themonasnovels Chapter 137 Advancement
Chapter 137 Advancement
The new novel "I Am Invincible Demon 2" is here! Cola Novels is the first to update it online!
The next moment, as the system opened, a message popped up.
[Third-grade formation "Mountain-Shaking Copper Gate Formation" (63018/50000 entry momentum, use 10,000 proficiency points to advance) Additional effect: Super defense, shakes mountains and shakes the earth]
Lu Yuan, of course, did not hesitate and immediately chose to advance.
Then, a lot of information about formations appeared in my mind.
There were so many that they instantly broke free from the shackles in his mind.
Some problems that I didn't quite understand or couldn't figure out in the past suddenly became clear at this moment.
Then, the system data reappeared in my mind.
[Fourth-grade formation "Shocking God Floating Pagoda Formation" (3018/10000 Great Completion) Additional effects: Doubled defense, doubled speed. In large-scale battles, it can have a deterrent effect, greatly reducing the enemy's morale.]
Looking at the numbers above, Lu Yuan's lips curled up. This was a formation used by a large-scale cavalry charge.
It is indeed suitable for use now.
With this formation, dealing with this battle shouldn't be too much of a problem.
As far as he knew, the barbarians revered strength and were not particularly skilled in military formations. They lived in the more remote icy plains, where the temperature was low year-round and wild animals were plentiful.
However, it is rich in mineral resources, including rare trees, precious refining ores, and even a considerable number of spirit stone mines.
Therefore, although they were rough in their group warfare.
However, they are very strong individually.
The ancient barbarians, on the other hand, were the opposite. The ancient barbarian tribes had a very ancient profession called priests, which was somewhat different from warriors.
It can unleash many unexpected and supernatural abilities.
Their strength is truly astonishing.
Furthermore, they also like to use formations during battles.
Ancient and mysterious, it is more like some kind of ritual. It is said that the ancient barbarians passed it down from a very, very long time ago, and their traditions are ancient.
It is far beyond what can be compared to barbarism.
If these two forces were released individually, they would be inferior to the Northern Barbarians, as their territory and population are limited.
The harsh, cold environment forged their great strength, but it was not suitable for human life, resulting in extremely low growth rates for young children.
However, whenever the two tribes were unable to withstand the attack, they would unite to fight against the Northern Barbarians.
They might even be slightly better than the Northern Barbarians.
This has led to a renewed three-way standoff.
In the hearts of all the emperors of the Northern Barbarians, there was a wish: to unify the three barbarian tribes and rebuild the Great Qin Dynasty. However, for many years, no one was able to achieve this.
Now, the Northern Barbarians are weak. Just sending out one of their barbarian warriors is enough to overwhelm them, let alone talk about retaking them.
Not at all.
However, after listening to Xiao Hua's words today, Lu Yuan had a change of heart.
An ambition is quietly spreading.
After the mainland is unified, will one be able to ascend to immortality?
This thought lingered in his mind for a long time.
Just then, a maid's voice came from outside the door: "Your Highness, the Crown Princess has arrived."
"Sizzle!"
As soon as the words left her lips, Xiao Hua lifted her skirt and walked in. Seeing Lu Yuan sitting on the bed in the room, she blinked and said, "You're cultivating?"
"I just finished cultivating. Is there anything I can help you with?" Lu Yuan asked, looking up.
"Can't I contact you unless there's something important?" Xiao Hua pouted, looking aggrieved.
She is much more lively than before.
"Sure, of course," Lu Yuan said with a smile.
"I have something I want to ask you. I heard you're going to buy land in the south of the city?" Xiao Hua asked.
"Yeah, how did you know? The news came so fast?" Lu Yuan raised an eyebrow.
"What are you thinking? I didn't send anyone to monitor you. It was your steward who led people to the government office in the south of the city, saying that you wanted to buy land."
And there were quite a few of them. The people below knew that Mother valued you highly, so they reported it to you and asked if they wanted to sell them to you.
Xiao Hua quickly explained.
Lu Yuan nodded: "That's right. We're planning to buy four thousand acres of land, build some houses, and sell them. Do we really need to ask my aunt if she wants to sell to me for something like this? The way the government works is so boring."
"What? They know your mother values you, so they're afraid you'll be unhappy if you lose money and cause trouble. If it were anyone else, they would have sold the land long ago without hesitation. Is this your idea for making money? It'll probably be a waste if you take it out. That's a whopping 40 million taels of silver. Can you really come up with that?" Xiao Hua asked anxiously.
