I Grind to Martial Saint

"Director Han... going alone is a bit too risky."

Wen Zhiyuan couldn’t help but advise.

The continued peace of Cangshui County rested entirely on Han Yuan.

If Han Yuan left now, he feared that unforeseen complications would arise.

"It’s fine. I’ve been in seclusion these past few days anyway, so I haven’t been seen."

"Just keep this a secret and tell everyone I’m still in seclusion."

Han Yuan said softly.

According to his deduction, the Wangling Sect was likely concentrating all its forces. They would take advantage of Fang Tai’s surprise attack to try and deal a heavy blow to the Province Army, so they wouldn’t have the spare attention for Cangshui County Town at the moment.

Besides, as long as his departure was kept secret, the Wangling Sect would be wary of making a move, afraid to act rashly.

"I suppose that could work."

"But Director Han, you must be careful."

"The situation in Tongming County is bizarre and unpredictable right now. No one can foresee how it will develop."

Li Jin couldn’t help but say.

Under these circumstances in Tongming County, only a hard-hitter like Han Yuan would dare to go in.

Even if he were to lead troops in, they’d likely be devoured without a trace.

"I, on the other hand, hope Tongming County gets a little chaotic. The more chaotic, the better."

Han Yuan said with a smile.

After the three of them discussed a few more details, Li Jin and Wen Zhiyuan took their leave.

Zhai Mu then entered the main hall.

"After I leave for Tongming County, the Observatory is to continue operating as usual."

"If anything comes up, just consult with Zhou Yuanhu."

"Oh, right... also, use the Thousand Falcons to send word to the Jianghe Celestial Observation Bureau that I am heading to Tongming County."

"Handle this entire matter yourself, and ensure it remains confidential."

Han Yuan instructed.

"Your subordinate understands."

Zhai Mu replied with a fist-and-palm salute.

"Good... you’re dismissed."

Han Yuan said, waving his hand dismissively.

After Zhai Mu left, Han Yuan opened the letter again.

’A chance to enter a Spiritual Land... Interesting.’

Han Yuan muttered to himself.

There was another part of the letter that he hadn’t mentioned.

The Jianghe Celestial Observation Bureau had promised that if Han Yuan went to Tongming County to help the Province Army retreat, they would grant him one opportunity to enter a Spiritual Land.

He had heard of these so-called Spiritual Lands before.

Spiritual Lands were known as Lands of Spiritual Beauty.

These places had dense Spiritual Qi and were highly beneficial for the Cultivation of Martial Artists and Abnormal People. They were also exceedingly rare. Once discovered, they were typically cordoned off by powerful factions using Arrays.

Rumor had it that the reclusive Innate Monsters all cultivated within Spiritual Lands. To avoid being tainted by the world’s impurities, they rarely made public appearances.

And the Jianghe Celestial Observation Bureau happened to control one such Spiritual Land.

Han Yuan was quite interested in these so-called Spiritual Lands.

He was thinking of going inside to cultivate, wondering if he could increase the speed of his Cultivation.

After all, with a great cataclysm on the horizon, he naturally had to find any way he could to speed up his Cultivation.

Besides, he did have a significant feud with the Wangling Sect, so he certainly couldn’t let them gain the upper hand.

He crushed the letter to dust and strode out of the main hall.

This trip to Tongming County would naturally require some preparation.

「That night.」

A figure with a large blade slung across his back and a Conical Hat on his head, looking like a wandering Blade Master from the Martial World, quietly departed from Cangshui County Town and made for Tongming County.

The distance between Cangshui County and Tongming County was considerable. It was only because Han Yuan now possessed boundless energy and astonishing speed that he could cover a thousand li a day.

Even so, it would still take him five or six days to reach Tongming County.

Therefore, he had no idea what kind of situation would await him in Tongming County. He could only play it by ear.

......

「Tongming County, Dragon Pool County.」

This county seat was not far from Tongming County Town, only a few dozen li away.

