Chapter 210
Chapter 210: The Plan
Sensing that the Commander before him did not fully believe his words, Hu Rui An shook his head lightly. He was not surprised by this reaction. [Indeed, even I wouldn’t believe such a thing upon first hearing.]
Thus, Hu Rui An carefully recounted the events of his journey to Fu Qi Wen. After listening, Fu Qi Wen’s expression stiffened in astonishment.
“How could this be possible?” Fu Qi Wen’s deeply wrinkled forehead furrowed even more as he continued skeptically: “Shen Jue Sheng is a famed martial expert known throughout the Martial World for many years. According to what you say, his martial strength has grown even greater, yet the Eighth Prince defeated him with just a single punch?”
It wasn’t that Fu Qi Wen doubted Hu Rui An’s honesty. The matter was simply too extraordinary to believe easily. Long ago, Shen Jue Sheng had swept through the Martial World, renowned for his peerless mastery of the blade dao. Even Fu Qi Wen had greatly admired him in his youth. Yet now, such a legendary figure had fallen at the hands of a mere youth, not even twenty, barely initiated into the Martial World. Who would readily believe such a tale?
Hu Rui An watched Fu Qi Wen’s face shift with astonishment and suspicion, quietly thinking to himself: [I haven’t even mentioned Murong Xiao Ya yet. If I did, he might be even more shocked.]
As for why he withheld details about Murong Xiao Ya, Li Mu Sheng had expressly ordered him not to speak of it. After all, the Vermilion Bird Bone within her body was an extremely rare treasure. Such an item could drastically boost one’s strength within a short time, and if word spread, countless Martial World cultivators would covet it.
“My Lord need not worry. Every word I’ve spoken is true. Given His Highness’s martial dao prowess, he should have no trouble returning safely from Fallen God Peak,” Hu Rui An reassured confidently, attempting to ease Fu Qi Wen’s concerns.
After hearing these words, Fu Qi Wen’s expression shifted in thoughtful silence. Eventually, he gave a gentle nod. “Very well. I only hope your words hold true.” He briefly closed his eyes, then opened them again, remarking: “His Highness has always felt different to me compared to others. Previously, I thought he had some hidden support, but now…”
Fu Qi Wen did not finish his sentence. After all, Li Mu Sheng, barely twenty years old, already possessed strength surpassing Shen Jue Sheng. Fu Qi Wen simply could not imagine how the young man had cultivated to such a level.
Shaking his head, Fu Qi Wen glanced toward Fallen God Peak before calming himself, then continued: “Regardless, even if His Highness’s martial cultivation is extraordinary, the destruction of Fallen God Peak is not something he can accomplish alone.”
As he spoke, he unfolded the map upon the table and summoned the gathered deputy commanders of the Heavenly Brocade Guard from the three states to join the discussion.
“Rui An, you handled the Sheng Province situation excellently. To be honest, I had nearly decided to abandon the Heavenly Brocade Guard presence there.” Fu Qi Wen praised Hu Rui An sincerely.
However, Hu Rui An hurriedly declined any credit, respectfully replying: “All this was due to His Highness’s efforts. Without him, I would not have managed to deal with Mei Yan and her husband.”
At these words, the two exchanged knowing glances. Hu Rui An had, of course, already reported the deaths of Mei Yan and the Martial Saint’s daughter clearly. But since their focus was now entirely on the mission to annihilate Fallen God Peak, they tacitly avoided discussing the matter further.
Soon after, the other deputy commanders from the Heavenly Brocade Guard arrived from the three provinces. Fu Qi Wen quickly began outlining their assault plans.
“Fallen God Peak’s influence runs deep in Lan Province. We must carefully plan our routes, gathering all our strength to break through their defenses from four directions, then strike swiftly to reach the base of Fallen God Peak itself.” As Fu Qi Wen spoke, he pointed to the map where Fallen God Peak’s main sect was clearly marked.
The main peak, Fallen God Peak, stood encircled by eight smaller main peaks arrayed in all directions. Four of these peaks had already been circled in red ink, clearly chosen by Fu Qi Wen after careful deliberation as their points of attack.
“As for the other three routes, three senior Heavenly Brocade Guard members besides myself will lead assaults against three of Fallen God Peak’s peaks. Our target will be the third peak, Imperial Star Peak.”
…
On a dusty road, deep wagon tracks trailed behind the carriage belonging to the Xi Shan Saber Sect. At the front, the scar-faced man repeatedly glanced back anxiously at Li Mu Sheng, who leisurely rode a pack mule behind. However, whenever Li Mu Sheng happened to look up, the scar-faced man quickly withdrew his gaze in panic.
Half a day had passed since leaving the last checkpoint set by Fallen God Peak, and thus far, their journey with Li Mu Sheng had been uneventful. They encountered some Fallen God Peak disciples at roadblocks along the way, but no trouble arose. Li Mu Sheng showed no particular grudge against Fallen God Peak, apparently unwilling to cause trouble if not provoked.
Yet, the scar-faced man’s heart was filled with worry and hesitation. Several times, when encountering Fallen God Peak’s patrols, he had felt tempted to reveal Li Mu Sheng’s presence, hoping to be rid of him. But each time, the terrifying image of Hu Rui An casually wiping out numerous Fallen God Peak experts flashed through his mind, forcing him to abandon such dangerous thoughts.
Though Li Mu Sheng appeared entirely devoid of martial aura, the scar-faced man reasoned that his companions must have felt secure letting him travel alone, which implied that Li Mu Sheng had powerful hidden support. Thus, he continued forward, his thoughts rising and falling without ever daring to rebel openly.
[Why is he going to Seven Saint Peaks anyway? He killed so many of Fallen God Peak’s people at first sight; he doesn’t look like someone heading there to offer birthday congratulations at all.] The scar-faced man felt uneasy, worrying that Li Mu Sheng might bring disaster upon them all.
Meanwhile, Li Mu Sheng, riding leisurely, was busy refining the Azure Dragon Cang Ming Scripture in his mind. Accustomed to modern navigation apps, he found ancient maps confusing and tiresome. Thankfully, following the scar-faced man’s party made things easy.
Just then, Li Mu Sheng glanced back and saw the Hemp Robed Elder leading a horse, upon which the Pink Clad Girl sat, appearing on the road behind them. Slowing slightly to allow them to catch up, Li Mu Sheng raised an eyebrow, lightly rubbing his chin as he said: “Surely you aren’t so petty as to have followed me all this way just for this pack mule?”
Hearing this, the Pink Clad Girl tightened her small face, her eyes darting about as she examined Li Mu Sheng. Her slender eyebrows knit together as she replied suspiciously: “The powerful expert who was traveling with you is gone now. How are you still acting so arrogant?”