Chapter 727

At dawn, the east wall of the camp.

Zhu Yue (Zhu Yuanzhang) wore a single layer, gazing at the northern horizon at that star emitting a faint blue eerie light.

He knew it was not a star.

That direction was Baihe Town.

"Chief."

A calm voice came from behind him.

Zhu Yue (Zhu Yuanzhang) turned and saw a scholar in his early thirties, wearing a neat green robe.

His appearance was gaunt, yet his eyes were clear and sharp.

"I am Liu Ji, courtesy name Bowen, from Qingting. I have come specially to join you."

Liu Ji. Liu Bowen.

Zhu Yue's (Zhu Yuanzhang's) heart almost stopped at that moment.

In his mind, it was as if a thunderclap exploded.

——History of Ming, Biography 16: a founding civil official who assisted the reign and upheld righteousness.

——Assisting Taizu in pacifying the realm, his foresight was godlike, earning the epithet: "One third of the world's Zhuge Liang, unifying the rivers and mountains Liu Bowen."

——In his later years he fell under suspicion, suspected of being poisoned by Hu Weiyong.

These fragments of information surged like a tide, nearly making him catch his breath.

This living person before him, who ought to have been coaxed out of retirement by him only several years later, and then assist him in founding the Ming foundation—this peerless strategist……

And yet, just like that,

At dawn on this Huai Xi riverbank,

he walked up to him of his own accord.

History has completely gone off track.

"Liu…… sir."

Zhu Yue (Zhu Yuanzhang) suppressed the tumult in his heart, keeping his voice steady.

"Sir, you have come far; I, Zhu, have failed to welcome you properly."

He used "Zhu" instead of his personal name, an unconscious probe.

Liu Ji, however, bowed calmly.

"I have traveled the four directions, seeing the people's livelihood withered, demonic vapors growing fierce. Hearing the chief's ambition of 'sword and plow,' to break the might of demon troops, I have come specially to join you."

He paused, then lifted his gaze to stare directly at Zhu Yue (Zhu Yuanzhang).

"If the chief does not disdain me, I, Ji, wish to contribute my modest effort, participate in military affairs, and together plan a great undertaking."

Great undertaking.

These two words, spoken calmly by Liu Ji, weighed as heavily as a thousand jin.

Zhu Yue (Zhu Yuanzhang) stared at him.

He knew that this person before him was a strategist rare in history, possessing both strategic vision and political wisdom.

He could discern the trends of the world, and could lay out plans for a century.

He could, after achieving success, retreat swiftly from the currents, and live in seclusion while writing.

But now……

Why has he appeared ahead of time?

Is it because of those strange "black-armored soldiers" in the north?

Or is it because…… this world is fundamentally different from the history he knows?

"Sir, since you have come, it shows you think highly of Zhu."

Zhu Yue (Zhu Yuanzhang) turned sideways, gesturing for Liu Ji to stand shoulder to shoulder with him looking north.

"Sir, observing this celestial phenomenon, what is your advice?"

Liu Ji raised his head, looking at that blue star.

"Next to the North Star, a guest star intrudes upon its position, its light a faint blue—this is an omen of great misfortune."

Moreover, the southeast wind rising here carries the cold, foul air of the north.

"I fear this is not an ordinary military disaster, but the work of demons and evil spirits, a sign of heaven and earth losing balance."

Zhu Yue's (Zhu Yuanzhang's) heart gave a sudden jolt.

What Liu Bowen excels at is not limited to strategy and governance.

The historical records state that he is versed in astronomy, numerology, and military arts……

Even, there are rumors that he is skilled at "reading the qi."

"Then, sir, how do you see the qi of our camp?"

Liu Ji fell silent for a moment.

"At first like a spark, now like a candle flame."

"Yet black mist surrounds us on all sides, harboring a devouring tendency."

"What does the black mist point to?"

"The demonic vapors are fiercest in the north, weapons lie hidden in the west, and the east…… a flood is imminent."

Flood.

Zhu Yue's (Zhu Yuanzhang's) mind immediately recalled a memory.

In the fourth year of the Zhizheng era of the Emperor Shun of Yuan, the Huai River flooded severely, turning dozens of prefectures and counties along its banks into marshes, with countless dead.

This year is precisely the fourth year of Zhizheng.

Damn it, I actually overlooked this heavenly disaster!

"When will the flood you mentioned occur?"

"In as little as ten days, as long as half a month, there will surely be continuous heavy rain, and the Huai River will certainly breach."

Liu Ji spoke firmly.

