Chen Ping's Sword

Chapter 390: Chapter 185: Eightfold Golden Locks, The Supreme Strategy of War_2

A burly figure, truly portrayed the role of a chivalrous protector vividly, though in reality, he didn’t need to act.

Standing there, he was akin to a fierce general.

His aura was larger than life, commanding respect from all who saw him.

In chaotic times, bandits lurked like ghosts, soldiers rampaged like demons, yet many gallant heroes roamed the Jianghu, slaying evil.

The world has always been complex, and hearts differ from person to person.

Everyone is pursuing their own path.

This was the role Han Wushang embodied.

Meanwhile, Sunx Yun played the role of a silent old servant, more action and less words, with a wealth of skills.

After Han Wushang spoke a couple of sentences, he and Sunx Yun prepared to escort the approaching Chen Ping and Han Xiaoru to leave.

"A truly gifted pair of siblings."

Peng Guangfu beamed even more radiantly, thinking these must be descendants of some noble family. The more they wished to conceal their identity, the more it proved their nobility.

If he could establish some rapport, it could lead to future opportunities.

There was no need to discuss the future; presently, his escort’s losses were heavy, and there was still some distance to Xianggu County, the journey not being entirely safe...

"What a coincidence, I, Peng, am also heading to Xianggu. If the distinguished ones do not mind, why not journey together, and allow me to share some tales of Xianggu.

At the very least, the esteemed ones could ride in the carriage, allowing me, Peng, to offer some hospitality in gratitude."

It was apparent that Peng Guangfu, though dressed as a merchant, spoke elegantly and understood gratitude and righteousness.

Chen Ping nodded with a smile and said, "In that case, we shall impose on Brother Peng."

The road ahead was not far; without asking, one could assume not only would there be the Cui Family’s military camp, but also checkpoints. If they mingled with the caravan, entering Xianggu County wouldn’t draw much attention.

To an experienced traveler like Peng Guangfu, who was adept at using wealth to smooth the way, the soldiers would likely only perform a cursory check before granting passage.

...

Piaoxiang Pavilion was usually the favorite recreational spot for the city’s dignitaries.

Outside, the bustling crowd was a sign of prosperity.

Yet today was different; this busiest area of Xianggu County was unexpectedly quiet.

Not only quiet but also carried an air of killing intent.

Passersby kept their distance, while armed guards were densely arrayed.

The reason was that today, Magistrate of Xianggu Cui Boyuan was hosting a banquet for the Cui Family’s Elder, Cui Huchen.

The ancestors led their grand army to the territory of their own, naturally treating it like home, offering all the best food and entertainment.

Though Cui Boyuan didn’t quite understand why the old ancestor, while heading to war, was progressing so leisurely, entering cities for baths and banquets.

Even though, in front of the Cui Family’s large army, Xingqing Prefecture was insignificant.

Still, soldiers endure places of life and death.

To treat war as a game was astonishing.

Nonetheless, no matter how many thoughts Cui Boyuan had, he didn’t show them.

He would do his utmost to treat the old ancestor with utmost hospitality.

By dusk, he had invited every well-dressed young lady of noble and scholarly families, as well as elegant scholars.

Though the ancestor possessed Martial Arts Divine prowess, unfathomable in depth, he was most fond of literature, especially excelling in painting and calligraphy, and favoring song and dance.

If there were many young people discussing poetry and literature, with beauties playing music and dancing beside him, his interest would be greatly piqued.

Were it not for such disposition, he wouldn’t have married two concubines and fathered two little ancestors even at the age of ninety.

"Continue the music, continue the dance."

Cui Huchen, with white hair and a ruddy complexion, didn’t seem ninety-three; if one ignored his white hair, he could be mistaken for forty-three.

At this moment, he lifted a wine cup, drained it, and inhaled the exotic aroma of the herbs, feeling his mouth water, and laughed heartily, "You needn’t be downcast. It’s not that I’m unaware that war is deadly, and that feasting during a military campaign is taboo...

All of you understand these principles. I have been through many storms, from the court to the frontiers. How could I not understand this?"

He surveyed those around, shook his head, and looked towards the dancers in the hall. His voice, though loud, curiously did not travel far.

The sound only extended three zhang away from his body, no further.

Clearly, around him, an invisible yet real True Qi field was sealing everything.

The conversations within the Cui Family were naturally not heard outside.

These distant scholars and dancers couldn’t overhear a single word.

"Boyu, explain why I act this way to these youngsters."

Cui Boyu and Cui Bowen were known as the Two Tigers of the Cui Family.

They appeared to be only in their thirties, with gentle jade-like features, yet were nearly fifty, having broken through to the Grandmaster Unity Realm three years prior.

They practiced the Cui’s Jade Planting Skill, their hands honed to resemble Divine Weapons, appearing more pristinely white and delicate than the finest jade in the world.

At this moment, holding a wine cup, he smiled warmly, "The ancestor’s actions have profound meaning. I dare not speculate, and if mistaken, I ask for the ancestor’s pardon."

"Alas... Yu’er, you are as humble as ever, unwilling to upstage others. If Bowen had your temperament, he wouldn’t have perished from the Chen Thieves’ blades."

Cui Huchen sighed, with a flicker of deep-seated murderous intent in his eyes.

In an instant, within three zhang, it turned bone-chillingly cold, leaving all the Cui Family members with no appetite, shivering involuntarily.