Chapter 348: Storms Rise from One Place

Li Guanyi did not remove his armor but marched in full plate and battle robe; those on the road who saw him bowed respectfully, not to mention the officers and generals of the army led by the Duke.

Even more so, the Xuanjia Army brought out by Li Guanyi and Li Zhaowen.

Upon seeing Li Guanyi and Li Zhaowen, they bowed even more reverently.

These Xuanjia soldiers, though possessing Wu Gong, had insufficient military merit and mostly held positions as squad leaders; this time, after breaking through the enemy lines, according to Li Zhaowen's promise, they would return as irregular Captains or even junior officers, all overjoyed.

Provided everything went smoothly.

But after completing this one swift charge, everyone briefly set aside the dangers ahead, savoring a momentary spiritual relief.

Called a family banquet, yet given the current state of Yemenguan City, it was only slightly better than the soldiers' ordinary rations; within the former governor's mansion, the old Duke still wore his armor and battle robe, the table holding only a modest amount of wine and meat, as he smiled and invited Li Guanyi to sit:

"Young friend, you've worked hard leading troops here; without your strength, we might have been in peril. Come, under these circumstances, we have little to offer you—please!"

Familiar faces accompanied them; Li Zhaowen was also present.

For a moment, one could almost forget the situation outside.

The Duke said: "Young friend, that enemy commander is no ordinary man; though we used decoy tactics, he is excessively suspicious—if we slip up and he detects the ruse, it will be troublesome."

"There are still over seventy thousand troops in the city, all capable of donning armor and wielding spears."

"I intend to wait until the enemy's morale is at its lowest, then lead our forces out, masking our movement and striking as their morale wavers—what do you think?"

Li Guanyi said: "It is one option."

The Duke said: "But deploying a large army is extremely difficult to maneuver; though once formed, its power is greater, it lacks the flexibility of small elite units, which can pierce and infiltrate. Sending out the main force will inevitably lead to a major battle."

"Unless someone can distract and charge."

He carried a faint air of restraint, letting his words hang there.

Usually, at this point, the generals would rise spontaneously, their emotions stirred, swearing oaths of loyalty and so forth.

Li Guanyi saw through it.

Li Guanyi chose to ignore it.

Hungry from the charge, he ate and drank heartily; now the only sounds were the chewing of the Central Plains merchant seated cross-legged, leaving the composed Duke strangely embarrassed.

He looked at Li Zhaowen, who only smiled and handed Li Guanyi more wine, saying:

"This isn't fine wine."

"For your cultivation physique, it's merely water to quench thirst."

"I have aged cellar wines at home—we'll have a proper drink when we return!"

The Duke: "…………"

Those are my wines.

He cleared his throat and said gently: "To protect our army and the city's civilians, someone must lead the vanguard. I see your skills are exceptional, your abilities extraordinary—would you be willing to assist? Must Have Weight reward!"

The old Duke paused, raised his cup, and said: "As I stood on the walls with Xia Hou, watching the endless waves of Western Region troops surge, my heart ached, and I swore inwardly."

"If someone truly comes to save me, and if that person is my child, then he shall be my sole heir."

"But if it is someone else."

"Then no matter what wish he holds, I will fulfill it."

"Zhaowen, you came to save me—I will immediately petition His Majesty to promote your rank. And you, Tian Ge'er, what is your wish? Speak freely—I will grant it all!"

This was a politician's tactic.

Perhaps because of the thin veil of father-son affection, Li Zhaowen's face showed a trace of delight, but Li Guanyi saw clearly that every gaze had settled on him; he slowly swallowed his food and said loudly:

"I wish for peace throughout the land, no more wars within the Four Seas."

The Duke grew awkward again, smiling: "I cannot achieve such a thing." The surrounding generals, nobles, and strategists all showed faint displeasure, deeming the Central Plains merchant's words too hollow.

They harbored a touch of disdain, yet concealed it on their faces.

One laughed: "General Tian Ge'er, your ambition is so vast it leaves us awestruck; among the younger generation, few possess such grandeur—I can only think of the Fire Qilin of the Jiangnan region."

Li Guanyi's heart tightened; he chuckled: "Fire Qilin?"

"Oh, I've heard of him—he's nothing special."