"The leader's camp lies low by the river; when the time comes, it will likely be the first to suffer the impact."

Zhu Yue (Zhu Yuanzhang) gripped the battlement tightly.

History and prophecy overlapped at this moment.

"Report—"

Xu Da hurried up the wall, his face solemn.

"Elder brother, an urgent report from the northern scouts!"

"In the direction of Baihe Town, after midnight last night, a large amount of blue light rose from within the city, lasting a quarter of an hour."

"After the blue light faded, strange murmuring sounds came from within the city."

"This morning, villagers fled in, saying they saw black shadows wandering on the city walls, twice as many as the day before."

Xu Da paused.

"Moreover, he said Baihe Town has sealed its gates, and the Yuan forces are forcibly conscripting able-bodied men to enter the city, claiming they are to repair the walls..."

"But not a single person who went in has come out."

Zhu Yue (Zhu Yuanzhang) exchanged a glance with Liu Ji.

Liu Ji said slowly:

"This is not defending the city; it is an evil sacrifice."

"Using living souls as offerings, they set up a demonic formation."

"If it succeeds, it will bring endless calamity."

Xu Da said urgently:

"Elder brother, what should we do? Should we still follow the original plan and attack the city in three days?"

Zhu Yue (Zhu Yuanzhang) did not answer immediately.

He rapidly calculated in his mind.

Historical knowledge told him:

Chang Yuchun is a rare fierce general under heaven, but his nature is violent and he loves killing; in history he often ventured deep alone, repeatedly achieving extraordinary feats yet also frequently encountering danger.

And Liu Bowen excels at courtly strategizing, strategic deployment, and... dealing with various "abnormalities".

The current situation:

Baihe Town harbors an evil formation that must be destroyed swiftly, otherwise it will bring endless trouble.

The camp will soon face a flood and must be relocated promptly.

And in my hands are two top-tier talents who have just defected, who historically ought to have been my left and right arms.

But Chang Yuchun's "bravery" and Liu Bowen's "wisdom" have come into conflict at this moment.

"Xu Da, summon Chang the scout captain, Tang He, Guo Rong, and the two newly arrived blacksmith masters to the council tent at once."

"Mr. Liu, please come as well."

"Yes!"

Moments later, inside the council tent.

Everyone gathered.

Chang Yuchun's arm wound had been bandaged, but his face was somewhat pale from blood loss.

Zhu Yue (Zhu Yuanzhang) looked at him, and a historical record flashed in his mind:

"Chang Yuchun, courtesy name Boyuan, from Huaiyuan. His appearance is extraordinary, his courage and strength surpass others, he has ape-like arms and is skilled at archery."

"He claimed he could lead a hundred thousand men to roam the world."

"In the second year of the Hongwu era, he died suddenly at Liuchuan, aged forty."

He died suddenly.

He was only forty years old.

Zhu Yue (Zhu Yuanzhang) felt a surge of complex emotions.

But now is not the time for sentiment.

He quickly explained the current situation: the evil formation in Baihe Town, the impending flood, and the camp's predicament.

Chang Yuchun was the first to slam the table.

"Then let's fight! While those demons haven't yet formed a climate, smash their jars and pots!"

"Our morale is high now, and the new brothers all want to earn merit!"

Liu Ji, however, shook his head.

"General Chang's valor is commendable, but the evil formation is strange; I fear it cannot be broken by force alone."

"I observe that in the direction of Baihe Town, black qi rises to the heavens, faintly bearing a bloody light."

"Attacking now would likely play into their hands, merely increasing the sacrifices."

Chang Yuchun glared.

"Then, according to the scholar's opinion, are we just supposed to watch?"

"No." Liu Ji said calmly, "Act only after the plan is set."

He turned toward Zhu Yue (Zhu Yuanzhang).

"Leader, Liu has three plans."

Please speak.

The best strategy is to move the camp to avoid water; this is the utmost urgency and cannot be delayed.

The middle strategy is to send death warriors to sneak into White River Town, not to attack the city, but only to set fire.

Burn the granary and armory, especially the government office—if the core of the evil formation is here, even if we cannot destroy it, we can still disrupt its progress.

The worst strategy...

Liu Ji paused.

Besiege the city, cut off their reinforcements, and wait for them to collapse internally.

Zhu Yue (Zhu Yuanzhang) remained silent.

He looked at Chang Yuchun.

"Scout Captain Chang, if you lead people to sneak in and set fire, how many men do you need?"

Chang Yuchun grinned.

