casual, but actually containing a warning:

Do not act rashly. Your second brother is still a Mou general, and this force before you is Mou's army!

Had it not been for the Dragon God army leaving 1,600 men to garrison the Bailie capital during their southern campaign against Ya, and had there not been Dragon God garrisons at every checkpoint from here to the border, Lu Zhenshen would likely have sealed the city gates, keeping danger outside—

I would not believe his old sixth son and grandson would dare such folly as attacking their own capital.

Too bad, it seems they had long guarded against this very move.

"By the way, where is your father?"

Using seniority to press down, Lu Zhenshen could do this with ease.

At this moment, someone slowly stepped forward from behind Lu Qingbin—precisely Lu Zhenxian.

His eyes were nearly smiling into slits: "Big brother, big brother! Qingbin fought bloody battles in the south, barely won. Alas, we rushed here and there, wanting to return quickly to report good news!"

"This great joy, we shall certainly celebrate properly!" Lu Zhenshen naturally placed his hand on his shoulder, guiding him inward: "The victory feast is all set—come in, come in!"

"Oh, not in a hurry!" Lu Zhenxian's stance was firm despite his weight—ordinary people could not easily move him. "In the Ya war, our Bailie army merely participated. The true victor, the true pillar in the midst of the stream, is here—I'll introduce you, introduce you!"

When he said the four words "pillar in the midst of the stream," his voice rose significantly.

Lu Zhenshen's heart skipped—what was coming could not be avoided. But his face had to show surprise: "Oh? Which great general of Cangyan has graced us with his presence?"

Before the words finished, the Dragon God army behind suddenly split down the middle, and over ten riders came forward.

The leading rider wore a set of profound gold battle armor, head crowned with a ferocious mask, his mount a black-spotted steed taller than an ordinary warhorse, exhaling breath like clouds and mist.

Far behind, two black banners followed his slow advance.

The wind came, stirring the banners to snap and unfold—one bore the characters "Nine Abysses," the other only a large "He" character!

This character, this surname...

Lu Zhensheng's pupils contracted sharply.

He had thought the one who came leading the Dragon God Army was some great general of Cangyan, but who would have known it was actually the Nine Abysses Great Emperor in person!

Why?

As the leader of a great nation, why are you so interested in a mere Does Bailie?

This interest, ever since the Dragon God Army rushed to aid Does Bailie, has left Lu Zhensheng inexplicably fearful.