The Duke laughed loudly: "I see, nephew, your valor and breadth are unmatched, your spirit no less than that so-called Jiangnan Fire Qilin. Young men should have boldness and vision—it's a good thing."

"But these four characters—'peace throughout the land'—are far too heavy, too vast."

"I cannot grant you that. Choose another."

Li Guanyi said: "Gold and grain."

The Duke said: "How much do you want?!"

Li Guanyi replied: "How much can the Duke give?"

The Duke smiled: "Once we emerge, your Anxi City will be my greatest ally. My Great Ying Empire's armies command obedience across the land—how could we possibly lack silver and coin for you?"

The Duke had intended to brush this off, to manipulate the young man's fervor—but saw the merchant's half-smile; Li Zhaowen said: "Father, once a promise is made, it must be kept."

The Duke felt displeased.

His daughter's nature was too free and sharp, and she did not aid him.

Instead, she sided with an outsider.

He sipped slowly; though displeased, he knew this was the moment to win loyalty—he could not be stingy, and declared firmly:

"Then let this be a bonus: ten thousand taels of gold and silver is no issue—I'll give you the reward as if we'd won a great battle. If we break the Western Alliance's hundred thousand troops, the court will surely grant rewards—whether Your Majesty bestows ten thousand, a million, or even ten million taels—"

"Ten thousand taels, a million taels, even ten million taels—"

"You and I, seven to three!"

The surrounding nobles and generals turned pale: "Lord!"

"This—"

Li Guanyi was also surprised; he gauged the atmosphere, raised an eyebrow, and said:

"Three-tenths of the reward goes to me?"

Li Duke's aura was greater than what Li Guanyi had seen.

He said calmly: "No, seven tenths."

"You take seven, I take three."

"That three-tenth share isn't something I want for myself."

"I give three tenths to my army's soldiers—they suffered defeat because of me, yet they endured hardship with me and broke through the enemy lines; they deserve some reward. The rest—"

"All go to you!"

"As compensation for the three-tenth share, I'll let you enter my family's treasure vault. Take as much as you can carry—that's how much you'll get. How's that?"

Li Guanyi looked at Li Duke.

Li Duke smiled calmly—this was his "sincerity." The vault held many treasures; now it was up to Li Guanyi's vision and luck. No one could fault him.

But Li Guanyi was only one man—how much could he possibly take?

Li Guanyi thought of the giant sack the Fisherman of Whales had prepared for Yao Guang.

Li Guanyi said: "Then it's settled."

Li Duke laughed heartily: "Even four horses couldn't recall it!"

The host and guest were both delighted.

Both felt thoroughly satisfied.

Though Li Duke's heart ached at parting with so much gold and silver, he was a rational man who knew he must not be stingy at this moment.

So he put on an extremely generous show.

As if the boy who once roamed the land with sword in hand still lived within this skin.

Li Duke added: "I see, nephew, you wear this armor well—it has been passed down through generations of my family. Since ancient times, a precious sword is given to a hero. This set of Shanwen armor and the Xuanbing heavy spear—I bestow them upon you."

"Use them well. May you ride the battlefield, maneuver freely, and strike down all who oppose you."

"If you are willing—"

"When we return, I shall personally petition Your Majesty to grant you an official rank. Then you may enshrine your wife and bless your descendants—wouldn't that honor Liezulie?"

Li Guanyi was no longer the young herbalist of old—he knew Li Duke sought to fully bind him to his faction: a great victory in the west, followed by a personal petition for merit, rank, and reward.

To the eyes of the world, the sky of Anxi City belonged to the Duke family.

Li Guanyi said: "That won't be necessary."

He wiped his mouth. The face of this Central Plains merchant wore a light, sly smile: "Of course, if the Duke is willing, convert that official rank into grain and silver for me—that would be best."

"If any among you wish to claim this merit—"

"Speak to me privately. We are allies—we can make fine deals."

"I won't hesitate to share this rank and merit with you. Just list my achievements as yours when you petition for rewards. How's that?"

"I'll give you a discount."

At these words, everyone's faces turned strange.

Even Li Duke laughed bitterly—he was too stunned to be angry, more amused than furious. The other generals and officials stirred slightly, their minds already turning.