"Give me ten fearless brothers; under cover of night we'll sneak in and burn it to the ground!"

"But..."

He touched the wound on his arm.

"Those black-armored troops cannot be harmed by blades or spears; only beheading works."

"If they are surrounded inside the city, they probably won't be able to get out."

Zhu Yue (Zhu Yuanzhang) nodded.

He knew that Chang Yuchun had historically led elite cavalry in surprise attacks, winning with fewer against many, but that was on the open battlefield.

This kind of infiltration and sabotage is not his forte.

"The two blacksmith masters."

Zhu Yue (Zhu Yuanzhang) looked at the two artisans who had fled from Huaiyuan.

"Does the newly refined 'Strange Iron' work against the black-armored troops?"

The old blacksmith hesitated and said:

"Chief, we tested the black-armored soldier's skull that Scout Captain Chang brought back the day before yesterday."

"Scraping the blue poisonous blood with 'Strange Iron' causes it to fade."

"But... but if we directly chop the black-armored soldiers' bodies, can we cut through? We haven't tried."

The young blacksmith added:

"However, we found that the 'Strange Iron' warms up slightly on its own when near the black-armored soldier's skull."

"It seems... to have a reaction."

Zhu Yue (Zhu Yuanzhang)'s eyes lit up.

"Warming up?"

"Yes. It seems somewhat spiritual."

Liu Ji suddenly spoke:

"But what about 'Weapon-Evil Mutual Response'?"

The old blacksmith was taken aback.

"Sir, do you also understand this?"

"Ancient texts record: divine weapons sound on their own when encountering evil spirits, and grow warm when encountering killing energy."

Liu Ji looked at Zhu Yue (Zhu Yuanzhang).

"If this metal can truly subdue demons and evil, it could be forged into a weapon to defeat the enemy."

Zhu Yue (Zhu Yuanzhang) took a deep breath.

He quickly weighed the options in his mind.

In history, Liu Bowen's strategies have often saved critical situations.

And Chang Yuchun's bravery is the sharp blade that opens the battlefield.

Now, the flood threat is imminent, and the evil formation is gradually taking shape.

"Xu Da, Tang He."

"Present."

"Immediately begin scouting high ground to find a suitable location to relocate the camp."

"Requirements: high terrain, easy to defend, near water, with room to expand."

"Within three days, it must be decided and the relocation begun."

"Yes!"

"Scout Captain Chang."

"I'm here!"

"Select twenty of the most elite and fearless brothers from the cavalry."

"Issue all the refined 'Strange Iron' swords."

"Conduct three days of emergency training: night marching, climbing, concealment, arson, and retreat."

"After three days, when the camp begins to move, you will sneak into White River Town under cover of night."

"The mission has only one objective: set fire to destroy the government office, granary, and armory."

"No need to fight to the death or seek total success; creating chaos is enough."

"Received!" Chang Yuchun's eyes blazed with fighting spirit.

"Mr. Liu."

Ji is here.

The camp relocation, site selection, infiltration routes, and timing of the operation are all up to you to plan.

I want the safest plan.

Liu Ji solemnly clasped his fists.

I will not betray the trust placed in me.

Zhu Yue (Zhu Yuanzhang) rose to his feet, his gaze sweeping over everyone.

Everyone, time is pressing, the calamity approaches.

But I believe man can conquer heaven.

And I believe evil will not prevail over righteousness.

Get to work.

The crowd responded in unison, each going their separate ways.

Only Zhu Yue (Zhu Yuanzhang) remained in the tent.

He walked to the wall and gazed at the blade-and-plow flag.

History has already changed.

Liu Bowen and Chang Yuchun had already gathered under his command.

But the crisis also far exceeds historical records.

Those black-armored soldiers, the azure light, the evil formation...

What exactly is it?

And this 'time traveler' of mine,

Can he really lead these people,

walk this unprecedented, thorn-choked path?

He did not know.

But he must try.

Because he is Zhu Yue.

And also... Zhu Yuanzhang.

North, Baihe Town.

Underground stone altar.

The magic circle beneath the black-robed person's feet had already lit up more than half.

The azure light flowed like blood in the patterns.

Around the altar, dozens more emaciated corpses with blue marks on their necks appeared.

Soon...

In the hoarse voice of the black-robed person, there was manic joy.

In three days...

In three days, it will be enough...

He lifted his head, as if he could see through the layers of earth to the south.

Seeing that riverbank.

Seeing those vibrant lives.

Come...

Everyone come...

To become the offerings for the descent of the Divine Crow...

As sacrifices.