「These past few days.」

The Province Army and the Wangling Sect had been locked in a bitter struggle across these few dozen li, turning the land into a veritable meat grinder. Countless had died, their bodies littering the fields, and a palpable aura of grievance hung heavy in the air.

After months of bloody battle, just as the Province Army thought the Wangling Sect was on the verge of collapse, who would have thought that Fang Tai would suddenly appear out of nowhere.

「Inside the Dragon Pool County Yamen.」

A few oil lamps illuminated the main hall.

Three figures sat casually around a large round table, their faces flickering between light and shadow in the candlelight.

One man was dignified in appearance, with thick brows and large eyes. He wore Tiger Head Armor and projected an awe-inspiring presence.

He was none other than the General of the Jianghe Province Soldiers, Ling Yun.

Another man was refined and scholarly, dressed in scholar’s robes with a long, three-part beard. He looked for all the world like a military strategist.

In reality, however, he was the Director of the Jianghe Celestial Observation Bureau, Zhao Mengtian, also known as the Flying Heaven Sword.

The last was a portly, middle-aged man in an Official Uniform, his brow furrowed in a perpetual frown.

His name was Tong Gu, a Sima from the Jianghe Prefecture, responsible for the military’s supplies and provisions for this campaign.

"General Ling, Director Zhao."

"According to yesterday’s reports, Fang Tai will reach the vicinity of Dragon Pool County and launch his surprise attack in three days."

"At that point, the Wangling Sect will send their main army. We’ll be caught between two fronts, and I fear we’ll be in danger of total annihilation."

Seeing the other two remain silent, Tong Gu could only brace himself and speak first.

"I know."

Ling Yun glanced at Tong Gu, then said in a low voice, "The problem now is how to retreat."

According to intelligence from the Flying Eagle Guard, this Fang Tai has had some kind of fortuitous encounter. His Cultivation has likely reached the Gang Essence Realm.

That was the real reason they felt a retreat was necessary.

After all, after so many days of fierce fighting, they had gotten a fairly clear picture of the Wangling Sect’s strength.

Their Sect Leader was an Abnormal Person whose Cultivation had reached the Seven Spirits Realm.

Under the influence of the Yellow Springs Saint Mother, his methods were exceptionally bizarre and he was skilled in all sorts of Evil Techniques.

Their High Priest, Wu Guangtian, was a Gang Essence Realm Martial Artist. His physical body was formidable, and his mastery of Horizontal Training was utterly domineering.

By themselves, Ling Yun and Zhao Mengtian could contend with those two if they joined forces.

But if the Wangling Sect also had Fang Tai, that suddenly risen powerhouse, the situation would be completely different.

Therefore, they had to retreat from Tongming County first and then regroup.

"The Wangling Sect has people everywhere now. They’ll know no matter which way we retreat."

"If they catch up and pin us down until Fang Tai arrives with his men, we’ll be trapped with no way out."

"So we really need a solid plan for the retreat."

Zhao Mengtian analyzed.

"Then do the two of you have a plan?"

Tong Gu asked anxiously.

"Hearing you speak, Tong Sima, it seems you’ve already thought of a solution."

Ling Yun said with a light chuckle.

Even at a time like this, his expression betrayed little urgency.

Remaining fearless in the face of danger was the true mark of a hero.

If he panicked at the slightest hint of danger, he never would have become the General of a province.

"In my opinion, why don’t we send a detachment of troops out to draw the Wangling Sect’s attention?"

"Then our main force can slip away unnoticed?"

After saying his piece, Tong Gu even chuckled, pleased with himself.

He felt his strategy was perfect, a neat solution to their current predicament.

"Tong Sima, the Wangling Sect’s people aren’t that stupid."

"Besides, their Sect Leader is a master of Evil Techniques. I’m afraid he already knows our every move."

Ling Yun shook his head, speechless.

Hearing this, Tong Gu’s temper began to flare. "Then what do you suggest we do?"

"It’s simple... we wait a little longer," Zhao Mengtian said with a faint smile.

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