They had just suffered a crushing defeat, nearly losing their merits entirely—but if Li Guanyi now led them to break out, and truly "repelled" the seventy-thousand-strong alliance of the Western Seven Clans—

That would be no small merit.

And he would sell it for silver? He didn't even ask for more?

Could such a thing truly exist?!

Beneath their expressions lay hidden eagerness—and a touch of contempt.

Truly a merchant—excellent Wu Gong, yet ignorant of the value of rank and power. At this critical moment, granting him a fifth-rank military officer title—even a fourth-rank lower—would be entirely plausible.

This was not something silver could buy.

What a fine merchant!

Li Duke was momentarily stunned, then sighed helplessly: "You greedy fool!"

"Still, though tonight is a family banquet, I have something to tell you."

"I see you are of similar age to Zhao Wen, handsome, gifted in Wu Gong, bold and fearless—you are truly a dragon among men."

"Would you be willing to join my family?"

Li Guanyi stared at Li Duke, dumbfounded: "???"

His mental calculations halted.

Li Duke's expression softened as he looked at Li Guanyi and said:

"I see your martial vigor, and that you have no powerful clan behind you. In this chaotic age, it is hard to walk alone. If you do not mind, why not take me as your adoptive father?"

"When we return to the city, I shall revise our family genealogy and inscribe your name within it."

Li Guanyi: "…………"

"Huh?"

Li Guanyi could barely hold himself together when laughter came from beside him.

Li Zhao Wen rose and declined on Li Guanyi's behalf: "Father, his nature is free and Mu Zi Yi—he is not the kind to become an adopted son. Your plan won't work. Better to follow my idea."

He paused, smiling: "The Night Guancheng is lost."

"The granaries hold little grain, but gold, silver, and copper coins remain. This city cannot be rebuilt quickly nor held. Let us give all these riches to the brothers."

Li Guanyi beamed, turning to Li Zhao Wen.

You understand me, Second Young Master!

He saw Li Zhao Wen nod with a smile.

Li Duke pondered: "That could work. But if so, I shall give you an even greater gift—"

Li Shude looked at Li Guanyi:

"This night, the gates are closed—not on our Great Ying's border, but on one of the forty-two cities that previously allied with us. If you wish, these forty-two cities, along with their silver, gold, grain, and control over them all, are yours!"

"What do you say?"

"Dare you accept it, nephew?"

Li Guanyi's eyes paused slightly.

The Duke of Li is no mere wine-bag and food-sack.

These cities allied with Xiyicheng were never truly under his control—whether broken or surrendered, it was better to make a generous gesture and hand over the authority to control them to Li Guanyi; as for the silver and gold, if he has the ability, let him take it all!

The Duke of Li said: "Well, nephew, do you have the courage to swallow this great gift?"

Li Guanyi said: "Then please, Uncle Li, write me a letter of authorization."

Li Shude laughed loudly: "Good! You've got guts!"

He waved his hand, and his attendants brought paper and ink; right there, he wrote out the transfer of authority over the forty-two cities—large and small—and their alliance agreements to Li Guanyi, signifying that Xiyicheng would recognize Li Guanyi's control over these forty-two cities.

Xiyicheng would even assist Li Guanyi's forces in securing control of these forty-two cities.

With the benefits of merchant guilds and trade routes.

Li Guanyi took the document; upon it was stamped the seal of the "Duke of Ying," and he faintly felt the flow of destiny atop the Nine Cauldrons, humming and resonating—the portion of the Nine Cauldrons representing the entire Western Regions glowed with golden light.

It faintly connected to this letter of authorization, but alas, the letter carried only a fragment of the Ying state's vast destiny—insufficiently strong, insufficiently solid, unable to trigger any change in Li Guanyi's Nine Cauldrons.

Forty-two cities…

A vast region previously surveyed and confirmed by the Duke of Li's own household.

These cities were all excellent—rich in produce, occupying oases, with salt ponds and other resources.

But they had failed to take them.

Now, by tacitly granting them to Li Guanyi, Li Guanyi knew the Duke of Li wished to secure his loyalty with such a heavy bribe, forcing him to personally lead troops to break the enemy lines, while the Duke's own army of tens of thousands followed behind, striking when the enemy's morale wavered.

But…

Li Guanyi's mind conceived another strategy.