"I can't come up with any right now, but I seized some spirit stones while I was in Dayong. I'm going to have a friend sell them there, and that should be enough," Lu Yuan answered honestly.
Although he didn't want to sell spirit stones, he had no better option at the moment. Selling some would at least alleviate the pressure.
Moreover, since he wasn't selling in the Northern Barbarian Lands anyway, and Wu Han was selling in the buffer zone, it wouldn't be him who would lose face.
Xiao Hua rubbed Jingying's head: "I feel like you're a bit wasteful. Selling spirit stones, how could you even think of that? The imperial court has so many and it's not enough, yet you actually take them out to sell."
"Then I'll chip in some money for you. I still have some silver, and I can borrow some from my mother. But you can only do this once. If you lose money, you can't do it again."
Otherwise I'll get angry." Xiao Hua put her hands on her hips, looking like a busybody.
She pouted, as if Lu Yuan had already spent all the money.
Actually, she doesn't have much money now, but the jewelry her mother gave her after returning to the Northern Barbarians is still worth some money, and she can sell it for a good price outside.
Lu Yuan smiled and said, "I've already sent the message. The spirit stones have already started selling, so there's no need to collect any more. We'll have enough after they're sold out."
"You, you..." Xiao Hua was speechless with anger, as if she had lost her own spirit stone.
"Brother Yuan, you've changed. You used to be so good at managing your finances. Why are you like this now?" Xiao Hua said resentfully.
Lu Yuan tapped her on the head: "I naturally have my own plans."
"In the past, the imperial court built many houses in the southern city and lowered the prices to encourage people to buy them, but no one bought them at all."
"You'll definitely have to pay compensation for what you're doing," Xiao Hua said softly.
However, she still sat down next to Lu Yuan.
She said cautiously, "Brother Yuan, in the future, could you discuss this with me first before doing something like this?"
"No." Lu Yuan said decisively.
Then, looking at Xiao Hua, Lu Yuan smiled and said, "You just said that land in the South City isn't worth much. So, if I buy so much, could you give me a discount, or give me a bigger bonus?"
That way, it can be made to look better, like by building a few gardens or something.
Xiao Hua glanced at him, her face full of heartache and helplessness, with a hint of doting: "Anyway, if you insist on buying it, this is the only way. I'll put in a word with the government and ask them to give you a discount. It shouldn't be a problem."
"Thank you very much then," Lu Yuan said, then stared at Xiao Hua without saying anything more.
"Alright, I'll go right now." Xiao Hua gave Lu Yuan a resentful look before walking out the door. She gave a few instructions to the maid, who then left.
However, just as the two were chatting, the maid who had just left returned.
With a hint of urgency on his face, he said, "Your Highness, Your Highness, someone from the palace has arrived. His Majesty wants you to go to the Military Hall immediately."
Upon hearing the noise outside, Lu Yuan and Xiao Hua exchanged a glance, and without any hesitation, immediately got up to prepare to enter the palace.
Lu Yuan then called out to those outside, "Change your clothes!"
The Military Hall was where the high-ranking officials of the Dayong Dynasty discussed matters related to war.
If we summon them now, the Northern Barbarians will naturally go to war.
Needless to say, the opponent was the barbarians.
However, Lu Yuan wasn't worried about anything; instead, he felt a surge of anticipation.
At this moment, Xiao Hua glanced at him and then walked out of the house.
A moment later, the maid came in, holding the python robe and jade belt in her hands.
On the black robe, several ferocious giant pythons were embroidered with gold thread, as if they had come to life.
The clothes were made to Lu Yuan's size, and most importantly, they not only provided protection, but also offered defense comparable to heavy armor, capable of withstanding a full-force attack from someone two realms stronger than him.
Moreover, it can automatically remove dust.
The buckle on the jade belt at her waist was a storage space, dozens of times larger than the space inside her own storage ring.
This is the first time Lu Yuan has worn it.
With the help of the maid, after putting on the python robe, an aura of nobility and majesty unconsciously emanated from him.
This garment also comes with a deck that can be removed at any time, and is equipped with an ebony chest protector and shoulder guards with dark gold lion heads.
It's a very nice piece of clothing.
Not only are they aesthetically pleasing, but they also offer excellent defensive capabilities.
Although Lu Yuan's physical body is now incredibly powerful, who would complain that their defense isn't strong enough?
After securing the jade crown on his head.
A young prince appeared before them, causing the maids to blush slightly and gaze at him with reluctance.
After a moment, he carefully lowered his head.
When Lu Yuan stepped outside, Xiao Hua's eyes lit up, and she immediately went up to him and put her arm around his, saying, "Brother Yuan is still so handsome."