If he could subdue this entire Western army…

Then, riding the momentum of such a great victory, the forty-two cities would fall like a sweeping torrent—within thirty to forty days, all could be brought under his command. Currently, holding only one great city was insufficient to contend with the Wolf King or the Tanguts.

But forty-two cities? That was different.

Li Guanyi's power in the Western Regions would transform from a warlord controlling merely one city—the former territory of the ancient Agni Kingdom—into a regional magnate commanding forty-two cities.

Though the forty-two cities, in population and area, could not compare to the great cities of the Central Plains or Jiangnan, their sheer number made them an immensely formidable force—and furthermore…

With two to three million people under his control, perhaps he could attempt to cast a Cauldron.

At least, a prototype.

Li Guanyi suddenly thought of something deadly.

He murmured: "Forty-two cities… won't that drain me dry of silver?"

One city alone could exhaust all his gold and silver.

The Duke of Li had promised him seventy percent of the rewards after Jiang Wanxiang's fall—that would be a massive sum—but if all that silver and treasure were poured into repairing and administering forty-two cities…

Li Guanyi's face turned pale.

He felt a stomachache, just like Master Yan Daiqing's.

He realized that even if he won this battle, his treasury would be even more depleted.

Poverty!

The more famous one becomes, the greater the gains—

The poorer one is!

Nangong Wumeng—was your remark truly serious?

Do I really lack thirty years of fortune?

Seeing his expression, the Duke of Li finally laughed heartily, drank his fill, and departed; the generals and strategists all felt a restless itch, thinking of the meritorious deals the Central Plains merchants had spoken of. The Duke drank alone, while Xia Hou Duan stood beside him.

After a pause, Xia Hou Duan said:

"Lord, giving him such immense benefits—isn't it too much?"

The Duke of Li drank alone: "Too much? Not at all."

"We underestimated the ferocity of the Western Regions' situation. With the tide of power surging here, if we can now force back the Western army of one hundred thousand, we will have honored Jiang Su, the State Preceptor, and Your Majesty."

"We can sit comfortably on the sidelines and watch the world's struggle."

"These forty-two cities, though vast, are indeed advantageous—if held. But the Western Regions are too brutal. To stand here, you must subdue all the Western tribes, or else face constant assaults from their united armies."

"It's not a good thing."

"This Tian Ge'er—this boy is cunning."

"Time and again, he takes the bait but refuses to bite. So let's give him these forty-two cities—let him stand in front for us."

Xia Hou Duan said: "What if he truly rises?"

The Duke of Li sneered: "Impossible."

"Absolutely impossible."

"Even we, with our talents, cannot hold our ground—how could a mere wandering merchant?"

"Even if he hides a noble lineage, he's likely just an outstanding disciple of some clan or sect. To hold one city is already stroke of luck—how could he possibly control forty-two?"

"He'll choke on his own greed."

"The Western Regions are turbulent and chaotic, with thirty-six tribes entangled like a birdcage. Tian Ge'er, even Li Zhaowen—they're talented, brilliant young men, free and unrestrained."

"But here, in the Western Regions, they're merely two birds trapped in this cage."

Xia Hou Duan, upright and loyal, said: "The military strategists say: before considering victory, consider defeat."

"What if he does rise?"

"You said that if someone comes to you, they should be named heir."

Lord Li said: "So… I say, both she and that boy are trapped within this great tide's cage—how could I make my daughter a marquis? But given this situation, I must rely on their strength, which is why I say such things."

Xia Hou Duan remained silent.

Lord Li said: "The world is a cage within a cage. Zhao Wen's cage is my Xiyicheng, the bonds of family. That boy's cage is the complexity of the Western Regions, the storms rising across the realm."

"If they cannot escape this cage, let them be two birds with beautiful plumage within it."

"But if they do escape…"

He paused, then said softly: "Then they will be two phoenixes."

"Use me as a stepping stone to forge their fame."

"It's simply a matter of accepting the stakes."

"Where do phoenix and phoenic come from? Where do they go?"

"Must they both be confined to the Western Regions?"

"Rather, under this situation, do you think the struggle between the Tangut and that old wolf has reached its peak? Does that Tangut woman now hope we are blocked—or that we break through?"

Lord Li lifted his gaze toward the outside.