"You can't say a man is handsome," Lu Yuan said softly as he walked out.
"What are you talking about? It's beautiful to begin with," Xiao Hua muttered.
The two talked as they walked, and after leaving the mansion, they entered the palace.
It was getting dark by then.
In the northern wilderness during winter, the days are very short.
Although it is not yet winter, it is already late autumn.
For the northern barbarians, winter is the time when they are at their weakest.
Because many border residents rely on herding for a living.
Winter is the hardest time to get through.
Upon entering the Military Hall, they saw that Lady Xiao was already there, sitting in the seat of honor.
Grand Master of Ceremonies Xiao Gu, Imperial Preceptor Xiao Mie, Grand Marshal Fu Chuan, and other important court officials were all present.
Marquis Tianwu, Xiao Lie, was Xiao Hua's deputy, and the two were responsible for fighting against the Shengman.
Therefore, it is also included.
As soon as Lu Yuan and his companion entered, Madam Xiao waved her hand and said, "You two don't need to be so polite, please sit down. The Shengman have already begun their advance."
The numbers have now been determined: 70,000 cavalry, 100,000 infantry, and 200,000 supply troops.
Boasting an army of 400,000, they marched towards Guhe Pass.
As she spoke, she looked at Lu Yuan.
He continued, "Originally, the number of elite cavalry that could be mobilized from Hegu Pass was 100,000, but because winter is approaching, food and fodder are scarce, and the barbarian camel tribes near Hegu Pass are somewhat unstable."
Xiao He has already dispatched 40,000 cavalry to guard against any unrest caused by the barbarian camel tribe.
So now, at most we can deploy 60,000 cavalry. Are you confident in our ability to do so?
"How do their cultivation levels compare?" Lu Yuan asked softly.
"The warriors' cultivation levels are generally at the Bone Forging Realm," Grand Marshal Fu Chuan said with a frown before Xiao Shi could speak.
Then, looking at Lu Yuan, he continued, "Just today, I summoned all the generals in the capital to simulate this battle."
Ten battles, ten defeats—this is the result of our analysis.
Even if I go in person, the result won't change.
Not only are there external threats, but also internal troubles. Since His Majesty ascended the throne, the Mantuo tribe has stopped paying tribute and is now becoming increasingly arrogant.
King Qin, your battle to establish your authority is very important, as it will affect your prestige in the northern barbarians. I don't want you to make a rash decision and put yourself in a very passive position later.
Another point is that this battle must be fought quickly, because by winter, the food and supplies will not be enough to support a prolonged war of attrition.
Every day, the army's presence in the field incurs a significant expense.
The Grand Marshal first described the difficulty of the battle, and then analyzed it from the perspectives of Lu Yuan and the imperial court.
It's very authentic, without any fabrication.
The atmosphere in the Military Hall was somewhat oppressive.
Although the Northern Barbarians still have beast riders and tiger warriors, these people are used to intimidate the court officials from all directions, and it would be even more costly to mobilize them.
Moreover, the war must not escalate to this level, otherwise the barbarians will also send their elite troops.
Only then will the Northern Barbarians be plunged into a true catastrophe.
If beast riders are dispatched, the imperial city's deterrent effect will be insufficient, and it may give people the impression that there is an opportunity to take advantage of the situation.
This plunged the imperial court into turmoil.
But if no troops are dispatched, the front lines simply cannot withstand the attack.
Therefore, the only force that can resist this time is the troops near Guhe Pass. Originally, it should have been enough to defend it, but the movements of the Mantuo tribe...
This put the Northern Barbarians at a complete disadvantage.
Because cavalry are not good at defending cities, they cannot make full use of their advantages. Moreover, the northern barbarians did not pay attention to defense in the past, and the walls of Guhe Pass were low.
It's very difficult to stay out of the game.
Lu Yuan looked up at the Grand Marshal and said with a smile, "Someone has to go to this battle, doesn't he?"
The Grand Marshal remained silent.
Lu Yuan is right. If he doesn't go, it means others will go, and those who go will also face the possibility of defeat.
Prime Minister Li Qing, an old man with white hair, looked up and pondered for a moment: "If we take the initiative to go out to fight and defend outside, our food supplies can last for a month. When winter officially arrives, if we cannot win, we will have to slaughter local cattle and sheep to fill our stomachs."
This is an unbearable pressure for ordinary people.
Therefore, it is hoped that Your Highness will bring the army into the pass to defend before winter.
Although Dayong has started trading grain with us, most of it is bought up by separatist forces, and the price is several times higher than the normal market price. The situation in Dayu is similar.
Only one-third of the land suitable for cultivation in our Northern Barbarian lands belongs to the entire imperial court. Even within that one-third, a significant portion is occupied by disobedient tribes. This is why the Dayong army dared to penetrate directly into our Northern Barbarian wilderness. If it weren't for their internal strife that leaked the information, the Northern Barbarians might not have been able to hold out. So you should understand the current situation now.”
Unbeknownst to her, Xiao's expression also darkened slightly.
She discovered that as time went on after she ascended the throne, the strength of the Northern Barbarians was declining.
It's not as good as it was two years ago.
Lu Yuan raised an eyebrow and said, "If I'm not mistaken, the barbarians are probably even more lacking in provisions."
"Yes, they suffer more from the cold than we do, but the Shengman are a very united tribe. They can hold their fists firmly. However, the Beiman have too many forces occupying the outside world in recent years, and their internal situation is complicated. It is difficult for them to extend their reach. They have been in a defensive state for many years."
The more separatist forces there are, the less tax revenue there will be; with less tax revenue, there will be no money to support the army.
"This is just the beginning. If we don't come up with an effective solution, things will only get tougher. Those separatist forces have huge amounts of food and resources in their hands." Li Qing took a fruit from his sleeve, popped it into his mouth, and said calmly.
He was injured in his early years, and over time, he needed spiritual fruits to nourish his lungs.
"A-Yuan, if you are not confident, then I..."
"Your Majesty, I'll go." Lu Yuan interrupted Xiao Shi.
Xiao Hua looked over, her face expressionless.
She's not the little girl she used to be, and she's going anyway.
As long as I can be with Lu Yuan, there's nothing to be afraid of.
"Alright, we'll set off early tomorrow morning. I won't see you and Hua'er off. Things will get much better once we get through this winter."
What the barbarians really need is just some food to get through the winter. If things become unbearable, they must first preserve themselves before thinking of other solutions.
Madam Xiao gave instructions, looking at Lu Yuan and Xiao Hua with some unease.
These two people could be said to be her closest juniors; one was her daughter, and the other was her chosen son-in-law.
Moreover, it was the kind of upbringing he genuinely treated like a son.
Lu Yuan stood up and said, "Yes, sir!"
After a brief discussion, the ministers went home.
In fact, Lu Yuan was quite confident about this battle.
Sixty thousand cavalrymen! He had never fought such a large battle before.
So, after returning to his residence, Lu Yuan rested.
The next morning, before dawn, Lu Yuan rode his warhorse and led a thousand beast riders out of the mansion.
At this moment, Xiao Hua had already left the palace. When she saw Lu Yuan, she smiled. This time, she did not take a carriage, but rode a horse directly.
Wearing close-fitting armor, he did have a rather heroic and dashing appearance.
He was also followed by a large number of cavalry.
"Brother Yuan, let's go." Xiao Hua waved her riding whip and said.
"Let's go!" Lu Yuan nodded and led his men out of the palace.
At that very moment, within the present-day Great Yong Dynasty, the Seventh Prince sat in his own residence.
A look of surprise crossed his face as he looked at the people below and said, "You mean, Lu Yuan went to the Northern Barbarians and was directly made a king?"
Zhao Yu bowed and said, "Yes, Your Highness, he is now the Prince of Qin of the Northern Barbarians, and I have heard that the Queen of the Northern Barbarians treats him very well."
"Tell me more details," the Seventh Prince raised an eyebrow.
Zhao Yu smiled bitterly and said, "Your Highness, I don't know the specifics. Our people had just delivered the message when they were discovered by the Observatory and killed in the mansion."
Now, there aren't many spies left over there; they're mostly peripheral figures who don't have access to higher-ups.
"Hmph, it seems the Northern Barbarians really have no one left. They still treat Lu Yuan like a treasure. If there's no news, then we don't need to worry about him. I'm going to have a drink with Marquis Wushuang later. That's all." After the Seventh Prince finished speaking, he waved for Zhao Yu to leave.
He himself got up to prepare to go out for the banquet.
After returning, Wushuang Hou was treated with the utmost courtesy in Dayong.
Now that he has just returned, he is already a high-ranking official in the central government of the Great Yong Dynasty.
According to Emperor Yong, once Wushuang Hou has recovered for a period of time, they can consider expanding outwards.
Today, the national strength of the Great Yong Kingdom is steadily increasing.
The court officials, including Emperor Yong, all had a mindset of expanding the territory.
The only problem was the lack of a suitable general to lead the troops. Now that Wushuang Hou has returned, this problem has been completely solved.