Xiao Yuxue, from atop the Tangut imperial palace, gazed afar, her sleeves fluttering as she murmured: "... Li Shude, you never imagined that even within your Xiyicheng, there are members of my Holy Sect."

"Pity. Pity."

"Li Shude, a hero through his life—eldest son holds the legacy, second daughter is free-spirited."

"But your third son is useless—he was charmed by just three or five courtesans, lost in their company; even your departure route and timing were easily extracted. For a heroic warlord like you, to be undone by your own son."

A woman of unmatched beauty, yet with cold, indifferent eyes, stood high above and whispered:

"Let the Night Gate Pass bury your old man's ambitions. Your third son is a fine pawn—he will stir conflict between your eldest and your second daughter. Xiyicheng will fall under our influence."

"Your death here gives the Ying State ample reason to march."

"The Chen State's pressure will ease."

"General He Ruo Qinhu, the fourth greatest general under heaven, has yet to move."

"He acts with tyranny—he will enter the Western Regions and crush all tribes that kill you. The Thirty-Six Tribes cannot stand against him, and the Yu Langwang—once the fourth divine general of the realm, now the fourth divine general."

"They will contend in the Western Regions."

"Only then can the Tangut survive, and my Holy Sect survive."

"Li Shude, use your head to revive this dead game of the Western Regions!"

Elder Wu Xuefei bowed her head—

Even she could see it now.

Xiao Yuxue is also stirring the great tide of the realm. If her plan truly unfolds, the entire Western Regions—and even the world—will shift. The Tangut Kingdom, once doomed, and the Holy Sect's fortune, will revive.

Elder Wu Xuefei did not know what to say.

She thought the woman extreme, almost demonic, twisted and terrifying—but she was, after all, the most outstanding Holy Sect leader in centuries, ruthless yet strategic, with vision so vast that a woman of the martial world could stir the great tide of the realm.

This game was already set.

Xiao Yuxue lowered her gaze, as if seeing distant Shanhe, seeing the Night Gate Pass.

Her fingers, pale and slender, slowly extended—and beneath them converged the Thirty-Six Tribes of the Western Regions, the Chen State, the Ying State, Xiyicheng, and countless others, forming a complex, interwoven chessboard.

Her five fingers closed.

Controlling the Tangut, stirring seven tribes, summoning wind and clouds, drawing in Xiyicheng.

Among all who entered this game, she stood first.

If she wins, a vast tide of fortune will surge—reviving the Bai Di, reuniting the Holy Sect.

It should be so.

Upon the Night Gate Pass.

Li Guanyi lifted his gaze toward the distance. Li Zhaowen smiled: "My father is somewhat drunk. Don't take his talk of adopting you as an heir seriously. But I can't call you by your name—I'll have to call you Brother Yaoshi."

Li Zhaowen gazed into the distance, then softly laughed:

"Still, becoming one family doesn't have to mean adoption."

Li Guanyi raised an eyebrow.

Li Zhaowen smiled calmly:

"Brother Yaoshi, in this great tide, what do you think should be done?"

Li Guanyi looked afar and said: "Wait. Their morale is shattered. After we charge back, Second Brother, remember your promise—you'll compose a song for me." Li Zhaowen laughed: "And the most beautiful woman under heaven will play the qin."

In the quiet moment after the battlefield, Li Guanyi whispered:

"The time is not yet right."

"I will crush them in one blow!"

Break them!

Break the Seven Tribes of the Western Regions, seize the forty-two cities, rise utterly—and then you may call yourself a regional hero. Otherwise, to claim the Western Regions with one city, then conquer Jiangnan, is mere fantasy.

Li Shude, Li Zhaowen, Li Guanyi, the Western Tribes, Xiao Yuxue, the Chen State, the Ying State—all these forces now converge upon this battlefield. Victory or defeat, life or death, will shape the future.

Only hours remain before the battle, destined to be sung across millennia, never forgotten.

Meanwhile, dozens of li beyond the Night Gate Pass battlefield, hooves thundered.

Khan Qibili and Fan Qing led ten thousand elite troops.

Changsun Wuchou escorted superior armor and weapons.

Finally, they united!

?? After adjusting our schedules, everything is peaceful; everyone, get some good rest.